highlights tuesday 20 october 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 09/256 Price : Rs 30.00

In Sports Chris Gayle to play for Kandy

T20 Stallion Chris Gayle, all- Inside Story of how rounder Andre Russel, former South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis and Rishad was arrested 2016 T20 World Cup star Carlos Brathwaite were among the high- page A9 profile picks for the Lanka... A16 Rishad Remanded Six suspects who gave protection also remanded

By Hansi Nanayakkara and the Court that the seven suspects, Thameenah Razeek Bathiudeen and six others, had violated provisions contained in All Ceylon Makkal Congress Article 82 (1) of the Presidential (ACMC) Leader and Member of Elections Act No. 15 of 1981, while Parliament, Rishad Bathiudeen, flouting provisions contained in who was arrested by the CID, and Sections of the Offences Against six other suspects, who were Public Property Act, through their produced in Court, were ordered to actions. be remanded till 27 October by Fort The prosecution told the Fort Chief Magistrate Priyantha Chief Magistrate, that while the Liyanage, yesterday. impending arrest of Bathiudeen was The Fort Chief Magistrate stated being aired on the radio, the Covering Bathiudeen his decision on the bail application suspect listening to it while heading from head to toe submitted to him by the suspect MP to Colombo from Matara on his will also be announced at the next official vehicle, had gone into Colombo Fort Chief hearing. hiding. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa The Deputy Solicitor General Magistrate orders probe Peiris stated that based on advice stated the suspect had been in received from Attorney General hiding till dawn yesterday, before By Hansi Nanayakkara Dappula de Livera, a CID team had he had been nabbed by a CID team sought a warrant from the Fort while evading arrest, at a house Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Chief Magistrate’s Court on 13 situated in Dehiwala. Priyantha Liyanage yesterday issued October for the arrest of suspect MP The Deputy Solicitor General told an order to the DIG of the CID, to Bathiudeen. the Chief Magistrate, though the conduct a prompt probe and furnish a He said the Court had announced suspect is an MP, he had managed report to Court forthwith, containing that the Police had the powers to to evade arrest for a period of six details as to on whose orders was arrest the suspect sans a warrant, days, and he questioned the suspect MP Rishad Bathiudeen according to the law of the land. suspect’s public worth over his brought to the official Magistrate‘s... The Deputy Solicitor General told controversial conduct.

Story Continued on page 10 Story Continued on page 10 COVID-19 community spread Insulting Cardinal on ACCS not social media More test Epidemiology Unit should make funded by Suspect positive for statement – GMOA President’s remanded COVID-19 By Dilanthi Jayamanne Office – Sirisena By Chamara Amarasuriya Brandix cluster increases to 2,162 Without leaving room for By Faadhila Thassim A 43-year-old individual was arrested for various persons to comment making degrading statements on social on the prevailing COVID-19 Former President media insulting Archbishop Malcolm 216 cases in situation, the Epidemiology Maithripala Cardinal Ranjith and inciting religious Unit should declare as to Sirisena said funds hatred, especially sentiments of Buddhist, Katunayake FTZ whether there is a community for the Anti- Catholic, and Christian devotees. Later, she spread in the country at this Corruption was remanded till 2 November. By Dilanthi Jayamanne and juncture, Executive Committee Committee The suspect was arrested by the CID in Thameenah Razeek Member of the Government Secretariat was not Battaramulla, Police Media Spokesman, DIG Medical Officers’ Association allocated or paid Ajith Rohana said. With the increasing COVID-19 cluster (GMOA), Dr. Haritha Aluthge from the President's According to the DIG, the woman had at the Minuwangoda Brandix facility, said. office. released a video on social media derogatorily several more patients were identified in Testifying mentioning Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and several areas and institutions in the Story Continued on page 2 yesterday (19) inciting religious hatred and animosity, country. before the especially between Buddhist, Catholic, and As of yesterday(19) morning, a total of Presidential Christian devotees. 216 patients have been diagnosed with 20th Amendment Bill Commission of The CID has launched further COVID-19 in the Katunayake Free Trade Inquiry appointed investigations into the matter. Zone where over 32,000 people are to probe political employed. However, PCR tests will be PHU disagrees victimisation of public officials during the conducted on those employees again. tenure of the United National Front (UNF) Government, he said he was not involved with four clauses in any activities of the Anti-Corruption Gina Madam gets Secretariat, adding that he had knowledge By Methmalie Dissanayake that there were several public concerns suspended sentence about the Committee. The Pivithuru Hela Chairman of the PCoI, retired Supreme By Hansi Nanayakkara Urumaya (PHU), in a letter to Court Judge, Upali Abeyratne questioned President Gotabaya if Sirisena was aware of the Cabinet Paper Colombo High Court Judge Dhammika Rajapaksa, has said the Party issued by former Prime Minister, Ranil Ganepola yesterday (19) sentenced does not agree with four Wickremesinghe, which stated that funds Rosemary Jude Nilashia Perera, alias Gina clauses included in the 20th amounted to Rs 7.5 million for the Madam, to two years rigorous Amendment Bill, including operation of the Anti-Corruption imprisonment, suspended for 10-years, after Story Continued on page 2 the provision which enables Committee Secretariat were allocated by she pleaded guilty to the charge of engaging dual citizens to hold the President's Office. five women as sex workers. Presidential and Ministerial Cabinet approves portfolios. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 The letter signed by the three amendments PHU General Secretary, Upul th Wijesekara, stated: “Even in 100,000 job programme to 20 Amendment Australia,... By W.K. Prasad Manju 34,818 receive letters of appointment – PMD Story Continued on page 2 Minister Wimal Weerawansa said that Handing over letters of to their skills and Media Division (PMD) said. the Cabinet has decided to introduce three appointment to the trainees preferences. The National The PMD said: The amendments to the 20th Amendment to selected from families of the Apprentice and Industrial 100,000 jobs programme has the Constitution. These amendments are: Muthurajawela to lowest income category in Training Authority will been formulated in line with introducing only the Acts pertaining to the society, under the oversee the training the concept of ‘creating a national security and disaster be designated EPZ programme to recruit programme. Those who poverty-free Sri Lanka’ management as urgent Bills, limiting the 100,000 individuals, successfully complete the enshrined in the number of Ministers and auditing State Pansalatenna-Maussawa in commenced yesterday (19). training will be awarded a Saubhagyaye Dekma policy institutions as mentioned in the 19th Matale to receive same protection 34,818 have been selected in NVQ Level 3 certificate. statement of President Amendment to the Constitution. the first phase. During the training period, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. An The Cabinet met at the Presidential By Thameenah Razeek Appointees will receive a trainees will receive a institute named Multi- Secretariat yesterday (19) under the six-month formal training in monthly allowance of Purpose Development Task patronage of President Gotabaya Parliamentary approval is to be sought to issue... 25 identified areas according Rs 22,500, the President’s Force was set up to... Rajapaksa.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 Tuesday 20 October 2020 NEWS

Continued from page 1 ACCS not... Epidemiology...

Sirisena stated that he was unaware that there were also several concerns He further queried Sirisena if he was Dr. Aluthge said there are several Dambadeniya, and Minuwangoda of such Cabinet paper adding that from both the public and several aware of the Anti Corruption medical professional categories were amongst them.” when there was a request made for the Ministers about the Financial Crimes Committee Secretariat's involvement in had expressed their views MHIMS Spokesman, Dr. extension of the tenure of the Investigation Division (FCID) and that investigations into complaints, and the regarding the increasing number of Jayaruwan Bandara, said the Committee but he refused to do so he was not personally satisfied with the influence the Committee had over the patients testing positive for the Ministry was still confidant stating that there was no need for such conduct of the FCID. FCID and the Criminal Investigation virus. Not only were large numbers regarding its ability to bring the extension. The Chairman questioned if Sirisena Department (CID), to which Sirisena testing positive for the virus, but situation under control, despite Sirisena appeared before the PCoI as was aware that the legality of replied that he was not aware as all they were from various parts of the the large number of patients who a witness to a complaint filed by the establishment of the FCID was discussions and activities of the country. “It is the duty of the tested positive each day. They former Sri Lankan Ambassador to constantly questioned to which Sirisena Committee took place at Temple Trees Epidemiology Unit of the Health were mostly connected to the Russia, Udayanga Weerathunga. replied that there had been several and he nor his officers were involved in Ministry to reveal the stage that we Brandix facility in Minuwangoda, Further testifying, Sirisena added concerns of the legality of the FCID. any such operations. are currently faced with,” he while amongst them were a few stressed. repatriates. “We don’t have data to make Questioned as to a need for a any predictions regarding the lockdown of the country in the country’s situation or the state of face of the rising numbers in the Gina Madam... the virus as we have no data to do Brandix cluster, which topped Muthurajawela... so. But the Epidemiology Unit 2,000 by Sunday (17), he noted She was also fined Rs 500,000. does and rather than having that rather than locking down the ... a Gazette notification to 18 October along with all the Kollupitiya Police had raided a brothel that had been various medical professionals entire country, it was best to designate Muthurajawela, a relevant officials and found operated in a well-known building, amidst tight security, making comments its best that implement isolations at Grama sensitive ecological zone in that some businessmen and in the Colombo 3 area and had arrested five sex workers. the Epidemiology Unit itself Niladhari, Police divisions or the Western Province, and residents of the area were Subsequently, indictments had been filed against its comes out with it,” he said. It Assistant Government Agent Pansalatenna-Maussawa in wreaking havoc on the owner at the CHC. should also be followed by the (AGA) areas. the Matale District of the environment around Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) The World Health Organisation Central Province, as Muthurajawela. educating the public on has cautioned against any designated Environmental Environmentalists pointed preventive measures that need to relaxation of response actions Protection Zones (EPZ). out that a businessman has be followed to safeguard following the recent slight decline As part of the steps taken illegally occupied 126,000 themselves from COVID-19, he in COVID-19 cases in the South- in this regard, Minister of perches of land around the PHU disagrees... said. East Asia Region (SEAR), saying Environment Mahinda Muthurajawela wetland, and From the 340 Medical Officer of the pandemic continues Amaraweera noted the that he has erected billboards ... where about 97 per cent of its population consists Health (MOH) areas in the unabated. “Our response only relevant information is saying that 10 kilometres of of immigrants, dual citizens cannot hold political posts. country, only about 25 to 30 were needs to be strengthened further expected to be presented to land is private land, thereby Many countries also adhere to that principle. Although affected so far, he said. Hopefully, to curtail virus transmission,” Parliament today (20) and granting no entry. the former Government passed that law targeting the however, stakeholders would be WHO Regional Director for South- the Minister had signed the In addition, Amaraweera Rajapaksa family, we see it as a progressive step. If a able to identify all areas that have East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal document yesterday (19). observed that tonnes of person who holds dual citizenship is appointed to a been affected with assistance from Singh said. He said the decision was molten iron, copper, and political post, then the public would have fair the COVID-19 Operation Room, She warned that the upcoming taken after considering these brass waste from another suspicions as to how that person could act unbiased which was set up at the Ministry festival season and the two ecosystems which are factory were dumped into regarding matters which directly affect the country.” of Health and Indigenous Medical approaching wintercold season currently in grave danger due the Muthurajawela wetland The PHU also said the Party does not agree with Services (MHIMS) utilising the threatened to aggravate the to human activities. According while the wastewater and passing Emergency Acts without publishing them in GPS mapping facilities of the situation. to current reports, various other effluents discharged the Gazette in prior. “Passing such Acts without Renal Care Unit set up at the Member countries have been individuals are destroying from pigsties were pumped publishing them in the Gazette would affect the rights Ministry. making concerted efforts scaling these ecosystems and into the wetland. of the citizens to express their opinions on them. Their The GMOA Executive Committee up capacities for timely detection, environmental organisations The main problem right to go to the Supreme Court challenging such Acts Member noted that a community testing, tracing contacts, isolating have informed that some affecting the enforcement of would be violated as well. We should not forget that spread was evident when multiple the affected and providing hospital Government officials are the law against these human there is a dark history in Sri Lanka in which Presidents unrelated clusters were being care to those who need it, she supporting such acts. activities is that the extent of J.R. Jayewardene and Chandrika Bandaranaike identified within the community. said. This festive season we must Therefore, in order to land belonging to the Kumaratunga passed the controversial 13th Currently, the Military and the continue to take responsibility as protect these two important Muthurajawela Sanctuary Amendment and the federal Constitution respectively Epidemiology Unit of the MHIMS individuals of the need to ecosystems of biodiversity, has not yet been Gazetted. using that provision.” is collecting data. maintain physical distance, hand action will be taken to issue a Therefore, Amaraweera Furthermore, the powers vested in the Auditor Responding to questions on the hygiene, cough etiquette and wear Gazette notification naming instructed the Divisional General to audit public institutions should not be number of hospitals that had been a mask when and where needed. them as Environmental Secretary of Ja-Ela to take taken away through the 20th Amendment and the faced with the dilemma of having “People must remember the three Protection Zones with the immediate steps to survey limitations about the number of Ministers should not dealt with patients who had Cs namely –to avoid crowded approval of the Parliament, the lands belonging to the be abolished as well, the PHU said. subsequently tested positive for places, avoid closed settings and said Amaraweera. Muthurajawela Wetland “PHU Leader and Minister Udaya Gammanpila the virus or had staff who were to avoid confined and enclosed Environmental Sanctuary and to Gazette reported to the Party that he had raised these concerns related to patients, he said the spaces with poor ventilation,” she organisations for the them. He said that after in the Cabinet meetings and in person with you (the facts were only known even to added. protection of Muthurajawela identifying the lands President). Therefore, we hope that you would consider union members as only incidents. Seasonal influenza and COVID- have complained to belonging to the Sanctuary, them and ensure that the 20th Amendment is more “Thereby we know that certain 19 may present challenges for Amaraweera that a number steps will be taken to people-friendly, to fulfil the mandate which is given to wards and even the ICU facilities health services and health of environmental issues are institute legal action against the Government by 6.9 million people,” the letter of the National Hospital, Teaching facilities, as both diseases present currently arising due to the those who have illegally stated. Hospital Kuliyapitiya, similar symptoms, she added. arbitrary filling of occupied lands within that Muthurajawela by certain boundary, irrespective of businessmen and residents their rank, adding further of the area. Accordingly, that he would take steps to Amaraweera inspected the address the situation in all Muthurajawela wetland on sanctuaries. More test... Minister of Tourism Prasanna Coronavirus on 15 October, all staff The Conductor of a bus plying from Ranatunga said that there is no need to working in the relevant area of level 19, Kondikamum to Punkuduthivu, in the close the Katunayake Free Trade Zone yet, HNB Towers and close associates who Jaffna District, tested positive for the adding that further actions would be underwent PCR testing were all diagnosed COVID-19 virus on Sunday (18) after he 34,818 receive... taken on the recommendations of the as negative. allegedly came into contact with an health sector. The Bank continues to maintain strict employee of the Brandix cluster at the ... implement the initiative. the District Secretariats by the Nearly 5,000 employees of the adherence to Ministry of Health directives Minuwangoda facility, who had travelled Increasing the income of Divisional Secretariats. All the Katunayake Free Trade Zone were and guidelines in implementing COVID- in the bus. The womanis said to have low-income earners, selected candidates are from subjected to PCR tests on 18 October. 19 safety protocols and measures in all its travelled in three buses starting from alleviating poverty by low-income families, none of He was responding to a question raised branches and departments. Colombo on 3 October. She had got off the ensuring social security and whose members are employed by Media persons after a meeting held at The Education Ministry has pledged to bus at Puttalam when it had broken down building a people-centric either in the Government or the Gampaha District Secretariat. allocate more funds to safeguard students and switched buses from Puttalam to economy, by reducing the private sector. Meanwhile, the Minister said that steps sitting for the G.C.E. Advance Level Kodikamum where she changed buses inequality in income Once their six-month have been taken to provide guidelines for examination. Director General of the once more to travel to her destination in distribution as much as training period is completed, the deployment of Man Power employees Government Information Department, Punkuduthivu. possible are some of the they will be given permanent in factories within and outside the Board Nalaka Godahewa said that examinations Following the particular passenger objectives of the programme. appointments on PL-01 of Investment (BoI) Free Trade Zones. were being held in 2648 centres. A sum of testing positive for the virus, PCR tests The programme Service Category and will be “These steps were taken in accordance Rs 15,000 would be deposited to School were conducted on the driver and the commenced on 20 January. directed to Ministries, with the recommendations of the Health Development Funds of all schools at conductor of the bus as well. The first The applications were called Departments, Corporations Department. Accordingly, factory owners which the examination was being held on PCR test conducted on the conductor from suitable candidates and Institutions affiliated to have been instructed to employ the same the instructions of Education Minister, tested negative. Howe verm he was through newspaper the Government to fill team of workers when employing Prof. G.L. Peiris. quarantined at his home in Thumbhull. advertisements published in existing vacancies. The manpower in factories,” he added. Pharmacies and grocery stores in areas While a second PCR test done 15 days all three languages. It was individuals to be recruited The Minister said that the BoI is paying under curfew will be permitted to open later tested positive. informed to hand over all the will be deployed in vegetable special attention to the implementation of from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. today (20). The area in which the conduct and his duly filled applications to the and fruit production health guidelines in factories and that This was announced by the National family live was locked down. Sources said Grama Niladhari in the activities on government follow up is being carried out on a regular Operation Centre for Prevention of that a decision as to where the patient respective area. The trainees farms and abandoned basis. COVID-19 Outbreak. was to be transferred for treatment was to were selected following an agricultural lands that have MAS Holdings, issuing a statement, said Chief Public Health Inspector of the be decided by the Health Ministry. interview after their the potential for successful that it was vigilant regarding the health Negombo Municipal Council (NMC), The Health Ministry is in the process of applications were forwarded to re-cultivation, utilising and safety of its employees and H.A.U.K. Gunaratne said that the preparing several hospitals in the modern agricultural stakeholders. “Unfortunately, during Supermarket and Fair functioning under Northern Province to treat COVID-19 technology. They will also be these unprecedented times, despite all the the Council had been temporarily closed patients with mild symptoms. provided with employment safety protocols we have in place, we have after a couple owning a textile shop at the Informed sources said that the Base in sectors such as Wildlife received reports of a few of our employees Supermarket had been diagnosed with Hospitals of Mankulam and Mullaithivu and Forest Conservation, – residents of the high-risk areas – who COVID-19. as well as a facility which had been under Irrigation and Agrarian have been infected by COVID-19.” PCR tests were being conducted on the armed forces in Krishnapuram, Services, Agriculture Service The BoI Company said that while other vendors at the supermarket while Killinochchi Maradankerney, in Jaffna Centres, Rural Hospitals supporting the individuals and their measures were also being taken for Vidathalthivu in Mannar were to be and activities related to the families to return to good health, it was contact tracing. converted to facilities to treat and isolate schools. also bent on assisting the Government by Sources of the Colombo Municipal suspect COVID-19 patients from the closing all its facilities, including MAS Council (CMC) said that four persons, growing Brandix cluster at the facility in Active Sleekline in Nittambuwa, in Police including the cashier and the owner of a Minuwangoda. curfew areas since the first alert of the wholesale business on Fourth Cross Sources said that the institution in Minuwangoda cluster. Street Pettah were tested positive for Krishnapuram Killinochchi had been All high-risk individuals who were COVID- 19. They said that the cashier of a used by the LTTE during the war to based in, or otherwise associated with business who had been taken to educate disabled LTTE cadres till it was those facilities were requested to self- Nawaloka due to a medical emergency taken over by the Sri Lanka Army. quarantine and are undergoing PCR tests. had undergone a PCR test before being However, the Army was handing it over The tests identified a few infected admitted and had tested positive for to medical services to convert it to a employees and they were currently COVID. Hospital with a 200 bed strength for receiving treatment at State Hospitals. PCR tests were carried out on his asymptomatic corona patients. They said The company said it had also assisted the daughter, on Friday (16) when she too had however, that government health authorities with contact tracing of tested positive for COVID. A PCR carried authorities had the idea of converting it to individuals that have been identified as out on Saturday (17) had revealed that a drug rehabilitation centre after the close contacts of those infected the owner of the business and two shop COVID crisis was over in the country. employees. assistants had also tested positive. The Total number of COVID-19 patients HNB, in a statement to Media, Measures were taken to quarantine all identified from the Brandix Cluster confirmed that further to one staff contacts while the patients were sent to increased to 2162 by yesterday (19) member having tested positive for the treatment facilities. evening. news tuesday 20 october 2020 A3 COPE and COPA CEA surveying sittings postponed

The Chairmen of the Committee Herath and COPA Chairman, Prof. on Public Enterprises (COPE) and Tissa Vitharana have come to this Kelani River banks the Committee on Public Accounts decision after considering COVID- (COPA) have decided to postpone 19 prevention guidelines to the sittings of the Committees maintain social distancing and Main objective improving quality of water temporarily, due to the current avoid public gatherings. COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the Committee By Eunice Ruth Sriyanjani Lokuliyanage noted that expedite the process required to According to the Communication sittings previously scheduled from this survey will be continued until 22 protect and improve the quality of Unit of Parliament, COPE today (20) to 23 October will not be The Central Environmental October and that 13 special teams water of the Kelani River. By Chairman, Professor Charitha held. (MD) Authority (CEA) yesterday (19) have been tasked with conducting this conducting this survey, we will find commenced an industrial survey on survey. The teams consist of officers of out the industries which discharge both sides of the Kelani River bank the CEA head office, the Western wastewater and waste into the Kelani along the Colombo and Gampaha Province District office and the River and will take immediate action Districts. Gampaha District office. against the particular industries to Repatriation of stranded The Media Spokesperson of the CEA, The main objective of this is to prevent such incidents, she added. Lankans to resume Construction of National Sandalwood Garden underway By Thameenah Razeek At present the repatriation process of Sri Lankans remains The construction work of Garden is being constructed A total of 54,000 Sri Lankans, suspended due to the growing the ‘National Sandalwood on an area of nine acres near who were unable to return and number of COVID-19 cases in the Garden’ at Sri the Parliament Complex, Ape remain stranded overseas, are likely country. Cargo planes scheduled to Jayewardenepura, Gama Premises, Battaramulla, to be repatriated starting this week. arrive in Sri Lanka are also to be Battaramulla, is currently near the Sri Lanka-Japan The focal point of the Foreign used to accommodate the underway, on the instructions Friendship Road. Ministry on COVID-19 Action and repatriates. of President Gotabaya Construction work DG/East Asia Kandeepan While 54,000 Sri Lankans are to Rajapaksa and Prime Minister commenced on 6 June on a Balasubramaniam said they are be repatriated to the island, Mahinda Rajapaksa. concept by President hoping to resume the repatriation Balasubramaniam said 43,000 The Ministry of Urban Rajapaksa. process from this week after people from 122 countries were Development and Housing The planting of 1,000 considering the current situation. already repatriated to Sri Lanka. stated that this is the first sandalwood trees is scheduled leisure centre in Sri Lanka to to commence next week, while be built with 1,000 the construction of 11 ponds sandalwood trees. in the garden is currently The Ministry pointed out underway. that sandalwood trees have a An outdoor theatre will also high medicinal value. be built in the middle of two Bathiudeens’ petitions This National Sandalwood large ponds. on 20 October Both seek orders preventing arrest Hidden arms and ammo recovered Arms and ammunition Task Force personnel By Kamal Weeraratne Rishad Bathiudeen is scheduled including a gun and 40 of Thirukkovil on a tip-off to be perused by a two-Judge rounds said to be manufactured received on 18 October evening. The Court of Appeal on 16 Bench comprising Justices in the United States, hidden in a The gun was a new one and was October fixed today (20) for Kumuduni Wickremasinghe large plastic pipe in Sagamam in working condition. The initial submissions related to and Sobitha Rajakaruna. Periya Thilawa Oorakkaai coming recovered items were handed the writ petition filed by All The petition filed by Riyaj under the purview of the over to Thirukkovil Police. Ceylon Makkal Congress Bathiudeen will be heard before Thirukkovil Police area were Pic By M.A.P. Deen (Ampara Parliamentarian and former a two-Judge Bench comprising detected by a team of Special Correspondent) Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, Justices Mahinda who had moved the Court to Samayawardena and Arjuna issue a writ order preventing Obeysekara. him from being arrested by the The handing over of notices to Criminal Investigations the respondents named in the Department (CID). petition filed by Riyaj Labour participation rate At the same time, the Court Bathiudeen was entrusted to also decided to hear on the the petitioner while President’s hits 8 ½ yr low in 2Q same date another writ petition Counsel Faiz Musthapha and filed by Rishad Bathiudeen’s Attorney Shantha Jayawardena By Paneetha Ameresekere sibling Riyaj Bathiudeen who are expected to make had prayed the same Court to submissions on behalf of both Sri Lanka’s labour force participation rate (LFPR) hit an eight- issue an order to prevent him petitioners Riyaj Bathiudeen and-half- year low of 50.2 per cent in the second-quarter of 2020 from being arrested by the CID. and Rishad Bathiudeen, (2Q of 2020), the Census and Statistics Department (CSD) The writ petition filed by respectively. statistics of yesterday (19) showed. A figure, lower than this, was last seen in the fourth-quarter (4Q) of 2012 with a number of 48.1%. In numerical terms, the LFPR in the 2Q of 2020 was a low of 8,357,687 as opposed to a higher figure of 8,503,687 in the immediately preceding quarter (Q), ie in the 1Q of 2020, a decline of 1.72% (145,930) since. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution LFPR in the 1Q of 2020 was 51%. A low LFPR is an indication that people have given up looking for jobs. However, the quarterly unemployment rate which hit its Speaker to reveal highest figure of 5.7% at the end of the first-quarter (1Q) of 2020, decelerated to 5.4% in the 2Q of 2020. Unemployment numbers in numerical terms in the 2Q of 2020 was a low 458,359 as opposed to a higher figure of 483,172 in the 1Q of 2020, a fall of SC verdict today 5.14% (24,813) since.

By J.T. De Silva

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Riyaj’s writ application Abeywardena is due to reveal the Supreme Court verdict on the 20th Amendment to the Constitution to Parliament today (20). Two intervenient The 20th Amendment will be subject to debate in Parliament tomorrow (21) and 22 October. petitions filed The debate which will commence at 10 a.m. on those days will not be By Kamal Weeraratne suspended for the lunch break but to be taken up for debate today will be conducted continuously and when Parliament meets. Two intervenient petitions were filed before the Court of the second reading will be This debate on these provisions Appeal on 16 October seeking to make counter submissions completed on 22 at 7.30 p.m. the will be held from 10.00 am to 4.30 related to the writ petition that was filed by Riyaj Bathiudeen, Committee Stage will begin p.m. on that day and the who had prayed the Court to issue an order preventing him immediately. adjournment proposal is due to be from being arrested by the Criminal Investigations The Amendments submitted on presented from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 Department, in connection with the 21 April 2019, Easter behalf of the 20th Amendment are p.m. Condolences for former Sunday terror attack. due to be presented during the Members of Parliament late R. R. W. The two petitions were filed by the Catholic Bishops Committee Stage and adopted. Rajapaksa and late K. P. Silva as Conference and Lawrence Ramanayake on behalf of all Three provisions under the Sri well as late Surangani Ellawala are Catholics in the country. Lanka Export Development Act are due to be held on 23 October. The Court fixed today (20) to peruse the petitions. A4 tuesday 20 october 2020 news Electricity needs Death of youth in custody Hydro and wind provide Pugoda OIC on the mat By Chamara Amarasuriya incident. and Tony K. Atukorala Villagers had caught the youth, assaulted him and handed him over 50% – CEB Steps have been taken to over to the Police. interdict the Officer-in-Charge of The youth was taken into custody the Pugoda Police Station, with on 11 October, on drug and theft By Paneetha Ameresekere 20 October 2019 to 1 November 2019. descending order were provided by coal immediate effect, in connection allegations. He was later taken to In the interim period, over 50 per cent 15.25 GWh (45.01 per cent), wind 0.29 with the sudden death of a 21-year- the Ragama Hospital as he was not Hydroelectricity and wind provided of electricity needs were largely met by GWh (0.86 per cent) and oil 0.09 GWh old youth who had been taken into well, where he had died on over 50 per cent of the electricity needs either imported coal or oil. (0.27 per cent), respectively. custody. admission. for five consecutive days to 18 October Meanwhile, of the total electricity Meanwhile, vis-à-vis oil, CEB Oil met A top Police official told ‘Ceylon The deceased was Gayan after 352 days, Ceylon Electricity supply of 33.88 gigawatt hours (GWh) 0.03 GWh (0.09 per cent) of the Today’ that six individuals, Pushpakumara, a resident of Board (CEB) data of yesterday (19) provided by the CEB on 18 October, electricity needs on 18 October, while including a Police Sergeant and a Mandawala. A special investigation showed. hydroelectricity comprised 17.96 GWh independent power producers met 0.06 Constable, attached to that Police has been launched, on the orders of The last time such an event took or 53.01 per cent of the total electricity GWh (0.18 per cent) of this Station, have been taken into the Acting IGP, into the youth’s place was for 13 consecutive days from needs on that day. The balance in requirement. custody in connection with the mysterious death.

COVID-19 Due to borrowing policy of rulers President requested to SL has become servant of others – Tilvin probe emergence of 2nd General Secretary of the JVP, attempting to pass the 20th Tilvin Silva, said Sri Lanka has Amendment Bill and that wave – FNO convener become a servant of other President Gotabaya Rajapaksa countries, due to the is trying to create an autocratic By J.T. de Silva pandemic had reemerged borrowing policy followed by regime that is not accountable here after its initial spread the rulers of the country and to Parliament, Cabinet, the The Convener of the had been curtailed the Rajapaksas, who kneel people and even the Judiciary. Federation of National effectively by the before China and America, and “There is an attempt in the Organisations (FNO), Dr. Government. claim on stages that they are 20th Amendment to control Gunadasa Amarasekara Dr. Amarasekara informed patriotic. the protests of the people when submitting a letter to the the President that the He said this at a JVP Media betraying the country and President urged him to reason for the emergence of briefing held on 18 October. trying to retain power by giving accept the fact that a second the so-called second wave “Our country is falling into India, China and America wave of the COVID-19 had been, allowing some 30– the hands of several economic whatever they ask for. We pandemic was currently odd initially infected people powers in this region and in believe that the attempt to prevalent in the country. to travel to the outstations the world. We are in danger of impose an autocracy by He has requested the through public transport becoming a playground for betraying the country for the President to order a detailed sans any PCR tests being world powers. This situation sole power of one person and probe as to how the conducted on them. has been created due to the one family can be defeated foreign policy followed by this embarrassment of the Minister and Moneragala. The Consuls with the intervention of the Government and the previous of Health when questions were of Jaffna and Kandy have people. Government. On 8 October, a raised in Parliament regarding already been appointed. They In this power struggle waged top-level Chinese diplomatic this. As soon as the Chinese come to the country whenever by China on one side, the team arrived without even delegation met the President they want and influence the United States on the other, DWC probes considering the quarantine and the Prime Minister, India independence and India and Japan on another rules. Sri Lankan Government responded by appointing an sovereignty,” he claimed. side, the Government is Wetahirakanda dumping could have done nothing but Indian Consul to the Districts He further added that in this creating very harmful accept them. We saw the of Galle, Matara, Hambantota setting, the Government is conditions for us,” he said. By Eunice Ruth Warden and are expected to get a Court Order soon to The Department of Wildlife arrest and punish the Conservation (DWC) has suspects. launched an investigation to She said this Nature Pakistan HC calls on Cardinal Ranjith find those who dumped Reserve comes under the clothing labels in a section purview of the DWC and the High Commissioner of Pakistan, and peaceful coexistence of all of the Wetahirakanda Department is aware of Major General (Rtd) Muhammad ethnicities was underscored. Nature Reserve, that serves these kinds of illegal trash Saad Khattak met for a discussion Khattak gave an assurance of as an elephant corridor. dumps within Nature with the Archbishop of Colombo, Pakistan's full support in The Publicity Officer of the Reserve. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith at the strengthening bilateral cooperation DWC, Hasini Sarathchandra “This activity of illegally Archbishop’s House, on 15 through religious delegations and stated, the Wildlife dumping trash within October. During the discussion, the student exchanges between the two Conservation officers of the Reserves is a punishable importance of inter-faith harmony countries. particular Nature Reserve offence and the suspects will have launched an be penalised, according to investigation with the the Fauna and Flora Rural roads in N’Eliya involvement of the Protection Ordinance of Wetahirakanda Reserve 2009,” said Sarathchandra. Development to be expedited – Lanza State Minister of Rural Roads and Other Foreign aid to furbish Jaffna Infrastructure, Nimal Lanza, said steps will be taken to accelerate the development of rural roads in the Medical Faculty Nuwara Eliya District. He said so while inaugurating the Nuwara Eliya District Road Development Programme on 17 and 18 October, under the national Dr. Raviraj seeks programme to develop 100,000 kilometres (km). Steps were taken to carpet 10 km of Agarapathana- Prof. Peiris’ assistance Bopaththalawa Road, 15.5 km of the Dikoya-Fordies Agarapathana Road and 3.5 km of the Pundaluoya Head of the Medical they have expressed interest Hero Upper. The Government has allocated Rs 468 Faculty of Jaffna, Dr. S. in helping to furbish the million for this purpose. Steps will be taken to achieve Raviraj, requested Medical Faculty's building a road development target of 30,000 km next year, Education Minister and provide the needed Lanza further said. Professor G.L. Peiris to help equipment. assist in obtaining necessary This took place at a Government permissions meeting held at the needed to receive aid from Education Ministry Office in countries like Austria and Colombo on 16 October. India and private companies Peiris had said he would like Lycamobile, a United look favourably at this ‘Learning for empathy’ in Japan Kingdom-based company, as request. (PA) Hopes to invite SL students and teachers for study post-COVID-19

If COVID-19 is brought 31-year-old gives birth to triplets under control, Japan hopes to invite teachers and students By Naalir Jamaldeen transferred to the Ashraff from Sri Lanka early next year and Farook Sihan Memorial Hospital on 15 for a study visit to Japan to October, owing to lack of ascertain how ‘learning for A 31-year-old gave birth to space at the maternity ward empathy’ is being implemented female triplets on 16 October of the Hospital. and practised in Japan and evening, at the Ashraff A caesarean delivery was also to exchange views, Memorial Hospital in performed because normal Japan’s Ambassador in Sri Kalmunai, hospital sources delivery was not possible. Lanka Akira Sugiyama said on said yesterday (19). A group of doctors led by 25 September. The mother, a resident of Obstetrician Rajive Vithanage The occasion was where with Swiss Village, Thiraimadu, and Dr. M.K. Thawfeek Japanese Government Batticaloa, was admitted to performed the surgery. contribution, the Sri Lanka the Teaching Hospital, The doctors said the mother National Commission related Batticaloa on 13 October for and the babies are in good to the United Nations delivery and was later health. Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in collaboration with the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office and supported by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education in Bangkok, Thailand, launched the ‘learning for was inaugurated at the for UNESCO, Dr. P.N. prevention of violence and empathy’ project. Education Ministry on 25 Meegaswatte in his speech solicited support from the ‘Learning for empathy’ is a September, the Japanese emphasised the importance of stakeholders including the teacher exchange and support Embassy said on 14 October. learning empathy for the Ministry in taking the project programme sponsored by Secretary-General of the Sri promotion of peace, forward on a national level. Japan where this programme Lanka National Commission understanding, and the (PA) news tuesday 20 october 2020 A5

DMT public services Brandix doctor did not recommences today report any COVID–19 cases Subject to given conditions

By Eunice Ruth By Paneetha Ameresekere factory on 2 October. As the next step, we want to contact the a motor vehicle and the At the most, the doctor had been at the Medical Officer of Health in Ja-Ela to issuing of driving licences, Dr. Hiran Gunaratne, a physician from factory, doing his factory consultations for ascertain his views on the matter, said The public services number plates and reports Gampaha, who was the office doctor of the about an hour, said Dabare. However, Dabare. We also want to speak to the provided by the Department on vehicle inspections. Brandix Minuwangoda factory, reported no during those visits, the doctor hasn’t told Board of Investment (BoI), Premadasa of Motor Traffic (DMT), He strictly pointed out suspected cases of COVID-19 when he us of coming across any serious cases, further said. which had been temporarily that no service will be visited the factory on 2 and 3 October, said Dabare. He further said, they spoke to The quarantining of both the employees suspended due to the risk of provided outside the said Deputy Labour Commissioner Poshitha the doctor over the phone on 16 October. and the management of the Brandix the spread of COVID-19 will procedure for any purpose Dabare told Ceylon Today on 16 October. The partial lockdown in Gampaha Minuwangoda factory is another problem recommence today (20), said and also noted that the The Labour Ministry has appointed a because of the COVID-19 pandemic is hampering our investigations, he said. the Commissioner General public can hand over vehicle two-member committee comprising Dabare hindering the Labour Department’s Though the official mandatory two weeks’ of the DMT Sumith C. transfer applications to the and the Labour Department’s Legal Officer investigations, added Premadasa. quarantining ended on 17 October in Alahakoon. When contacted nearest Divisional K.B.G. Premadasa to inquire as to whether Both Premadasa and Dabare said, their respect of the first patient who emerged yesterday (19), he noted that Secretariat or DMT District there were any labour irregularities attempts to contact the public health from the cluster, with the possible the clients who expect to offices. committed by Brandix that caused the inspector (PHI) of Minuwangoda via phone enforcing of the two week mandatory home obtain services provided by “The one day service of emergence and spread of the Brandix to get his views on this matter had drawn a quarantining afterwards, this poses the DMT, should contact the issuing licences provided by Minuwangoda COVID-19 cluster. blank as the PHI in question wasn’t another problem, said Dabare. numbers which have been the Werahera office will be The first case from this cluster was answering the phone. We however, don’t He further said, their interim report shared in our official withheld until further notice detected on 2 October. However, Dabare know the name of the PHI in question, as which was to have had been ready by 19 Facebook page and website, and the services of the DMT said, Gunaratne had not treated this we have only his phone number, admitted October the latest, would now be ready by during 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 will be limited to the clients patient, a woman, when he had visited the Dabare. tomorrow (21). p.m. on weekdays to make who reside in the Colombo appointments before District or are employed in heading to a particular office Colombo due to the risk of premises to get the services the spread of COVID-19,” he including the registration of said. Govt seems to Proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution be questioning EC prevented from Tamil culture taking action – Kalaiarasan On misuse of public property By Naalir Jamaldeen during elections The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Ampara District North Central Province Parliamentarian Thavarasa Kalaiarasan claimed, the Under Clause 20(2) of the office of the Secretary to the Prime activities of Presidential Task Force to Protect proposed 20th Amendment to the Minister to an audit, meaning that Archeological Sites seem to be creating ethnic Constitution, the Election the financial transactions of the teacher shortage contradictions. Commission is restricted from leaders will not be transparent, He made these observations after placing the issuing directions on any matter they observed. Further, Clause to be addressed soon foundation stone for the school for spiritual studies in relating to the public service which 40(1) of the proposed 20th Urani Pottuvil on 18 October. will in turn prevent them from Amendment omits the requirement Kalaiarasan lamented, the ethnic ratio of Tamils has taking action against the misuse of under Article 154(1) of the – Education Ministry declined in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. public property during elections, Constitution to audit “companies “Each and every step being taken by the current the Women and Media Collective registered or deemed to be By Thameenah Razeek Government seems to be questioning the culture of stated. registered under the Companies the Tamil community,” Kalaiarasan claimed. Issuing a statement on the Act, No. 7 of 2007 in which the Measures are to be taken soon to eliminate the shortage of He stated at a time when the said Presidential Task proposed 20th Amendment, with Government or a public nearly 3,000 teachers in the North Central Province, especially Force has intensified its activities in the Eastern regard to aspects pertaining to corporation or local authority to fill the vacancies of principals in many schools, and that Province, the Tamil People’s Federation consisting of accountability and anti-corruption, holds fifty per centum or more of 166 new principals will be recruited within the next two Tamil political leaders had discussions in this the Collective observed that a large the shares in that company”. This, weeks, Education Minister Professor G.L. Peiris said. connection and on ways and means of finding number of election related offences according to the Collective, It was revealed that there are 40 schools in the Polonnaruwa solutions for it. are connected to the misuse of effectively means that companies, District without drinking water and steps are being taken to He claimed, proceedings are underway to take over public property which serve to relating to airlines and power for arrange for clean drinking water and sanitation facilities with their lands of ancient times in Mullaitivu and the benefit those in power. example, that have been making the assistance of non-State-run companies before next year. Northern Province and Pottuvil, Thirukkovil, In addition, the Collective losses to the Government, will no He said the Government has to stand up for issues such as Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the Eastern Province. pointed out, the National longer be open to scrutiny. teacher transfers, the enrolment of children in schools, and Procurement Commission has The constitutional recognition of access to employment opportunities for the many people who been abolished under Clause 55 of the Commission to Investigate come to the Isurupaya every week from different parts of the the proposed 20th Amendment, Allegations of Bribery or country. He said that instead of bringing them to the thereby impairing an essential Corruption has been repealed and Isurupaya, officials are planning to go to the people to solve monitoring mechanism on public a Government can abolish the their problems. spending. Such Clauses depict the Commission altogether by a simple absolute disregard of the drafters majority as per Clause 54 of the of this Amendment to the proposed 20th Amendment. The misappropriation of public powers of the Commission to finances, the Collective opined. initiate investigations on its own Ensuring health safety of A/L candidates The proposed 20th Amendment, accord have also been taken away. under Clauses 32-40, restricts the These amendments expose the powers of the Auditor General (AG) Government to corruption and and the Audit Service Commission. removes important elements of Report errant The office of the AG will no longer accountability that should be a be required to subject the part of governance processes, the Secretary to the President and the Collective emphasised. (RLJ) officials Delay in – Education Ministry The Ministry of Education requested the public to call the formulating new Date-expired canned fish 1988 hotline immediately, if the authorities for the safety of children sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination are found to be irresponsible or do not receive the required Constitution dumped in Puttalam healthcare facilities, in a manner that ensures the health of their children at any examination centre. an injustice By Eunice Ruth In a release, it stated the principal, deputy principal or senior teacher of the respective examination centres will be Two containers of expired canned fish have been dumped in the appointed as the Additional Headmaster (in charge), to to majority surroundings of the Martin farm in Puttalam, on 17 October, claimed the disinfect the examination centres and perform the required organiser of the ‘Wayamba Handa' Environment Organisation, Ajith Gihan. hygiene practices, to ensure the complete health of the He said these containers were transported from the harbour to the farm, students appearing for the examination. without informing the relevant officers and following the normal procedure. The examination, which commenced on 12 October, will be – Weerasekara The canned fish in the container had expired in 2016 he added. held until 6 November at 2,648 examination centres. 362,824 The surrounding environment has been badly affected due to this and the candidates have applied for the examination this year. (TR) By Nabiya Vaffoor public have been inconvenienced as well. The animals too are facing a threat due to this callous act by selfish individuals, he added. The public should be vigilant about whom they He also said that the farm is registered for cow farming but the choose to be in power, in order to get the benefits of management is illegally maintaining a pig farm without a proper licence. it,” stated State Minister Retired Rear Admiral Sarath “We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action in this regard,” Weerasekara. he said. Assault rifle found He expressed these views while addressing a Media briefing at the Viyathmaga headquarters, yesterday (19). in abandoned well He was fielding a question raised by a journalist on some parties, alleging the 20th Amendment centres By Naalir Jamaldeen and Farook Sihan all the power on one person, who may betray the public if the power is given to the wrong person. A Type 89 Assault Rifle, which was recovered from an “Everything except Article 30(2) of the Constitution abandoned well in Sambalthidal, in the Akkaraipattu Police on, the Presidential term being five years, Article 31(2) Division, by Intelligence officials yesterday (19) evening, was on, no person who has been twice elected to the office handed over to the Akkaraipattu Police. of the President shall be qualified thereafter to be Following a tip-off received by the Intelligence officials that elected to such office, and Article 14A on, the right of there were weapons at an abandoned land, they searched the access to information included in the 19th area yesterday evening and recovered the rifle and 30 bullets. Amendment will be abolished. After abolishing the Meanwhile, unidentified persons had set fire to three 19th Amendment, the Constitution will continue just motorcycles and five bicycles at around 2:00 a.m. on 16 as it did during the 18th Amendment. That’s what will October in the Greenfield Apartment area in Kalmunai. be included in the 20th Amendment,” noted Rear The vehicles were consumed by fire. Even though the Admiral Weerasekara. electricity meters had been damaged owing to the fire, no He further stated the formulation of a new power seepage was reported, according to the residents. Constitution will take more time, and it will be an The residents of the apartment added that a group of injustice to the majority who voted them in, if the unidentified persons suddenly entered the apartment complex Government has to wait till that time to serve the and escaped after setting fire to these vehicles. public. Kalmunai Police are conducting further investigations. A6 Tuesday 20 October 2020 Editorial

FCID not legal...Ranil admits...

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Health of the Economy

COVID-19, like all other infectious diseases, fatal or otherwise, has come to stay. This is the reality. Until a vaccine is found, life has to go on. If COVID-19 can be likened to a terrorist, then the closest parallel is Sri Lanka’s 26- year terrorist war which began on the night of 23 July1983 when the LTTE’s successfully ambushed and killed 13 soldiers in Jaffna and which war finally ended only after troops killed LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran at Mullaitivu 26 years later on 18 May 2009. Sri Lanka’s 26-year war with terrorism was waged in two phases. The first phase, in the form of terrorism, took place over a six-year period from 23 July 1983 to 29 July 1987. However, with the uninvited Kashmir on the Boil physical intervention of the Indians, first begun with their infamous airdrop of food items over Jaffna on 4 June 1987, followed by the Indo- Lanka Peace Accord nearly two months later on 29 July 1987, that, resulted in all other Again, China Ups terrorist groups other than the LTTE and EROS embracing the Indian sponsored peace process. Nonetheless, the LTTE, with the EROS merging with the LTTE post 29 July 1987, only made a pretense of giving up arms. That resulted in Sri Lanka, followed by the uninvited Military Posturing Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) taking on the LTTE in October 1987, thereby ending a By Ashok Dixit nearly three-month-old phony peace begun on 27 July 1987. The region of Jammu and Kashmir appears That also transformed the previous terrorist to be on the boil again politically more than war to an LTTE terrorist war which finally 14 months after the Government of India took ended on 18 May 2009. Nonetheless, during the step of abrogating or amending sections of those 26 years of terrorism impacting the Article 370 and Article 35A of the country’s country, Sri Lanka never experienced a Constitution. lockdown like it did this year, spanning a two- The last couple of months have seen the month period from mid-March 2020 to mid- Centre releasing key political leaders of May 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Kashmir from months of detention thereby crippling the economy and making the engineered with the help of the Unlawful terrorists efforts to create a similar impact, Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an Indian peanuts. law that has been applied of late to effectively During the height of terrorism, the economy prevent unlawful activities and associations retarded only once, in 2001, when the economy in India. shrank by 1.5 per cent, a first, since Sri Lanka The law’s main objective is to use powers began recording its GDP growth in 1950. The available to deal with “activities directed cause of this shrinkage was the LTTE’s attack against the integrity and sovereignty of India”. of the Colombo Airport in July 2001, followed At the time of writing this column, the by ‘9/11’ impacting on Sri Lanka’s largest Government has released three former Chief Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, (second from right), and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Ministers of the former State of Jammu and (right), accompanied by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, (second from left), and Defence export market, the USA and the uncertainty Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, (left), during a news conference after a bilateral meeting between revolving round the Parliamentary Polls of Kashmir (The regions of Jammu and Kashmir the US and India at the Department of State in Washington AP December 2001 held here. are currently Union Territories administered However, prior to the LTTE attack of the by the Centre) i.e., Farooq Abdullah, Omar the past week to ten days, senior military Lt. Gen. S.K. Saini. The aim of the visit is to Colombo Airport in July 2001, the economy Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, besides many commanders of India and China have met for enhance military cooperation between the shrank by 0.1 per cent in second quarter (2Q) other politicians and activists. a seventh time in the last four months and two armies. 2001, a possible fallback coupled with the lag These regional leaders, some of them with reportedly exchanged serious proposals for Indian Army Chief to Visit effects due to the then Government’s ministerial experience at the national level, disengagement in eastern Ladakh. liberalisation of the rupee in January 2001 to not surprisingly, have now formed a new A tight-lipped Indian Government has Nepal protect the country’s Spartan foreign reserves. political grouping going by the name of “The restricted itself to saying that ongoing Nonetheless, the economy contracted sharply Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration”, discussions are “work in progress” and India’s Chief of Army Staff, General M.M. by 3.9 per cent in 3Q 2001, with this Gupkar being the upscale neighbourhood “confidential”, but indicated that “both sides Naravane, is expected to undertake a visit to contraction marginally decelerating to 3.6 per where these “dynastic” leaders have their have a better understanding of each other’s Nepal in the first week of November. cent in 4Q 2001. respective homes. positions.” General Naravane’s visit to Kathmandu will Meanwhile, due to the COVID-19 lockdown The forming of a new political alliance However, what can’t be ignored are take place almost three weeks after his visit to this year, the economy in 1Q 2020 sharply would suggest that Kashmir’s key leaders are perceptional concerns with regard to Myanmar with Foreign Secretary Harsh V. contracted by 1.6 per cent, while the World upping the ante for a fresh confrontation with developments along the LAC. For example, Shringla. Bank (WB) estimated that the contraction was the Centre over their pressing demand for a the Indian claim of recent rotational troop The expected trip will be the first visit by a even sharper in 2Q 2020, with the economy restoration of the 4 August 2019 position, i.e., redeployment by the People’s Liberation Army senior military officer or diplomat since a row having had shrunk by 10.3 per cent due to the re-creation of the State of Jammu and (PLA) on the north bank of Pangong Tso (lake) broke out between the two countries over effects of COVID-19. Official growth figures for Kashmir with Ladakh, along with Special and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s territorial claims on the border areas of both 2Q and 3Q 2020 will however be out only Status as granted by an Act of Parliament in exhortation to troops to be prepared for “war”. Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura earlier on 15 December. 1953 through Articles 370 and 35A. The Chinese, however, have countered by this year. Further, the WB estimates that the economy Far from remaining humble or backing accusing India of ramping up tensions General Naravane is expected to be will contract by 6.7 per cent for the totality of down after undergoing the rigour of sub- through “infrastructural developments and conferred with the honorary rank of “General this year, led by COVID-19, while the ADB prison-like incarceration, the leaders appear military deployments” in the area of dispute. of the Nepali Army” at an investiture expects the economy to shrink by 5.5 per cent determinedly intent on keeping the issue of India sees both as necessary and not out of ceremony by Nepal’s President Bidya Devi this year and the IMF foresees a 4.6 per cent Kashmir on the boil (nationally) and have order. Bhandari. He is also expected to review shrinkage. sent out a message that they will not be As things stand now, with winter bilateral security and defence ties with the Nevertheless, the WB anticipates that the restricting themselves only to the restoration approaching, neither side is willing to provide Nepali leadership. economy will rebound to grow positively by 3.3 of Special Status, but will broaden their any clarity on a likely timetable for In a related development that could rankle per cent next year and by two per cent in 2022; agenda to include what they term as “the final disengagement. Prospects of returning to the New Delhi, Nepal is aggressively setting up ADB, by 4.1 per cent next year and the IMF by settlement of the Kashmir issue”. territorial status quo ante that existed prior to border outposts near its borders with China. 5.3 per cent next year and by 4.8 per cent in The announcement of the new alliance, the transgressions of May this year as Six new border check posts have been 2022. ADB hasn’t given a growth forecast for which has come days after Dr. Farooq claimed by both sides in separate statements created at Hilsa in Humla district, Koral in 2022. Abdullah controversially said he and other appear to be remote. Mustang district, Tatopani in Sindhupalchok These growth assumptions vis-à-vis next Kashmiri leaders could approach China for Indian troops currently have the tactical district, Karung in Rasuwa district, year and beyond as applicable may have been help, has caused expected and considerable advantage, securing the heights above and Kimathanka in Sankhuwasabha district and made by these multilateral donor agencies on heartburn among right-wing elements here. around Pangong Tso. Diplomatically, senior Olangchung Gola in Taplejung district. the assumption that Sri Lanka will not go in for Protests by the latter have predictably officials of both sides are part of the ongoing Nine more border posts are proposed to be a second lockdown. commenced and a counter response going deliberations. set up. All will be manned by the paramilitary With the possibility of a vaccine to treat forward can be expected. India-US 2+2 Dialogue Armed Police Force (APF). COVID-19 being discovered by next year, Sri It would be interesting to see how Pakistan Nepal has reportedly opened around 90 Lanka will have to wade through the remaining and China view the development and to what The 2+2 Dialogue between India and the border posts along its borders with India and two months and 11 days of this year cautiously extent they would like to play it up on the United States is expected to be held in New China and plans to raise this to at least 500 whilst keeping options open for a second global stage. Delhi on Monday and Tuesday (26 & 27). by 2022. lockdown only as a last resort. China Ups Military Posturing India will be represented by External Affairs Nepal has a 1400-km-long border with The health of the economy is as crucial as the Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Defence China and a1800-km-long border with India. health and wellbeing of the people of this Along LAC Minister Rajnath Singh, while the US will be (Ashok Dixit is a New Delhi-based country. represented by Secretary of State Mike former senior editor/journalist with The imaginary 3,488-km-long Line of Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. leading multi-media news agencies Actual Control (LAC) that separates India Ahead of the proposed dialogue the US Sputnik, ANI & IANS. He is also the son of from China in the north and north east is Army Pacific Command (USARPRAC) is India’s former National Security Advisor back in the news after a temporary hiatus. In hosting India’s Vice Chief of Army Staff, and Foreign Secretary J.N. Dixit.) column tuesday 20 october 2020 A7 Sri Lanka, Sole Battle-ground for Neo Cold War? By N. Sathiya Moorthy aspiring for power in the future, has infra development here is also about contested him or even distanced their that toe-hold space. It looks as if the JVP has included party from such a construct. The JVP In reference to Sri Lanka’s China the Indian neighbour’s name by sheer has been the only one – but after they relations thus, the US Ambassador at force of habit when it claimed that parted company with the SLFP when Colombo, Alaina B Teplitz, told a local foreign powers like China and the US Mahinda Rajapaksa was President. Media interviewer how the Island- were ‘interfering in the internal affairs’ President Gotabaya was obviously Nation “should engage with China in of the Nation. Whether the specific referring to the predecessor ‘National ways that protect its sovereignty”. charges are true or not, and if so, to Unity Government’ of President Independent of the freewheeling US what extent, Sri Lanka has evolved Maithripala Sirisena and Prime advice for Sri Lanka, a Chinese into being the ‘epicentre’ of extra- Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Embassy official in Colombo, quoting regional power-projections in the writing off the Mahinda Rajapaksa Beijing Government’s Foreign Office, post-Cold War era. regimes’ construction-cum- said how the US ‘should do US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo concession contract for a Chinese firm its ‘homework’ well rather than telling “is coming hot on the heels of a visit into a ‘debt-equity’ swap deal. With other countries what to do, or even by a high-powered Chinese that deal alone, China got a 99-year- spreading rumours to discredit other delegation. These forces continue to old lease over and complete countries about allegations of human interfere in our domestic affairs. Sri possession of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota rights violations. Lanka has become a victim of global ‘territory’. Now, Sri Lanka cannot blame India power-struggle. The country will lose National unity and ‘national or any other third Nation for its own its sovereignty at this rate,” JVP consensus’, in the case of China, did decisions. To have the US, too, or just parliamentarian Vijitha Herath told not seem to have stopped there. have only China here, and in the newsmen in Colombo recently. “The During the run-up to the victorious name of development and funding, is Government let them play whatever 2015 Elections, then Opposition a decision for Colombo alone to take – game they like here,” he said, pointing UNP’s Ranil Wickremesinghe was and shoulder the responsibility of it out how the Government was entering vociferous that he would shelve all. As President Gotabaya highlighted into ‘deals and agreements with China’s Port City project in Colombo, at his talks with the Chinese them”. if voted to power. Post-poll, he found delegation, will there be a ‘national It is in this context MP Herath made reasons to amend his words and consensus’ on this again, remains to a sweeping statement that “India, US ways, and said that they would only be seen. and China interfering in internal be making changes to the original After all, the rival Wickremesinghe matters is a clear and present danger project. Likewise, ahead of his own Government had ‘invited’ the US in to national security”. Apart from Election as President in November the first place as President Gotabaya socio-economic ills of the Sri Lankan last, Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised to explained how Sri Lanka, and not society inherited at Independence, the scrap the ‘debt-equity’ deal over China, had sought the Hambantota In real estate location is the number one rule and the most overlooked JVP’s core ideas at birth had an ‘anti- Hambantota territory. But once in project and project-funding. The India’ streak to it. Party founder power, one of the early clarifications question is if in the contemporary Rohana Wijeweera made what he would still like it to be. As a relatively itself if they went wrong also in he volunteered was the inevitability of political situation prevailing in the dubbed the ‘Indian hegemony’ the small, yet sovereign Nation, Sri Lanka keeping quiet when President first the Nation living or learning to live country, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s third of his famous ‘Five Classes’ for does not decide or dictate how the invited China for the Hambantota port with the swap deal of the previous invitation to the US deserves his cadres. earth spins on its axis and how it project, after their Indian hate-object dispensation. It was a ‘commercial reciprocity from the Rajapaksa Long after Wijeweera’s death in could and should spin, instead its declined the offer, whatever the deal’, President Gotabaya explained, regime, or return of the gesture/ custody and the party giving up strategic location in the Indian Ocean reason. This was followed by the but promised to continue ensuring favour on Hambantota earlier. militancy for good, this one continues has been Sri Lanka’s sole advantage, successor Mahinda presidency going that the Nation’s security, sovereignty Yet, all cold wars also begin only to remain on the JVP’s charter, with to say the least. through motions and processes and territorial integrity did not suffer. with a war of words, and are mostly one improvement. The JVP does not In the post-Independence era, the involving India, and then signing up After the parliamentary polls in confined to the same. But China fight shy of adding more names to the Nation has played around mostly with Hambantota with China – as if was August last, his new Foreign having set foot on Sri Lanka already, list of nations that ‘interfere in the this one God-given geographical also in the script. The JVP was very Secretary, Prof. Jayanath Colombage, with the promise of using Hambantota internal affairs’ of Sri Lanka, but has advantage without creating one or any much a part of the SLFP Governments has been equally vociferous, and or any other territorial space, not been able to – or, is unwilling to of its own – unlike what nations like headed by the two leaders, and quit clarified the ground situation very including airspace and sea waves, at revisit its own past, and with that the post-War Japan in the far the ruling UPFA combine, not over well. its disposal, the US can still seek/ relevance, or relative relevance of neighbourhood and Singapore since ‘external interference in internal demand its toehold on similar Wijeweera’s finding, which was creation have done. Ask any Sri affairs’. Not just the JVP, but other War of words… conditions. Whether or not Sri Lanka flawed, especially at the start. Lankan, and he would muse and sections of the ruling class, or parties By the very definition, cold war is a offers that facility to the US, too, is mourn how the Nation would have and persona who were in power, or war by other means, where no shots where it will begin – but definitely not Isolation, not insulation been on the top of South Asia, if not hope to be in power – or, believed that are fired or lives (hopefully) lost. On end. A lot will then depend on what The JVP however has been the only the whole world, but for the decades- elected political power was theirs only and in Sri Lanka, the US and China (all) China does with the Colombo Port party to talk consistently about old ethnic war. to have – should ask themselves the have begun their inaugural battle City and Colombo Port container ‘foreign interference’ throughout its The rot had set in much earlier, or single and simple question: “Was royale through a war of words. This terminals for activities other than past decades of peaceful coexistence was the inherited ones, like the class/ playing the locational advantage to contrasts with the Cold War era commerce – espionage, for instance, with democratic forces, and hence its caste divides were never sought to be maximum politico-economic benefit a competition, where the US alone was be it against India or taking a peep mainstreaming, too. Yet, as a party shed. In the final analysis, the JVP better option for Sri Lanka than seeking Sri Lanka’s hand when JRJ into the US military base in Diego that does not hope to form a cannot escape responsibility for what getting identified overmuch with one was President. Garcia, just across Hambantota with Government at the national-level or its ancestor had done through gun, or the other of extra-regional powers?” That was because the US saw Sri only the waters of the Indian Ocean does not hope to or want to join not once but twice in two successive Such introspection has become Lanka’s neighbouring India only in dividing – or, connecting – them. another coalition after the failed decades. When the First JVP essential because of President the company of the erstwhile Soviet The question today is if Sri Lanka experiment with the centre-left SLFP insurgency in 1971, they launched Gotabaya’s recent uttering, hinting at Union. India’s compulsions then and will become another Pakistan in of the past, under Presidents the Second Insurgency in 1987-89, a national consensus of sorts in now were/are China and Pakistan, South Asia, not in terms of its rivalry Chandrika Bandaranaike- blaming it not even on LTTE terrorism China’s high-spending participation and in both cases, the US was soft on with India. Instead, it is about inviting Kumaratunga and Mahinda and what should have been the JVP’s in the Nation’s economic growth and them, for its own ‘America first’ both China and the US to its shores. Rajapaksa, even if in parts, the JVP ethnic militant rival. Instead, they development. During talks with the policies. Today, the US and China The writer is Distinguished can afford to talk about geo-political, blamed it on India and IPKF – and visiting high-power Chinese began with wooing India and Sri Fellow and Head-Chennai geo-economic and geo-strategic launched their own acts of terror, but delegation under ex-Foreign Minister, Lanka, respectively. In this second Initiative, Observer Research insulation bordering on isolation from against the ‘facilitating’ Sri Lankan Yang Jiechi, now Politburo member, round, both are seeking a foothold in Foundation, the multi-disciplinary the rest of the world. State and also on millions of President Gotabaya described Sri Lanka itself. Rather, China already Indian public-policy think-tank, The world does not operate in silos innocents, of the very same Sinhala Hambantota a ‘national project’ of Sri has its foothold here, and the US headquartered in New Delhi. as someone at Colombo’s ethnic stock. Lanka. If it was not, no political party wants its toe-hold at the very least. email: sathiyam54@ Battaramulla suburb thinks – or, Overall, the JVP should be asking in previous Governments, or those The US offer of $ 480M MCC grant for nsathiyamoorthy.com U.S. Presidential Election By Sharon Bernstein Sacramento, were having September and 13 October. trouble finding entry-level jobs Among likely voters of all ages, The two dozen students who or internships in the COVID- only 4 per cent prioritised signed up for air pollution 19 wracked economy, said climate and environment. expert James Goldstene's Goldstene, a former top By comparison, COVID-19 advanced environmental California air pollution was the top concern for 25 per studies class all say they are regulator. cent of young voters, while deeply passionate about "With COVID-19 going on jobs and the economy were fighting climate change. and a lot of people losing their named by 20 per cent. But when it comes to voting jobs and struggling, worrying in the U.S. presidential about how they are going to Trump versus Biden election, many said climate pay for stuff. I think that does Nevertheless, Democratic change was not their top overshadow climate," said candidate Joe Biden has made issue. another student, Enrique climate change a campaign Their priorities ahead of the Dominguez, 23. priority, his campaign said. Nov. 3 election reflect those of The students' views The campaign sees young the wider electorate: the illustrate how climate change, voters as important to Biden's battered U.S. economy, the even when an issue of great chances of winning the COVID-19 pandemic and voter concern, is eclipsed by election – a major challenge racial justice. other problems. "Our given the typically low turnout "I know everybody's biggest attention span is limited," said by the demographic. In 2016, issue right now within this Joe Arvai, director of the turnout among voters under class is environment. And it's Wrigley Institute for the age of 30 was about 46 per super important to me but Environmental Studies at the cent, according to the U.S. another thing that I feel is University of Southern Census Bureau. By more important personally California. "Unless your house comparison, 71 per cent of because I'm an African- is on fire, you're not going to those 65 and older voted. American woman is race," said be experiencing climate Aware of voters' worries Kelia Surrency, 23. change firsthand." about the economy, public "The environment is 100 per Only 7 per cent of likely health and systemic racism, cent important to me, but I voters aged 34 and under Biden's campaign has need someone in that office named environment and wrapped environmental issues that doesn't look at the Black climate as their top concern in into a broader discussion of community as lesser-than." choosing a President, green jobs and a healthier Many in the class at according to a Reuters/Ipsos environment. California State University, poll conducted between 29 (Reuters) Voting in the US Presidential Election is the top issue for many A8 tuesday 20 october 2020 COLUMN

Lunuganga Memories International Celebrities – Geoffrey Bawa

By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha of his nephews. But Geoffrey had nonchalantly that it was a Picasso. He stepped in to prevent the house, from seemed happy to discuss the new In the world at large Geoffrey Bawa which she had functioned, also being building with me, but said there had is probably the most admired of all Sri handed over, and instead hired it as been no consultation, he had simply Lankans. He created a new style of his office for the task he had been been told there would be some architecture, described as tropical entrusted with of building a new alterations. When I showed him the modernism, which has been Parliament. This was just as well for draft plan, he looked at it gloomily celebrated, and imitated widely, in the nephew ran the business into the and then said he did not like it at all. Asia, and elsewhere. ground, but the house continued to But I said he should put this in Illustrating this point is not bring her a decent income. And when writing, about which he thought for a something I can do, nor need I Geoffrey’s task was done he arranged moment, before scrawling on the ineffectually try, since it has been for it to be rented by the Asia paper, ‘Can nothing be done to stop done by others with professional Foundation Representative, who also this monstrosity?’ expertise, most notably David Robson. loved and looked after it. My aim here rather is to provide Stop this monstrosity glimpses of a larger than life Rebuilt at Lunuganga The Rep was furious with me, but personality, whom though in a limited When, some years after Geoffrey he knew better than to go ahead, way I was privileged to know. died, Ena wanted to sell the house for given the high regard in which Bawa she was in need of money, a group of was held. He had then to consult House at Alfred Place architects protested and the sale was Bawa, but before any decision was This was primarily through my aunt stopped on the grounds that it was a made he was transferred. His Ena de Silva, who was his principal heritage building (the proposed sale successor was less of a blunderbuss, collaborator, and I think his favourite. had been to Durdan’s Hospital next and asked Geoffrey to design His first major architectural door, which wanted to use it as a car something. Geoffrey however would innovation was the house he built for park). But knowing Ena’s need, have none of that and, having told me her at Alfred Place in the early sixties, Geoffrey’s successors at his he was a funny little man, suggested and he always acknowledged her own architectural firm arranged for an that if a cafeteria was essential, the influential contribution to the design Indian client who loved his work to Council should work with two of and the layout, which provided pay for the house to be dismantled Geoffrey’s former assistants, Ismeth wonderful spaces for the indigenous and then rebuilt at Lunuganga. Raheem and Feroze Choksy, who had artefacts she adored. But it was of Though it was through Ena that I set up their own firm. course his artistry that gave the house best knew Geoffrey, I had also I think Geoffrey rather relished the its distinctive style, blending Geoffrey Bawa at Aluwihare Ena and Geoffrey interacted with him in another thought of the Council having to deal courtyards and balconies and capacity, while I worked at the British with Feroze, who never minced his greenery in ebullient tranquility. delightfully described Sunethra themselves hugely, and one could see Council. He had been responsible for words, but in the end it was the more They loved each other dearly, and as putting together. behind the self-mocking exchanges the wonderful new building to which peaceable Ismeth who took on the he grew older he sought her company the deep affection they felt for each it moved in the early eighties, where I task. I suppose he did the best he avidly. Though not devoted to wildlife Wadduwa Hotel other. Sadly, soon after that, Geoffrey started working in 1984. It had been could, but the new building ruined as she was, he even followed her to Ena and I stayed that night in the had another stroke, which created by joining two old houses, the elegant lines of what we had had. Wasgamuwa once, and I remember hotel at Wadduwa that was being incapacitated him, and could no with a long colonnaded verandah that By the time it came up though I had how incongruous his tall figure looked redone by Mr Hameed, one of longer talk. Ena would go whenever connected them. Above that was a left, and by then the balcony was getting down at the homely Gale Geoffrey’s protégés from that area. she could to see him in hospital, and balcony which led off the first office I never used. Bangalawa where we were staying. But then Geoffrey turned up next she said that sometimes he would just had, next to the Representative’s. It It was a couple of years before that And the last time I saw him was when morning, in the wheelchair he had to hold her hand while tears poured was used for office parties, and that I had seen the architectural elite he seemed unable to do without her, use now, dutifully pushed by Channa from his eyes. featured in a film made to celebrate of Sri Lanka gathered together on joining her unexpectedly in the Daswatte, the last of his assistants She was a close confidante, and had the Council’s 50th anniversary – Ena’s terrace at Aluwihare, morning, after they had parted with who proved admirably suited to taking been one of the first appointees to the though I suspect London wanted the overlooking the Gammmaduwa Hills. firm farewells the previous afternoon. his legacy forward when he was no Board of the Trust he set up to crew to highlight our aid work rather The occasion was the wedding of her longer able to work. administer his estate. A few years than showing Council employees daughter Kusum, at the height of the Lunuganga I shall never forget the exchanges later however she resigned, which drinking at noon (albeit the occasion JVP insurrection, in May 1989, but This was at Lunuganga, his between Ena and him, as we checked surprised me. But she said that she was the Rep’s farewell party.) crowds from Colombo came up and wonderful estate near Bentota. She out the large first floor hall which was had no expertise at all in finance and the celebrations suffered no had been staying with him, and had supposed to be the highlight of the the sort of administrative capacity BC cafeteria disruption. asked me to join them for lunch to hotel. Ena loved colour, whereas that was needed for the future. He Seven years later however we had a then take her to a hotel which he was Geoffrey preferred to work in shades had put her on to look after the new Representative who decided he The collage building, which she was meant to of black and white and grey and on interests of his staff, since she was wanted to build a cafeteria in the The day before the wedding we saw decorate. This was in 1998, just after occasion khaki. The scene reminded the most knowledgeable and garden. When I asked at the senior the wonderful sight of different he had entertained Prince Charles, me of that glorious argument in Walt sympathetic of his friends about the management meeting whether he had architects each decorating one of the who had been Chief Guest at the Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, when Flora close relationship he had with them. spoken to Bawa, since it seemed sheds Ena had put up on the upper 50th anniversary of our and Merryweather keep changing the But after those he wanted looked improper to change the design terrace, below the rock on which the independence. colour of Princess Aurora’s ballgown after, in particular his old ayah, had without at least some sort of poruwa ceremony was conducted. The celebrations were supposed to from pink to blue and back again, died, she felt she had nothing more to consultation, he told me that Bawa That was when I first met Channa, have happened in Kandy, but they repeatedly. Ena would fling out her contribute. knew about the idea. But I insisted who came with his predecessor as had been moved to Colombo after the arm and say, ‘I think red and green that he should be formally asked, and Geoffrey’s assistant, Anjalendran, and Tigers tried to attack the Maligawa, so for that wall,’ and Geoffrey would Looking after each other volunteered to do this, and the Rep we also had Ismeth and Feroze and Charles was not given the cultural bark, ‘No, grey and black,’ from his Geoffrey in turn also looked after could not demur. Nela de Zoysa, the only one of those tour he had wanted. Instead he was chair. her interests admirably. When her I had been to Bawa’s house before, who had not worked with Geoffrey. brought by Sunethra Bandaranaike to husband Osmund de Silva died, and and I think made a good impression And amidst them Geoffrey sat in state, Lunuganga, where he was given In hospital she felt the need to get away, she had for when I singled out a statuette that captured with the rest in the collage sandwiches for lunch which Geoffrey They were both obviously enjoying handed over her batik business to one I thought admirable he said that still decorates Ena’s guestroom. Pandemic makes crime harder to crack By Kieran Guilbert recently-appointed U.N. special last week, predicting that the COVID- rapporteur on human trafficking. 19 fallout could spawn 115 million Human traffickers are capitalising on "More people are at risk ... especially "new poor" this year alone. the COVID-19 pandemic to target in the informal economy ... there are Ilias Chatzis, head of the trafficking people ranging from jobless migrants to opportunities for traffickers to recruit, unit at the U.N. Office on Drugs and out-of-school children, two United to exploit, to prey on people's Crime (UNODC), said his department Nations specialists said, warning that desperation," Mullally told the Thomson was still gathering information about the fallout from COVID-19 had driven Reuters Foundation ahead of Anti- the impact of coronavirus on the crime the crime further underground. Slavery Day on Oct. 18. but warned that early evidence showed The global economic slowdown has About 2.5 billion people - more than ‘worsening horrors’. left countless people jobless, desperate 60 per cent of the world's workforce - He cited the example of children and at risk of exploitation, while victims are informal workers, leaving them spending more time online and being of trafficking are less likely to be found particularly at risk of being underpaid vulnerable to sexual exploitation - or receive help with attention and and abused, labour advocates have remotely - by global predators. Europol resources diverted elsewhere, the said. From India to Cambodia, workers said in May that online child sex abuse experts said. in sectors such as textiles and tourism 25 million people worldwide are victims of labour and sex trafficking in the European Union spiked at the An estimated 25 million people have lost their livelihoods due to start of the pandemic. worldwide are victims of labour and sex COVID-19 and resorted to taking out policies, leaving them vulnerable to focus encompassing labour rights and While acknowledging the ‘complexity’ trafficking, according to the United loans that can lead to debt bondage or traffickers, according to Mullally. social protection. "An economic crisis of tackling trafficking during COVID- Nations, with concerns growing that accepting work on worse terms and in ... and recession or even depression ... 19, Chatzis sounded a note of hope for more will fall prey as support services exploitative conditions. Worsening horrors may be used as an excuse to curtail the future. are halted and efforts to secure justice Many of the world's estimated 164 Two decades after the adoption of a workers' rights, with the knock-on "It's not all darkness ahead, there is are hindered. million migrant workers are stranded landmark U.N. anti-trafficking effect of a greater threat of trafficking," light at the end of the tunnel," he said. "The difficulty is that trafficking is abroad and unable to go home or protocol, Mullally said the issue was she added. "We abolished (chattel) slavery, we can now even more underground and less unwilling to seek help due to closed still seen mainly as a criminal justice Extreme poverty will rise for the first abolish trafficking." visible," said Siobhan Mullally, the borders and restrictive immigration matter, and called for a much broader time this century, the World Bank said Thomson Reuters Foundation focus tuesday 20 october 2020 A9 Inside Story of How Rishad was Arrested Fled Madampe CCTV system No one opened the in a vehicle was deactivated door even though belonging to a on Rishad’s knocking continued PS member instructions for 20 minutes

CID received Had stayed three What did Rishad say first clue from days in a tuition as soon as he set Wellampitiya teacher’s house eyes on CID officers?

Arrest was made Rishad’s friend in Addalachchenai at 3:35 a.m. revealed the place he was hiding in

By a Special Correspondent individuals separately. While the DIG CID Prasad Ranasinghe questioning was going on, another It was early yesterday (19) morning team of CID officers commenced a that Member of Parliament Rishad search operation of the apartment. Bathiudeen, who had been in hiding Then they noticed that the DVR for six days, throwing sand in the system which stored data from the eyes of the Police, was taken into CCTV camera system had been custody by the Criminal removed. Investigation Department (CID) at When the tuition teacher and his Dehiwala. Until then no one knew doctor wife were questioned where he had been during those six relentlessly about this, they days and whom he had associated appeared to become speechless. The with and where he was hiding. chief householder had then realized The reason for this ‘Cops and that there was no way of escaping Robbers’ game, by Rishad, was his unless the truth was revealed. It was misusing State funds, spending Rs from then onwards that he began 9.5 million for 233 buses to spewing out everything. transport to Mannar, on the day of “Rishad was with us on 13, 14 & the Presidential Election, people who 15, all three days. Within an hour of had been displaced, but were his coming here, he requested that resident in Puttalam at that time, in the CCTV system be deactivated. It order to get them to vote. was accordingly that we removed the Subsequent to conducting system.” investigations into this incident and However, the tuition teacher did the facts were reported, the Attorney not forget to use his brain to save General had given instructions that himself in case he had to face any a case be filed and Rishad sort of problem at any time. He had Bathiudeen arrested. Accordingly, made arrangements to keep the DVR officers of the Attorney General’s containing CCTV data recorded Department and the CID had when Rishad entered the house, at a requested the Fort Magistrate to neighbour’s home. Based on the issue an arrest warrant. On this facts that were revealed, the CID occasion the Magistrate had said officers were able to take into Director of the CID SSP Nishantha that it was not necessary to issue a custody this DVR system. de Zoysa warrant, in order to take into He revealed further that Rishad custody a person for that type of who spent three days with them had the door of this house. However, offence, as he could be arrested been taken to Addalachchenai, in much they knocked there was no without a warrant within the Akkaraipattu, by a resident of that sign that anyone was open the door. existing legal framework. area, who was foreign job agency They attempted for a period of 20 When this incident took place, owner. He also revealed that this minutes after which they realised Rishad Bathiudeen had been on his individual owned a super luxury that no one was going to open the way to Colombo from Puttalam. apartment complex in Dehiwela. He door. The CID officers then said that When he was nearing Madampe, it added that this person was very they were going to break open the was mentioned on a news broadcast close to Rishad. door and enter the house. Therefore, of the Sooriyan FM radio channel Then, the CID teams went in by 3.35a.m. the door of the house that the CID was getting into action search of this apartment complex. At was opened. It was Rishad’s to arrest him according to the facts that time, only three daughters of personal assistant Thameej who mentioned in Court. the foreign job agent were living in opened the door. At that same With that, Rishad realized that that particular apartment. When moment Rishad who had been in a what was coming would be no good inquiries were made about their room came out. and he had called a Pradeshiya father, the three daughters said that “I know that you are in pursuit of Sabha member representing his he had left for Addalachchenai in me. But I did not think that you Party, who lived in Madampe, on the Ampara. would find me like this,” Rishad said phone. Rishad informed this Acting immediately, the CID looking around. individual to, “bring a vehicle to authorities sent a team to Then he saw that the Doctor’s Madampe as soon as possible.” As Addalachchenai. They made husband, the tuition teacher was planned Rishad alighted from the arrangements, so that the required also there. vehicle he was travelling in and got procedures were in place to “Ah… Sir you are here too? Was it into the vehicle brought by his minimise the time taken to arrive you Sir who led these people to this colleague and went into hiding. Not there. place?” Rishad asked his friend. By only that, he disconnected the The CID officers surrounded the then, the final minute of the mobile phone he had with him too. Addalachchenai house of Rishad’s operation to apprehend Rishad CID officers, who had got to know friend and were able to corner him. Bathiudeen was under way. He was that Rishad Bathiudeen was on his When an inquiry was made arrested at 3.40 a.m. on Monday way to Colombo from Puttalam, had regarding Rishad, he said that he and put into the jeep and the officers set up a plan to pursue his vehicle was not aware of anything regarding left. from some point during the journey. his friend. However, he was not Subsequent to a 6-day operation Accordingly, even though they given much time to lie by the CID conducted without considering day pursued Rishad’s vehicle, when they associate of Rishad Bathiudeen. He out some places where Rishad could officers. or night, Officer in charge of the arrived close to his house in was the person who was the most be found. CID officers were deployed The officers were able to drive him CID, DIG Prasad Ranasinghe, who Colombo it was confirmed that closely involved in Rishad’s legal to conduct checking duties in and into a mental state where the led the operation to apprehend Rishad did not get out of the vehicle affairs. While his telephone records around these places, according to individual was ready to reveal all Rishad, Director of the CID, Senior and as a result the efforts of the were being observed the CID information that was revealed. details. Superintendent of Police Nishantha officers proved to be in vain. discovered that there were an By Sunday (18), it was possible for Accordingly, the correct news de Soyza and the other officers Then, DIG in charge of the CID unusual number of telephone calls the CID to restrict to a certain about where Rishad was in hiding successfully ended the operation. Prasad Ranasinghe took steps to being received on his mobile phone. confirmed area the checks and just came out of his mouth. He said The reason for the success of this deploy six teams to take Rishad into The CID conducted investigations investigations being conducted. The that Rishad was hiding in house at operation was because officer in custody. All this was coordinated based on the mobile phone data and CID discovered that Rishad had Ebenezer Road, Dehiwala. charge of the CID, DIG Prasad under the guidance of Director of the got to know that he was residing at initially been living at a place in Officers including the heads of the Ranasinghe and Director Nishantha CID, Senior Superintendent of Police Wennawatte in Wellampitiya. Kohuwala and based on information, CID commenced the final operation de Soyza provided leadership to the Nishantha de Soyza. He was taken into custody on 17 given by his close colleague, they to apprehend Rishad. Based on officers involved, throughout the However, many duty checks were October evening by the CID officers focused their attention on a target in information, that was revealed, that operation and joined in all the conducted regarding Rishad during who were in pursuit of him. Since he Kalubowila. he was hiding in the home of a operations, themselves. Finally, this the first three days, it was near was a very close associate of What the CID officers, who went to person named Hakeem, the CID operation concluded, leaving those impossible for the CID teams to find Rishad’s the officers were able to get this apartment, did first was to reached this residence at Ebenezer who alleged that Rishad was out any information on his information, during continuous separate the chief householder of Road at about 3.00 a.m. on Monday. throwing sand in the eyes of the whereabouts. Meanwhile, on 17 questioning, so that he was unable the residence, a tuition teacher and It did not take long for the CID to Police without an answer as a result October the CID had got some to avoid them. Based on this his wife, who was a doctor. Officers locate Hakeem’s house. At 3.15 a.m. of immense, immeasurable information regarding a very close information it was possible to find began questioning these two on Monday, CID officers knocked on commitment of these Police Officers. A10 tuesday 20 october 2020 World/News

Paris, France Melbourne, Australia Global COVID-19 cases surpass the 40 million milestone

A personnel controls a seed-planting drone to help regenerate Australia’s forests after devastating bushfires People gather at the Place de la Republique in Paris, to in Australia, 18 October 2020. (WWF-Australia/AirSeed pay tribute to Samuel Paty, the French teacher who was Technologies/Handout via Reuters) beheaded on the streets of the Paris suburb of Conflans- Sainte-Honorine, France, 18 October 2020. Placard reads “I am a teacher”. (Reuters) WWF drones to More Police People wearing protective masks stand in line to a mobile laboratory which does both drop seeds for COVID-19 and Hepatitis C testing, after the Government brought in new restrictive measures due to a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections, in Milan, Italy. (Reuter) operations under koala gum trees Worldwide coronavirus cases crossed the Czech Republic have reported record 40 million on Monday (19), according to daily increases in the number of way over killing of Specialised drones are on the east coast. a Reuters tally, as the onset of winter in coronavirus infections. being tested in a “The magnitude of the the northern hemisphere fuelled a Europe currently accounts for over 17 teacher – Minister programme to boost bushfire crisis requires resurgence in the spread of the disease. per cent of the global cases and nearly koala numbers on us to respond at a scale The Reuters tally is based on official 22 per cent of the deaths related to the More Police operations concerning tens of Australia’s east coast, that’s never been done reporting by individual countries. virus worldwide. were under way on individuals,” he told dropping seeds of gum before,” said WWF- Experts believe the true numbers of both Parts of the UK were put into lockdown Monday (19) in Europe 1 radio. trees as part of a World Australia CEO Dermot cases and deaths are likely much higher, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson bid to connection with the A Police source told Wildlife Fund (WWF) O’Gorman. given deficiencies in testing and contain a second wave of infections killing of a French Reuters late on Sunday scheme to regenerate “One of the new ways potential under-reporting by some through local measures. teacher by a suspected (18) that France was bushland torched in the we’re doing this is using countries. France imposed curfews while other Islamist, French Interior preparing to expel 231 country’s historic drones that can put The Reuters data shows the pace of European nations are closing schools, Minister Gerald foreigners on a bushfires. large amounts of seed the pandemic continues to pick up. It cancelling surgeries, and enlisting Darmanin said. French Government watch list Gum tree leaves are across landscapes and took just 32 days to go from 30 million student medics. history teacher Samuel for suspected extremist koala’s main food ... reach inaccessible global cases to 40 million, compared President Donald Trump called for a Paty was beheaded on religious beliefs. It was source, and restoring areas much easier,” he with the 38 days it took to get from 20 to big economic stimulus as U.S. infections Friday (15) outside his not immediately clear if bushland and forest said. Some of the WWF 30 million, the 44 days between 10 and surpassed eight million, with record school in Conflans- Monday’s operations habitat razed in the drones can plant 20 million, and the three months it took spikes in several States. Sainte-Honorine, in the were connected. ​ 2019-2020 fires is key to 40,000 seeds a day and to reach 10 million cases from when the States across the Midwest are seeing a northern Paris suburbs, Earlier this month, their long-term survival will help create first cases were reported in Wuhan, rise in coronavirus cases, with new by an 18-year-old man Paty showed his pupils in New South Wales corridors so that koalas China, in early January. Record one-day infections and hospitalisations rising to who was subsequently cartoons of the Prophet State. and other wildlife can increases in new infections were seen at record levels. shot dead by Police. Mohammad in a class on The fires killed or move across a the end of last week, with global India’s cumulative tally of coronavirus The killing sparked freedom of expression, displaced three billion landscape fragmented coronavirus cases rising above 400,000 infections stood at 7.43 million on outrage in France, and angering a number of mammals, birds and by fire and land for the first time. Saturday (17), with the number of active drew condemnation from Muslim parents. reptiles, the WWF clearing, O’Gorman said There were an average of around infections slipping below 800,000 for the President Emmanuel Muslims believe that any estimates, and destroyed in a statement. 347,000 cases each day over the past first time in 1.5 months. Macron and political depiction of the Prophet or damaged up to seven In June, a week, compared with 292,000 in the first Iran, the Middle Eastern country parties. Interior Minister is blasphemous. billion trees across 11 Parliamentary inquiry week of October. hardest-hit by the COVID-19, extended Gerald Darmanin said The attacker, who was million hectares (37 found that koalas in New The United States, India, and Brazil restrictions and closures in the capital there were about 80 of Chechen origin and million acres) of South Wales State could remain the worst affected countries in Tehran into a third week on Saturday as investigations under way was born in Russia, had Australia’s southeast, become extinct by 2050 the world. COVID-19 cases in North, its death toll rose above 30,000. into online hate speech been living in the town of equal to half the area of unless immediate action Central, and South America represent Since the pandemic started, over 1.1 in France and that he Evreux northwest of the United Kingdom. is taken to protect them about 47.27 per cent or nearly half of million people have died due to COVID- was looking into whether Paris. He was not WWF’s Australia unit and their habitat. global cases. 19, with the global fatality rate hovering or not certain groups previously known to the is seeking to raise 300 Australia’s most recent Around 247 cases are seen per 10,000 around 2.8 per cent of the total cases. from the French Muslim intelligence services. million Australian bushfire season was one people in the United States. For India An official at the World Health community should be The killing shocked Dollars (USD 210 of its worst ever, killing and Brazil, those numbers stand at 55 Organisation has said the global death dissolved following France and carried million) over five years to 34 people and destroying cases and 248 cases per 10,000 people toll from COVID-19 could double to two accusations of echoes of an attack five fund the initiative to try nearly 3,000 homes, respectively. million before a successful vaccine is promoting violence and years ago on the offices the seed drones and after years of drought left New cases are growing at over 150,000 widely used and could be even higher hate. of satirical magazine other methods to revive bushlands unusually a day in Europe, as many countries without concerted action to curb the “Police operations have Charlie Hebdo after it forest habitat, aiming to dry. including Italy, Netherlands, Germany, pandemic. taken place and more published the cartoons. double koala numbers (Reuters) Austria, Poland, Ukraine, Cyprus, and (Reuters) will take place, (Reuters)

Continued from page 1 Rishad Remanded... He explained that the probe into the owned by a lady doctor in Kalubowila on instead asserted that he had been it could lead to public riots and However, the Chief Magistrate deemed case had begun following a complaint 14 and 15 October, had been arrested apprehended while in hiding. upheaval and affirmed that the that the Police can proceed to arrest the lodged with the CID, by Ven. and noted that the owners of the house He remarked to the Chief Magistrate, prosecution was vehemently opposed to suspects without a warrant. Akmeemana Dayarathana Thera on 20 had switched off the CCTV cameras. that already six cases were being the suspect being released on bail. Thereby, Attorney General Dappula December last year. The Deputy Solicitor General further investigated against the suspect MP by The prosecution was represented by de Livera directed the Police to arrest The prosecution informed that the told the Court that while the suspect the FCID, namely the illegal acquisition Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris the three suspects according to the law. probe into the complaint by the CID, was in hiding, he had staged Media of 300 acres of land in Puttalam District, and senior officers from the CID. On 14 October, the Fort Magistrate had disclosed that the suspect MP briefings through his lawyers and at the illegal purchase of 77 land deeds of The ACMC MP was represented by issued a travel ban on the Bathiudeen, along with two other that Media briefing it had been 300 acres of land in the Mannar Anuja Premaratne PC. Former Minister Parliamentarian on a request by the suspects Yaseen Samsudeen and suggested the suspect could be in District, the illegal construction of a of Industry and Commerce Rishad CID. Alagaratnam Manoranjan, had hiding till today and that he could Muslim mosque in Mannar through the Bathiudeen, the Director of the project Meanwhile, MP Bathiudeen had filed misappropriated State funds amounting appear in public afterwards. incurring of a sum of Rs 37 million, the Mohamed Yaseen Samsudeen and the a writ application through a lawyer, to Rs 9.5 million. The prosecution stated that to prove damage caused to the Wilpattu National Project Accountant Alagaratnam seeking an order from the Court of Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa these charges, they also possess video Forest Reserve by the suspect, as Manoranjanare accused of violating Appeal to prevent his impending arrest. Peiris said the suspects had allegedly footage and charged that while evading complained to by Ven. Ananda Sagara Article 82(1) of Presidential Elections The CID had deployed six teams to misused 222 SLTB busses, for arrest the suspect MP, had belittled the Thera, an illegal monetary transaction Act, No. 15 of 1981, by misappropriating arrest the ex-Minister, however, they transporting IDPs from Puttalam to rule of law here. engaged in by the suspect’s spouse public funds to the tune of Rs9.5 were unable to locate and apprehend polling booths in Silavathurai, Mannar, The Deputy Solicitor General opined through the LOLC Bank and the seeking million. him until yesterday morning having during the 2019 Presidential Election. that it was also a serious issue the of illegal funds from overseas for the They had been charged with allegedly drawn a blank. Police Spokesman, DIG He added the misappropriated sum suspect, who is a people’s representative construction of 5,000 houses in villages misusing 222 buses belonging to the Ajith Rohana, said the CID launched would not have come to light, if not for in the Legislature, was able to evade etc. State-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board several special operations to apprehend inquiries made by the Secretary to the Police arrest for a period of seven days, The Deputy Solicitor General stated (SLTB) for transporting IDPs from the former Minister and as a result of suspect’s Ministry of Industry and while surviving through public funds that Attorney General Dappula de Puttalam to polling booths in these operations he was arrested at a Commerce. and circumventing the law in the Livera, had given written instructions to Silavathurai, Mannar during the 2019 housing complex located at Ebenezer The prosecution also alleged that process. conduct each of these probes, based on Presidential Election. Place in Dehiwala in the early hours of suspect Bathiudeen, had used the He further claimed in Court that they provisions contained in Sections of the The CID, on the direction of Attorney yesterday. misappropriated funds towards his also possess CCTV camera footage, Prevention of Money Laundering Act General Dappula de Livera, had moved Seven individuals who aided and political activities, the probe had which had shown the suspect moving (MLA) and added that another case was the Colombo Fort Magistrate to issue a abetted the Parliamentarian to evade revealed. from place to place to sign affidavits also pending against the suspect, on warrant to arrest MP Rishad arrest were also arrested and are to be The Deputy Solicitor General then while in hiding. charges of pelting stones at the Mannar Bathiudeen and the other two suspects, produced in Court. pointed out to Fort Chief Magistrate The Deputy Solicitor General Court. on charges of criminal misappropriation The Criminal Investigation Priyantha Liyanage, that suspect mentioned that the suspect had not Hence, he observed that if the suspect of public funds and violation of election Department is conducting further Bathiudeen while hiding at a house voluntarily surrendered to the CID and ex-Minister were to be enlarged on bail, laws. investigations.

Colombo Fort...... Chamber covered from head to followed concerning normal suspects to inform the Court as to on whose following a request made to him by ex-Minister was brought to the toe and as to why the suspect was and asserted that the Court’s orders the CID had resorted to these Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Chamber of the Chief Magistrate in brought to the Chamber in the attention was being drawn to the measures, concerning the suspect Peiris. the suspect’s official vehicle, while suspect’s official motorcar. unusual conduct of the CID on the ACMC MP. The prosecution had urged the shielding the suspect from the The Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate incident. The Chief Magistrate gave this Court to issue an order to the CID, to Media, and as to who had given such stated this procedure is never He then ordered the DIG of the CID order to the DIG of the CID, probe as to on whose orders the orders to the CID. tuesDAY 20 october 2020 b11

To Deal with COVID-19 Impacts Women Entrepreneurs Prefer Informal Funding Over Formal – IFC By Ishara Gamage

Majority of Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs have relied on their Family and Friends instead of formal banking and financial sector lending programmes to deal with COVID-19 Impacts, the private sector arm of the World Bank group, International Finance Corporation (IFC) report reveals. The findings are based on a survey completed by 413 SMEs from across the Monday Markets country between June 22 and July 22, 2020. As Ceylon FT reported on Sunday, Sri Lanka’s non banking sector non performing loans had grown to 14 per cent and the sector was facing a severe crisis as it was struggling to recover their monthly loan instalments. Sri Lanka’s non banking sector is the largest lenders to the SME sector. Meanwhile, the Central Bank-initiated debt two thirds of the SMEs saw their sales drop by sector. Despite the challenges, almost three- relief programme, was criticised by various more than 25 per cent on their pre-COVID quarters of the SMEs surveyed predicted they parties for releasing loans on strict conditions. monthly average. will continue to operate indefinitely. According to the IFC report, eight out of 10 “Overall, our research shows little difference Eighty per cent of SMEs experienced small and medium businesses (SMEs) in Sri between the impacts on businesses – whether difficulties meeting operating expenses and Lanka struggled to continue operations and they were owned by men, women or jointly had some shortfall in debt repayment or meet financial obligations due to the impacts owned,” said Amena Arif, IFC Country ability to meet financial obligations due to of the COVID-19 pandemic. Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “But COVID-19. Moreover, over three quarters of The report, Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 it was clear women were less likely to access SMEs reported difficulties accessing their Shares continue on Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, by loans from formal banks to support their usual financial services. Women in Work, a partnership between IFC businesses and more likely to take a more In response, the IFC-DFAT report offers and the Australian government, shows traditional route, borrowing from family and recommendations, including increased access to gain women-owned businesses were least likely to friends. They were also much less likely to use to working capital solutions and other loans By Mario Andree have taken a loan from a financial institution digital business channels. This highlights for women-owned small and medium and significantly more likely to borrow from potential areas for future work with financial enterprises (WSMEs), better access to The Colombo Stock Exchange started the new family and friends to meet their financial institutions to tailor their support to meet the business-related training, and greater week on a positive footing on Monday (19) as the obligations during COVID-19. unique needs of female and male business support to help small businesses shift to benchmark index posted gains for the fourth Presenting a snapshot of the impacts of the owners.” digital business channels. consecutive session to record a new two-week high pandemic, the report is based on surveys of Around one million SMEs – 25 per cent of “We hope the report’s recommendations on a high turnover despite continued foreign exits SME clients of four financial institutions and which are women-owned – account for about will be a useful input into creating a more from the Bourse. from the distribution network of one fast 45 per cent of total employment in Sri Lanka. resilient Sri Lankan economy in which The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) moving consumer goods company. This study finds that companies in the women-owned businesses make a greater gained 0.29 points to close at 5,946.08 points, its It shows almost three quarters of SMEs manufacturing and construction sectors are contribution,” said David Holly, Australian highest since 5 October, while the more liquid S&P surveyed experienced decreased sales. Nearly the hardest hit, followed by the services High Commissioner for Sri Lanka. SL20 gained 0.52 per cent (12.29 points) to close at 2,382.72 points. The daily turnover at the CSE stood at Rs 2.5 billion, lower than the Rs 3.6 billion recorded the previous market day. More than 139.8 million shares changed hands Govt losing billions to Unemployment during 29,112 trades. Shares of 259 companies were traded, of which 109 emerged as losers as against 93 winners. illegal booze Foreigners were net sellers for the ninth Increased prices Bootleggers Coconut down to 5.4% in Q2 consecutive session. Net foreign outflow during pushing consumers using retail Arrack to the day amounted to Rs 161 million, as foreigners to illegal, illicit licence to sell diminish if no By Mario Andree this year from 47.5 per cent in the sold shares worth Rs 196 million as against products illegal products action taken second quarter of 2019, while purchases worth Rs 35 million. Sri Lanka’s unemployment rate employees in the industrial sector The top five gainers during the day were SMB By Mario Andree liquor business could be contracted to 5.4 per cent during declined to 26.9 from 28.3 per Leasing (non-voting), Kotagala, Madulsima, curbed to a certain extent if the second quarter (Q2) of this year cent. Balangoda and Maskeliya. The Government of Sri the Government looks into the from 5.7 per cent recorded during However, those who are engaged Top five losers were Industrial Asphalt, SMB Lanka can increase tax existing retail licences system, the first quarter of this year, in the agricultural sector increased Leasing, Sinhaputhra Finance, Renuka City income of the Excise which is heading towards a though the rate was higher than to 27.1 per cent during the second Hotels and Cargo Boat. Department if it manages to monopoly. 4.9 per cent recorded during the quarter of this year from 24.3 per control the illegal and illicit “The Government should same period of last year. cent recorded a year earlier. liquor business, which is also look into the existing According to the Department of Female unemployment across all thriving in Sri Lanka, retail licences system as it is Census and Statistics, during the age groups during the second According to a senior heading for a gradual second quarter of this year the quarter of this year declined to 8.2 businessman. monopoly paving the way for total numbers of unemployed per cent from 9.6 per cent recorded Distilleries Company of Sri bootleggers to sell their illegal individuals were 458,359. during the first quarter of this Lanka Chairman Harry product with ease,” he said. The total number of economically year, though it was up from 7.5 per ‘Spot’ holds Jayawardena said that the “In our previous reports we active population during the cent recorded during the same unlike the legal alcohol have highlighted that a quarter under review stood at 8.43 quarter of 2019. Paneetha Ameresekere industry, the illegal and illicit handful of people control half million, of which 4.62 million were Youth unemployment rate (age liquor sector, which has of the FL4 licences granted in working as employees, while 15 – 24 years) for the first quarter The benchmark ‘spot’ ‘held’ to its Friday’s grown to be a major business, the country. They have outlets 181,637 working as employers and of this year was 27.7 per cent and position to be trading at Rs184.25/45 to the US is not adhering to Government to sell illegal alcohol along 2.6 million were own account that reports the highest dollar in two way quotes at 4pm yesterday regulations while also not with legal alcohol. This workers and 557,012 were unemployment rate among all compared with its ‘float’ at Rs184.25/35 to the paying taxes and other levies, practice should be stopped contributing family workers. other age groups. Further, dollar on the previous market day Friday, also at thereby depriving the forthwith,” he said. According to the Department of unemployment rates for both male 4pm, market sources told this reporter. Government of much needed In the 2019 report, he also Census and Statistics out of the and female are 24.1 per cent and However, in the calendar year to 4pm revenue. “We have always said that “One can only 8.43 million economically active 34.4 per cent respectively for the yesterday, the ‘spot’ has depreciated by between observed every Government imagine the quantum of tax individuals 66.3 per cent were age group. Rs 2.95-Rs3.05 (1.63 per cent-1.68 per cent) in regulation, paid every tax, revenue that is deprived to the males and 33.7 per cent were The highest unemployment rate two way quotes, thereby causing cost-push excise duty and all other levies State due to the increased females. was reported from the G.C.E (A/L) inflationary pressure as Sri Lanka is an import imposed judiciously, without sale of illegal and illicit liqour, The economically inactive and above educated group at 10 dependent economy. exception,” he said. but we do not see any effective population reached 8.35 million per cent. Male unemployment in Meanwhile, Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) “Unfortunately, the same actions or systems in place to during the quarter under review, of the particular educated group money printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply cannot be said for all our rectify this matter,” he said. which 26.4 per cent were males stood at 6.3 per cent, while female fell by 1.67per cent (Rs234.38million) to competitors and the illegal and Jayewardene has and 73.6 per cent were females. unemployment for the group was Rs13,805.78 million yesterday, aided by illicit liquor industry - for this continuously pointed out that The labour force participation 14.2 per cent. investors preferring to invest in safe haven low is now an industry by itself,” the local liquor industry was rate during the second quarter of The unemployment rate of the cost Treasury (T) Bills and T Bonds due to he said. “The Government is under threat due to the this year declined to 50.2 per cent country hovered around 4 per cent uncertainty, rather than lend to the private crying foul because of low tax increase of not only alcohol compared to 52.6 per cent to 6 per cent since 2011, with sector, the engine of economic growth, where also income from the Excise produced illegally but also recorded during the same period of unemployment of males hovering better returns may be obtained. Department. If they control smuggled liquor. last year. between 2.5 per cent to 4.5 per The fall in MPBCs has to be looked at in the this situation, large revenues This year he says that the Individuals employed in the cent, while female unemployment context that GoSL’s face value (FV) MP debt could be derived from the Coconut Arrack industry services sector declined to 46 per hovered around 6 per cent to 10 increased by Rs 2,000 million (0.39per cent) to Rs industry,” he said. might diminish if the cent during the second quarter of per cent. 510,259.87million yesterday, a cause for MPBCs According to him, the Government does not act fast to increase and not decrease. Of this Rs 2,000 uneven playing field triggered to protect the industry. million increase in FVMP debt yesterday, Rs 72 by the tax evasion by illegal “We notice that step- million was demand-pull inflationary causing. and illicit liquor motherly treatment is given to Consequently, GoSL’s FVMP debt continued to manufactures, has reduced the coconut arrack industry. be stuck in the record half-a-trillion plus rupees customers for legal alcohol “With the prevailing territory for the ninth consecutive market day to manufactures. exorbitant pricing structure of yesterday, due to a persistent lack of GoSL He eloquently described the coconut arrack, sales volumes revenue. situation in the company’s are shrinking daily. Today, In related developments, market’s net excess 2019 annual report as, “Today 100% coconut products are liquidity increased by Rs 72 million (0.06 per the price of legally-produced out of reach of the consumer cent) to Rs123,183 million yesterday, aided by arrack is beyond the reach of due to prevailing taxes,” he the settlement/s of a US$10.45 million (Rs1,928 the common man; naturally said. million) GoSL sale of dollars to the Central Bank the consumers turn to local “The Government must of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and/or CBSL swapping brew.” seriously look into this matter rupees in return for dollars from the market. However, he said, “although to reduce prices in order to Conversions are based on the middle rate of the the purchasing power of the divert some of the ENA ‘spot’ as at 4 pm on Thursday which was customers are diminishing customers to coconut Rs184.55 to the dollar. Transactions between day by day, some consumers products,” he said. CBSL and GoSL are foreign reserves neutral. still patronise the legal “We fear the real coconut products on which all legal arrack will soon be out of the levies have been paid.” market if immediate action is He added that the illegal not taken,” he said. B12 CEYLON FT TUESDAY 20 OCTOBER 2020 NEWS Global Palm Oil Price Set to Rise – First Capital SL economy to be negatively impacted in long term, if oil palm plantation ban continues

BY RAJIESH SEETHARAM Indonesia and Malaysia has led to total vegetable oil requirement,” The currently imposed ban on new Ninety per cent of Sri Lanka’s oil environmental issues like strong heat stated First Capital Assistant planting of Oil Palm will create palm plantation will mature by 2022, Colombo based investment waves in certain parts of South East Manager Atchuthan Srirangan, opportunities for the Oil Palm and afterwards if the replanting is research house ‘First Capital’ Asia. As a result, there could be a speaking exclusively to Ceylon FT. cultivators holding high extents of not done for those which have aged, research report on the global palm oil slowdown in supply; however on the The First Capital report notes that mature and immature areas as new the palm oil yield will start to decline industry states that global palm oil other hand, the demand for palm oil oil Palm generates higher revenues of entries to the market will be blocked. gradually. Rising Palm Oil price prices have started to rise after July is increasing globally. Thus the palm LKR 514,000 per Ha, compared to The report further notes that oil palm benefits the local cultivators, 2020, following its steep drop to USD oil price is expected to rise in future other crops like Coconut (LKR would take seven years to mature, however it could impact the Sri 475 per Metric Ton during the April – due to demand over exceeding 245,000 per Ha), Rubber (LKR and 17 years to age. The highest yield Lankan economy negatively as most May 2020 period, as a result of low supply. Oil Palm is currently the 50,000 per Ha), and Tea (LKR 45,000 is generated during the period of of the palm oil is imported and if the consumption, due to COVID-19. As most productive plantation crop, per Ha). 7-11 years. A stable yield would be oil palm plantation ban continues, of 19 Oct, it is trading at USD 720 covering just two per cent of total Local Oil palm production has generated from 11-17 years. After 17 the negative impact on foreign per metric ton. cultivated land globally, yet shown a CAGR of 7.8% in the period years the yield drops, and the plant exchange reserves could rise further “Unregulated oil Palm plantation in accounting for 35% of the world’s from 2014 – 2019, notes the report. is cut to be replanted at this stage. in long term, states the report.

LOLC expands into Zambia SLIM with Mother Sri Lanka resumes ‘Gamata Marketing’ training

‘Gamata Marketing’, an initiative commenced by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), in partnership with Mother Sri Lanka, resumed its training in September at the Mahara Divisional Secretariat Office and Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat Office. The trainings commenced post-Covid-19 to uplift and support micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. Freda Tamba, Director, Non-Bank Supervision, Bank of Zambia and Elmo Jayetileke, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Region of LOLC, ceremonially opening the first LOLC The successful sessions Finance Zambia Limited branch in Lusaka witnessed the participation of aspiring entrepreneurs ranging The LOLC Group commenced its overseas finance operation. LOLC has from youth to elderly individuals businesses and/or developing Gamata Marketing creates an operations in Zambia recently, with already launched operations in from the Mahara region. Adhering existing ones. opportunity to provide awareness the official launch of its inaugural Cambodia, Myanmar, Indonesia, to the rules and regulations of The participants were further to the rural stakeholders about the branch located in Lusaka. Pakistan, Philippines and Nigeria. covid-19, the participants were educated on the importance of importance of marketing and its The company which will operate as Speaking about the entry into confined to groups of 100. designing products to suit a target benefits to all individuals. The LOLC Finance Zambia Limited, is a Zambia, LOLC Group Managing Gamata Marketing training aims market and given an insight into project will bridge the gap between deposit-taking non-banking financial Director/CEO, Kapila Jayawardena to add more value to the business strategies together with marketing rural upcoming entrepreneurs and institution and will provide finance said, “Zambia is a very important by enhancing the product and philosophies needed to approach SLIM, which in turn will open a products such as home loans, motor market to us as it is one of the fastest developing business through the the industry. The participants were whole new world to the upcoming vehicle finance, business loans, and growing economies in Africa. There is application of marketing strategies. also encouraged to employ marketers. The project will add consumer loans, among other enormous opportunity and potential Selected candidates were trained innovative methods in introducing value to the SMEs, rural products, thus helping to narrow the for micro-entrepreneurs to expand to adopt new technology via the goods or services to the market enterprises and upcoming access to financial services gap in their businesses and for enhanced project. These candidates were also and motivated to adhere to the entrepreneurs whilst contributing Zambia. economic development. As the only Sri advised on the use of skills and thinking patterns of to the development of the Sri The branch at Lusaka Cairo Road Lankan financial institution operating guidelines in starting new entrepreneurs. Lankan economy. was ceremonially declared open by in this market, we hope to export our Freda Tamba, Director, Non-Bank Global expertise to Zambia as done in Supervision, Bank of Zambia. Plans all other nations we are present in, to are also underway to open branches in benefit mainly the MSME segment to the Copperbelt and North-Western uplift their lives through responsible Provinces of Zambia in the near lending. We hope to use our future. technological innovations to effectively Exterminators awarded LOLC Zambia is LOLC’s ninth penetrate the Zambian market.” Carbon Neutral Certifi cation

The Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd stated Mobitel Best that they were successful in obtaining the globally recognised Carbon Neutral certification for their dedicated service, further Network for Gaming demonstrating their continuous commitment towards the environment in addition to and Video Experience announcing their proprietary ‘Specialised Anti-Microbial Disinfection Service’ that is focused Mobitel won three awards at the namely, the Games Experience, Voice on countering the spread of the THE Exterminators (Pvt) Ltd, Founder/Managing Director Marlon Ferreira inaugural ‘Games Experience’ by App Experience and Download Speed current global pandemic of COVID- receiving the certificate from Shamila Suhaib - Director Customer Engagement OpenSignal, the independent global Experience, and becoming the joint 19. and Global Partnership Development at SFG. In the picture are Sameera Perera, platform for analysing consumer winner in the Video Experience and 4G The audit to measure the Tharindu Sooriyampola from Exterminators and Sajeewa Ranasinghe SFG & mobile experience. Availability categories. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions Ruwanthi Halwala ‘CCC’ Further strengthening the Further, Mobitel was recognised with associated with the delivery of this positioning of Mobitel’s network the Speed Test Award by Ookla for service in Sri Lanka was conducted latest achievement is also a part of a awarded by the Sustainable Future experience and its 4G availability, having the fastest mobile broadband by the Carbon Consulting Company larger vision of the pest control Group (SFG), Sri Lanka’s only Mobitel outshone competition by connection in Sri Lanka for 2018 and (CCC), who has been guiding the company to become a more sustainability verification and winning three awards outright, 2019 consecutively. Exterminators on their sustainability responsible corporate citizen. certification body that is accredited journey in managing and mitigating The Carbon Neutral Certification to verify and validate Organisational their organisational emissions for the for the specialised disinfection and Project-level GHG emissions past six consecutive years. This service of the Exterminators was inventories under ISO 14064. HDCC partners with HIPG to teach Chinese Hutch ‘Danumai Miliyanayai’ to Local Community quiz winners rewarded The Hambantota District Chamber of was launched with technical Hutch recently rewarded the Commerce (HDCC) has joined hands assistance from the China-Sri Lanka winners of the Hutch Danumai with the Colombo University China Vocational Training Centre, and the Miliyanayai, which ran for a six- Language Centre and the Hambantota support of the Chinese Embassy. month period. International Port to provide Chinese When the Training Centre faced The winners were selected at language lessons to Hambantota closure, they reached out to the end of the six-month period District residents. Hambantota International Port Group via a grand draw held at Hutch The Chamber began the language (HIPG) for help. Head Office, Colombo. The quiz learning programme four years ago, HIPG provides the physical needs provided the contestants with with the goal of educating the such as accommodation, food and winning chances proportionate to (From left) HUTCH Asst. Manager Customer Service Shehara Morais, 2nd Runners-up A.H.R. Mohamed from Puttalam, hSenid Mobile Solutions Account Hambantota business community, transport, while Colombo University the points they scored. The first Manager Isuru Edirimannage, Hutch Customer Services AGM Marina Emmanuel, especially the tourism sector, on has supplied them with two Chinese prize was awarded to J. M. W. A. Winner J. M. W. A. Dharmarathna from Kelaniya, hSenid Mobile Solutions Chinese language and culture. They teachers Yi Yingzi and Ma Lijuan who Dharmarathna from Kelaniya, the Director Finance Saman Kumara, Hutch Asst. Manager VAS Kasun Jayasooriya, believe that locals learning Chinese, joined the programme in 2018. second to M. H. M. Najubudeen 1st Runners-up M. H. M. Najubudeen from Colombo 9 and hSenid Mobile would ensure ease of doing business, The one-year study programme has from Dematagoda and the third Solutions Head of VAS Danasiri Wijedasa considering the number of China benefited over 150 participants so far to A. H. R. Mohamed from based projects in the district. and has been extended to HIPG Puttalam. only a rewarding competition, but knowledge and spend leisure time The first phase of the programme employees as well. Danumai Miliyanayai is not it also helps users improve their productively while having fun. Focus tuesday 20 october 2020 ceylon ft b13

Building Back Better Reviving Sri Lanka’s Economy Beyond COVID-19 By Harini Weerasekera

The Sri Lankan economy is likely to face a contraction in 2020 as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is potential for this to be followed by a sharp V-shaped economic recovery. The means of navigating such a recovery path were discussed at a webinar panel discussion held last Thursday (15 October) to mark the release of the ‘understandable’ at this juncture, but capacity at present. He stated that Institute of Policy Studies of Sri should be viewed as an emergency pent-up demand will build up for Lanka’s (IPS) flagship report, Sri measure to protect employment and better times, so the best option is to Lanka: State of the Economy 2020. must eventually be realigned based on prepare for it in the interim. global value chain recovery. With Macroeconomy: Getting rapid structural changes taking place, Widening disparities public finances in order value chains are also restructuring Dr. Nisha Arunatilake, Director of and becoming more compact. Sri Research, IPS, said the Government’s Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Lanka cannot afford to hold on to relief package to workers was Director, IPS, stated that the key protectionist measures and miss out comprehensive, but small relative to macroeconomic challenge Sri Lanka on breaking into these new regional other middle-income economies. has to contend with its mounting production structures. While government expenditure acts as debt. This is not a new issue, but one a key stimulus during crises, Sri that has built up progressively over Private sector Lanka does not possess the the last decade, where a shock like perspectives macroeconomic stability to offer such COVID-19 simply makes dealing with a package. The repercussions of this such a debt burden much more Dilhan Fernando, CEO, Dilmah are primarily felt by informal sector challenging. A large debt overhang Ceylon Tea said the COVID-19 crisis workers, who make up 68 per cent of does not allow for the implementation has exposed several structural Sri Lanka’s workforce. Such workers of a crisis mitigation strategy or an weaknesses in the business world. will experience a decline in savings Internet (66 per cent), which affects Way forward economic stimulus package of the The pandemic has shown that and resort to coping mechanisms educational outcomes and Sri Lanka must make some desired size, to match the scale and businesses must now ascribe value to such as foregoing investments in exacerbates inequalities in the long important policy choices to ensure an complexity of the current pandemic. education and healthcare, which were education and health, thus widening run. effective post-pandemic economic The medium-term recovery path once considered costs, and that these already existing inequalities. Another aspect discussed was recovery. There is a need for a sound outlined by Dr. Weerakoon comprises will be vital components in ‘building She stated the country’s gender inequality, where women tend fiscal policy including better tax and temporary measures to jump-start back better.’ macroeconomic constraints also limit to be disproportionately affected by spending policies as a central economic growth, which should then He stressed on the need to improve the Government’s ability to keep the the pandemic. On the one hand, requirement to address wide-ranging be followed by productivity-driven the country’s export competitiveness education sector afloat, during and in flexible working arrangements can challenges including the debt burden, growth with technology infusion that and productivity and asserted that the aftermath of the pandemic. There create more opportunities for women, providing remote-education is more sustainable in the long-term. integrating technology and value were constraints in providing an but these benefits will be primarily opportunities for all, and protecting Specifically, a quick-win strategy addition is the way forward, similar to integrated response of the nature seen accrued by skilled female workers. workers and businesses without would be infusions to the what is practised in the tea industry. in other countries, where State On the other hand, it is the large entrenching existing disparities, in the infrastructure sector; attracting FDI Currently, the market is demanding resources were deployed to reach all majority of female informal sector time of COVID-19. into sectors such as construction can features like traceability of products, students through multiple channels workers who are not covered by Harini Weerasekera is a Research aid in jump-starting the recovery ethical business practices and such as television, social media, etc. social protection schemes, who will Officer at the Institute of Policy process. However, policymakers must sustainability so businesses must Instead, in Sri Lanka, individual be rendered more vulnerable than Studies of Sri Lanka with research recognise this as a temporary adapt to these evolving demands. schools and other educational their male counterparts. She stressed interests in the areas of measure and not lean on such Commenting on the tourism sector, institutions were left to their own that the solution lies in better Macroeconomic policy and measures as the main driver of he flagged the need to focus on devices, which intensify disparities. A disaster risk management systems – planning, Labour and migration, and economic growth in the post-recovery refining processes, training employees significant proportion of households similar to that in Sri Lanka’s health Econometrics and economic phase. and looking at ways to rebuild to with school-going children do not sector, which had the apparatus in modelling. She graduated with an Dr. Weerakoon contended that engage consumers, even though the have access to smartphones/ place to prepare for and deal with the MSc in Economics from the import restrictions are sector cannot receive them in full computers (52 per cent) and the crisis. University of Warwick.

Green jobs can boost recovery The point of having an economy By Tim Worstall is clearly true of cotton - methods of sating more look it grows in the fields! - desires out of the limits that and deliver ‘levelling up’ agenda There are times when it is and so on. These are all nature places upon us. And Green jobs should be at the • Renewable power zero greenhouse gas emissions necessary to go all the way renewable commodities, yes, many of those desires heart of the COVID -19 generation, distribution and by 2050. back to our starting point in that is, even as we do face are no more than emotion recovery, to ensure long-term storage “These investments are order to evaluate a claim. limits on how much we can or ego derived. growth, according to a new • Electric vehicle production complementary to each other Sometimes, the base truths have at any one time. But that’s the entire point report from the London School and charging infrastructure since they are likely to create get obscured by the However, sustainability of the game itself. It’s also of Economics and Political • Carbon capture, use and near-term employment complexity we add to our has now taken on a further how an economist defines Science (LSE). storage, and blue and green opportunities across a number thinking and so we need to hue. Which is that we getting richer. If people Investing in jobs that will hydrogen production of regions, supporting a stop a moment, think back should just reduce our have more of what they help the UK meet its net-zero The research highlights the UK-wide recovery from COVID to the root idea, and judge consumption just because want, then they’re richer. carbon emissions target for longer-term employment and -19 and helping to prevent according to principles, not we should reduce our Money is only used so that 2050 will help to deliver the growth benefits to green places from being left behind.” just as the latest version of consumption. Nusrat Zahan we can keep count, the government’s ‘levelling-up’ investments, as global demand Anna Valero, ESRC received ideas. tells us in this newspaper economist isn’t even agenda, by creating work for cleaner and more Innovation Fellow at the Centre So it is with that “consumption of insisting that those desires across the country in the near environmentally-friendly for Economic Performance and sustainability. Yes, clothes is fuelled more by have to be personal nor term and setting the products and technologies is report co-author, said: obviously, we don’t want to the desire to satisfy their even material. If clear blue groundwork for sustainable set to increase rapidly. An area “Looking beyond the immediate consume now to the gross emotional and egotistical skies with the birdies and resilient longer-term where the UK already has crisis, the transition to a green detriment of the people who desire” and I agree entirely, tweeting is what you want, economic growth. notable strengths, such as in economy offers extraordinary come after us. Those who that is so. None of us needs you gain more clear blue The report – Jobs for a strong manufacturing parts for wind opportunities for sustainable, will be here in the future to have more than two skies and birdies, then and sustainable recovery from turbines, could be developed resilient and more inclusive are our children and outfits, each being plain you’re richer by the value COVID -19 – published today further. growth. With global demand for descendants and it’s very and simple. Our need is you yourself apply to having by LSE’s Centre for Economic The report recommends that cleaner and more human indeed to want merely to cover nakedness the better environment. Performance (CEP) and the efforts to create jobs in the environmentally-friendly better for them, not worse. to beat the elements, health Knowing that the Grantham Research Institute short-term should be products and technologies set So, as a basic concept care, meaning that we need Sundarbans still have tigers on Climate Change and the complemented by investments, to increase rapidly in the sustainable production and to have one to wear while is something of value to Environment – outlines how policies and incentives for coming decades, countries that consumption is obvious. the other is washed. many - that’s being richer, tens of thousands of jobs could building innovation and skills take early action to develop This does though get But that’s not the point, knowing that he’s still be created through green to meet these longer-term green innovation and confused in our modern not the point at all. Our burning bright out there in initiatives. challenges. production capabilities are discussions. whole enterprise in having the forest. Given the direct The authors set out six key Report co-author Sam likely to reap significant growth For example, we are told an economy at all is that we benefit to be derived from areas, where government Unsworth, policy analyst at the benefits. that making a t-shirt uses human beings gain more of the big cats being out there investment could create jobs Grantham Research Institute, “The UK’s future economic, water. OK, so, and? It’s just what we desire rather than we cannot describe this as and advance the fight against said: “There is an urgent and social and environmental that this is given to us as a being able to have only anything other than an climate change: immediate demand for labour- prosperity will be shaped in statement, as if we’ll all what we need. We can live, emotional desire now, can • Energy efficiency in intensive and hence job- large part by how it deals with, then agree that this is a bad and many of our forebears we? buildings creating investments that will and recovers from, the impact idea - the use of water. Yet, did, on little but rice and That economic production • Natural address large-scale of COVID -19. Our work as we all know water the occasional piece of fish. sates the desires of human capital projects unemployment triggered by the highlights the opportunity for doesn’t get destroyed. It We can - many of our emotions and egos isn’t • Active travel COVID -19 crisis. The job- the UK to ‘build back better’ arrives for free from the forebears did - live in a some failure of the system equipment and creating investments we from the crisis.” skies and we have an eons rough hut. Life is entirely nor an error to be corrected, infrastructure, set out in our report (LSE) extant recycling system for possible with no more it’s the very point of the such as bicycles are key to it, oceans, evaporation, and clothing than a couple of exercise in the first place. and cycle lanes meeting net- clouds being the major cotton shirts, and didn’t our This is as true of the third constituents of it. Anyone in forebears lust for more than and 30th t-shirt in the Bangladesh can go stand on that? cupboard as it is anything a riverbank in the monsoon Our whole enterprise is to else that any one of us and see billions of tonnes of observe that while human desires. Having more of water off to join that needs are rather small - no what we want makes us recycling system too. That one actually needs richer, the economy exists we use a bit of it before it education for example, nor simply and only to produce gets so recycled is not a holiday, or travel, movies more of that rich panoply of obviously a problem. or even coffee - human the things we do want. To Sure, there are times and desires are infinite. The complain about it doing so places when we’ve a resources available to sate does seem to be rather shortage but not to the those desires are limited at missing the aim of the point that a general any one time, scarce in the enterprise itself. restriction upon the jargon. Economic advance Tim Worstall is a Senior consumption of water needs is the learning and Fellow at the Adam Smith to be put in place. The same application to life of Institute in London. b14 Ceylon ft tuesday 20 october 2020 news Arpico Finance reaffirms To promote e-commerce and digital payments in Sri Lanka its merger with AMF Mastercard partners Daraz Mastercard and Darazrecently announced the objectives of the regulatory the formation of an alliance authorities. to encourage and reward The merger is also expected to the use of e-commerce enhance value through platforms and digital consolidating and payments in Sri Lanka. The administrating the operational partnership is part of their infrastructures more efficiently efforts to support the Sri while adding more value to all Lankan Government’s stakeholders, enabling the plans to expand the merged entity to emerge as a adoption of digital considerable force in the transactions in the finance sector of Sri Lanka. country. AMF acquired 94pct of shares The first stage of the The picture shows (From left) Heshan Perera, Head of Marketing; AFC CEO Chandrin Fernando (L) and AMF CEO T.M.A. Sallay (R) in AFC in October 2014. Both partnership will see Dulika Jayamanne, Head of Partnerships; Muditha Premarathne, companies are regarded as two shoppers being entitled to Chief Commercial Officer and Rakhil Fernando, Managing Director With an ambitious drive to be 69 years. of the oldest finance companies additional discounts and of Daraz with Rajesh Mani, Country Manager - Sri Lanka & Maldives; Sandun Hapugoda, Head – Digital Payments and one of the successful finance Despite the transaction in the country, achieving a privileges on Daraz when Sheranga Perera, Senior Specialist – Account Management of companies in the country, the making little market overlap consistent growth in a highly paying with their Mastercard at the agreement signing ceremony merger between Arpico Finance sense on the surface, it certainly challenging and turbulent Mastercard credit or debit Company PLC (AFC) and hints at future strategic plans environment. AFC continues to cards issued in Sri Lanka. Associated Motor Finance that will open doors to build one rank as one of the leading The second stage will see rewards points, exclusive cardholders will have an Company PLC (AMF) does not strong entity which will be safer licensed finance companies with the issuance of co-branded flagship device unveiling opportunity to avail come entirely as a surprise. This for its depositors. It will also the longest history in Sri Lanka cards which will earn and free shipping. themselves of benefits, will further strengthen the safety provide a pathway to enhance with AMF following closely, shoppers several exciting With this partnership, a while new and exciting and trust of customers which and strengthen its current claiming fourth position. benefits such as year- previously untapped FinTech products are also was unblemished during the last capital position, complying with round discounts on Daraz, segment of debit expected to be launched.

Ceylinco Life launches 20th ‘Pranama’ Scholarships Programme Fairfirst Insurance awarded ‘Best Online Insurance Ceylinco Life has accepting applications. CEO Thushara Company in Sri Lanka’ announced it will award Launched as a rewards Ranasinghe said: “These more than Rs 11 million scheme to benefit are challenging times for Fairfirst Insurance Limited recently awarded the to another 160 brilliant Ceylinco Life businesses, but we are ‘Best Online Insurance Company in Sri Lanka’ at young minds with the policyholder’s children, determined to continue the Global Banking and Finance Awards 2020. launch of the 20th edition the Pranama scheme has investing in the future Fairfirst also achieved the distinction of being the of the Company’s to date disbursed a total generations of our only Sri Lankan company to be listed in the ‘2020 ‘Pranama’ Scholarships of Rs 155 million and country through the Top Insurance Workplaces in Asia-Pacific’ by programme which will benefitted 2,725 Pranama scholarships. Insurance Business Asia. culminate in May 2021. students. Completing the Keeping the programme This is yet another global recognition for The collection of second decade of going for 20 years is a Fairfirst in Sri Lanka and comes on the heels of applications from recognising and measure of our the ‘Most Innovative’ award across the Fairfax students eligible under encouraging young talent, commitment and we are Group of Companies located around the globe four categories is now the life insurance leader deeply heartened to be while also being featured as one of the youngest open and will continue will take this total to able to play a role in brands in the ‘Top 100 Brands Directory in Sri until 15th January 2021, Rs 166 million and the encouraging the pursuit Lanka 2020’. considering the delays in beneficiary numbers to of excellence among Fairfirst’s commitment in ensuring the most examinations due to the 2,885 with this round of children who will grow up innovative insurance solutions for its customers COVID-19 pandemic, the scholarships. to be leaders in their has recognised them as one of the pioneers of Company said. All Commenting on the chosen fields and become Contactless Insurance as they redefine the A student receives a Pranama scholarship from Ceylinco Ceylinco Life branches Life Chairman R. Renganathan programme, Ceylinco Life assets to our country.” customer journey from purchasing an insurance islandwide are now Managing Director and policy, making a claim to renewing the policy. sports tuesday 20 october 2020 A15 Slaza, Zahira’s shining star PLAYER PROFILE Mohammed Imtiaz Slaza of Zahira College Fared this Season Batting Bowling 2017/2018 season as a fresher. He Colombo showed his all-round capabilities in scored over 200 runs and captured Name: Mohammed Imitiaz Slaza the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under-19 Division One St. Joseph’s Colombo 25 & 23 3/40 & 0/4 35 wickets in that season. He School: Zahira College, Colombo Inter Schools Cricket (Two-day) tournament St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa 00 & 11 2/20 & 2/17 scored 677 runs with a 100 and conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Ananda Colombo 10 & 35 2/80 four 50s and claimed 92 wickets Born on: 07.09.2000 Association in the 2019/20 season. with eight 5-wicket hauls as an all- Batting Style: RHB A third year coloursman, Slaza scored 627 St. Anthony’s Wattala 01 6/38 & 2/64 rounder the following season. He Bowling Style: RAOS runs with four half centuries at an average of Richmond Galle 05 & 41 1/36 & 2/59 was the runner-up best school all- 26.13. He also claimed 83 wickets for 1249 rounder in the 2018/19 season. He M I NO Runs Ave 100’s 50’s runs in 15 matches with five 5-wicket hauls at Dharmaraja Kandy 07 6/52 & 0/10 was included in the 30-member Sri an average of 15.05. Lanka Under-19 squad for the last 15 27 03 627 26.13 - 04 Wesley Colombo 19 & 20 5/56 & 3/54 Slaza commenced his cricket career at St. Mahanama Colombo 64 2/90 & 4/21 youth World cup. Highest Score: 67 against St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa Mary’s College Hambantota under Mohammed He joined Moors SC to play first Akram. Later he attended the Asian Cricket Trinity Kandy 12 & 05 4/104 class cricket after the school season 50’s: 04 (Mahanama Colombo 64, Academy under Safraz Farook. Slaza joined St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa 67 & 03 4/70 & 3/55 and represented the club in the SLC St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa 67, Zahira Colombo at Under-13 level and Major Youth Inter Club Cricket St. Thomas Matara 58*, St. Benedict’s Colombo 50*) represented the team as a right-hand middle St. Thomas Matara 17 & 58* 2/61 tournament in 2020. order batsman and right arm medium pace Lumbini Colombo 27 & 25* 1/37 & 3/27 He thanks the present principal W R Ave BBI BBM 5W’s 10W’s bowler in 2012. Safraz Farook turned him into Trizviy Marikkar, Milhan Lafir the 83 1249 15.05 6/8 10/64 05 01 an opening batsman and right arm off spinner Moratu Vidyalaya 24 & 32 3/48 & 6/59 Chairman, Fauzul Hameed, BBI: 6/8 vs Kingswood Kandy in 2013. He scored more than 250 runs with Kingswood Kandy 07 6/08 & 4/56 Governor of the Board. two fifties and claimed 27 wickets. St. Benedict’s Colombo 41 & 50* 4/57 & 3/46 School coaches Safraz Farook, BBM: 10/64 vs Kingswood Kandy He represented the Under-15 team in 2014 Mohammed Hameen (from Under- 10W’s: 01 (Kingswood Kandy 10/64) and 2015. He scored more than 200 runs with 13 to 19) and Mr. Lal, Masters-in- a 50 and claimed 14 wickets in 2014. He He represented the Under-17 team in 2016 charge Pradeep Nishantha and Sanjaya 5W’s: 05 (vs St. Anthony’s Wattala 6/38, Dharmaraja captured 23 wickets in 2015. He represented and 2017. He scored more than 200 runs and Dissanayake, District coaches, Provincial Kandy 6/52, Wesley Colombo 5/56, Moratu Vidyalaya 6/59, the Colombo District and Western Province claimed 21 wickets in 2016. He improved in coaches and Sri Lanka Cricket Kingswood Kandy 6/8) teams at the Prima Champions Cup Inter 2017 and scored 520 runs and captured 38 coaches, College OBA, College past cricketers Best all-round performance: St. Benedict’s 41 & 50*, 4/57 & 3/46 District and Inter Province Tournaments in wickets. association, students, his parents, his team 2014 and 2015. He represented the first XI team in the mates and their parents.

Villa’s Barkley sinks Leicester Replacement for injured Van Dijk

A superb stoppage-time Liverpool must sign goal from Ross Barkley gave Aston Villa a 1-0 victory at Leicester City in a scrappy defender: Carragher contest on Sunday that stretched the visitors’ perfect Liverpool centre back Virgil van Premier League start to four Dijk’s lengthy absence through a wins. knee injury has opened up the The result left Villa second Premier League title race, and the on 12 points with a game in champions must look to sign a hand over leaders Everton replacement in the January who have 13. Third-placed transfer window, former defender Liverpool have 10 from five Jamie Carragher said. and Leicester in fourth are Dutchman Van Dijk will have on nine after suffering their surgery for damaged ligaments second successive home sustained in Saturday’s defeat. Merseyside derby draw against Barkley, who is on loan at Everton after a challenge by Villa from Chelsea, snatched goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. the winner out of the blue at “The big question you’re the King Power Stadium looking at now is, can Liverpool with a stinging low shot from win the league without Van Dijk 25 metres which left Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their first goal there? I think it blows the title Leicester goalkeeper Kasper race wide open,” Carragher told Schmeichel clutching thin said I would end up scoring 51st minute when central “It was touch and go Sky Sports. air, as the ball bounced in the goal and I did, so I defender Ezri Konsa headed whether he started today. “I still felt at the start of this front of him. dedicated the goal to him. inches wide. He had a knock to the knee season Liverpool were the team to The England midfielder, “The manager has given When the match but a great goal and a real beat. With Van Dijk out for what who also scored on his Villa me the platform to play and appeared to be heading for battling performance by the looks like the whole season, it’s debut in a 7-2 home I am excited and looking a goalless stalemate, whole team. going to be all on for Liverpool. (Joel) Matip and (Joe) Gomez are drubbing of Liverpool in the forward to every game.” Barkley stepped up to make “We are just looking at “Liverpool have to go into the struggling, but beyond that, previous round of matches, A drab first half produced sure Villa stayed the only the next game. We will market in January and not just there’s not much there,” Murphy was delighted as they one chance at each end, Premier League team with a savour what we are doing at because of Van Dijk’s injury. told the BBC. “They’ve got to get started the season with four with Villa keeper Emiliano perfect record this season the moment and look They were weak in that area through to January without him wins for the first time since Martinez denying Leicester after they narrowly avoided forward to the Leeds game.” anyway. They lost (Dejan) Lovren (Van Dijk).” 1930. right back Timothy relegation last term. Results before the start of the season, Van Dijk said in a statement “An important win today Castagne, before Egyptian Villa manager Dean Sheffield United vs while others in those positions that he was hoping to make a as they were on top and we forward Trezeguet fired Smith heaped praise on Fulham 1-1 are injury prone.” quick return. started slow, but we wide after a flowing move by Barkley. Crystal Palace vs Former Liverpool midfielder “In football and in life, I believe improved and at the end the visitors. “We have seen Ross Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Danny Murphy described Van everything happens for a reason deserved it,” he told Villa, who were on the Barkley do that enough Tottenham Hotspur vs Dijk as the best centre back in and it’s important to try and keep Sky Sports. back foot in the opening times for Everton and West Ham United 3-3 the world and said that Liverpool level-headed whether going “I was 50/50 in the week half, came forward with Chelsea, so we are pleased Leicester City vs Aston would be more vulnerable through the highs or the lows,” and (our physio) did a really more purpose after the he did it for us today,” Villa 0-1 without him. he said. good job getting me right. He break and went close in the Smith told BBC. (Reuters) “Fabinho can drop in there if (Reuters)

National T20 Cup Punjab beat Mumbai Malik, Afridi seal title for in IPL thriller Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khyber Pakhtunkhwa edged out Southern Punjab by ten runs in the final to lift the National T20 Cup. Put in to bat first, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s openers Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan put up a 76-run partnership, with Zaman’s 40-ball 67 leading the way. When Rizwan fell, Mohammad Hafeez (38 off 26) took over and helped set up an ideal platform for the death overs, where Shoaib Malik rolled back the years and smashed the start, with Shaheen Afridi getting Usman Shinwari removed Shah. fastest 50 of his T20 career, off rid of Shan Masood early. It A remarkable diving catch on the just 20 balls, to take the side past wasn’t the only damage the boundary by Malik sent Talat 200. tournament’s leading wicket- back. He had smashed a spirited In the end, it might have been a taker inflicted; he removed 33-ball 63, but it wasn’t enough, scoreline that read slightly Sohaib Maqsood off the next with Southern Punjab needing a Two Super Overs were before fellow Indian quick Punjab before Agarwal harshly on Aamer Yamin, Zahid delivery to deal a huge blow to further 76 from 34 balls when he needed for the first time in Mohammed Shami held wrapped up the victory with Mahmood and Mohammad Southern Punjab’s chances. departed. That was never a Indian Premier League Mumbai to the same total, back-to-back boundaries. Imran, who took a wicket each Zeeshan Ashraf’s 16 off 19 came realistic prospect, with the asking history as Kings XI Punjab taking the match into a “This is sport. It can get but created plenty of chances, to an end when he offered a rate always just out of reach, and overcame Mumbai Indians second Super Over. hard, but you definitely and it was only sloppiness in the regulation catch to extra cover off Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wrapped in a thrilling contest in Mumbai returned to score can’t do without it,” said field that cost Southern Punjab. Wahab Riaz, who snared him off up a deserved win with relative Dubai on Sunday. 11 on the second attempt, Indian batsman Agarwal. “It Shan Masood’s side put down no his second ball of the over. With ease in the end. The teams could not be with a superb piece of is amazing to be part of this fewer than five catches - three Southern Punjab 34 for 3 in 5.2 Scores separated after 20 overs fielding from Punjab’s game, which will go down in benefitted Mohammad Hafeez overs, Hussain Talat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 206/4 each, with Punjab all- Mayank Agarwal on the history.” alone. It was generosity they Khushdil Shah were left with (Zaman 67, Malik 56*; Mahmood rounder Chris Jordan run boundary rope denying Mumbai Indians : 176 for could ill-afford to extend to a side what seemed like an 1-32) out trying to get back for two Mumbai’s Kieron Pollard a 6 (de Kock 53, Pollard 34*, as good as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, insurmountable task. Southern Punjab: 196/8 from the final ball. six from the last delivery. Krunal 34; Shami 2-30) and if they were to win the title, Both shared a fighting stand to (Talat 63, Imran 38*; Afridi 3-36, Paceman Jasprit Bumrah West Indies batsman Kings XI Punjab : 176 for they’d have to chase 207. keep the chase alive and put up Riaz 3-36) restricted Punjab to just five Chris Gayle then smashed a 6 (Rahul 77; Bumrah 3-24) They didn’t get off to the best 74 for the fourth wicket before (Agencies) in the first Super Over six off the first ball for (Reuters) A16 tuesday 20 october 2020 sports

Lanka Premier League Chris Gayle to play for Kandy Colombo bags Russell

T20 Stallion Chris November to 13 December Paul Sterling, Lahiru Gayle, all-rounder Andre at two venues—Pallekele Madushanka, Upul Russel, former South International Cricket Tharanga, Angelo Perera Africa skipper Faf du Stadium in Kandy and Galle Gladiators: Lasith Plessis and 2016 T20 Mahinda Rajapaksa Malinga, Shahid Afridi, World Cup star Carlos International Cricket Colin Ingram, Brathwaite were among Stadium in Hambantota. Hazrathullah Zazai, the high-profile picks for The five franchise teams Mohammad Amir, the Lanka Premier League will compete in 23 Danushka Gunathilaka, player draft, which was matches over a 15-day Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Akila conducted online period for the title. Dananjaya, Milinda yesterday. Along with all key Siriwardana, Sarfaraz Each of the five teams current international Ahmed, Azam Khan, selected players after players from Sri Lanka, 75 Lakshan Sandakan, several rounds of intensive foreign players will be Shehan Jayasooriya, scrutiny, which included picked by the five Asitha Fernando some uncapped Indian franchises. Jaffna Stallions: players, which will be the Teams (After 14 Thisara Perera, David first time these Indian rounds) Malan, Wanidu Hasaranga players are set to play in Colombo Kings: Angelo de Silva, Shoaib Malik, an overseas franchise Mathews, Andre Russell, Usman Shinwari, Avishka based T20 league. Faf Du Plessis, Manpreeth Fernando, Dhananjaya de Angelo Mathews Singh Cony, Manvinder Silva, Suranga Lakmal, (Colombo Kings), Lasith Bisla, Isuru Udana, Binura Fernando, Asif Ali, Mallinga (Galle Dinesh Chandimal, Amila Minod Bhanuka, Gladiators), Thisara Aponso, Ravinderpal Chathuranga de Silva Perera (Jaffna Stallions), Singh, Dushmantha Kandy Tuskers: Kusal Dasun Shanaka Chameera, Jeffrey Janith Perera, Chris (Dambulla Hawks) and Vandersay Gayle, Liam Plunkett, Kusal Janith Perera Dambulla Hawks: Wahab Riaz, Kusal (Kandy Tuskers) will be Dasun Shanaka, David Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, the icon players for the Miller, Carlos Brathwaite, Seekkuge Prasanna, Asela five teams. Samith Patel, Niroshan Gunarathne, Naveenul The Lanka Premier Dickwella, Lahiru Haq, Kamindu Mendis, League is scheduled to be Kumara, Oshada Dilruwan Perera, Priyamal conducted from 21 Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Perera Andre Russel Chris Gayle Carlos Brathwaite

Murali requests Indian actor Masuri, ‘Official Cricket Sethupathi to withdraw Helmet Partner of SLC’ Former Sri Lanka spin statements made by him. bowling legend Muttiah As many in India have called The UK based Masuri Group Limited This is the third successive term Masuri National cricketers will use Masuri Muralitharan has called on on Sethupathi to step down joined in as the ‘Official Cricket Helmet has entered into a partnership with SLC. helmets when representing the country at Indian actor Vijay Sethupathi from the movie, Muralitharan Partner of Sri Lanka Cricket’ effective “We are extremely happy to continue our international matches. to withdraw from the ‘800’ citing the impact these 31 August 2020, stated SLC in a press partnership with Masuri as our ’Official “We are delighted to extend our movie. wrongful allegations could have release. Under the multi-year agreement, Cricket Helmet Partner,’ and the firm’s partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket into a The letter sent by on Vijay Sethupathi’s career in Masuri, will provide SLC with ‘Helmets and continuity with us shows the level of third term, which is testament to the Muralitharan has been shared the future, also requested the StemGuards’ to be used by the National confidence they have in our cricketing fantastic relationship we have. Masuri are by Sethupathi on Twitter, actor to step down. Men’s and Women’s team, ‘A’ Team and brand,’ said CEO Ashley de Silva. “During proud to be Sri Lanka Cricket’s first choice under the caption ‘Nandri, ‘800’ was a movie slated to be the Under-19 team. its previous stints with Sri Lanka Cricket, when it comes to protecting their players, Vanakkam’. released on former Sri Lanka Honorary Secretary of SLC Mohan de Masuri has exceeded our expectations in and we are committed to ensuring we In the letter, Muralitharan legend Muttiah Muralitharan’s Silva and Managing Director of Masuri terms of service delivery,’’ de Silva further continue to provide only the very best cites the wrongful allegations cricket journey. Group Limited Sam Miller, signed the said. product and service in this regard,’’ said raised concerning certain (NewsWire) agreement on behalf of the two parties. During the period of the agreement Sam Miller talking about the partnership. SLT and Mobitel sponsor Dilantha Continuing its support in competing in the nurturing local talent to Lamborghini Super Trofeo spark internationally, the 2020 and secured second SLT group is proud to be place in the second race of with Dilantha the event in his Malagamuwa, Sri Lanka’s Lamborghini for team automotive racing legend, Dilango Racing. for the Lamborghini Super Dilantha is a GT3 Asia Trofeo 2020 Championship, Champion and a Triple said SLT in a press release. Malaysia Super Car GT Dilantha has been an Champion, and created iconic figure in the history as the first Sri motoring industry, Lankan racing driver to win representing Sri Lanka in an International Motor international racing events. Racing Championship. Dilantha’s love and passion Dilantha became the first for the country and his non-Japanese Asian driver fellow citizens, as well as to compete in Formula his diligence and courage, Nippon and Japan GT500 have surpassed all pit and GT300, winning the N1 stops, enabling him to Championship in Japan in achieve great success. Over 1995 and winning the the years, Dilantha has Tokachi 24 hours race shaped the local motoring thrice. Dilantha has also industry with his expertise participated in several and has inspired thousands 24-hour endurance races Dhananjaya de Silva of youngsters to unlock around the Globe, including their fullest potential. USA and Dubai, and undergoes surgery “As the National finishing second overall in Telecommunication the Bathurst race in Sri Lanka Cricketer Dhananjaya de Silva successfully underwent a provider, we feel privileged international motoring the very best to the champ Australia. minor surgery on his wrist on Sunday (18) and honoured to partner world. on behalf of Sri Lanka and Dilantha has over 150 Dhananjaya had a minor injury since last year, but continued to with Dilantha As he embarks on a new fellow citizens,” said SLT in Podium finishes in play all three formats for Sri Lanka. With all Sri Lankan tours getting Malagamuwa, who has journey to bring glory to the a statement. International races and postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic the batsman underwent taken Sri Lanka to the Island Nation, we wish all Dilantha is currently over 200 in local races. surgery on Sunday.

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