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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 20,309,019 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,875 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,253,766 166,274 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 740,194 BRAZIL 3,057,470 101,857 INDIA 2,287,511 45,550 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 897,599 15,131 11 2,622 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 13,228,557 S. AFRICA 563,598 10,621 THE ABOVE STATISTICS242 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 4.30 P.M. ON 11 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

ALLEGED DEATH OF UNDERWORLD LEADER A FRESH START DNA samples to India BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA the identity of notorious underworld z Probe continues kingpin Lasantha Perera alias “Angoda to identify DNA samples have been collected Lokka”, who is alleged to have died and will be sent to India this week in India, The Morning learnt. Angoda Lokka by the Police to confirm Contd. on page 2

DEATH ROW MP ELECTED TO PARLIAMENT Court approval required to attend sessions BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA must first make a request He went on to say that it would from Parliament as well as the be up to the court on how the Convicted Parliamentarian judiciary. Parliamentarian is allowed to attend. could attend parliamentary sessions only upon court “He must first make a request “Whether he’s given bail or approval, The Morning reliably learnt. from us as well as from the otherwise will depend on the courts. Upon approval, he will be court, which will in turn decide if Parliament Deputy Secretary Neil Iddawela said that the allowed to attend parliamentary he is escorted by an armed guard General and Chief of Staff incarcerated Parliamentarian sittings.” as done with those in prison.” NATIONAL LIST

Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the 13 Prime Minister of Sri Lanka yesterday (11) at in the presence of family, party members, the clergy, and well-wishers UNP still undecided PHOTO LALITH PERERA The final decision of the United National hopeful of taking a decision within the Party (UNP) National List member is to next few days. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DECLARATION be taken either today (12) or on Friday Earlier, it was speculated that UNP ADVERSE WEATHER (14), UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Legal Secretary Nissanka Nanayakkara Elected MPs given Kariyawasam said yesterday (11). will be appointed to Parliament through Over 10,000 He told The Morning that a decision the solitary National List allocation. 20 Aug. deadline had not been made as yet and he was Contd. on page 2 All newly elected parliamentarians had till the first sitting of the new Parliament to declare people affected NPP proposes their assets. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) Three parties Elections Commissioner General Saman states that 10,359 people belonging to 2,716 Dr. Harini Sri Ratnayake told The Morning that it was a families in 11 districts have been affected Prof. Dhammika gazetted prerequisite to entering Parliament. by adverse weather-related disasters “They have to declare their assets by the first since 4 August due to the activation of The Election Commission (EC) has Amarasuriya sitting of Parliament, according to the law.” the southwest monsoon. Ganganath published the extraordinary gazette The National People's Contd. on page 2 Disasters have been reported from the notification containing the names of 19 Power (NPP) is yet to finalise Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, , Kalutara, no more Members of Parliament (MPs), who were the Member of Parliament Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Ratnapura, Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan selected for National List seats at the 2020 they will appoint from the Kegalle, Kurunegala, and Puttalam Districts. Prof. Dammika Ganganath Dissanayake general election. single national seat that Contd. on page 2 passed away yesterday (11) while receiving Contd. on page 2 is allotted to them, The treatment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama. Morning reliably learnt. DEMOLITION OF KING’S COURT Contd. on page 2 EC withholds Contd. on page 2 Kurunegala Mayor Malaka Silva OPPP nominee TNA dispute The Election Commission challenges arrest warrant (EC) has decided not to gazette resolved Mayor of Kurunegala Thushara on the Kurunegala Mayor, the arrested a name from the Our People's The disputed National List seat of the Sanjeewa Witharana has filed a Municipal Commissioner, Engineer, Former MP Mervin Silva's son Malaka Power Party (OPPP) until a (TNA) was finally writ application before the Court of and two others in the case Silva was arrested yesterday (11), The thorough study is being resolved with the name of T. Kalai Arasan Appeal requesting the suspension filed over demolishing Buwaneka Morning learnt. done to evaluate the from the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi of the arrest warrant issued on Hotel, a building of He was arrested by the Thalangama legality of the current (ITAK) being gazetted by the Election him by the Kurunegala Magistrate’s historical value in Police for demanding cash and threatening situation. Commission (EC). Court. Kurunegala. another person with death, the Police Media Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 The Kurunegala Magistrate on Contd. on Mahinda Deshapriya Division stated. 6 August issued arrest warrants page 2 REPATRIATION OF SRI LANKAN MIGRANT WORKERS ONLINE REGISTRATION OF MPS 20 MPs including 50,000 more PM register Roughly 20 parliamentarians have registered via the newly set up online portal expected to return for registration, The Morning learnt. Parliament Deputy Secretary General BY SARAH HANNAN for Foreign Relations Additional many countries have projected, forcing and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawela said that Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage many of these migrant workers out of as at 4.30 p.m. last evening (11), over 20 A total of 19,000 Sri Lankan migrant noted: “As of today (yesterday), we their work.” MPs had registered. workers have already been repatriated, have repatriated Sri Lankan migrant The repatriation process was “More than 20 new MPs have registered and another 50,000 more are expected workers from 93 countries, with over temporarily halted with the country by 4.30 this (last) evening including Prime to return to Sri Lanka under the 50,000 more registered to return to preparing for the general election on 30 Prime Minister Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Iddawela said. repatriation programme carried out the country given the present global July and recommenced after a week’s registering via the newly set up portal Contd. on page 2 by the Government of Sri Lanka. health emergency caused by Covid-19 lapse on 8 August. Speaking to The Morning, President and the looming financial crisis that Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Contd. from page 1 US assists disaster confirm the death have already been sent to (PLOTE) said that neither Kalai Arasan 50,000 more... India’s Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation nor Senathirajah had been consulted on Admiral Colombage, when inquired Department (CB-CID) though the Indian the proposal. whether there were any restrictions for High Commission in Colombo. TELO Leader management specific countries in repatriating Sri Lankans He told The Morning that necessary steps said that TNA Leader R. Sampanthan had who were stranded due to the loss of their are being taken on a diplomatic level through not held any discussions regarding which The US Government, through the US Agency for authorities in developing jobs, refuted the speculations, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm member would be appointed through the International Development (USAID), awarded $ national-level contingency the Government of Sri Lanka will continue the death, and that all the related information National List. 1.5 million to the Sarvodaya Shramadana plans, leading disaster to operate flights and make necessary that can be provided from Sri Lanka has Meanwhile, PLOTE Leader Dharmalingam Movement to support local community response simulations, and arrangements to bring back all who are already been provided through the Indian Siddharthan said that the three main parties leaders in developing emergency response improving communications, registered to return. High Commission. of the TNA should come together and discuss and mitigation strategies in disaster-prone co-ordination, and However, the exact completion date of the According to him, so far no official such an important decision. areas across Sri Lanka. The new funding will information management. repatriation process has not been decided confirmation has been received that Lasantha PLOTE was of the view that Senathirajah strengthen community resilience and improve In June 2020, the US due to logistical issues faced by Sri Lanka Perera alias should be the National List MP. co-ordination between local stakeholders and Government also provided as well as the countries looking to send the Angoda Lokka had died in India. – Sarah Hannan international relief agencies over two years. 160 rolls of plastic sheeting Sri Lankan workers back to Sri Lanka According to the Coimbatore Police, the and 2,400 water containers to individual alleged to be Angoda Lokka had “For more than three activities under the grant to the Sarvodaya Shramadana died under suspicious circumstances on 20 MPs... decades, the US Government the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement to enable Kurunegala... 3 July and three persons were arrested in As an upgrade to the overall system, and and the American people Movement will focus on emergency response ahead of The Attorney General (AG) had directed connection with his death. also as a coronavirus precautionary measure, have provided disaster community-led disaster the monsoon and inter- the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) As per India media reports, two women Parliament has set up an all-new digital assistance to Sri Lanka. mitigation activities, disaster monsoon seasons in Sri to obtain warrants from court to arrest the including a Sri Lankan national and a man registration platform for parliamentarians. Those initiatives saved management training, and Lanka. said individuals. from Erode – namely Sivagama Sundari (37), The digital system allows MPs to send lives, alleviated suffering, public awareness campaigns The US Government, Three days later, on 10 August, the arrest Dhyaneswaran (32) and Amani Dhanji (27) their personal details to Parliament via an and reduced the social on disaster risks. through USAID, has been warrants were re-issued by the Kurunegala – were arrested for forging identity papers online portal hosted on the official website and economic impact of The US Government also supporting the Government Magistrate as the Kurunegala Police failed for Angoda Lokka and cremating him. of the . disasters, and I am proud awarded $ 550,000 to the and the people of Sri Lanka to execute the warrants previously issued After Angoda Lokka allegedly died on – Skandha Gunasekara to say that the US remains UN World Food Programme for more than three decades for the arrests. 3 July, the three accused submitted forged committed to strengthening (WFP) recently to strengthen to prepare for, respond to, and The building in question, also known as papers in his name to facilitate his cremation. Sri Lanka’s disaster disaster management recover from humanitarian Buwaneka Hotel, dates back to the 13th Dhanji, the Sri Lankan national, was living Three parties... management capabilities over capacity in Sri Lanka. That crises. Century and is presumed to be the assembly with Angoda Lokka in the city. The document has listed 17 National List the coming years,” said US funding will support technical During the last five years hall used by the contemporary rulers. parliamentarians from Sri Lanka Podujana Ambassador to Sri Lanka assistance to government alone, it has invested more On 16 July, the Mayor of Kurunegala Peramuna (SLPP) and one each from Illankai Alaina B. Teplitz. Specific disaster management than $ 7 million. demolished the said building for a road Prof. Dhammika... Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and Ahila development project. He stated that the Prof. Dissanayake has served as the Ilankai Thamil Congress (AITC). Road Development Authority (RDA) gave Chairman of the Independent Television The gazetted names of the National List its approval for the demolition. Network (ITN) of Sri Lanka and an MPs of the above mentioned political parties The Department of Archaeology then Associate Professor of the University of are as follows: filed a complaint claiming that the building Sri Jayewardenepura. demolished by the Kurunegala Mayor is a He served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka SLPP 13th-Century King’s Court. Rupavahini Corporation (state television), Sri „ Prof. G.L. Pieris This site of archaeological value has been Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), „ Attorney-at-Law listed under the provisions of the Antiquities and Chairman of the LankaPuvath News „ Former CBSL Governor Ajith Ordinance No. 9 of 1940. Agency from 2002-2003. Nivard Cabraal A five-member committee was then He also held the post of Head of Mass „ President’s Counsel Mohomed Ali Sabry formed by the Secretary to the Ministry Communications and Sinhalese Unit of the „ President’s Counsel Demonstrations broke out in of Buddhasasana, Cultural, and Religious University of Sri Jayewardenepura from „ Retd. teaching instructor Manjula central Beirut following the blast Affairs, under the directives of Prime 2010-2013. Wijekoon Dissanayake Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to look into On 19 September 2015, he assumed „ Senior Prof. the incident. duties as the Ambassador Extraordinary „ Prof. In the meantime, AG Dappula de Livera, and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Japan. „ Activist Gevindu Kumaratunga Lebanese Govt. resigns on 23 July, obtained an order from the Prof. Dissanayake has authored a number „ Former MP Mohamed Mussammil Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court to protect and publications – including in the areas of „ Prof. prevent access to the demolished historical mass communication, contemporary Sinhala „ Eng. Yadamini Gunawardena amid fury over Beirut blast building site pending investigations. cinema, and political communication – as „ Dr. Suren Ragawan The Lebanese Prime Minister announced Government – formed in January with support The prevention order was issued against well as the popular publication series Pani „ Entrepreneur his Government’s resignation on Monday from the powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah group the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kurunegala, Walalu. „ Specialist Dr. Seetha Kumari Arambepola (10), saying a huge explosion that tore through and its allies – to stay as a caretaker until a new Municipal Councillors, Municipal In 1982, he obtained a BA (First Class) „ Former MP Ketagoda Gamage Beirut and caused public outrage was the result cabinet is formed. Commissioner, and Engineer – Municipal in Japanese Studies from the University Jayantha Perera of endemic corruption. Ahead of Diab’s announcement, Council Staff, and their representatives. of Sri Jayewardenepura. After completing „ Entrepreneur Mohamed Faleel Marjan While the move by Prime Minister Hassan demonstrations broke out for a third day in On 28 July, the Kurunegala Magistrate his Master’s in Mass Communications at Azmi Diab attempted to respond to popular anger central Beirut, with some protesters hurling ordered the Mayor of Kurunegala to hand over Tsukuba University in Japan in 1990, he about the 4 August blast, many Lebanese rocks at security forces guarding an entrance all documents pertaining to the demolished obtained his PhD from Tokai University, ITAK calling for a complete overhaul of the political leading to Parliament, who responded with building to the safe custody of the court. Japan in 1993. „ Thavaraja Kalai Arasan establishment will not be placated. tear gas. Furthermore, the Kurunegala Magistrate He was conferred the Hidoyoshi Mimisu In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean- has called for all the documents and minutes Award in 1999 by Japan, taking into account AITC Yves Le Drian urged the swift formation of Pressure of the City Development Committee from his outstanding services for mass media „ Selvarasa Gajenthiran a new government, saying people’s hopes for For many ordinary Lebanese, the explosion the Governor of the North Western Province. studies. He was also granted honorary awards reform and governance needed to be heard. was the last straw in a protracted crisis over from the University of Hakuo, Japan in The detonation at a port warehouse of what the collapse of the economy, corruption, waste, 1989, 1998, and 1990. He was awarded authorities said was more than 2,000 tonnes of and dysfunctional governance, and they have Over 10,000... the Mathshumaye Cultural Award from the UNP still... ammonium nitrate killed at least 163 people, taken to the streets demanding root-and-branch The highest number of victims is in the University of Tokai, Japan in 1993. The UNP that was voted into power for injured more than 6,000, and destroyed swathes change. Ratnapura District where 5,274 persons over four decades, failed to acquire any of the Mediterranean capital, compounding “The entire regime needs to change. It belonging to 1,396 families were affected. seats at this year’s polls. However, the party months of political and economic meltdown. will make no difference if there is a new The had 2,600 persons EC withholds... received one National List seat. “Today we follow the will of the people government,” Joe Haddad, a Beirut engineer, belonging to 662 families affected by adverse In a letter written to OPPP General Secretary Final results showed that the UNP received in their demand to hold accountable those told Reuters. “We need quick elections.” weather-related incidents. Ven. Vedhanigama Wimalatissa Thera, EC 249,435 votes – only 2.15% of the total responsible for the disaster that has been in The system of government requires Aoun to Fourteen people were injured due to heavy Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has stressed vote tally. hiding for seven years and their desire for real consult with parliamentary blocs on who should rain, winds, and tree falls. Thirty-four houses that the decision has been made by considering change,” Diab said in a speech announcing be the next prime minister, and he is obliged to were completely damaged while 2,577 the two nominations received for one National the resignation. The resignation plunged designate the candidate with the greatest level houses were partially damaged. Eighteen List seat obtained by the OPPP. NPP proposes... Lebanese politics deeper into turmoil and of support among parliamentarians. commercial properties had been partially Two names have been proposed for the “So far, it is only Dr. may further hamper already stalled talks with Forming a government amid factional rifts has damaged while four critical infrastructures National List portfolio, one by Wimalatissa that is nominated as a probable fit to enter the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a been daunting in the past. Now with growing sustained damage as well. Thera, of himself, as the Secretary of the Parliament through the National List, financial rescue plan. public discontent with the ruling elite over Three sluice gates of the Kotmale Gamini Party, and later, Saman Perera had been while several other names too have been The talks, launched in May, were put on hold the blast and a crushing financial crisis, it Dissanayake Reservoir were opened due nominated by Nishantha Ratnayake, the proposed. We will take a decision today due to inaction on reforms and a row between could be difficult to find a candidate willing to heavy rains, according to Engineer in new Secretary of the OPPP appointed on (12), after which we will inform the Election the Government, banks, and politicians over to be prime minister. After former Premier Charge of the reservoir R.M.S. Wathsala, 7 August by removing Wimalatissa Thera, Commission (EC) on the definitive choice the scale of vast financial losses. Saad Hariri stepped down in October 2019 who noted: “The sluice gates of the reservoir the letter stated. from us,” Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Diab said that corruption did not stop at Beirut amid anti-government protests over perceived were opened after two years. As the sluice politburo member K.D. Lalkantha told The Port but was “spread throughout the country’s corruption, it took over two months to form gates of the reservoir were opened, the road Morning. political and administrative landscape” under the Diab’s Government. was closed on Monday (10) as the riverside TNA dispute... Lalkantha, meanwhile, confirmed that protection of a “class controlling the fate” of the Diab said on Saturday (8) that he would footbridge was submerged.” The decision was confirmed when the as a member of the JVP, it was only Dr. country. President Michel Aoun asked Diab’s request early parliamentary elections. Two sluice gates of the Upper Kotmale National List Members of Parliament (MPs) Amarasuriya’s name that was proposed as the Reservoir opened automatically due to heavy of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), potential National List MP to be appointed rains that prevailed from Sunday (9) morning ITAK, and Ahila Ilankai Thamil Congress from the NPP, and the NPP Leadership Board through Monday (10) morning, causing the (AITC) were gazetted yesterday (11). had accepted the proposal. Cartoon of the day water levels in St. Clair and Devon Falls ITAK, being the main political party of However, the NPP and the JVP await to increase. the TNA, was accused of not seeking the the acceptance of the position by Dr. – Sarah Hannan views over the National List seat from the Amarasuriya, as she would need to consult other parties that make up the TNA. the university on how she could manage her The disagreement occurred after a attendance at parliamentary sessions and Elected MPs... consensus was reached to give the TNA’s continue her political journey whilst being He said that MPs could declare assets National List seat to the Ampara District. a lecturer at the university. with the Parliament Secretariat. However later on, the decision was changed “Should the university grant her leave to In addition, Ratnayake said that candidates and it was communicated that ITAK Leader continue her political career, she would not who were not elected to Parliament but had should be nominated have to resign from her academic position. still failed to make their asset declarations for the National List seat. But, should the university inform her that had till the 6th of next month. Last weekend, ITAK General Secretary K. she would have to resign as a lecturer, she “Candidates who contested but didn’t make Thurai Rajasingham announced that the post is to take a call on that and let us know her it to Parliament have three months to declare of National List MP for the ITAK would be decision,” Lalkantha explained. their assets. They have till 6 September.” given to Kalai Arasan, who contested and lost Dr. Amarasuriya is also a board member – Skandha Gunasekara the last election from the Ampara District. of the NPP Leadership Board, Lalkantha At the same time, another group in the confirmed. TNA announced that Senathirajah should be The NPP managed to secure one seat DNA samples... given the post. Senathirajah, who contested from the preferential votes following The Coimbatore City Police in India had from the Jaffna District during this general the general election that concluded on 5 recently confirmed the death of the Sri election, was defeated. Therefore, the August, during which JVP Leader Anura Lankan underworld kingpin, in the city TNA was adamant that he should be sent Kumara Dissanayake, contesting from where he was living in hiding for at least to Parliament through the National List. the Colombo District, managed to garner three years. However, the Liberation sufficient preferential votes to secure a seat Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne Organisation (TELO) and the People’s for the party. said the fingerprint records necessary to Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam – Sarah Hannan the morning Wednesday , August 12, 2020 3 business Ceylinco Life profits SLT Group’s operating decline in Covid-hit H1 The profit before tax of Ceylinco Life was recorded profit soars by 55% in at Rs. 3.5 billion in the first half of 2020, a decline of 6.7% over the first half of 2019, while its profit after tax reduced by 4.6% to Rs. H1 despite Covid 2.7 billion. “The second quarter of the year was a period of turbulence for most businesses worldwide as Ceylinco Life Chairman Ceylinco Life MD/CEO a result of the impacts of R. Renganathan Thushara Ranasinghe the Covid-19 pandemic, written premium (GWP) life fund to reach Rs. 100 and profit growth was and investments and other billion in Sri Lanka’s life predictably affected,” income contributed to insurance sector. Ceylinco Life Managing topline growth in the six Total assets of Ceylinco Director Thushara months ended 30 June Life grew by Rs. 24.6 Ranasinghe said. “We 2020, increasing by 13% billion or 18.5% since 31 expect the effects of the to Rs. 9.9 billion and by December 2019 to Rs. pandemic to continue 17.4% to Rs. 7.2 billion, 157.8 billion as at 30 June to exert pressure on the respectively, the company 2020, while the company’s company’s performance disclosed. investment portfolio in the quarters ahead, Ceylinco Life paid Rs. increased by Rs. 23.4 but remain confident 5.9 billion in net claims and billion or 20% over the six that Ceylinco Life has benefits to policyholders months to reach Rs. 140.3 the inherent financial in the period under review, billion at the end of the first strength and stability as an increase of 17.8% over half of the year. well as the managerial the first half of 2019; Ceylinco Life ended prowess to minimise transferred Rs. 4.4 billion 2019 on a strong note as the adverse impacts and to its Life Fund; and made well, with consolidated provide our policyholders a transfer of Rs. 1.95 billion income of Rs. 32.1 billion and shareholders the best to the shareholder fund, for the financial year, SLT Chairman Rohan Fernando SLT Group CEO Lalith Seneviratne SLT CEO Kiththi Perera SLT COO Priyantha Fernandez returns possible in the growing the latter by 9.2% reflecting topline growth conditions that prevail.” to Rs. 34.4 billion. of 9.9%. The company Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) Group released its one of the best corporates of CSR (corporate social The company reported The company’s Life reported gross written financial results for the first half of 2020 recording in Sri Lanka. The Covid- responsibility) activities gross income of Rs. 17.1 Fund achieved a milestone premium income of Rs. a remarkable 55% YoY (year-on-year) growth in its 19 pandemic has posed an including the donation of billion for the first half in the second quarter of 18.7 billion, retaining operating profits to Rs. 6.9 billion, amidst the many entirely new set and scale one million face masks of 2020, an improvement the year, surpassing Rs. its status as the market challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. of challenges to business under the theme ‘SMILE of 14.9% over the 100 billion to stand at Rs. leader for life insurance leadership, which most have WITHIN’ jointly with our corresponding period 101.6 billion as at 30 June in Sri Lanka for the 16th Group Profit Before Tax in order to align with the not experienced before. I mobile arm Mobitel and of last year. Both gross 2020, becoming the fastest consecutive year. (PBT) was recorded at Rs. global technological trends convey my gratitude to my ‘Manusath Derana’. Further, 5.7 billion, a 22% growth and fulfil changing customer management team and my as a response to the need of compared to the year before, demands. Forex losses of the staff for working together as the hour, with the prevailing while Profit After Tax (PAT) group amounted to Rs. 0.9 one close unit in proactively social distancing requirements CSE welcomes introduction was posted at Rs. 4.6 billion, billion from Rs. 15 million in managing the unprecedented of the country, SLT launched demonstrating a YoY increase the same period last year due challenges brought by the ‘AL Kuppiya’ and ‘e-Siphala’ of 31%. Growth in revenues to the depreciation of the Sri pandemic. online learning platforms to of State Minister for coupled with efficient cost Lankan rupee (LKR) against “We have provided an facilitate distance learning for management techniques the US dollar (USD), arising uninterrupted service to the students. Capital Markets pushed the PAT margin up to from the adverse impacts of the nation whilst offering “Furthermore, SLT 10.4% from 8.2% for the same the Covid-19 pandemic. Other relief packages and free partnered with Lanka Sathosa The Board of Directors Minister Mahinda to be enabled in order to period the year earlier. income of the group grew to data offerings to our valued Ltd. to create an online of the Colombo Stock Rajapaksa yesterday on drive an accelerated and Group revenue reached Rs. 0.5 billion, up 85% YoY, customers. I believe leading retail store and joined hands Exchange (CSE) yesterday receiving a convincing sustainable socioeconomic Rs. 44.1 billion during the which improved group profits. with empathy and a sense of with EPIC to launch the (11) commended the mandate at the recently development programme first six months of 2020, The group experienced a connection with employees, ‘Helaviru’ Digital Economic inclusion of Capital concluded general for Sri Lanka. demonstrating a moderate drop in customer collections business and community Centre online platform for Markets under the gazetted election. “The CSE strongly growth of 3.6% YoY, during the early stages of the partners, and customers is the first time in South Asia to responsibilities for state “The CSE welcomes believes that the capital primarily due to the relief pandemic emanating from the the root cause of our success. facilitate the trading activities ministers within the the decisive expression market in Sri Lanka packages and free data low disposable income levels It must also be stated that of agricultural and farm Ministry of Finance. of support for the new should play a pivotal offers to customers by SLT of customers. However, the we ensured the welfare and produce.” “…the CSE applauds Government by the role in facilitating together with its mobile arm effective collection strategies wellbeing of all our staff SLT Chief Operating the specific inclusion of Sri Lankan people capital formation for Mobitel (Pvt.) Ltd., to assist of the group improved members and their families Officer (COO) Priyantha Capital Markets under the and is confident of the commercial enterprises the customers during the collections in the later stages during the recent pandemic.” Fernandez added: “Though gazetted responsibilities establishment of a strong, and wealth generation pandemic. The unexpected of the pandemic, normalising Group Chief Executive the unanticipated challenges for state ministers within pro-growth socioeconomic for citizens, and looks delays in investment projects the cash flows from Officer (CEO) Lalith caused by the Covid-19 the Ministry of Finance policy framework by forward to working in owing to the pandemic too collections for the period. Seneviratne remarked: “In pandemic slowed down and looks forward to the new administration partnership with the adversely impacted the top Regulatory instructions to this challenging situation, it the deployment of (our) meaningful engagement which will strengthen the relevant ministries, the line. Nevertheless, the surge refrain from disconnecting the is imperative to concentrate accelerated Fibre Expansion on developing the nation’s investment climate in Sri Securities and Exchange in utilisation of Broadband, unpaid subscribers brought on health and safety measures Project to provide FTTH capital markets,” the CSE Lanka,” it said. Commission of Sri IPTV, and career business challenges in collecting the of our employees, customers, (Fibre-to-the-Home) said issuing a statement. The CSE said the Lanka, other government services in both the residential billed revenue. Managed and other core stakeholders connections under the It also congratulated mandate given to the agencies, and market and business sectors due profits coupled with healthy while maintaining resilience National Fiberisation the new Government led new Government will be intermediaries to actively to the work-from-home bill collections, limiting in our supply chain, workforce Programme to a certain extent, by President Gotabaya an opportunity for much support the Government’s arrangements and temporary capital expenditure to movements, and financial we are successfully continuing Rajapaksa and Prime needed policy reforms vision of development.” closure of many educational critical areas, and shifting to liquidity. with our journey to increase and business entities, lifted the deferred payment plans for “As a group operating the fibre footprints across the revenues of the group. procurement led to a positive in the telecommunications country in order to provide an Cost management measures cash and cash equivalents sector, we have made several ultra-speed experience to our reduced the operating balance of Rs. 6.5 billion initiatives with an eye valued customers. EFC to support labour costs before depreciation at the end of the reporting towards reaping synergies “SLT recently signed an and amortisation by 7% period. within the holding company agreement with the Sri Lanka YoY, raising the EBITDA During the first half of and subsidiaries in the long Ports Authority (SLPA) market reforms (earnings before interest, 2020, SLT Group paid out term, and absorbing contract to provide data and voice The Employers’ Government for the of urgently needed labour taxes, depreciation, and a total of Rs. 8.1 billion as workers in SLT Human solutions powered by fibre. Federation of Ceylon resounding mandate market reforms to boost amortisation) margin to 40.5% direct and indirect taxes and Capital Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. Furthermore, SLT introduced (EFC) has expressed received at the general employment generation from 33.4% in the year before. levies to the Government of (HCS) to the permanent cadre Microsoft Azure stack hub its support to the election. with a special focus EBITDA of the group stood Sri Lanka. of SLT is one such initiative, as the latest addition to the Government to carry out In a congratulatory press on increasing women at Rs. 17.8 billion, up 25% Group Chairman Rohan which strengthened the bond SLT Akaza cloud family, urgently needed labour statement, he extended the participation, human YoY. The interest expenses Fernando commented: “We between the staff and the which is implemented at the market reforms to boost EFC’s fullest support and capital development and finance costs rose to are pleased to announce our management.” state-of-the-art Tier III data employment generation. co-operation in pursuance including the Rs. 1.4 billion from Rs. 0.6 financial results for the first Holding Company CEO centre located at Pitipana, to EFC Director General of achieving national establishment of a future- billion as a result of increased half of 2020 which, yet again, Kiththi Perera stated: “SLT address the modern needs of Kanishka Weerasinghe objectives envisioned in ready skills base, and the borrowings to finance the proved the growing strength as a responsible corporate many enterprises across the congratulated the Prime “Vistas of Splendour”. promotion of inclusive growing capital expenditure of our organisation to be citizen is engaging in a variety country.” Minister and the new He made special note workplaces. Uber becomes first ridesharing company in SL with tuk rentals Uber yesterday (11) became the a personalised experience with use cases and different needs from Checklist, a mandatory mask policy first ridesharing company in Sri greater flexibility and convenience Uber, one of which is to book a for both riders and drivers; pre-trip Lanka to launch an on-demand in situations where they need to ride by the hour to help get all their mask verification selfies for drivers; 24x7 “tuk rentals” service which run many errands or make several errands done in one go. Our tuk and an updated cancellation policy will allow riders to book their stops without having to worry about service is extremely popular in the allowing both riders and drivers to favourite mode of transport – a tuk – booking multiple trips. The service city and we want to provide riders cancel trips if they don’t feel safe. and its driver for several hours with allows riders to do more by the hour added convenience and flexibility Additionally, Uber has invested the liberty of making multiple stops at an affordable price point of Rs. on their favourite mode. The safety Rs. 10 million for purchasing along a journey, just as they would 399 for a one hour/10 km package and wellbeing of everyone who cleaning supplies and protective with their own personal vehicle. with the option of selecting from uses Uber is always our priority equipment for drivers and delivery With tuks being the preferred multiple hourly packages that can and all rides will conform to health partners which includes masks, mode of transport for tens of be booked up to a maximum of guidelines along with providing the sanitisers, and disinfectants. Just thousands of Sri Lankans, Uber said eight hours,” Uber said. highest possible safety standards.” last month, Uber announced a it hopes to enhance rider experience Commenting on the new service, To maintain the highest standards partnership with Dettol to distribute by offering mobility solutions that Uber General Manager for Sri of safety and hygiene while disinfectants to drivers for sanitising fit the needs of citizens as they Lanka and South and East India travelling, Uber said it has launched cars and to display in-car education resume travel in the new normal. Subodh Sangwan said: “As our a comprehensive set of safety placards, with safety advisories for “Tuk rentals will provide riders cities reopen, many riders have new measures such as the Go Online riders and drivers. Uber Tuk Driver Sandya Kumari transporting passengers in Colombo the morning 4 Wednesday, August 12, 2020 brunch

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE It’s not yet post Covid, but we have settled into the new normal and artists are coming out of the woodworks to share their efforts. It’s likely that we can expect a considerable amount of Covid-inspired creations, and Dr. Udan Fernando’s new short film “A Covid Honeymoon” is one such inspired bit of work. “A Covid Honeymoon” chronicles the journey of a young Sri Lankan a film born out of a situation Webinar on couple who with their hard-saved $ 1,000, fly to Singapore for a two- week honeymoon, with little or no of overlapping crises ‘Growing Resilient idea about Covid-19; the outbreak spikes during their honeymoon and a lockdown gets imposed. We follow Businesses’ them as their two-week honeymoon In Sri Lanka, the micro, Sivadarsan elaborated becomes a two-month ordeal with no small, and medium-sized how his spice manufacturing flights to return and nowhere to stay enterprises (MSMEs) business withstood Covid-19 and with only $ 30 left in hand. consist of over one million challenges. He said: “During We spoke to Udan about the enterprises, providing the crisis, we had to face conceptualising of his short film and employment to 2.25 million a cash shortage. Buying he shared that the story came about people. With the Covid- material during the lockdown, when he too was experiencing a 19 pandemic continuing we had to purchase 100% by prolonged stay in Singapore for three to impact the economy, cash and could not approach months due to the closure of airports especially many acutely banks. However, based on during the Covid-19 lockdown, and vulnerable small businesses, my business plan, together on the eve of his departure, he “hears the need to adapt and respond as a group with my team, a story that hit me like a virus”. He to challenges has fostered we forged ahead. I have a shared that this story preoccupied resilience during these strong customer base and him throughout his two-week difficult times. they wait for me to deliver quarantine term at a government The European Union (EU) their requirements, which centre run by the military, and that is Delegation to Sri Lanka and was a great strength to my where he collected his thoughts and the Maldives, in partnership business. Also due to Covid- formulated a cohesive timeline to with Chrysalis, conducted 19, I was able to develop and breathe life into this project. a webinar on “Growing move forward in building He shared that upon completion Resilient Businesses”, the business online through of his time in the government showcasing four enterprising a mobile community even quarantine centre in a remote area men and women from the receiving orders from new in eastern Sri Lanka, he returned Central and Uva Provinces customers.” home where he then proceeded to and sharing their stories Owning a successful PVC self-isolate for an extended period. on turning challenges into fittings business, Nanthini During this time, he was able to opportunities. described how she overcame utilise a newly constructed floor Narrating their individual the challenges presented in his house which functioned journeys on the road by Covid-19. “A business as his bare canvas to recreate his to recovery were SGM idea and the motivation are surroundings in the likeness of a Cast and crew Director Udan Fernando Food Products Proprietor the most crucial elements middle-class Singaporean house. Sarawanaguru Sivadarsan, for a successful business. Having used his time in self- Starring: Xavier Kanishka, Colourist: Marlon Jayans Delhi, Melbourne, and Siem Reap. Araliya Fashion Wear I had stocked material isolation to create the set, all that was Antoinette Thilakshini Makeup: Mananuwan Rupasinghe His latest project, the 21-minute Proprietor Araliya beforehand in the event of left was to shoot the film; he stated Ratnayake, and Chandana Prasad Sound engineering and musical long drama “A Covid Honeymoon” Samarasekera, Unigro any problem and was able to that while filming, they observed Suriyaarachchi arrangement: Lahiru Kanishka premiered at the Goethe-Institut Agency Proprietors Usha resume production, ensuring the recommended safety guidelines Director of Photography: Assistant Director: Yoshitha Perera Sri Lanka on 28, 29, and 30 July Nanthini and Senthil Kumar, worker safety. Though to the point where as the director he Sameera Weerasekara Concept, script, and Director: together with four other short and Surangani Voluntary many saw Covid-19 as a monitored his actors’ performances Editor: Lahiru Kanishka Udan Fernando films Udan made while he was Services (SVS) National problem, it gave me time via a monitor that was set away from going through a two-week term of Representative Nalin to rethink and plan ahead. the set on a screen. quarantine in Punani, Batticaloa, in a Vipulendra. The event was Through a WhatsApp group, Udan by occupation is a researcher anthropological filmmaking at the (Duel): A Tale of Two Rebels, a government quarantine centre run by moderated by Chrysalis I was able to reorganise my with 30 years of experience University of Amsterdam. documentary based on two years the military. The short films included Senior Technical Advisor customer base and also use in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He may be best known for his of research in the UK and Australia A Special Announcement, Gastro Hashitha Abeywardena. the bus routes to strengthen However, he also has a Diploma work in academia in 2018 when which was well received; it was Quarantino, A Man-Eating Cobra in EU Delegation Programme my delivery distribution in Cinematography from OCIC he directed a 50-minute English screened in Colombo (several times), Punani, and Going Home. Udan is a Manager and Deputy Head of network. Due to the and has followed a short course on language film called Dwandha Jaffna, London, The Hague, New Sri Lankan national. Co-operation Fabrizio Senesi, lockdown, home gardening explaining the objectives of and cultivation trends grew, the event, said: “Our support which provided a good to the Sri Lankan economy, opportunity to develop with Indian classical influences, and where even including the MSMEs, is a fittings for the water supply.” with this particular song she had those elements, top priority and this event Encouraging women in it yet carried a rock feel, and she felt that it was a is to raise awareness of the business, she stated that musical genre she has not explored before. sector and promote local many say that it is difficult Choosing to do something new and fresh, businesses, which contribute for women to participate she chose to add “Premaneeya Susuma” to her greatly to the country’s in non-traditional work, repertoire. This is part of Dinupa’s current project economy. The impact of to which she disagreed. where she is hoping to release a number of Covid on the economy has She aims to manufacture singles of her original work, which will lead to an been severe. Yet with it, products under her own eventual album drop in the not-so-distant future. creativity and resilience in brand in the future. “I About the production itself, it is interesting to the sector and important believe women can do any note that credited for bass guitar on the track is lessons can be learned. Covid business. Chrysalis has Nalina Kasmira, Dinupa’s long-time collaborator also increased the gaps supported me throughout. and childhood friend she met through Hapan and barriers for women in Today, I am recognised as Padura, which is where many of us would have first business. This webinar will Unigro Usha. This has given been introduced to Dinupa and her singing. She provide opportunities and me confidence to grow and said that those friendships she’s created as a young encouragement particularly to I hope to produce interlock artist and relationships she was able to nurture, women entrepreneurs.” bricks using plastic wastage. have been strengths to her as well along the way. Araliya Samarasekera, If more women are provided Speaking about Hapan Padura, Dinupa shared that a beneficiary of the with opportunities and being a part of that programme at such a young age EU-funded enterprise enriched, we could break really aided her in ensuring longevity in her career in development project, said: the frame which women are the arts. She shared that even though it was a bunch “My initial challenge during confined to. This is an ideal of children coming together to sing songs, there was the lockdown was to pay time for them to contribute an air of professionalism created around the set. wages to my staff, mostly to the nation’s economy.” Owing to the seriousness in which their mentor at (consisting of) women. “The needs of children the time, Jackson Anthony, took to music and even However, I was able to with special needs were to children singing, she said he created an atmosphere overcome this and then some extent overlooked where they knew that they were not doing realised the demand for face during this crisis,” DINUPA something insignificant but something with value masks. I understood that the Vipulendra said, describing and in that, they learned what it really meant to be first groups which needed how his organisation KODAGODA part of the industry and how to handle themselves. our support were frontline engaged in a social enterprise In addition to her singing, Dinupa is known for her health and military personnel through a peanut business acting work, especially her theatre work but also her who were in dire need of this worked to overcome Covid- role in “Weeraya Gedara Awith”, a TV production item. I first sought approval 19 challenges. “It was TALKS by Ananda Abeynayake, arguably one of the best from the health authorities stressful for them as they Kuweni, Hapan Padura, and her latest teledrama producers in the island. Dinupa shared that it and we then manufactured could not engage in their was a great opportunity to be a part of that experience. and distributed them free day-to-day activities, meet release ‘Premaneeya Susuma’ Dinupa shared that even though she started her of charge. It also presented their friends, and participate career as a dancer, since her childhood, she has an opportunity to market in activities. We made had formal training in singing form a very young the masks commercially, every effort to maintain BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE popularity; the song, which was originally written age, as young as age four when she joined the reasonably priced under continuous support and by Asanka Sandaruwan for a theatre production Nanda Malini Sangeetha Ashramaya. our unique brand name. contact with them throughout Currently boasting over four million views on titled “Silgath Billo”, was reproduced and released While Dinupa has been better known for her The feedback has been very to provide assistance during YouTube, Charitha Attalage‘s Kuweni (l=fõŒ) is as a single performed by Dinupa. theatre work, this pandemic has shown that with encouraging.” this period. We realised arguably one of the biggest musical hits Sri Lanka We spoke to Dinupa about the process of time, you are able to apply yourself to explore more Advising small businesses, that the demand for our had seen in quite some time. The Morning Brunch reproducing the song; she shared that there was an of your talent; she has, since then, chosen to pursue she said that as a female products had diminished. We spoke to the songstress, Dinupa Kodagoda, whose impressive team behind the process as the music this path where she plans to release an album of her entrepreneur, challenges contacted many businesses iconic vocals are recognised even today for being was done by Thilanka Gamage and the music original work, and hopes that it is received well. She can arise at any time and and provided samples free of the voice of Kuweni. production, mixing, and mastering was done by stated she is most grateful for the positive feedback they should be ready to face charge initially. This resulted Dinupa recently released a song titled Nadika Weligodapola. She also shared that even she has got for the work she has done so far and them, and also as women, in an increased demand “Premaneeya Susuma” that is rapidly growing in though she is best known for her classical tone hopes she is able to grow form strength to strength. they have the strength to for and popularity of our overcome them. product.” 5 the morning sports Wednesday , August 12, 2020 What a summer for NZ Scots broke rules President’s Cup in New Zealand (NZC) is now in a frenzy Scottish Premiership soccer teams Celtic and Aberdeen full flow to organise a series of international series at have had their next two matches postponed after The President’s Cup 2020 football, home for both men and women. The Women’s their players broke lockdown rules yesterday (11). sponsored by Vintage, is now in full flow. World Cup, which was set to be held there Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon demanded Yesterday (11), Colombo FC beat SLTB SC February-March 2021, was postponed recently the cancellation after Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli 3-0 at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. and NZC is fast filling the window with men’s flew to Spain, failed to quarantine, then played in a Y.S.J.F Mohammad, M.N.M. Fazal, and tours by West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, and match. The previous weekend, eight Aberdeen players Zarwan Johar scored for Colombo FC. Bangladesh and a women’s tour by Australia. broke lockdown regulations by visiting a bar together. PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Mighty rush ends Yesterday (11), the Government sought to omit the name of Sri Govt. removes in futility? Lanka Cricket (SLC) from the list of sports bodies that are z LPL is postponed till November coming under the purview of We said this week the (polymerase chain reaction the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Lankan Premier League tests). But once we are Sports. (LPL) created more advised not to, we can’t SLC from gazette questions than answers. take any risk by rushing the On page “59 A” of the original The T20 franchise league tournament,” he added. gazette notification issued on Monday was to begin on 28 August (10) titled “Extraordinary Gazette z Feared it might upset ICC! with the participation of Media release No. 2187/27 – Sunday, August 09, about 70 foreign players, The SLC issued the 2020”, the name Sri Lanka Cricket (as Losing of funds Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) following media release last “board of control for cricket”) had been The above suspension barred had announced. The event’s afternoon announcing the mentioned as the second institution Zimbabwe from taking part in ICC title ownership, including postponement: under the list of departments, statutory events which could have also led them its TV broadcasting “Sri Lanka Cricket bodies, and state corporations that were to lose a substantial amount of funds rights, was sold wishes to inform that coming under the Ministry of Youth released by the ICC. to the Dubai- the Lanka Premier Affairs and Sports. Later the same month, the ICC wrote based Innovative League which was to ZC instructing them to reinstate the Production Group scheduled to be held To upset ICC Board that was elected on 14 June 2019 (IPG) for about $ 2 from 28 August 2020 The name was there in the list until or risk the termination of their ICC million. But, with to 20 September 2020 Monday (10) night. But it had been membership. Later, in October 2019, 16 days to go for the has been postponed removed by yesterday (11) (see inset the ICC decided to lift its suspension scheduled start of IPG CEO Anil to the month of Mohan photos). The gazette notification issued on Monday (11) with SLC as one of the bodies coming under on ZC, allowing them to take part in the LPL, SLC said November 2020. The Morning Sports learnt that the the new Sports Ministry subsequent ICC events. yesterday (11) they The said decision reason for the quick removal was have postponed the event was taken by SLC in that the mentioning of SLC as a body Avoid political interference until November 2020. consideration of the health coming under the spectrum of the The above-said senior SLC member “We have decided to guidelines stipulated by Ministry of Sports could raise concerns explained that ICC does not allow postpone it because we the Ministry of Health of the International Cricket Council governments to appoint interim had a meeting with the subsequent to the meeting (ICC). committees to run their cricket boards health authorities today held with the Health with the sole intention of discouraging (yesterday). They are very Ministry authorities.” Boards to be independent undue political interference into the stringent on the quarantine Though cricket is formally one of game in their countries. period of 14 days. If we are Raise doubts the 60-plus sports associations that are But there have been special occasions to start on the 28th, then the naturally under the supervision of the national where un-elected, government- players should come here The situation can Sports Ministry, the ICC considers it is appointed bodies have run the sport in a couple of days. It is naturally raise some doubts compulsory for each respective national The gazette notification on Tuesday (12) after the removal of SLC from the list for a certain period of time in some not realistic. Therefore, we as to why the LPL rights cricket board to be independent from countries in recent history. decided to postpone it,” a were offered in a rush, that any interference from their respective among seven other institutions, as one from the ICC”. senior SLC Ex-Co official too for five years, to IPG governments. coming under the Sports Ministry? “The episode has also highlighted The Indian ‘interim committee’ told The Morning Sports without having absolute That is mainly to obstruct possible A former senior SLC member said the lack of a reputed legal advisor at Before Sourav Ganguly was elected yesterday. clarity over an on-schedule misuse of ICC funds given to it is a clear indication that the new the Sports Ministry,” Cricket Age also President of the Board of Control for The tournament was set start. respective cricket boards of its member Government and its Sports Ministry stressed yesterday. Cricket in India (BCCI) last October, to be held for 24 days, from Meanwhile, IPG countries. will “give a special place” to the the Indian cricket board was run by a 28 August to 20 September. was reportedly having cricket administration once they are Zimbabwe example Committee of Administrators (COA), discussions with potential Why was only cricket operative. This brings to light a scenario that similar to an interim committee, for Can’t take a risk franchisees hoping to award highlighted? happened in July 2019 when the ICC over nine months. Worried, the said official the franchise rights at least The cabinet and state ministers of Sri Risking ICC membership suspended the Zimbabwe board, The four-member COA was explained that even the by the end of this week. Lanka’s newly elected Government are A popular website Cricket Age named “Zimbabwe Cricket” or ZM, for nominated by the Indian Supreme players who are going to Our effort to contact IPG to be sworn in today (12). The Ministry yesterday quoted a Sri Lankan breaching Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of the Court in January last year to look after the United Arab Emirates Head Anil Mohan in Dubai of Sports and Youth Affairs portfolio government authority as saying: “The ICC Constitution. the administration of the BCCI in order (UAE) to participate in failed yesterday. is tipped to be given to Hambantota information provided by the Sports The Article says ICC can impose an to implement what is known as the the Indian Premier League And by yesterday, the District MP Namal Rajapaksa, the Ministry led to this confusion.” obligation on its members to provide “Lodha Committee Reforms”. (IPL), set to begin on 18 International Cricket eldest son of Prime Minister Mahinda After the Gazette was issued on a process for free and democratic Those reforms were aimed at September, won’t have Council’s Anti-Corruption Rajapaksa and nephew of President Monday (10), Cricket Age said in a elections and “to ensure that there cleaning up the BCCI of corruption to undergo such strict Unit too was said to be in Gotabaya Rajapaksa. news report that “the Government’s is no government interference in its and avoiding the sports body coming quarantine measures. the process of inquiring But why was only cricket enlisted unexpected move has pushed SLC in governance and/or administration for under a monopoly of a set of elected “Only they are about the event, probably as – out of about 60 sports associations – danger of losing full membership status cricket, respectively”. administrators. conducting five PCRs a formal prerequisite.

SPORTS WATCH Untold story of the Caribbean ‘Rebels’ by Dinith Pathi hand there is a justifiable argument that guys taking money to go to apartheid South Africa was a The impact for some of those betrayal of the Caribbean. They players was more than the others. should have stuck up for their It depended on their individual principles. But there is another point personalities as well as their families. of view that West Indies were so But, what is undeniable is the fact strong, these guys couldn’t get into that it did have a massive impact on a the team so they weren’t making group of men, who might have ended much money.” Many came from up as household names in the world impoverished backgrounds. Everton of cricket if not for this tour. Mattis was offered $ 80,000 and was described that was 60 times more than the by Malcolm Marshall as the best average Jamaican cricketer could wicketkeeper he ever saw. But at earn in a year then. It is certainly least Murray, the joint holder of the understandable why he decided to West Indian keeping record for most In 2011, in a gesture of belated recognition, the Sabina Park Pavilion was renamed go. dismissals in a Test, is still alive. His in Rowe’s honour but political backlash saw him stripped of the honour just four Therefore, in the final analysis, it months later teammate Richard Austin was not came down to them trying to make a Enigmatic , once named the best batsman on earth, played 30 Tests In this final part of the series so lucky. The latter, a former West during 1972-80 to score 2,047 runs at 43.55 treated and deserves a place in the living. Also, the players who toured Indies all-rounder, died five years pantheon of West Indian batting on the Windies’ “Rebel” Tour apartheid South Africa, to this day, ago aged 60 in his native as the greatest of all-time Caribbean Sir Viv Richards, Sir Clive Lloyd, greats,” says Gray. “He’s been of South Africa in 1983, we believe that the fact that they beat a destitute street beggar ravaged by cricketers, Everton Weekes, who died and Gordon Greenidge if fortune denied that by people he feels were examine the impact it had the South Africans on their own his addictions to cocaine and rum. at Barbados recently and was said to had favoured him. He had been jealous of him. He believes South on the individual lives of the turf gave the general population a Herbert Chang, another player in the have been nervous of his son’s visits given the chance to play more Africa was a mission for the guys. players who took part in it better understanding that coloured series, is reportedly a psycho who in later life because he feared he than 30 Tests. Now 71, Row lives They could have gone there and players and people could be their is rampaging around Kingston. But would steal from him to subsidise his in exile in Florida, unfulfilled and just taken the money but it was held various coaching posts in the equal. Whether this was a long-term they also say he has schizophrenia habit. “The tours acted as a trigger largely unrecognised. “He was a important they played well and Caribbean. opinion or a fleeting one is anybody’s and is on medication. for certain players, who may have national hero in Jamaica and he showed a Black side could perform runs a cricket academy in guess. At the end of the day, the already had a tendency to go off the could have retained that level of as well as a White one. And they Barbados and Faoud Bacchus lives decision of whether they were Going off the rails rails,” says Australian writer Ashley almost saintliness if he hadn’t gone. beat the Springboks (South Africa) comfortably in Orlando. Yet, the “missionaries” or “mercenaries” There seems little doubt that the Gray, whose book “The Unforgiven” Instead, his name was taken off a which he’s very proud of.” stigma of South Africa is forever needed to be decided through suffering in later life of Austin, looked at all the 20 West Indies pavilion at Sabina Park in 2011 and As was enunciated earlier, it with them all. individual opinion. But “personally” Murray, and Chang, in particular, Rebels. that wouldn’t have happened but for would be wrong to say all the most players, if not all, seem to have was in part a consequence of turning Captain of that tour Lawrence South Africa,” says Gray. Rebels have been irrevocably Moral issues paid a very heavy price. Some even their backs on West Indies and Rowe did not go off the rails but his damaged by the ’83 Rebel Tour. “They have always wrestled with their very lives. their people. Murray struggled to story is an acutely sad one. Many Mission for the players played with moral issues that are hard Was it really worth it? Even after cope with being the son of one of feel he could have been equal to “Lawrence Rowe was wrongly against England in 1990 and has to resolve,” says Gray. “On one so much time, there is no answer.