Easter Sunday attacks Catholic Church thursday 17 september 2020 possibly knew about Latest Edition Vol: 09/233 Price : Rs 30.00 warnings – Harin READ By Methmalie Dissanayake CEYLON TODAY In Sports Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin AND Yupun wins Bronze Fernando yesterday (16), claimed that there could be a probability that the Catholic Church also knew in Switzerland about the prior intelligence warnings on a possible WIN terror attack on 21 April 2019. LUXURY HOTEL A week after his record breaking Testifying before the Presidential Commission of STAYS! 100m run in 10.16 seconds, Yupun Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday terror attacks Abeykoon ran another sizzling 100m in 2019, Fernando claimed that according to... D SID to clock 10.24 seconds in the 2020 ETAILS IN E Gala dei Castelli, World Athletics Story Continued on page 2 Bronze Level Series... A16 Rs 340M Claim Sent to Distressed Tanker’s Owners

By Hansi Nanayakkara following the recent fire. The Attorney General’s Coordinating Attorney General Dappula de Livera Officer, State Counsel Nishara has submitted an interim claim for Jayaratne said, the claim, was handed Rs 340 million to the lawyers over yesterday (16), seeking representing the owners of the oil compensation for costs related to the tanker ‘MT New Diamond’, for costs assistance rendered by all parties, Cyber Ragging incurred by the Government of Sri including the Navy, Air Force, Ports Lanka, in the assistance rendered to Authority, Colombo Dockyard PLC, Racket at Jaffna Uni the ship and other related matters Marine Environment... Seniors demand new entrants to send private photos on WhatsApp

By Ruwantha Nithulgaspitiya hi-tech method of ragging, to entrants to send them nude photos, and uraweera andy K.L. S (K ) humiliate First Year undergraduates, videos and acts of masturbation, on Ceylon Today learns. WhatsApp and other social media A group of senior undergraduates of According to reliable sources, two platforms. Those who had refused to the Management Faculty of the Jaffna male undergraduates and two female heed to their demands had been University have initiated a novel, undergraduates had forced new warned against visiting the University.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Sri Lanka tells 45th UNHRC Session Committee to BBS Gen Secy’s Anawilundawa Wetland Govt committed to contempt case Sanctuary incident probe SLMC Justice Nawaz Some suspects assurances given still absconding Minister of recuses himself in February Health Pavithra By Thameenah Razeek Wanniarachchi By Kamal Weeraratna At the 45th session of the has appointed a Most of the suspects involved in United Nations Human Rights five-member President of the Court of Appeal (CoA), causing damage to the Anawilundawa Council (UNHRC), Sri Lanka committee to look Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz yesterday (16), Wetland Sanctuary in Puttalam are made it clear that even as it into the activities recused himself from the Bench appointed absconding. However, some are already withdrew from the of the Sri Lanka to preside over the contempt of Court case in custody. co-sponsorship of Resolution Medical Council against Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary When queried as to what happened to 30/1, it will remain committed (SLMC). Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera. State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s to achieving reconciliation, The five- The Monk has been charged with making brother, Jagath Samantha, who is a accountability and human member disparaging remarks against the Judiciary suspect, Director of the Sri Lanka Police rights within the framework of committee over its decision to stay the cremation of the Kennel Division, SSP Lal Seneviratne the Constitution, through a comprises Chief Incumbent of the Gurukanda Temple said, they are conducting operations to domestically designed and... Specialist Dr. within the Temple premises. arrest the suspects. He refuted Hemantha Perera, allegations that political influence was Story Continued on page 2 former Dean of the Story Continued on impeding the operations. Ragama Medical Faculty Professor page 2 Prishantha Wijesinghe, Specialist Dr. Story Continued on page 2 Anula Wijesundera, Specialist Dr. SPC begins production Maithree Chandraratne and Specialist Dr. SJB will defeat of Gabapentin Darshana Sirisena. Kelanitissa They have been advised to compile an 20A – Sajith independent report and present it to the unable to get back By J.T. de Silva Minister, with the latter looking to The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will overhaul the SLMC shortly afterwards. not only oppose the 20th Amendment, but repaired machines The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Speaking after appointing the will also work towards defeating it, with the commenced the local manufacture of the drug committee, Wanniarachchi said, “The support of other opposition parties, – Minister Gabapentin, which is prescribed for partial seizures, SLMC is an independent body that has Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said. neuropathic pain, hot flashes and restless legs been formed through an Ordinance aimed At an event titled 20 Paradawamu (Let’s Instructs CEB to add syndrome. at protecting the rights of the patients as defeat the 20th Amendment), he said most The manufacture of the drug was undertaken by well as rendering a quality service to the people accept that the 20th Amendment is 165MW to National Grid the State Ministry of Pharmaceutical Production, public. detrimental to the country. Supply and Regulation at the SPC premises in The SLMC is tasked with monitoring the The Opposition Leader said, although he By Ruwantha Nithulgaspitiya Ratmalana, yesterday (16). quality of the service rendered by medical used to support the Executive Presidency in According to sources, Gabapentin has been practitioners as well as their performance. the past, he changed his opinion about it,... Minister of imported thus far at a cost of Rs 65 million being Power Dullas incurred annually. Alahapperuma Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 said, though the malfunctioning Story Continued on page 2 machines of the Rs 2,000 fine for lane law violators Kelanitissa Power Former CNI tells PCoI Station were sent By Thameenah Razeek Safety Range, W.S. and a bus within 50-60 km/h. to India for on Easter Attacks Nissanka. “But currently all vehicles in repairs, they were Police will impose a Director of Motor Traffic the Western Province were unable to bring Rs 2,000 fine on motorists and Road Safety of Police, travelling within the speed back the repaired Ex-SIS Director who violate the Traffic Lane SSP Indika Hapugoda limit of 20-25 km/h. If the bus machines due to Law, with effect from 21 yesterday (16) said, there was lane law is implemented, the worsening disconnected the call September. a couple of cases reported speed limit could be increased COVID-19 situation in India. Offenders are given time to yesterday, adding however, which is convenient for He has instructed the Ceylon before giving info adhere to the new system till that no one was fined, but everyone. For now, we can say Electricity Board officers to add a tomorrow (18) and then were advised to follow the the newly-imposed Traffic further 165 megawatts to the National By Methmalie Dissanayake Police will take legal action rules. Lane Law is a success,” Grid, after activating the inactive parts against motorists who violate Talking of maximum speed Nissanka said. of the National Grid which were inactive the law and even produce a bus, trishaw or a motorbike Around 1,500 Traffic Police since October last year. Former Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) Sisira them in Courts under the could go on a bus lane, Officers were deployed to Alahapperuma had given these Mendis on 15 September said, he received a call from traffic law, said DIG-in- Hapugoda noted that a enforce the Traffic Lane Law instructions following an inspection tour the former Director of the State Intelligence Service Charge of Traffic trishaw could travel at 40 in addition to 200 female to the Kelanitissa Power Station (SIS), SDIG Nilantha Jayawardena on 20 April 2019... Management and Road kilometres per hour (km/h) Police Officers. recently.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 thursday 17 september 2020 news Continued from page 1 Catholic Church... Cyber Ragging...... tradition, the Archbishop conduct that Mass,” Fernando in 20 April 2019. Fernando suggested conducts main Easter Mass at the response to a query raised by the that the above matter should also be The group of seniors, which Archdiocese of Colombo. Attorney General’s representatives inquired by the PCoI along with includes Third and Final Year “However, on 21 April 2019 said and added that he got to know other matters related to the terror undergraduates, had subjected nearly Archdiocese of Colombo did not that a vigil Mass had been held on attack. 120 First Year undergraduates to this form of ragging, sources revealed. Most of the First Year undergraduates had sent such photos, sources added. During the past few months most of the lectures had been conducted Rs 340M claimed... online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ragging had started during ... Protection Authority (MEPA) and submitted within the coming days, that there is sufficient evidence to this period. the Department of Coast after the relevant reports are received prove beyond reasonable doubt that a Sources also said due to this form of Conservation, to douse the fire from MEPA. She further said punishable offence had been ragging, a number of First Year onboard the oil tanker, and other compensation is expected to be committed by the suspect under the undergraduates have expressed the management of the University had related issues. sought for the total amount of the provisions of Sections 25, 26, 38 and unwillingness to return to the informed all Second Year She said the claim was submitted costs incurred by all parties, based on 53 of the Marine Pollution Prevention University to recommence their undergraduates of the Engineering to the owners of the oil tanker, a total estimate and that this estimate Act of 2008. studies. Faculty in hostels to vacate the seeking a compensation amounting cannot be submitted until the oil Accordingly, the AG issued It is also said that although this premises forthwith. to the said sum and that this tanker exits Sri Lankan waters. instructions to the CID Director to situation had been brought to the Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya estimated cost was prepared only for Meanwhile, the AG instructed the produce evidence and report facts to notice of the management of the University, Professor Upul that incurred up to 15 September. Director of the Criminal the relevant Magistrate’s Court in University, through an external party, Dissanayake said the management Jayaratne added an estimate Investigations Department (CID) to compliance with the provisions of the the management had failed to act on it had arrived at this decision after regarding the threat to the marine name the Captain of the ‘MT New Code of Criminal Procedure and to to date. having perused a series of complaints environment, as an outcome of the oil Diamond’ as a suspect in the case. obtain notice to produce the suspect Meanwhile, in a related lodged by the parents of First Year leak, related to the incident, will be Jayaratne said the AG had assessed before Court. development, the management of the undergraduates who had alleged that Peradeniya University yesterday (16) they had been subjected to ragging by took the decision to prohibit Second Second Year undergraduates. He Year undergraduates of its added that hence the studies of only Engineering Faculty from entering the the Second Year undergraduates will University premises, based on a spate be suspended temporarily but noted Govt committed... of complaints received regarding acts that the activities of the rest of the ... executed process, in line with the continued arbitrary accusations on proportional representation system. of ragging. As a result of this decision, Faculties will continue. Government’s policy framework. crimes or crimes against humanity This is a clear signal of the support of On 15 September, acting Permanent made against these senior military the people for a path forward for the Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN, officials are unacceptable and a country, towards prosperity while Dayani Mendis further said the new violation of the principles of natural safeguarding the people and protecting Government remains committed to the justice. the sovereignty without succumbing to assurances given before the UNHRC in With regard to allegations of any force. SPC begins... February this year. surveillance and intimidation, the On Sri Lanka’s unequivocal support They said of this cost, the private Sources added that henceforth “The draft 20th Amendment to the Government has already publicly to the global efforts towards a sector had supplied Rs 50 million, there will not be a need to import the Constitution submitted through the refuted these allegations, and is comprehensive, collective and effective with the balance being provided by drug, with the SPC manufacturing it Parliament will be discussed, debated, committed to protecting and promoting response to COVID-19, she said that the State. locally. following a complete democratic the freedom of expression and civil the World Health Organisation has process, where all stakeholders will society space, and ensures that commended Sri Lanka’s efforts to have the opportunity to present their complaints received on alleged attacks control COVID-19 more effectively views. Therefore, the Government of against journalists, human rights than more resourced countries even Sri Lanka (GoSL) is of the view that the defenders and the civil society are with modest means and for being SJB will defeat... UN High Commissioner for Human investigated and prosecuted. among the first countries in South Asia Rights Michelle Bachelet’s comments The prime focus of this Government to open schools and bring back ... due to the way anti-democratic ensuring systematic appointment of on the proposed 20th Amendment are is to ensure national security, and to children in a safe way, as commended aspects of the Executive Presidential Judges through the Constitutional unwarranted and judgmental, based uphold the rule of law and order for all by the United Nations Children's Fund. system affected the country. He Council, putting an end to on presumption. citizens, with the aim of creating “an Furthermore, the World Travel and added that he supports reducing the interferences in the Judiciary’s The GoSL wishes to state that the environment where any citizen can live Tourism Council has recently stamped President’s power. affairs and limiting the number of pardon to the former Army Sergeant freely without any fear for the safety of Sri Lanka as a safe haven for tourists. He added that the 19th ministers in the Government. was granted in terms of the powers themselves and their families.” In line At a time when even highly developed Amendment, enacted by the A constitutional amendment and provisions of the Constitution, she with the above policy framework, the countries in the world are left with a previous government, introduced should aim at propelling the country added. The Government rejects the Government is committed to achieve substantial challenge in the wake of many progressive changes, including forward. However, today, one person references made to false and the Sustainable Development Goals of the COVID–19 pandemic, Sri Lanka the establishment of independent has been vested with all the powers, unsubstantiated allegations levelled the UN, with a determination to uplift was able to successfully face the institutions to ensure good and Sri Lanka’s Constitution is against senior military officials being the lives of all its citizens and ensure challenge by containing its spread, governance, reducing the huge being amended in a dictatorial appointed to key positions of that there is no threat to peace, thanks to a well-coordinated power vested in the President, manner. institutions. Sri Lanka has reconciliation or development. As the mechanism of preventive measures at consistently refuted the credibility of UNHRC is aware, last November, the the national level, assisted by a robust these allegations and wishes to people gave a resounding mandate to local healthcare system. Sri Lanka highlight that the domestic processes President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to notes with concern that developing such as the Lessons Learnt and pursue a policy framework aimed at countries are facing an unprecedented Justice Nawaz... Reconciliation Commission and achieving the fourfold outcome of “a economic and debt crisis due to the Paranagama Commission that productive citizenry, a contented Pandemic. The need for debt relief and The case was taken up before a issuance of the order by a examined these allegations particularly family, a disciplined and just society, financial stimulus for these countries two-Judge Bench comprising Magistrate’s Court, the late Chief with regard to the last stages of the and a prosperous nation.” must be duly recognised. It is Justices Nawaz and Sobitha Incumbent’s remains had been placed conflict, have not found substantive This historic mandate was renewed important to provide necessary Rajakaruna. on the funeral pyre. He maintained evidence against any of the senior by the people at the General Election financial support to such countries, Attorney-at-Law Maithree that there has never been any military officials referred to in this held last August, with an enabling them to face diverse socio- Guneratne, making submissions on instance of disobeying the order regard, she pointed out. unprecedented percentage of 59.09 per economic consequences caused or behalf of the monk, said his client issued by a Magistrate’s Court or In the absence of any substantive cent votes, for the first time in the aggravated by the Pandemic, she had not at any stage made derogatory going against it and explained that if proof, Sri Lanka considers that the history, in an Election held under the noted. remarks concerning the Judiciary the process had been halted midway, and nor had he acted in violation of it could have led to tensions arising the order issued by a Magistrate’s between the Sinhala and Tamil people Court. He charged that certain of the area, and claimed that his client extremist groups had made had only acted to diffuse the situation. Some suspects... fabricated submissions to a Later, Justice Nawaz, who had Speaking to the Media were doing their best to Magistrate’s Court with the aim of presided over the trial to date, decided yesterday (16) at Police arrest the suspects tarnishing the image of his client to to recuse himself from the case and headquarters, even though it may take obtain the order against the further hearing was fixed for 20 Seneviratne said they time. cremation of the late Chief October. Incumbent’s remains at the said Justice Nawaz ordered the Court Temple premises. Registrar to constitute a fresh Bench Guneratne said, at the time of the for the hearing of the trial. Committee... “As per the provisions the decision taken by this contained in the Medical body to withdraw the Ordinance, the final registration of a few Ex-SIS Director... arbiter of all decisions internationally recognised ... regarding reliable Intelligence vigil mass. He said the foreign taken by the SLMC is the universities, the from a foreign counterpart on an Intelligence he received was an issue. subject Minister. I have continued delay in imminent coordinated terror attack, I told him, in that case, the IGP has received a spate of electing officer bearers to but SDIG Jayawardena had to take necessary action. But SDIG complaints concerning the SLMC, the decision disconnected the call in the middle of Jayawardena suddenly disconnected the SLMC’s conduct. One taken to register certain the conversation without providing the call and never contacted me of the core issues had medical practitioners who further details and had never again. been regarding turning had not even met the contacted him again. “Furthermore, SDIG Jayawardena the SLMC into an basic qualifications of the Testifying before the Presidential contacted me on 19 April 2019 after independent institution SLMC, the continuous Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the motorcycle bomb blast in and removing all delay in holding the 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday Kathankudy, but he did not tell me obstacles placed in its examinations to register terror attacks, Mendis said: "I got the that National Thowheed Jama’ath path to provide a students who had call from SDIG Jayawardena while I Leader Zaharan Hashim's group was transparent service to the obtained overseas medical was preparing to attend the Easter behind that,” he claimed. public. degrees, and the hearing Among other issues of complaints within the raised regarding the SLMC while overriding its SLMC recently had been own laws and regulations. Rs 2,000 fine... The Police also ordered tri shaws Law in two different locations. The and motorbikes to utilise the priority Air Force is operating drones to bus lane. conduct surveillance operations “Personnel from the Tri-Forces along four main routes. The Air Force would also be deployed to enforce the utilised four drones to cover the entry Traffic Lane Law if required. The trial routes into the City of Colombo run of the lane rules has been in mainly from Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, operation for three days from 14 Borella and the Galle Road. September to yesterday. Motorcycles Hapugoda said they hoped the Air and three-wheelers are allowed to Force will use drone cameras to drive in the left lane only from today enforce the law in congested areas, as a solution to the traffic congestion against drivers and cyclists violating caused by not following the lane rules these lanes rules from today. properly,” Hapugoda said. Parallel to these efforts, the Police Meanwhile, Army personnel were are conducting an educational deployed to monitor the Traffic Lane programme in this regard. news thursday 17 september 2020 A3

Protecting against COVID-19 Beware of crooked Health Ministry launches ‘Towards New vendors – CAA Normalcy’ campaign By Eunice Ruth Bandara said these home visiting quality, as well as the vendor. vendors convince the consumer to He further said, sometimes these The Health Ministry advertisements and days. Therefore, the The Consumer Affairs Authority go with instalment plans and then vendors have no proper companies launched a campaign promotions of this people have to get used (CAA) requested the public to they collect half of the cost as a or their personal company identity themed ‘Towards New campaign were launched to continuing with the beware of home visiting vendors, as down payment. They sell cards as a sales person and that Normalcy’ to educate the on the same day. new normalcy. The they sell low quality products at everything from electric appliances the details in the document such public on how to protect The funds for the Ministry hopes to instil inflated prices, with an extended and other essential goods for as the phone number, address and against the COVID-19 propaganda would be in the minds of the warranty of five to six years. homes. He added that these the name of the vendor also can be virus and to continue from the ‘Itukama’ Fund, people that if this The Director of Consumer Affairs vendors cheat the consumers, by faked in many situations. their day-to-day life. while the World Health situation is to continue, and Information at the CAA, Asela telling lies such as a particular He urged the consumers to be Health Ministry Organisation and the the public should persist Bandara, said they have received product is for sale for a special aware of this and if any such cases Spokesman, Viraj Government Medical in following its advice. more complaints regarding these price, and that if you pay the full or persons come to light, to Abeysinghe, said Officers’ Association The public would be able vendors and have launched cost at once, then you will receive immediately report it to the yesterday (16) that the (GMOA) would provide to adapt themselves to investigations in several areas. another product for free. But before Authority using the hotline number programme had been technical support. the new normalcy when Several cases were detected, where purchasing a product, the 1977 or to message the Provincial launched on 14 “We have been able to they continue to receive vendors sold low quality products consumer needs to be aware of Assistant Director’s and District September by Minister prevent the disease from these instructions for high prices, with fake these lies and they should check Head’s number, by referring the Pavithra Wanniarachchi. infiltrating the regularly,” he said. documents. on the product’s actual price, CAA website or Facebook page. He said all community for over 100 (DJ)

Int’l Book Fair at BMICH Strict health guidelines to be followed at mass gatherings

Chief of the Epidemiology Unit Dr. Sudath Samaraweera stated that necessary health precautions have to be followed by those who organise mass gatherings, such as book fairs, due to the still evident threat posed to society by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that the organisers of the International Book Fair to be held shortly at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, where people in their numbers are known to gather, should follow the health guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Health to the letter in order to prevent contracting the killer virus. Dr. Samaraweera warned that those who do not follow the stipulated health guidelines would be held accountable for their actions in keeping with the law. He added that it was imperative that those who visit the Fair also follow the health guidelines formulated by the Ministry to prevent people from falling victim to the pandemic.

Huge gap between modern employment and education received by students Modernising a must in the education system

By Thameenah Razeek

Minister of Education, Professor G.L. Peiris said that the education system has not been modernised for a long time, and as a result, there is a huge gap between modern employment opportunities and the education that students receive. That is why people have historically hated and despised the existing social system, and therefore, the implementation of educational reform, including curricula reform is a national responsibility, he stated. Addressing a recent event, he said, the President has expanded the role of the Ministry of Education with four State Ministries by amalgamating a number of separate institutions in the National Policy Action Plans for Country Building with a view to further building the human resources, which are our assets for the development of the country. He further said, the views and suggestions of all sections of the society at district level will be sought in the implementation of education reforms. The Ministry stated, the preview of proposed educational reforms should be introduced to the education system from pre-school education onwards. Prof. Peiris also expressed hope, environmentalists would lend their support to the education system. A4 thursday 17 september 2020 news Impact of 20A on AG and ASC Poverty cut-off point remains unchanged SLASA awaiting By Paneetha Ameresekere years ago in 2016, the monthly poverty cutoff point has risen from Rs 4,166 to Sri Lanka’s monthly poverty cut-off Rs 5,050, an increase of Rs 884 (21.22 point remained unchanged at Rs 5,050 per cent). In 2016, 843,913 of the per mensem per person last month population, equivalent to 4.1% of the (August) over July, the Census and population, were in poverty. discussions with Statistics Department said yesterday In related developments, food (16). inflation in July continued to be in This means that a person had to double digits for the 17th consecutive earn a minimum of Rs 5,050 per month, though decelerating to 12.9% mensem last month to be regarded as year-on-year (YoY), from 13.6% in being non-poor. June. President, PM Nonetheless, since Sri Lanka last Overall inflation decelerated to 6.1% By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody The 20th Amendment has functions of the AG, which were carried out its poverty census four YoY in July, from 6.3% in June. proposed the removal of the Audit introduced by the 19th Amendment The Sri Lanka Audit Service Service Commission (ASC) and in to the Constitution to remain as is Association (SLASA) has sought this regard, the Association noted and for the amendments and meetings with the President and the that the 20th Amendment however deletions proposed to the said Prime Minister to discuss subject does not provide for an appropriate Articles under the 20th Amendment related aspects in the proposed 20th institutional framework and body to be removed. Govt providing lands to IDPs Amendment to the Constitution and within the Parliament to fulfil the He also noted that in addition to is presently awaiting a response in duties of the ASC. The Association requesting meetings for discussions this regard. has also pointed out that they in writing from the President and the The Association is composed of oppose the removal under the 20th PM, they had also made submissions executive grade level officers Amendment of the power vested with to the committee appointed by the attached to the Auditor General’s the AG to audit State entities. Premier and chaired by Minister (AG) Department who are Speaking to Ceylon Today, Professor G.L. Peiris to study and professionals qualified to point out Secretary of the Association, review the 20th Amendment. “We technical issues pertaining to the R.M.P.A. Janaka said they wanted met committee member, Minister subject matter in the said Articles 153 (including 153A to 153 Wimal Weerawansa while committee Amendment. H) and 154 of the Constitution which member Minister Udaya Previously, the Association on 9 dealt with the AG, the ASC (its Gammanpila had met the AG. We September in a letter addressed to Constitution, meetings, powers and have informed the Buddhist clergy The Government is already Chunnakam South. He said these representatives of religions, the functions, influencing or attempting in this regard and they have also implementing a programme to provide people are still living in IDP camps due President, the Prime Minister (PM), to influence a decision of the ASC or given our message to the lands to Internally Displaced Persons to the leadership of opportunistic Ministers, Parliamentarians, civil any officer of the State Audit Service Government parties including to (IDPs) so that people could make a hypocritical politicians. However, the society activists, trade union leaders being considered an offence, Gammanpila. We want to have these living without any security-related programme to relocate these people is and heads of media institutions noted immunity from legal proceedings, meetings cum discussions with the problems, State Minister of Rural currently being implemented with the that the 20th Amendment would limit costs and expenses, appeals to the President and the PM prior to the Housing, Construction and Building intervention of State officials. the powers afforded to the Parliament Administrative Appeals Tribunal, commencement of the Parliamentary Material Industries, Indika Anuruddha “We are committed to providing relief with regard to the control of public and being answerable to the Committee Stage debate on the said.. He made these comments while to the people within the next few finance and limit the scope of the AG. Parliament) and the duties and matter,” he said. inspecting the IDPs in Jaffna and months,” he said. (TR)

For public servant graduates to read Coconut prices on the rise Four arrested for for master’s and doctoral degrees NMCRP slams Govt possession of Heroin Japanese Government The National Movement changing them regularly, Four others nabbed with Cannabis and Turmeric for Consumer Rights granting of fertiliser offers 17 scholarships Protection (NMCRP) subsidies for coconut By Paneetha Meanwhile, four suspects, stated that if the cultivation and granting Ameresekere and including two women (32 and By Paneetha Ameresekere University of Japan, the Government fails to low interest loans for Nabiya Vaffoor 42-years-old), were arrested at Graduate School for Humanities monitor the increase in such cultivations. Uyilankulama, Pudukudiirippu The Japanese Government is and Social Sciences, the price of coconuts in the They have further Police seized 32.47 grams of for smuggling 52 kilos of Kerala offering a total of 17 scholarships Hiroshima University, the domestic market, it could stated that another heroin valued at Rs 921,002.46 cannabis and 920 kilos of for public servant graduates to Graduate School of Arts and even increase to Rs 150 reason for the regular in four separate detections turmeric. They were nabbed, read for their master’s and Sciences, the International shortly. hiking of coconut prices made island-wide on 14 during a special joint mission doctoral degrees in Japanese Christian University, the They charged that due was due to the September, Police said on 15 carried out by the Police Special universities, the Education Graduate School of International to the want of a price shortcomings of officials. September. Task Force and the Army, while Ministry announced on its Management, the International monitoring mechanism, The NMCRP charged They included 10.56 grams of transporting the smuggled website on 11 September. University of Japan, the traders tend to jack up that one official heroin seized at Welsanpura, goods, on 15 September The period of study is for the Graduate School of Life and the prices of essential continues to be the Wakwella, Galle, 10 grams at morning. In addition, five notes academic year 2021/22. Military Environmental Sciences, the food items according to Chairman of the Coconut Henpita, Welipanna, Kalutara, of USD 100, cash worth over personnel are however excluded University of Tsukuba and the their own whims and Development Authority, 9.84 grams at Payagala, Rs 1.7 million, a lorry and a from following these degree School of Engineering, the fancies, thus aggravating the Coconut Cultivation Kalutara, Panadura, and 2.11 tractor with a trailer have also programmes. University of Tokyo. the already severe Board and the Coconut grams of heroin at Thalapitiya, been taken into custody. Scholarships on offer comprise Applications close on 30 economic constraints Research Institute of Sri Galle. Preliminary investigations 15 for master’s degrees and two October. faced by consumers. Lanka. The NMCRP The Wakwella detection was have revealed that the for doctoral degrees. The Meanwhile, the Korean The NMCRP has urged alleged that this official made with the aid of Police suspects were involved in scholarships, per scholarship Government, beginning from the Government to also functions as the sniffer dogs and a 45-year-old large-scale drug rackets. The holder, includes one return trip 2021, is offering a five-year implement medium and Secretary of the Coconut woman from the area was suspects were initially handed from Sri Lanka to Japan, a scholarship programme for two long- term measures to Growers Association of arrested in this connection. over to the Mannar Police and monthly allowance in Japan, in General Certificate of Education control the price of Sri Lanka (CGASL) and Meanwhile, in the Henpita were later produced before the addition to allowances for Advanced Level (A/L) qualified coconuts in the local as such they noted that detection, a 43-year-old man Mannar Magistrate on 15 attending seminars, travel, travel students who wish to complete market such as to place a instead of looking into from the area was taken into September and the female insurance, the purchase of their bachelor’s degree in Korea. fixed price of Rs 90 per the wider national custody. In the Payagala suspects were detained as per books, shipping and other The minimum requirement for kilo of coconuts, to interests, this official detection, Police took into an order for seven days. The related expenses. an applicant is an 80 per cent implement a national only looks after the custody a 26-year-old youth male suspects (23 and The fields covered for the grade point average (GPA) score programme to reduce interests of the CGASL who is a resident of Pinwatte 48-year-old) were released on master’s programme are Public at the A/L and be under 25 wastage, grant provisions thereby leading to regular Road, Panadura and in the surety bail of Rs 200,000 each. Policy and Public Finance, years as at 1 March 2021. to import coconut oil, price fluctuations of Thalapitiya detection, the Police The suspects were handed Economics, including Benefits include a return air maintenance of policies coconuts in the domestic took into custody a 44-year-old over to the Mannar Police for Development Economics, ticket from Colombo to Korea, for agriculture without market. man. investigations. Business Management and full tuition fees paid, a monthly Environment Management/ allowance, medical insurance Disaster Management and and a settlement allowance Climate Change. upon the completion of the The doctoral thesis for which degree. these scholarships are offered, Meanwhile, the five-year DCC discusses developing reservoirs in Ampara are for those fields relevant to scholarship programme development issues in Sri Lanka. includes an education By Naalir Jamaldeen canals, constructing an problem at the District immense difficulties were also The universities to which programme in the Korean and Farook Shihan alternative road from Hospital Alayadivembu, discussed. scholarships are awarded to language in the first year after Lahugala to Panama, drafting increasing the amount of It was also pointed out, only complete both of the degree which the undergraduate would The Ampara District plans to prevent coastal water being supplied to the the first phase of payments programmes include the be eligible to follow a four-year Coordinating Committee erosion in the Ninthavur area Komari District Hospital, pertaining to the housing Graduate School of Governance bachelor’s degree programme. (DCC) meeting was held on 15 and releasing lands in the constructing a new building loans given by the National Studies, Meiji University, the Applications close with the September to discuss the areas surrounding reservoirs for the Deegavapi Hospital Housing Development Graduate School of International Korean Embassy in Colombo on development of the within the Ampara urban and relocating some post Authority have been made to Relations, International 16 October. Miyangoda reservoir, the limits. offices from unsuitable the beneficiaries in the renovation of irrigation Solving the drinking water locations, functioning amidst Ampara District so far. Govt should better lives Launch of Aloe vera home garden project of rural people – Janaka Held at Irakkamam Divisional Secretariat

By M.A.P. Deen and monitoring services to (Ampara ensure that the project is Correspondent) moving in the right direction. Governor Yahampath and The launch of aloe vera the District Secretary D.M.L. cultivation, as a home garden Bandaranayake stressed the project, was held at the importance of the project Irakkamam Divisional which is a profitable venture. Secretariat on 14 September Meanwhile, they also said that Minister of Public Services, power. Hence, he has urged the under the patronage of all arrangements are afoot to Provincial Council and Local rest of his Cabinet colleagues as Eastern Province Governor the project as model farmers. finance for the project will be establish an aloe vera factory. Government, Janaka Bandara well as the State Ministers to give Anuradha Yahampath. The entire cultivation of aloe given as a loan to the Yahampath and the guests Tennakoon stated that the an ear to the grievances of the A group of 1,000 selected vera will be carried out with participants and will be later distributed the aloe vera Government should place more rural people and to resolve their villagers from seven Divisional the supervision of the Local collected by the relevant bank. saplings to the selected emphasis on revitalising the lives burning issues. He made these Secretariat areas who hail Government. Meanwhile, the Government villagers present from various of rural people as it had been the remarks during a recent meeting from the poorer strata of The Project Director Azath will provide all other support parts of the Divisional latter that had been instrumental held with Provincial Councillors society would be involved in Mohamed Aliyar said that including training, supervision Secretariat. in bringing the current regime to in Dambulla. news thursday 17 september 2020 A5

Welikada Prison overcrowding Some inmates to be sent to Bogambara By Amani Nilar prison complexes around the Today that several Prisons posing a problem with regard renovation, also houses a at the Welikada Prison will be country are facing issues of such as the Dalupotha to practicing COVID-19 number of quarantined transferred. A number of prisoners from overcrowding. Prison, the Kegalle Prison, the related social distancing. civilians. Additionally, a number of the Welikada Prison will be Prisons Commissioner Colombo Remand Prison and The existing Bogambara However, a new prison has prisoners from Kegalle Prison transferred to the new (Administration), Chandana the Welikada Prison, are Prison complex, which is been constructed nearby, to will be transferred to Pallekele Bogambara Prison, as several Ekanayake, told Ceylon currently overcrowded, thus, currently undergoing which most of the prisoners Prison, Ekanayake said.

Govt going back on promises – TNA

By Naalir Jamaldeen He expressed regret that the end of the separatist war in and Farook Shihan Government was deliberately 2009, the former government deceiving the Tamils, noting had promised that more powers The TNA Ampara District that during the concluded will be added to the 13th Parliamentarian Thavarasa Presidential Election, they had Amendment to the Constitution Kalaiyarasan yesterday (16) promised that the Kalmunai and that the same Government said owing to ethnic and racial North Divisional Secretariat was now engaged in an attempt marginalisation, the Tamil would be upgraded but that this to repeal the 19th Amendment community is gradually losing has so far not taken place. and introduce the 20th its identity. Kalaiyarasan said after the Amendment instead.

CAA discovers illegal ingredients in cosmetic products to be mentioned in the skin CAA has worked with more than By Eunice Ruth cream and liquid based creams 1,000 businesses in major cities as mentioned in the Gazette. across the country selling, The Consumer Affairs Accordingly, the product name, manufacturing and distributing Authority (CAA) has discovered a the manufacturer’s name, the imported liquid based creams number of illegally manufactured address, the importer’s name and and cream products to inform cosmetic products during its address, the brand name, them about these facts, he added. inspections. weight/volume, group or code or Bandara further said the CAA CAA Director, Asela Bandara, stock identification number, the plan to conduct two to three yesterday (16) said certain product date, the expiration date awareness programmes per year. creams and lotions currently or the last day it can be used, the He added the Authority has available in the market are maximum retail price, raw informed consumers to be aware, manufactured and sold using ingredients list, instructions for as many imported creams and harmful ingredients. use, and warnings/warning other liquid type creams According to a gazette issued statements if needed, should be presently available in the market by the CAA, there is a maximum mentioned. from unregistered brands have limit of approval for creams and The CAA has conducted a no or limited information and this types of liquid based creams with special programme to raise needs to be printed on the arsenic and cadmium flavourings awareness among the sellers on container before they are put up and that this information needs the products and that so far, the for sale.

:HHN Online learning programme for u’grads – ADB

By Paneetha Ameresekere learning. Mobile broadband was used by 78% of students in State and 69% in non State An estimated 88 per cent of undergraduates from institutions. State universities, other State sponsored higher Nevertheless, online education accessed education institutes and non-State higher through smart phones limits access to reading education institutes participated in online learning materials, writing assignments, and solving programmes, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) quizzes through learning management systems. in a report released on 15 September said. Providing laptops to all students would create a The ADB which conducted this survey during the more conducive environment for online COVID-19 lockdown, covering 13 days from 17-29 education. Many faculty and students suggested June, included a total of 20,257 respondents, both the introduction of loan schemes to purchase from State and non-State higher educational laptops with a video camera. institutes. The sample comprised students living in One faculty member remarked that students urban, rural areas and in estates. walk several 100 metres to get a somewhat However, on a daily basis, only 55% of the decent signal. Respondents reported disruptions students from a total of 16,579 respondents in in Internet access caused by power outages in State sponsored higher educational institutes and some areas. Without a stable, high-speed internet 56% from a total of 1,084 respondents from non- connection, student engagement and State higher educational institutes, attended online performance assessments were even more learning programmes. challenging, particularly for faculty. Around 90% Further, student online education participation of students reported owning a smart phone. in some universities, such as the University of the However, just 55% of students in State and Visual and Performing Arts (70%), University of 66% in non State higher education institutions Kelaniya (75%) and Eastern University (77%), were said that they owned a laptop. relatively low compared with other higher education Only seven per cent of institutions. students in State and 12% in The highest percentage of online learning was non State institutions from the dental sciences (96% from 125 reported that they had a respondents) and the lowest was from the ‘arts and desktop computer. The share performing arts’ (74% from 1,210 respondents). of students in State Meanwhile, the largest number of respondents was institutions who could receive from the sciences with 2,902, where 94% of the support in acquiring a respondents said that they followed online classes. hardware device was 41%. Overall, the ‘very satisfied’ level from this exercise From non State institutions, was 24% (out of 16,521 respondents), moderately only 14% of students reported satisfied, 66% from the same sample, dissatisfied that the institutions provided (nine per cent) and ‘very dissatisfied’ (two per cent). a loan or subsidy to help them Lack of consistently stable, high-speed Internet acquire hardware devices. access was the most significant challenge for However, students in non students and faculty in continuing tertiary State institutions were more education during the early onset of COVID-19. likely to own hardware devices Some students had to access online education than students in State through smart phones, using mobile data packages institutions. that many could scarcely afford. Students from low- income households suffered disproportionately, and gaps grew in access to tertiary education. However, all Internet service providers enabled free access to university web servers until 17 August. Nonetheless, poor Internet connection was the top challenge faculty and students faced during online learning. More than 70% of students and 68% of faculty in State institutions, and 76% of faculty in non State institutions faced connection issues during online teaching and A6 thursday 17 september 2020 editorial

Ready to accept UNP leadership if Working Committee support is received – Ruwan Wijewardene

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] Illness to Working Wellness Committee Sri Lanka with a score of 69.29 points out of 100 is placed 52nd out of 153 countries and second out of eight South Asian countries in the ‘Global Wellness Index 2020’, data on the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) update of their ‘Asian Development Outlook 2020’ report released on Tuesday showed. Ahead of Sri Lanka in the South Asian region was the Maldives with a score of 74.72 points. Maldives was also ranked sixth in the Asian region vis-à-vis ‘Global Wellness Index 2020.’ Trailing behind Sri Lanka in descending order in the South Asian region were Bhutan (67.03 points), Nepal (44.93 points), Bangladesh (43.06 points), India (38.96 points), Pakistan (27.24 points) and Afghanistan (23.56 points). Meanwhile, the top five countries globally in Why Israel's Peace descending order were Finland (96.24), Luxembourg (95.71), Sweden (94.49), Norway (94.41) and Denmark (94.23). Further, the top five countries in the Asian region in descending order were New Zealand (93.67), Australia (90.19), Japan (85.77), Singapore (78.96) Deals With UAE and and South Korea (75.93). The ‘wellness index’ is founded on four pillars, the ADB said. They are physical, intellectual (mental), environmental and social. Physical wellness captures a nation’s ability to meet the health needs of its populace, intellectual wellness measures Bahrain Matter access to education and its quality, social wellness considers the social environment and By Jeremy Bowen environmental wellness addresses environmental health, it said. High-level delegations from While Sri Lanka may be one of two top dogs in the Israel and the United Arab South Asian region, can it be satisfied with this Emirates (UAE) signed a historic position? This is in the backdrop that when it USA-brokered peace deal at the gained Independence 72 years ago in 1948, it was at White House on Tuesday. least well ahead of Singapore and Korea: currently Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Asia’s fourth and fifth largest wellness economies. attended the event and signed In the Wellness rankings, which the ADB its own agreement to normalise borrowed from the USA-based Global Wellness relations with Israel, announced Institute which plots such charts, Sri Lanka by President Donald Trump last occupies eleventh place out of 34 Asian countries week. this year. This is why the deals are The 10 Asian countries ahead of Sri Lanka in significant. descending order were New Zealand (93.67), Australia (90.19), Japan (85.77), Singapore (78.96) Opportunities for Korea (75.93), Maldives (74.72), Armenia (73.02), trade and more Kazakhstan (72.50), Fiji (72.0) and Georgia (71.94). Excluding the top five Asian countries, two of The deal helps the ambitious which have been briefly touched upon in this Emiratis, who have built editorial earlier, where were the balance five themselves into a military power countries ahead of Sri Lanka, namely the Maldives, as well as a place to do business Israel’s National Security Adviser was on board a historic flight to the UAE on 1 September (Reuters) Armenia, Kazakhstan, Fiji and Georgia, at the time or go on holiday. of Sri Lanka’s Independence in 1948? It looks as if the Americans choice is to acknowledge its The ‘friends of America’ because of overwhelming Maldivians even now come for their education to helped seal the deal with the existence. alliance against Iran should international pressure. The Sri Lanka, though the numbers may be less, promise of advanced weapons Israelis do not like being work more smoothly if the Gulf Emiratis offered him a way out compared to what they were in the pre-1983 era, that in the past the UAE has isolated in the Middle East. Arabs can be open, rather than of what had become an awkward with 1983 being a watershed, in which year Sri barely been able to window- Peace with Egypt and Jordan secretive, about their relations political cul-de-sac. Lanka’s Tamil-Sinhala armed conflict exploded and shop. They include the F-35 has never been warm. They with Israel. The Palestinian nervousness which went on to occupy the island’s political and stealth fighter and the EA-18G might be more hopeful about President Trump's so-called will increase now that Bahrain economic landscape for 26 years before Tamil Growler electronic warfare future relations with Gulf ‘Deal of the Century’ to make has joined the agreement. terrorism was finally defeated 11 years ago in 2009. aircraft. countries a long way from the peace between Israel and the That would never have Meanwhile, in 1948, Fiji was hardly heard of and The UAE has used its already cockpit of Jerusalem and the Palestinians is a non-starter. happened without approval by if heard, it was unfairly classified as another well-equipped armed forces in occupied territories. But the ‘Abraham Accords’, as Saudi Arabia. The Saudis were cannibal country like its Pacific neighbour Papua Libya and Yemen. But its most Strengthening the alliance the Israel-UAE agreement is the authors of the Arab peace New Guinea (PNG), where the latter country banned serious potential enemy is Iran, against Iran is another big plus. known, is a significant shift in plan that demanded Palestinian cannibalism as late as in the 1970s. Incidentally, just on the other side of the Gulf. Netanyahu sees Iran as Israel's the balance of power in the Independence. PNG, with a score of 49.98 points, is well down in Israel and the USA share number one enemy, at times Middle East and is being King Salman's status as the Wellness ranking list. Emirati suspicions of the comparing its leaders to the presented by the Trump White custodian of Islam's two holiest And, as far as the balance three Asian countries Iranians. So does Bahrain. Until Nazis. He has muted his original House as a major foreign policy shrines gives him enormous ahead of Sri Lanka were concerned, namely 1969 Iran used to claim Bahrain complaints about the UAE's coup. authority. It is unlikely that he Armenia, Kazakhstan and Georgia, at the time of Sri was by rights part of its territory. possible arms deal. will suddenly recognise Israel. Lanka’s Independence in 1948 they were Soviet Bahrain's Sunni rulers also Netanyahu is also Palestinians His son and heir, Mohammed satellite States, coming under the umbrella of the regard sections of its restive Shia beleaguered, facing a trial for feel betrayed bin Salman, might be less Marxist-Communist Soviet Union, also known as majority as a potential fifth corruption that might land him reluctant. the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). column for Iran. in jail. His handling of the Once again, they are left These three former Soviet States gained their Both Gulf States already had coronavirus pandemic started holding the wooden spoon. New strategic independence only 31 years ago in 1989 with the barely concealed ties with Israel. well and has gone badly wrong. They have condemned the headache collapse of the USSR. Incidentally, Russia, the They will look forward to trading Opponents stage weekly rallies Abraham Accords as a betrayal. founder of the now collapsed USSR, is ranked 49th openly; Israel has one of the outside his residence in The new agreement breaks a The deal has been roundly (71.40 points) in the Wellness Index, just three world's most advanced high tech Jerusalem. long-standing Arab consensus condemned by the Iranian notches ahead of Sri Lanka. sectors. A ceremony at the White that the price of normal relations leadership. It is more than If it’s presumed that as Sri Lanka’s 26-year In non-Covid times, Israelis House could not come at a better with Israel was Independence for rhetoric. The Abraham Accords terrorist war was the cause (though this cause was are avid holidaymakers who will time. the Palestinians. put them under extra strain. in actual fact the symptoms of the disease) for Sri be keen to explore the deserts, Foreign policy coup But now Israel is cementing President Trump's sanctions Lanka’s fall from ‘wellness’ to ‘illness,’ post-1948, beaches and malls of the Gulf. It new public relationships with are already causing real now that the war is long past, it would do well for is good business all round. The deal works on a number of Arab States while the economic pain. Now they have a the incumbent Government to put in place policies Ending regional levels for the United States Palestinians still languish under strategic headache too. (the bus which the island missed in 1948) which President. occupation in East Jerusalem Israel's home airbases are a will not only avoid the repetition of such tragedies, isolation It is a big boost for his strategy and the West Bank, and in what long flight from Iran. The UAE's but which will also aid to steer the economy full of ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran. amounts to an open prison in are just across the waters of the steam ahead. Normalising relations with the It is also useful ammunition, Gaza. Gulf. That would be highly Meanwhile, the reason why Fiji was taken into UAE and Bahrain is a genuine especially in an election year, to Abu Dhabi Crown Prince significant if there was a return account in this editorial is though Maldives achievement for the Israelis. back his boast that he is the Mohammed bin Zayed Al to talk of air strikes against geographically is a South Asian country, the Prime Minister Benjamin world's best deal-maker. Nahyan, the UAE's de facto Iran's nuclear sites. Wellness Institute in their rankings has classified Netanyahu is a believer in the Anything he does that benefits ruler, says that his price for the Israel, the USA, Bahrain and Maldives together with Fiji as Pacific countries. strategy first described in the Israel, or more specifically the deal was Israel's agreement to the UAE have a range of new Therefore, to make it ‘fair,’ Fiji, together with 1920s of an ‘Iron Wall’ between Government of Benjamin stop the annexation of large options. Vanuatu and PNG are also considered as Asian the Jewish state and the Arabs. Netanyahu, goes down well with parts of the West Bank. The Iranians find their room countries in the context of this editorial. The idea is that Israeli American Christian Evangelical But Prime Minister Netanyahu for manoeuvre has been strength will in the end make the voters, an important part of his seemed to have backed away reduced. Arabs realise that their only electoral base. from the idea, for now at least, (BBC News) column thursday 17 september 2020 A7 Lords of Sleaze II By Padraig Colman

The recent Johnson list has little to A life peerage do with ‘honour’. Although, it is a also for James particularly egregious example of cynicism and contempt for the Wharton who Nation’s institutions and citizens, there is a long history of Prime was created Ministers doing this kind of thing. Baron Wharton Monarchs also did it. Titles have constantly been granted to court of Yarm, favourites and allies. James I created the title of baronet and sold becoming the baronetcies for £1,500 each to raise youngest male money for his war in Ireland. There were regular controversies over New member of the Year honours lists, such as when House at the William Waldorf Astor, an American property and press mogul who, after age of 36.He generous contributions to British charities, became Lord Astor in 1916 made a number and Viscount Astor the following of visits to Sri year. In the UK, bribery and corruption is not limited to the Lanka. Conservative Party. Wharton Lloyd George denied The Liberal politician David Lloyd George once remarked that "A fully- allegations that equipped duke costs as much to keep he had become up as two dreadnoughts. They are just as great a terror and they last too close to the longer. "He described the House of Lords as "five hundred men chosen was arrested. It was later discovered visits to Sri Lanka. Wharton denied leadership campaign and has given Sri Lankan at random from the ranks of the that Blair had given an honour to allegations that he had become too over £3 million to the Conservatives Government. unemployed". two-thirds of people who had donated close to the Sri Lankan Government. since 2007; billionaire businessman Between December 1916 and July over £50,000 to the Labour Party; Wharton helped Johnson with his Michael Spencer, a former Tory Wharton 1922 1,500 knighthoods were donors who had given over leadership bid. treasurer who has given around £5 helped Johnson awarded and Lloyd George awarded £1,000,000 were either awarded with Peerages went to a number of million to the party; Jon Moynihan, 91 peerages within the same period, a life peerage or a knighthood. The people who have donated generously who chaired Vote Leave's finance with his twice as many as had been created in Labour Party acknowledged that it to the Tory Party: Peter Cruddas who committee and donated £100,000 to the previous twenty years. had taken loans worth £18 million donated £50,000 to Johnson’s Johnson’s leadership bid. leadership bid What distinguished the sale of from individuals, more than three honours under Lloyd George was the times what it had previously sheer scale of the operation and the reported. It did not say who had brazen manner in which honours made the loans, which accounted for were offered for sale. Maundy most of the money Labour said it had Gregory, a former actor and spent on the May 2005 elections. theatrical impresario, (who openly The case was eventually dropped touted honours from an office in by the Crown Prosecution Service but Parliament Square) operated a price the Labour Party’s funds were list for peerages, ranging from disastrously hit by returning the £10,000 (more than £400,000 in loans and Blair’s own reputation was today’s money) for a knighthood up further undermined. to £40,000 for a baronetcy. Gregory seems to have targeted wealthy but Lib Dems dodgy men who hoped to buy some In November 2014, former Liberal respectability. Gregory invented the Democrat Treasurer, Lord Razzall, Order of the British Empire to fill a while plugging his book on BBC gap in the market for those who radio, said that he was regularly could not afford a knighthood. approached by wealthy businessmen, As a result, 25,000 people were often with no interest in politics, who 'given' the OBE over a period of four would appear “out of the blue” years and the OBE was commonly offering million-pound donations in known as the Order of the Bad Egg. exchange for a seat in the House of In the July 1922 honours list, the Lords. The Honours (Prevention of following were rewarded: John Abuses) Act 1925 states that it is a Drughorn (convicted in 1915 for criminal offence for someone to offer trading with the enemy), William “any gift, money or valuable Vestey (convicted of tax evasion), and consideration as an inducement or Joseph Robinson (a South African reward for procuring or assisting or who had only recently been convicted endeavouring to procure the grant of of a £500,000 share fraud.) George V a dignity or title of honour”. Razzall, complained that, "The Robinsoncase who worked as a solicitor for nearly must be regarded as little less than 30 years, never thought of notifying an insult to the Crown and to the the Police. The three biggest donors House of Lords". The press turned to the Liberal Democrats had been against Lloyd George. As a given peerages by Nick Clegg when he consequence, the Honours was deputy Prime Minister in David (Preventions of Abuses) Act 1925 Cameron’s coalition. made it a criminal offence to accept a monetary reward in return for David Cameron granting an honour. In less than a year of becoming PM, David Cameron created 117 new Harold Wilson and the peers - prompting a group of existing Lavender List Lords to write a pamphlet entitled "House Full". David Cameron was In 1976, Harold Wilson’s accused of taking cronyism to new resignation honours list caused heights by bestowing honours on 46 merriment as well as anger. One aides, advisers (such as a knighthood recipient of a life peerage was the for Lynton Crosby, the controversial industrialist Joseph Kagan, who political strategist credited with invented Gannex, a waterproof engineering the Conservative election raincoat fabric that was frequently victory in 2015) and ministers worn by Wilson. Lord Kagan, honours in his resignation list. He (popularly known as Lord Gannex) even gave an MBE to his barber, was jailed for 10 months in 1980 for Raffaele Claudio Carbosiero, in 2014 misappropriating company funds. for “services to hairdressing”. Joe Haines was Wilson’s press secretary. He is still going strong, Boris Johnson frequently writing tetchy letters to Boris Johnson did not just reward the New Statesman and the his cronies, he punished, by Guardian. Haines alleged that the list withholding expected honours, his was drafted on lavender notepaper by enemies, like former speaker John the head of Wilson’s office, Marcia Bercow, as well as those who he felt Williams, who became Lady should have given him more support, Falkender. Haines claimed to have such as Mark Carney, the former turned down honours himself governor of the Bank of England, who because he did not want to appear on warned of the damage Brexit would the list. do to the economy. Johnson showed his utter cynicism Blair in responding to criticism of Russian During his first term of office, Tony influence in British elections by Blair created 203 life peers, to whom giving a peerage to his friend Evgeny the Conservatives referred as "Tony's Lebedev, Soviet-born son of a former Cronies". In March 2006, several KGB agent, who happened to own the nominations for life peerages by Blair Evening Standard. were rejected by the Appointments Veronica Wadley was editor of the Commission. Those put forward had Evening Standard when that paper lent, at the suggestion of Lord Levy backed Johnson’s campaign to (Blair’s tennis partner, a former pop replace Ken Livingstone as London’s impresario known as “Lord mayor in 2008. She got a CBE in Cashpoint” – manager of luminaries 2018. This time round she got a life such as Alvin Stardust and Bad peerage. Manners), large sums of money to the A life peerage also for James Labour Party. There was a long and Wharton who was created Baron involved Police investigation during Wharton of Yarm, becoming the which many MPs, including Blair youngest male member of the House (three times), were questioned. Levy at the age of 36.He made a number of A8 thursday 17 september 2020 column The Lion Sleeps Tonight By Devika Brendon health and happiness. It takes a lot of energy to criticise and condemn others I’m fairly sure most people aged 15 and ourselves. It’s draining and to 85 have seen ‘The Lion King’, in exhausting and counter-productive. some form. Either as the Disney NVC is a way of transforming that cartoon or on the stage as a musical. energy in a more positive way. And in the jungle, the mighty jungle, This healthy state of being which is young Simba’s worst enemies (apart most effective for human happiness is from his evil Uncle Scar) were the based on mindfulness, self awareness hyenas. Remember them? Banzai, and a decision to live in harmony with Shenzi and Ed. Scrounging, servile others rather than in the constant, somewhat grovelling creatures, scared quarrelsome uproar of the ‘Jackal’ of Mufasa, fawning over Scar, but state. threatening those weaker than Rosenberg says that this empathic themselves. Including, eventually, communication is what he terms Scar, after his terrible reign has come ‘Giraffe’ thinking, which comes from a to an end and his lies have been high-minded or noble individual, exposed. whose mindset is elevated above the It was the hyenas that were sent survival state of the Jackal: snapping at the heels of the wildebeest ‘The Giraffe has the largest heart of herd, in Scar’s attempt to kill Simba any land animal, is tall enough to look and Mufasa. Apparently, that scene into the future, and lives its life with made Arnold Schwarzenegger’s young gentility and strength... Giraffe bids us daughter very upset, and the man we to speak from the heart, to talk about know as ‘The Terminator’ reprimanded what is going on for us – without the producers of the Disney film for judging others... Giraffe is a language that. of requests; Jackal is a language of Hyenas are from the same biological demands.’ species as jackals. And they are – by Giraffe thinking clearly enables nature – scavenging poachers, unable constructive communication, in which to kill for themselves unless in a pack, both parties can progress and build and preying on the weak and better understanding. It encourages us defenceless. It’s easy to see, with these to see the fellow human being in Comparison of human to animal – a focus on consistent behavioural variation characteristics, why Jackals have been distress under the angry and used by certain practitioners of more enjoy posturing and jousting on these than “I am having trouble accepting aggressive individual who is acting out effective communication to represent public platforms, often venting private your remarks,” the speaker is making in front of us, and to try and help them the negative aspects of human beings. issues in public, for momentary relief, the other person wrong and identify their unmet needs, instead of Challenging which of course then inevitably creates responsible. The speaker is making ranting and raving in a destructive reaction in the person they have When we see the the other person’s statement way. Jackal Thinking insulted. serene faces of universally wrong, when it may have Understanding the culture in which This aggressive perspective is based been ‘wrong’ to the speaker alone. The our collective character has been According to Marshall Rosenberg, we in violence and creates violence in the Saints and speaker is also behaving as if they hold formed helps a lot in creating remedies are brought up with ‘Jackal’ thinking. turn. Rosenberg asserts that the book on what is acceptable and for verbal aggression. A people who And a lot of the social issues we are ‘Jackals... view others as the source of the Buddha we what is not. proudly call themselves the ‘lion race’ crippled by – the cruelty, the their anger.’ They blame others for are seeing the In the sentence #3, “That was very often focus on the warlike and carelessness, the ego-driven failing their demands and thoughtful,” the speaker is making a powerful nature associated with the encounters, the bullying, the shaming, expectations, and for hurting their pinbara face, positive judgment but a judgment just lion. Yet the Lion King himself, as the sneering, the criticism, the pride, or self-esteem, or desire to look which shows the same. They are adopting a Simba’s father Mufasa tells his young judgmentalism and lack of empathy all good. They respond by saying ‘things parental stance, and they are stating son, is fierce and angry ‘only when he come from this punitive mindset. designed to hurt, punish, or blame the that the person that they are qualified to know who is has to be... There’s more to being king Rosenberg says: “At an early age, person whom (they) imagine has hurt thoughtful and who is not. than getting your own way all the most of us were taught to speak and (their) feelings.’ is living a In the sentence #4, “I don’t deserve time’. think Jackal. This... is a way of The best way to dismantle this blessed life. Free this,” once again, the speaker is Rosenberg points out: ‘In a Jackal mentally classifying people into destructive dynamic is to respond to blaming the other and also playing culture, feelings and wants are varying shades of good and bad, right affront by going inwards instead of of anger and God. Nobody knows what anybody severely punished. People are expected and wrong. Ultimately it provokes hitting out: by examining our own fear, greed, deserves in Life. to be docile, subservient to authority, defensiveness, resistance and counter- expectations, through self-reflection, So all these statements are jackal. slave like in their reactions, and attack.” and checking to see if they were hatred and But they are common statements that alienated from their feelings and Many of us have observed the rise in actually realistic. This requires we use every day that carry violence needs.’ hate speech, cyber bullying and word- humility, and the ability to conduct delusion. within themselves. We all have the This lack of choice and imposition of based violence in our societies in the self inquiry: to see more than our own Contrast this choice, all the time, between choosing authority and threat of punishment age of the Internet. The violent words needs and wishes in any encounter. the stance of the jackal and that of the causes fear and resentment in the come from an angry and oppositional This is difficult for human beings. I serene and giraffe.’ responder, rather than respect. And mindset, and can only be remedied by have only recently begun learning In our attempt to defend ourselves respect for others is based in self the opposite: a compassionate, about Non Violent Communication, a joyful Giraffe from the perceived and actual attacks respect, and awareness of the effects of empathic and gentle way of perceiving practice, which recommends that we countenance of others, we categorise them to try our own words and actions. the self, and others. do not judge and categorise but and control and contain the potential When we see the serene faces of the Rosenberg points out the contrast observe and work with ourselves and with that of the damage their actions cause us. This is Saints and the Buddha we are seeing between ‘Jackal’ (quarrelsome, others. It seems to me that snarling Jackal, understandable, but creates and the ‘pinbara’ face, which shows that aggressive) thinking and what he calls the compulsive reactivity we are trying increases potential conflict in the the person is living a blessed life. Free ‘Giraffe’ (heartbased, empathic) to unlearn is ego-based. And ego is teeth showing, dynamic between us and them, of anger and fear, greed, hatred and thinking: what has enabled us to survive. violence which NVC radically seeks to delusion. Contrast this serene and ‘The Jackal moves close to the A friend and colleague of mine who, always ready to gradually deconstruct and diminish. joyful Giraffe countenance with that of ground. It is so preoccupied with after 5 years of conscious practice of attack and I, having been professionally trained the snarling Jackal, teeth showing, getting its immediate needs met that it NVC, describes herself as an to analyse, critique, assess, evaluate always ready to attack and scavenge. cannot see into the future... Jackal- ‘enthusiastic beginner’, says: ‘Jackal is scavenge. Which and judge, am learning that in NVC we Which do we wish to be? It is our thinking individuals believe that in a state of mind that we all experience. avoid diagnosis of any kind. This is choice, in every moment. quickly classifying or analysing people, When I say, “He makes me so mad,” we do we wish to because the goal is not to classify If we today want a gentler and more they understand them. Unhappy are in jackal. In fact, even when we be? It is our intellectually which involves peaceful society, we need to stop about what’s going on, a Jackal will say, “Your racist remark is separation of self and other, but to praising violent speech and actions, label the people involved, saying, ‘He’s unacceptable,” we are also in jackal. choice, in every heal human communication, and to via worshipping the role models we an idiot’, or ‘She’s bad’, or ‘They’re Also, when we say, “That was very moment see ourselves as fellow human beings hold up for veneration as idols: movie culturally deprived’. thoughtful,” that’s a form of jackal, who are often in states of suffering, stars, showoffs, influencers, icons, the We see a great deal of this rapid and too. Another jackal statement might discontent and anguish. My friend super rich, over achievers and pop vindictive, sneering and dismissive be, “I don’t deserve to be treated this points out that in NVC, we offer culture celebrities, and start praising classification of others on social media, way.” statement is jackal for two reasons: compassion instead of condemnation and appreciating empathy and and it is this that results in the often Can you see why? #1 is easy a) ‘racist’ is a label, and also the to the Jackal and also to those we label gentleness and courtesy instead. toxic atmosphere that is often because we are blaming somebody else person is assuming that they are as ‘unhinged’, or ‘irrational’ or ‘crazed’ In doing so, we will be bringing to life complained about by participants on for our feelings. Nobody can make me qualified to judge the other person’s or ‘neurotic’. the spiritual teachings of the Buddha Facebook and Twitter platforms. feel anything. meaning and intention; b) in saying In a process of learning non- himself, who we know and venerate as Aggressive and opinionated individuals In the sentence #2, years the “your remark is unacceptable,” rather judgment, we achieve a better state of The Compassionate One. Bursting Champagne’s Bubble By Michael Gregson been scrapped because of COVID-19. year’s harvest and this year, because and other cheaper sparkling wines. Worldwide, sales this year could fall of hot sunny weather that growers Given the quality of this year’s At more than US$50 a bottle, by a third to about US$4 billion, ascribe to climate change, the yield in Champagne harvest, the decision to Champagne is beyond most Sri compared with a record €5.92 billion many vineyards is even more leave many grapes rotting in the Lankans’ pockets – though you might in 2019. By next year, unsold stocks bountiful than usual. vineyard was especially hard. The find it at a fancy reception or hotel. could swell to four years’ supply – or Some grapes could be turned into growers say there has been little The Colombo Jazz festival used to more than 1.4 billion bottles. hand sanitiser, which one producer, disease in 2020, and the fine boast a Champagne bar and there “We are experiencing a crisis that Anselme Selosse of Jacques Selosse weather has produced grapes with was always a long queue of thirsty we evaluate to be even worse than the Champagnes, called “an insult to the right levels of sugar and acidity drinkers with bulging wallets. Great Depression,” said Thibaut Le nature”. that could make for a vintage year. It’s been the preserve of high-end Mailloux, of the Champagne Champagne – the region and the Champagne’s fortunes will continue weddings, parties and celebrations. Committee, which represents the wine – faced challenges even before to depend on the pandemic. Half the Racing drivers have sprayed it region’s growers. the pandemic spread across the globe sales are usually made in the last four liberally from podiums. But thanks to Champagne regularly takes a hit earlier this year. months of the year that includes COVID-19, Champagne’s bubble has during an economic crisis as the They include the uncertainty over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New burst. The French fizzy wine business wealthy cut back conspicuous trade tariffs after Brexit – the UK is Year. is going flat broke. spending to try not to appear out of champagne’s biggest single export In Reims, Vitalie Taittinger says this “We are in a crisis,” says Vitalie touch with the less well off. Cheaper market and will leave the EU single is a teaching moment for Champagne. Taittinger, the president of the Italian Prosecco sales have been market in January – as well as the “Sometimes we need a crisis to prestigious Taittinger Champagne stable, though in Spain there has threat of climate change. This year, regenerate,” she says. “We have to house based in Reims. “This has been been a drop in demand for cava. the grape harvest began in some renew ourselves, shed our skin. We hard: the virus has really hit us. But In response, French champagne Champagne villages on 17 August, have to innovate, make our we are facing other challenges too, producers have decided to put a cap the earliest date in the 300-year Champagne fizz and surprise, and put from climate change to a new on the amount of grapes they send for history of the sparkling wine. more emotion into the bottle.” generation with different tastes. This processing into wine. Producers decide to put a cap on The US is the second-biggest But the bubbles will be back, sooner production - A glut in cellars and on is a period of transition.” They took the decision because a shelves would drive down prices export market (16 per cent), and rather than later, Ms Taittinger Champagne is one of France’s glut of the drink in cellars and on President Donald Trump has promises. “Champagne remains an biggest exports, but sales have wholesalers’ shelves would drive down grapes that can be harvested from a threatened to slap tariffs on extraordinary wine,” she says. “Even plummeted as bars and restaurants prices and tarnish the aura of luxury hectare to 8,000 kg – means that Champagne. There are also changing if life is rotten, we don’t have to have closed. All the events that usually and exclusivity that the industry has anything over that figure must be left consumer habits: young people are to be sad. And Champagne creates involve Champagne – weddings, spent years building up. to rot. drinking less alcohol and there is happiness.” parties and other celebrations – have But the cap – limiting the amount of The quota is one fifth less than last growing competition from Prosecco If you can afford it. news thursday 17 september 2020 A9

GMOA urges Bikes, Trishaws on bus Lane LPBOA to pursue Pavithra to ensure legal action

By Thameenah Razeek charge of the Western independence of SLMC Province Deshabandu The Lanka Private Bus Tennakoon in this regard. By Dilanthi Jayamanne Assistant Registrar (AAR) of tenure on 31 July 2019. With time when Wanniarachchi Owners Association (LPBOA) Wijeratne claimed that they the SLMC had met an outside public concern regarding the was establishing the is to take legal action to have implemented these laws party with confidential recognition of foreign degrees independence and abolish the law implemented to facilitate the rich who are The Government Medical documents related to the by the SLMC, it was wrong of supremacy of the SLMC. He to allow motorcyclists and driving cars, vans and other Officers’ Association (GMOA), Foreign University the AAR to have met with urged Wanniarachchi to trishaw drivers to ply on the luxury vehicles. yesterday urged Health Evaluation Committee of the outside parties away from the place the AAR out of all same priority lane that has “All the rich people can be Minister, Pavithra SLMC. SLMC premises with activities of the SLMC, while been allocated for heavy on time at their work but the Wanniarachchi to take Dr. Fernando, in a letter confidential documents banning him from entering vehicles such as buses. poor and the middle class immediate action to ensure copied to the Health belonging to the SLMC. He the SLMC premises until a According to the Chairman people should stay in traffic the independence of the Sri Secretary, the Acting Director said the AAR had no right to proper investigation was of the LPBOA, Gemunu while wasting their time for Lanka Medical Council General of Health Services, access confidential conducted to safeguard the Wijeratne, there was huge nothing. We will definitely (SLMC). the President of the SLMC documents of the SLMC, let independence and traffic congestion in the Bus hold discussions with In a letter to and the SLMC Registrar alone share the documents confidentiality of the SLMC. Priority Lanes yesterday (16) President Gotabaya Wanniarachchi, GMOA alleged that this AAR was one with outside parties. Several efforts to contact when buses, trishaws and Rajapaksa regarding this,” he Secretary, Dr. Senal of the elected Members of the He said this type of activity the AAR in question proved bikes plied in one lane while added. Fernando, alleged the Acting SLMC who had completed his was highly disturbing at a futile. other cars and luxury Wijeratne said that the vehicles could go leisurely. Police should introduce a He criticised the Police and Priority Car Lane instead of a the Senior DIG of Police in Priority Bus Lane. Naming Zaharan a terrorist SJB unlikely to reunite Former SIS Director Blacklisted terrorists and terror orgs refutes Sirisena’s claim with UNP – Dissanayake By Methmalie Dissanayake Large number de-listed Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), – Fmr Defence Secy Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena, yesterday (16), denied a claim By Faadhila Thassim that it could not be done made by former President Maithripala Sirisena, that the under any influence. latter was only informed that National Thowheed A large number of “Although Kumararatna Jama’ath Leader Zaharan Hashim was an extremist and individuals and informed me of such an not a terrorist, who was a threat to national security. organisations, gazetted as order made by Samaraweera, SDIG Jayawardena said so when the Attorney-at-Law terrorists in 2014, have been I did not do so as there was representing Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal removed from the 2015 insufficient evidence to Ranjith cross-examined him before the Presidential Gazette, including two support the removal of these Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the 21 April 2019, terrorists whose names were names,’’ he added. Easter Sunday terror attacks. removed due to the influence Further, the final The Lawyer played a video clip of a political talk show of former Minister of Foreign document containing the conducted by a private television channel featuring Affairs of the United National blacklisted names that have Sirisena. The video clip showed Sirisena saying that he Front (UNF)-led Government, to be gazetted could only be was only informed that Zaharan was an extremist and Mangala Samaraweera, said approved by the Minister of not a terrorist who was a threat to national security. former Secretary to the Foreign Affairs but on the When queried as to whether he accepted this claim, Ministry of Defence, suggestions of the National SDIG Jayawardena said he could not accept it as he had B.M.U.D. Basnayake. Security Council and the clearly informed both Sirisena and the National Security Testifying before the Ministry of Defence and the Council (NSC) on numerous occasions that Zaharan Presidential Commission of document is drafted was promoting the ideology of the Islamic State (IS) in By Sumudu Chamara the 20th Amendment is passed, a Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to following a stringent Sri Lanka and that it posed a huge danger to the day will come when the Prime probe political victimisation procedure. country. Although the Samagi Jana Minister has to stand with us for of public officials during the He said that the document “I might not have used the exact word ‘terrorist’ to Balawegaya (SJB) has no grudges democracy. The 20th Amendment tenure of the UNF-led of the blacklisted terrorists describe Zaharan, but I clearly said he was promoting with the UNP, due to anti- has been put forward to give Government, yesterday (16), for 2015 was gazetted a the IS ideology. Everyone is aware that the IS is a democratic actions aimed at excessive powers to the President, Basnayake said month after he vacated as terrorist organisation,” he pointed out. gaining power by the UNP while stripping the Prime Minister Samaraweera, having called Secretary following which leadership, the SJB is unlikely to of his powers.” then Chief of National Karunasena Hettiarachchi reunite with the UNP anytime Marikkar went on to claim that Intelligence, Lieutenant was appointed. Although the soon, Parliamentarian Mayantha although the middle class people Colonel Shammi number of individuals Dissanayake said. voted for the President expecting Kumararatna, had ordered gazetted as blacklisted Addressing a Media briefing in that he would create a new him to remove two LTTE terrorists was 424 in 2014, PCoI summons Colombo yesterday (16), he also country and would rid the members blacklisted in 2014 the number dropped to 155 stated that, if the UNP leadership country of conservative politics, (Suren Surendiran and in 2015 while the number of ACCS Members changes and the UNP expresses today, they’ve understood that Fr. Emmanuel) stating that organisations blacklisted in willingness to join the SJB, the this change is unlikely. they were his close 2014, which was 16, By Faadhila Thassim SJB might take such a request During the same Media briefing, associates. dropped to six in 2015. into consideration. Attorney-at-Law Lihini Fernando He added that blacklisting ‘’Such a drastic drop in the Members of the Anti-Corruption Committee Speaking at the same Media said the 20th Amendment violates individuals and number of blacklisted Secretariat (ACCS) excluding former Prime Minister briefing, Parliamentarian S.M. the constitutional principles. She organisations as terrorists is terrorists a month after I Ranil Wickremesinghe and Parliamentarian Dr. Marikkar added that President also expressed disapproval of the of great importance to vacated is problematic and a Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC were issued notice to appear Gotabaya Rajapaksa has gained appointment of a Parliamentary national security and had threat to national security,’’ before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) merely a simple majority, as only Council and the abolition of the taken place within the legal he added. appointed to probe into the political victimisation of 52 per cent of voters voted for him Constitutional Council, framework established to Basnayake appeared public officials during the tenure of the UNF-led at the last Presidential Election. mentioned in the draft 20th comply with the United before the PCoI with regard Government. He added, “There’s a serious Amendment. She claimed that Nations Security Council to a complaint lodged by Notice was issued yesterday (16) for the other division within the Government. If the Parliamentary Council cannot Resolution 1373 adopted by Kumararatna. members of the ACCS to appear before the PCoI on 24 this situation continues, in the be expected to function Sri Lanka. The PCoI thereby issued September with regard to a complaint lodged by the future, Sri Lanka’s politics will be impartially. Basnayake further noted notice to the former former Director of Litro Gas, Neil Bandara Hapuhinna. divided into two groups - one She added that people should that in the event a name has Secretary to the Ministry of Hapuhinna’s complaint was that his arrest with supporting a dictatorial rule, the pay attention to the status quo, to be removed from the list of Defence who was appointed regard to the criminal misappropriation of Rs 500 other one supporting a and that their responsibility is the previous year, there has after Basnayake to testify million of public funds belonging to Litro Gas was democratic rule. Prime Minister not limited to merely voting at the to be strong evidence of the before the Commission politically motivated. Rajapaksa respects democracy. If election. need for such a removal and tomorrow (18).

PCoI on Easter Sunday Attacks First quarter Contempt of Court CID to extract Info from unemployment Jayawardena’s Mobile and LT action against By Methmalie Dissanayake SIS Director, Brigadier Suresh Sallay. rate highest at Wiggy terminated “The CID should then delete the data The Presidential Commission of or information relevant to national 5.7 per cent Inquiry (PCoI) probing the 21 April 2019 security so that it would be impossible By Kamal Weeraratna NPC Ministerial post by Easter Sunday terror attacks, yesterday to recover them again. But this By Paneetha Ameresekere Wigneswaran, had issued an (16) instructed the Commission instruction does not apply to data on The Court of Appeal, interim injunction against Secretary to send the mobile phone and early warnings on the Easter Sunday Sri Lanka’s quarterly unemployment rate yesterday (16), decided to the latter. laptop confiscated from the former terror attacks of 2019, information on hit its highest figure of 5.7 per cent at the terminate the contempt of Later, the petitioner had Director of the State Intelligence Service the National Thowheed Jama’ath or its end of the first quarter (1Q) of this year Court case against former moved the Court by way of (SIS), Senior Deputy Inspector General Leader Zahran Hashim and the 21 April (2020) since the Census and Statistics Chief Minister of the submitting a writ petition of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena 2019 suicide bombers, and those who Department (CSD) started publishing such Northern Province, C.V. stating that the respondent to the Criminal Investigations were killed in Sainthamaruthu on 26 quarterly data beginning from the second Wigneswaran by former Wigneswaran’s actions had Department (CID) to extract the April 2019,” the Chairman added. quarter (2Q) of 2011, CSD statistics released Minister of the NPC, S. been in contempt of Court. relevant data including call recordings Furthermore, the Chairman said that yesterday (16) showed. Denishwaran, after the latter When the case was taken and messages between 1 January and the CID should probe whether there Further, the labour force participation rate informed the Court that he up, the petitioner informed 31 December 2019. was any data deleted and the possibility (LFPR) hit an eight year low of 51% in the 1Q no longer wishes to sustain the Court that he no longer The PCoI instructed the CID to of recovering it. of 2020, where a figure lower than this was the trial which had lasted for wished to maintain the case provide a report after the extraction of “The report should be sent to the PCoI last seen in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2012 over one year. following a settlement the data relevant to its investigation, Secretary and after the investigation, with a figure of 48.1%. The case was considered reached with the respondent within two weeks. the devices should be handed over to In quantitative terms, the number of before a two-Judge Bench of and accordingly the Court The Chairman of the PCoI said the the PCoI Secretary,” the Chairman unemployed in the 1Q of 2020 comprised the Court comprising ordered to terminate the two devices should be opened and data noted. 483,172 and the number of employed, Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz trial. should be extracted before a A personal mobile phone and laptop 8,020,446. The population which was 15 (President) and Sobitha President’s Counsel K. representative of SDIG Jayawardena, of SDIG Jayawardena was ordered to be years and over and which are considered as Rajakaruna. Kanag-Iswaran appeared for two officers of the Police Unit attached confiscated on 14 September after he employable comprised 16,689,726. The The bench which perused a Wigneswaran, while to the PCoI, an official from the Sri played a call recording between him labour force in this group, i.e. both employed writ petition filed by Denishwaran was Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri and those who are unemployed, but who are Denishwaran against his represented by Attorney-at- Team and a representative of current Fernando before the PCoI. seeking work, comprised 8,503,617. arbitrary removal from his Law Suren Fernando. A10 thursday 17 september 2020 asia

Beijing, China Japan’s Suga crafts As external risks rise ‘Continuity Cabinet’ after Communist Party demands private voted in as Prime Minister sector’s loyalty Japan’s Yoshihide Suga was political capital for itself with voted Prime Minister by loose monetary and fiscal China’s ruling Communist improve the business Parliament on Wednesday (16) policies, a balanced and Party is demanding a show environment for them. to become the country’s first skillful diplomacy with the of greater loyalty from the In remarks published by new leader in nearly eight United States and China, and sprawling private sector as Xinhua on Wednesday (16), years, appointing a new implementation of flexible the world’s second-largest Xi said the non-state sector Cabinet that kept about half of domestic politic,” he said. “The economy grapples with was a vital part of China’s the familiar faces from new administration, on the growing external risks, from economy and reaffirmed his predecessor Shinzo Abe’s other hand, faces a rough road open U.S. hostility to the longstanding pledge to give lineup. ahead.” coronavirus pandemic. ‘unwavering’ support to Suga, 71, Abe’s longtime In a move that resonates In recent years, the party private as well as state- right-hand man, has pledged with voters, Suga has has sought to tighten its owned firms. to pursue many of Abe’s criticised Japan’s top three grip on private businesses, China’s once-vibrant programmes, including his mobile phone carriers, NTT by taking stakes in non- private firms are struggling “Abenomics” economic Docomo Inc , KDDI Corp and state enterprises or to fend off the impact of the strategy, and to forge ahead SoftBank Corp, saying they installing officials in large virus, despite Government with structural reforms, should return more money to firms, even as President Xi pledges to boost credit and including deregulation and the public and face more Jinping repeatedly pledged tax support and open up shutting down bureaucratic competition. He has said to back the sector key to more state-dominated Yoshihide Suga poses for a picture following a press conference in turf battles. Tokyo, Japan, 14 September 2020 (Reuters) Japan may eventually need to growth and jobs. sectors, analysts said. Abe, Japan’s longest-serving raise its 10 per cent sales tax Citing rising risks and The deepening rift with Premier, resigned because of Beijing on track. he has held before. to pay for social security, but diversified values and United States and the ill health after nearly eight About half of the new Yasutoshi Nishimura, Abe’s not for the next decade. interests among pandemic have amplified years in office. Suga served Cabinet are carryovers from point man on COVID-19 Clues as to whether and entrepreneurs, the party worries among private under him in the pivotal post Abe’s administration. Only two response, remains economy how Suga will push ahead issued guidelines late on businesses over their of chief Cabinet secretary, are women and the average minister, while Trade and with reforms could come from Tuesday (14) advising political status, said Xin acting as top government age, including Suga, is 60. Industry Minister Hiroshi the lineup of Government private firms how to position Sun, a lecturer in Chinese spokesman and coordinating Among those retaining their Kajiyama, the son of a advisory panels such as the themselves politically. and East Asian business at policies. jobs are key players such as politician to whom Suga Council on Economic and Business people must King’s College London. Suga, who won a ruling Finance Minister Taro Aso and looked up as his mentor, also Fiscal Policy, Koll said. “maintain high consistency” “As a result, many private Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Foreign Minister Toshimitsu retains his post. “The ambition of Suga to with the party regarding the business owners become leadership race by a landslide Motegi, along with Olympics Katsunobu Kato, outgoing speed up and reinvigorate the political aspects of position, less confident in China’s on Monday (14), faces a Minister Seiko Hashimoto and Health Minister and a process (of reform) is direction and principles, say economic prospects, and plethora of challenges, Environment Minister Shinjiro close Suga ally, takes on the absolutely clear, but the next the guidelines published by presumably, also, the future including tackling COVID-19 Koizumi, the youngest at 39. challenging post of chief layer of personnel will be the Xinhua official news of Communist rule,” Sun while reviving a battered “It’s a ‘Continuity with a Cabinet secretary. He interesting,” he said. agency. “We should build a said. economy and dealing with a capital C’ Cabinet,” said announced the Cabinet Speculation has simmered backbone team of people in “At the same time, the rapidly aging society. Jesper Koll, senior adviser to lineup. that Suga might call a snap the private economy that party does still need With little direct diplomatic asset manager WisdomTree Tomoya Masanao, head of election for Parliament’s lower can be relied on and used at contribution from the experience, Suga must also Investments. investment firm PIMCO house to take advantage of critical moments,” it said. private sector, especially cope with an intensifying U.S.- Abe’s younger brother, Japan, said Suga’s goal of a any rise in public support; The party also encouraged during such difficult times, China confrontation; build ties Nobuo Kishi, was handed the more digitalised society could although he has said handling private firms to participate in various important with the winner of the 3 defence portfolio, while widen the gap between rich the pandemic and reviving the in reforms of State firms economic and political November U.S. Presidential outgoing Defence Minister and poor and would require economy were his top and the “Belt and Road” areas.” Election and try to keep Taro Kono takes charge of political capital. priorities. initiative, while pledging to (Reuters) Japan’s own relations with administrative reform, a post “Abe’s administration built (Reuters)

New Delhi, India Yangon, Myanmar Mitra the robot Delta blues Govt races to helps COVID build field hospital As COVID-19 surge stretches patients speak to health system Myanmar authorities are racing to build a field loved ones hospital in the commercial capital of Yangon to cope A hospital in India has deployed a customer-service with a surge of coronavirus infections that doctors fear robot to patrol its wards, connecting coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the country’s fragile health patients to friends and relatives. system. Mitra, meaning ‘friend’ in Hindi, is best known for The Southeast Asian nation reported 307 new cases interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an of COVID-19 on Tuesday (15), its highest daily toll since event in 2017. the start of the pandemic in March, and another 134 on Its piercing eyes are equipped with facial recognition Wednesday (16) morning, taking the total to 3,636 technology to help it recall people it has previously cases and 39 deaths. interacted with. A tablet attached to Mitra’s chest Myanmar had gone weeks without a case of local allows patients to see loved ones, as well as medical transmission before an outbreak in mid-August in the staff unable to access the wards. western region of Rakhine that has spread across the “It takes a lot of time to recover, and during this time, country. when patients need their families the most, they are Three hospitals in Yangon, the site of most of the unable to visit,” said Dr. Arun Lakhanpal, a doctor at cases and now under a second lockdown, have been the Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Noida repurposed to treat COVID-19 patients and the Extension, a satellite city of the capital New Delhi. Government is building a field hospital with 500 beds Mitra is mainly used by patients who are not able to on a football pitch. communicate using their phones. “We have no more space to accommodate a huge “We mainly discuss my health,” said Makhanlal Qazi, outbreak,” Kaung Myat Soe, the chief of the new a retired Government bureaucrat and coronavirus Children watch boats carrying passengers to cross the Buriganga river in Dhaka, temporary hospital, told Reuters on Tuesday, as patient who has used the robot to communicate with Bangladesh, 16 September 2020 (Reuters) construction workers laboured on the field. relatives. “I came here on Friday and now I have started “The situation will get worse if we can’t accept feeling better. I am feeling very happy now.” patients, that’s why we are building the shelters The robot, developed by Bengaluru-based start-up urgently,” he said. Invento Robotics, cost the hospital one million rupees Decades of neglect by Myanmar’s formerly ruling (USD 13,600), according Yatharth Tyagi, director of the Manila, Philippines military junta led the health system to be ranked the company that runs the hospital. worst in the world by the World Health Organisation in Mitra is also being used for remote consultations with 2000, the last time it published ratings. The health specialists to reduce their risk of becoming infected, he Families of sunken ship crew budget was around 0.3 per cent of GDP prior to the added. start of democratic reforms in 2011. “Normally it is very difficult for a psychologist or a plead for search to resume As of March, the World Bank said Myanmar had just dietician to see a COVID patient,” Tyagi said, adding the 383 ICU beds for a population of 51 million and 249 robot is “very useful”. Families of 39 Filipino crewmen that supplied the crew, LMA Korpil, to ventilators, compared with 6,000 beds and more than (Reuters) who were aboard a cattle ship that send resources for a rescue mission 10,000 ventilators in neighbouring Thailand, a country sank during a typhoon are pleading and the ship’s owner, the United Arab of 69 million. More ventilators have since been donated for a search to continue and to Emirates-based Gulf Navigation to Myanmar. expand into uninhabited islands and Holding PJSC, to start private Some Yangon doctors said the Government’s nearby waters, two weeks after their operations or deploy professional response had contributed to the shortage of hospital vessel capsized off Japan. divers. space and treatment options. In tears during an online news Gulf Livestock 1, which left Napier Officials have asked people who want to be tested to conference, family members urged Port bound for China carrying nearly be hospitalised before undergoing swab tests, authorities to resume a massive 6,000 cattle, sank on 2 September contributing to a shortage of patient beds, said Kyaw search effort, after Japan’s after Typhoon Maysak struck at sea. Min Tun, who runs a fever clinic in the city. “That is not coastguard suspended its rescue last “We also believe there are some necessary,” he said. week. survivors - if not all - either on those (Reuters) Of the ship’s 43 crew, three were rafts or nearby uninhabited islands rescued - all Filipinos - but one later just waiting for someone to care died after being found unconscious. enough to keep searching. But we Thirty-six Filipinos, two New must act now,” said Fredelyn Addug- Zealanders and two Australians are Sanchez, sister of ship captain Dante missing. Addug. “We are getting frustrated not She said for those unable to escape, knowing where they are,” said Liberty recovery of their remains would at Seneres, wife of chief engineer, least provide some closure. Aristotle Sabillena. “Let’s work together and bring our “We are worried. But there still is boys home, they are worth our effort,” hope that they are still alive.” she said. The group called on the Philippine The Philippine Foreign Ministry, A robot named ‘Mitra’, which is used by the patients suffering from COVID-19 to communicate with their Government to resume the search Korpil and Gulf Navigation did not relatives, is seen inside an ICU of the Yatharth Super and expand it to waters off South immediately respond to requests for Speciality Hospital in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, Korea, Taiwan and China. comment. A general view of quarantine facilities for COVID-19 cases India, 15 September 2020 (Reuters) They urged the manpower agency (Reuters) on a football pitch in Yangon, 16 September 2020 (Reuters) thursday 17 september 2020 b11 Take Advantage of Low Interest Rates – Cabraal CSE should grab banking sector deposits

By Ishara Gamage advantage over those who invest later. Cabraal also requested local investors and the business State Minister of Money and Capital Market community to have faith in a turnaround in the and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard economy and Sri Lanka’s fortunes, as the new Cabraal on Tuesday (15) urged Colombo Stock Government has already set in motion, and will Exchange (CSE) market participants to try to implement favourable measures and policies in collectively attract at least 1% of banking and the future. finance sector deposits, which would amount to “We are confident of increased growth in the a sizeable Rs 100 billion. next five years, despite the challenges. We will He also stated that State funds such as the put in place the necessary building blocks for a EPF invested only Rs 70 billion in the CSE. conducive environment and policy regime. “It would be quite possible to do so in the “Sri Lanka will come out stronger with more current low-interest regime as money markets resilience, and an exuberant private sector that are fairly liquid now and total deposits in Banks can withstand shocks,” he said. Wednesday Markets and Finance Companies exceed Rs 10,000 He assured that the new Government can billion,” he said. pull Sri Lanka out of the mess that the previous Cabraal stressed that such an investment regime left behind. wave would be a huge boost to the stock market According to the State Minister Sri Lankan which would also provide a sound platform for Ajith Nivard Cabraal Government is in a commanding position to Foreigners flee investors to take up some useful positions in settle all its upcoming external debt as the the stock market as well. base. nation’s Covid-19-hit external account is He also observed that the CSE has so much Cabraal earlier this month urged recovering faster than expected. for 44th day value as stocks are grossly under-priced. “While stockbrokers to get out from their comfort “I had an ambassador asking me, when we do it is true that foreign investors have sold out to zones and become more active. He said, “it’s have the imports back and why are you having By Mario Andree the tune of over Rs 30 billion, Sri Lankans have now time for you to go across the country and this policy. So my answer to that person was reinforced confidence by buying foreign explain these opportunities to potential Sri when revenues are down, are you going to The bullish run at the Colombo Stock Exchange holdings and it reflected the actual depth of the Lankan investors and encourage them to enter default on your debt repayments? Or are you (CSE) continued for the seventh consecutive session local investor base. It is fine that Sri Lankans this market. Don’t passively wait for foreign going to make a sacrifice and change your as the benchmark index rose on Wednesday (16) to are buying in at a bargain as foreign investors investors to return, but proactively engage local lifestyle? reach a six-and-a-half-month high on a high turnover will eventually return and then Sri Lankans investors”. “I think the choice was a tough one. If you with continued foreign exits from the Market. who bought earlier can sell the stocks to them Cabraal added, “By being proactive enjoy an extravagant lifestyle sometimes some The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained at a profit,” Cabraal said. stockbrokers can help local investors gain from jobs will be lost. Sometimes people will have to 0.93 per cent (51.71 points) to close at 5, 585.40 Addressing an investor forum organised by the current depressed market, particularly in undergo hardships. Sometimes people will have points, its highest since 3 March, while, the more Softlogic Stock brokers in Colombo, he said it the light of reduced interest rates”. He said shortages. But on the other hand, we will be liquid S&P SL20, representing the top 20 shares, reflected the actual depth of the local investor those who invest now will definitely be at an able to pay our debts,” he concluded. gained 0.71 per cent (17.03 points) to close at 2,406.36 points. The daily turnover at the CSE stood at Rs 3.5 billion on Wednesday (16), higher than the Rs 3.2 billion recorded during the previous market day. More than 185 million shares changed hands on Wednesday (16) during 28,291 trades. Sharp rise in local Shares of 255 companies were traded, of which 132 emerged as winners as against 50 losers. Foreigners were net sellers on Wednesday (16) for cement production the 44th consecutive session. Net foreign outflow during the day amounted to Rs 336 million, as By Ishara Gamage foreigners sold shares worth Rs 495 million as developments. against purchases worth Rs 159 million. Sri Lanka’s domestic cement Top five gainers during the day were Blue Cement imports grew by a record production and imports had fallen by Diamonds (non-voting), Colombo Investment Trust, 58.9 per cent Year on Year to reach over 40 per cent YoY since March. In Mackwoods Energy, Blue Diamonds and LVL Energy. 404,000 Mt in the month of June, May overall cement supply contracted Top five losers were Tess Agro, Laugfs Gas (non- overtaking domestic cement by a record 63.2 per cent YoY to voting), Lankem Ceylon, Richard Pieris and Unisysts. production, which increased by 28.3 349,000Mt. Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman, Board of Investment formally per cent Year on Year to reach 370,000 Overall cement supply during the presents the Certificate of Registration to Suganthaseelan Mt, according to Central Bank data. first half of the year (January-June) is Aravinthan, Managing Director Suganth Seafood (Pvt) Ltd According to market analysts cement down by 23.8 per cent YoY at production and imports recovered in 3,157, 000 Mt compared to the same Inflation caps June by 42.6 per cent YoY and June period last year. BOI approves was the first month this year to record The decline was mainly due to 39.4 a positive growth in cement imports. per cent YoY drop in cement imports Sea Cucumber T-Bill sale They also suspect there would be an during the period while local cement increased demand for local cement in production only recorded a marginal the coming months mainly due to lower contraction of 0.4 per cent YoY processing factory By Paneetha Ameresekere housing loan rates and other positive producing 1,643,000 Mt of cement. The Board of Investment trained divers and Inflationary pressure put brakes in the fall in of Sri Lanka has signed a processed to the required weighted average yields (WAYS) of Treasury (T) Bills US$ 1.2 million agreement dried stage in a State-of- after a lapse of two weeks at yesterday’s auction, with Suganth Seafood (Pvt) the-Art factory which will resulting in Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) International tourist numbers down 65% Ltd to set up a Sea be established in the Jaffna selling only Rs 28,477million (71.19 per cent) of the Cucumber processing Peninsula. original issue of Rs 40,000 million to keep costs factory for the export Giving more information down. Tourist arrivals to SL dropped market. about the project, WAYs fetched at this auction were 4.51 per cent The agreement was Suganthaseelan said, “We and 4.64 per cent for the 91 and 182 day by 60% in 1H’20 signed on behalf of the BOI focus on strict adherence to maturities, down one basis point (bp) each week on by Chairman Susantha the Government norms, week (WoW), while that of the 364 day maturity Asia, Pacific had the hardest hit with 72% decline Ratnayake and on behalf of Eco-conscious stagnated at 4.88 per cent, WoW. Suganth Seafood (Pvt) Ltd. methodologies, transparent In other developments, the benchmark ‘spot’ fell By Anjali Caldera over the period January-June 2020 by Managing Director business practices and for the second consecutive market day to translates into a loss of 440 million Suganthaseelan speedy delivery.” He further yesterday, this time sharply by 55 cents to Rs The total number of international international arrivals and about US$ Aravinthan. stated, “We will expand the 185.00/10 to the US dollar in two way quotes as at tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka for the 460 billion in export revenues from The project will be set up business gradually thus 4p.m. yesterday, market sources told this reporter, period of January to August 2020 has international tourism. This is around in Jaffna. Sea Cucumber is providing more job due to a virtual, continuous stream of foreign exits declined by 60 per cent when five times the loss in international harvested from the seabed, opportunities to local from the financial markets led by the bourse due to compared with the tourist arrivals for tourism receipts recorded in 2009 mainly in the North and communities, enhancing uncertainty. the same period last year (2019). amid the global economic and financial East sea belt, by specially their livelihood.” In the calendar year to 4p.m. yesterday, the ‘spot’ As per the latest ‘Monthly Tourists crisis. has weakened by Rs 3.70 (2.04 per cent) in two way Arrival Report’ (August) issued by the Asia and the Pacific, the first region quotes, thereby causing cost-push inflationary Sri Lanka Tourism Development to feel the impact of COVID-19 on pressure as Sri Lanka is an import dependent Authority (SLTDA) total arrivals tourism was the hardest hit, with a 72 economy recorded from January to August 2019 per cent fall in tourists for the six- However, Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) was 1,267,737.Sri Lanka suspended month period. Europe was the second- Shamsuddin new money printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) decreased tourist arrivals from all countries from hardest hit of all global regions, with a by 16.79 per cent (Rs 45.58 million) to a negative (-) 18 March 2020 to contain COVID-19. 66 per cent decline in tourist arrivals Rs 317.03 million led by investor appetite for risk Thus no tourist arrivals have been and the Americas -55 per cent, Africa MD/CEO of Chevron free T Bonds, followed by GoSL’s face value money recorded since April to August. The and the Middle East both -57 per cent printing (FVMP) debt decreasing by 0.91 per cent total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka for also had an unprecedented impact. Lubricants Lanka (Rs 2,765million) to Rs 300,939.41 million, the first quarter of 2020 (January to At the sub-regional level, North-East By Ishara Gamage thereby part alleviating demand-pull inflationary March) was 507,311. Asia (-83 per cent) and Southern Chairman for Chevron pressure as well, yesterday. Globally, the international tourist Mediterranean Europe (-72 per cent) Sri Lanka’s lubricant Pakistan Lubricants (Pvt) Meanwhile, the country’s foreign reserves were arrivals dropped by 65 per cent during suffered the largest declines. giant Chevron Lubricants Limited. During his poorer for the fourth consecutive market day to the first half of 2020, reported the new However all world regions and sub- Lanka PLC yesterday tenure, Shamsuddin was yesterday, with yesterday’s figure being US$ 39.53 issue of the World Tourism Barometer regions recorded declines of more than announced the instrumental in million (Rs 7,289 million) due to the settlement/s from World Tourism Organisation 50 per cent in arrivals in January- appointment of delivering double-digit of GoSL’s foreign debt servicing commitments and/ (UNWTO). June 2020. Muhammad Najam growth in earnings and or CBSL returning swapped dollars to the market. It is clear that this situation The report further said, the Shamsuddin as its new volume. Conversions are based on the middle rate of the occurred as a result of the border contraction of international demand is Managing Director/ CEO In April 2019 he was ‘spot’ as at 4p.m. on Monday which was Rs 184.35 closures and travel restrictions around also reflected in double-digit declines replacing Patrick appointed as the ABM for to the dollar. the world to contain COVID-19. in international tourism expenditure McCloud who leaves on 1 Chevron’s Asia Pacific In the four market days to yesterday, due to Recent times a growing number of among large markets. Major outbound October 2020. Cluster markets. In this such external commitments, the country’s foreign global destinations eased their travel markets such as the United States and Shamsuddin has held capacity he oversaw reserves have bled by $ 214.60 million (Rs 39,610 regulations (53 per cent of destinations China continue to be at a standstill, several key posts in the profitable growth for million) due to such commitments. as per the latest reports by UNWTO). though some markets such as France organisation including Chevron Lubricants in Howbeit, CBSL, the steward of the country’s debt Nevertheless many governments still and Germany have shown some Marketing Manager Malaysia, Singapore, and of its foreign reserves, operations is not remain cautious. improvement in June. Pakistan and the Gulf, Vietnam, Indonesia and transparent, because it keeps mum in regard to the The drop in arrivals shows that the Returning back to normalcy will Manager Commercial other export countries. causes for the changes in market liquidity among lockdowns introduced during the first completely depends on the gradual Sales and Manager Shamsuddin holds a other things due to its intervention in daily open half of the year have had a massive lifting of travel restrictions, the Special Projects – Africa, Bachelor in Business market operations. impact on international tourism. At availability of a vaccine or treatment Middle East and Administration (Hons) Meanwhile, led by the aforesaid external the same time, it has also affected on and the travellers’ confidence. Pakistan. He was and a Master’s in commitments, market’s net excess liquidity millions of jobs and businesses leaving Nonetheless as per the report the promoted as in 2014 as Business Administration declined by 5.58 per cent (Rs 10,054 million) to them at stake. return to 2019 levels in terms of Area Business Manager- from the Institute of Rs 170,022 million yesterday. According to UNWTO, the massive tourist arrivals would take between Pakistan and in 2015 Business Administration drop in international travel demand two to four years. became Country Karachi, Pakistan. B12 Ceylon FT thursday 17 september 2020 news

International ARC Awards People’s Bank named ‘Best in Sri Lanka’ For 2019 Annual Report

The International ARC Awards in and has provided banking access for reaffirmation of our unrelenting drive New York, USA - considered the the benefit of its customers in a to be at the front in every aspect of Academy Awards for annual reports by manner yet to be matched. Its efforts our business. Our 2019 Annual the financial community - recently during the peak of the COVID-19 Report tells the story of this drive to awarded People’s Bank the prestigious lockdown further echoes this frontier push the boundaries of success and ‘Best in Sri Lanka Award’ for its 2019 spirit, which is best illustrated by the performance even amidst challenging Annual Report titled ‘the Frontier’. In Bank’s quantitative sacrifices and its circumstances. During the first half addition, the Bank was the recipient of qualitative contributions made of 2020, the Bank’s earnings were a grand haul of other awards which during this period which were all under pressure due to an estimated included: Gold for Non-Traditional purely aimed at preserving national of over LKR 5.0 billion in one-off Annual Report, Gold for Chairman’s/ economic interest - which is at the interest concessions extended as President’s Letter and Three Silvers for heart of all its priorities at this relief for the benefit of its customers Cover Photo/Design, Interior Design crucial juncture. Our efforts during along with prudent provisions taken and Printing/Production this unprecedented time should, and in view of the unforeseen. That said, Commenting on the awards, the will, be best remembered by its with much of the prudent provision Bank’s Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse contributions made for the overall taken and considering the Bank’s said: “To be amongst the Top 50 Grand well being of the country’s balance strong credit, CASA and overall Award Winners in the World for their sheet rather than its stand-alone balance sheet growth coupled with 2019 Annual Reports - from over 1,690 performance” the progress made on several other submissions across over 29 countries Sujeewa Rajapakse Ranjith Kodituwakku Commenting on the awards, the fronts, it is only reasonably expected following a multi-tiered independent endeavoured to go where no institution Bank’s Chief Executive Officer/ to close the year comparatively on a evaluation process by a panel of 30 source of great pride. Since its has previously gone, serving General Manager Ranjith stronger footing even from a bottom plus distinguished Judges - is indeed a inauguration in 1961, the Bank has communities previously under-served Kodituwakku said: “The awards are a line perspective”

World Tourism Day 2020 ‘COVID-19’ Safety Management System Certified SME and Pest Control Company WHO rep at SL Tourism The Exterminators certified SLS 1672-2020 The Exterminators (Pvt) COVID-19 infection to Leaders’ Summit Ltd was certified as a workers, visitors, ‘COVID-19’ Safety customers and all Management System stakeholders and their Certified SME and Pest families and the Control Company (SLS surrounding community 1672-2020) (Anti- during the COVID-19 microbial disinfection outbreak. services / Pest control The Exterminator (Pvt) services / Termite control Ltd was re-certified for services). Exterminators Director / CEO Travis Ferreira receiving the the sixth consecutive year The company was certificate from SLSI Director General Dr. Siddhika Senaratne in June 2020 and became certified on 7 July 2020 one of the first companies by the Sri Lanka after two comprehensive The purpose was to to be ‘Carbon Neutral Standards Institute for audits covering all introduce safe work Certified’ in July 2020 by ‘COVID-19 Controlled aspects of the practices in order to the ‘The Sustainable Environment Certification organisations’ operations. prevent the spread of the Future Group’.

Prof. Silva handing over TLS invitation to WHO Representative to SL Dr. Razia Pendse. By Anjali Caldera of the Tourism Study Programmes of the University of Colombo Prof. Amãna Takaful profits hit Rs 181.39M World Health Organisation (WHO) D.A.C Suranga Silva, President of Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Razia the Alumni Association of Tourism Amãna Takaful PLC the Maldives – Amana build Amãna Takaful, are conscious efforts to Pendse will be present at the Tourism Economics and Hospitality recorded a strong financial Takaful Maldives, too working. These include a rebalance the portfolio, Leaders’ Summit (TLS) 2020 as a Management (ATEHM) Major performance with a Group recorded an exceptional combination of factors, which has yielded positive member of a panel to discuss the General Nimal Krishnaratne, ATEHM Net Profit of Rs 181.39 performance with a such as recruiting results with a surplus importance of preserving Sri Lankan General Secretary Kasun million in the first half growth of 37% in profit industry experts—like our being recorded in the ‘true hospitality’ in the midst of Abeynayaka and the Director- (1H) of 2020, up from Rs after tax from Rs 120.37 recent recruitment of General Fund. The litmus adhering to compulsory COVID-19 Cooperate Relations and Human 20.36 million a year million in 2019 to Rs Shehan Feisal as the test for any insurance health guidelines which need to be Resource Management for earlier. 165.8 million in 2020. CEO—renewing our focus company is its claim followed by tourists once the country International Tourism Leaders’ ATL also saw a Speaking on the on service standards by settlement process. The is open to them once more. Summit and Tourism Research turnaround in general achievement, ATLPLC improving the customer Company embarked on a The Tourism Leaders’ Summit 2020 Conference Lashika Vithanage were business in Sri Lanka, Managing Director Hassan experience and finally ‘rapid motor claim will be held on 27 September at the present at the event. recording a profit of Rs Sattar Kassim stated: improving efficiencies in settlement’ initiative Kandy City Centre, to celebrate ‘World Parallel to the Leaders’ Summit, a 54.6 million in 2020 as “Our positive our processes.” which seeks to settle Tourism Day’ which falls on that day. Tourism Research Conference is also opposed to a loss of Rs performance, despite the Commenting on ATL’s claims within hours, Dr. Pendse will speak on the theme to take place under the coordination 71.75 million recorded in challenging environment, performance, CEO solidifying the Company’s ‘Together towards resilience- of the University of Colombo Tourism 2019. is reaffirmation that the Shehan Feisal said: “The focus towards improving responsible-sustainable Sri Lanka Study Programmes. Additionally, The Bank’s operation in steps we have taken to Company has made customer service. “ Tourism, the sources revealed. many more events including a tea The invitation to Dr. Pendse to be culinary event, an exhibition one of the panelists for the Summit showcasing local tourism products was presented to her recently at WHO etc. are being planned to celebrate Sri Lanka by the Tourism Leaders’ World Tourism Day this year in Transforming decommissioned buses into libraries Summit organising committee, an Kandy from 25 to 27 September in academic body of Sri Lanka Tourism, collaboration with the Department of University of Colombo Tourism Study Tourism in the Central Province, SLT- Mobitel Partners Manusath Derana Programmes. Founding Coordinator Ceylon FT learns. SLT and Mobitel partnered with Manusath Derana on a national level CSR project that aims to convert decommissioned SLTB buses into fully-fledged libraries. The initiative is being conducted in partnership with the Sanasa General Insurance National Library and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB). SLT and Mobitel say they recognise the marks one year importance school libraries have on improving student literacy and learning outcomes in Sri Lanka. The SLT group has been committed to supporting the educational landscape by providing quality access to reading materials through e-Learning and m-Learning platforms, thus empowering thousands of students, graduates and other knowledge seekers across the country. The 25 libraries will act as learning centres, providing equal From left: Mahesh Jayawardena - Project Chairman, Manusath Derana, opportunities for students with accessible Madhawa Madawala - Chief Executive Officer, TV Derana, Lalith Seneviratne - educational resources and inculcating the Group CEO, SLT & Mobitel, Prabath Dahanayake – Chief Marketing Officer, habit of reading. SLT and Shashika Senerath - Chief Marketing Officer, Mobitel.

Cardiff Metropolitan University Higher Diploma at ICBT Campus In its first year of business, Sanasa to the asset transferring date. SGIC General Insurance (SGIC) has made has reported net asset value per ICBT Campus is offering university ID will be a profit of Rs 78 million before tax share of Rs 12.6 at the 31 December Higher Diplomas (HD) provided by Cardiff Met within six months from 1 July 2020 2019. directly from a world-class along with a host of on-line to 31 December 2019 since its date of Sanasa General Insurance was UK University. access to all university segregation. founded, according to a concept of Cardiff Metropolitan material. Sanasa General Insurance has Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya, way back in University in the UK is After completing the maintained a strong capital adequacy 2005 as a joint venture with Sanasa collaborating with ICBT programme students can ratio. As of 31 December 2019, the Life Insurance. Based on Sanasa’s Campus to offer their own attend the graduation capital adequacy ratio stood at 208%, general vision, SGIC operates on the Higher Diplomas (HD) to From left: Anura Gamage – Marketing Director, ICBT Campus, ceremony in the UK. well above the required level of 160%, principle of reaching customers with Sri Lankan students. These Jagath Alwis – Chairman, ICBT Campus, Dr. Sampath Cardiff Met HDs at ICBT Kannangara – Executive Dean/CEO, ICBT Campus, Sampath reflecting the company’s focus on efficient trustworthy insurance HDs at British level 5 are Perera – General Manager, ICBT Campus. Campus are offered in the strengthening risk and stability. services. The company has recorded academically controlled areas of Business The company recorded a 5% a tremendous success by and quality assured by university qualification, guaranteed pathways for Management, Software increase of asset growth rate, 6% approaching agricultural and micro Cardiff Met University as students studying for further study in both Sri Engineering, Networking, increase of shareholders’ fund, 13% insurance sectors untapped by the internal UK qualifications. Cardiff Metropolitan HDs at Lanka and overseas. Psychology and Biomedical increment of investments compared competitors. As this is a direct UK the ICBT Campus will have The offer letter and Science. Wealth Ceylon FT Thursday 17 September 2020 B13 No new taxes for the ultra rich Working People Deserve Fair Tax Treatment, Fix Bad Tax Not Just a Day Off By Morris Pearl a lot more stock and take in $10 million in capital gains. Labor Day is a day to That’s more money than celebrate the importance of most people will ever earn working people in American in their entire lifetime, but I life, to show how much we only pay a top tax rate of Policy Instead value the contributions of 20% on it. To put that into the millions of people who perspective, if you’re a By Annette Nellen give their time and their single person working for a sweat to support living you’ll start paying a The pandemic leaves all levels of themselves, their families, higher rate than that after government desperately needing revenue. and their communities. But earning just $40,126 in Normal tax revenues have declined and while having a day off is taxable income. This isn’t expenses have gone up. To help solve this nice, working people should just a small loophole – this problem, tax proposals abound, have more. We shouldn’t let is a massive sinkhole of tax particularly for new taxes for ultra- Labor Day distract us from evasion. Really rich people wealthy individuals who are often viewed the fact that the American tend to earn most of their as not paying their fair share. economy is rigged, through money from capital gains. Despite producing some revenue, new our tax code, against They don’t work for a living, taxes also bring new legal and working people and in favor they let their money work administrative challenges. Worse yet, a of rich investors like me. for them. I haven’t worked focus on new taxes to solve governmental Our tax code treats in years – I now just live off budget problems masks this reality: we income differently of my investments, and I’m have defects in our existing taxes that depending on how you making more than I ever result in significant revenue leaks and make it. There is one set of did when I was actually bad tax policy. tax rates for money you get working, and paying a As a tax scholar, CPA and attorney, from a job (ordinary lower tax rate on it. deeply immersed in tax law and policy income) and another set of If you work for a living, matters for more than 30 years, I strongly rates for money you make you should understand this urge lawmakers to direct any revenue on long-term investments one thing about the tax generating efforts towards fixing the government operations. Our current tax exempt food, diapers, home utilities and like stocks (long term code: a dollar rich people fundamental flaws in our existing taxes laws overflow with unnecessary and personal services. That makes little capital gains), an option made off of their money is rather than attempting to semi-solve structurally inappropriate deductions, sense. And because higher income folks only available to people who worth more than a dollar budget problems with new taxes. While exemptions and credits. This makes taxes spend more on these exempt items, they already have enough money made off of your sweat. targeting the ultra-rich with new taxes more complex and inequitable than they get the biggest tax savings from this to invest. You might think Think about that for a sounds like a simple revenue fix, it allows should be while also diminishing tax structural flaw. that money earned from minute. If you are working, long-standing, poorly designed tax revenues and supporting high tax rates. Eliminating special rules can generate work would be treated you keep less of every dollar exemptions to continue to drain the bank. The personal income tax should include needed revenue and even allow for a rate preferentially (after all, you make compared to U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and one’s income from all sources reduced by reduction. Changes can be designed to hard work is a cornerstone someone who is not Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) each promote expenses to produce that income and a capture revenue leaks that benefit high of the American dream), working, who is living off a new federal tax on individuals with net deduction representing a portion of one’s income individuals while limiting or but you’d be wrong. The their investments. worth in excess of at least $50 million. income that should not be taxed because avoiding tax increases for those with rates that rich people pay Our tax code is California lawmakers recently proposed we need it to live on (personal and lower incomes. For example, taxing gains on money earned passively deliberately designed to AB 2088, a tax on the worldwide net dependency exemptions and the standard in appreciated assets at death could from their investments is reward capital income over worth of Californians with wealth above deduction serve that purpose). This exclude individuals with less than significantly lower than labor income, and it gives $30 million. New York lawmakers are means, for example, there should be no $500,000 of assets. Adding currently what most working people people who are already rich considering S8277B, a tax on individuals deduction for mortgage interest on exempt personal consumption to the pay. a permanent advantage with net worth transcending $1 billion. primary and vacation homes. Fringe sales tax base can include a refundable Say you and your spouse over everyone else. Our Generally, wealth encompasses cash, benefits, which can easily be worth over income tax credit for lower income together earn $100,000 a elected officials may talk cars, yachts, real estate, stock, art, $10,000, should be taxed to employees individuals. Sales tax on household year from working 40 hours endlessly about the value of bitcoin, pension funds and more. rather than excluded from the income utilities can easily be added to monthly a week, 52 weeks a year. At a hard day’s work and the Despite variations in how these new tax. And appreciation that exists in assets bills but only if the bill exceeds what it the end of the year, you will nobility of labor, but that’s taxes on ultra-rich individuals would when someone dies should not get a free costs to provide utilities to a 1,200 square end up paying about $7700 all many of them are willing work, one commonality is that they divert pass from income taxation. That is a foot home. These are the types of in federal income taxes. to do. Talk is cheap. If our attention from the leaks in our significant tax break for the wealthy yet improvements that can be made to While you were doing that, politicians really want to existing tax foundations. We wouldn’t ignored with the wealth tax proposals. existing taxes to generate revenue say my wife and I sat on a honor working people, they build a second story on top of a weak first Improperly structured taxes result in without harming lower income beach all year, sipping should stop talking about floor. That new structure would create large tax reductions for higher income individuals. margaritas and soaking up hardworking Americans more problems and misdirect time and individuals. The mortgage interest No doubt, changing long-standing state the sun, and at the end of and start giving their effort from fixing the foundation. Same deduction and fringe benefit exclusion and federal rules won’t be easy, but that’s the year I decided to sell a income equal treatment. with a tax system. We should fix our reduce taxes more for higher income not a good reason to ignore the leaks and few stocks and make Morris Pearl is the Chair existing taxes before adding new ones. individuals because they are in a higher inequities we currently have. Eliminating $100,000 in capital gains. I of the Patriotic The fixes can capture revenue leakage tax bracket. In addition, these folks are costly and unnecessary tax breaks in our would pay $0 in taxes on Millionaires and former from our faulty system including from likely to have a larger mortgage and current taxes is the kind of proposal we that $100,000. Does it managing director at taxpayers who most benefit from the greater fringe benefits than others, which need. Let’s fix the taxes we have before seem fair that I should end BlackRock, Inc., the flaws, typically those with high income. further increases their savings from these deciding that a new tax is needed. up $7700 richer than you world’s largest asset The fixes can make new taxes tax breaks. Annette Nellen, CPA, Esq. is an when I sat around all year management company. unnecessary. The flaws extend beyond the income accounting and taxation professor at while you worked hard for He is a current wealthy All taxes have structural flaws mainly tax. The sales tax also has shortcomings San Jose State University and a Public your money? investor. because we try to do more with our tax in need of attention. Although the sales Voices Fellow with The OpEd Project. Let’s say I decided to sell (News-Ledger) system than just raise revenue for tax is a consumption tax, many states (The Hill) Here are tips to buy that home without wrecking your finances By Patricia Sklar and Bud Boland Be careful with the terms of these qualifying for a new mortgage on top loans. You want one that allows you of your existing mortgage is not an to keep your great rate on your first issue, but you simply won’t be able to Have you found yourself mortgage until you sell your home. put as much down as you would like daydreaming about, or even looking This is different from a bridge loan (i.e., you have to get a bigger mortgage for, that next new home? With that pays off your current mortgage than you want), you may have an interest rates at historically low rates and replaces it at a higher rate, option once the dust settles: a and people stuck at home with the usually with a balloon payment. Also, mortgage recast. enhanced ability to work remotely, check closing costs, as they may After receiving the cash proceeds many people find themselves actively make it an undesirable option. from selling your home, you may be hunting for that next place to call Consider a sale-leaseback able to make a significant one-time home. arrangement: If all other options are payment of principal towards your Home sales have been steadily off the table, a sale-leaseback new mortgage and ask the lender to increasing in recent months, with arrangement might be an option. This recast your loan. This process will sales of existing homes jumping strategy assumes you sell your home recalculate your monthly payment nearly 21% in June compared with before buying. A sale leaseback allows based on the new mortgage balance May, according to the National a seller to remain in the house by effectively reducing your monthly Association of Realtors. renting it back from the buyer after payment and the amount of interest This means inventories are low in closing. you will pay over the life of the loan. much of the country, so you may need Details of the arrangement such as A recast does not change the to move quickly. And you may not Borrow money against down the loan balance. This would monthly rent, who pays various interest rate or other terms of your have time to sell or even list your investment accounts: Instead of likely mean selling investments at an utilities and expenses, etc., must all loan. Many lenders offer a recast current home before making that selling investments to raise cash, it inopportune time when values are be negotiated in advance and often feature upon request provided you are offer, especially if you have children. might make sense to borrow money down. lenders won’t allow the leaseback willing to pay a nominal fee. If you have a lot of equity in your using these same investments as We often help our clients evaluate period to exceed 60 days. This is a It’s key not to overextend yourself. current home, there are several collateral for the loan. This can be which option makes sense. Typically, fairly common strategy for those who Ever heard of the term, “house poor?” options. done either via a margin loan from the a margin loan or pledging assets need to sell but have not found their You don’t want to find yourself short Here are some solutions to brokerage firm that holds your makes a lot of sense for our clients if next home yet. on cash and struggling to make consider: investments, or from a bank that they plan to pay off the loan in a short On the other side of the transaction, multiple payments at once if you can’t Use your savings: According to the offers a pledged asset line of credit. amount of time. However, we have this can also help a buyer’s bid stand sell your current home for a while. NAR, 60% of buyers secured a down These options allow you to borrow seen situations where it made more out from others in a crowded market Make sure you set aside enough payment from savings. If you don’t cash against the value of your sense to sell securities, such as when where multiple bids are being cash in case you have to carry two have the cash, then selling stocks and investments and pay back the loan a client was in a low tax bracket. submitted. mortgages for a while or make repairs bonds in an investment account is when your first home sells. Be Get bridge financing: According to Don’t dip into those retirement to the current home. You don’t want often an option to consider in order to mindful of the interest rate that you the NAR, 38% of buyers used the accounts: It isn’t typically ideal to to become a forced seller, as that can qualify for your new mortgage. pay on these loans. proceeds from selling a home for a derail your retirement to buy a new put you in a tight spot. The downside is that you will likely Also, keep in mind that since your down payment. One way to use those home. However, it can be especially It is important to plan ahead and incur capital gains taxes on any collateral is investments which proceeds prior to selling is bridge tempting if you qualify for a loan or decide how financing will work with investments that have increased in fluctuate, a significant decrease in the financing. It is similar to getting a distribution under the CARES Act. If your situation. You don’t want to let value since you purchased them. value of your investments may trigger home equity line on your current you are dead set on using your 401(k) that perfect new home go to some Moreover, this removes those a “margin call” if your collateral is no home. The difference is that you can plan or individual retirement account, other buyer who was more prepared investments from your account that longer sufficient. In this case, the get this line of equity on a home that then check to see what rules your with their offer than you. could otherwise be working for you, lender may require you to put up was listed recently, as banks tend not situation qualifies under and make Patricia Sklar and Bud Boland are and you might miss out on a good more collateral or sell investment to lend for six months on a home that sure you follow them. wealth advisors at Brightworth. run-up in the market. assets being used as collateral to pay has been listed. Recast your loan: Last, if (CNBC) b14 Ceylon Ft thursday 17 september 2020 banking Com Bank joins Sri Lanka Army ‘Thuru Mithuru’ project The Commercial Bank of help build domestic CEO Lakshman Silva declares open the relocated branch Ceylon has announced a agronomy. partnership with the Sri The funds donated by Lanka Army to financially Commercial Bank CSR Trust support the second phase of will go towards the purchase DFCC Bank relocates the ‘Thuru Mithuru Nawa of agricultural machinery Ratak’ initiative designed to and equipment including Moratuwa Branch transform Sri Lanka into a hand tractors, mini country self-sufficient in cultivators, mini rotary DFCC Bank PLC, the ‘Bank This new premises essential food. slashers, and a tine tiller; for Everyone’ recently translates to a renewal of the The second phase entails irrigation facilities such as relocated their Moratuwa Bank’s profound cultivating 125 acres of land ten 1000-litre water tanks Branch to provide a more relationships with with the involvement of 150 and nine water pumps and efficient and convenient individuals and businessmen low-income farming families 620 kg of carrot, bean and customer service experience in the area. Additionally, the to grow various crops in line maize seeds. for residents and businesses Bank will continue to open with national requirements The project is implemented in the area. its doors to aspiring under the close supervision under three phases. The first The relocated branch is entrepreneurs so they may of the Security Forces phase involved the Sri Lanka now at 89A, New Galle Road, benefit from the many Headquarters of the Central Army cultivating over 1500 Moratuwa. customised SME financing Province. acres within Army camps. As a full service facilities and advisory The Sri Lanka Army will Upon the completion of Commercial Bank, the services to enable them to provide the necessary phase two which is supported branch is equipped to serve reach their financial facilities and skills, and by the Bank, the third phase retail banking customers aspirations with ease and disseminate knowledge would entail the Sri Lanka with a range of services. convenience. regarding effective cultivation Army acquiring crown lands Commercial Bank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe and Army Commander to encourage these families to across the island to further Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva at the exchanging of the agreement cultivate their own lands and expand cultivation. Seylan Bank partners NDB awards ‘Game Changers’ with PickMe Seylan Bank recently Cardholders can simply NDB recently held its team, staff and winners of Meanwhile, the partnered with PickMe, to add their Seylan debit or Annual Retail Banking the bank. Nugegoda Branch from offer all Seylan Credit and credit card as a payment Awards 2019 to encourage This year, NDB’s the Greater Colombo Debit Cardholders exciting method on the PickMe app and motivate the Bambalapitiya Private Region was awarded the discounts while bringing and enjoy smooth and achievers of the bank. The Wealth Centre Branch Best Branch Champion convenience to their reliable cashless event was held at Galadari won the Champion Award from Cluster 1 while fingertips. transactions eliminating the Hotel, Colombo under the for Best National Branch Kandana Branch from the Discounts on two PickMe need to keep cash in hand. theme ‘Game Changers’. for the second consecutive North Western Region rides per user can be Seylan customers who The award ceremony year followed by the 1st emerged from Cluster 2 claimed by Seylan wish to book a ride, get food was attended by NDB Runner-Up – NDB’s and Bambalapitiya Private Cardholders during the delivered or use any of the Bank’s Director/CEO Nugegoda Branch and Wealth Centre Branch promotional period. services offered by PickMe Dimantha Seneviratne 2nd Runner-up – NDB’s from Colombo Region from Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne addressing To avail themselves of this will be eligible for the along with the leadership Kottawa Branch. Cluster 3. the audience at the Awards Ceremony promotion, Seylan discount. sports thursday 17 september 2020 A15 Kerber ousted as Shapovalov, Rublev advance in Rome Angelique Kerber was knocked out the two hardcourt events in New bit, especially with the matches I’ve in the first round of the Italian Open York but put those defeats behind had. But I’m trying to do everything in Rome on Tuesday in a 6-3 6-1 her to move into the second round I can to recover, I think I played at a defeat to Czech Katerina Siniakova, in Rome. high level today.” while Coco Gauf won her first ever “I’m definitely happy to get a win Ninth seed Rublev, making his match on clay. today, especially after a couple of debut at the ForoItalico, beat Kerber, who reached the last-16 at tough losses back in New York,” qualifier Facundo Bagnis 6-4 6-4 to the U.S. Open, lasted only 69 Gauff said. “I’m just happy to be book a spot in the second round minutes on the claycourt as playing.” where he will face Hubert Hurkacz. Siniakova advanced in straight sets In the men’s draw Denis Rublev also reached the quarter- with five breaks of serve. Shapovalov and Andrey Rublev finals at Flushing Meadows last Kerber was almost bageled in the cruised into the second round with week and the 22-year-old Russian is second set before she saved three emphatic straight sets victories. looking to build on his stellar year match points to break for the first Canadian 12th seed Shapovalov, having started the season with two time in the contest, but Siniakova who reached the U.S. Open quarter- hardcourt titles in Adelaide and broke back in the next game to seal finals last week, shook off jet lag to Doha before the COVID-19 victory. beat Guido Pella 6-2 6-3, firing shutdown. American teenager Gauff, playing seven aces and 23 winners past the Alex de Minaur, another quarter- in her first ever main draw match on Argentine. finalist at the U.S. Open, was clay, came back from 4-2 down in “Guido is definitely not an easy knocked out by Dominik Koepfer the opening set to beat Tunisian match, especially on this surface,” with the German fighting back from Ons Jabeur 6-4 6-3. Shapovalov said. a set down to win 3-6 6-3 7-6(5). Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova in action during her first round match against Germany’s Gauff suffered first-round exits at “I’m struggling with jet lag a little (Reuters) Angelique Kerber

SLC releases LPL schedule ECB plans to make The full schedule of the much-awaited Sri Lanka’s LPL 2020 SCHEDULE November franchise based T20 League 14 – 8.00 p.m. Galle vs Colombo Sooriyawewa Lanka Premier League (LPL) 15 – 4.00 p.m. Kandy vs Jaffna Sooriyawewa has been revealed by Sri 15 – 8.00 p.m. Colombo vs Dambulla Sooriyawewa 62 jobs redundant Lanka Cricket (SLC), where 17 – 4.00 p.m. Colombo vs Galle Sooriyawewa the semi-finals and final of 17 – 8.00 p.m. Dambulla vs Jaffna Sooriyawewa the tournament will be played 18 – 4.00 p.m. Galle vs Dambulla Sooriyawewa The England & Wales 200 million pounds if there a statement. significant pay reductions in Pallekele. 18 – 8.00 p.m. Colombo vs Kandy Sooriyawewa Cricket Board (ECB) is is further disruption to the “Over recent weeks we and a recruitment freeze at The opening ceremony of 21 – 4.00 p.m. Kandy vs Jaffna Pallekele planning to make 62 calendar next year. have thoroughly reviewed the onset of the financial the tournament will be held at 21 – 8.00 p.m. Dambulla vs Colombo Pallekele positions within the The sport’s new the ECB’s structures and crisis, but Harrison said a Sooriyawewa on 14 November 22 – 4.00 p.m. Jaffna vs Colombo Pallekele organisation redundant due competition, The Hundred, budgets in order to reduce long-term solution was with the participation of all 22 – 8.00 p.m. Kandy vs Galle Pallekele to the economic impact of was expected to add 11 central costs without required. five teams (named after major 24 – 4.00 p.m. Jaffna vs Colombo Pallekele the COVID-19 pandemic, million pounds of revenue compromising on our “It is an irrefutable fact cities): Galle Gladiators, 24 – 8.00 p.m. Galle vs Kandy Pallekele Chief Executive Tom to the game in its first year, ambitions. that the impact of this Kandy, Colombo, Dambulla 27 – 4.00 p.m. Kandy vs Dambulla Dambulla Harrison said on Tuesday. but was postponed until “These proposals include pandemic is significant and and Jaffna. 27 – 8.00 p.m. Jaffna vs Galle Dambulla With professional cricket 2021. a 20% reduction in our will be long-lasting. There is R. Premadasa International 28 – 4.00 p.m. Dambulla vs Galle Dambulla in the country suspended “The entire cricket workforce budget, which deep uncertainty about the Stadium will not be used this 28 – 8.00 p.m. Kandy vs Colombo Dambulla for several months due to network has pulled together will equate to the removal of future and it is vital we take year as it is being renovated. 29 – 8.00 p.m. Dambulla vs Jaffna Dambulla the coronavirus, Harrison to get us through this 62 roles from our more steps to ensure the Dubai based IPG group December said the game had challenge so far, and structure.” future financial owns total rights of the 01 – 4.00 p.m. Dambulla vs Kandy Dambulla sustained losses of more overcoming it will mean The ECB had sustainability of cricket in tournament for five years, and 01 – 8.00 p.m. Galle vs Jaffna Dambulla than 100 million pounds continuing to make tough implemented short-term England and Wales,” he so far, only Galle franchise 05 – 4.00 p.m. 1st Semi-final Pallekele ($128.92 million). decisions as we have done cost-cutting measures, said. has found an owner for the 05 – 8.00 p.m. 2nd Semi-final Pallekele That figure could rise to this year,” Harrison said in including furloughing staff, (Reuters) team. 06 – 8.00 p.m. Final Pallekele

Maithri Vithanage SA Board holds ‘positive’ re-elected OWSC President Maithri Vithanage was Brohier, L.C.R. Wijesinghe, talks with SASCOC re-elected President of the Old Lucky Goonetileke, P.B. Herath, Wesleyites Sports Club (OWSC) Rohan Perera, S. Renganathan, South Africa’s Cricket on Tuesday it had made things that need to be put for the calendar year 2020/21, Richie Sappideen, Fowzil Nawaz. Board said on Tuesday it progress in addressing in place and we will then while Shaheem Mahir was Disciplinary Committee: had held a ‘positive’ some of the concerns after hold a joint media briefing elected Secretary at the 29th B.N. Jurangpathy, Lakshman meeting with the South a meeting with SASCOC. on Thursday,” he told Annual General Meeting held at Uduwara, R. Sivagnanam, Raja African Sports “The meeting presented a Reuters. the OWSC club house on Sinnathurai, Rohan Confederation and Olympic step forward towards a CSA had come in for Saturday. After having Amarasinghe, Wilhelm Vandort Committee (SASCOC) as it collaborative approach in criticism from sponsors as successfully steered the OWSC Immediate Past President: Maithri Vithanage seeks to avoid being the interest of good well as national team in the previous year after being Farman Cassim Committee Members: sidelined following criticism governance and executive players, who accused the re-elected the President stated in Committee: Ranjeewa Senanayake, of its governance. operations,” it said. Board of ‘self-interest’ in his address that the key focus President: Maithri Vithanage Shafraz Naizer, Nallathamby SASCOC, the umbrella “Key points were failing to deal adequately along with his team will be Vice Presidents: Senaka Sivaruban, Ranil Tillekeratne, body that administers sport identified and deliberated with the contents of a brand image, the development of Amaratunga, Dharshana Babu Balan, Dharshana in South Africa and which by the attendees with the report that led to the sports activities, fund raising, Liyanage, Divakar Ratnadurai, Medagedera, Mohamed all Federations are ultimate end goal of sacking of former Chief staff welfare, infrastructure Laksanda Gunawardena, Sharfaan Wadood, Ryan Kern, answerable to, told Reuters achieving a unified focus Executive Thabang Moroe development, entertainment and Mithral Perera, Mohamed Shehan Arooz, Edward last week that the Board on the game of cricket.” some nine months after he membership drive to promote Nizam, Peter Peiris, Nawaal Vandendrisen, Benzy Fernando, had been asked to step SASCOC Acting CEO Ravi was first suspended. camaraderie among Wesleyites Qasim, Oscar Dissanayake, Shankar Ratnadurai, Manesh aside. Govender did not confirm It was also criticized after (old and young), and to launch Dilshan Hossan Jerome, Ajeewan Arumugam, A SASCOC task-force was whether the plan to the postponement of an projects that would benefit the Secretary: Shaheem Mihar Shamin Ganegoda, Silmy Faizal, to be put in place for one suspend the CSA Board Annual General Meeting younger generation of Treasurer: Mahesh Prasanna Wirakoon, Shanthilal month to investigate CSA’s would go ahead, but said scheduled for 5 Sept. which Wesleyites. Wijenayake Mendis, Sepumal Perera, Afzal conduct and make more details of the meeting had been due to elect a new Office Bearers 2020/21 Asst Secretary: Shehan Abdullah, Nalin Fernando, recommendations for the would be revealed on president and senior Patron: Sri Shanmugalingam Dilruk Weerasuriya Aruna Wijesekera, Laxmananraj future. Thursday. officials after Chris Nenzani Vice Patrons: Capt Navin de Co Asst Treasurer: Ruckshan Ganeshkumar, Col. Rizan Cricket South Africa “We met last night, we resigned last month. Silva, Ivor Maharoof, Jeremy Fernando, Inoka Perera Hamidon (CSA) said in a statement have identified one or two (Reuters)

HNB-HUTCH Clay Court National Tennis Tournament

Binudi and Senulya Wijewardhane U-16 Girls Champions SaajidaRazick (Bishops College) U-16 Boys Champion Wenuka Kithnullla (S Thomas’College) U-14 Boys Champion Matheeha Nettasinghe (British School Colombo) U-18Girls Doubles Champions Anika Seneviratne and Alana Seneviratne (Ladies College) U-14 Girls Doubles Champions Binudi Wijewardhaneand Wenuka Kithnullla Saajida Razick Matheeha Nettasinghe Senulya Wijewardhane (Vishaka Vidyalaya) Anika Seneviratne and Alana Seneviratne A16 thursday 17 september 2020 sports SLC seeks ways to salvage Bangladesh Tour By Wichithra Weerasinghe had demanded to reduce the that he alone cannot take a decision quarantine period by a week as regarding the matter and that he Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officials revealed by BCB Chairman Nazmul would have to talk with other have decided to seek the input of the Hassan. members of the Task Force as well head of the COVID-19 Task Force Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa before conveying their final decision Army Commander Lieutenant General intervening to diffuse the situation to SLC. Shavendra Silva shortly, in order to between the two Boards had Furthermore, Shavendra Silva had resolve the present imbroglio that has maintained that following the informed SLC officials that he would arisen between the SLC and the requisite medical precautions would do his utmost to resolve the issue Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), be the need of the hour in order to swiftly paving the way for the regarding the quarantine period that prevent players from falling victim to international series between the two has to be undergone by the the global pandemic. countries to take place next month. Bangladesh team ahead of the start of Afterwards the Minister had advised In the meantime, airing his views in the three-match Test series next the SLC officials to seek the input of this connection Head of the month. the COVID-19 Task Force and then Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Sudath The issue had been aggravated due brief BCB accordingly. Samaraweera, has stated that the to the BCB expressing its displeasure As a result, the SLC top brass had Bangladesh team would have to having to subject its players to a met Silva in order to discuss the issue undergo the mandatory 14-day 14-day quarantine period as per at length. During this discussion the quarantine period ahead of their Head of the COVID-19 Task Force Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva health regulations. Instead the BCB Army Commander had maintained impending series having a discussion with SLC officials Yupun wins Amshi de Silva 5/12 wrecks Bloomfield Right arm paceman Amshi de Silva took 5 Kavindu Udeeshana 3/19, Bihanga Mendis wickets for 12 runs to guide CCC to a 8 wicket 2/20) win against Bloomfield C&AC on day one of Saracens SC: 91 (27) (Navindu Nirmal 21 Bronze in the Under-23 Major Club Youth Cricket (Retired Hurt), Insaka Siriwardena 2/26, Tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket Likshan Sasanga 2/26) (SLC) yesterday. At SSC (SSC won by 7 wickets) Other teams to register wins were Army SC, Kurunegala YCC: 170/8 (50) (Asitha Police SC, Badureliya CC, Chilaw Marians CC, Wanninayake 25, Kaveen Bandara 24 n.o., Negombo CC, Colts CC, Kalutara TC, SSC, Tamil Keshan Wanniarachchi 24, Chamindu Union C and AC and CCC. Wickramasinghe 2/11, Kavindu Nadeeshan Switzerland At Bloomfield CCC won by 8 wickets 2/37) Bloomfield: 97 (41.1) (Vinuja Ranpul 35, SSC: 173/3 (37.2) (Nipun Dhananjaya 77, Amshi De Silva 5/12, Pavan Ratnayake 2/10, Sammu Ashan 72 n.o.) Another sizzling run in the 100m, a week later Wanindu Hasaranga 2/17) At Colts (Colts CC won by 4 wickets) CCC: 98/2 (13.1) (Malindu Maduranga 55, Moors SC: 151 (36.1) (Pasindu Sonal Dinusha 27 n.o.) Sooriyabandara 39, Kavishka Anjula 25, In Katunayake (Negombo CC won by 68 Nipun Malinga 3/26, Rohan Sanjaya 2/20, runs) Dilshan Madushanka 2/26) Negombo CC: 202 (48.2) (Dimuth Colts CC: 154/6 (36.2) (Santhush Sandaruwan 35, Sheshan Fernando 32, Gunathilaka 58, Jehan Daniel 31, Avishka Kavindu Nirmana 30, Ravindu Sambakuttige Fernando 25, Kavishka Anjula 2/41) 3/41, Kasun Ekanayake 2/23, Nushky At P. Sara Oval (Tamil Union won by 4 Ahamed 2/42) wickets) Air Force SC: 134 (40.2) (Chamikara Galle CC: 160 (47.4) (Vinura Dulsara 50, Hewage 25, Ravindu Sambakuttige 23, Nishan Ravishka Wijesiri 33, Deshan Fernando 2/16, Peiris 3/17, Hareen Weerasinghe 3/29, Miranga Wickramage 2/28, Kavindu Chamath Wickramasinghe 3/40) Pathirathne 2/31, Sachindu Colombage 2/31) In Panagoda (Army CC won by 60 runs) Tamil Union: 165/6 (12) (Navod Army CC: 304 (49.2) (Harith Fernando 88, Paranavithana 55, Kamesh Nirmal 37, Bishan Mendis 79, Mahesh Theekshana 33, Ravindu Fernando 33 n.o., Thanula Chamod Nipun Lakshan 4/65, Sandaru Chanditha 2/21, Kushan Madusha 2/23) 3/37) At BRC (Baduraliya won by 4 wickets) Nugegoda S&WC: 244 (45.4) (Sakuna BRC: 162 (46.3) (Hirantha Jayasinghe 42, Liyanage 72, Muditha Lakshan 69, Thashika Nisal Francisco 41, Thamindu Nirmal 34, Hashan Sandeepa 4/36, Heshan Wickramaarachchi 4/11, Avishka Lakshan Hettiarachchi 2/40, Mahesh Theekshana 3/29, Malinda Jayod 2/25) 2/55) Badureliya CC: 166/6 (37.1) (Malinda In Welisara (Police SC won by 1 run) Jayod 86, Ranesh Silva 23 n.o., Malinda Police SC: 225 (49.1) (Ashel Sigera 41, Abishek 3/40) Winner Akani Simbini of South Africa (centre), Bronze medalist Yupun Abeykoon of Sri Lanka (right) and Silver Nadeera Balasuriya 38, Bawantha In Katunayake (Chilaw Marians won by 6 medalist Filippo Tortu of Italy (left) Udangamuwa 36, Ruvinda Dilshan 31, Akidu wickets) Karunarathne 2/37, Ameen Mishal 2/38) Panadura SC: 122 (31.5) (Nipuna Deshan A week after his record island in 2015 to Italy on a Chaminda Sampath after he Navy SC: 224/9 (50) (Bhagya Dissanayake 21, Charuka Tharindu 3/24, Dasun breaking 100m run in 10.16 scholarship for further training changed schools for A/L (St. 60, Shalith Fernando 44, Sammu Vimuth 36, Seneviratne 3/29) seconds, Yupun Abeykoon ran at Fiammegialle Sports Centre, Joseph Vaz College Daminda Reshan 31, Thashik Perera 2/24, Chilaw Marians CC: 125/4 (24.3) (Kamindu another sizzling 100m to clock Rome, Italy and has been shining Wennappuwa) until he left for Nadeera Balasuriya 2/44) Mendis 66 n.o., Rishira Weerasuriya 22, 10.24 seconds in the 2020 Gala there through the years, though Italy in 2015. In Maggona (Kalutara TC won by 79 runs Pasindu Pathum 3/14) dei Castelli, World Athletics injury occasionally hampered his Yupun represented Sri Lanka (D/L method) Bronze Level Series Meet in progress. at the South Asian Junior Kalutara TC: 156/7 (36) (Inshaka (Pix by Kalum Chamara) Switzerland to finish third last A National record from Yupun Championship in 2013 held in Siriwardena 20, Lasindu Aroshana 20, (IR) night. was a long time coming, as he Ranchi, and won a Bronze medal Defending Commonwealth has been in sublime form with the 4x100m relay team at Games champion Akani Simbini throughout the last few years. the World Military Games in from South Africa won the event Due to changes in the training 2015. Since then he only clocking 10.02 seconds, while schedule (Sri Lanka and Italy) he represented Sri Lanka last year World junior Silver medalist missed out on participating in when he anchored the 4x100m Tortu Filippo from Italy finished many National level trials, which relay team to win the Gold medal second in 10.07 seconds. Apart resulted in the doors being closed at the South Asian Games. from these two, the race saw for him to represent Sri Lanka at Yupun was fortunate to be former European Champion major international events until stuck at his training centre Martina Churandy from last year. Also, winter in Italy during the Covid-19 pandemic, Netherland, Hartmann Joshua always clashed with the Sri where he got the opportunity to from Germany and Kemp Demek Lankan trials schedule, which continue his training indoors of USA in the finals. falls early in the year from during those months, and was The 25-year-old hailing from January to March. International in prime form prior to setting Pannala stunned the arena in events such as the the SL record on the 8th. He ran Dessau last week (8th) when he Commonwealth Games and a wind aided 10.29 seconds on beat German Champion Denis Asian Championship are usually 29 August and followed up with Almas to win the 100m to shatter scheduled in April and May, the 10.32 seconds on 1 September the record of 10.22 seconds set time when Yupun is just coming in Rieti. He then clocked 10.23 by Himasha Eashan in 2019 to competition standards in Italy seconds in the heats of the during the first National trials, following a long winter and Anhalt 2020 and 10.16 seconds where he became an overnight indoor season. in the final last week before sensation with congratulatory Yupun now trains under jumping into the big league. messages from every corner of coaches Raparelli and His stay in Italy also gives the island. Licciardello. In Sri Lanka he him access to international The youngster who is attached trained under coach Subadra coaching facilities and regular to the Electronic and Mechanical and Dinesh Bandara when he competition, something which Engineering (SLEME) Regiment was studying at Pannala National local athletes can only dream of the Sri Lanka Army, left the College, and then under of.

Basketball Secretary vows to fight on The Secretary of the Sri Lanka draw the attention of Minister of He said that measures were Basketball Federation (SLBF) Sports Namal Rajapaksa to the also being taken by the SLBF Chula Senaratne responding to issues raised by Ceylon Today to conduct its next AGM on 24 charges levelled against them regarding the state of basketball October and noted that the by this newspaper in in Sri Lanka. acceptance of nominations yesterday’s edition regarding He added that Rajapaksa had concluded on 15 the pathetic state of the sport, had advised him to bring to September. refuted allegations. the notice of the DG of the The SLBF Secretary alleged He stated that compared to Sports Development that a certain group that is the previous office bearers the Department and the National struggling to win the present administration had Sports Council all issues forthcoming AGM is presently taken several measures towards plaguing basketball. He also engaged in carrying out a the development of the game. said SLBF will be meeting the mud-slinging campaign However, Seneviratne pointed National Sports Council once against the present office out that SLBF had decided to they get the appointment. bearers. Kavindu Pathirathne of Tamil Union Vinura Dulsara of Galle CC

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