PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

ACTIVE CASES MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020 TOTAL CASES

CBSL DIRECTS JKH, GILL AND SIRAJ: 41,048 CF TO REDUCE ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE DEATHS RECOVERED SHAREHOLDING AT NTB INDO CRICKET STORY 8,160 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 191 32,701 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGE 7 UNTIL 9.15 P.M. ON 27 NOVEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

COVID-19 COVID-19 MUTATIONS FALL ARMYWORM INFESTATION Deaths increase to 191 22,608 acres damaged Four more Covid-19 deaths were reported yesterday (27) increasing the Covid-19 death toll in the country to 191, the Government Authorities in Ampara alone Information Department said. BY SARAH HANNAN the Ampara District was as of 22 December, had to cultivate maize in 4,853 recorded a maize cultivation Cases in Colombo Contrary to the Department hectares (12,132.5 acres), the in an extent of 32,358 acres, of Agriculture crop forecast Ampara District Department it is learnt. reduced to one-third on alert report which indicated that of Agrarian Development, Contd. on page 2 The number of new Covid-19 BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA cases reported daily from Colombo The health authorities yesterday (27) said that Sri Lanka has been reduced to one-third of President inspects damaged fields the average count, according to is closely monitoring the possibilities of the new strain President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Colombo Chief Medical Officer Dr. of the Covid-19 virus entering the country, and visited Pahalagama, Elapattu in Ruwan Wijayamuni. taking all necessary precautions to control the Anuradhapura on Saturday (26) to situation. inspect the maize fields damaged by ‘Comply with health Speaking to The Morning, Secretary to the State Ministry the fall armyworm, or sena dalambuwa. of Primary Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid Disease The farmers have been severely Control Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva assured that the affected by the fall armyworm guidelines in isolated areas’ necessary technology to identify the new strain is infestation for the past two years, the The Police on Saturday (26) available in the country, and the authorities are handling President’s Media Division (PMD) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited Pahalagama, urged people in newly isolated the situation. Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva said. Elapattu in Anuradhapura on Saturday (26) to inspect areas to comply with health Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 the maize fields damaged by the fall armyworm guidelines, after it was revealed that some people in isolated areas RADIOACTIVE PHARMACEUTICALS AIRPORT OPERATIONS disregard guidelines. OPEN UNIVERSITY Govt. looks at local No reopening, Two GN divisions in Intake to expand by 5,000 only pilot project manufacturing BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Infrastructure for this Colombo isolated The Government is making plans to locally project will be funded The grama niladhari (GN) manufacture radioactive drugs that are needed The Open University by the University Grants from today divisions of Aluthkade West and in treating cancer patients, the Government of Sri Lanka (OUSL) will Commission (UGC), as well The recommencement of operations at the Aluthkade East in the Keselwatta Information Department said last week, quoting be admitting 5,000 new as through a portion of a airports from today (28) until 19 January police area would be isolated from 5 State Minister Duminda Dissanayake. students to its Bachelor’s of Rs. 300 million World Bank 2021 will be a pilot project to serve as a a.m. today (28). A discussion in this regard was held recently Information Technology (IT) grant under its “Accelerating precursor to the total reopening of airports between State Minister of Solar Power, programme for the upcoming Morning that the programme Higher Education and in the future, Covid-19 Task Force Head Wind, and Hydro Power Generation Projects academic year, The Morning will call for applications in Development” (AHEAD) and Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Isolation lifted in several Development Duminda Dissanayake and State learnt. January, and the academic programme, said the Vice Silva said. Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation OUSL Vice Chancellor year will commence between Chancellor. He told The Morning that authorities have areas in Colombo of Pharmaceuticals Dr. Channa Jayasumana. Prof. S.A. Ariadurai told The March and April 2021. Contd. on page 2 not yet decided to fully reopen airports. The isolation imposed in three Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 police areas and several other grama niladhari (GN) Divisions in TARIFF SLASH FOR TEA Colombo would be lifted from 5 DIVERSIFYING TO SURVIVE a.m. today (28). South Africa 100 inmates to get amnesty: Prisons Dept. willing to The Department of Prisons, in view of the Christmas holidays consider and to reduce the congestion of SETTING UP DAIRY FARMS the prisons due to Covid-19, is to South Africa is release inmates under amnesty, it is willing to consider Land allocation learnt. slashing tariffs for Sri Lankan tea expedited exports to give Could mutate in SL: some relief to Sri The Presidential Task Force on Economic Lanka, according Revival and Poverty Eradication has Chief Epidemiologist to outgoing South instructed the relevant authorities to expedite Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath African High the allocation of lands to set up dairy farms Samaraweera said on Saturday (26) Commissioner in in the first three months of 2021. that it is of paramount importance Colombo Robina The Board of Investment (BOI) has to end the spread of Covid-19 in the P. Marks. South African High selected investors to establish new dairy country as the virus could mutate in A three-wheeler driver selling facemasks from his parked three-wheeler at the Wellawatte Junction Contd. on Commissioner in Colombo farms to produce milk locally. Sri Lanka as well. yesterday (27) page 2 Robina P. Marks Contd. on page 2 PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA CURRENCY NOTES Missing patient ADVERSE WEATHER found in Makola Annual Police warn of fake notes The 22-year-old Covid-19 patient Red alert issued Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Investigation Department (CID) that was reported missing while in Rohana warned people to be aware arrested a suspect in Anuradhapura self-quarantine in Sapugaskanda on zEastern Province worst affected transfers of counterfeit currency notes that on Saturday (26) on charges of Saturday (26) was found in a house are currently being circulated. printing fake currency notes. at Makola North, Police Spokesman The Department of Meteorology He said the Criminal Contd. on page 2 DIG Ajith Rohana said. has issued a red alert regarding the low-level atmospheric on hold disturbances in Sri Lanka’s vicinity. Annual transfers of the Cinemas to reopen It warned that the showery weather Police Department have been conditions which settled in since postponed by two months, from January last (27) evening and enhanced stated Police Spokesman Prime Minister Mahinda over the Northern, Eastern, North Showers or thundershowers will DIG Ajith Rohana. Rajapaksa, in his capacity as Central, Central, and North Western occur at several places elsewhere, Transfers were scheduled Minister of Buddhasasana, Provinces, and in the Badulla particularly in the evening or night. to take place from 15 Religious, and Cultural Affairs, has District, are expected to turn into Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm January, but have now been permitted the reopening of cinema heavy showers above 150 mm can be expected at some places. postponed until 15 March. halls, in line with health guidelines, towards early evening today (28). Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 DIG Ajith Rohana from 1 January. CORRUPT OFFICIALS Several more GN divisions isolated GSMB denies allegations Several grama niladhari (GN) The Geological Survey and Mines GSMB Acting Director General an Environment Ministry official Divisions in the Eheliyagoda and Bureau (GSMB) denied allegations Eng. Sajjana de Silva told The clarified the issue over the Minister’s Godakawela Divisional Secretariat levelled by Minister of Environment Morning that no such complaints statement, which was reported in a Divisions in Ratnapura have been Mahinda Amaraweera that the Bureau had been received. He further said daily Sinhala newspaper, saying that declared as isolated areas with has received written and verbal that such news had been reported the Minister had not made such a immediate effect, Army Commander complaints accusing certain officials last week, quoting the Minister, but statement during the meetings held Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said. of taking financial and sexual bribes stated that this had no validity. so far. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 in the issuance of mineral licences. Meanwhile, when contacted, – Maheesha Mudugamuwa 2 the morning NEWS Monday, December 28, 2020

Contd. from page 1

the spread of the FAW infestation and be awarded by the OUSL’s Department High Commissioner underscored the Colombo North, Colombo Central, and Authorities... from an economical perspective, the of Computer Science under its Faculty need to recalibrate its trade strategy in Wellawatte areas,” Dr. Wijayamuni When asked whether the virus could crop damage is significantly low and of Natural Sciences, together with the Sri Lanka, and the desire for a more said. similarly undergo mutation in Sri Lanka, would not threaten the food security of Department of Electrical and Computer balanced trade relationship between the Dr. de Silva explained that viruses of the country. The field reports on FAW Engineering under its Faculty of two countries. this kind can mutate at any time. infestations have indicated that only Engineering. “Even though national interest is It is reported that cases of the more 4-7% of the total crop extent has been important to all countries, we do want a Isolation lifted... contagious variant of Covid-19, damaged, although if you take it district- more balanced trade between Sri Lanka National Operations Centre for first identified in the UK, have been wise, the extent of crop damage could President... and South Africa. We think that it’s Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak confirmed in several European countries, differ,” Watawala explained. It noted that farmers informed the important, because we both need to work (NOCPCO) Head and Army as well as in Canada and Japan. Watawala also confirmed that President that the fall armyworm had on the basis that each have something to Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva Infections linked to people who discussions are currently underway to damaged crops in many districts this offer in this bilateral relationship,” she said the isolation of the Dam Street, arrived from the UK were reported in decide whether compensations are to year, resulting in reduced harvests. added. Keselwatta, and Maradana police areas Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and France. be paid to the farmers, as measures to They have also briefed the President In terms of investment, High would be lifted at 5 a.m. However, a couple found infected in control the spread of the FAW infestation on the threat posed to plantations by Commissioner Marks noted that Meanwhile, the isolation of the Ontario, Canada, had no known travel have taken priority at this point. wild elephants. international retail brand SPAR, through Wekanda and Hunupitiya GN divisions history or high-risk contacts, officials Meanwhile, All Ceylon Farmers’ Mirisawetiya Vihara Chief Incumbent a joint venture between SPAR Group in Slave Island, Mayura Place in say. Meanwhile, Japan is set to ban most Association National Convenor Namal Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanatilake Thera Ltd. South Africa and Ceylon Biscuits Wellawatte, the Halgahawatta and non-resident foreign nationals from Karunaratne urged the Government to accompanied the President during the visit. Ltd., has opened four outlets in Sri Kalipulliwatta GN divisions in Borella, entering the country for a month from consider paying compensations of up to Lanka with plans to expand up to 20 and the Laksanda Sevana Housing today, BBC reported. Rs. 100,000 per acre of damaged crops retail stores. Scheme of Wellampitiya would also be due to FAW infestations. Govt. looks... lifted at the same time. 22,608... The drugs are to be developed by the The Subject Ministry and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Land allocation... Department of Agriculture to date is firm No reopening... Council and the Atomic Energy Board Task Force Chairman Basil Rajapaksa 100 inmates... on their word, stating that only about He explained that a group of tourists will (AEB) of Sri Lanka, which are under said the process should be done under “There are 100 inmates that were 4-7% of the total maize cultivations be brought down to the country under a the purview of the State Ministry of the full supervision of the BOI and the proposed to be released under the in the country is affected by the fall travel bubble, and will be accommodated Solar Power, Wind, and Hydro Power Mahaweli Authority. Christmas amnesty programme. armyworm (FAW) infestation during at several hotels assigned to house these Generation Projects Development. Addressing a Task Force meeting last Their papers are currently under this cultivation season, although tourists. State Minister Dissanayake said that week, he further said that funds have review and they would be released. field estimations along with farmer According to the Army Commander, the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) been allocated in the 2021 Budget for Before we send them home, we have to testimonies reveal a stark contrast. tourists will have to undergo PCR tests are expected to be signed in this regard the upliftment of small and medium ensure that they are not infected by the To clarify the numbers The Morning prior to their arrival in the country, and with the relevant institutions on 15 sector dairy farmers. virus. spoke to the Ampara District Department will be subjected to further PCR testing January. Therefore, they will be subjected of Agrarian Development Assistant in Sri Lanka as well. He said there was a tendency of to health screening and PCR testing Commissioner L.G.C. Somadasa, who “After the local PCR test results are manufacturing medicinal drugs locally prior to being released,” Department said: “16,580 farmers had cultivated received, the tourists will be taken to several under the instructions of the President. Police warn... of Prisons Spokesman Chandana maize in the Ampara District during the identified tourist attractions in the country “Radioactive drugs are imported from “This is the third incident reported within Ekanayake told The Morning. season, out of which 10,308 farmers after seven days. It will all be done under India at a cost of Rs. 54,000 per patient, two weeks related to printing fake currency The Department of Prisons is still have reported that their crops were the travel bubble system,” Silva said. but if manufactured locally, it will cost notes. Fake currencies are being circulated. trying to bring the prison cluster under damaged due to the FAW infestation. A He noted that a final decision on the only about Rs. 14,000. Therefore, there Therefore, when you are purchasing goods control, with 52 inmates testing positive total of 22,608 acres have been affected complete reopening of airports would only should be no delay in the development or exchanging money, be careful of fake on Saturday (26). by the FAW infestation as per the field be taken after 19 January, upon studying of radioactive drugs, and plans should be currency notes, and try to identify real – Sarah Hannan observations and reports that we have the results of the pilot project. made as soon as possible,” he said. notes by using the identical features in compiled.” them,” he said. Somadasa elaborated that all this information was gathered for record- Intake... Annual... Could mutate... keeping purposes, and would be of use He added that “the centre will Dr. Samaraweera said the virus could should the Department of Agriculture probably be outside the Nawala campus, The Police Spokesman stated that the Red alert... mutate not only in the UK or Europe and the State Ministry of Development due to the lack of space inside”. IGP made this decision in view of the Meanwhile, Disaster Management but in Sri Lanka as well. of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, The OUSL registered 25,165 students Covid-19 situation in the country. Centre Duty Officer J.M.A.R. Jayarathna “That’s the nature of the Covid Cloves, Betel Production, and Promotion for undergraduate programmes in 2019, revealed: “As of 26 December, we virus and that’s why it is of paramount of Allied Products and Export make a according to the university website. accounted that the adverse weather importance to get rid of the virus as decision to release compensation for the Speaking about plans for the South Africa... conditions the country experienced over soon as possible,” he said. farmers who were affected. development and expansion of the higher the past week impacted 38,666 persons He said it was difficult to identify “Although the officials stated that they education sector, UGC Chairman Prof. Delivering the opening remarks at from 12,100 families in 11 districts.” whether a person has contracted the were considering paying crop damage Sampath Amaratunge told The Morning the Sri Lanka-South Africa Business One person died and another sustained new Covid-19 strain because most compensation to the farmers, there is no that the UGC had requested the OUSL to Promotion Meeting, High Commissioner injuries in the Matale District Galewela Covid patients are asymptomatic. directive of such an effort communicated admit 10,000 students. Marks said: “We would consider, Divisional Secretariat, following a “A normal PCR test can’t differentiate in writing. We consulted the Agriculture However, Prof. S.A. Ariadurai told us possibly, a request to lower, for a period cutting failure. the virus strain. We can only identify Insurance Board regarding the next that the OUSL is initially looking at only of time not exceeding three years, A total of 83 persons from 20 families the strain from studying the genetic steps. They informed that discussions an additional 5,000 students. tea tariffs... to give some relief to Sri were housed at four safe locations due component,” he said. were underway with ministerial and “The Government has requested an Lanka… in the spirit of supporting to floods, landslide risks, and cutting He further said the second wave of department officials. However, they too intake of 10,000 students, which we developing countries to become as failures, while 66 houses were partially Covid-19 detected in early October has await a directive in writing,” Somadasa will consider based on the number of sustainable as they can be.” damaged, and three houses were been brought under control to some noted. applications we receive,” he said. The meeting was held at the Lakshman destroyed by adverse weather in the past extent. “We have faith that we can do We contacted State Ministry of The IT degree programme will Kadirgamar Institute of International week. a better job in controlling Covid if Development of Sugarcane, Maize, consist of subjects such as data science, Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) on The Eastern Province was the worst people’s assistance was given,” he said. Cashew, Pepper, Cloves, Betel information technology, information 14 December, the Foreign Ministry said. affected, with 37,426 persons from Production, and Promotion of Allied management, information science, and The High Commissioner said that 11,732 families directly affected by the Products and Export Director – artificial intelligence. This programme South Africa has been able to expand floods caused by the heavy rains. Development Ransilu Watawala to will follow the usual open, distance- its trade footprint in Sri Lanka, and that – Sarah Hannan Missing... inquire about the steps that the State learning system of the Open University overall trade stood hugely in favour of He said the Sapugaskanda Police Ministry is taking to assist the distressed and will be levying a fee. her country. OIC had received information about farmers. A separate centre will be established Commenting further on bilateral the patient, and a special operation “Our foremost concern is to control for this programme, and the degree will trade ties in the Covid-19 era, the ‘Comply with... was carried out accordingly, with the Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana assistance of the Medical Officer of noted that some people do not assist Health and public health inspectors health authorities, especially in respect (PHIs). of PCR tests. “The patient was found in a house “If a person rejects orders of health at Makola North in Sapugaskanda, authorities, they could be arrested and along with a girl and her parents. Cartoon of the day dealt with under quarantine regulations. Investigations are being conducted to We have already taken action against ascertain whether the occupants at the a number of persons in Atulugama house intentionally accommodated the for violating quarantine rules and patient, knowing he was Covid-positive. regulations,” he said. Stern action will be taken against the occupants under quarantine regulations Two GN... if they are found guilty,” he said. Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva yesterday (27) confirmed that the two GN divisions will be isolated today Cinemas... onwards. Accordingly, cinemas will be reopened in all areas, except for isolated areas, from next year. Many artistes, including producers, Deaths... directors, and members of the Film It said a 66-year-old male from Exhibitors’ Association, recently Pitakotte passed away from Covid briefed the Prime Minister on the pneumonia yesterday and a 75-year-old pandemic’s impact on their livelihoods. female from Ragama also died from As a result, the Prime Minister Covid pneumonia and a brain infection. advised that cinemas could be reopened Meanwhile, a 78-year-old female in compliance with quarantine rules and from Kadawatha and a 52-year-old regulations, the Prime Minister’s Office female from Vavuniya also died from said. Covid pneumonia. Several... Accordingly, the Minnana, Wilegoda, Cases in... Yakudagoda, Asgagula North, and He said an average of 350-360 Bopaththa GN Divisions in the Covid-19 cases were reported daily in Eheliyagoda Divisional Secretariat Colombo in the past. Division have been isolated. “We were able to control the situation The Army Commander said and bring the number down to 90-110. that the Rakwana Town, Rakwana Once a patient is identified following North, Rakwana South, Masimbula, PCR and rapid antigen tests, we remove and Kottala GN Divisions in the that person from the area. We were Godakawela Divisional Secretariat able to limit Covid-19 cases in the Division have also been isolated. 3 the morning Monday , December 28, 2020

Bitcoin trading business close to all-time AAF gold loan portfolio high of $ 27,000 Bitcoin, the world’s most has risen by 271% year to date. popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin smashed through $ hit the $ 26,000 mark to 20,000 for the first time on 16 grows in 2019/2020 set an all-time record high December, its highest ever. on Saturday (26), and was Bitcoin, worth less than $ 1 Asia Asset Finance (AAF), a with a shift from unsecured loans to witnessed significant performance impact of the Easter Sunday trading very close to the back in 2010 when it was touted subsidiary of India’s Muthoot secured retail loans, to strengthen during the year. The product bombings in April 2019, and next $ 27,000 mark last (27) as currency for purchases, is Finance Ltd., had recorded a asset quality and stable growth, with reported a growth of 58%, and political and economic uncertainty morning. Bitcoin was trading now amassing proponents who 57.98% growth in gold loans in focus on the gold loan business this continued to provide healthy returns for most of the year. In addition, at $ 26,900 at 7:13 a.m., as argue that its strictly controlled Sri Lanka during the Financial FY as well,” he added. to safeguard and improve the the depreciating rupee, political per Indian time. According supply and wider investor base Year (FY) 2019/2020. For FY 2019/20, gold loans performance of the company,” stated instability in the first part of the to CoinMarketCap, an show it has become a store of contributed to the growth of the AAF Chief Executive Officer Rajiv year, subdued investments, and aggregator that compiles data value. Critics, however, say this In the annual report for this FY, company’s loan portfolio with an Gunawardena. inclement weather, all resulted in from more than 20 brokers, year’s rally is a bubble that can’t released last week, Muthoot Finance increase of 58%, while its total loan The 2019/20 period saw AAF’s a significantly lower disposable Bitcoin has risen over 8% be supported by claims that Ltd. Managing Director George base grew by 10%. The company loans and receivables portfolio exceed income among our customer base over the preceding 24 hours digital assets should diversify Alexander Muthoot noted that despite reports that the share of secured the previous year’s mark of Rs. 12.57 and the general population; and of (as reported last morning). portfolios and take flows from the Easter Sunday incidents that lending and overall asset quality in billion, reaching Rs. 13.83 billion. course, the Covid pandemic in March With these gains, the largest gold. disrupted local economic activities last its loan portfolio has increased as Profits before tax declined from the 2020, which resulted in a nationwide cryptocurrency of the world (Mint) year, mortgage loans had increased a result of this surge in gold loans. previous year, down to Rs. 93.32 lockdown from 20 March this year,” by 50.94%, whereas the unsecured AAF reports that this has resulted million while profit after tax was AAF Chairman Chandrakumar loan portfolios of personal loans and in its secured lending portfolio recorded at Rs 70.15 million, down Ramachandra stated in the report. microloans have been brought down increasing by 7.4% over the 30.5% from the 2018/19 period. The Despite the macro shocks that AAF by 4% and 29.79%, respectively. previous year, to 74.9%. company’s net profit decreased by has faced as a result of the pandemic, “The company continued “The gold loan product has now 33% compared to the previous year. the company has maintained a BBB+ diversification of its business model, reached its six-year maturity and “This was due to the economic rating from ICRA Lanka Ltd. CBSL directs JKH, Central Finance to reduce shareholding at NTB The Director of Bank Supervision of China to overtake the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has last week informed Central Finance Company PLC and John Keells Holdings US as world’s biggest PLC (JKH) to reduce their shareholding at Nations Trust Bank PLC (NTB). Accordingly, Central Finance economy by 2028 is required to reduce its current China will overtake the US Even so, living standards in shareholding of 19.74% in NTB to as the world’s biggest economy China will remain much lower 15% on or before 31 December 2021, before the end of the decade, than in the US and western while JKH has to retain its current after outperforming its rival European countries. In the US, shareholding of 29.52% in the voting during the global Covid-19 the average per capita income shares of NTB until 31 December pandemic, according to a is just over $ 63,000, while in 2021 and reduce it to 20% on or before report. the UK, it is just over $ 39,000. that date and to 15% on or before 31 The Centre for Economics The CEBR said departure from December, 2022. and Business Research (CEBR) the EU would not prevent the Including the non-voting shares, the said that it now expected the UK – likely to be the world’s Central Finance Group currently has an value of China’s economy, fifth largest economy in 2020 economic interest of 21.38% in NTB, when measured in dollars, to – from being one of the better while JKH has an economic interest of exceed that of the US by 2028, performing economies in the 32.57%. half a decade sooner than it next 15 years. expected a year ago. “We expect the trend rate of In its annual league table growth for the UK to be 4.0% of the growth prospects of annually from 2021-25, 1.8% 193 countries, the UK-based annually from 2026-30, and Emirates transports first batch of consultancy group said China 1.8% annually from 2031-35,” had bounced back quickly from the consultancy said. the effects of Covid-19, and “The UK is forecast to be would grow by 2% in 2020, as overtaken by India in 2024, but Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for Dubai the one major global economy otherwise holds its place in the Emirates SkyCargo to await clearance for to expand. league table to 2025. By 2035, has recently transported delivery. The carrier has With the US expected to UK’s GDP in dollars is forecast Covid-19 vaccines more than two decades contract by 5% this year, China to be 40% more than that of manufactured by Pfizer- experience in transporting will narrow the gap with its France, its longstanding rival BioNTech to the United pharmaceuticals on biggest rival, the CEBR said. and neighbour.” Arab Emirates (UAE) its aircraft and has set Overall, global gross domestic India, after overtaking France for the first time for the up state-of-the art EU product is forecast to decline by and the UK last year, had fallen Dubai Health Authority GDP-certified facilities 4.4% this year, in the biggest back behind the UK as a result (DHA). The vaccines were dedicated for storing and one-year fall since the second of a sharp fall in the value of transported from Brussels handling pharma cargo in world war. the rupee. But the dip will be on Emirates flight EK 182 Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo CEBR Deputy Chairman short lived, with the world’s on 22 December 2020, has also established a Douglas McWilliams said: second-most populous country arriving at the Dubai global Pharma Corridors “The big news in this forecast on course to be its third largest International Airport programme working with is the speed of growth of economy by 2035. (DXB) at 10.15 p.m. local ground handlers and local the Chinese economy. We The CEBR said time. airports at major pharma expect it to become an upper- environmental issues would Emirates Group origin and destination income economy during the start to have a serious impact Chairman and Chief stations for enhanced cool current five-year plan period on the shape of the world Executive H.H. Sheikh chain protection. The (2020-25). And we expect it economy over the next 15 Ahmed bin Saeed Al current pharma network to overtake the US a full five years, following a period in Maktoum said: “Emirates covers over 30 cities years earlier than we did a year which the effects of global is proud to be transporting across the world, including ago. heating had become apparent the first batch of Pfizer Brussels. “Other Asian economies are more quickly than previously vaccines for Covid-19 More recently, Emirates also shooting up the league feared. into the UAE for the SkyCargo has set up the table. One lesson for western “Sea levels are expected to Dubai Health Authority. world’s largest dedicated policymakers, who have have risen by 45 cm, from Our healthcare ecosystem airside storage and performed relatively badly the 2000 base, by 2035. This Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines for the Dubai Health has played an absolutely Authority distribution hub for Covid- during the pandemic, is that compares with the smaller critical role in every step 19 vaccines in Dubai they need to pay much more 20cm rise by 2030, predicted of the fight against Covid- global logistical hub for not just Dubai, but get back on their feet after with the capacity to store attention to what is happening two years ago.” 19.” connecting vital cargo countries around the the devastating impact of up to an estimated 10 in Asia, rather than simply With more countries making Emirates Divisional including PPE, medical world, including markets the pandemic.” million doses of vaccine looking at each other.” plans to make the transition to Senior Vice President – supplies, vaccines, food, with limited cool chain On arrival at DXB, at the 2-8℃ temperature China’s share of global GDP a net carbon-zero economy in Cargo Nabil Sultan said: and other essential items. infrastructure with our the containers with the range at any one point of has increased from 3.6% in the coming decades, the CEBR “At Emirates SkyCargo, Emirates SkyCargo has advanced capabilities. vaccines were unloaded time. Emirates SkyCargo 2000 to 17.8% in 2019, and said there would be weaker we are doing our part set up the world’s largest By transporting Covid- on priority from the has already commenced will continue to grow, the demand for fossil fuels and to join Dubai’s efforts airside hub dedicated 19 vaccines across our aircraft and then taken distribution of Covid-19 CEBR said. It would pass the lower oil prices. The cost of to fight the Covid-19 to distributing Covid- extensive network, we to Emirates SkyCargo’s vaccines from a range per capita threshold of $ 12,536 a barrel of crude would fall pandemic. Dubai has 19 vaccines and we look forward to helping dedicated pharma facility of manufacturers and (£ 9,215) to become a high- below $ 30 by 2035, it said. retained its position as a stand ready to support people around the world Emirates SkyPharma geographies. income country by 2023. (The Guardian) 4 the morning CORPORATE/TECH Monday , December 28, 2020 Laptop, desktop sales see ‘renaissance’ JAT sponsors zShortages won’t ease until 2022

The world stocked up on laptop and desktop computers SL cricket team in 2020 at a level not seen since JAT Holdings (Pvt.) the iPhone debuted in 2007, and Ltd. is sponsoring manufacturers still are months the Sri Lanka cricket away from fulfilling outstanding team for their away orders, hardware industry series scheduled executives and analysts said. for the 2020/2021 Remote learning and working cricket season, has upturned the computer as the firm was market during the coronavirus recently awarded pandemic, zapping sales of the title of “Official smartphones while boosting interest in bigger devices, which Overseas Team had become afterthoughts to Sponsor of Sri Lanka iPhones and Androids over the Cricket” during the last decade. 2020/2021 cricket “The whole supply chain has season. been strained like never before,” said Acer Inc. Pan-America JAT Holdings President Gregg Prendergast. signed the agreement Annual global shipments of PCs, been absorbing the cost to fly said Ryan Reith, Vice President with ITW Consulting the industry’s collective term laptops directly to its education at analyst firm IDC. (ITW), who was for laptops and desktops, topped customers, ditching boats Some computers coming to awarded custodianship out at about 300 million in 2008, and trains to cut a month off market in the next few months of the said title by and recently were sinking toward shipping. Yet with assembly address new needs. They feature Sri Lanka Cricket, function as the Official strengthen the arm of Sri the LPL 2020.” 250 million. Few expected a lines behind, some customers better cameras and speakers for pursuant to a tender Overseas Team Sponsor Lanka Cricket during Sri Speaking about resurgence. must wait four months to get video conferencing, analysts process. ITW also has of Sri Lanka Cricket for Lanka’s tours of South this, ITW Consulting But some analysts now expect shipments. said. More models will have a numerous sponsorships, the above tours. Africa and West Indies, Managing Director 2020 will close at about 300 Components including screens cellular chip, aiding users who advertising, and brand Together with the and England’s Tour of Bhairav Shanth said: million shipments, up roughly and processors are hard to get, can access 4G or 5G mobile promotion rights granted recent launch of the Sri Lanka. Cricket is all “ITW has always 15% from a year ago. Tablets are even with many factories long signals but not traditional Wi-Fi. to it by Sri Lanka “WHITE by JAT” range about partnerships.” believed in the potential experiencing even faster growth. past virus shutdowns, analysts Dell Technologies Inc. Cricket. of brilliant white interior Meanwhile, JAT of sports in general, and By the end of 2021, installed said. They added 2021 sales President Sam Burd this month Partaking in the season, and exterior emulsion Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. cricket in particular, PCs and tablets will reach 1.77 forecasts would be higher if not said the industry “renaissance” the Sri Lanka tour of paints, JAT, in a press Managing DIrector globally. This has been billion, up from 1.64 billion for the supply issues. would soon bring devices with South Africa includes release, stated that Aelian Gunawardene an exciting association in 2019, according to research Ishan Dutt, a Canalys analyst, artificial intelligence software two Test matches, one sponsorship is yet stated: “This has given for us, not least because company Canalys. The virus recalled a customer telling a to simplify tasks like logging on which took place on another reflection of the all of us at JAT a we have a longstanding pressed families into expanding vendor in April that any device and switching off cameras. 26 December 2020 and organisation’s stability, feeling of great pride, relationship with the from one PC for the house to one with a keyboard would suffice Dell’s online orders from the other which is set to despite the current world and we wish the team sport of cricket here, for each student, video gamer, or as long as shipments arrived in consumers surged 62% in the take place on 7 January market situation. every success in their and are upbeat about the homebound worker. a week. That urgent need has third quarter compared with last 2021. Similarly, two Addressing his upcoming series. JAT possibilities Sri Lankan To meet the sudden demand, subsided, but people now want to year. Over Black Friday, teams Test matches under the thoughts on the Holdings constantly cricket holds. This deal the world’s handful of big PC upgrade, maintaining pressure on that would normally ring bells “Sri Lanka vs. England” partnership, Sri Lanka seeks channels to give is unique, as the two vendors added suppliers, sped the industry, Dutt said. at Dell’s Texas headquarters to home series will be held Cricket Chief Executive back to our community, most trusted names in up shipping, and teased better Additional government celebrate big sales gathered like on 14 and 26 January Officer Ashley de Silva and sports has always the country have come models launching next year. It stimulus money for schools and many other people in 2020 – over 2021, followed by three commented: “I’m happy been an area of focus. together to celebrate has not been enough. businesses in several countries Zoom from PCs at home. ODIs, three T20s, and a local and privately This was even more the most popular sport Prendergast said Acer has may add to the crunch until 2022, (Reuters) three Test matches during owned brand, JAT evident when JAT in Sri Lanka. Through the Sri Lanka tour of Holdings, is partnering became the only Sri this association, we are West Indies, prearranged as the Official Overseas Lankan company to committed to enabling to take place during Team Sponsor of sponsor the Kandy Sri Lanka Cricket enter No one owns Huawei March 2021. JAT will Sri Lanka Cricket to Tuskers cricket team at an exciting new era.” Bairaha launches new product range but its employees Bairaha announced that it recently diversifying our chicken products flavours or colours to any of our launched a range of appetisers, that originally included whole products. They are made of 100% BY JIANG XISHENG Commission on a one- In fact, our ownership their competitiveness which includes chicken cheese chicken, chicken portions, marinated natural ingredients.” vote-per-share basis. structure is embraced due to bureaucracy and nuggets. chicken, chicken sausages, chicken Bairaha has also introduced Sweden’s telecom The Commission elects by many Swedish low efficiency. This is Bairaha Farms PLC Brand Manager meatballs, and chicken slices.” “Chicken Kochchi Bites”, made regulator, PTS, recently the company’s Board of companies today. particularly true in the Ravin Madusanka said: “This is Bairaha Farms PLC Group Manager using kochchi miris grown by excluded the country’s Directors. Such a profit Last year’s European high-tech industry. Why a very special product launch for for Compliance and R&D Lalani local farmers especially for the operators from using and risk-sharing system Company Survey shows has China’s tech industry us. This is the first time we are Epa said: “We don’t add artificial manufacture of the new product. Huawei equipment provides Huawei with 11% of all companies in developed so fast and in their 5G networks, the funds it needs for Sweden’s private sector so well? Perhaps in part justifying the action by long-term growth, and have employee share because, since the 1980s, saying that any vendor lays the foundations ownership schemes China has opened its based in China posed for its governance and – more than double market to, and provided Singer launches app to an automatic threat management. the European average. a level-playing field to Swedish national Being privately held Perhaps the model for, companies such security. frees Huawei from the appeals to Sweden’s as Ericsson, Nokia, facilitate after-sales services Such misconceptions short-term pressures egalitarian sensibilities: Motorola, Siemens, and could prevent faced by publicly Employees are paid other foreign companies. Singer Sri Lanka PLC has recently Swedish households listed companies, differently based on the The PTS statement launched the “Singer Care” app that and businesses from whose shareholders work they do, but there reminded me of China’s supports its customers in all their enjoying the benefits of expect them to meet is a transparent profit- period of political Singer repair needs and stands ready Huawei’s innovation. quarterly earnings sharing mechanism turmoil in the 1960s to take in Singer product service Unfortunately, they targets. Liberated in place. People feel and 1970s. Because my requests around the clock. are reinforced by the from such external empowered, care about family were classified Available on Google Play Store press. For example, pressures, Huawei can the quality of their work, as landowners, I almost and Apple App Store, the Singer an editorial column maintain its long-term and continually think missed the chance to Care app enables customers to get published in Dagens focus on research and about ways to improve attend university. I hope their products serviced or repaired Industri on 10 November development, while the business. Some the PTS can perform from the comfort of their homes, by suggests: “China shareholding employees European experts have an objective, fair, and booking a technician through this should open Huawei can reap higher rewards. concluded that Huawei is fact-based assessment, app. for foreign ownership.” Currently, Huawei implementing “employee and make decisions that Commenting on the newly This recommendation, Founder/CEO Ren capitalism”. will benefit the whole launched app, Singer Chief while undoubtedly Zhengfei holds about Detractors allege of Sweden. Huawei’s Executive Officer (CEO) well intentioned, 1% stake of Huawei; the that we became a door is always open to Mahesh Wijewardene said: “This displays a profound rest is held by Huawei’s global leader through Swedish politicians, on-demand service app is the misunderstanding of how union, the platform Government support. researchers, journalists, latest offering to our customers Huawei is structured and through which employees In fact, the company and others to visit who need various kinds of managed. own the company. It is has succeeded for the company facilities repairs performed without any Huawei was founded common and legitimate opposite reason: we and its Employee delay. With this new app, we in 1987, and I joined for companies in operate independently Stock Ownership Plan have ensured that this exclusive Huawei in 1989. China to set up trade and follow the logic of (ESOP) Room, and service is available islandwide Back then, banks unions to serve as their business, not politics. exchange ideas about for the convenience of Singer were reluctant to lend shareholding platforms. From its inception the system the company customers everywhere.” money to small startup Although the media in 1987 until the has built over the past Singer Care app has a host companies. Huawei had likes to describe this early 2000s, Huawei three decades. of repair services on offer for Newly launched Singer Care app interface to raise capital by selling arrangement as opaque, competed with Chinese In the meantime, most Singer appliances – from trained and qualified Singer the app to place an order. The shares to employees, it is actually not so State-owned enterprises, the facts remain refrigerators, televisions, technicians. app also offers an option to rate an arrangement that different from what one many of which later unchanged: No computers, furniture, air The app is designed in Sinhala the services provided by Singer continues to this day. finds at employee-owned shrank to insignificance government entity conditioners, washing machines, and English languages (soon to technicians. Employees buy shares companies elsewhere or disappeared dictates Huawei’s industrial machines, and water appear in Tamil), with built-in Singer Sri Lanka offers a wide with their own money, in the world, including completely. business or investment pumps, to a variety of electric features for easy navigation. Once range of local and international and receive annual John Lewis Partnership This result should decisions, and no one equipment. This app allows the app is downloaded, the user brands to its consumers across dividends based on (a department store not surprise capitalists, owns Huawei but customers to follow up on needs to create an account with the country. It owns a portfolio of the number of shares group in the UK), and who understand that Huawei’s employees. service requests and ensure that a registration process using a over 600 electronic items, 1,200 they hold. They also Essilor (a French-based in most cases, state- (The writer is the their service needs are fulfilled one-time password (OTP) sent to home appliances, and boasts more elect members to form international ophthalmic owned or controlled Chief Secretary of the on time. All services shown in their mobiles. The user can then than 50 internationally renowned a Representatives’ optics company). companies tend to lose Board at Huawei) the app are carried out by well- follow the simple steps within brands. 5 the morning Monday , December 28, 2020 brunch Tenny, Natalya, ‘LEADER and Aitana present OF YOUR MIND’ BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE He said that they wished to share a hopeful message and a positive “Leader of Your Mind” by Tenny, Natalya, and Aitana premiered outlook through this track. on Christmas Day as a nice little holiday treat. A brand new Tenny also addressed the track with an accompanying music video, the original was genre-bending sound of the song and also the music video, sharing released without much fanfare but has since received some that it was largely experimental attention online due to its extremely unique composition and music, not entirely modern but with fresh choice of visual storytelling. a hint of jazz fusion. He said that he We spoke to Co-Founder and Natalya was formerly well known for wished for it to be minimalist, but guitarist of Stigmata Tennyson her breathtaking jazz performances with a lot of experimental effects – a Napoleon who is the music as a part of the band “The Skylines”, soundscapes type of experience. composer and producer for the track who regularly provided the evening’s He mentioned that what was most and he shared with The Morning entertainment at the Curve Tapas interesting about this track is that Brunch how this track and music Bar, Park Street Mews. it was done entirely remotely, with video came to be. Speaking about their them utilising whatever equipment Tenny shared with us that it was collaboration, Tenny shared that they had with them to make things actually a really interesting story having wanted to get Natalya happen. He said that Natalya and because this was a collaboration of onboard to perform on a track with her sister Aitana contributed their three countries, as sisters Natalya him for a long time, once he had a vocals; Natalya having recorded the and Aitana contributed to the song couple of tracks ready, he shared entire thing on a phone and Aitana entirely remotely. them with her and she chose this one. providing harmonies in the same way Natalya of course is no stranger He mentioned that Natalya was the as well. to Lankan audiences. While one who penned down the lyrics for The music video was also currently working in the frontlines the song as well. recorded on a phone. Aitana, being a as a medical professional in the US, Speaking about the song and performance artist, took the time to what she hoped to get across through listen to the track and choreograph her lyrics, Natalya shared that the a full routine that expressed the theme of the song is about autonomy, emotions of the song, then recorded and the idea that you are the only it and shared it with Tenny who person with the power to “make the added the effects you see on the final changes you want to make in your video. life, and every day is a new day to Tenny said that what started try that”. off as a project that was just a song, Tenny further stated that what then turned out to be a complete Natalya brought to the track with development and an entire art her lyrics was her unique experience project. during these times, as someone who “Leader of Your Mind” is an is in the thickest of it all, she was entrancing track with lush harmonies able to voice her perspective and and an extremely captivating visual put into a words a positive message, which will have you at it on a loop – something that was uplifting for the video is now available on Aitana these times that we are in right now. Gunaratne’s YouTube channel.

BY NAVEED ROZAIS and Physio Medicare Founder Nilakshi been spearheading health advocacy events Kasilingam. since 2018, looking to inspire active living A new year dawns, and with it, comes Topics covered during the webinar will and make it easy for consumers in Sri Lanka hope. Not hope that things will magically include how to become more productive to lead healthy lives and ultimately reduce the change at the stroke of midnight, but hope Democratising and avoid pain and repetitive stress injuries prevalence of non-communicable diseases. that we will be better able to handle what at work from home; the role of diet and Looking to 2021, Wickramatunga comes our way in 2021. Independent fitness lifestyle choices in modulating immunity; shared that Workout.lk will be working hard startup Workout.lk is kicking off 2021 with an psychoneuroimmunology and microbiome to inspire people and share credible, ethical informative Zoom webinar on health, vitality, information on health; motivating yourself towards a healthy information on health and fitness throughout and immunity. commitment to fitness; tips and techniques for the year. “People are demotivated,” Workout.lk Founder Teesha health, vitality, and immunity de-stressing from our daily work lives; insight Wickramtunga said, adding: “We want to Wickramatunga shared with The Morning into the best practices and current state of the give them hope and show them that there are Brunch that “Health, Vitality, and Immunity Workout.lk to host webinar on ‘Health, Vitality, local fitness and food industry; understanding things they can control, like their diets, their for 2021” is a webinar that is relevant for and Immunity for 2021’ how best to incorporate corporate wellness lifestyles, movements, and their mental health, anyone from corporate professionals, to programmes into workplaces and gain ideas that can help them get through this pandemic.” parents working at home mid-pandemic, to for implementation. Workout.lk will be working towards even health professionals looking to widen The panel will also discuss burning providing tools on how to approach health their knowledge on a variety of topics like questions on how to improve immune and fitness and bridging the gap between physiotherapy, mindfulness, general health resilience, how to approach mindfulness, and stakeholders and the general public with and fitness, the health of our gut microbiome, the best ways to lose weight safely, among regular panels featuring specialists on different and how all these factors come together to many other questions. topics as well as physical workshops once affect our physical health, our mental health, A special topic covered during the webinar the time is right. “Information on health and our immunity. will include the gut microbiome and how our is something that is generally hidden,” “This is a timely topic,” Wickramatunga gut microbiome affects physical health, mental Wickratunga shared, adding: “We want to shared, adding: “This new year is different health, and immunity. The gut microbiome democratise this information because health from other new years. There is a lot of is the collection of micro-organisms in our is something that should be available to interest in health and wellness because of the gut, and the biodiversity and harmony of the everyone.” pandemic and this has prompted us to look at gut microbiome can have a great impact on health interventions where we’re looking at immunity and general health. “Workout.lk is the only platform “Health, Vitality, and Immunity immunity-boosting solutions. We realise the for 2021” takes place on 2 impact and link that obesity and other chronic introducing the gut microbiome as a topic to conditions have with Covid-19. Through Sri Lanka,” Wickramatunga said, adding: “It’s January 2021 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. this webinar, Workout.lk wants to share not very well known and we want to highlight For more information and to credible and ethical information on how best and hacks. “Health, Vitality, and Immunity and Crossfit Head Coach Mothilal Jayathilake; this. It’s a growing field in integrative register, please visit the “Health, to approach fitness and health during the new for 2021” is an opportunity for people to gain US-certified natural health professional and medicine but is not really spoken about here. Vitality, and Immunity for year.” access to credible information from people biological medicine practitioner Shanez The gut microbiome is something that is very 2021” event page on Facebook. Wickramatunga also shared that in who are experienced specialists in their Gunatilaka; yoga therapist, mindfulness- vital to our overall health and immunity, from You may also register at the this challenging time, there is a lot of respective fields. based life skills coach, and author of The reducing inflammation, to boosting immunity, following link https://forms.gle/ misinformation regarding health and fitness, “Health, Vitality, and Immunity for 2021” Vedic Science of Personal Advancement to our overall physical and mental health.” MdxgD9SH66T2V2oh6. as well as lots of people looking for shortcuts will feature national bodybuilding champion Angelica Chandrasekeran; and physiotherapist As an independent startup, Workout.lk has 6 the morning CAUSE Monday , December 28, 2020

which was a bit hard to do this year in light Awareness of the pandemic. “I would usually take programme my husband out somewhere, maybe to conducted at Dots Bay see a waterfall, or go up a hill. This year, I House gifted him a pull-up bar which he can use to exercise at home. I was given a yoga subscription!” It goes to show that not all gifts need to be large and commercialised, it’s always the thought that counts. She added: “We did go to a mall this year, and my husband kept asking if there was anything I wanted. I used to be someone who really enjoyed sales, but now I’ve learnt to only buy what I need.” This makes committing to a sustainable life a lot Achini Wijesinghe and easier. Thushara Dassanayake It is incredibly difficult to say “no” to something you think you would really Achini like, but once you get the hang of it, you’re Wijesinghe and Thushara bound to find it easier and feel better about Dassanayake yourself. You’ll be saving the planet and making it easier on your wallet! She shared with us that her father passed away four months ago, so she spent most of her time grieving: “I don’t think house, but all the construction is complete this a time to celebrate 2021, because for now, and she’s focusing on her balcony most of us, just getting through the year garden, where she grows organic produce. was hard enough.” The pandemic showed many people that having a small garden at home isn’t as hard as one would think, and organically grown produce is also wonderful for your health and much more cost efficient. Sustainable They also mentioned that they had to packaging actively fight the supermarkets to reduce Living a the packaging. They tried to go to little 2018, but they also spoke about how the shops instead. “We used to go to the pandemic affected their commitment to the farmers’ market during the weekend. We cause: “When the lockdown happened, we had separate shops for our eggs, milk, found it very hard as we had to buy things desserts, and everything we could need. It’s zero-waste like soya meat and milk packets, which Balcony a bit tough to go to these places now so we garden come in plastic. Everything is delivered in have to resort to supermarkets, and most plastic, but even then we tried our best to are not very sustainable.” buy eco-friendly items.” She further stated that one good thing The journey to sustainability They mentioned that they would opt to the pandemic brought about is the fact that “First, you need to remember that zero life amidst buy groceries from the lorries that would people are buying in bulk, which severely waste is not equal to creating zero waste. It’s come around delivering goods, so they reduces the amount of plastic consumed. not about being perfect. You are going to end could bring their own packaging along, “We are also making a difference by up creating some waste, and you should not without resorting to an excess of plastic. not buying unnecessary products. Less let that discourage you.” “Now, since there are no more lorries people are travelling these days, so less is They advise everyone aspiring to live a pandemic delivering, and we’re being cautious about spent and impulse buys are avoided.” The a more sustainable life to do what they going to supermarkets, we’re finding it a pandemic has indeed reduced the carbon can. “Start by saying no to plastic bags. BY VENESSA ANTHONY bit difficult.” footprint, even by a little. But a little goes a Some supermarkets do wrap their goods Achini told us that during the long way. in sustainable packaging, so try to opt for Our planet is dying, and we as individuals need to take a stand to save it. lockdowns, they were working on their those supermarkets. When getting groceries There are several ways in which we can live a more sustainable and eco- Christmas with the zero-waste delivered, try to call them and request for the least amount of plastic possible.” friendly life in order to slow down the destruction of our planet. Getting couple She stated that it is not supposed produce It’s Christmas season, and that is The Morning Brunch had a conversation with Achini Wijesinghe and from door- to be just an individual effort, we as a usually synonymous with a lot of waste. Thushara Dassanayake, a couple trying their best to live a zero-waste life. to-door community need to come together to make sellers Not many people reuse their decorations, They spoke about why they chose to stuck in them, elephants eating garbage and a change. She also hightled the importance and presents are wrapped in heaps of paper enter a zero-waste life: “We saw a lot of we just couldn’t handle it.” of the government regulation that is being and packaged in plastic. videos of animals dying. There were these They added that these videos, as passed, where they plan to ban single-use Achini spoke about how they do traumatising videos of turtles with straws disturbing as they were, were very plastic. “We need to hold the community christmas in a sustainable way: “My friend persuasive in helping them commit to a responsible. At the same time, it’s essential had a Christmas tree that was slightly zero-waste lifestyle: “People are saying that there is no increase in prices because of broken, a few years ago, that she was going that we should use these videos to educate how pressing the issues in the world are. We to throw away. I insisted on her giving it children, but even as adults we found it need to step up and take responsibility on to me, and I fixed it up a bit and we used very tough to stomach.” They also added behalf of our homes.” this tree this year. It was just missing two that they were worried all the bags and She hopes that next year, organisations legs, so I planted it in a pot of cement and straws they threw away could end up will realise the hand they have in this process, it’s as good as new!” She added that they harming these innocent creatures. and things will steer in the right direction and decorated the tree with whatever knick appropriate changes will be made. knacks they could find at home, instead of Coping with the pandemic You can follow their journey to a purchasing plastic ornaments. Achini and Thushara have been living zero-waste lifestyle on their Instagram: @ Reused She also mentioned that for Christmas, plastic bag this lifestyle quite successfully since zerowastepeople. they usually give experiences as gifts, St. Theresa’s shares Christmas joy with staff

From left: WNPS Vice President and Head of Wild Cats Committee Spencer Manuelpillai, DWC Veterinary Department Director Dr. Tharaka Prasad, DWC and patients at IDH Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Nihal Pushpakumara, WNPS DWC’s Dr. Tharaka Prasad and Dr. Nihal Project Co-ordinator Rapti Dirckze, and WNPS General Pushpakumara inspecting the new lightweight cage Secretary Jehan Canagaretna St. Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya held their annual Christmas carols service at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases New hope for leopard rescue Hospital (IDH) on 18 December to share the joy and cheer of Christmas with the patients and staff alike. operations in Sri Lanka This event was initiated as a gesture of Lightweight aluminium cages were response and easy handling of the animal. goodwill with the intention of appreciating donated by the Wildlife & Nature Protection Thus, two more of these lightweight the doctors, nurses, and medical and support Society (WNPS) to the Department of aluminium cages were donated to the DWC staff at the hospital for prolonged months Wildlife Conservation (DWC) on 23 by the WNPS, to be used for future wildlife of their dedicated, selfless service rendered December, to be used for wildlife rescue rescue operations around the island. The new to the nation in the face of the pandemic, as operations. units donated by the WNPS are just 30 kg in well as sharing the good news and joy of the This is in context of the severe threat weight, compared to the 80 kg units used by Christ Child’s birth with the patients in the posed to the Sri Lankan leopard (panthera the DWC in the past. “little ways” possible. padus kotiya), which has been listed as The donation was made by WNPS’s The evening was a joyous celebration endangered on the International Union for Honorary General Secretary Jehan of song and praise with the carols being Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Canagaretna, Vice President and Head of sung outdoors in the garden facing the since 2008. A total of 12 leopard deaths were WIld Cats Committee Spencer Manuelpillai, children’s ward at IDH. The Church’s recorded in 2020 alone, with 11 of these and Project Co-ordinator Rapti Dirckze. community had also organised Christmas cakes and other food items for the staff and attributed to illegal snaring. Although the Of the two cages donated, one was St. Theresa’s Church, Thimbirigasyaya held their annual Christmas carols service at IDH on 18 December, DWC works to rescue leopards caught in funded through the WNPS Dr. Ravi patients as well as special Christmas gifts which was live streamed through the Church’s YouTube channel snares, the successful treatment and survival Samarasinghe Trust Fund and dedicated to which were distributed by Santa among the of these animals depends on quick response Dr. Ravi Samarasinghe, who has carried out children, making the event more delightful. who are affected by Covid-19. The Christmas carols service is a key times and proper handling of the rescue. pioneering research on the leopards of Sri Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Chandana “We are very thankful to our annual event in the St. Theresa’s Church In the recent past, the DWC has successfully Lanka. The second cage was donated with Sanjeewa Perera C.Ss.R stated: “We thank wonderful choristers who courageously calendar, which, year on year, brings a rescued and released six leopards, including the support of wildlife enthusiasts Namal God for inspiring us in organising this volunteered to participate despite their large number of worshippers together in the most recent rescue at Aranayake. They Kamalgoda and Kithsiri Gunawardena. event at IDH as a means of honouring and busy schedules and commitments. We also anticipation of the joyous celebration of used a new model of lightweight aluminium The cages were accepted by DWC’s appreciating the doctors and medical staff appreciate the generosity and support of the Saviour’s birth. This year, the carols cages during these rescue operations, which Veterinary Department Director Dr. Tharaka for their relentless service. In our little our worshippers and other individuals who were live streamed through the Church’s was instrumental to the success of these Prasad and Veterinary Surgeon Dr. Nihal way, we hope we were able to bring joy to helped us in various ways to make this YouTube channel, allowing all worshippers rescues and releases, as it allowed for rapid Pushpakumara. the patients, especially the little children event a success.” to be a part of this very meaningful service. the morning 7 Monday, December 28, 2020 SPORTS

Shubman Gill pulls one against Australia on day one of the current Test at Melbourne

The 21-year-old Gill would become Indian cricket’s newest pin-up SHUBMAN GILL Personal info He also completed an impressive Ranji Name: Shubman Gill Trophy tournament for Punjab in 2018, becoming their leading run-scorer Date of birth: 8 September 1999 surpassing 1,000 first-class runs in 15 (age 21) innings Place of birth: Fazilka, Punjab, India Gill also won the “Emerging Player of Playing role: Right-handed top-order the Tournament” award in the 2019 IPL batsman For India Career Gill made his international debut for Gill’s family has owned agricultural land India on 31 January 2019 in an ODI in Fazilka against New Zealand in Hamilton, His father, Lakhwinder Singh, had batting at No. 3 wanted to become a cricketer but could Now has played in three ODIs since not fulfil his dream then Therefore, he decided to make Gill a In August 2019, Gill also became the good cricketer youngest Indian batsman to score a Gill’s father, being convinced of his son’s double-century in a first-class match. talent, moved the family to Mohali to He was 19 years and 334 days old rent a house near the famous Mohali when he scored 204 for India “A” Stadium against West Indies “A” in Trinidad Gill has played cricket since he was three The following month, he was named in years old India’s Test squad for their series against On his Under-16 state debut for Punjab, South Africa, but he did not play he hit an unbeaten double-century in In December 2019, Gill was named as the Vijay Merchant Trophy the Captain of India “A” for their tour of He made his first-class one-day (List A) New Zealand debut for Punjab in the 2016/17 Vijay In February 2020, he was again named SIRAJ and GILL Hazare Trophy on 25 February 2017, in India’s Test squad, this time for their aged 17 series against New Zealand He was drafted into India’s U-19 side Yet, Gill made his Test debut for as its Vice Captain for the 2018 U-19 India on 26 December 2020, against World Cup Australia in Melbourne There he batted at No. 3 playing a Another impressive crucial role and won the “Player of the More details Tournament” award in India’s record Gill is considered the new, young star fourth title victory of Indian cricket In January 2018, he was bought by the On social media platforms, Gill is Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise often depicted as the fiancé of Sachin Kolkata Knight Riders for Indian Rs. 1.8 Tendulkar’s daughter Sara crore (Sri Lankan Rs. 46 However, the alleged affair has not been Indo cricket story million or 4.6 crore) accepted by any of the two parties z Siraj: Son of a z Gill: Indian cricket’s three-wheeler driver newest pin-up

It was only a couple of weeks ago that we spoke When the Test series between the two countries began on 26 about the fairytale rise of fast-bowler Thangarasu December, another two new Indian faces swiftly became the talking Natarajan, son of a poor weaver from the Salem point – pacie Mohammed Siraj and young batsman Shubman Gill. They made their Test debut for India – a life-changing moment – District in Tamil Nadu who was picked to play on that day. Siraj was another modern-day “slum-dog millionaire” for India in the limited-over series in Australia story while the chic 21-year-old Gill is turning out to be Indian this month. cricket’s newest pin-up.

earn the Ranji Trophy debut for Hyderabad in 2015. He took having 23 dismissals in MOHAMMED SIRAJ only one wicket for 108 runs, though, in his debut first-class seven matches game against Services The following month, Siraj Personal info He was his State’s highest wicket-taker only in his second was named in the India’s T20I Name: Mohammed Siraj season of the Ranji Trophy (2016/17), taking 41 wickets squad for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy Date of birth: 13 March 1994 (age 26) in nine matches; the third highest wicket-taker of the in Sri Lanka Place of birth: Khaja Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad entire season In September 2018, he was named in India’s Test squad for Playing role: Right-arm medium-fast bowler He was subsequently picked to play for the Rest of the first time in their series against the West Indies. But he Action: Siraj has a deceptive and athletic run-up, India and India “A” as well as for a tour of South Africa did not play bowls an in-swinger to the right-handers, and has in July-August 2017 In December 2018, he was named in India’s ODI squad for a quick bouncer too For India “A”, Siraj took 3/49 against Afghanistan “A” in August their series against Australia. In that, he made his ODI debut His father, Ghouse Mohammed, was a three-wheeler driver 2017 and 2/27 against New Zealand “A” in October 2017 at the Adelaide Oval on 15 January 2019 Siraj grew up in a family of four, living in a single-bedroom Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him in the 2017 Indian Premier In that match, the only ODI Siraj has played in so far, he apartment in Khaja Nagar in Hyderabad League (IPL) auction for Indian Rs. 2.6 crore (Sri Lankan Rs. 67 went wicket-less for 76 runs in 10 overs, yet India won million or 6.7 crore), a major breakthrough in his career by six wickets His mother, Sabhana Bugum, would shout at small Siraj for playing “gully cricket”. She wanted him to study, like his Took 10 wickets in six 2017 IPL games, including 4/32 vs. On 26 October 2020, Siraj was named in India’s Test squad for elder brother Mohammed Ismail who had reportedly been a Gujarat Lions which won him the “Player of the Match” award their series against Australia software engineer In October 2017, Siraj was included in the India T20 Siraj made his Test debut for India on 26 December 2020 International squad for a series against New Zealand His first Test wicket was of Marnus Labuschagne who was Career caught off his bowling, by Shubman Gill Siraj has worked his way up into the national team For India From November 2017 to date, Siraj has played in three T20Is, rather quickly He made his dream debut for India in a T20I on 4 November one ODI, and one Test for India He started playing leather ball cricket only in 2015, after he 2017 against New Zealand in Rajkot, taking 1/53 in four overs was 20, and within two years of domestic cricket, he was – took the prize wicket of Kane Williamson More details donning his country’s national colours In January 2018, he was bought by the Royal Challengers Siraj’s father Mohammed Ghause passed away on 20 Siraj first played leather-ball cricket at the age of 20 in a Bangalore in the 2018 IPL auction November 2020 when Siraj was in Australia with the club called Charminar In February 2018, he was the leading wicket-taker in the Indian team. Ghouse was 53 when he died having been Then he has taken a five-for in a state selection match to 2017/18 Vijay Hazare Trophy domestic one-day tournament, suffering from a lung ailment With quarantine rules in place, Siraj could not attend his father’s funeral Siraj has lost his elder brother too, reportedly, when he was Siraj with seven and now has only his mother as next of kin his family in Hyderabad Siraj is not married yet. He could be considered among top Hyderabad players like Mohammad Azharuddin and V.V.S. (Vangipurapu Venkata Sai) Luxman

Mohammed Siraj celebrates the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne on Saturday at MCG ‘Dhana’ out for two weeks Covid-19 for Greg Norman? Sri Lanka’s prominent middle-order bat Dhananjaya de Silva, who Former world No. 1 golfer Greg Norman is out of suffered a thigh strain while batting at 79 not out on day one of the hospital after suffering from coronavirus symptoms, BBC first Test against South Africa at Centurion on Saturday (26), will said yesterday (27). The 65-year-old Australian went not be able to play for about two weeks, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said to hospital on Friday with a mild fever, cough, aches, yesterday (27). What a blow for Sri Lanka, as he will now miss the pains, and a headache. “I am home second Test too, starting on 3 January. He has sustained “a Grade-2 now after admitting myself to the tear” on the thigh, an SLC communiqué added. ER with symptoms very suspicious to what I have read about relating to Covid,” Norman posted on Instagram. The 1986 and 1993 Open champion is now self- isolating at home and awaiting the results of his Covid-19 tests.

Monday, December 28, 2020

sports28, DECEMBER 2020 In Brief SACHINI SOARS AT 98TH ATHLETICS NATIONALS Sachini Perera of Sri Lanka Army set a new Sri Lanka record (3.56 m) in women’s pole vault yesterday (27) at the Sri Lanka Athletics Nationals at Sugathadasa in Colombo. She ousted the previous record held by Anita Jegadeeshwaran (3.55 m) in 2017. A closely contested women’s 800 m was won by Dilshi Kumarasinghe (2:02.80 secs.) while the silver and bronze medal went to Nimali Liyanarachchi (2:03.20) and Proteas to Gayanthika Kumari (2.03.53), respectively. Day one on Saturday saw Kalinga Kumara returning to men’s 200 m after facing a near two-year ban for doping. He finished in an impressive 20.79 seconds. Sarangi Silva meanwhile set a new meet record in women’s long jump on Saturday recording a distance of 6.33 m. Thus, Kumara and Silva both got picked for the Sri Lanka athletic high-performance pool due to their improved feats. The 98th Athletics Nationals continues till tomorrow (29).

Threethe wickets in two overs from Lutho Sipamla, fore followed by fifties for Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, and Faf du Plessis, have put South Africa on the front foot in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Centurion yesterday (27). They still have six wickets intact, yet are behind just 79 runs of Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 396 all out.

Icc.com reported yesterday from 200/1 to 220/4. that Sipamla tidied up the Sri However, stalwart Du Plessis Lankan innings as they added 56 (55 n.o.) and Temba Bavuma (41 to their overnight score before n.o.) held the fort to drive the home South Africa dominated before tea side to 317/4 at stumps. with Markram and Elgar helping Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka were them race to 141 before the former looking to add to their overnight perished for 68. score while Kasun Rajitha and But the start of the final session Dasun Shanaka were being put proved fruitful for Sri Lanka, to the test by the pace bowling of who prized the wickets of Rassie Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi, van der Dussen, Elgar (95), and but Shanaka wasn’t afraid to free Quinton de Kock, to swing the his arms as he blasted two sixes pendulum, as the hosts slipped in one Nortje over. SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne b Ngidi 22 Kusal Perera c de Kock b Mulder 16 Kusal Mendis c Ngidi b Nortje 12 Dinesh Chandimal c du Plessis b Mulder 85 Dhananjaya de Silva retired hurt 79 Niroshan Dickwella lbw b Mulder 49 Dasun Shanaka not out 66 Sachini Perera achieving a Sri Lankan record in women’s pole vaulting Wanindu Hasaranga b Sipamla 18 yesterday (27) at Sugathadasa Kasun Rajitha c Elgar b Sipamla 12 PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Vishwa Fernando b Sipamla 0 Lahiru Kumara c van der Dussen b Sipamla 0 BCCI DECIDES ON 10-TEAM IPL Extras (nb 6, w 6, b 16, lb 9) 37 Total (all out, 96 overs) 396 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) held its 89th Annual General Meeting Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Karunaratne, 4.5 ov), 2-54 (Mendis, 9.5 ov), 3-54 (Perera, 10.5 on Thursday (24) in Ahmedabad. It resolved to have 10 teams, instead of the current ov), 3-185 (de Silva, 44.6 ov), 4-284 (Chandimal, 65.4 ov), 5-296 (Dickwella, 70.3 ov), eight, in the next Indian Premier League (IPL). This will necessitate the event to have 6-320 (Hasaranga, 76.3 ov), 7-387 (Rajitha, 93.2 ov), 8-387 (Fernando, 93.3 ov), 9-396 an extensive over two-month duration to raise eyebrows of the entire cricket world. (Kumara, 95.6 ov) Some of the key decisions taken during the BCCI AGM were as follows: Bowling: Lungi Ngidi 19-3-64-1, Lutho Sipamla 16-1-76-4 (nb3), Anrich Nortje 22-3-88- 1. Electoral Officer A.K. Joti announced the election of Rajeev Shukla as Vice President 1 (2w), Wiaan Mulder 20-4-69-3 (3nb), Keshav Maharaj 19-3-74-0 of the BCCI. Further, Brijesh Patel and K.M. Majumdar were unanimously re-elected as members representative of the IPL Governing Council by the General Body. South Africa 1st innings 2. Pragyan Ojha who was nominated by the Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) as a Dean Elgar c & b Shanaka 95 player representative and was inducted to the IPL Governing Council. Aiden Markram c Shanaka b Fernando 68 3. The General Body authorised the IPL Governing Council (GC) to include up to 10 Rassie van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara 15 teams in the IPL. The IPL GC will work out the modalities regarding scheduling for Faf du Plessis not out 55 up to 10 teams. Quinton de Kock c Sub b Hasaranga 18 4. The General Body also decided to seek further clarification from the International Temba Bavuma not out 41 Cricket Council (ICC) on their proposal to include cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Did not bat: Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lutho Sipamla, and Lungi Ngidi Olympics. Extras (nb 5, w 6, b 8, lb 6) 25 5. The BCCI also increased the limit of reimbursement of insurance medical claim of Total (4 wickets, 72 overs) 317 retired First Class Cricketers to Indian Rs. 10 lakhs. Fall of wickets:1-141 (Markram, 28.4 ov), 2-200 (van der Dussen, 42.6 ov), 3-200 (Elgar, 6. The retirement age of the BCCI-affiliated umpires and scorers has also been 43.4 ov), 4-220 (de Kock, 47.1 ov) Dasun Shanaka leaves increased to 60 years. Bowling: Vishwa Fernando 15-2-59-1 (1w), Kasun Rajitha 2.1-0-16-0 (1nb), a bouncer on his way to 7. The General Body approved the disbursement of funds to the ICA. Dasun Shanaka 16.5-2-56-1 (3nb), Wanindu Hasaranga 23-3-99-1 (1nb), Lahiru Kumara a timely fifty yesterday 15-0-73-1 (1w) (27) at Centurion

Kiwis continue to India takes precious 82-run lead dominate Pakistan A century from Ajinkya Melbourne Cricket Ground after the second new ball was zNZ vs. PAK, first Test, day two Rahane and his 100-run (MCG) after an unbroken taken. partnership with Ravindra 104-run partnership between On 73 then, Rahane piled A brilliant display of batting from the Black Caps saw them Jadeja for the sixth wicket Rahane and Jadeja put the on Australia’s agony, scoring getting a solid first-innings total on day two of the Boxing Day took India to a position of visitors in the driving seat. 42 runs with Jadeja in the Test in Mount Maunganui. strength on day two of the Rahane completed his first 10 overs after the second Melbourne Test yesterday eighth Test century away new ball. The brisk scoring (27). from home and his first as rate made Australia’s work Brief scores: India’s lead swelled to skipper after benefitting harder as India ascended to New Zealand 1st innings 431 all out in 155 overs (Kane 82 as rain brought about from a dropped chance by a dominant position. The all- Williamson 129, Bradley-John Watling 73, Ross Taylor an early close of play at the Steve Smith in the first over rounder, who had effectively 70, Henry Nicholls 56, Kyle Jamieson 32; Shaheen Afridi replaced Virat Kohli in the 4/109, Yasir Shah 3/113) vs. Pakistan (won the toss) 30/1 playing XI, looked quite solid in 20 overs (Abid Ali 19 n.o.) Brief scores: at the crease after taking his Australia 1st innings (won the toss) 195 all out time to settle in. in 72.3 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 48, Travis From 64/3 at one point Head 38, Matthew Wade 30, Nathan Lyon 20; in the day, the unbeaten Jasprit Bumrah 4/56, Ravichandran Ashwin 3/35, partnership gave India a Mohammed Siraj 2/40) vs. India 1st innings 277/5 solid grip on the game. The No ‘Square Cuts’ today in 91.3 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 104 n.o, Shubman lead pushing close to triple Our Monday sports column Square Cuts by Sudat Pasqual will Gill 45, Ravindra Jadeja 40 n.o., Rishab Pant 29; figures should also give them not appear today but will continue from next week onwards. We India stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane made his 11th Test hundred Mitchell Starc 2/61, Pat Cummins 2/71) confidence as they walk out regret the inconvenience caused to our readers. yesterday (27) at MCG on day three.