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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 12,001,334 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,084 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 3,099,095 134,030 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 547,817 BRAZIL 1,674,655 66,868 INDIA 753,354 20,803 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 700,792 10,667 11 1,967 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 6,946,344 PERU 309,278 10,952 THE ABOVE STATISTICS114 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.20 P.M. ON 8 JULY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO DECIDE HIGH ELECTRICITY BILLS Health Govt. to bear portion of bills: Minister guidelines for The Government would bear a portion of the public’s bills for the months of It will be done in groups,” he said. into the matter and come up with some of the electricity bills in order to provide March and April will be reduced. He noted that consumers with low bills recommendations. Now, we have to look relief to the consumers, said Minister of “As a measure to provide relief, we could see their bills for March and April at the finer details and how to implement Parliament Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera. have decided to reduce a percentage of the being reduced by around 25%. this,” the Minister said. A special team of health experts headed Amaraweera said a certain percentage total electricity bills for the two months. “I appointed a committee to look Contd. on page 2 by Dr. Lakshman Gamlath representing the Ministry of Health is currently formulating special Covid-19-related health guidelines to 2020 GENERAL ELECTION PCR TESTING be followed by Members of Parliament after the general election, The Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 Slight errors UNP lodges possible: No foreign Authorities complaint z Very limited cases, says against SJB Chief Epidemiologist There is a slight possibility of the PCR The United National Party (UNP) has lodged tests being conducted to identify Covid- a complaint at the Election Commission (EC) poll monitors 19-positive individuals giving inaccurate with regard to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya results, The Morning learnt. (SJB) using the colour green for their election z z Ministry of Health Chief Epidemiologist campaign. No invites for foreign Covid-19 pandemic Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said that a very Contd. on page 2 small number of results could be inaccurate election monitors conditions still severe due to various reasons, such as false BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA “The Covid-19 pandemic (ANFREL) would be arriving of positives. conditions are still too severe to their own accord. “For example, if there is a (Covid-19-) HEALTH GUIDELINES The Election Commission (EC) will not be inviting have any international monitors “Some election observers from negative patient with a positive test , international monitors for the forthcoming general brought down.” independent groups will be arriving we know it’s a false positive.” election, The Morning learnt. However, he said that and we will be co-ordinating with However, Dr. Samaraweera said that such Schools urged independent international election them, but we have not invited them false positives or inaccurate test results were EC Deputy Commissioner S.A. it had been decided not to bring watchdog groups such as the and we will bear no costs on their very rare when compared with the number to adopt fitting Achchudan told The Morning that down foreign monitors. Asia Network for Free Elections behalf,” Achchudan said. of tests carried out. Contd. on page 2 guidelines TERROR THREAT IN INDIA Teachers’ trade Bring them back! unions are still dissatisfied with the guidelines that were issued prior to SL security commencing school last Monday (6). Ceylon Teachers’ Union General CTU Secretary on alert Joseph Stalin Secretary Joseph BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Stalin last week raised concerns over the directives that have been In the wake of the terror threats in India, Sri Lankan issued by the Ministry of Education law enforcement authorities assured that the country on work hours for teachers and the is on high alert since last year’s Easter Sunday terror extended hours of education for attacks and that all necessary security students in Grades 11 and 13. measures have already been put in place countrywide to prevent any similar Police Spokesman attack in the future. No visitors SSP Jaliya Senaratne Contd. on page 2 permitted Japanese grant for to prisons medical equipment A decision has been taken The Government of Japan has MRI scanner, CT scanner, bedside to prohibit visitors to prisons agreed to provide Japanese Yen X-ray systems, central monitors, islandwide after an inmate at the 800 million (approximately Rs. bedside monitors, defibrillators, Welikada Prison tested positive for 1,360 million) in grant aid for and other equipment to , Members of the Free Women’s Movement protesting outside the Labour Ministry in Narahenpita yesterday (8), holding placards Covid-19 on Tuesday (7). the procurement of necessary the Ministry of Finance stated. demanding the Government bring back all the Sri Lankan workers from the Middle East Visitors were banned from entering medical equipment such as the Contd. on page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE the Welikada Prison on Tuesday after the patient was discovered. The Prisons Department was GOVT. MOVE TO REVISE PENSIONS 2020 GENERAL ELECTION on lockdown from 17 March and 12 PNB officers last week, it announced that the Countrywide protest campaign Poll propaganda Department had granted permission remanded to allow prison inmates to have one Twelve police officers attached to the A countrywide protest against the Government’s Government seems to be blind visitor per week. Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), who were campaign was launched decision pertaining to to the continuous protests banned in arrested over drug dealing charges, have been yesterday (8) by the National the revision of pensions. and awareness campaigns SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 remanded until 21 July. Organisation of the Rights NORP Convener Mahinda conducted countrywide. public offices Contd. on page 2 of Pensioners (NORP) Jayasinghe alleged that the Contd. on page 2 Canvassing, distributing handbills, and carrying out any other activities in any public REMOVAL OF GENERAL ELECTION PROPAGANDA MATERIAL or provincial council office, government schools, and local government offices or institutions belonging to any state corporation or statutory boards for election candidates have been prohibited, the Election Commission (EC) said. The EC has further stated that conducting meetings in support of the candidates Police to bear Rs. 58 m contesting the parliamentary election BY SARAH HANNAN candidates and parties has amounted of removing unlawful propaganda “1,354 persons have been recruited headquarters will have four labourers at public offices has also been banned. to Rs. 58 million, the Police Media material as well as posters put up to carry out the tasks in 494 police assigned and the rest will be assigned Issuing a media release, the EC has called on The budgetary allocation to remove Unit said. islandwide. stations across the country and according to the workload,” Police politicians, political activists, and trade union illegal propaganda material such The Police have assigned over Each of the individuals taken for each labourer is to be paid a daily Media Spokesperson SSP Jaliya activists to abstain from such activities. as posters and cutouts of political 1,000 individuals to carry out the task the task is to be paid a daily wage. wage of Rs. 1,058.33. Each district Senaratne told The Morning. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday, July 9, 2020 SL eliminates measles and rubella ahead of 2023 target The Maldives and Sri Lanka have been identified by the World surveillance activities and plug refine the strategic, operational, Health Organisation (WHO) as the first two countries in the gaps that have arisen due to the and policy guidelines that will WHO Southeast Asia region to achieve measles and rubella Covid-19 pandemic. facilitate progress towards our elimination ahead of the 2023 target. In recent years, all countries goal. in the region introduced two “Now more than ever, we must “Protecting all children against measles and rubella viruses for doses of measles-containing pull together to realise our vision of these killer and debilitating over three years in the presence vaccine and at least one dose of a region in which no child suffers diseases is an important step in of a well-performing surveillance rubella-containing vaccine in their or dies from disease as easily our endeavour to achieve healthier system. routine immunisation programme. prevented as measles, no pregnant population and health for all,” The Maldives had reported the First-dose coverage of measles- woman loses her unborn baby due WHO Southeast Asia Regional last endemic case of measles in containing vaccines is now 88% to a virus as avoidable as rubella; Director Dr. Poonam Khetrapal 2009 and rubella in October 2015, and the second-dose coverage and no neonate is born with a heart Singh said, congratulating the while Sri Lanka had reported the 76%. Since 2017, nearly 500 ailment or loss of hearing owing Maldives and Sri Lanka on their last endemic case of measles in million additional children have to a tragedy as needless as in-utero achievement. May 2016 and rubella in March been vaccinated with measles rubella infection,” Dr. Khetrapal The announcement was 2017. and rubella-containing vaccines. Singh has said. made after the fifth meeting of Coming at a time when the Surveillance for measles and Member countries of WHO the Southeast Asia Regional entire world is grappling with the rubella has been strengthened Southeast Asia region had in Verification Commission for Covid-19 pandemic, this success efforts to deliver life-saving moderate-to-severe disruptions or further. September last year set 2023 as Measles and Rubella Elimination is encouraging and demonstrates vaccines to children even while a total suspension of vaccination “We cannot allow for our the target for the elimination of that was held virtually. The the importance of joint efforts, Dr. battling the pandemic. services in March and April. progress towards measles and measles and rubella, revising the commission comprises 11 Khetrapal Singh has said, lauding “Though mass vaccination Preliminary information from rubella elimination to be put on goal of the flagship programme independent international experts the Ministries of Health, health activities have been postponed in the region suggests that both hold or reversed. We must achieve that since 2014 had focused on in the fields of epidemiology, workforce, partners, and most several countries, it is encouraging immunisation coverage and our 2023 target,” the Regional measles elimination and rubella virology, and public health. importantly the communities who to see that efforts are underway to surveillance have been impacted. Director further said, adding that control. A country is verified as having together contributed to this public resume them at the earliest,” she However, countries in the WHO is committed to supporting Bhutan, DPR Korea, and Timor- eliminated measles and rubella health achievement. said. WHO Southeast Asia region have member countries and partners Leste are the other countries in when there is no evidence of The Regional Director also In a global survey, more than been making concerted efforts to fully revive immunisation and the region who have eliminated endemic transmission of the commended member countries’ half of all countries reported to resume immunisation and surveillance activities and also to measles.

Contd. from page 1

UNP, Kariyawasam said. Senaratne said a total of 18 PNB officers are Govt. to... Therefore, the UNP General Secretary requested currently under arrest for allegedly passing drugs The Committee appointed to study and the Commission to look into the matter and take in the custody of the bureau to drug dealers. make recommendations on providing relief to immediate steps to prevent the SJB from using the In addition, several civilians were also arrested consumers submitted its report to the Cabinet colour green in their election campaign. over the said drug racket. yesterday (8), Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman Vijitha Herath told The Morning. “Extending the time given to pay their bills is SL security... Countrywide... also an option. The Cabinet has just received the Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Jayasinghe demanded to withdraw the report and must give its approval,” he said. Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said that all suspension of the revision of pensions with effect The Committee, headed by the Additional necessary security measures have been taken from 1 January 2020. Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy by law enforcement authorities not specifically Accordingly, the protests have been held in and consisting of representatives from the because of the terror threats in India, but because , Badulla, , Galle, Kurunegala, CEB as well as Lanka Electricity Company, of last year’s terror attacks in Sri Lanka. Gampaha, Ratnapura, Matara, Anuradhapura, was appointed in the wake of the Covid-19 “Security measures have been taken as per the Kalutara, Matale, Monaragala, Kegalle, and pandemic, and was tasked with having to intelligence information,” he said. Tangalle yesterday. come up with steps to lessen the burden on Elaborating on the situation in churches However, they warned the Government not to consumers. countrywide, SSP Senaratne said high security fail to respond to their demands and withdraw the Earlier, Herath told The Morning that the had already been put in place as necessary in all decision. accumulated unpaid publicly electricity bills locations, especially in churches. Meanwhile, 95 pensioners have complained amounted to over Rs. 30 billion. “If a special request is made by a certain church to the Court of Appeal (CoA) that they have “For the months of March, April, and May, the for additional security, considering a special not received a favourable response in respect total amount left to be paid by consumers is Rs. function in that respective church, the authorities of their demands to withdraw the suspension of 30 billion or more,” Herath had said. will issue additional security,” he added. the revision of their pensions, with effect from 1 – Skandha Gunasekara Meanwhile, when contacted by The Morning, January 2020. Military Spokesman Brigadier Chandana The petitioners have requested the CoA to call Wickramasinghe noted that all security measures for examination the entire record pertaining to Slight errors... are in place as necessary and routine meetings the revision of pensions included in the Cabinet “When you look at the number of tests that were also being conducted within the relevant law decision of 2 January 2020. They have also have been done – some 150,000-odd – you see enforcement authorities. requested the CoA to issue a writ of certiorari to that only a handful have given wrong results,” “The Defence Secretary, the commanders of quash the decision pertaining to the revision of Dr. Samaraweera reassured. tri-forces, Inspector General of Police (IGP), and pensions. – Skandha Gunasekara intelligence services are very well connected and are evaluating each and every aspect with regard to national security at present and (would) take Poll propaganda... Health guidelines... necessary precautions accordingly,” he added. The heads of the aforesaid public institutions The team will visit the Parliamentary Complex, or their sub-offices are tasked with allowing committee rooms, and the catering division and is no room to commit any such illegal activities expected to provide the relevant health advice. Japanese grant... within the office premises under their control, It is also learnt that the special team would visit The grant aid is rendered as a Japanese non- the EC has stated. the Parliament premises this week to monitor project grant aid scheme to strengthen the Meanwhile, the misuse of movable or and provide necessary instructions as appropriate Covid -19 prevention activities in Sri Lanka, the immovable properties belonging to the State, to the respective location while formulating the Ministry said in a press release yesterday (8). state corporations, or statutory boards during guidelines. “Responding to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the period of an election for the promotion of Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Sri Lanka has taken several successful preventive or in prejudice to any party, group, or candidate Dassanayake told The Morning that at present, measures to prevent the mass spread of virus and obstructing the conduct of free and fair the Parliament is adopting the guidelines issued among the community,” it said. elections have also been disallowed. for other government institutions and that it has The Ministry of Finance has noted that although already taken basic health precautions such as the country has achieved significant progress in Growth and prosperity using sanitisers, washing basins, etc. preventing disease, the health system in Sri Lanka No visitors... “All activities are being carried out within the needs more facilities to maintain the day-to-day Prior to the pandemic, inmates were allowed the way forward Parliament premises in accordance with all health activities within the country up to the state before to have visitors on a daily basis, limited to one measures including social distancing, washing of the Covid-19 pandemic. visit per day from a maximum of two persons, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa planted a tree at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo to mark National Archaeology Day hands, and checking body temperature as well as Hence, the required additional units in main with visiting allowed from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and yesterday (8). The occasion was attended by leading officials from the conducting all meetings online, including staff hospitals with the necessary equipment and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., except for Sundays and public Archaeology Department awareness programmes,” he added. As he said, human resources are being established by health holidays. PHOTO LALITH PERERA special attention has been paid for the first day of authorities, the press release added. Parliament after the general election as it is essential “Accordingly, as per the request of the that all MPs be present in the well of the House Government of Sri Lanka, the Government Schools urged... as per the Standing Orders of Parliament to elect of Japan has agreed to provide Japanese Yen In response to Stalin’s concerns, Secretary to the new Speaker and to administer the oaths and 800 million (approx. Rs. 1,360 million) grant the Ministry of Education N.H.M. Chithrananda Cartoon of the day affirmation. “The special team of experts will give aid under the Japanese non-project grant aid said: “Schools should adopt a guideline and necessary instructions and the precautions need to scheme for the provisioning of necessary medical timetable to fit their curriculum requirements by be taken on the first day,” Dassanayake said. equipment such as an MRI scanner, CT scanner, taking the health guidelines and school timings – Maheesha Mudugamuwa bedside X-ray systems, central monitors, bedside that have been communicated as a base. monitors, and defibrillators, etc. to strengthen the We cannot tailor-make guidelines for schools Covid-19 preventing activities in Sri Lanka.” individually and it is best that the teachers and the UNP lodges... The Exchange of Notes pertaining to the above principals take a call on how they should conduct Submitting a letter to EC Chairman Mahinda grant were signed by the Secretary to the Ministry classes and what regulations the children and staff Deshapriya, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj of Finance, Economic, and Policy Development should follow with schools reopening.” Kariyawasam requested the Commission to take S.R. Attygalle on behalf of the Sri Lankan It is not only the teachers but also the parents as steps to prevent the SJB from using the colour Government and Japanese Ambassador to Sri well as school transport service providers who are green, which is the official party colour of the Lanka Sugiyama Akira at the Ministry. raising concerns over the health guidelines and UNP as per its Party Constitution. He further timing of schools ending for different grades. points out that as per the SJB Party Constitution, They are of the view that this is unnecessarily the official party colour of the SJB is blue. 12 PNB... imposing a burden on the child as well as the The use of green by the SJB instead of blue The order was delivered by the Colombo Chief adults who have to ensure they follow the for their electoral campaign is a deliberate Magistrate when the suspects were produced required guidelines when attending school in a attempt to mislead UNP supporters, and this before the court yesterday (8). pandemic-looming environment. adversely affects the election campaign of the Police Media Spokesperson SSP Jaliya – Sarah Hannan the morning 3 Thursday, July 9 , 2020 business Export sector SEC to introduce completes V-shaped recovery in June REITs by August Sri Lanka’s merchandise export BY CHARINDRA CHANDRASENA transferring the earnings for June are $ ownership of the real 953 million according to The Securities and Exchange estate asset to the the Export Development Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC SL) is foreign investor. Board (EDB) provisional hoping to introduce the long-awaited REITs provide a way figures, according to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) for individual investors EDB Chairman Prabhash to Sri Lanka, possibly even as early to invest in large-scale, Subasinghe. as August 2020, with Chairman Viraj income-producing real This completes what is Dayaratne PC himself driving its estate, without actually referred to as a “V-shaped having to go out and recovery” for the export implementation. buy real estate. sector as it is on par “We are hoping is a strong regulatory According to with pre-Covid monthly to launch REITs in and legal framework the US Securities merchandise export August, and we are to prevent these types and Exchange earnings figures. confident, if there of transactions. The Commission, a REIT Merchandise exports are no unexpected ultimate objective of is a company that for the month of May developments, that we this is to safeguard owns and typically were $ 602 million, will be able to launch the interests of the operates income- which was a huge in August,” Dayaratne investors,” he said. producing real estate improvement compared told The Morning He added that or related assets, to the previous month of yesterday (8). the rules are being which may include April which was only $ The matter was formulated at the office buildings, 277 million, according to taken up at the SEC moment and will be shopping malls, the Customs provisional meeting held last introduced through a apartments, hotels, statistics. EDB Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe evening, where it was gazette notification. resorts, self-storage The Covid outbreak decided that some The SEC believes facilities, warehouses, in Sri Lanka came on 11 that no further details These include the aspects of REITs the low interest rate and mortgages or March, and the March are available at the two main merchandise need to be carefully regime has resulted loans. Unlike other merchandise export moment and therefore, export sectors of tea and evaluated before its in a conducive real estate companies, earnings figures reflected a breakdown of the apparel along with other introduction. environment for an REIT does not this sudden disruption best-performing export significant export sectors “The real estate REITs, as investors are develop real estate with only $ 646 million sectors was not available such as rubber and industry and land looking for alternative properties to resell being earned for the yet. However, it is fair rubber-finished products, transactions are riddled investments. them and instead month. This was a nearly to assume that they are coconut products, spices with corruption in Sri Furthermore, REITs buys and develops 42% drop from the $ largely the same sectors and essential oil, food and Lanka, particularly provide a platform for properties primarily to 1,112 recorded in March which performed well in beverages, and fisheries in terms of titles. much-needed foreign operate them as part 2019. May that have carried on products. SEC Chairman Viraj Dayaratne Therefore, we are keen direct investment in of its own investment Subasinghe said that momentum into June. (CC) to ensure that there Sri Lanka without portfolio. CMTA slams sudden Import controls extension vehicle import ban The Ceylon Motor Traders Association batters economy: Advocata (CMTA) has called on the Government Advocata Institute To protect the currency, the production. Therefore, local for local consumers. not to implement ad hoc policy changes yesterday (8) warned that the Ministry of Finance (MoF) manufacturers are already “The adverse effects of such as the “sudden ban on imports”, and recent extension of import announced import restrictions starting to experience import restrictions will to ensure transparency in the levying of controls on consumer goods on consumption. Therefore by the adverse effects of spillover onto the export customs duty. and raw materials would be use of the above extraordinary the import controls. One sector, as a tax on restrictions These requests were made by outgoing “harmful and inflationary”. gazettes, the import of such key industry is the of imports is a tax on exports. CMTA Chairman Sheran Fernando, on the According to the vehicles, refrigerators, luxury confectionary industry which Furthermore, the existing occasion of the association’s centenary Extraordinary Gazette No. goods, certain raw materials, is experiencing a 340% price stability in consumer Annual General Meeting (AGM) held 2182/10 of June 2020, import and fruits and vegetables have special commodity levy on goods is a result of existing on 30 June 2020. Fernando is the LCs, which puts the trading reputation controls imposed by the been further restricted. block fat and margarine. The stocks. When these stocks Co-Founder/Director of SML Frontier of the country and our banks in jeopardy. earlier Gazette No. 2176/19 Advocata Institute said industry is already impacted run out, prices of domestic Automotive (Pvt.) Ltd., succeeded He added that disallowing the import of of 22 May 2020 have been that while it would be by increased taxes on palm goods will increase, leading by Access Motors (Pvt.) Ltd., and an selected spare parts has caused significant extended for another six acceptable to limit the import oil and sugar, and is expected to a reduction in welfare. independent consultant and mobility strife to CMTA members. months commencing 2 July of luxury goods and vehicles to experience an additional This is especially impactful expert. Fernando also urged transparency 2020. temporarily considering cost of Rs. 500 million to on lower income groups In terms of policy, he highlighted the in the levying of customs duty as it is The Sri Lankan economy, the nature of the current Rs. 600 million per month who rely on competition and vehicle import ban and the challenges it invaluable for a level playing field within battered by the impact crisis, import restrictions with import tax increases. cheap substitutes for essential has brought for the industry. the industry. of the curfew and global on consumer goods and raw The confectionary industry products in order to sustain “The sudden ban on vehicle imports has “Value-based taxation can be recessionary patterns, is in materials will further hamper directly and indirectly themselves. created an issue where our members have manipulated, and a duty regime that dire need of liquidity and Sri Lanka’s growth prospects employs over 600,000 people “Additionally, the currency vehicles that were on order at the point safeguards circumvention will ensure access to credit. Downward and will disadvantage while exporting to over 55 situation is likely to continue of the imposition of the ban. Converting a more level playing field within the pressure on the currency businesses that rely on counties bringing in $ 100 worsening due to emphasis these LCs (letters of credit) to 365 days industry,” he noted. worsened the LKR (Sri imported raw materials. million in export revenue.” placed on consumer good credit is not possible when dealing The CMTA is one of the oldest trade Lankan rupee)’s position “As reported by the It added that significant suspension, instead of with the manufacturer as their business associations in Sri Lanka and one of in the foreign exchange Central Bank, imported increases in the cost of intermediate goods, which processes do not allow for changes to the oldest automotive associations market which in turn led to a consumer goods only amount production would make have more demand,” it noted. terms of trade on an ad hoc basis,” he said. internationally. It is affiliated to the significant foreign exchange to 19.8% of total imports, Sri Lankan products Advocata is an independent He warned that this could lead to banks Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, the senior shortage during the Covid-19 while 57% of imports are uncompetitive internationally policy think tank based in not honouring confirmed irrevocable trade chamber in Sri Lanka. lockdown. intermediate goods for and domestically expensive Colombo. CIPM’s Dhammika Fernando CSE offers guidance on appointed APAC President Empower Board Rules Chartered Institute of Personnel and served on the National Labour The Colombo Stock the entity would be handling listing applications Management (CIPM) Sri Lanka Advisory Council (NLAC). He is also Exchange (CSE) announced considered, provided that of issuers or capital raising announced yesterday (8) that Dhammika a member of the National Wages Board it has offered guidance to the applicant entity submits services (where the sponsor Fernando, the incumbent President for the Apparel Trade. Fernando served stakeholders on areas that a duly certified copy of this is an individual, the concept of CIPM Sri Lanka, was appointed as the Vice President of the Organisation require further clarity in formalised arrangement. of capital raising services President of the prestigious Asia of Professional Associations (OPA) as a relation to the Empower Preparation of financial would not be applicable). Pacific Federation of Human Resource CIPM nominee in 2018 and is currently Board Listing Rules. The statements if the company The guidance note offers Management (APFHRM) and board an executive committee member of the guidance note is intended is a parent entity – in the direction to potential sponsor member of the World Federation of OPA. at offering stakeholders event that the company firms on these requirements, People Management Associations He was elected to the Board of the a clear understanding on seeking a listing on the highlighting areas of (WFPMA). APFHRM in 2019 and was instrumental the level and manner of Empower Board of the importance. APFHRM comprises Australia, in winning the hosting rights of the compliance expected and CSE is a parent entity, such Independent role to be Bangladesh, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, prestigious World HR Congress 2020, areas that will be looked into entity is required to prepare played by Empower Board Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New to be hosted by CIPM in Sri Lanka, at the point of submitting its financial statements in sponsors – a sponsor firm Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, which was keenly contested by other a listing application and accordance with the full Sri which will offer the company Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, countries in the region such as Australia when submitting a sponsor Lanka Accounting Standards pre and post-listing support Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. and Philippines. Currently, he is the application. (SLFRSs). is required to perform its WFPMA comprises five federations Vice President for the Gulf Region of Two-year operating history Eligibility to be an duties independently with no of people management associations APFHRM. As a respected regional to be demonstrated by Empower Board sponsor – conflict of interest with the representing each continent/geographic human resource (HR) professional, potential Empower Board a sponsor firm is required entities it sponsors. Given CIPM President Dhammika Fernando region. he assisted the HR fraternity in the issuers – businesses carried to have at least one staff this requirement, guidance An experienced human resource and Local Chief Officer of Tropical Findings Maldives to establish the Maldivian out in terms of a formalised member with a minimum has been offered to private business professional, Fernando took (Pvt.) Ltd., a Japanese multinational. Association for Human Resource arrangement acceptable of five years’ experience equity/venture capital firms, over the stewardship of CIPM Sri Lanka He also functioned as the Chairman of Professionals (MAHRP) and introduced to the CSE as a sole in investment banking or managers to a listing, and in June 2018. He currently functions Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Manufacturers it to the APFHRM for appointment as a proprietorship/partnership corporate finance out of audit firms that wish to act in as the Executive General Manager and Association for five consecutive years member country. prior to incorporating which one year shall be in the capacity of a sponsor. 4 the morning brunch Thursday, July 9 , 2020 BY NAVEED ROZAIS public access,” shared Saskia. in a personal context, Saskia Annika shared that during commented: “Personally as Art and design have always the lockdown, communication for collectors, my husband and I have moved hand in hand. The two PR became more personal than it been working on our own collection usually is. In general, Annika has during this time; we have had more fields require an innate sense always tried to maintain distance time to engage and connect. I don't of creativity and taste, the between herself and the PR brand’s doubt all collectors feel this way!” ability to understand what presence to let people focus on can sell and cannot, and, the brand and allow its values to Looking to the future for leaders in the field, the come through on their own merit. However, during the lockdown, With the pandemic very capacity to nurture talented she felt it was perhaps a time to much ongoing and not to be creatives and help them connect more with the community. underestimated, both Annika and achieve their full potential. PR’s presence online very often Saskia observed that it is very Annika and Saskia Fernando reflected Annika’s own waves of difficult to predict how things are two sisters who have emotions, actions, and support she would unfold. Both PR and Saskia felt connected to. It also gave PR an Fernando Gallery found themselves built eminent reputations for opportunity to communicate more reaching new audiences during themselves in art and design of its principles – how merchandise the lockdown because of their over the past decade, albeit is selected, the people behind the strengthened online presences, in very different ways. labels, and much more. which is promising as this may lead The content collected during to more people becoming interested Annika is the Owner, Curator, this time was so powerful that in collecting art or understanding and Designer of PR, one of PR decided to launch its own and appreciating retail. Colombo’s best-curated retail blog (www.blogpr.info) which stores, featuring exclusivities, has become a channel for limited editions, established local more information behind PR’s and Indian designers, and new labels, transparency, and more talent, combining modernity, communication about their efforts originality, and quality to create a towards sustainability. distinct spirit and style. Annika is Speaking about sustainability also the Principal Interior Designer on a personal level, Annika of her own design practice Annika commented: “Sustainability is Fernando Design. many times a gimmick used for A common theme was that Saskia is the Owner and marketing and it should be a of adapting and persevering. The Founder of Saskia Fernando basic responsibility and form the pandemic has brought about a time Gallery. Over the past decade, backbone of all the decisions we of reflection – of stopping and she has worked to create a make. However, I learned that taking time to think. While this has sustainable structure for the Sri so many don't actually know or many merits, it has also impacted Lankan gallery scene, forming appreciate our PR values. It seemed many. It is important to be cautious deep-rooted relationships with the the perfect time to reveal all this both professionally and personally. artists she represents, launching an and break down the walls.” As leaders in their own creative online platform for Paradise Road fields, both Annika and Saskia feel Galleries (formerly known as Art Visualising a post-Covid a keen sense of responsibility to Space Sri Lanka) and numerous PHOTO © SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA support the designers and artists talk platforms aimed at different customer and landscape they work with, many of whom sectors of the community. The sisters shared that depend on PR or Saskia Fernando Both businesses have operated customers are more likely to Gallery for their livelihoods. out of the same property on Horton be conscious of what they’re Saskia Fernando Gallery Place since 2013 – a painstakingly doing in the future and that this is in the process of instituting a renovated older home that now Moving forward as consciousness would affect how production fund which younger reflects the spirit of both these and what they invest in. artists can apply for and use to keep unique individual businesses, with In terms of retail, Annika practising their craft. The gallery PR’s retail store occupying the shared that change is inevitable is also being renovated and hopes ground floor and Saskia Fernando and can be very positive. She to open in late August or early Gallery occupying the first floor. hopes shoppers will become more September with a showcase by The Morning Brunch caught conscious and supportive of one veteran artist Priyantha Udagedara. up with the two sisters for a look another as well as the amazing local PR has launched the latest at how they as creatives and offering of talent and capability. collection of its in-house brand creative leaders are adapting to the PR’s focus is on local at the Maus earlier this month. During pandemic and how they see their moment as that is what is most the lockdown, PR also held the first respective fields potentially taking accessible at this time and it is an online launch of a “PR Rising Star” shape post-lockdown and in the creative opportunity for Sri Lanka to grow – emerging designer Navindri short to medium terms. stronger from within, which is Ranatunga. Other collections something PR is very committed to. PR launched virtually and post Saskia explained that the way lockdown include collections Saskia Fernando Gallery works is by La Pard, L'aura, Sonali much the same as how international Dharmawardena, Maus, and TSS. galleries work, formally PR also launched the PR Face representing artists who work Mask project, all proceeds (and exclusively with them, managing not just profit) of which go to the their portfolios, and keeping them non-profit organisation Women In leaders connected with collectors, curators, Need. Annika and Saskia Fernando on and institutions locally and A new service collaboration internationally. called Apé X PR, which allows The artists Saskia Fernando customers to increase the lifespan overcoming obstacles of the pandemic Gallery work with have of their clothes/purchases, has also Pre and mid-pandemic international projects that are in been launched, actively promoting Both Annika and Saskia guidelines, putting procedures into the pipeline, which also means the recycling and upcycling within the believe that the pandemic is very place even before the lockdown artists they work with are likely to PR client base. much ongoing, although Sri Lanka was declared to ensure customers increase in market value. Art is a In terms of hopes for the future does have a better handle on the would be safe while shopping. PR safe alternative investment during and bouncing back, Annika and situation than most other countries. was also careful to highlight via times like these, and Saskia feels Saskia are confident that Sri Lanka In the case of both PR and their social media the changes they that collectors would be more will bounce back quickly. Annika Saskia Fernando Gallery, there were making so customers knew conscious and appreciative, and explained that as a people, Sri was preparation done in advance of what to expect. also emphasised the role galeries Lankans are very resilient and have lockdown to be able to keep things Speaking on the gallery, Saskia play in creating a safe environment had a lot thrown at them, from the going. This was in part because of explained that working online had in which collectors can invest in art. long civil war to the tsunami to the the potential for operations to be been part of the Saskia Fernando There are some passionate Easter attacks. Through all this, Sri affected by Covid-19 as well as Gallery’s style of working from its art collectors looking to invest Lankans have kept on and the fact that both PR and Saskia early days, and while the physical in art, particularly because this this is one such obstacle that will Fernando Gallery have maintained aspect of curating and exhibiting is a sensitive time; speaking overcome. online presences and operations in art is an important and essential how they both run their businesses. part of how galleries work, the In PR’s case, Annika shared global art industry as a whole that as a retail business, moving does a lot of interaction online online and having an online as well. Prior to the lockdown, presence is simply a natural step Saskia Fernando Gallery had just that needs to take place. The launched an entirely new website Saskia Fernando Annika Fernando aftermath of the Easter attacks and that enabled them to publish PHOTO © SANDUN DE SILVA the resulting dips in in-store footfall most of their content online. The and tourism also highlighted the most exciting feature of the new Engaging with communities “In addition to the Viewing importance of online presence, in a website was the Viewing Rooms, Rooms, Saskia Fernando Gallery way helping prepare for situations a virtual space that has allowed and audiences online decided to run a series of Open like the lockdown where the galleries worldwide to publish Saskia Fernando Gallery Studio sessions via Instagram physical retail experience was not exhibitions online, not simply by connected with artists and Live with the artists we represent an option. posting images but by creating a collectors during the lockdown and that was an exciting success PR was also quick to space where you can add additional through its online platforms, using with our followers; we have implement health and safety content to give viewers in-depth the Viewing Rooms to showcase since continued the series on our procedures at the store based on the insights into the body of work artists’ work to collectors and YouTube channel where it is now World Health Organisation (WHO) being exhibited. enthusiasts. pre-recorded and uploaded for © SANDUN DE SILVA

HSBC Premier in partnership Kingsbury Hotel, while they take in partner The Kingsbury Hotel to even during the most challenging with The Kingsbury Hotel extends the relaxing sounds of the ocean. offer our customers a chance to times, our stringently implemented Exquisite dining a warm invitation to all Premier That’s not all – Premier embark on a culinary adventure health and safety measures ensure customers for an unforgettable customers will also be able to try with the ‘Cardholder Dines Free’ that guests remain top priority, experience from gastronomic adventure around the out special delicacies at Churros, the and allow them to share these treated to unparalleled levels of globe with the bank’s signature newest pâtisserie in Colombo that moments with their family at our service that are now a Kingsbury “Cardholder Dines Free” offering will satisfy even the most discerning partner restaurants.” hallmark.” valid until 31 July 2020. taste buds with its unique and Having repositioned its HSBC Premier is the bank’s HSBC Premier HSBC Premier customers get to exclusive offerings, with Cardholder restaurants last year to reflect flagship global proposition that take a global expedition of some of Dines Free valid for high tea every a gastronomic journey of offers customers rewarding lifestyle ‘Cardholder Dines Free’ at The Kingsbury Hotel the finest cuisine around the world day from 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. indulgence, Hayleys Leisure Sector experiences with an exclusive and revel in gourmet theatre as the HSBC Sri Lanka Country Managing Director Rohan Karr HSBC Premier credit card that chefs toss, stir, fry, bake, cook, Head of Wealth and Personal believes this is the ideal time to offers double rewards on dining, and grill the best meats, freshest Banking Nadeesha Senaratne said: showcase Kingsbury’s infinite travel, shopping, and many more. seafood, and vegetables to appease “We understand that many of our portfolio of international cuisine their appetites at the restaurants customers have postponed their to gourmet aficionados. “Each Call The Kingsbury Hotel such as Harbour Court, The Ocean, overseas travel plans as a result of of our restaurants are reflective Yue Chuan, and Kings Steak Bar the global pandemic. HSBC Premier of that expansive range of global on 011-2421221 or amidst live music. is about rewarding customer cuisine and with HSBC’s ethos of 077-1087720 to make Customers will also have the lifestyles no matter where they rewarding customer lifestyles, and reservations. For more choice to relax and unwind by the travel in the world, and we want to ours being that of indulgence, I see pool and enjoy wondrous food with create these unique experiences for this as the ideal partnership to let details on the offer, visit Cardholder Dines Free valid all them through exclusive partnerships guests experience epicurean travel. www.hsbc.lk/premier. day at Honey Beach Club at The in Sri Lanka. We are happy to Being the hotel that never closed the morning sports Thursday, July 9 , 2020 Ryder Cup is cancelled now Asia Cup 2020 cancelled Nawaz contract extended The 2020 Ryder Cup has been postponed for a year The Asia Cup 2020 was cancelled. Covid-19 is the Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup-winning coach from Sri because of the coronavirus pandemic. The event reason. The announcement was made yesterday (8) Lanka, Naveed Nawaz, has got a three-year contract extension cannot be staged safely with spectators present, by Asian cricket’s “big boss” India. Board of Control for from the Bangladesh Cricket Board on Tuesday (7). He was BBC said yesterday (8). Established in 1927, the Cricket in India (BCCI) Chief Sourav Ganguly disclosed appointed to that position in 2018 when there was talk about “Sri men’s golfing event between the US and Europe to Indian media yesterday, a day before the decisive Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Lanka’s losses being others’ gains”, considering similar scenarios was due to be held this time at Wisconsin, US from meeting set for today, that it was cancelled. Earlier, the ACC discussed about such as Duleep Mendis and Chandika Hathurusingha. Former Sri 25-27 September. But the biennial event has now possible replacement venues such as Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates Lanka batsman Nawaz helped Bangladesh clinch the World Cup, been rescheduled for 24-26 September 2021. after its original hosts Pakistan said they were unable to go ahead with it. held in South Africa earlier this year, beating India in the final.

Players and officials took the knee in support of Sony wins SLC the BLM movement before the start of the Test broadcasting rights Rain mars z One of the oldest cricket board-TV broadcaster relationships continues for three more years post-pandemic

BY REVATHA S. SILVA the present cricket world. Sony now owns TV rights Test return Sony Pictures Networks to about five of the 12 Test- India, formerly named playing countries. They now zPlayers paused in silence to remember Ten Sports, yesterday (8) own TV broadcasting rights coronavirus victims and Sir Weekes won the broadcasting to the Australia, England, England endured a making his home debut, rights of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and West frustrating return to was bowled playing no shot (SLC) for the next three- Indies cricket teams. international cricket as the to Shannon Gabriel to the year period, a senior SLC opening day of the first Test fourth ball he faced and All eyes on cricketers against West Indies was departed without scoring. Ex-Co member told The now Morning Sports. disrupted by rain yesterday Rory Burns, returning They have also held the (8). The BBC said only from an ankle injury, looked “We closed the broadcasting International Cricket Council 17.4 overs were possible in comfortable for his unbeaten bid today (yesterday) and Sony (ICC) rights during 2003- Southampton, in which time 20, while Joe Denly required was the only bidder this time. 07 period and the lucrative England battled to 35-1. more fortune in reaching 14. Therefore Sony will be our Indian Premier League (IPL) This series and the rest of broadcasting partner for the television rights, along with England’s re-jigged home Powerful gesture next three years,” the senior the Singapore-based World summer is being played of BLM official confirmed. Sports Group, for 10 years behind closed doors and in Just before play got We at The Morning Sports since 2008. They have their a bio-secure environment, underway three hours accurately predicted in May own sports channel named with everyone on site late, all the players and that Sony, out of about three Sony SIX since 2012 before subject to coronavirus tests, officials paused in silence to bidders, was going to regain the acquiring Ten Sports Network temperature checks, and remember those lost to the SLC broadcasting rights this from Zee Entertainment adhering to strict safety coronavirus and West Indies time too. Enterprises in 2016. measures, BBC further legend Sir Everton Weekes, Now one of the leading revealed. and then took the knee in a We predicted brands are back again with powerful gesture of support accurately the Sri Lankan team for their Stuart Broad omitted for the Black Lives Matter “The beleaguered selling of television broadcasting, but all The home side, being led movement. the Sri Lanka national cricket eyes will be eagerly watching for the first time by Ben Bad light forced the team’s television broadcasting as to how the national Stokes while regular players to take an early tea, rights, for the period of the Sri Lanka went to the throughout the last four team during the previous cricketers are to perform in the Joe Root is isolating after with rain and more gloom next three years, is most likely market for selling the months. tenure too, that ended last forthcoming post-pandemic the birth of his second child, ensuring they did not return. to be won by Sony TV,” The broadcasting rights over March. It has a long-running international cricket season. opted to omit pace bowler Brief scores: Morning Sports published six times during the three Owns TV rights of five relationship with SLC which This time around, SLC’s Stuart Broad in favour of Test countries England (won toss) 35 for 1 exactly seven weeks ago in months or so but to no avail, began in 2002, marking one production rights, sold James Anderson, Jofra wkt. in 17.4 overs (Rory Burns our 20 May edition (see inset mainly due to the pandemic Sony held the television of the oldest cricket board-TV separately, were won by Archer, and Mark Wood. 20 n.o., Joe Denley 14 n.o.; photo). situation that prevailed rights of the Sri Lanka cricket broadcaster relationships in Dubai-based company IGP. Opener Dom Sibley, Shannon Gabriel 1-19) vs. WI

INTERCEPTION by Malinda The madnesses that must stop Seneviratne Part II the team to balance the team by the loss millions out of them. of a player who averaged five overs per Is this enough to hang the skipper and (Part I of this article was published on Indians were not involved in any of the match and had a run aggregate of 94 the chief selector? Obviously not. “Error of page 5 of The Morning on Tuesday, 7 July hanky-panky that may have taken place (if from seven matches. Mathews had scored judgment” is a readily available explanation. 2020) proven of course). almost half of those runs (41) against The onus then would have been on the In part I of this two-part essay, I drew New Zealand and had not batted in two investigators to find out if indeed there was from Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sudat Pasqual’s points of the matches; especially if the solution or wasn’t any wrongdoing. candidate Navin Dissanayake’s tweet on Sudat Pasqual, a former Sri Lankan to losing a key player was to bring in a allegations of match-fixing related to the cricketer, a prolific commentator on player who was not even in the squad ‘Greats’ are not infallible 2011 World Cup final. Two names did the cricket and politics, and certainly without (Suraj Randiv) and another (Chamara Finally, we need to unpack the word rounds, and Aravinda any political affiliations, has made some Kapugedera) who had played one match “great”. The great are not infallible. The de Silva. Pointing fingers at “those who interesting points in an article titled “Match- in the whole tournament and scored two great are not above the law. “Great” does brought honour and glory to the country” fixing or spot-fixing?” runs against Canada during Sri Lanka’s not confer untouchability. As mentioned, was what was considered “appalling”. That 1. Ajantha Mendis has had a good World first match of the tournament. To recap, few, if any, would want heroes to fall. In was what Harin (Fernando) thought was Cup going into the final. Mendis had the selectors included two players who fact, NO ONE would want heroes to be “madness”. played five matches and had taken six had played a total of one match in the framed. If indeed such is the intention, the Let’s get back to sobriety. Kumar including three wickets in the whole tournament to replace one of the intenders need to be investigated and made Sangakkara is a hero. A cricketing great. semis at an economy rate of 3.2 but was most important players in the team to pay for what would then most certainly is also a hero. A dropped from the final 6. The inclusion of Kapugedera seems be an abominable act. cricketing great. They’ve both brought 2. had played against strange considering Chamara Silva played However, let us not forget that the world immense honour and glory to Sri Lanka. England and Pakistan where he had in six of the matches including the semis has seen many innumerable heroes who It would break many a heart if they were bowled his full quota of overs (20) and and had scored 57 in the team’s only loss have proved to be fallible. Here’s a quick found to have been involved in anything taken two wickets at an economy rate of to Pakistan by 11 runs list of sporting personalities who fell from that goes against the “spirit of cricket”. 4.65. Herath was also dropped from the 7. Selectors had two specialist spinners grace: Lance Armstrong, Michael Vick, Sangakkara has done the right thing in final XI in the squad who had bowled a total Oscar Pistorius, Tonya Harding, Aaron calling for an investigation. 3. Suraj Randiv who was not in the World of 62 overs, taken eight wickets while Hernandez, Marion Jones, O.J. Simpson, Cup squad was included as a specialist conceding 3.2 runs/over (Mendis) and Mike Tyson, Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez, One of India’s greatest spinner in the final XI 4.65 runs/over (Herath), respectively, but Antonio Margarito, Ben Johnson, Roger cricketing moments 4. Chairman of Selectors Aravinda de Silva opted to field a spinner who was not even Clemens, Floyd Landis, Barry Bonds, Allegations should be investigated. is on record saying that the loss of Angelo in the squad to play in the most important Hansie Cronje, Pete Rose, Jayson Williams, That’s a prerequisite in clearing innocents Mathews created a massive problem match of the tournament. Mark McGwire, and Lenny Dykstra. Steve of wrongdoing. It should not be done by in terms of finding the right balance of 8. Maybe the inclusion of Randiv who is Smith’s ball tampering is kids’ stuff in a kangaroo court (which is where war the team and two of the changes in the a specialist off-spinner was a cover for comparison. criminals and their strange bedfellows final XI were to plug the hole created by Mutthiah Muralitharan who had admitted “Great” is not a license to do wrong. But would love “war crimes” allegations to be Former South Africa Captain Hansie Cronje, Mathews’ absence. Kumar Sangakkara that he was nursing a groin injury going that’s a separate issue. History does not who was later banned for life for match-fixing, investigated). The Special Investigations is one of the biggest cases of yesterday’s hero has voiced similar concerns after the into the final count. Stature does not count. It’s the act Unit (SIU) set up by the Sports Ministry becoming today’s villain tournament that matters. And that is what needs to be was hardly a kangaroo court. The issue 5. In the tournament before he received his Onus would have been on established. It has not been established as has been put to sleep for “lack of credible victory was one of the greatest moments for injury, Mathews scored 94 runs in seven investigators of now. Politicking will not shed light but evidence”, we are told. However, if Indian cricket. It was Sachin Tendulkar’s innings and took six wickets bowling a Pasqual was not making wild allegations. in fact can only obscure. Our heroes don’t anything untoward had been unearthed, then “retirement present”. It stamped Mahendra total of 36 overs. Sometimes runs and The entire selection is marked by need it. the matter could have been sent to the ICC Singh Dhoni’s credentials as a cricketing wickets do not tell the whole story but strangeness. Madness, even. And we know (The writer can be reached at (International Cricket Council). legend. India wouldn’t want the lustre of it seems a bit dodgy to conclude that Sri what “strangeness” can deliver in a world [email protected] or www. Let us not forget that the 2011 World Cup that moment robbed in any way, even if Lanka needed to make two changes to where bets are made and people make malindawords.blogspot.com)