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50,229 EU provides SL films to feature deaths RECOVERED Rs. 8.26 b in grants in New Delhi-based 6,715 to Sri Lanka film festival The above statistics are confirmed up 247 43,267 »see page 6 »see page 9 until 11.00 p.m. on 4 january 2020 Source: Health Promotion Bureau East Container Terminal Prez-unions talks fail z Irate unions to rally public outrage z Assurances of sovereignty inadequate By Hiranyada Dewasiri Gorakanage said that the Government’s release by the President’s Media Division 49% of the shares are being given to India. stated that “the Government has no choice, stance left no option for the collective of (PMD). The demand of the port employees’ He said that the President also agreed to as India is expecting the ECT because of Port employees’ unions are to port employees unions but to resort to a trade unions is that ECT shares be kept entirely give the 23 unions a discussion with the its geopolitical importance for India and conduct further protest action, as a union struggle. with the Government via the Sri Lanka government-appointed committee to look the region’s security”. discussion held between 11 unions “The discussion with the President was a Ports Authority (SLPA). into the development of the ECT, but that In addition to port employees, the planned and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa failure. We are losing a national resource and The press release went on to state that the this was merely a “strategy”. struggle by the unions would involve yesterday (13) regarding the East this leaves us with no option but to launch an ECT would not be sold or leased and that all “We requested this discussion earlier concerned members of the public who Container Terminal (ECT) of the employees’ struggle,” he said. investments will be made safeguarding Sri but we were not granted it. There is no would rise up against the Government’s Port had concluded with The President had told the union Lanka’s sovereignty and that the President point in having this discussion now, as the stance, according to Gorakanage. no shift in the Government’s stance, representatives that the plan was to develop has invited the employees’ unions to committee cannot change anything that even A national organisation for the protection The Morning learnt. the ECT as an investment project that has submit their ideas and suggestions for the the President can’t. It is just a strategy to of the ECT was formed this week in protest 51% ownership by the Government of development of the ECT. contain the unions and go ahead with the of the selling of 49% of the ECT’s shares to Speaking to us following the conclusion Sri Lanka and the remaining 49% as an However, Gorakanage said that the Government’s plans,” Gorakanage further the Adani Group of India. The organisation of the meeting, All Ceylon General Port investment by India’s Adani Group and President’s invitation for unions to provide claimed. consists of trade unions, civil society groups, Employee Union Chief Secretary Niroshan other stakeholders, according to a press suggestions will not change the fact that Gorakanage claimed that the President had and political parties. Travel bubble Let us speak Borders opening to burst after 14 days despite new strain z No change in plans, say Health z Tourists allowed to and Tourism Ministries mingle with locals By Pamodi Waravita and Ruwan the borders. Laknath Jayakody By Dinitha Rathnayake However, he elaborated that, with regard to the new strain, the Visiting foreign tourists will be permitted Sri Lanka is still on course to Health Ministry is responsible to leave the confines of their biological travel reopen its international borders on for informing Tourism Ministry bubble and interact with locals after 14 days 21 January, despite the report that officials about any potential risks of quarantine, if both their PCR tests return has identified a new strain of Covid- on where the bio-bubble could harm negative results, The Morning learnt. 19 through the genome sequencing the community. However, Sri Lanka Tourism Development of a British national that recently “If the Health Ministry tells Authority (SLTDA) Director General tested positive for the virus. us to not reopen the borders, we Dhammika Wijesinghe, speaking to The Considering the reports about would have to listen. It is their Morning yesterday (13), cautioned the general the new strain of Covid-19 being responsibility,” he further added. public to keep such interactions to a minimum. detected in the sample of a British Meanwhile, when contacted “If the second PCR test is negative, the citizen who recently arrived in about the nature of the B117 strain tourist does not have to stay in the biological Colombo, Ministry of Health Public of the severe acute respiratory travel bubble. They can instead stay at a normal Health Services Deputy Director syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- The Opposition, led by Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader , protested in front of Independence Square in hotel and spend time with the local community. Colombo yesterday (13) for the protection of freedom of speech General Dr. Hemantha Herath CoV-2), which causes Covid-19 However, the general public should have Photo Krishan Kariyawasam told The Morning that the Health – a variant which has now been minimum interactions with tourists, as we do Ministry still supports the scheduled detected in Sri Lanka from a not encourage a tourist cluster emerging in the reopening of borders on 21 January. patient visiting from the UK – country,” he warned. However, he added that it is the Ministry of Health Medical All travellers are required to stay within a possible plans could change Research Institute’s Department of safe and secure certified Level One hotel during Ranil to remain UNP Leader depending on the situation. Virology National Influenza Centre their initial 14 days of quarantine. However, “We are continuing discussions (Respiratory Virus Laboratories) the guests would be permitted to stay in more z No leadership issue: New General Secretary Range with the Ministry of Tourism, Lead In Charge and Consultant than one Level One hotel if the on-arrival PCR since things could change at any Virologist Dr. Chrishan Jude test result is negative, whilst being within their By Sumudu Chamara Range Bandara, who is the newly be handed over to Wijewardene had moment,” said Dr. Herath. Samantha Jayamaha explained that biological biosecurity travel bubble. appointed UNP General Secretary, not been implemented. Furthermore, when questioned when compared to other strains of Contd. on page 2 Despite assurances that he would told The Morning yesterday Several key changes were made about the possibility of another the said virus, this particular strain handover the leadership of the United (13). to top positions within the lockdown due to the ability of the was “highly transmissible”. National Party (UNP) to Deputy Leader He was responding to a party hierarchy at the Working new variant to spread rapidly, Dr. “For example, Japan has detected Child abuse cases Ruwan Wijewardene in January 2021, query made by us, following Committee meeting held yesterday. Herath said that another lockdown a strain that came from Brazil, will remain as the conclusion of a UNP Chief among them was that Akila is highly unlikely. while South Africa too has detected UNP Leader for the foreseeable future, Working Committee meeting, Viraj Kariyawasam has been A Ministry of Tourism a variant. There are mutations or Child-friendly The Morning learnt. as to why the previous appointed the new UNP spokesperson, speaking to The changes to the virus, which are, in “There is no issue regarding the announcement Assistant Leader while Morning in this regard, said that comparison to what is in circulation, party leadership. We have someone made by the Ruwan Wijewardene they have been informed by the sometimes more transmissible, and zones at courts at the helm who has the knowledge, party to the will continue to serve Health Ministry that as long as sometimes not so. Sometimes there z Pilot project from Feb experience, and proven performance, effect that the as the party’s Deputy the biological travel bubble is are overlaps. This will happen, as and who is both locally and leadership Leader. maintained in a secure manner, this is a complex virus.” z Evidence in chief internationally accepted,” Palitha mantle would UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe Contd. on page 2 there is no issue with reopening Contd. on page 2 proceedings no more Pararajasingham murder By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody Mahara Prison incident Child-friendly zones are to be established within and adjacent to courthouses islandwide Rights group to act against Superintendent in a pilot project that will see the removal of z procedure and process of evidence in chief Aimed at quashing proceedings against detainees acquitted proceedings being led, for child abuse cases. By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody case of one Gayan Wijesuriya (inmate no. The first such location would be in 33-56 and Prison Tribunal case no. 44-20) Hulftsdorp (Aluthkade), Colombo, at the The Committee for Protecting the Rights being withdrawn by prison officials on 4 and released premises of the Special High Court (HC) of Prisoners plans to file action in a higher January due to his non-involvement in the Number One, where proceedings in this regard judicial forum, including courts, against the incident. He claimed that he had received By T.L. Jauffer Khan ( Correspondent) are scheduled to commence from February, Mahara Prison Superintendent, in connection information that such charge sheets, containing The Morning learnt. with the incident that occurred in November charges pertaining to the destruction of prison The Batticaloa High Court yesterday (13) According to Ministry of Justice Chief 2020. property, causing injuries to prison officers, acquitted and released Legal Advisor Udaya Rohan De Silva PC, The purpose of this action is to halt and etc., are to be filed by the prison authorities Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) the plan is slightly different from having quash charges being filed in the Mahara Prison against over 100 prisoners from 18 January MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias a child-friendly court, in that it would be Tribunal against prisoners over offences under of whom posthumously tested positive for onwards. Pillayan, and four others over charges a place where the child could roam about the Prisons Ordinance allegedly committed Covid-19), caused injuries to both inmates “We have a question as to whether this is filed against them in connection with the freely and is allowed to play with toys in a by them during the incident. and officers, and damage to property. being done to exert influence on the detainees assassination of former Batticaloa District friendly atmosphere. Thereafter, the child The incident, which commenced on the Speaking to The Morning in this regard, who were both eyewitnesses to the said (TNA) National would give evidence, at the same place, on afternoon of 29 November 2020 and continued Committee Chairman Attorney-at-Law Senaka incident and possess information concerning List MP Joseph Pararajasingham in 2005. their own, in response to cross examination well into the afternoon of 30 November 2020, Perera, who appears on behalf of the families such,” he stated. This was when the case was taken up by defence counsel. resulted in the deaths of 11 prisoners (eight of the 11 deceased prisoners, cited the specific Contd. on page 2 before Judge D.S. Susaithas yesterday. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the morning news Thursday, January 14, 2021 Strengthen SL’s capacity to Rs. 4 b EU grant to develop ensure free and open order: US justice system z Declassified document lays out US vision for South Asia z Funds to boost efficiency and reduce caseloads

A recently declassified United The EU yesterday (13) Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle States Strategic Framework announced the signing of three and were presented by the for the Indo-Pacific showed grants worth Rs. 8.26 billion, Ambassador of the EU Delegation that the US has proposed to under which Rs. 4.16 billion to Sri Lanka Denis Chaibi. strengthen the capacity of would be allocated for a Justice Appreciating the continued emerging partners in South Sector Support programme to close collaboration and the very Asia, including the Maldives, reduce caseloads in the courts and cordial partnership and support Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, to increase efficiency in the justice for Sri Lanka extended by the contribute to free and open sector. EU, the Treasury Secretary said order. The EU Delegation to Sri Lanka that these grants will reinforce the said the Justice Sector Support Government’s efforts to strengthen The framework also proposed a number programme was designed in the justice sector, to reduce of actions to achieve this objective, close consultation with relevant greenhouse gas emissions in Sri including support to create a maritime actors and institutions to focus on Lanka, and to improve food safety information “fusion centre” in the Indian providing capacity development and quality, targeting exports. Ocean. and technical assistance. Ambassador Chaibi said these The other actions include establishing “The overarching goal is three grants are a tangible pledge a new initiative with South Asian to increase efficiency and of support by the EU to Sri Lanka partners, modelled on the maritime effectiveness, reduce caseloads targeting three priority areas. security initiative in Southeast Asia, to in the courts, and in particular, “The coronavirus pandemic has improve maritime domain awareness, to improve access to justice. underscored the importance of interoperability, and data-sharing with The programme will be mainly strengthening a country’s justice the US; establishing a regional forum The White House implemented by the United system, to ensure citizens are to promote common principles and within the world’s most populous and distorting global markets and harming “The US understands these principles Nations Development Programme able to access justice in a timely, standards; and establishing and gaining economically dynamic region. US competitiveness. to be enduring, ones that countries and (UNDP) and UNICEF,” it said. effective, and fair manner,” he a broad consensus on a statement of The declassified document also “Equip US allies and partners to citizens across the Indo-Pacific aspire to The Rs. 8.26 billion grant will said. principles on acceptable maritime outlined action to accelerate India’s co-operate with the US, in operating secure alongside the US,” it said. also help Sri Lanka improve food Ambassador Chaibi noted that behaviour, including a commitment to rise, and its capacity to serve as a against China and countering China’s Last week, the Biden-Harris transition safety and strengthen efforts to EU support to improving food regional co-operation in line with shared net provider of security and major clandestine activities in their countries,” team announced the appointment of Indian- mitigate climate change. safety will benefit producers and security objectives. defence partner, solidifying an it said. American Sumona Guha to the role of The Rs. 2.31 billion grant will consumers alike, while boosting The White House yesterday (13) enduring strategic partnership with Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Sri Senior Director for South Asia at the help improve food safety, quality, the potential export of organic published the declassified United States India underpinned by a strong Indian Lanka said the declassified version of the National Security Council. and promote organic agriculture, agricultural products to the EU Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific. military able to effectively collaborate US Framework for the Indo-Pacific focuses Guha co-chaired the South Asia foreign while Rs. 1.79 billion will be and other markets. In a statement, US National Security with the US and its partners in the on a shared commitment with its sovereign policy working group on the Biden-Harris utilised to reduce greenhouse gas He added that the EU and Sri Advisor Robert C. O’Brien said this region to address shared interests. partners on the principles of freedom of campaign, and was a member of the emissions in the industrial sector Lanka will continue to work framework has provided overarching It also said action should be taken international waters, democratic values, transition team. She will succeed the and strengthen efforts to mitigate together to tackle the common strategic guidance for implementing to prevent China’s industrial policies inclusive prosperity, and good governance Trump administration’s Lisa Curtis in climate change. challenges of climate change, a the 2017 National Security Strategy and unfair trading practices from resilient to malign influence. the role. The grants were signed by major EU priority. Contd. from page 1

The said video clip would in turn be provided should decide in the context of a new strain in front of a church in Batticaloa, and was any offence against prison discipline, which in Travel bubble... to the defence counsel to go through,” he told being detected in the backdrop of the country’s subsequently enlarged on bail in November last the superintendent’s opinion is not adequately According to Government Medical Officers' The Morning yesterday (13). borders being opened up for tourist travel, Dr. year. A number of others were injured during the punishable under Section 70 (deals with the Association (GMOA) Assistant Secretary “The defence would also be allowed to Jayamaha emphasised that this was a decision assassination, including Pararajasingham’s wife. superintendent’s power to punish) by him, Dr. Haritha Aluthge, authorities have taken inspect any implement alleged to have been to be taken by those in charge of epidemiology Pillayan obtained the highest number of or not adequately punishable owing to the minimum risk factors into account when used in the commission of a crime for the and public health. votes from the Batticaloa District at the last prisoner’s previous record of convictions for devising the health guidelines. purpose of ascertaining whether the evidence However, Ministry of Health Chief general election. offences against prison discipline. “Even after 14 days of quarantine and after has been tampered with. Afterwards, through Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera told It was recently revealed when the hearings the second PCR test, someone can carry the the use of Skype and/or Zoom technology, the The Morning that the country cannot be closed of the inquest proceedings (case number coronavirus. We cannot be sure about the child, whilst being in the said location, can due to the identification of a single case of the Ranil to... B/3118/2020) into the recent deaths of the number of days during which they actually answer the questions posed by the defence as new strain. has been appointed 11 prisoners were taken up at the Wattala- show the symptoms in the body, or when they part of the cross examination.” “We cannot close the country just because Chairman, the General Welisara Magistrate’s Court on 8 January exhibit symptoms. We cannot say with 100% After the pilot project in Hulftsdorp, the of one case. We do genome sequencing to Secretary, and D.M. before Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala, that an certainty that there is no risk in opening the concept is to be expanded to all HCs, with determine whether these new strains are Swaminathan were appointed as Senior Vice estimated sum of approximately Rs. 46 million country’s borders on 21 January,” Dr. Aluthge those in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and entering the country. Once we identify that Chairmen, and Sagala Ratnayake, Sunethra would have to be incurred. According to the told The Morning. Ampara targeted as next in line to be provided a person tests positive for the new strain, we Ranasinghe, and Daya Gamage as Vice Department of Valuation, which assessed the When contacted, Ministry of Health Public with the relevant infrastructure facilities for take the necessary precautions by quarantining Chairmen. damage caused to the buildings at the Mahara Health Services Deputy Director General the said process. them,” Samaraweera said. Range Bandara further said that the UNP Prison during the recent incident that occurred Dr. Hemantha Herath told The Morning that The project is being initiated by the In this instance, there is no risk of community Working Committee decided to appoint Nalaka there, this would be for the reconstruction of while the Health Ministry is still supporting Ministry of Justice, together with the NCPA, spread, as the UK citizen had adhered to all Colonne as the Deputy General Secretary, all the said buildings. the reopening of borders on 21 January, the with assistance from the United Nations quarantine rules after coming into the country, Anoma Gamage as the Assistant General It was also revealed that all 11 prisoners possibility of a change of plans is not out of Development Project (UNDP). The decision assured Dr. Samaraweera. Secretary, Ranjith Samarasinghe as the who died in the Mahara Prison incident on the question. to implement this was made at a meeting held Moreover, Government Medical Officers’ International Affairs Secretary. 29 and 30 November 2020 had died due to “We are in a continuous dialogue with the recently at the Ministry of Justice with the Association (GMOA) Secretary Dr. Haritha He added that the UNP Working Committee gunshot injuries. Ministry of Tourism, since things could change participation of the Minister of Justice, the Aluthge said that the risk of the new variant also discussed how responsibilities should be During a recent media briefing organised at any moment,” said Dr. Herath. Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, the NCPA entering the community through tourists would entrusted to the newly appointed officials. by the Lawyers Forum for the People With a new strain of Covid-19 being detected Chairman, and a retired female HC judge. only materialise if the health guidelines are not organisation, Attorney-at-Law Chula in the country from a visitor from the UK, The need to create a child-friendly followed correctly, such as locals intermingling Ranjeewa Adikari, who also appears on concerns over opening up the country’s borders environment within the backdrop of the with tourists, or through different bio-bubbles Rights group... behalf of the families of the 11 deceased for increased tourist travel to resurrect the criminal justice system, including in relation mixing with each other. During the initial stage of the hearings of the prisoners, claimed that the deceased prisoners tourism sector, and the economy in general, have to juveniles, has been a long-felt one, owing In this regard, Public Health Inspector’s inquest proceedings (case number B/3118/2020) had, according to the postmortems, suffered once again come to the fore, with authorities to their vulnerability and the sensitivity of the Union (PHIU) of Sri Lanka Secretary M. into the deaths of the prisoners being taken up injuries to their upper torso region, which he continuously monitoring the evolving situation. matters under hearing. Baalasooriya told The Morning that although presently at the Wattala-Welisara Magistrate’s opined was not in keeping with self-defence- the health guidelines issued for tourists are Court, the Ragama Police, and subsequently, related gunfire. strict, they are wary of the potential relaxation the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) The interim report of the five-member Child-friendly... Borders opening... of these guidelines following 21 January. and even the Attorney General’s Department Committee appointed by Minister of Justice “The child would not have to come to court, However, he noted that from a public health “We have given our increased commitment (AG), informed the Court that property was Ali Sabry PC to look into the origins of the as no evidence in chief would be led, since the awareness perspective, the underlying methods to the fight against Covid-19 for almost a year destroyed, and that there were acts of arson deadly incident at the Mahara Prison, had child’s initial statement narrating the alleged concerning the related aspects of prevention, now. However, we have not been consulted at committed by prisoners. observed that although gangs of warring incident would be recorded in the format of a destruction, and protection, whatever the strain, any stage regarding the reopening of borders. “Charges being filed at the Mahara Prison prisoners at the Mahara Prison had been in video recording with the involvement of the remained the same. We and all sectors of the economy have barely Tribunal should not be filed for two reasons: possession of various weapons during the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). When questioned as to what the Government lifted our heads after these two lockdowns. We one, it goes against the rule of double jeopardy clash that occurred between rival groups on are cautious of these decisions taken to reopen and two, it would negatively impact both 29 November, none of them had firearms, the country for tourists,” said Baalasooriya. ongoing and future criminal investigations in and also that it was only the prison officers The University of Sri Jayewardenepura this regard,” noted Perera. who had both possessed and used such. laboratory, which carries out the sequencing of However, the Department of Prisons AG Co-ordinating Officer State Counsel Cartoon of the day SARS-CoV-2, identified the new UK SARS- confirmed to The Morning that while 111 Nishara Jayaratne, when contacted recently, CoV-2 variant in one of the samples obtained such cases have already been filed, more such added that investigations were ongoing from a flight from the UK. This virus has cases are expected. along four angles including “the damage certain specific mutations. Different variants When contacted in this regard, the to public property and who is responsible, have been reported from several countries, with Commissioner of Prisons (Administration/ arson, whether the shooting that occurred the first being identified in the UK during the Rehabilitation and Skill Development) was justifiable, and the conspiracy among final week of 2020. (Covering Up Duties) E.M.J.C.L.B. Ekanayaka, inmates”. who is also the Prisons Spokesman, said that Elsewhere, the aforesaid Committee the aforementioned 111 cases include cases handed in its final report, which has Pillayan acquitted... against 107 suspects and four convicts. since been forwarded to the Cabinet of Among the others thus acquitted and “Such a move would be suggested by those Ministers for observations. According to released was a former Eastern Provincial within the Prison who conduct an internal the Committee, prisoners had also set fire councillor. inquiry into the said incident. The charges to prison property and documents, and Earlier this week, on 11 January, the Attorney are filed on the basis of information obtained destroyed buildings in it, and thereby caused General’s Department had informed the court from the prisoners themselves, including both great damage. The Police, specifically that they did not intend to proceed with the suspects and convicts.” the CID, should investigate carefully and case regarding the murder of Pararajasingham, Section 81 of the Prisons Ordinance as properly identify those who committed over which Pillayan, among others, had been amended provides the Prison Superintendent wrongdoings including acts of arson within charged. with the authority to establish a tribunal made up the Mahara Prison and caused damage to Pillayan, along with four other defendants, of a magistrate of the relevant division in which government property, and produce them had been charged with the murder of the Prison is located, and two visitors who are before the relevant Magistrate’s Court, a Pararajasingham. He was arrested in this regard members of the local visiting committee, to Committee source told The Morning. in October 2015, when he had arrived at the inquire into instances where a prisoner who Also, certain members of the families of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to is charged with mutiny or incitement to such, the deceased have, in connection with the give a statement in connection with the 2005 or escape or attempted escape or abetment to matter, already lodged complaints with the Eve shooting of Pararajasingham such, or causing hurt to a prison officer, or Human Rights Commission. the morning 3 Thursday , January 14, 2021 INSIGHT/NEWS ‘Alcohol breath does not mean alcohol in blood’ zResearchers say liquor smell must not be an indicator of drunkenness BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY Making the legal presumption that alcohol is present in the blood based solely upon the smell of liquor, as it is done in Sri Lanka, is erroneous from the perspective of both science and evidence, a group of local researchers explained. This issue was raised in an opinion article titled “Legislation made four decades ago on ‘smelling of liquor’: Erroneous in the context of current scientific knowledge” authored by S. Kodikara (attached to the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Peradeniya), S. Wijerathne (attached to the Teaching Hospital, Kandy), K.M. Kudagama (attached to the Teaching Hospital, Ratnapura), R.P. Jayasooriya (attached to the Base Hospital, Mahiyanganaya), A. Dayapala (attached to the Base Hospital, Avissawella), and D. Subasinghe (a lawyer attached to the private and unofficial bar), which was published recently in the Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science, and Law. Liquor is defined under the Offences Committed under the Influence of Liquor (Special Provisions) Act No. 41 of 1979 as amended, to include widely consumed alcoholic beverages such as spirits, wine, toddy, and beer, and all liquids consisting of or containing alcohol. In Sri Lanka, the smell of liquor is a legally accepted indicator of drunkenness. Section 11 of the aforementioned Act holds that: “A person shall be presumed to be under the influence of liquor, if at or about the time of the commission of the act, he is smelling of liquor, or if he conducts himself in such a manner that it may be reasonable to infer that he has consumed liquor, unless A police officer checks a motorist for drunk driving on 31 December 2019 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE evidence to the contrary has been adduced.” Accordingly, it is presumed that for the the purpose, there is a box stating “breath alcohol on the consumer, they point out substituents which have carbons] bodies are also present as excipients (substances purpose of this Act, a person is considered smelling of alcohol” to be ticked, where that the smell of an alcoholic beverage can which are water soluble molecules having formulated alongside the active ingredient to be under the influence of alcohol (ethyl), a medical expert needs to indicate the persist in body tissues and on the breath the ketone group produced by the liver of a medication and included for the purpose if he was smelling of liquor at or about status. An endorsement to the presence of for several hours even after all the alcohol from fatty acids due to various conditions of long-term stabilisation, bulking up solid the time of the commission of the said the smell of alcohol on the breath by the has been metabolised or eliminated from and situations, that in turn causes metabolic formulations that contain potent active act. Offences under this Act pertaining to medical expert in the MLEF could lead to a the body. The researchers cited an instance acidosis, the latter an electrolyte [substance ingredients in small amounts, or to confer consumption include causing annoyance or conviction under this Act. where though the odour of alcohol was that produces an electrically conducting a therapeutic enhancement on the active damage to public property whilst under the However, the researchers questioned as to detected at autopsy, the blood-alcohol solution when dissolved in a polar solvent ingredient in the final dosage form, such influence of liquor. whether the breath really does smell of ethyl levels had returned negative. like water] disorder involving an imbalance as facilitating drug absorption, reducing Upon conviction, the said person shall alcohol. Moreover, it is also possible, they added, in the body’s acid base, and one which viscosity, or enhancing solubility), in some be liable to be punished with a term of Ethyl alcohol, they note, is almost that a person who has consumed another requires medical attention), and gives herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs. imprisonment of not less than six months odourless and that its smell is considered to beverage containing the aforementioned the characteristic smell of alcohol on the Many esters including aromatic ones, and not exceeding two years, and/or be be due to the presence of volatile substances congeners will also smell of alcohol. breath. they add, are used as medicines to treat, liable to a minimum fine of Rs. 1,000 and a called congeners which are produced According to them, the reason for this is “Acetaldehyde is found in alcohol-free for example, rheumatic arthritis and to maximum fine of Rs. 2,500. simultaneously during the fermentation that there are different metabolic pathways beverages, jams, bread, vegetables, fruits, stimulate the central nervous system. Based on this indicator (smell of liquor), process of ethyl alcohol. They further note in the body pertaining to, on the one hand, and milk. Esters are present in commonly Furthermore, the researchers elaborated on the Police seek scientific evidence from that sometimes, aromatic congeners (such the degradation of ethyl alcohol, and on consumed fruits and vegetables, such as the fact that the pharmaceutical industry medical experts on whether a certain person as acetone, acetaldehyde, esters, tannins, the other, the degradation of the rest of the apples, apricots, mandarins, mangoes, has discovered that certain undesirable was smelling of liquor, which would then and aldehydes) are wittingly added to some congeners. Therefore, it should be noted papayas, red and chilli peppers, potatoes, properties of drugs, such as bad taste (found lead to subsequent prosecution under this alcoholic beverages of inferior quality in that congeners can enter the human body or squash. Tannins have been found in a in certain bitter-tasting antibiotic drugs) or law. Section 11(2) of the Act states that: order to produce an odour so as to convince even without the consumption of alcohol, variety of plants utilised as food and feed the swelling of the skin at the spot of an “The report of a government medical consumers that a particular beverage is of they explained whilst reiterating also that such as sorghum, millets, barley, legumes, injection, can be avoided by converting officer to the effect that a person is under good quality. Also, the situation is further congeners are naturally produced within dry beans, pomegranates, cranberries, the original drug into an ester, and thereby the influence of liquor or the report of an complicated by the fact that congeners the body. blueberries, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, making the flavour less harsh in the case of approved operator to the effect that the are produced naturally within the body. In terms of congeners and where they peanuts, and chickpea. Aldehydes are the former. concentration of alcohol in a person’s blood Therefore, they observe, the odour of are found, the researchers noted thus: formed endogenously due to chemical Therefore, the researchers called on is equal to or exceeds the prescribed limit alcohol frequently detected on people after “Acetone is produced naturally in the processes while dietary aldehydes and drugs convictions made under this Act based shall be deemed to be sufficient evidence of the consumption of alcoholic beverages is human body during ketoacidosis (which that are aldehydes or reactive aldehyde upon the smell of liquor to be halted with the facts therein contained, unless evidence not due to alcohol but owing to by-products is described as a metabolic state caused metabolites can introduce aldehydes into the immediate effect and for the said legislation to the contrary has been adduced”. of the alcohol manufacturing process or by the uncontrolled production of ketone body without the consumption of alcohol.” to be amended accordingly whilst For this purpose, in the Medico-Legal congeners. [a functional group in organic chemistry Pertaining to these, the researchers simultaneously changing the MLEF used Examination Form (MLEF) utilised for Regarding the presence of the smell of which has a particular structure containing observed that these congener substances for the purpose. ARMY COMMANDER TELLS HOTEL OWNERS Suwa Seriya staff in Do not pay third parties for arrivals vaccine priority list Army Commander Gen. owners, hoteliers, and hotel unscrupulous elements who the highest standards. What Shavendra Silva reiterated that executives to the NOCPCO were resorting to such corrupt we want is to get those arrivals State Minister of While observing the 3,424,590 phone calls. hotel owners should not make premises for a meeting last practices in the recent past a fair deal with decent meals, Primary Healthcare, tasks and operations The execution of a single any payments to third parties afternoon (13). after the second wave broke full care, and accommodation Pandemics, and carried out by Suwa task costs Rs. 5,332, and for the facilitation of arrivals in “No outside ‘third party’ out,” he said. at the lowest rate possible,” he Covid Prevention Dr. Seriya in the wake of the Suwa Seriya service their hotels. if any, reaching you for He added the Army is said. Sudharshini Fernandopulle the pandemic, the State provides its services free Gen. Silva, who is also the accommodation of foreign striving to provide the arrivals The Government plans to stated that the 1990 Minister discussed its to the public. For the last Head of National Operation arrivals in your hotels for the best deal possible. open its borders to tourists on Suwa Seriya emergency shortcomings, future 10 months, this has cost Centre for Prevention quarantine purposes, should be “We would not dare to 23 January, following the pilot ambulance staff, who have plans, and future Rs. 1.5 billion. of Covid-19 Outbreak given a single cent to get such tolerate such practices at the project involving Ukrainian undertaken a massive performance amidst Covid State Ministry of (NOCPCO), expressed these openings, as we have already expense of the Army, since we tourists that proved to be responsibility in curtailing conditions, with the staff. Primary Healthcare, views after inviting hotel managed to prevent some are a credible organisation of highly controversial. the spread of the Covid In order to control Pandemics, and Covid pandemic, would be the Covid pandemic, Prevention Secretary Dr. included in the priority the Suwaseriya service Amal Harsha de Silva, list of coronavirus vaccine currently operates its 297 Suwaseriya Foundation Speaker and 14 MPs undergo PCR testing recipients. fully equipped ambulances Chairman Duminda The State Minister and 1,399 staff including Rathnayaka, Chief A total of 14 MPs and Speaker Mahinda on parliamentary staffers and security staff and willing MPs, Fernando said. made this statement while drivers, while its call Executive Officer Sohan Yapa Abeywardana underwent PCR testing personnel yesterday. The total number of Three MPs, namely State Minister joining an observation centre receives more than de Silva, and Chief at the parliamentary premises yesterday PCR tests conducted at Parliament was 463. , Opposition MP visit to the 1990 Suwa 5,300 telephone calls Medical Officer Dr. Srilal (13), Sergeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando Another round of PCR testing is , and Minister Vasudeva Seriya Foundation Head daily – so far, its operation de Silva were present at told The Morning. expected to be done tomorrow (15) at the Nanayakkara, tested positive for Covid-19 Office. centre has received this occasion. A further 448 PCR tests were conducted parliamentary premises for the remaining so far. 4 the morning VIEWS Thursday, January 14, 2021 Drafting ‘Family Law Act’ a gigantic task: Academic

BY PAMODI WARAVITA property rights, said legal academic other countries and subsequently draft litigator Mokshini Jayamanne, has been would entail looking into matters other Ordinance No. 19 of 1907 as amended Prof. Sharya Scharenguivel. a Family Law Act. appointed to review the family laws of than husband-wife relationships. contains procedures relating to marriage, Any move to draft an all-encompassing She explained this in connection Speaking to The Morning, Ministry Sri Lanka and draft an act that would “A Family Law Act would cover divorce, separation, and other related family law for Sri Lanka would have with a query made by The Morning of Justice Reforms Division Assistant address the needed areas of reform. areas beyond just marriage and divorce, matters. Sri Lanka also has several to, among others, codify existing laws with regard to the Cabinet decision Secretary S.R.S. De Silva said that a When contacted regarding the matter, including property rights, adoption customary, personal laws governing governing familial relationships and on 11 January to approve a proposal 10-member advisory committee on Prof. Scharenguivel said that it would rights, and custody rights,” stated Prof. aspects pertaining to such from a racial related aspects, including marriage and to appoint a 10-member committee family law, chaired by Kushan de be an extensive undertaking to consider Scharenguivel. and ethnic, religious, and geographical divorce, the custody of children, and of experts to study the family laws of Alwis PC and convened by civil law drafting a new Family Law Act, as this The existing Marriage Registration perspective. No discrimination against me within SJB z Patali says he did not use Sajith Premadasa

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI But Marxism has been defeated for a long time now. What Anura Kumara In political parties, as among groups of animal species, there Dissanayake should do now is let are alphas. However, two alphas, most often than not, find it This country should be saved Marxism go and become a leader nearly impossible to co-exist within a single entity. In short, from the curse of the four of the skilled public and reorganise there is only room for one. The result is a duel. In the art of families that have been ruling the party. Instead of playing the politics, this takes the form of rhetoric and subterfuge. this country for 90 years. role of the Opposition critic, they It should then be handed over should come forward to take state to those leaders who were created power to rebuild this country. Enter Samagi Jana Balawegaya Politicians have destroyed the through free education Nicaragua’s Marxist Sandinista (SJB) Parliamentarian Patali Champika country for 70 years. This country movement lost their elections. They Ranawaka, formerly from the Jathika was ruled by just four families. The We had to end their politics. ultimately left their Marxist beliefs Hela Urumaya (JHU), who seeks to Senanayake-Kotelawala family, the Sajith Premadasa had this behind, organised differently for position himself as a leader within Bandaranaike-Ratwatte-Obeysekara pressure way before I did. the country’s people, and came to the SJB. However, the SJB is led by family, and then the Jayawardena- So, the SJB was born. It was a power. As long as the JVP holds onto Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Wickramasinghe family, and finally the success, as 90% of the UNP these utopian beliefs, this country who hails from a former first family Rajapaksa family. No other family has joined the SJB. What the UNP will be deprived of the service it and is seen in certain quarters as the ruled this country. If we are in a crisis, has also left to do is to join should receive from Anura Kumara heir to the throne of the United National these families are solely responsible the SJB. I did not use Sajith Dissanayake, Lal Kantha, or Sunil Party (UNP) leadership and the man for this. These families have failed. Premadasa to form the SJB Handunnetti. The JVP and the TNA to resurrect the green elephant from Not just the Rajapaksas, but all four (Tamil National Alliance) should stop its present political quagmire. The families. Now we need people who Thieves who robbed this being Opposition critics and take part Morning therefore spoke to Ranawaka have the skills. We did not win the country’s national wealth spent in governance, and become ministers. about the recent upheavals in his cricket World Cup because positions to defeat me in the previous Eelam and Marxist society are both political career, the SJB and Sajith were given based on family. The election. But I cannot be utopias that can never be achieved. Premadasa, and quo vadis. captaincy does not pass down based dismissed like that. We will Below are a few excerpts from the on family. Arjuna Ranatunga does not establish a new rule in this If you believe these individuals interview: ask for his son to be the next cricket country in 2024 as a new in the JVP are valuable captain. It’s given based on talent. social force personalities, why did you not Are you satisfied with the But in politics, leadership is passed SJB MP join the JVP instead of the SJB? number of preferential votes you down to sons and grandsons. This is I am not a critic. I lead by example. I Patali Champika Ranawaka got at the general election 2020, Sri Lanka’s problem. There is a new have been a minister for about 12 years especially since some believe skilled business class in this country, and I have achieved certain things. We you harboured ambitions of professionals and state administrators You came to politics from strengthened every ministry financially becoming number one from the who are where they are because of their a Buddhist background, and set an example for how to run SJB in the Colombo District skills. Even if you come from such a and then joined the SJB. state institutions with no corruption. surpassing Sajith Premadasa? family, if you have the talent and the Now you have left the JHU So, the JVP should do the same. They I had no need to come in first. I have skill, you must be allowed to come and said that you are starting should join hands to lead this country not tried to do that either. The problem forward. That is my principle to run the a new social movement. Have – not the way they joined Chandrika is, we knew very well that we were country. I have led by example. I have your political beliefs changed? Kumaratunga. They should join hands going to lose the election. Especially not brought my family into my political We are pragmatics when it comes to with equal forces. They should join because the educated middle class that matters. If Chandrika Bandaranaike politics and we are concerned about with the SJB and a new generation votes for us did not vote for us in the Kumaratunge made her son or daughter what the basic needs of a country are should take over the governance of last election. We knew this. We also contest in the 2000 election, Mahinda at that particular moment. Many claim this country. knew that those who were going to vote Rajapaksa would not have any place that they are patriots but they weren’t were the UNP cadre. Because we left in this country. Bandaranaike broke here when Prabhakaran was attacking If you become the leader of the UNP and formed the SJB, because away from the UNP and formed his us. Most of them believed that we this country someday, how far our moderate voter did not go to polling own party because D.S. Senanayake should have resolved the issue by would you consult the Sangha booths, and because some had already was going to give the leadership to his conducting peace talks with the LTTE. to govern the country? joined the SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana son. So, this inheritance of political also believed the Economy and spirituality are Peramuna) during the presidential leadership has caused many problems same. They believed that terrorism essential in creating a wholesome elections, we were not surprised. We in this country. This country should cannot be defeated without going for a human being. The Buddhist clergy cannot measure people through their be saved from the curse of the four federal solution. I intervened to make has intervened in social life even in preferential votes. At the end of the day, families that have been ruling this an ideological and political change at the past. They have provided advice you become a Member of Parliament. country for 90 years. It should then this moment in time. on matters related to the Dhamma. Our national duty within the city of be handed over to those leaders who But that was 10 years ago. Now, The Sangha treated the ill and took Colombo is not something that can were created through free education. the country is facing new challenges. part in indigenous medical practices; be measured through the UNP voter In 2015, we realised that we should they have contributed to educating base within Colombo. Did you use Sajith Premadasa’s work towards democracy and human especially through pirivenas and the popularity among the masses to freedom, against corruption. Today, for Sangha has also rallied people in the Are you discriminated against form the SJB for your benefit? the first time after Independence, Sri struggle for independence. So, this is a within the SJB, and if so, Sajith Premadasa has been in politics Lanka is heading towards bankruptcy. special role. There should be a balance is it because of your attempts since the year 2000. (Former President) So, we must act according to this in the triangle of the ruler, the people, at grabbing the leadership? and (former Prime need. The main political force in the and the Sangha. So, this balance needs Leadership cannot be gained like that. Minister) Ranil Wickremesinghe did Opposition is the SJB. So, we joined to be protected. Some try to take it as a birthright, some not do justice to the mandate they got the SJB. We can save this country. We try to get it through their profession. in 2015. Therefore, we had to end have to build people who champion Finally, what is your vision But you can’t gain leadership like that, their politics. Sajith Premadasa had skills and must gather them for an to develop the country and when it comes to politics, whether this pressure way before I did. So, the honest effort to save the country from if you become its leader? SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka or not one achieves leadership is based SJB was born. It was a success, as 90% ruination. We don’t need people who I do not build castles in the sky. on the public’s acceptance. There is no of the UNP joined the SJB. What the do politics in order to gain political I have been a minister for 12 years discrimination against me within the UNP has also left to do is to join the not have an agenda to defeat terrorism. of the country. D.B. Jayatilaka, who power or people who do politics as a and I have ensured that none of these SJB; we just have a dialogue about SJB. I did not use Sajith Premadasa His plan was to have peace talks with was to become the first president of leisure activity. We will work towards ministries were a financial burden for where we are headed –the SJB came to form the SJB. the LTTE and he did that; he went to the country, faced a lot of injustice. uniting people who are already making the Treasury. Within the 100-day period from the UNP, and what the UNP did We could say this about Mahinda Geneva for discussions. Then we could Thieves who robbed this country’s honest and notable efforts to save this in 2015, I led the Ceylon Electricity between 2015 and 2020 was strongly Rajapaksa. He had no support from say that we built the Rajapaksas too. national wealth spent to defeat me in country. Board to make Rs. 20 billion in profit. rejected by the people of the country. the SLFP () We did what we did for the country. the previous election. But I cannot be After I left, the CEB has suffered Under these circumstances, the team in 2005. He only had the JHU and the We also had the backbone to dismissed like that. We will establish What are your views on losses of Rs. 250 billion. I challenge and the policy that will be put forward JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna). stand against it when his family was a new rule in this country in 2024 as a JVP Leader Anura Kumara anyone to do it better than I did. I can by the country should be based on The entire SLFP worked for Ranil robbing this country under the guise new social force. This is what we have Dissanayake? only be defeated by them running a meritocracy. If we do not have the Wickremesinghe. So, a choice was of development. We do not live in to do. This country should be handed He is a skillful leader that was created ministry better than I did. The Urban right team, we cannot successfully face made at this time. The Rajapaksa family fear of families and their ancestral over to the skilled generations. by the free education system in this Development Authority endured losses the economic challenge that is ahead no longer remembers how Mahinda homes. There are accusations and country. It is true that the JVP caused of Rs. 39 billion. Under me, not only of us. This country has people who Rajapaksa became Prime Minister. attempts to imprison us. This is because Will you be the leader of this destruction through an armed struggle, did the UDA make a profit of Rs. 23 have achieved things through merit The premiership was going to be given I have risen all this way right from the new social movement? but the JVP is a manifestation of Sri billion in 2019, but every employee in a range of fields such as business, to Maithripala Sirisena or Lakshman bottom purely through my skills. I have No, it will be led by the talented and Lanka’s peasantry. It was President received a bonus of Rs. 40,000. There and professional and administrative Kadirgamar. He was President and not come from traditional political skilled new generation that is oppressed Jayewardene that abolished the JVP and is nothing more to say about what I will spheres, and the country should be is Prime Minister because of us. He families. Anagarika was called a thief, by dynasty rule. They should take over pushed them to take refuge in jungles. do in this country if I come to lead it. handed over to them. defeated terrorism because of us. He did a homosexual and he was chased out the governance of the country. The JVP had a harsh response to this. I have already left my mark. the morning 5 Thursday, January 14, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

A demonstration outside the Jaffna University last week with armed troops blocking off the entrance to the campus

BY SUMUDU CHAMARA DEMOLITION OF JAFFNA UNI MONUMENT The recent demolition of the Mullivaikkal monument (also known as the war victim’s memorial) – erected within the premises of the University of Jaffna in 2019 in memory of the people who were victims of the three-decade long war between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Government-led defence forces –sparked widespread controversy last week and raised a multitude of concerns regarding Sri Lanka’s approach to achieving long-lasting A sign ethnic and meaningful reconciliation between people of diverse ethnicities, cultures, and religions, especially the Tamil and Sinhala communities. Even though the authorities decided to rebuild a new monument following protests launched by the students of the University of Jaffna and various activists, it begs the question as to whether the damage caused by the above move can be reversed in full by merely reconstructing the monument. rifts remain

It would not be an exaggeration to was constructed within the premises state that even though the war came of the University of Jaffna, which is to an end 11 years ago, Sri Lanka is a state-owned, state-run institution, still struggling to build and strengthen and that individually motivated inter-ethnic harmony between Sri monuments cannot be constructed Lankans of different ethnicities, and within such premises. Responding this is a clear sign that the war not to this claim, IUSF Convener Ven. unaddressed? only caused the deaths of hundreds Rathkarawwa Jinarathana Thera z Rulers failed to address plight of Northern people: U’grad activists of thousands of Sri Lankans and said: “Not only Tamil people; an the destruction of properties, but astronomical number of people lost into a war. The root cause was the above rights, but also a message There is also a serious lack of also severely damaged Sri Lankans their close ones due to the war. People the oppression faced by the Tamil that their rights can be taken away communication between the people in general and begot a long-lasting of the South hold commemorations, people. There were armed conflicts unfairly if the authorities decide to of the North and the South, and war of ideologies, which also needs build monuments, and speak for their in the South as well; however, the do so. decision-makers. People’s needs, to be dealt with diplomatically. It loved ones freely. It is the people’s North-South conflicts escalated into Following the above incident, problems, and values not being should also be noted that dealing democratic right. Irrespective of how an armed war which was difficult activists from various backgrounds communicated properly is in fact one with ideological wars and damaged a person died, they have as much to manage. All these conflicts were expressed fear that the demolition of the reasons why people on both inter-ethnic harmony is a far more right to hold remembrance events predetermined and the rulers were of the Mullivaikkal monument at sides do not respect each other. One sensitive and complex matter, and as anyone else. Reconstructing the responsible. The destruction of the the Jaffna University premises as can say that the recent spate of events requires putting ourselves in our monument at the University of Jaffna Jaffna University monument was a well as various recent decisions that concerning the demolition of the fellow Sri Lankans’ shoes. It is high will not cause significant change, as clear violation of the citizens’ right to directly or indirectly affect ethnic monument at the Jaffna University time that we come to terms with the the authorities have already given commemorate the dead.” minorities, such as cremating the premises gives us a very specific fact that even though the physical them a wrong message, and they are Sri Lanka’s recent history bears bodies of the Covid-19 dead, is a message – that is that issues faced war broke out in 1983 and ended in still oppressed. Many claim that this witness to the fact that most of the sign that the Government is in the by people of the North should be 2009, the ideologies and people’s monument was an unauthorised one; remembrance events held in the Not only Tamil people; an process of systematically ostracising discussed with none other than the experiences that gave birth to the but why didn’t anyone raise their North and the East were labelled astronomical number of people the country’s ethnic minorities. people of the North, and that this is war emerged before 1983 and are voice against it to date?” as pro-LTTE events organised to lost their close ones due to These activists, who, on social media the easiest and most effective way still alive to a certain extent, and that On 9 January, University Grants support separatist and extremist the war. People of the South platforms, expressed opposition to their problems can be addressed. Sri Lanka still has not been able to Commission (UGC) Chairman ideologies spread by the LTTE. hold commemorations, build the way the monument at the Jaffna However, for some unknown reason, fully address the bitter consequences Professor Sampath Amaratunge Certain social media posts published monuments, and speak for University premises was removed, it seems to have been ruled out by of the war. The demolition of the stated that the decision to remove the following the demolition of the said their loved ones freely. It is the also claim that that this is neither those who make decisions. Had monument at the Jaffna University monument at the Jaffna University monument, said that the demolished people’s democratic right the first nor the only occasion that third parties that claim to speak for premises – which, according to those premises had been taken by the monument had also been constructed remembering the Tamil people who the people of the North, especially who protested against the demolition, Vice Chancellor of the University in remembrance of the LTTE, not We will not be able to prevent died due to the war was obstructed, North-based politicians, done their took place with no prior notification of Jaffna, Prof. Sivakolundu civilians who died due to the war. the outbreak of another war and that it may not be the last. In fact, job properly for the betterment of or warning – was claimed by many Srisatkunarajah. However, it was Countering this argument, the IUSF until and unless we realise that there are plenty of examples from the people they represent, most to be an arbitrary and oppressive later reported that the university’s said that what organisation or group depriving people of their rights around the world to suggest that the of the issues, of which the root act. This incident also attracted the Vice Chancellor did not act of his a person belongs to does not matter is not the correct way to deal systematic removal of monuments, cause is misunderstandings and international community’s attention, own accord, and that the monument when it comes to remembering with this situation publications, and things of cultural misconceptions, would not have and protests were held in Tamil Nadu, was demolished as per a classified them after their death, and that their and religious value has caused arisen. India, and Toronto, Canada, opposing directive he had received. The UGC political backgrounds and beliefs The overall ethnic issue, significant damage to people of Sri Lanka, as a country that has the demolition of the said monument. Chairman had further stated that the should be addressed separately. which has been perpetuating diverse identities in the long run. gained a name for being a tolerant Speaking to The Morning, the existence of the monument would Speaking of the events held by for many years, was something The IUSF Convener added that and compassionate nation, is now Inter University Students’ Federation have been a threat to the unity people of the North in remembrance orchestrated by North and North and South-based politicians being accused of implementing (IUSF), the foremost student-led between the North and South, and of the Tamil people who died as a South-based politicians, in a and political parties that ruled Sri systematic ostracism and oppression body addressing matters pertaining to reconciliation. result of the war, the IUSF Convener bid to attain narrow political Lanka after the end of the war against ethnic minorities, especially universities in Sri Lanka, expressed The IUSF Convener added: “There monk added that depriving people, objectives using racism and by have miserably failed to address the Tamil people. Not only does this concerns about the people’s are reasons that led to the three- i.e. the people of the North, of their dividing the people the underlying reasons that led to situation raise concerns about Sri democratic right to memorialise their decade war Sri Lanka had to deal right to memorialise their own the war and shortcomings in the Lanka’s reconciliation process, it war dead, irrespective of how they with, and there is a history to what people, happened during the past few IUSF Convener implementation of the existing also begs a question as to whether died or the movements they were happened in Jaffna. These issues years in various ways, and that it is Ven. Rathkarawwa reconciliation process, and that ethnic we have come to a point where involved in. initially surfaced in the 1970s and continuing. Jinarathana Thera rifts between the Sinhala and Tamil we deprive our fellow Sri Lankans One of the arguments that was 1980s and maybe even earlier. The The monk noted: “The discussion communities, therefore, appear to of their right to memorialise their brought forward to justify the Sinhala-Tamil separatism first began on whether they support the LTTE accept that everyone has a democratic be remain unaddressed, although 11 friends and relatives. We cannot demolition of the monument at the politically, both in the North and or LTTE members or their Leader tight to memorialise their friends and years have passed since the end of rule out another’s values, culture, Jaffna University premises was that it the South, and gradually morphed is another matter, and needs to be relatives, irrespective of the reason the war. He further claimed that the beliefs, and practices merely because discussed in depth. Those who they died or the organisations and demolition of the monument at the it does not resonate with our own organise remembrance events may groups they were a part of.” Jaffna University premises is a clear beliefs; nor can we take decisions on consider LTTE members to be heroes, Article 14 of the Constitution sign that the present Government behalf of them unless and until we and we, the people of the South, may which guarantees, among others, has a racist agenda which involves understand their plight and needs. not concur with it. These ideologies the freedom of speech, assembly, oppressing minority ethnicities, Perhaps this is one of the things that are what need to be addressed, and association, occupation, and and that this incident is likely to is found to be lacking in Sri Lanka’s we will not be able to prevent the movement, states that every citizen further exacerbate ethnic rifts. “The reconciliation process – they seem outbreak of another war until and is entitled to, the freedom by himself overall ethnic issue, which has to believe in a one-size-fits-all-type unless we realise that depriving or in association with others to been perpetuating for many years, of decision-making process. Forcing people of their rights is not the correct enjoy and promote his own culture was something orchestrated by people to refrain from speaking way to deal with this situation. The and to use his own language, and North and South-based politicians, about the ideologies that lie behind people of the North and the people of the freedom, either by himself or in in a bid to attain narrow political such activities and/or memorialising the South have one struggle, and that association with others, and either objectives using racism and by figures they look up to, will only is to defeat the racism, extremism, in public or in private, to manifest dividing the people. This division result in further encouraging them and separatism spread by the rulers his religion or belief in worship, ended up violating the people’s right to follow such ideologies blindly. on both sides. Supporting the LTTE observance, practice, and teaching. to remember their own people, and Instead, the responsible authorities and remembering one’s friends and People of the North, too, are entitled the demolition of the monument at should give them the opportunity to relatives are two different matters. to these constitutional rights as the Jaffna University premises was enjoy their democratic rights, and When it comes to addressing the citizens, and destroying things they merely one such incident,” the IUSF thereby prove that separatism was The Jaffna University Monument that was demolished continuing ethnic issue, we must value highly is not only a violation of Convener added. never the answer. 6 the morning Thursday, January 14, 2021

Foreign Ministry officials and Honorary Consuls at the meeting business Foreign Minister EU provides Rs. 8.26 b seeks assistance to boost FDIs Minister of Foreign Affairs Lanka is in an advantageous sought position to market its quality the assistance of the Honorary tea worldwide. in grants to Sri Lanka Consuls based in Colombo to State Minister Tharaka encourage foreign investors Balasuriya also explained The European Union (EU) Development Organisation (UNIDO), to invest in Sri Lanka. The the State Ministry’s role of announced yesterday (13) the will strengthen the competitiveness Minister made this request at positively promoting regional signing of three grants worth of the agriculture sector through a meeting held on 11 January co-operation under three € 35.75 million (Rs. 8.26 billion) the adoption of good agricultural 2021 with the Honorary pillars, in line with the vision to support Sri Lanka’s justice and hygienic practices, an updated Consuls based in Colombo. and guidance of President sector, help improve food risk-based food control system, and The meeting was held in Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The State safety, and strengthen efforts increased consumer awareness. compliance with the Covid-19 Minister expressed hope on the to mitigate climate change. Implementing partner GIZ health guidelines. assistance of all stakeholders (Germany) will also support the local Gunawardena reiterated concerned towards this The grants were signed by Secretary organic market, including small and the importance of assisting endeavour. to the Treasury S.R. Attygalle, on medium-sized businesses, to produce each other to revive the world The meeting also created behalf of the Government of Sri at higher volumes and better quality. economy as a collective a platform for a dialogue Lanka, and presented by Ambassador The standards required to access effort amidst the pandemic. between the Honorary Consuls of the Delegation of the EU to Sri major EU markets will be promoted Furthermore, Foreign Secretary and Foreign Ministry officials Lanka Denis Chaibi. through the National Organic Control Admiral Prof. Jayanath on current topics which Appreciating the continued close Union and the Export Development Colombage, speaking to the included ways and means collaboration and the very cordial Board (EDB). gathering, explained that the of bringing investors to Sri partnership and support extended by Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle accepting the grants from EU Ambassador of the The € 7.75 million (Rs. 1.79 weather conditions of the Lanka during the period of the EU for Sri Lanka, the Secretary to Delegation to Sri Lanka Denis Chaibi billion) Reducing Greenhouse Gas previous year had a positive the pandemic, opening the the Treasury said that these grants will Ambassador Chaibi noted that EU The overarching goal is to increase Emissions in the Industrial Sector impact on the tea production airport for tourists, and the new reinforce the Government’s efforts to support to improving food safety will efficiency and effectiveness, reduce project, implemented by UNIDO, of the country. Hence, Sri Foreign Policy of Sri Lanka. strengthen the justice sector, reduce benefit producers and consumers caseloads in the courts, and in is in response to a request by the greenhouse gas emissions in Sri alike, while boosting the potential particular improve access to justice. Ministries of Environment, Power, Lanka, and improve food safety and export of organic agricultural products The programme will be mainly and Industries in order to support quality targeting exports. to the EU and other markets. He implemented by the United Nations a shift towards a competitive, “These three grants are a tangible added that the EU and Sri Lanka will Development Programme (UNDP) resource-efficient, low-carbon, and pledge of support by the European continue to work together to tackle and the United Nations Children's climate-resilient industrial sector in Union to Sri Lanka, targeting three the common challenges of climate Fund (UNICEF). Sri Lanka. It will help large, medium, priority areas,” said Ambassador change, which is a major EU priority. A sum of € 10 million (Rs. 2.31 and small industries to increase Chaibi. “The coronavirus pandemic The € 18 million (Rs. 4.16 billion) billion) will help improve food their environmental compliance has underscored the importance of Justice Sector Support programme, safety, quality, and promote organic and reduce emissions, as well as strengthening a country’s justice designed in close consultation with agriculture. The components, to enable the Government to achieve its system to ensure citizens are able to the relevant actors and institutions, be implemented by Food and international commitments pledged access justice in a timely, effective, will focus on providing capacity Agriculture Organisation (FAO) during the Paris Agreement to and fair manner.” development and technical assistance. and United Nations Industrial mitigate climate change. The business interaction session with industry professionals in progress Envoys to South India CSE climbs to HNB Assurance surpasses invite filmmakers to new heights explore Sri Lanka zRecords highest-ever the Rs. 10 b GWP mark daily market cap and Sri Lankan envoys to South available in Sri Lanka and Life insurance service provider India have recently requested promote Sri Lanka as a trade volume HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) has Indian industry professionals destination for shooting South The Colombo Stock Exchange surpassed the Rs. 10 billion mark who have been operating in Indian films. (CSE) yesterday recorded two in terms of its turnover for the year legal, film, and investment Welcoming the professionals, significant milestones, with the ended 31 December 2020, together sectors in South India to Acting Deputy High market capitalisation reaching an with its fully owned subsidiary explore the possibilities and Commissioner K. Kiritharan all-time high value of Rs. 3.25 HNB General Insurance Ltd. opportunities available for stressed the importance of trillion over 52,559 trades, which (HNBGI), the company noted in a making films in Sri Lanka. doing business with Sri Lanka is the highest number of trades disclosure to the Colombo Stock Accepting the request, an and cost advantages that can recorded within a market day. The Exchange (CSE) yesterday (13). “HNBA as a leading life insurer to achieve the impossible.” emerging player in the Tamil be gained due to the exclusive number of trades carried out today HNBA and HNBGI Chief has stood by its promise to take HNBGI COO Sithumina film industry B.E. Vijith proximity of Sri Lanka to the surpassed the previous record of Executive Officer (CEO) Prasantha good care of its customers and Jayasundara mentioned: stressed his intention to visit southern part of India. 49,921 achieved on 18 August Fernando shared: “The HNBA its employees, especially in an “Surpassing the Rs. 10 billion Sri Lanka with a group of Followed by his opening 2011. Group kickstarted the new year extremely volatile and challenging mark in revenue generation was film professionals comprising remarks, Third Secretary The CSE indices and overall with this remarkable achievement environment, and being at the a landmark achievement gained directors, producers, and (Commercial) Dilanga market activity continued their under its belt, despite the impact forefront of a competitive industry by the collective efforts and celebrities upon the resumption Hettiarachchi made a upward momentum, with both of an ongoing global pandemic. has exercised excellent business contribution of the agency channel, of airports for commercial comprehensive presentation on indices showcasing gains and the The group was able to achieve this strategy, product innovation, and corporate sales unit, takaful unit, flights. Further he urged trade, investment, and tourism turnover figure crossing Rs. 9 covetous milestone in terms of its service enhancement initiatives to broker, and leasing channels. It his interest to meet with Sri opportunities available in Sri billion, recording a daily average gross written premium (GWP) as deliver outstanding returns to all surely is a massive achievement for Lanka’s leading TV channels, Lanka and highlighted the turnover of Rs. 7.4 billion, eight a result of a well-curated business stakeholders. any entity, especially considering professionals, film producers, concessions available under trading days into 2021. strategy, service excellence, “As an entity that holds great the current economic backdrop. and directors. the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade The benchmark All Share Price product deliverables to suit the responsibility within the financial As we ring in 2021, we firmly This request was made Agreement (ISFTA). Index (ASPI) gained 160.99 points, needs of our customers, and an services sector of the country, believe that HNBA and HNBGI during a business interaction Moreover, senior advocate closing the day on 7,443.23, which efficient claims settlement process, achieving the Rs. 10 billion will strive to deliver even better, session with industry K.K. Sivasshanmugam is the highest recorded since 21 all delivered by a team of happy mark during a time of economic achieving greater stability and professionals who have been expressed his interest to August 2015, showcasing a gain of and motivated employees. The uncertainty has aptly demonstrated growth in accordance with the new operating in legal, film, and provide their consultation 75% since falling to its lowest point management is indeed grateful to the group’s agility and business benchmarks set in the industry. investment sectors in South generously whenever the in a decade on 12 May 2020. The have witnessed this achievement, strategies executed meticulously Every single employee of the India, organised by Sri Lanka mission requires legal S&P SL20 index, which includes especially during these testing to transform unprecedented company has contributed to this Deputy High Commission assistance. The Acting Deputy the 20 largest and most liquid times.” challenges into opportunities. significant achievement, and the in Chennai. The objective of High Commissioner agreed to stocks, also increased by 39 points Sharing his views, HNBA I’m thankful to the dedication management of HNBGI is thankful the session was to make the facilitate their visit and enticed to close on 2,782.17. Chief Operating Officer (COO) and commitment of our dynamic and remains confident of the future professionals aware of business the participants to invest in Sri Lasitha Wimalaratne stated: teams, and for their fabulous drive outlook of the company.” and investment opportunities Lanka. HSBC named ‘Best Global Cash Manager’ by Euromoney Cash Management Survey 2020 Globally, HSBC was named the Best was awarded the number one slot in 22 Respondents were asked to indicate they have placed in us as their financial Global Cash Manager by Corporates markets including Sri Lanka, Mexico, which banks they currently use most for partner. It’s always great to hear it straight in the Euromoney Cash Management Hong Kong, Egypt, Ireland US, UK, their cash management services and to from our customers and to know that the Survey 2020, for the ninth consecutive Canada, and Australia, amongst others. rate their most used cash managers from hard work the team has been putting in year, retaining the bank’s position as the Each year, Euromoney surveys cash “Unsatisfactory” to “Exceptional” across is making a difference for many of them, global market leader in cash management. managers, treasurers, and financial various service categories. especially in a year when they have really HSBC also retained the number one officers worldwide to rank and assess HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives Head needed us. I see this as a reflection of ranking in Asia-Pacific and the Middle their top providers of cash management of Wholesale Banking Stuart Rogers our commitment to consistently deliver East, and was named number one services. For 2020, the survey was commented: “This is fantastic news to excellent results for our customers. I’m regional cash manager for corporates in split into separate questionnaires for close an incredibly challenging year. I very proud of what we have achieved and North America. Overall, for 2020, HSBC corporations and financial institutions. want to thank our customers for the trust there’s no better way to step into 2021.” the morning 7 Thursday, January 14, 2021 ECONOMY/CORPORATE Inflation: Why does it matter?

BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI present. Sri Lanka’s economy was the Maldives at the rate of -0.89. In affected significantly due to two addition, excelling countries in Asia We are certain to have major events: Easter Sunday attacks also consisted of the lowest rates of come across our parents in 2019 and the global Covid-19 inflation. This includes countries of complaining that they were pandemic in 2020. the United Arab Emirates (UAE) able to buy more groceries Due to the Easter Sunday at the rate of -2.41, followed by for a certain amount of attacks, Sri Lanka faced a series Malaysia at the rate of -1.7 and money a few years back of challenges including the effects Bahrain with the inflation rate of than they are able to buy on tourism, loss of investor -3.6, ranking it to be the lowest today for the same amount confidence, foreign debt issues, inflation rate in Asia as of 2019. of money because the prices higher defence spending, and lower The ideal inflation rate for Sri tax revenue. Lanka would be a low rate between of goods and services were Furthermore, along with the 2.0 and 3.0. As it is not ideal to comparably much lower back series of challenges the people of adjust to the low rates of 0.5-1.5 then. Sri Lanka has faced in regard to yet, the economy of Sri Lanka At the time, have you ever the pandemic, the economy of the would benefit significantly with a wondered what the reason could be country has also been impacted low rate of 2.0-3.5. behind this? Before we contemplate significantly with a rising rate of Lastly, there are two policies and the answer for this question, let’s inflation. The built-in inflation, the three factors that can influence a fall ponder the question “why is the impact, and the significance of the in inflation. These policies include cost of borrowing increasing”. The impact caused by these two major the Monetary Policy and the Fiscal answer to all these questions is events can be recognised in the Policy followed by the factors of inflation. figures above in the recent activity control money supply, supply-side Today, The Morning Business is of inflation in Sri Lanka. policies/productivity growth, and taking a look at inflation, its causes, The rising rates of inflation have low commodity prices. and impacts on the Sri Lankan impacted Sri Lanka in a number Moreover, the Monetary Policy economy and ways to address it. of ways. The general impacts of includes the Central Bank raising seek to acquire them will need to better. This redistribution of the finance investment. high interest rates are higher cost interest rates. Higher interest rates What is inflation? pay more. purchasing power will also occur An effect that can be noted of living, cost of doing business, raise the cost of borrowing, and Inflation is the decline of Their ability to do so will between international trading will be that when savers have borrowing money, mortgages, reduce lending and consumer purchasing power of a given depend on the degree to which partners. substituted money holding for corporate, and government bond spending. This moderates economic currency over time. The main two the consumer’s income is fixed. Where fixed exchange rates are lending on financial markets, yields. growth and reduces inflationary types of inflation are demand-pull Increases in payments to workers imposed, higher inflation in one and the role of those markets in Moderate inflation, once its pressure. The Fiscal Policy involves inflation and cost-push inflation. and pensioners often lag behind economy than another will cause channelling savings into investment expectation is incorporated the government and can moderate Demand-pull inflation occurs inflation, and for some people, the the former’s exports to become is undermined. For example, an into nominal interest rates, inflationary pressures through when the economy grows quickly income is fixed. Also, individuals more expensive and thus affect increased desire to save could not would give those interest tight Fiscal Policy. In addition, and starts to become unstable, or institutions with cash assets the balance of trade. There can push interest rates further down rates room to go both up and supply-side policies/productivity where aggregate demand (AD) will experience a decline in the also be negative impacts on trade (and thereby stimulate investment), down in response to shifting growth involves some inflationary will increase faster than aggregate purchasing power of the cash. from an increased instability in but would instead cause additional investment opportunities, pressures that can be reduced by supply (LRAS). Wage push Increases in the price level currency exchange prices caused by money hoarding, driving consumer or savers’ preferences, and supply-side policies. inflation is an economic concept (inflation) erode the real value of unpredictable inflation. prices further down and making thus allow financial markets that involves a combination of money (the functional currency) If inflation becomes too high, it investment in consumer goods Why is it important to to function in a more normal address this? demand-pull and cost-push inflation and other items with an underlying can cause people to severely curtail production, thereby, less attractive. manner where rising wages cause inflation. monetary nature. their use of currency, leading to Moderate inflation, once its Sri Lanka has been facing a Another form of inflation Negative effects of inflation acceleration in the inflation rate. expectation is incorporated into general increase in inflation that involves imported inflation where involve high or unpredictable High and accelerating inflation nominal interest rates, would give How can SL address its initiated from 2018 for a series depreciation in the exchange rate inflation rates that are regarded as grossly interferes with the normal those interest rates room to go inflation issues? of years, which has been harmful will make imports more expensive, harmful to an overall economy, as workings of the economy, hurting both up and down in response to Policymakers and economists for the economy. As evidence and thereby causing increased prices they add inefficiencies in the market its ability to supply goods. Other shifting investment opportunities, or generally believe that an acceptable theory support that low inflation due to this exchange rate effect. and make it difficult for companies negative effects of inflation savers’ preferences, and thus allow inflation rate is around 2% or a has many benefits which help Demand inflation encourages to budget or plan in the long term. involve the rise in price levels and financial markets to function in a bit below. This is due to the fact improve the economic performance economic growth since the excess Due to the Easter Sunday interest rates, decrease in domestic more normal manner. that low inflation contributes of the economy, such as increased demand and favourable market attacks, Sri Lanka faced a investment in foreign countries Inflation in Sri Lanka towards economic stability, which investment, Sri Lanka’s economy conditions will stimulate investment series of challenges including due to the high price, exchange encourages saving, investment, would benefit more from aiming to and expansion. Hence, any factor the effects on tourism, loss of rate depreciation, decrease in net Inflation rates in Sri Lanka have and economic growth, and lower inflation rate such as 2% by that increases aggregate demand investor confidence, foreign exports, and decrease in aggregate changed drastically within the past helps maintain international inducing the following suggested can cause inflation. debt issues, higher defence demand. three years. The National Consumer competitiveness. The evidence that changes for the betterment of the Built-in inflation is a type of spending, and lower tax Positive effects Price Index (NCPI), for all items low inflation rates depict economic economy of the country. inflation that results from past revenue for November 2020, was 139.8, growth and stability can be seen As nearly all economists suggest events and persists in the present. The positive effects of inflation an increase of 0.7 index points (or above in the rates of inflation the benefits of low inflation rates, This form of inflation can be seen in Inflation can also act as a drag involve nominal wages that are 0.5%) compared to October, which in Asia as well as of developed governments usually target an Sri Lanka where results from events on productivity, as companies are slowing to adjust downwards. was 139.1. countries such as the US, the UK, inflation rate of around 2%. in the economy affect inflation. For forced to shift resources away from Nominal wages are wages The Department of Census and and Australia. The rate of inflation This moderate but low rate of instance, events such as the Easter products and services to focus on expressed in a monetary form Statistics (DCS) reports that the of the US was set at the rate of inflation is considered the best Sunday attacks in 2019 and the profit and losses from currency which do not take into account overall rate of inflation, as measured 1.7, followed by the rate in the UK compromise between avoiding the global Covid-19 pandemic have had inflation. Uncertainty about the changes in prices. by the NCPI on a year-on-year which was set at 1.74, along with costs of inflation and also avoiding significant impacts in the inflation. future purchasing power of money Since inflation allows real wages (YoY) basis, is 5.2% for November the rate of Australia which was set the costs of deflation (when prices discourages investment and saving. to fall even if nominal wages are 2020, down from 5.5% in October at 1.61. These figures also suggest fall). Firstly, if inflation is low and The impact Inflation can also impose hidden kept constant, moderate inflation 2020. The moving average inflation that a low inflation rate will reflect stable, firms will be more confident When the general level of tax increases. For instance, inflated enables labour markets to reach for November 2020 was reported at positively to the economy. and optimistic to invest; this will prices rise, each monetary unit or earnings push taxpayers into higher equilibrium faster. The primary 6.3%, up 0.1% from October. The Lebanon included the highest lead to an increase in productive consumer buys fewer goods and income tax rates, unless the tax tools for controlling the money month-on-month change in index rate of inflation in Asia at the rate capacity and enable higher rates services. The impact of inflation brackets are indexed to inflation. supply are the ability to set the value saw contributions of 0.34% of 133 in 2019, followed by the rate of economic growth in the future. differs on different sectors of the With high inflation, the interest rate, the rate at which banks for food items and 0.13% for non- of inflation in India which was set If inflation is allowed to increase economy, with some sectors being purchasing power is redistributed can borrow from the central bank, food items. at 6.93. Japan included a low rate of because Monetary Policy is too adversely impacted while others from those on fixed nominal and open market operations, which Several studies have been -0.9, followed by China at the low lax, there could be an economic benefit. For example, segments incomes, such as pensioners whose are the Central Bank’s interventions conducted with respect to the rate of 0.2. Moreover, a country that boom, but if this economic in society which own physical pensions are not indexed to the into the bonds market with the aim determinants of inflation in Sri has a growing and stable economy growth is above the long run trend assets such as property and stock price level, towards those with of affecting the nominal interest Lanka. Firstly, built-in inflation such as Singapore was set at the rate of growth, it is likely to be benefit from the price/value of their variable incomes, whose earnings rate. The lower real rate of interest refers to inflation that results from inflation rate of -0.1, followed by unsustainable and the boom will be holdings going up, albeit those who may keep pace with the inflation would induce more borrowing to past events and persists in the Thailand at the rate of -0.27 and followed by a bust (recession). Mastercard launches ‘Cloud Tap on Phone’

Mastercard has partnered with delivery, or provide faster line- Acceptance Solutions Group Global Currently, Mastercard’s Tap on NMI and Global Payments Inc. skipping checkout in-store – options Head Milan Gauder. “Our partners Phone solution is in 16 markets to launch its first live “Cloud Tap that are increasingly important as are the centre of everything we do, across Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin on Phone” pilot with Computer consumers look to touch-free cash and our trusted technology powers America, North America, the Engineering Group (CEG), a alternatives. innovative experiences, choice, Middle East, and Africa. Pilots California-based independent IT With the introduction of Cloud flexibility, and certainty, creating the are taking place with partners in services provider. Point of Sale (POS), Mastercard products they need. Mastercard’s Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Poland, Cloud Tap on Phone is one of is enhancing its Tap on Phone Cloud Tap on Phone delivers on Kazakhstan, Romania, Canada, Mastercard’s innovative next- product and empowering ecosystem our promise of ground-breaking Belarus, Russia, Turkey, and the generation acceptance products, partners to develop their own cloud- products and innovation.” UK, among other markets. with the software hosted on based products with new tools and Development of Cloud POS NMI is a leading card payment Microsoft’s Azure Cloud platform. capabilities. technology and the Cloud Tap on gateway, processing over 1.2 In the third quarter of 2020, Cloud POS moves key parts Phone product has been spearheaded billion transactions a year from contactless penetration represented of the acceptance software – by Mastercard Labs, the company’s retail POS, e-commerce, and 41% of in-person purchase the components that enable new product development arm. The self-service terminals. Global transactions globally, up from 37% the processing of contactless pilot with CEG follows live product Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is in the second quarter and 30% a transactions and certain security testing on Mastercard’s Purchase, a leading pure play payments year ago. functions – from the individual New York campus. technology company delivering Tap on Phone democratises point- smartphone to the cloud, Mastercard will make its pre- anywhere in the world. Cloud POS is a product of innovative software and services of-sale technology by turning an offering robust security, reducing certified Cloud POS software “We continue to see an Mastercard’s multi-cloud strategy, to our customers globally. Android smartphone or tablet into development and maintenance costs, development kit (SDK) openly accelerating shift to digital meeting businesses, consumers, Headquartered in Georgia an acceptance device, allowing and creating scalable distribution available, encouraging solution payments, with businesses of all financial institutes, and partners with nearly 24,000 employees businesses to accept contactless channels by allowing immediate providers, fintechs, acquirers, sizes wanting to provide swift, in the cloud with innovative worldwide, Global Payments is payments while minimising the connectivity to partners. Cloud and processors to innovate and secure, compelling point-of-sale applications and services. The a member of the S&P 500 with need to invest in hardware terminals POS also becomes a new channel co-create new cloud-first products. experiences. Cloud POS enables us company will conduct further Cloud worldwide reach spanning over or extra features. Merchants can for Mastercard’s partners to bring Mastercard’s pilot with CEG to make these experiences available Tap on Phone pilots and commercial 100 countries throughout North offer enhanced and accelerated value-added services to customers represents the first live deployment to our partners with greater speed deployments in other markets in America, Europe, Asia Pacific, curb-side pick-up or payment on and businesses. of Mastercard Cloud Tap on Phone and efficiency,” said Mastercard’s 2021. and Latin America. 8 the morning CORPORATE Thursday, January 14, 2021 NDB Wealth invites prosperity Fairfirst achieves for Thai Pongal National Development an especially lucky time to Bank (NDB) Wealth embark on new ventures. invited Sri Lanka to herald So this is the ideal time to prosperity this Thai Pongal, fully prepare for not only 30% market share celebrating the first harvest the coming year, but also Health insurer Fairfirst Furthermore, with new members of the season, the bank for all the years to come by Insurance stated it has to the Fairfirst family, Fairfirst announced in a press release. prioritising on investment achieved a market share of Health Unlimited is driven by the Traditionally and savings. NDB Wealth’s over 30%, currently insuring leadership of Mihiri Seneviratne, commemorated with the team of experts will help you every third corporate an industry veteran with over 20 boiling of the first rice to set up a financial plan that employee, and has insured years of experience, who has gained harvest grown in the new will not only address your more than 500,000 individuals knowledge from many local as year, Thai Pongal dates current situation, but will under its corporate health well as multinational companies, back over 2,000 years and also help you to face future insurance schemes which have namely CTC Eagle Insurance, is a festival celebrated with commitments,” he added. expanded with the launch Union Assurance, AIG, AIA General many customs. Families Money Plus Fund by NDB counselling and wellbeing in addition and customisable access to sound Insurance, and Allianz Insurance unite to partake in activities Wealth suggests that it is of its new solution, Fairfirst to what is covered under a traditional healthcare and treatment, which is Lanka, to add insight and competency like cooking “Pongal” sweet ideal for both individuals Health Unlimited. hospitalisation cover, followed by why I am thrilled about Fairfirst in her new appointment. Also on rice and drawing intricate, and institutions to meet Fairfirst Health Unlimited claims the benefit of enabling employees to Health Unlimited, because as an board is Sahan Amarasinghe, a young colourful rice flour patterns short and long-term fund to be self-explanatory, as it is access healthcare and treatment while empathetic insurer, we can create and and dynamic Underwriting Manager, at the entrances of their requirements. The fund designed to enable sustainable and maintaining social distancing. Thus, provide a sensible solution across bringing with him over eight years of homes. claims to be beneficial for personalised healthcare for corporates the cover not only promotes working the board to maintaining sustainable experience in health insurance. “Thai Pongal is a key busy individuals who have of all sizes. The key objective of from home, but also wellbeing healthcare,” stated Fairfirst Insurance Apart from the new members is festival, bearing much limited time to keep track Fairfirst Health Unlimited is to offer at home through services such as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Madhawa Perera, who has worked cultural and religious of their ongoing finances, an insurance solution that enables virtual consultations with health Priyantha Perera. at Fairfirst for the past six years significance for Tamils. It as income is credited daily, managing multiple objectives on professionals and doorstep medicine Fairfirst stated that this new and brings expertise in claims heralds a season of prosperity relieving them of that extra health, wellbeing, and organisational delivery. offering is not just about launching management. Fairfirst has also for the new year, with burden. goals, while ensuring all employees Additionally, tracking and a product, but also about creating designed a specialist role of Chief letting go of the old and NDB claims that it is and their family members receive managing employees’ health a whole new team to redefine Sri Medical and Wellbeing Advisor, inviting the new, particularly an investment that helps a sensible safety net that assists in insurance benefits and limits from Lanka’s health insurance market. which is headed by Dr. Manula new thoughts, ideas, and consumers meet the obtaining the right treatment at the anywhere with a proprietary e-portal Believing in the golden rule of Rathnayake. His medical expertise is measures, to welcome additional expenses that right price. is another advantage of the policy, “treating others the same way we utilised in all wellness and healthcare abundance, allowing people come up during festivals or Cover/benefit customisation as well as ensuring world-class would want to be treated”, the words initiatives across Fairfirst. In addition, to enter into prosperous any other situation. Currently, ensures it suits the unique service through an efficient process health and wellbeing represent key it is stated that he will also be a times,” commented NDB the Money Plus fund yields requirements and goals of employees in managing claim settlements, the pillars of their own corporate culture, part of the team in designing and Wealth Management 6.20% per annum as at 7 as well as the organisation, and the company stated. known as the “Fairfirst Way”. In the executing wellness and healthcare Manager Ranuka De Silva. January 2021, with the added policy offers a proactive approach “We remain focused on looking at spirit of the Fairfirst Way of driving initiatives as the company progresses “An auspicious period to flexibility to withdraw all of to managing and maintaining good ways to improve ourselves and how employee health and wellbeing, towards introducing world-class shift your spending habits, the deposited funds at any health, such as routine check-ups. we deliver the best to our customers. the company has stated to have medical insurance propositions in the Thai Pongal is known to be time without a penalty. Another advantage involves One of the basic mandatory needs established a specialised team to back market for employees, corporates, providing access to mental of our community is affordable this unique proposition. and individuals. Vivo and ZEISS enter Uber marks five years in Sri Lanka global partnership Uber marked its fifth anniversary in Sri Lanka on 12 January 2021, during Vivo and ZEISS announced which it has served 1.8 a long-term strategic million riders, completed partnership to jointly promote more than 53 million trips, and develop innovations in and created livelihood mobile imaging technology on opportunities for 110,000 17 December 2020. The first drivers. “Vivo ZEISS co-engineered Since its launch in 2015, imaging system” will be Uber Sri Lanka claims featured in the Vivo X60 to have successfully series. transformed the mobility As part of the collaboration landscape of the agreement, Vivo and ZEISS country offering citizens leading product innovations responsibility for everyone plan to establish the “Vivo convenient, affordable, and such as Uber Medic, using the platform. ZEISS Imaging Lab”, a joint efficient transport options. a service to transport Additionally, Uber also research and development In 2019, Uber added frontline healthcare re-launched its on-trip (R&D) programme to innovate Moto to its product workers to and from their 24x7 Safety Helpline in mobile imaging technology for portfolio, claiming to homes and health care the country, which allows Vivo’s flagship smartphones. The event announcing the partnership between Vivo and ZEISS become the first bike taxi facilities, and offered free riders to get in touch with The collaboration is designed starting point to create new developed generations of purported to be a milestone service in the country, rides worth Rs. 8.5 million, Uber’s safety team for an to allow Vivo and ZEISS, opportunities for mobile mobile products favoured and case for future mobile ideal for short distance providing transport for Sri urgent, non-emergency a global leader in optics imaging and enable more trusted by consumers. imaging. Both parties have commutes at affordable Lanka. issue, such as reporting a and opto-electronics as creativity, so as to support In the era of smartphone planned to work together to price points. Furthermore, by dispute or a breakdown well as a pioneer in the the long-term and healthy photography, Vivo claims facilitate mobile imaging “As we reach this leveraging its tech while on a trip and up to field of professional and development of the entire to have anticipated the focused on complementary milestone, we are expertise, the company one hour post the trip. mobile imaging, to build on industry,” said Vivo Senior strong demands of global capabilities. On the one hand, committed to growing claims to be the first to The Safety Helpline is in each other’s strengths and Vice President and Chief consumers for mobile imaging ZEISS’ optical technologies our business in Sri launch a comprehensive addition to the existing advance mobile photography Marketing Officer (CMO) innovations. As a result, it and expertise would improve Lanka with continued set of tech-enabled safety in-app SOS button found in technology. Spark Ni. considers imaging innovation the optical performance of and focused market and measures for helping riders the Safety Toolkit. In addition to the joint R&D “The partnership between to be one of the most important mobile imaging, taking mobile product innovations. As feel safe, every time they As the lockdown was programme, the companies Vivo and ZEISS is all about areas for serving consumers’ optical imaging of Vivo’s people start commuting use Uber. lifted and people resumed will launch the “Vivo ZEISS mobile imaging,” said ZEISS needs in the long term. To flagship smartphones to a in the new normal, we’ll This includes an travel, Uber states to Master Photography” Head Joerg Schmitz. “The date, Vivo has established new level. On the other hand, continue to leverage our interactive Go Online be the first ridesharing campaign to promote the Vivo breadth of ZEISS’s decades- image R&D centres globally, Vivo, with 380 million users technology to help Sri Checklist, a mandatory company to launch tuk ZEISS co-engineered imaging long expertise with optical employing more than 700 worldwide, claims to have an Lanka ‘build back better,’ mask policy for both riders rentals in Sri Lanka with system and to inspire users technologies and imaging will R&D staff. understanding of consumer offer mobility solutions and drivers, industry-first a 24x7 on-demand service to enjoy their creativity with enable Vivo to enhance the Vivo and ZEISS stated they preferences in mobile imaging. that suit the changing needs pre-trip mask verification that allows riders to book Vivo’s flagship smartphones. imaging performance of its share the same goals, with With joint development of our riders, and support selfies for riders and affordable multi-hour, “Through the partnership, flagship smartphones.” an allied focus on premium and co-engineering of optical our community of drivers drivers, and mandatory multi-stop options to travel ZEISS imaging technology Over the past 25 years, technology and design. components with ZEISS, who are determined to driver education on in the “new normal”. will be enjoyed by many more Vivo claims to have gained an This mutual compatibility combined with Vivo’s earn despite the economic safety procedures. The Through its technology consumers. Based on the understanding of consumers’ is expected to pave the way integrated imaging capabilities, challenges brought about company has also updated expertise, partnerships, and synergy and complementarity differentiated needs through for innovations, defining a Vivo plans to provide by Covid-19,” said Uber its cancellation policy, product innovation, Uber of optical expertise and new comprehensive research. With foundation that will shape consumers worldwide with a Sri Lanka Head Subodh allowing both riders and aims to support Sri Lanka’s digital technologies, Vivo constant consumer insight- this ongoing strategic global more appealing, easier-to-use, Sangwan. drivers to cancel trips road to recovery and help and ZEISS intend to make driven R&D and innovation imaging partnership. and more professional mobile During the pandemic, if they don’t feel safe, the country build back the strategic collaboration a efforts, Vivo stated it has This collaboration is photography experience. Uber launched several driving a shared sense of better after the pandemic. APIIT hosts global expert Simon Anholt at virtual conclave The Postgraduate School of the of nearly 60 countries, cities and Index, he has also produced two and reputation, public diplomacy, the common good of humanity, and Asia Pacific Institute of Information regions, helping them engage more major global surveys tracking public cultural policy and cultural relations, what it takes away, relative to its size. Technology (APIIT) will feature Simon productively and imaginatively with perceptions of countries and cities, regional integration, immigration The Netherlands came top of the Good Anholt on Friday (15) at 6:30 p.m. at the international community. He has namely the Anholt-Ipsos Nation and related areas of social policy, Country Index’s third edition. the Virtual Conclave themed “Meeting written six books about countries, their Brands Index and City Brands Index, sustainability, educational, policy, “Given that the overall 2021 global the Expert at APIIT Forum”, hosted by images and their role in the world. in partnership with the research group trade, export promotion, tourism, growth is projected at 5.4% with Sri Dr. Rohantha Athukorala. The theme of His latest book, The Good Country Ipsos-Mori. He is also the Founding security and defense, foreign direct Lanka targeting +5% GDP growth, it the event is “Good Country Index and Equation: How We Can Repair Editor Emeritus of the academic investment, talent attraction, and major will be interesting to understand the its relevance to Sri Lanka”. the World in One Generation, was journal, Place Branding and Public international events. implications of the Good Country Over the last 20 years, Simon published in October 2020. Diplomacy. He is the founder of the Good Index to Sri Lanka, which is why Anholt has advised presidents, prime In addition to his best-known The strategies he advocates a Country Index, which measures what APIIT is hosting this session,” said Dr. Simon Anholt ministers, monarchs, and governments research project, the Good Country country to pursue are national identity each country on earth contributes to Athukorala. 9 the morning Thursday, January 14, 2021

Madeon to headline Quote for music, gaming, the day and street art fest “You can make A new digital music festival, more friends in two wwfest: VALORANT, will feature the months by becoming convergence of competitive gaming, interested in other live music, and street art. Presented people than you can by Crown Channel and Riot Games, in two years by trying the debut event is set to feature to get other people a headlining performance from interested in you.” Grammy Award-nominated Good –Dale Carnegie Faith artist Madeon. brunchSri Lankan films to feature in New Delhi-based Rising Gardens COLOURS Film Festival BY VENESSA ANTHONY The festival showcases 48 films from 11 countries, OF CHOICE As an art form, film is particularly ranging from a wide variety effective at presenting a snapshot of a of international favourites to Legal and political challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community particular setting, whether real or fictional. community videos, from classics In looking at films that effectively project to debut and student films such settings, the Rising Gardens Film Festival was organised to encourage introspection and debate about themes Her next film spins a story on the life revolving around various cultures and of children's book writer and illustrator, BY NAVEED ROZAIS prosecutions against the LGBTIQ+ historical aspects of many countries. The now late Sybil Wettasinghe. Wettasinghe community led by the Police since 2018. festival presented by by One Billion Rising was inspired by the small fact that as a little The Yeheliya Foundation held the second edition of their “Colours Speaking further on transgender South Asia, Sangat and Kriti Film Club girl, she would go with her grandmother of Choice” webinar series on 10 January. Colours of Choice focuses acceptance, Dr. Weerawardhana and curated by Reena Mohan also hopes to the forest early morning to bathe in the on the vast challenges faced by the LGBTIQ+ community, and how explained that since 2015 or 2016, a to provide an opportunity to see the works river while birds flew ahead and animals society can support inclusivity, the advancement of LGBTIQ+ rights, circular issued by the Ministry of Health of independent filmmakers in a climate of scurried about. In just a mere seven minutes, and their acceptance. has been in place allowing transgender increasingly corporatised media. Tennekoon portrays how such a simple persons to officially change their gender In hosting this festival online, they act sparked Wettasinghe’s passion for Moderated by Yeheliya Foundation sex was permissible, provided it lead to from the one they were born with to have simplified the concept of having creating many of her children’s stories Director and Attorney-at-Law Tarangee reproductive (vaginal) sex. the one they identify with on national conversations across geographical with its distinct drawings and enchanting Mutucumarana, the second edition Wickramasinghe expressed documents. Dr. Weerawardhana stressed boundaries. Their main objective is to storytelling that we all know and love. of Colours of Choice focused on the that these laws shouldn’t exist in that while this right does exist, it is on share stories that resonate, have nuance, REGISTRATION: legal and political challenges faced by any society, because it is a gross very thin ice because this is merely a and capture the essence of our multiple and https://forms.gle/GKjubxgFAcL3y2di6 the LGBT+ community, consulting interference for consensual sexual circular, and thus can be overturned at any shared realities. (via Rising Gardens Film Festival with iProbono Equality Director, activity to be policed. Wickramasinghe time. Furthermore, Dr. Weerawardhana The festival showcases 48 films from on Facebook) LGBTIQ+ advocate, and Solicitor- also addressed why these laws explained that the circular pathologises 11 countries, ranging from a wide variety At-Law Aritha Wickramasinghe, and haven’t changed in Sri Lanka, and transgender people, requiring that they of international favourites to community academic, LGBTIQ+ rights activist, and highlighted that other colonies have be diagnosed with gender dysphoria videos, from classics to debut and student FOUR WEEKENDS, political affairs analyst Dr. Chamindra since challenged the constitutionality to legally change genders – a process films. In addition to the two films from FOUR MONTHS, Weerawardhana. of these laws in the years following that can sometimes be complicated by Sri Lanka directed by Irushi Tennekoon, The panel discussed the laws that their independence. Wickramasinghe discrimination and lack of awareness the festival will also showcase films FOUR THEMES impact the LGBTIQ+ community, further commented that the Sri Lankan within the healthcare system. from Australia, Bosnia, Canada, France, with Wickramasinghe explaining Constitution doesn't allow for judicial Wickramasinghe and Dr. India, Nepal, the Netherlands, Pakistan, COSMIC CONNECTIONS that homosexuality in Sri Lanka is review, which means that laws can Weerawardhana also spoke about the Philippines, and the US. women and nature criminalised under Penal Code Sections only be changed by Parliament, where discrimination the LGBTIQ+ people often Tennekoon will be presenting her films 365 and 365A, which prohibit “carnal many members are elected because face at the hands of law enforcement, under the subcategory Cosmic Connections, 9 films/six countries intercourse against the order of nature”, of racist, sexist, homophobic, and with Wickramasinghe referencing recent cases where members of the LGBTIQ+ representing women and nature. Both her 15 to 17 January 2021 which is essentially interpreted as any other discriminatory agendas, and are films are animated and centre around two form of sex that is not for the purpose unlikely to push for changes to be made community were subjected to forced anal strong women, who after being touched by of reproduction. Strictly speaking, to the legislature. and vaginal exams. nature, have had a significant impact in the FIELDS OF SORROW, this would apply to any form of non- Wickramasinghe noted that despite On coming out as LGBTIQ+, country. FIELDS OF HOPE reproductive sex – be it oral sex, anal sex, these challenges, there is still positive Wickramasinghe explained that young One of her films features an animated women and agriculture intercrural sex (thigh sex), and mutual progress being made: Transgender people today have more opportunities version of Sri Lankan marine biologist masturbation when committed by anyone, identities are legally and medically and access to information than ever and ocean educator Dr. Asha de Vos, who 10 films + 10 community videos/ homosexual or heterosexual. accepted, and the Attorney General before, but that this doesn’t mean that talks about the blue whale skeleton at the four countries Furthermore, Wickramasinghe has, on multiple occasions from 2014 there is less bigotry. However, bigots do have more opportunities to unlearn their Colombo National Museum that inspired 12 to 14 February 2021 shared that the law has even been used to to 2019, stated that laws set forth in her as a child. The four-minute film also prosecute heterosexuals, citing Singapore the Penal Code cannot be used in a bigotry. describes de Vos’ struggles as a South as an example, where men started being discriminatory manner towards the The Colours of Choice series can Asian woman, employed in the field of COMMUNITY AND prosecuted for receiving oral sex, to the LGBTIQ+ community. Despite this, be viewed in its entirety on the Yeheliya science, where she says she was constantly SUSTENANCE point that a judgement was made that oral however, there have been active Foundation Facebook page. dismissed at meetings for being too young women and food and too female and was spoken to in a very patronising tone, all of which she Six films/three countries had to overcome over the 12 to 14 March years. MOVING MOUNTAINS women and solidarities 12 films/five countries 16 to 18 April 2021 10 the morning TRAVEL Thursday, January 14, 2021 Sri Lanka through a lens

Santhush Weerakoon talks about Weerakoon said, sharing that he did not enjoy being confined to a his viral capture and more The picture house when his heart was set on everyone is being amongst nature. He noted that talking about: Sri Pada Temple there is no harm in travelling now, from afar as the general public have not been instructed to stay put. He advises all aspiring travellers to be safe, but to also take the chance, go out there and enjoy the wonders Sri Lanka has to offer. “You have to take safety into your own hands. I didn’t want to cut down on my travelling, as long as Captures by there are no curfews. It was all in my Santhush Weerakoon control.” while on his travels Santhush travels locally and La Vie, a coffee table book filled overseas as well, which is where with exciting images from his most of his interest in photography travels. The book includes all his stems from. In his spare time, he also art, tips on travelling, details of his enjoys painting, hiking, kite surfing, hobbies, and activities his readers and scuba diving, and describes can execute by themselves without himself as a child of the ocean. facing too many challenges. polish my skills as a photographer, In terms of photography, he has He published the book in already made his mark in Sri Lanka, I wanted to try out all aspects of hopes of promoting Sri Lanka by it and have adequate knowledge, after hosting an exhibition titled portraying all its natural attractions, “La Vie – Live Beyond”, in which so I can achieve my life’s goals in and highlighted that there is no need terms of being a photographer,” he he featured many of his paintings to pay absurd amounts of money to as well. Giving us a bit of insight commented. get stuck in a tour group, which you As a photographer, good into his thought process behind the probably won’t learn much from; exhibition, he said: “I wanted to weather is a key aspect in capturing instead, go on your own adventure the perfect image. Weerakoon noted highlight our connection with the – you’re bound to experience environment. There are so many that he’s been incredibly lucky so fascinating things and learn a lot far that he hasn’t travelled and people who only act like they care along the way. about the environment, photographed in adverse weather. PHOTOS SANTHUSH WEERAKOON but don’t take action. When did it all start? “You could have the most beautiful scenery surrounding you, but if it’s BY VENESSA ANTHONY opinion as a photographer on why It’s about getting He discovered his passion the photo was such a sensation: involved. Learning for photography when he was still a bad day, then the camera is not “It’s because Sri Pada is such an about your schooling, about 10 years ago. He going to capture its beauty. It might Santhush Weerakoon is a banker by profession and a travel just be a bad day, with a gloomy photographer by passion. Recently, Weerakoon embarked on iconic location. One was able to surroundings and has always had an avid interest in protecting what sky, but good lighting is key.” a journey to Maskeliya town in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, see a story just from the image wildlife, and with that came the itself; you can see the whole peak we have.” urge to document his travels and Weerakoon is not someone where he captured a breathtaking image of the Sri Pada and the temple right on the screen Apart from the who sits around all day, he loves Temple from the boutique hotel he was staying at, which experience, which is when he picked of the camera. We all know the exhibition, he also up his camera for the first time, and taking initiative and keeps going. gained admiration all over social media. wonders of Sri Pada; it’s a place that is the published eventually became a professional in “I live by experimenting and Weerakoon shared that he I was staying was about 7 km. To touches the hearts of many.” author of the field. experiencing new things. You had always wanted to travel to that capture something that sharp, you He added that he is quite “I wanted to share the world should keep moving forward and area, so he set off on a solo trip with need to have a bit of experience and happy it was shared that I saw with my own eyes with taking up whatever opportunity plans to do some sightseeing and skill.” He explained that you can’t amongst so many my friends, which is why I began comes your way, and 10-15 years take a few clicks along the way. He have your camera in your hand, people and that they photographing. That’s how I became down the line, you’ll have a bag informed us that he stayed at a small because the shaking of your hand were able to feel who I am.” Weerakoon has also full of memories that will fill you boutique hotel by the name Butterfly – no matter how steady you think it almost like they dabbled in drone photography and with a sense of accomplishment Mountain Lakeside. Once he woke is – transfers into the picture. This were looking at the underwater photography, from the and gratitude for life.” He up, he was greeted by this stunning image was captured by mounting temple with their times he went scuba diving. The explained there is a lot more to view, and couldn’t help but take a his camera on a steady tripod, and own eyes. resulting images are unrivalled; the being Sri Lankan, and travelling picture of it. putting his camera on a timer, as way in which he captured the secrets and exploring everything that our even pressing the shutter button The pandemic of the sea was almost magical and wonderful country has to offer us is The picture making the could ruin the whole image, no gives people the opportunity to one way to achieve that. and travelling Every year, Weerakoon tries matter how good your zoom lens is. The journey to experience these things through his rounds his best to learn and experience There were many aspects of Maskeliya happened photography. They are bound to Talking about the technical something new. For this year, his the photo that captivated people’s recently, amidst the invoke a feeling of wanderlust in the aspects of this image, he said: “The plans are simple: “I want to keep interest. Weerakoon shared his pandemic. He added that viewer. He emphasises that the more distance from the temple to where doing what I do. I want to achieve safety was the biggest factor time one spends around nature, the wider experiences and put myself when travelling, and that closer and stronger their connection out there.” at any given time, he didn’t to it grows. “You will begin to know for sure if there was empathise with the environment, anyone that could potentially and naturally feel strongly about @santhush_weerakoon be Covid-19 positive around protecting it from harm, which him, so taking all the will help in the conservation of our precautionary measures was natural resources and attractions that Captured Moments in the WILD a must. are currently threatened,” he shared. “I’m quite a frequent “Aerial photography traveller, so when the is quite common, but pandemic hit, it did not underwater photography A leopard in the wild bode well with me,” Santhush Weerakoon is not as readily found. To

Fox Kandy by Fox raise service standards SATA Resorts won the silver award of the tourism industry for “South Asia’s Best New within the regions. a hundred years old, has witnessed an Hotel/Resort” for 2020 at the Submissions for awards abundance of history, including occupation South Asia Travel Awards were received from by insurgents during the Sri Lankan civil Fox Kandy wins silver war. The hotel boasts 28 luxury rooms, (SATA) which was held as a hoteliers, travel agents, virtual event this year. Also, tour operators, and service sprawling lawns, Jaffna’s best swimming Fox Jaffna by Fox Resorts providers in the tourism pool, and two underground wartime bunkers for ‘South Asia’s Best was nominated for the industry from India, Sri that have been masterfully converted into “Leading Heritage Hotel” for Lanka, the Maldives, an art gallery and history museum, paying 2020. Nepal, and Bhutan, and tribute to the country’s and region’s history, New Hotel/Resort’ SATA is the first-ever over 450 international heritage, art, and craft. regional travel awards hospitality brands Fox Kandy was opened in 2019 and is ceremony endorsed by competed for awards in 42 located atop a cliff overlooking the stunning multinational associations, Fox Resorts CEO Chris Quyn categories. mountains of Hantana. The hotel features providing the tourism Fox Resorts, the sprawling manicured lawns and offers sector of the South Asian region boutique hospitality arm of the Capital 25 rooms, one suite, a gourmet cuisine with recognition towards their Maharaja Group, opened Fox Jaffna in restaurant, and a stunningly placed infinity facilities and service June 2018. The property, being over swimming pool. The misty mornings excellence. SATA aims experienced at Fox Kandy amidst the to encourage and stunning mountain vistas will no doubt stay etched in your memories forever. “We are thrilled to see a silver award won by Fox Kandy, and a nomination for an award for Fox Jaffna. This is a most valued acknowledgement during a very dark time for us due to the Covid-19 situation. We are honoured to have been considered in these categories among Fox Kandy won silver internationally renowned big brands,” said for ‘South Asia’s Best Fox Jaffna was nominated the Fox Resorts CEO Chris Quyn. New Hotel/Resort’ ‘Leading Heritage Hotel’ the morning 11 Thursday, January 14, 2021 PEOPLE/EVENTS Is the phrase BY ZEESHAN AKRAM JABEER Episode 1 of Mastering Mediocrity premiered on 12 September 2020 with Rushdi Sattar as a guest. Rushdi is a product developer, ‘customer sustainability advocate, and a longtime friend of mine. It goes without saying that this episode was one definitely worth your time if you are a fan of chill, “mediocre” conversations with a friend about knows best’ good food, some subtle gossip, and life in general. Episode transcribed by Amani Najumudeen. The corporate cliché “customer knows overrated? best” phrase has been used numerous times over the years and sometimes overused, Zeeshan also spoke about the hard, even though I was not doing well placing many content creators in complex numerous instances where he needed to mentally,” Zeeshan shared. situations. This phrase has also led to many keep calm, considering how sensitive He also reminisced about the erratic customers to feel “entitled” to voice over the some clients could be. Nevertheless, the kid he used to be and how his parents had professionals at hand, causing much distress duo made it evident that they love doing to send him to innumerable classes to to their minds. ÄÄ How did you cope with because they’re going to be born into this what they do no matter the cons. keep him occupied. “You know, there’s a lot more depth the boredom during this world of technology and everything is One common thing both Rushdi than just ‘I want this table’, and then when pandemic? going to be pre-programmed”. ÄÄ What differences did you and Zeeshan miss is the authentic taste we do something, they’re not satisfied, and Humans have become so engaged To put it mildly, this episode was experience after moving of shawarmas from Saudi Arabia. Their I am like exactly: ‘You didn’t specify what in their electronic devices to keep engaging and unmistakably loaded description about the shawarma with the we were supposed to do.’ It’s frustrating,” to Sri Lanka from Saudi themselves from feeling bored that they with humour. Mastering Mediocrity is chicken and pickles left all of us listeners said Rushadi. Arabia? don’t realise their brain’s creativity level nothing but a real look into the various drooling and craving for it. The duo did They further discussed the continuous “We grew up in Saudi Arabia, so I decreases drastically. lives of a typical Sri Lankan. not stop there. uncertainty in the customer’s minds on what was a good student there and everything Zeeshan mentioned how he is trying “The food was decadent, to say https://youtu.be/HfbGA-AYHMs they want, which certainly led to constant changed when we got here because we to minimise the time spent on social the least,” said Rushdi, as the wave changes to the product until it is delivered moved here at a very pivotal point when I media because it’s also really hard after a of nostalgia hit them. Whilst their to the customer. What spites these creators was a 12-year-old and there is such a big while of consumption; getting back into a conversation made us drool over all https://apple.co/3byJWSs most is the fact that sometimes the client difference between the cultures. state of creativity has become a daunting Arabian dishes, in their mind, if they isn’t well versed with the process of content Not to forget the trees and all kinds of task as he needs to start from scratch. had the chance to go for a vacation, they creating and thereby leads to them being animals and birds around. It was a tough They continued to empathise over would take it in a heartbeat. https://bit.ly/2XyVCfE unsatisfied with the end product. period and I was still expected to study “how it will be for the future children Nawaloka Hospitals launches SL’s first drive-thru and channelling lab new drive-through express lab for the Enables patients to first time in Sri Lanka has allowed access their diagnostic us to better serve the urgent needs of Hameedia Deputy Managing Director Hussain Sadique, Chief Guest MP requirements in six minutes all our patients who have placed their Premnath C. Dolawatta, Guest of Honour Diliganz Head of Operations invaluable trust in our services in a Randika Abeyrathna, and Signature Brand Manager Amjad Hameed Offers in-vehicle more efficient manner that guarantees the safety of all stakeholders. While Signature widens its PCR testing and earlier it generally took patients channeling facilities over 30 minutes to sort out their requirements, we are happy to network with Chilaw and Facilitates the collection state that the express lab has been Marino Mall showrooms of CT/MRI reports able to cut this time down to just six minutes,” opined Nawaloka Signature, one of Sri MTM allows customers to Hospitals Deputy Chairman Harshith Lanka’s leading home-grown get alterations done to existing Healthcare provider Nawaloka menswear brands, is eyeing and available ready-made Hospitals recently launched the Dharmadasa. This initiative intends to ensure an islandwide expansion pieces according to their fit. country’s very first state-of-the-art following the opening of two Furthermore, women’s clothing drive-thru express labs in Colombo Nawaloka the safety of both patients and Hospitals’ employees during this critical time new showrooms, Signature-X items are also available at the and Negombo. The express lab is drive-thru in Chilaw and Signature Store Chilaw showroom. fully geared to ensure safety, security, lab in in the country when the Covid-19 Colombo pandemic has forced individuals to at the Marino Mall in Colombo Sharing his thoughts, accuracy, and convenience in all its 3. While these latest showrooms Signature Brand Manager when they are ready. Patients are also Additionally, Nawaloka adhere to mandatory social distancing transactions. This first-of-its-kind bring the total number of Amjad Hameed stated: “We able to get CT and MRI reports, make Hospitals has set up a network guidelines. The lab’s Covid-19 laboratory was declared open by Signature showrooms to are excited to launch the latest channelling appointments, and secure of PCR collection centres at the safety protocol is founded upon Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Chairman eight, the company is already showrooms of Signature with appointments for ultrasound scans. Gampaha Nawaloka Medicare, recommended best practices deployed Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa and Deputy preparing to unveil their next the opening of Signature-X in Available at both Nawaloka Kandy Suwasewana Hospital, and the by both the Ministry of Health’s Chairman Harshith Dharmadasa. showroom in Panadura in Chilaw and Signature Store Hospitals Colombo and Negombo, Nawaloka Lab in Galle. The hospital (MOH) Epidemiology Unit and the Apart from carrying out January. at the Marino Mall, further patients just have to drive to the also currently harbours plans to set World Health Organisation (WHO). convenient, in-vehicle PCR tests, the The new showrooms will underscoring our position as the collection point and drop off up two new PCR collection centres in “The team at Nawaloka lab facilitates a spectrum of blood provide fashionable gentlemen most trusted youth menswear their testing samples or make Ratnapura and Kurunegala. Hospitals remains deeply invested and urine investigations, enabling the chance to purchase brand in Sri Lanka. These new appointments with the help of trained “With the recent spike in the in equipping patients with state-of- patients to dispatch the necessary trendy, high- quality products showrooms will provide a medical staff. By remaining in their number of Covid-19-positive cases the-art diagnostic capabilities in the testing samples in a record time from a large collection of platform for the brand to better own vehicles throughout, patients in Sri Lanka, safety has become a continuously evolving healthcare of six minutes right from their menswear that includes formal, connect with customers from minimise contact with other people, paramount concern of daily life. It has landscape, while also doing our vehicle. The reports of these tests ceremonial, smart casual, new geographical locations reducing the risk of infection for also increased the country’s need for best to support ’s ongoing can be emailed to them, viewed on casual, linen, party, suits, both in and out of the city of patients, medical professionals, and immediate, accurate, and convenient battle against this global pandemic,” the NawalokaCare mobile app, or shirts, blazers, and trousers. Colombo. This will allow the general public. diagnostic solutions. Launching this Harshith continued. collected from the drive-thru counter The showroom’s wide range Signature to further enhance the of leather products and men’s brand by bringing it to closer to accessories will guarantee new customers. that customers can find the “With the opening of Huawei nova 7i is one of the 1080x2310 resolution and 83.5% perfectly matching items for these two showrooms and the popular smartphones launched in screen-to-body ratio with minimum their new clothing purchases. upcoming Panadura showroom, HUAWEI nova 7i 2020 by the global smartphone bezels. Apart from the larger screen The spacious showrooms help we are also making steady brand Huawei. Nova 7i’s first (ideal for mobile gaming), its customers to shop at their own progress in our plans to expand attraction is its design with a upgraded GPU Turbo technology pace in a relaxed environment, the Signature market in Sri hits Lankan stores matte finish similar to the previous provides lag-free performance while where they can carefully go Lanka by taking it to new smartphones in the family. Its playing heavy games. through the large collection customers in various cities curved aluminum frame makes it The nova 7i is packed with of items, fit on, and decide and towns as well as building highly comfortable to hold in the efficient specs such as 8 GB RAM on their purchases. All main brand awareness islandwide. hand, with a 6.4-inch dew drop and 128 GB storage, and is powered brands including Signature We will continue to open new display contributing to the overall by a Kirin 810 chipset. The and Le Bond are available showrooms in 2021 as we move beauty of the smartphone.The larger combination of the powerful chip at the new showrooms. forward towards our goal of display offers a wider viewing and 8 GB RAM ensures a faster and The showrooms also offer providing our valued client base experience for the user to play smoother performance. Signature tailoring services the customer-centric, fashion- mobile games and watch movies. Its 4,200 mAh battery lets the made-to-order (MTO) and forward, high-quality services Huawei nova 7i, which features user continue their smartphone made-to-measure (MTM). they deserve.” lite-flagship specs, has a quad tasks without any interruption from MTO allows customers The Signature-X in Chilaw camera set up. Its 48 MP main frequent battery drain. 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Store at the Marino Mall in Colombo 3 the morning 12 Thursday, January 14, 2021 SPORTS Sri Lanka hardly falls in Galle!

zA fascinating ground with unparalleled fortunes for Sri Lanka June 1998: SL under Arjuna Ranatunga play their first Test in Galle. They beat New Zealand under Stephen Fleming by an innings and 16 runs the most productive Test ground for the in Galle/they batted first on 16 of islanders. Many are the sweet memories those times/they ended up winning INTO THE here. the match on 11 occasions The historic Galle International yy SL won 13 out of 20 times by PAST WITH Stadium has great stories to tell, as it batting first in Galle/they won six hides perhaps the biggest success stories times, fielding first THILAK of Sri Lanka's Test cricket. yy 26 of the 33 Tests SL played in Galle were the opening matches of The following are the respective series/SL won 16 of Sri Lanka will return to Test only a few. those 26 Tests cricket here in for GALLE SPECIALITIES SL has defeated all major Test-playing the first time, after a long wait, yy Sri Lanka’s Test record in Galle: countries in Galle; New Zealand, South today (14) as they take on Joe 33 Tests: SL won 19/lost 8/drawn 6 Africa, England, India, West Indies, Root's Englishmen. yy SL vs. England in Galle: Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Australia, and 5 Tests: SL won 2/lost 1/drawn 2 Bangladesh respectively since the venue That is in the most picturesque and yy SL won the toss 17 times out of 33 was christened in 1998. February 2001: SL beat England by an innings and 28 runs. Here is BBC’s Jonathan Agnew and Pat Murphy (left) reporting on the game from the ramparts of the 17th-Century Dutch Fort after being denied admission following a broadcasting rights dispute

August 2019: SL play last Test in Galle and beat New Zealand by six wickets

August 2016: SL beat Australia by 229 runs. Kusal Perera drives on the first day of the match as 'keeper; Peter Neville looks on

August 2010: SL beat India by 10 wickets. This happened in the historic last Test of legendary Muttiah Muralitharan

England’s first Test outing in the iconic Galle stadium, on 22 February 2001 when Nasser Hussain and Sanath Jayasuriya captained the two sides, respectively

SRI LANKA TENNIS NATIONALS 2020 Commander’s Cup golf in Trinco from 22 Jan. Hasali Gajaba in The Sri Lanka Air Force and Air Commander Prasanna the Eagles’ Golf Links will host Ranasinghe, addressing the the Commander’s Cup 2021, media at the announcement of the annual golf tournament this year’s event, said that in the semis amid rain in its men’s and women’s past, around 100 participants On what was a heavily segments, from 22 to 24 January including foreigners taking part rain-hampered day, at at the picturesque China Bay, in the Commander’s Cup. the Sri Lanka Tennis close to the Harbour City of “But due to the ongoing Nationals 2020 on hard Trincomalee. The championship pandemic, there will be not surfaces at the Sri Lanka is organised for the eighth much participation of foreigners Tennis Association occasion under the guidance this time. Yet, there will be (SLTA), Hasali Gajaba of the Commander of the Air participants from the diplomat beat Vonara de Alwis 6/0, Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana community who are staying at 6/1 to reach the semi- Pathirana. present in the country,” he said. finals of women’s singles In addition to the Dialog is the main sponsor of on Wednesday (13). Commander’s Cup, the this year’s Commander’s Cup participants will also vie for and Anilana Hotels and Resorts Today’s key match the Eagles’ Challenge Trophy, is the hospitality partner. The Savith Weerasinghe which is awarded to the best- event will be conducted with a is to take on Davis Cup serving player from the tri- strict compliance to the health veteran Sankha Atukorale forces in both the men’s and guidelines stipulated by the in one of the quarter-final Air Commodore Prasanna Ranasinghe (left) being handed the Dialog sponsorship by Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Enterprise Business and Large Enterprise Sales Navin Pieris women’s categories. authorities. encounters in the men’s Hasali Gajaba open singles. PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI United vs. Reds will be a beauty Moeen Ali has the ‘new variant’ Paul Pogba urged new league- Sri Lanka Health Services Deputy Director General leaders Manchester United to Dr. Hemantha Herath confirmed yesterday (13) “keep calm” for the “big moment” that the much-talked-about “single English when his side faces champions tourist” that has been found to have been infected Liverpool on Sunday (17). United with the new and more dangerous Covid-19 are on top of the Premier League variant is none other than England cricket team’s table after the turn of the year, for the all-rounder Moeen Ali. Ali was announced to first time since they last won the title have been infected with coronavirus a day after in 2012-13, and could move six points the team’s arrival in Sri Lanka on 3 January. Ali is clear with victory at Anfield. “It will be going to miss both Tests in Sri Lanka due to the a beautiful game for everyone,” Pogba after-effects of the virus, The Guardian reported told BBC Sport. this week. Thursday,sports January 14, 2021 England have nose in front zFirst Test starts in Galle today amid rains

BY REVATHA S. SILVA three consecutive “ducks” in England may anyway field Sri Lanka will be back in his last three innings in South two pacers, Mark Wood, and Test cricket action on home Africa, may be replaced by one of either James Anderson soil for the first time after Lahiru Thirimanne. “Thiri” or Stuart Broad, alongside all- fared reasonably well with the rounder Sam Curran. Meanwhile almost one-and-a-half bat in the South Africa series. 23-year-old right-arm bat and years. Sri Lanka last played Mendis could be included in the right-arm off-spin bowler from a Test at home in August final eleven today at the team Essex, Dan Lawrence looks set 2019. management’s own peril. for his Test debut today. Meanwhile Angelo Mathews, They have played only three who missed out the series The England squad: Test matches last year due to against South Africa due to a Joe Root (Captain), Moeen the outbreak of the Covid- hamstring injury, is fit and ready Ali, James Anderson, Jonny 19 pandemic; two against to play today. He is expected Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Zimbabwe in January, and to strengthen Sri Lanka’s Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak one against South Africa in middle-order batting with Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben December, the first of a two-Test Dinesh Chandimal, who is also Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack series. returning from an injury which Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly kept him out of the last Test in Stone, Chris Woakes, and Bet for England South Africa. Mark Wood Today at the Galle International Stadium, amid Three spinners Likely XI: unexpected battering of possible Though both Suranga Lakmal 1. Dom Sibley, 2. Zak torrential rains, the first of and Lahiru Kumara are now fit Crawley, 3. Jonny Bairstow, a two-Test series will begin enough to play, Sri Lanka are 4. Joe Root, 5. Dan Lawrence, behind closed doors. likely to go with one main pace 6. Jos Buttler, 7. Sam Curran, As the current form and option, either Lakmal or Vishwa 8. Dom Bess, 9. Jack Leach, player-to-player analyses go, Fernando, with all-rounder 10. Mark Wood, 11. James this could well be anybody’s Dasun Shanaka assisting them in Anderson/Stuart Broad game. Yet, due to the the pace department. Mathews disappointing way the Lankans is unlikely to be available as a The Sri Lanka squad: played against the Proteas, bowling option. Dimuth Karunaratne going down 2-0 badly, one could The Galle track which takes to (Captain), Kusal Janith Perera, bet for England to do better in spin from the midway of a Test Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal the series. can prompt Sri Lanka to have Mendis, Angelo Mathews, three spin options – experienced Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Galle, a happy hunting off-spinner Dilruwan Perera, Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, ground leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith But Galle, the venue for both and left-arm orthodox Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Tests this time, has always been Embuldeniya. Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, happy hunting grounds for the Sri Lanka officially Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru hosts, and many a tremendous announced their 22-member Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, side have left Galle bitterly squad for the series yesterday Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun bruised and disappointed. and Captain Karunaratne said Shanaka, Asitha Fernando, Sri Lanka last played a Test the number has been pruned Roshen Silva, Lakshan in Sri Lanka in August 2019 down to 13, and the final eleven Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, against New Zealand. Their last would be picked this morning and Ramesh Mendis Test in Galle, also in the same (14), after the final inspection month and during the same of the pitch and observation Likely XI: series against the Kiwis, Sri of various injuries to the 1. Dimuth Karunaratne, Lanka won by six wickets. players. Sri Lanka missed their 2. Kusal Perera, 3. Lahiru final training session in Galle Thirimanne, 4. Dinesh ‘Thiri’ may play yesterday due to bad weather. Chandimal, 5. Angelo for Mendis Mathews, 6. Niroshan Addressing the media via Dan Lawrence to debut Dickwella (wk), 7. Dasun teleconference, Sri Lanka Test With early preparation, good Shanaka, 8. Wanindu Captain Dimuth Karunaratne acclimatisation, and better form Hasaranga, 9. Dilruwan Perera, said yesterday (13) that out- shown during the pandemic, 10. Lasith Embuldeniya, 11. of-form one-down batsman England could be having their Suranga Lakmal / Vishwa Kusal Mendis, who got out for nose in front of their opponents. Fernando Dinesh Chandimal will be back from his injury to strengthen Sri Lanka’s ailing middle-order

FROM THE WEST INDIES TOUR ONWARDS… Fitness will become compulsory to enter SL team: Dimuth Karunaratne BY REVATHA S. SILVA “But that way, we were not able Sri Lanka has always been to do our fitness training to suit seen as an under-par fitness side From the forthcoming West international standards. Not all the when compared to other leading Indies tour onwards, which will be players. Some could do it properly. international teams such as held after the end of the England But we are concentrating on that Australia, England, South Africa, Test series, no unfit player will be aspect very much now,” he added. New Zealand, and India. able to enter the Sri Lanka cricket The poor fitness level of the “The Covid situation will prevail. team, irrespective of however Lankan team has been a talking We don’t know when it will be talented and good he appears point for a long time now. The gone. Therefore, maintaining on paper. This was revealed by issue came up more decisively fitness should be a responsibility of Sri Lanka Test Skipper Dimuth after about five key players got the individual player. He should be Karunaratne yesterday (13). injured in South Africa, to cost able to maintain that with the time Answering a query posed by them the series quite obviously, available to him and the best way The Morning Sports, Karunaratne, due to their appalling fitness he can. joining in a virtual media briefing maintenance. “(The) England tour came up from Galle, said they couldn’t train “Because of the LPL, we just after a week’s time following as a team for both the South African couldn’t train as a team. We went the South Africa series. But after and England series, but the system to South Africa straight after that the England series, from the West will change after the England Tests. (LPL). There, we had to face a Indies tour onwards, we will strictly “We didn’t have much time to lot of injuries. But now we have adhere to a policy where we will do our fitness as a team before the understood what and where it select the players only after testing South African tour. We knew that went wrong. Now we will mainly their fitness levels,” confirmed the the LPL (Lanka Premier League) concentrate on fitness. We had Sri Lanka Test Captain. was on. But with the curfew Avishka Fernando in our squad Sri Lanka will tour West Indies, situation (due to the pandemic), this time, but we had to remove after their England Tests, to we didn’t have much time. Yet we him from the squad because he participate in two Tests and six Sri Lanka’s poor commitment to their fitness has been seen as one major trained individually as best as we failed his fitness,” Karunaratne limited-over games in February- reason for their slide in performance for the last five years or so could,” he said. stressed. March this year.