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Home , Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ananda Aluthgamage, Ananda Kumarasiri, Angajan Ramanathan, Basil Rajapaksa

NEW CHAPTER DELAY IN ECT TERMINAL PLANNING OPENS WITH GOVT. SLPP VICTORY DROWNING IN LOSSES DUE TO DELAY

RS. 70.00 PAGES 64 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 02 – NO. 46 SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

NO HAPPY NO HOURS AT THE PAYPAL SPORTS BAR PROGRESS »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 2 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 5

For verified information on the GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES COVID-19 LOCAL CASES COVID-19 CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the IN THE WORLD following authorities ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES 1999 TOTAL CASES Health Promotion Bureau 2,839 Suwasariya Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 19,308,441 Ambulance Service Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 DEATHS RECOVERED Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 Wash hands with soap Wear a commercially Maintain a minimum Use gloves when shopping, Use traditional Sri Lankan Always wear a mask, avoid DEATHS RECOVERD 1990 for 40-60 seconds, or rub available mask/cloth mask distance of 1 metre using public transport, etc. greeting at all times crowded vehicles, maintain PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES hands with alcohol-based or a surgical mask if showing from others, especially in and discard into a lidded instead of handshaking, distance, and wash hands 11 2,541 718,592 12,397,744 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 handrub for 20-30 seconds respiratory symptoms public places bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing before and after travelling 287 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.00 P.M. ON 07 AUGUST 2020

RanilBY OUR POLITICAL COLUMNIST A togroup of party seniors met at remainthe on the new leader, Wickremesinghe will Wijewardene, and . UNP headquarters, Sirikotha, on Friday remain as the Party Leader. Following the party’s defeat and his (UNP) Leader Ranil (7) morning to discuss the party’s current Among the seniors who met with failure to secure his own seat in the Ninth Wickremesinghe will not be stepping down situation following the outcome of the 2020 Wickremesinghe were Party General Parliament, Wickremesinghe last Thursday from the party following its unprecedented and general election, and an appointment of a new Secretary , (6) evening expressed his desire to step humiliating defeat at last week’s general election. leader has now been put on the backburner. Assistant Leader , and down from the party leadership. Therefore, until a decision is reached former MPs , Ruwan Contd. on page 2 MP ON DEATH ROW ELECTED Standing Orders SLPP awaits Cabinet handpicked to be amended The Parliament is to amend committees from wherever they verdict on MP by GR and MR its Standing Orders to introduce are in the country. We will also be that the new Cabinet will also not been decided as yet. new digital facilities such as video introducing video conferencing in BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA BY SARAH HANNAN Malli”, contested in last week’s be sworn in either on 12 or At the freshly concluded conferencing. Parliament,” Parliament Secretary election from the Ratnapura The new members to the 14 August as the gazette of parliamentary election, “We will be taking steps to make General Dhammika Dasanayake Podujana Peramuna District under the SLPP and Cabinet will be exclusively the National List members the ruling SLPP secured a a few changes in the Standing told The Sunday Morning. (SLPP) General Secretary managed to secure a seat in the selected by President Gotabaya selected by parties will only landslide victory as it won Orders so that members can join Contd. on page 2 said Ninth Parliament by gaining and Prime Minister be published on Monday (10). 145 seats with 6,853,693 that the party is awaiting the 104,237 preferential votes. from the However, at the time the votes (59.09%) while the hearing of their appeal request Even during the final campaign newly elected members of paper went to print, a date was Samaji Jana Balawegaya over the sentencing of Premalal meeting, Kariyawasam had Parliament (MPs) this week, not fixed by the Government (SJB), led by former Minister FIND YOUR DAILY Jayasekara, their party member assured the supporters that Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna for the swearing in of the , won 54 who was elected with the second although Jayasekara was (SLPP) Secretary Sagara next Cabinet. When queried, parliamentary seats with ESSENTIALS THROUGH highest preferential vote count in sentenced to death, the legal team Kariyawasam said. Kariyawasam stressed that the 2,771,984 votes (23.90%). the Ratnapura District. of SLPP had furnished an appeal. He told The Sunday Morning number for the next Cabinet had Contd. on page 2 Jayasekara, alias “Choka Contd. on page 2 FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN PARLIAMENT Online registration topads.lk Elected stands at 3.77% VISIT z Six from SLPP zTwo from SJB z Three from National Lists for new MPs Female representation in the three have entered Parliament SLPP further alloted two slots BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA so that MPs don’t have to come to www.topads.lk Ninth through National Lists so far. on its National List to female Parliament,” Parliament General stands at 11 MPs so far. There Out of the eight female candidates while the SJB alotted Parliament is to introduce an Secretary Dhammika Dasanayake were 12 female MPs in the candidates that were voted one. Out of the 212 seats that online registration system for new told The Sunday Morning. previous Parliament. in, six female members of were allocated for candidates MPs for the next Parliament, The He said the online portal would Eight female representatives Parliament were elected that contested this time, the Sunday Morning reliably learnt. be accessible once the Election were elected out of the 212 from the Sri Lanka Podujana eight female candidates that got “Earlier, all members had to Commission (EC) had issued the seats that were allocated for Peramuna (SLPP) while two elected represent 3.77% of the come to Parliament and give their relevant gazette declaring the new contestants at the recently were elected from the Samagi Ninth Parliament. particulars. This time, we will Parliament. STEPS concluded general election while Jana Balawegaya (SJB). The Contd. on page 2 have an online registration portal Contd. on page 2 Search for the product CAPITAL HEIGHTS OVERALL CONDUCTING OF POLLS you need on topads.lk CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Monitoring bodies satisfied UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION Contact the mobile UPWARDS z5% rejected votes should be checked: PAFFREL He also pointed out that the zSL a model to the region: ANFREL percentage of the rejected votes number mentioned CAPITAL HEIGHTSzDon’t give second chance on National List: CaFFE (5%) needed to be analysed to determine if it was an issue below the product RS. 34 MILLION The 2020 general election in the country. However, the with the way the ballot paper VISIT OUR concluded successfully with local election monitoring was designed or whether it was UPWARDSWEBSITE a relatively peaceful 48 hours bodies rallied all their officials a complex one that confused the Get it delivered to your CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 being observed post election to conduct ground monitoring voter when marking the paper. RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION as the ballots were counted activities as well as online Furthermore, Hettiarachchi home through the seller READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS and the results were published. monitoring activities. said that although the voter This was the first election People’s Action for Free and turnout was estimated to be PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OURin the South Asian region Fair Elections (PAFFREL) 75% from the total voter SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITEthat was held amidst the Executive Director Rohana base, considering that migrant VISIT OUR pandemic, while adhering to Hettiarachchi, speaking to The workers, Sri Lankans living +94 763112233WEBSITE health guidelines set out by the Sunday Morning, noted that abroad, people at the quarantine READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 Election Commission (EC) and during the post-election period, centres, and other professionals READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION the Ministry of Health. their monitors had reported 15 were unable to vote this time, PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION Given the precautions that incidents of assault in the areas the turnout for voters can be #stayhome #staysafe #groceryitem #vegetables PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION were to be observed, no foreign of Rakwana, Muttur, Kalmunai, considered to be 90%. election monitors were present and Katugampola. Contd. on page 2 #fruit #deliveredtoyourdoorsteps WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT/NEWS Sunday, August 9, 2020

PROPOSED SPORTS BAR AT WATERS EDGE No happy hours at the sports bar z NAO uncovers irregularities amounting to millions of rupees

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Moreover, the land on which the building is situated is not owned by Water’s Edge Irregularities amounting to Ltd. However, no measures have been millions of rupees have been taken to transfer the ownership of the land recently uncovered by the National to the company, despite Rs. 52, 890,111 Audit Office (NAO) in the “sports being spent on the project as at 12 March bar” project at Waters Edge, a 2020. fully owned subsidiary company A feasibility assessment too has not been conducted up until March this year, (hotel) of the Urban Development despite the company being required to do a Authority (UDA). feasibility study as per the Board approvals The construction of the sports bar using granted on 23 February 2018. container boxes was launched in 2018. In addition, the hotel management also However, investigations conducted by the had not paid attention to whether the place NAO revealed that the construction work is suitable to carry on as a sports bar, as it is of the project is yet to be completed, The being built in a residential area. Sunday Morning learnt. Another irregularity was the way the It is also learnt that the project cost obtained even before they were recruited submitted before the first paper submitted Tenders have been called through project was funded, which was unclear. would have been less than that of the officially. on 23 February 2018 mentioning the newspapers for the low-cost The NAO has also uncovered that tenders existing cost of the project, if the project Board Paper No. 11/2018 states that project, the service of those architects works while the market price have been called through newspapers plan had been done by the engineers renovations would be conducted as per has been obtained even before they were comparison had been used for for the low-cost works while the market and the contracts have been awarded by the plan given by the architects, without appointed for the project. other relevant works price comparison had been used for other following the competitive bidding process. damaging the initial architecture of the Moreover, the approval to obtain Rs. 10 while stating that the selection of the said relevant works. Furthermore, The Sunday Morning hotel. million as an initial cost for the project, as cost consultant had followed the required The NAO has stated that if the sports observed that the project was mired The NAO investigations revealed requested in Board Paper No. 11/2018, has procurement process. bar project was being done by following with a number of irregularities and had that the procurement process had also been granted by the Board without But the NAO investigations revealed a competitive bidding process as per the not followed the necessary processes not been followed when choosing looking at the expenditure plan. that the procurement process had not estimates given by the engineers, the compulsory for a government institution. the cost consultants In some instances, even though approval been followed when choosing the cost construction of the project would have In a letter written by Deputy Auditor has been granted for some papers submitted consultants. In addition, the NAO has already been completed and the contracts General (Special Investigation) N.R.M. However, the second board paper with to the Board, the members have not put further revealed that the cost estimate of the would have also been awarded at a lower Dharmasiri, several irregularities of the regard to the project, Board Paper No. their signature on it. project was just an estimate which did not cost. project have been mentioned. The Deputy 43/2018, presented on 28 June 2018, had It is further revealed that the approved have the necessary details that should be When contacted by The Sunday Morning, Auditor General has requested the hotel sought the approval for the appointment of procurement process had been violated compulsorily included in a cost estimate. former UDA Director General Eng. S.S.P. management to provide clarifications over architects as well as the approval for the when selecting the cost consultants for the The value of the cost estimate was Rs. Rathnayake said the sports bar project was the concerns raised by the NAO. payments of the architects. project. Board approval had been obtained 57,619,059, but on 23 July 2018, only handled by the then Board of Directors It is mentioned that the services of Therefore, the NAO had observed that to pay 0.4% as cost consultant charges to Rs. 40 million had been approved for the of Waters Edge and did not fall under the the architects for the project have been since there were no other board papers Lakshman Ramanayake and Associates, project. supervision of the UDA. Showers of blessings!

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa met with religious leaders and members of all four main religions in Sri Lanka seeking their blessings, following the ladslide victory at the recently concluded general election. He thanked all voters, pledging in turn to make this a victory of the people PHOTOS © FACEBOOK

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committee procedures because committees and privileges. among all the MPs, so that they can send backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Ranil... can easily run virtually; all of them needn’t “There are some institutions under some their details.” can be emulated as a model election in other Kariyawasam, Karunanayake, and attend committee meetings physically and ministries that the subject minister had A digital picture along with the relevant countries that are to hold elections in the Wijewardena were tasked with analysing can participate remotely,” he noted, adding never visited because so many institutions details could be sent once the MPs receive coming months.” the outcome of the election and making that video conferencing can also be used to are under a single person. Therefore, the their passwords for the online portal. The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections proposals by this week on restructuring the communicate with various public officers number can be increased further,” he added. “Once the MPs are declared through the (CaFFE) requested political party leaders party. across the country. When asked whether the number of gazette and we know the MPs, then we can not to send electoral losers to Parliament on A final decision on who the party “Steps are being taken to have the cabinet portfolios should be increased, send each MP a password so that they can the National List. would propose for the solitary National necessary infrastructure installed so that Rambukwella said the total number of access the portal and submit their details CaFFE Executive Director Manas List allotment it secured – the only MPs don’t have to summon officials government members can be increased for a along with a digital photograph. This way, Makeen said that sending such people into representation the party would have in from all over the country – they can be more productive government. we can take all preliminary steps with the Parliament through the National List is akin the House – is to be made after the party interviewed through the video conferencing assistance of such information,” he said, to turning a blind eye to people’s wishes. seniors discuss the proposals presented system.” noting the portal would be on the official Makeen added that a number of political by Kariyawasam, Karunanayake, and He said the first sitting will go according SLPP... Parliament website. stalwarts had been defeated and this is an Wijewardena. to tradition, after which the MPs can look at This meant that even if Jayasekara was He said this was a step to modernise the indication that they have been rejected by However, UNP sources told The changing the Standing Orders. imprisoned, the voters could cast their votes administrative aspects within Parliament, the people. Sunday Morning that a final decision “As far as the main plenary is concerned, for him and appoint him to Parliament. in addition to being a Covid-19 protection – Sarah Hannan on the National List slot as well as the we will be following the normal procedure Jayasekara and two others were measure. party leadership will be made prior to the as the Standing Orders don’t allow anything sentenced to death on 31 July over a “We have compiled a common set convening of the ninth Parliament scheduled else. Until the Standing Orders are amended shooting incident in Kahawatte during of forms on the online portal so that all Elected stands... for 20 August. or changed, we have to follow the same the presidential election in 2015, which information is put together, which can The Ratnapura District elected three An initial analysis of the election results rules and regulations, which apply to the resulted in the death of a political then be communicated to the relevant female representatives while the Gampaha were discussed at Friday’s meeting and the first day of Parliament.” supporter who was decorating an election departments in Parliament automatically. District elected two female representatives, members, while accepting that the UNP – Skandha Gunasekara stage of presidential candidate and Each section will get the information they with the Kegalle, , and Matale Districts splinter group, eventual winner . require.” electing one female representative each. (SJB) led by Sajith Premadasa, had taken The incident took place on the morning of Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi from the a percentage of the UNP vote, had also Cabinet... 5 January 2015 where the United National Ratnapura District, who contested from recognised that a large portion of the UNP The National People’s Power (NPP) led Party (UNP) supporter sustained critical Monitoring... the SLPP, garnered the highest amount of vote had shifted to the Sri Lanka Podujana by Anura Kumara Dissanayake secured gunshot wounds during the shooting and Centre for Monitoring Election Violence preferential votes for the district that she Peramuna (SLPP). three seats with 445,954 votes (3.84%). succumbed to injuries in hospital on 8 (CMEV) National Co-ordinator Manjula represented, with 200,977 votes. The Sinhala vote bank had been reduced Meanwhile, when contacted by January. Gajanayake also raised concerns about – Sarah Hannan by an estimated two million people The Sunday Morning, Government Following the fatal incident, the the number of postal votes that had been Political Number following the presidential election, a senior Spokesperson and former State Minister Pelmadulla Magistrate issued arrest rejected. Name District UNP source said. noted that the warrants on the suspects and Jayasekara “The Election Commission spends Party of votes Pavithra Devi It was also found that the SJB did not number of the next Cabinet would stand was arrested on 10 January 2015. He was an extra amount on facilitating postal Rathnapura SLPP 200,977 control the Sinhala vote bank either, with at 26 and government members would later released on bail on 7 December 2015, voting, and it is in fact double the amount Wanniarachchi Sudarshani a large percentage of their votes having be limited to around 45 to 50 members, pending verdict. that needs to be allocated compared to a Gampaha SLPP 89,329 originated from the minorities. including all cabinet, deputy, and state The verdict of the case was delivered on regular voter. An analysis over the spoiled Fernandopulle Kokila Harshani The UNP leadership had also discussed ministers. 31 July this year by the Ratnapura High postal ballot applications needs to be Gampaha SLPP 77,922 the need for a change in the party structure However, he noted that a final decision Court; Jayasekara, along with former carried out,” Gajanayake told The Sunday Gunawardhana Rajika and leadership, similar to that seen post had not yet been made by the President on Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council member Morning. Kegalle SLPP 68,802 1970. his new Government. Nevertheless, the Nilantha Jayakody and former Kahawatta Meanwhile, Asian Network for Free Wickramasinghe President was keen on a limited number of Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Vajira Elections (ANFREL) Executive Director Muditha portfolios to be given. Darshana, was sentenced to death. Chandanie Watawala, addressing the media, Prishanthi De Rathnapura SLPP 65,923 Standing Orders... Explaining further, Rambukwella said noted that Sri Lanka successfully conducted Soysa Geetha He said that committee meetings too that even though the numbers should be the parliamentary election amid the Covid- Galle SLPP 63,357 can be held virtually, allowing Members kept low, with the current subjects that Online... 19 pandemic, calling this election a “success Kumarasinghe Thalataha of Parliament (MPs) to remain in their fall under one ministry, a single person “We have already set up the portal, so story”. Rathnapura SJB 45,105 electorate and attend to duties. can’t handle them alone and therefore, he maybe next week, once the EC issues the “This was one of the most successful Athukorala Rohini Wijeratne “Once they take oaths, the MPs can stressed that the number can be increased gazette for the new Parliament, we will see elections held in the South Asian region, Matale SJB 27,587 look at changes that can be made and the a little more, without increasing perks to it that the link for the portal is shared with a high voter turnout despite the Kavirathne Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, 7 Page 3 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT/FOCUS Sunday, August 9, 2020

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Port City Colombo construction to create large and diverse open In addition, he highlighted the site in 2019 PHOTO © VERITÉ RESEARCH coastal space for the public in importance of evaluating sensitive The Government is now the Colombo region, enhance environmental issues such as sea planning to call for tenders tourist attraction, and create new erosion, sand mining, granite for the construction of a investment opportunities for locals mining, and the possible damage mini version of Port City and foreigners. caused to coral reefs. Colombo from Galle Face to The earlier estimated cost of None of these issues have been Wellawatte soon, according the project was $ 155 million and evaluated properly during the to Secretary to the Ministry the project was expected to be construction of the Port City and of Urban Development, completed within five years. therefore, the negative impacts Water Supply, and Housing The proposed development have affected the environment, plan is aimed to attract interested especially the coastal area, Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama. investors, both local and Withanage stressed. He told The Sunday Morning foreign, to invest in the design that at present, the documents are and building of the proposed being evaluated by the Ministry beach reclamation to generate and once the evaluation of the a new coastal beach extent of The new project will be a necessary documents is completed, approximately 100 ha with the small version of Port City and the Ministry would call for tenders. following minimum facilities anyone can come and bid for “It was there for a long time and by year 2020: The proposed the project once the tenders are we’re going to call tenders as early landfill is expected to be extended called. This venture will be like as possible,” Dr. Wickrama said, 150-200 m perpendicular to the a public-private partnership adding that once the documents are shoreline, creating approximately (PPP) model project finalised, a final decision would be 100 ha in total. Secretary to the Ministry of taken to decide on when to call for Meanwhile, concerns have Urban Development, Water tenders. been raised by environmentalists Supply, and Housing However, the Secretary denied over the procedure followed Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama any Chinese involvement as of by government officials in now and instead said that any implementing mega development party interested could submit their projects in very sensitive areas Elaborating further, the CEJ proposals. New port city such as the coastal belt. Executive Director stressed When queried about the Highlighting the sea that although the beachfront features of the new project, Dr. erosion experienced in development project began Wickrama explained that it would Uswetakeiyawa Beach after eight years ago, the EIA and the be a mini version of Port City beginning the construction of feasibility study for the project are which would stretch from Galle Port City Colombo, Centre for yet to be made public. Face to Wellawatte, but it would in the making Environmental Justice (CEJ) A proper feasibility study should not be as big as the Port City Executive Director Hemantha also be done for the project as there Colombo which is currently under Withanage stressed that any are a number of existing businesses construction. z Govt. to call tenders for mini version of Port City Colombo project that was to be developed currently going on along the “First, we will call for a Request near coastal areas or offshore coastal belt from Galle Face to for Proposal (RFP) so that any party could submit proposals, and project,” he added. entertainment destination for both should be conducted following Mount Lavinia, Withanage pointed then we’d decide,” he stressed. Earlier, the Department of local and foreign tourists. The a proper Environmental Impact out. He also noted that after As Ministry Secretary Dr. Coast Conservation and Coastal city has recognised the need for Assessment (EIA). conducting a proper feasibility Wickrama said, the mini port city Resource Management was additional beach space in order “We still remember how the study and EIA, it should be made A single comprehensive would not be a government-to- planning to develop a beachfront to draw larger local and foreign EIAs were done for Colombo public for comments and only assessment should be government project like the Port from Colpetty to Dehiwala to fulfil tourists to the Colombo area and to Port City. There are four EIAs then should the Government go conducted for the entire project City Colombo project. the needs of the public for their make Colombo more competitive separately done for each section ahead with the project and call for by evaluating the whole project “The new project will be a small recreational activities, along with in the tourism industry. of the project, which is totally tenders. at once without going step by version of Port City and anyone the space reserved for the future The proposed offshore wrong. A single comprehensive “If the Government is going step can come and bid for the project Transport Development Plan. development from Colpetty to assessment should be conducted ahead with the project without CEJ Executive Director once the tenders are called. This The project will run in line with Dehiwala is expected to offer for the entire project by evaluating following the proper procedures, Hemantha Withanage venture will be like a public- plans of transforming Colombo more financial and aesthetic the whole project at once without it will have negative effects,” he private partnership (PPP) model city as a business, tourism, and value to Colombo. It is expected going step by step,” he stressed. added. Exports sector out of danger z EDB optimistic of meeting financial targets z Economists note need for long-term strategy

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA are reports that they might recover to some extent, but they have not Despite record low exports recovered to the expected level in April this year following the which might take Sri Lanka out of Covid-19 global outbreak, the this present foreign exchange crisis. Export Development Board (EDB) So as a result, what is happening is is optimistic of meeting their a good sign but it is not adequate, financial targets, while economists and we still have the same foreign caution not to depend on products exchange problem. Even after the that are currently in demand due end of this year, running into 2021, to the pandemic and to get back to 2022, and 2023, Sri Lanka will have developing traditional Sri Lankan an external sector crisis, which it exports. will not be able to bear unless it According to official data of the borrows money from the rest of the EDB, April 2020 saw the lowest world.” export revenue in the past several He said that while a long-term years for that period, hitting a export strategy was needed, the measly $ 277 million. introduction of new technology EDB Chairman Prabhash was crucial to develop the Subasinghe told The Sunday industry. Morning that they are continuously “It is not a short-term strategy taking steps to revive the export are new items which have been food security and the demand for teams, which are walking about in the export sector would bounce that we have to adopt in order to sector. added to the PPE category, such food. We started exporting chicken embassies, including ambassadors, back in the coming months. promote exports; it’s a medium to “We’ve been working on as facemasks and medical gowns. products to the Middle East get a better understanding on “Exports have become a national long-term strategy. We must get multiple fronts effectively; firstly, The long-term sustainability of recently; hence, a lot of activities how they can promote trade on priority, now more than ever. It is new technology. I say this because working with the exporters to PPE exports is really the question. I are underway with regard to the behalf of Sri Lanka. The Foreign certainly impressive to see a strong it is the countries which have been solve their issues and secondly, doubt it will dominate the industry food and agricultural sectors.” Ministry of Sri Lanka and the V-shaped recovery in the export blessed with advanced technology supporting them in different areas but I think it will work well, at He then said that one area which Export Development Board are sector, compared to the lowest that have been the winners in this of policies – the national export least till 2021. was struggling is luxury goods. working together on this. The point in April 2020; exports are up export business. So firstly, we strategy is also being implemented “Luxury goods like diamonds, Export Development Board is 327%. Sri Lanka’s merchandise will have to procure technology, now. Especially on the agricultural gems, and jewellery are being also working with the Board of exports in June rebounded to $ until we are able to produce our front, we have branded the Ceylon impacted badly and the boat Investment (BOI) on bringing in 906.2 million from $ 277.4 million own technology in Sri Lanka. But Spices logo, so there are quite a We have to look at our building sectors have also been targeted investments which are in April,” he said. simultaneously, we must get our few different things happening,” traditional exports; while they affected significantly. These are focused directly on exports.” universities – now that we have Subasinghe noted. too have declined, we have the two worst affected sectors. He noted that the EDB expected new faculties of technology in He added that the rising global to somehow see that such The apparel sector has not seen a to surpass their revised export Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, demand for personal protective exports will come to the level strong order book from September revenue target for 2020 but had Exports have become a and Moratuwa, and the earlier equipment (PPE) had assisted of performance they had prior through December this year. So worries over the performance of national priority, now more Faculty of Science and Faculty industrial sector exports and to 2019 – tea, rubber, and that is the only concern we have.” the apparel sector in the following than ever. It is certainly of Engineering in Peradeniya expected $ 1 billion in revenue by also spices. Spices are the best Nevertheless, Subasinghe said year. impressive to see a strong – to start working right now on the end of the year. export because they have not that the Government is actively “We had a revised export target V-shaped recovery in the export developing suitable technology “PPE has given a considerable been affected by Covid working on reviving exports, of $ 10.75 billion in merchandising sector, compared to the lowest for Sri Lanka. One sector is boost to our exports as well. So, we including using Sri Lankan and service exports, and I think paddy farming, since farmers Former Central Bank Deputy point in April 2020; exports are expecting at least a minimum Governor and Senior Economist missions to negotiate and uncover we have surely beaten that by are up 327% continue to remain poor because of $ 500 million to $ 1 billion on new markets for local products. where we are now. We don’t have their yield is far lower than the Dr. W.A. Wijewardena EDB Chairman PPE exports alone. I think that due “We have been engaged in other any plans of revising the target. yield they could have got to get to PPE exports, we have come out activities as well, to enter new Maybe just before the fourth Prabhash Subasinghe rid of poverty. To get them out strong on the industrial front.” The EDB Chairman then lauded markets, for example working quarter we’ll take a look. We have of poverty, technology must be He noted that Sri Lanka had the performance of the food sector. with our foreign missions. We are only one concern; the apparel Nevertheless, senior economist provided to make their processes branched out to new PPE products “There is such a strong need for actually working on organising sector order book for the end of and former Central Bank Deputy more efficient, enabling them to but acknowledged that such food security and I also think that buyers/sellers on online platforms the year, basically the early season Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena produce more using less.” exports were not a long-term people staying at home has resulted for various sectors so that our for 2021. I think we’ll meet the said there was a long road ahead In addition, Dr. Wijewardena solution. in more food consumption. The exporters get a better opportunity revised target; we haven’t decided for Sri Lanka to be able to safely pointed out the stiff competition “However, PPE is just a new food sector is doing phenomenally to find new customers overseas. if we’ll change the target or not and navigate out of the current foreign from neighbouring countries to area of exports that we’ve opened well – everything from tea, We are also briefing all the main anyway, if we do want to change exchange crisis. supply PPE to the global market up. For example, we used to export spices, coconut, and agriculture foreign missions on our key sectors it, we’ll think about changing the “We have seen a decline in and warned not to rely too heavily rubber gloves, but they are sold out to processed foods, fruits, and and the different products we target only in September.” exports in the first five months of on such markets. till next year. Nevertheless, there vegetables – mainly because of have to offer so that our economic Subasinghe was confident that the year. For June and July, there Contd. on page 14 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 5 Sunday, August 9, 2020 FOCUS

terminals: South Container Terminal (SCT), ECT, and West Container DELAY IN ECT TERMINAL PLANNING Terminal (WCT) – each 1,200 m in length and with facilities to accommodate three berths each. The SCT commenced operations in 2013 under a public-private partnership (PPP) under BOT (build- operate-transfer) basis with CICT and the SLPA. The CICT is managed Govt. drowning in by China Merchants Holdings (International) Co. Ltd. The ECT, under the CPEP implemented by Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Government, is the second largest deep water project of the Port. 400 m of the planned 1,200 m terminal was completed in 2015. losses due to delay At present, the completed 400 m stretch of the ECT is used by the SLPA to handle break bulk cargo. Committee to probe Due to the mounting pressure initiated by the TUs, the President has appointed a five-member committee comprising the Secretaries of the Ministries of Power and Energy, Ports and Shipping, and Roads and Highways together with Ministry of Industrial Export and Investment Promotion Secretary M.P.U.D. Mapa Pathirana and SLPA Chairman Major General (Retd.) Ratnayake. The committee is supposed to look into matters with regard to the procurement process and the delay in the development of the ECT prior to importing equipment, to evaluate the agreements entered with other foreign nations by the SLPA, and to look for the persons responsible for the activities mentioned above. Moreover, the committee has been requested to submit proposals for the development of the ECT. The committee was also requested to prepare a report within 45 days from 3 July. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA agreements with India or Japan and the ECT is being developed to According to the SLPA, the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, to hand over the operations to the accommodate large ships, and the Colombo Port Expansion Project Ministry of Ports and Shipping Trade unions (TUs) attached SLPA. SLPA commenced development at (CPEP) is being implemented Secretary M.M.P.K. Mayadunne to the Sri Lanka Ports the ECT with the funds obtained in an area encompassing about said the final report of the committee Authority (SLPA) raised New government to decide from a state bank. 600 hectares. There will be three would be handed over on 15 August. concerns over the delay During the recent discussion in completing terminal held with TUs, the Prime planning, which should be Minister also promised to hand done by the authority, for over four transfer cranes in commencing commercial addition to three gantry cranes operations at the East loaded at the ECT. Currently, the TUs, who have Container Terminal (ECT), temporarily withdrawn from the since the delays are causing We have temporarily industrial action, are waiting till the country losses amounting halted the TU action, the new government decides on to Rs. 50 billion annually. the ECT. but we are waiting till Speaking to The Sunday The operations planning of the the next government’s Morning, All Ceylon Port General terminal should be completed in Workers’ Union (ACPGWU) order to commence commercial decision General Secretary Chandrasiri operations at the terminal; this has ACPGWU General Secretary Mahagamage said the TU action recently come to light due to the Chandrasiri Mahagamage was halted temporarily as the loading of gantry cranes ordered for Prime Minister had assured them the Jaya Container Terminal (JICT), be established and Sri Lanka would that the cabinet proposal presented which is still under construction. retain 51% of the stake while the by Ports and Shipping Minister As learnt by The Sunday balance shares would be purchased would not Morning, civil work on the ECT by joint venture partners. be approved and he would not was completed around five years The MoC was reached soon allow the MoC to be converted ago while the electrical work was after China was given a controlling into an MoU (Memorandum of completed eight months ago. equity stake and a 99-year lease Understanding). Nevertheless, operations planning of the Port. Suspicion “We have temporarily halted the at the ECT by the SLPA is yet to was raised that this deal was also TU action, but we are waiting till begin, even though the necessary a result of escalating geopolitical the next government’s decision,” funds had been allocated for the competition between regional he stressed. The two-day industrial establishment of the planning unit powers. action launched by the unions via the annual budget. caused the Colombo Port a loss of Accordingly, the delay in The committee is around Rs. 10 billion as generally launching the operations of the ECT supposed to look into the Colombo Port generates an has caused the Government a loss of matters with regard average daily income of around around Rs. 50 billion per year. to the procurement Rs. 5 billion. process and the delay in Around 22,000 TEUs (20-foot Concerns on MoC the development of the equivalent units) are handled per The delay in launching the ECT prior to importing day. As learnt by The Sunday planning work of the terminal raised equipment, to evaluate Morning, the TU action halted doubts among the unions as they the agreements entered operations of 28 ships waiting to were concerned about any attempts unload at the Port. to hand over the development of the with other foreign Meanwhile, SLPA Chairman ECT to India. nations by the SLPA, and Major General (Retd.) Daya The TUs attached to the SLPA to look for the persons Ratnayake has told the media that recently engaged in industrial action responsible for the authority was still calculating demanding the Prime Minister or the activities the financial loss caused by the President to assure them that the mentioned above TU action. ECT will not be handed over to India. During the early stages of the CPEP As a result, verbal assurance was negotiations, TUs threatened The Colombo Port currently given by Prime Minister Mahinda to cripple the operations of the consists of three main parts Rajapaksa that any attempt to Colombo Port, their primary including the Jaya Container legalise the Memorandum of objection being that Sri Lanka Terminal, also known as JICT, Corporation (MoC) signed between would be handing over key port which belongs to the SLPA and India, Sri Lanka, and Japan would facilities to foreign nations. the South Asia Gateway Terminal, not be allowed. Despite the MoC being reached also known as the SAGT, which Last year, the SLPA signed the between Japan, India, and Sri Lanka is owned by Sri Lanka and joint MoC to develop the ECT last year, the issue was swept under international entities. The majority at the Colombo Port. The SLPA the carpet with the holding of last shareholder of the Colombo stated that the new partnership year’s presidential election, and saw International Container Terminal, would help further the growth of no further development up until more commonly known as the the Colombo Port and improve its last month’s gantry crane unloading CICT, is China. This terminal is competitiveness by opening itself to issue. located adjacent to the Colombo the world. Concerns have once again Port. As a result, a terminal of According to the authority, the arisen over the risk of the SLPA sufficient capacity for the SLPA SLPA retains full ownership of the losing ownership of the terminal, to dock large ships does not exist ECT; a company named Terminal and now the unions have urged within the Colombo Port at present. Operations Company (TOC) would the Government to cancel any Against such a backdrop, 6 SL POLLS 2020

COLOMBO DISTRICT DISTRICT SLPP 674,603 57.04% 12 GENERAL SLPP 649,965 66.92% 11 SJB 387,145 32.73% 6 SJB 244,860 25.21% 4 JJB 67,600 5.72% 1 JJB 36,290 3.74%

SLPP ELECTION SLPP

Wimal Udaya Wijeyadasa Johnston Gunapala Weerawansa Gammanpila Rajapakshe Mahinda Rajapaksa Fernando Rathnasekara 328,092 267,084 136,331 120,626 DISTRICT-WISE RESULTS AND PREFERENTIAL VOTES 527,364 199,203 141,991

Dr. Bandula Pradeep Dinesh Madhura Dayasiri Asanka Samanpriya D.B. Gunawardena Undugoda Gunawardena Vithanage Jayasekara Nawarathna Herath Herath 101,644 91,958 85,287 70,205 112,452 82,779 66,814 61,954

Anura Jayaratne Shantha Sumith Premnath C. Gamini Susil Jagath Priyadarshana Yapa Herath Bandara Udukumbura Dolawaththa Lokuge Premajayanth Kumara 59,696 54,351 52,086 51,134 69,055 62,543 50,321 47,693 SJB SJB SEATS IN PARLIAMENT

J.C. Ashok Thushara S.M. Mujibur Dr. Harsha Alawathuwala Abeysinghe Indunil Sajith Premadasa Marikkar Rahman de Silva 65,956 54,512 49,364 305,744 96,916 87,589 82,845 75,631 PUTTALAM DISTRICT JJB SLPP 220,566 57.26% 5 Champika Mano Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi Samagi Jana balawegaya Ranawaka Ganesan 2 65,574 62,091 SJB 80,183 20.81% Anura Kumara Dissanayake MNA 55,981 14.53% 1 49,814 SLPP SJB JJB 6,853,693 2,771,984 445,958 SLPP SLPP 807,896 65.76% 13

SJB 285,809 23.27% 4 59.09% 23.90% 3.84% Priyankara Arundika JJB 61,833 5.03% 1 Perera Jayarathna Fernando 80,082 74,425 70,892 674,603 57.0% SLPP MNA Chinthaka Amal Ashoka Mayadunna Priyantha Prasanna Indika Sisira 145 54 03 46,058 41,612 Ranatunga Anuruddha Jayakody ITAK UNP AITC OPPP 325,479 316,544 136,297 113,130 327,168 249,435 67,766 67,758 SJB

2.82% 2.15% 0.58% 0.58% Abdul Ali Sabry 33,509 Nimal Sahan Sudarshini Prasanna Lanza Pradeep Fernandopulle Ranaweera 108,945 97,494 89,329 83,203 10 01 02 01 31,636 TMVP SLFP EPDP MNA 34,127 Harshani Alagiyawanna Nalin Milan Upul 67,692 66,579 61,464 55,981 Gunawardhana Lasantha Fernando Jayathilake Rajapaksha RATNAPURA DISTRICT 77,922 73,061 69,800 68,449 67,756 0.58% 0.57% 0.53% 0.48% SLPP 446,668 68.86% 8 SJB SJB 155,759 24.01% 3 01 01 02 01 JJB 17,611 2.72% Ranjan Harshana Kavinda SLPP Ramanayake Rajakaruna Jayawardhana TMTK ACMC NC SLMC 110,555 103,992 73,612 52,026 51,301 43,319 39,272 34,428 0.44% 0.37% 0.34% 0.30% JJB Premalal Janaka Gamini Jayasekara Wakkumbura Waleboda 200,977 104,237 101,225 85,840

Vijitha Herath 01 01 01 01 37,008 GALLE DISTRICT HAMBANTOTA DISTRICT Akila Wasudewa Muditha W.D.J. DISTRICT SLPP 430,334 70.54% 7 SLPP 352,217 73.63% 6 SLPP 280,881 75.1% 6 Ellawala Nanayakkara Prishanthi Senevirathne 71,179 66,991 65,923 61,612 SLPP 448,699 64.08% 8 SJB 115,456 18.93% 2 SJB 72,740 15.21% 1 SJB 51,758 13.84% 1 SJB SJB 171,988 24.56% 2 JJB 29,963 4.99% JJB 37,136 7.76% JJB 31,362 8.39% JJB 33,434 4.77% SLPP SLPP SLPP Waruna Thalatha SLPP Hesha Withanage Liyanage Atukorale 60,426 47,494 45,105 Sampath Mohan Karunadasa Dullas D.V. Mahinda Dr. Athukorala Priyadarshana De Silva Nipuna Ranawaka Kodithuwakku Alahapperuma Namal Rajapksa Chanaka Dinushan Amaraweera MATALE DISTRICT Rohitha Sanjeewa Piyal 205,814 128,331 111,626 131,010 114,319 103,534 166,660 128,805 123,730 Vidura Abeygunawardena Edirimanna Nishantha SLPP 188,779 65.53% 4 Wickramanayake 103,904 147,958 147,472 105,973 SJB 73,955 25.67% 1 Chandima Isuru Shan Wijaylal Geetha Kanchana Mahinda Yapa Weerasumana Chamal Dr. Upul Ajith Weerakkody Dodangoda De Silva Kumarasinghe Wijesekera Abeywardena Weerasinghe Rajapaksa Galappaththi Rajapaksa JJB 7,542 2.62% Anupa Lalith Mahinda 84,984 71,266 67,793 63,357 96,033 80,595 77,968 85,330 63,369 47,375 Jayantha Ellawala Samarasinghe Samaraweera Pasqual SJB SJB 97,777 76,705 58,514 SJB SLPP 100,386 SJB 44,889 25,376

Kumara Nalaka Bandara Premitha Rohana Welgama Janaka Bandara Gayantha Karunathilake 47,399 Kottegoda Tennakoon Dissanayake 77,083 Tennakoon 71,404 67,776 50,368 50,097 73,296 77,476 SJB

Rohinin Kavirathna 305,744

©The Sunday Morning Garaphic by Waruna Alexander the sunday morning Sunday, August 9, 2020

BADULLA DISTRICT DISTRICT SLPP 309,538 62.0% 6 SLPP 344,458 67.9% 7 3 2 GENERAL ELECTION SJB 144,290 28.9% SJB 119,788 23.6% JJB 19,308 3.8% JJB 24,492 4.8%

SLPP SLPP

Sudarshana Denipitiya Thenuka Prof. Uddika Nimal Siripala 71,766 Vidanagamage S.M. Chandrasena 133,980 Premarathne 141,901 68,338 139,368 133,550

Chamara Sampath Janaka Thissa Kuttiarachchi Shehan Duminda H.M.R.K.G. Nandasena K.P.S. 2015 Dassanayake 53,081 50,151 Semasinghe Dissanayake 53,618 Kumarasiri 66,393 119,878 75,535 49,030 SJB SJB

A. Aravind Kumar 45,491 36,291 Wijesundara 49,762 49,290 39,520 SEATS IN PARLIAMENT POLONNARUWA DISTRICT SLPP 331,573 66.2% 7 SLPP 180,847 73.6% 4 SJB 131,317 26.2% 2 SJB 47,781 19.4% 1 JJB 14,033 2.8% JJB 6,792 2.7%

SLPP SLPP United National Party United People’s Freedom Alliance Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi

Ranjith Siyambalapitiya Tharaka Roshan Siripala Amarakeerthi 103,300 Balasuriya Maithripala Sirisena Ranasinghe Gamlath Athukorale UNP UPFA JVP 128,592 96,763 111,137 90,615 67,917 45,939 SJB 5,098,927 4,732,669 543,944 Kins Nelson Rajika H. R. Mithrapala Sudath Manjula Udayakantha 22,392 45.66% 42.38% 4.87% Wickramasinghe 58,306 45,970 Gunathilaka 68,802 46,628 SJB SLPP 208,193 74.1% 5

Sujith Sanjaya SJB 54,147 19.2% 1 28,082 JJB 106 95 06 58,716 11,429 4.0% MAHANUWARA DISTRICT ITAK SLMC EPDP SLPP SLPP 477,446 58.7% 8 515,963 44,193 33,481 Kumarasiri Vijitha SJB 234,523 28.8% 4 Rathnayake Berugoda 4.62% 0.40% 0.30% 91,530 68,984 Gayashan JJB 25,797 3.1% Nawananda Jagath 45,384 104,729 Pushpakumara SLPP 66,176 SJB Dharmasena Wijesinghe 20,662 Mahindananda Lohan Anuradha Aluthgamage Ratwatte Jayaratne 16 01 01 171,758 161,471 140,917 140,798 DIGAMADULLA DISTRICT BATTICALOA DISTRICT VANNI DISTRICT DISTRICT SLPP 126,012 32.6% 3 ITAK 79,460 26.6% 2 ITAK 69,916 33.6% 3 ITAK 112,967 31.4% 3

SJB 102,274 26.5% 2 TMVP 1 1 AITC 1 Keheliya Wasantha Gunathilaka Udayana 67,692 22.7% SLMC 42,524 20.4% 55,303 15.4% Rambukwella Yapa Bandara Rajapakshe Chaminda Kiringoda ACMC 1 110,832 108,940 49,317 39,904 43,319 11.2% SLMC 34,428 11.5% 1 SJB 37,883 18.2% 1 SLFP 49,373 13.7% 1 NC SJB 38,911 10.0% 1 SLMC 33,424 11.2% 1 EPDP 11,310 5.4% 1 EPDP 45,797 12.7% 1

SLPP ITAK TMTK 35,927 10.0% 1 D. Weerasinghe ITAK TMVP Sanakya Abdul Haleem M. Lakshman 56,006 NC Rahul Rau Hakeem 71,063 Velu Kumar Kiriella ITAK 83,398 57,445 52,311 A.L.M. Athaullah 33,332 35,697 Kovinthan Selvam S. Yoharajalingam Karunakaram Charles Adaikalanathan Nirmalanathan 15,180 Thilak 18,563 M.A. Dharmalingam Rajapaksha ACMC 26, 382 SLPP 5 25,668 SLPP S. Shritharan Sumanthiran Siddarthan 230,389 54.4% 63,594 54,203 Mohamed Musharaf Sivanesathurai 18,389 Chandrakanthan SLMC SJB AITC SJB 132,008 31.2% 3 SJB SLPP 54,198 Ahamed Nazeer Zainulabdeen Kader Mastan INDE Mohamed Haris Mohamed Faizal 17,599 GRP 1 17,107 4.0% 13,454 36,850 29,423 Gajendrakumar EPDP Ponnambalam SLPP TRINCOMALEE DISTRICT SLPP TMTK S. Viyalendiran EPDP SJB 86,394 40.5% 2 2 Angajan Ramanadan C.B. Ratnayake S.B. 22,218 28,203 Kulasinham Dileepan 36,365 70,781 Dissanayake SLPP 68,681 32.2% 1 66,045 M. 3,203 C.V. Vigneswaran Jeevan Thondaman Nimal Rameshwaran 109,155 Piyatissa 57,167 ITAK 39,570 18.5% 1 51,225 SJB SLPP SJB Kapila Nuwan M. Udayakumar Athukorala M.S. Thowfeek Imran Maharoof NOW READ E-PAPER VISIT EPAPER. 68,119 30, 056 43, 759 39,029 V. Radhakrishnan ITAK R. Sampanthan US DAILY THEMORNING.LK Palani Digambaran 72,167 83,392 21, 422 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning Sunday, August 9, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS VOTE TO SEAT SCOREBOARD A landslide like 59.09 % 23.90 % 3.84 % 2.15 % 2.82 % 11.02 % no other VOTES SLPP 6,853,693 SJB 2,771,984 JJB 445,958 UNP 249,435 ITAK 327,168 OTHERS 950,698 The people have spoken, loudly and clearly, this time around. The Sunday Morning would like to congratulate the second youngest political SEATS 145 54 31 10 12 party in the country, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Prime Minister elect, Mahinda Rajapaksa on the resounding landslide victory at last week’s general election, while also congratulating the youngest political party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on becoming the main Opposition party in Parliament. What is significant is that this is the first general election both these parties have ever contested and signals a tectonic shift in local politics brought about by an unforgiving and performance-oriented electorate. What is even more comforting is the fact that this shift is a sign of a thriving, vibrant democracy even though New chapter opens with SLPP victory the choice of some of the representatives is debatable. Nevertheless, all it took was two men and one parliamentary term for the two biggest parties to be completely decimated. One man usually portrayed as not-so-smart was smart enough to grab the life vest thrown z PM swearing in today; z RW remains; appoints at him and live on to fight another day five years ago, while the one normally portrayed as smart was not-so-smart to throw away the life vest thrown at him by his own men a few months back and as a result, Cabinet of 26 to be sworn in committee to propose changes he will not be around to fight another day. The prediction made several For , now a political destitute, the writing was weeks prior to the 2020 on the wall for quite some time now; it’s just that he chose not to see general election that it would it. There was a time not too long ago when he could have handed over be a decisive as well as historic the reins to his deputy Sajith Premadasa, moved out gracefully, and event has now come to pass. become a hero, than being the zero he is today. However, as usual, his pig headedness got the better of him and today, both he and his party have Last week’s polls would be etched paid the ultimate price. The only thing his one-time supporters must be in history as the event that saw the regretting is that it took them 26 long years to realise the futility of their emergence of two new political dedication to the cause; more often than not at great cost to forces – the Mahinda Rajapaksa- as well as personally to many. led Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna This time around, the voters reserved their unkindest cut for the United (SLPP) and Sajith Premadasa-led National Party (UNP) Leader, whose method of survival right throughout Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). has been that of destroying his challengers. Well, this time around, the The emergence of these two party faithful who have had enough of his infantile antics decided to hand parties indicates the end of an era so out a dose of his own medicine by destroying him, and consequently the to speak where the two main parties party in favour of his main challenger, Sajith Premadasa and his nascent since Independence – the United SJB, who are now well placed to dictate terms to Sirikotha. National Party (UNP) and Sri Lanka Such was the frustration and desperation of voters; that the UNP, in Freedom Party (SLFP) – used to what must surely be a world record, plunged from a comfortable 106 alternatively govern the country. seats in 2015 to a solitary seat in 2020 – that seat too not by winning an The one-time largest political electorate but through the more charitable National List. Joining the UNP party in the country, the UNP led in the 2020 one-seat club is its arch rival, the by Ranil Wickremesinghe, faced (SLFP). Who in his right mind would have ever predicted this monumental a humiliating defeat at the 2020 shift just one year ago? The ultimate insult is the fact that the number general election, unable to win of rejected votes was three times that of what was polled by the UNP. any electorate and being reduced Although Wickremesinghe will have to face the music as the chief to polling a total of 249,435 votes architect of the UNP’s annihilation – the first and oldest political party (2.15%) and slotting in at seventh SLPP Leader and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa in Sri Lanka – there was a supporting actor who was also instrumental in position in the final results sheet. destroying the other major party, the SLFP, back in 2015, ironically by Wickremesinghe, who was also Rajapaksa also said that the By Thursday (6) evening, siding with Wickremesinghe. On Friday (7), when the final results were the Prime Minister of the former public had accepted the policies of Party Leader Wickremesinghe out, it was clear that Maithripala Sirisena had accomplished the impossible Government, was unable to secure President and had informed the party by completing the destruction of the UNP as well, this time around by his seat in Parliament. that those policies will remain even seniors that the party needed siding with his sworn enemy of five years ago, Mahinda Rajapaksa. The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi after the polls. to move forward under a new In what could be termed a fait accompli of unbelievable proportions, (ITAK) was placed fourth in the While the SLPP holds the leadership. However, the the diminutive Sirisena will now be the pin-up boy of the SLPP and as final results sheet, polling 327,168 country’s political power base, question on every UNPer’s a result, has now assumed a larger-than-life figure in what was to be his votes (2.82%) and the Janatha the the UNP splinter group, the SJB, mind was who would take retirement. If his recent performance is anything to go by, Sirisena will Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led black box is now the second force in the the baton from be the man to watch. National People’s Power (NPP) country’s political scene after Wickremesinghe and work to Thanks to him, the UNP, the SLFP, and even the Janatha Vimukthi polling a total of 445,958 votes by Capt. Vasabha securing a total of 2,771,984 votes resuscitate a party Peramuna (JVP) are now consigned to the dustbin of Sri Lanka’s rather (3.84%) was placed third in the (23.90%). colourful post-Independence political history. In their place we now have list. The task will undoubtedly The role of the main Opposition Vitharana, Engineer Yadamini the SLPP, the SJB, and the Jathika Janatha Balawegaya (JJB). In a country The NPP managed to secure three be taken over by the Founder/ in Parliament will now be vested Gunawardena, Dr. Surendra where political office has exclusively gravitated between the UNP and parliamentary slots while the UNP theoretician of the SLPP Basil with the SJB with its Leader likely Raghavan (SLFP), , SLFP for 72 long years, Friday’s election result is a bold departure from only managed to secure one slot and Rajapaksa, who is also the chief to be appointed as the Opposition Dr. , Jayantha what has been, and only time will tell if it will be a harbinger of change that too from the National List. architect of the party’s resounding Leader. Ketagoda, and Marjan Faleel. for the better in this politically hyperactive country. The SLPP recorded a landslide victory at the 2020 general election. The SJB. on Friday (7) revealed One thing that is clear is that unlike in the past, there will be no victory at the poll securing 145 Basil has expressed the party’s its seven National List nominees. Swearing in honeymoon period for the new Government thanks to the Covid-19- seats, which includes 17 National desire to work with all progressive , , SLPP Leader and newly elected induced economic pandemic. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa now has List seats. The party polled a total of forces to move forward with the Imtiaz Bakir Marker, , Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa the Government he wished for and his new Cabinet will have to jump 6,853,693 votes (59.09%) and has country’s development agenda. Shiral Lakthilaka, Ranjith Madduma is to be sworn in to office today (9) straight into the deep end. It will have no choice but to swim for its life now become a force to reckon with. The SLPP has already said the Bandara, and at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. from the word go if Sri Lanka is to survive the looming economic crisis. Despite securing 145 seats in party is prepared to work with the made the list. He will be sworn in as the 14th Given this situation, the Opposition may as well heave a collective Parliament and five seats short of a minorities but not extremists. Meanwhile, the SLPP handed over Prime Minister of Sri Lanka at 8.30 sigh of relief and take comfort in the belief that it was a good election to two-thirds majority, several political Basil told a special media the party's 17 National List nominees a.m. today. lose. According to estimates, the country’s economy is expected to shrink parties supporting the SLPP that conference in Colombo last week to the Election Commission (EC) The Cabinet of Ministers is to by an unprecedented 5-6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year contested separately will join the that the Government and the last Friday (7) with the SLFP being be sworn in tomorrow (10) at the owing to the effects of the global pandemic. It will now be up to the new governing party in Parliament, SLPP are keen to work with all given one slot on the list. The list ceremonial Magul Maduwa in Government to mitigate the economic fallout and deliver tangible results completing the 150 seats required for communities and that the SLPP is included Prof. G.L. Peiris, Sagara . that could appease an impatient and already economically challenged a two-thirds majority. reaching its hand out to the minority Kariyawasam, , It is learnt that President Gotabaya electorate. The election result is proof of it. One of the biggest hurdles the groups and hopes those groups will Ali Sabry PC, Rajapaksa has decided to limit the One must keep in mind that the voters appreciated the work done by SLPP will now have to face is to work with the Government. PC, , Prof. Cabinet of Ministers to 26 members. the interim Government over the past nine months, especially with regard limit its ministerial portfolios while He further noted that their only , Prof. Charitha The President is to also hold a to handling the Covid-19 pandemic, which Sri Lanka has managed to do maintaining the support of 150 MPs objection is working with extremist Herath, Gevindu Kumaratunga, portfolio in the new Cabinet. quite effectively compared to other countries, especially neighbouring in the House. groups and terrorist groups. Mohamed Muzammil, Prof. Tissa Arrangements are also being India, where over two million cases have been reported with over 12,000 made to appoint a group of project deaths. Such an outcome was possible with a Cabinet of 15 members. ministers apart from the cabinet One can only hope that the same austerity measures will be reflected in ministers, who will also be vested the new Cabinet and that the proven performers will be put in charge with powers to engage in official of key subjects. work. These project ministers will be It is also important that the new all-powerful Government is mindful positioned as non-cabinet ministers. of the fact that with power comes responsibility, and with greater power It is learnt that several young comes greater responsibility and accountability. The new Government parliamentarians are bound to be is already assured of a two-thirds majority with the support of smaller appointed as cabinet ministers. parties. However, it must be mindful of the fact that this power to rewrite President Rajapaksa has the rules must not be clouded by poor judgement. Governments in the summoned the new Parliament to past that have enjoyed a two-thirds majority have often been voted out meet on 20 August and the relevant because they have been obsessed with consolidating their power rather gazette notification was issued last than working for the betterment of the people. It is hoped that lessons Monday (3). have been learnt from the past and that the motive for constitutional It is also learnt that coalition tinkering is driven by democratic ideals and none other. partner of the SLPP-led alliance, As we stand on the cusp of a new era, it is our fervent hope that the the SLFP, is likely to receive three political battles of the past are put aside, for the next few years at least, portfolios in the new Cabinet. The and both the victors as well as the losers will work in harmony for the three SLFPers who are likely to betterment of the country. The people have spoken and every effort must be appointed to the portfolios are be made to respect and appreciate the trust the people have placed in the Party Leader Maithripala Sirisena new Government. Here’s wishing the new Prime Minister, Cabinet, and and the next senior SLFP MP Nimal Parliament a productive tenure in office. Siripala de Silva while there are several contenders for the third slot. SLFP General Secretary Jayasekara, National Organiser Dissanayake, No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. and are all Fax - 011 2 673 441 contenders for the third slot. General - 011 5 200 900 Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 Wishes from India Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 and US E-mail - [email protected] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first foreign WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS VOTE TO SEAT SCOREBOARD

59.09 % 23.90 % 3.84 % 2.15 % 2.82 % 11.02 %

VOTES SLPP 6,853,693 SJB 2,771,984 JJB 445,958 UNP 249,435 ITAK 327,168 OTHERS 950,698 SEATS 145 54 31 10 12 New chapter opens with SLPP victory z RW remains; appoints z Decision on UNP National z SLFP returns 14 MPs; one committee to propose changes List slot this week slot from National List

and Sagala Ratnayaka. GENERAL ELECTION 2020 VOTER TURNOUT An initial analysis of the DISTRICT PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL DIFFE- ELECTION ELECTION RENCE election results were discussed, 2019 2020 and the members, while accepting that the SJB had taken Anuradhapura 85.76% 70.00% -15.76% a percentage of the UNP vote, 86.25% 65.00% -21.25% recognised that a large portion Batticaloa 77.20% 76.00% -01.20% of the UNP vote had shifted to Digamadulla 83.32% 73.00% -09.32% the SLPP. The Sinhala vote bank had Galle 85.15% 70.00% -15.15% reduced by an estimated two Hambantota 87.40% 76.00% -11.40% million people following the Kegalle 86.44% 70.00% -16.44% presidential election. It was also found that the Matale 83.29% 72.00% -11.29% SJB did not control the Sinhala Matara 85.93% 70.00% -15.93% vote bank either, with a large Monaragala 88.02% 73.00% -15.02% percentage of its votes having Nuwara Eliya 85.06% 75.00% -10.06% originated from the minorities. The UNP leadership Polonnaruwa 85.92% 71.00% -14.92% discussed the need for a change Puttalam 76.53% 65.00% -11.53% in the party structure and Ratnapura 87.11% 72.00% -15.11% leadership, similar to that seen post 1970. Trincomalee 82.97% 74.00% -08.97% During the discussion, several Vanni 76.59% 74.00% -02.59% UNP seniors had opined that Gampaha 83.31% 68.00% -15.31% JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe TNA Leader R. Sampanthan the party leadership should not Kandy 84.89% 72.00% -12.89% be changed in a hurry and that Jaffna 68.02% 67.00% -01.02% and orderly manner despite the One of the biggest hurdles it should be a well thought out 2020 GENERAL ELECTION AT A GLANCE challenges posed by the Covid-19 the SLPP will now have to move. Kalutara 85.71% 65.00% -20.71% n Number of new entrants to Parliament: 58 Bandara Tennakoon and son Pramitha Bandara pandemic. face is to limit its ministerial The UNP seniors are to Kurunegala 85.24% 65.00% -20.24% As the new Parliament convenes, meet again tomorrow (10) to n Number of former parliamentarians who lost Tennakoon portfolios while maintaining Colombo 82.82% 68.00% -14.82% last week: 73 n Number of brothers who lost at last week’s the US observed that it hopes the support of 150 MPs in discuss the reorganising and n elections: 1 – Ranjith and Number of former parliamentarians who have the Government will renew its the House. The task will restructuring of the party. It is also interesting to note won: 115 n Number of SLFPers elected under SLPP: 12 – commitments to building an A committee of three members n Number of former parliamentarians who did Maithripala Sirisena, , undoubtedly be taken over by that while Wickremesinghe not contest: 14 , Shantha Bandara, Mahinda inclusive economic recovery, the Founder/theoretician of – Kariyawasam, Karunanayake, suffered a humiliating n Number of female representatives elected to Amaraweera, , Shan upholding human rights and the rule the SLPP, , who and Wijewardene – was appointed defeat at the polls, former new Parliament: 8 Wijayalal de Silva, , of law, and protecting the country’s is also the chief architect of to discuss and formulate President Sirisena topped n Highest number of females elected to , Chamara Dasanayake, sovereignty. recommendations and proposals Parliament: Ratnapura District – Pavithra , and Dushmantha the party’s resounding victory the preferential list in the Wanniarachchi, Muditha Soysa, and Thalatha Mithrapala The US also noted that it looks at the 2020 general election to be implemented with regard to Polonnaruwa District by Athukorale n Former presidential private secretaries forward to partnering with the restructuring the party. 111,137 preferential votes in n Number of father-and-son duos elected to who contested the election: Shasheendra Government and new Parliament. UNP General Secretary the district Parliament: 3 – Mahinda Rajapaksa and son Rajapaksa (won), on Friday (7). Kariyawasam noted in a statement Namal Rajapaksa; and son (lost), Janaka Ranawaka (lost), and Eric SLFP fares well that it was being done with the a bombshell by claiming that Shasheendra Rajapaksa; as well as Janaka Weerawardena (lost) As for the SLFP, a total of 12 UNP’s Waterloo intention of making it a vibrant UNP Leader Wickremesinghe SLFP candidates who contested The UNP on the other hand entity. and his loyalists were making an leaders to congratulate his Sri the elections indicate an impressive under the SLPP have been elected suffered a major defeat at the polls, “We request the people to take unlawful attempt to save his seat in Lankan counterpart Mahinda electoral performance by the to Parliament – Maithripala while its splinter group, the SJB both victory and defeat in good Parliament. Rajapaksa on the clear mandate at SLPP party, and had conveyed his Sirisena, Duminda Dissanayake, managed to place itself as the second spirits and maintain peace. The UNP SJB General Secretary Ranjith the parliamentary polls. congratulations and best wishes to Dayasiri Jayasekara, Shantha political force in the country. will be restructured and reorganised Madduma Bandara issued a Posting a message on Twitter, Mahinda Rajapaksa in this regard. Bandara, Mahinda Amaraweera, As unofficial results of the as it was done after every previous statement noting that desperate Rajapaksa had thanked the Indian “Recalling their cordial and Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Shan elections were being gathered at election,” Kariyawasam had stated. and unlawful measures were Premier for his congratulatory call fruitful previous interactions, the Wijayalal, Jagath Pushpakumara, the UNP headquarters Sirikotha, “We take the responsibility for the being resorted to by UNP Leader on Thursday evening (6). two leaders reiterated their shared Nimal Siripala de Silva, it became evident to the UNP huge defeat suffered by the UNP Wickremesinghe in order to save his Rajapaksa had said that he looks commitment to strengthen the age- Chamara Dasanayake, Ranjith supporters that the party was headed in the face of internal and external seat in the House. forward to working closely with old and multi-dimensional India-Sri Siyambalapitiya, and Dushmantha for an unprecedented defeat. challenges.” Madduma Bandara claimed Modi to further enhance the long- Lanka relationship. They stressed Mithrapala. By Thursday (6) evening, Party Kariyawasam had said the SLPP that as per election laws and the standing co-operation between the the significance of early progress in It is also interesting to note that Leader Wickremesinghe had had secured a landslide victory Constitution, only a political party two countries. all spheres of bilateral co-operation,” while Wickremesinghe suffered informed the party seniors that the despite the services rendered by the or group which has secured a Prime Minister Rajapaksa further the Indian High Commission said. a humiliating defeat at the polls, party needed to move forward under UNP Government on a long-term minimum of 5% of votes can be said that Sri Lanka and India are Meanwhile, the US while former President Sirisena topped the a new leadership. and short-term basis. allocated a seat in Parliament. both “friends and relations”. congratulating Sri Lanka on electing preferential list in the Polonnaruwa However, the question on every The party has not yet decided However, he noted that the PM Rajapaksa’s tweet read: a new parliament, expressed hope District by 111,137 preferential UNPer’s mind was who would take on who would be appointed to UNP is attempting to manipulate “Thank you PM @narendramodi that the new Government would votes in the district. the baton from Wickremesinghe Parliament through its National the preferential vote system so for your congratulatory phone uphold human rights and the rule SLFPer , and work to resuscitate a party that List slot. However, a final decision Wickremesinghe can be allocated a call. With the strong support of the of law, and protect the country’s who contested under the party’s has fallen to depths never before on the matter is to be taken before seat in Parliament. people of #SriLanka, I look forward sovereignty. “hand” symbol, secured a slot in experienced by any political party in 20 August, when Parliament is Madduma Bandara said that the to working with you closely to The US Embassy in Colombo, Parliament while another party the country. scheduled to convene. matter has been raised with the further enhance the long-standing issuing a statement, noted that on member Cader Masthan had also The leadership of the UNP met EC and legal advice will also be co-operation between our two 5 August, the people of Sri Lanka secured a seat from the Vanni at Sirikotha on Friday (7) morning SJB accuses UNP initiated against the arbitrary act. countries. Sri Lanka & India are exercised a fundamental democratic District. following the conclusion of the While the tussle for preferential However, regardless of the friends & relations.” right and went to the polls to elect The SLFP had an overall strength 2020 general election. Among votes was at its peak on Thursday alleged efforts by the UNP and The Indian High Commission in their next parliament. of 14 parliamentary seats while Dr. them were UNP General Secretary night with the UNP making all protest by the SJB, Wickremesinghe Colombo, issuing a statement, said The Embassy said the US Surendra Raghavan of the SLFP was Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Assistant efforts to try and secure at least lost his seat in Parliament. that Prime Minister Shri Modi had congratulates Sri Lanka on nominated by the SLPP through its Leader Ravi Karunanayake, Ruwan one parliamentary slot from the noted that the incoming results of conducting the election in a peaceful National List, submitted to the EC Wijewardene, Vajira Abeywardena, Colombo District, the SJB dropped Big changes in lists It was the Colombo District list NEW FACES IN PARLIAMENT THE FORMER MPS WHO LOST that showcased many surprises. Key among the surprises 1. Shasheendra Rajapaksa 21. 41. 1. Ranil Wickremesinghe 19. 37. Nihal Galappatti 56. Sivapragasam was the defeat of UNP Leader 2. Dr. Upul Galappaththi 22. Gamini Waleboda 42. Pradeep Udugoda 2. Ravi Karunanayake 20. Karu Paranavithana 38. Ranjith Aluvihare Sivagnanam Wickremesinghe and Assistant 3. Ajith Rajapaksa 23. Akila Ellawala 43. Madhura Vithanage 3. 21. A.A. Wijethunga 39. Wasantha Aluvihare 57. Tharanath Basnayaka Leader Karunanayake as well as 4. Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda 24. Muditha De Zoysa 44. Abdul Ali Sabry 4. Hirunika 22. Lakshman Yapa 40. Lakshman Wasantha 58. the failure of the UNP to secure Premachandra Abeywardena 41. 5. Premitha Bandara Thennakoon 25. Wasantha Yapabandara 45. Chinthaka Amila Mayadunna 59. T.B. Ekanayake even one seat in Colombo, which is 6. C.V. Wigneswaran 26. Gunathilaka Rajapakshe 46. Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran 5. A. H.M. Fowzie 23. Niroshan Premaratne 42. D. Siddharthan 60. Akila Viraj 6. 24. 43. E. Saravanapavan Kariyawasam known as the party’s power hub. 7. Rajika Wickramasinghe 27. Udayana Chaminda Kirindigoda Rasamanickam SLPP candidate Sarath 8. L.M. Sudath Manjula 28. Thileeban Kulasingham 47. Govindan Janaa Karunakaram 7. 25. Vajira Abeywardena 44. Vijayakala 61. S. Yogeswaran 8. 26. Bandula Lal Maheswaran 9. Udayakantha Gunathilaka 29. Channa Jayasumana 48. Hafiz Nazeer Ahamad 62. G. Sivanesan Weerasekara topped the preferential 9. Bandarigoda 45. Thusitha Jayamanne 63. M. S. Ameer Ali votes in the Colombo District 10. 30. Uddika Premarathne 49. Sinvanesathurai Chandrakanthan 10. Hemantha Sisira 27. 46. A.A. Premadasa 11. Thissa Kuttiarachchi 31. Rohana Bandara (Pillaya 64. Ali Zahir Moulana with 328,092 votes while Kumara 28. 47. 65. A.L.M. Hizbullah 12. Jeevan Thondaman 32. Asanka Navarathne 50. Nalaka Godahewa 11. P. Harrison 29. Thilakaratnam 48. Ravi Samaraweera and Udaya 66. 13. M. Ramesh 33. Samanpriya Herath 51. Sahan Pradeep Vithana 12. Chandrani Bandara Mailvaganam 49. Lakshman Seneviratne Gammanpila were placed second 14. Kapila Athukorala 34. U.K. Sumith Udukumbura 52. Kokila Gunawadhana 13. 30. K.K. Piyadasa 50. Mohamed Maharoof 67. Ajith Manapperuma and third amongst those in the party. 15. Nipuna Ranawaka 35. Kumarasiri Rathnayake 53. 14. Muthukumarana 31. 51. Imran Maharoof 68. Chathura Senaratne SJB prime ministerial candidate 16. Karunadasa Kodithuwakku 36. Kins Kumar Nelson 54. Milan Jayathilaka 15. Ajith P. Perera 32. Sidney Jayaratne 52. Susantha 69. 70. Dulip Wijesekera Sajith Premadasa secured the 17. Weerasumana Weerasinghe 37. Sampath Athukorala 55. Upul Mahendra Rajapaksha 16. Palitha 33. Nalaka Colonne Punchinilame second highest preferential votes in Thewarapperuma 34. Sumedha Jayasena 53. Lucky Jayawardena 71. Wijemuni Zoysa 18. 38. Gayashan Nawananda 56. D.C. Weerasinghe Colombo with 305,744. 19. Sanjeewa Edirimanna 39. Dharmasena Wijesinghe 57. Thilak Rajapaksha 17. Lakshman Wijemanne 35. Padma Udayashantha 54. 72. E.M. Mansoor 20. Anupa Pasqual 40. Premnath C. Dolawatte 58. S.M.M. Mushrraf 18. 36. 55. Sivasakthi Anandan 73. K. Kodeeswaran Contd. on page 11 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 10 the sunday morning OPINION Sunday, August 9, 2020

BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE lections produce winners. Everyone wins. Everyone has a consolation prize. Even the United National Party (UNP), which didn’t Esecure a single seat from the district vote, can enthusiastically exclaim: “We can now start afresh!” The winners declared as such by the Election Commission have the lion’s share of bragging rights, of course. The “losers” can console themselves by offering various versions of the timeless excuse, “the masses are asses”, or indulge in pick-and- choose to extract positives from numbers, percentages, relative merits, comparisons, and contrasts. In essence, “results” is a cake that can be sliced in any number of ways. Let’s discuss a few of them. Numbers The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) polled 6.9 million, securing 145 seats. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) got 2.6 million (54 seats), the Illankai 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) 0.3 million (10 seats), the Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) 0.46 million (three seats), and the UNP 0.25 million (one seat), while others polled less than 100,000 votes with some PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE of them securing one or two seats, thanks to adequate returns from districts and the allocation-cut from the National List One thing is clear. In 2015, the majority allocations. voted out Mahinda Rajapaksa. That result The SLPP won 18 of the 22 districts, was interpreted as a mandate to implement with the (TNA) an Eelamist version of “reconciliation” carrying three and the SJB just one. If we The what, and proceed with a mindless neoliberal went with electorates, the SJB just got 10, agenda. It was not a “yes” for any of that six of them in a traditional stronghold of its and certainly not for Resolution 30/1 of mau pakshaya (UNP), those in the Colombo the UNHRC (United Nations Human Municipal area. The Eelam People’s the why, and Rights Council), just as this result is not a Democratic Party (EPDP) won the islands green light for the Millennium Challenge off the Jaffna Peninsula, the Sri Lanka Corporation (MCC) Compact or withdrawal Freedom Party (SLFP) won Udupiddy, and of Circular 5/2001. It was not a green light the TNA swept the rest of the electorates to subvert the national security apparatus or in the Northern Province in addition to to give Jihadists a free hand. The misreading winning Batticaloa and Paddiruppu in the was protested in part on 10 February 2019 Eastern Province. The Muslim National the what next at the local government elections. The Alliance won the Puttalam electorate Yahapalanists were routed. In November while the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal the UNP went from 106 to one (5.1 million Harrison, , Palitha an old game. That said, no one can say that 2019, the objection was reiterated. Indeed, (TMVP) won Kalkudah. The rest went to to 0.25 million, and from 45.66% to 2.82%), Thevarapperuma, and Ajith P. Perera. The this result reflects a wish on the part of the at every opportunity accorded, the people the SLPP. That’s a lot of territory. with a consolation seat coming from the National List may have saved the likes of pouty to pursue reconciliation of the kind stated in no uncertain terms that they will Percentage is another way of cutting the National List, much like the Sihala Urumaya Harin Fernando, , and espoused by the likes of Samaraweera, not suffer being misrepresented. The August cake. The SLPP’s slice was 59.09%, the (SU) in 2000. Either way, the decline is . Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and 2020 result is the logical culmination of all SJB’s 23.90%, the JJB’s 3.84%, the ITAK’s stark. Mahinda Rajapaksa set a record for M.A. Sumanthiran. Grievances have to be that. An end point. 2.82%, and the UNP’s 2.15%. The stupidly pure can claim that the SLPP preferential votes (over 527,364 from sorted out in some other way. Aspirations went from zero seats to 145, from no votes Kurunegala, which is 81% of the votes which are reasonable should be met in some What holds? Comparisons to 6.9 million, 0.0% to 59.09%. The UPFA cast for the SLPP). However, several big other way. The devolutionists lost, too bad Given the majority enjoyed by the SLPP If comparison is the knife, the cake can won 95 seats in 2015 (4.7 million, 42.38%) names were relegated to second place in for them. and the likelihood of cobbling together 150 be cut in many ways. The numbers for the while the SLPP polled 6.9 million (59.09%) relevant districts by newcomers who played On the other hand, the one party that MPs to make the all-important two-thirds SLPP, SJB, and the JJB can be compared in 2020, and if we take the SLPP as proxy a prominent role in Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s secured a parliamentary presence which was majority (the EPDP, SLFP, and TMVP are with those returned in November 2019 for for the UPFA (even without counting policy-formulating team, such as Nalaka also very critical of the existing political known allies), constitutional amendment is Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Sajith Premadasa the SLFP returns – note, some SLFPers Godahewa (first in Gampaha), Channa culture in and out of Parliament, the JVP, certainly on the cards. The 13th Amendment (Leader of the SJB who contested on contested on the SLPP ticket), the surge is Jayasumana (second in Anuradhapura), and didn’t fare too well, as evidenced by the is a white elephant. No one is interested in the UNP ticket), and Anura Kumara massive. Sarath Weerasekara (first in Colombo). numbers given above. What does that say provincial councils any longer (some have Dissanayake (contesting as the candidate The JVP polled 543,944 (4.87%) in 2015 about the electors? is not been functioning for years now). Indeed, of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna [JVP], and the JVP’s numbers were, respectively, Handunnetti contested from widely recognised as an often lone voice local government bodies seem to be far the main party in the JJB). The results can 445,958 votes and 3.84% for just three seats. the JJB. The JJB is led by the JVP. against corruption. Maybe he would have more important – dissolve them and every be compared with those of the August 2015 That’s losing parliamentary presence by The JVP has a history with a lot got in had he contested from the SLPP or village, town, and municipality will produce general election (using the UNP returns 50%. A significant loss, clearly. of good and a lot of bad. Parties SJB. In 2004, let us not forget, the JVP, an unbearable stink! There’s little talk of the as proxy for the SJB, the United People’s are not one-dimensional and contesting with the SLFP on the UPFA 13th though and it is possible that it will be Freedom Alliance [UNPA] for SLPP, and The subplots neither are voters. ticket, secured 41 seats. Handunnetti largely ignored. the JVP for the JJB). We could compare the UNP with the SJB, They play marginal benefits contested from the JJB. The JJB is led by The 19th cannot be ignored. It was an Gotabaya Rajapaksa got 6.9 million the JJB with the Frontline Socialist Party over marginal costs the JVP. The JVP has a history with a lot of atrocious piece of legislation. Term limits votes (52.25%) while Sajith Premadasa got (which broke away from the JVP), the JJB good and a lot of bad. Parties are not one- can stay. Confusion over the powers of 5.6 million (41.99%) and Anura Kumara with the UNP and the SLFP, and ITAK Sunil Handunnetti of the JVP, contesting dimensional and neither are voters. They the president and the prime minister must Dissanayake got just 418,553 votes with other Tamil parties. The SJB bested under the JJB, lost in Matara. He lost in play marginal benefits over marginal costs. be dealt with. The president is elected (3.16%) at the presidential election in 2019. the UNP by a stretch and if the election was 2015 too but was brought into Parliament Handunnetti lost out. At some level, though, by the entire country, let us not forget. Rajapaksa’s party (SLPP) secured close to a battle for Sirikotha between the factions through the National List. Whether he will the voters have stated that the existing The prime minister is a person elected 6.9 million votes (59.09%), Premadasa’s led by party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe get lucky a second time is left to be seen. In political culture is not something they are by people in a single district and his/her party (SJB) got 2.8 million votes (23.9%), and former Deputy Leader and the party’s 2015, the JVP filled its National List with overly worried about. ascendency depends on the choice made by and Dissanayake’s party (JJB) got 0.45 presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa, professionals, but reduced circumstances representatives. It’s certainly a lower order. million (3.84%). Considering that the voter then the Kotte property should be handed made the party use the two seats allocated How did we get here? If we have an executive president, he/she turnout was 83.72% in 2019 and just over over to the SJB forthwith. Just consider the to accommodate party seniors. Nalinda Here too, theories abound. The woeful should have considerable power and not 71% on 5 August 2020, the result is a clear SJB vs. UNP numbers: 54 seats to one, 2.8 Jayatissa, one of the two beneficiaries in performance of the Yahapalana regime, be a yes-person to the prime minister. The vote of confidence on the President and his million votes to less than 250,000 votes, 2015, opted to contest from Kalutara this the mess that the bipartisan arrangement 19th was made for Ranil Wickremesinghe party. The fact that several candidates from 23.90% to 2.82%. Ranil and the UNP were time around and lost. The JJB included (SLFP-UNP) produced, the resounding and the UNP. It was a partisan document his think tank (Viyath Maga) topped the lists creamed by Sajith and the SJB. non-JVP persons in the district lists as victory of the SLPP candidate over the which, interestingly, the entire Opposition, in their respective districts, the result could The JVP can claim a significant victory well. They’ve not won any seats. Whether SJB Leader in November 2019, the largely with the exception of Sarath Weerasekera, be read as the electorate’s wish to strengthen too, the coalition it led coming in fourth the solitary National List seat goes to effective measures to counter Covid-19, voted for. The unclear division of power is the President and a clear approval of his with three seats, whereas the two parties Handunnetti, Jayatissa, , and the infighting in the UNP can all be partly to blame for creating conditions for policy framework “Saubhagyaye Dekma” that have ruled the country for 72 years – or K.D. Lalkantha is left to be seen. cited as factors. If the President enjoys a the Easter Sunday tragedy. The 19th also (Vision of Prosperity). Even if the numbers either by themselves or in coalitions they high approval rating (as one suspects he imposed a limit on the size of the Cabinet for the SJB and UNP were amalgamated, led – were able to secure just a seat apiece Policies/ideologies does and as the results probably indicate), but included caveats that made the relevant the decline is obvious – from 5.6 million to on 5 August 2020. That’s another one for We can also cut the cake in terms of then obviously his party would have the article meaningless. The device was the a little over three million (from 41.99% to the purists. But who is being fooled here? ethnicity, religious faith, caste, age, gender, inside track. It did. The SLPP was far better notion of “national government”. That was 26.05%). The JVP, expanded to a coalition The JVP’s slice got smaller (from six seats sexual preference, profession, educational organised than any other party/coalition. The left undefined. It should be clearly defined (JJB), 0.42 to 0.46 million (from 3.16% to to three), whereas those who were with the attainment, etc. More interesting would be UNP voter may have been too demoralised in any amendment to the 19th that stops this 3.84%), the marginal gain attributable to this SLFP and UNP not too long ago make up to discuss the policies and ideologies that to step out of the house. The floating voter side of repealing. expansion. the vast majority in Parliament. The JVP/ have been endorsed and rejected. who stood with Premadasa in 2019 may What will the new Government do about If we compared the results of the last two JJB did much better than the Frontline In the 2019 presidential election, both have wandered off towards the SLPP or the Circular 5/2001 regarding “other state general elections, purists (read, “politically Socialist Party (FSP), but the latter was Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Sajith Premadasa JJB. Sajith’s leadership, or rather his failing forests”? Over 500,000 ha of forests are naive” or “incurably arrogant”) could argue not a factor in any of the major elections it painted themselves as nationalists and as a leader, could have also contributed to threatened by a cabinet decision to withdraw that the first and second places in 2020 went contested since breaking ranks with the JVP. vowed to protect the unitary nature of the the final outcome. Some have claimed that the said circular. Let’s see. The MCC? The to two newbies – the SLPP and the SJB. I State. Together, they polled 94% of the vote. Patali would have Eastern Terminal? What will happen to would argue that they are the product of a Individual winners and losers Federalism and federalists took a hit. They been a more convincing leadership voice. these? Left to be seen. Need to be flagged. rebranding exercise – the SLPP evolving There are parties and there are politicians. were whacked in the general election as He, however, struggled in Colombo, barely Labels come off in practice. The from the SLFP/UPFA and the SJB (given The fortunes of individuals also tell a story. well. The chief spokesperson for the anti- making the cut. Yahapalanists promised democracy but the abysmal performance of the UNP), in The routing of the UNP obviously meant nationalist school, , In the North and East, the decline of postponed elections. They were routed effect, being the party to which the vast that big names contesting on that ticket chickened out at the last minute. ITAK is significant as is the SLFP securing in three consecutive elections. The SLPP majority of the UNP’s bloc vote migrated. also lost. The most significant eviction Sajith Premadasa and the SJB were no an electorate in the Northern Province and talks nationalism as does the SJB, but Let’s consider the numbers here. The was that of Ranil Wickremesinghe. It was less nationalist this time around. They a seat in Parliament. The latter is hard to “nationalism” is also an easy label. Its worth UNP-led coalition secured 106 seats in the first time he failed to be elected in 43 even championed “national heritage” – explain but the former is understandable is tested in practice. Talk is easy. Talk is 2015 (5.1 million votes, 45.66% of the vote) years. Obviously, all his loyalists also lost. something that Ranil’s UNP never did. Well, given the simmering internal problems cheap. Time is long and it’s the earliest of while the SJP and the UNP together in 2020 A lot of second-level UNPers contesting the nationalists have secured 199 seats. in the ITAK that couldn’t be hidden any early days. Let us see. secured 55 seats (three million, 25.05%). If from the SJB weren’t elected, prominent Now there’s nationalism and nationalism, longer. That, however, is a subplot in the ([email protected]. you want to be (stupidly) pure, you can say among them being Sujeewa Serasinghe, P. nationalists and nationalists. Lip service is larger story. www.malindawords.blogspot.com) WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 11 Sunday, August 9, 2020 hot seat BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA UNP SUPPORTERS WE DON’T WERE LOOKING NEED ANYBODY FOR AN ELSE: SLPP ALTERNATIVE: SJB The Sri Lanka Podujana the election. We know that some Peramuna (SLPP), while UNP supporters didn’t cast their attributing their success at the vote, while another small group election to a weak Opposition, My experience in the We have a policy voted for the minority UNP said that it would now look last few months is of not bringing candidates. We call on all of to taking steps to revive the that the ministries are in anyone to them to join the SJB. loaded with too many economy. Below are excerpts areas of activities. Parliament who has of The Sunday Morning’s contested and failed. Whom do you hope to bring in It is not the number interview with SLPP MP of ministers that is So, we will look at through the National List? Keheliya Rambukwella. the options we have We have a policy of not the problem but the and bring a group bringing in anyone to Parliament To what do you credit this historic perks and additional to Parliament than who has contested and failed. win for the SLPP? facilities that are can achieve our So, we will look at the options The main thing is that the people given to ministers goals we have and bring a group to knew we will turn things around – the that must be looked at Parliament than can achieve our huge setback of the Yahapalanaya seriously goals. period. Number two is that the main Opposition – the United National What role can the SJB play as Party (UNP) – was in complete the main Opposition? disarray and people have lost faith We will do our duty as the in them. Something very ironic has main Opposition and keep the taken place at this election – the Government in check. I think we parties that are 69 years and 74 years are the most powerful Opposition old, the SLFP (Sri Lanka Freedom that was created in such a short Party) and the UNP respectively, have time. A talented group has been completely lost their way and two elected – comprising both young new political parties have emerged. and old. Therefore, we will work together and perform our duties What is the SLPP’s plan to form a to the best of our abilities to be government? ministries as the President pledged? at the parliamentarians in the last three able to establish a government in We are discussing. We are looking We need to look at this seriously years, we have to look at that and five years’ time. at 152 members all together with because there are 150 MPs and there decide how much we can curtail. The Samagi Jana the UNP told us to go ahead some alliances. A lot of things can be are certain gray areas. So, these are all Balawegaya (SJB) charged with our election process and There is a question over the done. Perhaps not all would really be policy decisions one would have to sit Despite promises to appoint a that had they contested then went on to conspire with leadership of the UNP. Will conducive for the operations, but we together with a group and then discuss cabinet through a scientific method, according to the decision the Government and contest Sajith Premadasa look to take are working on it. and then come to some conclusion. the last Cabinet saw a doctor hold taken by the United separately. As a result, the people over its leadership? the Plantations Ministry while National Party (UNP) of this country showed how they I think that more than a Would you take the solitary UNP But wouldn’t a small cabinet be an individual with no medical Working Committee (WC) felt about the UNP and gave us question over the leadership of MP into your government? best? knowledge was the Minister of – to contest as an alliance this resounding victory, so we the UNP, the voters have shown That will be a policy decision. It It can be the best or maybe not. My Health. How do you see this and are happy about that. us that we are going on the right will have to be a collective decision experience in the last few months is can we expect a similar distribution with Sajith Premadasa path. They gave a clear message by the group if necessary. But right that the ministries are loaded with of ministries? as its prime ministerial What role will the SJB play in to the UNP as well. But for us, now, I don’t think we need any one too many areas of activities. It is not I personally feel that a doctor candidate – it could have Parliament? it is not the name that matters; else at the moment. the number of ministers that is the should not be the Minister of Health. achieved far more than We will be the alternative what matters to us is working problem but the perks and additional I say this because every time we have four million votes. Below government in Parliament and along with the UNP policies and Some have speculated that your facilities that are given to ministers a professional as a minister from the are excerpts of The Sunday take the country on the right path. working for our supporters. group would support Ranil that must be looked at seriously. Take same field he or she specialises in, Morning’s interview with We will criticise when necessary Wickremesinghe as the Speaker the health sector for example, the you have these individuals playing SJB Parliamentarian and oppose when needed in There is talk that former if he is brought in through the minister is very vital now, and he or favourites; they have their biases. So Ranjith Madduma Parliament, and we will do all we Prime Minister Ranil Nationalist List. Is this true? she must be able to concentrate on you must look at the administration Bandara. can to ensure the country is going Wickremesinghe will be made I have no idea about that so I cannot that. aspect more than the subject of the on the correct path. the Speaker in Parliament. comment on it. The current Health Minister also ministry itself. For instance, if you How do you view your party’s How do you view this? looks over Samurdhi – dealing have an engineer as the head of the performance at the election? To what do you credit the How can someone who has Are you expecting any crossovers to with social development is a huge Engineering Corporation, there will We registered this party only success of a young party such been rejected by the people play your government? responsibility – in addition to other be a lot of issues because he can be five months ago; three months as yours at the election? a role in Parliament? I think You see, the crossovers need not be responsibilities. biased, he can be selective; all we of which we were stuck in our The UNP supporters were we should heed the peoples’ discussed. Right now, I don’t think we It is the perks and other benefits need is a good administrator. houses due to the coronavirus looking for an alternative. voice on this matter and work need anything, so we don’t need to that the people are talking about, not In the good old days when T.B.I.F. outbreak. Therefore, we had After losing multiple times, the accordingly. look at any of those situations. the ministry itself. Siriwardana – a civil servant who only one-and-a-half months to supporters demanded a new face So, I really do not know if one was the Secretary to the Ministry of campaign for the election. As a to the party, but that change did The Sri Lanka Podujana What initial plans for your minister can handle so much Shipping – was suddenly brought in young party, we are very happy not come from within the party. Peramuna (SLPP) has won government? responsibility in a country like ours as the Inspector General of Police, that we were able to become the The leadership held on to their three elections back to back. The first thing is to settle down and where the systems are not in place he did brilliantly. You need to look at main Opposition in Parliament. positions out of greed for power. What can the SJB do to then look at the impact of the Covid- for efficiency. We have to look at it it practically and not just sceptically We are the only party that was So, as an alternative to the UNP, achieve a victory? 19 outbreak, what the consequences practically. People started criticising and theoretically. You need educated able to achieve such a victory in through the election results we The UNP won consecutive of that were, and then how it has the mega cabinet because the cabinet people but one’s administrative such a short period of time. received, we can see that we did elections for 17 years in the past. affected the economy and where we also offers so many facilities and capabilities are key. We were able to receive what the people wanted. The SJB will change the winning can spark revival. We must look at perks. However, we must follow a the votes we were expecting. ways of the SLPP. We will fight what action can be taken to set the It is not the position, but all the scientific method to amalgamate However, if we had implemented Would the SJB members against the authoritarian and economy right. attachments and perks that the people ministries. For example, it doesn’t the decision taken by the WC of rejoin the UNP or go it alone? dictatorial rule of the incumbent criticise. make sense to couple the Health the UNP, we could have gotten The UNP is just the empty Government even though the Will the new Cabinet be a mega Ministry with the Ministry of far more (votes) than we did building of Sirikotha. The people UNP attempted to support such a cabinet with many ministries to Will your government look to Mahaweli or Buddasasana and – we could have got far more gave their verdict on what they government. We will ultimately please as many MPs as possible curtail some of these perks? Fisheries. That is not scientific. than four million votes. Instead, think about the UNP through come out victorious. or would it be curtailed to a few With the criticism that was levelled “Scientific” must be interpreted well.

Contd. from page 9 On a post shared on Facebook, on peaceful protesters and incidents of she had alleged that the final results alleged rigging. for the in the 2020 general election were delayed as they Hardliners in the House were awaiting the arrival of TNA Apart from the in-house battles in the New chapter opens... Spokesperson Sumanthiran at the TNA, the 2020 general election results counting centre. have also sent in several hardliners to Former UNP MPs and SJB candidates their respective National Lists. in the Northern Province during the Sumanthiran and his associate Parliament. Sujeewa Senasinghe and Hirunika According to reports, female counting of preferential votes in the Sajanthan were reportedly seen seated Among the hardline Tamil Premachandra failed to secure a seat in representation in Parliament has not Jaffna District. inside the counting centre along nationalists are C.V. Wigneswaran and Parliament from the Colombo District. surpassed 6.5% in the country’s history Former Tamil National Alliance with election officials when all other Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, who have Meanwhile, eight female candidates and female representation in the House (TNA) Jaffna District candidate candidates were restricted from entering secured seats in Parliament. have been elected to the Ninth had stood at 5.3% with 12 female MPs M.A. Sumanthiran was accused of the centre, Pravina had stated. Wigneswaran contested from the Tamil Parliament. during the 2015-2020 period. manipulating the preferential vote count She had noted that the turmoil was People’s National Alliance in the Jaffna Three female representatives have Also, several districts saw newcomers in the district by Pravina Raviraj, who thereafter created at the counting centre District while Ponnambalam contested been elected from the Ratnapura to politics beating professional is the daughter of assassinated TNA MP to hide the rigged voting that had from All Ceylon Tamil Congress District alone – Pavithra Wanniarachchi, politicians to secure the top slot in Raviraj. occurred in two counting booths. (AITC). Ponnambalam is the son of the Muditha Soyza, and . the preferential vote lists – Nalaka Pravina’s mother, Sashikala Raviraj, Sumanthiran and the Police Special late Kumar Ponnambalam of the AITC. The others are Rajika Wickremesinghe, Godahewa, Nipuna Ranawaka, contested under the TNA-backed ITAK Task Force personnel deployed on duty Wigneswaran was the former Chief , Kokila Shasheendra Rajapaksa, and Jeevan for the Jaffna District. at the counting centre are being accused Minister in the Northern Province who Gunawardena, , Thondaman among others. (See boxes Pravina claimed foul play stating that of attacking persons who were carrying was brought into the limelight by the and Rohini Kaviratne. for names of winners and losers at the her mother, who was polling second in out a peaceful protest against the rigging TNA. However, he later split from the However, the number of female general election). both Jaffna and Kilinochchi by 6.30 p.m. of votes. TNA and formed his own party. representatives in Parliament could see on Thursday, was placed fourth when the According to Pravina, TNA Leader Ponnambalam was also once a member an increase depending on the candidates Controversy over Jaffna list final results for the Jaffna District were R. Sampanthan had failed to answer of the TNA before splitting and taking a nominated by political parties through Meanwhile, a tense situation arose announced. their multiple calls during the attack hard stance on the national issue. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 12 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, August 9, 2020

GENERAL ELECTION 2020 DOING THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY BY DIANDRA ANNE Can manage The long-awaited and highly anticipated general election was finally held on 5 August, after being postponed twice, better without despite the perilous situation in the country as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it would not have been election advisable to delay the election any further, as it would have resulted in constitutional issues. Anonymous – attorney-at-law In order to ensure the situation would be under control and My belief is that it would have been the election was safely and successfully conducted, mock better if the country could be managed elections were held in order to prepare the general public without having elections. Why I say as well as test out the process of holding the election in the that is because at the initial stages of safest manner possible, applying the election-related health the Covid-19 pandemic, the health guidelines that were introduced too. These guidelines also officials and government officials extended to political campaigning for the election. managed the situation together with As this alien and new method of holding elections was the President, without any issues. No cabinet officials were involved. If they rather interesting, we took to asking the general public their were, we wouldn’t have been able to thoughts on it all – the polls, campaign period, the election curtail the spread of the virus to this itself, and the final outcome. extent. When they decided to distribute the Rs. 5,000, if it was done through the grama niladharis and the divisional Main concern was safety, not secretariats, it would have been carried out systematically. But that was not election* the case because politicians had to get involved; they made it look like it Shiiraan Nooramith – former Co-ordinating Secretary to the PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDENA was given by a certain political party Finance Minister as a part of their campaign. Then, the Election Commission (EC) Chairman We were not sure if the election could be held Shorter Hope new govt. had to intervene. Subsequently, they at all due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to said that the EC Chairman had asked to the fits and starts when fixing the date for the campaigning will maintain stop it, which wasn’t the case. He said general election, and add to that the pandemic, to use the normal channels. Our people the majority of the people lost interest in the period a positive democracy are also so gullible that they will election. The public’s main concern was how believe anything. This is the problem to get by on a daily basis and also protecting Geoffrey Alphonso – senior IT Renishka Fernando – student with these politicians; they try to get themselves from the virus. specialist the maximum benefit at every turn. *Opinion was taken prior to poll results As a first- Currently even though the pandemic The cutback on the campaigning time voter, is still there, as far as I know, no PCR period for the 2020 general election, the voting (polymerase chain reaction) testing is in my view, is a win for the country. process was are being done. Also, we may also be Given the history of politicians’ extremely having asymptomatic carriers. In that Final results thought-provoking behaviour during election campaigns, efficient and backdrop, when people were brought Dilrukshan Fernando – business consultant longer campaigns the officials in by the busload for campaigns by would only at the voting all parties concerned, who is to say This year’s general has shown a completely mean more station seemed that all who were there wouldn’t have election has certainly changed perspective on and more to adhere to all contracted the virus if there was one attracted the attention the traditional political spending guidelines and regulations. An observation person amongst them with it? of not only Sri parties. While the SLPP of I made while deciding who to vote for is With regards to the future, well, we Lankans but also has secured 59% of taxpayers’ that there is a lack of female representation had progressed up in the Prosperity the international the votes, the Samagi money, and young individuals in both political Index, but with the pandemic things community. As Jana Balawegaya (SJB) where parties and the Parliament. Female may have changed, as the country President Gotabaya seems to have fought the politician representation and the inclusion of young has had no income to pay off its Rajapaksa has so battle alone with 23% of the would just individuals are important in the creation of borrowings. Although the ruling party precisely pointed out, votes against the other veteran scream out slogans policies and enforcing the same. states that they don’t sell the country’s it’s a proud moment where Sri parties such as the United National and would disappear when the dust In addition to this, it is very common assets, it has been done. So how would Lanka has been recognised as the Party (UNP) or the Tamil National settles after the election. for the politicians to forget about the they settle the borrowings under the first South Asian country with 71% Alliance (TNA) in the Opposition. As for the outcome of this election, election promises made by them after present context – through taxation or all-island voter turnout amidst the I wish the SLPP leadership led becoming a developed country will getting elected to office. Although I am selling of country’s assets? global pandemic. by newly elected Prime Minister always remain a distant dream until not particularly pleased with the election As for the results, it appears that The final results of the election Mahinda Rajapaksa a fair and someone with a clear vision takes results since it could possibly result in the SLPP has obtained a majority. My are very thought-provoking, as it impartial serving of the country. control and drives the economy out the nullification of the 19th Amendment, concern now is how they would use of the ditch we find it in today. It is I hope the new government will use its their powers to ensure a better future obvious with these results that the democratically given powers to ensure for the nation. I hope that they will not people demand change and justice for and maintain democracy. It is important abuse their powers. If the President the negligence of the previous regime. that our representatives ensure that their could be firm and control matters, we Opposition has serious Only time will tell how the new election promises are upheld because we could look forward to something better. regime will fare. Expect the worst and depend on these politicians to create a It all depends on what happens to the homework hope for the best. better future for our country. 19th Amendment. Krishanth Sathiyanathan – UI/UX engineer The general election 2020 was was not as easy as they thought, and quite the talk of the town, especially ultimately resulted in failure, in my because of the pandemic. In my opinion. Some remarkable changes A marked difference opinion, the Election Commission Needless to say, it is the decision made a wise move by fixing the of the citizens in the country to Vishwa Tennakoon – undergraduate this year election for 5 August, given that the select members of parliament, but Covid-19 situation in the country we should change how we think Even though people took a cautious remarkable and the downfall of the Florence Smith – senior citizen was pretty much under control. about the whole concept of who we approach towards the election, the oldest party in , the UNP, is The election is also necessary should be voting for. turnout was 71%. Although it was, in a total disaster. As a citizen who was I feel that the overall, to safeguard democracy in the What people expect from the my opinion, a significant drop compared voting from Colombo, it was remarkable the election this year country; without a rightfully elected newly elected government is that to the presidential election last year, to see two contestants from Viyathmaga is markedly different parliament, the status of democracy they should not let history repeat which had a record turnout of 83.7%, obtaining seats at Diyawanna for the to other years, is threatened. itself and not make the same it is a good number considering the first time. Major Pradeep Undugoda mainly because it Over the past few months it was mistakes the previous Government pandemic situation. and Admiral Sarath Weerasekara earned was more peaceful, widely debated that “Viyathmaga” made, while also working towards While the SLPP and SJB secured their place among the “experienced calm, and organised was to influence the educated, being a positive force. The 59.09% and 23.9%, respectively, the members”. Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam than ever before. The experienced individuals in society Opposition needs to do some serious significant development of the Jathika showed a drastic change with a massive people seem to know to contest at the general election homework if they wish to gain the Jana Balawegaya (JJB) and Illankai power change and among other districts, who and what they wanted and represent the citizens, but it public’s favour. Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) are the JJB outclassed the UNP. and were not overly anxious about the election speeches and various promises that the candidates kept making. The outcome of the polls indicates what the majority of the country needs in the future – Actually, we are quite disgusted Disgusted at main parties happy with the results as the party that security. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his at both the major parties. There was voted in got the desired number overall handling of the country have given the was no point in having the election Arunashantha Jayasuriya – businessman of votes. The only thing I have to say people an assurance of peace and wellbeing, at all. It’s just a waste of time. The disappointed and disgusted at the whole Actually, all 225 MPs are useless. is that the people will face difficulties especially with the Covid-19 situation which previous Government was a coalition setup. The only thing is that we have There is no relief for the people. with the current economic situation was handled with much steadfastness and government and none of the public a right and an obligation to vote. So Politicians are only interested in their of the country. Even though there are foresight. benefitted from that. we do it through a secret ballot and own gain and hence I have no faith in so many knowledgeable people, if The result of the polls today is an eye-opener The others are ruled by a set of accept whoever comes into power. anyone. they are not going to use the resources for the ones who couldn’t make it. Nonetheless, brothers. We don’t even know what The voters are trapped ( With regards to the results, I believe to resurrect the economy, we are in they too are our heroes, whom we need at all they would do. So we are totally ). what had to happen, happened. I am trouble. times. So let all wars end and peace prevail. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 13 Sunday, August 9, 2020 FOCUS MICROFINANCE LOAN CRISIS Ongoing crisis in the North z Indebtedness pushes rural communities further down the poverty line

BY SARAH HANNAN represent,” Gunaratne explained. She added that these lawyers are paid a The northern peninsula is still salary by the Government and therefore scattered with partially built houses We are only able to earn enough can easily represent these poor people that that have been abandoned, and to put food on our table and are caught in this debt trap. within one of those compounds, send these children to school. During a hearing at the Human Rights there is a temporary shelter which Now, we have several loans to Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the houses a small family. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), when pay and are struggling to find questioned as to why they cannot regulate Eleven years since the civil war ended, enough money to settle them these microfinance loan schemes and their one might presume that the region N. Alahamma from Anandapuram institutions, had informed them that they would have experienced some form of do not have the power to do so. development as was promised to the people “How can the CBSL say such a thing by three governments since then that were if they are the financial regulator of the tasked to uplift the livelihoods of those who country? Shouldn’t they look at creating survived the war and wanted to start a fresh We are requesting the the environment to acquire such powers life in their homes. authorities to abolish these to regulate non-banking institutions? However, what they have been left with loans. When we compare the The previous Government finally drafted is projects that were abandoned by the monies that the Government a Credit Regulatory Authority Act, but various government entities that turned the A demonstration againt unfortunately it was never taken up by the region into a ground for failed development is wasting on unnecessary microfinance held in Colombo Cabinet of Ministers for approval. The work. In came the financial institutions activities and the amount of in February this year draft is still with the Legal Draftsman, that convinced these people to borrow foreign loans that the country and we urge the incumbent Government from them, noting that the way to rapid especially to activists that were working Nelumyaya therefore, is looking at to take it up at the next Cabinet discussion development was to take microfinance is receiving, this matter of 2.8 with these communities in the Northern holding discussions with the Legal Aid and enact it.” loans. million people can be easily Province,” Gunaratne elaborated. Commission to inquire as to why these Once the Act is gazetted, the CBSL will Today, these very microfinance loans written-off cases cannot be handled by them. “Their have the powers to ban illegal financiers Attention of the legal framework have turned into the biggest burden in their Nelumyaya Director and Attorney-at-Law mandate is to provide legal assistance and put an end to the unethical lending lives, as the lender had not read to them Radika Gunaratne While Sri Lanka’s legal framework sees to people who come from low-income practices that are followed by these the fine print before offering the loans. The many company lawyers that are willing backgrounds. On one hand, people are microfinance institutions and enforce the piling of microfinance loans is not a new to represent the financial institution, not not aware that they are entitled to have provisions stated under the Microfinance phenomenon in the region as the financial tranche of the loans once the previous stage many lawyers would willingly appear to free legal representation and on the other Act No. 6 of 2016. institutions that facilitate it have been is completed. The continued economic defend these poor communities that are hand, the lawyers too are not willing to operating in the region since the civil war downfall over the past years has left facing litigation over collection of loans. take up cases that would be complex to Contd. on page 14 ended in 2009. Yogeswaree in a fix where she had been S. Yogeswaree, a widow from lured in to taking microfinance loans to Oddusuddan, lives with her son while her keep her household fed and to purchase daughter is married and lives separately. the seeds and fertiliser for her vegetable Her husband and a son died during the war patch and the animal feed for the cow that while another son went missing during the they obtain fresh milk from. war in 2006. As part of a female-headed N. Alahamma, an estranged woman household, Yogeswaree received a cash from Anandapuram, was busy shredding grant, from which she purchased a cow and areca nuts with the assistance of her a calf and built a cattle shelter. daughter. In a female-headed household, We then proceeded towards the partially she supports four members of her family built house for which the family received where two sons, one daughter, and a funds from the Indian Housing Project. A grandson live, in the land owned by framed photo of Yogeswaree’s dead son and them where a partially built house stands the ID of her dead husband were placed on covered by a tarp. top of an altar for remembrance. Their original home, which was When asked as to why the house is not damaged by the heavy shelling, stands in completely built, Yogeswaree stated that a sorry state, which they still use as their the funders would only release the next kitchen; a bed was in the hallway and bags of shredded areca nuts were stocked. The partially built house was part of Govt. action over a foreign housing project which had not microfinance debt crisis seen completion. When asked as to what In 2017, government officials and the Central happened to the project, Alahamma said Bank Governor consulted women’s groups, local that they could not complete the first stage officials, and the co-operatives during a fact-finding of the house on time and therefore, didn’t mission. During this research effort, the co-operative qualify for the next tranche of the housing movement suggested four steps to address the crisis: loan. decreasing the debt stock through a moratorium on Their financial status had deteriorated loan payments or debt write off; an interest rate cap over the years and today, they have fallen to end the exponential increase in debt; alternative victim to the multiple microfinance loans avenues for affordable rural credit including through they took to ensure the upkeep of their the co-operatives; and policies to increase income family and to purchase areca nuts which streams through collective production as opposed to self-employment. she cleans and pounds to be sold for In response, a one-time partial write off of loans in beeda. 12 drought-affected districts and a national interest “We are only able to earn enough to rate cap on microfinance of 35% were announced. put food on our table and send these The interest rate cap was instituted in December 2018 children to school. Now, we have several after a year of lobbying and amid objections from the loans to pay and are struggling to find economic establishment that it would be interference enough money to settle them,” Alahamma in the market. informed us. Following which, the Government had to allow Like Yogeswaree and Alahamma, there a first partial victory to the struggling women, by are many such stories in the Northern writing off 45,139 loans. The very particular conditions of eligibility for debt forgiveness decided by the Province that are untold. Government (having a debt of Rs. 100,000 and Their current economic plight seems to having defaulted three times), and the fact that this have been caused by their mismanaged forgiveness was limited to the 12 districts that were finances and the microfinance institutions most affected by the drought (which has negative offering them loan over loan and trapping impacts on agriculture) left many over-indebted them under massive debts. people out. The Sunday Morning got in touch with “Multipurpose co-operative societies” were able to Nelumyaya Director and Attorney-at-Law revive their rural credit activities on a somewhat ethical Radika Gunaratne, who works closely basis, as funds were allocated by the Government and with these communities, to understand the through mobilisation of their own resources. They offer loans of similar amounts to the smaller loans situation and how it has changed over the offered by microfinance (Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 50,000, years. respectively), and charge an effective annual rate “Microfinancing loan defaulting is not of 14%, which is much lower than the practices of a Northern Province-specific issue, but is microfinance enterprises. This figure may still seem an issue that many areas that are poverty high but it is related to inflation, which stood at 7.6% ridden in Sri Lanka face. The matter has between January 2019 and January 2020. come to a point where it is now turning In the North, credit co-operatives combined their into a debt crisis, which the people in funds with government budget allocations in 2018 power are not paying attention to fix. and 2019 totalling Rs. 750 million, for a broad credit “The debt crisis over microfinance loans scheme reaching distressed households to keep them away from predatory lenders. A further allocation of Rs. came to light when the female-headed 1,750 million, during the same period, is building 100 households in the Northern and Eastern small co-operative industries throughout the war-torn Provinces took to the streets in 2017- Northern Province with the aim of increasing rural 2018 to out the many irregularities of the employment and livelihoods. lending institutions. These measures are starting to show some results “Despite the announced partial write- with fewer complaints of abusive lending practices offs in 2018, the Government failed to and rural women avoiding microfinance companies enact the legalities that entailing the said due to greater social awareness. The new co-operative interest rate reductions and had continued credit scheme, during its first year, has reached 10% to allow these microfinance institutions to of households in the Northern Province and is likely to reach 25% to 30% of households over the next year if function without proper regulation. the Government’s promised funds are disbursed. “They (microfinance companies) finally filed legal action against the borrowers Source: Committee for the Abolition of and started intimidating them by sending Illegitimate Debt contract killers to make death threats, WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 14 the sunday morning FEATURE/FOCUS Sunday, August 9, 2020

of Buddhism and had been his first Dhamma teacher; she had shared the little Dhamma knowledge she had with him. “My mother always said that she wanted to see one of her children ordained. My sister became an active political figure in the area at the time. So it was I who had to HEALING choose the path of a monk at some point.” The thera recalls how he had enjoyed the many vices as a layman at the time, and was married and lived a family life. As years passed, he had gradually realised how vain his life was. “I thought about what my mother always said and one day, I informed THROUGH my younger sister that I intended to be ordained to fulfil my mother’s wishes.” Healing everyone The monk recites the Vishwa Shanthi Bodhi Pooja, invoking healing to the people, and said that he has been able DHAMMA to assist thousands of people heal from various ailments. Today, not only Buddhists but also many families of the Hindu faith come to the Lumbini Viharaya to receive At the time, I got to know blessings from Dhammalankara Thera. He through Sivali Thera that said that regardless of their faith, he would no monk wanted to reside in hold Bodhi poojas for all of them and this temple since it was in channel the blessings to the children and Kilinochchi. I undertook the adults as well. task to reside in this temple Dhammalankara Thera spends most in 2011 and said that even of his time reading the scriptures and if it is difficult, I would stay meditating, and like many of the monks and conduct the prayers who spend a lot of time meditating, he and meditation programmes has developed his state of mind to a point from this temple where he has been able to predict world Ingiriya Dhammalankara events. Thera He said that he had foreseen the terror attacks that took place in April 2019 and had shared his prediction on 19 April just three days before the Easter Sunday attacks had taken place. However, he noted that he does not want to be used as a tool for predictions as such and, even if he would zMeeting the preacher to the military units in the North foresee any major events, is not keen on sharing it with media outlets. BY SARAH HANNAN Sivali Thera that no monk wanted to reside manually, using a coconut scraper. That “This Bodhi has so much power to it that in this temple since it was in Kilinochchi. I was the test the hotel owner put me through when I meditate under its shade, I feel the Our journey to the northern undertook the task to reside in this temple to offer a job at this hotel. I completed the connection to the source of everything. I peninsula allowed us to explore the in 2011 and said that even if it is difficult, task and got the job.” understand why Gautama Buddha selected many sites of historical importance, I would stay and conduct the prayers and Dhammalankara Thera said that he various Bo trees to meditate. What is and among the sea of Hindu kovils meditation programmes from this temple.” worked on film sets and had cooked for interesting about this tree is that during the and Christian and Catholic churches Before ordination many famous actors and musicians at the height of the war in 2008 till January 2009, in the township of Kilinochchi, what time. Later, he had switched jobs and had many of the buildings around this area stood out to us was the Lumbini Sharing his experience as a layman, the done several labour-intensive jobs. including the temple structures had been Viharaya which sits amidst all the thera said that he started his first job at a The thera’s mother was a keen follower destroyed but the tree miraculously stood hotel. unharmed,” Dhammalankara Thera rapid development taking place in “My first day at work as a kitchen elaborated. Kilinochchi. apprentice was quite As we asked permission to It is believed that during the Third Century memorable. We had depart, the thera was kind enough BC, Theri Sangamitta, on her voyage to Sri to prepare a massive to share a sermon and invoke Lanka from India, bearing the sacred Bo biriyani order and blessings for our long journey sapling, had rested on the very ground the it would have on the road, noting that it was a Lumbini Viharaya stands today. As a mark been at least 500 pleasure to have our team at his of respect, she had then decided to plant a packs. I was temple during this pandemic. segment off the sapling she was to carry to tasked to grind PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Anuradhapura at the Lumbini Temple in two big bags of Kilinochchi. dried chillies That itself makes this temple a and grate historically and archaeologically important 150 coconuts site for Sri Lankans and the people that follow the Buddha’s teachings. However, it seems to have been missed in our school textbooks, as one would have to deep dive What is interesting about this tree is into the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka that during the height of the war in and want to learn about all the viharayas, 2008 till January 2009, many of the stupas, and areas of importance for buildings around this area including Buddhists to have come across it. the temple structures had been destroyed In this temple resides Ven. Ingiriya but the tree miraculously stood Dhammalankara Thera, who has been unharmed tending to the temple and preaching Ven. Ingiriya Dhammalankara Thera the Dhamma to the 30 Army divisions stationed in the Northern Province since 2011. The Sunday Morning had a brief Temple in Ingiriya, Dhammalankara Thera chat with the thera on his journey as a had volunteered to serve his journey as a buddhaputra. sangha at the Lumbini Viharaya. Ordained in 2011 at the Kakulaliya “At the time, I got to know through Lumbini Temple in Kilinochchi

Contd. from page 13 Contd. from page 4

when it comes to litigation over countersign, stating that they read Ongoing crisis... defaulted loans, the court would and understood the agreement. set an instalment amount that the Exports sector... During the drafting of the Credit Gunaratne stated that companies victim could pay if a court order National Policy Regulatory Authority Act, activists are tricking people into taking a will be issued over that amount. Framework “It’s a good thing that PPE section of the market, it is a and the team from Nelumyaya had larger loan, saying that they can Most of these microfinance loan- Viyathmaga, the intellectual and exports have increased, because blessing right now, but we pointed out the shortcomings of assist them to pay off the multiple related cases were won without professional lobby that creates most garment factory workers cannot depend on that. We have the said Microfinance Act. loans they have already taken. charge.” policies for President Gotabaya were without any jobs due to look at our traditional exports; Gunaratne believes that this “At this point, it no longer For instance, when legal Rajapaksa and the 16th Parliament to the production disruption while they too have declined, matter can easily be solved by becomes a microfinance loan and action is called on recoveries that will be appointed in the coming caused by Covid-19. So at least we have to somehow see that the people in power, as all it becomes a re-loan, where the for microfinance loan amounts days, has proposed to release they have supplied one type such exports will come to the takes is just issuing one circular financial institution compounds of Rs. 20,000, Gunaratne et 25% of all Samurdhi balances to of export which is in demand level of performance they had or a matter of tabling the draft all the loans and interest rates al. continue to furnish written the account holders to enhance throughout the world. However, prior to 2019 – tea, rubber, and Credit Regulatory Authority Act together, creating a regular loan submissions until it is filed. When their purchasing power. Also, it is important to remember that also spices. Spices are the best at the next cabinet discussion and with a big instalment payment. The this happens, that company has they are proposing to introduce a there is huge competition in the export because they have not approving it. debtor now has to look at settling to pay more to their company moratorium on capital repayment. world market with regard to been affected by Covid, as they one large instalment instead of the lawyer than the amount that is to Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa, these products. Bangladesh and are perennial crops. But we must Abolish microfinance small instalments that were set be recovered. in Chapter 10 of his National Vietnam – which have heavily have the marketing channels to loans out in their microfinance loans, However, when the sum Policy Framework which focuses invested in their garment sector get these products (exported).” “We are requesting the and they don’t even get any credit to recover is larger than Rs. on transitioning isolated villages to – are producing these products Commending the EDB authorities to abolish these loans. allowance from the said loan.” 50,000, it becomes a regular fully integrated economy centres in large quantities and supplying leadership, Dr. Wijewardena When we compare the monies When matters pertaining to loan recovery case. Gunaratne with all facilities, is set to launch at a cheaper price than that of Sri asserted that the Board could that the Government is wasting these types of loans are taken noted that most of the cases that the “Punarjeewana Fund” to Lanka. Our cost of production implement the necessary changes on unnecessary activities and the up in court, their lawyers are no they won were all based on the uplift the economic standards and is high because the wages are to ensure successful recovery in amount of foreign loans that the longer representing them over a irregularities she found in the livelihoods of the people. This is higher than those in Bangladesh a month. country is receiving, this matter of microfinance loan but rather a loan agreement. She noted that set to grant government-sponsored and Vietnam. Again, we have a “Within a matter of one month, 2.8 million people can be easily massive financial loan. It is a tactic the technicalities in the agreement concessionary loan schemes problem in terms of accessing the EDB can set up all these written off.” that the financial institutions use to was proof enough to win the and agricultural loans to female the market.” things. Of course, we have got a When asked about the situation avoid paying compensation. cases, where the institution had entrepreneurs trapped under various The veteran economist then good Chairman at the EDB now, where some of these people have “We have so far completed 12 failed to read out the terms of the microfinance schemes and to ensure charged that traditional exports and he himself is an exporter, been offered more loans on top of such cases, where the victim did agreement to the borrower and relief for village women falling must be developed once again so he has practical experience. the loan that they have to repay not have to pay back a cent to had also forged their signatures victim to unregulated microfinance and prioritised. Therefore, let him concentrate on to the microfinance institutions, the financial institution. Ideally, in pages that they have to schemes. “Even if we can get a small these factors immediately.” WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 15 Sunday, August 9, 2020 SPORTS Lt. Gen. Kobbekaduwa The hero and the sportsman z 29 August is his 28th death anniversary BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY before leaving for a two-year President J.R. Jayewardene took him to training programme at the Royal Pakistan for the SAARC (South Asian Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa Military Academy Sandhurst in the Association for Regional Co-operation) was one of the finest rugby United Kingdom. These circumstances conference in , as a member players produced from Kandy. prevented him from qualifying for the of the President’s tour party. On his He led Kandy Sports Club in coveted Ryde Gold Medal for the best return, he left for London to follow a 1969 in the Clifford Cup final all-round student of Trinity College. course at the Royal College of Defence. after 15 years. In 1960, he began his illustrious From 1970 to 1972, Denzil played career in the and for the Army. In 1972, he played for the Born in Kandy on 27 July 1940 to went for training to UK for two years. Army while serving as the Secretary of Loku Bandara and Lorna Ratwatte Having successfully completed his the SLRFU (Sri Lanka Rugby Football Kobbekaduwa as their second child, training, he returned to the country. Union) then known as CRFU (Ceylon), Denzil had his early education at From 1963, he was a regular member of a unique achievement indeed. Then in Hillwood Girls’ College, Kandy, which the Sri Lanka Army rugger team, which the early 1970s, when the Army pulled is the sister school of Trinity College. he went on to lead later. out of rugby due to the insurgency, In 1948, he joined Trinity, where he Denzil turned out for CR & FC “Bees”. excelled in both education and sports. More on rugby field He rendered an invaluable service to He died on 28 August 1992 in a brutal He was unfortunately sent on rugger as Secretary of the controlling and controversial terrorist attack in the compulsory leave in 1966, in which body, from 1972 to 1974. North of Sri Lanka. year he turned out for Havelock SC before returning to his home town in A memorable hero Amongst the best Denzil Kobbekaduwa was a hero of the 1967. He donned the Kandy SC white In memory of him, the Kandy nation and a remarkable sportsman too During Denzil’s time, Trinity was jersey for the first time in 1967 under clubhouse was named after him and known as the cradle of rugby. He, as Vice Captain of the Trinity hockey team Y.C. Chang and in 1970, after three a memorial trophy too was donated a top-class scrum-half, first played for in 1959 and was a coloursman too. games, he went back to the Army. to be presented to the winner of the Trinity in 1957 under the leadership of Denzil’s greatest moment was in match between Central Province RFU Ken de Joodt. He also played cricket, Left for Sandhurst August 1969, when he played in both and Western Province RFU. Later, this basketball, and did athletics too. Denzil was also a school prefect, Test matches against the Bosuns. In Trophy was used for the Inter Club He captained the rugger team in 1959 and later became a senior prefect. October 1969, Denzil toured Singapore Rugby Sevens. and was awarded the Lion, the highest This appointment was only for a with the Sri Lanka team. Denzil Kobbekaduwa is no more, award given in any sport at Trinity. In week, since he opted to pursue a After being promoted as in but his memory will remain forever in 1959, Denzil led the school, and had career with the Ceylon Army and the Army, Denzil served the nation with the hearts of all those who knew him. some of the topmost ruggerites of the was enlisted as an and dedication at crucial times and notably Denzil will not be forgotten by the Denzil Kobbekaduwa when he played rugby for Kandy SC era playing with him. He was also the posted to Diyathalawa for training, his efforts were successful and fruitful. rugby lovers of the country.

The wrong bishop (or Smarter, not more, is better given time. Since there will be is it the wrong rook Dinith a limited number of players on Pathiraja court and the players are also more or less of equal standard, pawn?) strikes again! ON COURT the coaches should make sure It’s a tense position. that they tailor the sessions With both the players specifically for the players on low on time and with Covid-19 is raging round the court. THE CHESS checkmates being world unabated, uncontrolled, In fact, in this situation if threatened, it’s a and in most cases, disrupting the coaches are imaginative CORNER situation where all activities and normal and attuned to the needs by Dulan Edirisinghe anything – even a life. In this context, sporting of the players, the coaches wrong bishop scenario activities, competitions, and, might find that their sessions in some cases, even practices have more intensity than the Kramnik – Carlsen which escapes the For many youngsters, their earliest encounter with have been disrupted. And in sessions before the pandemic. the “wrong bishop” represents the first “aha!” moment (Chess24 Legends of attention of Vladimir Chess 2020) Kramnik – can happen. the case where practices are Limited number of players will with regard to the intricacies of the endgame. The concept After 45...Qf2+ being held, they are being held automatically make the players itself has been known for a very long time and today In a mere four moves, the position changed drastically. After 46.Qg2 within strict guidelines. Since present, and hit more balls it is considered one of the basic endgame concepts an the one buzzword during these during a concentrated period of aspiring chess player must know by heart. Bxg3+ 47.Kh3 Qxg2+ 48.Kxg2 Rxd8 49.Nxd8 Bxh4, Carlsen is two pawns ahead in a Bishop vs. Knight ending. times is “social distancing”, time, thereby generating way The former World Champion Vishy Anand said: the one guideline that is most more intensity. If the coaches “Intuition in chess can be defined as the first move that Noticing the possibility applied is the fact that the can then identify a theme for comes to mind when you see a position.” Let’s consider of a draw by sacrificing number of players taking part the session and make sure that the following position to test your endgame intuition. his knight, Kramnik in any practice session has to be the players focus on that, the At first, 1.Kxe5 appears played 50.Ne6. The limited. practice sessions will become to give white the best black bishop can’t In the field of Sri Lankan more specific as well. This in chance of a draw. It control the key h1 tennis, this is an extremely turn would benefit the players brings the white king square, so the game difficult guideline to accurately more. closer to the black will be drawnif white fulfil. This is because of the pawn. With the black White to play manages to capture fact that in most cases in Sri Djokovic factor king confined to a the g-pawn by sacrificing the knight. Lankan tennis, most coaches Some coaches have distant corner, the Judit Polgar, the strongest female player in history, World renowned tennis coach and mentor Nick Bollettieri conducting a have to have group classes for session in Colombo unfortunately got into a rut White to play white king may just acted as a guest commentator for the official broadcast. the players. This is borne out and thereby have not been able Will you take the bishop fend off the black She immediately spotted a delightful forcing move of the necessity of the financial cultural and perhaps even an to identify the opportunities or the knight? knight and capture the sequence Kramnik missed. 50.Nf7+ Kg8 51.Nh6+! ability of the parents concerned. environmental issue than a In fact, in this afforded in this particular h-pawn. But black wins after 1.Kxe5 h5 2.Kf5 Nd7 Kf8 (gxh6 and it’s a draw) 52.Nf5! forking the g7 Another aspect that needs to be technical issue. Most of the situation, if the situation. Also, some other 3.Kg5 Nf6 when the knight cleverly protects the pawn pawn and the black bishop. Incidentally, Carlsen also taken into consideration is the Sri Lankan coaches are used coaches in the absence of a from behind. messed up the actual endgame after 50.Ne6 and the coaches are fact that the biggest constraining to doing a lot of basket drills imaginative and specific plan of action for the On the other hand, 1.Kxc5 draws the game thanks game was drawn, but it doesn’t take anything away factor in Sri Lanka’s tennis is for players during the coaching players have found themselves to the aforementioned “wrong-coloured bishop” rule. from the beautiful idea Judit found. the limited number of courts session. This could of course attuned to the needs floundering in this situation. When the pawn is on the edge of the board and the The drawing idea with 51.Nh6+ is reminiscent of that are available for practices. be as a result of the fact that the of the players, the Specific themes and specific bishop does not control the promotion square, the one of the earliest known chess studies. Gioachino Greco number of players per session is coaches might find drills to be discussed is not the opposition king can only be stalemated. After 1.Kxc5 (1600-1634) is credited with the following. Limited facilities higher. But most of the coaches that their sessions purpose of this article. But it h5 2. Kd5 Bb8 3.Ke4 h4 4.Kf3 h3 5. Kf2 h2 6. Kg2, With the limited number of are also used to “feeding” a have more intensity is to make sure to point out to black can’t make progress. After 1...Rh1+ available courts comes the fact majority of the time during their than the sessions coaches another way that they Usually, a wrong-colored bishop situation looks 2.Rf1 Rxf1 3.Kxf1 that there are only a limited coaching sessions. This means before the pandemic. can approach the particular like this. can you spot black’s number of hours available for that the practice session is a challenges that they face in this The black king controls surprising drawing coaching. All these structural very general one, with all the situation. the all-important a8 resource? limitations are already in place. players in the session, regardless action, the coaches now need to World No. 1 Novak square. The white Black to play and And only a limited number of of their needs, being given the come up with a system where Djokovic, speaking in February bishop, being a dark- draw Greco (1621) players are able to come for a same drill to perform on court. they will have to make use of immediately after he had won squared one, is “wrong”. lesson at one time. Therefore, This “one size fits all” attitude the new guidelines available another tournament, has said: Once you get over the After 3...Bh3!!, the white g-pawn disappears and the problem gets wildly could have been because of for the best possible benefit of “Obviously I work as hard as initial shock, this black gets the draw. exacerbated. The discussion practical usage that the coaches the players. In this situation, the anybody else, but I think more concept is etched in It’s a testament to below is how to use the above had to put into action earlier. coaches need to be cognizant of importantly for me is working White can’t make your mind forever. Yet the richness of the disadvantage to the benefit of In the circumstances, this also the needs of the players so that smart (sic). Understanding what progress the whole thing is so endgame that similar the players so that, perhaps, needs to be kept in mind going they identify “specific” needs of suits me the best in terms of counterintuitive that in the heat of the battle, even the ideas continue to elude going forward, that can become on to the discussion below. the players during the session. routines, training, and recovery the best players even very best tend to stumble with it. the “new normal”. Benefit of the players They will also probably need to in order to improve myself on The following position appeared during a recent today. There is also another aspect make sure that when organising and off the court.” game between two World Champions at the “Chess24 to this particular issue that Therefore, with the present the session, they “match” the Surely, if that is good enough Legends of Chess” online tournament. 3... Bh3!! draws also needs to be discussed circumstances not permitting standards of the players as for him, it should be good at the outset. This is more a the above aspects to be put into much as possible during the enough for us, too. Yasir Shah strikes for Paks Pakistan took a vital 107-run lead in the first innings of their first Test against England at Manchester on Friday (7). That was through midway of day three of the match. Scores: Pakistan 1st innings 326 all out in 109.3 overs (Shan Masood 156, Babar Azam 69, Shadab Khan 45; Stuart Broad 3/54, England won’t travel to India Jofra Archer 3/59); England The limited-over cricket tour of England to India slated for September and October, which 1st innings 219 all out in 70.3 was to consist of T20Is, was postponed on Friday (7). This is at a time when the number of overs (Ollie Pope 62, Joss Butler Covid-19 cases in India reached over two million, making them the third worst affected 38, Stuart Broad 29 n.o.; Yasir county after the US and Brazil. This means, England will travel to both India and Sri Lanka Shah 4/66, Shadab Khan 2/13, early next year. They are expected to play the Test series then, which was postponed last Mohammad Abbas 2/33). March in Sri Lanka due to the virus outbreak. Sunday,sports August 9, 2020

Thilanga Sumathipala Muttiah Prabhakaran Arjuna Ranatunga Tillakaratne Dilshan

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Former prolific batsman and Sri Lanka skipper produced by Kalutara Vidyalaya, Tillakaratne Dilshan was not named in the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) A parliament sans National List issued Friday (7) afternoon by SLPP Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. This will mean that the 16th Parliament of Sri Lanka, convening on 20 August, will be without any leading any cricket stalwart cricketer.

“I have asked the (SLPP) party leadership about one month ago not z Dilshan not named in SLPP National List to consider me, even though I was one of the original candidates of the List, Dilshan’s name was originally my withdrawal earlier because serve my country which has given He entered Parliament first administration supremo Thilanga SLPP National List. Now I’m in in 13th place. The SLPP, which that might have created an undue me a lot of things,” he added. from the Colombo District in the Sumathipala lost in Moratuwa of Australia. I will anyway return to won 145 seats in the 225-member advantage to the Opposition. Such 2001 general election representing the Colombo District, receiving my country as soon as the lockdown Parliament receiving 59.09% of a thing would also have been Arjuna loses after the People’s Alliance (PA) led only around 37,000 votes, which here in Melbourne is relaxed. I don’t the total valid votes, was eligible to implied as a breakdown of ties 19 years that time by President Chandrika was not sufficient for victory in a think representation in Parliament name 17 candidates of its National between me and the SLPP. I have Arjuna Ranatunga, meanwhile, Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. gruelling battle in his District. is essential for me to serve my List this time. told the party leadership that my lost his seat after almost 20 years too was an Muttiah Muralitharan’s younger country,” Dilshan told The Sunday Therefore with Dilshan’s absence, services are always available at this time, contesting from his MP from the Matara District from brother Muttiah Prabhakaran, Morning Sports from Australia on the new House will not see the any moment,” Dilshan added. home district, Gampaha. His 2010 to 2015. who was supported amply by Friday (7). presence of any leading cricketer. When asked whether he wished party, the United National Party both Muralitharan and Sanath to join the cricket administration (UNP), received in Wednesday’s Sumathipala loses, Jayasuriya in his campaign in Not a single leading Always there to in Sri Lanka in the future, he did (5) election a mere single seat so does Muttiah the Nuwara Eliya District, also cricketer serve the country not deny the possibility. from the entire island in a historic Prabhakaran couldn’t win in his election In the 29-member SLPP National “I refrained from disclosing “I will always be available to debacle. Meanwhile, cricket debut. India or Australia? z Who’s going to host next year’s T20 World Cup?

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Cup is coming up in India, in 2023. of the Covid-19 situation, particularly This means that if India is requested in Australia. Who will host the International to push the 2021 T20 World Cup to In hindsight, interestingly, the Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup 2022, they will have to stage two postponement made certain that the next year? This became a key point of major ICC World Cups in both 2022 Board of Control for Cricket in India discussion when the ICC Board met and 2023, which is nothing but a (BCCI) has a free and bigger window virtually on Friday (7), with heads of monumental task, albeit a possible one. for their money-rich Indian Premier both the Australian and Indian cricket League (IPL), which is to attract a large boards being expected to participate in. World Cup leaves number of foreign international players Would Australia be required to wait space for IPL including those from Australia. until 2022 to host their event postponed On 20 July, the ICC in consultation The 13th IPL was originally from this year to next year? Would with Cricket Australia (CA) postponed scheduled to be held from 29 March India in the meantime agree to push this year’s seventh T20 World Cup, but was postponed due to the their T20 World Cup, set for next year, slated for 18 October-15 November, pandemic. until 2022, paving the way for Australia to November next year. That was after to have this year’s event next year? months of deliberation and observation Ganguly and Eddings This “World Cup swap” was the No sooner the ICC had postponed highlight of the ICC board meeting the 2020 T20 World Cup than the which was underway at the time The ICC T20 WC 2020 Indian board fixed the IPL from 19 Sunday Morning went to press. September-10 November in the UAE postponed to 2022 (due to the staggering Covid-19 Three World Cups in The International Cricket Council situation prevailing in India). three years (ICC) on Friday (7) confirmed that At Friday’s ICC board meeting, The ICC had organised two back- the Men’s T20 World Cup 2020, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly and to-back T20 World Cups for 2020 and which was postponed due to Covid- Secretary Jay Shah along with CA 2021 long before the outbreak of the 19, will be held in Australia in Chairman Earl Eddings and Chief Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the 2022. India will host the Men’s T20 Executive Nick Hockley were to take Cricket Australia Chairman Earl Eddings next edition of the ICC 50-over World World Cup 2021 as planned. part. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 SOLUTIONS TO UNIVERSITY RAGGING MENACE »SEE PAGE 5

SRI LANKA AND IMF THE RELAPSING ADDICT AND THE REHABILITATION CENTRE »SEE PAGE 7

Sunday, August 9, 2020 businessWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER Online tea auction facing issues No major z Tender floated for new software developer BY UWIN LUGODA He added that they opened bidding oldest tea auction, was forced to go for new developers to create a more online due to the impact of the ongoing The Colombo Tea Auction website, transparent, advanced, and efficient pandemic. To do this, the CTTA turned which was launched last April to e-platform for the online auction. to CICRA Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd., a conduct online tea auctions for the A list of requirements has been local Microsoft partner, in order to first time in Sri Lanka, has experienced prepared for the website, and the digitise their tea auction. During the problems, forcing the Colombo Tea CTTA has appointed a subcommittee month of April, CICRA was able to PayPal Traders’ Association (CTTA) to float consisting of industry stakeholders digitally transform the auction process a tender for a new software developer. to overlook and open tenders for the by creating an e-auction platform to CTTA Chairman Jayantha project. The new software is set to cater enable business continuity. Karunaratne told The Sunday Morning to all industry stakeholders including The company had previously Business that they needed a more the producer, broker, exporter, and scored successes for the industry by advanced system since the initial regulator. automating its complex tea brokering software was rushed within a period “We created the initial site in a practices and modernising the Tea of just 10 days in the month of April, hurry because of Covid, but now we Board’s back office system. amidst the lockdown imposed due to want a better e-platform for our tea The tea auction, which has been a progress the Covid-19 pandemic. auction. We currently have around 70 weekly event, with rules and procedures “When we were developing the companies bidding on this project, and that were first laid down in the 1880s initial software for the website, we that includes the initial developer of and 1890s, was brought to a sudden halt z Indian officials yet to confirm visit informed the old developer that they the software.” mid-March due to the local Covid-19 were doing a good job, but we need a The 137-year-old Colombo Tea outbreak and had to be suspended for BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR more advanced and efficient software Auction, which happens to be the two weeks before the online auction in the long run.” world’s largest, most complex, and went live. Even though the Central Bank has been in contact with PayPal on establishing the payment giant in Sri Lanka as a domestic partner bank for inward remittances, no Renewed hope on significant progress has been made up to now, The Sunday Morning Business learns. The discussions have been Trinco oil tanks conducted by the Central Bank with BY MADHUSHA Business reliably learnt the PayPal office in India through THAVAPALAKUMAR that after the end of the PayPal’s regional headquarters in lease agreement, Sri Lanka Singapore, but India is yet to confirm Despite Sri Lanka’s is not willing to renew the an all-important visit to the island to direct discussions with agreement as they want to meet relevant officials. the Indian Government develop the storage tanks When asked about the progress of on reclaiming 25 for local purposes. getting the payment platform into PayPal Head Office fuel storage tanks in Reclaiming storage the country, Central Bank of Sri The same month, then Minister to revive talks on getting PayPal into Trincomalee failing, the tanks in Trincomalee or Lanka Payments and Settlements of Telecommunications and Digital Sri Lanka. Therefore, the Central Indian High Commission commencing joint ventures Department Director D. Kumaratunge Infrastructure Harin Fernando stated Bank had to contact the regional in Colombo has given with LIOC on Trincomalee told The Sunday Morning Business that Sri Lanka will gain inward access headquarters in Singapore through renewed hope to the Sri oil tanks are long-pending that the regional PayPal officials are in to PayPal from 2017 onwards as the whom the Central Bank was able to Lankan Government on requests made by Sri the process of assessing opportunities Government managed to “convince” reach the Indian officials. After this, the subject, The Sunday Fuel storage tanks in Trincomalee Lankan authorities from in Sri Lanka to grant PayPal money PayPal. But, PayPal did not enter the Indian officials had expressed their Morning Business learns. during a recent meeting tanks built with steel one consecutive Indian receiving facility. country in 2017 and no reasons were intention to visit Sri Lanka. Even though the Indian with the Sri Lankan inch thick. Each tank could Governments and the “The Central Bank is continuing provided for this. In 2017, the Central Bank stated Government has been authorities on this matter, store 12,000 tonnes of fuel, LIOC. Nevertheless, none communication with regional PayPal In March 2018, Sri Lanka was that PayPal has been hesitant over the critical about giving 25 Bagley had stated that bringing the total capacity of it progressed. officials to obtain the PayPal facility developing a National Financial years as there will be low transaction fuel storage tanks in reclaiming the storage of the tanks to 1.2 million. In 2017, then Minister to Sri Lanka,” Kumaratunge stated. Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to facilitate volumes and certainly not because of Trincomalee back to Sri tanks is a case that should After the British left of Petroleum Chandima Sri Lanka’s initial attempts made online payment gateways and digital regulatory limitations. Nevertheless, Lanka, the new High be dealt with by the the country, only 15 tanks Weerakkody initiated talks towards getting PayPal date back financial services. In October the the Information and Communication Commissioner to India companies that entered into were used by the Ceylon with LIOC, proposing a to 2014, under then Central Bank same year, the Government said Technology Agency (ICTA) a few Gopal Bagley has been a lease agreement on this Petroleum Corporation joint venture pertaining Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. that it was changing laws so that years ago stated that PayPal is positive and has assured subject and certainly not (CPC) while the rest to 84 storage tanks in Accordingly, negotiations between tech industry workers can receive reluctant to venture into Sri Lanka its Sri Lankan counterpart by the Indian Government was taken over by the Trincomalee as LIOC the parties began and the Central Bank payments from PayPal by 2020. Talks due to complexities in Sri Lanka’s that the High Commission as it does not have any surrounding wilderness. uses only 15 tanks out of pledged PayPal to ease restrictions about getting PayPal came to the “draconian” Exchange Control Act. would hold discussions direct involvement in the Out of the 101 tanks, one 99 existing tanks. Even to allow inward payments. forefront once again recently ahead Kumaratunge stated that after with the Lanka Indian Oil agreement. was destroyed in an Air though this proposal The Government that was elected of the election. receiving a fully fledged PayPal Corporation (LIOC), the The Trincomalee oil Force plane crash in the received the Cabinet in January 2015 neither made any Nevertheless, after years of facility, Sri Lankans will be able lessee of the fuel storage tanks, built by the British, 1960s. In 2003, Sri Lanka of Ministers’ approval progress in getting PayPal nor attempts, PayPal is yet to even inform to service in global businesses, tanks in Trincomalee, had never been used to leased the Trincomalee oil and was discussed with publicly discussed the payment of their requirement to come into Sri whose mode of payment is primarily sources at the Ministry of its full capacity after tanks to LIOC for 30 years, LIOC, it was abandoned platform up until early 2016. In March Lanka, according to Kumaratunge. It PayPal. Accordingly, this will support Power and Energy told us. Independence in 1948. which expires in 2033. subsequently. 2016, the Government announced has also been reported that the Indian growth in small and medium-scale According to sources, The farm initially had 101 The Sunday Morning Contd. on page 2 plans to get “Stripe”, a new start-up PayPal officials were unresponsive to businesses. reportedly similar to PayPal. attempts made by the Central Bank Contd. on page 2

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

About half of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)’s outstanding payments to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Half of CEB debt to CPC settled (CPC) were settled by the Ministry of Mahinda Amaraweera in early April were maintained at their current Power and Energy recently using the zFuel Price Stabilisation Fund comes in handy noted that while the global oil prices rates. Therefore, the Government Government’s Fuel Price Stabilisation balance outstanding payment at the exceeded the credit limit, which duty per litre of 92 Octane petrol were hitting their lowest rates in was taxing the additional Fund, Ministry Spokesman Dharma moment is Rs. 45 billion. This is a resulted in the CEB opting for power is Rs. 12. The overall recoverable decades, oil prices in the country profit importers made. Wanninayake told The Sunday major relief to the CPC to utilise cuts around the island. Poor decisions import duty on 92 Octane petrol is Utilising the increased Morning Business. that money and settle their pending made on cancelling electricity power Rs. 30. Prevailing customs import import duty, Sri Lanka The Ministry has made the payments and undertake development plant projects and emergency power duty per litre of 92 Octane has built a Rs. 200 settlement utilising Rs. 48 billion activities,” he added. purchases at expensive prices are was Rs. 35. Meanwhile, the billion Fuel Price from the Fund created by increasing The Government owes a whopping alleged to be the reasons behind the revised import duty Stabilisation Fund the Import Duty on a litre of local fuel Rs. 135 billion to the CPC for various CEB’s losses over the years. per litre of 95 Octane which is intended to when global oil prices hit negative services including fuel subsidies The Government increased the duty petrol is Rs. 15, per be used to repay the levels during the peak of the pandemic and the CEB’s pending payments, on petroleum imports of the Lanka litre of Super Diesel outstanding debt of a few months ago. according to the CPC. Out of this, Indian Oil Corporation (Lanka IOC) is Rs. 20, and per the CPC and the CEB. Wanninayake stated that the Rs. 93 billion of the outstanding and CPC with effect from 13 March. litre of Auto Diesel Wanninayake stated Ministry had to take this decision as payments of the CEB to the CPC is The import duty was increased to is Rs. 11. that out of this Rs. the CEB’s debt to the CPC is a long- since February 2019. prevent excessive profits being Briefing The 200 billion, Rs. 48 standing issue that was impeding The CPC provides fuel for the CEB made by Indian oil giant Lanka IOC Sunday Morning billion has been used the growth of two state institutions. under a credit limit of Rs. 80 billion which had until recently resulted in Business on the as a first step “The CEB’s outstanding debt to per month. There were occasions a massive loss of foreign reserves reason behind to repay the the CPC is Rs. 93 billion. We have where the CPC discontinued fuel of the country. the increased tax, CEB’s debt to paid Rs. 48 billion out of it and the supply to the CEB when they Accordingly, the revised import subject Minister the CPC. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2 the sunday morning business ENTREPRENEURSHIP/NEWS Sunday, August 9, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA kind of sustainability, they also provide consultancy and workshops to local and Leather goods make for great investments foreign brands. because when it’s well made and treated Currently, the start-up is doing all its with care, it tends to be durable and weather manufacturing in Sri Lanka and selling beautifully. However, leather is among some A local, handmade its products both locally and in the UK. of the most niche segments when it comes According to Peiris, she is using interns in to the apparel sector, due to the amount of the UK to do bespoke orders and sampling, labour needed for its production. however she had to shut down the UK This has also led to fewer leather production and workshops due to the product-based start-ups in Sri Lanka. ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, Peiris Leather Studio is now leather venture She stated that initially, when the looking to change that with handmade, via social media in Sri Lanka. Now, we demand from local retailers.” pandemic spread, they had to halt their detailed, and sustainable leather products. have a small studio at my residence and we Speaking on why they stand out, Peiris manufacturing both in Sri Lanka and the The start-up mainly focuses on leather have more than 50 leather product ranges.” explained that their slow, quality-focused UK, as labour was unavailable. However accessories that help customers in their Currently, the start-up has a growing approach helped them create exclusive once the local curfew was lifted, she stated day-to-day lives, and offers product lines reach across Sri Lanka, supplying products products for brands, with some products that they were able to slowly resume for different lifestyles. Ranging mainly to three leather-based brands in the country. even being manufactured just once. She manufacturing, and have now returned to from wallets to gents’ handbags, their However, Peiris claimed that the mainly stated that they work with suppliers to pre-Covid levels, with even more orders product lines also include other in-demand bespoke accessories orders are via their develop new colour combinations exclusive than they had before. items such as camera belts, ladies’ bags, social media. to them and import high-quality metal trims “The one issue we are now facing is leather book covers, and iPad cases. She stated that they design their products from the UK, and therefore have high-end supply chain logistics. The accessories Speaking to The Sunday Morning in house where their designers-makers designs with reliable quality and excellent and raw material supply chains have been Business, Peiris Leather Studio Owner create prototypes or begin manufacturing finishes. interrupted so it’s hard to come by the Vajira Peiris stated that she first started the product right away, after which the She went on to state that they also provide required components. Importers are having the company back in 2012 in the UK, by leather is stitched either by hand or customer care and support post purchase, trouble acquiring the accessories so we producing small quantities of leather goods machine. with all the products having a one-year have to directly go to manufacturers using and gifts for her friends. “The entire process is monitored very warranty and free mending services. After websites like Alibaba.” “We started this by renting a room in a carefully, so due to this, we take three to the one-year period, she stated that they will Speaking about their future plans, Peiris small house, with just a desk, loom, and 14 days to complete most orders. Then, continue to do repairs on their products, stated that they want to eventually set up sewing machine, and only did leather we provide our customers with after-sales however at a small fee. a local luxury brand in Sri Lanka, since textiles and fashion accessories bespoke services. It is a very slow process overall, “We advise our customers on caring for they see a lack in designs and product orders.” but we appreciate design, quality, and a the products they buy, how to get rid of development on current products in the Peiris had her experience with leather smooth finish, rather than quantity and fast Peiris Leather Studio Owner Vajira Peiris mould, and how to use wax, etc. for long market which are mainly imported. She products during her time at university and fashion.” She also stated that they faced challenges use, because with proper care, leather can explained that she wanted to make buying when she was running private, handmade Due to their focus on quality, Peiris when it came to finding high-quality last for a long time. That way, we encourage locally produced craft more meaningful and leather glove manufacturing workshops stated that one of the biggest challenges materials locally, and high tax rates when customers to appreciate the longevity of create an appreciation for the hard work put for both local and international students they faced in Sri Lanka was finding importing raw materials and trims they the goods and use them for a long time, in by the craft industry. in the UK. In 2018, she moved both her designers-makers who understood the needed for their products. and even undertake repairs for other leather “We want to sell worldwide and create workshops and the leather company to Sri design they were going for, that they “In Sri Lanka there are so many short products they have too.” a unique Sri Lankan handmade leather Lanka, where she showcased her product required quality, and their process. She life cycle products that come from China, Furthermore, Peiris stated that the start- brand that is globally recognised. By doing line in Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) stated that to overcome this challenge, she and even though they are cheap, they are up only uses raw materials in the form of so, I also want to encourage the younger 2018. hired three young girls who were open to not sustainable. This makes us unique; our recycled waste from the meat industry, generation to follow these amazing craft “Following our appearance at CFW, we learning new skills and trained them to be products last longer and are a sustainable instead of killing animals for their skin. techniques in order to appreciate design and continued to do pop-up sales and business designers-makers. alternative, which is why we have a huge She stated that in order to help push this creation of value.” Microsoft’s roots in China have SLIM partners with Digital positioned it for TikTok acquisition Marketing Institute of Ireland In 1998, China was hardly a Yu, worked at Microsoft for more than the fathers of modern AI, to Microsoft The pioneer of marketing education by enabling them to deliver futuristic allows students to understand more technological rival to the US. With a decade before leaving in 2017. Xu Research Asia in 2010. in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Institute results for their organisations. SLIM about the holistic aspect of digital only 7 million internet users, fewer than Li, cofounder and CEO of SenseTime, This led to the creation of a real- of Marketing (SLIM), recently joined being the apex body for marketing marketing and its significance in 26 million personal computers, and an a prominent Chinese AI startup, also time English-to-Mandarin translation hands with the Digital Marketing in Sri Lanka, is also the first and organisational success. Thus, this ecommerce industry that generated a came through Microsoft Research system that was demonstrated by Rick Institute (DMI), Ireland. DMI is only accredited study centre in the globally recognised professional paltry $42 million the following year, Asia, as did Yin Qi, founder and Rashid, then Microsoft’s chief research the leading global body in digital country to conduct this programme. qualification with emphasis on it was considered a laggard compared CEO of Megvii, another AI company. officer, in 2012. Similar technology marketing education and continuously The institute is synonymous for its practice-based learning will allow with many other countries. Searches on LinkedIn show many other is now part of Microsoft’s video chat works with industry giants such as exceptional learning experience students to take a quantum leap in But Microsoft, then the world’s ex-Microsoft people in prominent platform Skype. Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and created through its focused and their marketing careers with their richest and most powerful tech positions at those companies and Li says Microsoft Research Asia IBM to validate programme content experienced panel of expert lectures. sharpened knowledge in digital company, recognized the potential. others. helped raise the standard of Chinese and identify global trends, to improve A student who has already marketing. As the national body for That year, then-CEO Bill Gates Microsoft Research Asia “is computer science, and fostered skill and competency frameworks. completed the Certificate in Digital marketing in Sri Lanka, we are proud created Microsoft Research China, considered the West Point for Chinese collaboration between the US and With a global student network of over Marketing course, can obtain the to offer this global recognition for an engineering outpost in Beijing to premium tech talent,” says Nina Xiang, China that has helped advance the 27,000 students across more than 100 “Certified Digital Marketing those who follow SLIM CDM and tap into a pool of talent and establish founder of China Money Network and field of AI overall. countries, DMI offers a continuous Associate” status, which is globally DDM programmes.” ties to the country’s tech scene. In the the author of a 2019 book on Chinese Other alumni of Microsoft Research learning experience for both its recognised. Also, a student who has SLIM CEO/Executive Director following years, Microsoft launched AI companies. Asia have gone on to prominent roles students and graduates through its completed the Diploma in Digital Sanath Senanayake commented: internet operations in China when other Unlike most US internet companies, within the company. For example, online membership platforms. In Marketing programme will be “SLIM is very keen on partnering US tech companies were stymied. Microsoft has found ways to operate Harry Shum, who helped found the recognition of its efforts in raising the qualified to obtain the “Certified with global partners and we are Now, Microsoft’s history of bridging in China. In 2009, a year before lab with Lee, later became executive bar of digital marketing education, Digital Marketing Professional” happy to team up with DMI as its the divide between East and West may Google left the country in protest over vice president of artificial intelligence DMI has become the most prestigious status, which will enable them to first accredited study centre in Sri prove key in its potential acquisition censorship and alleged government and research at Microsoft. certification body in the field. stand out from the ordinary, open Lanka. This opportunity was obtained of TikTok as the US and Chinese hacking, Microsoft launched a Chinese This May, as tensions rose between During a time when a “fingertip new doors as you work your way only after DMI evaluated the rich governments square off over the future version of its search engine Bing, in the US and China, Microsoft celebrated society” is emerging, and almost through your career in marketing, content of SLIM CDM and DDM of the wildly popular social video app. compliance with Chinese censorship the Asia Research group’s history. anything is just a click away, digital and demonstrate your “up to date” programmes, which assures that Microsoft confirmed its interest rules. Microsoft also acquired It highlighted several interns who marketing has become part and attitude about the latest trends in SLIM education is always the pioneer in buying TikTok in a statement on LinkedIn, the business-focused social have gone on to become professors parcel of marketing. Therefore, digital marketing. All these global in marketing education.” Sunday. President Trump said this week network, in 2016, two years after the at leading Chinese universities, and it is of paramount importance for qualifications will be received only SLIM is the national body for that such a deal could go ahead, after company introduced its platform— others who have become full-time marketers to explore the depths of the through following SLIM CDM or marketing in Sri Lanka and has been previously suggesting the app might also censored—in China. Bing and researchers at the company. digital aspect of marketing to excel DDM programmes. promoting marketing excellence and be banned outright. His administration LinkedIn are relatively small players Such pan-Pacific collaboration in dynamic industries. Starting with Commenting on the partnership, elevating the status of marketing claims that TikTok could funnel data in China, but they are rare examples may become increasingly difficult. the Certificate in Digital Marketing SLIM President Roshan Fernando since 1970. It is a member of the back to the Chinese government or of successful adaptation. Some Trump administration officials (CDM) followed by an upgrade to said: “SLIM is delighted to partner National Chamber of Commerce of possibly influence US public opinion The founding head of Microsoft’s believe the US and China are locked the Diploma in Digital Marketing with DMI and give the local marketers Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Organisation of on command. Beijing lab was Kai-Fu Lee, an expert in a battle for global supremacy (DDM) will be the ideal path for the opportunity to obtain a world- Professional Associations of Sri Lanka The deal talks place Microsoft on natural language understanding through technology. TikTok’s rise aspiring marketers who wish to renowned qualification in digital (OPA), and Federation of Chamber at the center of a widening fissure who had held vice president roles at also reflects another government worry embark on a thriving career. Whether marketing. This partnership will of Commerce and Industry of Sri between the two increasingly hostile Apple and Silicon Graphics. Lee, who about the commercial heft of Chinese you are new to marketing or have a definitely add value to the local Lanka (FCCISL). Internationally, it superpowers, potentially threatening now runs Sinovation Ventures, an companies. TikTok and it’s Chinese wealth of experience in the industry, marketing fraternity and enable is affiliated with the Asia Marketing the access to China that Microsoft investment firm focused on artificial counterpart, Douyin, were the world’s this professional qualification adds the development of skills and Federation (AMF) as a member of has spent decades cultivating. Peter intelligence, is a prominent voice on most downloaded and highest grossing immense value to win the digital competencies of Sri Lankan marketers the Board of Management. SLIM Navarro, a White House trade adviser China’s tech scene and the author of apps in July, according to SensorTower, sphere. With the new accreditation, who are digital savvy. Being the also has received ISO 9001:2015 who is a harsh critic of China, has AI Superpowers, a recent book about an analyst firm. ByteDance reportedly students can obtain DMI qualification first Accredited Study Centre for certification in recognition of its suggested that the company may need the country’s rising prowess in AI. surpassed Baidu and Tencent in terms as a dual qualification. The goal the Global Giant, SLIM is proud superior quality management system to divest its China operations in order Lee declined to comment for this of digital ad revenue in the first half of DMI is to develop the digital to offer this opportunity to all our and ISO 29990:2010 for Learning for the deal to work. Microsoft declined story. In a 2018 interview with WIRED, of last year. The company is currently marketing profession, maintain students and the marketing fraternity.” Service Provider (LSP), providing to comment. Lee said that Microsoft Research Asia valued at more than $100 billion on professional standards, and improve SLIM Vice President Nuwan non-formal education and training The idea of a forced TikTok sale has played an important role in seeding private trading markets. the skills of marketing practitioners Gamage stated: “This qualification services. met with severe criticism within China, China’s AI industry. “It was the most Georgetown’s Chander speculates but Microsoft may be unique in its powerful company on earth and that China could retaliate for the forced Contd. from page 1 ability to navigate the situation. “I don’t Bill Gates was the richest person in sale of TikTok by limiting sales of think that the Chinese government the world and the number one idol Microsoft’s Windows operating system will be upset with Microsoft if the in China,” Lee said. He noted that and Office software to certain Chinese capacity range of 20,000- TikTok deal goes ahead,” says Anupam the founders of several of Chinese entities. “We’ve made ourselves No major... Renewed... 25,000 tonnes in Jaffna and Chander, a professor at Georgetown AI companies focusing on facial unreliable business partners,” he says PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American The discussions have Puttalam during the peak of University who studies China. recognition came through the lab. “We of the administration’s strategy. company operating a worldwide been renewed once again by the global pandemic. The fruits of Microsoft’s presence didn’t at the time know when the AI The bigger fallout may be the way online payments system that supports the present Government as In addition to the plan of in China are visible across the revolution would come but we knew Chinese and American companies are online money transfers and serves as Sri Lanka had no methods reclaiming the Trincomalee country’s tech industry, with alumni it was the next big thing,” he says. forced to rethink plans to do business an electronic alternative to traditional to store fuel when there tanks, the Government is in prominent positions at many Microsoft also benefited from the across the Pacific. “The Chinese tech paper methods. Located in San Jose, were negative international planning to build oil storage major tech companies. At TikTok’s relationship. Besides paving the way world is in shock and will grapple California, PayPal was founded in 1998. oil prices during the peak tanks in Hambantota. parent company ByteDance, CEO for its business operations in China, with the implications of such a deal PayPal is the global leader in online of the pandemic in the The Urban Development Zhang Yiming worked as an engineer the lab produced cutting edge results. for a long time,” says Xiang of China payment solutions with more than second quarter of the year. Authority (UDA) has for Microsoft between 2008 and One project shows how new ideas Money Network. “They will redraw 267 million accounts worldwide Therefore, the Government been advised to look for a 2009. Hongjiang Zhang, head of in AI traveled between the US and their overseas expansion strategy.” and available in 202 countries and is looking for methods to suitable land to establish the ByteDance Technical Strategy China through the lab. Li Deng, That’s a far cry from the cooperation 25 currencies around the world. Sri ensure that they do not miss the refinery. The subject Research Center, was a founding previously a researcher at Microsoft’s Gates foresaw in 2004, not long after Lankans have been using PayPal for similar opportunities to Ministry is yet to decide member of Microsoft Research Asia. lab in Redmond and now the chief Microsoft first ventured into China. outward remittances but receiving store fuel at comparatively on whether it would be a Elsewhere, the CTO of Alibaba, AI officer at the hedge fund Citadel, “People should pay attention to China,” inward remittances has long been a lower prices in the future. foreign direct investment Wang Jian, was an early member recalls a demonstration of research he said. “It is a phenomenon in every struggle for ecommerce businesses, Sources noted that the (FDI), public-private of Microsoft Research Asia. The done with Geoff Hinton, a professor respect.” graphic designers, web developers, and CPC managed to store partnership (PPP), or local director of Tencent’s AI lab, Dong at the University of Toronto and one of (Wired) ICT professionals. fuel in two tanks with a investment. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, August 9, 2020 ECONOMY/TECH People’s Bank compensates ETI, The Finance, New government Swarnamahal depositors People’s Bank said it has taken purview. Every bank contributes 0.1% the necessary steps to transfer all from its total deposits to this insurance compensation payments to the scheme. As a result, this insurance depositors of The Finance Company, scheme has collected a significant must ‘unlearn’ Edirisinghe Trust Investments (ETI), amount of funds. If a depositor’s funds diversified, our economy has and Swarnamahal Financial Services in are lost, a maximum compensation of By to be diversified, and our Sri an orderly manner. The bank has made Rs. 600,000 per depositor will be paid Lankan mindset and experiences arrangements to pay the first instalment through this insurance scheme. Dhananath need to be diversified. of compensation payments to the “As a state bank, People’s Bank Fernando How can we create diversity depositors of these finance companies has always represented the people without respecting diversity through the bank’s islandwide branch of the country. On this occasion, the between people and all Sri network. bank stepped forward to help these The election is over and a Lankans? One of the main People’s Bank, the largest state- distressed depositors and carried out the strong and secure mandate challenges for the new owned bank in the country, was compensation payments in a transparent has been provided to government will be establishing appointed by the Central Bank of Sri and trustworthy manner. However, President Gotabaya diversity and bringing everyone Lanka (CBSL) as one of the state’s with the aim of furthering their narrow Rajapaksa and the together in heart and in practice representative banks to commence a political agendas ahead of the upcoming Government. The President rather than spending years on programme to settle the compensation general election, certain elements has already announced documenting regulations and payments of the depositors of ETI, The started using social media to attack that the new Parliament strategies. All political parties Finance, and Swarnamahal Financial People’s Bank and the Government will be convened on 20 need to co-operate with the new Services. by sharing fake news posts. It is the August and I congratulate government, as Sri Lanka is Payments commenced with The responsibility of People’s Bank to reveal wounded beyond her threshold Finance payments on 2 June 2020 and the truth about these elements who are all the members who will of tolerance. both ETI payments and Swarnamahal desperately trying to mislead the general represent our citizenry Financial Services on 25 July 2020. public by painting the wrong picture in this Parliament. It is Challenge 3: Although initially the CBSL transferred about the compensation payments of the certainly going to define a Establishing the funds to People’s Bank based on above organisations by spreading fake new era for Sri Lanka if the competitiveness the order of payments to the depositors, news,” the bank said. newly elected members Making Sri Lanka an at present, the Central Bank has made The bank added that there are “a lot take it seriously. economically advanced nation arrangements to transfer the submitted of false stories” on social media about can only be part of a broader Rs. 20,000 million to People’s Bank. the compensation payment mechanism. Regardless of which party strategy, which is dependent As at 30 July, the payments to the “We responsibly state that stories won or the composition of on making our economy depositors were as follows: Rs. 9,278 such as (the) collection of unnecessary the government, Sri Lanka’s competitive. To establish million in compensation payments documentation, availability of challenges were always going competitiveness we need to have been paid to 69,078 depositors applications only in English language, to remain unchanged. A new increase our productivity and of The Finance, Rs. 3,338 million in and joint account holders having to visit government cannot create a new efficiency. The game is like compensation payments have been paid the bank to collect their compensation Sri Lanka unless the government winning World Cup, where the to 8,536 depositors of ETI, and Rs. payments are completely false. As takes a new approach and starts only way to do it is to play well, 309 million in compensation payments the bank with the highest number of to unlearn and undo the wrongs and play better than all the other have been paid to 773 depositors of customers, widest branch network, we’ve been committing for teams. The same applies to our Swarnamahal Financial Services. All significant portion of the country’s decades. economy. There are multiple payments were made via People’s financial wealth, and with local and ways to improve productivity Bank’s islandwide branch network. international awards, People’s Bank Challenge 1: A severe and efficiency. We need to think The Central Bank has an insurance will always stand by the people of economic recession on a global scale and produce in scheme to ensure financial security of the country helping them to reap the The official data released relation to global markets while depositors of banks coming under its maximum benefits.” by the Census and Statistics joining the Fourth Industrial Department just the day before Revolution. That is the next the election indicated a 1.6% challenge for the newly elected VERACITY AI PARTNERS AUSTRALIAN AGTECH FIRM negative economic growth government. (economic contraction) in The recent reality TV real terms in the first quarter programme performed by GoMicro phone-based AI (January-March). Considering teenagers which is getting the depreciation of the Sri popular across the world is one tool to transform agriculture Lankan rupee, in US dollar good example of the miracles Surveys have indicated that about (USD) terms, it is approximately as a result of competition and a 40% of Sri Lankan farmers apply a 5% contraction of the economy competitive environment. pesticides to their crops prior to the in the first quarter. Sri Lanka Young Sri Lankan teenagers appearance of any symptoms of pest or took strict social distancing proved that Sri Lanka can disease, irrespective of whether the crop measures towards the end of compete. Some of the young is actually diseased or not. March, so we have to expect artists have not only challenged The incorrect usage and/or misuse further economic contraction in local original musicians but of chemical pesticides in agriculture the second and third quarters. also western original musicians has long been the prevalent problem The new government’s biggest in their vocals and musical for the industry in Sri Lanka – one that challenge would be realigning capacity. Some have been has proven to have detrimental health the economy. compared in foreign media for effects on the farmers who incorporate According to the Export their performance and this is them into their farming methods, the A clip-on microscope is integrated with a smartphone camera to make machine Development Board (EDB), an indication that the younger consumers who buy the produce, as vision technology and data-driven exports have been picking up generation is ready to compete well as the environment that supports intelligence accessible by farmers almost on par with last year’s of others’ religious and ethnic provide to our economy. Private and they have the fire to the growth of these crops. Instances exports, which is a big relief. identity” has taken root amongst enterprises have always been compete on the global stage. where pesticide residues have been of food quality, ripeness, and pesticide A potential reason behind the our fellow Sri Lankans and petty attacked for playing a villain’s Another event that made detected in exported consignments have residue that is otherwise not visible recovery in exports could be politics have ignited these fears role over the years. As a result, headlines was Sri Lanka’s also threatened international trade. to the naked eye. Furthermore, while the fact that India and a few in order to polarise Sri Lanka. all our young graduates keep national debating team Veracity AI and its subsidiary typically thousands of images are competing countries have failed All political parties created expecting government jobs. becoming the runner-up in the Spectrify AI are developing a phone- required to train an AI engine, GoMicro to manage Covid-19. As a result, suspicion between each other Now, we are in a situation World Debating Championship based artificial intelligence (AI) can train AI engines with just 50 some degree of production has for their political advantage. where our revenue is not by debating in a language which detection tool that harnesses spectral images, providing accuracies exceeding been parked in Sri Lanka even Now, the very same suspicion adequate to pay the salaries, is not their mother tongue – and image technology to directly benefit 90%. though our cost factors are high. has become the main bottleneck pensions, and social security another good example of the the agriculture industry. For this, the This early and precise identification In the long run, we should be for us to move forward towards expenses of the government. benefits of competition and firm is now partnering with Sensibility will, as a result, curtail the industry’s able to keep those orders on our economic development. Going a step further, we have why Sri Lanka can compete Ltd., an Australian agtech firm that overdependence on pesticides, reduce shores by offering competitive In my view, this paranoia of created suspicion on foreigners on a global level if we pick has just launched its innovative new pesticide resistance, increase crop prices. Otherwise, once those suspecting each other is one and foreign investors with our strengths right and create a venture, GoMicro. GoMicro operates yields, improve harvest quality, markets (India, Philippines, etc.) reason why Sri Lanka is lagging the famous term “foreign competitive environment. by integrating a clip microscope and bring to a minimum the level of open and bounce back to normal, in economic development, when conspiracy”, while completely The new government should smartphone, powered by machine pesticide residues passed down to the we will have to fall back to compared to other competitive disregarding diversity. Every push Sri Lankans to work hard learning, in order to accurately detect consumer, and significantly reduce the square one. East Asian countries. For more white-skinned person has been for free exchange and create an and identify pests on crops, pre-empt consequences of bad farming practices The EDB has expressed than 30 years, our Sinhalese labelled a threat for an invasion environment of opportunities for leaf infections, and improve the quality on the environment. concern about the apparel and Tamils were suspicious of rather than an opportunity any individual to be successful of food as a whole. “There is immense potential for sector’s ability in securing orders each other and did not respect to explore opportunities for regardless of religion, ethnicity, The benefits of this early robotics and AI to drive a major shift in after August. Therefore, the new our diversity. This led to the co-operation globally. caste, or creed. Sri Lanka identification are manifold. Pests can the agricultural ecosystem here in Sri government has to get prepared creation of the LTTE, who also We are where we are now as has been practising to avoid be specifically dealt with using only the Lanka,” said Dr. Krish. “With GoMicro, early by starting negotiations capitalised on these fears while a collective result of all these competition and be isolated relevant pesticide and within the right we make machine vision technology with the International Monetary all of us became victims and domestic perspectives. We all from the world – the complete buffer zone before they destroy crops; and data-driven intelligence accessible Fund (IMF) as soon as the losers. unanimously agree that we have opposite. leaf disease and mineral deficiencies and affordable, with the aim to benefit new Parliament is summoned. If you remember, thereafter played far below our potential The new government has can be detected before symptoms people, profit, and the planet.” Our neighbouring countries tensions were created between and that we are a deeply divided the challenge of undoing and manifest; and the quality of produce can GoMicro said it has already proven such as Nepal, the Maldives, religious groups for converting nation. unlearning most of what we be assessed effectively. its mettle as an asset to the research Bangladesh, and Pakistan have people to a different religion We are further divided on have been doing over the years. Speaking on the collaboration, and academic community, and hopes to already managed to secure IMF for financial incentives. The political ideology, so much I wish all the courage to His MIT and Cambridge graduate, former soon commence beta testing the food bailout programmes to overcome wounds are not yet fully healed so that we kill each other and Excellency the President, the Associate Professor at the University of quality assessment service with a major the brewing global economic between the North and South, damage each other’s property. new government, and the new Canberra, and GoMicro Founder/CEO group in Sri Lanka. Dr. Krish will also crisis. and new tensions have erupted The new government has the Minister of Finance and all the Dr. Sivam Krish said: “This partnership personally be working with a university between Muslims, Catholics, and challenge of undoing and strength to bring in the hard will allow both companies to bring in Sri Lanka to train the next generation Challenge 2: Trust, Buddhists. unlearning these practices. reforms and to put Sri Lanka cutting-edge, phone-based, AI-powered of agricultural students in the use of AI. cohesiveness, and Our suspicions go beyond “Suspicion” is the seed that back on the map. technology to agriculture in Sri Lanka.” Ever since its founding in 2018, diversity that. Businessmen have been can crack any relationship, (The writer is the Chief “Jeevan and I share a common vision Veracity AI, with its advanced data Over the last few decades, labelled as a group of people friendship, partnership, Operating Officer of the about the transformative capability of and machine learning technologies, Sri Lanka has had emotional with an “only for profit” motive or co-operation. Even in Advocata Institute and can AI in agriculture, and we’re certain that has been providing personalised, wounds which haven’t recovered (“businesskaaraya”), regardless Buddhism, “suspicion” is be contacted at dhananath@ the country stands to benefit immensely intelligent business models and product yet. Over the years “suspicion of the service and assistance they considered an emotion to be advocata.org. Learn more from what we are hoping to achieve,” development strategy and prototyping treated with extra caution. about Advocata’s work at www. added Dr. Krish, whose patent-pending in the areas of data science, machine The Sri Lanka’s strength is its advocata.org. The opinions technology is now used by major learning, and AI. This collaboration diversity. Starting from our expressed are the author’s own agricultural companies in Australia. with GoMicro falls well in line with Coordin tion Problem biodiversity, diversity in weather views. They may not necessarily In combining phone microscopy Veracity AI’s larger goal of helping and cultural and architectural reflect the views of the Advocata and spectroscopy, the companies will business, society, and the government to by diversity have always been our Institute or anyone affiliated together be building various solutions, stay ahead of the curve by pushing the edge. Our exports need to be with the institute) the key focus being on the assessment boundaries of all that is possible. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 the sunday morning business VIEWS Sunday, August 9, 2020

As we welcome in our parliamentary representatives for the next five years, it’s a good time to ponder the same-oldness of many of the faces that make up the esteemed house. Oh, the old familiar The current polling system politician and they’d tell you just “manape” (preference vote). But stewardship by becoming women and passionate youth to is one that gets 196 politicians how many votes can be gained the national lists have also of late objective voices from a more break through intraparty barriers. elected based on their popularity by turning up at the funerals of become the resting place of major balanced standpoint. That’s a far There is no doubt that this with the voting masses, clearly one’s seat, hanging out with the funders, party loyalists, and many cry from what we’ve had in recent election will have a clear victor, demarcating those worthy of folk at town centres, and generally candidates who fail to garner years. but the proportional representation representing the entirety of us seizing every opportunity of adequate popular votes. The list is It is hoped that in the coming system will ensure that no party versus those who aren’t. One’s being one with the community. of course at the discretion of each week, parties choose to use their gets a two-thirds majority. At electability lies very simply in the If this is indeed what it takes to party, but when it is used to bring national lists to bring in the right the time of writing this column, ability to inspire the majority to run a campaign for oneself, it’s back those whom the voter has people who may contribute to counting had just begun with consider one worthy of a vote; that THE not surprising that many capable rejected, it immediately dilutes the governance and lawmaking; the earliest results still a few collective judgment is certainly would-be lawmakers balk at the purpose of such a national list. people who serve to enrich the hours away. If past experience is a greater indicator of popularity HEADLIGHT idea of seeking the popular vote. To draw a parallel from the popular votes gained by infusing anything to go by, intense horse than ability. Whether the average Their hope resides with the business world, the national greater balance and critical trading must already be underway. voter is discerning of a politician’s and sustaining it for successive 29 seats reserved for nominees list nominees should ideally be thinking to our Parliament. It In that endeavour, it is once again ability and expectations is elections is a long-term project – from the national lists, which akin to those independent non- may be a big ask, but perhaps the same-old who will wind their indicative of the quality of many one that requires each politician have traditionally been the executive directors invited to the national lists must also be way in and out of power. And that, of our more popular politicians – to set up extensive machinery domain of experts, academics, sit on company boards because used as an instrument that can alas, will undermine our franchise the ones whose election usually around them. It takes strong and professionals whose they bring in expertise and input usher in more women and youth, and devalue the votes cast by 71% leaves the “educated liberals” at a commitment and an equally strong intellectual capacity necessitates that strengthens the governance considering the old boys’ clubs of the registered voters at this loss to explain. temperament to do what it takes to and justifies their inclusion and direction of a company. within our hallowed political expensive but well organised, mid- Garnering that popular vote woo the voter – ask any seasoned in Parliament, outside of the They improve credibility and parties leave little room for worthy pandemic election.

Puttalam Cement Puttalam Salt Ceylon Steel Corporation By Ranel T. Wijesinha

A little learning is a dangerous thing; drink deep, or taste not the Pierian Spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, and drinking largely sobers us again – Alexander Pope

There yet is much misperception about A LITTLE LEARNING IS A DANGEROUS THING “privatisation”, that I thought I will share some experiences. Space does not permit me to explain the key generic principles I have outlined here, with corresponding real-life case studies which I have previously shared in print and electronic media, workshops, Privatisation: Study deep and strategy sessions. However, each of the observations I have made is based on hands-on practical experience, in advising and being consulted by many corporates, client consortia, or large enterprises, over or comment not! three decades. These relate to the privatisation of state- from the buyers’ perspective and Tea smallholder factory owned enterprises (SOEs) advertised for inadequate corrective action by the GoSL whole or part divestment, such as Puttalam where such action was due or inaccurate, Cement, Veytex, Milco, Lanka Canneries, or incomplete media reports which are not Leather Products Corporation, Tea Small always based on independent financial or Holder Factories, Steel Corporation, industry-specific technical analysis which Sevanagala Sugar Industries, Hambantota are misleading to the reader – such readers Salt, Puttalam Salt, etc., just to name a few. being both direct employees or interested The respective assignments required and sustainability” within the SOE and yy Certain transactions lacked transparency politicians. me to design and execute diagnostic “medium to long-term job security” for the and clarity assessments, strategic reviews and worker. Political pressure and union yy Methods or rationale adopted have not hostility redirection, debt-equity restructuring, been consistent and valuation of and bidding for SOEs A strategy not a policy The above has generated political on behalf of local and foreign clients. Over the years and during successive yy Government valuations and pressure and union-generated hostility This also provided great insight into real regimes, I have consistently maintained that methodologies being questionable towards privatisation, leading to either issues, challenges, remedies, as well as privatisation is a strategy and not a policy. yy Successes have not been profiled delays in awarding the bid or the misperceptions that employees had. The Yes, it is a strategy through which, in a reluctance on the part of the winning assessments also led me to advise the client medium to long-term sense, a government yy There are many more generic examples, bidder to proceed with making payment or corporate I advised, to refrain from shifts its focus and investment – I repeat, which I will discuss as the article evolves. and finalising the transaction. bidding. The professional time invested investment money – away from doing what in these diagnostic assessments, which the private sector can do, subject of course to The regrettable outcome Inadequate preparatory work included resourcing the assessment with desirable regulation, and instead concentrates The above resulted in misperceptions Inadequate attention to the possibility industry or domain experts from Sri Lanka on, invests in, and nurtures what it has an about the desirability of privatisation in of restructuring prior to privatisation or in or overseas, and the design of turnaround obligation to. general and distrust in the method adopted accepting a bidder’s conditions which are strategies and valuations often saved the for divestment of certain entities in particular. not always in the best interest of the GoSL, corporate or client from an otherwise bad Choice of investment These misperceptions have been further have resulted in the GoSL not realising investment. The institutions I had to interact A well-designed, privatisation divestment fuelled by the fact that valuations placed the full potential of privatisation proceeds, with were the Commercialisation of Public or broad-basing of ownership strategy on these entities by the Chief Government while the acquiring party has gained Government from awarding the entity Enterprises Division (COPED) or the Public enables a government to respond to what Valuer at the time of calling for Expressions considerable advantage. This has resulted to the ineligible bidder. Had my clients Enterprise Reform Commission (PERC). I term “a choice of investments in the of Interest have been vastly different from in privatisation policies and strategies acceded to my request, we may have economy”. That choice is driven by overall independent valuations of local and overseas including the medium of privatisation and improved the process. Privatisation is broad-basing policy. The rationale for the closure of the bidders at the time of bid or at evaluation or the process of evaluation of bidders being ownership state-owned urea fertiliser plant, as discussed award. brought into question. Absence of national safeguards I prefer to call it “broad-basing in a previous issue, is another compelling Events which followed the privatisation ownership” and providing the people an example of a failed attempt on the part of Political opportunism Poor ‘due diligence’ of of certain entities have also brought into opportunity to have a proprietary stake in the State in venturing into the business of We must understand that the larger winning bidders question the adequacy of safeguards the SOE, while inviting the private sector manufacturing fertiliser. majority of voters are laymen. They are not There have also been instances where necessary from a national perspective, to refurbish, modernise, upgrade, invest professionals or business persons – whether due to poor techniques adopted by the which should have been “built in” at the in, and maintain it, thus also sustaining A bad name by default small, medium, or large. They form a GoSL in evaluating the credibility and time of privatisation. For example, this employment in it. It is more than two decades now that I potent target community for the politician the technical capability of bidders, relates to absence of a regulator at the time While there are examples of well- have mentioned in print and electronic media, who wishes to fuel misperceptions. For inappropriate parties have been successful of privatisation or the ineffectiveness of performing SOEs, some state-owned that “privatisation” earned a bad name in Sri example, political parties, in particular when in winning bids and the financial and a regulator subsequent to privatisation. and controlled entities were mediocre, Lanka among the middle and lower income in opposition, have always maintained that operational performance of the entity Government nominees on the boards of mismanaged, unproductive, and loss- earner, the voting segment of which can the Chief Government Valuer was correct, has declined post privatisation. In certain directors of partly privatised entities have making. be crucial, due to several tangible reasons, and any value obtained which was less has instances, due to union agitation, and to also failed to contribute effectively to which inter alia include: prompted allegations that there was fraud. derive political advantage, the Government safeguarding the interest of the GoSL or Perpetuating mediocrity vs. has taken back the entity! to ensure that good governance practices yy Disregard for the politically disseminated strength and sustainability Commissions of inquiry are adopted. These contributed towards the negative sentiment Political parties, and politicians, shy Commissions of inquiry have in certain Noncompliance with loss of credibility of the programmes of away from discussions on “privatisation” yy Lack of response of the state to such instances been inconclusive and further bid conditions privatisation. or pledge that they will not “touch” sentiment and the criticism of its process fuelled misperceptions. Selected privatisation In certain instances, the GoSL/PERC These are only a few thoughts and ideas SOEs in the hope of winning the votes of yy transactions have lost credibility due to lack have failed to ensure compliance with the which I have articulated from time to time. employees. In doing so, they hold out hope Limited experience on the part of the of overall technical knowledge and delays at conditions regarding terms of payment, May I take the liberty to say that they have – temporary hope – to the workers of a Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) in the public sector evaluation level, resulting and conditions that bidders should submit been well received by multilateral and loss-making, underperforming, subsidised introducing a level of professionalism in in local and foreign bidders and observers bid bonds, and have been of no recourse to bilateral development partners, local and SOE, and give them a false sense of the process losing confidence in the institutions and the the bidder in obtaining payments against foreign investors, banks, as well as think security. yy Irresponsible private sector parties taking processes adopted by the GoSL. the agreed upon offer price, when parties tanks. Living up to the pledge after elections advantage of the government The buyers’ perspective vs. have defaulted on settlement of purchase (Across the Years, Beyond the Oceans is has resulted in the need to perpetuate y consideration. a column by Chartered Accountant Ranel mediocrity in nonperforming and y Privatisation or divestment not preceded media reports Two clients of mine were unfairly Wijesinha to share thoughts and ideas underperforming SOEs, and the need to by adequate awareness building and Successful bidders have also lost disadvantaged, but both chose not to generated by his years of experience in finance subsidies, rather than the socially marketing to appropriate stakeholder credibility in the country due to damaging pursue my advice that an injunction be Sri Lanka and beyond the oceans in many responsive stance of “building strength groups media reports which are not explained brought against the GoSL, restraining the parts of the world he has lived and worked) WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, August 9, 2020 EDUCATION Solutions to university ragging menace z Comprehensive 360-degree programme required

However in Sri Lanka, university By Common authorities have proven to be impotent in Dr. Nicholas Ruwan curbing this menace. A key question is why Dias and Niresh ragging practices law enforcement authorities do not act more Eliatamby firmly. Location of ragging Sri Lanka’s anti-ragging law  Hostel The criminal behaviour of ragging Nowhere in Sri Lanka is there a special in our universities is causing a  On campus zone where the country’s laws do not serious economic impact in brain  Off campus apply, or a special group of people that drain, poor return on investment in  Common rooms/common area has been deemed to be above the law of education, poor job performance the land. Even the President has limited among graduates, and dumbing Time of ragging immunity. Foreign diplomats are governed down of our brightest students.  Class hours by international conventions and can be expelled by the Government of Sri Lanka. Every year, Sri Lanka’s brightest  Outside class hours  Day time/midnight (especially in the hostel) Yet, the raggers have over the decades students, being victims themselves carved out for themselves a de facto set of in the previous year, turn into a Duration of continuous ragging separate states in which they can carry out mob of maniacs. Raggers rule in Sri  15 minutes, 1 day, 7 days their sadistic activities, not only on campus Lankan universities. That’s a well- and hostels, but also in public as well with established fact. Governments do Type of ragging little fear of justice. These are not pranks by yy Student interactions: Interactions and be compiled of names of those convicted little; university authorities flap  Introduction – doing silly things children. They are serious crimes by adults aged 19-25. Many and faculty members conversations on issues such as ragging of ragging. their arms impotently; parents fear  Daring tasks – balance on parapet ledge are particularly relevant. The university who attempt to help victims are themselves yy Ban on government jobs: Eliminate sending their children for higher  Serve seniors – copy notes, copy assignments, will schedule collaborative student education; and freshers live in run errands, etc. victimised and threatened. opportunities for raggers, since they Sri Lanka does in fact have a very tough sessions on different subjects from time terror for a whole year of the violent  would clearly be unfit to become good Verbal abuse – in the presence of a large and sweeping law in this regard. The to time. During their college years and number of peers, freshmen may be asked to sing civil servants. sexual, physical, and mental torture Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of beyond, they will interact well. that they undergo at the hands of lyrics of obscene songs or use offensive words yy Punish aiding and abetting: Those who Violence in Educational Institutions Act No. yy Senior and fresher students interactions: Physical exercise, tedious tasks, physical positions aid or abet ragging should also face sadistic torturers. 20 of 1998 laid down strict punishments for Encouraging healthy relationships  penalties such as suspension. It is time for a multifaceted solution to Physical violence – slapping, beating, assault ragging. Yet, the Police and other authorities between senior students and new students with weapons build a safe environment that provides have been reluctant to enforce this law. will create a supportive atmosphere. yy Political parties: Any political party inclusivity for students, parents, and staff,  Sexual ragging – stripping in public, forced A key element of this Act is found in The university must organise different whose affiliated student unions are found while doling out strict punishments for watching of porn, rape, digital rape (insertion of Section 8, which empowers a court to activities that help students crack the ice. objects) to have promoted ragging should face perpetrators and suitable compensation for dismiss from university any student or criminal and civil proceedings, in the yy Occupy their time: Sri Lanka’s university victims. These are the most serious forms of ragging. In member of the staff convicted of an offence. same manner that the head chapters of particular, most senior students are concerned with Thus, it has taken the matter of expulsion students appear to have an enormous yy A committee has been appointed to fraternities in the US do so. specifics such as showing the body's personal sides, out of the hands of university authorities. amount of time on their hands, in contrast investigate over 2,000 cases of ragging, their sexual desires, etc. There are also accounts of Another is Section 2, which allows to those in the private sector educational yy Legal aid: At orientation, lawyers and including serious physical, mental, and serious cases such as rape with objects, injuries to application of the law to acts both on institutions and foreign universities. judges should brief freshers on their legal sexual abuse testicles by being placed in drawers that are slammed They should be made to utilise their options in the event they are ragged. shut, and assaulting private parts continuously campus or off campus, and also authorises yy Between January 2017 to June 2018, courts to order perpetrators to pay time productively by enhancing These include making police complaints  Forcing consumption of alcohol, graduation requirements to include as well as obtaining injunctions that the University Grants Commission cigarettes, etc. compensation to victims. (UGC) received 434 ragging complaints. Offences under the Act include criminal mandatory publication of academic would prevent the raggers from coming  Enacting romantic scenarios – ragging articles, participation in sports and into contact with the victims. Thousands more suffer in silence. The opposite sex intimidation, hostage taking, wrongful UGC has a separate process for ragging restraint, unlawful confinement, forcible extracurricular activities, and community yy  Group ragging service activities. These are our best and Hotlines: Numbers should be complaints occupation, or damage to property. It also prominently displayed for hotlines provides for summary trial by a magistrate, brightest, whose most productive years yy sweating, giddiness, nausea, elevated for victims to call, including suicide This should be seen as a national which is intended to expedite the legal are being wasted. Healthy pursuits such heart rate, feeling of fear, and trouble prevention and legal aid. crime since a large number of suicides, proceedings. as character building, building self- sleeping, marked by deep worries. It can mutilations, and grievous injuries have Section 9 also established that offences confidence, and polishing personality be challenging for nervous students to been committed under this Act are non-bailable by a would serve students just as much as, The role of parents focus. If you cannot finish tasks, then that yy Ragging deaths are one of the magistrate, which would force an accused to if not more than, simply studying and This may be the most important initiative causes a loss of self-value. Loss of sleep controversies in a State education system move the High Court for bail in a separate lecturing in universities. Internships of all. Sri Lankan parents are usually highly and digestive disorders will make their funded by taxpayers proceeding. and part-time work in the state and protective of their children, and youngsters problems even worse. For these cases, Section 14 states that any offence private sector from the very first year in of any age are actually handed from one issues of mental health such as phobia, In 2018, approximately 163,000 students prosecuted under this Act can also be university would also be useful. authority to another – parents, relatives, or depression, suicide, and panic attacks can qualified for university, but only 31,000 prosecuted under other laws such as the teachers. In the case of university freshers, occur. yy Police posts should be set up throughout were given places in taxpayer-funded Penal Code; the (Convention Against every campus and manned 24 hours parents are handing over their children to universities (known as “free education”). yy Depression: A mental condition marked Torture And Other) Cruel, Inhuman or a day. university authorities, which may explain But each year, thousands drop out due to by an intense sadness over a period of Degrading Treatment or Punishment Act No. parents’ reluctance to act when their children ragging. This has become deeply ingrained time, depression typically affects every 22 of 1994; or any other relevant law. yy Emergency telephones should be in are ragged. into the subculture of our state universities. part of one's life, along with feelings of Section 15 provides for trials under this strategic locations. When simply knocked However, it is our opinion that parents Ragging is as prevalent in the University of remorse, indignity, and changes in the Act to be given priority to ensure speedy off the phone mount, presumably by a of seniors can be used as a positive force Jaffna as it is in the Universities of Ruhuna way one behaves. justice. student in danger, the Police should be to persuade their children to refrain from and Peradeniya. rushed to the scene. ragging. This requires active engagement Recommended This is not harmless fun. Freshers have Global situation yy CCTV camera use: In order to control with parents by both university authorities died. Many have committed suicide. 360-degree solution violent activity on campus, every corner and law enforcement. What type of graduates are being sent Ragging is by no means a Sri Lankan The writers recommend a comprehensive of every campus must be monitored. out to become society leaders, who have invention and is not part of traditional Sri 360-degree solution which ranges from CCTV cameras should be placed at Conclusion undergone such violent trauma and then turn Lankan culture. It is an aping of a ritual in criminal prosecution to basic things a entrances to washrooms, corridors, halls, In the past, efforts to curb ragging have around and become abusers themselves? As western countries that has spread to many university should implement to transform canteens, hostels, and playgrounds. It's failed due to their limited scope. We believe managers, what would they do to employees eastern nations. In the west, it is known as the culture within our universities and hard to rag a junior when seniors know that this multidimensional approach would under them? “hazing”. ultimately minimise and eliminate ragging. that they are being watched. have a far greater opportunity for success, The most extreme type of ragging in a Western nations have strict laws against protect university students, and help nurture yy Enhanced orientation programme of university is physical and sexual torture hazing. For example, 45 US states have yy Anti-ragging squads: They should set young men and women who would be of far what academic life in a university entails: for the sadistic and sexual gratification specific anti-hazing laws. While there is up a team that battles ragging in the greater use as leaders in society as they have Students need to be shown that there is of seniors. Students in many instances debate around the effectiveness of such university premises. The team will be the potential to be. far more to university life than the narrow are stripped in public. YouTube has an laws, one clear result is that it places both made up of students from different confines they appear to be in at present. enormous number of videos made by criminal and civil liability firmly on the classes, ages, and socioeconomic Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh There is more than ragging, exams, and perpetrators that further humiliate victims perpetrators. Another positive result is backgrounds. Eliatamby are Managing Partners of getting a degree certificate. for life. Even the mildest forms of ragging that victims can sue in civil courts and yy Punishments/expulsion: 180,000 Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds involve students being made to perform obtain large sums of compensation from yy Orientation by law enforcement students qualified to enter and only practical solutions for challenges facing horrific acts such as taking cold midnight perpetrators, which is intended to serve authorities: The Police, Attorney 30,000 received places. If any of them society and different industries. showers or staying in dirty water ponds as a deterrent against ragging. In the US, General’s (AG) Department lawyers, are involved in ragging, which means Dr. Dias is a digital architect and throughout the night. The list of common hazing is widely prevalent for new recruits judges, psychologists, etc., should be committing violent crimes, they should educationist based in Kuala Lumpur. ragging practices included above details among fraternities and sororities, which brought in to educate students on the be expelled. There are tens of thousands He holds a BSc in Computing from the much of these incidents. are nationwide student groups that have consequences of ragging and being more waiting to take their place. Ragging University of Greenwich, a Master in Ragging may have a huge impact on the chapters in hundreds of universities. Several convicted of ragging. They need to be happens when the guilty person knows Computer Software Engineering from health of students. civil lawsuits have established that national shown in no uncertain terms that those the authorities are lenient, but the guilty Staffordshire University, and a PhD chapters are partially liable for the control of who rag will face the full wrath of the from the University of Malaya. He is yy Stress level: Stress or momentary stress persons would find it difficult if the actions by their chapters. law. completing a second doctorate in business may lead to exhaustion, frustration, penalties were to be stricter. administration from Universiti Utara difficulties in thinking clearly, self-doubt, yy Responsibilities of universities Student counselling: Proper professional yy Leave law enforcement to law Malaysia. [email protected]. anxiety, and in some cases a disturbance In Sri Lanka, little has been said of the counselling must be implemented for enforcement authorities: Academics are Niresh Eliatamby is a lecturer in of both physical and mental abilities responsibility of university authorities. students to open up about their pain, not trained in law enforcement, which marketing, HR, and mass communications due to the perception of and expectation However, there are several overseas experienced both in childhood and in is a practical profession and not an based in Colombo. He is an author of massive amounts of pressure. judgements that firmly establish this in other university. This will also inspire young academic one. The responsibility for law and formerly an Associate Editor of a Physiologically, there may be various countries. In the US, in the case of Furek people and newcomers to be empathetic. enforcement on and off campus must be newspaper and Editor of various industry symptoms from heartbeat to back pain, v University of Delaware, the Delaware Most students are not open to talk about clearly placed upon the Police and the magazines. He holds an MBA from irritable bowel, respiratory problems, and Supreme Court declared that universities the ordeals they have experienced with AG’s Department. Academics should not London Metropolitan University and an elevated blood pressure. have an obligation to promote general their parents which leads to sadistic intervene once a crime is committed. LLM from Cardiff Metropolitan University. behaviour. yy Anxiety: Anxiety can lead to excessive campus safety and security. yy Public shaming: A public register should [email protected]. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 6 the sunday morning business INSIGHT Sunday, August 9, 2020

research and development in SME sector By yy Create incubators close to, maybe, Jayampathy universities to encourage the setting up Molligoda An export-led of businesses yy Restructure the banking sector and have a separate window for SMEs in the It is common knowledge that designated banks Sri Lanka never had a consistent export-led growth strategy. Invite FDI under the Chinese-led growth strategy for ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ For decades, it has become a buzzword, without having proper To increase foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure – both physical and it is important to enhance port and soft skills – and much-needed port services by expediting the already planned development activities. The foreign and domestic investments. new government new Government has already approved With the frequent change of the installation of three gantry cranes to governments, export strategies Nevertheless, the forthcoming Budget addition to maintaining food security and present Rs. 23,000 to, say, Rs. 35,000 the JCT (Jaya Container Terminal) and have been changed with no should reflect further austerity measures. replacing unnecessarily imported food per MT. the contract to deepen the JC. There is determined efforts being made to It is essential that budgetary allocations items. d. The Government shall encourage nothing wrong with entering into joint promote potential export products are restricted on foreign travel for non- The Government needs to ensure that farmers (higher subsidy) for “site- ventures based on “PPP models” as and marketing destinations and essential purposes for some time and fertiliser is available to the farmers at specific fertiliser usage and organic articulated under the agreement between reap the benefits of globalisation foreign exchange is saved. Current the correct time and at a revised level of fertiliser”, and required technology the Government of Sri Lanka and ADB on to link up with the global value expenditure should be reviewed regularly subsidised price where “large-scale estate” shall be given through crop research Colombo breakwater financing. chain. and expenses should be prioritised until owners also get subsidised fertiliser. institutions. The subsidy should be Geopolitical realities and popular public such time the economy gets back on track. We need to educate farmers on the given only for urea, MOP (muriate of sentiments on the concept of nationalism Implement a truly export-led As for state-owned institutions, detailed proper usage of fertilisers to suit the potash), TSP (Triple Super Phosphate), should not be construed as strictures for growth strategy action plans along with winning strategies soil conditions, minimising wastage and and SA. The subsidy on all other straight the decision-making ability for economic should be implemented to minimise losses. environmental damage. It goes without fertilisers/mixtures should be removed growth, and the writer is confident the It is recommended to appoint a More transparent and equitable pricing saying that the system must provide and encouraged to use only where next government under the leadership of high-powered “economic advisory formulas will have to be introduced for the optimum quantity of fertiliser at necessary. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would be committee” under the Presidential public goods. The purchase of paddy a reasonable price in time. It is also e. It is necessary to clear the outstanding capable of maintaining a balance between Secretariat, comprising key officials of stocks by the Government should be at important to identify farm-level factors subsidy payments to the suppliers of the two in order to fast track economic the government drawn from the Treasury, a reasonable minimum price that covers that influence the adoption of straight fertiliser by the Treasury, leaving no growth activities. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), and the farmers’ cost of production and some fertilisers and it would help in promoting room for “blame assigning” by the It is essential to resort to a full-scale other relevant institutions together with element of profit. In order to determine the use of straight fertilisers at the farm private sector. effective drive towards getting foreign a team of experts from the private sector, the price payable to paddy farmers, it is level. More investment on research and These will enable the Government to direct investments (FDIs) for long-term thus sharing the same vision and ideology suggested to introduce a scheme similar development as well as private sector reduce the burden on the Treasury for projects in a transparent manner and such of the new government. to a reasonable price payable to tea involvement is needed for the manufacture additional government expenditure on FDIs should be used only for revenue The above economic advisory smallholders under the Tea Control Act of of fertilisers using locally available raw subsidy (at present, Rs. 50 billion per yielding projects, from which at least part committee should pick up acceptable 1957 (as amended), stemming from the materials. annum) at least by 30%. of the borrowing can be met. It will be proposals without scrapping the already retail price of rice varieties at the market. The following additional points are also useful to revert to the marine and maritime prepared export strategy, and give Underprivileged, needy communities recommended: Link strategy to develop SMEs activities and the aviation hub concept and leadership to effectively implement and can be given subsidies. The Indian a. Oligopoly of present fertiliser to global value chain ensure that appropriate projects are listed monitor the same through an efficient method of transferring subsidies to importers should be taken away and the It is of paramount importance that under these two hubs as early as possible, economic task force. Whilst supporting the underprivileged and bypassing the Government should encourage small- the Government revisit and reactivate also inviting FDIs under the Chinese- traditional exports, time is opportune to middlemen through the banking system scale importers/farmers/RPCs to enter the financial and banking system loan led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and concentrate simultaneously for diversified using the “Aadhar” programme should into the market to import or produce schemes and provide more holistic linking up with the ASEAN (Association export portfolios such as newer exportable be studied and must be adapted to suit Sri locally. This will resolve issues related assistance to small and medium-sized of Southeast Asian Nations) supply chain products as technology-based components, Lanka. It is essential to prevent leakages to malpractices, fertiliser availability, enterprises (SMEs), establish SME trough BRI as Sri Lanka is not a member raw materials for chemical industries, of subsidy as it amounts to a huge drain to etc. centres, and provide the necessary of the ASEAN. bunkering products, etc. the Treasury financing. b. There shall be no subsidy given to guidance and support services which As far as the exportation of services importers; however, a ceiling price include the following areas: Conclusion is concerned, it is important to train and Revisit existing subsidies based on the market rate of fertiliser as Sri Lanka has already demonstrated its including fertiliser yy Start a programme to promote SME upgrade skills of Sri Lanka’s human determined could be fixed, taking into exports linking with the global value ability to combat Covid-19 successfully, resources at professional levels, such As for the fertiliser subsidy scheme, account the CIF price of importers. The chain (select 500 SMEs and support for and the need of the hour is to fast track as nursing and healthcare services, time is opportune to revise the same subsidy, being the difference between export as a quick starter) domestic economic activities, thus technology-based services, skilled armed to mitigate negative effects of such the ceiling price and the subsidised rate, enabling Sri Lanka to record a faster yy Engage with DFIs who have done services, maritime and naval services, schemes. If the present subsidy scheme should be given only to the selected recovery than other countries to improve similar projects – IFC, ADB, JICA BPO ICT, etc. This will eventually continues, the Government may not be beneficiaries and be paid in cash to their economic growth. A more pragmatic minimise overdependence on migrating able to achieve its production targets bank accounts. yy Encourage the SME sector to move up nationalistic ideology – a socialist-oriented unskilled labour to the Middle Eastern in the agricultural subsectors, and the c. Fertiliser will then be freely available in in the value chain: market-based economic development countries which create unnecessary social farmers will continue to criticise the the market and the selling price could be . Give incentives for Sri Lankan model – coupled with an executive issues to their families, children, and government policy implementation. monitored by the relevant agencies, and expatriates with business ideas to come presidential system of governance would society at large. A special cultivation calendar shall be if there is a requirement of controlling to Sri Lanka to set up enterprises be more suitable to implement an inclusive introduced based on resource availability the fertiliser prices at the market, then . Incentivise the setting up of venture economic development programme to Strictly enforce much-needed in each Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ). the ceiling price could be used by the capital and private equity businesses improve the quality of life of the people of fiscal discipline Improve infrastructure facilities such as Government. The present subsidised to support these ideas this country. The already widened fiscal deficit has laboratories, consultation services, and rate should be increased from zero for yy Help Sri Lankan SMEs to find joint (The writer is the Chairman of the Sri been further deteriorated by the recently extension on recommending site-specific paddy and/or Rs. 10,000 per MT to, say, venture partners for technology Lanka Tea Board. Dr. Ranee Jayamaha announced relief measures to meet the fertiliser application. The strategy should Rs. 12,500. For other crops, the fertiliser transfer. Set up a fund to support and Thusitha Molligoda also contributed Covid-19 packages by the Government. be aimed to export high-variety crops in mixtures could be increased from the to the article)

CARD PAYMENTS ON UBER Controversial, but unlikely to change BY UWIN LUGODA most outspoken about the issue, several that Sri Lankan users wanted a helpline. Speaking on the card payment issue Uber Zip drivers also addressed the issue of However, since it is a new feature, Uber during the press event, Vaish told us that Since it’s entry into the Sri Lankan market having to pay off daily vehicle loans. Many wanted to make sure the system was robust, as far as Uber is concerned, riders have in 2016, Uber, the world’s biggest ride share of them stated that this has led them to call and so extensively tested the system before the option to pay with any of the payment app, has faced one prevalent challenge in the the riders once the ride has been confirmed, rolling out the pilot. methods available in the app. form of it’s card payment system. in order to find out the method of payment. “Whenever we put out new features or “We believe that when riders pay using a The platform’s card payment system has Uber riders complained that this was one new technologies, we make sure they are card, it is a frictionless experience, and it is been heavily scrutinised by app users on of the biggest deterrents they see in using enterprise-grade and that it works flawlessly. also a safer experience because they are not social media and it’s driver partners. This the platform as most riders would end up So it does take some time to build a reliable dealing with physical cash.” issue has even led to physical altercations cancelling the ride if the card payment product,” the spokesperson noted. As for the drivers, he stated that Uber between Uber riders and drivers, with one method is chosen. One rider stated that this RideCheck, the second new safety feature, does not cut any additional cost if it is a extreme case resulting in the attempted also leads to verbal confrontations with is set to enable Uber to flag certain trip card payment and pays their driver partners stabbing by an Uber driver partner. drivers who want them to change their irregularities, such as long and unexpected across the country on a weekly basis, In a Facebook post dated 10 February payment method mid trip. stops, which may in some cases indicate an which is not unique to Sri Lanka. He went 2020, Uber user Pujana Wethasinghe “We are currently going through a global increased safety risk to the rider. When an on to state that Uber is always open to the recounted his story of a disagreement pandemic and Uber should train their drivers irregularity is detected, Uber will initiate a feedback they get from their driver partners over the payment method that allegedly better, and teach them the importance of with the addition of new safety features in “RideCheck” by reaching out to both the and also have several green light centres escalated into near-violence. According to cashless transactions which adhere to social an agile response to widespread criticism it rider and the driver partner. According to which they can bring their issues to. the post, the Uber driver in question had distancing rules,” said one Uber user. faced following several altercations between the officials, this is the first step by Uber to Vaish stated that the company is in the told Wethasinghe and his friend Rahul However, the riders sympathised with riders and drivers. proactively reach out to users during a trip process of rolling out training for all their Vithanage to step out of the vehicle upon the driver partners, and stated that this issue In a press event held on 27 February, and offer tools they may need to get help. driver partners, which they can even partake learning that the hire was to be paid for by was Uber’s responsibility and requested that Uber unveiled three new safety features Finally, Uber unveiled PIN Verification, in digitally through the app itself without credit card. This incident ended with the the company have a better customer care which include the Uber Safety Helpline, a safety PIN that verifies the user’s trip to having to come to their green light centres. driver brandishing a knife at the two friends response team in Sri Lanka. RideCheck, and PIN (personal identification ensure they are getting into the vehicle they “Our driver partners have multiple moments later. Speaking on the matter, an Uber number) Verification. These were set to are matched with through the app. Riders channels to get in touch with us. The first This incident, while extreme, does not spokesperson for Sri Lanka stated that Uber enhance the safety and experience of both will receive a four-digit PIN that they can one is our driver partner helpline that has stand alone as several Uber users have is supporting more cashless transactions the riders and drivers. provide to their driver, who will then use always been there, which they have around- come forward with their own stories of the during this ongoing pandemic so that the The Uber Safety Helpline is active that PIN to start the trip. This would also the-clock access to. Secondly, we have our app’s rider partners either cancelling when experience is safe and seamless for both 24/7 for riders to get in touch with Uber’s prevent the driver starting trips without the green light centres where they can walk in informed it’s a card payment or avoiding the riders and drivers. The spokesperson went safety team if they face an urgent but rider being inside the vehicle. and get service.” platform’s card payment system. on to state that to this end, they are currently non-emergency issue during the trip. In addition to this, the company is also However, in spite of these safety A recurring complaint among the app’s educating all their driver partners through These issues can include misbehaviour working on advanced technologies that measures, Uber is unlikely to change driver partners has been that the company various outreach initiatives on the benefits of and arguments with driver partners or will use ultrasound waves to automatically its controversial weekly payment cycle. takes around a week to credit these card of card payments. breakdown issues. transmit the safety PIN for verified rides. This is because, even though this cycle payments to them. Speaking to The Sunday “All drivers who accept digital payments Uber officials at the event stated that “At Uber, we are constantly evaluating was in place long before Covid-19, the Morning Business, several driver partners get paid as part of Uber’s weekly cycle. As riders can now tap on the shield icon, how we can raise our standards by pandemic has ensured that it will not be complained about the inefficiency of the always, we remain committed to supporting choose the safety helpline icon, and swipe integrating the feedback we receive altered anytime soon due to its contactless system as they live on daily wages, with our drivers with the technology and to immediately connect their response team, from riders on how they would like to payment option. Therefore, it looks like most of them having to pay daily loans for information they need to stay safe.” where safety experts will be available 24/7. communicate with us,” said Uber South the driver partners will need to adapt to the their vehicles. Uber already addressed most of the They explained that the feedback they got Asia Head of Central Operations Pavan system if they want to continue riding for While three-wheeler drivers were the platform’s safety issues earlier this year from the market last year showed them Vaish. Uber in Sri Lanka. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, August 9, 2020 FISCAL

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR SRI LANKA AND IMF Drug rehabilitation centres often see returning drug addicts, who have sobered up, quit their reliance on drugs, and left the centre, The relapsing addict and only to return a while later having relapsed and with a renewed reliance on drugs. An analogy can be drawn between this phenomenon and Sri Lanka’s relationship the rehabilitation centre with the International managed to withdraw only 14% of the 1970s – 11 arrangements in 46 Monetary Fund (IMF). the agreed allocation under both years during 1971–2016 (March), arrangements. During this period, the paper added. With 70 years of IMF Sri Lanka faced the worst flood For the most part, the IMF membership, 16 back-to-back in May 2003 which took over- programmes helped stabilise both financial arrangements since 1965, 2,000 lives, made 4,000 homeless, the domestic and external sectors occasional non-compliances with and caused a severe blow to the and boost growth, but as a short- requirements but a history with economy. term measure only. They did not no defaults or repayment delays, In December 2004, 40,000 lives deliver deep reforms on the fiscal Sri Lanka undoubtedly has a long- were taken away by the Boxing front and any progress made tended standing, financially codependent Day Tsunami and the livelihoods to be undermined in election-related relationship with the IMF. of thousands of people were put in cycles of spending. Reaching out to the IMF for trouble as businesses were heavily another financial arrangement soon disrupted in the south coastal line of Economists’ views after the expiry of the previous Sri Lanka. Speaking to The Sunday Morning arrangement, has become a toxic Nevertheless, public investment Business, former Central Bank trait of consecutive governments increased sharply in 2005 in Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena of Sri Lanka, amidst the absence response to Sri Lanka’s efforts to stated that Sri Lanka inherited a of sound fiscal management rebuild, following the devastating whopping forein exchange reserve policies and despite election 1970. During this period, Srimavo Investments (FDIs) recorded a Loans under the ESAF carried impact of the Tsunami in December which was sufficient to cover 17 manifestos of leaders painting Bandaranaike returned to power negative growth, but picked up by an annual interest rate of 0.5%, 2004. Government investments months of imports, but when Sri a rosier picture. With the new, and extended the nationalisation 3.5% in 1977. The following year, with repayments made semi- began to pick up and the overall Lankans came into power, they strong Government in place, it is programme. Sri Lanka’s economy was opened, annually beginning at five-and-half fiscal deficit improved progressively wasted it recklessly, bringing it almost certain that another IMF A little over six months from the creating more space for economic years and ending 10 years after from 10.4% of GDP in 2001, to to cover less than one month of arrangement will be in place soon expiration of the previous SBA, growth. the disbursement. The ESAF was 6.9% of GDP by 2007. However, imports by the 1960s. for Sri Lanka. another SBA of $ 25 million was replaced by the Poverty Reduction Sri Lanka’s revenue mobilisation “Ever since, to protect the Sri This week, The Sunday Morning provided by the IMF on 18 March From SBA to EFF and Growth Facility (PRGF) in became weak during this period as Lankan rupee, we have to get Business decided to take a look at 1971, which reached maturity on The eighth arrangement of November 1999. the tax share of GDP continued to the support of the IMF. Today Sri Lanka’s past arrangements with 17 March 1972. In 1972, Ceylon Sri Lanka with the IMF was The SAF Sri Lanka obtained slide. the situation is much worse,” Dr. the IMF, reasons as to why one became a republic and changed its immediately after the previous was a three-year facility of $ 214 The 15th arrangement of Sri Wijewardena added. arrangement leads to another, and name to Sri Lanka. largest SBA arrangement of $ million and it expired on 8 March Lanka with the IMF was a SBA Meanwhile, Advocata Institute economists’ opinions on what can In all these instances, Sri Lanka 112 million, but this time the 1991. During the period of this and it is the highest financial Chief Operating Officer and be done to ensure that there is no managed to comply with the IMF’s arrangement was an Extended Fund programme, the Second Eelam War arrangement Sri Lanka had with Founding Member Dhananath going back, at least soon after the regulations and withdrew 100% of Facility (EFF). According to the began where thousands of Muslims the IMF. The three-year SBA was Fernando stated that when the end of an arrangement. the allocated funds. IMF, when a country faces serious were expelled from the northern $ 2.56 billion which was reached country has a budget deficit and In the early 1970s, import medium-term balance of payments part of the country. A suspected right after the end of the Civil War external debt to settle, but lacks 70 years of togetherness controls were brought in to manage (BOP) problems due to structural LTTE suicide bomber killed former in 2009, and it reached its expiry foreign exchange earnings, Sri Sri Lanka joined the IMF on external sector performance of Sri weaknesses that require time to Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on 23 July 2012. This facility was Lanka has to go back to the IMF. 29 August 1950, two years after Lanka. Nevertheless, international be addressed, the IMF can assist in Southern India during the same reportedly obtained particularly “Going to the IMF shows that gaining Independence and became oil prices were increasing sharply through an EFF. Compared to the year, creating tension between the as the global financial crisis had a our public finances have been the 50th member country of which had a negative impact on assistance provided under the SBA, countries. serious impact on Sri Lanka. constantly poor,” Fernando added. the organisation. Sri Lanka has external sector performance during assistance under an EFF features Nevertheless, the failure of Although the end of the Civil Fernando suggested that the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 1973. Sri Lanka’s economy grew longer programme engagement to this SAF programme was partly War in May 2009 has led to a surge Government focus on long-term of 0.34 million, a SDR quota of by 2.4% and exports grew by 3% help countries implement medium- due to an ambitious national in market optimism and a rebound foreign exchange earning methods 578.8 million, and its outstanding during the period from 1971 to term structural reforms and a longer poverty alleviation programme, in capital inflows, international instead of focusing on short-term purchases and loans as of 31 March 1973, while imports grew by 2.1% repayment period. “Janasaviya”, launched in reserves remained at low levels. Sri tangible measures such as building 2020 was 952.23 million, according during the same period. Inflation EFFs are typically approved for 1989. It was viewed as a means Lanka withdrew 100% of the funds bridges, airports, and ports that to the IMF. was 6.2%. Tax revenue as a a period of three years, but may of mobilising support for the under this facility. could get leaders some support from The SDR is an international percentage of the Gross Domestic be approved for periods as long Government’s broader reform The last arrangement Sri Lanka the public. As a result, long-term reserve asset created by the IMF Product (GDP) was 17.5%, while as four years to implement deep initiatives but went against typical had with the IMF was an EFF of $ measures that could derive massive in 1969 to supplement its member capital and current expenditures and sustained structural reforms. IMF fiscal consolidation efforts. 1.5 billion which began on 3 June benefits for the country are being countries’ official reserves. The were 6.3% and 21.5%, respectively. Amounts drawn under an EFF are 2016 and ended on 2 June 2019. postponed every time. value of the SDR is based on Fiscal balance was a negative 6.2%. to be repaid over 4.5-10 years in 12 Enter the ECF Only 67% of the agreed funds He stated that the Government a basket of five currencies: the equal, semiannual instalments. By Sri Lanka’s first Extended Credit were withdrawn by Sri Lanka should create an ecosystem to US dollar, the euro, the Chinese Sixth and seventh contrast, credits under a SBA are Facility (ECF) programme with the under this facility. As desired by increase exports, in which high-tech renminbi, the Japanese yen, and the arrangements repaid over 3.5-5 years. IMF began the same year of the the IMF’s revenue-based fiscal machinery are used to diversify Sri British sterling pound. So far, SDR After a break of two years, The EFF of $ 336 million was SAF expiration. According to the consolidation process, the tax Lanka’s export basket through value of 204.2 billion (equivalent to about Sri Lanka’s six SBAs of $ 30 arranged on 1 January 1979 and IMF, the ECF provides financial revenue to GDP ratio has increased addition with the support from a $ 281 billion) have been allocated million were arranged by the it expired on 31 December 1981. assistance to countries with from 10.1% in 2014 to 12.5% in sound labour force. to members, including the SDR IMF on 30 April 1974, which 100% of the funds were withdrawn. protracted BOP problems. 2017. Nevertheless, the current “The export basket has been the of 182.6 billion allocated in 2009 reached expiration in 12 months. By 1980, the fiscal deficit had shot The ECF was created under the Government soon after assuming same for the past couple of decades. in the wake of the global financial Nevertheless, this SBA was not up to a peak of 19.2% of GDP with Poverty Reduction and Growth office, announced significant tax We have been talking of it about a crisis. a successful one as Sri Lanka annual inflation spiralling to over Trust (PRGT) as part of a broader cuts, slashing the Government’s tax million times but nothing has been managed to withdraw only 29% of 26%. reform to make the Fund’s financial revenue considerably. changed. We are exporting simple 16 arrangements the allocated funds. A second oil price shock in 1979 support more flexible and better Two months before the expiry, Sri agricultural items mostly. This is not and counting Meanwhile, during the period further deteriorated the balance tailored to the diverse needs of Lanka faced deadly terror attacks adequate, this has to be advanced. So far, Sri Lanka has had 16 from 1974 to 1976, the economy of trade, with the current account low-income countries (LICs), on Easter Sunday on 21 April 2019, The quality has to be improved,” he arrangements with the IMF, out of grew by 3%; exports recorded a deficit posting its worst-ever including times of crisis. The ECF which impacted Sri Lanka’s tourism added. which 10 are Standby Arrangements growth of 16.3% while imports performance at over 16% of GDP was $ 455 million but only 83% of and hotel businesses. Meanwhile, emphasising the (SBAs). A SBA by the IMF allows overtook the growth of exports and in 1980. Sri Lanka continued to run the funds were withdrawn by Sri importance of introducing the the Fund to respond flexibly to recorded 21% growth during the a high trade deficit, with earnings Lanka. The programme began on Economy during these necessary reforms and saving countries’ external financing needs same period. Inflation was 6.7%. from worker remittances helping 13 September 1991 and expired on 55 years foreign exchange reserves, Dr. and support their adjustment Tax revenue as a percentage of to narrow the current account 13 July 1995. During this period, In an Asian Development Wijewardena added that Sri Lanka policies with short-term financing; GDP was 16.2%, while capital and imbalances. President Premadasa was killed in a Bank (ADB) working paper should have the courage to cut it typically covers a period of current expenditures were 7.8% and LTTE attack in 1993 and Chandrika series under the title “Sri Lanka’s out unnecessary foreign exchange 12–24 months, but no more than 36 18.9%, respectively. Ninth arrangement Kumaratunga came into power Macroeconomic Challenges: A Tale expenditure. months. A little over two years after this The ninth arrangement was a in 1994, pledging to end the war. of Two Deficits”, done by Institute “For instance, Sri Lanka does arrangement, Sri Lanka had its SBA of $ 105 million which began Thus, peace talks with the LTTE of Policy Studies (IPS) Executive not have the luxury to give duty- Two back-to-back SBAs biggest SBA of $ 112 million on on 14 September 1983 and expired began. Director Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, free car permits. We have been Sri Lanka’s first financial 2 December 1977. The 12-month on 31 July 1984. This is an example ADB South Asia Department Senior borrowing from the IMF, the arrangement was a SBA of $ 30 facility expired on 1 December of another not-so-successful SBA Back to SBA Country Economist Utsav Kumar, World Bank, and other forces, million from 15 June 1965 to 14 1978 and this time Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka with the IMF, as Sri After a break of almost six years, and ADB consultant Roselle Dime, giving all kinds of handouts to June 1966. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka withdrew 100% of the allocated Lanka withdrew only 50% of the Sri Lanka turned towards the IMF it was mentioned that Sri Lanka politicians and public servants, drew only 75% of the agreed funds. allocated funds. once again for a SBA of $ 254 has suffered BOP crises at regular without getting a commitment allocation. During this period, the However, increased tensions in During this period, in 1983, million. During this six-year gap, intervals, with the exception of a from them to work hard. Without Opposition (United National Party Tamil-dominated areas in the north what the LTTE called the “First the Civil War reached its peak as nine-year period from 1992 to 2000. foreign exchange earnings, [UNP]) won elections and was and the east led to the formation Eelam War” started. The LTTE the Temple of the Tooth Relic came “Sri Lanka’s economy how can a country afford to attempting to reverse socialism. of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil killed 13 soldiers in July 1983, under an LTTE attack. Further, demonstrates a high degree give duty-free car permits?” Dr. The first SBA was followed by Eelam (LTTE) in 1977. The year triggering racial riots in Colombo, was of macroeconomic volatility, Wijewardena questioned. another SBA, a day after the expiry 1977 was a remarkable year as referred to as . Riots wounded in another LTTE attack evidenced by its frequent BOP Taking Singapore as an of the previous SBA (15 June 1966). anti-Tamil protests were launched, that spanned over seven days and Sri Lanka’s international airport crises. Despite their related example, he added that from the It was a 12-month arrangement of $ in which over 100 people were destroyed thousands of shops and was bombed, destroying most of the conditionalities on structural beginning Singapore never wanted 25 million, that expired on 14 June killed. This caused volatility in the houses, forcing many people to go SriLankan fleet. The economy was reforms, past fiscal and external to hand out anything free to please 1967. Unlike the previous SBA, Sri Lankan economy in the third homeless. The economic cost of going through a tough time. sector consolidation and reforms anyone, and if anyone requires Sri Lanka was able to withdraw quarter of the year. The following the riots was estimated to be $ 300 The SBA began on 20 April 2001 have failed to take root, as better public service they are the entire agreed amount of $ 25 year, the Tamil United Liberation million. and expired on 19 September 2002. demonstrated by regular bailout ready to pay for it in Singapore. million. Front won all seats in the Tamil- In January 2001, Sri Lanka moved programmes with the IMF,” the He recommended that a similar dominated area. Nevertheless, The first SAF to a floating exchange rate as it was working paper series read. policy be followed in Sri Lanka. Three SBAs in four years; in 1977, Sri Lanka achieved a The 10th arrangement was a a requirement of the IMF before Since the 1970s, Sri Lanka’s Based on the research and five arrangements so far surplus in current accounts led by a Structural Adjustment Facility providing an SBA. In 2001, for the trajectory of fiscal and current comments obtained for this article, With a break of less than a year, temporary rise in international tea (SAF). The SAF was set up in first time since Independence, GDP account deficits and the implicit it is evident that Sri Lanka needs Sri Lanka reached out to the IMF prices. 1986 and soon replaced by the growth entered negative territory imbalances in macroeconomic strong fiscal policies supported for another SBA of $ 20 million for In 1977, the economy grew by Enhanced Structural Adjustment and GDP contracted by 1.5%. fundamentals producing twin by reforms to generate non-debt- 14 months. The arrangement was 4%; exports grew by a significant Facility (ESAF). Under this deficits have seen the country creating foreign currency inflows made on 6 March 1968 and expired 37.3% while imports grew only assistance, an eligible country 14th and 15th undergo periodic economic crises that could stabilise the external on 5 May 1969. Three months by 12.9%, and tax revenue as a could borrow up to a maximum The following year, Sri Lanka that have necessitated intervention sector and help the country in after the expiry, Sri Lanka turned percentage of GDP was 15.1%. of 140% of its IMF quota under a had an EFF of $ 198 million for from the IMF in its role as the servicing the existing external to the IMF once again for a SBA Inflation was 1.2%. During three-year arrangement, although three years and another ECF of $ lender of last resort. Sri Lanka payments, while building up a arrangement of $ 20 million, for a the period from 1970 to 1977, this limit could be increased under 368 million for three years with has been under multiple IMF buffer stock of official reserves, period of 12 months on 12 August remittances as a percentage of GDP exceptional circumstances to a the IMF. The programmes expired programmes for macroeconomic at least close to what we had right 1969, and this expired on 11 August was zero while Foreign Direct maximum of 185% of quota. on 17 April 2006 and Sri Lanka stabilisation and BOP support since after Independence. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, August 9, 2020 Cinnamon Luxury Collection introduces curated heritage experiences First opened in 1968, the grand dame of the South, Bentota Beach Hotel was recently transformed and introduced as the flagship property of the newly launched The Cinnamon Luxury Collection – the group’s newest hospitality offering. Bringing in a new genre of excitement, the hotel launched a series of curated luxury experiences crafted to suit the vivid tastes of today’s discerning traveller. The inaugural event, which took Channa Daswatte, protégé of Geoffrey Bawa, place on 25-26 July, was a historic briefing the guests on the construction and architectural inspiration of Bentota Beach, one where Bentota Beach, The The Cinnamon Luxury Collection Cinnamon Luxury Collection in collaboration with Lunuganga Trust designed by Geoffrey Bawa for A curated dish prepared by Bentota Beach, The Cinnamon Luxury Collection Head Chef At Bentota Beach, The Cinnamon Luxury Collection, the reception ceiling wax resist and dye on cloth hosted “In Situ – an Intimate Bawa Sunanda Kumar mounted on ply board, a copy of the original done in 1967 by Ena de Silva the original hotel, each bearing Experience” to commemorate 101 a unique sense of place, be it the years of the architectural virtuoso for the group, and we look forward programme by architects such as Raheem shared his experience as not be justifiably conserved in a majesty of the blue whale with the and visionary who brought this to sharing it with our guests.” Kengo Kuma, Dominic Sansoni, an assistant architect, painter, and traditional manger but was still too Nil Thalmaha Suite or the delicate glorious hotel to life in the 1960s. An intimate gathering of 45 and Lee Mingwei. sculptor of the hotel in the 1960s as precious to see destroyed and lost art of colonial lace making with John Keells Group Leisure guests were a part of an action- Guests were then treated to a well as during the revitalisation. forever,” and so the “part of it that the Beeralu Suite to name a few. Sector President Jit Gunaratne packed weekend with a curated themed lunch at Bentota Beach – The spotlight then transferred to contained most of the significant Bentota Beach – The Cinnamon noted: “Bentota Beach is entwined tour of Bawa’s iconic country The Cinnamon Luxury Collection, Salon Talk with Channa Daswatte, architectural ideas was thought of Luxury Collection is a living in the history of Asian architecture; house – Lunuganga Estate – and especially curated by Head Chef whose presentation on “Archiving as worth preserving”. tribute to the vision of its creator, it is here that Geoffrey Bawa’s his 1968 masterpiece, Bentota Sunanda as his culinary tribute to Architecture” was absorbed by a The next day, guests witnessed the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, concept of tropical modernism Beach itself. The Gift programme at Lunuganga captivated audience. the opening of the Bawa Suite at and an exemplar of luxurious was brought to life. And today, Personally guided by renowned Estate via a series of delicate “When a building has a series the Bentota Beach Heritage Wing hospitality as the flagship property this architectural marvel has been architect Channa Daswatte and Art food art and decadent dishes from of ideas that is worth preserving, – a tribute to the maestro with art, of The Cinnamon Luxury reinstated to its former glory by and Archival Collections of The multiple cuisines. but the building itself cannot furniture, and photos from Bawa’s Collection. The hotel where the a dedicated team of architects, Lunuganga Trust Curator Shayari Lunch was followed by a curated be conserved in the usual way, own collection complemented river meets the sea unveils a new designers, and artists, making it a de Silva, guests were met with Architect’s Walk of Bentota archiving it is a way forward,” by an infinity view of the Indian era of holidaymaking to those benchmark for luxurious hospitality inspired creativity around every Beach by Chamika De Alwis he said, adding: “Bentota Ocean and the Benthara River. discerning travellers looking infused with history, art, and corner of the illustrious garden, and then high tea at the Sunset Beach Hotel was one such The suite is part of the hotel’s at making memories that last a architecture. It’s a timeless property including the marvels of The Gift Lounge where architect Ismeth important building that could 16 suites made from 30 rooms lifetime. Abans – a family member close to heart SLIIT Professional Abans has been a trusted and renowned name amongst the Sri Lankan households for a long Development Programmes time. With a longstanding history of 50 years, Abans has touched help students and professionals the hearts of people far and wide, from all corners of the country The following is an unedited and all walks of life. Starting press release from SLIIT. from humble beginnings at the As the nation’s premier higher home of the founder who wanted education institute, SLIIT is the housewives to have an easy committed to helping students lifestyle, it has now expanded and professionals develop new to serve customers the best of skills and unlock their potential comfort, convenience, innovation, to rewarding careers. technology, and other solutions SLIIT’s Professional to elevate the lifestyles of Sri Development Programmes SLIIT is committed to help students and professionals develop new skills and unlock the Lankans. (PDP) ensure students are able potential to rewarding careers Abans is not just another brand to update their knowledge and facilities for students to pursue into continuous professional name; buying an Abans product upskill capabilities based on their studies. development programmes, means one becomes a member of Abans celebrates 50 years current trends and also develop “As workforce skills become short-term workshops, the Abans family too. Therefore, it and electronics offer value for also offers repairs and servicing new skills for the purpose of outdated at an increasing pace customised corporate training is no small feat to earn the honour money and adds value and colour from dedicated service centres advancement in their respective in a rapidly advancing work programmes, and online of being a part of every family, to customers’ daily lives. Abans islandwide. fields. environment, through SLIIT’s professional trainings in the due to the care, dedication, and offers you an extensive range from All Abans Sri Lankan Experienced in conducting Professional Development computing, business, and loyalty offered by Abans to every washing machines, televisions, air products come with a trusted training programmes for more Programmes we are able to engineering knowledge areas. single customer. conditioners, refrigerators, ovens, comprehensive warranty of up to than a decade, SLIIT’s PDP help individuals and corporates These programmes provide Striving to keep the promise and cookers to home appliances 10 years, as well as easy payment division possess expertise in up-skill and reskill to stay the desired skills necessary of prioritising the needs of the that include rice cookers, irons, plans where you can pay for academia, and strong industry relevant and proficient. By in today’s workplace and for customers and improving its kettles, toasters, multifunctional products in instalments that fit connections with Sri Lanka’s focusing on workforce needs of career advancement. portfolio of products to ensure the blenders, and fans. In addition your requirements. business and IT industry, existing and emerging industries Demonstrating effectiveness best in quality and value, the range to catering a wide range of For more details, call the helping to deliver education and we help students to enhance job and recognition, SLIIT has of Abans-branded appliances products to customers, Abans hotline on 011-5999000. training to build careers and and career opportunities but also conducted a wide range businesses by offering a range of to contribute to the growth of the of PDPs for numerous programme options and formats economy,” said SLIIT Director multinational organisations through varied faculties. – Development and Engineering and government institutions for ComBank’s Easy Payment Plan These short-term courses Services Uditha Gamage. more than a decade. Special and workshops for both regular Even during the pandemic, rates could be negotiated students and corporate clients SLIIT was able to conduct for corporate clients and the merchant base grows to 2,000 help participants unlock these programmes in a highly programmes offered could The Commercial Bank of participating merchant base and bank to offer loyalty rewards for their potential to thrive in a successful manner online. also be customised according Ceylon (ComBank) has announced the width of the spectrum of both credit and debit cardholders continuously evolving world. Therefore, the institution is to clients’ requirements. More that its merchant base registered goods and services represented are under its Max Loyalty Rewards Students are taught and confident in offering these information can be obtained to offer Easy Payment Plans particularly relevant at times like Points scheme. The bank was also instructed by highly trained programmes through online and by contacting 011 754 4801 (EPPs) and 0% interest purchase the present, when an economic a pioneer in extending promotional professional staff members and offline mediums. or visiting the SLIIT website to the bank’s credit card holders downturn affects disposable discount offers which were SLIIT provides all the modern PDPs can be categorised www.sliit.lk. has reached 2,000, significantly income, making EPPs and 0% traditionally only offered for credit enhancing the benefits and interest invaluable. cards to its debit cards. convenience enjoyed by this Upon entering an EPP and 0% ComBank cards are the fastest- customer segment. interest purchase, cardholders growing cards in Sri Lanka and APIIT Law School hosts webinar EPPs and 0% interest purchase will be billed the instalment value enjoy market leadership in credit allow ComBank credit cardholders monthly until the agreed period is and debit card cumulative point- on ‘constitution making’ to purchase goods and services and completed. When making an EPP of-sale (POS) usage. The bank pay in equal monthly installments purchase, the available balance offers a variety of credit cards in The APIIT Law School constitutionalism and the core over a period of three to 60 in the credit card account will be the Silver, Gold, and Platinum (APIIT) in collaboration aspects that need to be addressed months. held by an amount equal to the tiers of Visa, MasterCard, and with the International and when drafting a constitution. The 2,000 merchants registered purchase made. However, with UnionPay Cards, as well as Visa Comparative Law Society The webinar was conducted with ComBank to offer EPPs and every monthly instalment the Signature, World MasterCard, Visa (ICLS) hosted a webinar by 0% interest include lifestyle stores, cardholder settles, the available Infinite, UnionPay Asia Prestige on “The Fundamentals of Faculty of Law visiting lecturer educational institutions, jewellery balance increases, the bank Platinum, and UnionPay Asia Constitution Making” yesterday and United Nations, New stores, hospitals, travel companies, explained. Prestige Diamond Cards in the (8) via Zoom and Facebook York Department of Political and a number of online vendors. ComBank credit and debit premium segment. The cards are Live streams of APIIT and and Peacekeeping Affairs ComBank Deputy General cards offer year-round promotions equipped with “Tap ’n Go” NFC ICLS. (DPPA) Senior Constitutions Manager – Marketing Hasrath covering a wide variety of technology and are backed by a The session shed light and Political Officer Rohan Munasinghe said the size of the services. ComBank was the first strong NFC POS network. on the pivotal aspects of Edrisinha. Rohan Edrisinha

Printed & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 BUILDING JAFFNA’S CREATIVE CULTURE »SEE PAGE 6

CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHY »SEE PAGE 8

Sunday, August 9, 2020 brunchWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER HAM AND BACON The tale about two pigs in Malabe by Christina Britto, illustrated by Maneka Jayathilaka

Christina Britto Maneka Jayathilaka We chatted with Christina these pigs shine through and see about how her novel came to be them for who they are; so really as we casually roamed around it’s about being kind, not only to her garden, with her pointing out humans but to all living beings. various plants they have, which they incorporate into their daily Christina drew meals, and the many quarantine experiences from her garden projects, like the pizza kiln real life to write the book; her husband erected, the treehouse it just sounded like a that is coming along nicely, and wonderful idea to do this, the many other plantations on their she shared, not just for stretch of land, which all set nicely her kids but for other kids against the backdrop of a chorus to have a peek into this of howls from 14-plus dogs she’s world they live in too adopted. About how Ham and Bacon Christina shared some adorable came to be, she said: “I was trying stories about the pigs and their to put my oldest son to bed and antics in the household, recalling a the pigs were running around; they hilarious moment where they broke were really misbehaving and my into the fridge, somehow opened it husband pointed out that while I up with their snouts, and ate nearly was getting a bit agitated, they’re 3 kg of good Swiss cheese. She said actually quite funny the way they that it really amazes her sometimes are.” She added: “Little bits of how intelligent they can be. the lines started popping up in my For the final product of Ham head and I started writing it down, and Bacon, Christina collaborated and it took about an hour.” with Maneka Jayathilaka, who did Christina shared that she is not the beautiful illustrations of the usually a person who finds writing piggies, and we spoke to Maneka a smooth process, sharing that she about her contribution and her gets stuck often. However, this one experience doing the project. She came naturally as she wrote it. shared that she thought it was a About the content of the fantastic idea from the get-go, book itself, she shared that she especially considering Christina mostly wanted to immortalise drew experiences from her real life BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE this childhood that her children to write the book; it just sounded have. “They are living my dream like a wonderful idea to do this, she childhood and I wanted to preserve shared, not just for her kids but for We spent a moment with actress, TV presenter, and now it for them; wouldn’t it have been other kids to have a peek into this fun if our parents wrote a book world they live in too. children’s book author Christina Britto to talk about her first about our childhood and our pets?” Christina shared that while she she stated. had followed Maneka’s work for children’s book Ham and Bacon, a story based on her very own two She said that the title of the some time, they were also school book is amusing to some; about friends, and interestingly enough, pet pigs, lovingly named “Ham and Bacon”. We visited Christina the fact that the pigs are called she was the very first person who Ham and Bacon, she said that sat next to her on her first day of at her home situated in a tucked-away corner of Malabe, where as you read the book, it begins school, which is quite wild now she lives, surrounded by greenery, with her husband, two kids, to make sense why she left the when you think about it, as they names as they were. According to ended up collaborating on her very numerous dogs (she’s lost count at this point), and the two pigs. her, it serves as a bit of an irony, first children’s book. where you see the personalities of ││Contd. on page 2 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE Sunday, August 9, 2020 Capello Salons Wijerama partners with Nails by Lucky Susil BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Capello Salons Wijerama is shaking things up with their brand new collaboration with Nails by Lucky Susil. Nails by Lucky Susil, which was previously at TONI&GUY, has since moved under the roof of Capello Salons with the lovely Lucky joining hands with Capello’s Romesh Atapattu for a rounded beauty experience at their now combined outlet. We spoke to Lucky about the move and the reasoning behind making such a drastic change. “Sometimes you need to expand your business to seize new opportunities before they pass you by,” he shared, adding that when the opportunity Lucky Susil presented itself for him, he had to go for it. He said one of his primary motivations to join Capello is because he can now have the space to conduct his classes. Lucky shared that he has plans to open up a school for a rounded training and education in becoming a career manicurist or nail technician, and this is the first step towards it, where he conducts individual classes and awards a certificate for those who take part. Those who are interested can register and attend classes at Capello Salons. Lucky Susil, Romesh Atapattu, and and wife Nithiesha at the launch Romesh of Capello shared with us He shared his thought process of his make your nails healthy and strong. Lucky shared that he has that it has been excellent having Lucky exciting new addition, saying: “I am so Further, with this new normal that we are plans to open up a school take care of the nail tech side at the salon, blessed to meet Susil. He is an artist with facing, when you stay flexible to change, for a rounded training and stating that Lucky is indeed a maestro, great talent. I not only love his purpose- (you) see the light through the darkness.” considering his acclaimed experience that driven passion to ensure your nails glow, He also spoke of his vision when education in becoming a career spans 19 years. but also his aftercare touches that really he first started his journey in the salon manicurist or nail technician, business. “My passion was to celebrate and this is the first step women, children, and men in their real, towards it most raw, authentic brilliance – (those) perpetuate any unhealthy standards, he Romesh Atapattu who believe in themselves and are ready believes that “first impressions have no haircuts, treatments, foiling, and fixing. to step into the look they love to be in. But second chances”. “We realise that your Additionally, at Wijerama they also offer it was more than looking gorgeous. This outer appearance is the first impression and spa services, eyelash procedures, waxing is why we use hair, skin, face, nail, and signature, and you must feel great about it services, facials, and now with their brand waxing products with some of the most every day to get the inner you happy and new collaboration with the expert in the natural and rich ingredients because we confident. The success of our business has field, they offer pedicures, manicures, believe you should never expect less. been, and will always be, based on paying pedi-facials, and nail trims. If you have “I wanted to create a space that attention to the details – the many details concerns with regard to the pandemic, he provided a neighbourhood-friendly, that ensure quality, always embracing the assured that there is no need for concern; personalised service through specialised challenges of change in the hair industry, they are well on a par with all the safety and skilled professionals including nail exceeding the expectations of our guests and hygienically approved standards. technicians, manicurists, and nailists. (I call them guests and not clients), and a Romesh stated that with this new So yes, I strive to reach beyond the consultation that will fit your style, because collaboration with Lucky, Capello is roots (of hair), and into the refinement I want them to feel at home and benefit, as the whole package; complete with a and healing of one’s core self and, of we are offering our services, not products.” team that strives to achieve excellence course, recommendations that suit your Capello, Romesh, and his team by getting inspired by trends across personality. Basically, bring that sparkle to offer highly specialised comprehensive the globe and constantly improve their your life,” he said. haircare from hairstyles, dimensional artistry to help their guests get enriched Romesh said that one of his driving hair shading, up-dos, expansions, bridal and nourished, not only on the outside From left: Beautician Lucky Susil, Mrs. World 2020 Caroline Jurie, and Capello Salons CEO Romesh Atapattu forces is that despite not wanting to services, and make-up services to but on the inside as well.

Ham and... They (my kids) are living my dream childhood and I wanted to preserve it for them; wouldn’t it have been fun if our parents wrote a book about our childhood and our pets? Actress, TV presenter, and children’s book author Christina Britto

considering the pandemic. However, she really settled into a sustainable lifestyle in said that they are currently in the process of their green corner in Malabe. getting it on Amazon for people to order, in We asked Christina about her future both paperback and digital download, which projects now that Ham and Bacon is will be made available as soon as possible. completed, and whether she has anything As of now, even her friends are able else in the works. She did admit, albeit to get their hands on the book by asking reluctantly, that she does in fact have relatives in counties where it is listed to something brewing. However, she doesn’t Christina’s pet pigs Ham and Bacon send it through to them. want to confirm anything just yet. She PHOTOS SUDARSHA LAKMAL KANNANGARA The pandemic, she said, was a blessing said that she never really thought of and a curse, with it really halting their wider anything in terms of part two of the book, plans for the book. However, she said that but she did imagine creating a world Contd. from page 1 2016 for my oldest son, and then it was mention: “It was a little sad, because for them as a family, it was really beneficial where she gets to put into words the life 2019, and I was with child number two and someone outside the country decided to in helping them realise how sustainable they that they lead, to capture snippets of their Christina shared that the technical side still no Ham and Bacon,” adding that she publish a book about two pigs in Malabe.” can be in their way of life from where they daily routine; “The Malabe Stories”, she of getting the book published as it started faced some difficulty in getting it published About the distribution of the book, she are situated, adding that they realised how said. She did share that the pandemic, out was not easy. She expressed her utmost by a local publisher and that it was later said that it is already at distribution points in little they actually have to purchase from with all its pitfalls, did end up providing gratitude to her husband Marcus as she suggested to her that she look outside the the US. However, when it comes to bringing out to prepare their food, and that they even a lot of writing material, so we can look said there were times she was ready to drop country for a solution. She finally managed it down to put in stores here, such a large improved this by making an addition where forward to something new from Christina the project, sharing: “I wrote this story in to get things sorted. However, she did shipment of books takes time, especially they bought a chicken for eggs; they’ve in the near future.

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, August 9, 2020 CAUSE

A group shot from WeGovernSL project PHOTO HASHTAG GENERATION Giving youth a voice Focusing on youth empowerment and youth policy in the wake of the new administration

BY NAVEED ROZAIS measure success themselves, whether it is solely on merit or by the number of years “Children are the future” and “our someone has put in. The private sector tends youth are the future” are constant to pick out a handful of youth stars, who refrains from many a public figure. they highlight, when in fact vast sections of their workforces are youth-driven.” The power of the youth is driven home through every form of media. Looking at Looking to the future current youth populations globally, we With the new change in government, are seeing the largest youth population in the stage is set for a new era of connecting recorded human history. Sri Lanka’s youth with and empowering Sri Lanka’s youths. population is over four million people (this Defining a new national youth policy, for is based on the definition of youths as young example, would go a long way towards adults from the ages of 15-29, as defined by creating more cohesive empowerment Sri Lanka’s 2014 National Youth Policy). systems. But how empowered are our youth But how else can the new Government really? Can they affect change and how The private sector is very Youth empowerment is The world...is recognising Younger representation look to working with the nation’s youths? effectively can they do this? How can good at evading the issues important because youths that the youth are agents in the highest levels of One way would be by including youth youths take initiative to make an impact and blaming the public should be able to build the of change linking together government and the removal voices in the making of such policies. on a national level and how receptive are sector, but they also need futures that they want and the present and the future. of the structural barriers Balthazaar commented that youth older age groups to the voices and needs of to look at their own boards excluding them from these Not empowering the youth, that keep young people inclusion shouldn’t be limited to one type youths? and leadership teams and conversations creates a gap particularly in this context, out of government unless of youth. “The youth is not homogenous; Against the backdrop of the at how they measure success between what they need and leaves the future of the they’re privileged or come they include women, minorities, people 2020 general election, The Sunday themselves, whether it is what they get planet uncertain because from families with political with disabilities, and all aspects and voices Morning Brunch reached out to several solely on merit or by the Activist Vraie young people will inherit a histories, are also very need to be taken into account to counter empowerment advocates for their views on number of years someone Cally Balthazaar world they didn’t play a part important various issues. Then, it comes back to really youth empowerment and youth policies in has put in in developing Hashtag Generation focusing on laying out a policy and sticking Sri Lanka. Activist and Everystory HYPE Sri Lanka Founder Co-founder and Director to it and making sure it is implemented and Sri Lanka Co-founder Chiranthi Senanayake Senel Wanniarachchi not swept under the carpet and treated as a The importance of youth Sharanya Sekaram secondary issue.” empowerment Wanniarachchi agreed on the need Youth empowerment is important Sustainable Development Framework Director Senel Wanniarachchi explained for a multifaceted approach, commenting: for diversity of representation, sharing: because young people are a significant part (UNSDF) as well as the Youth, Peace, that Sri Lanka’s youth empowerment “At the highest levels of government, you “The important thing is listening to what of our population and today’s youth will and Security mandate, is recognising that initiatives have gaps for two main reasons: find much older people, where most are young people have to say, and not just to be the leaders and decision-makers of the youths are agents of change linking together awareness and access. Youths are not aware over the age of 65. While older people one type of young person. It’s very easy future. Empowering youths and giving them the present and the future. With this in of these systems, clubs, and initiatives, also absolutely do need to be represented, to say ‘youth’ and pretend young people platforms to be heard and drive change mind, youths are currently being actively and even for those who are, access can there are disproportionately a lot of older are all equal. But if you just say you’re results in them inheriting a world with groomed as leaders to take over the future be difficult because these systems tend to people and very few younger people and engaging the youth and only call one systems and structures they have had a hand world. Not empowering youths, particularly cater to those who know more and/or are these older people make decisions on how specific group, then it’s not representative. in shaping. in this context, leaves the future of the privileged. structures operate, and there is sometimes More transparency on government decision- Activist Vraie Cally Balthazaar planet uncertain because young people will Another flaw in youth empowerment a big disconnect because they don’t making and processes and being able to commented on the importance of inherit a world they didn’t play a part in systems, Sekaram pointed out, is that they understand the everyday realities of young challenge and reconsider the old ways of youth empowerment, sharing: “Youth developing.” are always subject to and curtailed by older people on the ground.” doing things, are also important.” empowerment is important because youths age group organisations or committees that To empower youths nationally, Taking the good with the bad is also should be able to build the futures that How does Sri Lanka foster and often impact the level of engagement these Wanniarachchi shared, it is important that key to working and engaging the youth, they want and excluding them from these empower youths? systems can hope to gain. For example, young people aren’t simply acting out Sekaram shared, commenting: “When conversations creates a gap between what On how Sri Lanka currently empowers Interact clubs are beholden to Rotaract the decisions of older people. “Younger consulting with young people, you need to they need and what they get.” its youths, Senanayake explained that the clubs which can then limit the agency of the representation in the highest levels of listen to what they’re saying even if you Speaking specifically on the current national framework houses youth Interact club. “In short, there is no real place government and the removal of the don’t like it. You also need to accept that empowerment of young women in affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs nationally for youths to do what they want structural barriers that keep young people there will be mistakes; one young person relation to youth empowerment as a and Sports, which manages the National on their terms, and where people put power out of government unless they’re privileged making a mistake doesn’t reflect on all whole, activist and feminist storytelling Youth Services Council, which has a into youths’ hands.” or come from families with political young people. We can afford to be a bit collective Everystory Sri Lanka Co-founder federation of youth clubs in every divisional histories, are also very important.” lenient and understand that people are Sharanya Sekaram commented that youth secretariat and grama niladhari office. How can youth empowerment be Education is also a key field that needs figuring things out.” empowerment is important on two levels This is an expansive framework that is improved on a national level? attention to foster and empower youths. Sekaram explained that true – one being empowering young girls to state-funded, and is a very commendable Senanayake shared that youth Balthazaar commented: “The education empowerment is not simply being stand up and be leaders, and the other being move on the part of the Government. empowerment can be made more effective system is very rigid; empowerment always consulted, which many people tend to do in making a generation that is comfortable However, despite this expansive framework, on a broader scale through a clear national tends to come back to education, to teaching a way that tokenises the youth. “I want to seeing women as leaders; not as women how it is utilised to efficiently meet its goals youth policy. Sri Lanka’s last National civic rights, not for the sake of inclusion in laugh when I go for corporate events where leaders, but simply leaders. Effective youth and its level of efficiency too are sometimes Youth Policy was in 2014. A national youth curricula but for understanding. panels talk about handling Millennials in empowerment would get youths involved questionable because of several existing policy is a guide to how the Government, “The structural problems of poverty the workplace but everyone on the panel is in progressive thoughts and processes factors and realities. and the country, approach its youth and also need to be addressed for true 55-plus. Maybe 50% of the people driving that enable them to contribute to a global One factor that inhibits youth youth affairs. empowerment. Acknowledging the specific change should actually be young people?” landscape. empowerment is the use of the framework A multifaceted approach to youth problems of the youth and giving them Simplifying processes and connecting “The younger you start, the more to make the youth a political tool, empowerment is also key, Senanayake autonomy and independence is also very with stakeholders is also something normal it becomes. Those who are Senanayake shared. For example, at the explained, stating that the current important. There is no one element that can the new Government should consider. comfortable with women in leadership have National Youth Services Council, there is approach to youth empowerment is fairly be fixed with the expectation that everything Senanayake explained: “The best way been exposed to such things at a young a separate office dedicated to the political one-dimensional and doesn’t take into will change.” to be involved is to be connected with age,” Sekaram commented. party in power, which doesn’t make a lot account the complexities of the current Sekaram commented that for other stakeholders working in the field. Youth empowerment advocate, Diana of sense because youth affairs shouldn’t be youth generation and their needs beyond empowerment to be effective on a national A survey conducted by HYPE Sri Lanka Award winner, and HYPE Sri Lanka related to any political party. education and employment, like the need level, the onus can’t be only on the State; showed that 65% of youth organisations Founder Chiranthi Senanayake commented Hashtag Generation, a movement led to pursue happiness or be involved in the private sector needs to step up as well. are not registered with the Government that youth empowerment is particularly and run by a group of young tech-savvy, decision-making. Even needs like access to “The private sector is very good at evading because the process is complicated and important because of the “unique role in socially conscious Sri Lankans advocating the internet, which is very important to the the issues and blaming the public sector, but autocratic, to the point of being inefficient time that young people serve”, adding: “The for the meaningful civic and political youth, are not duly considered. they also need to look at their own boards and counterproductive. Processes need to world, as a result of the United Nations participation of youths, Co-founder and Wanniarachchi agreed on the need and leadership teams and at how they be made simpler.” WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 the sunday morning brunch TRAVEL/FOOD Sunday, August 9, 2020

and we had food stock because we were preparing for the season.” They said that right now, they have guests who have been cooped up for three months in Kandy, Ella, and Colombo frequenting their property, and that locals and residents too, who would have otherwise gone on holiday, have DREAM now decided to just spend their break at Dream Garden Resort Restaurant and Bar instead. We asked both Christa and Frankie if they had any concerns with regard to the airport opening up and foreigners being allowed into the island, as some other GARDEN Lobby area business owners had expressed to RESORT RESTAURANT AND BAR said they were looking for the right the convenience and value addition us that they were weary of people The best decision you’ll make at Whisky Point plot of land, the right environment, of all restaurant guests being given coming in before everything was and also the right people, and access to the pool. fully under control; the duo shared so decided Sri Lanka had the Both Christa and Frankie said that while those concerns are perfect combination. “People are they are very flexible when it comes legitimate, they personally believe important because in the end, we to what guests prefer when coming that so far, Sri Lanka has proven depend on people for everything,” to the restaurant, with people to be more than competent in they said. coming in for meals and others to containing the spread of the virus The property contains a drink and enjoy swimming. The and is at present one of the safest surprising number of rooms, ideal duo shared: “You can come at any places to be. for either small or large groups. time. If you want to have your lunch In addition, it also houses two at three o’ clock, it is okay for us.” extremely spacious villas that can They also added: “The younger accommodate four to six persons people party all night here and wake and are complete with fully up in the middle of the day and furnished kitchens. want some breakfast, and we have decided to accommodate any kind of meal anytime.” The restaurant also features authentic Italian coffee, with it gaining fast popularity in the area. Our stay at Dream Garden The Dream Garden Restaurant Resort Restaurant and Bar was also has a liquor license, which one of the most welcoming stays allows them to serve a wide array we have ever experienced. The of spirits. It is the perfect space for couple has really cracked the code gatherings of around 40-45 guests. on hospitality as they have set Now that curfew has been up the perfect symbiotic system where they give back to the Pool area lifted and they’ve spent some time PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE in the new normal, the duo shared community by employing locals, that honestly, the lockdown was purchasing local produce, and BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Dream Garden Resort quite pleasant for them, stating: contributing to the environment Restaurant and Bar also has a “If we were in Italy, in my house, in Pottuvil. With live music every Dream Garden Resort Restaurant and Bar is located on the charming outdoor pool surrounded I would be stuck inside with my Thursday and being in extremely beach between two world-famous surf points, Whisky Point by a mass of greenery providing daughter, but here while there were close vicinity to famous surf points in Arugam Bay, the place and Pottuvil Point. You can come at any time. If natural shade and cool breeze that no people and no customers, I had you want to have your lunch is ideal for anyone looking for a The resort was designed and is Resort Restaurant and Bar over is almost alien in the Pottuvil area. my swimming pool, my garden, at three o’ clock, it is okay for A real highlight at the property unique relaxing getaway. led by a European couple, Italian the weekend during our trip to us. The younger people party Frankie and Swiss Christa, who the East. For a property that is definitely their rather spacious all night here and wake up restaurant, of which we got to lives on the property with their was highly affected due to the in the middle of the day and lovely eight-year-old daughter lockdown during the pandemic, know about from the locals in want some breakfast, and we the area; they sang high praise Stella. things have really begun to pick up. have decided to accommodate While it is located in the Dry The owners shared that this was for the owners’ hospitality and any kind of meal anytime food, particularly their Italian Zone, as its name suggests, it is primarily due to the attitudes of the Frankie and Christa a tropical oasis, complete with a locals, and that they are currently cuisine, more specifically their carefully landscaped, colourful, dependent on residents and locals pizzas. Most people we spoke to and well-kept garden; Christa to keep them afloat. different, as they’ve found that in at Whisky Point shared sentiments shared that it was a “dream garden” About the property itself these areas you can really achieve along the lines of: “The restaurant they wouldn’t have had if they the duo shared that it opened in something with little investment. is very famous around here, they lived in Switzerland. December 2016 and their primary The duo, having travelled quite also have local food and their pizza We stayed at Dream Garden motivation was to do something a bit, chose to settle in Asia. They is the best.” People especially love

Office: +94(0)63 205 0753 / Whisky Point, Urani, @SriLanka_ Dream Garden Sri Lanka [email protected] Reception: +94(0)63 205 0754 Pottuvil, Sri Lanka DreamGarden 429839597361834 Entrance Grandma’s Authentic Due to this, however, Grandma’s Malu ambulthiyal Authentic only delivers over the weekend Oozing authentic charm as that is when the family is able to fully BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Fish head curry focus, as they are otherwise occupied during the weekdays. Shaznin shared that Grandma’s Authentic is a homegrown all the spices they use are locally sourced food delivery spot that is unlike anything and that they buy in bulk from Ratnapura you would have come across in Colombo. and Dambulla. The chilli and peppers, The concept is so very novel – they deliver which are a main component in their food, traditionally prepared authentic Lankan tend to be on the spicy side, she shared, dishes in clay pots to your doorstep! The adding that they only incorporate the fresh food at present is from a limited menu, but catch of the day into their dishes. So when their signature dish is the now-famous fish you receive your Grandma’s Authentic head curry. meal, it is as fresh as it gets. was crisp and light on the palate. We If you haven’t had authentic fish head Since the reviews were nothing but absolutely recommend that you give these curry in Colombo, then you’re not alone. positive, we decided to try Grandma’s dishes a try if you are a fan of Lankan food It is quite an exotic dish and the fish has Authentic ourselves, and we can truly and often crave something authentic and to be prepared just right, and Grandma’s say that they don’t leave you wanting for rich with local flavour. Authentic has made it possible for you to anything. Grandma’s Authentic, while try it. her grandmother, Rezeena, who was from gaining traction fast with finding their Shaznin Sheriff and her family are Ratnapura, was a foodie and loved to travel, niche in the market, filling in the brains and brawn behind Grandma’s and although they unfortunately lost her the gaping space Authentic. Shaznin shared that the whole two years ago, whenever they prepare this for dishes like operation was thought up during quarantine, dish as a family, they remember her greatly. fish head curries when the entire family was spending time “It’s like keeping her alive, much like a and perfect together under one roof, cooking and eating tribute to her,” she said. ambulthiyal, is together. It was then that they thought of Shaznin said that fish head curry was fairly new and sharing something they relish, that brings one of her grandmother’s famous dishes at their business warmth and joy to their family, with others. home and whenever she would visit her, model makes She stated that the recipe for their fish she truly relished it and would work on it so that they head curry is particularly special because it improving it with the rest of the family, to will remain was her grandmother’s. Shaznin shared that make it perfect. a grounded The dishes at Grandma’s Authentic The fish head curry was easily the enterprise are always served in clay pots and on highlight of the meal with the perfect holding on to banana leaves, accompanied with roast flavours that go with the fresh seer fish their authentic paan, which was also another of Shaznin’s head. Even though their signature dish is charm. grandmother’s favourites. She shared that this beautiful curry, they’ve added some Shaznin while it is indeed difficult to stick to this other exciting curries as well, including shared that model, where every delivery requires clay malu ambulthiyal, pepper beef, and tiger they do hope pots and also that it be carefully delivered, prawn curry, all of which were nothing to expand in various ways; as they do not wish to compromise on this short of what you’d expect a family recipe she herself was an avid baker once method of packaging their food as that is that has been perfected for years to taste upon a time, they may consider including what they wish to be known for – a home- like. In addition, the fact that everything a dessert for their customers after a very Roast paan with tiger prawn curry cooked meal with warmth. was prepared fresh was evident as it satisfying meal. PHOTOS SUDARSHA KANNANGARA WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, August 9, 2020 HEALTH Liver transplantation a lifesaving procedure BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA Our liver is the largest internal organ that performs several critical functions. When the liver stops working as it should, the ultimate cure is transplantation. It is a surgical procedure that removes a liver that no longer functions properly due to liver failure and replaces it with a healthy liver from their liver. There is a remote possibility of a deceased donor or a portion of a serious complications in the donor during healthy liver from a living donor. and immediately after the surgery. If all This is fundamentally a lifesaving goes well, the donor will lead a normal life procedure. following recovery within a few weeks. In this light, we spoke to hepatobiliary Though the outcome is rewarding, liver and liver transplant surgeon Prof. Rohan transplant surgery is not without risks to Siriwardana, consultant gastroenterological the recipient. The success of the procedure surgeon Dr. Suchintha Tillakaratne, is also dependent on the recipient’s and Colombo North Teaching Hospital underlying comorbidities and nutritional in Ragama consultant pediatrician Dr. status. Many of these challenges can be Meranthi Fernando. successfully dealt with by an experienced There are many indications as to why team. one might require a new, functioning liver, the main reason being end-stage liver The procedure Both recipient and donor surgeries disease or cirrhosis in both children and Liver transplantation surgery in progress adults due to a multitude of underlying are carried out in dedicated theatres with conditions. Some may experience an some of these effects, ensuring a normal the help of a specialised anesthetic team. episode of acute liver failure (ALF), which There is also a dire need in life span with a good quality of life. The dissection of the recipient’s liver and doesn’t recover with standard care. They the country to have a well- retrieval of the donor's liver have to be co- will also require a liver transplant if all structured system including a Organ donation ordinated. As cirrhotic patients also tend to else fails. In cancers involving the liver, specialised team to retrieve and A new, healthy liver is usually bleed profusely, all precautions should be a transplant can be lifesaving, especially harvest organs islandwide, to obtained either from a living donor (only taken to minimise the bleeding. Once the if the condition is unsalvageable by enable an equitable reach to a portion is taken) or from a deceased donor's liver is prepared, the recipient's liver chemotherapy and surgical resection. meet the demand. As a result, individual following brain death (here, is taken out of the body and the new liver is When someone reaches a point where their a part or the entire liver is taken). This implanted swiftly. we don’t reap the full benefits Living donor liver transplantation is liver can't perform synthetic, excretory, of this lifesaving procedure. It concept is supported by the regenerative and detoxifying functions, this is when capacity of the liver, thus allowing only a more complex as the donor is a healthy is a need of the hour to educate person and complications to the donor transplantation is considered. the public in this regard segment of the liver to be sufficient for the In Sri Lankan adults, the most common recipient to lead a healthy life. Similarly, in should be avoided. The postoperative period is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). a living donor, the liver can regenerate. is also quite demanding as the recipient is This is different from the West where most drug-induced) would predominate. Liver Organ donation is usually undertaken closely monitored for any complications. malignancies do occur in children and they Optimisation of baseline parameters in of the patients come with alcohol-related by those who have sustained irreversible First successful paediatric liver transplantation from cirrhosis, and different from the East where are mainly hepatoblastomas. damage to the brain, which results in a live donor (mother and daughter) both parties before surgery will ensure a most of the liver diseases are due to viral brain death but maintains favourable outcome. Following successful hepatitis. Clinical manifestations of heart and lung function. This intense grief, unless the person has already surgery, the donor can return to normal It is predicted that there will be a steep liver disease condition can be diagnosed expressed their willingness at some point life. The recipient is however put on rise in patients with fatty liver-related The clinical via brain stem testing and in their life. In contrast, the practice among lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to cirrhosis over the next decade, with people manifestations of liver once confirmed a decision is most western countries is different, where avoid organ rejection. This is indeed a in the Indian Subcontinent affected more disease can be identified as taken to withdraw life support, documenting their consent regarding organ small inconvenience in exchange for a due to a genetic predisposition (presence of yellowish discoloration of the which includes assisted/ donation is a norm as soon as a child healthy life. the PNPLA3 gene). eyes (jaundice), abdominal mechanical ventilation and reaches adulthood. Though liver transplantation is a In the paediatric age group, liver disease distension due to accumulation medications. There is also a dire need in the country beautiful way of gifting a new life, it in childhood is often overlooked. The of fluid (ascites), and In some instances, they to have a well-structured system including is technically demanding. Its short and disease spectrum is very different compared gastrointestinal bleeding which have already expressed their a specialised team to retrieve and harvest long-term success is largely dependent on to adults. However, the results are the same would accompany vomiting willingness to donate their organs islandwide, to enable an equitable a multidisciplinary team of experts and adequate infrastructure and facilities. when they develop advanced liver disease or blood or tar-coloured stools. Hepatobiliary and liver organs. Depending on their reach to meet the demand. As a result, we cirrhosis. Indications of liver transplantation Dr. Tillakaratne transplant surgeon wishes prior to becoming don't reap the full benefits of this lifesaving remain the same, such as cirrhosis, acute mentioned that if one’s Prof. Rohan Siriwardena diseased and their relatives’ procedure. It is a need of the hour to About the writer liver failure, and malignancies. kidneys are diseased, they can wishes when the decision is educate the public in this regard. The etiological factors in children are opt for dialysis during the interim period made to discontinue life support, multiple When obtaining a liver graft from a The writer, unique, where it would depend on the age. until a suitable donor kidney is available. organs can be harvested including the living donor, it is mandatory to match the Dr. Dineshani In young infancy and childhood, most cases However, this is not possible in the case of liver, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, heart, small blood groups of the donor and the recipient Hettiarachchi Sirisena, are due to biliary atresia, genetic disorders liver dysfunction. There is no equivalent bowel, blood vessels, and corneas of the along with a good baseline level of liver is a family physician (e.g. progressive familial intrahepatic to dialysis to bridge the gap, and in the eyes. parameters. A live donor should be fit with a special interest cholestasis (PFIC), Alagille syndrome), absence of liver transplantation, they will However in Sri Lanka, compared to enough to undergo major surgery. in rare genetic diseases and metabolic diseases (glycogen succumb to the illness. other countries, we see fewer individuals Prof. Siriwardana's team mentioned and regenerative storage diseases, tyrosinemia, primary Compared to adults, there can be who opt to donate their organs. This could that liver transplantation from a living medicine currently hyperoxaluria); and when they grow multiple manifestations affecting children’s be due to several reasons. Knowledge relative is additionally challenging as it working as a lecturer older, Wilson's disease, autoimmune liver growth, nervous system, and behaviour if a among the general public on organ involves performing major surgery on at the Department of disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver liver transplantation is not carried out at the donation is poor and the relatives also find an otherwise healthy individual who has Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University disease (chemotherapy and anti-rheumatic correct time. Transplantation can reverse it difficult to take this decision at a time of generously volunteered to donate a part of of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Addressing NCDs should be at the core of Covid-19 response BY DR. LAKITH PEIRIS resilience of our healthcare sector ensured of a comorbidity increased the risk of promote healthy habits amongst our people, Some NCD-specific responses to that we strived forward, despite it all. patients with Covid-19 (The Lancet, 2020). and advance the standards of performance Covid-19, as suggested by the WHO, The last few months have been a However, although we are no longer This finding is particularly concerning in the of the sector in order to better address the involve:Engaging NCD healthcare staff whirlwind in the health sector. Not just in in lockdown and are adapting to a “new case of Sri Lanka, as NCDs are estimated to challenges of NCDs. In the long term, the in planning Covid-19 response strategies, Sri Lanka, but across the world; healthcare normal”, the threat of the pandemic is account for 83% of all deaths (World Health Government of Sri Lanka together with prioritising NCD patients and healthcare providers were met with unprecedented not over just yet. While our Organisation [WHO], 2016). private healthcare providers need to take a staff for Covid-19 testing, using telemedicine challenges following the rapid spread of the response systems have stepped NCDs also rank among the top collaborative approach to tackling this issue. more to maintain continuity of care for novel coronavirus (Covid-19). up by strengthening Covid-19 10 causes of premature death in Public-private partnerships (PPP) in setting people living with NCDs, prioritising Perhaps one of the most encouraging surveillance, testing, and Sri Lanka, with cardiovascular up diagnosis centres and private sector community-level services in a safe way to developments to emerge from this crisis treatment, the probability of a diseases in the lead. Globally, involvement in treating NCDs is the way cater to NCD patients’ needs, and using has been the exemplary response by Sri second wave of the pandemic restrictive measures such as forward. technology to provide online information on Lanka’s healthcare sector. Like many around is still a reality. The private lockdowns, social distancing, exercise and wellness. the world, our medical staff and frontline healthcare system in Sri Lanka and travel restrictions have had a How can NCDs be at the core of The battle against NCDs is not one is equipped and fortified to greater impact on people living the already stretched national healthcare workers have displayed immense courage APHNH President Covid-19 response? throughout the pandemic. continue to provide access to Dr. Lakith Peiris with NCDs. These measures have At present, continued and strengthened sector can fight on its own. Heavy demands The overall Sri Lankan response can quality routine healthcare for all limited their ability to access focus on NCD prevention and management of the emerging NCD agenda are causing surely serve as an example of how early, Sri Lankans, despite the challenges a second preventive or health promotion services. are interlinked aspects of healthcare delivery. disparities in health financing and service decisive, and co-ordinated action from all wave may pose. Quarantine and lockdown can also lead to An adaptive response is required to account provision. 50% of outpatient care is reliant stakeholders can be leveraged to avert the an increase in poor NCD behavioural risk for the needs of people living with NCDs. on the private sector, making private kind of situation currently playing out in Addressing the root cause: factors, including unhealthy diet, physical Healthcare providers need to support and healthcare providers crucial to the treatment countries which are worse-affected, often How can we craft our Covid-19 inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of manage the increased risks of people with of NCDs in Sri Lanka. despite having greater resources at hand. alcohol (BBC News, 2020). known NCDs and exercise sensitivity about response better? (The author is the President of the In this endeavour, I am also proud to In Sri Lanka, the ongoing pandemic the vulnerability of those with undiagnosed A recent paper published in The Lancet, Association of Private Hospitals and state that private healthcare has also played has distinctly revealed the vulnerability NCDs. As patients with chronic diseases are a science journal, highlighted the importance Nursing Homes [APHNH]. Established a critical role. While the national healthcare of those with underlying conditions.The at greater risk of Covid-19, there is a danger of preventing and controlling non- in 1972, the association has played an system and resources were employed to Government of Sri Lanka, along with of an extra burden being placed on already communicable diseases (NCDs) during this important role in the regulation of the curb the spread of the pandemic, private private healthcare providers, has pledged stretched health services. Not only NCD pandemic. NCDs were identified as a major country’s private health sector while healthcare providers catered to other to undertake the prevention and cure of patients with the presence of comorbidities risk factor for patients with Covid-19. More facilitating in skills development among essential health needs of our population. NCDs as a key priority. This means that are at an increased risk of infection, but also specifically, research stated that the presence healthcare workers) Although Covid-19 took us by surprise, the we improve access to healthcare for all, healthcare staff working in NCD clinics. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 6 the sunday morning brunch ART Sunday, August 9, 2020

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Painting by A Rasiah in attitude. “There is a lot of stigma that artists face. That they are artistic is not well Art is an integral part of the received,” Muttulingam explained. human condition. From prehistoric The reasons for this attitude are varied; sculpture to paintings found on some of these views do stem from the war and its impacts on an economic level. The cave walls going back hundreds idea of children following stable streams of thousand years, mankind has of education is one that many parents always been creating, both for cling to, as opposed to them following survival and for joy and pleasure. other pursuits that are less stable. The Even in Sri Lanka, a recent trope of being a doctor, lawyer, engineer, archaeological discovery in the thick of the or accountant, and nothing else, is still rainforest dating back 80,000 years showed very much alive, not just in Sri Lanka, but that humans were painting themselves for all over the world. Creative interests and cosmetic and ritual purposes as well as pursuits are always regarded with an air of ornamenting themselves with beads and frivolity in this context and as something animal teeth. Creating something of beauty that cannot be turned into a gainful and is part of human nature, which is why stable source of income. communities and nations the world over In recent years though, as a whole, have their own vibrant and distinctive art the world is understanding the potential of scenes and creative identities. the creative industries and how lucrative Sri Lanka’s art scene is as diverse as careers can be made in the arts, though it is its people, art forms, and mediums, with still difficult for artistic pursuits to receive many Sri Lankan artists going on to make funding, both on a state and private level. a name for themselves, both locally and In addition to challenging views on internationally, with Sri Lanka frequently art, biased views on local products, and by competing (and shining) on the global extension, local talent, also come into play creative stage. in the mindset and culture of Jaffna and the North, particularly post-war, with the The fear of artists having availability of imported products flooding their work judged is also the market. “Jaffna was cut off for 30 years a factor here, but the social and had to depend on everything locally,” judgment of profiting off art Muttulingam explained. “We weren’t serves to make artists far less always geared for that. Once the market likely to take risks and get their opened up, goods from outside flooded in work seen and valued and people were also tired of always using local products.” Sri Lanka’s creative diversity is as varied as its geography, people, and culture. On a recent visit to northern Sri Lanka, The Sunday Morning Brunch met with Jaffna-born and based creative Thulasi Muttulingam to gain insight into Jaffna’s creative and artistic culture, the challenges Jaffna’s creatives face, and how the creative scene in Jaffna and the North differs from other parts of Sri Lanka. Muttulingam, who is herself a writer, has recently launched Jaffna’s first creative network, a Facebook group called Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group.

Creating a networking platform Building Jaffna’s Everyone doing art here has made it Muttulingam explained that she started on their own and functions on their Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group in own. I’m trying to make it a more an effort to create a safe space for female functional and collaborative space, artists in Jaffna and neighbouring areas in where artists can get mentored and the North and East to showcase their work. network. I’m also trying to form a Initially, the group was a closed group writers’ co-operative in Jaffna. Even to ensure that artists could feel safe, but for writers and other creatives, there’s once Muttulingam saw just how much nothing to reach out to in terms of a talent there was and the brilliant art being network for mentoring and growth created by these artists, both male and Thulasi Muttulingam female, she proposed making the group open so that the wider public could see the breadth and capabilities of Jaffna’s artists. creative This has led to the idea of local Some artists, for various reasons, were products being considered inferior reluctant to show their work and interact on compared to products from outside, a view an open platform, and mindful of creating that is not exclusive to Jaffna culture. This and nurturing a safe space, Muttulingam bias towards locals also comes through created a second public access group, with when trying to foster local art and talent, the closed group still intact for those who Muttulingam shared. Local artists are valued their privacy. more reluctant to show their work, and In the weeks since its creation, the appreciation and recognition is also very Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group difficult to come by. has gained over 1,000 members with over “There are movements in the North 100 active contributing artists and creatives culture that promote the local industry and who showcase their work both for critique products but they haven’t yet properly and feedback as well as for commercial encroached into society’s mindset,” potential. A look at Jaffna’s art scene Muttulingam commented. The Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group primarily includes artists from Moving forward: What creatives Jaffna as well as other areas like Batticaloa, and what it can achieve in Jaffna need now Trincomalee, and Colombo. Building a creative culture in Jaffna with the formation of the Jaffna Artistes & operative in Jaffna. Even for writers and The concept of theatre as a serious form is something that will take years, if not Jaffna’s art scene Creatives Open Group. other creatives, there’s nothing to reach out of art, particularly one that people pay to decades, but small changes make a big Muttulingam shared that while “There is a culture in Jaffna to treat art to in terms of a network for mentoring and see, is one that has not yet taken root in impact and the formation of the Jaffna Jaffna does have an art scene with several as a waste of time, or strictly as a hobby, growth.” Jaffna’s culture. “All the theatre actors in Artistes & Creatives Open Group is one of internationally well-known names, and which can create a hostile environment Theatre has a spot in Jaffna’s culture, Jaffna put in their own time. They’re all those small steps that can go a long way in also its own art gallery, the people of Jaffna for artists at home, in schools, and in being a form of escape during the war doing day jobs and come together and put building a nurturing creative environment. have not yet become used to the concept of communities,” Muttulingam commented. when there were no televisions and power on shows, but it is pro bono,” Muttulingam Muttulingam shared that one thing art galleries and visiting locations solely to “Everyone doing art here has made it on supply interruptions were common. commented. artists need now is more appreciation look at art. their own and functions on their own. I’m Theatre became a form of expression as and the breaking down of stigma. More On the whole, Muttulingam explained trying to make it a more functional and well as a valued pastime. Jaffna has some Building a creative culture acceptance of art, as well as the practice of that in Jaffna and the North, the art scene collaborative space, where artists can get very vibrant theatre practitioners and Muttulingam shared some insight on buying art, is something that can help in is not very vibrant, which is one of the mentored and network. I’m also trying to groups. But even in the case of theatre, the challenges of building the arts and this context. things Muttulingam is hoping to change form a writers’ co- Muttulingam explained that theatre is creative culture, explaining that one of the Artists also need to be braver and more viewed strictly as a pastime or hobby. biggest challenges is cultivating a change willing to talk about and show their work. Muttulingam explained that while the Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group is not a money-making space, she has looked into possibly connecting artists to buyers and creating the culture of buying and selling art. Surprisingly, Muttulingam has faced some resistance from the artists themselves, because of the idea that selling your art is not respectable, as it is deeply ingrained in people’s minds as a hobby and not something to make money off of. The fear of artists having their work judged is also a factor here, but the social judgment of profiting off art serves to make artists far less likely to take risks and get their work seen and valued. This attitude is what needs to change in the immediate term, Muttulingam explained, in order to explore and celebrate art and culture and create an environment for artists and creatives to grow. It will be interesting to see the role the Jaffna Artistes & Creatives Open Group plays in getting this culture off the ground. Power of Milk Abisegam, Pirunthajini Theepana Painting by A. Rasiah PHOTOS JAFFNA ARTISTES AND Self portrait, Mohamed Hathi CREATIVES OPEN GROUP WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, August 9, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 26 JULY 17 __ of thumb 76 Clear the board Crossword 18 Florida attraction 77 Genetic material CROSSWORD CLUES 24 Hybrid citrus 78 Curie or Cardin Across 63 ‘Neath opposite 116 Time of preparation 25 Fantasized 79 Houston-to-Miami dir. 1 Savvy 64 Taco topping 117 Take effect 30 Bony prefix 81 Restaurant critic Claiborne 7 Degrees for corp. execs 65 “There’s snowplace like 122 Old Mideast alliance: Abbr. 32 Just managed, with “out” 82 Raised-chair dance 11 Grates on home” or “I only have ice 123 Bad dream about 33 “This is so relaxing!” 83 Sarcophagus symbol 16 Couples’ refuge? for you”? Cerberus? 34 Gets ready to drive 89 Second-stringers 19 Come to a boil 69 FedEx alternative 127 USMA part, briefly 36 Winter setting in the 91 Ring ref’s decision 20 __ of office 71 NFL’s Gronk and others 128 Beloved 1981 bride Rockies: Abbr. 92 Ransacked 21 They have Mystery and 72 Special __ 129 Memo letters 37 Show off a new outfit, say 94 #30 on a table Birthday Cake varieties 73 Vietnam holiday 130 Silver State NFLer 38 Pays to play 97 Last word, say 22 It’s tipped in a parlor 74 Writing that’s both flowery 131 Sign of a hit 39 Film set VIP 99 Author Kesey 23 Appreciative freeloaders? and thoughtful? 132 Bier holder 40 Passion 101 Tabasco time-outs 26 English cathedral town 80 Sketch starter 133 Aussie hoppers 41 Gave it a whirl 103 Brit’s rats? 27 Early mobile home? 84 U.K. locale 134 Dakota del Norte, por 42 Watchful ones 104 Greek markets 28 Merged telecom co. 85 Tolstoy title name ejemplo 43 Lollapaloozas 105 Mocha native 29 Brie coverings 86 Goofs around 44 In the Black? 106 Grado de examen perfecto 30 Poems that glorify 87 B in chemistry Down 49 Top row keyboard key 107 Bacon and Smith 31 Entrust, as authority 88 Spare tire, perhaps 1 Marines NCO 50 Had success on the links 108 10 C-notes 35 Little bitty bits 90 “Nausea” novelist 2 “Over __!” 51 Clark Kent, on Krypton 111 Adding results 37 World conference 93 Court cry 3 Gather 53 Post-Trojan War epic 112 Couple participants? 95 Grade 4 Major suffix 54 Prefix with con 113 1968 self-named folk 43 Platte River valley native 96 Sunset dirección 5 Cajole 55 Fellow album 45 Spherical opening? 98 Fictional captain with the 6 Rapper Mos __ 58 Frank of avant-garde rock 115 Have in mind 46 Crews of “America’s Got middle name Tiberius 7 Like lava 60 Whse. inventory 118 Send out Talent” 100 Hebrew prophet 8 Troublemaker 62 Geeky sort 119 “Done!” 47 “__ something I said?” 102 Time anticipated by 9 Absorbed, as a cost 66 Voldemort’s title 120 Ticked off 48 __ set environmentalists? 10 Doo-wop syllable 67 Skating gold medalist 121 Roman ruler of ill repute 52 Bad way to come on 109 Time-honored words 11 Silk Road desert Ohno 123 NFL scores 56 Garfield’s foil 110 It may be requested before 12 Big sporting spots 68 Certain footrest 124 Dinghy mover 57 1993 Oscar nominee Rosie a sentence 13 Bring about 70 Pacific Division NBA team 125 Muscle car in a ‘60s hit 59 Longtime SeaWorld star 111 Much junk mail 14 Much 74 Clear, as a windshield 126 Where Charlemagne 61 Proof of ownership 114 WWI battle river 15 Sound from a flat 75 Calculus pioneer reigned: Abbr. 16 Breezed through Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 19 August, 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 26 JULY First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Himalshi Silva, 1. D.A. Jayatilake, Thalahena, Malabe Kurana, Negombo 2. K. Gallassage, Dehiwala Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. N.C. Dayaratne, Pitakotte 4. Christine Romayne, Mahahunupitiya, Negombo Leon Fambeck, Colombo 5 This week’s winners will be announced on 23 August

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, August 9, 2020 Arise Sri Lanka WNPS PUBLIC LECTURE A telethon in aid of Covid-19 health workers Conservation photography Inspired by the exemplary how Sri Lanka, with its limited methods deployed by the resources, has rallied together to Government, which in close contain the pandemic far ahead collusion with the health of more affluent nations. Thus, sector, the Armed Forces, Arise Sri Lanka will showcase and the Police Department to the world our manifold Sohan are combating Covid-19, the tourist attractions, highlight our concept of Arise Sri Lanka was musicians, and show the world born. how we countered and contained This novel event will be Covid-19. presented on 29 August from Although not officially Nelum Pokuna in the form aligned to the event, the local of a telethon to raise funds offices of the World Health exclusively for the selfless, Organisation (WHO) have PHOTOS AMI VITALE Ranil Amirthiah dedicated health workers who offered their help with guidelines (of Black) are doing their utmost to prevent and other relevant information. the spread of the coronavirus. The organisers of Arise The brainchild of Elite Sri Lanka have also requested Promotions & Entertainment the Ministry of Health to open Chairman Richard de Zoysa, a designated bank account to who relentlessly pursued facilitate donor deposits and obtaining the necessary income received through SMS Taking Mahindakumar approvals, this unique event is pledges. De Zoysa envisions a one that will be unprecedented in huge inflow of funds as aid, in scope. De Zoysa’s perseverance the event the print and electronic paid off when Health Services media intensifies the awareness pictures to Director General Dr. Anil of this novel fundraiser. With The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society’s (WNPS) Jasinghe finally granted the vast volume of SIM cards lecture for this month is titled ‘Conservation permission for an outdoor event dispensed by the mobile network photography: Taking pictures to save the planet’, and with just 100 attendees, thus providers, a mere donation of Richard de Zoysa will be delivered by Ami Vitale. adhering strictly to the stipulated Rs. 10 will amass a phenomenal Wildlife conservation is in guardian placing his head health guidelines. collection. crisis the world over and not against the last remaining male save the The show, produced and Sohan’s and Donald’s just in the developing world. “northern white rhino”, alas directed by de Zoysa, will be bands will back legends in the The UK recently announced now no more). headlined by the X’periments music industry such as Rajitha of that 25% of its native To be able to compose and Mirage, who will back the Misty, Ranil of Black, Noeline mammals are in imminent such evocative pictures, the cream of western musicians (who will also compère the danger of extinction. In Sri photographer not only requires Rukshan Perera taking to the stage on 29 August. telethon together with Sohan), Lanka, a global biodiversity the artistic and technical planet Sahan Gunawardana Rukshan and Melantha Perera, hotspot, we see alarming skills necessary to produce will raise the curtain with Mariazelle, Sherriden, Umara, and donned a panda suit, Outstanding Reporting increases in human-wildlife such images, but also deep his inimitable rendition of Damien, Kevin and Corrine keeping true to her belief in the Her first book,Panda Love: conflicts, widespread illegal empathy and understanding of “Rattata Wasana Wewa”. Almeida, Marlon, and Bonny. importance of “living the story” The Secret Lives of Pandas, encroachment into protected the subject, motivated by the Mahindhakumar will sing a Richard will also take In 2009, after shooting a was published in 2018 areas, and policy proposals to desperate need to protect the Tamil hit, while Sohan will this opportunity to present powerful story on the transport She lectures for the reduce the remaining forest world’s wild places and the mesmerise the audience with a the next generation of stars, and release of one the world’s National Geographic LIVE cover even further. The picture creatures that call them home Jacqualine Hettiarachchi pulsating “baila” session. namely Trehelle, Shiyam and last white rhinos, Ami shifted series and frequently gives is grim but not irreversible; and with whom we share this De Zoysa has also Sharmistar, Ishini Fonseka, and her focus to today’s most workshops throughout the with committed action and planet. requested the legendary artistes April Shockman. compelling wildlife and Americas, Europe, and Asia widespread education, these can There is none better to compose a world-class hit, De Zoysa is also attempting environmental stories She is a five-time winner of yet be stopped, but there is no in portraying this message especially for the occasion an international link with Global She was recently named the World Press Photo Awards time to waste. than Ami Vitale. Ami is an titled “A New World”. Noeline Citizens to propel Arise Sri by InStyle magazine as one of A picture does tell a story. Conservation photography American photojournalist Honter has written the song Lanka worldwide as it works 50 women changing the world, Ami’s amazing skill brings is a powerful tool in bringing and documentary filmmaker, with Sohan’s assistance and in partnership with the non- along with Jane Goodall and these messages alive, not only about this action and learning. currently based in Montana, Fabion Paul (Bonnie) entrusted Melantha to produce governmental organisation Ruth Bader Ginsberg, among of the desperate need for action, It is much more than taking a USA, and has visited Sri Lanka the musical arrangement. They (NGO) sector and corporate others but also of hope that something pretty picture of a wild animal on an assignment. are on course to catch the sponsors to deliver audience and She is a founding member can yet be done. or a landscape to cater to the Some of her achievements attention of the world as Arise value in impactful ways. The of Ripple Effect Images, a aesthetic pleasure of the viewer. are: Sri Lanka will be live streamed movement’s unique ability to collective of scientists, writers, LECTURE BY AMI VITALE Conservation photographers A Nikon Ambassador and to the entire planet. The show mobilise mass audiences will, photographers, and filmmakers Date: Today, 9 August 2020 take pictures that not only have National Geographic magazine will be punctuated with scenic without a doubt, give Arise Sri with a mission to create Time: 7.30 p.m. by Zoom technical excellence and perfect photographer; she has travelled visuals of Sri Lanka, but will Lanka a much-needed shot in powerful stories that illustrate Register online at: Noeline Honter composition, but also give a to more than 100 countries, also showcase to the world the arm. how women in developing forms.gle/6u8XWYPsEscfyGqE9 message – sometimes stark and bearing witness not only to countries are affected by Mirage shocking – of the current reality violence and conflict, but climate change in the jungles, forests, and also to surreal beauty and the She has garnered oceans, away from the tourist enduring power of the human prestigious awards including posters and the public eye. They spirit multiple prizes from World will show the beauty of nature Throughout the years, Press Photo, the first Magnum and the threat to its destruction, she has lived in mud huts and Melantha Inge Morath Grant, and all in one frame (i.e. a human war zones, contracted malaria, the Daniel Pearl Award for

Dr. Gabriela Raducan and Dr. Eddie Custovic co-supervised a Sri Lankan Wearable technology: The future of health monitoring? student to create a cutting-edge and health monitoring using solution in terms of energy and then sends it to a second provided a lot of guidance IoT (Internet of Things) health wearable devices will be the consumption and ease of application through the and support throughout my monitoring system. best way to monitor patients wearing, as well as and to MQTT protocol. The second project,” Perera noted. Pujanee Sewwandi Perera in the future for their own make sure the device is not application can be accessed Dr. Custovic, talking is a Sri Lankan relocated to wellbeing.” dangerous, but is reliable and at any time by a doctor. The about the future of this project, Australia. She undertook her On why she thinks that accurate. “Also, in order to doctor is warned if the sensors commented: “This type of a engineering degree at La Trobe a wearable device would work in a health monitoring detect abnormal functionality project was created to monitor University in Melbourne and be the best solution, Dr. project, it is necessary to have of the heart, which signals a and prevent cardiac arrest, but is very passionate about data Raducan furthered that the Dr. Gabriela Raducan Dr. Eddie Custovic Pujanee Perera strong knowledge in computer potential cardiac arrest.” it is also a very good way to science. Her research thesis cost associated with healthcare hospitals or nursing homes. patients in time in order to science, engineering, and She explained that the gather data in real time and was related to an IoT health services continues to soar Such systems equipped with prevent an early death. Also, medicine.” bracelet has an accelerometer, to carry out deep research on monitoring system which helps because of the increasing price non-invasive wearable sensors there are people who live alone Perera, commenting on and if the patient gets unwell health topics, using advanced prevent cardiac arrest in people of hospital care. can be viable diagnostic tools and in case they have a heart why she chose this topic for her and falls to the ground, the data science tools. with heart problems. “It is a necessity to to the healthcare personnel attack, nobody is around to call Honours project, shared: “I am bracelet automatically sends This data stored can show Commenting on how she develop and implement new for monitoring important the ambulance. A wearable very passionate about helping the location of the patient and the behaviour and the trend decided to supervise a student strategies and technologies physiological signs and device can do this, saving the people. I am an empathic a notification to the emergency of various parameters, which to create a medical-related in order to provide better activities of the patients in real life of the patient. person, and I don’t want to services and the patient’s will allow the researchers to device, Dr. Raducan shared: healthcare services at an time, from a distant facility.” “Another advantage of see anyone suffering. So many relatives. understand the connection “My work across the years has affordable price to the aging She explained that a wearable device is that the people die of cardiac arrest “The system is very between these parameters been in advanced data science population or to the people nowadays, more and more system can be tuned to the because they do not receive reliable and stable; it uses and different activities or and ICT. In my research, I of those areas having limited people with heart problems requirement of individual the necessary help in time. The rechargeable batteries, it is external elements (such as always analysed big sets of access to healthcare while die, sometimes without even patients, and the whole activity project that I created with Dr. light and comfortable to wear, environmental factors).” data using various tools and ensuring maximum comfort, knowing that they have these can be monitored remotely by Raducan and Dr. Custovic’s and it doesn’t create adverse Dr. Custovic believes algorithms to be able to extract independence, and participation health issues. In many cases, doctors, nurses, or caregivers.” help allows the patient to be in effects for the patient. Both Dr. that a big part of the research insights from data. My master’s among the people. Remote a medical check alone is Developing such a contact with a doctor. The user Raducan and Dr. Custovic are in health will rely on data degree in computer science healthcare monitoring allows not enough to find and treat monitoring system, according wears a bracelet that measures very talented data scientists obtained from monitoring and ICT has been a great help. people to continue to stay at the disease. If the heart is to Dr. Raducan, is very various body parameters. A with a multidisciplinary using wearable devices, as they I am very passionate about home rather than in expensive monitored for a period, the difficult, as one puts a lot mobile application receives background, which made my will become more and more technology and innovation, healthcare facilities such as doctor is able to diagnose the of effort in finding the best that data through Bluetooth, work so much easier, as they performant.

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