„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 99 | Rs. 30.00 { TUESDAY } TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

World Day Against Child Labour 2021 MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE BIRTH OF RAISED EXPORT IRRESISTIBLE THE DIGITAL ART FROM 14 TO 16 TARGET TO BE ACTION: ‘DJOKER’ ASSERTS LOWERED AGAIN HE IS WORLD NO.1 CONNOISSEUR »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 8 MV X-PRESS PEARL DISASTER ‘Can we eat ‘Port officials fish or not?’ zz Consumers ask Health zz Cites DG as competent let fire spread’ Director General authority as per Food Act zzExplosive BY PAMODI WARAVITA the Marine Environment BY BUDDHIKA SAMARAWEERA When contacted by The allegation resident’s Counsel (PC) Sarath Protection Authority he National Movement Morning to inquire about this, Jayamanne, appearing on behalf of (MEPA), Tennakoon also Tfor Consumer Rights NMCRP Chairman Ranjith by Captain’s the Captain of the ill-fated vessel noted that the damage Protection (NMCRP) said Vithanage said that the DGHS lawyers MV X-Press Pearl, Russian national to the country’s marine that the Director General is the competent authority of Tyutkalo Vitaly, at the Colombo High environment has both short of Health Services (DGHS) the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980 PCourt yesterday (14), alleged that officials and long-term effects. should make a statement to as amended. zz Claim of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) had Furthermore, Tennakoon the public as to whether the Contd. on page 2 allowed the fire to spread onboard the ship also said that due to the fish available for sale are inaction was without controlling it, in the hope of receiving wrecked ship, a situation in a condition suitable for with eye on compensation for the damages. has arisen where other ships human consumption in the compensation cannot cross through that aftermath of the MV X-Press Jayamanne said that after sea area. Thus, he said that Pearl marine disaster. PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM the Captain had informed To LISTEN to our lead the Captain has violated zzAG’s Dept. the SLPA about the fire on story, scan this QR Section 26 of the Marine 20 May, SLPA officials had code on your device Pollution Prevention Act. YOUNG POET DETAINED UNDER PTA alleges Captain/ boarded the ship at 4.30 Subsequent to Vitaly’s crew knowingly p.m. on the same day and arrest by the Criminal EU resolution Poet produced in The Captian of concealed leak inspected it for about one- Investigation Department the MV X-Press and-a-half hours. (CID) yesterday and inaccurate and Pearl, Russian Appearing on behalf being produced before the Colombo court national z of the Attorney General’s Colombo High Court, the unaware of Tyutkalo z Captain arrested (AG) Department, Deputy Captain had been enlarged Vitaly, leaving without lawyer the Colombo and released Solicitor General Madhawa vessel from the Sri Lankan on a personal bail of Rs. 2 SL’s progress: BY PAMODI WARAVITA High Court on Rs. 2 m Tennakoon claimed that authorities when entering million. Yesterday(14) the Captain and his crew the country’s territorial The case will be heard Foreign Ministry ttorney-at-Law (AAL) PHOTO KRISHAN personal bail had hidden the acid leakage waters. again on 1 July. ASanjaya Wilson KARIYAWASAM in a container aboard the Quoting a report by Contd. on page 2 Jayasekera, the lawyer of detained poet Ahnaf MV X-PRESS PEARL COMPENSATION Jazeem, has claimed that COVID-19 CASES the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) produced Detained poet Ahnaf Jazeem ACTIVE CASES the poet in court on 12 TOTAL CASES $ 40 m claim sent June without informing the lawyer, depriving the lawyer of an opportunity to make any 225,922 to ship owner submissions before the court in Jazeem’s defence. Contd. on page 2 zz zz DEATHS RECOVERED First interim claim International experts covering 11-day period to arrive in July VEHICLE IMPORTATION LCs 33,255 2,203 190,464 BY PAMODI WARAVITA to the ship’s owners in London, SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU England, Minister of Justice Ali The meeting between Foreign Minister Will not import, THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.30 P.M. ON 14 JUNE 2021 he first interim Sabry said yesterday (14). and Chargé d’Affaires compensation claim of The claim has been compiled of the Delegation of the European Union in T Colombo Thorsten Bargfrede and Colombo- $ 40 million related to by all the relevant government based EU Ambassadors. Finance Ministry Coastal areas the MV X-Press Pearl institutions, he said at a press maritime disaster, conference held at the Justice n response to the adoption of a resolution reiterates awash with drug covering the costs Ministry, following a stakeholder Ion Sri Lanka in the European Parliament zz Allow LCs to expire or auction incurred in the 23 meeting held with regard to on 10 June 2021, the Foreign Ministry vehicles on arrival: AKD Minister of May to 3 June period, the matter. yesterday (14) stated that that the smuggling: Police BY BUDDHIKA SAMARAWEERA Justice Ali Sabry has already been sent Contd. on page 2 resolution contains factual inaccuracies BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE and does not take cognisance of the espite allegations made by various parties ri Lanka has recorded multifaceted progress made by Sri Lanka Dthat the relevant Letters of Credit (LCs) have Sa series of smuggling Govt.’s partners in reconciliation and development. not been cancelled even though the Government activities in the coastal areas Rs. 600 m daily Contd. on page 2 has decided to suspend the importation... of the island, according to back Gammanpila, Contd. on page 2 Police Media Spokesman tax loss due to Deputy Inspector General slam SLPP’s Sagara (DIG) of Police Ajith Rohana. Special courts for Speaking at a press DIG Ajith Rohana liquor sales ban conference, he said that most of the smuggling activities have been zz Illicit liquor on the rise: monks requested reported from , Chilaw, Puttalam, Excise Commissioner General and the coastline from Mannar to Jaffna. zz Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera Contd. on page 2 zz Plans to allow liquor sales Minister of Energy writes to President during lockdown BY PAMODI WARAVITA total of eight parties affiliated with the Sri NMRA begins ALanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)-led BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE ri Lanka Ramanna Sect Southern Chapter Government issued a joint statement yesterday he continued prohibition on liquor sales SChief Sanghanayake (Leader of Monks) crackdown on (14) critical of SLPP General Secretary and Tdue to the existing travel restrictions in Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera has written Parliamentarian ’s attempt the country is resulting in a Rs. 600 million to President requesting to blame Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila daily tax loss for the Excise Department, The the establishment of courts and tribunals Ven. Dr. Omalpe vaccines sellers for the Government’s collective decision to Morning learnt. dedicated to the Buddhist clergy. Sobhitha Thera BY BUDDHIKA SAMARAWEERA increase fuel prices. Contd. on page 3 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 he National Medicines Regulatory TAuthority (NMRA) has taken steps to LITRO GAS ‘PREMIUM HYBRID’ CONTROVERSY conduct islandwide inspections to determine if Covid-19 vaccines are being traded through CAA to nab traders Covid-19 deaths to be pharmacies. Contd. on page 2 hiding 12.5 kg cylinder Indian HC, Interpol reported within 48 hours BY BUDDHIKA SAMARAWEERA z unaware of armed he Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), z New system to eliminate delays: Health Ministry Tthrough its regional offices, has taken ollowing displeasure and occurred much prior to that day. “In simple terms, what we consider steps to carry out raids islandwide to find Fcontroversy over the delay in However, from today onwards, all a ‘Covid-19 death’ is any death that Lankan group traders who hide the 12.5 kilo (kg) Litro reporting deaths related to Covid- deaths related to Covid will be reported would not have happened if that person BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Gas cylinders. 19, the Ministry of Health assured the on the same day or within 48 hours. We had not contracted the infection. The When contacted by The Morning, an official public yesterday (14) that in the future, now have a system in place to report official numbers record this category he High Commission of India in Colombo of the CAA’s raid unit said that raids are all such deaths will be reported on the all deaths within 24 to 48 hours.” of deaths as ‘Covid-19 deaths’ or a Tis unaware of related to being carried out through the regional offices same day or within 24 to 48 hours. On Thursday (10), the Ministry ‘Covid-19 death’. In other cases, if a the tightening of security along the coastal covering all the provinces. He said that the Director General of Health Services of Health told The Morning that it postmortem PCR test result comes back districts of Tamil Nadu on 12 June following CAA would initiate legal action against traders Dr. Asela Gunawardena, speaking at a classifies deaths of people with Covid- positive, it is regarded as a ‘death with information that armed men sailing on a who refuse to sell 12.5 kg Litro Gas cylinders press conference, said a new system 19 in two ways, namely “Covid-19 Covid-19’,” explained Deputy Director boat from Sri Lanka planned to enter the in their possession and those who influence is in place now. deaths” and “deaths with Covid-19”, General of Public Health Services Dr. State with a sinister design. consumers not to buy them. “Earlier, we reported deaths on a and it is this differentiation that leads Hemantha Herath. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 daily basis, including deaths which to delays in releasing statistics. Contd. on page 3 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Presidential Commission of Inquiry headed by dispute between bhikkhus (Buddhist monks). Thoothukudi without any travel documents Contd. from page 1 a Justice of the Supreme Court; the Office of “Currently, bhikkhus are forced to settle legal in April, on their way to Canada. Acting on Missing Persons; the Office of Reparations, the disputes relating to temples and discipline- a tip-off, the Q-Branch Police arrested the Office of National Unity and Reconciliation; related behaviour and conduct through the 23 foreigners, including two Sinhalese, on or third parties to inform about the damages that and the Human Rights Commission of Sri usual legal system and courts, which has led 10 June from a vehicle parts building unit at ‘Port... they have sustained as a result of the incident. Lanka; and related institutional reforms to bhikkhus being mocked in the presence of an industrial estate, a police officer told The Furthermore, he said that international help aimed at non-recurrence and other confidence lawyers who may hold different views,” Dr. Hindu. The Lankan nationals, aged between The MV X-Press Pearl ship caught fire on has also been sought in this process following a building measures. With regard to sustainable Sobhitha Thera claimed. 20 years and 44 years, were promised lucrative 20 May approximately nine nautical miles discussion with United Nations (UN) Resident development, the Inter-Ministerial Committee The letter further claimed that bhikkhus being jobs in Canada. Most of them were residents away from the Colombo Harbour, after having Co-ordinator to Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer. headed by the Prime Minister to steer SDG forced to access normal courts has also resulted of Mullaitivu. An individual from Sri Lanka, anchored there a few hours prior to the fire. A Therefore, three experts will be arriving in the implementation is of significance. in Buddhist monks being forced to subject Mayuran alias Kannan, had taken them in subsequent explosion on 24 May led to the fire country by 15 July to advise on further steps. “Sri Lanka’s labour rights, including health themselves to orders that are outside of the three fibre boats on 27 April and dropped them spreading and a number of containers aboard “Based on the Attorney General’s advice, we and safety conditions, are in compliance with discipline, exorbitant legal fees, and a lengthy in a launch, mid sea. However, they landed it falling into the sea, thus releasing pollutants are also in discussions with the Shipowners’ Club ILO standards. Sri Lanka’s high labour standards time period when following the legal process. in Thoothukudi and were secretly brought and chemicals including plastic pellets into on what to do with the harmful, toxic substances maintained in production have led to better- Thus, the monk has requested urgent and to Madurai. the water. Both the fisheries industry and the that are inside the ship and on how best to remove quality products and high-value-added exports, special attention to the matter from President country’s marine environment have suffered the wreckage from the Sri Lankan waters to the as reflected in the apparel sector. The higher Rajapaksa. heavily as a result of this incident. international waters,” said Sabry. demand for ‘ethical’ products from Sri Lanka Will not... Steps are also being taken to seek help from has led to increased production, subsequent international legal experts if needed, he added. investment, and improvement of the human Coastal areas...... of 225 luxury vehicles, including sports ‘Can we... Meanwhile, foreign media reports last week capital in Sri Lanka. The EU GSP+ concessions utility vehicles (SUVs), for Members of said a large oil spill is visible around the wrecked have contributed significantly towards this “Most of the smugglers select these areas to Parliament (MPs), the Ministry of Finance “It has been a considerable time since the ship MV X-Press Pearl ship. Investigations were process, thus benefiting the Sri Lankan economy, transport illegal drugs since it is easier for them has reiterated that the importation of said caught fire on 20 May and fishing has since been conducted into the matter and government sources as well as the EU market. Similarly, the fishery to reach the island. Presently, they use different vehicles would not take place. allowed in the previously declared no fishing told The Morning yesterday that there has been sector is a notable growth sector which has techniques to smuggle drugs.” When contacted by The Morning yesterday zone, but the DGHS has so far failed to make no bunker oil leakage from the ship, although the benefited from EU GSP+ concessions. The Navy, during a special search operation (14), Finance Ministry and Treasury Secretary a statement regarding the quality of the fish.” substance could be oils from lubricants. “Sri Lanka, as one of the oldest parliamentary conducted in the coastal area of Polwathumodara, S.R. Attygalle said the 225 vehicles in question He added that due to the reluctance of the Minister Sabry also noted in the press democracies in Asia, has a longstanding vibrant Weligama, on the night of 12 June, seized over would not be imported and that the Ministry people to buy fish at present, the income of conference that while the rollout of the Rs. 5,000 democracy. The country’s robust foreign policy 219 kilos of heroin attempted to be smuggled hopes to issue a detailed statement in this those engaged in the fishing industry has come compensation for those affected in the fishing is based on the principles of neutrality, non- into the island by sea and arrested nine suspects regard. down drastically, and that there is a likelihood communities, along those in the western coast, alignment and friendship. The Government is in connection with the smuggling. However, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna of the prices of products such as chicken and has begun and that the Government acknowledges committed to further strengthening its democratic “The stock of drugs had been concealed in (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) eggs going up. the loss cannot be limited to Rs. 5,000. He said institutions. As asserted by the Spokesperson of sacks and gas cylinders when the apprehension Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake alleged Meanwhile, when contacted by The Morning, that once compensation from the ship’s owners the sixth EU Election Observation Mission to was made. The Navy and the Police Narcotic last week that the relevant LCs had been Fisheries Ministry Secretary R.M.I. Rathnayake is received, fishing families would also be able Sri Lanka in November 2019, which comprised Bureau are conducting further investigations opened without obtaining the approval of the said that studies which have been carried out to claim their losses. Members of the EU Parliament, the peaceful into the incident.” Cabinet of Ministers. He also alleged that there have not revealed that the fish are unfit for environment in which the election unfolded According to Rohana, some of the raids are was a huge fraud behind the Government’s human consumption. She further said that if ‘confirms the stability of the (country’s) combined operations conducted by the Police, move to import these vehicles, adding that the fish are unfit for consumption, the public EU resolution... democratic institutions’. These remarks remain the Excise Department, along with security the importation of this vehicle consignment will be made aware of it. valid. forces personnel. would cost about $ 18 million and could instead “There are times when people are reluctant to Addressing concerns raised regarding the “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have The Police have introduced several numbers be used to import about 3.6 million Oxford- consume fish. For example, during the tsunami Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) a devastating impact globally, placing drastic to obtain and receive information about such AstraZeneca Covishield vaccines. disaster and in the early days of the Covid-19 Act (PTA), the Ministry stated it was invoked limitations upon the right to safety, health, incidents and the public can call on 1997,119, “We ask the Government to stop this pandemic, people abstained from consuming to address heinous acts of terrorism committed economic security, and even the right to life or 0112433333 to report such incidents. importation. What the Government states now is fish. But that situation is gradually returning on Sri Lanka’s people, and recalled that the of millions of people across the globe. Sri Meanwhile, Customs Chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) that the LCs can’t be cancelled. However, when to normal,” she noted. Easter Sunday terrorist attacks of 2019 resulted Lanka continues to face challenges in spite Vijitha Ravipriya, who was also present at the the Government suspended the importation Attempts to contact DGHS Dr. Asela in significant loss of life, including of several of consistent and concerted efforts by the occasion, said that some of the countries in of vehicles earlier, a large number of LCs Gunawardena to inquire about the matter, European Union (EU) nationals. Government to safeguard its entire population Europe were surprised with the performance were allowed to expire, following which they were unsuccessful. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, at against the pandemic, and to provide equitable of Customs as Customs officers were able to were cancelled. Therefore, the Government The doomed ship MV X-Press Pearl carried a meeting convened at the Foreign Ministry access to vaccines. In this backdrop, the seize a large consignment of illegal cigarettes can allow these LCs to expire too. The next 1,486 containers, with contents including 25 on Monday 14 June 2021, briefed Chargé Government appreciates the commitment of ready to be re-exported to a number of European suggestion is to sell the vehicles at a public tonnes of nitric acid (which can be used in d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European global multilateral institutions and UN agencies countries. auction after importing them, if the import the manufacture of fertilisers and explosives), Union in Colombo Thorsten Bargfrede, as to uphold the economic, social, and cultural “Customs seized a large consignment of illegal cannot be stopped. Using the income that can other chemicals, cosmetics ,and low-density well Colombo-based EU Ambassadors/Chargé rights of all peoples, which are intrinsically cigarettes worth Rs. 9.5 billion recently. The be earned by selling these vehicles, loans can polyethylene (LDPE) pellets. It caught fire on 20 d’Affaires from France, Italy, Romania, linked to civil and political rights. Sri Lanka’s consignment was seized by officials attached be repaid. Some of it can also be given to the May, 9.5 nautical miles (17.6 kilometres) north- Germany, and the Netherlands on the Sri Lanka commitment to upholding human rights to the Customs Compliance and Facilitation businessmen whose businesses collapsed due west of the Colombo Port, after an explosion Government’s position. Minister of Fisheries continues in tandem with its current priorities Division while inspecting 21 containers at to the Covid-19 pandemic. We, as the JVP, will aboard the vessel. A number of containers fell , State Minister of Regional of inoculating its targeted population, providing the Colombo Port. They were ready to be not use these vehicles and will announce later overboard, polluting the ocean with plastic Co-operation , and Foreign healthcare, and economic revival,” the Foreign re-exported to a number of European countries on what to do with them,” Dissanayake said, pellets, among other harmful substances. Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage Ministry stated. including the Netherlands and Germany as addressing a press conference. Meanwhile, the carcasses of deceased marine also participated in the meeting. The Ministry added that Sri Lanka should Sri Lankan spices and black tea. The Customs The JVP has filed a case before the Supreme life have been washing up ashore on the western It was further underscored in the press release be supported in safeguarding the rights of its suspect that these illegal imports might have Court in this regard. coastline in the wake of the disaster, even though that the Government of Sri Lanka maintains a people, while taking cognisance of demonstrated been linked with internationally organised Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawega (SJB) no official link has been scientifically found yet regular, vibrant, and cordial dialogue with the progress on the ground and that the Government racketeers and we therefore shared our details MP Dr. , issuing a statement to attribute the marine creatures’ deaths to the EU, covering all aspects of bilateral relations. looks forward to continuing its partnership with other countries to prevent such,” he said. in this regard, requested the Government to said marine disaster. “The engagement is sustained through the with the EU on a broad range of issues, and Ravipriya also claimed that the total tax take steps to import 112 ambulances to replace close and cordial dialogue maintained with reassured the EU of its continued commitment loss to the Government, if the racketeers were the vehicles that are to be imported for MPs the European Commission, the Council, and to engage proactively and productively on areas successful, would have been around Rs. 9 billion. if the LCs could not be cancelled. Poet produced... the Parliament by the Sri Lanka Mission in of mutual interest. The Cabinet in April decided to import a Brussels, and with the EU delegation and EU certain number of vehicles in order to boost the Jazeem was produced at the Colombo Ambassadors in Colombo by senior interlocutors NMRA... efficiency of the Government’s development Magistrate’s Court on 12 June, but Jayasekera of Government,” the Foreign Ministry stated. Rs. 600 m... drive. The decision to import said vehicles said he was not communicated the court hearing As part of this process, the Ministry noted Speaking to The Morning, a top official was made following a cabinet memorandum date beforehand and was only informed about that Sri Lanka has constructive engagement Speaking to the media, Excise Commissioner attached to the NMRA said that although submitted by Prime Minister and Finance Jazeem’s appearance in court when he had with the European Commission on the review General M.J. Gunasiri said that since the sale inspections were carried out, no pharmacy Minister . inquired about it. of its EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences of alcohol was banned with the indefinite selling Covid-19 vaccines had been found thus At the time, the Government took a decision Speaking to The Morning, Jayasekera said Plus (GSP+) compliance with the 27 core closure of all licensed liquor sales outlets, the far. However, he added that the NMRA hopes to suspend the issuance of duty-free vehicle that although Jazeem’s father had called the International Conventions. Towards this end, consumption of illicit liquor has also increased. to expand the inspections. permits, and to provide a solution to the issue Tangalle Detention Centre on 12 June, where the Ministry said the third cycle of review of “We have observed that the production and The public is also requested to inform the of MPs not being given duty-free permits to Jazeem was previously held, it had not been the EU GSP+ monitoring process for 2020- the demand for illicit liquor and drugs have NMRA if they know of any place or person import vehicles, a decision was taken to import communicated to him that Jazeem had been 2021 is ongoing. increased. Some people have even resorted to selling vaccines, he added. a total of 375 vehicles, including 225 luxury brought to Colombo to be produced before The EU Parliament on Thursday (10) adopted distilling spirits at home. This is a dangerous Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Deputy jeeps, 50 ambulances, 50 water bowsers, and the court. a resolution calling on the EU Commission to trend as the illegal brew can even poison tipplers Director General of Public Health Services and 50 cabs under a Rs. 3.7 billion leasing facility When Jayasekera had contacted the TID consider the temporary withdrawal of the GSP+ due to the lack of standardisation. The Excise Disaster Preparedness and Response Division offered by a state bank. yesterday (14) morning, they had informed afforded to Sri Lanka if the Government of Sri Department has received many concerns from Head Dr. Hemantha Herath told The Morning In this context, the Cabinet, on 24 May, him that Jazeem had been brought to Colombo Lanka does not take steps to repeal the PTA. members of the public on purchasing liquor that if any person is asked to pay for a Covid- decided to suspend the import of even a limited on 11 June and produced before the Colombo With regard to salient points referred to in during the past month. We are considering 19 vaccine, they should immediately lodge a number of vehicles. The decision was taken Magistrate’s Court the following day under the resolution, the Ministry said it submits the this due to the high demand for illicit liquor complaint with the Health Ministry or other when the Cabinet, chaired by the Premier, Section 8(2) of the Prevention of Terrorism following observations with a view to correction. and drugs.” relevant authorities. convened online. The Government is now, (Temporary Provisions) Act (PTA). “The Government has, in accordance with However, according to Gunasiri, the Excise however, to go ahead with the importation Jayasekera further added that the non- its constitutional mandate and international Department is still conducting discussions of the said ambulances, bowsers, and cabs. communication of the court date to the lawyers obligations, taken steps to protect the rights about this request. Indian HC... or the family prior to Jazeem being produced of all its citizens. Specific provision in terms He also revealed that the Excise Department in court is unacceptable. of Article 12(1) of Sri Lanka’s Constitution has conducted 370 raids till 30 April this year, Sources said that the High Commission is CAA to... Currently, Jazeem is being held at the Colombo ensures that all persons are equal before the law concerning illegal contraband such as cigarettes only aware of the media reports now and that Remand Prison and will be produced before and are entitled to the equal protection of the and ethanol, and that 90 raids had been done therefore, they have no update on this issue. Speaking further, he said that if someone is Court again on 22 June. law. Article 12(2) of the Constitution prohibits with regard to alcohol. The Hindu website reported that according aware of such traders, they can call the CAA’s Jazeem was arrested in connection to his Tamil discrimination based on race, religion, language, Local liquor is also available in the black to police sources, the alert was issued by a hotlines – 0117755475 and 0117755467 – and language poetry anthology, titled Navarasam caste, sex, political opinion, place of birth, or market at exorbitant prices. A 750 ml bottle coastal security agency after a caller from Sri convey the information. (Nine Emotions), which the authorities have any such grounds. of Extra Special Arrack (commonly known as Lanka informed a police station in Madurai The CAA recently issued an extraordinary alleged promoted “extremist” ideology. “The Government is in the process of revisiting “gal”), usually sold at Rs. 1,600, had spiked to City that the men in possession of assault gazette notification informing manufacturers However, Prof. Macbool Ali provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Rs. 5,000 over the past few days. The pricing had rifles were heading towards the Rameswaram and traders that 12.5 kg domestic gas cylinders Mohammed Nuhman has been quoted as stating: Act, in keeping with its commitments, as has started at around Rs. 2,500 per bottle, but had coast. Investigators were attempting to verify should be available for sale at the relevant “There are several poems against extremism, been communicated to the EU. Towards this shot up as the product remained out of bounds the caller’s identity and establish the identity islandwide outlets. The relevant gazette violence, and war in this collection.” endeavour, the Government is studying existing with the extension of the travel restrictions, of the suspects whose names were given as notification also stated that no trader in A number of local and international legislation to propose necessary amendments, sources told The Morning. Ameer, Bharkath, and Naseer. possession or control of 12.5 kg domestic organisations, including Amnesty International, and will also draw on international best The Excise Department granted permission to The Police were co-ordinating with coastal gas cylinders should refuse to sell them or have condemned this arbitrary arrest and called practices adopted by other jurisdictions. The facilitate the sale of liquor in “Safe and Secure security and intelligence agencies to establish directly or indirectly compel consumers not for the poet’s immediate release. Government rejects the claim that the PTA has Level One Hotels” during the travel restrictions, the veracity of the alert. Random checks were to purchase them. A resolution adopted by the EU Parliament last been systematically used for arbitrary arrests which are Tourist Board-approved star-class being conducted in remote buildings along Attempts to contact Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. Thursday (10) stated that it is gravely concerned and the detention of Muslim or other minority properties which accommodate foreign visitors. the eastern coastline, according to the reports. to inquire about their programme to release about the arbitrary arrests and detention under groups in Sri Lanka. The foreigners arriving in Sri Lanka under the Intelligence sources in the Kerala Police have sufficient stocks of 12.5 kg gas cylinders to Sri Lanka’s PTA without due process and “It is observed that the 20th Amendment was air transport bio-bubble travel concept can be indicated that they have also stepped up vigil the market, were unsuccessful. access to justice of various civil society actors, enacted in full compliance with the procedure set served liquor if they are in-house guests of a across the coastal towns of the State after tip- In April, Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. announced the including lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah, poet Jazeem, out in the Constitution with a two-thirds majority star-class hotel. This facility was granted to offs from the agencies. introduction of a new premium hybrid 18-litre and former Criminal Investigation Department of the Members of Parliament voting in its give foreigners access to liquor during their However, when The Morning contacted the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder priced (CID) Director Shani Abeysekera. favour. With regard to such legislation, a number stay in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Army and the Defence Ministry, both at Rs. 1,395 to the local market. Its weight is of in-built safeguards relating to transparency noted that they had read these media reports 9.18 kg. The company said the new product is and judicial review aimed at preventing the and that the Government of Sri Lanka would in a size that meets global specifications while $ 40 m... passage of bills that are inconsistent with the Special courts... send a media release after investigations, since being sufficient for a family of four to meet Constitution, including its Fundamental Rights this is a sensitive matter. their cooking gas needs for a month. Sabry further explained that five experts’ chapter, have been adhered to. In the letter, the Thera has urged the Accordingly, Police Media Spokesman However, consumers alleged that they have committees have been tasked with calculating the “The Government has regularly updated President to enforce Article 105 (4) of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police been deceived by the latest 18-litre gas cylinder. main claim which would cover the losses suffered the Human Rights Council as well as EU Constitution which provides for the creation and Ajith Rohana also said that the Interpol is not The regular 12.5 kg gas cylinder sold by Litro by the country due to the disaster. He added that interlocutors on the measures undertaken establishment of courts, tribunals, or institutions aware of this incident. Gas Lanka Ltd. is priced at Rs. 1,493. Although steps have been taken to form a separate entity to address issues of accountability and to for the settlement of matters specifically relating Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Police arrested 23 the product price has been reduced by about headed by an Additional Secretary from the achieve continued progress in reconciliation. to bhikkhus, in the performance of services or Sri Lankan nationals from an industrial complex Rs. 100, consumers said that the weight has Ministry of Ports and Shipping to allow outside Mechanisms in place in this regard include the in relation to temples, or with regard to any near Madurai after they illegally landed in been reduced by 3 kg. 43 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Bahrain suspends Use assistance of issuance of new work doctors when permits to Sri Lanka

ahrain has temporarily Bhalted the issuance of schools reopen: PM new work permits to several countries, including Sri rime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant activities by Lanka. the education authorities to seek the assistance nominating representatives for According to Gulf of paediatricians to take measures against the 99 education zones scattered Business News, Bahrain Covid once schools are reopened, the Prime throughout the country. has temporarily halted Minister’s Office said in a press release. Ministry of Education the issuance of new work Bahrain had suspended test on arrival and on the P Secretary Prof. Kapila permits for people from the entry of travellers 10th day of their stay in The Prime Minister had said Representatives of the Perera had pointed out that “red list” countries due to coming from the countries the country. this addressing a discussion at Association of Paediatricians, if a vaccination programme the coronavirus pandemic. rostered on the red list, These citizens and Temple Trees on the reopening who participated in the is implemented during the Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, namely India, Pakistan, residency visa holders of schools and the vaccination discussion, had stated that reopening of schools, priority Bangladesh, and Nepal Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, must quarantine for 10 of teachers and students. He their association could provide should be given to Grade 11 are among the “red list” and Nepal, on all flights days at their residence or had pointed out the importance assistance at the zonal level to and Grade 13 students. countries. starting from Monday, 24 at a licensed quarantine of reopening schools in several avoid problems that may arise Prof. Perera had also pointed The directive is May 2021. Vietnam was facility approved by the phases as soon as the Covid during the reopening of schools, out the need to vaccinate nearly applicable to those added to the kingdom’s National Health Regulatory pandemic was brought under the release mentioned. 300,000 people, including outside the kingdom. The travel red list, effective 1 Authority. control, adding that teachers Accordingly, the around 270,000 teachers and Labour Market Regulatory June 2021. Last week, Bahrain’s could be vaccinated through representatives had pointed non-academic staff, to make Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Authority has said that this Bahraini citizens and National Medical Taskforce the Ministry of Health. out that they will formalise this a success. directive aims to strengthen residency visa holders for Combating Covid-19 the kingdom’s efforts to from these countries will extended the Covid-19 Man wanted for overcome the pandemic. still be permitted to enter precautionary measures The kingdom confirmed the kingdom, but have until 25 June to continue India looking to recalibrate SL that the countries on the red to present an approved the downward trend in the rice theft discovered list are added or removed Covid-19 PCR test result number of Covid-19 cases. according to the assessment conducted not more than 48 Bahrain’s Health Ministry with heroin relations to counter China of the national medical team hours prior to boarding their confirmed a total of 931 suspect wanted in connection with the theft of ndia is looking at a inside Sri Lanka. government agreement. to address the Covid-19 flight for Bahrain. Upon new Covid-19 cases were Arice worth Rs. 250,000 from a supermarket I“recalibration” of its The proposed new CPCEC It is now clear that the initial pandemic according to the arrival in the kingdom, detected on 12 June, and in Mount Lavinia was arrested on Sunday (13), bilateral ties with Sri Lanka is expected to have wide- bonhomie between Indian relevant criteria, a note on these individuals are to 2,149 recoveries were also having in possession 4 g and 100 mg of heroin. as China is gaining massive ranging powers and the Port Prime Minister Narendra the authority’s website read. undertake another PCR reported. The arrest was made during a police raid near inroads in the Indian Ocean City will not be subject to Modi and the Rajapaksa the Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The suspect island nation. laws and regulations of the brothers – President was later interrogated and it was revealed that he Colombo had last month Municipal Council and Urban Gotabaya Rajapaksa and had stolen rice on 11 June. A total of five bags of decided to go ahead with the Development Authority Prime Minister Mahinda Do not use public resources to make rice of 5 kg each were discovered in the suspect’s controversial $ 1.4 billion (UDA) of Sri Lanka, thereby Rajapaksa – and Sri Lanka’s possession. special economic zone (SEZ) raising concerns that it will adherence to an “India-first” politicians’ lives prosperous: Sajith A man and a woman were also arrested along project, the Colombo Port City not function democratically. policy are now “fast fading with eight other bags of rice for selling stolen rice. project, funded by Beijing. According to one source, away”, said another source. pposition Leader Sajith Piyadasa stated that several The arrested suspects are aged 34, 33, and 39. New Delhi, which aimed with the Port City coming This has happened OPremadasa yesterday vehicles have already been at resetting bilateral ties up and coupled with what because Beijing has “worked (14) said the Samagi Jana imported. “Several vehicles SLAF’s South with Colombo following happened in the Hambantota towards” drifting the island Balawegaya (SJB) rejects have arrived in Sri Lanka so the return of the Rajapaksa Port (where there is nation away from India the Government’s proposal far. These vehicles are worth Sudan peacekeepers regime, now believes that speculation that Colombo is so that it can maintain its to provide luxury vehicles around Rs. 50 million,” he said. Sri Lanka has taken a firm looking to extend the 99-year presence in the Indian Ocean to MPs. However, SLPP recognised for decision on “completely lease to Beijing), Sri Lanka region as the Indo-Pacific Commenting on his Twitter parliamentarian Asanka aligning” with China even has now “completely come strategic construct takes account, the Leader of the Navaratne said the proposal outstanding service if that means doing away under China’s control” and shape, sources said. Opposition pointed out that to import vehicles has been with the balancing act with this will pose a challenge for However, the sources said the SJB would never approve suspended currently. “The total of 103 Blue Berets from Sri Lanka India, sources said. all future governments there that India is now banking on of the use of public resources Opposition Leader Government’s position AAirforce (SLAF), who are currently serving Last month, the Sri while posing a security threat the WCT being developed to make the lives of politicians regarding the importation of as peacekeepers with the United Nations (UN) Lankan Parliament passed to India. by the Adani Group to make prosperous. vehicles has been clarified. Mission in South Sudan, received UN medals for a controversial bill – the Ties between India and Sri its “strategic presence” felt Premadasa added that he is Meanwhile, the Janatha The Prime Minister has their outstanding service, the UN Mission in South Colombo Port City Economic Lanka began plummeting there. urging the Government to use Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) stopped this process. There is Sudan stated yesterday (14) in a press release. Commission Bill – which in February when Colombo “They (Adani Group) will the funds to vaccinate all Sri stated that it hopes to file a no importation of vehicles at Accordingly, SLAF peacekeepers received will establish a Colombo scrapped the strategically remain invested there for a Lankans. case before the Supreme Court present.” salutations from the UN Force Commander in Port City SEZ and the important East Container long time. Be it private or Meanwhile, SJB regarding the decision taken The Finance Ministry last Bor, South Sudan before he personally pinned Colombo Port City Economic Terminal (ECT) at the public, as long as India has General Secretary Ranjith to import vehicles for the week reiterated that it would medals on the chests of the peacekeepers, the Commission (CPCEC). The Colombo Port, which was a a presence there where China Maddumabandara has issued a MPs. Former JVP Provincial abide by the cabinet decision release further said. Bill was passed despite stiff tripartite pact with Japan. It is present in a big way, New statement stating that decisions Councilor Sunil Watagala taken recently to withdraw an “You have flown in the most difficult of resistance from opposition instead offered India the West Delhi is satisfied,” said a such as the sudden construction stated this at a media briefing earlier controversial cabinet circumstances. In the past, two helicopters have parties and concerns that the Container Terminal (WCT) source who refused to be of flyovers, increase in fuel held in Colombo. paper for the import of 399 been shot down in this part of the country, but Colombo Port City could turn as a private deal unlike the identified. prices, and import of vehicles Former Sri Lanka Freedom vehicles at a cost of Rs. 3.7 you have never let that stop you from carrying into a “Chinese Province” previous government-to- (The Print) are against the interests of the Party (SLFP) General Secretary billion, with 225 of them meant on with your vital work. You have been as brave common public. Prof. Rohana Lakshman for the Members of Parliament. and committed as one would expect pilots from your country to be,” said Force Commander Lt. Tamil Nadu on high Gen. Shailesh Tinaikar. Contd. from page 1 Further, 135 Indian troops also received medals and praise for their service. alert following threats yesterday said that discussions are increase in fuel prices. of infiltration from SL G ov t.’s underway to reduce fuel prices. “Sagara Kariyawasam is attacking “The President and the Prime Minister not only himself but the President of ndia’s southern state the organisation that they partners... would take a decision regarding the the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and ITamil Nadu’s state police belong to are not known. price of fuel. We believe it would have the Premier for using his letterhead,” and central intelligence A senior police officer at Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera of the been better if it had not been increased. Gammanpila added. “The intelligent agencies have stepped up the state police headquarters Our Power of People Party, Minister However, the relevant officials have people of this country will decide whether vigil after intelligence about in Chennai had told IANS: of the National decided that it should be increased with myself or Kariyawasam should resign,” an armed group trying to “Yes, there is an alert, but I Freedom Front, Minister Vasudeva the current situation in the country. A said Minister Gammanpila. Navy seizes 237 kg infiltrate from Sri Lanka can’t reveal more than this at Nanayakkara of the Democratic Left decision will be taken in the future,” he He said that he would challenge were received, IANS present. We have deployed Front, MP Prof. Tissa Vitarana of the told reporters. Kariyawasam to name the senior ministers of Kerala cannabis reported yesterday (14). armed policemen across all Lanka Sama Samaja Party, A.L.M. Cabinet Spokesman and Minister who participated in the party’s central An alert was issued the main roads leading to Athaullah of the National Congress, G. also said that committee to take this decision. in Point Pedro by a central intelligence coastal areas through the Weerasinghe of the Communist Party the revision of fuel prices would be ri Lanka Navy has seized 237 kg and 500 g agency on Saturday (12) state.” of Sri Lanka, MP of the discussed again at the Cabinet meeting Sof Kerala cannabis during a special operation evening and the Police With the police stepping United People’s Party, and MP Asanka which was to be held yesterday. The Covid deaths... conducted by the Northern Naval Command in have stepped up vigil in up security measures, the Navarathna of the Sri Lanka Mahajana Cabinet meeting was scheduled to be held seas north of Point Pedro yesterday (14). the towns of Kanyakumari, sources indicated that more Party had signed the said statement. at 5 p.m. yesterday under the patronage According to Dr. Herath, a thorough The special operation carried out in the wee Thoothukudi, navigating ships have been “At a time when both the people and of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. review was required to determine whether hours had led to the interception of a suspicious Rameswaram, as well as deployed in the sea by the the Government are facing a challenging Meanwhile, State Minister a death is a “Covid-19 death” or a “death dinghy heading shoreward loaded with two sacks Chennai. Coast Guard patrolling units situation, certain ‘unpopular’ decisions said that he hoped to make a request to with Covid-19”, and it is this review that of Kerala cannabis. The Navy has taken the According to informed to thwart any attempt to would have to be made by any government the Government to bring the increased has resulted in some Covid-19 deaths dinghy and three suspects aboard into custody intelligence sources, reach the Tamil Nadu coast. and the decision to increase fuel prices is fuel prices back to the previous level. being officially reported a few days after in this operation. a boat carrying armed Intelligence sources in such an ‘unpopular decision’,” the joint Expressing these views to the media in the deaths actually occurred. Based on a tip-off received from the suspects, operatives was headed Kerala Police have indicated statement read. Gampaha, the Minister pointed out that “This review takes some time, which the Navy and the Coast Guard had conducted a towards Rameswaram coast. that they have also stepped It further stated that the General the people could not bear the increase in is why the date of death is reported as further search in the sea area and found six more However, the sources had up vigil across the coastal Secretary of the SLPP had blamed fuel prices at this moment. being a few days prior to the time of sacks of Kerala cannabis thrown overboard by told IANS that the exact towns of the state after tip- Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila Gammanpila recently said that he reporting,” explained Dr. Herath. the suspects. Accordingly, the entire operation identity of these people nor offs from the agencies. for the decision taken by the Cabinet only announced a decision taken by the According to the situation report issued led to the seizure of Kerala cannabis in eight Sub-Committee to increase fuel prices, entire Government with the approval on 11 June, based on statistics provided sacks. thereby creating an unnecessary crisis of the President and Premier Mahinda by the Health Ministry’s Epidemiology It is suspected that the consignment of Kerala within the Government. Rajapaksa, with regard to the fuel price Unit, the said 101 deaths had occurred cannabis was transferred to the dinghy at the It also read that by challenging the hike. over 19 days between the period of 6 International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) decision taken by the President and He added that the President as well as February to 9 June. Among the deaths, with the intention of smuggling them into the the Prime Minister, the SLPP General the Premier had exchanged views with one death occurred on 6 February, one island. Secretary had created an unnecessary him regarding the incident and that the death occurred on 1 April, and 11 deaths The street value of this haul of cannabis factionalism in the Government. President had sent him a text message occurred in May. is believed to be about Rs. 71 million, Sri Such sectarian and immature actions before convening the media briefing, in The rest of the deaths had occurred Lanka Navy said. The suspects held during would erode public confidence in the which he was clarifying matters pertaining this month. Out of the 101 deaths, 30 this operation were residents of Point Pedro Government and it is the responsibility of to the revision of fuel prices on 13 April. had occurred at the patients’ residences and Achchuweli from 28 to 29 years of age. both the President and the Prime Minister He was responding to the statement while 57 had passed away while they were The suspects, together with the Kerala cannabis to immediately defeat this sectarian trend, issued by Kariyawasam which claimed being treated in hospital. The number of and the dinghy, will be handed over to the the statement added. that the Minister in charge of the subject persons who had died on admission to Kankesanturai Police for onward legal action. Meanwhile, Minister Namal Rajapaksa should take full responsibility for the hospital was 14. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/OPINION } Tuesday, June 15, 2021

work and it’s frontline leadership BY RAJPAL ABEYNAYAKE that could fiddle – with the rest of High noon its manifesto – while Rome burns. The fertiliser controversy, the urban development projects, and the controversies arising from a myriad for PTA of other issues, including, of course, the Port City project, are distracting The Government appears to be taking some A ‘single-minded in a way that’s blurring the main issue desperate measures to sustain Sri Lanka’s debt totally out of focus. stricken economy, even though the situation calls Now, any government’s frontline for far more fundamental and tactical changes than leadership should be able to walk mere price and import-related regulations such as and chew gum at the same time, no the recent fuel price hike and the much debated matter the breadth of the crisis. But, turmeric and vehicle import restrictions. Government’ for can this Government do it? Has it The fact that the country’s foreign reserves is in displayed a record of achievement a sorry state has been discussed on many occasions that gives its leadership pass marks on in the past few months, although the Government balancing the demands from the other continues to maintain that the country’s economy, policy-related issues with the one especially the aspects concerning foreign reserves major task it has on its hands – that of and foreign markets, can still be salvaged. next 6 months controlling Covid? This discussion took a new turn last week, after This writer’s take on the poser the European Parliament discussed several matters zz Vaccination and the elimination of Covid-19 would be for the Government to take pertaining to Sri Lanka’s state of human rights, a very close look at its priorities, and proposed that the European Union (EU) halt should come above all else taking into full cognisance its own the Generalised Scheme/System of Preference possible limitations. Does the Plus (GSP+) trade concession, stating that Sri Government’s crisis management team, both at the political and the Lanka has not respected the human rights-related administrative level, have what it commitments it promised to implement in 2017 takes to juggle all of these crises at when it regained the GSP+ concession. Among the same time, some being of their these commitments were a number of international own creation, such as the problems conventions and amendments to the notorious in the agricultural sector as a result of Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) the total ban on chemical fertilisers? Act (PTA) in order to set it in line with international This should be a serious question for human rights laws and policies. the regime, even though it may seem However, Sri Lanka has not only failed to do an affront to question any leadership’s so, but has also been enforcing the PTA. The capability to multitask. implementation of the PTA – which resulted in But as stated earlier, if we are facing the arrest and detention of a large number of what’s patently the greatest crisis persons, especially those who were identified as since independence – certainly the “political prisoners” by human rights groups – as greatest on the economic front – the well as human rights lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah folks who mind the shop should never and poet Ahnaf Jazeem were serious concerns be overconfident. Go on by all means raised at the European Parliament. For them, the and battle on multiple fronts if the European Parliament seeks one progressive step leadership is certain that it has the from Sri Lanka and that is either a fair trial or crisis management chops to do the unconditional release. job – but otherwise, take a step back, The truth is that Sri Lanka is already heavily breathe easy, and disengage and do the burdened by a large number of allegations of human one job that everybody wants finished, which is to finish off Covid. rights violations said to have taken place during It seems to have been, whether by the war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil default or otherwise, the strategy of Eelam (LTTE), especially during the final stage most other governments including of the war, and the country has been struggling, the British and the US. The world’s Vaccination underway at a vaccination centre in Sri Lanka with poorly planned strategies, to serve justice for PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE one superpower focussed all its those who were affected by and during the war. energies on a vaccination programme In this context, Sri Lanka cannot afford to deal he next six months will be crucial. That’s not a dire warning because there was migration across and virtually stood still on all other with stringent decisions taken by the international about having to stay locked in or to observe the so-called safety the Palk Straits that we couldn’t fronts, which incidentally is rather community. protocols. The second half of this year would probably account possibly halt. uncharacteristic of administrations in Perhaps we should remind ourselves that Sri for a steady number of Covid cases per month, and that would There is no definitive information that country, in the first 100 days or Lanka is not currently dealing with any armed Thave a serious impact on the economy that’s already limping due to the as to how this escalation occurred, thereafter. conflicts, and that there are a number of provisions pandemic and its impact. but it’s clear that there were recurring But it does seem that this strategy on in the Penal Code that can be employed to deal As a country we are most probably It means there would be a massive events that the Government could Covid succeeded. Once the pandemic with those who harbour extremist or separatist not going to see herd immunity due to price to pay. Economic recovery not control. What could be said about is out of the way, there are three years ideologies. It begs the question as to why Sri vaccination at least until the beginning despite the most optimistic predictions recurring events is that despite the best for the new US administration to Lanka needs to maintain, uphold, and enforce the of next year. 70% of the population of the powers that be may become intentions of the administration, they focus on the other issues and the fact PTA without amendments, which is only suitable would have their jabs by the end of impossible if the situation drags until could, well, recur… is that nobody there is complaining in extreme emergencies that concern matters of this year according to State Minister the end of this year. It means that this Theoretically at least, that reality because to a man, and a woman, they national security. for Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, crisis has to be looked at as a one-of- holds for the next six months which all wanted this crisis out of the way The PTA is in fact an Act that has been criticised and Covid Disease Control Dr a-kind event that’s happened since the is why an extraordinary strategy is before all else. for certain provisions it contains, including the Sudarshini Fernandopulle. That’s a granting of independence. called for in the wake of a situation Believe it or not, Sri Lankans ability to make arrests without a warrant and long distance to go before we could Never before has there been a make that has seen no parallels in the feel the same way about this plague consider the pandemic as being or break calamity that threatened long- duration of this nation’s entire post- too. The health standpoint is so to detain a person without being produced in a decisively a thing of the past. term recovery in this manner – not even independence phase. inextricably intertwined with the court for a considerable period of time, which are Within these six months a lot could after the war ended in 2009. There But the Government seems to economic aspect, and on the latter obviously not in line with international human rights happen. The medical establishment may be some cause for optimism in the have too many irons in the fire and is front, Covid has dealt a body blow standards. Why we cannot make amendments (that presents the death count in the country way the world economy seems to be running away with the idea that Covid to people’s hopes. They want a we promised) to the PTA or have a more in-depth in a way that seems to be designed to poised to recover, but the best strategy could be tackled as a subsidiary issue, government that even if its singular discussion with the international community in trigger alarm bells. The Government would be to hope for the best, and plan while the usual business of the State focus is Covid eradication and strictly this regard is puzzling. by and large seems to react without for the worst. goes on in fits and starts. that alone, it gets the job done. Furthermore, any person with common sense, asking questions, locking down at That’s because hindsight is 20/20 – To say the least, that’s Most have the patience for other or a sense of what is just and what is not, should the drop of a hat, and essentially and that has nothing to do with what extraordinarily optimistic! It’s the controversies because they feel they understand that the PTA contains several legal considering all other issues, including happened in 2020, but everything Government that is shutting down the cannot be watching a performance provisions that can be employed to oppress people/ the economy, as secondary at best. to do with what happened this year, economy with travel restrictions, so with the fiddle while Rome burns. suspects, and therefore Sri Lanka does not have But though the rulers lock down 2021. The keyword of these first six it’s the Government that knows best Even in the real Rome they didn’t to change its laws merely because the EU or any when the doctors sneeze, as if by months was variant. that these are not normal times, when do this, when Italy was reeling from other international entity demands such changes. Pavlovian reflex, and though the Another key word was clusters – the usual five-year plans and two-year Covid not so long ago. They put This is not a situation Sri Lanka can continue economy suffers – what happens if new Covid clusters seemed to appear plans could be put to work. their heads down and focussed on to ignore, as the international community remains this pattern repeats in the next few from nowhere, though some say the But yet, it’s as if the administration eradicating this virulent pandemic, and attentive about what Sri Lanka does. Also, this months, until the end of 2021? origin was from across our shores is pretending that it’s all in a day’s that’s what governments usually do is not the first time Sri Lanka’s human rights when Rome is burning. commitments have been questioned. At the previous Pride should not get in the way United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), because it’s seen that Covid anyway too, the alleged “war crimes” during the final phase is no respecter of egos. A great deal of the war were discussed. of pomposities have been punctured already, and those who boasted at this The Government, particularly the President, the time of the year in 2020, of having Prime Minister, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, made a piece of cake out of Covid, need to pay close attention to this situation, as it is are now eating a fair quantity of crow. the general public who would suffer in the event That’s okay; nobody expected this the international community decides to stop the third or whichever wave to rear its GSP+ concession, or worse, impose sanctions. head and anyway nobody expected The truth is, losing the GSP+ concession can the Government to keel over and close strike a heavy blow to Sri Lanka’s economy as the shop entirely in the face of this new EU is one of the largest foreign markets. If huge wave either. steps are not possible at this particular juncture, But now that all this has happened, the least we can do is conduct some cordial and with the benefit of hindsight and constructive discussions with the international bruised egos, if there is only one way community and they can help Sri Lanka continue to skin this cat and if that’s by making to enjoy the GSP+ concession in this difficult time. Covid the single issue for the next six Sri Lanka certainly cannot afford to have its months, please do it. Because even if economy collapse any further, especially during the politicians stand on their head and a pandemic, and as a country, we must not wait say otherwise, the people have only until the international community reminds us of one issue in mind now – and that’s to the flaws in our own laws. get rid of this gargantuan headache without any more damage to the economy than has already been done. No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. (The writer is a former Editor- Fax - 011 2 673 441 in-Chief of three national English General - 011 5 200 900 language publications and a Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 practising Attorney-at-Law. He is Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 an Editors’ Guild award-winning E-mail - [email protected] columnist, and contributing writer Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 and columnist for the Nikkei Asian Website - www.themorning.lk Review and South China Morning Post, while his editorials have been published in The Australian) 45 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk the hazardous forms of child labour category, boys received an average monthly income of Rs. 11,665 (for an average number of 37 hours per week), while girls under the same occupation category received Rs. 11,294 a month (for an average number of 54 working hours a week). According to the United States’ Labour Department’s reports on child labour and forced labour, by sector and activity, in Sri Lanka, child labour was prevalent in sectors such as agriculture (farming, including raising livestock, fishing and selling fish), industry (manufacturing, including textiles and garments, and food processing, mining and construction) and services (domestic work, vending, transportation, begging and working in hotels, restaurants and offices). In addition, child labour exists in categories identified as the ‘worst forms of child labour’, which include commercial sexual exploitation (sometimes as a result of human trafficking), forced labour in domestic work (sometimes again as a result of human trafficking) and using children in illicit activities, including drug trafficking. WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR 2021 World situation According to the ILO, surveys from the South Asian region have estimated 30 million children in Are SL’s children sufficiently employment, almost 17 million in child labour and 50 million children out of school. Adding that these findings however have limitations, the ILO said that the shielded from labour exploitation? key ones were that not all children in employment can be considered as being in child labour, and that BY SUMUDU CHAMARA explaining the nature of employment and institutions with the ultimate aim substantial improvements when it not all forms of child labour are ri Lanka’s culture assigns opportunities that should be made of stifling child labour.” comes to child labour, the ILO said being captured by these statistical a great value to familial available for children (below 18 Adding that the accepting of that relative to 1999, Sri Lanka has surveys, and also that there are bonds and the well being years), said: “Children between the complaints is done in two main observed a drastic decline in the considerable variations in the of family members takes ages of 16 and 18 years can only be methods, she noted: “The accepting population of working children, which survey methodologies and scope Sa special place among other recruited for jobs that do not pose a of complaints regarding child labour in 2016 stood at 103,704. across the countries. priorities of a family. Ensuring the threat to their life, health, education incidents is being done via two main According to the ILO, even though It added: “There are 16.7 million safety and well being of children, and moral development, and it is methods, which are the 1929 hotline some challenges persist, a sizeable (five-17-year-old) children in child on the other hand, has become strictly not allowed to recruit them for and the 1929 child protection app. decline has also occurred in hazardous labour in South Asia, according an inherent duty of family units, unsafe jobs or jobs that require them The app is a novel initiative that forms of child labour. In 2016, there to conservative estimates, and of especially of parents. to work at night. Steps will be taken commenced this year, with the aim of was a total of 4,571,442 children in Sri these, 10.3 million are in the five- The safety of children, who are against parents and intermediaries that making services more efficient via the Lanka, out of which 103,704 (2.3%) 14-year-old age range. The young, often dubbed the future generation, use children for begging under Section digitalisation of the service providing were working children. Moreover, five-11-year-old children, make up was discussed at the national level 288 of the Penal Code and they can be aspects. The second method is handled there were 43,714 children (1%) in about one fifth of all child labourers on several occasions in the recent punished with a prison term of up to by the NCPA’s regional offices and child labour as of 2016, of which in South Asia. Substantial variation past. However, unfortunately, all five years.” officials. The NCPA’s network of 39,007 were engaged in hazardous in child labour estimates exists these discussions were based on officials is also working efficiently to forms of child labour. across South Asian countries, and abuses experienced by children, achieve the said objectives, with two in absolute terms, child labour and that does not seem to be a very Sri Lanka types of officials at the District level. for the five-17-years age range is promising situation. The 15-year-old They are the District Child Protection Complaints the highest in India (5.8 million), girl who was trafficked for sex via increases Officer and the District Psychosocial followed by Bangladesh (five social media platforms for months, Officers. In addition, the officers who regarding million), Pakistan (3.4 million) and and the nine-year-old girl who died minimum age for are working at the District Secretariat Nepal (two million). after being beaten with a cane during levels, who are called Divisional Child child labour on the Comparing the situation in the an exorcism, both raised eyebrows, employment to 16 Protection Officers, are also involved South Asian region, the ILO statistics especially concerning the role and in this endeavour as they have a decline claimed that a substantial share responsibility of parents in protecting much closer relationship with the of employment of 15-17-year-old their children. He further noted that recruiting communities in their respective areas. children is hazardous in nature – 75% It is in such a situation that Sri children for street vending activities, They sometimes accept complaints With regard to geographical in Bangladesh, 72% in Sri Lanka, Lanka celebrated this year’s World the drug and liquor trade, circuses and directly, which are then referred for dispersion, it has been found that 41% in Pakistan, 30% in Nepal, Day Against Child Labour, which fell entertainment activities for monetary necessary action.” as many as 85% of Sri Lanka’s 20% in India and 6% in Bhutan, and on 12 June. benefits and prostitution as well According to NCPA published working children reside in rural that family labour accounts for a as using children for commercial statistics on complaints, which include areas, the top three regions in terms significant percentage of employment, New minimum age for activities via the cyber space are those related to child labour cases, in of the number of working children, declining as children get older. A employment offences under the criminal law. the past six years, a decline in child being the Gampaha, Kurunegala and majority of working seven to 14-year- In light of this year’s World Day These offences, according to labour related complaints could be Monaragala Districts, the ILO said, old children in Bhutan, India, Nepal Against Child Labour, the National Prof. Vidanapathirana, attract legal observed. Last year, a total of 228 adding that many of these children and Sri Lanka and 10 to 14-year-old Child Protection Authority (NCPA) action, and the NCPA’s duties include child labour related complaints had (59%) work as contributing family children in Pakistan are engaged in announced that the minimum age for forwarding the relevant complaints been received. In the preceding five members. family work. employment has been increased from to the Labour Department for years, from 2015 to 2019, the NCPA When it comes to the nature of With regard to the minimum age for 14 to 16 years. investigations, regulatory measures had received 313 (2015), 283 (2016), employment, the ILO’s study had employment, South Asian countries In a statement, NCPA Chairman and to take legal action against those 269 (2017), 262 (2018) and 265 found that by 2016, the majority of showed different age requirements. Prof. Muditha Vidanapathirana added: recruiting children for such jobs. (2019) such complaints, respectively. working children, child labourers and The basic minimum age in “As far as child labour is concerned, Even though The Morning those that engage in hazardous forms Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the this year can be considered rather Decline in complaints attempted to contact the officials of of work were boys. The ILO added Maldives and Nepal was 15, 14, 13, special, as on 18 January 2021, it regarding child labour the Labour Department to inquire that when girls engage in economic 16 and 14 years, respectively, while was possible to pass a special Act Meanwhile, the NCPA’s Planning about what steps are being taken to activities (working children, child India and Pakistan had no minimum (the Employment of Women, Young and Information Director, Shanika monitor the working conditions of labour), there are greater deviations age requirement. Concerning Persons and Children Act, No. 2 of Malalgoda, explained to The Morning and mistreatments faced by child in the number of hours worked which hazardous work, the ILO said that 2021) with regard to child labour. the activities pertaining to accepting labourers (those under 18 years) and tend to be more widely dispersed than Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, The Employment of Women, Young complaints regarding child labour what new decisions would be taken in for boys. the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Persons and Children Act, No. 47 cases. She added that in accordance accordance with the NCPA’s decision Sri Lanka had 18, 18, 18, 18, 16, 14 of 1956 as amended had prohibited with the NCPA Act, complaints to extent the new minimum age for and 18 years as the minimum age. children up to 14 years of age from regarding child labour cases are being employment, they were not available Sri Lanka age However, India had no minimum working. This new Act, however, accepted by the NCPA, and that no for comment. age for this category of employment changed it, and increased the other institution in Sri Lanka has not requirements as well. As far as minimum age minimum age to 16 years.” been vested with the power to accept Sri Lanka’s situation requirements are concerned, Sri The NCPA further said that this such complaints. According to the International better than most Lanka’s situation is better than most decision was based on an earlier She explained: “It is only the NCPA Labour Organisation (ILO), the South Asian countries South Asian countries. The fact that decision to extend the age of that accepts complaints regarding definition of working children is Sri Lanka extended the minimum age compulsory education to 16 years, any form of cases with regard to children that engage in economic for employment from 14 to 16 years which was made under the Education violence against children, be it abuse activities that are paid, or contributing is also an admirable move, especially Ordinance’s regulations pertaining to or neglect. In addition, awareness in the production of goods and Figures showed that 19% of the girls due to the fact that employment for compulsory education. raising activities are also taking place services that have an economic received a monthly income of less children does not always ensure safe Prof. Vidanapathirana, further targeting children, parents, teachers value, at least for one hour, during a than Rs. 5,000, while 20% of the boys or adequately compensated working reference period. were in the same category. In other environments. The ILO considers child labour as monthly income categories, namely However, addressing other issues “all children engaged in economic Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000, Rs. 10,000 pertaining to child labour, especially activities excluding, five to 11 years to Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 15,000 to Rs. standards and proper mechanisms – less than five hours per week, as a 20,000, girls constituted a higher to ensure a proper employment contributing family worker in non- number of workers than boys. When process, also needs to be paid agricultural and non-hazardous work it comes to the highest monthly salary attention. and less than 15 hours per week as category, i.e. Rs. 20,000 and above, a contributing family worker in the however, boys constituted 9%, while agriculture sector or non hazardous girls only made up 6%. Note: The public can contact activities; 12-14 years – less than 15 As far as the average monthly the NCPA via the hotline 1929 hours per week in non-agricultural income was compared against the or the 1929 child protection app and non-hazardous work and less than average number of working hours, to inform of the recruitment of 25 hours per week as a contributing under the child labour category, boys children under 16 years, and the family worker in agriculture and non- received an average monthly income recruitment of children between hazardous work; and 15-17 years of Rs. 11,180 (for an average number 16 and 18 years for dangerous – less than 44 hours per week in non of 35 hours a week), while girls or unsafe jobs, and it is the hazardous work.” received Rs. 10,823 (for an average public’s responsibility to do so. Adding that Sri Lanka has made number of 48 hours a week). Under 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { HEALTH } Tuesday, June 15, 2021

correlates, peak in 36 to 72 hours and investigations, Basnayake et al., noted may last for seven to 10 days. that the findings were suggestive of Structural changes in neurons can diffuse cortical dysfunction (caused occur due prolonged exposure to heroin by disorders that affect large and which may in turn also contribute to specific areas of the brain if they cause withdrawal symptoms such as seizures the swelling of or put pressure on as noted by Cami and Farre, Rasmussen a large area of the brain) consistent et al., L. He, J. Fong, M.V. Zastrow and with an encephalopathic (a disease or J.L. Whistler in the Regulation of opioid disorder or damage or malfunction or receptor trafficking and morphine dysfunction or degeneration that affects tolerance by receptor oligomerisation (a or alters the function or structure of the chemical process) and L. Sklair-Tavron, brain with its hallmark being an altered W.X. Shi, S.B. Lane, H.W. Harris, mental status) state. B.S. Bunney and Nestler’s Chronic Taking into account all these aspects, morphine induces visible changes in the it was concluded that the aetiology morphology of mesolimbic (a pathway of the seizure was directed towards in the brain) dopamine neurons. withdrawal from heroin. While there are many causative Although he was started on sodium factors for seizures, in adults, it can valproate (used to treat epilepsy and be mainly due to, among others such bipolar disorder, and prevent migraine as metabolic disorders, trauma, brain headaches and seizures) for the purpose tumours and other space occupying of controlling the seizures, it was lesions, and infectious diseases, both stopped after four days (not long term) illicit drug abuse and withdrawal from as per the neurological opinion. He alcohol and drugs, as noted in the was subsequently discharged without Current Diagnosis and Treatment by drugs and advised to continue the McGraw-Hill Medical and Seizures rehabilitation programme. During and Epilepsy by Harrison’s Principles the over one year follow up at the of Internal Medicine, and is therefore, medical clinic, no further fits or adverse often seen in substance abusers. These neurologic sequelae (a condition seizures, J.C.M. Brust’s Seizures which is the consequence of a previous and substance abuse: treatment disease) were encountered. considerations explains, may be due The main objectives of patient care to direct causes such as intoxication in heroin withdrawal are to relieve or withdrawal or owing to indirect distress, avoid severe withdrawal Heroin withdrawal causes such as central nervous system manifestations, maintain proper infections, a stroke, cerebral trauma compliance in ongoing treatment, and metabolic derangement. Seizures disturb the pattern of heavy and regular due to heroin withdrawal are however, drug use, and assist in resolving other management needs Basnayake et al., point out, less associated problems, Basnayake common than in the case of withdrawal et al., elaborated, noting that in from sedatives like barbiturates. this regard, non-pharmacological That said, E.F. Wijdicks and F.W. therapies primarily focus on patient Sharbrough notes in New onset seizures assessment, treatment matching and multidisciplinary approach in critically ill patients that in the case psychosocial support while in terms of of critically ill patients who have been the pharmacological therapies, one of treated with sedatives and narcotics, the the basic principles in managing drug z sudden withdrawal of narcotic drugs withdrawal is to use an agent from z Pharmacological therapy, psychosocial support, may be a significant causative factor for the same pharmacologic class or one newly onset seizures. that has a degree of cross tolerance. continuous monitoring, follow up recommended Basnayake et al., reported a patient Basnayake et al., further noted that the experiencing heroin withdrawal who drugs used in such pharmacological BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY A.G. Schauss in the Attenuation of the stiffness and swelling), anxiety, nausea, presented with newly onset recurrent management are analgesics in the Heroin Withdrawal Syndrome by the vomiting, diarrhoea, malaise, mydriasis attacks of seizure episodes. opioid category, synthetic opioids, wing to the widespread Administration of High Dose Vitamin (dilation of the pupil), piloerection (the synthetic opioid agonists (a chemical and increasing use of C, depends on many factors including reflex of producing goose bumps or Case report that binds to a receptor and activates heroin in Sri Lanka, genetic and psychosocial factors. It is, the erection or bristling of the hair of A 38-year-old previously healthy the receptor to produce a biological medical professionals Basnayake et al., emphasised, a chronic the skin), diaphoresis (excessive and male had presented with four response) and opioids. According to the Oshould keep in mind the possibility and relapsing disorder with patients abnormal sweating), rhinorrhea (runny episodes of generalised (involving aforementioned National Guidelines, of heroin users developing exhibiting compulsive drug seeking nose), lacrimation (the secretion of the entire body) tonic (a slow and Miller and Gold, and Buprenorphine seizures due to withdrawal, even and drug taking behaviour. Heroin tears), insomnia and less commonly, likely graded physiological response (opioid) in opiate withdrawal: a though seizures are a less common addiction is both a health and social confusion, convulsions, collapse and characterised by the stiffening of comparison with clonidine (used manifestation of heroin withdrawal, problem, associated as Basnayake et al. coma. As Basnayake et al., explain, the muscles) clonic (a set of involuntary among others to treat drug withdrawal) a local medical case report noted. mention, with significant morbidity and half life of the opioid that is causing and rhythmic muscular contractions by A.K. Nigam, R. Ray and B.M. The case report revolved around mortality. the withdrawal syndrome is what and relaxations, characterised by Tripathi, due to the poor efficacy and a patient with heroin withdrawal J.M. Cami and M. Farre explain in determines both the onset and duration rhythmical jerking and twitching) side effects, some such drugs have been presenting with newly onset seizures, Drug Addiction that the chronic usage of the symptoms. During heroin seizures within the course of two days. taken out from the management of the which is said to be the first such of heroin will cause changes in the withdrawal, the symptoms according These episodes were associated with condition. Brust notes that in the case case reported in Sri Lanka. It was central nervous system which lead to N.S. Miller and M.S. Gold’s the frothing, tongue bites (marks were of patients with seizures where the authored by B.M.D.B. Basnayake, to tolerance, physical dependence, Management of withdrawal syndromes seen on the tongue) and post-ictal (the aetiology is suspected or diagnosed to T. Kannangara, W.M.A.S.R. sensitisation, craving, and relapse. If and relapse prevention in drug and altered state of consciousness after a be solely drug withdrawal, long term Wickramasinghe and S.N. Wijesena the patient reduces or ceases heavy alcohol dependence and K. Rasmussen, seizure) drowsiness. In between the preventive care using anticonvulsants is (all attached to the Kandy National and prolonged heroin use, it will cause, D.B. Beitner-Johnson, J.H. Krystal, seizure attacks, the man had regained usually not indicated. Teaching Hospital’s Department of according to the April 2014 National G.K. Aghajanian and E.J. Nestler’s consciousness. He did not report a In conclusion, Basnayake et al., Medicine) and was recently published Guidelines for the Medication Assisted Opiate withdrawal and the rat locus history of fever, head trauma or recent emphasised that the management in the Anuradhapura Medical Journal. Treatment of Opioid Dependence, coeruleus (a small nucleus located in a alcohol or other drug abuse. He was of the heroin withdrawal syndrome Heroin (Diacetylmorphine) is an the substance specific syndrome. part of the brainstem which is the main a heroin addict, using the substance requires a multidisciplinary opioid drug derived from the seed The clinical features of the heroin source of noradrenaline {a hormone for 15 years on a daily basis, and had approach including the provision pod of the poppy plant (Papaver withdrawal syndrome include as that functions as a neurotransmitter} withdrawn for four days as he was of pharmacological therapy and somniferum). It is highly addictive. The mentioned by Basnayake et al., muscle in the forebrain): Behavioural, electro- undergoing a rehabilitation programme. psychosocial support, and continuous abuse of this drug as pointed out by cramps, arthralgia (painful joint physiological, and biochemical Following other examinations and monitoring and follow up. Could Covid variants get worse? It is clear we are now dealing with a virologist from Imperial College (Alpha and then Delta), each 50% more are limits and there isn’t a super-ultimate a virus that spreads far more easily – London. “They settle in and then they transmissible, is a phenomenal amount virus that has every bad combination of probably more than twice as easily – as have a great time.” of change.” It’s “foolish”, he thinks, to mutations,” said Dr. Katzourakis. There the version that emerged in Wuhan at There are examples of viruses, she attempt to put a number on how high it is also the concept of evolutionary trade- the end of 2019. said, from flu pandemics to Ebola could go, but he can easily see further offs in order to become better at one The Alpha variant, first identified in outbreaks, making the jump and then jumps in transmission over the next thing you often get worse at something Kent, UK, performed a large jump in accelerating. couple of years. Other viruses have else. The fastest vaccination programme its ability to transmit. Now Delta, seen far higher R0s and the record-holder, in history will give the virus a different first in India, leapt further still. This is So how far could it go? measles, can cause explosive outbreaks. hurdle to overcome and squeeze it in evolution in action. The cleanest way of comparing the “There is still space for it to move another evolutionary direction. So are we doomed to a never-ending pure biological spreading power of higher,” said Prof. Barclay. “Measles “It is quite possible that changes in parade of new and improved variants viruses is to look at their R0 (pronounced is between 14 and 30; depending on the virus that make it better at avoiding that get harder and harder to contain? R-naught). It’s the average number of who you ask, I don’t know how it’s vaccines could end up compromising Or is there a limit to how much worse people each infected person passes a going to play out.” its ability to transmit in an absolute coronavirus can become? virus on to if nobody were immune sense,” said Dr. Katzourakis. It’s worth remembering the journey and nobody took extra precautions to So how are the variants He thinks the Beta variant – which this virus is on. It has made the jump avoid getting infected. doing it? has a mutation called E484K that helps from infecting a completely different That number was around 2.5 when There are many tricks the virus could evade the immune system but hasn’t species – its closest relatives are in the pandemic started in Wuhan and employ to get better at spreading, such managed to take off – is an example bats – to us. It’s like you, starting a could be as high as 8.0 for the Delta as: of this. However, the Delta does have new job: You’re competent, but not variant, according to disease modellers mutations that both help it spread and yy Improving how it opens the the finished article. The first variant at Imperial. “This virus has surprised us partially dodge immunity. doorway to our body’s cells was good enough to start a devastating a lot. It is beyond anything we feared,” What will turn out to be the pandemic, but now it’s learning on the said Dr. Aris Katzourakis, who studies yy Surviving longer in the air optimal strategy for coronavirus is job. When viruses jump to humans, viral evolution at the University of yy still hard to predict. Different viruses it would be “very rare for them to be Oxford. “The fact it has happened Increasing the viral load so use different techniques to keep on perfect”, said Prof. Wendy Barclay, twice in 18 months, two lineages patients breathe or cough out infecting. Measles is explosive, but more viruses leaves behind lifelong immunity, so yy Changing when in the course of it always has to find someone new. an infection it spreads to another Influenza has a much lower R0, barely person above one, but constantly mutates to One way the Alpha variant became side-step immunity. “We’re in a really more transmissible was by getting interesting, intermediate, and somewhat pressure on the virus for that to happen. the next variants won’t be able to pose better at sneaking past the intruder unpredictable phase; it is difficult to The virus is already off into the next a major problem due to widespread alarm – called the interferon response predict how that’s going to play out person long before it kills the person immunity. But these progressively more – inside our body’s cells. But this does a year from now,” said Prof. Barclay. it infected. And the people who do the transmissible variants are a nightmare not mean that by the time we work One thing that is often claimed, but most spreading (younger people) are for the rest of the world where they are through the Greek alphabet of variants attracts scientific scorn, is that the virus those who don’t get very ill. making it harder and harder to stay on and reach Omega that we’ll end up with must get milder in order to spread more In rich countries with good top of Covid. an unstoppable beast. “Ultimately there easily. There is very little evolutionary vaccination campaigns, it is hoped (BBC) 7 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { PICTORIAL } „„ www.themorning.lk

WAVES OF CARNAGE

UK-based Oil Spill Response observing the damage caused by debris being washed ashore by the MV X-Press Pearl, a Singapore-registered container ship, at the Sarakkuwa Beach, Negombo, on Saturday (12) PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

MANNING THE MARKET Due to the increase in vegetable prices, there was a sharp decrease in the number of wholesalers visiting the Manning Market in Peliyagoda on Sunday (13). As a result, large quantities of vegetables were left over PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA

STABBING RELIEF The first dose of Sputnik V vaccine was given to the people of Mulleriyawa on Sunday (13) at Sri Rahula College, Angoda PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA Tuesday, June 15, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk business Forex can help SL recover: World Bank Export target World Bank Country told the online gathering. Director for Sri Lanka, “What we have seen in other Nepal, and the Maldives countries is that investment Faris Hadad-Zervos, promotion is the beginning speaking during a panel of the game and not the discussion at the virtual Sri end. The name of the game Lanka Investment Forum is attracting and retaining to be lowered 2021 organised by the Ceylon efficiency seeking FDI.” Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka is currently zz Industry feedback to be zz Revised figures to be (CCC) last week, focused placed 99th in the latest Ease on the importance FDI of Doing Business rankings sought before revision announced end June (foreign direct investment) compiled by the World Bank. plays in Sri Lanka’s post- Hadad-Zervos pointed out BY IMSHA IQBAL To LISTEN to pandemic recovery and that FDI has a huge role to ri Lanka’s annual our business future economic growth. play in helping Sri Lanka export target for page lead He pointed out that Sri leverage its potential and the current year is story, scan Lanka is capable of meeting World Bank Country Director diversify its export and set to be revised this QR code its goal of attracting $ 5 for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the investment sources. Many afterS a consultation with on your device billion FDI by 2025. Higher Maldives Faris Hadad-Zervos Sri Lankan companies all the export industries levels of FDI would also have already tapped into due to the prevailing third in the target is doubtful to project strengthen exports, foster Hadad-Zervos called for this opportunity and have wave of the pandemic and as the exports have drastically growth, and assist the the country to focus on become global players in resultant travel restrictions slowed down. country to put its debt on comprehensive reforms to multiple markets. that have hindered day to Nevertheless, the EDB a more sustainable footing. increase productivity and The World Bank day operations, The Morning chairman said that the success of “We believe this is entirely competitiveness. Country Director called Business learns. the vaccination drive would have doable given the country’s “The Government needs for policymakers to focus Speaking to us in this regard, an impact on the export targets as rich natural resources, to set in place a collective on export earnings in the Sri Lanka Export Development well as the lifting of the imposed strategic location, highly set of policies and practices comparison to overall Board (EDB) Chairman Suresh de restriction in order to contain the literate workforce and that make up an investment GDP and track its growth Mel stated that the export targets spread of the virus. opportunities for investment ecosystem, ranging from consistently to identify what need to be revised for this year. It In the month of May 2021, de in tourism, IT-enabled improvements of the policy changes are needed to is because of the “twist” that has Mel pointed out that the apparel services, logistics, and investment climate and improve competitiveness and taken place due to the third wave sector is the most affected industry high value-added apparel elimination of unnecessary reach. He also advocated for of the pandemic which prevails in the process of manufacturing and food services, among regulatory burdens to a fresh look at tariff systems in Sri Lanka since the last couple and exporting during the third others.” enhancing predictability and improved access to of months. wave. However, for Sri Lanka of laws and responsiveness intermediate imports needed “We have to revise our (Sri EDB Chairman Suresh de Mel It is noteworthy that Sri to leverage on these of bureaucracy to deliver for export value addition. Lanka’s) targets (export),” said Lanka’s export performance competitive advantages, effective FDI services,” he Contd. on page 4 de Mel, explaining that the last couple of months the export “Maybe, after the end of during the period of January to pandemic has made the country’s targets went awry with the third the month, we will try to get April 2021 has had growth in situation chaotically unpredictable, wave of the virus cases. Therefore, some data,” he had said at the most sectors. When it comes to especially when it comes to collecting of the data prior to the time. He said this is due to the largest export merchandise, exports. target revision has now become the unpredictability with the the apparel has achieved $ 1693. Nearly 1,000 tourists However, he said that at this the need of the hour. travel restriction that was then 31 million. Tea has earned $ point, the EDB has not yet De Mel further said he cannot in effect till Monday, 14 June. 417.38 million during the same finalised the new export target foresee how the changes may take Consequently, the research will period. However, in comparison in June first week figures, stressing that they would place in the export targets implying be able to be conducted and to the one in 2020, spice and be able to receive the feedback that he cannot make remarks completed by the end of the essential oils have had the highest from the industry itself in order to solely based on his opinion in an month of June, when the country growth in percentage which is BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI ways we can increase our come up with the revised target. “over- enthusiastic” manner, but is re-open for economic activities. 136.76%. The apparel sector and The Ministry of Tourism has tourist arrivals, one includes “We still don’t have the data,” he the decision is a collaborative “We have no way to forecast,” tea have had a growth of 28.69% informed that an estimate of an associate from the Chinese said, emphasising that during the effort of the industry overall. he said, noting that the alteration and 19.79%, respectively. 997 tourists have arrived to Embassy who is related to the Sri Lanka as of the previous cultural ministry who proposed Monday (7) after the reopening to bring pilgrim tourists,” of airports on 1 June 2021. Hettiarachchi commented. Speaking to The Morning He further added that Recycling deposit of Rs. 10 Business, Ministry of Tourism the second way is through Secretary S. Hettiarachchi a US associate that has also informed that the tourist an Memorandum of arrivals are 1,682 arrivals in Understanding with the Sri January, 3,366 in February, Ministry of Tourism Secretary Lanka Tourism Development for 750 ml plastic bottles 4,581 in March, and 4,168 S. Hettiarachchi Authority in order to promote arrivals in April. Sri Lankan tourism to China. The Ministry of Environment can recycle such bottles at present, “In the last week of May, the or decrease of Covid patients Accordingly, the US is focusing on implementing attention has been focused on airport closed, thus, the tourist and take necessary decisions,” associate has promised to bring an alternative programme to setting up a joint recycling arrivals from 1 May to 21 May Hettiarachchi stated. around 100,000. He also stated prevent 750 ml plastic bottles factory by these plastic bottle is 1497, with around 997 He further added that that there is no Travel Bubble from entering the environment, manufacturing companies. arrivals so far as of 7 June,” tourists are still visiting the with China as of yet. by proposing consumers who Meanwhile, the Ministry of Hettiarachchi commented. country with the travel bubble However, Hettiarachchi purchase 750 ml plastic bottles Environment states that another He further commented system that is in place along commented: “In the future, to keep a monetary recycling list of polythene and plastic related that most of the tourists have with quarantining at the Level we would prefer to normally deposit. Upon the return of the products has been prepared under arrived from the countries 1 hotels. carry out tourism operations empty bottle, the deposit can be the programme implemented to of Kazakhstan, Ukraine, On the other hand, the when the situation is better, claimed. reduce the use of polythene and Germany, China, and India. Tourism Ministry Secretary rather than a travel bubble.” This is because the Central plastics in the country and it is It was further noted that future stated that the ministry expects On the other hand, the Environmental Authority (CEA) proposed to ban those products tourists are also expected to more than 100,000 arrivals relief package for loans and says banning plastic bottles is in the near future. arrive from these countries. from China. However, he leasing facilities provided by impractical. The reason many of these “After 21 June, health stated that China is not fully the Government to businesses The Ministry added that even polythene and plastic products authorities have said that comfortable with international and other parties in the tourism bottles that have been disposed are banned is because they are they will evaluate what the travel, and that the ministry sector who were affected by of can be collected and returned, proposed, the deposit is Rs. 10 and The Ministry of Environment manufactured materials that situation of the pandemic is, will have future discussions the Covid-19 pandemic was making it possible for people to the companies involved have also further points out that as there is have eco-friendly and easily whether we are at a standstill regarding this. also extended until the end earn an extra income. As currently agreed to the proposal. no such factory in the country that biodegradable alternatives. or if there has been an increase “There are currently two of this year. Decade-high food prices hit Asia The impact of the soaring prices of cereals, vegetables oils and sugar – rose Moreover, commodities prices have been next month, citing higher edible oil prices agricultural staples from wheat to vegetable for the 12th consecutive month in May to boosted by investment money flowing into over the past few months. In South Korea, oils to sugar over the past few months is 127.1, hitting the highest level in nearly the market, as investors diversify risks amid the largest bakery chain Paris Baguette now hitting consumers and businesses 10 years. May’s figure was 40% higher high liquidity in the financial markets. raised bread prices by 5.6% in February in Asia. than a year ago. Against such a backdrop, Asian food as the prices of raw materials increased. Food manufacturers are offloading A combination of several factors drove manufacturers are hiking their prices to In China, the prices of some local soybean higher prices to households, which is the price surge. Demand in China, one of offset the higher costs of raw materials. cooking oils have increased by 20% in weighing on consumption and potentially the world’s biggest food importers, has Major food importers such as Japan, South April, according to local reports. subduing any economic recovery from the been strong as the country has recovered Korea, and China are seeing the impact. Official consumer price data already Covid-19 pandemic in some countries. from the pandemic at a faster rate than Japanese flour miller Nisshin Seifun show inflation in some countries. South Some exporters and farmers are, however, most of the rest of the world. Group will raise the prices for wheat flour Korea’s consumer price index rose 2.6% benefitting from the favourable market Higher marine shipping costs, stemming products for households by 2% to 4% in in May from a year earlier, marking the conditions. from a shortage of containers and supply July. The company said it could not absorb highest increase since March 2012, partly The benchmark food price index chain disruptions, is another factor. The the higher raw material prices as well due to higher agricultural prices. Notably, published by the United Nations Food FAO also blamed supply-side issues such as rising logistics and packaging costs. the prices of food and non-alcoholic and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) – as harvest delays and reduced sugar cane Food manufacturer Ajinomoto will also beverages rose 7.4% from a year ago. which tracks the prices of meat, dairy, yields in Brazil. raise its mayonnaise prices by 1% to 10% Contd. on page 4 42 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 11 June 2021 CSE Price List 14 June 2021 Fund name Unit selling price.....Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Arpico Ataraxia CMT (Cash Management Trust) 23.9114...... 23.9114 VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) ArpicoAtaraxia S&P SL 20 Index Fund 5.6866...... 5.5832 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 38,431...... 29.2...... 29...... 29.2...... 27.5...... 28.1...... -1.1 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]..453,271...... 40.4...... 40...... 40.9...... 39.9...... 40.4...... 0 Astrue Active Income Fund 102.9746...... 102.9746 ABANS...... 460...... 179.5...... 176.5...... 176.5...... 176...... 176.5...... -3 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 10,533...... 14.8...... 14.9...... 14.9...... 14.5...... 14.5...... -0.3 Astrue Alpha Fund 17.6951...... 16.7418 ACCESS ENG SL...... 613,332...... 24...... 24...... 24.1...... 23.7...... 23.9...... -0.1 SIERRA CABL...... 100,634...... 7.6...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.3...... 7.5...... -0.1 Assetline Income Fund 17.1356...... 17.1356 ACL...... 116,734...... 42...... 42...... 42...... 41.3...... 41.6...... -0.4 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 52...... 34.5...... 35.9...... 35.9...... 35.9...... 34.5...... 0 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.1461...... 17.6309 ACL PLASTICS...... 399...... 265.75...... 263...... 265...... 263...... 264...... -1.75 SINGER FINANCE...... 83,420...... 16.6...... 16.7...... 16.9...... 16.2...... 16.8...... 0.2 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.2215...... 10.2215 Senfin Growth Fund 9.4200...... 9.1000 ACME...... 4,510...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.8...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 0 SLT...... 6,630...... 34...... 34...... 34...... 33.7...... 34...... 0 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.3941...... 15.3941 AGALAWATTE...... 19,301...... 24.7...... 24.7...... 25...... 24.4...... 25...... 0.3 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 55,876...... 26.9...... 27...... 27...... 26.6...... 26.9...... 0 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 11.9000...... 11.5700 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 2,852...... 37.7...... 38...... 38...... 37...... 37...... -0.7 SWISSTEK...... 180,999...... 31.4...... 31.2...... 31.2...... 30.5...... 30.7...... -0.7 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.5799...... 12.5799 AITKEN SPENCE...... 1,466...... 60...... 58...... 59.9...... 58...... 58.1...... -1.9 TALAWAKELLE...... 32,506...... 46.9...... 47.2...... 47.2...... 46...... 46.8...... -0.1 Ceybank Century Growth 79.4800...... 76.1400 ALLIANCE...... 17,295...... 76.1...... 76...... 77.8...... 75.7...... 75.9...... -0.2 TANGERINE...... 105...... 39.2...... 44.5...... 44.5...... 43.5...... 44.5...... 5.3 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.6943...... 14.6943 AMANA BANK...... 131,427...... 3.2...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 3.2...... 3.2...... 0 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 131...... 34.4...... 34.5...... 34.7...... 34.5...... 34.7...... 0.3 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.9608...... 11.9608 AMAYA LEISURE...... 22...... 18...... 17.8...... 18.3...... 17.8...... 18...... 0 ...... 193,567...... 39.3...... 39.2...... 39.3...... 38.7...... 38.8...... -0.5 Ceybank High Yield Fund 14.1495...... 14.1495 ASIA ASSET...... 1,256,243...... 6.9...... 7...... 8.3...... 7...... 7.9...... 1 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 17,289...... 226.5...... 225...... 229.75...... 221...... 224...... -2.5 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.4975...... 12.4975 ASIRI...... 28,185...... 30...... 30...... 31...... 29.8...... 30...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT...... 44,658...... 74.6...... 74.8...... 74.8...... 72.1...... 73.1...... -1.5 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.8500...... 24.2600 ASIRI SURG...... 50...... 14.6...... 14.7...... 14.7...... 14.7...... 14.6...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].192,308...... 67.7...... 68.5...... 68.5...... 66.5...... 67...... -0.7 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.8789...... 0.8745 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 30,230...... 155.75...... 155.5...... 156.5...... 152...... 155...... -0.75 UNION BANK...... 70,855...... 11.8...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 11.8...... 11.8...... 0 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.5300...... 7.2200 BALANGODA...... 3,918...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.5...... 12.5...... -0.1 UNION CHEMICALS XD...... 14...... 798...... 798...... 798...... 750.25...... 798...... 0 Ceylon Income Fund 22.7490...... 22.7490 CEYLON Index Fund 56.6000...... 54.2900 BUKIT DARAH...... 499...... 278...... 280...... 280...... 274.25...... 278...... 0 UNISYST...... 1,281...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 8.9...... 8.7...... 8.8...... 0 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.7400...... 5.5900 C M HOLDINGS...... 11,152...... 87.4...... 87.2...... 90.6...... 87...... 87...... -0.4 UNITED MOTORS...... 1,256...... 62.1...... 62.1...... 62.1...... 61.1...... 61.2...... -0.9 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.7920...... 17.7920 C T HOLDINGS...... 1,229...... 175...... 175.5...... 175.5...... 175...... 175...... 0 VALLIBEL...... 2,281,723...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 8...... 7.6...... 7.9...... 0.1 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.4900...... 3.3500 CARGILLS...... 4...... 245...... 240.25...... 244.75...... 240.25...... 245...... 0 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 100,240...... 167.25...... 162...... 163.75...... 160...... 163...... -4.25 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1400...... 6.1400 CARGO BOAT...... 1...... 67.4...... 68...... 68...... 68...... 67.4...... 0 VIDULLANKA...... 350,403...... 5.9...... 6...... 6...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 0 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7943...... 11.7943 CDB...... 2,500...... 138.25...... 131.75...... 131.75...... 131...... 131...... -7.25 WATAWALA...... 67,757...... 55.3...... 55.5...... 55.9...... 55...... 55...... -0.3 Comtrust Equity Fund 19.0800...... 18.2200 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 20,040...... 86.2...... 86.5...... 86.5...... 85...... 86...... -0.2 WINDFORCE...... 637,694...... 19.6...... 19.2...... 19.2...... 18.9...... 18.9...... -0.7 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.5844...... 10.5844 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 31,848...... 95.4...... 96...... 96...... 91...... 94.3...... -1.1 SECOND BOARD Comtrust Money Market Fund 12.1135...... 12.1135 CENTRAL IND...... 12,017...... 115.5...... 117.5...... 117.5...... 114...... 114.75...... -0.75 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 60...... 27.2...... 27.3...... 28.3...... 27.3...... 27.2...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,406.5300...... 1,336.2000 CEYLINCO INS...... 40...... 1933.25...... 1,950.00...... 1,950.00...... 1,950.00.....1,933.25...... 0 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 143,364...... 5.7...... 5.6...... 5.6...... 5.5...... 5.5...... -0.2 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,906.6000...... 1,906.5500 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 1...... 1000...... 1,049.00...... 1,049.00...... 1,049.00.....1,000.00...... 0 ASIA CAPITAL...... 49,502...... 5.2...... 5.1...... 5.2...... 5...... 5...... -0.2 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,513.7200...... 1,513.7200 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 1,000...... 114.75...... 115...... 115...... 115...... 115...... 0.25 BROWNS BEACH...... 5,460...... 9.9...... 9.4...... 9.8...... 9.4...... 9.5...... -0.4 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,959.6200...... 1,959.6200 CEYLON INV...... 13,165...... 62.1...... 62.3...... 62.9...... 62...... 62...... -0.1 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 117,010...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6...... 6.2...... -0.1 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,156.9400...... 1,156.9100 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 19.2826...... 18.8858 CEYLON TOBACCO XD...... 847...... 979.75...... 980...... 980...... 970...... 971...... -8.75 DISTILLERIES...... 232,351...... 21.1...... 21.8...... 21.9...... 21.1...... 21.3...... 0.2 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.6413...... 20.6413 CHEMANEX...... 8,230...... 76...... 76.8...... 76.8...... 74...... 74...... -2 FIRST CAPITAL...... 23,746...... 51.6...... 51.6...... 52...... 51...... 51.5...... -0.1 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 28.3252...... 28.3252 CHEVRON...... 38,397...... 109.25...... 109...... 109...... 107...... 107.5...... -1.75 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 41,420...... 28.7...... 28.8...... 28.8...... 28.4...... 28.6...... -0.1 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 15.1274...... 15.1274 CIC...... 127,661...... 52.3...... 53.1...... 53.1...... 52.2...... 53...... 0.7 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 2,248...... 74.2...... 70...... 80...... 70...... 73.8...... -0.4 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 25.7500...... 24.2000 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 167,351...... 44.1...... 44.2...... 44.8...... 42.9...... 44.2...... 0.1 LOLC FINANCE...... 271,807...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.5...... 6.7...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.6255...... 9.2628 CITRUS LEISURE...... 1,324...... 9...... 8.7...... 9.1...... 8.7...... 8.9...... -0.1 ODEL PLC...... 1,501...... 18.3...... 18.5...... 18.5...... 18.2...... 18.2...... -0.1 NAMAL Growth Fund 147.7029...... 137.8574 COLD STORES...... 12,019...... 618.75...... 620...... 625...... 618...... 620...... 1.25 ORIENT FINANCE...... 37,222...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.9...... 15.2...... 15.5...... -0.4 NAMAL High Yield Fund 25.2502...... 25.2502 COLOMBO CITY...... 7...... 808.5...... 835...... 850...... 835...... 808.5...... 0 PDL...... XD 2,774...... 122.25...... 123.25...... 124.25...... 123.25...... 124.25...... 2 NAMAL Income Fund 13.3592...... 13.3592 COLOMBO LAND...... 40,547...... 26.9...... 27...... 28.9...... 26...... 26.4...... -0.5 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 5,630...... 7.6...... 7.60...... 7.60...... 7.50...... 7.50...... -0.1 National Equity Fund 35.9019...... 33.5860 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 159,177...... 91.5...... 91...... 91.4...... 89.9...... 90.6...... -0.9 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 58,415...... 18.9...... 18.9...... 18.9...... 18.5...... 18.6...... -0.3 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.9731...... 18.9731 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].63,732...... 78.1...... 78.2...... 78.2...... 77.4...... 78...... -0.1 EMPOWER BOARD NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 48.9200...... 47.5400 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 12...... 1199...... 1,180.00...... 1,180.00...... 1,170.00.....1,199.00...... 0 CHRISSWORLD...... 32,217...... 14.4...... 14.6...... 14.8...... 14.3...... 14.5...... 0.1 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.4900...... 11.0200 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.4622...... 16.4622 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 103,189...... 14...... 14...... 14...... 13.7...... 13.9...... -0.1 DIRI SAVI BOARD NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.4445...... 17.4445 DFCC BANK PLC...... 48,124...... 64...... 64...... 64...... 63.4...... 63.6...... -0.4 AGSTAR PLC...... 22,776...... 7.5...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.6134...... 16.6134 DIALOG...... 773,819...... 13.2...... 13.2...... 13.2...... 13...... 13.1...... -0.1 ALUMEX PLC...... 1,467,985...... 14...... 14.2...... 14.3...... 13.9...... 14.1...... 0.1 NDB Wealth Money Fund 21.0162...... 21.0162 DIMO XD...... 56...... 524.75...... 525...... 525...... 521...... 504.57...... -20.18 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 97,987...... 7.7...... 7.8...... 8.2...... 7.7...... 8...... 0.3 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 24.0502...... 24.0502 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 823,602...... 51.1...... 51.8...... 52...... 50.9...... 51.8...... 0.7 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 9,208...... 21.2...... 21.2...... 21.2...... 20.7...... 21...... -0.2 Premier Growth Fund 7.1500...... 6.8000 DOCKYARD...... 2,101...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 74.2...... 75...... 0 AMF CO LTD...... 10,131...... 260.75...... 269.75...... 300...... 269.75...... 276.5...... 15.75 Premier Money Market Fund 19.1490...... 19.1490 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 7,083...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 25...... 0 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 21,004...... 21...... 21.7...... 21.7...... 20.9...... 21...... 0 E B CREASY...... 32,262...... 25.1...... 26.4...... 26.4...... 24.9...... 25.3...... 0.2 ASIA SIYAKA...... 278,529...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 2.6...... 2.7...... 0 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EAST WEST...... 2,000...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 0 BANSEI RESORTS...... 1,000...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 8...... 0 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 19,301...... 5.8...... 5.6...... 5.8...... 5.6...... 5.6...... -0.2 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 64,549...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0 Ex­change Rates 14 June 2021 ...... 449,617...... 47.6...... 47.6...... 47.9...... 46.9...... 47.5...... -0.1 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 3...... 26.5...... 25.5...... 25.5...... 25.5...... 26.5...... 0 FORT LAND...... 44,940...... 14.8...... 15...... 15...... 14.5...... 14.6...... -0.2 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 83...... 11.5...... 11.8...... 11.8...... 11.8...... 11.5...... 0 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous GESTETNER...... 5...... 82...... 82...... 82...... 82...... 82...... 0 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 1,004,885...... 16.7...... 16.9...... 16.9...... 16...... 16.8...... 0.1 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 22,216...... 139.5...... 139.5...... 140...... 135...... 138...... -1.5 BROWNS...... 105,580...... 178.75...... 184...... 184...... 172.25...... 177.5...... -1.25 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYCARB...... 103,557...... 94.9...... 95.5...... 96.3...... 94.5...... 95...... 0.1 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 4,846,104...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 6.2...... 6.2...... -0.1 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE ...... 1,014,957...... 75.8...... 76.5...... 76.5...... 74.5...... 75.2...... -0.6 C T LAND...... 1,096...... 25...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 152.0440...... 156.8091 BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DINAR...... 530.2098 CANADIAN DOLLAR 162.2865...... 167.5473 KUWAIT KUWAIT DINAR...... 664.4807 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 2,852,894...... 18.8...... 18.7...... 18.7...... 17.9...... 18.3...... -0.5 C.W.MACKIE...... 323,088...... 58.5...... 58.4...... 61.7...... 58.4...... 60.9...... 2.4 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 30.1611...... 31.9061 OMAN OMAN RIAL...... 519.2060 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 21,904...... 52.7...... 53...... 53...... 52.5...... 52.9...... 0.2 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 730,817...... 4.3...... 4.4...... 4.5...... 4.3...... 4.4...... 0.1 EURO 238.0402...... 245.7310 QATAR QATAR RIYAL...... 54.0036 JAPANESE YEN 1.7949...... 1.8476 SAUDI ARABIA SAUDI ARABIAN RIYAL...... 53.2981 HDFC...... 151...... 36.5...... 36.9...... 36.9...... 36.5...... 36.6...... 0.1 CIT...... 47...... 130...... 130...... 130...... 130...... 130...... 0 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 148.6571...... 153.2309 UAE UAE DIRHAM...... 54.4190 ...... 110,202...... 85.5...... 85.5...... 86...... 84.7...... 84.8...... -0.7 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 21,000...... 5.3...... 5.2...... 5.3...... 5.2...... 5.2...... -0.1 STERLING POUND 278.5835...... 286.5629 HNB...... 65,928...... 135.5...... 135.5...... 136.75...... 134...... 135.75...... 0.25 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 35,193...... 3...... 3...... 3...... 3...... 3...... 0 SWISS FRANC 218.7412...... 226.4036 US DOLLAR 198.1103...... 202.8896 HNB ASSURANCE...... 13,766...... 52.9...... 53...... 53...... 52.8...... 53...... 0.1 COM.CREDIT...... 7,380...... 25.7...... 25.9...... 25.9...... 25...... 25.3...... -0.4 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 447,798...... 110...... 109.75...... 111...... 108.75...... 110.75...... 0.75 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 467...... 113.5...... 113...... 113...... 110...... 110...... -3.5 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 100...... 62.9...... 64.9...... 64.9...... 64.9...... 64.9...... 2 E - CHANNELLING...... 1,003...... 6...... 6...... 6...... 5.9...... 5.9...... -0.1 Market Indicators 14 June 2021 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 2,078,644...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 32,115...... 10...... 10...... 10...... 9.8...... 9.8...... -0.2 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,582.27...... 7,610.30 JKH...... 142,348...... 137.75...... 137.5...... 137.5...... 136.75...... 137.25...... -0.5 ELPITIYA...... 2,315...... 43...... 43.2...... 44.9...... 43.2...... 44.1...... 1.1 S&P SL20 3,054.94...... 3,067.03 KANDY HOTELS...... 1,500...... 4.8...... 4.9...... 4.9...... 4.9...... 4.9...... 0.1 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 80...... 48.2...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 48.2...... 0 KEGALLE...... 8...... 104.5...... 107...... 107...... 107...... 104.5...... 0 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 1,100...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.1...... 10.3...... 0 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,173.77...... 10,211.15 KELANI CABLES...... 6,355...... 145.75...... 148...... 148...... 140...... 145.75...... 0 GALADARI...... 21,463...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.4...... 8...... 8...... -0.3 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,148.14...... 5,168.50 KELANI TYRES...... 11,675...... 86.1...... 86...... 86.5...... 85.7...... 86...... -0.1 HAPUGASTENNE...... 100...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 16.1...... 0 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 1,361,653,760.00...... 2,278,218,750.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 11,050...... 41.4...... 41.5...... 42...... 41.4...... 42...... 0.6 HARISCHANDRA...... 13...... 4048.25...... 3,701.00...... 3,701.00...... 3,700.50.....4,048.25...... 0 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 1,315,268,740.00...... 2,200,133,120.00 KINGSBURY...... 6,000...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.3...... 6.3...... -0.1 HATTON...... 200...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 0 DOMESTIC SALES 1,259,049,340.00...... 2,107,839,230.00 KOTAGALA...... 12,074...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... -0.1 HNB FINANCE...... 2,800...... 8.8...... 9...... 9...... 8.8...... 9...... 0.2 FOREIGN PURCHASES 46,385,140.00...... 78,085,576.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 405,650...... 388.25...... 385...... 392.5...... 381.25...... 386.25...... -2 HVA FOODS...... 81,279...... 6.1...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6...... 6.1...... 0 FOREIGN SALES 102,604,464.00...... 170,379,536.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 333,051...... 25.2...... 25.1...... 25.5...... 24.3...... 25.1...... -0.1 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 184...... 9.4...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 9.3...... -0.1 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 68,976,856.00...... 103,808,848.00 LANKA ASHOK...... 165...... 689.5...... 690...... 690...... 690...... 690...... 0.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 2,475...... 71...... 68.4...... 70.6...... 66.5...... 68.5...... -2.5 DOMESTIC 65,231,544.00...... 98,166,080.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 3,422...... 46.4...... 46.5...... 46.5...... 45...... 46...... -0.4 KAHAWATTE...... 23...... 27.6...... 27.6...... 27.6...... 27.5...... 27.6...... 0 LANKA IOC...... 4,563,215...... 20.6...... 23.6...... 23.9...... 22.2...... 23.1...... 2.5 KEELLS FOOD...... 2...... 165...... 168.75...... 168.75...... 168.75...... 165...... 0 FOREIGN 3,745,308.00...... 5,642,767.00 LANKA TILES...... 558,472...... 53.9...... 53.9...... 53.9...... 52...... 52.9...... -1 KEELLS HOTELS...... 1,196...... 9.4...... 9.2...... 9.5...... 9.2...... 9.4...... 0 TRADES(NO.) 18,709...... 24,140 LANKA VENTURES...... 305...... 53...... 53.8...... 53.8...... 51...... 51...... -2 KELSEY...... 1,200...... 30...... 29.8...... 30...... 29.3...... 29.5...... -0.5 DOMESTIC 18,375...... 23,622 LANKA WALLTILE...... 402,912...... 63.7...... 63.2...... 63.8...... 62.3...... 63.3...... -0.4 LANKA CERAMIC...... 214...... 150...... 150...... 150.25...... 146...... 147...... -3 FOREIGN 334...... 518 LAUGFS GAS...... 150,164...... 21.2...... 21.6...... 23.6...... 21.6...... 23.1...... 1.9 LANKEM CEYLON...... 2,438...... 28.5...... 29...... 29...... 25.5...... 26.9...... -1.6 CORPORATE DEBT 31883784...... 0 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 281,400...... 14.2...... 14.7...... 15.9...... 14.7...... 14.9...... 0.7 LAUGFS POWER...... 26,927...... 8.6...... 8.8...... 9...... 8.8...... 9...... 0.4 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LAXAPANA...... 50,582...... 14...... 14...... 14.7...... 13.8...... 14...... 0 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000].83,574...... 6.4...... 6.5...... 7...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 0.5 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 285...... 285 LB FINANCE...... 208,980...... 66.4...... 66.4...... 66.5...... 65.5...... 65.7...... -0.7 LOTUS HYDRO...... 10,913...... 10...... 9.8...... 10.2...... 9.8...... 10...... 0 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 247...... 259 LEE HEDGES...... 5,500...... 67.4...... 64.5...... 70...... 63.1...... 68.5...... 1.1 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 19,051...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.7...... -0.1 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 11.7...... 13.8 LMF...... 8,699...... 153...... 154...... 154...... 152.5...... 152.5...... -0.5 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 731...... 29...... 29...... 29.8...... 29...... 29.8...... 0.8 LVL ENERGY...... 283,440...... 10.4...... 10.3...... 10.6...... 10.2...... 10.5...... 0.1 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 56,947...... 1.8...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 1.8...... 1.8...... 0 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.1...... 1.2 MALWATTE...... 10,410...... 12.3...... 11.8...... 12.2...... 11.8...... 12.2...... -0.1 MASKELIYA...... 2...... 11.8...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 11.9...... 11.8...... 0 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.4...... 2.3 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 1,529...... 7.7...... 7.6...... 7.8...... 7.6...... 7.8...... 0.1 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 41,104...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 6...... 5.8...... 5.9...... 0 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,357,264,359,656.00...... 3,369,675,729,661.00 ...... 645,901...... 48.5...... 48.7...... 49.6...... 48...... 49.3...... 0.8 ON’ALLY...... 1...... 31.7...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 31.7...... 0 MERC. SHIPPING...... 50...... 76...... 75.5...... 75.5...... 75.5...... 76...... 0 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 7...... 25.5...... 24.5...... 24.5...... 24.5...... 25.5...... 0 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK...... 241,054...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.7...... 6.8...... -0.1 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 100...... 28.7...... 28.6...... 28.6...... 28.6...... 28.6...... -0.1 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 834...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 PRIME FINANCE...... 11...... 12.2...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.6...... 12.2...... 0 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.79...... 4.80 NAMUNUKULA...... 620...... 156.5...... 158...... 158...... 155...... 156.5...... 0 PRIMERESIDENCIES...... 2,565,621...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 10.4...... 10.6...... -0.2 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.65...... 4.70 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.85...... 4.80 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 93,119...... 81.8...... 82.6...... 82.6...... 80.5...... 81...... -0.8 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 253,983...... 6.2...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6...... 6.1...... -0.1 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 30,000...... 21,714 NATIONS TRUST...... 10,010...... 60...... 59.8...... 59.8...... 58.9...... 59.2...... -0.8 RAMBODA FALLS...... 739...... 17.9...... 17.9...... 17.9...... 16...... 16.4...... -1.5 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 30,000...... 21,714 NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000]...... 149...... 60...... 59.1...... 75...... 59.1...... 73.8...... 13.8 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 265,409...... 6.7...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.5...... 6.8...... 0.1 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NAWALOKA...... 9,322...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 0.2 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 119...... 362...... 356...... 358...... 356...... 357...... -5 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 117,185 NESTLE XD...... 512...... 1100.25...... 1,100.25...... 1,105.00...... 1,100.00.....1,104.50...... 4.25 ROYAL PALMS...... 11,744...... 15.2...... 15.3...... 15.8...... 15.3...... 15.3...... 0.1 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... 28,783 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 216,750...... 15.8...... 15.8...... 16.1...... 15.7...... 15.9...... 0.1 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 44...... 225...... 225.75...... 245...... 225.75...... 225...... 0 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PAN ASIA...... 173,439...... 17.2...... 16.9...... 17...... 16.5...... 16.9...... -0.3 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 2...... 6...... 6...... 6.3...... 6...... 6...... 0 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 874,336.37 PANASIAN POWER...... 1,217,898...... 4.1...... 4.1...... 4.1...... 3.9...... 4.1...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 2,010...... 14...... 14...... 14...... 13.8...... 13.8...... -0.2 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 853,577.18 PEOPLE’S INS...... 126,663...... 38.5...... 38.5...... 38.9...... 38.2...... 38.5...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000].1,010...... 9.3...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 9...... -0.3 PEOPLES LEASING...... 5,527,055...... 13.2...... 13.3...... 13.4...... 13...... 13...... -0.2 SERENDIB LAND...... 29...... 2707.4...... 2,181.75...... 2,181.75...... 2,180.00.....2,707.40...... 0 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 37,612...... 11.9...... 12...... 12...... 11.8...... 11.9...... 0 SINGER IND...... 197...... 49.1...... 51.4...... 51.4...... 50.9...... 51.4...... 2.3 TOP 10 GAINERS R I L PROPERTY...... 350,772...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.4...... 6.6...... 0 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 48,330...... 2...... 2.1...... 2.1...... 2...... 2...... 0 Company VWA VWA Change Change RADIANT GEMS...... 6,000...... 23.8...... 23...... 25...... 23...... 25...... 1.2 SOFTLOGIC...... 10,579...... 11.2...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 11...... 11.3...... 0.1 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % BLUE DIAMONDS 0.4 0.5...... 0.1...... 25 REGNIS...... 30,797...... 71...... 71...... 71...... 69.5...... 70...... -1 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 1,174,962...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.9...... 3.7...... 3.7...... -0.1 NATIONS TRUST 60 73.8...... 13.8...... 23 RENUKA AGRI...... 54,114...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 0 SWADESHI...... 1...... 17987..... 18,000.00...... 18,000.00...... 18,000.00...17,987.00...... 0 ASIA ASSET 6.9 7.9...... 1...... 14.49 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 6,016...... 240...... 238.5...... 238.5...... 226...... 229.25...... -10.75 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 383,015...... 30.2...... 30.2...... 31.9...... 30.1...... 31.1...... 0.9 SINHAPUTHRA FIN 3.6 4.1...... 0.5...... 13.89 TANGERINE 39.2 44.5...... 5.3...... 13.52 RENUKA FOODS...... 23,175...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 12.7...... 12.8...... -0.2 TAL LANKA...... 201...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 0 LANKA IOC 20.6 23.1...... 2.5...... 12.14 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...3,403...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 10.8...... 10.4...... 10.8...... 0.3 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 1,260...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 0 LAUGFS GAS 21.2 23.1...... 1.9...... 8.96 SINHAPUTHRA FIN 6 6.5...... 0.5...... 8.33 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 25,800...... 14.9...... 14.8...... 14.8...... 14.6...... 14.7...... -0.2 UNION ASSURANCE...... 411...... 280.25...... 281...... 281...... 280...... 280...... -0.25 LAUGFS POWER 6.4 6.9...... 0.5...... 7.81 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]..500...... 11.1...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 11.4...... 0.3 VALLIBEL ONE XD...... 404,581...... 56.1...... 56.1...... 56.1...... 54.5...... 54.8...... -1.3 AMF CO LTD 260.75 276.5...... 15.75...... 6.04 RESUS ENERGY...... 3...... 26.5...... 27...... 27...... 27...... 26.5...... 0 WATCH LIST TOP 10 LOSERS RICHARD PIERIS...... 112,962...... 18...... 18.1...... 18.1...... 17.5...... 17.9...... -0.1 ANILANA HOTELS...... BLUE.X0000]...... 45,115...... 1.1...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.1...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change ROYAL CERAMIC XD. 2,778,903...... 38.2...... 38.1...... 38.2...... 37.4...... 37.8...... -0.4 BLUE DIAMONDS...... [SFL.P0000]...... 3,711...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0 RAMBODA FALLS 17.9 16.4...... -1.5...... -8.38 S M B LEASING...... 4,868,436...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0 BLUE DIAMONDS [...... 503,500...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.3...... 0.1 MULTI FINANCE 8.7 8.2...... -0.5...... -5.75 LANKEM CEYLON 28.5 26.9...... -1.6...... -5.61 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].10,706,657...... 0.2...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0.2...... 0.2...... 0 LANKEM DEV...... 121,748...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 4.1...... -0.2 CDB 138.25 131...... -7.25...... -5.24 LANKEM DEV. 4.3 4.1...... -0.2...... -4.65 SAMPATH...... 733,491...... 55.5...... 55.1...... 55.9...... 54.9...... 55.7...... 0.2 MULTI FINANCE...... 35,745...... 8.7...... 8.2...... 8.4...... 8.1...... -0.5 RENUKA CITY HOT. 240 229.25...... -10.75...... -4.48 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 700...... 141.5...... 142...... 142...... 140...... 140...... -1.5 NATION LANKA...... 253,879...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0.8...... 0.7...... 0 BROWNS BEACH 9.9 9.5...... -0.4...... -4.04 ASIA CAPITAL 5.2 5...... -0.2...... -3.85 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 17,421...... 51.4...... 51.5...... 51.5...... 51.2...... 51.5...... 0.1 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 39,674...... 6...... 6...... 6.9...... 6...... 0.5 DIMO 524.75 504.57...... -20.18...... -3.85 SEYLAN BANK...... 2,810...... 51...... 51...... 51.3...... 50...... 51...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 5,100...... 3.6...... 3.9...... 4.3...... 3.9...... 0.5 LANKA VENTURES 53 51...... -2...... -3.77 business 43 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { TECH/TOURISM } „„ www.themorning.lk NEW CREDIT EVALUATION FRAMEWORK Investing in the future zz Lending credit for tech scale-ups without equity swaps or collateral

BY IMSHA IQBAL in Sri Lanka. The fintech company was btaining credit for further granted a loan from NDB Bank without expansion of a business at having to swap equity or offering some point is inevitable. collateral to fund their business, which When lending money to is a total advantage for a tech company. Osuch businesses, lenders inherently With regard to the funding by the want to make sure borrowers banks, we were able to contact NDB are capable of paying them back Kohuwela Branch Manager Kuraish without defaulting. This includes Sappidin, who explained the bank’s assessing the creditworthiness of perspective. the borrower and requiring them At the stage of initiating this to submit collateral against the framework, ICTA and PwC conducted credit. But not every company’s the credit evaluation. In order to provide creditworthiness can be assessed financial solutions, ICTA and PwC utilising the same framework; and, provided the few banks, including most certainly, not every company NDB, with a few tech companies who can provide or prove assets even were willing to scale up and go to the though they have successfully been next step in expansion. in business for some time now. This “I won’t say there is no risk, there is particular issue makes borrowing a risk,” said Sappidin, emphasising that way harder for tech companies, as in spite of the tech companies looking their assets are talent-based, unlike forward to their development, the banks other businesses with tangible PayMedia Founder Kanishka Weeramunda and NDB Kohuwela Branch Manager Kuraish Sappidin do, in fact, do go through risk, as this assets. is a step beyond the traditional banking Now, to make this easier, a new comes to funding, institutions such as Weeramunda stated: “I think it is a The financial institutions also framework. Credit Evaluation Framework was banks want to evaluate feasibility by fair way to see the business continuity concentrate on the company’s finances. Further, when asked about other introduced for tech companies in Sri calculating the asset value depreciation, with the team, and the important fact The standard practice was maintained in branches of the bank adopting the Lanka, with the collaboration of both an accounting method of allocating the is that their (banks’) focus is on how evaluating this, he said, explaining that aforesaid framework, the NDB the Information and Communication cost of an asset, which is typically a long the teams (management) will stay the bank looked at the investor viability, Branch Manager responded in an Technology Agency (ICTA) and PwC tangible one, over its life expectancy. together,” implying that the strength as in the perspective of the investor, optimistic tone. He said: “We know Sri Lanka, last Wednesday (9). However, it is difficult to measure the of the establishment among each and whether they would be interested in the eligibility criteria we are looking Curious to know more about this intangible assets that tech companies individual also affects the business investing. for. Based on that, all the branches framework and how it has been own, as in terms of tech companies their continuity. Moreover, the company’s stability in under NDB have confirmed to be on worked out, we spoke to PayMedia, asset value “is all about knowledge”. Focusing on the market growth, he the market and its social conduct is also board,” implying that the NDB network the first company to be evaluated and “There was the challenge of briefed: “We were evaluated on our researched by the banks. understands the purpose and the criteria benefitted. Speaking to The Morning evaluating these kinds of companies local market potential, international In providing evidence of the of the framework, and anticipate Business, PayMedia Founder Kanishka (intangible asset owning companies) market potential, and the market type,” company’s innovation, he emphasised implementing the evaluation strategy. Weeramunda stated: “It was an easy which provide intangible products and elaborating that the bank followed the the need of having a track record of He further said: “This is taking the three-step process, where we were to services,” he said. “That was the battle TAM-SAM-SOM theory. their own despite the phase of the tech project to the next level,” suggesting submit the past financials and future we had for the longest time.” He explained that these acronyms are company. “You need to build your track that NDB also is the first bank in Sri projections with necessary track-record He explained how the banks in respectively, Total Available Market record as a startup or scale-up,” he said. Lanka to undertake this evaluating documents to ICTA and PwC, following Sri Lanka needed to develop an (TAM), Service Accessible Market The company needs to showcase the mechanism, opening a pathway in which we were invited for a pitch at the understanding of the evaluation of (SAM), and the Service Obtainable products or the service that currently contributing to the development of the bank.” intangible assets, and therefore, a Market (SOM), and mainly represent exist in the market and how the funding technology industry in the country. ICTA Startup Ecosystem framework of such nature was vital. the subsectors of a market. directs the company to thrive from the Additionally, apart from NDB, credit Development Senior Manager Tamasha Weeramunda demystified how this Accordingly, TAM implies the existing circumstances. evaluation officers from several banks Fernando disclosed that this new launched framework functions in total market demand for a product Therefore, every company does not such as Seylan Bank, DFCC Bank, and framework aims to provide alternative bridging the communication gap or a service, while SAM shows the become eligible to be funded by a bank Union Bank have already expressed evaluation options for traditional between banks and tech companies. geographical reach targeted in the total following the evaluation framework, their willingness in considering the new lending companies such as banks and “It basically had five areas,” said product and services demand market; according to Weeramunda. It is because framework when assessing technology financial institutes, who look forward Weeramunda. Firstly, the banks put simply TAM and SOM is the portion the framework is not designed for a companies prior to financing. to supporting the scaling up of tech light on the founders’ capability, of products and services that have been startup going through the early stage, At the launch of the framework, companies. management capability, the market captured in the targeted geographical but the scaling stage, when it needs ICTA Chief Digital Economy Officer Weeramunda said that the credit growth, the product, and finance. reach, which is the portion of SAM. additional money to expand. Anura de Alwis said: “The technology evaluation system has been solely In terms of founder capability, the “They (financial institutions) use this Furthermore, when banks support in industry is core to the country’s focused on tech companies because history of the founder is analysed. The (TAM,SAM,SOM theory) to see what funding such companies, it creates a economic growth, with the highest there was no practical evaluation type of background that the founder has is the bigger picture on the market (the market opportunity for the companies. potential for employment opportunities. mechanism in existence for banks or had when initiating the tech company, tech company) can serve,” indicating At the same time, the funding creates a But most tech companies are faced any other financial institution when their education with regard to the the target market of such a company pathway for the flow of Foreign Direct with difficulties in obtaining loans tech companies needed to upscale the subject matter, and their entrepreneurial and the degree of realistic approach Investments (FDIs) into the country, due to a lack of physical collateral. business. expertise are the areas that the bank is into the market. Thus, evaluation as foreign investors come forward in Moreover, the pandemic has forced Also, the existing evaluation vigilant about prior to financial aid. assesses the duration of a customer’s funding these tech companies under many challenges on tech companies, mechanism that banks were dependent When it comes to management enthusiasm in obtaining a particular the assurance that domestic funding derailing growth to some extent. In on did not, in actual fact, highlight capability, he said from his experience service. institutions have already evaluated the this background, the new framework the market potential that a particular so far, the banks conduct research on the The fourth focal factor when it tech companies prior to the funding. launched with PwC will play a crucial technological company has. management team, the risk assessment comes to evaluation is the product. Thus, the evaluation framework role in boosting the tech industry.” Elaborating on the background which mechanism of the company, the domain In this area, Weeramunda said: “We provides credibility to foreign investors, In conclusion, PayMedia Founder led to creating the aforementioned expertise in developing the team, and were questioned about the innovation; he pinpointed. Weeramunda said that banks need framework, Weeramunda said: “The intellectual property handling, in terms whether we are a disruptive innovation, PayMedia, playing a prominent to further change their mindset of tech companies offer products and of whether it has been decentralised or mindful, sustainable innovation,” in role throughout the credit evaluation evaluating tech companies in order services where there is no tangible among a few individuals or maintained order to figure out the ultimate result of framework, is a rapidly evolving to overcome the shortcomings of asset,” demonstrating that when it by a single individual. the innovation. financial technology (fintech) company traditional frameworks.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) is to sign a Memorandum of SLITHM to sign MoU with Australia Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Government-funded Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) programme managed by Scope Global Government-funded S4IG programme (Pty.) Ltd. S4IG is a skills programme that uses the tourism sector to explore be operational within SLITHM in be conducted to set up a training review the Foundational Hospitality Bank (ADB), and the World Bank and demonstrate successful models the second half of 2021. S4IG will centre for persons with disabilities to Training Package developed with Group to support the Government of change within skills providers support SLITHM to deliver more access employment in travel services National Apprentice and Industrial of Sri Lanka in developing large- and formal and informal tourism flexible, relevant, and responsive managed by online travel and tour Training Authority (NAITA) and scale infrastructure investments in the enterprises. training to SME enterprises in the operators in Sri Lanka. The feasibility Federation of Chambers of Commerce healthcare/tourism wellness sector. Under the terms of this MoU, tourism sector to improve the digital study will review how SLITHM can and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) S4IG has established links with supported and guided by S4IG, marketing capacity of small businesses support operators seeking skills for which is an online or work-based interested industry and government SLITHM plans to adopt tourism and enable these enterprises to develop online business processing services training system that can be delivered stakeholders in programme areas and business coaching as a means to better direct links with visitors. The and how such a system can be in workplaces through a combination will work with SLITHM in 2021 to support small tourism-related business training provided will equip SMEs incorporated into SLITHM’s training of workplace training, self-study, and identify skills gaps and opportunities achieve government and industry with the knowledge to curate more services. reflection and is assessed externally to support wellness tourism. quality standards to operate in the relevant and authentic experiences There has been a dire need for by industry assessors for skills The above collaboration with tourism sector and generate improved which the post-Covid traveller will tourism business management training recognition and certification. SLITHM and S4IG will increase revenues. SLITHM will pilot coach be seeking more than ever before. for small businesses, which has also The two parties will also review sustainable opportunities in the training and work with industry The course supports businesses to been identified as a priority by industry the capacity of training provision to tourism sector in the areas of human groups to market the service to smaller identify and align with destination associations and the Tourism Skills support skills development in areas resource development, the SME businesses as a way to adapt and marketing channels and to tailor-make Council. S4IG and SLITHM will associated with social marketing: sector, tour guiding sector, and recover in tourism. A coaching training services and experience based on SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando investigate the viability of developing Digital content creation, creating increase participation of women in course is also to be completed and traveller demands, which will result a professional training programme for marketing leaflets, digital awareness the industry. The Sri Lanka Tourism implemented through this programme. in maximised yield. women will be selected to participate managers across the sector, especially programmes, event management, Development Authority (SLTDA), in Accordingly, interested and capable Further, the parties to the MoU in the pilot programme supporting supporting SMEs in 2021. S4IG and and other skills sets associated with pursuit of fulfilling the mandate for SLITHM officials and academics will will co-operate to improve practice tour guides in line with the goal set SLITHM will review the challenges regional destination development. tourism included in the national policy be trained as tourism business coaches. standards, licensing, and professional out by the national policy framework of management skills in tourism and Wellness tourism is a top priority framework, is charting a new course as A self-funded licensing system is to development of tour guides in Sri to increase female representation in prepare a proposal for management area for Sri Lanka based on the myriad it undergoes strategic re-engineering be implemented to assure quality Lanka. Drawing from relevant the industry. The programme will approval. A model could then be tested of opportunities as identified by the to be able to optimise resources and of coaching services and industry international experience and success in also incorporate an opportunity for in late 2021 and throughout 2022. National Export Strategy (NES) drive tourism to become the highest licensing will be a requirement. Thailand, Australia, and South Africa, the selected team to go through In other areas of co-operation, 2018-22 as well as tourism policies. exchange-earner for the country and An e-tourism training course will the S4IG programme will facilitate internships providing them with S4IG plans to work with SLITHM Support for this growth sector is uplift the SME sector, while creating be packaged as a foundational course development of agreed standards for hands-on experience. to identify opportunities for improved underpinned by commitments from jobs and transforming the sector to and an advanced level course will this segment of stakeholders. Twenty In addition, a feasibility study will skills development in the areas such as the Chinese, Asian Development finally achieve its potential. 4 business „„ www.themorning.lk { SECURITIES/CORPORATE } Tuesday, June 15, 2021 CSE Corporate Debt Securities The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) coupons where the coupon rate changes ICTA increases awareness facilitates the secondary trading of Corporate with market interest rates. If interest rates Debt Securities (Debentures). Debentures are in the market are going up, investors unsecured, medium or long term, interest- would receive higher cash flows from on technology in the bearing bonds issued by private sector these types of debentures and vice versa companies. The holders of debentures are yy In zero coupon debentures a coupon is considered creditors and are entitled to not paid until it matures. The investment payment before shareholders in the event of will accrue interest during the tenure of agriculture sector the liquidation of the issuing company. An the debenture, however, will not be paid he Information and Communication Technology investor in a debenture is essentially providing to the investor till maturity Miller Rejendran, Epic Lanka a loan to the company, and is entitled to receive Agency (ICTA) aims to make Sri Lanka a digitally Business Analyst – Commodity interest on that loan. In market terminology, Trading debentures in the secondary market inclusive nation. The AgTech Showcase held on 10 Exchange Platforms Buddhi the loan interest is referred to as coupons and will pave the way for investors to possibly June 2021, virtually, was an initiative to increase Warushavithana, Heylese there are different types of debentures available make capital gains on their investment in Tawareness and adoption of technology in the agriculture Agriculture Holdings Ltd. in the market depending on the basis of the addition to interest payments mentioned industry. This initiative focuses on creating collaboration Manager Chathuranga Bopeththa, coupon paid. above. The following list shows the latest among stakeholders in the agriculture sector, introducing Head of trade details of Corporate Debt Securities new and advanced agri-technologies from local and Fresh Food Category Mifra yy In most debentures the coupon rate that are currently listed on CSE. CDS account international experts, providing necessary support for new Ismail, and Cargills Agro would be fixed and will be paid based at holders have the ability to trade in the corporate technology research and development, and connecting Development Co. Operations promised intervals (monthly, quarterly, debt market. Contact your stock broker for solution providers with technology-based companies. Manager Chandika Gunathilake semiannually or annually) mentioned at more information on opportunities on trading ICTA Chief Digital Economy sustainable innovation can showcased their innovations the point of issue Corporate Debt Securities in the secondary Officer Anura De Alwis, speaking occur within ecosystems in the at the forum. The session was yy Some debentures carry floating rate market. at the session, stated: “In line agriculture sector. He also shared followed by an engaging panel with the digital economy strategy, expert advice about the smart discussion with the closing Company Name Security Code Coupon Coupon Issued Maturity Next interest Par Value five key pillars are identified as technology used in agriculture remarks given by Sri Lanka Rate Frequency Date date due date drivers to achieve our vision of and farming. Agriprenuers Forum Chairperson making Sri Lanka a digitally ICTA Director Technology Rizvi Zaheed. ABANS PLC ABNS/BD/19/12/24-C2436-12.5 12.50 1 19-Dec-19 19-Dec-24 17-Dec-21 100 ICTA Director Technology PLC AEL/BD/18/11/21-C2326-10.45 10.45 2 18-Nov-15 18-Nov-21 17-Nov-21 100 inclusive nation. Namely; Diffusion Prof. Pradeep Diffusion Prof. Pradeep The plan for the AgTech ACCESS ENGINEERING PLC AEL/BD/18/11/22-C2327-10.72 10.72 2 18-Nov-15 18-Nov-22 17-Nov-21 100 technology industry development, Abeygunawardhana, commenting Abeygunawardhana Innovation Sri Lanka programme ACCESS ENGINEERING PLC AEL/BD/17/11/23-C2325-10.95 10.95 2 18-Nov-15 17-Nov-23 17-Nov-21 100 ASIA ASSET FINANCE PLC AAF/BD/05/10/23-C2455-10.28 10.28 1 05-Oct-20 05-Oct-23 04-Oct-21 100 startup ecosystem development, on this initiative, stated: was revealed at the forum. ASIA ASSET FINANCE PLC AAF/BD/05/10/23-C2456 8.64 1 05-Oct-20 05-Oct-23 04-Oct-21 100 capacity building, technology “Technology can benefit the environmentally friendly. AgTech AgTech forums, product BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/05/10/23-C2317-9.5 9.50 1 06-Oct-15 05-Oct-23 02-Oct-21 100 diffusion, and regional cluster agriculture sector in many showcase is one of the many marketplace, agtech consultancy BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/24/10/22F13.25 13.25 1 25-Oct-13 24-Oct-22 23-Oct-21 100 BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/05/10/23-C2321 6.35 2 06-Oct-15 05-Oct-23 01-Oct-21 100 development. Agriculture is ways. Advanced economies use initiatives we have planned to network, agtech research, and BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/21/09/22D8.25 8.25 1 22-Sep-14 21-Sep-22 18-Sep-21 100 identified as a priority industry sophisticated technology such as encourage continuous discussion development arm, agtech summit, BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/21/09/22E7.42 5.57 2 22-Sep-14 21-Sep-22 19-Sep-21 100 BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/24/10/21D13.25 13.25 1 25-Oct-13 24-Oct-21 23-Oct-21 100 under the scope of technology robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and dialogue with stakeholders and agtech school are among BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/24/10/23H13.75 13.75 1 25-Oct-13 24-Oct-23 23-Oct-21 100 diffusion. We need to harness the IOT, smart farming, precision such as farming associations, the many aligned initiatives BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/28/12/21-C2379 6.03 2 29-Dec-16 28-Dec-21 24-Jun-21 100 benefits of modern technology agriculture, biotechnology, government departments and under the AgTech Innovation BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/28/12/24-C2378 6.03 2 29-Dec-16 28-Dec-24 24-Jun-21 100 BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/28/12/24-C2377-12.75 12.75 1 29-Dec-16 28-Dec-24 24-Dec-21 100 and blend it with our traditional nanotechnology, hydroponics, institutes, AgTech service Sri Lanka programme. These BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BC/24/10/21E11.12 6.13 2 25-Oct-13 24-Oct-21 23-Oct-21 100 practices to help transform and and aquaponics to increase providers, AgTech companies, initiatives will ensure continuous BANK OF CEYLON BOC/BD/28/12/21-C2376-13.25 13.25 1 29-Dec-16 28-Dec-21 24-Dec-21 100 BOGAWANTALAWA TEA ESTATES PLC BOPL/BD/23/07/25-C2423-13.25 13.25 4 24-Jul-19 23-Jul-25 22-Jul-21 100 create a thriving agriculture productivity.” and industry experts.” dialogue among stakeholders BOGAWANTALAWA TEA ESTATES PLC BOPL/BD/23/07/24-C2424-13 13.00 4 24-Jul-19 23-Jul-24 22-Jul-21 100 industry in Sri Lanka.” From He went on to say: “As a AIGrow (Pvt.) Ltd. Director in the Agtech industry to drive BOGAWANTALAWA TEA ESTATES PLC BOPL/BD/23/07/26-C2425-13.5 13.50 4 24-Jul-19 23-Jul-26 22-Jul-21 100 Germany, Enpact Managing nation, we need to harness Dr. Beshan Kulapala, SpectrifyAI higher productivity, more income, CEYLON ELECTRICITY BOARD CEB/BD/15/04/26-C2475-9.35 9.35 1 16-Apr-21 15-Apr-26 15-Apr-22 100 CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/27/03/23-C2392-13.75 13.75 2 28-Mar-18 27-Mar-23 26-Sep-21 100 Director Jan Lachenmayer the benefit of technology Chief Financial Officer Lakshan and improved quality of life for CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/30/01/24-C2414-15.5 15.50 1 31-Jan-19 30-Jan-24 29-Jan-22 100 shared insights from a global for any industry to be more De Silva, enzagro (Pvt.) Ltd. those whose livelihoods depend CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/09/12/24-C2435-13.88 13.88 1 10-Dec-19 09-Dec-24 08-Dec-21 100 CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/27/03/23-C2391-14.2 14.20 1 28-Mar-18 27-Mar-23 26-Mar-22 100 perspective and how impactful, profitable, efficient, safer, and Chief Executive Officer on the agriculture industry. CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/09/12/24-C2434-13.43 13.43 2 10-Dec-19 09-Dec-24 08-Dec-21 100 CITIZENS DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS FINANCE PLC CDB/BD/30/01/24-C2413-15 15.00 2 31-Jan-19 30-Jan-24 29-Jul-21 100 COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC COMB/BD/22/07/28-C2405-12.5 12.50 2 23-Jul-18 22-Jul-28 21-Jul-21 100 COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC COMB/BD/27/10/21-C2360-12 12.00 2 28-Oct-16 27-Oct-21 23-Oct-21 100 COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC COMB/BD/22/07/23-C2404-12 12.00 2 23-Jul-18 22-Jul-23 21-Jul-21 100 People’s Bank begins construction COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC COMB/BD/08/03/26-C2342-11.25 11.25 2 09-Mar-16 08-Mar-26 05-Sep-21 100 COMMERCIAL BANK OF CEYLON PLC COMB/BD/27/10/26-C2359-12.25 12.25 2 28-Oct-16 27-Oct-26 23-Oct-21 100 COMMERCIAL CREDIT AND FINANCE PLC COCR/BD/04/03/26-C2471-9 9.00 1 05-Mar-21 04-Mar-26 04-Mar-22 100 COMMERCIAL LEASING & FINANCE PLC CLC/BD/23/09/25-C2454-10.5 10.50 2 24-Sep-20 23-Sep-25 22-Sep-21 100 COMMERCIAL LEASING & FINANCE PLC CLC/BD/23/09/25-C2453 9.32 2 24-Sep-20 23-Sep-25 22-Sep-21 100 of its new head office DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/09/11/23-C2367-12.75 12.75 1 09-Nov-16 09-Nov-23 06-Nov-21 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/29/03/25-C2394-13 13.00 1 29-Mar-18 29-Mar-25 26-Mar-22 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/28/03/24-C2416-13.5 13.50 1 28-Mar-19 28-Mar-24 26-Mar-22 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/28/03/26-C2418-13.75 13.75 1 28-Mar-19 28-Mar-26 26-Mar-22 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/09/11/21-C2366-12.15 12.15 1 09-Nov-16 09-Nov-21 06-Nov-21 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/29/03/23-C2393-12.6 12.60 1 29-Mar-18 29-Mar-23 26-Mar-22 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/23/10/27-C2457-9.25 9.25 1 23-Oct-20 23-Oct-27 22-Oct-21 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/23/10/25-C2458-9 9.00 1 23-Oct-20 23-Oct-25 22-Oct-21 100 DFCC BANK PLC DFCC/BD/28/03/29-C2417-13.9 13.90 1 28-Mar-19 28-Mar-29 26-Mar-22 100 FIRST CAPITAL HOLDINGS PLC CFVF/BD/07/02/26-C2467 9.00 1 08-Feb-21 07-Feb-26 06-Feb-22 100 FIRST CAPITAL HOLDINGS PLC CFVF/BD/07/02/26-C2465-10 10.00 1 08-Feb-21 07-Feb-26 07-Feb-22 100 FIRST CAPITAL TREASURIES PLC FCT/BD/30/01/25-C2445-12.75 12.75 2 30-Jan-20 30-Jan-25 29-Jul-21 100 PLC HNB/BC/29/08/23A08 8.00 1 30-Aug-13 29-Aug-23 28-Aug-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BD/01/11/23-C2361-13 13.00 1 01-Nov-16 01-Nov-23 29-Oct-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BD/22/09/26-C2431-12.8 12.80 1 23-Sep-19 22-Sep-26 21-Sep-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BC/04/09/21A11.5 11.50 2 05-Sep-11 04-Sep-21 30-Jun-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BD/01/11/21-C2362-11.75 11.75 1 01-Nov-16 01-Nov-21 29-Oct-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BD/22/09/24-C2430-12.3 12.30 1 23-Sep-19 22-Sep-24 21-Sep-21 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BD/14/12/24-C2275-8.33 8.33 2 15-Dec-14 14-Dec-24 30-Jun-21 100 Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa digitally unveiling the ceremonial HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BC/31/03/2400F - 0 07-Jun-07 31-Mar-24 - 100 HATTON NATIONAL BANK PLC HNB/BC/31/07/22B16.75 16.75 1 01-Aug-07 31-Jul-22 29-Jun-21 100 plaque HAYLEYS PLC HAYL/BD/31/07/23-C2407 6.90 2 31-Jul-18 31-Jul-23 29-Jul-21 100 HAYLEYS PLC HAYL/BD/26/08/24-C2427 7.82 2 26-Aug-19 26-Aug-24 24-Aug-21 100 Marking an important Gamini Senerath, Chief of Staff HAYLEYS PLC HAYL/BD/31/07/23-C2406-12.5 12.50 2 31-Jul-18 31-Jul-23 29-Jul-21 100 HAYLEYS PLC HAYL/BD/26/08/24-C2428-13 13.00 2 26-Aug-19 26-Aug-24 24-Aug-21 100 milestone of its 60 years’ history, to the Prime Minister Yoshitha HNB FINANCE PLC HNBF/BD/30/12/24-C2444-12.79 12.79 2 30-Dec-19 30-Dec-24 28-Jun-21 100 People’s Bank began construction Rajapaksa, People’s Bank HNB FINANCE PLC HNBF/BD/30/12/24-C2443-13.2 13.20 1 30-Dec-19 30-Dec-24 28-Dec-21 100 of its all-new head office building. Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse, HOUSING DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION BANK OF SL HDFC/BD/20/11/25-C2330-12 12.00 1 20-Nov-15 20-Nov-25 19-Nov-21 100 The Prime Minister Mahinda and members of the Board of KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/21-C2459-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-21 30-Aug-21 100 Rajapaksa inaugurated the Directors. KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/24-C2461-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-24 31-Aug-21 100 KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/22-C2462-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-22 31-Aug-21 100 construction by unveiling the People’s Bank Chief Executive KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/25-C2463-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-25 31-Aug-21 100 ceremonial plaque digitally on Officer/General Manager Ranjith KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/23-C2460-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-23 31-Aug-21 100 KOTAGALA PLANTATIONS PLC KOTA/BD/31/08/26-C2464-7.5 7.50 1 01-Sep-20 31-Aug-26 31-Aug-21 100 28 May 2021. Kodituwakku laid the foundation L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/24/02/26-C2470-10.25 10.25 1 24-Feb-21 24-Feb-26 23-Feb-22 100 The ceremony to mark stone at the building site on the L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/24/02/31-C2468-12 12.00 1 24-Feb-21 24-Feb-31 23-Feb-22 100 this event, which was held Prime Minister’s behalf. L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/24/02/26-C2469-9.85 9.85 4 24-Feb-21 24-Feb-26 21-Aug-21 100 L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/30/07/22-C2385-13 13.00 2 31-Jul-17 30-Jul-22 29-Jul-21 100 simultaneously at the Temple Speaking at the ceremony, L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/27/09/24-C2432-15 15.00 2 27-Sep-19 27-Sep-24 26-Sep-21 100 Trees and the building site linked People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa L O L C HOLDINGS PLC LOLC/BD/27/09/24-C2433 8.25 2 27-Sep-19 27-Sep-24 26-Sep-21 100 LB FINANCE PLC LFIN/BD/11/12/22-C2388-13.25 13.25 2 11-Dec-17 11-Dec-22 10-Dec-21 100 seamlessly via digital connectivity Rajapakse stated that the bank is LB FINANCE PLC LFIN/BD/11/12/22-C2387-12.75 12.75 2 11-Dec-17 11-Dec-22 10-Dec-21 100 was attended by State Minister of proud to be serving the country LOLC FINANCE PLC LOFC/BD/31/07/23-C2409-0 - 0 31-Jul-18 31-Jul-23 - 100 Money and Capital Market and without being driven merely by The new head office building LOLC FINANCE PLC LOFC/BD/31/07/23-C2408-14.75 14.75 2 31-Jul-18 31-Jul-23 29-Jul-21 100 MERCHANT BANK OF SRI LANKA & FINANCE PLC MBSL/BD/02/05/22-C2381-14.5 14.50 2 03-May-17 02-May-22 31-Oct-21 100 State Enterprise Reform Ajith profit motive. He also said that MERCHANT BANK OF SRI LANKA & FINANCE PLC MBSL/BD/02/05/22-C2380 10.00 2 03-May-17 02-May-22 31-Oct-21 100 Nivard Cabraal, State Minister of the new building will fulfil a million customers which is the Covid-19 pandemic. MERCHANT BANK OF SRI LANKA & FINANCE PLC MBSL/BD/02/05/22-C2382-15 15.00 1 03-May-17 02-May-22 30-Apr-22 100 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB/BC/19/12/25D14 14.00 1 19-Dec-13 19-Dec-25 30-Dec-21 100 Samurdhi, Household Economy, long felt need of People’s Bank largest banking customer base The new head office building NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB/BD/30/03/24-C2419-13.5 13.50 2 31-Mar-19 30-Mar-24 29-Sep-21 100 Micro Finance, Self-Employment for a comprehensive head office in the country. He also stated will be constructed utilising state- NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB/BC/19/12/23C13.9 13.90 1 19-Dec-13 19-Dec-23 30-Dec-21 100 and Business Development building. that commencement of large of-the-art technology in line with NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB/BD/30/03/24-C2420-13.95 13.95 1 31-Mar-19 30-Mar-24 29-Mar-22 100 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK PLC NDB/BD/24/09/25-C2452-9.5 9.50 1 25-Sep-20 24-Sep-25 24-Sep-21 100 Shehan Semasinghe, Central Addressing the gathering, the scale constructions such as the green building concept, at NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/23/12/24-C2441-12.8 12.80 1 23-Dec-19 23-Dec-24 21-Dec-21 100 Bank of Sri Lanka Governor Prime Minister acknowledged the this is a testament to the state’s No. 374, Dr. Colvin R. De Silva NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/20/04/23-C2401-13 13.00 1 20-Apr-18 20-Apr-23 16-Apr-22 100 NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/08/11/21-C2364-12.8 12.80 1 08-Nov-16 08-Nov-21 06-Nov-21 100 W.D. Lakshman, Ministry of pivotal role played by People’s unwavering commitment to keep Mawatha, Colombo 2, and will NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/08/11/21-C2365-12.65 12.65 2 08-Nov-16 08-Nov-21 06-Nov-21 100 Finance Secretary R. Attygalle, Bank in the country’s development maintaining the development consist of 23 floors and three NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/20/04/23-C2402-12.65 12.65 2 20-Apr-18 20-Apr-23 16-Oct-21 100 Secretary to the Prime Minister by providing services to over 14 drive despite challenges such as basement floors. NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/08/11/21-C2363 6.64 2 08-Nov-16 08-Nov-21 06-Nov-21 100 NATIONS TRUST BANK PLC NTB/BD/23/12/26-C2442-12.9 12.90 1 23-Dec-19 23-Dec-26 21-Dec-21 100 NAWALOKA HOSPITALS PLC NHL/BC/30/09/21D14.35 14.35 4 30-Sep-13 30-Sep-21 30-Jun-21 100 NAWALOKA HOSPITALS PLC NHL/BC/30/09/23F14.45 14.45 4 30-Sep-13 30-Sep-23 30-Jun-21 100 NAWALOKA HOSPITALS PLC NHL/BC/30/09/22E14.4 14.40 4 30-Sep-13 30-Sep-22 30-Jun-21 100 fiscal resources that could help to cushion the PEOPLE’S LEASING & FINANCE PLC PLC/BD/18/04/22-C2399-12.4 12.40 1 18-Apr-18 18-Apr-22 16-Apr-22 100 negative impact of higher food prices. PEOPLE’S LEASING & FINANCE PLC PLC/BD/18/04/23-C2398-12.8 12.80 1 18-Apr-18 18-Apr-23 16-Apr-22 100 Contd. from page 1 Asia’s farmers and commodity exporters PEOPLE’S LEASING & FINANCE PLC PLC/BD/16/11/21-C2375-12.6 12.60 2 16-Nov-16 16-Nov-21 13-Nov-21 100 PLC SAMP/BD/21/12/22-C2389-12.5 12.50 2 21-Dec-17 21-Dec-22 18-Jun-21 100 are set to gain from the price hikes, though. SAMPATH BANK PLC SAMP/BD/20/03/23-C2390-12.5 12.50 2 20-Mar-18 20-Mar-23 18-Sep-21 100 the fundamental core issues that existed “Rising commodity prices, especially food, SAMPATH BANK PLC SAMP/BD/28/02/24-C2415-13.9 13.90 1 28-Feb-19 28-Feb-24 25-Feb-22 100 before Covid-19 to build back better, greener, can have a powerful redistributive impact, SAMPATH BANK PLC SAMP/BD/12/04/28-C2474-9 9.00 1 12-Apr-21 12-Apr-28 11-Apr-22 100 Forex can... SENKADAGALA FINANCE COMPANY PLC SFCL/BD/30/08/24-C2429-12.875 12.88 2 30-Aug-19 30-Aug-24 25-Aug-21 100 and with more agility.” raising rural incomes and employment,” SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/12/04/26-C2473-9.25 9.25 4 12-Apr-21 12-Apr-26 11-Jul-21 100 “Where can policymakers create an (World Bank News) said Chua. SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/29/03/28-C2397-13.5 13.50 2 29-Mar-18 29-Mar-28 26-Sep-21 100 SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/29/03/23-C2395-12.85 12.85 2 29-Mar-18 29-Mar-23 26-Sep-21 100 equal system to tap into this innovative According to Thailand’s central bank, the SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/15/07/23-C2354-13.75 13.75 2 15-Jul-16 15-Jul-23 13-Jul-21 100 drive in the larger existing manufacturing country’s farm income – which does not SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/12/04/26-C2472-9.75 9.75 1 12-Apr-21 12-Apr-26 11-Apr-22 100 sectors, such as apparel and entrepreneurial include government subsidies – rose 14% in SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/15/07/21-C2356 6.28 2 15-Jul-16 15-Jul-21 13-Jul-21 100 Decade-high... SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/15/07/21-C2355-13 13.00 2 15-Jul-16 15-Jul-21 13-Jul-21 100 dynamism in niche sectors such as ICT April from a year ago, due to “expansion in SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/29/03/25-C2396-13.2 13.20 2 29-Mar-18 29-Mar-25 26-Sep-21 100 and high-tech products to fully harness The Philippines has also logged high agricultural prices”. The country is one of the SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/18/04/24-C2421-14.5 14.50 2 18-Apr-19 18-Apr-24 16-Oct-21 100 SEYLAN BANK PLC SEYB/BD/18/04/24-C2422-15 15.00 1 18-Apr-19 18-Apr-24 16-Apr-22 100 Sri Lanka’s competitive advantage and inflation this year, with May’s consumer world’s biggest exporters of sugar and rice. SINGER (SRI LANKA) PLC SINS/BD/28/09/21-C2412-12 12.00 2 28-Sep-18 28-Sep-21 26-Sep-21 100 integrate further into the global value price index rising 4.5% from a year earlier. Singapore-based agri business trader SINGER FINANCE LANKA PLC SFIN/BD/10/04/23-C2447-13 13.00 1 09-Apr-20 10-Apr-23 08-Apr-22 100 SINGER FINANCE LANKA PLC SFIN/BD/05/05/23-C2446-13 13.00 1 05-May-20 05-May-23 04-May-22 100 chain? These sectors have scaled up Likewise, the prices of food and non-alcoholic Wilmar International’s net profit doubled SINGER FINANCE LANKA PLC SFIN/BD/10/04/23-C2449 8.85 2 09-Apr-20 10-Apr-23 08-Oct-21 100 with the latest outside technologies and beverages climbed 4.6%. to $ 450 million in the first quarter of 2021 SINGER FINANCE LANKA PLC SFIN/BD/19/05/25-C2450-13.25 13.25 1 19-May-20 19-May-25 18-May-22 100 experiences for the potential to drive Sri Maybank Kim Eng economist Chua Hak from a year ago, thanks to higher sugar and SINGER FINANCE LANKA PLC SFIN/BD/19/05/23-C2448-13 13.00 1 19-May-20 19-May-23 18-May-22 100 SIYAPATHA FINANCE PLC SLFL/BD/20/09/21-C2357-13.5 13.50 1 20-Sep-16 20-Sep-21 18-Sep-21 100 Lanka’s transformation.” Bin said higher food prices could impede palm oil prices. “The sustained high palm SIYAPATHA FINANCE PLC SLFL/BD/04/10/22-C2384-12.5 12.50 1 04-Oct-17 04-Oct-22 02-Oct-21 100 In the short-term Sri Lanka, much like Asia’s recovery from the pandemic. “Rising oil price is expected to benefit our oil palm SIYAPATHA FINANCE PLC SLFL/BD/08/08/24-C2426-13.33 13.33 1 08-Aug-19 08-Aug-24 06-Aug-21 100 SIYAPATHA FINANCE PLC SLFL/BD/07/07/23-C2451-11.25 11.25 1 07-Jul-20 07-Jul-23 07-Jul-21 100 many other developing countries around food prices will exacerbate what is already plantation business in the coming months,” SIYAPATHA FINANCE PLC SLFL/BD/03/10/22-C2383-12 12.00 1 04-Oct-17 03-Oct-22 02-Oct-21 100 the world, will also face a challenging an uneven economic recovery,” Chua said. it said in late April. SOFTLOGIC CAPITAL PLC SCAP/BD/19/12/24-C2438 9.20 2 19-Dec-19 19-Dec-24 17-Jun-21 100 balancing act between maintaining fiscal Lower income households and poorer However, a prolonged pandemic and the SOFTLOGIC CAPITAL PLC SCAP/BD/19/12/24-C2439-15 15.00 2 19-Dec-19 19-Dec-24 17-Jun-21 100 SOFTLOGIC CAPITAL PLC SCAP/BD/19/12/23-C2437-14.75 14.75 2 19-Dec-19 19-Dec-23 17-Jun-21 100 sustainability and jump-starting economic countries will suffer more as they spend a worsening infection numbers in some Asian SOFTLOGIC CAPITAL PLC SCAP/BD/19/12/24-C2440-14.5 14.50 12 19-Dec-19 19-Dec-24 17-Jun-21 100 recovery. larger proportion of their earnings on food, he economies will affect the supply and demand SRI LANKA TELECOM PLC SLTL/BD/19/04/28-C2403-12.75 12.75 2 19-Apr-18 19-Apr-28 16-Oct-21 100 SRI LANKA TELECOM PLC SLTL/BD/19/04/28-C2400-12.75 12.75 1 19-Apr-18 19-Apr-28 16-Apr-22 100 “Sri Lanka should use the pandemic to said. These countries also have less access to of food, complicating the outlook for prices. churn challenge into opportunity, to tackle Covid-19 vaccines and are hampered by limited (Nikkei Asia)

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 48 „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Thought for the day Ryan’s Hope’s John Gabriel dead at 90 Daytime TV vet John Gabriel, who is perhaps best known “Life shrinks to soap opera fans from or expands in his role as Ryan’s Hope’s proportion to Dr. Seneca Beaulac, died at one’s courage.” age 90. Gabriel’s daughter, – Anais Nin actress Andrea Gabriel (Lost), shared the sad news via Instagram on Sunday (13). “It is with an unspeakably heavy heart that I share the news of my father’s passing. John Gabriel was my hero, my role model, and my champion, but above all, my daddy…I will love you forever.” The birth of thebrunch digital art connoisseur The story behind the NFT Art Gallery Kerrwh ‘Zpiral’ from Kerrwh’s maiden collection By Naveed Rozais ‘NeonAF’ Disruption of the status quo breeds and detail, NeonAF packs a high-tech punch innovation, and we are currently with astronauts, humanoids, lasers, and experiencing one of the most portals. Uniquely, the collection reinterprets disruptive periods of living memory. the standard low-life and high-tech formula Art is something that, by its very of the genre to find a more optimistic visualisation of a distant future. nature, innovates, so it is no surprise Neon AF is an entry point to a series that how we view, experience, and of planned collections from truly gifted buy art is due for transformation. local artists. Kerrwh will mint each of Enter Kerrwh, an entirely digital its collections to the Ethereum network, gallery launched in Sri Lanka by a small innovating the industry norm. Co-Founder Co-Founder Gallery Manager group of innately creative entrepreneurs. Dilanjan Seneviratne Lekhya Ratnayake Mealiza Juliane A combination of fine art and blockchain ÄÄ What is the biggest challenge technology (more on what that means later), at an early stage, we have an opportunity Lekhya is an Executive Director of Trillium considering the broader NFT industry. in running and marketing this Kerrwh aims to carve out a niche for Sri here to shape the trajectory of the industry Property Management and Dilanjan is a Co- There are a number of widely adopted kind of gallery? Lanka in the emerging industry of digital art and also to ensure that Asian artistry is Founder of Theewra Worldwide; both have marketplaces for NFTs and a number of The biggest challenge for any NFT for Asian artists in the global NFT industry. celebrated on a global stage. a lot of experience with digitisation projects individual collectors. The gap in the market project is the lack of awareness in the Brunch spoke to the team behind and an appreciation for creativity and art. is in curating and facilitating services for all local industry. Kerrwh plans to allocate Kerrwh, Co-Founders Lekhya Ratnayake ÄÄ What inspired Kerrwh? It’s really the perfect combination and that’s stakeholders. a significant amount of time, effort, and Dilanjan Seneviratne, and Kerrwh Kerrwh Co-Founders Lekhya where the inspiration comes from. As Asia’s first NFT art gallery, Kerrwh and resources into creating awareness Gallery Manager Mealiza Juliane for more Ratnayake and Dilanjan Seneviratne come The gallery model on the other hand, has the ability to curate promising local and educating the local market on the on this landmark digital gallery. from backgrounds of technology and art. is something of a calculated move when collections, nurture digital art communities, opportunities that the NFT industry and contribute to global NFT exchanges presents. ÄÄ What is an NFT, and how like OpenSea, where Kerrwh’s maiden The second challenge is the difficulty in would NFTs apply to a piece collection – NeonAF – is listed currently. scaling a local project to a global audience of artwork? OpenSea is a leading global exchange given our small community size and other Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are records with over 647,000 listed collections and factors. But Kerrwh plans on relying heavily maintained on a digital ledger based on 22 million NFT assets. To date, OpenSea on the media and other channels available in blockchain technology which certifies has generated over $ 518 million in sales order to reach a global audience. the authenticity of digital assets in a way volumes. The opportunity presented by that cannot be tampered or altered. NFT OpenSea listing Kerrwh’s collection is the ÄÄ Who are the artists in Kerrwh technology is widely touted globally to be exposure of local and regional art to the and what is their art like? the next big medium for the art industry. global digital art collection industry and Kerrwh will be a completely accessible The blockchain technology that NFTs over 120,000 registered buyers. gallery. Collections listed at Kerrwh will are based on ensures that asset ownership Ä be curated from any promising artist from can be tracked, resold, and digitally owned, Ä When does Kerrwh open the region with an impressive body of all the while ensuring that records are its (virtual) doors and how work. The gallery managers of Kerrwh will not altered and royalties are paid out in will an entirely virtual actively seek out talent in the future but at automatically executing smart contracts on gallery work? this point in time, Kerrwh has an open call the Ethereum blockchain. Kerrwh launched its maiden collection for nominations of new artists. The global NFT market recorded over $ – NeonAF – on 12 June. It is listed on Neon AF, Kerrwh’s maiden collection, 2 billion in sales in the first quarter of 2021. OpenSea, with the individual art pieces is by a local artist, who will be unveiled Our intention with Kerrwh is to provide minted on the Ethereum blockchain. It’s soon, and another local artist with a a platform for local and regional artists to arguably the first time this has been done in signature hand-drawn style will soon be participate in this groundbreaking global Sri Lanka and Kerrwh is the first NFT art introduced to the artist repertoire. industry. gallery in Asia. This is a great achievement We believe strongly that this is for a launch project from Sri Lanka. potentially a game-changer for the local art Kerrwh’s maiden collection, NeonAF, To nominate an artist or make an industry. The global NFT industry is not is a cyberpunk take on futuristic humanoid inquiry, the Gallery Manager can be ‘DaHole’ from form; in unmistakeable neon. Representative only a multi-billion dollar behemoth, it’s Kerrwh’s maiden reached at [email protected]. also growing exponentially. Having entered collection ‘NeonAF’ of familiarity in a futuristic bearing of form

By Venessa Anthony online, after which the shortlisted companies proceeded onto an interview with industry experts where we went deep Good Life X was invented to foster Good Life X’s digital evolver into how they are sustainable and what their entrepreneurship through collaborating, sustainable approaches and practises are,” providing expertise, and sharing knowledge. Creating solutions for a digital future in tourism she added. It shares a mission to create a better future Talking about ways in which these for humans and the whole planet together companies can help benefit the tourism pandemic and before that, the easter attacks. The programme is called “Digital with the power of impact-driven start-ups industry, Randhula commented that they Currently, there is no traffic coming in other Evolver” because they figured the best and SMEs. have a good mix of companies for the than internal travellers.” way to do it was to help the tourism sector ‍At Good Life X, they believe in the Things like bike rides and programme that are open to creating a digitally equip themselves and become a lot importance of each individual and in every more sustainable solution and attracting more open to digital solutions and optimiser kayaking are what would appeal collaborative mind to contribute its personal the right kind of tourists and also offering operations, so they learn how to work to the experiential tourist, but strength and uniqueness for a shared something unique that Sri Lanka really through digital technology. these will all be done sustainably. future of connections, sustainability, and needs to go into. “Things like bike rides Randhula explained that having worked awareness. It’s not an everyday tour, and it and kayaking are what would appeal with the tourism sector, they realised that They recently announced the selected will involve more communities, to the experiential tourist, but these this specific sector needed a lot of support participants of their new “Digital Evolver” create more jobs, and leave no will all be done sustainably. It’s not in terms of being digitally savvy, how they programme. an everyday tour, and it will involve work, and what services they offer. Taking trace behind The top 10 include destination more communities, create more jobs, all these factors into consideration, they Good Life X CEO/Founder management companies, tour operators, site and leave no trace behind,” she added. launched their Digital Evolver programme. operators, and accommodation providers Randhula de Silva Shenali also explained that as these Upon asking them how they selected who care about the environment, their are smaller companies, by ingraining the top 10 participants, Randhula explained: We want to make it a trend. We communities, and their employees and are these good practises into them, it will “For GLX, in whatever we do, we look at want to push the whole majority dedicated to creating a sustainable model become a more widespread practice in two things: Are these companies doing their of business that takes all the players into of the tourism sector to embrace the tourism industry as a whole. “We work with sustainability as their core, and consideration. Good Life X aims to share this mindset, which is the start want to make it a trend. We want to push are they innovative and trying to solve a their stories and how they, along with the the whole majority of the tourism sector problem in a different way. The companies of our programme, and digitally expertise of our business development, to embrace this mindset, which is the we’ve selected have survived through the evolved companies are going to be sustainable tourism, and digital technology start of our programme, and digitally pandemic and have been very innovative in the forefront specialists, find the opportunities in the evolved companies are going to be in the She added that because the tourism and resilient. That really shows how much challenges imposed by the Covid-19 Good Life X Programme Lead forefront.” sector is obviously hard-hit, they wanted they have in them to innovate and sustain.” pandemic. Shenali de Silva They have many tourism experts on to create a solution where without Giving us more insight into this, Good Sharing more details on the programme board for this project as well as from the looking at how to make ends meet, and Life X Programme Lead Shenali de Silva in the sense that they didn’t look at the size and why it was initiated, Good Life X CEO digital and technological spheres in Sri Lanka instead look at how these companies shared that they do have an extensive or type of the company. and Founder Randhula de Silva stated: “It working with them to make this programme make themselves future-proof to embrace criteria when it comes to selecting the “In terms of our selection process, was initiated specifically because of the a success. With this programme, they hope to travellers who are going to come in once businesses for their programmes, but for this it was a two prompt approach. Firstly, tourism sector that has been suffering for a grab the global travellers’ attention and bring the pandemic settles down. programme, it was very open and limitless companies had to answer a questionnaire very long time in Sri Lanka with the Covid Sri Lanka’s tourism up a notch. brunch 49 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { ENTERTAINMENT } „„ www.themorning.lk creative industries. Ideally, the plan we had. We thought showing clips of own playlists; the volume of people was to do a comprehensive story board, the audience and showing clips of the listening to full albums by one single get actors and actresses on board, and power and the performance capability artist is not as much. choose a location for the shoot. We had of the band would make it more Overcoming also spoken to certain parties who were engaging, since it’s a pretty long song. ÄÄ Did you film any part of it interested to come on board and help during the lockdown? flesh it out. We were very excited and No. It simply wasn’t possible. We then the pandemic messed everything did try; we changed the storyboard up. For the safety of the crew and Connecting with our fans is to not go with the initial arcs and addictions everyone involved, we had to postpone quintessential to what we do, storyline of addiction. We wanted to at the shoot. We realised afterwards especially since we make original least record certain band performances that we had to drop and release the music. The pandemic has taught us to appreciate the things that matter to in a studio, but we couldn’t do any of audio. We had just signed up with an that. American Award label, Island Dreams us the most, and to never forget our through roots and the people around us Records. ÄÄ What has being a The song was mixed and mastered Stigmata frontman Suresh de Silva musician during the by the Grammy-nominated icon pandemic taught you? Romesh Dodangoda who has worked Ä On the one hand, it has taught with the likes of Motörhead and Bring Ä Is this song part of an me to really appreciate our history, Me the Horizons. album to be released in our craft, our talent, and our gifts. It’s With the audio ready, and having the near future? a pleasure to bring joy to people and just signed up with the label, we had Yes, it is part of an album to provide such a mode of escapism and to release the song in May. Ideally, come. We are working on our fifth a sense of freedom and adventure. This we needed the video ready to release album, and it happens to be our is the longest I’ve ever gone without MUSIC maybe two or three weeks after the 21st anniversary this year. The performing. We miss performing and ‘Throw Glass in a House of Stone’ out now single came out. We realised that with fifth album has been a work in we miss that raw live energy – we feed the pandemic, there was no way to progress since mid-last year. We off it and are connected to it, and we film the music video, so we decided have the bulk of the songs etched really miss that. to take pre-existing footage of the last and composed for it – it’s just that The pandemic has helped us couple of big shows that we played the whole ballgame has changed embrace the advent of technology and prior to the pandemic. We decided to with the global outbreak. It doesn’t the tools at our disposal to connect fuse the MV and make it a lyric video make sense to release an entire and interact with our audiences. as well. That way, we’re killing two album, releasing single after single. We just launched an official TikTok birds with one stone where it’s an We changed the format and instead page two weeks ago, and that’s really official music video but it also works we are releasing a new song every wacky and our audience should check as a lyric video. three to four months, and each is it out. Connecting with our fans is accompanied with a music video. quintessential to what we do, especially Our goal and idea is that we’re since we make original music. The going to give people a taste of the pandemic has taught us to appreciate Our goal and idea is that we’re album to come and release track the things that matter to us the most, by track. We are addressing two and to never forget our roots and the going to give people a taste of the people around us. album to come and release track by issues this way: On the one hand, track. We are addressing two issues the people who want an album will ÄÄ Does Stigmata have this way: On the one hand, the be able to collect the songs and keep it with them. Of course, at anything coming up people who want an album will be this year? able to collect the songs and keep it one point, we’re going to release a physical album for the loyalists We hope to get all our albums with them...But on the other hand, remastered and make them available on we are currently catering to music and the collectors as well as for the advocates and supporters of the all leading streaming platforms. Right listening audiences worldwide now, I know some of our new music is band. But on the other hand, we are Stigmata frontman Suresh de Silva available on these platforms. The plan currently catering to music listening is to release more music videos. We audiences worldwide. are hoping to release at least two more The advent of technology and music videos before the year concludes. Our very own Thisara gave the pandemic and lockdowns have We’re also hoping things open up it treatment, where he edited and changed the way we listen to music and we’ll be able to have a few live videographed it and made sure he and the way we consume music. concerts soon. If we have to look at a used certain effects and colour grains Many people listen to music online livestream to play for global audiences, to make the video really appealing. rather than the old radio and TV. we will work on that as well. Some sick The MV is not what we planned, but Releasing singles also caters to the merchandise will also be coming out we had to make do with the resources people who like to put together their this year. BY VENESSA ANTHONY ÄÄ Is the song talking about a specific incident? When talking about the heavy The symbolic value of the song is metal music scene in Sri Lanka, that even if you’re made of glass, and the local band Stigmata has if this glass keeps colliding or crashing become almost synonymous with anything made of stone, it will with it. The band, comprising keep shattering. The house is symbolic Tennyson Napoleon on guitars, of our own body and minds, and the glass represents the addictions and lead, and rhythm; Thisara us wanting to change. The thing is, Dhananjaya on bass guitar; we can’t change if we keep colliding Hafzel Preena on drums; and against ourselves where we keep Suresh de Silva on vocals and falling apart. The only way to truly lyrics, just released a single as overcome addiction is to really want part of their fifth album which is to change, and that has to stem from to be released soon. within us. We need to either figure out We had an insightful chat with the construct of the house or figure out frontman Suresh de Silva on the song’s a new way to deal with it. That’s what creation and more. the idea is. Following are excerpts of the ÄÄ What was the inspiration interview. behind the song? ÄÄ Tell us about the title of We don’t ever pre-plan or pre- the song. meditate our musical approach. When “Throw Glass in a House of Stone” you’re craving a song and it comes is a play of words on the famous idiom down to the technical aspects and the that says don’t throw stones at glass fluidity, you know the arcs, the ups houses. It’s a song that talks about and downs, the crescendos, whether it overcoming addiction in this time and has one flow – those are the things we age. When you talk about addictions, have a look at. But we have a natural we are not just talking about alcohol progression when we write music and or narcotics – we are also talking it does work for us; it has for 21 years about how people are obsessed with and it continues to work for us. The technology and the social media and song has a lot of musical influences, influencer culture, how people are genres, and styles that are infused into addicted to certain forms of narcissistic it and it works. behaviour and their own vanity, toxic lifestyles, toxic relationships. Some ÄÄ The music video has people are addicted to work and some clips from some of your are addicted to fitness to the point concerts. What was the they’re completely disconnected from process of putting it all else. The song is about overcoming together like? all these addictions and the general idea For the music video, we had is that there is no point throwing glass actually planned quite a comprehensive at anything constructed out of stone, video shoot. We are a very self- because the glass will break. sufficient band; most of us are from

Stigmata frontman Suresh de Silva 104 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { Columns/events } Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Gifts galore on the ‘Bonsoir’ Quiz The icing on the gateau was agonising. Then followed the rest of The when we reached an average of the team on different days, one by 5,000 postcards per month on the one, including Komi Mendis, who Sinhala Bonsoir alone, and the also both produced and presented French Embassy decided it was Bonsoir. high time that Bonsoir (English We bid our time as Yasmin Diaries and Sinhala) got its own PO box collected victims, one by one, until number! there were no more. It was time Storing these 5,000-plus that we got back at her and so we CHAPTER The Sinhala Bonsoir opened postcards until the respective draws hatched our plot. We invited the the floodgates and brought were done was another issue. The Ambassador at that time, Jean in a whole new generation small Bonsoir team spent many François Bouffandeau, to come 23 of viewers. It took the painful hours bundling them into (downstairs) to the studio to check programme to an entirely lots of 50s for convenience. some video clippings from the different platform and French Foreign Ministry. We France entered thousands lured Yasmin into the box saying “The Bonsoir Diaries” by Kumar de Silva is a that we were expecting one of the of homes in rural Sri Lanka. cocktail of chapters bursting at their seams with The feedback was very pithy asides, a trail of faux pas, and tit-bits from chauffeurs. encouraging to say the least. behind the scenes, marinated with anecdotes and And so with Yasmin crouched drizzled with nostalgia, revealing everything you in “The Box”, waiting to scream The monthly Bonsoir Quiz gave never saw on your favourite television show… and pounce on the “chauffeur”, in us a healthy and vibrant interaction from the ‘80s through the ‘90s into 2000. walked the Ambassador whom I with our thousands of viewers guided and positioned near “The spread across the country. We often We finally got a really HUGE Box”. We kept him there, talking posed a very simple question based cardboard box (which had once to him and engaging his attention on the programme and requested contained a jumbo television set) while poor Yasmin lay crouched viewers to send their answers on and this became the Bonsoir Quiz inside all the time. She dared postcards. Box. It was placed right next to my not come out until he left. His Bonsoir used the address of the table. The postcards came straight Excellency left half an hour later! Embassy of France where we were from the Embassy’s Peugeot in mail Half an hour is a very L-O-N-G housed – No. 89, Rosmead Place, bags and were virtually poured into time when you are crouched and Colombo 7. Whenever the chauffeur “The Box”. trapped squatting in a box with the went to the Cinnamon Gardens “The Box” was large enough lid closed! Believe me! Post Office to collect mail for the to conceal a crouched adult. And Embassy, he collected ours too. this is where Yasmin Rajapakse, The English Bonsoir had a cool 500 the prankster in the team, got ideas postcards per month! to play Jack-in-the-Box. She chose The Sinhala Bonsoir began her unsuspecting victims one by its own independent quiz, which I one and they in turn became her thought was logical. We shared the accomplices. I was the first! same address and this was when One day I walked into the the logistical nightmare began. The studio and customarily passed the numbers kept increasing by the day closed box when she suddenly and the chauffeurs kept complaining s-c-r-e-a-m-e-d and jumped out of Ambassador Bouffandeau (right) that they couldn’t carry the load. it, like a banshee out of hell! It was Hemas Hospitals launches ‘Deewara Diri Savi’ To support ailing fishing community at critical hour

Sri Lanka’s most trusted private healthcare provider Hemas Hospitals launched the “Deewara Diri Savi” mega donation drive to support and empower the fishing community along the Western Coast of the country, whose livelihoods were gravely impacted by the marine destruction caused by the MV X-Press Pearl ship disaster. Under “Deewara Diri Savi”, Hemas Transco Cargo Hospitals will oversee the donation of complete dry ration packs to 818 families in the Wattala fishing community, who have Australia opens its own now lost their sole source of income for survival and is undergoing extreme distress due to the implications caused by Covid-19 Sri Lankan office pandemic together with the fishing ban imposed due to the X-Press Pearl disaster. Further, Hemas Hospitals Wattala is also Bringing freight forwarding and offering free OPD consultation services to Donation these families to ensure that their wellbeing drive in logistics services to the local market and access to healthcare is secure and Priest of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church progress continued during this period. in Palliyawatta Rev. Fr. Ajith Kamal, Transco Cargo (Pvt.) Ltd. has From the moment a shipment order has “Our mission, values and corporate who spearheaded the co-ordination on launched its Sri Lankan office, Transco been placed, the company’s team works culture guide our actions as we strive hard to behalf of the fishing community in the Cargo (Pvt.) Ltd., to provide world-class to fast-track the processes and monitor deliver on the promise of making healthful Palliyawatta, Dikowita, and Awarakotuwa freight and logistics services to the local the progress from moving the cargo from living happen to communities across the areas. The programme was also joined by market. suppliers to the final point of delivery. nation. ‘Deewara Diri Savi’ was founded the Wattala Divisional Secretary P.D.T.C. Transco Cargo Australia is a Sri The company is also making plans to upon this ethos as we care for, uplift and Rajika, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lankan-owned and operated shipping rapidly expand its business operations empower Sri Lanka’s fishing community Lalith Halambarachchige, Palliyawatta PHI company. As the Sri Lankan office, beyond freight forwarding and into struggling to make ends meet due to the Malith Edirisingha, and Hemas Hospitals Transco Cargo (Pvt.) Ltd. offers high- multiple new areas of business in order mass implications and destruction caused and Laboratory Chain Managing Director level logistics and shipping solutions to drive future growth. to our marine resources with the X-Press Dr. Lakith Peiris, along with several and services to clients by utilising its Transco Cargo Australia, on Pearl disaster. As a responsible healthcare representatives from Hemas Hospitals. professional network of global agents to the other hand, can assist in all leader, we will continue to invest our The event was conducted under the strict facilitate end-to-end freight forwarding international freight movements with resources and take swift action in supporting directives issued by the Ministry of Health the wreck. Local fishermen who rely on and logistics operations via air, sea, and weekly sailings to most transshipment this community who add so much to our and under the supervision of the region’s shallow water fishing have been directed road freight. hubs. Its master consolidations operate economy as they transition through this Public Health Inspector. to stay ashore indefinitely, incapacitating The company’s core logistics to transshipment hubs such as Port deeply difficult, critical time,” stated Hemas The MV X-Press Pearl, a cargo these communities’ livelihoods who and shipping services include freight Kelang, Singapore, and Colombo Hospitals and Laboratories Managing ship, had been burning off the coast of sometimes rely on just one meal a day forwarding via sea, air, and land, while also offering transshipment to/ Director and Association of Private Sri Lanka for nearly two weeks before to survive. As a responsible corporate customs brokerage services, haulage, from other Pacific countries such as Hospitals and Nursing Homes President Dr. it started to sink. This has forced Sri citizen, Hemas Hospitals remains deeply and warehousing solutions, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa, and Lakith Peiris. Lanka to temporarily ban fishing along committed to drive its vision of making imports and exports to/from Sri Lanka. providing global import services to The mega donation programme was a 50-mile stretch of its coast, due to the healthful living happen across all With its network of reliable overseas every major port in Australia. It also co-ordinated with the support of the Parish extensive marine pollution caused by communities across the country. agents, Transco Cargo offers importers has a business unit that specialises and exporters in Sri Lanka the most in personal effects cargo shipping to favourable rates and routing options. various destinations worldwide.

From left: Hemas Hospitals Wattala Director/General Manager Dr. Lasantha Karunasekera, Managing Director Dr. Lakith Peiris, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Ajith Kamal, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lalith Halambarachchige, Wattala Divisional Secretary P.D.T.C. Rajika, and Palliyawatta PHI Malith Edirisingha sports 114 Tuesday, June 15, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk IRRESISTIBLE FRENCH OPEN ACTION

The world will hardly see such a gritty champion in their midst in a long time to come

Another Patrick Eagar classic from 1975 World Cup

‘Djoker’ asserts again

Patrick Eager in 1988. He is now 77 years old he is World No.1 The background CHAMPIONS OF ALL CATEGORIES AT FRENCH OPEN 2021 Inaugural World Cup semi-final – England vs. Total prize money: € 34,367,215 (Rs. 8.2 billion). For the men’s singles champion alone, $ 1.7 million Australia: Here England batsman is (Rs. 336 million) out, caught by a diving wicketkeeper zz Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic (Serbia) off the bowling of Gary Gilmour for seven runs at Headingley in Leeds on 18 June 1975. zz Women’s Singles: Barbora Krejcíková (Czech Republic) Australia won by four wickets. zz Men’s Doubles: Pierre-Hugues Herbert (France) and Nicolas Mahut (France) What the photo reveals zz Women’s Doubles: Barbora Krejcíková (Czech Republic) and Katerina Siniaková (Czech Republic) zz Mixed Doubles: Desirae Krawczyk (US) and Joe Salisbury (UK) This famous Patrick Eagar photograph depicts the home team’s predicament: They were bowled zz Boys’ Singles: Luca Van Assche (France) out for 93 runs in 36.2 overs in this 60-over zz Girls’ Singles: Linda Nosková (Czech Republic) match. Only two England batsmen got into Djokovic, 34, depicting zz Boys’ Doubles: Arthur Fils (France) and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (France) double figures. Greig was the third wicket to fall perhaps 100% of what is zz Girls’ Doubles: Alex Eala (Philippines) and Oksana Selekhmeteva (Russia) when their total was 26. Skipper Mike Denness called tennis concentration top-scored for England with 27 runs, made in and focus in a back-hand zz Wheelchair Men’s Singles: Alfie Hewett (UK) volley shot in the final on z 60 deliveries. Gilmour took six wickets for 14 Sunday (13) z Wheelchair Women’s Singles: Diede de Groot (Netherlands) runs in a quota of 12 overs. Australia underwent zz Wheelchair Quad Singles: (Australia) a few hiccups, though, in their reply when they zz Wheelchair Men’s Doubles: Alfie Hewett (UK) and Gordon Reid (UK) lost six wickets for 39 runs. Doug Walters and Gilmour saw them home in 28.4 overs, with 20 zz Wheelchair Women’s Doubles: Diede de Groot (Netherlands) and Aniek van Koot (Netherlands) and 28 unbeaten runs, respectively, sharing an zz Wheelchair Quad Doubles: (UK) and (US) unfinished 55 for the seventh wicket. Gilmour erbia’s Novak Djokovic came from two sets down on Sunday (13) to beat was adjudged the Man of the Match. Greece’s world number-five Stefanos Tsitsipas and claim his second French Open title in sensational fashion in Paris. Analysis S Playing in his first final, Djokovic who last won the French Open Classic rhythm. Sheer beauty. Exhilarating Tsitsipas was just a set away from in 2016. action. The beholder is stilled and stunned. What defeating the world number-one and “I want to thank my coach and my else do you expect from a cricket photo? Not becoming the first Greek player to win physio, everyone who has been with me only “us”, the four heads on the right too are one of the sport’s four majors. on this journey. I have played almost looking so eagerly at the “red cherry” trapped But Djokovic showed true grit and nine hours over the last 48 hours against in the wicketkeeper’s right-hand glove. The determination to dash the Tsitsipas dream two great champions. It was really tough slip fielder (Australian Captain Ian Chappell) as he clawed his way back to complete physically over the last three days, but has got his eyes too fixed on the ball. In the a 6-7 (6-8), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 comeback I trusted in my capabilities and knew I vast expanse of the greenery, including on the triumph, reported Inside the Games. could do it.” Headingley pitch, the white-clad human figures, and the white background, it is the “red cherry” Nine hours of play in two days The proceedings that derives our full attention. Though air-borne The victory comes two days after yy Tsitsipas went toe-to-toe with after diving far to his right, Rod Marsh’s figure Djokovic beat 13-time champion Rafael Djokovic in an absorbing first set seems like a statue, still and frozen. No wonder Nadal in a Roland Garros classic and which had several twists and turns. this is considered one of the best-ever cricket means he now stands on 19 Grand Slam photographs and one of the most famous ones titles - just one behind the record men’s yy The Greek star missed the first chance taken by Patrick Eager. haul jointly held by the Spaniard and to win the set at 5-4 before Djokovic held his serve and broke to lead 6-5. Barbora Krejčíková (right) won the women’s singles title on Friday (11) before winning the Photographer Switzerland’s Roger Federer. doubles title too, partnering compatriot Kateřina Siniaková (left) “It was an electric atmosphere,” said yy Tsitsipas hit back immediately to Patrick Eagar is a revered British cricket take the set into a tiebreak and looked winning an 11-minute game to move consolidated his lead before securing photographer born in 1944. Eagar’s first camera inspired as he led 4-0 and 5-2 in the 3-1 in front, in set three, the Serbian victory with a simple volley at the net. was given to him by his grandmother when he second. mounted a superb comeback. Tsitsipas comments was eight or nine years old. Eagar studied at y Cambridge University. He particularly liked the yy Djokovic then won four points in y It was one-way traffic as Djokovic “I tried my best,” said Tsitsipas. photography in the magazine Sports Illustrated. succession to tee up a set point of his took the third set 6-3 and dropped just “I had a good run and am happy with The first Test match where Eagar took photos own, but Tsitsipas responded once two games to win the fourth. myself, but let’s give it to Novak because was the 1965 match at Headingley between again to win the tiebreak. yy Tsitsipas won his opening service he has shown us over the past couple of England and New Zealand. After a rise in yy All the momentum was with Tsitsipas game in the decider but was broken years what a great champion he is. freelance photographers, Eagar began to cover as he broke Djokovic’s serve twice to in his next as Djokovic moved 3-1 “I am inspired by the things he has matches on a more frequent basis, beginning take a two-set lead. ahead. achieved and I hope one day I can with the 1972 Ashes series in England. During maybe do half of what he has done so yy It proved to be crucial as Djokovic the 1970s, he produced photographs for the The red clay dust, off the Djokovic shoe on yy Djokovic had it all to do but after far.” Wisden Cricket Monthly and The Cricketer Sunday: It is Djokovic’s second title won magazines. on the Roland Garros clay, and means he has two career Grand Slams – a feat only In an interview, Eagar once said that his Australian greats Roy Emerson and Rod favourite photo was of Laver have matched playing cricket on the beach in Bridgetown, Barbados in 1973 and that his favourite player to photograph was former Australian Captain , due to his improvisation at the crease. An afterword Three days later at Lord’s, Australia gave a stiff resistance against the strong West Indies under Clive Lloyd. Though they lost this first- ever World Cup final by 17 runs, the Aussies were chasing the Windies’ total of 291/8 in 60 overs effectively until the 59th over of their innings before they were bowled out for 274 in Djokovic hit 56 winners in the course of the final, which lasted four hours and 11 Czech Barbora Krejčíková (left) became the first player to win the women’s singles and doubles at the 58.4 overs. minutes. Here is eventual runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas running towards the net for a French Open since 2000, as she and her compatriot Kateřina Siniaková (right) tasted victory in the back-hand on Sunday (13) doubles final on Sunday (13) 124 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { Sports } Tuesday, June 15, 2021 Euro 2020 Round-up England win opener for the first time Compiled by Ranjika Perera threatening the Croatian defence with their pace. FIXTURES But they were just unable to find the net in the first Italy beat Turkey 3-0 Yesterday – Monday, 14 June half. It took England 57 minutes to find the opening The most-awaited Euro 2020 kicked off in Rome yy Group D: Scotland vs. Czech Republic goal. Kalvin Philips sent the ball into space in the on Friday (11). Italy hosted Turkey in their Group (6.30 p.m.* in Glasgow) box and Sterling managed to beat the keeper to find A clash. After a quiet first half, the Italians took the back of the net. The score remained the same over the game. The first goal came through when yy Group E: Poland vs. Slovakia (9.30 p.m. at the final whistle, giving England a winning start Dominico Berradi’s “crossed” was deflected in by in St. Petersburg) to their campaign. Turkish defender Merih Demiral. Ciro Immobile yy Group E: Spain vs. Sweden (12.30 doubled the lead with a close-range shot and Insigne midnight in Seville) Austria beat North Macedonia 3-1 put the icing on the cake with stunning curler from Austria took on tournament debutants North the edge of the box. Today – Tuesday, 15 June Macedonia in their Group C clash. Stefan Lainer yy Group F: Hungary vs. Portugal (9.30 p.m. opened the scoring for Austria. North Macedonia Switzerland vs. Wales 1-1 in Budapest) found the equaliser through their veteran striker On Saturday (12), Switzerland faced Wales in Goran Pandev. However, Austria scored two late Baku. First half was dominated by the Swiss but yy Group F: France vs. Germany (12.30 a.m. goals to win the tie by 3-1. they had nothing to show for it. However, they found in Munich) the opener through Breel Embolo. Swiss was the Netherlands beat Ukraine 3-2 dominant side between the two but Wales somehow Joel Pohjanpalo to secure a 1-0 win. The most thrilling game so far in the Euro 2020 found an equaliser through Kieffer Moore’s header was between Netherlands and Ukraine. After in the 79th minute. Belgium beat Russia 3-0 a quiet first half, the two teams stepped up to Russia hosted Belgium in Saint Petersburg. The produce a thrilling second half. Gig Wijnaldum Finland beat Denmark 1-0 world No. 1 seed Belgium had no trouble in sweeping opened the scoring for the Dutch. It was doubled by Dumfries scored The Denmark-Finland clash in Group B took the off the hosts. Romelu Lukaku scored two goals in Wout Weghorst to put the Dutch on top. However, the winner for headlines for the worst possible reason. In the first each half while Thomas Meunier scored the third Ukraine responded with two quick goals. The first Netherlands half, Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen collapsed to register a 3-0 win for Belgium. one was the best in the tournament so far when against Ukraine in and was taken to the hospital after a cardiac arrest. Andriy Yarmalenko curved the ball from outside perhaps the most England beat Croatia 1-0 thrilling Euro game The game was suspended initially, but after reports the box. With ten minutes remaining on the clock, so far this season came out that Eriksen is stable, the two teams decided On Sunday (13), England hosted Croatia at the Netherlands pushed on and found the winner through to continue. Finland found the winning goal through Wembley Stadium. The hosts started off well, Denzel Dumfries.

FIDE Online Queen’s Chess Festival 2021 Sanidula and Oshini second On This Day 15 in Asian Qualifiers june By Ishani Upatharitha this 11-round event which has four categories yy Category D – Ratings below 1,500 Sanidula Dahamdi of Musaeus College, as stated below: The preliminary events were held Colombo won the second place in the Asian as continental events of Asia, Africa, yy Category A – Ratings above 2,200 Qualifier of the rating category between 1500- America, and Europe and the top three 1799 in the Queen’s Chess Festival, conducted yy Category B – Ratings between players in each continental event are to by the FIDE Women’s Commission on Sunday 1,800-2,199 play the world event on Saturday, 26 June. (13). yy A total of 11 girls from Sri Lanka participated Dahamdi scored 8½ points out of 11 games Category C – Ratings between in the event; two players in Category C to reach the second spot. All games of the 1,500-1,799 and nine in Category D. They were (other Asian continental event were held on Sunday. than Dahamdi and Gunawardena): Woman Nine-year-old Oshini Gunawardena from International Master (WIM) Sachini Ferguson High School, Ratnapura also got Ranasinghe (Nf3 Chess Club), Chanindi second place in the rating category of less M. Attanayake (Devi Balika Vidyalaya, than 1500 in the same Asian Qualifier event. Colombo), Oneli Vithanawasam (Lyceum Curtly Ambrose takes his 300th Test wicket, that of Sajeewa Silva, in the 1997 Antigua match Gunawardena scored nine points along with International School, Wattala), G.H.S. Senulya which Sri Lanka lost by six wickets two others and had to be satisfied with the (Royal Primary College, Polonnaruwa), second place according to the tie-breaker. Piyumi U. Amarathunga (JMC International, 1929 Gubby Allen arrived late for The online Queen’s Chess Festival is an Kalutara), Desandi D. Gamage (Sirimavo Middlesex’s Championship match against open event organised by the FIDE Women’s Bandaranayake College, Colombo), Nemindi Lancashire at Lord’s after having to Commission for female chess players in the L. Ramanayake (Bandaranayake Central work at a London department store that world on the Tornelo Platform. It is a blitz College, Veyangoda), Tenuli D. Rathnayake morning. When he came on to bowl, chess event which gives three minutes plus Sanidula Dahamdi Oshini Gunawardena (Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo), Sasmi he took all ten wickets for 40 in 25.3 of Musaeus College, from Ferguson High two seconds for each move played. Colombo School, Ratnapura Sithumsa (Lyceum International School, overs, including the last four wickets The pairings also are done by Tornelo in Ratnapura). in five balls. It was the last occasion a bowler took all ten wickets in an innings at Lord’s the German giants. Dortmund want around € News from the football world 95 million (Rs. 22 billion) for the 21-year-old, 1944 Birth of Inna Ryskal, soviet volleyball with United currently reluctant to go above player for Soviet Russia. She played € 70 million (Rs. 16 billion). in four Olympiads and brought home Luckily, he received appropriate medical four medals; two silver and two gold. attention on the field by medics before he was Rodgers look to get Coutinho No other volleyball player in the world Inna Ryskal was a major player in helping the transferred to hospital in a stable condition. to England had matched these accomplishments. Soviet Union women’s national volleyball The incident affected Blind particularly, who The Russian strategy was based on pure team dominate the world from late 1960s to early 1970s by winning four medals in four was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2019 power and Ryskal was the power hitter consecutive Olympics, from 1968 to 1976 following his own collapse in a Champions of the team, earning her the nickname League game against Valencia. He admitted “Kaspiiskaia Thunderstorm” he came close to withdrawing from his side’s left West Indies to chase 187, and their Group D game. He said: “I had to overcome 1955 Australia scored 758/8 in the fifth opening pair of Stuart Williams and a mental hurdle to play. I’m proud that I did Test against West Indies in Kingston, Sherwin Campbell polished off 160 of Bellingham becomes youngest- it. Then eventually the emotion comes out… their highest Test total. Their innings them to leave victory a formality that had such an impact. For me, they were had started badly when they stumbled to ever to feature in Europe things that I recognised. That made it all the 7/2, but a Test-record of five individual 2017 A big moment for Scotland cricket. England youngster Jude Bellingham became more intense. To hear that he is doing well hundreds; from Colin McDonald (127), Their 26-run win over Zimbabwe in the youngest ever to play at a European now gives everyone the strength to be able Neil Harvey (207), Keith Miller (109), the ODI in Edinburgh was their first Championship when he came on as a sub to play on anyway. As for his future, please Ron Archer (128), and over a Full-Member team. Captain and on Sunday (13). The 17-year-old replaced leave it alone.” (121) left West Indies wilting. Benaud’s opener Kyle Coetzer made 109 and Craig Harry Kane in his side’s opening game of hundred came in 78 minutes and for the Wallace and Michael Leask chipped in the tournament against Croatia. The record first time in Test history, five bowlers with lower-order fifties to take Scotland was previously held by Jetro Willems, who conceded 100 runs, and a sixth (Garry to 317. After a rain interruption during was 18 when he represented the Netherlands Rumours have surfaced that the former Sobers) went for 99. Australia went on to the chase, Zimbabwe were set a new at Euro 2012. The midfielder who plays for Liverpool star could return to the Premier win the match by an innings and 82 runs target of 299 in 43 overs. Sean Williams German giants, Borussia Dortmund, has also League and that it is Leicester who are and Malcolm Waller took charge, but broken Michael Owen’s record to become considering a shock move for Philippe 1993 Death of former British racing Zimbabwe were bowled out in the 42nd the youngest player to represent England at Coutinho. Foxes’ boss Brendan Rodgers driver and commentator in Formula over. Left-arm spinner Con de Lange a major tournament. signed Coutinho at Liverpool nine years One, James Hunt. His closest friend took a career-best 5/60 England started Euro 2020 with a 1-0 ago and could make a € 20 million (Rs. 4.8 among the drivers was Niki Lauda, win against Croatia, the first time in history Man United’s race to sign billion) bid to bring him back to the Premier with whom he had a thrilling battle for where they managed to start the European Sancho continues League. Coutinho has struggled to replicate the 1976 driving title. Lauda had been Championship with a win. Raheem Sterling According to sports journalist Fabrizio his best form since joining the Catalan club well in front until he was nearly killed made the difference for the hosts, assisted Romano, Manchester United held further talks from Liverpool in 2018 and Barcelona are in a fiery accident at the Nurburgring. by Kalvin Phillips, before guiding the ball with Borussia Dortmund over the weekend as open to getting him off the wage bill this James won that race and five others to into the net. They will take on Scotland in they look to agree on a fee for Jadon Sancho. summer, even if that is on a temporary basis force a championship showdown with their next game on Friday (18) and then face The English winger is believed to have already via a loan. the miraculously-recovered Lauda in Czech Republic in their last match of the agreed on personal terms with the Red Devils the last race of the season. It was so wet group stage on 22 June. but they are yet to submit an acceptable fee to Morata to stay another season in Japan that Lauda decided it was too on loan with Juve dangerous to race and parked his Ferrari Dailey Blind almost pulled out of Reports emerge that Juventus have agreed after a couple of laps. Hunt stayed out Euro 2020 to loan Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid in his McLaren and drove furiously to Netherlands defender and former for another season. With the future of Cristiano finish third and become World Champion Manchester United player Daley Blind Ronaldo uncertain, Juve’s newly appointed admitted that he considered pulling out Manager Massimiliano Allegri is wary of 1997 Sri Lanka’s first Test in the Caribbean of his side’s Euro 2020 opener following losing quality, so moved quickly to secure island of Antigua ended in a six-wicket Christian Eriksen’s collapse the day before. Morata’s services for another year. The deal defeat. The usual first-innings five-for Sir George Oswald Browning ‘Gubby’ Allen Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and was will see Juve pay Atletico a loan fee of € 10 from Muttiah Muralitharan had given (1902-1989) captained England in 11 Test taken to hospital during Denmark’s Group million (Rs. 2.4 billion) with the option to turn Sri Lanka a slender lead, but they fell matches. Here is the cover of the 1985 E.W. Swanton book on the legendary cricketer B clash in Copenhagen on Saturday (12). the loan into a permanent deal next summer. away for 152 in the second innings. That „„ www.themorning.lk Tuesday, June 15, 2021 NBA play-offs: Phoenix Suns reach WC finals in 11 years The Phoenix Suns reached the Western Conference (WC) finals for the first time in 11 years with a 125-118 win over the Denver Nuggets – sweeping their best-of-seven series 4-0. Chris Paul top-scored for the Suns with 37 points while team-mate Devin Booker added 34 points and 11 rebounds. The game was marred by the ejection of NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Nikola Jokic late in the third quarter. He recklessly swiped for the ball but struck Cameron Payne in the face. Serbian Jokic and the Suns’ Booker had to be separated by players, coaches, and officials after squaring up to each other in the aftermath.

FOREIGN NEWS sportsIN BRIEF Muaythai, etc. to get IOC recognition?

World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) President From left: Newly appointed SLC Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Technical Committee Chairman Aravinda de Silva, SLC President Shammi Silva, Secretary Mohan de Silva, and Technical Committee member Roy Baker has vowed to “raise the bar” after being recommended Muttiah Muralitharan addressed the media in Colombo on 25 March for full International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition. The WAKO was granted provisional recognition for three years in 2018 and has now been put forward for full recognition following last week’s IOC Executive Board meeting. A decision is set to be made at the IOC Session in Tokyo on 20 and 21 July over whether or not to grant the WAKO, International Federation of Muaythai Associations, International Federation Icestocksport, and International Cheer Union full recognition. Baker hailed the IOC Executive Board’s backing as an “historic day” for the sport and the WAKO, which was SLC concerned over formed in 1977. FIBA Head steps down for sexual harassment allegation Hamane Niang has temporarily stepped down as International Basketball Federation (FIBA) President amid allegations of systemic sexual harassment Technical Committee within the Mali Basketball Federation. The Malian official is not accused of committing sexual abuse, but it is claimed that he largely overlooked the assault of women while he served as Head of the National Federation and Mali’s Sports Minister. An independent investigation has been launched by FIBA into the allegations, reported The New York Times. FIBA has said Niang intervention? “strongly denies” the claims but has agreed to temporarily step aside while the investigation is conducted. zz Appoints an ex-co official to represent SLC there was no elected body at the SLC (the To LISTEN to Administrative Committee under Prof. Osaka to return in Tokyo 2020 in Technical Committee meetings our sports page Arjuna de Silva looked into the cricket lead story, scan affairs then). Therefore, there should be a BY REVATHA S. SILVA better understanding between the TC and ne of the highly placed officials of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has shown this QR code on the SLC in future. If things go wrong, it is his concern, and agitation, over the present SLC Technical Committee’s your device the SLC ex-co which will have to take the (TC) alleged intervention on national cricket affairs, The Morning Sports entire responsibility,” he said. reliably learnt. OThe said official, who was one of the main management met last time. I would say the within the ex-co. We all work as a unit. Undue intervention figures of the SLC administration through the issue (TC’s involvement in cricket affairs Our detractors who wanted to contest us in The Morning Sports reported at least last two decades, has raised the issue when above SLC ex-co) was a concern at that the last election might be spreading those twice previously that there was growing the SLC top-brass met last, after the national meeting. Therefore, as a solution, one of rumours with the intention of disrupting concern amongst SLC higher-ups over the cricket team left for England for their scheduled our ex-co members and Jerome Jayaratne the affairs.” allegedly undue intervention of the TC, Japan’s world no. 2 Naomi Osaka has secured her place at this white-ball series. were named to sit in the TC meeting in the SLC need to take responsibility headed by Aravinda de Silva, in sensitive year’s delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games following the release of As a remedy, the same SLC ex-co member future,” a senior SLC ex-co member told administrative affairs including top-level the tennis rankings. The top 56 players in the men’s and women’s along with Jerome Jayaratne, who currently The Morning Sports yesterday (14). The above-mentioned ex-co member appointments. singles standings have gained automatic entry into the Games, oversees SLC’s high-performance centre “But we have to wait and see whether the explained further, though, that the high- The appointment of Cricket Director Tom based on yesterday’s (14) Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings. There is a limit of amongst other things, have been appointed TC will take decisions collectively in the handed behaviour of the TC has created Moody for a stratospheric salary and sending four players per country, meaning Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys to attend future TC meetings, it is also learnt. future,” he added. some unrest within the SLC ex-co. him with the Sri Lanka tour party to England, of the US look set to miss out despite being placed in the top 30 as Meanwhile, another leading SLC official “On the one hand, the TC has been in spite of his main areas of work being only Sofia Kenin, Serena Williams, Jennifer Brady, and Coco Gauff are Two to sit in TC meetings said: “At the moment there is no such endorsed by the Sports Minister. On the talent identification and restructuring of all ranked ahead of them. of Britain and Monica Puig “The issue was taken up when the SLC opposition to the Technical Committee other hand, it was appointed at a time when coaching, only aggravated such concerns. of Puerto Rico are the reigning Olympic champions after winning the respective men’s and women’s singles titles at Rio 2016. The top 10 men’s and women’s doubles pairs have also been assured of their spots at the Games. Osaka, who has yet to play at an Olympic ‘I took four wickets Games, pulled out of the recent French Open amid the fallout from in four balls against her decision not to attend press conferences. India’s playing XI for ICC New Zealand. I was 37 years old then. Nobody G7 leaders reiterate support for complained about my Tokyo 2020 Olympics belly nor my fitness at WTC Final speculated that time’ zz India to play three said The Inside Sport, adding they first three days with spinners getting a pacers and two spinners had learnt that instead India will play bit of assistance in the last two. against New Zealand a combination of three pacers and two Fresh from their series win against spin bowlers against the resilient Kiwis. the home team, the Kiwis, led by Four days ahead of the International “Though the team management Kane Williamson, will meet India in Cricket Council (ICC) World Test agrees that the pitch and English the much-anticipated WTC Final on Championship (WTC) Final between conditions will suit seamers more, Friday (18). The Group of Seven (G7) leaders have once again offered their support for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics taking place as planned. The G7 India and New Zealand in Southampton, India wants to play on their strength India’s likely playing XI for the – an alliance formed of the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Virat Kohli and Coach Ravi Shastri and will draft two spinners in the form WTC Final: and Olympic hosts Japan – has been holding an in-person leaders’ have almost settled their bowling of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Openers: Rohit Sharma and Shubman summit in Cornwall in the UK over recent days. G7 leaders “reiterate combination, Indian media revealed Ashwin in the XI,” the report predicted. Gill; No. 3: Cheteshwar Pujara, No. 4: our support for the holding of the Olympic and Tokyo 2020 in a safe and secure manner as a symbol of global unity yesterday (14). As for pacers, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, No. 5: Ajinkya Rahane, No. in overcoming Covid-19”, read an official communiqué over the The talks about India playing four Mohammed Shami will become an 6: Rishabh Pant (wk), No. 7: Ravindra weekend. The Olympic Opening Ceremony is due to take place on pacers in Southampton, the venue of automatic choice in English conditions Jadeja, No. 8: Ravichandran Ashwin, 23 July, despite Tokyo being under a state of emergency because of the historic event, can be put to rest, with Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, No. 9: Mohammed Shami, No. 10: the coronavirus pandemic. International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Shardul Thakur fighting for the Jasprit Bumrah, and No. 11: Ishant President Thomas Bach welcomed the G7 endorsement, calling it “a great encouragement”. third pacer’s slot. Sharma I can bowl 24 balls though I The pitch will also have something ‘Take the knee’ gathers for both pacers and spinners. The pitch Prize money for ICC World can’t run 2 km: Lasith Malinga momentum curator for Ageas Bowl, Simon Lee had Test Championship Boos from a large told ESPNcricinfo that the pitch will Sri Lanka’s foremost fast bowler hours without any problem,” the ace number of fans were have “pace, bounce, and carry” on the Winner: $ 1.6 million (Rs. 316.8 million) in recent history, Lasith Malinga, has slinger added, commenting on the drowned out by loud Runner-up: $ 800,000 (Rs. 158.4 million) said in a recent YouTube talk show current fitness eligibility for national and prolonged applause Third: $ 450,000 (Rs. 89.1 million) when England’s players Fourth: $ 350,000 (Rs. 69.3 million) with another former player, Russel selection. took the knee before Fifth: $ 200,000 (Rs. 39.6 million) Arnold, that he is not yet retired “I can bowl 24 straight balls. I can their opening Euro Remaining four teams: $ 100,000 from international T20 cricket, also even ball 200 balls. But because of 2020 game with Croatia (Rs. 19.8 million) each adding: “I can still bowl 24 balls.” the 2 km fitness test, I’m staying at Wembley Stadium In a T20I match, one bowler’s home. I know I can’t do that. Yet I on Sunday (13). The Football Association had maximum quota of overs is four, took four wickets in four balls against asked fans to respect the Virat Kohli at Ageas Bowl in meaning a total of 24 balls. New Zealand in Kandy last time. players’ wishes over the gesture to highlight racial injustice. Boos on Southampton, the venue for “I can’t do the 2 km run (which I was 37 years old then. Nobody Sunday were met by an ovation from other members of the 22,500 the much-anticipated WTC Final is part of the present fitness test complained about my belly nor my crowd. Before Euro 2020, England boss Gareth Southgate said his starting on Friday (18) players were “more determined than ever” to take the knee. specified for the national players), fitness level at that time,” Malinga but I still can ball for about two argued.

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