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Inside Story READ CEYLON TODAY A House Collapsed AND a Home Destroyed One selfish individual WIN cut corners to have a LUXURY HOTEL ‘mansion’ built on a rock, and a family of STAYS! three paid for this greed with their lives. DETAILS INSIDE A6-7 All Set for Ranil, Maithri PCoI Show 20th Amendment Bill Clause on By W.K. Prasad Manju

Former President Maithripala Sirisena and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe are planning to make Parliament special revelations before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry, probing last year’s 21 April Easter Sunday terror attacks, when they testify next month. Sirisena is scheduled to give evidence on 5 October, dissolution to while Wickremesinghe is slated to do the same 24 hours later. To date, in most of the testimonies given before be amended the Commission by various top officers of the previous regime, serious allegations had been By W.K. Prasad Manju levelled against both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. One of the clauses in the proposed 20th Amendment to In the meantime, Sirisena, during a the Constitution, which seeks to grant power to the recent discussion held with several Sri President to dissolve Parliament after a lapse of 12 Lanka Freedom Party activists had months of it being in session, is to be amended to grant reportedly stressed, he would reveal the power to the President to undertake that task after a more details regarding the Easter period of two-and-a-half years (30 months). Sunday carnage when he gives A Cabinet Minister stated that this decision had been evidence next month. taken by the Government following the convening of its Wickremesinghe had also Parliamentary Group meeting under the aegis of President discussed his being summoned by Gotabaya Rajapaksa. the Commission to give testimony next month, during a UNP meeting Story Continued on page 2 at the Sirikotha, last week.

Story Continued on page 2 Special Five-Judge Bench to Committee on High hear petitions against 20A Posts approves By Kamal Weeraratna for consideration on 29 September. A total of 18 petitions Chief Justice (CJ) Jayantha have been filed against the 20th eight new envoys Jayasuriya has appointed a Amendment thus far. Six more The Parliament’s Committee on High Posts yesterday (25), special Bench consisting of five petitions were filed on 25 approved the appointment of eight new envoys including Sri Supreme Court Justices to September before the Supreme Lanka’s new Permanent Representative to the UN and envoys consider the 18 Special Court, challenging the proposed to the US, China, India and Japan. Determination Petitions filed 20th Amendment. The Committee meeting was chaired by Speaker Mahinda against the 20th Amendment to One of the petitions filed on 25 Yapa Abeywardena. Secretary General of Parliament the Constitution Bill tabled in September was by the Young Dhammika Dassanayake also participated in the meeting. Parliament by the Government. Lawyers Association. In addition C.A. Chandraprema was approved as Permanent The Bench, besides CJ another petition was filed by a Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Jayasuriya also consists of four group of UNP candidates who had Switzerland, while S. Amarasekara was approved for the post other Justices, namely Buwaneka contested the recent of High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to South Africa Aluwihare, Priyantha Parliamentary Election including Admiral (Retd) K.K.V.P. Harischandra de Silva was approved Jayawardhane, Vijith K. Dr. Ajantha Perera, Oshala as Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Afghanistan. Malalgoda and Sisira de Abew. Herath, Jeran Jegadeesan and Dr. Vishramal Sanjiv Gunasekara was approved as the The petitions will be taken up Chandima Wijegunawardana. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2

Soliciting bribe, not appearing for case for 7 years Russian crew’s SC debars hotel stay lawyer till 2027 By Kamal Weeraratna under probe By Dilanthi Jayamanne The Supreme Court on 25 September decided to remove legal powers vested A probe will be initiated as to how the with an Attorney-at-Law who had been Russian crew which had arrived at the Mattala convicted of soliciting a bribe of Rs MT New Diamond Airport on 13 September had stayed at a hotel 300,000 for not appearing in a legal case which had not been identified as a quarantine and then continuing to ignore appearing centre by the Task Force of the National for the case, for a period of seven years. SL loses Operation Centre for the Prevention of the A three-Judge Bench of the Supreme COVID-19 Outbreak, Chief of the Epidemiology Court comprising Justices Vijith K. chance to claim Unit, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said. Malalgoda, S. Thurairaja and Preethi Dr. Samaraweera said, the Russian crew had Padman Surasena perused the case. stayed at a hotel in Polhena, Matara, and had The Bench also ordered the convicted US$ 750M been scheduled to fly to China on 24 Attorney-at-Law to return the amount... By Leon Berenger September. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 27 september 2020 news New Diamond blaze Customs to repatriate 21 UK waste containers caused air, sea pollution By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan be repatriating 21 soon, he added. When queried as to who was Director General of the Sri Lanka responsible for the UK waste, he By Leon Berenger Customs, Retired Major General G.V. said, under the existing system, – MEPA report Ravipriya said they will soon be before cargo reaches Sri Lanka, the The Maritime Environmental repatriating 21 waste containers that latter has to issue approval, and the Protection Authority (MEPA) that area the ship was crippled and a metric tonnes of crude oil from the had arrived from the UK last year. matter is pending before Court. He carried out a study on the fallout of more detailed report will be Port of Mina Al Ahmadi in Kuwait to The decision was made on 22 added Maersk Shipping that brought the MT New Diamond fire has completed within this period, adding the Indian Port of Paradip when the September, according to him. the waste, will repatriate it to the UK. confirmed in a report handed over to that only following this could we fire broke out in the vessel’s engine He also said a total of 263 waste He also said the CICT officials are the authorities earlier this week that reach compensation payments in room on 3 September, some nautical containers came to Sri Lanka, of demanding heavy demurrage for air and sea pollution had taken financial terms. miles off the country’s East Coast. which 130 (in 40 foot containers) had those containers that are at their place, a senior most official said on The team of experts deployed for The fire is believed to have been cleared by the Hayleys Group terminal. “I called the CICT and 25 September. the research is currently divided in sparked-off following the explosion of and unloaded in the Katunayake Maersk to tell them that this is a “We are in the early stages of opinion on several issues and it will a boiler and initial investigations Export Processing Zone. After the national issue and to therefore be collecting more data on the adverse take a few days before a consensus have not ruled out negligence on the Court order, they have reloaded that lenient over it. They said, they will impact that was caused to the could be reached, Dr. Kumara part of the crew. waste into 330 containers (20 foot discuss the matter and that very environment before the damages added. The CID has already recorded a containers). soon, the 21 containers will be sent could be assessed in monetary Maritime officials on 25 September statement from the vessel’s Greek He also emphasised that the back.” terms. We hope to complete the said that oil deposits discovered near Captain who is due to appear in remaining containers are at the Ravipriya also stated, though they estimated damages in the following the stricken ship was perhaps Court shortly. Chinese-run Colombo International are unable to trace the UK exporter, report that will be ready by next flushed out from the engine room The vessel has been towed away Container Terminals (CICT) and at Sasikumar Muthuraman based in week,” MEPA General Manager, Dr. after rescue vessels poured tons of further into the deep seas and is the South Asia Gateway Terminals the UK and the importer Sasikumar Terny. P. Kumara said. water onto the ship to douse the fire. currently some 70 nautical miles (SAGT) of the Colombo Port. There who is in Sri Lanka are siblings. He added that more and more The Panama-flagged MT New away from the country’s maritime are 133 containers inside the “Investigations are ongoing in this samples are being collected from the Diamond was transporting 270,000 borders. Colombo Harbour, of which we will regard,” he said.

Athurugiriya Army safe house raid Case against fmr Kandy ASP further hearing on 25 Sept

By Hansi Nanayakkara raiding a safe house maintained in Court. Further hearing of the The Attorney General has officers and seizing its weapons by Army intelligence officers along trial was fixed to the said date and indicted the accused Patabendige and committing offences Colombo High Court Judge with the arrests of Intelligence Judge Patabendige also ordered a at the Colombo High Court on pertaining to the revelation of Adithya Patabendige on 25 officers and the seizure of former Director of the Army charges of unlawfully raiding a State secrets, imperiling national September deferred further firearms, to 17 December. Intelligence Unit, Retired Major safe house operated at the security and damaging the hearing of the case filed against When the case was taken up, the General Kapila Hendawitharana, Millennium City Housing Complex territorial integrity and former Kandy ASP Kulasiri accused Patabendige who is to be present on the said date to in Athurugiriya on 2 January, 18 sovereignty of the country, Udugampola on charges of illegally presently out on bail was present give testimony in the case. years ago, while arresting its through his actions.

Continued from page 1

Russian crew’s... However, following a PCR test done on all Government hospital laboratory had been been scheduled to travel to China on 24 15 crew members on 23 September in a negative. “We would treat him as a COVID- September. All Set... private sector laboratory facility, one 19 case and provide the necessary Bandara said that although the Russian Wickremesinghe had stated that he would definitely be member had been diagnosed with COVID- treatment,” he noted. crew had said that a PCR test had been present at the Commission to give evidence and assured UNP 19 and had been admitted to the District “We will not be hasty in ending the carried out on them on arrival at the activists to brace themselves for more stunning revelations General Hospital, Hambantota. stipulated quarantine period for the hotel Mattala Airport, there had been no regarding the Easter Sunday blasts last year. Two subsequent PCR tests carried out on staff and all those who had been sent into indication as to who permitted them to Both supporters of Sirisena and Wickremesinghe had the same Russian crew member on 24 and quarantine,” he noted. stay in a private hotel without them being traded barbs openly with regard to who should take the rap 25 September had been negative. The The Public Health Inspector in charge, P. sent to a quarantine centre. for the failure to prevent the Easter Sunday carnage during Hospital said however that they would act Bandara noted that the Russian crew who According to the Epidemiology Unit, all the previous regime. on the guidelines issued by the had arrived in Mattala Airport and had flight crew members were required to stay Epidemiology Unit in Colombo with regard booked into the Polhena hotel. Fielding in quarantine centres for a period of 14 to the patient. questions, he noted that the particular days and follow it by another 14 day period He said however that with more than 150 hotel was not an authorized quarantine in isolation. Most international flight crew persons in quarantine following the centre, adding that there were no members remained in isolation at their Committee on... diagnosis of the Russian flight crew quarantine centres in the Matara District. particular quarantine centre from which member, measures would be taken to act Bandara noted that the Russian crew they travelled back to the Airport for their Milinda Moragoda was approved as the High Commissioner cautiously, although the test carried by the who had arrived at Mattala Airport had next flight. of Sri Lanka to India. Furthermore, Ravinatha Ariyasinha, Professor Kshanika Hirimburegama and Dr. Palitha Kohona were approved as Ambassadors to the United States of America, France and the People’s Republic of China, respectively. (MD) SC debars... SL loses...... solicited by him as a bribe from failed to appear in Court and as a the plaintiff. result his FR petition had been By Leon Berenger The plaintiff was identified as rejected. Clause on... R.M. Karunaratna Banda, a The plaintiff had also informed The State lost an estimated US$ 750 million resident of the Ambatenna area Court that later he lodged a owing to alleged blunders on the part of the He pointed out that a proposal to this effect had been while the convicted lawyer was complaint with the Bar Association authorities in dealing with the MT New Diamond submitted by a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna identified as Wasantha of Sri Lanka as well and that the vessel that was crippled following a major fire on Parliamentarian and explained that views, both in favour and Wijeyawardena, a resident of latter had written to Chief Justice board earlier this month, a senior maritime legal against it, had been expressed before the group, which led to Kandy. Jayantha Jayasuriya and that he expert said on 25 September. the decision to amend the clause to grant the power to the The plaintiff in his petition to the had taken up the FR petition filed “The authorities should have thrown the first President to dissolve the House after a period of two and a Supreme Court had stated that the by him for a fresh hearing. rope on the vessel by calling in a salvo team and half years. Lawyer in question had sought the The plaintiff had said that even for thereafter proceeded to claim one fourth of the The Minister added that this amendment had also been aforesaid amount from him to the fresh hearing of his FR petition, ship’s value along with the cargo. mooted by the committee formed by Prime Minister Mahinda appear for a Fundamental Rights his Lawyer had failed to turn up in But this was not the case and instead the vessel’s Rajapaksa, to review the clauses of the proposed Amendment (FR) case filed by him before the Court and that a three-Judge owner was given time to hire a salvo team from to the Constitution. apex Court. He had further charged Bench of the apex Court had heard Singapore and in turn denied Lanka’s right to the He pointed out that this amendment will be submitted for in his petition that when the FR it to debar the lawyer with effect claim which is also known as a reward payment,” discussion during the Committee stage debate on the 20th petition had been perused by the from this year up to 2027 after senior maritime lawyer and former Executive Amendment to the Constitution in the House. SC, the Lawyer in question had convicting him over the offence. Director of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation, Dan Malaka Gunasekera said. He added, the authorities should have examined the International Salvo Convention of 1989 where the host nation receives the right to take hold of the Special Five-Judge... vessel. He stated, the relevant officialdom should have The General Secretary of the Ceylon Amendment severely violate the country’s 1978 The petitioners have further noted that the sought proper legal advice before presenting an Mercantile, Industrial and General Workers Constitution. They call for a two-thirds majority proposed Bill seeks to reintroduce the expense bill to the vessel’s owner, adding that now Union, Sylvester Jayakody, the Ceylon of the Parliament and a public referendum to provisions allowing the submission of it was too late to rectify the matter. Teachers’ Union, and two citizens namely pass the Bill. emergency Bills, which were annulled by the The Government has forwarded a claim for Rs T.D.B. Wijegunawardena and P.K.R. Perera The Bill of the 20th Amendment was tabled 19th Amendment to the Constitution by the 340 million to the ship’s owner for expenses also filed petitions on 25 September. in Parliament on 22 September, amidst a previous regime. incurred by the Navy and other stakeholders to SD petitions had also been filed on 24 cacophony of protests from the SJB-led They have also informed the apex Court that save the vessel and crew. September by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Opposition. through the Amendment, the Government has The Attorney General’s Department later upped (SJB) General Secretary and Parliamentarian The petitioners have alleged that certain deleted the power vested with the Commission this figure by another Rs 100 million. The ship’s Ranjith Maddumabandara, TNA Leader and clauses of the proposed Bill flout a number of to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or owner has already agreed to pay the initial sum put MP R. Sampanthan, Anil Kariyawasam, public Fundamental Rights (FR) and other provisions Corruption to probe an incident of bribery or forward by the authorities. interest litigation activist Nagananda assured by the current Constitution. corruption sans a prior complaint and that it However, a senior shipping official refuted the Kodituwakku, Executive Director of the Centre The petitioners through in each petition have also removes the qualifications needed to be claims of blundering on the part of the relevant for Policy Alternatives Dr. Paikiasothy stated that the mooted Bill contains provisions appointed as Auditor General. authorities, saying that the Government had acted Saravanamuttu, Attorney-at-Law Indika that are seriously prejudicial to the public such The 18 petitioners have also emphasised that according to proper legal advice and nothing else. Gallage, the former Executive Director of the as the removal of the provisions allowing for the the proposed Bill flouts the basic rights “It would have been proper for legal experts to Campaign for Free and Fair Elections Rajith filing of FR petitions against the President, guaranteed by the Constitution, as well as have offered their advice earlier on since it would Keerthi Tennakoon, Transparency drastically curtailing the powers vested with other Articles of the Constitution and therefore have been accepted, but that was not the case,” International Sri Lanka, human rights activist the Election Commission to file legal action they have prayed the Supreme Court to deliver Director General of Merchant Shipping, Ajith Abdul Sanun and three civilians named S.C.C. against the violation of directives issued by the a verdict declaring that the said Bill will require Senivaratne said. Illangavon, Lohini Fernando and Lakmal Commission, the preventing of the Presidential a two-thirds majority in the House and a public The authorities needed to depend on foreign Jayakody. Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office and referendum, ahead of its ratification. assistance in helping to control the fire on the Attorney General, Dappula De Livera has State institutions from being audited and The Cabinet approved the 20th Amendment vessel and prevent a major catastrophe since the been cited as the sole respondent of the SD removing the restrictions placed preventing a Bill on 2 September and the Extraordinary Navy and the other State agencies were not petitions. The petitioners claim that certain person with dual citizenship from contesting a Gazette Notification was published 24 hours prepared for a situation of that magnitude, he provisions of the proposed Bill of the 20th future General Election or Presidential Poll. later. added. news sunday 27 september 2020 A3

Management of child abuse victims Appeal B+ kidney needed Only cops clad in civvies A 30-year-old married woman is in need of a B+ kidney as recommended by medical specialists to save her life. If there is a generous donor contact: 0763 178 878. All medical and related expenses will be taken care of by the must visit children patient’s carers. By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody teacher, at school, on multiple occasions. secondary to being transported in a Police The abuse was assessed to be of the non- vehicle and the resultant public reaction According to the national guidelines on actual physical activity (non-touch) type to it. All the girls had reported that the management of victims of abuse and and therefore with no physical injuries. A travelling in the Police vehicle was more Raising a morally neglect, it is recommended that Police class teacher had reported the incident to traumatic than the abuse. They reported officers should wear civilian clothing the relevant authorities. that the reaction and comments of the whenever they visit children at homes, Police officers dressed in uniforms had villagers were much more stressful than and ethically driven schools or in hospitals, noted Consultant then visited each girl at their house and the abuse. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the transported them to the hospital by a This reflects how the system has further Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Dr. Police vehicle for assessment by a judicial maltreated victims of abuse, she noted. generation vital Darshani Hettiarachchi. medical officer. This clinical example where the system President Gotabaya Also, the victims should be transported They were sent home and produced has deviated from the expected standards Rajapaksa emphasised that – President in a non-official vehicle, she pointed out, before a consultant child psychiatrist and recommendations in management it is necessary to raise a The President advised while citing the relevant national after one week for psychological was cited in an opinion piece titled the morally and ethically-driven officials to inquire into the guidelines. assessment where it was found that while 'Management of victims of child abuse in generation guided by their needs of the Dhamma school A deviation from these standards was none of the victims had shown Sri Lanka: The view of a Child religion in keeping with teachers and ascertain steps evidenced in an incident where six girls psychological symptoms related to the Psychiatrist' authored by Dr. physical development. to further motivate them in from the same school who were in Grade direct effect of the abuse, they were all Hettiarachchi which was published this The President highlighted their endeavours. 11 were reported to have been allegedly assessed however, to be having month in the Sri Lanka Journal of Child that Sri Lanka is a country The possibility of sexually abused by the school’s science psychological consequences of trauma Health. enriched with morals and considering the virtues due to its high esteem Dharmacharya certificate as held towards Buddhist an added qualification in teachings and the admission to the universities co-existence preached by the and recruiting for Sil cloth case other religions practiced in employment were discussed Sri Lanka. at length. It was also “We can lay a strong discussed to reform Pirivena Musthapha PC upbraids CHC Judge foundation for a moral, and Dhamma schools ethical, and disciplined syllabuses and to allow any By Kamal Weeraratna testimony in the trial. Weeratunga and Pelpita against meting out justice. Pelpita was society through the of the new graduate Musthapha alleged that their convictions by the represented in Court by betterment of Dhamma appointees to continue their Faiz Musthapha PC making Judge Kulatunga, had taken Colombo High Court over the Shavindra Fernando PC, Schools and Pirivena teaching at Pirivenas if they submissions to the Court of over the job of the Lawyer for Sil cloth case were perused supported by Attorneys education”. already had been teaching Appeal on 24 September said it the prosecution as well during before a two-Judge Bench of Kanchana Ratwatte and The President made these there prior to the was only the gods that would the trial proceedings. the Court of Appeal, comprising Janaka Ranatunga. remarks during a discussion appointment. know the true motive of the He said that Kulatunga had Justices Kumuduni The lawyers argued that with the State Ministry of In addition, the President Colombo High Court (CHC) proceeded to ask 51 initial Wickremasinghe and Devika Kulatunga had proceeded to Dhamma Schools, Bhikku also advised the officials to Judge Gihan Kulatunga, who questions and 244 cross Abeyratne. Besides, convict their client Pelpita Education, Pirivenas and propose plans to improve convicted former President’s examination questions from the Musthapha, petitioner clearly and intentionally Buddhist Universities to Bhikkus’ English language Secretary Lalith Weeratunga accused Weeratunga, before Weeratunga was represented disregarding the fact that the review its future vision at the skills, computer literacy and and ex-Head of the posing 91 questions and in by Attorney-at-Law Keerthi funds used for the distribution Presidential Secretariat on technical know-how while Telecommunications overall 386 queries to the first Thillakaratne. of Sil clothes had been 24 September. resolving issues pertaining to Regulatory Commission (TRC), witness to the trial, Director They both claimed that while facilitated through the Finance “In order to restore peace the appointment of Pirivena Anusha Pelpita, over charges of (Finance) of the TRC, Malika perusing the verdict given by Regulation Code. and harmony in the minds of teachers and their salaries the misappropriation of State Jayaratne. Musthapha alleged Judge Kulatunga, it was Accordingly, the Lawyers for the people, and promote and allowances immediately. funds towards the distribution that the manner, in which patently clear that the latter the two petitioners urged Court undistorted religious It was also discussed to of Sil cloth during the lead up to Judge Kulatunga had acted had acted with predetermined to ponder the issues raised by teachings sans extremism, assign a Development Officer the 2015 Presidential Poll. with preconceived notions to notions to convict their client, them and issue an order to you directly have to intervene and minor staff members to He further pointed out that convict his clients for an offence and hence charged that the invalidate the conviction in order to facilitate and Pirivenas under the Kulatunga had given his verdict that they had not committed, actions of the said Judge had imposed on them by the regulate all the registered programmes to provide job of the said case, at a time when had been most humiliating and even been in violation of the Colombo High Court. Further Dhamma schools of all opportunities for graduates nine witnesses out of 10 had insulting. accepted legal procedures and proceedings of the trial were faiths,” the President and families with low completed giving their The appeal petitions filed by detrimental to the process of fixed for 30 September. highlighted. incomes.

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* Valid for purchases upto 5kg & 3 items of the same kind, per day. All offers are valid from 26th to 28th September 2020. * Valid till stocks last. | * The prices are subject to change without prior notice. A4 Sunday 27 September 2020 Focus Does Our Society’s Mindset Enable Child Abuse? By Nabiya Vaffoor should be a way to monitor what their children have access to,” she added. It’s no secret; Sri Lanka is suffering Shirani further noted that if schools from a severe affliction in terms of provide sex education, children would child abuse. Well over 5,000 cases know the difference between love and have been reported­ in the country lust. “Even drug addicts are a threat to since 2012, with enough gruesome, children in this case. Not only drug revolting accounts to leave readers addicts, everyone is corrupted by what scarred; one cannot even begin to they watch on phones and televisions.” imagine how the victims might feel. She also advocated for strict This is not even the entire story, as punishment for abusers. “Abusers cases more often than not remain shouldn’t be given any chance to unreported – likely due to society’s escape from the law; they should face tendency to look down on victims, even the death penalty. Rehabilitating them while our justice system takes far too will not be effective, as that would be long to punish the perpetrators. just same like the drug addicts – they Another factor that contributes will return to do what they were doing towards the increase in child abuse months ago,” she added. cases, as well as the reluctance of victims to report them, is the taboo we A conservative place on talking about such issues. perspective Despite the negative attitudes many bear towards discussing the matter, The comments Ceylon Today sifted through the grit of from Faizer, a Colombo city for a rough reading of the 33-year-old three- cultural barometer on this burning wheel driver issue. highlighted how our conservative society The need for education tends to place the and awareness blame on the victim in cases of rape, as “Careless parents are the main he believes that the reason for the attire and Faizer increase of child behaviour of molestation,” noted women. Deepti, a 21-year-old. people wear revealing attire. If we mother of two, “Everyone doesn’t have the same type “At present, parents change the way we look at it, if we have stressed that the legal of control, especially when it comes to are busy with their our morality in our thoughts, it won’t system needs to be men, since that is the way of God’s economic struggle, affect us,” added Nimesh. less forgiving when creation. When a woman’s behaviour which has left them “People have been driven to madness dealing with such and attire arouse their feelings, the ones no time to spare their by the busy schedule they have to matters. “Such who lack self-control will reach the most children; but they maintain to cover their financial needs. situations will not vulnerable victims, which are mostly can’t be blamed, since They are unable to satisfy their occur in our society, if children. Though there is a small everyone is pushed essential needs and cannot find a the law was enforced percentage of sub-humans that are into the rat-race. Deepti proper partner, so their frustration Rehabilitating properly so far. emotionally triggered by children, this is However, the drives them towards such things. The them is not a good Though there is the rare. Usually, these perpetrators won’t penalties for those accused aren’t law and penalties that exist to chastise death penalty in our Srimathi be triggered unless someone’s attire or severe enough; they must be abusers is insufficient. The penalty idea. The shame country’s law, it isn’t behaviour arouses them,” he noted. sentenced to death immediately, should terrify others and discourage he has caused to enforced properly. If the judiciary He noted, however, that though he without letting the case fade.” the next person who tries to molest a hangs two or three accused, the rest of felt the abusers were not fully She added that proper sex education child. his relatives and the animals who try to molest children responsible for being triggered to is vital, and needs to be introduced in “The law should be imposed severely will be scared to do such inhumane commit such actions, they should not schools, saying, “We have to face this in such cases, and the Government family will create things to these kids. be forgiven for abusing children, and situation because of our society’s should take steps to educate civilians hatred every time this is a valid enough reason to ignorance on sexual education. If in this regard, so that any victim of Calls for stricter sentence them to death. children were provided sex education, such a situation will raise their voice they see him, as punishment “Rehabilitating them is not a good idea. they will have an idea of how to react against such injustices and violence. they are reminded The shame he has caused to his relatives when such situations occur, which will “I don’t agree with the death penalty “My idea is that these culprits and family will create hatred every time definitely reduce such inappropriate for these accused individuals. It would of what they went should not even be rehabilitated or they see him, as they are reminded of behaviour.” be better if there is a system to educate through because of sentenced to anything less than the what they went through because of the Similarly, 27-year-old Nimesh noted and rehabilitate them. There should be death penalty, because once they are heinous act. Rehabilitating a molester that society needs to a systematical change to prevent the heinous act. released into society, they will continue and setting them free might cause a huge understand the people being pushed to such Rehabilitating a the same thing. The loss of the impact on the victim, too. It is a sort of importance of sex situations. People should be informed morality of thoughts is the main injustice that might turn them into an education for both and educated about how abuse takes molester and set- reason for the increasing child abuser, or trigger them to kill the person. children and society place and they should be taught ting them free molestation and rape,” she added. That also gives a false message to at large. methods to safeguard themselves and She also noted the role that parents society,” he added. “The issue only avoid becoming victims,” he added. might cause a need to play in protecting their Faizer also believes that sex comes to light when Echoing these calls for proper sex huge impact on children. “If they aren’t taking care of education is a must for children. “They the guardian finds education and their children properly and if their should be taught about these things, out something has societal awareness, the victim, too. It behaviours are also questionable, the so that they will be aware if something happened to the Nawod, a 24-year-old, is a sort of injus- child ends up being vulnerable to such inappropriate is happening to them. child. If the child is noted that the things. It was reported that a child was There is another side of it, too, where educated in this Nimesh perpetrators also tice that might molested by the biological father. If the next generation of adults will not regard, they will be require education, turn them into an such injustice can be committed by be triggered in such ways, because confident enough to refuse when it saying, “The accused the father, where is the protection for they were taught the real side of it from takes place. Ignorance of the victim is should also be given abuser, or trigger children in this a particular age.” an advantage to the rapist. sex education and them to kill the society?” When we hear about cases of child “Even teachers in higher grades they should be Shirani, a 45-year- abuse, the first thought that crosses our neglect to speak about this, creating a rehabilitated. The person. That also old mother of three mind is “Why?” However, we must also stigma in society, where parents aren’t Government should gives a false mes- who earns a daily consider this – how do we stop this from comfortable to talk about these things impose severe Nawod wage from a juice-bar, happening again? Whether a child is with their own children. That situation penalties for such sage to society asserted that a reason abused by a teacher, a parent, a relative should change. We can’t blame others’ accused parties and take steps to for increasing child or stranger, the blame falls on all adults. attire or behaviour that arouses provide sex education to children.” abuse is because It is our responsibility to safeguard the molesters – there are cultures where However, Srimathi, a 52-year-old technology has made next generation, and each horrific inappropriate content incident stands as yet another reminder easier to access. that we have failed in our duty. “Parents have given Shirani Will we continue to turn a blind eye phones to their towards this issue and instead look for children in early stages, and they have convenient conclusions? Some might access to things they don’t need. These stress on the need for the death have made them vulnerable to many penalty as a deterrent, while others evils in society. When we take the might claim that the victims bear part teledramas featured on famous of the blame for their attire or channels, many have a plot based on behaviour – but would any of these schoolchildren falling in love. I don’t solve the root cause of the problem? It claim that such feelings at that age is is education and awareness that will something wrong or prohibited, but help us evolve as a society, allowing kids these days don’t understand the victims to speak up and be heard, and difference between love and lust. preventing the vulnerable from being “This misunderstanding makes them trapped in compromising situations. vulnerable. What if they are caught in Until all parts of our society, from the wrong hands? That person will the youth to the parents, the teachers take advantage of this and senior citizens – and most misunderstanding. Therefore, there importantly, the authorities with the should be a filter of what gets featured power to change the situation – take on television, and parents should be up this responsibility and do our part vigilant enough about what age they towards preventing such occurrences, give phones and electric devices to can we truly claim that we are not as their children. Though they let them inhumane as the abusers? use these devices in early stages, there Pix by Ashan Gamage focus sunday 27 september 2020 A5

PCoI on Political Victimisation in UNF-led Govt Dubious ‘Sirisena’ signature detained Intel Officer The Chairman of the Presidential years. Ramanaayke : I am due to meet our Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) Ramanayake : No issues because head today and he has only given me appointed to probe into Political Padmini Ranawaka is good and is my half an hour and I have jotted this victimization of public officials during friend. down as the third point. the tenure of the United National Front Abeysekara : Promise me that you Abeysekara : No please don’t do that (UNF)-led Government, retired would not tell anyone. sir, listen to me. Supreme Court Judge, Upali Ramanayake : As long as it Ramanayake : I meant to President Abeyratne issued notice on the happened no issues. Maithripala Sirisena. ex-secretary of former President Abeysekara : It happened, we will Abeysekara : Please don’t sir, I said I Maithripala Sirisena to appear before have a day when we could rejoice. am hundred per cent sure. the PCoI to clarify differences in Sirisena’s signatures in different documents. The ex-secretary, Udaya Seneviratne Three couples win was issued notice as the signature of Sirisena in a detention order was different from that contained in the former President’s election manifesto a stay at RIU that was formerly produced before the PCoI by former MP, Patali Champika Ranawaka. The said Detention Order that was issued with the alleged signature, against retired Army Intelligence officer Viranjan Upasena to the CID, was taken up at the PCoI during the Shani Abeysekara Ranjan Ramanayake Udaya Seneviratne hearing of a complaint filed by Upasena at the PCoI that his arrest and remanding by the CID with regard for the better, why are there clashes between us? to the abduction and disappearance of Ramanayake : I am glad it did Abeysekara : If that is both of our Journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda was because I will be so disappointed if he targets and it happens then that’s it. politically motivated. is not remanded at least for a minute Ramanayake : Don’t call again The three lucky winners who Pictured are Darshani Perera, Upasena stated that he was detained Abeysekara : I will even come work tomorrow and tell you changed your walked away with fabulous holiday Shalani Uthpala Gunawardane and at the CID from Sep 2015 for 90 days in your house if necessary, but don’t mind and make me upset. packages from RIU Hotels and Priyangani Illangakoon, along with based on the said detention order tell anyone sir. Abeysekara : No no, I believe the Resorts, in a special Valentine’s Day General Manager-Circulation, Rohan issued to the CID. Ramanayake : Your target is also to entire credit has to go to you sir. raffle draw organised by Ceylon Fonseka and General Manager- He added that Former CID Director send Duminda, My target is also to Ramanayake : Now speaking to a Today, were presented with their gift Marketing Sanjeewa Wettewa SSP Shani Abeysekara and SI send Duminda, Baratha’s Wife’s target judge is actually something that could vouchers on Friday (25). Participants representing Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Premethileke told him that the cases of is also to send Duminda, Hirunika’s send me to jail though I did it. were asked to WhatsApp or email a Ltd., Sisitha Weerasekara – Sales former MPs Vaas Gunawardena and target is also to send Duminda, so if all Abeysekara : Yes sir, that is more selfie with a loved one and the three Manager, representing RIU Hotel & Duminda Silva were carried out our target is to send Duminda then than enough to be imprisoned for 5 winners were selected in a raffle draw. Resorts. according to their needs and that the judges operate the way they want. “I also got to know that those involved in the Vaas Gunawardena case were sentenced to death complying with orders of Abeysekara,” he added.

The said Detention Order that was issued with the alleged signature, against retired Army Intelligence officer Viranjan Upasena to the CID, was taken up at the PCoI during the hearing of a complaint filed by Upasena at the PCoI that his arrest and remanding by the CID with regard to the abduction and disappearance of Journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda was politically motivated

A recording between Abeysekara and MP Ranjan Ramanayake in which they discussed the case of Silva was also played at the Commission: Abeysekara : Please don’t tell anyone about the case sir. It will create a huge problem because there is really good progress at the moment and what you have spoken has been hugely discussed and I am trying to balance that also. Ramanayake : But I am due to meet the President today, Abeysekara : No no sir, please don’t tell him, I beg of you. Ramanayake : Because you were upset the other day, I called her today and told that I am not trying to influence her but that the whole country is waiting for the 9th for your decision and that I have faith in her to make a good decision Ramanayake : Then she asked what and I said you are a great Judge and she said there were some people and cut the line Abeysekara : If you call Ranawaka again it would be a huge issue sir, because they are all on the other side but I feel somehow the call has worked A6 sunday 27 september 2020 focus A House Collapsed A Home Destroyed Tragic lessons from the Buwelikada disaster By Faadhila Thassim and Thameenah Razeek in Kandy

One selfish individual cut corners to have a ‘mansion’ built on a rock, and a family of three paid for this greed with their lives. had obtained every necessary This tragedy – the collapse of a five- authorisation needed to be taken at storey building in Buwelikada, Kandy that time. Rejecting the owner’s claims on 20 September that destroyed that the house was built to proper another house as it came down – was standard with proper legal blamed on substandard steel bars, authorisation from the State poor construction methods and the Engineering Corporation (SEC), the wrong mixture of concrete. The SEC General Manager, D.T. disaster occurred due to an unstable Rajasekaran said the SEC does not foundation, leading to the saddle approve private constructions; it is house built on it caving in, claiming only involved with State constructions. the lives of three persons and injuring Lewke’s son also spoke to the media, two. construction in 2015,” he said. saying the Kandy Police had been Recent investigations conducted by A report is to be prepared in this informed of the walls cracking, after the National Building Research regard by the Deputy Municipal they had vacated the building. “I did Organisation (NBRO) revealed that the Commissioner together with the not think to dial 119, so as usual, I construction of the five-storey house Municipal Engineering Division, Urban called the Kandy Police. The house was substandard, starting from the Development Authority and Building collapsed within seven minutes of foundation itself, and that it was Research Institute. them being alerted of the case,” he constructed blocking a valley path. Despite the shortcomings in said. NBRO Geologist-in-charge of the structural documentation and However, Lewke claimed that they Kandy District, Samantha miscalculations in the planning escaped from the disaster after his Bogahapitiya explained that the multi- process, the Kandy Police, along with neighbour Samarasinghe alerted him storey building had been built in a the Geological Survey and Mines of a cracking wall at Lewke’s house. valley area on loose layers of soil, Bureau (GSMB) and NBRO, discovered Samarasinghe claims to be the only which could not hold the weight of the that the building was constructed atop eyewitness to the building’s collapse – building. a rock without piling holes in to the but he refused to record a statement The house is owned by Anura Lewke, rock to set up the foundation, which is about his experience, stating that he a former Basnayake Nilame of the the established way in constructing had been threatened against this. Dodanwala Natha Devalaya. He said buildings on a hilly terrain. Meanwhile, SSP Masinghe criticised he constructed the house in 2006 after The investigations carried by the Samarasinghe for forging evidence. He obtaining approval from the relevant Kandy Police were led by Kandy Police pointed out that one of Samarasinghe’s authorities. However, the five-storey Division Senior Superintendent, bedrooms was also severely damaged Lalith U. Gamage Sudath Masinghe house actually obtained approval only Sudath Masinghe, who noted he had due to the collapse, and that for four floors, claimed Urban the UDA claims to be unaware of this, the Kandy MC had given its never seen such a collapse, with a Samarasinghe stated he saw the walls Development Authority (UDA) Central as the fifth that was built without permission, despite the inadequate building caving in and exposing the of that bedroom cracking – which Province Director, N.A.S.N. Nissanka. permission.“I have zero idea about the submission of requisite foundation, in his 31 years of raises the issue of how he escaped the Accordingly, a land allotment plan fifth floor, because we have no documentation. experience in the field. bedroom that fast without any injuries. was approved in 2006, stating that the structural details of the fifth floor. Contradicting Nissanka’s statement Confirming that the Kandy MC had Marasinghe stated, “Samarasinghe land occupies 11.6 perches. The Since the building is now non-existent, about the plan being submitted to the given approval for the construction of is forging his statements. He never saw building plan for the construction was we have to go through a thorough MC for approval, Kandy MC the building, SSP Masinghe the cracking walls. If so, he must have submitted to the Kandy Municipal check in the photographs. No special Commissioner, Chandana emphasised that the MC would be one some injuries, which he does not. We Council (MC) in 2007, and the MC had focus was given to this particular Thennakoon said that the owners did of the main parties held accountable cannot consider Samarasinghe a approved the ground and basement building, which existed for more than not have an approved plan in their for the incident. In the extensive proper eyewitness. But we will not let floors of the house in the same year. In ten years.” possession when the construction investigation carried out over the past him go either,” he said. 2007, an amendment plan was Nissanka and the NBRO team that began. week, his team discovered that the Around Rs 8 million in damage was forwarded to the MC for two basements was sent from Colombo are currently concrete rings that should be placed caused to Samarasinghe’s building. and the ground floor, which the MC looking through Google photographs to Investigations commence six inches apart in each beam of the Ceylon Today met the NBRO team sent marked as B1, B2 and Ground. obtain proof of the fifth floor, and to The Kandy MC has initiated an building were not present in one of the from Colombo to inspect the site, and Afterwards, the house owner had figure out how it was built, noting that investigation into whether the building beams. there were about seven to eight once again submitted a plan to the MC such a construction, if it existed, that collapsed at Buwelikada on “The norm is that there should be personnel at the premises. In a in 2016 for two basements, a ground would be illegal. Sunday morning was constructed in at least four steel rods, and the meeting held under the patronage of floor, and a first floor, and a Certificate Speaking on the matter, UDA compliance with the plan approved by stirrups should be placed six inches Governor Gamage with the heads of of Conformity was issued by the Kandy Director General, N.P.K. Ranaweera the Council. apart; which the contractors have Local Government, Central Provincial MC’s Planning Committee in 2016. said the UDA was not responsible for “We are looking at a copy of the not followed here,” he said, pointing Council Commissioner, Menaka Nissanka, who was part of this five- approving the said construction, approved plan kept at the MC,” stated out that the contractor failed to Herath lamented that there were member Planning Committee adding that there had been no Thennakoon, adding that the owner provide adequate support to the insufficient engineers in the MC as well representing the UDA, stated that only structural details regarding this had sought the Council’s permission to shuttering system being used for as in NBRO, which could hinder the four floors were specified in the construction. make changes to the building after the laying the concrete, which led to the investigation. blueprint submitted to the MC. When queried as to who had given plan was approved. “It has been collapse. However, the Police have “We need enough engineers, which Even though many agree on the fact permission and approval to the project, reported that the owner sought failed to identify the contractor as of we do not have right now. There are that there were five floors in the house, Ranaweera yesterday (22) stated that permission from NBRO for the yet. only about three technical engineers in In the wake of the Buwelikada a Provincial Council,” he said at the disaster, Central Province Governor, meeting. He also said that the Lalith U. Gamage slammed Lewke for construction of this house had been not following basic instructions when filed properly, but was not executed constructing a building in a slope area. accordingly. He said that the standard for a house built on a hilly terrain required that Owner’s Negligence? the house be at least 8m from the SSP Masinghe stated that although nearest road. “But if you observe the the builders would be among those premises, it is noticeable that there is held responsible for the incident, the not even one metre between the road owners of the house could not evade Concrete and the house,” he said. responsibility either – it was their duty Ongoing investigation has shown to ensure that the house was built in a Column that no soil test was conducted in stable and sustainable manner, both regard to this building. The MC has, for its occupants and the Concrete either legally or illegally, approved the surroundings. construction of five floors, while the He added that generally when a Surface ground Column fifth floor was allegedly tested by a house is built, the owners have to be privately-hired Charted Engineer vigilant and inspect the process of the before construction. establishment of the foundation. When asked why these unauthorised Therefore Lewke could not attempt to constructions are taking place, impose full responsibility on the Foundation Gamage said that owners of large construction company or those who Surface ground houses are bribing Local Government approved the construction. authorities. He also said he has his “According to the investigation, it is doubts as to whether this owner bribed evident that the owner has been in the the MC officers to approve his plans. country since the construction of this Foundation SSP Masinghe also emphasised that building; therefore they cannot merely the MC will now face legal action. claim they had no knowledge on the “Action will be taken if anyone is found manner in which it has been built,” he guilty of not checking the stated, adding that he would be held unauthorised construction,” he said. as equally responsible as all other Soil layer On action being taken against builders accused parties in this incident. and the owner for carrying out Investigation progress unauthorised construction, Police have questioned the owner regarding Masinghe said the Police have the constructor for the past week. requested documents from the entities Soil layer However, it was revealed that the responsible to ascertain whether there Base contractor had mislead the Police by had been legitimate applications made reporting the work was being done by by the owners of the house, to assess different building companies at whether these entities carried out their different points. part in supervising and instructing the construction of the house. Suspicious circumstances When queried as to the progress of The owner, Lewke defended himself the statements provided by the owner Base saying the construction work was of the house, Masinghe stated that given to a company, and that with until all relevant documents are Rock Rock regard to this, the proper permits had collected, the owner’s statements been obtained, and that it had been would not be recorded. This is built according to the proper standard. because, if done on the outset, in the The wife of the owner said that they event of contradictory evidence being The actual construction How the columns should have been constructed built the house in 2006 and that they submitted by the entities and the focus sunday 27 september 2020 A7

owner, investigations would be several different entities. We met for similar risk, and it should be these institutions lack the authority to prolonged. Therefore, all parties have the first time on Thursday (24), and ascertained as to whether these report such complaints to the Though they lived just two to be primarily identified and all made a report on steps to be buildings are long-lasting or not,” he Magistrate’s Court to issue prohibition rooms apart, different relevant documents have to be implemented with regard to such added. orders against such constructions; but members of the family living in obtained before prcoeeding. situations,” he added. under the Civil Law, this is possible. the ill-fated house crushed by Masinghe added that the neighbours Accordingly, the committee will Difficulties faced He added that if a building is the falling Buwelikada have not been cooperative with the identify houses that are at risk of Gamage said one of the main constructed illegally, the Civil Court ‘mansion’ faced vastly different investigation procedure, as their CCTV collapse, and the Municipal Council difficulties faced is that although there can make a prohibition order, but the fates. The mother and a footage, which would be a great source Commissioner will have the authority are different classifications of land for Municipal Council could not forward relative of 32-year-old Achala of evidence, has been erased. to inspect these premises. They will residential and business constructions, the complaint to the Civil Courts. Ekanayake were able to escape Operations are underway to auto track also, in accordance with provisions of this has not been implemented, and Therefore, these issues are typically the building before it caved in and recover these footages. the Municipal Council Ordinance, most constructions are built on solved at a personal level, which is a around them. He added that since this was not delegate authority to engineers to extremely small portions of land. lengthy process. Efforts are underway However, Achala and her intentionally carried out by either the inspect houses. In this manner, over Kandy Municipal Council to ensure that attorneys, through the 34-year-old husband, Chamila construction company or the owners, 200 such houses at risk will be Commissioner, Menaka Herath stated Municipal Council, could obtain Prasad, could not make it out the only charges against the parties examined, and a report will be that there are shortages of technical prohibition orders against such illegal in time, likely because they will be that of the negligence that compiled. officers and other staff to carry out the constructions. were tending to the newest resulted in the death of three He added that an office will be duties of the Council effectively, adding “This should be a joint effort to addition to their small family – individuals, as well as damage to the established for the owners of these that ensuring the smooth flow of ensure that the building of illegal and their newborn daughter, only surrounding houses. houses to obtain specialist advice as to construction activities will require that dangerous constructions is minimised. one month and 20 days old. what needs to be done to eliminate the these shortcomings be addressed Therefore, the Police could also assist The infant was trapped Are buildings in Kandy imminent risk, while appraising them immediately. in ensuring that there is a halt to such beneath the rubble for hours safe or not? of the danger they pose to their Gamage stated that although the activity until the Court Order has been before being rescued, only to neighbours. “The houses in the Local Government institutions receive obtained,” he added. take her last breath in hospital. Following this tragedy, concerns Hanthana area are also subject to a complaints about illegal constructions, (Pix by Udesh Ranasinghe) SSP Masinghe said, “When arose over how many other buildings we managed to take the baby in Kandy had been built illegally, or in out of the rubble, we felt she violation of safety procedures, and had already left this world, but whether any of these places were safe. we did not want to give up. We Central Province Governor, Lalith U. spent hours removing large Gamage stated that the Municipal beams off the bodies of the Council had investigated houses that couple.” developed cracks, those built in an Achala’s mother, speaking of unsafe manner, and those built the tragedy, said she only illegally, concluding that over 256 heard a noise a minute before houses in Kandy are unsafe. He added her relative and herself were that there have been meetings held for suddenly caught under heaps the removal of these constructions, but of debris. While the two of them they have not been removed so far due managed to scream for help to several difficulties faced in the and get out of the debris, her process. daughter, her son-in-law and ‘’I have thus appointed a committee her granddaughter were not so of specialist engineers, comprising 21 fortunate. volunteer specialist engineers from Achala’s Mother Anura Lewke Family A8 sunday 27 september 2020 Editorial Editorial sunday 27 september 2020 A9 SLPP Group to Finalise Amendments Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 as Protests Against 20A Mount Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Time to Ranil says he will spill the beans at Easter Commission President Gotabaya continued their protest in the are focused on its carried out in the down south Rajapaksa, in a pre-recorded well in front of the Speaker's proceedings. “Although it had been positive from the statement at the High Level chair. seems that most of the public. MP Lakshman Kiriella Meeting to Commemorate the Following this, SJB MP Kabir information coming out of this while travelling in the reform UN? 75th Anniversary of the United Hashim was given the Commission would be Habaraduwa electorate stated The United Nations celebrated 75 years last week. In a Nations, on Monday (21) said; microphone to speak. While he detrimental to those in the that the entire 2.7 million video conference address to the UN High Level One-Day “We expect the United Nations was speaking, SJB MPs, previous Government, it votes polled by the SJB at the Conference in celebration of the occasion, President to place due emphasis on non- including Thalatha Atukorale, would be beneficial to the last election had been cast Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, “We expect the United Nations interference in domestic affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva, Nalin people and the country to due to the popularity of the not to interfere in the internal affairs of States.” of other States. At a time when Bandara and Fernando also prevent a repeat. Especially Sajith Premadasa brand The President also said the partnership between the the world is facing a common went close to his seat. the lack of recognition on the name. Member States and the United Nations as well as the and an unrivalled threat, the Bandara waved a placard part of the ex-President During the two-day sustainability of the United Nations can be achieved to ‘United Nations We Need,’ I am stating ‘defeat 20’, while concerning national security programme all SJB MPs had the fullest by taking no country hostage for the benefit of certain, will place due ‘tracing and quarantine,’ that 6.9 million people gave standing behind Hashim’s is now coming to light. managed to set up some 50 a few. emphasis on the sovereign which was our greatest their mandate to the seat. Furthermore through the party branch offices in all The Organisation is also often criticised for not equality of States, respect for strength, the President Government to pass the 20th “There are two groups in this evidence given by the former electorates of the two fulfilling its original mandate of providing a platform for territorial integrity and non- stressed. Amendment and to present a House. One group which is the IGP and the ex-Defence districts. The next challenge dialogue and therefore preventing wars between nations. interference in their domestic “Sri Lanka is hopeful that we new Constitution after that. United People’s Freedom Secretary it is now clear that the SJB faced was the Yet, unfortunately, it had failure to handle international affairs.” of the United Nations would “How can Premadasa forget Alliance (UPFA) ruled this the former President should presentation of the 20th crises in the post-Cold War era, even on a small-scale. The President said, he firmly rededicate ourselves in efforts the past this quick? When he country for 20 years. Now they be held directly accountable Amendment to the From 1945 till today, the world has witnessed a believes that partnerships to strengthen this great was in the Government, they, are in the Sri Lanka Podujana for the last year’s terror Constitution to Parliament by number of devastating wars, between nations as well as fostered between Member institution to ensure the together with the then Speaker Peramuna. We were in power carnage. He has been clearly the Government last Tuesday. internal conflicts. A number of regions across the world States and the UN continues future we want. We owe our of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya for five years. They even had a rattled by it that he had even Following secret talks held on are mired in violence and political instability has caused at their best when no country peoples and future generations suspended Standing Orders to two-thirds majority in gone to the extent of issuing the previous day the SJB devastating poverty and disease spread in many nations. is held hostage to the interests no less,” he said. pass a No-Confidence Motion. Parliament. But what did they media releases on it as well,” decided to launch a massive However, most unfortunately, the UN could not prevent of a few. Rajapaksa Government has That was how you behaved. do? Now, they are asking for this was the view expressed protest against the draft Bill any or those wars or the deaths and devastations that UN Member States agreed in continuously expressed its How could you allege that we more power. This is just by a member of the UNP legal in the House. The decision are still being faced by those nations. June 2019 that the UN will willingness to pull-out from are the dictators? The people baseless,” he stressed. unit. taken by Sajith, Following are some of the key conflicts across the mark its 75th anniversary with any international organisation gave us the mandate for this At this juncture, Premadasa Another remark made by a Maddumabandara, Tissa, world that the UN simply failed to prevent – particularly a one-day, high-level meeting that they feel as exerting and we will fulfil our Election pointed out that Hashim had UNP member that they should Harin, Eran, Harsha, due to the fact that some of the powerful nations of the UN General Assembly on undue pressure on internal promise by passing the 20th not got the television cameras not be afraid to air their views Imithiyaz and Marikkar was represented in the UN Security Council having direct Monday, 21 September 2020 matters of the country. Amendment,” he asserted and on him. Then, the SJB MPs openly was accepted by the entrusted to be implemented interest in them. on the theme, 'The Future We Increasing protest added: “The Opposition has shouted, demanding that the party leader and the rest. by Harsha. Harin who, had 1950-1953 Korean War: North Korea, supported by Want, the UN We Need: selected the wrong ground and camera be focused on Hashim. Afterwards the UNP Leader initiated the SJB protest China, invades South Korea. UN Forces, principally Reaffirming our Collective against 20A means to protest. We have Hashim: “Why did you take noted that he too has been against allowing a convict to made up of U.S. troops, fight alongside South Korea. Commitment to presented the Bill now. So, you away the camera while I was summoned by the be sworn in as a MP also led 1961 Cuba: The U.S. orchestrates the ill-fated Bay of Multilateralism.' Justice Minister M.U.M. Ali can go before Court or secure speaking? It is my privilege Commission to give evidence the protest against the draft Pigs invasion, an unsuccessful attempt by Cuban exiles President of the 75th Sabry PC on Tuesday (22), a two-thirds majority in and you should not violate on 6 October and promised to Bill. to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba. Session of the General tabled the 20th Amendment to Parliament and defeat the Bill. that. Give me the camera. If reveal more details. He then took on the task of 1961-1973 Vietnam War: In 1955, North Vietnam Assembly, Volkan Bozkir, the Constitution Bill in Without doing any of that, you this is the manner the The Government decided to drawing up banners and invades South Vietnam in an attempt to unify the made the opening statement at Parliament, amidst protests by just shout here and create a Government ensures the “When there is a protest in Attorney-at-Law Indika complaint and that it also vote as the new Deputy Leader present the draft Bill of the placards to oppose the draft country. The U.S. joins the war on the side of South the meeting, where leaders Samagi Jana Balawegaya drama to disrupt Sittings. You rights of MPs before the 20th the House or in the well of the Gallage, former Governor removes the qualifications of the UNP, its internal cold 20th Amendment to the Bill alongside wearing black Vietnam in 1961, but withdraws combat troops in 1973. and delegates of 180 countries (SJB) Parliamentarians. are wasting public money.” Amendment, what will happen House, cameras should be Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, needed to be appointed as the war that had raged for some Constitution to Parliament armlets in the chamber. At In 1975, North Vietnam succeeds in taking control of made their representations. The SJB MPs, led by While the protest was going to us after it becomes law?” focused on the Speaker or the Transparency International Sri Auditor General. time seems to have ended. last Tuesday and it was firmly the time of the presentation of South Vietnam. The Vietnam War is the longest conflict “The world is plagued by the Opposition Leader, Sajith on, Speaker Mahinda Yapa The Speaker instructed Mace. That is the procedure Lanka, human rights activist The 18 petitioners have also Also, most of the party protested by the Opposition. the Bill most of the SJB MPs the U.S. ever fought and the first war it lost. unprecedented COVID-19 Premadasa, were seen wearing Abeywardena continued the officials to give the camera to introduced by the former Shreen Saroor and three emphasised that the proposed activists and supporters are Already the Supreme Court were seen displaying placards 1965 Dominican Republic: U.S. President sends pandemic, which has black armlets and badges proceedings after making Hashim. When the camera Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara. civilians named S.C.C. Bill flouts the basic rights having hopes of the new (SC) has been petitioned by 18 and banners and then they marines and troops to quash a leftist uprising. jeopardised our economies, stating ‘No to 20’ in red on several unfruitful requests to focused on Hashim, SJB MPs The Opposition’s demanding Illangovan, Lihini Fernando guaranteed by the Deputy Leader being able to factions but the UNP and the even proceeded to head to the 1982 Lebanon: U.S. troops form part of a multinational health systems and indeed our their attires. Some of the MPs SJB MPs to go back to their stood around him, holding for the cameras to be focused and Rasika Lakmal Jayakody. Constitution, as well as other revive the party in conjunction JVP are yet to reveal their well of the Chamber to protest peacekeeping force to help the Lebanese Government societies, just within a few were holding placards which seats. placards facing the camera. on them was to put on a naïve Attorney General, Dappula Articles of the Constitution with its Leader. stand on it. The UNP Leader against the Bill. maintain power in the politically volatile country. months,” President Rajapaksa read ‘Hitler after 20 (20n pasu Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Referring to the matter, show.” De Livera has been cited as the and therefore they have prayed “Ruwan has decided to hold said that the party would While the SJB shouted that 1983 Grenada: U.S. President Ronald Reagan invades observed. Hitler)’, ‘20 is great but the Fernando and his Deputy Minister Mahindananda Meanwhile, special Judge sole respondent of the SD the SC to deliver a verdict talks with party activists move the SC against the draft they were opposed to the Bill the Caribbean island nation of Grenada to overthrow its Sri Lanka was able to country is finished (20 marai Kushan Jayaratne were seen Aluthgamage said the Bench consisting of five petitions. The petitioners claim declaring that the said Bill will ahead of compiling a report on Bill shortly and noted that the those from the Government Government. successfully face the challenge rata hamarai)’ and ‘Defeat the standing before the Mace, Government maintains Supreme Court (SC) Justices that certain provisions of the require a two-thirds majority the future course to be entire country was waiting insisted that they were in 1989 Panama: U.S. President George H.W. Bush of COVID-19 through a illegitimate 20 (Opapathika 20 protecting it from the democracy. was appointed by Chief proposed Bill of the 20th in the House and a public undertaken by the party anxiously till a verdict is favour of it. However, some of invades Panama and overthrows Manuel Noriega. proactive intervention. We paradawamu)’, among others. protesting MPs in the well. “When you were in the Justice (CJ) Jayantha Amendment severely violate referendum, ahead of its ahead of its submission to the issued in this connection by the Government MPs were 1991 Gulf War (Kuwait and Iraq): Iraq invades Kuwait. established the National Making a statement, While the protest was going Government, you did not hold Jayasuriya, to consider the 18 the country’s 1978 ratification. party top brass. Once that the apex Court. heard encouraging the SJB The Gulf War begins and ends swiftly when a U.S.-led Action Committee for Premadasa alleged that on, SJB MP Harin Fernando Elections. There are many MPs Special Determination (SD) Constitution. They call for a The Cabinet of Ministers report is received by I will also A UNP legal official noted MPs to petition the Court multinational force comes to Kuwait’s aid and expels Preventing COVID-19 even yesterday was the darkest day was seen walking from in the Opposition who want to petitions filed against the two-thirds majority of granted its approval to the Bill add my views to it before that the protests staged in the regarding the contents of the Saddam Hussein’s forces. before the first patient was in the history of the Sri member-to-member, carrying join our Government. As of 20th Amendment Bill Parliament and a public of the 20th Amendment on forwarding it for the approval House by the Opposition Bill as its ratification would 1993 Somalia: A U.S.-led multinational force attempts detected in Sri Lanka. Our Lankan Parliament. a placard in black, rolled like a this morning, there are 17 submitted to Parliament by referendum to pass the Bill. 2 September and its of the Working Committee against the draft Bill though it spell doom to both people and to restore order to war-torn Somalia. approach synchronised the Some SJB MPs were seen torch. He also had a blue Opposition MPs who are the Government. The Bill of the 20th Extraordinary Gazette (WC). looked ok on the face of it, it the country. Opposition 1994 Haiti: After Haiti’s democratically elected military, health as well as coming to the well of the lighter in his hand. prepared to join us. Let me tell The Bench, besides CJ Amendment was tabled in Notification was published If more positive proposals had proved to be only a Media Leader Sajith officially urged president Jean-Bertrand Aristide is ousted in a coup in civilian authorities of national House and then Government Trade Minister Dr. Bandula you that we will get 20 MPs Jayasuriya also consists of Parliament on 22 September, 24 hours later. are received then those too show by at large. Another UNP the Government not to ratify 1991 a U.S. invasion three years later restores him to and regional levels. MPs too, came down and in Gunawardena moved a from the Opposition to pass four other Justices, namely, amidst a cacophony of protests Ready to amend? would be included in it and member told the Leader that the Bill as it would signal the power. Sri Lanka’s recovery rate return shouted ‘Yes to 20’. number of Orders under the this Bill,” he said. Buwaneka Aluwihare, from the SJB-led Opposition. presently Ruwan is holding what the Opposition ought to death knell for democracy in 1994-1995 Bosnia: During the Bosnian civil war, stands at over 90 per cent, Raising a Point of Order Special Commodity Levy Act Minister of Industries Wimal Priyantha Jayawardhana, The petitioners have alleged It is stated that one of the talks with several such have done is to have forced this country. MPs Kabir and which begins shortly after the country declares well above the global recovery while the noise was for the scheduled debate. But Weerawansa said, MPs cannot Vijith K. Malalgoda and Sisira that certain clauses of the clauses contained in the parties,” UNP Leader Ranil the Government to shelve the Marikkar had inquired from independence in 1992 the U.S. launches air strikes on rate. Our success story owes continuing, State Minister SJB members refused to go demand for the cameras to be de Abrew. proposed Bill flout a number of proposed 20th Amendment to Wickremesinghe said at Bill and then it could have the Government whether they Bosnia to ‘prevent ethnic cleansing’. It becomes a part of much to our reliance upon Shehan Semasinghe stressed back to their seats and focused on them. The SD petitions are slated Fundamental Rights (FR) and the Constitution which sought Sirikotha last Thursday. The proved to be a setback to the were in favour of reducing the NATO’s peacekeeping force in the region. to be taken up for other provisions assured by to grant power to the President UNP Leader was then asked Government. He too agreed PM to the state of a puppet 1999 Kosovo: Yugoslavia’s province of Kosovo erupts consideration on 29 the current Constitution. to dissolve Parliament after a whether ex-MPs Navin with the member’s and there was no reply to it in war in 1999. A U.S.-led NATO force intervenes with air September. A total of 18 SD The petitioners through each lapse of 12 months of it being Dissanayake and Ravi sentiments. from the Government. strikes after Slobodan Milosevic’s Serbian Forces embark petitions have been filed of their petitions have stated in session, is to be amended to Karunanayake had contacted Wickremesinghe noted the Chief Opposition Whip on a plan of ethnic cleansing of Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian against the 20th Amendment that the mooted Bill contains grant the power to the him and what sort of a importance of absorbing new Kiriella warned that those population. thus far. A number of six more provisions that are seriously President to undertake that decision they will take next. technology to the party when who vote in favour of the 2001-Present Afghanistan: The U.S. and UN coalition petitions were filed on 25 prejudicial to the public such task after a period of two and a The UNP Leader responded: conducting future protests proposed draft Bill will be forces invade Afghanistan after 11 September 2001 September before the SC, as the removal of the half years (30 months). “They have still not spoken to and demonstrations rather cursed by the future attacks on the U.S. Despite plans to withdraw troops challenging the proposed 20th provisions allowing for the A Cabinet Minister stated me. I am also unaware as to than merely displaying generations as it will totally from Afghanistan, ongoing instability (and continued Amendment. filing of FR petitions against that this decision had been what moves they will take banners and placards. wipe out democratic way of U.S. interest in the region) has led to the U.S. remaining One of the petitions filed on the President, drastically taken by the Government next. It is the duty of the new Opposition Leader Sajith governance and pave the way heavily involved. 25 September was by the curtailing the powers vested following the convening of its Deputy Leader to unite all Premadasa and the SJB were for the creation of an autocrat. 2003-2010 Iraq War: The U.S. and Great Britain Young Lawyers Association. In with the Election Commission Parliamentary Group meeting warring factions and steer the engaged in further enhancing Last Wednesday the Sri invade Iraq and topple the Government of Saddam addition to this, another to file legal action against the under the aegis of President party out of its present the party reorganisation work Lankan representative to the Hussein. The U.S. engagement in Iraq continues for the petition was filed by a group of violation of directives issued Gotabaya Rajapaksa. plight.” in Galle and Matara Districts UN met Opposition Leader next several years amid that country’s escalating Easter Commission United National Party by the Commission, the He noted that a proposal to During the past week, most during the past week. The Sajith at the Parliament. violence and fragile political stability. candidates who had contested preventing of the Presidential this effect had been submitted of the UNP members were not reorganisation work had been During this meeting the SJB 2011 Libya: In early 2011, a coalition of 19 States the recent Parliamentary Secretariat, the Prime by a Sri Lanka Podujana to be spotted in Colombo. As entrusted to SJB MPs its leader had briefed her began intervening in the civil infighting in Libya. Election including Dr. Ajantha Minister’s Office and State Peramuna Parliamentarian Ruwan Wijewardena has been General Secretary Ranjith regarding his party’s efforts to 2012-2019 War with ISIL: In 2012, militants in Iraq Perera, Oshala Herath, Jeran institutions from being and explained that views in summoned by the Maddumabandara, Tissa bring about sustainable and Syria declared a new caliphate and rapidly seized a Jegadeesan and Dr. Chandima audited, and removing the both favour of it and against it Presidential Commission Attanayake, Harin Fernando, development and large territory. The U.S. and other NATO allies began a Wijegunawardena. The restrictions placed preventing had been expressed before the probing last year’s Easter Imithiyaz Bakeer Markar, environmental security to the long campaign to contain and reverse the spread of ISIL. General Secretary of the a person with dual citizenship group had decided to amend Sunday blasts he was busy Gayantha Karunathilake and country besides focusing on 2017-Present Syria: After several years of launching Ceylon Mercantile, Industrial from contesting any future the clause to grant the power being focused on it. Also Buddhika Pathirana. bilateral issues. It was also on airstrikes in Syria against ISIL, the U.S. pivoted to and General Workers Union, General Election or to the President to dissolve the during this weekend the Opposition Leader Sajith was the same day that the SJB launching airstrikes against the Assad regime and its Sylvester Jayakody, the Ceylon Presidential Poll. House after a period of two and Deputy Leader is slated to seen visiting most of the petitioned the SC regarding regional allies. Teachers’ Union, and two The petitioners have further a half years. declare open a new party Buddhist, Christian and the draft Bill. The task was Other prominent and dramatic examples that show citizens namely T.D.B. noted that the proposed Bill The Minister added that this office while activating the Muslim religious places of handed over to its General how much the UN has failed in its original mandate are Wijegunawardena and P.K.R. seeks to re-introduce the amendment had also been party work in the Matara worship and meeting priests, Secretary Maddumabandara the Rwandan genocide and the Darfur crisis, where the Perera also filed petitions on provisions allowing the mooted by the committee District. Also after being and receiving their blessings and Attorney Suren Fernando. UN was not able to intervene in time or enforce its 25 September. submission of emergency Bills, formed by Prime Minister elected to the new post and meeting the public in The SJB parliamentary resolutions. More recently, the UN resolution to allow Previously, another set of which had been got rid of Mahinda Rajapaksa to review Wijewardena was seen being those areas. group meeting was held at NATO to intervene in Libya drew international attention petitions was filed on 24 through the 19th Amendment the clauses of the proposed interviewed by an electronic A Buddhist monk had 2:00 p.m. at the Parliament and resulted in mixed opinions. Its ‘Responsibility to September by the Samagi Jana to the Constitution by the Amendment to the media outlet and his remarks inquired from Sajith whether Complex last Thursday. Protect’ doctrine is often viewed in the developing world, Balawegaya (SJB) General previous regime. Constitution. during that programme had he had spoken to either the During this meeting most of as a tool of western countries to justify the violation of Secretary and Parliamentarian They have also informed the He pointed out that this come in for praise from UNP Leader or to its new the MPs had expressed their sovereignty of other countries. Ranjith Maddumabandara, apex Court that through the amendment will be submitted several quarters. Deputy Leader. Sajith replied views regarding the Most Members agree that there is a need to reform the Tamil National Alliance Leader mooted Amendment, the for discussion during the Also, as the ex-IGP, former that he was yet to meet the reorganisation of the party at United Nations, given how much the world has changed and MP R. Sampanthan, Anil Government has deleted the Committee Stage debate on the Defence Secretary and the new UNP Deputy Leader but grassroots level. They also over the past 75 years and how the balance of power has Kariyawasam, public interest power vested with the 20th Amendment to the ex-head of the SIS had been assured the Thera that more stated that the protests shifted across the globe. However, the pertinent question litigation activist Nagananda Commission to Investigate Constitution in the House. summoned to give evidence than 90 per cent of UNP against the draft Bill should is would the current Security Council agree to reforms Kodituwakku, Executive Allegations of Bribery or UNP Cold war ends? before the Presidential members were presently in not be confined only to the that would inevitably diminish their power? Director of the Centre for Corruption to probe an Commission of Inquiry the SJB camp. The response House but that they should Policy Alternatives Dr. incident of bribery or With Ruwan Wijewardena probing last year’s Easter for the SJB during its also take it outside the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, corruption sans a prior being elected through majority Sunday terror attacks most reorganisational work it Parliament as well. A10 Sunday 27 september 2020 interview

68 hectares ready for investors now Govt. Assures Law for Port City Will be Ready by 2020 end – Head of Strategy CHEC Port City, Tulci Aluwihare

Head of Strategy and Business both have financial districts. Development of CHEC Port City Colombo Pvt Ltd., Tulci Aluwihare There was a company from explains that the Government has India and one Karthik had assured the law for the Port City approached you to invest will come by end 2020 and that the in the Marina but that land blocks of both the Project particular matter was not Company (CHEC) and of Sri Lanka taken up for discussion and will be promoted as one Port City and dismissed the allegation that dismissed. What is the real the Chinese’116 hectares of land is story here? what they are concentrating in We are meeting many Indian promoting currently. However, he investors as well as Singaporeans and also noted that under the investors from the Middle East. There agreement between the Project is a lot of interest in the Marina. I Company and the Government, the cannot disclose any names here. marketable plots of land that belongs to Sri Lanka cannot be sold Was there a company by till 2023. the name of Symbiosis International Pvt Ltd to By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan construct build and operate an international luxury Yacht What is the latest about the Marina development and Colombo Port City? reached the NDA undersigned We are open for business. We by the Port City Managing completed the land reclamation of 269 Director Jiang H? The said hectares that is 2.7 Sq.km city as investor wanted to tie up scheduled in January 2019. The as a joint venture partner utility infrastructure, internal and entice the UK’s Virgin infrastructure, roadways and Group for the Marina Yacht landscapes are progressing and we should be completing these by end business but the Port City 2021. The 2 km public beach is ready rejected stating that they now. didn’t have the financial Currently, 68 hectares in Port City is credibility. That investor ready for investment. asked for the marina project Which side of the 68 Tulci Aluwihare and exclusivity. Is that true? hectares of land is ready Haven’t your project their plot of land. What is I am not aware of it. The project 1.4 for investment? Is it the Singapore. At that time the land was bn USD is a debt. Our debt repayment company added its your reaction? Chinese-owned land plots or not ready. kick-started this month which means suggestions and thoughts in Sri Lankan owned plots? It’s grossly miscommunicated and September 2020. The moratorium is It seems that the propaganda it? misunderstood. We cannot build a city done now and we need to sell the Port There is nothing called Chinese- on the Port City is on social We did and the Government assured like that. This is a city development City blocks. If Richard Branson of the owned land, Sri Lankan owned land media to reach the top us that the law will be tabled in and we are not selling buildings here Virgin Group can tie-up then what else here. All land belongs to Sri Lanka and investors in the world tells Parliament before the end of this year. but selling a mega story. You cannot do we need? That would be the story to owned by the Government of Sri do it without the government sell the Port City to other investors. that you are ready to invite Does the Port City Pvt Ltd., Lanka. the investor. On seeing your championing it because it is under the have the power to get what administration of the Colombo City Is there an MoU signed that But technically it is propaganda on social media they want because Port City plan. until the 116 hectares of the segregated, right? if an investor approaches is a unique structure, unlike Chinese blocks are sold or When you say 116 hectares There is an allocation of plots for the you what is ready here? How other private companies. Or promoted we cannot sell any for the Chinese, how are they Chinese in return for the USD 1.4 long will it take to hand over do you have to battle it with blocks of land that belongs billion investment made. The 68 a plot of land to him or her? promoting? to Sri Lanka up until 2023? hectares include a mixture of both. We the government every time It transpires into 48 plots for them don’t consider the separation as it is We are preparing an online platform over a certain matter? out of a total of 74 plots. In terms of What does the agreement the Port City project of Sri Lanka. All so that we can go offline. We will be As one of the largest investors, we the procurement process, our say? the blocks of land are scattered if you able to proceed when the online have the fear of the Government, government will follow their process. There is a six-year bar until 2023 look at it as an investor, as a buyer or propaganda will synchronize at the secondly, to market the Port City we where the Sri Lankan Government is as an outsider, it will seamlessly end. have to speak to the international What are the restriction and restricted in selling land and that is in integrate whether it is Government When COVID-19 is under control we investors and businesses. They have conditions coming in when the provision in the debt agreement. plot or Port City plot. Everybody will hope to launch it at the World City to be confident as to what kind of the Chinese’116 hectares are We have a debt agreement after have to sit and discuss the master Summit in Singapore next year business they can bring and their sold to investors? investing USD 1.4bn. So we have a plan. The only consideration on the hopefully or in the year after. Now we requirements that we have head start and our repayment just lands that the project company comes are receiving calls and holding communicated to the government, The DCR should be followed by all kick-started. The six-year bar is from to the project company and those of conference calls from the investors. hence the government should ensure the developers and that would be 2017 to 2023 and that restriction does the government go to the that the existing issues are addressed implemented on each plot. Everybody not apply to the convention hall, consideration of the government. But Now you say the 68 hectares through the proposed special has to adhere to that. hospital and school project on the port the development will have to follow is ready. What does that economic zone law. The idea here is to city. Those three projects are available guidelines on whether it is the mean? address the existing limitations and Aren’t you all marketing for investors. government or the project company. The entire infrastructure for those delays so that it becomes one place separately for the Sri Lanka plots is done and ready for where the investor the business own plot of land that is some Why such an agreement? Are you supposed to promote investments. developer comes streamlined and fast- 153 hectares including the For instance, when I borrow money the entire Port City and not track everything for him. That public areas? there are conditions. There is a head segregating the plots that Can you explain what is the experience is very important to us and start for the investment company. are on sale for the Chinese legality and procedures that that will be communicated to the rest We are not ready to do that. We So now you are calling for side and plots on sale for Sri are involved here? of the world. cannot have buildings on the project investors but for whom? Lanka? The payment must be made to us. In company own plots and have nothing terms of approval, all those areas are How many investors coming up on the Sri Lankan blocks. On the Sri Lankan plot it would be We have to promote Sri Lanka first . completed because the master plan is confirmed their projects in We don’t want patches of sand piles in 2023 but the rest of the blocks that signed with the Urban Development the Port City? and buildings coming up. We want to are available for investors are now Isn’t that the basic Authority (UDA) and under the master They cannot come here now but promote the entire Port City. It will ready. For the school block, there are understanding that if you plan we have the Development Control there are quite a few and we are having impact on us otherwise. lots of interests coming from top UK promote the Port City you Regulations (DCR) for building discussions with over 200 investors boarding schools. We are supporting are promoting Sri Lanka? heights. now and signing Non-Disclosure What we hear is that there is these three projects to kickstart. We Agreements (NDAs). We have shared a team separately promoting have hired international consultants Yes, but it should be the other way Is the DCR ready? all the information with them. It’s a the Chinese blocks? from the UK to assist the Government around too for us to attract investors It is ready signed by the UDA and challenging time with the Easter That is a huge misconception. Very in sourcing investment for the school from the West or the Middle East. We going to be gazetted soon so that it attacks and then the pandemic soon with the law coming in, there project. For the hospital, we have should put Sri Lanka on the map and would become Law. prevalence. The world is facing would be a joint effort. We promote as hired the PWC from India and for the talk about the country and then the uncertainty at the moment. So every the Port City, not in partitions. We convention centre, we have tapped Port City. When is the Government country is competing to attract foreign don’t force investors. He has choices. consultants from Australia for going to gazette it? investments and we will have lots of marketing. Did you hold an official The whole point of the Port City is to competition. We need to make sure Out of 153 hectares of land launch of Port City stating address some of the bureaucracies what is the differentiator here and 91 hectares is designed for Is there a tennis and it’s ready for investment through the proposed special position ourselves to attract that public places common to all. basketball court and also in Sri Lanka? We are only economic zone foreign capital that is required. What else is earmarked on luxury houses and a golf course already in the 116 seeing on social media about Is that coming up soon? There are about top 30 the rest of the blocks? hectares of the Chinese in it. Why? businessmen in Sri Lanka That is delaying. The hard Including the school, hospital and the Port City that is barred We planned a local launch and to infrastructure is ready, there is a and have they shown interest the convention hall, everything would from locals entering and couple with its first overseas launch in delay in the software. in the Port City? be marketable land. Singapore at the World City Summit in using it? July 2020. Due to prevailing You mean only the law is not We approached them and informed We hear that on the Sri There is a golf range existing in the pandemic, it did not happen. So we there but the rest is ready? all of them about the investment. We Lankan plot of land we public area. We have employees on floated about 28 hectares on Request The final draft of the Port City have a sales gallery in Port City. Few cannot have buildings that the site. There are houses for For Proposals (RFPs) (not 68 hectares) governing law is at the President’s have shown interest. First are the are more than 10 floors employees to stay. There are on our website. We did not have a big office for approval. awareness and the investment we whereas on the Chinese recreation facilities for staffers bang. discuss with them. blocks you can go up to 70 including Sri Lankans. They are not Have you seen the draft barred from using these areas. But did the Chinese hold a of the law and is it There is an allegation that floors. Is this true? mega event promoting their satisfactory? the project company is There are high-rises reaching to When will the Port City take 116 hectares of the Port City We held discussions with the only promoting the 116 about 65 floors that are on the off in its full form? in Singapore last year? Government and they did consult us. hectares that belong to them government plots too. The Port City is It depends on how Sri Lanka is designed by a Swedish company who positioned to attract investment and Are you satisfied with the (Chinese) and the staff of No. In 2018 World City Summit, yours is mainly asked to are master planners. There are also we are moving positively in that former Prime Minister was the keynote law that is drafted? designers from Singapore. The direction. The Port City is a game- speaker who promoted the Port City in Let’s see once it is passed. concentrate on promoting Government and the Project Company changer. lobby sunday 27 september 2020 A11

Question round queried from wearing tie-coat,” he said. Sabri the names and This remark made Sabri addresses of the lawyers who furious and he heatedly asked appeared in Courts on behalf Wijesiri if he was expected to of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen in dress like the latter. the case filed against him on “What is your problem? I am Wardrobe alleged sterilisation surgeries wearing an attire of my choice performed on Sinhala and it is an approved dress Buddhist mothers. However, code to Parliament. Do you Sabri refused to give details want me to wear like you? claiming that the Justice How could you make remarks Ministry cannot interfere on my attire? Who gave you with ongoing Court Cases. the right to do that? I would Wijesiri: “I know that very not wear what you want. I well. My question is what the would wear what I want,” Malfunction names of those Lawyers are. Sabri stressed. I am not asking you to The Speaker tried to calm meddle with ongoing Court the situation by opening the cases. My question is every floor to the next Oral simple.” Question. However, SJB MP Sabri: “I cannot answer Thushara Indunil raised a your question because that Point of Order and said “Why is not relevant to the Justice is he behaving like this when Ministry. There are a MP asked a question? He is in Chamber thousands of cases in Courts a new comer to Parliament, and this case is just one of but he is trying to oppress us Speaker is sitting in the them. The Justice Ministry’s as a thug. He should be given LOBBY centre of the Government and task is not to search records training on how to behave in Opposition. But we feel that of Court cases but providing the House when an MP asks By Methmalie you are leaning to the right infrastructure for the him a question. Send him to a Dissanayake side.” wellbeing of the judicial Montessori.” At that moment the system in the country.” SJB MPs shouted, “This is National Congress Leader Speaker who was leaning on Wijesiri did not want to how Viyathmaga works.” A.L.M. Athaullah was the right arm of chair was accept that answer. He SLPP MP Muzammil and compelled to leave the seen sitting upright, smiling. continuously asked why Sabri Chief Government Whip Parliament Chamber on SJB MP Chaminda could not answer the question Minister Johnston Fernando Tuesday (22), following a Wijesiri’s remark on Justice when the latter said he was also joined the conversation. chaotic situation created by Minister Ali Sabri’s attire aware of the case. Fernando said it was Wijesiri the Samagi Jana made the latter extremely “Okay, okay. You said you who turned the whole Balawegaya (SJB) when he furious on Friday (25). are here to work. Let us see conversation ugly in the first entered the Chamber Wijesiri during the Oral your performance while place. wearing un-decorous clothing as far as Parliament is concerned. He came in a Kurta top and an Afghan Pashtun vest worn over it. Athaullah arrived in the Congratulations! Chamber amidst the protest of the SJB against the Government presenting the The three lucky Ceylon Today readers who walk away with luxury hotel stays this week are: 20th Amendment to the 1. Melissa Muller – Enderamulla Constitution on the same 2. Champa W. Wijenayake – Pannipitiya day. He had fastened only 3. P.D.M.I. Gamini – Avissawella the top button of the vest. The more you read Ceylon Today, the more chances you get to win, as we continue the After noticing his dress, ‘Read and Win Luxury Holiday Packages’ competition for the fourth week. SJB Parliamentarian S.M. We have hidden the Sri Lanka Map within our pages. When you find it, fill in the coupon below Marikkar raised a Point of and WhatsApp us before Thursday 3:00 p.m. Order and said: “What is Full-board overnight stays for you and a loved one at Asia Leisure luxury hotels are up for Athaullah wearing? There is grabs. a dress code for MPs defined The winners will be announced on next Sunday’s Ceylon Today. by Standing Orders. But Athaullah wears an Afghan dress and therefore he should be removed from the Chamber.” Point of Order SJB MP Nalin Bandara also requested a Point of Order repeatedly, but he was not given the microphone. He shouted: “What is he wearing? He should be removed from the Chamber.” When he was not A.L.M. Athaullah given the microphone, Bandara started to shout leaving after posing for that he and his colleagues photographs. would remove their clothes Athaullah Dissanayake: (laughing) in protest if the Speaker “You look very handsome failed to remove Athaullah arrived in the today.” from the Chamber. Chamber amidst Athaullah who came to Looking at the scene Dissanayake put his arm created by the SJB, the protest of around the latter’s Athaullah was seen smiling shoulders. widely while leaning on a the SJB against Athaullah: “See, this desk. attire has long sleeves and a Speaker Mahinda Yapa the Government collar too. So, this does not Abeywardena said, MP presenting the violate Standing Orders. I Athaullah had come wore the vest because I was donning a dress according 20th feeling cold.” to his communal identity. “If Maithri (Maithripala After that, Bandara Amendment to Sirisena) could become removed his coat and President while wearing started to wave it. SJB MP the Constitution this, why can’t I come to Harin Fernando was seen on the same day. Parliament like this?” he unfastening a few buttons of said, laughing. his shirt, while MP Dilip He had fastened Later on the same day, Wedaarachchi lifted his Athaullah entered the sarong up to the thighs. only the top Chamber wearing the same Fernando shouted: “If he dress, this time with the is not removed from the button of the buttons fastened. Chamber, all our MPs will vest. When SJB MP Harshana remove their shirts.” Rajakaruna protested, the Amidst this chaos, After noticing Chair said that it was the Athaullah was seen Speaker’s decision to allow fastening all the buttons of his dress, SJB him to wear the attire for his vest up to the neck. the day. Serjeant-at-Arms Parliamentarian Narendra Fernando and his Biased Deputy Kushan Jayaratne S.M. Marikkar NPP Leader Anura Kumara :HHN were seen going to the seat raised a Point of Dissanayake on Thursday of MP Athaullah and (24) alleged in Parliament speaking to him. Order and said: that Speaker Mahinda Yapa SJB MPs were heard Abeywardena was biased shouting: “He can wear this “What is towards the Government. dress to the Pakistani Athaullah Dissanayake said this, Parliament”. when the Speaker Government MPs too, were wearing? There announced that a statement seen speaking to Athaullah. presented by All Ceylon After a few minutes, is a dress code Tamil Congress (ACTC) Athaullah got up from his Leader Gajendrakumar seat and left the Chamber. for MPs defined Ponnambalam, under After leaving the Chamber, by Standing Standing Order 27(2) could Athaullah posed for not be allowed as it was sub journalists gathered on the Orders. But judice. corridor who took Following the Speaker’s photographs. He was in an Athaullah wears announcement, extremely cheerful mood Dissanayake said, the NPP and seemed enjoying the an Afghan dress did not agree with the whole scenario. and therefore he Speaker’s ruling. The National People’s He alleged, “The Speaker Power (NPP) Leader was should be should be unbiased. In this having a casual Chamber, Government MPs conversation with a few removed from are sitting on the right, journalists on the corridor while the Opposition is when he saw Athaullah the Chamber.” sitting on the left. The A12 sunday 27 september 2020 Focus Damning Statements Rock Easter Attacks PCoI Ex-IGP, Defence Secy hurl accusations at former President

By Buddhika Samaraweera attending the National Security when the latter had gone out of Council (NSC) meetings, he, as the Colombo. "I hardly needed to contact The people cast their votes to elect IGP had no way to ascertain him, so that it was not a problem for a leader in the belief that he will important information with regard to me,” he added. ensure the security of both human matters that were discussed at the The ASG, on 22 September also and physical resources of the country NSC meetings. informed the PCoI that Sirisena has and will be committed to fulfilling He said he was informed not to take undermined the authority of the PCoI aspirations of the people. part in NSC meetings since October, by issuing a Media statement that the It is, therefore, the sole 2018 and that it led to serious issues evidence given by Fernando before responsibility of the Head of State to and inconveniences for him as the the Commission was untrue, and by act accordingly and to address any IGP. posting it on his Facebook. potential threat to the security of the Adding that he knew an NSC Sirisena's personal secretary, people or the country's physical meeting was due to be held on 23 Sameera de Silva, on 20 September, resources and also to provide October, 2018, Jayasundara said he had issued a Media statement stating appropriate advice to the relevant was not informed of that session the that matters pertaining to Sirisena authorities on actions to be taken. day before or in the morning of the mentioned by Fernando before the Several years ago, the security meeting. Since I did not receive a call PCoI were completely untrue. forces were able to identify that a regarding it, I called the then Defence Therefore, considering the group including the National Secretary, Kapila Waidyaratne PC seriousness of this matter, Attorney- Thowheed Jama’at (NTJ) leader whether there was a meeting that at-Law, Dilshan Jayasuriya Zaharan Hashim was working to day. Then he said Sirisena had asked appearing for Fernando, requested spread religious extremism in the him not to invite me. the Commission that Sirisena's country by inciting Muslim youth to However, Jayasundara had been personal secretary, de Silva, who their ideology. There is no doubt that invited for the NSC meeting on 3 issued this Media statement, be the security forces had passed this November, 2018, when former summoned before the Commission information to the then Head of State Defence Secretary Hemasiri and called for explanation as to why and other relevant authorities. Fernando was appointed and on that he should not be charged with As soon as information is received day Sirisena had asked Jayasundara contempt of court. about such a threat, any responsible to transfer the former IP of the CID The lawyers representing the authority should instruct the security Nishantha Silva. former President were given an forces to further investigate the Impact on national security opportunity to provide explanation in matter and to take necessary action. this regard before the Commission. Despite this, Maithripala Sirisena, The Commissioners also asked Accordingly, former President who became the President of Sri Jayasundara, whether his not being Sirisena, who informed that he was Lanka in 2015 obtaining over invited for the NSC meetings had an unable to visit the Commission and 6,200,000 votes has had an apathetic impact on national security and in asked the investigation officers to attitude towards the security of the reply, Jayasundara said, from that visit his residence in order to record a people and it was clearly evident time, he was not informed of anything statement on a previous occasion, on when former Defence Secretary, discussed at the NSC and the fact 22 September visited the Commission Hemasiri Fernando and retired that another senior Police officer was with his legal representative Maithri Inspector General of Police (IGP) invited to the NSC worried him. Gunaratne PC. Pujith Jayasundara testified before Affirming what Jayasundara said, Proper procedure the Presidential Commission of former Defence Secretary, Hemasiri Inquiry (PCoI) probing the bombings Fernando also said Sirisena, in 2018, The ASG further said, if there was on Easter Sunday. had instructed Jayasundara to stop anything that had to be challenged in Open investigations investigations into the NTJ and its the evidence given by Fernando, it leader Zaharan saying the SIS would was possible for Sirisena to inform When former IGP Jayasundara carry them out. the Commission and the Media testified before the PCoI on 23 Adding, that more than 75 per cent institutions that had reported it September, it was revealed that of the investigations into NTJ and through a proper procedure. former President Sirisena, between Zaharan had been handed over to the ASG added Sirisena had been 2017 and 2018 had instructed SIS by Sirisena in 2018 in writing, informed in writing that he would be Jayasundara, not to conduct open Fernando said, former SIS Director, summoned to testify before the investigations into Islamist Senior DIG Jayawardena should be Commission at a future date on 18 extremists including Zaharan. held responsible for the bombings on July, 2020 under the Presidential "Sirisena said, this could create Easter Sunday due to his failure to Commission Act. The ASG said, it trouble for the Government and provide accurate information, was unfortunate since it appeared asked me not to conduct open observations, and recommendations that there was some attempt to investigations into extremism. He with regard to the foreign intelligence conceal the, said notice by stating also said, monitoring these issues information on the possibility of a that Sirisena hoped to reveal the would be enough and the State terror attack. truth if an opportunity was given in Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, He also stated, Jayawardena was the Media statement. Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena highly reluctant to discuss the "Earlier there were occasions when was doing it," he said. foreign intelligence information the evidence presented before the Jayasundara also said, he came to regarding the possible terror attack Commission was published in the know about the threat posed by at the weekly intelligence review Media with some errors. However, in Islamist extremists by 2017 and that meeting held on 9 April, 2019. each case, the witnesses informed he, thereafter, tried to bring it to the When queried as to whether the the Secretary of the Commission and attention of institutions under the witness, as the Defence Secretary, the relevant Media institutions in IGP. I also kept several political took steps to get Jayawardena to that regard. It could have done the figures informed on the issue, he discuss the information in depth at same in this regard,” she said. added. the meeting, Fernando said, he had She further stated, a witness could Responding to a question, as to no ability to force him to do so since be alarmed due to the Media's whether the reports with regard to Jayawardena had a strong propaganda that the evidence given these issues were submitted to the relationship with Sirisena. It was by them was untrue and added that weekly intelligence review meetings even bigger than a relationship it could damage their reputation. She at the time, Jayasundara said, the between father and son. An ASG then questioned the former CNI on actions to be taken, to also said, the issuance of such a reports prepared by institutions such Fernando had been informed by witness as to whether he was which the witness said he didn't. statement on a witness who testified as the Terrorism Investigations Jayawardena regarding the said informed by the SIS regarding PCoI members then asked him as before the Commission of Inquiry into Division (TID) and the Criminal intelligence information on 8 April, Islamist extremist activities that were to why he did not take any action the officials responsible for the Easter Investigations Department (CID), 2019 and he said, he did not have on the rise in the Asian region, at when such serious information was Sunday bombings and other matters were not being submitted to the time to go through the information on that time, and in response Fernando received, Fernando said he did not was an intervention in Court meetings. He also said, that he, as 8 April since there was an event with said he was aware of it. Although feel the seriousness of that proceedings. the IGP, took steps to inform the then Indian delegates. they were on the rise in the Asian information since specific and The ASG also pointed out, the Defence Secretary and Political When queried as to whether he region, I was not of the opinion that analytical details were not there. release of the relevant media leaders with regard to this issue. took steps to inform the Indian High they would be a threat to Sri Lanka. Then the ASG pointed out to him, he statement showed that the former Testifying further, Jayasundara Commission since it was one of the The ASG further questioned had kept looking for analytical details President had shown no respect for went on to say "when I went to meet targets mentioned in the intelligence Fernando as to whether he, as the until the bombings took place. the powers and mandate of the the President, Prime Minister and information, Fernando said he did Defence Secretary, was informed Fernando then asked whether he Commission. Although freedom of relevant officials, I used to take not inform them since it was not about the connection between was being questioned by the PCoI on speech is available to all, there is a officers under me who conducted confirmed by the foreign intelligence Zaharan and the stock of explosives a preconceived notion that he should procedure to be followed and this investigations into these matters," agency or the SIS. discovered in the Wanathawilluwa be held responsible for the bombings conduct can be considered as an Islamist extremism He also said it was evident that the area in January, 2019 and the not being prevented and the PCoI offense under the Protection of initial foreign intelligence report incident of several Buddha statues Chairman explained to him that they Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act. When questioned as to who were received on 4 April, 2019 was not a being vandalised in the Mawanella were not at all questioning any Meantime, Gunaratne PC the officers taken by him, the witness confirmed detail, and the Indian High area in December 2018. In reply, he witness in such a manner and that at appearing for Sirisena said, his client said that former Director of the TID, Commission was not mentioned as a said the CID had informed him on the the end of the Commission sittings was ready to provide evidence before ex- DIG Nalaka de Silva had gone target in the intelligence information matter. only, it would be decided as to who the Commission at anytime and that with him to meet the then President received on 20 April, 2019. When PCoI members queried him if should be responsible for the attack. the latter, by any means, did not Sirisena thrice. He also said, when he Fernando further added that the he checked on the progress of When questioned whether he paid want to undermine the Commission's met Sirisena, several matters SIS Director was the relevant official investigations in regard to those attention on the whereabouts of mandate by issuing this Media pertaining to Islamist extremism were to provide instructions for the senior matters, Fernando said, it was not Zaharan as certain intelligence statement. explained to him. Also, de Sliva went offcials and then only necessary can needed for him to follow it up since it agencies had revealed, Fernando "My client is a Politician and he to meet former Prime Minister, Ranil action be taken. was the officials' responsibility to said, it was not his duty to do so. No should think of his supporters. By Wickremesinghe with me. It was also revealed that despite inform him with regard to such one had any idea where Zaharan was issuing this Media statement, he just When an Additional Solicitor matters pertaining to Zaharan were matters. He also said all actionable hiding at the time. If they arrested tried to protect his political image General (ASG) questioned him as to discussed at the NSC on several officials in that regard, were present Zaharan in 2018, when a warrant and did not want to undermine the what was the response from the occasions, Sirisena, who had the at the weekly intelligence review was issued for his arrest, the attack Commission," he added. former President when the matters authority to direct officials never meetings when the matter was could have been prevented. However, issuing the final decision were explained to him, Jayasundara instructed them with regard to discussed. “Searching for Zaharan's in this regard, the PCoI, on 24 said, de Sliva was advised by former Zaharan and his activities. Possible attack whereabouts was not my duty. I am September strongly advised Sirisena President to carefully deal with this Fernando said, he took over the the supervising officer. Supervisors and his private secretary Sameera de issue. Former President said the post of Defence Secretary in The intelligence agencies, following do not arrest suspects," he said. Silva, not to issue any Media status of such activities, was not November 2018 and admitted the fact the Christ Church attack in New "In 2018, the TID was following statement that obstructed the serious in Sri Lanka and there could that SIS had provided him with Zealand in March, 2019, had Zaharan. But it was stopped. If the proceedings of the PCoI. They were be an impact on the Government certain reports in which matters informed him on a possible attack operations to arrest him continued, also informed on the fact that the since some Muslim MPs and pertaining to Zaharan and his which could be carried out in Sri TID would have arrested him before PCoI could take necessary legal Ministers were in it. extremist activities were mentioned. Lanka. Referring to the reports in this the bombings," he said. action through the Court of Appeal Jayasundara also said since But there were no signs of something regard, the ASG questioned Fernando Fernando was also asked how he under the provisions of Presidential Sirisena prevented him from dangerous was going to happen. whether he took steps to instruct the contacted former President Sirisena Commission Act. interview sunday 27 september 2020 A13

Customs export division to be digitised in October Paperless Documentation Will End Corruption Retired Major General G. V. Ravipriya who was appointed as the Director-General Sri Lanka Customs, – Customs Director General is gearing to bring about a vast change in his institution namely, paperless to obtain more time to sort out this officers who were recently taken into vegetables and flowers by air now. documentation by end October, and to issue. custody for releasing illegal turmeric Gems are carried by gem dealers and end corruption where Customs officers importation. It was an organised that has come to a halt since the airport are involved. Recently, Customs We are trained to The first challenge was the offence. Some of the suspects were is closed. We banned readymade Preventive Division also filed a case pandemic that hit work in clerks who were engaged with Customs garments importation initially but we against him over releasing a suspect face challenges and the Customs. How did you officials. have decided to allow imported clothes cargo to the importer where the Rtd it was not a streamline it? as people must be able to buy clothes Major General is now dealing with. I How many fraud cases related they prefer and I think we should not have to sort out many of the illegal problem at all. We are trained to face challenges to Customs are you probing? impose restrictions on it, so we relaxed practices taking place in the Customs, and it was not a problem at all. A: I am dealing with many cases and the ban on imported clothes. he added. He also pointed out while Workers were Workers were reluctant to return to taking drastic action against them. the new Government wants the people duty during the peak of the pandemic Do you have plans to make to engage in boosting domestic reluctant to return in March this year and my job was to The Government wants to the Customs paperless and produce and exports rather than to duty during the motivate them. They realised that they promote domestic products create an investor-friendly imports, he is making sure that the have to work to release essential cargo to limit imports. If that is climate? Customs Marine Division will regain peak of the to the public. I used 1/3 of the number the Government’s view, the power to engage in sea raids that pandemic in March of officials and managed. We halted then there must be a plan to A: We need to reduce the time factor. came to a halt when the separatist war exports and concentrated only on expedite exports. What are To release one container from the broke out. “I have ordered two vessels this year and my imports. I could keep the Customs container yard it takes nearly five to six for sea raids and sent 10 officers to working from day one when the your thoughts? hours and it’s hectic. If it is in a high- train in shooting initially, to get them job was to motivate pandemic hit our country on 16 March A: As a Board Agency, our task is on risk container yard, it can take up to a the arms and ammunition they needed 2020. All the workers have now three pillars that is enforcement, social whole day. We need that technology to for sea raids and apprehend smugglers them. They realised returned to work. protection and collection of duty for examine goods to quicken the process. that could add to our revenue,” he told goods brought into the country. If the There is a scanner machine procured Ceylon Today. that they have to The Preventive Investigation policies are formulated and we are by the former Government from the US. Excerpts: work to release Branch of the Marine informed, we will have to adhere to it. It was hired for a monthly rental from a Division of the Customs who The country had a closed economy company. By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan essential cargo to have the power to engage in until 1977 and then the open economy How many scanners? the public. I used sea raids under the Customs was introduced. With that people A Major General of the Sri Ordinance is not engaging became dependent on importation A: Only one 1/3 of the number rather than self-supplying. Our 25 Lanka Army is now the DG in that activity since the districts have all the resources and Not six? Customs dealing with several of officials and separatist war broke out capabilities to promote local goods. We A: We have four which are old and corruption charges at the in the country. Sea raids could not concentrate on this as a out of the four only two are operating. institution and attending to managed. We are still conducted by the result we remain poor and face the Those machines were also trade-related matters. Does halted exports and Sri Lanka Navy. Customs consequences. Promoting domestic this job suit you? officers don’t have the boats income is a welcome sign. With the taken on a rent basis and are concentrated only and necessary equipment pandemic Tourism and Middle East we paying the rental even A: I was not restricted only to the for sea raids. Also, the jetty migrant workers’ income has come to a though we are not using military. I was the defence attaché of on imports. I could halt and we have no foreign direct them? the Sri Lankan mission in the United is handed over to a private investments. Now, the poor farmers States. I was also the commander of keep the Customs company since they don’t have given the confidence to produce A: Those were purchased. But, the President’s guard and at all these working from day have boats. When will you goods and food items. Turmeric, ginger, new scanner machine can reduce the points I had to work with civilians. As sort out this issue? cloves, pepper etc will be in the market time. Going paperless could reduce a defence attaché, I had to work with one when the soon. human intervention and is the way fellow Sri Lankan diplomats and A: The Marine Division under the forward. But in Sri Lanka, we like a persons in many other institutions in pandemic hit our Preventive Directorate handed over the Why is there a dearth in human intervention. The Wharf Clerk is those countries where I had worked. Port to the Navy and with that, the turmeric in the country? the messenger and to prevent him So I have no problems in dealing with country on 16 Marine Division saw its end. Since Isn’t it an essential item? coming into the Customs we need civilians. March 2020 then, up until now it is not functioning. A: The Government has urged paperless work. We introduced this As soon as I joined the Customs, I The officers have no weapons and some farmers to engage in turmeric during the COVID-19 peak days. We removed my ranks and the uniform are under lock and key. When I was cultivation fast. By end December, the went paperless and at that time which was mine for over 35 years. I appointed, I found out the plight of the turmeric harvest will begin and we will everybody embraced it but now they never considered myself as a military Customs duty is to facilitate the cargo. Marine Division. As of now, the Police have enough of it in the local markets. don’t like it. We are nevertheless going person after my retirement and I They should not take revenge from and the Navy go on sea raids and to make it paperless Customs approach people as a civilian. When I others and drag the matter that comes detain and hand over suspects to Until we have our local operations very soon and the World was appointed as the Director-General under their purview. I had to sort this Customs officials. I have ordered two turmeric in the market Customs Organisation has also urged there was some apprehension from the out. I studied the case and found out it hi-tech boats manufactured by the Sri shouldn’t we import? everybody to follow that process. Customs Unions and I was not angry is not easy to sort out. The importer Lanka Navy with specifications. Before Turmeric is being smuggled When will it be introduced? about it. Some get alerted when a and the Customs officers were not in my appointment, there was a vessel too? military man is appointed and could good terms. order placed for Rs 240 million. We A: By October 2020 Sri Lanka wonder what he is going to do here. They accused that importer that he later decided to opt for two local boats A: Turmeric was not cultivated for a Customs will go paperless. We will There were petitions about my landed one of their officers in trouble. for the same price. Before obtaining the long time in Sri Lanka. We have introduce it in phases. First it will be appointment and some met the The importer in return was accusing weapons for the officers they need to be introduced that project but farmers are the export section and then to the bureaucrats to prevent me from the Customs officers. I called all the trained in firing while raiding. I got the reluctant to start believing that there import. Finally the air cargo section will coming here. I wanted to meet all of parties and to sort it out amicably. approval from the Secretary Defence to will be importation of turmeric. To go paperless. them before my appointment and the I said if there is a penalty, fine him train our preventive marine officers. produce turmeric it would take eight union agreed. I had no intention to and punish him. They are tarnishing Ten of them received training two months and that confidence cannot be There are concessionary and come here but I was asked to come by the image of the Customs. I consulted weeks ago at Katukurunda. They were lost at this moment. We have conditional import permits the President of the country and I the person who detained the trained by the STF. I will be sending apprehended those illegal turmeric for Government servants cannot refuse the offer I said. I have no consignment and also the other more for such training. importers and stopped importing and Members of Parliament. burden and had no intention for a new Customs officials and the legal branch turmeric too. Will the preventive officers Are you going to increase or job. My children are married and my and found out 99% of the importer’s reduce taxes? pension is enough for me to run my consignments have been released in be assisted by the Navy in the If domestic products are life. After disclosing who I am, they the past on condition. The importer future? promoted the Customs will A: We have stopped import permits accepted me. said some valid items kept for too long A: No. it would only be the preventive lose import duties. How will for vehicles. Some Government officials and get lost. The Customs should pay officers of the Marine Division. Also, you deal with that? have imported several vehicles and they However, there is a case for it. He is asking who is going to take when it comes to civil law it’s preferable are under investigation. filed against you at the responsibility for it. Our yards are not to have a back-up team of Police A: The main duty for the Customs is Supreme Court by the secured. Some have smuggled out stuff Constables to protect our Customs to collect duty and that is our main How many vehicles have been Customs Preventive Division including turmeric. Robbing goods officers during sea raids. revenue. Already there is a drastic detained? last month that you have from our yard is happening for drop in collecting duty and we A: About 26 vehicles and they are decades. My question is if we cannot It’s common are unable to contribute to Mercedes-Benz and Defenders. released four containers knowledge that that have been detained detain turmeric that was smuggled, the State coffers but we are how can we protect expensive vehicles Customs officers preserving our currency Are the owners local by the Customs Preventive in the yard? When I asked the and Customs- from flowing out. This may politicians? Division claiming that Preventive Division can you protect his related corruption also encourage exporters A: They are professionals from the those containers were consignments that are detained they are in plenty. and 24 hours our offices Government sector. declared as spare parts but were silent. So, what else can I do? I are open and are How are you Why are you investigating the importer has got down have only issued the permit to take it contactable, and all out but those containers are still there dealing with facilities are available. We those imports? completely dismantled 14 corruption in new vehicles worth Rs. 44 for a year or so now and no collect less duty compared A: They were not supposed to investigation has been conducted so your backyard? to other CESS. We export import at a time when the million. These vehicles could far. A: You may fruits, Government imposed the ban on be assembled in Sri Lanka have heard vehicle permits. We doubted the and sold. The claim is also We hear that the Preventive the news loading date of the vehicles to the that the importer has been Division wants the importer about ship. They had loaded it to the ship in the habit of continuing to to pay demurrage and clear it some when the special Gazette Notification ignore Sri Lankan law and as well? was published banning vehicle permits from a particular day assembling and selling series A: Yes. The demurrage is Rs. 17 onwards. Just before the Gazette of brand new vehicles in the million for the four containers and I Notification the vehicle was country and many Customs don’t think the exporter is willing to purchased which was quite strange officials have been aiding pay that. to us, hence we are investigating. him to remove his cargo What is the legality involved What is the tax revenue Sri in the past. Why did you in this matter? Lanka Customs acquired in give permission to remove A: If the container is detained the 2019 and the first half of it while there are several investigation should start immediately 2020? legal battles the preventive knowing the fact there is demurrage. I division is handling with the have told them to start the A: The 2019 tax revenue was importer? investigation immediately to determine close to the earning we made in A: There are several legal cases that the facts. Without investigation how 2018. In 2018 it was Rs 919.05 the Customs is dealing but dragged it can we decide this thing? On the case billion and we see a for years and this particular importer’s against me, I had to consult the drastic drop for 2020 case is also is one such. I am an alien Solicitor General and I narrated the due to the to this place and I don’t know who are whole incident. They were clear why I prevailing the importers and the exporters and did so. This is someone else’s burden. pandemic. it’s the Customs officers who deal with We are in the process of informing - amiesulo@ them are the ones who know. The the Attorney General’s Department gmail.com G. V. Ravipriya A14 sunday 27 september 2020 Focus 90, and Going Strong By Shanuka Kadupitiyage

When one hears the word ‘maharaja’, an image of royalty, of leadership instantly enters one’s mind. Perhaps, this was one of the reasons why the Capital Maharaja Group was named as such during its early years. In its 90-year history, Capital Maharaja Group (CMG) has been a trendsetter, market leader and trailblazer for many industries in the country, ranging from mass media to manufacturing. The company has braved the stormy weathers of the Great Depression, World War II, multiple global recessions, the 1983 riots followed by civil war, multiple attacks by armed groups and threats Nedra Weerasinghe to the lives of their journalists. Throughout it all, the company has stayed strong, resolute and uniquely Sri Lankan. Ceylon Today learnt more about the achievements and history of CMG from three of its Main Board; the Group’s CEO Sunil Kanojia, Director of Electronic Media Business Nedra Weerasinghe and Director for News 1st, Chevaan Daniel. A daring start It all started with two friends, Sinnathamby Rajendram and Subramaniam Mahadevan who acquired the two American companies they were working for, Dodge & Seymour and LD Seymour in 1930. As the World War II was breaking out, the companies had decided to move Sunil Kanojia Chevaan Daniel back home, leaving the two friends with what Kanojia believes was Since thereafter, all Media brands known to give strong leadership, and probably the first management have been massively successful, we never back off, even when the buyout in Sri Lanka. “An audacity providing world class productions chips are down.” that is typical of CMG!” he Group MD, Sashi Rajamahendran using state-of-the-art facilities and commented. equipment, setting new trends even The Maharaja today The two pressed forward amidst all “The company entered the global today. “Our Group has rightly earned a that was happening with the world market thereafter, forging alliances Regardless of the massive success reputation as fearless innovators and and even incorporated their own with many international brands like CMG is today, their journey hasn’t created waves in the way we do establishments; Rajendrams Ltd. and Pepsi Cola Int., the New Zealand Dairy been easy. In the 90 years they have business both locally and globally. Mahadevans Ltd.; their headquarters Board, to name a few.” When the two operated, they have braved through Today we stand a multi-faceted being the Maharaja building on The Group’s Director for News 1st, friends passed the 1983 riots, where almost all of conglomerate,” he continued. Bankshall Street. Chevaan Daniel also chalked the their company was burned to the At the mark of 90 years, the When the two friends passed away, company’s current success to these away, the ground. Then there were the multiple company has rebranded itself and is the businesses were passed onto the early years which skyrocketed the businesses were attacks made against the company ready to take on the future while next generation and with the company’s growth. The Chairman’s and threats to the lives of journalists staying true to its roots in the past. acquisition of AF Jones, now a recognition that successful passed onto the working for them. Now, the company Just as its beginnings, the company’s popular exporter of premium tea, the partnerships could be the fuel to the has faced one of its biggest next 10 years will be critical to their companies were amalgamated and group’s ambitions paved the way to next generation challenges alongside a nationwide continual success as the world moves The Maharaja Organisation Ltd. was some of Sri Lanka’s biggest brands, and with the lockdown and the many after-effects toward a new age and era. born in 1967. including the partnership with caused by the ongoing COVID-19 Singapore Telecom and Malaysian acquisition of AF pandemic around the world. 90 years strong with a A critical stage of growth Telecom helped establish South Through all opposition, the bright future What came next was to be a critical Asia’s first GSM operator in Sri Jones, now a company has pushed through and stage of The Maharaja Organisation’s Lanka; Dialog. popular exporter beat the odds in the past and Sashi Going 90 years strong, Nedra growth to what it has become today. Rajamahendran, the third generation Weerasinhe believes that CMG will Nedra Weerasinghe told more about A Media maharaja of premium tea, shareholder and Managing Director succeed in taking on the challenges the second generation, current Of course, one cannot mention CMG the companies of the Group has the confidence that of the future and continue to be a Chairman Rajendram Rajamahendran without giving attention to its massive they can face this new challenge trendsetter and leader in the country. and his brother Rajendram Maharaja. arm in electronic media. What started were amalgamated head-on as well. “Our Maharaja spirit is one of “The spirit of optimism and with one channel built up to the “As far as I know, there have resilience. To go where no one else enterprise continued with the current massive network it is today - handling and The Maharaja always been challenges, even from has been. To align ourselves to adapt Chairman and his brother Maharaja three TV and five FM Radio stations Organisation Ltd. my grandfather’s time, but we always fast! This is the visionary leadership who forged successful joint ventures broadcasting in all three languages. came out of them stronger and of the Chairman Rajamahendran and with a number of international The industry was never the same was born in 1967 wiser,” filters down to Managing Director companies.” once CMG came into the mix in 1992. “The Maharaja Organisation is Sashi and the rest of us.” Is National Security Compromised? By Dr. Nilanga Samarasinghe linking up with LTTE remnants. The personal and political gain. LTTE remnants that wanted to Now all this is in history. History Though the country is highly revive the LTTE received oxygen is, therefore, to learn the lessons polarised based on party politics from the”Good Governance” and make the necessary corrections affinity, we are all in an agreement Government and its supporting for the further course of action. that the Easter Sunday attack which NGOs collectively. We have don’t the idea and shocked the nation after the glorious The marginalised LTTE shouldn’t encourage the idea to keep victory over LTTE terrorism was due immediately started to flex its passing the ball of the ethnic issue to the compromisation of national muscles by starting to glorify from one Government to another by security or taking nation security Prabhakaran and suicide bombers scolding one and whitewashing the lightly. starting to radicalise Tamils that had other or be a part of their power When the Easter Sunday attack moved away from separatism. When struggle just to grab and hold the took place, the immediate question M.K. Shivajilingam, a former terrorist power as responsible citizens. that arose was that who could be of the Tamil Eelam Liberation We need to see and have an end to behind it, who the culprit could be, Organisation was arrested by the this. at the same time, Sri Lanka was Kopay Police on 15 September for We believe that all of us marking the tenth anniversary of the planning to commemorate the 33rd stakeholders in this ethnic issue, end of the war. Considering the Remembrance Day of LTTE member have to make a compromise and threat posed by the LTTE and its Tiyagi Dileep alias Thileepan, he said have to go for a win-win solution. history of mounting mass attacks that the previous Government had But it never ever should there be a causing mass casualties, many allowed it. compromise of national security at speculated that it could be the While tri-forces commander any cost. Asking for a pound of meat revived LTTE. (Fortunately, it was Sirisena was restricting the military, and giving nothing won’t be an not.) economical and educational aspects the then Foreign Minister answer. Maithri - Ranil-led coalition who to withdraw and remained confined Samaraweera delisted the LTTE Also, this not a chess game that we could take no credit of defeating the to the barracks. His ambition was to groups and operatives that can be happily say “game is over” LTTE was strongly accused to of take the vote of the Tamil We believe that all of supported terror and permitted the after seeing the Queen defeated, maligning the war heroes and community in the upcoming us stakeholders in LTTE to operate in Sri Lanka. The because this is an issue that goes to severely weakening the national presidential election in 2019. key question that should be asked is the core of the nature of humanity. security apparatus. This crippled the Government’s this ethnic issue, why was National security Though we defeated one Prabakaran The greatest setback and blow to ability to collect intelligence and jeopardised on two fronts? Was it yesterday, still the ground is fully national security was following the influence and draw the Tamils away have to make a just for votes? ready and fertile to give birth and advice of the Tamil National Alliance from separatist thinking and compromise and have Although the failure to act against resurrect another Prabakaran. (TNA), an erstwhile proxy of the ideology. As the Foreign Minister, Islamic State or the Muslim While the session is going in the LTTE that acted as a part of the Mangala Samaraweera delisted the to go for a win-win Extremism has been highlighted, we International Human Rights Council Government while at the same time support of LTTE front organisations have to admit that they created the in Geneva just in these present enjoying the benefits of the office of overseas and LTTE functionaries solution. But it never space both for the revival of the LTTE days, this is the message that I have the opposition leader. that had funded the LTTE. ever should there be and the emergence of the Islamic to give to the country as a true As Minister of Defence and The LTTE front parties revived State. The question that should be patriot from Sri Lanka living in Commander of three forces, returning to Geneva with the canard a compromise of asked is if 19th Amendment powered Switzerland. President Sirisena gave instructions that there were “war crimes” national security at Prime Minister Wickramasinghe and (The writer is a Health for the military in the north and east committed in Sri Lanka. Even more then Foreign Minister Samaraweera Economist and Researcher at that was engaging the Tamil dangerously, the LTTE groups any cost also compromised national security University of Lucerne, community in the social, cultural, overseas started to operate overseas vis-à-vis and towards the LTTE for Switzerland) sports sunday 27 september 2020 A15 RCB skipper Kohli fined Rs 1.2M Slow over-rate in defeat against KXIP

Royal Challengers Bangalore forgettable outing at the Dubai Kohli dropped Rahul twice - once in captain Virat Kohli has been fined International Stadium. the 17th over at deep square-leg when Rs 1.2M after his team maintained a While he dropped two catches of he was batting on 83 and then again slow over-rate during their Indian centurion KL Rahul, which proved to in the 18th over when he was on 89. Premier League match against Kings be costly, Kohli also could not The lapses helped KXIP score an XI Punjab. contribute anything substantial with imposing 206 for 3, with Rahul doing “As it was his team's first offence of the willow. the bulk of scoring. the season under the IPL's Code of On the other hand, his KXIP Kings XI Punjab 206 for 3 (Rahul Conduct relating to minimum over- counterpart Rahul shattered a few 132) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore rate offences, Mr. Kohli was fined records on the way to a 69-ball 132 - 109 (M Ashwin 3-21, Bishnoi 3-32) by Rs 12 lakh," the IPL said in a release. the highest scored by an Indian in an 97 runs The Indian batting mainstay had a IPL game. (Agencies)

Rugby Scrapbook Messi lashes out Sri Lanka Rugby and Referees at Barca over By Vimal Perera to referee U-7 up to U-16s and appointed service. by the home club, or in some cases the It then follows that the SLR is Responsibility organising body. No formal requirement to responsible for the performance or non- attend Referees’ Society but encouraged to performance of referees. That is where Suarez departure Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is responsible for do so and step up to Youth/adult rugby. responsibility lies. the referees appointed for matches. The Lionel Messi has launched his Tournament Manual says SLR will appoint Level two: Way Forward latest attack on Barcelona's match officials. SLR is accountable for the Referees are appointed by a ‘Regional However, what is essential is that those hierarchy by criticising the way appointment of referees, and this means Appointment Officer’ or at times by the responsible for appointing must be the club treated strike partner that the Referees’ Society provides a Referees' Department at the WRU itself. independent. Luis Suarez, who left for La Liga support service. The clause is in line with They Referee Youth and local/district - In terms of the constitution, the Referees’ rivals Atletico Madrid this week. the Laws of the Game, which states the often second team - rugby. Young aspiring Society is responsible for the training Captain Messi, who match organiser will appoint the referee. A referees looking to become the next RWC development and providing referees. It then threatened to leave Barca last similar clause exists in the tournament referee and some older experienced requires that the Referees’ Society should month and recently hit out at manual for schools. referees who enjoy the game. Some of them consist of provincial unions to perform president Josep Maria However, I do not think the SLR can take are those who have no ambition to their task through such associations. Bartomeu's leadership of the over all aspects of referees, and a progress to the next level. The need in Sri Lanka is to develop a club, said the Uruguayan, the discussion of the protocol of other structure? The pathway, I believe, is club's third-highest scorer of all countries is below. Level three: neglected. time, was harshly treated by In Asian countries such as Japan, Hong The appointments at this level cover the If the SLR is to move forward in this vital Barca. Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and others, Welsh leagues and above. Referees start at area, they have to grade rugby into levels New coach Ronald Koeman there is a Referees’ Society, as well as Division Three moving up towards the which can be done by the Technical called Suarez several days after Provincial Associations assisting to recruit Welsh Premiership/Championship and Committee. The Technical Committee is getting the job to inform the and develop referees. A similar practice is then the Semi-Pro Premiership and mandatory as per sports regulations. As an striker, who had one year left on followed in the Northern and Southern possibly the pro-game and appointed example: Levels 1 and 2 will be ‘A’ Division his contract, that he was no Hemisphere. directly by the WRU Referees’ Department. Club tournaments and Schools ‘A’ Division longer wanted. In these countries, the appointment of will be the next band. Possibly Levels 3 and Bartomeu had left Suarez off a referees for National level games are by the Referees’ Department 4 will be Clubs ‘B’ and Schools ‘B’. Rest of list of players he considered not Union. In contrast, the referees for lower The Referees’ Department supports all the matches will fall into the lower for sale in the aftermath of the division games are by the Referees’ referees with training programmes. Usually categories, which will include the junior 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in Societies, who in turn provide referees to they provide one training session a month, games. the Champions League in the central unit. and the district then adds a second society The grading will lead to a pathway for Sri August. "You deserved a farewell night. Lanka and SLR to take responsibility for befitting who you are: one of the RFU Is the system perfect? The quote of an national tournaments and to contract and most important players in the anymore." Suarez had paid A case study of RFU (England) shows experienced referee and a club referee appoint the referees for national matches. history of the club, achieving tribute to Messi in his farewell that referees for matches graded as Level 1 Liaison Officer says, "No, there are issues The development of these referees should great things for the team and on news conference on Thursday, to 5 are to be appointed by the RFU. These which are inevitable at times. Sometimes be with the SLR. At this point, it is the an individual level," Messi wrote recalling that everyone had told are National level games. In practice, L5 eyebrows are justifiably raised when development of referees as training has on his official Instagram him the Argentinian was appointments are by the Divisional Referee particular referees are promoted to L3 and taken shape in the societies. account on Friday. difficult to get on with, but Coordinator, L3 and 4 are by the Match sit in Division 3/2 area.” "You did not deserve for them declaring they had become best Official Development Managers, while L1 Limitations to throw you out like they did. friends as well as prolific strike and L2 are by the Professional SLR Constitution The immediate arguments will be that But the truth is that at this partners. Management team. The Constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby Sri Lanka Rugby is small and there is one stage nothing surprises me (Reuters) The referee appointments for L6 to L10 is says that the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby top league for clubs and another in by the Referees’ Societies based on the Football Referees (SLSRFR) shall consist of schools. This does not hold water if we take grading of the games. That gives them the Provincial Union Referees Societies. After the number of matches overall taking into opportunity to recruit and develop referees. many years the expectation has not taken account all levels of the game. The league The Union takes the cream, just like root. Can this constitutional clause and and knock put as well as the top league players who are developed by the clubs are the objectives of SLR be used to lift the sevens will have close to one hundred Australia’s Test/ selected for National Duty. match officiating standards which have games and adding other matches will SANZAR been subject to much criticism? consist of over five hundred. An objective of SLR is ‘To control and Assuming two different schools and club ODI postponed The pathway for refereeing in rugby assist the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby seasons, one may have about twelve weeks developed countries include officiating in Football Referees in the training and of Rugby each, which works to a match per Australia's one-off Test our good friends at the the local society and progressing to the grading of referees, who shall be called week for ten referees. They will also referee against Afghanistan and one- Afghanistan Cricket Board and State or Region. In Australia, you proceed upon to provide referees for all games at lower games when time permits to help day series against New Zealand New Zealand Cricket to deliver to Premiership, National Level, SANZAR played under the control and auspices of development of referees. Another six have been postponed to the the matches at a time when, and World Rugby. The structure in New SLR.’ hundred games and sixty active referees 2021-22 season due to hopefully, the restrictions Zealand is also similar. How best can this clause be interpreted will give each over ten rounds. At the same scheduling ‘complexity’ during brought on by the COVID-19 to provide a firmer hold in-game time, some will be called from the the COVID-19 pandemic, pandemic have eased,” CA Chief Wales officiating? development panels to be Assistant Cricket Australia (CA) said on Executive Nick Hockley said. In Wales the WRU is responsible through Does the use of the word ‘shall’ make it Referees and sub officials (numbers are Friday. Australia have committed to its Referees’ Department for the imperative for the SLR to call upon the subjective). Australia were to play their hosting India for four Tests, development/training and appointment of SLSRFR to appoint referees? Shall unlike first home Test against three ODIs and three Twenty20 all referees. Still, it delegates some of its ‘must’ does not make it compulsory. Conclusion Afghanistan in Perth from 21 internationals over the home duties. A young referee with potential will The Tournament Manual of Sri Lanka SLR, however, will continue to support Nov. and three one-day summer, though the dates are be identified and put in a development Rugby seems to have taken the position of the Referees Society and the constituent internationals against New yet to be confirmed. programme. A quote from a referee is the not being imperative. It says the provincial societies in line with the Zealand over the home summer. The novel coronavirus Welsh system. ‘Some fall away, but appointment of match officials will be by constitution. SLR will manage an elite or a "The complexity of scheduling outbreak has already forced the generally, we have a good set of guys SLR and includes the Referees and the professional group of referees for the top international matches during postponement of the Twenty20 coming out the other end that we hope will attending team of Assistant Referees and tier games. At the same time, the global coronavirus pandemic World Cup, which was to have give us a good group of officials at the semi Fourth and Fifth Officials. The inclusion is appointments will be merit-based and has resulted in the three Boards been held in Australia in and pro end of the game.’ in line with the Laws of the Game. It subject to promotion and demotion. With agreeing the need to postpone October and November, along therefore follows that SLR is responsible for Rugby at a lockdown due to COVID-19, the matches," CA said in a with Australia's warm-up T20 Level one: the appointment of referees and the this would be an excellent time to start the statement. "Cricket Australia matches against West Indies. Simple multiple-choice test and allowed Referees’ Society provides a support SLR contracted top panel. looks forward to working with (Reuters) Bayern complete quadruple with Super Cup win

Bayern Munich beat Sevilla League winners Sevilla had December, 2019. "It was an 2-1 after extra time on taken a 13th-minute lead intense game but we deserved Thursday to lift the UEFA through Lucas Ocampos's to win," Flick told reporters. Super Cup and complete a penalty and Bayern levelled "We are not yet fully in our quadruple under coach Hansi through Leon Goretzka in the rhythm despite our big win Flick, in the first European 34th. (8-0) over Schalke 04 on the game played with fans in the The Bavarians, unbeaten weekend. stands since the sport now in 32 consecutive "But the mentality of the returned amid the COVID-19 matches, also won the team, especially after going pandemic. domestic league and Cup 1-0 down, was sensational. Substitute Javi Martinez, in double as well as the They battled back against very possibly his last game for Champions League after Flick strong opponents and Bayern, headed the winner in took over last November. Their deserved the win." the 104th minute after Europa last defeat dates back to (Reuters) Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the European Super Cup A16 sunday 27 september 2020 SPORTS

Ministry changes selection rules No more closed door selection By Anjana Kaluarachchi

The Sports Ministry has gazetted new regulations to the Sports Law on 23 September, where it has strengthened and empowered the Mahinda Perera, Managing Director of My Cola Beverages hands over the Sponsorship Cheque to Mohan De Silva, SLC Secretary National Selection Committee, which will henceforth be referred to as the ‘National Sports Selection Committee’, to ensure a fair and transparent selection process when it comes to National sports. Accordingly, the National Sports Selection Committee is empowered with selecting all We are prepared Selection Committees of National Sports Associations. “The power of making recommendations in respect of appointing the Selection Committee of all National Sports Associations/Federations should be vested only in the National Sports to play any series Selection Committee and the particulars about dates, venues, relevant details and selection criteria of the selection trials should be informed to the athletes before 14 days. The copies of all – Dimuth Karunaratne such details should be presented in writing to the National Sports Selection Committee also on the same day. The National Sports Selection SLC announces new ‘Official Bottled Drinking Water Partner’ Committee has the power to cancel the selection trials of the National Sports Associations/ By Mustaq Sydeen Federations that do not present such particulars and the selection trials held on personal Sri Lanka Test and ODI captain discretion of the President/Secretary and Coaches Dimuth Karunaratne is confident of National Sports Associations/Federations, as of a strong comeback to the well as the selections made thereby. (Stated in 6(e) international arena and said the regulation of the gazette). team is well prepared for any Further, according to 6(f) regulation all National upcoming series. This was Sports Associations should present selection revealed at a Media briefing on criteria to the National Sports Selection Thursday (24) in Colombo. Committee 28 days prior to selection. Also, Commenting on their selection criteria should be published in the preparations for the upcoming official website of the Association, as well as series the skipper said: “As Sports Ministry under that particular sport, and players we can only keep selected list of athletes too should be published in practising at this moment. We the same manner. were engaged in practices since Also, as per the 6(G) regulation, a particular April. We are shaping well and Project Officer who is responsible for the relevant ready for whatever series we can sport at the Department of Sports Development, play.” should be informed and should participate for the “Few of the expected series had trial. to be postponed due to the According to 6(H), following a trial the respective COVID virus, but we continued Association should forward attendance sheet of our practices and still the selectors’ list of participating athletes, a maintaining that momentum. We record describing way of selection and selected are prepared for any series and if athletes list and their performance to the National we could get chance to play, me Sports Selection Committee on the same day of Sri Lanka Test and ODI skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and my team are ready and the trial or the following day. looking forward to play and to COVID-19. Sri Lanka was also (24) that Cristal and Life, two stadium and match locations National Sports Selection Committee has been hoping the Bangladesh tour will scheduled to host the Asia Cup brands coming under My Cola during the term, which shall empowered to conduct inquiries into any protest, also go as planned with the this year, but that too has been Beverages Ltd., is the ‘Official include the right to engage in the investigation into complaint or appeals. National permission of the Health indefinitely postponed. Bottled Drinking Water Partner,’ sale and distribution of bottled Sports Selection Committee should maintain a Ministry,” the skipper said, Having played only two series so of SLC. water to the general public. In database of all National pools and bios of replying to a query about far, Sri Lanka is currently in sixth My Cola’s latest entry comes in return, the company will provide respective athletes. preparations for the Bangladesh place on the WTC table with 80 addition to its existing partnership bottled water to players, officials, Nominations for international events when tour. The Islanders last played an points to their name. with SLC, where the beverage firm guests and VIPs at hospitality selecting Coaches, Managers, trainers, masseurs, international match in March India currently holds the top acts as the ‘Official Carbonated enclosures, accredited journalists, shouldn’t be given without permission from the when England toured Sri Lanka, position comfortably after Beverages Partner of Sri Lanka Media persons and TV crew National Sports Associations, and an appropriate which was later called off amid securing a humongous 360 points Cricket’. during all international matches. method should be taken to select candidates for the coronavirus pandemic. in four series, while Australia are Under the agreement with SLC, This is also apart from making a those posts considering their contribution in the So far, cricket tours by England, in second spot. My Cola Beverages will have the significant investment towards field, present performance, knowledge, South Africa and India to the Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket exclusive bottled drinking water the promotion of the game of understanding, experience and skills. island have been postponed due (SLC) announced on Thursday availability rights within each cricket in Sri Lanka.

Women’s football tourney likely to be postponed till Vacant batting consultant role late October BCB considering Originally scheduled for 3, 4 October By Mustaq Sydeen ing over fifteen teams islandwide. Ceylon Today learns this tourna- Jon Lewis for post The women’s football tourney ment was to enable FFSL to scout The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is eyeing to which was originally scheduled for new players for the National rope England’s Jon Lewis for the role of batting for 3 and 4 October is likely to squad. Anura de Silva said earlier consultant that went vacant after Craig be postponed till late that a ‘new look’ and much- McMillan opted out due to personal reasons. Lewis is October on the request of improved Women’s team will take expected to arrive in Dhaka for an interview after BCB clubs, says FFSL the field in upcoming matches. He decided to have a look at him from close quarters President Anura de Silva. assured that in the future the regarding his plans with the national batting unit Commenting on the team will have their feet firmly across formats. possibility of the postpone- grounded with new players and a BCB appointed McMillan for the tour of Sri Lanka ment, FFSL President said: “We new coach. after Neil McKenzie resigned due to family reasons were in talks and scheduled to The Golden lasses had a dismal after completing a two-year stint with the national conduct a seven-a-side tourna- spell under former Head Coach team spending majority of his time as a white-ball ment for the Lankan lasses with Thilak Alponsu, where they failed batting consultant and only took charge of the Test the idea of scouting young talent to register a single win at the SAFF squad during the tour of India. for the National squad, but unfor- Championship in 2019, and con- However, McMillan›s reluctance to join BCB due to tunately the two-day tournament tinued their failure into the South the shock of losing his father prompted them to look is likely to be postponed till late Asian Games (SAG) concluded in for alternatives and as a result, they have called October due to the upcoming December in Nepal, where both Jones, who showed interest immediately. Advance Level examination teams (Men and Women) returned BCB Cricket Operation Chairman Akram Khan and at the request of the empty handed. confirmed to Cricbuzz about the latest development. respective However, there is a fresh air of “We are negotiating with him [Lewis] regarding the clubs.” excitement and expectancy sur- batting consultant post,” said Akram without This is rounding the Women’s soccer elaborating any further. “At the same time, they are the first team, as everybody looks forward also talking to a few other candidates and don’t want domestic tour- for the resumption of women’s to disclose those names at the moment.” nament for the football in the country, with a new BCB has already decided to have only one batting Lankan lasses Head Coach and a new look team consultant across formats. Lewis, the former head after a long lay-off that for upcoming tournaments. coach of Durham, has already had an experience of was expected to take centre stage Picture courtesy: ThePapare. working in the subcontinent earlier when he was Sri with a seven-a-side format involv- com Lanka’s batting consultant. (Cricbuzz)

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