PAGES 48 / SECTIONS 5 VOL. 02 – NO. 34 SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020 Maintain Distance, Stay Safe www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk FINAL CALL ON www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk POLLS THIS TESTING FOREIGNERS FLEE THE GOOD, WEEK: TO HOLD TEST CSE WHILE BARGAIN BAD, AND OR NOT? KITS HUNTERS CASH IN UGLY »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 7

GARBAGE CONTAINERS AT PORT AND FTZ

Stenchpending. Even aftercontinues the containers are The next date for the case was on 3 waste inside them could come out and Authority (CEA) found that some BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA repatriated to its origin, the case will April but had been postponed due to destroy the environment. Therefore, private parties had imported around The 240-odd containers of imported garbage, which created continue," Centre for Environmental the coronavirus situation in the country, the garbage containers should be 241 container loads of waste to the a major controversy last year, are yet to be repatriated and Justice (CEJ) Chairman Attorney-at- Dabare said, adding that the next date repatriated,” the CEJ Chairman noted. country without the approval of the are lying at the Colombo International Container Terminals Law Ravindranath Dabare told The is yet to be fixed. However, the court case would be CEA, breaching the provisions of (CICT) and the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ), The Sunday Sunday Morning. According to him, the repatriation continued despite the repatriation of the the Basel Convention. It was later Morning learnt. He said the court, when the case of garbage containers was one of the garbage containers as the culprits should revealed that the waste consignments was taken up on 4 March, as per a requests made by the CEJ to the court be punished to avoid such incidents were imported from the UK and were "The court ordered to commence made by the Attorney General’s (AG) request made by the AG Department, and the latter had not opposed to the taking place in the future, Dabare added. lying at the CICT and Katunayake the repatriation process when the case Department. But the final decision on ordered the repatriation process of repatriation process. “We can’t keep Last year, Sri Lanka Customs FTZ since 2017. was taken up in March on a request the court case filed by the CEJ is still these containers to its origin – the UK. the garbage containers here as the (SLC) and the Central Environmental Contd. on page 2

GOVT. TO PROCEED WITH ARUWAKKALU ONLY BASIC SALARIES FOR NURSES Too costly to cancel Letter to Minister Despite vehement opposition by construction waste, and ash created Environmentalists raised a red about situation: TU environmentalists and residents in as a by-product of power generation. flag over the Aruwakkalu Waste BY SARAH HANNAN Ministry of Health and Indigenous Puttalam, the Government has decided The initial plan was to deposit Management Project since its inception, Medical Services about the grievances to go ahead with the Aruwakkalu Waste garbage collected daily in the Colombo claiming that the project would The All Ceylon Nurses’ Union of nurses in state hospitals. Management Project launched by the Metropolitan Region, which was to be affect highly sensitive and important (ACNU) has recently written to the Contd. on page 2 previous Government. transported in train carriages to the biodiversity in the site that was selected Cabinet approval was granted for landfill after being compressed at a for the project; this adjoins the Wilpattu a proposal made by Prime Minister transfer station in Kelaniya, adjoining National Park, Kala Oya, Puttalam Mahinda Rajapaksa to continue with the Main Line and the Kandy-Colombo Lagoon, and Thabbowa Sanctuary. the project, to deposit solid waste, highway. Contd. on page 2 FIND YOUR DAILY ESSENTIALS THROUGH ADHERENCE TO HEALTH GUIDELINES EC, HEALTH AUTHORITIES MEET Election cost to Guidelines topads.lk double to Rs. 14 b? ready VISIT BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA costs to increase substantially. “We haven’t received the Health The new health guidelines Ministry guidelines yet, but it seems for polls could double the cost of holding that the costs will increase twofold The Ministry of Health had www.topads.lk elections to around Rs. 14 billion, at the least, due to the additional formulated a draft of the guidelines the Election Commission (EC) health and safety measures,” he to hold the parliamentary election predicted. said. under pandemic conditions, with EC Director General Saman Sri At present, the election is the next meeting with the Election Ratnayake, while emphasising that estimated to cost between Rs. Commission (EC) scheduled to be this wasn’t an official calculation, 6.8-7 billion. held tomorrow (18). said that he expected the election Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 STEPS Search for the product EMPLOYMENT TERMINATIONS IN PVT. SECTOR you need on topads.lk TUs lock horns Contact the mobile number mentioned with Government below the product z No official terminations: Govt. z Terminations continuing: TUs Get it delivered to your Despite the large-scale Wasantha Samarasinghe must properly intervene employee terminations told The Sunday and amend existing home through the seller seen in the last two Morning that employee laws to ensure no more months within the private terminations were still ad hoc terminations are sector, the Government continuing and that allowed,” Samarasinghe insists that no official change in legislation was said. terminations have been essential. He went on to say that made following its “Even though the over a million would instructions. Department of Labour be unemployed due to Inter Company had instructed not to Covid-19 if the trend Employees’ Union terminate, it is still being continued. (ICEU) President done. The Government Contd. on page 2 #stayhome #staysafe #groceryitem #vegetables #fruit #deliveredtoyourdoorsteps 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, May 17, 2020

BY AGRA RANASINGHE People in Koggala and Chilaw have complained to the authorities about beach erosion and have sought a solution from the Losing their beaches Government. z Koggala and Chilaw z Authorities say looking z Impact cushioned by As The Sunday Morning learnt, one and a half kilometres of the residents complain into the issue tourism closure Koggala Beach near the Koggala Police Station and Sri Lanka Air There are various solutions Force, Koggala as well as the thanks to many international Chilaw Beach have been eroded. researches which address According to the National beach erosion. One such Healthy Beaches Campaign solution is re-nourishment (NHBC) of the US, beach erosion of the area which can protect is defined as the actual removal the public and private of sand from a beach to deeper structures behind the beach water, offshore or alongshore, into inlets, tidal shoals, and bays. She further said that impacts of Erosion can be caused by many beach erosion have affected the factors and one of the particular country's economy and tourism as concerns is the impact that climate well. change, which not only causes sea "The impacts include disruption levels to rise but also increases of transportation systems; the severity and possibly the erosion leads to road systems frequency of harsh storms, has on being disrupted. For example, beach erosion. the Katunayake Highway Considerable erosion can be could erode to the point of seen along the southwestern flooding and collapse. It was coastline of Sri Lanka through a very unwise move by the stormy conditions during the Bandaranaike administration to southwest monsoon period, move the expressway to go across but it has now been identified Muthurajawela to secure a voter as recovering, during the fair base, as opposed to the original northeast monsoon conditions. plan. In addition, with salt water However, similar to the Koggala seeping into freshwater systems and Chilaw beaches, some isolated and people losing land, people areas in Sri Lanka seem to show have to move inwards, into the considerable erosion. country, which could lead to When contacted, the Koggala conflict in the future since we are Police stated that the beach stretch a small island,” she noted. near The Long Beach Resort impact a lot of people because them. I think the Government put of the Koggala Beach and 100 She added that the best showed considerable erosion and there were no guests in the hotel a stone barrier in this area a long metres of the Balapitiya Beach ways to combat this include that the state officials had visited due to Covid-19. Nevertheless, the time ago which is not effective have been eroded and the rising We have already allocated mangrove conservation and, more the location to come up with a first step of solving the problem at present. It’s heartbreaking to sea waves have become an issue Rs. 9 million for the Koggala importantly, by enforcing the solution for it. was carried out by some state see the Government not being in the Kahawa Beach. We have Beach project and Rs. 7 buffer zones through legal and However, the Koggala Beach officials on 13 May. However, proactive and concerned about already allocated Rs. 9 million for million for the Balapitiya Police-led methods, as well as by Hotel Manager told The Sunday that was just ‘part A’ of the whole this. Our country can reach the the Koggala Beach project and Beach project. Apart from creating awareness. Morning that if there were guests plan. There’s a lot more to be highest level of tourism as we are Rs. 7 million for the Balapitiya that, we are in the process of There are various solutions in the hotel, this problem would done,” the Manager stressed. not lacking anything. However, Beach project. Apart from that, we discussing a solution for the thanks to international research hugely impact them as well as the However, as mentioned what we need is the support and are in the process of discussing issue in the Chilaw Beach, which address beach erosion. One hotel, due to its location. before, the Chilaw Beach also attention of the Government,” the a solution for the issue in the and continuing with the such solution is re-nourishment “Thirty feet of the beach were shows signs of erosion which General Manager said. Chilaw Beach, and continuing project in the Kalutara Calido of the area which can protect destroyed. This issue didn’t has affected the hotels near with the project in the Kalutara Beach the public and private structures the beach. After unsuccessful The best ways to combat this Calido Beach,” Chandrakeerthi behind the beach. When a beach (erosion) includes mangrove CCD Director General Prabath attempts to contact many hotels explained. Chandrakeerthi replenishment project is complete, conservation and more that have been closed owing to the Sri Lankan social it provides a stronger buffer impact of Covid-19, The Sunday importantly, by enforcing the entrepreneurship pioneer, against coastal tidal movements. In some places, people carry buffer zones through legal out illegal sand mining which Morning contacted the General activist, conservationist, and major erosion in a majority of It keeps the environment stable, Manager of Amagi Beach Hotel and Police-led methods, as environmental consultant Anoka the places that felt the impact which means it continues to also contributes to coastal well as by creating awareness erosion as the sand barriers are in Chilaw, which usually aims Abeyrathne explained the factors of the waves. For example, the support the economy in a variety slowly removed for construction to attract Russian and Ukrainian which cause beach erosion, its Hikkaduwa Beach was changed of ways; when a beach is wider, it and related industries. In guests, and currently faces a big On the issue of beach erosion, impact, and the solutions that can forever. In some places, people is usable by more people. addition, climate change plays issue of beach erosion. Coast Conservation Department prevent the issue. carry out illegal sand mining The location and beauty of a major role in relation to the “It’s sad to see how beach (CCD) Director General Prabath “Although there’s an impact on which also contributes to coastal Sri Lanka are factors that attract sea level rising and the change erosion has affected the hotels. Chandrakeerthi said that the the fishermen’s careers, we are erosion as the sand barriers are foreign visitors and strengthen the in weather patterns, resulting Normally, we attract guests Department had already started glad that we couldn’t find any slowly removed for construction tourism industry of the country, in waves that are bigger than because of the location of our projects to solve the issue in the cases where property damage or and related industries. In addition, which contributes greatly to the what it was a few years ago hotel, but we are unable to let the Koggala, Chilaw, Balapitiya, and loss of lives were reported. Beach/ climate change plays a major country’s economy. Therefore, a Social entrepreneurship pioneer, guests enjoy themselves on the Kahawa beaches. coastal erosion tends to happen role in relation to the sea level safer environment for the public activist, conservationist, and beach. It’s risky and even during “We have already commenced over time seasonally, with weather rising and the change in weather is needed on the beaches as beach environmental consultant the last (monsoon) season, some projects to allocate funds for the patterns and water undercurrent patterns, resulting in waves that erosion produces numerous safety Anoka Abeyrathne guests were injured and we had Koggala, Balapitiya, and Kahawa movements. However, with the are bigger than what it was a few issues over time that may impact to get emergency medical aid for beaches. Around 500 metres Boxing Day Tsunami, we had years ago," Abeyrathne explained. how the public use the space.

Contd. from page 1

to the Covid-19 Fund. These Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister of the guidelines. For example, two to three months,” he said. Stench... Letter to... nurses are already facing financial Dr. Ramesh Pathirana told The with regard to transportation Nevertheless, Minister of Foreign The CEJ filed a writ of Certiorari ACNU President S.B. Mediwatte, difficulties as they had to pocket Sunday Morning that the decision guidelines, I would consult the Affairs, Skills Development, and Mandamus in the Court of speaking to The Sunday Morning, out their taxi fares, and they are was taken considering the legal Epidemiology Unit,” he said. Employment, and Labour Relations Appeal requesting to order the CEA said that nurses are facing several now deprived of an allowance the consequences if the project was – Skandha Gunasekara Dinesh Gunawardena said that and SLC to conduct an investigation issues with not being able to take Government promised.” stopped and also the losses that according to the agreement reached into the illegal importation of their leave and insufficient transport The ACNU has now forwarded would be incurred as a result, as between relevant stakeholders, container loads of waste at the Port facilities to report to work. a request to the Ministry of Health, under the contract, the construction Election cost... companies would find an alternative of Colombo and Katunayake FTZ, “Over the past two months, urging they pay the due allowances company could take legal action Ratnayake noted that steps to termination. and to take legal action against the they have made it a point to report and overtime to the nurses with against the Government if the towards maintaining guidelines such “According to the agreement importer(s) under the provisions to work regularly hoping the their May salary that is due on project was suspended. as social distancing would lead to reached between the Employers’ of the National Environmental Act Government would provide them 25 May. The Government has The Cabinet also approved the such increases. Federation (of Ceylon) and trade and the Customs Ordinance to order an allowance. Initially, it was informed the health sector that continuation of cleaning affluent “For example, because of social unions, everyone will remain on the Government to draft new laws promised that the nurses would be they will only be paid the basic released from the waste dump, as distancing protocols, a class which the payroll and there won’t be any blocking imports of waste materials paid a special Covid-19 allowance salary and would not be paid their not doing so could pose a huge would usually accommodate 30 discontinuation of work. There could to Sri Lanka. for reporting to duty when called overtime allowance even if they environmental threat, he added. election monitors, in which we be some companies or such ventures The petition against the garbage on. But they faced quite a lot of had worked during the public (MM) instruct them on election rules, which have obstacles or difficulties consignments was filed by CEJ issues as they were not provided holidays. would now have to be held on two because of unique situations, but Executive Director Hemantha proper transport and had to pay Officials at the Ministry of separate occasions as only around they have also been told to discuss Withanage and named the CEA, high prices to get a taxi to go home Health refused to comment Guidelines... 10-15 could sit in one class while the matter, and we don’t expect ad SLC, and AG’s Department as after their shift ended at 7 p.m.” regarding the matter. Ministry of Health – maintaining social distancing. hoc actions by any of the parties that respondents. Mediwatte also noted that the Environment, Occupational Health, Similarly, a vehicle which have agreed,” he noted. However, the court previously nurses who were to report to work and Food Safety Unit Deputy transported five would only be able Meanwhile, Minister of Industrial instructed the Government for the night shift too sometimes Too costly... Director General Dr. Lakshman to transport three now, resulting Exports, Investment Promotion, Analyst’s Department to submit a faced difficulties in getting Massive demonstrations were Gamlath said that the draft would in the need for more vehicles and Tourism, and Civil Aviation report after inspecting the garbage transport and have personally borne held on several occasions by need to be reviewed by the relevant additional fuel costs,” he said. Prasanna Ranatunga said that it was consignments at both the Port of expenses to report to work by residents in Puttalam, urging the stakeholders. However, he said that there was unacceptable that terminations were Colombo (111 containers) and the hiring taxi services. Government not to go ahead with “We have to run through all a silver lining as some measures being made after only one month of Katunayake FTZ (130 containers). He further pointed out that the project. They claimed that the the steps in the draft with the EC would compel the Commission to inactivity. When The Sunday Morning asked prior to the pandemic, the nurses Government launched this project to see if they can implement the adopt new methodologies. “We cannot in any way agree whether the Government Analyst’s followed a roster system when without any consultation with or various measures we have set “While costs may increase that they should be terminating Report had been submitted to court, applying for leave as well. They input from the people of the area. out,” Dr. Gamlath said, noting that inevitably due to the health employees as a result of a halt CEJ Chairman Dabare stressed the found that system very sustainable The estimated $ 125 million they would be meeting with the guidelines, we must also adopt new in operations for just one month. report was still pending as they as everyone got a chance to take landfill project was initially commission tomorrow. methods and systems, and it is quite They earned huge profits all this have informed the courts several the leave they were entitled to. supported by the World Bank Dr. Gamlath revealed that he likely that these new systems could time, so they can’t just take harsh times that they did not have enough However, with their regular (WB), which subsequently was appointed by the Director be permanent and reduce costs in decisions such as this. It is normal facilities to conduct testing. routines being disrupted, all they withdrew from the project, citing General of Health Services as the the long run,” Ratnayake said. for companies to incur losses at “The inability to submit a could hope for was the additional irregularities. co-ordinating officer between the such times. We are looking at how Government Analyst’s report prior allowances that were promised to Later, the project was awarded Ministry and the commission, these companies will engage in to the repatriation would be an them. to a consortium comprising pertaining to the formulation of the TUs lock... their discussions with their staff,” issue, but leaving the containers “Now we are told that the China Harbour Engineering election health guidelines. “At the end of April, some Ranatunga said, adding that private lying at Colombo Port and Government cannot afford to pay Company Ltd. (CHEC) and the “I’m more or less the point man 200,000, especially in the free trade companies must find a compromise Katunayake (FTZ) would be a the allowances; to top it all off, they Southwest Municipal Engineering and I will consult with officials in zones (FTZs), have lost their jobs. and/or alternative to terminating serious threat to the environment,” are now requesting employees to and Research Institute of China other units of the Health Ministry If this isn’t stopped, more than a employees. Dabare added. donate a portion of their salaries (SEMEDRIC). with regard to the different aspects million would lose jobs in the next – Skandha Gunasekara the sunday morning 3 Sunday, March 17, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIANS QUESTION SUITABILITY OF PCR KITS The quality and suitability of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test kits received as donations as well as those purchased by the Government have been questioned by medical laboratory technicians (MLTs), who claimed these tests kits were being accepted and purchased without consulting end TESTING users. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, College of Medical Laboratory Science President Ravi Kumudesh alleged that the test kits used to detect coronavirus-infected persons currently being used by several laboratories have not been streamlined by the MoH as they were yet to issue specification guidelines for those test kits. “Different laboratories are using different test kits which have different specifications. Therefore, there is no blanket guideline for tests conducted in Government-approved laboratories,” he stressed. TEST Highlighting the importance of issuing a protocol for tests, Kumudesh noted that these issues with regard to the test kits were a result of the Ministry not consulting the end users – the MLTs. “There is no representation of MLTs in any committee headed by the Ministry; without consulting those who use the PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA AND PRADEEP DAMBARAGE test kits, how could they decide which are suitable or not to Sri Lanka?” he questioned. At a meeting held recently at the KITSzDoubts over quality of zDifferent test kits zHealth Minister calls for Ministry of Health (MoH), concerns were raised over the suitability of test kits donated PCR test kits used by different labs report on PCR test kits donated by China, as those tests kits were said to be used only in a few laboratories including the Medical Research Institute (MRI). Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi requested a full report on all PCR test kit specifications. Different laboratories are using different test kits which have A common technique different specifications. Therefore, According to international studies, there is no blanket guideline for PCR testing is a very common scientific tests conducted in Government- technique that has been widely used in approved laboratories research and medicine for around 20-30 College of Medical Laboratory years to detect genetic information. RT Science President Ravi Kumudesh (reverse transcription)-PCR is a special version used when RNA is being detected, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kandy, and and it is now being used as a test to detect Anuradhapura labs. SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19. Usually, all test kits are validated, This type of test has frequently been used after which the test kits are distributed as a frontline test for Covid-19 as it directly to laboratories around the country, he tests for the presence of the RNA virus. explained. RT-PCR tests are fairly quick, sensitive, When asked about the specifications and reliable; capable of producing results presented by the MSD when requesting in three to four hours, although this usually for tenders from private importers of the takes longer if samples must first be sent to test kits, he noted that the specifications specialised external laboratories (six-eight vary; suitable specifications have been hours on average). formulated by an expert team to which Many diagnostic and research the MSD Director himself is a part. companies produce RT-PCR products, He, however, refuted the allegations tests, and machines so the technology is levelled by the MLTs, and claimed that widely available. Some RT-PCR tests are there was in fact end user representation developed as an “all in one” kit, reducing in the committee appointed. laboratory handling and the potential for At present, 23 companies are contamination. registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA); Other WHO-approved tests an initially, there were only five. option “The test kits are being imported Commenting on the unsuitable test kits, from China, South Korea, Kumudesh stressed that an expert team Germany, Malaysia, and India,” Dr. should be appointed to test the suitability Wickremanayake noted. of the test kits received, even if received “The quality of all donations and as donations, otherwise that donation is purchases are being checked by the useless. NMRA and only after approval has “There are five different tests that can been granted, are the test kits being be conducted to test for Covid-19, but the used for testing,” he noted. Health Ministry relies on only one (type Meanwhile, when The Sunday of) test, that is the PCR. The other tests Morning contacted NMRA Chief have also been approved by the World Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Kamal Health Organisation (WHO) and we have Jayasinghe, he noted that the necessary requested the Ministry to give permission quality checks on equipment were being to bring down the necessary equipment conducted by the NMRA at present. for other tests, but the Ministry has not yet “The NMRA has given its approval taken steps to do so,” he stressed. to accept these donations, as the According to him, there are cheaper tests Government is not spending, but it is that give equally accurate results. dispatching these for usage only after He also alleged that funds are being checking properly,” Dr. Jayasinghe misused and several parties were benefiting noted. from the situation. When asked whether the NMRA When contacted by The Sunday had received any requests pertaining Morning, MoH Medical Supplies to the purchase of other equipment Division (MSD) Director Dr. H.M.K. with regard to coronavirus testing, Dr. Wickremanayake stressed that the test kits Jayasinghe noted that this fell under received as donations were used in five the purview of the Ministry and not the laboratories including the MRI, Karapitiya, NMRA. 4 the sunday morning Sunday, May 17, 2020 NEWS/ROUND-UP

Activities such as site BY SARAH HANNAN A snap of School Lane prior to the start of the project to near Janadhipathi Balika clearing, construction of the ensure issues are resolved. As communities across Vidyalaya in Nawala road and the bridge, mining The public consultation meeting the island are easing into of boulders, removal of trees provides an opportunity for the normalcy, the country’s and green cover vegetation, general public as well as private development projects too etc. will potentially impact and community bodies to know the seem to be jumpstarting, the ecological resources environmental and social impacts of the area by means of of implementing the project. Thus, with everyone eager to disturbing habitat speed up the country’s the meeting should be arranged economic development. houses the Janadhipathi Balika for residents of the area and public Vidyalaya), not entertaining a low- sector and private sector agencies Although curfew in the Colombo cost alternative route which may that are concerned with the project District is not fully lifted at the result in reduced cost to the State, prior to deciding on it. moment, the biggest problem arises a stakeholder consultation, and any The major purpose of public once the travel between districts is other legal requirements related to consultation is to identify the lifted and the entire workforce and such a project, and also suspects a environmental issues in the IEE school system are required to return substantial element of corruption an EIA studies and to appraise to the cities. With that, the commute and irregular procedure. the stakeholders on potential time will automatically increase environmental impacts. This will and the time spent on the road too Effect on environment provide an opportunity to collect will increase. The representatives from the their feedback so that adequate Over the years, several Save School Lane and School safeguards can be considered alternative routes interconnecting Avenue Initiative also pointed during the planning phases. bridges have been constructed BRIDGING NAWALA AND KOTTE out that if the project is initiated, and developed in the Colombo it can have an effect on the RDA to discuss further District, out of which only a very surrounding environment, When contacted, RDA Director few have managed to address the given that it is a wetland rich in General Kamal Amaraweera said real problem of traffic congestion. biodiversity. Moreover, there could that this is a proposed project and Many that were completed recently be considerable social disruption the team visited the site for an have in fact increased congestion, and social conflict due to loss of observation. thus creating gridlocks at junctions livelihood and the need to relocate “We are yet to commence and clogging the arteries of the if and when affected by this new obtaining the required city’s road network. road construction. This will cause documentation. Following our visit In this backdrop, The Sunday Residents pressure on relocation of affected to the area, the residents raised Morning learnt about a proposed communities, which will impact the concerns and we had a meeting bridge suggested to be constructed people living in the affected area. with them to explain that this to connect the Nawala Road and Activities such as site clearing, project is only being considered.” Kotte Road to ease the traffic on construction of the road and Amaraweera affirmed that prior the Sri Jayewardenepura Mawatha the bridge, mining of boulders, to commencing the project, the from the Ethul Kotte Junction to the removal of trees and green cover necessary EIA, Traffic Congestion Rajagiriya Junction. The bridge is raise vegetation, etc. will potentially Management Report, etc. will be proposed to run from Angampitiya impact the ecological resources of obtained and the authority will and reach the area which adjoins the area by means of disturbing allow the public to share their School Lane and School Avenue in habitat. However, increasing soil concerns as well. Nawala. erosion and surface runoff may be The Nawala Kotte marsh Speaking to The Sunday triggered as a result. next to School Avenue has Morning, Panduka Keerthinanda, Egrets, water herons, kingfishers, a habitat categorised to a resident and representative of etc. that were observed feeding be “Annona Woodlands” the Save School Lane and School concerns in the adjoining marshy land may and is directly linked to the Avenue Initiative, said: “The z RDA affirms only a proposal also be disturbed with the loud Kollonnawa Canal. It is herb- residents of the area became aware noises and vibration associated dominant, low vegetation of this proposed bridge project 10 May requesting him to look into Rich in biodiversity to name a few, are some of the with construction work. The effect land and has multidirectional when over 40 vehicles of officials, this. School Lane and School Avenue interesting species found in this on aquatic fauna in the water canal water flows building contractors, and other “We were granted a meeting with are very quiet residential areas wetland. Nawala wetlands have can occur in case an accidental oil personnel visited the area during the President’s Private Secretary, within the Sri Jayewardenepura been identified as a possible spill or toxic chemical release finds Meanwhile, representatives the Covid-19 curfew restriction who then made arrangements Kotte Municipality. The Nawala future biodiversity observatory its way into the water body during of the Save School Lane and last week for an alleged pre-bid for us to meet with the Road Kotte marsh next to School under the Metro Colombo Urban construction and operation. School Avenue Initiative reiterated inspection meeting. The only Development Authority (RDA) Avenue has a habitat categorised Development Project and is that they are not opposing to the question in the minds of all our officials. The officials were kind to be “Annona Woodlands” and is important for storing water that Recommendations development projects and by no residents was of the urgency of enough to meet with our team and directly linked to the Kollonnawa would otherwise cause flood risk. Most of the people may be means intending to halt the project. such actions during these troubled they explained to us the proposed Canal. It is herb-dominant, The Save School Lane and lacking the knowledge on the All they want is to see that the RDA times.” bridge project. However, when low vegetation land and has School Avenue Initiative strongly impacts of environmental factors and the institutions that are granted Keerthinanda and seven other we requested for the Environment multidirectional water flows. believes that this project has not including social and economic the construction contract will have representatives, who are also Impact Assessment (EIA) and then The fishing cat, purple-faced met the basic criteria of an EIA, factors. Therefore, a programme the relevant documentation and residents of School Lane and the project proposal for the bridge, leaf monkey, black marsh dart, Traffic Congestion Management to create awareness should have allow the public to address their School Avenue, had written to they did not have the documents porcupine, star tortoise, and Report (traffic is heavy on this road been arranged. It recommends that concerns after being given access to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on available,” Keerthinanda added. Ceylon blue glassy tiger butterfly, during school hours as School Lane public consultation is carried out the relevant reports. Reminding the law sunny Election Secretariat to the failure on the part of the side up Director General Saman former State Minister to return by abilis Sri Ratnayake on Friday his official vehicles during the (15) had sent a letter to the period of elections. Media Ministry Secretary Ratnayake, in the letter, had PHOTO LALITH PERERA highlighting the violation of requested the Media Ministry election laws by former State Secretary to update him on Minister Lakshman Yapa the issue of the use of official Abeywardena. vehicles during a period of The letter was in reference elections.

Herbal treatment For a good cause Former parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra has donated her hair to make wigs for cancer patients. She has said on social media that while cancer is a scary and painful for CMC illness, little gestures can be made by people that would bring a smile to a cancer patient The Department of open by Mayoress of Indigenous Medicine of Colombo Rosy Senanayake the Colombo Municipal at the CMC premises on Council (CMC) has set up Wednesday (13). a herbal steam chamber The chamber uses to ensure the protection indigenous herbs of of CMC employees from medicinal value maintained Back at work? Covid-19. at a temperature of 50°C. Treasury Secretary caused much controversy CMC workers, who It is also said that inhaling S.R. Attygalle, who was with rumours of individuals reported back to work last the steam is equivalent recuperating from a heart being appointed to replace Monday (11), were required to the “dum hattiya” ailment, is expected to him making rounds on to walk through the steam treatment, which is popular return to work tomorrow social media. chamber. in ayurvedic medication to (18). However, it is now learnt The herbal steam overcome infections in the His absence from office that Attygalle would return chamber was declared respiratory system. during the recovery period to office after his recovery. the sunday morning 35 Sunday, May 17, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA affiliated JSS Organiser stressed. employees are not ready to offer their Palitha also alleged that the CPC had salaries,” he stressed. Concerns have been raised by trade recruited a total of 25 new employees on In addition, the TUs alleged that the unions (TUs) over the amount that the basis of day’s pay while 167 of such situation in other institutions including had been spent by the Government employees have been removed due to the Water Board and postal and education to pay allowances to top officials redundancy. institutions was similar to that of the CEB of state institutions during March In the meantime, yet another key and CPC. and April while the entire country Rs government institution, the Ceylon In response to the allegations levelled was working from home due to Rs Electricity Board (CEB) is facing a similar by unions, the Government stressed that coronavirus. situation at present. they cannot deduct any salary that was However, the JVP-affiliated Lanka being paid for a certain employee as the They alleged that government Viduli Sevaka Sangamaya (LVSS) had allowances had also been included in their institutions had paid fuel and vehicle informed the Ministry that they would not salaries, in total. allowances for March and April to those offer their salaries as per the request made The Sunday Morning contacted Ministry officials who worked from home during the by the President’s Secretary. Instead, they of Public Administration Secretary J.J. curfew period and even for those who did have informed the Ministry that the CEB Ratnasiri to gain insight as to whether the not work from home. employees have contributed to uphold Government had reduced the perks and TUs however, noted that most of TUS OBJECT SALARY CUTS, CRY FOUL OVER ALLOWANCES the livelihoods of those affected by the privileges offered to top officials of the the overtime (OT) payments had been economic crisis. state sector during March and April. deducted as they were not paid to top As Secretary Ratnasiri explained, the officials. Furthermore, during the curfew, Government had not yet deducted any only a few employees continued working. amount from any of the salaries that had Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Govt. pays We have paid the same amount been paid prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) Organiser during March and April considering “We have paid the same amount Ananda Palitha alleged that the total the difficulties faced by the employees during March and April considering the expenditure of the Ceylon Petroleum due to the economic downfall. The difficulties faced by the employees due to Corporation (CPC) had not been reduced, Government is spending Rs. 800 the economic downfall. The Government despite the fact that only 15% of the total millions for billion per month to pay the state sector is spending Rs. 800 billion per month to workforce engaged in duties in March and salaries pay the state sector salaries,” he added. April due to the countrywide curfew. Ministry of Public Administration In some institutions, there was a minor Secretary J.J. Ratnasiri expenditure reduction as the OT payments had not been paid during the curfew working from period, Ratnasiri said. Have they reduced the electricity or Speaking to The Sunday Morning, LVSS When asked whether the Government water bills? The Government has not General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal stressed would take steps to cut down additional given a cent to the general public and that it was unfair to dedicate even a day’s payments made to state sector top instead, they have earned billions of salary of the poor employees while the top officials, the Secretary noted that the rupees under the guise of Covid-19 home? officials of the CEB were enjoying all the Government had not taken such a decision JSS Organiser Ananda Palitha benefits given to them before the virus hit so far. z Rs. 800 billion z Senior officials z Payments made the country’s economy. spent on state paid fuel for March-April “The top management, consisting of “The CPC’s total sales in March and a majority of engineers, were given an April had gone down by around 40% while sector salaries and vehicle when working allowance to avoid engineers leaving the Only a few employees worked during global fuel prices also went down to the monthly allowances from home country, and that allowance can now be the curfew while a majority of lowest ever in history. However, the local deducted from their salary as none of them them were staying at home. If the fuel prices were never reduced, and the want to leave the country at this point,” Government is not taking any steps CPC’s losses were never covered despite The Government has not given a cent to 25,000. That sum too was paid to all the Jayalal stressed. to cut down those allowances from the the assurance given by the Minister of the general public and instead, they have directors despite the economic situation He went on to state that the other elite, the ordinary employees are not Petroleum Resources,” he stressed. earned billions of rupees under the guise of of the country. In addition, the top-level allowances including fuel, vehicle, and ready to offer their salaries “The Minister then said the revenue Covid-19,” Palitha continued. executives who account for around 300 project allowances can also be deducted LVSS General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal earned by the CPC would allow the As highlighted by the JSS, the top employees of both CPC and Ceylon from those who are entitled to such Government to provide relief to the people. officials of the CPC were paid the fuel and Petroleum Storage Terminals (CPSTL) allowances, at least during the months of But what are the benefits the people are vehicle allowances for March and April, were paid Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 40,000 as March and April. Furthermore, the Secretary noted that receiving at present? They implemented although the majority did not work at all, vehicle allowances, respectively, and those “Only a few employees worked during the Ministry of Public Administration maximum retail prices (MRP) but later while others worked from home. who have been given vehicles were paid the curfew while a majority of them were would not send any circular for the request they set aside those as well and permitted “Directors were paid Rs. 20,000 as for 125 litres and 160 litres, respectively. staying at home. If the Government is made by Secretary to the President Dr. the businessmen to carry on as usual. Have allowance for attending meetings and the None of these allowances have been cut not taking any steps to cut down those P.B. Jayasundera as he said it has already they reduced the electricity or water bills? new management had increased it to Rs. down by the corporation so far,” the UNP- allowances from the elite, the ordinary been communicated to state institutions.

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA AMIDST UNEMPLOYMENT With the Government's move to reopen the economy, initiatives are taking place to kick-start the export industry as well as to branch out and establish new industries, Establishing new industries amidst trade unions crying foul that employees were being terminated supporting all the exporters to be proper methods of transport that en masse. active. Our job is to facilitate the follow health services guidelines The Export Development Board exporters, so whatever issues they such as social distancing, and (EDB) is a flurry of activity to get have, we try to resolve it for them. companies that have a responsibility the industry up and running in the We are also encouraging them to now to provide transport have not shortest possible time, while also get into manufacturing on a full-scale provided transport facilities. Some looking into the need of the hour basis, based on their order books, etc. provide transport, but that too only for the various international trade We are also giving them guidance in for a select, favoured few. Others companies, in addition to providing terms of market information; we have provide proper transport, but once information such as new anti-corona uploaded on our website different inside the factory, there is no social regulations and restrictions imposed updates from various countries, for distancing or health protocols being by different countries and markets. example the restrictions a country has exercised among employees. Who “We are actually now talking to in place, etc.,” he noted. is monitoring these things? Who 500 export companies every week. Subasinghe added that at present, is responsible? Who will be held We are talking to them and engaging the goal was to focus on existing accountable if this results in an with them to gain an understanding markets so as to restart the export increase in the spread of the virus?” on how their business is and what flow of domestic products, while Samarasinghe then demanded that kind of help then need,” EDB the immediate next step would be the Government intervene to stop Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe told to exploit the current situation and the termination of employees and The Sunday Morning. expand manufacturing to encompass that new legislation must be enacted Subasinghe said that they were items that are in global demand such SPMC (State Pharmaceuticals large number of employees in to ensure this. putting maximum effort into getting as personal protective equipment Manufacturing Corporation), the free trade zones (FTZs) have “At the end of April there were the industry back on its feet. (PPE). and the Ministry of Health are all been let go; some even without around 200,000 people who had “We just want the exporters “Things won’t return to normalcy working towards this cause. This is compensation. Therefore, all jobs lost jobs because of the Covid-19 to export based on their market overnight. So we are still looking at being done for two main reasons; must be secured. pandemic. If this trend continues for situation, and with the countries the traditional markets. I think we firstly, to meet the domestic needs “Thus far, casual workers, another three to four months, then opening up in different parts of will have to wait a few months to and secondly, to build an export manpower workers, and those it is likely that around one million the world, we are encouraging and see how things are going to shift to industry as well,” Subasinghe said. on temporary employment have jobs would be lost. The Government start thinking about new markets. Minister of Industrial Export and already been sacked. There are must intervene now and make sure The first step is to basically focus Investment Promotion and Tourism about 10,000 manpower workers that no more terminations occur. on products that the international and Civil Aviation Prasanna Around 80% of factories in the Katunayake FTZ; 90% of Contd. on Page 12 market is currently demanding. The Ranatunga too was optimistic about under the BOI, which is about their jobs have been terminated. In second step is to explore things like the recommencing of the export 250 factories, have begun some places, permanent employees apparel, for example, to try to shift industry. operations, but only around are given compensation and then into the production of new items “Around 80% of factories under 40% of the employees are fired. A lot of these terminations are such as PPE, which our garment the BOI, which is about 250 working. However, we expect the against the advice and approval of industry is doing. Moreover, the factories, have begun operations, number of staff and activities to the Department of Labour. In fact, food sector, the agriculture sector, but only around 40% of the increase as things move along the Minister of Labour has asserted and businesses producing gloves are employees are working. However, Minister of Industrial Export that employees would be retained, Another problem with the doing very well. There is a strong we expect the number of staff and and Investment Promotion and but the opposite has happened and it Government’s plan to reopen demand for these people to be activities to increase as things move Tourism and Civil Aviation continues to happen,” he elaborated. the economy is their failure to operating. Wherever the demand is along,” Minister Ranatunga said. Prasanna Ranatunga Samarasinghe went on to say set up a proper transport system not as strong, companies must look Nevertheless, the Inter-Company that the Government’s failure to We, as the Ministry of Labour for all those who are expected to at different products for them to Employees Union (ICEU) charged establish proper modes of public and according to the agreement attend to work and take part in survive during this period,” he said. that the termination of workers is still Department of Labour. transport which follow the Health reached between the Employees’ economic activities. There aren’t Furthermore, Subasinghe revealed ongoing and that the Government “It is a good thing that the Ministry guidelines could be Federation and the trade proper methods of transport that steps were being taken to has failed to set up a proper public economy is reopening but there detrimental to the health and safety unions, have decided that all that follow health services establish new domestic industries to transport system to allow workers to are two main issues that must be of workers as well as controlling the companies will stick to their guidelines such as social meet the demands borne out of the travel to and from work. addressed if so. Firstly, the health Covid-19 pandemic as a whole. respective payrolls and there distancing, and companies that pandemic, such as pharmaceuticals. ICEU President Wasantha and safety of employees must be He noted: “Another problem won’t be any discontinuation have a responsibility to provide “We are working on a master Samarasinghe alleged that ensured and secondly, all jobs with the Government’s plan to of work transport have not provided plan to create a very strong those hired on temporary basis of employees must be secured. reopen the economy is their failure Minister of Foreign Relations, transport facilities pharmaceutical industry in Sri or from manpower companies It is crucial that these two issues to set up a proper transport system Skills Development, Employment, ICEU President Wasantha Lanka. So the EDB, BOI (Board have and are being sacked since are addressed. I say this because for all those who are expected to and Labour Relations Dinesh Samarasinghe of Investment), SPC (State April, and that companies were even now, the move to terminate attend to work and take part in Gunawardena Pharmaceuticals Corporation), flouting instructions given by the employees is still continuing. A economic activities. There aren’t 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, May 17, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN The World Health Organisation We cannot assure that no new (WHO) last week stated that the clusters will be created. It all depends world will have to learn to live on how well people are adjusting to with Covid-19 as it would not be life according to the health guidelines eliminated anytime soon. Like Health Services Director General many other countries, Sri Lanka Dr. Anil Jasinghe too seems to have understood this, having recommenced activities in 23 districts with the While wearing face masks have now been made compulsory in the Colombo and Gampaha Districts health guidelines published, Sri still functioning under indefinite Jayewardenepura Hospital consultant curfew. microbiologist Dr. Kushlani Jayathilake On Monday (11), state institutions and advised that people need to be educated private establishments in the Colombo as to when they should wear face masks and Gampaha Districts were required to and when it is not required. commence business with one-third of “When a face mask is worn, it hinders their staff in an attempt to ease the public the breathing capacity of a person. It into normalcy by allowing the workforce reduces the amount of oxygen that one to return to work under strict regulations. would inhale and retains a considerable Retail shops, pharmacies, and amount of carbon dioxide that is exhaled. supermarkets in the Colombo and “Face masks should be therefore worn Gampaha Districts are now allowed to if a person is expected to be in a crowded conduct business while requirements place, use public transport, and working pertaining to limits on travel for essential in enclosed areas with a crowd. A person services and maintenance of social will not need to wear a face mask if they distancing when outdoors are slowly are in their own vehicle, working in a disappearing. It seems that the Colombo single cubicle, going for a jog/walk, or and Gampaha Districts are well into are exercising in an outdoor space.” functioning with the minimum number Dr. Jayathilake also noted that retailers of staff to commence work, and are have been instructed to wear gloves, but it attracting the maximum number of would not be practical as the vendor will consumers for their businesses. LIVING WITH not be able to constantly change the gloves The Sunday Morning spoke to after every transaction. She also noted University of Peradeniya Department of that the virus tends to survive for a longer Sociology Head Dr. W.M.S.M. Kumari period of time on latex and rubber surfaces; Thoradeniya about the impact of a if a consumer sneezes/coughs onto the pandemic-related lockdown on society grocery items that are sold and the vendor and how people would ease into an touches it, that can cause contamination. environment where life goes on while authorities, peopleCOVID-19 should also make it “They handle the groceries and with also protecting themselves from the threat their personal responsibility to follow the that they also take the money that is of a virus. health guidelines to protect their health Timeline of Health Ministry response to Covid-19 handed to them. There are several ways “When an unknown virus starts and ensure their safety. the virus could find its way to the vendor infecting society, we all feel unsafe. Since Sri Lanka is a developing Our Health Ministry in a 10-page circular to all and details of the disease, or consumer through the gloves itself. People are filled with uncertainty and country, the prolonged closure of was one of the first in medical and administrative and telling the public So, the best thing to do is to use hand to top it off, when the country is placed economic activities resulted in major the world to take steps to staff throughout the health about the three suspected sanitiser; then again, the affordability and under curfew for a prolonged period of implications such as people being recognise the grave risk service, in which he cases (Chinese tourists) the frequency with which one could use it time, it tends to cause a bigger issue. It is deprived of earning their daily wages to Sri Lanka and mitigate outlined the seriousness identified in the country become practical issues.” also impractical to keep the country under from day-to-day work. Unfortunately, the impact of Covid- of the disease and issued at the time. According to Since mid-last week, buses operating the Rs. 5,000 relief that was issued to 19 in the country, even guidelines for the health the release, from this time, in the 23 districts curfew was lifted were many low-income and poor families before the World Health system to brace itself for the Health Ministry had allowed to take passengers to fill the is insufficient to purchase the bare Organisation (WHO) the upcoming pandemic begun screening arrivals seats while passengers weren’t allowed

If we were to continue the lockdown necessities needed. declared the disease a and to identify and treat at the airport for fever and to travel standing. Prior to that, the health until the disease is eliminated or a “Therefore, if we were to continue the Public Health Emergency patients. preparing a quarantine guidelines issued requested that only one proper treatment is found, it would lockdown until the disease is eliminated of International Concern On the same day, regimen. The public were passenger occupy a two-seater and two have a huge socioeconomic impact on or a proper treatment is found, it would (PHEIC) on 30 January. Sri Lanka’s Chief advised to avoid crowded occupy a three-seater. However, it would the country have a huge socioeconomic impact on Four days earlier, on 26 Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath places, frequently clean seem that due to the loss of revenue University of Peradeniya the country. Even the most developed January, Health Services Samaraweera issued a hands with soap and water, experiences over the past two months, Department of Sociology Head countries in the world have started to Director General Dr. Anil two-page press release and take other precautions. every industry is trying to earn as much Dr. W.M.S.M. Kumari Thoradeniya feel the impact on their economies and Jasinghe raised the alarm setting out the origins Contd. on page 12 as they can. lifestyles,” Dr. Thoradeniya added. “We witnessed an increase in mobility As Sri Lankans, we will have to alter among the workforce and at the same lockdown until medical experts study the our social behaviour drastically to align Dr. Thoradeniya said that Sri Lanka People are yet to understand the danger time, we have removed the isolation behaviour of the virus and eliminate it.” with the health guidelines in place. Sri was already used to observing health Covid-19 imposes, not only to their restrictions that were placed for Dr. Thoradeniya, while agreeing that Lankans are a close-knit society and guidelines when it comes to such family but to the entire country and the Bandaranayake Mawatha, Colombo 12 imposing curfew when the disease started would come together in times of need to communicable diseases, stating: “No world as well. We have faced massive and Suduwella in Negombo on Thursday to spread rapidly was a good move, noted help a fellow citizen. We are also very outsiders are allowed to visit the house setbacks in how we conducted life prior (14). While we have strictly informed that the time during curfew should have keen on hosting social gatherings that when a person from a family is having to Covid-19, and the country should them to observe a further 14-day self- been used wisely to communicate the are religiously, culturally, or socially measles or chicken pox. The infected use this as a learning point to improve quarantine period, we cannot assure that guidelines people should follow once the accepted, while getting acquainted with person is separated from the rest of the on when returning to normalcy, Dr. no new clusters will be created. It all country opened up after the lockdown. new communities and people at these family and is kept in a clean environment Thoradeniya noted. depends on how well people are adjusting “People need some time to get used gatherings. to life according to the health guidelines,” to following these guidelines and even Dr. Thoradeniya observed that these Personal health and safety Health Services Director General Dr. Anil after two months, the guidelines have not behaviours or craving closeness will have Face masks and alcohol-based hand Jasinghe noted. been communicated to a larger portion of to change as we as a country adapt to live rubs have now become must-haves when society. This was evident when curfew with Covid-19. “People are not allowed to A person will not need to wear a face stepping out of the house, be it for work Practice self-discipline was relaxed in the 23 districts. People flock at temples or religious institutions; mask if they are in their own vehicle, or to go to the closest boutique to buy When retail shops opened for business, forgot about the need to maintain the one- we are requested to limit non-essential working in a single cubicle, going for essentials. people were seen flocking to purchase metre distance; they flocked to purchase travel and visits to our close family. This a jog/walk, or are exercising in an Medical experts weigh in that not groceries and essentials. essentials as soon as curfew was relaxed.” is something we will all have to get used outdoor space everyone will follow the health guidelines Not all shops however have the luxury She noted that people need to be to and practice for a considerable amount Dr. Kushlani Jayathilake due to various practical issues, and also of being able to control the number of educated on the damage the virus of time until a vaccination or treatment point out that the proper way to use a face people who enter the premises, ensure could cause as a result of irresponsible for the virus is found.” that is regularly disinfected. This takes mask has not been communicated to the distance is maintained, that every behaviour. She also shared that lifting Epidemics are not new to Sri Lanka; place on a minor scale, so it is easy to majority of the public; they observe many consumer washes their hands/is given curfew and allowing people to start work people are used to maintaining social manage the situation. But with Covid-19, using disposable masks for days and hand sanitiser, or that their temperature is should be done according to a plan. distancing and self-isolation during people found it challenging to adapt to using latex gloves for prolonged periods checked. While this is the responsibility of the measles and chicken pox outbreaks. the guidelines that were issued.” of time. Contd. on page 12

CHANGING WEATHER AND TROPICAL DISEASES 11 districts become dengue-risk zones The National Dengue whereas, in the first week reported for the period Another brewing disaster Control Unit issued red of May, 96 cases were from 1 January to 15 alerts for 11 districts as the reported. By the end of the May were identified as Jaffna BY SARAH HANNAN The DMC stated that 12 rivers including 1,779 DENGUE trend in dengue cases are second week, the number Colombo, Gampaha, Kelani, Kalu, Gin, Nilwala, Bentara, Kukule, gradually increasing with of dengue cases increased Kalutara, Galle, Jaffna, As we approach the third week of May, the Mee Oya, Maha Oya, Attanagalu Oya, HIGH-RISK the onset of the monsoon. to 272. Batticaloa, Trincomalee, torrential rains that are experienced in the Deduru Oya, and several reservoirs under ZONES In April, the total The districts that are Kalmunai, Kandy, Total cases from south-western region of Sri Lanka, coupled the Department of Irrigation were identified 1 Jan 2020 to number of cases reported recognised to have the Kurunegala, and with thundershowers, signals the arrival of as high-risk catchment areas that would 15 May 2020 islandwide stood at 413, highest number of cases Ratnapura. the south-western monsoon. prompt flooding when the southwest monsoon Trincomalee Scattered showers have already started intensifies. 2,205 to cause flash floods in several areas as the The DMC, over the past month, has been sheltering anyone that is displaced due to Increase in diseases reeds have started to take over the marshlands taking the necessary measures to prepare for adverse weather. In addition to that, due to According to the Epidemiology Unit’s disease throttling the water flow in crucial places. potential displacement events which can be the risk of Covid-19 spreading, we will not surveillance statistics, so far, 1,623 cases of Rains experienced in the upstream areas caused by the impending adverse weather Batticaloa encourage the displaced families to move in leptospirosis have been reported in Sri Lanka are also flushing out debris which is now conditions. 2,083 with their friends and family. So, everyone for 2020. Recently, a Navy officer succumbed accumulating in the waterways, barricading DMC Director General Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kurunegala will need to take shelter at the designated safe to the illness whilst receiving treatment at the the water from flowing to the sea. Sudantha Ranasinghe told The Sunday 650 locations,” Maj. Gen. Ranasinghe elaborated. Intensive Care Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy The Sri Lanka Navy, a few days ago, cleared Morning that the Ministry of Health, the The safe locations will have to follow the General Hospital, Colombo. Meanwhile, 10 Kandy 1,153 such a blockage under the Wakwella Bridge Department of Irrigation, the National Gampaha health guidelines issued by the Ministry of people from the Kurunegala District died due as the Gin River flows underneath it. Building Research Organisation (NBRO), 1,626 Health and the DMC is looking to provide to leptospirosis in January. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the National Disaster Relief Service Colombo cooked meals in most cases to avoid people Epidemiology Unit Acting Chief earlier this week, said that the water level Centre, and the Urban Development 2,728 being exposed to pathogens. Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige noted that of the Gin River is expected to rise in the Authority (UDA), in collaboration with Kalutara Ratnapura The Puttalam, Colombo, Gampaha, an increase in leptospirosis cases are observed at forthcoming monsoon season. Therefore, the DMC, will contribute towards mitigating 982 655 Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kegalle, and the beginning of the paddy cultivation cycle and the Navy, in an attempt to prevent possible any disaster-related event. Ratnapura districts will potentially farmers are prone to this disease. In addition, Galle floods, cleared large bamboo trees, branches “Each district has its own action 953 experience floods and landslides, according the disease is prevalent during floods and may Source: Ministry of Health and of trees, and debris accumulated under the plan devised, with safe locations and Indigenous Medical Services to the analysis of the DMC, the NBRO, and cause outbreaks. Epidemiology Unit bridge. quarantine centres appointed as required, the Department of Irrigation. Contd. on page 12 the sunday morning 37 Sunday, March 17, 2020 ECONOMY

REQUEST FOR STATE EMPLOYEES’ ONE MONTH’S SALARY CONTRIBUTION long-term subsidised loans to private sector Treasury to be used for the people. There is no companies that were going to continue to pay point setting that aside claiming debt repayment.” salaries of workers. The Government did say that they will give a 4% working capital loan, but not Jayasundera commended many people have received this and they put only Nevertheless, senior economist and former a measly Rs. 50 billion for that purpose, which is Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri not enough to even go around two or three banks.” Lanka (CBSL) Dr. W.A. Wijewardene lauded The good, He then pointed out that the Government should Dr. Jayasundera’s request, asserting that it was a have given an assurance to banks so as to gain sound proposal. confidence to lend to the private sector, stressing “It is a voluntary contribution that he has asked that an unprecedented situation such this needs for, and not compulsory. State sector employees unprecedented solutions. don’t pay any taxes and in a time where the whole “We have to make sure the banks are responsible country is in disastrous turmoil, everybody has to in lending depositor money. In that case, the bear the burden of running the Government. So I bad, and ugly Government should have provided some sort of think he (Jayasundera) has every right to ask them collateral to the banks so that the banks feel safe to contribute voluntarily.” z Opposition politicians z that the companies would pay it back within a Sound and practical certain period of time. “I link that to the letter of Dr. Jayasundera where point to inconsistencies proposal says economist he says the public sector is progressive and the private sector is regressive or backward. If that is the kind of attitude of the Secretary to the President, BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA 5,000. The Government didn’t make any logical that goes to show that they have no faith in the argument. Other than me, no one made a logical private sector,” he emphasised. With President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. argument for the Rs. 5,000.” Finally, he said the Government should use every Jayasundera recently calling on He then pointed out that the coronavirus opportunity and advantage this pandemic has to public sector employees to donate pandemic would have a severe impact on household offer to take the country forward. one month’s salary for Covid-19 expenditure limits with an additional Rs. 17,000 Should provide more relief efforts, many conflicting views were burden and that the bottom 50% families on the From the President down, if they had expressed both in support and against financial spectrum in Sri Lanka would have to face Meanwhile, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna voluntarily forgone any benefits from the the request. many hardships as a result. parliamentarian Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa too was Government for six months, then you “Then I did a calculation on the impact of the critical of Dr. Jayasundera’s request to the public can ask the other employees to contribute One of the firsts who was outspokenly against Covid-19 pandemic on household income. For sector, noting that one month’s salary was a one month’s or even three month’s salary this request was former United National Party half the families in Sri Lanka, the reality is that significant amount to an ordinary public sector Senior economist and former CBSL Deputy (UNP) parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva who I know of some households that received in terms of the fall in income and their ability to employee, especially with the growing debt culture Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardene charged that there were many inconsistencies and seven payments of Rs. 5,000 in one go. cut expenditure, the new difference is about Rs. in Sri Lanka. shortcomings in Dr. Jayasundera’s request and The Rs. 5,000 was given to political 17,000 a family per month. Let’s say Rs. 20,000 “Many of them are living in debt, so losing their He noted that the Government could have been postulations. catches. How do you give to seven people to round it up. In this situation, the higher the salary means their financial situation becomes dire. more tactful with the request and led by example, in one house? Also, a recent media report income, the more expenditure a family can cut Dr. Jayasundera doesn’t face these hardships. He noting that it should have been commenced with A false claim showed the Acting Mayor of my electorate down. Likewise, the lower the income, the less receives a number of other salaries and has many the top echelons of the Government. Dr. De Silva, an economist by profession and a distributing these allowances while expenditure can be reduced.” modes of income in addition to his government “From the President down, if they had voluntarily senior in the field, first and foremost asserted that wearing a t-shirt with a huge depiction of He explained this by stating that the rich can salary. But for a normal government servant, losing forgone any benefits from the Government for six the claim by Dr. Jayasundera that Rs. 100 billion the political party symbol afford to cut down on various expenses such as even a day’s salary is a big deal,” he said. months, then you can ask the other employees could be saved if a month’s salary was foregone Former UNP parliamentarian and going out for movies or dinners, etc. while the Dr. Jayatissa went on to say the Government to contribute one month’s or even three month’s by the public sector was false. senior economist Dr. Harsha de Silva poor would have no such additional expenses to should provide more relief to the people, especially salary,” he pointed out. “There are several issues with Jayasundera’s cut down. Therefore, he would have found a way those living along the poverty line, particularly Dr. Wijewardene went on to note that even Sri letter. One is that he has said the Government can “The question is, why was the Rs. 100 billion to give these families Rs. 17,000-20,000, he said, considering the large profits earned through the Lanka’s history had instances where the masses save Rs. 100 billion. Now, that means Rs. 1,200 mentioned in the letter by the Secretary to the reiterating that he is providing these numbers only recent fuel sales. contributed their labour or income to the state as billion would be the annual salary budget for the President. There must be a reason. Perhaps you with data and logic.” “At a time like this, the Government shouldn’t be a public service. public sector. The annual salary bill for 2020, if can make people believe ‘if I donate my salary, Dr. De Silva also claimed that the Government curtailing wages but must be making sure the tax “You may remember that during the Sinhala you look at the estimated values, may be around they will be able to save Rs. 100 billion; that’s would only use the money donated through the money going into the Treasury reaches the masses kings’ time in Sri Lanka, there was a system called Rs. 700 billion – Rs. 750 billion at most. a lot of money so let me do that’. Or else, is it public servants’ wages for their election campaign. in some way to provide relief. If the Government “Rajakarikramaya” – a compulsory royal service. “The latest available actual data is with the because you know the expenditure limits have “I have photographic evidence. I know of some could at least give such relief through electricity In this compulsory royal service, every able-bodied Treasury and the annual accounts for 2018 and 2019 been reached, you cannot borrow because it is households that received seven payments of Rs. or water bills, it would be a significant assistance. man except for Buddhist monks had to work for figures are not available. The annual salary bill for extra-constitutional, (and) there is no Vote on 5,000 in one go. It was completely abused. The Last year, some Rs. 1,890 billion was added to the six months free of charge for the state. That is 2018 was Rs. 685 billion. So if you take 2018 and Account – so if they don’t have to pay salaries to Rs. 5,000 was given to political catches. How do equivalent to 50% of income tax. the difference in total expenditure between 2018 public servants, then maybe they won’t have to you give to seven people in one house? Also, a “If a government employee works for nothing and 2020, estimated, it’s around Rs. 350 billion,” breach the borrowing limit set out by the last Vote recent media report showed the Acting Mayor of for three months, it would equal to 25% of income he explained. on Account,” he further explained. my electorate distributing these allowances while tax. This is a situation where everybody has to get Dr. De Silva stated that of the Rs. 685 billion in wearing a t-shirt with a huge depiction of the together and come up with a solution. I don’t find 2018, Rs. 120 billion was for provincial councils and Logic behind Rs. 5,000 political party symbol.” anything wrong with Dr. Jayasundera’s request,” the remaining Rs. 465 billion were for government When The Sunday Morning inquired as to what Dr. De Silva charged that Basil Rajapaksa, being he explained. servant salaries. Rs. 240 billion was paid to the Dr. De Silva would have done differently if in the the Head of the Economic Committee that gives He reiterated that the Government leadership tri-forces and the Police, which included salaries Government, he said that one of the first things away this money, had used his network of local should take the lead in this endeavour if they want and wages, overtime, holiday allowance, and all would be to ensure a substantial government welfare government members to bribe the electorate. the public sector employees to follow suit and that, other allowances. In the month of May, he said programme was afforded to the right people in a “This is an absolute waste of government money in fact, the mechanism would be far more practical that there would be hardly any overtime, holiday fair and just manner. and a violation of election laws. And now they’re than asking the public to make a separate donation. allowance, or any other allowance. He noted that the current Rs. 5,000 allowance was asking for the salaries of innocent public sector “If the President had made a voluntary statement “When you take all those out, I would say it borne out of his research, which he had produced employees so that they could use it for their election Many of them are living in debt, so saying top government officials would forgo would be very difficult to raise Rs. 50 billion even to the masses in March. campaign. How low can you get?” losing their salary means their financial government perks by 50% for six months, then if the entire salary was donated by a public servant “I would do a few things. First, where did this Dr. De Silva said the Government should also situation becomes dire. Dr. Jayasundera this request would have been made without – unless the numbers in the Finance Ministry are Rs. 5,000 allowance come from? The Rs. 5,000 assist the private sector and support their employees doesn’t face these hardships. He receives criticism. In fact, many private sector CEOs wrong,” Dr. De Silva pointed out. (allowance) came from what I proposed in March through substantial loan schemes. a number of other salaries and has and directors have decided not to earn anything He then charged that Dr. Jayasundera and the and I showed the logic for it; the logic is, to be above “The second thing I would have done is ensure many modes of income in addition to his from April (onwards). Unlike asking money from Government were spreading misinformation to the poverty line, which is 2030 kilocalories, a family the employers were able to keep their employees government salary individuals, here there is a centralised payment hoodwink the masses into unnecessarily sacrificing needs Rs. 5,020 a week. I publicly articulated this in employment. For at least three months, the JVP parliamentarian Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa agency which just has to refrain from incurring their salaries. in multiple places and that is how we asked for Rs. Government should have guaranteed commercial an expenditure,” he noted.

While the Government is GOVT. REQUESTS ECONOMIC SUPPORT FROM IMF disaster it has faced,” Minister intent on borrowing more, Gunawardena said. including another allotment He said that he expected the from the International Monetary IMF to release the funds to Sri Fund (IMF), the legality of such Lanka. moves has come into question in Economic woes outweigh virus “Therefore, the issue is that addition to allegations that delays Treasury Secretary said. requirements, which would have funds begin flowing not as and in receiving foreign aid were a The Government is set to receive high interest rates. when the call is made, but after result the lack of a functioning $ 128 million from the World Bank “The next problem is that if discussions and certain norms are Parliament. as a health package and has also this continues, the Government accepted. The pledge could be In April this year, as the Covid- been promised funding from other will have to look at borrowing publicised, but the implementation 19 pandemic spread across the donor agencies such as the Asian commercial loans at high interest of the pledge takes place only globe, Sri Lanka requested the IMF Development Bank (ADB). rates,” he said, noting that the after the relevant instruments for emergency funding. Ministry Despite the Government’s Government could not legally are put into operation. We have of Finance and Treasury Secretary need for additional funding, the borrow after 30 April. confidence that we will receive S.R. Attygalle stated these funds Opposition charged that it legally the funding that has been pledged were to be utilised for economic could not borrow any further. No limits on Covid-19 to us, not only from the IMF, but relief as lockdown measures had financing even from other agencies and crippled the economy. Limit exceeded Nevertheless, the Government countries.” “Because of Covid-19, they Former United National Party defended its position on continued Government Spokesman (IMF) have introduced this rapid (UNP) Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha borrowings without a parliament. and former State Minister of financing instrument. We have de Silva pointed out that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Investment Promotion Keheliya requested from that. The numbers Government had already breached Skills Development, Employment, Rambukwella too said that any are a result of the quota we have its borrowing limit. approval if it was in the form of a “We are suspicious about the and Labour Relations Dinesh democratic country knew and with the IMF. The Central Bank “I am not exactly privy to the grant. Government claiming they haven’t Gunawardena said that the Covid- understood Sri Lanka’s political says that we can receive up to $ 800 clauses in these agreements, but The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna received much of the funding that 19 pandemic was larger and more situation with regard to parliament. million,” Attygalle told The Sunday they (Government) will certainly (JVP) too asserted that it was illegal was promised by foreign entities. serious than the issue of a lack of “We will try to solicit maximum Morning. need legal authority to borrow. for the Government to borrow. We suspect that the Government parliament. support from all donor agencies He said that he expected the There is also a borrowing limit “The Government can borrow, hasn’t received the funding because “The Government discussions including the IMF. It is understood funding would be approved by the and those limits have already been but the first problem is that the the lack of a functioning parliament with the IMF, ADB, and other by anyone who believes in IMF Board of Directors and that exceeded. borrowing limit has been breached may be affecting the decision of donor countries continue because democracy, with Parliament being the money would be made available “If those limits have been and Parliament is needed to extend these foreign organisations that there are special allocations that dissolved, that you cannot recall by June. breached, then obviously, they the borrowing limit,” former JVP have promised financial aid. These have been proposed for the Covid- a parliament. I haven’t seen any “They have to go to the Board will need to make sure that the MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. democratic entities have faith in 19 situation for which the Sri comments from any donor agencies and discuss our request. They’re legislation is amended so that they He then claimed that it was the parliamentary system and its Lankan Government qualifies and to the effect that Parliament is checking the numbers these days, can borrow. I would think it is likely that foreign donor agents power over national finances, not would like to see a faster flow. The not sitting and therefore, funding I believe. We are hoping it’ll come essential that the Government gets were refraining from releasing in some presidential task force,” world knows that the Sri Lankan would not be given.” to us in June. We are not too sure legal approval for the necessary funds as democratic norms Dr. Jayatissa said. Parliament has been dissolved Several attempts to contact the about when their board meetings borrowing. This has to come from were being violated by the Sri He said that this could compel and Covid-19 has no limits on IMF for comment on the status of are being held for this particular Parliament,” he said, noting that Lankan Government as they were the Government to look to other whether parliaments are dissolved the economic relief requested by matter; we are speculating that it it could be acceptable to receive continuing to borrow without commercial sources of funding that or sitting; the world is trying to the Government failed. will come sometime in June,” the foreign funding without parliament parliamentary approval. did not view democratic values as overcome the most unprecedented – Skandha Gunasekara the sunday morning Sunday, May 17, 2020 EDITORIAL /POLITICS

All eyes will be fixed on the Supreme Court (SC) this week, as a bench made up of the most senior five justices Recovery: What's will decide whether or not to intervene in the current the plan? stalemate that has left the country without either a Alternatively, where’s the plan to put the country back on its feet functioning parliament again? Who’s working on it? or even the prospect of Even though plans are being made in haste for a general election, the most important plan, the need of the hour, on what needs to be done to a general election in the ensure the safety of people getting out of their homes, preventing a second foreseeable future. wave of Covid-19, getting the economy going, tackling job loss, the loss Seven parties including Attorney- of export markets and loss of foreign exchange revenue, putting money at-Law Charitha Gunaratne, Dr. in the pockets of people who need it, etc. is yet to see the light of day. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu of As far back as three months ago, The Sunday Morning was one of the the Centre for Policy Alternatives first to draw attention to the fact that the economic impact of Covid-19 (CPA), journalist Victor Ivan along could far outweigh its health impact. We cautioned the Government with seven others, and Ranjith to brace for it, and the tough times ahead. Those tough times are now Madduma Bandara of the Samagi upon us and if as a country we fail to get our act together quickly, then Jana Balawegaya (SJB), and the ride ahead could be a long and uncomfortable one. former MPs Kumara Welgama and The Government, for its part, should not envisage formulating a Champika Ranawaka, have filed Supreme Court of Sri Lanka recovery plan on its own. It is too big a job to be left in the hands of the fundamental rights (FR) petitions Finance Ministry, Treasury, Central Bank, or for that matter the Cabinet; challenging various aspects of the it is an effort that requires the collective contribution of all stakeholders, constitutional quagmire, from the which include political parties, business chambers, corporate bosses, decision to dissolve Parliament academia, and people representing every strata of society. At the end of on 2 March to the continued the day, not only do people have a right to know what’s being planned, postponement of elections, to what they also have a right to be heard when formulating those plans. they allege are irregularities in Having succeeded in containing the spread of the virus to a great financial appropriations without extent, the focus will now have to shift to keeping the virus away from parliamentary approval. our shores while resuming normal life by removing the restrictions in The main Opposition United place. The most badly affected sectors of the economy such as the export National Party (UNP) refrained and tourism sectors should receive special attention of the Government from resorting to legal action after Final call on polls this so that they have the necessary wherewithal to weather the storm and deciding that it would continue its stay viable until things turn around. It is only a matter of time before dialogue on the matter with the consumption picks up and markets open up for exports to increase. Election Commission (EC) while However, tourism is an altogether different story considering the fact civil society members engaged in that the entire industry here in Sri Lanka is still very much a work in the litigation process. progress. Tourism, which has been a key driver of the economy in the The Attorney General (AG) recent past with an estimated two million dependents, will have to be has refused to appear for the EC managed carefully so as to ensure equitable use of capacity. and its members in the FR cases An initial assessment by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation before the SC, forcing the EC to (UNWTO) published last week, predicts a staggering 80% decline in retain private lawyers to represent week: To hold or not? travel this year while stating that it would take up to two full years just the Commission and its individual to reach pre-Covid-19 levels. That being the case, survival of this once members. z EC adopts wait-and-see booming industry will require out-of-the-box thinking. Some countries The issue of litigation was have already got the ball rolling. For instance, New Zealand and neighbour taken up for discussion by the Australia, both countries having done a commendable job in containing Commission when it met last attitude to observe SC cases the virus, have announced the creation of a travel corridor between the Tuesday (12). two nations offering a lifeline to the tourism sector in each country. This A member of the EC, Prof. trend has caught on with countries in Asia like Thailand and Vietnam Ratnajeevan Hoole, had already Justice S. Thurairajah. conclusion on the implications It is learnt that the EC decided as well as countries in Europe that have not been badly affected by the hired a private lawyer to represent Deputy Solicitor General Indika of the spread of Covid-19 in the to wait until next week to make pandemic, now looking at similar travel corridors. him in court. Demuni de Silva of the AG’s country and the restrictions on a final decision on the elections For Sri Lanka, the only viable option could be an Indian corridor, However, the final decision Department informed the court last movement coupled with the health since the petitions challenging the but with that country facing a raging battle of its own in taming the on the other two members has Monday that the AG’s Department guidelines, has posed a challenge Gazette announcing the general pandemic, that possibility is out of the equation at least for the moment. not been finalised. Prof. Hoole would represent only the President, for the EC in making a final call on election is to be taken up by the SC Another option being looked at by some other countries is to allocate raised grave concerns about the the AG, and the Director General the impending general election. tomorrow and on Tuesday (19). specific areas for tourists, sort of a large-scale quarantine zone where conduct of the AG, who he charged of Health Services Dr. Anil The date to issue preferential Representatives of both tourists are whisked in straight from the airport and whisked out the had purported to represent the Jasinghe. President’s Secretary Dr. votes, which was scheduled for Government and Opposition same way, thereby preventing any interaction with local communities EC, solicited the legal positions P.B. Jayasundera, in an unusual 4 May, was postponed due to the political parties urged the EC to outside the specified zones. of the EC members, and then move, has retained private counsel issue raised at a meeting held with take the final decision on the long- Meanwhile, China has introduced what is being termed as “immunity suddenly declined to represent the from Romesh de Silva PC. The party leaders earlier this month delayed parliamentary election passports” – a digital card that indicates the health status of the bearer. Commission while retaining their petitions were fixed for support on regarding the validity of the and inform the political parties This card is required for one to enter a hotel or restaurant. legal briefs for use in preparing 18 and 19 May. nominations received on 17, 18, immediately without dragging it As countries around the world grapple with these same, identical submissions against them. If true, and 19 March, since these were further. set of problems, the way forward for many has been the digital path this would be a serious violation declared public holidays by the which has helped restore basic functions of government as well as the of the SC’s code of conduct for Ministry of Public Administration People’s Action for Free economy without actually moving men and matter. The uptick is that attorneys-at-law. in a Gazette due to the Covid-19 and Fair Election (PAFFREL) digitalising is no longer an option but an absolute necessity in the post- At the meeting, Prof. Hoole situation. Executive Director Rohana pandemic context. had stressed that he was opposed The Parliamentary Elections Hettiarachchi also noted that The last Government, with the aid of the World Bank and Asian to the decision of letting the AG the Act forbids the accepting of the Cabinet decision taken Development Bank, created a blueprint for digitalising at least the more represent the Commission, which black box nominations on public holidays or to allow state ministers to important branches of government. Although some headway was made is an independent party in the outside of normal working hours. use official vehicles and in implementation of the programme, completion is still a long way off. cases at court, out of a suspicion by Capt. Vasabha Commission member Prof. residences during election A common feature of our local politics is that a project started by one that the AG would side with Hoole noted that the preferential campaigns was a clear violation of election laws government is rarely carried forward by another. Therefore, the fate of the Government. He related the Deadlock on polls vote numbers should be allocated that project could now be hanging in the balance. story of a previous case under by 15 May to enable the election Migration to digital economies is taking place faster than ever before AG K.C. Kamalasabeyson, when Apart from facing the petitions to be held on 20 June, which was The EC, on Tuesday afternoon, thanks to Covid-19. Sri Lanka has no choice but to jump on the bandwagon Prof. Hoole was a member of the before the SC scheduled to be the most recent date gazetted by met with political party if it does not wish to be left behind in a rapidly changing world. University Grants Commission taken up tomorrow, the EC met the EC. representatives and discussed the According to data published by an international news broadcaster, in (UGC), and he charged that the last Tuesday to discuss several “A total of 35 days should be current situation in the country. just the first eight weeks since the pandemic began, digital adoption in AG’s Department had manipulated issues that included the issuing of given to political parties prior to the Representatives of 24 political consumer and business activity has expanded by as much as it had over the legal system against the UGC preferential numbers as well as on election for their campaigns and parties had attended the meeting. the last five years put together. This explosive growth has resulted in a while purporting to represent its finalising 20 June as the date to therefore, the preferential numbers At the meeting, a majority of tectonic shift in the way business is done, with consumers now getting interests. hold the 2020 general election. should be issued before 15 May,” Opposition parties, including comfortable on digital platforms, be it obtaining a government service or The petitions challenging the The meeting however concluded he noted. the UNP and Janatha Vimukthi simply ordering groceries. Banks, insurance companies, supermarkets, various aspect of the parliamentary without either reaching a final However, as communicated Peramuna (JVP), had requested the retailers, hotels, restaurants, and even the humble corner grocery store conundrum were taken up on decision on the date to hold the by Prof. Hoole, the Commission EC not to hold the election on 20 have shifted en masse to digital platforms leaving the obsolete government Monday (11) before the three- general election or finalising a new had not discussed the issuing of June. apparatus sticking out like a sore thumb. member SC bench comprising date to issue preferential votes for preferential votes, but instead had The UNP noted that an election The global phenomenon is such that even schools are pivoting to Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, candidates. lengthy discussions focused on the should not be held until the health online learning and digital classrooms while doctors have begun online Justice Murdhu Fernando, and The inability to reach a petitions filed at the SC. authorities give the clearance consultation. Manufacturers on the other hand are developing plans for for political parties to carry out automated factories and supply chains. canvassing campaigns. In Sri Lanka, even the simple act of renewing a vehicle revenue licence Questions raised by the political still requires a physical trip to the relevant provincial office. Although parties included the issue of payments for most utilities can be made online, extended services like how to hold meetings amidst the viewing a bill or making a service request is still out of the question. restrictions implemented by health In a nutshell, while the private sector has digitally evolved overnight, the authorities to control the spread of state sector has been left behind, backward and obsolete. As the famous Covid-19. saying goes, you can only go as fast as the slowest member of your team. Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) With no sign of a vaccine as yet for Covid-19, the world will have to General Secretary former MP adapt its way of life and learn to live in constant fear of the next pandemic. Dayasiri Jayasekara said that all As a result, even the most hesitant of people will be compelled to move political parties had requested on to digital platforms to get things done. Work from home is no longer the EC to decide on the election a concept but a technology-based reality. Countries that fail to keep up immediately so that the parties with the evolving digitalisation will find themselves isolated and out of could decide whether to start their touch with the rest of the world. Therefore, digitalisation of all government campaigns or not. services should occupy the top slot in the Government’s recovery plans. Furthermore, Jayasekara noted If not, Sri Lanka, with its fossilised public sector, could become a that the election should be held victim of circumstances, adding to the misery of the carnage caused by before the end of the EC’s term, the pandemic. Therefore, a strategic plan to overcome the challenges which is scheduled this September. forced upon us by Covid-19 is very much the need of the hour. Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said almost all the parties had No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. raised concerns about calling for Fax - 011 2 673 441 elections at this time, adding that General - 011 5 200 900 it was impossible for parties and Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 candidates to campaign for the Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 polls. E-mail - [email protected] However, while many political parties had raised concerns about holding the election in this climate, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna EDITORIAL /POLITICS 9

before the court. India, Europe, and Washington DC, He however surrendered to the and risks isolating Sri Lanka from Criminal Investigation Department those countries in the uncertainty (CID) towards Wednesday evening that will follow the Covid-19 where he was arrested and produced crisis. The stance has rattled before court. Dr. Senaratne was the Government as the Foreign then remanded till 27 May by the Secretary has previously warned Colombo Magistrate's Court. against overly cosy relations with According to the Commissioner the West. General of Prisons, the former Minister was sent to the Pallansena MR’s Chinese friendship isolation centre in Negombo. The However, it is interesting to former Minister’s lawyers have filed note that during the telephone a revision application in the Court conversation between the Presidents of Appeal, contesting the decision to of Sri Lanka and China last week, remand him. They note that the only Prime Minister Rajapaksa’s name two witnesses who have implicated had figured in the discussion. him have themselves been arrested It is learnt that the Chinese by the Police and are in remand for President had on two instances violent crimes including robberies, during the telephone conversation calling their credibility into doubt. referred to the Prime Minister. Chinese connection Xi had asked the President how Sri Lanka Parliament the Prime Minister was keeping. The political tug of war aside, Sri He had reminded President Lanka continues to remain a focal Rajapaksa that Prime Minister point for the Chinese in its Belt and Rajapaksa had maintained a very Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese close friendship with China and that have continuously maintained a during his (Mahinda Rajapaksa) close communication line with the presidency, the two countries Sri Lankan Government during the had worked towards making the Covid-19 pandemic. Colombo Port City a reality. It is in this backdrop that Chinese It is interesting that Prime President Xi Jinping had urged on Minister Rajapaksa figured during Wednesday (13) that China and Sri the discussion between the two Final call on polls this Lanka, while ensuring Covid-19 Presidents, which seems to be an prevention and control, gradually underlying message to the President resume practical co-operation about several things – the close in various fields, advance major relations between the Chinese and co-operation projects in an orderly Prime Minister Rajapaksa as well as manner, and promote the high- the importance for the President to quality construction of the Belt and continue that relationship. Road. Finally, when the telephone Chinese news agency Xinhua conversation ended, President’s reported that Xi had made the Secretary Dr. Jayasundera had week: To hold or not?families,” the JVP charged. remarks in a telephone conversation informed the Prime Minister about Meanwhile, People’s Action for on Wednesday night with President the telephone conversation and that z Political parties lament lack Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) Rajapaksa, adding that such efforts the Chinese President had conveyed Executive Director Rohana will provide impetus for Sri Lanka’s his regards to the Premier. Hettiarachchi also noted that the economic recovery. Enter India of time for campaigning Cabinet decision taken to allow state Xi had recalled that various ministers to use official vehicles sections of Sri Lankan society India has yet to formally raise the and residences during election offered China active support at a prospect of such a move with Sri (SLPP) representative Prof. G.L. Meanwhile, the official added residences for the promotion of their campaigns was a clear violation of critical moment in China’s fight Lankan authorities. Peiris wanted to hold the election that the EC had not yet decided on respective political parties/candidacy election laws. against the Covid-19 disease, with The new High Commissioner of India soon. a date to issue preferential numbers at the 2020 parliamentary election, “The Cabinet cannot take illegal many particularly heart-warming to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay presented Despite representatives of all for the candidates for the upcoming under several conditions. decisions,” Hettiarachchi told The and touching moves. his Letter of Credence (credentials) to parties seeking a firm confirmation parliamentary election. The conditions include payment Sunday Morning. He had noted that under President the President last week, in a ceremony on the decision pertaining to the Hence, it was revealed that of a monthly fee of Rs. 100,000 Meanwhile, former JVP MP Rajapaksa’s strong leadership, Sri held through video conference. current date of 20 June fixed for the preferential numbers of the per vehicle; payment of additional Handunnetti lodged a complaint Lanka has effectively contained the The High Commissioner had elections, the EC has not been able candidates at the general election fuel expenses (that is, in addition with the EC last Sunday (10) against spread of the epidemic, adding that thanked the President for arranging the to reach a final decision. may be released this week around to the amount of fuel currently the approval granted by the Cabinet China stands ready to continue to traditional ceremony in an innovative Meanwhile, the Commission also Thursday (20), depending on the provided for the official vehicles for to allow state ministers to use provide firm support and as much manner and stated that the use of met with representatives of coalition outcome of the cases in which the official duties), and payment of the government vehicles for election assistance as its capacity allows for technology to overcome challenges, partners of alliances who were not petitions calling for the nullification prescribed fee for the use of official campaigns. the South Asian country in line with such as those posed by the pandemic, contesting at the impending general of the Gazette announcing general vehicles and official residence (as The former MP said that as its needs. has been stressed by the leadership of election on Wednesday (13), to elections are before the SC. mentioned above) to the relevant Parliament has been dissolved, state The Chinese President had India as well as Sri Lanka. seek their opinion on the polls as authority of the Government officials cannot be allowed to use expressed his confidence that the He had pointed out that the novel well. Accordingly, the EC met with Cost factor which has issued said vehicles and their official vehicles with all the people of Sri Lanka will certainly initiative underscores the significance representatives of 23 such political Meanwhile, at last Tuesday’s official residences; and payment of privileges for election campaigns. defeat the epidemic at an early date. the two countries attach to their parties. meeting, EC Chairman Deshapriya a fee, with regard to aeroplanes or “We complained against the Xi had thanked the Sri Lankan friendly and multi-faceted ties, and also diverted attention of the political helicopters, to the relevant authority. Cabinet’s decision because it’s Government and people for taking also highlights India’s continued Polls vs. lives party representatives to the drastic violating the Gazette issued on 6 care of Chinese citizens in their commitment to closely work with Sri Deshapriya, during the two increase in the cost to hold elections. Prof. Hoole had stressed March by the EC,” the former MP country during the pandemic, and Lanka in facing common challenges. meetings held last week with He explained that given the that he was opposed to the said. said the Chinese side will continue Stressing the immense significance political party representatives, had current health guidelines being decision of letting the AG According to the Gazette, no to ensure the safety and health of Sri attached by India to its relations with drawn a clear line between holding followed to ensure safety from represent the Commission, state property can be used for Lankan citizens on its soil. Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner had elections and ensuring people’s contracting Covid-19, election which is an independent party electioneering until the results are China, he had added, is willing reiterated the abiding commitment at safety. authorities would also have to look in the cases at court, out of a announced from the date of the to work with Sri Lanka and the the highest levels in India to developing This point was driven by the EC at introducing new measures and suspicion that the AG would polls. broader international community to and strengthening the existing friendly Chairman by informing the political precautionary measures if polls are side with the Government “As the state ministers no longer continue to support the World Health ties and co-operation between the two party representatives that while the held despite the threat of the virus. exist, how can a decision be taken Organisation (WHO) in playing countries. EC was prepared to conduct the Deshapriya noted that the cost Furthermore, it is stated in the to allow them to use state vehicles?” a leading role, promote global The High Commissioner had recalled general election, it would not be at to hold a general election in such a Cabinet proposal that if aeroplanes Handunnetti questioned. co-operation on joint Covid-19 that as Sri Lanka’s closest maritime the cost of human lives. scenario would likely see a two-fold or helicopters are used to promote Rajitha’s saga prevention and control, and win the neighbour, India has been the first According to Deshapriya, while increase from the initial estimates. political parties/candidacy, then Amidst all the focus on the battle for the safety and health of all responder when Sri Lanka faced people would be denied sovereignty About Rs. 7 billion had been all expenses must be personally impending the general election, the people across the world. difficulties, be it natural calamities or without elections since sovereignty estimated for the previous borne by the users and if the Prime Colombo High Court on Wednesday Noting that Sri Lanka and China the ongoing pandemic. was the inalienable right of people, presidential election, and according Minister, the Speaker, a minister, (13) dismissed the Colombo Chief enjoy a long-running friendship In this context, the High the Commission would not proceed to the EC Chairman this figure could or the Opposition Leader uses his Magistrate’s bail order on former with co-operation in various fields Commissioner had noted that India with elections over the “dead bodies soar to over Rs. 14 billion due to the official residence to promote their Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne. advancing smoothly, President has sent four consignments of essential of people”. additional measures required in the respective party/candidacy, then a Dr. Senaratne was to be arrested Rajapaksa had said China has over lifesaving medicines and medical By Thursday (14), reports of the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. monthly fee of Rs. 100,000 must be over his alleged involvement in the the years, provided tremendous material weighing over 25 tonnes to parliamentary election scheduled for The increase in the election budget paid. controversial “white van” presser support for his country’s economic Sri Lanka in the last few weeks as 20 June being inevitably postponed would no doubt add to the economic The copies of the relevant Cabinet where two individuals levelled and social development, for which goodwill support from the people of further were confirmed, as more woes of the Government. decision have also been sent to the allegations of abductions against the Sri Lankans are deeply grateful. India. time is needed for preparations than Secretary General of Parliament and then SLPP presidential candidate Sri Lanka is willing to work Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra usual, due to the Covid-19 situation JVP locks horns the EC Chairman. at the time, President Gotabaya with China to enhance exchanges Modi’s commitment to jointly fight in the country. with PM However, it is learnt that Rajapaksa. and co-operation in such fields Covid-19, the High Commissioner had A senior official of the Election It is in this backdrop that the JVP Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, who is In December last year, the former as economy, trade, tourism, and assured President Rajapaksa of India’s Secretariat was quoted as telling The decided to lock horns with Prime not supporting any party at the Health Minister was arrested and infrastructure, and smoothly continued co-operation with Sri Lanka, Morning that as per the Quarantine Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa over a upcoming election out of protest remanded over the media briefing push forward major Belt and including for economic recovery. Act, there were measures the Cabinet proposal made by him. against the split in the UNP, has held in November. Road co-operation projects Baglay had recalled that Prime election officials had to follow while Accordingly, apart from cabinet returned his official vehicles On 30 December, the Colombo such as Colombo Port City, he Minister Modi had paid a solidarity visit preparing for the election, unlike ministers, state ministers have and residence unconditionally. Magistrate’s Court ordered his had said, adding that Sri Lanka to Sri Lanka during his first overseas previous elections and therefore, the been given the green light by the Jayasuriya has used his official release. However, the AG filed a welcomes more investment from tour after assuming office in his second entire process was consuming much Government to use their official residence only for the purpose revision application on 8 January and co-operation with Chinese term. more time than usual. vehicles for the promotion of their of holding meetings of the challenging the decision of the court enterprises. He had noted that the first overseas However, the official took issue respective parties/candidacy at the Constitutional Council, which he is to grant him bail. The Sri Lankan Government visit by President Rajapaksa to India with the statement by EC member upcoming parliamentary election, required to convene twice a month Meanwhile, last month, Dr. has also responded favourably to a in November 2019 had imparted Prof. Hoole that the preferential subject to some conditions. by law. Senaratne held a press conference proposal by China to lobby for the significant momentum to the numbers should be issued prior to 15 In the Cabinet Paper No. Meanwhile, the JVP has raised in which he sharply chastised the Chinese national currency to replace bilateral relationship. Similarly, the May so as to hold the parliamentary 20/0637/202/012, which was concerns about permitting state Government for throwing out the the US dollar as the global reserve first overseas visit by Prime Minister election on 20 June as scheduled, as submitted by Prime Minister ministers to utilise official vehicles pandemic preparedness plans that and trading currency, Chinese media Mahinda Rajapaksa after assuming the political parties should be given Rajapaksa on 6 May and approved and residences during the election had been in place since the Mahinda reports stated. office in February 2020 to India, had a minimum of 35 days for their by the Cabinet on 18 March 2020, it campaign period, given the fact Rajapaksa presidency even before China expects Sri Lanka to take a guided the implementation of bilateral campaigns. is stated that the Prime Minister, the that state ministers cease to exist 2015, and which strengthened under leading role in combating American understandings for shared prosperity According to the senior Election Speaker, all cabinet ministers, the or function after the dissolution of his stewardship as Health Minister influence, and the Sri Lankan and security. Secretariat official, there was Opposition Leader, state ministers, Parliament. from 2015 until last November. He Government is eager to lend its The High Commissioner stated that no such provision mentioned in and other similar persons who “If the Government decides to charged that health professionals support in exchange for financial aid, he looked forward to working closely the Parliamentary Elections Act. use official vehicles and official put a stop to this allowance, to a were being shouted down and forced notwithstanding strong objections with the leadership of Sri Lanka for However, the Election Secretariat residences provided to them by the single official vehicle, it can give Rs. to bend to the will of technocrats and of Foreign Secretary Ravinatha their further implementation as well had practised it as a tradition only Government as a privilege entitled 5,000 to 48 families. About 40 state generals. Aryasinha, according to diplomatic as deepening India’s long-standing since the acts relating to other to the post currently being held/ ministers are doing this illegally. If Later, on Wednesday, court sources. partnership with Sri Lanka as our elections have specified a minimum previously held by them, could use their total fuel allowance is halted, ordered the Police to arrest Aryasinha has warned that the closest maritime neighbours in South time period. the relevant official vehicles and Rs. 5,000 can be paid to 4,900 Dr. Senaratne and present him move would raise alarm bells in Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. 10 the sunday morning VIEWS Sunday, May 17, 2020

A rather Restricting false impressive job rumours Mervyn Perera – Jeeva Asirwatham – housewife Chairman and Managing I think the media has done great justice Director at Besco Engineering in contributing their part to the public. and Construction (Pvt.) Ltd. Also, I greatly respect all media staff that risked their health and wellbeing Throughout world history, many and still came to work to provide us, the pandemics have occurred and countless public, with the information we needed. lives have been lost. Of course, the The media has succeeded in reporting doctors play an important role in the accurate information on the number of fight against the pandemic by being in victims affected as well as promoting small the frontlines, but the media plays an advertisements and clips which display the important role as well. However, this only safety measures we must practise to protect relates to the media that has been truthful. ourselves from the pandemic. Lots of deaths during previous pandemics Due to the development in technology, were mainly caused due to the poor people have easy access to all knowledge and lack of awareness of the information. Having said that, there is people. Being unable to communicate the also misinformation being spread; but the dos and don’ts to the public has resulted media has been quick to restrict these false in a loss of lives. rumours. The media, all in all, has done a However presently, in my opinion, the good job in keeping us informed. media has been doing quite an impressive job in educating the people about the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as constantly reminding them of the looming threat. Special programmes where experts relay their opinion on this topic helped us, the general public, to understand the subject better. Therefore, it will be a massive advantage to us if the media continues to spread awareness in this manner as we will be able to overcome this pandemic once and for all. I believe that with the technological advancements the coverage done through the media is quite satisfactory. Risking their lives Y. Yasmin – overseas business consultant Most news channels are unbiased and relate the truth to the people, which is something to be greatly appreciated. Furthermore, there are those journalists of ours abroad who risk their lives to Duty report the current happenings, which we should be thankful for. However, there are some biased channels, which, for political benefits, report the news according to their biases. What they should realise is that this is a pandemic and not an opportunity to get favours. Overall, I think the unbiased media organisations are doing a good Too much job as they give all the statistics and also show how Covid-19 is affecting people’s exposure lifestyles; from travelling to purchasing Jacqueline Barthelot – food and everything in between, they have housewife given us quite a clear picture. Most news channels are being unbiased and doing a In my personal opinion, I feel as bound good job, so I am quite satisfied with what though the media has leaked out too has been done so far. much, that is, they have spread personal and sensitive information to the general Is the media doing its job? public by showing the people and families of those who have fallen victim to the BY DIANDRA ANNE so on and so forth. Informing current happenings and most Covid-19 virus. I do not think that this the general public of these importantly the preventive particular information is necessary for ovid-19 – a pandemic incidents and many more, is measures? It is the media’s the general public’s eye. For example, if and a topic that none other than the media. duty to keep the general public I were to be affected by the coronavirus, has been reeling in While medical officials and well informed. However, the I would not want all this information to everyone’s minds be displayed. Of course, they blur the the Government play an question that comes into play is, faces of these individuals, but I still deem the past couple important role in this very is all of this enough? Is what the it inappropriate. However, I do think Cof months. So much had crucial stage, it is also worth media contributed to society the media has done a good job in terms happened since its inception; mentioning that the media too sufficient? In order to unravel of coverage; informing the number of curfews and lockdowns were plays a rather important part. this topic, The Sunday Morning patients and such. Nevertheless, it should imposed, all shops except for be reiterated that what they have done by Without the media how would asked the general public their exposing the affected persons is not good. essentials were shut down, and anyone gain insight on the thoughts on the matter. Covering all I feel like the media needs to be restricted in that sense. aspects Kumuduni Kumari – Cashier at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation I believe that the media has done quite a good job in covering the recent events. They cover all aspects of how the virus is affecting different sectors such as the economic and health sectors, and even how we should take precautions. I feel quite satisfied with the job they have done.

Slight glitches Deshabandu Aloy Diaz – Playing an A tad overdone A round of national tourist guide lecturer Christine Fernando and tour consultant (freelance) important role – accounts trainee applause Jayath Nandana – maintenance In my opinion, most of the media I think that the media is doing a Chandima Dissanayake – coverage on Covid-19 has been spot manager great job on keeping us updated with Personal Assistant to the on. However, I must say that the facts In my opinion, the media played an everything we need to know about Principal at Theological College and figures varied in different media important role in covering the Covid-19 the Covid-19 pandemic; the statistics, of Lanka organisations, on and off. Furthermore, pandemic, which affected the whole world. how to stay safe, the effects of it on Picking biases some media organisations being Through the media, we were informed of many sectors of the country, and so The media has played a major role Mohan Perera – retired politically biased, that is, being for or updates about the prevailing situation in our on. However, it is doing too much in informing the general public of the salesman against the lockdown date being relaxed country as well as the steps taken by the of a good job. I feel as though three- sensitivity of the situation. During as well as being adamant on holding or fourths of the news is about Covid-19. this trying time, the media personnel My concern is whether the media was Government and health officials, in order to given a free hand to cover and publish postponing the general elections, was prevent the spread of the virus. Television I know it is a serious situation, but have risked their own lives to bring very confusing for the public. when it is all you ever see, it’s no the truth with accuracy to us, which is the real situation. Moreover, the media, programmes with experts, news articles, etc. while it has fulfilled people’s desires by I personally think that the safety of raised the awareness of the public on how to wonder that people get fed up of it. commendable. our Sri Lankan citizens is of paramount This results in the youth mocking it as In addition to this, the media is not only publishing what the majority wanted to behave at a time of a pandemic. However, see, I feel as though they have not been importance. Taking this safety aspect into we also witnessed how certain media all seriousness is lost. available to those in urban areas, but has consideration, postponing the elections also reached out to those in rural areas, “genuine”. Additionally, most television personnel behaved somewhat irresponsibly, channels are actually quite biased towards and sorting out the Covid-19 pandemic in because the privacy of coronavirus victims which is great. Sri Lanka should be given top priority. the Government and are not reporting/ was violated at certain points. publishing what is actually out there. 11 the sunday morning hot seat Sunday, May 17, 2020 If an election is to be held Government communication on 20 June, preferential comes out, a lot of people numbers should have been on social media provide issued by 15 May, but they the information of who is were not. Do you think the infected and the number of ELECTION time remaining is sufficient cases, unofficially. We can’t to prepare for an election? hide anything anymore. I honestly believe the remaining time is not Is the Government IT’S A MATTER sufficient for an election, confident that Covid-19 but this is completely up to will not further spread by the Election Commission holding the election? (EC). The date will have to It’s irrelevant whether Sri OF TIME be set in consultation with Lankan people have to go BY AGRA RANASINGHE the health authorities. If through an election process they come to a conclusion during this period or not. Ahead of a decisive week in which the date of the election, currently that the election will be Election or no election, we set for 20 June, will be either confirmed or postponed by the Supreme held on 20 June, then that’s have to know that we can’t Court and the Election Commission (EC), The Sunday Morning spoke to a different matter. But my continue the lockdown for a Government and Opposition politicians to assess their views on whether personal view is that in such year or so. The economy has there is sufficient time to prepare for a 20 June election, the role of the a short period, the candidates to run and people have to EC, and their parties’ next course of action. Below are excerpts of the won’t have enough time to work; companies and other campaign. I don’t think in organisations have to run. interviews: this particular moment the That’s why we are bringing EC will take a decision to civilian life back to normal. hold it on 20 June. They might take a little longer. Not enough Do you think the EC is From their side, logistically, being fair and impartial? it’s not possible. That’s my I believe it’s still impartial. personal belief. One of its members time to hold was diverging from the If the decision is to proceed Commission and it became with the date, what kind of a joke. There was a time steps will your party take? when he independently Whatever the EC decides, election went to the courts seeking we have to adjust to the judgements for certain new scenario and we will issues. Apart from this, they have to start and speed Minister Dr. Ramesh have acted independently as up campaigning work. a commission and they will But in this background, I Pathirana – SLPP continue to do so. don’t think we can hold only issue is that candidates election, a significant an election effectively. won’t have sufficient percentage of the population Some parties say the Sri Lankans are educated time, and because of that, turns up to vote. Government is trying to enough to know which party they might not be able to increase their votes by to select. penetrate a larger number Some politicians say the using the pandemic. How of the population – but it’s Government is trying to would you respond to that? Would an election be free applicable to everyone. cover up the real extent of People are educated and fair in an environment the spread in Sri Lanka as and have a fair idea. We where coronavirus has Do you think people would they are in a hurry to hold can’t fool them anymore. not been completely vote amidst the fear of the election. How do you We strongly believe that eradicated? coronavirus? respond? whatever measures we Elections have become I don’t think people are There are two issues. The have adopted in relation to fairer, more independent, afraid of that because they EC has to fully understand controlling the pandemic and more transparent have started to realise social the situation in relation have been successful. Once during the last few distancing is a mandatory to the health scenario. you look at the number of decades. Especially when factor and also to maintain We can’t fool the EC patients and the number of former President Mahinda hygiene, which is of in relation to that. Even deaths, we are far ahead Rajapaksa made the identity paramount importance for though some people can of almost all the countries, card mandatory for voting, the prevention of the disease. claim that, the EC is fully except countries such as it became a very transparent They will come to vote, but aware of the situation in the Cambodia and Vietnam. We process. Whatever the party generally, the percentage of country. The second thing brought it under control. It’s in government during the voting will be smaller than is transparency in relation no wonder that people will last couple of decades, the the presidential election to providing information use the vote in favour of the elections were fair. The because in a presidential much faster. Even before the nation.

that another wave could come Korea faced easily. Do you think the EC is Won’t let EC being fair and impartial? We don’t see any issues second wave on this. If the President take arbitrary understood the danger of the pandemic, he could have after election stopped taking nominations on 12 and 13 March, but it decision was the EC which took the Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa – JVP decision to postpone the election. Then, when the S.M. Marikkar – SJB say the candidates can use Government was trying to If an election is to be held the media, but only the ones hold the election in April, on 20 June, preferential who can spend a lot of money the EC was considerate numbers should have been will be able to use the media. about public safety and again issued by 15 May, but they Therefore, it wouldn’t be fair. postponed it to 20 June. were not. Do you think the time remaining is sufficient Since the increase in Covid- Would you say the to prepare for an election? If an election is to be held First, we have to think 19 cases is seemingly under Government is trying to In a democratic country, on June 20, do you think the whether there is a suitable control, don’t you think it boost their votes by using an election cannot be held time remaining is sufficient environment to hold an is shifting into a conducive the pandemic? without having even the not been completely Therefore, priority should to prepare for an election? election. Because in an environment to hold the We see from its actions minimum time period for eradicated? be given to get the country’s According to the law election, we have to do election? that the Government is in a election campaigns and It’s the responsibility of economy back to a stable with regard to the election, campaigns, conduct meetings, We could prevent the hurry to hold the election. election purposes. Therefore, the EC. They should hold an state and to prevent the at least five to eight weeks hold discussions, etc. We Covid-19 pandemic because The Health Minister said we are totally against this election when the candidates pandemic. The election is not should be given for election can’t do these things when the whole country followed that everything would be timeline. However, we have are able to conduct the main concern. preparations. That time curfew is imposed in the the directions issued by the normalised by 19 April. Some now heard the election will campaigns independently and is needed for the election night. We also can’t do these health authorities. We don’t parties said that 25 April is not be held on 20 June. Even fairly and where the people Do you think the EC is campaigns and the work of wearing masks and so on. know whether the health appropriate. There were some according to the law, at least are free to vote in a suitable being fair and impartial? the Election Commission People won’t like to come for authorities are saying that we who said that more people a time period of five weeks environment. We believe they They should be fair and (EC) as well. Therefore, meetings and discussions. can hold an election now. If had died from dengue and should be given for election will be fair and reasonable as impartial. If not, they won’t I think the election won’t the health officials are ready it’s fine to hold the election. purposes. Therefore, I don’t an independent commission. be an “independent” election be held on 20 June. The Would an election be free to take that responsibility, we Some questioned that if the think an election will be held commission. There must party that has the power can and fair in an environment are ready to proceed with the public can stay in queues at on 20 June. Since the rise in Covid-19 be certain things that may easily use the media and where coronavirus has not election. supermarkets, why can’t they cases is seemingly going influence them, but I believe government mechanisms been completely eradicated? Some media platforms participate in voting. Those If the decision is to hold the down gradually, do you that finally, they will work to conduct a campaign. The Election Act that are trying to ensure the things were said from the election as scheduled on 20 think it is shifting into a according to the law, being Therefore, I think the EC will (Parliamentary Elections Act) election is held spoke about Government’s side. June, what steps will your conducive environment to fair and impartial. consider the current situation has given five to eight weeks the election held in South When the task forces, party take? hold the election? and announce a new date for after the nomination process Korea. But after holding an Police, and health authorities Such a decision will Under these circumstances, Would you say the the election. for election campaigns and election, they faced a second were trying to control the be taken by the Election politicians are asking for Government is trying to If the decision is to hold the work to be done by the wave. In some countries pandemic, granting relief Commission (EC) after a the power to work for the boost their votes by using the election as scheduled on EC. Every candidate should where Covid-19 was said to was done politically. That discussion with political country and develop the the pandemic? 20 June, what steps will your have a period to express his/ be over, people are once again could have been done by the party leaders. Therefore, country. If they are working Of course. When the party take? her principles to the public. facing the same situation. grama officials, but it has been we won’t let them take an for the country, they should Rs. 5,000 (allowance) was We will discuss with the Therefore, the minimum time Same as us, Russia too said reported that the SLPP (Sri arbitrary decision. We are understand what the priority distributed, provincial EC. We think the Commission period for it is five weeks. that many measures were Lanka Podujana Peramuna) totally against this scheduled should be. Should the council members distributed will give a fair answer. Therefore, if someone is taken to stop the spread. They nominees were used for it. date. election be given the priority forms. They converted the Officials at the EC should going to reject these and are now facing a situation Therefore, their priority is now? There are people who public’s hunger and the know to take a proper stance. proceed with the election, where the virus is spreading to hold the election and get Would an election be free are living an unstable life pandemic into a political How would your party it’s a violation of the rights fast. Even the World Health parliamentary power without and fair in an environment due to the pandemic, and advantage. It is the absolute prepare? of the candidates. Some may Organisation (WHO) is saying being concerned. where coronavirus has the economy is in crisis. truth and all could see it. 12 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, May 17, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN profession, they will have to take further studies are required with precautions and also maintain a respect to the detailed information Two Chinese medical doctors contact sheet, so if they get Covid- about virus shedding, survival time, recently published a research 19 from a client, we should be able and concentration in semen, Dr. letter on the Journal of to identify them.” Zhao and Dr. Zhang indicated. the American Medical Details of study If it could be proved that Association (JAMA) Network SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted exploring the possibility of The Eighth Medical Centre sexually in future studies, sexual SARS-CoV-2, which causes of Chinese People’s Liberation transmission might be a critical part Covid-19, being transmitted Army General Hospital in Beijing of the prevention of transmission, sexually, after they found Department of Respiratory especially considering the fact that Medicine’s Dr. Weiguo Zhao MD SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the traces of the virus present in and Shangqiu Municipal Hospital semen of recovering patients. the semen of patients with Henan Province, China’s Dr. Covid-19. Shixi Zhang MD authored the While Covid-19 is confirmed research letters titled “Clinical to be transmitted from human to Characteristics and Results of human through respiratory droplets, Semen Tests Among Men with earlier studies didn’t find traces Coronavirus Disease 2019”, which of the virus in semen samples explored the possibility of SARS- obtained from Covid-19-positive CoV-2 being present in the semen male patients. Since the study was of patients with Covid-19. conducted on a smaller number Dr. Zhao and Dr. Zhang studied of persons, a wider study needs that SARS-CoV-2 can be present in to be conducted to determine the the semen of patients with Covid- possibility of the virus transmitting 19, and SARS-CoV-2 may still be through sexual activity. detected in the semen of recovering If you’re in quarantine with “If a person is having sex patients. Owing to the imperfect someone – hanging out, not with someone, they are putting blood-testes/deferens/epididymis wearing masks, eating and themselves at risk of potential Can Covid-19 barriers, SARS-CoV-2 might be talking together – then it’s Covid-19 transmission via close seeded to the male reproductive unlikely that having sex would respiratory contact. It is the tract, especially in the presence of significantly increase your risk extended time spent in close systemic local inflammation. of transmission proximity, especially indoors or in Even if the virus cannot replicate National STD/AIDS Control a poorly ventilated or small room, in the male reproductive system, which allows exposure to the virus, be sexually it may persist, possibly resulting Programme Director which most effectively transmits from the privileged immunity of Dr. Rasanjalee Hettiarachchi Covid-19,” National STD/AIDS testes. So far, researchers have Control Programme Director Dr. found 27 viruses associated with Abstinence or condom use might Rasanjalee Hettiarachchi told The viremia in human semen. But the be considered as preventive means Sunday Morning. presence of viruses in semen may for these patients. In addition, be more common than currently it is worth noting that there is a Clear correlation would transmitted? understood and traditional non- need for studies monitoring fetal warrant genital secretion sexually transmitted viruses should development. Therefore, to avoid for testing to another, we will have to obtain passed from one person to another will be conducted for the sex not be assumed to be totally absent contact with the patient’s saliva She added that the current genital secretion for testing. through sexual contact and activity. workers in Sri Lanka who routinely in genital secretions. and blood may not be enough, requirement is to obtain nasal and However, she added: “If you’re According to the Centres for visit their clinics and if required, Studies on viral detection and since the survival of SARS-CoV-2 pharyngeal swabs for real-time in quarantine with someone – Disease Control and Prevention their nasal and pharyngeal swabs semen persistence are beneficial to in a recovering patient’s semen reverse transcription-polymerase hanging out, not wearing masks, (CDC), there are approximately 20 will be obtained for PCR testing in clinical practice and public health, maintains the likelihood to infect chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay eating and talking together – then million new STIs contracted every the coming weeks. especially concerning viruses others. testing. Since the findings are it’s unlikely that having sex would year. If you’re having sex, the “They are considered as that could cause high mortality or Dr. Zhao and Dr. Zhang believe still at the research level and significantly increase your risk of best way to prevent STIs is to use vulnerable groups as well. Their morbidity, such as SARS-CoV-2. that their study might contribute by once there is a clear correlation transmission. condoms and dams.” profession requires them to be The study is limited by the providing new information to the between the virus and its ability to “An STI (sexually transmitted Dr. Hettiarachchi also noted that in close proximity with persons, small sample size and the short current discourse regarding Covid- sexually transmit from one person infection) is an infection that’s a special awareness programme and if they are engaging in their subsequent follow-up. Therefore, 19 prevention and control.

Contd. from page 6 Contd. from page 5

be forced upon a person by the Police, military, spaces once the entire country is allowed to Establishing... all follow the guidelines set out Living with... or security officers of an establishment. You are move around. One should think before boarding by the Health Ministry,” he said. “People need to have some self-discipline required to consciously change your behaviour a crowded bus or disobeying the regulations The best way this can be Minister of Foreign in this sense. You need to think about your patterns,” Epidemiology Unit Specialist Medical in place for the entire country’s wellbeing. achieved is by changing existing Relations, Skills Development, health and wellbeing as well as the health and Epidemiologist Dr. Hasitha Tissera said. Furthermore, the guidelines that have been issued labour laws. What is happening Employment, and Labour wellbeing of your family members at home. Dr. Tissera noted that the same goes for a for various sectors of society will be continuously right now is that the private Relations Dinesh Gunawardena, Taking necessary precautions therefore cannot person who has to use public transport or public revised based on emerging needs. sector is using the current laws too said that an agreement had to terminate employees at their been reached between the whims and fancies. In fact, relevant stakeholders on the Timeline of... Spain, Sweden, the UK, UAE, and response. Lanka, and Dr. Jasinghe stated to the we have heard reports of the continued employment of all France”. Dr. Jasinghe considered On 24 February, the Health media that public gatherings would private sector asking for more workers. From 28 January, the Health a local outbreak inevitable and Ministry expanded its restrictions be banned if the situation took a turn amendments to legislation to “The Board of Investment, Ministry begun issuing daily expanded the testing criteria and on passenger arrivals from China to for the worse. make terminations during such the Ministry, as well as other “situation reports” though the issued a national surveillance plan include those entering the country From 11 March onwards, travel a crisis even easier. We are connected ministries are aware Epidemiology Unit with the local to identify and trace the contacts from South Korea, placing them restrictions were gradually rolled asking that the laws be changed of factories being advised to go and global status of Covid-19. of anyone in Sri Lanka displaying under the surveillance of regional out for certain countries for a period to safeguard the employees and into production, and the factories The day before the WHO declared symptoms. epidemiologists. On 29 February, Dr. of two weeks, incoming travellers their jobs. The Government has have done so. There are issues the situation a PHEIC, on 29 On 10 February, having failed Jasinghe expanded the restrictions to were quarantined for 14 days, and requested that no employees be in relation to the conformity January, the Health Ministry issued to limit air traffic between the two include Italy. subsequently the travel ban was terminated in May and June. to health regulations, social guidelines for Sri Lankans returning countries, the Health Ministry issued After the expanded travel caution extended to all countries from 18 What we ask is the enactment of it distancing, etc. which has from abroad, urging them to self- urgent guidelines to all flight crews on 29 February, official updates to March until further notice. in the form of legislation, but they to be maintained. We hope quarantine and wear a mask if they travelling between China and Sri the public from the Health Ministry On 16 March, Health Minister are not doing this,” Samarasinghe most of the issues in relation displayed symptoms. Lanka, including insisting that all paused for several weeks with the Pavithra Wanniarachchi stipulated explained. to those employees who have By 6 February, the Health passengers wear face masks that exception of the daily situation a maximum retail price for face In response, Minister still not been accommodated Ministry had grown more alarmed should be discarded after the flight, reports and statements to media. masks. Ranatunga asserted that they will be accommodated as we by the risk of the spread of the and asking all passengers and flight The website for the HPB was ready On 19 March, the HPB website were unaware of any official move along. The Employers’ disease in Sri Lanka. Dr. Jasinghe crew to self-quarantine for 14 days but remained unlaunched. The only was launched and immediately terminations and that the Federation has agreed on some issued a revision to his guidelines after arrival in Sri Lanka. official written communications by became an invaluable resource for companies were advised to retain norms and it is still in the process from barely a week prior, sounding The Health Ministry also urgently the Ministry were on 10 March, in the public. The Health Ministry all employees. of implementation,” Minister the alarm that despite precautions, contracted web design firm Arimac which strict criteria were outlined also released information from its “We don’t have any official Gunawardena said. the disease had spread to “Thailand, to produce a website for the Health for selecting suspected patients to contact tracing programme, detailing data or notice from these He pointed out that while Japan, Singapore, Australia, Promotion Bureau (HPB) that could be tested for Covid-19, and strongly how the first 100 patients had been companies with regard to the some companies may have South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, be used to share information about discouraging private hospitals from identified through returnees and termination of employees. their own unique problems due Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri the virus’ status in Sri Lanka, with conducting such tests. quarantine centres. Nevertheless, we have made an to the pandemic, all companies Lanka, India, the US, Canada, the public and international agencies The same day, 10 March, the first The next day, islandwide curfew appeal to the companies not to let must refrain from letting go of Finland, Germany, Italy, Russia, and bodies co-ordinating the global case of Covid-19 was reported in Sri was imposed. any employees go and to instead employees. discuss with the employees about Minister Gunawardena noted: a salary cut or come to some “We, as the Ministry of Labour Another brewing... Dr. Jayasekera confirmed that during His continuing cough and shortness later. After two days, she was admitted sort of compromise so that no and according to the agreement the course of this year, no dengue-related of breath prompted the doctors to get to the hospital with no reduction in employees are fired,” the Minister reached between the Employers’ A person may get infected with deaths have been recorded in the country, an X-ray of his chest and he was later fever, a drop in platelet count, a drop noted. Federation and the trade unions, leptospirosis if they are exposed to while in 2019, the death toll due to subjected to a PCR test to determine in lymphocytes, and abnormalities in He said that it was unfair have decided that all companies contaminated water, while working in dengue stood at 90. whether he was infected by the Covid-19 her liver enzymes. of companies to terminate will stick to their respective the fields, construction sites, or mines; virus, which turned out to be positive. Her X-ray was normal and her blood employees after making losses payrolls and there won’t be any while cleaning drains or wells; or while Possible misdiagnosis Accordingly, his initial dengue-positive tests were normal after being admitted for only a month. discontinuation of work. That bathing and washing in small streams, The Lancet, a magazine published in sample and additional urine and blood to the hospital. But the fever did not “We don’t agree that is the position we have agreed rivers, and lakes, and flood water. Singapore, revealed that there could be samples were placed under a PCR test diminish. After three days, she had they (companies) should be upon, together, for the months Contact with water contaminated with possible misdiagnosis between a Covid- for dengue, and the results were negative difficulty in breathing. The PCR test terminating employees to reduce of May and June, and then it will urine from an animal known to be a 19 patient and dengue patient, especially for dengue. A dengue NS1, IgM/IgG test for Covid-19 was positive. A dengue staff just because they had to stop be abolished. April is also part of reservoir species, such as rats and other in dengue endemic areas, as the virus was carried out on a new blood sample NS1, IgM/IgG test was repeated, which operations for a month. They the Covid-19 situation, so for the rodents, buffalo, cattle, dogs, and pigs, infections share common symptoms. which also turned out negative. came out negative. earned huge profits all this time months of March, April, May, and is the most notable risk in transmission. This could lead to misdiagnosis as Thus, it was concluded that the anti- The original blood sample was also so they can’t just take harsh June we came to an agreement The presence of breached skin increases observed in two cases. dengue antibodies were false positives negative after a PCR test for dengue. decisions such as this. It is normal on how to act accordingly. Now, the risk of infection. The first Singaporean patient came and that the patient was positive for Thus, the original IgM antibody test for for companies to incur losses at we are in the month of May so Meanwhile, National Dengue to a hospital with a fever, cough, and a Covid-19. dengue was confirmed as a false positive. such a time. Therefore, we are for the rest of this month and Eradication Unit Director Dr. Aruna decrease in thrombocytopenia. Since he The second patient too had no Covid- Accordingly, there is a possibility looking into how these companies June, in terms of employment, the Jayasekera said: “Although there is a had no contact with a Covid-19 patient 19 patient contact history or travel history that Covid-19 patients in countries and will engage in discussions with allowances, wages, and working decrease in the dengue cases that are or travel history concerning a high-risk to high-risk areas. regions where the dengue genome is their staff,” the Minister noted. conditions will be reviewed. being reported, in the next two weeks, country, he was discharged following the She came to the hospital with prevalent could be mistakenly diagnosed With regard to the safety and There may be some companies we will again see the number of dengue conducting of the NS1, IgM, and IgG symptoms of muscle pain, a cough that with dengue when testing for antibodies. health of employees, he said that or ventures which have obstacles cases increase.” tests. He relapsed with no sign of the lasted for four days, and mild fever that Similarly, if the disease spreads in an companies were bound to address or difficulties because of their According to the disease surveillance cough reducing, decreasing platelets, and lasted for two days. She was diagnosed area where dengue is present, the World these matters. own situations, but they have data obtained from the Epidemiology was hospitalised for lymphopenia. He with thrombocytopenia and was tested Health Organisation (WHO) points “The companies are also been given the option of Unit of the Ministry of Health, a total was once again subjected to a dengue positive for dengue by the IgM test. She the health authorities of the countries responsible for the provision of discussing matters and we don’t of 19,244 dengue patients have been antibody test, which returned positive was then sent home with a follow-up concerned to the possibility of Covid-19 PPE to their employees when expect ad hoc action by any of reported from 1 January to 15 May 2020. and was hospitalised for treatment. appointment scheduled for two days as a co-infection. they start operations. They must the parties that have agreed.” the sunday morning 13 Sunday, May 17, 2020 OPINION THEIR RIGHT PHOTO PRADEEP DAMABRAGE TO AN ‘ADEQUATE’ STANDARD OF LIVING

BY CHAMINDRY SAPARAMADU of economic and administrative centres in According to the latest statistics progressive realisation of economic, social, Colombo as well as better infrastructure available with the Department of and cultural rights. This allows a time A few days back, a news report claiming the detection of a significantly facilities and higher quality of education, Census and Statistics, Colombo dimension for the strategy for human rights high number of Covid-19 infected persons on a single day from healthcare facilities among others. accounts for approximately 50% of fulfilment and setting priorities among Bandaranayakepura in Colombo triggered alarm bells across the If one looks at the education sector, the country’s total urban population. different rights, considering trade-offs Government and the people, leading to further closures and restrictions of in terms of the 2017 data available with Of the Colombo urban population, among them. movement. the Census and Statistics Department, 44% (15% of country’s entire urban Therefore, Sri Lanka can formulate a approximately 10% of the national schools population) is concentrated within realistic strategy to achieve the housing Amidst fears of rapid community spread which was soon followed by other parts of and 50% of the private schools are located the Colombo Municipal Council area requirements of the people informed by of the virus, the blame game started and the world. in Colombo. The highest concentration of within a land mass of 37.3 square the resource availability and prioritisation quickly shifted to the ethnicity of the In Sri Lanka, while the level of graduates as well as trained school teachers kilometres of needs. However, progressive realisation infected. Slogans such as “oh they are urbanisation is low compared with other is in the Colombo District. cannot be used as an excuse for deferring or deliberately spreading this” came to be an South Asian countries, the worrying fact This demands urgent policy attention the International Covenant on Economic, relaxing its obligations. everyday parlance concealing, in my view, is the high concentration of such urban to the issue of overcrowding in urban Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) Significantly, cities and human a deeper and a more complex problem that population in the single district of Colombo, settlements. This is not a charitable end which casts a duty on the State to recognise settlements play an important role on our required urgent attention. which inhabits half of the urban population to be pursued but an important right to be and guarantee the right to an adequate path to achieving sustainable development. It was revealed that as many as 200 of the entire country. safeguarded and realised for the people and standard of living including adequate The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda persons were living in a sparse space of According to the latest statistics society at large. housing (Article 11(1) of the ICESCR). The focuses on making cities and human 15 perches. For us, who tend to take the available with the Department of Census Even though the Constitution of Sri Lanka State parties are required to take appropriate settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and abundance of space for granted, such and Statistics, Colombo accounts for does not recognise the right to housing steps to ensure the realisation of this right. sustainable and towards this end, states overcrowding seems unimaginable. approximately 50% of the country’s total as a fundamental right, the Directive The UN Committee on Economic, are required to ensure access for all, to However, overcrowding has come to urban population. Of the Colombo urban Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Social, and Cultural Rights noted in its adequate, safe, and affordable housing and characterise urban spaces and dwellings population, 44% (15% of country’s entire Constitution, requires the State to establish General Comment No.4 of 1991, that an basic services and upgrade slums. even though the issue has attracted little urban population) is concentrated within the a society in which the realisation by all important element of “adequate” housing is Against this backdrop, the views attention of policymakers for years. Colombo Municipal Council area within a citizens of an adequate standard of living “habitability”. This means that “housing” expressed by President Gotabaya Congestion in the Colombo city is land mass of 37.3 square kilometres. The for themselves and their families including contains adequate space and protects the Rajapaksa at a recent meeting with the result of large-scale in-migration population density for Colombo (number of adequate food, clothing, and housing is inhabitants from the cold, damp, heat, rain, officials, of his intended plans with regard of persons. This is neither a recent persons per square kilometre) is 3,438 – ten ensured. wind, or other threats to health, structural to urban development and construction phenomenon nor is it limited to Sri times the average population density for Sri The Directive Principles are expected to hazards, and disease vectors and must be of houses for, particularly, low-income Lanka. Urbanisation was the result of Lanka which is at 325. guide Parliament and the Government in the able to guarantee the physical safety of the families, is indeed welcome. Hopefully, the industrialisation and modernisation which The high level of in-migration of persons conduct of government affairs and policy occupants. standards relating to “adequate housing” started in England and western nations to Colombo District is due to concentration making. Sri Lanka is also a signatory to International law provides for the will be considered.

BY SARRAH SAMMOON country even in extreme circumstances. This would be a great loss to Sri Lanka On 20 April 2020, Andreea A.D. and by bringing this story to light, we received an email she never expected. hope the new Government will listen and “All types of visas already granted to assist the hundreds of families in this all foreign nationals and not arrived to position who choose to make Sri Lanka Sri Lanka yet have been temporarily home. suspended and issuance of all types of visa to enter Sri Lanka for all foreign Losing human capital nationalities have been temporarily Talking to Prof. Diego Acosta from the suspended until further notice due to (the) University of Bristol, a leading global Covid-19 outbreak. Lifting of temporary expert on migration law, he confirms suspension of visas will be informed that the immense majority of countries later.” around the globe are permitting the return She was sure it didn’t apply to the of family members of nationals and, in spouses of Sri Lankans, but apparently many cases as well, of family members it did. Her residence visa was suspended of permanent residents. “Family members automatically. have skills that can contribute to the Andreea doesn’t consider herself to be economy of Sri Lanka,” he said, adding a foreigner in Sri Lanka. She made the that it will be central in the post-Covid country her home when she became a scenario. Thus, most countries offer permanent resident in Colombo 11 years spouses of nationals the right to work ago. She lives in the city with her husband as well. Those countries being more and two young children – a nine-year- restrictive risks losing some important old daughter and an eight-year-old son. human capital after the pandemic, if Andreea was travelling on business to BLANKET SUSPENSION OF RESIDENCE VISAS families chose to relocate to countries India for a consultancy project when the with better access to rights.” pandemic erupted. “I am not asking for a free flight, nor The Sri Lankan Embassy in India any special treatment. I will pay for my informed her that they were evacuating flight; I will do the necessary quarantine. Sri Lankan students first and that there I also respect the Sri Lanka Government’s were many other Sri Lankans to consider protocol to protect the country and closing following that. Since the residence visa is its borders. All I am saying is do not treat suspended, they couldn’t board her onto Families left split me as a tourist. Don’t reinstate my visa a flight anyway. Daily calls to the Sri children of Sri Lankan citizens. In most For a country that has a collectivist Sri Lankan citizens, both spouses and when you reinstate tourist visas. I should Lankan Embassy, though greeted politely, countries, the travel restriction applies to culture which revolves around children. They do not have work rights have more rights as a family member of a has left her with the same response: They foreign nationals but excludes citizens family, there has been a long history in Sri Lanka or the right to apply for Sri Lankan,” Andreea pleads. do not know when the suspension will be and permanent residents – a category that of lack of consideration for the citizenship. This means they can never Sri Lanka’s new leadership has been lifted and there is no special consideration includes the immediate family members foreign spouses and children of Sri truly make Sri Lanka their home no introducing new policies that bring given even if you are a family member of of citizens. Lankan citizens matter how deeply they have assimilated out strong and sustainable growth in Sri Lankan citizens residing in Sri Lanka. Andreea is fully aware that there must into family life here. By not granting these the country. This is another golden According to the Embassy, it does not be hundreds of family members of Sri The past weeks have been an emotional rights, Sri Lanka is losing potential to opportunity for the new Government matter whether you are separated from Lankan citizens stranded overseas. This rollercoaster for the family; Andreea could utilise a wide variety of professional skills going forward to recognise foreign your children; there is nothing that can story is not just about her, it is about all not get a flight back before the lockdown as well, which can be of great benefit family members of Sri Lankans in their be done to allow residents in Andreea’s of them. Her own Embassy cannot help, and then all flights had been cancelled. to the country’s economy. The current updated immigration policies and to position to board flights to Sri Lanka even and she has tried to reach out to the Sri But that is not even the problem for her. restrictions and the unfair treatment of provide them more rights in their new if they are willing to follow quarantine Lankan authorities, but there has been no The problem is that she is not being family members of Sri Lankan citizens home while ensuring required due procedures. acknowledgement. Her daughter’s 10th acknowledged; she has no clue as to who are stranded overseas could mean diligence and compliance requirements birthday is on 27 June and Deana keeps when her “visa will be reinstated” so that that families choose to relocate. are met to ensure the protection of the A lack of consideration saying it is an important one; she turns she could return home to her family. She People like Andreea may consider country. For a country that has a collectivist double digits and wants her mother to be cannot give her children an answer. moving their families to other countries (The author is a global immigration culture which revolves around family, there to bake her traditional annual cake. In the past, Sri Lanka’s immigration where their spouses will be granted a and mobility expert with 26 years of there has been a long history of lack of Her son has never been away from his policies have neglected to address the permanent visa that allows them to work, experience in helping families and consideration for the foreign spouses and mother for so long. needs of foreign family members of as well as unrestricted access to the investors become global citizens) 14 the sunday morning OPINION Sunday, May 17, 2020 HowPART I to provide university education for all Sri Lankans eligible to receive it. A close analysis of the reality of the the establishment of the Ruhuna University, Furthermore, the selection of students may By This is not an easy task, and neither Free Education Policy shows that which accommodated a large number of be designed so that students who do not Ajantha can this be viewed as similar to a typical education is not 100% free in Sri students in the early 80s, no similarly scaled live in close proximity to the university election promise given in the past by other Lanka today. High school admission university complex has been established can attend morning sessions while those Premarathna candidates and leaders. Currently, there are charges, private tuition fees for within the last 30 years. In this context, our students living close to the university can 18 public universities and institutions which almost all the subjects from primary regional countries are very much ahead attend evening classes. One of the core presidential are under the preview of the University to secondary school, and other fees of us and are advanced in expanding their This proposal could be further developed and expenses are incurred by parents election pledges by candidate Grants Commission (UGC) providing higher education system in an innovative and expanded by adding another group of (President) Gotabaya Rajapaksa university education in Sri Lanka. So in manner. students for night classes. These students order to accommodate another 130,000 has also reduced as a result of it being In view of the above, it has been would be those already employed, with was to provide tertiary education children for university education, a delivered free. identified that Sri Lanka needs more the need to get a university degree and to all children qualified to receive minimum of 25 brand new universities need universities, and the annual intake of be qualified. Since they earn a monthly university education. This pledge to be established. Opportunity and constraints students into universities needs to be income, a fee can be charged from them was made in an effort to ensure our Considering the current global economic There is no easy answer to the problem increased. In line with this, the following in order to cover the cost of these night future, younger generation will be downturn, it is not practical for the of expanding free university education. It optimisation proposals have been courses. It could be an additional income- prepared to take our country to Government to invest capital to build is a complex issue compounded by funding formulated to accommodate as many of our generating mechanism for the universities to the next level; although a political new universities while also providing constraints, employment opportunities for children into our tertiary education system supplement their poor income. pledge, and one typically seen at the other essential services and infrastructure. undergraduates, political battles among as possible. As the demand for higher education election stage, it is in fact perfectly Therefore, in conjunction with building various parties, and disproportionate 1.0 Unorthodox proposals increases year by year, a capital resources aligned with the ground reality of the minimum number of new universities, dependence on the free education concept. sharing model as illustrated above has to be our country, i.e. considering the the Government must also maximise With all these obstacles, successive These unorthodox proposals are new in adopted. Among the various models to fund the utilisation of its currently available governments have implemented various the Sri Lankan university education circles. university education, the model of sharing nation’s assets including natural resources. Furthermore, the Government strategic policy decisions to expand The general public may not wish to endorse such resources between the Government and resources, financial wealth, and its should encourage local and international university education. The measures taken such unorthodox proposals. The Sri Lankan students is the most sustainable mechanism. population. private investors to invest in university by governments vary from setting up public has a predilection to base their Population as a resource can be education. private universities (medical), establishing thinking on emotions rather than practise Conduct courses outside the categorised under various headings, such as the Open University, the introduction objectivity. These proposals are based on university premises the number of people along with their age, In order to maximise the use of the of regional universities, establishing the need to maximise the use of existing The lack of sufficient space within the gender, skills, and level of education; the currently available limited facilities, new universities, allowing private and resources and reduce the government universities is the main reason for the low level of education of a population has more two batches of students may be government higher education institutions to burden in terms of capital expenditure. The intake of students. Of the total budget value over any other factors. enrolled in the same academic year to conduct degree courses, expanding external unorthodox proposals are as follows. allocated for universities, nearly 78% is follow the same course, one batch for An educated population is a precious asset degree programmes, introducing online The other available option is to being utilised on recurrent expenditure. to a country. Human capital is a priceless morning sessions and the other in the degree programmes, setting up vocational Therefore, very little money is left for capital evening conduct some selected courses resource. The contribution of educated human universities, and granting approval to outside the university premises. The expenditure to expand the present universities. capital to society and the economy is vital for establish private universities affiliated to selection criteria for these courses This limited capital allocation has to be split a country’s development. Levels of education The education system in Sri Lanka foreign universities. shall be that the courses do not among various other important investments vary from primary and secondary to tertiary cannot be discussed without reviewing or Although a few of these measures, such require laboratory practical and other as well, while allocating some 53.42% for and higher education. Needless to say, a referring to the Free Education Policy that as opening a few conventional public related practical assignments construction work. population with a majority of university- was ratified in 1945 – over 75 years ago. universities, made a positive impact, the This allocation is not sufficient to expand educated citizens denotes a highly educated Free education is part and parcel of the other measures were not very effective. The Conduct daytime classes for one group the existing 18 universities around the population. Most developed countries fabric of Sri Lankan life. The architects of benefits of the establishment of the Open and evening classes for another group for island. Most of the land areas of these and emerging nations have reached this free education may not have envisaged the University have not yet been felt by the the same course universities have been utilised to its full milestone. If a country has a low percentage influx of a massive student population from country. All attempts made to initiate private One of the main reasons behind the extent, so there isn’t sufficient space for of university graduates, it will adversely secondary education to tertiary education. universities, including private medical inadequacy of public university enrolments future expansion either. affect the progress of the country and its Hence, they did not formulate a sustainable colleges in Ragama and Malabe, were not is limited space; limited lecture rooms, Considering the above, the other available socioeconomic balance. Sri Lanka is no solution for the ever-increasing number of allowed to operate smoothly due to pressure a shortage of lecturers, limited space for option is to conduct some selected courses exception to this global equation. students qualifying for tertiary education. from Marxist political parties, and some laboratory practical classes, limited library outside the university premises. The A very low share of Sri Lanka’s Consequently, around 80% of the students sectors of self-oriented medical doctors, facilities, and other related infrastructure selection criteria for these courses shall be population has completed tertiary education. who qualify for university education fall by undergraduates, and graduates from public constraints have also contributed to the poor that the courses do not require laboratory This is mostly due to the lack of availability the wayside. universities in the guise of safeguarding free rate of intake, compared to other countries. practical and other related practical of university education for the majority of The adverse social impact of the lack of education. Since there is no possibility of developing assignments. This method is being adopted Sri Lankans. university entry opportunities has created They succeeded in their campaigns, the present universities due to the lack by many other countries at present. Currently, out of nearly 160,000 children competition among students, schools, and not because they were very effectively of space for expansion and government Interest in this option may be low, as qualified to receive university education parents. Parents spend disproportionate organised or due to the strength of their funding constraints, maximum utilisation of Sri Lankan minds favour studying within in Sri Lanka, only 30,000 children enter amounts of money on extra private tuition arguments, but due to the lack of opposing available resources would be one practical conventional university environments. This universities for tertiary education, which classes to prepare their children so they can pressure groups against them. answer. is also a reason why external degrees, open is merely 0.067% of the total population obtain high marks at the GCE (Advanced So in order to maximise the use of the universities, and online degree programmes of Sri Lanka. This is a very low rate of Level [A/L]) examination. This causes Unfair deal for many currently available limited facilities, two are not popular in Sri Lanka, compared to intake, compared to the regional standards unnecessary stress and tension in the Sri Lankans batches of students may be enrolled in the other countries. Nonetheless, this concept is of 3-5%. This also means that less than children’s minds. As a result, children lose The majority of parents in Sri Lanka same academic year to follow the same currently being implemented indirectly to 20% of the children qualified for university their natural childhood creative ability and pay taxes. However, the majority of them course, one batch for morning sessions and some extent by some campuses away from education are progressing to the next level. compassion towards society, and engage do not receive the benefits of free higher the other in the evening. the main university premises such as in So, it would be a Herculean task to provide in the bitter struggle to enter universities. education for their children in return. This The advantages of this proposal are as Horana, Dumbara, and Gamapha. . university education to the 130,000-plus In the end, it proves to be an enormous is an unfair deal for the population of Sri follows: Part II of this article, which expands children who annually qualify to receive waste of resources, as around 80% of those Lanka. Compared to other countries, Sri i. It will not require any additional capital on general approaches and evaluates the university education but do not receive it. eligible children are denied entry into the Lanka spends a considerable portion of its expenditure from the Government’s private sector’s contribution to university Gotabaya (Rajapaksa)’s challenging limited number of public universities. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on primary budget education, will be published next week. pledge to the nation can therefore not be A close analysis of the reality of the Free and secondary education and on higher ii. It provides employment to lecturers, (The writer has a Master’s in Business taken lightly. This has been a pressing issue Education Policy shows that education is education as well. laboratory staff, library staff, and other Administration from the University of Sri in Sri Lanka for the last 50-plus years. not 100% free in Sri Lanka today. High As the government is the sole provider non-academic staff Jayewardenepura and an MSc in Project Nonetheless, there has not been a single school admission charges, private tuition of free university education, the system iii. Most importantly, it will increase the Management. He is a fellow member of the Sri Lankan leader in the past who had fees for almost all the subjects from lacks monitoring and an advancement university intake without expanding the Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Sri Lanka sufficiently addressed this national issue. primary to secondary school, and other mechanism in the absence of a competitive current infrastructure [FIQSSL], Royal Institute of Charted No one has ever promised to or included fees and expenses are incurred by parents environment among public universities. This method could be adapted for Surveyors [FRICS], and Australian in their election manifesto that they would under the so-called free education system. No innovative policy decisions have been selected courses for which there is greater Institute of Quantity Surveyors [FAIQS], provide university education to all children Furthermore, the quality of the education taken to increase university intake. Since demand and employment opportunities. and a Chartered Quantity Surveyor) the sunday morning 153 Sunday, May 17, 2020 SPORTS

unimpressive strike rate of 586) Rugby Academy for Kandy will be handy! was the other spinner in the side. I was not played in the first Test BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY up under the watchful eyes of G.G. That Karachi Test held in Faisalabad. Roger played. Dharmarathne, ably assisted by Kandy But the night before the third For the purpose of promoting rugby at Mayor Kesera Senanayake and Leader of and final Test in Karachi, I was junior level here in this upcountry rugby the Opposition of the Municipal Council asked to get ready to play. Then stronghold, a new academy is shaping Senaka Dissanayake. in the morning, I was omitted could have made and Roger was played again. I felt it was a mistake. It was a heavily turning wicket. I thought I could have broken a record that the difference day, had I played. I had a great opportunity but I missed that. The least likely suspect: z What happened to SL’s youngest-ever Test It could have been the turning point in my career (Wijesuriya cricketer Sanjeewa Weerasinghe? – part 2 took his career’s only wicket, that of Abdul Qadir in that match, If Agatha Christie BY REVATHA S. SILVA AND VERNON TISSERA We made a green bowling 25.3 overs for a match- track for India: bag of 1/77). composed chess problems This interview is a Duleep Mendis continuation of the Explaining what really happened at And you never played again Outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare, article published on page the victorious 1985 Test against India, for Sri Lanka? Agatha Christie is considered the best-selling 15 of last week’s edition SL skipper of the time Duleep Mendis Yes. I was out of the national novelist of all time. She developed most of her (10 May) of The Sunday yesterday (15) told The Sunday Morning squad after that. But I featured detective novels along a trusted formula. The THE CHESS Sports that it was tough for any spinner in the Sri Lanka U-19 side many detective, being tasked with solving a murder, Morning. to take wickets at P. Sara Oval. times thereafter. investigates the location of the crime and starts CORNER As we stated last week, “Before the series, we decided to interacting with all the suspects. Eventually, by Dulan Edirisinghe Sanjeewa Weerasinghe recalled prepare a green track because we knew Looking back, what do you after many twists and turns, the sleuth gathers the early days of his cricket and, that it would be the seamers who could think are the reasons for not The Maharaja Company medallion all the remaining suspects at one location for mainly, the most memorable take wickets for us. It was not a wicket getting a recall? Sanjeewa Weerasinghe received for the spinners,” Mendis recalled. the big reveal. So black’s best try is 3...Bc7which works with occasion of his career, his first after SL’s first Test win in 1985 India played key spinners Ravi There are many reasons. Later Christie possessed the great knack of being both 4.Rf5 (Bf4) and 4.Rd5 (Bxg3 5.Rd1+ Be1), – and last – major appearance for Shastri, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, on, a coach named Don Smith able to resolve a mystery by making the least and white needs six moves in both instances. Sri Lanka, which happened to be level. He was the youngest and and Maninder Singh in that match. changed my action. Then, I likely person the guilty party. Ardent Christie But after 3...Bc7, white has the neat 4.cxb7! the country’s first Test triumph, probably quickest to leave the “As expected, Rumesh Ratnayake, took a wrong decision to play fans often manage to guess the culprit – neither against India under Kapil Dev at big league. Saliya Ahangama, and Ashantha de for Bloomfield when all the top the method nor the motive though – correctly P. Sara Oval in September 1985. But memories remain. Mel (the fast bowlers of SL) took a lot players played for clubs like NCC by picking the unlikeliest of suspects. In this final part, Weerasinghe Cricket continued to take the of wickets and we won. We went on to (Nondescripts Cricket Club) and There are some entertaining chess problems explains what happened lead in Sanjeewa’s life. Most win the series as well,” he said. SSC (Sinhalese Sports Club). of the same ilk. Can you use your “little grey afterwards and how he ended importantly, 35 years later, he “But after that game, Sanjeewa There, I could have had a better cells” and guess the piece that would deliver up Down Under about 10 years is now running his own cricket (Weerasinghe) couldn’t stabilise his chance to get picked. My father place in the team. In those days too, the checkmate in the main line of the following later. academy in Melbourne. one needed to do exceptionally well and his brothers had played for composed problem? Most interestingly, After all, the fact that this at the domestic level to impress the Bloomfield but the club was not Weerasinghe indicates how ill lanky Isipathana lad played for selectors,” Mendis explained. doing well then. Actually, I think timing and bad luck, ill-advised Sri Lanka among giants and saw “Later on, we played Roger I was not mature or experienced decision-making, improper history being made, are memories Wijesuriya as a left-arm spinner. He enough then, to make the right call. coaching, as well as the lack that can never be forgotten. played a longer period for SL.” I continued to play first-class of little bit of favouritism can cricket and did well as an all- contribute to one’s downfall at the How do you look at that Test We had a great and well-knit rounder. I contributed to my fiercely competitive international now? side. Sri Lanka always dominated club winning the Sara Trophy. at home. (The) Sara Pitch was a In 1990, I went to Bangladesh slow turner and it had been made to play the Dhaka League. Then After 4.cxb7 for the pace. I played in Malaysia. In 1996, I Incredibly, it’s a forced checkmate next came to Australia with Rumesh move with black helpless against the threat What happened thereafter in Ratnayake and settled down here. of 5.bxa8=Q (or even 5.bxa8=B!). More that series? importantly, the mate is delivered from the I was dropped in the third Test Being a Coach now, pawn that started on b2, the least likely suspect! played at Asgiriya. I was the 12th how do you assess your Loyd was clever enough to provide a clue man. Roshan Jurangpathy made cricketing past? hidden in plain sight by naming the problem his debut in that match. We drew I am happy and content. You White to play and mate in five moves “Excelsior” (ever upwards), a nod to a poem it and beat India 1-0 in the (three- need luck also to sustain at the “Excelsior” by Sam Loyd (1861) by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. match) series. That happened to international level. I am happy Sam “the puzzle king” Loyd (1841-1911) Here’s another mate-in-five “whodunit” be the first-ever series victory for to have represented my country was a famous composer of all kinds of problem. Sri Lanka in Test cricket. and to become the youngest inventive puzzles. His creations can often ever to do so. The situation was be distinguished by the underlying wit and Then you travelled to different those days. I don’t humour. Although he never pursued a career Pakistan in October the blame anybody. It is cricket that in chess, Chessmetricsreckons he was once same year, with Sri Lanka gave me everything. Today, I live ranked 15th in the world. for their next series? happily with my wife and three Loyd composed this problem as a joke to fool Yes. Roger Wijesuriya (the daughters in Australia because a friend who claimed that he can always guess left-arm leg-spinner who played of cricket. Now as a professional the piece which would deliver the checkmate four Tests between 1982-86 coach, I intend to make good in the main line of any chess problem. It is said Sanjeewa Weerasinghe with his family in Australia taking only one wicket with an cricketers for the future. that Loyd asked the friend to pick the “least likely suspect” – the piece that will never give a checkmate within the allocated five moves. His friend, unsurprisingly, picked the white pawn on b2. Let’s try to understand the position. The black king is entrapped on h1, so all white Be responsible, no hurry, and take care! has to do is bring the b5-rook home. At first see a spike in the number of new cases. This with an abundance of caution. With the above it seems Rd5-d1 or Rf5-f1 is unstoppable but White to play and mate in five moves is true of Singapore, China, South Korea, and in mind, the fact that tennis was played by the unfortunate positioning of the white king Z Pigits (1957) Dinith even Germany. Historically, the pandemics some the day after the Government started allows black to play 1...Rc5. So white starts with Assuming the black king remains on a8, your Pathiraja that have happened in the world have always to reopen Colombo, even while curfew was 1.b4! task is to guess the checkmating piece and the taken effect in three waves before it died in force, needs to be questioned. It will only The only way for black to prolong the game direction the final blow will be delivered from. ON COURT down. In the 1918 pandemic, it is said that take one misstep to set the game back for is 1...Rc5 (1...Rxc2 2.Nxc2 a2 3.Rd5 a1=Q The solution starts with the second wave was the most fatal. a long while. 4.Nxa1 and mates next move) 1.Rb3(threatening 2.Rb8#) axb3 This was reportedly because after the 2.bxc5 a2 (3.Rb1# was threatened) 2.Rb4 (threatening 3.Rb8#) axb4 At the outset of this article, and in the governments reopened after the first closure in SLTA communiqué 3.c6 3.Nb5(threatening 4.Nc7#) axb5 interests of full disclosure, this writer can 1918, people were reckless in their approach With the above in mind, the SLTA sent 4.Nb6+ axb6 and here comes the big reveal. reveal that he is a member of the Coaching and started to relax their guard too early. The out a communiqué under the hand of its Commission of the Sri Lanka Tennis above historic information is not enunciated General Secretary Pradeep Goonesekara Association (SLTA) and has also been a tennis here to be alarmist or to be negative. That is to the tennis fraternity recently. In it he has coach for the past 26 years. This revelation is certainly not the intention. In fact, it is totally clearly mentioned that no tennis competition made because it could be relevant in reading the opposite. It is mentioned here so that the will take place in Sri Lanka, earliest, until 10 today’s column. public will be aware and always be on their July. He has also mentioned that the SLTA guard. In fact, even the government health courts will not be hired out and will be closed Project “reopen” experts have been emphasising repeatedly until further notice. In a separate e-mail, it The Government has cautiously started through public broadcasts the necessity to be was communicated to the coaches that the the project to “REOPEN” Sri Lanka. This is on guard to stave off a second wave. guidelines prepared by the authorities have happening in the context that patients are still been submitted to the Sports Ministry for being found in various quarantine centres as Responsibility of tennis their perusal and further guidance. well as within the security establishment, and In the above context, the responsibility of about 500 active patients are still receiving the tennis fraternity is also quite considerable. Follow guidance, stay safe treatment in the country. But as has been The tennis fraternity has to be able to send a The industry of tennis is suffering. There emphasised by leading medical experts in signal to the wider world of sports regarding is no question about that. There are plenty After 3.c6 white is threatening Rd5 (or Rf5) and the country, there is no question of waiting the safety measures which need to be taken of assistant coaches and support staff in the checkmate again until the patients become zero to restart and strictly adhered to going forward from field of tennis undergoing hardship at the 5.Qa1# activities in the country. here. moment. That is not in dispute either. But White has two more moves left to bring a Glancing at the starting position, it is This is because of the fact that no country This writer was the first to bring this into what must be remembered is the fact that if rook to the first rank and complete his task. incredible that white can checkmate black by in the world has so far been able to bring the limelight with articles which appeared we rush back to the courts without taking the Can the black bishop interfere? putting his queen on a1 within five moves. Just patient numbers to zero and to continue to in this space on 12 and 19 April. Since then, utmost precautions, it could very well end up Either 3...Be7 or Bf6 works with 4.Rd5 like an Agatha Christie mystery, everything keep it there. In other words, no country in we have also participated in a number of being a very short-lived time playing tennis. (Bb4-e1 or Bd4, respectively to prolong the seems to make perfect sense once the detective the world has been able to eradicate this virtual meetings with the hierarchy of the Just look at Singapore, China, South Korea, checkmate by one move) but not with 4.Rf5. explains it. menace as yet. What all countries in the SLTA and the leading coaches in the country, and Germany, among other countries, if any world are doing is cautiously reopening discussing as to how the sport of tennis can proof is needed. activities that were closed down to control be resumed with the necessary precautions. It is urged that all in the tennis community and contain the spread of the virus. It cannot be elaborated enough that tennis is keep in close contact with the relevant India series in July to be called off mostly played by young children here. They authorities and to follow their advice to the Historical context The India tour of SL scheduled for July last week is expected to be vastly outnumber the adult players. Against letter. Please, please, please, it is better to be What is concerning is the fact that almost such a background, all stakeholders in the safe than sorry! Be responsible, don’t be in a called off, Indian media said yesterday (16). all the countries that have reopened activities sport have a clear responsibility to make sure hurry, and look after yourself and everyone after the first wave of cases have started to all decisions need to be taken judiciously and else. Help Sri Lanka stay safe! 16 the sunday morning sports Sunday, May 17, 2020 Fans elated, EPL begins! India ready for Aus Tests Indo-Ceylon English Premier League (EPL) football is likely to India is ready to play the four-Test series, virtual GP today resume on 8 June to the utmost elation of fans if situation demands, against Australia across the globe, as the UK Govt. has now given from this December in a “bio-secure” The legends of yore like Priya the green light to hold sports behind closed Adelaide Oval, Indo Cricket Board Munasinghe and David Pieris doors. As many as 92 league matches are left sources revealed to media yesterday of SL, and Nazir Hoosein and to be played but all of them may not take (16). This will assure over $ 193 million the “Maharaja of Gondal” of India will be revived as an Indo-Ceylon GP place owing to the fragile situation that is (Rs. 36 billion) broadcast revenue to the will pit six young motorsport enthusiasts, virtually, in a race that will be still continuing in Europe. cash-strapped Aus Cricket Board. live-streamed today (17) from 7 p.m. on YouTube. VANDEEEI MAAATARAM...

z T20 World Cup 2020 is moved to 2022 as the IPL is slotted into that vacant window

BY REVATHA S. SILVA match-fixing in cricket, once involving no less The International Cricket Council (ICC) on 28 May will Chairman Shashank Manohar. a person than ICC Chairman Narayanaswamy finalise one out of the three following options regarding The 28 May ICC Board meeting will also n a context where the existing Srinivasan in the illicit cacophony. the seventh T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in discuss a two-month extension for Manohar, capitalist socioeconomic system Australia from 18 October to 15 November this year: but primarily the focus will be on deciding is questioned to its core by the Cricket Australia is not unhappy (i) The World Cup can take place with crowds undergoing the fate of T20 World Cup. suddenly emerged pandemic of “The option of shifting the upcoming T20 quarantine measures The deferment of the T20 World Cup will Covid-19, the incumbent Indo World Cup to 2022 is expected to be put on (ii) It can take place behind closed doors mean that the IPL, which is a parallel industry Ieconomic superpower is showing the table when the ICC Board meets on 28 (iii) The event can be postponed to 2022 (not to next in itself, will get the much-needed window signs of further establishing its May,” a member of world cricket governing year, which could’ve been a more pragmatic solution, only in a likely situation where the Covid- control over world cricket with body’s influential Board had told the Press but the eighth T20 World Cup is already allocated to 19 pandemic will be under control in India the high-handed Indian Premier Trust of India (PTI) on Friday (15). India next year and it will remain unchanged) by then. But already both Sri Lanka and the “’A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the T20 India celebrating the victory of the inaugural United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed League (IPL) being allowed to have World Cup in the wake of (the) coronavirus 2007 T20 World Cup against the superimposed their willingness to come up as replacement precedence over the International image of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the pandemic and shifting it may find favours lyricist of 'Wande Mataram' this eventuality three weeks ago in our 26 hosts for the 2020 IPL if India can’t hold it. Cricket Council (ICC)-organised T20 with Cricket Australia (CA)’, feels the ICC April publication. And furthermore, in a context where the World Cup, international media Board member,” the PTI added. Deferment, not postponement “So, what’s next? With the door likely to gentlemanly and unbiased Manohar vacates stressed last week. CA, which has reportedly suffered a $ “CA wouldn’t be too unhappy if the World shut on the T20 World Cup in the form of the ICC hot seat next month, Ganguly and Co. 20 million (SL Rs. 3 billion) hit due to the T20 is shifted to 2022. At the end of the day, postponement, a window of opportunity opens will surely reinstate the Indo supremacy in The scheduled seventh edition of the pandemic, depends badly on India’s helping ICC is made up of members. If members for the Indian Premier League (IPL), which the world governing body, no matter whoever T20 World Cup in October-November in hand and is obliged to dance to the tunes of decide that bilateral series are more important, according to the ICC is more important, not could be its next Chairman. Australia is going to be postponed owing any Bharath music, so to say, for its survival. you can’t discount that,” the above BCCI because of its (IPL) status, but because of to the pandemic, paving the way to the 13th It had also sought to secure a loan of $ 50 official had opined, indicating the servile the money. The wise men are reasoning,” we Vande Mataram IPL to be held during the same period, only million (SL Rs. 9 billion) from a local bank nature of even the old-world superpowers in quoted news reports in that 26 April article Former England skipper David Gower to show that money matters above all else. Is recently as an advanced payment of a larger $ the presence of the present Indian domination. titled “IPL or T20 World Cup? ICC in a aired last week in India his opinion that the rest of the cricketing world begging for 200 million (SL Rs. 37 billion) credit, with a “Also, ICC might find its cash flow being dilemma”. Ganguly could be suitable for the ICC top “the Indian aids” now? view to covering the losses if India fail to tour hampered but it’s a short-term problem. If the Yet, obviously, the final outcome of the seat one day, adding: “He (Ganguly) is a the country later this year for their summer tournament happens in 2022, the parent body ICC manoeuvrings will be known only on very, very good man and has those political Where does IPL stand? Tests. Here, India are to play an extra fifth doesn’t lose anything because it’s deferment 28 of the instant, one needs to be reminded. skills. He has the right attitude and can It is understandable that IPL, organised Test solely to bail out CA, which has already not postponement,” he had added. keep things together and will do good job. also in the T20 format, is becoming more stood down more than 200 of its staff on 20% With its over-a-billion population, India has One venue, one series And if you do a good job as BCCI Chief important than the T20 World Cup because pay until the end of June, with its CEO Kevin by far a larger market than any other cricketing How important is the IPL to India and how in the future, who knows?” Those days we its cancellation is likely to cost the Board Roberts conceding that they might run out nation and, after its introduction to free-market important is India to world cricket was further the Asians went after Suddas. Now it’s the of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a of money by August if the drastic cuts were economy in 1991 which clearly overlapped signified last week when BCCI’s incumbent other way around. whopping 40 billion Indian rupees (equivalent not made. with cricket’s bang-bang renaissance of the President Saurav Ganguly said: “There will That remarkable Indian poet Bankim to $ 752 million or SL Rs. 141 billion), BCCI time (masterminded mainly by our own be pay cut of Indian players if IPL 2020 does Chandra Chatterjee’s late 19th Century Treasurer Arun Dhumal revealed to media India to stage next T20 Sanath-Kalu combination), she grabbed her not take place.” epical lyric “Vande Mataram” – meaning “I last week. World Cup next year place as the game’s economic epicentre from Then, Australia showed their eagerness to praise thee mother”, which was later recited IPL – sponsored mainly by Chinese “We are expecting three options from the ICC both England and Australia. host India’s scheduled four Tests later this by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, smartphone company Vivo who owns Oppo, Events Committee. First option is having World year, entirely at Adelaide Oval where an raising it to the stature of independent India’s Realme, and OnePlus products – has a total T20 as per schedule with 14-day quarantine Too huge a task onsite hotel is under construction, ensuring the national song before it was popularised by brand value estimated at $ 6.7 billion (SL Rs. with crowd being allowed. The backup for this “The costs of quarantine arrangements for series goes ahead amid restrictions forced by “Mozart of Madras” A.R. Rahman – now 1,258 billion). option could be tournament in front of empty 16 teams with support staff plus TV crew (for the pandemic. Australian Vice Captain Travis reflects sarcastically the situation of world Its current TV rights owner, Star TV, stadium. The third option could be shifting the the World Cup) will be huge. Add to that, if Head said on Thursday (14): “If the situation cricket. The whole cricket world is now expected a $ 400 million revenue (SL Rs. tournament to 2022,” the Board member privy in some of the countries normalcy doesn’t allows only one venue for all the matches, praising and worshipping India! 75 billion) from the event this year alone after to development had told PTI on conditions of return, whether travelling will be safe by so be it. Maybe when lockdown is lifted, it The spiritual Indian nationalism depicted buying its telecasting rights for five years at anonymity. then,” the above BCCI source had queried. would be the new normal that everyone has in those lyrics has, after about one-and-a- $ 220 million (SL Rs. 41 billion) in 2017. A Why 2022, not 2021? India is supposed to “So it can’t be postponed by a few months, to follow. There’s talk of matches without half centuries, has apparently come to light, stratospheric profit! hold the eighth T20 World Cup next year and say February-March 2021. It’s not a great idea spectators. Nobody would like that, but if it reached its grand realisation, albeit after a IPL is by far the most-attended cricket league this Australian edition will hence have to wait as we have Women’s ODI World Cup (then) comes to that and there’s no other way, one somewhat dirty game! in the world and in 2014, it was ranked sixth by for another year. and the two ICC events should not clash. The may have to do that.” Cricket in today’s world needs a true average overall attendance, among all sporting In 2018, the ICC scrapped for good its out-of- Women’s World Cup is a much safer bet, there leader who could treat it as if it is actually a leagues in the globe which included more place Champions Trophy 50-over competition will only be eight teams.” ICC’s next election “mother god”, but not a dirty boss who treats historic and globally influential events such which was to be staged next in 2021, and Ganguly by virtue is one of the 17 board this beautiful game as a mean business that as English Premier League (EPL) football. replaced into that slot an eighth edition of the We predicted this three members of the present ICC which will elect gives you only profit at any cost. If such a But since its 2008 inception, IPL is often T20 World Cup to be hosted by India. This weeks ago the all-important ICC Chairman next month for “godfather” will continue to run the show, considered as the root cause of corruption and meant two T20 World Cups in two years. We at The Sunday Morning Sports predicted the next two-year term, in place of outgoing we will soon see the very end of the sport. KILLING THE ASPIRATIONAL SRI LANKAN »SEE PAGE 3

GETTING BACK ON THEIR WINGS »SEE PAGE 7 Sunday,business May 17, 2020 Foreigners flee CSE while bargain hunters cash in The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) suffered a net foreign of Covid-19 in mid-march, when the This surge in foreign outflows inflow was seen in Ceylon Tobacco (11) at exactly Rs. 100, closing at outflow of over Rs. 3.5 billion in less than eight hours of CSE suffered a net foreign outflow over the past week has brought Company at Rs. 72 million. Rs. 99.90 on Tuesday (12), bringing trading over the past week, although there was keen domestic of Rs. 473 million in the five-and-a- the net outflow for the year to However, the past week was a week all banking stocks down to double- buying interest from bargain hunters looking to snap up half days the market was open before Rs. 8.7 billion, at a time when the to savour for domestic investors who digit prices. fundamentally sound stocks that were on offer at 10-year low the seven-week closure which began Government has placed strict import were on the lookout for bargains, with According to seasoned market prices. on 20 March. restrictions and other measures to shares of the leading listed banks watchers, the last occasion all these Furthermore, this Rs. 3.5 billion avert a foreign exchange crisis due to and premier blue chip John Keells stocks fell below the Rs. 100 mark Foreigners sold just over Rs. 5 disappointment that they were was reached effectively in under eight the drying up of tourism and worker Holdings PLC (JKH) closing trading was back in 2008 when the All billion worth of stocks while they deprived of the opportunity to pull hours of trading time, as opening remittance receipts due to the Covid- below the Rs. 100 mark on 12 May, Share Price Index (ASPI) crashed purchased nearly Rs. 1.6 billion, out their investments when they day lasted just 38 seconds and the 19 pandemic. for the first time since 2009. 41% following the Seylan Bank and following a seven-week closure of originally wanted to do so. second day saw one circuit breaker Commercial Bank accounted for a This rare sight was mainly possible Sakvithi scandals and the 2007/2008 the CSE, which analysts believe This foreign outflow was three- triggered, which halted the market bulk of the outflows with stocks just due to JKH falling to Rs. 94.10 and global financial crisis. They hovered had led to a loss of confidence fold as panic-driven net outflow for 30 minutes. Trading time the last worth over Rs. 3 billion being sold Sampath Bank, which was the highest around those prices till around the among these investors and some was seen during the local outbreak week was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by foreigners, and the highest net valued banking stock last Monday time the war ended. SriLankan brings down Companies shift AGMs online payroll cost to $ 7 m Recent salary cuts and the cabin crew and flight and the revenue shortfall layoffs at SriLankan crew constitute 2. 84% and the airline is considering Airlines, necessitated by the 3.75% of the total cost of the covering through credit lines global Covid-19 pandemic, airline, respectively. was not answered, as the has brought down the Gunatilleke also noted airline said it did not want airline’s payroll cost to $ 7 that the monthly lease cost to disclose it at this stage for million, from approximately of the airline is around $ commercial reasons. $ 8 million earlier. 14 million and constitutes SriLankan Airlines was This is according to about 40% of the airline’s one of the first institutions SriLankan Airlines Group monthly fixed costs. to resort to salary cuts Chief Executive Officer Rentals on leased aircraft and layoffs, soon after the Vipula Gunatilleke, who increased to Rs. 29 billion Covid-19 outbreak occurred was responding to a query in 2019, compared to Rs. locally and the subsequent by The Sunday Morning 25.7 billion in 2018; a 13.1% temporary closure of the Business. increase year on year. In Bandaranaike International The employment 2019, the group’s operating Airport (BIA) for both categories of the airline expenses amounted to Rs. departures and arrivals. are classified into cabin 215 billion, an increase of In early-April, the airline crew, flight crew, executive 23.2% over the group’s announced that it imposed managers, senior managers, operating expenses of Rs. mandatory salary reductions aircraft engineers, and 175 billion for the year 2018. starting from 2.5-25% for BY UWIN LUGODA Sampath Bank disclosed their a computer or smartphone with thereon, the Board had then aircraft technicians. Based Out of the total withholding three months. The airline intentions to host their AGMs internet access. decided to proceed with the AGM on the annual accounts from tax expense of Rs. 6.9 also announced that In response to the spread of virtually. Similar to this, Sampath Bank using audio visual technology March 2017 to December billion, the withholding tax increments for the year 2020 Covid-19​ and work/stay-at-home​ In its letter to the CSE, CTC stated that its Board of Directors since certain pressing matters, 2017 of the financial on aircraft leases amounts to would also be frozen. On 4 policies, several local companies, stated that the company will decided to postpone the 34th including the appointment/ year 2017/2018, the total Rs. 5.8 billion. May, the airline announced including Ceylon Tobacco be postponing its AGM, which AGM, which was scheduled for re-appointment of directors remuneration cost of senior However, our query as that they are sending 400 Company (CTC) and Sampath was supposed to be held on 30 March at The Kingsbury, to and the declaration of the final managers, managers, and to the monthly earnings contract staff on no-pay Bank PLC, are now conducting 30 April, to 29 June and that 2 June in view of the Covid-19 dividend amounting to Rs. 11.75 executives constitutes 2.36% that are accrued from leave for three months until their Annual General Meetings it will be conducted through a pandemic. per share for the year 2019, of the total cost while the increased cargo flights, 31 July. (AGMs) online. digital platform. The company’s However, following the require shareholder approval and total remuneration cost of following the pandemic, Contd. on page 2 In a letter to the Colombo Stock directors and shareholders will issuance of guidelines set by the cannot be put off indefinitely. Exchange (CSE), both CTC and be able to attend the meeting via CSE and legal advice received Contd. on page 2 Construction Chamber requests seat in Task Force BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR commenced but due to the regulations, only 10-15% of the construction The Chamber of Construction industry began work last week. Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) The construction sector provides for has requested the President the livelihood of about 650,000 people to appoint a member from in the country and a majority of them their chamber to the recently are engaged in urban development appointed economic Task projects. Construction workers usually Force, headed by Basil travel from rural areas to urban areas Rajapaksa. for construction jobs. However, this cannot be done now as travelling Govt. to save The request has been made across districts is prohibited and the recently considering the difficulty Ministry of Health guidelines request and impracticality of commencing construction projects to employ people Rs. 3.5 b annually the construction work amidst a set from within their respective cities. of regulations issued by the Ministry This, according to Gunatilleke, is of Health and Indigenous Medical a major barrier in fully beginning through Eppawala Services for the construction industry. construction projects. Speaking to The Sunday Morning our chamber members to be appointed posed and opportunities emerged in Even if the Government addresses The Government is expecting to save on triple superphosphate imports, and Business, CCISL President Eng. in the Task Force so that the person Sri Lanka in the wake of the Covid-19 this issue, construction employers still over 50% of the money spent annually this decision is expected to save over Maj. Ranjith Gunatilleke noted that knows the subject and knows how outbreak. The Task Force comprises have to face additional costs as, as per on fertiliser imports as a result of the half that amount. only a person from the industry things would work,” Gunatilleke officials from both the private and the regulations, employers are required Cabinet’s recent decision to locally The Cabinet of Ministers last week would understand the difficulty of noted. public sectors and secretaries of a to provide sanitation facilities for their produce a substitute to the currently approved the proposal to produce implementing these regulations. On 22 April, President Gotabaya number of ministries. employees, for which the employers imported triple superphosphate. single superphosphate at the Eppawala “We understand and appreciate Rajapaksa appointed a Task Force, Gunatilleke added that with the need time and money to expand and During the Cabinet meeting last phosphate deposit instead of rock the authorities’ efforts to bring this headed by Basil Rajapaksa, for the curfew being removed in most parts modify the current facilities they have week, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. phosphate that is being produced at situation under control. But we would revival of the economy and the of the country and the easing down of provided for employees, Gunatilleke Ramesh Pathirana stated that about the moment. like regulations that are more practical. eradication of poverty, while paying strict restrictions on areas with curfew, stated. Rs. 7 billion is being spent annually Contd. on page 2 That is why we have requested one of special attention to the challenges on Monday (11), construction work Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, May 17, 2019 SEC-CSE committee set up for capital market education Commercial Bank Chairman Dharma Dheerasinghe and MD S. Renganathan and awareness Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) committee will be to identify they consider necessary in Commercial Bank’s Chairman Viraj Dayaratne PC has decided to appoint measures that are required to completing its task. The SEC a joint committee of the SEC and the Colombo Stock encourage companies to use has recently opened a Facebook Exchange (CSE) in order to consider measures that need the capital market to raise page and a Twitter account operating profit to be taken to broad-base the Sri Lankan capital market, capital; foster broad visibility regarding capital market to educate and create awareness amongst the general and collaboration regionally education and awareness in public, and to make recommendations in that regard. and internationally; engage an attempt to encourage more in stakeholder education and investors to participate in the down 4.6% in Q1 Accordingly, Dayaratne Dumith Fernando, Dimuthu awareness with an intention capital market. has nominated commission Abeyesekera, and Arjuna to broad-base the investor Earlier, the SEC appointed a Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC has As a result of the higher members Suhada Gamalath Herath, CEO Rajeeva community and enhance similar committee to consider reported an operating profit before taxes impairment charges, the bank’s PC, Sunil Lankathilake, Manil Bandaranaike, Head investor confidence; and the measures required to digitise of Rs. 6.239 billion for the first quarter of net operating income declined Jayesinghe, Naresh Abeysekera, of Marketing Niroshan facilitate greater public the core activities of the CSE as 2020, the three months ended 31 March by a marginal 0.38% to Rs. 12.775 Director General Chinthaka Wijesundere, and Head participation in the securities well as to enable clearing and 2020 which was impacted by Covid-19 billion, despite the fact that total Mendis, and Directors of Research Nishantha market across the geographical settlement electronically and to only for about 20 days, which reflected operating income had grown by a Tushara Jayaratne and Prabash Hewavithana to represent the regions of the country and submit recommendations in that a decline of 4.63% in comparison to Q1 robust 31.64% to Rs. 19.320 billion Wanigatunge to serve as the CSE in the committee. internationally, and to make regard. in 2019. SEC-nominated members of the The proposals submitted recommendations as to how the The SEC has identified other However, with taxes on financial the bank’s total other income grew committee. by the CSE, subsequent to above could be achieved. areas in which the SEC and the services reducing by 42.83% to Rs 1.010 tenfold from Rs. 460 million reported CSE Chairman Ray discussions with the SEC, also The committee is expected CSE should work together, and billion for the quarter under review, the for the first quarter of 2019 to Rs 4.600 Abeywardena has nominated identified this need. to obtain views from relevant intends to have more committees bank posted a profit before income tax of billion for the quarter under review. himself, CSE Directors The terms of reference of the stakeholders as well as experts appointed in the future. Rs. 5.229 billion for the three months, an The continuing necessity to make increase of 9.51%. Profit after tax grew substantially higher provisions for by 22.62% to Rs. 3.707 billion, with the impairment charges in response to All of Dialog’s key increase in the tax-exempt component the trend common to the industry of business segments, including of income being higher in the reviewed increasing NPLs saw the bank making mobile, international, tele- Dialog Group posts quarter in comparison with Q1 of 2019. a provision of Rs. 6.545 billion in infrastructure, digital pay The Government abolished the Nation respect of the reviewed quarter. In television, and fixed line, Building Tax (NBT) from December the preceding three quarters, the bank contributed to record a Rs. 29.2 b revenue in Q1 2019 and Debt Repayment Levy (DRL) made provisions of Rs. 2.738 billion, consolidated revenue of Rs. from January 2020. Rs. 2.956 billion, and Rs. 3.515 billion, 29.2 billion for Q1 2020, 2019, respectively. Normalised the group’s leadership in Sri and a decline of 2% YoY amid The bank reported gross income of respectively, for impairment charges demonstrating a marginal for the non-cash translational Lanka’s broadband sector. The drop in revenue and increased Rs. 39.444 billion, recording a growth and other losses. decline of 1% quarter-on- forex losses/gains, NPAT was slowdown in capex supported bad debt provisioning. The of 12.87%. Interest income growth As a result of the higher impairment quarter (QoQ), resulting from recorded at Rs. 3.1 billion, up the group’s Operating Free company’s NPAT was recorded remained predictably flat, up just 0.83% charges, the bank’s net operating income challenges to core revenue 31% QoQ, albeit declining Cash Flow (OFCF) to improve at Rs. 1.6 billion for Q1 2020, to Rs. 31.892 billion, but the bank’s declined by a marginal 0.38% to Rs. growth, albeit growing 1% 13% YoY due to increase in to Rs. 9 billion in Q1 2020. The declining 45% QoQ and 65% interest expenses, at Rs. 19.466 billion, 12.775 billion, despite the fact that total year-on-year (YoY). depreciation and transactional group continued to exhibit a YoY due to the impact from reflected an achievement of a 1.43% operating income had grown by a robust Dialog announced its forex impact. low geared balance sheet with non-cash translational forex reduction during the quarter reviewed, 31.64% to Rs. 19.320 billion. consolidated financial results Dialog continued to be the net debt to EBITDA ratio losses. Normalised for the attributable to timely re-pricing of Commenting on the bank’s for the three months ended 31 a significant contributor to being maintained at 0.81x as at same, the company’s NPAT liabilities as well as an improvement in performance in the quarter reviewed, March 2020 yesterday (13). state revenues, remitting end-March 2020. recorded a growth of 19% its CASA (current and savings account) Commercial Bank Chairman Dharma Underpinned by strong a total of Rs. 4.5 billion At an entity level, Dialog QoQ, albeit declining 4% YoY. ratio. This enabled the bank to generate Dheerasinghe said: “Although the cost optimisation initiatives, to the Government of Sri Axiata PLC continued to Dialog Television (DTV) net interest income of Rs. 12.426 billion, impact of the shutdown of businesses the group’s Earnings Before Lanka during Q1 2020. Total contribute a major share of continued to consolidate its an improvement of 4.59%. necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic Interest, Tax, Depreciation, remittances included direct group revenue (70%) and group leadership position in the A 4.34% depreciation of the Sri is not yet reflected in the topline and Amortisation (EBITDA) taxes and levies amounting to EBITDA (75%). The company digital pay television space Lanka rupee against the US dollar in performance of the bank because we grew 4% QoQ and 1% YoY to Rs. 1.4 billion as well as Rs. further consolidated its market with a subscriber growth of the three months reviewed as against had relatively normal volumes up to record at Rs. 12.2 billion for Q1 3.1 billion in consumption leadership position in the Sri 25% YoY to reach 1.5 million an appreciation of 4.27% recorded in the middle of March, we did witness a 2020. The EBITDA margin was taxes collected on behalf of the Lankan mobile space to reach as at end-March 2020. DTV’s the first quarter of 2019, coupled with continuing worsening in the prospects accordingly recorded at 41.6%, Government. 15 million subscribers during revenue remained stable QoQ a revaluation of the bank’s foreign for certain business sectors. As a result, a 2.3 pp QoQ improvement for The group’s capital the quarter. The company’s and was up 8% YoY, amid currency assets and liabilities, resulted provisioning for impairment charges Q1 2020. expenditure was prioritised revenue was impacted by growing subscription revenue, in the bank posting an exchange profit during a single quarter reached an all- The group’s Net Profit After in Q1 2020, amid the Covid- slowdown in core revenues and to reach Rs. 2.2 billion. DTV’s of Rs. 6.514 billion, helping convert a time high in this quarter and will add Tax (NPAT) declined 39% 19 outbreak and associated reached Rs. 20.5 billion for Q1 EBITDA was recorded at net loss of Rs. 389.309 million in other to the burden of the bank in the post- QoQ and 69% YoY to reach challenges, which was recorded 2020. The revenue remained Rs. 676 million for Q1 2020 operating income in Q1 of 2019 to net Covid-19 recovery period.” Rs. 1.5 billion for Q1 2020, at Rs. 2 billion, representing stable QoQ and declined 2% increasing 43% YoY due to income of Rs. 6.587 billion in the three Commercial Bank Managing Director mainly resulting from the a capex to revenue ratio of YoY due to the ongoing shift in strong cost focus. However, months under review. S. Renganathan disclosed that the bank non-cash translational forex 7%. Capital expenditure was consumption behaviour from DTV’s reported net loss At the same time, a loss of Rs. 2.348 had increased its CASA ratio to 39.81% losses. The Sri Lankan rupee directed in the main towards voice to data. Underpinned increased to Rs. 227 million billion was recorded from trading in the from 37.10% at the end of last year, even depreciated against the US transforming Dialog into a by cost optimisations, the for Q1 2020 relative to a net quarter reviewed due to unrealised losses as it recorded extremely healthy deposit dollar by 4.6% in Q1 2020, digital telco, by digitising all company’s EBITDA for Q1 loss of Rs. 166 million for Q1 on forward foreign exchange contracts mobilisation in the reviewed three versus an appreciation of 3.6% spheres of the organisation, 2020 was recorded at Rs. 9.2 2019 resulting from the forex entered into by the bank. Consequently, months. and 0.1% in Q1 2019 and Q4 and to further strengthen billion, an increase of 4% QoQ losses.

Contd. from page 1

light of the pandemic. to China, Australia, and the UK to bring the Ceylon Fertiliser Company Ltd. and Companies... Given the public health and safety back their respective nationals home. Colombo Commercial Fertilisers Ltd. In Construction... The letter stated that only key officials concerns related to Covid-19, the CSE, Meanwhile, SriLankan is resuming flights February this year, state fertiliser firms Further, he noted that in the first who are essential for the administration “in its continued efforts to promote for selected destinations in the coming ordered about 79,000 metric tonnes of week of working, following the of the formalities of the meeting will be social distancing and discourage public weeks and bookings are being accepted at fertiliser for the upcoming season. prolonged curfew, working while physically presented in the boardroom, gatherings”, has offered guidance in the the moment. The airline is also launching However, farmers were seen maintaining social distance has been whereas all others including shareholders form of a list of solutions in order to assist special cargo flights from tomorrow (18) complaining about fertiliser shortage in troublesome as certain work required will participate via an online meeting listed companies in meeting their obligation onwards to facilitate Sri Lanka’s exports. the market. It is notable that despite the workers to be less than a metre away platform. of hosting their AGMs. Two of these curfew imposed islandwide, agricultural from each other, but they could “These measures are being adopted to solutions included virtual AGMs and hybrid activities were allowed to continue as not carry out such work due to the observe ‘social distancing’ requirements to AGMs. Govt. to save... usual. The National Fertiliser Secretariat regulations. mitigate the dangers of spreading the virus. The statement mentioned virtual AGMs Production of single superphosphate, is planning on introducing a formal “Let’s say there is a heavy yet small Adequate arrangements will be made for as an option of hosting company AGMs that which will be a substitute to triple mechanism to issue fertiliser. metal box that must be shifted from shareholders who wish to participate in comply with the regulatory requirements superphosphate that is currently being The Eppawala phosphorus deposits one place to another and it requires the AGM via an online meeting platform, and restrictions imposed as a result of the imported by the Government, is expected to caught the Sri Lankan Government’s a minimum of four people. How can with login information being forwarded Covid-19 pandemic. This may include commence this year. attention about 50 years ago, when social distancing be maintained in to shareholders well in advance of the electronic and teleconference mechanisms Plans to produce single superphosphate at around 60 million metric tonnes of this case? If social distancing is to meeting. Shareholders will be given the to host the AGM, such as Facebook Live, Eppawala have been in the pipeline for the phosphate was discovered within an area be maintained, how can we complete opportunity to raise any questions or WEB Ex, Zoom, and Webinar. past few years. of four square kilometres. The deposit is this task? This is a big question we comments on the matters listed on the As for hybrid AGMs, the CSE presented The Government in 2018 stated that steps considered one of the best 10 phosphate have,” he added. revised agenda for the meeting.” the option for a listed company to organise would be taken to commence production at deposits in the world. Moreover, he added that to maintain Other companies set to hold their and host a meeting which would be Eppawala, as Rs. 47 billion was being spent However, successive governments social distance inside the construction AGMs online include Pan Asia Banking simultaneously held at a physical and annually on phosphate fertiliser imports. have often been criticised for not elevator, workers are advised to Corporation PLC, which will proceed to virtual location, and would enable a However, this time, the proposal was harnessing its true potential. The deposit use the stairs, but if it is a high-rise hold its AGM and Extraordinary General company to conduct its AGM with minimal made by Minister of Mahaweli, Agriculture, contains a very minimal amount of building, taking the stairs to the 15th Meeting (EGM) on 16 June, and Amana physical presence which would mitigate the Irrigation, and Rural Development Chamal cadmium and arsenic compared other or 20th floor is tiring for the workers. Bank PLC, which has been postponed to 4 risk factor associated with the spread of the Rajapaksa due to the increased demand for deposits around the world, where the According to Gunatilleke, the June and will physically host its Board of virus. fertiliser driven by increased cultivation presence of these two elements is high. industry cannot work like this for a Directors while an online meeting platform this Yala Season. These two elements are known to long time as it is not beneficial for would be facilitated for shareholders who Import restrictions imposed to prevent detrimentally affect human health. the employers or the construction wish to join the AGM. SriLankan... a possible foreign exchange crisis in the According to the Central Bank of Sri workers who depend on their daily The CSE, in a statement dated 1 April, Nevertheless, SriLankan Airlines is still future have compelled Sri Lanka to rely Lanka, expenditure on fertiliser imports wages. stated that they have received several operating special flights to bring back solely on its local harvests and as a result, declined last year, led by lower import Sri Lanka’s GDP (gross domestic inquiries pertaining to the hosting of stranded Sri Lankans around the world, local agricultural activities have expanded volumes of urea. The expenditure was $ product) was Rs. 14,449 billion in AGMs, requesting guidance to comply while also operating cargo flights to a over the past few weeks. 221 million last year, compared to $ 261 2018, of which the construction with the mandatory requirement within the number of countries. In addition to this, The current demand for fertiliser is being million the previous year. sector’s contribution was boundaries of an accepted framework in SriLankan was also operating rescue flights satisfied through fertiliser imported via – Madhusha Thavapalakumar approximately Rs. 1,083 billion. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, May 17, 2020 ECONOMY Killing the aspirational Sri Lankan z How do we dangle a carrot when carrots are banned? superpower. stuck on the roadside, seeking shade government relief packages. Instead, By It all comes down to choice. during a thunderstorm. They want to every corporation has been taxed Japan as a nation could have move up in life to be able to afford heavily, even on profits earned over Dhananath withered away dreaming about their a vehicle. It’s the same situation; the prior years when the previous Fernando past glory, being the first nation everyone wants to live a good life Government was in power. to launch a purpose-built aircraft because they have all made enough From a different perspective, Sri carrier, the IJN (Imperial Japanese sacrifices. What is wrong with that Lankans who work abroad and send A friend of mine in his mid- Navy) Hosho, and later, to rule the and why should they have to pay for foreign remittances from the Middle 40s had a heart attack. I mean seas (at least for short while) with – the cock-ups since 1948? East, Europe, and Asia, do so to a real one. He was a dynamic to date – the largest battleship ever upgrade the living standards of their rugby player and a national- built, the IJN Yamato. Money isn’t families, who consume goods like level athlete in school. Japan lost the Pacific everything, but... vehicles and electronics. You can Everyone was dumbfounded theatre and ultimately the war, Aspirational people drive observe how fellow Sri Lankans buy at how a person with such a comprehensively. They arrived at the entire economy. They are TVs and washing machines from high level of physical fitness a crossroads and decided not to businesspeople who take on the risk duty-free shops at the airport. Do could possibly have a heart simply fade away. As I said earlier, of starting a business, pay salaries to you think it is fair to ask them to cut attack. I asked him: “When it simply comes down to choice, employees, and invest their money their usage of electronics to cover did you last hit the gym or go the choice Japan made. We all on research development and up the failures of our incompetent know what that was and so can technology. politicians who ruled the country for for a walk to burn calories?” comprehend why the West calls the GMOA (Government Medical If you ask students at a university the last seven decades? He replied: “After I left school, Japan the Land of the Rising Sun. Officers’ Association) requested tax or any young graduate during their How can we justify asking I did not do any exercises.” Japan is just like us, in that relief on duty-free vehicle permits job interview, what they hope to the middle class to sacrifice He has also been constantly it doesn’t have much in natural from the Government; this received achieve in five years, their most their living standards by eating greasy and unhealthy resources, despite churning out cars significant criticism online and likely response would be: “Build a downgrading them at the food. That being said, are and electronics to be exported by offline. house, buy a vehicle, and travel the cost of import controls for we still surprised at why a the shipload. Though I have my own opinion, world.” These are the three things someone else’s sins? They dynamic school athlete, who Returning to the Pearl of the keeping that aside, a question we that top the list. Why are banking have paid their taxes, they probably was the envy of Indian Ocean, the quagmire we face should ask ourselves is: Why, in jobs and even jobs at the Central have worked hard, and they some of his classmates at that raises the question: Have we been by the heat of a pandemic, is a leading Bank very high in demand? Simply have done their job time, suffered from a heart engaging in our daily 20-minute trade union requesting duty-free because of the so-called 4% interest Solution exercise to be in the game or at least concessions on vehicles, out of all rate for housing and vehicles attack? in the park, to keep pace with the the consumable goods? extended to staff. We hope the import controls Sri Lanka’s economic fate is no world? a vibrant economy. The economy Although I see their request Many alternative arguments have imposed are a temporary move and different. Definitely not. And as a result, also becomes a lot less scary. No as unfair, the reality is doctors come into the limelight; that we the Government will reconsider this We always reminisce at what a we have blocked our arteries and one wants to go for a holiday to are aspirational Sri Lankans, and have to measure happiness instead decision. In this column, we have blissful nation we were during King are staring down the barrel of an Kim Jong-un’s land. It’s just too vehicles are an element of an of our living standards; some say highlighted multiple times, backed Parakramabahu’s reign and how impending economic heart attack as boring…and scary. aspirational Sri Lankan; I would the material world is not the entire by facts, that import controls is not our state coffers were full when result. Similar to imposing price even dare to stay, a status symbol. world. That may be true, but for the way to defend our currency nor our colonial masters – the British controls, the Government may have If you look at the life cycle of a country which has continuously is it the path to economic prosperity. – left us. It’s a distant memory, No more new cars drifted towards this move with a doctor, you observe that they missed opportunities over and over In 1972, this experiment failed even surreal now; how strong the At the time of writing, the the good intention to manage our study very hard to get into medical again, and which is at the edge of comprehensively. At the same exchange rate was and how we Government announced a complete limited foreign currency reserves. college, study even harder for about another brewing economic crisis, time, too many controls means too were only second to now the third halt on the import of vehicles and Put simply, we have about Rs. 16 five to six years at that medical this is not a time to conduct any many regulations, and this may largest economy in the world – luxury goods for the next five years. billion in debt payments that need college, and undergo training at an social experiments and kill the contradict His Excellency, the Japan – just a shade over seven I want to get this off my to be fulfilled in the next two to four obscure hospital thereafter. After aspirations and hopes of young Sri President’s inaugural Independence decades ago in 1948. chest – the Government’s or years. To put things in perspective, burning so much midnight oil, is Lankans. Day speech where he hit the nail on Alas, we have been under the Finance Minister Dr. Bandula this is a colossal amount, equivalent it unfair for them to buy a vehicle Of course, I am a true believer the head on why Sri Lanka failed shade of a coconut tree with a Gunawardana’s definition of a to 16 times the debt-to-equity swap from the market? (I refer to the that money’s not everything, but to succeed, speaking of how badly kurumba (local king coconut) luxury good differs from mine. we transacted for the Hambantota general right for a doctor to buy there is a cycle that you come its people were treated with over- in hand dreaming of our past Maybe even your – the reader’s – Port. Regardless of good intentions, a vehicle, not a duty-free vehicle; to realise and your aspirational regulation. In unprecedented times, glory, while Japan, despite definition of a luxury good greatly this will follow a deadly sequence whether to utilise one’s aspirations motives are what brings you there. it is understood that we need to take getting nuked no less than differs from mine. of unintended consequences. at a cost of a pandemic, is a Most of our tariff lines on housing hard calls, but the cure cannot be two times, forged ahead as an A pertinent question is: How Leaving aside the revenue losses different discussion altogether). materials are above 60% and the fate worse than the disease. economic superpower. It all can a luxury good be defined? to the Government and the impact This fate seems to be shared by is the same for many consumables (The writer is the Chief comes down to choice And can imports be stopped in on the retail sector and bank credit, not only doctors but by everyone for middle-class people. How can Operating Officer of the Advocata this day and age without actually the biggest impact would be for who dreams big and is really we justify asking the middle class Institute and can be contacted at While all that is undoubtedly true, doing the opposite of what was “Aspirational Sri Lankans”. committed to contributing back to sacrifice their living standards [email protected]. Learn the world has evolved. And alas, intended; hurting the economy? A In any country, aspirations to the world. Young, middle-class by downgrading them at the cost of more about Advocata’s work at we have been under the shade of a high-end Mercedes, Lexus, Range and aspirational people drive the professionals work very hard to import controls for someone else’s www.advocata.org. The opinions coconut tree with a kurumba (local Rover, or BMW, even with the economy. They need a dangling accomplish the aspirations that sins? They have paid their taxes, expressed are the author’s own king coconut) in hand dreaming of present exorbitant taxes, might be carrot to entice and motivate them drive them. While writing this they have worked hard, and they views. They may not necessarily our past glory, while Japan, despite needed for the tourism industry. to reach higher. article, I recalled a TV advert by have done their job. The private reflect the views of the Advocata getting nuked no less than two Luxury goods send the right Let me give you a few examples. a finance company or bank, of sector hasn’t been given any vehicle Institute, or anyone affiliated with times, forged ahead as an economic signals to investors and tourists, of In the midst of the Covid-19 battle, a young couple on a motorcycle permits nor have they used any the institute) SLT Group’s operating profits Singer pre-tax profits down 9% in FY 2019/20 grow 28% in Q1 2020 The Singer Group Sri Lanka Telecom PLC digital products and services.” on Friday (15) reported (SLT) announced a group SLT Chief Executive consolidated profit before operating profit, for the three Officer Kiththi Perera stated: tax (PBT) of Rs. 611 million months ended 31 March, of “Our first quarter results for the fiscal year (FY) Rs. 3.2 billion on Friday (15), marked a steady financial 2019/20 amidst a challenging an improvement of 28.6% performance amidst the business environment, which compared to Q1 2019. Covid-19 pandemic. We had is a decrease of 9% from the Chairman Mohan Co-Chairman Singer Group The company said that the to pay attention to a variety of previous FY. Pandithage Dhammika Perera CEO Mahesh Wijewardene growth in operating profit is stakeholders, with employees However, consolidated despite the fact that the quarter and customers topping the operating profit recorded US-China trade restrictions, lease liabilities, the group’s under reference registered list, amidst focusing on low a growth of 3% to Rs. 4.1 and the recent islandwide net finance cost decreased an increase in depreciation disposable income levels of billion and at company level, shutdown due to the Covid- by 15% whilst the company cost as well as a provisioning the customers, coupled with operating profit had a growth 19 pandemic. reported a marginal 1% requirement of Rs. 536 million regulatory instructions to of 17% to Rs. 2.8 billion, Singer said the increase. Focused efforts as per the new Sri Lanka SLT Chairman Rohan SLT COO Priyantha SLT CEO Kiththi Perera refrain from disconnecting the reflecting wider gross profit improvements in gross towards effective working Financial Reporting Standards Fernando Fernandez unpaid subscribers, and the margins and improved cost profits reflect the group’s capital management coupled (SLFRS) regulations for collection of billed revenue for efficiencies. timely decisions in product with the gradual decline overdue debtors. It said the Sri Lanka rupee arising to the nation. The SLT Group the organisation.” The consolidated PAT of margin management and in interest rates enabled stringent measures were taken from the pandemic situation, also provided a multitude of SLT Chief Operating Officer Rs. 427 million showcased well-balanced product the group to record a 15% to manage operational cost the total forex loss for the bundled telecom packages Priyantha Fernandez added: a growth of 11% compared marketing mix, continued reduction in net finance costs. and investments in capital group was recorded as Rs. 683 at concessionary rates and “The ongoing accelerated to Rs. 386 million during the growth in hire-purchase This is excluding the IFRS 16 expenditure, which resulted million, which is a substantial free offers of data to certain fibre expansion project of previous year. The company interest income, and ongoing impact. in cost savings of 5% for the increase against the Rs. 172 segments,” the company said SLT under the National also recorded a net PAT of emphasis on streamlining Commenting on the quarter, amounting to Rs. 704 million gain for the same in a press release. Fibrisation Programme will Rs. 13 million, compared processes. Accordingly, the FY performance, Group million. period in 2019. Commenting on the further increase the fibre to Rs. 140 million achieved consolidated gross profit Chief Executive Officer Group net profit was The total revenue for the results, SLT Chairman Rohan footprint across the country last year. The group’s total margin was raised to 30% Mahesh Wijewardene said: recorded as Rs. 1.9 billion quarter was Rs. 22.1 billion, Fernando stated: “I’m proud targeting the consumer, comprehensive income for on a cumulative basis from “Despite a difficult business for the quarter, which is a which is a 3.8% growth of the management team and enterprise, and government the year is reported at Rs. 27.5% in the previous year. environment and continued 14.6% decline compared to compared to the Rs. 21.3 staff for their dedication and sectors, allowing them 449 million. Additionally, the Group administration challenging external the previous year. This is due billion during the same period commitment in providing an to enjoy ultra-high-speed group’s consolidated gross and selling expenses had environment as a result of to provisioning for overdue in 2019. uninterrupted service to the broadband access with the profit for the year increased witnessed a marginal 1% the Covid-19 pandemic debtors, exchange loss, and The latter part of the quarter nation during the Covid-19 lowest latency, and availing by 2% to Rs. 16.4 billion and decrease compared to the and ensuing economic an increase in financial cost. was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, while recognising an array of high-definition at the company level, gross previous year with company, ramifications, we continue During the period under pandemic, which required the national responsibility of audio and video entertainment profit increased by 6% to Rs. selling, and administration to drive forward persistently. reference, the SLT Group paid stringent health precautions the group. The group offered and digital services. Further, 13 billion. expenses also decreased by While the anticipated strong out a total of Rs. 4.4 billion and “work from home” free unlimited data and several the recently launched global The consolidated revenue 2%. Group and company earnings and an overall in direct and indirect taxes operating modules. other offers through both brand ‘Xyntac’ will better of the group was Rs. 55 net finance cost increased by solid performance did not and levies to the Government “The SLT Group, being SLT and Mobitel, making the position itself in the global billion. During the financial 6% and 28%, respectively, in materialise at the end of of Sri Lanka. Increased the foremost national connections among family, market. Accordingly, Xyntac year, Singer Group said its comparison to the previous the financial year, we will borrowings over the last telecommunication service friends, and relatives easier. will promote voice, data and revenues were adversely year, mainly due to recording continue to strengthen our few years for infrastructure provider connecting most By now, we are fully prepared connectivity, and innovative impacted mainly by the April of interest on lease liabilities businesses and further development has raised the of the essential services, and equipped not only to digital services with its 2019 Easter Sunday attack as per the implementation increase our competitiveness financial cost of the group by implemented business survive amidst the pandemic, product portfolio to cater and its prolonged impact of the new SLFRS 16 to deliver sustainable Rs. 317 million for the quarter. continuity plans to ensure an but also to reap the emerging to the ever-evolving global on the economy, the mobile accounting standard. profitable growth in the Due to the depreciation of uninterrupted quality service opportunities with novel market requirement.” phones sales drop due to Excluding interest on future.” 4 the sunday morning business E-COMMERCE/CONSTRUCTION Sunday, May 17, 2020 Charity deserves transparency This week saw the COVID- funds inviting tax-exempt private structures to channel these funds partner community and agencies the country’s preparedness for 19 Healthcare and Social contributions – India’s “PMCares together with the urgency with based on a harmonised national contagion by addressing existing Security Fund being branded Fund” chaired by Prime Minister which assistance had to reach the procurement system and best vulnerabilities. Itukama and packaged to Narendra Modi and Pakistan’s ground led to chaotic distribution, practices in governance and Given the state of our coffers and appeal to our inner patriot “Prime Minister’s Covid-19 haphazard record keeping, and a resource allocation. a brewing constitutional impasse, the as the Government seeks to Pandemic Relief Fund” headed by complete lack of accountability. That Effective oversight is vital in this Itukama Fund becomes an important enlarge the pandemic war Prime Minister Imran Khan. was a good learning of what not to undertaking; stringent governance funding source in our battle against chest. The fund, which has That there is effort being made do and how to do things better in a and independent audit must be Covid-19. The colossal cost of this been in existence since late to be informative and coherent national crisis. absolute priorities of the President pandemic to the nation will only be must be acknowledged. Sustained THE The Itukama Fund is to be and his team that manages this truly apparent months from now. March, has surpassed a billion transparency and communication managed by the Presidential fund. It is hoped that the right In the meantime, as health and rupees donated by both are critical to enjoy the continued HEADLIGHT Secretariat; its website lists the checks and balances have been security systems wage war while businesses and individuals. charity of our citizens. There names of its management committee built into the fund because every the economy stutters back, there It must be acknowledged that will always be detractors of such The post-tsunami experience that includes senior public servants Sri Lankan, whether they contribute are commitments that this request a single fund through which projects; true transparency is involved many allegations of and professionals holding key roles or not, deserves to know the funds for philanthropy should help meet. to receive and channel public the only way to battle the critics abuse and mismanagement of in the socioeconomic battle against are utilised as intended – to meet It is certainly a moment to do our donations is a good thing. Our and cynics, and to prevent the funds that flooded into the country Covd-19. The site also promises immediate health and social security duty, but it is also essential that our neighbours India and Pakistan conversion of supporters to through many institutions and even that funds will be raised in needs including bolstering the safety charity is respected in turn with a have both established similar detractors. individuals. The lack of formal co-ordination with the development of frontline staff and to strengthen commitment to accountability. Sri Lankans test positive for ‘cashless’ fever z Exponential growth in digital transactions z ‘Cashless society’ dream revitalised

BY UWIN LUGODA

Sri Lanka is estimated to spend 1.5% of its GDP on costs related to maintaining money as cash in the system. This has made physical currency a heavy burden on the country’s economy and led the Central Bank to launch several initiatives over the years to try to reduce cash and move towards a more cashless system. Ironically, Covid-19, one of the worst things to happen to both global and local economies, may actually be fast tracking this very Information and Communication Member of the National Trade Facilitation goal. Technology Agency of Sri Lanka Committee, and past Chairman of (ICTA) Director and Legal Advisor Import Section of Ceylon Chamber of According to Channa De Silva, One of the good things about Jayantha Fernando Commerce and SLSC Dinesh De Silva Customers already have If we can enable the micro- the CEO and General Manager of the outbreak is that people are Challenges many banking applications, merchants who play a LankaClear (Pvt.) Ltd., which is a now using a cashless system. to the islandwide curfew. with almost all banks big role in our economy, public-private partnership (PPP) Because of Covid-19, they Speaking from a non-banking According to Hatton National having a mobile banking and if they can be cashless set up under the Central Bank could not leave their homes to financial institution’s side, LOLC Bank (HNB) Chief Technology application so that they merchants, then there could of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in 2002, get cash the way they used to Finance Director and CEO Conrad and Digital Officer Rohan could pay bills and transfer be a big impact on our GDP constant access to cash and its through banks and ATMs Dias stated that they experienced Buultjens, they have seen a couple money to another person. and an increase in the prevalence in Sri Lanka have been LankaClear CEO and GM a similar growth in their digital of challenges when trying to But seamlessly doing it with efficiency of the supply chains one of the main deterrents when Channa De Silva payments of around 200% in implement cashless transactions. an unknown party is very and how customers will it comes to the country becoming the month of April through the This included a disconnect when important achieve their end objectives cashless. However, he explained company’s digital platform iPay. it comes to how a customer orders LOLC Finance Director and HNB Chief Technology and that since the coronavirus outbreak in 2019, has seen its monthly As a payment platform that an item, how the delivery takes CEO Conrad Dias Digital Officer Rohan Buultjens and curfew restrictions which registration volumes go up by facilitates online, real-time place, and finally when in terms made it difficult for people to more than 200% and monthly cash handling and omnichannel of the payment of the item. He travel about, including to banks transaction volumes grow by payments, Dias explained that stated that this disconnect also efficiency of the supply chains and first passed in 2006. and ATMs, people have been almost 100% between January and due to its end-to-end transaction occurs when a customer orders an how customers will achieve their The Act was set to create forced to adopt a cashless system. April this year. ability, LOLC is giving a solution item but does not know how the end objectives,” he explained. necessary legislation, enable the “One of the good things about He stated that last month alone, to both the vendors and customers payment works or when to make He stated that due to the country to make use of digital the outbreak is that people are now there were almost Rs. 1 billion during this time. the payment. pandemic, an opportunity has technology, and facilitate the using a cashless system. Because worth of transactions on the “Customers already have many Due to this, Buultjens stated that arisen to fast track a lot of the acceptance of electronic signatures of Covid-19, they could not leave platform, which added to a total banking applications, with almost they are looking at the problem solutions for these challenges, and electronic payments. “The their homes to get cash the way of more than Rs. 2.8 billion worth all banks having a mobile banking from both a customer’s and including those to do with ability to do your financial they used to through banks and of transactions since the start of application so that they could pay merchant’s points of view, and adoption, trust, and security. He transactions digitally becomes ATMs,” he said in a webinar on 2020. He went on to state that this bills and transfer money to another have made it their main objective explained that the current situation critical for businesses to function the “Importance of e-signatures was an impressive achievement as person. But seamlessly doing it to bridge this disconnect and has basically enabled them to effectively at a time like this.” to support digital payments and the limit on transactions is Rs. 25, with an unknown party is very bring convenience to their lives by reinvent themselves and given De Silva of LankaClear stated paperless trade” conducted by the 000 as of 2 April, an increase from important. So that is that gap we bringing the payment platform to a them a chance to “leap frog” in that one of the biggest challenges Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on the earlier limit of Rs. 10,000, have closed with the app which we level that is future-proof. certain technologies and functions they faced is getting people 13 May. and the average transaction value introduced,” he said. “We are looking at how we that could really help these started in a cashless system. He is During the webinar, De Silva being below Rs. 2,500. Dias explained that the platform can bring the ordering, delivery, organisations, merchants, and confident they would keep using said that JustPay, a payment Similar to this, also speaking is also used by SMEs (small and payment together and how customers. it after seeing its convenience. He product of LankaPay that allows at the webinar, Sanasa and medium-sized enterprises) that ecosystem can coexist, as Adding to this, Information stated that Covid-19 has helped customers to make retail payments Development Bank (SDB) CEO and large corporations, and well as how we can acquire these and Communication Technology fast track this by forcing people to using smart mobile devices by Thilak Piyadigama mentioned suggested that these organisations customers and merchants in a Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) adapt to it. transferring funds from their experiencing a major boost in use the current environment to seamless way. If we can enable Director and Legal Advisor “In a sense, Covid has got people, current or savings account to the the bank’s digital transactions focus on efficiency and to adopt the micro-merchants who play a Jayantha Fernando said there is including the older generations, merchant’s account directly, has between the months of March and technology. The company now has big role in our economy, and if no better opportunity than the to start using a cashless system, seen a significant increase in the April. According to him, there also enabled smaller companies they can be cashless merchants, current environment to fully and because of that, it will give last few months. Furthermore, the was a growth between 100% and to make their sales through the then there could be a big impact operationalise and implement us a boost when it comes to the platform, which was introduced 200% in the last two months due platform. on our GDP and an increase in the the Electronic Transaction Act adoption of this system.” Marina Square commences construction with new features Construction activities of the 36-story has been spending a lot of time reflecting on challenging situations similar to what we are Marina Square mixed development ways to improve and enhance the features experiencing currently.” project, which is being developed by and facilities offered to the condo owners Access Engineering PLC, China Harbour of Marina Square. As a result, we have Financial strength Engineering Company, and Mustafa introduced two squash courts, two additional Marina Square – Uptown Colombo Singapore, resumed on Monday, 11 May, the function halls, a table tennis lounge, snooker is a fully integrated mixed development developers announced last week. lounge, indoor children’s play area, a larger project and Sri Lanka’s first and largest General Manager Buddhika Gunarathne clubhouse, and a coffee bar to the already harbourfront development project by the stated: “Construction activities will extensive list of common element features three internationally reputed industry giants commence with a smaller workforce and will that were included. We are looking at using mentioned above. This multi-view luxury be gradually increased to the full capacity technology and new developments that will condominium complex offers a view of of operations, based on the advice of the facilitate the Marina Square condo owners all surrounding scenery from the Colombo relevant authorities.” experience, and the expertise to commence discuss and progress with as much work as to safely access and enjoy the two acres city skyline to the vast Indian Ocean to the He further stated that all construction operations and progress towards full possible. Current and potential customers of ‘open to sky’ gardens in this five-acre burgeoning Port City. Consisting of 1,068 activity will commence under strict capacity, as will be permitted by the will be happy to note that we have taken development, during similar ‘lockdown- condos, over 36 floors across five towers, adherence to all protocols and procedures authorities. The stabilisation of the supply this time to work on ways to enhance the type’ situations in the future.” will be a spectacle of its own in Colombo prescribed by the Ministry of Health and chain may take a little longer. However, we common area facilities offered to them and Joshua went on to state: “We assure all North. The benefits of vertical living are other authorities, and that all required are working with our partners and suppliers to plan the commencement of construction our valued customers that your investment also unparalleled with its design being built approvals have been granted for construction around the world to make this happen as activities. We are strategically evaluating in the Marina Square project will continue to suit the requirements of every modern work to begin on the Marina Square safely and efficiently as possible.” the options available to us to complete the to be a highly rewarding one. The Marina homeowner with a range of amenities that development project. Access Engineering PLC Managing Marina Square project as planned, and with Square project is backed by three strong ensure a hassle-free lifestyle over an expanse Representing the main contractor of Director Christopher Joshua added: “Work the least of delays.” multinational corporate developers; of five acres. the project, Zhou Yong said: “China on the Marina Square project did not come Access Engineering PLC, China Harbour For more information, please visit Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), to a standstill during this period under New features Engineering Company, and Mustafa the Marina Square – Uptown Colombo being a leading company in the world of curfew; we were all working from our Marketing Director Shivanka De Zoysa Singapore, with the collective financial website: www.marinasquare.lk or contact: construction, has the resources, knowledge, homes by way of regular online meetings to added: “The design and development team strength and resources to face and overcome 0763 050 000. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, May 17, 2020 MARKET/ HEALTHCARE

BY RANEL T. WIJESINHA Last week, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) saw nearly Rs. 1.5 billion net foreign outflow in less than Why we closed CSE only eight hours of trading. That is a total cumulative eight hours over several days. Lets not panic. I believe the trading period within a session or a trading day is for one day after Easter too short. The trigger to halt CSE that there is a need to study and people was difficult. I persevered Panic-driven outflow A larger coalition is known. Also, if the market implement such safeguards and even until I got all on conference, and Did we foresee a panic-driven Beyond the SEC and CSE, there is closes for the entire day, named a technical cell on Tuesday gave them each the freedom to think outflow of foreign investments from a role for listed entities – to convey when the trigger is reached immediately after the Easter Sunday individually, in pairs, and then all the CSE? Well, if it happened, we the steps they are taking to risk- even before noon on a day tragedy. That was over 12 months together and scheduled four to five would not have been surprised at mitigate or minimise the negative (which is not necessarily ago. The apex regulator and its rounds of calls, with two-hour gaps, all. A stock market is one where impact of their performance; brokers what other jurisdictions do) licensee must be proactive rather with a deadline for a decision by investors necessarily have the must be fully technologically and preceded by a seven- than passive or reactive; they must early Sunday evening, at which time ease of entry and exit. What was enabled and compliant; investment week “holiday”, any investor be innovative, they must ensure that I finally presented my thoughts. In important was to convey that we advisors and analysts must showcase whether foreign or domestic, certain brokers – SEC’s licensees – minutes, we achieved consensus. We as a country were back in business, the positives where such positives also do not hold a market to ransom. discussed pros and cons, merits and the corporates or listed entities had are present; unit trusts and mutual would hasten his/her exit. Neither must the SEC nor the CSE demerits, risks and safeguards. no curtailment in their business, funds must be more active since the Any seasoned regulator who be politically interfered with. I hope fundamental values were thus not clients in their category need their has studied circuit breakers knows none of these have happened. A call from the Prime affected, the CSE and the SEC was advice more in a Covid-19 context; Minister that when you are getting close Former SEC Chairman, Ranel Wijeinha at work, etc. and institutional investors and to the point – the predetermined Bangladesh not our Interestingly enough, as we We needed to convey that this provident, pension, and insurance percentage when the circuit breaks; benchmark possibility of detractors “crashing” finalised the written communication, was a security breach at hotels funds have a role. investors/brokers will expedite I have heard the argument that the market to embarrass the and I had subjected it to a few and other places. The forces Government policies and their sales since you think you will the Bangladesh Stock Exchange Government and the regulator – the rounds of careful editing in view of had stepped in to ensure safety economic strategies can provide otherwise be saddled with a stock closed for a similar period. SEC – more so since the SEC was the sensitivity of the issues and had and security on an islandwide confidence, trust, and the right you could have sold. And saddled Bangladesh is not our benchmark. being loosely faulted for the poor just given the go-ahead for release, basis. It was unlike the self- investor sentiment. In a Covid- for how long? Investors are required Our CSE is many years ahead of performance of the market by either I had a call from a State Minister on inflicted October revolution 19 context, the role of the public to see light at the end of the Covid- them. Their market capitalisation persons who had committed capital behalf of the Prime Minister. They – the constitutional coup health professionals and public 19 tunnel. There is no certainty is impressive today, but I recall market offences, opportunists, were assembled at a special meeting which questioned the nation’s health systems, the contribution of about whether there will be a second how a former Deputy Prime critics, or detractors. at Temple Trees and I was urged parliamentary democracy and the private health sector, and the wave, even in countries like ours Minister of Bangladesh, who not to close the market, given that independence of the judiciary, responsibility we have as private who are certainly more organised was a former President of the Consultations, the Government would have been and billions who came in after citizens – the latter to contribute than most. Institute of Chartered Accountants convergence, and considered weak if we did so. our hard work at Invest Sri Lanka to containing the contagion and of Bangladesh and President of consensus I simply explained what our sessions in September in London helping exit the lockdown – in A seven-week closure the South Asian Federation of The decision to close was based rationale was, the basis for the and Edinburgh sadly exited from an incremental manner are all I am fully conversant with Accountants, the late Jamal Uddin on a series of conference calls I had decision to close, and that it had the market. important. index-driven circuit breakers and Ahmad, asked me on his many visits with all concerned at the SEC, CSE, been taken in consultation with trading halts, and even what certain to Sri Lanka how we were able to WTC( World Trade Centre), the all key persons. The caller, a Cue the inflows Basis for recovery jurisdictions have – security-specific achieve so much at our CSE as far forces, Intelligence personnel, the professional himself, accepted my In the three weeks after the My purpose is not to be critical, trading halts. However, I cannot back as in the very early 1990s. I Head of STF, and others (non-SEC, rationale when I further said that I Easter attacks, the CSE recorded cynical, or political, even though identify with the CSE putting shared many ideas with him and CSE persons given the fact that the was risk-managing even the image a net foreign inflow of Rs. 1.5 when we held office, that was up shutters and for as long as arranged many visits for him to CSE is housed in a prime target, of the Government and the Office billion. This was because we the game certain people played. I seven continuous weeks, let alone the CSE. I recall there was a time the WTC). We opened on Tuesday, of the Prime Minister by closing the did not put up our shutters, get represent an apolitical, independent, successive days in one whole week. the market capitalisation of the 30 minutes later than normal to market to prevent, what I termed, into the woodwork, adopt a and professional community, Curfews and lockdowns are not a Bangladesh Stock Exchange was accommodate the tempering of what “a less-than-market-forces-driven defeatist attitude, and twiddle our however small that category defence to “lock up” the exchange one sixth of ours. might earlier have been brought possible free fall” and offered to thumbs. Instead, we rolled up our is. Thus, I have no intention to and throw the keys away as it were forward – knee-jerk, sell decisions. speak to the PM directly. Instead, I sleeves and engaged in market reciprocate that “virus”. In an overall in today’s technologically advanced The Easter attacks The closure on Monday was was asked to go ahead. We did not development. We not only opened context, my guiding philosophy, era. The situations are vastly different. a deeply thought-out, carefully waver. Neither did we waver to open the market, we also promoted the on a positive note, is that there is a The SEC and CSE need to get The reason for closure, although considered, collectively converged the market on Tuesday. Our decision market. We had an Investor Forum sound basis for recovery, and that back on the drawing board in order announced through internal upon decision. I engaged all key had been well thought out and we in Singapore barely a couple recovery is a responsibility of all to design a hierarchy of safeguards, communications and releases to the SEC and CSE executive directors were conscious of the 5% circuit weeks later. Global TV stations stakeholders. trading halts, circuit breakers, media for the purposes of safety on Sunday within half an hour of breaker. We heaved a sigh of relief interviewed us. We showcased the (The writer is the former and maybe even security-specific and security, was in my mind the bombs exploding in various when the market behaved and there opportunities for foreign portfolio Chairman of the Securities and interventions. I advised the CEO of heavily weighted to risk-manage the parts. Tracking down certain key was no need for any break or halt! investment. We worked at it. Exchange Commission [SEC]) Doctors and pills delivered to your home advanced Covid Self-Assessment Tool, which They explained that since the outbreak, Digital companies reduce the strain on our health sector is based on WHO (World Health Organisation) consumers have had no physical access to a BY UWIN LUGODA and CDC (Centres for Disease Control and pharmacy, which has made it mandatory for Prevention) guidelines that are continuously them to reach out to online pharmacy services, As demand for medical updated. It is available in Sinhala, Tamil, and similar to the way they have for other essential professionals, hospitals, and other English,” he noted. goods such as food. Due to this, the platform healthcare facilities keeps growing Dr. Wickramasinghe further stated that from has experienced a significant shift in consumer across Sri Lanka, there has never their B2B side, the platform has signed over behaviour towards online pharmacies. been a greater need to diversify 20 companies to their corporate subscription Basnayake and Wijesinghe stated that since the country’s healthcare sector and programme since the beginning of Covid-19, the outbreak, Healthnet has been seeing an find a more efficient solution in which increased their total number of corporate increase in daily traffic to their website, partners to over 60. amounting between 30,000 and 40,000 visits order to reduce the overall strain on He explained that the biggest challenge they per day. Furthermore, despite this increase in healthcare professionals. faced before the outbreak was convincing the user operational demand, they have faced challenges This has brought in a new appreciation to do the first consultation on oDoc. However, of having to work with minimum resources towards local digital healthcare services such Dr. Janaka Wickramasinghe Rangika WIjesinghe Deeshana Basnayake with the Covid-19 outbreak and telemedicine due to the lockdown and being only able to as telemedicine companies and e-pharmacies, being the first response to it, a lot more people mobilise a section of their staff. and they have seen a significant growth in the virus or spreading it, telemedicine is the best way The platform also looks at improving the have used it and felt how convenient and effective In order to handle this increase in demand, usage of these services since the start of the forward. You minimise the risk of contracting health of citizens by giving increased access it is. Due to this, even post-Covid it will be the they stated that they have activated remote Covid-19 outbreak. and spreading the virus. You can use oDoc to get to healthcare, reducing healthcare expenditure new norm, he said. working and working-from-home procedures In light of this, The Sunday Morning Business your initial consultation done and get advice on by reducing demand for tertiary healthcare, for some staff, changed some of their processes spoke to two of the most prominent players in what you need to do based on your symptoms,” and increasing the productivity of citizens and Pharmacy online that were identified as bottlenecks, optimised this market segment to determine the response said Dr. Wickramasinghe. associated economic benefits. Healthnet is Sri Lanka’s first full service available resources, and stretched the working they have received during the prevailing virus Telemedicine looks to address several issues Dr. Wickramasinghe stated that since the e-pharmacy. According to its CEO/Director hours while introducing two shifts for outbreak in the country. of the local healthcare system in the current start of the pandemic, the app has had over Deeshana Basnayake and COO/Director Rangika operations. environment. These include the congestion 25,000 downloads, with around 5,000 video Wijesinghe, their orders and deliveries went up Speaking on the training procedure of Telemedicine of public healthcare facilities which leads to consultations completed just last month. a few fold compared to their usual traffic during their delivery partners during the current Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, an increase in the transmission of the disease, Accordingly, in order to deal with this sudden the few months prior to the outbreak. They environment, the two stated that their deliveries Dr. Janaka Wickramasinghe, the Co-founder access to healthcare, healthcare expenditure due increase in consultation volumes, they have had stated that while it is hard to provide an exact are anyway done in compliance to the guidelines and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of oDoc, to increased demand for tertiary healthcare, and to bring onboard over 150 additional doctors to number, the number of deliveries has increased stipulated by the NMRA through their own staff. Sri Lanka’s largest telemedicine company, the risk of exposing elderly patients to Covid-19. the platform. This has increased the number of by a few thousand. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, they stated that the demand for oDoc has increased According to Dr. Wickramasinghe, oDoc doctors on the app to over 600. First introduced in 2016, Healthnet delivers have further enhanced this by following WHO immensely over the past few months, especially gives three solutions for the issues plaguing He stated that all these doctors have to follow pharmaceuticals to the consumer’s doorstep for standards when it comes to social distancing, with the Government endorsing telemedicine the current healthcare system: Giving initial the most up-to-date protocols published by the the existing retail market prices without any such as conducting deliveries while wearing as a response to staying safe during Covid-19. medical advice, care for domestic isolated, and Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical extra charge. Consumers can place their order personal protective equipment (PPEs) and The oDoc app allows patients to consult care for vulnerable groups. Services specifically when dealing with Covid- by sending their prescriptions and required cashless transactions. doctors via video, audio, or text, thus enabling Initial medical advice includes unwell 19. Furthermore, he said the platform has joined personal details via the Healthnet website, mobile Basnayake and Wijesinghe stated that patients to do so in the safety and comfort of individuals first doing online consultations hands with government doctors to launch the Sri app, email, Viber, WhatsApp, or general line. while there could be a certain percentage of their own homes. It also allows patients to without having to go to a hospital. After the Lanka National Telemedicine Service on behalf The platform provides high service quality due consumers who may go back to the conventional channel Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC)- consultation, they can be directed to a hospital of the Ministry of Health, with the support of the to the end-to-end services provided in-house. methods post Covid, those who believe in social registered doctors, obtain medical advice, receive for examination if needed. This is set to reduce Information and Communication Technology Healthnet sources all medications directly distancing and have experienced the benefits prescriptions, and even get medicine delivered. congestion and the risk of infection from other Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA). from licensed importers and authorised agents. of online services will continue to patronise Currently, oDoc has over 200,000 Sri Lankan patients. “Through this CSR (corporate social Prescriptions are prepared by Sri Lanka Medical digital services. Healthnet currently delivers users and acts as a B2B (business-to-business) As for the second use, individuals who have responsibility) initiative, every Sri Lankan has Council (SLMC)-certified pharmacists and within the Colombo District and intends to app for over 60 local corporates by helping the been quarantined can use the platform to obtain the option to obtain a video consultation with delivered using temperature-controlled transport expand to other regions of the country. employers provide their employees with medical medical advice as their movement is restricted. a government doctor free of charge via oDoc units. The platform adheres to the regulations and The greatest advantage of digital care. Recently, the home-grown service expanded Finally, vulnerable groups such as the elderly from the comfort of their homes,” he explained. guidelines set forth by the National Medicines healthcare services such as telemedicine their operations internationally to India and with other underlying health conditions, who are This has increased daily consultations through Regulatory Authority (NMRA) functioning and e-pharmacies is that they promote the Maldives. It also won the Commonwealth doubly vulnerable to Covid-19 and have seen the app by 10x and made oDoc the number under the purview of the Ministry of Health. accessibility in medical care, which is Digital Health Award in Telemedicine and the higher mortality rates the world over, can use one medical app on Google Play and Apple “Consumers who are essentially patients need currently a hurdle faced internationally as e-Swabhimani Digital Social Impact Award. the platform to avoid visiting crowded hospitals App Store for Sri Lanka, even above other to have uninterrupted access to health services, well as locally. Therefore, the increasing “In a pandemic like this, where even stepping unless absolutely necessary. Prescription e-channelling apps. despite any prevailing situation,” said Basnayake popularity of them in Sri Lanka is something out could increase the risk of us catching the renewals could also be handled by the platform. “Many users are downloading oDoc to use our and Wijesinghe. that should provide comfort to us all. 6 the sunday morning business HR/TRADE Sunday, May 17, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA Last week saw Sri Lankan businesses recapture a semblance of normalcy as their employees started returning to work following the curfew imposed due to Covid-19. However, Tech skills, soft skills, many industries in the country have been changed for good, and this includes a change in the type of skills many companies will look for when hiring post Covid. According to Dialog Axiata PLC Group and adaptability Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dr. Rainer Deutschmann, a study conducted by they need to find a career. We need to move Mckinsey Global Institute showcased that Corporate bigwigs outline post-Covid recipe for employee success away from critically looking at what jobs this shift was already on the way, even for most companies, more people on different and careers are waiting for us and look at before the outbreak. It stated that many jobs levels of an organisation will be tasked with the areas we need to focus on which can be requiring physical and manual work and leadership roles. Gunasekara stated that moulded, and then adapt to all these areas, those deemed repetitive will be replaced by this makes leadership another must-have because that is what is going to give you the robotic automation, while new jobs requiring skill, as people will work in more fluent and best chance of employment,” Gunasekara a newer set of skills will open up to the fluid teams, with shared responsibilities and noted. people. shifting leadership positions. Adding to this, Hemas Pharmaceuticals During a webinar on “Careers for Sri “Professionals with strong leadership Managing Director Kasturi Chellaraja Lankan youth in the post-Covid-19 world”, skills, including those who know how Wilson, who was also at the forum, stated conducted by the Rotaract Club of the to bring the best out of the team and that even from a healthcare perspective, skills University of Moratuwa on 11 May, Dr. encourage collaboration in a remote working such as adaptability will play a huge role Deutschmann stated that the youth will have environment, will also see a lot of demand,” in one’s career. She explained that despite a better opportunity to change their path and he noted. healthcare being an essential and resilient adapt to these skills in order to jump into the Dialog Axiata PLC Group Hemas Pharmaceuticals JKH Executive Vice President, He went on to state that this will lead to a industry, people need to be able to capitalise jobs that are in demand. These skills include Chief Operating Officer Managing Director Chief People Officer, and need for emotional intelligence as well, since on the gaps in the market. Dr. Rainer Deutschmann Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson Head of Sustainability higher cognitive skills, social and emotional Isuru Gunasekara people are going to be working from a work Wilson stated that post Covid, the change skills, and technological skills. environment with less in-person connections. in consumer behavior and the different Similar to Dr. Deutschmann, John unless they have data literacy and therefore, transformation seen during the outbreak, This will further emphasise the need for channels through which they consume these Keells Holdings (JKH) Executive Vice professionals equipped with the skills to professionals with digital skills such as employees to be able to inspire and motivate healthcare services will be what leads to President, Chief People Officer, and Head of understand data will be more appealing to coding, web development, and digital others through newer forms of connections. innovation in the industry. Therefore, the Sustainability Isuru Gunasekara stated at the employers in the future. marketing will be more in demand. Finally, Gunasekara stated that something industry is going to give opportunities for forum that while sectors such as healthcare, Dr. Deutschmann agreed with this, stating “People who can keep digital businesses that is going to matter throughout all the those skilled in adaptability and technology. digital and content marketing, finance, and that from a telecommunications perspective, running through an economic downturn are industries is one’s professional presence, “You should be agile, you should be IT-related fields are favoured to be some their industry is becoming a software going to be on that must-hire list. Given that with how potential employees present and creative and adaptive, you should not hold career paths that are in immediate demand industry and are not finding enough people most companies are digitally based in some articulate themselves also playing a huge role on to one technical space and say that ‘I am post Covid, people must move away from who have software and analytical skills who way, opportunities for digital skills will be in the hiring process. of this profession so I can’t think about these looking at resilient career paths and instead are able to apply those skills in a business countless,” he said. He explained that most of these skills have other skills’. With regard to healthcare or any look at reskilling themselves. environment. He explained that the future always been somewhat of a deciding factor other business, you will have to think about workforce of the country should be open to Human ingenuity when entering a workforce, but post Covid, how you can capitalise on the new trends that Tech skills learning software skills, such as front-end, Apart from technology, the outbreak also these soft skills will be some key aspects come up,” Wilson said. With businesses depending on mid-end, or back-end development. showcased the importance of businesses companies look at when hiring, which would Dr. Deutschmann added that there is only technological aspects such as AI (artificial From an analytics point of view, Dr. being creative and innovative, as many really help these companies take off in the one way to remain relevant in a post-Covid intelligence), big data, AR (augmented Deutschmann stated that the company is businesses including supermarkets switched long run. reality; commit to a lifetime of learning. reality), and robotics, to make them more not only looking for data scientists and data to delivery services and shifted to new When faced with a tight job market, resilient in the future, Gunasekara suggested engineers, but also data translators, who are products in order to weather the storm. Adapt and thrive professionals with advanced and expert that being tech savvy would be another key people knowledgeable in analytics as well According to Gunasekara, this is the third Gunasekara stated that one of the main job skills will still be in demand and will skill to make oneself more marketable. as in the business domain. He went on to set of skills companies would look at when skills the youth of Sri Lanka should aim likely struggle less to find employment, “This pandemic has fast-tracked the state that these data translators can be part of hiring employees, due to a need for human to master is adaptability. He explained that he noted, adding: “Even though there is technological transformations of many other industries too, including manufacturing, ingenuity; to invent new products and be people looking to succeed in a post-Covid ample opportunity for everyone, it is not companies. Therefore, anyone who can help FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), and critical to the workforce. world will need to be able to adapt to a easy. You need to know your stuff and these companies exploit these technologies financial and insurance services. He explained that post Covid, businesses frequently evolving workplace and possess that means studying is required, and you will be in a great position,” Gunasekara noted. The duo noted: “The point is to get will be looking more towards the soft skills the ability to continuously update and refresh need practical applications through things These technological skills also include the business problems cast into analytics of their potential hirings, rather than the hard their skill set by committing to a lifetime of like internships. You need to have deep being skilled in data literacy. Gunasekara requirements and solve the business skills which are not difficult to find in the learning. knowledge of a domain and you need to be explained that the right data companies will problems.” current environment. “Access to jobs is not what is important able to work in a team. So you can never stop be able to predict future disruptions and be Gunasekara stated that other technological Based on the prediction that future for the youth in an environment like this learning, because most industries are based able to better serve their customers. However, skills which will garner demand are digital workforces will expand in size and working one. What they should focus on are their on technology, and technology is constantly this data is useless to these companies and coding skills. He explained that with the from home might be a more practical option overall skills and being adaptive; this is what changing.” Trade deficit widened How Microsoft supports to $ 574 m in February The deficit in the trade account widened year growth, while foreign investment in in February 2020 to $ 574 million from the government securities market and the Sri Lanka’s tea industry $ 451 million in February 2019, as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded increase in imports surpassed the increase net outflows in February 2020. Sri Lanka’s multimillion-dollar Stakeholders on all sides of in exports, Central Bank data showed. The Sri Lankan rupee, which remained tea industry is heavily reliant the tea industry have praised However, on a month-on-month basis, the relatively stable up to the second week of on the Colombo Tea Auction, CICRA Solutions for deploying trade deficit in February 2020 recorded March 2020, depreciated significantly in a weekly event that has been its impactful solution so quickly. a contraction. On a cumulative basis, the latter part of March up to mid-April held under rules and procedures Anil Cooke, who heads a task the trade deficit widened to $ 1,304 2020, but started to stabilise thereafter, largely unchanged since they force at the Ceylon Tea Trade million during the first two months of and recorded a significant appreciation in were first laid down in the 1880s Association, said the e-auction 2020, compared to $ 1,069 million in the the first week of May 2020. The Central and 1890s. solution “has transformed the corresponding period of 2019. Bank has said it expects significant Until now, putting lots of fine lives of almost two million The tourism industry, which recovered implications on the external sector Ceylon tea under the hammer people in the Sri Lanka tea faster than expected in the aftermath of the performance from the Covid-19 pandemic and up for export was a noisy industry by sheltering them from Easter Sunday attacks, was affected again from March 2020 onwards, particularly in and very physical affair. Bidding the consequences of a Covid-19 with the outbreak of Covid-19 evolving the areas of merchandise trade, tourism, echoed in rapid-fire across shutdown”. as a pandemic from late February 2020. workers’ remittances, and foreign the three theater-like auction “The e-auction, with all its Workers’ remittances recorded a year-on- investment. rooms that were often packed competitiveness and nuances, with hundreds of brokers and auction process. “all team members worked and was launched in less than a officials, many of them jotting Within just six days, the contributed from home, which week through herculean effort, down numbers of paper sheets. CICRA Solutions team was was made easy by Microsoft dedication, strong collaboration This ritual ended in mid- able to digitally transform the Teams”. between stakeholders, and very March, not because it was auction process by creating an “Azure SQL services were smart and tireless work by regarded as old-fashioned or e-auction platform to enable used for database hosting. CICRA,” he said. inefficient, but as a matter of business continuity. Therefore, it was much easier Eashan Perera, who is the health and safety. With some guidance from to do the configurations while Deputy General Manager at “When the Covid-19 pandemic Microsoft’s experts, CICRA doing speedy development. It Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, hit our country, it was impossible Solutions moved ahead with a was a plus point that we could described the switch as “an for our traditional tea auction two-step approach. Eventually, scale up the servers as per the absolute blessing” that “has to follow social distancing it would develop an advanced performance requirements,” injected much-needed cash flows and other health guidelines,” e-auction platform for long-term Gayan said. into the plantation sector at a time recalled Sri Lanka Tea Board use. But in a crucial first stage, “For the application server, we when the pandemic has crippled Tea Commissioner Jayantha it quickly developed a minimum used Azure App Services. UAT many (other) industries”. Edirisinghe. viable product (MVP) solution and production environments “In these challenging times, The auction schedule was that re-established business are managed in different members from our partner suspended for two weeks. continuity. deployment slots. As there was network are building innovative With a potentially devastating Buying and selling are now a requirement to restrict access, solutions to support the economy economic shock looming, the conducted safely and securely we used Azure CDN and the geo- and business community,” noted Sri Lanka Tea Board and its Tea via Microsoft Azure, with filtering features. During the live Microsoft Country Manager to Traders’ Association turned to a traders bidding virtually from operation, we monitored system Sri Lanka and the Maldives local Microsoft partner, CICRA their homes or offices. The first performance using Application Hasitha Abeywardena. “Tea Solutions. e-auction went off well with high Insights. It was very useful to is the second largest export The company had previously demand. take necessary actions related earning of Sri Lanka exports. scored successes for the industry “It was quite a challenging to product scaling. The e-auction platform that by automating its complex project for all of us,” said CICRA “Our long-term objective is CICRA Solutions built during tea brokering practices and Solutions Engineering Manager to further develop this solution our ‘Combat Covid-19 Challenge modernising the Tea Board’s Buddhika Gayan. “We only had into a world-class tea and for ISVs’ took them less than back office system. Now with six days to complete the product commodity auction solution six days and is helping the Sri the pandemic worsening, the and manage the full development with AI (artificial intelligence) Lankan tea industry transition time has come for a digital lifecycle.” Because of restrictions and analytics and then market and adapt to a new normal in a transformation of the whole on movement around Colombo, that globally.” post-pandemic world.” the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, May 17, 2020 AVIATION

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. As part of the deal, the The extreme restrictions on air American Government will acquire about travels and prolonged closures of 10% of Delta stocks at $ 24.39 per share airports for international tourists over five years. The fund comes from the brought about by Covid-19 have Treasury’s payroll support programme and made 2020 the most challenging includes an unsecured 10-year low-interest year for the global aviation loan of $ 1.6 billion. industry in its history. The gravity What is SriLankan Airlines of this crisis could be understood doing? by the fact that a few of the SriLankan Airlines is the national carrier world’s prominent airlines have of the country and is the largest airline gone bankrupt with a few more in Sri Lanka in terms of the number of expected to fold over the coming aircraft and destinations. It has an all- months. airbus fleet of 25 aircraft and flies to 96 destinations in 46 countries. The world’s second oldest airline and According to the International Air the second largest airline in Latin America, Transport Association (IATA), Sri Lanka is Avianca Holdings’ Colombia carrier filed likely to lose $ 715 million in revenue this for bankruptcy two weeks ago. Early year due to the impact of Covid-19. At the March, the UK regional airline Flybe beginning of April, SriLankan announced entered administration, a practise similar mandatory salary reductions of staff to declaring bankruptcy, and in mid- Getting back starting from 2.5% to 25% for a period April Virgin Australia entered voluntary of three months, effectively dismissing administration. all salary increments for the year 2020. It Even though now the countries are has also sent 400 contract staff on three increasingly easing down their restrictions months’ no-pay leave till July. and removing lockdowns in a bid to SriLankan Airlines Chairman Ashok facilitate normalising their citizens’ lives Pathirage expects a revenue drop of $ 400 and businesses, and also to allow breathing on their wings million in the coming year. Before the space for their economies, it is very much pandemic, SriLankan predicted the loss unlikely that the aviation industry would for the ongoing financial year to be $ 120 return to normal anytime soon. How do foreign airlines’ recovery efforts compare with SriLankan’s million. However, since it is better to engage On 6 March, the airline temporarily in some flying than being completely destinations and 111 international terms of the number of passengers carried. carry extra cargo. This move is part of suspended its flights to China to ensure grounded, a number of international destinations in 74 countries including the The group has just over 750 planes while their efforts to meet the capacity crunch no Covid-19 carriers or patients enter into airlines are preparing to get back US, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Lufthansa has about 300 planes. through expansion of cargo services. 51 the country. However, on 18 March, the in business in the coming weeks. By 20 March, United Airlines shut down Soon after the Covid-19 outbreak in weekly cargo flights were operating from Government decided to close the country’s Nevertheless, this time “getting back in 95% of its international schedule due to Europe, on 2 March, Lufthansa announced Germany and Austria to Asia. After Easter, international airport, Bandaranaike business” could not be done merely by Covid-19. From 1 April onwards, they that they are cancelling about 7,100 35 weekly flights were added exclusively International Airport (BIA), for both disinfecting aircraft cabins or following suspended flights to and from Canada to flights for about a month due to lower for cargo transport. departing and arriving passengers. A few any other accustomed routine, as America and from America following both demand and the suspension was later weeks later, departing passengers were airlines are in a critical position to make the countries’ decision to close the border continued until 1 June later. In early April, Delta Air Lines allowed to go out of the country but themselves viable despite global volatility between them for non-essential travel. Lufthansa group closed its Germanwings Delta is another leading american passenger arrival still remains closed. or risk going bankrupt. The final westbound departure of United budget airline as part of a wider cutback. carrier. As of March 2020, Delta Air Nevertheless, SriLankan is actively Amidst pay cuts and laying off Airlines was on 25 March, while the final Lufthansa-owned Brussels Airlines Lines operated a fleet of 913 aircraft bringing back Sri Lankan immigrants from employees, airlines have had to come up flight from Cape Town departed on 28 reduced its workforce by 1,000 employees manufactured by Airbus and Boeing. a number of countries including India, with efficient financial plans and operation March. Prior to all these suspensions, early this month. Delta flies to over 300 destinations in 60 Singapore, Australia, and the UK to which models to ensure sustainability in the United suspended routes to Japan and On a preliminary basis, the group’s countries. the airline charges higher than the usual industry. In order to draw comparisons China at the height of the virus outbreak revenue fell by 18% to € 6. 4 billion in the Delta Air Lines last week said it has rates. It also operated rescue flights for with our very own SriLankan Airlines’ in China. first quarter ended on 31 March 2020. In suspended service at 10 US airports from China, Australia, and the UK, helping their recovery strategy, The Sunday Morning For the first quarter of 2020, the airline’s March alone, revenue declined by about 13 May onwards in a bid to minimise their respective immigrants to come back home. Business decided to take a look at a net loss was around $ 1.7 billion and the € 1.4 billion or 47%. At that point, the employees’ exposure to the virus, until at A few weeks ago, the airline managed to number of international airlines that have company noted that the impact would airline stated that they will run out of cash least September 2020. Furthermore, Delta launch dedicated cargo services to a host already begun flying or are preparing to be higher in the second quarter due to in the coming weeks. has downgraded 10 of its primary airports of destinations to facilitate Sri Lanka’s operate in the coming weeks and their an almost standstill of flight operations. exports. It is learnt that the airline is plans on how they are going to financially The revenue for the quarter was below receiving cargo inquiries now, which survive this global battle. analysts’ estimate of $ 8.2 billion. To deal would strengthen the airline financially for with the crisis, its CEO and President a certain extent. American Airlines decided to forego 100% of their basic The Sunday Morning Business also American Airlines is one of the salaries while other officers took a pay learnt that several lease payments of prominent and largest airlines in the world. reduction of 50%. SriLankan have been deferred following In terms of the fleet size and revenue, the Nevertheless, following a slow and the requests made by the airline, while airline is the biggest airline in the world. gradual easing down of restrictions and new credit lines were also opened. When It is also the second largest airline in the green signals for essential travels, United we contacted SriLankan Airlines for world in terms of destinations served, in Airlines is planning to resume four flights to additional information on this matter, they which United Airlines is on the lead. Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai from June refused to comment at the moment. In mid-March, the airline said it will onwards. Furthermore, it plans to resume SriLankan is accepting bookings for implement a phased suspension of nearly three weekly flights to Japan. However, it is outbound flights to London, Hong Kong, all of its long-haul international flights learnt that United is further reducing many and Tokyo in May, while most of the due to reduced demand for air travel and of its European flights this summer and airlines in the region are yet to fly to these restriction placed on country-to-country focusing more on the Asian region. destinations. Furthermore, the airline also travel to mitigate Covid-19. This was a United Airlines suspended its long- recently said that it will operate 27 special reduction of nearly 75% of its international running service between Singapore and SriLankan is to operate 27 special cargo flights from tomorrow (18) cargo flights from 18 May onwards, from capacity. The airline’s domestic capacity Hong Kong in 2017 as the airline decided Colombo to Europe, Middle Eastern too was reduced significantly in the to fly Singapore to the US Westcoast As a move towards mitigating the as secondary airports. In March, the countries, and India. following months. instead. However, the carrier has once financial impact of the pandemic on airline initially suspended flights from With the pandemic, it is still unknown As a result of the suspension, American again requested to fly in those routes their business, Lufthansa had already the US to China due to the coronavirus whether SriLankan would still go for Airlines had about 450 flights parked with immediate effect. The service announced plans to retire about 29 outbreak until 30 April, but it was later destination expansion plans it had in by March and about 13,500 employees would launch as cargo only initially, planes. Before the pandemic, Lufthansa expanded to 31 May. By mid-March, the mind for 2020. It is also unknown offered voluntary unpaid leaves, and the but according to the request made by had about 200 aircraft in order and airline’s capacity was already reduced whether the airline will implement the company offered early retirement for the airline, the carrier also intends to fly due to the unexpected impact on their by 15%, which in the subsequent weeks strategic plan that was compiled under employees with 15 years of experience. It passengers. business, Lufthansa is now negotiating reduced further to an almost standstill the previous Government. When we is learnt that American Airlines took out The airline also plans to eliminate with aircraft manufacturers to postpone following the virus’ spread in Europe. The questioned Pathirage early this year on $ 1 billion line of credit from Citibank to at least 30% of its management and aircraft deliveries as the airline is not in international capacity of the airline was the implementation, he stated that it manage its financial issues for the next administrative positions by 1 October, a position to expand their fleet size in the down by over 90% in the past few weeks. was premature to decide on it; however, few months. which will amount to more than 3,400 near future. As a result, Delta lost $ 534 million in he assured that the plan will not be For the first quarter ended on 31 March of the company’s 11,500 management. Lufthansa expects to recover from the first quarter of this year and was the disregarded just because it was done under 2020, American Airlines posted worse- Furthermore, the airline obtained $ 5 the impact by 2023. The group is in first quarterly loss in five years. Delta the previous Government. than-expected losses in six years. The loss billion Federal Funds to avoid layoffs discussions with the German Government is the first airline to report the financial during this period was $ 2.2 billion and the through to 30 September. over a bailout which could cost about € 9 impact of the Covid-19. Revenue in the How does the future look for the airline expects a $ 70 million loss per day However, United Airlines was criticised billion and the Government has reportedly quarter fell $ 1.9 billion compared to a aviation industry? in the second quarter. by its passengers for not leaving the requested a 25% stake in the airline. year ago. Except for the airlines that went into Nevertheless, with eased down centre aisle seats empty to which the Furthermore, Lufthansa is planning However, now with a few relaxations bankruptcy, airlines around the world are restrictions, the airline started its airline replied that it cannot guarantee on reactivating about 80 aircraft from in travel restrictions, Delta is setting up gearing up to fly in the coming months, operations last Thursday. American that passengers will be seated next to an early June onwards to 106 destinations, to fly from May onwards to selected and as a move to mitigate their financial Airlines launched flights to Madrid, unoccupied seat, but added that given the according to Harry Hohmeister, a member destinations, allowing both passenger and impact, most of them have dropped a making it the first US carrier to return to low demand for travel, it is likely that of the Executive Board of the German cargo movements. Resuming routes are considerable amount of their usual routes Spain in months. Furthermore, the airline customers would have space between Lufthansa. The number of flights are North and South America while most of in order to reduce the losses caused by is hoping to resume flights to London seats. expected to be increased gradually the overseas routes to Asia, Australia, empty or half-filled flights. from 4 June onwards, while flights from following the initial weeks. Europe, and Africa are set to remain Most of the airlines have entered into loan Chicago to Dublin and Athens are set to Lufthansa Despite the restriction on passenger suspended for sometime. Delta will agreements and aid with their respective commence on 5 June, operating five times Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag air travel, air cargo was widely in also resume four daily flights to Canada governments, and the governments in turn per week. Flights to Munich and Paris will carrier and the largest airline in German. operation during this period. In mid- and will also resume two routes to the have acquired the airlines’ stocks. In the resume two days later. With all its subsidiaries combined, it is April, Lufthansa took out seats from Carribean and five routes out of Atlanta. meantime, several airlines reduced their Despite resuming flights to their usual the second largest airline in Europe in several of its aircraft to create space to To attract more passengers to use Delta fleet sizes and found new routes to add into destinations, as a measure towards saving Air Lines, the carrier announced travel their business while more have opted for itself from bankruptcy, the airline has waiver policies to make it even easier for cargo business considering the dramatic added a new route to its 2021 schedule. customers to cancel, change, or rebook increase in cargo movements amidst the The new route is from Philadelphia to travel for upto two years, giving extra peak of the pandemic. Reykjavik and the airline has assigned comfortability for its customers. Usually, Nevertheless, the International Civil a narrow body aircraft in this route. In tickets expire one year after purchase, but Aviation Organisation (ICAO) forecasts another measure, American Airlines Delta has given more leeway in that case. a 48% decline in revenue for both has also decided to reduce its fleet by Due to the newborn market opportunity international and domestic airlines in 2020 about 100 aircraft, which is expected to driven by the increased cargo movements, due to the impact of the virus on their reduce costs related to parts and tooling, Delta began daily passenger freight flights businesses. The ICAO also predicted that according to its Senior Vice President of from 13 May onwards from South Korea the airline passenger volume will probably Strategy Vasu Raja. to Los Angeles and Atlanta three times and not regain its peak for at least three to five four times per week, respectively. Delta years depending on the distance segment, United Airlines is the first airline to obtain the federal while the pricing recovery will lag volume United Airlines is known to have clearance to carry cargo in its overhead recovery by at least a year. However, it the world’s most comprehensive route bins as it repurposes passenger planes. stated that business travel will recover network. United operates 791 mainline Delta received $ 5.4 billion in more quickly than leisure travel but at a aircraft and the airline flies to 78 domestic SriLankan is accepting bookings for outbound flights to London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo government rescue funds via the permanently lower level. 8 the sunday morning business HYGIENE Sunday, May 17, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA beverage (F&B) division, and retail division. Cleanliness and hygiene With regard to the first, Naidu stated that have always been important they implemented a strategy where high- considerations in general and in touch areas such as doorknobs, escalators, the tourism industry in particular. Cleanliness and and other public areas are cleaned hourly. However, following the Covid-19 In the F&B division, he stated that they pandemic, these have now elevated encouraged guests to constantly ensure to greater importance as a crucial they kept their hands clean and also factor on the road to recovery and encouraged the use of gloves. Furthermore, securing the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism: What he stated that the hotel took an extra step to conduct daily swab tests to ensure that the tourism industry post Covid-19. bacteria levels do not pass a certain level. The industry’s stakeholders are Finally, speaking on the retail division, he cognisant of the fact they must stated that they worked with their tenants work towards better hygienic to install safety measures. conditions in order to reassure both Sri Lanka can learn Naidu stated that when it came to the international and local customers, hotel’s staff, the management broke them thereby encouraging them to visit down into three different teams – A, B, their establishments. and C. He explained that this was a risk mitigation strategy they came up with; in However, Sri Lanka is not alone in this case one team got compromised, another journey; this impact from tourism is being from Singapore can take over and do the same duties. felt globally. Countries like Singapore have Furthermore, he stated that the hotel already taken proactive steps to ensure also cross-trained employees from each the safety of tourists and the industry as a department, so that a person working in whole. This has given stakeholders of the housekeeping can also step to handle F&B local tourism industry a chance to learn and or the front office. improve on their own safety measures. In order to increase safety for their The city-state famous for its cleanliness employees, Naidu stated that they and hygiene standards has launched a new introduced a roaster for each department government-led certification programme to conduct frequent temperature checks. for hotels and restaurants to restore public These temperature checks are further confidence in its facilities and raise the bar extended to when employees enter, to again in public sanitation amid the Covid- suppliers, and also vendors who may enter 19 pandemic. the premises. ‘SG Clean’ stamp A good example for SL Named the “SG Clean” stamp, the Speaking from the local point of view, accreditation was first launched on 16 The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka February by the National Environment They needed the public to continue It’s a team effort; whether it is Health and safety measures (THASL) President Sanath Ukwatte stated Agency (NEA). The campaign seeks to rally to do two things – to keep going the backhouse staff or the front put in place will decide that Singapore’s SG Clean campaign was stakeholders and members of the public out…and from a tourism house staff, they are all involved the future of our business. a good example for local hoteliers and to do their part by adopting good personal standpoint, we wanted them to in keeping up the standard. The Every customer will want the industry as a whole, to work towards habits and being socially responsible, so have the utmost confidence that all key to this is, hotels need to be to see what measures are reassuring customers that their properties as to raise the standard of cleanliness and the hotels they were staying in had proactive before it (Covid-19) put in place and how are safe to visit. public hygiene in Singapore by instilling a that SG Clean standard reaches your establishment seriously the hoteliers “Health and safety measures put national “keep clean culture”. KPMG Singapore Partner Grand Hyatt Singapore Hygiene and take safety in place will decide the future of our An important component of the campaign Irving Low Safety Manager Thanabal Naidu THASL President Sanath Ukwatte business. Every customer will want to see is the SG Clean mark, a premises-based what measures are put in place and how sanitation and hygiene indicator. people employed; and from a tourism very comprehensive,” she shared. takes a week to obtain, as a few days are seriously the hoteliers take safety.” To be certified SG Clean, businesses standpoint, we wanted them to have the Heng suggested that these are critical taken by the auditors to inspect the hotels He explained that similar to Singapore’s must pass a seven-point checklist utmost confidence that all the hotels components in terms of hygiene and safety and for the hoteliers to submit all the campaign, Sri Lankan hoteliers should that includes screening the health they were staying in had that SG Clean that Sri Lankan hoteliers should also look paperwork needed. move beyond the use of sanitiser, wearing and temperature of employees and standard,” said KPMG Singapore Partner at. They should also include extensive Speaking from a hotelier’s point of view, masks, and maintaining social distancing, implementing workplace hygiene practices. Irving Low during a webinar conducted by training in their programmes to make sure Grand Hyatt Singapore’s, the first hotel and mobilise their team members to follow The assessment for the certification is the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance on Friday these guidelines and protocols are followed to obtain the accreditation, Hygiene and protocols through enhanced training, while provided free of charge to stakeholders. In (15). KPMG is a firm that provides audit, at all times. Safety Manager Thanabal Naidu stated that setting up a task force in each hotel to help addition, stakeholders are also encouraged tax, and advisory services. Low added to this, stating that the local every employee is involved in ensuring the cover all points of guest contact, including to go beyond these seven points and During the discussion, Singapore Hotel organisations should also adopt a culture hotels keep to the SG Clean standard. guest transfers, check-in, guest rooms, increase safety standards on their own. Association (SHA) Executive Director of escalation, where if there is an issue, the “It’s a team effort; whether it is the F&B, elevators, and housekeeping. The campaign has seen owners of Margaret Heng stated that currently, around staff are able to escalate it to their safety backhouse staff or the front house staff, Ukwatte stated that the challenge in premises adopting the SG Clean quality 90 hotels have been accredited with the SG officers. He stated that this measure was they are all involved in keeping up the implementing such guidelines rests mainly mark to reflect their commitment and Clean stamp, despite having taken a six- a result of a trend they have experienced standard. The key to this is, hotels need to on the cost factor, as the investment that ownership of maintaining high standards week break due to Singapore’s tightened internationally, where there have been false be proactive before it (Covid-19) reaches comes with it is high, and the increase in of environmental public hygiene at their circuit-breaker measures. declarations by individuals. your establishment.” workload will also mean hiring more staff. premises. She explained that all of the SHA Naidu went on to suggest several He explained that two and four-star hotels Since its launch, the campaign has seen members have welcomed this new initiative, Hotels’ perspective proactive steps local hoteliers can adopt, might be reluctant to make additional an overwhelming response from industry as it was an excellent way to assure their He explained that SG Clean went including temperature checks at the investments, especially at a time when the stakeholders, with over 5,000 premises employers, employees, and guests, that the beyond the industry as a whole, and entrance, having guests make travel industry is struggling to pay wages. being certified within less than a month hotels in Singapore had measures in place also targeted individual hotels and declarations so you know which countries However, he explained the this was the into the campaign. Premises that have been to combat Covid-19. She stated that even tourism establishments by creating a they have been to, and also making hand responsibility of each hotelier; to make certified so far include hawker centres, hotels belonging to the SME (small and sense of self awareness among them. sanitiser available in the lobby area. sure they take maximum precautions and food stalls, coffee shops, hotels, and food medium enterprises) sector have accepted In order to establish this, he stated that Other measures include the frequent steps to take care of their guests and their and retail businesses in malls and schools, the campaign and have been able to meet the the SG Clean app was launched for disinfecting of public areas like toilets and team members, in order to secure the amongst others. requirements of the certification. stakeholders to peruse the seven-point elevators, and promoting personal hygiene of industry’s future. “The core concept of SG Clean was “What is different with the SG Clean checklist themselves, before getting the staff by maintaining a standard requirement “Covid-19 is here to stay for a while, so to instil public confidence; they needed programme is that it not only focuses on accreditation; this went on to show their handwashing every half an hour. we need to learn to live with the virus by the public to continue to do two things hygiene and sanitation, but also on whether commitment to the campaign, i.e. its He explained that they taking the necessary precautions. We need – to keep going out, which will keep the the hotel has preventative measures in the auditors, even before inspection. compartmentalised their hotel into three to bite the bullet at this time, in order to economy open, keep it running. and keep event there is a Covid-19 case detected. It’s Heng stated that the accreditation only divisions – the room division, food and secure our future.” Abans cleans and George Steuart Health markets sanitises Fort Station facemasks and infrared thermometers With Sri Lanka’s police-imposed curfew The thermometers are also convenient gradually relaxing and life being brought to use with features like easy switching back to normal over the coming weeks, between Celsius and Fahrenheit, George Steuart Health has stepped forward coloured backlights that indicate to aid in a safe transition back to normal temperature changes visually, storage of life for the citizens of this country. Ranked 99 sets of data, as well as power saving among the top five pharmaceutical firms with an auto shutdown feature when the in the island, George Steuart Health now device is not in use. The thermometers markets locally manufactured three-ply also have two measurement modes that disposable face masks and is the first to allow users to scan both humans and introduce infrared forehead thermometers objects, and comes with a two-year to Sri Lanka. warranty for all products. The surgical face masks are 175 mm x Bulk quantities can be purchased at 95 mm in size and comprises three layers special rates with custom orders currently for added safety – the outer layer is made being undertaken. Orders for facemasks of a spun-bond polypropylene to prevent can be placed by contacting Sanjaya on liquid splashing, the filter layer is made 0777 670 708 or [email protected]. of melt-blown polypropylene, and the Thermometers could be purchased by inner material is made of non-woven, contacting Ravishka on 0777 666 814 or lint-free fabric to absorb moisture. The [email protected]. masks also have attached ear loops made George Steuart Group of Companies Abans Group is massive undertaking. purposes. Public transport of polyester and spandex for ease of use, is Sri Lanka’s oldest mercantile cleaning and sanitising Making the health and is one of the key modes as well as an adjustable metal nose bridge. Medical Technology, featuring certified, establishment, having been established the Fort Railway Station safety of passengers a that people use to travel, These features ensure that the masks are high-quality German probes to the local in 1835 during the British occupation of through its environmental priority to combat the and the Fort Railway bacteria and epidemic resistant, as well as market, and will continue to market the Ceylon. With a recorded history dating services company, Abans ongoing virus, this project Station is the main dustproof and water repellent. They are product to consumers and corporates in back to the early 19th-Century, it is also Environmental Services will see the entire premises doorway to the commercial also latex free, free from glass fibre, and the coming weeks. These non-contact one of the oldest mercantile entities (Pvt.) Ltd. The project being thoroughly cleaned hub. Over 200,000 people have low resistance to breathability. The thermometers have zero risk of cross- in the world, as recognised by the US will continue for a period and sanitised meticulously constantly utilise this face masks have a shelf life of three years contamination, with certified high- publication Fast Company recently. of one week, after having by its dedicated personnel. major touchpoint on a and will be sold in retail packs of 50 pieces quality probes from Germany displaying The group’s ventures run across many commenced on 9 May. It The public will soon daily basis, therefore it and 10 boxes per carton. temperatures on the screen in one second, industries, including tea, travel, health, deployed over 30 Abans begin entering the city is imperative that the George Steuart Health is the first making it one of the safest methods of aviation, investments, insurance brokering, Environmental Services in large numbers for safety and health of the company to introduce infrared digital reducing threats in areas with high footfall laboratories, hospitality, and cosmetic team members for this work and other necessary passengers is secured. thermometers imported from Lepu such as offices. products. GOING ORGANIC IN TIMES OF TROUBLE »SEE PAGE 3

10 QS FOR KUMUDINI DAVID »SEE PAGE 8 Sunday,brunch May 17, 2020 Nature peaks at ADAM’S PEAK Will we ever learn to protect its richness?

BY BERNADINE RODRIGO this location was visited Chandran Rutnam, Jessica Alba, and Edgar Ong during only half this season. With Vesak just ending, Siyasinghe said that even one of the many locations though updates about the that didn’t see the usual visits pandemic were causing panic by crowds of adoring Sri long before the Government 20 YEARS OF ‘THE SLEEPING DICTIONARY’ Lankans during this season took action, people were is our greatly venerated visiting until such time they Adam’s Peak, also known couldn’t. as Sri Pada. While many go This was telling one of on pilgrimage to Adam’s two things: Either people Peak, it is also visited by of Sri Lanka simply had no CHANDRAN RUTNAM locals who enjoy travel clue about the virus or they and adventure and wish to venerated the location so embark on the rather difficult much that they had to visit it hike up to the peak of the before any action was taken Samanalakanda. to stop them from doing so ON THE CULT Asian Ecotourism legally. Network Board Member Unlike other places Srilal Miththapala shared that such as wildlife reserves while this location is a must- where animals have started visit for almost every local, inhibiting the safari trails and CLASSIC AND HAVING unlike many other parts of Sri plants have overgrown and Lanka, it is not a big tourist covered up roads, Siyasinghe hub. He said that usually only said the biggest change he diehard foreign tourist hikers noticed at Adam’s Peak was and such visit Adam’s Peak, the reduction in polythene A STORY TO TELL waste which usually and even then it isn’t the BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE most popular hiking location gets collected in massive in the country. amounts. As such, the majority The biggest issue facing The cult classic “The Sleeping Dictionary” of the tourists in the area Adam’s Peak is pollution. are local. Unfortunately, Siyasinghe said that many starring Hugh Dancy and Jessica Alba marks its however, while we may be organisations have been 20th anniversary this year, and the film which expected to keep our own helping the DWC clear up treasures safe and beautiful, the waste carelessly thrown essentially launched Alba’s career was also shot that is not the case with by visitors. While curfew entirely on location in Sarawak, Malaysia over our beloved Adam’s Peak, was imposed and no one was despite it being a sacred allowed to visit the location, 16 weeks. location to many. all of this waste has been cleared up and Adam’s Peak With its “based on true events” storyline, Department of Wildlife the film ran point on its authenticity and Guy Conservation (DWC) Ranger is as spotless as the rest of the mountains which surround it. Jenkin, the writer and first-time director, had his of the area B.P. Siyasinghe heart set on filming on location and decided who confirmed that the biggest While the issue of Sarawak is a littering is high up on the better than Sri Lanka’s very own Asian Film season for Sri Pada is Location Services President and Chief Executive beautiful location, between December and May, list of problems, another and it is only issue which adds on to this Officer (CEO) Chandran Rutnam, to bring them usually ending on or close to to Sarawak. Rutnam was also appointed as second to Sri Vesak Poya. is literally removing things Lanka and when from the environment. associate producer for the project. This year, however, Considering his illustrious career, and his you are looking as a result of the curfew, ││Contd. on page 2 involvement in the upcoming film project which for the oriental feel quite poetically is set to be shot in Sarawak as Sri Lanka cannot well, we reached out to the legend himself. provide, Sarawak is Rutnam is currently writing a book my first choice chronicling the astonishing number of 68 films he has worked on, and funnily enough when we caught up with Rutnam, he was just in the middle of his 20th chapter, which just so happened to be The Sleeping Dictionary, and what a magical coincidence it was. With all this With the universe on our side, we launched foreign interest in into a film nerd-fuelled tirade of questions which Asia and foreign he so patiently answered, many of which were to productions, there satisfy our curiosity on how awesome Harrison is a huge market Ford was, and how absolutely mind-blowing it out there for was to talk to someone who not only met but also worked with Steven Spielberg closely. Of authentic cinema course, at the end of it though, it came down to the fact that while we idolise these people from afar, to Rutnam, they have been colleagues and even possibly friends, and his experiences are far PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM too different for us to relate. ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch ARTS/TRAVEL Sunday, May 17, 2020 Contd. from page 1 Nature peaks at... Siyasinghe said that many also endemic to these areas. people who get tired after reaching Apart from the fish, Siyasinghe the top following the rather difficult also spoke of the many endemic climb, including elderly folk, break birds in the area. The yellow-eared branches off trees to use as walking bulbul, dull-blue flycatcher, hill sticks. While this may not sound white-eye, Sri Lanka bush warbler, like much of a problem, he shared and arranga are few of the 33 that the sheer amount of people endemic avifauna – or bird – species who keep doing this makes it a true that can be found here. He also menace, thereby preventing these spoke of some endemic butterflies plants from growing. such as the Sri Lankan rose, Ceylon He referred to this breaking of tiger, Sri Lankan birdwing, and branches as a kind of deforestation tree nymph. Twenty-two species of in which the trees are actually dragonflies and damselflies are also prevented from growing freely, present here, which are indigenous over and over again every year. to Sri Lanka. Furthermore, seven Currently, however, similar to how species of freshwater crabs are the pandemic has caused trees to found here, which are once again Siyasinghe said that the other to regain their freedom and for programmes about the location, grow in other places, the trees at endemic. “These days, these animals too have begun to roam space for the plants to grow, hoping that at least then the people Adam’s Peak have been allowed to here. These waterways are the creatures have no trouble,” added around a little more freely than Siyasinghe said that the best sight of Sri Lanka would understand the grow as freely as before and take “circulatory system of the country”, Siyasinghe. before. at Samanalakanda now is the lack importance of protecting a location their own course. which is being nourished by this Usually, an estimated two It seems the leopard has of plastic pollution. “It is how it such as this; that it is not only of Siyasinghe pointed out another particular mountainous location. million people visit Adam’s Peak. been making a few unexpected should be,” he said. “After all, it cultural and religious significance, issue which pertained to the This is taken for granted by many Although this number may vary, appearances here and there. is a UNESCO (United Nations but also has environmental waterways. He said that just as the domestic tourists and pilgrims, he the population visiting this location According to him, leopards are Educational, Scientific, and Cultural significance. Siyasinghe said that a forest areas are being constantly said. is undoubtedly large and naturally, seen mostly from the side adjoining Organisation) World Heritage Site, few programmes have already been polluted by visitors, so are the “If water is polluted here, it will this causes the animals to move Hatton, commonly known as the and we must keep it that way.” conducted on an ad hoc basis, but waterways; waste food items and in turn pollute the water of the rest away and hide in little areas. This Nallathanni entrance to Adam’s Siyasinghe pointed out that the they are still largely working on such have been thrown into these of the country and water is what is increases the competition amongst Peak. He recalled the black leopard DWC tirelessly tries to maintain how to do this with pilgrims and waterways by people. Siyasinghe most important to everyone,” he them to survive, consequently sighting a little while before the the environment at Adam’s Peak other visitors. said that people don’t understand said. He highlighted the immense resulting in the decline of animal pandemic, stating that these too this way. They always monitor He said it is truly a shame what an enormous amount of water importance of the waterways in populations. come from this area. The funny the people and try to get them to that people don’t always view this they are polluting by doing this, in these areas, speaking about the However, presently, these thing, however, is that this location stop polluting, but they simply do location as an environmental site but what may seem to them as small endemic fish found in the rivers animals have no trouble and is occupied by people along its not listen. It seems they just don’t only think of it at a cultural location areas. at Samanala Mountain. Eight are seen venturing and walking approximately 5 km stretch; it has understand the value of it. as this single peak has been popular He referred to the area around species of endemic fish have been along paths which, under other the most amount of lodgings (some To set things right, however, for millennia. The truth is, as with the Samanala Mountain as the heart recorded in this location, out of circumstances, humans use. While of which were of ancient times, the DWC along with the Divisional most parts of Sri Lanka, Adam’s of Sri Lanka and justified this by which Ceylon stone sucker and the the birds are singing merry tunes, known as ambalam). Secretariat and other authorities in Peak isn’t singularly significant saying that a majority of Sri Lanka’s banded mountain loach are the most much like in Yala National Park and Apart from the lack of human the jurisdiction have begun to think but rather a wonderful treasure waterways begin or pass through common in these areas while being other protected areas in Sri Lanka, activity allowing the animals of ways to carry out awareness important for a great many reasons.

Contd. from page 1 the curfew, he wouldn’t ever have had the of show business while serving a six-year that he hopes to capitalise on that. time to go through all of his old work. “I stint in the US Army, not once considering He said that the most important thing have been spending my days and nights the option to become a US citizen, to remember in filmmaking is that it all CHANDRAN RUTNAM... referring to all of my old files and putting remaining a proud Sri Lankan passport comes down to your story. If you have a However, he was kind enough to and be overall easy to deal with and the together this book; if not for this, I don’t holder through and through. story to tell, then your only challenge is indulge us in our prying. more experienced ones quite similarly know what I would have done. I would He shared that in doing all of this, to tell it well, but it all boils down to the Speaking about The Sleeping so, those in the middle tier tend to be the have gone crazy,” he said, speaking like he has always maintained a love for stories and the challenge lies in finding that Dictionary, he stated that it was one troublemakers. However, he has been so someone who hasn’t taken a day off since filmmaking and while Asian Film Location perfect mix of appealing relatability, and of those more pleasant experiences as lucky as to avoid that problematic kind. he was a teenager. Services will remain a functioning body, when you have that figured out, you’re that the location is somewhat dear to him. Reminiscing about the old days, Rutnam has had an eventful life, from his current interests lie with his production much closer to succeeding. “Sarawak is a beautiful location, and it Rutnam, who is currently in the midst of the time he worked on the set of “The company Taprobane Pictures. “With all As we segued into Sri Lankan cinema, is only second to Sri Lanka and when his massive project of putting together a Bridge on the River Kwai” at age 17 to this foreign interest in Asia and foreign we had to pose the question of the current you are looking for the oriental feel Sri collection of his work, shared that had it when he went to Hollywood and stayed productions, there is a huge market out state of our industry and Rutnam was Lanka cannot provide, Sarawak is my first not been for the downtime he had due to there for 40 years to learn the ins and outs there for authentic cinema,” he said, adding quite reluctant to comment, sharing that choice,” he said. he wishes not to talk about the local He shared that the set was a jovial cinema industry, while expressing a hint one, and that both cast and crew would of disappointment at the state of affairs. often party late into the night. However, However, he did say that if you look at his they displayed their dedication and body of work, if he was able to persuade professionalism by showing up to set early Steven Spielberg to shoot a film with him and on time every single day. “There was a in our country and that film goes on to be fantastic wrap party on the custom boat that highly critically acclaimed, then what is was built particularly for the film at the end stopping him from creating art of the same of shooting, which was a memorable one,” calibre? he recalled. He did, however, cheekily compare The movie which was released direct some film festivals that are held abroad to DVD back in 2003 is gaining its second requiring films to meet a standard, where wind, achieving a cult status all thanks to they will be adjudged by a jury looking to streaming services. Rutnam shared that provide constructive criticism focused on he too is glad, as it was a film that should Chandran with Hugh Dancy Chandran with Bob Hoskins, Brenda Blethyn, Edgar Ong, and Emily Mortimer improving, to film festivals here, which have garnered a lot more attention than it often tend to provide the juror with a free actually did back in the day. ticket, which then results in pats on the Rutnam also shared that when working back, self-applause, and filmmakers being with various filmmakers, he has been sent on their merry way with awards they lucky in his experiences as a majority likely do not deserve. of them have been pleasant, adding that Despite his thinly veiled feeling of while newcomers often tend to oblige disappointment with the Lankan cinema industry, throughout our conversation, Rutnam would often allude to the fact that he considers himself very lucky to have had the experiences he has. He is most grateful for the life he has led and greatly Hugh Dancy wishes to continue doing what he loves.

Real skull Emily with Chandran

Chandran with Bob Hoskins

Sarawakian extras The entire crew

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, May 17, 2020 INNOVATION

BY BERNADINE RODRIGO Sri Lanka is home to a large number of breathtaking locations and many of these locations can be found near lakes, rivers, and the sea. One such place is “ahas Dambulla”, a beautiful boutique villa located right along the banks of the Ibbankatuwa Lake, one of the most popular lakes in Dambulla. Presently, with tourism taking a major hit and declining, the villa had taken a different approach to what is expected of a boutique hotel; they are now producing an amazing variety of organic Sri Lankan chutneys and sauces to be delivered to the doorsteps of people’s homes. The boutique villa opened about a year ago to cater to a tourism industry that was just beginning to pick up at the time. While the hotel’s operations continued, the owners wanted to utilise the extra space of the premises and hence they began to dive into the world of organic farming. saturate markets and get into supermarkets Who would have guessed that this new and stores. When everything settles and initiative they took would come in handy other stores begin to open, they will be able the following year when the pandemic hit? to supply the products to special places Looking for alternatives such as small cafes. Colombage said that Initially, they started growing these Going organic in this is the perfect opportunity to support plants to serve the in-house guests. other small, local businesses that have been However, when everything closed down, similarly hit by the pandemic. they were left with a farm that needed While the products are prepared in harvesting and not a single guest to either Colombo or Dambulla, the plants are serve. According to Co-founder Dinouk grown following a very special and careful Colombage, who also handles media and times of trouble method. The seedlings are developed in a communications of the villa, they had small nursery and tended until they grow begun to look for alternative sources of into plants. These grown plants are taken income. Fortunately for them, their farm ahas Dambulla’s organic tomato venture to the farms where the farmers working for was ready for harvest. ahas Dambulla care for them until they are They started with selling fresh harvested. They are fertilised organically Subsequently, they had decided to vegetables online, which was quite well and are watered by the gracious water adopt what is known as the “value-added received, especially for their tomatoes. of the Ibbankatuwa Lake itself through economic method”. This is where the Colombage spoke about the tomatoes as the well belonging to the farm. Then the main product is enhanced and made into something that took off excellently and produce is brought to the commercial something better in a way that’s more described the three types of tomatoes they capital where the deliveries are made. appealing to customers; thankfully for currently harvest. The heirloom tomatoes them, they knew the perfect kind of value Exploring opportunities are seasonally grown, and ahas Dambulla to add. Colombage also shared that while they only grows the crop twice a year. These are hoping to supply their chutneys and tomatoes are available in three varieties: A secret recipe sauces to some small cafes, they would also Yellow, green, and red – all of which have ahas Dambulla is a family-owned like to expand their delivery base to areas their unique tastes. Then there is the more business and all families have something such as Gampaha and especially Down fleshy tomato which is commonly found unique to them – something special passed South. Moreover, they would like to get in supermarkets, the Roma tomato. And down through the generations. While these more Sri Lankan farmers involved in the finally, pear tomatoes which are a variant may be just about anything like heirlooms trade of organic farming. Colombage said of the heirloom tomatoes; being smaller such as trinkets, Colombage’s family that when they began organic farming in in size, they tend to taste sweeter than the received something to do with a different Dambulla, right at the beginning, many other varieties. kind of heirloom – their grandmother’s locals were skeptical and rather unaccepting Despite how lovely their harvest recipes for various chutneys and sauces. of the trade simply because they were not was and the somewhat acceptable sales They whipped up some of these aware of what the concept was. However, being made for these organic vegetables, chutneys and sauces and tested it out now they have come to see what it is. one thing Colombage noted was that at with family and friends, all of whom ahas Dambulla is also looking at a time like this where getting any kind immediately recommended that they training local farmers and even employing of vegetable was a trying task for many make it a commercial idea, and so they them in some other plots of land which they people, especially those unable to access did. Currently, they are producing their can use for farming in the future. supermarkets and grocery stores, people very own ahas Dambulla Tomato Chutney Those at ahas Dambulla would like simply do not care if the vegetables are made from heirloom tomatoes and the ahas very grateful for the local police officers deliveries and were given 12-hour curfew to spread a message of positivity during organic or not. “They simply wanted Dambulla Basil and Tomato Sauce made for understanding the importance of passes each day. these bleak times. They would like all anything they could get their hands on,” he from the chunky Roma tomatoes. undertaking a business and allowing They are quite happy with being an other businesses to know that even in the said, adding that they then began to think They have been making deliveries them to do so time and time again. They online delivery service in this manner. darkest of times, there are always hidden about different avenues to this business. online during the curfew period and are have been gathering orders and making As Colombage said, they do not wish to opportunities waiting to be explored.

Ministry commenced telecasting lesson is teacher-centred education; where material for GCE Ordinary Level (O/L), the students were not allowed to think A/L, and Grade Five Scholarship students – for themselves and analyse and solve Education from a distance which is good. Yet, they could have started problems. Instead, they had to once again creatively using some commonly available study what was fed to them – and this time resources like the radio, telephone, and via WhatsApp. later the postal services for engaging the Is Sri Lanka really ready? students. ÄÄ What impact would this long break have on various classes Ä Teachers started using smartphones BY CHENELLE FERNANDO Ä What can you say about the to send lesson material in bulk as PDF of students (e.g. primary, percentage of households in documents to students via WhatsApp. This O/L, A/L), and which classes, It’s no secret that over the past few Sri Lanka with school going didn’t serve much benefit since firstly, in your view, would be weeks, the education system has been children who have access to social media applications are not meant struck with the same plight as every other impacted the most? an internet connection? for bulk material transfer, and secondly I would think A/L students would be aspect of ordinary human life. With the The chart (Figure 1) compiled by the students already have their textbooks, so Grade Five Scholarship and Advanced the most disadvantaged, since the exams think tank LIRNEasia gives a better picture. what’s the purpose of sending the same could still be held in August; revision Level (A/L) Examinations in sight, the dire Only about 40% of students aged 5-18 have lessons on WhatsApp? Also, parents were need for and lack of distance education for lessons in class were also hampered. As for access to the internet. Out of this group, expected to fulfil the role of the teacher in Grade Five Scholarship students, I think it’s schoolchildren has become apparent. about 37% use this via mobile phones, decoding the messages they received. Education Forum Sri Lanka (EFSL) a blessing in disguise. Since those 10-year- and it’s only 4% or less that use ADSL But mostly, what continued olds usually have to go through such a lot is responsible for initiating a series of or wireless internet. Only about 20% of aggressively in education during Covid-19 conversations on “Distance Education in of tuition and related trauma in the run-up students of this age group will have access Former Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Figure 1 the time of Calamities and Beyond”. The EFSL Co-founder Tara De Mel to a highly competitive exam, this is a to laptops/desktops and less than 3% have delightful break. Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to former access to tabs. Secretary to the Ministry of Education Unless WiFi access and suitable ÄÄ What lessons has this time and EFSL Co-founder Tara De Mel for ÄÄ Considering this number, devices like tabs, laptops, and desktops the purpose of understanding the need for taught us that would help would an internet-based are available, online teaching is very curb our system of education modernist methods of education during education system be a viable suboptimal. Besides, during Covid-19 times of uncertainty. school closure, unless the children and the in the future? option? If not, what would I think there are many lessons. Below are excerpts of the interview: challenge its applicability? teachers had personal devices and unless To start off, explain to us what an Firstly, Covid-19 exposed our disaster Internet-based education is definitely they had internet access in their homes, online real-time classroom is. unpreparedness, education-wise. We were not a viable option, since as you can see such online teaching would anyway be It is a virtual classroom – a digital totally unprepared to switch seamlessly nearly 60% of school going children will impossible. replica of a conventional classroom. The to distance learning, unlike many other be left out. Even the 40% with access to teachers teach and students learn in real ÄÄ Needless to say, children countries that did so swiftly. If we had learnt the internet largely use smartphones and time, face to face, but via internet-enabled staying home during an from the tsunami, floods, rains, landslides, its applications. WhatsApp and Viber are technology and devices. The classroom and the multiple disasters we faced over certainly not tools to learn lessons from. active school semester is with black/whiteboard and other usual the years, we would have had a plan ready E-learning is far more sophisticated than not a fruitful option, just as props remains. Lessons are taught in to roll out at the first sign of any disaster. that. schools reopening during real time. Tests can be given. The only this outbreak isn’t either. In addition, we need to speedily fill the gap difference is an online classroom uses Ä of internet accessibility. Every successive Ä Does Colombo stand out in What other options would government has pledged to create universal technology to support instruction and any way in this regard? learning. A virtual classroom offers more you suggest to overcome this internet accessibility, but none have been Not really. Even out of the 350-plus flexibility over a conventional classroom. issue, given that internet- sincere in implementation. We do know that national schools (a sizable group of this Teachers can also reach a geographically based learning would only large sums of money are needed for this, but number is in Colombo), only a few have dispersed group of students at the same benefit a handful? then large sums of money are spent on other been able to use Google Classroom or time. Within a few weeks of Covid-19, the projects – not education. Microsoft programmes during Covid-19. 4 the sunday morning brunch SOCIETY Sunday, May 17, 2020

PHOTO PATRICK TOMASSO ON UNSPLASH BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Nevertheless, these plans are subject to government protocols With curfew being relaxed and requirements. throughout the island and Speaking to Ruwindra Dias of lifted in all areas except Jetwing 7, we were informed that at present, their in-house restaurants Colombo and Gampaha, will remain closed for onsite dining. the Ministry of Health However, they will continue their and Indigenous Medical delivery services for which they Services has released have prepared standard operation interim guidelines for work procedures for all staff members settings titled “Operational and associated personnel to follow. Guidelines on Preparedness He shared that they have and Response for Covid-19 taken strict care to follow the Outbreak for Work Settings” guidelines provided by the Ministry courtesy of the Directorate of Tourism and Aviation and of Environmental Health, therefore, the management has educated all categories of staff of Occupational Health, and the critical importance of these Food Safety. procedures designed to make The guidelines provide general operations at the hotel safe for preventive measures which apply both guests and staff alike. Special to most work settings and advise all HOW IS THE attention has been given to make it employers to develop a Covid-19 extremely safe for staff to carry out preparedness plan, considering their assigned tasks and the safety the occupational exposure level of the staff will not be compromised of employees and the individual at any time, Dias shared. risk factors, addressing the level of HOSPITALITY Jetwing, best known for risk associated with the worksites its sustainability practices, also and job tasks workers perform at made note that the protocols set those sites, and other recommended by the authorities may cause good practices mentioned in the INDUSTRY Harpo Gooneratne them to deviate from established guideline. sustainability measures, and that it is The guidelines are expected understood – and hopefully accepted to not only enable the successful HANDLING THIS WEEK? – by their patrons that we must prevention of the spread of work with a view of reinstating the infection but will also prevent panic glass pad of the table. Dedicated Guidelines on Preparedness and mechanism is not yet available, sustainability measures no sooner situations in the event a suspected staff members are to be assigned Response for Covid-19 Outbreak particularly considering that curfew the temporary crisis period is over. case is detected. to serve food in places buffets are for the Tourism Industry” have is still imposed in Colombo despite Speaking to an official from For restaurants and eateries, in available in order to avoid many also been released courtesy of the the lax application. the Ministry of Health, we were addition to the general measures, customers handling spoons and Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. This document released by told that unless venturing out specific requirements have been other utensils; customers shall Harpo Gooneratne, speaking the Ministry of Tourism and was absolutely necessary, they issued. Some of these include not share crockery and culinary to The Sunday Morning Brunch, Aviation was designed mainly to advise it’s best to remain indoors disinfecting all the surfaces equipment. shared that while they are ready and help and guide hoteliers in a more and continue to practise social of chairs and tables after each Just as with all other willing to follow any requirements effective way. It contains systems distancing to a greater extent. use, instructing all workers and workplaces, all cleaning staff the Government mandates, they and procedures used normally in They shared, however, that hotels customers to maintain a distance of should wear gloves and masks and have yet to give the green light hotel operations which have been Ruwindra Dias and restaurants must absolutely at least one metre inside restaurants waiters should wash their hands to proceed. Of course, they must included as they are considered to be follow the guidelines set out; it and eateries, arranging furniture frequently to prevent any cross- wait for the clearance from the important, particularly with respect Cinnamon City Hotels will must be clearly understood that accordingly to allow this, ensuring contamination. Culinary equipment Public Health Inspector’s Union to health and hygiene matters. remain closed until further any instructions issued by the state all workers wear face masks, and and crockery should be thoroughly (PHIU) and while the majority of Speaking to several hotel notice. However, a number of authorities from time to time will displaying the menu either by TV washed with soap and water. the establishments in Colombo chains in Colombo, we were select restaurant outlets will be be binding, and must be strictly screen, display board, or under the Additionally the “Operational are looking to start operations, the informed that chains such as open from 18 May onwards. complied with.

Morning Brunch, giving a brief idea as to such as public parks, playgrounds, and even what the organisation does, was Generation housing infrastructure. Green Chairman Chamath Wijesinghe. “However, we have had to sacrifice “We started this organisation after the these, as we recklessly produce vast amounts whole debacle where people started cutting of both biodegradable (organic material such trees in forests such as Wilpattu. People as food and waste) and nonbiodegradable Colombo across the country joined together in order (e.g. plastic) waste, which leads to a to protect the environment. After the matter multitude of ecological and health effects,” was settled, however, we started looking into she added. A city transformed? other matters; for instance, when people spit Speaking more on climate change, betel onto the streets, we put up posters in Wickramaratne explained that when it comes prohibited areas, etc.,” Wijesinghe explained. to air pollution, there had been a significant One such initiative was to keep the drop in carbon emissions globally during the streets clean by cleaning the entirety of curfew/lockdown period. Fort and spreading awareness to the people “This is, unfortunately, a temporary blip by educating them on the dos and don’ts. and it is likely that the emission levels will However, they alone cannot keep the get back to normal or even higher once the cities clean as they too have other jobs and industrial activities commence. In Sri Lanka, responsibilities to attend to. Yet, that does particularly, the air quality seems to have not stop them from trying their best as they improved over the curfew period, but these strive to create awareness through their posts numbers are not very different from the ones on Facebook. observed during certain periods in the past. Hence, the curfew itself is not the main cause Taking charge of air quality improvement, but it is rather a combination of multiple factors, including PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Commissioner Attorney-at-Law Roshanie wind speed and direction,” Wickramaratne Dissanayake, speaking to The Sunday was keen to elaborate. BY SHANELLE BANDARA Morning Brunch, shared that there definitely is a change in the amount of garbage being The main thought on everyone’s minds collected as well as litter on the ground, as these days is Covid-19. While this pandemic there have been fewer people on the streets has affected millions of lives in unthinkable and eateries were closed. ways, it has, nonetheless, transformed the Solid waste collection during curfew environment for the better. had dropped significantly. It had dropped by An article published by BBC states: 50%. With regard to plans in maintaining the “In China, emissions fell by 25% at the Cleantech (Pvt.) Ltd. CMC Commissioner Environmental Redline Generation Green city’s cleanliness, Dissanayake stated that Chief Operations Attorney-at-Law Foundation Ltd. Technologies Chairman they have been following the same plans as beginning of the year as people were Manager Roshanie Head of Science Raoul Rutnam Chamath Wijesinghe instructed to stay at home; factories were M.P.J. Seneviratne Dissanayake Dr. Chaturangi usual. “Once the city returns to normalcy, we shuttered and coal use fell by 40% at China’s Wickramaratne (PhD) are ready to deliver the service to that level, six largest power plants since the last quarter streets are still ignorant about such was Cleantech (Pvt.) Ltd. Chief Operations and well,” she explained. of 2019. The proportion of days with ‘good things. The environment is the least of their Manager M.P.J. Seneviratne. “Since there When asked whether we could be quality air’ was up 11.4% compared with priorities.” is no public anywhere, littering the city has identified as a country well known for its the same time last year in 337 cities across His concern is highly valid. What would ceased. Not only that, even garbage that cleanliness, Dissanayake said: “It should be China, according to its Ministry of Ecology happen when things return to normal? had to be collected was very less due to the everyone’s dream; the Municipal Council and Environment.” Street cleaning employee S.H. Mahinda, fact that only a few people were commuting alone cannot achieve that task. Colombo The article also went on to state that who has been doing this job for 20 years of to Colombo; normally, it would be around is not a planned city and it requires the in Europe, satellite images revealed that his life, explained that after the curfew was 700,000-800,000 people,” Seneviratne Government itself to plan such things. To nitrogen dioxide emissions are fading away imposed, it was difficult for a lot of them to informed. get to the level of cleanliness maintained by Finally, she pointed out that this over Northern Italy. The same could be said come to work. Due to this, Cleantech (Pvt.) “A way in which this level of countries such as Singapore, cleaning alone battle against Covid-19 has shown the for Spain and the UK. Ltd., the company he is attached to, had cleanliness could possibly be maintained will not help; we have to have a master plan. lengths to which political leaders would provided them with transport. is by penalising those who litter,” We have to remove unnecessary buildings, go in order to prioritise human health and What about Colombo? “Of course, before the curfew was he suggested, adding that, drawing a resettle people, etc.“ wellbeing. “This should be the same for Raoul Rutnam from Redline implemented, the streets would get rather comparison between Singapore and She added that in order to maintain this climate change as well, as climate change Technologies, speaking to The Sunday dirty as people would litter all over the place. Colombo, in Singapore, if someone even level of cleanliness, the implementation has resulted in droughts, floods, fires, Morning Brunch, shared his experience of However, during the curfew period, there spits on the street, they are fined. “That is the of the law is very important, as discipline and coastal erosion that have endangered getting back outside after a long period of was little to no litter on the streets,” Mahinda level of discipline we need,” he asserted. should be maintained in order to achieve this human lives. However, we still continue working from home. “I have personally seen elaborated. Unfortunately, due to the curfew As a concluding message, Seneviratne goal. to rely on coal for energy production, a cleaner and better city; clearer skies as relaxation, it has somewhat gone back to the stated that the stark difference in the state of regardless of our commitments to the Paris well,” he zealously shared. Of course, with previous state, according to him. “It is slowly the cleanliness on the streets between pre- The technicalities Agreement to reduce our emissions. We less people on the streets, there is bound but gradually going back.” curfew and during curfew periods should Environmental Foundation Ltd. need to feel the same sense of urgency to be less garbage to clean up – an overall Mahinda shared that one particular educate the people on how irresponsible they (EFL) Head of Science Dr. Chaturangi and require the same political will when reduction in litter. individual, after going to the bank, have been. Wickramaratne (PhD), sharing her thoughts, dealing with climate change. This period of He went on to say that he felt a sense of nonchalantly crushed his receipt and dropped said that we are generating a large amount of Covid-19 has shown us that this, in fact, is pride and happiness as it was refreshing to it on the ground. Mahinda, fortunately, United we stand solid waste, which our disposal systems are a possibility,” she concluded. see the city of Colombo looking pristine as quickly reprimanded the individual. Such Generation Green is an organisation unable to handle. We are in fact running out Will this honeymoon period for the it did. However, Rutnam had one concern. stories can make one feel disappointed to see that creates awareness amongst the people of landfill space to dispose of this garbage. environment remain this way when things “I wonder if we can continue to keep it us revert back to our previous ways. on the importance of maintaining a clean This landfill space is apparently a land area return back to normal? Or will we just never this way, as people stepping out onto the Also commenting on the state of the city environment. Speaking to The Sunday which could be used for other purposes, change our ways? Something to ponder. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, May 17, 2020 HEALTH LOW-COST ROBOTICS TO COMBAT COVID-19

demonstrated at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital was developed as a result of collaborative work between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ruhuna. This robot was made mainly using locally sourced reusable materials. The design of the MedBot is unique and according to the main inventor of the MedBot, Dr. Kumara Jayawickrama, the robot’s shape and dimensions, mechanical structure, and the controller of the MedBot were designed following mobile robotics The MedBot team (from left): Tharanga Nandasena, Dr. Kumara Jayawickrama, Dr. Lahiru Prabodha, University engineering product design concepts. of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor senior Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, Faculty of Engineering Dean Dr. Harsha This version of the MedBot is capable Sooriyarachchi, and Prof. Ranjana Senevirathna of carrying 10 kg of weight and is powered by a rechargeable battery so that the BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA MedBot can be operated for more than two MedBot hours continuously. It is equipped with an As the world is gripped by the pandemic, the human element of interactions infrared thermometer, a 360-degree dual- is slowly becoming minimised. This has paved the way to open up new axis rotatable high-definition camera, and an opportunities for automation. With epidemiologists warning that social audio system for two-way communication distancing will have to be maintained until 2021, robotics in the healthcare with the patient. This version of the sector may have a growing demand. MedBot can be controlled remotely by We spoke to the developers of There are four broad areas where using any smart device (e.g. smartphone and administrative personnel. These mobile inventors of this country. such a unique, low-cost robotic device robotics can make a difference: Clinical care or tablet). The user-friendly app (mobile robots could also be used to repeatedly Covid-19 has demonstrated the named MedBot. Faculty of Medicine (e.g. telemedicine and decontamination), application software programme) embedded monitor temperatures of in/outpatients in importance of digital readiness. Building Department of Anatomy senior lecturer logistics (e.g. delivery and handling of to the driving window interface to control real time, capture and store/record data for the necessary infrastructure to support a and clinical geneticist Dr. L.B. Lahiru contaminated waste), reconnaissance (e.g. the MedBot smoothly was designed by identification, and further processing. digitised world and staying current with the Prabodha, Department of Mechanical and monitoring compliance with voluntary Tharanga Nandasena and Rasika Dilhani. The inventor team is willing to upgrade latest technology will be beneficial towards Manufacturing Engineering senior lecturer quarantines), and continuity of work and Prof. Ranjana Seneviratne and Dr. Lahiru the robot to suit other places like restaurants, mitigation efforts. These innovations Dr. Kumara Jayawickrama, Faculty of maintenance of socioeconomic functions. Prabodha shaped up the MedBot to fit the offices, and household applications, and will also pave the way for an accelerated Engineering Department of Interdisciplinary Instead of putting at risk personnel at hospital environment and fine tuned its also to guide persons with disabilities. The response in either the re-emergence of Studies senior lecturer Rasika Dilhani, outpatient departments (OPDs), robots are operation to combat the Covid-19 pandemic project was facilitated by the Technology Covid-19 or a future pandemic of this scale. University of Ruhuna Faculty of Medicine being used to scan patients with potential in Sri Lanka. Transfer Office of the University of Ruhuna Robots performing tasks that would professor of surgery Ranjana Seneviratne, symptoms, whether it be high temperature and funded by the World Bank (WB). normally put workers at risk of infection and Tharanga Nandasena, a software or coughing. Mobile robots are used in place The team highlighted Furthermore, the team highlighted greatly improves not only the capabilities engineer (graduated from the University of of doctors to perform routine observations that the MedBot is a that the MedBot is a product of a of the healthcare facilities, but also Ruhuna) who pioneered the development of such as checking the temperature. product of a multidisciplinary multidisciplinary collaborative effort dramatically reduces the risk to both workers MedBot. Wireless automated camera systems collaborative effort (engineering and medicine), and many and patients. Robotic helpers can greatly are commonly used for screening of several (engineering and medicine), other products will be invented if various improve our ability to fight and eradicate Could robots be an effective resource professionals work together. this threat to our friends and families. people simultaneously in large areas. This and many other products in combating Covid-19? can be combined with intelligent navigation In addition, the developers will be invented if various acknowledged the Vice Chancellor of the Albeit wearing protective gear, frontline and detection of high-risk and high-touch Contact Dr. L.B. Lahiru Prabodha on professionals work together University of Ruhuna, Deans of the Faculty healthcare workers are continuously areas to take preventive measures. Robots [email protected] of Medicine and Engineering, the Director exposed to the pathogen with direct patient are also being used to dispense medicine, and Dr. Kumara Jayawickrama on and the staff of the Teaching Hospital in contact. Medical facilities are a hotbed which releases nurses to help with patients The upgraded version of the MedBot, Karapitiya, the Director of the Technology [email protected] for the transmission of Covid-19. Hence, in other ways. In general, the use of equipped with essential patient monitoring Transfer Office of the University of Ruhuna, for more details. technology can be utilised to reduce the robots allows doctors and nurses to more facilities, is capable of carrying more and especially the technical and the other number of interactions healthcare workers effectively perform the higher priority weight and moving through (and from) staff of the Faculty of Engineering for their have with infected patients; this is where duties where their skills and abilities are and reaching patients, using algorithms About the writer support to make the MedBot robot a reality robots can have a major impact. Robots most needed. When utilised, robots increase programmed to handle the operations The writer, during the pandemic. have the potential to be utilised in the the capabilities of medical facilities while through a path established, predefined, or Dr. Dineshani On behalf of the inventor team, Dr. management of Covid-19 patients as they reducing the risk to those working there. pre-trained while avoiding stationary and Hettiarachchi Sirisena, Lahiru Prabodha requests well-wishers can reduce the risk of inward transmission Robotics, from a macro to micro scale, dynamic obstacles autonomously. is a family physician and donors to come forward and extend a by reducing person-to-person interaction. could also be developed to continually The MedBot has two operating modes: with a special interest helping hand for this new invention and Some centres outside Sri Lanka are currently work to sterilise surfaces that are frequently Through WiFi (fast, within the range of in rare genetic diseases make use of this product. By supporting using remote-controlled or unmanned touched. local WiFi connection even 100m~150m) and regenerative these projects, we will be promoting local mobile robots to disinfect hospitals, deliver and the internet (direct). This feature is medicine currently innovations such as these, which can medicine and food, monitor patients, and MedBot also important in this Covid-19 situation working further help Sri Lanka in international enforce quarantine restrictions. This will The MedBot is a mobile, wheeled as sometimes large quarantine centres as a lecturer at the Department of markets. The team is willing to share their minimise the risk of healthcare workers robot developed focusing on the needs have to be monitored remotely, provide Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University technical and collaborative expertise gained contracting the disease. of hospitals to handle most of the above routine support, and various individual of Colombo, Sri Lanka. activities. The prototype version recently needs need to be tended to by healthcare through this experience to motivate young Thorough evaluation of adrenal adenomas can determine if they pose health risk ÄÄ Dear Mayo Clinic, on a Your body has two adrenal affect blood pressure, blood sugar, before surgery or another treatment scan of my abdomen, glands, one above each kidney. and weight changes; aldosterone, a is recommended. an adenoma was found As part of the endocrine steroid hormone that affects blood When adrenal gland hormone incidentally on one system, adrenal glands produce pressure and salt concentration; production is normal and evaluation of my adrenal glands. hormones that contribute to and adrenaline, another hormone of the imaging shows no signs sexual development and regulate that affects blood pressure. When of a nodule being anything other What causes this? metabolism, blood pressure, an adrenal adenoma is found, a than a benign adrenal adenoma, Should I be concerned? stress, and other essential bodily series of blood, urine, or salivary then typically, no treatment or I am a 74-year-old functions. Each adrenal gland has tests are performed to assess further testing is necessary at woman. Although I two parts: the outer cortex and the hormone production. that time. If that’s the situation am overweight, I’m in inner medulla. Adrenal adenomas When testing shows an for you, your healthcare provider generally good health develop in the cortex. overproduction of hormones, may recommend a follow-up It’s not clear what causes the care team may recommend appointment in six months to two otherwise. Adrenal adenoma. (a) Fused PET-CT scan shows bilateral lesions (arrowheads) in the adrenal adenomas to form. They adrenal glands with no significant FDG activity, findings that are consistent with adrenal removal of the affected adrenal years to repeat the imaging and Adrenal adenomas are tend to be more common in older adenomas. (b) Unenhanced CT scan shows the bilateral adrenal masses (arrowheads) gland, although the necessity of recheck hormone levels. If any adults and people who are obese, as with a uniform attenuation of 4 HU, findings that are also consistent with adrenal this surgery varies, depending significant changes are noted, then nodules that develop on the adenomas adrenal glands. They are common well as in those who have diabetes on which hormone is being treatment may be appropriate. and usually don’t pose a health or high blood pressure. As in your whether it’s a noncancerous or be cancer. If a nodule looks like it oversecreted. threat or require treatment. When case, adrenal adenomas are often benign adenoma. The images might be cancer, then additional If a patient with an adrenal Sarika Rao, D.O., adrenal adenomas are discovered, found incidentally on abdominal are evaluated closely to examine imaging or other follow-up tests adenoma is also experiencing Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, however, a thorough evaluation imaging exams performed for the nodule’s appearance. Factors may be recommended. symptoms or if his or her medical Jacksonville, Fla. of their appearance and hormone another reason. Because of that, such as how bright the nodule Benign adenomas sometimes history points to the possibility © 2020 MAYO production is necessary to sometimes they are nicknamed appears on the imaging, its shape can cause excess production of another underlying medical FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL confirm that the adenomas are not adrenal “incidentalomas”. and size, as well as the presence of certain adrenal hormones. condition that could be affecting EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. cancerous and they won’t lead to When imaging reveals a of other distinguishing features Normally, the adrenal glands the adrenal glands, then more DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE other health problems. nodule in an adrenal gland, can differentiate a benign adrenal secrete various hormones, such as testing would be performed to CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL several steps are taken to confirm adenoma from a mass that may cortisol, a steroid hormone that can further evaluate the situation RIGHTS RESERVED. 6 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, May 17, 2020

SPERM WHALE

IN SRI LANKA

Kalpitiya, we have encountered a large of following them in the Gulf of Mannar, good and secure place for them to come aggregate of sperm whales numbering Nanayakkara and his team has collected and relax and also calves, and mate free of A natural up to 300-plus individuals on several and compiled footage of this phenomenon. predators,” he explained. occasions,” he shared. “We also use the hydrophones to phenomenon “I have been monitoring this record their CODARs (coastal ocean phenomenon since 2010 with the end dynamics applications radar). Researches RESPONSIBLE of the war in 2009. At the time, I was done in other parts of the world have WHALE-WATCHING missed attached to a different marine research shown that they have a dialect of their organisation. The people in Kalpitiya own language in different parts of the A unique phenomenon such as due to the have been witnessing this since their world, similar to humans. The ones found this can easily attract a large number of forefathers’ time. The story has come in the Indian Ocean will be different to the people. However, with Sri Lanka’s whale- down through generations through word ones found in the Mediterranean waters. watching practices that are unmonitored, it pandemic of mouth that these aggregations happen They have a different frequency of the can have a negative impact. Nanayakkara from March up until May,” Nanayakkara CODARs. We have been maintaining also mentioned that since 2013, they have added. a CODAR ID catalogue as well,” he been conducting workshops in both the BY JITHENDRI GOMES explained. Mirissa and Kalpitiya areas on responsible This method was also adopted to see whale-watching practices. He also midst the disruption LARGE GATHERINGS if the same individuals are returning every Conservation biologist Ranil Nanayakkara mentioned that comparatively, the people Covid-19 has brought year. With this, they have also been able in Kalpitiya are more knowledgeable and He went on to explain as to why to record them lunching, sky hopping, and phenomenon. Furthermore, he explained responsible, and the boats that go out from about is also the these aggregations happen in the first tail flapping. that no research or observations of these Kalpitiya are the 19-feet fiberglass boats. disruption to planned place. “We first thought that perhaps superpods were done in Sri Lanka prior to “These are the same people who used field research. these aggregations happen because of ONLY IN SRI LANKA 2010 and his work. to kill dolphins in the past, but with the AResearchers have missed out on the nutrient levels in the water, with it “Even for me, it was a mere workshops, they have converted and come the narrow window to observe being higher than in other areas – a place This phenomenon that happens coincidence to find it. I too didn’t know to an understanding that they are better off the spectacle that is the sperm where planktons are more and the larger annually in Sri Lanka is also supposed about it until I came across it while doing conserving these animals as opposed to whale superpod as the Covid-19 predators follow it there. So we tested to be very unique to the world. It does a marine mammal survey in the area harassing and killing them. out samples with water quality tests and not happen anywhere else in the region and decided to follow a tip given by the “We are also not publicising our pandemic has forced an entire fishermen who told us that they saw a nation to shut down. found that there isn’t a huge fluctuation of as well. “We have been in touch with the research a lot and many Sri Lankans nutrients from other areas. We then started Authority of Sperm Whales in Canada and large number of sperm whales about one- are unaware of this. But it is something Previous data suggests that the peak focusing on other research areas.” they have been studying sperm whales and-a-half nautical miles from where we that is well known abroad and we do of the superpod season this year would run He mentioned how in the next step, since the 1970s. They have also confirmed were in the sea. have a lot of foreigners coming down from 15 March to 20 April. they got into the water to photograph the that this phenomenon is very rare and that “We went anticipating to see around to witness it and even film crews that Conservation biologist Ranil animals with permission and clearance in these large aggregations happen only in five to 10 whales and found close to 50 on come to do documentaries. We also have Nanayakkara has been following these place. This was done in order to identify very few places all over the world. A large the surface alone! And with sperm whales, people who get special permission and superpods for the last 10 years. His the whales and include them into the ID gathering is what happens in the Gulf of if you get 50 on the surface, there would come to take underwater photographs research interests are biogeography, catalogue they have put together. They Mannar and aggregations similar to this be many more underwater. It was from of these superpods. On a global scale, it ecology, and taxonomy. He currently identify them with scars and marks that one was only witnessed previously, prior then on that every year we went back to is something very well known. We also serves as a Co-founder and Research naturally occur and also by encountering to whaling times,” Nanayakkara said. Kalpitiya to observe this whilst engaging came across a unique event in 2017 where Scientist at Biodiversity Education and predator-like killer whales. “It is when we Whaling is the hunting of whales in other research as well. And now we a pod of transient killer whales started Research (BEAR) and is also attached to started this process that we realised that for their usable products such as meat have data of 10 years; in 2013, the Whale to attack these sperm whales. That too the University of Kelaniya. He spoke to the sperm whales come to this particular and blubber. It was in the 1970s that this and Dolphin Conservation also came on was documented and published in The The Sunday Morning Brunch about how place to mate.” activity was banned, protecting all ocean board to go along with me every year,” he Guardian,” he said. he encountered these super pods for the whales. Records show that the moment noted. Nanayakkara explained that first time back in 2010 and the journey of the ban was in place, they were able to With it being identified as one of superpods are best identified between 15 documenting them ever since. SOCIAL BEINGS witness these large aggregations. the largest congregations in the world, March and 15 April and it does coincide “A super pod is a mass aggregation of Nanayakkara explained that the next The sperm whale is also different to with the Kalpitiya whale-watching season whales found in one place. Sperm whales phase of the research will be based on a that starts in mid-February all the way till generally are found in small pods of one to other kinds like blue whales as they hang HAPPY ACCIDENT consensus to identify why these animals out in social family groups. Once the mid-May. But with the superpods, all the two up to about 15 to 20. There have been, Nanayakkara further explained come to this area specifically. “The creatures in the Indian Ocean gather in the however, instances where in Mirissa and males mature when they reach the age of authorities state the Gulf of Mannar is 10 to 12, they leave the group and wander that it has also been acknowledged and Gulf of Mannar. Trincomalee, these pods have increased to confirmed by the Whale and Dolphin secure from three sides: On one side you It certainly is a national treasure and around 30 to 50 individuals. In the Eastern away, similar to elephants. They also go find India, on the other Sri Lanka, and into colder water and when they are ready Conservation in the UK. They have we must work towards preserving this half of the Gulf of Mannar to where we written many articles to renowned papers finally Adam’s Bridge. Only the southern natural phenomenon that is unique to Sri venture out from the Kudawa area in to reproduce, they come in search of the part is open to the deep seas. So it is a receptive females. With almost 10 years like The Guardian regarding this natural Lanka.

PHOTOS RANIL NANAYAKKARA the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, May 17, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

15 Feature of club nights for 63 Tina Fey’s boss on “30 SOLUTION FOR 3 MAY comic wannabes Rock” 16 Main cast of “Parasite,” 65 Devices made largely Crossword e.g. obsolete by smartphones CROSSWORD CLUES 52 Ransom money? 103 Hindu teacher 17 Discarded old PCs, say 66 NFL ref’s review aid 56 Amtrak track 105 Rumble in the Jungle 20 Finer-tipped 68 Multinational hotel chain Across 57 Talk Like a Pirate Day setting 1 “Please stay” 23 Well-intentioned 71 Understand word 107 Celtic Sea land, to the IOC humanitarian 74 Like many La Scala 7 Fallopian tube neighbor 58 Undoing 108 Hard end? 12 __ Beta Kappa 28 Like a bairn productions 60 “What else could it be?!” 109 Smart money? 29 Fried foods, vis-à-vis 77 Bookkeeper’s book 15 Just peachy, in old slang 61 Go head to head 111 Wonderland drink 18 Tool for winter fishing baked ones 78 Ovarian hormone 62 From sunup to sundown 112 “I would consider __ 32 Georgia airport code 80 Rent 19 “I swear!” 64 Afterwords honor” 20 Royal problem? 33 Dash in a spice rack? 83 ‘60s protest gp. 67 Greek goddess of wisdom 113 Backwoods type 35 Word rarely used without 84 Big bores 21 Superhero sound effect 69 Hawaiian staple 114 Self-referential “Don’t you 22 Mad money? “far” 85 Special guest, perhaps 70 Gamer’s complaint think?” 86 Like many Cubist 24 Lingerie brand 72 Arrived at, as a conclusion 115 Fizzy prefix 36 Living symbol of 25 Chapter in history happiness paintings 73 BuzzFeed reaction button 116 Flyers’ org. 87 Fair-hiring inits. 26 Close-knit team 75 Wears on 117 Witherspoon of “Wild” 37 State tree of 27 Navel type Massachusetts 88 “__ me!” 76 Old money? 118 African pest 89 Bolivian bungalow 28 Grant money? 79 Dishes out incautiously 38 No-nonsense 30 Takes too much, briefly 81 Sister of Rachel Down 40 Undeserved punishments 91 Sorta cousin 31 The OED’s 21,728, e.g. 82 Mercedes-Benz sedan line 1 ‘70s music genre 41 Rely heavily on 95 Former fillies 33 Australian rockers __ at 83 “What are you gonna do 2 Pie slices, often 42 Hermanos, primas, 96 More than enough Work about it?!” 3 Water and air, e.g. etcétera 97 “__ We Almost Have 34 Shoot for 84 Put on 4 Peter the Great, e.g. 43 Ballet-inspired workout It All” 35 Voice below soprano 85 Should really 5 Strategy method 98 Mildly annoyed cries 36 French toppers 87 Paper money? 6 Be indebted to 44 Oft-mispunctuated word 99 Unnerving 39 NFL pass rushers, as a unit 89 Type of drum or dance 7 As expected 46 Time Person of the Year 101 Swear words? 40 Hot money? 90 Cassock wearer 8 Battery count et al. 102 River through Orsk 45 They’re used for emphasis 92 Long, long time 9 Jai __ 49 Compressed file format 103 Pump, e.g. 47 Olympian Bolt 93 Heavenly body? 10 Ancient mariner’s story, 51 Accounts __ 104 Aftermath 48 Bit of info 94 Bear in Baja e.g. 52 Ski slope apparel 106 “Zip-__-Doo-Dah” 49 Nasty type 95 Seder staple 11 Positive answer 53 Stuff oneself silly 109 Home of many 2010s 50 Social media pic that may 97 Pres. when Sputnik was 12 Besties 54 Connection refugees: Abbr. go viral launched 13 Runner’s __ 55 Pet control aids 110 Magician’s source of 51 Intrinsically 100 Bad money? 14 Unfavorably 59 Tavern mugful surprises NOTICE Please note that the e-paper editions are not going to have winners. We will resume selecting winners once the paper is printed again.

R INSTRUCTIONS: Find as many words as you can by linking B U P H letters up, down, side-to-side and diagonally, writing words on a blank sheet of paper. You may only use each letter box W O I S once within a single word. Play with a friend and compare G O K E word finds, crossing out common words.

R A G L M BOGGLE YOUR BOGGLER POINT SCALE RATING 3 letters = 1 point 151+ = C hamp 4 letters = 2 points 101- 150 = E xpert 5 letters = 3 points 61 -1 00 = P ro 6 letters = 4 points 31 - 60 = Gamer By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek 7 letters = 6 points 21 - 30 = Rookie 8 letters = 10 points 11 - 20 = A mateur 9+ letters = 15 points 0 - 10 = T ry a gain

P U I B G BoggleR BrainBusters Bonus We put special brain-busting words into the puzzle grid. Can you find them? P M L O M Find AT LEAST EIGHT FOUR-LETTER MAMMALS in the grid of letters. M E A Y N ______S T G R X ______

I S P I E R Answers to Last Sunday's Boggle BrainBusters: ALPHA BRAVO CHARLIE DELTA ECHO FOXTROT 9-1-19 BOGGLE is a trademark of Hasbro, Inc. 2019 Hasbro, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, May 17, 2020

1.7 billion children across the ÄÄ 2. Who was your go-to I also taught him how to be safe ÄÄ 9. What is most visible world experience abuse. But person? from a very young age. in a sexually abused what is even more shocking I didn’t have one, and most ÄÄ 7. What are the child? is that one in four children – children don’t reach out to anyone Extreme displays of emotion or unless a trusted relationship has common traits found apathy and abnormal behavioural girls and boys – experience in abusers? child sexual abuse with 91% already been established. My go-to patterns in the context of that child. person at that time was my abuser They are all survivors of Sudden refusal to let anyone touch of these abuses perpetrated abuse of some kind, and most by a close associate of the as that was the grooming I got genitalia, revulsion or fright in being from him. times, many kinds. However, not near a particular person, sudden family; a preventable yet all survivors turn abusive, but all rampant health problem bouts of rage and frequent urinary ÄÄ 3. What was your have behavioural issues that must tract infections must be investigated. that has profound impacts source of escapism? be addressed. The percentage of on economic and social I lost myself in childhood play abusers who randomly abuse is ÄÄ 10. How important fundamentals of entire infrequently, but I read to leave very low. These are sociopaths. is it for parents/ nations. What is even my world behind. My sexuality teachers/adults to more alarming is that had been awoken far too early and make children aware these numbers are only of being hooked on those feelings I of sexual abuse? reported cases. Thousands, would masturbate when as young Awareness needs to be made if not tens of thousands, of as five years old. I hated myself as early as possible and the child child sexual abuse cases go more afterwards. must be empowered from a very unreported. Not always do ÄÄ 4. Has your art and young age to say “no”. They victims come forward to tell must be taught that their bodies music helped you in are theirs and they have the right their story. dealing with your Kumudini David is a victim to choose who can touch them childhood trauma? and how. There must be repeated of child sexual abuse, with the Definitely, as they both perpetrator being the domestic assurances that parents can be required me to lose myself in them. told anything without getting into at home, then in his 20s, and I discovered my love for drawing she a mere child of three. Now trouble. Children need a trusted and painting at 20 and music too at person to talk to – whether an aunt, a passionate advocate for child about the same time. rights and mental health, she’s best uncle, parent, or sibling. Children known for her amazing voice which 10 Qs for ÄÄ 5. When were you able can’t help themselves. It is our responsibility to protect them she has put to good use as a voice to put the past behind trainer and choral director. With a with the right information. As a you? ÄÄ 8. What is the common society we are accountable for how multifaceted career that ranges from I didn’t put my past behind reaction among adults strategic consultancy to consumer protected our children are; all of me. However, my past, though when a child tells them us! Also, please make sure you’re insights, business management, Kumudini horrible, gave me insight into IT, psychology, and multimedium of abuse? not marrying an abuser. myself and others; lessons I would With the #MeToo movement art thrown in for good measure, not have learned otherwise. Kumudini lays bare the ugly truths and the topic now in mainstream Watch the video of this of child sexual abuse, the lasting ÄÄ 6. When did you tell media, the reaction is much more interview on psychological impacts it has, and David favourable towards the child, your son? and the parents go into denial what adults should be aware of. When he was 13, he asked I was seven when I realised realisation dawned about this crime less. However, the most common me what happened and I knew he ÄÄ 1. When did you what Raju and I were doing was committed against me. It eased the reaction is dismissal rather than was ready to hear it. He’s always brunch wrong. I hated myself so much pressure as I let go of the long-held accepting that an adult has failed realise you were being seen me working on stopping child that I was suicidal when I was feelings of loathing I had towards to protect a child and/or that a Facebook Page sexually abused? abuse, so it’s been a part of his life. nine. It was only in my 20s that the myself. trusted loved one is an abuser. Small change and Skywards Miles help Emirates make a difference in people’s lives Customer and Lady Ridgeway Hospital corporate support impacts for Children (LRH) in 2008 90,000 people’s lives, and the financing of some Saaraketha Managing Director Prasanna Hettiarachchi (left) Chemical-free and sustainably sourced products supports 22 projects in of the operating expenses, 12 countries as well as including electricity costs more than 50 medical, of Prithipura Communities, engineering, and which began in 2018, educational missions. among its principal Thanks to customer projects. The foundation Saaraketha Lifestyle donations, the Emirates has also in the past 10 When Sri Lanka entered a particularly in periods of crisis. for Saaraketha but for the whole Airline Foundation used years supported an open sudden lockdown in response Because of their commitment to world. Consumers are rethinking a staggering 132 million heart surgery project, the to the Covid-19 pandemic, these principles, despite facing their habits and allegiances, and Skywards Miles to construction of a biogas Donations to the Emirates Airline Foundation recently helped Saaraketha was one of the very a severe disruption of their core there is more awareness about positively impact the lives Prithipura Communities in Sri Lanka to carry out building plant for a children’s home first to respond to the overnight export business, Saaraketha has the impact of their consumption and livelihoods of more renovations at their Cotagala Special School facility, which is in Tangalle, and the “Gift attended by 80 children with special needs from ages six and up national need for delivered food. still been able to contribute to choices. The changes that than 90,000 people, mainly of Sight” project at the Saaraketha is Sri Lanka’s largest support the livelihoods of their they embraced in this crisis to children, living in some The numbers speak like-minded partners and LRH. retailer and exporter of certified supply chain consisting of over both support farmers and feed of the most impoverished for themselves. Last year, NGOs globally who aim to The Emirates Airline fresh organic produce and 2,500 rural smallholder farmers. customers have paved the way for communities worldwide. the foundation used 132 reach out to the neglected, Foundation is a non-profit ethically sourced sustainables. In addition, they have also a new way of thinking – a new In the same period – from million donated Skywards ignored, and the poorest charity organisation Unlike other retailers in the food been able to contribute to the way of working for Saaraketha 1 April 2019 to 31 March Miles to support travel for communities on the planet. which aims to improve industry, Saaraketha has had lives of 50 employees and their Lifestyle; it is a new business 2020 – the foundation also 35 NGOs on more than “Rather than just the quality of life for years of experience with home families, over 50 delivery drivers model that allows them to donated more than AED 50 medical missions, four donating food to feed the children, regardless of delivery, supporting a loyal and their families, 28 small welcome more ethical producers 6.5 million to 22 projects NGOs on five engineering hungry, the foundation geographical, political, base of urban consumers with ethical businesses, and 7,000- of fresh fruit and vegetable, dry in 12 countries. missions, and one NGO on provides children with or religious boundaries. a biweekly service prior to the plus customers. In keeping with goods, prepared foods, and other The foundation, two educational missions. holistic care – including Focusing particularly pandemic. their philosophy, they have also lifestyle products, expanding the a vital heartbeat of the The top five countries with food, clothing, shelter, on children trapped The islandwide curfew continued to silently help over Saaraketha Lifestyle portfolio. airline established in the largest beneficiaries medical support, and in extreme poverty, brought with it overnight three charity organisations with Covid-19 is set to leave 2003, routinely supports were Bangladesh (more an education – that the foundation strives unprecedented demand, where free food at a time when both a longer-term impact on 32 projects and non- than 66,000 people), South transforms lives, creates to reduce illness and in the first 48 hours, they income and access to food has consumer behaviour; the remote government organisations Africa (around 7,900), livelihoods, helps sustain childhood mortality rates. witnessed a 100x surge per day been scarce and uncertain. and contactless consumption (NGOs) in 18 countries Uganda (around 5,500), communities, and leads to It provides humanitarian, on their online home delivery The emphasis on stringent model, though forced upon us, worldwide, including Sri Tanzania (around 2,900), a fairer, more just world. philanthropic aid and segment. They encountered fresh, health and safety as well as will be the new norm globally Lanka, through customer and Ghana (2,000). And we are helping our services for children, with unforeseeable challenges as the organic farming and processing for evolved consumers where donations, corporate Emirates Airline customers connect to minimum administrative Saaraketha team stepped up to protocols that Saaraketha the traditional retail model is sponsorships, and Emirates President and Emirates these communities when expenses. fulfil their calling as a socially Lifestyle has built their reputation disrupted for good. The world funds. Support ranges Airline Foundation they donate funds or their The projects, both responsible company. With the on over the last eight years of order has changed; the world from absorbing all annual Chairman Sir Tim Clark Skywards Miles. Everyone existing charities and new leadership of their Managing operation means that even in a will navigate Covid-19 and the running expenses and said: “Emirates always is welcome to join us on initiatives, are located Director Prasanna Hettiarachchi, pandemic, their customer base human race will move on, but building infrastructure looks for meaningful ways this journey.” primarily at Emirates’ Saaraketha not only found can absolutely trust the products the changes that were thrust upon to running feeding and in which we can contribute In Sri Lanka, destinations where local novel ways to streamline their that they receive, going as far us by the pandemic will remain. medical programmes, to the local and global the Emirates Airline employee volunteers can processes, delivery, and service, as being able to trace where In a changed world order with paying salaries, and communities we serve, Foundation has been active participate and oversee but also opened up their platform their food has come from. This new thinking, a new lifestyle, covering other ad hoc whether by sponsoring for well over a decade, with their management, along and customer base to other small intense attention that the team and a very different consumption expenses. world-class sports and the support to refurbish with any assistance ethical businesses. pays to each product, its quality, behaviour; with social distancing The foundation also cultural events, supporting and upgrade the Intensive provided by local The “Saaraketha Lifestyle” its longevity, and its journey is where responsible consumption; appeals to Emirates’ trade and tourism, or Care Unit (ICU) of the communities. philosophy has always been something completely unique to and with increased focus on customers to donate community causes. one of sustainability, social Saaraketha Lifestyle. essential items, reducing waste Skywards Miles, small The Emirates Airline FOR MORE INFO, VISIT responsibility, and highest As the dust settles slowly, a and less impulse buying, will be change inflight, and funds Foundation is our passion www.miratesairlinefoundation.org. quality – values that come alive new world is emerging, not just the new norm. on its website. project, and we work with

Articles to check 5. Menstruation matters First Sri Lankan to Covid-19 precautions out 6. Follow us on Twitter 1. Tips to follow when opening cross the Greenland in the workplace your salon amidst Covid-19 with Arctic Trail Log onto our YouTube Nayana Karunaratne 2. A glimpse into the reality Log onto our YouTube channel for the full of healthcare workers during channel for the full video Covid-19 videofor the full video 3. Vegan soya curry 4. Fish cutlets THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7