Thursday 13 MAy 2021 Latest Edition Vol: 10/125 Price : Rs 30.00

120,000 given Eid al-Fitr on COVID jab in two days Friday (14 May) Over 1 M given 1st dose so far Health authorities have vaccinated 120,000 persons in Sri Muslims in Sri Lanka will celebrate Eid Lanka against COVID-19 on Tuesday (11) and Wednesday (12). al-Fitr (Ramadan) festival on Friday (14 May) as the crescent for the new month was Story Continued on page 2 not sighted yesterday, Colombo Grand Mosque announced.

New Health From tonight till Monday morning Guidelines issued By Dilanthi Jayamanne

The Health Ministry yesterday (12) issued Travel Restricted guidelines on the restriction imposed on inter- provincial travel and revised restrictions on permitted functions. Story Continued on page 2 Islandwide Leave home Comes into effect at After Monday, restriction Vaccination 11 p.m. today, ends effective from 11 p.m. programme will according to at 4 a.m. 17 May to 4 a.m. daily continue unhindered last digit of NIC By Dilanthi Jayamanne By Sandeep Tissaaratchy

A system for individuals to leave their homes, according to the last digit of the Passport, Driving Licence or National Identity Card (NIC) has been introduced from today (13), Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said. Story Continued on page 2

COVID-19 guidelines Story Continued on page 2 for overseas Govt ready to buy paddy above Reports warn COVID death travellers revised surge in September 14-day quarantine irrespective guaranteed price – President Health Sector should of being vaccinated or not The Government is He added that prepared to purchase therefore farmers be strengthened By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan paddy above the should not have fear – GMOF guaranteed price, if over such drops in yield By Faadhila Thassim The Government has revised its COVID-19 there is a reduction in while consumers will guidelines for overseas travellers, making 14 days yield and a difference in also receive rice at the The Government Medical Officers Forum (GMOF) quarantine mandatory, irrespective of being income due to the use of existing price. stated that unless the health sector is vaccinated or not, with immediate effect. organic fertiliser, The President made strengthened, Sri Lanka will not be able to face the President Gotabaya this statement during a supposed surge in the number of COVID-19 deaths Story Continued on page 2 Rajapaksa said. meeting held with... expected in September as warned by reports. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Risk of COVID-19 variants entering SL Following token strike by PHIs 27M vaccine doses required Mutants must be 435 arrested for for whole country violating health COVID-19 blocked at any cost control grinds to Less than 10% doses – Chief Epidemiologist guidelines brought down – JVP By Treshan Fernando By Dilanthi Jayamanne a halt in Galle By Anuradha Herath By Farhan Nizamdeen - Galle A total of 435 individuals were arrested JVP politburo member, former MP Wasantha Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera on 11 May for violating COVID-19 Following a day-long token strike Samarasinghe, charged that though 27 million said every effort should be made to prevent any guidelines, Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith initiated by PHIs of the Galle District vaccine doses are required to inoculate the... mutated variant of the COVID-19 entering Sri Lanka. Rohana said. yesterday (12), demanding solutions to He warned the public that Police are burning issues, several COVID-19 control Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 conducting raids at public places and... activities came to a standstill. Overcoming Pandemic For those travelling for Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 essential duties Commemorating Vesak 2021 Opposition to Long distance trains PM receives three new stamps continue seeking run from today Three commemorative stamps, issued on the occasion of the National Vesak Festival, foreign help By Buddhika Samaraweera First Day Covers and Souvenir Leaflet, were By Nabiya Vaffoor presented to Prime Minister Mahinda In spite of its previous decision to operate trains Rajapaksa by Minister of Mass Media The Opposition will continue to reach foreign only within provinces, owing to Government Keheliya Rambukwella at Temple Trees diplomats to seek assistance for Sri Lanka to imposed travel restrictions, the Railways yesterday (12). overcome the current COVID-19 pandemic, Department has now decided to operate a few... This year’s National Vesak Festival was... Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 Thursday 13 MAY 2021 News

Third wave of COVID-19 pandemic After Station Master tests COVID-19 positive SJB launches prog to Wadduwa Railway Station staffers moved resolve issues of masses By Upatissa Perera The staff of the Wadduwa Railway Station were moved to another By Nirmani Guneratne commenced under the aegis of Tissa Attanayake, Senior Deputy Vice location, after it was found that its Station Master had tested Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Presidents MPs Dr. Rajitha positive to COVID-19. A programme initiated by the SJB, at his office yesterday. Senaratne, Kabir Hashim, and Though the issuing of train tickets and the public address system to resolve issues faced by the masses, Among those involved in it were Assistant Secretaries MPs Ashok are non-operational, commuters would still be able to use the who have been affected by the third SJB Chairman, Field Marshal Sarath Abeysinghe and Kavinda station to travel. The station is being disinfected at present. wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fonseka, National Organiser MP Jayawardena.

Continued from page 1 PM receives... Govt ready to... Travel Restricted...... to be held at the historic ...the Presidential Task Force on Creating a By Dilanthi Jayamanne the Western Province will also continue. Those Nagadeepa Raja Maha Viharaya in the Green Sri Lanka with Sustainable Solutions to who are getting the vaccine could go to the closest Northern Province. Climate Change, at the Presidential Secretariat Travel restrictions will be imposed throughout MOH office in the area which they live, and Accordingly, paintings of Buddhist yesterday (11). the country, from 11 p.m. today (13) till 4.00 a.m. receive the jab, he said. religious places in Northern and He stated that the use of organic fertiliser will on Monday, 17 May, Head of the National General Silva also said movement restriction Eastern Provinces have been used for pave way for a healthy future generation adding Operation Centre for Preventing COVID-19 was imposed from 11.00 p.m. yesterday (12) till this year’s National Vesak that the promise made by way of the ‘Vistas of Outbreak, General Shavendra Silva said. 4.00 a.m. today (13) as well. commemorative stamps. Prosperity’ Manifesto to drift towards agriculture He said yesterday (12) the provision of essential After Monday, night time travel will be These stamps, on which paintings focused on the use of organic fertiliser, was goods and services could be conducted as usual, restricted daily from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the of Sapumalgaskada Temple in fulfilled adopting the right strategy. despite restricted travel. following day. Vavuniya, Kadurugoda Temple in “Transformation is challenging yet this is “In addition, the vaccination programme However, here too the restrictions exclude Jaffna and Madukanda Temple of the necessary” he said adding that although former against COVID-19, being carried out especially in essential services and food transportation. Tooth in Vavuniya, can be seen, were Governments attempted to uphold this policy,it created by stamp designer Palitha was not implemented. Further, it was stated that Gunasinghe. the Government will also facilitate companies The three stamps of Rs 10, 15 and who formerly imported Chemical Fertilisers and 45 were presented on this occasion. are now willing to manufacture organic fertiliser. Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera and Participating in the discussion, President›s COVID-19 guidelines... other members of the Maha Sangha, Special Representative and the Chair of the Task The new guidelines will be effective until 31 May. below two years are exempted, from day one of State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Force, Basil Rajapaksa said, “Some battles were Before these new guidelines, vaccinated travellers arrival and exit from COVID-19 PCR tests, but all Secretary to the Premier Gamini lost in the mission to save the country from were allowed to leave the quarantine centres after a travellers 12 years and above should under the PCR Senarath, Post Master General terrorism. Finally, the country succeeded in PCR test was conducted and if the results were test and those who are two years and above should Ranjith Ariyaratne and several others defeating terrorism. Similarly, the Government is negative. also undergo the PCR test were present on the occasion. ready to ensure the people’s right to a non-toxic The new guidelines say, all travellers arriving Also, all travellers should be released from the (BGS) meal by overcoming all challenges.” from overseas, including Sri Lankan seafarers, sea quarantine centres /hotels after 14 days with a The experts in the field pointed out that the marshals, dual citizen tourists, foreign nationals negative PCR test result done on day one of arrival transformation of Sri Lanka’s agriculture, which including valid resident visa holders should be and days 11 to 14. has been accustomed to the use of chemical quarantined at a level 1 hotel until the completion The quarantine period also could be extended if fertilisers since the early sixties, to the use of of 14 days. Also, all foreign staff members of the they are identified as immediate close contacts of organic fertilisers would be a special victory for diplomatic missions and UN organisations, who are COVID-19 positive persons. 120,000 given... the people similar to saving the country from the holding official diplomatic passports and their The mandatory quarantine period will be revised Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has war. Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera accompanying parents, spouses, and children depending on the COVID-19 situation in the vaccinated over 1 million persons and the members of Presidential Task Force on should be quarantined for 14 days in assigned country and the global situation, Director General with the first dose of COVID-19 Creating a Green Sri Lanka with Sustainable quarantine facilities. of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said in vaccines so far, the Epidemiology Unit Solutions to Climate Change were present at the The new COVID-19 rules include that children an official statement. stated. meeting. (FT)

Opposition to... Leave home... Health Sector... Mutants must... Premadasa met Norwegian Ambassador in Apart from reporting for work purposes and President of GMOF, Dr. Rukshan Bellana Addressing the Media at the Health Sri Lanka Trine Joranli Eskedail on 11 May. essential services, DIG Rohana said all persons who stated the Ministry of Health should avoid Promotion Bureau (HPB), yesterday (12) he “Sri Lanka is in need of medical equipment wish to purchase goods are only able to do so based calling on trade unions for technical advice said the Indian variant has feared to have such as ICU beds, oxygen and lifesaving on the last digit of the Passport, Driving Licence or as there are several experts in the field who entered the country owing to the large equipment and therefore I request Norway to NIC number. can provide recommendations. number of COVID-19 patients being assist us in fulfilling these needs,” he Accordingly, those whose ID numbers end with He added that services of several qualified diagnosed. However, the particular variant requested. 2,4,6,8,0 (even numbers) are permitted to leave their individuals who were removed from their identified by the Sri Jayawardena University He added that Sri Lanka needs assistance homes on even days and persons with 1,3,5,7,9, positions, such as the former Health was that of an Indian national who had as the COVID-19 cases are escalating in the (odd numbers) will be permitted to leave their homes Services Director General Dr. Anil travelled to Sri Lanka for work and was in country. on odd days. Jasinghe, should be obtained to formulate quarantine at the time he had contracted DIG Rohana urged the public to always carry their mechanisms to mitigate the spread of the infection. The Indian national was NIC when leaving the home and added that if an COVID-19. admitted to a treatment facility and had individual does not possess an NIC or a Driving Bellana further stated that receiving been sent home for quarantining following Licence, they are permitted to use the Passport. proper and necessary technical advice is his recovery and will report to duty at his If none of these documents are available, DIG needed to strengthen the health sector place of employment. New Health... Rohana said a letter from the Grama Niladhari adding that knowledge and expertise of Dr. Samaraweera said that the Health The Ministry said the guidelines came into identifying the individual as a resident of the area those with World Health Organisation Ministry and the Jayewardenepura effect from yesterday (12) and wll be in effect will be required. training should also obtained. University were collaborating on identifying until 31 May. All foreigners are allowed to use a recognised deadly variants of the virus that might enter With the issuance of this, all the Gazette Passport or Driving Licence as a form of the country. Samples taken from PCR tests notifications related to COVID-19 will be identification when travelling. done in State and private sector laboratories cancelled, except the one issued on 15 The Police urged the public to follow the guidelines are sent to the University where genomic October 2020. and added that legal action will be taken against sequencing is being carried out to identify According to the restrictions, only 15 people anyone who does not follow the rules. 435 arrested... mutated variants. can attend a funeral and final rites must be ...other outlets daily and that those in He said that every effort should be made performed within 24 hours. violation of these guidelines will be to prevent COVID-19 variants from entering While weddings are prohibited until 31 May, arrested. the society. “In order to prevent such a marriage registration is allowed with only 15 DIG Rohana added that Police have disaster, quarantine procedures should be people in attendance, including the marriage conducted raids at 2,045 locations in the further strengthened. As a first step the registrar. Less than 10%... Western Province on 11 May. A total of Government has reverted to implementing In supermarkets, a maximum of 25 per cent ...entire population of Sri Lanka against the 3,269 individuals were reprimanded for the 14-day institutional quarantine for of the total number of customers that could COVID-19 Pandemic, less than 10 per cent of that violating COVID-19 guidelines and 63 repatriates,” he noted. be accommodated in the space available can number had been brought to the country so far. persons were arrested for serious The Epidemiology Chief said that while the be allowed at a given time adhering to the He alleged though the Cabinet had boasted that violations. Unit’s Immunisation Programme was able to instructions and 1.5 square metre of available the entire country would be inoculated within a span Police also checked 571 vehicles at 12 administer 221,368 second doses of the walking space can be considered as adequate of two months last February, such grandiose talk entry and exit points of the Western Covishield vaccine, an additional 600,000 for one person. Maximum number of persons had failed to bear fruit, as the vaccination drive had Province, DIG Rohana said. During these jabs were needed to vaccinate the total allowed inside should be displayed outside. crumbled. checks, Police inspected 1,394 passengers 925,242 persons who received its first dose. All the daycare centres, pre-schools, and 205 had been given warnings by Also, a total 50,493 persons received the schools, tuition classes and higher education Police for health violations. first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine in the institutions will be closed until further notice. DIG Rohana also said according to the three Districts of the Western Province Gymnasiums, indoor sports halls, cinemas, new guidelines released by the Director alone. A total of 71,203 have received the theatres, carnivals, musical shows, beach General of Health Services, retail outlets first dose of the Chinese vaccine till now. He parties, swimming pools will be closed. Long distance... and other similar institutions are only said that 5,460 persons had received the However, people can use walkways only to ...long distance trains from today (13), as allowed to admit 25 per cent of their usual first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine on walk by self and no crowding is allowed. passengers arriving in Colombo for essential duties capacity. Tuesday (11) while a total 11,338 persons Gatherings are not allowed on beaches. were being inconvenienced. In addition, he said children’s parks, have received the first dose of the Russian In restaurants (dining in) a maximum of 25 However, the trains will not stop at sub stations swimming pools, clubs, spas, and various vaccine till now. per cent of the total seating capacity can be and will stop only at main railway stations, said other places have been closed. Meanwhile addressing the Media at the allowed at a given time adhering to the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Station Masters’ He said Police would conduct raids in Government Information Department (GID) instructions given. Group dining should be Union (SLSMU), Kasun Chamara. the future to ensure that these earlier yesterday (12) State Minister of restricted to a maximum of eight persons. Passengers travelling on such trains are also regulations are adhered to. Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Normal operations with strong adherence to required to submit an Official Identity Card or a He urged people to act responsibly, to Disease Control Dr. Sudarshani the guidelines are required in restaurants certificate or a letter from the Head of the Institution prevent the spread of COVID-19. Fernandopulle said that a consignment of which offer take away and delivery services. to verify their identity. the Sputnik V vaccine is expected to reach Furthermore, wine stores may function According to Chamara, an office train will leave Sri Lanka within the next two weeks. from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. only with strong Kandy to Colombo Fort at 5.00 a.m. Trains will run Accordingly the country will receive 600,000 adherence to the restrictions and guidelines. from Mahawa at 4.45 a.m. and from Chilaw at 5.50 doses of Sputnik V. Pubs and bars, casinos, night clubs, betting a.m. to Colombo Fort. COVID-19 control... Fernandopulle said that unlike its centres and spas will remain closed. In addition a special train will run between counterparts, the Russian vaccine had to be A maximum of 25 per cent of the total Bolawatta and Puttalam railway stations at 7.00 Among the activities that had come to a administered within two hours after being capacity can be allowed in hotels, rest houses a.m. and an office train to Maradana from Beliatta halt were conducting PCR tests, clinics, removed from the freezer. She added that and guest houses at a given time adhering to at 4.30 a.m. inspecting shops, boutiques, supervising vaccination reports are to be sent to Russia the given instructions. In the evening, an office train will run from quarantine programmes, and before the second consignment’s arrival. Boarding houses can remain at full capacity Colombo Fort to Kandy at 5.45 p.m., Mahawa at hospitalising COVID-19 patients. The State Minister lamented that the third adhering to the guidelines. However, no new 6.00 p.m. and Chilaw at 5.18 p.m. The special train Sources said the strike had been wave of the virus had seen 31,616 cases persons should be given accommodation in will run between Puttalam and Bolawatta at 4.00 supported by 118 PHIs from 20 regional within a span of a little less than one month boarding houses. p.m. and from Maradana to Beliatta at 4.40 p.m. health divisions in the Galle District. by Tuesday (11) night. Thursday 13 May 2021 A3 A4 thursday 13 may 2021 news

Specialist Medi team in confab on COVID control with President Sole Solution – A Rapid Mass Vaccination Programme A rapid mass vaccination programme May, regarding the current COVID-19 by the time the report is available, the rapidly rising. There is a severe shortage symptoms and another two weeks for is the only solution to control the situation within the country, shortages infected patient has already spread the of PCR facilities, particularly in the need for ICU care and even death. current COVID-19 outbreak in the which the country is currently facing in disease to a larger community in society. peripheral hospitals and there are many As such the death rate seen today is the country and if this rapid action plan the medical industry and what should be Also, they stated that locking down small infected individuals languishing at result of infection contracted one was not implemented, the health care done to prevent further spread. areas such as Grama Niladhari home, awaiting admission to hospitals or month ago. Based on that perception, it system will inevitably go out of control The team stated that, the rapid mass Divisions, are unlikely to be effective in intermediate centres. is likely that there will be more and and end up in a total breakdown, said vaccination programme would save controlling the spread of infection. The team of experts has also informed more cases and deaths in upcoming Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) many lives and also it will be They have emphasised that all the President that the facilities for Non- weeks. Unless action is instituted and the Sri Lanka Intercollegiate economically beneficial for the country in healthcare resources are being COVID medical problems are also being today, there will be an exponential rise Committee (SMIC). long-term. The vaccines with two doses overwhelmed due to the current rapid curtailed through necessity and their of cases followed by a surge, at which A team of six specialists from SLMA take a minimum of six to eight weeks to increasing cases and all health sector management is getting neglected, leading time interventions of any sort are and SMIC with expertise in prevention develop an effective immunity system. beds and healthcare facilities were to an unavoidable increase in deaths of unlikely to have any significant impact and management of COVID-19 Meanwhile, the UK variant of COVID- utilised by the patients. The number patients with Non-COVID diseases. on the outbreak. infection had a discussion with the 19 is highly transmissible and infectious. requiring oxygen and the number There is a lag-time of 2 weeks from (ER) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 10 As there is a delay in getting PCR reports, waiting for ICU management is also is the time of infection to develop

No community spread of A1 expansion project Indian variant Kadugannawa-Pasyala – Gammanpila

BY Thameenah Razeek quarantine at a Government quarantine centre. section to be widened Highlighting that the Sri Lankan Quoting State Minister of Primary health sector is battling against the Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Highways Minister Johnston COVID-19 pandemic in a serious Disease Control, Dr. Sudarshani Fernando said that Sri Lanka could manner, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Fernandopulle, Minister Gammanpila be one big metropolis in the future Udaya Gammanpila said the said that since the detection was made with a highly networked system of Government does not expect a at a quarantine centre, this does not expressways connecting important community spread of the COVID-19 pose a threat of a community spread of cities; making transport and Indian variant in Sri Lanka. the variant. travelling efficient. Fielding a question posed by the Dr. Fernandopulle has said the Speaking to Media after a meeting Media on Tuesday (11), at the weekly individual infected with the Indian with Ministry officials to review the Cabinet Media briefing at the variant has not been exposed to the Sri tender awarding process to private Department of Government Lankan community, he noted. companies for the widening of the Information, Gammanpila noted the Gammanpila went on to say they are Kadugannawa to Pasyala section of B.1.617 variant spreading in India was prioritising the health care of the the Colombo-Kandy (A1) road on detected on an individual undergoing citizens in Sri Lanka over tourism. Monday (10), Minister Fernando said plans have been completed to develop the 55.7 km stretch in four phases with Asian Development Chairman of the RDA Chaminda Athaluwage handing over the contracts to Bank funds. construction companies to develop the Pasyala to Kadugannawa section of the The first phase of the project from Colombo - Kandy road (A1) UNICEF promises aid to SL Pasyala to Ambepussa covering 14.9 km is planned to be developed Fernando said he has instructed infrastructure including road By Niramni provide any assistance Premadasa expressed at a cost of Rs. 1.6 billion. The Ministry Secretary R.W.R. development was continuing at an Gunaratne required by Sri Lanka. his gratitude for the estimated cost for the second Pemasiri and Chairman of the unprecedented speed in line with The discussion assistance provided by section, from Ambepussa to Kegalle Road Development Authority President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Sri Lankan focused on the COVID- UNICEF in safeguarding covering 12.9 km, is Rs. 1.5 billion. Chaminda Athaluwage to have Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour Representative of the 19 pandemic and and raising the The third phase, from Kegalle to coordination with construction programme to provide people with United Nations problems which have standard of living in Sri Mawanella covering 13.9 km, is companies complete to the entire better roads and boost the Children’s Fund arisen as a result in Lanka. He had also planned to be developed at a cost of project within 18 months. A country’s economy. “There is no (UNICEF) Emma various field followed by requested Brigham to Rs. 1.3 billion, while the cost of the stretch covering 44.3 km from economic development without Brigham told the a lengthy dialog on assist Sri Lanka in developing 14 km in the fourth Colombo to Pasyala on the A1 had infrastructure development and in Opposition Leader maternal and child defeating the pandemic phase from Mawanella to already been widened and that regard a highly developed Sajith Premadasa that problems issues during by providing health aid Kadugannawa is estimated at Rs. carpeted. road network is a must,” the the UN organisation will the pandemic. and support. 1.6 billion. Fernando said that Minister said.

Govt Party Leaders’ Meeting Muslim Affairs Dept Caucuses summoned to asks Muslims not to discuss COVID-19 situ criticise them By W. K. Prasad Manju programme and treatment of problem for farmers. By Naalir Jamaldeen such circulars are their bounden duty. COVID-19 patients. Although the meeting was called «It is an obligation of everyone who A decision was made at the A lengthy discussion also took to discuss how the Provincial Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs loves the country to follow the rules and Government’s party leaders’ meeting place on the ban on importing Council (PC) elections should be Department (MRCAD) Director A.B.M. guidelines issued by health authorities on Tuesday (11) by President chemical fertilisers. The Minister of held, considering the prevailing Ashraff has requested the Muslim to curb coronavirus,” the Director said. Gotabaya Rajapaksa to summon all Agriculture Mahindananda situation, the topic was postponed community not to criticise his He lamented that some were critical party committees under the Aluthgamage pointed out that there to focus on measures taken to department and its officials over the that they deliberately suspended the leadership of Prime Minister Mahinda is sufficient stocks of imported control the pandemic. suspension of Tharavih, Jummah distribution of Ramadan porridge. Rajapaksa to discuss the current chemical fertilisers are available for The discussion which was held at prayers and Ramadan month rituals. “The circular has not indicated that COVID-19 outbreak and actions the current and following season Temple Trees under the patronage of He added they have implemented the porridge should not be given. It only taken to control it. and emphasised that certain the PM was attended by Basil circular issued by Director General of imposed temporary restriction to Accordingly a conference will be racketeers are hiding stocks of Rajapaksa, Dinesh Gunawardena, Health Services, Ministry of Health, Dr. distribute porridge outside the mosques. summoned once again, as it did fertiliser trying to create an artificial Professor G. L. Peiris, Professor Asela Gunawardena. The porridge could be distributed within during the previous COVID-19 shortage. Aluthgamage said he will Tissa Vitharana, Vasudeva He said 25 persons can attend the five a mosque premises.” outbreak, inclusive of all party not allow that. Nanayakkara, Udaya Gammanpila, times a day daily prayers at a mosque. «Some health sector officials who have leaders at the invitation of the Prime Furthermore, it had been Asanga Navaratne, Tiran Alles, This restrictions has been imposed not not understood this have banned Minister to discuss measures taken mentioned that the ban will not be Gevindu Kumaratunga and Ven. only for Muslims but for all communities distributing porridge even within the to control the pandemic. lifted and the Government will Athureliye Rathana thero. It is in Sri Lanka. premises of mosque,» he said. Head of the Presidential Task Force continue to promote the use of reported that leader of the National The Director said the Health Ministry The Director further claimed they have Basil Rajapaksa and Minister of organic fertilisers, however several Freedom Front, Minister Wimal has the authority to issue special never asked to close the mosques and Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi party leaders have requested that Weerawansa nor a representative of circulars in connection with the COVID- only have instructed to refrain from presented data in connection with the policy be implemented in a his party had participated in this 19 pandemic under the Quarantine gathering in large numbers in a mosque. facilities provided for the vaccination manner that does not pose a meeting. Ordinance and added that implementing

By Dilanthi Jayamanne To review COVID-19 control methodology asymptomatic, they should be treated at their homes. State Minister for Primary However, elderly patients were Health Care, Epidemics and Technical committee meeting convened more likely to develop COVID-19 Control, Dr. complications, he said. Sudarshani Fernandopulle, towards the virulency of the implemented in mid-March this towards engaging the services of patients who have no non- Furthermore, Dr. Fernando convened a technical committee coronavirus at level three of the year to face the present disease MBBS qualified medical communicable disease and have urged the Government to close meeting, to review the current disease, PCR testing capability, risk. He said that predictions graduates in establishing a social support should be placed all liquor shops, while appealing methodology used in controlling quarantine process, hospital had also been made focussing on monitoring mechanism for the in home care under the purview to the public to refrain from COVID-19. admissions of COVID-19 the need for oxygen in the face of COVID-19 treatment process. of the Medical Officer of Health consuming alcohol and An official for the State patients, treatment, availability a third risk factor. About 25 per Quoting the State Minister, the (MOH) of the area and a curative smoking cigarettes. He said Ministry said on Tuesday (11) of oxygen and death rate. cent to 28 per cent of reported official said that “admission, sector medical practitioner to liquor shops should remain the Committee met to Accordingly, the methods used infections were symptomatic, transferring and discharge” avoid overwhelming the State closed till the COVID-19 crisis is re-examine the current methods were re-examined. The current and of them about 17 per cent criteria for patients should be hospital services. over, to protect the immunity used to tackle the level three quarantine method was require oxygen. It has been prepared to streamline the GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal level of alcohol consumers. COVID-19 risk in Sri Lanka and reviewed. The focus was on identified that about four to five treatment process. Fernando, on Tuesday (11) said Dr. Fernando said the move to discuss new actions that re-implementing guidelines that per cent of them have to be Meanwhile, the Government when COVID-19 patients had no would also increase public needed to be followed. had been followed prior to the referred to the ICU. Medical Officers’ Association risk of developing commitment to battle the Special attention was paid amendments that had been Attention was also paid (GMOA) said asymptomatic complications, and were disease. news thursday 13 may 2021 A5 General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Bill AASL staffers get second Govt trying to dose of Covishield jab By Sulochana Ramiah militarise education Mohan Airport and Aviation Services By Treshan Fernando Sri Lanka (AASL) rolled out the second dose of the Oxford- The Government is attempting – Devapriya AstraZeneca Covishield jab for to militarise and privatise its staffers from 10 May, in education by passing the bypass various authorities. He coordination with health General Sir John Kotelawala noted that, as an example, the authorities and the company Defence University Bill, alleged authority to monitor the building medical centre. the National Organiser of the of institutions such as teaching Dr. Sumith de Silva, Head of Socialist Students’ Union (SSU), hospitals will be vested with this Marketing and Corporate Rangana Devapriya. board. Communications of AASL, told He said so at a Media briefing Whilst SAITM was required to Ceylon Today that they had held yesterday (12). Devapriya gain UGC approval as well as the received the first dose in said through this Act, which has approval of the Sri Lanka February. been recently presented in Medical Council and Ministry of Staffers of the Mattala Parliament, a separate board Health, Devapriya voiced his Rajapaksa International would be set up to govern the concern that this board would Airport will also receive the forward to safeguard our the first dose and the vaccine is KDU. not have to follow these second dose. “Under this colleagues who serve many given to all on a voluntary He added that this board’s procedures. programme, over 6,000 AASL passengers and also assist to basis. authority may be higher than He also argued that the and other employees of related move essential goods around The programme was the University Grants Government is passing this Bill institutions will be covered.” the world, he added. launched under the guidance Commission (UGC), which to hasten the privatisation of Our workforce vaccination The second inoculation drive of AASL Chairman, Major currently is the main authority education. Originally, the programme is another step began for the staff who received General (Rtd) G.A. Chandrasiri. for State universities. General Sir John Kotelawala Additionally, this board would Defence University was set up mainly consist of persons with a for those from the Tri-Forces. military background rather than However, now it is open for any individuals from the field of individual. education, Devapriya claimed. Additionally, Devapriya noted Landmark tree in Sammanthurai felled Devapriya went on to note that military personnel. that the university may charge the board would comprise the He further said that the UGC fees for admitting students, By M.A.P. Deen - the tree after an inspection Secretary to the Ministry of is usually given the authority to despite being built using Ampara on an earlier occasion. Defence, the Additional ensure that students who enter taxpayers’ money. He also However, due to protests, Secretary to the Ministry of the university are deserving and highlighted that as those who A one and a half century the task could not be Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, to monitor the degree study and teach at the university old tree in Sammanthurai carried out on that day. Army Commander, Navy programmes which are will be under the military Poomarathadi Junction, The tree was felled on 5 Commander, Air Force conducted by the university. system, they are not allowed to which was described as a May with Police protection. Commander, Vice Chancellor of Those who work in the UGC form unions. landmark in The tree was planted by a the KDU, an official from the are from the field of education Devapriya argued that this Sammanthurai, was cut popular personality of that Treasury, and a nominee from and have expertise regarding new Bill would be detrimental to down on 5 May by the era, Meeralebbe Podi the UGC. these activities, Devapriya said. the quality of education and relevant authorities with Vanniar, popularly known Since the Vice Chancellor of However, he argued that the could lead to the privatisation of Police protection due to to the people as the the university must be a person same cannot be said for this education. He urged the protests by the people. Neerpatcha (irrigation) with a military ranking, board that the Government is set Government to instead take the It was brought to the Vanniar during the 1870s, Devapriya stated that from the to appoint. university under the UGC, notice of the authorities after his marriage in nine people to be appointed to Devapriya also claimed that without moving ahead with this that the tree had begun to Sammanthurai. He was the the board, seven would be the Bill would allow the board to Bill. lean towards some one and only Neerpatcha residents’ houses and can Vanniar appointed by the fall on them anytime if British Government and there was strong wind. was in charge of all Also, it was suspected that irrigation matters in the its roots had begun to rot in area. All gatherings banned in Batticaloa several places. It was because of this tree Hence, the relevant this junction is called By M.A.P. Deen – Ampara meeting. Hospitals treat COVID-19 authorities decided to fell Poomarathadi. Referring to the latest circular patients. However, when there All tuition classes, liquor from the Ministry of Health, he is a spike in cases, they need to shops, gatherings in hotels, pointed out health guideline be sent elsewhere, Dr. and get-togethers are banned in violations are on the rise, Kalaranjani said. Batticaloa and anybody who despite strict warnings. Health The Head of the Task Force violates health guidelines will authorities and the Police are replied that they are aware of be prosecuted, Batticaloa observing people’s gatherings in this problem and steps will be Government Agent K. the town and students in taken to solve it. Karunagaran said. tuition classes. Necessary Announcements have been He was speaking at the action will be taken under the made to the public that they Batticaloa District COVID-19 quarantine law against those should not gather Prevention Task Force Meeting who violate these guidelines, he unnecessarily, religious places held at the District Secretariat added. must limit the number of on 8 May. Director of Batticaloa devotees to 50 on one occasion Colonel V.M.N. Hettiarachchi, Teaching Hospital, Dr. K. and only 25 persons can attend Regional Director of Health Kalaranjani, said 4-5 oxygen a funeral. Services Dr. N. Mayooran, cylinders were needed for the Also, it has been advised that Consultant Physician Dr. S. hospital earlier, but after the people suffering from diabetes Sunderasan, Additional recent spike in COVID-19 and high blood pressure should Government Agent Sudarshini cases, about 15-16 cylinders not leave their houses. The Srikanth, Assistant are needed. The Director said latest COVID-19 variant targets Government Agent A. 19 COVID-19 patients have children, therefore they too Naveswaran, Divisional been admitted to the Batticaloa must be protected. Secretaries U. Uthayasrithar, Teaching Hospital and five of If we follow the proper health V. Vasudevan and Batticaloa them are on oxygen. guidelines, there will be no Zonal Director of Education K. At the moment, Periya Kallar, need to impose a lockdown in Sujatha were present at the Karadiyanaru and Kattankudy the area, he said.

Kinniya and Muttur COVID-19 ITCs to be set up in a week – Imran

By Naalir Jamaldeen the COVID-19 pandemic which to treat COVID-19 patients and is fast-spreading in the country. claimed that no centre has been SJB Trincomalee District MP, A few COVID-19 deaths have set up in Muttur and Kinniya M. Imran, yesterday (12), said also occurred in the district. and it is imperative to set them COVID-19 Intermediate “A Unit to treat COVID-19 up in those areas. Treatment Centres will be set up patients has been set up at the “The relevant authorities have within a week in Kinniya and Base Hospital, Kantale. I am been asked to take necessary Muttur. aware that Intermediate action to convert the Y.B. Jaya Imran further stated that Treatment Centres are to be set Maha Vidyalaya into a treatment Trincomalee District Secretary, up in Ganthalawa, centre for men and Sumaiya Saman Dharshana Batukachchiya and Wan Ela Arabic College for women Pandikkorale, has promised him areas in the Kantale MOH area,” because they are situated close that steps will be taken to set up the SJB MP said. to the Kinniya Base Hospital, the centres in the aforesaid areas He said the Kuchchaveli and while converting the Najeeb A. taking his request into Eechchilampattu Hospitals as Majeed Vidyalaya and Kiliveddy consideration. well as the Gomarankadawala Regional Hospital in Muttur into He said the Trincomalee Hospital function as Intermediate Treatment Centres District was not exempted from Intermediate Treatment Centres immediately,” he said.

Expediting mining licences GSMB conducts trials By Faadhila Thassim He added that prior to authority, adding that certain providing licenses, factors that lands have been identified as fit Trials are being conducted to will be taken into consideration for the purpose during trials. examine the possibility of include the location of the land, He further said that GSMB has providing a licence for mining of the authority under whose GPS facilities to locate a land sand, soil, stone and gravel purview the land is and the when an application is made, within three weeks of applying to environmental sensitivity of the adding that steps have also been the Geological Survey and Mines land. Walpola further stated that taken to digitise the process of Bureau (GSMB), GSMB only 25 such lands do not fall obtaining licences following the Chairman, Anura Walpola said. under the purview of any end of trials. A6 Thursday 13 MAY 2021 Editorial

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LTTE, COVID-19 Terror Wars The third wave of the COVID-19 crippling viral attack on Sri Lanka entered its 30th continuous day yesterday, leaving a trail of death and mounting casualties in its wake, with no let-up in its ferocity. Only the LTTE terror attacks have released more terrifying waves than the COVID-19 traumatic wave on Sri Lanka since it gained independence from the British on 4 February 1948. LTTE terror waves in total comprised five terror waves before it was finally eliminated on 18 May 2009. The first LTTE terror wave lasted a total of 1,468 days beginning with the killing of 13 soldiers in Jaffna on 23 July 1983 by the LTTE and ending on 29 July 1987 with the signing of the Indo-Lanka Peace Accord (ILPA) on that day. The second LTTE terror wave, after a 74-day pause from the first wave, began on 12 October 1987 and ended on 24 March 1990 after the withdrawal of the IPKF on that day, lasting a total of 894 days. This second LTTE terror wave began on 12 October 1987 after President J.R. Jayewardene had spoken to The Two Sides of Indian Premier Rajiv Gandhi over the hotline insisting that the LTTE be disarmed as per the ILPA. This was after the LTTE ran amok in the interim period between 29 July 1987 and 12 October 1987, killing Sinhala civilians and Buddhist priests in Trincomalee. Under the ILPA, Sri Lanka’s Security Forces and the STF were barracked, with security in Chinese GDP the Northern and Eastern provinces only, where the IPKF were stationed, under the ILPA, being By Nancy Qian exclusively under the hands of the IPKF. Also as per the ILPA, all terror groups had to give up Economic reporting about arms. As such all terror groups except for the LTTE China focuses far too much on and EROS, gave up arms. EROS subsequently total GDP and not enough on ‘disbanded’ and came under the wing of the LTTE, per capita GDP, which is the post-ILPA. more revealing indicator. And Hence, the four terror waves that gripped the this skewed coverage has country, ipso facto all post-ILPA, were also due to the important implications, because doings/misdoings of the LTTE only and cannot be the two indicators paint attributed to any other terror group/s as post-ILPA, significantly different pictures of those other terror groups such as the EPDP, EPRLF, China’s current economic and TELO, to name a few, gave up arms and entered the political situation. They also democratic process. focus our attention on different Meanwhile, the third LTTE terror wave, after a issues. pause of 78 days, lasted for a total of 1,613 days. It A quick search through all began with the killing of 600 unarmed Policemen in English-language news outlets Batticaloa on 11 June 1990 who had surrendered to in the ProQuest database for the LTTE allegedly under the orders of President the ten-year period from 2011- Ranasinghe Premadasa and ended only on 9 21 shows that 20,915 articles November 1994 with the election of President discussed China’s GDP, and US$ 47,828, respectively. Joe Biden’s Administration Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga on that day. whereas only 1,163 mentioned To understand the extent of recently announced further The fourth LTTE terror wave, after a 161-day pause, its GDP per capita. The poverty in China, we also need Many Chinese think punitive measures – but the lasted for a total of 2,424 days, right up to the time of difference was proportionally to consider the degree of Kremlin has persisted in its Ranil Wickremasinghe’s UNP/UNF coalition winning even larger among the eight inequality across its large the West is seeking policy of occupation in Eastern the 5 December 2001 Parliamentary Poll. In the largest and most elite papers, population. China’s current Ukraine’s Donbas region. interim, from 19 April l995 to 5 December 2001, the including the New York level of income inequality to reassert political Likewise, the boycotts of the 4th LTTE terror war lasted, beginning with the Times, Wall Street Journal, (measured by the Gini dominance and feel 1980 Moscow Olympics and the sinking of two Sri Lankan Naval ships by the LTTE on and Washington Post, where coefficient) is similar to that 1984 Games in Los Angeles had 19 April 1995. 5,963 articles referred to found in the US and India. painful reminders of little effect on either side in the The fifth and final LTTE terror wave lasted a total of Chinese GDP and only 305 Given that 1.4 billion people live colonialism and Cold War. 1,119 days, from 25 April 2006, coinciding with the discussed the per capita in China, the country’s On the contrary, military LTTE’s attempt to assassinate the then Sri Lanka measure. inequality implies that there are World War II, when aggression often provokes Army (SLA) Commander Field Marshal Sarath In 2019, China’s GDP still hundreds of millions of China lost 20 a political backlash in the Fonseka at SLA Headquarters in Colombo on 25 April (measured at market exchange impoverished Chinese. targeted country and 2006 and ending on 18 May 2009 with the killing of rates) of US$ 14 trillion was the The Chinese Government has million people, more strengthens support for its LTTE leader Velupillai Prabakaran by the SLA at world’s second largest, after said that 600 million people than any country government. Economic Mullaitivu on 18 May 2009. that of the United States (US$ have a monthly income of sanctions can have similar In the interim, ie in the period immediately prior to 21 trillion), with Japan (US$ 5 barely CN¥ 1,000 (US$ 155), except the Soviet effects and solidify public 25 April 2006 from 6 December 2001 to 24 April trillion) in third place. Aggregate equivalent to an annual income Union. The strong opinion behind more hard-line 2006, a total of 1,601 days, there was an apparent GDP reflects the total resources of US$ 1,860. Of these people, policies. phoney peace between the LTTE and the Government – including the tax base – 75.6 per cent live in rural areas. emotions triggered The backlash effect is easily of Sri Lanka (GoSL). available to a government. This by Western policies observed in China nowadays. The LTTE terror wars, comprising a total of five is helpful for thinking about the Leaving ranks of Many Chinese think the West is waves, beginning on 23 July 1983 and ending on 18 size of China’s public world’s poorest toward China seeking to reassert political May 2009 lasted a total of 7,518 days on a investments, such as in its overshadow the fact dominance and feel painful discontinuous basis, with four pauses in the interim, space programme or military countries reminders of colonialism and lasting a total of 1,914 days, thereby bringing up the capacity. But it has much less To leave the ranks of the that some of China’s World War II, when China total number of days from 23 July 1983 to 18 May bearing on Chinese people’s world’s poorest countries, China actions are troubling lost 20 million people, more 2009, inclusive of both days, to 9,432. everyday lives. must significantly boost the than any country except the On the other hand COVID-19, on a continuous Most economists therefore incomes of a population about countries like India, Soviet Union. The strong basis, with no let-up in its stream, instead, increasing care more about China’s per the size of that of Sub-Saharan Vietnam, and emotions triggered by Western in ferocity with every single wave in respect of the capita GDP, or income per Africa, and with a similar policies toward China three waves including the current which is its 3rd, person, than the aggregate average income of US$ 1,657. Indonesia, which overshadow the fact that some terrorising the country, is almost as worse as the measure. And the key takeaway And the Chinese Government is of China’s actions are troubling LTTE terror, if not worse, 472 continuous days that it here is that China remains a aware that it must do so in also suffered brutal countries like India, Vietnam, has plagued the country up to yesterday. poor country, despite its order to maintain popular colonial policies and Indonesia, which also COVID-19’s first terror wave lasted a total of 250 phenomenal headline GDP support. All else being equal, it suffered brutal colonial policies. days beginning on 27 January 2020, starting with a growth over the past four will be preoccupied for at least These emotional reactions Chinese woman tourist detected with COVID-19 on decades. another generation by the need also distract attention from that day and ending on 2 October 2020. China’s per capita GDP in to increase domestic incomes. important domestic issues, not COVID-19’s 2nd terror wave, which was far more 2019 was US$ 8,242, placing But all else is rarely equal in responded to these and other least the need to boost incomes. ferocious than the 1st, began on 3 October 2020 and the country between politics, and governments can Chinese actions in a variety of China’s poor, most of whom lasted till 12 April 2021, having as its beginnings a Montenegro (US$ 8,591) and also bolster their popular ways. The US is ramping up its probably care little about border Ukrainian cockpit crew member infected with this Botswana (US$ 8,093). Its per support in ways that do not military presence in the South disputes or international disease landing in the country. COVID-19’s 2nd capita GDP in purchasing foster economic growth. The China Sea, while China also sporting events, will bear the terror wave lasted a total of 192 days. power parity (PPP) terms – with Chinese Government, for faces the threat of economic brunt of any collateral damage. The 3rd COVID-19 terror wave, even more ferocious income adjusted to take example, emphasises its role in sanctions and a boycott of the To engage effectively with than the 2nd and its beginnings in the country has account of the cost of living – defending the population 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics China, other countries should been untraceable by the authorities to date, began was US$ 16,804. This is below against external or impersonal because of human-rights remember: contrary to first making its terror waves on 13 April 2021 and which the global average of US$ forces, such as earthquakes or concerns. impressions, it is not an continues islandwide to the present. 17,811 and puts China 86th in the COVID-19 pandemic. It has Experience suggests that economic monolith. Behind the To counter COVID-19 terror as a whole, GoSL says the world, between Suriname also recently adopted an sanctions, boycotts, and world’s second-highest GDP are that it plans to vaccinate 60 per cent of Sri Lanka’s (US$ 17,256) and Bosnia and assertive stance regarding military pressure are unlikely to hundreds of millions of people adult population by the year end. The sooner it’s done Herzegovina (US$ 16,289). In territorial disputes in the South achieve their intended aims. who just want to stop being the better. contrast, GDP per capita in PPP China Sea and along the Russia, for example, has faced poor. terms in the US and the Chinese-Indian border. Western economic sanctions (Courtesy - www.project- European Union is US$ 65,298 Western countries have since 2014 – and US President syndicate.org) column thursday 13 may 2021 A7

Sri Lanka’s crisis of modernity The Nationalist Debate By Uditha Devapriya versus Yakshaism. difference between these two is not just those who subscribe Divided into two worldviews would be the to a nationalist line who Sri Lanka faces a crisis of speech that Gotabaya subscribe to a nationalist direction. In essence, the crisis schools Rajapaksa gave at the 2018 reading of history. hangs on a choice: are we to Shangri-La Viyath Maga It is perfectly possible, for retreat to the past, or are we to Those who speak of a convention: in one breath, it instance, to find among the launch into the future? If we Sinhala Buddhist civilisation summons an idealistic vision most trenchant critics of take the second road, how are are in turn divided into two of the future, a melange of past Sinhala nationalism and its we to go about entering it? schools. One school, the more and present which combines perceived excesses believers in Does making our way to the isolationist of the two, displays the outlines of a Sinhala State a pre-Vijayan past, just as it is future mean forgetting our a general aversion to all things with the trappings of a perfectly possible to find past? Conversely, does foreign. By foreign, I mean not meritocratic polity: a among fervent advocates of returning to the past mean just non-Eastern, but non- Singapore in Sinhale, a world Sinhala nationalism the most setting aside the future? Is Sinhala, or at least items and away from Jathika implacable sceptics of there a division between the artefacts assumed to be non- Chintanaya’s more purist Ravanist historiography. two? Should there be? If so, Sinhala. Hence, purity is Sinhale in Sinhale. “Sometimes I wonder,” wrote why? If not, why not? celebrated, while fusion is Nalin de Silva, “whether Almost every debate over shunned: a criterion of Historical trajectory Ravana also had a leadership where the country ought to go cultural superiority that leads What brings these two council of ten people, as he is pivots on a division between its proponents to a muddle of schools together is the often referred to as Dasis.” The the past and the future. Which contradictions. historical trajectory they metaphor has the effect of way you swing to depends on These contradictions crop up subscribe to, going back 2,500 transforming the demon king which side of the debate you in different ways and at years. There is, however, into a constitutional monarch: are. On the one hand, cultural different levels, but they all another nationalist current a rationalisation you’d nationalists decry the past and centre on a disjuncture that meanders along the same normally expect from a critic of sanctify the past; on the other, between what is idealised as Prof.Nalin de Silva cultural stream: one which nationalism, but perhaps not cosmopolitan liberals shun the pure and pristine, and what is, goes back 10,000 years, and is so much from a foremost past and celebrate the future. in fact, anything but. To give both pre-Buddhist and pre- representative of it. And yet, Reducing the debate to such one example, proponents of Vijayan. This is a though incongruous, it is not simplistic binaries, however, this type of cultural purity historiography preferred by implausible. fails to reflect, or register, its idealise a variant of Buddhism those who speak not so much complexities. On both sides, said to be specific and unique of a Sinhala past as they do a Three big questions past and future tend to be to the Sinhala experience: The bottom line as far as this piece pristine Sinhala past, a None of this should distract romanticised, in more ways what Professor Nalin de Silva historiography which dates the us from the three big questions than one. If the past is calls Dutugemunu Buddhism. goes, however, is that there’s no emergence of Sinhala such debates should address: prologue, and the future This is said to be different, and civilisation long before the who are we, what do we want epilogue, prologue and thus opposed to, the easy answer to the three questions arrival of Vijaya. Revolving to be, and where should we epilogue have multiple authors Buddhism that Western social I raised earlier. We are what we around the ever-mythical be? The polemic between opining on what past and scientists apparently talk figure of Ravana, there is very proponents of history and future constitute; thus about: one bereft of nationalist make of our past, we want to be little literary or inscriptional proponents of modernity, as I nationalists are divided over ideology, which boils down to what that past has moulded us to evidence for their version of have shown, is not a simple the one, while their opponents its philosophical tenets and history. two-sided affair: there are are divided over the other. excludes its cultural be, and we could be where our past Yet, the lack of evidence has important dimensions to and Before trying to make sense of constituents. De Silva calls it not deterred some from distinctions in both sides, these abstractions, it makes Olcott Buddhism; one can, I directs us. Alternatively, we can subscribing to these mythical perhaps more to the historical sense to ponder debates suppose, call it post- reject the past, for good histories, with important than the modernist one, which between these sides, how they Dutugemunu Buddhism as overlaps between Ravanist and makes it difficult for any one frame those abstractions, and well. Sinhala nationalist ideologues. answer to resolve those how they contribute to the idea Now so far as the basic Such overlaps, to be sure, are questions. In next week’s of who we are, and who we criterion holds – Buddhism as by no means total or absolute: piece, I’ll show how even the should be. cultural signifier versus argue nothing at all. in that history. there is a considerable Sinhala modernists – those who Firstly, what is the Buddhism as philosophical The debate doesn’t end with For these ideologues, the nationalist crowd that contests advocate looking beyond the differentia specifica among tenet – de Silva’s division them, however. If proponents objective isn’t so much a Ravanism, either because it limits of history – are also nationalists? Almost all of between the two holds. The of this school of cultural division between past and happens to be a derivation divided, and why many of them agree on the point that moment we let go of the purism are in general averse to present as it is a fusion of from Indian (and thereby non- them share the same the past must guide the criterion, however, it slips. For all things non-Sinhala (from history and modernity. To Sinhala) mythology, or sentiments and ideas which future. But to say this is to say without taking away anything Marxism to McDonald’s), what extent they have brought because it does not fit in well shape the contours of nothing at all. It compels a from what de Silva has written proponents of the second tend about that fusion, though, is with the Viyath Maga-Eliya nationalism itself. pertinent question: which on the subject, the dichotomy to be more accommodative of debatable. Certainly, the project of history plus The bottom line as far as this past? At the risk of simplifying between cultural and those non-Sinhala things (I attempt has raised fierce modernity, or nationalism plus piece goes, however, is that a complex debate, I contend philosophical Buddhism is a use the latter word in the same debate, particularly among rationalism. Conjunctures there’s no easy answer to the that as far as the nationalist patently false one, even within way Nira Wickramasinghe nationalists. It has involved continue to coincide with three questions I raised earlier. debate is concerned, there is the framework from which employed it in her insightful making key concessions on disjunctures, the one We are what we make of our not one past, but two. Each those subscribing to it operate. essay From Hybridity to matters cultural purists are dovetailing with the other, past, we want to be what that operates from a different time The Buddhism of Jathika Authenticity: The Biography of diametrically opposed to: on enflaming debate. past has moulded us to be, frame, reflecting distinct Chintanaya is as bourgeois, as a few Kandyan Things, to Western science, for instance, The differentia specifica of and we could be where our historiographies. Hence, while middle-class, and hence as include both objects and the Viyath Maga-Eliya (VY-E) nationalist ideology I have past directs us. Alternatively, one side speaks of 2,500 years syncretic, as the Buddhism of symbols). The second school is coterie is more tolerant than charted here should, of course, we can reject the past, for of civilisation, the other goes Western social scientists and best associated with the their Jathika Chintanaya not blind one to two truisms: good. For me though, the issue back further, to 10,000 years. their local counterparts. To ideological conjuncture that counterparts, while on that these categories of has to do, not with whether we The debate thus ends up argue that one is more valid brought to power the present globalisation the VY-E would nationalism are not always must engage with the past, but between those who speak of a than the other, that this regime, centring on Viyath prefer debating over pitted against each other, and with what past we should Buddhist civilisation and those automatically qualifies it as Maga-Eliya: outfits which alternatives (which that they aren’t necessarily engage with. The debate never who speak of a pre-Buddhist the superior of the two, and dwell on a largely imagined globalisation?) than excluding opposed to things at odds with ends. civilisation: in essence, Vijaya that the division is between history, but which also engage it outright (no globalisation). the ideology they espouse. A The writer can be reached versus Ravana, or Buddhism these two variants only, is to in charting a future anchored A helpful pointer to the corollary to the latter is that it at [email protected] Praise of May in prose and quotes May is the month of Vesak followed by the majority in Sri thus preserve life with normal and the onset of the SW Lanka. He was an ardent breathing. We need to accept Monsoon. To the Westerner, it admirer of nature. Didn’t He this with calmness and is the month of spring proper. spend much of His time in the sensibleness. One great benefit While I decide to observe sil open? He was born, went into not banned is going for walks, and train myself in more His first deep meditation as a as we say. Yes, strolling mindfulness this month of the boy, saw what life really was as around in neighbourhoods, or three major events of the He escaped from the palace walking in a designated space Buddha’s life, a relative in the with his faithful Channa to see or park, is allowed. And while US has spent back-breaking the outside, attained walking we should not follow hours getting her garden alive enlightenment, preached and Ralph Waldo Emerson who after the austerity of winter. then died – all in the open. He said, “Many eyes go through What will I gain? Getting closer chose to die between two sal the meadow, but few see the to Buddha’s exhortation to be trees. flowers in it.” That should not an island unto myself and get Just one Buddhist quote, be, at all. on the path He showed us the from the Ratanasutta or When we stroll around, we way to. The spike in COVID-19 Discourse on the Jewels: should look up and admire the infection assists me with the “Just as the forest is trees with their blossoms, decreed near lockdown which flowered at the top most when we walk on carpets means greater solitude. My In the first month of of colour – purple, pink and relative will have a brilliantly summer, during the summer yellow under the jacaranda, blossoming garden and season, the jambu, and the mara with outdoor lunches and Similarly, He propounded frangipani bearing blooms of barbecues with the greater the Noble Dhamma white, yellow and crimson red. freedom and downsizing of the Which takes you to Nibbana I quote 16th century Robert pandemic due to Biden and for the highest benefit.” Herrick again from his To the the new government in power The Bible speaks of flowers Virgins, to Make Much of Time: in her adopted country. in the Book according to “Gather ye rosebuds while Great sayings on May Mathew 6:28: ye may, Old Time is still The Way It Is birds, and bowers rising wave of COVID-19. “Consider the lilies of the a-flying; Geoffrey Chaucer (1343- Of April, May, of June, and Instead of festivities, we have field, how they grow; And this same flower that 1400), writing in his own style the flour.” July flowers to self-isolate, otherwise we They toil not, neither do they smiles today. Tomorrow will be of English about the annual Hundreds of poets writing in I sing of Maypoles, Hock- will have higher authorities spin.” dying.” pilgrimage to Canterbury English have praised spring carts, wassails, wakes locking us down. Weddings The Bible meant you trust in The same wise lesson is to be Church, started his narrated and the months of April, May Of bridegrooms, brides, and have been cancelled; parties God to supply you with what learnt when offering flowers at tales of the pilgrims, praising and June and also flowers and of their bridal cakes.” are no more, even funerals are you want. We followers of the feet of Buddha statues. the time of year: trees from William Yes, we too would sing of closed happenings. But we other religions can translate It is a hard time for the “Whan that Aprille with his Wordsworth’s famous blossoms in their splendorous have to take it. How best? By this to “admire nature, entire world, but look at the shoures soote Daffodils that danced in their variety; of Vesak illuminations listening, reading, dwelling on appreciate it.” USA. In his 100 days of The droghte of March hath multitude, to Gerard Manley and kudoos, of white-clad sil the teachings of the great One unrestricted activity government, Biden has done perced to the roote Hopkins’ tall Binsey Poplars. observers; even of June brides religious teachers from long, so much, mainly curbing the And bathed every veyne in Robert Herrick (1591-1674) and churches flooded with long ago. Also, philosophers So much is banned, it must COVID-19 curse and pushing swich licour praised thus: white lilies. But no more. We and psychiatrists of now. be admitted, for our own good, aside mad Trumpism. Of which vertu engendred is “I sing of brooks, of blossoms, are near-drowned by the third The Buddha’s teaching is to save us from infection and - Kumari A8 thursday 13 may 2021 world affairs How Fair is India’s Decision to Deport Rohingyas? By Juhi Jain closer? A clear answer is not present. What is apparent is that many of India’s Apex Court recently ruled in Critics have been these refugees in the Union Territory affirmative the deportation of about have been receiving training from 170 Rohingya refugees who were uneasy with this Pakistani terror groups. The same detained in Jammu’s Jail. Critics have decision, for this European Foundation for South Asian been uneasy with this decision, for Studies report has pointed out that this sharply contradicts the principle sharply contradicts the many of the Rohingyas have fought of non-refoulement – a principle that principle of non- alongside Pakistani terror outfits in places human lives on the highest the Indian Administered Kashmir, pedestal and prevents states from refoulement – a which is an imminent threat to India’s returning refugees to those places national security. Besides, there is a where their lives will be threatened. principle that places clear-proof of Pakistani based terror Simultaneously, critics have also been human lives on the outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) vocal about their displeasure with the and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) current dispensation that is no longer highest pedestal and lending support to Rohingya terrorist willing to extend its magnanimity outfits such as Aga Mul Mujahideen vis-a-vis refugees. This shattering prevents states from (AMM). This, coupled with their reality marks the defeat of human returning refugees to proximity to Pakistan, via Kashmir, right champions. In the light of these has naturally heightened India’s attacks, it is necessary to evaluate the those places where security concerns. current Supreme Court decision their lives will be Pakistan’s enthusiasm to use proxy vis-a-vis International Law and wars as a way to seek revenge from whether India is justified in taking the threatened. ‘Hindu India’ has frequently disrupted stance that it has taken. Rohingya refugees fleeing India Simultaneously, critics peace in the region. India, International Law on unfortunately, has suffered the brunt This remains an important parameter who escaped the wrath of Pakistan in have also been vocal of Pakistan’s ill-decision making. With Refugee Rights since national security weighs heavily the months preceding the Bangladesh Pakistan effectively losing respect in in a state’s radar, and any such Liberation War. Fair to say, India’s about their displeasure the international community due its International regime has given the threats would necessitate measures record on sheltering refugees has with the current active support for terrorists, it has 1951 Refugee Convention as well as such as expulsion or deportation. been exceptional and has been channelled its funding to many of the 1967 Refugee Protocol that inter However, the threats must be consistent with the principles dispensation that is no these refugees through Bangladesh. alia define who a refugee is. The assessed and weighed against the enshrined in its constitution, granting This concern has been backed by definition clearly enumerates those threat to one’s life in case of the right to ‘life and liberty’ admirably. longer willing to extend South Asia Democratic Forum’s who have a well-founded fear of refoulement. Lauterpacht and However, India’s stance on its magnanimity Director, Siegfried O. Wolf, who has persecution for reasons of race, Bethlehem have suggested certain Rohingyas has taken a different road. pointed out to Inter-Services religion, nationality, membership of a criteria such as, whether there is a While India prides itself on being the vis-a-vis refugees Intelligence’s support for camped particular social group or political prospective threat to the security of champion of individual rights and Rohingyas in Bangladesh who can opinion in their country of nationality the country of refugee; whether there rightly so, its response was largely serve Pakistan’s long term goal of or in their country of residence. The is a threat to the country of refugee muted during the 2017 military Rohingyas. Another Organisation, annihilating India. definition also covers stateless people and not to a third country or crackdown in Rakhine. And its Harkarah al-Yakeen (HaY), founded This brings India to the position in its ambit. Convention also international community at large; and current stance to deport Rohingyas is by Ataullah Abu Amar Janani, that where it stands. India has credible envisaged the right to non- whether there exists a reasonable in consonance with its initially muted later changed its name to Arakan evidence to showcase that its national refoulement which affords the basic threat, the criteria for which must be response. But that can largely be Rohingyas Salvation Army (ARSA) was security has been heavily right of refugees to not be returned to set high, bearing in mind the adverse attributed to the threat that India had also noted to have connections to compromised due to the nexus the place where they are likely to face consequences of refoulement; and already perceived vis-a-vis these Pakistan and Saudi Arabia where they between Rohingya Refugees and persecution on the above-mentioned whether the said measures are refugees. received training. It has further been Pakistan backed terror groups, and grounds. This is a natural corollary to proportional to the said threat. Rohingyas and noted by a 2016 report of the that its decision is hinged on national the very foundation of refugee law, for The second exception is when the International Crisis Group that ARSA security imperatives. The presence of in the absence of provision of non- person has been convicted by a final Extremist Nexus has clear links to elements in these refugees in the fragile Union refoulement, the instrument would be judgement of a particularly serious Pakistan. Territory of Kashmir has added to a mockery. Suffice to say, non- crime and constitutes a danger to the Scholarship on this issue has The fact that Rohingyas remain a India’s concerns, given the precarious refoulement remains the basic community. For the purpose of our pointed to an early connection fertile ground for terrorism and can be state of affairs of the UT especially provision and has obtained the status analysis, the first exception requires between Rohingyas and extremist used by non-state actors to further since the revocation of its special of customary international law. In focus. Organisations. A Paper by European their political agenda has been noted status. Global Terrorism Index 2020 fact, its incorporation in numerous India’s Position Foundation for South Asian Studies by Lt. Gen. Chowdhury Hasan has pointed out the same reality – international instruments as well as has highlighted the nexus between Sarwardy (Retd.). In fact, a piece by India’s biggest threat comes from regional instruments has underscored vis-a-vis Refugees the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation The Week has pointed that Lashkar-e- Islamist terrorist groups. Thus, India the significance States attribute to (RSO) and extremist groups. This Taiba has been making inroads in the stands very well within its rights to human lives. To scholars, the concept India has been a gracious host to group, which was founded in 1980s refugee camps and has been providing turn back the said refugees who pose of non-refoulement has attained the the refugee communities that have by Mohammad Yunis, had links to the youth with arms, ammunition and a glaring threat to India’s national status of jus cogens or peremptory sought refuge in its territory, despite Jamaat-e-Islami of Bangladesh and training. The growing terrorism in security, and it does not amount to a norm of general international law it not having signed the 1951 Refugee Pakistan, Hizb-e-Islami of Gulbuddin Bangladesh and its spillover effect in violation of customary international from which no derogation is Convention or Refugee Protocol. Hekmatyar and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen the Rohingya community had already law on non-refoulement. Nor does it permitted. In fact, as per UNHCR’s Tibetans who sought refuge in India in the 1980s-90s. Many of the alarmed Indian security officials. diminish India’s credibility as a experience, states, including non- after a failed revolt against Chinese in members (of RSO) received training at However, with many of the Rohingyas magnanimous host that tries to parties to the convention, have 1959 were allowed a Government in Afghan facilities in the early 1990s. living in India, more specifically in the uphold the tenets of ‘life and liberty.’ overwhelmingly accepted the practice exile and have received active support Afghan instructors have also trained Union Territory of Jammu and To the keyboard warriors, this marks of non-refoulement. from the Indian Government since. RSO in camps in Bangladesh, a claim Kashmir, doubts have been raised. Of the death of ‘democracy’ at the hands However, this fundamental norm is Similarly, many Sri Lankan Tamils, that can be corroborated by a 2005 course, the first question remains, of a communally blind Government, subject to exceptions. The first who fled the war ravaged country Congressional Research Service why Jammu and Kashmir despite its but to the patriot it is another rightful exception is when the said person is a have been living in India with the Report on Terrorism in South Asia. distance to Myanmar? Shouldn’t step in safeguarding the country’s threat to the national security of the support of the Government. India has The same report pointed out the Rohingyas instead seek refuge in the integrity. state in which he has taken refuge. also accepted many of the refugees connections between Al-Qaeda and Northeast, which is geographically (www.moderndiplomacy.eu)

Can Modi Concede ‘South Asia’ to the United States? By Rubiat Saimum opposed to the idea of external Delhi is concerned that Beijing is powers gaining a foothold in South strategically funding infrastructure Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Asia that it intervened in Sri Lanka’s projects which could be used for been pursuing an assertive and civil war out of fear that the United military purposes in future. The very confrontational foreign policy. From States might secure a naval base in fear of encirclement by China has carrying out ‘surgical strikes’ across the strategic port city of led India to welcome more American the Line of control to unilaterally Trincomalee. engagements in South Asia. But scrapping Kashmir’s special However, it seems that Narendra what would be New Delhi’s role in autonomy, Modi has shown that he Modi has reversed India’s long- this strategic arrangement? There is has no aversion to undertaking bold standing opposition to the presence of no doubt that New Delhi holds a actions. For the last seven years, he external powers in South Asia. New central position in US indo-pacific has essentially reshaped India’s Delhi has openly backed a defence strategy, but the power asymmetry foreign policy to match the brand of agreement between Maldives and between the two countries muscular nationalistic politics that he United States. Among other things, it overwhelmingly favours Washington. and his party have pursued for seeks to increase cooperation between On 7 April, US Navy’s 7th fleet decades. In other words, like India’s the two countries. Though Indian conducted a freedom of navigation domestic politics, its foreign policy officials have stressed that the operation (FONOP) without consulting has been (excuse the pun) Modi-fied. agreement would not “impinge on with New Delhi. It is interesting to However, no other foreign policy India’s role as a ‘Net security provider’ note that the US generally carries out position of the Modi Government in South Asia”, it begs the question: such operations in the backyards of would be as consequential as his would such policy reversals have its rivals, like in the South China Sea decision to align India with the Quad, specific implications on the or Black Sea. But conducting these a NATO-like strategic coalition geopolitical status quo in South Asia? operations in the Exclusive Economic centred on the Indo-pacific. By joining Have India conceded its role as the Zone (EEZ) of an allied nation is the alliance, Modi has removed the primary guarantor of security of unusual. This action indicates that last Nehruvian pillar of New Delhi’s South Asia to the United States? Washington is unwilling to concede foreign policy: Non-alignment. It certainly seems that the Modi any space to India just for the sake of Narendra Modi Following Independence, India’s Government has abandoned India’s the alliance. first Prime Minister Jawaharlal India invaded and occupied Goa and which, subject to her strength, ‘move alone’ policy. The concept of Historically, any partnership Nehru crafted India’s foreign policy from the Portuguese. He also she will oppose.” However, this an alliance is becoming more and between a greater power and a lesser on the Principles of Anti-Imperialism initiated India’s nuclear programme. ‘Broad doctrine’ achieved maturity more attractive to Indian policy power had never been treated as and solidarity among the third world Nehru envisioned India as the under Indira Gandhi, who pursued a makers. This shift signals one ‘equal’. No matter what officials in states recently broke free from the hegemon of South Asia, which he policy of aggressive use of military crucial factor: India is no longer New Delhi might believe, this is the shackles of colonialism. Nehru was believed was the country’s ‘manifest force to deter external powers from confident of its capabilities to resist conventional wisdom in Washington. one of the founders of the Non- destiny’. He proposed a ‘Broad interfering in South Asia. Her the Chinese juggernaut’s inroads Indo-US relations might have come a Aligned Movement along with Nasser doctrine’ that hinged on the idea interventionist foreign policy led to into South Asia. Beijing has long way but, if such cooperation and Sukarno. Despite being a that New Delhi has an exclusive the breakup of Pakistan and the established a significant presence in continues through the upcoming comrade and disciple of Gandhi, right to protect its national interests creation of Bangladesh in 1971. South Asia over the years. China is decades, the position of the lesser Nehru was in no way a pacifist. He within its landmass and its Indira’s and later Rajiv Gandhi’s now the largest source of power, in this case, India, is bound to was not hesitant in using force to periphery. In Nehru’s words, “any foreign policy revolved around investments in all of India’s relegate to a role of a ‘junior partner’, pursue Indian national interest attempt by a foreign power to keeping external powers at bay and neighbouring countries. The BRI and the United States is making no wherever and whenever it was interfere in any way with India is a maintaining Indian primacy in initiative has gained many tractions ambiguity in signaling it. possible. Under Nehru’s leadership, thing which India cannot tolerate, South Asia. New Delhi was so among South Asian countries. New (www.moderndiplomacy.eu) WORLD THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 A9

As virus ravages countryside Tokyo, Japan COVID-19 India’s COVID-19 Deaths vaccine booking Cross Quarter Million system crashes

India’s coronavirus deaths State of Maharashtra were in crossed a quarter million on rural areas, up from a third a Wednesday (12) in the month ago. That share is deadliest 24 hours since the nearly two-thirds in the most pandemic began, as the populous, and mainly rural, disease rampaged through State of Uttar Pradesh, the countryside, overloading Government data showed. a fragile rural healthcare Television showed images system. of people weeping over the Boosted by highly bodies of loved ones in infectious variants, the ramshackle rural hospitals second wave erupted in while others camped in February to inundate wards tending to the sick. hospitals and medical staff, A pregnant woman was as well as crematoriums and taking care of her husband A mannequin known as ‘Peko-chan’ wearing a protective mask is displayed at Fujiya store, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in Tokyo, mortuaries. Experts are still who had breathing Japan (Reuters) unable to say with certainty difficulties in a hospital in when the figures will peak. Bhagalpur in the eastern Technical problems derailed Japan’s coronavirus vaccination Deaths swelled by a record booking system on Wednesday (12), compounding frustration A woman receives treatment inside a COVID-19 ward of a State of Bihar that is seeing a 4,205 while infections rose Government-run hospital, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, in Bijnor surge its health system could over the Government’s handling of new outbreaks of infections 348,421 in the 24 hours to district, Uttar Pradesh, India (Reuters) barely have handled at the and an inoculation drive that critics say has been woefully slow. Wednesday, carrying the tally best of times. The online system to book a vaccine crashed in many places past 23 million, Health sickeningly commonplace. whether we have reached the “There is no doctor here, including parts of Tokyo and the western city of Minoh because Ministry data showed. Many victims die without a peak.” she sleeps the whole night of a global problem with U.S. cloud computing vendor Salesforce. Experts believe the actual doctor on hand to issue a India, with a population of here, taking care of her com Inc, public broadcaster NHK reported. numbers could be five to 10 death certificate, and even 1.4 billion, accounts for half husband,” her brother told Salesforce chief technology officer Parker Harris said on times higher, however. when a doctor is available, of cases and 30 per cent of India Today television. Twitter that the company was experiencing a “major disruption”, Funeral pyres have blazed COVID-19 is not specified as deaths worldwide, the World In a corridor outside, two later updating to say services had been mostly restored. in city parking lots, and the cause of death unless the Health Organisation said in sons were wailing over the “Making an appointment for a vaccination seems to be a tall scores of bodies have washed deceased was tested for the its latest weekly report. body of their father, saying order for the elderly,” wrote Twitter user @obachan66972352. up on the banks of the holy disease, which few have The full impact of the repeatedly that he could have “Please consider making it possible to get the vaccine without river Ganges, having been been. B.1.617 variant found in been saved if only he had an appointment.” A representative of the Health Ministry’s immersed by relatives whose Although the infection India, which the agency has been given a bed in an vaccine office was not immediately available when contacted by villages were stripped bare of curve may be showing early designated as being of global intensive care unit. Reuters. The Ministry has faced numerous technical problems the wood needed for signs of flattening, new cases concern, is not yet clear, it At the general hospital in throughout the pandemic, from a contact tracing application cremations. are likely to fall off slowly, added. Bijnor, a town in northern that failed to pass on vital information to a cumbersome Lacking beds, drugs and said top virologist Shahid Daily infections are Uttar Pradesh, a woman lay database that health workers were reluctant to use. medical oxygen, hospitals Jameel. shooting up in the in a cot next to a garbage can Japan has only inoculated 2.8 per cent of its population, the have been forced to turn “We seem to be plateauing countryside in comparison to and medical waste. lowest rate among wealthy countries despite an ambitious away droves of sufferers, around 400,000 cases a day,” big towns, where they have “How can someone get Government target of giving shots to its 36 million elderly people while tales of desperate the Indian Express slowed after last month’s treated if the situation is like by July, when the Olympics Games are due to open in Tokyo. relatives searching for newspaper quoted him as surge, experts say. this?” asked her son, Sudesh But according to government projections, about 86 per cent of someone to treat dying loved saying. More than half the cases Tyagi. “It is a hell out here.” Japan’s 1,741 cities and towns would meet that goal. ones have become “It is still too early to say this week in the western (Reuters) (Reuters)

Bangkok, Thailand Beijing, China Another protest Population to hit ‘turning point’ leader says has in 2026-2030 - Think Tank COVID-19 after China is expected to reach a century, Zhai wrote in a “turning point” between 2026 commentary in State-backed and 2030 with its population Economic Daily. plateauing or even shrinking “During the 15th five-year jail stint as fewer babies mean a plan period, we will usher in slowdown and then a reversal the ‘turning point’ of China’s in the momentum of growth, a population,” he said. state think tank said on Entering the era of zero or Wednesday. even negative population The world’s most populous growth is a “major change country saw 5.38 per cent unseen in a century” for more people in the last China, hitting its supply of decade, to 1.41 billion, high-quality labour and according to the results of a consumer demand, Zhai said. nationwide census released on The population is likely to Tuesday (11). peak before 2025 as fertility That is the slowest rate of falls, said Ernan Cui, analyst population growth since the at Gavekal Dragonomics in 1950s. Beijing. People walk at a subway station, following the outbreak of the COVID-19, Fertility has declined in Shanghai, China (Reuters) The proportion of elderly because of a decades-long people will also keep growing. one-child policy, rising living China missed a goal to gradually approaching,” said “An older population will costs and changing social increase its population to Zhai Zhenwu, a professor at increase the fiscal burden of mores. about 1.42 billion by 2020, by the China Population and old-age pensions and health Protest leader Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, who has spent eight weeks in detention on charges of insulting the coun- Negative population growth a small margin. Its fertility Development Research care provision, and also push try’s king, shows a three-finger salut as she leaves after she was is expected to emerge due to a rate has slipped to 1.3 Center. down the household savings granted bail at the Central Women’s Correctional Institute in fall in the number of young children per woman, missing The Government’s economic rate - both factors that will Bangkok, Thailand (Reuters) and working-age people, a target of about 1.8. and development blueprint for constrain the Government’s bringing with it problems for In 2020, just 12 million 2021 to 2025, its so-called ability to continue the Another leader from Thailand’s anti-government protest an economy that has long babies were born, the lowest 14th five-year plan, is investment-driven growth movement has been infected with the coronavirus after relied on so-called since 1961. expected to be the last model of recent decades,” Cui spending eight weeks in jail pending trial on charges of demographic dividends to “The era of zero or even planning period to see said. insulting the country’s powerful king. underpin growth. negative population growth is population growth this (Reuters) Panusaya “Rung” Sithijirawattanakul, who was released on bail last week from pre-trial detention, said on her Twitter account on Wednesday (12) that she was being treated in a hospital after testing positive for the virus Yangon, Myanmar following her release. Two others detainees from the protest movement, including human rights lawyer Arnon Nampa and Chukiat “Justin” Saengowng, have also tested positive for COVID- 39 nabbed over blasts, seeking 19. They are also charged with insulting the monarchy. The corrections department said on Wednesday that it found 2,835 COVID-19 infections at two detention facilities where the protest leaders were held, after training with rebels - Media conducting a total of 17,000 tests, which included all inmates and staff. Myanmar security forces have arrested powder had also been found, the bureaucracy. After facing a brutal Thailand reported a new daily record of 34 coronavirus 39 people suspected of being behind newspaper said. crackdown on protests, some pro- deaths on Wednesday, caused by a third wave of infections explosions and arson attacks as well as Some suspects had also been arrested democracy supporters have sought since the start of April that has seen its overall case trying to get military training with an for trying to join military training with a military training with some of the ethnic number triple, and deaths more than quadruple. ethnic minority rebel group, media rebel group in Kayah State in the east, it minority forces that have been fighting for The prisons cases are not included in the country’s daily controlled by the junta said on Wednesday said. greater autonomy for decades from remote tally, which cited 1,983 new infections on Wednesday. (12). A relative of Khant Sithu, who was border regions. Rallies and candle lit vigils Thailand has reported 88,907 cases and 468 fatalities Since the military seized power on 1 among the suspects identified by the were held overnight to mark 100 days overall. February, Myanmar has seen a growing paper, said on the day of the arrest since the coup including in the Panusaya said she had no symptoms and had tested wave of small blasts in cities and towns, security forces had searched the house for commercial hub of Yangon, the central negative while in prison on April 22. After her release, she some targeting Government offices and weapons but not found any. town of Bago, the Irrawaddy river delta, stayed home for three days before being tested. military facilities. The family member, who declined to be the central region of Sagaing and Mon Thailand is seeking to shore up supplies of COVID-19 No group has claimed responsibility but identified, said Khant Sithu had joined State in the south, according to media vaccines and has yet to start its mass immunisation drive, the military has blamed people bent on protests initially but stopped after the reports and social media posts. with only 1.9 million doses administered so far, mostly to destabilising the country. crackdown by authorities. Many demonstrators back a National health workers and at-risk groups. The Global New Light of Myanmar Myanmar’s army has struggled to Unity Government (NUG), an anti-junta It is currently accepting bookings for vaccinations via a newspaper said security forces had seized impose order since seizing power and coalition that has declared itself mobile application but will allow walk-ins from June, 48 “handmade mines”, 20 sticks of TNT, detaining elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi Myanmar’s legitimate authority. Last when the main inoculation programme gets underway, detonators, fuses and other material in a and other senior figures in her party, with week, the NUG announced the formation Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday. raid. protests, strikes and a civil disobedience of a “People’s Defence Force”. (Reuters) Other explosive material including gun campaign crippling businesses and the (Reuters) a10 thursday 13 may 2021 world Death Toll Rises in Gaza Tehran, Iran and Israel in Most Intense Hostilities in Years station later said three more people were killed early on Wednesday. The Israeli military said it killed at least 25 militants. Israeli health authorities said five people had been killed since Monday (10) by rockets that slammed into homes or exploded in the street. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Qatar, Egypt and the United Nations had been in contact urging calm but his group's message to Israel was: "If they want to escalate, the resistance is Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. (Reuters) ready, if they want to stop, the resistance is ready." Fmr hardline President The White House said on Tuesday that Israel had a Ahmadinejad to run again legitimate right to defend itself from rocket attacks but applied Iran’s hardline former President Mahmoud pressure on Israel over the Ahmadinejad on Wednesday (12) registered to run again treatment of Palestinians, saying in an election in June which is being seen as a test of the Jerusalem must be a place of legitimacy of the country’s clerical rulers. coexistence. Vilified in the West for his questioning of the Although the latest problems in Holocaust, Ahmadinejad had to step down in 2013 Jerusalem were the immediate because of term limit rules, when incumbent President trigger for the hostilities, Hassan Rouhani, who negotiated Iran’s 2015 nuclear Palestinians have been growing deal with world powers, won in a landslide. ever more frustrated as their “People should be involved in Iran’s decision-making aspirations for an independent process... We must all prepare ourselves for Israeli firefighters, security and rescue forces stand next to a burning bus and car that were hit by a rocket fired State have suffered a series of fundamental reform,” State TV quoted Ahmadinejad as from Gaza towards Holon, Israel, 11 May 2021. (Reuters) setbacks in the past few years. saying after submitting his registration. These include Washington's Candidates began signing up for the polls on Tuesday Israel carried out hundreds of heralding several waves of rocket that around a third of the rockets recognition of disputed Jerusalem (11) with the clerical rulers hoping for a high turnout air strikes in Gaza on Wednesday strikes in Israel's heartland. have fallen short, landing within as Israel's capital, a U.S. plan to which may be hit by rising discontent over an economy (12) morning as the Islamist group "The children have escaped the Gaza. end the conflict that they saw as crippled by U.S. sanctions reimposed after Washington Hamas and other Palestinian coronavirus, and now a new For Israel, the militants' favourable to Israel, and exited the nuclear deal three years ago. militants fired multiple rocket trauma," one Israeli woman in the targeting of Tel Aviv, its continued settlement building. Registration will end on Saturday (15), after which barrages over the border at Tel coastal city of Ashkelon said on commercial capital, posed a new Israel said that in addition to the entrants will be screened for their political and Islamic Aviv and the southern city of Channel 11 television. challenge in the confrontation air operations, it had dispatched qualifications by a 12-member vetting body, the Beersheba. UN Middle East peace envoy Tor with Hamas, regarded as a infantry and armour to reinforce Guardian Council. Six members of the hardline body are At least 35 people have been Wennesland said the United terrorist organisation by Israel and the tanks already gathered on the appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. killed in Gaza and five in Israel in Nations was working with all sides the United States. border, evoking memories of the Khamenei backed Ahmadinejad after his 2009 the most intense exchanges for to restore calm. The violence followed weeks of last Israeli ground incursion into re-election triggered protests in which dozens of people years. Gazans' homes shook and the tension in Jerusalem during the Gaza to stop rocket attacks in were killed and hundreds arrested, rattling the ruling In Gaza, one multi-storey sky lit up from Israeli attacks, Muslim fasting month of 2014. theocracy, before security forces led by the elite residential building, whose outgoing rockets and Israeli air Ramadan, with clashes between Witnesses said that early on Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) stamped out the occupants were warned in defence missiles. Israeli Police and Palestinian Wednesday Israeli aircraft unrest.But a rift developed between the two after then- advance by Israel to evacuate, Israelis ran for shelters or protesters in and around Al-Aqsa destroyed Gaza's Hamas-run president Ahmadinejad explicitly advocated checks on collapsed and another was heavily flattened themselves on Mosque. police headquarters in the city. Khamenei’s ultimate authority. Ahmadinejad was damaged after they were pavements in communities more These escalated in recent days Hamas said that two of its local disqualified by the Guardian Council in the 2017 repeatedly hit by Israeli air strikes. than 70 km (45 miles) up the coast ahead of a – now postponed - court commanders were killed in an Presidential Election. Israel said its warplanes had and into southern Israel amid hearing in a case that could end Israeli air strike on a house in In an open letter to Khamenei in 2018, Ahmadinejad targeted and killed several Hamas sounds of explosions as with Palestinian families evicted Gaza. Israel said one of the called for “fundamental reforms” in the three branches intelligence leaders early on interceptor missiles streaked into from East Jerusalem homes buildings it attacked housed of Government - Executive, Parliament and Judiciary - Wednesday. Other strikes hit what the sky. claimed by Jewish settlers. several Hamas offices. as well as the office of the Supreme Leader. the military said were rocket In the mixed Arab-Jewish town Violence has also flared in the "I can tell you there are other, A former officer of the Guards, who has tried to launch sites, Hamas offices and of Lod, near Tel Aviv, two people occupied West Bank. Medical similar targets planned as well," re-brand himself as a moderate politician by criticising the homes of Hamas leaders. were killed after a rocket hit a sources said a 16-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan the clerical establishment, Ahmadinejad relies on Iran’s It was the heaviest offensive vehicle. Lod and other mixed Palestinian was killed in clashes Conricus, an Israeli military devout poor and working class who have grown between Israel and Hamas since a towns have been gripped by with Israeli forces on Wednesday. spokesman, said. impatient with the mounting economic pressure. 2014 war in the Hamas-ruled demonstrations over the Gaza There appeared no imminent Gaza’s Health Ministry said that However, his popularity remains in question and enclave, and prompted violence and tensions in end to the violence. Israeli Prime of the people reported dead in the hardline political groups are expected to back prominent international concern that the Jerusalem. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enclave, 10 were children. The cleric and judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi if he decides to situation could spiral out of Hamas's armed wing said it fired warned that militants would pay a Israeli military said it was looking run. control. 210 rockets towards Beersheba "very heavy" price for the rockets. into the reports that children had Rouhani cannot seek re-election under Iran’s Many Israelis also spent a and Tel Aviv in response to the On Tuesday (11), Gaza Health been killed and that preventing constitution. sleepless night, with sirens bombing of the tower buildings in Ministry officials put the death toll civilian casualties was a priority. Several hardline candidates, including some IRGC sounding at 3 a.m. in Tel Aviv, Gaza City. Israel's military says at 32, but a Hamas-affiliated radio (Reuters) commanders, have said they would withdraw if Raisi enters the race to avoid splitting the vote. (Reuters)

Paris, France Sofia, Bulgaria Council of Europe accuses Priority is rule of law Greece of migrant pushbacks – Caretaker Prime Minister Says they must stop Bulgaria’s new caretaker Prime Minister said on Wednesday (12) his guardian of the European Government’s priority would Convention on Human Rights and be upholding the rule of law in creator of the European Court of the European Union’s poorest Human Rights. Member State. In a response also published by President Rumen Radev Mijatovic’s office, Greece said it appointed Stefan Yanev, a had investigated the allegations former Defence Minister, to and found them “largely lead the Government until a unsubstantiated”. snap election in July after an “The actions taken by the Greek inconclusive election last authorities, at our sea borders, month resulted in a are being carried out in full deadlocked Parliament that compliance with the country’s failed to produce a international obligations,” Greek Government. ministers were quoted as saying The previous Government, Newly appointed caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Yanev delivers in their response to the Council. led by Boyko Borissov, kept his speech during an official ceremony in Sofia, Bulgaria, 12 May They said Greece had rescued Bulgaria’s economy afloat and 2021. (Reuters) thousands of people since the put the country on the path to start of Europe’s migrant crisis in joining the euro zone but its rule of law.” Brussels for failing to 2015 and officers had to do their failure to tackle widespread Yanev, 61, who served as a overhaul its judiciary or jail Refugees and migrants stand next to tents in the Mavrovouni camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece (Reuters) job “against the backdrop of an corruption frustrated voters. deputy Prime Minister and any high-ranking officials on unfavourable environment of “Honest and responsible Defence Chief in an earlier corruption charges. Europe’s top human rights them. UNHCR, the United intended misleading information work by the Government can caretaker Government Radev supported anti- watchdog has urged Greece to end Nations’ refugee agency, has also emanating in most cases from the at least partially restore the appointed in 2017 and has government protests last year pushbacks of asylum-seekers on gathered information pointing to smugglers’ networks”. lost trust in State held posts in the NATO in which Borissov, who had its borders, a practice that Athens several dozen pushbacks since Mijatovic also said that living institutions,” Yanev, who was military alliance, said the held power with only small denies carrying out. January 2020, said the letter from conditions in Greece’s Radev’s Defence and Security Government would do its best breaks since 2009, was In a letter to Greek ministers Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic. overcrowded island camps Secretary before his to ensure fair elections. criticised for weakening State dated 3 May and published on “I urge you (Greece) to put an remained “substandard”. appointment, said during a It will be “absolutely institutions for the benefit of Wednesday (12), the Council of end to these practices and to Speaking to Reuters, she cited televised inauguration uncompromising” against any local oligarchs and businesses Europe’s Human Rights ensure that independent and the case of a 28-year-old Somali ceremony. attempted election violations, close to his centre-right GERB Commissioner said there had effective investigations are carried man on the island of Chios last “I will insist that the he said. party. been “numerous credible out into all allegations of week who had died of a Government works in full Bulgaria ranks as the EU’s The July election is widely allegations” since at least 2017 of pushbacks and of ill-treatment by pulmonary condition and whose transparency and in most corrupt Member State, expected to produce another asylum-seekers illegally returned members of security forces,” body was marked by suspected accountability to citizens... I according to watchdog splintered Parliament that to Turkey or left adrift at sea but Mijatovic said. rat bites. place the most important Transparency International. It may struggle to produce a that Athens had simply dismissed The Council of Europe is (Reuters) emphasis on upholding the has been criticised by Government. (Reuters) thursDAY 13 may 2021 Ceylon FT b11

Strong start to 2021 with robust growth in fund-based operations ComBank Group March Quarter PAT up 78% to Rs 6.8B

Sri Lanka’s Commercial Bank its Total Capital Ratio at 16.514 Group posted profit after tax of per cent, both comfortably above Rs 6.8 billion for the three the revised minimum months reviewed, recording a requirements of nine per cent growth of 78.20 per cent, the and 13 per cent respectively bank said yesterday (12). imposed by the regulator Taken separately, Commercial consequent to the COVID-19 Bank of Ceylon PLC reported pandemic. profit before tax of Rs 8.183 The Bank’s gross non- billion for the quarter, a growth performing loans (NPL) ratio of 56.51 per cent and profit after improved to 4.94 per cent from tax of Rs 6.658 billion, an 5.11 per cent at end 2020 and Email: [email protected] improvement of 79.63 per cent. 5.27 per cent a year previously, Total assets of the Group grew recording a notable YoY by Rs 62 billion or 3.51 per cent Commercial Bank’s Chairman Justice K. Sripavan (left) and Managing improvement of 33 basis points, over the three months to Director S. Renganathan while its net NPL ratio reduced to Wednesday Markets Rs 1.824 trillion as at 31 March 1.93 per cent from 2.18 per cent 2021. Asset growth over the 2.74 per cent. monthly average of Rs 18.9 as at 31st December 2020 and preceding 12 months was Rs 351 Total deposits of the Group billion. A significant milestone 3.24 per cent as at 31st March Panic Selling of billion or 23.83 per cent YoY. recorded a noteworthy growth of was recorded in the quarter 2020, reflecting YoY improvement Gross loans and advances Rs 60 billion or 4.66 per cent in reviewed when local currency of 131 basis points. As a result, increased by Rs 24.80 billion or the quarter reviewed at a deposits crossed the Rs 1 trillion provision cover based on Treasuries 2.58 per cent to Rs 986.662 monthly average of Rs 20 billion mark for the first time. regulatory requirements By Paneetha Ameresekere billion, recording a monthly to stand at Rs 1.347 trillion as at In other key indicators, the improved to 60.98 per cent at the average growth of Rs 8.268 31 March 2021. Deposit growth Bank’s Tier 1 Capital Adequacy end of the reviewed quarter, from Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money printing billion. The growth of the loan since 31 March 2020 was Rs 227 Ratio (CAR) stood at 12.917 per 57.42 per cent at end 2020 and borrowing cost (MPBCs) sharply increased by 0.91 per book over the preceding year was billion or 20.19 per cent at a cent as at 31st March 2021, and 38.41 per cent a year previously. cent (Rs 181.93 million) to Rs 20,073.34 million yesterday (12) led by investor panic causing selling pressure on the riskless, low returns Treasury (T) Bonds and T Bills in secondary market trading after GoSL yesterday announced a three day ‘curfew’ Interest rate ceiling beginning at 11 p.m. tonight, market sources told this Loan portfolio up 10% to Rs 20B reporter likely for foreign ‘Spot’ Rs199/200 The artificially inflated benchmark ‘spot’ was quoted currency deposits NTB group March Quarter at Rs 199.50/200 to the US dollar in two way quotes for By Ishara Gamage the second market day to yesterday, with no trades however being executed on the belief by importer banks The Sri Lankan Bankers' Association (SLBA) Net Profits up 88% to Rs 1.8B that further pressure would be exerted by Central Bank has requested the Central Bank of Sri Lanka of Sri Lanka (CBSL)/Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to (CBSL) to impose 5.5 per cent interest rate Sri Lanka’s Nations inflate the currently administered ‘sell’ quote of Rs 200 ceiling for foreign currency deposits in Trust Bank group posted some more, market sources told this reporter. Commercial banks, a SLBA spokesman told Net Profit (profit The market exchange rate (MER) has depreciated by Ceylon FT. Attributable to Equity between Rs 12 - 11.50 (6.40 - 6.10 per cent) in two way Banks with some dollar liquidity problems Holders of the Parent) of quotes in the calendar year to yesterday and year on have recently offered interest rates in excess of Rs 1.8 billion for the three year by between Rs 11.30 - 11.50 (6.00 - 6.10 per cent), seven per cent. This is a big disadvantage for months ended 31 March thereby causing cost-push inflationary pressure as Sri banks with high liquidity. 2021 recording a growth Lanka is an import-dependent economy. He said that CEOs of the commercial banks of 88 per cent, the bank requested the CBSL to issue relevant direction said yesterday. Rs 24.64B NFOs to all commercial banks to alleviate this “Despite the challenging Bourse’s net foreign outflows (NFOs) in the calendar situation and provide equal opportunities to all. business environment, year to yesterday increased to Rs 24.64 billion, the Nations Trust Bank are aware that we are still growth and the economic complemented by it suffering NFOs for the eleventh continued its planned ‘K operating in a pandemic recovery efforts. A consecutive market day due to sustained uncertainty, shaped’ recovery strategy related subdued reduction in yields in the with yesterday’s figure being Rs 203.47 million. by increasing the loan environment with strong FIS portfolio, after the In the 84 market days that the bourse has seen in the Investment in Ideal Finance portfolio by Rs 20 billion headwinds specially with a profits taken on the high calendar year to yesterday, it has enjoyed NFIs in only recording an increase of probable outbreak of a yielding securities, seven market days, translating to the fact that it has India’s Mahindra and 10 per cent during the third wave, the team will further aggravated the net suffered NFOs in 91.67 per cent of the market days in Mahindra extends date quarter,” the bank said . continue to adjust well and interest income decline. the reference period. The financial position of support the However, the Last year, in the 207 market days that it saw; the Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services the Group remained implementation of our improvement of CASA bourse suffered NFOs for a record 188 (90.82 per cent) (MMFS) has extended the date of investment strong as its Tier I Capital revival strategy while ratio to 35 per cent as at of those days. Further last year the bourse also suffered of the third and final tranche for acquisition and Total Capital assisting the Sri Lankan end March 2021 from 29 a record Rs 50.94 billion worth of NFOs due to of shares of Sri Lanka-based Ideal Finance Adequacy ratios as at 31 Government initiatives and per cent as at end March sustained uncertainty. from its existing shareholders to 30 March 2021 stood well supporting both customers 2020 helped partially However, the benchmark ASPI, yesterday over Friday September 2021, Indian media reports above the regulatory and the economy for a offset the decline in made a pyrrhic gain of 0.26 per cent to 7,161.77 points stated. levels at 13.64 and 16.75 speedy recovery”. interest margins during and the more sensitive S&PSL20 Index by 0.25 per cent “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic which per cent respectively. The Net Interest Income the period. to 2,850.43 points on a Rs 1.59 billion turnover and on has disrupted the business environment in Statutory Liquid Asset continued to decline Gains on trading FX a share volume of 94.62 million. both India and Sri Lanka, the Parties have Ratio (SLAR) for the primarily due to the increased as a result of FX Rs 8.79B Liquidity Dip mutually agreed to extend the date of Domestic Banking Unit reduction in the market funding swaps with a higher completion of the aforesaid acquisition of and the Off-Shore interest rates while depreciation of the rupee Yesterday saw a liquidity depreciation for the second shares with an intention to complete the Banking Unit was at interest rate ceilings during the current period in market day to yesterday, this time by Rs 8,786 million same, latest by 30 September, 2021 (from 35.72 and 30.99 per cent introduced by the contrast to the depreciation (USD 44.04 million) during trading and, like on March-end 2021), subject to necessary respectively as at the regulator impacted some during the same period last Tuesday (11), led by the settlement/s of transactions regulatory approvals,” MMFS said in a reporting date. business portfolios. Yields year. The bank also pertaining to GoSL’s foreign debt servicing regulatory filing. Commenting on the on loans reduced by benefited with trading commitments and/or Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s Accordingly, the Parties will shortly be results and achievements, 370bps in line with the profits on its’ fixed income (CBSL’s) swaps with the market and/or CBSL’s dollar executing an addendum to the Agreement in Priyantha Talwatte, CEO/ falling AWPLR by 350 bps securities portfolio with the sales to and/or swaps with GoSL. Transactions this regard, it added. Director stated “While we supporting the loan falling market rates. between GoSL and CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. Conversions are based on CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ rate on Monday (10) which was Rs 199.51 to the US dollar. Consequently net excess liquidity decreased by 5.80 per cent (Rs 8,163 million) to Rs 132,667 million yesterday. HIP sees highest monthly RORO volume in April

FVMP Debt: Rs 881.14B The Hambantota International 2021. The ports of loading of see the Hambantota International CBSL’s non-demand pull inflationary face value Port has seen a significant RORO cargo arriving for Port being selected as the port of money printing (FVMP) assets increased by Rs 623 increase in their roll-on-roll-off transshipment at HIP are choice by the major shipping million and consequently its overall FVMP assets by (RORO) figures during the first 4 Chennai, Mundra, Ennore in lines, and the numbers keep 0.07 per cent to Rs 881,142.65 million yesterday, months of 2021, compared to the India and Gunsan and growing. We attribute this thereby making Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) corresponding period last year. Pyeongtaek in South Korea while primarily to the efficiency, FVMP debt to be over Rs 0.5 trillion for a record 127 The first 4 months of this year the main ports of discharge are reliability, and high productivity of consecutive market days. saw 193,690 vehicles come into Durban (SA), Veracruz (Mexico), our Port. This is coupled together Yesterday’s Rs 20 billion T-Bond auction saw 97.5 the port for transshipment as San Antonio (US), Rotterdam with the focus on safety and per cent (Rs 19.5 billion) of the issue being sold with against 118,872 vehicles during (Netherlands) and Le Havere quality as per the global the two maturities on offer, namely the 2025 maturity the same period last year. 62,736 (France). Some of the main standards of the CMB Port,” says fetching a weighted average yield (WAY) of 7.04 per vehicles were transshipped last shipping lines operating to and Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO of cent, with the total offer Rs 10 billion sold to the month, marking the highest from HIP include NYK, MOL, Hambantota International Port market and the 2028 maturity, Rs 9.5 billion sold at a volume of RORO the port has Hyundai Glovis, Kline, ZIM, Group (HIPG). WAY of 7.97 per cent. CBSL is the steward of GoSL handled in a month so far. Hoegh, SEALS Japan, Eastern The port’s operations are carried debt and also of its foreign reserves. CBSL, in its daily The April figures have topped Car Carrier lines. “While globally out under strict COVID-19 ‘open market operations’ statements, doesn’t specify RORO volumes HIP experienced the export market still seems to be regulations stipulated by the RORO Yard and 2 RORO Vessels Berthed the reasons behind the daily changes to market in December 2020 and January fluctuating, it is encouraging to government and port authorities. at Hambantota Port liquidity. On 31 December 2020 due to less rigid controls, the MER then, which was one week’s forwards, was trading at Rs 187.50/188.50 to the dollar in two way quotes as at 4 p.m., while a year ago, the MER which was the ‘spot’ due to ‘no controls’ was trading at Rs 188.20/50 Dialog TV integrates TeDi Alexa to the dollar in two way quotes. CBSL deals in ‘spot.’ ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two market days from the Dialog Axiata PLC recently through voice commands. on the device as per usual, and homes of the everyday Sri date of trading. announced the integration of the This latest Smart Home the smart speaker can be Lankan consumer. MPBCs are prorated to the weighted average yields AI Powered TeDi Alexa Solution Solution extended by Sri Lanka’s configured to control any TeDi Alexa, the first integrated fetched in secondary market trading of T-Bills and to its Dialog TV decoders, premier connectivity provider IR-controlled device via voice device to be officially launched in T-Bonds. Investments in T-Bills and T-Bonds are enabling customers with the aims to facilitate customers in commands, including air Sri Lanka, brought a future-fit considered riskless, because, in the event GoSL is added convenience of controlling transforming their homes into a conditioners, home theatre revelation to the country. At unable to honour such debt, CBSL is mandated to print their TV through voice smart home, where navigating systems, and home security present, TeDi Alexa is considered demand pull inflationary money (money printing) and commands. Dialog also offers the through TV channels to changing systems. The integration of this to be the first of Amazon’s AI repay such creditors. Money printing exclusive rights Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered the volume has now become a convenient solution by Dialog will devices integrated to a smart are with CBSL. TeDi Alexa Smart Speaker task as simple as giving a voice bring the seamless efficiency of platform enabling voice activation designed to control all Infrared command. Furthermore, existing AI combined with the power of and smart controlling of (IR) controlled home devices, Alexa functions can be utilised Dialog’s connectivity to the connected devices. B12 Ceylon FT thursday 13 may 2021 Corporate Sampath Bank March PAT Up 83% to Rs 4.6 B

Sampath Bank recorded a profit increase substantially its impairment of 20 per cent, which it had applied in before tax (PBT) of Rs 6.1 billion in 1Q provision for 1Q 2020. 2020. 2021, compared to Rs 3 billion in 1Q However, commencing from the latter 2020, denoting a growth of 101 per part of the year 2020, the Bank saw an Business growth cent, while profit after tax (PAT) improvement in credit quality among From the Rs 1.11 trillion reported as increased by 83 per cent to Rs 4.6 customers who did not obtain the at 31 December 2020, Sampath Bank’s billion, from Rs 2.5 billion recorded in moratorium, which is reflected in the total asset base grew by 3.7 per cent the first quarter of 2020. Resilient decrease of stage 3 loans by 4.4 per cent. (annualised 15.1 per cent) in 1Q 2021 to performance of all business lines along This factor also contributed to the reach Rs 1.15 trillion as at 31 March with the improved credit quality helped decrease in the impairment provision 2021. Gross loans and advances grew bolster Sampath Bank’s performance in compared to 1Q 2020. by 2.7 per cent (annualised 10.9 per the first quarter of 2021. In 2020, the Bank downgraded cent) to Rs 779 billion as at 31 March The Sampath Group also registered customers operating in elevated risk 2021. Meanwhile, the total deposit base significant growth in 1Q 2021, as industries on a prudential basis from increased by Rs 28 billion for the same evidenced by the improvement in both Stage 1 to Stage 2 and recognised a period, to Rs 914 billion as at the PAT and PBT in the first quarter of the substantial provision to account for the reporting date, a growth of 3.2 per cent year. The Group reported a Rs 5.1 Harsha Amarasekera, Chairman, Sampath Bank PLC (left) and Nanda Fernando, potential risk. Further provisions were (annualised 13 per cent). The Bank’s billion PAT and a Rs 6.7 billion PBT for Managing Director, Sampath Bank PLC made by increasing the probability CASA ratio at the end of 1Q 2021 stood the period under review, denoting a weightage on the worst-case macro- at 41.6 per cent. growth of 90.7 per cent and 103.5 per Driven by higher business volumes in than the 37.1 per cent reported for the economic scenario to capture the cent, respectively compared to the these areas, NFBI for the quarter under corresponding period in 2020. expected credit losses. Moreover, given Capital adequacy and per- figures reported for the same period in review grew to Rs 2.6 billion, a 15.8 per the sluggish movement in the overall formance ratios the previous year. cent increase compared to Rs 2.2 billion Impairment charges advances portfolio and the debt recorded in 1Q 2020. Impairment charges for the period moratorium extended in 2020 and also Sampath Bank’s Common Equity Tier Fund Based Income (FBI) under review dropped by 75.7 per cent considering the potential impact that (CET) I Capital, Tier I Capital and Total Net interest income (NII) declined by Operating Expenses compared to 1Q 2020 and stood at Rs could arise once the debt moratorium Capital Adequacy ratios as at 31 March 7.7 per cent during the period under The Bank’s total operating expenses, 1.2 billion at the end of the quarter phase II lapses, it was decided to 2021 stood at 12.94 per cent, 12.94 per review to Rs 9.2 billion from Rs 9.9 which amounted to Rs 5.1 billion in 1Q ended 31 March 2021. This is primarily recognise a material impairment cent and 15.76 per cent respectively, all billion recorded in the corresponding 2020, increased by 6.9 per cent to Rs due to higher impairment provisions provision as an allowance for overlay, in well above the corresponding minimum period in 2020. The drop in the NII is 5.5 billion in 1Q 2021. Higher made in the first quarter of last year. 2020. It should be noted that the Bank regulatory requirement of 6.5 per cent, 8 attributed to the prevailing low interest personnel expenses mainly contributed The first quarter of 2020 saw the has used the same impairment models per cent and 12 per cent, applicable as rate environment. However, the Bank towards this increase. However, thanks spread of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, and assumptions used in the previous at the reporting date. continues to proactively monitor all to stringent cost containment prompting the Government to declare a year to determine impairment provisions The Statutory Liquid Asset Ratio variables that are likely to impact the strategies, other expenses decreased by nationwide lockdown from March 2020 for 1Q 2021 and continues to carry (SLAR) for the Domestic Banking Unit NII to ensure a sustainable return. 6.4 per cent in 1Q 2021 compared to for a period of 2 months. This unique forward the additional impairment and the Off-Shore Banking Unit was at the corresponding period in 2020. situation created uncertainties which provisions made last year. 35.82 per cent and 33.12 per cent Non-Fund Based Income Meanwhile, owing to the overall the country has never seen before. After The CBSL permitted the Bank to apply respectively as at the reporting date. (NFBI) increase in operating expenses, a careful assessment of the situation a minimum loss given default (LGD) of Return on Average Assets (ROA) (before Sampath Bank’s cost-to-income ratio and considering the possible impact on 10 per cent for the investment in foreign tax) stood at 2.19 per cent and Return The Bank’s NFBI comprises credit, (excluding taxes on financial services) the Sri Lankan economy and its direct currency denominated government on Average Equity (ROE) (after tax) stood trade, as well as card and electronic increased to 38.9 per cent at the end of impact on the Bank’s credit quality, securities. However, the Bank applied a at 16.97 per cent at the end of 31 March channel related fees and commissions. 31 March 2021, considerably higher Sampath Bank prudently decided to prudential approach by using the LGD 2021. NDB Rights Issue DFCC Bank’s incorporation of Fully Allocated Google Workspace fruitful In May of last year, DFCC Bank vision of becoming the most keeping track of requests received as Private Placement for Rs 1.5 B expected became the first in the country’s customer-centric and digitally driven well as the status of requests raised, banking industry to join hands with bank by 2025. The tools provided by a timely delivery of service has been Finetech Sri Lanka and implement the Google Workspace Enterprise enabled, thereby greatly enhancing Google Workspace (formerly known Edition has supported the the overall customer experience. as G Suite). Following the automations of many processes The bank also plans to launch a completion of many automation within the Bank, leading to faster Credit Card Delivery Tracker which projects under this partnership, customer services, while eliminating allows the receiving customer to DFCC has made significant strides human errors and resulting in track the status of delivery in real in terms of value additions to both greater customer loyalty. time. Also acting as an extra safety customers and staff. One practical application of this is measure, this tracker will ensure DFCC Bank has understood the the fee reversal approvals process. that no fraudulent activities take importance of internal digital Automated workflow built using place. With this tracker, manual transformation to support external Google Workspace tools has allowed processes such as notifying relevant transformation, to complete the this application to handle fee customers, identifying delays in the digital transformation cycle and reversal requests raised by delivery process, and notifying provide optimum experience to their customers through DFCC Bank’s couriers will be eliminated. valued customers with the bank’s dedicated call centre. Assisting with NDB Director/Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne and NDB Chairman Eshana De Silva NDB’s recently concluded rights Accordingly, the Board of Directors, issue to raise Rs 8 billion in Tier I pursuant to the agreements with capital saw keen demand from the Norfund and Shareholder approval in investors for the rights, with over 61 place has decided to offer private million rights changing hands prior to placement shares to Norfund at Rs the last rights acceptance date. The 82.50 per share, such that the Norfund figures provided by SSP Corporate holding reaches 9.99 per cent shares Services Pvt Ltd - registrar to the issue in the Bank post the rights issue and SLT-MOBITEL shines at Global - also shows additional rights private placement. In total, the Bank is applications from existing expected to add Rs 9.5 billion in Tier I shareholders totalling Rs 763 million. capital. Economics Awards Prior to the rights issue, in order to Chairman of NDB Bank PLC, Eshana accommodate interest shown by De Silva, said this successful rights SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT in international markets from innovative digital solutions. Norfund (a Norwegian Development issue shows investor confidence in the and Telecommunications Services different sectors. These Additionally, SLT-MOBITEL Finance Institution which is a leading prospects of the country’s economy Provider, was honoured with the prestigious awards provide has also been recognised Development Finance Institution in the and the role NDB will play. “We also ‘Best Telecom Service Provider’ companies with global reach and amongst the ‘10 Most Admired global sphere), the shareholders look forward to welcoming Norfund as Award at the Global Economics recognition. Companies in 2020’ for its approved the allocation of a shareholder,” he said. Awards which concluded in Esteemed for its revolutionary continuous efforts in empowering unsubscribed rights or via a private Director and Group CEO of NDB London recently. The award was approach, especially amidst the Sri Lankans, spanning 163 placement of up to 9.99 per cent of Bank PLC, Dimantha Seneviratne, said presented as a testament to SLT- challenges posed by the COVID- years. This prestigious title was total shares in issue post the rights the successful Rights Issue and the MOBITEL’s role in transforming 19 pandemic, SLT-MOBITEL presented to SLT-MOBITEL issue and private placement to expected private placement is a very Sri Lanka with innovative digital continues to propel the Nation during the Most Admired Norfund. important milestone for the Bank. connectivity solutions. forward with its state-of-the-art Company Awards, for being a With the current shareholders “This is a resounding vote of The Global Economics Awards services for small and medium role model to other organisations snapping up 83 per cent of the rights confidence on the performance of the organised by the London-based businesses, telecommuting, and entrepreneurs through its shares on offer, left only 5.29 per cent bank by the shareholders and Global Economics Magazine aims study platforms, enterprise remarkable financial to be offered to Norfund by way of international investors. The Bank is to recognise and reward key solutions, E-health, mobile achievements and valuable unsubscribed rights, falling well short now well placed to implement its players and the best performers money and a host of other contribution to society. of the 9.99 per cent requested by them. growth plans at speed.”

Ceylinco Life donates HFNC equipment to Kalubowila Hospital Ceylinco Life recently donated team to bridge patients being before transferring patients to the High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) weaned from invasive ventilation. wards, or to treat an intensive equipment to the Colombo South Ceylinco Life has built, equipped disease. Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, and donated High Dependency Pictured here at the donation of responding to an urgent need to Units to the Colombo South High Flow Nasal Cannula enhance the non-invasive Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, the equipment to the Colombo South ventilator facilities for patients with National Hospital, Colombo, the Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila are severe hypoxic respiratory failure. Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital Ceylinco Life’s Senior Assistant The HFNC equipment donated by and the Jaffna Teaching Hospital. General Manager – Alternative the company will be used at the HDUs are needed to upgrade a Channels and Emerging Business, four-bed surgical High Dependency patient from normal care or as a Lakshika Keragala (extreme left), Unit (HDU) previously donated by step down from intensive care, the hospital’s Consultant Surgeon, Ceylinco Life to Ward 24 of the helping release beds in the Dr. Malith Nandasena, and hospital. The High Flow Nasal intensive care units. These units medical and nursing staff of the Cannula is used by the medical are used for post-surgery care, hospital. INSIGHT THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 B13 Digital Dollars for Online Tea The Bahamas, Sri Lanka, and Uganda fight the pandemic’s disruption with innovation Hand-Harvested Tea: Sri Lanka’s Digital Auctions Had To Re-imagine All The Human And Technical Variables Of Live Auctions

By Steven Dorst (IMF R &D) home and live comfortably with our children.” “Never let a serious crisis go to waste.” Innovators around the world Uganda: Digital Lifeline are taking the saying seriously, on Wheels responding to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with When COVID-19 hit Kampala, creative digital solutions. Uganda, small businesses were The initiatives we highlight here unable to get their goods and are markedly diverse: the overnight services to customers. People were transformation of Sri Lanka’s unable to buy food and medicine. 125-year-old live tea auction; the And millions faced the prospect of world’s first central bank digital unemployment. currency in The Bahamas; and the Enter SafeBoda, an innovative rapid pivot from a taxi-hailing app in homegrown company that swiftly Kampala, Uganda, to a thriving adapted its business model to serve e-commerce platform. the urgent needs of this capital city All three share a common of nearly 2 million people. characteristic: an innovative, Drivers of Kampala’s motorcycle entrepreneurial spirit born of an taxis known as ‘boda boda’ are as urgent need. The Bahamas initiative ubiquitous as they are dangerous. responded to a need to extend SafeBoda was launched in 2015 as financial services to residents of an alternative, placing an intense remote islands whose lack of access focus on driver and passenger safety. was exacerbated by extreme To make ride hailing easier and weather. cheaper, SafeBoda created a mobile In Sri Lanka, the tea industry— Daniel Ssemu, Safeboda Driver in Kampala: More Money With Deliveries app to connect riders with drivers. fundamental to the economy and The quality of SafeBoda’s service employing millions—came to a stimulated customer demand for sudden halt when COVID-19 more offerings. At the same time, a prohibited the weekly tea auction prolonged problem faced by its from convening. And in Uganda, drivers was bubbling to the surface— people’s ability to get food and the lack of proof of income affected medicine and earn an income was The country’s their ability to qualify for loans. severely hampered by the pandemic “Financial inclusion is a big topic lockdown. economy and here,” says Ricky Rapa Thompson, While the ingredients for success society are deeply SafeBoda cofounder and director of vary in each country, there is one operations. “Because [drivers are] from constant: there was an enabling intertwined with the informal sector, a lot of banks and environment for these initiatives to financial institutions were not that germinate and quickly become the majestic tea willing to work with them.” reality. The end result? Innovative, So in 2017, SafeBoda introduced its homegrown initiatives that help leaf. Today, 10 per wallet, which offers app users and millions of underserved people be drivers an integrated payment system financially included and have a cent of Sri through mobile service providers. As better shot at prosperity. customers paid through their phones, Lankans derive an An Early Adopter’s App-based Mobile Wallet drivers were able to document their The Bahamas: First Digi- Shows Her Sand Dollar Balance and Transactions income from the income without a bank account— tal Currency effectively expanding the universe of tea industry, which experience will no doubt be watched complex tea blends, frenetic financial services available to them. in October 2020, The Bahamas closely. in-person competition to draw top When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, leapfrogged into the digital vanguard generated more bids, and real-time market mobility restrictions were put in place with the launch of the world’s first Sri lanka: Tea Auction feedback—had stymied previous to control the spread of the virus. central bank digital currency—the than US$1.2 Transformed attempts. Vehicles were largely grounded, and sand dollar. With the stakes as high as ever, a commerce came to a near halt. People, Pegged one-to-one to the billion in export For many, Sri Lankans (formerly team comprising the Sri Lanka Tea many without refrigerators, needed Bahamian dollar and using a revenues in 2020 known as Ceylon) its tea is Board, technical experts, the food, and millions of jobs were at risk. blockchain-backed digital token, the synonymous with great taste. government, brokers, auctioneers, SafeBoda quickly identified and new currency is available to people The country’s economy and society and others came together to find a partnered with local restaurants, food and businesses to buy and sell are deeply intertwined with the solution. vendors, and markets, and—working goods and services and send money majestic tea leaf. Today, 10 per cent CICRA Holdings was in charge of with the UN Capital Development to each other. Sand dollars are of Sri Lankans derive an income technical development, working with Fund and digital experts—launched a issued and regulated by The need created by 2019’s devastating from the tea industry, which brokers trained to interpret the new digital service, Shop, within two Bahamas Central Bank. Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 generated more than US$1.2 billion dynamics of in-person bidding and weeks. The Bahamas territory is spread pandemic. in export revenues in 2020. with deep knowledge of tea Today, the SafeBoda app has more out over 700 islands—making it It is still early days, with only For more than 125 years, the tea categories and grades. To succeed, than 1 million downloads, connecting unprofitable for commercial banks US$130,000 worth of sand dollars in industry has depended on a the e-platform would have to customers to nearly 1,000 food to have ATMs or physical branches circulation compared with $500 tradition-steeped auction where re-imagine all the human and vendors, 350 shops, 16 markets, and on remote, sparsely populated million Bahamian dollars. hundreds have convened twice a technical variables of the live 21 United Nations Population Fund islands. Extreme weather events Customers’ initial reaction has been week at the Ceylon Chamber of auction. (UNFPA) pharmacies through 20,000 make the cost of maintaining positive. Those who are using the Commerce to buy and sell Sri Within days, some 300 people had drivers in Kampala. infrastructure even steeper. As a sand dollar enjoy the ease, faster Lanka’s finest leaves. taken part in simulated training By offering a cashless, minimally result, the most vulnerable often turnaround, and lower costs. When COVID hit, the world’s programmes, with sessions running invasive service, SafeBoda not only lack access to financial services. “When I first heard about the sand oldest tea auction was suddenly into the night before the launch. helped revitalise the local economy, it The need to serve the unbanked dollar, I was extremely excited,” says unable to bring together buyers and “I am happy to say that within a also played a role in mitigating and under-banked population, along Brandon Kemp, founder of Tin Ferl, a brokers for the weekly bidding. very short period of time, about exposure to COVID-19. with a drive to modernise the popular pop-up food park in Nassau. Plantations and factories had seven days, we managed to build a Ruth Tindyebwa, one of the first payment system, spurred the central “The amazing thing about the sand nowhere to sell their product, buyers solution . . . [and] made history on 4 market vendors to join the Shop bank’s introduction of the new dollar is that there are no fees or were left in the lurch, and millions April, 2020, by having the first platform, remarked that the sign-up digital currency. transaction costs. So, if I need to pay were at risk of losing their income. digital auction going live,” said process was fast and that she’s “We didn’t start with the idea of a one of my staff, I can do it right there Sri Lanka’s tea auction faced an CICRA CEO Boshan Dayaratne. earning more than before the central bank digital currency,” says in the moment; they receive it urgent need to reinvent itself. Not only is the new system COVID- pandemic. “I can now pay my rent. I John Rolle, governor of the Central literally within seconds, and “The whole country said, right— safe, it’s also faster, more strategic, and pay school fees for my kids.” Bank of The Bahamas. “We focused everybody is happy with that.” now there’s 2 million people whose cost-effective—and even yields higher SafeBoda driver Daniel Ssemu said, on eliminating as many obstacles as Using the sand dollar doesn’t even lives depend on this industry . . . we prices. The online auction has also “The shift to e-commerce and delivery possible for persons having access require a bank account or a mobile need to look after them,” said, Asia improved transparency and efficiency of goods, it was quite a good thing. to the equivalent of a deposit phone, although that’s how most Siyaka Commodities CEO Anil and reduced duplication of work. Now we are getting more money . . . account or a mobile wallet account transactions take place. Cooke, who led the task force Benefits are being felt locally as because now we are doing both rides to conduct transactions.” And while it wasn’t designed with charged with digitalising the well. D. Gayan, supervisor of the and deliveries.” Following successful pilots the the pandemic in mind, users auction. Dessford Tea Estate, was of the The service has helped mitigate central bank began distributing uniformly cite the safety of a cashless With brokers and buyers unable to opinion that the continuity of sales exposure to the pandemic, spur the sand dollars to Bahamian transaction as a key reason for meet in person, the challenge was has enabled them to continue local economy, and offer inspiration for commercial banks, payment system adopting the digital currency. “What not just to find an alternative to the operations and pay workers. a new generation of digital innovators providers, and money transfer convinced me to go with this sand live auction, but to get it up and A. Rajakumari, a plucker who in Uganda and beyond. operators. Funds are placed in dollar is mainly because of COVID- running and yielding good prices— harvests tea by hand, had this to “SafeBoda is a good Ugandan story,” clients’ digital wallets, which allow 19,” says Mikia Cooper, an attorney immediately. say, “Even though we had explained CK Japheth, team lead, access to various amounts of money at law firm Twenty Twenty and Sri Lanka’s tea industry had been Coronavirus last year those of us in Innovation Village. “It kick-started the and transaction thresholds. Associates. mulling a switch to a digital auction the estate got our salaries. It’s digital economy and we now see that Anke Weber, IMF mission chief for As countries around the world for more than 20 years. But the because of this work that is being technology has offered everyone a new The Bahamas, attributes the fast experiment with central bank digital auction’s nuanced dynamics—which done with interruption. I was able to competitive landscape of rollout and growing interest to the currency, lessons from The Bahamas’ drew on an innate knowledge of get my salary and happily run the opportunities.” A14 Thursday 13 MAy 2021 SPORTS THURSDAY 13 MAY 2021 A15

English Premier League Nadal casts doubts over Olympic Man City crowned participation

Rafa Nadal has raised doubts about his participation in champions again this year’s Tokyo Manchester City were Olympics amid the confirmed as Premier League COVID-19 pandemic, champions for the third time in saying on Tuesday that four seasons after second- he has to be flexible placed rivals Manchester United and cannot give a clear lost 2-1 at home to Leicester answer until he City on Tuesday. organises his schedule United’s defeat means City for the year. are 10 points clear with both Japan has extended sides having three games left to a state of emergency in play. Tokyo and three other City’s coronation had been areas until the end of delayed after Pep Guardiola’s May as the country side suffered a 2-1 home defeat battles a surge in by Chelsea on Saturday, COVID-19 cases, although in truth they have raising new questions looked uncatchable for several about whether the months. rescheduled 23 July-8 It is Guardiola’s third Premier Aug. Games should go League title for City in his five ahead. seasons in charge and eighth Nadal, who won a domestic honour for the club. singles Gold in Beijing “This has been a season and a 2008 and added a Premier League title like no doubles title in Rio de Janeiro eight years later partnering other,” said Guardiola, referring Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek in action with Leicester City’s Luke Thomas Marc Lopez, said that he is yet to firm up his plans on to the impact of the COVID-19 travelling to Tokyo. pandemic that has seen City all the way, until 10-12 to 11th in the table, they have celebrations by beating Aston “I don’t know yet. Honestly, I can’t give you a clear answer matches played in empty days left in the season, and it is won 22 of their next 27 Villa away on Sunday, but because I don’t know. I don’t know my calendar,” Nadal told stadiums. a very good achievement matches, including a 15-game Leicester gave Guardiola’s side a news conference at the Rome Masters. “In a normal world “This was the hardest one. We because they are a very good winning run and a record- a helping hand on Tuesday. I’ll never think about missing Olympics. There’s no doubt will always remember this team,” Solskjaer said. equalling 11 successive away Even if United had beaten about that. Everybody knows how important it has been for season for the way we won. I am “They are very worthy league wins. Leicester, and then Liverpool on me to always play in the Olympics. so proud to be the manager champions. I have to say Guardiola’s side, second-best Thursday, City could have “Under these circumstances, I don’t know. Let’s see what’s here and of this group of congratulations because they to Liverpool last season, also wrapped up the club’s seventh going on in the next couple of months. I need to organise my players,” he added on the club have played some fantastic stuff won a fourth successive League English title by beating schedule. In a normal year, I know my schedule almost website. this season.” Cup and can claim a treble by Newcastle United on Friday. 100% from 1 Jan. until the end of the season.” “To come through this TOUGH START beating Chelsea in this month’s A huge ‘Champions’ banner Japan’s top-ranked men’s and women’s players - Kei season, with all the restrictions Despite City’s romp to the Champions League final. was draped outside City’s Nishikori and Naomi Osaka - have raised concerns about and difficulties we’ve faced - and title, they endured a tough start Leicester Manager Brendan Etihad Stadium, while a staging the Games amid the pandemic. show the consistency we have is to the season after picking up Rodgers said City were deserved smattering of fans arrived to “This year is a bit different, no? We need to be flexible. We remarkable. It is relentless.” 12 points from their first eight champions. “They are the mark the occasion. need to adapt about things that are happening,” Nadal said. United Manager Ole Gunnar games - their worst start since benchmark. They have been It will be considerably noisier The 20-times Grand Slam champion, who was beaten in Solskjaer praised his side for 2008-09. Since then, they have outstanding. Brilliant players, on 23 May when City host straight sets by Alexander Zverev in last week’s Madrid ‘pushing’ City into the final been head and shoulders above incredible Manager, and they Everton on the final day of the Open, opens his Rome Masters campaign against local fortnight of the season, even their rivals, and after hitting the thoroughly deserve the title. Premier League season with favourite Jannik Sinner on Wednesday. though they were never serious top looked unstoppable. Congratulations to Pep and his 10,000 fans permitted to “Tomorrow is going to be a tough start, one of the toughest challengers. After losing at Tottenham team.” Manchester United had attend. possible against Sinner,” Nadal said. “We have pushed Manchester Hotspur in November, slipping further delayed City’s title (Reuters) (Reuters) Watling to coach Under-19 Inter Schools Division Two Tier ‘A’ Cricket Tournament Mihiranga and Vishwa after retirement BJ Watling will look at leading batsman/bowler coaching options once he hangs up his gloves at the end of the upcoming tour of Hansaja leading all-rounder England, the retiring New Mihiranga Fernando and Nisalanka Peiris (St. Zealand wicketkeeper said on Vishwa Lahiru Kumara, Peter’s Negombo - 111), Wednesday. both of Sri Sumangala Prabath Jayasekara (Sri Watling, 35, has been a Panadura who emerged Sumangala Panadura - fixture in New Zealand’s Test champions, were the 100) scored centuries. team since his 2009 debut, and leading batsman and Vishwa Lahiru Kumara will leave selectors with big bowler of the Under-19 (Sri Sumangala Panadura - shoes to fill as the country’s Inter Schools Division Two 5/12), Brian Hansaja (Holy most successful wicketkeeper- Tier ‘A’ Cricket tournament Cross Kalutara - 5/13), batsman. conducted by Sri Lanka Vidusha Peiris (Sri Watling is planning a break Schools Cricket Sumangala Panadura - with family when he returns Association (SLSCA) and 5/17), Arosh Bhagya (Holy from England, but suggested coaching was a long-term goal. sponsored by Sri Lanka Cross Kalutara - 5/19), “It’s something I’m looking at,” Watling told New Zealand media. “The next Cricket (SLC). Manuja Dulneth (Rahula six months or so I’ll just kind of wing it at this stage and I’ll start to look into Senindu Hansaja Matara - 5/24), Tharindu what options I have after the game.” Bandara, right hand Chamodya (Siri A quiet achiever, South Africa-born Watling holds the Black Caps record for batsman cum off spinner Piyarathana Padukka Test dismissals, with 257 as a wicketkeeper, including eight stumpings. of Lyceum International -5/25), Anton Abhishek Mihranga Fernando Vishwa Lahiru He also has 3,773 runs in 73 Tests at an average of 38.11 with eight School Wattala, was the - Sri Sumangala Panadura - Sri Sumangala Panadura (St. John’s Panadura - centuries and 19 half-centuries. His highest score of 205 came against leading all-rounder. 5/30), Manth Pawan (Siri England at Mt Maunganui in 2019. Sri Sumangala emerged Left arm leg-spinner century and a half century Piyarathana Padukka - He denied his long career had taken a toll on his body, and said his decision champions beating St. Lahiru Kumara claimed 22 and claimed 12 wickets for 5/32), Kaveesha Kalpana to retire from all cricket was mostly to spend more time with his young family. John’s Panadura by 6 wickets for 172 runs in 8 154 runs in 7 matches (Sri Devananda “Actually no; the body feels surprisingly good. A few years ago, I would have wickets in the final at BRC. matches (Ave. 7.82), just (Ave. 12.83). Ambalangoda - 5/38), said my body is going to play up and that will be it, but actually I’m feeling Right hand batsman and pipping his team mate Thevendram Dinoshan Sachindu Perera (Lyceum quite fresh in the body,” he said. “I think there’s a few other factors and deputy skipper, Mihiranga Vidusha Peiris (left arm (St. John’s Jaffna -186), International School spending some time at home will be the main thing.” scored 307 runs in 8 leg-spinner), who also Senindu Hansaja Bandara Wattala - 5/42), Lasith New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee paid tribute to his Northern Districts matches with a century claimed 22 wickets for 198 (Lyceum International Nisalanka Peiris (St. and Test team mate. and a half century, with a runs in 8 matches (Ave School Wattala - 125), Peter’s Negombo - 5/56), “He’s a man of few words, but his actions that everyone has seen over a long top score of 122 runs 9.00). Mihiranga Fernando (Sri Niupul Chamodan (St. period of time sum up what BJ is about,” said Southee. against St. John’s Senindu Hansaja Sumangala Panadura Peter’s Negombo - New Zealand play two Tests against England from 2 June followed by the Panadura in a first round Bandara right hand -122), Reshan Malith 5/56) claimed 5 wickets in ICC World Test Championship Final against India from 18 June. fixture. He maintained an batsman cum off spinner Fernando (St. John’s an inning. (Reuters) average of 51.17. scored 275 runs with a Panadura -122), Lasith (IR)

Japan is gearing up to offer take place as scheduled from COVID-19 vaccinations to 23 July-8 Aug., although around 2,500 Olympic and Japan prepares to vaccinate criticism remains rampant Paralympic athletes and both at home and abroad. support staff, using shots On Tuesday, a New York donated for the Games amid Times essay titled public anger over the slow ‘A Sports event shouldn’t be a pace of the country’s vaccine its Olympians, Paralympians Superspreader’ called for the rollout. Games to be cancelled. “It’s With fewer than three athletes would be prioritised both the Olympic and we’ll make sure we don’t inoculations, remained time to listen to science and months until the Olympics prompted anger on social Paralympic Games. cause trouble for the overall unclear. halt the dangerous charade,” begin, Japan is struggling to media. Officials at the Japan population,” said Miho Japanese regulations say it added. contain a surge in But last week, Pfizer Inc Olympic Committee and Kuroda at the Japan only doctors or nurses can While Japan has been coronavirus cases, and a and its German partner Japan Paralympic Committee Paralympic Committee. give the shots, which has spared the worst ravages of majority of the population BioNTech SE said they would said on Wednesday they are A report in the Yomiuri slowed the country’s overall the pandemic, 11,000 people want them cancelled or donate doses of their COVID- currently asking each Shimbun daily said rollout. Dentists also gained have died and the medical postponed for a second time. 19 vaccine via the Athletic Federation how many vaccinations could start as permission last month. system has been severely Only about 2.6% of the International Olympic people want to be vaccinated early as June, but the The IOC, organisers in stretched by the country’s Japanese population has Committee (IOC) to help and when this should take officials said the timing, as Japan and the Japanese latest surge. Tokyo recorded been vaccinated at this point, inoculate athletes and their place. well as other details, such as government have repeatedly 925 new cases on Tuesday. and reports last month that delegations participating in “Our officials are saying who would give the vowed that the Games will (Reuters) To prove physical prowess Malinga Ready to Play Domestic Cricket No indication of retiring from international cricket Lasith Malinga

it a day from red ball cricket and the ex-captain had discussed his he would need to play domestic first- his satisfaction with the policies 50-over version, last played for the immediate future in the sport as well class cricket and thereby prove his adopted by the Selectors, and Sources at SLC said the Selection country in the shortest format against as the state of the game here. physical prowess, as is the norm for encouraged the Selectors to continue Committee had reportedly met former the West Indies in Pallekele in March The Selectors, for their part, had all players. to place their trust in youngsters for Sri Lanka T-20 skipper Lasith last year. explained their position with regard to The Selectors had stressed that if he all versions of the game. Malinga with the intention of coaxing Hence, the pacer has not Malinga harbouring any hopes to could prove his worth and his However, it was stated that Malinga the slinger to rejoin the National team represented his country in the rejoin the National squad. They had in physical fitness in domestic cricket had not given any indication of his and deliver the goods for Sri Lanka in shortest format of the game for 14 no uncertain terms informed the there would be no barrier for him to immediate desire to retire from the shorter formats. months, and during the recent pacer that as he had not featured in step into the playing 11. international cricket in his discussion Malinga, 37, who has already called discussion with the Selectors, the international cricket for over a year, Malinga for his part had expressed with the Selectors.

Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh Wheelchair tennis KJP officially named captain SL cruise to second round with ease Sri Lanka overcame Croatia 3-0 in a World Cup qualifying Wheelchair Tennis first- Kusal Perera was officially round clash worked off in Portugal yesterday, and will next face Israel in round two. named the captain of Sri Lanka's One-Day International (ODI) team for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, while Kusal Mendis was named vice-captain India tour of Sri Lanka in the 18-man traveling squad. The 30-year-old opening batsman takes over from Dravid likely to coach India Dimuth Karunaratne who led Sri Lanka in their previous ODI series against West Indies, in absence of Shastri which they lost 3-0. Senior members like Dinesh The two white ball series travel to the island country. Chandimal, Angelo Mathews between India and Sri While the name of senior and Lahiru Thirimanne were Lanka, to be played in opener Shikhar Dhawan is also overlooked. Colombo in July, will see a being touted to lead this Karunaratne had taken over rare occasion of two Indian so-called B team, a host of the ODI captaincy just before teams simultaneously players like Prithvi Shaw, the 2019 World Cup where he locked in bi-lateral Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan led Sri Lanka to a sixth place contests. While the bench Kishan, Hardik Pandya, finish. He did win a couple of strength of India will quite Krunal Pandya, home series against Bangladesh comfortably make up for a Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and West Indies, but was strong white ball side, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel blanked 2-0 and 3-0 in Pakistan foreign report say the tour Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, and West Indies respectively. may finally see Rahul Kuldeep Yadav are among The squad announced on Dravid stepping in as the some who are available for Wednesday (12 May) also Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis Head Coach as Ravi the Sri Lanka tour. The includes a few new faces. Shastri will be busy in white ball contests would Chamika Karunaratne and Sri Lanka are scheduled to Bandara, Wanindu England. also be a great opportunity Shiran Fernando earn their leave on 16 May with the Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, According to the ICC’s Rahul Dravid for most of them and make maiden limited-overs call up, three-match ODI series Akila Dananjaya, Niroshan Future Tours Programme a huge amount of respect a case for themselves with while Binura Fernando, who beginning on 23 May. All Dickwella, Dushmantha (FTP), India are scheduled from the lot, but had shied the Indian selectors with has played a couple of T20Is, games will be played in Dhaka. Chameera, Ramesh Mendis, to play three One-day away from applying for the the T20 World Cup coming makes a return to the side. Squad: Kusal Perera (C), Asitha Fernando, Lakshan Internationals and as top job of the senior team up in October-November Isuru Udana and Dhananjaya Kusal Mendis (VC), Danushka Sandakan, Chamika many T20Is in Sri Lanka in for more than five years. this year. de Silva also make a comeback Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Karunaratne, Binura July - a tour which was However, with Shastri and Indian team is likely to after the duo were not picked Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Fernando, Shiran Fernando cancelled last year due to his entire retinue of reach Sri Lanka on 5 July. for the West Indies tour. Dasun Shanaka, Ashen (Agencies) the COVID-19 pandemic. support staff then busy in Three ODIs will be played Dravid, currently serving England, the buzz is on 13, 16, and 19 July, as the Director of the Indian Board President followed by T20Is on 22, National Cricket Academy Sourav Ganguly may have 24, and 27 July. All (NCA), had been the guru his way in convincing his matches are set to take of new generation of Indian erstwhile teammate and place at Premadasa talents from their Under- friend Dravid - along with Stadium, Colombo. Italian Open 19 or India A days, enjoys his NCA support staff - (Agencies) Osaka loses to Jessica, Serena returns LPL from 30 July to 22 August Japanese world number two For Osaka, this defeat Naomi Osaka suffered her followed a second-round loss at second straight defeat on clay the Madrid Open earlier this by losing to Jessica Pegula in month and comes two and a the Italian Open second round. half weeks before the start of the Osaka, who received a first- French Open. round bye, lost 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 to Serena Williams plays the the American world number 31 1,000th match of her career in Rome. later on Wednesday when she Osaka, 23, has often faces Argentina's Nadia struggled on clay and negative Podoroska, a surprise French body language showed her Open semi-finalist last year. discomfort against a confident The 39-year-old American, a Pegula. 23-time Grand Slam champion, After a tight opener where she returns to competitive action for missed three set points, Osaka's the first time since her level dropped in the second and Australian Open semi-final Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) the tournament,’’ said Hambantota with the Pegula took control. defeat by Osaka on 18 confirmed the 2nd Edition of Professor Arjuna de Silva, participation of 05 teams. Pegula, 27, kept her focus and February. the Lanka Premier League Chairman, Management The first edition was held discipline to take advantage of Meanwhile, Australian world (LPL) will be held from 30 Committee of SLC in the under a successful Bio- Osaka's increasingly wayward number one Ashleigh Barty July to 22 August 2021, in a media release. Bubble environment. SLC hitting, breaking for 4-2 when reached the third round by media release. The first edition of the LPL, will assess the situation in Osaka walloped a wild volley beating Kazahkstan's Yaroslava ‘’We have found a suitable which is Sri Lanka’s top most the country and discuss with wide and going on to seal the Shvedova 6-4 6-1. window to hold this year’s domestic T20 league with an the Ministry of Health closer biggest win of her career. (Agencies) Jessica Pegula edition, whilst we are international flavor, was to the tournament prior to currently working on initiated last year and was taking a final decision on the finalizing the other details of held at the MRICS competition.

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