TIME LAPSES FOR RS. 70.00 PAGES 84 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 03 – NO. 19 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 FOCUS ON CONSENSUAL DEPOSITS TRILATERAL RESTRUCTURING SURPASS RELATIONS TREAD RESOLUTION $ 400 M STORMY WATERS SPORTS SECTOR »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGE 11 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] 2019 TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT ON ECT Govt. scrambles to salvage MoC BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA z Govt. to renegotiate z Yet to inform India, z New comm. appointed zWCT instead of Sri Lanka will launch trilateral talks with India and Japan to MoC with India, Japan Japan officially of ECT for trilateral talks ECT the agenda officially renegotiate the tripartite agreement signed in 2019 It is learnt that the negotiations new committee as well. that it could be applied to the WCT taken to propose the WCT for joint to jointly develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the with the two other governments Speaking to The Sunday Morning, instead. development. He said that the Cabinet’s Colombo Port, based on the Cabinet decision taken last week will commence immediately via a Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and However, in the meantime, Sri Lanka decision to remove the ECT, and to propose the development of the West Container Terminal new Cabinet-appointed committee. Shipping U.D.C. Jayalal said that the Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman propose the WCT instead, was based (WCT) of the Colombo Port instead of the ECT as previously It is further learnt that the members Government would soon renegotiate the (Retd.) Gen. Daya Ratnayake stressed on the reports submitted by the two agreed, The Sunday Morning learnt. of the previous Cabinet-appointed existing memorandum of co-operation that national-level negotiations would Cabinet-appointed committees. committees would be included in this (MoC) with Japan and India in a way be held following the Cabinet decision Contd. on page 2 Japan yet to decide on policy Take this turn... 105 MW KELANITISSA GAS TURBINES zIndia stresses on SL keeping to intl. obligations Tender cancellation

BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA the Colombo Port, a decision The Japanese Embassy in concerning which Japan has comes under fire Colombo said that the Government expressed disappointment. z Awardee appeals to Ministry z CEB to re-tender of Japan has yet to decide on its The Embassy said this in Allegations have been levelled led Government to design and policy line concerning the unilateral response to a question posed against the Ministry of Power for manufacture gas turbines supplying announcement made by Sri Lanka regarding Japan’s stance on the the cancellation of a tender awarded 105 MW at the Kelanitissa Power over the development of the East issue. during the tenure of the former Station on the basis of erroneous facts. Container Terminal (ECT) at Contd. on page 2 United National Front (UNF)- Contd. on page 2 MALWATHU OYA BASIN PROJECT 5-year project to be launched z $ 3.34 m UNDP grant z Project to cover 4 districts The Ministry of Environment Malwathu Oya Basin area through is to launch a five-year project a community-based ecosystem- that would focus on the oriented approach, The Sunday integrated management of forests, Morning learnt. agriculture, and tourism in the Contd. on page 2 CONSENSUAL RESOLUTION BY UN CORE GROUP

Govt. yet undecided Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP and Cabinet Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations held in Colombo zDiscussions ongoing z‘It is a political decision’ PHOTO LALITH PERERA The Government of Sri Lanka Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is yet to take a decision on the resolution on reconciliation, PRISON EMERGENCY RESPONSE proposed consensual resolution accountability, and human rights CHANGES TO NAT FLAG with the United Nations (UN) in Sri Lanka, as discussions in Recruitment Core Group on Sri Lanka in this regard are currently ongoing. At ministry level connection with the relevant UN Contd. on page 2 The proposed changes to Sri Lanka’s National Flag remain at ministerial this week LEASING MAHAWELI LANDS level, and have not been brought before BY SARAH HANNAN the Cabinet as of yet, stated Cabinet The Department of Prisons is to commence Top-level multi-stakeholder Spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella. the recruitment process to establish the Sri Lanka During a news briefing held early this week, Prison Emergency Response Strategic Force from discussions to commence Defence Secretary General (Retd.) Kamal this week onwards, The Sunday Morning learnt. Following opposition from approval for their release, a series Gunaratne said that proposals have been Speaking to The Sunday Morning, State local farmers and protests from of high-level multi-stakeholder made to amend the lion in the National Flag. Minister of Prison Management and Prisoners environmentalists over the move discussions between the relevant A committee appointed at the Home Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte said: “We called to allot Mahaweli Authority lands governmental authorities are to Affairs Ministry has taken these proposals for applications from eligible persons that served in the Rambakenoya area to commence this week, The Sunday into consideration. in the military, who left the service under the commercial agriculture companies, Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 early retirement scheme. subsequent to the Cabinet granting Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 RS. 300 B ON FOSSIL FUELS THE MICROFINANCE SCOURGE Complete halt by 2030 A’pura, P’naruwa victims left high and dry The Government is planning to completely stop importing fossil fuel by 2030 by replacing z Relief underway through z Expanding pilot z Moves to provide it with renewable energy, Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma claimed. Samurdhi Bank project in A’pura financial literacy According to the Minister, the country spends Despite numerous pledges to the Victims, especially those who live ongoing economic crisis. Rs. 300 billion annually to import fossil fuel. contrary, millions of microfinance in Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, Speaking to The Sunday Morning, The total expenditure would be cut down to Rs. victims around the country are yet to as well as social activists, claimed Polonnaruwa-based activist T.B. 15 billion, which is 5% of the current expenditure benefit from the special programme that they all are waiting for the Sarath stressed that even though the on fossil fuel, by 2025, the Minister said last week launched by the Government that Government to fulfil its promises in Government widely publicised certain in a special ceremony held at the Matara branch proposed to use the existing Samurdhi this regard. However, the situation relief programmes, these are yet to of the Regional Development Bank (RDB). banking system to provide them relief, of the victims has continued to reach the ground level. Contd. on page 2 The Sunday Morning learnt. grow from bad to worse due to the Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 NEWS Contd. from page 1

to unnecessary legal issues, further delaying response to UN High Commissioner for areas of the country is the same – so much Gen. Gunaratne was not available for Govt. scrambles... the implementation of the project. Human Rights Michelle Bachelet’s report so, that if somebody received relief from comment. “We’re currently holding discussions However, when contacted by The Sunday on the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. the debt trap, their immediate circles would – Lahiru Pothmulla regarding the development mechanism and Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Meanwhile, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson get to know immediately. the finances for the ECT,” he added. Herath noted that due to the financial Minister Udaya Gammanpila on Wednesday “The situation of these poor people is However, as per highly informed sources, situation of the country, as well as of the (3) said the Government has decided to still similar, and, in some cases, even worse Recruitment... the Government has yet to communicate this CEB, the Board has decided to re-tender the reject the report of the UN HCHR based on than before. There are many people who We will recruit a total of 200 personnel in decision to India or Japan. project. two grounds. have taken several such loans and sold the first intake.” Last week, the Cabinet approved a “We will call for tenders immediately “One reason was that most of the content their properties to repay such loans,” he The initiative is to improve the existing proposal made to develop the WCT via a and the process will be completed soon,” he in the report did not fall under the mandate added. Prison Intelligence Unit that is currently private-public partnership (PPP) with India said. of the UN High Commissioner for Human Sarath noted that the stories of these being manned by prison guards and prison and Japan, by cancelling the decision made – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Rights. The other reason was that the poor people are not reaching the top level, officers-in-charge (OICs). by the previous United National Front-led allegations in the report were baseless,” he and as a result, the microfinance issue has The recruits will be enlisted after a Government to call for investments for the said. not been considered a national issue, even thorough vetting process and will be development of the ECT. Japan yet... The Sunday Morning on Thursday (4) though victims are being reported from considered through a referral system, The Embassy said this in response to requested a comment from the Office each and every corner of the country. where the respective human resources a question posed regarding the stance of of the Spokesperson for the UN High According to statistics, in Sri Lanka, departments would have to submit a letter of Tender Japan over the latest development related to Commissioner for Human Rights over there are about 15,000 microfinance recommendation to support their enlistment. cancellation... the ECT and the offer made by Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s decision to reject the High institutions illegally in operation. Only While the Strategic Force is scheduled to to develop the West Container Terminal Commissioner’s report. However, 54 companies have been registered with be established at its earliest possible date, In an appeal made by the tender awardee, (WCT) of the Colombo Port with Japan and when contacted again on Friday, the the Microfinance Association, and only special operations are already underway the China National Technical Imports and India, instead of the ECT. Spokesperson’s Office in Geneva, those who obtained loans from those to look into any misdeeds taking place in Exports Corporation (CNTIC), to Secretary The Embassy told The Sunday Morning Switzerland said the request for information companies enjoyed the relief measures prisons. to the Ministry of Power Wasantha Perera, that Japan, Sri Lanka, and India have been was still being processed. and benefits granted by the Government The security within prisons has become it is stated that the CNTIC was selected discussing the details of co-operation for – Lahiru Pothmulla on several occasions. However, according a major issue, as exemplified in a spate by the Technical Evaluation Committee the development of the ECT based on the to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) of incidents that ranged from contraband (TEC) as the “lowest evaluated, technically, relevant memorandum of co-operation website, only four institutions have been – such as mobile phones and illegal items substantially, responsive bidder” for offering (MoC) signed in May 2019. Top-level... registered with the CBSL. such as drugs and guns – being smuggled a price that is Rs. 2,000 million less than “It is regrettable that the Government of “Releasing these lands to private Speaking to The Sunday Morning, or thrown into prisons, on occasion with the second evaluated bidder, M/S TSK Sri Lanka has unilaterally announced the companies was not well received by the State Minister of Samurdhi, Household the connivance of prison officials, to deadly Electronica Y-SA in Spain. decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers area residents, as they are questioning as Economy, Microfinance, Self-Employment, riots such as the one at the Mahara Prison in In the letter written by Attorney-at-Law that the development and operation of the to why the lands were not released to them Business Development, and Underutilised late 2020. H.H. Anura Chandrasiri, on behalf of the ECT will be carried out solely by Sri Lanka. previously to cultivate. Meanwhile, there State Resources Development Shehan CNTIC to Ministry Secretary Perera, it is The Embassy is collecting details at the are several protests taking place where the Semasinghe said that the pilot project stated that the recommendation to cancel moment and the Government of Japan is yet possible impact to the environment too launched to provide relief to microfinance Complete halt... the tender, after the finalisation of the to decide on its policy line on the unilateral is being questioned by activists,” State victims was currently being conducted “Fossil fuels are a huge burden to the technical evaluation and after the receipt of announcement made by Sri Lanka,” it said. Minister of Mahaweli Zone Canals and successfully in Anuradhapura, and that economy of this country. This is more the TEC recommendation by the Standing When queried as to whether the issue was Settlement Infrastructure Development based on the said programme, it would be than Rs. 300 billion. The President, in his Cabinet-Appointed Procurement Committee discussed with Foreign Minister Dinesh Siripala Gamlath told The Sunday Morning. expanded to other parts of the country as Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour policy (SCAPC), had been made based on the Gunawardena when Japanese Ambassador Therefore, the State Ministry has called well. framework, made the first election promise recommendation of the SCAPC. It further Akira Sugiyama met him on 3 February, the in officers representing the Ministry of Under this programme, a loan of up to that fossil fuels should be replaced with notes that being the Secretary of Power Embassy said that it was unable to provide Environment, the Ministry of Wildlife Rs. 300,000 is to be provided for those natural energy. As a Ministry, our absolute and also a Member of the SCAPC, he was the details in view of it being a diplomatic and Forest Conservation, the Ministry of affected to settle their debts, through the commitment now is to reduce this figure to been misdirected to rely entirely on the communication. Irrigation, the Mahaweli Authority, the existing Samurdhi banking system, he 5% by 2025 and to stop wasting money on statement “People’s Bank (PB) requesting Meanwhile, the Indian media reported Irrigation Department, and other relevant explained. fossil fuel by 2030. It will be a victory for us a Treasury Guarantee” made by the former that India on 4 February had stressed the stakeholders for a series of meetings that “There will be a revolving fund working as a country,” he further claimed. General Manager of the Ceylon Electricity importance of Sri Lanka adhering to its would kick off from this week, with a view with the Samurdhi system. While giving Meanwhile, as claimed by the Solar Board (CEB) for this captioned project at international commitments relating to the to arrive at a consensus. this option, somebody could say that this Industries Association (SIA), it is mandatory the SCAPC meeting held on 11 September development of the ECT. “We have to be sensitive towards the amount is not enough. However, initially, to add 200 MW from rooftop solar panels to 2020. Indian External Affairs Ministry impact these commercial agriculture we don’t want to give a lump sum. But if the national grid per year in order to achieve In its appeal, the CNTIC has requested Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said projects would have on the environment and they perform well, we can actually show the Government’s policy of achieving 80% the Ministry Secretary to rectify the issue, at a media briefing that the Indian High also look at whether the residents of these that the need is there, and that it has been of Sri Lanka’s electricity energy demand as it claimed that the cancellation of this Commissioner in Colombo is in talks with areas have in any way been marginalised managed well. We can increase the amount through renewable energy by 2030. competitive tender after the selection of the the Lankan Government on the issue. due to a policy decision the Government on the instructions of Prime Minister According to the government policy, successful bidder – without any valid reason “As is well known, the Governments has taken. We are to provide them sufficient Mahinda Rajapaksa. We are now in the the country should build at least 200,000 but based on an uncorroborated, unjustified of India, Sri Lanka, and Japan signed an time to present their observations and process of providing them with financial rooftop solar power panels adding 2 GW basis – amounts to the constitution of an act MoC in May 2019, to develop and operate concerns before any land is released for literacy,” he added. within the next 10 years to support the that shall be ultra-vires before the law. the ECT within a trilateral framework. We investors,” Gamlath explained. However, when questioned about the overall target, and another 3 GW of power The tender has been cancelled by a sincerely believe that the development of Based on the outcome of the discussions, total allocations, he stressed that the through ground-mounted solar power plants. decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers infrastructure in Sri Lanka, in areas such as the extent of land that would be released microfinance issue is not prevalent in all The Association stressed that only 270 on 19 October 2020. In the same cabinet ports and energy, with foreign investment will be subjected to change, it is learnt. districts, but only in the Uva, Northern, MW of roof-mounted solar power systems decision, it had been decided to re-tender from India and Japan, will be a mutually In addition, if an environmental impact and North Central Provinces, and in parts and 62 MW of ground-mounted systems the procurement under supplier’s credit. beneficial proposition,” Srivastava had assessment (EIA) needs to be carried of the Central Province, especially in have been added to the national grid since In a letter dated 15 January 2021, written noted. out, the State Ministry will look into it estates. Therefore, the initial amount would 2016, adding that the growth at this slow to the CEB Chairman and Managing The Cabinet on 1 February decided to and inform the investors too about its be released to the Samurdhi banks and pace will not be sufficient to meet the target Director, Additional Secretary to the develop the ECT solely under the Sri Lanka requirement. the system would thereby be monitored set for 2030. Secretary of the Ministry of Power D.P. Ports Authority and to develop the WCT In the cabinet decision announcement, it through these, he explained. Therefore, they stressed that the capacity Wickramasinghe stated that the Ministry with 85% shares offered to companies was revealed that a proposal submitted by – Maheesha Mudugamuwa addition to the grid from solar power should submitted the cabinet memorandum named by Japan and India. the Minister of Irrigation to allocate suitable be increased to 200 MW annually, starting requesting approval to re-tender the land plots for a lease period of one year to from 2021. procurement or a Treasury guarantee to recognised local investors was approved, At ministry... – Maheesha Mudugamuwa secure Rs. 113 million from People’s Govt. yet... and that 2,750 acres of underutilised When contacted, Rambukwella told The Bank, based on representations made to the Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath lands that have been identified around the Sunday Morning that, according to the SCAPC, and further informing, in response Colombage told The Sunday Morning on Rambakenoya zone, controlled under the Defence Secretary, a committee had been 5-year... to the CEB General Manager’s letter dated Friday (5) that no decision has been made Mahaweli Authority, had been approved for appointed to look into the suggestions, “Through this project, we are looking 18 August 2019, that the CEB was unable regarding the matter as of yet. release. but they have not been put forward to the to restore the ecological balance that was to find the necessary funding without a “No update yet. Still no decision has The decision on utilising abandoned Cabinet yet. broken down over the years due to non-eco- guarantee from the Treasury. been taken and we are at the discussion and underutilised land plots for cultivation “They are still at the ministerial level. friendly development work that has taken Nevertheless, in the same letter it is stage,” he said, when queried as to whether purposes comes after the Government took There have been requests and certain place in the region. Various programmes are stated that the People’s Bank Chairman the Government has made any decision measures to limit the importation of food concerns from certain people saying that currently implemented by the Government had informed the Ministry that the bank concerning the issue. crops that can be cultivated in the country this is not the right thing. So, an opportunity to control this situation. At the same time, was willing to consider providing fund When further questioned regarding a in an attempt to control the unnecessary has been given to submit their proposals to we have identified the need for a long-term assistance to the CEB for this procurement, timeframe as to when a decision pertaining outflow of foreign exchange. list out the reasons. I believe what he (Gen. plan that needs to be carried out jointly if a request is made by the CEB. It appears to the matter would be reached, he said: One such food crop that would be Gunaratne) said was that there have been in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and from this letter that the CEB has not made a “We cannot say at this juncture, as it is a banned from importation is maize, which is certain proposals, and that they are under forestry,” Minister of Environment Mahinda formal request from People’s Bank. political decision.” widely used as an ingredient to produce the consideration at the ministerial committee Amaraweera told The Sunday Morning. In its response to the Ministry, the CEB The UN Core Group on Sri Lanka nutritional food supplement “Thriposha” level,” he said. The United Nations Development had stated that its board took a decision to consists of Canada, Germany, North as well as animal feed. It is estimated that When queried about the groups that Programme (UNDP), under its Global re-tender on supplier’s credit, considering Macedonia, Montenegro, and the UK. approximately 250,000 metric tonnes (MT) have raised concerns, Rambukwella said Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund, the financial situation of the CEB. Prof. Colombage previously said of maize will have to be produced locally to that he was unaware of anything further has agreed to allot a $ 3.34 million grant It is stated that it was unlikely that the that the UN Core Group has proposed fulfil the requirement. in this regard, and that the Defence towards the implementation of this pilot CEB would be able to secure the necessary a consensual resolution in terms of the – Sarah Hannan Secretary should be consulted for relevant project which will cover the Anuradhapura, finances from a local financial institution UNHRC resolution on Sri Lanka and that information. Mannar, Vavuniya, and Puttalam Districts. due to the present adverse financial position the Government was studying the text of Commenting further on the proposed The Cabinet of Ministers has granted of the CEB and alternative financial options the said consensual resolution. However, A’pura... changes, he said that they were regarding approval to commence the project, which needed to be explored. Therefore, to call he said the Government has indicated that “There is not a single victim that we have the format of the lion. “There will be is scheduled to take place during the 2021- offers from the two shortlisted bidders to a consensual resolution will be politically heard of receiving such financial assistance no significant change, and that is what 2024 period using the grant monies allotted provide supplier’s credit financing to fund challenging. as relief from the microfinance burden,” he Gunaratne said,” the Minister added. by the UNDP. the full cost of the procurement would lead On 27 January, the Government sent its stressed, adding that the situation in other Despite attempts made to contact him, – Sarah Hannan

Urging the Government to give a solution for students who faced difficulties due to In lieu of World Wetlands Day, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera participated in a the A/L cut-off mark, the Inter-university seeding ceremony at the Ministry premises Students Federation protested in front of the The Socialist People’s Alliance staged a protest, demanding the Government not to sell the Colombo University Grants Commission (UGC) Port to foreign nations PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, ESHAN DASANAYAKA the sunday morning 3 Sunday, February 7, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

ECT VS. WCT CONTROVERSY The future of the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal, which was to be developed under a tripartite agreement between Sri Lanka, India, and Japan, is now mired in uncertainty Trilateral relations PHOTOS © SRI LANKA PORTS AUTHORITY tread stormy waters

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson The ECT’s strategic importance Anurag Srivastava as saying that the MoC Meanwhile, addressing the Cabinet It is unlikely that Sri Lanka will signed by the three countries in May 2019 media briefing last week, Joint Cabinet revoke the already-signed tripartite envisaged the development and operation Spokesperson Minister Udaya Gammanpila agreement between India, Japan, of the ECT in a trilateral framework, and said the ECT is strategically important to and itself on jointly developing the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Sri Lanka, and therefore the Cabinet of the East Container Terminal is in discussion with the Government of Sri Ministers decided that Sri Lanka should (ECT) of Colombo Port in 2019, Lanka regarding several matters, including have complete control of it. as the Sri Lankan Government is the importance of adhering to international Contd. on page 5 attempting to renegotiate it for the commitments. development of the West Container No official communication Terminal (WCT) instead, The Sunday However, as learnt by The Sunday Morning learnt. Morning, Sri Lanka has not yet officially Secretary to the Ministry of Ports informed India regarding the relevant cabinet and Shipping U.D.C. Jayalal said the decision taken last week. Nevertheless, the Government would soon appoint a new envoys of India and Japan have held several negotiating committee to renegotiate the meetings with the Sri Lankan leadership to existing agreement with Japan and India in discuss this matter. a way that its terms could be applied to the The MoC for the development of the Colombo Port’s WCT instead. ECT was signed between Sri Lanka, India, “There is no need to revoke the and Japan at the Heads of Government Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC). We discussions during 2017-2019, and through will appoint a new committee, Cabinet decisions taken on 30 and it will negotiate the May 2019. agreement with Japan and It provides for the formation India,” he told The Sunday of a Terminal Operations Morning. Company (TOC), of The Secretary made these which 49% is jointly held comments in the backdrop by Japanese and Indian of uncertainty looming over shareholders, while 51% is the possibility of the two held by the SLPA. Under countries agreeing to last the terms of the MoC, the week’s proposal by the Sri TOC was to develop the ECT Lankan Government that based on a Japanese loan to the Colombo Port WCT be SLPA Chairman Gen. (Retd.) the SLPA, guaranteed by the Daya Ratnayake developed instead of the Government of Japan. strategic ECT, going against The MoC was reached what was agreed upon in 2019 soon after China was given through a MoC between the a controlling equity stake three countries. and a 99-year lease of the Pressured by trade unions, Hambantota Port, and the Government last week concerns were raised as was forced to change its tune to whether this deal was on the controversial ECT deal. also a result of escalating This in turn has resulted in geopolitical competition a diplomatic stand-off with between regional powers. India and Japan. Now, the question arises Tensions erupted last over the legality of the Sunday (31) when Prime Secretary to the Ministry amendment approved by of Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa U.D.C. Jayalal the Sri Lankan Government told the media that the ECT without prior consent from would not be handed over to India, in direct the other two parties, India and Japan. When contradiction of what his brother President contacted by The Sunday Morning, SLPA Gotabaya Rajapaksa had stated several Chairman Gen. (Retd.) Daya Ratnayake weeks ago. noted that the relevant Cabinet decision At a meeting held with representatives was based on two reports submitted by of port trade unions, President Rajapaksa the corresponding Cabinet-appointed said he had negotiated with India on the committees. He also noted that the decision contract, and that it was possible to reach of whether to revoke the MoC would be an agreement to retain 51% ownership and decided at national level. keep control of the terminal under the Sri “As of now, we are having back-to-back Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). meetings, and discussions are underway According to the President, the terminal to decide on how the ECT should be was earlier said to be developed as an developed,” Ratnayake noted. investment project, with 51% of its When asked whether the SLPA has enough ownership under the Government of Sri funds to develop the ECT, the Chairman Lanka, and the remaining 49% as an stressed that it would have to obtain a investment by India’s Adani Group and loan from a bank to develop the terminal. other stakeholders. “We haven’t finalised anything as yet. The Nevertheless, proving the PM’s statement discussions are still going on. The loan correct, the Cabinet last week approved the amount and other details have not yet been proposal made to instead develop the WCT finalised,” he added. at the Colombo Port as a public-private “Anyway, we were initially to develop the partnership (PPP) with India and Japan, ECT; and now we were given the opportunity which was seen as an attempt to compensate to do so. As of now, the operations are going India. on as usual,” Ratnayake added. Yet, it is still unclear whether India As learnt by The Sunday Morning, neither and Japan will agree to Sri Lanka’s new India nor Japan have yet officially accepted proposal, which seems to be the final or rejected the Government's proposal, as decision taken by the ruling party to avoid neither were officially informed about Sri political turmoil within the country. Lanka’s decision. A well-informed source In the meantime, it was reported in said the political pressure on the Government Hindustan Times that India has emphasised from the Opposition and trade unions, as the importance of Sri Lanka adhering to well as within its constituent parties, was international commitments under a trilateral immense, which has led to the cancellation agreement for developing the ECT. It is of the existing MoU and offering of the WCT also reported as having quoted Indian instead. 4 the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 ROUND-UP/PICTORIAL Following King Pandukabhaya Learning to co-exist The issue of alleged had something interesting to Sri Lanka, while being illegal destruction of say about the issue. predominantly Sinhala- Taking a backseat? forest lands and the The State Minister had said Buddhist, is a multi-ethnic The 73rd Independence felling of trees has that the felling of trees and nation that has even given due Day celebrations also saw become a hot topic clearing of forest lands had recognition to this fact in the United National Party islandwide. taken place during successive country’s national flag – the (UNP) Leader Ranil governments in the country. lion flag. Hence, co-existence Wickremesinghe taking However, State Minister for Addressing the media, plays a key role in the country’s a backseat in the official Wildlife Protection, Adoption Dissanayake had said that being. events organised by the of Safety Measures including these actions (cutting of trees) Students in Vavuniya singing the National Anthem in both the Sinhala and Tamil party to mark the day. Ranil the Construction of Electrical had taken place from the Co-existence in Sri Lanka, which languages to commemorate Independence Day Wickremesinghe had Wickremesinghe Fences and Trenches, and time of King Pandukabhaya is currently moving forward after had sung the National Anthem in both Tamil language. requested UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Reforestation and Forest and is continuing even today a three-decade war, brought to an the Sinhala and Tamil languages to The event was reportedly Wijewardene to lead the celebrations Resource Development under President Gotabaya end in 2009, could be promoted in commemorate Independence Day. held under the patronage together with the office bearers. Wimalaweera Dissanayake Rajapaksa. different ways. According to a Tamil language of the Vavuniya District In fact, Wickremesinghe had left One such situation was witnessed national newspaper, Virakesari, Secretary Saman Bandulasena. shortly after the event organised at on Thursday (4) in Vavuniya when Tamil-speaking students had sung Parliamentarians as well as the party headquarters, Sirikotha, had the country celebrated its 73rd year of the National Anthem in the Sinhala officials representing the commenced. Wijewardene continued to A two-thirds disaster independence. language, while the Sinhala- District had also participated in lead the programme. A group of students in Vavuniya speaking students had sung it in the the ceremony. Justice Minister recent past weren’t able Ali Sabry last to capitalise on that week noted that opportunity. Foreign missions are obtaining a two- According to Sabry, often tasked with thirds majority at first glance, it attending to diplomacy in Parliament seems as if almost while also serving the alone does not every government that country’s nationals in Love lost solve problems has obtained a two- the respective country. without a well-co- Justice Minister thirds majority has However, an unusual ordinated strategy Ali Sabry mismanaged it and that development that had the current Government coupled with a rational sunny proven to be quite should also be prepared to troublesome to the approach. face that reality. side up Sri Lankan mission in He has stated that many The Justice Minister had by abilis governments that had received made these observations in an Cyprus was witnessed a two-thirds majority in the online interview. last week. has noted in the message level, the Consulate General Posting a message on its that it had received phone of Sri Lanka in Cyprus had official Facebook page, the calls from different people noted that any information The new wedding jitters Consulate General of Sri to find out if their girlfriend owned by the Office will Freedom to Lanka in Cyprus had urged had been registered in the not be given to unknown Wedding jitters lovers of repatriated Sri list of passengers on the next persons. get high have now been Lankan migrant workers flight due to arrive in Sri The Consulate General of given a new to refrain from requesting Lanka. Sri Lankan in Cyprus further The outspoken General Secretary connotation after personal details. The message has noted requested concerned parties of the Bodhu Bala Sena (BBS), Ven. Sri Lanka Cricket The mission has informed that the Consulate General’s to avoid asking for personal Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thera last week (SLC) last Friday that it will not provide Office had received many information. made yet another controversial statement. (5) announced the details of Sri Lankan such calls to find out if the However, the relevant This time, it was regarding the postponement of migrants being repatriated people who had travelled in Facebook page has been legalisation of cannabis in the country. the impending West to unknown persons the last flight had arrived in sharing information on Sri The Thera, during an online interview, Indies tour that was identifying themselves as Sri Lanka. Lankan migrant workers in had explained that like many Asian lovers of the respective Stating that boyfriends Cyprus during the Covid-19 countries, Sri Lanka has a long, illustrious scheduled for this migrant worker. and girlfriends should solve pandemic, attributing it to history of cannabis use and cultivation month. The Consulate General their issues on a personal the Consulate General. where our forefathers had used it in By mid-last week, Ayurvedic medicine. However, the there was speculation situation had changed in order to facilitate that SLC would the entry of foreign-owned tobacco postpone the West companies, and cannabis was declared a Indies tour after several Cricketers at Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wedding banned substance as a result. members of the cricket Afterwards, all Sri Lankan cricketers Correct dosage He had further stated that even after 73 team in the training players who were who attended the years of independence, Sri Lanka has still pool had tested positive identified as their close wedding being asked to The spread of Covid-19 among parliamentarians, had consumed the tonic in been unable to change this scenario. for Covid-19. contacts were instructed self-quarantine as well. especially those who had publicly consumed a the prescribed dosage. The Thera had further stated that toddy Head Coach Mickey to self-quarantine. Meanwhile, the so-called curative tonic prepared by Dhammika Referring to the spread can also be considered a medicine and Arthur and top order Meanwhile, wedding of Sri Lankan Bandara, was much talked of in the past few of the virus among that even a medicine taken in excessive batsman Lahiru Thirimanne had cricketer Kusal Mendis, weeks. legislators, the Speaker amounts would have adverse effects. Thirimanne tested reportedly attended which is scheduled had said that public “If we look at these two facts alone, a positive for Covid-19 the wedding of this month, is also Speaker Mahinda Yapa social media. representatives are prone question arises as to whether we are truly on Tuesday (2). wicketkeeper reportedly under the Abeywardena had also However, responding to get infected since they free as a nation. What kind of liberty They were taken to batsman Sadeera spotlight due to the consumed the tonic prepared to queries posed on the have to frequently attend have we celebrated for 73 years?” Ven. a quarantine hotel last Samarawickrama last Covid-19 scare in the by Bandara with pictures consumption of the tonic, public functions like Gnanasara Thera had questioned. Thursday (4). Tuesday, resulting in all SLC. of it making the rounds on the Speaker had said that he weddings and funerals.

when State Minister Prasanna Ranatunga made government force. The Opposition is spreading had helped the Government come to power a public statement that the conspiracy that was lies on various issues ranging from burials, also believed these lies. This is what happened Conspiracy afloat during the period of President Mahinda cremation, Dhammika tonic, ECT (East in 2015. Some of our people got caught in that Rajapaksa in 2015 was once again prevalent in Container Terminal), bringing tourists to the conspiracy. The Opposition has launched a The internal squabbles in the the government ranks. country, and so on. However, even our ones campaign to discredit the Government. It has Government continue to make its way to Addressing a meeting in the Minuwangoda (members of the Government) get caught in this. received the support of western forces. The area, Ranatunga had said: “There’s now a Despite the Government explaining its stance conspiracy that was unleashed against Mahinda the public domain from time to time. State Minister trend being built to criticise the Government. on these matters, the Opposition continues to in 2015 has now been applied to the Mahinda- Prasanna Ranatunga One such instance was recently witnessed The Opposition wants to make this an anti- spread lies. Unfortunately, some of those who Gotabaya Government.”

week glanceat a

A passerby signing a petition in front of the Colombo National A group of bus owners and employees protested against the Hospital against the Government’s alleged move to sell the The Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army marching in Citybus ‘mafia’ and demanded the insurance instalment relief, Colombo Port in the guise of investment the Independence Day parade among others

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva looking our way mid-conversation during Independence Day celebrations

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arriving at Independence Is ‘new normal’ too normal? A number of people gathered at Galle Face Green The People’s Movement for the this week, some of whom were not adhering to Covid guidelines Square for Protection of Schools staged a protest, the 73rd urging the Government to look into Independence the needs of schoolchildren, including The National Bhikkhu Front staged a protest in Pettah, demanding the PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, Day celebrations providing schools with facilities Government not to sell the Colombo Port in the guise of investment KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, ESHAN DASANAYAKA the sunday morning 5 Sunday, February 7, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

this year, the corporation had not receivables stood at Rs. 95 billion at that has been reported by many LOCAL FUEL PRICES reduced the fuel prices. the end of 2018 and has increased to media institutions including The “Actually, the CPC is not Rs. 164 billion by the end of 2019, Sunday Morning. incurring losses at present. The issue resulting in CPC’s exposure to Bank The CPC has about 80% of the is that CPC revenue is not coming to of Ceylon (BOC) and People’s Bank market share of supply of fuel the corporation; instead, it is going (PB) to close at Rs. 566 billion. products to the transport sector to the Government. If an end can The CPC has been financing the while maintaining the almost total be put into this corruption, the CPC operations of the electricity sector supply of all other fuel products Controlling would gain massive profits,” Palitha in particular, with about Rs. 102 including heavy fuel, kerosene, pointed out. billion remaining unpaid at the and naphtha. According to Palitha, the total end of 2019. Moreover, Treasury CPC’s refinery has a capacity loan amount payable by the CPC guarantees amounting to $ 1.8 to produce only around 30% of was Rs. 618 billion, while it pays a billion have been issued to cover the the total fuel requirement in the total of Rs. 1.2 billion as interest on exposure to the above two banks, country, while the balance is those loans. In addition, the CPC according to the report. imported as refined products. The a flammable owed $ 425 million to Iran while Corporation supplies petroleum the Treasury owed to CPC Rs. 640 products islandwide through billion for providing subsidised fuel. a distribution channel which Furthermore, the Ceylon Electricity consists of 1,302 filling stations Board (CEB) owed Rs. 50 billion located around the country. to the CPC for providing diesel for In the meantime, in the latest CEB’s power plants. report published by the Auditor situation The CPC’s situation before global General’s Department, it is stated prices plunged had not changed, that a considerable financial loss even though the local prices had not is observed to have taken place been changed, Palitha stressed. during the preceding years due to With the pandemic, local wastage caused by breakdowns consumption went down drastically, happening often in the pipeline and despite the reduction of its and the continuous leakage of sales, the CPC had earned quite The government tax on fuel. This situation has caused a a considerable amount of profits detrimental impact on the natural due to plummeting oil prices in fuel has been reduced environment and compensation the world market, the TU leader by around Rs. 10-12. has been paid on several instances. said, also pointing out that the However, when contacted Government had not yet declared The decision was taken by The Sunday Morning, CPC the tax they apply to fuel at present. to avoid incurring any Managing Director Buddhika “The Government has neither losses this year Ruwan Madihahewa said that increased taxes nor passed the the CPC has not incurred losses benefit to the people,” Palitha CPC Managing Director during the year 2020. Buddhika Ruwan Madihahewa stressed. “It was a really good year for According to the 2019 annual CPC, even though consumption report of the Ministry of Finance, dropped drastically due to Covid- the total cost of the fuel-based 19. We are providing a service to imports of the CPC for 2019 stood the country and it's not aiming at at $ 3,359 million, accounting for The CPC is not earning profits,” he said. about 17% of the total imports incurring losses at When asked whether the prices of the country. Since the cost of present. The issue would be changed in the near imports accounts for about 95% of future, Madihahewa stressed CPC’s total expenditure, its financial is that CPC revenue that the prices would remain performance is directly affected is not coming to the unchanged. by the dynamics of global oil price corporation; instead, “The government tax on fuel has movements and the exchange rate. been reduced by around Rs. 10-12. While sales to the transport sector it is going to the The decision was taken to avoid are around Rs. 430 billion, which Government incurring any losses this year,” he accounts for 65% of total revenue said. ETU Convener Ananda Palitha of CPC, it recorded a loss of Rs. 26 When asked whether there had billion in 2019. The balance 35% been any discussion regarding represents other sectors including repaying the loans or collecting aviation, domestic, industry, and The losses are mainly the money owed to the CPC, its power generation, recording a profit due to the lack of a proper Managing Director stressed that of Rs. 14 billion and leading to mechanism and the corruption SriLankan Airlines has agreed an overall loss of Rs. 12 billion, it that occurred in the processes to start repaying its debt to the stated. of purchasing, storing, and CPC from April this year while The CPC building in Dematagoda The continuous losses distributing petroleum products the CEB is paying their monthly PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA accumulated by the CPC over the for many decades. This has been component at present. years stood at Rs. 337 billion as at investigated by a number of state “We are working closely with BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA sector unions claimed that the CPC 137,” Palitha explained. end-2019 and has had a significant monitoring agencies, including the Treasury and planning to would be a profitable institution if Urging the Government to impact on the operations, thereby the Auditor General’s Department implement a special mechanism Despite the government tax the taxes had been reduced long ago re-introduce the pricing formula on weakening its balance sheet in the and the Committee on Public to repay the outstanding loans,” on fuel being reduced last or if the government allowed the petroleum products, Palitha said the absence of equity infusion. Trade Enterprises (COPE) – a matter he added. week, the Ceylon Petroleum corporation to enjoy the full profits prices could be further reduced if Corporation (CPC) said the rather than transferring them to the the formula was in effect. prices of fuel will remain Treasury. As further explained, the unchanged. As explained by Energy Trade fuel prices dropped drastically Union (ETU) Convener and throughout the whole year in 2020 As learnt by The Sunday Morning, former Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but a decision had been taken to avoid (JSS) CPSTL branch President the Government did not reduce the possible losses the CPC would incur Ananda Palitha, the CPC could fuel prices according to the world unless the prices are increased or sell a litre of petrol at Rs. 72, market price. the taxes are reduced. However, it inclusive of all expenses incurred “In December 2019, the price of a is learnt that when the matter was by the corporation during storage, barrel of crude oil was around $ 68 discussed at the cabinet meeting transportation, and distribution. and now the price is around $ 57,” recently, President Gotabaya “At present, the cost of an oil he added. Rajapaksa had given the green light barrel is around $ 57 and when The ETU Convener also alleged to reduce taxes instead of increasing calculated, the CPC spends around that the Minister had not yet taken prices. Rs. 60 to import a litre of petrol. any productive decision to review According to the CPC, the fuel The transportation and distribution any of the losses incurred by the tax imposed by the Government has cost is around Rs. 12, which two institutions falling under his been reduced by around Rs. 12 last means, when calculated, a litre Ministry. week. of petrol can be sold at around As learnt by The Sunday Morning, Welcoming the decision taken Rs. 72. But the local market price there was no reason for the CPC to by President Rajapaksa, petroleum of Lanka Petrol 92 Octane is Rs. incur losses at present, as during

Contd. from page 3

Trilateral relations... private investment. “We have not agreed to give the In the letter written to the President WCT either. We don’t want to give He explained to the media that on 29 January, the unions had assured the WCT and keep the ECT. We only the ECT has the facility for that they would withdraw from all want all terminals. We are against the back-to-back operations between union actions if six conditions were decision taken by the Cabinet, and we terminals, and that is why there was met. These included the handing over will protest again if the Government concern over it. On the other hand, of the already completed section of tries to sell the WCT,” he stressed. the WCT has no strategic importance, the ECT to the SLPA; completing According to the SLPA, the and therefore will be developed with the construction work of the terminal Colombo Port Expansion Project foreign investment. with SLPA funds; completing the (CPEP) is being implemented Gammanpila said the development construction within three years; and in an area encompassing about of the WCT with foreign investment to acquire the control of South Asia 600 hectares. There will be three is mentioned in the President’s Gateway Terminal (SAGT) after the terminals: the South Container national policy framework. existing agreement’s expiry in 2029. Terminal (SCT), ECT, and WCT, However, as political analysts On fulfillment of these terms, each 1,200 m in length and predict, the recent decision could the unions agreed to support the possessing facilities to accommodate affect the bilateral relationship Government with the WCT’s three berths each. between India and Sri Lanka, as India development mechanisms, to get The SCT commenced operations had high hopes of receiving control Cabinet approval to take complete in 2013 under a PPP on a build- of the ECT – the topic was also ownership of the ECT under the operate-transfer (BOT) basis with discussed at the top-level meeting SLPA, and to get approval for both Colombo International Container held during India’s External Affairs the WCT and ECT in the same Terminals (CICT) and the SLPA. Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Cabinet approval process. CICT’s management is handled Colombo in January. However, when contacted, the by China Merchants Holdings Deputy General Secretary of the All (International) Co. Ltd. The ECT, Trade union involvement Ceylon General Ports Employees under the Colombo Port Expansion In the meantime, trade unions are Union (ACGPEU), which is affiliated Project (CPEP) implemented by the keeping silent on the matter regarding to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Government, the WCT, as they have given written G. Niroshan, stressed that his union is the second-largest deep-water consent to the Government that they did not sign the collective letter sent project of the Port. Of the planned would support the Government’s to the President last week prior to the 1,200 m terminal, 400 m was plans to develop the WCT with Cabinet meeting. completed in 2015. 6 the sunday morning FOCUS/OPINION Sunday, February 7, 2021

BY UWIN LUGODA COVID-19 VACCINATION ‘No major side effects’ Sri Lanka recently embarked on Speaking to The Sunday an islandwide vaccination drive Morning, State Minister of Primary against Covid-19, which is to prove Health Services, Pandemics, and critical in controlling the spread Covid Prevention Dr. Sudarshini of the pandemic. While the first Fernandopulle reassured us that the round of vaccines have already Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine showed been distributed across the country no major side effects after witnessing to more than 100,000 frontline its effects during the initial vaccination workers, including health officials drive. Gearing for “As with most vaccinations, there and members of the armed forces, will be fevers and body aches, which the Government is now making is to be expected since this is a foreign preparations for the next phase. body entering our immune system. The country first received a donation of However, we have not seen any major 500,000 doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s side effects, and we expect everyone to Covishield on 28 January from India as a have similar symptoms to this,” said Dr. part of their “Vaccine Maitri” initiative, Fernandopulle. based on the “neighbourhood first” policy. Despite this, a member of the The vaccine was soon distributed to around next phase Academy of Health Professionals Sri 2,000-2,500 health workers from seven Lanka Ravi Kumudesh labelled the hospitals in the Colombo district by 29 prevalent in those between the age group above symptoms as a complication of January. of 30 to 60. Therefore, we will focus on the Covishield vaccine. He stated that Speaking to The Sunday Morning on an vaccinating those over the age of 60, and 80% of healthcare workers administered earlier occasion, a member of the Academy Covid patients who are below 60.” with the vaccine exhibited symptoms of Health Professionals Sri Lanka Ravi Dr. Fernandopulle stated that the first such as fever, headaches, and vomiting. Kumudesh stated that the vaccine had a consignment of vaccines were intended for “Covid-19 vaccines help our bodies success rate of 65% and was to be given all health workers and tri-forces personnel to develop immunity to the virus that in two doses, with an interval between engaged in Covid-19 control activities, causes Covid-19 without us having to 4-12 weeks. Therefore, the initial phase of adding that the second consignment will get the illness. We need to be conscious the vaccine drive planned to vaccinate a strictly be for those over 60 years and about these alien vaccines developed in group of 250,000 persons including health Covid patients. less than a year. Vaccines are generally workers engaged in Covid-19 control Earlier reports indicated that the first said to take seven to 10 years to be activities, tri-forces personnel, police batch of vaccines was also given to several developed.” officers, and citizens older than 60 years, as police personnel and citizens older than 60 they have been identified as priority groups years. Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals that are facing higher risk. The Chief Advisor to the President and Channa Jayasumana said last week that Senior consultant physician at the Head of the newly-appointed Presidential the SPC has sent the purchase order for Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) Dr. Task Force for Sri Lanka’s Covid-19 18 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Ananda Wijewickrama became the first Vaccination Drive Lalith Weeratunga Covishield vaccine. healthcare official to receive the Covid- stated that this second batch of imported Meanwhile, State Minister Dr. 19 vaccine in the country, and did so to vaccines will be around three million doses Fernandopulle revealed that a sum of Rs. ease any doubts the public had about the Sri Lanka’s frontline workers receiving the first dose of the vaccine from the Serum Institute of India. 10 billion was identified for the purchase vaccine. Following this, a senior nurse difficulties in catering to the high demand Services, Pandemics, and Covid Furthermore, the reservation of two of the doses necessary to vaccinate the rest at the hospital became the second health among health workers as to who are to be Prevention Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech of the population. official to receive the vaccine. Moreover, vaccinated against the virus. told The Sunday Morning of plans to bring vaccine, currently the leading vaccine Sri Lanka is also expecting a further this vaccine has also received the approval Dr. Gamage explained that the increased down more of the Oxford-AstraZeneca with a success rate of 95%, by the State donation of 300,000 doses of the of Sri Lanka’s National Medicines demand for the vaccine being expressed vaccine from India either towards the end Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), Sinopharm vaccine from China based Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the by these health workers who work in of February or early March. She explained was revealed to us on 28 January by on a request made by the Sri Lankan World Health Organisation (WHO). institutes, which include universities as well that this next phase of the vaccine will be the Secretary to the State Ministry of Government. This batch of vaccines Since its distribution, the vaccine has as frontline workers, is due to the vaccine given to those of the general public over 60 Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and is expected to arrive in the country in garnered high demand from frontline being administered to more than 95,000 years, and all identified patients below 60 Covid Disease Control Dr. Amal Harsha mid-February. However, approval for workers and non-healthcare workers frontline workers, thereby confirming its years, as well as those deemed important to De Silva. emergency use is still pending from the partaking in Covid-19 prevention quality, safety, and efficacy. the economy. However, State Minister of Production, NMRA. measures, according to Ministry of This initial phase of vaccinations “We will be bringing down more of Health Epidemiology Unit consultant concluded as of last week. Oxford-AstraZeneca in the coming few epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage. weeks, so it will be here either by the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, she The next phase end of February or beginning of March. stated that the Ministry is currently facing State Minister of Primary Health And we have seen that the virus is most Approval only for one vaccine so far: NMRA National Medicines However, speaking to us sent all that information to for review on 25 January and Regulatory Authority (NMRA) earlier, Dr. Jayasinghe stated be reviewed by an expert the Covaxin vaccine on 27 CEO Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe that NMRA had also received committee. Until they have January, and they are currently stated that as of 3 February, a completed application for the finished their evaluations, being evaluated by the same only the Oxford-AstraZeneca import of the Sputnik V vaccine we have no thoughts on the expert committee. They will vaccine had been given from Russia by the State vaccine.” give an interim report and approval by the NMRA for Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Alongside the Sputnik request to resubmit documents emergency use. Sri Lanka (SPC). Despite this, V vaccine, Dr. Jayasinghe or provide additional Speaking to The Sunday the Russian vaccine has still also stated that the NMRA documentation if there is a Morning, he explained that not received the approval from is evaluating Covaxin, need for more data.” once the proper documents the organisation for emergency developed by India’s Bharat The applications for the for the Indian vaccine were use. Biotech, after the approval was Sinopharm vaccine from submitted to the NMRA, “We received all the proper submitted for review a couple China, and the Pfizer- they had gone through it and documents for the Russian of weeks ago. BioNTech vaccine, have not approved it accordingly. vaccine and we have since “We received the Sputnik V been submitted to the NMRA. The delivery of the first batch of the Covid-19 vaccine A new hope for the world:

Covid-19BY DR. CHARUNI KOHOMBANGE and effective way of protecting manufacturing vaccine this vaccine, the gene (SLMA) Immediate Past President people against harmful diseases. It (part of DNA of the coronavirus and Asia Pacific Academic Amidst a global pandemic, it uses the immune system (natural spike protein) has been combined Consortium for Public Health was with much anticipation that defence mechanism) of the body to with a harmless virus. The Oxford- (APACPH) Vice President (VP) the introduction of the Covid-19 build resistance to specific infections AstraZeneca team used a modified Prof. Indika Karunathilake, who is vaccination took place. While many and to strengthen the immune system version of a chimpanzee adenovirus an active member of the Covid-19 affluent countries have initiated to fight against invading pathogens. as the viral vector to deliver genetic technical committee, clarified the vaccination programmes, Sri Lanka materials into cells. following common doubts about launched the Covid-19 vaccination Types of vaccines for In general, DNA is not as fragile the Covid-19 vaccine. drive on 29 January, administering Covid-19 as RNA, and the adenovirus’s the Covishield vaccine donated by According to the World Health tough protein coat shields genetic With the prevailing India under the Vaccine Friendship Organisation (WHO), more than 50 material inside. Hence, the Oxford- pandemic, researchers (Maithri) initiative. At the time of vaccine trials are currently being AstraZeneca vaccine for Covid-19 rushed to develop a writing, nearly 100,000 healthcare carried out around the world. There is more stable than the mRNA vaccine. Is the safety and The Covid-19 vaccines that have been developed to date workers were being vaccinated are about six vaccines which have vaccines. Therefore, the Oxford efficacy of the vaccine across the country. been found to be safe and effective vaccine does not need to be stored reliable? current Covid-19 pandemic. In vaccine officially announced Vaccinations were initiated at via large-scale studies and approved in freezing temperatures, and the Researchers have never skipped this type of emergency situation, that Serum Institute of India has the Colombo National Hospital, for emergency use by the Food and vaccine is stable at refrigerator any step in the usual development authorities such as the FDA obtained EUA to reproduce and Colombo North and Colombo South Drug Administration (FDA) of the temperatures at 38-46°F (2-8°C). of vaccines. However, the use the available evidence and distribute the vaccine. Teaching Hospitals, Mulleriyawa US and local authorities. process was made faster, as it was carefully analyse the potential Serum Institute of India is a Base Hospital, Homagama Base There are three main approaches How does it work? promptly funded and the genetic benefits over risks and issue leading vaccine manufacturer Hospital, and the National Institute in manufacturing a vaccine. The When the vaccine is injected, data of the virus was readily an EUA if the benefits clearly and has been the main vaccine of Infectious Diseases. The differences lie in whether they use it triggers a complex bimolecular available with the scientists. Many outweigh the risks. supplier for Sri Lanka’s programme is extended to vaccinate a whole virus, just parts of the virus process to produce molecular companies and research institutes On 30 December 2020, the UK successful national immunisation all healthcare workers islandwide that trigger the immune system, or proteins. The immune system is co-ordinated to manufacture authorised the emergency use of programme. during the subsequent days. just the genetic material that provides trained to identify the antigen and vaccines, sharing a common goal. the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine The National Medicinal Nevertheless, the public is feeling the instructions for making specific mounts a response by producing for individuals who were 18 Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka much hesitance and doubt about proteins. Similarly, vaccines against antibodies and cell-mediated Does the vaccine grant years or older. This vaccine was (NMRA) has also approved EUA the safety and effectiveness of the Covid-19 are also manufactured with immunity against the spike proteins an Emergency Use developed at Oxford University for the AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccine. The aim of this article is to these three approaches. to destroy the pathogen. Authorisation (EUA)? with AstraZeneca collaboration. vaccine manufactured by the clarify these common doubts about An EUA is a mechanism to People in the UK started receiving Serum Institute of India is named the Covid-19 vaccine. Manufacturing the Clarify your doubts about facilitate the timely availability the vaccine from 4 January 2021. “Covishield”, and is a rebranding AstraZeneca vaccine the AstraZeneca-Oxford of medical products including Since then, many countries have of the AstraZeneca vaccine What is a vaccine? The AstraZeneca vaccine vaccine vaccines, especially during public granted EUA of the vaccine. On 6 manufactured in the UK. A vaccination is a simple, safe, is a viral vector vaccine. In Sri Lanka Medical Association health emergencies such as the January, the AstraZeneca-Oxford Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, February 7, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

Thalangama wetland in Colombo PHOTOS © LAKPURA ELEVATED HIGHWAY PROJECT Steered off course

by green issues Thalangama Environmental Protection Area PHOTOS © THALANGAMA WETLAND WATCH BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA AG’s opinion is yet to be informed stressed that there was no proper valuable resource uses. to the RDA. economic assessment being Therefore, Withanage stressed The future of the remaining patches of Colombo’s wetlands in The area has a rich biodiversity “We are waiting for the CEA conducted for the Thalangama that the economic value of the Thalangama and Averihena is uncertain, as authorities are yet despite it being located in the report and based on the report, a wetland, adding that the economic Thalangama wetland should also be to revoke their plans on the construction of a highway across it. middle of urbanised cities. decision would be taken,” he added. loss to the wetland would similar to Muthurajawela. This is the only remaining Athuluwage, however, stressed be massive if the highway is Meanwhile, when contacted As learnt by The Sunday Morning cover remaining at present in green patch residents have that the questionable trace is one of constructed across it. by The Sunday Morning, CEA last week, top-level discussions Colombo. in this area. Disturbing the the suitable traces identified by the As per an estimate conducted for Chairman Hemantha Jayasinghe are still ongoing to decide whether Over 75% of land in Colombo environment could pose serious authorities for the construction of Muthurajawela, it is stated that the noted that discussions are still approval for the proposed four-lane, was covered with wetlands many economic damage as well the elevated highway. direct and indirect economic value ongoing and no final decision has elevated highway project from the years ago, but with the development “If the trace is changed, the of the wetland is around Rs. 726.5 been made regarding the elevated New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya, activities that took place, the CEJ Executive Director length would also be extended and million a year, or Rs. 0.24 million/ highway project. Hemantha Withanage which is to be constructed over wetland cover has gradually in parallel, the cost would also be ha. As is typical for the case of “We have not yet taken a final the remaining patches of the decreased, he said. increased,” he explained. urban wetlands, ecosystem services decision on whether or not to give Thalangama and Averihena According to him, from metropolitan region (CMR) have Commenting on the concerns contribute the main part (90%) of the RDA permission to construct wetlands, should be given or not. Muthurajawela via Kotte up to been progressively degraded, raised by the authorities over this value, and fisheries (36% of an elevated highway across the It is learnt that ministerial-level Bolgoda, the land had been covered infilled, and lost, much of which is the increasing cost if plans were total resource use) and agriculture protected area. Discussions are still discussions were being held despite with wetlands several decades ago. considered irreversible. The rate and changed, Withanage of the CEJ (41%) are the most economically at the initial stages,” he added. the Attorney General (AG) having “Most of these refilling activities extent of wetland loss across the directed the Road Development had been done by the Government. CMR vary; some estimates suggest Authority (RDA) to avoid the Even the CEA is situated in a that wetlands comprising the wetland when planning the elevated wetland and so is the Parliament,” Kolonnawa marsh area have been highway. Furthermore, the Central he continued. reduced by as much as 65% since Environmental Authority (CEA) The Thalangama Tank and the the 1980s. had also met President Gotabaya surrounding area, which includes Similarly, as much as 60% of Rajapaksa to discuss the matter the Averihena Lake, was declared as paddy lands across the wetlands recently. an Environmental Protection Area of CMR may have been converted Nevertheless, farmers under the National Environmental to non‐wetland use over a similar and residents around the Act No. 47 of 1980, as amended time period. Other estimates Talangama wetlands as well as by the CEA in 2017, through the place the figure at closer to 22% environmentalists are still waiting Gazette Notification Number across the city. However, this still for a positive response to their 1487/10. Elaborating further, the represents a significant loss. It is concerns, as they don’t want to see CEJ Executive Director stressed that clear that wetlands continue to be a highway being built across their most of these wetlands in Colombo lost and degraded across the CMR greenery. have not yet been declared. “For over time. Urging the Government to example, Attidiya and Thalangama The development of the 17.3 withdraw its plans immediately, are declared under the CEA, but km-long, four-lane, elevated environmentalists claimed that the authority cannot take any action highway was proposed in 2015 to if a highway is built across these against an incident,” he added. improve the road network in order wetlands, the damage to the According to the final report of to deal with the heavy influx of surrounding environment as well the Colombo Wetland Management vehicles into Colombo city limits. as the animals and birds living in Strategy of Metro Colombo Phase I of the project, which is 6.9 the wetlands could not even be Urban Development Project, it is km in length, had been planned evaluated. estimated that wetlands currently from Orugodawatta to Rajagiriya, cover approximately 19 km2 while Phase II, which is 10.4 (15.4%) of 121.5 km2, comprising km-long, was to extend from densely urban, peri‐urban, and Rajagiriya to Athurugiriya. We have not yet taken a final rural environments. However, According to the RDA, 45% decision on whether or not to their former extent had been much of the land acquisition of the first give the RDA permission to greater. phase of the project has been construct an elevated highway Freshwater wetlands dominate, completed, and the environmental across the protected area. accounting for almost 85% of all impact assessment (EIA) Discussions are still at the the wetlands. Almost two-fifths of has already been completed. initial stages the wetlands are dominated by herb Furthermore, the feasibility CEA Chairman species, including the extensive study of Phase II also has been Hemantha Jayasinghe active and abandoned paddy lands. completed. As learnt by The Complexes of wetland mosaics Sunday Morning, the economic comprising woodlands, tall and loss that would be incurred by Speaking to The Sunday short herbs, and open-water habitats the RDA, if the already planned Morning, Centre for Environmental cover approximately a third of trace is changed, has been one Justice (CEJ) Executive Director all the wetland areas. Open water of the major considerations of Hemantha Withanage stressed that wetlands, such as tanks, lakes, and the authorities. They claim that the wetland is a protected area and canals, cover just over 20% of all the construction cost would be therefore the authorities should not wetlands. increased if the plan is changed. grant permission for any type of The report also stated that since Speaking to The Sunday construction within that area. the days of the Kingdom of Kotte, Morning, RDA Chairman He said the Thalangama wetland wetlands within the Colombo Chaminda Athuluwage said the is a flood-retention area and therefore, the economic damage that could be posed if the environment is disturbed by new development projects would be massive. “This area is one of the remaining wetlands in the Colombo District. The area has a rich biodiversity despite it being located in the middle of urbanised cities. This is the only remaining green patch residents have in this area. Disturbing the environment could pose serious economic damage as well, when compared to that of the losses incurred by any other institution as a result of bypassing the area,” The elevated Withanage explained. highway extending He stressed that there were only from Rajagiriya to around 2,000 hectares of wetland Athurugiriya the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

Waiting for Godot For 73 long years, Sri Lankans from every walk of life have been living in hope that their elected political leaders would take them to the Time lapses for consensual resolution Promised Land, even as the countries considered as peers back then, raced ahead in their quest for development and prosperity. This long and seemingly never-ending wait reminds us of Samuel z Friday’s meeting with UNHRC z Govt. turns to Russia and China Beckett’s famed tragi-comedy, Waiting for Godot, in which the two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon wait patiently for the arrival of Core Group postponed till tomorrow for support to face resolution Godot, who, despite continuously sending word that he is on his way, never appears. Rings a bell? Today, the Sri Lankan people have more or The Government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and rights issues at the UN General less been driven to despair over the non-appearance of their own saviour Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is now at the centre Assembly on 28 January. and with it, the long-promised land of prosperity. of a diplomatic quagmire, firstly by antagonising two key We were reminded of this resemblance while watching the tamasha that Asian allies – India and China – over the controversial East unfolded at Independence Square last Thursday (4) in commemoration of Container Terminal (ECT) issue at the Colombo Port. Next is yet another Independence Day. The question that continues to be foremost the controversial issue of enforced cremation of bodies of in the minds of the average Sri Lankan, at least at this time of the year, the Covid-19 dead that has soured Sri Lanka’s diplomatic is, tamashas notwithstanding, has the ordinary man, woman, and child relations with Muslim countries. got a better deal under our own leaders as opposed to the British? What about the basic freedoms? Are we better off today than we were 73 years All these issues cannot be to the report, which has already ago? The very fact that the matter needs deep deliberation makes it clear discounted at a time when Sri been submitted in writing, will that our leaders have failed the people, the nation. Period. Lanka’s alleged human rights be made public when Foreign The finger cannot be pointed at a particular individual or a particular issues are to be put under Relations Minister Dinesh party for that matter. It has been a collective failure on the part of each and the spotlight at the United Gunawardena addresses the every citizen of this country. After all, within the democratic framework Nations Human Rights Council UNHRC. that has guided the destiny of this nation since the introduction of adult (UNHRC) sessions that are to The Government decided franchise in 1932, the people have been the authors of their own destiny, commence in about two weeks. to reject the report, as it has Sri Lankan Envoy to the United Nations and if one is to point fingers at the collective failure, then that should The meeting between been prepared in violation of in New York Mohan Peiris be done before a mirror. the Government and the the mandate given through The truth of the matter, which every politician worth his salt knows representatives of the Core Resolutions 30/1 and 40/1 of Peiris had reportedly charged well but will never admit, is that the majority of our people are naive. Group on Sri Lanka at the the UN Human Rights Council, that defeated terrorists were using They are emotionally driven and essentially think from the heart. The grey UNHRC was scheduled for Gammanpila had said. international rights mechanisms matter rarely comes into the equation when rooting for green, blue, red, Friday (5) evening to discuss The Minister had further to unleash a different kind of or maroon. These well-meaning people are the product of a dysfunctional the impending Council sessions stated that out of the 17-page terrorism. education system which essentially requires people to memorise and as well as the resolution that is report, only two pages had been In his maiden address to the repeat as opposed to being rational and logical. There are the few who to be presented. The meeting in accordance with the mandate General Assembly, Pieris had United Nations Human Rights Council dare to step out of the box. They invariably find themselves ignored and was to be chaired by Foreign conferred on the Human Rights appeared to question whether unwanted in their own country, forcing them to seek greener pastures Minister Dinesh Gunawardena Commissioner while the a recent report on Sri Lanka by Sri Lanka’s human rights issues where they reach full potential. Our loss, their gain. The continuing brain at the Foreign Ministry. remaining content of the report the UN High Commissioner for have until now been kept out of drain starting from the mid-50s is a serious issue that is yet to attract However, the meeting was was maliciously aimed at the Human Rights was an “exercise in the UN agenda in New York, but the attention it deserves. postponed Government, regime change”. senior members of the foreign An emotional electorate is easy to manipulate as against a rational one. till tomorrow contrary to “It appears today that service have now expressed doubts That explains why the issue of brain drain remains unaddressed. How (8) at the last the Council’s vanquished terror groups and as to whether the Sri Lankan else can one explain an electorate that once believed Sri Lanka will be minute by scope. terrorism is making use of very Envoy’s comments would result in transformed into a Dharmishta society overnight, and, once elected, the the Ministry. The civilised mechanisms to unleash undue attention being received by very same leaders laying the foundation for a three-decade war? That rice During the report had a different kind of terrorism. To Sri Lanka among the UN member will be brought down from the moon? That bread will be sold at Rs. 2.50 discussion, also failed walk themselves into the very state. and, post-election, that it can no longer be sold at that price since funds the the to present mechanism that protects a civilised However, Pieris had paid a are required to fight a war? All this was followed by silent acceptance. Government credible world,” Pieris had said. courtesy call on Guterres on The list goes on. Tell them that the executive presidency is the bane of and Core black box evidence “Should our mandates extend Thursday (4). the country and needs to be abolished. Once elected, tell the very same Group pertaining to interfering with local processes people that the presidency needs to be strengthened to fix the country. members by Capt. Vasabha to the such as perhaps an exercise in a Urging a resolution What follows? Silent acceptance. The bitter reality is that, the bigger were to allegations change of regime which is being Human Rights Watch (HRW) the lie, better the chance of election. discuss further whether there levelled at Sri Lanka, critiqued in a recent report from meanwhile, releasing a report Today, the doctors we produce have greater skills in organising trade was a possibility of proceeding Gammanpila had added. the Human Rights Council?” Pieris last Monday (1), stated that union action, lawyers are more inclined to bend the law than hold the with a consensual resolution on Meanwhile, UN human had questioned. the Sri Lankan Government is scales even, engineers are more interested in cutting corners and collecting Sri Lanka at the 46th Session rights experts on Friday (5) It was also reported that the “aggressively attacking” efforts commissions, and most importantly, we have a clergy that has taken of the UNHRC scheduled to expressed their deep concern Sri Lankan Envoy to the UN had to hold officials to account for the place of politicians. All the while, led on by politicians who keep commence on 22 February. about the reversal of “important delivered his remarks to United past grave abuses and that the gloating over a glorious past, while the future they are shaping seems The Government has not yet democratic gains achieved since Nations Secretary General Antonio UNHRC should adopt a resolution destined to rest in foreign hands. Yet no leader has shown the will to informed the Core Group 2015” and roll back on limited Guterres during an informal upholding justice for “serious fix the problem. After all, why would anyone want to kick the ladder members whether it was progress made on accountability interactive session following the international crimes” in Sri Lanka that put them there? agreeable to proceed with a and reconciliation in Sri Lanka presentation of the UN Annual and condemn “ongoing abuses”. The truth of the matter is that Sri Lanka is a long way from being an consensual resolution or if it since the Government withdrew Report to the General Assembly. The HRW, in its 93-page report, accommodative, pluralistic society due to the all-consuming, warped was prepared to move forward its support from the Resolution Interestingly, while the Secretary titled “Open Wounds and Mounting sense of patriotism created and nurtured by political vultures. At the with a counter resolution. 30/1 in February 2020. General’s Annual Report had Dangers: Blocking Accountability time of Independence, no one thought on racial or religious lines; at Nevertheless, the time frame “In the spirit of co-operation, not included any reference to Sri for Grave Abuses in Sri Lanka”, the end of the day, we were all Ceylonese. After 73 years, we are more to proceed with a consensual we, the mandate holders Lanka, Pieris’ intervention had has examined alleged efforts by the polarised than ever with flames of racism being fanned every so often. resolution has now lapsed with who visited Sri Lanka since managed to draw a response from Sri Lankan Government to thwart The irony of it all is that its hollowness is on display in the queues that only two weeks to go for the 2015, find it timely and Guterres. justice in seven prominent human form outside western embassies each morning where the loudest patriots Council sessions. opportune to recall some If the Government and its people rights cases. stand silently awaiting their turn. Also, the Government’s key recommendations as the took the need for reconciliation and The report has described the Politicians taking their electors for a ride is nothing new, it’s a common announcement last week that it developments over the past year accountability seriously, it would current context as “government occurrence all over the world; something that is as old as the hills. Yet, has decided to reject the report have had profound negative reduce the interest of other entities repression” of activists, journalists, some nations have achieved political maturity wherein their people compiled by the United Nations impact on human rights in Sri to directly involve themselves in lawyers, and the families of victims have freed themselves from the shackles of their political leaders by High Commissioner for Human Lanka and have fundamentally those issues, Secretary General as well as threats against vulnerable demanding one thing and one thing only – accountability. We in Sri Rights Michelle Bachelet on the altered the context in which Guterres had reportedly noted. minorities, and called on the Lanka are still a long way off, which is what emboldens politicians of deterioration of human rights these recommendations could “A country has to heal its UNHRC, at its session beginning all hues to keep the people in shackles, knowing well that they will not in Sri Lanka, has more or less be effectively implemented, wounds. Truth is essential 22 February 2021, to adopt a be held accountable for their actions and inactions. All that we have shut down any possibility of issues also raised in the High for this and without truth and resolution upholding justice for done is change the pillow every few years for a recurring headache. proceeding with a consensual Commissioner’s report on Sri reconciliation, it is impossible to serious international crimes in Sri However, times seem to be changing with the word accountability resolution. Lanka,” the experts stated. move forward. Accountability is Lanka and condemning ongoing actually making its way into an Independence Day speech. We were told The Government’s decision an important instrument in this abuses. that those responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks and Central Bank was announced by Co-Cabinet Diplomatic faux pas? regard,” Guterres had said, adding: “The Sri Lankan Government’s Bond Scam will be held accountable. However, like all things promised, Spokesperson Minister Udaya Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan “I hope all the interventions that are assault on justice increases the risk only time will tell as to how sincere this one will be. There is a reason Gammanpila. Envoy to the United Nations taking place at present will help the of human rights abuses today and for the cynicism. It has now become political culture for the political The Minister had told the in New York Mohan Peiris process of effective reconciliation in the future,” Geneva Director party in office to claim victimisation by the previous regime, appoint media that Sri Lanka’s response had raised Sri Lanka’s human and effective accountability.” John Fisher had said. “The UN commissions of inquiry, and claim reparations through that mechanism Human Rights Council should for the alleged injustices. Every successive government has made a adopt a resolution at its upcoming habit of it in recent times, primarily with the motive of getting rid of session that demonstrates to the troublemakers on the other side, but what they don’t realise is that each Rajapaksa administration that the time, the joke is on the people who elected both the victor as well as the world won’t ignore its abuses and vanquished and they ultimately have to bear the cost of the madness. offers hope of justice to victims’ What is intriguing is that this less than impressive post-Independence families.” record is the legacy of just four families that have dominated our political According to HRW, efforts sphere over the last seven decades. The only “outsiders” being W. to provide accountability had Dahanayake, Ranasinghe Premadasa, D.B. Wijetunga, and Maithripala significantly declined during 2020. Sirisena. Interestingly, none of them were able to complete at least one full term; the last one voluntarily shortening his term by one year. US reminder Today, as the country embarks on its 74th year of independence, it Meanwhile, in his message is at the crossroads yet again with the threat of international isolation to mark Sri Lanka’s 73rd looming large. In a matter of just one year, the Government has managed Independence Day last Thursday to offend at least three of the country’s closest allies for decades; India, (4), US Secretary of State Antony Japan, the US over economic issues and now Europe owing to the J. Blinken reminded Sri Lanka combative approach to the United Nations Human Rights Commission. about the need to uphold their The issues singled out by the Office of the UN Commissioner for shared principles. Human Rights on Friday (5), taking issue over the Government’s less Blinken noted that the people than co-operative approach, points to systematic failure on the part of of Sri Lanka and the US celebrate the State. The issues that have been pointed out are the same ones that shared principles to protect and ironically should strengthen the independence of the nation state via the promote democracy, human rights, rights granted to the people, but the Government does not wish to see the rule of law, and equal justice it that way. There is a sense of déjà vu, as history seems to be repeating for all. at the UN in Geneva while the extent of our independence comes into “The success of the democratic focus yet again with international intervention a distinct possibility. endeavour lies in how we uphold No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. these principles for all citizens,” he Fax - 011 2 673 441 observed. General - 011 5 200 900 The US Secretary of State Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 noted that the US looks forward Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 to working with Sri Lanka as a E-mail - [email protected] partner and friend to promote 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Time lapses for consensual resolution z Govt. turns to Russia and China z Cabinet heats up over ECT; z India pushes for full implementation for support to face resolution pressure mounts on Wimal of 13A and PC polls

which is the other party in the ECT said, “dogs might bark but we will MP Premitha Bandara Tennakoon controversy, has also expressed develop the ECT with India”. had said that some government regret over Sri Lanka’s decision to Fernando had responded saying: MPs and ministers are attacking scrap the ECT deal with Japan and “Lansa (Nimal) had made a similar the Government in a subtle India. statement, but he is junior in the manner and had warned that SLPP Ambassador of Japan to Sri Government. You are a senior backbenchers will be forced to take Lanka Akira Sugiyama met with member. Senior members should act action against such individuals if Foreign Minister Gunawardena on with more responsibility.” this kind of behaviour persists. Wednesday (3) and had discussed “It was wrong to have made this Tennakoon is also a Basil a range of matters relevant to the matter public. We could have sat supporter. bilateral partnership between Sri as a meeting like this and reached Lanka and Japan. a solution through discussion,” Focus back on 13A However, it is reliably learnt Fernando had added. While the ECT controversy that the Japanese Envoy had also Weerawansa had once again has now resulted in a diplomatic informed the Government that responded, saying: “We have the standoff between Sri Lanka and funds assigned to Sri Lanka for right to discuss with the public India, the latter continued to development projects by Japan could about government policies and the engage with local politicians with not be used for debt repayment. pledges made to the people; not only renewed vigour. The Deputy Indian The envoy had noted that such an within the Government. If not, we High Commissioner last week met action would be a violation of the will not know until the Government with several minority party leaders agreement reached between the two collapses. Are you asking us to who are pro-Government as well as countries on allocating the funds. wait till that happens? That cannot in the Opposition. be. This is a government that was Accordingly, meetings were ECT warms Cabinet formed with great efforts by us all; held with MPs Rauff Hakeem, The ECT controversy also resulted also, with public trust. This cannot Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, in the proceedings of the weekly be compromised for any reason. We and Vinayagamoorthy United Nations Human Rights Council Cabinet meeting held last Monday have to safeguard these facts, if we Muralitharan. regional security and prosperity in Government could depend on India’s diplomatic ties with India. Sri Lanka (1) taking quite a heated tone. are to safeguard the Government.” During these meetings, the Indian the Indo-Pacific region. support to counter pressures in the has commenced discussions with It is learnt that the temperature of Namal had then intervened and side, while discussing economic According to Blinken, the US will UNHRC. the Government of India, but I don’t the meeting had taken a turn when asked: “If there were so many co-operation, had paid special continue to co-operate to defeat the It is in this backdrop that India think this is the stage to disclose the issue of the Colombo Port was issues, why were they not discussed attention to the concerns of the Covid-19 pandemic, support global has reminded Sri Lanka on the those details.” taken up for discussion. within the Cabinet?” minority communities in Sri Lanka. economic recovery, and meet future need to adhere to international India’s geostrategic interest in the Ministers Vasudeva Nanayakkara, “That’s why there’s a party The Indian diplomat had also challenges together. commitments. project is well known. On the other Gammanpila, and Wimal leaders’ meeting. But there has not reiterated India’s commitment He also wished the Sri Lankan Indian External Affairs Ministry side of the ECT is the Colombo Weerawansa had been at the been a party leaders’ meeting for towards the full implementation people a safe and joyous National Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava International Container Terminal receiving end of criticism by several several months. Where can we then of the 13th Amendment (13A) to Day celebration, and a promising had said that the Indian High (CICT) that the SLPA runs as a joint of their cabinet colleagues over discuss these issues? Nothing can the Constitution and the holding of year ahead. Commissioner in Colombo is in venture, in which China Merchants public statements made by them be done because some people fail provincial council (PC) elections. discussion with Sri Lanka on the Port Holdings Company Ltd. holds over the ECT controversy. to understand the gravity of the “Deputy HC Vinod K. Jacob Russian love matter and that the talks include an 85% stake. situation, but we discussed with held separate meetings with Amidst the intensifying heat on Sri the need for Sri Lanka to adhere to The CICT, a deep-water container the people after seeing the loss and delegations led by Hon’ble MP S. Lanka over the impending UNHRC international commitments. terminal, is the busiest among the destruction the country would face Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) & Mr. sessions as well as its diplomatic Srivastava had noted that India three main terminals at the Port, if the terminal is given to India,” V. Muralitharan (Karuna Amman). issues with several key Asian allies believes the ECT deal with India and capable of handling large container Weerawansa had retorted. Development coop in the East like India and Japan, Russia last Japan will be mutually beneficial. vessels. Nanayakkara had also supported & full implementation of 13th week stepped in to warm up its Soon after the Government Meanwhile, Ports and Shipping Weerawansa when responding to amendment & Provincial Councils relations with Sri Lanka. announced its unilateral decision to Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena statements aimed at the ministers were discussed in these meetings After announcing that retain the ECT and offer the West had said that a cabinet subcommittee who had publicly slammed the (sic),” the Indian High Commission Russia would permit the local Container Terminal (WCT) for the has been appointed to discuss the Government’s move to assign the in Colombo tweeted. manufacturing of the Sputnik V Indian and Japanese joint venture, new proposal with India. ECT to a joint venture between Deputy High Commissioner Covid-19 vaccine, the Russian Indian High Commissioner to Sri “I would like to reiterate the India and Japan. Jacob, after meeting Hakeem, Foreign Ministry issued a statement Lanka Gopal Baglay had urgent expectation of the Government of Several ministers had also had reiterated calls for the full reiterating support for Sri Lanka talks with President Rajapaksa, India for expeditious implementation expressed displeasure at the conduct implementation of the 13th at the UN and other multilateral Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, of the trilateral memorandum of of some trade union leaders in the Amendment to the Constitution. platforms. and Foreign Minister Gunawardena co-operation (MoC) signed in May Minister Wimal Weerawansa ECT controversy. Hakeem had evaluated India’s The Russian Foreign Ministry said 2019 among the Governments of “We could have saved the gesture of early supply of Covid that modern Sri Lanka enjoys well- The Government’s India, Japan, and Sri Lanka for However, the Cabinet finally Hambantota Port if the trade unions vaccines to Sri Lanka and both deserved respect in the world as a announcement last week that the development of the ECT with decided to retain 100% ownership behaved in this manner at the time. sides had also discussed matters sovereign, democratic, and socially it has decided to reject the participation from these three of the ECT while assigning 85% of It is these trade union leaders who pertaining to economic, financial, oriented state. report compiled by the United countries,” a spokesperson at the WCT to an Indian and Japanese earlier complained that they were not and development co-operation “Its citizens are rightfully proud Nations High Commissioner the Indian High Commission in joint venture. being paid bonuses. I will not stand opportunities. not only of their ancient history, but for Human Rights Michelle Colombo said last Monday. The decision was reached by for these union leaders who have The High Commission had also of their great achievements in Bachelet on the deterioration Coinciding with the ECT drama, granting approval to cabinet paper double standards,” Namal had said. stated that Hakeem had shared his the field of economic development,” of human rights in Sri Lanka, India had last week also asked Sri MPS/2020/01/20(I) presented by Seeing that the Cabinet meeting assessment about the challenges the Russian Foreign Ministry stated. has more or less shut down Lanka to settle the $ 400 million Ports Minister Abeygunawardena. was fast becoming a heated shouting facing the Muslim community in The Foreign Ministry had also any possibility of proceeding loan obtained under currency swap Presenting the paper, the Ports match, the President had intervened. recent times. noted that Russian-Sri Lankan with a consensual resolution facility last year that was due for Minister had said that several “We have to think of diplomatic Deputy High Commissioner bilateral ties have invariably repayment on Tuesday (2). cabinet ministers had to take the politics as well. The previous Jacob had recalled the conversations remained constructive since they on Tuesday (2). Sri Lanka received $ 400 million blame for the controversy that had Government had signed 17 between the Indian and Sri Lankan were established. According to The Hindu, the from the Reserve Bank of India erupted. agreements with India. They had leadership since November 2019 “We maintain political contacts, Indian side, it is learnt, had conveyed (RBI) in July last year and it was Abeygunawardena had said that signed an agreement on the ECT during the Virtual Bilateral Summit including at the highest levels, and that the signals emanating from Sri due on 2 February. the people who had worked hard as well. We cancelled several such between Prime Minister Narendra co-operate productively on the Lanka should boost the confidence In a statement, the Indian High to bring the Government to power agreements. We did not give Mattala Modi and Prime Minister Rajapaksa international arena, at the UN and of potential investors and that Commission Spokesperson said: as well as the confidence people and Sampur. We called open tenders in September 2020, where the other multilateral platforms,” the President Rajapaksa had pledged to “We have seen speculative reports had placed in President Rajapaksa, for gas. India is now expressing latter had expressed the confidence Foreign Ministry added. draw foreign direct investments to about the $ 400 million settlement had been affected due to the ECT their great displeasure at what’s that Sri Lanka will work towards The statement by the Russian the country, rather than take loans. of currency swap facility by Central controversy. happening. We have to take these realising the expectations of all Foreign Ministry was issued to mark The manner in which the Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). In “This issue was taken out publicly factors into account when carrying ethnic groups. Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. Government had handled the ECT this respect, it is pointed out that and made into a controversy even on as a government,” President Jacob had also reiterated India’s Russia had further noted that the issue has left India and Japan Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and before the committee report was Rajapaksa had said. long-standing and principled friendly people of Sri Lanka have disgruntled since Sri Lanka had CBSL had concluded a $ 400 received,” the Ports Minister had Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Podujana position on meaningful devolution come a long way in the fight, first failed to officially convey the million currency swap agreement said, referring to several of his Peramuna (SLPP) General through full implementation of the against the Portuguese, then the decision to the two countries as on 24 July 2020 under the SAARC colleagues in innuendo. Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam 13th Amendment and provincial Dutch, and the British colonisers, well as failed to offer an alternative Currency Swap Framework. This Ministers Prasanna Ranatunga, had expressed the party’s councils. and the island nation had gained proposal to them. swap facility was drawn by CBSL Johnston Fernando, and Namal disappointment over the remarks freedom in 1948 after more than a “The two countries learnt of it on 31 July 2020 for an initial period Rajapaksa have agreed with made by Minister Weerawansa over Opposition accusation century of British colonial rule. only after the Cabinet decisions were of three months. A three-month Abeygunawardena. the contentious ECT issue. The main Opposition, Samagi The Russian Foreign Ministry released,” The Hindu had quoted a rollover was provided at CBSL’s A point that was drawn by these Kariyawasam, who is known Jana Balawegaya (SJB), on noted that Russia has traditionally source as saying. request till 1 February 2021. Further ministers was that some ministers to be a loyalist of SLPP Founder/ Tuesday (2), accused the been an important trading partner They were also surprised by Prime extension would require Sri Lanka in the Government were posing National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa, Government of hurting its foreign of Sri Lanka and one of the largest Minister Rajapaksa’s statement to having a successfully negotiated obstacles through their actions at had made these remarks at a press relations with India by enforcing a importers of Ceylon Tea. port unions last Monday that the staff level agreement for an IMF a time when the country is trying conference at the SLPP headquarters pro-China policy. It is now evident that Sri Lanka “foreign company” did not agree programme, which Sri Lanka to revive its economy following in Battaramulla last week. Chief Opposition Whip MP would turn towards Russia and with the proposals put forward by does not have at present. CBSL challenges posed by the global He had noted that Weerawansa Lakshman Kiriella told the media China for support to face the the negotiating committee from the settled the swap facility with RBI Covid-19 pandemic. should have respected the tradition at a press conference that the impending resolution at the UNHRC Sri Lankan side, as discussions had as scheduled and this was clarified Fernando had noted that the of collective responsibility of the China-centric policy of the former sessions. commenced only last week. by CBSL on 5 February 2021. It Government should be focused Cabinet. Mahinda Rajapaksa Government In fact, if not for the Government’s As for how Sri Lanka would is reiterated that India abides by on being bound by collective “It is not in the best interest of has extended into the incumbent decision to enforce the cremation of mobilise funds to develop the all of its international and bilateral responsibility. a government when individuals Government as well. bodies of Muslims killed by Covid- ECT using funds at the Sri Lanka commitments in letter and spirit.” “The Government’s image conduct press briefings on their own He added that the current 19, in violation of basic human right Ports Authority (SLPA), Minister However, on Friday (5), Finance is tarnished by making angry and try to become heroes before the Government’s move to include tenets, Sri Lanka could have easily Gammanpila had said: “The SLPA Ministry Secretary S.R. Attygalle public statements over issues that public. However, the Government China in all development activities obtained the support of the Muslim is going to use its own funds, as said the CBSL had settled the due should be resolved within the and the President will not be has caused concerns with India. countries when faced with pressure well as borrow money from local amount, which was to mature on 2 Government,” he had said. influenced by anyone. They will He explained that the security before the UN rights body. commercial banks.” February. Weerawansa had immediately carry out the country’s development of India and Sri Lanka are tied When questioned whether Sri The CBSL had clarified on the responded saying that the issue of initiatives without capitulating to together and that both countries Rift with neighbour Lanka had discussed the option of same day that it settled the swap the ECT had been first made public pressures exerted by individuals,” require co-operating in this regard. However, given the soured developing the WCT with India, facility with RBI as scheduled. by a state minister. Weerawansa Kariyawasam had said. According to Kiriella, if Sri relations between Sri Lanka and he had told The Hindu: “This is a had reminded the Cabinet of the Meanwhile, more SLPP Lanka threatens the security of India over the ECT controversy, sensitive diplomatic issue. Sri Lanka Japan steps in statement made by the relevant backbenchers had criticised India, the latter cannot be prevented it is yet unknown whether the is always keen to maintain cordial The Japanese Government, state minister who had reportedly Weerawansa. from intervening in the matter. 10 the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 FOCUS/VIEWS

ECONOMICS SRI LANKA'S FOREIGN POLICY INTERTWINED WITH FOREIGN POLICY Hashane Mallawarachchi, tutor in public international law It is important to remember that when we Are we gaining or failing? talk of foreign policy, we reflect on the values of international law supported by the UN Charter, which promotes that all sovereign BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA nations enjoy sovereign equality with each INTERNATIONAL FARSIGHTED STRATEGIES other, and this is to be respected by all states APPROVAL COUNTS Merriam-Webster defines the term “foreign policy” as “the policy of a REQUIRED as per Article 2(1) of the UN Charter. Kalindu Dharmapriya, 20, sovereign state in its interaction with other sovereign states”. It is well Shihara Ferdinando, 20, Therefore, a sovereign state should ideally undergraduate known that Sri Lanka, decades back to its historical origins, has always undergraduate be able to have a foreign policy that first I think Sri Lanka should be paying more followed a neutral relationship bilaterally and multilaterally with other History has proven to us that Sri Lanka’s respects its own sovereignty. However, attention to “gaining face” in the foreign nation states and world powers. geography is one of much value, and unlike this is a difficult task, as foreign policy is industries, since it is clear that the country has The term “non alignment” is not new to Sri Lanka’s geo-political any other. This brought the country immense no longer based on shared views of human a higher chance of being boycotted and not vocabulary. As the power struggles between the world’s superpowers stronghold internationally, while retaining the rights and governance like during the Cold taken seriously in an international diplomatic country’s integrity, which is key to sustainable War, but more of an economic relationship. stage, because of our “third world developing intensify and soar into new heights with every passing day, what is the healthy foreign relations. In this light, since Independence, Sri country” status. Moreover, Sri Lanka should plight of a developing nation such as ours? Are we straying from our At present this is at stark contrast; we sell out Lanka’s foreign policy has largely been try to reduce its dependence on tourism as a “non-aligned” policies, or are we masking the lack of political identity in our resources and stabilise our relations with shaped by the Non-Aligned Movement, main capital gaining option, since we have the world stage behind the mask of “non-alignment” itself? We spoke to a other countries at the expense of losing our through which we have maintained friendly other local aspects to develop on. number of diverse individuals on the topic. integrity. The tact required when formulating relations among all nations, and to date we a foreign policy is evidently missing in many have not formally aligned with any major decisions taken today. The way I view it, while power bloc. NOT TRULY NON-ALIGNED the decisions taken today may save our finances However, it seems that our foreign policy DELIVERING AS Buwanaka Perera, 25, blogger and social media personality at present, it will have severe repercussions today has tilted more to the East, namely PROMISED The current diplomatic strategy Sri please our next “ally” who is in line in the years to come, which will make us China, due to the economic reality in light of Nimeth Ranwala, 18, Student Lanka is following has clearly deviated to give us fiscal support. We have hypocrites on the fourth of February. the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused a I think as a country, we are doing well, from the multilateral foreign policy forgotten why post-Independence Sri In theory, we may be headed to an open complete shutdown of the global economy. and I believe that the actions taken by of the country that has been practised Lanka wielded such power among the multilateral foreign policy while strongly This has affected our nation, which relies President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are in line since Independence: Non-alignment. international community. Our country’s advocating for strengthening the local economy; on tourism, and accordingly, it seems we with the promises declared in his presidential Our history takes pride in our practice important strategic location made other however this must not be done at the expense have shifted our preference of values from manifesto. of a non-aligned foreign policy; from nations fear who we allied with. Our of losing what we have. a foreign policy that encouraged friendly peacemaking between India and China friendships impacted the national This seems to be the case more strongly from relations with the West and international to healthy relationships with the USSR security of many powerful nations. We the relations we have with both the economic bodies such as UNHRC, to a more survivalist and the US. must never forget that we hold the upper hand. empire China and our neighbour India. It is approach by relying on China for more aid ERODED PRINCIPLES We used to be a true giant in the diplomatic And no matter how passionately other complex, and at present there’s a fine line to mitigate the current economic crisis. Prakash Gunasekara, 53, pilot arena. A true force to reckon with. A couple of countries speak of the importance and how between entering wars and saving ourselves. Sri Lanka’s “stated” foreign policy has decades down the line, our foreign policy has much they prioritise Sri Lanka above all I believe Sri Lanka in the short term seems to never changed in spite of many changes of moved from upholding human rights, peace others, each country puts their own national be gaining with regard to our foreign policy, THEORIES IN CONTRAST governments. It is founded on non-alignment building, and being an exemplary model for interests first. Are we, Sri Lankans, prioritising while assuredly looking at a dangerous domino and the “Panchsheel Principles”, proposed regional nations, to mere voice cuts that’ll our national interests though? effect in the future. WITH REALITY by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of Tharusha Fernando, 20, university India and first codified in the Sino-Indian undergraduate agreement on Tibet in 1954. In theory, a non-aligned Reality is different. In the days of the FLUCTUATING POLICIES HAMPER WE NEED TO PUT OURSELVES FIRST foreign policy is the most Cold War (1955-1989), it was governed NATIONAL INTERESTS Faith Fernando, 18, Model UN Delegate, pragmatic approach for by the need to maintain an equidistant Rashima De Silva, 25, international development adjudicator, and Host of ‘Hot Takes’ podcast a country like ours with stance from the superpowers, and to avoid practitioner Sri Lanka has the vanquishing of a a strategic location, but confrontation with India, who has always The success of a foreign reliance on international championed a “non- genocidal mass murderer in reality, it’s becoming been uneasy about Sri Lanka’s relations with policy lies in its consistency. partnership, especially aligned” and “moderate” because we didn’t submit increasingly difficult to other countries, due to her security concerns. It is everything to do with economically. We can’t foreign policy since ourselves to “peacefully” follow this approach. With This has caused a great loss to Sri Lanka, how it reflects the national afford to change foreign Independence. Our divide and separate our escalating sino-Indian as she had to forgo many opportunities agenda, but Sri Lanka’s policy every five to six leaders had thought this country by race, as tensions, it is tough not to antagonise our for economic progress, through a closer foreign policy has been years. Two, its orientation. was the right way to would’ve happened if neighbour or drive away one of our biggest partnership with the Western bloc. anything but. If you take Our foreign policy is go about international we followed the UN’s development stakeholders. Now, India is in a security and economic a look at foreign policy unfortunately shaped by affairs, but recent events strategy in 2009. Our Sri Lanka should avoid getting caught partnership with the Western bloc against over the last decade, the a person or a political persistently convince a majority economy and national debt in the crossfire. Pressure is also put on by a perceived threat from a rising Chinese first three years, we had a Sino- party agenda with little to no of the Sri Lankan populace that have hamstrung our pursuit of Western counterparts, with the US bringing superpower, and prevents Sri Lanka from oriented foreign policy; then under complement paid to an overarching it is not. repelling the forces of liberal action against Sri Lanka in the Human Rights forging a partnership with China for “good governance”, a more pro- “State agenda”, or “national Policy advisors, ministers, internationalism. Council again in full force with clever neo- economic progress. The “Indian factor’” Western outlook; and now we agenda”. ambassadors, and envoys We can’t expect anything but colonial tactics. It’s clear our foreign policy is prevents Sri Lanka from having a foreign are a trying to find an awkward Three, its passive nature. Our must realise that the globalists “caving in” to unfavourable being tested on all fronts as of this moment, policy that helps her economic progress, balance between India-first and foreign policy seems to be acting of Davos, Geneva, the North conditions when we are but the success of the Government to procure national unity, and stability. an equidistant approach. on circumstances rather than Atlantic Treaty Organisation economically reliant on the the Covid-19 vaccines from India, China, Sri Lanka’s “practised” foreign policy is In just 10 years, we have actively promoting an external (NATO), and the United Nations same nations and unions to and even Russia, shows positive signs of the seriously affected by domestic party politics. oscillated between three drastically agenda. I think this passivity is (UN) have never resorted to meet demand. In fixing the current foreign policy that’s been followed Foreign powers are openly influencing Sri different approaches, and the reflected in the term “equidistant unite; their version of unity is economy to be self-sufficient by the Government. Lanka’s national foreign policy through transition cost us visibly in foreign policy” itself. Why not bringing all countries to the same (with controlled international Also, we have been able to secure many their direct dealing with political parties and economic, political, diplomatic, an omnidirectional foreign policy page of their interventionist trade) combined with a “Sri Eastern and Western investors whilst having a sponsorship of individual politicians. Due and international spheres. instead? Rather than distancing playbook of global government. Lanka First” individual steering healthy relationship with the EU. Although it to this, Sri Lanka has failed to aggressively Having said that, I think our ourselves from our international Our “moderate” foreign foreign policy, we can start seems that these nations are super influential, push for her economic benefit, unity, and foreign policy isn’t serving us actors equally, why not reach policy has earned us “moderate” restoring the pride and self- it is high time that Sri Lanka realises that no political stability in her relationships with well because of the following: out to all of them, giving equal allies and vicious adversaries. determined governance of our one is ever holding all the cards in geopolitics. other countries. One, its inconsistency, given our importance?” We are now coerced to justify sovereign nation.

BY UWIN LUGODA INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS opinion, conscience, and religion or belief” in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan law enforcement “In 2015, there was very little authorities have long faced criticism knowledge of the ICCPR Act, and over the manner in which they use in fact, the Government at the time the International Covenant on Civil was trying to enact new hate speech and Political Rights (ICCPR). The A tool of oppression? legislation. But after civil society law has acted as the basis for several and the Human Rights Commission controversial arrests made over the intervened, it was made known that years, leaving many to question Assembly on 16 December 1966 and Minister of Public Security Dr. Sarath the ICCPR Act already existed, and Sri whether local authorities apply ICCPR came into force from 23 March 1976 Weerasekera explained that local Lanka didn’t need new legislation. It laws in violation of freedom of speech onwards, in terms of Article 49 of authorities only enforce the ICCPR just needed to enforce the existing law and expression. the Covenant. The Covenant respects when it comes to expressions of in good faith,” Dr. Gunatilleke said, Some of the most notable cases civil and political rights of individuals, religion and hatred, which may lead when asked if local law enforcement of the inconsistent enforcement of including right to life, freedom of to racial tensions in the community. He authorities have adequate knowledge the ICCPR Act are the arrests of religion, freedom of speech, freedom went on to state that there are currently of the ICCPR Act. award-winning novelist Shakthika of assembly, electoral rights, and rights 145 individuals in custody under this He explained that the law, Sathkumara for his controversial book to due process and a fair trial. law, and those convicted cannot be unfortunately, has not been enforced and Abdul Raheem Masaheena for Sri Lanka became a signatory by granted bail easily. in good faith in some instances. wearing a dress depicting a ship’s ratifying the Covenant of 11 June “Our law enforcement only gets Instead, it had been used against wheel that was supposedly mistaken 1980, and in keeping with international involved in matters that may lead to those who expressed controversial for a Buddhist “dharmachakra” two obligations, the Parliament of Sri Lanka racial tension in Sri Lanka. Most of opinions or produced controversial years ago. One of the earliest cases passed ICCPR Act No. 56 of 2007. these values of freedom of thought, art and literature – none of which falls where the ICCPR Act was used was The primary purpose of this statute freedom of religion, freedom of culture, within the scope of the Act or relate to the case of former United National was to recognise rights that are not freedom from torture, and freedom the three conditions of the Section 3 Party (UNP) General Secretary Tissa already recognised under the 1978 from arbitrary arrest and detention offence. In the case of someone being Attanayake who was indicted in the Constitution of Sri Lanka. have been included in our Constitution. arrested under the Act, Dr. Gunatilleke High Court of Colombo in respect of a According to Dr. Gehan Gunatilleke, Whatever was left was included when stated that a habeas corpus application statement made by him during the run Attorney-at-Law specialising in the Parliament of Sri Lanka passed can be filed in the Court of Appeal or up to the presidential election of 2015. constitutional law and international ICCPR Act No. 56 in 2007,” he said. a fundamental rights (FR) application More recently, a Tamil journalist, law, one of the main provisions in the at a national, racial, or religious group; “It will be an overstep of their However, Dr. Gunatilleke stated that can be filed in the Supreme Court in locally known as Gokulan, who was Act is Section 3, which incorporates and (3) amount to incitement, i.e., it authority if the Police investigates the Act has, in the past, been deployed order to seek the release of such a affiliated with Battinews.com, was Article 20 of the ICCPR. This provision must compel others to discriminate defamation. The ICCPR Act should against other actors including writers person, if they had been arrested in arrested by the Sri Lankan Terrorism criminalises the advocacy of war or act in a hostile manner, or commit be enforced against those who have and human rights activists. These actors bad faith. Investigation Division (TID) on 29 and the advocacy of hatred against a acts of violence,” said Dr. Gunatilleke, incited violence against religious have been punished for being critical of However, he explained that a November 2020 for posting pictures national, racial, or religious group in a speaking to The Sunday Morning. minorities. We have seen scores of religious doctrine and religious actors. magistrate has no jurisdiction to grant of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam manner that constitutes incitement to However, he explained that the such instances. But since its enactment He explained that these actors are not bail under the ICCPR Act, and an (LTTE) Leader Prabhakaran on his discrimination, hostility, or violence. Act does not cover defamation of a in 2007, the ICCPR Act has not engaging in any kind of incitement. application has to be made before the personal Facebook page. “This section has to be interpreted person, as criminal defamation had been enforced against any of these Therefore, he went on to quote UN High Court for bail to be obtained. very carefully. Three conditions have been removed from the Penal Code in perpetrators; it has not resulted in a Special Rapporteur on Freedom of He stated that unfortunately, such a What is the ICCPR? to be satisfied for it to apply. The 2002, therefore giving the Police no single conviction in 14 years. So, there Religion or Belief Dr. Ahmed Shaheed, process can be time-consuming and The ICCPR is a law that deals with statement or expression must: (1) jurisdiction to get involved in such a is a serious problem in enforcing the who observed that the ICCPR Act has is why people like Sathkumara were human rights. The Act was adopted Involve some form of hatred, i.e., matter, with the only remedy being to Act,” he explained. paradoxically become “a repressive kept in remand custody for so long by the United Nations (UN) General enmity of some kind; (2) be directed seek damages in a civil court. Speaking to us on the matter, tool curtailing freedom of thought or before finally being granted bail. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, February 7, 2021 hot seat

looking at establishing institutions in rural areas rather than looking at importing job opportunities in urbanised and industrial zones. We are negotiating with several investors who are interested in establishing infrastructure and Focus on factories in each AG division where there will be one AG division. Discussions are also taking place with the Foreign Employment Bureau to create more foreign employment opportunities. As the Ministry of Youth, we restructuring are working very closely with these departments and ministries in creating job opportunities. We are also looking at creating job opportunities in the agricultural sector, for which we are holding discussions with the Agriculture sports sector Ministry and Mahaweli Ministry to encourage youngsters to seek employment in agriculture. The Mahaweli Ministry and Lands Namal Rajapaksa and Land Development Ministry have already set up a unit; even z the Ministry of Youth has its own Will not months, which is actually the department known as SED – that is intervene in difficult part – this is why assisting small enterprise holders to we need to work hard and develop their businesses. Cricket Board have patience to achieve a We are also looking at positive outcome. developing a properly structured decisions seed fund to assist in establishing Some within the local cricket tech start-ups under the TRC z Holistic fraternity have voiced PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE (Telecommunications Regulatory their concerns over Mahela Commission of Sri Lanka), for approach Jayawardene’s role in the game. If sports, which will happen in the next For instance, if we take athletics, it For sporting events such as Big which discussions are scheduled to he is showing interest in favouring two years. can be based on their performance Match and the Bradby, they can take place from this week onwards. for youth his own crowd and his club, SSC, But the biggest challenge timing and the IAAF (World follow the instructions that were At present, we are looking at what steps will you take? the Sports Ministry and media Athletics) ranking. We are planning issued last year. We have advised encouraging the youth to undergo empowerment Mahela is the Head of the organisations have at present is to to have certifying or qualifying them that they can follow the bio- vocational and technical training National Sports Council, and his educate our sporting community to events each quarter so that we could bubble concept and host the events. as well as to support them to be z Sports Act appointment has nothing to do with elect the right people. keep them motivated to improve It is up to the colleges to decide qualified to obtain employment as cricket. His duties include looking their performance. on whether they are willing to go skilled professionals and connect next year into the improvement of overall The appointment of Jerome At the same time, there are team forward. them to the job market. At the sports in the country and drafting the Jayaratne as the new Manager sports, in which we have to look moment, that is what is missing blueprint for sports to ensure there of the Sri Lanka cricket team at individual performances that Any update on the sports schools – linking the youth with the job BY SARAH HANNAN is a level of professionalism in all has been questioned by many, contribute towards the overall you planned to establish? market based on their skill levels. sports, and then advise the Ministry implying that you appointed team’s performance. So cricket, We already have 25 schools We are working with the private As another year full of on how to establish it. him to that position since he was rugby, and football can go with their that have been established and sector to explore the possibilities of international sporting The ground reality is that all connected to your family through international rankings for individual recognised as sports schools, to creating the environment to nurture events unfolds and the these personnel represent some marriage. What is your response players and teams. which five more schools will be young entrepreneurs who are keen pandemic presents bigger sports club, so we cannot have a to that allegation? added. A school is being designed on establishing start-ups to match challenges in the sector, the particular person coming in as an First of all, he was not appointed in Sooriyawewa, and then the these markets. Ministry of Youth and Sports advisor. What matters here is the as the new Manager of the Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya is being held responsible professionalism that each of them cricket team; he was put to overlook We have zero tolerance towards in Homagama too was selected What programmes has the for restructuring the sports brings to the Council. the work because the manager corruption from the Sports recently to be converted into a National Youth Services Council sector as well as ensuring the Mahela has been very resigned. So, the permanent Ministry’s side. It does not sports school. proposed so far to keep the professional and he has contributed manager will be decided by the We are in the process of youth of this country engaged issue of youth unemployment matter at which level it is towards structuring high- cricketing committee that was to committed. We have already procuring five synthetic tracks in various activities that will is addressed. Minister of performance players, whose be appointed by the Cricket Board at the moment that are 130 empower their talents? Youth and Sports Namal made sure that we have to be contracting is now being done in a following our request. very transparent and clear metres in length. The dormitory The Youth Ministry, the Youth Rajapaksa returns to The very professional manner. So, the Jerome has been working in the facilities are being established Council, and the Youth Corp are Sunday Morning “Hot Seat” as to what our vision and matter here is that people who are cricket sector and the Cricket Board mission are and other necessary infrastructure working together to achieve these this week to provide much- entrusted with a task to serve the long before his daughter got married development is currently underway. goals and the Youth Council has needed clarifications and country carry out their duties in a to my brother. If that is the argument By the end of 2021, we will see always been seen as a hub for to respond to some of our professional manner. citizens are bringing up, then if I We cannot have a blanket very good progress on a structural entertainment or having youth queries relating to sports get appointed as the Minister of payment structure to all sports level, which will enable us to attract camps. So, what I am looking at and the youth of Sri Lanka. The SLC and its election process Tourism, my father-in-law will have due to these reasons, and we will more kids to these sports schools. is to go beyond that and make Following are excerpts of the is full of corruption, and this is to close down all his hotels, which is correspond on how performance is We have already identified a few it an institution that will guide very much a proven fact. Will not a fair reaction. measured for each sport. youngsters who will be enrolled in these children to build their career interview. there be any real change in the In Jerome’s case, he has been At present, the high-performance these sports schools. path on employment or on how system if the SLC goes for another involved in cricket for a long time sports committee is doing the to select the job that will match The year is packed with election before end-May and, with and is qualified and experienced structuring and monitoring for each What is the progress on the Sports their qualifications or selecting international cricket tournaments. some party from the same set of enough to be appointed to the sport. Act amendment? When do you the suited vocational training How long will you wait to faces, come back into power? current position; he has all the plan to present it to Parliament? programme to achieve their see whether there will be any If the Ministry interferes with the right to apply when a position is What is the progress on The recommendations will be ambitions of employment. improvement following the matters of the SLC at the present vacant and claim his eligibility as a establishing high-performance presented to Cabinet in the next Our responsibility towards the changes you’ve already made? moment, then they will say the professional. sports centres and how have the two weeks. The committee that youth is to act as one – to make The changes we have suggested Minister is attempting to politicise athletes been selected? was appointed to formulate the sure we connect these youngsters will come into effect immediately cricket. That is not accepted by the What action will Sri Lanka take We have already initiated the recommendations has been in and guide and mentor them to get with the restructuring that is media as well. against Dilhara Lokuhettige who projects and contacted 56 athletes regular discussion with the Ministry into the right path in life. These are scheduled to take place. A list of What the media and the public was found guilty of three offences from different sports. We are on the proposed amendments and the programmes we are conducting nominated persons to be included should do is to create awareness under the International Cricket targeting their qualification to take the way forward on communicating at the moment through the Youth in the committee was handed over among the cricketing and Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption part in the Olympics and other these amendments to the Attorney Council. to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, sporting communities about their Code (ACC), following a hearing international-level sporting events General’s (AG) Department. Of course, traditional which will then decide as to who is responsibilities towards electing by an independent tribunal last in 2022. A timeline of one year has been programmes such as the State to be included in the restructuring competent persons. month? We are looking at establishing set up and hopefully, the final draft Youth Theatre Festival and other committee. A separate committee The board members are not being We have zero tolerance towards tracks at the High-Performance will be done by early next year and programmes will continue. We are will be appointed from the Ministry elected by the Government or the corruption from the Sports Centre in Diyagama, for which we presented to Parliament. I really do looking at conducting a National as well; in that way, they will have public; they are nominated by their Ministry’s side. It does not matter at have reached out to the corporate not want to rush these amendments, Youth Film Festival and a Jaffna the mandate to restructure Sri Lanka respective cricket clubs that later which level it is committed. We have sector, and we are also looking at as it has not been done for nearly Film Festival. The Jaffna Film Cricket, which is scheduled to take on elect them to these positions. already made sure that we have to be attracting a foreign investment for 50 years. So, I want all stakeholders Festival will be held to encourage place within a three-month timeline. The respective cricket clubs should very transparent and clear as to what the track to be built at the High- involved to include their input and the increasing number of short What we need to realise is that know who will do best to improve our vision and mission are. When a Performance Centre on Kirimandala representations as well. films that are being produced each we need to create world-class the sport. They should know that sportsperson is being accused and Mawatha. Both these projects are year. athletes and we need to give they are in fact electing capable he/she has been convicted or given under discussion at the moment, Creating employment We are also looking at assigning them a reasonable time to train. people to manage their cricketing a judgement, then he/she has a right and both parties have shown opportunities for the youth sector youth councils to instil discipline Unfortunately, not only in cricket, professionals. to appeal. So, it is up to him/her and keen interest and have responded seems to have been derailed due in youngsters through various but in all sports during the last five his/her lawyers to decide on the way positively towards our requests. to the ongoing Covid-19 situation sporting activities and events. We years, the country did not have a forward. in the country. What is your plan have already established archery proper programme. Therefore, we We as the Ministry, and the What is the plan on restarting in ensuring the youth are able to and air rifle shooting ranges in need to give a reasonable timeframe Minister, will not co-operate or school sports seasons in terms of secure employment in the state or these premises, where lessons are to coaches to present a positive We are working with the tolerate any level of corruption. contact sports? Will school sports private sectors? being conducted. outcome. private sector to explore the But we will also give everyone also be instructed to follow the We are working closely with We have already increased the There is no point in changing a possibilities of creating the a fair hearing. At the same time, bio-bubble concept, given that we the Education Ministry and state number of students we take in coach every six months. We have environment to nurture young we have to make sure we do keep are not seeing any signs of Covid- ministries as well as the relevant for vocational training and skill seen in the past a new management entrepreneurs who are keen on our discipline in check when it 19 slowing down this year? subject ministries to get the development institutes that will and a new coach being appointed establishing start-ups to match comes to administration, playing It all depends on the medical structures going. We are looking work together with the Youth for every tour. That method will these markets the sport, and training. This is the officer of health (MOH) in the area at establishing a special unit under Council as well. not help us improve the sport in the responsibility of the administrators where the sporting event will take each ministry to work towards We are on the verge of signing long run. So, what we are looking In the long run, the contribution to make sure their athletes comply place. If you look at the density of addressing the youth employment a Memorandum of Understanding at is a long-term programme; in the the Sport Ministry can make is with these regulations. Covid-19 prevalence in each area, issue. (MoU) with the private sector case of cricket, we are looking at the amending the Sports Act, which it varies. We cannot implement the The youth unemployment rate in as well as providing on-the-job 2023 World Cup and beyond. This will introduce a new structure for How will the performance-based same concept we implement in Sri Lanka was at 20.2% before the training to students who are is the event we are targeting, so we administration in every sport. That pay model roll out for sportsmen Monaragala in, say, Colombo. Covid-19 outbreak, and I presume graduating from these institutions. need to be patient and give them will also include changing the and sportswomen going forward? So, we have already instructed the it might have now reached at We are looking at a holistic sufficient time to bring the team to voting pattern for boards. So, each Have you set up key performance school sector to look into following least 30-40%. We have to look at approach where there is inter- the expected form. sport will have their administration indicators and a ranking system to area-specific Covid-19 health a two-pronged approach that is ministerial communication and The structural changes, however, board and each sporting association monitor? guidelines and act according to the to improve skilled and unskilled understating when it comes to will take place in the next three will have their own structure to run It will change from sport to sport. MOHs’ advice. labour. At the same time, we are youth empowerment. 12 the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 FOCUS

SRI LANKA POLICE FEMALE CADRE Facing workplace discrimination PHOTO LALITH PERERA Recommendations to improve and empower the female cadre Short to mid-term n Introduce annual performance evaluations for all ranks. n Abolish the separation of the cadre into a “woman’s cadre”. Men and n Service awards and special achievement awards introduced to address women should belong to the same cadre and not be differentiated frustrations with slow or no promotions throughout the force for both on the basis of their sex. men and women. n Abolish the practice of differentiating a “woman’s cadre” and assigning Specific recommendations “W” when ranking women (e.g., WPC, WSP). Recruitment n Address the reasons that have prevented the recruitment of the n Review existing criteria and benefits that may prevent women from approved/sanctioned cadre. joining the Police. n Evaluate special provisions for women, and amend all stipulations and n Actively recruit Tamil and Muslim women to the Sri Lanka Police. conditions that may undermine women’s chances of recognition and Promotions promotion in the Police long-term (e.g., Sunday work; night-duty, n Implement the 15% women’s quota for all ranks of police service as etc.). However, maternity and childcare benefits must be left as is, a short to mid-term solution to address the gender imbalance. and should not contravene government regulations and laws. Make n Ensure timely promotions. certain special provisions optional rather than mandatory to ensure n Review promotion criteria of SI and SP to ensure it is fair to the existing that women officers interested in career advancement are able to gain police officers. the breadth of experience necessary for occupying the senior ranks. n Call for applications for promotions to be made available to men n Introduce in the short to mid-term, a promotion scheme that takes and women at the same time. This is to avoid frustration of qualified into account historical and institutional discrimination, as well as women that may undermine their performance and motivation. special provisions, that have prevented women from meeting the Deployment, allocation of duties, and transfers criteria for promotion. n BY SARAH HANNAN Recognise the social contribution women make in their care-giving According to statistics from the n Introduce criteria whereby senior ranks in the police service can be role, and take these into consideration when reviewing promotion Performance Report of 2017 of the Sri filled by women (and men) whose expertise is in the special and criteria. Sri Lanka saw its first female deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Lanka Police, since 1952, the number functional aspects of the police, as is the case in the armed forces (e.g., n Provide facilities such as daycare centres to support women officers. being nominated for appointment last year, after a seven-decade gap. Yet of women in the Sri Lanka Police had Intelligence, CID, Prevention of abuse against women and children, n Consider care-work with regard to the Sunday leave provision. even that was contested by the male officers in the police force, raising increased to 8,640 as of 31 December Cybercrime, etc.). n Introduce a roster system to ensure women get the opportunity to n Recruit and fill the existing vacancies (sanctioned cadre) in all ranks. work night shifts and weekends. questions as to why the position was afforded to Bimshani Jasin Arachchi 2017, representing 11.4% of the actual n Remove maximum quotas (i.e., sanctioned cadre/approved cadre) n Allocate duties equally between men and women. while there were arguably more deserving male officers who could have cadre of gazetted and non-gazetted for women that are currently in operation in the senior ranks. n Provide women officers of all rank the opportunity to serve in all been promoted to the vacant DIG seat. officers. n Introduce a gender equality policy to create an ethos of gender equality departments and districts. However, while the approved cadre for and non-discrimination in the Sri Lanka Police. Training n Introduce a sexual harassment policy. n Establish minimum quota for women for all residential training, both WDIG Bimshani Jasin international conventions on the women is 13.4% of the total, this does not Long-term Sri Lanka and overseas. Arachchi’s career succession elimination of discrimination apply across ranks. n Remove all barriers that preclude women from moving to the highest n Introduce a fair and just process to select trainees for local and was never a cake walk, and against women. The National Police Commission (NPC) ranks of the Sri Lanka Police (SP, SSP, DIG, SDIG, IGP). international training programmes. it was not only in 2020 that More recently, the United indicated that there are 8,878 women n Introduce a merit-based system for promotions of men and women. n Remove constraints that discourage women from taking part in her capabilities to secure a Nations Security Council officers in the Police. Of these, 8,099 or n Introduce minimum quotas at all ranks to ensure at least 15% women residential training programmes, i.e., lack of residential facilities. in the Police. Mentoring promotion in the police force Resolution 1325 called for an 91.2% of officers are non-gazetted officers n Abolish maximum quotas in order to ensure a gender equal and n Publicise women’s mentoring programmes focusing on addressing were questioned by her male expanded role for women in in the ranks of constables and sergeants merit-based system for recruitment and promotions is operationalised, harassment and sexual harassment in the Police. counterparts and higher-ups. civilian police services, citing (10.7% of the total cadre). Of the 779 monitored, and evaluated. In 2007, Jasin Arachchi the disproportionate number of gazetted officers, 769 are junior gazetted had applied for a promotion women and children impacted officers in the ranks of chief inspector to Woman Assistant by armed conflict and violence. (CI), inspector of police (IP), and sub- Superintendent of Police WDIG Bimshani Jasin Arachchi Despite these developments, inspector of police (SI) (1% of the total Standard operating procedure followed: (WASP) as she fulfilled the and decades of activism, the cadre), while only 10 women are senior qualifying criteria. The only disqualifying average representation of women in the gazetted officers (0.01% of the total cadre) DIG Ajith Rohana component she had, was her height. In police is only 15.4% globally. In South in the ranks of assistant superintendent of 2013, her case was heard at the three- Asia, the highest percentage of women police (ASP) and superintendent of police We contacted Police Media Spokesperson interviewed to be shortlisted; and at times, member bench at the Supreme Court, in the police force is in the Maldives (SP). Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) through direct recruitments. which ordered her to be promoted to (9.30%). India had 6.11%, and Pakistan According to the NPC Bulletin displayed Ajith Rohana to inquire on their stance over “We adhere to these SOPs and then send a the rank of WASP, with the letter of just 0.64%. at the NPC headquarters (September these observations and recommendations shortlist to the National Police Commission in appointment required to be backdated to In South-East Asia, the average is higher, 2018), the total approved cadre was that have been put forth by the female cadre accordance with the 19th Amendment to the 2008. with women cadres accounting for 17% 83,872; however, the actual cadre of the Police. Constitution. Once the new Constitution is This is but one example which displays in Singapore, and Timor-Leste having numbered 75,371. There is an approved Responding to The Sunday Morning’s query, in place, it will go back to the Public Service the male dominance in the Sri Lanka 17%. However, in Japan the percentage of cadre of 11,263 women officers, of which DIG Rohana stated: “The limitations on the Commission.” Police, and for years, many of the female women officers was only 7.7%. Despite only 8,878 women officers currently are in number of ranks that are allocated as the career When asked whether the Police would look police officers have been questioning good statistics, only a very small minority the service. According to these numbers, progresses in the police force becomes limited. at increasing the percentage of female police why they are barred from seeing any was at higher decision-making level and the total number of approved women This is not something that is only common to officers being considered to be promoted career progression, given that both male the majority remained heavily concentrated police cadre, as a percentage of the total the officers in the female cadre, but also the to higher ranks, DIG Rohana explained and female police officers are required in lower levels in “sticky floor” positions. service, is 13.4%. The actual number of male officers. The promotion structure can that the female cadre of the Police has an to fulfil the same level of educational In the Sri Lankan context, it was only in women police officers amounts to only be illustrated as a triangle, which is why we allocated amount of positions in the structure qualifications, given the same level of 2001, after the first batch was recruited in 11.7% of the total service. Neither reflects hold competitive examinations, consider the of promotions. theoretical and practical training, and paid 1952, that the situation of women in the the NPC recommendation to increase level of seniority, and add the in-service merits Accordingly, as of 2020, the female cadre of in the same salary scales. police service became a subject of focus. strength to 15%. along with the other qualifying criterions when the Sri Lanka Police has the following ranks: In 2015, the Cabinet approved a 15% In 2020, the Centre for Women’s considering promoting police personnel.” WDIG (Woman Deputy Inspector General), Women representation in quota for women. While an increasing Research (CENWOR), along with the He further explained that a standard WSSP (Woman Senior Superintendent global police force number of women were recruited to the NPC and the United Nations Development operating procedure (SOP) is in place when of Police), WSP (Woman Superintendent The recruitment and entry of women police service after that, there was no Programme (UNDP), conducted a research promoting and recruiting officers to the of Police), WASP (Woman Assistant into the police service had been corresponding expansion in the cadre study on “Achieving Gender Equality Police; they have promotional criteria in place Superintendent of Police) , WCI (Woman influenced by several developments, positions available to women, especially in the Sri Lanka Police: An Analysis of to maintain transparency; promotions are Confidential Informants), WIP (Woman such as anti-discriminatory laws in the senior positions, compared with the Women Officers”, during which they given on seniority and merit by conducting Inspector of Police), WSI (Woman Subinspector US, Canada, the UK, and Australia; adjustments made for the men, giving a analysed the gender responsiveness of Sri limited and competitive examinations held of Police), WPS (Woman Police Sergeant), and the suffragette movement; later on, the skewed ratio and clearly discriminating Lanka’s police service. from time to time, after which officials are WPC (Woman Police Constable). feminist movement; and the adoption of against women. Contd. on page 14

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Sustaining increased quota for women While Parliament is yet to decide Prevention and Women Parliamentarians’ on whether to hold Provincial Council Caucus Chairwoman Dr. Sudarshini (PC) elections once again reverting Fernandopulle, among others, for a panel to the old constitutional amendment, discussion recently to hear their thoughts there is a renewed interest in lobbying on increasing the quota for women and to increase the quota for women in the how insufficient it still is. local government (LG) polls. It is learnt that some local party organisers had to Political space unchallenged desperately search for women who could Emphasising the importance of be successful candidates to fulfil the challenging the way of politics in requirement of including 25% women Sri Lanka and looking at the matter candidates in their lists. through a feminist perspective, MP Dr. In a recent study published by the Amarasuriya stated: “From a feminist Women and Media Collective (WMC) perspective, the quota has been helpful titled “Necessary yet Insufficient: parties into consideration will not do much The WMC later called in MP Dr. Harini Commissioner Ambika Sathkunanathan; to at least increase women in politics Women’s Quota for Wider Political for women. The quota may take women to Amarasuriya; former Human Rights and State Minister of Primary numerically.” Representation in Sri Lanka”, authored by the moon; but it will not retain them. Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) Healthcare, Pandemics, and Covid Contd. on page 14 University of Colombo (UoC) Department “In fact, the danger here is that if the of Political Science and Public Policy quota is seen as the only intervention to Dr. Pradeep Pieris and University of increase women’s participation in politics, Peradeniya Department of Political it may even turn into a mechanism that Recommendations and best practices for media reporting Science Lecturer Hasini Lecamwasam, it strengthens the hegemony of men in Subsequent to the study languages in the 12 newspapers yy The space allocated to yy In reporting election violence was found that the contributing factor to politics.” that the Women and Media that were tracked. 117 of these women in the run-up to and incidents, it is not adequate empowering women within a patriarchal He noted that most parties function Collective (WMC) published, were in English newspapers, 148 during election campaigns to cover the incident alone. system was female politicians’ knowledge only as loosely knitted individuals rather referred to in the main article, in Sinhala, and 150 in Tamil. is mostly with regard to There has to be statements and capacity in terms of politics and than procedures and systems. Because they also conducted research The number of articles referring election violence or coverage taken from the Election policies. of this, politicians are forced to use their on how local newspapers to or that were about the women’s of the legally mandated Commission about their After questioning 750 participants economic, cultural, and social capital in reported on the historic 25% quota were high in the months quota and what that means reaction and what course of from 13 districts, just after the LG polls order to climb up the party structure and quota being introduced for right before the February 2018 for Sri Lankan elections. In action they plan to take, and ended in February 2018, the researchers retain their bases. women representation in local election (December 2017 and all of this coverage, there extends to following up on had to understand if the increased quota “In such a system, to increase and government from September January 2018), and peaked in is not a lot of details that key incidents and whether alone was sufficient to sustain women in improve women’s participation in politics, 2017 to December 2018. February 2018 and decreased in are covered – for example, any arrests have taken place, politics. we have to encourage women who can The WMC had observed that the months following. more information about the whether cases were filed, Dr. Pieris, sharing his findings following play the political game but also, parallelly, a total of 415 articles relevant The WMC observed the articles policies, issues they intend and, in general, about any the study, noted: “Certainly a quota is you have to also work within the party to or about the women’s quota and recommended the following to focus on, or their political outcome of the incident. needed; but a quota that doesn’t take the to democratise the internal workings of a were published across all three for print media institutions: directions. Contd. on page 14 Parliament and the ecosystem of political party,” Dr. Pieris exclaimed. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, February 7, 2021 FOCUS/OPINION

Monthly average open market retail prices of selected items of Colombo Consumer Price Index Retail price Item Unit December 2020 January 2021 change (%) Jan (Rs.) (Rs.) 21/Dec 20 Big onions 1 kg 204.65 128.72 -37.11

227.97 196.72 -13.71 Potatoes 1 kg

Garlic 1 kg 378.99 370.18 -2.32

Green chillies 1 kg 426.72 637.12 50.14

Ash plantains 1 kg 150.06 15.46 4.26

Carrot 1 kg 244.04 219.60 -10.02

Snake gourd 1 kg 215.15 224.18 4.20

Tomatoes 1 kg 156.17 172.44 10.42

Capsicum 1 kg 407.22 420.59 3.28

Manning Market 158.00 206.21 30.51 in Pettah is a Beetroot 1 kg key location for farmers and traders to sell Beans 1 kg 349.97 319.57 -8.69 their produce Source: Census and Statistics Department PHOTO © ADA DERANA VEGETABLE PRICES SKYROCKET Veggies hit red z Linked to shortage in supply z Price controlling z Govt. should look and stock availability: impractical: State at food preservation Whoever can afford to purchase Every year, we face this situation, Farmers’ associations Ministry Secretary techniques: Trade union products even at a higher price will and every year we recommend BY SARAH HANNAN Lal Hettige to understand the changing Therefore, on any day, farmers and traders continue to purchase good quality that the Government should look dynamics due to the price increase and how that arrive at the Manning Market are able vegetables and fruits. Among them at post-harvest yield management The lack of employing post-harvest it has affected the farmer and then the trader. to earn a living,” Hettige elaborated. are the consumers who purchase methods. Just recently, we saw technology, to process and store “The Manning Market is a point of sale smaller quantities as well. thousands of kilos being dumped excess food that is produced which allows farmers to directly sell their No price control Therefore, on any day, farmers and at the border of the Digampathana during a bountiful harvest, has produce to the consumer or the retailers Meanwhile, The Sunday Morning traders that arrive at the Manning Forest adjacent to the Dambulla once again put the Sri Lankan that arrive at the premises every day. We contacted State Ministry of Paddy and Market are able to earn a living Special Economic Centre follow a bidding model; therefore, it is the Cereal, Organic Foods, Vegetables, Fruits, consumer in a tight spot, as the Manning Market Traders’ Association AIFF National Organiser prices of vegetables and fruits have consumer/buyer that decides the price that Chilli, Onion, and Potatoes Cultivation Chairman Lal Hettige Namal Karunaratne skyrocketed this week. vegetable or fruit stocks are sold at on a Development, Seed Production, and Higher particular day. These days, products are Agriculture Technology Secretary L.L.A. Just three months ago, farmers were in short supply; therefore, the prices have Wijesiri to inquire whether the Government of Rs. 20 per kg of produce that they sell said: “Every year, we face this situation, lamenting the inability to sell their produce increased,” Hettige responded. was looking to introduce a controlled price at these economic centres going forward. and every year we recommend that the even at the lowest price possible, as the mechanism for vegetables and fruits. That way, they will be able to turn a profit Government should look at post-harvest wholesale marketplaces and the special No effect on farmers “Vegetables and fruits that we consume even if that means they have to pay for yield management methods. Just recently, economic centres that were established by We were told that the Manning Market are seasonal; therefore, it is impractical to transportation of their goods to these we saw thousands of kilos being dumped the Government were overflowing with sells produce under three grades, and the introduce a price controlling mechanism. It centres,” Wijesiri noted. at the border of the Digampathana Forest stocks. To add to that, the travel restrictions price points vary depending on the grading is a given that during this time period where Agrarian Services Development Officers adjacent to the Dambulla Dedicated that were placed due to the Covid-19 second of the vegetable or fruit stock. Grade “A” we wait for the next cultivation season are instructed to co-ordinate this process, Economic Centre, and the excess vegetables wave and some centres being closed for vegetables and fruits are bought by the to commence, there will be a shortage in and the Department of Agriculture is to and fruits became elephant feed during that business had added to their burden. businesses in the Tourist Board-approved certain types of vegetables and fruits, which make the purchases from the farmers before time.” Today, the tables have turned. Farmers hospitality industry and healthcare sector, causes the prices to increase due to high selling them at two dedicated shop spaces According to Karunaratne, many projects now struggle to match market demand, as as they opt for quality and are not that demand and shortage in supply.” that will be allocated in Narahenpita and that were initiated by previous regimes seem yields have dropped due to the torrential disturbed by the price point. Grades “B” Last week, the State Ministry had called Ratmalana. According to Wijesiri, in the to have failed, as to date there are no cold monsoon rains that the country experienced and “C” are bought by retailers, restaurants, two farming associations and proposed future, this method is to be employed at room facilities at these special economic between December 2020 and end-January households, etc., where pricing is taken into that they sell their produce directly to the other special economic centres as well. centres to store excess food that is brought 2021. Crops were lost to flash floods and consideration to a certain extent. consumer through the dedicated economic by the farmers on a daily basis. excessive rain, and farmers were unable to “Whoever can afford to purchase products centres located in Narahenpita and Post-harvest yield management “Moreover, if food processing methods salvage much of the produce during that even at a higher price will continue to Ratmalana starting from this week onwards. All Island Farmers’ Federation National are in place, it can allow farmers to earn time. purchase good quality vegetables and “Lindula and Ragala farmer associations Organiser (AIFF) Namal Karunaratne, extra money from it and allow consumers The Sunday Morning spoke to Manning fruits. Among them are the consumers have been instructed that they can sell their sharing his recommendations on how to access various seasonal foods that are Market Traders’ Association Chairman who purchase smaller quantities as well. produce by adding a transportation cost the price fluctuations could be equalised, preserved,” he added.

BY CHAMODA HALAMBAARACHCHI, SUSTAINABLE RESTRUCTURING SL’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR Sri Lanka can no longer compete at the DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF SRI LANKA lower end of the spectrum with rising wage and other input costs. The author has also The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable mentioned that the country is struggling to Development is a universal action plan move higher up the spectrum, with limited aiming to transform our world for the Facilitating sustainable capacity for innovation and upgrading better and to create the future we all like to technology due to continued low investment see. In 2015, all United Nations member in research and development (R&D) and states including Sri Lanka, adopted 17 a very narrow talent pool of knowledge goals committed to “achieve sustainable workers (8). development in its three dimensions – Thus, it’s a timely requirement for economic, social, and environmental – in a industrial development Sri Lanka to focus on restructuring the balanced and integrated manner” (1). manufacturing sector by promoting MHT The outbreak of Covid-19 has pushed the considered to be the high value-addition industries as a main solution. The biggest world into a new normal, imposing both industries of manufacturing. challenge in this regard is to ensure a smooth challenges and opportunities in achieving These industries are associated with transition from low to high value-added the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable high value-added production by creating a industries. According to the Central Bank Development Goals (SDGs). In addition higher customer perceived value and lower Report 2019, the Government has initiated to the health impacts, the pandemic has production cost through the application of several policy measures and provided imposed several challenges to the global leading-edge technical knowledge, higher institutional support aiming to cater to the economy. labour productivity, and higher production above requirement (9). One of the most crucial economic sectors efficiency. Since innovation and technology The “Shilpa Sena” exhibition is one such that has been hard hit is the manufacturing are the central focus in MHT industries, a initiative aiming at promoting innovations sector, which plays a vital role in the significant amount of investment is made and inventions and paving the path to economic development of a country. in research and development. The high-tech develop technological and scientific thinking. According to experts, manufacturing industry is considered to be the decisive The Government has also commenced industries all over the world have been force in future industrial development programmes focusing on popularising adversely affected by the pandemic due to and contributes towards fostering a high science, technology, engineering, and disruptions caused in global value chains and value-added manufacturing industry with mathematics (STEM) education and modern the supply of products. As a consequence, resilience. It also has strong potential to bring technologies and to support research the importance of promoting and fostering When considering the Sri Lankan context, the manufacturing sector accounts for around 60% of the sustainable growth and high economic value commercialisation. a resilient and sustainable manufacturing total industry sector while improving Sri Lanka’s competitiveness Steps have been taken to formulate a sector has again come to the forefront of to Gross Domestic Product in 2008 whereas According to the Organisation for in international markets by promoting high- national industrial policy in line with the discussions. it was reduced to 15.6% in 2019 (4). The Economic Co-operation and Development tech exports. SDGs and to update the existing national When considering the Sri Lankan context, Annual Industry Survey (2018) conducted (OECD), manufacturing industries are According to World Bank data, Sri Lanka’s science and technology policy incorporating the manufacturing sector accounts for around by the Department of Census and Statistics, classified as low-technology, medium- high-technology exports, as a percentage aspects of innovation and commercialisation. 60% of the total industry sector according to provides evidence to the fact that low- low-technology, medium-high-technology, of manufactured exports, were around 1% In order to empower micro, small, and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) (2). technology industries such as manufacturing and high-technology industries based on during the 2009-2017 period, whereas other medium enterprises (MSMEs), “Vidatha” However, research findings show that the food products and wearing apparels are the level of research and development South Asian countries on average reported programmes have also been introduced to manufacturing sector has taken a backseat the highest contributing industries in the intensity (6). Medium-high-technology and around 7% in 2016 and 2017 (7). support the transfer of scientific knowledge in Sri Lanka’s recent economic performance manufacturing sector while the contribution high-technology (MHT) industries such as In the article “Can Sri Lanka build a and research innovations of scientists to (3). According to Central Bank data, from high-tech manufacturing industries is electrical equipment, transport equipment, prosperous post-war future?”, the author has MSMEs. manufacturing reported a 17.5% contribution inadequate to fuel industrial development (5). pharmaceuticals, and motor vehicles are noted that, in relation to international trade, Contd. on page 14 14 the sunday morning Sunday, February 7, 2021 FOCUS

Contd. from page 12

the night shift partly due to the lack of Facing... facilities in the current police stations, Sustaining... Disparity in recruitment and such as changing rooms and proper promotion criteria washrooms. Moreover, many of the “As we talk about a different yardstick to judge When women are recruited to the police police barracks that are often located in constitutional reform and men and women candidates, service, they undergo the same entrance tests proximity to the station do not provide reforms for the electoral system, where they tend to question a as men, including the endurance test. The quarters to women officers, as they are this is important because it woman’s knowledge. Former height specification when recruiting officers at deemed unsuitable for women. will be discussed if having a Human Rights Commissioner the rank of constable and SI are different for Despite this, although some women quota made a difference. There of Sri Lanka Ambika women and men, but become the same when may be working shorter hours, a majority could be a pushback as the Sathkunanathan, speaking recruiting to the rank of ASP of women worked long hours that went quota hasn’t qualitatively meant of her own experience in the i.e., 5’6”. Given the average height of women beyond the hours of their particular shift. much in improving women’s political sphere, stated: “If in Sri Lanka, these height specifications are Very often, women police officers gave participation in the political you look at the Tamil political empathy, and integrity?” a gender balance of 30-70% discriminatory and systematically block their phone numbers to civilians, which sphere. Has it really challenged sphere, political analysis is Sathkunanathan retorted. at all decision-making qualified women from applying for the meant fielding calls and following up on the political space as expected? most often done by men. levels, including Parliament, position and being promoted. people’s concerns after hours. This issue could be used to Rarely is there a Tamil woman Failing electoral provincial council, and local Men and women officers have to undergo reduce the quota or remove it as political analyst writing or system government, as well as other the basic mandatory training sessions when Lack of career progression a justification.” speaking about these issues. State Minister Dr. statutory bodies,” joining the Police as constables, which Most female police officers, non- Dr. Amarasuriya also pointed Even when it came to the Fernandopulle, sharing her Dr. Fernandopulle noted. includes endurance, physical, and weapons gazetted, and gazetted juniors and seniors, out that the political parties articles that I wrote, they said thoughts on increasing the She also pointed out that training. However, women’s performance in were extremely concerned about the lack and their structures are not that it would have been written quota for women, is of the if women are getting into the initial endurance examination has been of promotions. The issue with promotions supportive towards the female by a male parliamentarian, as opinion that this exercise politics, it has to be through cited as a reason for holding them back from must be discussed as two separate issues: representatives that get elected the language was too complex should now move beyond the the party structure that is being promoted beyond the rank of SSP. (1) promotions due to junior and senior and do not include them in the for it to be written by myself.” local government, while also prevalent in the country. The The concentration of women in functional gazetted officers; (2) promotions due to decision-making structure in the Sathkunanathan revealed noting that a majority of them party should represent people divisions is a result of structural and non-gazetted officers. party. that, when women are battling don’t have constituencies, from different fields and have institutional discrimination that stereotype Gazetted officers’ access to timely “Do we want more women against social power that is like wards, because they have more women in the system. women as being more capable of desk-based promotions was undermined by two inter- or a feminist perspective in depriving them of their rights, been appointed through the “The PR (proportional administrative work. weaving processes. One was the unofficial politics? There are aspiring they also have to be part of this list. “But we have to ensure representation) system is a Women officers are generally regarded as formation of a “women’s cadre”, which women who want to be in same patriarchal, sexist, and that they remain in the system; negative factor for women; we weak and lacking ambition because they are was differentiated from the “male cadre”. politics and have an ideological misogynistic ecosystems. we have to try and get them to should have a lot of funds and unwilling to take on frontline work and often When circulars announcing promotions position. This is to have a “They might have to make these wards.” resources to face an election. prioritise their familial obligations over their were published, women officers were told different kind of politics. If not, compromises. Women with “Although the amendment So, a mixed system was professional responsibilities. these were relevant to the male cadre. we are also reducing our role to knowledge have to keep to the Provincial Council Bill brought into the LG. With the Gender stereotyping and gender-role This separation has led to the allocation the numerical and not thinking silent to not upset the party has mentioned a quota, I don’t PR, people vote for the party, allocations in the Police lead to further of maximum quotas for women officers at about the ideological,” Dr. dynamics. We must invest in know how they are going to not the candidate, but in the discrimination of women. Senior officers each rank. Hence, women, even if they are Amarasuriya questioned. both men and women who practically implement it. As mixed system, the candidate is perceived women as not only liking desk jobs qualified, are not evaluated on the basis have a long-term vision for the Women Parliamentarians’ considered. So, we are yet to and taking on functional administrative roles, of merit alongside their male colleagues. Level of knowledge their career in politics. But Caucus, at a national level, we see with the new drafting of the but also as incapable of doing frontline police Very often this has meant their male questioned who can build a political have resubmitted a proposal Constitution, if it will change or work. counterparts receive promotions before What is more concerning is culture and political society; to the committee drafting the not,” Dr. Fernandopulle noted. them. These “sanctioned” cadre positions that society often tends to use who can bring decency, new constitution, to maintain – Sarah Hannan Special provisions have led to much anxiety and frustration On the other hand, the Sri Lanka Police amongst senior women police officers. yy There needs to be more coverage has made special provisions, both official and With only one position open in the rank about women in office, about their informal, for women officers based on their of SSP, only one of the ten SPs is eligible Recommendations... roles, the challenges they face, caregiving roles and children’s educational for promotion. Promotions were one of yy This would otherwise create a election monitoring bodies and strategies they employ, and how they needs. This includes married women with the main issues of contention that senior landscape where women may be civil society organisations, and it is feel their inclusion in positions of children under 18 being exempted from women officers talked about because they deterred in the future to contest important that any information that authority affect policymaking and Sunday work, less frequent transfers whereby felt they were being deliberately held back for elections, as they only get to is being disseminated is provided in governance. This type of coverage married women with children are allowed to without legitimate reason. In addition to know about violence against female all three languages. could include women who have been candidates, and have no information be in one division or district for longer than promotions, women were not given the yy The value of the contributions by in politics/roles of governance for about how those incidents were dealt their male counterparts, and early retirement. role of “director” of functional divisions women’s organisations by way of years as well as those newly elected. These special provisions are a double- even though they were eligible and with. statements and briefings that are yy Opinions and views should be sought edged sword, as they work to the detriment of capable of holding such a position. yy When reporting the various ways reproduced verbatim is significant women who seek promotion to higher ranks, Very often, they were given the assistant from men in elected bodies who in which women face harassment and therefore, media organisations can be considered allies, about how since they often have to forego the opportunity director role and compelled to work under or violence when contesting for and journalists should be giving to gain the breadth of experience seen as less qualified or equally qualified men. The the increased inclusion of women elections, journalists must also go more substantial coverage to them. in governance and policymaking mandatory for serving in the higher ranks. fundamental rights case filed is a response beyond just reporting incidents yy There should be more robust has affected governance in local There is even ambivalence about whether to this overt discrimination of women in to finding ways to convey the reporting; analysis on the role of authorities, and how to support newly women are allocated night-duty/night-time the higher ranks. The second way in which seriousness of the issue to the social media in elections, how it was elected women. The experience so shifts. women are not promoted is because they do public. not meet the criteria for promotion, which used in the elections, and using big far in the various councils would be Lack of facilities to engage has been discussed before. yy Much of the significant coverage data to look at broader trends and a valuable addition to the coverage in night shifts Attempts to contact Minister of Public and in-depth analysis came from usages is something that print media on the importance of women’s Female officers had also revealed to Security Sarath Weerasekara for comment statements and interviews with is yet to embrace. representation in governance. the research team that women cannot do proved futile.

Contd. from page 13 Contd. from page 6

yy If you currently have an infection with Facilitating... a high temperature (over 38°C) Further, effective measures have been taken yy If you have a problem with bleeding or to incentivise the mechatronics sector through A new hope... bruising, or if you are taking a blood- providing long-term loan facilities for companies thinning medicine (anticoagulants like yy Fever to commence mechatronics-based product Are there differences in the partners, the Coalition for Epidemic aspirin) development and implementing the “Mechatronics- efficacy levels of the Covid-19 Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); and yy Vomiting enabled Economic Development” initiative aiming vaccine? Does the AstraZeneca- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. yy Any other medicines you are taking yy to accelerate economic growth through high-tech Oxford vaccine show COVAX is bringing nations together, Flu-like symptoms such as high How is the vaccine given? exports. satisfactory efficacy? regardless of their income level, to temperature, sore throat, runny nose, The Government also expects to attract foreign ensure the procurement and equitable cough, and chills The Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine direct investments in developing the domestic Efficacy levels of different vaccines distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 is injected into a muscle (usually in electrical and electronics manufacturing industry were determined by different settings people) the upper arm). You will receive two whilst connecting to the global supply chains. with different criteria to determine What is the process of injections and the second injection is yy Feeling dizzy Facilitating higher-tier industries to successfully study populations. Therefore, it is not obtaining the vaccine in Sri given four weeks after the first dose. You shift to the Industry 4.0 level (Fourth Industrial meaningful to compare efficacy levels Lanka? Is it available in both yy Decreased appetite will be told when you need to return for the state and private sector? Revolution) where manufacturing automation is a between different vaccines. Furthermore, yy your second dose and it is necessary to key factor, has also been identified as a priority in there are many other factors such as In order to ensure the equitable Abdominal pain keep the vaccination card with you. upgrading domestic industries. safety, logistics, and feasibility when distribution of the vaccine, the Ministry y y Enlarged lymph nodes After completing the Though the Government has given utmost selecting a vaccine. of Health has taken the sole authority y importance and support towards fostering According to the available data, the to distribute the vaccine via the y Excessive sweating, itchy skin, or rash vaccination, is it possible to go a sustainable and reliable high value-added combined average across different dosing government sector. Since Sri Lanka (severe allergic reaction can occur back to a normal lifestyle? manufacturing sector, the Covid-19 pandemic has regimes has found that the AstraZeneca has a strong public health system extremely rarely) Vaccination is an essential preventive disrupted the status quo, imposing great challenges vaccine was 70% effective in protecting and a well-established vaccination During vaccine rollout in Sri Lanka, so strategy, but it is not a replacement in the transition process. Hence, it is vital to review, against symptomatic disease. programme, this process will be the far, no serious adverse effects have been for other preventive measures such validate, and make appropriate adjustments to most reliable method. reported, even though there were several as wearing a mask, hand hygiene, the aforementioned initiatives while developing How can we ensure equitable reports of high fever, headache, and maintaining social distancing, and innovative strategies in addressing new challenges distribution of the vaccine What are the common side myalgia (body pain). avoiding crowded places. All these to ensure that Sri Lanka will achieve sustainable worldwide? effects of the Covid-19 vaccine? measures will be effective when in industrialisation and consequently progress towards It is important to remember that Like all medicines, this vaccine What are the eligibility criteria synergy. If we are to gain the maximum achieving the SDGs. unless the majority of the individuals can cause side effects, although not for vaccination and what is the benefit of vaccination, adaptation to the (1) United Nations, 70/1.Transforming Our World: are immunised, we cannot assure everybody gets them. According to the frequency of vaccination? new normal is essential. Although it has the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 3 effective controlling of the disease by the available data in the UK, following are The vaccine is not recommended if you shown an effective immune response, (2) Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Annual Report 2019, vaccination. the possible side effects: have ever had a severe allergic reaction how long this immunity lasts is not yet 76 This is called herd immunity, i.e., when needing hospitalisation. confirmed. (3) Anushka Wijesinha, “Can Sri Lanka build a the majority (over 80%) are immune, Very common (may affect more than 1 No data is currently available on the Furthermore, even though the vaccine prosperous post-war future?”, East Asia Forum everyone is protected. in 10 people) use of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine is effective in reducing severe disease Quarterly, “On The Edge in Asia” Therefore, regardless of financial on children and adolescents younger and mortality, so far, there is no research yy Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, (4) Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Annual Report 2008, status, all countries should receive the than 18 years of age. Since there is only data to prove that it can effectively itching, swelling, or bruising where the Chapter 2, 30 vaccine equitably. Only if used correctly limited data on the use of the Covid-19 reduce asymptomatic transmission. To injection is given Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Annual Report 2019, and equitably can we eradicate the AstraZeneca vaccine in pregnant or put it simply, vaccines may not stop the Chapter 2, 56 acute phase of the pandemic and allow yy Generally feeling unwell breastfeeding women, these categories coronavirus from entering your body and (5) Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka, the rebuilding of our societies and yy are also excluded from vaccination. colonising the nasal cavity. Therefore, it Annual Survey of Industries 2018, Table 4.7, 12 economies. Feeling tired (fatigue) If someone is having fever and is not may be possible that people vaccinated (6) OECD, ISIC Rev. 3 Technology Intensity Similarly, since resources remain yy Chills or feeling feverish well on the date scheduled for vaccination, for Covid-19 can still carry and transmit Definition scarce, immunisation programmes will y it will be postponed to another date. the virus, even when they themselves do (7) The World Bank, https://data.worldbank.org/ have to prioritise certain groups over y Headache If you are undergoing any of the not have symptoms. indicator/TX.VAL.TECH.MF.ZS?locations=LK-8S others before progressively expanding yy Nausea following conditions, inform the doctor at So, the take-home messages are: have (8) Anushka Wijesinha, “Can Sri Lanka build a distribution to all population groups. the vaccination visit: trust in the vaccines recommended by the prosperous post-war future?”, East Asia Forum The Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access yy Joint pain or muscle ache experts; take it when it is made available; yy If you have ever had a severe allergic Quarterly, “On The Edge in Asia” (COVAX) Facility is a partnership Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) have realistic expectations; and finally, reaction (anaphylaxis) after any other (9) Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Annual Report 2019, established by the WHO in collaboration do not deviate from basic preventive yy A lump at the injection site vaccine injection Chapter 2, 80-81. with the ACT-Accelerator vaccine measures. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, February 7, 2021 SPORTS

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Rules and Here is another historic moment where the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administration is under the Exceptions public microscope and faces a huge battering from its normal distracters and almost all quarters of society. THE CHESS Here is SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne answering some of those CORNER pertinent questions that are being asked in by Dulan Edirisinghe the midst of a four-Test consecutive defeat of the national side.

In the previous column, we dissected Fabiano Caruana’s Analysis after 1...hxg6 On this sudden pandemonium “shocking” decision to part with his fianchettoed bishop in To summarise the role of general rules/principles: “Amateurs about the collapse of Sri Lanka’s most a much-talked-about game played at the Tata Steel Masters. don't know them, intermediate players know and apply them loved game? The world number two went on to justify his decision with mechanically, while masters find exceptions and intuitively It’s more or less a media myth. Our a flawless victory, befuddling chess purists. This begs the break them.” opposition tries to turn the situation to its question, how and when can general principles of chess Now it’s clear that rules are just signposts that point us in advantage. I don’t say there are no problems strategy be violated? the right direction. Two confusing situations can occur with whatsoever. But this has been the pattern over To get to the bottom of this, we have to understand how regard to rules. Sometimes they contradict one another, in which the years. Things are blown out of proportion the so-called general principles originated. Early chess thinkers case a player has to determine which rule takes precedence. by our distracters. formulated separate rules for different phases of the game. They The other is, a rule comes into conflict with tactics. The specific They tried to mislead foreign investors by were followed by a new school – from Steinitz to the Soviet beats the general every time, so the tactics always have the misinforming them during the LPL (Lanka greats – that stressed the connections between the phases, final say. That’s when the exceptions happen. Premier League). They stooped to such a low not the boundaries. All these ideas were passed down to us Due to their brute-force ability and the lack of respect for level. We are addressing all the problems the in various forms. Some were expressed as maxims, some took general principles, the computer engines have played a key best way we possibly can, and things will Ravin Wickramaratne the form of wisecracks (“a knight on the rim is dim”), clichés role in accelerating the process of finding these exceptions. This be much better soon. censures his critics and is (“long variation, wrong variation”) and even proverbs. Now is kind of ironic because nearly 40 years ago. Luděk Pachman, confident of winning the we call them strategic principles, or rules. a grandmaster and prolific writer, predicted that computers What were the benefits the country’s next SLC election PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Acquiring the knowledge of such principles gives chess will never be really good as humans, because exceptions cricket gained by conducting the LPL? players a sense of confidence. This knowledge, they feel, will can't be converted to a binary code. The new generation of Being able to conduct the LPL was itself a take care of the game for them. But chess is far too complex a players who grew up with computers have proved Pachman huge success, because Sri Lanka could revive game to be played on autopilot, following a set of do’s and don'ts. spectacularly wrong. its franchise league with it after about seven, Here’s an instructive example: eight years; that too during a very difficult period of time. Then there were some talents that were SLC answers identified. (Vijayakanth) Viyaskanth is still a schoolboy. His hometown Jaffna got a huge boost because of the LPL. We began our sport after the halt due to the pandemic and went to the world with it. It was a positive move for the entire country, their critics not only cricket. I must mention here the assistance given by the Honourable Sports z SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne Minister (Namal Rajapaksa). It wouldn’t have been possible if not his intervention. talks to The Sunday Morning Sports Again, these are organised propaganda and misconception spread by our opposition. after the England tour (which immediately that, with the health authorities, we didn’t followed the South Africa series), as we come to a conclusion on their guidelines. Why did Sri Lanka tour South Africa are engaged in a very, very tight schedule Finally, the Sports Minister had to intervene. Zhao Xue/Short - Xie Jun/Bareev (2003) for two Tests, on the Centurion and this year. You can’t find a window (for a The Health Minister too had to intervene to If white plays 1.Bxg6, how would you recapture? Black to play Wanderers fast tracks, just after they postponed South Africa series). get their regulations in place. That is why Black has two ways to recapture. For an amateur, the This position occurred in an unique exhibition were engaged in T20 cricket at the Coming to the issue of the LPL preceding it was postponed to 26 November (making decision is akin to a toss of a coin. An intermediate player tournament where two players of opposite gender LPL? the South Africa tour, we were supposed to the LPL coincide with the preparation for considers the general principles/rules at play. There are two formed a “couple” and took alternative turns to play. Though it (the South Africa series) was start the tournament on 24 August (2020). the two-Test series in South Africa). that stand out: "Pawns should capture toward the center” Short and Bareev, two experienced grandmasters, teamed under the ICC FTP (International Cricket We were ready to go. But what happened was and “Avoid pawn islands whenever possible”. Both the rules up with two highly talented and much younger Chinese Council’s Future Tours Programme) and What’s your position with regard to the clearly endorse 1...hxg6, so he is likely to play it without a ladies. When Xie Jun played 21..Bxg3 in this position, the World Test Championship (WTC), we forthcoming Annual General Meeting second thought. A master on the other hand, considers the her compatriot Zhao Xue was already expecting and basically wanted to skip the tour. But what of SLC? exception 1...fxg6 because it “might” be good. He also sees fearing that move. But the two veteran grandmasters happened was that the High Commissioner We began our sport after the We are very much confident of winning. that 1...hxg6 “might” be bad because white has the potential were shocked at black giving away a strong bishop. Soon of South Africa (Robina P. Marks) intervened We have looked after all our stakeholders to create some checkmating threats with Ne4-Ng5-Qg4-Qh4. black gained a decisive advantage after 1...Bxg3 2.hxg3 and had a couple of meetings with our CEO halt due to the pandemic through a very difficult and challenging time Once the possibility of an exception is identified, that’s Qb5! 3.b3 Re2+ 4.Kb1 Rxf2 5.c4 Qa5 6.a3 (6.gxh4 (Ashley de Silva) as well as, I think, the and went to the world with during the pandemic. when a master tries to confirm his “feeling” with concrete Qc3) 6...Ng2 7.Bxg2 Rxg2 8.Ra2 Rxg3, proving that Minister of Sports. Even the cricket boards that are much analysis. Unfortunately, this part is beyond the skill level of tactical justification is the key to all exceptions. And this is (a matter concerning) two it. It was a positive move for stronger than us found it difficult to run their most chess players. A master might go as far as calculating 1... Perhaps we can conclude that every general countries, and we must collaborate. And the entire country, day-to-day activities. Therefore the SLC has fxg6! 2.Ne4 c5 3.Nd6 Qa6! 4.Qxa6 bxa6 and conclude that principle of chess strategy is there to be broken, and that was why we agreed to send our team. been with our stakeholders; and therefore, black’s prospects are excellent despite a plethora of weaknesses. the only unbreakable principle, err... is that one! We couldn’t put it (South Africa series) back not only cricket we must win.

‘THE HOW TO PLAY’ SERIES CONTINUES… An introduction be devised with the strengths of the player A major drawback among young Sri who is devising them being at the forefront Lankan players is that their tactical knowledge of the mind at all times. For the purposes and nous are not up to the required standard. of this discussion, it will be assumed that Against aggressive baseliners The only tactic most of the players have is the player devising the tactics is proficient knowing the fact that they need to put one in playing all the shots. Also for purposes Today’s discussion would centre on how more ball over the net. In this multipart of this article, the player against whom the to play against aggressive baseline players. series, it is hoped to discuss the tactics that tactics are being devised will be referred to can be used against specific types of players. as the “opponent”. What are the normal or general strengths Whilst the points mentioned here are by no In previous weeks, we discussed about of this type of a player? means exhaustive, it is hoped that these points playing against (i) taller players, (ii) shorter would form the basis of foundation for the players, (iii) faster players, (iv) slower players, yy These types of players have strong players to flesh out their own tactics when (v) consistent players, (vi) serve-and-volley ground-strokes confronted against such players. players, (vii) “the grinders”, and (viii) “all- yy They typically like to dictate play In deciding on tactics against any player, the court” players. Today in the ninth part, we’ll yy first and the most important thing that needs discuss aggressive baseliners. They go aggressively for winners from to be understood is the fact that tactics should the back court yy They normally have a ground-stroke as if the player is able to successfully counter getting frustrated because of being unable to their weapon that tactic by either keeping the opponent dictate the rhythm of the match, the chances of away from the stronger side as much as the opponent losing the rhythm is much higher. What would be the general weaknesses possible, or by making the opponent attack The other aspect to this is the fact that this of this type of a tennis player? from that side using low percentage areas, type of opponent likes to hit “winners”. With this will be a real boon. the above tactic, with the balls pushing the yy One side of the ground-stroke might be opponent back on the court and the opponent weaker than the other side Keep hitting high top-spin not having an angle to work with, it becomes yy They do not like to be drawn into a long Also, by using this tactic, the player would that much more difficult to hit “winners”. battle on the court be denying the opponent the ability to dictate Therefore, with this particular tactic, the player yy play as the opponent desires. They will not has taken away another advantage off the They do not much like high and deep be able to be on the front foot in the match. opponent. ground-strokes Another important tactic that can be used is yy They do not like when they do not have for the player to keep hitting high top-spin Most vital is what works for the rhythm and tempo balls down the middle of the court. This in the players The 105th Colombo Tennis Championships 2020 began at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association Playing Section clay courts in Colombo on Friday (5). Here, Venuka Kithnula is in action in his men’s open turn would achieve two objectives. But, whilst the player has managed to With the above in mind, the tactics need to singles first-round match against Manesh Kajan. Kithnula won 6/2, 6/3 Firstly, it will stop the opponent from frustrate the opponent and take away the be devised against this opponent. As always, PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI being able to attack since the opponent will advantages, now it falls upon the player’s when devising the tactics, it is important to be constantly moving backwards. Secondly, shoulders to come up with ways to win understand that your strengths should be proficiency, as well as tactical proficiency. by hitting down the middle, the player will the point. This can be done in a number maximised and given priority when coming Dinith be denying the opponent any angles to work of ways. Two of them are: (i) by moving up with the tactics. Strength can be the weakness too with for the opponent to attack using his into the court and taking the ball early and Pathiraja When devising tactics against these “weapon”. Rhe opponent will be forced to attacking or (ii) by using the drop shot or Need skill to play them opponents, it is very important that the derive his own angles, which is much more the slice to bring the opponent to the net, Before discussing tactics, it is important to ON COURT player recognises the stronger side of the difficult to do with high top-spin balls. and then attacking the opponent at the net. understand the type of player these players ground-stroke of this opponent. This is But what is important at the end of the usually are. These types of players are the most because of the fact that the very strength Obstructing the opponent’s day, as enunciated countless times before, common of all players in the tennis circuit. They are normally shot-makers, always on of this type of opponent can be turned into ‘winners’ is what is working for the player on that On the other hand, these types of players, who the lookout to get onto the front foot and attack. their weakness as well. And this has another advantage: the opponent day. Also, what the player is comfortable are proficient in their ground-strokes, can be Therefore, although these players are common, Since one side is stronger than the other is now drawn into a long battle of ground- with doing. Here the whole purpose is that awkward opponents, as they are normally playing against these types requires real skill. side, this opponent will always be looking to strokes, which is not how this kind of opponent the player needs to be successful by the solid on both sides of the back court. This skill will need to extend to technical attack using his/her strong side. Therefore, likes to play. Therefore, with the opponent end of the match. SLC appoints Australian Open draw out Cricket Britons Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie will play one Committee another in the first round of the Australian Open. In the Sri Lanka Cricket women’s draw, Francesca Jones will make her (SLC) on Friday (5) Grand Slam main-draw debut against appointed the following American Shelby Rogers. British No. 1 members to its Cricket Johanna Konta, seeded 13th, will Committee, taking face Slovenian qualifier Kaja into consideration the Juvan first. The Australian recommendations Open, the first Grand made by the Minister of Slam of the year, Youth and Sports Namal begins on Rajapaksa: Aravinda Monday (8). de Silva, Roshan Mahanama (pictured), Muttiah Muralitharan, and Kumar Sangakkara. Sunday,sports February 7, 2021 Inter-schools cricket 2021 to begin in March BY ISHANI UPATHARITHA The SLSCA is now awaiting matches for every team. The top two teams at the end of the necessary approval from the The tournament will commence the league stage, depending on the The Inter-Schools Under- Ministry of Education (MoE) for during March and is scheduled outcome of the points table, and 19 Cricket Tournament will the tournament to take place from to complete its first round (of the best two third-placed teams will start from mid-March this year, 15 to 20 March, sources said. league stage) before 9 April. The qualify for the quarter-final (or the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket The Division I and the II final round will start after the knockout) stage. Association (SLSCA) confirmed tournaments will consist of Tier Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The The Division III tournament yesterday (8). A and B. Thirty-six schools are in tournament is scheduled to be will consist of two levels, I and This year’s tournament Divisions I and II, and 18 schools completed before the end of April. II. Fifty-seven teams will be will be conducted under the will be divided into Tier A and B The quarter-finals, semi-finals, accommodated in Division III, limited-over format due to the in those divisions. and the final will be worked Level 1, in 10 groups. The top Covid-19 situation and the There will be 35 teams in off on 20, 25, and 30 April, two teams at the end of the league General Certificate of Education Division I – 18 teams in Tier A respectively. All first-round stage, depending on the outcome (GCE) Ordinary Level (O/L) and 17 teams in Tier B – on the league matches will be played at of the points table, will qualify for examination. The SLSCA ranking basis of last year’s league the respective school grounds. All the knockout round. generally conducts a two-day tournament. Each tier will be matches will be played at neutral The Division III Level II tournament from September to divided into three groups on a venues from the quarter-finals tournament’s schedule will be March every year. league basis. There will be five onwards. published in a week’s time. The school cricket season is to begin next month

Foreign News In Brief WEST INDIES TOUR ALMOST POSTPONED Second Test evenly poised in Rawalpindi Eleven wickets fell on the second day of the second Test between Pakistan SL to use Asia and South Africa, as a fascinating day of cricket left the match in the balance. Anrich Nortje was the star with the ball for the Proteas, finishing with 5/56 to secure Cup window a third five-wicket haul of his fledgling career. The tourists struggled in reply, but a late counter-attack from Captain Quinton de Kock, with an unbeaten 24 off just 11 to tour West Indies? balls, brought the 100 up shortly before bad light forced a halt of BY REVATHA S. SILVA 35-member Sri Lanka squad proceedings. South Africa trail by 166 runs with six wickets of put on under quarantine their first innings remaining and three days still to play. The prospects of Sri from Wednesday (3). Scores: Pakistan 272; South Africa 106/4 Lanka touring West Indies this month, for India to skip Asia Bangladesh boast huge lead two Tests and three Cup, Bangladesh As many as 10 wickets fell on an eventful third day in ODIs and T20Is each, tour will be SL’s next Chattogram, at the end of which Bangladesh boasted a lead of became almost zero The Board of Control for 218 after reaching 47/3 by stumps. There were a few collapses by Friday (5) after Cricket in India (BCCI) was during the course of the day. West Indies rued a slide that saw concerns over a couple reportedly contemplating them lose five wickets for just six runs, which undid the good of their tour party pulling out of the Asia Cup work done by Jermaine Blackwood earlier in the day. West in June to accommodate Indies conceded a 177-run lead, after which the tables were members (Mickey their marquee bilateral turned and Bangladesh lost a few early wickets. Arthur and Lahiru series in the year 2021, Scores: Bangladesh 430 and 47/3; West Indies 259 Thirimanne) testing Indian media reported last positive for Covid-19 month. Serena withdraws from semi-final against early last week. “…the Asia Cup, even Ashleigh Barty if it was scheduled (for Serena Williams has withdrawn from her Yarra Valley Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), June), would’ve probably Classic semi-final against world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty with a after consultation with been played around the right shoulder injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI), same time as the ICC Williams had earlier were about to officially Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey Arthur (left) and Test batsman Lahiru Thirimanne tested positive for (International Cricket Covid-19 last week, jeopardising the team’s preparations for the forthcoming West Indies tour beaten fellow American announce that the series Council) Test Championship Danielle Collins 6/2, would be postponed to a slim. We are looking for the series in another time are to be done on the first, final (from 18-22 June at 4/6, 10/6 in the last future date. TV Derana rescheduling it in the Asia period,” he added. third, sixth, and the ninth Lord’s, England). If India eight in Melbourne. quoted SLC President Cup window (in June 2021). day. don’t make the final, the Australian Barty, who Shammi Silva as saying Five (participating) countries If anything happens “That is the health industry would’ve preferred won 7/5, 2/6, 10/4 on Friday that the West need to come for that (Asia after going there… guidelines that we are the Asia Cup instead. Now, against American Indies tour was postponed Cup) which is unlikely to “In three days, another following at the moment. the chance of such a thing Shelby Rogers, has temporarily. happen, as it is now,” a round of PCR Tests will be If anything bad happens happening looks bleak …,” received a walkover senior SLC official told The done on our squad. Even after we go there, it will be Times of India said on 18 into the final. Williams If the series is to be Sunday Morning Sports on if the players are to test a very big problem,” the January. will be seeking a record- officially postponed, Friday. negative in that, it is still above official explained, Sri Lanka’s next equalling 24th Grand when can it be “We have started impossible to tour West negating all chances of the engagement is reportedly Slam singles title at the rescheduled this year? discussions with them Indies this month, because series being held in March. the tour of Bangladesh for Australian Open. “The chances to make (CWI) to look for other they need to be isolated for After the above two the ODIs, scheduled for the tour this month are very possibilities to organise 10 days anyway. The tests tested positive, the entire May. Root frustrates India on opening day z India vs. England 1st ENGLAND FIRST INNINGS Rory Burns c Pant b Ashwin 33 Test, day one report Dom Sibley lbw b Bumrah 87 Joe Root’s 100th Test has so far gone almost Dan Lawrence lbw b Bumrah 0 Joe Root (Capt.) not out 128 exactly as he’d have hoped – he scored a century England Skipper Joe Root to mark the occasion and, by stumps on the Extras (nb 11, lb 4) 15 (on the floor) struggled Total (for 3 wickets in 89.3 overs) 263 with a cramp late on day opening day in Chennai, England were 263/3. one, Friday (5), but he got Root scored a fine unbeaten 128, continuing his Did not bat: Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, and James Anderson a hand from opposition excellent form from Sri Lanka, where he scored a Captain Virat Kohli. It was the double century and a century in two Tests. Fall of wickets: 1-63 (Burns, 23.5 ov), 2-63 (Lawrence, first Test between the two As for India, there was a consolation late in 25.4 ov), 3-263 (Sibley, 89.3 ov) countries which is now being played in Chennai the day, when Jasprit Bumrah had Dom Sibley Bowling: Ishant Sharma 15-3-27-0 (4nb), Jasprit Bumrah trapped in front on 87 to break a 200-run stand. 18.3-2-40-2 (3nb), Ravichandran Ashwin 24-2-68-1, However, the home side will be aware of the Shahbaz Nadeem 20-3-69-0 (4nb), Washington Sundar threat that England, with their long batting line- 12-0-55-0 up, now pose.

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CSE: ARE THE CONDITIONS RIGHT FOR PUMP AND DUMP? »SEE PAGE 7 Sunday, February 7, 2021 SPECIALbusiness DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS Deposits surpass $ 400 m BY YAKUTA DAWOOD eager in terms of investing, and this has seek assistance for the national effort date of maturity to renew and continue also driven continuous improvement to overcome the effects of the Covid- their SDAs as normal deposits with The special deposit account (SDA) facility that was announced in the growth of SDAs. 19 outbreak in Sri Lanka. Initially, it authorised dealers.” by the Government last year, amidst the initial outbreak of the “However, while this is on a positive was only valid until 7 October 2020; Accordingly, the funds held in SDAs pandemic, had attracted total deposits of approximately $ 400 note, we also expect lending to pick however, due to a substantial increase may continue to be held in the form million as of January 2021. up its space in the market again,” the in foreign exchange, and the benefits of of normal deposits, through which official added. it coming into the country, the CBSL people will be eligible only for the Speaking to The Sunday Morning Sunday Morning Business, Sampath An official from Bank of Ceylon, extended the SDA facility in December interest rates offered by authorised Business, Treasury Secretary S.R. Bank Senior Deputy General Manager who also spoke on the condition of 2020, stating that the “Government dealers for normal-term deposits of Attygalle confirmed that the total Tharaka Ranawala said that even after anonymity, said that people are making decided to extend the validity period the respective banks. deposits under the SDA facility has the resumption of this service, people deposits; however, after the resumption of opening SDAs up to 7 April 2021, Under these conditions, upon surpassed this amount. “Last month, living abroad have been very keen on Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle of the SDA facility in October 2020, the on the recommendation of the CBSL maturity, such funds are: the SDA roughly had between $ 400 making deposits under this facility, as we have done pretty well, as a lot amount being deposited from people Monetary Board”. i. Freely convertible and repatriable and $ 500 million,” Attygalle noted. they are seeing good returns. of people are enthusiastic about the abroad has slightly reduced. The CBSL added: “Considering the outside Sri Lanka on any future date However, an exact figure for deposits “Even after resumption, which SDAs,” Ranawala concluded. “This time it’s a little bit lower than favourable effects of retaining such ii. Permitted to be transferred into under the SDA facility could not be started in November 2020, we have The Sunday Morning Business last year, but there is a positive impact, foreign exchange within the country, an inward investment account or a obtained, as attempts to reach the had a growth of at least about 15-20% also spoke to a senior official from and there are remittances coming into the Government of Sri Lanka has personal foreign currency account, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) in comparison to the previous figures Commercial Bank of Ceylon, who the country,” the official noted. allowed SDA holders who wish to if the account holder is eligible to in this regard proved futile. between April and October 2020; wished to remain anonymous, who The SDA facility was introduced by keep maturity proceeds of their SDAs open or currently maintain such an In this context, speaking to The hence, by referring to these figures, said that people are now much more the Government on 8 April 2020 to in Sri Lanka beyond the designated account LANKA REALTY’S ACQUISITION OF ON’ALLY Court prohibits Circular saga at CSE dividend declaration zWe didn’t want stocks named or circular issued: SEC BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR A circular issued on 1 February BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR announced that Lanka Realty that have occurred at the time requested information on credit acquired 50.8% (47,244,050 of selling of that particular The Securities Exchange extended by stockbroker firms. Lanka Realty Investments shares) of the issued capital 35%,” Jayawardena added. Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) The information required by PLC (LRI), which acquired a (93,003,087 shares) of the Due to the acquisition had asked the Colombo Stock the CSE included debtors’ controlling stake of On’ally company with the purchase of of 35% within a short Exchange (CSE) neither to name and creditors’ age analyses Holdings PLC in December shares made on 3 December period of time, Renuka had the shares in its widely speculated for specified categories, the last year, has been advised by 2020, at a price of Rs.30.20/- been required to go for a February “circular” nor to send computation of excess of legal authorities to not declare per share. mandatory offer to acquire the request for information in the cost-over-market value for dividends from On’ally’s Meanwhile, in a separate more shareholding, which form of a circular or a direction, unsettled purchase transaction company cash, The Sunday filing, Renuka Capital PLC made them pretty close to The Sunday Morning Business on an individual client basis, Morning Business learnt. announced that it has sold the shareholding of UDA at learns. overdraft position of each client “The company cash of and disposed of 40,754,820 On’ally at that point. On 1 February, issuing a fund and firm fund bank account On’ally has been kept there Ordinary Shares (43.821%) “Thereby the required “circular”, the CSE requested maintained by the stockbroker SEC Chairman Viraj Dayaratne PC CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando for the future development of held by the Company in number of minority stockbroker firms to submit firm, and confirmation of liquid the company. A shareholder On’ally to Lanka Realty at a shareholders dropped from information pertaining to credit brokers accordingly – not (via) “circular” was issued as part of assets less obligations as at the cannot just come and argue value of Rs.30.20 per share on 20% to 5.4%. Once it goes extended by stockbroker firms to a circular and not a direction – CSE’s responsibility to maintain end of each week, commencing to declare dividend from that the Colombo Stock Exchange. beyond 10%, we will be non- a list of six company shares, and the information we generally the market and financial stability. from the week ended 22 January cash. The court has given Before the selling of shares, compliant. Either we will be the CSE had named the shares in collect as part of our supervision. “Therefore, CSE, like any 2021. the relief that the company Renuka Capital was the second out of the shareholding or the same circular which appeared We wanted the CSE to inform regulator, wanted to understand In addition to this, stockbroker cannot disburse its cash to largest shareholder of On’ally. will be required to increase to have created a misperception the brokers. That is a letter we what sort of broker credit firms were also asked to forward dividend,” On’ally Director Before the acquisition by the minority shareholding. over those stocks amongst sent to the CSE, asking them to exposure there is in the market. the reports and analyses of Priyal Jayawardena added. Lanka Realty, Jayawardena At the same time, we were potential investors. inform the brokers – not (via) We asked the brokers to present Browns Investments PLC, However, Jayawardena also stated that the Urban informed about malpractices Speaking to The Sunday a direction or a circular, just a the highest concentration in LOLC Holdings PLC, Expolanka told us that the legal authorities Development Authority and we lodged a complaint Morning Business, SEC letter,” Dayaratne noted. their portfolio. There was Holdings PLC, Industrial have permitted LRI to declare (UDA) had a shareholding with the SEC mentioning that Chairman Viraj Dayaratne PC He added that the CSE, in misperception in the market Asphalts (Ceylon) PLC, Sierra dividends in a normal orderly of about 47% in On’ally and the mandatory offer by Renuka noted that the SEC called for turn, had communicated that to that this was part of the market Cables PLC, BPPL Holdings manner. the Chairman of UDA was at that point was understated necessary information through the brokers and the brokers had volatility,” Fernando added. PLC, and Piramal Glass Ceylon According to Jayawardena, the Chairman of On’ally too. and thereby it has affected the the CSE as onsite supervision has termed this request as a circular When mentioned that the SEC PLC. the direction from legal “The company has been majority shareholder UDA,” been disrupted by the prevailing in which the CSE had called for did not name the stocks when Meanwhile, in a statement authorities come amidst trading in an orderly manner. he added. pandemic. information in addition to what directing the CSE to request issued on Wednesday (3), the CSE Lanka Realty’s attempts In late 2017, Founder As a result, UDA was Dayaratne added that the SEC the SEC wanted while naming information from stockbrokers, noted that the circular it issued on to declare dividends from shareholder of the company, required to go for a share issue calls for reports on a monthly certain stocks. Fernando stated: “We just do not 1 February regarding information recently acquired On’ally’s along with another shareholder which they had already started. basis on various activities of “They have mentioned them do only what the SEC asks us to pertaining to credit extended by total company cash of Rs. 600 had expired. We were made “We said neither UDA stockbrokers and stock dealers. by name and called for some do. CSE was looking at ways to stockbroker firms has not in any million. to understand that most of nor Renuka will participate “As far as stockbrokers are additional information. That was measure some of those exposures, way placed restrictions on the In December last year, the shares of one of these in the share issue because it concerned, we wanted the CSE not part of what we required. That which is why the Monday circular ability of stockbroker firms to Lanka Realty Investments people have been acquired was purely for the benefit of to call for certain reports in the is some additional information the presented a different way to do extend credit on any particular acquired 50.8% of the issued by Renuka Holdings. So both increasing public shareholding. sense that the information we get CSE had wanted and that is what it, so there was no misperception security. The statement further capital of Colombo Stock together, they had about 35% Shares were totally subscribed. on a monthly basis, we asked to they have communicated to the that we were not targeting any noted that the CSE does not have Exchange listed On’ally for of the total holdings of the New shareholders entered to submit on a weekly basis and brokers. This has nothing to do stocks. We clarified our intention. any limitations of any kind on Rs. 1,426,770,310.00 (Rs.1.42 company. We were made to On’ally in which we were some additional information with the SEC,” Dayaratne added. Stock exchange is maintaining the tradability of any security billion). In a stock exchange understand by outside parties okay,” he noted further. on a monthly basis, and we Meanwhile, CSE Chairman the sustainability of the market by any investor. filing On’ally Holdings PLC that there were malpractices Contd. on page 2 wanted the CSE to inform the Dumith Fernando told us that the for the long term.” Contd. on page 2 SEIZING DEFAULTED LEASE ASSETS Leasing companies’ restriction New Sapugaskanda might be extended refinery: Consultancy BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR that they have granted Rs. 84 to be chosen soon billion worth of moratoriums for BY THE SUNDAY MORNING Meanwhile, the Ministry Cabinet of Ministers approved The directive issued for local their customers and the number BUSINESS DESK Secretary K.D.R. Olga a proposal to conduct a leasing companies to temporarily of customers who got benefited told The Sunday Morning feasibility study to determine stop re-possessing defaulted lease from the moratorium was around The Ministry of Energy Business in December the scope as well as technical, assets will be extended further, 64,000. He added that his company is expected to finalise a that competitive bids will operational, and financial depending on the requests from has abided by the circular issued consultancy firm for the be called under the build- feasibility of this proposed the general public, The Sunday by the Central Bank, and even after construction of a new refinery operate-transfer (BOT) basis project. The proposal was Morning Business learns. the expiry of the extension, they at Sapugaskanda in the next for the selection of a suitable submitted by Minister of Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle are not in a hurry to re-possess 3-4 months, with the call for investor for the new refinery. Energy Udaya Gammanpila. told us that currently, the Central defaulted lease assets. application from firms having The investment could be In September, Olga told Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Circular “We keep in touch with the concluded last Tuesday (02). made either by a local or us that the Government No. 11 of 2020 has instructed 2021, and that the Central Bank this,” Attygalle noted. customer. We are managing it Speaking to The Sunday a foreign investor, and the is looking for investors to licensed finance companies and and the Ministry of Finance All our attempts to reach properly. It is the responsibility of Morning Business, project would be a public- construct two oil refineries specialised leasing companies to will consider extending the Central Bank Governor Prof. W.D. the people to settle the payments,” Minister of Energy Udaya private partnership (PPP). in Sri Lanka, with one of extend the debt moratorium to moratorium further if requests Lakshman proved futile, as the Weerakkody added. Gammanpila said that “since The amount of the them being expected to be Covid-19-affected businesses and are directed to the Government Governor was declining our calls Meanwhile, sources at LOLC applications are closed, we investment is yet to be built exclusively for export individuals for a further period of from the general public to do so. on Thursday (4). Holdings noted that the company’s will select the appropriate decided, and Olga stated purposes while the other one six months commencing from 1 “The economy is still recovering, Meanwhile, People’s Leasing leasing arm is expecting to consultation firms, and this that it would be a result of is to fully cater to the local October 2020. so if we get any requests, we will and Finance Chief Manager of re-possess defaulted lease assets process will take between the feasibility study. oil demand. Attygalle noted that this definitely think about it. But it is Recoveries Nandana Weerakkody from April onwards. three-four months”. In November last year, the Contd. on page 2 extension expires on 31 March the Central Bank that should decide told The Sunday Morning Business Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business TOURISM/NEWS Sunday, February 7, 2021 BTS of tourism relaunch campaign BY YAKUTA DAWOOD was set to be launched in September last year but faced delays due to Covid-19. After about 10 months, Sri Lanka The campaign has been in the pipeline for finally opened its borders for five to seven years under two governments international tourism, investment, and has been desperately awaited by the and other bilateral purposes with industry, particularly following the Easter international countries on 21 Sunday attacks and more recently, the January 2021. coronavirus outbreak. In planning this campaign, the SLTDA The country’s tourism came to a halt after has analysed tourism data from the past five the closure of the Bandaranaike International years and segregated the campaign into three Airport, Katunayake (BIA) in March, categories: mature markets, Eastern and following the local outbreak of the Covid-19 Middle Eastern markets, and new markets. virus. Since October, Airport and Aviation The “mature markets” category includes Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. (AASL) and all top tourism-generating markets of Sri the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka Lanka such as Germany, the UK, France, (CAA) were preparing to receive passengers India, and China. The campaign is expected that were to arrive for leisure purposes. to increase arrivals from these countries However, due to the recent “second wave” by 25%. The “Eastern and Middle Eastern of the virus, which began on 4 October with markets” category includes countries such as the detection of the Minuwangoda cluster, Australia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates the tourism sector was again on hold. (UAE), and other countries in the region, The long-awaited global advertising while the “new markets” category includes campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism under the the US, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, “So Sri Lanka” tagline was launched prior and Spain. to the opening of airports on all social media The SLTDA will appoint destination by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau representation agencies for the mature (SLTPB) on 22 January 2021. airlines, investors, governments, and of Lankan Government in order to ensure and to all international tourists, according to and Eastern and Middle Eastern market Speaking to The Sunday Morning course international travellers.” facilitate the needs and wants of the tourists. AASL Chairman (Retd.) Maj. Gen. G.A. segments. These agencies will conduct Business, Wunderman Thompson Chief The tone of the film was modern and Chandrasiri. digital tourism marketing activities and Executive Officer (CEO) Alyna Omar said upbeat, and was aimed at portraying Sri Background of ‘So Sri Lanka’ Speaking to The Sunday Morning public relations (PR) campaigns in the that two films were created prior to the Lanka’s ambition, heritage, pride, power, The tagline was conceived by advertising Business, Chandrasiri said that the flights Eastern and Middle Eastern markets, reopening of Sri Lanka. “Both films have people, places, and personality. “The film is agency J. Walter Thompson (JWT). This operating include SriLankan Airlines, while in the mature markets, in addition to been created using existing footage due to unapologetically optimistic and celebrates was selected by a three-member expert Qatar Airways, China Airways, Singapore this, they will also conduct above the line travel and other restrictions imposed as a the resilient Sri Lankan spirit,” Omar shared. committee chaired by Dilmah Founder Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Ukraine (ATL) and below the line (BTL) marketing result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Omar Furthermore, the second film launched Merrill J. Fernando, Hemas Group Leisure International Airlines, Oman Air, Emirates, campaigns. added. by So Sri Lanka is the longer 2.5-minute Sector Head Abbas Esufally, and Leo Lot Polish Airlines, and others. Tourism marketing for new markets will According to Omar, the primary film which was specifically targeted only at Burnett Sri Lanka Former Managing “Several private airlines are requesting be conducted by PR agencies that would contributor of footage was SriLankan tourists. Director Ranil de Silva. to operate flights to Sri Lanka, and we are showcase PR activities to attract tourists Airlines, which had invested strategically “It is a purely destination-based film Previously, the tagline was titled “Wonder encouraging them to come and do so,” from those respective markets. in high-quality international standard that speaks of our culture, our history, of Asia”. The “So Sri Lanka” tagline was Chandrasiri added. footage. “This is so important in this era of our beauty, our faiths, our stories, our launched at the World Travel Market In this context, Minister of Tourism Conclusion video-first digital communication,” stated communities, who we are as people – our (WTM) London 2019, along with the Prasanna Ranatunga said prior to the Tourism in Sri Lanka will increase when Omar. Additionally, apart from Sri Lanka way of life, how we think, how we feel, and unveiling of Sri Lanka’s brand identity and pandemic, about 80 airlines were operating our planet bounces back to the normal which Tourism’s own archive, other contributors most importantly, this film showcases our logo to kick off the destination branding to and from Sri Lanka. However, it might existed before the Covid-19 pandemic. Until of footage include the Sri Lanka Tea Board, outer beauty while it speaks for the depth campaign. take a couple of months to get those airlines then, Sri Lanka will continuously fight to Lovi Ceylon, and Sonali Dharmawardena. and breadth of our unique consciousness and Former Sri Lanka Tourism Development back on board. As of now, “a total of 35 keep everything in check, including health our way of life,” Omar emphasised. Authority Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka in airlines have expressed their willingness to and other essential measures as required. Campaign films The measure taken to create these films 2018 commented that the purpose of this operate flights”, Ranatunga added. In this context, Omar stated that our The first film launched by “So Sri Lanka” is to enhance promotional campaigns which campaign was to focus on authenticity. Furthermore, according to Sri Lanka national character is one that we should was titled “Sri Lanka is ready for you”. The could help tourists to evaluate the tourism “People are looking for authentic Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Acting embrace if we are to move forward; it is purpose behind its message was to state to product of Sri Lanka. The importance of experiences. They are not looking for Marketing Director and Director of Public also one to leverage if we want to develop global audiences that Sri Lanka is ready such videos is that when campaign videos clinical, Singapore-style experiences Relations Madubhani Perera, a total of industry and enterprise and it is one to and open – for travel, investment, new are circulated through social media, people anymore. ‘So Sri Lanka’, from that 1,700 tourist arrivals were recorded during celebrate if we are to develop deeper ideas, progress, and innovation. It spoke of living abroad would be encouraged and perspective, works. For example, you can the period from 25 December 2020 to 24 awareness and clarity. a modern Sri Lanka, proud of its ancient persuaded to visit the country as soon as even use it in a bad situation; when the January 2021, along with a group of German “Our love of family, our love of tradition, heritage, with an abundance of natural possible. train gets late we say it’s so Sri Lanka,” travellers. our love of conversation, our love of beauty, strategically re-emerging to win in a Another reason is that when these videos Ratnayaka added. celebration, our love of music, our love of post-pandemic world. are circulated, it reminds international What’s next? relationships, our love of turning strangers Commenting on this video, Omar said: travellers that Sri Lanka is a destination Tourism update Sri Lanka is also preparing its global into friends, and our love of storytelling are “We were targeting a diverse audience that could be visited during this Covid- As of 31 January 2021, a total of 23 tourism campaign which is expected to what make us legendary for our hospitality. ranging from the wider tourism/hospitality 19 pandemic period due to the safety and flights are currently operating to and from kick off this year. The long-awaited global This is what makes us ‘So Sri Lanka’!” trade both in Sri Lanka and other countries; precautionary measures taken by the Sri Sri Lanka since the opening of the borders advertising campaign for Sri Lanka Tourism Omar said in conclusion.

Contd. from page 1

seizure of vehicles until further notice. new refinery on the same premises, the Piramal Glass records Court prohibits... Meanwhile, on 12 June last year, MP country could refine about 100,000 barrels “One of the shareholders who had Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC said that per day and successfully accommodate valued the share at the mandatory offer Parliament will take up the matter of forced 100% of the national requirement . Rs. 5.9 m turnover has purchased from the market the shares, seizure of vehicles by leasing companies. The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery is the and it was one of the directors of Renuka. “Seizing vehicles using thugs and the single largest refinery in Sri Lanka, built z In the last three quarters of 2020 We felt at that time that this is a private underworld must be brought to an end. by Iran under the guidance of the CPC in transaction that will affect the minority We hope to talk to the President and the August 1969. The refinery was initially Piramal Glass Ceylon the company is said to be Glass (Pvt.) Ltd. (formerly shareholdings. We raised this at the board Prime Minister, and bring amendments in designed to process 38,000 barrels per PLC (PCG) reported its optimistic of recovering known as Pristine level. Suddenly, Lanka Realty acquired the next Parliament, making it mandatory stream per day of Iranian Upper Zakum nine-month results as at the deferred export sales Glass [Pvt.] Ltd.) is a Renuka’s On’ally shares.” that leasing companies obtain a court order crude oil and Arabian light crude oil. Only 31 December 2020, with a in Q4 once the situation is private limited company Meanwhile, Lanka Realty Joint before they seize vehicles of payment these oils match the technical specifications turnover of Rs. 5.9 million normalised. incorporated under the Managing Director Hardy told The Sunday defaulters,” Dr. Rajapakshe added. of the refinery, and processing other types and profit after tax (PAT) Explaining the laws of the Republic of Morning Business that UDA was never a of oils requires modern technology that the of Rs. 694 million, against company’s export strategy, India. majority of On’ally. refinery lacks. Rs. 5.8 million and Rs. 330 PCG Executive Director Piramal Glass Ceylon “They already went to court to prevent Circular... The over-50-year-old refinery, in its million in the previous year and COO Sanjay Jain (formerly Ceylon Glass our AGM from being held after exercising The statement further noted that the early years, refined about 50,000 barrels during the similar period. said that as a part of their Company) is a glass bottle our right as shareholders, and the court request for information was done routinely per day, producing a mix of diesel, The company reported a strategy, the company manufacturing plant in didn’t give any of that. We got appointed to to enable the SEC and the CSE to better kerosene, gasoline, furnace oil, and growth of 2% in revenue continues to make inroads Sri Lanka. It had the the board, we are the majority shareholders, understand the nature of such credit naphtha. The complex has five oil tanks of with 110% growth in PAT. to new international opportunity of coming we have a 50.8% mandatory offer today. extended, purely for purposes of analysing 40,000 MT capacity in a 165-acre land in The domestic sales during markets with product under the Piramal Group We bought from six different people from and assessing systemic risks in fulfilling Sapugaskanda. the period market grew by launches. in 1999. Presently located the market to get the majority, Renuka its functions to maintain the stability of the According to the CPC trade union, in 6% from Rs. 3.98 million This quarter witnessed in Horana, it has been in holdings never had the majority either. market and for the protection of investors, 2002, the estimated cost to refurbish the to Rs. 4.17 million whilst a new launches in Australia, existence for 65 years. We are a property development company and not to single out any specific entity refinery was $ 18 million, but now it would marginal drop was seen in India, Angola, the UK, The company, originally and that’s where our expertise is. This is or investor. The CSE further added that it cost around $ 69 million. Nevertheless, the the export market from Rs. and Rwanda. The strategy located in Ratmalana, a 30+ year old property and we think that welcomes the recent heightened activity Ministry is looking at ways to revive the 1.850 million in F20 to Rs. to expand and innovate in was relocated to Horana we can add a lot of value to the asset. We levels of the stock market and is acutely old Sapugaskanda refinery too. 1.78 million in F21. new product development in 2007 as a Board of are delighted to work closely with the aware of its responsibilities in supporting Last year, the then-Government During the quarter and increased global Investment (BOI) venture. UDA and to ensure that the government the medium and long-term sustainability of announced plans to construct an oil (Q3) under review, footprint has helped the PGC at its manufacturing makes it more valuable than what is today,” all market participants. refinery complex in the Mirijjawila Export revenue of Rs. 2.4 million company to mitigate facility has the capability Jamaldeen added. Processing Zone via a foreign direct was achieved against demand fluctuations in its to offer glass containers investment (FDI) of $ 3.85 billion from Rs. 2.3 million of the existing markets due to the in different shapes and New Oman and Singapore. The Singaporean corresponding period pandemic situation. colours for multiple Leasing investor was Silver Park International (Pvt.) during the previous year. For the quarter under industries such as food, Sapugaskanda... Ltd. and from Oman, it was the Sultanate of The company reported a review, the gross margin liquor, pharmaceuticals, companies’... Hambantota was confirmed as the the Oman Ministry of Oil and Gas. profit after tax of Rs. 378 increased from 23% to agrochemicals, and soft In June last year, President Gotabaya location of the refinery that would be built The project created controversy regarding million for the quarter 27% compared with the drinks. Rajapaksa instructed the Police to prevent for export purposes, while a refinery was the legitimacy of the investor. At that point, against Rs. 236 million of similar period of the The Piramal Group leasing companies from seizing three- planned to be built on the premises of the Transparency International Sri Lanka the corresponding quarter previous year, whilst for led by Ajay G. Piramal wheelers under the Government’s relief Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, to cater to local (TISL) stated that Silver Park International in the previous year, the period of nine months is claimed to be one scheme. He said that leasing companies demand. This new refinery is expected to was a company controlled by the family of reflecting a growth of 60%. ended 31 December 2020 of India’s foremost must follow the 116/2020 Circular issued be larger than the existing Sapugaskanda Tamil Nadu politician and former Indian The sales to the domestic the gross profit margin business conglomerates. on 23 March, announcing that charging refinery. Union Minister Dr. S. Jagathrakshakan, market grew by 12% has increased from 20% to Furthermore, the Piramal instalments from three-wheeler owners Following the General Election in August whose business interests have previously from Rs. 1.5 million to 22%. Group has a presence in should be suspended for six months. this year, the Ministry advised state-owned been implicated by Indian authorities and Rs. 1.6 million. In the Piramal Glass (Pvt.) healthcare, drug discovery The President pointed out that the process Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to the media in several alleged corruption export segment the sales Ltd., the controlling and research, glass, real of forcefully seizing vehicles of payment find potential investors to undertake these scandals. declined by 10% with shareholder of the estate, and financial defaulters was illegal, adding that currently projects as a PPP. The estimated cost of the Even though then-Prime Minister Ranil Rs. 722 million against company, entered into a services. The Piramal leasing companies forcefully seize vehicles Hambantota project is $ 2.5 billion. Wickremesinghe laid the foundation Rs. 803 million in the share sale and purchase Group also pursues of payment defaulters and then lodge a According to the Ministry of Energy, stone to construct the first oil refinery in corresponding period agreement dated 10 sustained community complaint with the Police. He said the the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery refines Mirijjawila, Hambantota, on 24 March last year, mainly due December 2020 for the activities in healthcare, Police is not informed before the seizure. about 65,000 barrels per month, which last year, without signing a land lease to restricted options to sale of its shareholding education, emergency Hence, the President instructed the Police caters to less than 20% of the national oil agreement, the project was ultimately countries like Australia, the in the company to PGP medical services, and not to accept complaints lodged following requirement. Upon the construction of the abandoned. US, and India. However, Glass (Pvt.) Ltd. PGP heritage restoration. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, February 7, 2021 VIEWS/ECONOMY

By states that countries with high economic freedom are more likely Dhananath to prosper. The quality of life in Fernando these countries is evidently much better than countries with low The lockdowns amidst the economic freedom. If we wish to pandemic left all of us with be free and independent, we have ample time to explore new to prioritise economic freedom. Sri Lanka has to implement avenues in life. A friend reforms that ensure people’s of mine, excited to learn, ability to do business with ease, enrolled himself in a bunch voluntarily without any barriers. of online lessons with the We have to strive towards attaining motive of productively a small government. The legal utilising this time. However, system and property rights have to as time progressed, he got be strong. People should be able too lazy to keep up with the to resolve their court cases faster lessons and succumbed to and with improved efficiency. the comforts of his home. Sri Lankans should be given the He watched television, read right of ownership to their land and property especially on what novels, and baked way too they wish to do and grow on these many cupcakes. He did lands. everything except follow Sri Lanka’s monetary system through with his lessons, all has to be stronger. We should have the while feeling immensely sound money where people do not guilty for failing to do so. lose the value of money in hand, due to the use of a bad monetary Every independence day, I can’t policy. When the value of money help but draw parallels between depreciates (from inflation), it is my friend and my motherland. the poor who lose their freedom We, Sri Lankans, are quick to to buy what they want. Vulnerable celebrate independence with much sections of Sri Lanka are definitely excitement, just like my friend was the most affected. Inflation is the to learn, but we fail to actually do Independence Day parade unkindest tax of all as the poor the hard work to follow through PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE have no defence against it. with the initial commitment. We Our businesses should have the are quick to identify that learning freedom to trade internationally is vital and even advocate for and barriers to trade have to be education. However, we lack removed. Sri Lankans should initiative. Similarly, we proudly not pay about 80% on their celebrate the British leaving us tiny bathroom tiles or 300% for but have failed to do the work to the vehicles they use as taxes. achieve freedom in real terms. Celebrating all They should be given access Sri Lanka has to implement to trade internationally without reforms that ensure people’s any barriers. A minimum and ability to do business with appropriate regulatory environment ease, voluntarily without any is fundamental if we Sri Lankans barriers. We have to strive wish to enjoy real freedom. towards attaining a small Currently, to register a sole government. The legal system proprietorship or a partnership, a the wrong things library of documents have to be and property rights have to be strong submitted to authorities. It takes z weeks for these documents to As a result, over the years, Sri There can be no independence without economic freedom process when it should be a matter Lanka has only achieved certain excessively reactive rather than through consistent import and very little to reform the island’s Lankans celebrate poor policy of a few minutes. The Government elements of independence and being proactive. Similar to export restrictions as highlighted myriad transport, traffic, and land measures as victories and fail to should not hinder the growth and democracy. Economic freedom my friend who celebrated the by this column on numerous use issues. embark on proactive actions that development of our own people remains an enigma up to date. opportunity he had to learn but occasions. Recently, we celebrated cause real change. and their businesses. Whether our fellow Sri Lankans failed to follow through with We spent way too much time withdrawing from signing a On last year's Independence Day, have the ability to engage in it, we too continue to celebrate debating the Millennium Challenge Memorandum of Understanding What causes real change? President Gotabaya Rajapaksa business and trade with each other independence in its literal terms. Corporation (MCC) Compact (MoU), foregoing much-needed Instead of celebrating policy stated that he wants to remove voluntarily has become a serious To put things into perspective, let’s for more than two years and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) measures that stunt Sri Lanka’s regulatory barriers at all levels. question. 80% of our land is owned take a look at Sri Lanka’s economic eventually celebrated not signing for the development of the East growth, we have to work towards A few weeks ago, he appointed a by the Government. People have to incidents in the recent past. the agreement. The agreement Container Terminal (ECT). The establishing economic freedom committee to evaluate unnecessary wait in long lines and oil the palms We signed a Free Trade could have helped Sri Lanka development here had already been and initiate important but hard regulation for businesses. of bureaucrats with discretionary Agreement (FTA) with Singapore enhance her land use and improve delayed by more than five years. reforms. What we should celebrate, The Economic Freedom of the powers to obtain a licence to and went against our own terms transport and traffic. It is clear the Do we have a plan for the ECT’s however, is the implementation and World Index compiled by the cultivate a crop they think is best to and celebrated the “victory”. Since issue was politicised. However, we development? Have we thought impact of progressive policies. Fraser Institute is a good indication earn a living. then, we have done very little to could have informed the donors of competitive bidding? Do we The Economic Freedom of the of whether a country is moving Whether our fellow Sri Lankans enhance Sri Lanka’s involvement as to why we opted not to sign the have a better cost structure to World Index by the Fraser Institute in the right direction in terms of can make economic decisions in global trade. Instead, we agreement before they directed implement investments on strategic economic freedom. I wish and for the betterment of themselves continue to hamper the island’s the funds elsewhere. Even without assets? Sadly, the answer is “no”, Rankings of the Economic Freedom of pray that we celebrate actions and and their children is a question economic growth and development the MCC Compact, we have done yet again. It is clear that we Sri the World Index – Sri Lanka reforms taken to improve economic which still remains unanswered. Year Summary rank freedom instead of celebrating the Sri Lanka Ratings Yet, we opt to proudly celebrate 1980 55 wrong forms of independence. “independence” with minimal Year 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2015 2018 1990 57 If we fail to initiate hard reform comprehension of the true essence and establish economic freedom, Size of Government (out of 10 marks) 5.93 7.79 7.82 7.79 7.47 7.99 8.76 2000 74 of freedom. I fail to see a big we will continue to celebrate Legal system and property rights (out of 10 marks) 5.31 5.52 4.79 4.69 4.89 5.06 5.09 2005 96 difference between my friend Sound money (out of 10 marks) 5.47 5.5 6.74 6.13 6.55 8.13 8.08 independence for the wrong and this popular uninformed 2010 101 reasons. Then Sri Lanka’s “patriotism”. Freedom to trade internationally (out of 10 marks) 3.67 2.98 6.5 6.75 6.74 5.53 5.44 2015 93 prospects would be the same as my Over the years, we have been Regulation (out of 10 marks) 5.57 6.02 6.52 6.25 6.65 6.87 7.02 2018 83 friend who makes no progress.

Tile import ban U-turn after CSE fall CCPI-based BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR P. M. Jayasekera said that the imports inflation decreases ban, which included tiles and related Following a U-Turn made by the accessories, is expected to have a positive in January Government with regard to the stringent effect on the company’s operations in the Headline inflation, as Moreover, monthly import ban imposed on ceramic imports medium term. measured by the year-on- changes of food and into the country, share prices of ceramic Speaking to The Morning Business, year (YoY) change in the non-food categories at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) local ceramic manufacturer Mackson Colombo Consumer Price were recorded at 0.29% closed trading on Wednesday (3) in green. Tiles Lanka Managing Director Mohamed Index (CCPI, 2013=100)1 and 0.22%, respectively, Ceramic stocks dropped by double digit Mizver following the relaxation of the ban decreased to 3% in in January 2021. percentages on Tuesday (2) following the on Tuesday (2) welcomed the move, and January 2021 from 4.2% Accordingly, within the Government’s decision to relax the import added that local manufacturers can only in December 2020. This food category, prices of ban imposed on ceramic imports last year, cater to about 50-60% of the country’s was due to the statistical red onion, coconut, and however, the Government swiftly revised ceramic requirements. effect of the high base sea fish increased in the decision on Wednesday. further notice. Nevertheless, after the announcement “The Government told us earlier that prevailing during January January 2021. However, On Tuesday (2) Prime Minister Mahinda As the Extraordinary Gazette issued made by the Department of Import and they want to enhance the local production 2020. the price of big onions Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Minister by Premier and Minister of Finance Export control in the early hours of of tiles. We have ordered new machinery Meanwhile, food recorded a decline during of Finance, issuing a gazette notification Rajapakse became void within 24 hours Wednesday (3), aforementioned shares to increase the production capacity. inflation (YoY) decreased the month. “deleted” the ceramic items from “Schedule by an instructure issued by the controller recorded gain compared to the previous The problem in the tile industry is the to 6.8% in January 2021 Meanwhile, prices I” of the Imports and Exports (Control) general of Department of Import and day. Lanka Walltiles share price grew by production cannot be increased at a from 9.2% in December of items in the non- Regulation No. 04 of 2020, published in Export control, sources stated that it 6.88% and closed at Rs. 237 while Royal rapid phase because the machinery is a 2020. Furthermore, non- food category recorded the Gazette Extraordinary No. 21841/21 could be an indication of a growing rift Ceramics grew by 4.85% to close at Rs. bit complicated and it has to come from food inflation (YoY) an increase during the dated 16 July 2020, and included them in between Premier Rajapaksa and President 335.25. Lanka Tiles’ share price grew Italy which will take at least about 5-6 decreased to 1.4% in month mainly due to “Schedule II” of said Gazette. Schedule Rajapaksa. by 4.02% and closed the day at Rs. 233 months until we get the machinery installed January 2021 from 2% price increases observed II stipulates that items can be imported On the same day of the announcement per share. and start the production. Ceramic prices in December 2020. The in the health (payments only on a minimum 180-day credit facility of import ban relaxation, the share price Lanka Walltiles is the market leader in in the local market will stabilise now,” change in the CCPI to private hospitals) provided by the foreign supplier, from the of Lanka Tiles PLC dropped by 19.93% wall tile manufacturing in Sri Lanka and added Mizver. measured on an annual sub-category. The core date of Bill of Lading or Airway Bill of compared to Monday (1) and closed at has the capacity to produce 2.3 million To avoid a possible foreign exchange average basis decreased inflation (YoY), which said goods. Rs. 224. Meanwhile Lanka Walltiles square metres of tiles annually, and exports crisis, in mid-March last year, at the to 4.3% in January 2021 reflects the underlying However, within a few hours after PLC dropped by 19.87% on Tuesday (2) to a number of countries. In May 2020, beginning of the local spread of the virus, from 4.6% in December inflation in the economy, relaxing stringent import restrictions compared to the previous day and closed Lanka Walltiles stated that it believes the Sri Lankan Government brought 2020. Monthly change decreased to 2.7% in imposed on ceramic imports through the at Rs. 221.75. Royal Ceramics Lanka the restrictions imposed on imports, if in import restrictions on non-essential of CCPI was recorded at January 2021 from Extraordinary Gazette Notification, an PLC share prices dropped by 16.51% persisted by the Government, will serve items. However, on 1 April 2020, this 0.51% in January 2021. 3.5% in December 2020. instruction was issued by the Department compared to the previous day and closed to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 was revised to include all import items This was due to price However, annual average of Import and Export Control Department at Rs. 319.75. It should be noted that Sri pandemic on its business. except pharmaceuticals and fuel. Despite increases observed in core inflation remained for Sri Lanka Customs and all commercial Lankan entrepreneur Dhammika Perera is In a disclosure to the Colombo Stock the restriction, necessary raw material items of both food and unchanged at 3.1% in banks to suspend the implementation the Chairman of all three aforementioned Exchange (CSE) in May 2020, Lanka required for export purposes were allowed non-food categories. January 2021. of the said Extraordinary Gazette until companies. Walltiles PLC Managing Director J. A. to be brought into the country. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/INSIGHT Sunday, February 7, 2021

If indeed the priority of the Government is, as stated, to attract foreign direct investment instead of borrowing to escape its Not the time for confusion economic woes, then it must immediately embrace a While it is the prerogative of the by the stock market regulators, Heads must roll if they must. But productive and have been serial more transparent and firm new Government to renegotiate corrected shortly thereafter. Such things must be put right before loss making institutions for years. stance in facilitating such terms or exit such an agreement events give rise to negative publicity we reach a point of no return. We must remain pragmatic in investment. The events of for the right reasons, the eventual and confusion in a market that can Businesses cannot function managing their futures; private submission of this Government to ill afford either. within a milieu of mixed signals investment cannot be considered the past week are hardly the demands of trade unions and Some of these hasty and confusion; the economy only in the light of inward-looking, an encouragement for the extreme elements within itself is announcements and equally needs to plan its way forward nationalistic opinion if it results in few investors willing to far from an encouragement to those hasty retreats smack of a lack post-pandemic, and the only progress being held hostage. direct their investments to strategic investments that are both of engagement of stakeholders way is through the facilitation Sri Lanka has enough problems Sri Lanka over competing necessary and scarce. and an absence of two-way of increased investment. A on its hands – there is a pandemic to THE nations in the region. The mixed signals and bungling communication. Conversations conducive environment is a salient manage, a debt crisis amid ratings HEADLIGHT that has of late been the trend in between those making policy and requirement and clarity of strategic downgrades, and looming human Both India and Japan have economic management must be those impacted by such policy are direction is critical. rights sessions at the UNHRC amid of authority prioritised prudence and rightfully taken umbrage at arrested forthwith. Two of the more imperative, and should be seen as Protecting state assets merely for diplomatic strains. This is not the spoke with consonance. Every little the unilateral decision by the recent examples of this were the non-negotiable. Consulting the ideological reasons won’t save us time for clumsy decision making misstep erodes investor confidence, Government to withdraw from the gazette extraordinary (rescinded one right stakeholders at the right time from the economic quagmire we and confusion over mixed messages. and Sri Lanka must repair its image 2019 tripartite agreement pertaining day later) lifting import restrictions would save time, money, and face. are in. Our state-owned enterprises It is time the President took charge, and its offering to attract the right to the East Container Terminal. on tiles, and a flawed circular issued Someone needs to take charge. include plenty that are far from and insisted that those in positions investments. Another episode of the plastic ban? BY YAKUTA DAWOOD down the essential manufacturing products for HDPE bags in 2008 under the from our international supplier,” the official Environment Conservation Levy Act No. As we are well aware, the Ministry of said. 26 of 2008. However, it was abandoned Environment has taken a firm decision When inquired whether the prices will go after a Supreme Court (SC) order was in regard to the imposition of the ban above the current selling rate, the official issued against charging Rs. 2 for a plastic on sachet packets, inflatable toys, and said: “Plastic is inexpensive; however, the bag. cotton buds with plastic stems. According alternative for cotton buds would be paper Later on, former President Sirisena to the extraordinary gazette, the ban is or wood, which generally has a higher introduced a set of regulations in 2017 scheduled to be implemented with effect price than plastic. As such, the prices will to stop the use of HDPE bags, lunch from 1 April 2021, according to the Central definitely go up as the cost of production of sheets, and polystyrene boxes. Gazette Environmental Authority (CEA) which will the industry would go up.” Notification No. 2034/33, dated 1 be acting as the regulator. September 2017, was issued under the Responding to a question raised with Consumer National Environmental Act for the regard to suggested alternatives, CEA Speaking to The Sunday Morning prohibition of the manufacture and sale Waste Management Division Director Business, author and public policy of polythene and related products. This Sarojini Jayasekara, speaking to The specialist Thisuri Wanniarachchi said measure prohibited the manufacture of Sunday Morning Business, said: “The that due to this new ban, the negative polythene or any polythene product of immediate alternative for the sachet ban, externalities of this decision outweighs the 20 microns or below in thickness for as communicated to us, is that brands that positive externalities for consumers. in-country use or sale, offer for sale, keep their product packaging or bottling Explaining further, Wanniarachchi said offer free of charge, exhibition, or use of to 100 g or 100 ml is to completely that due to the inflation rate (NCPI) of polythene or any polythene product which discontinue the production of sachet- 4.6% as of January 2021, which has risen is 20 microns or below in thickness within type packages that are used to market in comparison to 1.9% in January 2019, the country. personal care products such as shampoos, more and more people are struggling to put conditioners, hairstyling gels, lotions, and at the same price per gram should be and other relevant stakeholders to food on the table. creams that are below the quantity of 20 g introduced – but with the same price level, implement sustainable solutions that “Working families, especially daily wage or 20 ml.” or else, if it’s not practical, a 5% tax per mitigate any environmental impacts in the earners, are unable to bulk-buy essentials We are absolutely supportive of this Commenting further, Jayasekara said the unit of sachet could be implemented,” he country. and thus rely on budget packs and sachets direction and we are fully behind it, CEA will allow companies to phase out the added. Consumers to make ends meet. In this context, the ban but where we struggle is the process of products currently in the market and look at When contacted by The Sunday Morning on single-use plastic sachets is a double it being executed, as matters regarding implementing a monitoring mechanism as Business, Unilever Sri Lanka Spokesperson According to him, there will be whammy on low-income households,” providing adequate time have not been to whether the brands continue to introduce Johann Munaweera noted that Unilever Sri more than one entity affected by the Wanniarachchi noted. addressed by the Government such packaging after 1 April 2021. Lanka is committed to the Government’s implementation of this ban. “Some of Adding to the sentiments, Wanniarachchi Hemas Holdings Ltd. FMCG Managing In consideration of this gazette, let us objective of reducing plastic pollution. In the low-income earners would find it said that most multinational corporations Director Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne discuss how this is going to impact leading this regard, the organisation is “reducing less interesting, less attractive, and less that produce these sachets such as milk companies and consumers in Sri Lanka. virgin plastic content on the one hand and affordable, so they will alter their lifestyle powder do so at little to no profit. using reusable, recyclable, or compostable where they will probably consume less of “While I was Lead Analyst of the Additionally, Gazette Notification Corporates elements in our packaging on the other, what they desire to spend that money for Ministry of Economic Reform, I had to No. 2034/34, dated 1 September 2017, Speaking to The Sunday Morning while also, aiming to collect more plastic the increased price of essential products; negotiate with multiple corporations when prohibited the manufacture to produce food Business, Hemas Holdings Ltd. FMCG than we sell”. for example, they will stop purchasing putting together price formulae for essential wrappers from polythene as a raw material Managing Director Sriyan de Silva Munaweera also pointed out that most books to purchase a shampoo product.” commodities. During these negotiations, I for in-country use, and the sale, offer for Wijeyeratne said that Hemas would be of Unilever Sri Lanka’s brands contain learned that most multinational companies sale, offer free of charge, exhibition, or asking for an extension since the company recyclable packaging, as a result of a Industry are happy to discontinue these budget use of food wrappers manufactured from already has many products that are strategy implemented over the last two years Wijeyeratne said that in terms of packs and sometimes even use it as a polythene as a raw material within the currently in the manufacturing process, to significantly reduce the amount of plastic an industry or a manufacturing plant threat when we push them to optimise their country. For the purposes of this order, materials coming down from abroad, and used in packaging. Another mitigation producing these items, the impact could costing,” she explained. “food wrappers” means lunch sheets; products already on shelves. strategy the organisation uses is to collect be much drastic and this is due to the She said she personally believes that “polythene” includes HDPE, low-density “We are absolutely supportive of this more plastic than it sells. To this end, it has adverse impact which will be present after the best way to clean our environment polyethylene, and polypropylene. direction and we are fully behind it, but partnered with a growing network of local an increase in the price level of essential and protect the planet from the climate Furthermore, Gazette Notification No. where we struggle is the process of it being councils to collect plastic waste. products. crisis is by redistributing wealth through 2034/35, issued in September 2017, also executed, as matters regarding providing “When prices rise, the quantum of progressive taxation. banned the manufacture of any HDPE bag adequate time have not been addressed demand will go down. We must definitely Wanniarachchi said that due to climate as a raw material for in-country use, and by the Government. Hence, an extension approach the environmental issue; it is an injustice, the disproportionately high sale, offer for sale, offer free of charge, would be requested to meet our solutions,” Working families, especially daily absolute must, but we must also balance impact of climate change is faced by exhibition, or use of any bag manufactured Wijeyeratne said. wage earners, are unable to bulk-buy the interest of consumers in regard to poor families, and the general public at from HDPE as a raw material within the When inquired about what would essentials and thus rely on budget packs supporting them with what they demand,” large is to bear the burden of bearing country. be the alternatives for sachet packets and sachets to make ends meet. In this he emphasised. environmental damage caused by economic In addition to these, some others include that are currently being produced at context, the ban on single-use plastic Giving the concluding remark, activities. Gazette Notification No. 2034/36 issued Hemas Holdings, Wijeyeratne said that sachets is a double whammy on low- Wijeyeratne urged the Government to “This would mean that we have tax in September 2017 that prohibited open if all players are given the same set of income households not take decisions that will impact the corporations to disincentivise pollution burning of refuse and other combustible guidelines, adequate time, and other related Author and public policy specialist dynamics of the industry. “For instance, and refunnel that tax income generated matters inclusive of plastics; Gazette regulations, then the entire industry could Thisuri Wanniarachchi the decision should not be made to make to fund effective green solutions to Notification No. 2034/37 issued in readjust for alternatives. one competitor better than the other, the environmental problems we face,” September 2017 that prohibited the use of Elaborating further, Wijeyeratne said but it should be a level playing field for Wanniarachchi said. all forms of polyethylene, polypropylene, that different packaging size options can be It has also enlisted the support of retail everyone,” he added. “I find it amusing that we always choose polyethylene products, or polypropylene considered in terms of alternatives for the partners and its network of door-to-door to put the blame of our national problems products as decoration in political, social, entire industry; for instance, increased size entrepreneurs to collect plastic waste at Background on sachets on the poor, although most of them are religious, national, cultural, or any other of the packaging and the different form of trade points, while functioning a mega- The concept of sachets was introduced caused by actions and a lack of action by event or occasion; and Gazette Notification larger packaging, biodegradable packaging, collection mechanism to extract waste by FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) the wealthy and powerful. It’s time we No. 2034/38 issued in September 2017 that etc. However, he said that some of these disposed of in natural reserves. market players on the basis of affordability built a more equitable society and made Sri banned the manufacture of food containers, options are very expensive for consumers and as a measure of resource allocation. Lanka a more livable place for all, not just plates, cups, and spoons from expanded to pay, thereby bringing the question of A circular economy Someone who cannot afford a full bottle of the wealthy,” Wanniarachchi concluded. polystyrene for in-country use, and the willingness to purchase, considering these “In terms of single use plastics, what we shampoo or any other equivalent product sale, offer for sale, offer free of charge, options. believe would create a viable and lasting can use a sachet as a one-time usable Initial attempts to ban plastic exhibition, or use of food containers, plates, “Unfortunately in Sri Lanka, there is impact to Sri Lanka are sustainable solutions product based on the requirement. The first attempt to regulate plastic use in cups, and spoons manufactured from little appetite from consumers for the aligned to the principles of a circular A good reason why sachets are currently Sri Lanka came in 1994 during the period expanded polystyrene within the country. willingness of something environmentally economy. The solutions should take into predominantly available in the trade is Srimani Athulathmudali was the Minister However, none of these attempts made effective, as we still don’t have that trend consideration the right technology, engage that it is a cheaper alternative that can of Environment. The proposal to ban high- a significant impact on plastic pollution in coming in yet. Hence, this has to be done all partners across the value chain, and look be afforded by anyone including low- density polyethylene (HDPE) bags, along Sri Lanka. This is mainly due to the lack through the regulation,” Wijeyeratne added. for long-term strategies that can sustain a income families. The advantage from the with several guidelines with less than 20 of an effective enforcement mechanism by flourishing economy, whilst preserving our manufacturer’s end is that by using sachets, microns in thickness, was put forward. governmental agencies including the CEA. Impact environment,” elaborated Munaweera. it helps allocate raw materials effectively This, however, has not been implemented The solution to this problem is When questioned regarding how Hemas “A circular economy for plastics and allow them to reach the market to date. twofold: Firstly, having a firm, timely, Holdings will cater to lower-income would also help the economy advance by efficiently. In January 2007, a ban was imposed by and realistic decision for all corporates families in terms of providing essential generating opportunities for livelihoods, In light of this, we spoke to a plastic former President Maithripala Sirisena who and manufactures in Sri Lanka with one sachet packets, he said the decision technology, and investments around cotton bud company that would be was the Minister of Environment at that regulation after considering the concerns taken by the Government definitely plastic waste management, such as waste subjected to this ban within the time time. Under Section 23W of the National issued by them; and secondly, for the has consequences. Therefore, if the collection, segregation, processing, frame given by the Government. A senior Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, Gazette government to start informing the people Government wants the lower-income recycling, re-use, and waste to energy company official, who wished to remain Notification No. 1466/5 was issued in a regular basis on this plastic ban issue people to still access these products for the conversion of non-recyclable waste. It anonymous, told The Sunday Morning banning the use of polythene that was less so that all people can be prepared when price point, then the Government needs to would also enable consumers to continue Business that the industry has already than 20 microns in thickness. However, things are in the execution stage by the think of a subsidy mechanism. experiencing safe and affordable daily found an alternative in terms of producing this was not effectively enforced since it corporates. By this, both parties mainly “For instance, if sachet isn’t allowed, a essentials.” cotton buds to the general public. was not easy to measure thickness during involved will be benefiting and an effective larger packaging which has two or three To further this ideal, Unilever looks “However, we are planning on asking raids. solution could be collectively taken in usages of the same product but is given forward to partnering with the Government for an extension as it will take time to get Then, a conservation levy was introduced regard to resolving this issue. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, February 7, 2021 INTERVIEW/COMPARISON Uber’s local journey of half a decade Sri Lanka’s 73 vs. BY MADHUSHA earn as easily and quickly THAVAPALAKUMAR as possible. Uber will be an economic lifeline A few years ago, to millions of people Singapore’s 55 we would stand by the as economies restart, roadside waiving at each providing flexible work and every tuk passing by opportunities even when z Where have the two economies gone since independence? if we wanted to go to the certain industries struggle. supermarket or any other BY YAKUTA DAWOOD Singapore place for which we would How successful are you in not prefer choosing public getting women drivers on Recently, when the Covid transportation. It was a board? Performance Index compiled big deal to stop a tuk that Uber aims to encourage by the Australian think tank, does not already have a and promote equal income the Lowy Institute, stated that passenger in the backseat. opportunities on its Sri Lanka was ranked as the Even if we manage to stop Uber Sri Lanka Head Subodh platform across the world. Sangwan 10th country in the world for a tuk and ask the fare for We want to create women performing well in terms of the trip, sometimes there’s frontline healthcare micro entrepreneurs who combating Covid-19, a spark a chance the driver does workers to and from their have the independence to caught on among local news not want to go to the place homes and healthcare earn their livelihoods at where we need to go. facilities, and also offered their own convenience, organisations and social media, While it was this hard to free rides worth Rs. 8.5 which we are confident claiming that Sri Lanka is get a tuk to go to a nearby million for Sri Lanka’s real will further inspire and performing well in comparison to place, we did not even want heroes. We were also the empower more female Singapore. to imagine hiring a car to first company to launch a driver partners to join our get dropped at a party, a comprehensive set of tech- platform in Sri Lanka. But to what extent is this true? Did wedding, or even to the enabled safety measures Through our “Diviyata you know that when the Lowy Institute university. Nevertheless, for helping riders feel safe Diriya” initiative, we are released these official statistics, the Accordingly, imports increased to SGD all investors, companies across the today, this need has been every time they use Uber. constantly working towards Government of Singapore launched 38,142.13 million in December, from globe. However, when comparing the addressed to a greater As the lockdown was on-boarding more female its first commercial autonomous bus SGD 38,050.50 million in November of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of both extent with the emergence lifted and people resumed driver partners on our services in the same week? 2020. countries, Singapore has performed very of a number of ride-hailing travel, Uber was the first platform to help them gain Sri Lanka was ranked 10th in the Index However, Singapore was able to well during 2020. platforms in Sri Lanka. ridesharing company to independence and earn a with an average performance of 76.8, in manage its export industry during the According to CBSL data, Sri Lanka One such platform is Uber launch “Tuk Rentals” in Sri dignified living. comparison to Singapore, which ranked pandemic, with a result of increasing has recorded a reduction in FDI of $ Sri Lanka. Having been Lanka, a 24x7 on-demand 13th with an average performance of exports to SGD 41,984.76 million in 153 million in the first quarter of 2020, Through our “Diviyata launched in 2015, Uber has service which allows 74.9 over time in managing the Covid- November 2020, compared to SGD in comparison to the previous data Diriya” initiative, we so far completed more than riders to book affordable 19 pandemic in the 36 weeks following 40,759.9659 million in October 2020, published, which recorded $ 235 million are constantly working 53 million trips and created multi-hour, multi-stop their 100th confirmed case. However, according to Trading Economics, in FDI. towards on-boarding livelihood opportunities for options to travel in the new would this mean Sri Lanka is overall referencing official data published by the On the other hand, Singapore has more female driver 110,000 driver partners. normal. And we are the performing well in comparison to Singaporean Government. performed exceptionally well in terms partners on our As the ride-hailing first ridesharing company Singapore? To clarify this, let’s compare “The Import and Export Price Indices of FDI within 2020, as FDI, which was platform to help them platform completes its to pioneer and install safety the performance of both countries with rose 1.6% and 0.8%, respectively, in recorded at SGD 20,561 million at the gain independence fifth year in Sri Lanka, The screens in over 3,000 cars official statistics. December 2020 over November 2020, start of 2020, climbed to SGD 25,682 and earn a dignified Sunday Morning Business and tuks in Sri Lanka. In terms of comparison, Sri Lanka due mainly to higher prices of oil. million by the second quarter. living got into an exclusive Going forward, we want won its Independence first on 4 February Excluding oil, the indices fell 0.2% and interview with Uber Sri to dedicate our world-class We have seen many 1948, and several years later, Singapore 0.5%, respectively, attributed mainly to Tourism Lanka Head Subodh technology to innovate users complaining that it got its Independence in 1965. Since then, lower prices of machinery and transport One of the key indications of revenue Sangwan. and integrate products is extremely difficult for both Asian countries have been striving equipment,” the Department of Statistics that Sri Lanka was always dependent Below are excerpts from that match the pulse of passengers to reach out to their best to perform to their utmost level. reported. on is tourism; however, this sector was the interview. Sri Lanka and power Uber for help during an severely affected in Sri Lanka due to the smart, efficient, and safe issue. Will Uber establish GDP Labour closure of tourism and the airports for at What are the factors that mobility in the country. a customer representative After several years of steady growth When countries were globally hit by least 10 months. helped Uber to complete In addition, our goal will office in Sri Lanka? If in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Sri Covid-19, a decrease in the employment The Sri Lanka Tourism Development millions of rides within be to focus on making the yes, when is the predicted Lanka was worth $ 84.009 billion in rate was noticeable in all nations. Authority (SLTDA) said that foreign the short span of five Uber experience seamless day for the launch, and 2019, the World Bank said. In terms of However, the official statistics of tourist arrivals in the country slumped years? through tech advancements, will it be only based in the data published by The Economist, Sri Singapore and Sri Lanka is as follows. 99.8% year-on-year to 393 in December Since Uber’s launch in benefiting riders and driver Colombo? Lanka is expected to gradually recover The number of employed persons in of 2020. “No tourist arrivals have been 2015, our goal in Sri Lanka partners, and helping build Safety is at the heart in 2021 with a growth of 3.4%, after Sri Lanka has drastically decreased to recorded since April to 27 December due has been to transform a more robust rideshare of everything we do at experiencing its worst-ever recession in 7,977,000 in the second quarter of 2020 to the termination of all passenger flight the country’s mobility ecosystem for the country. Uber. Our tech and safety 2020. in comparison to 8,020,446 in the first and ship arrivals into Sri Lanka from landscape by offering teams have been working Further, The Economist forecasts also quarter of 2020, according to official data 18 March 2020, amid the coronavirus citizens convenient, Are you planning to overtime to build a new stated that Sri Lanka will have a private released by the Department of Census pandemic,” it noted. affordable, and efficient introduce new features product experience to help consumption of 1.7% of GDP in 2021. and Statistics of Sri Lanka. Commenting further, the SLTDA added transport options. Our to the Asian markets, protect everyone every Meanwhile, after decades of With a population of 21.9 million, Sri that visitor numbers tumbled by 73.5% technological and product especially to the Sri time you use Uber. By independence, Singapore rapidly Lanka has a total of 458,359 unemployed to 507,704, with the biggest decline expertise, industry-leading Lankan market, this leveraging our technology developed from a low-income country persons as of the second quarter of 2020. recorded from India (-74.8% to 89,357), innovations, and a local year? capabilities and best to a high-income country. Quoting the According to the CBSL, the labour force the UK (-72.1%to 55,455), Russia team that understands We are very excited to practices, we believe in official statistics by the World Bank, participation recorded within the same (-42.9% to 49,397), Germany (-74.4% to the ground realities have tap the full potential that providing solutions that Singapore’s GDP was worth $ 372.06 period of the year decreased to 50.20% in 34,507), and China (-84.4% to 26,147). enabled us to offer mobility shared mobility has to offer identify and minimise billion in 2019. the second quarter of 2020, from 51% in “Visitors from Europe became the solutions and complete in the Asia-Pacific region, frequent issues. According to the data published by the first quarter of 2020. largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, more than 53 million trips especially in Sri Lanka as We already have a The Economist, Singapore experienced Commenting further, the Department with 55.5% of total arrivals in 2020, till date. it’s one of our key markets. locally based safety team a 5.8% slump in 2020. However, its of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka to while that of Asia Pacific accounted for Our teams on ground for urgent, non-emergency forecast for 2021 is placed at 5.1%. the pandemic and other reasons involved 35.7% of total arrivals,” the SLTDA The need of the hour understand the pulse of the issues in Sri Lanka. Riders Besides, The Economist forecasts that as such, the youth employment had risen added. will be to invest in country and its residents, can easily reach out to the Singapore will have 8.3% of private up to 27.70% in the second quarter of Meanwhile, the Singapore Tourism technology that will enabling us to customise team by clicking on the consumption in 2021. 2020, from 26.80% in the first quarter of Board (STB) stated that arrivals within ensure the safety of and innovate products shield icon representing Despite Covid-19, both countries 2020 the period of January to September 2020 citizens like Uber’s that will support the the “Safety Toolkit” and have performed well in terms of their In contrast to Sri Lanka, the declined by 81.2% over the same period tech-led safety needs of riders and driver accessing the on-trip 24X7 Consumer Price Index (CPI). For employment rate of Singapore had also last year, to 2.7 million visitors. features, along with partners. By providing “Safety Helpline”. This instance, Sri Lanka has risen to 138.70 decreased to 3,597,700 in 2020 from Accordingly, Singapore’s tourism visible signs of hygiene reliable, affordable, and could include issues such points in January 2021 from 138 points 3,778,000 in 2019, according to the receipts stood at SGD 4.4 billion, a like safety screens that safe mobility options at as reporting a dispute, fare in December 2020, the Central Bank of official date released by the Ministry of decline of 78.4% compared to the same will help build rider the touch of a button, review, or a breakdown Sri Lanka (CBSL) noted. Meanwhile, Manpower. period last year. “The decrease in tourism and driver confidence Uber’s vision for the while on a trip and up to according to the latest statistics The total employment fell by 13,500 receipts can be observed across all Additionally, we have future of mobility is to one hour post the trip. published, the CPI of Singapore has risen in Q4, amid a further decline in components: shopping, accommodation, contributed to the economy offer riders transport Among a variety of to 100.50 points in December 2020, from employment in both manufacturing and etc.,” the STB added. by creating flexible solutions for their every other safety and feedback 100.10 points in November 2020. construction, largely due to reductions livelihood opportunities need, and also to partner features available on the in non-resident work permit holders. In Digitalisation for 110,000 drivers and we with the Government to app, customers can easily Export and imports 2020, the unemployment rate rose to As of 2020, the number of internet will continue to support fast track Sri Lanka’s road access Uber’s Safety The export industry was affected 3.0% from 2.3% in 2019, with resident users in Sri Lanka totalled 10.10 million. driver partners who are to recovery, helping the Toolkit which includes globally after Covid-19 played its role unemployment rising to 4.1% from 3.1%, The number of internet users increased determined to earn despite country build back better a Safety Centre, Share in the industry. As of the latest data while citizen unemployment increased to by 399,000 (+4.1%) between 2019 the economic challenges after the pandemic. My Trip option, and 119 published by Trading Economics with 4.2% from 3.3%. and 2020. According to the statistics brought about by Covid. assistance. The Safety reference to CBSL, the export data “The Covid-19 pandemic has a produced by #Digital2020, internet In the “new normal”, Uber How many Sri Lankan Helpline is in addition to as of November 2020 is at 819.20, significant impact on the labour market penetration in the country stood at 47% aims to support Sri Lanka’s riders are with you at the the existing in-app SOS which has contracted from 848.00 in in 2020. Although the latest indicators in January 2020. road to recovery and help moment? button found in the Safety October 2020. Likewise, in terms of point to a broad improvement, the A total number of 31.80 million the country build back Over the past five years, Toolkit. import industry, Sri Lanka performed labour market is still not back at pre- mobile connections users were better after the pandemic. we have served 1.8 million well as there has been a decline to $ pandemic levels,” Singapore’s Ministry recorded in January 2020; this is due riders. What is the progress of 1204.80 million in November, from of Manpower said in a statement. to the increase in the number of mobile Can Uber be as Uber RideCheck, the $ 1362.80 million in October 2020. connections by 2.2 million (+7.5%) transformational over the How do you treat your feature which would However, Singapore did see a rise in FDI between January 2019 and January 2020. next five years as it has driver partners? As detect trip irregularities? imports despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Covid-19 did have an impact on Eventually, with this rise, the number of been over the past five employees or contractors? We announced the social media users in Sri Lanka also grew years? Uber believes in launch of RideCheck in Sri Lanka by 491,000 (+8.3%) between April 2019 Over the last five years, creating entrepreneurial Sri Lanka last year, along and January 2020. Uber launched several opportunities that are with other safety features In comparison to Sri Lanka, Singapore leading product innovations flexible and allow driver that would help enhance has a total of 5.14 million internet users that have been industry partners to choose when rider safety. This feature by January 2020, with a rise of 258,000 firsts in the country. In and for how long they helps Uber flag certain (+5.3%) users between 2019 and 2020, 2019, Uber added “Moto” work, making them trip irregularities such as according to statistics produced by to its product portfolio, independent contractors long, unexpected stops, #Digital2020. becoming the first bike on Uber’s platform. We which in some rare cases Accordingly, a total of 8.56 million taxi service in the country, have witnessed the global indicate an increased safety mobile connections were recorded in ideal for short distance economy face an intense risk. If such an anomaly is Singapore in January 2020, with a rise of commutes at affordable fallout from Covid-19; it detected, Uber initiates a 145,000 (+1.7%) users between January price points. During the is increasingly important RideCheck by reaching out 2019 and January 2020. Due to this, a pandemic, Uber launched that people have more to both the rider and the total of 4.60 million social media users “Uber Medic”, a dedicated access to flexible work, driver. were recorded within the same year. service to transport letting them contribute and Contd. on page 6 Contd. on page 6 6 the sunday morning business ECONOMY Sunday, February 7, 2021

Sri Lanka’s economic growth to four years. Foreign holdings in in consumer demand triggering has been slowing down over government securities has fallen higher imports are likely to the last five to six years, as the to Rs. c.7 billion. However, on a result in a steep depreciation in country closes in on the upper positive note, it reduces the risk of 2021. First Capital expect LKR middle-income band. The country The second leg further outflows from the system. (Sri Lankan rupee) to depreciate has many structural issues which Fund flow into emerging markets approximately c.12.0% during the require massive painful reforms are unlikely to improve during year. in order to achieve accelerated 2021. With the global pandemic Equity market: Cut portfolio growth. So far, no political party potentially easing off towards increase cash allocation to 10% has had the will to guide Sri of ‘W’; bumpy H22021, developed markets are Earnings outlook upgraded Lanka through the reforms, as likely to raise interest rates and/ Earnings recover faster than government after government or reverse quantitative easing to anticipated: The earnings dip in considers and implements prevent inflation in the system the Q1 and Q2 was quite steep, temporary measures kicking the which may attract portfolio funds but Q32020 has shot up amidst can down the road. In the present road to ‘recovery’ reducing attraction for more the strong recovery in food state, ignoring the fundamental riskier assets. and beverage, capital goods, problems is increasingly becoming transportation, and material a daunting task. z First Capital Research – Jan 2021 First Capital sectors. Genuine recovery recommendations was witnessed in the food and Covid-19 and SL’s number of active cases to a more Most justify the case via the from India and China, while other Bond market: Bearish Q12021 beverage sector, while selected W-shaped recovery manageable level. Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). channels of fundraising such as onwards companies in the capital goods The spread of the Covid-19 Vaccinations to start: Sri CBSL holdings spike: Sri Lanka commercial loans and bilateral or Pressure on bonds yields to and transportation sectors had virus across the world has had a Lanka’s Covid-19 vaccination too is following a similar course multilateral funding, may account rise from Q12021 onwards, but a major benefit with a spike in major blow to all economies, with programme is likely to kick-start to other global central banks, for a further $ 1.5 billion. First rise may be slower due to higher demand for their products and Sri Lanka being no exception. The as early as February 2021 with illustrated by the unprecedented Capital also expects FDI (foreign liquidity: Pressure on bond yields services due to Covid-19. economic downturn driven by the vaccinations expected reach Sri surge in CBSL holdings. CBSL direct investment) to improve this are likely to mount, due to the Potential rise in consumer virus was a significant setback for Lanka by 27 January 2021. holdings have spiked to Rs. year, with Port City investments following reasons: demand: First Capital said that the already fragile economy. Sri Lanka has currently chosen 725 billion by December 2020 and investments into the Eastern it is unlikely to witness any yy Foreign debt repayments – Following the gradual opening the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 compared to a mere Rs. 74 billion Container Terminal (ECT) on the pressure on banking rates during foreign debt repayments are up of the economy after the vaccine. However, the Government in December 2019. Supported by cards. On a conservative note, First H12021 as well, supported by high during 2021. Lower lifting of the first lockdown in Sri has informed that it is considering the rise in CBSL holdings, market Capital expects $ 600 million to be the six-month lag effect between foreign reserve position may Lanka, the economy registered a the Chinese and the Russian liquidity has surged passed Rs. 200 generated via FDIs. government securities and bank push local yields higher steep recovery in specific sectors, vaccines as well. billion by December 2020. Foreign reserves may further interest rates. The extended period especially led by manufacturing, GDP growth for 2020E Credit growth to rise: With dip: With Balance of Payments yy High budget deficits – of lower interest rates would food and beverage, and maintained at -5.8%; 2021E liquidity AWPR (Average likely to reach a deficit of $ 1.6 lower revenue and higher have a favourable impact towards construction sectors. upgraded to 3.2%: First Weighted Prime Lending Rate), billion, First Capital expects infrastructure spending may consumers. First Capital expects Despite the recovery, First Capital factored in a second representing the lending rate for foreign reserves to gradually lead to a continued higher a rise in consumer demand during Capital Research in its Mid- wave in Q32020, thereby First prime customers, plunged below decline over the next 12 months. budget deficit in 2021, resulting H12021 to positively influence Year Outlook 2020 released in Capital maintains their annual 6.0%. Decade-low lending rates Foreign reserves are likely to fall in a strong rupee borrowing earnings. September 2020 was the first expectations for 2020E at -5.8%. and rising consumer demand to $ 5 billion by June 2021, while requirement Earnings for 2020E upgraded research house to advocate a With the second wave lockdown may accelerate private sector falling below comfortable levels to yy to -16% and growth of +19% possible W-shaped recovery for materialising in Q4 (instead of Q3), credit growth to c.12% in 2021E $ 4 billion by December 2021. Rising private sector credit for 2021E: With the improved the economy due to multiple First Capital revised its Q42020 while also maintaining the same Debt repayment stands tall: growth – stronger private earnings outlook, First Capital factors. Considering the heavy GDP expectations downwards momentum for 2022E to reach Total rupee and USD (US dollar) sector credit growth may upgrades overall earnings CBSL (Central Bank of Sri Lanka) to a range of (-4.5%)-(-5.0%) 12%. bond obligations are high, closing push yields higher amidst the expectations for 2020E improving holding volume and inevitable from its previous expectations of Inflation, though may trend in on Rs. 1 trillion in 2021E, with Government’s focus to borrow to -16% on the back of a relaxation of import restrictions, (-0.8%)-2.0%. However, in relation upwards, is likely to continue to total debt obligations including from the domestic market stronger than expected outlook. the economy may showcase a to 2021E and 2022E, it upgrades remain under check: With the project loans rising to Rs. 2.7 Fixed income health Nevertheless, earnings growth currency spike followed by an expectations to 3.2% from its potential currency devaluation, trillion 2021E from Rs. 2.4 trillion expectations may register a steep expectations are maintained interest rate spike resulting in previous 2.8% and 2022E to 3.8% First Capital may experience cost in 2020. Foreign currency reserves depreciation while a potential IMF at +19% for 2021E. Despite another shock to the economy from the previous 3.3%. push inflation towards the middle which were at $ 5.7 billion as (International Monetary Fund) growth for 2021E being similar which may prevent a V-shaped The second leg of W; bumpy of the year. However, despite the at December 2020, have now programme towards June 2021 with the upgrade of 2020E recovery while inducing a W-shape road to ‘recovery’: As you are cost push inflation, First Capital marginally fallen below the total cannot be ruled out. earnings, absolute earnings for for the recovery process. well aware considering the dip continues to expect inflation to foreign debt obligations for the Bond yields to gradually 2021E improve closer towards in 2020E, Sri Lanka’s recovery remain single digit throughout first time in the recent past, as trend up from Q12021 onwards 2019 levels, indicating a strong Outlook for 2021 outlook seems to be well intact. 2021E, broadly maintaining a foreign currency reserve cover followed by two policy rate recovery for companies. In understanding the outlook for But the sluggish growth is expected 4.0%-6.0% range. falls below 1.0x. During 2021E, hikes in H22021: With the rise With the steep spike in 2021, First Capital has divided the to continue. Sri Lanka’s surge in Balance of Payments to rupee debt maturity spiked in Q4 in the Government’s borrowing Q32020 earnings, First Capital factors into three main segments, CBSL holdings and foreign debt struggle: Trading activity may while foreign debt maturity was requirement, rising consumer revises its market earnings political, economic, and external. payment requirements may lead to recover back in 2021E to at least high in Q2 and Q3 with an ISB demand and private credit, First forecast upwards despite a a major depreciation in currency, 90% of the 2019 level, provided (International Sovereign Bond) Capital expects a gradual increase partial lockdown in Q42020: Political and policy possibly leading to a spike in the Government allows a gradual maturity of $ 1 billion in July 2021. in pressure on bond yields during First Capital has adjusted its stability remains healthy: interest rates towards Q22021, relaxation of trade restrictions. Even in the government securities Q12021 and afterwards gradually earnings outlook in Q4 upwards, Low risk illustrating a “bumpy road to First Capital expects exports to market, it is important to note move up further during 2021. pushing 2020E earnings to a dip Stability ensued with two- recovery”. Considering the shocks, recover to $ 11 billion, while that the Treasury Bill stock has On a base case, First Capital of 16% from the previous dip thirds majority: In line with First Capital expects Sri Lanka to imports are also likely to recover spiked to 24% of the government Research expects a stable policy of 22%. 2021E earnings growth the historical trend, general go through a W-shaped recovery at a slightly faster pace to reach $ securities portfolio, one of the environment up to June 2021 is maintained at 19%. With the election results followed the as explained in its “Sep 2020 Mid- 17.5 billion, generating a higher highest levels in the recent past followed by policy rates reverting adjustment of Q42020 earnings presidential elections providing Year Outlook”. Amidst the possible trade deficit of $ 6.5 billion. Yet, which clearly illustrates the risk upwards with two potential policy upwards, absolute earnings for an overwhelming majority to the shocks, First Capital believes Sri the recovery in tourism earnings in the system, as most investors hikes in Q3/Q4. 2021E is now closer towards ruling party. With the Government Lanka to be in the second leg of may pull the current account prefer to invest in the shorter tenors Banking rates: Pressure on 2019. maintaining its two-thirds “W”. balance to a marginal surplus identifying the possibility of a banking rates to rise ASPI target of 7,000-7,500: The majority, for investors, it provides Money-printing spree: Globally, in 2021E. Tourism earnings spike in rates in the future. Banking rates (AWPR) to market has already achieved our confidence in relation to policy central banks are using every tool are likely to recover to 65% in gradually trend upwards and fair value target of 7,000-7,500 for stability which is a priority for in the book with monetary policy 2021E. However, the Balance of External outlook remains readjust above the five-year bond 2021E which illustrates a PER of long-term investments. measures such as policy rate cuts, Payments may improve on short- weak: Moderate risk yield: With the lack of credit, the 14.0x-14.5x. First Capital believes Provincial elections may follow liquidity support schemes, SWAP term funding but may continue into Rating downgrades: The AWPR fell below the five-year the market is attractive when the in 2021: First Capital expects the lines, and central bank asset negative territory, reaching a deficit expected downgrades by the rating bond, breaking the historical market trades below a forward provincial council (pc) elections purchase schemes. Furthermore, in of $ 1.6 billion amidst challenges agencies materialise during the trend of moving in line with PER of 14.0x-14.5x. First Capital to be held possibly towards order to mitigate external economic in rolling over maturing foreign September-December 2020 period the five-year bond. As private maintains its fair value target for H22021. The PC elections are shocks, selected central banks debt via fresh funds. were as follows: credit picks up, the AWPR may 2021E at 7,000-7,500. also likely to provide a similar have adopted foreign currency Higher budget deficit: A surge return to the historical trend. First Reduce equity exposure by yy Fitch downgrades Sri Lanka’s trend to the general election, interventions and capital flow in capex with the resumption of Capital expects the AWPR to have “10%” to 90% (from 100%): First (SL) Credit Rating to CCC on potentially providing a “majority” measures. Central banks globally the Government’s infrastructure bottomed out and is likely to rise Capital recommended investors 27 November 2020 for the ruling party for most of have introduced supported systems drive may curtail any expectations amidst the competition for debt to increase equity exposure in the councils. In such a situation, for banks for distress situations of a lower budget deficit. First yy S&P downgrades SL Credit from the Government and private their equity portfolios (equity it is likely to further strengthen with easing countercyclical capital Capital Research expects the Rating to CCC+ with Outlook sector as private credit picks up. allocated funds) to 100% in its the stability on the political front buffers, easing domestic capital Government’s budget deficit to Stable on 11 December 2020 With bond yields expected to Equity Strategy Reports released favouring long-term investments. buffers, use of capital buffers range between 9.0%-10.0% for yy move up, First Capital expects 12 months ago in January 2020. and liquidity buffers, while also 2021E, possibly only marginally Moody’s downgrades SL AWPR to fall to a range of 6.5%- That was in a period where the Bouncy road ahead for the supporting via making adjustments lower than 2020E, supported by the Credit Rating to Caa1 7.0% by June 2021 and further ASPI (All Share Price Index) economy: Moderate risk to provisioning requirements. Government’s major drive towards with Outlook Stable on 28 move towards 7.0%-8.0% by was trading well below the The second wave: This Covid- Certain central banks improved infrastructure spending. September 2020 December 2021. expected fair value. However, 19 second wave forced a second access to capital and relief to Foreign currency borrowing, Global fund flows may continue Exchange rate: Target for in the bull run, the ASPI had lockdown in Q42020, which may borrowers by state loans or credit a challenge: Foreign currency in developed markets: Foreign H12021 narrowed down to LRs. surged well over First Capital’s slow down economic growth guarantees and restructuring of borrowing options continue to be flows into Sri Lanka, as portfolio 196.0-202.0 with 2021 year-end expected fair value, justifying again. However, it may minimise loans or moratorium on payments. limited to short-term funding as investments have virtually been target at Rs. 205.0-215.0 a gradual reduction in equity the impact for 2021 with the The measures have actually led SWAPs take centre stage. First non-existent for a long period Steep depreciation: With the portfolio. Thereby, First Capital number of new Covid patients to a money-printing spree, where Capital Research expects the amidst a weak macro environment weak foreign currency reserve raises its cash allocation in the towards January 2021 coming printing their way out of the mess Government to raise at least $ in Sri Lanka, leading to multiple position, high foreign currency equity portfolio to 10% from the under control, improving the is the mantra heard worldwide. 2.5 billion via combined SWAPs downgrades over the past three debt repayment and possible spike previous 0%.

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of the virus. We urged our riders to cities. Covid-19 has changed the world We have witnessed very strong Uber’s... stay at home and not use Uber, if it was as we know it, with hygiene and safety recovery in our mobility business not essential work they had to move being important factors going forward. across all countries in the region and Sri Lanka’s 73... This was the first step by Uber to out for. The need of the hour will be to invest have seen that as cities start moving This is just the statistic virus and protect their people, proactively reach out to users during But we never stopped moving what in technology that will ensure the again, Uber does too. recorded before the Covid- along with other fights such as a trip and offer tools they may need to mattered most; we launched Uber safety of citizens like Uber’s tech-led 19 pandemic – so imagine competing in the international get help. Medics. We also launched “Uber safety features, along with visible signs How is Uber positioning itself for the the difference in statistics market, sustaining inflation This feature is currently available Connect”, a package delivery service of hygiene like safety screens that will future? of internet penetration and rates, improving growth in the region and we are constantly that enables customers to transport help build rider and driver confidence. As Uber marks five years of social media users that could alongside GDP, and also working with our product teams to packages from the safety of their With our global tech expertise, high operations in the country, we are be present for the month of protecting people from losing further strengthen and scale it. homes. We found meaningful ways quality of service, customer-obsessed committed to growing our business December 2020. Definitely, their jobs, so that purchasing to cater to the evolving needs of our approach, range of products at every in Sri Lanka with continued due to the lockdowns and power does not reduce. How was the ride business last year communities, while creating livelihood price point, network of driver partners and focused market and product curfews imposed in both Referring to the above amidst the pandemic? Was there a opportunities for drivers. and riders, and a local team that innovations. As people start countries, these numbers figures, it is noticeable that year-on-year drop? understands the nuances of the country, commuting in the new normal, we’ll would have drastically risen both Sri Lanka and Singapore Last year was challenging for all, There are a number of ride-hailing we are best placed to offer transport continue to leverage our technology more than ever before. have performed well despite especially for us, a company built apps at present. What makes Uber solutions that have, and will continue to help Sri Lanka “build back better”, the countless restrictions on the business of moving people. stand out from them? to, transform the mobility landscape of offer mobility solutions that suit the Conclusion imposed; however, it is In March, the world came to a halt Being a global leader offering the country. changing needs of our riders, and During the ongoing Covid-19 noticeable that Sri Lanka has due to Covid-19; we wanted to be a mobility solutions across the world, support drivers who are determined pandemic, all nations across the a long way to go if it is to responsible company and support the we understand the constantly evolving How is Uber’s overall performance to earn despite the economic globe are striving now more surpass Singapore in terms of Government in controlling the spread needs of riders, driver partners, and in the Asian region? challenges brought about by Covid. than ever to combat the deadly the economy. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, February 7, 2021 ECONOMY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR did not stop there; the Fund also incurred Rs. 934 million in losses from investing in The global pandemic is still not the shares of Brown & Company, Rs. 933 over and so is not the destruction million from Central Finance Company it has been causing to the global PLC, Rs. 655 million from DFCC Bank, economy. Even though the global Rs. 740 million from Vallibel One PLC, economic output has recovered Rs. 572 million from Dialog Axiata PLC, for a considerable extent now, as Rs. 123 million from Richard Pieris & countries are increasingly adopting Company PLC, and about Rs. 420 million measures to live with the pandemic from Hatton National Bank (HNB) shares. in society, the global economy has It was revealed that the losses incurred by the EPF from investments made at the a very long way to go back to its CSE amounted to Rs. 11.04 billion as of 20 pre-pandemic trends, as global June 2012 and that out of 65 companies in financial institutions predict. This which investments were made, only 17 had is mainly due to risks associated recorded profits. with global debt accumulation In tandem with the decline in indices, being exacerbated in the face of the market capitalisation in the CSE declined pandemic. by 2% to Rs. 2.17 trillion by end-2012, from Rs. 2.21 trillion by end-2011. The The Sri Lankan economy has been no equity portfolio of the Fund, which exception. In January this year, the Central consists of both listed and unlisted equities, Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) downgraded decreased by Rs. 16.7 billion, from Rs. the growth forecast for the year 2020 to a 78.3 billion in 2011 to Rs. 59.2 billion in negative 3.9% from its earlier projected 2012, due to the sale of a part of the listed contraction of 1.7%, and stated that it portfolio. expects the Sri Lankan economy to grow Apart from the losses it made through by 6% this year. The local economy too CSE: Are the investments made at the CSE, according to has been recovering to a certain extent; Verité Research, in 2010, the EPF, without nevertheless, it is yet to reach the pre- due process, invested Rs. 500 million pandemic levels. in SriLankan Airlines. As of 2016, this Amidst not-so-great global and local investment has been 100% impaired in the economic performance, the Colombo Stock conditions right for EPF books – which means it was valued at Exchange (CSE) has risen to become the zero. world’s second best-performing stock, as “Another such example is the EPF’s noted by Bloomberg. It has been breaking investment of Rs. 5 billion in Canwill its own records achieved a decade ago. Last Holdings, for the controversial Hyatt Hotel Monday (1), CSE recorded a 13-year high project, in 2013. Both these investments turnover of Rs. 23.7 billion. The benchmark pump and dump? have come under scrutiny in the Auditor All Share Price Index (ASPI) crossed 7,000 General’s Report in 2016,” Verité noted. points on 6 January this year for the first goes, prices of artificially pumped stocks JKH was at some point Rs. 94.10, which which masks the stock’s true value. time since 24 November 2015, closing the will go down. The people who pumped last Wednesday (3) was Rs. 159. Sampath The manipulators use this to their Another pump and dump in the trading day at 7,036.76 points. The ASPI those stocks might withdraw their profit Bank was at Rs. 99.90 in mid-May, which advantage to earn a profit, while investors making? crossed the 7,000 mark for the first time and be long gone by then. Those young and last week was around the levels of Rs. 179. who are unaware of the manipulation Following the opening of the CSE on 1 October 2010 and reached its highest small investors will take the hit,” Dr. de Sri Lanka’s largest private commercial make decisions based on the available after almost seven weeks of countrywide points level, recording 7,811.80 points on Silva noted. bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, information stand to lose, sometimes lockdown, the share prices of blue-chip 14 February 2011. Meanwhile, days after, Meanwhile, on a further note, drawing a was trading at Rs. 55 in mid-May, but was substantially, as a result of manipulation. companies and almost all the banks too ASPI broke its own records as it reached comparison between the possible pumping trading at Rs. 93.30 last Wednesday. In fact, manipulators count on this, often were at two-digit levels. The shares of the its all-time high index tally on 18 January and dumping that could happen at the CSE As the aforementioned stocks, along with making a profit on the losses of others. This leading listed banks and premier blue-chip again, closing the 10th trading day of 2021 and the pumping and dumping that took many stocks, have gained significantly practice is illegal based on securities law JKH closed trading below the Rs. 100 mark at 7922.66 points. place from 2011-2013, Wickramaratne since then, it raises a question whether and can lead to heavy fines. on 12 May for the first time since 2009. On In addition to this, CSE recorded two noted that improper activities took place they were pumped as, by definition and Some of the stocks that are reported the same day, Sampath Bank, which was significant milestones on 13 January, at the CSE during the aforementioned according to what government sources said, to have benefited from this scheme were the highest-valued banking stock, closed at with the market capitalisation reaching period and the Central Bank decided to call all of them belong to the “penny stocks” Ceylon Grain Elevators (CGE), Brown & Rs. 99.90. an all-time high value of Rs. 3.25 trillion for a forensic audit. He added that there category. In which case, Sri Lanka might Company PLC, Piramal Glass (Ceylon) According to seasoned market watchers, and recording 52,559 trades, which is the were five major reports compiled in the need to come up with its own definition Ltd., Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC, and the last occasion all these stocks fell below highest number of trades recorded within a aforementioned forensic audit. for penny stocks where it classifies, for Laugfs Gas PLC. the Rs. 100 mark was back in 2008 when market day. The number of trades carried example, shares that trade below Rs. EPF’s entry the ASPI crashed 41% following the Seylan out on that day surpassed the previous Government stood firm by its 50 as penny stocks which will filter out Reports alleged that the CBSL released Bank and Sakvithi scandals as well as record of 49,921 carried out on 18 August ‘surveillance’ fundamentally strong stocks and help both funds from the Employees’ Provident Fund the 2007/08 global financial crisis. They 2011. But this was all amidst sustained net Issuing a statement in mid-January, the traders and the regulator to clearly identify (EPF) to encourage EPF investments into hovered around those prices till around the foreign selling at CSE and we have talked Securities and Exchange Commission penny stocks at CSE, as currently there is these “pump and dump” stocks. Releasing time the war ended. about it enough for us to not talk about it (SEC) stated that in order to ensure the vagueness surrounding the local definition EPF money into the private sector of the As the prices of leading company shares here again. integrity of the market and to protect the of penny stocks. country was also facilitated by the long- reached their lowest levels in over a decade, large number of investors in the face of the There is also ambiguity around pending requirement of the International market dealers began investing whopping Doubts cast by Opposition surge in the daily number of transactions, identifying penny stocks during a Monetary Fund (IMF), with whom Sri amounts soon after the reopening of the In mid-January this year, in the midst the regulatory and supervisory framework subdivision of shares. According to Lanka has had 16 back-to-back financial CSE, gradually bringing the share prices of a record-breaking performance of the of the SEC has been strengthened by Jonathan Lea Network, a group of business arrangements. of those companies almost close to their CSE, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) enhancing the capability and capacity of its solicitors, sometimes referred to as a As a result, the EPF made billions in pre-lockdown levels within a short period parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne cast Supervision and Surveillance Divisions. “stock split” by those more familiar with losses. The Fund incurred a loss of Rs. 700 of time. The dealers are now looking to sell doubts over CSE’s recent performance, “Given the increased level of market US legal terminology, the subdivision of million on an investment of Rs. 3 billion these shares to the EPF. warning local investors to be careful of activity, the CSE has taken measures to share capital refers to the process whereby made in CGE equities. When the EPF Several economists and market analysts possible pumping and dumping in the stock heighten the level of regulatory supervision, a company that has shares of one nominal invested in CGE, the share value was Rs. are of the view that this “invitation” by market. market surveillance, and monitoring of risk. value decides to split those shares into 250. The EPF also invested in a number market dealers is not being extended with Wickramaratne, who is also the former The CSE has been proactively taking such shares of a smaller nominal value. For of CGE shares when they were at Rs. 185 sincere intention. Even though most of the State Minister of Finance, during a press measures in the past and will continue to do example, if a company has one share issued per share. Nevertheless, as the process of blue-chip companies managed to record a conference noted that we hear a lot of so,” the statement added. with a nominal value of £ 0.20, it could pumping was over and dealers began to 60% growth for the past three months, we comments on the economy, “lots of nice Entirely ruling out possible pumping subdivide this share into two shares with a sell their CGE shares, the price of a share learnt that many of these companies are not stories and fairy tales”, but, in fact, people and dumping, the Sri Lankan Government nominal value of £ 0.10 each. dropped to a dramatic Rs. 55. recording a considerable performance like are being fooled by only focusing on the firmly noted that pumping and dumping is Meanwhile, the EPF also made they used to, mainly due to the disruption stock market. mostly associated with penny stocks. But investments in Piramal Glass’s stocks in caused by Covid-19. “When we hear the message of the share what are penny stocks? April 2012. The Fund purchased stocks However, it was recently noted that market – it was not only the message; we at Rs. 6.20 per share, increasing its total the EPF has taken steps to sell off the need to look at the messenger as well,” he Penny stocks shareholding in the company to 10%. And investments it made in six companies at the added. According to investopedia, a penny again, as the dumping of stocks began CSE. Accordingly, in the last quarter ended He added that with the replacement of stock typically refers to the stock of a within one week of EPF’s investments into 31 December 2020, the Fund has fully sold foreign investors with local investment, small company that trades for less than Piramal Glass, the share prices went down its investments in ACL Plastics, Balangoda there seems to be a pattern similar to what $ 5 per share. In the past, penny stocks Pump and dump on the way? by Rs. 5.20, causing a loss of Rs. 50 million Plantation Company, Chemanex, Expolanka was seen in 2011 and up to 2014, when were considered any stock that traded for to the Fund. Holdings, Malwatta Plantation Company, Previous records of manipulations in the there was corruption in the stock market. less than $ 1 per share. The US Securities name of pump and dump The EPF’s poor investment decisions and Seylan Developments. Furthermore, “People in high offices were involved and Exchange Commission has modified did not stop there, as it purchased shares of the fund has also taken measures to sell in the racket, according to the forensic the definition to include all shares trading During the year 2012, a total of Galadari Hotels worth Rs. 23.7 million at 250,906 shares in Durdans Hospitals; audit report. They had an opportunity to below $ 5. 19 investigations were conducted by a cost of Rs. 32.50 per share; the purchase 1,750,609 shares in Dipped Products PLC; go before auditors and make their case, but “Penny stocks are usually associated with the SEC into instances of suspected was made from Nawaloka Hospitals 2,387,818 shares in Hayleys PLC; and they did not make their case due to reasons small companies and trade infrequently market misconduct, including market/ and a few other parties, which ended up 2,751 shares in Nawaloka Hospitals. best known to them,” he stated. meaning they have a lack of liquidity or price manipulation, insider dealing, and increasing EPF’s stake by 13%. The trading As at 30 September 2020, the Fund had Meanwhile, Frontline Socialist Party ready buyers in the marketplace. As a frontrunning. price per share of Galadari Hotels soon invested in 81 shares of listed companies, (FSP) Education Secretary Pubudu Jagoda, result, investors may find it difficult to sell Controversies over manipulation at came down to Rs. 13, once again causing ending as at 31 December 2020 as 74 during a press conference in early January, stock since there may not be any buyers CSE began to emerge in the third quarter the Fund to incur an additional loss of Rs. companies. The Fund has invested a total cast doubts over possible money laundering at that time. Because of the low liquidity, of 2012. Pressure from high places in the 500 million. of Rs. 83.46 billion and as at 31 December that might be taking place at CSE. investors might have difficulty finding a government was exerted on then SEC The investment made by the EPF in 2020, the total market value of these is Rs. Jagoda stated that the listing of price that accurately reflects the market,” Chairman Thilak Karunaratne to resign Laugfs Gas was another loss-making 70.80 billion. companies in the CSE has soared investopedia adds. from his position due to the investigations venture. Shares of Laugfs Gas were trading dramatically in the recent past, while the that were being conducted by the SEC into at a price of about Rs. 38 per share for It is up to investors to avoid a Budget 2021 decided to provide a 50% Is every stock at CSE a penny companies that were abusing the share about two months prior to EPF’s purchase. pump and dump tax concession for the years 2021/22 for stock? market. Following his resignation, Dr. The purchase was made in October 2012 Speaking to The Sunday Morning companies listed before 31 December 2021 As the new definition of penny stocks Nalaka Godahewa was appointed SEC and the EPF purchased shares worth Rs. Business last year, SEC Chairman and maintain a corporate tax rate of 14% for include any shares that are trading for less Chairman. 1 billion when the price of a share was Viraj Dayaratne PC stated that the SEC the subsequent three years. than $ 5 per share, which is a Sri Lanka It should also be noted that Indrani ranging from Rs. 48-51. Unfortunately, welcomes investments from anyone, but “This might be an attempt to bring in all rupee equivalent of Rs. 965, almost all the Sugathadasa Weeratunga, wife of Lalith on the same day, a few hours after the as far as the investment decisions are the black money of Sri Lankans into the shares that are being traded at CSE go into Weeratunga (current Principal Advisor purchase, the share price fell to Rs. 40, concerned, the investment committees of country and pump it into the CSE in order the category of penny stocks, including that to the President), served as the SEC close to its original, initial public offering the respective entities and those controlling to whitewash the money. This is possibly of John Keells Holdings (JKH), Sampath Chairperson in 2011. Nevertheless, she (IPO) price. This resulted in an immediate the funds should do the due diligence an attempt of money laundering,” Jagoda Bank PLC, and Expolanka PLC. tendered her resignation in December 2011 loss of Rs. 300 million to the EPF. themselves. opined. After the market reopened for trading in order to “uphold her principles” amidst Thereafter, the EPF increased its “Whether all money should be invested SJB parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de in May last year after a prolonged closure alleged market manipulations. shareholding in Laugfs Gas to 57.89 million in the capital market and on which shares Silva too made similar statements in early of seven weeks amidst an islandwide Infamous pump and dump ordinary shares, holding a stake of 17.28% the investment should be made are January during a press conference and lockdown to control the further spread These manipulations included a practice of the company, followed by 18 million or decisions that should be taken after doing warned of another pumping and dumping of the virus, fundamentally sound stocks called “pump and dump” – a scheme 35% non-voting shares. The trading prices due diligence. When an individual is going at CSE. gained significantly from their two-digit that attempts to boost the price of a stock of Laugfs Gas Voting gradually fell to Rs. to invest, the particular individual should “What is this old game? Shares of the share price levels. These stocks which through recommendations based on 22-23 per share whilst the Non-Voting price be mindful of their investment decision,” companies that do not have a real value are belong to the “penny stocks” category false, misleading, or greatly exaggerated was Rs.14-15 per share, causing a loss of a Dayaratne added. being promoted by local investors while grew by 100-200% or by even a higher statements. sum in excess of Rs. 1.3 billion. He further noted that the SEC would do foreign investors are selling their stocks. percentage right after CSE opened for The perpetrators of this scheme already In addition to these, the EPF incurred its job properly, which includes regulating Young investors with lack of experience trading in May. For example, banking have an established position in the a loss of Rs. 1 billion as a result of an the market and building confidence and knowledge compete with each other to stocks were trading well below the Rs. 100 company’s stock and sell their positions investment made in Lanka Orix Leasing amongst investors. Nevertheless, he added buy these promoted stocks. Then the CSE mark in mid-May last year for the first time after the hype has caused the share price Company (LOLC). that if pumping and dumping is detected, performance skyrockets, but as the time since 2009. to increase. It creates an artificial picture The losses the EPF incurred from equities the SEC would take stringent actions. 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, February 7, 2021 Udaya Dasanayake Abans gains full ownership appointed to Metecno Lanka Board Udaya Dasanayake has been of Colombo City Centre appointed to the Board of Mixed development project steered the project to completion, Metecno Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. with in Sri Lanka, Colombo saw the launch of the first effect from 12 January 2021. City Centre, concluded international mall in Colombo back Udaya Dasanayake is a fellow construction of residences in 2018. member of the Institute of and commenced handing The home owners and Chartered Accountants of Sri over in August 2020, investors can expect early return Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) with over claiming to be the first to do on investment (ROI) for their 25 years of experience across so from the development investments and utmost satisfaction different industry verticals, both for residents due to the high local and global. projects in the heart of demand for waterfront ventures He joined Metecno Group in Colombo during the year such as Colombo City Residences. 2009 and currently serves as the 2020, and currently found Situated in the ideal location in the Chief Financial Officer. to be one of the safest heart of Colombo, the residences He is also a fellow member investment options in Sri are easily accessible being in of the Institute of Certified Lanka. This venture is now close proximity to leading local Management Accountants of Sri Udaya Dasanayake under the full ownership of and international schools, the Lanka (FCMA) and holds a MBA of Management – University of Abans Group, which spans best hospitals, banks and other from the Postgraduate Institute Sri Jayewardenepura. several sectors offering financial institutes, as well as a portfolio of extensive luxury hotels and shopping malls. services for the citizens of Sri The residences claim to guarantee the pleasures of city living without Lanka. Browns Veterinary the drawbacks. Homeowners can Housed within one million experience the finest of views from square feet, the mixed development their balconies, living areas, and Pharmaceuticals comprises a total of 192 luxury bedrooms ranging from the Beira apartments of two bedrooms, Lake, ocean views, and the bustling three bedrooms, and penthouses, metropolis, to the statuesque Lotus introduces Bravecto an international standard Tower, Port City, and glorious Bravecto, introduced to the shopping mall, and an upcoming sunrises with lofty mountains in local market by the Browns international hotel on track to open the distance and the breath-taking Veterinary Pharmaceutical in 2021. Abans Group, having sunset views in the evening. Division, is a leading brand in providing immediate and persistent control of ticks and fleas on dogs. It claims to be CatchMe.lk recognised as best e-commerce platform the first and only chewable During the first wave of the needed a reliable name to even confidence. We have seen a tick and flea protection to last Covid-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka deliver their basic groceries. This significant increase in traffic to the a minimum of three months and the ensuing lockdown, is when we decided to obtain the site as well during recent times, on a single dose. Bravecto is consumers in Sri Lanka were required approvals and started off which goes to show that more available at leading veterinary compelled to rely on e-commerce with grocery delivery. One by one people are looking for secure clinics and pet shops around and digital platforms for even the we added personal care products, and convenient ways of doing the country. most basic needs. Although there household products, baby care their shopping,” said CatchMe.lk Bravetco is yet another were many existing and new sites items, and even stationery, taking Founding Partner Siddeek Azeez. quality product of MSD that came up during that time, few into consideration requests from A fully owned subsidiary of the Animal Health in the were able to stock essentials, be our customers and the needs of the Katalyst Group, Catchme.lk now Netherlands, one of the leading user-friendly and proactive, and hour,” said CatchMe.lk Founding operates two mega stores for greater veterinary pharmaceutical also deliver orders promptly. For the Partner Afthab Azeez. customer convenience at the One company in the world and exceptional service rendered during This year there was no gold award Galle Face Mall and in Colombo 4. one of the main suppliers the lockdown and for continuing in the e-commerce category and These outlets also serve as pick-up to the Browns Veterinary to do so even after, Catchme.lk CatchMe.lk was recognised for points for customers who wish to Pharmaceutical Division with products of the Browns was recently awarded the silver at several of its attributes including place their orders online and pick it a relationship spanning over Pharmaceutical Division, the Best Web Awards 2020 in the the ease of use, extensive product up themselves. three decades. MSD currently which was launched last year e-commerce platforms category. portfolio, and exceptional customer “Catchme.lk has a lot of versatile caters to the preventive health as a long-lasting solution The Best Web Awards are service and delivery turnaround options for our customers. Anyone market in more than 140 against ticks and fleas. Most conducted by the LK Domain times. who wants to shop the traditional countries around the world and importantly, Bravetco has no Registry every year and recognises “One of the main criteria for way can visit either of our stores physically operates in more side effects. The product has websites that promote and selecting websites as winners is and be assured that all health and than 50 countries. proven itself to be an effective popularise web presence in Sri the user friendliness and simplicity safety protocols are being adhered Commenting on solution, winning the hearts of Lanka. of the platform. Developed by our to. Customers who prefer to shop Bravetco, Browns Cluster pet owners across the island. “When we started off CatchMe own in-house web developers, from the convenience of their Chief Operating Officer At Browns, we are constantly back in 2012, it was more of the CatchMe.lk website has home have the website which is Pharmaceuticals/Consumer evaluating our product an e-commerce platform for clientele who would always come many unique features including simple, efficient, and we guarantee Products and Integrated portfolio to ensure that we are electronics, gadgets, and accessories to us for these types of products. how we group products, the easy secure delivery,” added CatchMe. Engineering Solutions providing our loyal consumers that would enhance your lifestyle. However, during the lockdown navigations, and even the security lk Chief Technical Officer Damitha Mangala Wijesinghe said: with the best solutions to Over the years, we built up a loyal we realised that our customers features which build customer Ginigaddarage. “Bravecto is one of the key address their needs.” Babybear.lk website launches in Colombo People’s Bank introduces Vanitha Saviya Baby accessory store Babybear® Boutique launched its website www. loan facility for women babybear.lk at a unique event held In line with the government online through its flagship super development drive, People’s Bank store at No. 35, Pagoda Road, introduced the Vanitha Saviya loan Nugegoda. The event celebrated scheme in 2020 to empower Sri mothers and babies with a panel Lanka’s women entrepreneurs. discussion, mums and mums-to-be This loan was designed for networking opportunities, tutorial women who are engaged in micro sessions, and much more. or small-scale businesses or for Speaking at the launch, Babybear® those who want to start a business. Managing Director Rae Devadason Another main objective of this loan noted: “During the lockdown in scheme is to lessen the financial Sri Lanka due to Covid-19, we had burden of the women who were many of our clientele desperately engaged in businesses during the looking for ways to obtain quality From left: Antyra Solutions Assistant Manager – Projects Eshan Fernando, Assistant Covid-19 pandemic period. baby essentials, hospital list items, Manager – Client Servicing Usitha Dheerasinghe, and CEO Niranka T. Perera; For those who are already Babybear Managing Director Rae Devadason; Dilani De Silva; and Global Payments and other baby products from Relationship Manager Nilanthi Kulatunga and Regional Manager Thouseef Ahmed running successful businesses, the one secure and trusted location. Vanitha Saviya loan scheme from While we facilitated and personally anyone and everyone. For instance, Solutions CEO Niranka T. Perera People’s Bank allows them to delivered orders over the phone, via products are categorised by the said: “Antyra is proud to partner obtain a facility up to Rs. 500,000 SMS, and through our social media “age” of babies or toddlers. Other with Babybear to introduce such or a working capital loan of Rs. People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse presents a Vanitha Saviya loan to a female entrepreneur as People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager channels during that challenging essentials include hooded towels, a large range of baby goods to the 200,000. For those just starting out, Ranjith Kodituwakku looks on time, we felt the dire need for a swaddling blankets, feeding bottles, Sri Lankan consumer, making it an amount of up to Rs. 120,000 sophisticated e-commerce website nappies, diapers, mackintoshes, the number one online destination can be obtained. With an interest that leadership capabilities of area. In addition, the applicant that not only included all our baby-proofing items, cots, strollers for Sri Lankan mums, dads, and that will not fluctuate until the the women are improved. should not be a defaulter to products but also gave our customers and travel strollers, and many more parents-to-be. As a specialist loan is settled, the Vanitha Saviya Through this, the development of any bank or should not be a easy access, online payment exquisite items. Babybear also has e-commerce solutions company, loan scheme is designed to put the entrepreneurship, the economy of guarantor for such a loan. The security, and so much more. We mums-to-be in mind with a range of Antyra has helped Sri Lankan applicant’s needs at the core of its the country, and the standard of business she conducts should further realised the vast opportunity maternity wear, shoes, and clothing brands generate over Rs. 10 billion premise. living of the Sri Lankans can be produce goods or services that are to take our products to the world. We as well as a range of hand-crafted in sales online. Using our expertise People’s Bank Deputy General achieved.” in high demand and she should partnered with Antyra Solutions, Sri soaps and international shower gel and experience, we have created a Manager – Enterprise Banking People’s Bank Assistant General have a sound technical knowledge Lanka’s leading integrated digital brands to soothe and pamper the unique online shopping platform Krishani Narangoda expressed Manager – Development and required for the business. agency which has developed site mom-to-be during her pregnancy. for Babybear, with the aim of her views. “The Vanitha Saviya Microfinance U.S. Girty expressed “The loan repayment solutions for some of Sri Lanka’s For parents with toddlers, babybear. translating their offline market loan scheme was mainly her views. “To be eligible for the period is maximum five years top-tier corporates and international lk also stocks educational toys, dominance to a truly online, mobile- introduced by People’s Bank to Vanitha Saviya loan scheme she which includes a maximum hotel chains, to develop a state-of- books, and party items as well. first experience.” empower the country’s women should be a micro or small-scale concessionary period of three the-art e-commerce platform www. The platform also offers customers Global Payments Regional and engage women in income- business woman who has been months for fixed assets investment babybear.lk, as well as partnered the ability to join Babybear’s loyalty Manager Thouseef Ahmed stated: earning activities. This loan carrying on her business for over loans. For working capital loans with Global Payments, Dialog schemes with discounts and benefits “We are proud to partner with scheme was introduced in line six months continuously. The the repayment period is maximum Genie, and CityPak (Hayleys) to galore for frequent shoppers. The Babybear.lk to bring the highest with the Government’s national above conditions do not apply for three years. A unique feature of enhance the customers’ store-to- Babybear “Bear Club” will also host possible secure payment solutions policy framework of Vistas of women who make 40% or more this scheme is that according to the home experience.” periodic events for mums, mums- to customers. Our 3D secure and Prosperity and Splendour. contribution either in cash or goods. business and its income, instalment Babybear.lk will soon list more to-be, and even the dads on subjects tokenisation technology ensures “To raise the national economy, “The applicant should be payments could be decided.” than 12,000 international and that really matter for better parenting customers enjoy repeat purchases the rural economy should be between 25 and 65 years of age. It Applying for a Vanitha Saviya local products for mums, babies, as well as play dates and book with ease. We wish all at Babybear developed. The contribution of is essential that the loan applicant loan can be done through 741 and mums-to-be and has been readings for little ones as they grow. the very best and look forward to a women is important for the income resides in the operative area or is branches and service centres of categorised to make it easy for Speaking at the event, Antyra mutually beneficial relationship.” generation and therefore it is vital carrying on the business in that People’s Bank.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 SOCIAL WELFARE AND ACTIVISM IN FOCUS »SEE PAGE 5

THE CHITRA LANE WAY AND THE PANDEMIC »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,brunch February 7, 2021

The biggest challenge over the last eight years was changing people’s mindsets and making them understand why it was important to make a change and be conscious and responsible House of Lonali Owner Lonali Rodrigo

BY NAVEED ROZAIS You have to Building a brand from the ground up is never an easy task. Even more so if your brand is in a field that people don’t fully decide if being understand. Sustainable fashion and circularity are now key words in fashion, but eight years ago, this was most definitely not the an entrepreneur case. It was amidst this landscape in 2012 that the owner of House of Lonali Lonali Rodrigo is for you launched Lonali, Sri Lanka’s first upcycled fashion brand. Lonali Rodrigo of House of Lonali on sustainability and entrepreneurship ││Contd. on page 2 Preserving an intricate heritage craft Auntie Leela of Weligama on over 50 years of weaving beeralu lace BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE industry and the number of practitioners weaving beeralu Beeralu lace weaving, also lace lessens as the years go known as bobbin lace or at on. This has resulted in a times pillow lace, is an age-old concentrated effort by the Sri Lankan cottage industry National Crafts Council to practised predominantly on encourage the preservation of the southern coast of the this beeralu craft by offering island. Although a legacy of beeralu lace makers numerous Portuguese and the Dutch incentives and setting up craft colonisation, it is now part spaces where they seek out a resident of Weligama who status of the beeralu lace craft of our own culture and has a current practitioners and have has been practising the beeralu in the island and how it is history of over 600 years. them share their knowledge. craft for over 50 years, who practised. PHOTOS SUDARSHA LAKMAL However, it is also a dying We met with K.B. Leela Seeli, shared with us the current ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/TRENDS Sunday, February 7, 2021

been very positive. People are starting to understand how their purchases and consumption really impact the environment and the people around them. As an entrepreneur, managing the You have... financial, marketing, and production Women Awards. What was sides on your own is always a challenge, Contd. from page 1 that like? and it was something I had to figure out Rodrigo was recently recognised It was amazing being recognised for every year. Every year has brought with as the Upcoming Woman Entrepreneur the work I do and for the brand I’ve spent it something new with its own challenges. 2020 at Women in Management’s so many years building. This kind of extra Entrepreneurship is a journey where you “Top50” Professional and Career Women recognition not only gives me fuel to carry kind of figure things out as you go and Awards held last week, in recognition on, but also builds awareness of the vision keep moving forward. for her work as an entrepreneur driving of House of Lonali and the world we’re sustainable living. trying to build. ÄÄ What’s the most In the eight years since its formation, rewarding part of being an Lonali has progressed to become Sri entrepreneur for you? Lanka’s pioneering sustainable lifestyle As a designer, I am always very happy brand. Working with apparel industry when I see a client wearing one of my waste, Lonali works with factory offcuts Sustainable fashion and circularity dresses. seeing a client wearing my dress as and excess fabric, reworking these pieces a designer. But another thing that is really of waste to create a range of fashion and are now key words in fashion, rewarding is not just seeing the product, lifestyle accessories. but eight years ago, this was most but also being able to connect the maker of definitely not the case when owner that product with the wearer. I often show ÄÄ Tell us the House of Lonali of House of Lonali Lonali Rodrigo pictures of clients wearing Lonali to the story and how you got launched Sri Lanka’s first upcycled maker, the people who stitched the clothes, interested in sustainable worked on the prints, and so on. fashion brand. When the makers see the products fashion. House of Lonali Owner My interest in sustainable fashion they’ve worked on being worn by clients, stems mainly from the passion I have Lonali Rodrigo it puts a huge smile on their faces, which towards the environment. Even as a child, is something I find very satisfying – I was always someone who cared very that journey of sharing stories through deeply about people and animals. When I ÄÄ What’s next for House of products. became a designer, I was always thinking Lonali? ÄÄ Collaboration is a big about how I could contribute to the At House of Lonali, we have an environment. part of House of Lonali’s offering for everyone. Not just fashion, DNA. Why do you feel it is At the time, climate change was but a whole range of products to make absolutely not a buzzword, but I was still your lifestyle more sustainable. House important for businesses to very mindful about how I could contribute of Lonali also works with corporates, collaborate? to a better world. Being in a country consulting them on ways to upcycle I’ve always believed in collaboration like Sri Lanka, which is such a powerful their waste and do their bit to protect the over competition, and this is something I apparel manufacturing hub, I saw a lot environment. have incorporated into my practice with of waste being generated, and I also saw We want to work with more House of Lonali. I’ve worked closely a huge gap in terms of what was being corporations on upcycling and with many amazing people, and through done with this waste, and I began thinking sustainability and create amazing products collaboration, we’ve been able to learn about converting waste into something for them as well. We’re also focusing from each other as well as solve problems. sustainable using design. more on working circularity into House As a small brand in the apparel I started House of Lonali as a sector, I’ve collaborated with apparel “Lonali” has since progressed to of Lonali as one of our core values and become Sri Lanka’s pioneering business and social enterprise because I help our customers become even more giants on repurposing their waste, the saw this waste from the apparel industry conscious, responsible, and empower education sector on building awareness sustainable lifestyle brand. Working you are that type, and if it’s for you. and saw a lot of value in it, as well as the them to make a stronger impact. on sustainable fashion, and also with with apparel industry waste, Then, if you have a great idea and skills we have in Sri Lanka. I put design my colleague brands who work towards Lonali works with factory offcuts want to innovate, you need to make thinking in place to upcycle this waste ÄÄ What would you say your sustainable lifestyles. I’ve never thought and excess fabric, reworking these sure it’s something new. Innovating is and make beautiful products. biggest challenges were as a of these brands as my competitors. very important. One you’ve got your House of Lonali started eight years I’ve also worked with a lot of pieces of waste to create a range of young entrepreneur? fashion and lifestyle accessories idea, you need to validate it. If your ago with fashion and womenswear, and I started House of Lonali at the age corporations sharings skills and expertise. product already exists in the market we have now become a lifestyle brand of 25, basing the brand Lonali on what A company might be very successful in House of Lonali Owner why do people need your product? Ask which has womenswear, menswear, was an entirely new concept at the time – its own area, but when we collaborate, we Lonali Rodrigo that question and validate your idea. kidswear, accessories, stationery, and sustainability and upcycling. The biggest bring in sustainability, design, and what Make sure it solves a problem or helps even interiors as well. challenge over the last eight years was we’ve learned, to build huge impact and Firstly, I would think it’s important society or the environment or has some changing people’s mindsets and making drive sustainability in Sri Lanka. to consider carefully if you’re actually other value and is appropriate for the ÄÄ You were recently named current time. them understand why it was important ÄÄ What message would an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur is Upcoming Woman to make a change and be conscious and not for everyone. It’s a lot of hard work. To be an entrepreneur, you need a lot Entrepreneur at Women responsible. While building this movement you give other young You don’t necessarily need to be born an of focus, drive and belief. You need to in Management’s “Top50” of change has been very challenging, entrepreneurs trying to entrepreneur to become one – it’s a skill believe in yourself and make other people Professional and Career over the last two years, the response has effect change? you can build – but you have to decide if believe in you and your vision as well. Preserving an... PHOTOS SUDARSHA LAKMAL Contd. from page 1 Better known as “Auntie Leela” in the Weligama town, she is a beloved member of the community and a recipient of the Presidential Award in 2018 at the Shilpa Abhimani handcrafts competition and exhibition organised by the National Crafts Council. She has also won multiple awards over the years for her contribution towards keeping traditional crafts alive. Auntie Leela shared with us a little bit of history about the craft, stating that the 16th Century was when the craft was first introduced courtesy of the Portuguese invasion. Later on, the Dutch had The Shilpa Sabawa (the also contributed to developing the Council) has put up several detailing, and the fact that it is purely grandmother, the knowledge is industry, which was when this lace classes in Galle, Matara, handmade elevates its value. not so widespread, also noting that became most popular. However, Weligama, and even Dikwella, She said the time required to complete there was a time when there was a Auntie Leela shared that the Malays and for these classes they seek a single piece is dependent on the serious decline in people who had who arrived in Sri Lanka from out teachers like me and we get complexity of the pattern, adding the knowledge and skill to do beeralu Indonesian islands and the Malay compensated for contributions that ideally, using a medium-level lace. However, thanks to the National region are considered to be the first to keeping the craft alive difficulty pattern in order to complete Crafts Council, the practice has had to introduce the craft to us. She said a 50-square-inch piece of lace would a chance to come up. She said she is that in the past, weaving beeralu was a Beeralu craft practitioner K.B. Leela Seeli take about two to three days of work. extremely thankful for the exposure way of showing skill, a hobby, and an Often the way patterns are combined and opportunities the Council has extra earning for village women. is by having several weavers work provided, stating that the Council’s We were lucky enough to visit Auntie of thread are woven or braided with on each independent pattern and then concentrated efforts to revive the Leela just as she was beginning a the help of wooden bobbins to create combining them on the final cut. practice, offering up numerous incentives as well. preserved. new lace, and she took us through a finished piece of lace. She said The high labour cost makes incentives, has resulted in an increased She said that beyond the career Samarasinghe shared that due the process, which to our laypersons’ that beginners would start off with it so that beeralu lace is relatively interest in picking up the practice by benefits, the skill is also very useful to to the Covid-19 pandemic and its eyes looked extremely intricate. She only four wooden bobbins and can expensive. However, its unique the youth, especially in Weligama. keep you sharp; even in her old age, effects, despite their best efforts for said that watching beeralu lace being then move up to as many as they can properties and high quality has “The Shilpa Sabawa (the she said her mind has remained sharp most of the traditional craftsmen, made is one of the tourist activities handle. ensured that it continues to have great Council) has put up several classes in because she engages in an activity their major revenue streams have that exist Down South, adding that Watching the lace being woven market value and remains in demand Galle, Matara, Weligama, and even which utilises a lot of motor functions, dried up, particularly their sales via in addition to purchasing the lace, was certainly an experience, with amongst those who have an interest Dikwella, and for these classes they and this has kept her mind healthy and Laksala, and the shutdown of tourism this performance aspect has been a Auntie Leela’s hands flying across the and eye for intricate detailing. Auntie seek out teachers like me and we active. activities too has made it impossible great tourist attraction for those who pillow as she switched from bobbin to Leela shared that it is not as difficult get compensated for contributions We also spoke to National Crafts for many beeralu lace practitioners to practice the craft. bobbin. Seeing the lace come to life to learn as it may seem, if you are to keeping the craft alive,” she said, Council Assistant Director Dhammika continue with their craft. Therefore, Auntie Leela shared that when was beautiful, and it is evident that keen, adding that one year of focused adding that she wishes to encourage Samarasinghe who shared with us he said they would like to encourage you weave the lace, to get started, while the process takes up much more effort is sufficient to pick up the skill youngsters to pick up the craft as that beeralu is one of the major crafts people to look into traditional crafts the weaver must first hand-draw the effort when compared to machine-cut and, much like any other skill, your there are many benefits to knowing they are focusing on when it comes around the island and do their part pattern of the lace on graph paper, lace products that can be produced in improvement from that point on will traditional crafts like this, including to conserving traditional crafts, and in promoting and helping them stay after which the pattern is marked bulk and on-demand, the authenticity depend on how often you practice. the many opportunities you get from the southern coast is where nearly alive as it is part of our country’s with pins and wrapped around a and quality of beeralu lace is Auntie Leela went on to share the Government to travel to foreign 90% of the practitioners come from, heritage which we must not allow to lace pillow, which is known as the unparalleled. The lace has a delicate that while she was lucky enough countries and be a part of the cultural as the coast is where the practice was go extinct. “kotta boley”. Then, several lengths charm about it with its intricate to have learned the craft from her exchange, as well as various cash the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, February 7, 2021 INTEREST

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Working with children is always challenging yet rewarding, and this is even more so when working with children who have special needs. A stalwart for parents and children with special needs is the Chitra Lane Children’s Resource Centre and the Chitra Lane School. Founded in 1967 by Delysia Gunewardene, the Chitra Lane School for the Special Child has, over the past 50 years, worked tirelessly to help children with special needs learn and grow and take their place in society. Gunewardene was not trained in special needs education. She educated herself with the resources available to her in 1967, when she saw that the special needs children at her daughter’s montessori were not learning the way their peers did, and required special attention. the Chitra Lane story began in a small rented room at the Joyce Goonesekera Montessori with two children, engaging them in basic activities while being sensitive to each child’s unique special needs. Eventually, once numbers grew and they needed to find a space of their own, Gunewardene registered her initiative as a welfare society, for them to be able to raise funds and expand. This was the seed of what is today the Chitra Lane Welfare Society, which now touches the lives of over 1,000 children with special needs each year through their initiatives. The majority of these children are from low-income Students at the Chitra Lane School families who rely on the Chitra Lane for the Special Child Welfare Society for the wellbeing of their children. Each of the Chitra Lane School’s initiatives works to help children with special needs live their fullest lives, and become productive members of their families and communities. the Chitra Lane School for the Special Child works with over 250 students from five to 17 years old, teaching them the The Chitra “Chitra Lane Way”, allowing them to develop at their own pace and encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. The Chitra Lane Sheltered Workshop allows students over 16 years old to develop and practice vocational skills cooking and sewing to printing and more. Lane Way and The Chitra Lane Resource Centre offers various therapies, from occupational therapy to speech therapy, behavioural modification art therapy, counselling for parents, IQ testing, infant stimulation, and more. The Chitra Lane Academy focuses on the pandemic teaching and training potential teachers from all over Sri Lanka on how to manage the special needs of the children that Delysia Gunewardene on the Chitra Lane mainstream education tends to overlook. The Chitra Lane Sheltered Workshop Sheltered Workshop going online recently went digital, with the products made by students at the workshop being made available on the e-commerce Handmade products crafted by the children platform, whoweare.lk. The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to the Chitra of the school Lane Welfare Society for Children with Our vocational training be continuing the other programmes with Special Needs Founder and President programmes have enabled many these students. Delysia Gunewardene on this milestone of our senior students to get The biggest problem we have is that and for some insight on working with outside employment following there are many students who respond best children with special needs during the graduation. We ourselves have to a face-to-face, one-on-one situation, pandemic. now employed 12 of them within especially with physiotherapy, play Excerpts from the interview below: therapy, behaviour modification, and our programmes. We also train speech therapy. We still continue this as ÄÄ The Chitra Lane Sheltered and encourage parents so that best as we can online. If both parents are Workshop has recently been they can work with their child working, it becomes even more difficult. taken online with whoweare. and create small businesses lk. Please tell us a little ÄÄ What are the Chitra Lane more about the Sheltered School’s thoughts and hopes Workshop and how this At that time, we had a kind young for 2021? came to be. carpenter who was happy to work with 2020 was a huge challenge for our students and their families, as well as our Over 50 years ago, when the Chitra our students. The carpentry section was a staff. However, it is amazing how our staff Lane School was initially started, we great success and the students were taught Pencil boxes crafted by the children have come forward with new and creative worked with children with special needs to repair the school furniture, do painting ideas on how to work online with our from five to 17 years old. We found that work, etc. Unfortunately, after many years, an office, cleaning and maintenance work, for our students, update and create new special children. We are extremely grateful some of the students graduating from the the young carpenter started up his own sewing and embroidery, recycled paper activities, discuss how we should move for their dedication to the students and the Chitra Lane School were really not ready carpentry shop and moved on. We were production, screen printing, and cookery. forward, and solve any problems that crop school. to go out into society. They needed further devastated, as we knew we would never get Soon, the items produced at the Chitra up. Our teachers have been able to work Our sincere hope is that we will be training in vocational and self-help skills a dedicated teacher like him again. Sadly, Lane Sheltered Workshop, from delicious with students online using WhatsApp able to safely reopen the Chitra Lane to become independent and productive the carpentry section is not functioning patties and butter cake, wrapping paper to develop various skills. Sadly, it was School early this year and continue with members of their family and community. anymore. made from old newspaper, to beautiful recently discussed that we will not be our programmes, which will now be As a result, the Chitra Lane Sheltered But, thanks to many creative and cross-stitch purses and tote bags, were able to continue the computer programme much easier and even more effective due workshop was established. dedicated teachers and volunteers, the a great success and came to be very for some of our students online due to to all the online planning, training, and Initially, we started with envelope Sheltered Workshop has expanded over the much in demand. We are very grateful the fact that they do not have a tab or problem solving that was done throughout making, paper-bag making, and carpentry. years, covering skills like working within to whoweare.lk for selling our products computer, as we are unable to teach the online which provides much-needed computer programme proficiently on a the pandemic. Through this experience, income to our young adults with special mobile phone that is shared by parents we hope that all our staff will have much needs and their mothers who assist with and siblings. We are looking at a solution success in conducting programmes in truly the production. to this issue going forward, but we will the “Chitra Lane Way”. We also find that our vocational training programmes have enabled many of our senior students to get outside employment following graduation. We ourselves have now employed 12 of them within our programmes. We also train and encourage parents so that they can work with their child and create small businesses in their own homes. ÄÄ How has Chitra Lane managed the pandemic? What has the biggest challenge been? Fortunately, we formed an action committee with 10 staff, including consultants, volunteers, and administration staff. This has been a great help during the lockdown, as we meet Students of the Chitra Lane School crafting the products on Zoom regularly to plan programmes A student of the school smiles for the camera 4 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE Sunday, February 7, 2021

Running away from your traditional family BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Social Studies Department Lecturer S.D. Jayathilake said that the reasoning could be Illangasekara shared that in her experience, many things however one thing he can point out If you ask young Sri Lankans when they leave the country about their reason for leaving out the quadrant of students who is the mismatch of experience and exposure for leaving, on top of the usual “better education”, “better job prospects”, and “better wish to live away from home due to violence, individuals, especially considering that young salaries”, you also hear a resounding number of people sharing that they are leaving poverty, and perhaps even to avoid certain people are able to see what is possible and what responsibilities, there are many who wish to the world has to offer, and the level of civil because they wish to get away from their family and social pressures imposed by Sri live away from home. She said that it often liberties they are allowed to enjoy in comparison Lankan culture. If they are honest, perhaps even those travelling to greener pastures tends to be because they believe in doing so to someone their own age that lives elsewhere. may even have this as one of their underlying reasons. it is a win-win for both themselves and their He said that it is not a matter of rebelling, or parents. the need to live outside of societal conventions, This migration or immigration on the To address the matter, we spoke to a “Many of the students say that their it is a desire to experience what many of their grounds of wanting to get away from family number of students who were preparing to parents are only so strict because they contemporaries experience as of right. is not for a lack of love, but rather to distance travel abroad to pursue their studies, despite are afraid of what society will think, and themselves from overbearing parents, and live being able to follow the same course while what their neighbours would think; and by Looking at parenting life with a little more freedom than they are remaining in Sri Lanka. They shared that living away from their community, they are allowed. while it would have been convenient to live University of Colombo Professor Emeritus removing that burden from their parents of Sociology Siri Hettige also shared that in at home and also study, they felt that if they minds,” she said, adding that: “There’s a don’t take this opportunity to live away from addition to this cultural migration, there is girl who told me that her mother and father an element we must look into that is largely their family and the prying eyes of their are very understanding and allows her to relatives, they won’t be able to live their 20s ignored in Sri Lanka, which is the topic of associate her friends, they trust her and allow parenting. in the way that they want and truly experience her to stay out late, etc. However if she was to life. He said that in Sri Lanka it is a gray area, stay out late, they prefer that she stays over at where the act of parenting is hardly ever spoken We spoke with a student who said a friend’s house so that their neighbours will they chose to go to their second choice of about, and noted that in Sri Lankan culture, we not see her coming in late at night”. place heavy emphasis on parental obligations. university, which was University of Ruhuna, Illangasekara said that this is something even though they could have gone to This pressure on parents to be perfect has common that she hears from many of the resulted in an ambiguous way of parenting, University of Colombo, solely because had young girls, stating that society places a great they chosen Colombo, they would have to go where everyone is expected to know exactly deal of pressure on young women to behave what to do the moment they have children, and to university from home. a certain way, and parents believe they are We came across another example where each family unit is left to their own devices to alleviating that stress by enforcing strict incorporate whatever dynamics they see fit. one expressed that she felt socially inadequate guidelines upon their children. because she was so sheltered by her Prof. Hettige said that, particularly overbearing parents, and now suddenly at 30 when it comes to parenting adolescents and she is thrust into society and her own parents Cultural migration teenagers, there is hardly ever any discussion, are expecting her to find a partner to settle Lecturer in the field of sociology and but that is one of the most crucial times in the down with. “I am dreading my reality, which complex emergencies and humanitarian development of your child, because beyond will be going from my father’s house to my responses Nevanka De Silva Jayathilake that you come to a point where you are no husband’s, never having lived on my own or shared with us that this specific phenomenon longer able to aid their development. He said fended for myself,” she said, adding that she of students migrating to pursue their education that there is a dire need for open discourse and feels she doesn’t know enough about people with the reasoning of having more freedom in conversation in the way that parents choose to and the world to even select a partner because sociology is termed “cultural migration”. It is parent their children, because it is a subjective she wasn’t allowed to interact with a lot of the desire for a different culture, he said, it is the matter and there is no right or wrong way. people growing up. seeking out of a culture that is more attuned to For each child, methods must differ, We spoke to a number of educators, and what you seek. but if the conversation is not being had and those who study culture and society, to shed He said that this initial migration for studies you enforce a free-size approach for all your some light on this phenomenon of students is somewhat the first step in this process, it is children, whatever you may have either picked taking hold of any opportunity to live away the seed of the desire for an environment other up from your own parents, or neighbouring from the traditional constructs they must than your own, following which it grows and parents, then you will face a point where you abide by if they were to live with their family. you chose to seek our work and eventually settle child will feel suffocated or discontent with the University of Colombo Professor Emeritus of Sociology Siri Hettige University of Sri Jayewardenepura down. life they lead. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, February 7, 2021 CAUSE

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA people feel sympathy towards animals and WORK FOR A CAUSE would like to help, yet are not aware of Sri Lanka, as a developing nation, the means to do so and if they exist in the is observed as a breeding ground first place,” he expressed. for rampant marginalised and Ranasinghe echoed Perera’s sentiments that social awareness ought underprivileged groups, thereby to be cultivated starting from childhood, calling for the need for ample SOCIAL WELFARE adding his personal experiences of being assistance at the community level. interested in rights since he was in school. Social activism is one such avenue “Back then, I did not recognise of social welfare that widley it as activism. Then I identified many contributes to the umbrella of people who are active in associations in social welfare. AND ACTIVISM Colombo. Due to the low turnout of the Merriam-Webster defines social community in the rural areas, I left my activism as “a doctrine or practice that home district of Colombo and came to emphasises direct vigorous action, the Anuradhapura District. Now I work especially in support of or opposition to closely with the community in very rural one side of a controversial issue”. With areas. However, it is a journey that started the rise of social media, social activism as a child,” he claimed. is now more accessible than ever before, Ranasinghe noted that youth giving the opportunity for existing participation is quintessential in the activists to enhance their actions and reach future of social activism, as the young out to greater audiences such as social IN FOCUSwhy service is undervalued. see the world in a new perspective and empaths and intrigued schoolchildren to “We honestly do not have the time to are equipped with ample sources of also participate in activism in respective advertise ourselves with everything that’s information. However, he added that degrees. going on. Not only do we have to engage in unfortunately, the politicians of our Among the many fascinating a livelihood ourselves amidst all the social country are working to create a younger harbingers of social justice and welfare, welfare work, but the neverending nature generation of slaves. The Sunday Morning Brunch had the of Sri Lanka’s social problems puts more Not everyone will turn out to be an privilege of corresponding with animal strain on ground-level activists,” he said. activist, but it is important to inculcate rights advocate and activist Dominic He also acknowledged those who compassion for humankind and life of all Perera and youth activist Kaushal collect funds illegally for personal gain forms. Ranasinghe for insightful conversations through fake accounts on social media, on the topic of the work they do as and that his organisation mobilises three ground-level activists. to four individuals who keep track of such unethical activity. A day in the life of an activist “Many people think we are getting Dominic Perera is also the Director dollars from abroad for all this. But we of Justice to Animals and Nature, headed do this work for self-satisfaction. There by the Bodhiraja Foundation. Having are people who sell social problems and lived in two countries for the last 33 we have to face the consequences of their foolish actions,” stressed Ranasinghe. years – Sri Lanka and the US – he has Activist and Youth for Tomorrow Founder Kaushal Ranasinghe speaking at a forum been actively pursuing studies on animal He further uncovered that some political parties have labelled social affairs ever since he came to Sri Lanka. to sexual bribery, sexual harassment, and It can be said that Covid itself has activists as “NGOs” (non-government He is often involved in animal rescue and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). added fodder to the fire in terms of organisations) for their own benefit, citing welfare initiatives in urban areas, and hardship, as it has affected everything a personal experience he has had, in having visited every slaughterhouse from Amidst Herculean systematically. It is tedious for the which a politician publicly threatened his Negombo to Borella, he regularly rescues Government to fulfil its own goals and it tasks: Underestimated, life and he was the subject of hate from stray cattle and those in slaughterhouses. trickles down to activists in equal sense other Facebook pages. Through the conversations we underappreciated with the inability to implement envisioned “Real activists should proactively have had with Perera, we learnt that in Sri Lanka has been internationally projects due to the lack of funds. addition to the 16 rescued dogs at his recognised as a volunteering hotspot with work with other activist groups and Many people think that we are home, he also feeds 65 strays every night regard to social welfare. Yet, their efforts Real activists, not ‘keyboard co-operate with government agencies no getting dollars from abroad from Mount Lavinia into Galle Road, are more often than not undervalued. warriors’ matter how difficult it is, and constantly stretching towards Ratmalana, Pepiliyana, Perera stated that the most difficult reach out and report findings with the for all this. But we do this Due to the wide-spread use of social and Mirihana: An expedition that once challenge for activists, volunteers, and media. They should also provide media work for self-satisfaction. media, everybody can be some sort of caused him to break his mobile phone in advocates like himself is to cut through personnel such as investigative journalists activist in this day and age. This, paired There are people who sell the process, which remains in the same the red tape of bureaucracy of government the resources to investigate significant with people’s general interest in social condition to date. bodies, in addition to their lack of co- points of interests, such as essential social problems and we have to welfare, is now an attractive breeding “No matter what duty I have, I try operation with the private and public contacts and needed documentation,” ground for fraud and misconduct by those face the consequences of their my best to step out and head out to the sectors, and best of all, lack of interest. stated Perera from his expertise. with ulterior motives that are beyond foolish actions streets to do this everyday. I know what “For activists such as myself, there social support. it’s like to go without a meal without are certain monthly target goals to be Social welfare work: Cultivating it Activist and Youth for Tomorrow “There are some activists who the ability to tell someone that I am fulfilled. If we don’t do that consecutively and reviving what we have Founder Kaushal Ranasinghe are trying to protect their class. They hungry. Domesticated animals are heavily for three to four months, we would never The next step to be taken is to think they are activists just by speaking dependent on people for food and for be able to finish any task that we started. cultivate more active civil societies and English and putting up a couple of posts a clean source of water. Clean water is The minute you stop, we take many leaps ensure co-ordination between existing on Instagram. We should appreciate something stray dogs don’t usually get backwards,” Perera said. private organisations to help reduce the their service, but we have to go looking and it is one among the main causes of the “Some people have told me that I burden on the Government. Encouraging for real problems on Earth. If you go to many diseases they are infected with.” need to ‘chill’. But if the law and the the Government to make more use of the villages where there is no internet and Other than compassion extended government do not address the problem, existing equipped private sector is crucial no telephone facilities, you will see real to animals privately, Perera is currently the only remaining solution is to take in the same. problems,” expressed Ranasinghe. working on resolving the human-elephant matters into your own hands. Sometimes I Justice for Animals and Nature, There are still people in this country conflict (HEC) in whichever way possible, feel like the only way to apply a sufficient the organisation Perera represents, has who have given the right to direct their also working on a project by the name amount of pressure is armed resistance programmes to educate the young in intelligence to the media channels in the of ECHO Project (Elephant Crossing for animal rights advocates because at Sunday schools on the significance of country. We must change their attitudes Help Operation) to mitigate the elephant- some point in time, the much-neglected nature and wildlife, and the organisation and work to be independent.” railway issue. issues must boil over to a level that is not owns a sanctuary for rescued cattle on Many post pictures on social media, Activist and Anuradhapura-based tolerated,” he explained. a 100-acre land in Embilipitiya, owned captioned with stock phrases everybody youth forum Youth for Tomorrow Negative societal perception of the by Bodhiraja Foundation Founder Ven. uses with no real information as they do Founder Kaushal Ranasinghe, who term “activist” is also a sizable obstacle, Omalpe Sobitha Thera. not have sufficient knowledge to venture engages with sexual reproductive health Ranasinghe explained, Perera noted that efforts taken by extensively into the subject matter, and rights issues, advocacy on gender adding: “There qualified wildlife enthusiasts, such according to Perera. It has come to a point equality, and youth engagement in are people in this as former Department of Wildlife where the real activists are not recognised rural areas, was one of the most pioneer country who are Conservation (DWC) Director General Some people have told me with due respect and appreciation they advocates in pushing for the Hathe Ape accustomed to living Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, to educate safari deserve as they are outnumbered by the that I need to ‘chill‘. But if Potha which sought to introduce sex on a dependability van drivers in national parks as a great “keyboard warriors”. the law and the government education to the Grade Seven curriculum. mentality who live initiative. He also noted the importance Perera Ranasinghe conducts surveys in this only for the day-to- of cultivating values such as empathy and do not address the problem, uncovered the lack regard, with one study revealing that day. This situation is compassion within households. the only remaining solution is of advertising 40.5% out of 350 participants of said being taken advantage “Children themselves are so busy and promotion to take matters into your own survey had encountered some sort of of by traditional nowadays with their studies that they of their hands problem due to the lack of sex education, politicians and cultural do not have the time to learn kindness service as and uncovering that lack of proper sex thugs. Yet, we must and compassion towards animals Justice to Animals and Nature another education is one of the main reasons why seek out the community and how to be helpful to them in Director reason as to the interviewed children had fallen prey that rejects us.” dire situations. Furthermore, many Dominic Perera

PHOTO GAYATRI MALHOTRA ON UNSPLASH 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, February 7, 2021

initial stages of the pandemic, there has been a significant disruption in healthcare services as well as drops in hospital attendance, especially to Over the last few months, we came across emergency departments. The reasons many deaths occurring at home from for this reduction in seeking healthcare easily preventable conditions where the have varied from country to country. victims had not sought medical care due to fear of Covid-19 One major reason in Sri Lanka was the constant stigmatisation and negative attention that was meted out through the The doctor writing the cause of death public and social media on those who certificate has to decide if Covid-19 has contract the disease. contributed to the death or not. Generally, Some of the strategies Sri Lanka even in deaths that have occurred from adopted, such as mandatory admission heart attacks or strokes, physicians tend of Covid-19-positive patients to to include Covid-19 as the cause of death hospitals despite being asymptomatic, if the PCR is positive the involvement of military and law enforcement in contact tracing, mandatory for SARS CoV-2 virus, are labelled as cremation of Covid-19-positive deaths, Covid-19 deaths. have had significant drawbacks Finally, Dr. Gunawardena in creating a fear among the mentioned: “If you look at the people towards this disease, 300-plus deaths we have not so much due to its had, you would notice that health effects, but towards almost all of them are deaths the social stigma and with heart disease, strokes, DEATH ANXIETY criminalisation that was cancers, kidney disease, associated with it. dementia, etc., where “Over the last few Covid-19 has been linked months, we came across based on the PCR positivity, many deaths occurring and not necessarily due to at home from easily any clinical evidence of a IN THE TIME OF preventable conditions where Dr. Sameera A. Gunawardena respiratory infection. the victims had not sought “As this is a novel medical care due to fear of Covid-19,” virus, the WHO guidelines on certifying stated Dr. Gunawardena. deaths due to Covid-19 are rather vague and the doctor writing the cause of death If the PCR test is positive, is the certificate has to decide if Covid-19 has COVID-19 contributed to the death or not. Generally, cause of death Covid-19? even in deaths that have occurred from SARS n-CoV2 pandemic has far exceeded or confirmed Covid-19 case, unless there This is another controversial topic, BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI heart attacks or strokes, physicians tend to its predecessor in 2003, which recorded is a clear alternative cause of death that Dr. Gunawardena stated. This is perhaps include Covid-19 as the cause of death if only 700 deaths worldwide. Though these cannot be related to the Covid-19 disease the only global pandemic where a case is There is no doubt that the recent the PCR is positive.” numbers seem to indicate that Covid-19 is (e.g. trauma) with no period of complete diagnosed solely on a laboratory report Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a with no necessity for any clinical signs surge in anxiety, especially related a potentially serious fatal disease, there are recovery between the illness and death. several issues with these statistics that raise However, countries that were hit very or symptoms. In previous pandemics, to the deaths associated with it. In About the writer doubts on the actual lethality of this newly early on by this disease used much broader clinically detectable respiratory illness, The writer, fever, and/or radiological evidence of lung Sri Lanka, the death toll has surged discovered virus. definitions. For example, the UK included Dr. Dineshani involvement was the cornerstone of case to above 300, while over two University of Colombo Forensic all deaths occurring within two months of Hettiarachchi definition, which is in complete contrast to million deaths have been reported Medicine and Toxicology Department a Covid-19-positive report. Some of these Sirisena, is a family the current situation. worldwide, placing Covid-19 in Specialist in Forensic Medicine and senior broader definitions continue even today, physician with a Even if a completely healthy the top six leading causes of death lecturer Dr. Sameera A. Gunawardena and different countries also adopt different special interest in globally. stated that differences in the definitions and approaches in officially tallying the impact individual is detected to have a positive PCR test, he or she is considered as a rare genetic diseases The Spanish Flu is believed to have strategies of reporting Covid-19 deaths are of Covid-19. and regenerative one reason for this confusion. A large proportion of Covid-19 confirmed case and managed accordingly. killed at least 20 million in the space of Similarly, a large proportion of patients medicine currently working as a lecturer two years, and two Influenza A epidemics According to the World Health deaths occurred within aged-care at the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Organisation (WHO), a Covid-19 death facilities in other countries in patients who die without any signs of recent in the mid-1950s and 1960s have also infection, pneumonia, or respiratory Medicine, University of Colombo, recorded over two million deaths. This is defined as a death resulting from a who had multiple other diseases. Some Sri Lanka. clinically compatible illness in a probable studies have shown that during the distress, but have a positive PCR test

Being a teenager has never been easy, and the Covid pandemic isn’t exactly making things any easier. After the pandemic, we experienced sudden changes, with schools being closed 1926: Help is just a text away and events being cancelled. Many a mental health crisis or know growing up too. This and what we have created will self-harm. of us now feel like we are missing someone who is. is where each of us have a very positive impact on so In all of these instances, we out – whether they are the big Below are excerpts. has the power to many young Sri Lankans moving did our best to answer all their moments or just the little things make a difference. forward. questions while also encouraging like hanging out with friends. ÄÄ What are some of We also highly appreciate the them to express themselves as the typical causes of Sometimes, all it takes commitment and assistance we In this strange new normal, is a question: How are honestly and openly as possible. we sometimes forget that it’s mental health issues received from NIMH Director Dr. Often the simple act of okay to not feel okay, so long as in young people? you feeling? Dhammika Wijesinghe for the help describing what they were going we remember that there is always Most mental health issues Even if that person is actually and support she gave us in bringing through to another person who was a healthy way to deal with these start during adolescence. Genetics dealing with a more acute mental our chat line to what it is today. just there to listen with compassion feelings. It starts with reaching and environmental factors can also condition, there are almost Since we went live with the was enough to make them feel out, whether that’s to a family play a major role in this. Often always early signs. The sooner text-based service on 10 October better. Once we were sure they member, a friend, or a loved one this is when you would see sudden these issues are identified and 2020, in just a little over a month were out of crisis, we also tried you can trust. changes in behavioural patterns, proper interventions made, there we got over 580 registered chats, to give them a few practical steps Mental health is as important as teenagers tend to feel a lot is every chance that long-term most of whom were aged between they could take to help cope with to our happiness and wellbeing as of turbulent emotions. Without complications can be totally 14 and 23. So right away we can stress and anxiety. our physical health. Unfortunately, guidance and support, they can avoided. This means that even say this has been a great success. almost two-thirds of people sometimes struggle to develop the people who have been diagnosed It has also helped us to take an ÄÄ How do you facing mental health issues, or proper coping mechanisms, deal with an acute mental health important step towards improving encourage young a moment of emotional crisis, with difficult situations, or the condition can still grow, develop, access to professional mental adults to speak up find themselves unable to reach wrong kinds of social influences. NIMH senior consultant psychiatrist and live a full, healthy, and happy health services to a group of young about the difficulties Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe out for the help they need and This can often spiral into life. There is always that chance so people in need of help, or just they are dealing with? it’s important to never give up no deserve. Responding to the states of depression, aggression, a friendly person to talk to at a It’s not exactly unexpected, ourselves up to be more resilient matter how dark things may seem. intensifying need for access to and substance abuse. It is vital through these difficult moments difficult time. but it is still unfortunate that despite mental health services, Airtel that we recognise that this is not that can help set us on the right ÄÄ Have adolescent youth Ä great progress, Sri Lanka still has Lanka has partnered with the the fault of these individuals. path. Sometimes it takes a little Ä Since the chat line was a very strong social stigma when it National Institute of Mental Health reached out to the launched, what have Resorting to such activities is how extra courage to reach out and NIMH for assistance in comes to mental health issues. This (NIMH) in order to launch “1926”, they cope with real and immediate speak up about what you are going you learned about kind of outdated mindset is actually Sri Lanka’s first-ever trilingual emotional pain. While this can be through, but it’s important to the past? young people who very unhealthy for our society, (Sinhalese, Tamil, and English) due to stressful or even traumatic remember that this is the first step After the Easter attacks as text ‘1926’ and the because it tends to exclude people text-based mental health helpline. situations at home or school, it to feeling better. well as during the lockdown issues they face? who deserve to be treated with NIMH senior consultant can also be the case that those phases of Covid-19, we received As it so happened, the chat compassion and respect. psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa raised even in the most stable and ÄÄ What advice can you a surge of calls. However, they line went live right before the It is ultimately our collective Ranasinghe, who is heading the safe environments may also feel provide to people who were mostly from middle-aged 2020 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) loss when we stigmatise such helpline, shared intensely are close to someone and older adults. We engaged in examination, and so we had an people, because we lose out on all some valuable difficult going through a around 12,000 phone calls, and immediate surge of chats during the valuable contributions that they insights into emotions. in 220 instances, we were able to the examinations. Mostly it was can still make as fully developed mental health crisis? successfully intervene and provide useful strategies This All of us go through from children from 14 upwards. individuals and members of our for people can be life-saving support to people who While most of them were from community. It also continues fluctuations in our emotional states were going through extremely who are either draining, as we deal with the daily stresses children who were about to sit the to promote a regressive culture going through even serious emotional crises. However, exam, we noticed that there were in which people are made to of life. But generally, if you’re in we did notice that we were if it is a social group, we tend to notice even some who were stressed undergo needless suffering, just something receiving very few calls from out and afraid from seeing how because some are uncomfortable when the people we care about go those aged between 14 and 20. that seems through a sudden and unexpected their seniors were going through or unwilling to speak openly and simple Very often with younger with exams and the fact that they without judgement about these change of behaviour. This can people, they actually have a lot to and easy sometimes manifest as a person would eventually have to sit for it kinds of issues. for most say but they are reluctant to speak themselves. The truth is that life can becoming overly suspicious of because they are insecure about people. people or unexpectedly irritable. They had very high levels of be difficult for all of us, and The truth opening up to an adult in person. anxiety; they were often extremely whether it is due to genetics and They might start to neglect and They tend to be much freer about is, we all isolate themselves. In the case of worried and sometimes they just brain chemistry or a result of go through how they express themselves wanted help on how to clear their traumatic experiences, each of us children and teenagers, it might through text messages. This is hardships. take the form of a sudden drop minds enough to study and how to is prone to mental health issues. It is how what prompted the idea of starting retain the things they study. After Acknowledging this reality is in grades or a strong aversion to a text-based chat line, and we are we build social interactions. we spoke to them for a little while the first step to overcoming it for extremely grateful to the team at on these issues, some would start ourselves and for those around ÄÄ Especially with Airtel Lanka for reaching out to to open up about how they were us. With early intervention, younger people, the us and rapidly setting up the new going through panic attacks and counselling, and in some cases, “1926” text service. They have feeling numb or faintish. In a few medication, there is no reason why challenge is that this been with us every step of the way behaviour can just instances, they talked to us about anyone should have to deal with and trained our staff while taking how they had even considered debilitating mental health issues. The 1926 chat line be a normal part of care of all the technical aspects, the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, February 7, 2021 GAMES/TOONS 23 It’s often divided 79 Facility for manufacturing 25 __-de-chaussée: homes? SOLUTION FOR 24 JANUARY Crossword ground floor 80 Skinny CROSSWORD CLUES 32 “Well, __-di-dah!” 81 Godsend Across 59 Last of a series 124 Facility for cloning 33 Suit in a Spanish deck 84 Arrive, in a way 1 She plays Niobe in 62 Help research? of cards 85 Plus “The Matrix” sequels 63 Red Cross supply 126 Disinfect 34 Off-the-wall 86 Pre-test helper 5 ‘70s Connecticut 65 Deck alternatives 127 Start a paragraph, maybe 36 Worn 88 Flier with a flight governor Ella 67 Advisories 128 Writer Bagnold 38 Sound of an impact 91 Jazz diva Jones 11 Requiring utensils, as some 69 Facility for baking 129 Many kilt wearers 40 Work with feet 93 Seconds, say 130 Pickles sandwiches custard-filled pastries? 41 Toward the sheltered side 95 Contaminates 19 Pitcher Hershiser 74 Minds 131 Yardsticks: Abbr. 42 Attractions in San Diego 98 Excavation site 77 Composer Prokofiev 20 Searched roughly Down and the Bronx 78 Master, in Hindi 99 Isn’t at all wishy-washy 21 Apparent displacement 1 La __, San Diego 43 Icicle’s locale 82 Zero deg. at the equator, say 100 Glass lip due to observer movement neighborhood that’s home 44 Privia Pro Stage pianos, e.g. 83 Impact sound 102 Thespian companies 22 Facility for processing to Scripps Research 45 Cordelia’s father 87 Put (away) 104 “Feather canyons vacation requests? 2 Neighborhoods 46 Touched down 89 California lake near everywhere,” to 24 Facility where the 3 Facility for recycling old 47 Bridge actions the Nevada border Joni Mitchell higher-ups do business? batteries? 50 Seized vehicle 90 Unpopular spots 105 Building blocks 26 Puts on cargo 4 Lung air sacs 51 Its planes have missile 92 Donor drive target 106 Givens in the “Wheel of 27 “It’s a __!” 5 Miracle-__ defense systems 94 Eye Fortune” bonus round 28 ORD postings 6 Thumb (through) 52 Toy with a tail 96 Tabloid topic 107 Drinks in the a.m. 29 Expert 7 Fling 56 Women with habits 97 Facility for purchasing 108 Like non-oyster months, 30 English race place 8 Pizzeria offerings 58 Sharpens the latest fad items? traditionally 31 Hides 9 Shakers and others 60 Liquid meas. 101 Fingers 35 Reagan secretary of state 10 Keats’ “To Autumn,” e.g. 61 They may be bitter 109 Did okay in class 103 Indian cooking style 37 Click beetles 11 Black __ 64 Gym equipment 111 __ layer 104 Michelin product 39 Wyoming natives 12 Toast topping 66 Tough spot 113 Heston title role 107 Some are vital 42 Peak 13 Part of Q.E.D. 68 Physical, say 114 Sprouts-to-be 110 Shapes again 44 Facility for researching 14 Foe of Rocky and 70 Weasel report? 117 Mason’s wedge 112 Slangy denials cocoa-based goodies? Bullwinkle 71 Stare at in a creepy way 118 “The Usual Suspects” crime 115 Super Bowl LIV halftime 48 Muesli morsel 15 Frequent subject in recent 72 Distribute, with “out” lord Keyser __ performer 49 City NNW of San Francisco headlines 73 Waterfront sight 122 108-card game 116 Ph.D. hurdle 53 __-Ball: arcade game 16 Green and Yankovic 74 Leaves on a dog 123 Montblanc product 119 Kind of 1940s suit 54 Place for a hero 17 Conspiring group 75 A head 124 Hard to see in Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, 120 Gown fabric 55 Pizzeria fixture 18 Strict 76 Peak seen from Messina 125 Sci-fi beings No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 17 February, 2021. 57 “Yum!” 121 Facility for a matchmaker? Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 24 JANUARY First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Christine Jennifer, 1. Bernard Rohan, Gampola Kiribathgoda 2. J.M. Ismail, Kandy Colombo 13 Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. P.R. Gomez, 4. Indrani Jayasekera, Katugastota Chandra Palathage, 5. B. Renosha Morais, Colombo 15 Kandy This week’s winners will be announced on 21 February

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/ EVENTS Sunday, February 7, 2021 Colombo Confessions: Colombo 7 and the New Rich Aunty, you know in your heart of hearts how despicable it is that you BY ROHITHA PERERA cherish being a mascot of yesteryear while looking down on those Colombo Confessions is all individuals who are trying to put food about having a laugh. I’ve had on the table by driving an Uber or a the misfortune of associating PickMe. Forgive them for missing with a wide cross section of the lottery of being born with a silver WORX: Seeking spoon. I could go on and on, but I tire Colombo denizens. This column and desire to drown my own elitist is a look at the lighter side of sorrows in a mug of Harischandra growth together Lankans in the capital of Sri coffee with a shot of Hennessy brandy. Lanka. Armed to the tip of their noses with Black Label is the drink of Next week, let’s talk about your Coworking space WORX continues to grow Aunty, here’s a fact – during the botox, these classy viragos launch choice, while aunty makes a grievous daughter and her marriage, aunty. It’s current decade, thanks to Sri Lanka’s shrieks of envy – how dare anyone else assumption that no one else can not her fault, you see. It’s actually As we settle into the building is Covid-safe, borders opening up, and the lower buy a Mercedes! How dare they dine (or should) afford a drink of such yours and your desire to live through new year, it continues to we have also had to limit middle class travelling abroad to find at Hilton! Who gave them permission fine calibre. Newsflash aunty! The her. Actually, I hope to capture the be apparent that a safe our seating capacity, and great-paying jobs, the quality factor for to buy Gucci? Bloody godacious bourgeoisie have moved onto single conceited nature of your high-class space to work, connect, postpone certain member many have improved. But this is not peasants! malts and Gold Label. People actually society’s obsession with marriage, and collaborate is essential events, which has been all. Many aspiring individuals managed Many a socialite from this location earn money now, aunty dearest; and, which usually ends with tears and while pursuing the rules frustrating to say the least. to start a business, earn millions, and slips on an eloquent British accent and they can bloody well afford all the tantrums from both sides. of distancing. WORX However, we always (shock of all shocks) buy a Mercedes. plays period dress up. Aunty, even the luxuries they desire. Colombo 7 you Aunty, until then, sip on that was created around the remain positive! Throwing fantastic parties at the best evil Brits have moved on to become may be, but the economy runs on chamomile tea, jump into bed with a ideology of opening spaces of Colombo’s hotels annually became more inclusive and generous. But you money and favours those who spend. hot water bottle to keep you warm, and that offered pliancy. Since ÄÄ As more a regular practice. Good for them. Yet, are stuck in an era that has made you How else is a country to flourish? But consider the reality of life, which is in a opening its doors a few companies there’s a sense of discontent sneaking cloyingly entitled with the concept this axiom is something you missed state of constant change. months ago, the space has embrace remote in the shadows, isn’t there, aunty? of hard work escaping your skewed when Daddy dearest wanted you to (The writer is a blogger and reached 100% capacity at working what With a cigarette or martini in reality. But, dear reader, what can we learn home science and the art of content marketer from Colombo, Sri their location down Jawatte will be the role hand, aunty dons sumptuous getups expect from a high society debutante crocheting as opposed to economics Lanka. He used to be an editor at a Road and are now on the lifestyle magazine, and now works in of co-working and doles out lacerating jabs. Who from the 1950s whose family revelled and biology. There’s nothing high verge of introducing their spaces? am I talking about, dear reader? Our the IT industry) in the classism of an era that they are society about wanting to see everyone second location down I think co-working Colombo 7 glitterati that’s who! trying so hard to hold on to? at a lesser stage economically. Read more at Havelock Road. http://rohithasperera.com/ spaces will play a The following tremendous role in the new are excerpts from a age of remote working. conversation with WORX Research has proven Director Azahn Munas: that working from home ÄÄ What are the for extended periods of benefits of co- time leads to a decline in The latest ‘Foodie’ in town productivity and mental working vs a health. As such, co-working If there was one thing Sri Lankans dedicated office spaces like ours are a realised during the lockdown last year, space? great place to not only get it was the need to have anything and A co-working space some work done but also everything delivered to your doorstep is the perfect place to experience a change in safely and hygienically. Taking these network, collaborate, and scenery, with the added factors into consideration, homegrown create. Not only is it an benefits of social plus taxi service YouCab rallied together inclusive and safe place to professional interaction! their troops and established a manual work, it’s also super easy delivery network last year. HMD Global Head of Pan Asia Ravi Kunwar and flexible! Our spaces are ÄÄ At this current YouCab, a subsidiary of VirTrans furnished and we provide juncture, Capital (Pvt.) Ltd., brought together all the tools and services how would contact centre staff, travel partners Nokia 5.4 introduced our members will need to you describe who volunteered their services, and succeed. In other words, operational staff members in a team the WORX we like to focus on the community? effort that gave birth to VirTrans to Sri Lankan market little things, so they can The community at Capital Delivery. From the learnings The home of Nokia phones, in cinematic format which adds accomplish the big things. of the delivery service and customer WORX is an extremely HMD Global announced the a Hollywood-like feel. varied and diverse one. feedback, the “Foodie” app was availability of Nokia 5.4 in Nokia 5.4 will optimise ÄÄ From your own developed and launched on 4 January experience, What initially began as Sri Lanka. The 5.4 pushes the its power to deliver more a hub for tech start-ups 2021. Foodie travel partners in their batik attire what are the boundaries of what is possible speed, longer battery life, and digital nomads has Speaking on the launch, VirTrans at this level, offering fantastic better imaging, and increased challenges posed Capital CEO Nirthaj Seelanatha said: hospitality that is at the very heart of now grown significantly YouCab’s operations as well.” value for money. performance where needed, by Covid-19 to to include creative “When the pandemic and subsequent HMD Global Head of Pan thanks to the Qualcomm® business? lockdown struck Sri Lanka in March The Foodie delivery app simply professionals such as Asia Ravi Kunwar said: “Today Snapdragon™ 662 mobile Amongst the 2020, people found it difficult to connects customers with merchants photographers, designers, marks an exciting day for the platform. Optimised with uncertainty we have found even get the most basic of necessities or suppliers who produce or supply and artists as well as Nokia 5 series. The Nokia 5.4 the latest AI technology, this a unique opportunity to delivered to their homes. Food delivery food items through travel partners who recruiters and event has been designed to cater software is there to make smart provide workspaces for in particular was hard to come by. Our are willing to deliver items ordered to planners. It’s a very eclectic to consumers’ ever-evolving decisions in the background. those who value flexibility taxi operations had been running for a customer’s doorstep. The product mix of people. lifestyles and is a timely addition The immersive 6.39” HD+ and safety. more than a year by that time, and the portfolio is vast and customers have to our smartphone portfolio. punch-hole display provides We have had to adapt Ä introduction of a food delivery platform the ability to select a payment option Ä Could you share The recent rise of the side more screen and change some of our was in the pipeline. However, the need from online payment to cash-on- what attracted hustle trend has to enjoy core member experiences was such that we needed to expedite delivery. Furthermore, the App goes them to WORX? been a telling whilst to prioritise the health and the development of Foodie and beyond radius limitations and allows Most of our members reflection staying safety of our community. introduce it to the market at the earliest. customers to order food from their love the aesthetic and the of the pocketable Besides the huge increase “Even though there is no lockdown favourite restaurants anywhere within overall vibe of our spaces. difficult and being in expenses to ensure our per se anymore, the dependency on the delivery network map. It’s very different to what is Merchants partnering with times faced easy to hold. currently in the market as delivery platforms is so much more. by many Nokia 5.4 is Our attempt is to bridge the gap YouFoodie also have the added benefit it doesn’t feel like you are of choosing the partnership agreement consumers. also equipped coming to work. There’s between the customer and the supplier We needed to do with a generous with a touch of inherent Sri Lankan brackets that suit the nature and size plenty of greenery and of their business, instead of having to more than combine two-day battery life, and the breakout areas for creative pay standard rates to the app owner. the fantastic 48 MP AI-assisted “adaptive battery” thinking and brainstorming Restaurants and home bakers can set camera and film capabilities technology offers smarter app as well as two pools, a their own delivery times, view orders, with a long battery life. So usage and prioritises power to rooftop terrace, outdoor confirm dispatches and track orders, we added reliability with the users’ preferences. cabanas, and an onsite accept various payment options, and set Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 662 The handy Family Link app kitchen. minimum order values and discounts. mobile platform, three years of will help to ease any worries Foodie travel partners also have safety updates, and two years of over family members’ device ÄÄIs there a a distinct attire that will make them software upgrades. The resulting usage, including the little ones. tentative launch notable among the rest. In an effort to Nokia 5.4 is a smartphone that By allowing you to set digital date for the promote local arts and crafts, Foodie perfectly supplements the lives ground rules on devices and new space? of those who thrive on more monitor their usage, the app will delivery partners don batik shirts and February 2021. than a regular nine-to-five.” help you to protect your family. warm smiles while receiving extensive For more The innovative Nokia In addition to this, you can training on customer service. information on 5.4 comes with an impressive count on Google Assistant to Currently serving the Western and memberships and combo of a 48 MP quad camera help whenever you need by just Central Provinces, Foodie has many safety measures, and a 16 MP front camera, saying “hey Google”. restaurant partners on board, some visit www.worxsl. allowing you to take stunning The Nokia 5.4 is available of which are exclusive to the app. com The app is available for download on photos and videos. When in colours Dusk and Polar Night, Android and iOS platforms. For more shooting content, Nokia 5.4 and is priced at Rs. 46,700 information, call 0115898989. comes with a “cinema” mode (ROM 6/RAM 64) and Rs. @worx.sl The Foodie app which allows to capture videos 44,990 (ROM 4/RAM 128).

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