„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 13 | Rs. 30.00 { WEDNESDAY } WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2021 GODS, DEVAS, WI TOUR TO BE YAKAS, AND DEMONS REARRANGED AS A IN POP ART LIMITED-OVER SERIES?

ECT: HANGING FROM MANUFACTURING A GEOPOLITICAL COACHES: EVALUATION NOOSE COMMITTEE APPOINTED »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 16

ALLEGED ‘DEFORESTATION’ OF VEDDA LANDS Vaccine gap may CEA terms it ‘a political problem’ become 12 weeks BY PAMODI WARAVITA – cultivates maize on lands yesterday (9), CEA Chairman z Time between 1st and z Immunisation Advisory z Second vaccination The Central Environmental that are also in reality the Siripala Amarasinghe said Authority (CEA) is of the dwelling places of the veddas, that the CEA has given 2nd doses 4 weeks now Group mulls lengthening essential view that if the Mahaweli the country’s indigenous first permission to the Mahaweli BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE “The National Immunisation National Institute of Infectious Diseases Authority – to which it nation people, then such Authority to cultivate maize The National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group Technical Advisory Group is discussing Hospital (IDH) senior consultant has granted permission to would constitute a “political in lands that do not have a is considering extending the gap between the first and the matter. A second vaccination is physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama cultivate maize in lands that problem”. forest cover. second doses of Covid-19 vaccines from four weeks to absolutely essential because it triggers told The Morning yesterday (9). do not have a forest cover Speaking to The Morning Contd. on page 2 12 weeks, The Morning learnt. the necessary immune response,” Contd. on page 2 ESTATE WORKERS’ DAILY WAGE SHAKTHIKA DISCHARGED FROM MC CASE Plan to credit migrant workers’ Govt. lambasted for Writer to file malicious earnings directly to EPF BY MIHI PERERA Nimal Siripala de Silva stated in Wages Board route The Government plans to Parliament yesterday (9). prosecution claims sign a new agreement to credit He said that many Sri Lankan zRPCs could sue zShould have amended the provident funds of migrant workers were working in various and delay: NPP Minimum Wage Act: SJB z Damages sought from Polgahawela Police and monks workers directly to the Employees’ fields in countries such as India Provident Fund (EPF) of Sri and Bangladesh, BY PAMODI WARAVITA Wages Board’s decision and BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY legal action to institute filed at the Polgahawela Lanka, Minister of Labour Contd. on page 3 The Government has left the issue drags on?” questioned AND PAMODI WARAVITA malicious prosecutions Magistrate’s Court (MC) by the door open for the issue National People’s Power (NPP) Writer Shakthika claims, seeking damages in the Polgahawela Police, after of plantation sector workers’ parliamentarian Vijitha Herath Sathkumara, who was the form of compensation the latter submitted a report minimum wage to be dragged on during the Parliament debate enlarged on bail following from the Polgahawela Police from the Attorney General’s by resorting to the Wages Board yesterday. his arrest and detention in Station that filed the case (AG) Department, where the without amending the National Shortly after, Samagi Jana remand over the alleged against him as well as the AG had decided not to indict Minimum Wage of Workers Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha propagation of religious Buddhist monks who lodged and prosecute Sathkumara Act of 2016, Opposition lawmakers de Silva pointed out that the hatred and insult of a religion/ a complaint against him at the and was of the opinion alleged in Parliament yesterday (9). Government could have enacted religious beliefs of a class Polgahawela Police Station. that Sathkumara should be “The Government is shying the Minimum Wage Act of 2016 of persons, is presently Sathkumara was discharged discharged from the matter. away from taking the responsibility as a simple solution to this issue considering taking necessary yesterday (9) from the case Contd. on page 3 to make a decision by going to instead of circling around and the Wages Board. What if the taking time with the Wages Board. planters go to courts against the Contd. on page 3 WP schools, preschools SUMANTHIRAN’S STF SECURITY DETAIL REMOVAL ‘If something reopen from 15th z All schools islandwide to reopen from 15 March: Edu Minister happens to me, BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI these schools will be presented Prof. Peiris added that all Health authorities have to the Director General schools islandwide would granted approval for all of Health Services and reopen on 15 March. Govt. responsible’ schools in the the Gampaha permission will be obtained Meanwhile, following and Kalutara Districts of the from the health authorities directives allowing all z Public Security Minister Dr. Weerasekera Western Province to reopen to take necessary action to preschools in the Western ordered STF security detail removal on 15 February, Minister of reopen schools in Colombo,” Province except those in Education Prof. G.L. Peiris the Minister said. high-risk areas to reopen BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI the parliamentarian said in said yesterday (9). It was revealed that all on 15 February, divisional Following the withdrawal of the Parliament yesterday (9) that Furthermore, provincial schools in the areas of co-ordinating committees of Special Task Force (STF) security the Government should take co-ordinating committees have Thimbirigasyaya, Kolonnawa, each division are to decide accorded to Illankai Tamil Arasu responsibility if anything should declared that 412 schools out Homagama, Kesbewa, whether to reopen their Kachchi (ITAK) member and happen to him. of 492 schools in the Colombo Dehiwala, Moratuwa, and respective preschools, The MP M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Contd. on page 2 District are safe to be reopened. Seethawaka had been declared Morning learnt. “The proposal to reopen safe to reopen. Contd. on page 3 COVID-19 CASES CABINET MEETING ON EASTER REPORT TODAY Rathana Thera moves TOTAL CASES Probes and materials bill to repeal MMDA ACTIVE CASES BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY incomplete: AG tells IGP Ape Jana Bala Pakshaya (Our Power 70,806 BY MIHI PERERA AND DINITHA RATHNAYAKE attacks scheduled for today (10). of People Party) National List MP Ven. The Attorney General (AG) has According to Co-ordinating Athuraliye Rathana Thera yesterday (9) moved informed the Inspector General Officer to the AG State Counsel a private member bill to repeal the Muslim DEATHS RECOVERED of Police (IGP) yesterday (9) Nishara Jayaratne, the AG has Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) No. 13 5,386 that criminal investigations and also directed the IGP to conduct of 1951 as amended. 365 65,053 materials submitted in respect of further investigations and submit The first reading of the bill, titled the “Muslim SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU the Easter Sunday bomb attacks the material called for without Marriage and Divorce (Repeal) Act”, was held THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.50 P.M. ON 09 FEBRUARY 2021 are incomplete, just a day ahead delay. yesterday in Parliament. of a crucial cabinet meeting on the Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Wednesday, February 10, 2021 Contd. from page 1

Director General D. Gunapala told The seeks to include the bride’s consent. unnecessarily detained innocent persons. Vaccine... Morning that since the relevant land Rathana... Furthermore, Peiris said that a proposal Third, which is the most sinister, is that We are considering having a 12-week is within the areas gazetted under the Previously on 26 August 2020, Sri has been made to stipulate the minimum by withdrawing my security, they have gap for the second dose,” he added. Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka Act, Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP required educational qualifications and a given a signal to those who would now Generally, a longer gap between Covid they are permitted to use it. He further Premitha Bandara Tennakoon handed over maximum age limit for Quazis. “Only a act against my life, so if anything should vaccine doses leads to a better immune mentioned that the land had been given to to the Secretary General of Parliament lawyer or a degree holder of a recognised happen, the Government must then take response with the second dose causing private companies on a one-year lease. three private member bills which had university can be a Quazi and he or she the responsibility for that,” he further a better boost, Dr. Wijewickrama said, Previously on Monday (8), the Chief of previously been presented to the Eighth should be below 65 years of age,” Peiris expounded in Parliament. adding that the second dose is currently set the indigenous veddas, Uruwarige Wannila Parliament by then Parliamentary Sectoral further said. Sumanthiran further claimed that the 30 to be administered four weeks after the first Aththo, and the Centre for Environmental Oversight Committee on Women and On 6 January, Minister of Justice arrests made of suspects were not due to dose. However, health officials are now Justice (CEJ) filed a petition with the Gender Chairperson and United National President’s Counsel (PC) M.U.M. Ali complaints made by him, and that he was considering having a longer gap. Court of Appeal against the alleged Party (UNP) MP Dr. Thusitha Wijemanne. Sabry said in Parliament that measures are unaware of any threats before said arrests According to Dr. Wijewickrama, the illegal deforestation at the Rambakan Oya These bills sought to introduce 18 years being taken to prevent underage marriages were made by the Police. National Immunisation Technical Advisory Reservoir near the Pollebedda village, a as the minimum age of marriage for all by reforming the Muslim matrimonial law. However, speaking during a television Group would be able to give a decision traditional homeland of the veddas, by the (Minimum Age of Marriage Bill), and to “Muslim underage marriages should be programme on Monday (8) night, Minister regarding the matter within two weeks. Mahaweli Authority. amend the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) stopped by making 18 years the minimum of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retd.) However, according to a foreign news Speaking to The Morning, CEJ Chairman and the Marriages (General) Ordinance age required for marriage,” he said. Dr. Sarath Weerasekera claimed that the article regarding the gap between the Ravindranath Dabare claimed that No. 19 of 1907/Marriage Registration Minister Sabry had also told The Sunday STF security assigned for Sumanthiran administration of Pfizer vaccine doses, approximately 500 hectares of land had Ordinance,No. 19 of 1907 (hereinafter Morning that the Ministry will send the was removed on his orders, and that the senior doctors have called on England’s been illegally cleared in the Pollebedda known as the Ordinance). amendments to the Legal Draftsman once MP had participated in a protest march Chief Medical Officer to reduce the gap village by the Mahaweli Authority for The amendment to the CPC seeks to the Cabinet of Ministers approves them. despite claiming to have threats to his life. between the first and second doses of the maize cultivation. amend Section 627 by removing the words The need for reforms to the MMDA has “If there is a threat to Sumanthiran’s Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. “The Mahaweli Authority has no “between persons professing Islam” and been at the forefront of public discourse life from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil According to Prof. Chris Whitty, power to do such a thing because an replacing such words with the words “in due to the agitations from women’s rights Eelam, he could not participate in such a extending the maximum wait from three to environmental impact assessment (EIA) terms of the MMDA”. groups and various efforts being made rally.” 12 weeks was a “public health decision” to has not been conducted by the CEA. These The amendment to the Ordinance over the years to amend such. He further said that the MP will continue get the first jab to more people across the are also traditional lands belonging to the seeks to amend the long title of the to have the police protection of two police UK. But the British Medical Association vedda community,” said Dabare. Ordinance by removing the words “other officers, which he is entitled to as an MP. has said that this was “difficult to justify” Dabare further said the Mahaweli than the marriages of Muslims and” ‘If something... Sumanthiran, along with MP Shanakiyan and should be changed to six weeks. Authority had given the lands to private and by substituting the interpretation of The STF security of the MP was Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam, spearheaded However, Sri Lanka is currently using companies. “marriage” under Section 64 of the said withdrawn immediately after his the five-day Pottuvil to Polikandy march the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covishield The petition states that although the Ordinance with the following text so participation in the five-day Pottuvil which concluded on Sunday (7). vaccine from India exclusively in its CEA has granted approval for the alleged that marriage would mean “any marriage to Polikandy march by Tamil political The march rallied crowds demanding Covid-19 vaccination drive. projects via the Mahaweli Authority, this contracted under this Ordinance save and parties, civil society activists, and citizens that the Government protect the rights of The vaccination for the general public had blatantly violated the provisions of the except marriages contracted under the from the North and East. the minority communities, including the will begin in the first week of March, National Environmental Act since an EIA Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act or the The MP cited three possible reasons for freedom to memorialise their loved ones starting with people above the age of has not been obtained. MMDA”. the removal of the STF security that was and against the mandatory cremation of 60 years, according to State Minister The petition also claims that maize Women’s rights activist Shreen Abdul accorded to him based on threats that have Covid-19 victims’ bodies. of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and cultivation could lead to environmental Saroor, who has been advocating and been posed to his life. Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini damage such as the pollution of spring campaigning for MMDA reforms, One is that the STF security has been Fernandopulle. water with pesticides, which would speaking to The Morning, noted that removed because the Government is Probes... Sri Lanka began vaccinating its frontline eventually run into the Rambakan Muslim women should be treated equally, displeased with his participation in the The special cabinet meeting will be held workers on 29 January after receiving Oya Reservoir and lead to kidney and and added that therefore, the relevant laws recent march. to discuss the report of the Presidential 500,000 free Oxford-AstraZeneca liver-related diseases, as is prevalent in must be aligned with Article 12 of the The second is that even though the Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Covishield vaccines from India. So agricultural areas of the country. Constitution which guarantees the right to Police have arrested around 30 persons in Easter Sunday attacks of 21 April 2019. far, over 160,000 frontliners have been Moreover, the petition states that since equality and equal protection of the law connection with threats made to his life, Speaking to The Morning, Cabinet inoculated. the livelihood of the vedda population and freedom from discrimination. these threats are untrue and ergo, by virtue Spokesman Minister Keheliya inhabiting the village largely depends Previously, Ministry of Justice of that, it is innocent persons who have Rambukwella said the report will be on the forest, it would be detrimental to Additional Secretary (Legal) Piyumanthi been detained under false complaints. discussed with the Cabinet of Ministers CEA... remove the forest cover in the area. Peiris, speaking to The Sunday Morning, The third is that it could be a signal from prior to presenting it at the Parliament at Responding to a question about the The CEA, the Mahaweli Authority, the said that in addition to stipulating the the Government to other entities to make the President’s request. ethics of cultivation in land that is Forests Department, the Department of minimum age of marriage, the MMDA is attempts on his life. The PCoI handed over its report to the traditionally owned by vedda tribes, he Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the Minister being reformed to include female Quazis, “Either it must be that the threats to President on 1 February. said that since the CEA’s permission had for Wildlife and Forest Conservation, who are judges under the said law, and to my life are true but the Government has The five-member PCoI was appointed been given to the Mahaweli Authority, if the private company responsible for the seek the consent of the bride-to-be. Based withdrawn my security because they under a special gazette notification issued it is traditional vedda lands, then it would clearing of the land, and the Attorney on the existing MMDA law, a female are annoyed with me for participating by former President and incumbent constitute a political problem. General have been named as the seven can be married off with only her father’s in this protest, or the threats to my life parliamentarian Maithripala Sirisena on 21 However, Mahaweli Authority Deputy respondents to the petition. consent. However, the proposed change are not real and therefore they have September 2019. 43 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Asian Infrastructure Bank grant to fund Covid-hit sectors The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has agreed to grant its “Sri Lanka Covid-19 Emergency and Crisis Response Facility” to fund sectors such as tourism and apparel that were most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government said yesterday (9). It said the Cabinet had on Accordingly, a project has been Monday (8) approved the designed with Bank of Ceylon proposal to enter into the relevant (BOC) and People’s Bank to use agreements for the implementation this facility to enhance the liquidity Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga of this project. facilities for small and medium- Under this project, funding scale enterprises in these sectors. would be provided to the Furthermore, two loans worth $ sectors most affected by the 90 million each will be provided All Lankans pandemic, such as tourism, to BOC and People’s Bank under apparel, construction, trade, the project, with which the banks manufacturing, agricultural will facilitate their clients from vaccinated by May: exports, and healthcare. the relevant fields. Tourism Minister Covid-19 patients 6 test positive from prison cluster Minister of Tourism Prasanna are at the frontline of Covid-19 Ranatunga said the Government prevention operations have been has decided to end the Covid-19 administered the vaccine so far. get separate beds, vaccination process for all Sri Ranatunga also said that the Lankans by May this year. tourism industry is gradually The Minister said this at a special recovering after the country facilities: Health Min. discussion held at the Ministry reopened for tourists in January. premises on Monday (8) regarding “At present, arrangements are Although around 600 to 800 treatment centres in private the current situation and future being made to attract tourists from Covid-19 cases are reported sector hotels and buildings. plans. countries such as India, Germany, daily from various parts of the Further, there are a total of On 28 January, a consignment of and Italy. Tourist organisations are country, all those infected with 11,443 beds in all treatment 500,000 Covishield vaccines was working in this regard. We have Covid-19 are being treated at centres and 6,000 Covid-19 donated to Sri Lanka by the Indian taken all necessary steps to prevent treatment centres with separate patients are being treated at these Government, following a request the spread of Covid-19 among beds and facilities, said Ministry treatment centres as of now. Nine made by President Gotabaya tourists as well as between tourists of Health Medical Technical emergency care centres have also Rajapaksa to Indian Prime Minister and our community,” he said. Services Director Dr. Anver been set up islandwide. Medical Narendra Modi. “The revival of the tourism Hamdani on Monday (8). facilities are provided by the A total of six prison inmates tested Covid-19 cases reported from the prison Sri Lanka kicked off its industry which was completely Dr. Hamdani pointed out that Ministry of Health,” he said. positive for Covid-19 yesterday (9), the cluster stood at 4,649. inoculation drive on 29 January and destroyed due to Covid-19 will be the special unit established Sri Lanka as of yesterday (9) Department of Government Information The highest number of patients in this cluster more than 100,000 health workers of great help to the economy. Our by the Secretary to the had over 70,200 Covid cases announced. has been reported from the Welikada Prison and members of the tri-forces, the goal is to take the tourism industry Ministry of Health is currently in total with 4,817 active cases. Among them were two prison officials, with 902, followed by the Magazine Prison with Police, and security forces who to the next level,” he added. working to carry out this The number of deaths stood at one male and female inmate, and two male 877. The total number of recoveries from the task in spite of all obstacles. 365 while the total recovered suspects. cluster stands at 4,399, including 132 prison “The Ministry has set up five was 65,053. As of yesterday, the total number of officials. Complete probes into 887 patients identified on 8 Feb Isolation orders lifted grave crimes, drug A total of 214 Covid-19 patients offences in 3 months: AG were reported from the Colombo in several parts of The Attorney General (AG) has district on 8 February, and 208 patients instructed the Inspector General were reported from the Gampaha Batticaloa and Matale of Police (IGP) that criminal District. investigations into grave crimes The islandwide total for Monday, Isolation orders have been Kattankudy 5, 164A Kattankudy and drug-related offences should 8 February was 887. lifted in several more areas in 5, 164C Kattankudy 4, 167 be concluded within three months In Colombo, the highest number of Batticaloa and Matale since 9 a.m. Kattankudy 1, 167C Kattankudy as a rule. patients was reported from Kolonnawa yesterday (9), the Department of South, 167D Kattankudy West, Co-ordinating Officer to the AG with 37, followed by Mirihana with Government Information stated. and 167E Kattankudy Central State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne 31 and Wellampitiya with 23. Accordingly, the Grama were lifted from isolation. said the AG has also instructed In the Gampaha District, 22 patients Niladhari Divisions of Kattankudy Furthermore, isolation imposed the IGP that completed extracts each were reported from Kelaniya and 162 A6, 162B Kattankudy in Isman Mawatha and Meedeniya (IB extracts) should be submitted Kadawatha. West, 164 Kattankudy 4, 164B in Matale were also lifted. for consideration of indictments. Kavinda to replace Hesha in Cabinet approval to build 5,000 rural bridges The Cabinet of Ministers has approved Public Finance Committee a proposal to construct 5,000 rural bridges Speaker of the the Committee on Public such as pedestrian bridges and vehicular Parliament Mahinda Yapa Finance. bridges islandwide, the Government said. Abeywardena announced in Dr. Jayawardena’s name The proposal was made by the State Parliament yesterday (9) that was nominated by the Ministry of Rural Roads and Other Samagi Jana Balawegaya Committee of Selection, Infrastructure, functioning under the (SJB) parliamentarian Dr. given the vacant position purview of the Minister of Highways. Kavinda Jayawardena created by the resignation of These constructions were proposed under has been appointed to SJB MP Hesha Withanage. the Government’s 100,000-kilometre Rural Road Network Rehabilitation Programme. Contd. from page 1

When questioned as to whether legal “In the event we would not be able to amended, for allegedly propagating or EPF of Sri Lanka. Govt. lambasted... action against the decision is being complete the vaccination of school teachers advocating religious hatred that constituted Meanwhile, Minister’s Media Secretary The Ministry of Labour convened the considered by the PA, Dr. Rajadurai said by February, given the large amount of an incitement to discrimination, hostility, Upul Jayasinghe stated that Sri Lankans Wages Board to bring a resolution to the that it is too premature to discuss that at vaccinations taking place, the operation is or violence (conviction carries a maximum working in various institutions in India matter as regional plantation companies the moment. expected to be completed by March.” term of 10 years rigourous imprisonment), are required to make contributions to (RPCs) and trade unions representing the The proposal for increasing the Discussions have been held with Covid- while Section 291B of the Penal Code, the Social Security Fund of India. These workers could not reach an agreement. minimum wage of plantation workers to 19 Vaccine Committee Chairman and Senior as amended, for the alleged deliberate contributions can only be obtained once The Wages Board, which met on Monday Rs. 1,000 was declared at the 2021 Budget Advisor to the President Lalith Weerathunga and malicious intention of outraging the they reach the age of 58. (8), approved the proposal by the trade reading in December 2020 by Prime to prioritise school teachers in the public religious feelings of any class of persons “Indians working in various institutions unions, stating the minimum daily wage Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. vaccine drive. by words written, insults, or attempts to in Sri Lanka are also required to be of plantation workers must be increased insult the religion or religious beliefs of members of the EPF and Employees’ to Rs. 1,000, with Rs. 900 paid by the that class (conviction carries a maximum Trust Fund (ETF) in Sri Lanka. EPF/ETF RPCs and Rs. 100 allocated from the WP schools... Writer... term of two years imprisonment and/or a contributions and interest, thereon, will Government’s budget. Speaking to The Morning yesterday, an Speaking to The Morning following the fine). be paid to them upon completion of their When contacted for clarification on official from the Children’s Secretariat said termination of the proceedings into the Sathkumara, a 30-plus father of two, journey to India. However, Sri Lankans whether legal action is possible, Planters’ that the Ministry’s decision to allow all case, Attorney-at-Law Sanjaya Wilson award-winning writer, Development working in institutions in India will be able Association of Ceylon (PA) Secretary preschools except those in high-risk areas to Jayasekera, who along with Attorneys- Officer at the Polgahawela Divisional to receive contributions credited to the General Lalith Obeysekera told The reopen has been communicated to divisional at-Law Buddhadeva Gunaratne and Secretariat, and a Wariyapola resident, Social Security Fund of India only after Morning that since this is the first time in co-ordinating committees and that they are C.W.W. Ratnayake appeared on behalf was arrested by the Polgahawela Police reaching the age of 58, as per the existing the country’s history that the Wages Board yet to make a decision about the preschools of their client, Sathkumara, at the MC on 1 April 2019, after a group of Buddhist laws in that country. The Minister further has reached such a decision, the PA is not in their respective divisions. yesterday, further added that in addition to monks had complained to them about a said that the decision was taken after aware whether legal action against it is “The divisional co-ordinating committees the malicious prosecution claims seeking work of fiction authored by him, titled considering the complaints received that possible. of each divisional secretariat division will damages for himself and his family (eldest Ardha (Half/Partial), which was posted Sri Lankans working in India would face “The current minimum wage in the make decisions based on the health situation child having suffered psychological online on social media on his Facebook serious practical difficulties in obtaining country is around Rs. 12,500. However, of that division. No decisions have been trauma as a result of the father’s arrest and account, claiming that it insults, distorts, the money later,” Jayasinghe said. on 8 February, the Wages Board ordered a communicated to the Children’s Secretariat detention), the Fundamental Rights (FR) and disrespects Buddhism, the Buddha’s According to the agreement to be Rs. 1,000 minimum wage for one sector. yet,” the official said. petition (SC/FR/167/2019) already filed character, and the Buddhist clergy. signed, Sri Lankans working in Indian We do not know the repercussions of this, Meanwhile, State Minister of Women by Sathkumara which was granted leave to institutions will no longer be required to or whether it can be challenged in a court and Child Development, Preschools and proceed by the Supreme Court, in which pay contributions to the Social Security of law, although we will be looking at all Primary Education, School Infrastructure, they have also prayed for damages, will Plan to... Fund in India. possibilities in the coming days,” said and Education Services Piyal Nishantha De continue. and that their provident funds would be Indians working in various institutions Obeysekera. Silva had stated recently that all preschools The case filed at the Polgahawela MC by credited to the existing provident funds in Sri Lanka will henceforth be eligible for PA Media Spokesperson Dr. Roshan in the Western Province except those in the Polgahawela Police against Sathkumara in those countries, adding that the money EPF and ETF. Rajadurai also raised concerns over the high-risk areas will reopen on 15 February. on 22 September 2020 was put forward would be available to those workers after Accordingly, preliminary drafts related negative impacts of the Wages Board’s Addressing the media in Anuradhapura, yesterday, pending the AG’s instructions on many years. to the amendment of the Employees’ decision on the entire industry. Prof. Pieris said that all school teachers whether or not to file indictments. Accordingly, he said he hopes to inform Provident Fund Act No. 15 of 1958 to “Only 25% of the industry is made up of are expected to be vaccinated, adding that The case (B/7673/19) was filed against the Cabinet of Ministers and sign a special enable the signing of a social security the RPCs. We do not know how the other the Covid-19 vaccine is expected to be Sathkumara under Section 3(1) of the agreement with those countries to credit the agreement between Sri Lanka and India are 75% would react to this issue,” said Dr. distributed to all school teachers by the end International Covenant on Civil and existing provident funds of the employees in progress and the draft will be tabled in Rajadurai. of this month and the first week of March. Political Rights Act No. 56 of 2007, as working in those countries directly to the Parliament soon. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Wednesday, February 10, 2021

to conduct tests on all various conditions this technology is used to test worldwide. We have the same technology the University of Sri Jayewardenepura is currently using, although they are from different platforms, in the sense that they are machinery from different companies. Involve The analysis work around genome sequencing requires what is called bioinformatics analysis. Our plan is to be able to have a world-class set up where we do the experimental work while the bioinformatics part private is to be done by an information technology (IT) company, for which we are collaborating with Fortunaglobal. With them involved in the bioinformatics part, we will be able to identify whether there are sector in other different mutations, where else these mutations would be seen, and how they would be relevant to the outcome of the infection.

Do you think the Government pandemic should get the private sector more involved in Covid-19 response and testing? I think in any research or clinical work, the involvement of the private sector will be very beneficial for the response’ Government as well as the general public. Covid-19 is too big of a challenge to be tackled by one party z Covid too big to be tackled by alone. As all government resources are being used, if the private sector Govt. alone: Pvt. testing lab is involved, it would bring in private funding as well. The expertise is also available in both sectors and it is difficult to find the expertise in one Genelabs Medical CEO and Chief Scientist Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa sector alone. The private sector also has the know-how. BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI circulating in Sri Lanka in December responsiveness to vaccines, and technology you use? In general, private sector and January to see whether they are ability to detect the virus by currently Genelabs Medical did this involvement is less as of now. When As the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or Covid- the same as what has been reported in used methods. sequencing with private funding it comes to sequencing, only the 19, mutates, new variants of Sri Lanka earlier. Some strains from based on samples we have obtained University of Sri Jayewardenepura is the virus are identified globally. three clusters in the second wave were What needs to be done to detect if through the PCR tests that we conduct doing it for SARS-CoV-2 right now. Some of these variants were sequenced and had been reported these mutations have made the virus for the detection of Covid-19. About The private sector involvement can be also detected in Sri Lanka in previously. The report said they fall more dangerous? 500 such tests are conducted daily harnessed by the Government more January. Apart from the Allergy in a group called “B.1.42 lineage”. A lot more work is needed to at our lab. We also worked with two than it is being done now. Immunology and Cell Biology We also did the analysis with different determine the risks these mutations scientists from KDU (General Sir Unit of the University of Sri clusters to see if they fall under the pose. You start the work with genome John Kotelawala Defence University), What plans do you have as a private Jayewardenepura, The Morning same group or whether they are sequencing and when you sequence Dr. Dharshan De Silva and Dr. Himali sector entity for the future medical learnt that Genelabs Medical, different. We analysed samples from more viruses around the country, if Jayasinghearachchi, who evaluated and scientific landscape in Sri a private sector genetic testing different regions of the country. you see more of it, then that would our data, and we hope to keep Lanka in general as well as in terms laboratory in Sri Lanka, has also In general, they are in the same suggest that there are different variants collaborating with them in the future of Covid-19 response? detected mutations in the SARS- lineage as what has been identified in with different infectivity. Scientists in this work. The vision for Genelabs in the CoV2 virus. the country before, but there are ones also do a lot of different investigations We have also done this with no future is to develop a world-class To inquire about their findings, that are different and have different to identify whether the mutations international funding. We started setup where we have the complete The Morning spoke to Genelabs mutations that have not been reported have changed the virus in some way doing next-generation sequencing, solutions in Sri Lanka. We are Medical Chief Executive Officer in the strains in Sri Lanka previously. in terms of how it enters into cells which is used to do sequencing on very advanced in terms of IT, but (CEO) and Chief Scientist Dr. These new mutations were identified or how it spreads from one person the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2018, the connection between IT and Chandanamali Punchihewa. Dr. in some samples in the US, India, to another. All of this would need before Covid-19 came into the biotechnology has not been well Punchihewa has worked at St. Jude and just a few other countries, but additional work once these mutations picture. We were using the same established. In some other Asian Children’s Research Hospital, a not in Sri Lanka. For example, the are identified. We will also be technology to do a lot of tests that countries, the technology we use is not leading paediatric cancer hospital in “NSP4 F322L” mutation and the following these up, and we plan to do were not available in Sri Lanka, such available at all. So if this connection is the US, and holds a US patent on a “ORF7A V74F” mutation that we more sequencing, which will give us as for cancer and other conditions made, it will open Sri Lanka to doing potential anticancer drug. She returned have found has only been found in the possibility of identifying important like identifying abnormalities in international business in this field. to Sri Lanka from the US in 2014, a sample in Avissawella. That tells mutations, including whether the babies during pregnancies. Using We do want to continue to do and was instrumental in setting up the you one of two things. One is that the vaccines we are to get in the future are this technology for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing in all fields Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at strains in Sri Lanka with differences responsive to those mutations. Also, was something we began recently. including infectious diseases, Lanka Hospitals Diagnostics. between them could have come sequencing is important in identifying We were not the first to get oncology, and prenatal medicine Following are excerpts of the from different sources. The other is the current detection methods that are the gene sequencing facility in which is very critical in current interview. that they originated from one source used in the country, as some testing Sri Lanka. There were two other healthcare. We want to be involved and spread and changed within the methods may not detect viruses with facilities, of which one was in in healthcare as much as possible as What are the new mutations you country. certain mutations, resulting in false the University of Colombo. The the private sector. Apart from that, have detected in the SARS-CoV-2 However, the change is important negatives. University of Sri Jayewardenepura we hope to contribute to the overall virus through genome sequencing? for multiple reasons and they may got it last year. However, the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 We have analysed the sequences of change aspects like the spread of the How do you obtain samples for your technology is underutilised in virus in Sri Lanka by continuing with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that have been virus, seriousness of the symptoms, genetic sequencing and what is the Sri Lanka, where it is not used whole genome sequencing.

self-objectification was found to body dissatisfaction and disordered moderate the relationship between eating from social media use. The Selfies linked to body image issues in SL photo investment and symptoms of participants in this study by McLean, BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY bulimia. These findings indicate that Paxton, Wertheim, and Masters of the Wayamba University), and information on whether something Preliminary evidence indicates the active engagement with social were 101 Grade Seven girls (mean Taking selfies more frequently was published recently in The Indian being measured varies in degree, that social networking site photo networking site photo activities, average age of 13.1), who completed leads to higher body image Journal of Paediatrics. but does not specifically quantify activities (e.g., taking and sharing rather than general social networking self-reported questionnaires on dissatisfaction, a cross-sectional Adolescence is a tempestuous the magnitude between successive “selfies”) may play a particularly site use, shows an association with social media use, and body-related study which explored the relationship period in terms of body image ranks). important role. The participants in body-related and eating concerns. and eating concerns measures. between selected social media concerns. With increasing exposure Among the adolescents, the the study by Cohen, Newton-John, Therefore, interventions targeting The results showed that girls who behaviours and body image to western cultural influences, majority (245 – 51.3%) were active and Slater were 259 young women specific social networking site photo regularly shared self-images on dissatisfaction among adolescents in body image ideals among Asian on social media. Social media use (between the ages of 18 and 29 activities may be an effective avenue social media, relative to those who Sri Lanka has determined. populations may have undergone was higher among boys and older years with the mean average age of for the prevention and management did not, reported a significantly This was noted in a scientific dramatic changes as noted by adolescents. 22.97 years) who completed self- of body-related concerns and higher overvaluation of shape and letter titled “Cross-Sectional M. Brockhoff, A.J. Mussap, M. The frequency of selfie-taking reported questionnaires on social disordered eating in young women. weight, body dissatisfaction, dietary Study on the Association Between Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, D. Mellor, and selfie-posting was comparable networking site use, and body-related In the Sri Lankan study, while restraint, and the internalisation Social Media Use and Body Image H. Skouteris, M.P. McCabe, and to findings among young women and disordered eating concerns. The 100 (20.9%) of the adolescents of the thin ideal. In addition, Dissatisfaction Among Adolescents”. L.A. Ricciardelli in “Cultural in Australia as noted in “Selfie- results showed that social networking articulated a positive body image, the among girls who shared photos of The conclusions were based on differences in body dissatisfaction: objectification: the role of selfies in site “selfie”-related activities, rather majority (376 – 78.7%) reported mild themselves on social media, higher the responses of a sample of 478 Japanese adolescents compared with self-objectification and disordered than general social networking body image dissatisfaction. A higher engagement in the manipulation of adolescents (53.7% male) who were adolescents from China, Malaysia, eating in young women” authored site usage, were associated with body mass index was associated with and investment in these photos, but between the ages of 13 and 19 years Australia, Tonga, and Fiji” published by R. Cohen, T. Newton-John, body-related and eating concerns. greater body image dissatisfaction. not higher media exposure, were and competing in athletic events, in the Asian Journal of Social and A. Slater and published in the Specifically, greater investment in Gender and age were, however, not associated with greater body-related recruited from seven educational Psychology. The exponential growth Computers in Human Behaviour “selfie” activities was associated significant correlates of body image and eating concerns, including after institutions located in the vicinity of social media use has transformed Journal. Existing research with increased body dissatisfaction dissatisfaction. accounting for media use and the of a United Nations Educational, the lives of modern-day adolescents demonstrates a relationship and symptoms of bulimia, even after It was only among girls that photo internalisation of the thin ideal. These Scientific, and Cultural Organisation substantially, thereby further between social networking site accounting for known risk factors manipulation was significantly findings suggest the importance of (UNESCO) World Heritage Site and complicating the picture. use and body-related concerns and such as thin-ideal internalisation associated with body image social media activities for body- an international cricket stadium. Their weight, height, and body disordered eating amongst females. and body mass index. Moreover, concerns. related and eating concerns as well as The letter was authored by Dr. mass index were recorded. Their These findings corroborate potential avenues for targeted social A. Baminiwatta and Ragama body image dissatisfaction was earlier findings from Australia media-based intervention. General Hospital Consultant Child assessed using the self-administered among adolescent girls as noted in Differences of body image and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Adolescent Body Image Satisfaction “Photoshopping the selfie: self-photo between athletes and non-athletes M. Chandradasa (both attached Scale. The time spent on social editing and photo investment are are equivocal, as pointed out by to the Department of Psychiatry media and the frequency of selfie- associated with body dissatisfaction H.A. Hausenblas and D.S. Downs in of the Faculty of Medicine of taking, selfie-posting, and photo in adolescent girls” authored by “Comparison of body image between the University of Kelaniya with manipulation were assessed using S.A. McLean, S.J. Paxton, E.H. athletes and non-athletes: a meta- the former being a Lecturer ordinal scales (a measurement scale Wertheim, and J. Masters, and analytic review” published in the [Probationary] and the latter being that allocates values to variables published in the International Journal Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. a Senior Lecturer), and N.C. Herath based on their relative ranking with of Eating Disorders. Social media The Lankan authors noted that (attached to the Department of respect to one another in a given data engagement by adolescent girls is their findings reflect the likely impact Community Medicine and Family set and indicates a logical hierarchy high. Despite its appeal, there are of social media on how adolescents Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine among the variables and provides PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE potential negative consequences for view and judge their bodies. 45 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk Harbour Development), launched on the basis of a loan of $ 300 million granted by the ADB, comprised the development of three Terminals, namely, the South Terminal, East Terminal and the West Terminal. According to the agreement Sri Lanka entered into when taking the ADB loan, it was required that out of the three proposed Terminals, two should be operated under a PPP. The South Terminal was developed in partnership with the China Merchants Holdings International which led to the formation of the CICT, and the ECT was to be the second Terminal operated under a PPP. The ADB, in the project description, said: “The Colombo Port Expansion Project provides for dredging and breakwater construction sufficient to accommodate three Terminals, which will be constructed sequentially. The project includes the establishment of a new marine operations centre, the relocation of a submarine oil pipeline, the provision of navigational aids, and the construction of shore utilities. The project will be developed on a PPP basis. The Harbour infrastructure works, i.e. dredging, breakwater Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A report published by the The Hindu Business Line suspected that China could be behind Sri Lanka’s decision to scrap the aforementioned tripartite agreement construction, and other works, will be implemented by the SLPA. The first two Terminals will be operational in 2010 and 2015 respectively, and constructed by operators chosen through open competitive bidding under a build-operate-transfer concession agreement. The first ECT: Hanging from concession bid will be for one Terminal.” Colombo Port’s future: development plans As the issues pertaining to the development of the ECT have died down to a certain extent and the a geopolitical noose WCT has emerged as the new hottest topic concerning the Colombo Port, The Morning spoke to the relevant authorities and trade unions in order z The fluctuating fates of Asia’s most wanted port of call to obtain more information about their future steps. BY SUMUDU CHAMARA the Colombo International Container instead of the ECT could be viewed as The development activities of the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal Terminal (CICT), the ECT and the an attempt to compensate India for the (ECT), which in the past few months caused great controversy and WCT – the CICT is a PPP, the ECT will revoked agreement. many protests, have now come to a critical juncture as far as the ECT is be entirely owned by the SLPA and the Quoting an Indian official, The Other than these activities, all concerned, with the Government’s decision to renege on an agreement remaining WCT will have to proceed Indian Express said: “Commercially, other operations of the Colombo entered into with India and Japan for the development of the ECT of the as an 85-15% PPP. The WCT will the WCT offer is better for India as it Port are in progress as usual, Colombo Port’s South Harbour dating back to 2019. be developed as per a decision taken gives a 85% stake for the developers and all disputes have been in accordance with the international of the WCT against the 49% in the resolved. As a result of the The Cabinet decision that was the Colombo Port trade union. In tender process, similar to the process ECT. Even if this is the better deal for ended protests over ECT protests by the trade unions, fact, some also claim that if it was not adopted in the case of the CICT. Based the investor including Adani, the final it was possible to get the Last week, the Cabinet of Ministers for the protests and discussions held by on this decision, it will be determined decision has to come from the Indian Government to agree to handle announced its decision to renege on the the trade union in the past few months, with whom Sri Lanka will enter into Government. And geo-politically too, the development of the ECT aforementioned agreement with India the Government would not have an agreement, be it Japan, India, the WCT is almost the same if they through the SLPA and Japan and to operate the ECT as a decided to scrap the said agreement. or any other party. As per the usual consider the security aspect and the PWACIS Secretary Shamal wholly State-owned Container Terminal To discuss the current opinion of practice, Sri Lanka will enter into an necessity to have a Port Terminal in Sri Sumanarathna of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority the trade unions, The Morning spoke agreement with the party that offers the Lanka. And the WCT is no smaller in (SLPA), in the face of mounting to several Colombo Port trade union highest bid. To get rid of the 85-15% size or depth compared to the ECT. If opposition raised by a large number of leaders. partnership ratio requirements, the Sri the Indian response remains uncertain According to the Ministry of Ports trade unions, especially those associated The Progressive Workers’ Association Lankan Government will have to pay in to this proposal, I am sure that it was and Shipping, steps are underway to with the Colombo Port. for Commercial Industry and Services full the loan taken from the ADB. Then not communicated (from the Sri Lankan appoint two committees to look into The Cabinet said that it had approved (PWACIS) said that the Government only will Sri Lanka have the right to side) properly to India. There is no the future steps in connection with a proposal to appoint a negotiating has taken the right decision and that develop the WCT in its entirety. difference between the East and West the WCT. He added that these two committee on 26 October, 2020, preliminary steps concerning the Terminals except for the fact that the committees comprise a Ministry- in order to evaluate an investment new plans for the Colombo Port are development of the ECT is partially appointed committee to hold the proposal submitted by an Indian underway.  Japan, India completed while the development of the necessary talks with all the relevant investor in accordance with provisions PWACIS Secretary Shamal unhappy about SL’s WCT has to start from scratch.” parties including India, Japan, and of the agreement. Sumanarathna said that there is a lot to According to the Indian media, another committee. The Cabinet further said that it had do still, including filling the required unilateral decision to India’s Ministry of External Affairs The Secretary to the Ministry U.D.C. approved the proposals tabled by the area with sand and importing transfer Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava Jayalal told The Morning that necessary Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha and gantry cranes. He added: “Other scrap tripartite deal had stated that the Indian High requests in this connection have already Abeygunawardena, in accordance with than these activities, all other operations Commissioner in Sri Lanka is been made to the Ministry of Finance. the recommendations furnished by the of the Colombo Port are in progress holding discussions with the Sri When questioned about the nature of aforesaid negotiating committee. as usual, and all disputes have been Lankan Government regarding the the partnership Sri Lanka is likely to Afterwards, the Cabinet had, resolved. As a result of the protests  Committees to be importance of adhering to international enter into concerning the WCT, Jayalal in addition to scrapping the said by the trade unions, it was possible to commitments. According to foreign said that it is expected that the WCT agreement, reached a decision to take get the Government to agree to handle appointed to look into media reports, it is uncertain as to will be developed in accordance with necessary steps to develop the Colombo the development of the ECT through future Colombo Port whether the Indian Government would the same 85-15% partnership, which Port’s West Container Terminal the SLPA. The rest is up to them, and accept the new proposal Sri Lanka has was adopted in the case of the CICT, (WCT) on the basis of operating we will take necessary steps as and investments put forward. where Sri Lanka retained 15%. and developing as a public-private when the future development activities A report published by the Indian However, he stressed that there is partnership (PPP) and to return it take place. The ECT will be owned The agreement with the ADB is media outlet The Hindu Business Line a possibility that this percentage may within 35 years, together with parties entirely by Sri Lanka, and the SLPA based on a loan it granted Sri Lanka. suspected that China could be behind change. (companies) nominated by the Indian has approximately $ 250 million in A decision has been taken to appoint Sri Lanka’s decision to scrap the Speaking on the future of the ECT, and Japanese Governments and the reserves.” a technical committee to look into aforementioned tripartite agreement. It Sumanarathna added: “The current SLPA. When queried as to whether the the future plans concerning the also said: “Sources tracking the project plan is to complete the development Colombo Port trade unions are in Colombo Port. Six requests have in India believe that China put the of the entire Terminal in one go agreement with the Government’s been put forward in this connection, ‘spanner’ in the works, and that aside within a period of three years. This decision to enter into an agreement with and the relevant Cabinet paper was from its strategic interests, China has will lead to the addition of around According to the agreement foreign investors for the development prepared according to these requests. a commercial interest to stall India’s 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units entered into in 2007 with of the WCT, Sumanarathna said that As the Trade Unions to Protect the participation in a container loading (TEUs) capacity.” He also said that the ADB, two out of the three despite their opinion, the Government ECT, we suggested that three of facility in the Colombo Port.” the development activities of the WCT Terminals that come under this has to act in accordance with the loan our representatives be appointed as The Morning attempted to contact will cost at least $ 900 million, which project should adopt the PPP agreement entered into with the Asian members of this technical committee the Indian High Commission and the compels Sri Lanka to look for external method. Regardless of how the Development Bank (ADB) in 2007 for that is yet to be appointed.” Japanese Embassy in Colombo in a bid investors. development activities take place, the development of the ECT, since the to obtain an official statement in this The Colombo Port, as an Government has still not paid off the Japan, India concerned about connection, but to no avail. extraordinarily important strategic Port Sri Lanka will have only 15% SL’s unilateral decision of the shares entire amount that was borrowed. However, speaking to The Sunday in the South Asian region, is now at a Trade Unions to Protect the ECT “Violating such international The Sri Lankan Government’s Morning, the Japanese Embassy decisive juncture. Co-Convener Sanjeewa Weligama agreements may cause issues to the unilateral decision to renege on the had earlier stated that the Japanese On the one hand, Sri Lanka has Government,” he stressed, adding that 2019 Sri Lanka-Japan-India tripartite Government is yet to take a decision to take decisions pertaining to the trade unions, therefore, do not wish to agreement on the development with regard to the Sri Lankan Colombo Port more wisely as it The Cabinet said that this project raise any opposition in that connection of the ECT – entered into by the Government’s decision to scrap the involves a gigantic share of Sri Lanka’s will be carried out in accordance with for the time being. former United National Front-led 2019 tripartite agreement and the national income while on the other the international agreements signed Meanwhile, Trade Unions to Protect Government’s Minister of Ports and offer of a new deal to jointly develop hand, Sri Lanka will have to maintain by the Sri Lankan Government with a the ECT Co-Convener Sanjeewa Shipping Sagala Ratnayaka – has the WCT with India. The Japanese all ties with China, India, and Japan view to develop the Colombo Port as Weligama further explained the above sparked tension among the Indian and Embassy had further expressed its more carefully, as the Colombo Port a competitive Port in the South Asian mentioned loan agreement with the Japanese authorities. disapproval regarding the fact that is likely to become a place of mutual region. ADB. “According to the agreement Following the announcement of the the Sri Lankan Government took this interest for all these countries. entered into in 2007 with the ADB, two Government’s decision, the Indian decision unilaterally. Regardless of the countries that Cabinet decision: Trade out of the three Terminals that come Government’s first response was are coming forward to invest in the unions’ response under this project should adopt the that Sri Lanka should not be taking a Colombo Port and ADB- Colombo Port or the nature of these The party that expressed the greatest PPP method. Regardless of how the decision in a unilateral manner. The funded Port expansion investments, the Government has an opposition against the Government’s development activities take place, Sri Indian media claimed that the Sri project increased responsibility to see to it that tripartite agreement with India and Lanka will have only 15% of the shares. Lankan Government offering a fresh The Colombo Port Expansion Project Sri Lanka benefits from all these joint Japan for the development of the ECT Out of the three Terminals, namely – deal for the development of the WCT (formerly the Colombo Port South projects. 6 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Wednesday, February 10, 2021

The global legal marijuana market – Dynasty (ca. 1600-1046 BC), the oldest Practical including leisure use – is growing rapidly. known written records of China’s history Time to Matters It was estimated to be $ 13.8 billion last date; in ancient China, cannabis was year, and is projected to reach $ 66.3 known as ma and was popular in daily BY DR. NICHOLAS RUWAN billion by the end of 2025, according to life. Apart from the war, hemp was a DIAS & NIRESH ELIATAMBY a report from California-based market banal raw material for the production walk the research firm Grand View Research. of textiles at the service of the Emperor. By 2024, Asia’s medical cannabis Traditional Chinese silk couldn’t be worn industry would be worth more than $ 5.8 by people, so they used hemp-based billion, according to Prohibition Partners. clothes, until around 1200 AD, when the Easter talk In Asia, Seoul and Bangkok are country was overcome by the Mongols, The great leading the way toward normalisation who added cotton. The Presidential Commission of Inquiry and legalisation of medical marijuana Cannabis was reported as “anti- (PCoI) appointed to probe into the 2019 under government licenses. phlegmatic, pungent, astringent, and Easter Sunday bomb attacks, after recording Thailand is the only Asian country that digestive” in Bhavaprakash (1600 statements from over 450 persons in the ganja debate has fully legalised medicinal cannabis. AD). Given these marked narcotic midst of grave criticisms, allegations, and Amendments to Asian cannabis characteristics, it was probably also doubts, submitted its much-awaited report to zShould SL legalise exports of marijuana? legislation include; used by ancient Indian and Chinese surgeons as an anaesthetic, sometimes yy 18 February 2019: The Medical President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last week. In recent times, a proposal to cultivate and export cannabis appears to be in combination with alcohol. Legalisation Bill of Thailand The 2019 Easter Sunday carnage did not gaining traction among certain government and business circles. This has The 18th Century Persian medical text kill just innocent civilians; it was also the led to increasing pressure from farmers in cannabis cultivation areas to yy 12 March 2019: The Medicinal Mukhzan al-Adwiya written by Husain main cause of death of the United National legalise the crop. The President recently responded by stating that a firm Legalisation Act of South Korea Khan, was influential in the Unani Tibbi, Front (UNF)-led Government that ruled policy decision was yet to be taken. yy or the Arabic traditional medicine of the It’s a multi-faceted issue that deserves yy If growing is legalised, should there 24 March 2019: Cannabis subcontinent. It describes cannabis as Sri Lanka when this tragedy occurred, and compound trials authorised in Japan that death, more or less, gave birth to the public discussion. It’s not just about be a level playing field that would a poisoning substance, stimulant, and incumbent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna growing and exporting marijuana. What allow rural farmers to benefit by In Australia, medical marijuana was sedative in its various preparations. is the situation of this controversial plant growing, or will it be restricted to given the green light in February 2016. In the 19th Century, the medical use (SLPP) Government. in the rest of the world? Medicinal use? a mafia of politically connected The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) of so-called Indian hemp was restored Like any other political party, the SLPP came Recreational use? Is it addictive? What growers? has seen cannabis-related stocks thriving. to the West. In 1813, ganja was used to power by giving a plethora of promises is its impact on users and society? With several cannabis companies listed in as a noxious agent, but also to treat yy What is the opinion of the medical The fact that cannabis causes some the ASX and with international cannabis diarrhoea and in a local hemorrhoid to the masses, and among them was this community? one powerful promise that was greater than physical and psychological effects is players, Australia has a favourable application. all others: A government led by the SLPP not disputed. However, what is unclear yy Legalisation of medical marijuana, business climate for cannabis. would take steps to serve justice to the people is how harmful cannabis usage is, and especially for export, would opinions have varied down through the permit sufficient taxation and a affected by the Easter Sunday attacks by ages. What is also undisputable is that creative enterprise market, with prosecuting the culprits. people are vulnerable to drugs and that the Government of Sri Lanka When this promise – which resonated with proper care must be taken in legalising desperately needing new revenue the masses from almost all social strata, who any narcotic substance. The theory of streams. were prepared to forget their differences for the unbalanced cognitive and physical growth is a well-known explanation for the use A government initiative to country’s greater good – came from a person export cannabis whose name remains unforgettable whenever of marijuana among people. The delayed cognitive development of young people Interestingly, the idea to make cannabis Sri Lanka speaks of the war, needlessly to say limits their ability to process social, a legal export crop actually came from that it ignited hope. All those who exercised emotional, and motivational experiences government circles, and there hasn’t been their franchise to ensure the victory of the against threats such as marijuana in a much opposition to it from any political present Government had that one hope – the cognitive manner. A great deal of legal, party. With Sri Lanka’s economy facing hope that acts of religious extremism would social, and public health is needed to disaster due to the prolonged Covid be eradicated in the same manner the three- recognise the effects of drug policies on pandemic, it stands to reason that the marijuana use in this population. idea of legalising and exporting cannabis decade-long separatist war was defeated, Fig. 1: Total number of cannabis users worldwide by region between 2010 and 2018 (in thereby allowing the public to breath freely. is very attractive, given the high prices millions) (Source: Statista) Narcotics in Sri Lanka paid in western countries. The public also admired the fact that the Let’s face the facts. Cannabis is the least Israel Cannabis market newly elected Government did not abolish of our country’s drug problems. Sri Lanka Cultivation, export, this PCoI appointed by former President is a global hub for the narcotics trade. domestic usage Israel has one of the most advanced France and Spain, with 11% of their and incumbent parliamentarian Maithripala Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, One major hurdle is that if growing marijuana medical services in the world. populations using cannabis, had the highest Sirisena who was the Head of the State and and ice are imported by the container cannabis is to be legalised, then domestic More than 20,000 cannabis patients are common prevalence of use of cannabis Government as well as Commander in Chief and transshipped to Europe. All these usage would also need to be made legal. permitted to use cannabis for treatment, among adults in Europe as of 2019. of the Armed Forces when the Easter Sunday are also available quite freely in any After all, it would be extremely strange to e.g. glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, Tourette’s Followed by Italy, which consumed 10.2% neighbourhood in the country, from grow and export anything you wouldn’t syndrome, and asthma. of the population of cannabis, only 0.9% attacks took place, and instead, allowed it to Colombo 7 to Mullaitivu – just ask any allow to be used in your own country. of Malta’s citizens had it in this period. continue its hearings. three-wheeler driver. Our domestic brew For example, we would not want to use a India After conducting hearings for more than 200 kasippu can be sourced just as easily. Covid vaccine from Germany, if Germany In the Hindu and Islamic traditions Sri Lanka days, the PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks Local law enforcement authorities turn itself wasn’t using it. and in many other minority faiths, The most widely used narcotics in has now issued its report, albeit unavailable to a blind eye and a couple of dozen sleuths As such, cannabis would need to be cannabis was similarly bound by faith Sri Lanka are heroin and cannabis. the public domain yet. of the Anti-Narcotics Bureau are currently regulated properly by health authorities and mysticism, connected to people’s The Sri Lankan drug scene is now However, the public – who witnessed the facing drug peddling charges. Quite and by industrial authorities dealing with ingrained desire to experience ecstasy. absolutely unaffected by the laws and frankly, the Police appear to believe that exports. This brings us back to the question policies established for the monitoring Easter Sunday attacks that shattered the hearts far more harm is done by drunk drivers. of whether cannabis usage should be Ancient medicine and regulation of drug users, although a and souls of Sri Lankans and the political So what is the position of cannabis? legalised in Sri Lanka, and it is very Cannabis has been used as an ancient majority of convicts and remandees are on fiasco that followed, leading to the revelation Sri Lanka is in fact a small-time exporter pertinent to examine the current situation medicine for thousands of years in Asia, drug-related charges. The rehabilitation of of the inadequacies of the former regime – of cannabis, and has been for decades, with in other countries. particularly India and China. Charred drug dependents in the country has become are of the opinion that both ignorance and crops grown mainly in the Monaragala Global context seeds from inside funeral mounds from an urgent necessity to protect people, and incompetence led to the failure to prevent the area being transported to Colombo and 3000 BC have been found in Siberia. to create a viable, drug-free society. Easter Sunday attacks. smuggled out in shipping containers to The steep rise in cannabis usage Medical usage Some medicinal use of cannabis is What makes it more tragic is the fact that Europe. worldwide over the last five years is permitted, with the Ayurveda Act of 1961 shown in Fig. 1. Increased use of medical cannabis has (amended in 1962 and 1977) by which the authorities acknowledged before the Key issues The medical use of cannabis is legal in resulted in cannabis being legalised in licensed practitioners may obtain cannabis PCoI on the Easter Sunday attacks that they yy Should cannabis be legally grown in 42 of the world’s 193 countries. different countries around the world. for preparation and sale of ayurvedic had received forewarnings of the impending Sri Lanka and exported? Recreational use of cannabis is legal Legalising cannabis for medicinal use cannabis products. Ayurvedic professionals attacks, but failed regardless. The Easter yy in four countries – Canada, South Africa, would offer new ways of expanding have traditionally purchased cannabis Sunday attacks are noteworthy due to If cannabis is to be legally grown Georgia, and Uruguay. It is also legal in laboratories, which will lead to a from manufacturers approved by the and exported, should its use be legal 15 of the 50 states of the US, and one of significant growth of the cannabis Commissioner of the Ayurveda Department. another reason – the amount and the nature within Sri Lanka? of allegations levelled against topmost public the seven states of Australia. However, research industry. In addition, rising In 2018, the Government of Sri Lanka y the piecemeal legalisation of medicinal attention to meet the growing needs of announced that it would cultivate 100 officials and leading politicians over their y If it is legalised, can it be restricted to medical use in an effective marijuana has spread internationally, cannabis growers will lead to an increased acres of cannabis in the Anuradhapura alleged failure to prevent the attacks. manner? including in nations like Israel, Australia, number of laboratory tests for cannabis, and Polonnaruwa Districts for Ayurvedic In this context, this Government is expected and Germany. contributing to market growth in future medicinal use. to not follow the path of the previous yy Who will regulate the growing, Many countries turn a blind eye towards cannabis research. Cannabis was a traditional plant grown Governments where only a meagre number of sales, and exports of cannabis? enforcing cannabis laws. Even in 1250 BC from the Shang in Sri Lanka. But under British rule it was not-very-significant culprits were prosecuted; forbidden, as the Government of the day the public expects the present Government to wished to promote tobacco. In fact, the case for the ban on tobacco is far stronger than go the extra mile and prosecute the powerful CARTOON OF THE DAY for the ban on marijuana, because tobacco figures such as those who financed the attacks, has no advantages whatsoever and a wide without whose support the attacks would not range of harmful effects. have been possible. In this case, it is equally Currently, the punishment for important to identify and prevent the growth possession of cannabis is a maximum of groups spreading extremism, regardless of of seven years imprisonment and a fine their religious beliefs. of Rs. 25,000. A special cabinet meeting is scheduled Legal aspect to be held today (10) to discuss the report Notably, certain Asian countries impose before it being presented in Parliament. As capital punishment for the cannabis trade. far as this report is concerned, in addition China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, to implementing its recommendations, and Saudi Arabia are among a handful of the Government also has an undeniable countries that still impose an effective death responsibility to reveal to the public the penalty for large-scale cannabis trafficking. original, unadulterated contents of the report. While the countries of South East Asia will probably begin the process of legalisation Even though the contents of this report still of medical marijuana soon, it is still seen as remain a mystery, the only thing that matters taboo. Furthermore, the reluctance of South to the public awaiting fair and concrete East Asian governments to legalise the action against the culprits is that all those leisure aspect is unquestionably confusing who engaged in or abetted the Easter Sunday public opinion. carnage in any way get what they deserve. © Dias and Eliatamby (The writers are Managing Partners of Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds practical solutions for challenges No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. facing society, the environment, and Fax - 011 2 673 441 General - 011 5 200 900 all types of industries. Dr. Dias is Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 a digital architect and educationist Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia E-mail - [email protected] [[email protected]]. Eliatamby is Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 Website - www.themorning.lk an author, marketer, and educationist based in Colombo, Sri Lanka [[email protected]]) 47 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

MANUFACTURING OF RAILWAY PASSENGER COACHES SRI LANKA TRADE INFORMATION PORTAL business Step-by-step Technical evaluation trade procedure functionality launched The step-by-step trade procedure functionality of the committee appointed Sri Lanka Trade Information Portal (SLTIP), which could BY YAKUTA DAWOOD enhance Sri Lankan exports to A technical evaluation committee the European Union (EU), was has been appointed to implement officially launched earlier this the Cabinet-approved proposal month. of manufacturing 100 railway The SLTIP is currently housed passenger coaches locally, The at the Department of Commerce Morning Business learns. (DoC), the initial work of which “We will select the members, then was carried out with the support of we will prepare the specification and the World Bank and Australia Aid. after that we have to call the tender, and As a complement to the SLTIP, finally, the investors in compliance with ITC, with the concurrence of the government procurement guidelines DoC, has embedded the step- to manufacture 100 railway passenger by-step procedure functionality, coaches will be selected,” an official mapping out the import and export Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula from the Department of Railways, who procedures of selected products to Gunawardana wished to remain anonymous, told us. make it more user friendly. In addition, the official stated that The technical support for this importance of the EU market for investors for the project would be from activity was provided within the Sri Lanka’s exports. Sri Lanka. “We can have joint ventures framework of the EU-Sri Lanka “The EU has stringent with foreign parties but it will be mainly Trade-Related Assistance Project, standards. If Sri Lanka is ready based on a Sri Lankan investor who implemented by ITC and funded to export to the EU, it means it would be able to build the capacity to by the EU. ITC developed the is ready to export to any other meet the requirements.” functionality in partnership with market also,” he added, stating According to the official, the project the United Nations Conference that he believes that this portal will take at least two to three years due to on Trade and Development would help Sri Lanka to comply the procurement and tendering process. (UNCTAD). The Deutsche with required EU standards. “This project will benefit both people and Gesellschaft fur Internationale The EU-Sri Lanka Trade- consumers in Sri Lanka. The employment Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) also Related Assistance Project rate will increase, technology transfer provided further support to extend aims to increase the trade will come, and maybe one day, we could the product coverage accessibility, competitiveness of small and export as there’s an increase in demand will commence after three months and During the cabinet briefing on 3 for 12 years or less. The forthcoming taking into account the interest of medium-sized enterprises from Bangladesh and Africa,” the official will also be a continuous project up to February 2021, Mass Media Minister 160 railway passenger coaches from the traders. (SMEs) in regional and added. two to three or more years depending on Keheliya Rambukwella said that railway India and 140 railway passenger During the launch, Minister of EU markets. The four-year Giving the concluding remark, the the capacity. “The investors will have to passenger coaches in Sri Lanka will coaches expected to be acquired by Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana EU-funded project worth € 8 official emphasised that the Department import wheels and other requirements, increase to about 800 over the next five the renovation project will meet only stated that this would alleviate million, contributes to inclusive of Railways is encouraging local which could take some time,” he said. years. 42% of the total railway passenger coach the time and the money spent on trade-led growth and regional industries to start manufacturing railway Besides, Ranatunga also noted that The released cabinet statement noted: requirement. Therefore, 50% of the total related bureaucratic work. integration. It supports SME passenger coaches in Sri Lanka. through this project, the employment “Existing railway passenger coaches railway passenger coach requirement Meanwhile, Ambassador of the export competitiveness and Furthermore, we also spoke to rate in Sri Lanka will rise, consumers are in different ages of which 30% should be provided expeditiously with Delegation to the EU to Sri Lanka value addition in sectors with Transport Ministry Secretary Monty will benefit, and Sri Lanka itself could are 30 years old, 60% are 25 to 30 the use or replacement of new railway and the Maldives Denis Chaibi high potential for economic Ranatunga, who stated that this project benefit through foreign savings. years old, and 10% have been in service passenger coaches.” during the event highlighted the growth and development. SL should go Sampath Bank partners with TRI-ZEN Sampath Bank PLC entered into a strategic alliance with TRI-ZEN, to IMF: Deshal a premium smart living project being developed in Union Place, Government needs to outline Colombo by John Keells Properties a macroeconomic plan which in partnership with Indra Traders global lenders would consider that shares the bank’s penchant for to be credible. innovation. “Credibility is secured by a Building on its relationship with the robust analytical framework that John Keells Group and Indra Traders, withstands the scrutiny of global Sampath Bank seeks to partner with lenders, who are concerned about the project and offer prospective the risks they will face in lending TRI-ZEN buyers tailormade home to Sri Lanka,” De Mel said. financing solutions. “Sri Lanka records an external Sampath Bank’s home loan sovereign debt maturity to $ solutions offer the perfect opportunity Verite Research Economist and 4.3 billion and $ 1.4 billion to for prospective TRI-ZEN buyers Research Director Deshal de Mel mature in 12 months, with a gross to take advantage of the prevailing Sampath Bank MD Nanda Fernando (fifth from left) handing over the agreement to John Keells Properties Sector Head Nayana official reserve amounting to $ low market interest rates, the lowest Mawilmada in the presence of officials from both entities Sri Lanka faces a key 5.6 billion,” he added. in recent times, according to the macroeconomic challenge in 2021 Sri Lanka recorded $ 5.7 company. to help them achieve their life and Credit and Corporate Digitalisation design, the property is sure to appeal in the aftermath of the Covid billion of gross foreign reserves Commenting on this partnership, financial goals. In line with this, we Shashi Kandambi Jassim added: to prospective buyers, for both pandemic in managing to pay by December 2020 and key Sampath Bank Managing Director are delighted to join hands with John “Our partnership with the TRI-ZEN investment and residential purposes. maturing external debt without repayments from February to (MD) Nanda Fernando said: “At Keells Properties and Indra Traders project builds on our longstanding We look forward to offering flexible, depleting foreign reserves to a July 2021 includes a $ 1 billion Sampath Bank, we have always been on TRI-ZEN – a project that shares relationship with the John Keells low-interest home loan solutions to critical level. In order to anchor bond payment, $ 980 million of committed to offering innovative our passion for innovation.” Group and Indra Traders. Integrating help them own a premier, ‘smart credibility while facing difficulty Sri Lanka Development Bonds financial solutions, best suited to our Sampath Bank Senior Deputy modern technology and several value- home’ unit, right in the centre of in servicing its external debt, and interest payments of $ 482 customers’ individual requirements General Manager – Corporate added elements into its contemporary Colombo.” entering into an International million. Monetary Programme (IMF) is Sri Lanka has requested the conventional mechanism, says IMF’s support under its Rapid Verite Research. Financing Instrument (RFI) last Speaking to The Morning year. According to the IMF a Eco-Spindles launch recycled polyester yarn facility Business, Verite Research country can borrow up to 100% Sri Lankan plastic bottle recycler Environmental Pollution Control Holdings PLC, Eco-Spindles claims had all considered to have only one use. Economist and Research Director of its quota under the RFI, and Sri and manufacturer of polyester yarn and Chemical Management Division to be Sri Lanka’s only value-added These are exactly the kind of solutions Deshal de Mel said that the Lanka’s quota is $ 578.8 million. and monofilaments, Eco-Spindles Director S.M. Werahera, BPPL Holdings exporter of polyethylene terephthalate that hold the key to a sustainable future (Pvt.) Ltd. commenced Phase II of its Managing Director and Chief Executive (PET) waste bottles in Sri Lanka, for Sri Lankans today, and for all future expansion strategy to add 20,000 sq. ft. Officer Dr. Anush Amarasinghe, and and is on a mission to reverse the generations,” Dr. Amarasinghe noted. Emirates increases flights of production space at its state-of-the-art Eco-Spindles Deputy General Manager island’s environmental degradation by Globally, the demand for recycled yarn facility in Horana. Manoj Udawatte, in the presence of converting PET bottle waste, that would is on the rise, with leading international to Colombo Claimed to be one of only two such other senior representatives from Eco- otherwise end up polluting sensitive fashion brands now utilising large Emirates has announced it will Colombo 8.25 a.m. local time. The facilities in the entire world, once Spindles at a special ceremony held on ecosystems, into export-quality products quantities of yarn in different product increase its services to Colombo return flight EK651 will depart completed, the expanded facility will 8 February 2021. that have since captured extensive families through local mills every year. from four to six weekly flights, with Colombo at 9.55 a.m. and arrive double polyester yarn production “We are excited to be laying the market share across the globe. This demand will inevitably continue the fifth weekly flight commencing in Dubai at 1 p.m. local time. capacity at Eco-Spindles. foundation for the continued growth “As the only other entity in the world to rise as sustainability is becoming 18 February and a sixth weekly Customers can enjoy safe and The foundation stone was laid by of Eco-Spindles, and the greater that is capable of directly manufacturing a topic of utmost importance in all flight commencing 27 February. convenient connections to more than Ministry of Environment Secretary sustainability of our nation. All over polyester yarn out of recycled PET countries. Eco-Spindles is equipped with The two additional services will 90 destinations within Emirates’ Dr. Anil Jasinghe together with Central the world, people are waking up to flakes, we are extremely well positioned the resources to generate 700 tonnes serve market demand and offer network, via Dubai. Environmental Authority (CEA) the urgent need to create and enter a to capture the rapidly increasing demand of recycled polyester yarn per annum. customers enhanced connectivity Emirates’ flights to Colombo Director General P.B. Hemantha circular economy. The expansion of for such products. In this manner, we are With the completion of its expanded to/from Colombo via Dubai. will operate utilising the wide-body Jayasinghe, Board of Investment of our Horana facility is another vital able to generate vital foreign exchange production facilities, this capacity is The added services will operate aircraft Boeing 777-300ER. Sri Lanka Horana Export Processing step in this direction,” BPPL Holdings for the national economy, while at the targeted to increase by a further 900 every Thursday and Saturday. Tickets can be booked on Zone Senior Deputy Director Sujeewa Managing Director and CEO Dr. Anush same time, helping to reverse one of the tonnes in the annual production. This Emirates flight EK650 will depart emirates.com, Emirates sales Thilakumara, Ministry of Mahaweli Amarasinghe said. most serious environmental threats of represents more than double its current Dubai at 2.35 a.m. and arrive in offices, or via travel agents. Development and Environment – A wholly owned subsidiary of BPPL our time using a raw material that we capabilities. 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { DEBT/ENVIRONMENT } Wednesday, February 10, 2021

For a conflict-torn country that Before the port episode, “Sri Lanka struggled to generate tax revenue, the could sink into the Indian Ocean and terms of the loan seemed reasonable. most of the Western world wouldn’t Former Sri Lanka Ports Authority notice”, according to Verité Research’s Chairman Saliya Wickramasuriya had Research Director Subhashini The Chinese ‘debt said: “To get commercial loans as large Abeysinghe. Suddenly, the island nation as $ 300 million during the war was featured prominently in foreign-policy not easy.” That same year, Sri Lanka speeches in Washington. Pence voiced also issued its first international bond, worry that Hambantota could become a with an interest rate of 8.25%. Both “forward military base” for China. decisions would come back to haunt the “Yet Hambantota’s location Government. is strategic only from a business trap’ is a myth Finally, in 2009, after decades of perspective: The port is cut into the violence, Sri Lanka’s civil war came coast to avoid the Indian Ocean’s heavy The Atlantic, an American to an end. Buoyed by the victory, the swells, and its narrow channel allows website, recently called the Government embarked on a debt- only one ship to enter or exit at a time, Chinese “debt trap” a myth financed push to build and improve typically with the aid of a tugboat. in a post published on its the country’s infrastructure. Annual In the event of a military conflict, website, marking one of economic growth rates climbed to 6%, naval vessels stationed there would be the first times an American but Sri Lanka’s debt burden soared as proverbial fish in a barrel.” website or a channel referred well, The Atlantic noted. “The notion of ‘debt-trap diplomacy’ to the Chinese “debt trap” as “In Hambantota, instead of casts China as a conniving creditor a myth. waiting for Phase 1 of the port to and countries such as Sri Lanka as its generate revenue as the Ramboll credulous victims. On a closer look, The website stated: “China, we are team had recommended, Mahinda however, the situation is far more told, inveigles poorer countries into Rajapaksa pushed ahead with Phase complex. China’s march outward, like taking out loan after loan to build 2, transforming Hambantota into a its domestic development, is probing expensive infrastructure that they container port. In 2012, Sri Lanka and experimental, a learning process can’t afford and that will yield few borrowed another $ 757 million from marked by frequent adjustment. benefits, all with the end goal of Beijing China Eximbank, this time at a reduced, “After the construction of the eventually taking control of these assets post-financial-crisis interest rate of 2%. port in Hambantota, for example, from its struggling borrowers. Rajapaksa took the liberty of naming Chinese firms and banks learned that “As states around the world pile the port after himself. strongmen fall and that they’d better on debt to combat the coronavirus The Hambantota Port “By 2014, Hambantota was losing have strategies for dealing with political pandemic and bolster flagging money. Realising that they needed more risk. They’re now developing these economies, fears of such possible “The city of Hambantota lies at the that an initial phase of the project experienced operators, the SLPA signed strategies, getting better at discerning seizures have only amplified.” southern tip of Sri Lanka, a few nautical should allow for the transport of non- an agreement with China Harbor and business opportunities and withdrawing It added that seen this way, China’s miles from the busy Indian Ocean containerised cargo – oil, cars, grain China Merchants Group to have them where they know they can’t win. internationalisation – as laid out in shipping lane that accounts for nearly – to start bringing in revenue, before jointly develop and operate the new Still, American leaders and thinkers programmes such as the Belt and Road all of the ocean-borne trade between expanding the port to be able to handle port for 35 years. China Merchants was from both sides of the aisle give Initiative – is not simply a pursuit of Asia and Europe, and more than 80% the traffic and storage of traditional already operating a new terminal in the speeches about China’s ‘modern-day geopolitical influence, but also, in some of ocean-borne global trade. When a containers,” it stated. port in Colombo, and China Harbor colonialism’.” tellings, a weapon. Once a country is Chinese firm snagged the contract to By then, the port in the capital city had invested $ 1.4 billion in Colombo Over the past 20 years, Chinese firms weighed down by Chinese loans, like build the city’s port, it was stepping of Colombo, a hundred miles away Port City, a lucrative real-estate project have learned a lot about how to play in a hapless gambler who borrows from into an ongoing Western competition, and consistently one of the world’s involving land reclamation. But while an international construction business the mafia, it is Beijing’s puppet and in though one the United States had busiest, had just expanded and was the lawyers drew up the contracts, a that remains dominated by Europe. danger of losing a limb. largely abandoned,” it added. already pushing capacity. The Colombo political upheaval was taking shape,” Whereas China has 27 firms among the The article provided Sri Lanka’s On a further note, The Atlantic Port, however, was smack in the The Atlantic added. top 100 global contractors, up from nine Hambantota Port as a prime example explained that it was the Canadian middle of the city, while Hambantota It further stated that Mahinda in 2000, Europe has 37, down from 41. for this. International Development Agency had a hinterland, meaning it offered Rajapaksa called a surprise election for The US has seven, compared to 19 two “As the story goes, Beijing pushed – not China – that financed Canada’s greater potential for expansion and January 2015 and in the final months decades ago, according to the website. Sri Lanka into borrowing money from leading engineering and construction development.” of the campaign, his own health Chinese firms are not the only Chinese banks to pay for the project, firm, SNC-Lavalin, to carry out a To look at a map of the Indian minister, Maithripala Sirisena, decided companies to benefit from Chinese- which had no prospect of commercial feasibility study for the port. Ocean region at the time was to see to challenge him. Like opposition financed projects. Perhaps no country success. Onerous terms and feeble “We obtained more than 1,000 pages opportunity and expanding middle candidates in Malaysia, the Maldives, was more alarmed by Hambantota than revenues eventually pushed Sri Lanka of documents detailing this effort classes everywhere. Families in India and Zambia, the incumbent’s financial India, the regional giant that several into default, at which point Beijing through a Freedom of Information and across Africa were demanding relations with China and allegations of times rebuffed Sri Lanka’s appeals for demanded the port as collateral, Act request. The study, concluded more consumer goods from China. corruption made for potent campaign investment, aid, and equity partnerships. forcing the Sri Lankan Government to in 2003, confirmed that building the Countries such as Vietnam were fodder. To the country’s shock, and Yet an Indian-led business, Meghraj, surrender control to a Chinese firm,” it port at Hambantota was feasible, and growing rapidly and would need perhaps his own, Sirisena won. joined the UK-based engineering further noted. supporting documents show that the more natural resources. To justify its “Steep payments on international firm Atkins Ltd. in an international According to the website, the Trump Canadians’ greatest fear was losing the existence, the Hambantota Port would sovereign bonds, which comprised consortium to write the long-term administration pointed to Hambantota project to European competitors,” The have to secure only a fraction of the nearly 40% of the country’s external plan for Hambantota Port and for the to warn of China’s strategic use of debt: Atlantic revealed. cargo that went through Singapore, the debt, put Sirisena’s Government in dire development of a new business zone. In 2018, former Vice President Mike “SNC-Lavalin recommended that it world’s busiest transshipment port. fiscal straits almost immediately. When The French firms Bolloré and CMA- Pence called it “debt-trap diplomacy” – be undertaken through a joint-venture According to the news report, armed Sirisena took office, Sri Lanka owed CGM have partnered with China a phrase he used through the last days agreement between the Sri Lanka with the Ramboll report, Sri Lanka’s more to Japan, the World Bank, and Merchants and China Harbor in port of the administration – and evidence of Ports Authority (SLPA) and a ‘private Government approached the United the Asian Development Bank than to developments in Nigeria, Cameroon, China’s military ambitions. consortium’ on a build-own-operate- States and India; both countries said no. China. and elsewhere. Last year, erstwhile Attorney General transfer basis, a type of project in which But a Chinese construction firm, China “Of the $ 4.5 billion in debt service According to The Atlantic, the other William Barr raised the case to argue a single company receives a contract to Harbour Group, had learned about Sri Lanka would pay in 2017, only side of the debt-trap myth involves that Beijing is “loading poor countries undertake all the steps required to get Colombo’s hopes, and lobbied hard for 5% was because of Hambantota. The debtor countries. Places such as Sri up with debt, refusing to renegotiate such a port up and running, and then the project. China Eximbank agreed Central Bank governors under both Lanka – or, for that matter, Kenya, terms, and then taking control of the gets to operate it when it is.” to fund it, and China Harbour won the Rajapaksa and Sirisena do not agree Zambia, or Malaysia – are no stranger infrastructure itself”. According to the website, the contract. on much, but they both told us that to geopolitical games. And they’re irked “As Michael Ondaatje, one of Sri Canadian project failed to move “This was in 2007, six years before Hambantota, and Chinese finance by American views that they’ve been so Lanka’s greatest chroniclers, once forward, mostly because of the Xi Jinping introduced the Belt and in general, was not the source of the easily swindled. said: ‘In Sri Lanka a well-told lie is vicissitudes of Sri Lankan politics. But Road Initiative. Sri Lanka was still in country’s financial distress,” it noted. As one Malaysian politician worth a thousand facts.’ And the debt- the plan to build a port in Hambantota the last, and bloodiest, phase of its long As The Atlantic noted, there was also remarked to The Atlantic, speaking trap narrative is just that: a lie, and a gained traction during the rule of the civil war, and the world was on the never a default. Colombo arranged on condition of anonymity to discuss powerful one,” the website noted. Rajapaksas – Mahinda Rajapaksa, who verge of a financial crisis,” it added. a bailout from the International how Chinese finance featured in that The Atlantic’s research reportedly served as President from 2005 through “The details are important: China Monetary Fund, and decided to raise country’s political drama: “Can’t the shows that Chinese banks are willing 2015, and his brother Gotabaya, Eximbank offered a $ 307 million, much-needed dollars by leasing out the US State Department tell the difference to restructure the terms of existing the current President and former 15-year commercial loan with a four- underperforming Hambantota Port to between campaign rhetoric that our loans, and have never actually seized Minister of Defence – who grew up year grace period, offering Sri Lanka an experienced company – just as the opponents are slaves to China, and an asset from any country, much less in Hambantota. They promised to a choice between a 6.3% fixed interest Canadians had recommended. actually being slaves to China?” the Hambantota Port. The Atlantic bring big ships to the region, a call that rate or one that would rise or fall There was not an open tender, and The article concluded: “The events further noted that Chinese companies’ gained urgency after the devastating depending on LIBOR, a floating rate. the only two bids came from China that led to a Chinese company’s acquisition of a majority stake in the 2004 tsunami pulverised Sri Lanka’s Colombo chose the former, conscious Merchants and China Harbour; acquisition of a majority stake in a Sri port was a cautionary tale, but it’s not coast and the local economy. that global interest rates were trending Sri Lanka chose China Merchants, Lankan port reveal a great deal about the one we’ve often heard. With a new “We reviewed a second feasibility higher during the negotiations and making it the majority shareholder how our world is changing. China and administration in Washington, the truth report, produced in 2006 by the Danish hoping to lock in what it thought would with a 99-year lease, and used the $ other countries are becoming more about the widely, perhaps willfully, engineering firm Ramboll, that made be favourable terms. Phase I of the port 1.12 billion cash infusion to bolster its sophisticated in bargaining with one misunderstood case of Hambantota Port similar recommendations to the plans project was completed on schedule foreign reserves, not to pay off China another. And it would be a shame if the is long overdue. put forward by SNC-Lavalin, arguing within three years.” Eximbank. US fails to learn alongside them.” John Keells and Hemas collaborate to battle plastic pollution Plasticcycle, the social Plasticcycle continuously promotes Hemas Consumer, a leading entrepreneurship project of the John the 4R’s – “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse manufacturer in Sri Lanka’s Keells Group, announced a partnership and Recycle”, focusing on three key home and personal care sector is with Hemas Consumer, in its bin pillars: Encouraging the reduction a subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC. placement initiative targeted towards and rationalisation of use, supporting Established in 1948, Hemas started encouraging responsible disposal responsible disposal, and promoting with a simple intent: To help families of recyclable plastic waste, adding recycling initiatives. The project to live healthfully. This core belief has to the existing network of over 190 date has collected over 68 metric informed their growth for over 72 Plasticcycle bins in Sri Lanka. The tonnes (MT) of plastic waste and sent years. Today, as a public quoted agreement between the two parties it for responsible disposal. company with over 4,500 employees, was signed on 5 February 2021 by Plasticcycle is a social they claim to bring healthful living the consumer brands arm of Hemas entrepreneurship project of John to life through a portfolio of world- Holdings PLC, with a commitment Keells Holdings PLC (JKH), operating class products and services in the to sponsor 30 large Plasticcycle bins over 70 companies in seven industry consumer, healthcare, and mobility in the Colombo District. John Keells Group Chairman Krishan Balendra and Hemas Group Executive Director Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne signing sectors. JKH provides employment sectors. Woven into the socioeconomic Speaking on the occasion, Hemas the agreement to over 14,000 persons and has fabric of Sri Lanka, Hemas has also Group Executive Director Sriyan together with John Keells, we can realising the vision of this project, of partnerships with the Sri Lanka been ranked as Sri Lanka’s “Most expanded regionally with operations de Silva Wijeyeratne said: “We are play a big role in promoting responsible being a catalyst in reducing plastic Recyclers’ Association (SLRA) Respected Entity” for the last 15 in Bangladesh, West Bengal, and delighted to partner with John Keells disposal and recycling of plastic waste, pollution in Sri Lanka. We need to and manufacturing companies such Years by LMD Magazine. Whilst Myanmar. They claim to continue in this social entrepreneurship initiative which is one of the major issues for work together, towards establishing as Eco-Spindles (a subsidiary of being a full member of the World to invest in diverse and passionate and support a national cause. Hemas our country. innovative, practical, and sustainable BPPL Holdings PLC) to recycle and Economic Forum and a Participant of teams, create meaningful offerings, is taking many serious steps to ensure John Keells Group Chairman solutions to reduce plastic pollution. manufacture value-added products the UN Global Compact, JKH drives cultivate trusted partnerships, and Sri Lanka becomes a cleaner, greener, Krishan Balendra said: “Our group’s We appreciate the support of Hemas from used plastics, such as plastic its corporate social responsibility champion a more inclusive world, and healthier country and brands like intent through the Plasticcycle in this initiative.” monofilaments used for cleaning tools (CSR) vision of “Empowering the in their onward journey in order to Kumarika and Baby Cheramy are initiative, is to bring together and work In addition to the above, Plasticcycle and yarn for fabric manufacturers Nation for Tomorrow” through John continue to create a positive impact leading the way. We believe that with like-minded organisations towards has established long-lasting worldwide.” Keells Foundation. for all their stakeholders. business 49 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 { ADVERTORIAL } „„ www.themorning.lk AIA Insurance recognised as HNB Assurance produces a GPTW® zAdjudged the Best Workplace for Women for third year 113 MDRT qualifiers in 2020 HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) recently announced that it had anything but normal. I would like captivating vigour with which the produced 113 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) qualifiers for to extend my sincerest gratitude Sales Training team, Bancassurance the 2020 MDRT Conference held in the US. This achievement saw to these teams and the ambitious team, and the Advisor Channel the company surpassing the number of qualifiers it achieved individuals who have taken their have marched forward through this in the previous year. Among the top achievers are two Top of rightful place in being recognised as challenging time victoriously to have the Table (TOT) qualifiers and eight Court of the Table (COT) prestigious MDRT members. produced 113 MDRT qualifiers, of qualifiers. “I believe that career-shaping which eight achieved the Court of HNBA and HNB General that HNB Assurance as a company, achievements of this nature not only the Table recognition, whilst two Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI) CEO and we as Sri Lankans, in general HNB Assurance HNBA Chief encourages our new-comers to set received the coveted Top of the Table Prasantha Fernando added: “Yet have what it takes to be neck-to-neck PLC and Operating the bar higher and stay true to their qualification. again, our very own champions with the best insurance professionals HNB General Officer Lasitha goals and aspirations in life, but also “I thank each and everyone Insurance Ltd. Wimalaratne have brought great glory to the from around the globe. CEO Prasantha further strengthens the Company’s involved in the process of proving Company, by establishing ourselves “The Distribution Management, Fernando Sales Force potential.” the impetus for such a commendable as a player to reckon with in the Bancassurance, and Sales Training HNBA Chief Operating Officer and noteworthy performance, and I industry in terms of producing teams have come together as one commitment and potency to deliver Lasitha Wimalaratne expressed his salute all 113 of our team who made MDRT qualifiers, demonstrating powerhouse, driven by unparalleled their best in the year that was appreciation, stating: “I applaud the this remarkable achievement.” BOC initiates loan Cargills Bank AIA Human Resources Director Thushari Perera receiving the certificate of recognition on behalf of AIA revival in North Central expands to AIA Insurance is proud to have been recognised as a Great Place to Work® in With the aim of assisting micro Sri Lanka for the eighth consecutive year. and small and medium enterprises The company was also adjudged the “Best (MSME) customers who have faced Nawalapitiya Workplace for Women in Sri Lanka” for the financial difficulties during the Covid- third straight year. 19 pandemic to revive their businesses, For 2020, AIA passed the rigorous Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has initiated measurements through analysis of results of a loan revival programme which the Great Place to Work® Trust Index© survey will attend to customers’ financial and Culture Audit© questionnaire and scored needs. In this regard, the bank held yet among the best in the country, thus receiving another programme in Anuradhapura this global recognition. recently with the patronage of BOC AIA Director – Human Resources Thushari Chairman Kanchana Ratwatte and Perera noted: “Consistently winning this General Manager D.P.K. Gunasekera. BOC Chairman Kanchana Loan revival programme conducted in Anuradhapura prestigious award is an indication of the Senior Deputy General Manager – Ratwatte speaking at the to discuss customers’ concerns with regard to loan emphasis we place on employee wellbeing. Human Resources K.E.D. Sumanasiri, programme facilities As a company committed to helping people Deputy General Manager – Sales and live healthier, longer, better lives, we prioritise Channel Management Priyal Silva, and discussed with customers to obtain has so far been able to disburse loan the health, happiness, and wellbeing of our Assistant General Manager – North an in-depth understanding of the facilities to entrepreneurs with special staff. This is how we have differentiated AIA Central Province Mahinda Bandara customers’ true concerns and were attention to agriculture, tourism, as a great place to work for our employees also represented the forum on behalf able to provide tailor-made financial exports, tea, apparel, IT, logistics, and and established ourselves as a superlative of the bank’s corporate and executive solutions for their problems. With spices cultivation. The bank wishes employer of choice.” management. regard to reviving the economy after to extend these facilities to many The launch event of Cargills Bank’s new Nawalapitiya Branch She added: “The ‘Best Workplace for Women’ During the forum, customers the Covid-19 pandemic, BOC has customers as possible to ensure that award is an important recognition for AIA, as were able to discuss their concerns extended a gamut of benefits for the there will be a significant impact on Cargills Bank announced the Bandara said: “At Cargills Bank, it is testament and recognition of all the hard with regard to loan facilities development of the MSME sector in the economic and social wellbeing launch of its latest full-service we are committed to harnessing work and focus we put into gender equity and directly with the bank officials at the country to rebuild their businesses by building as many successful branch in the hill country hub the spirit of progress in every parity. AIA is an equal opportunity employer this programme. Bank officials and sustain the functioning. The bank entrepreneurs as possible. of Nawalapitiya, located at 88, Sri Lankan. Thus, we need to that values all our employees, regardless of Gampola Road, Nawalapitiya, reach out and be closer to our gender, and our commitment is to ensure a on 26 January, marking it the customers to provide them with truly fair and productive workplace for all staff. 21st branch in the Cargills Bank the expected level of service. We understand that gender parity is central AAT conducts tree planting network. The branch’s operating To achieve this objective in having a dynamic-balanced workforce hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on strategically and efficiently, we and needless to say, our female staff play weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. are working towards increasing an integral part in our business success. I and clean-up in Beddagana on Saturdays. our presence in economic and am happy to see our efforts in creating a According to the bank, social hubs around the country. female-friendly working environment with The Association of Park was opened in 2016 Nawalapitiya was identified as “Nawalapitiya is one such hub gender smart policies being recognised and Accounting Technicians of at Beddagana, Kotte and an ideal location for the latest that we have identified. Through appreciated.” Sri Lanka (AAT Sri Lanka) it extends over nearly addition to the Cargills Bank our new branch, we look forward 2020 was a challenging year for staff announced that it conducted 18 hectares of wetland network, as the town serves as to building new relationships, engagement due to the pandemic. Notably, a tree planting and a clean- surrounding Diyawanna an economic and social hub inspiring new ideas and acting AIA was able to transition smoothly to the up event at the Beddagana Lake. This park is very in the area and is home to an as a strengthening force for “work from home” situation, with concerted Wetland park premises famous among school active community of small and Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, efforts made to keep employees engaged and recently. According to the students and researchers medium sized enterprises and SMEs and the general public. feeling supported. requirement given to AAT to observe birds, butterflies, entrepreneurs from various We welcome all individuals and AIA used online platforms such as MS Teams Sri Lanka, the company mammals, trees, plants, and sectors including agriculture, businesses in the area to visit us and Facebook Live to engage employees with planted over 50 rare plants The AAT Sri Lanka team in Beddagana Wetland Park aquatic animals. manufacturing, and services. and join us on this journey.” helpful sessions on mindfulness and meditation inside the park, where a new This is the first time The opening ceremony of the Cargills Bank carries a and achieve that fine work-life balance when forest area is planned to be activity. Further, there was paniculatum, Duranta that AAT Sri Lanka has new branch was conducted under National Long-term Rating working from home. developed. an interactive session with erecta, Hellenia speciosa, extended its corporate the patronage of Cargills Bank of AA- (lka) with a Stable AIA also hosted the company’s first-ever AAT Sri Lanka also the team, through which Hedyotis fruticosa, social responsibilities to MD/CEO Senarath Bandara, Outlook from Fitch Ratings. digital company conference to celebrate placed 20 name boards the staff was able to gain Woodfordia fruticosa, the environment, which where the chief guest of the event The bank is headquartered in employees for their commitment and at the park premises with great knowledge about Annona reticulata, it considers a valuable was Nawalapitiya Divisional Colpetty, Colombo and maintains contribution to the company. Not to forget the purpose of identifying the biodiversity around Tecoma stans, Saraca step towards meeting the Secretariat C.K. Amarakoon. branches at Maitland Crescent, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations, the general names and the park and the history asoca, Osbeckia octandra, requirement of the park and Selected members of the bank’s Old Moor Street (Colombo), which is usually a red-letter day in the scientific names of the trees of the area. Mussaenda frondosa, assuring the persistence of corporate management team Matara, Maharagama, company’s calendar and was conducted via and plants. Around 20 staff Some of the species are, Xanthostemon chrysanthus the plants. AAT Sri Lanka were also present at the event, Vavuniya, Thanamalwila, Teams – with staff and families taking part members that participated Antidesma ghaesembilla, and Senna auriculata. Most stated it expects to do more which was conducted in strict Kurunegala, Jaffna, Chunnakam, in games, beauty pageants, and a costume in the event planted the trees Morus alba, Murraya of the plants are very rare CSR activities in this year to accordance with the guidelines Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, competition for the kids. Despite the obstacles and placed the name boards, paniculata, Asclepias and difficult to be seen in fulfill its social requirement prescribed by the area PHI. Peradeniya, Ratnapura, Chilaw, posed by the pandemic and curfew, AIA was and had a walk inside the curassavica, Bauhinia the city area. under this pandemic Speaking about the launch Wattala, Kaduruwela, Rajagiriya, able to keep staff engaged and motivated park to conduct the clean-up acuminata, Clerodendrum Beddagana Wetland situation. of the new branch, GM/CEO and Colombo Fort. throughout the year. Ebony renovates SLIIT conducts Curtin University open day virtually The Sri Lanka Institute of Information and parents to engage with experts in the Fort Railway Technology (SLIIT) stated it hosted a Curtin respective fields. University Open Day last month to provide Deans of Faculty, Heads of Department, Station premises prospective students with vital information and SLIIT Lecturers in the relevant disciplines about the Curtin University Computing and were available to provide information and Ebony Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., a men’s Engineering programmes offered at SLIIT clarification. Moreover, the participating fashion apparel brand in Sri Lanka, stated International in Colombo. students had the opportunity to virtually witness it successfully completed its latest social In view of health concerns, the Curtin Open the SLIIT International Campus, the modern responsibility project with the unveiling of Day was held via online platforms such as facility at Nawam Mawatha in Colombo 02. the newly-revamped surroundings of the Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. The event was Commenting on the day’s proceedings, SLIIT Colonel Henry Steel Olcott statue in front designed to help students make an informed Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Athula Pitigala- of the Fort Railway Station. decision about one of the most important steps Arachchi noted: “SLIIT-Curtin University The unveiling was conducted by Ebony they take in life: pursuing higher education. Virtual Open Day provided an ideal opportunity Holdings Chairman Rasmi Raheem as the Prospective students were taken through for prospective students to learn more about event’s chief guest, together with Sri Lanka a series of presentations, virtual tours, and Curtin’s courses and the promising careers they Railways Deputy General Manager V.S. activities to help them discover the strengths, lead to. I am sure they understood the value Pollwathage. The premises were refurbished unique features, and career prospects of the of obtaining an internationally recognised with fountains and landscaped greenery along Curtin University programmes offered at qualification from a global university to propel with lit-up palm trees and an illuminated SLIIT International in Colombo, and to their careers. Students were also excited about railway name board with a social message to determine if those are in line with their hopes the caring culture and supportive learning the general public, while the company also and aspirations. environment we are creating for them.” deployed an individual to maintain the area. Curtin University Australia Deputy VIce SLIIT International Dean Prof. Mahesha The management of Ebony Holdings also Chancellor Prof. Seth Kunin made a special Kapurubandara said: “We at SLIIT are took the initiative to hand over wheelchairs guest appearance and drew attention to committed to helping our students achieve for the use of differently-abled passengers the measures in place to assure the quality their full potential. In today’s dynamic and entering the station. In addition to this, the and standard of the programmes offered in connected world, the Curtin programmes company also donated a bulk supplement of Colombo. Over 21 Q&A sessions, focusing on provide the ideal curriculum to prepare our Highlights of the SLIIT - Curtin University Virtual Open Day 2021 sanitising liquid for the use of commuters. individual programmes, enabled the students students for the future.” 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Wednesday, February 10, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 8 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 9 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE ASTRUE Active Income Fund 100.7011...... 100.7011 PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 17.1623...... 16.1102 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 13,115...... 33.8...... 34.7...... 34.9...... 32.6...... 33.3...... -0.5 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 677,064...... 48...... 47...... 48.5...... 46...... 48...... 0 ABANS...... 10,605...... 187...... 185...... 195...... 169.5...... 189.5...... 2.5 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 87,909...... 16...... 16.4...... 16.4...... 15.8...... 15.8...... -0.2 Assetline Income Fund 16.8212...... 16.8212 ACCESS ENG SL...... 523,882...... 26.1...... 26.1...... 26.8...... 25.2...... 25.6...... -0.5 SIERRA CABL...... 1,036,783...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 7.3...... 6.8...... 7...... -0.2 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.0131...... 17.5130 ACL...... 683,162...... 96.5...... 96...... 96...... 90...... 93.4...... -3.1 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 57...... 39.9...... 38.9...... 38.9...... 38.5...... 39.9...... 0 Senfin Growth Fund 10.1000...... 9.7700 ACL PLASTICS...... 3,728...... 305.5...... 305...... 305...... 297...... 300...... -5.5 SINGER FINANCE...... 58,469...... 15.3...... 15.2...... 15.4...... 15...... 15.2...... -0.1 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0707...... 15.0707 ACME...... 23,000...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 5.8...... 5.8...... -0.1 SLT...... 20,255...... 37.6...... 37.5...... 37.5...... 36.7...... 36.9...... -0.7 AGALAWATTE...... 3,183...... 29.1...... 29...... 29.8...... 28...... 29...... -0.1 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 205,505...... 91.3...... 91.5...... 91.5...... 84.1...... 88...... -3.3 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.5500...... 12.2300 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 16,931...... 39.1...... 39.1...... 40...... 39...... 39...... -0.1 SWISSTEK...... 151,201...... 133...... 135...... 135...... 117.25...... 125.5...... -7.5 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4252...... 12.4252 AITKEN SPENCE...... 102,004...... 67.3...... 67...... 67...... 63...... 64.8...... -2.5 TALAWAKELLE...... 29,153...... 96.4...... 95.5...... 99...... 90.6...... 95.2...... -1.2 Ceybank Century Growth 82.1200...... 78.5000 ALLIANCE...... 1,700...... 54.6...... 51.3...... 51.4...... 51...... 51.2...... -3.4 TANGERINE...... 501...... 43...... 42.5...... 42.5...... 42...... 42.2...... -0.8 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4878...... 14.4878 AMANA BANK...... 1,471,454...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.7...... 3.4...... 3.6...... 0.1 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 211...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 0 AMAYA LEISURE...... 5,778...... 40.2...... 40...... 40.2...... 39.6...... 40...... -0.2 TEEJAY LANKA...... 265,907...... 40.9...... 41...... 41.2...... 40...... 40.5...... -0.4 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.0088...... 11.0088 ASIA ASSET...... 47,365...... 7.2...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.2...... 7.2...... 0 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 125,361...... 252...... 258...... 258...... 240...... 255.75...... 3.75 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8201...... 13.8201 ASIRI...... 205,512...... 29.8...... 29.9...... 29.9...... 28.6...... 29...... -0.8 TOKYO CEMENT...... 409,943...... 75.3...... 75.3...... 77...... 70.1...... 74.4...... -0.9 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3798...... 12.3798 ASIRI SURG...... 16,310...... 14.4...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 13.6...... 14...... -0.4 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 881,517...... 69...... 69...... 69.5...... 66...... 68.9...... -0.1 Ceybank Unit Trust 27.8600...... 26.1500 AUTODROME...... 821...... 78.8...... 82.5...... 85...... 78...... 79...... 0.2 UNION BANK...... 1,446,829...... 12.8...... 12.9...... 13...... 12.4...... 12.5...... -0.3 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7273...... 0.7237 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 8,723...... 149.5...... 149...... 149...... 141...... 145.5...... -4 UNION CHEMICALS...... 8...... 850.25...... 828...... 828...... 787...... 850.25...... 0 BALANGODA...... 52,850...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 14.5...... 15...... 0 UNISYST...... 6,372...... 16.9...... 17...... 17...... 16.7...... 16.8...... -0.1 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.8200...... 7.4600 BUKIT DARAH...... 3,002...... 335...... 331...... 338.5...... 326...... 326.75...... -8.25 UNITED MOTORS...... 13,813...... 75...... 75...... 76...... 75...... 75...... 0 Ceylon Income Fund 22.2247...... 22.2247 C M HOLDINGS...... 2,062...... 102.25...... 100...... 101...... 96.1...... 99.8...... -2.45 VALLIBEL...... 543,455...... 8.1...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 7.9...... 8...... -0.1 CEYLON Index Fund 57.7600...... 55.4900 C T HOLDINGS...... 47,401...... 180...... 177...... 183...... 170...... 171...... -9 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 64,431...... 121.5...... 125...... 131...... 110.75...... 118.5...... -3 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.6100...... 5.5000 CARGILLS...... 56,670...... 235...... 232...... 234...... 230...... 232.25...... -2.75 VIDULLANKA...... 236,695...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.7...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 0 CARGO BOAT...... 4,601...... 74.8...... 70.2...... 74.5...... 69.6...... 73.9...... -0.9 WATAWALA...... 4,394...... 61...... 60.5...... 60.5...... 58.1...... 59.3...... -1.7 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3351...... 17.3351 CARSONS...... 2,670...... 304...... 303...... 310...... 300...... 308.25...... 4.25 YORK ARCADE...... 357...... 189.75...... 190...... 190...... 172...... 172.5...... -17.25 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.8200...... 3.6800 CDB...... 35,117...... 113.75...... 114...... 124.5...... 108...... 120.5...... 6.75 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 15,665...... 80.4...... 79.5...... 84.9...... 78...... 83.9...... 3.5 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 25,852...... 6.8...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.2...... 6.3...... -0.5 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6907...... 11.6907 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 283,688...... 115.5...... 115...... 117...... 105...... 114...... -1.5 ARPICO...... 1...... 196...... 195...... 195...... 195...... 196...... 0 Comtrust Equity Fund 20.8000...... 19.8400 CENTRAL IND...... 198,791...... 134.5...... 135...... 137.75...... 128.5...... 129.25...... -5.25 ASIA CAPITAL...... 92,534...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 6...... 6.2...... -0.1 CEYLINCO INS...... 229...... 2000...... 2,001.50...... 2,100.00...... 2,001.50...... 2,061.75...... 61.75 BROWNS BEACH...... 14,579...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 12...... 12.3...... -0.7 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4497...... 10.4497 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 132...... 1199.75...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,175.00...... 1,184.00...... -15.75 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 327,875...... 6.8...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 6.2...... 6.5...... -0.3 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8776...... 11.8776 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 4,300...... 140.25...... 139...... 139...... 131.25...... 132.25...... -8 DIALOG FINANCE...... 12...... 52.3...... 53.10...... 53.10...... 53.10...... 52.30...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,450.1900...... 1,377.6800 CEYLON INV...... 134,109...... 75...... 75...... 79.1...... 72.9...... 74.7...... -0.3 DISTILLERIES...... 94,566...... 20.5...... 21...... 21...... 20.2...... 20.4...... -0.1 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,858.3900...... 1,858.3400 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 15,956...... 1103.25...... 1,090.00...... 1,115.00...... 1,090.00...... 1,105.00...... 1.75 FIRST CAPITAL...... 123,641...... 58.6...... 59.50...... 59.90...... 55.90...... 57.90...... -0.7 CHEMANEX...... 12,049...... 89...... 88.1...... 91...... 87...... 88.9...... -0.1 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 296...... 236...... 234.50...... 253.25...... 234.50...... 243.50...... 7.5 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,495.2700...... 1,495.2700 CHEVRON...... 71,439...... 108...... 108.5...... 108.5...... 106.25...... 107...... -1 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 121...... 88.9...... 88...... 90...... 87...... 87.1...... -1.8 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,912.5800...... 1,912.5800 CIC...... 903,059...... 61.9...... 61.3...... 62.5...... 59.9...... 61.9...... 0 LOLC FINANCE...... 1,634,088...... 6.4...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6...... 6.2...... -0.2 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.4500...... 1,133.4200 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 455,584...... 49.7...... 50.9...... 50.9...... 47.5...... 49...... -0.7 MADULSIMA...... 14,165...... 9.3...... 9.2...... 9.7...... 9.1...... 9.2...... -0.1 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9094...... 14.9094 CITRUS LEISURE...... 60,787...... 10...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 9...... 9.6...... -0.4 ODEL PLC...... 11,821...... 19.6...... 19...... 19.1...... 18...... 18.2...... -1.4 COLD STORES...... 12,148...... 699.75...... 700...... 700...... 682.25...... 689...... -10.75 PDL...... 2,153...... 120.75...... 120.75...... 124.5...... 120.75...... 122.75...... 2 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 26.5300...... 24.9400 COLOMBO CITY...... 136...... 1000...... 1,047.00...... 1,047.00...... 960...... 993.75...... -6.25 SELINSING...... 17...... 817.25...... 800...... 800...... 800...... 817.25...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.6164...... 9.2504 COLOMBO LAND...... 19,562...... 27.2...... 27.3...... 27.8...... 26.2...... 27...... -0.2 SERENDIB LAND...... 131...... 2800...... 3,499.00...... 3,499.00...... 2,650.00...... 2,773.75...... -26.25 NAMAL Growth Fund 149.2395...... 139.2909 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 363,744...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 85.9...... 87.8...... -2.2 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 138,731...... 62.8...... 62.5...... 62.5...... 59.8...... 60.1...... -2.7 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7872...... 24.7872 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000]...... 98,130...... 81.5...... 81.8...... 81.8...... 80...... 80.1...... -1.4 DIRI SAVI BOARD NAMAL Income Fund 14.2601...... 14.2601 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 2,674...... 1502.25...... 1,502.00...... 1,502.00...... 1,394.00...... 1,467.50...... -34.75 AGSTAR PLC...... 103,835...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.6...... 7...... 7.2...... -0.1 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 647,084...... 14.6...... 14.9...... 14.9...... 13.7...... 14.4...... -0.2 ALUMEX PLC...... 398,775...... 24.2...... 25...... 25...... 22.5...... 23.3...... -0.9 National Equity Fund 36.3881...... 34.0352 DFCC BANK PLC...... 130,016...... 65.2...... 66...... 66.1...... 63...... 64.4...... -0.8 AMANA LIFE...... 1...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 0 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6800 DIALOG...... 1,570,011...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 11.9...... 12.1...... -0.3 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 4,971...... 9.1...... 9.2...... 9.2...... 8.6...... 8.6...... -0.5 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6875...... 18.6875 DIMO...... 763...... 609...... 591...... 591...... 576...... 580...... -29 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 39,539...... 22...... 22.30...... 23.00...... 21.50...... 22.40...... 0.4 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 490,578...... 733.75...... 749...... 749.75...... 690...... 718.5...... -15.25 AMF CO LTD...... 76...... 300.25...... 297.75...... 310...... 296...... 300.25...... 0 DOCKYARD...... 10,587...... 82...... 87...... 87...... 78...... 79...... -3 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 100...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 0 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable...... DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 1,167...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 26...... 0 ASIA SIYAKA...... 162,686...... 2.9...... 3...... 3...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 0 DURDANS...... 3,020...... 101.25...... 102...... 105...... 102...... 105...... 3.75 BANSEI RESORTS...... 1,002...... 8.4...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.3...... 8.3...... -0.1 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 1...... 100...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 100...... 0 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 165,116...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 Ex­change Rates 9 Feb. 2021 E B CREASY...... 350,901...... 56.1375...... 61.5...... 62.5...... 50...... 58.3...... 2.1625 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 7,292...... 25.3...... 25...... 25...... 22.8...... 23.6...... -1.7 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates EAST WEST...... 108,099...... 12...... 12...... 12.2...... 11.8...... 11.8...... -0.2 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 708...... 12.9...... 13...... 13...... 12.7...... 12.7...... -0.2 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for EASTERN MERCHANT...... 28,700...... 6.4...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.1...... 6.3...... -0.1 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 142,071...... 14.8...... 14.8...... 15...... 14.4...... 14.9...... 0.1 fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. EXPOLANKA...... 7,355,287...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 53.5...... 50.5...... 51.7...... -1.8 BROWNS...... 134,980...... 189.5...... 189...... 199...... 165...... 186.5...... -3 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE FORT LAND...... 66,799...... 15...... 15.7...... 15.7...... 14.9...... 15.1...... 0.1 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 49,819,395...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 5.8...... 6...... -0.3 Australian Dollar 147.8049 ...... 152.7674 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 515.5385 GESTETNER...... 41...... 111.25...... 109...... 111...... 109...... 111.25...... 0 C T LAND...... 1,454...... 29.2...... 29...... 29.7...... 26...... 27...... -2.2 Canadian Dollar 150.1166 ...... 155.7011 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 641.8692 GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 435,192...... 159.25...... 162...... 167...... 152...... 160.25...... 1 C.W.MACKIE...... 14,522...... 46...... 47...... 49.5...... 47...... 48...... 2 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 28.9386 ...... 30.7318 Oman Oman Rial ...... 504.8391 Euro 231.1213 ...... 237.9966 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.3694 HAYCARB...... 397,414...... 1590.25...... 1,669.00...... 1,670.00...... 1,475.00...... 1,499.00...... -91.25 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 92,371...... 3.6...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0 Japanese Yen 1.8260 ...... 1.8775 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.8136 HAYLEYS...... 149,470...... 776...... 780...... 780...... 730...... 746.5...... -29.5 CFI...... 1,511...... 100...... 98...... 100...... 96...... 96.3...... -3.7 Singapore Dollar 144.1958 ...... 148.3340 UAE UAE Dirham...... 52.9132 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 330,817...... 35.9...... 35.9...... 36...... 34.5...... 35.4...... -0.5 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 158,370...... 5.9...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.3...... 5.4...... -0.5 Sterling Pound 263.9340 ...... 271.2625 Swiss Franc 212.8046 ...... 220.7032 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 16,502...... 204.75...... 204.75...... 208...... 195...... 205...... 0.25 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 53,382...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.5...... 3.7...... 0 US Dollar 192.5700 ...... 196.8100 HDFC...... 68,734...... 42.1...... 42.10...... 42.10...... 41.00...... 41.60...... -0.5 COM.CREDIT...... 6,506...... 24.2...... 24.4...... 24.4...... 24...... 24.2...... 0 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 7,254,777...... 91...... 90.5...... 91...... 88...... 90...... -1 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 3,432...... 125...... 122.75...... 122.75...... 120.00...... 120.25...... -4.75 HNB...... 294,541...... 145...... 144.00...... 144.00...... 138.00...... 142.25...... -2.75 DILMAH CEYLON...... 871...... 675.25...... 675.25...... 676...... 650.5...... 675...... -0.25 HNB ASSURANCE...... 153,909...... 59.6...... 60...... 62...... 58.5...... 61.4...... 1.8 E - CHANNELLING...... 156,108...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 6.9...... 6.6...... 6.6...... -0.2 Market Indicators 9 Feb. 2021 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 517,291...... 113...... 115...... 116...... 109.75...... 111.75...... -1.25 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 103,712...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 11.3...... 11.7...... -0.2 HORANA...... 11,863...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 22.8...... 22.8...... -0.7 ELPITIYA...... 35,885...... 51.4...... 50.6...... 50.7...... 48.1...... 49.9...... -1.5 Price indices Today...... Previous day HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 10...... 65.6...... 65.4...... 65.9...... 65.4...... 65.6...... 0 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 6,433...... 11.1...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.1...... 0 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,963.77...... 8,113.26 HOTELS CORP...... 7,700...... 12...... 11.8...... 11.8...... 11.5...... 11.5...... -0.5 GALADARI...... 20,241...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 8.3...... 9...... 0 S&P SL20 3,169.92...... 3,227.66 HUNTERS...... 128...... 763.25...... 796...... 796...... 750...... 750.5...... -12.75 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 2,103...... 33.2...... 33...... 33...... 32.2...... 32.6...... -0.6 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,674.12...... 10,874.49 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 3,917,849...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.5...... -0.1 HARISCHANDRA...... 52...... 3504.75...... 3,700.00...... 3,700.00...... 3,200.00...... 3,504.75...... 0 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 19,526...... 30.1...... 30...... 30.3...... 29.5...... 29.5...... -0.6 HATTON...... 45,071...... 10.4...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 9...... 10...... -0.4 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,208.42...... 5,301.14 JKH...... 2,095,193...... 154.75...... 155...... 158.75...... 152...... 154...... -0.75 HNB FINANCE...... 40,674...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.4...... 9.4...... -0.3 ALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 4,946,079,200.00...... 4,799,415,800.00 KANDY HOTELS...... 20,442...... 5...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 4.9...... 4.9...... -0.1 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 10,518...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.2...... -0.1 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 4,296,860,700.00...... 4,660,076,500.00 KEGALLE...... 14,677...... 129.75...... 127...... 137.75...... 115.25...... 123.75...... -6 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 2...... 9.2...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.2...... 0 DOMESTIC SALES 4,286,214,660.00...... 4,355,411,500.00 KELANI CABLES...... 135...... 150.75...... 150...... 150...... 144...... 145.25...... -5.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 6,956...... 80...... 80...... 80...... 80...... 80...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 649,218,690.00...... 139,339,344.00 KELANI TYRES...... 76,875...... 90...... 89.9...... 89.9...... 87...... 88.1...... -1.9 KAHAWATTE...... 3,002...... 29.9...... 30...... 32...... 30...... 31.1...... 1.2 KELANI VALLEY...... 10,793...... 95...... 93.5...... 95...... 91.6...... 92...... -3 KEELLS FOOD...... 21,752...... 155...... 156...... 160...... 151...... 156...... 1 FOREIGN SALES 659,864,900.00...... 444,004,192.00 KINGSBURY...... 35,837...... 13.2...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 12.3...... 12.7...... -0.5 KEELLS HOTELS...... 403,405...... 11.1...... 11.1...... 11.3...... 11.1...... 11.1...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 128,822,280.00...... 142,751,888.00 KOTAGALA...... 28,741...... 6.9...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 6.6...... 6.7...... -0.2 LANKA CERAMIC...... 1,103...... 162.5...... 164...... 167...... 157.5...... 165...... 2.5 DOMESTIC 120,588,544.00...... 139,596,960.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 1,166,384...... 440.25...... 440...... 440...... 404...... 422.75...... -17.5 LANKEM CEYLON...... 862...... 31.7...... 31.4...... 32.5...... 30.1...... 32...... 0.3 FOREIGN 8,233,730.00...... 3,154,927.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 5...... 160...... 159.75...... 159.75...... 159.75...... 160...... 0 LAUGFS POWER...... 9,184...... 10.7...... 10.9...... 10.9...... 10...... 10.2...... -0.5 TRADES(NO.) 32,994...... 34,856 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 6,283...... 48.9...... 49...... 50...... 48.2...... 49.5...... 0.6 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 27,771...... 7.3...... 7.2...... 7.5...... 7.1...... 7.3...... 0 LANKA IOC...... 85,109...... 23.2...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 22.7...... 22.9...... -0.3 LOTUS HYDRO...... 155,405...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.3...... 10...... 10...... -0.2 DOMESTIC 32,463...... 34,108 LANKA REALTY...... 10,453...... 35...... 34.2...... 35...... 34.1...... 35...... 0 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 67...... 28...... 28.1...... 28.1...... 28.1...... 28...... 0 FOREIGN 531...... 748 LANKA TILES...... 67,021...... 235.75...... 245...... 245...... 215...... 224.25...... -11.5 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 5,127...... 2...... 2...... 2.1...... 2...... 2.1...... 0.1 CORPORATE DEBT 120430256...... 0 LANKA VENTURES...... 11,114...... 53...... 53...... 53...... 53...... 53...... 0 MASKELIYA...... 1,099...... 13.1...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 12.7...... 12.7...... -0.4 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LANKA WALLTILE...... 66,270...... 239.25...... 239.25...... 239.25...... 215...... 229.75...... -9.5 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 34,064...... 6.7...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.2...... 6.4...... -0.3 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LAUGFS GAS...... 35,393...... 26.7...... 26.7...... 27...... 24.8...... 26.9...... 0.2 NUWARA ELIYA...... 10...... 1171.5...... 1,100.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 266...... 273 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 65,897...... 20.3...... 20.5...... 21...... 19.6...... 20...... -0.3 ON’ALLY...... 1,247...... 36.5...... 35.1...... 35.1...... 30.7...... 35.1...... -1.4 LAXAPANA...... 98,313...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14.1...... 14.2...... -0.1 ORIENT FINANCE...... 174,348...... 16.5...... 15.6...... 16.5...... 14.3...... 16.3...... -0.2 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.1...... 14.1 LB FINANCE...... 99,417...... 235.75...... 235.75...... 236...... 216...... 225...... -10.75 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 7,172...... 29...... 28...... 28...... 26...... 27...... -2 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.3...... 1.3 LEE HEDGES...... 9,705...... 75.9...... 75...... 77.5...... 74...... 74...... -1.9 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 137...... 34.8...... 33...... 33...... 32.8...... 33...... -1.8 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.2...... 2.1 LION BREWERY...... 101...... 583.25...... 583...... 583...... 580...... 580.5...... -2.75 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 8,961...... 8.7...... 8.6...... 8.8...... 8...... 8.8...... 0.1 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,481,431,301,033.00...... 3,546,752,420,326.00 LMF...... 131,463...... 173.5...... 180...... 180...... 160.25...... 165.75...... -7.75 PRIME FINANCE...... 12,664...... 13.5...... 13.4...... 13.6...... 13.2...... 13.5...... 0 LVL ENERGY...... 348,503...... 10...... 10...... 10.1...... 9.9...... 10...... 0 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 76,297...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 6.1...... 5.7...... 5.8...... -0.1 MALWATTE...... 74,397...... 13.7...... 13.2...... 14...... 12...... 13.7...... 0 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 343,357...... 8.9...... 9...... 9...... 8.3...... 8.8...... -0.1 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 30,157...... 9...... 9.2...... 9.2...... 8.3...... 8.9...... -0.1 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 3,381...... 444.25...... 433...... 433...... 402.25...... 408...... -36.25 MELSTACORP...... 284,397...... 59.5...... 60...... 60...... 55...... 57.6...... -1.9 ROYAL PALMS...... 382...... 17...... 16.9...... 16.9...... 16.5...... 16.8...... -0.2 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MERC. SHIPPING...... 33...... 86.1...... 86...... 86...... 86...... 86.1...... 0 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 83...... 236.5...... 236...... 240...... 236...... 236.5...... 0 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.56 MERCHANT BANK...... 70,313...... 7.5...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.2...... 7.2...... -0.3 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 30,120...... 7...... 7...... 7...... 6.5...... 6.5...... -0.5 Minimum Rate (%) 4.55 4.55 MULLERS...... 411,229...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.3...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 0 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 633...... 16...... 16...... 16...... 15.6...... 15.6...... -0.4 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.60 NAMUNUKULA...... 8,270...... 190...... 190...... 190...... 180...... 182.5...... -7.5 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 1,002...... 9.3...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 0 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 8,100 7,325 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 510,900...... 89.6...... 89.7...... 92...... Total Net amount (Rs. million) 8,100 7,325 89...... 91.6...... 2 SINGER IND...... 701...... 109...... 103.75...... 109.5...... 92.5...... 92.5...... -16.5 NATIONS TRUST...... 48,239...... 61...... 61...... 62...... 59.5...... 60.7...... -0.3 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 86,206...... 2.7...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 2.6...... 2.7...... 0 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NATIONS TRUST [NTB-X-0000]...... 30...... 75.3...... 56.5...... 56.5...... 56.5...... 75.3...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 340...... 4.5...... 4.7...... 4.8...... 4.7...... 4.8...... 0.3 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million) 124,516 NAWALOKA...... 74,703...... 5.3...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC...... 103,269...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 14.1...... 13.1...... 13.2...... -0.7 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million) - NESTLE...... 432...... 1178.75...... 1,178.75...... 1,254.75...... 1,175.00...... 1,189.50...... 10.75 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 112,542...... 4.1...... 4...... 4...... 3.8...... 3.9...... -0.2 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings OVERSEAS REALTY...... 426,891...... 16.2...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 15.8...... 15.9...... -0.3 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 6,212...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 11.3...... 0 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 744,707.88 PAN ASIA...... 804,367...... 17.7...... 17.9...... 18.5...... 17...... 17.5...... -0.2 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 42,676...... 32...... 32...... 32...... 31.5...... 32...... 0 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 730,913.94 PANASIAN POWER...... 1,562,154...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0 TAL LANKA...... 854...... 15.1...... 14.9...... 15...... 14.1...... 14.7...... -0.4 PEOPLE’S INS...... 161,476...... 33.5...... 32.8...... 33.5...... 32...... 32.7...... -0.8 TRANS ASIA...... 50...... 63...... 63.6...... 63.6...... 63.6...... 63...... 0 TOP 10 GAINERS PEOPLES LEASING...... 617,344...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 12.9...... 13...... -0.4 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 4,248...... 26...... 26...... 27.5...... 25...... 26.6...... 0.6 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,535,439...... 9.6...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 0 UNION ASSURANCE...... 284...... 313.5...... 313...... 314...... 313...... 313.25...... -0.25 Company VWA VWA Change Change PRINTCARE PLC...... 10,923...... 32.4...... 33.9...... 34.3...... 33...... 33.5...... 1.1 VALLIBEL ONE...... 3,380,604...... 66.4...... 67...... 67...... 58...... 61.5...... -4.9 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % R I L PROPERTY...... 437,663...... 7.3...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7...... 7.1...... -0.2 WATCH LIST S M B LEASING 0.3 ...... 0.4...... 0.1...... 33.33 BERUWALA RESORTS 0.80 ...... 0.90...... 0.10...... 12.50 REGNIS...... 4,939...... 121.5...... 124.75...... 124.75...... 115.5...... 118.75...... -2.75 ANILANA HOTELS...... 50,610...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0 SINHAPUTHRA FIN 4.5 ...... 4.8...... 0.3...... 6.67 RENUKA AGRI...... 759,024...... 4.4...... 4.4...... 4.5...... 4.4...... 4.4...... 0 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 1,216...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 0 CDB 113.75 ..... 120.5...... 6.75...... 5.93 MARAWILA RESORTS 2 ...... 2.1...... 0.1...... 5 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 384...... 250.25...... 248.75...... 260...... 235...... 236.5...... -13.75 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 928,063...... 0.7...... 0.60...... 0.70...... 0.60...... 0.60...... -0.1 CDB 80.4 ...... 83.9...... 3.5...... 4.35 RENUKA FOODS...... 41,497...... 16.4...... 16.6...... 16.6...... 15.1...... 16...... -0.4 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 3,950,052...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... -0.1 C.W.MACKIE 46 ...... 48...... 2...... 4.35 KAHAWATTE 29.9 ...... 31.1...... 1.2...... 4.01 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 2,003...... 13.4...... 13.7...... 13.7...... 13.6...... 13.6...... 0.2 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 231...... 65.2...... 62...... 65.2...... 62...... 62.7...... -2.5 E B CREASY 56.14 ...... 58.3...... 2.16...... 3.85 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 347,524...... 17.4...... 17.5...... 17.6...... 16.3...... 17.3...... -0.1 HVA FOODS...... 90,019...... 6...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 5.9...... 6...... 0 DURDANS 101.25 ...... 105...... 3.75...... 3.7 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 26,773...... 13.9...... 13.2...... 13.5...... 13.1...... 13.4...... -0.5 LANKEM DEV...... 80,626...... 4...... 4...... 4.1...... 3.8...... 3.9...... -0.1 TOP 10 LOSERS RESUS ENERGY...... 17,174...... 26...... 25.9...... 25.9...... 25.1...... 25.2...... -0.8 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 54,231...... 3...... 3...... 3.1...... 3...... 3...... 0 RICHARD PIERIS...... 244,133...... 15...... 15...... 15...... 14.5...... 14.9...... -0.1 NATION LANKA...... 302,670...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... -0.1 Company VWA VWA Change Change BLUE DIAMONDS 0.4...... 0.3...... -0.1...... -25 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 519,164...... 321.25...... 315.25...... 320...... 290...... 311.75...... -9.5 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 2,556...... 85...... 100...... 100...... 70...... 75.6...... -9.4 S M B LEASING 0.8...... 0.6...... -0.2...... -25 S M B LEASING...... 8,769,775...... 0.8...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.4...... 0.6...... -0.2 PARAGON...... 101...... 69.9...... 60...... 65.9...... 60...... 60.1...... -9.8 INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.6...... 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 TESS AGRO 0.6...... 0.5...... -0.1...... -16.67 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 701,216...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.1 RADIANT GEMS...... 800...... 29.7...... 30.00...... 30.00...... 28.00...... 29.00...... -0.7 SINGER IND. 109...... 92.5...... -16.5...... -15.14 SAMPATH...... 802,338...... 169.25...... 170...... 170...... 160.5...... 167.5...... -1.75 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 1,010...... 7.9...... 7.8...... 8.2...... 7.8...... 7.8...... -0.1 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.7...... 0.6...... -0.1...... -14.29 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 156...... 146.75...... 149.5...... 149.5...... 149.5...... 149.5...... 2.75 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 666...... 72...... 72...... 72...... 65...... 71.6...... -0.4 PARAGON 69.9...... 60.1...... -9.8...... -14.02 NATION LANKA 0.9...... 0.8...... -0.1...... -11.11 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 32,228...... 62.3...... 62.3...... 62.3...... 60.2...... 60.4...... -1.9 TESS AGRO...... 1,328,923...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 85...... 75.6...... -9.4...... -11.06 SEYLAN BANK...... 56,031...... 56...... 56...... 56.2...... 51...... 54.7...... -1.3 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 271,944...... 0.6...... 0.50...... 0.50...... 0.50...... 0.50...... -0.1 YORK ARCADE 189.75...... 172.5...... -17.25...... -9.09 114 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

The Supremes THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Co-Founder Mary Wilson dies at 76 “You will find that it is necessary to let things go, Vocalist Mary Wilson, who simply for the reason that co-founded “The Supremes” as a they are heavy. So let them 15-year-old in a Detroit housing go, let go of them. I tie no project and stayed with the weights to my ankles.” fabled, hitmaking Motown – C. JOYBELL C. Records trio until its dissolution in 1977, died on Monday (8) night at her home in Las Vegas at brunch the age of 76.

Charith Wijesundara at ‘Ya Connect: Wired Design in PechaKucha’ Charith’s work incorporates Sri legend Roy Lichtenstein. Lanka’s diversity in religion and the Being self-taught, Charith said What we are popularity of gods, devas, yakas, he considers his lack of professional Kiss demons, and deities across different training an asset, as he is free to explore ethnicities, chronicling tradition, and experiment, and he isn’t held back folk tales, prehistoric drawings, and or limited by any preconceived notions. archaeological evidence that support the He said he is able to think out of the box notion of strange beings residing in a because of it. small island. His work distinguishes this Considering the fusion aspect of other dimension of “yakas” and “devas” his work, we asked the artist if he has from its original form by playing on had to face challenges with regard to the western portrayal of superpowers in negative feedback from audiences that comics. These works aim to translate the are slightly more conservative – those traditional, mythical legends in visual who believe there is a line to be drawn imagery, and are inspired by pop art when it comes to changing traditional imagery. Charith said that it is not that there hasn’t been any criticism, as there have been those who have voiced their by MVRDV, an internationally distaste; there have been those who proclaimed Dutch architectural firm, believe that certain traditional aspects providing them with inspired fusion of our history and culture should not be artwork he has come to be known for. “distorted”. However, he said that the The artist shared with us how his Bang – Nagaraksha artist community is favourable towards experimental efforts in combining innovation and appreciates the creative two styles of art from two ends of a aspect and the value of innovative ideas, timeline has ended up bringing him so and so he has not felt deterred by the many opportunities and helping him minority who criticise. grow as an artist. Charith said that while he is not a Gods, devas, “I love pop art and I love to mix full-time artist, he is passionate about my personal tastes with Sri Lankan the things he does. He shared that he elements,” he said, adding that his two does not feel his day job is a hindrance worlds of art and architecture are really to his side projects, or vice versa, adding yakas, and demons not so different and that he feels he is that he is happy to dedicate any amount better able to take direction due to his of time required to pursue his passions, awareness of spaces and what they and thankfully, he is fortunate to have require to evolve. colleagues and higher-ups who are in pop art supportive of his creative pursuits.

Garayaka Bubble A chat with Charith Wijesundara Charith Wijesundara BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Charith Wijesundara is an architect by profession. Having completed his Master’s in Architecture at City School of Architecture, Colombo in 2015, he continued to pursue his chosen career. However, as creative minds often tend to do, Charith pursued another passion of his: Creating digital artwork. He put to use his understanding of visual aesthetics to create a series of digital pop art-inspired work that he presented at two consecutive Kala Pola presentations organised by the George Keyt Foundation. In 2019, Charith also jewellery brand Papillon du thé, and presented his first solo exhibition most recently, he collaborated with in collaboration with Sri Lankan M2M Verandah Offices, designed Art at M2M Verandah Offices @charith.wijesundara

BY VENESSA ANTHONY extensive preparation, unlike a run of the to provide a sense of unity amongst the mill activity. The performers are required community of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, staying true to its cultural to practise abstinence for a certain period to roots, seems to have turned to a form of expect the maximum outcome. They should A ray of hope Rituals to rid keep away from alcohol and meat, two It is common knowledge that our brain exorcism in what some may call a desperate attempt to rid the “evil spirit” that is elements considered evil or dirty (kili) and is wired to make predictions about the state Covid-19. After many failed attempts with abhorred by the deities. Being a teetotaler of the world. It uses past knowledge to voodoo and potions, the next step seems to and a pure vegetarian at least for a few make sense of current situations. But when be rituals. the pandemic weeks is also good for the participants if everything around us is changing, like the An official ceremony to exorcise evil they seek divine blessings through the “new normal” we have all been forced spirits and end the pandemic was held performance. The participants are to adapt to, the ability to make overnight at the Divulapitiya Divisional also required to be clad in white, as predictions is limited. When this Secretariat in the Gampaha District from this is an act of sacredness. happens, we tend to experience sunset on Saturday (6) until dawn on Prof. de Silva noted that anxiety, worry, and stress – Sunday (7), according to the Department of sociologically speaking, this ritual which is where rituals come in. Government Information. is very interesting. Rituals are highly structured. The statement said that all political They require rigidity, and leaders and state officials in the Gampaha Why turn to rituals? must always be performed the District were to be in attendance at the There is evidence to prove that “right” way. And they involve overnight ritual conducted by a visiting stressful events such as warfare, repetition – the same actions are lecturer of the University of Kelaniya, Sarath environmental threat, and material done again and again. While it Sumana Rajakaruna. insecurity are often linked with Prof. Premakumar is questionable whether these spikes in ritual activity. Prof. de de Silva so-called rituals have any effect What is a Gammadu ritual? Silva observed that commonly, in actually ridding the world of The ritual performed to rid the from a sociological point of view, when evil spirits, they do provide a semblance pandemic is known as the “Gammadu” people face uncertainty and situations that of hope and a return to “normalcy” to ritual, which was aimed at exorcising spirits they are unsure of how to face, they turn to humans that have faith. So even if they said to be responsible for the pandemic. Exorcism, their cultures and the supernatural, as they have no direct influence over the physical Speaking to The Morning Brunch, are unable to comprehend the situation. world, rituals provide a sense of control by University of Colombo Chair Professor of He added: “If one’s life is being imposing order on the chaos of everyday Sociology Premakumar de Silva explained voodoo, and more: threatened by a natural or manmade life. what exactly this ritual entails and its origins. disaster, people tend to seek protection With this observation, Prof. de Silva “Gammadu is an interesting phenomena PHOTO LALITH PERERA Why do we do it? from supernatural beings. People have stated that he does not condemn the people that has been in existence for a very long various belief systems, which they turn to for resorting to rituals and exorcisms time. It is famously known as being a and prosperity. The key players, donned Goddess Pattini. Later on, it spread into a in all countries, and in Sri Lanka, rituals because they are suffering and times are harvest ritual, and has been performed all in devilish costumes and the devil masks, pantheon of gods and goddesses. Whether happen to be one of them.” uncertain. He also noted that people don’t over the country many times in the last few dance until the evil spirits – or in this case the performance is fruitful or not, the ritual is Our ancient ancestors used the have anyone to turn to who can solve centuries.” Covid-19 – vacate the area, and welcome the a collective effort to chase away the evil and bond of rituals to create ties of kinship their problems, so while human suffering This has been an ancient practice gods and deities to bless the land. welcome the wholesome. necessary for survival in a world rife with continues to happen, rituals will remain a among Sri Lankans in order to pay The primary objective of the Gammadu The Gammadu ritual is respected as dangers, which seems to be the spirit the constant, unless a human entity miraculously reverence to the gods in return for peace Shanthikarma was paying respect to a sacred act of performance that needs Government is aiming for with the hope solves all humans’ problems. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { FOOD } Wednesday, February 10, 2021 A taste of Sri Lanka with SENSORY INDULGENCES BY VENESSA ANTHONY Wijeysooria observed that they are bringing in cold hard cash with Sensory Indulgences is Sri Lanka’s latest innovation that offers profit into the country without any customised and personalised experiences for travellers. The issues with quarantining or cost to venture began out of Brindley Wijeysooria’s and his friend Udaya the country. “We are achieving so much.” Despite bringing in profits Wickramage’s mutual passion to showcase the true essence of to the country, Udaya Wickramage Sri Lanka to the world. After years working at Jetwing Hotels, added that the Tourist Board has still Wijeysooria struck out on his own and curated his first travel not even considered registering their experience in partnership with Airbnb and the Colombo Food company. Coma, giving travellers an inside look into the amazing street food Describing the cooking class, of Fort and Hulftsdorp. he said: “Because it's not a repeating A self-taught chef and foodie at He added that they didn't have audience, it's a one-off cooking class; heart, Wijeysooria loves sharing his much to go on at all, also noting we cook the same thing every day.” passion for all things culinary with that there was zero support from the He added that with this class, he others. “We planned on starting a tourism alliance. They pushed through hopes to give his audience an insight company right after the Easter attack. all the obstacles and started adding into what Sri Lankan cooking is like. We were both working at the time; experience options to their company, The food he teaches them to cook is I was working for a travel agent and but unfortunately, the pandemic left a classic Sri Lankan meal: Chicken we were planning on starting an them high and dry. curry, dhal, seeni sambol, and pol experience company,” he said, sharing Currently, they curate experiences rotti. his story. focused mainly on tourists, offering He also observed that many them experiences online. Their most people who log onto Sensory recent venture is the Airbnb cooking Indulgences experiences and choose classes. the cooking class have not heard of Talking about what differentiates Sri Lanka, and so it's a great way to them from other experience promote tourism and tempt them into companies, he said: “When we visiting our beautiful country. “With marketed our experiences, our this class, I want to spread Lankan demographic was about two to 2.5 culture and explain how things work Classic Sri Lankan meal: Chicken curry, dhal, seeni sambol, and pol rotti million people who were visiting Sri here by piquing their interest in the Lanka. Now, with Airbnb online, it's country.” He revealed that Sensory Airbnb, and look for it on their a global venture that everybody can He starts his class at 12.30 a.m. Indulgences is also planning on “Experiences” tab. Check it out book.” on Friday, as he is catering to a launching an experience on the topic at www.sensoryindulgences.com/ He added that the amount of foreign market, and has back-to-back of Ceylon cinnamon, a plantation experiences/. bookings they are getting, even from classes until 2 a.m. He informed us in Galle, along with an elephant the US, in terms of numbers, is at least that he had just hosted a special class experience. three times more than when they did for a dinner crowd in Los Angeles, Signing up for these classes physical experiences. “So it's actually right before we had the opportunity to is simple. You can simply log speak to him. Brindley Wijeysooria through the roof.” into Sensory Indulgences or JUDY AND KRISHANTI ON ROCCO’s at Gregory’s Road, Col 7 A fated friendship and franchise BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE crossroads – they were finding it slightly difficult to find their Rocco’s has been a prominent beloved Italian food the way restaurant in Sri Lanka, offering they liked to have it, and so, like Italian cuisine. Ever since the cool entrepreneurs that they it opened on Nawala Road, were, the two friends decided to Rajagiriya, it has been a reliable make it themselves. Starting off at hotspot for authentic, delicious Krishanti’s backyard, they began Italian food, especially their unique to offer pick-up and deliveries for range of gourmet wood-fired pizza, lasagna, and an assortment pizzas. of desserts, which we will get to in The Romano Several years down the just a moment. pizza Creamy Neapolitan ice cream line, having become an industry Following a year of intense staple, Rocco’s opened up their through their doors. Judy and learning, they opened up their second outlet on Gregory’s Road, Krishanti are business-savvy and first outlet, and eight years down Colombo 7 little over a year ago. charismatic, but most of all, they the line, here they are with their While very much reminiscent of are two lovely Lankan ladies who second outlet – a gorgeous venue the warm welcoming first outlet, love food and love hearing about with a garden space perfect for the Gregory’s Road property your love for their food. corporate gatherings, inclusive boasts a lot more space and focuses Speaking with both Judy and of two private rooms able to on dining in. Krishanti, they shared that their host 10-15 persons, or for your Before we get into the fated friendship began thanks to brainstorming sessions if Covid-19 numerous offerings brought to their husbands who were childhood has barred you from going to you courtesy of their Colombo 7 friends. In their exploration of office. Rocco’s at Gregory’s Road restaurant, let’s get to know the their shared passion for good food, has the space for you, and you dynamic duo behind Rocco’s’ making the rounds in Colombo and can be sure your safety is their name, Judy Wikkramatillake and what it has to offer, they came to a utmost concern as the restaurant Krishanti Perera. has adopted all necessary safety Judy Wikkramatillake and Krishanti Perera The two lovely ladies are guidelines to guarantee safety. the primary reason for the Considering that we were popular toppings: The Romano refusal to compromise on using longevity the Italian at one of Colombo’s’ consisting of pepperoni, sausage, quality ingredients; both Judy place has enjoyed, hottest pizza jalapenos, onions, and mozzarella, and Krishanti, being foodies Tiramisu touching the places, we opted and The Florentina (the vegetarian themselves, shared that they hearts of to try out option) consisting of spinach, believe there is no point if you anyone some of bell peppers, olives, mushroom, are going to compromise on your who Rocco’s ricotta, and mozzarella. We were ingredients. steps more told that these are amongst some of This belief also comes through the Rocco’s exclusive toppings – in their absolutely magical deserts; Judy’s very own innovations – and amazingly even to this day, the both toppings were nothing short desserts are made entirely by the of perfect, although we did have two ladies, using tested recipes a preference; The Florentina quite they have been using to entertain literally tastes like nothing you’ve their guests at home. They once ever had before, and perhaps this again came in with a multitude is. We highly recommend that is the illusion created by all the of choices and we went with you do yourself a favour and greens, but you feel healthy eating two of their highlights: Tiramisu pay Rocco’s at Gregory’s Road it. Then when the cheeses hit, you (espresso-soaked sponge fingers a visit. The place is pandemic- don’t really care if it’s healthy or with layers of creamy mascarpone safe to take a break from your not. cheese and the cassata) and routine and simply treat yourself. Leaving aside the sustainable homemade three-layered creamy If you’re lucky, you will run cinnamon wood used for their Neapolitan ice cream (almond, into the two inspiring ladies, wood-fired oven, the hands-on chocolate, and tutti frutti). You Judy and Krishanti; if you do, be approach adopted by the owners cannot do justice to how these two sure to have a chat – they’ll be who make it a point to be at desserts tasted with words; you happy to share an empowering the two properties five days a simply must try it, especially if you tale of developing a homegrown week in order to get to know prefer not-too-sweet desserts with business into a franchise offering their customers personally, and light airy ingredients that leave you close to home or delicately the ever-growing list of verity, extremely satisfied. prepared meals that feel good and one thing Rocco’s does better We can continue to rave keeps your soul fed. The Florentina pizza than most in the industry is their about how awesome Rocco’s PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA brunch 134 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 { EVENTS/CAUSE } „„ www.themorning.lk the shimmer and shine has faded, that attentiveness, and selflessness is they are enthralled and charmed no a small step in the right direction. more; and the moment life faces a few People are strange, as Jim Morrison hurdles and storms, they grow fed up aptly said. People are also not of each other and are all but ready to necessarily nearly as complicated jump ship. They become resentful. so much as creating complicated Indifferent. Self-conceited. Vindictive. situations for each other. And finally all those tiny cracks This farcical concept, that in a Wasting love and fissures turn into gargantuan marriage and relationship both are fractures where splinters of bone are equal, is perhaps one of the greatest coming asunder that you can't simply constituents of causing conflict love without physical attraction. slap a band-aid over. and catastrophe. A relationship is Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic a team sport. Each person has their theories were that love is a form of Symptoms of a bigger roles to play and their strengths and re-finding, and also a discovery of problem weaknesses. You may share similar narcissism. The latter has proven to What is compatibility? Why interests, but not similarly possess the be far more of an altruism in the 21st are so many people unhappy in same potential. What you bring to the Century than one would have dared relationships, in marriages? Why table will vary. imagine. But there is more to this is there so much of divorce and There is nothing wrong in one of course, as Freud also stated that separation in the world today? Why being more successful or popular relationships deal with ambivalent has infidelity become more popular than the other – providing this is a feelings. That sexuality is a weakness than chocolate lately? Have the dynamic you are comfy with. Your all humans are subject to, while disgruntled, irreconcilable, and tainted competencies and capabilities will not fantasy is an integral factor in sexual “What is love? Baby don't hurt state of affairs elevated exponentially? be the same. Nor should it. You need excitement. Also that our loved ones me. Don't hurt me. No more.” Have the levels of discontent and to know when to take a step back and become a part of ourselves. I jape. disdain grown incessantly? let your partner take the ball and make Who is right? Who is wrong? No. But seriously, what IS love? People throw around words the shot. It's not a race and competitive Me thinks, it's not as black and Is it that ineffable and irrevocable like love, trust, loyalty, equality, struggle to constantly out-class the white as that. sensation of affection? Is love a compassion, compromise, and other. Love, you see, transcends a myriad of emotions and behaviours understanding around so flippantly now, This is something we see variety of sub-disciplines, be it human characterised by affection, passion, that those very words have somehow frequently today, where in some nature, religion, labours of love, intimacy and commitment? Is it a lost their meaning. Their essence. Their situations one smothers the other ethics, philosophy, and metaphysics. state of mind and being of prioritising value. Words too become faceless with overzealous affection, while Love defies definition and meaning. someone else's happiness over and syllables framed in forgettable nuances those sentiments are not reciprocated above your own? Out of the frying pan if misused and left abused. publicly. Sometimes you will have Or is it more primordial, where and into the fire On one hand, the issue is that one person constantly demoralising its basic instinct fusing with fatal the expectations far exceed reality. That’s romantic relationships and demeaning the partner. Other attraction (an ‘80s/’90s double A plethora of individuals wish to in a nutshell today, is it not? Either times, the two toxic individuals will movie whammy right there!) or just share the best of times, but care not to it's one foolish rebound after another be so engrossed and enamoured with undefined fleeting emotions of feeling share the burdens. Too many people ricocheted indolently into something each other that they simply bring out a deep connection with someone, are so occupied with maintaining serious overnight or two people the worst parts of themselves. a longing to spend every moment appearances and rushing into an so smitten with each other after a Give yourselves time and space, with someone else who values you utopian framework that the only few shared encounters, but lacking room, and opportunity to get to know unequivocally? Is love an unwavering, focus tends to be the ends and not the maturity and experience to act each other before you rush into things. unfaltering devotion to your partner the means. They forget the journey. responsibly and with accountability their relationships, before taking baby Have your fun. Date. Dance. Debate. with an emotional, physical, and They forget to cherish and live in the take a dashing, sensational swan dive steps and first learning how to swim in Be decadent. Enjoy life. Live together spiritual attractiveness that cannot be moment. into the ether. the shallow end. for a while if that’s possible. Yeah, summed by each of its parts alone? They are so busy thinking about A better example would be What happened to the realm you’ll argue. You’ll break up and get This grand notion that love can the finish line and starting a family like jumping off a plane without of flirting and getting to know each back together. You’ll reach a zenith be simply defined and categorised and having kids that they forget about a parachute and wondering half other before you become an “official of wanting to throw the other person as a linear, fairy-tale-like generic the race, the process, and what it takes way down why you would do item”? What has become of those over a cliff. experience, for lack of an euphemism, to participate and perform as one something so bloody reckless. How exciting and exhilarating moments However, you’ll also learn how to is sheer and utter poppy-cock. entity, creating that perfect balance of can you accommodate and live with of rendezvous, long chats with the face difficult situations. How to make push and pull. What it takes to build someone else if you have never lived waves lapping at your feet, those tough choices. You’ll figure out how A whole lotta love that dynamic of give and take, of independently on your own? How can mischievous trysts under screaming to listen. How to work out solutions The ancient Greeks distinguished regard and respect. you be one organism and function starlight? Or time spent discovering instead of exacerbating problems. four notions that can be called love: When one looks at the statistics cohesively together as a couple when the traits and attributes of one another You’ll learn to face your obstacles Eros, Agape, Philia, and Storge. of separation and divorce, the cited you barely can tell your own nose while learning every curve, crevice. together and to know when to rise to Eros embodies the essence of love reasons that take predominant from your elbow? and contour of your partner’s body the challenge and when to let your as perceived conventionally, that is precedence are incompatibility, I've noticed so many people before going postal and nuclear partner take the wheel. to say a romantic and sensual love, infidelity, physical and mental abuse, derived from the word erotas. Agape rushing into the proverbial deep end in impulsively? It ain’t rocket science folks. Just I am not talking about open and alcohol and narcotics addiction, remember that love ain’t supposed to (a word Christians may recall from among other irreconcilable factors. Corinthians in the New Testament) relationships or one night stands here. be perfect. And neither are you. So is somehow a much deeper and So many today treat relationships People are strange while you like the rain, it’s best you profound love. like fast food. It's a smoke and mirrors You need mutual respect. A learn to also deal with the mud. Philia is affection towards one’s game of cat and mouse, where the relationship is not a competition. It's Best to be smart than sorry. friends, associates, and peers – or entire arc of discovering each other is a team sport. It's a band. It's a give Suresh de Silva is the frontman brotherly love, as it were. Storge is lost in the desire to seek validation and and take. You can't play in a band and and lyricist of Stigmata, a creative more of a natural affection, like the societal solidarity before you’ve even try and outperform and shine over consultant and brand strategist by love between a parent and a child. begun to figure out what rubs each everyone else. They say a chain is profession, a self-published author These words and their meaning other the wrong way. only as strong as its weakest link. This and poet, thespian, animal rescuer, have naturally been deconstructed in Many are the people I know is true in any sort of partnership. podcaster, and fitness enthusiast. post-modernist evolution. who meet up, hurry into dating, rush Perhaps learning to meet half (The views expressed in this Plato's view was that love need not into marriage, and then within a few way by truly comprehending the article are that of the author and do be reciprocated. Which is incidentally months begin to grasp that all the art of compromise and the spirit of not in any way represent the views of how the term “platonic” emerged. A beautiful flowers have wilted, that sacrifice, patience and forgiveness, the newspaper)

Appreciation ‘Inspire Me’ introduces the perfect stepping stone to emerging female entrepreneurs “Inspire Me” is the We will never see or hear latest entrepreneurship programme, introduced to create an ultimate support our good friend again system for emerging female entrepreneurs across Sri BY GANESHAYOGAN lawyers, seniors or juniors alike, when Lanka who demonstrated you gave landmark judgments whether commendable resilience Friends in grief, I have lived long on commercial, fundamental rights, or under pressure. The enough to see many dear friends depart constitutional cases which are still talked initiative Inspire Me is a – but never with such rapidity. about and cited in cases in court. When YouTube channel that was He was here but yesterday, bubbling you left us we were doubly saddened by launched in July 2020 by with fun and vitality. It is almost a year the fact that we would hear you no more. Founder and CEO Nayanika of giving life to humans; Any female home-based and one week since my friend Justice Which reminds me of a story… Wijekoon, with the intention therefore, I personally business owner is now Prasanna Jayawardena left all of us The highly acclaimed Colombian to bring emerging female believe that every woman has welcome to reach out to the suddenly on 23 December 2019. And we novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez once entrepreneurs into the an inner power to give life to Inspire Me team to request petty mortals are left bereft without him. described an illuminating dream he spotlight and echo their story their ideas and convert those to feature their venture and There is seniority at the bench and bar had. He dreamt that he was attending into financially profitable and gain brand visibility, talk to inspire the next generation but the truth is that there is no seniority in Justice Prasanna Jayawardena his own funeral, walking with a group of female entrepreneurs. socially impactful ventures,” about their product and one’s exit from life. It is not written that of friends dressed in solemn mourning The programme interviews stated Nayanika Wijekoon. story on a public forum, and only those who grow older must go first. Voetlight dinner that everyone should but in a festive mood. They all seemed female entrepreneurs with “This is why I conceptualised enable the entrepreneurship They go because they must go, because it study the bench before presenting their happy to be together. And he was happy, home-based businesses to the Inspire Me YouTube ecosystem of Sri Lanka. is so ordained. If only we knew why! But case is still ringing in my ears and should more than anyone else, because of the discuss how their ventures channel to feature upcoming Inspire Me envisions to as the famous Irish playwright George be taken as golden advice by every junior wonderful opportunity that death afforded were nurtured to their female entrepreneurs continuously be the stepping Bernard Shaw once said: “...if we knew commencing his practice in Hulftsdorp. him to be with his old friends and even current state. and empower them with stone to the entire female why then we would be gods ourselves.” I still cannot forget how at a friends he had not seen for a long time. The interview also shed exposure, and share their entrepreneurship landscape It reminds me of what Guru Nanak, President Counsel’s silk party you took At the end of the funeral service, spotlight on the challenges story to inspire a whole next in the island and anticipates the founder of the Sikh religion said in me to Justice K.T. Chitrasiri and told when the gathering began to disperse, faced by these entrepreneurs generation of entrepreneurs,” inspiring any woman with a Punjabi which, when translated, reads: him how I promised to call him for a he too attempted to leave, but one and more importantly added Wijekoon. dream to initiate a venture. “…good men, we come into this world thosai feed which was long overdue of those present made him see with how they manoeuvred Inspire Me has been The channel is dedicated with a stipulated number of breaths, not since he was in private practice before decisive finality that for him, the party their way to succeed. The gaining fabulous momentum to offering support by one less, not one more.” joining the bench. I still carried that was over. You are the only one who stories and advice shared on YouTube since its featuring ventures and It is so sad that we are missing him guilty feeling for not calling you because cannot go, the voice said. Only then by these entrepreneurs at launch and the programme entrepreneurship stories and badly on the bench at Hulftsdorp as well I was at the same time wondering how to did I understand that dying means the interviews become a so far has interviewed 12 invites female entrepreneurs as at the get-togethers and functions call you after you joined the bench. But never being with friends again. true inspiration to local entrepreneurs. The Inspire across the country to reach of lawyers. Your trademark smile and anyhow I remember during the August This is the real tragedy about women to kick-off their own Me team envisions to feature the team at [email protected] or humour is no more. We will not see vacation I asked if you could join, but Prasanna leaving us. business by converting their more female entrepreneurs inspireme.iceylon@gmail. or hear it anymore. I wonder how one you said you were leaving the country For his caring wife Amala, business idea into a venture. in the future from across com to request to feature year passed so quickly as we remember on some mission and were unable to daughter, and son there is only “A woman is Sri Lanka and even invite the respective ventures on we were with you, wining and dining make it. That was my bad luck. inconsolable grief and sorrow, not undoubtedly an amazing male entrepreneurs to join the Inspire Me YouTube at the Voetlight dinner that 19th day Prasanna, while you were on the forgetting his beloved brother Sanjeewa. being who does the marvel potentially. channel. of December. Maybe destiny decided bench you were pleasant to every lawyer For the rest of us, his dying has with your smile, humbleness, and meant that we will never see or hear our Nayanika Wijekoon https://youtube.com/channel/ inspireme. @inspireme. otherwise to take you from all of us. 0777177568 UCsuCYD6Cl_HSty1-GeszRCg ceylon ceylon The advice you gave my son after the humour, with temperament shown to good friend again. 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Wednesday, February 10, 2021 ‘Open Era’ and Serena’s world record

As the year’s first Grand Slam tennis event just got underway on Monday (8) in Melbourne, tennis fans the world over are eagerly waiting till the iconic Serena Williams, 39, gets past Australian women’s tennis legend Margaret Court’s “all-time” record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. But if one takes only Hunt for women’s tennis supremacy: Court vs. Serena the “Open Era” into Australian Open, three the history of tennis consideration, Serena French Open, seven into two main periods; could’ve already held Wimbledon, and six US the pre “Open Era” and that record for the highest Open. post “Open Era”. Here number of Grand Slam Here, one is intrigued is an explanation on the singles titles in women’s as to what this “Open intriguing factor of the tennis with the 23 titles Era” is all about. The “Open Era” in world’s she has won; seven term, in fact, divides tennis.

fog and mist and hit the first serve of rights-inspired buzzword of the early Australians Ken Rosewall (far end) and Rod Laver compete in the final of the 1968 Bournemouth Championships – the first-ever tournament of the Open Era tennis’s Open Era. 60s, “free”. As revolts go, this may sound a little mild. But in the ensuing week Coming out of cold at Bournemouth, tennis caught and After many struggles and setbacks, channelled the anarchic spirit of tennis freedom was achieved in the 1960s. It was a decade when March of ’68, when the sport’s What is the ‘Open traditional divisions were erased and amateur governing body, the ILTF, age-old hierarchies came crashing bowed to the inevitable and voted to down. Black and White in the allow the barbarians inside the gates American South; men and women in at its events. Despite the rain and fog, workplaces and on college campuses; tournament organisers described the Era’ of world tennis? fine art and commercial art; jazz and event as a “bonanza”. rock: What had seemed like essential Twenty thousand fans attended, z An explanation on the term as Aus Open begins in Melbourne distinctions as the decade began had twice as many as the previous begun to dissolve by its end. year. They were there to see The “Open Era” in world tennis starts from about 53 years ago in 1968. years of battle between “pro versus those legendary, long-suffering That moment in time is considered the watershed moment of tennis, as amateur” also marked the dawn of a Tennis joins the era professionals finally come in from the the global authorities of the game then, the International Lawn Tennis new era which culminated in creating In 1967, the US Supreme cold. Rod Laver (gone for six years), Federation (ILTF), allowed for the first time “all” international players – incredible pros like (Roger) Federer Court invalidated laws prohibiting Ken Rosewall (gone for 12 years), hence the term “Open” – to participate in all their global competitions, and (Serena) Williams of our times. interracial marriage; in 1968, women and Pancho Gonzalez (gone for 19 including the four Grand Slams – the Australian Open, French Open, the The world understood, therefore, students were finally admitted at years) joined fellow pros Fred Stolle, Wimbledon, and the US Open. that all tennis records before and Yale and Princeton. In Bournemouth Roy Emerson, and others in the men’s Before that, the ILTF allowed only who were full-timers playing tennis after 1968 have to be decisively that spring, tennis added its own draw, all of them competing for the $ “amateurs” to enter their events. The as a living, were better skilled and differentiated. Before the Open Era, once-unthinkable co-mingling to 2,400 first prize. “professionals”, meanwhile, played more popular than the amateurs. the fight would not have been as the 60s cocktail party: The end of in a different set of tournaments tough as it was after that. the distinction between amateur and Tennis was thus open for that were organised privately as Competition less intense professional. business business endeavours. But, before 1968 Like ICC vs. Kerry Packer That division had been at the heart Owen Davidson, an Aussie pro, understandably, the pros, So, the year 1968 marked the cricket of tennis since the game was invented was so concerned after losing the collapse of traditional tennis and The ILTF eventually having to in Victorian England nearly a century opening point of the tournament to the advent of the full-scale tennis give in to a pro-dominated structure earlier. “Amateur” was the athletic John Clifton – the first in history industry. Pros eventually winning draws a startling parallel to how the version of “gentleman”, the man of between pro and amateur – that he International Cricket Council inherited means who didn’t need to was left “ashen”, according to tennis Novak Djokovic, 33, is defending his (ICC) was compelled to embrace play a sport for money – having the journo Bud Collins. But Davidson men’s singles title in the Aus Open this year. He has the record for the the Kerry Packer day-night TV leisure time to hone his skills on court went on to win the match; Gonzalez highest number of men’s singles model in its World Cup in 1992. was a sign of his status. and Emerson weren’t so lucky against titles (eight) in the championship Keep aside the age-old debate Britain’s top amateur, Mark Cox. over “money” (pro sports’ key The ‘hardy’ professionals The burly, curly-haired young lefty factor) vs. “spirit” (a factor decisive The professional, on the other ambushed the two old pros to reach Tennis Grand Slams in amateur sports), the Pro Era is now hand, had to serve and volley for his the semis. His upset wins made here to stay. living. For much of the 20th Century, him a front-page hero to London’s January, the French by the US in 1881, the The following article written by the two groups competed on separate newspapers, which were firmly on the Open (also known French in 1891, and the Steve Tignor, which first appeared in but not equal tracks. The amateurs side of the amateurs. as Roland Garros) Australian in 1905. Tennis magazine on 22 January 2015, gambolled on the grass and hoisted In the next round, Laver, solemnly from around late yy However, the French delves into how it all began in a misty the trophies at the Grand Slams, while determined to defend the pros’ May to early June, championship was not afternoon in Bournemouth, England. grabbing appearance money under honour, ended Cox’s run in straight Wimbledon in June- considered q “major” before the table. The pros drove through the sets. “He made mincemeat out of July, and the US Open in 1968: Open Era begins in 1924-25, when all four were small-town wilderness, on one-night me,” Cox said. August-September. Bournemouth designated as Grand Slam barnstorming tours in the US, Europe, In the end, the pros triumphed, and yy Each tournament is played tournaments. 1968 was a year of revolt, when and Australia; any place where they the crowds at Bournemouth saw a cities from Tokyo to Chicago to Paris could put together a semblance of a fine show. Rosewall beat Laver for yy The four Grand over a two-week period. yy Skipping Grand to Prague convulsed with protests. paying audience would do. the men’s title, while Virginia Wade Slams in tennis yy The Australian and US Slams – especially the Things got so wild that even the staid The pros were 60s all the way. beat fellow Brit Winnie Shaw for the are (1) the Australian Open, tournaments are played on Australian Open because old sport of tennis joined the fun – One writer fancifully compared them women’s. (2) French Open, (3) the hard courts, the French on of the remoteness, the in its own quiet way, of course – in to the decade’s original wilderness “There’s no going back after Wimbledon, and (4) the US clay, and Wimbledon on inconvenient dates (around the sleepy seaside resort town of heroes: Fidel Castro’s Cuban rebels, this,” said Derek Hardwick, Head of Open. grass. Christmas and New Year’s Bournemouth, England. That’s where, who roamed the hills and bided their Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association, y Day), and the low prize y The Grand Slam itinerary yy Wimbledon is the oldest, on 22 April, at 1.43 p.m., in front of time before making their advance on champagne glass in hand, when the money – was not unusual traditionally consists of the founded in 1877, followed 100 hardy fans and a shivering dog, the capital. Even the name that the tournament was over. Tennis was Australian Open in mid- before 1982. a 22-year-old from Scotland named pros gave to their objective – “open open for business, and ready for John Clifton squinted up through the tennis” – was an echo of that civil Broadway. The picture of the century! by strobe lights fired through cigarette smoke in the male-dominated boxing arena, gives the photo a static, artificial, and studio-like ambience. Photographer “It (the photo) didn’t make the cover of a magazine. It didn’t win any awards. Zero. Not even an honourable mention. And by the end of the (20th) century, it was being called the picture of the century,” Neil Leifer, the Background photographer, has said. Sonny Liston This may be a very familiar photo for Neil Leifer many of you. Taken in a boxing ring in An afterword 1965 in Lewiston, Maine, USA, the photo Lastly, in the foreground close to us is the Ali’s win over Liston the previous year gradually picked up in popularity as time went vanquished – the prolific former champion (1964) was widely considered a fluke. His by, like its “main subject” – the enigmatic Liston, flattened near Ali’s feet hapless and gaping mouth here could be the final focal Muhammad Ali. totally surrendered. That bluish radiance point for the observer who can stop, be Here, Ali has just knocked down Sonny flowing down to the greyish white in front, shocked, and believe that this time, it is not Liston to defend the 1965 World Heavyweight passing the black, brown, and red patches a fluke. A new hero has really arrived! Boxing title. Historically, the photo depicted on the way, fascinates us endlessly. A moment that launched a new champion a defining moment in sports. has ruined another. With his reputation in In this bout, Ali knocked down Liston Analysis tatters, Liston died a sad death five years in less than two minutes with what was In a photographic sense, this embodies later, upon reaching his 40s. later named the “phantom punch”, raising the example for an absolutely perfect But when Ali passed away in 2016, aged arguments that the aging Liston gave away composition. Then there is a very exciting 74, the champion boxer was regarded one the match due to death threats he had received What the photo reveals engaged with the photo. rhythm, as well as a mysterious depth in the of the most celebrated sporting figures of before the match from the mafia, as well as “The back layer” that depicts the Then comes Ali, nicknamed Black photo. The mix of colour also adds to the his Century who lived up to his billing as the Afro-American political movement, the flabbergasted onlookers, including the excited Superman, with his right arm bent in a glare of mysticism hidden in it. “The Greatest” – the very undertone of this Nation of Islam. cameramen, makes us, the observer, very rectangle, a clear symbol of domination. The bluish, dreamy radiance on top, created photograph. sports 154 Wednesday, February 10, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk IPG did not default LPL payment, says SLC Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) yesterday (9) issued the following statement pertaining to recent reports published in the mainstream media Chennai pointing out that Innovative Production Group FZE (IPG) has defaulted its payment obligations under the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Event Rights agreement. yy Uncertainties created by which were beyond the Following is the full SLC Covid-19 reasonable control of the IPG, statement. yy The negative effects the Executive Committee massacre We wish to clarify that created by player pullouts of SLC provided a payment pursuant to the open tender plan where the balance process carried out by SLC, yy The unexpected wave of “Event Rights Fee” (is) to IPG, a company incorporated Covid-19 that occurred be recovered from the IPG in Dubai, was granted the in Sri Lanka during the out of the money payable “Event Rights”, in respect month of October by SLC to the IPG under propel England of the LPL tournament yy Zero revenue from the “Production Services for a period of five years, ticketing due to matches Agreement”. commencing from the year played in closed doors This is in view of the fact 2020. that IPG is also contracted Accordingly, the IPG yy Lack of sufficient time with SLC to provide entered into a contract with available for franchisees television production services SLC wherein the company to sell sponsorships for Sri Lanka’s international to the top obliged to pay $ 1,925,000 per inbound tours until 2023, yy Additional cost involved year as the “Event Rights Fee” with flights, quarantine with a total production value for the years 2020 and 2021. protocols, freight charges, of $ 4.3 million. Out of the rights fee payable and full-board meals due Moreover, we wish to for the year 2020, $ 150,000 to travel restrictions state that in compliance was set off against the “Bid with the agreement reached Collateral” paid by the IPG yy The fact, in particular, between the parties, SLC during the submission of the that relevant health has already taken steps to tender, and another $ 850,000 guidelines and recover $ 200,000 from the was paid consequently, government approvals total sum payable to IPG marking the total sum paid to proceed with the LPL under the said Production by the IPG at $ 1 million. 2020 were received Services Agreement, marking IPG requested concessions few weeks before the the balance to be recovered with regard to the payment commencement of the totalling to $ 725,000 within of the balance portion of the tournament the next time period, prior to “Event Rights Fee Payment” Having taken into the commencement of the in respect of the year 2020 in consideration the request LPL 2021, along with the consideration of the following made by the IPG, in view interest payment applicable factors: of the said circumstances thereto. The inspiring story of Francesca Jones Sports players, and also to make sure she can hold the racket the way she feels comfortable doing so. watch ‘Derive strength from my story’ BY DINITH PATHI Speaking after qualifying for her first Grand Slam main draw (it is certainly unlikely to be The name Francesca Jones would not ring her last as she is now on the cusp of the world’s many bells in the minds of the sports-loving top 200 and it is also unthinkable that she will public much. She is a tennis player from not be given a wildcard for this summer’s Great Britain (GB) who is ranked No. 5 in Wimbledon, where she has only played in the the country. junior event so far), she said: “I am playing That in itself would certainly not be a to have a positive impact on the people who WHO WILL JOIN NZ IN WTC FINAL? newsworthy story. But what is newsworthy hopefully read my story.” IND V ENG RESULTS is the fact that Jones has three toes in one foot She added: “I do hope people can take the and four toes in the other. And she has only positives from it. I’d love people to take strength 4-0 3-0 3-1 2-0 2-1 three fingers in each hand. from my story to build their own.” The 20-year-old from Bradford has to use an extra lightweight racket with an especially Balance goes through her feet differently 1-0 2-2 1-1 0-0 0-1 1-2 0-2 thin handle to accommodate her grip, which is affected by the rare condition “ectrodactyly “My challenge has been to put myself in a ectodermal dysplasia syndrome”. physical shape that prevents injuries. My feet 1-3 0-3 0-4 Took flight bound to Australian Open work in a different way and that means I run But that did not stop her from crushing differently. higher-ranked Chinese opponent Jia Jing Lu “My balance goes through my feet in a What a great sight for a fast bowler! James Anderson is thrilled after sending a reverse swing to get Shuban Gill’s off-stump cartwheeling in his bid 6/0, 6/1 in her third and final qualifying round different way. I’ve always had a really small grip to to guide England to a massive 227-run win in their first Test against India in Chennai yesterday (9) in Dubai, thus booking her seat on the flight and a light racket, and I’m hesitant to change bound to Melbourne to play in the main draw that because it has worked well so far. In the After inflicting defeat and dishonesty England 578 and 178 India’s hopes snuffed out of the Australian Open tennis tournament. gym, I have spent a lot of time just trying to on Sri Lanka by thrashing them 2-0, Sri Lanka 337 Shortly after bringing up his half-century, She had the courage to prove all doubters gain strength to support my muscles that can England continued to have their sixth Anderson had Gill cleaned up with a beauty. wrong, including doctors. Not only did she support the weaknesses that I may have,” she successive win away from home as INDIA 2ND INNINGS Rohit Sharma b Leach 12 He pitched it in full and angled it in with the prove the doctors wrong, who told her she further added. they bamboozled India in Chennai by Shubman Gill b Anderson 50 reverse, completely beating Gill’s defences would not compete at the highest level, but One should do with your own set of cards beating the soaring home team by Cheteshwar Pujara c Stokes b Leach 15 and uprooting the stumps. Anderson was just she is also serving as an example of what can While Jones has worked hard on improving a 227 runs yesterday (9). Virat Kohli(Capt) b Stokes 72 getting started. Three balls later, he meted out be achieved in the face of adversity. decent baseline game, it is very clear that what The sight of the stumps of opener the exact same treatment to Ajinkya Rahane sets her apart from her peers is her attitude. Ajinkya Rahane b Anderson 0 Remarkable attitude Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane Rishabh Pant (wk) c Root b Anderson 11 who had narrowly survived an lbw appeal on “I think every human being has physical cartwheeling in the space of four deliveries, Washington Sundar c Buttler b Bess 0 the previous delivery, and India were 92/4. She was born with the above condition weaknesses, unless you’re Cristiano Ronaldo off the magnificent reverse swing by James Ravichandran Ashwin c Buttler b Leach 9 Rishabh Pant, who had scored a fine with seven toes in total in both feet and six or something. Anderson, confirmed that the home team Shahbaz Nadeem c Burns b Leach 0 counter-attacking 91 in the first-innings, fingers in total in both hands. But that did not “I wouldn’t say I ever felt sorry for myself had been plundered of their home advantage Ishant Sharma not out 5 couldn’t repeat the feat this time around, stop this determined young lady from trying – this was all I knew. I’ve had phenomenal in the first of a four-match series. Jasprit Bumrah c Buttler b Archer 4 becoming Anderson’s third wicket when he to achieve her dreams. She has been based parents who just guided me through each Anderson took three quick wickets to Extras (nb1, b 8, lb 5) 14 tamely pushed one to short cover. Washington in Barcelona since she was 10 years old and step and they were always beside me when stun India and raised the 38-year-old’s total Total (all out in 58.1 overs) 192 Sundar, who scored an unbeaten 85 in the has been working hard to overcome all of her they could be. Each person is dealt their set of wicket tally to 611. Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Sharma, 5.3 ov), 2-58 (Pujara, first-innings, scored nought this time around, disadvantages on the tennis court. cards and each person has to play their game WTC situation after Chennai 19.3 ov), 3-92 (Gill, 26.2 ov), 4-92 (Rahane, 26.5 with Dom Bess joining the party to have him Jones has fashioned a decent baseline game, with their set of cards and try to win the game. ov), 5-110 (Pant, 32.3 ov), 6-117 (Sundar, 33.5 ov), caught behind. India were 117/6, with their but it is clear that her attitude is also a major That’s how I see it.” The victory lifted England all the way to 7-171 (Ashwin, 51.2 ov), 8-179 (Kohli, 54.3 ov), 9-179 hopes more or less snuffed out. weapon. Unlike too many of the other GB A modern heroine the top of the International Cricket Council (Nadeem, 55.3 ov), 10-192 (Bumrah, 58.1 ov) female players, she does not obsess over social (ICC) World Test Championship (WTC) Kohli bowled out on a cracked media, for example, and actually wants nothing What would she think would be a good draw Bowling: Jofra Archer 9.1-4-23-1, Jack Leach 26- track standings, and if they can win two more 4-76-4 (1nb), James Anderson 11-4-17-3, Dom Bess to do with it. Already she has to contend with for her at the Aus Open? She has no concerns matches in this series, they can seal their 8-0-50-1, Ben Stokes 4-1-13-1 Ashwin and Kohli then pushed back. moving, unlike other about it. “Any draw for me will be a fascinating qualification for the marquee final against Test No.: 2,409 Ashwin bravely faced up to a short-ball attack one, whether it’s Serena Williams or another New Zealand scheduled to start at Lord’s from the England pacers, taking a few blows, qualifier. It’s all (a) great experience and I’m Result: England won by 227 runs ‘Any draw for me on 14 June. Series: England lead four-match series 1-0 even as Kohli showcased his class in a few will be a fascinating looking forward to whatever comes my way.” India too will need to win two matches Player of the Match: Joe Root strokes, in between some solid defensive one, whether it’s Francesca Jones is a modern-day heroine. in the series to seal their qualification, play. They put up a fighting 54-run stand, Serena Williams or She is not an example to today’s society whose making for a potentially exhilarating rest during the course of which Kohli brought up another qualifier. hobby seems to be complaining and finding of the series. away, and Pujara could do little but fend at his 24th half-century in Test cricket. It’s all great (a) excuses as to how something cannot be done, for experience and Another 50 for Gill it, explained icc-cricket.com. India were always fighting against the tide, I’m looking one reason or another. When she gets on court In came Captain Virat Kohli to join Gill, though, and the excellent Leach broke the forward to in Melbourne, there will be The day began with India resuming on and the duo went about pushing back. Gill stand, doing Ashwin in with extra bounce. whatever comes a lot of people rooting 39/1, with Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar looked good for as long as he was there, It wasn’t long before Ben Stokes got one on my way’ for her and wishing Pujara in the middle. It wasn’t an ideal start notching up a third half-century in a fledgling a crack, and Kohli’s stumps were uprooted her the very best. for India, with Pujara walking back shortly career. He expertly dealt with the spinners, as it kept low. Kohli looked at the pitch in And she fully into the morning, having been confounded using his feet to disturb their lengths, but he frustration, and with the Indian Captain gone deserves every bit by Jack Leach. From wide of the crease, was no match for Anderson who had started for 72, it wasn’t long before England sealed of that support and Leach got one to pitch on middle and spit reversing the ball. victory. prayers. „„ www.themorning.lk Wednesday, February 10, 2021 Paul Khoury Ranindu wins SL resigns Chess Grand Prix Sports Science and 2021 Medicine Manager of Ranindu Liyanage of Ananda the national cricket College, Colombo, the reigning team Paul Khoury National Chess Champion, showed tendered his resignation that he is still the strongest. That with effect from 31 was after the first tie-breaker, the January 2021, Sri Rapid Games, that had to take Lanka Cricket (SLC) said place because the Classical Games yesterday (9). Khoury ended on equal points at the eighth has cited personal Sri Lanka Chess Grand Prix 2021. reasons for his resignation. He joined SLC in 2018 and has been based at the His opponent was Minul Doluweera national High-Performance Centre in Colombo. There were recent reports that of Royal College, Colombo. A some of the members of the Sri Lanka team support staff would be shown the total of 12 leading chess players door due to deteriorating fitness of the side and allegations of fraud with regard participated in the event held from sports to player fitness reports. 28 January to 7 February. WI tour to be rearranged as a limited-over series? Sri Lanka’s tour of West Indies, which in the next round of PCR tests, which Covid-19, prompting SLC to postpone now looks an almost nonstarter, could are to be done on them probably today the tour. Local media quoted SLC be held as only a limited-over series, (10), Wednesday. President Shammi Silva as saying that The Morning Sports learnt yesterday Sri Lanka were to tour West Indies the tour was postponed on 5 February. (9). on 18 February for a series which was After the said two tour party members “Discussions are underway now to include two Tests, three ODIs, and tested positive in an initial PCR test between the two Boards (Sri Lanka three T20Is. They were scheduled to done on the 35 members of the Sri Cricket [SLC] and West Indies Cricket). be held through the month of March, Lanka squad, all the squad members But we have not come to final decision reportedly on two separate venues or were sent for isolation, abandoning the yet,” said a senior SLC official. two Caribbean islands. scheduled pre-tour practices. It is understood that the new On 3 February, though, two members The new arrangement for a curtailed arrangement could be a possibility if of the Sri Lanka squad, their opening limited-over series could be worked out all members of the current Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne and Head only if all players test negative anyway, squad are to test negative for Covid-19 Coach Mickey Arthur, tested positive for the above SLC official further added. Sri Lanka were to play two Tests and six limited-over games in the West Indies in March 105TH COLOMBO CHAMPIONSHIP TENNIS Semi-finalists found Interim committee in key events Almost all semi-finalists Vairavanathan 6/0, 6/ 3 were found by yesterday (9) in the women’s and men’s singles Results on Monday (8) will be a violation events at the 105th Colombo yy Women’s doubles Championship tennis, now quarter-final being held at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) Neyara Weerawansa Playing Section clay courts and Tuvini De Alwis beat of democracy: SLC in Colombo. Yashodara Koralage and Shehara Medawala 6/1, 6/1 Results on Saajida Razick and Dinethya Tuesday (9): Dharmarathne beat Vishmi yy Women’s signals quarter- Serasinghe and Nesangi finals Hemakumara 5/7, 6/1, 12/8 Janali Manamperi and Savini Anika Seneviratne beat Jayasuriya beat Oneli Perera Sethmi Sumanaweera 6/1, 6/1 and Sethmi Sumanaweera Sri Lanka Davis Cup rep Oneli Perera beat Alana Dumindu Dilum reached men’s yy Men’s doubles quarter- Seneviratne 6/1, 6/1 singles semi-finals of the finals Savini Jayasuriya beat Colombo Championship tennis, Neyara Weerawansa 6/4, 6/1 now being held at the SLTA Dumidu Dilum and Luka Janali Manamperi beat Playing Section, Colombo Knese beat Michael Siyaguna Saajida Razick 6/1, 6/2 PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI and Nishendiran Sivendiran 6/3, 6/3 yy Men’s singles quarter- Thehan Wijemanne beat Kavisha Ratnayake finals Chathurya Nilaweera 7/6 and Akila Vimukthi beat Luka Knese beat Savit (7/4), 6/4 Harieshwar Parameshwaran Weerasinghe 6/4, 6/2 Dumidu Dilum beat Kiran and Rayan Bentharage 6/1, 6/4

ON THIS DAY –10 FEBRUARY

1893 – Birth of US tennis player William “Bill” Tilden II 1912 – Jack Hobbs and Wilfred Rhodes made a Interim committees are not always foolproof and are against democratic principles. Here are two bigwigs of the 2009-11 SLC interim committee, 323 opening stand versus Australia in cricket President Somachandra de Silva (right) and Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga (second right) talking to two former players Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan Test in Melbourne 1950 – Birth of US swimming sensation Mark BY REVATHA S. SILVA have also had their shortcomings and are Spitz (pictured), in Modesto, California In response to our back-page news story yesterday (9), a Sri Lanka Cricket not overtly serene institutions. 1962 – Jim Beatty set American indoor one-mile (SLC) senior official said that having an interim committee for cricket “A former Head of an interim committee record (3:58.9 seconds) in Los Angeles, California administration will be a violation of democratic principles that are binding diverted TV rights money that the cricket local cricket administration. board received to a leading bank where he 1981 – Dennis Lillee became Australia’s top “The option of an interim is a tactic used to get votes. We win because we work,” held a high position,” remarked the said wicket-taker with 249 scalps by some of our rival parties who know that he elaborated. SLC official disproving the fact that the they are unable to come to power through There was strong speculation emerging interims are always foolproof. 1989 – Boston Celtics’ K.C. Jones and Cleveland a proper election. Appointing an interim early this week that the Government “Also the ICC (the International Cavaliers’ Lenny Wilkens were elected to NBA Hall of Fame committee is a violation of the democratic authorities would appoint an interim Cricket Council) won’t simply take such rights of our (SLC’s) stakeholders,” a senior committee to run the SLC affairs amidst a measure lightly. They always consider 1989 – Test cricket debut of Aaqib Javed of SLC ex-co member said. growing criticism that the elected body, such appointments as Governmental Pakistan, versus New Zealand at the age of 16 now under Shammi Silva, has caused the interventions on national cricket years and 189 days Developing infrastructure national game to slide dramatically in administration,” he further added. “We have been developing infrastructure recent times. The next SLC election is scheduled to be 1993 – Jani Sievinen swam world record 200- for our member clubs. Grounds are being held on 20 May. Traditionally rival parties metre backstroke (1:55.59 second) built in places like Ambalangoda, which Interim Head directs money have got together to form one single alliance to ‘his bank’ 2006 – Alfonso Soriano set a record for the highest was a long overdue facility for the area. against the present SLC administration, it salary ever awarded in baseball arbitration (He We don’t have to bribe our member clubs He also said that interim committees is reliably learnt. received $ 10 million to play outfield for the Washington Nationals)

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