highlights friday G20 Must 9 july 2021 Latest Edition Act Now to Vol: 10/150 Price : Rs 30.00 Vaccinate World In Sports page A6 Japan Declares State of Emergency Understanding China for Tokyo Olympics Japan has declared that Tokyo will be under a COVID-19 state of emergency throughout the Olympic Games. page A7 A16 Minister of Economic Policies and Plan Implementation PM Rajapaksa Gets Brand New Ministry By Gagani Weerakoon and Thameenah Razeek

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday (8) took oaths as the Minister of Economic Basil Gets Policies and Plan Implementation, a brand new portfolio established through an Extraordinary Gazette issued Wednesday night (7). Premier Rajapaksa previously held the all-powerful Finance Mahinda’s Ministry Ministry but opted to take charge By Gagani Weerakoon of the new Ministry paving the and Thameenah have to take unpopular, Rajapaksa. way for SLPP National Organiser Razeek unpleasant decisions in He made these remarks Basil Rajapaksa to be sworn in as future,” he added. after assuming duties at the country’s new Finance Newly appointed Finance He also stated that, with the Finance Ministry last Minister. Minister Basil Rajapaksa the support of all provincial morning. He stated that It was speculated for a while promised to be a father council and local the public’s needs are his that Basil Rajapaksa would take earlier placed under Finance subject Minister, will have the figure to everybody and said government representatives, and his ministry’s top up the Finance Ministry portfolio Ministry have been gazetted following institutions under his he is aware that he and his he will lead the country to concern and that they have and decide on the recently under new Ministry of Economic purview. ministry will have to prosperity under the a good concept on how to increased fuel prices and various Policies and Plan Implementation. National Planning Department, confront difficult times in leadership of President meet those demands and other matters that have had According to Extraordinary Department of Census and the future. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and would take courageous ripple effects on the economy. Gazette notification issued, PM Statistics, Institute of Policy "Like any father, I may Prime Minister Mahinda decisions. Several institutions that were Rajapaksa, who is also the Studies,...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 20 Guidelines violators Only President Quarantine Stalin, 32 others dodge quarantine measures amended allowed bail and PM are for overseas travellers By Hansi Nanayakkara By Hansi Nanayakkara my superiors Director General Health Services (DGHS), Colombo Additional Magistrate Informed sources said 20 of 32 suspects arrested Dr. Asela Gunawardena, further amending Kanchana Neranjana de Silva yesterday and produced in Court for engaging in a demonstration – Gammanpila the ‘Quarantine measures for travellers released on bail Ceylon Teachers’ Union opposite the Parliament roundabout, in violation of arriving from overseas during the COVID-19 Secretary Joseph Stalin and 32 others, health guidelines had fled after being released on bail. pandemic’, said overseas travellers arriving who were charged with staging a protest After being enlarged on bail, the Police had attempted By Gagani in the country from abroad who are fully near the Parliament roundabout, in to direct the suspects to a quarantine centre in Weerakoon and vaccinated were not required to go through violation of quarantine laws. Mullaitivu, while a few of the suspects had Methmalie the 14-day quarantine if their “on-arrival Accordingly, Magistrate de Silva issanayake remonstrated opposite the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s D PCR test was negative.” released each suspect on personal bail Court and refused to be quarantined. Dr. Gunawardena, issuing more in Rs 25,000 and sternly warned them, During this time, 20 of the suspects had fled from Energy Minister amendments to the quarantine measures while instructing them to support the the Court premises, these sources added, while the Udaya Gammanpila, for travellers, said that the circulars issued inquiries into the case. remaining 12 suspects had been sent to the quarantine yesterday (8), said in in this connection on 6 April 2021, 12 April Welikada Police making submissions centre. Parliament that he has 2021 and 26 June 2021, were cancelled. to Court stated that the suspects had... only two superiors, and that they are Story Continued on page 2 President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Premadasa to Speaker: Minister Mahinda US warns of terror Rajapaksa. ‘Don’t be anyone’s puppet’ “I was appointed as attacks in SL the Minister of Energy by President By Gagani Gotabaya Rajapaksa based on Prime MoD says no Weerakoon and Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Methmalie recommendation. They are the only Dissanayake superiors of mine. They never tried to such threat interfere with the activities of my ministry. (Pic by Sajeewa Chinthaka) By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Opposition Leader They have only given instructions and Story Continued on page 2 Sajith Premadasa guidance,” he said. yesterday (8) called on The Minister said so in response to a Although the United States has Speaker Mahinda Yapa question raised by SJB MP Chaminda maintained a warning that there are threats Until AstraZeneca Abeywardena not to be Wijesiri. of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, in its anyone’s puppet. Wijesiri queried whether there is a updated travel advisory, the Minister of vaccine arrives Premadasa and scheme to grant a Rs 6 billion tender to the Defence (MoD) yesterday (8) said there is no Jathika Jana US linked to oil exploration in Sri Lanka. such threat. Administration of Balawegaya (JJB) Leader Anura Kumara Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Pfizer suspended Dissanayake united to... By Dilanthi Jayamanne Story Continued on page 2 Two State Ministry Portfolios reshuffled The administration of the Pfizer vaccine, Consumer Protection which commenced on Wednesday (7) in the Act to be strengthened Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) limits By W. K. Prasad Manju to recipients of the first dose of the Oxford State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing AstraZeneca Development and Consumer Protection Lasantha COVISHIELD vaccine, Alagiyawanna told Ceylon Today the Consumer was temporarily Protection Act will be amended and presented in suspended. Parliament very soon, in order to implement strict This was after the rules and regulations against traders who sell goods Health Ministry was reassured that it is at more than the controlled price or hide stocks of to receive more doses of AstraZeneca by goods. the end of this month, Deputy Director According to the State Minister, this step is being Two State Ministry President Gotabaya and Grains, Organic Food, General (DDG), Disaster Management taken, after considering complaints by the public to Portfolios were reshuffled Rajapaksa. Shasheendra Vegetables, Fruits, Chillies, and Emergency Response, Dr. the Consumer Affairs Authority, about goods being yesterday (08) and Rajapaksa was sworn in as the Onion and Potato Cultivation Hemantha Herath said. sold at higher prices, stocks being hidden and accordingly, Shasheendra State Minister of Organic Promotion, Seed Production Dr. Herath yesterday (8) confirmed substandard goods being sold. He pointed out Rajapaksa and Mohan de Fertilizer Production, Supply and Advanced Technology for that Sri Lanka is to receive 1.4 million further that the Consumer Protection Act has not... Silva were sworn in before and Regulation and the Paddy Agriculture. doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine by...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 friday 9 july 2021 news Continued from page 1 Stalin, 32 others...... engaged in a protest However, the lawyers PM Rajapaksa... demonstration near the said appearing for the suspects venue while flouting the charged that the Police had ... Sustainable Development formulating policies on the Economy with Sustainable participation in economic quarantine regulations put in begun to use quarantine Council, Office of Comptroller subject of economic policies Climate Change Solutions, development and the place to prevent the spread of regulations for political General, Department of and plan implementation in and the Presidential Task implementation of rural and COVID-19. purposes and thereby had Valuation, Sri Lanka accordance with the Force for Gama Samaga regional econometric studies. The Police further informed taken measures to crush Accounting and Auditing, prescribed Laws, Acts, and Pilisandara Rural The Ministry will prioritise the Court that the suspects freedom of speech of their Standard Monitoring Board, Ordinances, implementing Development will be in charge coordination of all Ministries had engaged in unlawful clients. Taking the Public Utilities Commission of projects under the National of facilitating the and other relevant institutions assembly and claimed that the submissions into Sri Lanka, Welfare Benefits Budget, State Investment and implementation of relevant in directing infrastructure actions of the suspects had consideration the Magistrate Board and Public Service National Development development activities while development, investment inconvenienced the stated that she has no Mutual Provident Fund, have Programme, and formulating, coordinating all ministries. promotion, regulation of ambulances travelling towards jurisdiction to direct the been listed under the new implementing, monitoring, The special priorities are the organic fertiliser production, the Sri Jayawardenepura suspects to undergo the portfolio. and evaluating policies, formulation and and other Government Hospital and blocked traffic quarantine programme and This Ministry will be programmes, and projects on implementation of national flagship development flow on the Parliament road. explained that this should planning and implementing the subject of economic development programmes and programmes toward the They alleged that this had happen through the health relevant policies in order to policies and plan projects to achieve the Policy expected goals, as well as caused severe traffic authorities. A group of lawyers accelerate economic implementation. Statement’s sustainable taking necessary measures to congestion and urged the led by Attorney Guneratne development and social The Presidential Task Force development goals, the consolidate International Magistrate to place the Wanninayake appeared for the progress based on the for Economic Revival and formulation of national Banks, funds, and local banks suspects in remand custody suspects. Further proceedings National Policy Statement Poverty Alleviation, the policies, the coordination of in order to uplift the rural and and order them to be sent for of the case were fixed for 9 ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Presidential Task Force for the State, private, and regional economies while quarantine. September. Splendour’. Transforming Sri Lanka into a cooperative sectors to strengthening the national It will concentrate on Green Socioeconomic facilitate private sector economy. MoD says... Basil Gets.... Only President... The US State Department the Centres for Disease issued the updated travel Control and Prevention (CDC) Basil Rajapaksa took oaths Policies, Department of “It is reported that the US accepted that the foreign advisory on 6 July to in the US said it has issued a as a new MP of 9th Information Technology Ambassador met you and ambassadors are pressing reconsider travel to Sri Lanka ‘Level 3 Travel Health Notice’ Parliament before Speaker Management, Department of requested to grant the tender you.” because of Covid-19 and the for Sri Lanka due to COVID- Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena Legal Affairs, Department of to them. You seem to be under Speaking further, the “threat of terrorism”. 19, indicating a high level of yesterday (8). Management Auditing and pressure from the US.Is it just Minister said that his ministry The Ministry of Defence COVID-19 in the country. After the official oath taken the Department of the US or the persons who is ready to start oil exploration yesterday (8) noted that the Also, the US State before the Speaker, he signed Development Finance. have connections with the US? in Sri Lanka, which was Revision of the US Travel Department said that that in the Member Roll kept Government Revenue Are they putting pressure on supposed to start from 1966. Advisory to Level-3 for Sri terrorists may attack with little before the Secretary General Management Affairs: you? Will you have to hand He also said a feasibility Lanka was due to the COVID- or no warning in Sri Lanka, of Parliament Dhammika Department of Inland over the tender to them study is being conducted to 19 situation. “There is no such targeting tourist locations, Dasanayake and took the Revenue, Sri Lanka Customs, consequently?” Wijesiri decide whether to set up an oil terrorist threat according to transportation hubs, markets, front row seat next to Minister Department of Excise, queried. refinery in the country. the intelligence sources,” shopping malls and Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi. National Lotteries Board, It is true that Ambassadors “The Government has no Defence Secretary Kamal Government facilities. This is the third time that he Development Lotteries Board met me and held discussions. intention to privatise or lease Gunaratne asserted. It also says hotels, clubs, has entered Parliament. and Import and Export But I notify the President and the Ceylon Petroleum The MoD said the US Travel restaurants, places of worship, Born in 1951 in Control Department Prime Minister regarding those Corporation (CPC)and we have Advisory on Sri Lanka is a parks, major sporting and Giruwapaththuwa, Bank, Financial and discussions. The US not reached any decision to periodical revision published cultural events, educational Hambantota, Basil Rohana Capital Market Policies and Ambassador sent me a letter hand over the distribution of by the US State Department institutions, airports, Rajapaksa was appointed to Regulatory Affairs: too. I will not cave into anyone, CPC products to a Chinese under Level-3 category. hospitals, and other public Parliament from the National Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Gammanpila pledged. company or any other Although the US Travel areas are also at risk. list of the United People’s all State Banks, Financial, Wijesiri: “I am happy you company,” Gammanpila said. Advisory regarding Sri Lanka Following an earlier update Freedom Alliance in 2007. In Insurance and their has been issued due to in May when the terror the 2010 Parliamentary subsidiaries and related COVID-19 situation, the warning was maintained, the Election, he was elected from institutions, Sri Lanka threat on Terrorism is also US Embassy in Sri Lanka had Gampaha District by polling Insurance Board, Sri Lanka included by default. clarified that the travel 425,861 votes - the highest Insurance Corporation and Quarantine... Furthermore, the US advisory issued at the time number of preferential votes its subsidiaries and affiliated Embassy in Colombo stated in had been solely due to the in Sri Lanka. companies, Credit Accordingly “Fully Sri Lankan Seafarers, a twitter message yesterday (7) prevailing COVID-19 situation He was the Cabinet Information Bureau, Vaccinated” persons are arriving by air or Dual that the updating of Travel in Sri Lanka and that the Minister of Economic Department for Registrar of those administered with the Citizens (if using the Sri Advisory for Sri Lanka from terrorist threat level that was Development from 2007 to Companies, Security and recommended doses of the Lankan passport to arrive), Level-4 to Level-3 was solely maintained earlier had not 2010 in the Sixth Parliament Exchange Commission of Sri coronavirus vaccine and do not need to get prior due to prevailing COVID-19 changed. “Your risk of and 2010 to 2015 in the Lanka and Sri Lanka Export depart from abroad after approval from the Foreign situation in the country and contracting COVID-19 and Seventh Parliament. He was Credit Insurance. completing two weeks since Ministry and Civil Aviation there was no change to the developing severe symptoms educated in Isipathana Provision of Funds: taking the vaccination. Authority of Sri Lanka to terrorist threat level. may be lower if you are fully College Colombo and Ananda Lady Lochore Fund, Strike, He noted that travellers arrive in the country. Moreover, inconsistent with vaccinated with an FDA College. Riot, Civil Commotion and who received the However, quarantine the assessments of the authorised vaccine. Before He was sworn in as the Terrorism Fund, National recommended doses of measures for travellers who intelligence sources,General planning any international Minister of Finance last Insurance Trust Fund, COVID-19 vaccine are received COVID-19 Kamal Gunaratne stated that travel, please review the CDC’s morning, before President Employers’ Trust Fund, required to carry the original vaccination or have not neither reports on terrorist specific recommendations for Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Shrama Vasana Fund, vaccination certificate or completed the recommended activities nor such related vaccinated and unvaccinated Presidential Secretariat. National Health Development card or supportive evidence doses of vaccination or have threats were reported. travellers,” the travel notice The Finance Minister will Fund, Kidney Fund, Tea of the vaccination. departed from abroad within In the latest travel advisory, said. have following departments, Shakthi Fund and Kapruka Dr. Gunawardena said “as less than two weeks of statutory institutions and Fund there were positive cases completion of recommended public corporations under his The Ministry's reported among fully doses of vaccination, will purview. responsibilities include vaccinated persons in Sri have to undergo mandatory Treasury Affairs: macroeconomic policies, Lanka and in other quarantine of 14 days after Two State Ministry... General Treasury, annual budgets and countries, it is important to arrival in Sri Lanka, if the With the reshuffle of the ministerial portfolios, Mohan de Department of Fiscal Policy, Appropriation Acts, public minimise Covid-19 or its On Arrival PCR report is Silva was sworn in as the State Minister of Coast Department of National financial management, variants entering the negative. Conservation and Low-Lying Lands Development. Secretary to Budget, Department of domestic and international country. Therefore, fully The DGHS said that all the President P.B. Jayasundera was present at the occasion. Management Services, savings and investments, vaccinated travellers should travellers arriving in Sri Department of External public debts, banking, not relax the preventive Lanka should mandatorily Resources, Department of finance, and insurance measures and should abide carry a negative COVID-19 Public Finance, Department activities, international by the COVID-19 preventive PCR test report, in the of Treasury Operations, financial cooperation, and measures imposed by the English language, done Consumer Protection... Department of Public directing social security and Government.” within 72 hours prior to ... been updated since 2003 and this step was being taken, Accounts, Department of economic development Dr. Gunawardena said Sri embarkation. considering the problems that consumers have had to face as a Trade and Investment activities. Lankan Citizens, including (DJ) result. Alagiyawanna said that since the punishments for offences engaged in by both, wholesale and retail traders are very lenient, a number of proposals have been submitted, including increasing, by a substantial sum, the fines to be levied for these offences. ‘Don’t be anyone’s... He further said that in another two or three months’ time under the new amended laws, traders will not be able to ... criticise the actions of the chance to present the chance to present the the decisions taken by Party increase prices of goods according to their whims and fancies the Speaker when the latter motion. motion. Only the debate was Leaders and the Business and there will be no room for them to hide goods either. informed that the Dissanayake: “Prof. agreed upon and Prof. Committee. Don’t disregard Adjournment Debate on the Bandara is on the Bandara is ready to present them. Otherwise people might Central Bank Annual Report Government side. It is true the motion.” know he is a puppet of 2020 would be held today (9) that his seat is on the Speaker: “This is what the someone. The whole world will and SLPP MP Prof. Ranjith Opposition’s side in the report (minutes of Party think that someone is Administration.... Bandara would present the Chamber. But you should Leaders’ Meeting) I received controlling you. You are the ... about the third week of this month. Adjournment Motion. not count everyone seated in states.” Speaker of this country. The A total of 925,242 persons received the first dose of the Dissanayake said it was he the Opposition Side in the Dissanayake: “Anyone who Speaker cannot be a puppet. AstraZeneca jab while to date only 384,374 persons have that requested for the debate Chamber as belonging to the has any common sense can That is not good for your received the second dose of the same. during the Party Leaders’ Opposition. You don’t need to understand that a person image. Don’t be a puppet. Be The National Immunisation Programme in collaboration with Meeting and he had already follow everything the requests for a debate because fair.” the armed forces engaged in the vaccination drive were able to submitted the motion to the Government says. You he wants to move it. I am not ITAK MP M.A. Sumanthiran administer 2,171 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to Colombo City Speaker. shouldn’t be on that seat if Prof. Bandara’s corroborated what dwellers who had been given the AstraZeneca jab as their first Dissanayake: “I requested you want to follow the representative. This is a joke. Dissanayake and Premadasa dose, the Epidemiology Unit website revealed. a debate on the CBSL annual Government’s instructions. Your conscience knows that were saying. Dr. Herath explained that the Director General Health report several times. Finally, You have to carry out the too. That is why you took a This discussion then turned Services would issue a circular and guidelines as to who this week Party Leaders decisions taken by the few minutes to answer my heated when the Government should be administered the Pfizer vaccine. It would be to those agreed to hold the debate on Business Committee.” questions. Also, the report in members accused Premadasa persons to whom it would be most beneficial and who were also Friday (9). I want to know Opposition Leader your hand is not approved by of wasting the time of at risk. He noted that it could also include students who were from the Speaker whether Premadasa, at this juncture, us. We do not know the Parliament and said he was going for higher studies abroad which recognise only the Pfizer the debate would be held as backed Dissanayake and contents of that report.” the real puppet. vaccine. planned. I have already said the Speaker should give Premadasa: “I agree with The Speaker then accepted He stressed the fact that Pfizer like all the other vaccines being submitted the motion.” an explanation as to why Dissanayake. Party Leaders that there was confusion administered in Sri Lanka was to be administered as two doses. Speaker: “The debate will Prof. Bandara was given the discussed his motion this regarding the matter and Meanwhile, Regional Epidemiologist CMC Dr. Dinuka be held on Friday (9). I have chance to present the motion week and agreed to hold the suggested to discuss about it Guruge, in a twitter message said that the CMC had been been informed that the instead of Dissanayake, debate on Friday (9). I was during the Party Leaders’ instructed to stop administering the Pfizer vaccine as a second debate will be moved by the contrary to the Business present. How can that change meeting at 12.00 noon. Chief dose and wait till the third week of this month for the Government’s side and Prof. Committee’s agreement. abruptly like this? Government Whip Johnston AstraZeneca vaccine which would be given as the second dose. Ranjith Bandara will present In response, Leader of the The Speaker: “We can Fernando and SJB MP The Pfizer vaccine was to be administered to those above 55 the motion.” House Dinesh Gunawardena discuss about this at the next Gayantha Karunatileka years of age in Colombo City who had been administered the Dissanayake then said, “This debate was Business Committee meeting.” concurred. Oxford- AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine as their first jab. protested against the requested by Dissanayake Premadasa: “No. The However, it was later State Minister for Primary Health Care, Epidemics and Speaker’s statement and last month and it was agreed debate is scheduled for this decided to postpone the COVID Control Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle said that noted that since he was the to hold it on Friday (9). The Friday (9) and Dissanayake is debate to next month at the according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a lapse of one who requested the Party Leader’s did not decide the one who should present it. Business Committee six months between the two doses was permissible. debate, he should be given to give Dissanayake the The Speaker should respect meeting. news friday 9 july 2021 A3

Sustainable Freight Transport strategy UNESCAP and SL identify Air Pollution Costs seven focus areas

By Sulochana Ramiah – Amaraweera building capacity of transport 8% of GDP Mohan policymakers, promoting By Thameenah Razeek reduce air pollution in Sri Lanka, Considering these concerns, it was transformative transport adding that these steps were taken in decided to prioritise electric vehicle The United Nations Economic technologies, encouraging private The health sector will have to spend light of the economic, environmental, imports, he added. The distance that and Social Commission for Asia sector participation, and 8 per cent of Sri Lanka’s GDP on and health problems that air pollution car can travel on a full charge is and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the diversifying funding source for ailments related to air pollution, causes. around 300 km. However, according Sri Lankan authorities have sustainable freight transport. Environment Minister Mahinda Despite the fact that air pollution to the minister, technology is evolving drafted a strategy identifying seven Secretary Monty Ranatunge of Amaraweera said. has a minor influence due to the lack and the range will soon be expanded focus areas that include increasing the Ministry of Transport of Sri According to the Minister, the of industrialisation in the country, the to 500 km. role of railway transport, Lanka appreciated the draft of the economic loss to the country owing to main cause of air pollution is the It is also planned to increase the improving intermodal freight strategy prepared by the UNESCAP traffic congestion in Colombo release of hazardous gases into the number of charging stations from 55 transport, transforming Sri Lanka for consultations. He concurred surpasses Rs 1 billion per day, with atmosphere caused by the to 200. into a global maritime hub, with strategic thrust areas an annual loss of Rs 3,900 million due combustion of fossil fuels. “As a It is also proposed to prepare a building resilience of transport to identified in the strategy and to unnecessary fuel consumption and result, around 8 per cent of the strategic plan for this purpose, with climate change impacts, highlighted the need to increase time-wasting. country’s GDP must be spent on the Secretaries of the Ministries of enhancing sustainability of road the role of railway transport by Therefore, he said, the Environment health-related sectors to treat Environment, Transport, Power, transport, addressing urban undertaking restructuring of Ministry submitted a Cabinet Paper to diseases brought on by air pollution,” Energy, Industry, and Finance serving freight transport challenges, and railways in Sri Lanka. prioritise electric vehicle imports to he said. on the committee. expanding the role of women in the Ambassador and Permanent Sri Lankan transport sector. Representative of Sri Lanka in The national consultation Thailand C.A. Chaminda I. workshop on Sustainable Freight Colonne appreciated the efforts Transport strategy was held on 5 taken by the UNESCAP in nd 751 COVID-19 July, where the Permanent conducting the assessment on SLUSA and SAUSF hold 2 Mission of Sri Lanka in Bangkok sustainable freight transport in Sri cases in Mullaitivu and the Ministry of Transport of Lanka and developing the national World Walkathon Sri Lanka had participated. strategy. The Sri Lanka Universities Sports almost all school and university level – RDHS Making opening remarks at the The workshop also included a Association (SLUSA) and the South sports activities have come to a halt workshop, the Chief of the representative from the Ministry of Asian University Sports Federation in so many countries around the By Naalir Jamaldeen Transport Connectivity and Oceans and Fisheries of the (SAUSF), together with the world, especially in the South Asian Logistics Section of the Transport Republic of Korea who shared the International Aviation Games Board, region, this international The Office of the Regional Director of Division of UNESCAP, Azhar experience of port policies and how will be organising the 2nd World programme which will be held Health Services (RDHS) in Mullaitivu Jaimurzina assured that Sri Lanka could learn from them. Walkathon and Mini 2021 which will virtually will definitely challenge District said 751 persons in the district UNESCAP would render necessary The representatives of Asian be held from 16 to 30 July. teenagers, youth, and adults to had tested positive to COVID-19, while technical assistance in Institute of Transport Development The challenge is to walk or run 45 maintain a fit lifestyle. 710 persons tested positive during the implementing the strategy for (AITD) also shared their views on km in 15 days within the confines of To register, please contact Dr. third wave of the pandemic. sustainable freight transport in Sri challenges faced by Sri Lanka your own home premises. This event Chandrakantha Mahendranathan, A total of 39 infected cases are being Lanka to maximise the positive Railways and how to boost the role will be conducted in 3 age groups; Event Chairperson, President of treated at COVID-19 treatment centres externalities of freight transport. of railway transport in Sri Lanka. under 15, under 45 and Open. SLUSA, through her email: and hospitals. 331 individuals from 135 UNESCAP Economic Affairs The President of the Infrastructure During this pandemic, when [email protected] families in the Mullaitivu District who Officer Sandeep Jain elaborated on Economics Centre based in were close contacts have been isolated. the strategy and said it would help Moscow explained how PCR tests have been performed on 75 Sri Lanka to provide coherence to understanding of freight flows highland crop cultivators in the sustainable freight transport post-pandemic would become an Oddusuddan area and they have been measures that are currently important component for Online sexual exploitation of students isolated in their homes by area PHIs fragmented and scattered. The appropriate planning and until the results are made available, a strategy would help implement Sri investments in transport source at the Mullaitivu RDHS Office Lanka’s international obligations, infrastructure in Sri Lanka. Mobile Marketing Officer arrested said. particularly the United Nations The workshop agreed that the By Eunice Ruth The investigation showed that a A group of five fishermen from Sustainable Development Goals. draft strategy would be finalised person from Tambuttegama had Puttalam, Karukkupanai, and The strategy also identified five soon after consultations with A 28-year-old suspect who was obtained the phone numbers of Wennappuwa, who had been engaged in enablers that would help relevant stakeholders and then arrested for engaging in online sexual schoolchildren, saying that they fishing, setting up huts in the Nai Aru implement strategy including after government endorsement/ exploitation was produced before the would be given Zoom packages for Lagoon area, had tested positive to strengthening of governance for adoption would be taken up for Morawaka Magistrate yesterday (8), educational purposes. The suspect COVID-19 on 2 July and 7 close sustainable freight transport, implementation. Police Spokesman, SDIG Ajith was working as a Marketing Officer at contacts also tested positive. Rohana said. He said a school a leading mobile company in Sri The Nai Aru area will remain in principal in Pitabeddara made a Lanka. isolation until further notice. complaint regarding online sexual SDIG Rohana said further Meanwhile, a programme to vaccinate exploitation. Accordingly, the Children investigations will be conducted by persons above 60 is taking place at the and Women Bureau divisional unit in the Children and Women Bureau Puthukudiyiruppu Sri Subramaniam Man killed in Matara launched an investigation. divisional unit in Matara. Vidyalaya as well. dynamite explosion By Naalir Jamaldeen mortuary of the District General Hospital, Trincomalee for the post- A man died in a dynamite explosion mortem examination, Kuchchaveli on Wednesday (7) evening in the Jaya Police said. Kuchchaveli Police are Nagar area, Kuchchaveli Police said conducting further investigations. yesterday (8). This incident had Meanwhile, Kalmunai Police occurred around 2:00 p.m. on the recovered M16 rifle ammunition from aforesaid date and the victim is the rooftop of a house in Al-Hamra 26-year-old Imamdeen Adhmir, a Road, Maruthamunai on the same resident of Jaya Nagar, Kuchchaveli. day. The 54-year-old owner has been The explosion had occurred when detained at Kalmunai Police for three fishermen tried to fish using inquiries. banned dynamite. The body of the The Police raided his house following deceased has been stored in the a tip-off.

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By W. C. Dheerasakera contribute to prosperity for cultural exchange and social justice. Creative Economy (CE) based on Creativity is the inspirational energy people’s creativity not on the amount of Development of and knowledge that spur many money they possess ensures the individuals including young men and sustenance and effectiveness of women to develop new industrial economic activities. CE through ventures with a vision for future creative industries (CIs) harnesses the transformations of societies “ economic potential of innovative Hence, it is suggested that MOI may products and processes developed Creative Industries seek technical assistance from UNIDO through the creativity of people to meet for the development of National Policy on the market demand for addressing Creative Industries through Sri Lanka’s specific needs of consumers. The UNIDO Focal Point established in MOI. unique feature of CIs is the capability to It is noted that UNIDO’s new Sri Lanka effectively utilise Intellectual Property and Economies Country Programme (2020-2024) is Rights (IPRs) possessed by people with being developed now. The Development creative ideas who develop innovative strategy. (SMEs). But public agencies such as of National Policy for Creative Industries products and processes. However, out of sixteen products and National Enterprise Development can be listed as a project in this country The CIs develop and market services of CIs, NPFVP deals with only We have to Authority (NEDA) and the Industrial programme. innovative products and processes seven. Hence, there is a felt need to formulate a Development Board (IDB) have not yet It is also observed that Sri Lanka with under the three pillars of Arts & develop a national policy for creative developed programmes for harnessing 29 other countries passed a resolution Culture, Designs and Media as a cross industries to harness economic programme to creativity of SMEs. in UN General Assembly on 8th cutting economic sector. The Arts & potential of those sixteen products and develop creative Meanwhile, through the initiative of November 2019 for proclamation of Culture pillar consists of creative services. The model of NPFVP can be the British Council IPS undertook a 2021 as International Year of Creative activities of arts, heritage & crafts (art applied for the development of national industries to reduce research study on ‘Mapping Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. crafts, traditional cultural expressions, policy for creative industries. the trade deficit and Industries in Sri Lanka’ in August Accordingly, United Nations Conference festivals and celebrations), visual arts, When developing the national policy, 2019. Based on the findings of the on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) performing arts (musical shows, we have to deal with public policy increase the range research study, the British Council has declared 2021 International Year of theatre, opera, marionettes) , literature issues pertaining to CIs which need of creative products made a series of recommendations to Creative Economy (2021-IYCE) and and the Design Pillar deals with creative attention of policy makers. develop the creative industries in their presented a special programme to be activities of architecture, internal Developing export markets for exported as a publication of Creative and Culture implemented during this period. designs, industrial designs, fashion products and services of CIs made in Industries in Sri Lanka. Those The purposes of 2021-IYCE are raising designs, graphic designs, software, Sri Lanka is such a public issue. In my priority recommendations were (a) Position Sri awareness, promoting cooperation and advertising and branding. The creative article ‘Creative Industries and People development task. Lanka as an ethical and sustainable networking, encouraging sharing best activities of publishing, photography, Centered Economy ‘published in Ceylon creative hub (b) Support Sri Lanka’s practices and experience, enhancing television and radio, digital media and Today of 11 Monday May 2020, I However, it is position in global value chain (c) human resource capability, promoting film & videos come under the Media observed that Sri Lanka whilst observed that Improve data on cultural and creative an enabling environment at all levels Pillar. exporting US$ 217.5M worth of creative industries (d) Develop a strong and tackling the challenges of creative CIs account for 7 per cent of the products in 2014 and imported US$ during the last one professional association for cultural economy. Although 29 members of UN World’s GDP and grows at an annual 523.3M worth of creative products had year action has not and creative industries (e) Value referred to have initiated developing rate of 8.7 per cent. Sri Lanka also had a negative trade balance of US$ creative education, strengthen the national programmes to address those shown a steady growth of CIs. The 305.81M. been taken to teaching of creative skills across the purposes during 2021-IYCE, Sri Lanka contribution CIs to Sri Lanka’s GDP It was also noted that Sri Lanka’s formulate the curriculum. Those recommendations has not yet developed such a national increased from US$433.62 M in 2010 export of creative industries mainly are public policy issues important for programme. to US$ 845.41 M in 2014. Nevertheless confined to two products – Art Crafts programme formulating the National Policy for However, due to COVID-19 Pandemic the policy makers in Sri Lanka hardly and Design. Hence, we have to referred to in Creative Industries. implementation of such national discuss the contribution made by CIs formulate a programme to develop Another important policy issue is programmes on creative industries have for GDP and role played by CIs for creative industries to reduce the trade consultation with financing creative industries. Provision to be restricted. According to UNCTAD’s economic development through job deficit and increase the range of stakeholders of of public funds through grants and soft report in May 2021, the COVID-19 creation and export market creative products exported as a priority loans is the main source of financing of Pandemic has been a severe blow to development in the country. development task. However, it is creative industries CIs industry. Since this source of creative industries.”Lockdowns and However it is observed the National observed that during the last one year funding is limited, we have to seek confinement measures have brought Policy Framework: Vistas of Prosperity action has not been taken to formulate other funding source such as venture several sub-sectors to a near halt such (NPFVP) presented by President the programme referred to in industries and it is another public capital funding for accelerated as performing arts and cultural Gotabaya Rajapaksa has advocated consultation with stakeholders of policy issue for development of creative development of CIs. But the venture activities. sectoral policies, strategies and creative industries. industries. capital funding source is limited as Moreover, the crisis is likely to cause a activities for the development of some Another public issue is adopting best Ms. Dilani Hirimuthugoda Research Banks in Sri Lanka focused on lasting effect on the economy by products of CIs namely Cultural practices for development of CIs. Economist of the Institute of Policy provision of loan capital funding. Thus reducing consumer spending and Heritage, Art Craft, Traditional Cultural Professor Nalin Abeysekera of the Open Studies (IPS) has proposed five there is an urgent need to develop disposable income.” Expressions, Theatre, Cinema, University has proposed to transfer the suggestions to enhance the effective venture capital funding source. For this A study estimating the impact of the Technology & Innovation and Books best practices of the Nigerian Film utilisation of IPRs for the development purpose, it is recommended that Sri crisis on culture and creative industries Arts and crafts Industry to Ranminithenna in of creative industries. Viz: (i) Enhance Lanka may seek funding for in the EU indeed found that in 2020 the Hambantota District developed by the knowledge on access to IPRs in the development of venture capital source total turnover of these industries fell by For example, Arts and crafts have Government of Sri Lanka with creative industries through awareness from the Silk Root Fund of China. $ 199B-a decline of 31 per cent from been classified in NPFVP under sub- infrastructure facilities for developing programmes at the grass root levels Development of a national 2019. sector Arts and Sculpture and the films & video presentations. The especially in the craft, music and Impact of COVID-19 strategy of providing opportunities to proposed transfer will make design sub-sectors.(ii) Many traditional policy exhibit and market arts and sculpture Ranminithenna a media hub of creative creative industries are location specific Hence, there is a felt need to products have been advocated whilst industries with film & videos produced such as Ambalangoda masks, Hence, to facilitate development of ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on listing a series of activities namely (i) therein and pave the way for attracting Dumbara mats and Wewaldeniya cane national policy on CIs, it is suggested creative industries in Sri Lanka also Setup a fully-sledged Art and Sculpture international producers of films and products. Producers of those creative that a National Council for Creative and propose measures to revitalise Exhibition Theatre (ii) Setup similar videos to Sri Lanka. industry products can use Industries (NCCIs) may be set up at the products and services of creative theatre network in all districts (iii) Geographical Indication (GI) which will Presidential Secretariat with the industries. For this purpose it is Establish a practical co-ordination Intellectual property rights help to protect their rights, increase Ministers dealing with products and suggested that the proposed network to link arts and sculpture Having observed that today, the product value and better visibility. The services of creative industries as Secretariat for Creative Industries of sectors with tourism, and (iv) Set up a creative industry is one of the most National Intellectual Property Office Members of NCCIs whilst the Secretariat the Ministry of Industries may special Museum to protect and display dynamic sectors of the world economy (NIPO) must speed up the process of of NCCIs may be established at the undertake islandwide survey to excellent creation of arts and sculpture and offer new opportunities for leaps identifying and obtaining GIs for Ministry of Industries (MOI). ascertain current status of creative for the implementation of the strategy. and bounds in the emerging economies selected sectors while also expanding The Secretariat for Creative Industries industries and in consultation with Another example, under Technology Chitral Jayawarnna of Sri Lanka links with the World Intellectual (SCIs) at the Ministry of Industries will stakeholders including Line Ministries & Innovation subsector for establishing Council for Agricultural Research Policy Property Office (WIPO) to protect have to develop projects on Creative deal with products and services of CIs a technology-based society (Smart has stated that creative cities can be traditional industries (iii) Adopt at the Industries for approval of NCCIs. to propose measures for accelerated Nation), promotion of Information created as a new economic sector. He national level a sui generis (a unique Accordingly, based on the public policy development of CIs. The survey can be technology (IT) entrepreneurship has mentioned that the new Colombo and system) legal framework for protecting issues discussed above and in based on the Mapping of Creative been presented as the development Colombo Port City which under traditional knowledge and cultural consultation with the stakeholders of Industries conducted by IPS with staff strategy and a series of activities viz construction will create new economic expressions, which are ultimately the CIs, the National Policy on Creative of NEDA through the initiative of the Make US$ 3M worth export industry by opportunities through the creation of foundation from which Sri Lanka Industries has to be drafted by SCIs as a British Council in 2019. 2025 by developing Business Process International Theatre and Dancing creates its unique designs.(iv) Laws priority project and submit it to NCCIs The findings of the survey can be Outsourcing (BPO) & Knowledge Halls. He also proposed that Colombo need to be updated as the existing legal for approval. used to develop the National Process Outsourcing (KPO), Set up IT City can be transferred into a tourists’ framework does not cater to modern Meanwhile, based on the Working Programme to celebrate 2021 centre and BPO centre in connecting attraction by connecting the new Port technology. (v) Sri Lanka must Paper under the theme ‘Development International Year for Creative cities, Encourage local software City and the Old Port City. He has modernize its IP system, incentivize Policy and Creative Industries’ United Economy by MOI and also the issues engineers and IT designers to develop emphasised the fact that we need to grassroots innovation and promote Nations Industrial Development mentioned in the survey can be software locally instead of importing, have a broader vision and strategy for homegrown creativity to fuel a culture Organisation (UNIDO) published the reviewed in the discussions on Increase the number of software development of creative industries. of creativity. report ‘Creative Industries for Youth’ in developing National Policy for Creative engineers and programmers to 300,000 Facilitating harness of Intellectual It is noted that the World Intellectual 2012 Industries. by 2025 and support local Property Rights (IPRs) including copy Property Rights Organisation (WIPO) In this report UNIDO mentioned that ( W. C. Dheerasakera is an entrepreneurs to develop software for rights, trademarks, Geographical marks this year’s Intellectual Property “Creativity is the untapped and innate Industry Strategist & Development international market have been listed Indications, patents and sui generis is (IP) Day under the theme of Creativity human resource that economies have Planning Specialist and Former as activities for implementation of the important for development of creative in Small and Medium Enterprises yet to harness for its potential that can Secretary Ministry of Industries.) Staying Cool during Iraq’s Power Cuts

By Maya Gebeily any time of the day,” Sadkan clearest and most threatening pay for an expensive diesel- four-week-old newborn, who was to cope with the heat by told the Thomson Reuters effects of climate change, and fuelled generator or flee Baghdad sleeping most of the day, Jassim scheduling the shooting of No strangers to temperatures Foundation by phone from his temperatures in Iraq for the mountains sought refuge eventually invited her sister and outdoor scenes in the spring and above 50 degrees Celsius (122 home. are increasing up to seven times with relatives who live in better- the children to stay in her saving indoor scenes and editing Fahrenheit), Iraqis are adept at When at work in the national faster than the global average, served neighbourhoods. modest apartment. for the summer. finding ways to stay cool in parliament, Sadkan also enjoys according to a 2017 study in the Zahraa Jassim, 33, lives with “I told my sister they can stay “The problem is that this year summer. But a spate of recent round-the-clock electricity in Atmospheric Research journal. her husband and two young here until the end of summer. I we have nationwide power power cuts has exposed a deep his office, meaning the air- Iraq is a leading producer in daughters in a well-serviced keep thinking, ‘What about outages for the first time,” Talib divide between the heatwave conditioning whirrs all day and the Organisation of the residential compound, where people that don’t have said by phone. haves and have-nots. the water cooler stays chilled. Petroleum Exporting Countries power cuts are rare. anybody?’” she said. “The cameras and lights turn While relatively well-off If the Baghdad heat is still too (OPEC), but its national grid has But her parents, who live in a A complicated problem off every time the power cuts, residents of the capital, oppressive, he drives his three been worn down by years of less affluent neighborhood, get Outside Jassim’s window, and we can’t turn the air Baghdad, can afford generators children 500 km (about 300 conflict and poor maintenance. power just one or two hours a construction workers and other conditioning on at all. Our that crank into action when the miles) north for a long weekend Critics say an inefficient tariff day. Her sister Elaf, who lives day laborers toil away under the editing and production work is national grid falters, others in Zakho, a mountainous region system fails to incentivise power elsewhere in the city, had no sun, while men and boys hawk all late,” he said. have been struggling to cope that is regularly 15 degrees conservation, and there has been state-provided electricity for days water bottles nestled in ice at On the way home, Talib passes without air-conditioning, fridges Celsius cooler than the capital. little investment in renewable on end in late June. traffic intersections nearby. the Shatt al-Arab – the waterway and electric fans for days. “The middle- and upper-class energy so far. “It’s 57 degrees inside her Iraq has not enacted the kind into which Iraq’s twin Euphrates Government employee Sadiq can still leave,” 41-year-old During sweltering summers, house,” Jassim said by phone. of heat protection laws and Tigris rivers feed before Sadkan pays about $200 per Sadkan said, but he fears that power outages can last up to 20 When she called the Electricity implemented in other Gulf reaching the Gulf. month to access a generator will not be an option for long as hours in the least-developed Ministry’s hotline to complain countries such as Qatar to “I’ve never seen so many people supplying his middle-class temperatures rise nearly neighborhoods. But in recent about the outages affecting her protect workers, such as swimming there. They’re mostly neighbourhood during everywhere. weeks, intermittent outages of 24 relatives, the employee who banning outdoor work during the poor people who don’t have a blackouts, which worsen amid “We’re seeing the hours hit the whole country - answered the phone told her he peak heat season and making generator,” he said. surging summer demand. temperatures go up year after even wealthier districts. had no power at home either. annual health checks Most Iraqi homes need “I’ve got a gold standard year, and we know it’s because No one could immediately be “It’s an absolute disaster,” she mandatory. electricity to pump water into subscription to a private of climate change,” he said. reached to comment at the said. Seif Talib, a 29-year-old their bathrooms for a shower. generator, which works 24 Absolute disaster country’s Electricity Ministry. Worried about her sister’s filmmaker who lives in the But even when the water does hours a day ... it can turn on Rising heat is one of the People who could not afford to three-year-old daughter and southern Iraqi city of Basra, tries arrive, it is often boiling hot. focus friday 9 july 2021 A5 LTTE UK - A Vicious Terrorist Group Ability to Influence Opinions Against Sri Lanka

By H. Janadari Jayaratne

The LTTE were terrorists well known for their terror tactics. The remnants of the LTTE International Network in the UK have made the British Parliament sponsor a Resolution at the 46th UN Human Rights Council to create an International Independent Investigative Mechanism relating to Sri Lanka to investigate and prosecute for serious international crimes committed in Sri Lanka, including the crime of genocide of Tamils. The British Tamils Forum (BTF) was designated in 2006 to mobilise the diaspora in support of the Tamil Community in the UK. This is the largest Tamil Diaspora organisation which closely communicates with the organisation. The pictures draw perspectives. The LTTE Part Parliamentary Group for Michelle Bachelet called for an to the atrocities and allegations Tamil community in the UK. The a clear image on how this vicious International Network Tamils (APPGT) influenced the International Criminal Court committed by LTTE? Who will end state of the BTF’s strategy terrorist group has contributed commemorated Mahaveer Day British Foreign Secretary to investigation into Sri Lanka’s raise voices against this brutal, seems to be a move to falsely to the gross violations of Child (hero’s day) around the world pressurize the UNHRC. This Tamil separatist conflict and rigid terrorist organisation? The accuse Sri Lanka, maintaining Rights by recruiting minors to recently. Mahaviru (Great LTTE front organisation was sanctions against top generals above BTF, GTF and APGT fronts the claim of human rights their mission. Heroes) celebration is supported created by Sen Kandiah of LTTE and others accused of war have influence the UK parliament violations and advocating Understanding the remnants by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) UK who was able pay GBP crimes. And move on a resolution Members and they are under punishment to the Sri Lankan of LTTE International Network: and the Tamil National People’s 100,000 to former labor MP and against Sri Lanka mentioning pressure to get their votes and military for the alleged genocide The pattern, influences and Front (TNPF) Commemorations Minister Keith Vaz, a corrupt that Sri Lanka has violating finally this will be ended up in a of the Tamils. The world’s top matters were held in the UK, Germany, British politician of Indian origin. rights in the country by genocide “unprecedented resolution on Sri human rights body UNHRC is The LTTE International Switzerland, Canada and the US. The APPGT was run by the over the period of past civil war. Lanka without any investigation. facing an unprecedented Network is a highly influential Small gatherings were held in British TamilForum (BTF) and Both BTF and GTF partners And the atrocities committed by challenge. Since its 46th session community, and it plays a major parts of some countries Global Tamil Forum (GTF), the raised millions of dollars for LTTE for child soldiers and the it was infiltrated and influenced role in both their host countries especially in the UK and LTTE front in the UK.Sri Lankan terrorism in Sri Lanka.In 2008, repercussions, not only that by a notorious terrorist entity, and Sri Lanka. The role of the Sri Switzerland, where lamps were politicians under ‘Yahapalana BTF has sent a team of allegations conducted by LTTE the LTTE’s influential power of Lankan Tamil Diaspora in war lit in memory of the fighters and regime indirectly connected with delegation to Human Rights carders should also criticised in BTF. The worst repercussions and peace in Sri Lanka is critical Tamil civilians killed during the these fronts to get TNA votes. The Commission for further rights the UNHRC sessions except happened when the UNHRC the for the future of Sri Lanka and final stages of the war. Sri Lankans should discourage violation activities. But LTTE criticising war crimes committed largest global platform to discuss Sri Lankan Tamils in Sri Lanka In the British Parliament there ethnic and religious-based party leader Velupillai Prabhakaran by Sri Lanka. Since Sri Lanka matters related to human rights and aboard. were some parliamentarians who politics. If Sri Lanka is to remain the one who used minors as has started various rehabilitation was hijacked by the LTTE. This These Diaspora organisations were interested in this event in united, Sri Lankans should Suicide Carders in the war period and reintegration process after proscribed organisation with the carry out propaganda UK. Sri Lankan Tamil activists in support national political parties and he is the leader who forcibly the civil war. support of BTF and GTF have Campaigns such as Britain on Friday paid homage to where all communities are recruited child soldiers and The former LTTE cadres were fabricated false accusations and a. Raising funds the victims of the Sri Lankan civil represented. Sri Lanka should abducted minors from their provided with vocational claims against Sri Lanka and b. Organising various anti-SL war by projecting the Karthigai unite the Sri Lanka Muslim parent. Most brutal and suicide training, while school children influenced the British Parliament Government protests. flower, the national flower of Congress, the Bhodu Bala Sena attacks have taken place in Sri were facilitated an opportunity to to sponsor the resolution at the c. Leveling allegations against Tamil Eelam, on the walls of the and Tamil National Alliance. If Lanka and this organization has complete their secondary UNHRC to voice their disapproval top military brass. Houses of Parliament in London not, such parties will disrupt Sri influence school children and education. And 594 child soldiers of Sri Lanka. d. Influencing UN Human to mark Mahaveerar Naal. Along Lanka as a region and by youngsters to join the LTTE army have been reunited with their The LTTE are a proscribed rights organisations and thereby with the image of the Karthigai community, harmony, and and hereafter they will forcibly families. They are now into organisation who have discrediting the Government flower, the words 'We Remember' peace. recruit them as black tigers. higher education, permanent committed atrocities like e. Appointing Tamil were highlighted on the walls and As a result of the front International law prohibits the employment and contributing to recruiting child soldiers and intellectuals for top international also the line 'We Remember the organisations of LTTE in UK, Sri recruitment of children under National Economy, whilst training minors as suicide positions Heroes Who Fought for Freedom Lanka is subjected to the age of 18 by non-state armed enjoying and living in peaceful cadres. According to Article 2 of f. Building up a close network from Sri Lankan State Genocide'. unprecedented propaganda forces and The Liberation Tigers environment in their original the Universal Declaration of with Tamil political parties in Sri (Tamil Express) campaign which influence of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil habitats with kith and kin. The Human Rights (UDHR), everyone Lanka and via them contribute to LTTE activists in UK, influence UNHRC to move against Sri Tigers) use intimidation and rehabilitation program in Sri is entitled to all the rights and the LTTE cause the UK Government to move a Lanka. In its resolution A/ threats to pressure Tamil Lanka was not only for the freedoms, without distinction of Funds were generated through resolution against Sri Lanka. HRC/25/1 adopted in March families in the north and east of children but also for the young any crime such as race, religion, other activities, such as passport LTTE UK organised a protest in 2014 on Promoting Sri Lanka to provide sons and adults. It commenced with the color, sex, language, political or forgery, narcotics, and human Kenton, England on 14 March reconciliation, accountability and daughters for military service Sri Lankan Forces laying down other opinions, etc. According to trafficking. The oversees Tamil carrying LTTE flags. The LTTE human rights in Sri Lanka, the and when a family refuses they their arms to take up a different Amnesty International 2002 Diaspora has contributed to activists confronted the Police UNHRC requested the UN High will adduct those children from role to right the wrong and do ‘Children are entitled to all the terrorism by supporting Tamil when the Police attempted to Commissioner for Human Rights their homes at night or forcibly what was for the best interest of rights guaranteed by the events like Thaipongal when held disperse the activists. Likewise to “undertake a comprehensive recruited while walking to school. the country. The surrendered Universal Declaration of Human in Sri Lanka. They sponsor these terrorist front organisations in investigation into alleged serious The recruitment of children children had a choice of following Rights and the various treaties events to influence Tamils. the UK are using consistent violations and abuses of human under the age of 15 is now vocational training courses and that have developed from it. The LTTE International pressure to influence the British rights and related crimes by both considered a war crime. But this were provided with formal Children are also guaranteed Network has organised various Government to lobby the global parties in Sri Lanka during the law has been violated several education. The children were additional rights, notably under anti-Sri Lankan Government Human rights body .Promoting period covered by the Lessons times by this brutal organisation. provided with psych-social the UN Convention on the Rights protests and influenced the “genocide” narrative are the Learnt and Reconciliation Once the cadre wears he jacket support and provide to follow of the Child because they need international organisations such LTTE fronts Canadian Tamil Commission (LLRC), and to he or she must die, leader offers even extracurricular activities special protection and care. as the UNHRC and other Congress (CTC), Australian Tamil establish the facts and to have the last supper and take such as Scouting, Guiding, However, this brutal organisation Commonwealth Organisations. Federation (ATF), British Tamil circumstances of such alleged a photograph with him before the Cricket etc. The ex-combatants has trained 12- and 13-year old In 2013, The Canadian Prime Forum (BTF) and the Global violations and of the crimes attack and this is a brainwashing became beneficiaries of the children as child soldiers. The Minister said that “Canada Tamil Forum (GTF).BTF is perpetrated with a view to methodology that this vicious rehabilitation and all child 17 and 18 years olds are given remains deeply concerned about especially pressure on UK avoiding impunity and ensuring organisation gives for them .All soldiers became our children as special training as suicide the absence of accountability for parliament members to voice accountability, with assistance these children are suffering from special presidential pardon was cadres. 200 suicide bombings alleged serious violations of against on Sri Lanka about from relevant experts and special trauma due to these forceful given to them with an were carried out by the LTTE human rights and international genocide and Human Rights procedures mandate holders”. actions by them but now many unconditional amnesty for all during the separatist war in Sri humanitarian standards in Sri violations. Suren Surendran who The Council requested the children are lives under the their past doings as the Lanka where at least 60 of the Lanka”. The Tamil Diaspora took over GTF from Father S. J. High Commissioner to present shelter of the Sri Lankan Army Government wanted to restore attacks involved female cadres. oversees have strongly influenced Emmanuel is leading the an oral update at its twenty- and they are now live in a love, care, and kindness into The BTF and GTF have covered these international organisations campaign. The GTF took over the seventh session and a peaceful life and dreaming to their hearts.”We want to live, we up the bitter truth about the to stand against the Government. premier LTTE International comprehensive report on the achieve their future dreams. “We do not want to fight a losing LTTE to the international The Tamil Diaspora has Federation of Tamils led by investigations at its twenty- want to live, we do not want to battle, we are afraid of war” community. The LTTE has attempted to appoint Tamil Arunachalam eighth session.In accordance fight a losing battle, we are afraid flashed back thoughts by a committed atrocities against intellectuals to top international Chrishanthakumar alias with this mandate, the UN High of war” flashed back thoughts by young girl who was a Tamil innocent civilians not only positions since it is the direct Shanthan. (the guardian, tamil- Commissioner for Human Rights a young girl who was a Tamil tigress in this guerrilla war against the Sinhalese but also way to influence the tigers-bomb-making-court). BTF established the OHCHR tigress in this guerrilla war. during her rehabilitation under against the Muslims in their own Government. The Diaspora and GTF are now handling Investigation on Sri Lanka This is the violation of Human the Military. villages. That is the mass killings community has hired well- another British entity - the All- (OISL), based in Geneva. rights and abusing child rights. H. Janadari Jayaratne is a and genocide happened during known highly paid solicitors, Party Parliamentary Group for (OHCHR Investigation on Sri Now Sri Lanka is the defendant Researcher on Conflicts and the war by this vicious lawyers from the UK for legal Tamils (APPGT). The LTTE of All Lanka) Likewise, UN rights chief to be criticize.But what happen Human Rights Climate-related lawsuits skyrocket with big wins

By David Sherfinski "The number of 'strategic' cases is continued fossil fuel investments "There is more diversity in the Hausfeld, a law firm that is active on dramatically on the rise," said the threatened human rights. arguments being used, incorporating, the issue, said he had seen a Climate-related litigation has soared London School of Economics (LSE) Shell vowed to appeal the ruling. for example, themes of greenwashing "crescendo" building in courts across globally since 2015, with governments report, referring to activist cases that The United Nations has also and fiduciary duty. Businesses need the world. and private firms facing aim to bring about a broad shift in predicted more court action amid to be aware of litigation risk," the "What we see is truly a change in the unprecedented challenges over their policy. growing worry about climate change, report said. landscape - the addition and emissions, UK-based researchers said "Litigation that is aligned with protracted wrangling over how to stop Of 369 decided cases, 58 per cent engagement of the law," he said. on Friday. climate goals is on balance seeing it and a mounting sense of urgency. were favourable to climate change "The law has a responsibility in such Almost 55 per cent of 1,841 cases success and there has been a run of Most cases assessed by the LSE action, 32 per cent were unfavourable, a situation to enforce the principles brought to 13 courts in 40 countries important wins in the last 12 months." were brought against governments but and 10 per cent had neutral outcomes, that we believe are at stake," he said, between 1986 and May this year were A Dutch court issued a landmark new arguments involving high the study found, with lawsuits referring to climate goals outlined in filed since 2015, the year of the Paris ruling in May, ordering Royal Dutch emitters in the private sector are likely brought in the United States, France, the Paris Agreement and broader Agreement to limit to limit global Shell to drastically deepen planned to increase moving forward, LSE Pakistan and the East African Court of human rights issues. warming to 1.5 Celsius above pre- greenhouse gas emission cuts after co-author Catherine Higham told the Human Rights. industrial levels, the study found. environmental groups said the firm's Thomson Reuters Foundation. Michael Hausfeld, who chairs Thomson Reuters Foundation A6 friday 9 july 2021 editorial

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Fate of Afghanistan After US Pull-out The US military left Bagram Airfield - its key base in Afghanistan - in the early hours of 2 June, without notifying the Afghans, the base’s new Commander General Asadullah Kohistani said. The US announced that it had vacated Bagram, effectively completing its military campaign in Afghanistan ahead of the official end date of 11 September, announced by President Joe Biden earlier this year. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan is more than 90 per cent completed, the Pentagon’s Central Command said on 6 June. The sudden withdrawal by the US hands control of the base to a much less well-equipped force that could struggle to defend it from the Taliban, which has made swift advances in recent weeks across the country, seizing rural districts and surrounding some larger cities. The group claims to have taken more than 10 new districts in the past 24 hours. Despite the movements on the ground, stalled peace talks were G20 Must Act Now renewed last week between representatives of the Taliban and Afghan Government in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Zabiullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, told the BBC that they would present a plan to the team negotiating on behalf of the Afghan Government and to Vaccinate World both sides would discuss it. BY JEFFREY D. Gen. Kohistani has roughly 3,000 troops under SACHS & JULIANA his command - significantly less than the tens of BARTELS thousands of US and allied soldiers that once occupied Bagram Airbase. When G20 Finance Ministers The US invaded Afghanistan in October 2001 meet in Venice on 9 and 10 following the 9/11 attack carried by Al-Qaeda, led July, they should adopt a plan by Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan; the largest to immunise the world against terror attack ever conducted on US soil which killed COVID-19. Every vaccine- nearly 3,000 people. Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital, producing country will be in fell in November when The Northern Alliance, a the room: the United States, group of anti-Taliban rebels backed by US coalition the United Kingdom, the forces, entered the city routing the Taliban fighters. European Union, China, The years following saw a surge in US and NATO Russia, and India. Together, troops in Afghanistan, particularly to protect its these countries produce civilian population and neutralise insurgents. enough doses to complete the During the last 10 years of their 20-year occupation, immunisation process for the US Forces managed to kill Al-Qaeda Leader, Bin entire globe by early 2022. Yet, Laden in an assault by US Navy Seals on a the world still lacks a plan to compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. However, the get it done. Taliban resurged in 2015 following the pull out of The existing global effort to NATO forces, and thousands of US troops in 2014, bring vaccine coverage to poor What we need now are plans to achieve 80% adult vaccination vaccine hesitancy, which most of whom remained focused on training and countries, known as the share vaccine doses among coverage globally, around six means that even when doses supporting the Afghan Security Forces COVID-19 Vaccine Global countries worldwide, rich and billion additional doses will be are available, uptake falls well In 2020, the US and Taliban signed an ‘agreement Access (COVAX) facility, has poor alike, supported by required. below comprehensive adult for bringing peace’ to Afghanistan, in Doha, Qatar. fallen disastrously short of logistics and financing. None of We have made a preliminary coverage. The US and NATO allies agreed to withdraw all what is needed. Vaccine- this is out of reach if the G20’s spreadsheet model showing In short, we are still troops within 14 months if the militants uphold the producing countries have used members finally start planning that with about one billion profoundly unsafe – deal. their output to vaccinate their seriously. vaccine doses delivered each everywhere. The four million However, with the Taliban heavy-handed takeover, own populations – with many Shockingly, there are no month and approximately six confirmed COVID-19 deaths to the so-called ‘Peace Agreement’ looks redundant as millions of doses to spare. And systematic, comprehensive, billion doses required, we can date (excess death figures ever. vaccine-producing companies and up-to-date official figures achieve comprehensive vaccine indicate that actual deaths are About 1,000 Afghan Soldiers fighting the Taliban have made secret deals with on expected monthly vaccine coverage in about six months – probably many times higher) in the north of the country fled over the border into Governments to sell vaccines production according to by early 2022. The precise are the tragic result of the Tajikistan on 5 June, according to officials, raising bilaterally rather than through producing company and numbers depend on the world’s failure to respond to fears over the military’s ability to stave off further COVAX at a lower cost. country. We have based our specific combination of COVID-19 with clarity, advances by the group. The world is plagued by the estimates of likely vaccine vaccines. But that will happen cooperation, and compassion. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are already in selfishness of the vaccine- production in the coming only if there is a global plan The G7 pledge last month to Afghanistan. The country is simply too producing countries, the greed months on the actual doses that includes a timetable to donate 870 million doses, mountainous, the terrain too rugged; offering of the companies, and the delivered and each company’s allocate the doses across all enough to immunise around numerous remote hiding places for these collapse of basic cooperative announcements, mainly in countries, a logistical plan to 435 million people fully, internationally proscribed terror outfit. governance between the world’s statements to investors for transport the vaccines, an remains far short of a global Until now, the Afghan Government Intelligence major regions. We doubt that press releases. From this implementation plan within plan. Service, the NDS, working closely with US and other experts from the US projection, we have devised a every country, and a financing It is imperative that the G20 Special Forces, has been able to partly contain the Government have ever met preliminary timeline to achieve plan. come together and act to threat. (even by Zoom) with their a high level of global vaccine The situation is especially provide the needed vaccines. What is today modern Afghanistan and parts of counterparts in China and coverage. The failure of urgent in Africa, where only The world’s health depends on Pakistan, have been notoriously difficult to govern Russia to plan a global vaccine COVAX, the World Health about 16 million people, or just what happens in Venice this throughout history, earning it the moniker ‘The campaign. The US has been Organization, the G20, and the 2% of the adult population, week. Graveyard of Empires’. Invading nations and more interested in shipping vaccine-producing countries to were fully immunised as of 30 Jeffrey D. Sachs, expanding empires had failed to tame this wild vaccines to Taiwan, do the same amounts to a June. This is incredibly low, University Professor at country for centuries. When the US and its allies presumably to embarrass the dramatic breakdown of global especially compared with full Columbia University, is finally leave Afghanistan, they would only be the People’s Republic of China, cooperation. vaccination rates of 17% of the Director of the Centre for latest in a long series of nations to do so, as did the than to work with China to Monthly production worldwide adult population Sustainable Development at Soviets after their decade-long campaign in 1989, protect the entire world. outside of Africa, and far higher Columbia University and the British after the Anglo-Afghan war from Scientists have been Our estimate is the following: rates in the vaccine-producing President of the UN 1832-1842, the Mughals and a plethora of ancient sounding the alarm that delay Monthly production by all countries: 57% of the adult Sustainable Development empires like the Persians, Greeks and the Mongols. in global vaccine coverage companies producing COVID- population in the US, 59% in Solutions Network. He has In the meantime, Iran has told Taliban and Afghan could prove devastating for the 19 vaccines that have received the UK, 40% in the EU, 15% in served as adviser to three UN Government representatives it stood ready to help entire world, as new variants emergency use listing by the Russia, and 6% in India as of Secretaries-General, and end the crisis in Afghanistan and Russia said it’s arise that evade the existing WHO and national regulatory 30 June, and 19% in China as currently serves as an SDG prepared to activate a military base in ex-Soviet vaccines. That ominous authorities, and that are being of 10 June. Advocate under Secretary- Tajikistan against advancing Taliban Forces on its breakout is already underway. widely administered between There are enormous global General António Guterres. southern border. Beijing has been vocal, especially Israeli scientists July and December 2021, will risks. The Delta variant is now His books include The End of in recent weeks, in slamming the US for pushing have reported that the Pfizer- average around one billion surging through Africa, Poverty, Common forward with its troop withdrawal, citing the BioNTech vaccine is only 64% doses. auguring a monumental Wealth, The Age of deteriorating situation on the ground. The effective against the Delta The world’s population is 7.8 catastrophe unless Sustainable aforementioned countries share borders with an variant, compared to 95% billion, and 5.8 billion are 15 or immunisation coverage is Development, Building the Afghanistan that might soon become a haven for effective against the original older. If we define dramatically accelerated. The New American Economy, A Jihadists the world over and concerns that their virus (though four other comprehensive immunisation Africa Task Force of New Foreign Policy: Beyond volatile neighbour turning into a hot bed for terror is studies found significantly as 80% coverage of the adult the Lancet COVID-19 American Exceptionalism, not just a question of National Security, but Global higher efficacy). (15 and older) population in Commission has issued and, most recently, The Ages Security. The good news is that each country, the world should an urgent appeal for 300 of Globalisation. The US withdrawal couldn’t come at a worse time. comprehensive global vaccine be aiming to immunise 4.6 million vaccine doses for Africa. Juliana Bartels is Special Perhaps a more coordinated effort with coverage is feasible. Global billion individuals. Moreover, new variants with Assistant to the Director at Afghanistan’s neighbours and UN Peacekeeping production levels are now high As of 30 June, about 850 a greater ability to evade the the Centre for Sustainable forces could buy the country some time till a enough to reach million people have been fully existing vaccines may soon Development at Columbia credible peace process is in place. comprehensive coverage for the immunised, and about 950 emerge. And the global anti-vax University. adult population in every million more have received the movement and disinformation (Courtesy-www.project- country within a few months. first dose of the vaccine. To campaigns have spurred syndicate.org) column friday 9 july 2021 A7

Notes to the People Understanding China By Sumanasiri Liyanage hegemonic imperialist power’s involvement with poor nations in the The Chinese Communist Party, the last 100 years. largest political entity on the earth This is a more difficult question celebrated its hundredth anniversary since there is no enough information in July this year. Of course, its on the Chinese economy so, the laws history has been rich of victories as of motion it has been governed may well as defeats; advances as well as not be properly established. Samir retreats; all are equally good lessons Amin thinks it is a kind of capitalism of great importance. President Xi’s that exists in China. He opines: “It is address in Beijing at the celebration indeed capitalism in the sense that makes it clear that China is the relation to which the workers are determined not to capitulate to the subjected by the authorities who US bullying. As he puts it, the organise production is similar to the Chinese Nation carries no aggressive one that characterises capitalism: or hegemonic traits in its genes but submissive and alienated labour, will never allow foreign bullying or extraction of surplus labour. Brutal attempts at suppression or forms of extreme exploitation of subjugation. In sum, the ‘founding workers exist in China, e.g., in the spirit’ of the CPC developed by the coal mines or in the furious pace of pioneers of Communism in China will the workshops that employ women. be a force to reckon with in world This is scandalous for a country that politics. In a country in which China claims to want to move forward on the bashing has now become an all-time road to socialism.” A similar view on populist rhetoric of almost all the the labour relations in China may be Opposition Parties, it is pertinent to seen also in the book Southern understand what China actually is. Insurgency by Immanuel Ness. Understanding China needs to put it I think following Istvan Meszaros in a wider global context today. we may characterise the Chinese In a recently published article, R. R. economy as one variety of the capital M. Lilani, a freelance journalist and system. Like the system in the USSR researcher based in Colombo has under Stalin, its purpose is not posed a pertinent question: Why are making profit, but accumulating Chinese top-ranking officials rushing capital for other purposes. Amin has to Sri Lanka in a row? In April, the explained this in the following words: State Councillor and Ministry of Unmasked spectators gather in Tiananmen Square, Beijing to celebrate the centenary of China’s ruling Party. An indication China “Chinese state capitalism was built to National Defence Wei Fenghe made a has won the pandemic war achieve three objectives: (i) Construct two-day visit to Sri Lanka and it is an integrated and sovereign modern expected the Chinese Foreign I would rather propose that this Management of the yuan is still a industrial system; (ii) Manage the Minister will be a guest in Sri Lanka ascending order needs to be inversed matter for China’s sovereign decision relation of this system with rural soon. Will these two visits be an ‘China’s so that let me begin with the second making. The yuan is not subject to petty production; and (iii) Control occurrence, extraordinary and question first. the vagaries of the flexible exchanges China’s integration into the world bizarre? In the last two years we have integration into that financial globalisation imposes. system, dominated by the generalised witnessed many foreign dignitaries Is China Imperialist? Beijing can say to Washington, ‘the monopolies of the imperialist triad rushing to Sri Lanka some even globalisation has Lenin, in his famous book, defines yuan is our money and your (United States, Europe, Japan). The changing their original itineraries. imperialism as the highest stage of problem,’ just like Washington said pursuit of these three priority These dignitaries include the former remained, capitalism stressing the fact that the to the Europeans in 1971, ‘the dollar objectives is unavoidable.” US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, imperialist country should have is our money and your problem’.’ Notwithstanding the fact that the Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. moreover, partial developed internal capitalism to the Is China an aggressive Nation? It extant Chinese system opens up S. Jaishankar, and Pakistan Prime limit that is allowed by the has its defensive mechanisms at many possibilities and the future is Minister Imran Kahn. In addition, the and controlled or development of the domestic market. work knowing very well that the US, open, the formation of strong high-ranking military brass from Hence, the country will be forced to the most aggressive imperialist propertied class and a bureaucracy many countries visited Sri Lanka in at least export capital in order to reap higher power in the world history has many linked closely with the private recent time. Many of these visits were controllable, if one profit. Owing a large amount of hard military installments in the South bourgeoise shows the system’s arranged through the COVID-19 air- currencies, especially in the form of China sea region, Japan, South directionality is towards capitalism. bubble concept travel restrictions in wants to put it the US dollars, China has gained a Korea, and the Philippines with its Hence, having extended this logic of respective countries. Hence, why so capacity to allow an outflow of foreign Navel presence. Now the US capital, imperialism is if not a fact, much interest and attention on the that way. China assets. However, there has been two renaming South China Sea and but a possibility. Even Marx visits by Chinese representatives? Of significant differences. One is that Indian ocean region as Indo-Pacific remained hesitant on this question. course, this may be attributed to has remained most of Chinese foreign investments has formed Quid alliance to Police We know that right after the first multiple reasons. are State investments rather than the Indian ocean region with main European attacks (the Opium Wars), In 2015, the Yahapalana platform outside of private investments. Second flows purpose of containing allegedly he wrote: the next time that you send was organised and its ideology was from the first. As the large amount of Chinese ‘imperialist’ intervention. your Armies to China they will be articulated with an element of China financial export of capital comes from the welcomed by a banner, “Attention, bashing injected from the broad State agencies, they are not directly Is China Capitalist? you are at the frontiers of the Western anti-China campaign. A globalisation’ subjected to whims and fancies of Being a large country, China is bourgeois Republic of China.” couple of years ago, The Economist international capital market so, that sharing boarders with many Whatever the exact answers to published a special issue depicting acceptance of this characterisation. In what Samir Amin noted below is very countries so, that it is not unnatural those two questions, the CPC has Peoples’ Republic of China as a ‘red this backdrop, attempting to much relevant. He writes: ‘China’s to have many border disputes. It every right to celebrate its 100th imperialist’ nation. This portrayal of understand China is not at all integration into globalisation has also has disputes over small islands Anniversary because in a nutshell, it China as an imperialist Nation has inappropriate. Two pertinent remained, moreover, partial and in the South China Sea. has achieved the twin collective goals become even a widely accepted axiom questions are: And Is China controlled or at least controllable, if Nonetheless, China has been able to of getting rid of poverty and standing even among the left-oriented parties, capitalist? And Is China imperialist? one wants to put it that way. China resolves most of the border disputes up to bullying by foreigners. like the Janata Vimukti Peramuna The usual theorisation begins with has remained outside of financial except the dispute with India The writer is a retired teacher of (JVP) and the Frontline Socialist Party the internal dynamic of the country globalisation. Its banking system is amicably demonstrating a Political Economy at the University (FLSP) in Sri Lanka. Many comments and then moves to the direction of its completely national and focused on significant and qualitative difference of Peradeniya. on social media witness the popular relationship with the rest of the world. the country’s internal credit market. from the way in which the US [email protected] Back again at Wimbledon

The lawn tennis tournament is on at left the French Open due to the Mecca of tennis: Wimbledon in emotionally being upset. She cried London, UK from Monday 28 June to The Way when she won over Serena Williams Sunday 11 July. The Championships, who made such a fuss of it at a New Wimbledon, commonly known simply York meet two years ago. Williams as Wimbledon or The Championship, It Is was knocked out fairly early this year was founded in 1877 and is a grass at Wimbledon. Maybe her queening it court event. It was cancelled last year, Walter Wingfield - spread the game to on tennis courts is over. She definitely the first time ever since World War II. other parts of the UK. is too fat to be nimble. The substitute It is in its 134th year ad 127th of young African American player is ladies’ events. Run by the All England Local Coco Gauff, strong but eliminated at Lawn Tennis Club it is assisted by the The British introduced the game of the quarter finals, I believe. Ashleigh International Tennis Federation and tennis to its colonies and Ceylon took Barty, Angelique Kerber, Aryna other organisations. The contest now it on as it did cricket, which then and Sabalenka, and Karolína Plíšková are includes wheel chair tennis matches even now far outshines tennis both in fine to watch – more ballet sometimes and girls and boys matches. The prize players, attention given it and annual than sporty. Any of them could carry money in 2021 is said to be pounds encounters, whether within the away the winner’s large tray. I bet on sterling 35, 000,000, divided among country or international. Tennis was Kerber. winners of men’s and women’s single introduced to missionary schools in An interesting player is Tunisian and doubles events. There was a huge large cities of whatever denomination: Ons Jabeur, the first and only Arab disparity between what was paid Catholic, High Church, Methodist. woman to compete from Africa, and women and men competitors; righted Alongside, these schools had netball The Wimbledon title is all about finesses, athleticism and more important tradition probably a Muslim. Her husband after Navratilova led a successful pitches as we called those grounds. A Karim Kamou is her trainer and protest for equal payment. school like Hillwood outshone other coloured tennis kits; not Wimbledon multiple winners at Wimbledon and seeing a crowd of spectators on The beginning of the game is said to girls’ schools in Kandy, being which insists on strict white. This other contests, and, it must be Tuesday 6 July, it is certain she has a be traceable to medieval times and boarding schools with very few day year saw many players slipping and admitted a bit gone in years: large contingent of Tunisians and was named jeu de pauma (palm) since scholars. So, evenings were often even taking tosses, blaming the grass knocking on 40s. Selecting between Arabs following her. She first showed a ball was struck by the palm and the spent on the tennis courts. Now major under their feet. Either it is too wet or the two I opt for Novak – so cool, up in Wimbledon in 2010 playing game played indoors. It was a cities have their club tennis grounds. too dry. Groundsmen have rejected collected and never flurried. Federer Junior Champ tennis. Now she is monastery pastime. This was in this accusation, but we who watch the is after two knee operations and one seeded 21st, but lost her match on France around the 12th Century. It Wimbledon contest matches have seen many players sees him actually labouring against Tuesday. She’s had to contend with moved to England and was adopted A grass court contest, Wimbledon is sliding and falling. One player had to younger players. The other great – home criticism of her short shorts. and became so popular that even King the apex of international tennis retire, playing against Federer, his leg Rafael Nadal – is too intense for my And thus we move from day-to-day, Henry VII and VIII became tournaments, followed by the US being injured and allowing only a admiration and his habit of always match to march, alternating between aficionados. Racquets were added in competition in New York. Wimbledon ghost of his earlier vibrant playing. wiping parts of his face and men’s and women’s games; starting the 16th C. Vulcanised rubber was comes after the Australian and The contestants are vast in adjusting his shorts is annoying and each day at 3.30 in London, first used in 1850 and thus the tennis French open contests and several less number, but my favourites are Novak time taking. approximately 8.30 p.m. over here. ball’s birth. In 1873 Londoner – Major significant ones. Countries allow Djokovic and Roger Federer, both Of the women players, Naomi Osaka – Kumari

WORLD FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 A9 Police Kill Four After Haiti’s President Assassinated Four people suspected of assassinating Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse have been killed in a shootout with the security forces, Police say. Two others have been detained, while some remaining suspects are thought to be still at large in the nation’s capital Port-au-Prince. “They will be killed or captured,” police chief Leon Charles said. Moïse, 53, was fatally shot and his wife was injured when attackers stormed their home early on Wednesday. The President was reportedly hit by multiple bullets and his office and bedroom were ransacked. First Lady Martine Moïse has been flown to Florida where she is said to be in a critical but stable condition and is receiving treatment. “Four mercenaries were killed [and] two were intercepted under our control,” Charles said in a televised statement late on Wednesday (7). “Three Policemen who had been taken hostage have been recovered.” “We blocked [the suspects] en route as they left the scene of the crime,” he added. “Since then, we have been There is an increased Police presence around the property where the President was killed. (BBC) battling with them.” Speaking after the killing, interim any acts of violence or incitement”. holes, in the forehead, chest, hips and Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S., the opposition wanted him to leave Prime Minister Claude Joseph called Moïse became President of Haiti in abdomen. Bocchit Edmond, said there was “no office, Mr Moïse said an attempt to kill for calm and declared a nationwide 2017, but in recent times faced “The President’s office and bedroom way” U.S. drugs agents had carried him and overthrow the Government state of emergency. widespread protests demanding his were ransacked. We found him lying out the attack. He believed it was the had been foiled. The state of emergency, or “state of resignation. on his back, blue pants, a white shirt work of “professional mercenaries” Haiti has also faced a wave of gang siege”, allows for the banning of Coups, political instability, smeared with blood, his mouth open, and later said they had been violence and kidnappings, particularly gatherings and use of the military for widespread gang violence and natural his left eye gouged out,” the disguised as agents. in the capital, with a number of its Police roles, along with other disasters have plagued the country for newspaper quoted him as saying. Addressing the nation, Joseph districts becoming no-go areas. extensions of executive powers. decades and rendered it the poorest Destin added that the first couple’s vowed the killers would be brought to The worsening living standards in U.S. President Joe Biden offered nation in the Americas. daughter, Jomarlie, had survived by justice and said the security situation the nation of 11 million people have condolences to the people of Haiti for Heavily armed assassins stormed hiding in her brother’s room, while was “under control”. pushed nearly 60 per cent below the the “horrific assassination”. UK Prime the couple’s home in the hills above two domestic staff members had been Jovenel Moïse’s time in office was poverty line. An earthquake in 2010 Minister Boris Johnson called it “an Port-au-Prince at around 01:00 local tied up by the attackers. No-one apart rocky, as he faced accusations of killed more than 200,000 people and abhorrent act” and also appealed for time (05:00 GMT). from the President and first lady were corruption and there were widespread caused extensive damage to the calm. Joseph said the attackers were shot. demonstrations in the capital and infrastructure and the economy. The UN Security Council, which is “foreigners who spoke English and Video released after the shooting other cities earlier this year. A UN peacekeeping force was put in set to hold a closed-door meeting on Spanish”. Haiti’s official languages are purports to show heavily armed men Parliamentary elections should have place in 2004 to help stabilise the the killing on Thursday (8), issued a Creole and French. dressed in black outside the residence been held in October 2019 but country, and only withdrew in 2017, statement in which it made “an Magistrate Carl Henry Destin told shouting in English: “DEA [U.S. Drug disputes have delayed them, meaning but the turmoil has shown no sign of emphatic call on all political the Nouvelliste newspaper that Enforcement Agency] operations, Moïse had been ruling by decree. ending. stakeholders in Haiti to refrain from Moïse’s body had a total of 12 bullet everybody stay down!” In February this year, on the day (BBC)

Nicosia, Cyprus Johannesburg, South Africa EU will ‘never, ever’ Zuma hands himself over to Police South Africa’s former that he is the victim of a accept two-State deal President Jacob Zuma has political conspiracy. handed himself in to Police Though he was forced out - von der Leyen to begin serving a 15-month of office by his own party in jail sentence for contempt of 2018, the African National Court. Congress (ANC), he retains a He was admitted to loyal body of supporters, Estcourt Correctional especially in his home Centre in his home province province of KwaZulu-Natal. of KwaZulu-Natal on On Sunday (4), crowds Wednesday (7). formed what they called a Police had warned that human shield outside they were prepared to arrest Zuma’s palatial home in an him if he did not hand effort to prevent his arrest. himself in by midnight. Similar crowds gathered Zuma, 79, was handed the before he handed himself in jail term last week after he on Wednesday. failed to attend a corruption Zuma previously declared inquiry. The former President was sentenced to 15 months in jail last week. (BBC) that he was prepared to go The sentencing sparked an to prison. unprecedented legal drama Zuma-Sambudla, later wrote once at the inquiry into However, he said that in South Africa, which has on Twitter that her father what has become known as “sending me to jail during never seen a former was “en route [to the jail] “State capture” - meaning the height of a pandemic, at European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a President jailed before. and he is still in high plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the siphoning off of State my age, is the same as France, 7 July 2021 (Reuters) Zuma had initially refused spirits”. assets. sentencing me to death”. to hand himself in, but in a Zuma was sentenced on Businessmen have been In a separate legal matter, The European Union the island. The present short statement on 29 June for defying an accused of conspiring with Zuma pleaded not guilty last (EU) will “never, ever” stalemate is steeped in Wednesday, the Jacob Zuma instruction to give evidence politicians to influence the month in a corruption trial accept a two State deal on disagreements of the form Foundation said he had at an inquiry into corruption decision-making process involving a USD 5 billion ethnically-split Cyprus, unification could take - a “decided to comply”. during his nine years in while he was in office. But arms deal from the 1990s. the head of its executive union of two independent His daughter, Dudu power. He has testified only Zuma has repeatedly said (BBC) said on Thursday (8). states advocated by a new Ursula von der Leyen, Turkish Cypriot who was visiting Cyprus, leadership, or as a loose said the EU spoke with federation advocated by one voice on the conflict, Greek Cypriots London, United Kingdom which has dragged on for representing Cyprus decades and is a key internationally. hurdle in Turkey’s Talks in Geneva earlier Da Vinci bear drawing goes to auction ambitions of joining the this year on the matter bloc. ended inconclusively. “I want to repeat that we Disagreement has also Expected to fetch up to £12 M will never, ever accept a focused on competing A small drawing of a bear’s pink-beige paper and is two State solution. We are claims over offshore head by Leonardo da Vinci is among a number of the firm on that and very energy reserves, a dispute expected to sell for up to artist’s small-scale drawings united,” von der Leyen told connected to quarrels GBP 12 million (USD 16.7 of animals, which date back a news conference. between Turkey and million) at a London auction to the early 1480s. Cyprus was split in a Greece, a key ally of the on Thursday (8). Laetitia Masson, an expert Turkish invasion in 1974 Greek Cypriots. Measuring 7x7cm, Head of in old master drawings at triggered by a brief Greek “Our neighbours have a Bear is more than 500 Christie’s, described inspired coup. The south (an) interest in good years old. silverpoint as “a very is run by an bilateral relations. If this The sale could surpass the difficult technique, because internationally recognised is the case, and we also previous record for a da it doesn’t really admit any Government which have an interest in good Vinci drawing, set by the mistake”. It involves represents the entire bilateral relations, I want Horse and Rider in 2001. applying a silver stick to a island in the European our neighbours to know According to Christie’s specially prepared paper to Union, while the north is a that if they speak to one of auction house, holding the leave marks and lines, The bear study will be sold at Christie’s in London. (BBC) breakaway Turkish our member states, like for sale, it is among just a few requiring delicate touch and Cypriot State recognised example Cyprus, in drawings by the Italian pressure. belonged to British painter predicts that it will fetch only by Ankara. whatever tone, they speak Renaissance master which Masson said Leonardo was and collector Sir Thomas between GBP 8 million and United Nations-led to the European Union,” are still privately owned. fascinated by nature and Lawrence, before being sold GBP 12 million, not efforts which predate 1974 von der Leyen said. The drawing was created animals in general. at Christie’s in 1860 for GBP including fees. events have failed to unite (Reuters) using silverpoint on pale The sketch previously 2.50. But this time Christie’s (BBC) B10 Friday 9 july 2021 CBSL Holds Policy Rates

The Monetary Board of the the Government, also increased Central Bank of Sri Lanka has notably, amidst the impact of the decided to maintain the Standing pandemic on government revenue Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and and recurrent expenditure. With the Standing Lending Facility Rate the significant expansion in (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their domestic credit, the growth of broad current levels of 4.50 per cent and money (M2b) remained elevated by 5.50 per cent, respectively. end May 2021. The Board arrived at this decision Any buildup of sustained after carefully considering the inflationary pressures will be macroeconomic conditions and addressed through appropriate expected developments on the measures over the medium term. domestic and global fronts. Inflation remains moderate, given The exchange rate has recorded a the subdued aggregate demand depreciation of 6.7 per cent against conditions, although food inflation the US dollar thus far during the has accelerated due to supply-side year. As of end June 2021, the disruptions. Inflation is expected to gross official reserves were remain broadly within the desired estimated at US dollars 4 billion 4-6 per cent range during the Email: [email protected] (equivalent to 2.7 months of Government on time. Accordingly, credit extended to remainder of 2021. The envisaged imports). This does not include the Market interest rates remain low, the private sector expanded notably improvements in aggregate demand bilateral currency swap facility with facilitating increased credit flows to during the period from January to conditions stemming from the the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) the private sector May 2021, and this momentum is effects of the stimulus measures Thursday Market of CNY 10 billion (equivalent to In response to the monetary expected to sustain through 2021. adopted by the Central Bank and approximately US dollars 1.5 policy easing measures adopted by The Central Bank expects domestic the Government and the likely billion). Although the level of foreign the Central Bank, most market investors to make use of the low increases in global commodity reserves could experience some deposit and lending interest rates interest rate environment to expand prices, may generate some Shares hit variations in the period ahead, such have declined to historic low levels. their productive economic activities inflationary pressures over the developments are expected to be Prevailing low interest rates and the and explore new opportunities that medium term. Such pressures will one-week high temporary, with the adequate surplus rupee liquidity in the are being created in the economy be mitigated through timely policy financing strategies lined up to domestic money market enabled aimed at local and international intervention by the Central Bank, By Mario Andree maintain reserves at sufficient the flow of low cost credit to the markets. Meanwhile, credit thereby ensuring the maintenance levels and to meet all maturing debt economy, thus supporting the obtained by the public sector from of inflation in mid-single digit levels The Colombo Stock Exchange posted gains servicing obligations of the revival of economic activity. the banking system, particularly over the medium term. for the second consecutive session on Thursday (8) as the benchmark index rose to a more than one-week high on a relatively lower turnover despite continued foreign exits from the Colombo Bourse The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), Dr. Narangoda appointed which started the day at 7,809.38 points, rose to 7847.02 points during the early hours of the JAT Holdings day before settling at 7811.70 points during Executive Director/CEO of the latter part. The index settled at 7,811.61 concludes virtual points, gaining 2.23 points (0.03 per cent) Colombo City Holdings compared to the previous day’s close. John Keells Holdings, Expolanka Holdings, Ambeon Holdings PLC on Healthcare Standards investor forum LOLC Holdings, Cargills and Harischandra announced the (ACHSI) as an International Mills pushed the benchmark index up, while appointment of Dr. Hospital Assessor, a role he Kotmale Holdings, LOLC Development Finance, Sajeeva Narangoda as has been serving since Commercial Leasing and Finance, Bukit Darah Executive Director / 2012 and then as its and Asian Hotels and Properties dragged the CEO of its real estate country representative for index down. subsidiary – Colombo Sri Lanka since July 2019. The more liquid S&P SL20, which started the City Holdings PLC. Dr. Narangoda holds a day at 2,936.41 points, peaked to 2963.08 Dr. Narangoda has Bachelor of Dental Surgery points during the early hours of trading but been functioning as the degree from the University (L to R) Deshan Pushparajah – Managing Director – Global Markets then slowed down to 2953.83 points by mid- Group Vice President of of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka & Investment Banking CAL; Nishal Ferdinando - Chief Executive day. The index settled at 2,955.88 points, Ambeon Holdings PLC and an MSc (Finance and Officer JAT Holdings; Dr. Siva Selliah - Chairman JAT Holdings; gaining 19.47 per cent (0.66 per cent) and has been serving the Management) from Keele Aelian Gunawardene - Founder & Managing Director JAT Holdings compared to the previous day. Group since January University UK. In addition, and Darshan Perera - Director & Chief Executive Officer – NDB Investment Bank. The day’s turnover neared Rs 1.24 billion, 2017. In addition to his Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda he is a Fellow Member of lower than the Rs 1.35 billion recorded during corporate role, Dr. the Chartered Institute of JAT Holdings hosted an valuation methods. the Market’s previous day’s trading. Narangoda has served its various Management Accountants (CIMA) - informative virtual investor Proceeds from the Shares of 256 listed companies were traded subsidiaries - Dankotuwa Porcelain UK, Chartered Global Management forum yesterday (8) for their company’s IPO will be used during the day of which 85 were winners PLC as Chief Executive Officer and Accountant (CGMA) and a Certified upcoming Initial Public for the company’s near-term comfortably ahead of 75 losers. Millennium IT ESP as Executive Practicing Accountant (CPA), Offering, following the official objectives of investment in More than 48.7 million shares changed Director / Chief Operating Officer. Australia. launch event held on the enhancing the existing R&D hands during the 13,295 trades that took A seasoned professional with over Some of his professional same day. facility to a fully-fledged, place. two decades of experience, Dr contributions include serving as a The launch event of the IPO state-of-the-art facility for all Foreigners continued to exit the CSE. The net Narangoda has served Browns Director at the Centre for Excellence was open to the public to coatings, setting up a foreign outflow (NFOs) during the day Hospitals Limited (currently known in Ceramic Technology (CINTEC), Sri participate via Zoom, manufacturing facility in amounted to Rs 233 million as foreigners sold as Melsta Hospitals) as Director / Lanka, Director at the Ceramic and Facebook Live and YouTube Bangladesh, expanding the shares worth Rs 467 million as against Chief Executive Officer and Hemas Glass Council, Sri Lanka, Council Live, whereas the Virtual WHITE by JAT marketing purchases worth Rs 234 million. Hospitals group as the Chief Member of the National Chamber of Investor Forum was attended and development initiatives The top ten winners during the day were: Operating Officer. He was also Exporters and Advisor Kothalawela by distinguished invitees and setting up a Bimputh Finance, Renuka Hotels, Serendib appointed to the Australian Council Defence University Hospital. such as financial analysts, manufacturing facility in Hotels (non-voting), Harischandra Mills, fund managers and other East Africa. Renuka Foods (non-voting), BPPL Holdings, interested parties. The “As the organisation takes Serendib Hotels, Pegasus Hotels, Lanka investor forum also involved its next step via the nearing Ceramic and Singer Finance. a detailed discussion into the IPO and even though we face The top ten losers were: Kotmale Holdings, company’s operations, challenging times with the Blue Diamonds, Lighthouse Hotels, TAL Lanka, Softlogic Life appoints financial performance and COVID-19 pandemic, JAT Abans, Laugfs Gas, Bogala Graphite, Marawila growth trajectory. Holdings has never shied Resorts, Gestetner and Galadari. Managed by CAL and NDB away from making key Mohottala, Withana Investment Bank, the JAT monumental decisions and Holdings’ IPO aims to raise large strides towards Rs 2.2 billion by offering developing and innovating the to Director Board 82,904,846 ordinary voting current industry landscape,” shares to the public. The IPO commented, JAT Holdings FVMP debt Softlogic Life PLC Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and a price per share of Rs 27.00 Founder and Managing announced the appointment Postgraduate Diploma in offers an immediate upside of Director Aelian Gunawardene. of Sanjaya W. Mohottala and Marketing from the 21% to an incoming investor “The virtual investor forum over Rs 0.5T Lalith Withana to the Chartered Institute of on the value per share of Rs stood as a great opportunity Company's Board as Marketing, UK. He holds a 32.70; derived from a to engage with potential for 164th Day Independent Non-Executive Diploma in Management combination of discounted investors and better discuss Directors with effect from 1 Accounting from the cash flow (DCF) and forward- the specifics of the IPO before By Paneetha Ameresekere July 2021, succeeding the Chartered Institute of earnings ratio (PER) the opening date.” two outgoing directors Ray Management, UK as well. Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL’s) non- Abeywardena and Sujeewa Withana is a qualified and demand pull inflationary face value money Rajapakse who stepped down respected Management printing (FVMP) debt increased by Rs 2,903 from the Board on 30 June Consultant who counts over million due to a lack of revenue; thereby 2021 after serving the Lalith Withana 25 years of experience in increasing its FVMP debt as a whole by 0.30 statutory period of nine years. organisation development, Better Teas continue per cent to Rs 986,952.95 million yesterday. The new appointments are business transformation, GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs 0.5 subject to the approval of the finance, human resources, trillion for a record 164 consecutive market Insurance Regulatory manufacturing, supply to see good demand days to yesterday. Commission of Sri Lanka chain, market development, Auction offerings continued structure for the Uda However, GoSL’s MP borrowing costs (BCs) (IRCSL). public sector and project to be maintained over the 7.0 Pussellawas' showed no fell by 0.69 per cent (Rs 151.34 million) to Rs Mohottala serves as the management. He has an M/Kg mark. Once again, the significant change. Uva - A 21,807.65 million yesterday due to investor Managing Director and extensive and proven track better teas continued to meet selection of BOP invoices preference for low returns, riskless Treasury Partner at Boston Consulting record of driving high with good demand, whilst the appreciated Rs 20-30 per kg (T) Bills and T Bonds in secondary market Group in Singapore and is performance at several others were irregular and and more, whilst the others trading rather than lend to the high returns responsible for deploying multinational companies often easier following quality. and particularly the poor leaf private sector due to sustained uncertainty. resources, client portfolio such as ABN – AMRO, Ex-Estate offerings too were types declined by up to Rs. 20 Liquidity decreased by Rs 9,403 million management, development of Sanjaya Mohottala IBM, Ernst & Young, maintained around 1.0 M/ per kg. The corresponding (US$ 47.04 million) led by the settlement/s of practice areas and people Yamaha (USA), Carson Kgs. Overall, quality showed BOPF's sold at firm rates. GoSL’s foreign debt servicing commitments development. At an operational level, Cumberbatch, Brandix, Ceylon Tea to significant change with a High and Mid Grown CTC and/or Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL’s) he advises Principal Investors and Services and SriLankan Airlines. He greater availability of teas teas showed no significant swaps with the market and/or CBSL’s US Private Equity (PIPE) clients, has also held directorships at Bank comprising average to Plain change and continued to sell dollar sales to and/or swaps with GoSL Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), global of Ceylon, Seylan Bank, Dankotuwa quality. at the lower end of the during yesterday’s trading. Net excess MNCs, regional and local companies. Porcelain Ltd. and Merchant Bank It was indeed encouraging market. Low Grown CTC liquidity decreased by 7.10 per cent (Rs 6,500 His expertise is further backed by of Sri Lanka. He holds a PMP from to observe the renewed varieties sold around last, million) to Rs 84,998 million at the end of macro experience in M&A, the respected Project Management interest for a small selection whilst it is noteworthy that yesterday’s trading. investments, corporate development, Institute, USA, a BA (Hons) from the of the better Westerns, which the prices in comparison to The interbank foreign exchange market (FX) strategy, re-organisation, go-to Manchester Metropolitan often appreciated Rs 20-30 the Low Grown Large Leaf market was ‘dead’ for the 48th consecutive market, digital venturing and large- University, UK, as well as an MBA per kg and more. Teas in the Orthodox teas continue to market day to yesterday due to CBSL/ (GoSL) scale restructuring. from the University of Sri Below Best and Plainer reflect poor value. fixing the benchmark ‘spot’ price at an Mohottala earned his MBA in Jayewardenepura. He is also a categories continued to Low Growns comprised 3 unrealistic rate Rs 202/203 to the US dollar Entrepreneurship and Strategy from Fellow member of the Chartered weaken further following M/Kgs in the Leafy/Semi in two way quotes amidst depreciative the prestigious UCLA Anderson Institute of Management plainer quality. Nuwara Leafy and Tippy catalogues. pressure. School of Management, a B.Sc. in Accountants, UK as well as a Fellow Eliyas' - here again, the better Well-made teas met with good Electronics and Telecommunication Member of the Institute of teas were reasonably well demand, whilst the balance Engineering from the University of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka. sought after, whilst the price was easier following quality. Tourism friDAY 9 july 2021 Ceylon FT b11 Tourism Revival – A Prerogative of Both Govt. & Public By Anjali Caldera and received an overwhelming Lanka Tourism with the content international travellers. Thus, as an travel agencies, hotels, airlines, retail response with a reach of 350,000 out creation for the official Mobile Travel immediate step, the Minister shops and cruise ships, reported an 84 Educating the general public on of which at least 40 per cent were App and have invited those interested instructed Sri Lanka Tourism officials per cent increase in the number of its why tourism is important for the international viewers. Wildlife at Yala, to express interest. to prepare a short-term road map to clients choosing ‘greener and fairer’ country’s economic recovery should Minneriya, Kaudulla and Udawalawe Based on the current situation with attract tourists. He also requested the holiday packages between 2015 and be one of the key strategies in the Parks attracted thousands of viewers regard to COVID-19, as the officials to incorporate stakeholder 2020. process of the resumption of Sri with the live streaming concept of Government declared it is necessary insights into the roadmap. Hence, plans are being drawn up to Lanka Tourism. The attitude of the ‘stay home today and travel to fast track the vaccination drive with As part of the steps taken by the develop Sigiriya as the first Sustainable locals will be aligned for support in tomorrow’. The campaign was priority for those who are involved in Government to revive tourism, all Sri Destination. The Draft in relation to tourism revival hence making Sri launched on Facebook, Instagram, tourism, the country has already Lanka Tourism Development (SLTDA)- this is ready and is to be shared with Lanka a tourism-friendly destination, YouTube and Twitter. Direct display opened for tourism. Meantime, registered restaurants and hotels are the Central Cultural Fund (CCF). says the Tourism Ex- Chief Kishu advertising campaigns were carried according to Gomes, it is also permitted to open and operate Further, the Yala Palatupana Tourism Gomes. out using Google Display Network and necessary to not overprice the hotels restaurants, eating houses and bars Zone is scheduled to be upgraded as a The huge challenge Sri Lanka Trip Advisor. Couch Safari was etc. as the value proposition is at 25 per cent of total capacity. Protected Conservancy Area given the Tourism is facing now is, its objection advertised using both video and compromised having to operate within high level of biodiversity present there. from the public for opening the display advertisements on key travel, the bubble concept. Thus it is Tourism products With the recent recognition by country for foreigners who will bring wildlife, destination websites and necessary to have a common revival Gomes indicated that tourism Bloomberg Business Week on Sri Lanka different variants of COVID into the YouTube Channels. Overall, the plan with all key stakeholders buying products should be expanded more. Tourism; the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was country. The public is also against the campaign generated over 22 million into it with no internal conflicts. During an interview on Tourism listed as one of the new Seven Wonders fact that foreigners are allowed to impressions, over 1.7 million video With regard to the Tourism Act, Revival, Gomes suggested that more of the World, making Sri Lanka the only travel across the country when their views and generated over 40,000 Gomes insisted that it is essential to protocols to be tourist-friendly with Asian country to make it into the list compatriots overseas are struggling to clicks. offer a place for tourism sector Small should be established by increasing along with six other iconic sites return home after a 14-day The Sri Lanka Tourism Mobile and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who which the number of tourism products appealing to the new age traveller. mandatory quarantine. Travel App version 2.0, supported by contribute over 40 per cent towards within the bubble for tourists to go back Sri Lanka Tourism has strategically Thus, creating proper awareness on the World Bank and the Asian the industry. “During my time, I had feeling that they have had a unique embarked on developing Sigiriya, a continuing tourism amidst COVID-19 Development Bank (ADB) under the so many discussions with the Tourism experience in order to share them with World Heritage site, into a sustainable to revive the economy must be a prime guidance of The Information and Ministry Secretary, but unfortunately their friends and relatives. “Sri Lanka destination under the National concern of the Government. Communication Technology Agency could not get it done. This change has been recognised for fabulous Sustainable Destination Certification (ICTA) of Sri Lanka will be launched to should be brought about in the new tourism products over the past three- (NSDC) initiative. Digitalising tourism meet COVID-19 health protocols and Tourism Act.” “The Board should have four years. This potentiality should be Sri Lanka Tourism revealed that According to current Tourism Chief, will include nearly 5,000 lesser known ultimate authority to make decisions communicated effectively among our guidelines are being prepared to Kimarli Fernando, Sri Lanka Tourism sites, Google Maps, ticket purchases independently without having to get target markets,” he said. mandate new tourism projects to have appointed ‘eMarketingEye’ as the to tourist sites, ability to rate Treasury approval. Post-COVID-19, sustainable tourism sustainability requirements including digital marketing agency to manage establishments, a customer Tourism is all about brand building is more likely to be demanded by renewable energy, recycling, and zero social media and digital marketing experience management system, an and the Treasury do not have a proper travellers and to meet this future single use plastic. Boutique Hotels campaigns to improve the digital emergency button to share location knowledge about it. Their valuation is demand, the National Sustainable currently in operation will need to be footprint of Tourism. I believe, this with the Tourist Police as well as a based on old theories and they do not Tourism Certification (NSTC) has been given a timeframe to be compliant to campaign must be streamlined for the traveller feedback survey. know how to value perceptions,” said initiated. “Sustainable Tourism is no sustainability goals in the future. Sri expected outcomes. Gomes. longer an option, in order to remain Lanka Tourism has initiated action on Sri Lanka Tourism digitalisation Government must be keen He said the Government’s competitive in the global arena and it is targets of UN Sustainable Development focused on heritage, scenic locations, on tourism revival Procurement process is cumbersome imperative that we adapt to the Goals 2030. adventure activities, wildlife and and lengthy. “Hence responding to demands made by travellers. Sri Lanka Meanwhile, MEPA (Marine nature, Sri Lankan cuisine and Fernando said at the recently immediate or urgent needs is is a small island vulnerable to climate Environment Protection Authority) is wellness. From January 2020 to April concluded Investor Forum 2021, that impossible. I faced this during Easter change with its tourism product heavily partnering with Sri Lanka Tourism for 2021 organic post reach has the Travel App will be approximately attack. I suggest that staff can be dependent on natural resources, hence marine environment protection to increased by 452 per cent, while 290 5,000 off the beaten track locations amalgamated to save cost, but their it is essential to develop the industry in ensure a healthy coastal and ocean million impressions were created with providing diverse experiences for the performance assessment should be a sustainable manner. To support this environment for future generations a record 12 million views across all international and domestic traveller. based on a scientific criterion.” philosophy, we became members of the which has currently been put on hold social media channels. This initiative was also carried out to “It is also necessary to connect with Global Sustainable Tourism Council due to the X-Press Pearl catastrophe. The Kandy Perahera in 2020 was support sustainable tourism and SriLankan and other airlines in (GSTC) to further strengthen the The writer is a former Business telecasted live for the first time in SME’s in order to build community- re-commencing selected islands’ position as a sustainable Journalist attached to Ceylon Thailand in the local language, with based tourism.” She further destinations.” destination”, said Fernando. Today, a Visiting Lecturer at the support of Missions in Thailand mentioned that Sri Lanka Tourism Tourism Minister, Prasanna As Millennial and Gen Z travellers University of Kelaniya & SLIIT, a and the Royal Thai Embassy in Sri (srilanka.travel) and SLTDA official Ranatunga, speaking recently said become more conscious of their travel freelance Writer and a Sworn Lanka. websites will also be revamped to the Government is now ready to revive footprint, they are seeking greener Translator. (B.A & M.A in Further, live streaming of wildlife reflect the enhanced experience the industry taking care to adhere to destinations. The TUI Group, the Linguistics at University of with the ‘Couch Safari’ initiative was offered to tourists. all COVID-19 health guidelines and largest leisure, travel and tourism Kelaniya, and a Postgraduate in followed by guests around the world The ADB is currently assisting Sri with new promotions to attract company in the world with its own Tourism at University of Colombo). When nature needs tourism Summer 2020 was not a good one for common plummeted. In Brazil, there were about five responsible for biodiversity policy at the German murres on the Swedish island of Stora Karlso in million fewer visits to national parks than usual Development Institute (DIE). the Baltic Sea. The small black and white sea from spring to fall 2020, according to the Luc "People in cities have also lost jobs and income. birds had significantly fewer babies. In fact, their Hoffmann Institute, a foundation created by As there are hardly any state social security breeding performance dropped by more than a conservation organisation WWF. systems in place in many countries in the global fifth. That resulted in an estimated US$1.6 billion in South, a lot of people have returned to their And it was all because lockdown kept tourists revenue losses for companies working directly or home villages in the countryside." away. indirectly in tourism around protected areas. There, they not only convert land for farming The 2.5-kilometre (1.6 mile) island is usually Brazil expects to lose some 55,000 permanent or and ranching, but have also started hunting the most visited seabird colony in the Baltic. temporary jobs, the institute said. more wildlife to survive, Lehman said. When Stora Karlsö is full of day trippers, sea This trend hit park rangers particularly hard, Commercial poaching around the world has eagles usually give the spot a wide berth. But last said Martin Balas, a tourism researcher at the also increased, because funds are lacking to summer, the birds of prey had no such crowds to University for Sustainable Development in monitor protected parks, due to reduced tourism contend with. While they don't prey directly on the Eberswalde, Germany. "Worldwide, one in five revenue and money being diverted to the health common murre, their presence startled the jobs in this field has been lost," said Balas. sector. A report by the Luc Hoffmann Institute breeding animals, causing eggs to roll down the It's been particularly drastic in the global noted a rise in wildlife crimes during the cliffs or leaving them vulnerable to being eaten by South and has highlighted an over-reliance on pandemic, including an increase in rhino and gulls and crows. international tourists, particularly in African giraffe poaching in Uganda. Stora Karlso wasn't the only place to report countries, added the researcher. In Europe, like elsewhere, conservation unexpected wildlife problems. The drop in tourism Some countries, such as Kenya, are shifting facilities had to close, at least temporarily, as did in Thailand and India meant that with no grub left to promote more continental and regional some educational institutions run by the behind by visitors, highly aggressive groups of tourism. But domestic vacationers often have German environmental organisation BUND. monkeys were left to fight over dwindling food less disposable income than visitors from "We could see how much environmental supplies. abroad, so the economy at tourism education was lacking by seeing significantly Free of tourists the environment breathes a sigh destinations also needs to be much more more trash on the beaches," said Stefanie of relief. It might come as a surprise that less diversified. Hotels, for instance, can prepare Sudhaus, marine conservation officer at BUND tourism would be a bad thing for nature. After all, for a lack of vacationers by finding other Schleswig-Holstein. ‘We appreciate and protect carbon emissions from aviation dropped around sources of income. "If a hotel has homegrown only what we know and understand.’ 22%, as planes stayed grounded, according to the vegetables on the menu, it can score points Global Carbon Project, a research network that with its guests. And when there are no tourists, Steer visitors, protect nature quantifies greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. it can still sell the vegetables at local markets," Still, some national parks and protected areas And throughout the pandemic, media outlets said Balas. did take advantage of the pandemic's mandatory and social media posts have highlighted that If people lose, nature loses. For now, though, tourism pause in summer 2020 to begin ‘nature is healing’ in the absence of humans. wildlife is suffering from the disappearance of refocusing. In Ecuador, new guidelines have Turtles were able to nest on empty beaches, tourism jobs with many returning to agriculture been developed for the Galapagos National Park. pygmy bats spent nights in empty parking lots and livestock farming. "In some cases, forests are Products and services are to be expanded to and, according to local newspaper reports, being cleared for it or fences are being built create new ways to make a living. In the future, significantly more white dolphins were spotted off through wildlife corridors [which animals use to visitors will be required to make reservations the coasts of Hong Kong, thanks to a suspension the massive dip has led to a loss of approximately move across habitats]," said Martina von ahead of time for popular sites. of shipping traffic. 197 million jobs worldwide, as well as US$5.5 Münchhausen, tourism expert at WWF In the Tusheti National Park in Georgia, newly But tourism can also play a role in trillion (€4.7 trillion) in revenue. The losses are Germany. created hiking trails and other tourism conservation, not to mention supporting local five times greater than those caused by the 2009 This is reigniting human-wildlife conflict even infrastructure will help better manage visitor livelihoods. International tourist arrivals global economic and financial crisis. it where it was previously mitigated by revenues flows, helping to protect nature from ‘over worldwide dropped 73% in 2020 compared to The nature-based tourism sector has been hit from protected areas and tourism, partly tourism.’ And inspired by the unfortunate 2019, according to the according to the United particularly hard. because animals are losing roaming ground, common murres in the Baltic Sea, scientists Nations World Tourism Organisation. Revenues putting them in the path of people. want to explore whether tourists could be useful linked to the industry have collapsed. Job losses in nature reserves Lockdowns and business closures have put as seabird protectors against predator attacks in The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), With no visitors, many national parks increased pressure on protected areas and other places as well. a private travel industry grouping, estimates that remained closed during lockdowns and income national parks too, said Ina Lehmann, who is (DW) B12 Ceylon FT friday 9 july 2021 news LOLC Finance now Singhagiri opens at three new locations offers Working Capital at the click of a button Renowned for delivering confident that this innovative and real-world groundbreaking product will be financial solutions, LOLC the most sought after working Singhagiri recently opened Finance PLC has unveiled yet capital solution in the industry three new showrooms across another cutting-edge financial because it has been designed to Sri Lanka; starting off at service that provides a high give optimum convenience to Moratuwa in January 2021, degree of convenience to its customers who are especially the second at Maharagama in customers. The LOLC Finance engaged in dynamic MSME March and the most recent one Digital Speed Draft is the latest (Micro, Small & Medium in Kurunegala last month. innovation of LOLC Finance. It Enterprises) businesses.” These three strategically is an advancement of the iPay, a unique payment located showrooms join the conventional Speed Draft aggregator introduced by 100+ retail showrooms and 12 facility that LOLC introduced LOLC Plaza showrooms spanning over a decade ago which Sri Lanka’s most valuable across the island to offer became a pioneering lending and globally diversified customers easy access to the A wider variety of home Godrej Viroshield, a UV-C solution that won the hearts of financial conglomerate is a best products. The expansion appliances was launched technology-based device that many people across the simple, easy to use real-time of the Plaza channel – which is recently, ranging from disinfects 99% of viruses and country. Back then, the payment platform which is the flagship channel of televisions, rice cookers, gas bacteria from almost anything, product was introduced built on an architecture that Singhagiri – is ongoing hand- cookers, water heaters, be it grocery packs, vegetables, primarily for raising working Conrad Dias allows easy integration with in-hand with the expansion of vacuum cleaners, free standing currency notes and mobile capital and for acquiring third parties or withdrawals of any system. It has been their product portfolio under cookers and many more. phones to masks, wallets, car assets. However, this ground- their own accounts as well as designed with a host of the Singhagiri brand name. Singhagiri also introduced keys and headphones. breaking product which has repayments from any bank features, giving the user a now been re-introduced by account is facilitated using the unique, one of a kind LOLC Finance with a host of advanced iPay Digital Platform. transaction experience. With added features by linking it Customers can therefore LOLC Finance operating as its th with the revolutionary payment experience greater convenience merchant acquiring partner, To mark 60 Anniversary aggregator platform, iPay offers and increased speed of service.” iPay which includes a host of unparalleled convenience and Also commenting, Yanik features designed to securely speed to customers seeking Fernando, DGM, LOLC Finance integrate the customer and People’s Bank helps family of cash for diverse, urgent East & Uva Region & Product merchant ecosystem, makes it requirements. Head of Speed Draft said, “This a true Fintech (Financial Speaking about the LOLC new product will have all the Technology) platform. deceased Army Officer Finance Digital Speed Draft, features that any conventional In addition to SME business Conrad Dias, Director / Chief overdraft facility would have, owners, the all new LOLC Executive Officer of LOLC where the customer could Finance Speed Draft facility can Finance PLC said, “With the experience firsthand, the also be used for various digitalization of the LOLC flexibility to withdraw and individual needs ranging from Finance Speed Draft it will give repay whenever he deems it acquiring assets such as the customer the opportunity of necessary using iPay. The vehicles and property as well as operating his or her Speed interest will be calculated on to raise quick funding for Draft facility from the comfort the daily balance. With the medical emergencies, child of their home or business increasing trend towards education and overseas travel premises where payments to ‘Fintech’ solutions, LOLC is needs.

People’s Bank has always diagnosed with cancer and 3 The labour force who taken a leading role in young daughters who lived in dedicated their efforts to assisting in the development a small dilapidated and complete the construction of of the Nation and its people. In incomplete house. the house was provided by the Epic Lanka & Credence Analytics commemoration of its 60th On the request of Brigadier Gemunu Watch, and they not anniversary, People’s Bank Roshan Jayamanna, Centre only completed the joined hands with the Commandant of the Gemunu construction of the house, but develop next-gen wealth, custodian Gemunu Watch of Ratnapura, Watch at the Ratnapura, fully furnished it as well. Kuruwita Regimental Centre Kuruwita Regimental Centre, Major General W.G.H.A.S. management solution for BOC of the Sri Lanka Army to assist People’s Bank and People’s Bandara, Colonel the grief-stricken family of a Bank Ratnapura Buddhist Commandant of Gemunu retired and deceased Officer of Society offered financial Watch, Brigadier Roshan the Sri Lanka Army by offering assistance to the late Officer’s Jayamanna, Centre financial assistance to family. The staff of the Commandant Gemunu Watch complete the construction of Ratnapura Regional Head at the Ratnapura, Kuruwita their house in Udawela, Office of People’s Bank Regimental Centre, and Nalin Opanayake, Pelmadulla. The collected a sum of Perera, People’s Bank late Officer’s family consists of approximately Rs 700,000 Ratnapura Regional Manager his wife who has been internally for this cause. were present at the event.

Ideal First Choice introduces Unbeatable, versatile Schwing From left: Haritha Rajapakse, AGM – IT (Delivery Channels) BOC, Aruna Kumara, AGM (Investment Banking) BOC, S. Sivanjan, Deputy General Manager (Support Services) BOC, R.M.N Jeewantha, Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury and Investment), BOC, Viraj Mudalige, Managing Director/CEO, Epic Lanka, Krishan Jayawardena, Director/ Group Chief Technology Officer, Epic Lanka and Sanjeeva Perera, Stetter Self Loading Mixer Senior Vice President, Epic Lanka Sri Lanka’s automotive construction machines, has Self Loading Mixers are Epic Lanka has partnered banking platforms such as banking products and solutions provider, Ideal located its wholly-owned produced monthly. with Credence Analytics (Pvt) wealth management and registrar functions. We were Motors (Pvt) Ltd’s subsidiary subsidiary Schwing Stetter Commenting on introducing Limited to deploy a fully- custody divisions that also identifying various Ideal First Choice has broken India (Pvt) Ltd in Chennai. this machine to the local fledged wealth and custodian completely automate business technologies and automation new ground introducing the While Schwing Stetter’s market, Kasun management solution for needs of investment bankers. requirements required for a Schwing Stetter Self Loading factories are situated Wickramaratne, National Bank of Ceylon (BOC). As a leading Sri Lankan fully-fledged system. After Mixer to the local market worldwide, the group’s entity Sales Manager, Schwing The state-of-the-art solution bank, BOC offers a wide range evaluating several options, we recently. in Chennai supplies Stetter India (Pvt) Ltd said, will provide BOC with a of investment opportunities decided to partner with Epic Ideal First Choice is the sole equipment to Sri Lanka was “Ideal Motors is undoubtedly single, unified system to and financial services for Sri Lanka and Credence representative for the well as 27 countries globally. the superior choice when support all investment Lankans. The Group’s Analytics to implement equipment, manufactured This factory manufactures selecting after-sales service banking needs of the bank substantial and diversified ‘iDEAL Wealth and Funds and distributed by Schwing and distributes Batching for vehicles in Sri Lanka. including wealth management client base includes the 6.0’. We believe the state-of- Stetter India (Pvt) Ltd, a Plant, Truk mixer, Boom Pum Their customer service is and custodian business. The sovereign, retail, and the-art technology solution is wholly-owned subsidiary of etc. matchless. As both our solution is integrated with corporate customers from capable of managing the the acclaimed German group, Schwing Stetter India (Pvt) organisations are attuned to various other peripheral both the public and private activities across various Schwing Stetter. Ltd also manages five plants support customers, Ideal systems to help improve sector. The bank pursues a functions and transaction German’s Schwing Stetter across Chennai, Motors is the best suited local operational efficiency and strategy of augmenting its value chain to enable BOC to with a rich history for over 88 manufacturing a wide range authorised dealer for the support future business investment banking business meet the needs of its growing years, and as the world’s of concrete construction Schwing Stetter Self Loading requirements to offer superior across a variety of sectors and customer base across various leader for concrete equipment. A massive 450 Mixer.” service for its customers geographies. BOC was looking segments, maximise return across Sri Lanka. for a comprehensive solution on investments, be ready for In a pandemic-stricken that had the capability to frequent regulatory changes business environment, the cover the front, mid and back- and to improve operational global investment banking office operations of its efficiency.” industry is witnessing many Investment Banking Division The solution supports changes due to more from a single unified platform management of subscription/ demands by clients, digital to support its long-term redemption and customer transformation, regulatory vision. reporting catering to private compliance, Commenting about their wealth management and internationalization, and latest solution, R.M.N. collective investment schemes growing competition. This is Jeewantha, Deputy General while the Investment leading to an increase in Manager (International, Management functionality overall costs of operations and Treasury and Investment) of takes care of all fund affecting the bottom line. BOC said, “We started a management functions like Investment bankers today strategic initiative to portfolio construction and need to have increased focus implement an Investment management, risk and on innovation, efficiency, Management Solution, across compliance management, productivity, and client multiple functional areas trade order management, Dilshan Tennekoon, Head of Sales, Ideal Motors handing over the Self Loading Mixer to the Head of Sri Ram centricity. Hence, in line with such as wealth management, accounting etc. for Constructions, Kathireshan Rayan. Also pictured (L to R), Marlon Jayanga, Asst. Sales Manager and Samira the ‘new normal’, investment trustee and custodian institutional portfolios and Madushan, Senior Sales Executive from Ideal Motors, Kasun Wickramaratne, National Sales Manager, banking solutions must services, structuring and collective investment Schwing Stetter India (Pvt) Ltd, Saranga Paranahewa, Manager Product Promotions from Ideal Motors, integrate various investment managing of investment schemes. Sampath Siriwardene, Sales Manager and Mangala Samaradivakara, Coordinator MOD, of Ideal Motors FT NEWS FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 B13 NAITA - Huawei ICT Academy in Vocational Training Launched In fulfilling the Government’s Vision Innovation, Deepa Liyanage, includes resource sharing, and priority to produce ‘Smart Chairman - National Apprentice and complementary advantages, and joint Technocrats’, who are globally Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), development between universities, recognised and possess international Tharanga Naleen Gamlath, Chief vocational training institutes and acclaimed qualifications required by Executive Officer - Huawei enterprises is needed to efficiently the local and international Technologies Lanka,Liang Yi were match the talent supply with the employment markets, Huawei Sri present at the MOU signing demand” Huawei Sri Lanka Chief Lanka recently inked a Memorandum ceremony. Executive said adding that this MOU of Understanding (MoU) with the The State Minister said, “The is another initiative taken by Huawei National Apprentice and Industrial Government envisions and will take in the ICT talent ecosystem building Training Authority (NAITA), a leading effort to increase the employability of in Sri Lanka. Vocational Training Organisation Sri Lanka’s youth by developing high “We aim to become a foundation for functioning under the State Ministry technological skills and that Huawei cultivating digital economy talent in of Skills Development, Vocational ICT Academy will further improve ICT this beautiful Asian nation. In the Education, Research and Innovation vocational training enabling them to new era of ICT development, Huawei under the preview of the Ministry of face the challenges of digitalisation will accelerate scientific and Education to set up a NAITA- Huawei with enhanced skills.” She added technological innovation; we will also ICT Academy to contribute and that the Huawei ICT Academy will continue to invest in knowledge enhance vocational education and expand to remote areas in Sri Lanka innovation and talent development training for youth in the as well. State Minister of Skills Development, Vocational Education, Research and Innovation through furthering cooperation Telecommunication sector with “We expect this to target on Dr. Seetha Arambepola (Middle) looks on whilst Chairman of NAITA Tharanga Gamlath between the Ministry of Education hardware installation skills. upskilling over 300 passionate young along with Ministry and NAITA officials and CEO Huawei Sri Lanka Liang Yi with and the State Ministry of Skills State Minister of Skills people annually, with knowledge and Huawei Officials, exchange the signed MOU with a token of goodwill Development, Vocational Education, Development, Vocational Education, practise of principles as On-site Research and Innovation in Sri Lanka Research and Innovation, Dr. Seetha Telecommunication Engineers, improvement. And we are delighted to somewhat disconnected, and the and associated organisations to help Arambepola, Secretary to the State including Wireless and Datacom partner with Huawei in this model struggles to support the build and nourish Sri Lankan Ministry of Skills Development, Hardware Installation, Environment programme” Chairman NAITA said. industry’s development. In this professional talent in digital Vocational Education, Research and Health & Safety (EHS) and quality “Talent supply and demand are context, a long-term strategy that technologies” Liang Yi said.

As it prepares For Next Phase of Growth N-able announces Key Leadership Appointments N-able (Private) Limited, Sri Lanka’s premier Information and Communications Technology services provider, today announced key appointments within its leadership team, as it gears up for the next phase of growth in a post pandemic world. Asanka Bimal Rajasinghe will assume duties as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of N-able, while Rajitha Wickramasinghe will Bakmee Perera - Director Communications Planning and Media Strategy, dentsu Grant take on the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Prasad Kularatne will be appointed as the Chief Technical Advocate (CTA). Bakmee Perera Counting over 50 years of collective experience in Information and appointed to Communications Technology between them, Asanka, Rajitha and Prasad were part of the L – R: Asanka Bimal Rajasinghe, Chief Executive Officer - N-able, Rajitha Wickramasinghe, Chief founding team of N-able in 2008 along with Technology Officer - N-able and Prasad Kularatne, Chief Technical Advocate - N-able dentsu Grant’s Peter D’Almeida. The trio have grown within the company and shared in its success of building the business from an initial understanding of the unique company that Sri Lanka has to offer. We are confident Leadership Team investment of Rs 30 million into a Rs 3 billion culture, he brings with him a wealth of that Asanka together with the leadership Bakmee Perera was appointed as dentsu Grant enterprise. experience. team will continue to deliver greater value to Group’s Director Communications Planning and Media “We are very pleased to announce the Rajitha and Prasad who take on the roles of our customers and stakeholders.” said, Strategy, which will entail the industry veteran with 14 appointment of Asanka as the new CEO of CTO and CTA in the leadership team, are two Buddhike Illangatillake, Chairman / plus years of experience, to overlook consumer N-able, in addition to having a deep expert engineers, who are amongst the best Managing Director of N-able. insights, Media strategy, planning, data analytics and innovation while spearheading the CXM (Customer Experience Management) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) business in collaboration with Merkel Sokrati - a global data-driven CXM and CRM company, part of dentsu International, Singer signs specialising in the delivery of unique, personalised SLIIT Postgraduate customer experiences across a gamut of platforms and Falan Andrea devices. “Media is morphing at breakneck pace, enabling Virtual Open Day 2021 as Brand never-before opportunities to meaningfully engage with our consumers. dentsu’s track record of staying ahead SLIIT Postgraduate In addition, they were also Engineering domains. Ambassador of the curve, creating truly sustainable value is how we students are recognised able to take advantage of The SLIIT postgraduate become trusted partners, not just to our clients, but to locally as well as globally for open day discounts, virtual degrees are coordinated and Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC appointed Falan each other and the world around us,” said Divya their professionalism and tours etc. administered by the Faculty Andrea as the new Brand Ambassador for Karani,, CEO- Media South Asia of dentsu. leadership. Many graduates SLIIT’s Postgraduate of Graduate Studies and the Singer Hi-Fi range. “Our hand-picked teams are nimble, adaptable and have become renowned CEOs programmes of MSc, MBA Research which has been The MoU which was signed at the inclusive. Teaming across the dentsu world and in leading companies and degree options are designed successful in creating a Singer Head Office, Colombo will see beyond, seamlessly coming together as one. It is with leading professionals in their to enhance a candidate’s rewarding learning and Falan Andrea collaborating on product this same spirit, I would like to welcome our new team- domains. career prospects and help research environment to launches, events and promotion member, Bakmee to our dentsu Sri Lanka operation. I The SLIIT Postgraduate position themselves with students and with staff campaigns for a period of two years. am certain she will fearlessly forge pathways in programmes are designed to differentiating capabilities. dedicated to excellence. Falan Andrea is a popular female artiste bringing alive dentsu’s passion for never before produce graduates with Further the research-based A highly qualified team of and winner of the Derana Dream Star possibilities,” added Karani. strong analytical, critical MPhil and PhD degrees academics comprised of 75 Season 9. Bakmee has played a leading role in positioning thinking research and enable the candidates to PhDs degree holders from “We are thrilled to have Falan Andrea leading FMCG, BFI and Telco brands in Sri Lanka in innovative and work on research topics in top-end universities around onboard as the Brand Ambassador for the hearts and minds of consumers. “We are at the communication skills to providing innovative the world form part of the Singer Hi-Fi for the next two years as we cutting edge of innovation in the Media industry, serve our nation and beyond. solutions in current thrust 300-strong academic staff are set to expand our Hi-Fi range with redefining the whole nexus of strategically connecting a Tailored to provide all the areas for competitive novelty. together with an industry innovative audio products.” said Director brand with the consumer and how we enhance and required information on the All these degrees are professional with sound Marketing - Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC, grow that experience,” newly appointed Director current MSc, MBA, MPhil, approved by the University academic background. Many Shanil Perera. “Her excellent reputation Communications Planning and Media Strategy for and PhD Programmes, SLIIT Grants Commission and the lecturers have experience not as an artiste and her popularity among dentsu Grant Group, Perera said, adding “This is what hosted a Postgraduate Ministry of Higher Education. only in academia but also in youth allows us to reach a wider audience excites me about joining a global team that is pushing Virtual Open Day 2021 on 12 SLIIT offers MSc and research and innovation, in our efforts to expand the Hi-Fi range. the boundaries to bring holistic innovation and June 2021. Postgraduate Diploma and business perspective working Our collaboration with Falan goes beyond delivering market-first solutions in order to bridge the The Dean of the Faculty of Masters in Information in an environment with a simple brand endorsement as we all are balance between data led strategy and creativity.” Graduate Studies & Technology, Information quality assurance and committed to expand a truly Sri Lankan Innovation and embracing change have always been Research, Academic Management, Information monitoring mechanisms of product range that caters to the at the core of dentsu Grant’s DNA and the spark that Coordinators participated in Systems, Information international standards. entertainment needs of our very own has helped establish some of the most memorable this important event together Technology specialising in These postgraduate consumers.” brands that are household names today. “We have with prospective candidates. Cyber Security, Information diplomas serve as an exit Singer Hi-Fi has become a household many firsts under our belt, but now we are in a space The Open Day held via Technology specialising in qualification for the MSc name among Sri Lankans having served where first is not good enough. We need to be fast,” Zoom provided an ideal Enterprise Application degree programmes. generations with high quality audio Chairperson and Managing Director - dentsu Grant platform for candidates to Development, a Master of Additionally, the MSc and equipment ranging from radios, Hi-Fi Group, Neela Marikkar said. “Bakmee will work gain information about the Business Administration MBA degree programmes are systems, Active speakers, etc. At present, alongside our Director Media Services Chaminda Dias programmes from the (MBA) and also Master of regularly updated capturing Singer Hi-Fi showcases a wide range of and brand teams in rolling out a multi-pronged faculties though interactive Philosophy (MPhil), and the dynamics of the Hi-Fi systems from 2.1 to 5.1ch speakers, strategy, which combines historic knowledge with real- discussions in view of making Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) as marketplace and broadening single tower to twin tower models, Active time data and analytics to bring engaging brand informed decisions about research-based degrees in its horizons on academic Speakers which have dominated the experiences on a multitude of platforms,” she added. their path of lifelong learning. Computing and in research and innovation. audio segment for a long time. A14 friday 9 july 2021 sports England Into Euros Final After Ending Danish Dream Run

England team celebrate

England and their long- Denmark to end their Maguire header, and England suffering fans finally have the emotional ride from the fear began to turn the screw in the chance to add another trophy and distress of Christian second half, but despite their to the 1966 World Cup, after Eriksen’s opening game relentless passing and probing they overcame Denmark 2-1 in collapse to their first semi-final around the box, they struggled extra-time on Wednesday to since their shock Euro 92 win, to carve out a clear opening reach the European but their exhausted players left and the match rolled into extra Championship final for the first Wembley with socks rolled time. time. Harry Kane›s goal, down but heads held high. «I The extra 30 minutes became following up after his penalty am proud of this group and a virtual attack v defence had been saved, finally saw off everyone who has been on this exercise, as Schmeichel saved battling Denmark to set up a journey. It has been fantastic again from Kane and Jack Sunday showdown against to be involved. I am hungry and Grealish, and the fear of Italy, also looking to shake off empty, but I am also proud,» penalties began to rise among the ‹60s as they seek to win the said Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. the home fans. title they last lifted in 1968. The ever-dangerous Sterling On a night to remember in CROWD STUNNED continued to drive into the box front of almost 60,000 roaring Having swept past Ukraine though and was eventually fans, England fell behind to 4-0 in the quarter-finals, brought down by Joakim Mikkel Damsgaard›s superb England knew they faced a Maehle for the VAR-reviewed free kick, equalised with an considerable step up on penalty that Kane struck own goal, dominated the game Wednesday and the quality in poorly and Schmeichel and then won it via their the Danish ranks was amply blocked, only for the captain to captain, albeit somewhat illustrated after 30 minutes tuck home the rebound. unconvincingly, in the 104th when Damsgaard fired a England then negotiated the minute. «Unbelievable - what a powerful, dipping 25-yard free last 15 minutes to spark the game though,» said Kane. «We kick over the wall and beyond loudest, and surely most dug deep and we got there the diving Jordan Pickford. confident rendition of when it mattered. We reacted England had reached the ‘Football›s Coming Home’, ever really well - we›re in a final at semis without conceding a goal to ring around Wembley. home; what a feeling.» and the crowd were stunned. «When you’ve waited as long It was of course a The question of how England as we have to get through a particularly special night for would respond to their first real semi-final, the players - coach Gareth Southgate, setback would now be considering the limited whose penalty shoot-out miss addressed. international experience some sent England out of the semi- The answer was calmly and of them have - have done an finals of Euro 96. «We said to patiently, as they passed their incredible job,» Southgate said. the players at some point we›re way back into the ascendancy. «We suffered in Moscow (in going to have to show resilience Raheem Sterling was denied at the 2018 World Cup semi-final and come back from setbacks, point-blank range by Kasper defeat by Croatia) on a night and we did that tonight,» he Schmeichel before the like this, and we›ve managed to said. «The most pleasing thing 39th-minute equaliser, when put that right. It›s an incredible England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their second goal with Phil Foden is that we›ve given our fans and Bukayo Saka hit the byline and occasion to be a part of. The our nation a fantastic night fizzed over a low cross that fans were incredible all night. and the journey carries on for Simon Kjaer bundled over his There was mayhem on the another four days. We›ve said own line in his attempt to stop pitch and I was part of it. We’ve we want to create memories. the ball reaching Sterling. got to enjoy the fact we›re in the I›ve said to the young ones ‹it Schmeichel was on hand final, but there›s one more isn›t always like this›.» again with an excellent diving massive hurdle to conquer.» It was a tough way for save to palm away a Harry (Reuters)

England’s Harry Kane scores their second goal Denmark’s Simon Kjaer and Daniel Wass look dejected after the match

England fans are seen outside the stadium after the England fans are seen outside the stadium after Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson with his wife Carrie match the match (2) Johnson in the stands SPORTS FRIDAY 9 JULY 2021 A15 Dreaming of Tokyo: Team SL gears up for the Olympic Games Nine athletes, nine dreams, a Badminton champion Niluka lifetime in the making. This may Karunaratne, who will be taking part sound like a cliched hyperbole, but for in his third Olympic Games; South Team Sri Lanka, and indeed their Asia’s fastest man and top 50 world contemporaries the world over, the ranked sprinter Yupun Abeykoon; reality is likely far more surreal. For and national Judo champion an athlete there is no greater feeling Chamara Nuwan Dharmawardana, than representing your nation and the who will be competing in his second Olympic Games embodies the Olympic Games. Dharmawardana, pinnacle of that achievement. An along with Gehani, will also be given event that allows you to showcase the honour of being Sri Lanka’s flag your talents to the world, and one bearers during the opening ceremony where success is more than just of the Games. about winning. While this is not the largest Indeed, many of us may never truly contingent Sri Lanka has ever sent to understand the sacrifice, desire, will the Olympic Games, it is among the power, and sheer unbridled most accomplished. NOC Sri Lanka, determination that goes into too, has done its part in looking to becoming a professional athlete; ensure the best the country has to suffice to say, being good enough to Standing from left to right: Feroz Deen (Channel Head E FM), Thiru Sayandhan (CEO Sunshine Medical Device), Mahesh Hirdaramani offer are able to compete, despite the compete at the Olympic Games is an (Chairman, Hirdaramani Group) Ms. Karin Wijeratne (Director - Creative and Communication, Eventristry), Ms. Chamila Nimalasiri numerous challenges these athletes achievement in and of itself - (Director, P.G. Martins), Ms Rajitha Jayasuriya (Director Corporate Affairs MAS), Rajiv Malasekera (CEO, Brandix Cluster), Kishaan have faced over their careers. something that was given an added Kanag- Iswaran (Director Richardsons), Asanka de Mel (CEO, LOVI Ceylon) Heshan Perera (Head of Marketing Daraz) And none of this would be possible twist this past year. of course without help from the This unprecedented pandemic has Sri Lanka on their behalf, and their is in fact one of five female athletes on the results of the 2019 World sponsors, namely Presenting Partners put forth barriers that these athletes achievements in years past, the IOC representing Sri Lanka at Tokyo 2020. Championships. – Brandix and Hirdaramani; could scarcely have imagined - granted both invitation place entries. Of the others, Equestrian Mathilda Both Karlsson and Gehani are also Associated Partners - MAS and athletes after all are creatures of Either not competing in the Olympic Karlsson was the first Sri Lankan to the first Sri Lankans to represent Sri Sunshine Holdings; Official habit, of routine, the very things the Games would have been a travesty, qualify for this Olympic Games, with Lanka in their respective fields. Broadcasting Partners – Rupavahini pandemic has put paid to - yet they considering the esteem in which both all of Sri Lanka no doubt brushing up Rounding out the female and Channel Eye; and Activity have defied all the odds. This has by are held. Abeysinghe is already one of on their Equestrian Show Jumping representation are the eagle-eyed Partners - Eventristry (Official no means been an easy road. Some, the most accomplished athletes in the knowledge. Artistic Gymnast Milka Tehani Egodawela, who will be taking Marketing Partner), Daraz (Official like swimmers Matthew Abeysinghe country, and is the only Sri Lankan Gehani, meanwhile, was awarded one part in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Digital Partner), LOVI (Official and Aniqah Gaffoor, have had to swimmer to achieve an Olympic of the two available Asian continental Shooting event, and middle-distance Lifestyle Partner), Swarnavahini qualify through invitation places. qualification standard. Gaffoor, berths to the Olympic Games due to runner Nimali Liyanarachchi, who will Media Group (Official Electronic Both were unable to train and meanwhile, at the tender age of 17, the cancellation of the 2021 Asian be taking part in the Women’s 800m Media Partner), Richardson (Official compete because of the pandemic, but already boasts the national record in Championships, as she was the event. On the men’s side, apart from Outdoor Media Partner), and PG thanks to the intervention of the NOC the 50m and 100m Butterfly. Gaffoor highest ranked eligible athlete based Abeysinghe, there is a veteran Martin (Official Accessories Provider).

Top-order batsman Shimron Australia ODIs Hetmyer, fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell and all-rounder Roston Chase returned to the West Indies one-day squad for their Windies recall Cottrell, three-match series against Australia later this month. The trio were left out of the team's 3-0 ODI series sweep Hetmyer and Chase against Sri Lanka in March for failing to meet the Kieron the Kensington Oval in Pollard-led side's fitness Barbados on 20, 22 and 24 standards. July. "This squad is coming off a Before that, the teams will comprehensive series win clash in a five-match T20 series against Sri Lanka, which beginning in Gros Islet on should boost their confidence Friday. going into what is expected to West Indies ODI squad: Umar Akmal be a tougher contest against Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Australia," chief selector Roger Hope, Fabian Allen, Darren Harper said in a statement on Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Umar Akmal Wednesday. Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, "The return of Shimron Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Hetmyer, Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, apologises for Sheldon Cottrell adds greater Jason Mohammed, Anderson depth and experience to the Philip, Nicholas Pooran, squad." Romario Shepherd not reporting The matches will be played at (Reuters) From left-Shimron Hetmyer, Sheldon Cottrell and Roston Chase corrupt approaches 'Athletes are humans': Amla's Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has apologised for Osaka stands by decision not reporting corrupt approaches last year, which defensive led to him being banned for 12 months . Akmal, 30, was last year suspended by the Pakistan to skip media duties Cricket Board (PCB) for not reporting spot-fixing masterclass approaches made to him before the start of the World number two Naomi Osaka said she quit the claycourt major last month 2020 PSL. she was under immense pressure to after being fined and threatened with "Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake disclose more details when she stepped expulsion for declining to face media secures which caused damage to my cricket and career," away from the French Open for a mental after her first match. Akmal said in a video released by PCB on health break, but is now ready to make While the 23-year-old maintains a good Wednesday as part of his reintegration and Japan proud at the Tokyo Olympics. relationship with journalists, she hopes Surrey draw rehabilitation process. "I learnt a lot during this Osaka stunned the tennis world when the tennis world can respect mental time, and due to that mistake Pakistan cricket's health issues - just like any other Hashim Amla painstakingly compiled an unbeaten 37 reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness workplace. from 278 balls in a defensive masterclass to foil from the PCB and from cricket fans around the "It's OK to not be OK, and it's OK to not Hampshire's victory bid and secure a draw for Surrey in world." talk about it," Osaka wrote in an essay a County Championship match at the Rose Bowl in Akmal admitted that the ban has been a ‘very https://time.com/6077128/naomi- Southampton. difficult period for him’. osaka-essay-tokyo-olympics for Time Resuming on a precarious six for two after being "Some people approached me but I was unable Magazine. made to follow on, Surrey finished 128-8 on Wednesday to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, "I communicated that I wanted to skip with South African Amla batting the whole day. due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I press conferences at Roland Garros to Amla scored only three runs from the first 100 balls couldn't play cricket despite being a cricketer. exercise self-care and preservation of my he faced and notched the first of his five boundaries on "I learned a lot during this time and today I mental health. I stand by that. Athletes the 126th. confess before all of you that that mistake are humans." "Every batter that went out there had a plan and (we) brought disrepute to Pakistan cricket." Athletes should be allowed to tried our best to just block it out," said Amla, who While the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) occasionally skip media scrutiny for their played 124 tests and 181 one-dayers before quitting reduced Akmal's ban to 12 months, they hit him mental wellbeing, she said. international cricket in 2019. with a fine of 4.25 million Pakistani Rupees for "In my case, I felt under a great amount "The last thing you want to do is play a couple of bad breaching the PCB's Anti-Corruption code. of pressure to disclose my symptoms - shots and the game is over by lunchtime." Akmal urged his fellow cricketers to keep their frankly because the press and the Despite staving off defeat, Surrey will almost certainly careers ‘clean’ by staying away from all tournament did not believe me. I do not fail to make Division One as one of the top six teams. ‘suspicious activities’. wish that on anyone." The only time Amla looked in danger was when Ian "I, Umar Akmal, would like to request all of you, Traditional news conferences, where Holland dropped him at leg slip off Keith Barker when as ambassadors of the sport, to stay away from rows of journalists pepper sometimes the batsman was on 30. Amla is no stranger to dour any suspicious activities. If any suspicious highly personal questions at athletes batting displays. He famously made 25 off 244 balls in individuals approach you, please report it to the often minutes after intense highs or lows a 2015 test in New Delhi where he and South Africa anti-corruption unit in a timely manner so that in competition, were out of date, Osaka team mate AB de Villiers, who made 43 off 297 balls, your record and career remain clean." said. fought in vain to avoid defeat to India. (Agencies) Naomi Osaka (Reuters) (Reuters) A16 friday 9 july 2021 sports Japan Declares State of Emergency for Tokyo Olympics

Japan has declared that Tokyo will among whom COVID-19 can spread. Norihisa Tamura. “With the idea that be under a COVID-19 state of On Wednesday, Tokyo reported 920 we’d like this to be the last round of emergency throughout the Olympic new cases of coronavirus, the emergency measures, we’ll continue Games. highest daily figure since 13 May. vaccinations and tackle coronavirus Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga The number of cases has been with the wishes of the public in announced the measure at a press creeping up since Japan lifted a mind.” conference on Thursday evening as previous state of emergency last Okinawa will also remain under a the growing prevalence of the Delta month. The new state of emergency state of emergency, but Japan’s variant drives a rapid spread of will be the fourth in Tokyo, after other large cities will not be covered coronavirus infections. The renewed previous declarations in spring by the restrictions, which should state of emergency means that the 2020, winter 2021 and spring 2021. reduce the economic impact of the Tokyo public will be urged to stay at Under previous restrictions, the new measures. “The economic home even as the International public was asked to work from home recovery led by exports and Olympic Committee holds the world’s when possible and restaurants were manufacturing is unlikely to be biggest sporting event in its streets requested to close at 8.00 p.m. derailed,” said Japan’s Chief and stadiums. Japan has a constitutional right to Economist Takeshi Yamaguchi at The IOC has insisted that the free movement, so all the restrictions Morgan Stanley in Tokyo, noting the Games must go ahead even during a are voluntary. Previous states of smaller geographic scope of the new state of emergency, but the infected with COVID] who are a ‘race between vaccination and the emergency have been effective in state of emergency. He added that declaration will probably lead to seriously ill and the utilisation of spread of the Delta variant’. He said reducing COVID-19 cases, but households have adapted to online tighter restrictions on spectators. hospital beds are still low, but taking vaccinations would continue as fast medical officials were concerned shopping. There would, however, be Tokyo 2020 is set to review its into account the effect of variants, we as possible during the state of about declining compliance with the increased pressure for another decision to allow a maximum of must act to prevent another ripple of emergency. After a slow start, rules and the Delta variant’s high round of fiscal stimulus, Yamaguchi 10,000 spectators, or 50 per cent of infections across the country.” Japan’s vaccine rollout has gathered transmissibility. “The Delta variant argued, which could include more the total capacity, in stadiums before Yasutoshi Nishimura, the Minister- pace, but it has given a first dose to is moving fast, responsible for 7 per cash handouts to lower-income the end of the week. in-charge of Japan’s COVID-19 just 27 per cent of the public, leaving cent of cases nationwide and 14 per individuals. Suga said: “The number [of people response, described the situation as a large pool of unvaccinated people cent in Tokyo,” said Health Minister (Agencies)

COVID case reported Susi cheers Team SL Barty beats Kerber from SL camp to reach first

Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower has tested Wimbledon final positive for COVID-19. Grant Flower arrived with the squad a few days ago from England. The entire Sri Lankan squad, inclusive of coaches who arrived from London, are currently in quarantine and have been informed to isolate themselves in their hotel room until further notice. India-Sri Lanka series will go ahead as planned. The others underwent PCR testing and are awaiting results.

Federer’s dream of ninth title in tatters

Sri Lanka’s Olympic Silver medalist the occasion, as the others were after Hurkacz mauling Susanthika Jayasinghe wore her medal undergoing training elsewhere. which she won at the 2000 Sydney Only three athletes achieved Olympics at a function to introduce the qualification for the Tokyo Olympics Sri Lanka Olympic Team at NOC from Sri Lanka, while six received yesterday. Only two athletes selected invitational entries. from invitational entries were present at Pic by Laksiri Rukman

Top seed Ash Barty became the first Australian Unacademy title sponsor woman to reach the Wimbledon singles final for 41 years after beating former champion Angelique Kerber 6-3 7-6(3) on Thursday. for ODI series The 25-year-old will now aim to emulate Evonne Goolagong who won the second of her two India’s largest learning official partner for the last two editions Wimbledon crowns in 1980. platform Unacademy came forward to of the Indian Premier League, hosted After saving a break point in a nervy opening game Roger Federer waves after losing his quarter final match be the title sponsor for the upcoming in India. The EdTech major also on a sunny Centre Court, world number against Hubert Hurkacz Sri Lanka vs India ODI series. secured the title sponsorship for the one Barty was supreme in the first set as her all- Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Unacademy Road Safety World court game flowed on the grass. Roger Federer›s dream of winning a record-equalling Cricket, commenting on the Series hosted earlier this year. The 33-year-old Kerber used all her experience on ninth Wimbledon title ended with a heart-breaking 6-3 sponsorship said: “The ODI series “As an education platform that the surface to hit back in the second set and looked 7-6(4) 6-0 quarter-final defeat by Poland›s Hubert between Sri Lanka and India is going resonates with the youth, Unacademy poised to take it into a decider when serving at 5-3. Hurkacz on Wednesday. to create a lot of interest among the has always strived to establish a But Barty got back in the groove and broke to love. Before this fortnight, 14th seed Hurkacz had won only cricketing fans in Sri Lanka, India, and deeper connect with its learners. Kerber’s game went off in the tiebreak four matches on turf, but no one would have guessed his across regions, and I am sure, it will be Sporting events help instill and Barty surged into a 6-0 lead and despite lack of grasscourt pedigree after witnessing the a major inspiration for the younger characteristics of discipline, resilience missing out on three match points she was never stupendous display he put in against his own childhood generation also to get inspired for and fortitude in the youth — traits we going to let her opportunity slip. idol. bigger things in life. I take this believe every learner should imbibe. A netted backhand from Kerber Producing a dazzling array of winners as Federer opportunity to thank Unacademy - Becoming the title sponsor of the Sri sent Barty through to her second Grand Slam final, struggled to handle his firepower, Hurkacz broke for a 4-2 which also focuses on the younger Lanka Vs India ODI Series enables us having won the French Open in 2019. lead with a vicious volley and that was enough for the generation - for coming forward as the to make a positive impact among She will face Karolina Pliskova or second seed Pole to take the first set. title sponsor of this important series.” young viewers of the game, and we’re Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s showpiece -- the first It was inevitable that a man who had never before As part of its strategy to increase excited to be a part of the time since 1977 that both finalists are in their reached the second week of a major would suffer some visibility for the brand via sporting Series,” said Karan Shroff, Chief maiden Wimbledon final. jitters, and when he surrendered his serve with a double associations, Unacademy has been an Marketing Officer of Unacademy. (Reuters) fault to go 2-0 down in the second, it looked like the Federer comeback was starting to gather pace. When the Swiss survived three break points to steam ahead 3-0 and then 4-1, the fans stopped biting their nails and settled back into their seats confident it would only be a matter of time before Federer levelled at one-set- all. LPL terminates one more franchise But the elegant Federer winners, which have dripped off his racket like liquid gold over the years, just dried up Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has Wednesday. terminated the contract of one Instead, there was a steady flow of misfiring backhands, more franchise of the Lanka netted volleys and shanked forehands. In all 31 unforced Premier League (LPL). As Ceylon errors from Federer summed up a day he is unlikely to Today learns the defending forget - but for all the wrong reasons. champion , Jaffna Stallions . All the cheers and standing ovations in the world could Jaffna franchise, owned by a not save Federer from the Centre Court mauling, as it group of investors of Indian and seemed his 39-year-old body finally said enough is Sri Lankan origins from different enough. parts of the world, including A Federer forehand into the tramlines handed Hurkacz from Australia, Canada, France, the biggest win of his career, while fans were left United Kingdom, and the USA. wondering that should this turn out to be the Swiss›s The Jaffna franchise becomes final Wimbledon appearance, there could not have been a the third team to have faced more cruel way to bow out than losing 6-0 in the final set termination from the league of his 22nd appearance. following joint action by the SLC Never before had Federer been wiped out in a set at and league rights holders - Wimbledon. Innovative Production Group After celebrating his triumph with a flying leap, FZE (IPG) of Dubai - against termed as reasons of non- International Cricket Council the ICC clearance has been Hurkacz joined the near 15,000 fans who had packed Colombo Kings and Dambulla compliance. (ICC). About eight new parties obtained. A formal into Centre Court to give Wimbledon›s favourite son a Viiking late last month. All three It’s understood that the have expressed interest to be a announcement on the latest standing ovation as he made a swift exit from the arena. teams have been dumped out of organisers are ready with new part of the league, and the right termination from the SLC is (Reuters) the league for what is being owners whose KYCs are with the parties will be on-boarded once expected soon.

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