SL BLEEDS RS. 76 B MORE THAN 2019

SLPP-SLFP ALLIANCE

RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 03 – NO. 14 SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 INTACT DESPITE MAKE OR BREAK MOUNTING YEAR FOR PROVINCIAL GARBAGE GRIEVANCES COUNCILS IN THE ISLE »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] Vaccine decision tomorrow BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA z Committee to consider national Covid-19 vaccination plan A decision on the type of Covid-19 vaccine that would be utilised by and when it would be brought down would be decided. to the state sector even before the free country by the State Pharmaceutical of storage temperature and other would be taken tomorrow (4) after considering the national However, a few weeks ago, State quota of vaccines promised by the Corporation (SPC). facilities, we will decide on what vaccination plan to be submitted by the Health Ministry. Minister of Production, Supply, and World Health Organisation (WHO). “We are also looking for vaccines vaccine we can bring down as early Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. He told The Sunday Morning that to bring down to the country for the as possible. It seems the Pfizer one Covid-19 Vaccine Committee Vaccination Plan formulated by the hinted that the the Russian Government is happy to private sector. Currently, the focus is is a bit difficult due to the difficulty Chairman and Senior Advisor to the Health Ministry would be submitted Government would most probably give the vaccine to Sri Lanka on a on Moderna, Chinese vaccines, and of maintaining cold storage,” Prof. President Lalith Weeratunga told The to the Committee tomorrow (4) and go ahead with the Russian vaccine government-to-government basis and Pfizer vaccine. Depending on the Jayasumana said. Sunday Morning that the National according to the plan, future steps Sputnik V and it would be available that it would be brought down to the availability, price, and maintenance Contd. on page 2 Hope for 2021 EDUCATION MINISTRY ‘Stop Lokuge’s Yahapalana sand train’ irregularities z Railway trade unions request President under probe Railway trade unions have Batticaloa to by a special The audit investigations into the sought the intervention of President freight train, resulting in huge losses Ministry of Education has uncovered to cancel to the Department. a number of irregularities during the the decision taken by Transport RTUA Co-convener S.P. Vithanage former Yahapalana Government, in the Minister to launch stated that, as a result of the Minister’s areas of public administration, human a special train to transport sand decision, the Railways Department is resource management, utilisation of from Eravur to Maradana, causing incurring a loss of Rs. 169,830 per train. public money, and procurements. millions of rupees in losses to the “The train runs every three days, Accordingly, the National Audit Office Department of Railways. which means 10 trips a month. (NAO) revealed that out of the total net In a letter written to the President, Therefore, as calculated by the provisions made for these four recurrent the Railway Trade Unions Alliance union, the Minister’s decision has expenditure objects for the year 2019, a (RTUA) has highlighted that Minister caused the Department a loss of Rs. sum of Rs. 638,466,966 had been saved, Lokuge has changed the Railway 1,698,300 per month,” he told The and it had ranged from a percentage of Ordinance on behalf of a friend Sunday Morning. 51% to 80%. who was transporting sand from Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 LOCAL SALT PRODUCTION ‘SL has not To be improved in 5 years

Residents lit up fireworks and sparklers in Colombo on 31 December to ring in the New Year z 10,000-40,000 MT salt imported annually PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA surrendered The Ministry of Industries is salt and provide employment to recommence the operations opportunities by boosting local CREMATION VS. BURIAL REPORT of Mantai Salt Ltd. in Mannar industries. FERTILISER SUBSIDY PROGRAMME to China’ to meet the local demand for Contd. on page 2 Covid Minister bypassed z Govt. responds to US Rs. 4 b loss z Report sent to Health Minister CAPITALaid condition HEIGHTS The Ministry of Justice and Health last week. BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA the State Ministry of Primary When The Sunday Morning CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS in 2018 Healthcare, Epidemics, and contacted Ministry of Health Sri Lanka has not surrendered its UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION A massive fraud has allegedly taken place Covid-19 Disease Control appears Media Secretary Viraj Abeysinghe, sovereignty to China, the Sri Lankan UPWARDS during the distribution of fertiliser under to have been kept in the dark about it was confirmed that the report Government stated in response to a the National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme the expert committee report on was handed over to Minister of condition in the US Coronavirus Relief in 2018, causing the Government a loss Covid-19 death burials that was Health . and Spending Package Bill. CAPITAL HEIGHTS of around Rs. 4 billion, according to the handed over to the Ministry of Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 RS. 34 MILLION National Audit Office (NAO). VISIT OUR Contd. on page 2 PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS UPWARDSWEBSITE CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS OUR SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 SLT AND MOBITEL JOIN FORCES No move to intervene: India RS.35 MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION UPWARDS BY SARAH HANNAN High Commission of India in Colombo reliable source at the High Commission READY FOR INSPECTION Brand unification to inquire whether the Government of told The Sunday Morning. PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR The Government of India has no India had suggested any interventions The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam WEBSITE intention of intervening in the decision- or discussions on the matter. SHOW(DMK)/Dravidian APARTMENT Progressive makes history VISIT OUR making process of the Government “This is a matter that concerns the Federation, a political party from Tamil +94 763112233WEBSITE Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and SLT Mobitel of Sri Lanka on holding provincial local government councils of Sri LankaREADY Nadu, FOR urged Indian INSPECTION Prime Minister SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk+94 763112233 on Friday (1) created a historic unification council (PC) elections despite an and India does not have an intention Modi to intervene in Sri Lanka’s READY FORSHOW INSPECTION APARTMENT of products and services by unveiling their official request being made by India's to interfere with such a matter. ItPROJECT is up decision toNEARING abolish the PC in theCOMPLETION new READY FOR INSPECTION unified brand identity at an event that took DMK party from Indian Prime Minister to the Sri Lankan Government to act constitution that would be put forth PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION place at the SLT Headquarters. Narendra Modi. accordingly and decide whether they this year. PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION Contd. on page 2 The Sunday Morning contacted the should or should not hold elections,” a Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, January 3, 2021

Contd. from page 1 Vaccine... Following are excerpts of his statement: will enjoy all of our services together. All Weerawansa noted. 787 subjects in 143 national schools and surface and groundwater sources, and ′′This is an arrogant and unjust action of us at SLT will be bound together under It is estimated that Sri Lanka consumes a sum of Rs. 6,012,225 had been paid contaminated sewage, but not dead bodies. In the meantime, State Minister of that will remove the amendment of the our common brand identity as we take helm approximately 150,000 metric tonnes of for 48 outsourced teachers in 36 national Coronaviruses die off rapidly in Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and law. It is shocking that even in this difficult as the primary telecommunication services salt per annum, out of which about 120,000 schools to teach Tamil or Sinhala as wastewater at 23 degrees Celsius, within Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini time when the agreement with India is provider to the nation. We look forward to metric tonnes go for human consumption. a second language in the year under two to four days, and the process is rapid Fernandopulle told The Sunday Morning not respected and questioned, when our the synergised brand value this gives us, Due to the insufficient local production of review. in higher temperatures as in Sri Lanka. that the Covid-19 vaccines, which would Foreign Minister or the National Security as we work with Mobitel to expand our salt within the country, between 10,000 and The audit also highlighted that the – Sarah Hannan be registered with the National Medicines Advisor who recently visited Sri Lanka 4G, 5G, and wireless broadband offering 40,000 metric tonnes of salt are imported number of principals and teachers who Regulatory Authority (NMRA), would didn’t question on such matters and as to under a unified brand umbrella, creating each year. In 2020 alone, the Government is were not kept in the current salary scale be permitted to be brought down to the why our Prime Minister Narendra Modi value for the customers and the company,” said to have spent over Rs. 1 billion on salt from 2004 to December 2019 was 6,695 Rs. 4 b... country early next year. has not raised concerns with the President SLT Chief Executive Officer Kiththi Perera imports. In addition to that, the Ministry as per the information submitted for In a special audit investigation report It is learnt that the country at present does or Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. said, speaking at the launch of the new of Industries is also working closely with audit from eight zones. issued by the NAO, it was revealed that not have enough infrastructure facilities “The Central Government of Sri digital-centric identity. the local universities to conduct research According to the information nearly 44,000 MT of unauthorised fertiliser to store the new vaccines like the Pfizer Lanka has taken steps every day since Via Mobitel, SLT-Mobitel offers mobile to identify new salt sources in order to maintained by the Ministry as at 31 has been released to the market, resulting Covid-19 vaccine that was found to be 90% the ‘Rajapaksa brothers’ came to power, ICT services including mobile telephony, establish salterns. At present, Mantai Salt December 2019, the total amount of in excess payments of around Rs. 4 billion effective, as it needs to be refrigerated at in a way to completely snatch the rights high-speed broadband, enterprise solutions, Ltd. operates two salterns in the Mannar arrears to be paid to the teachers of the to 11 fertiliser importing companies. -70 to -80℃. However, earlier, it was stated of Tamils of Eelam – and in a way to international services, and a range of value- and Districts; namely the Mannar national schools and pirivenas in the These excess payments had been made that the Government is eyeing the vaccine disrupt their self-esteem and dignity. It is added services with national coverage. saltern and the Chemmani saltern. nine provinces was Rs. 411,382,945 as a result of a failure to apply the pricing developed by the University of Cambridge, very sad that the Bharatiya Janata Party SLT Mobitel Acting CEO Chandika The company was reported to be running and the total amount of all teachers’ formula prepared on the recommendation as it did not need low temperatures for Government is keeping peace without Vitharana commented on the synergy at a loss from 2001 to 2005 and it paid salaries payable to the teachers of other of the Pricing Committee. storage. According to Health Minister disputing the decision.” from the brand unification: “SLT Mobitel dividends in 2008 from the earned profits schools was Rs. 828,704,012. Furthermore, a subsidy of Rs. 959.2 Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Sri Lanka would Meanwhile, the Government of Sri is the only truly Sri Lankan mobile services by improving the operational activities in When The Sunday Morning contacted million had been paid as over payment receive 4.2 million vaccine doses under Lanka’s ruling party, the Sri Lanka provider and is the frontrunner in digital its salterns. Education Ministry Secretary Prof. for the initial fertiliser stock, the report the WHO’s COVAX programme. Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and their mobile technology. SLT and Mobitel The Ministry of Industries is also said to Kapila Perera, he said the report has revealed. The NAO has also stated that Meanwhile, Weeratunga stressed that parties in alliance still had not reached a joining forces signals to the consumers the be looking to reopen the Elephant Pass and been forwarded to the internal audit the fertiliser stocks that do not conform the committee is focusing on all available decision on whether to hold the PC polls strength of our offering and our undisputed Kamburupitiya salterns which were halted. department of the Ministry and the to national standards have been released vaccines and the ones that have been or not this year, saying that since a new leadership in telecommunication services Weerawansa is hopeful that once the necessary actions would be taken as to the market due to the negligence of listed by the WHO. “At present, lots constitution is to be introduced and in in Sri Lanka. The future for our customers operational activities are reactivated at the per the recommendations given by the the officials of the National Fertiliser of networking is being done. We will that, the PC system is to be abolished, looks bright, as our connection brings us Kumpurupity and Elephant Pass salterns, Auditor General’s Department. Secretariat (NFS). probably appoint a presidential task force. the need to hold an election and appoint all together.” the country’s salt requirements could be – Maheesha Mudugamuwa The quantity of fertiliser imported and The ministers are not in it per se but they officials would be redundant. People’s fulfilled by the state-owned enterprises. stored by fertiliser importing companies are connected. We are working with all representatives from the ruling party too – Sarah Hannan up to 6 April 2018 had been imported ministries, the WHO, and embassies that were seen to be making contradictory ‘SL has... Covid... aiming to meet the requirement in the first are willing to help,” he added. statements about holding PC polls, with the Commenting on the condition that “The content of the report will be made and second quarter of 2018 and to supply However, he said no exact date has been Opposition political parties suggesting that funding will be made available to Sri Yahapalana... public once the Health Minister studies a direct fertiliser bag at a competitive price decided as yet to import the Covid-19 the same officials of the local government Lanka only if the Government asserts Furthermore, it is revealed that the contents of the report and takes the of Rs. 2,500 in the open market, the NAO vaccine to Sri Lanka. council should be reinstated until the new its sovereignty against influence by the total provision amounting to Rs. recommendations into consideration. noted. Although the subsidies have to be constitution is established. China, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. 243,500,000 allocated to one recurrent Hopefully, she will make an announcement paid on the recommendation of a Pricing Jayanath Colombage said: “Sri Lanka expenditure object was totally unutilised. about the decisions after 4 January,” Committee to cover the said loss as well ‘Stop Lokuge’s... has not surrendered its sovereignty to any Accordingly, the total provision Abeysinghe explained. as considering the fact that the fertiliser The union further alleged that the Brand... country; not to China or even to India. We obtained from supplementary Media reports suggesting that burials importing companies have to bear a loss amendments had been made by reducing SLT Group Chairman Rohan Fernando, are very mindful about our sovereignty. I estimates for three expenditure objects for Covid-19 deaths were being allowed of Rs. 1,000 per bag of fertiliser due to the charge per kilometre from Rs. 925 to Group Chief Executive Officer Lalith don’t think any country needs to tell us that amounting to Rs.104,863,653 had been seem to have popped up recently, causing the maximum sale price (Rs. 1,500) at Rs. 462.50. Elaborating further, the union Seneviratne, Chief Executive Officer specifically, because we have no intention entirely saved, while out of the total a stir and confusion among the public. the moment of activation, the fertiliser highlighted that a private company used Kiththi Perera, SLT Mobitel Acting CEO of surrendering sovereignty.” net allocation of Rs. 755,000,000 The Sunday Morning contacted Minister subsidy to be paid to the companies for 20 containers to haul sand from Eravur to Chandika Vitharana, and other key officials He told The Sunday Morning that he relating to the General Education of Justice Ali Sabry PC to clarify whether the initial stock had been calculated on the Maradana. Ten BCF-type wagons and two of the SLT Group participated in the event. saw reports on the condition but could Modernisation (GEM) Project, a sum such a report was submitted or whether basis of a document containing the clauses M-11/M-4 engines were used. This unification is to be an impetus to the not make an informed comment without of Rs. 601,200,002 had been saved. the Ministry of Justice has been briefed of pricing determinations which had “This special freight train will run a Government’s effort to create a technology- studying it properly. “I’m not in a position That amounted to 79.6% of the total about such a decision. obtained the approval of the Secretary to total of 680 km including 340 km from driven economy and a technology-based to give a comment because I haven’t net provision. “We have not received any update on the Ministry of Agriculture. It was prepared Maradana to Eravur, and 340 km from society, with SLT-Mobitel contributing really studied it and I don’t know what’s The provision totalling Rs. 700 the expert committee decision yet, and by the Director of the National Fertiliser there to Maradana. The Minister had immensely towards the digitalisation of exactly in it. Also, we haven’t got any million had been received from the the report is supposed to be handed over Secretariat without proper calculation ordered to reduce the charges by 50% Sri Lanka. official information through any channel year 2017 to 2019 for a project which to the Ministry of Health once all the and without the recommendation of the when the train is going up to Earvur and on “Today’s brand unification brings Sri yet,” he said. was planned to be implemented in the recommendations have been drafted into Pricing Committee, it is stated. the way back, to charge the full amount,” Lanka Telecom and Mobitel products and However, he also said that if the US next five years from 2016 to improve the final report,” Sabry responded. Meanwhile, the special committee Vithanage noted. The union also stressed services under a single brand. The new has made this condition, it was their the physical fitness of schoolchildren. State Minister for Primary Healthcare, appointed, at the request of Agriculture that the Department is currently incurring brand identity will strengthen the brand prerogative. The Coronavirus Relief Although four years had elapsed Epidemics, and Covid-19 Disease Control Minister , a loss of around Rs. 700 million per year equity of SLT-Mobitel, synergising the and Spending Package Bill worth $ out of the five years planned for the Dr. Sudharshini Fernandopulle stated: by Ministry Secretary Maj. Gen. and during the Covid-19 situation, it had goodwill gained by both to one strong 900 billion was signed into law by US programme and only Rs. 237.74 million “To our knowledge, no such report was Sumedha Perera to look into the matter, incurred further losses amounting to brand with digitalisation at its core. A President Donald Trump on 27 December had been spent on it, it had not been officially handed over to the Ministry of recommended suspending the services millions of rupees, as it went on a complete brand that consumers readily recognise, and intends to provide foreign aid to 31 implemented as scheduled even by 31 Health or our State Ministry, although there of five officers involved in fertiliser shutdown. trust, and accept,” SLT Group Chairman countries including Sri Lanka. However, December 2019, the NAO revealed. were some media channels reporting on distribution misconduct for the years When contacted by The Sunday Rohan Fernando stated. the funding comes with conditions. Furthermore, the audit revealed that such a decision.” 2018/2019. Accordingly, three assistant Morning, Transport Minister Lokuge The new brand identity brings the According to the Bill, assistance for Sri although the target was to carry out Last week, the College of Community directors and two development officers denied the allegations levelled by the brands together in a setting that is instantly Lanka may be made available only if the procurements amounting to Rs.10,031 Physicians of Sri Lanka (CCPSL) had who served in the NFS at that time have unions and said the transportation of recognisable to the consumer and portrays Secretary of State certifies and reports to million as per the procurement plan, issued a position paper on the debate about been suspended, according to the Ministry. goods was commenced as the Railways the unified relationship. The change in the the Committees on Appropriations that only procurements valued at Rs. 25.5 compulsory cremation of victims of Covid- The report was submitted to the Ministry Department is incurring a huge loss from logo is underpinned by a companywide the Government is taking effective and million had been completed at the end 19, in which the CCPSL had indicated that Secretary and Minister Aluthgamage has passenger transport. realignment and unification of service. consistent steps in certain areas. Sri Lanka of the year under review and preparation there was no solid evidence found that instructed the relevant officials to take “As an initial step, the Department SLT Group Chief Executive Officer asserting its sovereignty against influence of bidding documents related to dead bodies of Covid-19-infected persons legal action against this fraud through the launched a train service from Maradana Lalith Seneviratne spoke on the impact of by the People’s Republic of China is one procurement activities valued at Rs. could increase the spread of the virus once Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to Eravur and from next week, another the brand unification on consumers. “At condition. The Sri Lankan Government is 272.82 million had been at the early buried. The paper established that the latest in addition to the investigations being train will be launched to Kantale,” he said, SLT Group, we no longer think of ourselves also required to take effective and consistent stages of the bidding process. scientific brief updated in October 2020 by carried out at the ministry level. adding that in the meantime, discussions as a connectivity partner but as a lifestyle steps to respect and uphold the rights and Similarly, the activity of purchasing the National Centre for Immunisation and The NAO report also recommended are being conducted with the Prima Group company impacting people’s lifestyles freedoms of all Sri Lankans, regardless of equipment for the GCE Advanced Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division that investigations be referred to the CID. to transport their goods as well. greatly. The two anchor companies in the ethnicity and religious belief, including by Level Biosystems Technology subject, of Viral Diseases, Centre for Disease When contacted by The Sunday Clarifying about the reduction of the group, SLT and Mobitel hold an important investigating violations of human rights which should have been completed Control clearly confirms that the spread Morning, Agriculture Minister prices, the Minister said that the Department position to support the foundation of the and holding perpetrators of such violations by February 2019, had been at the bid of SARS-CoV-2 is primarily through Aluthgamage noted that they have lodged should first attract the businesses, and that group. Together with other subsidiaries, accountable, and increasing transparency evaluation stage by the end of the year respiratory droplets. Although contact a complaint with the CID and the CID is was why it had reduced the prices for they provide fixed-line services, mobile and accountability in governance. under review, and 12 procurements transmission and airborne transmission currently investigating the issue. Following carrying empty carriages. communications, broadband services, When contacted for comment, the US valued at Rs. 173.74 million had been are also possible, they are not the main the CID investigation, legal action would – Maheesha Mudugamuwa internet, TV, and health services access, Embassy in Colombo said more time was cancelled, it is stated. mode of transmission of the virus. be instituted against the culprits in the among others. The companies will now required to respond due to the holidays. Even though 19 procurement Moreover, with more than 85,000 courts, he said. “They have allowed the further enhance collaboration under activities valued at Rs. 144.12 million published scientific papers on Covid-19, companies to bring down low-quality No move... one brand and provide customer-first had been planned for the GEM Project not a single case has been reported due fertiliser that could cause serious health DMK Party Treasurer and MP T.R. innovative services as the industry leader To be... during the year under review, only two to virus transmitted through a dead body. complications to humans. The previous Baalu last week had requested the Indian in providing a great customer experience.” “With the recommencement of procurements valued at Rs. 0.71 million The claims on the SARS-CoV-2 virus Government had not taken any action Prime Minister to give a stern warning Through SLT, SLT-Mobitel provides operations at Mantai Salt Ltd., we had been made by the end of the year, spreading directly through groundwater against these individuals and had kept the to Sri Lanka, as the disrespect that is telecom networks and ICT services will gradually increase the production according to the report. In addition, it have not been scientifically substantiated. file for two years without doing anything,” displayed could have bad consequences to organisations of all proportions to meet the salt demand in Sri Lanka is also noted that only 153 permanent As per viral biology, these viruses need he stressed. Aluthgamage also noted that on India-Sri Lanka relations. Baalu, in across all economic sectors, other over the next five years”. principals had been appointed in a host cell to survive for a long period. there are five mafia groups operating in his statement, has viewed the move to telecommunications operators and internet “As a single state-owned enterprise, February 2020 for permanent principal The principal sources and routes of the agriculture sector namely for fertiliser, abolish the PC system, as clear disrespect service providers (ISPs), public sector the company will have to produce 21,000 vacancies in 278 out of 373 national potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in rice, paddy, vegetables, and seeds, and he towards the India-Sri Lanka Accord, and institutions, and domestic customers. metric tonnes per annum, so that the schools. It is also revealed that there water systems could be hospital sewage, is taking all the possible actions to tackle one which would make the Tamils second- “From today, all of our customers will country could gradually reduce the salt were 1,859 teacher shortages for 1,490 waste from isolation and quarantine centres, these mafias. class citizens in the country. know us as one SLT-Mobitel family and stocks that are imported,” Minister Wimal subjects and 1,202 teacher excesses for faecal-oral transmission, contaminated – Maheesha Mudugamuwa CLARIFICATION The article titled “Marathon talks continue”, published on The Sunday Morning on 27 December 2020, referred to the individual named Several Buddhist groups collectively “Ananda Palitha” as the President Prof. G.L. Peiris greeting a Buddhist staged a protest in front of the of the Jathika Sewaka Sangamaya clergyman at the launching event of Presidential Secretariat, urging the (JSS) of the Ceylon Petroleum the proposed science and technology Government to uphold law and order Corporation (CPC) branch, building at the during this pandemic whereas he is a retired employee of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL) and former President of JSS – CPSTL A Buddhist devotee seeking blessings for the new year Branch who is currently the Deputy Organiser of JSS and Convener of the Energy Trade Union. The Sunday Morning apologises for the error and inconvenience. Furthermore, in a letter to The Sunday Morning, Media Secretary to the Minister of Energy Aravinda Athukorala stated that the Ministry categorically denied Palitha's comments regarding an ongoing A woman swiftly jogging across the pedestrian crossing with her two puppies construction of a new oil tank farm Buddhist clergy carried out pirith in Maharagama for Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva was promoted PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, KRISHAN in Hambantota. the protection of the world from Covid-19 and for a to the rank of “General” by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prosperous new year in a spectacular ceremony KARIYAWASAM, ESHAN DASANAYAKA the sunday morning 3 Sunday, January 3, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

the country of origin. While the containers importing coriander and the relevant are currently sitting at the Colombo Port authorities should pay close attention and Katunayake FTZ, the court had also to whether the Ukrainian company has directed the Attorney General to take committed any fraud in this regard. legal action against those responsible for Whether these containers containing importing the waste containers in question. agricultural waste were deliberately Accordingly, 21 waste containers imported into the country by the from 133 containers that were placed at private sector or whether they have the Colombo Harbour were sent back been deceived, however, is yet to be to the UK on 27 September last year, investigated. following investigations. The Ministry of Amaraweera has informed the CEA Environment said the remaining 122 will to ascertain whether the statement made be sent back to the UK with by the private sector that the co-ordination of Customs they have been deceived is a after the completion of ploy to hoodwink the local investigations. authorities. In the meantime, the When contacted by The Government has sought Rs. Sunday Morning, Sri Lanka 1.649 billion as compensation Customs Director General for the environmental Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Vijitha damage caused by the waste Ravipriya said investigations Customs officials container imports from were conducted on both detecting the the UK. According to the incidents and in the latest DETECTION OF AGRO-WASTE CONTAINERS agro-waste Ministry of Environment, incident, the samples from the compensation claim has Without the support the containers have been sent been filed with the Basel of an influential for more investigations. Convention Secretariat a few person, such garbage Following the months ago. containers cannot be investigations, necessary However, Withanage urged brought down to the legal action would be taken, the responsible authorities country he said. to take legal action against CEJ Executive Director When asked about the the culprits to stop similar Hemantha Withanage reasons for the delay, MOUNTING incidents in the future and to Ravipriya stressed that be more vigilant. Customs couldn’t come to a conclusion by looking at the containers, Call for immediate action adding that to take legal action, proper Meanwhile, Minister of Environment facts should be presented. Therefore, has instructed Customs is investigating the incident Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Anil further. GARBAGE Jasinghe to lodge a complaint with the “We will take necessary legal action Basel Convention Office regarding the 28 immediately,” he added. containers containing agro-waste imported Speaking to The Sunday Morning, by a Ukrainian company under the pretext Secretary to the Ministry of Environment of importing coriander into the country. Dr. Jasinghe confirmed that a complaint According to the Minister, the containers will be lodged immediately with the Basel IN THE ISLE have been imported under the guise of Convention in this regard. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA a situation. At the same time, experts as well as the public question whether such Environmentalists have raised containers have already been smuggled concerns over the importation into the country. of a consignment of agriculture Withanage stressed that Sri Lanka has waste to Sri Lanka from Ukraine already become a garbage dump for rich even before the completion of countries and, mainly due to the lack reshipping the controversial of proper laws, the illegal importers go garbage containers imported from unnoticed. the UK. “As of now, none of the government institutions have taken any action against They alleged that the importation of the UK’s waste containers. Some of the garbage has now become a practice, and containers are still at some private yards. urged the Government to conduct an But neither the Customs nor the CEA has immediate investigation to find out the taken any legal action against the company importer of the waste containers and take that imported garbage to Sri Lanka,” he necessary legal action against them. alleged. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Centre According to environmentalists, the for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Executive importation of waste was a violation of the Director Hemantha Withanage stressed Basel Convention, of which Sri Lanka is that it is important to find out the real also a part. importers, as the companies under which Under the Basel Convention, all parties the importations have been done were not have specific obligations to transmit big names. certain information to each other through “Without the support of an influential the Convention Secretariat. This includes person, such garbage containers cannot be notifications of decisions to restrict brought down to the country. Even if the or prohibit imports and/or exports of names in the list are not big companies, hazardous wastes or other wastes. it (authorities) should investigate the Transmitting information is essential connections of those companies,” he to inform stakeholders (countries, alleged. importers, exporters, etc.) of national Last week, Sri Lanka Custom seized legislative and administrative requirements a total of 28 containers consisting of implemented in certain jurisdictions. In agricultural plant waste at a container yard turn, this facilitates compliance with such in Wellampitiya Road, Orugodawatta. requirements and may prevent illegal According to Customs, following the traffic in hazardous or other wastes. initial investigation, the cargo declared This information on import/export as carrying “whole coriander seeds” restrictions and prohibitions has to be imported from Ukraine was revealed to transmitted to the Secretariat either have contained eight consignments of through notifications by parties using the agricultural plant waste. The consignment revised standardised reporting format for was exported to Sri Lanka from Agronika transmitting information under Article 4 Trade LLC in Ukraine. Initially, eight of the Convention, or through information containers had arrived in Sri Lanka on reported under Question 3 (a)-(f) of the 10 December 2020, while another 20 national reporting questionnaire under containers had arrived on 21 December Article 13(3) and transmitted through 2020, it is learnt. designated focal points. Customs also stated that the consignment In a similar incident, in July 2019, was accompanied by a phytosanitary Customs and the CEA found that some certificate from the State Service of private parties had imported 232 containers Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer of waste to the country without approval Protection (SSUFSCP), which is the from the CEA, breaching the provisions competent authority to certify the quality of of the Basel Convention. These waste the agricultural goods. consignments were imported from the Following the initial investigation, the UK and were lying at the Colombo Central Environmental Authority (CEA) International Container Terminals (CICT) had recommended the re-exportation of the and the Katunayake Free Trade Zone containers with immediate effect. (FTZ) since 2017. It is stated that the waste containers were Recurring mistakes shipped to Sri Lanka in between 2017 The possibility of bringing down and 2018, violating the Basel Convention container loads of waste to Sri Lanka has on the Transboundary Movements of been questioned by many, as this is the Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. second time the country is facing such The CEJ filed a petition seeking a court order to re-export the waste containers to A container load the UK and to prosecute those responsible of the imported for the illegal shipment. In its petition, the agro-waste CEJ highlighted possible damage to the environment and threats to the health of the general public, as the waste appeared to be discarded medical waste. In the meantime, responding to Sri Lanka’s formal request, the UK’s Environment Agency had agreed to recall the dumped garbage. In October 2020, the Court of Appeal ordered the CEA to return the containers to 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, January 3, 2021

NORTHERN AND EASTERN PROVINCES Hit by double whammy z Affected by adverse weather z Covid-19 cases in Kalmunai increase

BY SARAH HANNAN disasters, as at the moment, only deaths at sea are covered by the insurance scheme, Adverse weather-related disasters where the family of the bereaved will amidst the increasing number of receive the insurance claim for their loved Covid-19 patients has posed an ones’ death,” Fernando elaborated. additional challenge to the disaster Damages to lives minimum relief process in the country, as the northeast monsoon continues to The Sunday Morning contacted the batter the Northern and Eastern State Ministry of Internal Security, Home Provinces this month. Affairs, and Disaster Management Division Additional Secretary and Director-General The Northern and Eastern Province of the DMC Major-General (Retd.) residents did not have sufficient time to Sudantha Ranasinghe to inquire as to what recover from the destruction that was measures the Government will take to caused by cyclone Burevi as the northeast address matters relating to natural disasters. monsoon settled over the island, dumping “If you look at the recent adverse above average rainfall in 12 districts. weather-related disasters, we have been The Department of Meteorology able to reduce the damages to human lives reported a maximum rainfall of up to 279.8 considerably, as the Disaster Management millimetres in the Northern Province this Centre which works closely with the month. The Government declared a local Jaffna inundated following Cyclone Burevi Department of Meteorology and the level emergency in the Northern Province, PHOTO ©️ELROY AMALATHAS National Building Research Organisation shutting down schools and other institutions have been able to issue early warning in the province to minimise injuries. DMC Assistant Director and Media notifications, allowing people to take The continuous rains inundated most of Spokesperson Pradeep Kodippili, adequate precaution and assisting the the low-lying areas, causing damages to speaking to The Sunday Morning, said: Government to evacuate people from residential areas. Agricultural lands and “All the families that were housed at disaster prone areas prior to the event,” standing crops were also observed to be safe locations have now returned to their Maj. Gen. Ranasinghe responded. inundated. homes. The Government has commenced According to him, the Government had During any other year, the authorities paying compensation for families that just released the compensation payments for and the public had to only worry about the were affected by the cyclone, and once 50 families whose houses were completely weather-related disasters. However, this the damages caused by the monsoon are damaged due to cyclone Burevi in early year, an added challenge of following the assessed, then based on their claims and December. The claims for the monsoon health guidelines to prevent Covid-19 has proof, they too will receive compensation.” rain-related damages are currently being caused the District Disaster Management assessed and the allocations are to be made Units to consider early evacuation plans Stuck in a hard place in January through the 2021 Budget. and increasing the number of safe locations Among the occupations worst affected for those affected. are the fishermen in these areas. The Worsening Covid-19 situation According to the Disaster Management cyclone had destroyed most of their fishing During the first wave and the onset Centre (DMC) situation report, as of gear and boats, which has put them in of the second wave, the Northern and 31 December, the adverse weather had a difficult situation, as they are unable Eastern Provinces were the least affected impacted a total of 43,660 persons from to repair them or purchase new fishing by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, 13,570 families. The Eastern Province was equipment. there are more cases being reported from the worst affected with 42,349 persons We contacted the All-Ceylon Fisher Folk both provinces, out of which the Eastern from 13,180 families experiencing heavy Trade Union Secretary Dinesh Fernando to Province at present has 959 Covid-19 rains and floods. inquire on how this year’s weather-related positive persons. Amid the weather events, the Eastern events and the pandemic have affected Schools had to be closed down and areas Province is also facing a spike in their Covid- their industry. were under isolation with more cases of 19 patients as more cases are getting reported “Our industry has not received a Covid-19 being reported from Kalmunai, with the health authorities conducting rapid suitable solution from any government which stands at 727. antigen tests in areas where persons are over insuring our fishing gear. With the As of Wednesday (30), 11 grama testing positive for the virus. pandemic, we have not been able to do niladhari divisions, including the main business as usual. With the creation of market areas in Kalmunai Regional DISTRICT DISTRIBUTION OF the Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster, the Division of Health Services, were declared CONFIRMED COVID-19 PATIENTS demand for our catch dropped as well. for isolation with 27 more Covid-19 HEALTH DISTRICT COUNT If we sold a variety of fish at Rs. 1,000 positive persons detected after conducting per kilogramme, after the second wave random rapid antigen tests. JAFFNA 121 of Covid-19, we were struggling to sell Earlier last week, isolated areas were VAVUNIYA 32 fish stocks at Rs. 300 per kilogramme,” declared and the road leading to Seylan KILINOCHCHI 17 Fernando noted. Bank in Kalmunai and all adjoining roads He also added that although the were closed off for movement. MANNAR 14 fishermen want to obtain loans from the The sudden spike in Covid-19 positive MULLAITIVU 5 state banks so they could either purchase or cases was observed in early December KALMUNAI 727 repair their equipment, they are unable to when the Kalmunai Police took a decision do so, as they do not meet the criteria. to isolate Zahira College Road in Kalmunai AMPARA 40 When asked whether the trade union had the All-Ceylon Fisher Folk Trade Union to will be able to set up a meeting with the and Rest House Road and all byroads. BATTICALOA 116 an opportunity to bring these matters to secure an appointment with the Minister of Minister. We are looking at suggesting Private and state institutions too were 76 the Minister’s notice, Fernando said that Fisheries for discussions. an insurance scheme that would cover closed including the Kalmunai Municipal several failed attempts had been made by “We hope that at least next year we equipment damages due to natural Council limits and the main market. Sailing into unknown seas zIllegal Indian fishing in Lankan waters continues

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA

The illegal trespassing of Indian In the future, fishing will be To our knowledge, the sea beds fishermen into Sri Lanka’s waters very complicated because of the in Indian waters are highly has been a perennial problem, doings of these trespassers. It’s damaged due to this practice spanning beyond a period of just a starting stage to a bleak (bottom-trawling), which brings 20 years. Despite the efforts of future in which we could expect illegal poachers to Sri Lankan authorities to put an end to this ill, many risks waters due to the lack of the numbers do not seem to shift. Alagu, a small-scale fisherman resources they are facing Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic from Jaffna Department of Fisheries and Resources Director General Aquatic Resources Development (Technical) Dhammika Ranathunga Director General explained that although there that the fourth meeting of the Sri S. J. Kahawatta have been discussions between Lanka-India Joint Working Group the fishermen associations of on Fisheries was held virtually on the two countries, these proved Wednesday (30 December). Resources unsuccessful, and thus bilateral The Sri Lankan delegation was Special operations carried out by the and Coast Guard in several sea areas off the island on 15 December 2020 led to proved futile, due to his participation the apprehension of 36 Indian nationals along with five fishing trawlers and fishing accessories, for poaching in Sri Lankan waters discussions between the two led by Secretary to the Ministry in the ongoing discussions. governments were initiated through of Fisheries R.M.I. Rathnayake, Resources’ Secretary to the issues pertaining to fisheries, covered. Minister of Fisheries Speaking with the frontline the Joint Working Group on and consisted of senior officials of Department of Fisheries Dr. Rajeev and stemmed from the recent and Aquatic Resources Douglas representative of the Sri Lankan Fisheries (JWG). the Ministry of Fisheries, Foreign Ranjan, who was accompanied by “apprehension” of 40 fishermen Devananda, however, emphasised delegation at the meeting, Secretary Ministry, Department of Fisheries representatives from his Ministry, and six boats by Sri Lanka Navy, the importance of Indian efforts to to the Ministry of Fisheries R.M.I. Bilateral discussion on and Aquatic Resources, Attorney the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian delegation’s plea promptly resolve the problem of Rathnayake, we were informed that fisheries General’s Department, Sri Lanka Ministry of Home Affairs, State to ensure their early release. The illegal fishing in Lankan waters by a ministerial-level meeting would In correspondence with the Indian High Commission in New Delhi, and Government of , State need for releasing all fishing boats Indian fishermen. soon be scheduled at the discretion High Commission in Colombo’s the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard. Government of Puducherry, and the in Sri Lankan custody, in line with of Minister Douglas Devananda and Head of Press, Information, and The Indian delegation was led Indian Navy and Coast Guard. the commitment given by the Sri A continuous discussion the authorities at the Indian Ministry Culture Eldos Mathew Punnoose, by the Indian Ministry of Fisheries, The discussions paid close Lankan President during his visit Multiple attempts to contact the of Fisheries. The Sunday Morning was informed Animal Husbandry, and Aquatic attention to several bilateral to India in November 2019, was Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, January 3, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

OIL PIPELINE Still in the pipeline z CPC incurs millions in losses due to delays z Govt. yet to make final call on new pipeline

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Concerns have been raised over the delay in taking appropriate measures to upgrade the existing 75-year-old oil pipeline system to enhance the oil transportation process and thereby avert the losses incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). Petroleum industry trade unions (TUs) lashed out at Minister of Energy , saying it’s been months since he was appointed as the subject minister, but no adequate measures have been taken to rectify the prolonged issue yet. “Renovation of the existing oil pipeline has been discussed for decades, but all past governments failed to take considerable measures to upgrade the system. This Government is also taking too much time,” Jathika Sevaka Single Point Buoy Mooring in the middle Sangamaya (JSS) Deputy of the sea, one of the main networks Organiser, Energy Trade Union PHOTO © CPSTL Convenor, and former JSS Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL) branch President taking over oil tankers in the As learnt by The Sunday “After observing the colossal are beyond their capacity. The management to prepare an Ananda Palitha told The Sunday Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, so Morning, on 17 June 2015, the amount to be spent on the project, management of CPSTL is yet to estimate. The Minister intends to Morning. as to reduce the losses incurred Cabinet of Ministers approved Minister Gammanpila advised submit the report,” it said. submit a cabinet paper to revise In Sri Lanka, a pipeline by CPC. the construction of the new the management of CPSTL “The Minister further observed the decision taken by the previous network is used to transport oil In a special audit report of the oil pipeline and to call for to explore the possibility of that the previous Government Government after studying from the port to storages, from a Auditor General’s Department, it international bidders for the constructing the pipeline with had called bids without preparing the reports to be submitted by fuel tanker to the main terminals was revealed that the maximum project. On 10 May 2016, then the company outsourcing the even an engineer’s estimate. the CPSTL management,” the to the refinery, and from the unloading capacity of the existing Minister of Petroleum Resources components of the project which Hence, he has advised the CPSTL statement read. refinery to the storage terminal to pipeline from the Colombo Port Development Chandima the companies, by which small- to Kolonnawa remains at 220 Weerakkody obtained the scale electricity is generated. metric tonnes (MT) per hour, thus approval of the Cabinet to Accordingly, main pipeline taking eight days or 192 hours implement the said project as networks currently in use include to unload 40,000 MT of fuel, as a government-to-government the pipeline network from a minimum pressure should be (G2G) project considering the Colombo Port to the Kolonnawa maintained when fuel is unloaded dire need for this pipeline. Terminal, from Single Point through this pipeline due to its In 2019, a proposal was Buoy Mooring (SPBM) located very old age. submitted to the Cabinet by in the middle of the sea to In Sri Lanka, a pipeline former Petroleum Industries Muthurajawela across the sea network is used to transport Minister to and land, from SPBM located oil from the port to storages, renovate the dilapidated oil in the middle of the sea to the from a fuel tanker to the main pipeline at a cost of Rs. 15 Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, terminals, to the refinery billion by China Petroleum and from the Sapugaskanda and from the refinery, to Pipeline Bureau (CPPB). Oil Refinery to the Kolonnawa the storage terminal and to However, petroleum industry Terminal. companies by which small- TUs are vehemently opposed to Out of those, the pipeline scale electricity is generated the Chinese proposal, claiming networks installed for the that it is too expensive. transportation of crude oil from In the given backdrop, an Instead, the TUs are urging SPBM to the Sapugaskanda extensive period of time has to the Ministry to hand it over to Oil Refinery and for the be spent on unloading the entire local engineers at the CPC and transportation of finished stock of white oil through a single CPSTL at a total maximum petroleum-related products from small pipeline, and it is observed cost of Rs. 5 billion for the the oil refinery to the Kolonnawa that any sort of breakdown in that renovation of both 12 and Petroleum Installation are owned pipeline would cripple the fuel 18-inch pipelines. by the CPC. The other pipeline supply of the entire country. “The local engineers can networks are owned by the The report further revealed complete the entire project at a CPSTL, which is a subsidiary of that in order to unload 40,000 maximum cost of Rs. 5 billion the CPC. MT of fuel, it is agreed with the while the Chinese estimate it at In 2019, a proposal was relevant vessel that the stock of Rs. 15 billion. We have written submitted to the Cabinet by fuel should be unloaded within to the President explaining former Petroleum Industries a period of 96 hours. However, the situation and since it is Minister Kabir Hashim to due to blockages in the pipeline submitted to the cabinet, the renovate the dilapidated oil and inefficiencies in the storage TUs are opposing the project,” pipeline at a cost of Rs. 15 system, it is observed that a Palitha said. billion by China Petroleum period of 120-168 hours is spent In the meantime, several Pipeline Bureau (CPPB). at present for unloading fuel from media reports claimed that However, the CPC TUs are a vessel, thus necessitating the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa vehemently opposed to the CPC to pay demurrages in that has decided to terminate the new Chinese proposal, claiming connection. proposal, which is denied by that it is too expensive The demurrages paid during the the Minister of Energy saying last five years totalled Rs. 488 there’s no truth in the reports The pipeline network from the million. as the President has neither Colombo Port to the Kolonnawa The Auditor General’s taken such a decision nor has he Terminal, which is controlled Department, in its report, had informed the Minister. under the CPSTL, was installed also recommended that the Further clarifying the news several decades ago. It consists existing pipeline system for reports, the Ministry in a of five pipelines which were unloading oil in the vicinity of statement said: “The President installed with a 25-year guarantee oil tank complexes should be has never discussed the project period. At present, each pipeline renovated to avoid possible risk with Minister of Energy Udaya of this network is between 45 to in unloading oil at the two main Gammanpila.” 75 years old. terminals set up in a densely An extensive period of time “Due to the dilapidated populated area, public protests or has to be spent on unloading condition of the pipeline, the environmental damage should be the entire stock of white country is incurring millions minimised, and an uninterrupted oil through a single small of losses a year as demurrage oil supply within the country pipeline and it is observed charges. Leakages have should be ensured. that any sort of breakdown been reported on a number An expensive solution in that pipeline would of occasions. In addition to cripple the fuel supply of the the financial losses, severe In such a backdrop, a proposal entire country environmental damage has also received from a Chinese company been caused by the leakages,” to upgrade the existing pipeline It stated that it can be Palitha stressed. system is being debated as the stopped only by the Cabinet of He noted that the CPC TUs urged the Government to Ministers, as it was a decision managements in the past were cancel the expensive Chinese taken by the Cabinet in 2019 educated about the importance proposal and to hand over the based on a cabinet paper of renovating the pipeline project to local engineers at a submitted by then Minister of together with the oil refinery and lower cost. Petroleum Kabir Hashim. 6 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT/FOCUS Sunday, January 3, 2021

FALL ARMYWORM Invasion continues TAX CONCESSIONS z Delay in z Actual numbers compensating differ from farmers reports submitted Recovering the questioned to State Ministry BY SARAH HANNAN damage compensation taken measures to insure to the farmers, there is six agro-crops, within Over the last two no directive of such an which maize cultivation weeks, when MPs effort communicated in is also included. Under were conducting their writing. We consulted the that insurance scheme, political meetings in their Agriculture Insurance crops are protected against lost billions? respective constituencies, Board regarding the next natural disasters and BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA when the import duty was scrapped, and stated as Rs. 150 per kg. Subsequently, they also made it a point steps. They informed us mismanaged pest attacks. that the importers had to pay around Rs in another Special Gazette Notification to visit the maize fields that discussions were “Under the said Allegations have been levelled 4.5 billion to clear their consignments, he issued on 10 July, the Minister of Finance that have been destroyed underway with ministerial Government-implemented against the Government by stressed. stated that the Special Commodity Levy by fall armyworm (FAW) and department officials. crop insurance scheme, Opposition political parties Following a decision taken at the on coconut oil will be reduced by Rs. 25 infestations. However, they too await Rs. 40,000 compensations over the alleged tax concessions Cabinet Sub-Committee on Cost of per kg. It is stated that it should be valid Even President a directive in writing,” is to be paid to the farmer recently granted for imported Living, it was decided to reduce the excise for a period of six months from 11 July. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Somadasa noted. per acre of cultivation that sugar and coconut oil, claiming duty on big onions, tinned-fish, dhal, and Despite this, issuing another himself was seen stopping comes under pest attacks sugar from last October. Lanka Sathosa Extraordinary Gazette, Prime Minister and by at a maize field to 2018 compensation or is damaged by natural that the “tax game” operated by still pending the Government has caused a sells a kilogramme of big onions for Rs. Minister of Finance inspect the destruction disasters. Unfortunately, loss of billions of rupees to state 100, a can of tinned-fish for Rs. 200, a on 14 December, stated that the Special caused by the FAW in a Speaking to The Sunday the farmer is unable to kilogramme of white sugar for Rs. 85, and Commodity Levy on imported coconut oil farm in the Anuradhapura Morning, All-Ceylon claim insurance from his coffers. a kilogramme of dhal for Rs. 150. will be Rs. 125 per kg of coconut oil. District during his visit. Farmers Association paid-for insurance policy They further alleged that the concessions But the prices of almost all other The applicable levies have been reduced To date, the subject National Convenor Namal through the Agriculture are being enjoyed only by the ruling party retailers remained unchanged as alleged by as follows – on the imports of coconut oil, Ministry and the Karunarathne explained Insurance Board or under loyalists and not by the public, as the many consumers. from Rs. 150 per kg to Rs. 125 per kg; Department of Agriculture that all farmers that obtain the Government insurance prices in the local market have not been Nevertheless, as alleged by JVP Leader on other coconut oil, from Rs. 175 per kg stand firm on their the crop cultivation loans scheme,” Karunarathne reduced in parallel to the tax reduction. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, around to Rs. 150 per kg. The amended rates are word that only about offered by the Government noted. Nevertheless, the most pertinent 100,000 MT of sugar was imported to the applicable from 11 July 2020 for a period 4-7% of the total maize are by default required to Amidst all these question is whether authorities will initiate country at the end of last year with the new of six months. The levy on coconut oil was cultivations in the country obtain an insurance policy challenges, even the seeds action to recover the billions of rupees lost tax on sugar of Rs. 25 cents. earlier increased on 26 June 2020. has been affected by the from the Agriculture have increased in price, to the Treasury. According to the new price formula However, while large-scale import FAW infestation during Insurance Board. Karunarathne revealed. A As alleged by the Janatha Vimukthi issued last October, a kilogramme of companies enjoy this benefit, consumers this cultivation season; “Many of the farmers, 5 kg pack of maize seeds Peramuna (JVP), by the end of last year, sugar was expected to be sold at Rs. 85. do not benefit from lower coconut oil however, field estimations when obtaining crop was purchased at Rs. 5,000 the Government had lost roughly Rs. However, the prices did not reduce even prices. and farmer testimonies cultivation loans, are previously, but has now 10 billion in tax revenue as a result of almost a month since the tax was reduced. In the notice issued by the Finance reveal a starkly contrasting asked to pay Rs. 10,000 shot up in price by Rs. the reduction of sugar tax, and in the As a result, the Government was urged Minister, it is also stated that the previous picture. for a loan amount of Rs. 3,200, to cost Rs. 8,200. meantime has allegedly allowed a private to gazette the wholesale and retail sugar gazettes issued under 2183/44 and When the Ampara 100,000 that is allocated. coconut oil importer to earn an additional prices. 2181/23 will be abolished, and the new tax District Department of The bank deducts a sum Food security not profit of Rs. 175 million. Meanwhile, a gazette notification on coconut oil would be Rs. 125. Agrarian Development varying from Rs. 8,000- under threat While the benefit of the tax concessions outlining the wholesale and retail prices When contacted by The Sunday was contacted, as of 10,000 from the loan When The Sunday is being enjoyed by several businessmen of white sugar that was to come into effect Morning, Customs Media Spokesman and 22 December, they had amount, and credits it Morning inquired from as alleged by Opposition political parties, from 10 November was also issued by the Director Sunil Jayaratne confirmed last recorded maize cultivation to the insurance scheme the State Ministry for the consumer rights activists are urging the CAA. The gazette states that the CAA, week that the tax on coconut oil is Rs. 125, over an extent of 32,358 under the Agriculture Sugarcane, Maize, Government to re-evaluate the tax policies functioning under the powers vested in it and Sri Lanka Customs is applying the Rs. acres. Ampara District Insurance Board. This Cashew, Pepper, Cloves, as well as to direct the Consumer Affairs by Section 20(5) of the Consumer Affairs 125 tax on each kilogramme of coconut oil Department of Agrarian automatically insures the Betel Production, and Authority (CAA) to take appropriate Authority Act No. 09 of 2003, orders that imported to the country. Development Assistant crops for every cultivation Promotion of Allied legal action against those who violate the no importer, distributor, supplier, or trader Nevertheless, the present market Commissioner L.G.C. cycle. So, essentially the Products and Export already gazetted maximum retail price shall sell, expose, offer, or display for sale price on one litre of purified coconut oil Somadasa revealed: farmer has obtained a paid Director Development (MRP) formulas. or supply for sale white sugar above the (cooking coconut oil) is around Rs. 600. “16,580 farmers had insurance policy from Ransilu Watawala Speaking to The Sunday Morning, maximum price. Consumers alleged that there was no cultivated maize in the the Agriculture Insurance regarding the extent of National Movement for Consumer Rights Accordingly, the maximum retail price reduction at all on coconut oil. Instead, Ampara District during the Board,” Karunarathne damage reported due to Protection Chairman Ranjith Vithanage (MRP) of packed white sugar was set the prices have increased during the past season, of which, 10,308 explained. the FAW infestation during stressed that the Government has failed to at Rs. 90 per kilogramme and unpacked few months. They also alleged that even farmers have reported that He questioned the delays this cultivation season, control the MRPs gazetted several times white sugar at Rs. 85 per kilogramme, though the Government has reduced the their crops were damaged in settling the crop damage he revealed that the crop on consumer goods such as dhal, rice, while importers’ maximum wholesale tax on imported coconut oil, the market due to the FAW infestation. claims that were put forth damage and the reduction sugar, canned fish, and several others. price (MWP) was set at Rs. 80 per price on coconut oil remained unchanged. A total of 22,608 acres by the farmers for the FAW of expected yield differed Commenting on the sugar prices, kilogramme. When contacted by The Sunday have been affected by the infestation that took place between provinces. Vithanage alleged that the time spent by Nevertheless, as alleged by the Morning, an official of the CAA who infestation, as per the field in 2018, stating: “If the “Our foremost concern the Government to gazette the reduced consumers, sugar was not available at local wished to remain anonymous noted that observations and reports cultivations are insured, is to control the spread prices still left questions as to whether markets for the prices gazette by the CAA. the authority is currently monitoring that we have compiled.” and the farmer is mandated of the FAW, and from an it was trying to help a few large scale Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Dr. whether there is an unusual price Somadasa elaborated to pay a premium every economical perspective, businessmen. Bandula Gunawardana told the media difference in the market and if there’s that all this information cultivation cycle, the ensure the crop damage “The consumers had to wait a month that a tax will be imposed on sugar if the such, the authority takes action against was gathered for record- Department of Agriculture is significantly low and since the prices were reduced to get benefit of its price reduction is not passed such retailers and wholesalers. keeping purposes, and by default should be would not threaten the the benefit, but still only a few have on to the public. He has been quoted in “At present, there’s no MRP for coconut would be of use should settling their claims. For food security of the benefitted,” he added. media reports saying that there is no point oil. Also, there’s no sugar available in the Department of the crop damage caused country,” Watawala Vithanage also said that the cost of in scrapping taxes if the benefit is not the market at the new prices with the tax Agriculture and the State by the FAW invasion in exclaimed. living has skyrocketed during the last year passed on to the people. reduction. Therefore, the authority doesn’t Ministry for Sugarcane, 2018, the Department of Watawala also and most people are now struggling to “Since doctors and other entities are force the market to reduce the prices to Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Agriculture has to release confirmed that discussions secure the minimum expenditure. saying that sugar must not be sold at avoid any shortage of those essentials,” he Cloves, Betel Production, crop damage claims to two are currently underway “The prices of all goods have been low rates to the people, we will request told The Sunday Morning. and Promotion of Allied districts; Rs. 334,200,000 to decide whether increased. The maximum retail prices the imposition of the taxes again,” the He also said that the authority is taking Products and Export to Ampara District, compensations are to be imposed by the Government are not Minister had warned. practical measures, as it did not want to make a decision to release and Rs.160,000,000 to paid to the farmers at implementing. The authorities are not even According to the daily price report create an artificial shortage. compensation to the Monaragala District.” this point, as measures to monitoring the prices,” he stressed, adding issued by the Central Bank on 11 “If we start forcing the sellers, they farmers that were affected. In addition to the general control the spread of the that the retailers are selling the goods on November, it is stated that the wholesale might not release the sugar stocks to the “Although the officials insurance scheme that the FAW have taken priority their own prices. price of white sugar in Pettah was Rs. 100 market. If that happens, there will be a stated that they were farmer is forced to obtain, thus far. “For all these, the consumers have to per kilogramme. shortage in the market,” he added. considering paying crop the Government has also Contd. on page 14 pay,” Vithanage added. Commenting on the tax issue on an A senior official of the Ministry of In the meantime, Association of Sri earlier occasion, Dr. Gunawardana told Finance, who wished to remain Lanka Canteen Owners (ASLCO) The Sunday Morning that the decision to anonymous, told The Sunday Morning that President Asela Sampath said the remove the tax on sugar was taken by the when a tax is reduced by a government, consumers are still waiting for the benefit Ministry of Finance and they did not get in there is a reduction of the revenue received of the tax reduction on imported sugar, touch with the Ministry of Trade prior to from the respective good, but that cannot as even though it’s been months since taking the decision. be considered as a loss because that is the the prices have been reduced and a new “The sugar prices were reduced to avoid government policy. MRP has been gazetted, the Government a certain group of businessmen earning Attempts made by The Sunday Morning has failed to pass the benefit on to the huge profits,” he said, adding that the to contact State Minister of Money and consumers. CAA should monitor whether the prices Capital Market and State Enterprise “Sugar for the controlled price is only have been reduced as per the recent gazette Reforms to find out available at Sathosa outlets. There are notification. whether there’s truth to the allegations only around 500 outlets and our members Similarly, the importing of coconut oil levelled by the Opposition political parties, cannot find sugar at that rate anywhere has also created tax turmoil, as allegations were futile. else. There are over 500,000 hotels and have been made by Opposition political When contacted, Co-Cabinet restaurants and the members cannot parties that the Government has allowed Spokesman purchase sugar at that price. Sugar is still private companies to obtain undue noted that the question should be posed sold at Rs. 135 at grocery stores. If we get advantages while causing billions in losses to the Finance Minister or State Minister sugar for controlled prices, we will reduce to the State. Cabraal. the prices of bakery and sugar-related According to the Extraordinary Attempts made to contact Trade products,” he stressed. Gazette Notification 2181/23 signed by Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana and Maize crops ruined by the fall armyworm It is now said that 90,000 Metric Tonnes the Minister of Finance on 26 June, the Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle also PHOTO © VOICE OF AMERICA of sugar had been imported to the country amount of tax on purified coconut oil was proved futile. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 7 the sunday morning Sunday, January 3, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Media and Make or break year for provincial councils governance z SLFP proposes reactivation of z Sirisena denies media reports on PCs; Govt. says no provision SLFP’s tough stance in Govt. It’s official. 2020 has officially been declared as one of the six most miserable years in history according to a The dawn of 2021 officially ended an annus horribilis with CNN report. We here in Sri Lanka have had our fair share hopes of new beginnings for all sectors in the country. It is of problems, and what differentiates us from the rest is now a year that would most likely see the successful control that many of these were manufactured by our own actions, of the global Covid-19 pandemic and in the local political primarily due to putting wrong people in the wrong places. scenario, 2021 would be a decisive one for the provincial The beginning of a new year is often the time for new council system as well as reconciling differences between resolutions and new beginnings. What Sri Lanka needs the governing coalition of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to do urgently is to fix its broken and abused system of governance. With a new constitution likely to see the light (SLPP) and (SLFP). of day later this year, now is as good a time as any for some The SLPP-SLFP alliance has clergy, decided to propose to the serious introspection on what has gone wrong and what been on a rather rocky road during Government to reactivate the needs to be fixed to climb out of the rut. It is important the past month with the SLFP provincial councils that were last that society as a whole gets involved in this process of complaining of mistreatment in the operational until the provincial introspection with the media playing the role of facilitator. hands of the SLPP. council elections are held. The urgency for it stems from the repetition of events The SLFP hierarchy last week Jayasekara, speaking to orchestrated with the intention of diverting attention from decided to discuss its issues with reporters, said the party proposed the real issues affecting the people. The now familiar cycle the SLPP as well as the party’s to request the Government to of desecration of religious statues and artefacts is a case stance on the holding of provincial create an environment where in point, where irresponsible media hype often leads to council elections. provincial councillors can serve in further division of communities on religious and ethnic The SLFP Central Committee their respective councils until an lines, playing into the hands of scheming politicians. The met on Wednesday (30 December) election is called. media, which should be playing the role of keeping watch to discuss the current political He explained that the present President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on the larger interest of society, must accept its share of climate in the country as well as scenario at the provincial councils the blame for falling short on fulfilling its expected role the impending provincial council has created an environment where more often than not. elections. the officials in the councils operate Sirisena told the gathering only one slot in the Gampaha For starters, it is imperative that the news agenda needs Prior to the Central Committee without any public representation. that his comments had been District nominations list. to change. Sri Lanka is probably the only country in the meeting, the SLFP politburo met “This is not a good situation misinterpreted and that he had The SLFP believes that the party world where a politician visiting a place of religious worship to discuss the issues faced by the since there has to be public already spoken to the relevant could have secured close to 25 is headline news. A voice cut after the visit is now part of Government representation media institution to rectify the seats in Parliament had its original the package that is dished out to the public in the name of before the in the situation. nomination lists for the districts news. The whole news culture revolves around the idea of public as well provincial However, whether there was been accommodated by the SLPP. the politician being put on a pedestal and being accorded as the need council any official clarification remains However, the SLFP managed unnecessary importance. Where in the world do we find to resolve the system. unknown at the time of writing. to secure 14 seats in Parliament politicians visiting places of religious worship with hordes issues faced by Therefore, In the recorded interview, following the August 2020 general of media crews in tow? Does it not indicate the bankruptcy the party within the former Sirisena had clearly said the election. of a media culture that has grown accustomed to easy the governing councillors party will be forced to contest news rather than the more difficult task of painstaking party coalition. could reform separately in such a scenario, if PC polls under fire investigation in unearthing the real issues that have a real During the councils the SLFP nominations were not However, the holding of impact on society? It’s not that there is any shortage on the politburo until a final accommodated. provincial council (PC) elections that score with the country limping from one controversy discussion, decision is The former President this year is still in limbo given the to another on a daily basis. SLFP General made about highlighted the injustices faced by objections raised by some sections Today’s voice cut journalism has replaced what used to Secretary Minister Dayasiri the provincial council system,” his party members during the last of the governing party’s allies. be real journalism, where issues are thoroughly investigated Jayasekara and former General Jayasekara said. general election as the reason for It is in this backdrop that the and politicians rather than being put on pedestals are held Secretary Rohana Lakshman However, the Government has the SLFP deciding to take a firm President convened an emergency accountable for their actions. The media is not called the Piyadasa both raised concerns over noted that the SLFP’s proposal stand against any move by the party leaders meeting last Monday fourth estate for nothing. Unfortunately, as in most things the growing public dissent over to reactivate the already expired SLPP to dishonour its agreements (28 December) evening to discuss these days, the easy way out is the name of the game. certain actions of the Government. provincial councils is not practical with the SLFP. the issue of holding provincial The people too have a role to play by putting the media The discussion focused on the and that there are no such It was Jayasekara who, last council elections as well as the under pressure by the manner in which they consume what stance the SLFP had to adopt as a provisions in the law. month, first came out with the growing controversy over the is dished out. In the good old days and what still holds party as well as a member of the Local Government and issues faced by the SLFP in its cremation of those who have good for the larger part is the matter of credibility. The ruling coalition. Provincial Councils Ministry alliance with the governing SLPP. succumbed to Covid-19. ultimate compliment a journalist or a media institution While a few members had noted Secretary J.J. Rathnasiri last week He pointed out the injustices The President informed the could aspire to is the credibility accorded to him or her or the need for the party to align told The Morning that there are no faced by the SLFPers at the Cabinet last month that the the institution. This does not come easy and takes years of itself with the public and stand provisions whatsoever allowing grassroots level and the sidelining final decision on the holding of hard work which regrettably has made it a dying culture in for the concerns expressed by an extension of an already expired of thousands of SLFP members provincial council elections would the new world order where pandering to the institutional the electorate, others feared that council. in government authorities by be reached after discussing the agenda takes precedence over credibility. Today, no media doing so would be dangerous and When asked whether the SLFP’s the SLPP in the development matter with the party leaders. institution in the world can claim to be truly independent. imprudent since the SLFP is part request was discussed, Rathnasiri programmes. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Everyone has their agenda – some in your face, and others of the Government and could face said that nothing has been It seems Sirisena did not want to made this observation when more subtle with the primary driver being survival in an retaliation if it angered the SLPP. discussed regarding the provincial be left out, as Jayasekara took on several cabinet ministers raised increasingly challenging environment. “If we start taking on the council elections. the mantle of the SLFP’s crusader. objections to the cabinet paper Despite the advent of citizen journalism on social media Government while being a However, the SLFP Leader submitted by Local Government platforms, mainstream media is still a powerful force that member of the Government, it Sirisena’s denial had also said that while his and Provincial Councils Minister can influence the masses and make or break governments. will not bode well for the party The SLFP Central Committee party remained committed to calling Which is why coercion and suppression is very much a politically. The SLFP will have to meeting also took place in functioning as an alliance with for the holding of provincial part of government agenda, be it in the US, Africa, or decide its stance based on whether the backdrop of Party Leader the SLPP, there would be no council elections. Asia. While that remains the reality, it is important that it is going to be a member of the last week option but to part ways at the next However, in a recent interview the media is accorded the democratic space to have its say. Government or not,” a senior publicly stating that the SLFP election if the ruling party fails to with The Sunday Morning, But having said that, they must be responsible enough to SLFP member suggested. would be forced to contest address the SLFP’s issues. Tennakoon noted that the holding put national interest at the top of the agenda and the best The party’s larger Central separately at the impending During the last general election, of provincial council elections was way to do that is to be mindful of public interest. Committee met after the politburo provincial council elections if the there was a clash between the very much on the cards. For 72 years, Sri Lanka has struggled and faltered in meeting and the discussion on ruling SLPP fails to honour its SLFP and SLPP over the number The Government has decided finding its feet thanks to the short-sighted games that the provincial council elections agreement with the SLFP on the of candidates in the nomination to postpone the provincial council politicians have played. The story continues while the continued. number of candidates allotted to lists. election only until the Covid-19 media plays ball. It’s a vicious cycle that can only be The Central Committee, after the party in the nominations list. The SLPP initially denied pandemic is subdued, he said, broken through collective effort but that is asking for the hours of deliberations on the However, when members of the request by the SLFP to echoing comments made last impossible. holding of provincial council the SLFP’s politburo and Central accommodate between two to month by Prime Minister Mahinda It’s not that no one has tried. Next week will mark the elections and the growing Committee questioned Sirisena three of its candidates per district Rajapaksa. 12th death anniversary of a journalist who did try and paid objections to the provincial council about his statement to the media, in the nomination lists. The decision was made at a the price for it. Lasantha Wickrematunge was a thorn in structure among the Buddhist he denied making such a claim. For instance, the SLFP received meeting of party leaders of the the flesh to the establishment and kept it on its toes. His ruling coalition held under the demise has left a void that is yet to be filled. He set the patronage of President Rajapaksa standard on how it should be done but it is a benchmark at the Presidential Secretariat on that no one would want to aspire to for obvious reasons. Monday (28). If Sri Lanka is to prosper, corruption has to be eliminated. It is reported that party For that to happen, the media has to play watchdog. The leaders , distinction must be made that highlighting corruption does , and Udaya not make one anti-government but in fact patriotic for acting Gammanpila had opposed the in the public interest. A government with the interest of the move to conduct the provincial country at heart should ideally welcome such disclosure. It council elections. is only when those in authority understand this distinction Several leaders of the Maha that the country can move forward. Sangha have pointed out that the There is no reason for those in authority to fear constructive provincial councils are moving criticism and as history has shown, when taken in the towards a “natural death” and need right spirit, it often results in a vibrant democracy and not be kept on life support. successful governance. The media has the power to strengthen Senior Minister Vasudeva governance in its truest sense and many are the benefits of Nanayakkara said the party fostering a vibrant media culture. leaders had decided to postpone As we embark on a new year that is likely to be full of the provincial council elections, challenges, it is important that the authorities focus on considering the request made by the issues that matter without being dragged down by the Maha Sangha as well as due to sideshows that count for nothing. The media for its part, the Covid-19 pandemic. has the opportunity to redefine itself by placing the public Meanwhile, Minister S.M. interest at its core. Holding to account those that cross the Chandrasena said that the line is part and parcel of that duty. provincial council elections had been postponed only as a temporary measure in view of the No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. Covid-19 pandemic. Fax - 011 2 673 441 According to SLPP General General - 011 5 200 900 Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 the party leaders have decided Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 to educate the people and obtain E-mail - [email protected] their feedback before holding an election, as there is vehement 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Make or break year for provincial councils z Sirisena denies media reports on z DMK Parliamentary Leader asks SLFP’s tough stance in Govt. for Modi’s intervention on PCs SLPP-SLFP ALLIANCE of the ruling party and dealing renovation in his list of work another political gut punch to for the District if it had not a disarrayed and incoherent set been already included in any Intact despite grievances of Opposition parties. other list. However, the governing Hearing of Dissanayake’s party leaders have neither intervention had angered SAGARA KARIYAWASAM decided to hold the election nor Semasinghe, resulting in him BY SARAH HANNAN to cancel the provincial council slamming Dissanayake. parties of this alliance. Even during system. the recent general election, the SLFP Probe on Wimal Over the past several weeks, the One must understand that when got more candidates included in the Indian intervention Meanwhile, the Criminal marriage between the Sri Lanka you work in an alliance, you list of nominations over and above DMK Parliamentary Party Investigation Department Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and the Sri get certain things as expected, all other parties in the alliance. Leader T.R. Baalu had last (CID) has reportedly Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) showed but sometimes you might not get So, for the forthcoming provincial Thursday (31 December) commenced an inquiry into signs of breaking, and the statements what you expected. That creates council elections, first they have to sought Indian Prime Minister comments made by National made by the SLFP to the media were a grievance, and even we have communicate to us what their required Narendra Modi’s intervention Freedom Front (NFF) Leader thought to have added fuel to the grievances as a party number is, and thereafter, we have to to stop the abolition of Minister Wimal Weerawansa fire. However, following the recent start negotiations in that regard. provincial councils in Sri and State Minister Jayantha party leaders’ meeting and the SLFP’s Obviously, if they are not going Lanka, claiming it would Samaraweera about the recent meeting with the President and Prime to be happy with what is offered by destroy the self-respect of the clash in the Mahara Prison. Minister, things seem to have been the alliance, then they can contest Tamils in the country, Indian The Wattala Magistrate had patched up at present. separately. So, we do not have any media reports stated. ordered the CID to record The Sunday Morning spoke to issues with that, as that is the right way Former President Maithripala Sirisena “The Prime Minister should statements on the comments SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara to go about such a matter. Because the warn that the move would made by Weerawansa and Kariyawasam, who took the time to SLPP is a democratic political party, opposition from the public to affect the relationship between Samaraweera to the effect that clear some of the doubts over whether we will try our level best to work as a an election at this juncture. India and Sri Lanka. The the clash in the prison was the alliance would continue to stand team, and we will look at allocating the President Rajapaksa has abolition is part of the Sri part of a greater international as the provincial council elections are right number of slots to each and every come under intense pressure Lankan Government’s attempt conspiracy. being discussed. party. from the Chief Prelates of to make Tamils a secondary The Magistrate had made the Following are excerpts of the Similar to the method we followed the three sects, urging him to citizen,” he had reportedly said directive following a request interview. during the general election when refrain from conducting the in a statement. made from court by the counsel allocating slots, for the provincial provincial council elections Baalu had charged that ever appearing for the aggrieved Are there growing issues in the SLPP council election too, these parties until a new constitution is since the Rajapaksa brothers party. alliance with the SLFP? will have to propose the slots introduced as promised, came to power, they had The CID has hence I do not agree with you in the sense they would require for each local internal government sources deprived Tamils of their rights, commenced an inquiry into the that you asked that question. In any government constituency. We will revealed. self-respect, and dignity, and it comments made by the two case, when there are political parties take these proposals and requests The sources said that the was a matter of concern that the ministers. working together, each and every into consideration and take a decision Chief Prelates will take action BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) political party will work according to end of the agreement, why should we without compromising the right to against the Government if Government at the centre had SJB office bearers their policies and principles. Therefore, bother to go ahead. secure slots for the other parties that they decide to conduct the remained a mute spectator, The Samagi Jana parties that form alliances will not Given that we are a very democratic are in the alliance. provincial council elections according to The Hindu. Balawegaya (SJB), led by always agree with each other, and there party, we told them that if this was Therefore, I would like to reiterate under mounting pressure from “Abolition of provincial Opposition Leader Sajith can always be certain issues that can what the SLFP wanted for those local that matters such as these could easily . councils is against the 13th Premadasa, is now in the be ironed out through discussions and council areas, they could have it. Now, be discussed among the parties and Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa Amendment enacted based process of picking out its compromise. Other than that, we do the SLFP, without fulfilling their part, could be settled, rather than going out Thera last week noted that in a on the Indo-Sri Lanka office bearers after the party’s not have serious issues that cannot be expects us to honour the agreements, in public and making statements to the scenario where the provincial Accord. It is shocking that Constitution was unanimously resolved between the two parties. which cannot be allowed. They must media and the people. council system has died a the External Affairs Ministry approved by the interim keep their end of the agreement as As of now, the dates for provincial natural death, the Government and the National Security Working Committee last The SLFP Leader and the General well. council elections have not been should not try to hold the polls Advisor remain silent when an month. Secretary have openly spoken of We have had cordial dialogues in declared. Still, there has not been and resurrect the system. agreement signed with India is The post of party leader will issues faced by the party in its this regard and have been able to any negotiations as to the number of The Thera said at a press subjected to question,” he had be held by Premadasa with alliance with the governing party. amicably settle the issues that are candidates that should be put forth and conference in Colombo that stated. many members pointing out Your thoughts? building. the electoral system that is going to be if the Government tries to that the party should work We do not agree with certain followed. Without understanding these resurrect the dying provincial Shehan targets under the assumption that sentiments that have been highlighted SLFP local government members inner workings, and when a party in council system, it would be Duminda Premadasa would be the SJB’s by them to the media. This matter was have voted against the Budget 2021 the alliance makes such statements, it a violation of the mandate While the Government next presidential candidate. discussed at the last party leaders’ proposals presented by the SLPP in is not very healthy for the alliance. Any received by the SLPP debated the fate of holding Meanwhile, the senior party meeting. SLFP General Secretary some local government bodies. How such statements should be made after Government and an act of the provincial council members have unanimously also agreed to a will the SLPP address this situation? negotiations have taken place. political hara-kiri. elections, SLPP Minister opposed the appointment of a great extent. This is just one of the many issues While the SLFP might be making According to Ven. Shehan Semasinghe targeted deputy leader or any similar Jayasekara had made a statement for which the SLFP did not provide such statements to convince their Abhayatissa Thera, the only SLFP Minister Duminda post, stating that it would that the initial discussion the SLFP their support at the grassroots level, cadres or to create a reputation for people trying to re-establish the Dissanayake. lead to unwanted issues in the had with the SLPP was not truthful and they expect the other party to themselves among the people, we do provincial council system are Semasinghe tried to paint future. and that the SLPP had not fulfilled fulfil all the obligations. But this is not take such incidents very seriously. those who are trying to enjoy Dissanayake as a truant in “There needs to be clarity our end of the agreements, which not the main problem as voters lost perks and privileges at public the Government by recalling on who leads the party and is wrong. When we pointed it out, their confidence at such instances. Does the SLPP want to continue its expense and not in any way the stance taken by the latter will be the party’s presidential Jayasekara agreed that it was wrong of Nevertheless, that has now been sorted alliance with the SLFP? that’s for the greater good of during the 2015 presidential candidate,” a senior SJB him to make such statements prior to after holding proper negotiations. There has never been a requirement society. election. member said. discussions. to end the alliance between the parties, Meanwhile, a letter “It seems like the Sri The leader of the party It seems that despite the SLPP-SLFP as even during the last party leaders’ signed by Ven. Medagama Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will be appointed by the The SLFP has, since the last general agreement being enforced at higher meeting, we had cordial discussions Dhammananda Thera, Ven. is conspiring against the Executive Committee each election, said the SLPP had failed levels of the Government, it is not so without any disputes between the two Keppeitiyagoda Sirinmala Government while being a year, according to the SJB to honour the agreements reached at the district and electoral levels. parties. Thera, Ven. Kamburugamuwa coalition partner,” Semasinghe Constitution. between the two parties. How would What will your party do to improve Vajira Thera, Ven. Bengamuwe charged. A post of chairman has also you respond? this situation? The SLFP has expressed its Nalaka Thera, Ven. Elle He also said that he had been established and former When the SLPP formed an alliance We have fulfilled our obligations grievances to the President and Gunawansa Thera, Ven. doubts about the SLFP Minister and Kegalle District with the SLFP, our first task was to 90% of the time, but we agree that Prime Minister. What has been done Muruththettuwe Ananda members and wondered MP Kabir Hashim is tipped to secure the local authorities, which are there can be a minor percentage of to address the issue so far? Thera, Ven. Induragare whether they would act against be appointed. secondly governed by the UNP (United instances where the agreements are I need to correct that sentiment. This Dhammarathana Thera, Ven. the Government at a critical There will also be six senior National Party) – the local authorities not met. Those are the disagreements is an alliance and all parties in alliances Malwane Chandarathana juncture as they did in 2015. vice president positions that were established during the that get highlighted. That is the entire will have their own grievances; as the Thera, Ven. Kapugollewe A group of residents in and five vice president Yahapalana regime. When they formed problem. But for the most part, both SLPP, we too have our grievances, Anandakiththi Thera, Ven. Ranpathwila, Anuradhapura positions. Reports reaching the local authorities, the SLFP and the parties have worked well to keep the which means all parties that formed Abhayatissa Thera, Ven. staged a protest on 25 The Black Box stated that UNP were in an alliance. alliance together. the SLPP alliance have forwarded their Iththademaliye Indrasara December urging the MPs , Dr. As an initial step, this time around, own grievances to the President and Thera, and Ven. Maduruoya Government to repair the road , Champika we agreed to defeat these local Why hasn’t the SLPP included the Prime Minister. Dhammissara Thera was from Ranpathwila Junction to Ranawaka, Thalatha authorities’ alliances and win the SLFP in the Government's decision- One must understand that when you handed over to the President Katukeliyawa. Athukorala, Imthiaz Bakeer support of the SLFP, so that they could making process? work in an alliance, you get certain against the holding of Attending an event in Markar, and form the alliance with the SLPP and They are very much included in the things as expected, but sometimes you provincial council elections. Anuradhapura the following have been nominated as defeat the UNP, and establish power at process. In fact, SLFP members in might not get what you expected. That The Thero had requested the day, Semasinghe alleged senior vice presidents. the grassroots level. That was the initial Parliament were given two strong cabinet creates a grievance, and even we have President not to destroy the that the protest was led by Former Ministers Ravindra setup we agreed to, but unfortunately, portfolios and several state ministerial grievances as a party. ongoing process to formulate an SLFP politician from the Samaraweera, Sujeewa in certain areas, the SLFP did not fulfil portfolios, and when major decisions are For instance, when the SLFP was a new constitution by holding Anuradhapura District, despite Senasinghe, Ajith P. Perera, the terms of the agreement. taken within the parties in alliance, all governing the country with the UNP, provincial council elections. all arrangements being made to Chandrani Bandara, and So, from the areas which were party leaders are consulted, during which some of the members of Parliament The letter had noted four repair the road. Ranjith Aluwihare have been governed by the UNP, we did not get time the SLFP plays a major role in the decided that they no longer supported points: 1. The ability to carry However, the Minister nominated as vice presidents. the required support from the SLFP to decision-making process. the SLFP-UNP alliance and joined out provincial administrative stressed that such conspirators establish power in the local councils forces with the SLPP, becoming work without a provincial would not be allowed to topple is tipped to be reappointed as in question. Therefore, it is the SLFP The SLFP Leader has said that instrumental in establishing the SLPP council, 2. Provincial councils this Government. the party’s General Secretary that damaged the relationship with the if the party does not receive the alliance. Some of these members have have become a tool to achieve It was later learnt that while MP Ashoka Abeysinghe SLPP. agreed number of candidates at not been given portfolios or anything. political and ulterior motives, Semasinghe had in fact reacted is likely to be appointed as The issues that sprung up in the impending provincial council Just because we have grievances, 3. Provincial councils are angrily at Dissanayake over the the Deputy Secretary. It is Kegalle District’s Mawanella local elections, the party would contest that does not mean that we cannot a white elephant, and 4. road repairs. reported that there is also government authority can be taken as separately at the polls. What will work together for the betterment of Provincial councils will pose The villagers had protested a possibility of appointing an illustration, for instance, where the you do to ensure the alliance is the country. But when you work as an obstacle to the process to against the Government’s former MP Sujeewa SLFP did not honour the agreement strengthened? an alliance, you forget your party’s formulate a new constitution. failure to renovate the road Senasinghe as the SJB’s they had with the SLPP. The SLFP Firstly, I need to say that I don’t grievances and work to achieve a Meanwhile, several SLPP that is located in Semasinghe’s Deputy Secretary. decided to support the UNP instead of know what their intended number of common goal, which is to improve sources noted that the Prime electorate. The villagers had has been supporting the SLPP and established candidates would be. We still don’t the country. We as a party are working Minister, and the party’s then contacted Dissanayake, nominated as the National a UNP council there. Even in the know as to how many candidates in towards achieving that and I believe National Organiser Basil who also represents the Organiser of the party while Badulla District, there were two total we would have to nominate for the SLFP too is doing just that. Rajapaksa were not opposed Anuradhapura District, and MP Dr. such councils that were established. each provincial council. This is an However, at the same time, you have to holding provincial council requested his intervention. has been nominated as the Thereafter, our supporters also thought alliance which has so many parties, to bring out your grievances and reach elections and saw it as a means Dissanayake had then said Treasurer. that if the SLFP is not fulfilling their and the SLFP is one of the political a solution. of reinforcing the popularity that he would include the road Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, January 3, 2021

COVID-19 PREVENTION GUIDELINES A better functioning

The Speaker of Parliament inspecting the anti-Covid herbal syrup produced by Dhammika Bandara COVID 19 CURATIVE TONICS mechanism unconfirmed claims. What should BY RAVINI PERERA reopening of schools, and be promoted is the responsibility operations involving economic of everyone in society to adhere In the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic in March centres and fish markets are to health guidelines provided by 2020, the country's health authorities implemented among the areas being considered recognized authorities which are intense measures to control the spread of the virus. The for change. given in terms of global standards, Ministry of Health played a prominent role in enforcing “We need to strike a balance TRUTH and to assist recognized health-care guidelines to be followed at the time. Some guidelines between the health requirements professionals who work tirelessly were homegrown, while most others were developed in place, and allowing operations OR to contain this pandemic.” according to international standards and regulations. to continue,” he said. The panel of experts While local authorities have research, the world community selected for this task includes The biggest problem been successful in issuing is relatively well-informed Galle Faculty of Medicine guidelines in the past to suit about the virus. Thus, guidelines Prof. Sarath Lekamwasam, is the lack of hope the situation in question, steps can be adapted accordingly. University of Kelaniya Faculty MYTH?BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI Premalatha Perera, house wife are being taken to amend Initially, sufficient information of Medicine Prof. Arjuna de “The biggest problem is the these guidelines to adapt to the was not available to be referred Silva, Postgraduate Institute of With the series of media appearances made by the creator fact that there is no hope for the changing conditions. Thus, the to by decision makers, leading Medicine Director and Senior of a curative indegenius potion for Covid-19, and ayurvedic people, so they latch on to any cure objective is to make them simpler many countries on the path to Prof. Janaka de Silva, National recipes by “experts” and practitioners to cure the disease that comes their way and selfish, to ensure higher acceptance a complete lockdown. Though Research Council Chairman and shared on social media, the past couple of weeks have opportunists take advantage of rates by the public and easy such practices would benefit the gynaecologist Dr. Hemantha been a confusing time for many Sri Lankans. Several other that. If the government has strict implementation mechanisms. country in terms of maintaining Dodampahala, Paediatrician Dr. such curative tonics have also made their way to the public regulations about this sort of thing, a low death rate and limiting Lakkumar Fernando, Sri Lanka none of this would happen.” The cause for change communicability of the virus, it Medical Association President domain. However we saw swarms of people flocking over Secretary to the State Ministry creates irreparable damage to the Prof. Indika Karunathilake, to these medical experts to purchase the medicine and hold of Primary Health Services, economy and society. Paediatric Neurologist Dr. on to a tiny shred of hope. While we are trying to decide There is a clear Pandemics, and Covid-19 Referring to the reality of the Anuruddha Padeniya, General whether to rely on ayurvedic cures or to wait for the vaccine, difference between Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha situation, Dr. de Silva explained Surgeon Dr. Lalith Perera, and we spoke to some members of the public to see what their de Silva shared his views on that although health officials Neurophysician Prof. Ranjani opinions were on the matter and here’s what we found out. medicines and the subject with The Sunday have urged the general public Gamage. Snake Oil Morning. to maintain social distancing, The need to view problems Chiranthaka Palugaswewa Dr. de Silva stressed that this may not always be possible. through the eyes of professionals Attorney-at-law these amendments are brought Therefore, one must be such as the aforementioned There should have been a way, so I about mainly with the intention mindful of the practical issues group is vital when handling This recent uproar personally believe our indigenous “One must be a fool to say of encouraging people and such restrictions may entail. issues related to public affairs. medicine will probably be able to that the sinhala Hela medicine businesses to operate better than “Restrictions must be realistic in “It is important to take into is promising come up with a medicine.” with roots extending over they have till now, and to also curbing the spread of the virus consideration all aspects of Devmini de Silva, thousands of years along with support the Government’s efforts – this is the main goal of the healthcare, and not just prioritise fashion designer other medical practices such as in containing the virus. amendments,” he added. a specific segment,” Dr. de Silva “This recent uproar is promising, I do not believe Ayurveda,Sidhi,yunani cannot The criteria are expected to explained. as there will be no vaccine in Sri these can provide find a cure for covid-19. However, be changed and modified as per Expert committee advice He also stated that the updated Lanka for the next 6-8 months, there is a clear difference between new information, focusing on A committee has been guidelines will be made available these ayurvedic meds may have a serious diseases with these medicines and Snake Oil. the risks the country is willing to appointed to pioneer the on all social media platforms in good effect. After all, they aren’t a permanent cure Therefore the government and take. Initially, a zero-transmission amendments, comprising a the days to come. harmful to the body as they’re the media have a responsibility to concept was followed by the variety of professionals such made out of herbal substances. Sharith Perera, Attorney-at-law wait until the proper medical trials officials, where person-to-person as public health specialists, Healthcare norms Some of these substances are “Let me start by saying that are carried out before giving it the transmission of the virus was not epidemiologists, and medical in Sri Lanka anyway consumed with daily there's nothing wrong with recognition they already gave. possible. specialists. This committee will The primary concern of meals. I don’t see why there is ‘recognized’ ayurvedic/ indigenous Such medicine should be However, there were study the guidelines followed by medical care is to not only such a propensity to oppose such medication as these are mostly carefully analyzed then, if difficulties in achieving foreign countries, along with its improve the people’s health, methods at this juncture. made out of natural ingredients satisfactory, trials should be carried successful results with this consequences prior to changing but to also keep social tensions It is a possibility however if it’s which have been tested over time, out for a larger sample size! 95% concept, as it would require the current guidelines enforced in low, create employment, scientifically proven it would be and certainly it is an individual's corona patients recover without country borders to remain closed, Sri Lanka. focus on medical and other more mass market believable. The right to choose to be treated with any medicine and do not show any and also cause the economy to Several factors are considered industrial complexes, tonics may not be a cure for Covid- either modern/ western medication complications at all therefore one come to a standstill. Though the in the face of a public health focus on the economy of 19 but it helps to boost the immune or indigenous treatment options. could argue water cures Covid- concept of zero transmission may emergency prior to taking the country, consider the system to fight the virus. So if such However, although there seems 19 and it’s 95% effective. The be ideal, authorities are currently decisions for the betterment feasibility of carrying out the a tonic does prove to be beneficial, to be no health risks associated vaccines administered now are the holding discussions on enforcing of the country. Hospitalisation recommendations, and reserve why not give the freedom of with indigenous medicine, I do labour of months of research and short-term solutions while rates, death rates, disability rates, foreign exchange, among others. choice to individuals who want to not believe these can provide trials. Therefore my faith lies with managing the economy. communicability, treatability, Elaborating on the topic, the consume it? serious diseases with a permanent the vaccines for now!” “There must be a balance economic impact, public concern, doctor stated: “Not allowing However I feel our indigenous cure. As an example in the mid between running the country and the cost of treatment are tourists to enter the country cures that have worked for 1930s over 80,000 people had and medical views expressed. some of the factors. has had an immense impact generations on people in the lost their lives due to the malaria Still a question For instance, the decision to Speaking further, Dr. de Silva on the economy. Therefore, olden days aren’t portrayed in a epidemic according to sources. whether it’s gonna lockdown a country is of a explained that the number of recommendations of health good light by the media. Thus, If we possessed a cure through political nature, but the medical days that travellers are mandated officials in reopening of airports downgrading these tonics and indigenous medicine we wouldn't work 100% authorities will influence to be quarantined upon entering were crucial. Health diseases are calling ayurvedic practices a see such figures being reported and Luke Fernando, student such a decision based on a territory, the number of guests social diseases. It reflects on our pseudoscience.” we would also possess cures for “Speaking of the COVID19 recommendations on the risks allowed to attend a function, daily lives.” other diseases such as cancer, HIV vaccine, personal perspective, and benefits for the country,” said conducting tuition classes, Contd. on page 14 AIDS etc. something to look forward to. Dr. de Silva. We need to be However it is the gradual In a medical perspective, still a Similarly, the advantages and very careful development of modern scientific question whether it’s gonna work disadvantages will be studied Thusitha Medagama, banker and medical research which has 100% and whether it's gonna thoroughly by a panel of experts been the key in dramatic drops work with the immune systems when amending the guidelines, “Recently we noticed there is a in most diseases which affected and bodies of Sri Lankans. There and the concurrence of the top- trend on medicinal tonics around mankind in the past. The decreased might be people who might do tier officials will be required Sri Lanka, so many are claiming maternal mortality rates and other that for the money, fame but still before the amendments take that they have found a cure for diseases such as polio, and the they might be some who actually effect. covid 19 and they are distributing overall increase in the quality of want this to end so trying to do different kinds of medicinal life/ the increased average life something from their end.” Implementing a tonics. However, we need to be expectancy in Sri Lanka was practical approach very careful when using them undoubtedly due to modern medical Utilising a practical approach because they might not be coming and health-care services. I believe ayurvedic in resolving the issues related to from certified physicians. If we Yet during the past few weeks in medicine should the pandemic within Sri Lanka blindly listen to them and use those Sri Lanka, a number of individuals is essential. Thus, regardless medications we might not only end who are not recognized medical be able to find a of the quantity of guidelines up having various kinds of side professionals have emerged cure for Covid issued, if the general public effects, further people gathering claiming to have somewhat of S. Udhayasiri was to refrain from adhering to around these so-called ‘doctors’ a magical cure for the Covid-19 such guidelines, they would be houses will create more covid virus and these claims have been Marketing Manager deemed unproductive. clusters around Sri lanka. severely criticised and ridiculed “The dhammika paniya that Hence, guidelines should However there is no denying especially on social media. made a whole lot of noise and be accepted and comfortably that we had a strong scientific Countries such as New Zealand did drama in the country a week followed by the people including knowledge in the past, look at not overcome these current global ago seemed to be a scam. But internal customers (medical giant stupas our ancestors built. challenges by allowing witch the thing is, I believe ayurvedic practitioners), and external Statues such as Awukana are still doctors and magic portions into medicine should be able to find a customers (people receiving wonders. How they did those , we limelight - they did so by adhering cure for Covid, if the indegenius medical services). If the still don’t know. This indicates we to modern medical practices and medical experts get together and guidelines are too elaborate, had a strong knowledge back in the recognized guidelines. conduct significant research and people will face difficulties in days which due to certain reasons Therefore it is also the duty of experiment enough. Basically complying with them. disappeared. Obviously they would the media, especially at these times, we should not stop trying and we With the development of new have had diseases back in the days to not allow disinformation to be should not lose hope.” studies, and based on the current People going about their daily work, following health guidelines and how did they overcome them. spread and to not give publicity to Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 11 Sunday, January 3, 2021 FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN The Government’s decision to conduct a pilot project to bring down tourists to the country amid a pandemic has been received with mixed reactions from the public and Reviving tourism several organisations alike; while all are in agreement that the tourism sector needs to be revived after a 10-month closure, questions are raised about the methods followed to revive it. Since March 2020, the international amid the pandemic airports in Sri Lanka have been closed for international tourists due to the Covid-19 z Contingency plans in place says Army Chief z Health authorities prepared to mitigate virus outbreak global pandemic. Since October, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. (AASL) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAA) were preparing to receive passengers that were to arrive for leisure purposes. However, with the second wave being activated during that time, the reopening of airports for foreign travellers was postponed. After much deliberations and additional guidelines suggested to be implemented, the pilot project of reopening the country’s airports and restarting the tourism sector commenced last week, with two batches of Dance item to welcome Ukranian tourists Minister of Tourism at MRIA tourists arriving on 28 and 29 of December year history of tea. percentage tested positive for the virus,” Dr. 2020 at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Observing the video footage and the media Herath elaborated. Airport (MRIA), bringing in a total of 345 publicity photos that were shared, it was Dr. Herath noted that understanding these leisure travellers to the country. clear that some of the basic Covid-19 situations, the Ministry of Health and the preventive guidelines were not followed by Director General of Health Services had Ensuring protocols are followed the tourists and the troupe that did the dance issued very specific guidelines that needed To dispel the scepticism that the pilot item. to be followed when tourism commenced. project is getting engulfed in and to clarify These incidents have now raised Moreover, the health service authority the contingency plans that are in place, The questions as to whether reopening the and the tourist board along with other Sunday Morning contacted the National country for tourism even under the travel stakeholders have already taken necessary Operations Centre for Prevention of Covid- bubble concept was the best decision that measures to ensure that the virus will not 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Head and Sri the Government made. get introduced to the society through any of Lanka Army Commander Gen. Shavendra PHOTOS AASL MEDIA UNIT When inquired, Minister of Tourism these travellers. Silva. Responding to the queries raised, Prasanna Ranatunga clarified that all Gen. Silva explained: “This was not a Ukranian passengers who arrived at MRIA health protocols were followed and that the surprise, that some of the travellers who “Moreover, we wish to reiterate that while precautions in place, Gen. Silva added, staff of MRIA, the ministry officials that arrived tested positive for the virus. We restarting tourism is our main goal, we are noting that initiatives will be taken from attended the event, and the dance troupe We are following all the health anticipated this situation, which is why even also committed to ensuring the health and time to time to strengthen the protocols and had maintained physical distance with the guidelines that the health authorities though they had undergone PCR tests and safety of the people of this country and the gradually open up the country for tourism, tourists and were instructed to follow the produced negative (test results) for Covid- tourists that are visiting under this pilot which has been a key source of income for Covid-19 preventive health measures at all have instructed us, and we have also 19 at the time of boarding the plane in Kiev, project. Measures are in place to ensure that a near two million people of Sri Lanka. times. briefed the airport staff and the officials upon their arrival in Mattala, they were should several travellers test positive for Gen. Silva also stated that the staff that “We are following all the health at the hotels and selected tourism subjected to health screenings, and samples Covid-19, it does not get transferred to the would be handling these tour groups post- guidelines that the health authorities have attraction sites that the group is allowed were taken for PCR testing.” rest of society,” Gen. Silva opined. tour will be subjected to a mandatory instructed us, and we have also briefed the to visit during their stay Since the six travellers tested positive for 14-day quarantine period before they were airport staff and the officials at the hotels Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga Covid-19 from the two groups that arrived allowed to leave the business premises and and selected tourism attraction sites that earlier last week, the NOCPCO activated prior to welcoming another tour group, the group is allowed to visit during their their contingency plans to ensure that The motive to bring these tour groups to ensure that the staff will not be carriers stay. Since it is a pilot project there will be they are sent for treatment and their close under the travel bubble concept was to of the virus to society or to the guests shortcomings, but we are ready to address contacts are now placed under isolation who will be booking the hotels for their these issues and move forward,” Minister and observation at a designated section for assist, support, and motivate the locals next stay. In the meantime, if any of them Ranatunga told The Sunday Morning. quarantine. that were dependent on the tourism come into contact with a guest that tested “The motive to bring these tour groups sector who have been out of work for a positive for Covid-19, the staff will be sent Health authorities on the ready under the travel bubble concept was to near nine-month period to quarantine and if they test positive, they When asked whether adequate measures assist, support, and motivate the locals that NOCPCO Head and will be treated at a designated Covid-19 were in place in controlling another cluster were dependent on the tourism sector who Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva treatment centre. of Covid-19 being generated through the have been out of work for a near nine-month tourist groups, Deputy Director General period. Since December is the beginning of Lapse in protocol of Public Health Services Dr. Hemantha the tourism season in Sri Lanka, and it is the Despite the passengers undergoing PCR Herath told The Sunday Morning that the time where harsh winters are experienced in tests 72 hours prior to their departure from health authorities, airport management “This is a pilot project and we only allow many of the North Asian countries including the Kiev Airport in Ukraine, the PCR tests services, and the tourist board were prepared tourists in batches who will travel to Sri Ukraine and Russia, we agreed to allow that were carried out on arrival in Sri Lanka to manage any of the passengers that would Lanka under the travel bubble concept. these tour groups to travel to Sri Lanka,” resulted in six of them testing positive. test positive for Covid-19 during their two- All these foreigners who arrive have to Gen. Silva elaborated. When the first group of Ukrainian tourists week stay. undergo rapid antigen testing and then Gen. Silva stressed that the public must arrived at MRIA on Monday (28 December “We were prepared for this situation as provide samples for PCR testing as well, understand that this is a pilot project 2020), they were given a warm welcome by any group that is travelling to Sri Lanka will which is how the six Ukranian travellers and that the hotels that have agreed to the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, the have a smaller percentage of travellers who were detected. They have been referred to accommodate these tour groups have agreed Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority will test positive for the virus. Even when a treatment centre and their close contacts to follow all the health guidelines and safety If this pilot project proves to be a success, (SLTDA), and AASL, with an entertainment our own migrant workers arrived in the have been placed under quarantine,” Dr. protocols that are in place to prevent the then the country will be able to open up for segment that included a Prashasthi recital country under the repatriation programme, Herath added. spread of Covid-19. tourism on a larger scale with the necessary and dance items that highlighted the 150- health screenings were done and a smaller Contd. on page 14

BY RAVINI PERERA COVID-19 VACCINE developed and are being tested across the world as of now. As Covid-19 began spreading Thus, when considering the most around the globe, various nations suitable vaccine to be imported pioneered the development of to Sri Lanka, factors such as the vaccines to help curb the transmission availability, cost of purchasing, and build immunity. With several Getting the ball rolling its availability on a free-of-charge vaccinations indicating high levels z z basis, easy administration, storage, of success among recipients, many Available in SL end-February or early March Presidential task force to be appointed and transportation facilities countries have come forward to obtaining the vaccination with all quantity to be allocated to each required, will all be considered very purchase these vaccines and roll out interested parties, including local group of individuals can also be pre- thoroughly. Elaborating further, vaccination campaigns. officials and foreign governments, planned in the days to come. Weeratunga said: “The American While countries such as the US, that have expressed a willingness to Moreover, as this injection is vaccine, Pfizer, requires a minus the UK, and many other European assist in the process. an intramuscular one and can 70 degree centigrade (-70°C) nations, have already started “This will mainly be a be administered easily, training storage which is very unlikely administering the vaccination to its government-to-government or retraining health workers to to be obtained by the Sri Lankan people, Sri Lankan authorities are still transaction, highly dependent on our administer the injection has also Government, given its difficulty of at the preliminary stages of obtaining relations with foreign nations,” he been suggested. storing.” a vaccination for its citizens. said. A task force will be appointed He further expressed his beliefs Extensive work is yet to be Weeratunga went on to explain by the President in the coming on even a combination of vaccines carried out in the process. Putting that while countries such as weeks comprising experts including being made available to the public, together a national vaccination plan India, Russia, and China have the Commander of the Sri Lanka given the demand and supply in the and providing indemnification are shown interest in supporting Army and the health officials to market. among many other tasks undertaken the Government’s efforts in PHOTO © UNITED NATIONS make recommendations on the “A country cannot rely on by the Ministry of Health following the importation process, the importation of the vaccine. a single vaccine, as it would consultations with experts. Government will prioritise its efforts vaccination to the public, many putting forward an islandwide “The armed forces and the cause trouble if the supply was Chief Advisor to the President to obtain at least a percentage of the measures need to be put in place. vaccination programme which Police will play a crucial role in the to be interrupted. Therefore, Lalith Weeratunga was appointed vaccinations free of charge. Registering the vaccination under requires the approval of the Cabinet process of implementing a national being mindful of all cures with the task of overlooking the For instance, the authorities of the National Medicines Regulatory of Ministers. Such a programme vaccination programme. Thus, they being developed in the world is importation of the Covid vaccination Sri Lanka have held discussions Authority (NMRA) is one such may focus on the first group will contribute in terms of logistics,” important,” he said. to Sri Lanka in late December. with the World Health Organisation step. As such, companies have of individuals qualifying to be he added. Expert advice on proper Indemnification is another vital Weeratunga spoke to The Sunday (WHO) that has expressed its already begun registering under the vaccinated. The most vulnerable distribution, transportation, part of the importation process. Morning on the developments willingness to provide the vaccine NMRA in case such commercial at the hands of the virus including maintaining orderliness, and storing Covax will mandate signing of surrounding the importation. to 20% of the population free of registrations would be necessary the frontline health workers, armed is to be sought, especially from an indemnification clause by a charge as soon as the vaccine is for a potential purchase. Thus, forces, the elderly, individuals branches of the Sri Lanka Army competent authority to avoid Bilateral relations made available. approvals for these companies by with non-communicable diseases, such as its Medical Corps. holding the supplier accountable in Weeratunga explained that he the NMRA would also be needed. or a combination of all the above case an adverse reaction is observed was tasked with discussing and A well-orchestrated plan The Ministry of Health would be mentioned, may be prioritised. Factors to be considered among the individuals vaccinated. co-ordinating the way forward in Prior to administering the expected to utilise its expertise in Furthermore, factors such as the Many vaccines have been Contd. on page 14 12 the sunday morning FOCUS/OPINION Sunday, January 3, 2021

PACKAGING INDUSTRY Facing many

Sri Lanka has borrowed heavily to fund the development of INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS infrastructure, such as ports challenges PHOTO ©️REUTERS BY RAVINI PERERA countries such as Canada, USA, Sweden, Switzerland, and also from countries in public-private partnerships – Covid-19 has had a tremendous impact on all industries, including SL to scrap Asia and the Middle East. has contributed to a national trade. Packaging, highly incorporated in trade and business, faced Speaking to The Sunday Morning, conversation about Sri direct complications due to the pandemic. Issues in the supply of an industry source, who did not wish Lanka's dependency on debt raw materials by international importers, restrictions on the local to be named, confirmed that during Japan-funded for development. manufacturing process, the difficulty of maintaining supply with the past year, an increase in paper Sri Lanka's $ 88 billion growing e-commerce activities, and fluctuations in pricing were among prices of approximately 15-20% was economy is bogged down the most significant problems. This situation has thus prompted recorded worldwide. This was brought by a debt pile of $ 50.8 local manufacturers to operate at low capacity with the available raw on primarily by the shortage in the infrastructure billion. The country is under materials, The Sunday Morning learnt. pulp imported for manufacturing the pressure to settle an average paper. “As the prices rise, the impact of $ 4 billion annually is borne by almost all stakeholders, as projects in foreign debt over the packaging is used in most shipping and next four years even as its distribution channels. However, it is the z Some see z Even though foreign reserves have shrunk end-consumer that is affected the most. pivot toward Chinese loans are to a three-year low of $ 5.8 This is due to the additional cost of billion. production placed on the per-unit price Beijing more expensive Recent research by Verité being recovered through the consumer,” Research, a Colombo-based the source stated. think tank, revealed that When inquired about the ability of BY MARWAAN MACAN-MARKAR easing congestion around between 2005 and 2019, Sri the industry to increase the price of the the Colombo Port. The Lanka secured 313 foreign packages supplied to customers, he Sri Lanka's reputation LRT was expected to offer loans worth $ 27.5 billion, emphasised: “Increasing the prices of is taking a hit after its a modern, alternative most of it for infrastructure their products simultaneously with the year-old Government commute to a traffic- development. rise in prices of the raw materials cannot says it wants to pull the clogged route that has China was the largest be done easily. This is mainly due to the plug on two multimillion witnessed the highest lender during that period, annual contracts we have entered into dollar infrastructure vehicle growth in the accounting for 33% of with our clients. Hence, any amendments projects funded by Japan country over the last the loans, followed by must be negotiated with the parties prior and guaranteed by its 10 years. the multilateral Asian to any revisions.” predecessor. If that happens, Rajapaksa's plans to spike Development Bank with Referring to the impact it would be the second both projects – which has 18%, and Japan 17%. But of the global pandemic on time that a newly elected taken Japanese officials by Japanese loans provided the industry’s operations, Sri Lankan Government surprise – follows the path the most favourable terms, the source expressed that has backed out of such of his predecessor, former noted Verité. A carton packaging manufacturing plant PHOTO ©️ PIXABAY The best models I have seen many restrictions were agreements. President Maithripala The average loan bore are where the public sector imposed, challenging The ultranationalist Sirisena. The latter's an interest rate of 0.7%, Packaging has always played an With price controls collaborates with social daily production and Government of President governing alliance turned with a grace period of 10 important and significant role in the in place, many entrepreneurs to understand supply, and hence, Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants its ire on China to score years, and maturity at 34 supply chain, protecting products from manufacturers resort the situation on the ground, operations were not to terminate the agreement short-term, domestic years. China's loan terms, being damaged, while facilitating the to alternative modes and co-create support carried out to full with Japan, which had for political gains after its by contrast, bore an average efficient distribution and storage of to recover the loss. systems to facilitate and capacity. He further stated decades been the largest electoral triumph in interest rate of 3.3% and goods. Packaging is used in almost every Increasing one's capacity achieve shared objectives that, while adhering to the supplier of development January 2015. maturity in just 18 years. industry, including pharmaceuticals, food or output by utilising more Ananta Sustainables Founder health guidelines, such assistance to Sri Lanka, and beverages, apparel, and e-commerce, automated machinery in Savera Weerasinghe as maintaining a one- for the construction of an highlighting its importance for the the process is the most metre distance between elevated commuter rail producer and the end-consumer. commonly sought remedy. employees, production project through Colombo Most high-quality packaging methods This increases the output, causing the cost capacity was limited to approximately and the development of a incorporated by companies are considered of production per piece to decrease. 60-70%. container terminal in the dangerous to the ecosystem due to their Speaking further, Perera suggested that “We anticipate that things will Colombo Port. inability to decompose. Therefore, many “manufacturers must look at reducing normalise by August in the coming year. A veteran Sri Lankan companies have adopted environmentally- these costs mainly by recycling. The We also believe that prices will return diplomat warned that the friendly packaging methods for their recycling of plastics and paper which can to the positions they held in 2019, given country will lose out if products, with packaging styles such as be reused in the industry is an innovative there will be no aggravation with regard governments continue corrugated packaging growing in demand. method to manage pricing, and to relieve to the pandemic,” he added, referring to to abandon sovereign In recent years, Sri Lanka has been the burden placed on the manufacturers the resilience of the industry. guarantees. "The last promoting organic and sustainable and consumers”. Changing the packaging Government was ham- products and supplies among consumers system is another solution put forth by Unpacking Sri Lanka’s potential handed in the way it handled In the Sirisena The terms offered by and various industries. The country has Perera. “The industry will have to think The Sunday Morning also reached the Chinese projects and Government's crosshairs the Japan International taken measures to ban hazardous products, about it openly,” he added. out to Ananta Sustainables Founder now we face a similar were two multibillion dollar Co-operation Agency for such as single-use plastics, and many He went on to stress the Government’s Savera Weerasinghe for her views on the situation with Japan," the infrastructure projects the LRT were even more companies were seen supporting this efforts to reduce the production costs industry and its potential. diplomat told Nikkei Asia. funded by China, which favourable: a $ 1.8 billion endeavour. and to support the industry and its Commenting on Sri Lanka’s packaging "Japan's development has replaced Japan in concessional loan at 0.1% Many Sri Lankan producers have also stakeholders. “A lot of discussions are and recycling industry’s potential for assistance to Sri Lanka recent years as Sri Lanka's interest with a 12-year begun considering ways to manufacture taking place among industry experts and growth, she stated: “Unfortunately, a lot made over the years has largest development grace period and maturity the raw materials needed for packaging the Government. However, it must be of our waste paper is exported to India been without any strategic partner. Sirisena's anti- in 40 years. within our borders. Though experts view understood that the evolution will be a and neighbouring regions, and we do not or political pressure." China administration "It's a concessional loan this to be a time-consuming and long- lengthy process and cannot be achieved have sufficient local demand for recycled Government officials temporarily forced a halt to on favourable international term project, its projected overnight,” he noted. material.” recently told local media both projects, with costly terms, so rejecting it raises benefits are immeasurable The support and Speaking specifically about the food that the first phase of the consequences. questions about the intent if done correctly. the input of suppliers industry of Sri Lanka, she stated that the $ 1.8 billion Light Rail Sri Lanka's moves at of the rejection," an Asian A bird’s-eye view Manufacturers must look is also necessary for standards of the certifying bodies for food- Transit (LRT) project, to be the time, which turned ties diplomat said. at reducing costs mainly the industry’s success. grade manufacturing also do not permit funded through a Japanese with China frosty, raised The sentiment is shared Speaking to The by recycling. The recycling “Increasing production, recycled paper to be used as a raw material loan, "is not a priority for questions about the fate by seasoned financial Sunday Morning, former of plastics and paper increasing productivity, for food packaging. This is mainly due to the Government", echoing of the existing sovereign observers in Colombo, Sri Lanka Institute of which can be reused in the using alternatives for raw quality, hygiene, and traceability concerns. sentiments voiced since the guarantees between the given the country's Packaging President industry is an innovative materials, and recycling Locally producing recycled, food-grade middle of the year. Officials small Indian Ocean island dismal standing in the Michael Perera shared method to manage pricing, paper and plastics will quality paper and paperboard would also said the Government and the Asian giant. The global economy after its his views on the current and to relieve the burden eventually lead to the certainly cost less than transcontinental sees no role for Japan in the projects under China's Belt sovereign ratings were status of the industry in placed on the manufacturers country saving foreign shipping of virgin paper from Europe and Eastern Container Terminal and Road Initiative were reduced to junk this year Sri Lanka. and consumers exchange.” Furthermore, South America and Australia. She went on (ECT) venture, which Tokyo the Port City, an artificial by global ratings agencies. The packaging Former Sri Lanka Institute of he opined, Sri Lanka to explain that Sri Lankan manufacturers was to fund with a $ 500 island off Colombo's shores "If you want to cancel industry of Sri Lanka has Packaging President needs to develop a are also not currently focusing on this million loan. on which it had planned to the LRT you have to make faced many obstacles Michael Perera mechanism to promote the possibility, though they have the technical The agreements for both build a modern financial a statement of intent, rather in the past, especially collection of waste to be capacity to do so. landmark projects were district, and the new than doing it in an arbitrary during the war. Even sent in for recycling. When asked about the contribution signed by the coalition Hambantota Port along the manner and creating an at present, the global pandemic has had Perera went on to emphasise the of the Government and public sector government that Rajapaksa country's southern coast. international crisis," said a negative impact on the industry. The importance of packaging and its many in resolving the issues faced by the convincingly defeated The Rajapaksa a senior financial industry main factor distinguishing the past and aspects. packaging industry, she said: “The in the November 2019 Government's arbitrary insider. "The talk in the the present would be that the pandemic “Corrugated packaging alone is not best models I have seen are where the elections. At the time, the actions toward Japan – corridors of business is the has affected the global community in its sufficient. The goods being packed, given public sector collaborates with social ECT project was billed justifying the move as a Government is scuttling entirety. As a result, many shipments of its nature, must have adequate protection.” entrepreneurs to understand the situation as a tripartite venture, shift to end foreign loans for the LRT to give it to the raw materials and other imported goods Taking food packaging into account, he on the ground, and co-create support involving Sri Lanka, India, infrastructure projects and Chinese." needed to produce packaging have been stated: “There are two elements that can systems to facilitate and achieve shared and Japan, and aimed at preferring investment-led Opposition politicians either delayed or halted. However, the spoil food – water and oxygen. Therefore, objectives.” warned against industry has managed to pull through, and a corrugated outer covering will not Weerasinghe expressed her thoughts turning on a longtime is in the process of recovering the loss suffice to keep air and moisture from on the solutions needed to be sought supporter. "The real encountered. reaching the goods inside. The packaging for the current issues in the packaging cost is not financial but According to Perera, although there has must incorporate a plastic covering to seal industry. “Straightforward banning is diplomatic," Opposition been no shortage of labour, its high costs the product first.” never the answer. Change comes from lawmaker Harsha de have been an issue the industry faces. In a cocktail of simultaneous actions Silva told Nikkei. "The other words, the high cost of labour has Challenges faced by the meticulously executed, followed upon, Government is certainly contributed to the high cost of production. packaging industry and regulated. Waste management, not strengthening the With the cost of production rising, the The main raw material needed for packaging, and consumption are all a part friendship with Japan addition is recovered mainly by passing the manufacture of kraft paper used in of an intricately-woven, interdependent who has been there for Sri on a portion of this cost to the consumer, the corrugated industry is paper pulp. system.” Lanka over the years." as well as the producer. Thus, Sri Lanka imports this from Contd. on page 14 (Nikkei Asia) the sunday morning 13 Sunday, January 3, 2021 OPINION

BY DR. GEHAN GUNATILLEKE Words can, and often do, harm others. A society is usually justified in restricting speech that causes harm. The nature and extent of such restrictions depend on the type of harm involved. States are then expected to strike the right balance between the interests of the individual engaging in the speech and the interests of others affected by the speech. Much depends on how much trust we can place in the state to strike that balance in good faith.

This article explores the role of the state in countering harmful speech. It presents a conceptual model that sets out the different layers of harmful speech, and defines the specific role the state should play in curbing speech that falls into each layer. The article then makes a case for minimising the Sri Lankan State’s authority to impose criminal sanctions for harmful speech. Figure 1 depicts four layers of harmful speech. The first (outermost) layer represents all types of harmful speech, including speech that defames, stereotypes, or insults others. Falsely accusing someone of a crime or insulting a person’s faith can fall into this category. The second layer represents “hate speech”, which is a subset of harmful speech. Speech that conveys hatred towards a particular ethnic, racial, religious, gender, or other similar group falls into to this domain, and the state should not be this category. Of course, the term “hatred” COUNTERING HARMFUL SPEECH permitted to impose criminal penalties for needs to be defined carefully. It generally any other form of harmful speech. means “intense and irrational emotions The reason for such constraints is simple. of opprobrium, enmity, and detestation The Sri Lankan State has thus far failed towards the target group” (1). For example, to demonstrate good faith in exercising calling a community inherently “evil” power over speech. Therefore, it should be constitutes hate speech. entrusted with punishing only the narrowest The third layer represents “incitement”, domain of harmful speech, and only when which is a subset of hate speech. While actual physical violence is imminent as a the broader category of hate speech direct result of the speech. In all other cases, involves conveying hatred, incitement Why trust the role of the state should be to abstain additionally involves compelling others to from intervention, counter the speech, act in a hateful manner. Such acts include or regulate the speech, depending on the discriminating against the target group. circumstances and the nature of the harmful For example, compelling others to boycott speech. In a context where public trust in Muslim-owned businesses constitutes the state’s good faith has broken down, incitement to discrimination. confining the state’s role in this manner may The final (innermost) layer represents be the only bulwark against abuse. incitement to violence, which is a subset of incitement, and the worst form of harmful Conclusion speech. Incitement to violence contains Society has an important and legitimate two elements: First, it involves the act of thethat causes the most serious harm. Leaving a falseState? statement. 2.countering, 3.regulating, and 4.prohibiting. role to play in responding to harmful compelling others to perpetrate violence aside the philosophical reasons for adopting More recently, writer Shakthika First, in cases of harm to reputation speech. By extension, the state too has a against a specific person or group; second, this position, there are compelling political Sathkumara was arrested for writing or personal sensibilities, the state should crucial role to play in this domain. However, it involves a context where such violence reasons for constraining the authority of a short story that allegedly offended abstain from playing any active role. It there are serious risks of abuse that need is “imminent”, i.e. there is a real risk of the state to restrict speech. The Sri Lankan certain members of the Buddhist clergy should only establish the legal infrastructure to be confronted when defining the state’s violence ensuing because of the speech. experience offers an important lesson in this (4). He was arrested under Section 3 of for individuals to resolve their private role. One way to confront this challenge Society has a legitimate role to play regard. Sri Lanka’s International Covenant on disputes. Civil courts must be established is to understand harmful speech through a in interfering with each layer of harmful The historical and contemporary Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act of and equipped to hear private plaints. For model of concentric circles, and properly speech. Notice that I refer to “society” here realities surrounding the use of criminal 2007, which criminalises the advocacy of example, if a statement insults a political locate “hate speech”, “incitement”, and and not “the state”. Individuals in society sanctions against speech in Sri Lanka “national, racial, and religious hatred that or religious actor, the state should not “incitement to violence” within the remit can interfere with someone’s speech without reveals an alarming legacy of abuse. The constitutes incitement to discrimination, intervene, but should instead provide the of harmful speech. The type of interference necessarily involving the state. For example, state has routinely abused its power to hostility, or violence”. necessary legal channels for such an actor to that is warranted would then depend on the rebuking someone for making a derogatory impose criminal sanctions on persons for None of these cases appear to warrant seek a remedy in civil courts. type of harmful speech in question. statement online and deterring that person speech-related offences. In many cases, the criminal sanctions. In each case, the speech Second, in the case of hate speech, falling Within this scheme, criminal sanctions from repeating such a statement is one so-called “harm” in the speech has been did not involve the conveyance of hatred, short of incitement, the state should play ought to be reserved only for incitement of simple example of interfering with the interpreted through the lens of the state’s nor did it involve incitement of any kind. a role in countering it. State officials and the most harmful kind, i.e. incitement to harmful speech of another. own interests. Instead, the speech entailed expressions political leaders have a duty to promote violence. It is, of course, clear that many The type and intensity of interference may The Sri Lankan State has targeted of dissent, criticism, or provocative social cohesion and equal citizenship. For countries possess laws that criminalise depend on the classification of the harmful outspoken journalists, political opponents, literature – all within the domain of an instance, they must not remain silent when speech that is nowhere near as harmful as speech. The intensity of the interference and writers. For example, in 2009, it individual’s freedom of expression. The ideas of racial, religious, or gender-based incitement to violence. For instance, some can be placed on a spectrum, and should convicted journalist J.S. Tissainayagam Sri Lankan State appears to have wantonly superiority are being publicly disseminated. European countries prohibit speech that correspond to the intensity of the harm the under Section 2(1)(h) of the Prevention of used criminal sanctions to curb speech that They must play an active role in reassuring denies the Holocaust (5). Leaving aside the speech causes. Terrorism Act (PTA) of 1979 for writing undermines its own interests. The military, the targeted groups that the state does not desirability of such laws in those specific At one end of the spectrum, there can an article that accused the armed forces of the political establishment, and the clergy condone such ideas. country contexts, the Sri Lankan legacy be interference through private plaints committing war crimes (2). The section in often define and dictate those interests. The Third, when incitement of some kind of abuse offers good reasons to adopt a and counter-messaging. Next, there can question criminalises causing “communal State has been quick to prohibit speech that takes place, the state should play a role in minimalist approach to criminal sanctions. be civil sanctions of some kind, including disharmony” through words. Prosecutors criticises or offends those specific actors. regulating such speech. It could engage We ought to recognise the state’s role in boycotts, dismissals from employment, advanced the peculiar argument that a in such regulation by setting out rules of countering harmful speech through civil The Sri Lankan State has thus far and the revocation of licences. At the other Tamil journalist criticising a predominantly conduct and by imposing civil sanctions remedies, counter-messaging, and certain failed to demonstrate good faith end of the spectrum, there can be criminal Sinhalese military of committing war crimes on those who violate such rules. For limited forms of regulation. However, in exercising power over speech. sanctions such as fines and imprisonment. It would cause “disharmony” between the example, the state has a duty to dismiss the state’s ultimate authority to prosecute Therefore, it should be entrusted with is natural for the state to play a role in how Sinhalese and Tamils. public officials who engage in incitement. It and punish individuals must be confined punishing only the narrowest domain society curbs harmful speech. Yet, there may Then in 2010, the Sri Lankan State could even suspend or revoke the licences to a narrowly defined domain of harmful of harmful speech, and only when be good reasons for minimising this role punished political opponent Sarath of businesses or media institutions that speech, i.e. incitement to violence. At least actual physical violence is imminent – particularly when it comes to imposing Fonseka who contested and lost the disseminate inciteful speech. Such action in contexts such as in Sri Lanka, there is a as a direct result of the speech criminal sanctions. One of the main reasons presidential election that year. He was may be particularly appropriate when compelling case for a minimalist approach – and this reason is particularly relevant to convicted under Regulation 28 of the 2005 By contrast, at least in the recent past, public airwaves are utilised to engage in – an approach that simply does not entrust the Sri Lankan context – is the loss of trust Emergency Regulations for an allegedly the Sri Lankan State has not prosecuted a incitement. However, widening the scope of the state with extensive criminal jurisdiction in the state. false statement that certain members of the single person for inciting violence against the state’s regulatory powers over the media over speech. Liberation Tigers of (LTTE) a minority community. For example, in the is extremely dangerous in the Sri Lankan Why distrust the state? were executed while surrendering to the 13 years since its enactment, the ICCPR context, as the state is yet to demonstrate (1) See Article 19, The Camden Criminal sanctions ought to be imposed armed forces (3). The specific regulation Act is yet to be used to actually convict good faith in this domain. State actors Principles on Freedom of Expression and sparingly and reserved only for speech criminalised causing “public alarm” through any of the instigators of violence against have selectively targeted media institutions Equality, April 2009 Muslims or Christians in Sri Lanka. This and news websites that are critical of the (2) “A travesty of justice: The sentencing The concentric circles of harmful speech experience suggests that there are good state, while permitting pro-state media to of J.S. Tissainayagam”, Groundviews, 1 reasons to distrust the state when it seeks disseminate harmful speech with impunity. September 2009, at https://groundviews. to impose criminal sanctions for harmful For instance, the State has yet to take any org/2009/09/01/a-travesty-of-justice-the- speech. It makes political sense to constrain regulatory action against media channels sentencing-of-j-s-tissainayagam the authority of the state to impose such that spread highly prejudicial and often (3) Manopriya Gunasekara, “The White sanctions. If the state is permitted a wide blatantly false information on detained Flag case: The reasons behind the two terrain of authority to punish harmful lawyer Hejaaz Hizbullah. At the same time, verdicts”, The Sunday Times, 20 November speech, it is likely – as evident in the Sri the Government has announced that it 2011, at http://www.sundaytimes.lk/111120/ Lankan case – to target critical speech and wishes to regulate news websites and social News/nws_14.html political dissent, which are genuinely within media in an attempt to curb hate speech and (4) “Arrest of writer Sathkumara sparks the domain of the freedom of expression. disinformation. The announcement appears debate on freedom of expression”, Daily to be disingenuous, given the double Mirror, 12 April 2019, at http://www. The role of the state standards that are currently in play. dailymirror.lk/news-features/Arrest-of- It is tempting to remain cynical about Finally, the state has a very clear remit to writer-Sathkumara-sparks-debate-on-- the role the Sri Lankan State can play in prohibit incitement to violence. It has a duty freedom-of-expression/131-165392 countering harmful speech. But this role to investigate, prosecute, and punish those (5) See Laurent Pech, “The Law of should be, at least in theory, properly who engage in such incitement. The state’s Holocaust Denial in Europe: Towards a defined so that there are clear benchmarks role in this domain is crucial to ensuring the (qualified) EU-wide Criminal Prohibition”, against which state responses can be protection of vulnerable communities from (2009) Jean Monnet Working Paper assessed. We could frame four types of state acts of physical violence. In essence, the use 10/09, at http://jeanmonnetprogram.org/ Figure 1 responses to harmful speech: 1.Abstaining, of criminal sanctions should be confined wp-content/uploads/2014/12/091001.pdf 14 the sunday morning POLITICS/FOCUS Sunday, January 3, 2021

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to their attempts to create factions, a the SJB's constitution drafting Premadasa loyalist said. committee. There are fears among Reviving tourism... Make or break... Lakthilaka, who spearheaded a the SJB that Premadasa’s moves While the travellers had “As health authorities, we can Party heavyweights have moved in are seeing political campaign in 2019 to replace to consolidate power and sideline submitted negative results on the affirm that whenever an imported recent days to block and tackle any themselves sidelined by Premadasa as the United those who disagree with him are Covid-19 PCR tests when boarding case of Covid-19 gets detected, it suggestion of alternate candidates supporters from the party hierarchy. National Party (UNP) Leader with reminiscent of the way the then the flight, Dr. Herath stated that it is at the moment, well managed. coming forward against the For example, former Governors Premadasa in his place, is considered 45-year-old Wickremesinghe began should not be considered as a good We have so far followed Government. Last week, Attanayake Keerthi Tennakoon and Azath Salley to have played a major role in purging the party of dissenting voices enough health check which would strict health guidelines when stated publicly that Premadasa would along with Attorney-at-Law Shiral crippling the UNP and building the after he took over the UNP leadership rule out that person from carrying repatriating Sri Lankans and those be the only viable candidate to Lakthilaka have all been overlooked SJB as a force for Premadasa to lead. in 1994. After taking over 25 years to the virus. who have arrived in Sri Lanka contest in 2024. Meanwhile, a former for official posts by the SJB. Furthermore, Tennakoon too rid themselves of Wickremesinghe as All arrivals are therefore from other countries to report to Rajapaksa supporter turned close According to them, the reason played a major role after the a political entity, these SJB members required to undergo regular their work. All these groups are Premadasa confidant and veteran for omitting Salley was due to formation of the SJB, as one of the fear that entrenching too much power health screenings and within their subjected to a mandatory 14-day diplomat has authored a series of his continuous criticisms and heads of its media unit. in one individual could lead to a 14-day stay, should undergo three quarantine and a further 14-day newspaper columns over the last insults directed towards the party However, some believe that the repeat scenario under a now 53-year- PCR tests, and a rapid antigen home quarantine with regular week, attacking former Speaker Karu leadership after he failed to secure two have been left out from top old Premadasa. test at the time of arrival at the health screenings too prescribed,” Jayasuriya and stating that he has no a National List seat. Salley was positions in the party, as they've been Premadasa’s advocates however respective airport. Dr. Herath confirmed. clout in civil society and must play no included as a member of the SJB's identified as leading members of say it is too soon to judge the role in any grand coalition to take on National List in the past general a new political movement that has new leader, who cannot be held the Government. election. been launched with a view to fielding responsible for the conduct of the Attorney-at-Law Lakthilaka a common candidate at the 2024 Yahapalanaya regime over five Overlooked? and former Governor Tennakoon presidential election that could prove years, which made it virtually Getting the... In the same vein, key SJB figures have been left out, as they have a threat to Premadasa’s leadership. impossible for any candidate to International guidelines to administer the vaccine among who have expressed openness been trying to create a second-tier This is also a reason that led to defeat the Rajapaksa juggernaut in and observations the selected members of the to alternate candidates such as leadership within the party and due Lakthilaka being excluded from 2019 or in 2020. Given the lack of time and public, with gradual increases in the deadly situation at hand, Sri the number of vaccines given, Lanka will rely on the studies, will depend mainly on its cost, Contd. from page 12 Contd. from page 6 tests and observations recorded by production, and availability. foreign countries with regard to the The quantity of vaccinations the were infested by FAW, which means the vaccine. country will receive cannot be expected yield will reduce by 10%, the The successful completion of confirmed as of now. “Even at Facing many... Invasion... North Central Province Department of various steps is necessary for the the end of 2021, we will not be Sharing her thoughts on the effects of packaging, Providing a breakdown of the extent of Agriculture reported. introduction of a novel vaccine. able to say for certain the number she stated that one needs regenerative ways of thinking damage, Watawala noted: “Crop damage 18,500 hectares in the were The vaccines that are currently of vaccines our country will to provide ways to replenish all we have depleted in or loss of yield has only been reported to used for maize cultivation, and due to the available against Covid-19 are at receive,” Weeratunga said. everything we produce. “Packaging is such a ubiquitous the State Ministry in percentages at the FAW infestations, the yield is expected the final phases of its introduction “The citizens of a country yet insignificant constant in our everyday lives. We need moment, with Ampara District and North to reduce by 15%, the Uva Province process, where a post-market producing a vaccine will be to pay more attention to it. Thus, the question is if we Western Province recording the highest Additional Director for Agriculture had evaluation is now being carried out given first priority in receiving really need it. In instances we deem it essential, we need amount of crop damage. The District stated. In the North Western Province, 451 among a sample population. the vaccination. The second and to treat it as such, considering its social and environmental Secretariats and the provincial Departments hectares have been damaged by the FAW, “The vaccine would hopefully third priority will be given to contribution at the end of its life cycle.” of Agriculture have shared approximate and the yield from that province is expected be available to Sri Lankans by late other countries thereafter,” he The chain of supply would risk being collapsed without percentages with us.” to reduce by 25%, the North Western February or early March.” elaborated. proper packaging to deliver goods locally or internationally. Out of the near 12,000 hectares that were Province Department of Agriculture No assurance can be given to Though no confirmed Hence, the attention of authorities must be drawn to cultivated in the Ampara District, only reported. the public regarding the vaccine decisions have been taken by improving the industry and reaching its potential. Thus, about 30% of the crops have been estimated In the Matale District of the Central carrying zero complications the Sri Lankan health officials the downfall of an industry as large as the packaging to be damaged by FAW infestations, the Province, although there were FAW following administration. Hence, as of yet, the upcoming weeks industry cannot be easily recovered, as it affects many Ampara District Secretariat had reported. sightings, the pest did not cause data received from foreign are considered to be crucial for aspects of the economy. In the Anuradhapura District, 25,315 considerable crop damage, the Central countries on the reactions faced the decision makers to reach a Despite several attempts made by The Sunday Morning, hectares were cultivated, of which it Province Department of Agriculture by people and the guidelines and conclusion, The Sunday Morning Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella was not was estimated that only 1-2% of crops reported. recommendations of the WHO will learnt. reachable for a comment on the topic. be given prominence in selecting a The Government is to initiate vaccine. the importation of the vaccine and Contd. from page 10 “India, one of the most affected the private sector stakeholders are nations, has begun developing expected to later join forces. A and testing the AstraZeneca “no cost” plan is to be prioritised vaccine introduced by the Oxford but given that purchasing is TRUTH... Better... University in four Indian states. required, the Government of Making a whole lot of calamity Yet to hear of any that Furthermore, the appointment of suitable individuals to This experiment carried out in Sri Lanka has displayed no for no reason have undergone rigorous fulfil roles at times such as these is of utmost importance, India will be beneficial for our reluctance in doing so. ayurveda research and must be considered strictly. country, as the Indian and Sri Referring to the stakeholders Nimasha dias, receptionist While the guidelines are being amended, authorities Lankan populations share similar assisting Sri Lanka, the Asian “I think curative ayurvedic medicine right Yasodhara Pathanjali, artist and the Government are also focusing on improving living conditions, climate, and Development Bank has granted a now is just making a whole lot of calamity for “I’ve heard of a whole bunch of unsubstantiated the healthcare system of the country by promoting food,” explained Weeratunga. loan to the Government and the no reason. The point is that we are focusing on claims of cures but have yet to hear of any that access to medical care for all members of the society. Furthermore, he stated: “The World Bank has come forward to the wrong thing. We have to be happy that our have undergone rigorous ayurveda research. So Approximately 1,200 primary healthcare institutions vaccine benefits will have to assist Sri Lanka with funding a medical experts are taking initiative to come I highly doubt that there are upcoming tonics. are to be developed in the coming months to yield be weighed against its adverse cure for its people. Furthermore, up with a cure for Covid-19, at the same time Ayurveda has a longer record of understanding results of satisfactory standards to the users of reactions. For this, a carefully the WHO is also expected to these efforts should not be selfish opportunities and healing our health than any other medical healthcare. balanced equation needs to be invest money in Sri Lanka to to take advantage of the vulnerability of the system, so it seems inevitable that we can find Development of databases and digitalisation of introduced by the scientists, assist the country to obtain the people in this situation.” a cure. But sadly there is too much focus on a all medical records of patients for easy accessibility, doctors, and administrators necessary resources. cure for Corona, when it’s well documented tailor-made medical advice, and consultation of doctors involved in reaching a conclusion.” Discussions are continuously that what’s urgently needed is prevention and through the use of technology are some of the aspects The WHO will further instruct being carried out among Everything is unpredictable not a cure. Anyone that understands respiratory of development. This is regarded to be a great step the country on the suitability or appointed committees and experts Janega Guruge, research assistant or lung health can see that clearly. towards avoiding the inconvenience faced by people unsuitability of the vaccination, on the most suitable vaccines “Who’s to say what we can have faith in. The None of those who have come forward from overcrowding at hospitals, especially at times such which is another criterion followed for Sri Lankans. However, flow of these curative medicines are a sign of with so called ‘cures’ are registered Ayurveda as these. “Communicating rather than commuting,” in considering a vaccine made it is to be noted that no final effort put in to come out of this mess. However practitioners from my understanding, so it is not he emphasised. available in the market. decision has been arrived at the success of these attempts are not guaranteed. fair to think of the offerings as representative Adherence to the new guidelines issued by the yet, and more plans are yet to Just this week there was a report of a person of our ancient knowledge and medicine. It is authorities will yield benefits for the public, the Stakeholders and funding be put in place according to the who contracted the virus 2 weeks after taking certainly very sad to see people’s fear, lack of country, and the individual in question. Furthermore, when importing recommendations of the resource the vaccine, so everything is unpredictable understanding and trust being misused in this it was noted that non-compliance could entail The ability of the authorities personnel. right now.” way.” punishment.

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“To our knowledge, the seabed boats are severely damaged. Fisheries Department Director income from fishing is not enough in Indian waters is highly damaged Navigating towards a solution General Kahawatta suggested that to run our families. We just have to due to this practice, which brings Thus far, the discussions carried this could be a tedious and time- keep getting credit from outside.” Sailing into... illegal poachers to Sri Lankan waters out have sought to put an end to consuming measure due to the He continued that if the trespassing due to the lack of resources they are illegal poaching through the joint immensity of the fishing populations. Indian fishermen were fishing just This meeting, according to Director General S.J. Kahawatta facing. Bottom-trawling is illegal in patrolling of both the Sri Lankan He added that the masses of Indian as normal fishermen do, that would Rathnayaka, would largely consist of said that although the main issue Sri Lanka, and our seabed is largely and Indian Navy. According to fishing boats are only capable of not be a problem. “However, they are policy-based matters that are crucial is the illegal poaching carried out intact. This is why we urge these Ranathunga, a hotline between the bottom-trawling methods. using unsustainable and destructive for the end product of the decision- by the Indian fishermen which is a fishermen not to engage in these Sri Lankan Coast Guard and its “They should be converted methodologies, using high-volume making process. threat to the sovereignty of our State, practices, as we do not want the same Indian counterpart has been initiated, by removing the trawling nets, explosives while fishing. It’s a risky the methodologies they use to do unfortunate outcome for our own with the aim of informing of any and perhaps, adopting long-line thing for us, and bad for the ocean How bad is the situation? so create the immediate cause for rich seabed,” Kahawatta expressed. detected incidents and calling for technologies, as we have done.” too.” According to Ranathunga, it is concern, with the frontline practice further assistance in emergency “We can’t arrest the masses of Alagu feels that the Navy officers difficult to calculate the severity being “bottom-trawling”. The anxieties of the North situations. boats in volumes and hold them are handling the situation well. “They of the trespassing occurring on a Bottom-trawling is an industrial Most of the repercussions from Except for this issue, there is a accountable. India has too many are doing their level best. These daily basis. The usual procedure fishing method where a large net these trespassers’ actions are very cordial relationship between the boats for our authorities to handle. trespassing Indian fishermen are when trespassers are detected by with heavy weights is dragged across experienced by the unfortunate navies and fisheries organisations of We can only make allowances and found more often than not. Many are the Navy is that they are reported. the seafloor. It scoops up everything fishermen population of the North both nations, stressed Ranathunga. compromises for them,” concluded arrested after they are found. I think However, the Navy has a difficult it encounters, from the targeted and East, from the Mannar area The issue at hand is one that Kahawatta, stressing the need for a that the Government too is doing time cracking down on all cases. It is fish to incidentally-caught young towards Point Pedro. both countries are struggling to more proactive role from the Indian their best to handle it.” roughly estimated that 11,106 official fish who have not fully matured, Kahawatta explained that most of put an end to. India has attempted authorities to resolve the issue. “Not only in this situation, but they detections have been reported as of to centuries-old corals, aquatic the boats in the North are small, and to adopt other methodologies to are helpful if we face difficulties at 16 December 2020. plants, and other species such as that the trespassing Indian poachers crack down on this issue, such as Alagu’s tale sea. There are many naval points Within a span of three days, an sea cucumbers and anemone, and knock on the boats of Sri Lankan encouraging fishermen in the South Alagu, a small-scale fisherman close to sea, and if anything happens, average of 1,000 boats are calculated especially, shrimp breeding centres. fishermen intentionally to inflict to engage in deep sea fishing with from Jaffna, shared this with The officers will be there to assist soon. to have trespassed. When this Their target species is shrimp, as damage. They also allegedly engage regard to fishermen in the Palk Bay Sunday Morning: “We can’t seem Army and Navy officers are being happens, explained Ranathunga, sea shrimp is a high-value type, and in actively cutting the fishing nets of area in particular; the promotion to catch enough fish often; only very helpful to us in risky times.” local fishermen are unable to go into our Lankan seas are ample breeding our fishermen. of alternative livelihoods through very rarely do we get lucky enough Alagu doesn’t feel like the their own waters and do the needful, grounds for shrimp. In India, 3,000-4,000 boats seaweed cultivation, mariculture, and to catch enough to sell. In general, situation has affected him immensely due to the destructive practices of There is much research done on – possibly as high as 6,000 – varieties of aquaculture activities, we face bad weather conditions, as of now, “but I know that if this the Indian trespassers, who come in the ill effects of bottom-trawling, are those with steel hulls. Sri as initiatives under the new Pradhan cyclones very often. During such keeps going, it’s not healthy for large trawlers and engage in illegal with distinct clarifications on the Lankan fishermen largely occupy Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana; and times, we have to get credit from our fishing future”, he added. “In bottom-trawling practices. before- and after-effects of the highly fibreglass boats, and only a few other schemes by the Government of others. It is a game with the tides and the future, fishing will be very destructive practice that demolishes have steel hulls. Our fishermen India and state governments of Tamil our luck. Sometimes we get injured complicated because of the doings of Bottom-trawling the entire seabed. The bottom- are therefore anxious – if they Nadu and Puducherry, in hopes of while fishing because of different these trespassers. It’s just a starting Department of Fisheries and trawling practice is a threat to the are knocked by the masses of diversifying and reducing fishing plant species. Most of the time, we stage to a bleak future in which we Aquatic Resources Development sustainable fisheries industry. trespassing Indian fishermen, the pressure in the Palk Bay. can’t sell fish at a fixed price. Our could expect many risks.” the sunday morning 15 Sunday, January 3, 2021 SPORTS SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS 2020 THE YEAR A PANDEMIC HAMPERED WORLD SPORTS The year gone by, 2020 would perhaps be the most turbulent one for sports since the time of the outbreak of World War II in 1939- 45. Yet, defying the unexpected surge of the pandemic that erupted out of the blue in the first quarter of the year, some of the major global sporting events were to be conducted under a “new normal”. Stringent health guidelines were to be followed – the words “bio-secure bubbles” entered our sports jargon last year – due to Covid-19 or the coronavirus, which is still unabated as we enter year 2021. Football A golden year for Liverpool and Scotland What a year 2020 has been for Liverpool after the Reds scooped their first Premier League title since 1990 with seven matches still to play. It was a real record-breaking season for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they notched up 24 home wins in a row and remained unbeaten at Anfield right through the campaign. Tennis No Wimbledon The 2020 tennis season was hit hard since Formula 1 the lockdown in March due to the coronavirus in 2020 will pandemic. A numerous number of tournaments almost certainly were cancelled. Despite the year hosting only be remembered for one man, three out of the four Grand Slams, the sport’s Lewis Hamilton top stars Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic had their share of highs and lows. Young champions, in the meantime, emerged on the scene in the women’s tour with Sofia – Lewis Hamilton. He continues to set a pace with two of the three Major winners being NBA The old and the new series win. Kenin and teenager Iga Swiatek making a which none of his rivals can live with. The first-timers. In August, Collin Morikawa won celebrate across the pond mark. The 134th edition of Wimbledon was Englishman was superb once again in 2020. the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association Over in America, and it was business as Boxing Fury and Joshua close to cancelled for the first time since 1945, during In what was perhaps his most dominant year, of America) Championship in California usual in the National Basketball Association squaring off? World War II. Defending champion Djokovic he equalled Michael Schumacher’s record for in impressive fashion, getting the better (NBA) as Lebron James won yet another The boxing world might remember 2020 as won his eighth Australian Open title and seven world titles and was knighted by the of England’s Paul Casey who finished two NBA Championship. The household name the year that set up one of the biggest fights in 17th Grand Slam to return to the world no.1 Queen on the last day of 2020. strokes away in second. Much of 2020 has played a big part in the Los Angeles Lakers history. The stars seem finally to be aligning position by displacing Nadal. Kenin won her been spent discussing Bryson DeChambeau, ending their decade-long wait for their for Anthony Joshua (AJ) and Tyson Fury to first Grand Slam in Melbourne. Golf New kids on the block who won the US Open battering his rivals 17th NBA Championship as they overcame take each other on in 2021 after both enjoyed The most prolific pair in men’s doubles It was a year of firsts in the golfing world into submission winning it by six shots. Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in a 4-2 successful 2020s. history, brothers Bob and Mike Bryan, announced their retirement, just days before What’s in store for 2021? opening weekend 11 June-11 July: Football – Euro 2020 with 24-26 Sept: Golf – Ryder Cup at Whistling the US Open. Three-time Grand Slam finalist 8-21 February: Tennis – Australian 51 matches to be played in 12 cities across Straits, Wisconsin Dominic Thiem won his first title in an epic After the coronavirus wreaked havoc with the 2020 Open in Melbourne Europe 3 October: Athletics – London Marathon five-set final over Alexander Zverev. Naomi sporting calendar, 2021 is crammed with big events 17 April-3 May: Snooker – World 26 June-18 July: Cycling – Tour de France Oct-Nov: Cricket – Men’s T20 World Cup in India* Osaka won her second US title defeating to thrill and entertain. Euro 2020, the Olympic and Championship at the Crucible Theatre 28 June-11 July: Tennis – Wimbledon 23 Oct-27 Nov: Rugby League – World Cup in Victoria Azarenka in the final. Nadal owned Paralympic Games, a Rugby League World Cup in England, 15 May: Football – FA Cup final at Wembley 18 July: Formula 1 – British Grand England the French Open title again, while Poland’s cricket’s inaugural The Hundred tournament, and the Prix at Silverstone T20 World Cup are just some of the many prospective 23 May: Formula 1 – Monaco Grand Prix, Nov-Jan (2022): Cricket – Australia vs. England Iga Swiatek, 19, won in women’s. highlights over the next 12 months. Monte Carlo 23 July-8 Aug: Olympic Games in Tokyo five-Test Ashes series* 23 May-6 June: Tennis – French Open in Paris July-Aug: Cricket – The Hundred** Here is the 2021 int’l sports calendar* Note: F1 Lewis Hamilton does it again 29 May: Football – Champions League final 24 Aug-5 Sept: Paralympic Games in Tokyo * Dates and venues are subject to change 6 Feb-20 March: Rugby Union – Six Nations Formula 1 in 2020 will almost certainly be in Istanbul 30 Aug-12 Sept: Tennis – US Open in New York ** To be confirmed remembered for one man and one man only

back from supporting Sri Lanka. So, as a cricket-loving nation, every citizen from every region of Sri Lanka has the right to play proper Ailing cricket facilities in Jaffna cricket with adequate facilities and resources. Equal opportunities and resources should be given for all. Treating equals unequally z Vaadaa Macha: Jaffna makes cricketing history is not right. In the next article, we will discuss what BY RAVI VARMAN IN JAFFNA resources. There is no cricket academy where though the players of their race or region are possible measures can be taken to develop From the past two weeks an individual can go and practise. The lack not given many opportunities due to several cricket here in Jaffna, how to identify more In the first two parts of this article, published on 20 and The northern and southern regions are far of an international stadium in the Northern reasons. talents from the North and East, and how to 27 December 2020, the writer described how the interest behind when you compare with the resources or Eastern Provinces has been an issue for But by mentioning it, they never stepped mould them for the next level. in cricket was growing in the Jaffna peninsula over the the cricketers from Colombo and Kandy have. a long time. People of Jaffna have to travel last couple of years. In 2018, Selvarasa Mathusan and “I observed a lot of differences between the more than five hours to reach Dambulla if they Vijayakanth Viyaskanth of Jaffna Central College were An iconic moment of unity between the North way we play cricket in our schools and the are to witness a first-class or an international Part III and South. Jaffna schoolboy spinner Vijayakanth called up for the Sri Lanka Youth pool. Later, he described way it is played at the international level. The cricket match. It is not only time-consuming, Viyaskanth (left) is given the ball as well as advice by how the Jaffna Stallions franchise of the Lanka Premier a man from the South, Wanindu Hasaranga, during an practice sessions, gym, discipline, and eating but also expensive. League (LPL) and Viyaskanth playing in that team last LPL match involving their team Jaffna Stallions habits – everything was different. I learned a If a youngster can watch a live match here month galvanised Jaffna cricket. In this penultimate lot within this short period. I am very happy in a stadium where our heroes are playing, it part, the difficulties that Jaffna faces in terms of cricket that they are bringing a team from the Eastern will surely create an immeasurable interest in infrastructure facilities are discussed. Province for the next LPL (Lanka Premier the game among the youngsters here. Another League). Surely, the eastern people will give issue is that there is no direct opportunity for a more support for their team,” said Thenudharan. There are only a very few schools in Jaffna school leaver here to join at least a Division II with leather-ball cricket teams and most of them club. Even the local club matches and leagues No turf wickets are situated close to the town. So, if you want are played on school grounds because they do Cricket in Jaffna has a long history. The to play leather-ball cricket, then you should not have any other place to play those matches. famous “Battle of the North”, the fourth oldest join one of those “big” schools. That means cricket encounter between schools in Sri Lanka, more than half of the students in Jaffna never Broken promises which is played between St. John’s College get a chance to play hard/leather ball cricket Lots of promises have been made by and Jaffna Central College, will reach the during their school life. politicians as well as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) milestone of its 115th encounter this year in the past on uplifting the game in the Northern (2021). There are many other cricket battles Lack of an academy, proper and Eastern Provinces and building mega conducted between schools in Jaffna as part grounds stadiums in this part of the country. But many of “March Madness”. If we take Jaffna, other than school grounds, of those promises have been forgotten. Only But the saddest part is that all these games there are no proper cricket grounds available. a very few steps have been taken in the right are still played on matting pitches. The whole There are even schools without a playground. direction. Northern Province owns only one turf pitch, Some of the schools which had leather-ball Sri Lanka is a nation that celebrates cricket as which is at St. Patrick’s College. Only a few cricket teams in the past have now stopped a huge national festival. Most of the minorities matches have been played on it. playing cricket due to the lack of funds and always support our “national cricket team”, even ‘Munich Massacre’ Sadden Perumal negotiator Tröger no more will be remembered Walther Tröger, an Honorary International One of Kandy’s most famous rugby Olympic Committee (IOC) member whose cheerleaders, Sadden Perumal, contributions to the Olympic Movement who was an ardent supporter of included being Mayor of the Olympic Village Trinity College and Kandy Sports at the “infamous” Munich 1972 and leading Club for almost 50 years, passed Germany’s National Olympic Committee away weeks ago. He was aged 75 (NOC) for a decade, passed away last week at the time of his death. Perumal aged 91. At Munich 1972, Tröger was among could be seen in every game those who negotiated with Palestinian terror Trinity played and never missed group “Black September”, who took a Bradby Shield match against Israeli athletes and coaches Royal College during the past hostage, killing 11 of them five decades. May this legendary in what is now called the supporter of Kandy rugby rest in “Munich Massacre”. peace! (Hafiz Marikar)

Sunday, January 3, 2021 Bestsports chess bits from The Queen’s Gambit THE CHESS CORNER by Dulan Edirisinghe

Nearly a century ago, Jose Raul Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine locked horns in a celebrated world championship match held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This legendary contest ended in Alekhine’s favour with a 6-3 scoreline after 34 gruelling encounters with all but two of the games featuring the Declined variation of the Queen’s Gambit. It was thought to be the pinnacle of this grandest of chess openings. That is, until the streaming giant Netflix released The Queen’s Gambit last October. The rise of the new Covid-19 variant and the number of cases in Tokyo has raised According to Netflix, a record 62 million doubts whether the postponed Games households watched The Queen’s Gambit in its Impressed by her skill, Mr. Shaibel invites the Beth plays 1...Kg7, attacking the rook. The rook could be held as scheduled from 23 July first month, making it the most popular scripted president of the local chess club to meet her. Beth has only one safe to square to go. 2.Rh5. miniseries ever on their platform. This is indeed an plays simultaneously with both of them, and Now black plays 1...Kg6 and suddenly, the rook unexpected development for a show where the reproduces a famous Reti-Tartakower game from has nowhere to go. most thrilling scenes unfold across a chessboard. 1910 to thrash her new challenger. The series, which is based on Walter Tevis’ 1983 Beth Harmon (Reti)-President of the local chess Olympics cancelled? novel of the same name, can be considered the club (Tartakower) first mainstream drama series where chess is 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Qd3 z Concerns arise over the possibility of going ahead with the postponed the focal point. What the showrunners really got e5 6.dxe5 Qa5+ 7.Bd2 Qxe5 8.O-O-O Nxe4 right was the fact that they didn’t attempt to Games this year, due to the rise of a new Covid variant in Tokyo explain the game in depth nor to teach the game Japan on Thursday (31 December) suspended entry to the viewers. And yet, the chess scenes received a Over 1,000 cases in Tokyo conditions for athletes until the end of January 2021, as hugely positive response from the chess community The halting of the current entry for its accuracy in portraying the game and the Covid-19 cases have risen in Tokyo, the venue for the 32nd condition will be in place until at least chessentrics. Previously in this column, we have Summer Olympics and Paralympics that were postponed the end of January, Kyodo News has often bemoaned the lack of effort from directors from last year to this year. mentioned. to get chess details right in movie scenes involving Foreign nationals, including our beloved game, and urged them to hire a chess The Japanese Government The postponement last year athletes, have been banned from consultant. The Queen’s Gambit director Scott Frank White to play has reportedly suspended entry marked the first time the Olympics entering Japan before the end of next went one better. He hired the G.O.A.T Garry Kasparov Seeing that a knight fork will account for the conditions for athletes and team were postponed rather than month under a measure imposed by and the well-known author Bruce Pandolfini to rook wherever the rook moves, Townes said: “Jesus officials travelling from countries cancelled. Since the opening of the Government due to concerns over consult on chess matters. Christ, Harmon, you’re humiliating my rook.” In that have reported cases of the new the first modern Olympic Games the new variant, which is thought to The protagonist of the show is Beth Harmon, response, Beth quipped playfully: “He won’t have variant of coronavirus. in 1896, the international sports be 70% more transmissible than the stunningly portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. She is White to play to suffer much longer.” competition has been cancelled other strains. an orphaned prodigy who overcomes childhood 9.Qd8+!!, a stunning sacrifice! Kxd8 10.Bg5+ Beth’s win over “the Russian” Borgov in the Serious doubts three times: Once during World Fears over the spread of coronavirus trauma and various addictions to rise to the very Kc7 (10...Ke8 11.Rd8#) 11.Bd8#. climatic finale ironically features a game that According to Kyodo News, War I (in 1916) and twice during have heightened in Tokyo in recent top of the chess world in the 1960s. Here’s some of When Beth starts to play tournament chess, one starts with the Queen’s Gambit Accepted variation. Japanese athletes and those with World War II (1940 and 1944). weeks and by Thursday, the capital the best chess moments of that journey. of her important early wins comes courtesy of a After following an Ivanchuk game from 1993 residency in the country will have Until the Covid-19 outbreak had reported more than 1,000 daily Beth learns chess from Mr. Shaibel, the janitor at delightful study-like endgame. (time travel, anyone?), eventually they reach the to quarantine for 14 days if arriving in 2020, which postponed the cases for the first time. her orphanage. One of the earliest wins against her following position. from countries including Britain, Summer Olympics for a year, the mentor features a neat combination adopted from France, Italy, and South Africa. Games had weathered politically Will it be scratched off? a game of Gioachino Greco in the 17th Century. Now speculation is rife that the charged boycotts as well as There were 1,337 new cases in spread of the new Covid-19 strain two separate terrorist attacks the Olympic and Paralympic host will increase concerns over whether without being either cancelled city alone on Thursday, according the Tokyo 2020 Olympics can go or postponed during peacetime to Kyodo News. The number of ahead in the event’s rescheduled of the world. nationwide infections has also slot in 2021. exceeded 4,000 for the first time IOC’s insistence and there is growing fear that the First-ever postponement The organisers and the numbers will further rise in the Originally due to take place International Olympic Committee coming weeks and the month. from 24 July to 9 August 2020, (IOC) have insisted the Olympics As the Tokyo 2020 Olympics the event was postponed in March will open as scheduled on 23 July, are scheduled to run from 23 July 2020 as a result of the pandemic. Liam Morgan wrote on Inside the to 8 August, the Paralympics are Townes-Beth Harmon Despite being rescheduled for Games on Thursday. due to follow from 24 August White has just played Rxh6 White to play 2021, the Games have retained the Should they take place as planned, to 5 September. If the situation The white rook appears to be perfectly safe. Harmon-Bogarov “Tokyo 2020” name for marketing the Games will be held under a is to go out of control, the 32nd Beth Harmon-Mr. Shaibel In fact, it’s a cleverly constructed position where Black resigns after 1.Qf5+ Kh8 2.Qxf6 gxf6 and branding purposes. Now the series of Covid-19 countermeasures Summer Olympics might be either White to play the white rook ends up totally helpless after a 3.Rxf6 Qh5 4.Rf8+ Kg7 5.e8=Q Re2+ 6.Kf1 Games are scheduled to take place designed to limit the risk posed by postponed again or completely 1.Be6+ Kxe6 2.Qe8+ Nge7 3.d5# mere two moves. Qxh3+ 7.Kxe2 Qg2+ 8.Rf2 Qe4+ Kd2 1-0 from 23 July to 8 August this year. the novel coronavirus. scratched off due to the pandemic.

THE ‘HOW TO PLAY’ SERIES CONTINUES… Sankha Atukorale (in An introduction front) with Rajeev A major drawback among the young Sri Lankan players Rajapakse playing is the fact that their tactical knowledge and nous are not in a men’s doubles Against slower players up to the required standard. The only tactic that most of match in Colombo at the players have is the fact that they need to put one the Sri Lanka Tennis yy Does not like the opponent taking the more ball over the net. In this multi-part series, it is hoped Nationals 2013 Dinith ball early to discuss the tactics which can be used against specific PHOTO KAMAL WANNIARACHCHI Pathiraja yy Does not like change of pace in the types of players. Whilst the points mentioned here are by rallies no means exhaustive, it is hoped that these points would form the basis of foundation for the players to flesh out ON COURT their own tactics when confronted against such players. With the above in mind the tactics need to In deciding on tactics against any player, the first and be devised against this opponent. most important thing that needs to be understood is the Today’s discussion centres on how to play Move into the court fact that tactics should be devised with the strengths of against slower players. the player being at the forefront of the mind at all times. What are the “normal” (general) strengths Most importantly, very early in the match, the For the purposes of this discussion, it will be assumed that of a slower player? They can be listed as player has to be able to decide what category the player devising the tactics is proficient in playing all given below: of slow players the opponent belongs to, i.e. the shots. Also for the purposes of this article, the player yy Slower players are generally quite if the opponent is a player who likes to hit flat against whom the tactics are being devised will be referred consistent shots and have shorter rallies, or if the opponent to as the “opponent”. likes longer rallies with loopy balls. This is an yy Some of the slower players like to loop important distinction since this should always and work the ball, and have longer rallies form the basis of foundation for the tactics against Keep opponent out of balance Since by now the opponent has been pulled is serving, he/she should always be looking to yy Other slower players like to hit “flat” the opponent. Depending on the category of the By moving into the court, the player has the out of the court with the “spidery” angle, the serve “out-wide” serves to pull the opponent shots and have shorter rallies opponent and the preference of the opponent to opportunity to take the ball early. This would player would then have the option of taking out of the court, thereby opening the court up yy any particular style, the player should always then give the player various options depending the ball early and either going to the opposite for the above-mentioned plays from the second Slower players are normally mentally try to adopt the opposite style of play. on the strengths of the player. When the player side of the court or wait for the opponent to shot onwards. quite strong What is most important is that since slower takes the ball early, he/she should always look commit to one side and then go behind the An important advantage is that when all these What would be the general weaknesses of players are generally quite consistent and to hit the angles from side to side. But when opponent. The most preferable thing is that tactical plays are put into play successfully, the a slower tennis player? They can be listed as mentally strong, the player must not fall into hitting the angles, it is not necessary to hit acute these two tactical ploys should always be opponent will start to get mentally frustrated given below: the trap of trading shots with the opponent from angles, but a change of pace with the angled applied alternately and at random, thereby which would also play into the hands of the yy Obviously, the major weakness is that behind the baseline. Instead, even if the player shot would always be handy. What this would keeping the opponent out of balance on the player. But as has been mentioned before in the player is slow on the court has adopted the tactic of hitting loopy balls do is not only pull the opponent to the side of court at all times. this series, all the tactics must be devised at with longer rallies, the player should always the court because of the angled shot, but it the comfort of the player in mind, first and yy Does not like angled shots from side to be looking for every opportunity to move into would also make sure that the opponent has to Frustrating him foremost, with the opponent acting as only a side the court. come forward because of the change of pace. Another important tactic is when the player secondary concern.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 SL’S ECONOMY IN 2020: A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER »SEE PAGE 7

WILL WE ‘MAKE IT HAPPEN’ THIS YEAR? »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,business January 3, 2021 SL bleeds Rs. 76 b more than 2019 z CSE sees huge net z Foreign Treasury bills z Rupee depreciates outflow in 2020 decline to Rs. 6.83 b by 3.29%

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR stated that the net foreign outflow is too largely in line with the foreign fund Sri Lanka’s equity and bonds outflow trend recorded in emerging markets wrapped up the and frontier markets. Liquor license year, recording a massive Meanwhile, Treasury bills and bonds overall net foreign outflow held by foreigners witnessed a massive throughout the year, which Year-on-Year (YoY) decline as Rs. is over Rs. 76 billion higher 97.84 billion net foreign outflows than the net foreign outflows, reported during the period from 1 fee waiver January to 24 December 2019, reported in 2019. compared to Rs. 60.5 billion in the Net foreign outflows recorded from previous year. Treasury bills and bonds the equity and bond market in 2020 held by foreigners came down to Rs. for hotels? stood at about Rs. 148.44 billion as of 6.83 billion on 24 December from Rs. BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Following the lifting of the 31 December, out of which Rs. 97.84 104.67 billion on 29 December 2019, lockdown in May 2020, hotels and billion was the net foreign outflows which is concerning given they have hit Upon a request made by hoteliers tourist establishments were getting from the Treasury bills and bonds one-digit billion from three-digit billion in the country, the Sri Lankan business from local travellers. Even held by foreigners, while the rest of in the beginning of 2020. Nevertheless, Government is considering waiving though revenue from local travellers the net foreign outflows were from the country’s government securities as the last net foreign inflow CSE net foreign outflows reported in 2019 off the annual fee for hotel liquor is far lower than that of international the (CSE). and stocks, according to data from recorded was in 2017, which was Rs. were much lower than the Rs. 159.8 licenses for the year 2021, The Sunday tourists, local tourism was a welcome The net outflow during this period CSE and the Central Bank of Sri 17.65 billion. In 2018, net foreign billion net foreign outflows reported Morning Business learns. relief for the owners of these hotels is substantially higher than the Rs. 72 Lanka (CBSL). Sri Lanka reported outflows reported from the CSE was in 2018, the year where the political Minister of Trade and Co-Cabinet to keep their businesses up and billion in overall net foreign outflow a whopping net foreign outflow of Rs. 23.2 billion, which reduced by coup took place. Spokesperson Dr. Bandula running with a glimmer of hope. reported from 1 January-20 December Rs. 101.4 billion from 1 January up about 50% to Rs. 11.8 billion in 2019 On the other hand, the Sri Lankan Gunawardena told The Sunday Hotel occupancy rates picked up 2019, during which period the Easter to the third week of June 2019. Out of amidst the Easter Sunday incident and rupee (LKR) witnessed a depreciation Morning Business that the request is gradually to about 20% in August Sunday incident shook the country’s this Rs. 101.4 billion, Rs. 83 billion the presidential election. of 3.29% in 2020 compared to an currently with the Ministry of Finance and September, mainly due to local economy. was net outflow from Treasury bills However, in 2020, outflows appreciation of 0.7% in the previous and the relevant Cabinet proposal will tourists. Even before the end of the first and bonds and the rest was outflow intensified and recorded a net foreign year. The rupee was Rs. 189.18 as at be made in the upcoming weeks. Making things worse, however, half of 2020, Sri Lanka lost over Rs. from CSE. outflow of Rs. 50.6 billion up to 31 31 December 2020. The lowest value The Hotel Association of Sri Lanka on 4 October last year, Sri Lanka 100 billion in foreign exchange as 2020 is the third consecutive year December. Issuing a statement on the rupee hit in 2019 was Rs. 200.4 (THASL) had made this request from detected its second wave of the virus foreign investors were pulling out of CSE is recording net foreign outflows Thursday (31 December), the CSE against the US dollar on 8 and 9 April. the Department of Excise recently, which brought down the occupancy as hotel liquor licenses have to be rates to zero. renewed for the upcoming year (2021) The Tourist Board-approved before the end of the current year restaurants and hotel licenses are (2020). However, amidst disruptions valid only for one year. In the case AWPR declined by over 4% in 2020 caused by Covid-19 to the local hotel of a fresh license being issued during sector, paying the hotel liquor license a financial year, such licenses will be The Average Weighted was 10.24% in the same The AWPR of Sampath 24 December was reported entrepreneurs, enabling greater annual fee was an added burden on issued for the remaining period of that Prime Lending Rate (AWPR) period in the previous year. Bank was higher than that of from Commercial Bank economic activity and growth. hoteliers, THASL President Sanath year and for two further consecutive of Sri Lanka has declined by People’s Bank had an AWPR HNB and Commercial Bank, while the highest AWPR was The AWPR of Sri Lanka Ukwatte told The Sunday Morning financial years, except in the case 4.11% in 2020 with local banks of 6.21% compared to 10.15% with the rate being reported from Indian Overseas Bank stayed well below 10% in up Business. of licenses issued to Tourist Board- hovering around the AWPR on 27 December 2019. Hatton as 5.51% in December in at 8.01%. The prime lending to mid-March 2020, showing “In 2020, we have had no business approved restaurants and hotels where ranges of 4-8% by the end of National Bank’s (HNB) AWPR 2019 compared to 10.44% a rate is the interest rate charged signs of remaining below this since March. Hotels certainly do not such licenses will be issued for the the fourth week in December, was 5.38%, less than that of year ago. Pan Asia Banking by Sri Lanka’s banks from level in the upcoming weeks to have the financial capacity to pay remaining period of that year only. according to data from the the aforementioned two state Corporation, Nations Trust their largest, most secure, and keep up with the expectations annual hotel liquor license renewal The Department of Excise issues 45 Central Bank of Sri Lanka banks on 24 December, while Bank (NTB), DFCC Bank, most creditworthy customers of CBSL and the Government. fee at the moment,” Ukwatte stated. different types of licenses based on the (CBSL). it was 9.68% in the previous and National Development on short-term loans. This The AWPR came down Former Commissioners of Excise type of business. License fees are fixed On 27 December 2019, the year. Commercial Bank of Bank (NDB) had AWPRs rate is used as a guide for to 9.47% during the week A. Bodaragama, who was serving for each type and in certain categories, AWPR stood at 9.94 and this Ceylon’s AWPR was a little of 7.95%, 6.23%, 7.32%, computing interest rates for that ended 13 March 2020, at the Department of Excise when subsidiary licenses are issued free of came down to 5.83% on 24 higher than that of HNB on and 5.43%, respectively, on other borrowers. The weekly compared to the 11-13% range this request was made, stated that the charge. A fee of Rs. 7,500 is levied for December 2020. By the end of 27 December 2019 as it was 24 December, compared to AWPR is the average prime during the period from January request was transferred to the Ministry a non-refundable application. Excise 2018, the AWPR was 11.93%. 9.87%; however, it came down 12.90%, 9.89%, 11.25%, and lending rate among banks in to March in 2019. In July 2019, of Finance before his retirement. licenses are renewed for periods of State-owned Bank of to 5.27%, less than HNB’s 10.25%, respectively, during a particular week. A lower the AWPR came under 11% All our attempts to reach Treasury three years and the license holder can Ceylon’s AWPR was 6.04% current rate on 24 December the same period last year. rate means more access to for the first time in more than Secretary S.R. Attygalle for a comment opt to renew annually. on 24 December, while it in 2019. The lowest AWPR as of finance for businesses and a year. proved futile. Contd. on page 2 MSMEs want assistance Global tourism over infrastructure BY UWIN LUGODA 19 pandemic. We estimate the Rs. 50 billion the Treasury over one million people are gave state banks to help Sri Lanka's micro, small, currently unemployed, and MSMEs, we see that this same campaign budget cut and medium-sized enterprise financial aid seems to be aid was not extended to the (MSME) segment needs more mostly focused on the Western segment outside of the Western BY UWIN LUGODA nine months. On 28 December, support from the public sector Province. We understand that Province. This is financial aid the country reopened its borders to recover in 2021 than the the country's infrastructure a lot of the people need, since Sri Lankan tourism authorities to a group of 180 Ukrainian country needs infrastructure, is important, but we are it comes with no collateral and have revised the budget of the tourists as part of a pilot project according to the Confederation requesting for the public a single-digit interest rate.” long-awaited, five-year-long global to restart tourism in the country. of Micro, Small, and Medium sector to halt their focus on He stated that this is due tourism campaign of the country by However, three tourists from the Industries (COSMI). infrastructure for at least a to underwhelming or lack reducing their costs for the initial group which came in on Ukraine’s Speaking to The Sunday year, because people starving of representation from the two years of the campaign, The SkyUp Airlines Boeing 737 to the Morning Business, Founder takes precedence over roads.” policymakers in other districts, Sunday Morning Business learns. Mattala Rajapaksa International President Nawaz Rajabdeen Rajabdeen stated that if the which leads to an insufficient Speaking to us, Sri Lanka Airport (MRIA) tested positive revealed that the local MSME current issues of the sector understanding of the issues Tourism Promotion Bureau for Covid-19 on 30 December. sector is in dire need of aid from are not addressed within the MSME stakeholders face in (SLTPB) Marketing Director As of July 2020, we learnt that a public-private partnership first few months of the new those regions. Moreover, he Madhubani Perera stated that the global campaign for Sri Lanka (PPP) in the first three to six year, 2021 will be worse stated that policymakers in the campaign's budget has been Tourism, which was supposed months of 2021 in order to for the sector than 2020. He Colombo should also make reduced until the country's tourism to launch this month, might be have any hope of recovering stated that the public sector an effort to reach out to these industry has significantly recovered delayed until tourism returns to its during the year. He explained needs to join hands with the regions. from its current state, which Sri campaign's budget accordingly.” industry, particularly following the pre-pandemic levels. During that that as the backbone of the private sector to help review Giving his thoughts on the Lanka Tourism has estimated to The long-awaited global Easter Sunday attacks and more time, Secretary to the Ministry of local economy, the MSME and restructure policies that matter, Colombo Chamber of be in two years. advertising campaign for Sri Lanka recently the coronavirus outbreak. Tourism S. Hettiarachchi stated sector takes prominence would aid the islandwide Commerce President Saranga “There are no changes to the Tourism was set to be launched She went on to state that while that after years of delay under over the country's need for MSME segment. Wijeyarathne stated that while campaign itself, but we have reduced in September this year but faced the billing documents have been consecutive governments, the infrastructure, and as such the “What we are seeing now is he agrees the local MSME the cost of the campaign for the delays due to Covid-19. finalised, they are yet to float the campaign might be delayed yet Government should shift their that most of the programmes sector has to be developed as first two years. We expect there to The campaign has been in the tender for the campaign. again as the relevant authorities focus towards providing the the public sector is doing to it is critical for 2021, it should be a significant uptick in tourists pipeline for five to seven years This news came amidst the were still contemplating reopening sector with greater aid. help the segment is focused not happen at the expense of entering the country during this time, under two governments, and has arrival of the first group of Sri Lanka to international tourists. “The local MSME sector is only in cities like Colombo. the infrastructure. and we will look at increasing the been desperately awaited by the tourists to Sri Lanka in the last Contd. on page 2 suffering due to this Covid- For example, when we look at Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business SAFETY/ TRADE Sunday, January3, 2021

BY UWIN LUGODA industry, with a diverse selection in for PPE, such as masks, is around terms of quality and price. 1.5 million pieces per day, while The ongoing pandemic has “We created this PPE hub for the we ourselves have around 20 made personal protective end buyers to directly link up with million pieces; so the initial lack equipment (PPE) a mainstay the proper importers, and purchase of restrictions created a surplus in in almost every household PPE with little to no intermediaries. PPE,” said Vithanage. around the world. According PPE hub Our goal is to pass the cost benefit This initial lack of restrictions to a report by Research Dive, directly to this end buyer and the resulted in the import of over 20 an international market public.” times the national requirement research firm based in India, He stated that the main goal of for PPE. Vithanage explained that the pandemic’s positive the PPE hub is to help stabilise the this left importers unable to sell industry, and combat the unethical their stocks, causing the prices of impact on the industry is parties who are taking advantage PPE, like masks which were over now anticipated to generate to combat of the current, desperate climate. Rs. 100 before December, to drop a revenue of $ 93.5 million He went on to state that they have down to around Rs. 40-50. by 2026, rising at a CAGR also reached a decision with the He claimed that while there were (Compound Annual Growth Government to intensify raids restrictions placed on imports such Rate) of 10% throughout the on illegal and low-quality PPE as electronics and automobiles to forecast from 2019 to 2026. products in the market, while they keep money in the country, billions counterfeits will operate under the guidance of of rupees were still being wasted on The increased awareness of 95% of sellers in the local market the Health Ministry. this surplus of PPE. He went on to personal safety and the strict are not authorised to be selling stress that this lack of restrictions guidelines placed on global these PPE. Government intervention was another reason for the rise in governments by international Furthermore, Vithanage stated fake dealers in the current market. health authorities such as the World Knock-off products that the organisation is currently However, as of the last week Health Organisation (WHO), have flooding the market working with State Minister of of December, Vithanage reported been a key driver in this increase in “Consumers are getting tricked Production, Supply, and Regulation that Prof. Jayasumana extended demand. This has led to a notable by these low-quality items, and of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa his aid to local importers by increase in the import of PPE they will not protect anyone from Jayasumana, to solve other glaring completely stopping the import commodities, including the likes the Covid-19 pandemic. This has issues in the sector, such as the of PPE products that are currently of facemasks, gloves, gowns, and also led to the supply of KN95/ unnecessary import of PPE into the available in excess, such as KN95 safety eye wear. N95 masks going into the hands of local market. masks, until such time the stocks In Sri Lanka, the demand for many unwanted and fake dealers, PPE Importers Lanka made are depleted. these PPE began during the first coming in between more legitimate a collective request from the “This is very beneficial for outbreak in March 2020, as local deals,” said the organisation’s Government in the third week the local PPE importers, since health authorities enforced the President Janaka Vithanage. of December 2020 to halt such our sector was polluted by these guidelines provided by WHO. As To combat the growing impact of unnecessary PPE imports, unauthorised importers. But thanks a result, many institutions have these fake dealers, PPE Importers following a stakeholder discussion to Prof. Jayasumana, who heard our become involved in the process of Lanka launched Sri Lanka’s first held on 17 December. Speaking to request and immediately gave us importing PPE, such as the KN95/ PPE hub, which is set to bypass us earlier, Vithanage stated that the his aid in solving these issues, we N95 masks, to the country. fake dealers, and link buyers organisation made this collective are back on track.” However, this increase in demand directly with certified local request from Prof. Jayasumana to Once this need to replenish has led to the rise of many fake importers. ensure smooth business continuity stocks arises, he explained, only PPE dealers across the country, Speaking to The Sunday Morning, in the local market. the registered members of PPE which has created an unpleasant Vithanage stated that the hub will “The industry was in a crisis; we Importers Lanka will be given situation for both registered host 20 local PPE importers, who have 20 importers on board who the opportunity to import more importers and buyers in Sri Lanka. will offer a variety of different PPE surgical masks, face shields, and that this hub will create the biggest were all facing the same kind of products and sell them on the new According to PPE Importers Lanka, products, including KN95 brands, KN95 masks for kids. He claimed marketplace for Sri Lanka’s PPE issues. Our national requirement PPE hub. Highland becomes highest- selling milk powder at Sathosa NCE retracts Lanka Sathosa yesterday (28) of supporting the rural economy Former Lanka Sathosa Ltd. announced that it had successfully and catering to the nutritional Chairman Dr. Nushad M. Perera propelled Highland above the needs of the nation. Over the stated: “We are delighted to previous statement competition to emerge as the years, we have continued to ramp see Highland now emerge as The National Chamber of including the Ceylon Chamber of a negative impact on exporters. highest-selling full cream milk up our fresh milk collection and the highest-selling full cream Exporters (NCE) has retracted Commerce, are expected to jointly This matter was not discussed powder at Sathosa. The two state dairy product manufacturing milk powder at our stores. In a statement they made to The oppose the implementation of a with the joint chambers at the sector entities have promoted operations to strengthen the local doing so, we have also helped Sunday Morning Business last number of budget proposals. time the comment was given. home-grown brand Highland’s dairy industry and offer nutritious the nation save valuable foreign week. NCE Chief Executive Marikar retracted this statement We will be discussing with other locally manufactured full cream products to consumers,” stated exchange. This is a result of the Officer and Secretary General as follows: “Joint Chambers are trade chambers and associations milk powder to consumers across Milco (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman ingenuity and commitment of Shiham Marikar told us that trade- planning to discuss the three on the issues related to the budget 420 Sathosa outlets around the Lasantha Wickramasinghe. both our teams. It gives us further related chambers in Sri Lanka, Budget 2021 proposals that have proposal.” island, and as a result, Highland “In line with this, we are excited impetus to champion local brands now accounts for one in every to have partnered with Lanka and thereby drive the economy three packets of full cream milk Sathosa on driving our Highland forward.” Contd. from page 1 powder sold on average at Sathosa range of products. Working Lanka Sathosa Ltd. is a state- outlets, rising from a basket share together, we have successfully owned largest retail network conducted by the Ministry or the of less than 15% about a year ago. helped Highland full cream business in Sri Lanka with over Liquor... Global... SLTDA due to the unprecedented The local dairy sector is milk powder rise to become the 420 outlets islandwide, and According to the Excise “The country’s reopening to nature of Covid-19 and its impact currently largely dependent on number-one selling brand in its over 4,500 employees. It was Notification No. 983 in the Excise tourists too has been pushed back on international tourism as well imported milk powder, thereby category at Sathosa outlets. This established in 2005 under the Ordinance, the annual license again. Even if the country is opened, as the global economy. resulting in a significant drain on is a significant milestone for the name Lanka Sathosa with the aim fee of the Distillery License, it is going to take time for tourist Scheduled to be conducted for a foreign exchange. brand, as well as for the local dairy of ensuring food security for the except palmyrah, is Rs. 100 arrivals to get back to their normal period of five years, the campaign “Milco was formed with the aim industry.” mass consumer. million, while the manufacturer’s levels. At a time like this, launching is aimed at bringing in six million wholesale arrack/beer/foreign the campaign would not reap the tourists by 2025, sources told The liquor outlet license, toddy bottling desired benefits,” he added. Sunday Morning Business. While license, wholesale license for According to him, the the campaign has received the liquor, supermarket liquor license, campaign has been put on hold approval of the Treasury early in and Tourist Board-approved hotel after calling for tenders and 2020, the total cost of it is yet to Govt. targets $ 5 b license for hotels with over 200 before the evaluation of tenders be revealed. rooms are Rs. 1 million each. by the Cabinet-appointed In planning this campaign, the By the end of 2018, the Technical Evaluation Committee SLTDA has analysed tourism Department of Excise had issued (TEC). data from the past five years and gem exports by 2025 about 705 hotel licenses and 862 Hettiarachchi stated that segregated the campaign into hotel bar licenses.abandoned. tourism authorities have three categories: Mature markets, The Sri Lankan Government has requested the Ministry of Health Eastern and Middle Eastern set a target of $ 5 billion gem exports to open the country for a limited markets, and new markets. to be achieved by the year 2025, number of tourists. Therefore, the The “mature markets” category according to the National Gem and MSMEs... practicality of precautions taken includes all top tourism- Jewellery Authority (NGJA). He explained that a proposition for to mitigate the spread of Covid- generating markets of Sri Lanka This was disclosed at a recent a fair balance between the two can 19 by tourists in Sri Lanka can be such as Germany, the UK, France, forum hosted by the Sri Lanka Gem be made, and no country can survive checked. India, and China. The campaign and Jewellery Association (SLGJA). without spending on its infrastructure “Rather than opening the is expected to increase arrivals The forum was conducted with projects. country for thousands of people from these countries by 25%. State Minister of Money and Capital “What is required from the per day, we have requested the The “Eastern and Middle Eastern Markets and State Enterprise MSME sector is not to spend health authorities to allow us to markets” category includes Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal as money, but there needs to be sound welcome 50-60 tourists a day, so countries such as Australia, Qatar, the Speaker, while State Minister policy changes introduced going that we can have sort of a trial the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of Gem and Jewellery-Related forward. The sector needs a lot of period on how we can implement and other countries in the region, Industries and support from the Government, and testing and quarantine procedures while the “new markets” category NGJA Chairman/CEO Thilak State Minister of Money and Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith we can see this if we take exports as for tourists. It would be easier to includes the US, the Netherlands, Weerasinghe joined as Special Nivard Cabraal an example where the public sector do this with small numbers. If it Denmark, Finland, and Spain. Guests. Minister Lohan Ratwatte pledged relaxing custom bonds for foreign needs to help MSMEs find new proves to be a success, we can The SLTDA will appoint Speaking on behalf of the NGJA, the assistance of the Government sellers interested in exhibiting at markets and do research work. So increase the arrivals gradually,” destination representation Thilak Weerasinghe highlighted in creating a dialogue with all “Facets” – the only international there are these basics lacking, and Hettiarachchi stated. agencies for the mature and avenues in which the industry has stakeholders and relaxing red tapes gem and jewellery exhibition in that’s what we should look at.” The Bandaranaike International Eastern and Middle Eastern made progress over the past years, to ensure that the total value of Sri Lanka, as well as the ongoing Wijeyarathne went on to state Airport (BIA) was initially market segments. These agencies while bringing to attention the areas the country’s treasures will flow discussions regarding the Free that the Government has to build scheduled to reopen on 1 August will conduct digital tourism that need development. He pointed back inward. State Minister Ajith Trade Agreement with China, trust in the MSMEs and showcase last year and this was moved to marketing activities and public out the need for a Gem Tower in Nivard Cabraal stated that having which is one of the biggest markets that there are sound policies and mid-August following a surge in relations (PR) campaigns in Colombo, similar to the one that identified the very high potential for the industry, and the only incentives for the development of local Covid-19 cases. The date the Eastern and Middle Eastern is being constructed in Ratnapura, of the industry, the Government active market during the Covid-19 the sector. Similarly, he stated that was once again pushed back markets, while in the mature efficient courier services to benefit is ready to address the key issues, pandemic. the MSME segment has to trust to September after identifying markets, in addition to this, they the traders and buyers, as well as while maintaining consistent policies The income tax exemption for that the Government has a genuine several Covid-19 clusters within will also conduct above the line developing an online licensing in areas such as tax, export, and the industry was gladly received by desire to help them. the country. (ATL) and below the line (BTL) method. customs to benefit the traders to the traders who were present. When The MSME segment in Sri Lanka Hettiarachchi told The Sunday marketing campaigns. Both State Ministers in reach the set target. inquired about the confirmation accounts for 90% of all businesses Morning Business in early June Tourism marketing for new attendance emphasised the need Other important issues discussed of the policy, the state ministers in the country, provides 45% of last year, before the tenders were markets will be conducted by PR to work together to reach this at the forum included customised committed to consistency in all employment, and contributes 52% called for the campaign, that agencies that would showcase PR target and further advance the quarantine procedures for foreign reforms brought forth by the present to the nation’s GDP (gross domestic this campaign will be unlike any activities to attract tourists from gem and jewellery industry. State buyers to trade in Sri Lanka, Government. product). previous campaign planned or those respective markets. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, January3, 2021 INSIGHT/COMMEMORATION Central Bank issues coin to mark its 70th anniversary

The Central Bank of Sri large numerals with the words Lanka (CBSL) commenced “Twenty Rupees” in Sinhala, operations in August 1950 Tamil, and English and the and completed 70 years of year “2020” just below the contribution to the prosperity words. “Sri Lanka” appears of Sri Lanka. To mark its along the periphery on the LONG-AWAITED ECONOMIC REVIVAL 70th anniversary, CBSL upper edge of the coin in has decided to issue an Tamil, Sinhala, and English. uncirculated commemorative The coin is issued in coin in the denomination of an attractive presentation Rs. 20. case with a certificate of The obverse of the coin authenticity. This is a limited depicts the image of the head issue of 3,000 coins and a Will we ‘make it office building of the CBSL coin is sold at a price of Rs. with “70” in large numerals 1,300 through the CBSL appearing at the centre of sales counter at the Economic the coin. The words “Central History Museum, Central Bank of Sri Lanka” in Tamil, Point Building, No. 54, Sinhala, and English appear Chatham Street, Colombo along the periphery. The years 1; and CBSL Regional happen’ this year? 1950-2020 are indicated at the Offices in Anuradhapura, bottom edge of the coin. Matale, Matara, Trincomalee, Not doing anything is The reverse of the coin Kilinochchi, and Nuwara situation has been deficient, creating wishful thinking aside and become sometimes worse than even depicts the face value “20” in Eliya. By sizable distortions in the economy. more action-oriented to face the attempting to do the wrong Dhananath Sporadically, macroeconomic mounting debt sustainability thing. Settling in stagnation instability also occurs, arising from challenges. With available foreign without moving in any Fernando fiscal deficits leading to the creation reserves and securing few swaps direction and postponing of money and unsustainable current from neighbouring countries, we the problem by kicking the Sathosa records account deficits in the balance of will be able to float through this can down the road of wishful Every year, as a kid, I used to payments. These have been the norm year. However, failing to adapt prosperity is a distant recipe for for decades. necessary policies will mount up revenue growth actual prosperity write down my new year’s The multitude of economic issues the pressure in the last quarter Lanka Sathosa Ltd. has to cut down its annual losses resolutions on a piece of springing up in public discourse from and in the beginning of 2022, if system will work. registered a profit of around by around 60% during 2020. paper and place it in a sealed time to time is a byproduct of these the environment for growth is not To “make it happen”, policymakers Rs. 100 million for the month The retail store network was envelope and revisit it on the fundamental problems. Challenges on created. have to realise that there are no of October 2020. Speaking on track to register an annual last day of the year. Some of debt sustainability, poor performance In the back of our heads, we shortcuts, nor can there be any on this, former Lanka Sathosa loss of around Rs. 779 million these resolutions were plans of our exports, and lack of have a positive sentiment and alternative method to be adapted. It Chairman Dr. Nushad M. in 2020, significantly lower like scoring 85 marks for competitiveness are all just symptoms wishful feeling that we can soldier has to be hard economic reforms to Perera noted that the retailer than the Rs. 1.9 billion loss mathematics, learning to ride of a severe illness in our economy. through the debt challenge. The improve productivity by allowing organisation had managed recorded in 2019. Sathosa a bicycle, and scoring 12 half- If we deal with the symptoms of reality is that we should provide markets to operate based on to grow its revenue during hopes to maintain its growth centuries when playing cricket the problem rather than fix the root serious attention on the matter price signals and improve fiscal a challenging year, while momentum and break even in with my friends. The idea of cause, 2021 will be yet another year without taking it lightly. There is management and monetary stability. continuing to offer the lowest 2021, noted Perera. where we “want it to happen but a higher possibility that a bilateral “Making it happen” requires prices to consumers. Lanka Sathosa Ltd. is a revisiting them was to evaluate something else happened”. relationship with China will come commitment and comprehension of He stated that this was made state-owned retail network how far I have realised my There is a tendency to sell the for the island’s rescue; however, if the problem diagnosis. possible by the leadership of business in Sri Lanka with goals for the year. same expired policy recipes wrapped China provides special treatment for We need to understand that the Sathosa’s Board of Directors over 420 outlets islandwide A quote by basketball legend in a new glittery package back to Sri Lanka, they will have a long list solution mix we have at hand is not and the commitment and and over 4,500 employees. Micheal Jordan, which goes as “some policymakers as an effective policy of countries lined up expecting the the most convenient, given our bad efforts of the extended team Established in 2005 under the people want it to happen, some wish measure for economic revival. This same treatment. A recent article on economic management over the that worked to boost operating name Lanka Sathosa, with it would happen, others make it may happen due to misunderstanding Financial Times has revealed that years. There is a cost for every action, efficiencies, streamline the aim of food security to happen”, made me realise that my the diagnosis or lack of the funding by China Development reaction, and choice we make. Since logistics, and ensure product the mass consumer, the retail dreams were merely wishful thinking comprehension of the gravity of the Bank and Export-Import Bank of the Government has kept the solution availability despite the chain’s new vision reflects without my conscious effort and problems at hand. If Sri Lanka picks China, which are the main two with the International Monetary challenges brought about by its perceptions of its current action to pursue them. the choice of “wanting it to happen”, funding engines for the Belt and Fund (IMF) aside, now we have to the global pandemic. target consumers with lower In my opinion, this same scenario our economic destination would Road Initiative (BRI), has cut down evaluate the other available solutions. Perera went on to state that and lower middle-income could be applied to realising the be more likely the same or worse, the funding for BRI to $ 4 billion in Financing through FDI (foreign direct Lanka Sathosa had managed households. dream of a dynamic Sri Lankan coupled with many other unexpected 2019 from $ 75 billion in 2016. investment) and bilateral swaps is economy. Choices spelt out by challenges. There is a counter argument that one way to look at it. How far we can Micheal Jordan are relevant to Every crisis brings China will provide funds through accelerate our growth realistically is Dialog Mobile Postpaid Power Plan Customers policymakers and the Sri Lankan opportunities and opens up Chinese SOEs (state-owned another way to estimate where our Total Data Quota is Now Anytime people. Are we wanting to make it enterprises) as a novel strategy of possible landing would be. windows for reforms. 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The island’s structural and policymakers should leave restored and the market signaling the institute) 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/PHARMA Sunday, January 3, 2021

2021 is the first year our of life for all citizens. Whether generation has entered in public administration, in into with such uncertainty business, or in personal life, surrounding us. The muted governing ourselves amounts entry of a brand new year is to observing basic principles a good time for some quiet United we survive of knowing what’s right and reflection on what’s ahead sentiment to propel the economy in execution. While judging Sri Lanka will continue to wrong, being ethical and of us. While a light has forward. The corporate sector has performance in a uniformly suffer from politically promoted principled, being fair and begun to shine at the end an uphill task ahead, but it can also horrendous year for the world fault lines – most dangerously transparent, and being absent of the Covid-19 tunnel, the be a truly exciting moment for may be a tad unfair, Sri Lanka along ethnic and religious of malice. These are behaviours rollout of vaccines across the companies that are brave enough is justified in demanding better parameters – if its people do learnt in early life and rekindled world to achieve adequate to do things differently and to decisions, better judgment, and not step up to express the faith lifelong. It is then an indictment challenge the status quo. better conviction of its elected and belief in our nation that has of how we raise our children herd immunity will take the Equally important this year is representatives. always stood us in good stead. that much of the responsibility better part of the year. Until for businesses to understand and A fresh year is a good time The much-touted resilience of of “teaching” ethics now falls Sri Lanka begins vaccinating acknowledge the realities faced THE to remind ourselves, however, our people wasn’t crafted by upon employers. large numbers, our life will by their stakeholders – to place that politicians don’t make our political intervention; it was Oversimplified as it may seem, continue to be dominated their faith in local insights in HEADLIGHT nation – we do. A government’s inherent in the tenets of decency Sri Lankans will overcome, by distancing, masking, and delivering solutions that address job is to govern: By definition, and righteousness that lie within survive, and thrive where they testing, and the isolation of our real-world problems and Policy-wise, the inconsistency it is to create the conditions in us. A moral and just society find unity and purpose as a areas of potential outbreak. constraints. If businesses were to and volatility of recent months which a country’s people may cannot simply be fashioned out collective. Both businesses and take away one key message from would do little to shore up investor thrive and to put in place the of political proclamation, policy the Government must play a Reestablishing economic vitality 2020, it is how each country had sentiment. The year that passed frameworks that help enhance imposition, and punitive action. supporting role in creating the is a long way off, exacerbated its own unique approach to dealing delivered a new government quality of life. Politicians would It must be the collective desire of right conditions in 2021. Change by Sri Lanka’s debt servicing with the pandemic – and those with a two-thirds majority to do well to remember that theirs Sri Lankans. won’t happen soon or easily, but obligations in 2021. Businesses that succeeded empowered their support a president elected on a is a responsibility vested upon Good governance is not the long, slow change towards what’s will truly feel the pinch of Covid- citizens with the agency to become platform of delivering a new way them for a purpose with limited domain of the government; right is good for Sri Lanka – that’s 19 this year, making it even key stakeholders in responding to of government, both of which scope and not a ticket to unfettered good governance and ethical how we can make our post- harder to muster the overall good the crisis. have underwhelmed the electorate power, perks, and prestige. behaviour must become a way pandemic years count. Moving towards a NSB records its highest sustainable pricing deposit mobilisation in 2020 National Savings Bank several programmes that may (NSB) announced that it bring forth a new transition mechanism: Will recorded its highest-ever regarding its operations deposit mobilisation in its during 2021. The preliminary history, of over Rs. 220 billion arrangements related to the 2021 be the year? during 2020. The bank also objective of becoming a managed to record its highest- digitalised bank by 2022 will Implementing a fair general public this year. diseases (NCD) in Sri ever ordinary deposits of Rs. be in place during this year,” pricing mechanism would The Chamber Lanka, the demand for 58 billion during the year. stated General Manager/CEO be one of the top priorities recognises the need for pharmaceuticals and NSB Fund Management Ajith Pieris. of the Sri Lanka Chamber self-regulation, which medical care too is Company Ltd. also recorded “Further, the bank expects of Pharmaceutical Industry is pivotal to address increasing. a profit during the year 2020, to offer a more convenient and (SLCPI) this year in order unethical practices in the When the Covid-19 according to NSB. secure banking experience for to ensure the availability healthcare industry. SLCPI pandemic forced the “2020 has been a truly the customers by introducing of safe and good-quality is committed to working country into lockdown challenging year for the a mobile banking app during medicines, medical with stakeholders within earlier last year, many bank, the country, and the the year. We also will be devices, and borderline the medical fraternity to industries including entire world. The difficulties able to deliver more efficient products to the public. promote ethical marketing, pharmaceuticals found and issues encountered NSB Chairperson Keasila NSB General Manager/CEO Ajith customer service during the At present, the prescribing medicines, and themselves facing were endless due to the Jayawardena Peiris coming years upon successful Government and regulators creating awareness on a multiple challenges, which rapid spread of Covid-19. of our employees,” said accolades during the year, completion of the co-banking depend on ad hoc price subject that impacts the inevitably turned into In a backdrop where the NSB Chairperson Keasila including awards received project.” controls on medicine and image of the healthcare valuable lessons for the pandemic disabled public Jayawardena. for its 2018 Annual Report, NSB, NSB Fund pharmaceuticals to keep industry as a whole. year ahead. life and almost all sectors of The branch network of the at various award ceremonies Management Company Ltd., prices in check. This Over the years, SLCPI Member companies the economy at home and bank has been increased to organised by national and and Sri Lanka Savings Bank mechanism has proven has hosted workshops and of SLCPI were forced to abroad, we strived to continue 259 branches by the end of international institutions. jointly wish a happy New to be unsustainable in the courses to promote ethical act quickly to ensure the our business operations and 2020, and many of the existing “The new year will be a Year to their customers, other long run, SLCPI said in a pharmaceutical practices uninterrupted supply of customer service, while branches were refurbished. ‘year of change’ for the bank, stakeholders, and all Sri recent statement. among pharmaceutical medicine. They witnessed ensuring the healthcare safety The bank was awarded many as it is scheduled to implement Lankans. Presently, the National representatives to ensure their business models Medicines Regulatory they are well trained on change in real time and at Authority of Sri Lanka the rules, regulations, an unprecedented pace, (NMRA) has imposed and industry codes. which prompted the a price ceiling on 73 Meanwhile, several SLCPI collaboration of various ComBank among Sri Lanka’s molecules with the member companies have stakeholders to ensure that intention of making these gone as far as to provide patients were always given medicines more affordable training to pharmacists on priority. and accessible to patients. dispensing medicines to ‘10 Most Admired Companies’ The lack of a proper customers. Creating a resilient, mechanism for the “The focus in the year responsive supply The Commercial Bank of Ceylon period of assessment for the award. regulation of prices along ahead is to work with chain was recently named among the “10 Among these were several that bring with high regulatory doctors and healthcare Locally and globally, Most Admired Companies in Sri convenience with the aid of technology. fees has only negatively professionals to standardise one of the biggest lessons Lanka” in 2019-20 by the International They include ComBank Q+, which is impacted the industry, the behaviour of medical learnt during the pandemic Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s first QR-based payment which is already burdened representatives, minimise for pharma companies was (ICCSL) in collaboration with the app under LANKAQR; ComBank by fragile market complaints received by managing pharmaceutical Chartered Institute of Management RemitPlus, a mobile app for users conditions owing to Covid- hospitals, and collaborate supply chain disruptions Accountants (CIMA). of remittance services; WeChat Pay 19 and a depreciating with governmental partners in response to Covid-19. The bank has been ranked among the acceptance; the launch of UnionPay rupee, making importing to implement and action With sudden changes to Top 10 companies in this list in every Cards; and becoming the only bank in drugs more expensive. an ethics framework,” said air routes and temporary one of the three years since the two Sri Lanka that is PCI-DSS certified. “What we need Wijesekera. interruptions to sea organisations launched the list in 2018. Other innovative initiatives that right now is a rational freight earlier last year, Commenting on this latest accolade, contributed towards the bank’s mechanism that is What does the future many companies had to Commercial Bank Managing ranking includes the launch of the simple and workable. hold? formulate contingency Director S. Renganathan said: “Being “Achiever Salary Account” and Pharmaceutical pricing Covid-19 has been plans to ensure an named among the 10 most admired “Yasasa Savings Account” exclusively is complex as we are a defining year for uninterrupted supply of companies in Sri Lanka is a remarkable for pensioners, Vibe Youth Account, dealing with medicines, the industry, forcing medicine to the market. achievement, especially because money remittance facility, Prepaid patients, and the country’s companies in all sectors to Establishing effective admiration is subjective, and like Spend Cards and Prepaid Web healthcare needs. It accelerate the digitisation communication across respect, is earned. It means that our Cards with online top-up facility, the is essential to take a of their customer and all departments, reaching unwavering focus on the triple bottom introduction of online and mobile collaborative approach supply chain interaction out to principals from the line of People, Planet and Profit is banking registration via ATMs, and the between the industry and as well as their internal very start of the lockdown appreciated by stakeholders.” trilingual eSlip mobile application. regulators on the best way operations by three to four to ensure that there was Open to both listed and unlisted The bank was also recognised for forward,” stressed SLCPI years (Mckinsey, 2020). adequate inventory, and companies, the ICCSL-CIMA Most its efforts in meeting the challenges Vice President Sanjiva Wijesekera said that working closely with Admired Company Awards recognises faced by its staff during the Covid- Wijesekera. emerging technologies government authorities entities that are a cut above the rest 19-necessitated lockdown and for The World Health are transforming the were an essential element in terms of not just their financial the launch of the “Arunella Financial Organisation (WHO) states pharmaceutical sector, and in creating a resilient performance but also the value Support Scheme” to support customers that strong pharmaceutical members are integrating supply chain. Throughout they create for their shareholders, affected by the pandemic. pricing policies in new technology in their this process, priority customers, employees, and the wider The bank’s sustainability initiatives countries can improve day-to-day operations. was given to patients community in general. Commercial include environmentally responsible pharmaceutical products’ “The pharma industry with NCDs and essential Bank was recognised for proving its financing, blue conservation, financial affordability when is striving to maintain a medicine. mettle with consistency, authority, and inclusion, Green banking services, carefully planned, carried balance between the need SLCPI serves as the sustainable growth, creating excellent and establishing Green buildings. Its out, and regularly checked for novel medicinal drugs, representative of over 60 business performance. sustainable growth and optimise return corporate social responsibility initiatives in and revised according improved operational members who account In terms of financial performance, on shareholders’ funds while contributing the year reviewed exceeded 400 projects to to changing conditions efficiencies, and innovation for more than 80% of the Commercial Bank is one of the largest to the Government’s efforts to improve the value of over Rs. 500 million. (WHO guideline on in areas such as precision private pharmaceutical private banks in the country with the socioeconomic life in Sri Lanka. The first Sri Lankan bank to be listed country pharmaceutical medicine, wearables, and industry, spanning highest operating income, market As one of the leading employers in the among the Top 1,000 Banks of the World pricing policies, 2020). digital therapeutics, all of manufacturers, importers, capitalisation, and gross income. Total country, the bank said it practises equal and the only Sri Lankan bank to be listed Furthermore, which can directly impact distributors, and retailers. assets at the end of June 2020 stood at Rs. opportunity in all hiring processes and for 10 years consecutively, Commercial SLCPI reiterated their the pharma value chain,” These stakeholders supply 1.567 trillion, total deposits at Rs. 1.155 promotes a culture of continuous learning Bank is celebrating its 100th anniversary. commitment towards Wijesekera added. Sri Lankan patients with trillion, and total loans at Rs. 941.5 billion. and knowledge gathering, performance- The bank, which won more than 50 ensuring the availability of With a rapidly ageing 800 molecules from 364 With more than 5,000 employees and based appraisals, and teamwork. international and local awards in 2019, efficacious, safe, and good- population and rise in manufacturers from across over 3.5 million customers, the bank said To add value to its customers, the bank operates a network of 268 branches and quality medicines to the non-communicable the world. it strives to manage the business to achieve launched several new products in the 880 ATMs in Sri Lanka. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, January 3, 2021 VIEWS

By RICH VS. POOR AMIDST COVID Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby

“All men are created equal under God.” – Thomas Jefferson in the US Declaration of Independence (1776) The economic

“It’s all about the money.” – Swedish singer Meja (1998)

More than 74% of third-class passengers on the Titanic died, while only 38% of first-class genocide of 2021 passengers were lost. Imagine there are plenty of moral aspects that third-class passengers begging could be used in legal measures. These for their lives as first-class include human rights referred to in the snobs sailed away in half-filled US Declaration such as the Right to Life lifeboats while the band kept and Right to Equality, the UN Human playing on the doomed luxury Rights Charter, the 1948 Universal liner. Declaration of Human Rights, etc. A key document is the 1948 UN Billions in the developing world Convention on the Prevention and are in the Titanic’s third class right Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, now, watching many developed-world which has been ratified by 152 nations governments hoarding Covid vaccines, (the US took 40 years to do so), as knowing this would probably lead shown in Fig. 2. It includes the point that to hundreds of thousands of – if not genocide could be “committed in time of millions – deaths in the developing world peace or in time of war”. during 2021 and 2022. The rich nations Article 2 of the Convention defines the are the first class who can afford to pay crime of genocide and is quite broad, if for their safety. not comprehensive. It could be argued Sri Lanka is one of 67 poor nations that several of the subclauses of Article 2 identified as likely to be among the last could be applied in the case of genocide on the list of countries that would receive by withholding Covid vaccines. sufficient quantities of the vaccine. Article 3 of the Convention defines the crimes in terms of what can be punished, Economic genocide as any of the following: How is this not genocide? Or at (a) Genocide least indirectly but knowingly causing (b) Conspiracy to commit genocide genocide? (c) Direct and public incitement to The world has not seen a genocide of commit genocide massive proportions since Cambodia in (d) Attempt to commit genocide 1975-79 where up to three million people (e) Complicity in genocide died. During the half-century since Fig. 2. States that have ratified the convention on Genocide. Source: United Nations 2020 It could be argued that we are currently then, genocides have mercifully been witnessing a transgression of Article limited to the hundreds of thousands Other economic genocides will receive only negligible numbers nations? Where are the human rights 3(e), “complicity in genocide”. killed as in Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur. There have been other economic of vaccine doses in 2021, to vaccinate that the rich countries of the West take There have been other economic If it happens, a Covid vaccine genocide genocides before on smaller scales, perhaps a meagre 10% of their every opportunity to preach about to the genocides before on smaller scales, would be a rare genocidal event in the mainly where economic sanctions by populations developing world? mainly where economic sanctions 21st Century. rich and powerful nations against poorer 5. Developed nations are blocking When genocide is caused by war in by rich and powerful nations The only notable genocide in this nations have led to malnutrition, disease, pleas by developing nations to allow some developing nation or between poor against poorer nations have led to millennium has been the 2003 Darfur and deaths among civilian populations, the world’s poor access to vaccine nations, there’s global condemnation, malnutrition, disease, and deaths genocide in Sudan, where approximately but nothing in recent times on the scale technology so that global production economic sanctions, action by the among civilian populations, but 400,000 people have been killed in that we are likely to witness in 2021. can be increased quickly International Criminal Court, etc. But in nothing in recent times on the scale attacks by pro-government forces at war 6. Developed nations are also blocking this case, where the perpetrators are all that we are likely to witness in 2021 with separatist rebels. But chances are Undeniable facts calls from poorer nations to waive powerful due to their wealth, the leaders we will witness one next year, in which Global health authorities and intellectual property rights guaranteed of the developing world, so dependent on Article 4 defines possible over a million could die. After all, 1.6 pharmaceutical companies have by the World Trade Organisation the rich countries, are largely silent. perpetrators as “rulers, public officials, million are already dead in less than a estimated that for a nation’s population (WTO) to Covid vaccines, which or private individuals”, which again year, and the daily global death rate is at to develop a minimum level of immunity currently make it illegal for anyone but Responsibility of vaccine is very comprehensive since it covers an all-time high of almost 13,000. to Covid, at least 70% of the population the vaccine owners to produce doses producers governments and private sector But the world is standing around, needs to be vaccinated. But look at the 7. Many developing countries will suffer Vaccine producers themselves are on companies and executives. watching the rich nations snap up the undeniable facts that have been presented the terrors of Covid well into 2022 perilous moral, if not legal, ground. In precious stocks of vaccines (Fig. 1). by the World Health Organisation and 2023, while developed states are almost every legal system around the Sri Lanka is a case in point (WHO), Amnesty International, Oxfam, expecting to get back to normalcy by world, no one has the right to choose Sri Lanka is a prime example perhaps Akin to the Bengal famine and many other responsible global the end of 2021 who lives and who dies because of the of the situation of poorer nations. To genocide organisations: 8. The delay in the distribution of the financial gain the rescuer will get. Will purchase sufficient doses of vaccines If you think genocide is associated 1. Global production of Covid vaccines vaccines to the developing world will we see courts in developing countries to cover 70% of our two million only with violence, think again. Wars in 2021 is estimated at around five further exacerbate the gap between the issuing warrants in the future for the population would strain our economy without violence are not new – neither billion doses, which is enough for world’s rich and poor arrest of CEOs of pharmaceutical too far. We are also not militarily or are massacres. The 1943 Bengal famine about 2.5 billion people. There are If it happens, and we pray it doesn’t, companies? politically important enough to demand saw up to three million die due to the eight billion people on this planet the 2021 Covid vaccine genocide What is genocide? a proper share of vaccines from any of denial of food to millions of Indians 2. Many developed nations are hoarding would broach a new frontier in the the producer nations. In this, our strict by the British rulers’ wartime policies. stockpiles of vaccines by prepaying, definition of genocide – that of the The definition of “genocide” is a non-aligned stance is working against Many scholars have classified the Bengal which developing nations can’t afford world’s rich involved in actions that contentious one because it’s a relatively us. famine as genocide. to do knowingly result in the mass deaths new word in the English language, and We have appealed to the UN/WHO To purchase sufficient doses of 3. Several developed nations have of large numbers of the world’s poor various scholars and conventions have which has promised to help, but as of vaccines to cover 70% of our two reneged on their commitment for come up with different definitions. The now, the indications are that we are million population would strain our equitable global distribution of the Difference between genocide term “genocide” was invented in 1943 unlikely to receive sufficient quantities economy too far. We are also not vaccines, agreed upon by 184 nations and ethnic cleansing by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish lawyer of for more than 20% of the population militarily or politically important in the WHO COVAX facility that was Jewish descent who migrated to the US by June 2021 from the COVAX stocks, enough to demand a proper share set up to equitably distribute Covid Some may argue that “genocide” to describe German war crimes during and even this number seems ambitious. of vaccines from any of the producer vaccines is usually associated with targeting the Holocaust. But different types of It would thus be 2022 by the time we nations. In this, our strict non- 4. Of the 193 member states of the a particular ethnic or religious group mass killings have led to the definition receive sufficient stocks of vaccines, aligned stance is working against us United Nations (UN), as many as 67 such as the Jews or the Armenians. changing over time, principally due to despite appealing to every country and That’s confusing genocide with “ethnic differences among the types of victims, organisation that we know of. In fact, cleansing”. The Cambodian genocide, the states, or organisations that the there are many nations that are far worse for example, was carried out by that perpetrators belong to, and the method of off than Sri Lanka. country’s Khmer Rouge Government slaughter. against its own population with no UN General Assembly Resolution 96 Watching another Rwanda particular regard for such differentiation. of 1946, which affirmed genocide as a happening crime under international law, defined it The genocide that was most widely Rich vs. poor as “a denial of the right of existence of publicised as it happened was Rwanda If it happens, and we pray it doesn’t, entire human groups” and defined the in 1994, where modern communication the 2021 Covid vaccine genocide would “groups” as “religious, racial, political, methods provided full details as it broach a new frontier in the definition or any other grounds”. Henry Huttenbach unfolded. But the world stood by as of genocide – that of the world’s rich (1988) defined genocide as “any act that 800,000 people were butchered, one involved in actions that knowingly result puts the very existence of a group in of the greatest failures of the UN and in the mass deaths of large numbers of jeopardy”. Scholars John Thompson and the global powers. Is another Rwanda the world’s poor. Gail Quets (1990) defined genocide as happening in front of our eyes with the One area of contention in legal terms “the destruction of a group by purposive hoarding of the Covid vaccines? would be the “intent” or “motive” of the action. This allows the role of intentional It’s time the world takes concrete steps developed world’s governments. One action to be explored, different subtypes to prevent a global humanitarian disaster. could argue that they don’t really mean of genocide to be compared, and the Let’s stop behaving as though we’re the harm to the developing world. Those impact of different factors on genocide to band members on the Titanic. responsible for the Bengal famine might be examined empirically”. Stephen Katz © Niresh Eliatamby and Nicholas have argued the same. Yet, no rational (1994) noted that genocide extended to Ruwan Dias. human being could truly believe such an the destruction of economic groups as (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias [BSc, MSc, excuse. If you know your actions may well as other types of groups. PhD] and Niresh Eliatamby [LLB, result in the deaths of a million people, LLM, MBA] are Managing Partners of then are you not responsible for causing Moral rights and legal wrongs Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds genocide? Such a genocide scenario may be a practical solutions for challenges facing The fear that rich nations would grab new frontier in legal scholarship. But society, the environment, and all types the vaccine stockpiles was first voiced of industries. at fora such as the WHO as early as Of the 193 member states of the Dr. Dias is a digital architect and April 2020. That nightmare scenario is United Nations (UN), as many as 67 educationist based in Kuala Lumpur, now coming true, with many developed will receive only negligible numbers Malaysia. [email protected]. governments doing exactly that. Where of vaccine doses in 2021, to vaccinate Eliatamby is an author, journalist, Fig. 1 is the compassion towards the elderly, perhaps a meagre 10% of their and educationist based in Colombo, Sri infants, children, and women in the poor populations Lanka. [email protected]) 6 the sunday morning business TOURISM/MARKET Sunday, January3, 2021

BY UWIN LUGODA After nine months of closure due to the Covid- 19 pandemic, Sri Lanka’s airways finally opened to international tourists on 28 December with the arrival of 175 Ukrainian tourists. This initial group of tourists landed in the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) as part of a pilot programme conducted by Sri Lanka Tourism to attract visitors, starting with this special flight from Ukraine.

On 30 December, two days following their arrival, three of the 175 tourists tested positive for the virus, which led to widespread criticism of the Government’s decision and the safety measures observed during the welcoming ceremony of these tourists. However, despite this criticism, the stakeholders of Sri Lanka Tourism are supporting this attempt at restarting the industry. experiment and see how we can Speaking to The Sunday Morning manage this situation.” Business, The Hotels Association Other stakeholders of the local of Sri Lanka (THASL) Chairman tourism industry, such as Sri Lanka Sanath Ukwatte stated that this is the Association of Inbound Tour new normal the entire world must Tourism industry Operators (SLAITO) President abide by and that the outbreaks of Mahen Kariyawasan also agreed the virus can occur with or without with Cooray and Ukwatta, and tourists coming into the country, as explained that this was a situation seen by Sri Lanka’s second wave in Sri Lanka tourism was prepared October. He explained that in terms to handle. He stated that in this of the hotel sector, there are very current bubble, 25% of room strict guidelines in place to ensure embraces Ukraine inventory is reserved for such tourists do not interact with locals incidents, and the hotels also during their first 14 days in the include in-house doctors to help country. with any potential positive cases. “We have taken a lot of He stated that Sri Lanka is not precautions to ensure guests coming alone in this, as any country that from other countries do not come despite Covid-19 opens its doors to tourists post- into contact with any locals during Covid will face similar issues, and their 14 days of quarantine. We during specific hours of the day during their stay, while also keeping there are over three million people Jetwing Hotels Chairperson will be tasked with adapting to the already have enough experience when no locals will be allowed into the locals safe.” depending on the industry in Sri Shiromal Cooray stated that they new normal as we have. dealing with quarantined guests due the sites, after which the Ministry He stated that even the drivers Lanka. When I saw the video of are supportive of the Government’s “We understand why the locals to the repatriation of hundreds of of Health will sanitise the entire and staff working at the hotels and the Ukranian tourists arriving, what decision to let these tourists into are scared, but the Ministry of guests coming into the country in location before opening them up to serving these tourists would work stood out to me was that the first the country, since this will be the Health, Sri Lanka Tourism, and the last few months.” the public again. in 14-day shifts, where they work thing they did was go exchange new normal going forward, and the military have taken maximum Moreover, Ukwatte stated “Not everyone can stay in the for 14 days and are then quarantined their money to our currency, and the industry already has experience precautions to prevent the virus that tourists will also have the country for 14 days, some tourists for another 14, before being allowed then they went to buy themselves running highly effective quarantine from spreading to locals from the opportunity to leave the hotels after only have a certain amount of leave to return home. He ensured that something to eat or drink. So we hotels. tourists. Our precautions are much their seventh day in quarantine to and the average stay of a tourist in the hotels have taken every step to can see that our country began to “We are operating in a bubble, better than those found in countries visit selected tourist sites such as Sri Lanka was eight to ten days, ensure that the virus will not spread benefit from the moment those and we expected this to result in like Maldives and Dubai, where the Dalada Maligawa and Sigiriya. even before Covid. So we want to the local community. tourists got off the plane.” some positive cases. But this is a tourists can just walk through,” These visits will be coordinated them to have a good experience “We need tourism to restart soon; Mirroring Ukwatta’s attitude, chance we must take; we need to said Ukawatta. 2020 – A turnaround year for the SL stock market Growth initiatives segments. The revisions were z Benchmark ASPI The CSE also introduced a directed at improving the efficiency recorded a growth number a progressive growth of the listing process while offering measures during the year to enhance greater flexibility to companies of 10.5% in 2020 operational efficiencies and the listing on the CSE. attractiveness of the Sri Lankan stock market in the perspective of 2021 z 2020 market both investors and issuers. Commenting on key turnover highest The digitalisation drive of the developments to be expected in Sri Lankan stock market, which 2021, CSE Chairman Dumith since 2011 was implemented in 2020, has Fernando said: “In 2021, major enabled end-to-end connectivity market infrastructure developments, z Market electronically at all stakeholder product diversification, widening touchpoints and was implemented of the investor base, building a capitalisation as an industry-wide exercise, sustainable business model, and grown a Rs. 1 t bringing substantial convenience more importantly working with to investors and operational the Government and the regulator since 12 May efficiencies to stakeholders. to position the CSE as a pivotal 2020 point for capital raising are all on the cards. Increasing the number of The Sri Lankan stock market companies listed on the exchange ended 2020 on a positive note on is one of CSE’s key strategic Thursday (31), marking a year in objectives, and we are making which the Colombo Stock Exchange steady progress on this front. We (CSE) has seen indices indicate look forward to enhancing the noteworthy resilience and attract listing process and establishing a record-breaking levels of trading single window within the CSE for activity. potential listings that would make a public listing on the exchange a Market performance smooth and efficient process.” The benchmark All share Fernando went on to say: “Similar Price Index (ASPI) closed 2020 to the real estate investment trusts recording a growth of 10.5%, the trend similar to the ASPI with 57% in 2019 and triple the figure being attributed to the 18-30 age framework, which was introduced highest annual increase the index growth since 12 May, closing at recorded in 2018. This indicates group. This marks an interesting in the final quarter of 2020, we are has seen since 2014 and only the 2638.10 points as of 31 December high investor participation. development considering the fact working on the creation of an OTC 12thoccasion the index has seen a 2020. that a large portion of retail stock market for REPOs on corporate double-digit percentage growth in The overall value of the stock Local investor interest a market investors have traditionally debt, trading of gold-backed CSE’s 35-year history. The ASPI market, which is represented by key highlight been above 50 years of age. products, and stock borrowing and ended 2020 on 6774.22 points. Sri the market capitalisation, has also A significant increase in CDS A capital outflow trend in terms of CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando lending. On the regulatory and Lanka’s ASPI was also recorded as improved, adding Rs. 109 billion account openings was observed in foreign investors governance fronts, we believe the the best-performing stock market during 2020 and more substantially 2020 with 17,600 new investors On the foreign investment front, During the year, CSE also new SEC Act will be an important index for the month of September Rs. 983 billion since 12 May. The entering the market, which is 70% 2020 has recorded a net foreign expanded the eligibility criteria for development covering regulatory 2020, with the index recording a market recorded a daily average higher than the number of new outflow of Rs. 51 billion, largely in initial listing of shares on the Main changes required for continuing remarkable 12% growth during the turnover of Rs. 1.9 billion; this investors in 2019 and 56% higher line with the foreign fund outflow Board and the Diri Savi Board to safeguard investor rights, month. daily average turnover is the highest than in 2018. Local investors have trend recorded in emerging and to enable a wider spectrum of enabling the demutualisation of The ASPI on 12 May 2020 recorded for a year since 2011. The contributed to approximately 79% frontier markets. However, it is companies to qualify for a listing. CSE, facilitating new product recorded its lowest point in over a total turnover for the year was Rs. of the total market turnover in 2020, noteworthy that Sri Lankan equities Rule revisions, which were also development, and strengthening the decade, but recovered from this to 397 billion, which was also the which is higher when compared to attracted purchases worth Rs. 53 carried out during the year, brought effectiveness of market regulation. post a 59% gain by the end of the highest since 2011. approximately 63% in 2019 and billion during 2020 by foreign about changes to the IPO timelines And, of course, we see many of the year. Although the S&P SL20 Index, Overall, market activity in terms 55% the year prior to that. investors, ending close to the Rs. 56 and the basis of allotting shares value drivers which have supported which features the CSE’s 20 largest of the average number of trades The year 2020 has also seen a billion figure recorded in 2019. The which were done to complement strong market performance since and most liquid stocks, has declined carried out during a trading day greater interest among younger stock market at present continues to Sri Lanka’s rapidly developing May, continuing into the new year. by 10.1% in 2020, the index has also increased significantly, ending investors in the retail segment, with indicate attractive valuations relative commercial landscape comprising Thus, we are entering 2021 on a recovered substantially indicating a double the average figure recorded 46% of the total accounts opened to other markets in the region. multiple business models and hopeful but positive note.” the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, January3, 2021 ECONOMICS

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) stated that SL’s economy the receipt of remittances will be affected The phrase “a year like no other” has due to the global economic downturn and never been more deserved by any year like lower oil prices, since approximately about the year 2020. On the eve of New Year half of all remittances originate from the 2020, never did we picture us wearing face Middle Eastern region and over 20% from masks, carrying handy sanitiser bottles Europe. wherever we go, cutting down an 18-page- However, by August 2020, worker long Asian wedding guest lists to just 50 in 2020: A year remittances saw a growth as it recorded invitees to maintain social distance, being $ 664.5 million, recording nearly a 30% subjected to a pay cut, making less or growth compared to the same month no profit in businesses, cancelling travel previous year. In August 2019, Sri Lanka plans, or even having graduations, birthday recorded only $ 518.2 million. dinners, etc. online in 2020. In the first eight months of 2019, Sri The year 2020 has been a year of Lanka managed to record $ 4.35 billion prolonged global pandemic and certainly like no other worker remittances compared to $ 4.41 a year of economic disruptions; as many billion during the corresponding period reports claim, 2020 has gone down in previous year. make some progress this year and these managed to attract $ 2.1 billion in FDI into in the previous year. Foreign remittances history as the “worst year ever”. We here However, exportation of coconut and agreements are expected to enhance the country – the highest ever – in 2018. recorded an impressive growth of $ 702.1 in Sri Lanka too witnessed a number of coconut-based products ($ 490.24 million), bilateral trade. Following this, the Board of Investment million in July 2020, a growth of 24.9% incidents that are hopefully unique only to food and beverages ($ 275.82 million), (BOI) aimed to bring in $ 3 billion in FDI compared to the same period last year. last year. This includes the local outbreak petroleum products ($ 257.14 million), Tourism in 2019. Worker remittances dropped to $ 375 of the pandemic, the seven-week-long and other export crops ($ 60.77 million) Following the Easter Sunday incidents A month after the Easter attacks in 2019, million in April after most of the globe initial islandwide lockdown, prolonged recorded positive growth rates during the in April 2019 that disrupted Sri Lanka’s citing reduced investor confidence driven entered into lockdown. In the first 10 market closures, the second wave of the same period. tourism significantly, according to data by the Easter incident, then Minister of months of last year, worker remittances virus, the withdrawal of the Millennium Earnings from exportation of personal from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Development Strategies and International recorded $ 5.6 billion compared to $ 5.5 Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, protective equipment (PPE)-related Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka managed Trade noted that $ billion in 2019. a general election amidst a pandemic, products increased by 42.91% to $ 636.67 to achieve the 1.9 million revised arrival 3 billion was hard to achieve. Even though passing Budget 2021 in Parliament, million from January to September 2020, target in 2019, which was contributed the former Minister did not disclose a Forex reserves stringent prolonged import restrictions, compared with the value of $ 445.51 mainly by India, the UK, Russia, and revised target, the BOI in November cut Foreign exchange (forex) reserves are dropping pots into the river in the name million recorded in the corresponding China. Since June, tourist arrivals saw a the target by half, bringing it down to $ 1.5 assets held on reserve by a central bank of pandemic cure, locals coming up with period in the previous year. gradual recovery for 2019. billion. in foreign currencies. Forex earnings syrups to cure Covid-19, controversial state The top five export destinations during With optimism for a greater year ahead Even though two refinery deals were from tourism, exports, FDIs, and workers’ retirements, resignations, and transfers, and the period from January to September and further recovery in tourist arrivals, signed in 2019 for the value of about $ remittances mainly contribute to the many more. 2020 were the US ($ 1,892.14 million), Sri Lanka set a target of four million 27 billion, the projects will take another reserves. These reserves are used to back Even though the Government had fresh the UK ($ 664.21 million), India ($ 453.67 tourist arrivals for 2020. However, amidst four to five years to implement, meaning liabilities and influence monetary policy. plans and targets for Sri Lanka in 2020, million), Germany ($ 430.0 million), and crippled international tourism, particularly delays in Sri Lanka receiving the full As of end-December 2019, reserves many of these incidents posed both direct Italy ($ 330.24 million), which absorbed in the Asian region due to the coronavirus FDI. As of December 2019, according to stood at $ 7.6 billion, similar to March and indirect impacts on the country’s over 50% of the exports recorded in the outbreak and its global spread, in early the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)’s the same year. As of end-January 2020, economy last year, and the impacts were period. March 2020, Sri Lanka revised this target External Sector Performance report, Sri reserves were recorded as $ 7.5 billion. felt significantly. The Sunday Morning to 2.3 million, the SLTDA informed The Lanka achieved only $ 772 million in FDI According to Central Bank data, gross Business, in the first week of 2021, is With fresh targets under the newly Sunday Morning Business at that point. in 2019. official reserves remained at a sufficient taking an extensive look at how Sri elected Government, Sri Lanka However, a few days after the revision, The BOI set a target of $ 2 billion in level by end-October 2020, despite a major Lanka’s economy has been in 2020 amidst predicted the economy would grow by mid-March, the Sri Lankan Government FDIs in 2020, a little less than the 2018 debt repayment by way of settlement of an a pandemic. by 3.5% in 2020. However, in the closed Bandaranaike International Airport achievement. By April 2020, the highest international sovereign bond (ISB). The wake of Covid-19, the World Bank, (BIA) for tourists as the virus was slowly FDI figure received that year was $ level of gross official reserves amounted Exports in a forecast issued for South Asia, spreading in the country. Against this 250 million for the construction of a to $ 5.9 billion with the repayment of Exports are the main foreign exchange stated that Sri Lanka’s economy will context, local tourism too was suspended commercial tower. However, last month, the matured ISB of $ 1 billion in early earner for Sri Lanka and it achieved $ grow at a negative rate of 3% to 0.5% as the Government opted for a seven-week- the Colombo International Finance Centre October 2020. Gross official reserves 15.9 billion in exports in 2018, which last year long lockdown to contain further spread of (CIFC) received an investment of $ 1 were equivalent to 4.2 months of imports. was increased slightly to $ 16.14 billion the virus. billion for a mixed dDevelopment project Total foreign assets, which consist of gross in 2019. The Export Development Board Being the largest single-export However, following the lifting of the from Browns Investments, the strategic official reserves and foreign assets of the (EDB) set an ambitious goal of $ 18.5 destination, the US absorbed $ 239.98 lockdown in May, hotels and tourist investment arm of the LOLC Group. banking sector, amounted to $ 8.6 billion billion in exports for 2020, with multiple million worth of exports in September establishments were getting business from In August 2020, then BOI Director at end-October 2020, providing an import trade promotional campaigns planned both 2020, recording a decline of 5.53% in local travellers. Even though revenue from General and current Chairman Sanjaya cover of 6.2 months. overseas and within the country. comparison to $ 254.04 million absorbed local travellers is far lower than that of Mohottala told The Sunday Morning By August 2020, worker remittances However, even before the first Sri in September 2019. Also, exports to the international tourists, local tourism was Business that Sri Lanka’s FDIs planned saw a growth as it recorded $ 664.5 Lankan Covid-19 patient was diagnosed in US decreased by 19.05% in the January- a welcome relief for the owners of these for the second quarter of 2020 have been million, recording nearly a 30% the country, on 5 March 2020, then EDB September 2020 period in comparison to hotels to keep their businesses up and shifted to the third and fourth quarters due growth compared to the same Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe predicted a September 2019. Exports to the UK, as running with a glimmer of hope. Hotel to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. month previous year. In August 25% drop in export earnings in the second the largest trading partner in the European occupancy rates picked up gradually to He stressed that these FDIs have not 2019, Sri Lanka recorded only $ quarter, which was expected to amount to Union (EU) region, recorded an increase of about 20% in August and September, been cancelled and have only been 518.2 million about a $ 750 million drop in the initial 38.77% to $ 114.74 million in September mainly due to local tourists. deferred. He added that most projects had target. He attributed this loss mainly to the 2020, compared with September 2019. Shattering these hopes, on 4 October last already commenced, despite being slightly Employment rate delay in getting raw material from China, Furthermore, exports to Germany, Italy, year, Sri Lanka detected the first patient delayed due to the lack of people, raw as China was the epicentre of the Covid-19 Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, China, of what would later grow into its largest materials, and capital goods. Mohottala The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant outbreak at that point. Japan, and Turkey have also shown Covid-19 cluster that keeps expanding added that despite this drop, when looking impact on the employment rate. Many Exactly a month from the first revision, better performance during the month of even up to date, and the resultant at the previous year’s approved projects leading conglomerates, including Brandix the EDB revised its export targets for 2020 September 2020. quarantine curfews have been another body and other projects that were yet to be Lanka Ltd., announced job cuts of non- by slashing $ 7.75 billion from its initial Newly appointed EDB Chairperson blow to the domestic tourism industry. signed at that point, Sri Lanka had around permanent staff to mitigate the impact of plan of $ 18.5 billion. This was due to the Suresh de Mel recently told a local On 28 December, the Government $ 1.4 billion in FDIs by August 2020. Covid-19 on their companies’ financial uncertainty in Sri Lanka’s main export newspaper that 88.5% of the revised export reopened BIA under a pilot project. On the performance. Furthermore, the apparel markets due to the Covid-19 pandemic target for 2020, which is $ 13.39 billion, same day, a special charter flight carrying Workers’ remittances industry, which employees over 990,000, and difficulty in securing raw materials was met last year. 185 tourists from Ukraine landed at the Sri Lanka’s economy depends on was expected to lay off about 30% of its from the usual markets or finding new raw In August last year, The Sunday Morning Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport foreign workers’ remittances more than workers amidst the pandemic. material markets. Business reported that the Government (MRIA) and this was the first time Sri it does on tourism, with over 1.9 million “With the economy coming to a near- According to the EDB, the only products held discussions on the Economic and Lanka received tourists since March 2020. Sri Lankans working overseas. In 2018, standstill, enterprises that are dependent that had a market potential at that point Technology Co-operation Agreement Last year, January arrivals were recorded Sri Lanka received about $ 7 billion in on export revenue and simultaneously were medical equipment, face masks, (ETCA) for the first time in nearly a at 228,434, a Year-on-Year (YoY) drop workers’ remittances, which is far higher managing debt are going to be vulnerable. disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals. year, possibly signalling a resumption of of 6.5%, while February arrivals were than tourism exchange earnings and even Longer-term impacts will be felt by However, the EDB believed that exports bilateral negotiations on the controversial recorded at 207,507, a YoY drop of earnings from apparel exports, which is the indebted companies or those with poor will bounce back soon. agreement with India. The discussions took 17.7%. March arrivals dropped to 71,370 country’s top product in the export basket. cash flows, those unable to remain open Sri Lanka’s total merchandise export place on 25 August amongst officials of the compared to the 244,328 arrivals during Foreign workers’ remittances amounted to or afford salaries to retain employees,” a earnings for the period from January to Ministry of Foreign Relations, according to the same period in 2019. 7.9% of GDP that year. On a cumulative study done by PwC after the initial local September 2020 was $ 7,401.48 million, Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath It is also unknown whether the long- basis, workers’ remittances recorded a outbreak of the virus in Sri Lanka stated. compared to $ 8,872.57 million recorded Colombage. awaited global advertising campaign for decline of 4.3%, amounting to $ 6.717 According to the Department of in a similar period in the previous year – a Speaking to The Sunday Morning Sri Lanka Tourism that was planned to billion in 2019. Census and Statistics (DCS), the number decline of 16.58%. However, this showed Business at that point, both Minister of be launched in September last year will According to an external sector report of unemployed persons is estimated as an improved performance compared with Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena be launched this year. The campaign, released by the Central Bank, workers’ 483,172 during the first quarter 2020, the decline of 19.2% recorded in the period and State Minister of Regional which has been in the pipeline for five to remittances in January 2020 amounted to compared to 4.5% during the previous from January to August 2020. Co-operation seven years under two governments, has $ 581 million, compared to $ 545 million quarter which is Q4 in 2019. The Major exports such as apparel and confirmed that pending free trade been desperately awaited by the industry, a year prior. However, the Covid-19 unemployment rate for the first quarter textiles ($ 3,273.9 million), tea ($ 919.56 agreements (FTAs) were being taken up at particularly following the Easter Sunday pandemic was expected to severely hit 2020 is 5.7%. Surprisingly, despite job million), rubber and rubber-based products the moment, although they did not confirm attacks. workers’ remittances as almost all countries cuts led by pandemic, the number of ($ 586.58 million), and spices and essential any developments specifically with regard with Sri Lankan migrant labour were in unemployed persons was estimated as oils recorded decreases of 21.54%, to the ETCA. Foreign direct investments lockdown, forcing people to either stay at 458,359 during the second quarter 2020 10.32%, 14.01%, and 0.4%, respectively, Negotiations pertaining to Sri Lanka’s FDIs are another main source of foreign home or work from home. and the unemployment rate for the second during January-September 2020 period other proposed FTAs, including the exchange earnings in addition to exports, A study done on the impact of the quarter 2020 was 5.4%. compared to the similar period in the Sri Lanka-Thailand FTA, are likely to tourism, and worker remittances. Sri Lanka Covid-19 outbreak on Sri Lanka by Contd. on page 8 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, January 3, 2021 Colombo City Centre apartments handed Commercial Bank over to homeowners Colombo City Centre joins with SME.lk (CCC) stated it concluded the construction of Commercial Bank stated residences and commenced it signed a Memorandum handing them over in of Understanding (MoU) August 2020, being the with Bellvantage, a first to do so from the high- subsidiary of Melstacorp end development projects PLC, to jointly provide in the heart of Colombo the bank’s small and during 2020. medium enterprise (SME) CCC Residences clients with the SME. recorded the highest lk platform, enabling Present at the launch event were Bellvantage Chairman Amitha Gooneratne and Commercial Bank Chief number of sales amongst them to efficiently market Operating Officer Sanath Manathunge, along with Commercial Bank’s DGM Marketing Hasrath Munasinghe, the residence projects Assistant GM – Personal Banking and SMEs Delakshan Hettiarachchi, SME Chief Manager Mohan Fernando, SME in Colombo during the and sell their products to Manager Dilshan Fernando, Women’s Banking Senior Manager Kamalini Ellawala, as well as Lankabell Managing peak of the pandemic, end-consumers, as well as Director Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe and Bellvantage’s Executive Director Ajantha Peiris, Assistant GM Pathum and only about 40 more bedroom apartments and turbulent market wholesale buyers, without Samaraweera, Senior Executive – Business Development Lakmal Wijayarathna, and Dinuka Samarasinghe units are now available for penthouse apartments, conditions. an intermediary between management, supply chain overseas buyers access to Sri as these, where the Covid-19 purchase, which is most an international standard Having completed the the seller and the buyer. establishment, payment Lankan products, which help pandemic has had a massive likely to be sold out within shopping mall, and an shopping mall and the reconciliation, etc. SME. boost the Sri Lankan economy impact on businesses around the next few months, upcoming international residences, the developer SME.lk is the only Sri lk facilitates trading for clients, through exports, bringing in the globe. CCC recently noted in a hotel. Abans PLC, who is now looking forward to Lankan platform to partner with producers, manufacturers, much-needed foreign exchange SMEs contribute to almost statement. is the main partner in an announcement about a Sri Lankan bank and together, wholesalers, and SME owners revenue into Sri Lanka. half of Sri Lanka’s economy, The mixed development developing this project, the upcoming international they provide sellers with an of Commercial Bank to sell Commercial Bank introduced and provide employment comprises a total of 192 saw the project through hotel, which is scheduled online shopping store, offering their products from their this trading platform initiative to more than 52% of the luxury two and three- to completion, amidst for opening in 2021. free registration and requiring hometown, district, and across to create a pathway for the workforce. SMEs are thus an no monthly fees. the island. bank’s SME base to develop important part of the financial The platform provides a SME.lk plans to expand the their businesses, fulfilling a ecosystem, and it is imperative cost-effective and efficient business in the future, giving national need for economic that they get access to the right Swedish NetOnNet means of marketing, order Sri Lankan expatriates and upliftment, during times such infrastructure to grow. partners with SLIIT to continue undergraduate subsidies Creative Software The Sri Lanka Institute of Information BOC Chairman Kanchana Ratwatte and General Leading Scandinavian Technology (SLIIT) Manager D.P.K. Gunasekera declaring the BOC retailer NetOnNet recently announced that it will Panadura city branch open chose Creative Software continue its subsidies to as their technical partner undergraduate students to help drive immediate who are on student BOC Panadura and long-term goals loans. The student loan and Bachelor of Science SLIIT Director of to innovate, scale, and scheme, initiated by (Hons) in Information Academic Development city branch shifts ultimately optimise the Ministry of Higher Technology. Since the and Quality Assurance the overall customer Education (MoHE) in state loan of Rs. 800,000 Prof. Colin N. Peiris experience. 2017, provides students to cover tuition fees over said: “Post Advanced to new location NetOnNet expanded with a maximum a four-year period is less Levels (A/Ls) is a The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Panadura city into the bricks and mortar offshoring, especially the required technologies, interest-free loan of than the usual cost for critical point in any branch was relocated at its new address No. arena in 2001 and was as it is difficult to find possessing significant Rs. 800,000 to pursue these degrees, SLIIT has student’s life, and the 17, Jayathilake Mawatha, Panadura recently. recently awarded “the best the right knowledge and domain knowledge and a degree programme stepped up by providing loan scheme introduced The ceremony took place with the participation Nordic company in omni- experience locally due the ability to develop approved by the MoHE. grants to students who by the Ministry of of BOC Chairman Kanchana Ratwatte and channel” by Google. The to NetOnNet being one back-end apps. We are SLIIT, which is are on loans in order for Higher Education General Manager D.P.K. Gunasekera. technical competencies of the few companies in thrilled to exceed the level MoHE and University them to continue their provides students with a Members of the bank’s corporate and and matured processes of Sweden that possesses of expertise expected Grants Commission studies uninterrupted. window of opportunity. executive management, officials from the Creative Software enables developer licenses for by NetOnNet and look (UGC)-approved, offers The state student SLIIT has recognised bank’s Western Province South Office, NetOnNet to leverage IFS. We prefer to develop forward to continuing several undergraduate loan scheme combined the need to support customers, and other guests also gathered for expertise that enables all software in-house, working with them to programmes under the with the SLIIT grant these students further the ceremony. business optimisation and therefore the offshore grow the local team.” loan scheme, including is a boon for students to take advantage of the The Panadura city branch will offer a range growth. team needed to work as Creative Software Bachelor of Education who can pay back the different degree options of banking services to its customers, inclusive “This partnership is the one with our team,” said provides technical (Hons) in English, Rs. 800,000 capital we offer and that is of deposit products such as current and local or first offshoring experience NetOnNet Development expertise, development Bachelor of Education over a period of seven why we are providing foreign currency savings/fixed deposit accounts for us, a 20-year-old Manager Anne-Sofie competencies, and (Hons) in Biological to eight years. Another the additional grant. and investment plans and loan products such company. When a Johanson. comprehensive Sciences, Bachelor concession offered to At SLIIT, we believe as housing and personal loans, education loans, decision was made to Software Engineering communication to deliver of Education (Hons) students by the state is a in providing every leasing, pawning facilities, and special loans increase our capacity, Director Channa De Silva maximum value to clients in Physical Sciences, year’s grace period from opportunity for our schemes such as the Divi Udana loan scheme. the question emerged said: “We allocate the best and help them grow their Bachelor of Business graduation to begin students to realise their BOC has developed a number of fintech whether to consider engineers familiar with businesses. Administration (Hons), paying back. full potential.” applications to assist its customers. BOC Smart Online Banking, B app mobile banking, and the SmartPay QR scan mobile app assist customers to conduct daily banking transactions. People’s Bank opens ATM at Makumbura Transport Hub Especially during the spread of Covid-19, where special precautions are necessary, BOC Transport Minister People’s Bank has Secretary to the State Management) Mahinda Gamini Lokuge, reminds customers to get on board with these recently opened an ATM at Ministry of Vehicle Premanath, People’s Bank People’s Bank cashless digital transaction modes. the Kottawa, Makumbura Regulation, Bus Transport Head of Marketing Nalaka Chairman Sujeewa Despite the economic downturn due to the Multi-Modal Transport Hub. Services and Train Wijayawardana, and Rajapakse, and pandemic situation, BOC wound up the year Secretary to the Transport Minister Compartments, and Motor People’s Bank Regional Transport Ministry on a healthy note with the highest asset base Gamini Lokuge, People’s Car Industry Lalith de Manager (Outer Colombo) Monti Ranatunga of Rs. 2.9 trillion and the highest deposit Bank Chairman Sujeewa Alwis, Project Director of Lal Peiris participated in the cutting the ribbon to base of Rs. 2.3 trillion. It also maintained Rajapakse, People’s Bank Greater Colombo Urban event. declare the Makumbura its market leadership in trade finance, CEO/General Manager Transport Development People’s Bank has over Transport Hub ATM Treasury operations including its more than open, as People’s Bank Ranjith Koddituwakku, Project Nalaka Dissanayaka, 760 ATMs and 244 self- CEO/General Manager 40% market share of Inward remittances ($ Secretary to the Transport People’s Bank Deputy banking units across the Ranjith Koddituwakku 2.5 billion), and most of the spheres in the Ministry Monti Ranatunga, General Manager (Channel island. looks on banking and finance arena.

Contd. from page 7

the curfew was lifted. A week before the in 2019. In September 2019, the International attributed the delay purely to the pandemic. while the GDP growth of the first quarter last SL’s economy... Government announced “work from home” Monetary Fund (IMF) said it had cut its forecast In mid-October, issuing a press statement, the year, which contributed about a week-and- days for both private and public sectors, regular for Sri Lanka’s 2019 economic growth to 2.7% DCS said that second-quarter GDP data will half to the seven-week-long lockdown, was Bonds and shares trading at the CSE was halted for 30 minutes from 3.5%. As estimated by the DCS, annual be released on 15 December, along with GDP a negative 1.6%. on three days after the S&P SL20 Index fell GDP growth was 2.3% in 2019, well short of data of the third quarter of 2020. The reason Even before the detection of the Minuwangoda By the end of 2019, amidst the presidential by 5% each day. the IMF’s revised predictions. provided for the delay was the seven-week-long Covid-19 cluster, which is referred to as the election in November, the total net foreign From 1 January to 30 December, the CSE With fresh targets under the newly elected lockdown imposed through half of the second second wave of the pandemic in Sri Lanka, outflow from stocks and government securities recorded a massive net foreign outflow of Government, Sri Lanka predicted the economy quarter, which resulted in some economic a number of international agencies released from 1 January to 20 December 2019 was Rs. Rs. 77.66 billion, which is higher than the would grow by 3.5% in 2020. However, in activities taking place in ways different to their forecast of the country’s GDP growth in 72 billion. However, net foreign outflows in total net foreign outflows reported from both the wake of Covid-19, the World Bank, in a their norms. 2021, not taking the economic impact from the 2019 were far less than that of 2018, despite the stocks and government securities in the forecast issued for South Asia, stated that Sri In any other year, the quarterly GDP estimates second wave into consideration. Needless to the economic impact of the Easter Sunday same period in 2019. In the previous year, net Lanka’s economy will grow at a negative rate are released in less than three months after the say that those projections were less than what attacks in April. foreign outflows from Treasury bills and bonds of 3% to 0.5% last year. quarter ends. For example, second quarter the Government expected. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s equity and bond held by foreigners was far higher than the net Even though the islandwide lockdown was GDP results are generally released before 15 The year 2020 has been disruptive for markets saw a net foreign outflow of over Rs. foreign outflows from the CSE as it was over experienced only for about 10 days during September. As stated, the DCS released second the Sri Lankan economy, similar to many 17.5 billion during the first two months of this Rs. 97.84 billion for the period from 1 January the first quarter, 2020 first-quarter GDP had and third quarter GDP data on 15 December other countries, mainly due to Covid-19. Sri year. CBSL data showed that the bond market to 24 December. contracted by 1.6%, and this statistic was and it revealed that Q2 GDP had contracted Lanka has to take measures recommended saw an outflow of around Rs. 68.6 billion so far considerably delayed and released only in significantly by 16.3% while Q3 recorded a by international financial institutions and during 2020 up to 9 April, a little less than the GDP growth the first week of August, the night before the growth rate of 1.5%. rating agencies to rescue its economy from previous year’s total net foreign outflow from In 2019, even though the economy grew by general election. Many opined that data was During the Budget 2021 speech on 17 plunging further. The Budget 2021 promises bond and equity markets, thus demonstrating 3.7% in the first quarter, second-quarter growth being held back intentionally till the end of November last year, Prime Minister Mahinda better economic performance this year, yet the gravity of the Covid-19 impact. reflected the impact of the Easter Sunday the election, so as to prevent any political Rajapaksa, in his capacity as the Minister of whether it will be better or worse is based on While bonds bleed significantly, the Colombo attacks, as it was recorded at just 1.5%. Third- disadvantage. However, both the DCS and Finance, stated that the Government expects an how the Government is going to implement Stock Market (CSE) remained closed until quarter economic growth picked up to 1.5% the CBSL denied this allegation in August and economic growth rate of 5.5% next year (2021), the required measures. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 A LOOK AT MARINE CONSERVATION IN 2020 AND HOW WE CAN MOVE FORWARD »SEE PAGE 4

HOPE AMIDST THE PANDEMIC »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday,brunch January 3, 2021

Wildlife photographer Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne on getting the perfect shot responsibly

The Sri Lankan leopard (panthera pardus kotiya) PHOTO © GEHAN DE SILVA WIJEYERATNE

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Sri Lanka is famed for its wildlife, with travellers from around the world GETTING flocking to our shores to take in sights of our majestic creatures. An integral part of promoting our natural heritage is wildlife photography. Without wildlife and nature photographers, both professional and amateur, we would THE be unable to effectively market our wildlife, and we would be significantly limited in understanding the diverse animals that inhabit Sri Lanka.

Being a wildlife photographer is something of a documenting Sri Lanka’s wildlife. His most recent PERFECT calling. You need to be passionate about wildlife and book, A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of willing to spend hours waiting to sight an animal to Sri Lanka, is the first portable and affordable get that perfect shot. photographic field guide with near-comprehensive Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne is one of Sri coverage, with 96% of all land and marine mammals Lanka’s leading wildlife and nature photographers, recorded in Sri Lanka. SHOT and has authored and photographed over 15 books ││Contd. on page 2

‘BEING TRUSTED WITH YOUR CREATIVE FREEDOM IS AN AMAZING FEELING’ Artist and animator Randy Chriz on making BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE music videos with the Universal Music Group While 2020 hasn’t been good for anyone, it would seem BY NAVEED ROZAIS that Lankans have a slight leg up in the matter with quite a few things to be proud of. Just a few weeks ago, the film There is nothing more satisfying to an artist than to adaptation of Sri Lankan-Canadian author Shyam Selvadurai’s have their work recognised and appreciated. Many artists bestseller Funny Boy by the same name was released on pursue multiple creative passions, even though they Netflix, and it has since been submitted for Academy Award professionally focus on perhaps one or two disciplines. nominations under the Best Feature Film category. The nature of the internet as a tool for sharing allows One submission alone is enough a reason to be proud of. artists to gain a much wider reach for their work and to see However, Lankans can lay claim to yet another submission. how different audiences from all over the world respond to ││Contd. on page 2 what they do. And sometimes, just sometimes, an artist’s work is noticed by the very people who inspire you and can lead to even greater work and collaboration that the artists dream of. Randy Chriz is one such artist, a digital artist and ‘SAME SEX animator with a deep passion for music, whose fan- made video for rapper Eminem’s track Godzilla caught the attention of Eminem himself and has resulted in brokering a successful partnership with the label WITHOUT representing Eminem, “Interscope”, which is part of the Universal Music Group. The Sunday Morning caught up with Chriz to discuss THE SEX PART’ his work with Interscope, how he works with music and art, and his thoughts on the relationship between the two. ││Contd. on page 2 Gehan Cooray’s The Billionaire Randy Chriz 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/ARTS Sunday, January 3, 2021 Contd. from page 1

release, I stated the encounter rate was over 90%, which was a phenomenal result. With more data, I would now more cautiously say Getting the... it is over 80%. ‘SAME SEX... In addition to his work as a photographer I also did a lot of background research Los Angeles-based Sri Lankan- and author, Wijeyeratne has been responsible to ensure this was the best chance in the American actor and independent filmmaker for publicising Sri Lanka for its leopards, the world to see a blue whale. We understood Gehan Cooray recently announced that his gathering of elephants, and blue whales, and where the encounter zone was – close new romantic comedy, The Billionaire, has has researched and developed almost every to the continental shelf – and we knew been officially submitted to the Academy significant wildlife tourism product. what time of the year you could see them of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as The Sunday Morning Brunch caught and why. Having got the basic building well as to the Hollywood Foreign Press up with Wijeyeratne to learn more blocks together, I developed material for Association, after becoming eligible for about his latest book, how he works as a the press with the Jetwing Eco Holidays both Oscar and Golden Globe Award wildlife photographer, and how wildlife team, which with the help of the wider nominations. photographers can practise their craft tourism industry (including the Sri Lanka Cooray’s film was awarded the Best responsibly. The toque macaque (macaca sinica) Tourism Promotion Bureau) was circulated Comedy Feature Award at the Burbank Behind the scenes Below are excerpts of the interview. PHOTO © GEHAN DE SILVA WIJEYERATNE worldwide. International Film Festival (BIFF) and wealth and status, but here, his character is It was a similar process of ground- was also selected as a finalist for the Best speed), as well as how the aperture affects the proud of his purity and chastity; where in ÄÄ Tell us about your latest book, truthing the data when I explored Kalpitiya’s Feature Film overall at the festival. The depth of field and how shutter speed affects the original the character looks down on potential for whale-watching. Interestingly, film was directed by Michael Philip, A Naturalist’s Guide to the your results. others due to their elevated status of wealth, it was the efforts of the tourism industry to although Cooray held final creative Mammals of Sri Lanka, and Creative skills require you to understand here he looks down on others as he believes publicise whale watching that resulted in control as the Executive Producer and also how it came together. how to compose a photograph that is himself to be this angelic being. international film crews looking for local wrote the screenplay based on George Sri Lankan naturalists have been impactful or aesthetically pleasing. With Cooray furthered that the Golden fortunate that there have been several books marine biologists to feature in their stories. Bernard Shaw’s play, The Millionairess. Globes juror who reached out to him a close-up subject such as a butterfly or Speaking to Cooray about his film and on its mammals published in the past. This dragonfly, moving six inches to avoid a ÄÄ What are you working on at shared that his adaptation of the character makes it all the more surprising that there how the submission for the Oscars came was petty and b*tchy to the point of great distracting highlight can make a huge the moment? to be, he shared that Patricia Danaher, a has been no photographic field guide difference to the image you take. I am now working on a book that brings entertainment and it brought out the fact which covers all or nearly all of member of the Hollywood Foreign Press that while you can have everything in life, What you photograph into a single book, in a simple and compact Association who happens to be a juror for its mammals. By definition, and how you photograph it manner, multiple species groups I have you can still be completely empty. a book that is a field guide the Golden Globes, reached out to him is driven by what inspires covered in the other John Beaufoy Publishing while he was quarantining in Sri Lanka also has to meet two criteria. you and whether you For Lankan audiences titles, such as birds, mammals, butterflies, for a brief interview with him about The We spoke to Cooray about the Firstly, it has to be portable. have a specific objective. dragonflies, herbaceous flowering plants, and Secondly, it has to be Billionaire for the Golden Globes website, rather niche appeal of the film and he For example, if you are trees. I have also invited a number of other which will be available sometime early something that can be used shooting for competitions too agreed with us that it may not have a naturalists to contribute guest sections to give January. mass appeal; however, what he wishes for in the field. In the case of and exhibitions, you may them an opportunity to showcase areas of marine mammals, for example, Danaher, who is from his film is to be the 21st Century want your subject backlit with natural history that they are working on. Ireland, had greatly enjoyed his it means that you need images of beautiful rim lighting. But if you equivalent of classic Hollywood animals as you would see them. ÄÄ How can wildlife adaptation of the Irish Bernard films that he grew up watching, Gehan de Silva are shooting for a photographic field Shaw’s play. “I never expected An illustration of a whole blue Wijeyeratne guide, you will want the subject photographers practise their like My Fair Lady, All About Eve, whale or sperm whale may tell you one of the jurors to reach out,” and Who’s Afraid of Virginia uniformly illuminated. If you had the craft sustainably without said Cooray, adding that it was what the animal looks like, but is choice of how to position yourself with the disturbing the animals Woolf, and while he did not have of limited use on a whale-watching trip. the greatest honour. anywhere near the budget required light, the two different objectives will result they’re photographing or the Cooray was recently Obtaining images for a photographic book in photographers positioning themselves very environment? for something exactly like that, he that was useful in the field meant that it was notified that this will be going said the target audience is anyone differently in relation to the subject and the A lot of it is common sense and good a collaborative effort with images from 41 live under “Best Picture” in the anywhere around the world who source of light, with very different outcomes. ethics. There are three aspects I will briefly photographers that eventually covered 96% Academy Screening Room, the loves the classics. mention. of all mammals recorded in Sri Lanka. members-only site where Oscar For people who love ÄÄ You’ve led the charge on Firstly, think about how you can reduce A huge plus of A Naturalist’s Guide voters stream films submitted Award literature, who love to read Jane popularising whale-watching your environmental footprint. Think of to the Mammals of Sri Lanka, published for nominations. He shared Austen novels, it is a throwback in Mirissa and Kalpitiya, back environmental maxims, such as “reduce, by John Beaufoy Publishing, is that it is that whether or not he gets a nomination to a different era; he said that even in when whale-watching was reuse, and recycle”. also affordable. I really hope this book will really isn’t much of a concern to him; Sri Lanka, there are so many who love not something Sri Lanka was Secondly, think about how you can stimulate more interest in research and he is happy that in being allowed the literature and drama, especially those who known for. How did you see give back. Even if you do not have time conservation of smaller mammals. opportunity to stream it as such, he can grew up reading these classic novels. our potential and how did you to volunteer or take part in street marches, ensure that people will get to see it. According to Cooray, you do not need ÄÄ As a wildlife photographer, build awareness? perhaps you give back by doing something Doing things a little differently, where to be a part of the LGBTIQ community what goes into getting the There are many elements involved in simple like being a member of the Wildlife one would assume a film to premier before to enjoy the film; referring to the film’s perfect shot? bringing a wildlife tourism product to a and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. it is submitted for awards, Cooray’s film is tagline “money, morals, and marriage”. The strength of numbers and membership yet to have its theatrical release, scheduled To be a good photographer in a market, and this is covered in more detailed He said the audience would be someone subscriptions can help those who lobby for for 12 February 2021 at the Laemmle discipline, you need two complementary articles I have written. But to keep it brief, who is open to exploring money and conservation. Theatre in Los Angeles (LA), once cinema skills. Firstly, you need a good understanding with the whale-watching, I knew there was morals in a more fundamental way than Thirdly, in the specific case of wildlife halls in LA open up once again. of the subject matter, be it sports, fashion, a huge appetite to see blue whales, which how it is often done in comedies, usually photography, remember the welfare of your Cooray shared that he is most proud news, or wildlife. Secondly, you need to before the publicity blitz I led starting in May in a more frivolous, lighthearted way. It subject always comes first. Disturbing rare of the fact that he was able to make the have a good grasp of photography. Firstly, 2008 was also one of the hardest mammals in is by no means dark dramatic, but rather birds and other animals can have catastrophic film and submit it as Gehan Cooray, as for wildlife photography, it helps if you are the world to see. close to a satirical look at certain issues in consequences. Keep your distance, and if the an individual, and when it appears for a good naturalist. Secondly, the skill set has A key element was to understand order to provoke the audience to think. animal does not come to you, or you cannot the Academy’s voters, it will say it is two elements: Technical skills and creative the concept of what I call the “three Es”: get close without risking harmful disturbance, the production courtesy of a Sri Lankan skills. Encounter rate, encounter zone, and Netflix is not an option give up on taking the shot. creator. Technical skills mean you need to encounter time or season. For the blue Cooray has been in discussions with whales, together with naturalists like Anoma Ceylon Theatres, who are interested in understand how to use your equipment and Read the full About ‘The Billionaire’ understand the basics of photography, such Alagiyawadu from Jetwing Lighthouse, I article online distributing his film in Colombo, and collected data on the encounter rate. At the The Billionaire was shot on location he may choose to do that as he wishes as the interaction of shutter speed, aperture, in Ontario, Canada and the cast includes and the ISO (or what was known as film time I published my first international press to share his work with the Colombo seven-time Emmy Award-winning audience. actress Heather Tom from The Bold and He has been adamant in not having the Beautiful and The Young and the it streamed on Netflix prior to a theatrical Restless); Jordan Belfi from hit TV series release, stating that he is old-fashioned Entourage; Davi Santos, known for his that way. He did the post production at ‘BEING TRUSTED... work in the Power Rangers TV franchise; Warner Brothers, and it deserves to be and Randy Wayne from The Dukes of Below are excerpts of the interview. few cousins who are professional singers seen on the big screen. Hazzard and numerous Hallmark channel as well. “While I was studying at USC films. ÄÄ How did you get into art? Music, for me, is a form of therapy, (University of Southern California), I Cooray shared that while it may have I have been into art since I was a child. just like art, but I find more immediate took as many film classes as possible, and won Best Comedy Feature at BIFF, it is My parents encouraged me to draw as well, satisfaction in music than with art because in one of my very first intros to cinema a conversational dry comedy rather than and my father taught me a few tricks of the music can be produced as quickly as it classes, we were told that movies were a slapstick one and that he chose to adapt trade even though he wasn’t a professional takes you to pick up a guitar or any other meant to be seen in cinemas,” he said. Bernard Shaw’s play in a most particular artist. instrument for that matter. This has stuck with him, and once it has way, representing the story of a same-sex When I was older, I wanted to get a job Creating art that is in your mind can had its theatrical run, then by all means he marriage with a focus on asexual persons in a bank like everyone else, but an uncle take time from minutes and hours to days is happy to stream it. who are underrepresented in the media, of mine, who is also an artist but works in a and months even. So although I didn’t Before anything, he wants to have never in the nuanced way that opposite bank, advised me to follow an artistic job. pursue a profession in music, I often try a theatrical release and he wants at least sex marriages are portrayed. Then I went to certain advertising agencies to combine the love I have for music for people from both LA and Colombo to He said he was talking to his with a file full of my drawings, but I was with my art and animation, which is be able to see it first; Colombo being his godmother recently, telling her that the rejected because at that point, I didn’t draw why creating music videos is the perfect hometown where he grew up, he wants his film is “same-sex without the sex part”. digitally and the agencies I went to couldn’t product for me. people to be able to see it on the big screen. use me as a traditional artist. He grew up Catholic, where they have I then joined MTV as an intern, got ÄÄ You’ve just signed a deal learned about chaste marriages where About Gehan Cooray hired as a librarian, and was eventually with Interscope from the it is all about the companionship and Born and raised in Colombo, Sri noticed for my drawing skills and given the there is no sexual intercourse; Cooray Lanka, Cooray completed his education Universal Music Group. Tell that the process is more meticulous and a chance to learn and produce animations for said that as he was adapting the play The at St. Joseph’s College before moving to us more about how that final decision takes time, but otherwise, MTV news, leading me to start my career Millionairess from the 1930s with its very America to attend USC where he studied happened and what you’re both the label and all independent artists in art and animation. sexual characters, he opted to personalise drama and psychology. working on with them? I have done music videos for have been it, portraying the romance of men, and As early as age three, Cooray was ÄÄ What do you do as an artist? Four days after I uploaded the fan- incredibly supportive and respectful of my as he himself identifies as asexual, the interested in drama and cinema, with What defines and influences made music video I did for Eminem’s creative freedom and artistic integrity. This romance of men who are romantically in some of his favourite movies being My your work? Godzilla track, “Interscope”, the record I consider a blessing. Having people around love without the need to have sex. He said Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, and Mary label that manages Eminem, contacted me the world who trust you with your creative his friends would often say to him that in Poppins; while in school, he took part Since I am an artist and animator, about doing more work. They have been in freedom is an amazing feeling. the scope I can cover as a digital artist is his relationships “never escalate into sex”. in the Shakespeare Drama Competition touch since then, pitching various ideas for In my career of 15 years working with The Billionaire, much like a Disney where in 2005, he was a part of the slightly more dynamic than most. I do many of their signed artists. local companies, I am keenly aware that anything illustration-based like comics, romance, is about the connection. It winning production. Interscope is a label that belongs to the this is a privilege that is hard to come by. was about the art of conversation – the Cooray’s interest in theatre and drama wall murals, logos, and brand work to Universal Group and therefore the contracts But I suppose I have earned Interscope’s anything animated in 2D, from simple willingness to spend time talking to has never been limited to just acting, as are officially drawn with Universal Music, confidence in me and their respect because one another at length and in exploring a his interest in music got him into opera. infomercials to detailed music videos and but my work is mostly with Interscope of the quality of my work and my personal even feature films. relationship entirely reliant on dialogue. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2019 and it is an ongoing creative relationship drive to always deliver something better Cooray was also able to incorporate the with a solo concert in New York, with the ÄÄ How does music play into between us. I did my first video for the than the last thing I did. The secret is that I importance and impact of words and how Chef de Cabinet to the United Nations your work? How did you get label in August 2020, for an artist named create for myself as much as I create for the language can truly unite or even divide Secretary General looking on as Chief Smino; we have discussed many more client. people. Guest. into it and what kind of music projects that are in the pipeline. do you do? Read the full He referred to how in the original Read the full The difference in working with a article online Bernard Shaw novel, the billionaire is a article online My family is very much into music, label of this magnitude, as opposed to sexual character whose pride stems from so it is something I grew up with. I have a working with an independent artist, is

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, January 3, 2021 CAUSE SEEKING REFUGE IN DIFFICULT Pol roti and pork curry started it all The story of Street Boss We also spoke to the till about one or two in the In what has become could be seen as a bustling managers of the food truck- morning because everyone somewhat of an urban night market, with major TIMES style business called “Street who may have enjoyed a legend, at the very beginning, franchises like Prima Kottu Boss”, who also shared that drink would drop by here for everything started with a Mee getting in on the similar to the other vendors, a quick meal, and we would couple selling pol roti and action, and more recently, New night market grows in popularity they had a travel/tourism have temporary seating set pork curry from the back of artists and musicians company and were forced to up for them to eat and have their vehicle to joggers on the coming in to perform. at Kimbulawala walkway shut down due to an inability a good time. But with the walkway. Affected by the to pay salaries to their pubs closing up, things close pandemic and having lost weather – some were not ready BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE employees. around 11-12 p.m.,” they their day-jobs, the duo chose to compromise on their evening When they first started, said. to make an honest living to On a rainy Poya day, we made exercise, and the rest were vendors they had some good business, They noted that the first- keep them afloat, and since Even the vendors who our way over to the Kimbulawala who have begun to frequent the and even after the first wave, come-first-served situation then, the venue has risen in start off without that walkway, nestled between the parking lot stretch of the walkway. they had managed to keep up here is an issue, adding that popularity. Starting with the Thalawathugoda Keells and the a good pace. However, with they would actually prefer first wave in early March, many precautions end These vendors are the reason for the second wave, things have if they could pay something the Kimbulawala walkway up catching on and newly opened Bakery at the Lake in the area’s recent spike in popularity, slowed down considerably. to get a permit if possible. has become a hotspot for being peer-pressured Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. with a majority of them having “We come here at about “We would really like a independent business owners As we walked around, we found begun to occupy the area after the into taking those steps, 3.30-4 p.m. because if not, small setup here. We would affected by Covid-19 to first wave of Covid-19. because everyone here is all kinds of people still braving the we won’t get a place to park. really like to pay a small fee come and set up shop. Earlier before the second and have a certain venue, What was once just a influenced by the ones wave, when the pubs were rather than hope for the best couple making sales from following the rules open, we used to stay open everyday,” they said. the back of their car has Wasana Jayasuriya now developed into what A godsend in difficult times Happy Juice by Ishan and Harshi Wijesinghe Another couple that is equally affected by the pandemic and is here to make an alternative living is Ishan and Harshi Wijesinghe of Happy Juice, who shared that they started as early as late March. “We used to have a shop before, but we had We heard about this to close it because of the Nirosha and Chamindra Botheju pandemic. We started place where people have one near our shop first, Ganga Wijekoon and Premasiri Peiris Another couple, set up shop, and we but then we heard about While the night market Nirosha and Chamindra thought we will come this place where people initiative and effort that we has been growing in strength Botheju, shared with us here and do a mobile have set up shop, and we continue this. There really for some time now, we spoke that they started very thought we will come here is no support from the version. Because it with a number of the vendors recently. “We used to and do a mobile version. All we can say is that Government, but we really is fresh juice, it is along the walkway about have a place in Diyatha, Because it is fresh juice, this is really just from are grateful to the fact that sort of perfect for the how they ended up here, and but there we have to pay a it is sort of perfect for the is that they get this area we are allowed to continue whether things have changed our own initiative and fee of Rs. 4,000 for three demographic here. demographic here. People designated for some of the selling here,” they said, since the opening of the effort that we continue days, and that was too People start coming start coming from 5 p.m. vendors. This is because adding that the authorities Bakery by the Lake and the steep a fee for us during onwards, and we stay here there are occasions when this. There really is have not come down on from 5 p.m. onwards, increased popularity of the these pandemic times. We till about 8.30 p.m.” they those who have been no support from the them and have not issued any and we stay here till location. cannot afford to pay that, said. coming here since late Government, but we tickets to charge them for about 8.30 p.m. With a busy workstation so we thought we would As long-time vendors March cannot get a spot staying parked here to sell set up making hot roti on really are grateful to the look for other venues and Happy Juice owners Ishan in the area, we asked them on some days because a their food, which in itself has the side of the road from fact that we are allowed we came across here.” and Harshi Wijesinghe whether they have felt any brand new vendor that just been truly great. “However, the back of their truck, we to continue selling here To secure their spot, they effects from the opening of started coming might have there is a lot of uncertainty.” spoke to Ganga Wijekoon come really early at around the Bakery at the Lake, and taken their spot. “When Ganga Wijekoon and The duo come to the and Premasiri Peiris about 4 a.m. to set up their tent, that this has to be done on an they said the major issue that happens, we have no Premasiri Peiris location at around 1.30 p.m. how they came to be at the and then return once people open flame and such, adding they are facing right now is choice but to move away because during noon, due walkway. “We started at start to come for their that since all vendors have parking. Previously, if they because we can’t really get to the area having no shade, the end of May, when my Ganga said that for walks. taken great care to follow came at 5 p.m., they would into a fight with them – the the walking path is directly husband lost his job due to customers, they get people Running a BBQ place the safety guidelines in have no trouble setting up, road belongs to everyone,” exposed and the sun blares Corona, because the company who come to use the walking with a tent set up, Wasana sanitising and wearing gloves but now even if they come said Harshi. down on you, making it he worked for closed down,” path; also, because this is a Jayasuriya shared with us and masks, people have not at 4.30 p.m., it is difficult Ishan and Harshi difficult to stay outside. As Ganga said. main junction where lots of that the vehicle she uses to expressed any concern. because customers who are quite afraid of the a result, there aren’t a lot of The duo said they put people have to pass either make sales is a rented one She said that even the come to the restaurant park uncertainty because customers either, as nobody some thought into their going to or from work, those and that she semi-prepares vendors who start off without throughout the walking everyday they come to wants to step outside and no business model. “We are customer bases also come in. the food at home and that many precautions end up stretch, leaving no room work hoping the President one is really in the mood to focused on these healthy They shared that there prepares it here to display catching on and being peer- for them. would not suddenly eat. The duo added that it is foods, like beli mal and really has been no relief for in a workstation and attract pressured into taking those If they could ask announce that vendors are hard for them to stay there as kottamalli, and everything is them from authorities, nor customers. She said there steps, because everyone here something from the no longer allowed to sell well, exposed to the elements made from rice flour, so it is can they expect anything. really is no huge income, is influenced by the ones authorities, what they hope there. as they are, “so we try to ideal for those concerned with “All we can say is that this skip the height of the sun and but it has been a godsend in following the rules. She is their health who come here is really just from our own come right after”. allowing them to continue glad for this because if not, for their exercise.” to survive. there is a worry that they Commenting on the would be shut down with health concerns that some concern of a health hazard. may have with the street food She also said that they take concept during a pandemic, care not to mess the place up she said that since it is BBQ, and to dispose of their waste there is an understanding responsibly as well.

A majority of the vendors expressed similar concerns with regard to the uncertainty around the situation, as for many of them, this is currently their primary source of income, and not knowing if they will be banned or shut down at any moment is a constant worry. However, they all shared that the informal nature of it all has allowed them to remain free, and not have to make a payment to any authority, which would limit their income – but there is a general agreement that something is likely to be done about the continued influx of vendors and the growing community in the Kimbulawala walkway. PHOTOS LALITH PERERA AND DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE 4 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, January 3, 2021

A look at marine conservation in 2020 and how we can move forward PHOTO BENJAMIN JONES ON UNSPLASH

BY NAVEED ROZAIS leopards, but there’s much more people livelihoods, from fishing to firewood to but unfortunately they’re not under in the ecosystem. We need to be aware don’t know of and smaller land creatures even supporting agriculture near the coast surveillance and laws are not implemented. of this. It’s like not looking at the ground For an island paradise, discussions that need protecting too. There’s so much from being contaminated by saltwater. We also have a greater problem of marine when you’re in the forest and missing all the on the seas and marine habitats that we don’t know about and need to protected areas being declared with no smaller animals that the larger animals prey in Sri Lanka are surprisingly conserve because this whole thing is an plan and guaranteed funding to go with the on. There is a food mesh and web that starts ecosystem, and we’re not superior to it. nourishment plans, which should include in the sea with plankton and algae, then few and far between. Yes, we’re We’re a part of it, and if we upset one surveillance and keep people out instead of to seaweed and the animals among them renowned for our whale-watching, element, we upset the whole thing.” trying to collar people who are caught. It and higher and higher up the chain. Every and Sri Lankan blue whales are should be a preventative strategy.” organism makes the ecosystem complete.” fairly unique for being non- Marine conservation Perera from Blue Resources Trust migratory, but by and large, marine in 2020 shared the view that chronic environmental conservation in Sri Lanka tends Marshall shared that the year 2020, problems like overfishing destructive to fly under the radar, which is as in previous years, has seen a large fisheries, pollution, and basically poor surprising when you consider that amount of deforestation, including that of management of infrastructure are long- as an island, Sri Lanka’s landmass mangrove forests. term issues that need careful and practical is approximately 65,000 km2 “We have mangrove forests right solutions, combined with other more while our territorial waters amass around the country – something like standalone issues like development activities that are not done properly. 540,000 km2. 15,000-19,000 hectares, which comes to only about 0.3% of Sri Lanka’s landmass, Another long-term issue Perera stressed The animals in Sri Lankan marine which itself has only 17% primary forest that needed attention was the degradation habitats are just as diverse as the flora cover. Mangrove habitats are very easy of coral reefs, the main causes of which are and fauna on land, and just like on land, to bulldoze for aquaculture, tourism, and unsustainable fishing and disruptive fishing charismatic animals like the blue whale commercial development, but we also need methods. garner the most attention, although there to consider what mangroves actually do.” “These things are major issues and are many more species, both large and As much as there has been things are not really changing much. small, in Lankan waters. The country’s In fact, the prognosis is that it’s going marine habitat is vast and needs to be destruction this year, there have to get worse. The reality is that as the properly conserved because what happens also been efforts. At the WNPS, human population has grown, and the out there eventually affects life on land too. we’re working with the Department Government is pushed to increase fishing, In this backdrop, The Sunday Morning of Wildlife Conservation and the the degradation of marine ecosystems Brunch spoke to a few respected marine Department of Forests to regenerate will increase. Similarly, pollution is going We have marine protected areas, naturalists on what the marine conversation some of these habitats to increase because of the absence of but unfortunately they’re not scene has been like and what we can expect management, and this isn’t going to change in 2021. WNPS Marine Subcommittee Chair in one year – this is a long-term change.” under surveillance and laws are Graham Marshall not implemented. We also have a Why does marine Moving forward for 2021 greater problem of marine protected conservation fly under Careful development is key for 2021. areas being declared with no plan Marshall did note that some projects Perera explained that Sri Lanka is not the and guaranteed funding to go the radar? only island nation to have to deal with issues that would have compromised mangrove with the nourishment plans Marine biologist and Blue Resources habitats, such as shrimp farming in like unsustainable fishing and related issues. Trust Co-Founder/Director Nishan Perera Vedilthalathivu near Puttalam, were He also said that we can learn from these Marine naturalist shared that how humanity perceives eventually not passed by the Government, other countries. Dr. Malik Fernando the ocean plays a large part in our which was promising. “Marine protected area management understanding of marine conservation. Marine naturalist Dr. Malik Fernando is overly complicated and bureaucratic. “Humanity looks at the ocean with shared that 2020 saw some concerning It doesn’t involve local communities and Marshall shared that looking a more utilitarian perspective. We see developments like attempts to legalise takes a very top-down approach that hasn’t forward, what we need to do is put our fish as food. Not just in Sri Lanka, but Marine protected area spearfishing, which would target some worked. It needs fresh thinking and needs to heads together and understand the value everywhere,” Perera said, adding that even management is overly complicated of Sri Lanka’s larger, more spectacular be managed based on science.” of our marine ecosystems in terms of as a food source, fish tend to be seen as and bureaucratic. It doesn’t species that are quite diverse. Fortunately, Perera shared that we need to observe actual economic value, livelihoods, lesser animals, with people being more involve local communities and the authorities concerned did not allow at least 5% of our coast as a no-take area climate mitigation, and tourism value. Sri likely to be offended when seeing carcasses this to pass, but no proper attempts have for fishing where fish can thrive and breed Lanka has a national mangrove policy of cows, goats, and chickens but not being takes a very top-down approach been made to curb spearfishing, Dr. before spilling over into fishable waters. as well as scientific resources, and it is disturbed by eating whole fish or seeing that hasn’t worked. It needs fresh Fernando noted, going on to explain that Other countries have done this and have simply a matter of implementing this fish die after being caught. thinking and needs to be managed the importation of spear-guns has been seen greater yields of fish. better. Wildlife and Nature Protection based on science banned, but visitors are able to bring their “Sri Lanka has failed to do this, “As much as there has been Society, Sri Lanka (WNPS) Marine despite having the necessary resources to Blue Resources Trust Co-Founder/Director personal guns into the country. destruction this year, there have also been Subcommittee Chair Graham Marshall Speaking on the ornamental fish do better than we have. We have the funds efforts. At the WNPS, we’re working with Nishan Perera explained that part of why marine industry, Dr. Fenrnado noted that due to and technical expertise. I’m not saying we the Department of Wildlife Conservation conservation doesn’t receive as much the lockdown and reduced demand, this have everything; we don’t have as much as and the Department of Forests to attention as it should is because marine life we need, but we have enough resources to Mangroves are one of the most industry had come to a near-standstill, regenerate some of these habitats; more is not something you see face to face. do more than we have so far. This is why valuable assets Sri Lanka has when it which in theory would mean these fish awareness is needed, and we need to find “What we see are leopards and simple, practical solutions are important – comes to mitigating climate change. would have had time to re-establish their alternatives to doing development activity elephants, and generally speaking, this you can’t take a solution onboard and then Marshall explained that mangroves populations. together with nature. is what people want to see as well. You say you don’t have the tools to implement sequester so much carbon and that Dr. Fernando also spoke about marine “There’s always a silver lining and we have very few people who are interested in it. You take the tools you have and build a they’re 45 times more effective than protected areas, sharing that in major can’t give up hope. As much as there has birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Unless solution based on what you do have.” tropical rainforests. Mangroves also fisheries, you normally have about 10% of been real destruction and 2020 has been you’re a diver or similar, you can’t really Dr. Fernando, meanwhile, encouraged play an important part in protecting our the area that is a “no-take policy” where really bad, there have been good things know what the sea can offer.” the people to be more aware of what lies coastlines from freak weather conditions fishing is not allowed, and fish can fatten too. People are planting trees, certain Marshall added just like on land, beneath the water. “People think of turtles, like cyclones and tsunamis, acting as a up and breed before spreading out in this habitats are being protected. We need to there are various aspects of marine life to sharks, dolphins, and whales, but these buffer of sorts. They are also epicentres for area and into fishable waters. go out there and preserve. If that thinking consider. “We talk about elephants and “We have marine protected areas, larger animals depend on smaller animals is there, we can make a difference.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, January 3, 2021 Health

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA to the government sector where facilities are available. Currently, a Covid-19 A few weeks ago, Sri Lanka made it PCR test must be done before elective into the history books when a team surgeries, and in case of an emergency, a of doctors, nurses, and other health rapid antigen test will be performed. staff successfully delivered four Prevention babies (quadruplets) from a Covid- Pregnant women should follow 19-positive mother via caesarean the same recommendations as non- delivery. We spoke to De Soysa pregnant persons to avoid exposure to Hospital for Women consultant the virus. Women with an epidemiologic obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. history of contact should be monitored Diluk Senadheera who delivered the and if there is a clinical suspicion, it’s babies. always advisable to get tested. Pregnant healthcare workers have additional He mentioned that the expectant mother Dr. Ruwan Pathirana concerns and should be extra cautious, was under the care of a multidisciplinary especially during higher-risk procedures team comprising consultant obstetrician (e.g. aerosol-generating procedures). and gynaecologist Dr. S.A. Ruwan Additionally, the psychological impact of Pathirana, consultant physician Dr. Covid-19 should also be recognised and Priyankara Jayawardena, consultant support must be offered as it’s a time of anesthetists Dr. Saroja Jayasinghe uncertainty. Many pregnant women have and Dr. Harshini Liyanage, consultant The delivery of reported having moderate to severe anxiety. microbiologist Dr. Sawani Athukorala, quadruplets at De Soysa consultant haematologist Dr. Anoma Hospital for Women Take-home message Weerawardena, neonatal paediatrician yy It’s important to take precautions Dr. Nalin Gamaathige, and De Soysa against getting infected by following Hospital for Women Director Dr. Sagarika health guidelines. Kiriwandeniya. Dr. Senadheera explained that the yy Wash hands regularly and frequently mother was admitted to the high-risk ward with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap at the De Soysa Hospital when she was and water Dr. Diluk Senadheera around 27 weeks, long showing symptoms yy Wear a proper facemask of fever and difficulty in breathing. There symptoms are difficulty in breathing are two wards at the hospital that cater (dyspnea), body pains (myalgia), and loss of yy Avoid anyone who is coughing and to high-risk patients, namely wards 15 sense of taste and diarrhoea. However, there sneezing and eight. Pregnant women who become are always exceptions to the norm, hence y Hope amidst pregnancy is considered in a moderate y Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth positive for Covid-19 are considered a priority group for healthcare services. They to high-risk category if complicated with yy Maintain social distancing and reduce follow a Covid-19 risk assessment protocol Covid-19 infection. general community exposure before admission to these two wards. Precautions are taken at yy Early reporting and investigation of If the pregnant lady has a significant the pandemic symptoms contact history from a high-risk area, or the hospital shows at least one of the Covid-specific Dr. Senadheera stated that they yy Prompt access to appropriate treatment symptoms, she is then directly admitted The story of the first quadruplet delivery stringently follow necessary precautions and supportive measures if infected to the high-risk ward, following which to avoid staff-to-staff, staff-to-patient, Your doctors, midwives, and other a PCR test is done. If the PCR test is in a Covid-19-positive mother and patient-to-patient transmission at the healthcare workers care about you and negative, she will be sent to a normal ward. However, with the help of the Covid-19 and pregnancy ward setting. Each procedure has specific your baby. They understand that you will If she tests positive for Covid-19, she will multidisciplinary team, she went on to personal protective gear that protects the feel worried. Take the opportunity to rest, be transferred to Dr. According to the Royal College of healthcare provider. This was attributed deliver four healthy babies (two girls Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), eat well, and maintain your general and Teaching Hospital, Homagama Base and two boys) at 31 weeks. Usually, they to their success in managing and avoiding mental wellbeing, where possible. The Hospital, or Mulleriyawa Base Hospital. If pregnant women do not appear more likely Covid-19 transmission in the hospital would keep a quadruplet pregnancy until to contract the infection than the general medical staff ensures that even if you there are any complications, she will be kept 34 weeks. However, in the face of the setting. As such, they have admitted 137 contract Covid-19 during pregnancy, there at De Soysa Hospital until stable. population. Most pregnant women who are Covid-19-positive pregnant women and deteriorating maternal condition, they had infected with SARS-CoV-2 will experience are guidelines and protocols set in place In this specific case, the lady was to perform an emergency caesarean. The have delivered 35 of them at De Soysa to minimise the risk to you and your baby. kept under watch at De Soysa Hospital only mild or moderate cold/flu-like Hospital. team delivered four babies whose weight symptoms. The most common symptoms Pregnancy, birth, and parenting should since she developed complications. Dr. ranged from 1.1 kg to 1.6 kg, and they are be a happy time for mothers, fathers, and Senadheera went on to say that there were of Covid-19 in pregnant women are fever What should you do if you get Covid currently healthy and well. (40%) and cough (39%). Less frequent their families. several medical challenges they had to face during pregnancy? *The hospital has received prior in addition to her carrying four babies. It There are clear guidelines set forth by consent from the mother and the family to was noticed that there was liver and kidney the Ministry of Health in case a pregnant share details of the birth with the media damage in the mother. Initially, there was I’m very happy they're safe and healthy: Father woman is suspected to have Covid-19. no evidence that the liver derangement was BY VENESSA ANTHONY was completed successfully, I felt an to see them in another two to three Currently, all Covid-related pregnancies are About the writer due to the Covid-19 infection. However, immense amount of relief. I’m very weeks’ time. managed at the hospital setting and they’re The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi as more global data surfaced, now it’s Speaking to The Sunday happy that they're safe and healthy.” “I'm eagerly waiting to see my not sent to government quarantine centres. Sirisena, is a family physician with a estimated that 30-53% of Covid-positive Morning Brunch, Gihan He also shared that his babies kids and wife again.” If their condition is stable, they will be sent special interest in pregnant women can have liver involvement Chandrathilake, the father of the and wife are still hospitalised, The biggest challenge he will to special Covid hospitals with obstetric rare genetic diseases during their pregnancy. quadruplets, talked about his although there are no complications have to face, he said, is in terms of facilities. If the lady is from a lockdown or and regenerative She also had other complications such experience having four children that they have to watch out for at financial management. Bringing up isolated area, her care will be co-ordinated medicine currently as the excessive breakdown of red blood during this time. the moment. The last time he saw four kids is no easy task, especially by the public health midwife who has a working as a lecturer cells (hemolysis) which led to her becoming “I had seen the scan his kids was the day they were in this day and age. He told us that list of pregnant women in her locality. at the Department of anaemic and needing regular blood beforehand, so we knew we were born, which was about two weeks he will face whatever challenges She will then contact the specific hospitals Anatomy, Faculty of transfusions. Later, all these features were having quadruplets. I was very afraid ago. Noting that the hospital hasn't that may come as they come, while and arrange checkups such as the routine Medicine, University of attributed to multi-organ damage due to and worried about the health of our permitted him to see them again as ensuring the kids are brought up antenatal care visits and scans. Colombo, immune-mediated viral infection and, in this babies and my wife. After the delivery of yet, he said he should be allowed living a normal life. If someone who is attending the private Sri Lanka. case, due to a high viral load of Covid-19. sector tests positive, they will be transferred

appropriate to take a timeout. Try to revisit are making themselves available using the issue once everyone is in a better frame online channels to communicate with How is Covid treating your affairs? of mind. clients. A few activities to do for mind Be sure that these days will not last The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped new problems, perhaps leading to Disagreements can tear apart your relaxing: long. We will overcome this virus soon. our personal relationships in unprecedented aggravating existing tensions. family. Always remember there can be yy Humour is a great way to relieve tension “We rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll ways. Fortunately, some individuals turned Aside from the advantages of staying a family member dear to you who is yy Take time to look after yourself the pandemic lockdown into an opportunity in the comfort of your own home and silently suffering after witnessing frequent for self-growth and development, such as achieving your day-to-day tasks, the issue unpleasant family conflicts. Therefore, be yy Connect with a close friend/friends (This article starting a new hobby, completing an online arises with the intense use of the internet aware. yy Listen to relaxing music or a prayer course, etc. and other technological gadgets. This may Sometimes having a mental health was penned by The emergence of the pandemic cause people to suffer from immobility, issue can be invisible. Someone suffering yy Start a hobby Raeesah Adjie. The writer is had led to severe changes in people’s loneliness, internet addictions, depression, with their mental health could still smile, yy Take time to reflect and be thankful for lives. Sudden changes in their daily and anxiety-related disorders. laugh, go to work/school, socialise, and say currently a all the little things. Write down a few psychology routines have made them become passive, Unfortunately, most people do not they are “fine”. things you are grateful for each day isolated, and lonely. Pandemic stress, realise that these lifestyle changes might Remember that you do not have to visiting lecturer pressures of working from home, and affect their psychological health. And they cope alone. yy Practise reading positive affirmations at the American school closures have caused unwanted do not pay enough attention to ways to If a problem bubbles up, make sure to daily (“I love my family”, “I am National College. psychological pressure, leading to an prevent potential problems. It is true that resolve it sooner rather than later. Avoid healthy”, “I choose to be happy”, “I She is also involved in research with increased number of abusive behaviour the “corona coaster” has made people’s criticising, being defensive, stonewalling, choose to think positively”, etc.) an American public health project among families. lives difficult and challenging, causing a lot and acting disrespectfully. These are examining adolescent health, and was If your partner, friend, child, parent formerly attached to the Department According to research on the “new of emotional/psychological issues. Hence, dangerous behaviours which can lead to is suffering on an even deeper level, normal” lifestyle, it was found that solving these issues before it becomes aggravate family disharmony. If you feel of Psychology and Counseling at the encourage them to seek professional help Open University of Sri Lanka) families and couples are steering towards bigger is the best option. the fight is getting too intense, it might be immediately. In today’s climate, therapists 6 the sunday morning brunch CAUSE Sunday, January 3, 2021 2020’S MOST CRITICAL ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE CONCERNS IN FOCUS BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA A LOOK AT SOME OF THE As we bid farewell to a rather EVENTS THAT TRANSPIRED difficult year, to say the least, stepping into a new year of IN 2020 electrifying aspirations is January July almost a given. However, it yy The year started off yy Two elephant calves is crucial to note that we as a with a cold-blooded dog observed in Sri Lanka’s nation should address points shooting in an animal Minneriya National Park of concern that sprung up dungeon Kobeigane, in June are the island’s throughout the course of Nikaweratiya, followed first recorded live twins 2020 before false hopes of by widespread public grounding ourselves into the uproar, with activists August year of 2021. once again pushing yy Conservationist and In conversation with former towards the enactment of former DWC Director the Animal Welfare Bill Department of Wildlife General Dr. Sumith Conservation (DWC) Director yy Sri Lanka ranked first in Pilapitiya estimated that General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, the category of Asia’s the number of elephant The Sunday Morning Brunch Best Nation for Wildlife deaths decreased by 40% during the coronavirus uncovered some key concerns Tourism by Top 10 Asia, an English language lockdown, which started for 2020 and what needs to be magazine published in March and officially focused on in 2021. in Malaysia, the High ended in June (first Covid Below are excerpts of the Commission of Sri Lanka wave) interview. in Kuala Lumpur yy The President instructs to yy Experts warn that Sri find a sustainable solution ÄÄ What are the most Lanka is facing a climate to human-elephant conflict critical points of concern crisis rather than climate within two years, during in relation to wildlife/ change, a meeting to discuss environment/nature, future activities of the yy following alarming shifts State Ministry of Wildlife according to you? in Sri Lanka’s climate The most critical issue of Conservation Protection leading to repeated Programmes including concern in relation to environmental, cycles of natural disasters wildlife, and nature conservation in Electric Fence and including floods, drought, Ditch Construction and Sri Lanka at present, in my opinion, landslides, and cyclones is the apparent disregard of the Reforestation and Wildlife Government concerning ecosystems yy Leopard deaths near Resources Development: and the services ecosystems provide. Udawalawe National A long-overdue resolution It does not appear that the Park and Yatiyantota. of nearly 40 years political authorities comprehend that Former Department of Wildlife Four individuals ecosystems provide services that are Conservation (DWC) Director including two hunters September needed by humans for development. General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya were arrested yy The Ududumbara Police Services such as availability of water, yy Melanistic colour variant arrested three individuals fertile soil, climate control, and and protection of the natural deaths. The conflict is increasing of the Sri Lankan leopard transporting parts of a weather. My concerns about the environment and wildlife. every year, which is the clearest (Panthera pardus kotiya) leopard carrying a severed Even the most short-sighted manner in which wildlife indication that what we are spotted: Black Leopard head and different parts of politician should realise that without ÄÄ According to your conservation is being doing to mitigate the problem is not extinct, states the the beast’s body for sale such ecosystem services, Sri Lanka’s experiences and mismanaged is typified by a wrong. Basically, what successive DWC (17 kg of leopard flesh) development will be hindered. observations, what’s governments have been trying to recent comment made in the yy There is an abundance of scientific the current status of do is to restrict elephants to DWC yy Surges in wildlife Cabinet approval received media by the State Minister, to ban cattle slaughter as evidence which shows that higher Sri Lanka’s wildlife and where he stated that it is his protected areas through the erection trafficking observed the biodiversity of an ecosystem, of electric fences. following the Illegal tabled by Prime Minister environment? responsibility to work for the Mahinda Rajapaksa. “As a higher the ability of that ecosystem I feel the wildlife sector is in This has failed for the last 60 export of 100 star to provide the services needed for people years, but successive governments tortoises and attempts country with an economy a very precarious situation. The based on agriculture, the development. effective management of the wildlife keep attempting to do the same to smuggle 200 live So the rational way to ensure can work if, and only if, there is tried-tested-failed method. This venomous scorpions contribution of the cattle sector (or any sector, for that matter) exceptionally close co-ordination and resource to develop the sustainable development of a country starts with the proper institutional is failing because we humans are is to protect its biodiversity and co-operation between the cabinet and expecting elephants to do what we livelihood of the rural arrangements for management of state ministries. But we all know that February people of Sri Lanka is ensure diverse ecosystems exist want and we seem to be baffled yy The Sinharaja rainforest the sector. Unfortunately, currently Sri Lanka is a country where good immense.” for the provision of much-needed when they do not do so. Considering reserve has sustained there is complete confusion in co-ordination among ministries and ecosystem services. For that, we that humans feel that we are the “great damage” due to the yy Three-member committee the institutional arrangements for agencies for the betterment of the need to protect our ecosystems, most evolved species, don’t you construction of concrete- appointed by the President managing the wildlife sector. There country is a pipe dream, as individual which include forests and think that we should realise after laden roads. Construction to find a stable solution is a Cabinet Minister for Wildlife and egos govern the day. This is quite biodiversity. 60 years of failure that we cannot of the Kudawa access to the human-elephant Forest Resources and a State Minister apparent even now in the wildlife Yet, we see that the Government expect elephants to do what we road to Sinharaja has conflict to present the for Wildlife Conservation Protection sector. seems oblivious to the science that want and that we should understand destroyed the natural Action Plan soon Programmes including Electric Fence Unfortunately, the loser in this ensures the sustainability of resources elephants and try to work around habitat endemic species and Ditch Construction, and Re- dysfunctional arrangement is the needed for development. Their them, rather than expecting them to (i.e. bulath hapaya) Forestation and Wildlife Resources nation’s wildlife. While this type of October recent actions of reducing the level Development. work around us? of protection of “other state forests” segmentation of responsibilities may yy Leopard population in According to the Government work for anthropogenic sectors, it Issue II: Institutional arrangements April Sri Lanka, less than by transferring their management gazette, the DWC is not under the from the Forest Conservation certainly does not work for nature. for environmental conservation yy Lockdown imposed 1,000, was shortlisted Cabinet Minister, but under the State My concerns about the manner in There are several government amidst the pandemic as “endangered” on the Department to divisional secretariats Minister. While overall wildlife so that land could be used for which wildlife conservation is being institutions tasked with a mandate has a positive turn for IUCN (International conservation policy-making remains mismanaged is typified by a recent to ensure Sri Lanka’s biodiversity wildlife in areas with Union for the development; other examples of with the Cabinet Ministry, the deforestation of sections of protected comment made in the media by the and ecosystems are conserved. The rampant over-visitation Conservation of Nature) agency mandated with implementing State Minister, where he stated that DWC, Forest Department , Central and unregulated feeding Red List as early as 2016 areas, promotion of development the policies is not accountable to activities in wetlands, attempts to it is his responsibility to work for the Environmental Authority (CEA), of wildlife, experts say yy Two endangered leopards, the policy making ministry but people. There are several ministries Department of Coast Conservation (i.e. Yala) open public roads within national accountable to the State Ministry. including a rare melanistic parks, and political pressure to permit and over 100 government agencies and Coastal Resource Management, black panther, were killed cattle grazing within protected areas that have the statutory responsibility and Marine Environment Protection May after getting caught to are a few such examples of blatant to address issues of the people. There Authority (MEPA) are a few of yy Rare black leopard traps, within less than a disregard of ensuring the integrity is only one agency – the DWC – in them. It is important that an island rescued from a snare span of a week of sensitive ecosystems. Haphazard The rational way to ensure the country that has the responsibility nation like Sri Lanka has a powerful in Nallathanniya dies. yy Mystery sea turtle deaths fragmentation of such ecosystems, if sustainable development to address wildlife conservation. conservation-oriented ministry since General protocol in olive ridley: Sea turtles determined by political expediency If the minister responsible for the we have a limited extent of land, following leopard deaths of a country is to protect washed ashore on the rather than science, will no doubt DWC thinks that his responsibility is with an expanding population and a reportedly not followed. its biodiversity and ensure beaches of Colombo lead to a decline in the provision of to work for the people, who is there declining natural resource base – it Crowds had been allowed diverse ecosystems exist for to take care of wildlife? should be obvious to all that this ecosystem service. the provision of much-needed to gather around the Short-sighted decisions will model is unsustainable. traumatised animal, November destroy the same ecosystems the ecosystem services. For ÄÄ Within the topic of Strong co-ordination among yy that, we need to protect our even after the authority Volunteers braved a country needs to depend on for the wildlife, environment, conservation agencies would go a outreach pandemic lockdown to provision of ecosystem services ecosystems, which include and nature, what long way in ensuring Sri Lanka’s help push over 120 short- needed for development. forests and biodiversity immediate issues development is sustainable and yy Retired Superintendent finned pilot whales out to are supposed to be biodiversity is conserved. Yet, we of Police (SP) allegedly sea after they beached in ÄÄ Are there any have the conservation agencies shot and killed a dog In the past, the cabinet, state, addressed in moving southwestern Sri Lanka in developments you have forward to 2021? spread among several different that was kept as a pet at Panadura noticed within these and deputy ministers were under one ministries, making co-ordination a neighbouring house in ministry and under one budgetary Issue I: Human-elephant conflict difficult at best. The Government Periyamulla, Negombo yy The status of the Sri sectors or any positive vote. So co-ordination was easier Lankan subspecies turn? (HEC) mitigation should consolidate all conservation among the politicians. But now we agencies under one ministry and leopard (Panthera pardus There appear to be a few positive The HEC is a significant social, June have a situation where policy is made that ministry should have only one kotiya) is down-listed developments in the area of animal political, and environmental issue yy The Prime Minister by the Cabinet Ministry while the mandate – conservation. I am hoping from Endangered (EN) to rights, such as the approval of the in Sri Lanka. Although we have instructs to take prompt DWC and its budgetary vote is under that the President considers this at Vulnerable (VU) on the Animal Welfare Bill. Unfortunately, I been trying to solve this problem action to minimise the the State Ministry. the next cabinet reshuffle. If the IUCN Global Red List of don’t see such positive developments for the last 60 years, we have been human-elephant conflict This is an ideal prescription for institutional arrangements are right, Threatened Species when it comes to the conservation unsuccessful, as evidenced by the a dysfunctional wildlife sector. This statistics of elephant and human half the conservation battle is won. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, January 3, 2021 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 20 DECEMBER 29 Ram’s protection 75 Taken down 31 Mandela’s org. 77 Back on the boat CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 33 Painful sequence 79 Scientist __ deGrasse Tyson Across 63 2020, for many 125 Speed skater Ohno 34 Illuminated 80 View from a hill 1 Movers, but hopefully 64 “I know! I know!” 126 Some fitness ctrs. 36 For a bit 81 Top of a hill not shakers 65 Philly Ivy 127 Hawaiian seafood salad 37 Vietnam War hot spot 83 Like the Texas flag’s star 5 Hawkeye’s title workplace 66 Middle schooler, probably 128 Tolkien trilogy, initially 38 Mogul 84 Baby’s outfit 9 Global warming word 70 Prairie howlers 129 Radio piece 40 Cake level 85 Crowd eruption 13 Stumbling block 73 Collars, as a perp 130 Kindle display 41 Drink mix made famous 86 Rock ending? 17 “Are you hurt?” response 76 Zoom lens? 131 Ruth’s sultanate? by NASA 87 Mountain legend 18 Soprano showpiece 78 Seyfried of “Big Love” 132 Greens in regulation, e.g. 42 Tiger’s target 89 “You betcha!” 43 Harp relative 93 Take over or take in 19 Far from clueless 82 “We __ Farmer’s, bum ba Down 21 It’s not a bear dum bum bum bum bum” 44 Big name in footwear 94 Hypotheticals 1 Tools with jaws 45 Son of Odin 22 Advice to an aspiring 83 Advice to an aspiring 2 Quite big enough 95 Yes, to Yves preacher? ballet dancer? 46 Touch down 97 “Your point is?” 3 Musical deficiency 51 Dance moves 25 Gives the boot 88 Salts, say 4 Got by on one’s reputation 100 Chilly 26 Give a lift 90 Govt. security 52 Nowhere close 101 Finger-wagging sound alone, perhaps 54 Right this minute 27 Finger-wagging word 91 Unexpected mug shot 5 Red Warhol subject? 102 Four Corners state 28 It’s nothing to Caesar feature 55 Olympic skating medalist 103 Skye of “Say Anything...” 6 Canine chorus Midori 30 Star sometimes eclipsing 92 Bring into harmony 104 Fishes, in a way 7 Evil sci-fi order 56 Kermit’s greeting Venus? 93 Exec concerned with 108 On, as Sherlock’s game 8 LOL, verbalized 58 Praise for a torero 32 Esteem to the extreme hacking 9 Used what was available 109 Sanjay of CNN 35 Support for wind energy? 96 “__ girl!” 59 “You can’t be serious” 10 Sheep related to you? 60 Seek the affections of 110 Hägar’s dog 39 Advice to an aspiring 98 First name in supervillains 11 Head of MI6? 112 Film director’s challenge organizer? 99 Advice to an aspiring 61 Rob __ 12 Holy threesome 65 One of a biblical 150 114 Gym set 44 NFL’s Falcons history professor? 13 The one 115 “May I have some 47 Vatican farewell 105 Simple meteorological tool 67 Jefferson bills 14 “Old Town Road” rapper 68 “OMG, a mouse!” tuna, please?” 48 Messy place 106 Treater’s adamant words Lil __ X 116 “My Way” lyricist 49 Fictitious 107 Rap caps, perhaps 69 Ease up 15 PC shortcut key 71 Eastern “way” 118 Wander (about) 50 Dalai Lama’s former home 111 Breaks down 16 Teslas don’t need it 119 Big name in nail polish 53 China’s Zhou __ 113 Cosmic comeuppance 72 Birds that boom and grunt 20 “My Fair Lady” lady 73 Channel that provided 120 Slithery squeezer 56 “Watch me do this!” 117 Devoid of any pleasure 21 Japanese garden fish 122 Bio or chem 118 Aim high coverage of the New 57 Advice to an aspiring 23 Lotto cousin 123 Frenemy of Lando journalist? 121 Advice to an aspiring Horizons Pluto flyby 24 Gulf States bigwig 124 Lab coat checker? 62 Head of MI6? stationer? 74 Respectful singer? NOTE WE HAVE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED SELECTING WINNERS FOR THE CROSSWORD OWING TO THE CURRENT SITUATION. WE WILL RESUME SELECTING WINNERS WHEN POSTAL SERVICES RESUME FULL OPERATIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. STAY SAFE.

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, January 3, 2021 Ello.lk, the new one-stop app for How to block online the best deals In today’s chaotic Facebook, Google, gender-based violence world, rife with or email accounts. virulent pandemics in Ello.lk creates A closer look at what can be done to keep the predators at bay which safety is vital, a medium between people are turning to businesses and “Two out of every 10 young the form of physical threats, sexual innovation to shrink the customer, women, aged 18-29, have harassment, stalking, Zoombombing, time and source offering a unified been sexually harassed and sex trolling.” daily essentials. One platform to publish online and one in two say Specific cases have been need not look any the best deals, they were sent unwarranted documented by media and women’s further, with the promotions, and rights organisations of unsolicited newly launched Ello. discounts to the explicit images,” said Sri Lanka pornographic videos displayed lk app by Synnovatic personalised profile Development Journalists while women were participating Technologies. of the customer. Forum (SDJF) Programme in online social events, threats of Gaining new ground With built-in Co-ordinator Stephanie violence and harmful sexist content, through the advances algorithms able to Lazarus. and “Zoombombing” during video in the information Synnovatic attune to customer calls showing racially charged Technologies With the rise in cases citing technology sector, the Co-Founder Zameer requirements gender-based violence (GBV) and sexually explicit material to app is your one-stop Ahmed within the app, caused by lockdowns around the the unexpecting participants (UN shop for the best it functions as a world, the year 2020 called for Women, 2020). offers and deals in town. marketplace to spot all offers rigorous action in eliminating and related to women being harassed that certain social media platforms “How do you determine cyber “Coping with today’s and promotions offered by preventing violence against women. by their partners through means of do not comply with requests to GBV? If someone is being subjected demands from within the safe vendors in the closest locale. Therefore, 16 days were observed manipulation, using online content remove content by an aggrieved to a form of manipulation or ‘black parameters of the new normal With a vast array of under the slogan “16 Days of provided voluntarily or involuntarily, party on grounds of “lack of mail’ for financial gain or an act is important for our existence. choices, customers have Activism” (1) from 25 November while some complaints cited the use adequate information”. In this case, of revenge in cyberspace, that is Ello.lk, with its vast network the option of locating and to 10 December, under the theme of ‘catfishing’ on social networking it is vital to understand the ways in an indication of violence,” said and attractive offerings, is exploring deals in the vicinity “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, services, especially among girls which information can be protected Wijesinghe. geared for ease of life and and to filter and narrow Prevent, Collect!”. between the age of 14-18 years,” from the get-go. It is important for us to living. Primed for excessive down the search and pin their The aim of the campaign added Wijesinghe. According to Waidyalankara, give more gravity and focus on coverage of multi-faceted favourites. Furthermore, was to create wider awareness, “With the exponential increase the fact that 60% of males in Sri the changing patterns of GBV, shopping, the opportunity to customers are notified of the build networks for solidarity, and of online gender-based violence, I Lanka use social media, as opposed taking into account the growth of source merchants is vast while expiration of offers in due take consistent action to stop and believe we are at a crucial juncture to the female population (especially technology and the global pandemic you decide what works best course, so as not to miss the eliminate all forms of GBV. to develop digital literacy among after considering the country’s situation. MediaCorps Watch is for you within the virtual app,” opportunity to obtain the best On 10 December, to mark our society – especially among population is predominantly committed to providing factual said Synnovatic Technologies at all times. The ever-growing International Human Rights Day our children as they are the most females), is an indication that information to its audience to create Co-Founder Zameer Ahmed. ecosystem of merchants also and to contribute to the 16 Days vulnerable. It is important now more females don’t consider the internet to wider awareness on digital literacy The app can now be includes a number of private Activism, the SDJF conducted their than ever to understand how social be a safe space. and prevent our younger generation downloaded on the Apple App banks which have partnered to first-ever Facebook Live discussion media tools work in order to keep He points out that in his from cyber GBV. Store and Google Play Store publish their credit card offers as part of its MediaCorps Watch these predators at bay. Therefore, opinion, the Criminal Investigation The discussion, the first of its and simply onboarded via to increase customer reach. programme on the title “How to providing education to children to Department Cyber Crimes Unit kind on cyber GBV, was held with block online gender-based violence? know how to set boundaries while does not have the adequate tools to the use of the hashtag #iGBV. Join Let’s UNiTE against #iGBV” (2). stepping into the ‘cyberspace’ is conduct digital forensics to trace the conversation using the hashtag Women in Need Senior Legal vital,” highlighted Waidyalankara. perpetrators, nor the training to on Twitter or any other social media Huawei launches Officer Dilukshi Shanika Wijesinghe He further noted: “Privacy rules promptly conduct these activities platform or send your feedback to and Cosmec Sri Lanka Country and regulations. and the measures precisely. [email protected]. new smartwatch Director Asela Waidyalankara that can be taken against the A report compiled by UN were featured as the speakers of violation of someone’s rights differ Women (3) showed that: “With more For more information, visit www. the discussion that was moderated from one social network service than half of the world’s population ldjf.org, visit their Facebook page and wearables in SL by MediaCorps Fellow Nirasha to another. Steps that can be taken experiencing lockdown conditions MediaCorps Watch, or contact to report content on Facebook is by early April, quarantine measures 0778598398. As the use of wearable smartphone remotely and take Piyawadani. different to what can be done on and self-isolation policies had hi-tech devices such as a photo. Huawei Watch GT2 The discussion mainly focused (1)https://www.unwomen.org/ WhatsApp. Content that can be increased internet usage between smartwatches and wireless Pro supports wireless charging on creating awareness on ways in en/what-we-do/ending-violence- shared on a Facebook group cannot 50% to 70%. As a result, women and earbuds reaches a new high, and when fully charged, and the which women can fall prey to online against-women/take-action/16-days- be taken down as easily as that of men turned to the internet for work, global smartphone brand device can last up to 14 days of GBV, community and government- of-activism a public account. These distinct school, and social activities. During Huawei recently unveiled a typical usage and eight days of level steps that can be taken to methodologies need to be understood this period, users with limited (2)https://www.facebook.com/ range of its high-end series heavy usage. prevent the recurrence of cyber by those who frequent social media digital skills were more at risk of watch/?v=200187191767857 for the Sri Lankan wearable Huawei FreeBuds Studio violence, and the need for discourse platforms.” cyberviolence. Concerningly, this enthusiast. is a pair of headphones with and dialogue around the subject. (3)https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/ He added: “It starts from the resulted in women and girls being Huawei continues to unveil a powerful noise cancelling “Online GBV is the second forum/2020/Files/talkx/Session13/ basic principle of ‘not sharing one’s at a higher risk for these forms of products for all types of system called “Active Noise biggest form of GBV that is brief-online-and-ict-facilitated- password with another under any violence. In this context, women and consumers – from flagship to Cancellation”. Designed with reported in Sri Lanka, out of which violence-against-women-and-girls- circumstance’.” He went on to say girls are subject to online violence in mid-range and entry level. The an omni-directional eight the majority of the complaints are during-covid-19-en.pdf latest additions microphones to Huawei’s system and four wearables lineup high-sensitivity are Huawei microphones Oppo brings back Christmas Singer rolls out Watch GT2 working on Pro, Huawei either sides, the offers topped FreeBuds Studio, headphones cheer amidst ‘new normal’ Huawei FreeLace detect the Pro, Huawei ambient sound with discounts FreeBuds Pro, more accurately and Huawei for better noise Sound X. cancellation. this festive season The new It is highly Singer Sri Lanka Huawei Watch GT2 Pro comes comfortable to wear with its Tee (Pvt.) Ltd. has unveiled a in an elegant and a lightweight Audio Tube (TAT) structure range of seasonal treats to design; it’s no less than a that balances the air pressure its customers during this sapphire watch dial packed in in the ears. Huawei FreeBuds festive season. Walk-in a titanium frame. Watch GT2 Studio makes calling hassle-free customers to Singer’s Pro offers over 200 watch even in a noisy environment islandwide showroom faces to match the style of with its six mic call noise network and customers who choose to buy products the day. It can measure a host cancellation system. It is also via the www.singer.lk website can now avail discounts of metrics in health, sports, packed with a Hi-Fi-level audio up to 25% plus exclusive warranties up to three years weather, navigation, and even chip and professional acoustic on selected products. outdoor planning. For health, components for ultra-wide Through its islandwide showroom network, Singer its metrics are sleep monitoring frequency range, immersing the is also offering gift vouchers to customers to gift (with unique Huawei TruSleep users in a high-resolution audio One of Sri Lanka’s most The session had an Umaria and Anushka their loved ones. These gift vouchers are in different technology), heart rates, Huawei experience. popular mobile phones and interactive format enabling thanked Oppo for organising denominations to choose from and are ideal for gift TruRelax for stress monitoring, Huawei Watch GT2 Pro is accessories brands, Oppo artistes to sing and chat to a programme of this scale givers who prefer their receivers to choose their own and oxygen saturation detection, priced at Rs. 54,999, Huawei recently concluded “O their fans and vice versa. and nature to lift the spirits presents. During this festive season, customers can and more. For sports, it packs FreeBuds Studio at Rs. 59,999, Fans Night” as part of their Two lucky fans, Imesha of friends and fans at a time avail trade in discounts up to Rs. 30,000 on televisions more than 100 sports modes Huawei FreeLace Pro at Rs. seasonal promotion “O Fans and Tharusha, got to sing when the country is gradually and up to Rs. 26,000 on washing machines, and and measures metrics on skiing, 19,999, Huawei FreeBuds Pro Festival” – an evening of fun a duet with their favourite returning to normalcy. interest-free payment schemes. In addition, Singer snowboarding, and golf (its at Rs. 34,499, and Huawei and entertainment featuring stars Umaria and Anushka, While being mindful of offers discounts up to Rs. 15,000 on air conditioners new golf driving range mode Sound X at Rs. 57,999. All these YouTuber Anushka Udana respectively. Imesha and health and safety, the artistes plus interest-free payment schemes, discounts up to enables users to analyse the newly launched products are of Wasthi fame and singing Umaria sang “Pethu Pem emphasised on the importance 10% on hot water showers, and discounts up to 25% swing posture and also provides now available for purchase from sensation Umaria Sinhawansa. Pathum”, which happens of entertainment to recover on Prestige Cookware including free giveaways. data references for improving islandwide authorised Huawei The event was a resounding to be a debut by Umaria, from stress and frustration The www.singer.lk website is a one-stop swing speed and frequency). resellers and are available to success with an overwhelming while Anushka and Tharusha caused by having to stay under ecommerce destination providing customers the Watch GT2 Pro picks up calls order online via Daraz.lk and participation of “O Fans” from collaborated on the hit single lockdown for extended periods comfort of buying products from home and getting and it can even activate the Wow.lk. all over the country. “Merunu Hithe”. of time. them delivered to their doorsteps.

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