PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19 THERE’S MORE TO ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2020 IT THAN HANDING OUT SOME 45,721 3Q20 MADE STRONG LANKA’S PATHETIC DEATHS RECOVERED COMEBACK: NIELSEN LOSS (LPL) 6,989 »SEE PAGE 4 »SEE PAGE 10 FREE PADS THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 217 38,262 UNTIL 11.00 P.M. ON 5 JANUARY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU »SEE PAGE 6 Acid test for ‘bio bubble’ today DETECTING NEW COVID STRAINS Ukrainians at Dalada Maligawa alongside locals BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE exclusively in a biosecure bubble in Ukrainians’ test order to ensure the health safety of The Government’s biological all from the infection of Covid-19. bubble or biosecure bubble Speaking to The Morning, concept will face its litmus Organisation for Protecting the samples not sent test today (6) with the Kandy City Convener Thushara Ukrainian tourists set to visit Swarnathilaka raised concerns over the Sri Dalada Maligawa these decisions and said that the public (Temple of the Tooth Relic) and staffers could also be endangered to J’pura Uni while it is open to local by this visit. “We saw this when local safari BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI that can conduct genome sequencing and visitors. drivers had to be taken to undergo we have not received any samples of the According to Sri Lanka Tourism quarantine due to interactions they had Test samples of Covid-19-positive Ukrainian tourists,” Dr. Jeewandara said. Development Authority (SLTDA) had with Ukrainian tourists despite Ukrainian tourists have not been When queried as to whether the USJP Director General Dhammika the procedures in places, pertaining subjected to genome sequencing, the test had requested for test samples of the Wijesinghe, the Ukrainian group will to the travel bubble concept. We are conducted to identify new strains of the Ukrainian tourists, Dr. Jeewandara said visit the Dalada Maligawa today from worried that a similar situation may coronavirus, as they have not been sent that the university does not make such 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. During this time arise here. We cannot allow this to to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura requests but conducts tests on samples slot, local devotees too would also be to visit the place, as it will not close storey of the Maligawa, they would happen, as the tourists who should (USJP), the only facility in the country if they are sent to them. allowed to enter the temple. during this time,” she said. be maintaining only a four-metre be under quarantine continue to travel equipped to conduct such tests. Foreign media reports from late “Since the relevant officials agreed Wijesinghe told The Morning that distance with the local devotees. everywhere, without even wearing Speaking to The Morning yesterday (5), December 2020 claimed that the on this time slot, we have given during this time slot, the tourists would The Government has maintained, a mask, while it is the people who USJP Director – Allergy, Immunology, Ukrainian Health Ministry had announced permission for the tourists to visit be required to use another route to even amidst severe political and public interact with them that get punished,” and Cell Biology Unit Dr. Chandima the circulation of five new strains of the temple during this timeframe. This enter the temple. criticism, that the Ukrainian tourists he further said. Jeewandara said that genome sequencing coronavirus in the Ukraine; this was will not affect the locals who come However, after entering the upper would travel within the country Contd. on page 2 is a complex process that needs experts in the backdrop of the first group of to operate test machines and interpret Ukrainian tourists arriving in Sri Lanka samples, and such experts are rare in on 28 December 2020 as part of a pilot Sri Lanka. project to revive tourism in the country. New law to manage WHEN GOIN' GETS TOUGH “We are the only facility in the country Contd. on page 2 social media Kantale Sugar Factory BY PAMODI WARAVITA cordial relationship between journalists and the public by preventing any The Sri Lanka Press Council Law, prejudice to the public through media No. 5 of 1973 as amended, which is coverage. to become museum currently restricted to the print media, Speaking to The Morning yesterday, The Kantale Sugar would be amended this year to cover Sri Lanka Press Council (SLPC) Factory, a project which electronic and new media as well, Commissioner Niroshan Thambawita decades ago facilitated Minister of Mass Media Keheliya said that since media has expanded 50,000 direct, indirect, Rambukwella told The Morning at present from print to include both and temporary jobs and yesterday (5). electronic and new media, the law was a huge money spinner He believes this would provide should be amended to allow the SLPC for the Government, increased attention to the mediation of to mediate between aggrieved parties will be converted into a issues that arise due to content published of the public and electronic and new museum, The Morning on social media and members of the media organisations. learns. public affected by such publication. However, Thambawita mentioned that Speaking to The Rambukwella said that, although new media raises complicated issues Morning yesterday the new amendments would not aim since new media does not always have (5), the State Minister to regulate social media, he believes a proper organisational structure. As of the Development that the public must have an equal such, the SLPC has sought advice from of Sugarcane, Maize, The Kantale Sugar Factory has been closed for 30 years and is surrounded by thick jungle and filled with opportunity to respond to new forms the Telecommunications Regulatory Cashew, Pepper, damaged vehicles, machines, and closed down buildings. of media. Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Cinnamon, Cloves, and “While journalists and new media on the methods of intervention in new Betel Production, and Sri Lanka, has been suffered closure by the are given adequate power, citizens media. He added that the SLPC believes the Promotion of Allied closed for 30 years end of 1999. Although the should also be safeguarded in some the Council’s membership should be Products and Export, and is surrounded by factory was reacquired form or another.” expanded to include electronic and Janaka Wakkumbura said thick jungle and filled by the Government The aforementioned law was new-media experts as well. that the Government took with damaged vehicles, subsequently, it did not established with the aim of building a Contd. on page 2 this decision because machines, and closed begin production. the building is in a down buildings. However, the dilapidated condition. The factory was gifted Government is set to “All the machinery and by Czechoslovakia in build a new factory VIOLENT DEATHS OF MONKS the buildings are too old the 1960s and managed adjoining the old factory, to have good production to earn profits for the with a sugarcane plant value.” Government till the nursery of over 500 acres, Asgiriya Chapter Two workers pushing a cart loaded with goods down First Cross Street in The factory, one of 1990s. However, in and restart operations this Colombo Fort yesterday (5) the biggest factory 1993, it was vested with year. pleads for protection PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA complexes owned by a private company and Contd. on page 2

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY to which four persons have been arrested; this came in the wake Cabinet nod to complete ‘Wage hike must not The Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam of the suspicious circumstances Sect appealed to the Government to surrounding the recent death of a ensure the protection of religious Dutch national monk in the South. COVAX Facility application destroy industry’ leaders yesterday (5) following Article 9 of the Constitution holds The Cabinet of Ministers has given to enter the GAVI COVAX Facility, Nimal Siripala comes out in defence of planters recent incidents which resulted in that the Sri Lankan State is duty the go ahead for Sri Lanka to complete which supports low and middle-income the deaths of monks. bound to, among other matters, the second part of a two-part application countries to obtain vaccines for 20% of BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY rubber that greatly contribute “We hereby request the protect the Buddha Sasana. process to secure four million Covid- their population without any significant AND SUMUDU CHAMARA to Sri Lanka’s economy, as Government to provide protection Dhammananda Thera added 19 vaccines under the Global Alliance delay, has to be submitted before 8 January well as companies in the to monks and religious leaders, that the Asgiriya Chapter will be for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) 2021. Sri Lanka has been accredited by The longstanding issue of plantation industry, should be and ensure the non-recurrence requesting relevant authorities COVAX Facility. the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the plantation sector workers’ protected. We cannot take into of such incidents,” Siam Sect including the President, the Following the proposal submitted by eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine daily wage must not be looked consideration just one side of Asgiriya Chapter Supreme Sangha Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, through this facility. at only from the workers’ side, this issue and introduce laws Council Secretary Dr. Medagama Minister in charge of the subject the Cabinet granted approval on 4 January Addressing a media briefing on as that could adversely affect stipulating a minimum daily Dhammananda Thera said in of Buddhasasana, and the relevant to submit the application that concerned Covid-19 vaccination organised by the the workers in the long run in wage – that’s not the way to response to a query by The Morning. Government authorities to pay the receiving of vaccines and the signing of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) the form of job losses, Labour address this issue. Doing so The appeal comes in light of the attention to these incidents during the compensatory agreement with vaccine yesterday (5), SLMA President Dr. Padma Minister Nimal Siripala de will most likely result in loss alleged abduction cum murder of discussions to be held next week. manufacturers according to guidelines Gunarathne claimed that vaccines are one Silva said in Parliament of jobs. We need an in-depth a monk in Hanwella pertaining Contd. on page 2 provided by the Attorney General. of the only “way out” strategies available. yesterday (5). discourse in this regard.” This second part of the application Contd. on page 2 “Products such as tea and Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday, January 6, 2020

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said in Parliament COPE summons yesterday (5) that the Government’s iconic “One Country, One Law” ITN and Ceypetco slogan cannot be applied to the z Mahapola Scholarship Fund, treatment of tourists and migrant No ‘One Law’ CDA also summoned workers. BY PAMODI WARAVITA “Everyone wants a ‘one country, one law’ concept. But we cannot employ the same The Committee law for tourists and Sri Lankan migrant on Public workers. The methods applied to bring for tourists and Enterprises (COPE) back migrant workers are different. They has summoned join society after 14 days. But the tourists four government we bring don’t socialise with locals under institutions any circumstance. They act within a ‘bio this month, in bubble’, a scientific method which involves connection with following a set of guidelines within a revelations made period of time, when travelling. This set of migrant workers concerning them guidelines has been formulated based on in special audit the concept that no room should be left for information was referred to the Committee reports, The Sri Lankan society to contract Covid-19 on Covid-19 Prevention and its approval Morning learnt. from the tourists and vice versa.” was also obtained. During this process, COPE Chairman Speaking of concerns raised by various no one was given special treatment. Sri Charitha Herath parties about bringing tourists from Lankans who were sick and had other told The Morning Ukraine, a country hit hard by Covid-19 urgent issues, however, were given that officials of with over one million positive cases and priority.” the Independent rising, the Minister noted that over three Ranatunga claimed that, to date, around Television Network million Sri Lankans are employed in the 69,000 Sri Lankans have been repatriated (ITN) would be Charitha Herath tourism sector, and that they are facing and pledged that the Government would meeting with COPE various difficulties owing to the collapse of ensure the repatriation of all Sri Lankans today (6), after the tourism industry which started in March who wish to return gradually. which meetings would be held with the 2020 following the outbreak of the Covid- “The number of people waiting to return Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship 19 pandemic. to the country keeps rising. Currently, Fund, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation “We admit there are shortcomings in the around 500 Sri Lankans are being brought (Ceypetco), and the Coconut Development pilot project launched to bring tourists to back to Sri Lanka a day, and discussions are Authority (CDA) on 8, 19, and 21 January, the country,” the Minister stated, adding underway to increase the number of persons respectively. that taking these shortcomings into account, up to 750. In collaboration with the Health “We are summoning them based on the Government will continue to amend Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, all Sri the special audit reports that we have the set of guidelines that was used to bring Lankans will be brought back gradually. received,” he said. Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga tourists. Despite various criticisms and attempts to Herath added that more institutions He also said that around 3,500 persons repatriation of migrant workers, he the involvement of the Foreign Ministry take political advantage of this situation, would be summoned in February, with the in the tourism sector have been assisted emphasised that everybody was treated and Sri Lanka’s foreign missions. These the Government takes the responsibility of schedule being released in the first week through a tourism fund, but the Government equally throughout this process. details were discussed with all relevant resolving this issue.” of February. cannot continue to do so indefinitely and “After closing airports in March 2020, stakeholders in June 2020 with the aim He added that steps are being taken to The COPE looks into the financial therefore, the tourism sector has to be by April 2020, relevant documents with of reopening the country to tourists, and reopen airports for tourists on 21 January, situation of public institutions, as the revived. regard to Sri Lankans that were willing at that time, there were around 60,000 with the aim of reviving Sri Lanka’s Parliament is the final arbiter on matters Speaking specifically about the to return to Sri Lanka were drafted with people waiting to return to the country. This tourism sector. pertaining to public finance, and seeks to uncover whether corruption has occurred.

Contd. from page 1

Acid test... The team was brought to the country on three months. However, this too had not Dhammasiri Thera, who had been Nations International Children’s However, when questioned regarding a special flight and the tour takes place come to pass. abducted last week, was found from a Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the World the concerns raised by Swarnathilaka and under strict quarantine regulations. When contacted by The Morning, cemetery in Kotadeniyawa. At the time of Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and his organisation, SLTDA Director General Yahampath claimed that the Government the abduction, the monk had been staying other financial partner organisations. Wijesinghe highlighted the income loss is already in the process of restarting at a monastery in Kodikanda, Koswatta, Sri Lanka has so far reported more currently faced by the tourism industry New law... the factory but that due to complications Thummodara. His remains bore the signs than 45,000 Covid-19-positive cases and due to the Covid-19 situation. Rambukwella said that an expert that had arisen regarding the agreement of being set fire to. The Police have since around 215 Covid-19 deaths. “If health guidelines are properly committee would be appointed within signed by the UNF-led Government and arrested four suspects in connection with – Hiranyada Dewasiri followed, people need not unnecessarily the next three weeks to consider the the relevant private company, the current the incident including a female and the panic,” she said. amendments to the current law and that Government had to conduct lengthy parents of a novice monk also staying at Meanwhile, the Government announced the amendments would take place this discussions on this matter. the said monastery. A feud has been put ‘Wage... that it would completely reopen all year. “However, we are in the process of forward as the possible motive. In a rare instance of a politician international airports for foreigners from When inquired about the potential turning the coin to our side and starting speaking on behalf of the Regional 23 January and that it is planning to members in the expert committee, operations with a new investor from Sri Plantation Companies (RPCs), de facilitate the arrival of 2,580 tourists from Rambukwella said that they will be Lanka,” she said. Cabinet... Silva emphasised that the sustenance Russia, Ukraine, and other countries in appointed by the Government, with fair – Dinitha Rathnayake Consultant Epidemiologist attached to of the industry must be foremost in the that region to Sri Lanka by 19 January. representation given to experts from all the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry consideration of any solution. According to Minister of Tourism forms of media. of Health Dr. Deepa Gamage, addressing “I, as the Labour Minister, have held Prasanna Ranatunga, the airports “Views from all stakeholders would Asgiriya... the same media briefing said that, as of more than seven meetings, and another are being reopened as part of the also be requested in the coming He said that since monks and religious now, Sri Lanka will be receiving vaccines meeting is to be held tomorrow (7). Government’s plan to kick-start the weeks regarding this matter,” added leaders are a segment of society that for 20% of its population through the At this meeting, we will try to reach a tourism industry in a bid to help the Rambukwella. receives much attention and are treated COVAX Facility for free, in two phases. collective agreement among workers, economy of the country, which has been Ministry of Mass Media Legal Officer with respect, such tragic and untoward “The initial understanding was that trade unions, and employers, with the aim impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. A D.P.U. Welaratne, also speaking to incidents could even give rise to public we would receive these vaccines for a of addressing this issue.” total of 12 locations have been identified The Morning, said that the name of the unrest. concessionary price. But then GAVI said However, he stressed that his intention as places which visiting tourists can Council too would be changed. “If such incidents of monastery- that we will get them for free. This could is to ensure that the workers get a Rs. travel to. They are, namely, the Dalada A Cabinet of Ministers’ decision taken dwelling, meditating monks facing still change depending on the earnings 1,000 daily wage. Maligawa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Minneriya on 4 January stated that the Press Council harassment, or even the loss of life, manufacturers make on regular sales.” He further said that plantation sector National Park, Yala National Park, Horton would be reorganised to cover electronic become commonplace, then it would be The vaccine is to be administered in trade union leaders demand a collective Plains National Park, Pinnawala Elephant and new media, in addition to print media. an extremely unhealthy situation,” he two doses between a 21 to 28-day window agreement when it comes to addressing Orphanage, Udawalawe National Park, explained. depending on the vaccine that is selected. the said issue, as there are various Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Royal Botanical Elaborating further, he pointed out that The first part of the application from concerns regarding the production and Gardens in Peradeniya, whale watching the Government is obligated to look into Sri Lanka was submitted before the 7 production capacity. areas, and Salu Sala outlets. Kantale... such matters as a special duty and act December 2020 deadline and included Meanwhile, when contacted in this “We are focusing on new technology responsibly in this regard. information regarding the target group, regard, State Minister of Estate Housing where we expect to produce around 20,000 With regard to the latest incident, storage capacity, and other technical and Community Infrastructure Jeevan Ukrainians’... metric tonnes from the plant. The current Dhammananda Thera said that they information. Thondaman concurred with Minister The project became a subject of cost of importing sugar is around Rs. 46 would make the same appeal they had The specific vaccine to be selected by Siripala de Silva’s statement, saying controversy when the Sri Lanka Tourism billion, therefore we will try to reduce it by made to the relevant authorities in the Sri Lanka has not been decided yet, Dr. that “wages should not be the reason the Development Authority (SLTDA) charged having this plant,” said Wakkumbura. aforementioned case of the Dutch monk, Gamage said, adding that, however, the industry and sector is killed”. that safety guidelines had been breached According to him, the new factory will which is that since the facts pertaining vaccine selected would have to be one that However, he explained that the present during this tour. create 800 direct job opportunities and to the cases are uncertain, a complete Sri Lanka’s vaccine storage infrastructure wage system governing the tea estates While Sri Lanka has banned travel from provide relief for around 5,000 farming and thorough investigation should be can accommodate. and rubber plantations, which is based on the UK following the detection of a new families in the Kantale area, as it would conducted by the competent authorities to “Our storage facilities consist of the colonial structure predicated on the and potentially more dangerous strain of create indirect job opportunities for them. ascertain what exactly occurred. 2-8°Celsius cold rooms and so far, we number of leaves plucked per day and Covid-19 in the country, Ukraine is yet to “We are in the process of having a Speaking to The Morning in this have the capacity to store the necessary the workers having no right to own land, ban travel from the UK. proper discussion with the company who regard yesterday, Ministerial Advisor and vaccines. Proper cold chains should be should be completely overhauled, as the As a pilot project to revive the signed an agreement with the previous Ministerial Co-ordinator for Religious maintained to ensure the potency of the workers are not considered as Indians but local tourism industry, the Sri Lankan United National Front (UNF)-led Affairs, Ven. Agrahere Kassapa Thera vaccine.” rather as Sri Lankans integrated to local Government has so far brought down Government. The current Government said that when investigated, it was found According to the SLMA, vaccines such society, and therefore deserving of every approximately 700 tourists from Ukraine does not want to sell any public property,” that the root cause of these unfortunate as Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sinovac, that benefit afforded to other societal groups. under the biological travel bubble Wakkumbura added. incidents were by and large due to are in the process of being released to Furthermore, he noted that with the concept. However, speaking to The Morning, personal agendas and reasons. The the market, can be stored in a standard rising cost of living, the daily wage of Meanwhile, Dr. Jeewandara said the Association to Protect the Kantale Sugar way forward against crimes committed vaccine storing refrigerator at 2-8°C. Rs. 1,000 that has been mooted would not university was informed by the Ministry Factory Convener Indika Paranavitharana targeting monks is for the Police to arrest The priority groups that will receive the suffice. of Health that the university would be sent said that this sugar factory had become an the relevant suspects and file legal action initial COVAX Facility vaccinations have “Rs. 1,000 is a politicised number. We blood samples of the Covid-19-positive election trump card which politicians used in courts. been identified, said Dr. Gamage. She said have proposed a system based on the English cricketer, Moeen Ali, for genome every year to garner votes. The body of Ven. Olande (Holland/ that persons above 60 years, persons with out-grower – a revenue-sharing model sequencing to test the sample for new “This factory was used as an election Netherlands) Jinarathana Thera was co-morbidities, frontline workers involved which will give a sense of ownership to strains of the coronavirus. canard to trick the youths. Electoral found floating in the Rathgama Lagoon in Covid-19 control and prevention, and the workers and enhance productivity. I “The Head of the Department of candidates turned this factory into a in December last year. The monk was economically and socially important can understand the plantation companies’ Immunology and Molecular Medicine prospective job bank and promised youths staying at a hermitage in Polgasduwa, categories will receive this vaccination at claim that they built the roads, houses, of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of that they will start this factory and give Dodanduwa. Some of his limbs this initial stage. and schools. But in reality, it is the Sri the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, them jobs, but this never materialised,” were found tied. Although multiple “School students, undergraduates, and Lankan taxpayers that have enabled the Prof. Neelika Malavige was informed by Paranavitharana further added. police teams including the Criminal factory workers are identified under these construction of such. These companies the Ministry that the English cricketer’s According to Paranavitharana, Eastern Investigation Department (CID) are economically and socially important must be held accountable, as many have samples will be sent, but we have not Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath probing the matter, no conclusion had categories. Depending on the prevailing not paid their dues to the Employees’ received any samples yet.” had also visited the Kantale Sugar Factory been reached as to whether it was a case situation, when we receive the vaccine, Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Ali tested positive for Covid-19 upon for an inspection in December 2019 and of foul play or suicide. we will decide how to distribute it.” Trust Fund (ETF). We are of the genuine the English cricket team’s arrival in Sri promised to re-open the sugar factory for In the latest incident reported from GAVI provides the COVAX Facility belief that there will be a positive Lanka on 3 January for a two-test tour. production under a new investor within Hanwella, the body of Ven. Uduwila together with the WHO, the United outcome in this matter.” the morning 3 Wednesday , January 6, 2021 NEWS Sufficient attention given to migrant Acid attacks: Why workers: SLBFE the Penal Code BY SUMUDU CHAMARA AND General Manager and She further alleged that DINITHA RATHNAYAKE Spokesperson Mangala most migrant workers had Randeniya said that in been misled by foreign Refuting allegations most cases, the cost of employment agencies, levelled by certain parties flight tickets is borne by and that they had been that the Government employers of the migrant promised return tickets. needs to change is not prioritising the workers, in accordance She added that private repatriation of Sri Lankan with the agreements into donors and organisations migrant workers stranded which they have entered. have assisted migrant z CPA report calls for enacting new offence in foreign countries due to He added that those workers to purchase flight the Covid-19 pandemic, who leave their legal tickets to return to the BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY and sometimes sealing the Sri Lanka Bureau of employer to work under an country. Acid attacks, also known them, which in turn hinders Foreign Employment employer of their choice, Meanwhile, “Ethera communication, causing (SLBFE) said that the and those who leave Sri Api” organisation as vitriolage, should be severe breathing problems Government is giving Lanka without finding President Sunil enacted as a new offence and internal injuries due to adequate attention to an employer in advance, Handunetti alleged that under the Penal Code by vapour inhalation; chronic repatriating Sri Lankans, may have to purchase their the Government does way of an amendment to pain; and acute disfigurement explaining that the flight tickets. not have a concrete plan the latter, as proposed and scarring that may repatriation process He went on to say: to repatriate Sri Lankan by a research report on leave a victim permanently depends on a number “No one is forced to pay migrant workers, and that legal reforms to combat unrecognisable. of factors, including the for quarantine at hotels. the existing repatriation sexual and gender- The report notes availability of facilities Before departure, they process is a highly based violence. how victims may be at state-run quarantine are asked whether they politicised one that does psychologically affected, centres, and whether are able to bear the cost not involve a priority list. The report was researched facing post-traumatic stress, migrant workers are of quarantine at a hotel, “The Government must and authored by Khyati depression, insomnia, and registered with the SLBFE. and their ability to pay is reveal to the country Wikramanayake with social phobia, and in some The SLBFE made this conveyed by them to the what their repatriation assistance from Kushmila cases driven to psychosis and statement when contacted embassy in the relevant process is, and must accept Ranasinghe, and published even suicide. by The Morning regarding country in writing. Only responsibility regarding Sri by the Centre for Policy Socially, the report an open letter issued by a those who say that they Lankans stranded in other Alternatives (CPA). observes, victims may group of activists, called have sufficient funds are countries,” he stated. It was recommended that be driven into isolation the Liberation Movement, sent to quarantine at hotels. Speaking at a press the offence should focus on due to their trauma and addressed to President “However, embassies briefing held yesterday (5), the modality (the use of acid), may face negative social Gotabaya Rajapaksa, can’t physically check he further said that even rather than any motive which (marginalisation and cultural Prime Minister Mahinda whether they have though discussions were may result in the commission stigma attached to altered Rajapaksa, State Minister sufficient funds, and have held with the Government of the offence, and should appearance) and economic of Foreign Employment to rely on their statement. and relevant officials, also specify what the consequences, such as being Promotion Priyankara Certain people who, before including the SLBFE, perpetrator intended to do to unable to obtain education or Jayarathne, Minister of departure, claim that on several occasions, no the victim with the acid (the find employment. Foreign Relations Dinesh they can make applicable satisfactory decision has use of acid with the intention, Recovery entails the Gunawardena, Minister payments, say they cannot been taken to address this or knowing it is likely, to extensive and often costly of Labour Nimal Siripala do so after arriving in issue so far. kill, torture, disfigure, maim, process of specialist de Silva, and Army Sri Lanka, and request He noted: “Migrant or hurt). The amendment treatment, corrective surgery, Commander Shavendra to be quarantined at a workers contribute around should be sufficiently and counselling. Silva. state-run institution. But $ 7 billion a year to uplift wide to encompass all Acid is relatively easily In the letter, the activists arranging it on such short the country’s economy, and possible manners in which Opium, and Dangerous badly injured over an alleged accessible in Sri Lanka, urged the Government notice is not practical. their importance should the perpetrator could use Drugs Ordinance to include affair she was involved in. In as it is often contained to take several steps to We request those who not be underestimated. the acid to harm another the stringent regulation of another incident in Godapola, in substances used for expedite the process of wish to be quarantined In addition to migrant (including throwing, pouring, the sale and use of acids and a woman and her daughter commercial or industrial repatriating Sri Lankan at a state-run quarantine workers, those who went or administrating in any other corrosive substances. were attacked, with the purposes, and sometimes migrant workers, including centre to convey it before abroad for other purposes, other manner, or aiding and This, the research proposes, motivation being attributed even in common household arranging more repatriation departure.” such as studies, personal abetting the commission of can be done by introducing a to a relationship-based issue, cleaning substances. flights from countries He also urged the public visits, and medical vitriolage, or making threats licensing system for the sale while in Rathkekulawa, a Vitriolage is often where a large number of to refrain from going treatment, should also be of the use of corrosive of acids, requiring vendors mother and daughter were committed by persons whom migrant workers are stuck abroad for employment repatriated. substances in the event there to maintain a registry of attacked while sleeping, the victim already knows, and without an income (the without registering with “The existing is an immediate risk of harm). over-the-counter purchases; with the former succumbing this may in turn result in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the SLBFE or finding an repatriation process has It has been recommended decreasing the potency of the to the injuries and the latter reluctance to report incidents, Oman, Kuwait, Lebanon, employer. a number of issues; some to make the acts of the acids available in the retail testifying that her estranged or to take legal action, due to and Jordan), funding the Amalini De Sayrah of Sri Lankans had to pay perpetrator punishable, market and used for domestic father was involved in the the fear of reprisal. migrant workers’ return the Liberation Movement, twice for PCR tests before regardless of the severity purposes; mandating the attack. The same year saw a With no specific law in using the Covid-19 Relief in a press release regarding departure. They had to of the injuries suffered by periodic declaration of stocks man in Payagala succumbing Sri Lanka to deal with such Fund, accommodating the plight of migrant pay up to Rs. 400,000- the victim (it should not of corrosive substances by to injuries from an attack crimes, offenders may be them free of charge in workers stranded overseas, 500,000 for their return, be essential that the victim businesses to a designated perpetrated by his wife and prosecuted for voluntarily Government quarantine said that pregnant which usually costs around is permanently disfigured, authority; taking necessary domestic aide. Last year causing hurt by dangerous facilities, and giving equal migrant workers are Rs. 50,000-60,000. The disabled, or injured). The measures to prevent theft; (2020), eight were attacked in weapons (which includes priority to migrant workers facing difficulties due to Government didn’t pay imposition of strict sentences introducing offences related Kegalle following a dispute, corrosive substances) or that are unable to pay for their inability to obtain attention to their plight, (including a minimum to the unauthorised delivery leaving two blind in one eye. means, voluntarily causing the quarantine process. medicine and health despite many protests and sentence, and certain of corrosive substances Nitric acid, sulphuric acid, grievous hurt (bodily harm) The letter further alleged services, as they don’t requests.” aggravating circumstances to residential areas and and hydrochloric acid – of by dangerous weapons or that as the Government have a proper income Handunetti also such as the severity of the possession of a corrosive which the latter two are listed means, or murder/attempted does not fund Sri anymore. questioned the injuries, the quantity, or type substance in a public place as poisonous substances murder. Lankan migrant workers’ She stressed that the Government as to why of acid used, which carry with with the intent to cause harm; under the aforementioned The report also pointed out repatriation, some of them Government’s repatriation repatriated migrant them higher sentences) has and introducing penalties and Ordinance as amended – are that there is limited awareness had to pay exorbitant process doesn’t assist workers are required to also been recommended. The fines to address any breach of some of the acids typically among the public as to how to amounts of money for migrant workers in the undergo quarantine at provision of compensation for such. used in such attacks, which respond to an acid attack. In charter flights back to Sri Middle East adequately. hotels, when those living in the victim (proportional to the In Sri Lanka, in 2019, cause the skin, and even the particular, it should be noted Lanka, while some women De Sayrah went on to say Sri Lanka are quarantined severity of the harm) has also four such attacks which bones in certain cases, to that immediately washing the had to even engage in sex that state-run quarantine at their own homes. He been proposed. were reported were cited in burn and melt. This results in acid with water, the moment work to raise the funds. centres are heavily also severely criticised the Another legal reform the report. One incident in several physical disabilities acid is thrown, can help Responding to concerns congested, and that it is Government over bringing thus proposed was the Kaleliya involved a woman including blindness; the minimise aggravation of the expressed by the said difficult to maintain social in Ukrainian tourists to amendment of the Poisons, being attacked and being burning of lips and nostrils, damage. activists regarding distancing at these centres, the country, while migrant migrant workers having which makes it difficult to workers remain stranded in to pay for their own flight prevent the spread of the foreign countries without tickets, SLBFE Deputy virus. any assistance. Mental health hotline Cartoon of the day expanding to all districts

BY PAMODI WARAVITA enable people seeking help to yesterday, NIMH consultant would be able to seek help. easily obtain more targeted psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa People who call the current The current national mental resources from their respective Ranasinghe said that the toll-free 1926 helpline are health helpline, 1926, would districts.” number of interventions able to speak to a doctor at the be expanded to all 25 districts In order to provide efficient conducted via the 1926 NIMH, where they are then within the next three months, services in each district, the national helpline totalled directed to further assistance according to the Ministry of Ministry is planning to train 25,965 by the end of services, either at the NIMH or Health. teams of resource persons, November 2020, an to resources within their own The Health Ministry along initially with five persons from unprecedented increase due to districts. With the introduction with the National Institute of each district. the pandemic. In this light, the of the new service, calls Mental Health (NIMH) would “The NIMH will always need to expand infrastructure would be directed to the expand the 1926 mental health be readily available if the and ease accessibility to resource teams who would helpline to all 25 districts, resource teams need them mental health wellbeing then offer assistance services, covering the 26 health regions, for consultations through around the country is more either within the district or Ministry of Health Director conference calls,” Dr. necessary. would direct the call to the of Mental Health Dr. Rohan Ratnayake added. Dr. Ranasinghe further said NIMH. This would ensure Ratnayake told The Morning He also mentioned that the that although the NIMH is that accessibility to resources yesterday (5). initial infrastructure for the currently unable to respond increases in each district. “Although anyone from expansion is funded by the to all the calls received on the Additionally, the text-based anywhere in the country is able World Health Organisation 1926 national helpline, with the 1926 helpline is also available to access the current national (WHO). decentralisation of the helpline where a similar procedure is helpline, this expansion would Speaking to The Morning to all districts, more people followed. 4 the morning Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Aroshi Nanayakkara (Moderator), Nadeera Nilupamali (Keynote Speaker), Steven Enderby (Panelist), Lakmini Wijesundera (Panelist) Women-led businesses discuss business entrepreneurship 3Q20 made strong during pandemic CIMA Sri Lanka together the pandemic to launch their with women-led businesses contact tracing app which IronOne Technologies and went viral. They also used the ImmunifyMe, along with the web to identify companies and Women Directors’ Forum of the organisations which provided comeback: Nielsen Sri Lanka Institute of Directors financial support and to identify The third quarter of 2020 (3Q’20) witnessed a strong comeback momentum was driven through all Meanwhile, the impact of (SLID), hosted a panel non-traditional players whom from a ‘resilient’ nation just after one of the worst hit quarters in sectors,” noted Nielsen. coronavirus remained the key discussion on “Entrepreneurship they could partner. Highlighting recent times as the key economic indicators showed a positive In addition to this, commercial pressing issue for business in During a Pandemic” to the need for innovation and swing, according to a recent dashboard on Q3’20 released by bank rates further dropped towards September 2020. Additionally, the discuss the challenges faced out-of-the-box thinking, Dr. Nielsen Company Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. August 2020 while the exchange rate magnitude of the impact of interest by entrepreneurs and startup Nilupamali said that a crisis stabilised. The Index of Industrial rates had also gone up. Although the companies during the current also provided opportunities to According to the dashboard, the able to save $ 3.3 billion in the first Production (IIP) was stable after a state of personal finance and time to pandemic, recently. succeed by re-evaluating and business and consumer sentiments 10 months of 2020. This was also quick rebound post the first wave buy in still remain bleak, sentiments The keynote address was switching priorities to suit the picked up and the General Trade underpinned by the sharp reduction lockdown. A drop in official reserves on job prospects had gone up in delivered by Dr. Nadeera situation. Forging alliances recorded a V-shaped recovery. in world oil prices, according to was witnessed in September after a September 2020. According to Nilupamali PhD, a virologist, with competitors and working Furthermore, it noted that Sri Lanka’s Nielsen. gradual increase in the past months. Nielsen, consumers are planning to immunologist, epidemiologist, closely with them was also a tradeGDP deficit narrowed, REBOUNDS driven by “SriPOST Lanka’s GDP A growth SHARP AmidstDROP the rise in infected cases save more in the future; however, and Co-founder of Sri Lankan strategy used by ImmunifyMe the ongoing restrictions on imports. rate moved back to the positive during the second Covid-19 wave, they are also willing to spend healthcare technology startup during the crisis. They also AccordingSri Lanka’s to the GDP Central growth Bank rateof movedterritory back in Q3’20to the post positive one of theterritory businessin Q3’20 and post consumer one of sentiments the sharpest on drops children in recentand committed times. to The ImmunifyMe. Launched in used the time that was freed by Srimomentum Lanka, the country was hasdriven been through sharpest all sectors. drops in recent times. The dropped in October 2020. improving living standards. 2017, ImmunifyMe has broken working from home to make geographical boundaries to improvements to their products, enter many markets worldwide. conform to higher international SRI LANKA TOTAL GDP GROWTH RATE % SRI LANKA GDP GROWTH RATE BY SECTORS % Dr. Nilupamali took the standards which is crucial (VS SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR) (VS SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR) opportunity to highlight the for success in the healthcare

challenges they faced as a marketplace, employee training, 15.5% 2018 2019 Q3 2020 young startup company in a insourcing some outsourced 10.6% 11.0% globally competitive healthcare work to reduce costs, 10.3% 9.6% 9.1% 9.1% 7.5% 6.6% 6.5% technology market and the researching and finding new 4.8% successful strategies they used markets, etc. Concluding her 3.8% 3.7% 2.5% 1.9% to steer the company through keynote, Dr. Nilupamali stated the pandemic. The eminent that any adversity or problem 3.2% 3.6% 3.2% 3.7% 4.0% 3.9% 3.5% 3.7% 2.0% 4.6% 1.8% 1.6% 2.7% 4.3% panel included Ironwood can be overcome as a team with -1.7% 1.5% Capital Partners Chairman continuous dedication. 3.3% Steven Enderby and IronOne Panelist Steven Enderby, 2.7% Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. and sharing his thoughts on -16.1% 2.3% 2.3% 2.1% BoardPAC Co-founder and how large companies keep -16.3% 1.5% 1.2% CEO Lakmini Wijesundera. innovating themselves, said that 0.6% 0.6% The session was moderated crises often create the required by SLID Vice Chairperson, impetus for large established Q1'17 Q2'17 Q3'17 Q4'17 Q1'18 Q2'18 Q3'18 Q4'18 Q1'19 Q2'19 Q3'19 Q4'19 Q1'20 Q2'20 Q3'20 Global Consulting Company organisations to change Total GDP Agriculture (7%) Industries (26%) Services (57%) CEO, and Sampath Bank PLC processes, structures, and Constant Prices (2010) Nominal and Hela Clothing (Pvt.) Ltd. strategies built over decades Independent Non-Executive which had brought success over GROWTH RATE AT CONSTANT PRICES – 2010, Director Aroshi Nanayakkara. the years. GROWTH RATE AT CONSTANT PRICES – 2010 FIGURES IN BRACKET INDICATE CONTRIBUTION OF SECTOR TO GDP IN THE PERIOD JAN-DEC 2019. “Over three million children “One of the reasons why REMAINDER IS ‘TAXES LESS SUBSIDIES’ die every year all over the world great businesses do not survive due to vaccine preventable is because they are reluctant Source: Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka, Last update December 2020 with revisions diseases. One of the main to change. A crisis such as this reasons for this appallingly pandemic drives change as Copyright 2019 © The Nielsen Company LLC. (US), Confidentialand Do proprietary. distribute.not 5 high number is that we use there is no other option than a 70-year-old paper-based to change in order to continue vaccination record which to service the market and ComBank introduces results in the inability of the customers. What was done WEBXPAY policymakers to make critical last year will not hold good decisions in a timely manner. anymore. One needs to find ImmunifyMe is a cloud-based different routes to the market. celebrates fifth ‘e-slips’ mobile app ecosystem which digitises the Furthermore, in these types of immunisation record-keeping environments, leaders should Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently themselves, activate their app after process, thereby bridging the strive for long-term structural launched a new app that generates receiving a one-time password (OTP), and immunisation gap and has won change. One of the reasons that anniversary “e-slips”. Cash and cheques can now begin their slip-less deposits. Whenever many international awards and I found really liberating within WEBXPAY, an on-boarded 1,000 be deposited paper-free into current or an e-slip is created, the app generates grants, including the prestigious the pandemic environment was internet payment merchants in two savings accounts at Commercial Bank a QR code which can be shown at the GAVI Influencer Award that all of a sudden there is no gateway provider years of setting up outlets. The Commercial Bank e-slip app bank counter when cash is handed over. which is the World Health time for arguments and those completes five years operations. By June enables customers to create electronic After making a cheque deposit via the Organisation Global Vaccine endless meetings about why we of operations this 2018, it had entered deposits on their smartphones in respect e-cheque app, the customer or their agent Alliance,” said Dr. Nilupamali. cannot change. You’ve just got month. Established in into partnerships with of cash and cheque deposits. is required to deposit the original cheque “We are facing unprecedented to get on and do it,” he added. December 2015 with four leading local The app can be downloaded free of in a designated “Drop Box” at the nearest times during this pandemic Speaking on the need for the motto “We don’t commercial banks, charge from the Apple App Store or branch within three days. The customer’s which poses great challenges innovation during a pandemic, dream about success, which linked their Google Play Store, compatible with both app will be updated with the status of and threats to entrepreneurs and Lakmini Wijesundera said: we work for it”, the base of customers to Android and iOS-powered smartphones the cheque when the bank submits it for their organisations. However, it “Innovation is any kind of fin-tech has garnered the benefit offered by and devices. The app is operable in clearing. is important to note that every difference or change, so we 2,000 merchants and WEBXPAY’s digital English, Sinhala, and Tamil. The bank Customers can only deposit one cheque crisis brings about unique had to do a lot of changes. To processed over Rs. 3 platform. noted that anyone with the app can now per transaction via the e-cheque app at a opportunities too. Entrepreneurs survive we could not go with billion in transactions WEBXPAY went support its green initiative by eliminating time, although any number of transactions need to focus and understand the same customers: They by the year-end. on to launch XWallet the paper and envelopes used in the can be submitted in a day. Cheques the opportunities that are lying started thinking differently Incorporated in 2015, in July 2020, which standard deposit process. up to the value of Rs. 2 million can be ahead. With the onset of the and wanted different things WEBXPAY made a empowered merchants After downloading the ComBank deposited through the app. Customers are pandemic, we identified three and competitors came out splash in the market to expand to 13 e-slips app, users can simply self-register also required to state the purpose of the main roadblocks. First and with new products and back in April 2016, with payment options. In transaction in the app when depositing foremost, we were unable to features. Innovation should the aim to enable small July 2020, WEBXPAY cheques with a value of over Rs. 200,000 travel for in-person meetings be continuous even during a and medium enterprises introduced its mobile to a savings account or above Rs. 500,000 which is the most effective. pandemic. In the absence of (SMEs) to enter into the app, Xpos – a to a current account. The second was the difficulty innovation, competitors will sphere of e-commerce mobile application When cheques are deposited via the in pitching for a product/ catch up and overtake you. So, at an affordable for merchants that app for utility bill payments, Commercial service that requires live product-wise, we innovated. cost without facing offers access to check Bank credit card payments, or to accounts demonstration. The third was Also, our sales and marketing significant barriers. transaction history, with special narrations, it is mandatory natural delays occurring due to footprint expanded during the Within three months, refund customer to state such details on the reverse of the the unavailability of tangible pandemic to countries that in June 2016, 100-plus payments, generate cheque prior to scanning it. The depositor material. This was a disaster we never targeted, with client merchants signed up in invoices, and send links is also required to type in the narration in for a new product line since we inquiries flowing in.” its journey to contribute to make payments. the space provided in the app for it to be were unable to pitch effectively Reaching out to to financial inclusion Despite the pandemic processed. to global clients,” she added. entrepreneurs, she added: and inclusive growth in situation prevailing in The e-receipt generated after a successful As a workaround to reach “The pandemic struck us at a Sri Lanka. WEBXPAY the country, WEBXPAY transaction will include a QR code and a global clientele, ImmunifyMe time that we were growing. in January 2017 achieved a billing of reference number, and will be saved in the reached out to local embassies We did not expect not to be concluded discussions Rs. 2.5 billion within app with the image of the relevant cheque and consulates for their able to meet our clients face to with the Central Bank five years of operations for a period of three months. support which proved to be face, which is preferred by our of Sri Lanka to operate in the digital payment In 2019, Commercial Bank was very encouraging, making audience. However, we have without any disruption. space by September presented the “Excellent Green headway with many potential overcome this challenge and it By May 2018, and went on to expand Commitment Award” for the banking assignments with many more has been an interesting journey. WEBXPAY recorded to Rs. 3 billion to sector by the Green Building Council of in the pipeline. ImmunifyMe It is just a matter of focusing Rs. 500,000,000 worth complete the year Sri Lanka (GBCSL) in acknowledgement also took advantage of the on what you like to do and of transactions and 2020. of the bank’s progress in eco-friendly trend of people turning in their enjoying it. Saddle up for some operations. masses to online media during hard but enjoyable work.” the morning 5 Wednesday, January 6, 2020 INSIGHT/CORPORATE ‘Koach’ to accelerate gameplay

From left: Koach Co-Founder/Head of Product Strategy Kamila Amarasinghe, CEO/Co-Founder Tariq Cassim, and Oensys Capital Founding CEO Faiq Faaiz KNOD, a technology plan their game strategically, firm based in Singapore, providing real-time data recently launched “Koach”, that accelerates individual Why and how SL a collaboration tool to uplift performance levels. We spent the gameplay for sports clubs countless hours talking to globally. coaches, players, and parents Koach enables everyone to really understand their to collaborate and learn requirements and ensure we intuitively with content have addressed them via customised according to each Koach. This has given us should develop the player’s profile. Focusing on insights to come up with a next-generation gameplay much more immersive user techniques, coaches and experience and interface (UI/ admins can push out new UX), which is very different content via video, podcast, from any other platform out or traditional material such in the market at the moment,” plantation sector as documents. Koach also stated Co-Founder and Head has a built-in e-assessments of Product Strategy Kamila BY JAYAMPATHY MOLLIGODA they can durably lift their rate of total quality management and among the schoolchildren and module that can be used to Amarasinghe. productivity growth. Sri Lanka productivity enhancement. The increase in alcoholism in estates enhance engagement from KNOD is a subsidiary According to generally must take a bold decision in order writer is of the view that the Estate management to provide compliance to certification of Oensys Capital, a accepted economic to reverse the negative trend of potential to earn higher foreign more opportunities to have and track every individual professional tech services and theories and their practical underinvesting in access to quality exchange and net financial returns access to participate in sports and player’s progress through platform operating company application, boosting education and skills development. through the optimum utilisation of recreation, social clubs, training data-driven analytics. established in 2018, with economic growth has been The Commission called on resources, environmental resources centres for cultural activities (i.e. Koach CEO and clients across the US, Europe, seen as the best way to create countries to build a universal including human resources have dance, yoga, music, singing) Co-Founder Tariq Cassim Australia, and Singapore, framework to support lifelong not been harnessed properly. Providing access to banking remarked: “Regardless of the covering agriculture, job opportunities and raise learning, including stronger and Consequently, the role of the facilities for continuing higher economy, sports is a lifestyle education, and healthcare living standards of people. better-financed labour market “conventional large plantations” is studies and efficient public which gives everyone the domains. However, the growth is training and a universal social gradually becoming insignificant, service to obtain identity cards, chance to make friends and Oensys Capital Founding decelerating in Europe, the protection floor. other players thus becoming major passports, driving license, etc. have fun, and is a foundation CEO Faiq Faaiz said: “Our US, China, Japan, and other Secondly, governments, together contributors to foreign exchange Estate management would arrange to learn. The learning vision for Koach was always leading economies, as the with employers’ and workers’ earnings and employment creation. providing educational and training aspect will be relevant for to have a global impact. International Monetary Fund organisations, should upgrade There is a need to migrate into a facilities for the “household cash many decades, despite the Singapore was a natural place (IMF) and World Bank recently national rules and institutions new economic and business model management system” in families generation gap. Bridging this to set down a global product highlighted by revising their global relating to work. These influence aligning with national economic Redesignating their jobs – concept with new technology considering its infrastructure forecasts substantially downward. the quantity and distribution of job and social wellbeing priorities, for example, pruning machine is what Koach is all about.” and governance that would be Sri Lanka is no exception. opportunities and compensation, whilst making reasonable financial operators, mechanised male He further stated that vital as we expand and scale Furthermore, development and thus the level of purchasing returns for the businesses on a harvesters, etc. – without treating KNOD wants Koach to be our presence. We continue economists and social scientists power and aggregate demand sustainable basis. them as a “laborer”. Hold national- a learning and collaborating to get good traction for the know that economic growth within the economy. All workers, It has become necessary level competitions to motivate tool without losing the core product and are excited to alone is not enough to reduce the regardless of their contractual to promote “high-quality” productive employees to recognise purpose of having fun in the be a part of the US Soccer increased inequality and insecurity arrangement or employment plantations, improve sustainable their expertise and talent process. Convention 2021 in January, accompanying the transformation status, would enjoy an “adequate agricultural practices such as By empowering estate youth, we “We wanted to build an where clients in the US will of work. Moreover, high debt living wage” as defined in the the use of precision agriculture could meet their aspirations, solve easy, hassle-free tool which get hands-on experience of levels, low ratio of exports to GDP, International Labour Organisation’s technology, reducing chemical their problems including youths’ enables coaches to build and Koach.” vulnerability of our traditional (ILO) founding constitution 100 fertilisers, protecting biodiversity, habit of purchasing three-wheelers export of textile and garments, years ago, as well as health and technological advancements in with their parents’ provident fund, foreign exchange from travel and safety protection at work. manufacture, etc. gratuity money without thinking tourism revenue, etc. have left Thirdly, countries should increase The Government could about other job opportunities to policymakers with fewer traditional public and private investment in provide necessary incentives improve quality of life, etc. NSB welcomes tools to stimulate the economy. labour-intensive economic sectors and encouragement in the that generate wider benefits for following two important areas of Way forward – inclusive Inclusive growth models society. As for the Sri Lankan developmental activities: growth model and labour-intensive the new year situation, these include the tea, Moving up in the global value A decade ago, leaders of G20 industries rubber, and coconut plantation chain in core crops such as tea countries pledged to build a more Since we have to live with sectors; the rural economy; and and rubber, and/or diversification balanced and sustainable growth the Covid-19 pandemic, the education and training. into other crops such as cinnamon, model that embodied lessons Government would now look at it coconut, coffee, commercial from the economic imbalances slightly differently and focus more Developing the plantation forestry; other fruit and vegetable and policy mistakes of the past. on livelihood development and sector – extracting a gold cash crops must be encouraged by According to ILO studies, the better equipping their employable mine the authorities world has since made little progress workforce and its people. We need The Sri Lankan plantation Youth/worker empowerment towards realising this goal. But the to navigate the world of work in an sector has tremendous potential through skill and career path it must take is clear: Sustained, age of rising automation, stagnant in contributing to the national development to mitigate labour increased investment in people’s wages, and greater part-time/ economic growth and enhancing shortage and deploy youth on capabilities, purchasing power, job temporary employment, thereby the purchasing power of the people. productive work opportunities, and above all, we effectively boosting inclusive Due to concerns on declining As for the second point, it is must have “inclusive” economic growth and economic development tea and rubber production, we important to ensure “dignity” for institutions. to improve the purchasing power of need to focus more on sustainable the estate youth and smallholders. The Chinese success story and Chanting of pirith and anushasana for the new year the working population. agricultural practices and other This could be done by empowering the contrast of South and North National Savings Bank general managers, senior The International Labour development programmes of them by providing opportunities Korea as well as of the US and (NSB) ceremoniously management, and the entire Commission recommended three estates through the infusion of and many facilities such as: Latin America illustrate a general commenced the first working staff of the head office. practical steps – all of which increased investments/management Creating additional monthly principle. Inclusive economic day of 2021 at its head office Peiris commented on involve investing more in people inputs in order to implement an income sources for estate youth institutions foster economic activity premises in Kollupitiya, the success the bank – which countries can take to accelerated programme for the in areas such as dairy farming, and productivity growth. Sustained Colombo during the morning achieved despite a year improve social inclusion and purposes of increasing raising fruit and vegetable, horticulture, economic growth is always hours. The event began with full of challenges in 2020. economic growth simultaneously. planting materials; establishing compost manufacturing plants, tree accompanied by technological the chanting of pirith and Jayawardena thanked the staff Investing more in people is not only nurseries, model tea gardening planting, many other vocations and improvements that enable people anushasana by the clergy of for their tireless efforts in the essential to strengthen countries’ with drip irrigation, mechanisation, interesting jobs to earn money, and (labour), land, and existing capital Maha Sangarathne, followed previous year and mentioned social contracts with citizens at a and appropriate technology; providing vocational training for to become more productive. by invoking blessings by the the new innovations to be time of rapid technological change, undertaking replanting, crop landscaping and gardening, chefs, The plantation industry in clergies of Christian, Hindu, introduced in 2021 that but can also form the basis of a diversification, agroforestry; etc. drivers, security, sales reps, etc. Sri Lanka could also follow and Islamic religions. would cater to the customers new, more “people-centric” growth It appears that the plantation The Government could provide this inclusive growth model to The occasion was graced more effectively. She also and development model that may industry – presently owned qualified teachers for science and create job opportunities and raise by NSB Chairperson Keasila emphasised the need for the be the best hope for sustaining the and managed by state-owned computer studies and schools to living standards of people. The Jayawardena, Director collective effort of the staff for economic development. institutions, RPCs, and tea and have science labs and technical and Government and private sector Jayantha Perera, General the betterment of the bank and Firstly, countries should increase rubber smallholders – has not been vocational training classes, standard stakeholders must initiate a Manager/CEO Ajith Peiris, the country in the future. public and private investment able to adapt mitigating strategies library facilities, knowledge and dialogue without delay. Senior Deputy General NSB would like to wish its in their peoples’ capabilities, for resilience to climate change interest in “scout services”. This (The writer is the Chairman of Manager K. Ravindran, and customers, stakeholders, and which is the most important way effects to practise integrated will even eliminate use of drugs the Sri Lanka Tea Board) saw the presence of deputy all Sri Lankans a happy and general managers, assistant prosperous new year. 6 the morning Wednesday, January 6, 2020

Emma Stone is pregnant Thought for The 32-year-old actress, Emma Stone, is expecting her first child the day with her husband Dave McCary. Stone Life is a series was seen walking in Los Angeles on 30 of moments, and December with a friend while cradling her forever is a series baby bump, in photos obtained on of lives. Monday (4) by Daily Mail. – Bill R. Path The Oscar winner and Saturday Night Live segment director, 35, tied the knot last year.

to hear that waste disposal We reached out to too may be looked at in The Arka Initiative Head this manner. of Mentors Dr. Rashmira brunch It was also noted Balasuriya to share her that this drive may be the thoughts on some of perfect opportunity for the the challenges that the Government to increase Ministry of Education education and awareness may face in terms of on sexual and reproductive distribution, and to health, as it is important share her experiences in to teach our girls even having carried out similar little things, like how long projects. you should be wearing a A menstruating female She stated that they sanitary napkin, how to will on average use 15-25 are glad that the Sri dispose of it hygienically, sanitary napkins every month. Lankan Government what to do if there are has realised the impact PHOTO © ANNIKA GORDON ON UNSPLASH We hope the Government takes bad odours, etc., and this this into consideration when of period poverty on initiative could be the first providing sanitary napkins school girls and has step towards those inroads, for all school girls and also taken the initiative to i.e. to provide for that ensures the distribution consider providing There’s more to it than awareness. occurs islandwide reaching sanitary napkins free While the Sri all school girls of charge for them. In Lankan Government is The Arka Initiative terms of statistics, she yet to embark on this referenced the study Head of Mentors initiative, there have been carried out in 2014 by handing out some organisations around the Dr. Rashmira Balasuriya the UNICEF (United island that have been Nations’ Children’s carrying out the distribution of free sanitary Fund) KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, and products for some time now. One such Practices), which found that at least 37% organisation is The Arka Initiative, which of girls miss one-two days of school each has been providing reusable sanitary month due to their period – which shows pads to underserved women in Sri the direct impact period poverty has on Lanka coupled with comprehensive school education. She added also that sex education to children. poor menstrual hygiene increases the risk free pads of reproductive tract infections. In terms of what to expect from BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE the importance of making sure The fact that the Government the administrative front, she said: these sanitary napkins are of is addressing the importance “When providing sanitary napkins, it is It was recently announced that the Ministry of Education is planning to high quality and carrying of making sure these important that the Government provides provide free sanitary napkins to approximately 800,000 schoolchildren out distribution under the sanitary napkins an adequate number of sanitary napkins for each school girl around the country. On through a three-stage project in 2021 as part of the Ministry’s Health and advice of the Government are of high quality Medical Officers’ and carrying out average, the menstrual cycle lasts between Nutrition Programme, with priority to be given to schoolchildren in rural Association (GMOA), is four to seven days every month. areas. distribution under the encouraging.” advice of the GMOA, A sanitary napkin must be changed According to Ministry of Education disposal, and safe use of sanitary napkins. Additionally, is encouraging every four to six hours depending on Media Secretary Buddhika Wickramadara, Addressing these areas, which referring to the fact Former Advocata the flow of menstrual blood. Hence, a priority is being given to rural schools arguably go hand in hand with menstrual menstruating female will on average use that the Ministry is also Institute Assistant because they face greater issues in terms of health, we reached out to former Advocata looking into building 15-25 sanitary napkins every month. Manager – Research affordability and accessibility of sanitary Institute Assistant Manager – Research period-friendly toilets, We hope the Government takes this napkins. Communications Anuki Premachandra, who she noted that it is a huge Communications into consideration when providing Whilst the decision the Ministry was part of the research conducted by the step in the right direction, Anuki Premachandra sanitary napkins for all school girls has taken is admirable, when it comes to independent policy think tank on taxes on as opposed to looking at and also ensures the distribution occurs sanitation, there are additional elements to be sanitary napkins in Sri Lanka. She shared: disposal and sanitation islandwide reaching all school girls,” addressed including the distribution process, “The fact that the Government is addressing only. It is encouraging concluded Dr. Balasuriya.

BY VENESSA ANTHONY

Diving has been part of Sri Lankan life since antiquity when pearl fisheries on the northwestern and southern coastal belt played vital roles in the economies of various kingdoms. But it was not until this The secrets of the sea decade, following the end of the civil war, The underwater cave system that recreational diving with scuba gear About three years ago, Jayawardena began to take off. Darshana Jayawardena, a Darshana Jayawardena on stumbled upon an undiscovered underwater technical scuba diver with an avid interest cave system in Nil Diya Pokuna, located in in underwater exploration, has mapped out Ella. After he obtained his certification in many shipwrecks all over Sri Lanka with his cave diving, he surveyed the area and once experience in diving. He has been diving for exploring shipwrecks he had it mapped out, he dived into the cave the last 18 years, exploring system. To get to Nil Diya shipwrecks around Sri Lanka Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, these bells on these shipwrecks, which he that usually, the crockery in Pokuna, one needs to hike and all around the world and and many more. named as his proudest finds. a ship will have the company for roughly half an hour. unravelling its mysteries Sri Lanka faces the problem where logo, so he can narrow down Then, you are faced with a and origins. He is famously Underwater finds most shipwrecks are already stripped clean. where the ship came from. rabbit hole that you need to known for his discovery of In his years of exploring, Bandits tend to steal whatever is on these He stated that diving is scuffle down using ropes the underwater cave system in Jayawardena told us about his ships for their own personal collections. accompanied with a huge inside the mountain for an the country. most interesting finds: “I saw “It’s very hard to find anything now because threat to one’s life; once hour before you reach the Jayawardena, speaking a shipwreck in Mount Lavinia there’s nothing left. That’s why I choose to you enter a shipwreck, caves. Jayawardena went to to The Morning Brunch, told marked on a map; after two explore wrecks that are deeper in the ocean, there is a high chance you the very end of the pool of us that he works closely with years of research, I finally as they haven’t been touched.” Jayawardena could get lost, you could water – at which no one had fishermen to find unexplored found a fisherman that gave ensures to hand over all his finds to the get disoriented, your vision dived before – and dived. shipwrecks that have not me enough information to Maritime Archaeological Unit, so it is kept reduces; he also said: “It’s Then he realised that the pool been identified. He enjoys go off on.” He noted that safe and its historical value is preserved. the threat to my life and kept going inside, and this researching about them and it was the third-deepest He told us that the unit plans on hosting a the thrill that unravelling made him super excited. He discovering their origins. wreck in Sri Lanka, and World War I exhibition, which will be very mysteries gives me that make this line of returned to the location many times with all After his years of exploring, yet he chose to dive it. He educational and interesting to see. work so fascinating. It’s why I do what I do.” his equipment, ready to conquer the caves, he wrote a book by the It’s the threat to my found that during World After almost losing his life once while on and with the help of his friends, conquer he name “Ghosts of the deep”, life and the thrill that War I, there was a German Researching a ship’s origins the job, he realised how important having the did! After about 10 trips, he mapped out the detailing all the shipwrecks unravelling mysteries commerce raider by the Figuring out the origin story of a right gear and qualifications is. He advised entire cave system. he found and their history. gives me that make name of SMS Wolf. The shipwreck is no easy task, as it takes anyone that wished to follow in his path to He hopes that he will be able to dive You’d be surprised at how this line of work so SMS Wolf has a fascinating long periods of time to come to any solid obtain a cave diving certification. more in 2021, as he has been unable to do so many interesting stories one fascinating. It’s why I do backstory; it travelled the conclusion. Jayawardena guided us through much last year due to the pandemic. can unearth just by digging what I do world for 15 months back in how he conducts his research. “I talk to a lot Jayawardena will be conducting a into their origin stories. Darshana Jayawardena 1917. It sank and captured of fishermen; they tell me that when they are webinar, organised by the WNPS (Wildlife By profession, over 30 ships, abducted fishing in the nights, their lines get caught and Nature Protection Society Sri Lanka) on Jayawardena is actually in the over 400 prisoners and and they’re sure that there is a wreck there.” his knowledge on shipwrecks in software engineering field; went back to Germany. The Once he figures out the exact location by Sri Lanka. He revealed that he he’s the general manager of an IT company. wreck that Jayawardena stumbled upon in using a sonar scan he carries around, he dives will be talking about a mystery He explained to us how he fell into diving: “I Mount Lavinia was actually a victim of it. He noted that the depth of the waters is he unravelled on the origins of a was coming back from the US, after visiting the notorious SMS Wolf. He also found what makes the process complicated. “If I certain shipwreck. Tune in to the Bermuda, and my friends insisted on going a second victim, off the coast of Modara. spend 30 minutes exploring the wreck, it webinar on the WNPS Facebook scuba diving. I wanted to just try it out so I These two ships were the only two World takes me one-and-a-half hours to come back page to find out more. could say ‘been there, done that’, because War I ship casualties in Sri Lanka. up. Divers suffer from this condition called at that point I couldn’t swim. I enjoyed He explained to us that a ship’s bell is decompression sickness, which is caused it so much that I kept going back to it. In the best way to find out about the origins of when nitrogen dissolves in the blood and Saturday, 9 January, 6.30 p.m. 2003, I got my PADi Open Water license the ship because it has its name and home tissues by high pressure and forms bubbles as so I could follow my passion.” He dedicates port engraved onto it, adding that finding pressure decreases.” Duration: 1 hr 30 mins his weekends and vacations to diving and these bells are incredibly rare. He was lucky To mitigate the chance of this happening, Sign up at https://forms.gle/ enough to come across not one, but two of he has to ascend slowly. He further explained has explored countries like the Philippines, kRPALDd9ZXsQCbqBA the morning 7 Wednesday, January 6, 2020 STYLE

The life of a

We don’t focus on numbers and profits, we want to build a brand where makeup customers can believe in us; we want their loyalty to us because we deliver on their every expectation Saariya Owner Buddhima Banneheka artist Dominique Sedra BY VENESSA ANTHONY

Behind the scenes of Makeup is a means of self- expression. It’s art. Dominique Sedra, I put a lot of effort into an accomplished makeup artist, told The what I do, so it’s very Morning Brunch that she adores working with everyone’s different faces. “Each rewarding to see how far person is unique, they all have features I’ve come that make them special, and I love bringing out the best in them. That’s what a makeup artist. “The pandemic has makeup means to me,” she shared. slowed down business by quite a lot. Dominique was never allowed to A lot of events that I was to cover wear make up as a child; at the age of 14, keep getting cancelled or postponed. I all her friends from school would wear recently did the makeup for a wedding platform to show off their skills and be BY VENESSA ANTHONY makeup, and she always felt like she was party that went pretty well.” Saariyarecognised for their hard work and talent. missing out. This prompted her to begin Noting that she resides in Currently, they have two designers and a Saariya is an online store that retails handloom and batik sarees, all experimenting on herself with various Negombo, she said travelling, stylist on board who are entirely in charge manufactured locally in beautiful blends of colours. Speaking to makeup products, and received many especially with a global pandemic going of the design process. “We have so many The Morning Brunch, owner of the store Buddhima Banneheka explained compliments on how amazing her final on, is a risk she still takes so that she talented people in Sri Lanka, and their look turned out, even though she barely can continue to do what she so adores. to us why he decided to start this venture. “I’ve always wanted to have skills are going to waste. I want to build had any experience with it. She then Makeup is a very close-contact my own startup and do it within my strengths. At the time, I saw that a culture where they get to work in the began trying out new looks on her friends procedure. However, given the there was a huge demand for handloom products that wasn’t being met. industry and gain the experience they need and they then began recommending her to situation, in order to maintain the safety I previously worked at MAS Holdings, and I loved working with different to further themselves,” he expressed. their friends, and that’s how she made a of her clients, she ensures to always fabrics and playing around with the colours; this inspired me to think He added that it’s quite unfortunate name for herself. wear a mask and sanitise her tools outside the box and so I launched Saariya.” that the designers are still sticking to the before she uses them. She also makes same framework that they were taught, A look for everyone certain to not leave them lying around they could ask for. He noted that it’s and he aims to break that procedure by A premium brand “There’s a new way to work with on neglected surfaces to prevent germs becoming increasingly hard to find brands helping them come up with new and He also told us that before Saariya every single face. You can never do getting on them. “Even though my that provide good customer service, innovative ideas that will help them was initiated, he ran a store in Kurunagala the same work on two faces. I love the fingers don’t touch my clients’ face, I adding that there are thousands of people stand out in the field. for sarees, which he had to give up on due challenge of figuring wash my hand first and foremost and that sell sarees online, but the factor that During the design to the Easter bombings that happened two out what works best lay my tools out on a clean towel.” years ago. He used the time that fell upon sets them apart is their reliability. “We process, Banneheka on everyone,” she said, him after to think about how he could don’t focus on numbers and profits, we sits down with the adding that her favourite Makeup is a challenging field want to build a brand where customers designers, adding brunch relaunch with a good vision and strategy. part of the job is meeting Being a make up artist is certainly can believe in us; we want He didn’t have the funds to relaunch on in his own input to new people. “They not a walk in the park, which is why, in their loyalty to us because a grand scale, nor the resources, so he come up with some always have interesting Dominique’s opinion, perseverance is the we deliver on their every patiently bided his time, and came up with gorgeous creations stories to tell.” most important quality any makeup artist expectation.” a concept on how to reopen as a prominent that make customers She draws her should possess. “A lot of people think clothing brand in Sri Lanka. think “I need this!”. inspiration based on what its an easy job, and it is. There are so “I didn’t want to just sell sarees, I wanted Supporting local Their designs are not the full outfit looks like; All their products are many benefits to it. But at the same time, it to be a premium brand in Sri Lanka. I commonly seen and once she’s had a look at manufactured sometimes I have 12-hour work days saw that people buy a lot of sarees, but are sure to make the outfit, she picks out locally in order where I’m on my feet constantly.” there wasn’t a proper brand that sells you strike out in the colours and the finish to empower our She said that there are occasions handloom products. I identified my a crowd. that would complement the finished look. very talented where she doesnt catch a break even for strength in line with the opportunities in “I think I have multiple personalities, and local designers. Redefining sarees food or water, where she spends that the market,” he explained. Their number I like conveying them through the way I time running up and down, making sure They want They will be launching one priority is the quality of their products dress as well as through my makeup.” everything is perfect for everyone. She to give these their first collection of designer followed by durability and ultimately Dominique noted that she’s not a experiences severe back aches and dead designers a handloom and batik sarees for giving their customers the best experience huge fan of trends. Even though there feet after an event, but no matter how those who want to opt for high- are so many new trends coming in and hectic and exhausting it is, she wouldn’t end products. Banneheka took into going out of fashion, she only adapts to a give it up for the world. consideration the busy life schedules very few. “I have a signature style which Dominique hopes to get her name out and different working conditions of comes across in my work. When people there in 2021 as an established makeup their customers and came up with come to me, they already have an idea artist in the industry. “I put a lot of effort a novel saree that is basically a of what to expect. I don’t want to deviate into what I do, so it’s very rewarding to jumpsuit. It’s a two piece that you much from it.” see how far I’ve come.” can just slip on in less than five Her speciality is natural, glowy minutes, and the best part is that looks, where the clients’ natural beauty is @niquesfaces none would be the wiser; it still captured perfectly. looks exactly like any traditional saree. “We need to embrace our Styling amidst a pandemic culture; sarees are beautiful and It’s the wedding season, but add a touch of class to everyone there’s also a pandemic looming that dorns on one. But at the over us. Dominique described how same, keeping to our roots, the pandemic affected her career as we can always change up the game and make it easier on everyone, which is why we came up with this design.” This piece has not yet been released, so keep a lookout for their page. Saariya is surely on its way to becoming a premier saree brand in Sri Lanka, slowly making its name known across the country.

@saariyalk

@saariyalk Dominique Sedra 8 the morning LIFESTYLE Wednesday, January 6, 2021

BY DR. VIPULA WANIGASEKERA centre for ancient paddy cultivation A REVIEW and elephant movements; Jetwing The author could not Kaduruketha – traditional farming have found a better title community; Heritance Tea Factory for the “Compendium of – making the visitor wonder what it feels like to be a tea taster; Saraii Biodiversity Stories in Village – yoga retreats; Jetwing Hospitality” launched ‘Life – A Compendium St. Andrews of Little England; recently. “Life” is a and Jetwing Yala at the edge of masterpiece that brings to Sri Lanka’s most popular national light the heartening and park. shared role of a team of It is noteworthy of the reputed hospitality industry contribution of three companies, of Biodiversity Tokyo Cement, SriLankan professionals, in conserving biodiversity through the Airlines, and Walker’s Tours, practice of responsible towards the overall reduction of the tourism. carbon footprint which would not have been highlighted, if not for A brilliant piece of work this compendium. by Niresh Eliatamby, who is a Stories in Hospitality’ Biodiversity Sri Lanka, which versatile personality from corporate provides leadership in presenting development, as well as an Uyana which uniquely caters to communications to management this masterpiece, is a private effective tool for fostering relations specialist eco travellers, Rainforest consulting in close association with sector-driven national platform between nations, was considered Ecolodge that bagged the Pacific the hospitality industry, as well which continues to engage the a “white industry” with no Asia Travel Association (PATA) as the author of Biodiversity Sri corporate sector in biodiversity and attempts to measure its effects on Gold Award recently for being the Lanka’s first publication “Worth environmental conservation in Sri environment and socio-culture. year’s best eco touristic hospitality Protecting – A Compendium of Lanka. With this launch, I would However, by the early ‘90s, provider, and Ceylon Tea Trails Biodiversity Stories from the foresee them spreading their wings researchers were grappling which continuously strives to Plantation Sector”. to capture extended work in this to find ways and means to hit encourage tourism economy with Srilal Miththapala, an expert area. the triple bottom line at all initiatives that drive meaningful in sustainable tourism, has This is a forerunner to the levels of development with the outcomes for the environment and made a valuable contribution setting up of an inclusive direction identification of the three pillars the communities, are all presented to this compendium on “the in the promotion of best practices of sustainable tourism being in the compendium. development of wildlife tourism”. through active learning and the environment, society, and Tourism and hospitality This compendium comes with understanding mechanisms through economy. Life is a disclosure of development are universally picturesque photography that a dialogue between the State, civil a bottom-up approach addressing accepted as factors in biodiversity perfectly fits into the stories. The society partners, and the private researcher Jafari’s knowledge- loss and at the same time, credit for such an illustrious design sector, particularly in this Covid-19 based platform in tourism and biodiversity is vital for tourism layout goes to Kasun Beranagama period where Sri Lanka is desirous hospitality development through with coasts, mountains, rivers, and of Wild Studios. of reaching out to high-end scientific assessment of impacts forests being major attractions for Biodiversity Sri Lanka tourists, majority of whom are eco- and capacities. tourists. Chair Dilhan C. Fernando, in friendly, responsible travellers who While the liability for pursuing In this regard, Sri Lanka has his foreword, quotes poet and would recognise and acknowledge such planning is generally been in the forefront and at the philosopher Henry Thoreau from the measures taken to protect Sri expected to fall on the state sector heart of nature-based tourism his book Walden. “If you have Lanka’s fragile environment. through laws and regulations, this products including nature treks, built castles in the air, your work Life, in my view, is the first compendium has attempted to observations of unique flora need not be lost; that is where they of its kind that gives a direction change this perception with the and fauna, experiencing cultural should be. Now put the foundations from the corporate sector to the private sector taking an unsung and local heritage, photography under them”. Life – A Compendium authorities, should the State wish lead since the ‘90s, moving well and camping, etc., while Sri of Biodiversity Stories in to pursue a meaningful tourism beyond profit motives culminating Lanka could exclusively present Hospitality, Fernando says “is sustainable policy in future in the exposure through Life. itineraries for elephant gatherings, about those foundations”. development work. It should also Heritance Kandalama which sighting leopards, and whale Life is dedicated to be made available to Sri Lankan is depicted in this compendium, is watching. Biodiversity Sri Lanka Director/ missions abroad to establish Sri a living testimony for researchers The compendium relates the CEO Prema Cooray in appreciation Lanka’s identity in conserving to validate the revolutionary role true meaning of the conservation of his pioneering role in biodiversity for information of of the Sri Lankan hospitality of biodiversity in real life beyond sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka researchers, conservationists, industry by setting standards and books and literature where the in the last several decades that investors, incentive houses, and a benchmark for the entire region, business missions of a team of is not only reflected in the work airlines. winning international accolades corporates have directly addressed of Biodiversity Sri Lanka but Life thus communicates a and awards year after year. the concerns emanating from also in the tangible eco-friendly strong message to the world that In this effort, Dilmah of a conscious effort to uphold The assistance of the International the words of scholar Prof. David tourism assets such as Heritance private sector initiatives have Conservation which is established sustainability, biodiversity, Union for Conservation of Macdonald: “Without biodiversity, Kandalama and Rainforest invalidated the term “oxymoron” to research and disseminate heritage, and social responsibility. Nature (IUCN) was underpinning there is no future for humanity.” Ecolodge as well as his constant that is taught in academic studies findings on innovative and healthy Cinnamon Project Leopard is the recognition given for the Life also covers through efforts towards sustainable tourism in balancing sustainability with living, has come forward to presented in the compendium not commitment of these partners various topics the work of in Sri Lanka through public and development. make this publication a reality, only for the group’s commitment in the compendium to support Anantara Peace Haven – ayurvedic private sector initiatives. (The writer is a former reinforcing their philosophy: to research and protection of the sustainable natural resource treatments with access to historical, Tourism that was widely diplomat, tourism official, and “Business is a matter of human leopard population but also for management initiatives in Sri natural, and cultural highlights; praised in the ‘60s and ‘70s as an currently a senior lecturer for service”, stressing the importance highlighting the entire group’s best Lanka. Aliya Resort and Spa – research engine of growth for economic practices in responsible tourism. Properties such as Jetwing Vil Edith Cowan University) SportUnleash report Union Assurance reveals the sports conducts glittering virtual talent of children The Covid-19 pandemic is is able to predict the child’s sports forcing children to remain indoors talent, enabling them to realise and online classes have consumed their true potential, which will help gala for annual awards their day, making them gain weight them compete at the highest level in and quickly become unhealthy due school. This can only be performed to physical inactivity. Even during when the child is between the ages pre-Covid-19 times, of 9-11 years. Today, physical activity many testimonials of among children at children who took the schools throughout SportUnleash report Sri Lanka was reflect its accuracy. increasingly a concern, “This is a great with only a mere 5% opportunity for or less being involved parents to not just Champion of Champions receiving the award from CEO Jude Gomes Champion of Champions receiving award from CEO Jude Gomes in some type of sport think along the lines of Union Assurance takes insurance relationship officers, throughout their time academic excellence in school. through only studies, Union Assurance CEO digital disruption to the next regional managers, zonal Jude Gomes level as it felicitated top managers, and team leaders This is primarily but also to combine achievers of the agency and from the agency network due to the fact that it with the impact bancassurance sales force at a of 76 branches and 498 many children end sports has on the glittering virtual gala recently. bancassurance branches. up pursuing a sport character development The event was viewed by For the first time in Union they do not have of the child, and over 5,000 participants and JKH Group President Assurance history, the awards talent for, only to find to set them up for attended by a distinguished Suresh Rajendra Hosts of the virtual annual awards ceremony felicitated the exceptional themselves giving success when they leadership including John of 2019 as the sales teams opportunities of the new performance of sales support it up a few years enter the professional, later. Other than the corporate, and Keells Holdings (JKH) braved the challenges of the normal to deliver a best-in- officers and the prestigious A glimpse of the child’s Chairman Krishan Balendra year to deliver outstanding class virtual event. The event CEO’s Award that recognised obvious health benefits SportUnleash report on the business world,” Proxone app and President Suresh results. The awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional three individuals and one team to a child pursuing a stated Proxone Creator Rajendra. was received with much annual performance of for the exceptional delivery of sport, the character Talavou Alailima, the JKH Chairman Krishan The virtual annual appreciation as Union over 350 award-winners initiatives in their respective development of children who brain behind SportUnleash. “What Balendra awards celebrated the success Assurance embraced the comprising advisors, areas. do sport throughout their time in is important to realise is that it is not school is priceless, and only a few just taking part in sports for fun, but parents seem to understand this taking part in sports when winning great benefit, and encourage their and losing matters is where the This gorgeous girl children to engage in an organised child benefits the most. This takes (vaccinated and sport. place between the ages of 15 and sterilised) is looking Fortunately, a well-tested and 20.” for a furever home. proven report from SportUnleash Parents need merely download Please call reveals your child’s sports talent the Proxone app and book a Anura on early, so that they enjoy doing SportUnleash test, and within 14 077 7360358 sports, and will not give up. days, will receive their child’s to adopt her. Introduced in 2014, SportUnleash results. the morning 9 Wednesday, January 6, 2021 SPORTS Lankans go down without a fight Lutho Sipamla tore through the z Dimuth injures his thumb during his fighting ton Sri Lanka tail to set up a chase of 67 SCORECARD for South Africa, which openers Dean Sri Lanka 1st innings: 157 Elgar and Aiden Markram managed South Africa 1st innings: 302 with little difficulty, to record a convincing 10-wicket win over the SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS visitors, sealing the two-match series Dimuth Karunaratne c Mulder b Nortje 103 2-0 yesterday (5) at Wanderers Stadium Kusal Perera b Ngidi 1 in Johannesburg. Lahiru Thirimanne c de Kock b Ngidi 31 Sri Lanka resumed with a lead of just five Kusal Mendis c de Kock b Ngidi 0 runs, and six second-innings wickets in hand, Minod Bhanuka c Maharaj b Nortje 1 on day three yesterday. Dimuth Karunaratne Niroshan Dickwella c Bavuma b Ngidi 36 had been instrumental in knocking off the Dasun Shanaka c Sipamla b Mulder 8 deficit, and he soon moved to his 10th Test Wanindu Hasaranga b Sipamla 16 hundred. Dushmantha Chameera c de Kock b Sipamla 0 But he injured his thumb during his knock, Vishwa Fernando not out 1 which has resulted in a hairline fracture, Asitha Fernando b Sipamla 0 reportedly, which might heal before the next Extras (nb 2, w 1, b 9, lb 2) 14 match – the first Test against England in Galle – Total (all out in 56.5 overs) 211 starting on 14 January. Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Perera, 2.2 ov), 2-86 (Thirimanne, 22.6 ov), 3-92 (Mendis, 24.1 ov), 4-109 Losing wickets cheaply (Bhanuka, 27.3 ov), 5-176 (Karunaratne, 43.5 ov), But the Skipper skied an attempted pull, off 6-181 (Dickwella, 44.3 ov), 7-190 (Shanaka, 50.5 ov), Anrich Nortje, shortly after, and was caught 8-209 (Hasaranga, 54.5 ov), 9-210 (Chameera, 56.4 for 103. Niroshan Dickwella mistimed a drive ov), 10-211 (Fernando, 56.5 ov) to hand Lungi Ngidi his fourth wicket of the Bowling: Ngidi 15-5-44-4, Nortje 19-2-64-2 (w1), innings. Mulder– 13-3-52-1 (nb1), Sipamla 9.5-1-40-3 (nb1) Dasun Shanaka was caught at mid-on from the bowling of Wiaan Mulder for eight. SOUTH AFRICA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET 67) Wanindu Hasaranga’s innings of 16 ended with Aiden Markram not out 36 a heave across the line against Sipamla. Dean Elgar not out 31 The 22-year-old quick bowler, in just his Did not bat: Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Quinton second Test, then wrapped up the innings by de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich having Dushmantha Chameera caught behind, Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Lutho Sipamla before clattering Asitha Fernando’s off stump to Extras 0 leave the visitors 211 all out. Total (0 wickets in 13.2 overs) 67 Bowling: Vishwa Fernando 4-0-23-0, Asitha Proteas take 120 points Fernando 4-1-20-0, Wanindu Hasaranga 2.2-0-16- With just 67 runs needed to secure victory, 0, Dasun Shanaka 3-1-8-0 Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram set out Result: South Africa win by 10 wickets positively. The five overs of play before lunch Series: South Africa win two-match series 2-0 saw them reach 24/0, although there was a late Player of the Match: Dean Elgar scare for Markram as he edged one low to slip. Player of the Series: Dean Elgar However, the third umpire adjudged that it had not carried to Kusal Mendis at the slips. In all, International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test the pair took just 13.2 overs to reach the target, Championship from the series. Sri Lanka will securing a 2-0 series sweep. now head home to face England in another two The website icc.com said that Proteas Tests, while South Africa’s next challenge will Dean Elgar scored 253 runs in three innings in the series, with a century and 50, to win the Player of the Series award. His 13th Test century was made at the Wanderers this time, which earned him the Player of the Series award too took a full 120 points in the ongoing be their visit to Pakistan.

SPORTS WATCH by Dinith Pathi

At the very onset of this particular column, it should be disclosed that this particular topic and article has a special connection to this writer. This writer firmly, well in fact very firmly, perhaps too firmly, belongs to the wrong side of the 40s! Therefore, when personalities close to the age of this writer can be highlighted, it makes this writer feel rather warm inside. Since we just started another year, it realistically means that a lot of people who fall into this age group just got one more year older (said very softly!). Therefore, it is a pleasure to highlight a group of people who are not only giving these 20-something “punks” a run for their money, but actually beating them at their own game. Sports, especially elite sports, is supposed to be a young persons’ game. And in most cases, it definitely is so. Therefore, when there is a group of people who are performing or performed at the very Martina Navaratilova (left) winning the mixed highest level of elite sports – and in doubles title at the 2006 US Open at the “very” most cases not only competing but young age of one month shy of her 50th birthday, partnering American Bob Bryan winning at their chosen sport – they must fall into a very special club and deserve special mention. The ones mentioned below fall into that category: Valentino Rossi When Valentino Rossi lines up in The mighty (naughty) forties! 2021 in the Moto GP starting grid, he will be at the “tender age” of 42. his major titles in 1997, he was 21. at the New England Patriots, and was the last true era of Ferrari Many others Martina Navaratilova. After winning When he first won his Moto GP title While most considered him when he won his sixth title, he was dominance. This list is endless. Peter Shilton 18 Grand Slam singles titles, she in 2001, he was all of 22 years old. Six a spent force after his off-field just 41 years young! His seven world championships of England playing in the semi-finals won her last “major” 31 years after more championships later, he is still problems and his lack of form in the When considering the physicality – five of them consecutively in a of the World Cup in 1990 in Italy she started her career. She won the going strong and giving all the young latter half of the second decade of of that particular sport, with it Ferrari car and the other two earlier at “only”40 years old; Dino Zoff, mixed doubles title at the 2006 US riders a good run for their money. this century, his Professional Golf being a contact sport and all, it in a Benetton – were only recently the Captain of the Italy football Open at the “very” young age of one Seven world championships and Association (PGA) win in 2019 at is a stupendous achievement. matched by Lewis Hamilton. team which won the World Cup in month shy of her 50th birthday. still riding at 42 is not bad for a guy the “ripe young” age of 43 years When he moved to the Tampa Bay His achievements were all the 1982, at 40 years old; Nigel Mansell She decided to let the young, who took up Moto GP only because stunned the entire world. It showed Buccaneers after he won his sixth more truly remarkable because becoming the world champion in inexperienced players win titles by he could not afford Formula One that he still has a way to go. That title, he instantly made them title it was such a competitive era in Formula One racing at 39 years old, retiring from the sport immediately racing. is, of course, unless he keeps being contenders. Such is his prowess. Formula One racing with loads and winning his final race in 1994 after that triumph! outshined by his own son! of good drivers and some very when he was 41 years old; there If anyone tries to guess how Tiger Woods Michael Schumacher competitive cars. He was on the are numerous great sportsmen and “young” this writer is after Tiger Woods might have been Tom Brady Since his skiing accident podium in Valencia at the age of 43 women who have defied the youth. finding that his favourite exploit outshined and “out-adored” by a This might be a name which in December 2013, Michael in 2012 in his final season, which Roger Milla of the Cameroon is Navaratilova’s triumph, they young guy recently, but that’s his the Sri Lankan sports fans are not Schumacher has disappeared from still makes him the oldest top-three football team, and the legendary Sir wouldn’t be far…? Well, no own 11-year-old son Charlie. So, so familiar with. That is because the public’s eye. But for sports finisher in the past 50 years. Stanley Mathews of England also comment! it becomes bearable. Other than Brady’s sport is American football fans from a certain age, he and his The sports world is itself poorer deserve an honorary mention. But since there is hope for this that, when Woods turns up onto and he is plying his trade in the exploits will never be forgotten. by the fact that this wonderful writer yet, the “naughty forties” can the “green”, he is still the centre of National Football League (NFL). This is especially true for Ferrari sportsman is not being seen at the Martina Navaratilova certainly be the “mighty forties” for attention. When he won the first of He won six NFL championships fans for whom his time in the car moment. But this writer’s favourite is sure. Williamson, man Tokyo 2020 still in doubt? of the moment Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said his Government New Zealand dominated in their is considering a new state of emergency as daily Covid-19 cases second Test against Pakistan in remain high with just 200 days to go for the opening of the Tokyo Christchurch as their Captain Kane 2020 Olympics. Tokyo Williamson scored his fourth reported 884 new cases on double-century (238) yesterday Monday (4), including a (5) helping his team post a record 108 cases considered mammoth 659/6 declared. serious. The recent rise in Williamson and Henry Nicholls infections in the host country (157) put on 359 runs for the fourth has fuelled concerns over wicket. Pakistan made 297 and 8/1 whether the event will take by stumps on day three, still trailing place in its rescheduled slot, by 354 runs. from 23 July to 8 August.

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

A wish of a three-wheel driver: Let this meritorious land sports have 11 players who could last five days of Test cricket

Lanka’s Pathetic Loss (LPL) z Embraced defeat z Proteas take revenge z Who is to blame for z Injuries can add woe to z What is ‘an industry’ for, when under three days again with 2-0 drubbing appalling preparation? SL against England too losing at the int’l stage like this?

BY REVATHA S. SILVA been officially appointed Flower could have had a better plan point (Dhananjaya de Silva), suddenly 24. If so many players in a squad are 5. The national selection committee was for the South Africa Tests during the due to an array of injuries suffering from injuries, one may ask, If Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the later appointed in the eleventh hour, “inevitable” LPL tournament, or they 17. On that day, Sri Lanka had made 396 “what is the use of all these highly-paid national sports administrative but they didn’t make any amends and could have convinced the authorities in their first innings, which was their trainers, physios, and masseurs in a structure, under new Sports the same 22-member squad toured with much vigour as to how to do it highest-ever total in a Test in South so-called professional outfit?” Minister Namal Rajapaksa, fail South Africa 12. But, ironically, what happened was Africa Visionary problems to take note of the result of The Lanka Premier that Arthur got involved in television 18. But by the third day of the Test, Sri the South Africa Test series, commentaries during the LPL as if Lanka had lost their key batsmen, 25. With at least nine regular players of the League (LPL) he was to train himself for a new de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal, and Test squad either injured or half fit by it may bring about very sad 6. Sri Lanka’s preparations collided with profession after his coaching career. their key fast bowlers, Kasun Rajitha the end of the South Africa series, Sri repercussions soon on the dreams the hastily organised Lanka Premier Instead, he could have fully and and Lahiru Kumra, due to injuries. Lanka has already lost the mental game of a nation. Such misfortune may League (LPL). Eventually, what went thoroughly involved himself in the Their injury list had already included against England, who are to start an also derail the grand future plans to South Africa was an ill-trained, preparation of his players for the leading players Suranga Lakmal and important Test series now in eight days’ of all ambitious individuals who exhausted, and ill-focused squad Protea series Oshada Fernando time in Galle are now at the highest echelons of 7. Adapting to gruelling Test cricket The first Test 19. The first Test ended under three days, 26. If they continue to lose in the the country’s sports. with the red ball, that too in hostile giving the visitors an innings and international stage against their conditions, just 10 days after playing 13. Eventually, the Test at the challenging 45-run defeat oppositions like this, the much- Preparation 21 days of T20 “bang bang” cricket, Centurion, which began on 26 anticipated success gained in local 1. Two years ago in February 2019, was next to impossible December 2020, happened to be Sri Second Test franchise leagues can’t be of any use almost the same Sri Lanka side under 8. The coronavirus and its economic Lanka’s first after about 10 months. 20. With almost six of their permanent 27. Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa is all Dimuth Karunaratne (who led the impact might have necessitated SLC They didn’t have the services of their Test players lost due to injury, the fate out to develop a local sports industry Sri Lanka Test team for the first time and the Sports Ministry to conduct the most experienced batsman Angelo of the second Test had already been and a self-sustained sports structure and then), beat South Africa under Faf du LPL, yet they should have considered Mathews too, owing to injury while written on the wall even before its thus promoted the LPL. But now we all Plessis 2-0 to become the first Asian the fact that it went on till very close leading one of the franchises of the start see at what cost country to beat them in a Test series to the South Africa Test series LPL 21. Sri Lanka lost the second Test by 10 28. Losing in Tests internationally will on South African soil 9. Here, proper management and 14. Before the South Africa Tests, it wickets yesterday (5), that too in two- only degrade the country’s international 2. This time, the preparations for “the conditioning of players during the was the home team that was on the and-a-half days stature, image, and reputation and, as a return series” went awry from the LPL could have allowed SLC to send back foot with issues ranging from 22. Sri Lanka’s No. 3 bat, the once- result, the financial value and TV rights very early stages mainly due to the a fitter and more focused team to cricket board politics to appointing an promising Kusal Mendis had three demand of the national side coronavirus outbreak South Africa interim committee to run the sport ducks in four innings. Now questions 29. If Sri Lanka is going to lose like this, 3. Still the SLC and the local sports 10. In this case, the way the Australian, 15. There was uncertainty over who was are being raised about whether he had their “brand value” will suffer and administration could have done Indian, and New Zealand cricket going to lead their side, etc. Quinton an undue influence to be included hence the so-called cricket industry – a much better job in terms of boards prepared/managed their key de Kock was named their Test in the playing XI in spite of his Minister Rajapaksa’s brainchild – will preparation for the series, which players during the Indian Premier Captain only at the eleventh hour, continuous poor form suffer as well marked the beginning of a busy 2021 League (IPL) and the Big Bash and the Lankans were considered the 23. Sri Lanka being unable to last at 30. Eventually, it is your success at season League (BBL) before and during favourites least three days in both the Tests is the international stage, not money 4. The Lankan squad for the tour was important Test series of theirs 16. Sri Lanka’s downfall in the series nothing but a clear indication that generated via franchises – albeit it too selected in an awkward manner. They provided a classic example began on the second day of the first they have had improper preparation, might be essential – that would put the were picked at a time when the new 11. Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey Test when they lost five players, not a character of a professional country in good and healthy stead, in national selection committee had not Arthur and their Batting Coach Grant including the highest scorer at that international side the long run