„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 10 | Rs. 30.00 { FRIDAY } FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021 THE PEAK RIDGE WINDIES TOUR FOREST CORRIDOR COULD BE COLLABORATION SHORTENED – SLC

‘NATIONAL OIL ONLINE TEA AUCTION COMPANY VERY PLATFORM UPGRADE DIFFERENT TO CPC’ IN THREE MONTHS »SEE PAGE 11 »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 8 »SEE PAGE 16 EASTER ATTACKS AND BOND SCAMS All Covid policies and regulations under review z 15-member committee z New website for Prez tells AG, appointed all Covid info soon BY PAMODI WARAVITA committee would look at changing the current quarantine process, Dr. De Silva said that A 15-member committee under the State it too would be reviewed in time to come. Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, “Currently, only second contacts of and Covid Disease Control is currently Covid-19-positive patients can undergo take action fast reviewing all pandemic-related policies and home quarantine. First contacts have to be regulations and assessing how it should be quarantined at an institution. In time to come, z‘Will bring all culprits, z Make Easter report public: revised, The Morning learnt. we would look into whether any changes are “It has been nearly a year since the Covid- needed with regard to such matters,” noted accomplices to justice’ SJB and Archbishop 19 pandemic started in Sri Lanka. As such, Dr. De Silva. the State Ministry appointed a committee at He also pointed out that these are decisions BY PAMODI WARAVITA parties involved in and responsible recommendations in the final report the beginning of this year to review all the that need to be taken on the basis of scientific President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that he has advised the for the tragedy, including those of the Presidential Commission regulations related to the control of Covid- evidence. Hence, the committee appointed by the Attorney General’s Department to be swift in taking actions who masterminded it and aided of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter 19,” State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, State Ministry includes three epidemiologists, with regard to the Easter Sunday attacks on 21 April 2019, and abetted towards such, and that Sunday attacks. “I have advised the Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control three virologists, two physicians, two and the Central Bank Treasury Bond Scams. they would ensure that all such Attorney General’s Department to Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha De Silva told paediatricians, two consultant community Addressing the nation during made further reference to the Easter persons would not evade justice. swiftly act upon matters that have The Morning yesterday (4). physicians, two surgeons, and a neurologist. the 73rd Independence Day Sunday bombings, emphasising He further added that he has caused great concern to the public, When queried as to whether the said Contd. on page 2 celebrations held yesterday (4), he that action will be taken against all given instructions to implement the Contd. on page 2 73RD INDEPENDENCE DAY SAITM Founder Dr. Neville THE BLACK INDEPENDENCE I want solutions, not Fernando succumbs to Covid BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA His passing was confirmed to criticism: President South Asian Institute of The Morning by the National Technology and Medicine Operation Centre for Prevention of z Ensure BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI, MIHI PERERA (SAITM) Founder Dr. Neville Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). AND LAHIRU POTHMULLA meaningful Fernando, who was being Dr. Fernando, who was also freedom: PM Laying out his vision for efficient and honest treated at the National Institute the Founder of the eponymously administration and governance, technological of Infectious Diseases Hospital named Teaching Hospital, was z Many advancement, environmental protection, after contracting Covid-19, passed 89-years-old at the time of his and education reforms, President Gotabaya away yesterday (4). demise. challenges Rajapaksa claimed that what the country ahead: Sajith requires for its development is citizens that do not provide unfair criticism, but practical z Politicians solutions to the problems faced by the nation. responsible Addressing the nation at the ceremony for divisions: to celebrate the 73rd Independence Day yesterday (4), Cardinal Contd. on page 2 CROP DAMAGE BY WILD ANIMALS

Families of the disappeared in Vavuniya marked Independence Day yesterday (4) as a ‘Black Day’ protest and are seen here engaged in a hunger strike Monkey sterilisation PHOTO TAMIL GUARDIAN causes concern ITJP’S YASMIN SOOKA WRITES TO UNITED NATIONS z Impractical and unjust: Environmentalists, conservationists, and activists BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI pastoralists of the menace to their Urges suspension of fruit and vegetable cultivations With Governmental authorities from quadruped and biped fauna. seeking to propose sterilisation as Whilst acknowledging the Lankan peacekeepers a means of protecting crops from need for solutions to rising monkeys and other wild animals, populations of monkeys and BY PAMODI WARAVITA Bachelet, which allegedly have been properly vetted environmental groups and animal other wild animals damaging The International Truth and raises new doubts about and screened, and therefore rights activists yesterday (4) raised fruit and vegetable crops across Justice Project (ITJP) has made whether Sri Lankan troops must urgently take steps to concerns in terms of the feasibility, six Provinces, environmentalists a request from the United can be properly vetted. move the screening process practicality and ethicality of the and animal conservationists Nations’s (UN) Department “The DPKO has a legal duty back to the UN Human Rights plan. raised concerns regarding the of Peace Operations (DPKO) to ensure due diligence before Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, The authorities are considering feasibility, practicality and ethics to suspend the deployment deploying troops. The report of Switzerland,” said ITJP this ambitious plan, spanning six surrounding the Government’s of Sri Lankan peacekeepers the UN HCHR confirms that Executive Director Yasmin Provinces, in an effort to control recently proposed initiative to due to the report by UN High the UN General Assembly is Sooka in a statement released wild animals causing havoc to a control these populations through Commissioner for Human not in a position now to certify yesterday (4). variety of lucrative agricultural sterilisation and other means. Rights (HCHR) Michelle that the Sri Lankan troops Contd. on page 2 crops, following complaints from Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 CASES HILL COUNTRY TREMORS ‘Unusual’ quakes baffle geologists ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES zDiversity of location and daytime occurrence raise questions 67,115 BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE have been mainly in the 2.5 or lesser were reported in different areas of the Earth tremors are a seldom range in the Richter Scale, which country. However, the country has felt DEATHS RECOVERED occurrence within the landmass of Sri measures the magnitude of earthquakes. a few tremors in the past, of which the Lanka, and the recent microearthquakes “The scale of these microearthquakes amplitude and intensity are very low,” 6,209 339 60,567 reported in various places in the were 2.5 or less on the Richter Scale. This Professor of Geology at the Open SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU island constitute an unusual situation, is considered negligible in terms of impact, University Rohan Fernando claimed THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 04 FEBRUARY 2021 according to geologists. but can be recorded by a seismograph. The speaking to The Morning yesterday (4). Most of the reported earth tremors only question is how these earthquakes Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Friday, February 5, 2021

The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid- 19 vaccine, the only vaccine being used in Sri Lanka currently, appears to substantially reduce transmission AstraZeneca appears to reduce of the virus rather than simply preventing symptomatic infections, UK researchers have suggested. The rate of positive PCR tests declined by about half after two doses, Covid transmission, study shows according to preliminary results by risk of infection and thus a surrogate to confirm this.” researchers at the University of Oxford appeared to rise when the time between research should provide reassurance researchers at the University of Oxford for potential onward transmission,” Chief executive of the British Society said. shots was spaced out from less than six around the UK’s decision to offer the that have yet to be peer reviewed, CNN the authors wrote. for Immunology Dr. Doug Brown told The new analysis adds new trial sites weeks to more than 12. However, more two doses of this vaccine 12 weeks reported yesterday (4). If the vaccine were simply making the SMC that the study “hints that the and a month of new data to the mix, information is needed to know how apart.” The researchers’ analysis, released infections milder, PCR positivity would Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine may be building upon earlier results announced statistically different that finding is. Chair in infectious disease as a preprint Tuesday, also supports not change, the authors argued in the effective in stopping people being able by AstraZeneca that its vaccine had Taken together, the findings may epidemiology at Imperial College spacing out doses and estimates good preprint analysis. to transmit the virus.” showed an estimated 70.4% efficacy. bolster the UK’s decision to recommend London Professor Azra Ghani efficacy after just one shot of the “A measure of overall PCR positivity He added: “While this would be However, the latest research also spacing out doses up to 12 weeks cautioned against interpreting the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. is appropriate to assess whether there is extremely welcome news, we do suggests the vaccine may offer apart, according to a statement from estimates in the study as indicative The study did not measure a reduction in the burden of infection.” need more data before this can be substantial protection after a single the chief investigator of the Oxford of a higher efficacy with a longer transmission directly – for example, Coronavirus vaccine trials have confirmed and so it’s important that shot. Vaccine Trial and co-author of the dosing gap, citing limitations with the by tracing contacts who were infected primarily looked at prevention of we all still continue to follow social The study estimates 76% efficacy paper Andrew Pollard. study design. by study volunteers. But the researchers symptomatic cases of Covid-19. distancing guidance after we have up to three months following one “This is positive news as it shows “Most importantly, the study was did collect regular nasal swabs from Previously, there has been little been vaccinated.” dose. This is based on a subset of 88 that just one dose of this vaccine not designed to look at different some participants and found that the public data suggesting that vaccines Chair of the South African symptomatic infections, split unevenly generates good levels of immunity dosing gaps or at one versus two rate of positive PCR tests fell by half could prevent people from passing government’s coronavirus advisory between the vaccine and placebo and that this protection does not seem to doses. This means that participants after two doses of the vaccine. After the infection to others. panel Salim Abdool Karim, told CNN groups between 22 and 90 days after wane in the shorter term,” said Brown, weren’t randomised, and it is only one dose, the rate of positive tests Speaking to the UK’s Science on Wednesday (3) that the results shared vaccination. The study also found of the British Society for Immunology. therefore quite possible that there fell by 67%. Media Centre (SMC), Helen Fletcher, in the preprint were a “promising relatively stable levels of antibodies “In immunology terms, this finding is are other things that are driving this “While transmission studies per Professor of Immunology at the London start” to understanding coronavirus during this time frame “with minimal not unexpected as we know that some apparent trend with dosing schedule,” se were not included in the analysis, School of Hygiene and Tropical transmission after vaccination, but waning by day 90.” other vaccines confer better immunity she told the SMC. swabs were obtained from volunteers Medicine, said the data in the study that more research is needed. Furthermore, the authors suggest when the doses are more spread out. “The only way in which this question every week in the UK study, regardless “suggests a possibility that the vaccine The vaccine showed 66.7% efficacy that there could be higher efficacy Although further information is can be answered robustly is in a of symptoms, to allow assessment of could have an impact on transmission, against symptomatic disease starting with more spaced-out doses. Among required to confirm these findings prospective trial with different dosing the overall impact of the vaccine on but further follow-up would be needed two weeks after the second shot, adults age 18 to 55, vaccine efficacy for older age groups, overall this new schedules compared side-by-side.” Contd. from page 1

The 46th Session of the UNHRC is to take conducting of the sterilisation programme, the At the mine site and the surrounding areas, said that the recommendations made by two Prez tells... place from 22 February to 23 March in Geneva, impact it had on controlling the population blasting produces local vibrations though mine Task Forces that have been created to obtain such as the Easter Sunday attacks and the Switzerland. and on the human-animals conflict should be operators and explosives engineers strive to specialist assistance in these reforms are already Central Bank Treasury Bond scam. I have now assessed before it is implemented on a larger minimise many of the effects of these vibrations being implemented. He added that steps have received the final report of the PCoI appointed scale. by careful blasting designs. In some cases, also been taken to increase the capacity of State to inquire into the Easter Sunday attacks. I have Monkey... The Centre for Environmental Justice ground motions or seismic waves may be universities, and increase the number of higher already given instructions to implement its The sterilisation of wild animals such as Chairman Ravindranath Dabare, speaking to detected at long distances, Prof. Senaratne education opportunities available. recommendations. Simultaneously, taking into monkeys and peacocks through surgery, The Morning yesterday, said that sterilisation pointed out. With regard to the technological sector, the account the recommendations of the previous injections and the oral administration of and the enclosure of animals are not just and He added that the pressure wave from an President stated that action has already been Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on sterilising drugs as well as by capturing the that it may have ecological impacts that affect underground explosion will propagate through taken to create five technology parks with all National Security, action will be taken against animals and releasing them to the wild, and food cycles. the ground and cause an earthquake. Theory also facilities in five identified districts, in order to all parties involved in this tragedy. We will the preparation of large enclosures to hold the “There should be justice for all members of suggests that a nuclear explosion could trigger encourage entrepreneurs and start-ups in the not allow those responsible for designing and animals, are some of the suggestions that will the environment, animals and humans. Humans fault ruptures and may cause a major quake at technology sector. enabling this tragedy to escape justice. We will be discussed as solutions for the problems don’t have a right to sterilise animals. About 80% distances within a few tens of kilometres from Environmental preservation is receiving never allow extremism to raise its head again, faced by farmers. of Sri Lanka’s land has some kind of human the blast point. the Government’s special attention, the in this country”. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (4), the intervention. We have to reserve a just space “Small explosions are used for mining, President said, adding that the Government is Speaking to The Morning, Opposition Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation for the animals.” Environmental Lawyer Jagath quarrying, road excavating, and other implementing this sustainable environmental Parliamentarian and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Secretary Bandula Harischandra said that a Gunawardana told The Morning yesterday that constructional applications, as well as in natural management policy through promoting urban (SJB) Member, Harin Fernando said that committee was appointed on 3 February to animals could be facing situations of being resource exploration and crustal studies. Larger forests, the promotion of green cities and while they welcome the actions that would be provide a report on the best strategies to go driven out of their habitats. sources include underground nuclear tests, which businesses, tree planting, the development of taken to bring justice to these incidents, they about controlling populations of wild animals “These animals could be in a desperate produce waves strong enough to be observed irrigation, organic farming, and restrictions also believe that the said PCoI report must be that enter farm lands and damage crops. situation that might be driving them to these on the opposite side of the earth. Naturally on polythene. made available in the public domain. “Expose “Monkeys are our main concern as they have crop lands”. occurring explosive or implosive sources are Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda whatever is needed to be exposed, but ensure damaged about 20% to 25% of the agricultural He noted that therefore resorting to ad hoc rare, but some may occur with meta stable Rajapaksa in his Independence Day message that we also are able to see the PCoI report,” produce. We however do not want to kill solutions without exploring the causative factors mineralogical phase transitions or magmatic said that we are at a point in our journey where added Fernando. any animals and we want them to be in our behind the rise in the monkey population, is processes at depth”. we must work collectively to ensure that the Meanwhile, when contacted regarding environment. Therefore, the committee will be not advisable. However, according to Prof. Senaratne, Sri freedom we won not once but twice, is a the matter, the Archdiocese of Colombo looking for options to control their populations Lanka needs more equipment to ensure proper meaningful one for all Sri Lankans. Secretary Denington Subasinghe said that the and balance it. Sterilisation, holding them in research on earth tremors. “Despite the many challenges we faced as a Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal enclosures, and capturing and releasing the ‘Unusual’... “We have only four measuring equipment nation last year, we have embarked on a journey Ranjith too, whilst delivering an Independence animals back into the wild are some of the According to Prof. Fernando, minor but we need more high resolution ones to get and adopted policies that focus on the growth Day related sermon yesterday, had expressed suggestions we will be considering.” tremors were reported from Tissamaharama, more conclusive information on the causes. of the economy by giving preference to locally the need to publicize the PCoI report’s He stressed that the control will only be on Embilipitiya, and Ampara years ago, and Otherwise, in the long run, we might have to produced items”. recommendations. “Firstly, I hope that the heavily populous animals that enter into crop recently from the Victoria dam and Walapane face consequences,” he added. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Government lets the country know about the fields and noted that this will not be practiced area. The GSMB Chairman Anura Walpola, when his Independence Day message said that the PCoI report’s recommendations. Secondly, I on animals such as elephants. “I remember the tremors reported from contacted by The Morning, said that initial challenges ahead of Sri Lanka today are the hope that the Government implements those A six member committee that consists of Ampara. This occurred when the Deyata Kirula attention has been focused on several incidents prevention of external influences and the recommendations to courageously bring to representatives from the Ministry of Wildlife National Exhibition was ongoing, during the which are suspected to be the reason for these safeguarding of political, economic, social, justice all of the actors behind the Easter Sunday and Forest Conservation, the State Ministry of daytime. We were not allowed to go to the area tremors occurring. and cultural values in the name of freedom. attacks. I hope that it will not be swept under Wildlife Conservation Protection Programmes due to tight security by the Army. The tremors “Our investigating team is concentrating on He noted that Sri Lanka as a country faces the carpet as usual,” he said. Including Electric Fence and Ditch Construction stopped after the exhibition concluded.“ finding out whether these tremors took place due many challenges even 73 years after gaining After recording evidence from the over 400 and Re-Forestation and Wildlife Resources Speaking further regarding the tremors to setting bores at a stone quarry or the breaking Independence. people during a 214-day period, the PCoI into Development, the Department of Agrarian reported in recent times, he noted that to his of limestone layers. If it is an explosion, the The Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm the Easter Sunday attacks handed over their Development, the Department of Agriculture, knowledge “this is not a natural process”. He explosives used should be 56 kg in weight in Cardinal Ranjith said that the politicians who report to the President on 1 February. The the Director General of the Department of cited the differences in the locations from order to have a minor tremor with a magnitude have been in power after Independence were attacks, involving terrorists including eight Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and agriculture where the tremors were reported, and the fact of around 2.0 on the Richter Scale.” responsible for creating divisions among the suicide bombers, targeted three churches and specialist Thilak Kandegama will be providing that they were reported during the daytime, as When queried whether they were mine related people and making the country a debt laden one. three hotels on 21 April, 2019, taking around a report with recommendations in early March unusual phenomena. “Tremors can take place explosions, he added that investigations are He pointed out that all parties in the country 270 lives and injuring approximately 500 others. which would then be presented to the Cabinet day or night but most of these microearthquakes presently ongoing in this regard and that by should work together to solve the problems in of Ministers, said Harishchandra. reported from various places in Sri Lanka next week, they might be able to provide a the country. Papaya, banana and corn are some of the happened in the daytime. This is unusual.” proper answer regarding these minor tremors The Cardinal expressed these views at the All Covid... main crops that are damaged by these animals According to Prof. Fernando, an earthquake is and associated speculations. The tremor could Catholic service for the Independence Day held Meanwhile, speaking to The Morning in the Central, North Central, Sabaragamuwa, caused by a sudden slip on a fault. The tectonic happen at the time of the explosion or even after at the All Saints Church in Borella yesterday. yesterday, National Operation Centre for Southern, Eastern and North Western Provinces. plates are always slowly moving, but they get the explosion, depending on the geological “We cannot try and sell the resources of the Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) “Farmers organisations from these areas have stuck at the edges due to friction. When the condition, he added. country to the powerhouses of the world. For Head, Army Commander General Shavendra made complaints so we are trying to respond to stress on an edge overcomes the friction, there “I can assure there is not a major risk in the the last 20 to 30 years, our country’s position Silva said that based on the consultations they their grievances. District agricultural committees is an earthquake that releases energy in waves future,” he added. has been to alienate assets. Something has had already had in this regard, the quarantine and farmers’ societies would be working together that travel through the earth’s crust and cause happened because of the wrong paths taken process in place may not be changed at present. with Wildlife Conservation officials and if we the shaking that we feel. Earthquakes can and by the leaders of our country,” he said. “As of now, we are discussing changes to the are going ahead with sterilisation, the DWC’s do happen at any time, day or night, he added. I want... Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian current quarantine process, but we can’t assure veterinary surgeons and veterinary surgeons Speaking to The Morning, Professor of the President stated that he is working towards Dr. Harsha de Silva, tweeting yesterday about that it will take place,” said Silva. working with farmers will also be a part of Geology of the Department of Geology of the realising the genuine expectations of the public the need to celebrate Independence Day with The State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, this. The medicine, equipment and necessary University of Peradeniya Atula Senaratne also that supported him with honest intent. pride, said that the Government should note Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control is also facilities needed for this would be provided by noted that earthquakes have been rare in Sri “I believe that the vast majority of these that ethno-nationalism, the militarisation of due to launch a new website next week where the Government,” added Harischandra. Lanka, and that the earth tremors reported in people did so not in search of personal benefits the society, and taking away the democratic all Covid-19-related information and regulations When queried about the causes of the wild the country may have been caused by reasons but because they expected me to serve the space has no place in a free Sri Lanka. in Sri Lanka could be accessed in one place. animal invasion of crop fields, he said that this other than due to a natural process. nation diligently. I am always prepared to fulfil Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in is not due to deforestation alone and that these “Minister of Environment Mahinda the genuine expectations of the public that his message for the day, stated that Sri Lankans animals have gotten used to finding their food Amaraweera has requested an investigation supported me with honest intent. However, I must also keep in mind the challenges that Urges... from these crops. report on the occasional minor tremors that will never take decisions that will damage the have arisen nationally and internationally The ITJP statement further pointed out that However, conservationists and occurred around the Victoria Reservoir recently. country, and to please those who seek gains for against the sovereignty, independence, and Bachelet has stated in her report that the Human environmentalists have raised their concerns An Experts Committee on seismic conditions themselves, personally or for their businesses.” territorial integrity of this country. Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), about the initiative to control animal populations was appointed to look into earth tremors and The President stressed on the need for an “With the independence we have gained, we which currently vets the troops, has been highly and the suggested methods to go about doing so. the possible causes of minor earth tremors”. efficient and honest public service that is will continue to advance as an independent, politicised. Speaking to The Morning yesterday, the The Committee Members are the Chairman willing to take decisions on its own, and said sovereign, democratic and unitary State, Speaking to The Morning yesterday, Military Centre for Conservation and Research Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau that necessary legal reforms are needed to be while maintaining Sri Lanka’s dignity, pride Media Spokesperson Brig. Nilantha Premaratne Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando claimed that sterilising (GSMB), Engineer Anura Walpola, Professor put in place to protect such officials in the and identity, and also maintaining friendly said that they have not received any official large numbers of wild animals is not practical. Atula Senaratne, the Director-General of the public service who independently make correct cooperation with all States, prioritising the communication regarding this matter yet. “We can’t even sterilise the stray dogs in the Disaster Management Centre, Major General decisions without relying on a circular or a neutral and non-aligned foreign policy”. Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella streets. To catch wild animals such as monkeys S. Ranasinghe, the Engineer-in-Charge of the directive for every matter. Sending his congratulations on the was not available for comment. and to sterilise them is a fanciful idea that is Victoria Reservoir Project, Wasantha Ihalapitiya, “I therefore request all those in positions of Independence Day, United States (US) In September 2019, the UN suspended Sri not practical,” he noted. Prof. Jagath Goonetileke, Prof. L.R.K. Perera, authority to ease the limitations and practices Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Lankan Army peacekeeping deployments Dr. Fernando also said that administering Dr. O.K. Dissanayake, Dr. Gamini Jayatissa from that obstruct the general public through the that the US is looking forward to working following the appointment of Army Commander injections that need to be received periodically the National Building Research Organisation, State administration.” with Sri Lanka as a partner and friend to Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva. However, the UN on so many wild animals is impractical and that and from the GSMB, Nalin de Silva, Nilmini The President also stated that there will be promote regional security and prosperity in later clarified that the suspension would only offering oral sterilisers through food targeting Thaldena and Mahinda Seneviratne. no leniency practiced towards anyone found the Indo-Pacific region. include a quarter of the troops. the monkeys, could be picked up by a non- “We observed five different reasons that guilty of corruption or waste, and requested the “On this day, the people of Sri Lanka and Bachelet released her report on Sri Lanka targeted animal and eaten. may have caused these earth tremors including public not to directly or indirectly encourage the US celebrate shared principles to protect last month, where she raised concerns over However, he also said that if sterilisation is human activities as well,” he added. corruption. and promote democracy, human rights, the the heightened risk of human rights violations practically possible, a pilot programme should Mining activities can produce a wide variety Elaborating on the measures in place to rule of law, and equal justice for all,” the being repeated. be conducted in a small area where after the of induced ground motions, including seismicity. bring about education reforms, the President message said. 43 Friday, February 5, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk 130 red and 87 blue notices Must make SL on Lankans overseas A total of 129 red Police Spokesman Deputy residing in Dubai in the have been wanted notices have been issued Inspector General of United Arab Emirates over financial crimes. through Interpol on Sri Police (DIG) Ajith (UAE), India, and He also said that 87 blue first to complete Lankans in connection Rohana said yesterday (4). European countries. notices have been issued with various crimes He said that the majority Rohana said that 40 on Sri Lankans who have committed in Sri Lanka, of these suspects are out of 129 fugitives left the country. vaccination: Basil Over 1.4 m PCR Covid recoveries zVaccine available to pvt. sector and public by mid-Feb exceed 60,000 BY MIHI PERERA tests conducted The number of Covid-19 recoveries in The Head of the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Sri Lanka exceeded 60,000 yesterday (4). Alleviation, Basil Rajapaksa said that the target is to make Sri Lanka the Over 1.4 million PCR tests The Ministry of Health noted that 684 first country to complete the Covid-19 vaccination programme. have been conducted in Sri more Covid-19 patients were discharged Rajapaksa said this at the “Gama Samaga drive, and a total of 139,914 persons have Lanka since 4 October 2020 up to from the hospitals after recovering. Pilisandara” sub-committee meeting held been vaccinated in the past six days. On yesterday (4), the Department of on 3 February. Wednesday alone, 21,147 personnel were Government Information stated. At the meeting, Prime Minister Mahinda vaccinated against Covid-19, the Chief The total number at present New PUCSL Rajapaksa had stated that the Covid-19 Epidemiologist said. stands at 1,447,763. vaccine will be made available to public Meanwhile, it was stated that plans On 3 February, 13,218 PCR and private sector employees as well as are underway to provide electricity and tests were conducted islandwide, appointments the general public by mid-February, which water to all houses in Sri Lanka by the out of which 711 tested positive was in turn endorsed by the State Minister Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival and the results of 95 PCR tests approved for Covid Disease Control Dr. Sudarshini of this year. pending. Fernandopulle. “We have identified about 350,000 The Parliamentary Council, which met on On Friday (28 January) Sri Lanka houses without electricity at the 3 February under the patronage of Speaker of received 500,000 doses of the Oxford- beginning of our tenure and it has been the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by reduced to 125,000,” stated the State Over 110,000 in has approved the new appointments to be the Serum Institute of India as a donation Minister of Solar Power, Wind and Hydro made to the Public Utilities Commission from the Indian Government. On Friday, Power Generation Projects Development of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the Parliament Basil Rajapaksa the Government launched its vaccination Duminda Dissanayake at the meeting. home quarantine announced. BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA Meanwhile, Police Spokesman Accordingly, the names of Janaka The National Operations Deputy Inspector General of Ratnayake as the Chairman and Chathurika Moves to get students involved in archaeology Centre for the Prevention Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana Wijesinghe, Mohan Samaranayake, Attention is to be paid including through lectures Archaeology and the to local universities to study of the Covid-19 Outbreak said that they are conducting Udeni Wickramasinghe, and Prof. Janaka towards training students for and the distribution of state university system. archaeology and getting them (NOCPCO) noted that a special operations to observe Ekanayake to serve as PUCSL Members archaeological excavation handbills and leaflets. At the discussion, State involved in archaeological total of 116,000 persons the home quarantine process. were approved by the Council. work, increasing the use These matters were focused Minister of National investigations, and further, are undergoing home “We have received reports Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Leader of academics as resource on at a meeting held on Heritage, Performing Arts, to conduct monthly visits to quarantine as of yesterday (4). that some of the individuals of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Minister persons for archaeological 1 February to plan the and Rural Arts Promotion various locations with a view It added that 3,399 persons are undergoing home quarantine Douglas Devananda, and parliamentarian investigations, and archaeological investigations Vidura Wickramanayaka to discuss issues they are being quarantined at hotels as are disregarding the health Kabir Hashim, along with Secretary General conducting awareness to be conducted jointly had also focused on faced with and take necessary 410 persons have entered into guidelines and regulations,” of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake, were programmes for students, by the Department of enrolling foreign students measures in this regard. hotel quarantine on 3 February. he said. present at the council meeting. Belarus keen 14,000 grads into to expand public service by end of February ties with SL Minister of Public Services, Provincial Belarus President Alexander Councils, and Local Government Janaka Lukashenko sent greetings to President Bandara Tennakoon said that 14,000 trainee Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Independence graduates recruited by the former United Day (yesterday) inviting Sri Lanka to National Front-led Government will be absorbed expand bilateral ties in politics, trade, into the public service by the end of this month. economy, science, and many other fields, “The previous Government recruited Belta reported. 14,000 trainee graduates in 2019 without The Belarusian leader has noted that in incorporating them into the public service. more than 70 years of independence, Sri However, the present Government has decided Lanka has become an influential member to absorb them into the public service after a of the international community. discussion with the relevant officials,” he said. “Minsk and Colombo are committed Although it was decided to carry out the to peace and stability, sharing positions appointments before last January, the on the most important issues of the work was delayed due to the temporary global agenda. I am convinced that the closure of certain sections of the expansion of our bilateral ties in politics, Government due to the Covid-19 pandemic. trade, economy, science, technology, and The Minister of Public Services, Provincial humanitarian affairs on the principles of Councils, and Local Government urged these complementarity and joint benefit can give graduates not to be deceived by the false an additional impetus to the development propaganda of political groups. of the two countries,” the message read. Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and covers an area Price stabilisation of 207,600 square kilometres with a population of 9.4 million. It is the 13th for 3 months on largest and the 20th most populous country in Europe and is one of the world’s most urbanised, with over 40% of its total land over 25 goods area forested. Its GDP was $ 63 billion The prices of 27 essential goods including at the end of 2019. rice, flour, sugar, canned fish, and facemasks would be stabilised for a period of three months from February, the Ministry of Trade Army promotes said on Wednesday (3). The Ministry entered into an agreement 337 officers and with the relevant traders to maintain stable prices for 27 essential goods from February, it said. 8,226 personnel Accordingly, the prices of rice, wheat flour, sugar, tea, lentils, onions, potatos, chickpea, A total of 337 officers and 8,226 dried chillies, canned fish, sprats, chicken, other rankers of the Army have salt flakes, powdered milk, soybean oil, been promoted to their respective soap, liquid handwash, and facemasks will next ranks by President Gotabaya be stabilised for three months. Rajapaksa in view of Independence Day These products would be available at Lak yesterday (4), the Army announced. Sathosa outlets, co-operatives, stores, and The promotions have been made on the Q-Shops. recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff and Army ‘Annual pension Commander General Shavendra Silva. Accordingly, 14 brigadiers to the rank of major general, 23 colonels to the rank payments equal fossil of brigadier, 35 lieutenant colonels to the rank of colonel, 34 majors to the fuel expenditure’ rank of lieutenant colonel, 206 captains Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma to the rank of major, 22 lieutenants to claimed that the annual allocation for the payment the rank of captain, and three second of pensions is similar to the amount spent to lieutenants to the rank of lieutenant generate power through the use of fossil fuel. (Regular Force and Volunteer Force) have The sum involved is over Rs. been promoted in the officers category. 300 billion, he further claimed. In the category of other ranks, a total of 212 While attending a function at the Regional warrant officers – II to the rank of warrant Development Bank’s Matara branch last month, officer – I, 795 staff sergeants to the rank of he commended the bank on introducing a warrant officer – II, 1,351 sergeants to the special loan scheme for the instalment of rank of staff sergeant, 1,422 corporals to the solar power generation panels on rooftops rank of sergeant, 2,070 lance corporals to as part of a move towards natural energy the rank of corporal, and 2,415 privates to sources for the purpose of power generation. the rank of lance corporal have accordingly He noted that the Government intends to reduce been promoted effective from yesterday. the reliance on fossil fuel to 5% by 2025 and completely by 2030. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Friday, February 5, 2021

dutifully remember to dig out of a closet come February, motherhood The character and motherland are in storage until BY SARITHA IRUGALBANDARA the nationalist state needs to use it to invoke whichever emotion is that we choose day’s fancy. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his We are a country whose claim to Independence Day speech, pledged his willingness women having unfettered agency to bring to book the culprits responsible for the continues to be the prime ministerial spate of suicide bombings that took place on appointment of a newly widowed Easter Sunday 2019, and also proclaimed that the Sirimavo Bandaranaike two Government shall never allow extremism to raise its Mothers of our generations ago. It is no surprise that head again in the country. motherhood and its complex spectrum These promising words of the Defence Secretary- of feeling are co-opted by those turned-politician are quite capable of giving a whose best gamble has always been semblance of hope to those affected by the Easter funded with the limitless currency Sunday attacks who are awaiting justice. At the mother(land) that is generational grief. Motherhood same time, they spark a sense of uncertainty as remained a powerful galvaniser to how it will actually happen, as politicians who Land of our birth, our faith, our pride, during the war years, and continues have ruled Sri Lanka since the Easter Sunday attack For whose dear sake our fathers died; to buttress nationalist imaginings of took place have delivered far less than what they Oh, Motherland, we pledge to thee Sri Lankan statehood. Sinhala and promised, as far as the Easter Sunday attacks is Head, heart and hand through the Tamil nationalism both insisted on concerned. Will he be the one who puts an end to years to be! the nurturing role of mothers, to bear the tradition of politicians fooling the public? – “The Children’s Song”, Puck of the human cost of conflict. Mothers Pook’s Hill, Rudyard Kipling are exemplified as both victim and As Sri Lanka celebrated Independence Day heroine when their sons are no more, yesterday (4), the President also remarked upon the Every year as Independence their grief co-opted by competing prolonged issues that have plagued the country in Day grows closer, discourse and statehood politics to legitimise claims the last few decades, such as religious and ethnic debate about what language to land, language, and liberation. conflicts, racist and terrorist activities, undue the national anthem is to be While I do not make presumptions external influences, and constitutional crises, and sung in is rekindled. There is about these mothers’ agency over their stated that the challenge of establishing national much chatter about a mother own grief, I feel deep unease towards security, achieving true reconciliation amongst tongue, how as inhabitants of how mothers’ grief is captured various communities, and building a strong what most dub a multicultural and presented by agents of any economy that can ensure economic development society, allegiance is to be pledged Mothers of fallen soldiers check for the name of their sons engraved on the National War nationalism, on any end of the political and eliminate poverty still lie ahead of the country. using only one language. This Heroes Memorial in Colombo in May 2017 spectrum. It is a glaring reminder of While acknowledging that he is a proud Sinhala- year, it has extended to talks of PHOTO ERANGA JAYAWARDENA how human causality and the raw Buddhist leader who governs the country in making changes to the national emotion of loss are used to legitimise accordance with Buddhist teachings, he stated that flag. I am neither surprised nor more violence, more casualties, and every person in the country, irrespective of his/her frustrated at this development, more loss. The racist state invokes ethnic or religious identification, has the right to but these pockets of non-feeling motherhood to create more mothers enjoy freedom as equals under the nation’s legal are a privilege I can enjoy as what clad in white or with smudged pottu, framework. some would classify as a Sinhala- holding vigil over the physical The President, during his speech, also remarked Buddhist child of this motherland. evidence of incomparable loss or, that every citizen of the democratic nation of Sri Another Independence Day passes as Dr. de Alwis aptly describes the Lanka has equal rights, and that any efforts to by, and I find myself reflecting emotion of enforced disappearances, on the motherland, this year divide the citizens based on ethnic or religious the “absence of presence” of their kin. more so regarding the legacies To borrow from socio-legal reasons would be rejected. The President gave both created and endured by the criminologist Dr. Rachel Seoighe’s this pledge ahead of the upcoming United Nations eponymous mothers of this land. work on Sri Lanka’s post-war Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session, where “A man’s heart is a wretched nation-building, the political Sri Lanka is most likely to face the wrath of a thing,” writes Afghan-American capital of suffering forms the core number of countries concerning several matters, novelist Khaled Hosseini. “It isn’t of the Nationalist State’s political including the human rights violations said to have like a mother’s womb. It won’t considerations, adopting the shroud happened during the war with the Liberation Tigers bleed. It won’t stretch to make room of victim in favour of the cape of of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In fact, this would be a for you.” The power of a mother’s The grief of mothers as they plead for information about their disappeared children the hero. In the public imagination, huge challenge to the President, as he was directly lifeblood, her willingness to shed it, is nationalism is framed as a righteous involved in the war back then, and in ruling the a fascinating motif, especially in the syndrome”. She writes about the unconventional for the political. The effort to protect and to preserve, country now. Global South. In Sri Lanka, mothers’ nationalist imagining of motherhood sprouts of postcolonial nationalism instead as the perpetrator of a legacy The President, who, at the beginning of his capacity to turn “blood into milk” through the valorisation of Vihara were tended to within the safety of of violence. Sinhala and Buddhist tenure, pledged to establish rule of law and went paints an almost chimerical image of Maha Devi, an extraordinarily the domestic, a sphere traditionally motherhood are not exempt from on to appoint a Presidential Commission of Inquiry motherhood, a being who achieves maternalised role model. Vihara Maha associated with sanctuary, with this recasting. Instead of the heroine (PCoI) into incidents of political victimisation the impossible task of finding strength Devi’s positioning as the ultimate nurturing, with mother(hood). And treatment that Vihara Maha Devi in state institutions, also said that the public has in vulnerability. Motherhood is more aspiration of motherhood is bolstered what of the mothers, of the women receives, modern Sinhala and rejected the undue influence that was exerted on often than not invoked in broader by her willingness to self-sacrifice that occupy these spaces already? Buddhist motherhood is reduced to law enforcement agencies and the judiciary by conversations around womanhood in order to save a country, and her Their positioning naturally becomes perpetual victimhood – be it at the politicians in the past. Going a step forward, he in Sri Lanka, history, and present. role as the resilient nurturer of King relative to that of the father and the hands of terrorism robbing them added that the legal reforms necessary to protect Figures such as Vihara Maha Devi (the Dutugemunu, the saviour and great son; the mother is the “repository of of their children, the sterilisation those in the public service who take correct daughter of King Kelanitissa and the uniter of the Sinhala country. As such, tradition”, writes Sen, in that she is pills hindering the moral duty of decisions are currently being formulated. However, queen consort of King Kavantissa), an intrinsic link between maternity now the dutiful protector of this new reproduction, or of men of other the ultimate representation of a and righteous morality is established – sanctum of nationalist resistance. denominations waiting to convert this is in a context where serious allegations heroine-mother, remain a cornerstone the standard for a patriotic mother that Herein possibly lies the them to ideologies that threaten are being levelled against the PCoI on political of the formative imaginings of the Sri Lankan womanhood must aspire to superimposition of motherhood onto their sense of personhood. Saffron- victimisation following its recently-issued report. Sri Lankan motherland. Mothers in exchange for the space it takes up the postcolonial, nationalist imagining robed agents of majoritarianism He emphasised that he had advised the Attorney of this land are keepers of stories – on the motherland. of motherland; a sanctuary from position Sinhala-Buddhist women General’s Department to take swift action regarding albeit unknowingly, often without Motherhood in contemporary Sri the other. Emotions tied to, chained at the vanguard of preventing the matters that have raised concerns amongst the much control of how their stories are Lanka, caught between competing to rather, culture and morality that the minoritisation of the Sinhala public, such as the Easter Sunday attacks and the penned. nationalisms, is more complex than is meant to inspire the righteous. Buddhist; nationalism dictates that Central Bank scam. It would be remiss to discuss that of Vihara Maha Devi’s. Yet, Motherland becomes a grossly Sinhala-Buddhist women should find This reminds us of how the President visited motherhood and motherland without even the most emblematic Vihara maternalised entity, which in itself is empowerment in being reduced to several public institutions, including but not limited noting the late anthropologist Dr. Maha Devi is not exempt from the the birther of patriotic sons. The verse walking uteruses. I suppose that that to the Department of Motor Traffic, and discussed Malathi de Alwis, whose work nationalist revision of Sri Lankan at the beginning of this piece is by is precisely the point of patriarchal with the public the services provided by public on the politicisation of grief and –and more specifically, Sinhalese – the famous children’s book author, nationalist standards – they are institutions and pledged to streamline said services. motherhood as a space of protest motherhood. Some, such as historian British poet, and recondite European deliberately impossible to meet. However, what happened to his enthusiasm within a patriarchal nationalist state Professor Samita Sen, posit that this imperialist Rudyard Kipling. He But, a distinction: Having children afterwards still remains a question. remains forever salient. I’m aware is perhaps a natural consequence of wrote it about the British empire, yet may make one a mother, but In the face of perpetuating international influence that this is an oversimplification of postcolonial nation-building in the it does make one wonder whether this motherhood is a political status by from China and India, for the most part due to the highly nuanced body of work of Global South. With a public sphere personification and maternalisation design. The latter is unequal in effect Sri Lanka being located in a strategic point in the Dr. de Alwis, but for the purposes controlled by a violent coloniser, of land is another headache of the and affect, legitimising narratives world, the President also emphasised that as the of this piece, I refer specifically anti-colonial nation-building found colonial hangover. that supplement the nationalist Head of State, he is committed to protecting the to her paper on the “moral mother refuge in spaces that are generally Much like the Sri Lankan flag we maternalisation of the State. We see nation’s independence, unitary status, territorial this in how the grief of the mothers of integrity, and sovereignty on behalf of the future deceased armed forces personnel is CARTOON OF THE DAY construed as an exclusively Sinhala- generations, and that he will always uphold that Buddhist burden to bear, because the pledge. He also said that the country’s policy of ethnic conflict is a mission in saving not selling national economic hubs to foreigners the Sinhala-Buddhist motherland. remains unchanged. Simultaneously, thousands of minority As citizens of a war-stricken, debt-ridden country, mothers have their suffering policed the President’s remarks can actually give hope to structurally, systematically. Every the public. They voted for him expecting a new May, since 2010, it is a new photoset form of governance, as he had gained fame as a of weeping mothers in the North and public official who contributed to rid the country of East, and grandiose celebrations of terrorism. Also, it would not be wrong to say that heroism in the South; the disconnect the way he managed the Covid-19 pandemic has so painfully evident. “This is our received the admiration of the public, despite the motherland. All of us are children of fact that the country is still struggling to combat it. one mother,” said the then President However, the public is still waiting to see and current Premier Mahinda how President Gotabaya Rajapaksa differs from Rajapaska during the Independence Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Can they Day celebrations a year after the end be different? Well, he himself said recently that of the ethnic conflict. The implied there is a difference; while responding to Samagi subtext is clear; disobedience to the Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harin Fernando, who mother(land) will be dealt with. called him by his first name, he added that he could The tearing down of the be either one of them. Despite what character he Mullivaikkal Memorial on the Jaffna wants to play, the public expects just one thing, University grounds is yet another reminder that for all the talk of the i.e. making the country a better and actually collective grief of mothers in the independent land. North and South, only one can be permanent. The Nationalist State No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. speaks on behalf of the motherland; Fax - 011 2 673 441 General - 011 5 200 900 grieve in private as mothers, not in Sales & Marketing - 076 1367612 public as those who have a claim to Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 the political status of motherhood. E-mail - [email protected] In the South, some mothers cling to Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 Website - www.themorning.lk a motherhood that is at risk of being engulfed by the sands of time. Contd. on page 6 45 Friday, February 5, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk

The report of the PCoI probing incidents of political victimisation being handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by Committee Chairman SC Judge Justice (Retd.) Upali Abeyratne at the Presidential Secretariat on 8 December 2020

individuals who have been named as cause serious prejudice to victims of PCOI ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION respondents in the complaints filed at and crimes, and could potentially further inquired by the PCoI were complainants delay cases which have been ongoing for before various other law enforcement several years,” the CPA stated. agencies against the complainants of CPA Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy the PCoI. Saravanamuttu told The Morning that Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led the FR petition filed by the CPA has not National People’s Power (NPP) Leader concluded and is still being heard. Whitewashing Anura Kumara Dissanayake alleged When queried as to how the PCoI’s that the Government is in the process of final report and its recommendations, targeting them outside the existing legal if implemented, can affect Sri Lanka at framework and that the establishment of the international level, including at the the PCoI is such an attempt. He went on forthcoming United Nations Human to question the integrity of the members of Rights Council (UNHRC) session, Dr. crimes or restoring the PCoI. Dissanayake said the two main Saravanamuttu stressed that the UN High purposes of the PCoI were to exonerate Commissioner for Human Rights has the corrupt of the Government and to alluded to it in her report and that it might hunt those going against the Government. affect Sri Lanka. Speaking on the proceedings of the He said the final report of the PCoI is PCoI, Dissanayake alleged that the PCoI, tantamount to Sri Lanka going back to due process? which received 1,971 complaints, had the era where people are being falsely concluded the hearing of 150 complaints accused and their civic rights are being BY SUMUDU CHAMARA within around 300 days and that this taken away, and that it is a great threat The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing  Who’re the victims, timeframe raises concerns. “The to the country’s democratic institutions. incidents of political victimisation is one of the most discussed topics in Commission’s objective was to release “The whole point of the PCoI (on the political arena these days. The PCoI appointed to look into alleged who’re the culprits: A 79 persons and to take legal action against political victimisation) is to frame people incidents of political victimisation in State institutions, particularly law those who filed cases against them.” who have been alleged to have committed enforcement agencies, during the tenure of the former United National public dilemma He also raised concerns as to whether violations and they (the PCoI) are instead Front (UNF)-led Government recently released its 2,000-page report, legal action taken against certain persons taking action against the petitioners, sparking heated debates among those who were, within the pages of the based on investigation files received by including the possibility of their civic report, exonerated from the charges against them and those who were the Attorney General’s (AG) Department rights being deprived. It is encroaching found guilty of politically victimising them, again with the context of the  Will the PCoI’s or complaints received by the police upon the independence and integrity of report’s recommendations. recommendations would be withdrawn in accorpance the Judiciary as well as other democratic with the recommendations of the institutions. We are going down the wrong On the one hand, a myriad of allegations officer entrusted with the conduct of beget more incidents of PCoI report. He further stated that if path entirely,” he said. are being levelled against the legality investigations by these institutions had the Government needs to take action Even through The Morning tried to of the PCoI, its recommendations, acted under undue influence by third victimisation? against the violation of the Constitution, contact M.A. Sumanthiran of the Tamil composition, and proceedings, while on parties including the Anti-Corruption Unit. which is the allegation levelled against National Alliance (TNA), who was the other hand, the Government maintains In addition, the President, through the him, the abrupt appointment of a prime identified by the PCoI as a respondent, to that the PCoI has served its purpose by same gazette, ordered the PCoI to inquire minister and ministers in October 2018 obtain his comments, he was not reachable identifying those who were politically as to whether any person had committed  A Commission whose by former President and incumbent MP by the time of going to print. victimised and those responsible for any act of political victimisation, misuse Maithripala Sirisena should also receive Earlier, Sumanthiran, who was issued such incidents, and that it is ready to or abuse of power, and/or corruption and powers, establishment, the Government’s attention. summons by the PCoI as a respondent implement its recommendations through fraudulence in relation to the functions of De Silva pointed out that the PCoI to a complaint, told The Morning that a Special PCoI. the Anti-Corruption Unit; the CIABOC, and composition are cannot institute legal action against those since the PCoI’s report had absolutely the FCID, or the SIU; or the administration under fire found guilty during its proceedings, and no foundation, it was not something What is the PCoI probing of any law or the administration of justice. can only issue recommendations as it that had any standing. He added that incidents of political Later, in another Extraordinary Gazette deems appropriate. “Also, the PCoI’s although he had applied for the relevant victimisation? No. 2159/16, dated 22 January 2020, recommendations can be referred to the PCoI proceedings, he had not received The PCoI was appointed by President the President said that inquiries should  Will the PCoI’s relevant institutions, and if there is a need, such, further stating that he was planning Gotabaya Rajapaksa through the be made into the Criminal Investigation it is also possible to reinstate those who to take necessary action. Extraordinary Gazette No. 2157/44, dated Department (CID) in addition to the recommendations pose lost jobs unfairly in their jobs,” De Silva A large part of a country’s democracy 9 January 2020, to look into incidents CIABOC, the FCID, and the SIU. pointed out. depends on how well it enforces its of political victimisation that are said The term of the PCoI, which was to a threat to ongoing court He added that if those levelling rule of law, and when it comes to the to have taken place in several State submit its final report within six months allegations against the PCoI and its implementation of the law, it is of great institutions between 8 January 2015 and of its appointment, was extended on proceedings? recommendations feel the need to counter importance that all persons are treated 16 November 2019 – the tenure of the two occasions – on 8 July 2020 and 9 the PCoI’s recommendations, they can equally. The PCoI, in its report, identifies UNF “Yahapalana” (good governance) November 2020 – until 25 November PCoI’s recommendations, seek the court’s assistance only after legal victims as well as respondents of incidents Government. 2020. action against them has commenced, allegedly involving political victimisation, The three-member PCoI comprised Also through this gazette, the President legality, powers, and adding that they cannot take any action and its recommendations are yet to be retired Supreme Court Judge Justice vested powers with the Commission “to proceedings before the recommendations are put implemented. Upali Abeyratne (Chair), retired ascertain all complaints the investigation Following the establishment of the into action. However, to the common man, it is still Inspector General of Police (IGP) of which was first allegedly decided upon PCoI, as well as after the issuance of its After the establishment of the PCoI, the a puzzle as to who the perpetrators are and Chandra Fernando, and retired Court of by the Investigation Unit referred to in final report, many parties raised concerns Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), a who the victims are. In the meantime, the Appeal Judge Justice Daya Chandrasiri the warrant and thereafter investigation over its legality, proceedings, and most non-governmental organisation (NGO) intensifying political debates on the same Jayathilake. thereon initiated, and those complaints importantly, its recommendations. that focuses predominantly on policy raise concerns among the public over The gazette, while vesting the PCoI made in relation to officers of the tri- The Morning spoke to former Bar reforms, good governance, and justice- what will happen to the ongoing court with powers to make recommendations forces and the police that affect the Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) related matters, filed a fundamental rights cases against those who were identified concerning its inquiries, required the PCoI national security, and in the case of President and incumbent Senior Legal (FR) petition in the Supreme Court, by the PCoI as political victims. On the to look into whether there had been any inquiries, investigations, and legal Advisor to the Ministry of Justice challenging these newly granted powers. other hand, politicians and high-ranking instances of malpractice, irregularities, proceedings held causing prejudice to U.R. De Silva PC in a bid to obtain a “These far-reaching and broad powers officials abusing their power, sometimes or non-compliances with the proper some person in the administration of clarification about the legality concerning granted to the PCoI are beyond the to oppress officials and sometimes the procedures in relation to the administration laws or administration of justice due to the establishment of the PCoI. scope of the powers that can be legally common man, has become a burden to of three top State institutions – the pressure being exerted by a third party, He said that even though certain granted to a CoI as provided by the the public. Commission to Investigate Allegations and in the case of inquiries, investigations, parties level allegations against and law. If left unchallenged, these powers The public would, therefore, concur of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), the and legal proceedings held in relation to question the constitutionality and the would enable the PCoI to make orders with the fact that political victimisation Financial Crimes Investigation Division the tri-forces, the police, and the public legality of the PCoI, the President has which prevent, impede, and/or otherwise should not take place at all, at any level. (FCID), and the Special Investigations service affecting the national security, the power to appoint such PCoIs as well prejudice ‘inquiries, investigations, and The public is now awaiting justice for Unit (SIU) of the police. and/or where prejudice was deemed as to direct the relevant law enforcement legal proceedings’ which are ongoing, those who actually faced injustice and The PCoI was also required to look into to have been caused in any manner authorities to institute legal action for or which could commence during the proper punishments for the culprits, whether any investigations conducted whatsoever, and to take immediate the implementation of the PCoI’s mandate of the PCoI. The powers granted because at the end of the day, the main by the said three institutions had been necessary measures to prevent prejudice recommendations. by Gazette No. 2159/16 of 22 January priority of any commission ought to be influenced, obstructed, or prevented being caused and national security and the The PCoI’s recommendations attracted 2020 to the PCoI would operate outside none other than fulfilling the interests in any manner, and also whether any public service being adversely affected”. widespread attention as a number of the established legal structures and would of the public. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/VIEWS } Friday, February 5, 2021

However, in ultra-deep areas, it is a huge cost and given the current economic climate, they didn’t want to take the agreement further. But we now have data in that area and things ‘National oil company to pursue with them or with another party when the time comes. So those are the two strategies used to bring companies in. My strategy is not to focus only on one or two blocks. You shouldn’t very different to CPC’ forget about our entire offshore acreage. My challenge is to make every area an attractive investment. zIt’s an upstream operations company: New PRDS DG Surath Ovitigama The more companies are here, even just for exploring, the more it gives is already a little bit of confusion conceptualise, design, and build it and our local service companies work, about how that relates to the Ceylon start producing, after which you sell training opportunities, etc. We can Petroleum Corporation (CPC). The it. Until you get to that selling part, engage them and use them to develop functions of the new company are everything else is on cost. You are our staff, along with our universities. quite different from CPC, which is talking of a hundreds of millions, if not Sri Lanka’s longstanding downstream billions, of dollars’ investment. There What more do you think is needed oil company. The new company is an are very few enterprises in the world in Sri Lanka for investments in oil upstream operations company which that can do this. So, the laws of the and gas? looks after the commercial interests country, along with the fiscal, political, The obvious thing is the global of the Government in our indigenous policy, and security stability of the perspective and status of the oil oil and gas production. How exactly country, must all be taken into account industry. One thing is because we are it is established is up to the Ministry due to the investment commitment converting to gas now; whoever who of Energy – it can be a public-private that is involved. We call these “above- produces the first gas should have a partnership (PPP) or a wholly state- ground” conditions and if they are not ready market. Right now, there are owned enterprise. good, then none of this would happen a lot of good initiatives going on to The third part of the industry even with a commercially viable import LNG (liquefied natural gas) governance triangle is policy-making, discovery. to the country and convert our power which rests with the Ministry of stations to run on gas, which is exactly Energy. At the ministry-level it gives what we want – we need a consumer. the Minister the facility to consult a But while that is great, since we committee of experts, the composition are hoping to develop our own gas as of which will change depending well, we must ensure to not commit on the nature of the challenges that There is already a little bit for too long to import LNG and end up may be encountered. Securing the of confusion about how unable to develop our own resources. right expertise will require suitable that relates to the Ceylon For that, the Ministry of Energy is compensation. There are many Sri co-ordinating with the Ministry of Lankan oil and gas experts outside of Petroleum Corporation Power. It is a good co-operation, but the country who are willing to help, (CPC). The functions of there is always a disconnect when PRDS Director General Surath Ovitigama even though they may not be able to the new company are quite there are multiple agencies involved, PHOTO PAMODI WARAVITA relocate back home and work full-time. different from CPC, which which the Government should We can still harness their skills and is Sri Lanka’s longstanding constantly monitor. BY PAMODI WARAVITA knowledge. The National Gas Policy actually Although oil and gas exploration in Sri Lanka began in the late 1960s, it downstream oil company. The outlines this vision. It sets out how was not allowed to consistently develop due to the years of conflict and When we say a country is going to new company is an upstream to introduce gas and talks about how economic instability. In 2011, Cairn India, an Indian oil and gas exploration start oil and gas exploration, what operations company which to protect our indigenous resources and production company, found gas deposits in the Mannar Basin – known does that entail? looks after the commercial and give them priority. The policy, as the M2 Block – which remained untouched since its discovery. The major oil and gas exploration interests of the Government in towards the end, outlines the creation Last month, the Cabinet of Ministers when an investor had approached us and production companies have built a our indigenous oil and gas and implementation of the national approved drafting a new act which with a project proposal, it took three geological history of the world. They gas utilisation master plan (GUMP). would convert the current Petroleum years for us to get back to them due to have a pretty good guess that there is production The gazette came out last week and Resources Development Secretariat the long process of convening a PRDC, oil and gas in Sri Lanka. But to confirm it triggers an 18-month process to set (PRDS) into a regulatory body that consulting the relevant ministry, that theory, they need to explore. When exploration is over, they out the master plan. That is crucial. would govern the proposed national oil sending the information to the Cabinet, Usually, the first step in exploration is would then enter into an agreement We are going in the right direction, and gas company. and then waiting for approval or further the geological modelling of an entire that details the profit share, the moving away from liquid fills and Heading these changes at the PRDS queries to make its way back to us. By region. Sri Lanka is not where it used royalties, and how the cashflow coal to gas, which is better in terms is newly-appointed Director General that time, the financial partner was lost. to be in prehistoric times; we started off happens during the production phase. of a greener future. But, of course, Surath Ovitigama. With a Master’s in The oil and gas expertise of Sri near Mozambique and over time, we At the moment, this is handled by us, gas is still a fossil fuel. Even sitting Mechanical Engineering from the UK Lanka resides within this office, but the moved towards where we are now in but once the national upstream oil and in this office, I would say we should and experience at one of the top three decision-making is done by those who the Indian Ocean. gas company is set up, it would be go for renewables in the future. But in oil and gas engineering companies are not conversant with this industry. One of the reasons why there is handled by them. Until then, attracting the interim, we need to use gas to get in the world as a senior engineer on That’s why around 10 years ago, a new so much interest in Sri Lanka is that investors, licensing them, managing there – to fund our renewable projects greenfield and brownfield offshore oil Petroleum Resources Act was proposed companies made some of the largest them, exploring, and promoting are for when the gas eventually runs outs. and gas projects, Ovitigama spoke to to restructure this sector and cut the recent gas discoveries in Mozambique. carried out by us. Whenever it goes The Morning about how these changes bureaucracy. It would still protect the The problem here was that we didn’t into a commercial aspect, it has to What immediate benefits do you are being carried out to benefit the interests of the country but enable have appropriate laws and regulations leave here and that is where the new envision for Sri Lanka from this country’s economy. the decision-making by the industry to facilitate that investment interest, but company will come in. development? Below are excerpts of the interview: experts. Currently, the new Act is with the interest was there. Then, of course, Straightaway, it is the fuel import the Legal Draftsman, and once it is the Cairn company actually made the At present, what is the process for bill. Since we won’t be importing as What changes would the PRDS assessed by the Attorney General (AG), discoveries in our Mannar M2 Block, a company to come and explore in much petroleum or coal and would undergo with the introduction of the we are confident that it would come in confirming the geological theory. Sri Lanka? Is that process going to be producing our own, we would be new Petroleum Resources Act, and a shape or form that we envision. Offshore, you have to do seismic change with the new Act? saving on the import and earning some why is there a need for change? In establishing the Act, the PRDS surveys to see what’s beneath the The traditional and established money for our resources. The longer The existing Act set up the PRDS as will be established as the Petroleum surface of the seabed. On analysis, way around the world is to hold bid the production goes, the higher the a project and it was placed under the Development Authority of Sri Lanka you might start to see features that rounds. We mark different zones and government shares go up, because the Presidential Secretariat. In governing (PDASL) to be the upstream oil are of interest, and through decades invite bids to explore and develop investor would have recovered their the PRDS, there is the Petroleum and gas regulator of Sri Lanka. The of experience, companies know how those areas. The contracts are bonded cost. Resources Development Committee organisational structure will change, to spot that. You then sanction a more to possible production contracts from Besides this is energy security (PRDC), which is composed of senior with a non-executive chairman and a focused and different type of survey, the outset and that’s a heavy burden. which will be vital to Sri Lanka’s secretaries from other ministries. So board. We also want to ensure that at such as 3D seismic. As the complexity Sometime back, Sri Lanka tried a development goals. This would also the PRDS was meant to be just a tool the board level, stakeholders would be goes up, the cost goes up. When there two-year joint study agreement (JSA) lead to energy democracy – cheaper, to execute their strategies. But over the involved and well informed as well. is reasonable confidence of what’s with two giants in the industry to only reliable, and greener energy for years, the PRDC has delegated a lot of The DG position would remain like a beneath the surface, you sanction explore the north eastern sea areas. everyone to power their daily lives. their functions to the PRDS. Yet, for CEO position. We would expand the drilling to bring samples up. That is That is ultra-deepwater, and it is And, of course, the training and big decisions, we have to convene the organisation to bring in more regulatory exploratory drilling, which is where we extremely challenging. development. We have many people PRDC. and compliance functions. are now on our M2 Block. If they make a discovery and want working in the service sector in the When it comes to the first step of But being a regulator, we can’t The next step is appraisal drilling, to take it through to production, Middle East and elsewhere. If we have convening a PRDC, it is difficult to handle the commercial aspects of oil which is where you determine the then they will have first right of this industry, we train people in it and do so because the various secretaries and gas development. That is where size and properties of the discovery. refusal (ROFR). It was carried out the next generation going out would have their own responsibilities as well. the proposed national upstream oil Then you see whether the discovery successfully because they found some be engineers and technicians in a well- For example, I’ve been told that once and gas company comes in. There is commercial and then you develop, interesting things to pursue further. paid industry.

Contd. from page 4 dehumanisation; perhaps that is why there criminal and antisocial acts,” it posits, insist; they also decide as to who pays the is no consideration of their motherhoods reminding me once again that some cost. Maybe Hosseini is right; maybe men’s in what the Nationalist State continues to mothers are allowed to grieve more hearts are wretched after all, even if they Mothers of our... brand as their best effort at protecting the legitimately than others. Motherhood too are nurtured in a womb that bleeds. motherland against this newest existential is whatever is recognised as politically “Eka mawakage dharu kaela baewina” The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuma (JVP) whose motherhoods no longer serve an threat. useful, it has little to do with the emotions (like the children of one mother) goes the insurrections and the state-sanctioned immediate purpose. In a capitalist world The gut-wrenching photos of that come with being a mother. National Anthem, which the Nationalist violence which robbed southern mothers order we are all just labour. Migrant weeping mothers with folded arms and Baby Shaykh Mohammed’s forced State and its actors demand should be of their sons are spoken of with more domestic workers, sometimes mothers others at the feet of law-enforcement cremation undoubtedly made even some sung in one language. They will tell us nostalgia every passing year, with the of children left behind, and sometimes officers in the context of the Mahara of the most ardent supporters of racist that this is the mother tongue, although political descendants of these violent the children of mothers who pray for Prison massacre are a rare case of the nationalism rethink their (in)humanity. I am convinced that grief is the common chapters now positioning themselves as their safety and safe return, continue permanent memorialisation of how, while His mother was not aware of her baby’s tongue spoken by the mothers of Sri the righteous dissidents of a violent and to fall low on the Government’s list of motherhood is propped up by a nationalist cremation at the time of the story breaking. Lanka. I am still deciding as to what increasingly militarising State. There is priorities during the pandemic. Migrant state as a status of virtue, mothers will I wonder how this mother, then yet language motherhood speaks, because no accountability, only more mothers who domestic workers who were routinely continue to bear the burden of this same unaware of the absence of presence she politics are fickle and largely uncaring grieve and a state that recognises their linked to a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) state’s violence. The massacre continues was about to experience, is faring now on for emotions that detract from the pursuit motherhood but only if they can use it in percentage, characterised as the backbone to be characterised as a prison riot instead the motherland that violently impinged of power, but I know this maternalised the service of more violent agendas. There of a national economy, who, almost a year of terrified sons of mothers begging to on her motherhood. Her grief must be island we call home is not a sanctuary is grief that is readily memorialised, like since the pandemic first broke out, are be saved during a deadly pandemic. A immeasurable on several fronts, and is just for all. Is it truly motherland if some that of the hero soldier Hasalaka Gamini’s now expected to pay a cumulative six- Facebook post stays in my mind, two a microcosm of the fear of other Muslim are not cared for, if some are violated, if mother, and there’s grief that can only figure amount for safe passage back to the months since I first saw it. It speaks of mothers, afraid of having more children some are denied dignity and humanity? find what a conditioned pessimist such as motherland. It is more mothers, protesting mothers’ losses in the South during the be the victims of a violent, racist policy. Then again, I suppose mothers may have myself can only see as semi-permanent and grieving in both the motherland and JVP state tension, and the co-opting of What it must be like to attempt to protect favourites too. I suppose sometimes, memorialisation within the archives of the foreign lands for an ounce of humanity. the Mahara mothers’ grief by agents of your children or even the memory of mothers are capable of abuse and great Office of Missing Persons. Perhaps this apathy is the price we pay that violence in the 1980s. “But these them, without any of the political power of unkindness, too. More recently and currently, Covid-19 for reducing people to numbers without (Mahara) sons did not die for being drug motherhood, most of us will never know. (The author is a Social Media Analyst has revealed the realities of more mothers considering the long-term implication of dealers, rapists, and committing other The motherland needs protecting, they at Hashtag Generation) 7 Friday, February 5, 2021 { PICTORIAL } „„ www.themorning.lk 73rd Independence Day celebrations

Moments from the Independence Day parade of 2021 held yesterday (4), the 73rd since Sri Lanka gained Independence. The parade was held amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, adhering to social distancing guidelines and health regulations PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE AND LALITH PERERA 48

„„ www.themorning.lk Friday, February 5, 2021 xxxx,xxxx xx,xxxx

Onlinebusiness tea auction platform to be upgraded in three months BY ZAHIDA RIZVI and efficient e-platform for the online The first tea auction in Colombo The first Colombo online tea auction,” Karunaratne said. was held in July 1883. Prior to this, auction platform that was The Colombo Tea Auction website Ceylon Tea was shipped to the London introduced last year is set to be was launched last April to conduct Tea Auction or sometimes directly to upgraded to an advanced software online tea auctions for the first time overseas buyers. system in the upcoming three in Sri Lanka. The initial software was The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce months. launched with an effort to keep tea trade (CCC) formed CTTA to formulate rules Colombo Tea Traders’ Association operational during the pandemic. for conducting the tea auction. (CTTA) Chairman Jayantha CTTA turned to CICRA Solutions Although the manual tea auction in Karunaratne told The Morning Business (Pvt.) Ltd., a local Microsoft partner, in Colombo had been well established and that the CTTA is in the final stages of order to digitise its tea auction. During co-ordinated, the digitalisation of the negotiations to obtain an advanced the month of April, CICRA was able to auction was discussed and some trials software system, and has shortlisted digitally transform the auction process were made in the last 20 years in order vendors. by creating an e-auction platform to to reduce cost and improve efficiency. EPF to sell six of its “A more advanced and efficient enable business continuity. However, those efforts couldn’t be software will be launched within the However, the initial software has accomplished until Covid-19 started upcoming one to three months.” experienced problems, forcing the CTTA to spread throughout the country. CSE investments He added the initial software for CTTA Chairman Jayantha Karunaratne to float a tender for a new software In Sri Lanka’s tea-competing The Employees Provident Fund again in 2008, the total size of Sri the website was built in a very short developer to create a more transparent, countries, India started online tea (EPF), the largest social security Lanka’s EPF was larger than the period of two weeks, since there were pandemic. “We are looking forward to advanced, and efficient e-platform for auctions months ago, while Kenya also fund in the country, has taken steps market capitalisation of the CSE. no other alternatives due to the Covid creating a more transparent, advanced, the online auction. began partial online tea auctions. to sell off the investments made For instance, in 2000, the EPF was by the Fund in six companies at 13.7% of GDP (Rs. 214.8 billion), INDEPENDENCE ADDRESS TO THE NATION MENTAL HEALTH UNDER NEW NORMAL the Colombo Stock Exchange. while the market capitalisation of Accordingly, in the quarter the CSE was 5.6% of GDP (Rs. ending 31 December 2020, the 88.8 billion). C-Suite execs more Fund had fully sold its investments During 2010, the equity in ACL Plastics, Balangoda portfolio of the Fund grew by President pledges Plantation Company, Chemanex, Rs. 33.8 billion – from Rs. 9.8 stressed, study finds Expolanka Holdings, Malwatta billion in 2009 to Rs. 43.6 billion. Mental health challenges feeling the most burnout due to Plantation Company and Seylan In 2010, the Fund invested in created by the Covid-19 pandemic the mental health effects of the Developments. fundamentally sound companies to strengthen impacted workers differently pandemic and are more open to Meanwhile, the fund has taken in the banking, finance, hotels depending on their seniority, asking AI for relief. measures to sell its 250,906 shares and travels, manufacturing, generation, and location, according Gen Z is more likely to in Durdans Hospitals, 1,750,609 construction, engineering, and to a new report by Oracle and be negatively impacted by shares in Dipped Products PLC, other diversified sectors listed Workplace Intelligence, an HR the pandemic than any other 2,387,818 shares in Hayleys PLC, in CSE. The equity portfolio national economy research and advisory firm. generation. Nearly 90% of Gen and 2,751 shares in Nawaloka provided Rs. 1.6 billion revenue to The study of more than 12,000 Z workers said Covid-19 has Hospitals. the Fund by way of dividends and employees, managers, HR leaders, negatively impacted their mental The EPF was established under capital gains in 2010, compared and C-Suite executive across health, and 94% noted workplace the EPF Act No. 15 of 1958, with Rs. 348 million earned in 11 countries found that C-suite stress impacts their home life and is currently identified as the 2009. executives struggled to adapt more as well. largest social security scheme in The EPF withdrew from than their employees, younger Younger generations are the Sri Lanka, with an asset base of the stock market following generations experienced the most most likely to turn to robots for Rs. 2.28 trillion at end-2018. the controversial Bond Scam burnout, and that India, UAE, support. Gen Z workers are 105% The EPF began investing in of 2015. The Sunday Morning China and the US had the most more likely to talk to a robot the domestic equity market in Business in December 2019 workers reporting the pandemic over their manager about stress 1998. However, at that point, first reported that the Forensic has negatively impacted their and anxiety at work than Baby its investment allocated to stock Audit (FA) reports related to mental health. Boomers, while 84% of Gen Z was negligible compared to over the issuance of Treasury bonds C-level executives have and 77% of Millennials prefer 97% of investments allocated and transactions of the EPF had struggled the most with adapting robots over humans to help with in government securities. Other uncovered a loss of at least Rs. to remote work realities, and their mental health. assets of the EPF, including 19 billion to the Treasury. report they are suffering from Gen Z workers are 73% more corporate debentures, commercial Nevertheless, the EPF remained mental health issues more than likely than Baby Boomers to paper, call money, and repurchase in the secondary market, and made their employees, but they are also benefit from AI at work, with 90% agreements, were trivial portions a return to the stock market in the most open to finding help of Gen Z saying AI has helped of the EPF’s assets. During this May 2019. According to Verité in AI. their mental health at work, and time period, restrictions imposed Research, the reasons provided C-Suite execs (53%) struggled 93% wanting their companies to by the fund management ruled by the Central Bank for the EPF’s with mental health issues in provide technology to support out the possibility of holding any re-entry was to improve the the workplace more than their their mental health. international assets. financial returns to the EPF fund; employees (45%), and had Just like Covid-19, the mental According to research done and because the EPF’s lendable the hardest time adapting to health crisis has impacted people by Japan’s National Graduate funds were expected to outstrip virtual lifestyles, with 85% differently across the world. Institute for Policy Studies the Government’s demand for reporting significant remote People in India and China are (GRIPS), from 1996-2003 and borrowing after 2020. work challenges, including being hit the hardest and are collaborating with teams virtually, the most open to AI support, managing increased stress and while workers in Italy, Germany, anxiety, and lacking workplace and Japan are seeing less of an President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, addressing the nation at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations culture. impact. C-Suite execs were also India (89%), UAE (86%), President Gotabaya provision of tax incentives, propagated by those with 29% more likely to experience China (83%), and the US (81%) Rajapaksa yesterday and by reducing interest ulterior political motives difficulties learning new had the most workers reporting pledged to develop the rates to enhance economic to deter foreign investors technologies for remote work than the pandemic has negatively agriculture, industrial, and development. from investing in Sri Lanka,” employees, but once they adjusted impacted their mental health. service sectors to strengthen “I have always maintained Rajapaksa said. to the new normal, C-Suite execs Workers in China (43%) and the national economy and that in order to strengthen The President emphasised were more likely to find increased India (32%) are also the most minimise obstacles that farmers economically, that fulfilling our economic productivity than employees. burned out from overwork as a deter the promotion of we must encourage them ambitions in the modern Younger workers, however, are result of Covid-19. foreign direct investment to become agricultural world, would require that (FDI). entrepreneurs,” he said. we foster a society familiar Addressing the country It is our aim to further with technology. Kingsbury records Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana at the celebrations to mark develop and strengthen In accordance with the its 73rd Independence the domestic agriculture policies contained in the Day, President Rajapaksa sector so that it becomes a “Vistas of Prosperity acknowledged that Sri significant foreign exchange and Splendour” vision losses in 4Q20 Bandula meets ITC Lanka has endured religious earner. statement, the Government Sri Lanka’s The Kingsbury PLC and ethnic conflicts, racist “We have paid attention will encourage innovation has recorded a loss of Rs. 641.52 and terrorist activities, to provide entrepreneurs through the use of technology million during the quarter that Executive Director undue external influences, engaged in small and in both the public and the ended on 31 December 2020, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Export Strategy, building capacity constitutional crises, and medium enterprises, as private sectors. compared to the loss incurred Gunawardana virtually met with for developing effective trade many other obstacles and the well as those who are self- President Rajapaksa of Rs. 342.61 million last year. Geneva-based International Trade policy, trade facilitation, and challenges of establishing employed, with avenues emphasised on the policies The company has recorded a gross Centre (ITC) Executive Director stronger market linkages. national security, achieving in minimising delays in and legal framework required loss of Rs. 97.9 million during the Pamela Coke-Hamilton. The Executive Director of ITC true reconciliation amongst various approvals they to improve the technology quarter ended on 31 December Both leaders reaffirmed also highlighted the partnership various communities of require, in helping them to sector, as well as to simplify 2020, compared to a gross profit their commitment to ensuring with the Government of Sri our nation, and building access financing at single- the functioning of the state of Rs. 434.45 million during the The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo sustainable development in Sri Lanka and expressed the desire a strong economy that digit interest rates, and in sector and markets through same period in the previous Lanka through the promotion to continue providing technical can deliver sustainable obtaining required training,” the use of IT as a tool for year, which is a decline of 87%. recorded as a loss of Rs. 1.42. of trade and improved export support to Sri Lankan men and economic development and he said. broader digital governance. The financial year under review The financial performance faced competitiveness. women entrepreneurs. eliminate poverty still lie “The policy of not “Action has already was extremely challenging and stresses from the two major crises The Minister appreciated the Dr. Gunawardana and Coke- ahead of us. selling national economic been taken to create five volatile. Price earnings ratio of at the beginning and end of the achievements of the European Hamilton agreed to jointly work He added that the hubs to foreigners remains technology parks with all the company shares witnessed financial year. The hotel, part Union-funded EU-Sri Lanka on new trade-related technical Government has taken unchanged. I trust that the facilities in five identified a loss of Rs. 2.65 per share of the Hayleys Group, ended trade-related assistance project assistance initiatives for the action to encourage public will critically assess districts to encourage during this period while during the year with an overall loss of implemented under the lead benefit of Sri Lankan small and industrial and service the misinformation and entrepreneurs and startups the fourth quarter of 2019, Rs. 392 million on a turnover of of ITC, including the National medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). sectors through the misinterpretations being in the technology sector.” earnings of the shares were Rs. 1,843 million. business 9 Friday, February 5, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk Mosvold Boutique Hotels launches ‘Unf linching Spirits of 2020’ Mosvold Boutique Hotels launched night stay at one of the luxurious years, it has been encouraging to witness so many its “Unflinching Spirits” campaign to Mosvold Boutique Hotels, along with entrepreneurs adapt and find new ways of making reward resilient entrepreneurs who the opportunity to engage with the their businesses succeed. We began our journey rose up to the challenge that was the founders of Mosvold to exchange with small but meaningful steps and are fully year 2020. ideas. aware of all the hard work, dedication, and energy Amidst the struggles and trials in To be a part of the Unflinching it takes to build a business from the ground up. the last two years in Sri Lanka are Spirits campaign, entrepreneurs can “These entrepreneurs are not just displaying the determined and passionate new apply by sharing their success stories courage and perseverance, but are also strengthening entrepreneurs who pursued their goals with a 90-second video clip outlining our economy and setting an example that can be in the face of difficulty and turned who they are, what their business followed by their communities. adversity into opportunity, creating, does, how their story started, their We also want to celebrate your achievements building, and developing budding team and their achievements, and with you, and the Unflinching Spirits campaign businesses in a tough economic climate. how their business is supporting other is our little way of thanking you for bringing The Unflinching Spirits campaign is Mosvold Boutique Hotels businesses and communities. about positive change in your lives and the lives a reward for the entrepreneurs who MD Nilanka Martinus Speaking on the launch of of others.” deserve to kick back, relax, and reflect Unflinching Spirits of 2020, Mosvold To enter the Unflinching Spirits of 2020 on all they’ve achieved. Boutique Hotels Managing Director (MD) and campaign, entrepreneurs can submit their 90-second The campaign will reward deserving MMF Trustee Nilanka Martinus said: “Despite video clip via email to [email protected] on or Mosvold Villa in Ahangama entrepreneurs with an all-expenses-paid, two- the difficulties and the challenges of the last two before 31 March 2021. CA Sri Lanka launches mentoring programme in Kandy The panel discussion on the impact of AI on industries The Institute of Chartered Accountants Rootcode Labs launches new of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), in partnership with Sanasa Development Bank PLC (SDB), announced the launch subsidiary ‘Rootcode AI’ of its mentoring programme in Kandy Software product engineering company Mahalingam stated: “Artificial Intelligence, to reinforce SME business owners and Rootcode Labs recently launched one of their when coupled with intelligent humans, can support them to become successful subsidiaries, Rootcode AI. The event was play a pivotal role in increasing efficiency and entrepreneurs in the region. hosted at Mövenpick Hotel Colombo with solving problems that are harder for humans to The launch was held in Kandy with the limited invitees, whilst taking necessary safety tackle alone. Through our recently launched participation of a large number of business precautions and following health guidelines. subsidiary, Rootcode AI, we seek to leverage owners, representing the Small and Medium The crowd included C-level executives from its power for the benefit of businesses, Sized Enterprises (SMEs) from the District. Sri Lankan businesses, start-up founders, and humanity, and the world we live in.” Central Province Governor Lalith U. the Rootcode Labs team. The event followed by an insightful panel Gamage, CA Sri Lanka President Manil The event highlighted the fascinating nature discussion, moderated by Mahalingam, Jayesinghe, CA Sri Lanka Vice President of artificial intelligence (AI) while laying that elucidated the impact of AI. The Sanjaya Bandara and SME Task Force emphasis on the fact that it is no longer a panellists included GLX Co-Founder and Chairman Lakshman Abeysekera were present Officials at the launch event in Kandy research area, but a means to solve the most CEO Randhula De Silva, IFS Vice President as special guests at the event. complex problems that businesses encounter. Mangala Perera, and Curve Up Founder Also present were SDB Bank CEO Thilak Sri Lanka will provide small and medium The event featured some interesting and CEO Mohammed Fawaz and discussed Piyadigama, CA Sri Lanka Council Members develop their businesses. businesses with better access to finance and demonstrations the research team has been the impact of AI on industries and dived Chaaminda Kumarasiri, Anoji De Silva Having understood the important role essential business skills, ensuring that SMEs working on, including 3D motion tracking deep into the argument behind AI ethics. and Saman Sri Lal, AAT Sri Lanka Vice small and medium business owners play will continue to be an integral part of Sri and satellite image analysis. Some other The interactive session also welcomed President Sunil Wanigabadu, CA Sri Lanka in contributing to the country’s growth, Lanka’s future. research areas that grabbed the attention of intriguing queries from the audience on CEO Dulani Fernando, and members of the and as the SME sector is recognised as the The mentoring initiative was initiated the audience were computer vision, auto ML, the subject of AI. CA SME Task Force. backbone of Sri Lanka’s economy, CA Sri in Galle subsequent to a Memorandum of and creative AI. The attendees also received Rootcode AI, which has been functioning The event also brought together mentors Lanka kicked off the mentoring initiative in Understanding signed between CA Sri Lanka a sneak peek into some of the enthralling as part of Rootcode Labs and is now a new from CA Sri Lanka and the Association of December 2020 to help transform business and SDB. CA Sri Lanka aims to select and projects at Rootcode AI, which included subsidiary, is thrilled to help customers from Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka (AAT owners in the SME sector into successful develop a total of 500 entrepreneurs in the Project Morpheus and Project Aphelia. all industries take their businesses forward Sri Lanka), who will provide SME owners entrepreneurs. initial phase, covering a minimum of 20 Speaking on the company’s recent success, by building software products and solutions the necessary professional expertise to help As part of the mentoring programme, CA SMEs from each district in Sri Lanka. Rootcode Labs Founder and CEO Alagan powered by AI. Seylan Bank partners with Yara Technologies Seylan Bank announced a partnership with Yara and school fees payments. Through this partnership, The platform aims to provide schools and educational Technologies (Pvt.) Ltd. to facilitate its range of Seylan Bank provides a fully customisable payment institutions with an convenient and simple product that digital payments through Seylan Merchant Portal, the platform, allowing users to make school fee payments is data-efficient and accessible through any smartphone. multipurpose digital payment platform. seamlessly online. Seylan Bank stated it believes in enabling the business Accordingly, the Seylan Merchant Portal platform The platform enables merchants to keep track of community and entrepreneurs of the nation with tools will empower Yara Technologies’ Ed-Tech platform their payments and customer spend history with a to suit modern-day digital commerce. Through the (From left:) Overseer Ajith Upananda, Nursing Officer M.M. Suganthapala, “Talkative Parents”. The platform connects schools, range of different insights, further enhancing merchant use of the Seylan Merchant Portal, the bank aims to Accident Service Special Grade Nursing Officer A.S. Suraweera, Accident teachers, parents, and students via one integrated reconciliation convenience, along with the ability to enhance customer experience and convenience through Service Nursing Sister A.D.E. Munasinha, Accident Service Deputy Director solution consisting of digital communication, e-learning, accept payments seamlessly. innovative digital transformations. Lionel Muhantheramge, Tissa Jayaweera, National Hospital of Sri Lanka Deputy Director General Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, HNB Chief Manager – Strategic Planning Priyanka Wijayaratne, Accident Ward Special Grade Nursing Officer Sandya Karunadasa, HNB Sustainable Business Officer in Charge Shanel Perera, HNB CSR and Sustainability Assistant V. Disharatnam, and National Hospital Training Co-ordinator Pushpa Ramyani De Zoysa Credence launches Covid Diagnostics Centre Credence Genomics, a firm in the area test. The facility follows hours, the entire process exemplary leadership of Dr. Sarath of genome diagnostics, has launched a strict decontamination and from collection point to Paranavitane in response to the national Covid Diagnostics Centre (CDC) to cater fogging protocols ensuring generation of a report can crisis caused by Covid. Credence HNB donates to to the needs of Covid RT-qPCR testing in the integrity of the unit and be viewed online by way Genomics considers it a privilege to Sri Lanka. The CDC is a diagnostic-grade in turn each sample. “Each of access given from a serve our nation at this time of crisis. facility with the capacity to deliver over sample is registered online, dedicated portal, and all tests Dr. Vaz Gnanam further said that accident ward 6,000 tests, a four-hour reporting time, and sample integrity is are done on a diagnostic Credence Genomics is honoured to join and a lab time of 70 minutes. Credence checked through multiple platform as opposed to a hands with the Central Medical Centre HNB PLC announced that it Chief Transformation Officer/ CDC President Dr. Sarath Paranavitane, an quality control parameters, research platform with no (Pvt.) Ltd. in Kohuwala, a longstanding donated surgical equipment and HNB Sustainability Foundation industry veteran who has been involved while Credence only works pooling of samples. and reputed family practice of Dr. accessories to the accident ward Trustee Chiranthi Cooray. in many important local and international with collectors who are The process is automated Sarath Paranavitane, to take forward the of the National Hospital of Sri National Hospital of Sri healthcare projects that cater to high-quality evaluated and certified by with minimal human concept of next generation sequencing Lanka. Lanka Deputy Director General testing and patient care, will be heading a consultant microbiologist interaction, thereby ensuring in cancer management at both primary The initiative allowed HNB the Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe the centre. or virologist.” 100% accuracy. Every and secondary healthcare levels. opportunity to enhance facilities said: “HNB has supported the “The vision behind the Covid Diagnostics Dr Paranavitane went report carries the CT value Credence Genomics (Pvt.) Ltd. is available at the accident ward for healthcare sector on numerous Centre is to serve the need for rapid high- on to say that the CDC has Credence Genomics CEO in compliance with World Sri Lanka’s first and foremost clinical the general public. HNB Chief occasions, especially during the quality PCR testing where a patient can been conceived to respond Dr. Vaz Gnanam Health Organisation (WHO) genomics laboratory to provide Manager – Strategic Planning Covid-19 pandemic. This has conduct the gold standard qPCR test within to the national need for and CDC guidelines, while high-throughput, high-quality next Priyanka Wijayaratne, HNB ensured that patients entering the three hours based on enhanced technology high-quality, rapid, and precise PCR testing. the team of collectors are trained and generation sequencing services. Sustainable Business Officer in hospital are well taken care of. investments. The unit uses robotic magnetic An early test result will enable the Sri certified by a consultant microbiologist and Credence Genomics services both Charge Shanel Perera, and HNB We are grateful for the support bead extractors from Pentabase Denmark, Lankan workforce to take prompt action consultant physician (Dr. Paranavitane) international and local genetic testing CSR and Sustainability Assistant offered by the bank and we hope a leader in RNA extraction and qPCR. in keeping with the government guidelines, on an ongoing basis, with weekly markets by exporting high-quality V. Disharatnam handed over the to continue this partnership to The units are used in major airports and which in turn will help the workforce to reviews. “Collection of samples, as you testing services and products. A equipment to the hospital officials uplift the health conditions of all health institutions, including Sri Lanka’s return to work early and ensure smooth are aware, is the first, most important long-term collaboration with Apollo recently. Sri Lankans during these difficult BIA (Bandaranaike International Airport) functioning of the organisation. step in this process of PCR testing as if Hospitals in India has seen Credence’s “As Sri Lanka is combatting the times.” lab, which conducted 100,00 tests on this “A test of this speed, accuracy, and cost this is not done properly, the subsequent unique infectious disease tests Bactfast spread of Covid-19, healthcare The National Hospital of Sri platform recently,” said Dr. Paranavitane. effectiveness will reduce the Government’s steps leading to report generation becomes and Fungifast being used across the workers have been tirelessly Lanka is the largest teaching Credence CDC also uses diagnostic- burden by encouraging early home a futile exercise,” said Dr. Paranavitane. board at arguably the largest South working on the frontlines hospital and the final referral grade-approved RT-qPCR machines isolation and also curtail the spread of Credence Genomics CEO Dr. Vaz Asian healthcare services provider. to keep our nation safe and centre in the country, consisting of from leading suppliers in a purpose-built Covid 19.” Gnanam said: “The Covid Diagnostic Credence Genomics has forged many healthy. As such, we hope the 3,000 beds. The hospital is also the facility designed specifically to prevent The uniqueness of the Credence lab vis- Centre is an amalgamation of scientists, partnerships globally and delivers hospital considers this donation training centre for undergraduate contamination, while a team of award- à-vis other facilities includes the fact that healthcare professionals, and the most their oncology and fertility range apart a token of our gratitude to the and postgraduate trainees from winning Sri Lankan scientists with global it is the only facility that could perform advanced technology along with data from the award-winning dxn1 – infectious healthcare sector,” stated HNB the Faculty of Medicine. delivery experience is behind every single 6,000 tests per day and give a report in four systems and processes under the disease range. 10 business „„ www.themorning.lk { CORPORATE } Friday, February 5, 2021 Solex expands ‘Safety Dialog Enterprise by Choice’ CSR project partners with Solex, a Sri Lankan company that produces water pumps, ngena network announced the expansion of its 2021 CSR project, titled “Safety by Choice”, to provide road barricades to Police z Empowers global SD WAN solution for corporate connectivity posts at key points around the country. Dialog Enterprise, the as easily as they manage SD-WAN service from a Solex Group Director of Asanka, and Thalangama Police corporate solutions arm their local network. single source. Branding and Mass Media Dr. OIC Nalinda Dilruk among its of Dialog Axiata PLC, This also marks a key With continuous focus Sandini Wijayasiri announced guests. recently announced a milestone in FlexNet, the on enabling and supporting the expansion of the project, The company also provided partnership with ngena fully managed SD-WAN the digital transformation which aims to create awareness barricades to the Kelaniya Temple, global network alliance, solution by Dialog, created to journey of enterprise and discipline on roads. Solex for which Kelaniya Police OIC which will benefit its facilitate global connectivity customers, Dialog Enterprise manufactured these new barricades Sudath Walpola was present at Global Software Defined for multinational corporate launched Flexnet last year, within their foundry facility unit the occasion, held at the Kelaniya Wide Area Networking customers. This translates facilitating local enterprises in Ekala. temple premises. (SD-WAN) solution. to more visibility and better in their global cloud journey Launch of the ‘Safety by Choice’ CSR project expansion The company recently provided Dr. Wijayasiri stated: “On behalf The partnership is control for IT administrators and bandwidth expansion barricades to the Parliament of Solex Group of Companies, we expected to facilitate over deployments without compromising the premises in Battaramulla, at a are truly honored to carry on the true solely due to hard work that approvals. We look forward to infrastructure for local around the world at a security of the networks. ceremony that included Parliament project of repairing and providing my company team has put forward. continuing this project in the future connectivity that are lower cost, allowing With this new capability Police SSP Sarath Kumara, Police barricades of the country. I extend my gratitude to the Sri by completing 100 barricades in centrally managed through smoother deployment and added to FlexNet, Dialog Mirihana Police SSP Nuwan My vision for this project came Lankan Police for granting timely key locations by end-2021.” the ngena connectivity management of global VPN Enterprise can now elevate platform-as-a-service, and networks. The alliance and align its clientele to a NDB Wealth will now let multinational with ngena will make it global presence, enabling companies manage a possible for companies in them to enjoy the unique encourages financial global network between its Sri Lanka and around the features and benefits of freedom this different global offices just world to obtain the global SD-WAN. Independence Day Financial wealth planner National Development Bank (NDB) Wealth Hemas Consumer wins Management encourages Sri Lankans to actively seek financial freedom as the nation celebrated the 73rd Independence Day this big at SLIM DIGIS 2.0 week. NDB Wealth has strategised to advocate financial security to their loyal customers by educating them on the benefits of financial freedom. The Growth and Income Fund as well as the Money Plus Fund from NDB Wealth are great options to not only build a reserve of savings that can be utilised to meet any unexpected and special requirements of your family or business, but also to improve overall returns while thoughtfully considering the associated risks. Commercial Bank Chairman Justice K. Sripavan, flanked by MD S. Renganathan (second from left) and COO S. Manatunge and accompanied by members of the corporate and senior management, formally “Financial freedom offers the ultimate declares open the new Trincomalee branch building antidote to life’s financial worries, and here at NDB Wealth, we provide you with a portfolio of optimum solutions that work around the clock for your money, even while you are asleep. As we celebrate Independence Day ComBank relocates in our country, the time’s right to celebrate a future of financial freedom for you and your loved ones,” commented Chief Operating Trinco branch Officer (COO) Ruwan Perera. The Growth and Income Fund, an open- Sustainability and salubrity ended balanced fund, is the ideal account were the operative words when for the “balanced investor” who has a Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s moderate inclination towards risk. The fund (ComBank) Trincomalee allows investors to take calculated risks and branch was relocated to a gives returns from both the stock and bond purpose-built, eco-friendly markets. The income generated from stocks building on land owned by as dividends and interest from bonds and the bank in this scenic north capital gains can be withdrawn anytime eastern resort town this week. without a penalty. Built in conformity with The Money Plus Fund is an excellent sustainable construction account that offers a range of benefits similar Newton Lanka Director Reshad Mohideen, Hemas Consumer Marketing Manager Naveed Anjoon, principles that not only to a fixed deposit with the added flexibility and Brand Manager Dinali Sugathadasa receiving the silver award for Dandex Pro Scalp Shampoo minimise environmental of withdrawing funds at any time without a Freedom Run 2.0 campaign from a SLIM official impacts during construction, penalty. It is also the ideal account for busy but will also reduce the individuals who are too busy to keep track Hemas Consumer sealed prominent awards Commenting on the awards received, branch’s carbon footprint of their finances since the income from the at the recently concluded SLIM DIGIS 2.0. Hemas Consumer Director of Marketing during operation, the new The new Commercial Bank branch in Trinco account is credited daily, relieving you of that One of its highly successful campaigns, Fiona Juriansz Munasinghe said: “These branch building is set in extra burden. Money Plus offers a current “Freedom Run 2.0”, organised for Dandex awards speak volumes for the commitment landscaped gardens that reducing energy consumption, Commercial Bank Chairman yield of 6% per annum as at 28 January 2021. Pro Scalp, clinched three awards including and dedication shown by our team and the emphasise nature rather than and is equipped with energy- Justice K. Sripavan on 1 Visit www.ndbwealth.com or call silver for the “Best Use of Technology” in the agencies which partnered with us to roll out the structure itself. efficient air-conditioning February, in the presence of 0719788788 to speak to a relationship Marketing category, bronze in the “Beauty, highly successful campaigns. I would like Located at No. 420, Court that enhances its “green” Managing Director (MD) manager and set up your Money Plus Fund Personal Care, and OTC” category, and became to congratulate everyone for their enormous Road, Trincomalee, the two- credentials. Befitting the S. Renganathan, Chief or Growth and Income Fund account, or for the finalist in the “Best Digital Marketing support in taking Hemas Consumer brands to storey edifice is fitted with location, a separate holiday Operating Officer (COO) more information. Innovation” category. Its Clogard Fresh Blast new heights, and these are major milestones rooftop solar panels that will bungalow has been constructed Sanath Manatunge, and Gel Toothpaste – Cinnamon and Propolis in our journey towards outstanding success. generate a major percentage of on the premises for the use representatives of the corporate variant launch won the silver award for “Best These awards are a result of a collaborative the electricity required under of the bank’s staff on official management. Use of Branded Content”. effort and it has ensured that Hemas Consumer a net-metering system, an visits or on furlough. Commercial Bank has Winning three awards on the trot, the brands continue to be embraced by a wider overhead rainwater harvesting For customers, the new been serving the people of Freedom Run 2.0 campaign topped off a audience.” facility, and its own sewage branch building has an ATM, Trincomalee since March 2000 memorable night for Hemas Consumer. SLIM DIGIS 2.0, hosted by the Sri Lanka treatment plant that will recycle a cash recycler machine when the Bank’s first branch Freedom Run is an online game organised Institute of Management (SLIM), is a highly sewage into water to irrigate (CRM), and an e-slips cheque in the town opened at 191, for Dandex Pro Scalp Shampoo, focusing acclaimed awards event among the marketing the gardens. All garden lights collection capability that Central Road.The Bank said on engaging the digital natives with fun and fraternity of Sri Lanka. SLIM DIGIS was first are powered by dedicated together offer access to cash it will continue to operate the interaction, while educating the benefits of the introduced in 2018 as a means to celebrate independent solar panels. and deposit facilities around Automated Banking Centre brand’s product variants. The campaign was ingenuity and innovation in the field of digital The building is designed to the clock, 365 days of the year. (ABC) that was part of the old rolled out covering more than 40 locations marketing, identify talent, and recognise the maximise the use of natural The new branch building branch, for the convenience of and reached out to over a million people via region’s growing influence on the global light during daytime, further was formally declared open by customers. online platforms. digital industry. Realme expands its C Series portfolio with C20 Smartphone brand realme offered through a smartphone. The 5,000 mAh battery anyone learning or working announced the official launch These impressive features cater used in the realme C20 will from home in the post-pandemic of the realme C20 smartphone to the lifestyle and go-getter provide up to 43 days of world. The small teardrop design in Sri Lanka. This latest addition attitude of the young person, and standby time. With access to also reduces the distracting to the C series is equipped with it aligns with the brand’s slogan the realme C20, youngsters elements of the display screen, a massive 5000 mAh battery, ‘dare to leap’ because the realme will not have to worry allowing an 89.5% screen-to- an extra-large 6.5-inch screen C20 will enable youngsters about their phone running body ratio. with a teardrop design, and to explore and optimise their out of battery while they The smartphone’s operating a powerful MediaTek Helio potential by leaping into new are chatting with friends, system runs on Android G35 Octa-core processor, opportunities,” said realme Sri watching videos, or even 10-based realme UI and consists making it one of the best value- Lanka Brand Manager Ranura playing games of a 32 GB internal storage. for-money entry-level phones Kaduwela. With a youthful and stylish in the country. The 5,000 mAh battery used design, the realme C20 comes in “The realme C20 includes in the realme C20 will provide chatting with friends, watching Black and Blue colours and has unique and incomparable up to 43 days of standby time. videos, or even playing games. gone through rigorous quality features offered at an With access to the realme C20, The realme C20’s extra- tests at the realme labs to ensure unbelievably low price so that youngsters will not have to large 6.5-inch screen offers an quality standards with splash- everyone in Sri Lankan can have worry about their phone running immersive experience, with a resistant designs protected by access to the latest technologies out of battery while they are superb view that is ideal for corning Gorilla Glass 3. 114 Friday, February 5, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Taylor Swift sued by theme THOUGHT FOR THE DAY park Evermore over trademark infringement “You’ve gotta dance Utah fantasy theme park Evermore filed a like there’s nobody lawsuit against Taylor Swift on Wednesday (3), watching, love like alleging trademark infringement over her album of the same name and related merchandise. you’ll never be hurt, In court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, sing like there’s Evermore Park claims that the release of Swift’s Evermore caused “actual confusion”, nobody listening, and affecting the park’s online presence live like it’s heaven negatively along with infringing on its marketing and merchandise and on earth.” impacting its visitors. – William W. Purkey

approximately 1,000 mature leopards. brunch With this ridge now seeing collaborative protection along its entirety, these leopards can The Peak Ridge continue to be afforded refuge. Planting of forest plant species to improve habitats along select areas of this ridge has now begun, and the hope is that more patches will be reforested under Forest Corridor this partnership to improve the ecological integrity of this ridge. Monitoring of leopards along with this and adjacent ridges is Supporting mental ongoing. collaboration Increasing such conservation partnership initiatives across health needs of A landmark partnership for leopard and wildlife the tea estate landscape would tremendously improve the conservation in central Sri Lanka habitat of this Highlands area, schoolchildren in conserve the key watershed services provided by these ridge Sri Lanka forests, and provide vital refuge to the wildlife that still lives here, BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE to maximise attendance and ensuring long-term biodiversity allow for a broader range of conservation, climate resilience, The Sri Lanka educators to make use of this and human-wildlife coexistence Psychological Association opportunity. into the future. (SLPA), in collaboration Taking us through each Despite the heavy human with U-TTEC Lab of the session, she said the first presence in the Peak Ridge University of Utah, will be one would be a general Forest Corridor, leopards have hosting a series of online panel which will give established a fairly robust programmes on the topic an introduction to what population for themselves. of “Supporting the Mental is to come as well as an Research conducted by the Health Needs of Children introduction to get familiar WWCT has shown a population in the Sri Lankan School with the subject matter of approximately 25 adult Context”, from 6 February to before diving head-first into leopards and 12 cubs since 13 March 2021. the content. The second 2016 using the Peak Ridge The programmes will day will feature a session Corridor. A spatially explicit span six weeks and will be addressing schoolchildren PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM density analysis conducted by conducted via Zoom from and their mentality including the WWCT has shown that the 3.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (every behavioural issues, given that in Sri Lanka, nearly 13.8% of BY NAVEED ROZAIS Peak Ridge Corridor has an adult Saturday). The programmes leopard population density that will be conducted in the students from Grade Seven to Grade 11 suffer from mental Leopards are one of Sri Lanka’s most charismatic and is roughly half of the leopard Sinhala language, provided population found in Block I that many such resources and behavioural issues. famous creatures. Despite this iconic status, they are She also said that as endangered. Their fame and charisma do, however, of Yala National Park, which regarding mental health and is quite remarkable given the wellbeing often tend to be in per Rochanachandra, 2019, spark interest in conservation from both state and non- fact that this is an unprotected, English and are, therefore, which took into consideration state actors not just to conserve and protect leopards human-dominated landscape. not widely available to Sri data gathered at a leading themselves, but other animals as well. Tapping into this Resplendent Ceylon Managing Long-term conservation is Lankan educators. psychiatric institute, the interest, it is possible to complement the traditional Director and Dilmah Tea Director not practical without the support The SLPA is a majority of the children state-led conservation paradigm with a potentially more Malik J. Fernando signing the pledge and co-operation of the people professional body that brought for treatment showed flexible and proactive, multi-stakeholder, partnership- that actually share space with brings together qualified that many were suffering driven conservation model. leopards and other wildlife. wildlife. As such, numerous psychologists, students, from undiagnosed attention The Peak Ridge Forest education and awareness projects university officials, members deficit hyperactivity disorder One of the many habitats areas of importance to leopard Corridor Collaboration in and around the tea estates that of the community, and (ADHD) and resulting that leopards inhabit is the conservation in this unprotected initiative sees tea companies, comprise the Peak Ridge area a broad range of social academic performance issues largely unprotected tea estate Central Highlands area, other supporting partners, and are conducted by all partners to scientists with the objective and learning difficulties. landscape of the Central particularly the Peak Ridge the Wilderness and Wildlife this initiative. Schoolchildren are of ensuring the expansion of The third session will Highlands of Sri Lanka. While Forest Corridor; an undulating Conservation Trust (WWCT) particularly receptive to the idea psychology as a discipline address problems currently leopards in protected areas like piece of land that runs for coming together in a landmark that the wildlife with which they and profession in Sri Lanka. faced due to Covid-19 times, our national parks are fairly approximately 18 km between partnership covering 13 share the land is of value and SLPA President Dr. posing a unique situation well protected, the same cannot Kew Estate in the southeast tea estates between leading that preserving this wildlife is of Kanthi Hettigoda shared which must be tackled in be said for unprotected areas, along to the Ballapennumgala plantation management great importance. with us that the goal is the its own way. She said that especially areas where leopards Forest Reserve in the northwest, companies – Madulsima Habitat restoration via expansion of psychology as a they will be addressing and humans have the potential to between the Castlereagh and Plantations, Horana Plantations, forest replanting by partner discipline while safeguarding the importance of teachers interact. Maussakelle Reservoirs, and Bogawantalawa Plantations, estates will also improve the professional rights of the having to be alert, adding that A collaborative partnership connecting two prongs of the Maskeliya Plantations, Dilmah these narrow corridors. This community and ensuring that they must be shown some of a variety of actors, the Peak Wilderness Forest Reserve. Tea Estates, and Kelani-Breamar component is an important the community engages in guidance on how to remain Peak Ridge Forest Corridor A mixed landscape of Estates (Pvt.) Ltd. – the WWCT, part of the long-term strategy their professional practices, vigilant of the mental status Collaboration, is coming tea, remnant forest, and other and Resplendent Ceylon Tea to improve climate resilience adhering to acceptable ethical of their students. To spot the together to identify key plantations, this key upland ridge Trails, supported by Dilmah in this plantation sector and standards of conduct. symptoms, as to whether the wilderness and mixed landscape acts as a vital watershed for the Conservation, Whitley Fund for to ensure sufficient habitat for The SLPA consists of child is distressed, they will be Nature, and Alliance Finance wildlife. 120 qualified psychologists bringing in child adolescent PLC. Sri Lanka’s wildlife is one presently and is expected and counseling psychologist The Peak Ridge of our most valuable resources to grow exponentially in Apeksha Hewageegana to Forest Corridor is home to and is a huge part of how we the immediate future. The conduct this session. approximately eight to 12 position ourselves to the world Association is an adhering The fourth session will resident leopards which are as a travel destination. However, member of the International refer to the understanding part of a larger area population as a country, we don’t always Union of Psychological of emotional intelligence of approximately 30 leopards, treat this resource responsibly. Sciences (IUPsyS) and one of children, while day five a remarkable population for This initiative shows that private of the signatories to the will feature a very important a compromised unprotected entities can collaborate and work Asia Pacific Association of and under-discussed topic of area, and an important part for the greater good of the planet Psychological (APAP). It concern, which is supporting of Sri Lanka’s islandwide and those who inhabit it, human has also collaborated with teachers about their self-care Stakeholders and supporters of the Peak Ridge project population which itself numbers and otherwise. and been supported by the in exercising compassion for American Psychological oneself. Association (APA) and The sixth and final the British Psychological session is a study of the law; Society (BPS) on numerous the legal discussion will be occasions. for teachers to get to know Dr. Hettigoda shared the mechanisms and the that in Sri Lanka, the procedure they must follow Dr. Asha de Vos joins Lewis programme is conducted in with regard to what to do order to provide guidance and if their students are being assistance for counsellors, abused. Dr. Hettigoda said Pugh Foundation as a patron school teachers, and school that it is important to know counsellors as a support what to do and not to do, as system and to strengthen often teachers, when they get “I am thrilled to be LPF Foundation is one that continued efforts to protect our their ability to carry out their to know that their students joining the Lewis Pugh is close to my heart because oceans and work to further my tasks as educators. She said are exposed to abuse or Foundation as a Patron it works for the preservation mission of increasing diversity the SLPA has been dedicated violence, tend to not know alongside their founding and conservation of our and inclusion in marine to providing for the mental the next first step. When Patron Nobel Laureate oceans for a peaceful and conservation.” health needs of children in teachers find out about such Archbishop Desmond Tutu sustainable future, but most “Asha is a superb Sri Lankan through various incidents, they tend to inform and José Maria Figueres, the importantly believes in the addition to our team!” read the programmes, more recently parents, sometimes then former President of Costa power of individuals to lead message on the Lewis Pugh with a programme where letting neighbours know. This Rica,” announced marine and drive that change. To Foundation Instagram page. they held a series of sessions then creates a host of other biologist, educator, and date, their campaigns have De Vos joins their founding entirely on positive parenting. problems. Therefore, the pioneer of blue whale research helped protect a whopping patron Nobel Laureate At this current session will particularly focus in the Northern Indian Ocean 2.2 million km² of ocean in Archbishop Desmond Tutu, programme, they hope to on how to seek assistance and biologist Asha de Vos on her some of the most politically and the former President Dr. Asha de Vos host six programmes with a solution to protect the child, Instagram page. complex parts of our world. of Costa Rica José Maria photographed by Peter Kindersley, British Council six individual speakers, all while also maintaining the She continued: “The Very excited to support their Figueres. spread out through six weeks child’s dignity. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { TRAVEL/CONSERVATION } Friday, February 5, 2021 HIRIKETIYA BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Mid-2020, Condé Nast Traveller published a listing of the “Best beaches in the world”, and coming in at number three was Sri TODAYannounced Hiriketiya’s glamour right waves can be accessed from Lanka’s Hiriketiya beach, to the world, we took a look at its the two ends of the bay. with Benguerra Island of current status in these pandemic Hiriketiya beach also boasts Mozambique and Playa times. We spoke to a couple of some greenery; it’s got that sweet has offered up a cosy community Blowhole at the other end – the only Paraiso of Cuba coming in at locals situated right in the middle of spot where the jungle meets feel for families with little known blowhole in Sri Lanka, and first and second, respectively. the bay, Udara Alahapperuma, the the sea, and according children to come and enjoy considered to be the second-largest owner of Blue Beach Paradise, and to Udara, it’s certainly a meal on the beach. blowhole in the world. The publication talked about K.H. Nilanga, who manages Peace one of the prettiest However, he said, Talking about the current status beaches that have remained bar – both establishments which beaches you will come what people may not of their beautiful bay however, incredibly beautiful and often used to enjoy frequent foot traffic across in Sri Lanka, realise is that when both Udara and Nilanga said that crowd-free despite their when times were different. especially considering they do come down to things have been bleak; usually obvious appeal, shunning Udara shared with us all the contrasting green, Hiriketiya beach, they do this would mark the tourist season away the typical sandy a little bit about what the beach and of course most of their chilling on and they would not have a moment spots dotted with sun makes Hiriketiya special, the vast blue, deepening in Peace Bar Manager Pihimbiya beach, which is to themselves, but these days they umbrellas and gaggles stating that due to the color before your eyes due K.H. Nilanga just only 300 m past the bay, would be lucky if 100 people gather of tourists. bay’s unique shape, it to the bay structure. He said and it is a long beach that on a long weekend. Udara said that Hiriketiya is of has the ability to provide that they often get people is part of Hiriketiya beach. while he keeps his place open, there’s course the famous bay for a wide range of coming in for a photo op, attempting That is where you can endlessly really no heart behind their operations most Lankans are familiar surfers. This is because of to capture the incredibly deep pink stroll, and when the sun goes down anymore, considering the challenges with, a shining star its horse shoe shape – the sunsets. they all make their way back to the they face with the lack of visitors. in the southern coast. Blue Beach Paradise Owner Udara Alahapperuma midpoint is perfect for Nilanga too echoed Udara’s bay to enjoy the company of the Nilanga’s Peace Bar has been closed The horseshoe bay is beginners, with shallow sentiment. He added that what most community that gathers there. for some time now, having suffered a popular spot, and in waters, softer waves and people may not know despite the He said that this is somewhat the effects of the pandemic. The duo pre-Covid days, come December to no rocks to catch your fall, ideal bay’s popularity is that Hiriketiya the reason why Hiriketiya sees a shared that while the attempts that April, the place would be crawling for getting your sea-legs. As for the is probably one of the smallest lot of foreign visitors, due to the are being made by the Government with tourists and locals alike. more experienced surfers, the bay beaches on the southern coast. He variety it offers, adding that while may be lacking, they will appreciate Considering that it has been offers something for both left and said the stretch is limited, and this you have the long beach on your any effort taken by authorities to some time since Condé Nast right-handed surfers, as both left and has worked in their favour, as it left, you will have the Hummanaya encourage travelling to Sri Lanka.

The iconic Hiriketiya Beach on Sri Lanka’s South Coast Volunteerism to protect Sri Lanka’s marine environment Volunteering is when an Ayurvedic practices, traditional of the ocean for fishing, tourism, individual(s) solely or collectively volunteerism can be significantly shipping, water sports, agriculture, contributes for the greater good of highlighted. In 2019, Sri Lanka and seasonal monsoon weather. sustaining a community through was globally ranked to be the Sri Lanka being positioned in OCEAN labour, skills, and expertise, leading nation of “Volunteering by the strategic crossroads between while not expecting any gain in Time” by the World Giving Index, Asia, Europe, and Africa highlights return other than the satisfaction with 46% of our population being the ever-growing importance WATCH the positive impact creates. volunteers. of protecting its oceans and the Volunteerism is accepted all around Being nested in the middle of marine environment. In the past with The Pearl the world as the best reflection of the Indian ocean, Sri Lanka has a decade, our oceans have faced selfless commitment. very unique and beautiful marine many threats and challenges – from Protectors In Sri Lanka, volunteerism environment. With many endemic climate risks, ocean acidification, has flourished for centuries, where marine life, marine mammals, and degradation of corals to volunteers to create awareness volunteering is engraved in its and corals, the island nourishes depletion of ocean fisheries and and advocate towards sustained, traditions, culture, and religions. its marine environment through plastic pollution in the shoreline healthier, and protected marine Through traditional initiatives such 103 rivers that flow to the sea. and seabed, the negative impact habitat. The intention through as “shramadana”, “dansal”, and Sri Lankans depend on the health on the ocean is very significant. this platform has been to utilise The increase in plastic pollution volunteer contributions based on A beach clean-up carried out by volunteers has created a detrimental impact, skills and experience in launching as it is estimated that by 2050, various projects. The projects there will be more weight in are mapped so as to increase the plastic in the ocean than marine impact on protecting the marine Volunteers making a Christmas tree out of plastic waste life. The urgency to cut down on environment, while increasing the plastic pollution is now felt by incentives a passionate volunteer to know other individuals who are for a healthier, safer, and many countries, but Sri Lanka is can harness through the volunteer likeminded and passionate while protected ocean may depend yet to provide incentives, stronger contribution. utilising an individual’s thinking on the commitments made by regulation, or awareness to curb the Simple initiatives such as process to find simple, unique volunteers. A true selfless act can ever-growing pollution. volunteering to clean a shoreline as impactful solutions to urgent crisis inspire many others to be ocean The blessing the island well as much dedicated initiatives situations. Volunteerism also has heroes while helping a nation nation has received through the such as conducting research, other benefits such as stronger and love its beautiful ocean and the concept of genuine and selfless surveys, and awareness content have wider networking, team capacity- marine environment. volunteering can be redefined to seen volunteering individuals excel building, gaining leadership skills, (This article is written by the protect the marine environment of much faster in gaining experience gaining co-ordination skills, and volunteers of The Pearl Protectors to Sri Lanka. The Pearl Protectors, and learning various skills than being recognised for selfless actions. inspire volunteerism in Sri Lanka) which is a volunteer platform and otherwise. Volunteering to protect As our ocean’s resources marine conservation organisation, a unique environmental asset such deplete and its health degrades, @pearlprotectors has this in mind when mobilising as our ocean also helps in getting Sri Lanka’s only hope brunch 134 Friday, February 5, 2021 { LIFESTYLE } „„ www.themorning.lk FROM ART TO SCREEN BY FRED FERNANDO well realised the characters are and the easier it would be for a concept artist to Concept art plays a major role deliver a real living being in a simple in the overall look of a film’s sketch.” world and the characters that Sketching concepts during inhabit it. Not unlike the process of storyboarding, concept a pandemic design also happens during Speaking on being a concept artist during a pandemic, Roshan said he would the preproduction stage and spend a fair amount of time at his graphic is responsible for determining challenges and sometimes they could end tablet doodling away. Concept design up paving the way for him to provide minute details of costumes, is something that can be done from any character, props, and – in the more creative pathways to address any location, and he believes the pandemic design issues. case of a fantasy film – even the might have actually given him more background elements such as work as planning stages for productions Challenge in the face of concept flora and fauna. would be happening more often without the ability to physically collaborate art We spoke to artist Roshan de during such a time. But he also stated Roshan shared that the challenges Selfa, also known as @line.demon on that human contact and the outdoors are faced as a concept artist are largely Instagram, about the fine art of concept necessary for a healthy outlook, since down to people’s, as well as our own design. constant isolation can take a toll. perceptions and beliefs around a particular field – in this case, art. Roshan Role of a concept artist Including Lankan is adamant that the notion of technical Roshan believes the prowess or lack of tools should not hold role of a concept artist is elements you back. beyond people’s idea of in design “Sri Lanka currently has not much someone who draws or The Junkies in the way of infrastructure for film and paints well. Tackling collaborated with game. And so, being a concept artist an issue and solving it Roshan on The Knight is not a very lucrative profession. But creatively is the task of Out, which used his lately, there have been some interesting any creative individual, artwork as a basis for projects started by some awesome people and concept art too designing the Lankan- and it is very real that they’ll pave the is essentially this. A ised chess pieces and way for everyone else.” concept artist is expected overall motifs for the In 2015, filmmaking collective High to provide artwork which film. Roshan reminisced School Junkies started creating short Roshan de Selfa is a creative solution to that he was given an idea films out of passion and soon gained kickstart a complex production of the beats and rhythms and momentum as a film production house line. Roshan also said that a crazy action attached to the very that championed frugal filmmaking. passion for creating a narrative through sophisticated game that is chess. Their second short EIDETIC became his medium is crucial. “It instantly captured my the first ever Sri Lankan film to be As for what sort of experience imagination. I worked with a director screened at San Diego Comic-Con and one needs to become a concept artist, and team filled with ideas and excellent has subsequently been screened over the Roshan shared that you need a good feedback. Being someone who world. They host guests from Hollywood understanding of the world around personally loves chess (though sucking on their webinar Junkyard Theory. you – nature, architecture, technology, monumentally at it) and design, I had an mythology, etc. A healthy layman’s interest in designing unique chess sets knowledge and interest in these fields earlier on. And I got the chance to do will fill your mind with great art. so for a bigger and better story than my “In the industry, what you need is little doodles. I took inspiration from the technical training and an impressive traditional Sri Lankan aesthetic and the portfolio. But I think those who are very cool concepts provided by Akash.” passionate enough to pick up skills and illustrate their wildest ideas can make it Collaborating with departments just as well.” Roshan is also of the opinion that collaboration is what creates How story influences design magic and drives innovation. As for how Roshan integrates the He believes that having a story into his character design, he insists team that works well together that character design is inherently visual and has a passion for their storytelling. A character’s silhouette, fields and the entire subject posture, accessories, and body language, helps the entire production when animated, can tell a viewer many be unified in a vision. He things about the character’s history and stated that seeing work of other their motivations. Therefore, he believes departments inspires and excites it to be of importance to design characters him, and he hopes his artwork that, despite being an alien or fantastic does the same. robot, can be in some way relatable to the When asked for tips for working audience. under budget and time constraints, Roshan’s concept art for an upcoming project “The job to me is to create characters Roshan revealed that any limitations for a story. The better the story, the more thrown at him would be welcomed as Roshan’s artwork on Instagram

for men vs women. What does In comparison to direct, person becoming or continuing this mean? It means that female reckless, and swift methods of to be violent. Often these female offenders had the benefit of not killing (preferred by men), such as offenders hold feminine and being detected as “cold-hearted stabbing and shooting, poisoning caregiver roles in the community, and manipulative” (even when they a supposedly loved one over such as teachers and nurses. had committed very grave crimes), years goes to show how female Women are perceived to be the Women are considered to be a which resulted in reduced sentences. offenders may be more calculating nurturing sex (i.e., domestic roles vulnerable population in the criminal As the scientific community and callous in their crimes. such as wives and mothers), where justice system, often the victim, and became more aware of this situation, Furthermore, they continue to stay male victims are mocked at for hardly ever the culprit – especially there is now an emerging trend of undetected for longer; as unlike not accepting unsolicited advances with regard to committing serious psychological research to assess male offenders, female offenders (yes, it is possible for women to crimes such as murder, torture, antisocial, psychopathic, and violent do not boast about their crimes sexually harass men). cannibalism, and/or sexual crimes. tendencies of women; to observe or hold evidence (e.g. videotapes Especially during prosecution, How true is this perception? Is it how it looks different from men. of committing the offence). This female offenders are quite really that women do not often (or What have they found so far? lengthens their average time of emotional, remorseful, and willing ever) commit serious crimes, or that Women who commit serious being arrested – it takes twice the to accept responsibility for their they are better at getting away crimes as an adult, have time to capture female offenders. actions; and additionally, the with it? had very troubling and If research has been able to criminal justice system is also “I want the world abusive childhood reveal these characteristics of more acceptive of mitigating to know I killed these experiences due to female offenders, why are there factors for women that may justify men, as cold as ice. poverty, parental still very low numbers of arrests their serious crimes (i.e. abusive I’ve hated humans divorce, and and prosecution for female partner, mental health difficulties, for a long time. I bullying, offenders? Is it because they do PMS-ing at the time of the crime – killed them in cold etc. Female not commit crimes as much as oh yes, it’s a fact!). blood, real nasty.” offenders are male offenders? In conclusion, “are women – Aileen more anxious, Yes and no. Yes, men commit capable of serious crime?” Wuornos (female fearful, and more serious crimes than women; Hell to the yes, they are. Not serial killer) emotionally From Mother but no, more women should only they are capable of it, Are there any unstable compared be prosecuted for their crimes, but they are also better (than specific biological, to adult men who as only less than 1% of female men) at execution and evading psychological, and/or social risk commit serious crimes, Theresa to offenders who commit serious consequences. This should in no factors that make some women like but they do not act impulsively like crimes are actually convicted for way be misinterpreted as female Aileen more prone to violence than most male offenders, and rather their actions. empowerment though. Despite the others? make deliberate plans to harm their True, as aforesaid, female gender of the offender/victim, the This is a difficult question victims. Maleficent offenders tend to stay undetected law should be equal to everyone to to answer, as research on female Their victims are known to for a longer period, and hence it serve right by victims. offenders is limited due to the them (i.e., not random strangers) Are women capable lowers the rate of their arrest and (The writer is a forensic misconception that women are not mostly from vulnerable populations prosecution, but what’s holding psychologist based in Sri Lanka capable of gruesome crimes (oh (no preference for gender), such as back the criminal justice system who currently leads a QR- boy, the male-dominated scientific senior citizens or children, as female of serious crimes? to convict them (only if guilty, GCRF-funded research project community couldn’t be more offenders are not as physically of course), once arrested? The regarding post-crisis disaster wrong!). Therefore, the majority of strong as their male counterparts. Female offenders are more then use discrete methods such as answer simply comes down to, management of armed forces. the psychological instruments were Female offenders do not commit manipulative and better at gaining poison, suffocation, and/or staged “societal perception and attitude of She has research and clinical created and validated only for the serious crimes without a strong trust from their potential victims accidents. For example, if they are law enforcement agencies towards experience across a maximum- male population. need for personal benefit, such as before causing serious harm. They to use poison as the chosen method women”. security prison, military hospital, This worked very well for insurance money, and this risk is often kill at home where victims feel of killing, this may happen over So what about it? A majority and high-secure hospital. Her female offenders during criminal enhanced when they are pressured safe and secure, and hence, would years in small doses until the victim of female offenders are educated research interests include justice procedures, as there is a by external factors, such as an not stay guarded. Female offenders will eventually die as “seemingly and married with children, trauma and recovery, bullying, gender difference in how disruptive abusive partner, debt, loss of a loved drug their victims to compensate for due to natural causes”, allowing the which are usually considered to callous and unemotional traits, personality traits are exhibited one, and/or societal ridicule, etc. their lack of physical strength, and offender to stay undetected. be protective factors against a psychopathy, and serial homicide) 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Friday, February 5, 2021 REVISITING THE INGLORIOUS 1999 CRICKET-BOARD SL cricket administration’s

darkestBY REVATHA S. SILVA hour Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) under the presidency of Shammi Silva will complete its two-year term soon and go for election before the end of May this year. Local cricket administration has been marred by many indecent happenings through the last 25 years or so. But this 1999 incident that happened during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) still remains its darkest hour. The year 1999 marked one of the most decisive turning points of Sri Lanka’s cricket in general. Three years after the glorious 1996 World Cup win, the islanders were to defend the title in just one-and-half months’ time in England when the cricket board, then named the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka or BCCSL, went for its AGM on Sunday, 28 March 1999. The background The incumbent President Thilanga Sumathipala contested for the hot seat against a surprise candidate – Clifford Ratwatte, younger brother of former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. This was at a time when Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Sirimavo’s younger daughter or Clifford Ratwatte’s Australia, niece, was the Executive President of and crashing the country. out from the final But even the influential Ratwattes in a tri series in Sharjah, could not do the unthinkable: and losing against both India and successfully challenging Sumathipala Zimbabwe had already made painful and Co. in a cricket-board election. blows on the entire Sri Lankan cricket psyche. The front-page lead story of The Island on 29 March 1999, reporting the incident of the Who was Clifford Ratwatte? Team was failing too A consummate glory had ended up previous day’s disastrous cricket board election. The report written by Jatila Karawita is titled, “Sumathipala re-elected president: Pandemonium reigns at Cricket Board election” In the cricketing front, the world in an unprecedented chaos. Sri Lanka champions were in a woeful situation. cricket was at the crossroads. This was “Power corrupts” charges were rising the backdrop of the 28 March 1999 Yet Sumathipala later told Reuters this: Rajaratnam beat Gerry Hidellaratchi from all quarters, against a national BCCSL election. “This is an unprecedented situation. I for the post of Treasurer. cricket hierarchy led by Ranatunga and cannot enjoy my victory, and don’t know Sumathipala on two different fronts. The elections whether this position of the President is The aftermath The “world champion” tag seemed too In the most chaotic sequence of worth the effort. I hope it won’t affect But the new board couldn’t heavy on their head. events, Sumathipala was elected my work and cricket in Sri Lanka.” justify their election. The AGM was On the play arena, like what it is President of the cricket board in the considered an absolute farce in the today, the team was on an obvious morning hours of 28 March 1999. He, on Two armed groups fight at eyes of the political higher-ups of the Clifford Ratwatte downward journey. That was record, beat Ratwatte 79 votes to 11. But Maitland Place country as well as the general public. particularly after their Emirates Tri the latter refused to accept the outcome The Island on 29 March 1999 A governmental intervention was Clifford Senaka Ratwatte (1927- Series win in England in August 1998, alleging violence and vote rigging. reported this on its front page sought and the dubious elected body 2009) was one of six children of the highest point the world champions “Legitimate cricket officials were not lead story: “Eye witness said that was shown the door to allow space Barnes Ratwatte, a member of the could reach since their dream World allowed into the AGM to cast their votes an unidentified armed group had for a clean and respected interim 1931 Ceylonese legislature named the Cup win two years ago. Their killer while intruders took their place. Those assaulted the security guards at the administration. State Council, and of the Senate or the instincts looked to have dissipated, officials at the meeting were intimated board and forcibly entered the meeting The election ruined the already- upper chamber of the 1947 Parliament owing to a sudden change of life, with by people with pistols and hand- and threatening rival candidates and marred cricketing image of the of Ceylon. the advent of unprecedented luxuries, grenades,” Ratwatte told the media after supporters. Minutes later another country. The board looked a rat hole Clifford Ratwatte’s eldest sister money, and popularity. walking out from the election. armed gang had arrived, turning the of corruption. The officials were seen Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the seventh Alas! Protests were being made Cricket Board complex into a mini as scoundrels fleecing on the influx of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and the against the Arjuna-Aravinda Abu Fuard is allegedly battlefield.” dollars following the World Cup win. modern world’s first female Head of domination, the very combination that assaulted – ‘Pandemonium reigns at Cricket The first-round exit of the Lankans Government. led a nation to an unparalleled glory. Former Ceylonese player Abu Board election’ by Jatila Karawita, Pg. in their title defence in May 1999 in In 1954, he was elected as a Leading up to March 1999, starting Fuard, aged 62 then, who contested 1, The Island, 29 March 1999) England drew the final nail on the old Councillor to the Balangoda Town from the previous August (1998), Sri for Vice Presidency, complained to the Saliya Ahangama was re-elected order. Already there was no Gurusingha, Council and in 1957, Clifford became Lanka was struggling. In that March in Police claiming he was assaulted by as Secretary over Ajit Jayasekera, no Mahanama. Arjuna and Aravinda the President of the Balangoda Urban India, they were heading for their third Sumathipala after he called for some while Anuruddha Polonowita and too had to go eventually. “Kalu” and Council until he resigned in 1968. consecutive ODI series loss. unauthorised people to leave the AGM. Prasanna Ranatunga were elected Pramodya were to follow suit, soon. A planter by profession, Clifford Sumathipala denied Fuard’s allegation, Vice Presidents. Jayantha Dharmadasa Ratwatte had been Chairman of the Cricket was at crossroads and said the election was held according and Thilan Wijesinghe lost their bid First-ever Interim Committee State Plantations Corporation and the Losing against arch rivals Australia in to the cricket board constitution. to become Vice Presidents. Trevor In June, then-Sports Minister S.B. Sri Lanka Tea Board. Dissanayake appointed the first-ever Ratwatte was first elected to cricket board Interim Committee under Parliament in March 1960, from the PAST PRESIDENTS OF SRI LANKA CRICKET (SLC) (1914-2021) eminent corporate personality Rienzi Balangoda electorate representing As Ceylon Cricket Association (CCA) Wijetilleke. Sidath Wettimuny and Bandaranaike’s Sri Lanka Freedom Michael Tissera were among the other Party (SLFP). – from 1922-1948 four members of the committee. He was subsequently re-elected 1. Col. Dr. John R. Rockwood (1922- Roy Dias’ stint as the national in the General Election in July same 1933) coach was terminated, and one of year after the March Government of 2. Edwin M. Karunaratne (1933- the masterminds of the ’96 win, Dav the opposition United National Party 1934) Whatmore, was roped in by June, 1999 (UNP), under Dudley Senanayake fell 3. Chandrarajan Sivasaravanamuttu from Lancashire for a second term as Sri in barely four months due to lack of (1937-1948) Lanka’s Head Coach. substantial majority. Later the SLFP, which won the July 1960 election under As Board of Control for Cricket in Overhaul that became Bandaranaike, ruled Ceylon until 1965. Ceylon (BCCC) – from 1948-1972 successful Then in the 1965 General Election, 4. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu (1948- Sanath Jayasuriya was made the which was won by UNP, Ratwatte 1950) Col. Dr. John R. Rockwood Robert Senanayake Gamini Dissanayake Thilanga Sumathipala (1998- skipper. Arjuna was to retire the next topped Balangoda representing SLFP 5. A.E. Christoffelsz (1950-1952) (1922-33) (1956-72) (1981-89) 99; 2000-01; 2003-04; 2016-19) year. Aravinda played till the 2003 with 14,498 votes. However, he was 6. Junius Richard Jayewardene World Cup in South Africa. From the unseated through an election petition. (1952-1955) 14. Lakshman Jayakody (1989- 22. Vijaya Malalasekera (IC) (2001- 2009) ’96 world champion team, only Vaas His wife, Mallika Ellawala Ratwatte, 7. Lt. Col. Sabdharatnajyoti 1990) 2002) 29. Somachandra de Silva (IC) and Muralitharan remained for more contested his seat in the by-election in Saravanamuttu (1955-1956) 15. Manane Chandrarajah (1990- 23. Hemaka Amarasuriya (IC) (2009-2011) years to come. 1966 and won. She was re-elected in 8. Robert Senanayake (1956-1972) 1991) (2002-2003) 30. Upali Dharmadasa (IC) (2011- There began a new era of the 1970, when Bandaranaike took over 16. Tyronne Fernando (1991-1994) 2012) Atapattus, Mahelas, Sangakkaras, again as the Prime Minister. But Mallika Board of Control for Cricket in Sri 17. Anandarajasingh Punchihewa As Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) – 31. Jayantha Dharmadasa (IC) and Dilshans. The complete overhaul Ratwatte was defeated in 1977 when Lanka (BCCSL) – from 1972-2000 (1995-1996) from 2003-present (2013-2015) post ’99 election saw Sri Lanka’s UNP took over power under Junius 9. Sai Senanayakerajah (1972-1976) 18. Upali Dharmadasa (1996-1998) 24. Thilanga Sumathipala (2003- 32. Sidath Wettimuny (IC) (2015- cricket on course of a new journey Richard (J.R.) Jayewardene. 10. Maj. Gen. Bertram Heyn (1976- 19. Thilanga Sumathipala (1998- 2004) 2016) which led them to dominate world It was Clifford Ratwatte who also 1978) 1999) 25. Mohan De Silva (2004-2005) 33. Thilanga Sumathipala (2016- cricket, in all forms of the game, for produced the 1974 film The God King, 11. Dr. N.M. Perera (1978-1979) 20. Rienzie Wijetilleke (IC*) (1999- 26. Jayantha Dharmadasa (IC) 2019) the next 15 years to come. directed by Dr. Lester James Peries, 12. T.B. Werapitiya (1979-1981) 2000) (2005-2007) 34. Shammi Silva (2019-present) This we recalled with barely three and the 1975 Manik Sandrasagara film 13. Gamini Dissanayake (1981- 21. Thilanga Sumathipala (2000- 27. Arjuna Ranatunga (IC) (2008) * IC=Interim Committee months to go for the next cricket Kaludiya Dahara, which gained fame 1989) 2001) 28. S. Liyanagama (CA**) (2008- ** CA=Competent Authority board election. for its song Master Sir. sports 154 Friday, February 5, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk The International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Tokyo 2020 published the “playbook” ON Wednesday (3) for International Federation and technical officials, and media and broadcasters who are due to take part in the Games. It outlines the rules International Federation and technical officials will be expected to adhere to during the event, which organisers have insisted ‘Tokyo 2020’ will go ahead despite the Covid-19 crisis, Inside the Games reported on Wednesday. Only clapping allowed International Federation and technical officials announces first set of have been urged to “support athletes by clapping and not singing or chanting”, and will be banned from visiting tourist areas, bars, restaurants, and shops as part of measures aimed at limiting the risk posed on the games by Covid-19. Covid-19 rules They will also be prevented from using public transport “unless given permission”, and will be z asked to fill out an “activity plan” detailing their Strong indication that Games will take place first 14 days of their stay in the host country. Participants are set to be “regularly” tested for Detractors will be severely access to games venues, and, in some cases, on are there for everyone to be safe.” Covid-19, including before they travel to Japan, your participation in competitions”. The playbook reiterates vaccines will not be IOC Executive Director for Olympic Games dealt with Christophe Dubi on arrival in the country, during the Games, and “From a technical standpoint, we are very mandatory for participants to attend Tokyo 2020, possibly prior to their return home. confident for a number of reasons, but for all Majority will stick to the rules while the IOC also confirmed athletes can be Games participants, there will be some conditions “Repeated or serious failures to comply expected to be Reassurance the Games Masks out only when eating and and constraints that will require flexibility and with these rules may result in the withdrawal tested every four will be held sleeping understanding.” Delegations and staff will be of your accreditation and right to participate days during the “All of the rules outlined in this playbook Those who test positive could be “isolated required to appoint a Covid-19 liaison officer to in the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the games. will apply, whether or not you have received the in a Government-approved facility”, according ensure the rules in place are followed. playbook adds. vaccine,” the document reads. Its release comes to the playbook. Asking participants to install Those who breach the rules have been warned Dubi declined to give further details but insisted as organisers – the IOC and IPC – attempt to Japan’s “COCOA and health reporting mobile that it “may have an impact on your participation organisers were confident the “vast majority of, reassure athletes and other stakeholders that the phone applications” is among the other rules. in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, your if not all” participants would stick to the rules. games will go ahead as planned this year. Much of the document details measures society A surge in coronavirus cases across the world, has grown accustomed to since the coronavirus Vaccines not mandatory largely attributed to the discovery of new variants pandemic hit, including wearing of masks – “We do not anticipate many breaches of the of Covid-19, has led to increased speculation that which will be mandatory for officials, except rules but if there are, there will be a procedure Tokyo 2020 will have to be cancelled. when eating or sleeping – and keeping a safe in place,” he said. distance from others. “If push comes to shove and we have to Rumours are hurting activate the disciplinary commission, then IOC President Thomas Bach claimed last week Forming a framework this will be done. The rules are simple and the rumours surrounding the games “are hurting International Federation and technical officials the athletes in their preparations”. have been asked to remain two metres away “We’re not losing time or energy on speculation from athletes during the Games. While the first about whether the games are taking place – we “playbook” focuses on International Federation are working on how the games will take place,” and technical officials, IOC Executive Director Bach said, following the last meeting of the IOC for the Olympic Games Christophe Dubi revealed Executive Board. it would form the “framework” for those aimed at athletes, media, and broadcasters that are due Athletes will be notified on to be published in the coming days. Tuesday Organisers plan to publish the playbook for Continually updated broadcasters on Monday, 8 February, athletes Rules on testing, social distancing, hygiene, and team officials on Tuesday, 9 February, and and behaviour during the games are all likely to the press on Wednesday, 10 February. be included in the other playbooks, which will be They will be updated in April, with the final continually updated depending on developments versions expected in June. with the global health crisis. The first playbook can be read in full on the “This is where you will see more distinctions, Inside the Games website. such as the testing regime, and how it will be different according to the stakeholder group,” The playbook outlines principles on hygiene, testing, and other measures designed to combat Covid-19 during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Dubi added. PHOTO TOKYO 2020 Kandy Musings

BY HAFIZ MARIKAR Legendary Imran to strengthen Lanka-Pakistan ties

Present Pakistan Prime Minister if they are to meet here sooner or later. Imran Khan may visit Sri Lanka soon. A top Pakistani Foreign Ministry source had Imran’s cricket record vs. SL been quoted as saying yesterday (4) that Imran Khan, who is regarded perhaps RUGBY NATIONS the visit was due “in the coming days”, as the best all-rounder in all-time cricket but added that “it has now been pushed after Sir Gary Sobers, played 88 Tests for back by a few weeks”. Arrangements for Pakistan between 1979-92 scoring 3,807 The writer (right) with Imran Khan during the Pakistan team’s visit here in 1986 the visit, however, are underway, it was runs, with six centuries, at an average of also reported. 37.69. He also took 362 wickets at 22.81. 240 runs in that first innings and lost There were many reasons that have been CHAMPIONSHIP 2021 “Imran Khan’s proposed visit is Against Sri Lanka, Khan played 10 the match by an innings and 102 runs. suggested on this rare loss of cool in a Test. significant in the context of India Tests, between 1982-92, to score 271 Khan spelled more doom on the hapless Some say a fan had thrown a stone at 6/7 FEBRUARY and China making vigorous efforts to runs at 30.11. He took 46 wickets against Lankans taking 6/58 in 22.5 overs in the Miandad when the match was turning ITALY V FRANCE SAT 7.45 PM strengthen their ties with Sri Lanka, which the Lankans in Tests at 14.63. second innings too. towards the hosts’ favour (Miandad was has assumed strategic importance in the Out of his 23 five-wicket hauls in Test the ninth man out for 36 runs, in the face ENGLAND V SCOTLAND SAT 10.15 PM Indian Ocean region. The Indian Ocean cricket, three were against Sri Lanka. His The writer, Pakistan’s liaison of an obvious defeat). Next, the young WALES V IRELAND SUN 8.30 PM is now a theatre of conflict between India best bowling feat in an innings, 8/58, was officer in 1986 Arjuna Ranatunga, who eventually became 13/14 FEBRUARY and the US on the one hand, and China on also recorded against Sri Lanka. The writer was the Pakistan liaison the Man of the Match for his elegant first- ENGLAND V ITALY SAT 7.45 PM the other. Pakistan, which has a running Imran played 176 ODIs for his country officer when they toured here in 1986. innings 77, had “sledged” the Pakistan SCOTLAND V WALES SAT 10.15 PM battle with India and is an ally of China, while leading them to the memorable Imran was the Captain at that time. The skipper badly in the middle before he could help reinforce Sino-Lanka ties to 1992 World Cup victory in Australia. writer had the pride and distinction to be got out. IRELAND V FRANCE SUN 8.30 PM weaken India’s traditional hold on the He played 32 ODIs against Sri Lanka with this astonishing sportsman during 27/28 FEBRUARY island nation,” reported Eurasia Review scoring 636 runs (at 45.42) and taking the series. Winning the first Asia Cup ITALY V IRELAND SAT 7.45 PM yesterday (4). 29 wickets (at 27.79). He was an amazingly dedicated athlete. Sri Lanka had lost the first Test of the WALES V ENGLAND SAT 10.15 PM Long-standing friend of SL His best Test spell (8/58) at As soon as he came into the grounds, he series, at Asgiriya, by an innings and 20 FRANCE V SCOTLAND SUN 8.30 PM never did anything but started his fitness runs. They were bowled out for 101 in the 13/14 MARCH Pakistan-Sri Lanka military ties too Lahore regime – he would run round the grounds second innings. The third Test was drawn at became a critical factor in the prolonged In March 1982 at the Gaddafi Stadium and then bowled. What a lesson for the P. Sara and the series was squared at 1-1. ITALY V WALES SAT 7.45 PM war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil in Lahore, Sri Lanka played their second up-and-coming players! In the said 1986 tour, Sri Lanka beat ENGLAND V FRANCE SAT 10.15 PM Eelam (LTTE), it has been said. Test ever. That was their first against Pakistan at SSC on 6 April in an ODI SCOTLAND V IRELAND SUN 8.30 PM War-winning Army Commander Pakistan, who played under Javed SL’s first Test win against final to clinch the Asia Cup, also named Pakistan 20 MARCH Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka had said Miandad then. That was where Imran the John Player Gold Leaf Trophy SCOTLAND V ITALY SAT 7.45 PM on record, after the war, that Sri Lanka took his 8/58 in 29.3 overs in the first It was a memorable series for the then. This stands as one of the earliest turned to China and Pakistan for military innings of the match. Lankans as they managed to win the accolades Sri Lanka received in the IRELAND V ENGLAND SAT 10.15 PM hardware only after New Delhi refused to Those eight wickets were Bandula second Test, of a three-match series, at the field of international cricket. FRANCE V WALES SAT 1.30 AM supply weapons to it. At that time, Tamil Warnapura (Sri Lanka Captain Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) grounds on Now being the Head of State of Nadu politicians were preventing New then), Sidath Wettimuny, Rohan 18 March 1986. That was the second Test Pakistan, Imran Khan Niazi is nothing Delhi from helping Sri Lanka militarily, Jayasekera, Roy Dias (scored 109), Sri Lanka won following their first win but one of the greatest living symbols of ‘INTO THE PAST WITH THILAK’ NEXT WEEK because of the ethnic Tamil factor. Ranjan Madugalle, Somachandra de against India at P. Sara the previous year. great and historic ties between our two Our regular weekly column, Into the Past with Thilak, written President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Silva, Mahes Goonatilleke, and Roger In this particular CCC Test, Miandad countries. Those strong ties are about by Thilak de Silva, is not published this week. It will be published Premier Imran are supposed to discuss Wijesuriya. tried to assault a spectator with his bat on to spread out of the cricketing fields to as usual from next Thursday (11) onwards. various areas of investment in Sri Lanka The Lankan were bowled out for his way to the pavilion after getting out. the broader social and political spheres. „„ www.themorning.lk Friday, February 5, 2021 Scorchers enter Zak Crawley BBL final out of two Perth Scorchers, who were placed second after the round-robins led by Ashton Turner, Tests in India beat fourth-placed Brisbane Heat by 49 England batsman Zak Crawley has runs under the D/L Method yesterday (4) been ruled out of the first two Tests in the Big Bash League (BBL) Challenger against India after spraining a wrist in Canberra. Scorchers made 189/1 in 18.1 in a “freak” accident. The 23-year- overs before restricting Heat, who chased old slipped on a marble floor 200 in 18 overs, to 150/9. Liam outside the changing room during Livingstone struck 77 in 39 for Tuesday’s (2) practice session. Ollie Scorchers. Scorchers will meet Pope could replace Crawley after first-placed Sydney Sixers, recovering from a shoulder injury. led by Moises Henriques, in Dan Lawrence, who made his debut the final tomorrow (6) in batting at five in Sri Lanka, is also in sports Sydney. contention. Sri Lanka Cricket election to be held on 20 May z Mathivanan, Nishantha R. ready to contest Shammi Silva camp nominations on 24 February from 9.30 a.m. Two parties ready to contest to 3.30 p.m. The election is to be held from Elections for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will later denied he was contesting. 10.30 a.m. at the Duncan White Auditorium of “We are ready to give our nominations. be held on Thursday, 20 May 2021, it was the Ministry of Sports, Colombo on 20 May. I will be contesting as President. Our announced yesterday (4). The deadline for Nomination on 24 February contestant for the post of Secretary will be submitting nominations will be Wednesday, The three-member Election Committee Seven positions Nishantha Ranatunga. 24 February. appointed by SLC on 7 January under The new SLC office-bearers will be elected The rest of the names of our team will be The Morning Sports reported on 25 January the Sports Law comprises Justice Malani for the period of 2021-23 under the provisions announced in due course,” said former SLC that there could be three camps – namely, Gunaratne, a retired judge of the Court of of the Sports Act No.25 of 1973 (amended) Vice President Kangadaran Mathivanan, who under current President Shammi Silva, former Appeal, Justice Shiromi Perera, a retired and the provisions of the SLC Constitution. will be leading one camp in the elections. Vice President Kandadaran Mathivanan, and judge of the High Court, and Dr. D.M.R.B. The seven positions of SLC office-bearers “We are confident of winning,” said current former Sri Lanka Captain Sanath Jayasuriya Dissanayake, former Secretary to various to be elected are: President, Vice President SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne, – that are to contest the SLC elections this government ministries. (two posts), Secretary, Assistant Secretary, who will be contesting from the incumbent Kangadaran Mathivanan Shammi Silva time, for a period of two years. But Jayasuriya The candidates will be permitted to file their Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Shammi Silva camp.

FOREIGN WHO WILL PLAY NEW ZEALAND IN SPORTS IN BRIEF THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL? AUSTRALIA WILL QUALIFY IF... INDIA BEAT ENGLAND 1-0 ENGLAND BEAT INDIA 1-0, 2-0 OR 2-1 INDIA AND ENGLAND DRAW 0-0, 1-1 OR 2-2 ENGLAND WILL QUALIFY IF... ENGLAND BEAT INDIA 3-0, 3-1 OR 4-0 INDIA WILL QUALIFY IF... INDIA BEAT ENGLAND 2-0, 2-1, 3-0, 3-1 OR 4-0

SPORTS DIARY

Friday, 5 February 2021 INTERNATIONAL Cricket: yy India vs. England first Test begins at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India Sri Lanka squared the three-Test series 1-1by winning the final match by four wickets in Barbados when they last toured in the West Indies in 2018 (For India, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and chinaman Kuldeep Yadav will be the first two choices, while there will be a toss- up between “offie” Washington Sundar and orthodox left-armer Axar Patel. Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, and Dom Bess will all play Windies tour could for England) Series Tally – Out of the 60 Tests played in India between the two countries since 1933, India have won 19, England 13, while 28 were drawn. be shortened: SLC yy Bangladesh vs. West Indies first Test, day Mehidy Hasan shines at three at Chattogram, Bangladesh Chattogram z No decision to pull out from the series yet yy Pakistan vs. South Africa second Test, At the end of the second day of the first Test between day two at Rawalpindi, Pakistan Bangladesh and West Indies, the teams were evenly poised, with BY REVATHA S. SILVA the visitors reaching 75/2, a deficit of 355. Bangladesh had resumed “After going there, if they become (Covid- the morning on 242/5, but an early wicket left them reeling. The Sri Lanka cricket tour of the West Indies, which was to begin on 18 February, 19) positive (it will be an issue). Their However, 23-year-old all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose an came under a cloud of uncertainty when their Head Coach Mickey Arthur and protocols are pretty much relaxed. They opportune moment to score his maiden Test century, lifting the Test batsman Lahiru Thirimanne tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday only want us to be in (a hotel) room for home side to 430. (3). Sri Lanka had already begun their squad practice on 28 January, but the three days. unfortunate circumstances have now caused the players to be self-isolated, And if the PCR test reports are negative, BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS hampering their preparations. they can conduct practices. So we need to Shadman Islam lbw b Warrican 59 be very careful.” Tamim Iqbal b Roach 9 To make matters worse, many leading “It has nothing to do with cricket. It is Najmul Hossain run out (Da Silva/ Roach) 25 squad members, including Thirimanne, had not a technical situation right now. It’s all SLC doesn’t control situation Mominul Haque (Capt.) c Campbell b Warrican 26 taken part in a wedding in Colombo the day medical,” he added. “We were planning to go on the 18th Mushfiqur Rahim c Cornwall b Warrican 38 before on Tuesday (2), notably overlooking (February). We have practically booked the Shakib Al Hasan c Brathwaite b Cornwall 68 the necessary Covid-19 health guidelines. Players need to be fit to go flight. We have applied for visas. Liton Das (wk) b Warrican 38 What will happen now? Will Sri Lanka “From our perspective, the two Test matches Ten players have got the US transit visas. Mehidy Hasan c Sub b Cornwall 103 make it to the West Indies anyway? Or will are not that much important. Even if we win, They are supposed to go to the US Embassy Taijul Islam c Da Silva b Gabriel 18 the tour be curtailed? we will gain some points, but still we will not on Monday (8). We still don’t know whether Nayeem Hasan b Bonner 24 “We cannot take a decision right now until be able to come to either position of no. 1 or we are supposed to send them there (to the Mustafizur Rahman not out 3 we get proper PCR reports of the players. We 2 of the World Test Championship. But the Embassy) on Monday. Extras (nb 5, w 5, b 2, lb 7) 19 will probably have to wait until tomorrow West Indies like to keep the full tour. That’s That is also another concern due to the Total (all out in 150.2 overs) 430 (today) or day after (6) to get the medical maybe due to their agreements with their risk factor involved. It also depends on ON THIS DAY – 5 FEBRUARY Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Iqbal, 4.3 ov), 2-66 (Shanto, advice. Based on medical advice only we partners and all that. We have given them the medical advice we’ll get,” he clarified. 23.1 ov), 3-119 (Haque, 50.5 ov), 4-134 (Islam, 56.2 ov), will have to go forward. We are not thinking some indications also to shrink the series. “We (SLC) don’t control this situation,” 5-193 (Rahim, 74.2 ov), 6-248 (Das, 92.2 ov), 7-315 (Al of pulling out or cancelling. We are trying to But there is no proper decision yet. Even to he further added. 1958 Test Cricket debut of Lance Gibbs at Hasan, 113.5 ov), 8-359 (Islam, 133.2 ov), 9-416 (Hasan, see how best we could proceed with the tour. shrink the series and go, the players need to According to the tentative schedule, Sri West Indies versus Pakistan, Port-of-Spain 145.6 ov), 10-430 (Hasan, 150.2 ov) But it all depends on the medical advice,” be fit. If the players are asymptomatic, it’s Lanka are to play three ODIs, three T20Is, Bowling: Kemar Roach 20-5-60-1 (1nb), Shannon 1959 Australia regained the Ashes with a explained a senior Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) a risk for their (West Indies) players also,” and two Tests in Antigua and St. Lucia from 10-wicket victory at Adelaide Gabriel 26-4-69-1 (1w), Rahkeem Cornwall 42.2-5-114- official yesterday (4). he added. 2 to 31 March. 2, Kyle Mayers 7-2-16-0, Jomel Warrican 48-8-133-4 1970 First Test cricket ton of Barry Richards; (3nb), Kraigg Brathwaite 4-0-13-0, Nkrumah Bonner 126 in 164 balls, 20 fours and one six 3-0-16-1 (1nb) 1972 Bob Douglas was elected to the Rain spoils play at Rawalpindy Basketball Hall of Fame WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS 1976 Australia completed 5-1 series drubbing Kraigg Brathwaite (Capt.) not out 49 Rain played spoilsport on of West Indies John Campbell lbw b Rahman 3 Imran Butt c de Kock b Maharaj 15 what was shaping up to be Abid Ali c Markram b Nortje 6 Shayne Moseley lbw b Rahman 2 1976 Last day of Test Cricket for Lance Gibbs an enthralling first day in Azhar Ali lbw b Maharaj 0 Nkrumah Bonner not out 17 Rawalpindi, where Pakistan and Ian Redpath Extras (nb 3, lb 1) 4 Babar Azam (Capt.) not out 77 recovered from an early slide Fawad Alam not out 42 1978 Fred Newman made 88 consecutive Total (for 2 wickets in 29 overs) 75 to post 145/3. Fawad Alam Did not bat: Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva, Kyle Extras (nb 3, b 2) 5 basketball free-throws blindfolded and Babar Azam, in their Total (for 3 wickets in 58 overs) 145 Mayers, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jomel Warrican, Kemar Roach, contrasting styles, racked up 1989 Kareem-Abdul Jabar (pictured) becomes and Shannon Gabriel Did not bat: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, an unbroken 123-run stand that Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Yasir Shah, and Shaheen Afridi first NBA player to score 38,000 points Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Campbell, 4.4 ov), 2-24 helped Pakistan recover from (Moseley, 10.6 ov) Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Butt, 11.1 ov), 2-21 (Azhar Ali, 1992 Last day of Test cricket for Dilip an alarming slide that reduced 13.4 ov), 3-22 (Abid Ali, 14.5 ov) Vengsarkar Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 8-2-18-2 (nb), Shakib them to 22/3. They had helped Al Hasan 6-1-16-0, Mehidy Hasan 7-2-24-0 (1nb), Taijul Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 13-1-36-0, Anrich Nortje 11-3- take the side to tea, when rain 30-1 (2nb), Keshav Maharaj 25-7-51-2, George Linde 2.5-1- 1970 Birth of Aus batsman Darren Lehmann Islam 5-2-9-0 (1nb), Nayeem Hasan 3-0-7-0 Babar Azam scored his 16th Test half-century intervened and washed out a 2-0, Dean Elgar 1.1-0-6-0, Wiaan Mulder 5-1-18-0 (1nb) PHOTO © PCB promising final session.

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