DISPLACED BY LONG-TERM Govt. sets agenda: DEVELOPMENT THE LONG 20A gets priority WAIT CONTINUES

RS. 70.00 PAGES 64 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 02 – NO. 47 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020

TNA RECEDES IMF SUPPORT ONLY POLITICAL IF UNCONDITIONAL LEADERSHIP – GOVERNOR »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9

For verified information on the GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES COVID-19 LOCAL CASES COVID-19 CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the IN THE WORLD following authorities ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES 1999 TOTAL CASES Health Promotion Bureau 2,886 Suwasariya Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 21,154,001 Ambulance Service Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 DEATHS RECOVERED Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 Wash hands with soap Wear a commercially Maintain a minimum Use gloves when shopping, Use traditional Sri Lankan Always wear a mask, avoid DEATHS RECOVERD 1990 for 40-60 seconds, or rub available mask/cloth mask distance of 1 metre using public transport, etc. greeting at all times crowded vehicles, maintain 2,658 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES hands with alcohol-based or a surgical mask if showing from others, especially in and discard into a lidded instead of handshaking, distance, and wash hands 11 758,942 13,980,941 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 handrub for 20-30 seconds respiratory symptoms public places bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing before and after travelling 217 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 6.00 P.M. ON 14 AUGUST 2020 No UNP in the House BY OUR POLITICAL EDITOR z National List slot vacant z Working Committee undecided The United National Party (UNP) has decided to seek The decision to seek more time to Sunday Morning that the party would possible to not name the National List ended on Friday (14). more time to finalise the party’s nominee for the National finalise UNP’s sole representation in not be represented in the House that day. nominee by the time of the inaugural Election Commission (EC) List secured at the recently concluded general election. the ninth Parliament was reached at “It is confirmed. There will not be session, the senior UNPer explained Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya was Therefore, the UNP will not be represented in Parliament the party’s Working Committee (WC) any UNP representation in the House that this is not unprecedented. not contactable for comment at the at its inaugural session on Thursday (20), The Sunday meeting on Friday (14). on 20 August,” the source said. The deadline for political parties to time of going to print. Morning learnt. A senior UNP source confirmed to The When asked whether it is legally propose their National List nominees Contd. on page 2 WOMEN’S AFFAIRS PCOI PROBING POLITICAL VICTIMISATION ‘State ministry Check this out! Over 1,800 complaints

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA received by the PCoI as of Friday adequate’ (14) evening, senior sources told The The Presidential Commission of Sunday Morning. Sources revealed Despite women making up 52% of Sri Inquiry (PCoI) probing instances of that the Commission was also to Lanka’s population, the Government asserted political victimisation has received summon a number of key political there wasn’t a need for a cabinet ministry for over 1,800 complaints so far, The figures including former Prime women’s affairs, as it believed a state ministry Sunday Morning learnt. Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. would be more targeted for the subject. A total of 1,863 complaints were Contd. on page 2 Government Spokesman and Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella said that CAPITAL HEIGHTS a state ministry was adequate for the subject. Contd. on page 2 CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION CHINESE TESTING POSITIVE UPWARDS No tests on CAPITAL HEIGHTS passengers in RS. 34 MILLION VISIT OUR transit: AASL UPWARDSWEBSITE CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 BY SARAH HANNAN RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS Ltd. (AASL) will not begin Covid-19 VISIT OUR testing or screening on transit passengers PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION WEBSITE at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), SHOW APARTMENT despite 23 passengers that were in transit at VISIT OUR +94 763112233WEBSITE BIA testing positive for the virus upon their READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk arrival in China. The flight in question was SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 operating from Dubai to China. State Minister of Cane, Brass, Clay, Furniture, and Rural Industry Promotion Prasanna Ranaweera and State Minister of READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION Contd. on page 2 Development of Rural Paddy Fields and Associated Tanks, Reservoirs, and IrrigationPROJECT Anuradha Jayaratne NEARING intently reading COMPLETION a document shortly after being sworn in as state ministers last Wednesday (12) in Kandy PHOTO LALITH PERERA PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION SEETHAWAKA GANGA HYDROPOWER PROJECT INAUGURAL P’MENT SESSION Premalal, Pillayan submit letters Loan halt creates The lawyers of convicted MPs Premalal Jayasekara, alias “Choka Malli”, and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias “Pillayan”, have written to the Parliament Secretariat regarding their attendance at the inaugural session of the new Parliament. further delay Contd. on page 2 BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA this year, as the project finances was focusing on a number of other have not yet been finalised,” Ceylon projects for which the finances have The Seethawaka Ganga Hydropower Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman already been approved. Douglas invites Project would face further delays due Eng. Vijitha Herath told The Sunday According to the CEB Long-Term to issues pertaining to project finances, Morning on Friday (14). Generation Expansion Plan 2015-2034, Diaspora as obtaining foreign loans for projects The EIA is now awaiting public the plant was to be completed in 2022, has been restricted due to the ongoing comments. but now, with the present progress, investments economic situation of the country According to the CEB, the estimated CEB believes that the commissioning Minister Douglas Devananda, assuming following the Covid-19 pandemic. total cost of the project is $ 79 million of the project would be delayed till his duties at the Ministry of Fisheries on “The project was slowed down and the project is scheduled to be 2024. However, the CEB Chairman Thursday (13), called on the Diaspora to from the beginning and now it has completed in 2024. claimed there was no time period come forward to invest in their homeland completed the Environmental Impact Herath told that the Seethawaka finalised as yet for the launch of the and contribute towards building a stable Assessment (EIA). However, we Ganga Hydropower Project was not project’s construction work. government in Sri Lanka. wouldn’t be able to launch the project a priority at the moment, as the CEB Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2 the sunday morning FOCUS/NEWS Sunday, August 16, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN UNREGULATED ACUPUNCTURE CLINICS Over the last decade, the number of acupuncture clinics seems to have mushroomed across the island, and the number of people opting to receive such treatment has turned into a topic of debate as there A disaster waiting have been several incidents where following treatment, many have visited general physicians complaining about side effects. The practice itself was to happen introduced to the country by Dr. Anton Jayasuriya, a medical doctor who introduced the practice to internal doctors at the Kalubowila Deaths reported after acupuncture Hospital, after which he went on to About 90 deaths after The patient then died almost train individuals interested in the acupuncture have been immediately. At autopsy, two practice. anecdotally documented in punctures of the right ventricle However, these teachings or the medical literature, Journal of were found. persons that completed the training The Royal Society of Medicine The second patient was a were never registered with the Sri (JRSM). 26-year-old Chinese woman who Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) or The practice has been associated consulted an acupuncturist for the Ayurvedic Medical Council. with more deaths than most other an unnamed reason. A needle Colombo South Teaching “alternative” therapies, except penetrated her lung and the patient Hospital (Kalubowila Hospital) herbal medicine. died of tension pneumothorax. Director Dr. Asela Gunawardena In the article “Acupuncture – a The first case exemplifies the said that there was no authorised treatment to die for?” by Edzard importance of adequate training acupuncture clinic in operation Ernts, published in 2010 in the and technique. As with all invasive at the hospital at present and that JRSM, it is noted that the fatalities interventions, complications after whoever is running the practice, are usually due to an acupuncture acupuncture can occur, but when claiming to be affiliated to the needle penetrating a vital organ, they do, they must be recognised hospital, is an imposter and is not a causing pneumothorax cardiac and promptly treated. Hallmarks trained acupuncture practitioner. tamponade or major haemorrhage. of poorly trained alternative Meanwhile, Government with the ministry attempting to Bleeding and pain during regulated practice in Sri Lanka,” Illustrating two instances, therapists, one might argue, are Registered Homoeopathic appoint fraudulently registered needling are reported Dr. Karunasiri elaborated. Ernts revealed that a 44-year-old poor technique and a tendency Practitioners’ Association Vice people to the Homoeopathic less often in Chinese Adverse effects Chinese woman with a history to overestimate the potential of President Dr. S. Ramesh noted Council Board. Furthermore, literature than in English of diabetes and hypertension their own interventions. Instead of that the illegally appointed there are Supreme Court and literature, perhaps because The World Health Organisation had consulted an unlicensed initiating life-saving measures, the Homoeopathic Interim Committee Court of Appeal verdicts that practitioners in China (WHO), in their systematic acupuncturist in a rural setting. acupuncturist tragically sought to approved 49 persons (non- clearly order the cancellation of consider such events too review of the Chinese literature on When an acupuncture needle treat his patient’s symptoms with academic persons) fraudulently to the illegal appointment of the trivial to report them acupuncture-related adverse events, penetrated her heart, the patient more acupuncture. register people practising modern fraudulent registrations. However, stated that several adverse events instantly complained of severe The second case report is also acupuncture medicine and criminal the Ministry of Health and Council of Sri Lanka are not able to were identified through a review of and alarming symptoms. Instead typical, but portrays an entirely abortions by manipulating the Indigenous Medical Services is yet recognise them as safe practices and case reports from 1980 to 2009, but of taking urgent action, the different respect. It is devoid of patients and relevant authorities to implement the court order,” Dr. are unable to implement regulations very few were found in surveys or acupuncturist inserted a further detail to the point of being almost to earn money through such Ramesh added. over such clinics,” Dr. Karunasiri prospective observational studies. needle into her chest wall. meaningless. unregulated medical practices. explained. This suggests that serious “This Homoeopathic Council has Acupuncture practice Adding that today, even some acupuncture-related adverse not been active for over a decade, unrecognised of the Ayurveda practitioners use events are rare. Bleeding and pain events have been reported by medical profession. The Sunday Morning contacted acupuncture in their practice, and during needling are reported less other countries, usually as a result “The Sri Lanka Medical Council Ayurveda Union President Dr. there is no way that the medical often in Chinese literature than in of inappropriate techniques. only governs the western medical Nimal Karunasiri to understand council can put a stop to it. English literature, perhaps because Acupuncture can be considered practices, and acupuncture is known the reason behind the Chinese “If they are trained to practice practitioners in China consider such inherently safe in the hands of well- to be a complimentary medical There are Supreme Court and acupuncture practice not being acupuncture and the people who events too trivial to report them. trained practitioners. However, there treatment that is used in eastern Court of Appeal verdicts that regulated in Sri Lanka and to find come for treatment require them Infections (primarily hepatitis) is a need to find effective ways to medical practices. Therefore, it clearly order the cancellation out whether it is not recognised as to administer needles, and if the after acupuncture are reported improve the practice of acupuncture should ideally be regulated by the the illegal appointment of an alternative medical practice. practitioner is willing to provide frequently in English literature, and to monitor and minimise the Ayurvedic Medical Council.” the fraudulent registrations. “We do not have a medical the treatment, we cannot object to but relatively rarely in Chinese health risks involved, the WHO He added that there are concerns However, the Ministry of council for the Chinese acupuncture it. It is their basic right as patients, literature, even though non- review pointed out. raised by the medical fraternity Health and Indigenous practitioners in Sri Lanka as well and it is the right of the practitioner disposable acupuncture needles are The Sunday Morning contacted about such practices and there is an Medical Services is yet to as on an international level, or even to offer all possible treatments to still used in China. It is possible SLMC member Dr. Upul ongoing discourse about regulating implement the court order in the country of its origin – China the patients. However, the practice that in China, acupuncture-related Gunasekara to clarify about the all medical practices that will be Government Registered – leaving the practice without any itself is not recognised under infections are underreported. acupuncture practice and whether governed by one umbrella under Homoeopathic Practitioners’ regulatory ordinance. Therefore, the Medical Ordinance, which Various types of acupuncture- there were any measures to give the Medical Act, which are to Association Vice President Dr. S. Ramesh even the Sri Lanka Medical makes it impossible to define the related adverse events have it recognition as a Sri Lanka branch out as western and eastern Council or the Ayurvedic Medical profession and to recognise it as a been reported in China. Similar Medical Association-approved indigenous medicine.

Contd. from page 1

weeks, it will suspend passenger remain unaffected and will continue jointly carried out by Central that even if the convicted MPs No UNP... No tests... flights from Colombo to Shanghai to fly to China when required, the Engineering Consultancy Bureau missed the first sitting of the new Meanwhile, the UNP WC also “Our ground staff makes no operated by the Civil Aviation airline assured. (CECB) and CEB’s Engineering Parliament, they could attend decided that Party Leader Ranil contact with transit passengers as Administration of China (CAAC). Advisory Branch. sessions thereafter. Wickremesinghe should continue they are allotted a separate area The statement noted that for the The project area will be within The first sitting of the Ninth in his post until a final decision is from the rest while they wait to charter flight on 7 August, CAAC the premises of the Maldeniya, Parliament of Sri Lanka is to be reached on his successor. board the transit flight, and a transit insisted on all passengers taking Loan halt... Dangampala, Reucastle, held on Thursday (20). process would take a maximum of Covid-19 PCR tests from the “The total cost of the project Higuralakanda, Dankombuwa, – Skandha Gunasekara 12 hours. While the flight crew is local professional testing facilities would be around Rs. 15 billion Digala, and Yogama villages now at risk of being exposed to the (in Dubai) that are used by other and we first need to secure project situated along Seethawaka Over 1,800... virus or asymptomatic persons, the prominent international airlines. finances,” he stressed. Ganga in the Batangala, Algoda, “The dates have not been fixed airport staff itself is not facing the The testing process was said When asked about the losses Hinguralakanda East, and Dikella Douglas... yet,” sources added. risk of exposure,” AASL Chairman to be carried out 72 hours prior incurred by the CEB due to the Grama Niladhari Divisions of the While Devananda awaits Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe (Retd.) Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri to boarding the flight and all delay, Eng. Herath noted that there Dehiowita Divisional Secretariat expressions of interest by them, he has also been summoned to appear told The Sunday Morning. passengers returned negative test were no such financial losses (DS) in the Kegalle District. stated: “Tamil people and Tamil before the PCoI probing the Easter With the news of 23 passengers results at the time of boarding. incurred by the CEB as a result of The project will be implemented parties should use the current Sunday attacks. out of the 223 that arrived on These tests were carried out as delaying the project, as no funds as a 24 MW plant and the estimated political environment based on “Former Prime Minister Ranil the flight testing positive, the a proactive safety measure for the have been allocated for the project annual energy generation will be 54 our long-term theory of creating Wickremesinghe and former authorities were placed on high passengers and the crew at a time yet. GWh. a suitable environment to develop Minister Sagala Ratnayaka have alert, questioning whether there the PCR test was not considered a According to the CEB, the power the Northern and Eastern Provinces been summoned before the was a lapse in the protocol on Sri mandatory requirement for China- generation potential of Seethawaka from which people have voted in investigative unit of the Commission Lanka’s part. bound flights out of Dubai. Despite Ganga was originally studied by Tamil politicians.” on 21 August,” Secretary to the Providing further clarity, AASL these measures, 23 passengers the Department of Irrigation in the Premalal... In this situation, the Minister Commission Buwaneka Herath told Head of Airport Management tested positive upon arrival in year 1961, with the assistance of Parliament Secretary General alleged that the Tamil people The Sunday Morning. H.S. Hettiarachchi elaborated that China. Technopromexport in Moscow, Dhammika Dasanayake said that MP living in other countries have He added that former State transit passengers that arrive at the In the wake of the Covid-19 Russia. Thereafter, during 1988, Jayasekara’s lawyers have written to been interested in making various Minister Ruwan Wijewardene had BIA are required to remain at their outbreak, The CAAC introduced power generation potential of the Parliament Secretariat stating that investments in the past, but the been summoned before the same designated waiting area, and are not a new policy referred to as the Seethawaka Ganga was confirmed they had appealed his conviction. people observed that Tamil leaders (Commission) on 19 August. admitted inside the common areas five-one policy, which restricts an in a report titled “SITA-14” Dasanayake said that only the mismanaged these investments and of the airport. airline to operating to one point in prepared under the “Master Plan for lack of a court order barred MP the middleman tried to misuse such “We are only required to refer China per week. In line with this the Electricity Supply of Sri Lanka”. Jayasekara from attending the first monies to further their short-term ‘State ministry... passengers that are arriving in the new policy, SriLankan Airlines Since then, no action has been taken session of Parliament this coming interests. “A state minister would be able to country for PCR testing under the had engaged in operating 15 such to develop the project. week. Moreover, Devananda assured focus on such a subject better than a Covid-19 prevention and control charter flights, repatriating over In 2009, pre-feasibility studies “He has been gazetted by the that, as a stable government is cabinet minister,” he claimed. regulations. At no point did we 3,000 Chinese passengers from the of the project were carried out Election Commission (EC) as an established by President Gotabaya However, he went on to say that a subject the transit passengers to UK and Dubai to China without any by Sri Lanka Energies (Pvt.) Ltd. MP and he can attend Parliament if Rajapaksa and Prime Minister cabinet minister would oversee such testing,” Hettiarachchi added. incidents. (SLE). In 2013, the CEB took he is allowed to do so by the court.” Mahinda Rajapaksa, they will leave a state ministry. He added that neither the Sri As per the CAAC policy, over the project development He went on to say that Pillayan no room for such activities to take “Of course, the subject of women’s Lankan Government nor the temporary flight suspensions are to harness the optimum hydro had also informed the Secretariat, place or corruption to take root. affairs would come under the BIA were responsible for the 23 given to airlines if only more than potential available within the via his legal team, of his intention to Devananda reiterated that the purview of a cabinet ministry. The passengers that arrived on 7 August five Covid-19 positive cases are area. The Project Management attend Parliament. development and daily problems only difference with a state minister on transit visa from Dubai testing found on a flight. Thus, the CAAC Unit for the Seethawaka Ganga “His lawyers too have indicated faced by the Tamil people can be would be that he would not be able positive. temporarily suspended SriLankan Hydropower Project was established that they will seek the court’s solved promptly if the Diaspora to submit a cabinet paper separately Meanwhile, the national carrier Airlines for four weeks as per the in September 2016. The detailed permission for him to attend the realises its moral duty towards Sri for that subject.” SriLankan Airlines on Friday (14) new regulations in place. feasibility study has been completed first sitting of Parliament.” Lanka and invests in the country. – Skandha Gunasekara noted that for a period of four SriLankan Cargo operations are to in December 2018, which was Dasanayake further noted – Sarah Hannan WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 3 Sunday, August 16, 2020 SPOTLIGHT/NEWS

UNDERWORLD LEADER ANGODA LOKKA No confirmation on identity yet and we will confirm this report once we Police investigations have revealed that accompanied her in a police vehicle from have received verified details. If his death the deceased was involved in a number of CMCH to Chennai in the early hours of 7 is scientifically verified, then we will take crimes including murder. Following this August. Being the only foreign national further measures regarding cases against incident, the Police launched a special among the accused, she was shifted to him,” he said. search operation in the area. Puzhal Central Prison, according to the The Police however stressed that the Meanwhile, Indian media reports stated sources. reports regarding his death could be that the Crime Branch CID (CB-CID) Amani had developed health fabricated with the aim of allowing him officials investigating the case related to complications after she allegedly consumed to change his appearance and return to the the death of Sri Lankan fugitive Angoda pills to terminate her pregnancy after country under a new disguise to engage in Lokka, shifted one of the accused, Amani Angoda Lokka’s death. criminal activities or to allow him to escape Thanji, from Coimbatore to Puzhal Central According to Indian media reports, to another country without being detected. Prison in Chennai. Angoda Lokka (35) from Kotikawatta, “Therefore, the Police are observing the Amani, a woman from Colombo, was Colombo in Sri Lanka, posed as Pradeep situation carefully and will accept reports one of the three accused arrested by the Singh, residing at Cheran Maanagar in of his death only if it is confirmed without Coimbatore City Police on 2 August on Coimbatore. any doubt,” SSP Senaratne added. charges of producing false documents to He was suspected to have died due to Meanwhile, Asitha Hemathilaka alias help the suspected Sri Lankan gangster cardiac arrest on 3 July. “Solta”, who was said to be the main Angoda Lokka, who is said to have died in However, his girlfriend Amani Dhanji, shooter of Lasantha Chaminda Perera alias Coimbatore in July. Madurai-based advocate Sivakami “Angoda Lokka”, has also reportedly been Police sources said that she was admitted Sundari, and her associate Thiyaneshwaran shot dead by a group of police officers at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital allegedly received the body from hospital in the Welivita area in Mulleriyawa on (CMCH) shortly after her arrest as she after producing forged documents and Tuesday (11), according to the Police. developed health complications, Indian cremated the body at Madurai. He was said to have tried to hurl a hand media reports stated. The CB-CID Police have registered two grenade at the police officers when they Following the completion of her cases – one on the death of Angoda Lokka were attempting to arrest him. treatment, five CB-CID officials and another for fabricating documents.

Angoda Lokka

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The question of whether the man who died in Coimbatore in India is Sri Lanka’s underworld kingpin Maddumage Chandana Lasantha Perera alias “Angoda Lokka” is yet to be answered, as the Indian authorities, who are currently investigating the case with the support of Sri Lankan authorities, are yet to confirm the identity of the criminal against whom Interpol had issued a red alert. As learnt by The Sunday Morning, over the death of the underworld figure. Sri Lanka Police have already sent the Instead, the Sri Lankan Government would fingerprint samples to India while the assist the Government of India to confirm Police have also collected the DNA the identity of the underworld kingpin samples to match with the DNA samples wanted by local Police. collected from the dead body. Furthermore, SSP Senaratne told the As revealed by Police Spokesman media that “Angoda Lokka” was a wanted SSP Jaliya Senaratne, the death of the criminal and the Police had received underworld figure wanted by the Sri Lanka information that he fled the country and Police is not confirmed yet and the identity was hiding overseas. is being confirmed in India. “We have reported to courts regarding According to him, diplomatic operations several cases against him. Although there have been launched by the two countries. are claims that he had been poisoned and He told The Sunday Morning that a local killed in India, these reports have not been investigation would not be launched by the verified and confirmed as yet. We have Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiated measures to verify these claims

Seeking blessings

Samagi Jana Balawegaya Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the Sri Wickramasingharamaya Temple down Aramaya Road in Dematagoda on Friday (14) PHOTOS LALITH PERERA WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 FOCUS State institutions under Cabinet, non-Cabinet ministries Ministry of Defence he Government recently established purview of the President and the Prime Minister. policy responsibilities, and functions have relevant programmes according to the broad the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on through an extraordinary gazette The relevant Gazette 2187/27 titled “Duties been taken into consideration in formulating scope of each ministry. Wednesday (12). Tnotification the ministerial structure and Function” was published by the Presidential ministries and that state ministries have been The new Cabinet and state ministers took Following is the full list of departments consisting 28 ministries and 39 state ministries, Secretariat on 9 August. structured to facilitate the achievement of oaths before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at and institutions assigned under the relevant including the ministries that come under the The Government said that national priorities, special priorities and the implementation of the historic Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) of ministries.

2.2. State Ministry of y Sri Lanka Institute of Sri Lanka Ministry of Wildlife and Ministry of Land Samurdhi, Micro Finance, 5.1 State Ministry of Printing y National Research Self-Employment, and Prison Reforms and y Department of Technical Council of Sri Lanka Forest Conservation Business Development Rehabilitation: Education and Training y Co-ordinating Secretariat and Underutilised State y Industrial Technology for Science, Technology, Resource Development: Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle Institute and Innovation 1 PRESIDENT y y Shehan Semasinghe Department of Prisons Training School for y Sri Lanka Institute of y Tertiary and Vocational GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA y Auditor General’s Youthful Offenders Nanotechnology (Pvt.) Education Commission y State Resources Enterprise Authority Department y Bureau of Commissioner Ltd. Management Corporation y National Science • Office of the Chief of Command and Staff y Grama Shakthi Bureau General Rehabilitation y National Institute of Foundation Defence Staff College y Department of Samurdhi y National Institute of Social Fundamental Studies Development y National Science and • Sri Lanka Tri-Forces • Defence Services College Development y Sri Lanka Inventors’ Technology Commission y Regional Development Ministry of Foreign Affairs 15 • Rakna Arakshaka Lanka • National Cadet Corps y Rural Development Commission y Sri Lanka Planetarium S.M. CHANDRASENA Ltd. Bank Training and Research • National Security Fund y National Engineering y Arthur C. Clarke Institute • Land Commissioner • Survey Department • National Authority for y National Enterprise Institute Research and 12 • Centre for Research and Development Authority for Modern Technologies C.B. RATHNAYAKE General’s Department Institute of Surveying the Implementation of Development y Social Security Board Development Centre of • the Chemical Weapons y Small and Medium • State Timber Corporation • Land Reform and Mapping Institute of National y National Council for Commission Convention • Enterprise Capital Persons with Disabilities • Land Survey Council Security Studies Company • Department of Civil y National Secretariat for State Ministry of Dhamma 12.1 State Ministry of Forest Security • Ranaviru Seva Authority y Small and Medium Persons with Disabilities Protection, Elephant Fences 15.1 State Ministry of • Api Wenuwen Api Fund Schools, Bhikku Education, • State Intelligence Service Pirivena, and Buddhist and Trenches Construction, Land Management and • Sri Lanka Coast Guard • Department of Multi- Development of State Purpose Development Ministry of Buddha Universities Reforestation and Forest • National Dangerous Task Force Enterprise Land and Property Drugs Control Board 6 Vijitha Berugoda Resources Development: • Department of Sasana, Religious, and DINESH GUNAWARDENA Roshan Ranasinghe • Sir John Kotelawala Archaeology Cultural Affairs y Bhiksu University University Wimalaweera Dissanayake Defence University • Overseas Government Committee Secretariat y Buddhist and Pali y Pirivena Education Board y Land Use y Department of • Academy of Financial Missions y Department of Forest y Department of Wildlife • Defence Services Studies 3 PRIME MINISTER • Department of Conservation Conservation Policy Planning Land Settlement • National Ocean Affairs Commerce MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA Ministry of Health Department 1.1. State Ministry of Internal • Department of Buddhist • Department of National Ministry of Agriculture Security, Home Affairs, and Affairs Museums 6.1 State Ministry of Ministry of Fisheries Disaster Management: • Department of Hindu • Public Performance Regional Co-operation Chamal Rajapaksa Religious and Cultural Board Affairs • Department of National Tharaka Balasuriya y All district y Department of y Disaster • Department of Christian Archives y Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International and divisional Immigration Management Religious Affairs secretariats and Centre • National Film Relations and Strategic Studies Emigration • Department of Muslim Corporation y Sri Lanka y National Religious and Cultural Police y National Disaster Relief • S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike Affairs National Memorial Ministry of Public Services, y National Police Secretariat Services for Non- Centre • Department of Cultural Foundation Provincial Councils, and Academy Affairs Governmental y Department of • J.R. Jayawardena Centre y Registrar Organisations Local Government 9 PAVITHRA WANNIARACHCHI 16 General’s Meteorology DOUGLAS DEVANANDA y National Department y National 3.1. State Ministry of National • National Health Council • Wijaya Kumaratunga 13 MAHINDANANDA Department of Fisheries Northsea Ltd. Council for Building • • y Department for Disaster Heritage, Performing Arts, • Medical Research Memorial Hospital ALUTHGAMAGE and Aquatic Resources Registration of Research Management Organisation Institute • Ashraff Memorial Persons and Folk Art Promotion: Hospital • Dedicated Economic Training Institute 16.1 State Ministry • National Institute of Centres Vidura Wickramanayake Health Sciences • School of Medical • Sri Lanka Council for of Ornamental Fish, Laboratory Technology • Paddy Marketing Board Agricultural Research Ministry of Finance y Tower Hall Folk Art Centre National Tele- • Sri Lanka Medical Council Policy Freshwater Fish and Sprats Theatre Cinema Park • The National Institute of • Department of Agrarian y Ape Gama • Ceylon Medical College Development • National Institute of Production, Fisheries Foundation y National Council Nephrology Dialysis and y Galle Heritage Transplantation • Hector Kobbekaduwa Post-Harvest Technology Harbour Production, Multi- y Arts Council of Foundation Performing • Private Health Services Sri Lanka Arts Theatre • National Authority on Agrarian Research and day Fishing Vessel Affairs, y Mahinda 7 JANAKA BANDARA Regulatory Council y Gramodaya (Nelum Tobacco and Alcohol and Fish Exports Rajapaksa Pokuna) TENNAKOON • Department of Health Services • 1990 Suwa Seriya 13.1 State Ministry of Kanchana Wijesekera Foundation • Department of Pensions Languages • All national, teaching, Paddy, Grain, Organic y National Aquaculture y Ceylon Shipping and specified • Department of Social Development Authority Corporation Ministry of Urban • Public Service Mutual • Official Languages Services Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Provident Association Commission government hospitals Chilli, Onion, and Potato y Ceylon Fishery Harbours y National Aquatic Development and Housing • National Council for • Sri Lanka Institute • National Human • Sri Jayewardenepura Cultivation Promotion, Corporation Resources Research and General Hospital Elders and the National Development Agency of Development Resources Development Secretariat for Elders y Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd. 2 PRIME MINISTER 4 PRESIDENT Administration Council of Sri Lanka Seed Production, and High Tech Agriculture MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA GOTABAYA RAJAPAKSA • Distance Learning • National Institute of Centre Ltd. Language Education 9.1 State Ministry of Shasheendra Rajapaksa Ministry of Plantations Treasury affairs • National Physical • Hotel Developers Department of Official and Training Pharmaceutical Production, General Treasury Department of State Planning Department (Lanka) PLC • y Dedicated Economic Training Institute • • Supply, and Regulation Centres Department of National Accounts y Sri Lanka Council for • 7.1 State Ministry of y Paddy Marketing Board Agricultural Research Planning • Department of Trade 4.1. State Ministry of Urban Dr. Channa Jayasumana and Investment Policy Provincial Councils and y Department of Agrarian Policy • Department of Fiscal Policy Development, Coast Department of Local Government: y State Pharmaceuticals Corporation Development y National Institute of • Department of National • Conservation, Waste Disposal, Corporation Post-Harvest Technology Budget Information Technology y National Medicines y Hector Kobbekaduwa Management and Public Sanitisation Sarath Weerasekera y State Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Authority Agrarian Research and • Department of Manufacturing Management Services • Department of Legal y Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance Affairs Dr. Nalaka Godahewa 13.2 State Ministry of • Department of External y Urban y Urban y Marine Resources • Department of 9.2 State Ministry of Fertiliser Production and Management Audit Development Settlement Environment Ministry of Education Indigenous Medicine • Department of Public Authority Development Protection Supply, Chemical Fertiliser 17 Finance • Department of Authority Authority Promotion, Rural and DR. RAMESH PATHIRANA Development Finance y Sri Lanka Land and Pesticides Regulation Department of Treasury Development y Condominium y Department Ayurveda Hospital • Comptroller General’s Mohan De Silva • Tea, Rubber, and • Tea Research Institute of Operations • Corporation Management of Coast Development, and Coconut Estates (Control Sri Lanka Office and its Authority Conservation y National Fertiliser y Janatha Fertiliser Community Health of Fragmentation) Janatha Estate State revenue management subsidiaries (Common and Coastal Secretariat Enterprise Ltd, Board • and affiliates Amenities Resource Sisira Jayakody y Grain, Legume, and Oil y National Agricultural Development Board • Department of Inland • Development Lotteries Board) Management Crops Research and Crop Diversification and • Sri Lanka Tea Board • Sri Lanka State Revenue Board y Department of Ayurveda y Ayurveda teaching and Development Centre Settlement Authority • Tea Small Holdings Plantations Corporation • Sri Lanka Customs • Department of Valuation y Sri Lanka Ayurvedic research hospitals y Ceylon Fertiliser Co. Ltd. y Sri Lanka National Development Authority 4.2. State Ministry of Rural y • Department of Excise • Department of Imports Medical Council Homeopathic Hospital, y Colombo Commercial Freedom from Hunger • National Lotteries Board and Exports Home Construction and y National Ayurvedic Welisara Fertilisers Ltd. Campaign 17.1 State Ministry of Estate Building Materials Industry: Medical Association y Srilanka Homeopathy Banking financial and capital Medical Association Renovation, Tea Factory policy and regulatory affairs 8 PROF. G.L. PEIRIS y Ayurveda College and Modernisation, and Export Indika Anuruddha Hospital Board 13.3 State Ministry • Central Bank of Sri Lanka • Department of Registrar y National Factory and University Grants Education Publication of Livestock, Animal Diversification of Companies • • • All state banks, finance, Housing y Construction Construction Commission (UGC) Department Husbandry Promotion, Kanaka Herath insurance, and their • Securities and Exchange Development Industry Corporation • All state universities, • National Book Ministry of Labour subsidiaries and Commission of Sri Lanka Authority and Milk and Eggs-related y National Institute of y Kalubowitiyana Tea Development y National postgraduate institutes, Development Council of Plantation Management Factory Ltd. affiliates • Sri Lanka Accounting y Building Authority Equipment and other institutes Sri Lanka Industries • Insurance Board of and Auditing Standards Materials y State and Machinery under UGC • National Library and D.B. Herath Sri Lanka Monitoring Board Corporation 17.2 State Ministry of Engineering Organisation • Colleges of education Documentation Services y Department of Animal y Milco (Pvt.) Ltd. Sri Lanka Insurance Public Utilities Ltd. Corporation y Board Coconut, Kithul, Palmyrah, • • Ocean View • Teacher training colleges Production and Health y Mahaweli Livestock Corporation and its Commission of Sri Lanka y Department of y State Development • State Printing and Rubber Cultivation subsidiaries and affiliates Government Co. (Pvt.) Ltd • Department of y National Livestock Enterprises Ltd. • Sri Lanka Export Credit Development Examinations Corporation Development Board Promotion and Related • Credit Information Bureau Insurance Corporation Sri Lanka National • Offices of directors of Industry Promotion, and • education Statistical information and studies 4.3. State Ministry of Estate Commission for UNESCO Export Diversification • Department of Census • Sustainable Houses and Community Ministry of Irrigation Arundika Fernando and Statistics Development Council 8.1 State Ministry of Infrastructure: y Kurunegala Plantations Ltd. y Sri Lanka Rubber • Institute of Policy Studies Women and Child y Chilaw Plantations Ltd. Manufacturing and Welfare and social security Jeewan Thondaman Development, Preschools 10 NIMAL SIRIPALA DE SILVA Export Corporation Ltd. y Palmyrah Development • Welfare Benefits Board y New Villages y Plantation y Saumyamoothi and Primary Education, Board y Coconut Cultivation Board Development Human Thondaman • Department of Labour Health Funding provisions School Infrastructure, and y Rubber Development y Coconut Development Authority for Development Memorial • National Institute of • Office of the Authority • Lady Lochore Loan Fund Foundation of Sri Lanka Plantation Trust Foundation Education Services Labour Studies Commissioner Department Region for Workmen’s y Rubber Research y Coconut Research • Strike, Riot, Civil • Tea Shakthi Fund Piyal Nishantha De Silva • Employees’ Provident Institute Commotion, and Fund Compensation Institute of Sri Lanka • Kapruka Fund y Department of y Children’s Secretariat Terrorism Fund • National Institute of • National Productivity • Public Service Ministry of Justice Probation and Child Care y Sri Lanka Women’s Secretariat 17.3 State Ministry of • National Insurance Trust Pensioners’ Trust Fund Services Occupational Safety and Fund Bureau Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, • Buddha Sasana Fund y National Child Protection • Employees’ Trust Fund y National Committee on 14 Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, • Buddhist Revival Fund Authority Women 10.1 State Ministry of CHAMAL RAJAPAKSA • Let’s Protect Children Beetle, and Related (Daruwan Surakimu) • Skills Development Foreign Employment • Department of Irrigation • Central Engineering Cultivations Promotion and Fund Ltd. Consultancy Bureau Trust 8.2 State Minister of Promotion and Market • Major irrigation Export Promotion • Shrama Vasana Fund • Local Loans and Diversification schemes including Uma and its subsidiaries and Development Fund Education Reforms, Open affiliates • National Health Oya, Moragahakanda Janaka Wakkumbura • Thurusaviya Fund Universities, and Distance Piyankara Jayaratne Dam, Kalu River, Gin • Engineering Council of Development Fund River, Nilwala River, and Sri Lanka y Sri Lanka Cashew y Sugarcane Research • Central Cultural Fund Learning y Sri Lanka Foreign y Sri Lanka Foreign Corporation Institute • National Kidney Employment Bureau Employment Agency Malwathu Oya Water Resources Board (Position remains vacant as at 14 August 2020) • y Hingurana Sugar y Gal Oya Plantations Institutions to be liquidated 5 ALI SABRY PC Industries Ltd. (Pvt.) Ltd. • Department of • Sri Lanka Media Training y National Institute of y National Education Education Commission 14.1 State Ministry y Telecommunications Institute • Attorney General’s • Council of Legal y Lanka Sugar Company Spices and Allied Ministry of Environment of Development of (Pvt.) Ltd. Products Marketing • Wildlife Trust • Department of Internal Department Education Board Trade • Legal Draftsman’s • Department of Public 8.3 State Ministry of Skills Infrastructure of Settlements y Kanthale Sugar Factory Department Trustee Development, Vocational and Waterways in the 2.1. State Ministry of • Department of Debt • Commercial Mediation Training, Research, and Mahaweli Zones Ministry of Water Supply Finance and Capital Market Conciliation Board Centre of Sri Lanka Innovation Siripala Gamlath and State Enterprise • Government Analyst’s • Sri Lanka International Department Arbitration Centre Dr. Seetha Arambepola y Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal • Office of the Registrar of (Guarantee) Ltd. y Sri Lanka Institute of in Fisheries and Marine y Department of Public y State Mortgage and the Supreme Court • Office for National Unity Advanced Technological Sciences (Ocean Enterprises Investment Bank • Law Commission of Sri and Reconciliation Education University of Sri Lanka) 14.2 Agrarian Tanks and y Department of Project y Institutions owned Lanka • Office on Missing y National Institute of y Vocational Training Reservoirs Close to Paddy Management and by the Secretary Superior Courts Complex Persons Business Management Authority of Sri Lanka • and affiliates Lands and Irrigation Monitoring to the Treasury Board of Management • Office for Reparations y National Apprentice 11 MAHINDA AMARAWEERA Development: y National Operations Centre under the Revival of Legal Aid Commission of National Authority y University of Vocational and Industrial Training Underperforming • • Technology Authority y Housing Development Sri Lanka for the Protection of • Central Environmental Mines Bureau Anuradha Jayaratne 18 VASUDEVA NANAYAKKARA Enterprises or Victims of Crimes and y National Training and y Ceylon-German Technical Authority Finance Corporation of Underutilised Assets Act • Mediation Boards • GSMB Technical Services y Agrarian Development and Irrigation Departments Sri Lanka Commission Witnesses Educational Institute Training Institute • Geological Survey and (Pvt.) Ltd. and affiliated institutes • National Water Supply and Drainage Board WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning Sunday, August 16, 2020

23.1 State Ministry of FOCUS ON THE NEW GOVERNMENT 18.1 State Ministry of Vehicle Regulation, 26.1: State Ministry of Co- Rural and Regional Water Passenger Transport operatives, Sales Promotion, Supply Projects Service (Bus) , Railway and Consumer Protection Sanath Nishantha Compartments, and Motor Lasantha Alagiyawanna y Department of National Community Water Vehicle Industries All about delivering y Consumer Affairs Co-operative Dilum Amunugama Authority Development y y BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Weerakkody, Jagath Pushpakumara, Ministry of Power Lakdiva Engineering National Transport y National Institute (Registrar of the (Pvt.) Ltd. Medical Institute of Co-operative Co-operative Societies) Dushmantha Mithrapala, and y Sri Lanka Transport y Department of Motor Development y Co-operative Much attention was paid last also two former provincial chief Board Traffic y Department of Employees Commission week to the appointment of ministers, Shan Wijayalal de Silva the new members of Cabinet (Southern Province) and Chamara Ministry of Youth Ministry of Industries and state ministers to his new Sampath Dassanayake (Uva and Sports Affairs Government by President Province). Gotabaya Rajapaksa, after As learnt by The Sunday a landslide victory obtained Morning, former Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe PC 19 DULLAS ALAHAPPERUMA by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) at the freshly had declined the state ministerial • Ceylon Electricity Board • Lanka Electricity Co. For example, the amalgamation portfolio he was offered in the new and its subsidiaries (Pvt.) Ltd. concluded parliamentary of both Ministries of Education Government. • LTL Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. • Lanka Coal Co. (Pvt.) Ltd. election. and Higher Education and Reportedly, Rajapakshe had 19.1 State Ministry of Solar, There was speculation ahead of the restricting the Cabinet to 28 rejected the portfolio for State Wind, and Hydropower appointments about how diverse the portfolios are the positive things Minister of Education Reforms Generation Project new Cabinet would be, with special the Government has done. All and had instead wanted a cabinet Development focus on representation by women we can say is that from the very portfolio. Duminda Dissanayake and people from ethnic minority start, in economic terms, it’s very Portfolios y Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council backgrounds. encouraging and promising Board y Sri Lanka Sustainable Nevertheless, the number of new Central Bank Deputy Governor According to Verité Research, an y Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Energy Authority 24 NAMAL RAJAPAKSA cabinet ministers was limited to Dr. W.A Wijewardena independent think tank and research 26, despite rumours that several institute in Sri Lanka, the way in • Department of Sports • National Centre 27 WIMAL WEERAWANSA Ministry of Energy Development for Leadership new faces could be included in the In addition, the new Cabinet also which cabinet portfolios are designed Sri Lanka Cricket Development • Industrial Development • Sri Lanka Cement future, one of whom is President consists of two other members of the in Sri Lanka impedes the ability of • Board Corporation • National Youth Services • Department of Rajapaksa’s brother, Basil Rajapaksa, Rajapaksa family, namely Chamal the Government to be effective. Council Manpower and • Lanka Leyland Ltd. • Lanka Mineral Sands Employment Ltd. in the event he enters Parliament at a Rajapaksa, the elder brother of the As explained by the research • National Youth Corps • Lanka Ashok Leyland • “SMART Sri Lanka” PLC • Paranthan Chemicals Co. later stage. President and the Prime Minister, institute, the irrational assignment of • Sri Lanka National Youth Institute Ltd. In addition, the ministerial who holds the Irrigation portfolio, subjects under ministry portfolios, Services Co-operative • National Paper Co. Ltd. Society • Kahagolla Engineering • Kahatagaha Graphite portfolios the President distributed and Namal Rajapaksa, the Prime the proliferation of ministries, and Services Co. Ltd. Lanka Ltd. among the 25 were praised by Minister’s eldest son, who holds the the instability of ministry portfolios • Lanka Phosphate Ltd. 24.1 State Ministry • Mantai Salt Ltd. many despite there being several Youth and Sports portfolios. have been identified as the major of Rural and School • Elephant Pass Saltern • Ceylon Ceramics 20 UDAYA GAMMANPILA Corporation (Brick and shortcomings reported; a number Namal Rajapaksa is also the issues related to the appointment Sports Infrastructure • Centre of Excellence for Tiles) Division of senior politicians who had youngest MP to hold the portfolio and allocation of ministerial • Ceylon Petroleum • Petroleum Resources Development: Robotic Applications • BCC Lanka Ltd. obtained even a majority of votes in of Sports at the age of 34 years. He portfolios in Sri Lanka. And Corporation Development Thenuka Vidanagamage • Lanka Cement PLC • Ceylon Petroleum Secretariat some districts were ignored by the also captained the Sri Lanka national furthermore, as explained by them, Storage Terminals Ltd. • Polipto Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. y National Institute of Authority Sports Science President and the Prime Minister rugby team in 2013. the three problems have already y Institute of Sports 27.1 State Ministry of Batik, y National Sports Council Medicine while choosing the best members out SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Pieris created delays in decision-making Handloom, and Local Ministry of Ports y Sugathadasa National y Sri Lanka Anti-Doping of their long list of candidates. and President’s Counsel (PC) and implementation, reduced and Shipping Sports Complex Agency Garment Industries Furthermore, there was Ali Sabry, who were nominated government accountability, and Dayasiri Jayasekara another argument raised by many to Parliament through the SLPP increased costs. professionals for the lack of National List, were given the Accordingly, Verité Research has Ministry of Tourism y Sri Lanka Institute of y Lanka Salusala Ltd. Textile and Apparel y Sri Lanka Handicrafts Viyathmaga representatives in the Ministries of Education and Justice, found that the problem of irrational, y Department of Textile Board (Laksala) President’s new Cabinet which is respectively. larger-than-necessary, unstable Industry y National Design Centre said to be focused on developing the Moreover, several members cabinet ministers has been common y Lanka Textile Mills Emporium Ltd. national economy by promoting local of Viyathmaga were presented across successive governments industries. On the other hand, some with state ministerial portfolios. during the 2010-2020 period. raised doubts over whether the new They were Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Namely: 27.2 State Ministry of Gem Cabinet would be able to cater to the Sarath Weerasekara, Dr. Seetha and Jewellery and Related yy Cabinet under President new “system change” expected by a Arambepola, and Dr. Channa 21 ROHITHA Industries: Mahinda Rajapaksa in December majority of voters as the faces in the Jayasumana. All four of them are ABEYGUNAWARDENA 2014: 5% of ministries combined Lohan Ratwatte Cabinet are the very same who were also new entrants to Parliament. subjects that were unrelated to • Sri Lanka Ports • Ceylon Shipping in the previous cabinets of former Quite a number of former Authority and its Corporation Ltd. y National Gem and y Gem and Jewellery each other (misaligned) and 95% subsidiaries and Jewellery Authority Research and Training President and now Prime Minister ministers, state ministers, and • Merchant Shipping Institute of the ministries had subjects that affiliates Secretariat Mahinda Rajapaksa. deputy ministers who have entered could have easily been grouped 25 A total of 26 new cabinet ministers the ninth Parliament following the 21.1 State Ministry of PRASANNA RANATUNGA together (fragmented) 27.3 State Ministry of Cane, and 39 state ministers were appointed recently concluded general election Warehouse Facilities, • Sri Lanka Tourism • Sri Lanka Convention Brass, Clay, Furniture, and at the Magul Maduwa (Audience have not received portfolios in the yy Cabinet under President Terminals, Port Facilities, Promotion Bureau Bureau Rural Industries Promotion and Shipping Industries • Sri Lanka Tourism • Department of National Hall) of the Temple of the Sacred new Government that was sworn Maithripala Sirisena in Development Authority Zoological Gardens Prasanna Ranaweera Tooth Relic in Kandy last Wednesday in last week. These include former November 2019: 58% of all Jayantha Samaraweera • Sri Lanka Institute of • Department of National Tourism and Hotel Botanic Gardens y Timber Design Centre yNational Crafts Council (12). President Maithripala Sirisena, ministries were misaligned and Ministry of Highways Management y Vidatha Centre The 26 cabinet members Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena 84% were fragmented include the President, who holds (tipped to be the next Speaker), yy the Defence portfolio, and Prime Susil Premajayantha, Anura Cabinet under President 25.1 State Ministry of Ministry of Mass Media Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who Priyadarshana Yapa, Ranjith Gotabaya Rajapaksa in January Aviation Services and 2020: 17% of the ministries Export Zone Development holds the portfolios of Finance, Siyambalapitiya, Wijeyadasa Urban Development and Housing, Rajapakshe, S.B. Dissanayake, were misaligned and 79% of D.V. Chanaka Buddhasasana, and Religious and Mahinda Samarasinghe, W.D.J. ministries were fragmented y Civil Aviation Authority y SriLankan Airlines and Cultural Affairs. Senaviratne, Dilan Perera, Chandima Contd. on page 12 y Airport and Aviation controlled companies (Services) Sri Lanka Ltd. MAINTAINING PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES 22 JOHNSTON FERNANDO Ministry of Trade • Road Development Authority and its subsidiaries and affiliates Public funds at work 22.1 State Ministry of Rural, With the appointment of the new however, successfully limited the 100,000 per month to maintain an Road, and Infrastructure Cabinet and state ministers last number of cabinet ministers to 26, office. In addition, all MPs receive Facilities 28 Wednesday (12), the debate over including an additional 39 state a member allowance of Rs. 54, 285, Nimal Lanza KEHELIYA RAMBUKWELLA the amount of money spent on ministers. entertainment allowance of Rs. y Maga Neguma • Right to Information • Independent Television maintaining public representatives All these cabinet and state 1,000, and a driver’s allowance of Commission of Sri Lanka Network has once again been brought into the ministers as well as all the other Rs. 3,500. Ministry of Transport • Department of • Sri Lanka Rupavahini limelight. members of Parliament are entitled In addition, a fuel allowance is Government Printing Corporation It has been one of the main to a monthly salary like any other granted based on the distance from • Department of • Associated Newspapers Government of Ceylon Ltd. concerns raised by civil society employee. In addition, all public Parliament to the electoral district in 26 DR. BANDULA Information • Lankapuvath Ltd. activists, economists, and the representatives also receive certain which each MP was elected, along GUNAWARDANA • Sri Lanka Press Council • Selacine Television public over the years, with them allowances such as vehicle, with the approved market price of • Sri Lanka Broadcasting Institute pointing out the number of ministers telephone, office, and health. one litre of diesel on the first day • Export Development • Food Commissioners’ Corporation • Sri Lanka Foundation Board Department appointed to the Cabinet and the According to statistics, all of every month. Rs. 50,000 is paid • Lanka Sathosa Ltd. • Sri Lanka Accreditation number of other members receiving ministers, state ministers, and MPs monthly for landline and mobile Board for Conformity • Lanka General Trading 28.1 State Ministry of deputy and state ministerial are entitled to a sitting allowance phone bills, Rs. 10,000 per month Co. Ltd. Assessment Postal Services and Media portfolios as colossal amounts of Rs. 2,500 for attending each to meet travel expenses of four 23 GAMINI LOKUGE • Co-operative Wholesale • Sri Lanka Standards Establishment Institution Professionals Development are spent to maintain these public parliamentary meeting, another Rs. personal staff to office, and stamps • National Transport Road Safety Department of • National Intellectual representatives who are being looked 2,500 for attending each committee amounting to Rs. 350,000 are issued • Property Office Sathasivam Viylanderan Commission • Department of Railways Measurement Units, after by the taxpayers. meeting when the committee is to each MP annually. • National Council for Standards, and Services • Mahapola Trust Fund y Department of Posts President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, held on non-sitting days, and Rs. Contd. on page 7 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 6 the sunday morning FOCUS/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, August 16, 2020

INAUGURAL SESSION OF NINTH PARLIAMENT ON 20 AUGUST New changes for new House BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA include restrictions on MPs from mobile devices, headphones, relevant details can be sent once the measure as well as an overall changing seats. and stationary items such as MPs receive their password for the advancement to make our The Ninth Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic “They have to sit in the same seat pens, pencil, and papers cannot online portal. systems more efficient. We have of Sri Lanka will see a host of new changes including and cannot move around and sit be shared,” he said, adding that “Once the MPs are declared compiled a common set of forms digital integration of administrative facilities as well as in other seats. Members and other sanitisation procedures must be through the gazette and we know on the online portal so that all the introduction of the “new norm” brought about by the staffers working in the chambers carried out on all places which the MPs, we can send each MP a information is put together which coronavirus pandemic. must wear masks and maintain a persons frequently come into password so that they can access the can then be communicated to the distance of one metre.” contact with. portal and submit their details along relevant departments in Parliament Soon after the health guidelines He noted that hand sanitisation at Meanwhile, the digital upgrade with a digital photograph. This automatically. Each section will get for the election campaign of the all entrances is vital. of certain administrative functions way, we can take all preliminary the information they require.” 2020 parliamentary election were “When entering the chambers of the Parliament has also been steps with the assistance of such As at Thursday (13), around 190 issued, officials at the Ministry of Once the MPs are declared they must sanitise their hands. Also, executed for the new Parliament. information,” he said, noting that parliamentarians had registered via Health were quick to begin work through the gazette and before entering the lobby they must The Parliament is to introduce an the portal would be on the official the newly introduced online portal, on a separate set of guidelines for we know the MPs, we can sanitise again. Each and every online registration system for new Parliament website itself. The Sunday Morning was informed. the new Parliament and its sessions send each MP a password entrance – including the elevators – MPs, The Sunday Morning reliably Chief of Staff and Deputy which were to follow. so that they can access the must have sanitisation options.” learnt. Secretary General of Parliament Lead medical expert tasked with portal and submit their Further, Dr. Gamlath said that “Earlier, all members had to Neil Iddawela said that as at 11 p.m. formulating health guidelines, details along with a digital sanitisation played a major role in come to Parliament to give their on Thursday, around 190 MPs had Ministry of Health Deputy Director photograph the health guidelines for Parliament. particulars, a description as to how In the library, we have registered. General (Environmental Health, Secretary General of He said that guidelines on hand they’re going to take oaths, etc. advised them to use hardcopy “More than 190 new MPs have Parliament Dhammika newspaper as little as possible Occupational Health, and Food Dasanayake sanitisation with alcohol sanitiser, This time, we will have an online registered, including Prime Minister Safety) Dr. Lakshman Gamlath told after the use of common equipment registration portal so that MPs and to instead opt for the Mahinda Rajapaksa,” Iddawela The Sunday Morning that they were and tools such as computers, were don’t have to come to Parliament,” online version as much as said. able to submit the guidelines by the noted that seating arrangements will also included. Secretary General of Parliament possible, and if someone uses He went on to say that he believed end of July. not be changed as there was already “Guidelines to sanitise Dhammika Dasanayake told The the common newspaper, we the remaining parliamentarians “We submitted the health a distance of one metre between equipment have also been given. Sunday Morning. have told them to sanitise would all complete their registration guidelines for Parliament sessions parliamentarians when seated. For example, computers must He said the online portal will their hands afterwards by the end of the week. to Parliament Secretary General, “The seating will work in the be sanitised after use and when be accessible once the Election Ministry of Health Furthermore, with the increase Deputy Director General Dhammika Dasanayake on 31 July. existing system as although there switching users. In the library, we Commission (EC) issues the (Environmental Health, in the number of parliamentarians The basic guidelines have been isn’t a metre between two desks, have advised them to use hardcopy relevant gazette declaring the new Occupational Health, and within the Government, the Deputy elaborated for various settings.” there is a metre between two newspaper as little as possible Parliament. Food Safety) Secretary General of Parliament He said it covered the entire individuals. It is also difficult to and to instead opt for the online “We have already set up the Dr. Lakshman Gamlath said that a number of them would Parliament and its functions from change the seating as there are version as much as possible, and portal so maybe next week, once the have to be accommodated in the the chambers, lobby, and canteen, to 225 seats which are affixed to the if someone uses the common EC issues the gazette for the new Opposition side of the House. even the library premises. chamber floor. However, there newspaper, we have told them to Parliament, we will see to it that the Dasanayake said this was “There are 116 seats on either “We have given them a specific is adequate space of one metre sanitise their hands afterwards. We link for the portal is shared among an initial step to modernise the side of the chambers so with the guideline for each location which between MPs once seated. In have also advised them not to share all the MPs so that they can send administrative aspects within additional MPs on the Government must be implemented when addition, we have suggested that items that are normally used their details.” Parliament, in addition to being a side, around 34 of them would have Parliament recommences,” he said. they wear facemasks at all times. by multiple persons. A digital picture Covid-19 protection measure. to sit on the Opposition side of the With regard to the chambers, he He said that additional measures For example, along with the “It is an anti-coronavirus aisle.”

BY SARAH HANNAN DISPLACED BY LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT The rapid development that is underway across many parts of the island seems to have disturbed some settlements, including in the Eastern Province. With the end of the civil war, an area that has been consistently mentioned and The long wait continues has now become synonymous with land z loss and grab is the southernmost village Panama residents request recompense bordering Kumana National Park – Panama. months that followed. When questioned about whether this was 1,220 acres of land was acquired by the as well as fishing were the main sources of The Sunday Morning recently visited “We cannot pin the blame on just one the right choice that the villagers have made, Navy and the Air Force which included income for the people of this area. All of that Peanut Farm in Panama, which does not government, as regional development Chamikara informed The Sunday Morning the Buffer Zone of Kumana National Park, is now lost. have proper road access. plans are rolled out in stages by successive that while it is illegal for the residents to residual forests, mangrove forests, lagoons, In addition, the construction of electric The remoteness of this village and its governments. It is unfortunate that the squat in state-owned land, it is a difficult and beaches that had been brought under fences by the Navy and the Air Force to vicinity to the Kumana National Park people in the Eastern Province are the situation even for law-abiding citizens to go the control of the Department of Forest cover these forest areas has resulted in the itself make it an area where little to no ones that are trapped by the multi-sectoral and reason with them and explain the legal and Forest Conservation during his tenure, loss of habitat for elephants and leopards development should take place, so as to not development projects that are underway implications. thereby affecting the people living in the that live and migrate through the areas. damage its biodiversity. since the end of war and which will go on When questioning Senapala on the same, villages of Shastrawela, Ragamwela, The lands belonging to the Department of However, patches of forest seem to have till 2050,” Chamikara elaborated. he noted that they would be willing to move Egodayaya, Horekanda, and Ulpassayaya, Forest Conservation should be given back to been cleared recently to set up temporary Chamikara added that the area is now out from the current property should the commonly known as Panama, he stated. all living beings to enjoy freely, Chamikara abodes for budget travellers to the region. being surveyed for the extension of the Government compensate them properly and opined. Senapala, a resident of the area, said that highway network, which is to continue give them a clear picture on what benefits they are purposely squatting in a prime from Kataragama towards the Trincomalee they would receive from the development According to National Physical beach property as they do not want some Harbour over part of these lands that have projects that are to be implemented. If the Government is acquiring these Planning Policy political goon to grab the land and profit out been acquired with no contingency plans Adding that many of the villagers had lands from us saying it is part of the Upon investigations by The Sunday of it. to move the residents of the area to more lost their ancestral lands due to the false forest reserve, how can they justify other Morning, it was revealed that the “We used to work in chena cultivation suitable lands. promises made by many politicians over tourism-related projects that are being development in these areas was in on the border of Kumana National Park the years, he stated: “Not all of them would established under the guise of tourism accordance to the Government Gazette and have done so for over three decades. fight back like us; some are scared to be sector development of the country? Notice 2127/15 of 12 June 2019, which As the war ended, the Forest Department intimidated so they easily give into the Residents of Panama was the most recent update that took the demarcated the National Park and set up We cannot pin the blame on just requests of the influential people. Most of country’s infrastructure and industry plans a high-tension fence to keep the elephants one government, as regional these villagers have now been relocated to a Accordingly, lands in the Shastrawela to the next step. And it was learned that from entering the village. The chena development plans are rolled out in different village. That village has no water and Ragamwela areas are in the custody of the team in charge of this had followed cultivation was focused on planting corn, stages by successive governments. supply and the soil is so bad that they cannot the Air Force and lands in the Egodayaya, the process stipulated in the Town and ground nuts, and peanuts, and was done at It is unfortunate that the people cultivate anything,” Senapala added. Horekanda, and Ulpassayaya areas are in Country Planning Ordinance No.13 of the edge of the forest.” in the Eastern Province are the the custody of the Navy. The Navy and the 1946, Amended by Act No. 49 of 2000. Unbeknownst to Senapala and the rest of ones that are trapped by the multi- Impact assessment lacking Air Force are forcibly retaining 480 acres Known as “The Plan” it is prepared for the people of Panama at the time, in 2009, sectoral development projects that are According to Gazette Notification No. of settlements and cultivated lands in these three time horizons – short-term horizon: the then Government had declared the area underway since the end of war 1152/14 dated 4 October 2000 published areas and 840 acres of forests controlled by Five-year period (2020-25), medium-term that was fenced off as part of the National Environmental Conservation Trust in terms of Sections 23A and 47 of the the Forest Department, he said. horizon: 10 to 15-year period (2030-35), Park, thereby denying them access to their Director Sajeewa Chamikara Amended Antiquities Ordinance No. 9 of These lands were acquired with the and long-term horizon: 25 to 30-year cultivation. 1940, an archaeological damage assessment intervention of the Navy and Air Force period (2050) – and is overseen by the Prior to that, the people in Panama were The question which the people should be done first and approval should be under the direction of former President National Physical Planning Department. issued cultivation permits annually for the from Panama posed to us was: “If the obtained for it. However, former Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Chief of Staff Gamini Speaking to The Sunday Morning, bordering areas by previous governments. Government is acquiring these lands from Daya Gamage laid the foundation stone Senarath under the Regional Development National Physical Planning Department However, later, these permits were us saying it is part of the forest reserve, for the Panama Housing Project without Programme in 2013, shared Chamikara. Director General Madhawa Waidyarathna revoked by the successive Government, how can they justify other tourism-related such approval, while the Department of The acquisition was to build a holiday noted: “Regardless of which governing which stated that the region was earmarked projects that are being established under the Archaeology has not yet taken any action resort for foreign leaders and dignitaries party comes to power, this plan will under a development plan that will be guise of tourism sector development of the against it, alleged Chamikara. visiting Sri Lanka. be executed accordingly and from this initiated in several stages; the project is to be country?” “No Environmental Impact Assessment Accordingly, Lahugala Divisional year onwards, we will be continuing completed in 2050. It is this very question that has prompted (EIA) was carried out before laying the Secretary L.A. Somaratne had allegedly the relevant development work in the people like Senapala to seek assistance from foundation stone for the implementation transferred 164 acres of land in the respective areas.” Trapped between projects interested businessmen to set up temporary of the Panama Housing Project. This has Shastrawela Grama Niladhari Division The process was also complemented The Sunday Morning spoke to abodes amidst the area that is demarcated further escalated the human-elephant of the Lahugala Divisional Secretariat to with a series of studies and consultations Environmental Conservation Trust Director as forest land under Government Circular conflict in the area due to unplanned Presidential Secretariat Senior Authorised by experts, development agencies, Sajeewa Chamikara, who has been working 5/2001. development. Former Minister Daya Secretary Harsha Wijewardena, using stakeholders, and interest groups, through with the people of Panama for years “If they are not letting us cultivate Gamage had acquired swathes of land the document of allotment of lands to which the plan leading to 2050 was rolled to understand their pain points; he had anything, at least they should allow us to during the Yahapalana Government from Government Departments on 14 May 2013. out. conducted extensive studies in the area on earn a living by renting out these temporary the Panama people in violation of the In the face of this alleged land grab by Several attempts made to contact the impact that these development projects shelters to tourists that are visiting the area. recommendations of the Human Rights successive governments, about 350 families Cabinet Minister of Lands S.M. could have on the environment and also the Why should we allow some rich investor to Commission (of Sri Lanka), cabinet living in Panama, engaged in farming and Chandrasena and former State Minister people who would be displaced due to land profit from the land that we grew up in?” an decisions, and laws in force in the country,” fishing, have been displaced for nearly a of Lands and Land Development S.B. acquisitions by the state institutions in the angered Senapala questioned. Chamikara alleged. decade. Paddy farming and chena farming Dissanayake proved futile. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 7 Sunday, August 16, 2020 FOCUS

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA SECOND POLITICAL FORCE SJB Colombo District Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva said the party had work With the conclusion of the to do to reach the masses with their “core parliamentary election, the newly message” and policies. emerged second political force – “I think the people were still not clear the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) as to what we stood for. We didn’t have – looks to establishing a strong the time to really articulate our policy. political foothold which would see The people did not even know our them working from the grassroots symbol. We just didn’t have the time level to garner support while also to explain what we were all up to. We looking at the possibility of joining couldn’t communicate. We didn’t have the time and resources, and we were up forces with other political parties against a government that was going all including the defeated United out with everything; they had to crush National Party (UNP). SJB us and our leadership. Even at the last SJB National Campaign Co-ordinator and minute, they brought in dirty allegations parliamentarian elect Harin Fernando said against our leaders. So, we didn’t have they were open to working alongside any BUILDING the resources, time, or the mechanism to group with similar political views. get our core message out.” “We are a force; we are not a political He noted that the party’s communications party. We will join hands with any force that with society must be advanced to reach a will come forward, in accordance with our larger audience and said they would utilise line of political thinking.” A STRONG all mediums available. He said the party will now look at “We need to strengthen our strengthening their support – particularly communication and we will do that. We will to face a possible provincial council (PC) not only look at traditional media, but also election in the near future. emerging new media platforms and get our “Having said that, we also do believe that POLITICAL real message out to the people. I think that’s we have to start our work from scratch and where we have some work to do, like I said, we are very eager to go at it from the end to get back our total vote base. of this month. Basically, we are focusing Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the SJB, “Then of course it is about building up on a ground-level campaign; ground-level the newly emerged second political force from there and getting the floating voter who PHOTO LALITH PERERA FOOTHOLD reorganisation, establishing ourselves, went with the SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana and also being prepared for the upcoming Peramuna) this time. That will depend provincial election. We are quite eager to be Alliance would good things and to criticise and stand against Opposition in Parliament. But at the same on how they rate the performance of this a strong Opposition.” strengthen SJB all wrongdoings. Having said that, I must time, we have to now establish various Government. So it is two things – one is He said that while the SJB had not taken He then admitted that the SJB would be also mention that the Government has a two- aspects of our party such as the Executive what we do right and what they do wrong, any decision with regard to the UNP, there strengthened by an alliance with the UNP. thirds majority in Parliament, and so they Committee, Working Committee, Women’s and that will be a net effect of all of that.” was always the possibility that its Leader “Yes, the SJB will be a stronger force with should not give any excuses but do what’s Wing, Youth Wing, and our trade unions.” He said that while he was satisfied with Sajith Premadasa could take over the the UNP behind it. They have a grassroots right for the country. Concerning their onetime parent party – the SJB’s performance at the election, much leadership of their former party. network, they have a trade union network, “With great power comes great the UNP – Madduma Bandara said that they work has to be done for the party to prosper. “We are still waiting to see how the UNP and the UNP is our heritage, so I personally responsibility and therefore, all that they have been invited to discuss the now vacant “For a party that is only a few months will go about the matter of their leadership would prefer for the UNP to join the SJB promised must be made available to the leadership of the party. old, I think we are quite satisfied with our and we are still wondering about how because we were all built up from the UNP. people, and as an Opposition, we would “With regard to the UNP, we will discuss performance. It shows that the UNP faithful matters should be taken into control. So, we “Now, the people have spoken and said a definitely go behind them and make sure the with our supporters and leadership and come came and voted for us. are just waiting to see what course the UNP change is inevitable, and so it’s best to move people of the country are served right.” to a decision. With regard to Sajith taking “But there are others who perhaps didn’t will take. There is an absolute possibility forward from here and work together to over as the UNP Leader, there are UNP want to vote for the Rajapaksas but were not that Sajith Premadasa can take over the bring back that grand old party’s recognition Work cut out supporters calling on him to take over the willing to come and vote for us because they leadership of the UNP. We assume that our as well as to be the force to be reckoned Meanwhile, SJB General Secretary and leadership. were a bit disillusioned with the breakup of leader Sajith Premadasa will also make it with.” senior MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara said “Nevertheless, we will move forward as the party. So we have some work to do in clear to the UNP that he is willing to take He then noted that the SJB would fulfil that the party would also need to establish the SJB. They have invited us for discussions order to make sure that we speak with them over. That decision still has not been taken, its role as the main Opposition and keep the various administrative functions such as in this regard, so let’s see how things turn and get them on to our side. but we are waiting for it. Hopefully, the new Government in check. the Executive Committee and Working out,” he said, adding they would not work “I’m quite content with the start, but we message will come through and we’ll be able “At the moment, what we are concerned Committee. with anyone who had corruption cases have quite a bit of work remaining to do to to move on from there.” with is to support the Government on all “We will do our duty as the main against them. prepare for the next round of elections.”

TNA recedes political leadership Public funds... z Contd. from page 5 200,000 as his salary as an Change in the political landscape of the North and East MP). Moreover, as learnt BY SARAH HANNAN parliamentarian, Wigneswaran Therefore, an MP is by The Sunday Morning, will have to prove his mettle to the entitled for an approximate the salaries of the Prime The changing political landscape of people who elected him. monthly salary of Rs. Minister and all the MPs are the Tamil people seems to have paved We need to relook at In his manifesto, Wigneswaran 223,785, inclusive of all handled by the Parliament’s way to the rise of a more radical how we will continue had promised to establish an allowances except for Finance Department while nationalist agenda as the majority as an alliance to be “Economical Research Centre” that the annual stamps worth the additional payments and voted in two members to Parliament the voice for the issues will be operated by economic experts Rs. 350,000 entitled to expenditures for cabinet from the two Tamil parties that are that are faced by the locally and globally to undertake them. Calculating all ministers are handled by known for its radical views, and five Tamils and how these research, provide expert advice, and these, the government their respective ministries. from the SLPP partisan groups at the issues can be addressed identify opportunities to develop the spends approximately Rs. Apart from that, the recent general election. on a national level economy in the North and East. It 50,351,625 (Over Rs. 50 Ministry of Parliamentary Even during our visit to the North as per the present seems that his vision sits very well million) to pay the monthly Affairs is in charge of and East, many residents expressed Government’s with the work that the Prime Minister salary of all 225 public paying a monthly salary to their displeasure with how the mandate plans to recommence. representatives elected to the MPs’ personal staff and Tamil people’s long-standing issues TNA Leader “This centre will look at Parliament. gratuity for MPs’ members had been used by their political R. Sampanthan long, medium, and short-term According to Parliament of staff who terminate their representatives to make deals with development programmes in the sources, the Prime Minister tenure. The Ministry also India, and a fraction of the diaspora North and East, and an “Economical is paid approximately Rs. provides office equipment that is still looking to fuel separatist political alliance just last week, (TNPF) Leader Gajendrakumar Affairs Group” including MPs 71,500 per month while such as computers, ideologies. admitting that the alliance had not Ponnambalam, sharing his views on elected from the region, TMTK the President’s salary photocopiers, fax machines, Arulanadam Arun, who contested delivered on its promises and suffered the decline of the TNA, stated that stalwarts, and intellectuals will is approximately Rs. and mobile phones worth under the Sri Lanka Freedom Party serious damage. the TNPF was critical of the TNA as pursue economic development 97,500. Furthermore, a up to Rs. 350,000 to the (SLFP) banner, during a recent He had noted that it was time to set they wanted to hold them to account. activities on behalf of the party,” cabinet minister is paid MPs’ staff, The Sunday interview with The Sunday Morning aside the differences, find a common “The TNA, more than anyone else, Wigneswaran noted. approximately Rs. 65,000 Morning further learnt. revealed how some entities were platform, and pursue Tamil political had to (be unseated) because 10 years He added that India should play from the ministry he/she is Apart from all these contacting him to rally the youth in and economic goals. ago, we were the party that came out a significant role not only to ensure responsible for. perks and privileges the region to form a possible gang. TNA Leader R. Sampanthan, soon after the war and said: ‘Look, the protection and recognition of the As learnt by The Sunday enjoyed by MPs, the “If you all remember, there was commenting on the present political the TNA is not what it claims to be’. right of self-determination of Tamil Morning, in addition to the food at Parliament is also speculation that the North had a status of the alliance, noted that Ten years down the road, I think we people in Sri Lanka, but also of the salary he/she is entitled subsidised. They are also militant group by the name of ‘Aava’. a meeting will be called with the have been completely vindicated, and social and economic reformation of to, other privileges such entitled to a state pension There is no record of that group participation of all political parties today, the public’s response towards the North and East. as transport facilities after serving for five years. anymore because there was no such that form the TNA to discuss the us has clearly shifted attitudes.” Among the activities which are managed as ministry In conclusion, the present group established in the first place. alliance’s way forward ahead of the Ponnambalam noted that the TNA Wigneswaran referred to is the expenditures and a cabinet Parliament of Sri Lanka We are taking all measures to stop the first sitting of the Ninth Parliament is today in the position the TNPF extension of the Palaly Airport, minister is allowed to have has 225 MPs consisting youth in this region from becoming on 20 August. was in 10 years ago, explaining that the inauguration of ship transport three vehicles, including of 26 cabinet ministers – radicalised and turning into tools for “For the only seat that was this couldn’t have happened if they between India and places such his official vehicle and including the President and outside entities,” Arun added. appointed through the National List, had not exposed the duplicity of the as Kankesanturai, Trincomalee, security jeep, also for which the Prime Minister – and 40 He also noted that for decades, the we appointed Thavaraja Kalai Arasan TNA and all their failings. and Talaimannar; tipped to attract the ministry will bear the state ministers – including politicians in the region had spoken from the Ilankai Tamil Arusu Kadchi “Since 2010, we said that our economical investments in the North expenses. Chamal Rajapaksa who about the federal system, but so far, (ITAK). We need to relook at how goals are to have constitutional and East that would in return boost Meanwhile, according is also a cabinet minister. there has been no active political we will continue as an alliance to be change to recognise the Tamil the region’s economy. to the asset declarations of Excluding the additional push to establish it. Instead, they are the voice for the issues that are faced community in this island in a merged “I am keen on undertaking several former ministers, salaries entitled by the all turning inwards and trying to push by the Tamils and how these issues North-East Tamil homeland; the negotiations with the Indian Central state ministers, and MPs, President, Prime Minister, race-centric politics, which in the can be addressed on a national level recognition of the Tamil nation’s Government and the Sri Lankan published by Transparency cabinet ministers, and state long run can be cumbersome towards as per the present Government’s distinct sovereignty, as it is on this Government. Further, we will engage International Sri Lanka ministers, the Government the wellbeing of the communities in mandate,” Sampanthan opined. basis that the Tamils can enjoy in activities to take the economic (TISL), the net monthly would pay around Rs. the North and East. The safest among the three their distinct sovereignty, and relationship with the people in salary earned by MP 50 million a month as Echoing what Arun said, it seems Tamil political groups that entered the establishment of the federal Tamil Nadu to a new dimension,” Vasudeva Nanayakkara last MPs’ salaries inclusive of that the Tamil community has placed Parliament is the moderate pro- arrangement, which is yet to be Wigneswaran added. year was Rs. 254,720.55 additional allowances and its faith in the pro-Government group Government group. achieved.” Wigneswaran is to also look while the net salary of staff wages. Overall, per and radical political groups, ousting It has the greatest chance of In the run-up to the election this at strengthening relationships former Minister Dr. Harsha annum, Parliament pays out the more diplomatic anti-government delivering on its promises as the time, former Northern Province with universities, the Chamber de Silva was approximately a whopping Rs. 600 million alliance under the Tamil National present regime looks to centralised Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran of Commerce, and investors to Rs. 540,000 (inclusive to parliamentarians, which Alliance (TNA). administration, with developmental noted that self-reliance and self- create sector-wise development of allowances per month is ultimately paid out of the TNA Spokesman M.A. benefits distributed throughout sufficiency is what his party in the North and East, thereby including Rs. 340,000 pockets of all taxpayers in Sumanthiran shared his thoughts with the country irrespective of ethnic, envisions and will seek the help of strengthening the co-operative for holding a ministerial the country. a regional media channel following religious, and regional differences. the State and the diaspora. sector, and undertake projects to portfolio and another Rs. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa their unseating as the lead Tamil Tamil National People’s Front As a first-time elected build the microeconomy. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning Sunday, August 16, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Getting down to work Govt. sets agenda: 20A gets priority After swearing in 26 cabinet ministers and 39 state ministers, President The Government, headed Chief Government Whip. Also, Gotabaya Rajapaksa had a very simple message for them: Get to work. by President Gotabaya Mahindananda Aluthgamage z Allocation of portfolios irks He insisted that “assuming work” ceremonies planned for the week ahead Rajapaksa and Prime Minister and Kanchana Wijesekera are was too long to wait and those appointed must assume their duties and Mahinda Rajapaksa, has now to be proposed as two Deputy several govt. members responsibilities within the week itself. To make life easy for them, the commenced their work with Government Whips. subjects allocated to each ministry and minister were swiftly gazetted the first in the list of duties The main contender for the post established under the 19th ministerial portfolio. along with the designated office building, vehicles, and staff. already being earmarked – of Opposition Leader is Sajith Amendment would continue but will He had even travelled to Kandy This is the first time that such elaborate arrangements have been constitutional amendments. Premadasa while the names of Patali be subjected to changes. on Tuesday night (11) to attend the made and obviously points to a lot of pre-preparation on the part of the Champika Ranawaka and Dr. Harsha He had observed that the swearing-in ceremony early the President’s Office to get going with the new Government as soon as Now that the Cabinet and state de Silva are being considered for the independent commissions should following morning. possible. The gazette notification was quickly followed by a directive ministerial portfolios have been post of Chief Opposition Whip. actually operate independently However, after hearing that he was from the Presidential Secretariat that the chairmen and boards of directors assigned and the inaugural Cabinet and not as they are functioning at to be offered the state ministerial already appointed by the President and the interim Government should not meeting and parliamentary sessions Constitutional reforms present. portfolio of Education Reforms be changed and that they should continue the work already begun. The scheduled for this week, it is As for constitutional reforms, The proposed constitutional and that there were no institutions chairmen and directors were also informed by the Presidential Secretariat crunch time for the Government, Justice Minister M. Ali Sabry said amendments are expected to be assigned to it, Rajapakshe had left that they should “brief” the new ministers of the work in progress and which is engaged in an aggressive last week that the Government hopes taken up for discussion at this Kandy early Tuesday morning. carry on their tasks. This is a complete reversal of past practice where the programme to develop the national to table a new 20th Amendment to week’s Cabinet meeting (19). This unexpected turn of events minister concerned had the prerogative to appoint heads of institutions economy. the Constitution in Parliament by had shocked the government coming under the purview of his or her respective ministry and they The structure of the state mid-September. Missing the group members including its senior were the ones setting out the agenda. It now seems the roles have been ministries that were assigned last He had said that steps are Interestingly, several state members, since they were counting reversed since the agenda is already in place and the new ministers will week is a clear indication of the being taken to abolish the 19th ministers were visible absentees on Rajapakshe’s expertise when have no option but to play ball. Government’s priorities. Amendment to the Constitution and soon after the swearing-in ceremony drafting the proposed constitutional Considering that a newly appointed minister usually reverses everything It is therefore safe to assume replace it with the 20th Amendment. and they did not participate in the amendments to be tabled in done by his or her predecessor, this is a step in the right direction in order that constitutional amendments scheduled clicking of the group Parliament next month. to establish continuity of the development agenda and supremacy of the and the development of the photograph. Rajapakshe, meanwhile, said that bureaucracy, which at the end of the day is the entity that delivers the national economy would receive After the swearing-in ceremony, he would continue to support the goods while politicians come and go. prominence in the Rajapaksa two group photographs were Government and stand by the people The President’s sweeping moves coming within 48 hours of the swearing- Government’s governance scheduled to be taken outside the in Parliament. in ceremony, which itself was advanced from the originally planned 14 structure. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. August to 12 August, shows the kind of urgency the President has attached Given the landslide victory at However, when everyone Viyathmaga ministers to getting down to work. He has also wasted no time in summoning the the recently concluded general the gathered for the photograph, Among the new entrants to new Parliament for its inaugural sitting on 20 August. The President, who election, the governing party three newly appointed state Parliament who were awarded is known for his work ethic, has now set the tone for what is to follow enjoys a comfortable majority to black box ministers were not present at ministerial portfolios were four over the next four to five years. The fact that the majority of cabinet carry out its work, which a nation by Capt. Vasabha the occasion. They were Lohan members of Viyathmaga that played members are somewhat advanced in age and therefore may not be able with high expectations is looking Ratwatte, Priyankara Jayaratne, and key roles in President Gotabaya to keep pace with the President is an interesting prospect to follow and at. Wimalaweera Dissanayake. Rajapaksa’s political entry. may be the reason for entrusting the bureaucracy to lead the way. The governing party has already “Clauses in the 19th Amendment Earlier that day, Ratwatte was Viyathmaga is a network of Governments in the past have spent weeks, if not months, in doing secured a two-thirds majority in that are detrimental to the country appointed as State Minister of Gems academics, professionals, and what Gotabaya Rajapaksa has done in a matter of days with regard to Parliament from several parties that will be abolished and amended. and Jewellery-related Industries, entrepreneurs who contested the finding office space for all those appointed, as well as the allocation of contested separately at the election. We hope to introduce the 20th Jayaratne as the State Minister of general election with expectations resources to begin work. The message is clear: The people have given Three political parties which Amendment, which will be inclusive Labour, and Dissanayake as State to render their utmost service for the what the President wanted and now it is up to him to deliver the goods contested the freshly concluded of all communities,” he had added. Minister of Wildlife Conservation betterment of the country. to the people. After all, he knows only too well that given the kind of parliamentary election separately However, when repealing the 19th Protection Programmes including Eight Viyathmaga members who sweeping mandate he has received, not once but twice within the past will be joining the Sri Lanka Amendment to the Constitution, Electric Fence and Ditch contested at the recently concluded year, there is no room for complacency or failure, and recent history has Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) to form several clauses related to the Construction and Reforestation and general election were elected shown how unforgiving voters can be when it comes to the non-delivery a two-thirds majority in the new executive presidency will also be Wildlife Resources Development. to Parliament, and Dr. Nalaka of promises. Parliament. done away with. However, when inquiries Godahewa, Sarath Weerasekera, Dr. So the work is cut out for the new Government consisting of 65 ministers. Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan’s Key among them are the clauses were made into their absence, Seetha Arambepola, and Dr. Channa The range of subjects allocated to state ministers is extreme to the extent (alias Pillaiyan) Tamil Makkal on the presidential term and the it was learnt that Jayaratne had Jayasumana were appointed as state that they have become the butt end of jokes going viral on social media. Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), frequency at which an individual missed the photograph due to ministers. The ministers allocated the subjects of pottery, batik, vegetables, eggs, Douglas Devananda’s Eelam could contest for the high office. a miscommunication and that etc. have been singled out for special attention. People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), According to the draft proposal for Dissanayake had to leave soon after It was Prime Minister Be that as it may, the President has the unenviable task of pleasing and A.L.M. Athaullah’s National the 20th Amendment, the President’s the ceremony to attend to some Rajapaksa who broke the news those who supported him; that being the case, some of the key ministries Congress Sri Lanka (NCSL) have term in office will remain at five urgent work. As for Ratwatte, it was to Sirisena at Temple Trees last have been split in two and as a result, co-ordination of projects could already come to an understanding years, while a candidate will be not immediately known as to why he Tuesday when he officially be problematic and pose unwanted problems in expediting work. For with the SLPP and will be joining allowed to contest the presidential was a no-show. assumed duties as the Premier. instance, power and energy have been split into two separate ministries them in Parliament to form the two- election only twice. After several inquiries by The Rajapaksa had told Sirisena as well as irrigation and agriculture, transport and highways, etc. On top thirds majority. In addition, the Sri Meanwhile, theoretician/Founder Black Box, it was learnt that that the Government is of this, state ministers have also been appointed for overlapping subjects Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had of the SLPP Basil Rajapaksa said Ratwatte was displeased with the unable to assign him the and one can only hope that no deputy ministers will be appointed for the obtained one additional seat from last week that a new constitution portfolio presented to him, as he had portfolio requested by him same subjects, adding to the layers of officialdom. Jaffna which will also join the SLPP. must be introduced for the higher expectations. prior to the polls Even though so many subjects have been allocated, some trivial in The SLPP obtained 145 seats in betterment of the country. nature, one glaring omission has been the allocation of subjects with Parliament, while the SLFP, TMVP, He has made this observation Wijeyadasa’s walk out However, no Viyathmaga member regard to the all-important subject of e-commerce and digitalisation. In and All Ceylon Makkal Congress during an interview with a local As for expectations, the most was appointed to a cabinet portfolio. the post-Covid era, this is an area that has assumed critical importance, (ACMC) obtained one seat each and television channel. disappointed of the governing party and the absence of a dedicated minister for the subject even among 65 the EPDP secured two seats. Basil Rajapaksa had noted members is MP-elect Wijeyadasa SLFP blues others is one glaring omission. When Parliament meets on the importance of introducing a Rajapakshe. The main coalition partner of the Today, the world is witnessing the wholesale migration of essential Thursday (20), the House will have new constitution and added that In the run-up to the swearing governing alliance, the SLFP, was services to electronic platforms and it is hoped that this area of vital to make appointments to several key the President, Prime Minister, in of the new Government, it assigned two cabinet portfolios and importance will be brought under the purview of a responsible minister parliamentary positions – Speaker, and the SLPP believe that a new was speculated that Rajapakshe three state ministerial portfolios. familiar with the subject. Deputy Speaker, Leader of the constitution, that cannot be changed would be assigned a cabinet Fourteen candidates representing Be that as it may, what is of utmost importance in order to get the House, Chief Government Whip, at will, must be introduced to Sri portfolio. However, the day prior the SLFP were elected to economy ticking is to wipe out the threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic Opposition Leader, and Chief Lanka. to the swearing in, it was learnt that Parliament following the general which has already caused a huge headache for the country. To take for Opposition Whip. Basil had also noted that President Rajapakshe would be assigned a election and with the National List granted that Covid is under control just because the hospitals are empty The Black Box learnt that Rajapaksa had expressed displeasure state ministerial portfolio instead. nomination of Suren Raghavan, the of such patients will be a mistake of monumental proportions, given the the governing party is likely to in amending the presidential Displeased at first, Rajapakshe SLFP’s representation in Parliament already shaky foundations of the economy and the resurgence of the virus propose the name of Mahinda term and had instructed that the had said that he did not want to stands at 15. in countries that were believed to have controlled it completely, such as Yapa Abeywardena for the post of constitution be drafted in a manner accept any portfolio if he did not The 14 elected SLFP MPs met at New Zealand and much of Europe including the UK, Germany, and Spain. Speaker, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya that does not extend his presidential receive his due recognition. After the party headquarters last Sunday As of last week, there was a worrying uptick in cases in these countries, for Deputy Speaker, Dinesh term or the parliamentary term. some persuasion by several senior (9) morning after attending the highlighting the fact that complacency will come with a very heavy price Gunawardena for Leader of the According to Basil, the government members, Rajapaskhe swearing in of Prime Minister tag. Sri Lanka needs to be extra cautious, given the current dangerous House, and Johnston Fernando for independent commissions had agreed to accept the state Mahinda Rajapaksa in Kelaniya. situation in neighbour India where, as of last Friday, there were nearly 2.5 The meeting was chaired by million cases and nearly 50,000 deaths due to Covid-19. The cancellation Party Leader, former President, of SriLankan Airlines’ Colombo-Shanghai flight by the Chinese authorities, MP-elect Maithripala Sirisena. citing the arrival of Covid patients on the flights should be cause for After discussing the outcome concern among local health authorities on the testing capabilities at the of the election and the party’s country’s main airport. performance, the group discussed Given the evolving global situation, indications are that tourism and the SLFP’s future course of action. other export industries will take longer than first anticipated to recover. The party decided to officially As a result, the Government will have to find alternate employment or announce that the SLFP will stand means of income generation for those who have lost their jobs due the by the Government in Parliament. impact of the pandemic. Friday’s announcement that the Government “We will support any activity of will resume its programme to offer employment to 50,000 graduates and the Government which takes place 100,000 low-income earners will help to somewhat mitigate the situation within Parliament,” SLFP General at least for the time being. Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said, However, the key to economic revival in the mid to long term will be addressing the media following the political stability. It can be assumed that the electorate understood this meeting. reality and voted en-bloc to establish that after five years of instability However, discussions on the caused by a president and prime minister at loggerheads. number of portfolios and subjects Therefore, it is of utmost importance that this stability is not compromised assigned to the SLFP were in any way by a new constitution that is reportedly in the making. A country discussed at an unofficial level. that has lost so much owing to ill-thought-out legislation simply cannot Speculating that he might not afford to make that same mistake. Let’s hope the immediate priorities are be assigned the cabinet portfolio correctly identified and addressed before venturing into more adventurous that was requested by him prior territory that has the potential to undo all that has been gained in the last to reaching an agreement between two elections. Priority should be given to the people, not power. the SLFP and SLPP, Sirisena kept silent and resorted to the “wait and No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. see” game. Fax - 011 2 673 441 Initial news that trickled down General - 011 5 200 900 the grapevine on the cabinet Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 portfolios indicated that the SLFP Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 would receive three cabinet and E-mail - [email protected] four state ministerial portfolios. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Govt. sets agenda: 20A gets priority z MS agrees to wait for a z RW to continue as UNP z Sajith busy getting his senior post in Govt. Leader till PC polls SJB house in order According to the press release, and ACMC (4) will have to sit in there was an issue with how Wickremesinghe had requested Parliament as a separate group. Gnanasara Thera can be nominated parties interested in “seeking the Ultimatum till Monday.” for this position. But I assure the leadership role” to submit proposals Meanwhile, Palani Digambaram, public that we have sought legal to “restructure the party” at the next another member of the TPA, told advice on the matter,” Perera added. WC meeting. the media last Monday that the Meanwhile, Election Secretariat Wickremesinghe had requested discussions held with the SJB Director General Saman Sri that those gathered to discuss the leaders ended without any decision. Ratnayake said that since Ven. proposed plans for restructuring the After continuous discussions, Gnanasara Thera’s nomination was party with the relevant interested the minority parties on Wednesday earlier rejected, he is not legally parties, submit their proposals at the said they would not pursue further entitled to enter Parliament. next WC meeting. with their demands and agreed to However, a final decision will be Meanwhile, on Thursday (13), hand over the final decision on the taken by the Commission, he added. the UNP called on its senior National List to Premadasa. Finally, the EC last week decided members to work towards reaching Walking out of the SJB head not to gazette a name from the Ape a unanimous decision regarding office in Pita Kotte, minority party Jana Balaya Party until a thorough their next leader to take the party leaders, Ganesan, Bathiudeen, and study is done to evaluate the forward. Rauff Hakeem told the media that legality of the current situation. UNP Deputy Secretary General there will not be any divisions in the In a letter written to the Party Wijewardene, releasing the SJB and that all parties were united. Secretary, EC Chairman Mahinda statement, said there was a need The SJB finally released its Deshapriya stressed that the to reach a unanimous decision by National List nominees to the decision had been made by rejecting dissent as it was essential Election Commission (EC) on for the UNP to re-emerge stronger Thursday (13). Basil had also noted that after its worst election defeat last The clash over the National List President Rajapaksa had week. slots indicate that Premadasa still expressed displeasure in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa “It is clear that the UNP has has a lot of work ahead of him in amending the presidential reached a crucial junction. In the terms of putting his house in order. term and had instructed that Three cabinet portfolios were The summary of the appointment reforms and restructuring process. face of the setback we suffered in With the victory recorded by the the constitution be drafted tipped to be assigned to Sirisena, of a new Cabinet and state However, it is reliably learnt the last general election, we, as a SJB over the UNP, the next question in a manner that does not Nimal Siripala de Silva, and ministers is that some in the that the final outcome of the WC party, as well as myself personally, posed to the SJB was whether it extend his presidential term Mahinda Amaraweera, while governing benches are unhappy meeting was that Wickremesinghe are of the view that we need to would unite with the UNP. or the parliamentary term the state ministerial portfolios while the rest are left to formulate would continue as the Party Leader re-emerge stronger than before and However, SJB General Secretary to Dayasiri Jayasekara, programmes for the duties assigned until a final decision is made on the that a comprehensive reorganisation Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the considering the two nominations Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha to them. next UNP leader. programme is essential,” party would contest future elections received for one National List seat Alagiyawanna, and Ranjith It is also learnt that Wijewardene noted. under the “telephone” symbol. obtained by the party. Siyambalapitiya. UNP leadership Wickremesinghe would continue He further observed: “To this Two names have been proposed However, when the swearing The United National Party as the Leader until the provincial end, all members of the party have Monks clash for the National List portfolio, in took place, both Sirisena and (UNP), that faced an unprecedented council elections. already reached a consensus to Amongst the clashes witnessed one by Ven. Wimalatissa Thera, Siyambalapitiya had not made it to defeat at the general election, is UNP Leader Wickremesinghe carry out the relevant reorganisation in Opposition political parties of himself, as the Secretary of the final list. once again faced with a leadership on Monday (10) announced his and restructuring process under during the past week, the unkindest the party, and later, Saman Perera Sirisena however was officially crisis. This time, the crisis seems to intention of stepping down from the a new leader. Different names one was the clash for the National had been nominated by Nishantha informed on Tuesday (11) that he have the party plummeting further party leadership and requested the have been suggested for different List slot witnessed in the Ape Jana Ratnayake, the new Secretary of would not be receiving any cabinet down the abyss. group of party seniors who met him responsibilities and it seems that Balaya Party. the party appointed on 7 August by portfolios at Wednesday’s (12) The UNP Working Committee to propose names of individuals there is a subtle competition The party consists mainly of removing Wimalatissa Thera, the ceremony. (WC) that met on Friday (14) was who could take over from him. between the senior members of the Buddhist monks and it secured letter stated. It was Prime Minister Rajapaksa expected to arrive at a decision on UNP General Secretary Akila party and their supporters. 67,758 votes, resulting in it The EC noted that the matter will who broke the news to Sirisena at the potential individual to provide Viraj Kariyawasam, Karunanayake, “The UNP is not a model of a receiving a National List slot at the be referred to the Attorney General Temple Trees last Tuesday when leadership to the party once Party Daya Gamage, and Vajira family-dominated political party general election. (AG) for advice. he officially assumed duties as the Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe steps Abeywardena have raised their that has emerged from time to time Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Premier. down. hands and expressed their ability to in the history of this country. There Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe TNA shaken Rajapaksa had told Sirisena that However, after concluding the the lead the party. is no shortage of leaders in the party Gnanasara Thera was to be The llankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi the Government is unable to assign meeting on Friday, the next leader However, Gamage had said that today who will come forward to appointed to Parliament through (ITAK) last Sunday (9) nominated him the portfolio requested by him of the UNP was not yet visible. he did not want to contest for the lead us. the slot. The Central Working a party member for the National prior to the polls. Instead, what was revealed was party leadership and would only “We, as a political party, have Committee of the party last Sunday List secured by ITAK at the The Prime Minister had also that as the first step, the UNP will accept it if offered with the majority achieved victories in the past, had unanimously decided to general election. ITAK Secretary explained that the remaining draft a programme allocating new consensus of the party. setbacks in the face of various nominate him. K. Thurairajasingam made the portfolios were not fit to be responsibilities for the leader, Karunanayake had proposed political challenges, and have risen However, the party faced an announcement last Sunday. assigned to a Party Leader and introduce a system to provide equal that Deputy Secretary General again with great strength. All the unexpected dilemma when its ITAK ranked third in total former President. opportunity for interested members Ruwan Wijewardene and Arjuna while, our members have united to General Secretary Ven. Vedenigama number of votes polled at the Therefore, Rajapaksa had to win the leadership post, and elect Ranatunga also be included in the protect the party, its leadership, and Wimalatissa Thera had sent a letter recently concluded general election said that a senior office would a new and young leader from within list of possible contenders for the its supporters. to the EC, nominating himself for and obtained nine seats and one be created for Sirisena under its party members. leadership. “I would like to take this the party’s National List slot. National List slot taking the total the proposed constitutional The decision of the WC to look Finally, Wickremesinghe had opportunity to remind everyone Ven. Wimalatissa Thera was number of seats received by the amendment. at a “new and young leader” puts requested all party members of the need to reach a unanimous uncontactable and nowhere to be party to 10. Sirisena had agreed and a stop on former Speaker Karu interested in putting forward their decision by rejecting dissent, while found. Last Sunday it was announced expressed his desire to support the Jayasuriya being appointed as the names for the party leadership to working resolutely to protect the A group including the Chairman that Thavarasa Kalaiarasan, who Government without any portfolios next UNP leader. personally meet with him with country, the nation, and the party.” of the party had notified the contested the parliamentary polls, at present. He had afterwards UNP Assistant Leader their proposals for restructuring the Commission that the said letter has been nominated for the ITAK informed his parliamentary group Ravi Karunanayake proposed party. Clashes in SJB was not valid while the Central National List slot. of what Rajapaksa had informed Jayasuriya’s name for the party “The proposals will then be put The UNP’s splinter group, the Committee of the party had decided Kalaiarasan contested the general him of earlier that day. leadership, claiming he could serve forward to the party’s WC for a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led to nominate party member Ven. election from the Digamadulla This resulted in social media as a unifying factor in the party. final decision,” the UNP source by Sajith Premadasa, which secured Gnanasara Thera to the National Polling Division in the Ampara reports being published claiming By proposing Jayasuriya’s name, said. the second place in the total number List slot. District. that Sirisena would be appointed Karunanayake sent a clear message Meanwhile, UNP General of votes polled at the general Speaking to reporters last However, the announcement as Vice Prime Minister after the to the party leadership that despite Secretary Kariyawasam told the election, spent the better part of last Monday, Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda resulted in a rift within the Tamil Constitution is amended. vying for the party leadership, he media that Wickremesinghe had week bickering over National List Sagara Thera said that, as per the National Alliance (TNA) with However, a senior government was more focused on an amicable informed the party seniors that he slots. election laws, it is the General another decision being made to source told The Black Box that solution to the issue. would be stepping down from the The SJB secured seven National Secretary of the party who has to offer the slot to ITAK Leader Mavai Sirisena’s appointment to any post Karunanayake was also backed party leadership. List positions and the party’s name an individual for the National Senathirajah. would depend on the outcome of by UNP National Organiser Navin According to Kariyawasam, initial decision on the National List seat and submit it to the EC. Senathirajah contest at the the probe on the Easter Sunday Dissanayake. names of several individuals have List nominees had to be suspended “But, the problem we have is general election but could not retain attacks. “If he is found to have However, Jayasuriya’s candidacy been shortlisted for the post of UNP following demands by minority that the Secretary has currently his seat. neglected his duties and guilty for was shot down by the younger Leader and the names shortlisted parties to assign them representation disappeared,” he said. TNA alliance members, the the deaths of hundreds of innocent members of the party, claiming that are Karunanayake, Gamage, in the SJB National List. He said that they have justifiable People’s Liberation Organisation civilians, everything will change,” the UNP needed a young leader Abeywardena, and himself. The minority parties were of the suspicions that the thera is being of Tamil Eelam (PLOTE) and the source said. who could carry out the party However, Kariyawasam’s public view that the SJB needed to honour hidden under international the Tamil Eelam Liberation comment caused much confusion the agreements signed between the involvement, religious extremist Organisation (TELO), have accused on whether Wickremesinghe had SJB and their parties when forming involvement, government ITAK of failing to consult them on stepped down from the party the political alliance to contest the involvement, or opposition the Nation List seat. leadership or not. polls. involvement. PLOTE Leader Dharmalingam On Tuesday (11), the party issued The Tamil Progressive Alliance “Since our former Secretary Ven. Siddharthan had told the media that a statement clarifying the doubts (TPA) led by Mano Ganesan, which Vedenigama Wimalatissa Thera he had not been consulted before that have been raised following contested the general election under failed to convene a meeting to a decision was taken to nominate Kariyawasam’s comment on the the SJB, said earlier last week that discuss the matter of nominating Senathirajah to the National List party leadership. 15 MPs from his party, Sri Lanka a representative to the National seat and threatened to raise strong The Central Bureau of the UNP Muslim Congress (SLMC), and All List seat, we appointed the former objections over the move. confirmed that Party Leader and Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Secretary Nishantha Rathnayake TELO Leader Selvam former Prime Minister Ranil led by Rishad Bathiudeen would sit as the Secretary of the party once Adaikalanathan had accused ITAK Wickremesinghe had indicated the as a separate group in Parliament again,” Ape Jana Balaya Party of failing to seek the opinion of the need for leadership change at a if they are not given slots from the Chairman Saman Perera told a TNA members when nominating meeting held with “party seniors” National List, as promised by the media conference. members to the National List. on 10 August. SJB leadership. “When a National List seat is However, after much debate, all However, Wickremesinghe, Ganesan in a Facebook post had secured by a party, there is a law parties decided to resolve the issue who has held the party leadership said: “Do not play with the National that states that a person nominated and Kalaiarasan’s name was sent to since 1994, had requested them List. I warned during a late-night for this seat should have either the EC. to set in motion the process that meeting that if SJB did not give contested the election and lost or Nevertheless, the TNA numbers Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in conversation with SLFP Leader would enable a new leader to be us the slots as promised, 15 MPs should have his name included in have reduced considerably since the Maithripala Sirisena appointed. returned from TPA (6), SLMC (5), the initial National List. Thereby, last Parliament. PHOTO LALITH PERERA WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 10 HOT SEAT/

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA The Centre for Monitoring Election The Peoples’ Action for Free and Violence (CMEV) charges that it Fair Elections (PAFFREL) said was high time the election laws that new legislation for election were amended to bring in election reform was crucial – particularly campaign financing regulations to establish a campaign finance ELECTORAL as well legislation to regulate the ceiling as well as regulations over media during an election. the media during an election. Below are excerpts of The Sunday Below are excerpts of The Sunday Morning’s interview with CMEV Morning’s interview with PAFFREL REFORMS A National Co-ordinator Manjula Executive Director Rohana Gajanayake. Hettiarachchi: There has been a significant decline There has been a significant decline in voter turnout when compared with in voter turnout when compared with NECESSITY previous parliamentary elections. Why previous parliamentary elections. Why do you think that is? do you think that was? My understanding is that the voter I think the turnout in this election was turnout reported at this election was good fairly high. The turnout at the 2010 election because it was 75% and not 71% as the was somewhere around 61%. In 2015, it PAFFREL Election Commission (EC) mentioned was 77.56%. So, I think this time, it’s fairly in this election but in past elections as fine and one-year jail term or both. initially. In the 2015 election, it was alright. If you look at the past elections, well. It has become the norm that whoever 76.8%. So in comparison, it is only one confusion between the independent group the local government elections were is ruling will take advantage by abusing A convict on death row was allowed point less at this election, despite it being numbers and the preferential numbers of somewhere around 65% while provincial state resources such as the use of vehicles, to contest. Should laws be amended to conducted amidst the Covid-19 period. political party candidates. This is because elections were between 65-75% and government venues, or government disqualify such individuals? We saw almost 12 million people coming none of the political parties educated their parliamentary election was 75-85%. This is employees for their election campaign. When you submit your nominations, out with face masks and respecting social voters on how to vote, and the EC and the normal percentage generally. This time But when we talk about elections, I don’t there is a criterion that if you are convicted, distancing to cast their votes. So the election monitoring groups don’t have the it was 75.89% – that is acceptable. think there’s anywhere in the world where you cannot contest. But after you have reported (voter) turnout during such a time funds or resources to educate the entire Also, the percentage calculation there are 100% free and fair elections. In submitted your nominations and then are is a remarkable achievement. voting population. method is wrong because we calculate the comparison to past elections, where we convicted in between and the people elect The second issue is that some were registered voters but everyone knows that saw the government mechanism supporting you, then I don’t think the EC has any There’s a notion that some voters against voting – this was true in the case around two million people are overseas. the ruling cabinet – particularly in 2015 option but to gazette you as a member supporting a certain political party of the split of the UNP. Some core UNP When we calculate, we are including them – this time, despite there being some of parliament. With regard to attending purposely refrained from voting. Do you supporters refused to vote and marked it as well. If you look at the actual figures, issues, I think it was not as bad. This time, Parliament, it must be consulted with the think this is true? in a manner that would disqualify their with those who are living in the country, only a very few such instances have been prisons officials whether such an individual Yes. If you are asking substantial vote. Also, the elderly voters could have the actual figure would be around 90%. reported. is allowed. But of course, for a healthy evidence and documents, it is not made mistakes when marking the ballot political culture, if you are convicted or available. However, according to our paper, like going beyond the designated There’s a notion that some voters, have allegations, then you should not experience in working in this field, we square. This results in counting officers supporting a certain political party, be allowed to contest. That is bad for can agree with this, but not 100%. The considering it as a rejected vote. purposely refrained from voting. Do you democracy. United National Party (UNP) is the biggest think this is true? There were some 7,452 candidates political party created 70 years ago, so you at this election but less than 1,500 There may have been some but I think What other laws related to an election cannot deny that there are thousands of it’s a very small number. Some people who were serious candidates during need to be introduced or amended? original UNPers around the country. They the campaigning period while the The other is the lack of campaign voted even cancelled their ballot. In the There are so many. Campaign finance had the dilemma of choosing between the financing legislation; as a result, Sri Lankan system, there is no option for remaining just campaigned for is one of them. It is a really important area elephant symbol and their favourite leader other candidates. If we file cases candidates close to people were a voter if they don’t like any of the parties and we saw it during this election due to Sajith Premadasa. This resulted in some defeated because candidates who or candidates. In India, they have a system against those candidates and it is the Covid-19 restrictions. UNP supporters refraining from voting. So uncovered that they haven’t met the had money made a media trend for called NOTA – none of the above – but we The next thing is that the voting rights it is partially true. themselves and were elected instead don’t have such a system, so if you don’t legal requirements, then they will be of all people should be allowed to be like any of these parties or candidates, you charged exercised. I know authorities tried their There was also a high number of can cancel your ballot paper by marking best to allow all those under quarantine rejected votes. Was it due to voter How did you see the campaigning different people and parties or whatever. How important is asset declaration as a to vote but some were not allowed to. ignorance or was it intentionally done? period of the election? Was it a level prerequisite to contesting elections? Unfortunately, this is because of certain Yes, 744,000 votes, or 6.08% of the playing field? There was a high number of rejected It’s really important. People criticise legal barriers. But whatever the situation, votes, were rejected. This isn’t the highest If you are asking if it’s a free and fair votes. Was it due to voter ignorance or the politician because they feel that once if anyone is unable to go to their polling rejected vote percentage. This is the third election, then yes. But if you want an intentionally done? elected, they will steal public funds via station on election day, there should be a highest. There are a few reasons for this, analysis on the situation, then my answer It can be both, and there can be a third development projects, etc. That is the system to attain their vote for the election. the main one being voter literacy. Our is that the election was free but not fair. It reason as well. In the ballot paper, there image that politicians have now. But if you We need to have an advanced voting ballot paper is difficult to understand as a is not a problem with political parties or is a political party symbol and place for declare your assets and liabilities – and I system because there are many people who voter has to select a political party, party other institutions, but the inherent problem marking. For independent groups, it says mean publicly declare them of their own may not be able to come to the polling symbol, and remember three numbers of the electoral system in Sri Lanka. You Independent Group 1 or 2 or 3. So, the accord, as there is no legal requirement to station on election day, such as election of the candidates while there were many can see in many areas like Matara that voters may mistake the independent group make it public – at least then, there is some observers, the transport sector, private independent groups with numbers to most of the elected members came into number as a preferential vote number. transparency. But in addition, I feel that security personnel, etc., so there has to be choose from as well. There was a lot of Parliament not because they were close to The preferential number is given there should be some mechanism to check a system to ensure that everyone gets a separately in the corner while the whether there is a significant increase in chance to vote. independent groups were at the bottom their assets within a few years of becoming – after the political parties. Some people a parliamentarian. The Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) asserted that a weak who did the counting also mentioned that PAFFREL is planning to take action political culture of electing rejected candidates to Parliament through the this could be a reason for rejected votes. against those who have not submitted National List, among other factors, has resulted in a lower voter turnout. There are three reasons for rejected votes their assets and liabilities to the Election PAFFREL is planning to take CaFFE Executive Director Ahamed Manas Makeen, sharing his insights – voter education, purposeful cancellation Commission (EC). We have already action against those who have not into the recent general election, also said that a confusingly long ballot of their vote, and the confusion between requested from the EC, the details of submitted their assets and liabilities paper too has caused a large number of votes to be rejected. the independent groups and preferential those who have submitted and who to the Election Commission (EC). Below are excerpts of his interview with The Sunday Morning. numbers of political parties. haven’t. We will take these details and We have already requested from the lodge a complaint with the Commission EC, the details of those who have There has been a significant decline of the presidential election with the How did you see the campaigning period to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or submitted and who haven’t in voter turnout when compared with 2020 parliamentary election. During the of the election? Was it a fair playing Corruption (CIABOC), as they are the sole previous parliamentary elections. Why presidential election, President Gotabaya field? authority that can take legal action against do you think that is? Rajapaksa got 6.9 million (votes) and Well, we don’t have a campaign these candidates. Overseas voting is also another issue. In One is the coronavirus issue. Those who their party received that amount at the finance ceiling. So, without such a Candidates are supposed to submit the electoral system itself, the preferential are more than 50 years of age – primarily general election too, but the UNP and ceiling, we cannot have an equal playing it within three months of nominations vote system has to change. Another the 50-75 years age group – did not want Sajith Premadasa did not receive the field. Whoever has financial power will and that time frame has expired. We are important issue that needs legislative to go to the polling station due to the same number of votes as they did in the have an advantage. This election, it was considering two things. One is, in order to oversight is the media and its involvement Covid-19 issue. presidential election. quite serious because they couldn’t do a build a strong political culture, they must in the election – both private and The second problem was that the traditional campaign – where candidates submit their assets and liabilities. Second government media. These areas must be election was held on a weekday. We saw at go house to house, do leaflet distribution, is the unnecessary candidates that contest addressed through Parliament. previous elections such as the presidential hold pocket meetings, public rallies – due the election – we want to block that. There election (last year) or even the local to the limitations of the Covid-19 health were some 7,452 candidates at this election government election that the poll date was I think all candidates must measures. Those who had money were able but less than 1,500 were serious set on a weekend – on a Saturday mostly declare their assets and liabilities. to do a print and digital media campaign – candidates during the campaigning – by the Election Commission (EC). But Unfortunately, many of these through television, radio, newspaper, and period while the remaining just this time around, they selected a weekday, candidates do not follow this law. also social media. Without a campaign campaigned for other candidates. right in the middle of the week, to hold This time, there are many new faces finance ceiling, there won’t be a level If we file cases against those the election. Those working in the private – many young parliamentarians playing field. candidates and it is uncovered sector but living far from their polling – while seniors were rejected by the This issue has been prevalent throughout that they haven’t met the legal stations weren’t interested in going home people Sri Lanka’s election history but more so requirements, then they will be and voting. this time around because of the Covid- charged. This will discourage Thirdly and most importantly, the poor There was also a high number of 19 restrictions. But, if you compare with unnecessary candidates from political culture, where in the past the rejected votes. Was it due to voter past campaign periods, this time there contesting for no reason in the candidates who lost and were rejected by ignorance or was it intentionally done? wasn’t any serious issue. There were no future. I believe the penalty for the people at the election were brought It is already clear that a lot of voters instances of candidates being blocked from failing to submit their assets into Parliament through the National List, were not interested in voting for the campaigning, etc. that happened in some and liabilities within three is to blame. The people don’t believe in the available candidates, but unfortunately, past election. Everybody was quite free. months of nomination value of their vote because despite being we do not have the option of NOTA (none is a Rs. 1,000 rejected by popular vote, such politicians of the above). This system is available There were many reports of the ruling somehow managed to enter Parliament. in some countries for voters to choose party gaining an undue advantage this option if they don’t like any of the through abuse of power. Can this be There’s a notion that some voters political parties or candidates available. truly called a free and fair election? supporting a certain political party This way, they can exercise their voting That is true. It was there, and not only purposely refrained from voting. Do you right, but they’re not selecting the party. think this is true? Another issue was that the people were Yes, there is truth in this. I say this unable to differentiate between the because I went to more than 16 districts preferential numbers and the numbers of In comparison to past elections, in the pre-election period where I met the independent groups on the ballot paper. where we saw the government with local government and provincial This resulted in them voting in an incorrect mechanism supporting the ruling council members as well as party manner, resulting in their votes being cabinet – particularly in 2015 – supporters. Some of them said that the disqualified. this time, despite there being some clash between Ranil Wickremesinghe’s issues, I think it was not as group – United National Party (UNP) – How did you see the campaigning bad. This time, only a very and Sajith Premadasa’s group – Samagi period of the election? Was it a level few such instances have Jana Balawegaya (SJB) discouraged playing field? been reported them from voting. This can be seen No, I cannot say that it was completely when you compare the election results fair. We saw that at the beginning of the WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning OPINION Sunday, August 16, 2020

amending the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act, as it is also outdated. CAMPAIGN We see that a convict on death row was allowed to contest. Should laws be amended to disqualify such individuals? Ali Sabry Yes, definitely. Actually, I would like to pass the blame on to the SLPP because FINANCING when they were selecting Premelal Jayasekara to the nomination list, everyone (at the crease) knew he was a convicted person. At the BY MALINDA SENEVIRATNE than many vocal non-Muslims in very beginning, the SLPP had the chance this country, in particular leaders and REGULATIONS to remove him from the list and give the In the aftermath of the victory over key persons in major political parties chance to another person. It was not a terrorism, a disbelieving “international including his own! fresh case – it was a five-year-old case. community” relentlessly targeted Sri Also, the thinking pattern of the people is Lanka. That game is still not done. I Bat to do the talking different. Even Mr. Pillayan (Sivanesathurai remember a particularly “hot” session Anyway, he is not the Minister IMPORTANT Chandrakanthan) was elected despite being of the UNHRC (United Nations of Justice. Justice is not just about convicted. Even though people can think in Human Rights Council) in Geneva. identity issues. There are archaic many ways, as Sri Lankans, we must have The year was 2012. laws that need to be changed. There CMEV a mechanism and have rule of law. I’m A vote was taken. The US took are judicial processes that are clearly not a lawyer, but I believe that despite him the lead and as such, the result was inefficient. There is the matter the people, but because they spent millions of taking any strict action against such incidents. contesting and winning, he is not eligible to a foregone conclusion. There were of capital punishment (I want it rupees on their campaigns. Did we see the EC or the Police taking be in Parliament. That is my personal view, battles on the sidelines, however. abolished and although I may be in My understanding is that there are a few action against higher-ranking SLAS (Sri but I don’t know what decision will be taken Various outfits organised sessions at the minority here, I am yet to hear unresolved problems that we need to tackle. Lanka Administrative Service) officers for by the relevant authorities. which Sri Lanka was either mentioned any compelling argument for that Number one is the behaviour of the media the misuse of power? No, we did not. Due to or directly targeted. The then gruesome and uncivilised practice that as the EC couldn’t regulate private media the inherent problems of the electoral system, Government sent dozens of people refutes Albert Camus’ thesis so well entities that were completely biased during there is enough room to violate election to state Sri Lanka’s case and counter presented in the essay “Reflections on the campaigning period. Also, social media laws. That is why, as an election monitoring ridiculous allegations. the Guillotine”). is another problem. The last 48 hours – the organisation, we have repeatedly requested When they were selecting Premelal Most of “the team” marked The 19th Amendment was a cooling off period – saw thousands of posts the amendment of the (Parliamentary) Jayasekara to the nomination list, “present”. That was it. There were flawed, partisan document which, being shared on social media and the EC Elections Act, as we are conducting elections everyone knew he was convicted person. exceptions. Rajpal Abeynayake was ironically, those now in the Sri Lanka couldn’t even remove 10% of those posts. with the most outdated Act which is 39 years At the very beginning, the SLPP had an explosive opener. Whereas most Podujana Peramuna (Sabry’s party) The other is the lack of campaign financing old. At that time, a kilogramme of rice was the chance to remove him from the remained silent, two others raised voted for (the exception being Sarath legislation; as a result, candidates close to only two cents, but now it is Rs. 100. Yet, we list and give the chance to another their voices. One was the present Weerasekera). Sabry has a task here. people were defeated because candidates are still going with that old Act. person…it was a five-year-old case President of the Bar Association, Is the partisan amendment to be who had money made a media trend for Kalinga Indatissa PC (President’s amended in a partisan way or not? themselves and were elected instead. My How important is asset and liability Counsel). The other was Ali Sabry, How about the 13th Amendment? understanding is that there were many declaration as a prerequisite to contest an What other laws related to elections need recently appointed as Minister of What’s he going to do about it? Well, problems in the campaign period, but overall, election? to be introduced or amended? Justice. obviously, his “take” would be framed as an election observer, I can say it was a free We have repeatedly asked candidates to The Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 by the thinking of the Government, and fair election. do so. According to the Act, the candidates of 1981 should be amended. This time too, Rumours and assumptions in particular the President and the must submit (asset and liability declarations) almost four million people were unable to Sabry’s appointment was preceded Cabinet. That’s an amendment that There were many reports of the ruling to the EC who will accept it and lock it away. vote – two million in foreign countries such by rumours that he would indeed be needs to be tossed out. party gaining an undue advantage According to the law, even the EC cannot as the Middle East and two million working the next Minister of Justice. My hunch Ali Sabry has asserted that the bat through the abuse of power. Can this view these documents. So, the declaration of in private security firms or economic trade is that the rumour was started by those should be allowed to do the talking. election be truly called a ‘free and fair’ assets and liabilities is meaningless because zones, remand prisoners, patients in hospital, who were backing someone else for The onus is on him. He knows this. election? no one can see its contents. We can obtain etc. So in order to enable their voting, the the post. The focus was on the fact He has accepted the challenge. First That is why I said as an overall assessment, them after paying Rs. 750, but even then, it is existing election law must be amended. The that Ali Sabry is a Muslim. Fears were up, being a part of the Government, it is free and fair. But as you said, this of no use as we cannot make it public but can second thing is that an individual should be expressed over the likelihood of Sabry would be the 19th. The 13th cannot election was conducted under the Cabinet of only use it for legal proceedings. What really allowed to vote when he/she turns 18 years, serving the interests of that particular be too far behind. The litmus test Ministers. Unfortunately, those ministers were needs to be done is that all candidates and but this cannot be done in Sri Lanka. So, we community to the exclusion of all however will be the Muslim Marriage candidates. We saw Bandula Gunawardana MPs must submit their assets and liabilities have to introduce another bill in this regard. I others and inter alia the larger national and Divorce Act (MMDA) as well – a candidate of the Colombo District – while at the same time making such details believe the EC has already prepared this. interest. as other matters categorised under travelling everywhere including Matale, public. The next thing is a priority – the The assumption is obvious: All “customary law”. promising to set up 10 national universities. There are around 10 (new) from the introduction of an election campaign Muslims are focused on furthering the The 19th Amendment was a The other ministers did the same thing and Viyathmaga who got into Parliament, so as financing law. interests of that community. This is flawed, partisan document were giving many promises, which can a sign of respect to the President and as his Another thing is how to regulate the so wrong. If we take the issue of the which, ironically, those now change the mindset of voters. It is not a representatives, they can change the political media during an election. I’m not saying we NTJ (National Thowheed Jamath), in the Sri Lanka Podujana problem of only the Sri Lanka Podujana culture by revealing their asset and liability should control them, but it must be regulated, there have been many Muslims and Peramuna (Sabry’s party) voted Peramuna (SLPP) – even if the United declarations on their websites and social including social media. Muslim organisations that objected for (the exception being Sarath National Party (UNP) was in power, they media platforms. The second thing is that Furthermore, the Declaration of Assets and vocally and acted against Islamic Weerasekera). Sabry has a task would do the same and the EC was also not the new parliamentarians should prioritise Liabilities Act also must be amended. fundamentalism by appealing to all here. Is the partisan amendment relevant authorities. No one bothered to be amended in a partisan way to listen, this is now established. Let or not? it not be forgotten that there were election campaign, the ruling party – the Sri – but the people voted for them. This is a extremist groups that considered If it’s about one country, one law Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – said very serious issue because they have been Muslims as a monolithic community (a notion he has championed), then that they want to contest the election despite penalised by the law and given sentences, but either through ignorance or for the MMDA has to go. No halfway the Covid-19 pandemic, but the Opposition We know that election laws are old thousands of voters selected such people. A obviously mischievous reasons. Those measures. It rebels against all notions parties objected, claiming that they would not and outdated. For example, how new law must be introduced to prevent such Muslims who objected to the moves of equality. Sure, you can do away be able to hold a proper campaign and thus many private media organisations people from voting in this manner. that culminated in the Easter Sunday with Article 9 too, which gives the wouldn’t be a free and fair election. Then are functioning in Sri Lanka? The attacks were therefore taking huge Buddhist Order a special place (not the health sector issued the (Covid-19 health EC cannot regulate such media from What other laws related to elections need risks: On the one hand by extremists Buddhists or Buddhism, please note). and safety) guidelines to be followed by all violating election laws due to the lack to be introduced or amended? in their community and on the other, On that note, all religious holidays involved in the election and campaigns. of legal provisions to do so We know that election laws are old and extremists from other communities, should be done away with too. We saw that the EC followed the guidelines outdated. For example, how many private especially Sinhalese. Maybe Sabry will stand for a secular to the letter. They arranged everything to candidates must declare their assets and media organisations are functioning in Sri Secondly, it is not the case that Sri Lanka, far more vocally and safeguard the voters. But unfortunately, we liabilities. Unfortunately, many of these Lanka? The EC cannot regulate such media non-Muslims have always acted in ministerially than his predecessors. saw political meetings and rallies with 1,000- candidates do not follow this law. This time, from violating election laws due to the lack the national interest or have always His bat has to do the talking, but 2,000 people participating, as well as vehicle there are many new faces – many young of legal provisions to do so. considered the interests of, say, the let’s not forget that in this game he’s parades for some candidates. So it was a parliamentarians – while seniors were Also, there are no election laws to regulate Sinhala-Buddhists. Well-meaning as not a one-man team. Other bats have free and fair election, but in some places, the rejected by the people. social media during an election. There is well as ill-intentioned liberals have by to talk too. It would be very unfair to political parties violated the health guidelines My request to these MPs is for them to a lot of new technology being used in Sri acts of omission and commission been single out Sabry if the Government to their advantage. declare their assets and liabilities. If they Lanka, so new laws and amendments must complicit in the rise of groups such as itself is “in error” as per the are honest politicians and have no corrupt be introduced. I think the 225 MPs, or at least the NTJ. expectations/reservations articulated There were many reports of the ruling intentions, they will declare their assets and a majority of them, should go to the people So what of Ali Sabry? He has not in relation to his appointment. party gaining an undue advantage liabilities; only those who intent on being and organisations and garner new views and been silent when there were issues Ali Sabry is at the crease. And in through the abuse of power. Can the corrupt as parliamentarians would refrain ideas on what laws need to be amended or relevant to Muslims. He took up the this version of “cricket” it’s not a “last recent election be truly called a ‘free and from doing so. Even the defeated candidates introduced. cry against cremation of Muslims who man have chance” affair. President fair’ election? should submit their asset and liability had succumbed to Covid-19, citing Gotabaya Rajapaksa is at the crease Actually, when we compare with previous declarations. This in turn will strengthen our WHO (World Health Organisation) too. Prime Minister Mahinda elections, this time had the least number political culture. guidelines. Now I have issues with Rajapaksa and everyone in the of complaints with regard to abuse of state the WHO guidelines on this matter Cabinet are at the crease as well. The resources. But the thing is we saw that We see that a convict on death row because the WHO, understandably, Members of Parliament don’t get to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa used a was allowed to contest. Should laws be was operating in unfamiliar territory. put their feet up in the dressing room. helicopter to go to Kurunegala on the voting amended to disqualify such individuals? Indeed, even today, several months Most importantly, the people can’t day. When he was travelling in Kurunegala, This time, the Government appears to have after the pandemic broke out, what’s retire themselves. we saw 100 to 200 supporters come to wish got a clear two-thirds majority in Parliament. known seems to be abysmal We are all at the crease with him – this also is an election law violation. My suggestion and request is to use this two- compared with what is yet Ali Sabry. He can run us out. thirds majority to amend these old election to be found out. Sabry We can run him out too. How important is asset declaration as a laws. We know that two candidates were in was and is sensitive to Together, we might help prerequisite to contesting elections? remand custody – Premalal Jayasekara and concerns relating to the country to a spectacular It is extremely important. I think all Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan (Pillayan) faith. Nothing wrong score and a victory thought in this. to be unimaginable. Let’s What is most see. important, to me malindasenevi@gmail. at least, is that Ail com. www.malindawords. Sabry has been blogspot.com TWO-THIRDS more of a MUST BE USED nationalist FOR CHANGE CAFFE WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 12 the sunday morning VIEWS/FOCUS Sunday, August 16, 2020 Great expectationsAPPOINTMENT OF NEW CABINET BY DIANDRA ANNE some parliamentarians who excel in their own fields appointed to ministries While the 2020 general election of which completely alienate their scope of Sri Lanka was held without much education and experience. For example, controversy, the public eagerly while the public expected a maestro such as awaited the results to find out who G.L. Peiris in international relations to be made it to Parliament and who did appointed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not. Following the election results rather than the Ministry of Education, we being released was the much- saw an extreme left-wing politician who anticipated appointment of the clearly supported one end of international Cabinet of Ministers. politics getting that portfolio, who could potentially create havoc in the years to On Wednesday (12) morning, cabinet come, instead of safeguarding peaceful ministers and state ministers were sworn relations with the international community. in before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Moreover, some of the elite politicians at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) were left out of assuming duties in of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth ministries, replaced by parliamentarians Relic in Kandy. Furthermore, President who are clearly alleged of illegal actions. Rajapaksa, through an extraordinary All we can do at this point is hope that the gazette, announced the ministerial structure President gets the co-operation of the newly consisting of 28 ministries and 40 state appointed ministers to ensure that Sri Lanka ministries, inclusive of the ministries develops as a country in the years to come. falling under the purview of the President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. A genuine effort With the new ministers being sworn in, The Sunday Morning asked the general Cabinet ministers of the new Government at development public their views and opinions on the new Cabinet and Government, the distribution had been put together and given to only two those respective areas. Furthermore, some were not appropriate. For example, the Shyaman Premasundara – of portfolios, and whether the proper ministers rather than four. The choices of who have a heap of litigations against them Ministry of Education and the Ministry entrepreneur choices had been made. ministers for sports and youth, finance, have been appointed. In such instances, of Cane, Furniture, and Rural Industries If you take the new education, foreign affairs, trade, power, and when you have people like that appointed, are two that I believe have not gone to the Parliament, I Savour the small environment were great. At the same time, I what kind of signal would you be sending appropriate people. Furthermore, Minister believe that it is believe that they could have had more to the country? This shows the utter folly of Nimal Siripala de Silva should have got one of the best victories competitive and committed individuals these appointments. The point is, you need a better portfolio as he is someone who is political changes appointed for the other ministry portfolios, to appoint people who are educated and quite knowledgeable and capable or hard that has happened Sahas Gunasekara – which would have given the Government a have knowledge in their respective areas. working. However, we cannot say how in Sri Lanka. The university student greater advantage to perform well. There is These cabinet appointments also reflect the the future will be. Only time can tell. Even reason for this is The political culture within Sri Lanka ample mandate to review and revise the Government’s thinking. To sum it up, people with regard to the Government, I cannot that Sri Lanka has a great opportunity to has taught me to savour the small victories 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The with litigations have been appointed and tell right now if it will perform well or come out stronger, looking back at the because that is probably all I’ll get out of Head of State should monitor the ministers we are entrusting them with public funds not. But the Government’s decision to mistakes it made. I think the majority of this system. Anyway, to make it simple, let’s and take to task the ones who work on and such. That in itself is a reflection of the stop imports wasn’t a great idea, as some the people believe that a properly break it into the pros and cons. Pros would personal agendas rather than in the best leadership. imports affect certain industries. empowered Parliament could solve many be the appointment of President’s Counsel interest of the public. issues. The people have suffered under a Ali Sabry as the Cabinet Minister of Justice. A decent Cabinet Hope and pray lot of different governments for a very I’m sure he will do a great service to the Planned and long time, without getting the proper judiciary and, as a Muslim himself, open the Subhani Hassimdeen – retired Dojitha Atapattu – Softlogic Life solutions required for the country. Under door for the Muslim community to join this executed assistant general manager Insurance PLC Insurance Advisor the leadership of President Gotabaya populist alliance. The other would be the Actually, even The expectations of Rajapaksa, I think people have started to appointment of Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi Selladurai Kumarendran – Yashi before the election, the 6.8 million believe that some genuine effort to as the Cabinet Minister of Health. She has Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman when President voters who voted the develop the country is being made. When proven herself by co-ordinating a joint In my opinion, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Podujana looking at the 2020 election results, we effort in ensuring that Sri Lanka was not election was well was not involved in Peramuna (SLPP) can see that quite a number of new to be engulfed by Covid-19. The biggest organised and politics, he was into power, members have been voted in while most red flag, however, is that there will not be a planned. We should doing a good job. He anticipating a of the older hands have been voted out. separate ministry for women’s affairs, but expect to see the did a lot of work, “change”, were This clearly shows the people’s it is to be bundled with some other layers best from them. which is really appreciated. At that time, I drastically lowered by the low-key nepotism expectations. When looking at the mix of of bureaucracy, which I am sure will stifle However, the recall him mentioning that even if he doesn’t involved in giving out ministries to the said the people that have been selected this its work at best. The rest of the Cabinet and Government must get into politics and irrespective of the parliamentarians. time, we see that there are a lot of state ministers are not really anything to give full attention to the agriculture Government that will come into power, he Firstly, although President Gotabaya educated people elected from different write home about either. Regardless, for my industry and uplift it to avoid any food will do his part. So now he is very much Rajapaksa promised that there would be a professions. If you look at the Cabinet, country’s sake, I wish them the absolute best shortages. At the same time, in all involved in politics; I believe he is the one limited number of ministries, irrespective you will also see a talented lot. This in their future work. industries, first preference must be given to and only person who can do a good job for of whether they are cabinet ministries or would have been the expectation of the the locals and not to foreign workers or the betterment of the country. Furthermore, state ministries, his promise was breached, nation. Having said that, the biggest issue Nipped in the bud companies, especially in the construction the correct people have been selected for the as seen in the ridiculous manner in which I see is that while these people are field. Also, we should avoid involving different roles. However, there is always the Ministry of Agriculture was broken up professionally qualified, could they be E. Balendra Anthony – foreigners in retail businesses. some amount of bad amongst the good. Of into considerably small divisions in order to categorised as “qualified politicians”? AUKAP (UK) CEO and former Currently, there are many Chinese people course, the President can do a good job, but facilitate more ministers. Sure, they may be professionals in their FFSL Secretary General who have come and opened retail outlets the others must co-operate. I believe we Next, it is of utmost importance in the areas of learning, but my concern is Though I too have to and are competing with local businesses. have actually got a decent Cabinet; it’s not eyes of the public that there should be more whether they have enough political agree that a two- This is not good and has to be avoided. so bad. But the thing is, it is difficult for one women representation in politics. But it experience to handle the tasks at hand. thirds victory would to rely on what is said, mainly because of is evident that the proportion of women Currently, we have a great opportunity be harmful to the A reflection of the what has happened in the past. Of course, I representation even in Parliament has in the global economy, simply because future of the country, have noticed that some educated and honest drastically reduced. Even in the Cabinet, the strongest players are suffering due I do welcome the leadership people were amongst the ones selected. So I out of the 26-odd ministries, there is only to the Covid-19 situation. I believe that mandate given by trust that things will work for the best. one female representative – that being the we can hope for a better future, if we can the people. Yes, it is Anonymous – passerby Minister of Health. groom these individuals into professional a real trial for the present Government to My view is that the right portfolios have Only time can tell Furthermore, President Rajapaksa politicians. What I mean by “professional perform to their apex – to keep the faith of not been offered to the right candidates. showed true signs of nepotism in politicians” is that they have to have the public who voted for them – for the next Appointments have been given to those Sarath – businessman appointing officials, where we could cite the desired political knowledge and five years. With regard to the distribution of who aren’t specialised in the respective My opinion is that some appointments the Secretary of Defence as one main experience, not just be equipped with portfolios, it would have been better if water fields. They have been assigned to areas given to certain cabinet and state ministers example. But it is pathetic when we saw professional knowledge. and land as well as irrigation and agriculture without considering their capabilities in

Wildlife and Forest Conservation; Public Land Management Affairs, State Business and Building Materials Industry Promotion; Agriculture; Urban Development, Coast Administration, Provincial Councils and Lands, and Property Development; Company Ornamental Fish, Freshwater Fish, and Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public All about... Local Government; Mass Media; Irrigation; Establishment Reforms, Tea Estate Crops, Shrimp Farming Development, Multiday Sanitation; Estate Housing and Community Contd. from page 5 Power; Highways; Industries; Environment; Tea Factory Modernisation, and Tea Export Fishing and Fish Export; Development Infrastructure Facilities; Finance and Capital Lands; Agriculture; Water Supply; Energy; Diversification; Promotion of National of Rural and Regional Drinking Water Markets and Public Enterprise Reforms; Therefore, Verité Research claimed that Plantations; Tourism; Ports and Shipping; Heritage, Performing Arts, and Rural Supply Projects; Development of Common Skills Development, Vocational Education, fixing these problems is critical to having Youth Affairs and Sports; and Justice, an Artists; Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Infrastructure Facilities of Settlements and Research and Innovation; and Pharmaceutical a government that functions efficiently and additional 39 state ministerial portfolios were Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production, and Canals in Mahaweli Zones; Provincial Production, Supply, and Regulation were also effectively. distributed among the SLPP MPs freshly Promotion of Allied Products and Export; Councils and Local Government Affairs; included. Based on its research, Verité Research elected to Parliament. Dhamma Schools, Bhikku Education, Development of Rural Paddy Fields and provides a model sample of 15 ministries that The state ministries included Internal Pirivenas, and Buddhist Universities; Associated Tanks, Reservoirs, and Irrigation; ‘Scientific and rational’ can minimise irrationality and fragmentation: Security, Home Affairs, and Disaster Development of Samurdhi Home Economy, Professional Development of Postal Services Speaking to The Sunday Morning, senior Finance and Planning; Justice; Defence; Management; Foreign Employment Microfinance, Self-Employment and and Mass Media; Rural and School Sports economist and former Central Bank Deputy Education and Research; Health; Agriculture; Promotion and Market Diversification; Solar, Businesses, and Underutilised State Infrastructure Promotion; Promotion of Governor Dr. W.A. Wijewardena said the Labour; Public Utilities; Ports, Shipping, Wind, and Grid Power Generation Projects Resources; Regulation of Fertiliser Indigenous Medicine, Development of allocation of subjects is very scientific and and Civil Aviation; Economic Affairs; Development; Batik, Handloom Fabrics, Production and Supply and Use of Chemical Rural Ayurvedic Hospitals and Community rational. Home Affairs and Public Administration; and Local Apparel Products; Co-operative Fertilisers and Pesticides; Gem and Jewellery Health; Women and Child Development, “For example, the amalgamation of both Foreign Affairs; Family and Community Services, Marketing Development, and Related Industries. Preschool and Primary Education, School the Ministries of Education and Higher Development; Society and Culture; and Consumer Protection; Prisons Reforms and Furthermore, Vehicle Regulation, Infrastructure and School Services; Cane, Education and restricting the Cabinet to Environment. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation; Coconut, Fishtail Bus Transport Services, and Carriages Brass, Clay Furniture, and Rural Industry 28 portfolios are the positive things the Despite the limitation of the cabinet Palm, Palmyrah, and Rubber Product and Automotive Industries; Wildlife Promotion; Development of Aviation Government has done. All we can say is that portfolios to 26, including Defence; Finance; Promotion and Allied Industrial Production Conservation Protection Programmes and Export Zones; Livestock and Farm from the very start, in economic terms, it’s Buddhasasana; Religious and Cultural and Export Diversification; Rural, Roads, and including Electric Fence and Ditch Promotion and Dairy and Eggs-related very encouraging and promising,” he added. Affairs; Urban Development and Housing; Infrastructure Facilities; Warehouse Facilities, Construction and Reforestation, and Industries; Paddy and Cereals, Organic Food, “All the people who have been given state Labour; Education; Health; Foreign Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities, and Wildlife Resources Development; Regional Vegetables, Fruits, Chillies, Onions, and ministerial portfolios will have to deliver Relations; Fisheries; Transport; Trade; Boats and Shipping Industry Development; Co-operation; Rural Home Construction Potatoes, Seed Production, and High-tech now,” Dr. Wijewardena noted. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning 13 Sunday, August 16, 2020 FOCUS

SEVENTH PARLIAMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA (2010-2015)

Sumedha Pavithradevi Nirupama Dr. Sudarshini Sriyani Malini Fonseka Kamala G. Jayasena Wanniarachchi Rajapaksa Fernandopulle Wijewickrama (UPFA National Ranatunga (UPFA) (UPFA) (UPFA) (UPFA) (UPFA) List) (UPFA UPFA 7 National List)

Chandrani Thalatha Rosy Upeksha Vijayakala Dr. Anoma Bandara Atukorale Senanayake Swarnamali Maheswaran Gamage (UNP Jayasinghe (UNP) (UNP) (UNP) (UNP) National List) UNP 6 (UNP)

EIGHTH PARLIAMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA (2015-2020)

Chandrani Thalatha Vijayakala Dr. Anoma Hirunika Dr. Thusitha Rohini Bandara Atukorale Maheswaran Gamage (UNP Premachandra Wijemanne Wijeratne UNP 7 Jayasinghe (UNP) (UNP) National List) (UNP) (UNP) Kavirathna (UNP) (UNP)

Geetha UPFA Dr. Sudarshini Sumedha Pavithradevi Sriyani Shanthi 5 Samanmalee Sriskandarasa Fernandopulle G. Jayasena Wanniarachchi Wijewickrama Kumarasinghe (UPFA) (UPFA) (UPFA) (UPFA) (ITAK National ITAK 1 (UPFA) List) NINTH PARLIAMENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA (2020 ONWARDS) Manjula Pavithradevi Dr. Sudharshini Dr. Seetha Kokila Harshani Rajika Muditha Geetha Wijekoon Wanniarachchi Fernandopulle Arambepola Wickramasinghe Prishanthi Kumarasinghe Dissanayake (SLPP) (SLPP) Gunawardena SLPP 8 (SLPP National (SLPP) (SLPP) De Soysa (SLPP) (SLPP List) (SLPP) National List)

SJB 3 Thalatha Rohini Diana Gamage Dr. Harini Atukorale Wijeratne (SJB National Amarasuriya (SJB) Kavirathna List) (NPP National NPP 1 (SJB) List)

FEMALE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Gender equality: Not in the House

BY SARAH HANNAN Out of the 75 female candidates who contested during the recent general election, a total of 12 female representatives were elected from the preferential voters’ list and National List to the ninth Parliament of Sri Lanka, with one being appointed to the Cabinet and two given state minsterial portfolios.

The overall representation of women in Parliament is now at 5.33%, out of which 3.77% was elected through the voting system and 1.56% was appointed through the National List allocations of three political parties. The National People’s Power (NPP) had the highest number of female candidates at 22, with the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) having the lowest at one, who was a National List nominee. Given that 52% of Sri Lanka’s population is females, it is quite disheartening to see only a 5.33% female representation in Parliament. However, during the general election, all female representatives who managed to secure votes should be commended, as they contested against many male There is a significant difference representatives who were able to do between the local government on-ground campaigning with less election, where women’s challenges. representation was considered Among the 12 female members who will mandatory, and this year’s take their seats at the ninth Parliament is Cabinet Minister of Health Pavithradevi general election Wanniarachchi who contested under the Centre for Human Rights Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Research (Sri Lanka) ticket from the Ratnapura District. She Executive Director was able to secure the highest amount of Surangi Ariyawansa preferential votes among all the female candidates and from the district. State ministerial portfolios were being able to garner sufficient votes to given to Dr. Sudharshani Fernandopulle secure a seat. (SLPP) for Prisons Reforms and It is evident that people cast their Prisoners’ Rehabilitation, and Dr. Seetha votes based on the familiarity of each Arambepola (SLPP National List) for candidate’s political and social work and Skills Development, Vocational Education, the amount of visibility they secure during Research, and Innovation. the pre-election time. Among the other female MPs are five Centre for Human Rights and Research more SLPP candidates: Kokila Harshini (Sri Lanka) Executive Director Surangi Gunawardena, Rajika Wickaramasinghe Ariyawansa, in a media statement, noted (District Co-ordinator for Kegalle), that increasing women’s representation Muditha Prishanthi De Soysa, Geetha in Parliament is a matter of national Kumarasinghe, and Manjula Wijekoon importance. “Every political party which Dissanayake (National List); three from provided women the opportunity to contest the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB): this time is considered as progress in Thalatha Atukorale, Rohini Wijeratne the right direction. There is a significant Kavirathna, and Diana Gamage (National difference between the local government List); and one from NPP: Dr. Harini election, where women’s representation Amarsuriya (National List). was considered mandatory, and this year’s When we take a look back at the many general election.” female representatives who were elected These 12 female representatives are to Parliament, a significant portion now given the additional task to discuss of representatives had secured a seat the issues that are faced by females in following the demise of a politically Sri Lanka, given that there is no cabinet significant family member – usually a portfolio this time around dedicated to father or husband – or with the aim of women’s affairs. continuing their family political legacy, The Women Parliamentarians Caucus where they are invited to represent that will include all 12 of these female the political party after their parent’s members will have the added work of retirement from politics. creating awareness and inspiring women As of recent times, even celebrities have in Sri Lanka to pave the way for future joined the race for office with activists and female political activists. Hopefully, academics giving them a tough time in enough female representatives will getting elected. consider getting into politics in the Among many that contested this time, upcoming local government election, only a handful managed to get elected, which will enable the achievement of the with Geetha Kumarasinghe, who has been 25% quota of female representation in the in the political arena for close to a decade, local government level. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 14 the sunday morning SPORTS Sunday, August 16, 2020

At last, Kandy Anuradha Wijekoon replaces sees some cricket! BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY

Club cricket is now set to come back in Kandy. K.D.S. Ruwanchandra The Kandy District Cricket Association z Stability is the need of the hour! (KDCA) is now ready, “after” Covid-19, to start position as a cabinet portfolio under Prime off with a limited-over Minister Dudley Senanayake in 1966, V.A. (50 overs) tournament on Sugathadasa held the post till 1970. Thursday, 20 August. Then, K.B. Ratnayake was the Sports Last Thursday (13) at Minister of the 1970-77 Coalition KDCA’s Asgiriya office, Government of Prime Minister Sirimavo a meeting took place KDCA President Bandaranaike. The J.R. Jayewardene where it was decided Roland Perera dispensation of 1977-88 right throughout to organise this much- had given the Sports Ministry to Vincent awaited tournament from CC, University SC, and Perera. this week. Galhinna CC. ‘S.B.’, the most successful Twenty-nine For KDCA Sports Minister teams in fray President’s Trophy President Ranasinghe Premadasa’s News emanating from The matches will Sports Minister was Nanda Mathew, who the meeting indicates be played at Prison held the position from 1989-93. President there will be 29 teams Ground at Pallekele, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s that are to participate in St. Anthony’s College tenure saw a highly successful period of the tournament. Ground at Katugastota, S.B. Dissanayake as the Sports Minister They are: Kandy Trinity College grounds (1994-2001). Cricket Club, Old at Asgiriya, Dharmaraja It was, notably, then that Sri Lanka won Trinitians SC, Old College Ground, Lake the Cricket World Cup (in 1996) before Antonians SC, Kandy View grounds, Peradeniya New Secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Susanthika Jayasinghe won the Olympic Youth CC, Old Rajans Campus Ground, and Anuradha Wijekoon, accepting his appointment Silver Medal in 2000, the first-ever Olympic SC, Madawala CC, Wickramabahu Central from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday (13) medal the country won after 52 years. Galagedara CC, Prisons College grounds at The new Secretary of the RC, Old Sylvestrians Gampola. The grand Ministry of Youth and Sports previous Yahapalana establishment led by Fernando (2018-November 2019). Aluthgamage’s tenure SC, Ekamuthu SC, final will be played here is Anuradha Wijekoon. He was President Maithripala Sirisena. In November after President Gotabaya Then there were as many as six Sports Visuvious SC, Saracens in Kandy. appointed to the new position on Rajapaksa assumed duties, being backed Ministers during 2001 to 2010 under two CC, Gampola CC, The winners will walk Four Ministers for five years by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Presidents, Kumaratunga and Mahinda Southerland SC, away with the KDCA Thursday (13) at the Presidential As you look back at the Sports (SLPP), Dullas Alahapperuma held the Rajapaksa. During such time, Ranil Liverpool SC, Zelinicans President’s Trophy and Secretariat. Ministry portfolio, now being held by Sports Minister portfolio, along with the Wickremesinghe too held the premiership SC, Blue Universal SC, the runner-up will receive Wijekoon received his appointment from Namal Rajapaksa who assumed duties Education Ministry, till the 5 August general as the Government Leader for a short while Kandy Bloomfield SC, the KDCA Secretary’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday. on Wednesday (12), there have been four election. (2001-04). Old Zahirians SC, Black Trophy, plus handsome Sports Ministers during the previous Then, Mahindananda Aluthgamage was Eagle SC, Bahuvanns SC, cash awards. There will Ruwanchandra being replaced Government that was in power from Break in tradition the Sports Minister from 2010-15 during Onslaught CC, Kandy also be awards for the best Wijekoon takes up the position that was January 2015 to November 2019. Earlier it was the general practice that the second tenure of President Mahinda Academy CC, University bowler, best batsman, best previously held by K.D.S. Ruwanchandra. They were Navin Dissanayake (from the Sports Minister portfolio remained Rajapaksa. Then Sri Lanka came into the Staff SC, Madawella fielder, the best player of Before he was appointed Sports Ministry January 2015-September 2015), Dayasiri unchanged for the entirety of the duration finals of many cricket World Cups while United CC, Kandy the tournament, and the Secretary, Ruwanchandra was the Director Jayasekara (2015-18), Faiszer Musthapha of the Government. winning the T20 World Cup in 2014. Doctors CC, Kotmale most disciplined team. General of Sports since 2016, under the (April 2018-November 2018), and Harin Since the inception of the Sports Minister

Martina Hingis was 15 in tennis basically just arrived and won. John years when she first played Pius Boland was on vacation in Athens during Wimbledon main draw matches the Olympics, and his friend, who was on the organising committee, enrolled him in singles A big what-if! tennis. Boland won, then went into doubles with z Kasparov-Karpov rivalry revisited the player he defeated in the singles first round, Friedrich Traun of Germany, which they also in Kasparov’s favour was a testament to the drama that went on to win. THE CHESS inevitably followed this epic rivalry. 10. The first sisters to win Olympic gold Not only was Kasparov a spiritual representative Medals in tennis were Venus and Serena of the Perestroika, he also changed the modern chess Williams. CORNER landscape. But what if the great Kasparov lost that very 11. In 2010, a Wimbledon match in the first by Dulan Edirisinghe first championship match? Let’s go back to the 1984 round between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut aborted match, and more specifically, to the crucial 41st lasted 11 hours and five minutes. It continued game. Karpov needed only one victory to finish off his When it comes to the over three full days while the players struggled to young challenger with a crushing 6-1 scoreline – quite study of the endgame, stop their extraordinary services. Isner eventually possibly a devastating psychological blow a young Dvoretsky’s Endgame won the gruelling battle. Kasparov might never recover from. Manual is generally 12. The shortest tennis match ever happened considered the at the 1922 Wimbledon Final, of which Suzanne Karpov has just ultimate one-volume Lenglen (a tremendous athlete who won eight played 32.a5, hoping to handbook. The late Majors) defeated Molla Mallory (a star who convert his extra pawn Russian super trainer’s had eight US Open titles) in just 23 minutes! to that all important definitive manual Mallory actually took two games in the first set, win. After...32...Rxb4 covers all the but ultimately was quickly eliminated at the end! 33.Rxd1 Bd4 34.Ne6 important concepts 13. In 1907, the Austrian tennis player Mita Ba7 35.Rd7 Rb1+ Kasparov-Karpov necessary to master Klima became the youngest player in Wimbledon. 36.Kh2 Bxf2 37.Nxf4 She was just 13 when she participated in the rivalry was the subject the most delicate Karpov-Kasparov WCC Some scholarly Ra1 38.Ne6 Rxa5 of a chessbook by Jan phase of the game. 1985 (41) prestigious tournament. Unfortunately, she lost 39.Rxg7+ Kh8 and Timman in 2019 In a chapter After 32.a5 in the first round. This is a record that has stood the game petered reserved for “Rooks vs. Bishops”, the following position for over 100 years. out to a draw. Later it was found that there is a very makes an appearance in Dvoretsky’s book under the facts about tennis 14. Meanwhile Martina Hingis was 15 years interesting possibility Karpov overlooked when he title “Three pawns vs. three on the same wing”. when she first played Wimbledon main draw played the “natural” 33.Rxd1. White could have ignored z You’d love them! matches. In fact she was 16 years when she went the bishop and tried to run away with his “passed Dvoretsky recognises on to win the Australian open. She eventually a-pawn” with 33.a6!! this ending as a win for Most sports lovers think that they know a lot this game. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that became the world No. 1 and a Tennis Hall of the side with the rook, about the sport that they love, perhaps even take rackets were introduced. Fame player. The best option provided his pawn part in. Most tennis players and tennis lovers are 3. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis competition 15. Bjorn Borg won five Wimbledon titles for black is 33…Bb3 structure is intact. It no different. But when it really comes down to on the planet and is additionally viewed as the in a row. In the sixth final that he played in, he 34.Nxb3 Ra4 (34...Rxb3 still requires some it, their knowledge of some important (and also most esteemed. Wimbledon’s first matches were lost to John McEnroe in the final. (Interested 35.Re8+ Kf7 36.a7 Ra3 technique however, some not so important) facts about the game of played in 1877. It is additionally the first of the players now should look up these matches and 37.a8=Q Rxa8 38.Rxa8 but nothing beyond tennis is rather negligible. four “Grand Slams” to be established. watch them if possible as they are considered is similar to the main Radev-Pribyl (1971) the comprehension For example do they know about the youngest 4. According to the stipulation of the tennis classics of all time!) line) 35.Nc5 Ra5 White to play of a reasonably strong player ever to play Wimbledon? Or for that International Tennis Federation (ITF), the weight 16. The fastest tennis serve ever was achieved 36.Re4 Rxc5 37.Re8+ player. matter, even the weight of of a tennis ball should be by Sam Groth at the Busan Open, South Korea Had Karpov played Kf7 38.a7 Ra5 39.a8=Q Why is this verdict important? That’s because it 33.a6 instead of a tennis ball. Well, if the between 56 to 59.4 grams. in 2012. It was recorded at an incredible 263 Rxa8 40.Rxa8 and we is definitive proof that modern chess, as we know it, 33.Rxd1, what would answer is ‘no’ for the first 5. Tennis balls were km/h (163.4 mph)! reach this now-familiar Dinith could have taken a completely different path altogether. have happened? two questions, do they initially white. However, territory. Pathiraja In 1984, a highly anticipated World Chess know, who has grunted the in 1986 yellow balls were No knowledge is ever wasted. Every bit Championship match began. Anatoly Karpov, the loudest on the tour? Read on introduced to Wimbledon. of knowledge gathered about anything and Karpov would reigning World Champion, locked horns with Gary and find out some fun-filled ON COURT (This writer remembers everything will always be useful at some time certainly have won Kasparov, the brazen young challenger. The match made as well some historically well playing tennis with or the other. the game in that the front-page news worldwide when the two rivals important facts regarding white balls when he first But unfortunately the younger generation case, especially couldn’t be separated after 48 games played over five the game that we all love! started playing tennis.) today mostly shies away from learning about considering the fact months. In the end, the World Chess Federation had to 1. There is a mark of a pineapple on the 6. Roger Federer has got over 11,000 career the historical facts about any of the subjects that he could have step in and abort the match citing exhaustion of the Wimbledon trophy. Apparently it represents the aces up until now, ranking third on the list that they are involved in. Most of the time, their studied the necessary two participants. tradition of English sailors who put pineapples of most experts, while Ivo Karlovic tops the knowledge as well as their interests are only technique at leisure That was just the beginning of one of the fiercest on their seats when they returned from a long rundown with over 13,000 aces. limited to the present and that particular moment. Can white win? after adjourning the rivalries in sports history. In 1985, Kasparov became the Dvoretsky says yes! journey. This writer is not sure how tennis was 7. Novak Djokovic tops the male tennis What this does is that, when the knowledge game after 40 moves. youngest World Champion by winning the “rematch”. He associated with long sea voyages, but this is players in terms of highest amount of prize becomes really important or little known facts What a Karpov win would have meant for the future of successfully defended his title in three more matches the apparent explanation that has been given money achieved, with over $ 143 million (Rs. become crucial, they are found out that they are chess is anyone’s guess, so is the answer to the question on his way to establish his legacy as one of the greatest. for the above fact. 26 billion) in winnings! short of important understanding. whether Kasparov would ever have made a comeback. The five matches lasted a total of 144 games played 2. In the 12th Century, tennis was initially 8. During Wimbledon in 2009, Maria Therefore it is hoped that this particular article It’s a conundrum for the alternative history students over a staggering 14 months. The fact that, despite not played with just the hands. It was called “jeu Sharapova made the loudest recorded grunt – should help stimulate the young ones’ knowledge to ponder over. losing a single match, the overall score was only 73-71 de paume” or the “palm game”. Presumably it reached about 105 decibels! to find out more facts about the game of tennis. people’s hands became rather sore playing 9. The first person to win Olympic Gold Then rain, later Ganguly, Shah, and Indo SC bad light This will come as another big The second Test between relief for Sourav Ganguly and Jay touring Pakistan and England Shah, the President and Secretary, was hampered by bad respectively, of the Board of Control weather even on its second for Cricket in India (BCCI). The day on Friday (14). There was Indian Supreme Court, headed by stoppage due to bad light Arvind Bobde (pictured), which by the tea interval when was scheduled to hear on Monday, Pakistan, after resuming from 17 August the BCCI’s appeal to let 126/5, were 215/8 in 84.3 the above two continue despite overs. Wicket-keeper-bat the “cooling off” rule in the current BCCI Constitution, has NOT even listed Mohammad Rizwan was not the matter. Notably, the BCCI is expected to name the title sponsors of the out on 53. The first day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday, 18 August and the Indo media match too was curtailed due had predicted last week that both Ganguly and Shah will continue to to bad weather. The hosts remain in their positions till the apex court makes a decision that is being lead series 1-0. continuously delayed.

Sunday, August 16, 2020 BYsports REVATHA S. SILVA Rubbishing news reports that he has been barred from starting a new coaching stint with the Baroda State in India for their Ranji Trophy, former World Cup-winning cricket Whatmore ready for Coach Dav Whatmore told The Sunday Morning Sports on Friday (14) he is geared up to take up the subcontinent challenge as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed. ‘another go’ in SL? “What has happened is that the BCCI (the Board of Control for Cricket in India) has suggested to the Indian states that it is better to z Dispels stories about Baroda restrictions z Earmarked for stint in SL last year! hire people who are under 60 (due to Covid-19 health situation). It is only a suggestion. But there has been some news reports saying those who are over 60 are strictly barred. It is nothing but false information,” explained Whatmore from his residence in Australia on Friday. Sensationalised reporting? “World Cup-winning coach Dav Whatmore could be the first to lose his job due to Covid- 19 after BCCI issued an advisory to state associations to discourage individuals aged 60 and above and those with underlying medical conditions from joining teams during the pandemic,” The Indian Express reported last Whatmore with the Kerala State team in India Monday (10). that entered their first-ever Ranji Trophy semis Negating what he calls “sensationalised” last year news reporting, the renowned Coach confirmed: “When the situation (with regard to the national team, first in late 1990s and then pandemic) improves and international travel in early 2000s, on both occasions helping restrictions are relaxed, I’m fully prepared to orchestrate similar resurgence in the national take up the job.” team’s prospects, under the captaincies of Whatmore, 66, was appointed as Baroda’s Arjuna Ranatunga and Sanath Jayasuriya, Coach for the main first-class tournament respectively. there, the Ranji Trophy, in April this year. He will also be the Baroda Cricket Association Making history Director of Cricket for the upcoming season. Later, Whatmore’s coaching centred chiefly in the subcontinent, as he guided quite successfully Another coaching stint the Bangladesh national side, during 2003-07, in Sri Lanka Dav Whatmore (second from left) at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan before the 1996 World Cup final to unprecedented heights. He then took up the Before undertaking his Baroda stint in April, Only for the betterment of game Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Whatmore was set to be roped back in by Sri “I’m aware of the political changes that played in 11 Tests in the late 1970s mostly under Riders (KKR) and the Pakistan national team Lanka for a comprehensive coaching post with A native Sri Lankan who lived his first eight are taking place in Sri Lanka. I always wish Kim Hughes’ captaincy, took world cricket during 2010-14. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). years of life in Colombo having his early they are for the betterment of the game in the by storm by helping guide an underrated Sri Before signing up for the Baroda State team In June last year, SLC had sought Whatmore’s education at Royal College here, Davenell country,” he opined. Lankan team to win the 1996 World Cup beating in India, he steered the Kerala State to the Ranji services, in an unsuccessful bid, to supervise the Frederick Whatmore is still a passionate Australia in the final. He was the island’s first Trophy semi-finals in the previous (2018-19) country’s overall coaching structure, from age observer of proceedings in Sri Lanka, of sports Two resurgent stints previously fully professional overseas head coach. season; the best-ever achievement of them in groups up to the national ranks, it was reported. as well as politics. The former Australian international, who Whatmore had two stints with the Sri Lanka their over 60 years of Ranji Trophy history. Cricket board under Govt. or ICC? our teams play against teams of all cricket- the Board’s insistence over the years that it playing countries.” is a private body and not a “national” one. The appeal also seeks modifications to In 2004, for example, BCCI Counsel K.K. Clauses or Rules 6.5, 7.3, 15 (3) and (4), Venugopal told the apex court: “If India plays 19(2), and 45 of the BCCI Constitution. England, it is a match played by the official Of these, according to Rule 6.5, any team of BCCI and not the official team of member who has attained the age of 70 India…We do not even fly the national flag years shall be disqualified from being nor do we use any national emblem in the considered as an office bearer, a member activities of the Board.” of the governing council or committee, or as In 2015, the Union Sports Ministry had a representative to the International Cricket informed Parliament that BCCI was not Council (ICC). recognised as a national sports federation. The BCCI, however, has argued, “…(A) BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Lok Sabha person necessarily passes through many MP from Maharashtra, Raosaheb Patil terms in the other two tiers (district and Danve, had then asked the Ministry whether state level) before he is experienced to be importance was being given only to cricket able to effectively contribute in BCCI in and other sports in the country were in a the larger ‘national interest’.” state of neglect. Following the 2013 IPL spot-fixing In his reply, Sarbananda Sonowal, who was Sharmal Dissanayake defends men’s scandal, the Supreme Court had appointed the Sports Minister at the time, had informed singles title Justice Mukul Mudgal Panel to investigate the House: “Although BCCI has not been allegations of links between fixers and the officially recognised by the Ministry, but SLTA to start administration of cricket. Based on the since International Cricket Council (ICC) Mudgal Panel report, the apex court had then recognises BCCI as the apex body for the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly speaks to BCCI Secretary Jay Shah during a press conference asked former Chief Justice of India R.M. promotion of cricket in India, the Ministry Clay Court The Board of Control for Cricket in India This renders both Shah and Ganguly Lodha to suggest administrative reforms of Youth Affairs and Sports provides only (BCCI) has always maintained that it is not ineligible to hold on to their posts as for the functioning of the BCCI. clearance from the sports angle for organising Nationals on a national sports federation. But in what Secretary and President, as their terms international cricket matches in India by appears to be a desperate attempt to prolong ended last month. Though “elected” to Understanding sports is BCCI and participation of national team 21 August the tenures of its Secretary, Jay Shah, and their BCCI positions last October, both men understanding politics, a wise in international events abroad at no cost to The postponed Sri Lanka Clay Court President, Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI is earlier had lengthy stints as office holders man had said the other day. the government, subject to clearances from Nationals, one of the three highest-rated seeking the Supreme Court’s permission at the Gujarat and West Bengal Cricket What is now happening in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry domestic annual tennis tournaments of the to amend Rule 6.4 of its Constitution, in Associations, respectively. India, in its cricket board, and of External Affairs.” country, will now begin this Friday, 21 “public and national interest”. BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal’s petition Sonowal’s answer in Parliament made it August, the Sri Lanka Tennis Association Shah is a businessman and son of Union – the next hearing was set for 17 August its Supreme Court can decide clear that the Government does not consider (SLTA) announced last week. Home Minister Amit Shah. Ganguly is a but is likely to be postponed – argues the fate of cricket, the game the BCCI as a recognised body, but knows The tournament had begun its former Indian cricket Captain. that: “…Any provision which has a direct that we love its role in cricket. qualification rounds in March when the Clause 6.4 of the BCCI’s Constitution and indirect effect of restricting a person Asked for a comment on the BCCI’s move Covid-19 pandemic outbreak happened reads: “An office bearer who has held any with rich and varied experience whereby The apex court ratified all of the to have the cooling-off period for top office in the island. post for two consecutive terms either in a they have acquired and strengthened the Lodha Committee’s recommendations on holders waiver, Justice Lodha told The Wire: The tournament will now go on, state association or in the BCCI (or in a organising capacity, finance-generating administrative reforms on 18 July 2016 – “I don’t feel like giving any statement on while following all the required health combination of both) shall not be eligible capacity, and administrative skills will be which included cooling periods for holders BCCI as I feel it is demeaning to speak on guidelines stipulated by the Sports and to contest any further election without to the detriment of the game of cricket and of any post in the Board. BCCI‘s functioning.” Health Ministries, until Sunday, 13 completing a cooling-off period of three would, therefore, necessarily be against The BCCI’s appeal to “public interest” and September. years.” ‘public interest’ and ‘national interest’ as especially “national interest” is curious given Courtesy thewire.in, 14 August 2020 Ganendran Subramaniam is the Tournament Director. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 A PRIVATISATION CASE STUDY – THE VEYTEX STORY »SEE PAGE 4

SRI LANKA’S ECONOMY MUST FOLLOW VIETNAM »SEE PAGE 3

Sunday, August 16, 2020 IMFbusiness support only New Excise Act if unconditional hits dead end zWorld Bank terminates funds zNo new Act but changes to Ordinance – GOVERNOR BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Nevertheless, now as the required Nevertheless, it is still not decided funds will not be received, the whether these software-related Sri Lanka will obtain emergency financial support under Plans of bringing in a new Government has given up on the changes would be made by the Sri the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) of the International Excise Act, replacing the idea of bringing in a new Excise Lankan Government in the existing Monetary Fund (IMF) only if the support would be existing over 100-year-old Act. However, the Department of Ordinance while amending it, as provided with no conditionality, according to the Central Excise Ordinance of the Excise expects to make amendments these changes would be a costly Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor. country, has hit a dead end to the existing Ordinance to suit affair. For example, the development as the World Bank (WB), the present-day needs. of a digital system which would “We do not want to go for the is no “urgency” of obtaining this fund provider of this plan, Sources from the Excise address the loopholes in excise tax conditionality of the IMF. We were facility in any case as Sri Lanka has terminated its funds, The Department told The Sunday Morning collection alone would cost over $ told this arrangement is without has “other sources” of funding. Sunday Morning Business Business that the amendments would 7 million. any conditions. If that is the case, However, a country requesting be made in consultation with industry Under the previous plan, when the opportunity comes we RFI assistance is required to learnt. stakeholders, but are unlikely to be stakeholders, police stations around will renegotiate it. It has to be co-operate with the IMF Drafting a new Excise Act was a completed within this year. However, the island, and tourist hotels were negotiated on our conditions,” to make efforts to part of a $ 60 million World Bank- a foundation is expected to be laid planned to be interlinked for Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman solve its balance funded project that comprised a for the amendments within the next improved monitoring of supply told The Sunday Morning Business. of payment couple of other similar projects four months. chains while manufacturers, According to him, negotiations difficulties and for several state institutions, but Under earlier plans, the new Excise consumers, and liquor license holders pertaining to Sri Lanka’s request to describe the entire project was terminated Act was expected to incorporate were expected to be able to obtain from the IMF for emergency the general recently due to unknown reasons. world-class best practices in terms data and information including financial support are on hold at economic The new Excise Act was expected of the expansion of the excise tax the types of licenses, prices, and the moment and the resumption of policies that to be an amalgamation of the revenue base, simplify tax rates, regulations on one platform. negotiations would depend entirely it proposes to existing Excise Ordinance and and introduce new technologies. It As of October last year, the on the stance of the IMF with follow while Tobacco Tax Act, with a completely was also expected to improve the new Excise Act, which was at the regard to the current economic prior actions digitalised platform. Under this excise revenue management system, preliminary drafting stage with two policies of Sri Lanka. beyond these revamp, the Excise Ordinance along as the Department of Excise would committees amending the Excise The Governor noted that the may also be with 1,020 excise notifications and adopt a digital system for revenue Ordinance along with the excise negotiations came to a standstill required where 2,500 circulars, was to be updated collection similar to the Revenue regulations and notifications, was some time back and none of warranted. to cater to modern-day requirements Administration Management expected to come into effect from the parties have yet started Contd. on Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman and be merged with the Tobacco Information System (RAMIS) of last December onwards. renegotiating. He added that there page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Tax Act. the Department of Inland Revenue. Contd. on page 2 SLTDA CLAIMS VICTORY IN LAND ISSUE Yala land to go to new investor MILK IMPORTERS WANT PRICE HIKE BY THE SUNDAY MORNING Pre-election request rejected an injunction sought the SLTDA in June preventing BUSINESS DESK by Lanka Realty to prevent the them from leasing the land to SLTDA from taking possession of another investor, in its last hearing The Sri Lanka Tourism the seven-acre plot of land in the did issue such an enjoining order to be re-submitted Development Authority (SLTDA) Yala Palapatuna Tourism Zone. to bar the SLTDA from taking plans to proceed leasing out a plot The said land was leased to the possession of the land, or getting BY UWIN LUGODA of land in the Yala Palapatuna SLTDA in May 2014. However, involved in any development or Tourism Zone to a foreign investor, as the lessee made no progress in entering into an agreement with a Local milk powder as it has interpreted a decision of developing the land within the third party on the said property,” importers plan to request a the Colombo District Court as stipulated time period, the lease Wijesinghe added. price increase for imported permitting it to proceed. agreement was revoked and was According to her, with the Court milk powder from the Therefore the land, which was SLTDA Chairperson about to be leased to another party. rejecting the injunction sought by Consumer Affairs Authority originally leased to Lanka Realty Kimarli Fernando Then, Lanka Realty sought an Lanka Realty, the SLTDA can now (CAA), the second such Investment PLC, is now planned to SLTDA Director General enjoining order against this move take possession of the land and request to be made in the be leased to One Nature (Pvt.) Ltd., Dhammika Wijesinghe told The by the SLTDA in June 2020. proceed with the delayed foreign span of three months. a Dubai-based wildlife hotel chain Sunday Morning Business that “The Colombo DC, which investor. A well-placed source that has properties in Tanzania. the Colombo District Court (DC) issued an enjoining order against Contd. on page 2 told The Sunday Morning Business that the initial request made in May The source stated that depreciated at a dramatic 2020 was rejected in July since the full Cabinet has rate, especially since March by the CAA, with the now been appointed, the this year. Unlike many other reasons believed to be the industry plans on making industries, Covid-19 has Plans to set up looming general election the necessary assessments not caused any significant and concerns about a to the appeal and make impact to the business of loss of popularity for the the recommendations. milk importers. Government. According to the source, The initial request for company e-registry Now that the election is several companies have the price increase was sent over, the industry is set to already moved forward with to the CAA in the month make another collective their own request for a price of May, where the milk zRequest to be submitted this month zAimed at increasing formal sector request for the increase increase from the CAA. powder importers requested BY UWIN LUGODA “We do not have a set date for the launch yet. businesses at the Department of the Registrar in the prices of imported “We are suggesting that an increase in the price of a We have to first get approval from the Cabinet of Companies (DRC), and only the businesses milk powder to reflect the the Government either gives kilogramme of imported milk The Department of Census and Statistics and proceed to discuss all the details with the that exceed a certain turnover limit register their rupee depreciation-led losses us a price revision or duty powder by Rs. 60-70. When (DCS) plans to submit a proposal for the launch Ministry Secretary.” businesses at the Inland Revenue Department suffered by the industry. revision. In my opinion, they received no positive of an e-registry portal, which would serve as The need for this portal came about due (IRD). Businesses that do not come under these “We plan to make another having a duty cut would be response for the request, the a comprehensive registry of all registered and to a large number of businesses operating categories remain unregistered, and that is a appeal for a suitable price a better option rather than industry then planned to have unregistered businesses in Sri Lanka, before unregistered, thereby failing to be captured concern for us,” Dr. Bandara said at the time. revision during the course a price increase, especially a meeting with the CAA in the end of this month. under DCS surveys. The portal is expected to This portal will be launched under the of this month. Our initial during this Covid situation.” the month of June, where Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, help formalise the economy and provide more Ministry of Finance, while the Industry Division request was reviewed during The request for an they could discuss matters DCS Director General Dr. I.R. Bandara revealed accurate data to be used in economic indicators. of the DCS is set to overlook its functions. the election period, and increase has been made pertaining to the prices of that they are set to submit a proposal to the The plans to formalise the informal sector Dr. Bandara stated that this was mainly to attract usually decisions like this mainly due to the increase imported milk powder and Cabinet and have discussions with the Secretary via an online platform were initially revealed the unregistered businesses in the country, and are not made during this of the dollar value since arrive at a mutual agreement. of the Ministry of Finance, before moving to us by Dr. Bandara in February of 2020. is expected to formalise the country’s economy. time,” our source said. the Sri Lankan rupee Contd. on page 2 forward with the launch. “Only private liable businesses register their Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business FINANCIAL/NEWS Sunday, August 16, 2020 PAYPAL INWARD REMITTANCES How badly do our SMEs need it? BY UWIN LUGODA payment platform to be operational currently available in 202 countries in Sri Lanka.” and 25 currencies around the world, Sri Lanka has for years had an unrequited love towards Speaking on the matter, Sri Lanka with over 325 million accounts the international payment giant, PayPal. Since 2014, local Chamber of Small and Medium worldwide. This has led to PayPal authorities have made several unsuccessful attempts to get the Industries (SLCSMI) President being credited for enabling global international payment platform to provide inward remittance Mohideen Cader stated that they are ecommerce by making payments facilities to Sri Lanka. currently trying to cluster the SMEs possible across different locations, who are looking to market their currencies, and languages. The Sunday Morning Business of the local economy. He explained products and services internationally, Sri Lankans have been using exclusively reported last week that that Sri Lanka’s economy has not and a payment gateway like PayPal PayPal for outward remittances but no significant progress has been been large and lucrative enough to would help these local SMEs. receiving inward remittances has made in establishing the payment entice the platform into entering the Furthermore, Kumaratunge long been a struggle for ecommerce giant in Sri Lanka as a domestic country. added to this sentiment and stated businesses, graphic designers, web partner bank for inward remittances, These attempts to entice the that after receiving a fully fledged developers, and ICT professionals. despite the Central Bank of Sri platform date back to 2014, under PayPal facility, Sri Lankans will be PayPal has received more than Lanka (CBSL) having been in the then CBSL Governor, Ajith able to service in global businesses, 20 awards for excellence from the contact with PayPal officials. Nivard Cabraal. During this time, Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to as there will be low transaction whose mode of payment is primarily internet industry and the business While discussions have been negotiations were conducted facilitate online payment gateways volumes and certainly not PayPal. Accordingly, this will community, with the most notable conducted between the Central between the relevant parties, which and digital financial services. because of regulatory limitations. support growth in SMEs. being the 2006 Webby Award for Bank and PayPal India, via their led to the CBSL pledging an ease In October the same year, the Nevertheless, the Information and Due to these reasons, Kamrudeen Best Financial Services Site and the regional headquarters in Singapore, in restrictions for PayPal to allow Government said that it was Communication Technology Agency stated that it is important that the 2006 Webby People’s Voice Award the company is yet to confirm an all- inward payments. Following this, changing laws so that tech industry (ICTA) a few years ago, stated that local authorities set up a taskforce for Best Financial Services Site. important visit to Sri Lanka, in order the Government that was elected in workers can receive payments from PayPal is reluctant to venture into to understand why the international PayPal has also expressed their to meet the relevant officials. January 2015 made no progress in PayPal by 2020. Talks about getting Sri Lanka due to complexities in platform is reluctant to enter Sri commitment to revolutionise global When asked about the progress getting PayPal to enter Sri Lanka, PayPal came to the forefront once Sri Lanka’s “draconian” Exchange Lanka and find a way to mitigate the remittances, to make it easier of getting the payment platform into nor did they publicly discuss the again recently, ahead of the election. Control Act. issue. to send money across national the country, CBSL – Payments and payment platform up until early Nevertheless, after years of “Our online purchasing and borders. Digital remittances Settlements Department Director 2016. attempts, PayPal is yet to even The benefit of PayPal business has always been low and yield lower costs than traditional D. Kumaratunge told The Sunday In March 2016, the Government inform them of their requirement Kamrudeen stated that a payment this is probably why they have been channels by providing greater Morning Business that the regional announced plans to get “Stripe”, to come into Sri Lanka, according platform like PayPal would be very reluctant so far. However, after the speed, accessibility, ease of use, and PayPal officials are in the process of a new start-up reportedly similar to Kumaratunge. It has also been beneficial to Sri Lanka, as it will Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, security. assessing opportunities in Sri Lanka to PayPal. That same month, then reported that Indian PayPal officials open up a gateway for a lot of small our online purchasing and other In 2015, PayPal acquired Xoom, to grant PayPal money receiving Minister of Telecommunications were unresponsive to attempts made and medium enterprises (SMEs) to business activities substantially a digital money transfer product facilities. and Digital Infrastructure Harin by CBSL to revive talks on getting market their products globally. He increased.” that leverages technology to help “The Central Bank is continuing Fernando stated that the country will PayPal into Sri Lanka. Therefore, explained that the platform will also Kamrudeen suggested that if with this goal. Xoom has since communication with regional gain inward access to PayPal from CBSL had to contact the regional encourage micro and home-based this increase in online activity is partnered with credible banks and PayPal officials to obtain the PayPal 2017 onwards as the Government headquarters in Singapore through businesses to look at exporting their insufficient to convince PayPal, partners around the world to provide facility for Sri Lanka,” Kumaratunge managed to “convince” PayPal. But, whom CBSL was able to reach products and services. the local authorities should look at fast and secure money transfers to stated. According to Federation of PayPal did not enter the country in the Indian officials. After this, the “PayPal’s entry into Sri Lanka selling Sri Lanka’s future potential, key remittance corridors like India, Information Technology Industry 2017 and no reasons were provided Indian officials had expressed their will open up a method for these showing them the predicted growth China, Mexico, the Philippines, Sri Lanka (FITIS) Chairman Abbas for this. intention to visit Sri Lanka. businesses to go online, advertise, of the country and its lucrative and many other countries in South Kamrudeen, one of the reasons for In March 2018, Sri Lanka was In 2017, CBSL stated that PayPal and receive payments online. So future. America, Eastern Europe, and PayPal’s reluctance could be the size developing a National Financial has been hesitant over the years we should encourage PayPal or any Founded in 1998, the platform is Africa. Tourism Alliance names ‘Transformational Designer’ winners SLI declares highest-ever life Sri Lanka Tourism (small and medium Malik Fernando. programme will give her the be the same post the Covid- insurance bonus of Rs. 8.2 b Alliance, together with the enterprise) sector. Sharing her opportunity to drive change, 19 pandemic. Travellers will Sri Lanka Insurance fund have enabled US-based Transformational We understand the views on why she inspire, and guide her team to want their hard-earned money (SLI) declared a life the company to give Travel Council announced importance of building applied for the bring transformational travel to being put into good use; to insurance bonus of Rs. higher returns to its yesterday (13) the winners the knowledge and Transformational the forefront here in Sri Lanka. see communities and the 8.2 billion for the year policyholders. of the scholarship for the experience required to Travel Designer Dilsiri Welikala is the environment cared through it. 2020 to its life insurance SLI has achieved this “Transformational Travel deliver quality visitor Programme, Co-Founder and owner of He hopes the Transformational policyholders, the largest extraordinary performance Designer Programme”. Due to experiences throughout Goonesekera Kitesurfing Lanka, one of the Travel Programme will propel life insurance bonus ever while reporting a the “overwhelming” response Sri Lanka. This is why highlighted that first kiting companies in Sri him to leverage on post-Covid to be declared in the significant growth in its received, the Tourism Alliance we partnered with the transformational Lanka. With no background in traveller sentiments. insurance industry of Sri assets base to Rs. 211 said it has decided to award Transformation Travel travel has really been tourism, Welikala relied on his Chandika Jayaratne is part of Lanka, bringing the total billion, which is again the Andrea not one but three scholarships Council to provide this Goonesekera of gaining traction over ability to listen to consumers the team at Vayu Mannar and of life insurance bonuses largest in the insurance to Andrea Goonesekera of great opportunity to the The Fabulous the last decade and her and observe what others were hopes to gain more insights paid to policyholders industry and securing the The Fabulous Getaway, Dilsiri SME sector. We hope Getaway team at The Fabulous doing to create immersive, into the practical aspects of since 2005 to Rs. 64.6 Fitch rating AAA (lka) Welikala of Kitesurfing Lanka, the three participants Getaway have actively unique, and amazing transformational travel. He billion. for long-term financial and Chandika Jayaratne of Vayu will be able to take away skills, been seeking to increase their experiences. Welikala is hopes this programme will Recording the largest stability, making it the Mannar. Each scholarship is tools, and connections to bring understanding on curating focused on building a holistic really help him get a better life insurance fund of Rs. only insurance company valued at $ 2,000. transformational travel to the meaningful transformational ecosystem through tourism understanding on how to 116 billion, the company’s in Sri Lanka to receive “The Tourism Alliance has forefront of Sri Lanka’s tourism experiences that really resonate that would benefit the whole enhance their product offering prudent investment AAA (lka) rating and taken time to think about how structure,” said Sri Lanka with modern-day travellers. community. He believes that while also helping local management strategies secure the rating for the best we can support the SME Tourism Alliance Co-chair Andrea hopes that this the world of travel will never communities. and accumulating life second consecutive time.

Contd. from page 1

Business that this request was being reviewed. Accordingly, the first critical injunction the DCS will have access to updated and imported milk powder prices, on 1 May, New Excise... Nozaki added that the RFI, if approved, could sought was to prevent the SLTDA from taking current-time information of all businesses brought their prices on a par with the prices of The Excise Ordinance was introduced potentially replace the $ 1.5 billion existing possession of the said land, carrying out in the country, be it registered through the imported milk powder. in 1912 and the Department of Excise was Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of development activities on the land, and taking DRC, IRD, or any provincial secretariat, The industry was also requesting the established in 1913. Since then, the Ordinance Sri Lanka with the IMF from which Sri Lanka steps to lease the land to a foreign investor, which would make it much easier for the Government to introduce a proper scientific has been amended 25 times. However, there has so far received $ 1.3 billion. and this has been rejected by the Colombo Department to capture statistics more mechanism or price formula for imported has been virtually no digitization over the In May, IMF Communications Department DC. The second injunction sought was to accurately. milk powder to reflect the global milk powder years. Director Gerry Rice, during a virtual meeting, prevent the SLTDA from relying on specific “We will have access to different variables prices locally as well as to ensure periodic Further, according to the industry stated that the IMF will be working in close documents in terminating the lease with including the production of businesses. Even revisions without the intervention or requests stakeholders, the existing Ordinance provides co-ordination with the Government to assess Lanka Realty. Nevertheless, the Court issued though we are getting it through the DRC at from the industry to do so. ample loopholes for perpetrators to produce all relevant factors related to that request. the injunction only for the second request, the moment, the process is complicated and Furthermore, industry stakeholders believe illicit liquor, thereby creating a massive loss “I can also say that the Sri Lankan according to Wijesinghe. time-consuming. Sometimes, by the time we that the prices of imported milk powder in the Government’s tax revenue while only authorities also expressed interest in a range Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, get the registration information of a business, should be increased by a minimum of 5% legitimate liquor manufacturers pay large of options for future engagement with the SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando made the business would even be closed down,” every year and noted that the industry is not in sums in taxes. Fund, and, in this context, again, we’re the following comments. she further noted. According to Dr. Bandara, favour of having price controls for imported Despite being over a century old, Sri discussing the authority’s intention to replace “It is extremely regrettable that a private the new portal will be beneficial for informal milk powder. Lanka’s present Excise Ordinance is still a the Extended Fund Facility arrangement that sector firm engaged in the tourism industry businesses in terms of legal aspects as there The last revision to imported milk powder ‘great piece of legislation’, sources from the they had with the rapid financing instrument,” attempted to bring the SLTDA, the regulatory would be ways to identify these businesses prices was made in December 2019, where Department claimed. Rice added. authority, into disrepute, and by implication and compensate them in case of a natural the price of a 1 kg pack of imported milk Last year, then Minister of Finance The seventh and final review of the current the Government, when the regulatory disaster such as the tsunami. powder was reduced by Rs. 40 while the price Mangala Samaraweera during a press EFF programme was scheduled to take authority was carrying out its lawful activities A study carried out by the DCS in 2013, of a 400 g packet was reduced by Rs. 15. This conference stated that the Existing Excise place after mid-April, but was postponed in implementing past decisions by the Board which is the latest study conducted, indicates revision was made to reflect the reduction of Ordinance was brought in during Queen indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. of Directors and the Cabinet of Ministers. that out of one million businesses identified in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) and the National Victoria’s regime and therefore the mentality The eighth and final tranche of $ 190 million The attempt by Lanka Realty Leisure to the country during the year 2013, 96.5% are Building Tax (NBT) announced by President of the Ordinance still belongs to early 19th was scheduled to be provided to Sri Lanka divert attention from its own shortcomings informal businesses. The DCS believes this Gotabaya Rajapaksa in November. Century. following this review but is yet to be received by slinging mud at a state institution and its percentage has not come down significantly The last time imported milk prices were “If we continue with this Act, the officials by the Government. The IMF is yet to officers is deplorable.” in the years that followed. increased was in September by the former at the Department of Excise will keep disclose the value of the RFI being discussed When contacted by us to obtain their According to the International Labour Government and it was made under a milk getting richer while the illicit liquor brewing with Sri Lanka or whether the value of the perspective, Lanka Realty refused to Organisation (ILO), almost two-thirds of pricing formula. In September 2019, the price increases day by day,” Samaraweera noted. final tranche of the EFF would be added to comment as it is an ongoing court case. total employment in Sri Lanka is informal. of a 1 kg pack of imported milk powder was the RFI. The ILO suggests that regulations and increased by Rs. 50 and the price of a 400 g The RFI provides rapid and low-access procedures relating to enterprises may need to packet was increased by Rs. 20. IMF support... financial assistance to countries facing an Plans... be simplified and incentives such as credit be Industry sources noted that the milk powder Therefore, it is as yet unclear how much urgent balance of payments need, without She explained that businesses currently offered so that it would encourage informal pricing formula that was in use at that point bargaining power Sri Lanka would have if it the need to have a full-fledged programme have a multitude of ways to register, and enterprises to seek legal recognition. was a trial formula for a period of one year was to enter an RFI. in place. The RFI is designed for situations despite this, there are a large number of Business registration in Sri Lanka has and it is no longer in use, adding that it was It also remains to be seen if this instrument where a full-fledged economic programme businesses that still belong to the informal been a lethargic, costly, and time-consuming anyway complicated and there was a need would fit into the Government’s policy is either not necessary or feasible. Financial sector. process, and several initiatives have been for a simpler formula. Even though the framework, which has leaned towards assistance provided under the RFI should The portal is also expected to enable the taken by Sri Lankan authorities to address this new Government has not been seen to be nationalistic and inward-looking trade be repaid within three-and-a-quarter to five DCS to produce far more accurate economic issue over the past several years with limited implementing the formula periodically, it is policies. years. data than it does at present. It would also success. still unclear whether they have given up on it Sri Lanka submitted the request to the necessitate all unregistered or informal sector or not. IMF for emergency financial support under businesses to get registered, and conditions Repeated attempts by us to reach the CAA the RFI in April this year. In mid-April, IMF Yala land... with regard to compulsory compliance will Pre-election... for a comment on the matter proved futile as Acting Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Masahiro The SLTDA claims that Lanka Realty took also be issued. It is notable that the increase in local milk we were told the relevant officials were not in Nozaki confirmed to The Sunday Morning the SLTDA to Court seeking two injunctions. Following the establishment of the portal, powder prices, which are usually less than office or at meetings on each occasion. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, August 16, 2020 INSIGHT/INVESTMENT

By Dhananath Fernando With the appointment of Sri Lanka’s economy the Cabinet of Ministers and state ministers, the real game has started. Now the challenge is transforming an ailing economy to a competitive economy within must follow Vietnam a short period of time. There are many debates among z We have more than just Covid management to learn from them the public on the division of ministerial portfolios. However in reality, bigger economic challenges and a need to manage foreign affairs will outweigh all micro debates put together. Problems at hand The problems in our economy have been discussed extensively. We all know that we are burdened with short and long-term severe economic ailments. We have to literally unlearn, undo, and pay for the sin of economic mismanagement of over 40 years within the next four years. As a The sixth National Party Congress in Vietnam, which took place in December 1986, was a significant milestone matter of fact, $ 4 billion is required thanks to the introduction of a reform known as Doi Moi each year for debt servicing in the coming four years. Just to put things also be read as a serious betrayal of two wars and their economy and categories. Although Vietnam Vietnam had the right ingredients a contingency. Again, Vietnam in context, per year we need four people’s expectations and under- social condition was in shambles. is somewhat behind us in raw for investments. While most other became the ideal location given the times the value of the Hambantota delivery in performance. Vietnam won the war with the US numbers, they are far ahead in the regional markets, including Sri close proximity to China and more Port deal to just keep our noses A clear mandate was provided but the victory meant very little journey of being the next economic Lanka, were trapped in labour- than that, its business-conducive above water. We have to do it for in November last year before to overcome economic hardships. miracle in Asia. intensive industries, Vietnam environment. Sri Lanka too can get four years provided that there are no Covid-19 and it has been re-assured Making things worse, they had to had already moved to high-tech few investments if we play our cards major negative shocks in the global post Covid with another mandate. fight another battle with Cambodia How they did it and advanced product categories right with big ticket investors using and local economy. Since the world has come to a while it was believed that Cambodia Simply, they carried out reforms through global co-operation. a China Plus One strategy. The poor public finances new equilibrium post Covid on was supported by China. After two to improve the competitiveness Samsung shifted its smartphone management combined with the economic front, it is important crippling wars, Vietnam had lost of the Vietnamese economy. production to Vietnam, Apple Lessons and solutions deteriorating government income to keep an up-to-date pragmatic about 1-3 million young people. Tariffs at the border were lowered is reported to manufacture their Sri Lanka needs to unlearn from are just additional issues we have approach with the underlying Basically, at this point, Vietnam was to improve the competitiveness Airpods in Vietnam, and Google the era of producing everything to deal with. Sri Lanka managed to principle of making our economy worse off than Sri Lanka right after of Vietnamese products. The plans to shift their smartphone on our own. That is history. Now contain Covid-19 well compared competitive, efficient, relevant to the war. Government limited its role to production from China to Vietnam. the world is in a place where they to our neighbours, but with New global markets, and productive. The post-war “Doi Moi” that of a facilitator and the private As a result of co-operation produce only parts and components Zealand going back to a lockdown programme transformed Vietnam sector and foreign direct investment with these global companies, and have moved on to assembly. and many Sri Lankans working Role model Vietnam and put them back on the map in were given the opportunity to lead homegrown Vietnamese companies Sri Lanka needs to get onto this abroad planning to return within Through a pragmatic and just 10 years. Vietnam managed to the economy. Global co-operation are now emerging, showing boat and begin producing parts the next few months, there is an dynamic approach, one country pick the right policy mix through the was embraced and Vietnam competitive potential in global and components and that too, indication that the risk of a sudden that has done exceptionally well, Doi Moi programme and managed signed 10 very well negotiated markets. A good lesson for Sri competitively. Just producing uptick in Covid cases is still high. not only in the containment of to establish a strong economic free trade agreements. Though I Lanka on understanding the recipe products for the sake of producing Covid-19 but also in economic foundation, stronger than our post- am not a strong proponent of free to improve local production is that them is not the way to boost local Reading the mandate management, is Vietnam. Sri Lanka war reforms. This doesn’t mean trade agreements and I believe in local production can be improved production. Like Vietnam did, In this context, people have has many lessons to learn from that Vietnam has solved all their unilateral trade facilitation, Vietnam only if we produce goods and first you get the know-how and provided a two-thirds majority Vietnam, if we are serious about problems, but they have been able has signalled how serious they are services on a globally competitive play with world-class players on for “Saubhagya Dakma”, the transforming our economy! Till to create a strong economy which on trade through their consistent scale. Vietnam has proven this. your own soil which will produce manifesto of His Excellency 30 July no deaths were reported in can withstand a global pandemic. collaboration with other markets. results. This will not only improve the President. Though it is a Vietnam due to Covid-19 infections, About 97% of their population have With the Doi Moi programme, China Plus One strategy our share in global markets but reasonable assumption to read this despite Vietnam sharing a border health coverage and so far it looks they first managed to get one main With Covid-19, ideologies on self- also improve local production. I election victory as the citizenry’s with China and having a population like Vietnam is one of the biggest investor, Nokia, and then built sufficiency are resurfacing, but the hope the new Government and the overwhelming support of the of 95 million. However, over the survivors of the Covid-19 pandemic. confidence in capital markets. As a reality is that the world has decided respective ministers will understand manifesto, I believe it is also a last few days, according to data, They were only able to do this as result, other investors rallied around to diversify its supply chain. China the dynamics and capitalise on this voice of tiredness and displeasure there is a sudden uptick in cases a result of the business and trade- the main investment and diversified is the factory of the entire world, wave. I wish them all the strength by all Sri Lankans against the and 16 deaths have been reported. friendly economic programme rapidly. Today, Vietnam has become but due to rising labour charges and vision to build a resilient economic and political system This is also a reminder that Covid- they introduced in the early 1990s. the China of China. even before Covid-19, companies economy and wish Sri Lanka’s that we marinated in for decades. 19 management is a continuous Vietnam started labour-intensive Vietnam has good trade relations were considering moving out economy will stand the test of time. This message can be put simply battle that must be forged until the productions similarly to Bangladesh with both China and the US and of China. However, given the (The writer is the Chief as a voice calling for a complete world comes up with a vaccine or and Sri Lanka, but unlike Sri Lanka, have become the largest beneficiary large infrastructure and business Operating Officer of Advocata revamp of the existing system. In sustainable solution. they managed to move on to more of trade tensions between these ecosystem and the availability of a Institute. He can be contacted at other words, making a competitive, By 1986 Vietnam had suffered technologically advanced product two global economic giants. Due to range of skills (low-level skills to [email protected]. Learn efficient, productive, and sustainable trade tensions between the US and high-level, specialised skills) in one more about Advocata’s work at system for a progressive Sri Lanka. The China, most Chinese-manufactured market, China is still competitive. www.advocata.org. The opinions The underlying voice is that Sri products were transhipped through But now companies are moving expressed are the author’s own Lankans are not happy with where Coordin tion Problem Vietnam. On the other hand, most to a “China Plus One” strategy – views. They may not necessarily we are, although the same Sri US-allied countries looked at a meaning they keep their supply reflect the views of the Advocata Lankans are responsible for electing by business-conducive market outside chain in China, while investing Institute, or anyone affiliated with all governments in the past. It may China to diversify their factories and in another Plus One market as the institute)

CAL advises Sunshine Holdings Tour agencies dropping like on Rs 1.7 b Daintee acquisition Capital Alliance Ltd. (CAL) has The transaction was structured by CAL advised Sunshine Holdings PLC on to enable the Sunshine Group to expand flies in Covid drought the recent Rs. 1.7 billion acquisition of its operations in the FMCG space with the BY UWIN LUGODA the industry begins to permanently shutting up markets such as India, China, Daintee Ltd. by one of its subsidiaries, the use of Daintee’s well-established brands, recover. He explained that shop, while the bigger and Europe are yet to open their firm announced last week. thereby maximising the growth prospects Companies are on hiatus, while they do not have ones have curtailed borders. They explained that Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd., a fully of both entities, CAL said. honeymoons and vacations are a proper number, quite a staff and are focusing for them to have any hope of owned subsidiary of Estate Management “Functioning as the buy-side advisors cancelled, and thousands of few companies have had on planning for the year recovering, their markets will also Services (Pvt.) Ltd. (EMSPL), which to the Sunshine Group, CAL was workers are laid off. Covid-19’s to temporarily shut down 2021. have to recover. is a fully owned subsidiary of Sunshine entrusted the role of harnessing the impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism their operations, mainly One inbound tour “It’s not just about Sri Lanka; Holdings, entered into a share sale and value of the Daintee brand that has been industry has been devastating, due to the expected agency that specialises in it’s about our markets as well. purchase agreement with the shareholders created over the years and plugging it and now it seems to have hit the financial packages never the Chinese market stated The tourists that come from those of Daintee on 6 August 2020 to purchase into the Sunshine Group, such that they final nail in the coffin for some coming through. that they were one of the markets need to have exposable 100% shareholding amounting to 10 can expand their presence as a leading inbound travel agencies. “Unfortunately, a lot of SLAITO first tour agencies in Sri income, which is a rarity in this million ordinary shares. FMCG conglomerate in Sri Lanka. President Mahen For almost six months now, inbound tour companies Kariyawasam Lanka to lose business environment, and they need to be Commenting on the acquisition, Group Having negotiated through a number of Sri Lanka has had no inbound are finding it hard to this year, due to the able to travel outside their home Managing Director Vish Govindasamy prospective investors, CAL played an tourists due to the Covid-19 sustain themselves and pay their pandemic impacting their target countries.” said: “I believe this transaction positions instrumental role in the implementation of pandemic, which has led many staff. Some have had to curtail market well before it reached Kariyawasam shared a similar the Sunshine Group on the path to the transaction by liaising with all related tour agencies, regardless of the their staff, while others have put Sri Lanka. An official from the sentiment where he stated that as becoming the leading FMCG (fast- parties and engaging in negotiations size, to temporarily shut up shop. their staff on no pay leaves.” agency stated that since then, other countries would take time to moving consumer goods) conglomerate with Daintee, on behalf of Sunshine, In the meantime, though, some Kariyawasam stated that the they have had to let go of a bulk open their borders, he expects Sri in Sri Lanka and is a strong statement securing the most beneficial terms of the agencies have recently made the Government initially came up of their staff and put the rest on Lanka’s tourism recovery to come about our vision to grow.” transaction,” it said. tough decision to permanently with a good plan to support the indefinite leave. in the second quarter of 2021. CAL Vice President of Investment Having been a family-run business over shut down. industry, which was approved “We have had a very tough “Our season usually starts in Banking Rizny Faisal went on to say: the past 35 years, Daintee has become Speaking to The Sunday by the Cabinet of Ministers. year, and we might have to close December and ends in April, “The transaction is a boost for the a household name as one of the largest Morning Business, Sri Lanka However, he stated that banks our offices in Sri Lanka because but I think we will be missing country’s capital markets in a post- players in the confectionery space in Sri Association of Inbound Tour are yet to implement this plan, unlike other agencies, we were it this year because most of the Covid-19 landscape and has been Lanka with an islandwide footprint and Operators (SLAITO) President making it hard for the industry to impacted since the start of 2020.” European and Chinese borders a testament to CAL’s unwavering over 95,000 touchpoints. Mahen Kariyawasam stated that survive. Another agency added to this, are closed, and these are two of commitment to its clients, whilst Sunshine Holdings is a conglomerate he has a gut feeling that a few The Sunday Morning Business stating that even if the local our biggest markets. So until they solidifying CAL’s stance as Sri Lanka’s with a core focus on healthcare, of their members will have to learnt that several smaller inbound airports open to international open up properly, we will feel that family business expert in investment agribusiness, consumer goods, and shut down permanently before tour agencies are contemplating tourists, most of Sri Lanka’s main pinch.” banking.” renewable energy. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/OPINION Sunday, August 16, 2020 Appointments for ‘system change’? The ministries doled out on Wednesday (12) reflected an disruption to survive and thrive. service and sometimes even the statesmen and stateswomen emphasis on building local industries with a serious focus on So for each minister entrusted with private sector from performing who, if they don’t already, will infusing at least some aptitude into critical, development- the project, the time has come to with independence. work hard to understand the big oriented positions. While more effort could have been prove their competence and secure What the private sector in picture, who at least acknowledge made to hand out better titles instead of what amounted their political futures. particular needs now is a stable existential threats like climate almost to job descriptions, the process that governed the The liberal ideals of the past policy framework that allows change, who know the value appointments – from a gazette on cabinet ministries and have now taken a backseat to them to plan strategies and project of facilitating and supporting their fragmentation into state ministries to issuing each an the new mantra of inclusive performance in the medium to innovation, and who have a appointment letter at the very outset with clarity on the nationalism to deliver prosperity long term; to be able to emerge vision of what their homeland and maintain peace. Looking THE from the Covid-19-related impacts should be in the next decade and allocation of subjects, responsibilities, institutions, and even inwards is great to protect our into a new, predictable policy beyond. While quite a few senior the benefits entailed – must be acknowledged as a step in national interests and protect HEADLIGHT environment. citizens have been made cabinet the right direction. our identity. But we are past a When Sri Lanka’s Ninth ministers, it is worthy to note the The rationale behind the industries, growing food locally, stage where the typically defined ours and harnessing the benefits of Parliament meets on the 20th, attempt at a division of labour fragmentation of subjects of state empowering local entrepreneurs, “self-sufficiency” works; the what’s out there without regressing we will see many new faces – between a policymaking senior ministers (the subject of public enhancing local capabilities modern world is intrinsically to short-sighted protectionist among them plenty of non-career brigade and a younger, fresher ridicule in some cases) is more and generating value addition, interconnected and global trade is tactics. politicians: Many professionals team of state ministers to deliver logical when viewed in the context and pushing innovation and built on cross-border activity. We Far from globalisation being the and academics, a number of on productivity KPIs pegged to of the key thrusts of the President’s technological capacity to achieve cannot step away from the state enemy, the real economic evil is young MPs, and while women are Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s manifesto. “Saubhagyaye Dekma” national development. That inward focus of globalisation we are at; our myopic policymaking, self-serving still severely underrepresented, Could this be the moment of that policy framework. It leans heavily necessitates that each industry contemporary path must achieve a politicians, and the interference there are several with exemplary much-awaited “system change”? towards strengthening local rethinks, innovates, and seeks balance between protecting what’s that prevents the administrative CVs. Let’s hope we’ve elected Time will tell.

By Ranel T. Wijesinha A privatisation case This is a sequel to the previous week’s article on the topic of privatisation, given also the requests of readers that I share a few practical examples. Although I was reserving case studies for workshops, I thought I must share this experience study – the Veytex story this Sunday. As I have often stated, we professionals must share our experiences, z such that both politicians and professionals A flashback to the early 1990s, but yet compellingly relevant will engage in debates of substance and reality, rather than rhetoric and insecurity. rendered redundant a high proportion of bid half the amount all present suggested! staff on an annual basis for two to five I intervened and very gently opined that Veyangoda Textile Mills – Veytex years. Given the bid condition that all staff the bid would be of academic value and Veytex was an “integrated mill” were required to be retained at terms no that we may as well not invest professional designed and built decades before and less favourable than that which existed hours to prepare the comprehensive bid thus imported cotton, and in the old- at the time of the proposed privatisation document. The Chairman’s wish prevailed. fashioned way performed all the functions or divestiture, we developed a voluntary I and my team, secretary, and all worked of spinning, weaving, dyeing, finishing, retirement package – a cash outflow for the night and weekend. The professional printing, etc. using old and outdated looms, each such number rendered redundant. The time was our non-billable, fixed salaries as inappropriate printing machines, outdated price we arrived at, at our costs of capital always, in bids that we submitted! techniques, and with inadequate focus on then and assessment of risk premia, was quality control, an absence of focus on alarmingly low or negative. None of the The Boards’ decision “market demand-driven” product design scenarios looked positive. Thus we finally bid half the value of etc., and much more. The entity was what was expected – a smart move by technologically obsolete and overstaffed. Recommendation to the the then Chairman – to keep all content. Chairman and Board His premise was that if we lost it, based The bid conditions My conclusion was that we should not on my advice that it was not worth the This was a state-owned fabric bid since. At that time, there was also a expected value, we simply walk away from manufacturing enterprise, the divestiture sector-related opportunity cost in this. We a potentially bad investment. If we won of which was advertised in the press, had been approached by an Australian it, we acquired it at a price low enough to somewhere in the very early 1990s, party, with whom, for a quantum similar invest even heavily in it. Of course, the inviting bidders inter alia to (1) provide An example of a modern spinning mill to the bid price expected by the Treasury entity had real estate, which to me, for a assurances on retaining staff; (2) and the Chief Government Valuer for company which already had real estate demonstrate technical and financial Veytex (a figure which was “in the air” as waiting to generate cash returns, was not capability to implement a five to seven- it were), we could have built a profitable, prudent. Well, we lost the bid and walked year modernisation and technology single jersey knitted fabric plant rather away happy. upgrading master plan; (3) demonstrate than inherit an integrated, outdated, It is also an instance where the GoSL ability to progress to a certain level of overstaffed, unstable, cash-demanding exits to provide existing employees ISO (International Organisation for SOE producing uncompetitive, low-quality with greater job security in the Standardisation)-related quality standards; woven fabric, and a possible very hostile medium to long term through better (4) demonstrate ability to improve staff in the event a redundancy plan was to management of the entity’s strategic productivity; (5) demonstrate ability to provide a technical assessment of plant, a Services Centre (TTSC) in Ratmalana, the be implemented. My recommendation was direction by a technically and market the fabric, etc. business diagnosis, or enterprise valuation. only unit at that time that had technically clear and I did not sway. financially stronger private investor qualified and experienced persons to The challenge – the professional Enter – a joint bidder sans cash provide the advisory inputs I required. I Swimming against a tide opportunity A blue chip and an unlisted A large and now high-profile textile dashed to Ratmalana and evaluated the The Chairman called me home early giant – saved! I was advising a large, diversified, manufacturer and the blue-chip company team. Fortunately, they had eight textile a.m. that day, before I left for office, sought listed conglomerate through an in-house I was advising had in principle decided technologists in spinning, weaving, dyeing, clarifications, and as usual, he had read I am pleased that this blue-chip I position I proposed the establishment to be joint bidders and share equity in finishing, and printing; my detailed rationale, advised and the apparel company, today’s of, and thus functioned as Director – equal proportions, with one party – the some of whom were and understood my logic branded apparel giant, who was to be our Business Development. The group had not textile manufacturer – proposing that German-qualified and and risk management joint venture partner, was not exposed to performed similar analyses of SOEs (state- they will settle their part of the purchase trained. Within two days, I for the group. It was what eventually happened with Veytex. owned enterprises) or performed valuations consideration out of future dividends! Yes drafted terms of reference as always a distinct The high-profile consortium, including and designed complex bid strategies – out of dividends, of a yet-to-be-“turned- and requested a proposal. pleasure to explain any investment and development bankers before. The group had outsourced similar around”, reformed, or restructured and Their proposal took time rationale to him. He which bought it, could not run it. The tasks to firms of chartered accountants, repositioned, ailing SOE! but was comprehensive. urged me to attend a Government took the entity back! In given also that investment banks The Chairman readily luncheon meeting he around 2002, a monthly salary bill of as were in a learning curve around that Managing risk – undaunted approved their fees. We had convened. I had a much as Rs. 16 million was being paid time. The group’s attempts at winning The risk to my “in-house client”, my retained TTSC. parallel meeting with a to keep idle Veytex staff happy, until the regional plantation companies had been employer, hit me like a tonne of bricks. Korean delegation from new Secretary to the relevant Ministry, unsuccessful and the recently appointed However, at our first meeting, all were TTSC’s marathon KOTRA (Korea Trade- Ranjith Fernando, a banker, a lawyer, and Chairman sought my advice. I took on the happy with the potential joint bidder’s effort Investment Promotion an accountant by profession, spoke with task to perform the due diligence in-house. “prowess” in textile manufacturing, which The TTSC worked Agency) at the Ministry unions and put the matter to rest. I must thank him for the opportunity. we as a company did not have, either as overnight and weekends, of Industries followed an institution or within our group human and developed the by lunch at the then A practical rationale for I am pleased that this blue-chip I privatisation advised and the apparel company, resource inventory of people as it were. “technical diagnosis” and Ramada Renaissance today’s branded apparel giant, who Recognising my discomfort with the risks, several alternate scenarios (subsequently Trans In identifying with the rationale was to be our joint venture partner, rather mischievously and humorously, of upgrading, which I Asia and now Cinnamon for privatisation, here is a case where was not exposed to what eventually the Group Finance Director, calling me had requested under a big Lakeside). Realising that the GoSL (Government of Sri Lanka) happened with Veytex into his well-furnished office, remarked: bang, as well as phased it was a meeting hosted attempted to exit from its continuing “Even your US MBA does not give you out two, three, four, The invitation to purchase shares in by the then Minister of financial obligations to new investments Restrictions to the scope the textile manufacturing expertise which five-year modernisation Veytex published on 23 July 1991 Industries, later Prime required for modernisation and of ‘due diligence’ they have, we do not also need outside and upgrading plans. I Minister, he respected upgrading of a SOE, which in turn experts, so let’s go for it.” I had decided to dialled in varying degrees of finance, in my obligation, but requested I be there at would have been necessary from the The period granted for due diligence risk manage for the group and be the “bad various different phases. Other inputs coffee to explain my position. private investor to avoid technological and submission of the bid, however, was guy” as my profession and conscience for my analysis and valuation were also obsolescence and to remain viable. It is limited. Given the necessity to respond would have expected of me, so I was not obtained and we visited the factory several The vote also an instance where the GoSL exits professionally to the several conditions intimidated by that comment. times to further diagnose the strengths and I was there in time for coffee and more. to provide existing employees with listed under the bid conditions above, weaknesses of the entity. The senior founder of the now high- greater job security in the medium to this constraint was more pronounced. A Outsourcing independent profile textile manufacturer was politely, long term through better management profile of the entity, developed by a firm experts – TTSC in Ratmalana Sensitivity analyses charmingly, technically convincing. All of the entity’s strategic direction by of chartered accountants under the Terms The Chairman gave me complete We developed several alternate ranges agreed with him. The Chairman remained a technically and financially stronger of Reference of the Commercialisation independence, hence I searched islandwide of enterprise valuations. Each valuation observant. I recall having to swim against private investor. Additionally, GoSL’s of Public Enterprise Division (COPED), for woven fabric manufacturing domain scenario reflected a level of investment the tide. The Chairman took a vote. All, exit could have been regarded as one the predecessor to the Public Enterprise experts, and the Ministry of Industries for modernisation and upgrading, which except me, voted to bid and to win. The which financed a voluntary retirement Reform Commission, was available. introduced me to a Mr. Pararajasingham, inter alia contributed towards productivity Chairman did not vote, but stating that my scheme, through cash proceeds of However, this was an overview and did not the Director of the Textile Training and improvements, but also simultaneously recommendation was zero, suggested we privatisation. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, August 16, 2020 TECH COVID-19 AND CYBERSECURITY By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby Protecting your business A single cyberattack can destroy your business. You need to do more than just fix a virus guard and hire an IT manager. Yet you do not need huge investments. Simple in the digital universe activities such as vulnerability users to become more intelligent testing, patching, and correct used in such attacks: configurations can prevent yy Settles into a system Sri Lankan legislation on 80% of data breaches. yy Tries to hide cybersecurity yy Global highlights Searches out network Evidence (Special Provisions) Act vulnerabilities No. 14 of 1995 yy Worldwide spending on yy Disables network security Provides for admissibility in court of cybersecurity is going to reach $ measures evidence contained in electronic form, 133.7 billion in 2022 (Gartner) yy Infects more endpoints and other including audio-visual recordings and yy 68% of business leaders feel their devices translations of evidence in machine cybersecurity risks are increasing yy language. Calls back to command-and- Intellectual Property Act No. 36 yy Data breaches exposed 4.1 control (CnC) servers billion records in the first half of of 2006 2019 (RiskBased) yy Waits for instructions to begin Provides protection for software, network data extraction yy 71% of breaches were financially trade secrets, and integrated circuits. motivated and 25% were By the time most organisations Electronic Transactions Act No. motivated by espionage (Verizon) realise they’ve suffered a data breach, 19 of 2006 they have actually been under attack Recognises the legality of all yy 52% of breaches featured for weeks, months, or even years. communications in electronic form, hacking, 28% involved malware, Most traditional defence-in-depth including electronic contracts, data and 32-33% included phishing or cybersecurity measures, such as AV messages, electronic messages, social engineering (Verizon) or next-generation firewalls, fail to use electronic documents, and electronic yy Common causes of data breaches signature and pattern-based techniques records. are weak and stolen credentials, to detect threats, and don’t monitor Payment Devices Frauds Act No. a.k.a. passwords, back doors, malware call-backs to CnC servers. 30 of 2006 application vulnerabilities, Advanced cyberattacks take many Criminalises counterfeit and malware, social engineering, forms, including virus, Trojan, spyware, unauthorised payment devices or too many permissions, insider rootkit, spear phishing, malicious email unauthorised use of genuine payment threats, improper configuration, attachment, and drive-by download. devices. and user error To properly protect against these Computer Crimes Act No. 24 of 2007 yy 69% of organisations don’t attacks, defences must monitor Criminalises any act of “hacking” believe the threats they’re seeing the entire life cycle of the attack, in Sri Lanka or outside Sri Lanka by can be blocked by their anti-virus from delivery to call backs and an individual, group, or institution; of software (Ponemon Institute) reconnaissance to data exfiltration. unauthorised access to a computer, Adaptive defence monitors the computer programme, data, or yy The banking industry incurred the entire life cycle of advanced attacks information including any downloads; most cybercrime costs in 2018 at $ to help organisations detect, analyse, modification, alteration, or deletion of 18.3 million (Ponemon Institute) and respond to cyberattacks. Proposed information; introduction of viruses, yy 92% of malware is delivered by tools are the security information copying of information, or interception of email (CSO Online) and event management (SIEM) and information while it is being transmitted. The cybersecurity challenge security orchestration, automation, Criminalises the use of a computer and response (SOAR). to harm national security, national Cyber threats are continuously economy, or public order. Also evolving. Covid-19 is no exception Email protection criminalises unauthorised distribution and poses a major challenge for Scanning and configuration of information including passwords. cybersecurity. Banking sector yy Personal PC/office PC – when you will have to use it yy For protecting mailboxes against Prescribes fines, prison terms, and It is important that each business yy VPN connection yy Temporary vendor access/resign SPAM and malware compensation. leader takes measures to ensure that One of the most targeted sectors is Authorises police to investigate and yy Wireless/router protection employee – access disable yy Proper domain name system their organisation continues to run the banking sector due to the change call upon any expert for assistance, (DNS) configurations for Sender securely and that remote employees of human behaviour – for example, the yy PC endpoint protection (virus Educate/train employees including universities. Any person update) Policy Framework (SPF) have a seamless home-working increase in purchasing online versus yy Recognise outside threats who obstructs an investigation can yy DomainKeys-Identified Mail experience. Security experts can physical purchases – and the need for yy OS patch updates (periodically tech upgrade/ be charged with a criminal offence. (DKIM) help organisations with the most banking staff to work from home and yy Deal with third party – role- newsletter) Mutual Assistance in Criminal urgent challenges associated with when they are accessing the systems yy Domain-based message Matters (Amendment) Act No. based management controls yy Communication with IT teams smartphones, tablets, laptops, and from within the banks. authentication 24 of 2018 (awareness programme) other remote infrastructures when Two types of banking threats were Internal threats yy This technique helps to protect Authorises Sri Lankan law yy Establish a secure connection they require the right strategy or a identified by researchers: External Company employees are against phishing attacks enforcement agencies to obtain comprehensive security team. and internal. consistently identified as one of the People vulnerabilities assistance of foreign authorities and Cybersecurity in Sri Lanka External threats main vulnerabilities that compromise and action Use strong authentication institutions for investigations on company and client financial data. yy Password complexity crimes committed digitally, including yy Unknown assets on the network As a national contact point for Bad actors’ goals This threat increases, given the requirements, MFA, and requests for arrests for suspects. – asset registers (security update all information on security-related yy Access your system number of employers working conditional access policies are Personal Data Protection Bill matters, the Sri Lanka Computer from home (WFH). and OS patches, security device A huge vacuum in Sri Lankan yy Steal personal information all required Emergency Readiness Team (Sri ports are open, activate firewall) cyber law. It was drafted by the yy Using personal devices lacking yy MFA helps restrict malicious Lanka CERT) receives a significant yy Lockdown computer with yy Abuse of User Account Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and same security as company- use and limit the damage number of incidents/complaints related ransomware Privileges (intentional leaks and Information Technology in 2019, and issued devices (phishing attack) to a country’s national information Malicious transactions misuse of account privileges, is awaiting approval by Parliament. yy Forwarding sensitive business domain, from both domestic and sharing of super passwords/ Data protection, encryption, yy Imposter scam – advantage on and client information to foreign entities. Incidents of social hardcode super passwords), and leakage Whom to call if you are negative situation, e.g. sending personal accounts attacked networking, email vulnerabilities, emails pretending to be from policy of least privilege yy Outbound emails are leaving the yy Failure of conference calls – phishing, compromise of websites, the World Health Organisation yy Unpatched security vulnerabilities end user environment on a daily yy Sri Lanka Police Cybercrimes Unit Zoombombing malware, malicious software and (WHO) to share new information (application is not updated/vendor basis yy Sri Lanka CERT ransomware, breaches of privacy, Eavesdropping attacks on about coronavirus; sending systems not updated) yy Data loss prevention (DLP), yy Information and Communication financial fraud, and uniform IPs private conversations or secret emails as though they are from yy A lack of defence in depth rights management, and email Technology Agency (ICTA) affected from information collected contact with people without government agencies or officials (network is structured with encryption serves to provide on automated systems run by their permission to collect personal information strong segmentation) – separate protection and management Conclusion international organisations are some yyDo not use the same The dynamic nature of the yy Product scams – fake shops and your most important system awareness, while helping to of the complaints to Sri Lanka CERT. security codes to access the digital universe must be taken into websites, coronavirus vaccines, data separately better manage associated risks Based on an overview of the data conference call account. Every new protection surgical masks (trying to steal related to cybersecurity obtained during yy Insufficient IT security management Response, monitoring, and auditing technique spawns a new hacking personal information), etc. yyOne-time PIN code creation 2019 by Sri Lanka CERT, summaries yy Internal IT security team to technique designed to get through yyMeeting identification code yy Automating response tactics can be provided as follows: Cybercriminal attacks manage all of an organisation’s it. Countries and businesses must (its adding additional layer of combined with mailbox needs can be expensive always be a step ahead of them in yy During 2019, the number of yy Phishing attack – coronavirus security) auditing help to ensure that cases of abuse of personal data advisory issue yy It’s a time-consuming process when an infected email hits the order to beat cybercriminals. yyMFA conference call (to (Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and reportedly increased yy Spreading malware yy Qualified professionals are in organisation network, users are make sure that all appropriate Niresh Eliatamby are Managing yy The spread of malicious software demand able to automatically prioritise yy Stealing login credentials – fake members are in ) Partners of Cogitaro.com, a and ransomware increased remediation calls from banks yy consultancy that finds practical during 2019, when confidential New attendees join Application and yy Engaging in financial fraud Network analytics and visibility solutions for challenges facing data from both individuals and (notification or set a tone) networking attacks (The countries that are most at risk society and different industries. organisations is made unavailable yyTurn off third party home devices yy Inbound attack is a first move yy Its ability to continuously by ransomware are shown in Figure 6.) Dr. Dias is a digital architect by encryption, deletion, or (e.g. Alexa or Google home) towards traditional defeats in analyse threats and monitor and educationist based in Kuala alteration depth, such as firewalls of the traffic trends are important to Actions for outsider threats Recommended actions Lumpur. He holds a BSc in next generation, antivirus (AV), your email security strategy yy A significant number of diversion yy Deploy or reinforce protective Review policies and procedures and Computing from the University of network gateways, and even yy URL-based threats should websites were registered in 2019, measures to address revise as necessary Greenwich, a Master’s in Computer targeted at government and modern sandbox technologies automatically be analysed to vulnerabilities – identify yy Using personal devices for Software Engineering from private sector organisations yy Advanced cyberattacks are protect against malicious content vulnerabilities on your current corporate use Staffordshire University, and a PhD yy Most of the incidents reported environment planned to bypass the conventional yy Real-time analytics help to block from the University of Malaya. He yy Storing personal credentials in fall into the social media protections of the network infected emails that have been is completing a second doctorate yy Leverage available resources websites category. Facebook-related to monitor and identify threats yy Next-generation cyberattacks received in business administration from incidents were the highest – endpoint protection, sensitive Assess infrastructure necessary target specific individuals and Comprehensive protection from Universiti Utara Malaysia. among social media incidents information (backup) for work from home organisations to steal data BEC threats [email protected]. (See Figure 1) yy Review/revise/test incident yy VPN – the banking virtual private yy Bad actors use various channels yy Threats from business email Niresh Eliatamby is a lecturer Compared to last year, response plan – can you execute network services provide a wide such as the internet, e-mail, commitment (BEC) use social in marketing, HR, and mass incidents related to cybersecurity remotely? range of protection and enhanced and malicious files, and engineering to make end-users communications based in Colombo. reported to Sri Lanka CERT bank network security services respond quickly to zero-day act. It is a threat to phishing, He is an author and was formerly have increased in 2019, totalling yy Internet response plan (hybrid the Associate Editor of a newspaper protection plan) yy Multi-factor authentication (MFA) vulnerabilities and others where cybercriminals are forcing 3,566, while in 2018 it was 2,598. workers or consumers to reveal and Editor of various industry yy Mobile device management The increase is attributable to the yy Contact details (in case technical Advanced cyberattacks or move confidential data magazines. He holds an MBA from considerable number of cases of staff are unavailable)/practising (MDM) – mobile wipe data in Advanced cyberattacks succeed London Metropolitan University and yy IT surveillance, user education, compromise on the website and simulation exercise case you lost the device because they are carefully planned, an LLM from Cardiff Metropolitan understanding, and testing help data protection problems. yy Backup strategies yy Bring your own device (BYOD) methodical, and patient. Malware University. [email protected].) 6 the sunday morning business Sunday, August 16, 2020

High Commissioner’s message for Independence Day supplement On the occasion of the guidance has ensured that India reliant India) and a large package 73rd anniversary of India’s is not merely a leading trade, for economic revitalisation. The independence, I warmly greet investment and development return of almost one million fellow Indians in Sri Lanka and partner of Sri Lanka, but also the Indians to India from all corners the friendly people of Sri Lanka. first responding friend in times of the world was facilitated by I also extend congratulations of need. Indian authorities in the past Indian President Ram Nath Kovind Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the people of India to Most recently, medical three months. The message the people of Sri Lanka on the consignments from India as well emanating from India is of successful conduct of the recent as online interaction between resolve, of looking to future with general election, overcoming experts and senior policymakers hope, and of straining every the constraints of the Covid-19 of the two countries have helped nerve to build capacities. pandemic. mitigate Covid-19 challenges. Like always, efforts of India and Sri Lanka are I was privileged to arrive in Sri India are intended to benefit democracies blessed with High Commissioner Gopal Baglay Lanka as High Commissioner all friends and partners. Her diversity and depth of infused with the strength of the with a consignment of medicines “Neighbourhood First” policy civilisation. The two close friends partnership between the people during the auspicious Vesak will ensure that all boats are lifted share strong spiritual and cultural of the two countries in their week. with the rising tide. Growing bonds. From the message of common pursuit for progress and The recent conclusion of India-Sri Lanka co-operation Lord Buddha to the philosophy peace, and their shared interest $ 400 million currency swap in areas as diverse as IT and of Mahatma Gandhi and the in security of their lands and of between the Reserve Bank of tourism, science and spiritualism, works of Gurudev Tagore, the the waters that have connected India and the Central Bank of education and sports, and health ethos of India and Sri Lanka them to the world from time Sri Lanka is another example of and security will contribute to resonate in uniquely similar immemorial. India’s commitment to economic greater peace and prosperity idioms. No wonder their affinity The strong commitment recovery and progress of Sri of the peoples of India and Sri and affection for each other and the highest priority to this Lanka. Lanka alike, as also in the region. today find numerous expressions, relationship accorded by the Every challenge is also an This Independence Day, cricket, cuisine, Bollywood, leaders of the two countries opportunity. India’s resilience in therefore, we rededicate Buddhism, and Ramayana are embodied in regular the fight against Covid-19 has ourselves to realising the ideal tourism among them. exchange of visits and frequent seen monumental initiatives such of “sarve bhavantu sukhinah” or President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad These age-old ties are today interaction between them. Their as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self- “sabbe satta bhavantu sukhitatta”. House, New Delhi in November 2019 INDIA-SRI LANKA PARTNERSHIP THROUGH DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATION COMPLETED PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Under development co-operation Western Province Health and medical care Transportation Rainwater Harvesting Project – construction of Northern Province structures in Katunayake Northern Province Project for solar electrification of a village of Medical equipment to hospitals in Jaffna, Kilinochchi, 300 households in Sri Lanka Removal of wrecks and dredging of and Mullaitivu Kankesanthurai Port Project Artificial limb refitment Eastern Province Renovation of Palaly Airport runway Setting up of an emergency hospital in Manik Farm LOC Railway Project Supply of medicine Supply of fishing equipment to IDPs in Vaharai Supply of 15 trishaws to war widows 200-bed ward complex in Vavuniya Southern Province Medical equipment to 200-bed ward Housing Project – Phase II complex in Vavuniya Construction of Rainwater harvesting LOC Railway Project Empowerment of women in Ampara through Central, Uva, and livelihood activities Eastern Province Sabaragamuwa Province Upgrading 70 creches in the estate sector to assist Southern Province Grant of 10 buses to run rail bus service between Trincomalee and Batticaloa mothers employed in tea estates Project to support livelihood of fishing and farming communities Central Province Arts, sports, and culture Supply of medical equipments to Education and research and training Dickoya Base Hospital for gynae Northern Province OT and pediatric units Construction of 150-bed hospital Northern Province Renovation of Thiruketeeswaram Temple at Dickoya Repair of 79 schools in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Renovation of Duraiyappa Stadium Supply of medical equipments Palmyra Research Center in Jaffna Central Province to Dickoya Hospital II Faculty of Engineering at Kilinochi Setting up of an Indian gallery at Tooth Relic Temple Faculty of Agriculture at Kilinochi Construction of Mahatma Gandhi Centre Eastern Province Setting up of an emergency medical Western Province unit in Pulmoddai Gifting of a bus to Sunera Foundation Industrial development Setting up of a Siddha faculty Renovation of Sripalee College Auditorium, Horana Northern Province Central, Uva, and Sabaragamuwa Province Livelihood and shelter Fishing factory in Jaffna Industrial estate at Atchchuvely in Jaffna Northern Province Setting up science labs in 30 plantation schools Presentation of books to the plantation school libraries 2.6 lakh family packs for IDPs Southern Province 10,400 empty roofing sheets for IDPs Annual teachers training programme at NITTTR, Chennai to Establishing handicraft villages to help 4 lakh cement bags for IDPs uplift the standard of education in plantation schools traditional handicraftsmen Indian Housing Pilot Project for IDPs 95,000 starter agric packs for IDPs Setting up of computer lab and training for 500 tractors for agro centres plantation school teachers in estate sector Vocational training 10,000 bicycles for IDPs Development of regional/ provincial CELT Supply of seeds (centre for English language training) 175 boats and fishing nets for IDPs in Central Province Mannar Southern Province Support to Thondaman Vocational Training Centre Vocational Training Centres Nuwara Eliya and Helboda Assistance to provide 1,230 small Establishment of Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium business in Ruhuna University Northern Province premises in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Setting up of 40 e-libraries (nenashalas) Setting up of vocational training centre Supply of boats to fishermen of Northern Mullaithivu Eastern Province Eastern Province Housing Project Setting up of 40 e-libraries (nenashalas) Vocational training mentre at Vantharamullai and Demining of residential areas Supply of computers for educational institutions Onthachimadam Housing Project – Phase II ONGOING PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Under development co-operation North Central Health and medical care Livelihood and shelter Transportation Industrial development Construction of a surgical unit at Construction of 14,000 houses Water supply projects (LOC) Establishment of an ICT in the plantation areas North Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa. Upgradation of KKS Harbour (LOC) incubator/park in Jaffna Western Construction of 600 houses Solar alliance Project (LOC) Construction of 5,000 MT cold storage Eastern under 25 model villages Track up gradation and rolling unit in Dambulla Arts, sports, and culture in all districts of Sri Lanka stock (LOC) Construction of 600 Construction of a cultural centre in Jaffna Vocational training Central houses in Northern Province Construction of auditorium in of Sri Lanka Education and research and training Up gradation of Pool Bank (Thondaman) Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Construction of 1,200 houses Vocational Training Centre, Hatton. Studies, Eastern University, Renovation of schools in Northern Province in Southern Province of Sri Lanka Western Uva Batticaloa Construction of 3,000 rainwater Construction of National Trilingual School in Establishment of Faculty of harvesting units in Jaffna Polonnaruwa Kandyan Dancing under Sabaragamuwa Construction of 3,400 toilets Up gradation of Saraswathy Central College, Sri Dalada Maligawa in Batticaloa District Pusselawa, Kandy Cultural Heritage Project Development of Ven. Sobhita Up gradation of plantations schools in Central Thera Model Village and Uva Province in Anuradhapura District Southern the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, August 16, 2020

India-Sri Lanka cultural links India and Sri Lanka, two close neighbours with a shared history and civilisational links dating back several millennia.

SWAMI From the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka with the arrival of Most Venerable Arahat Mahinda Thera and later of Most Venerable Sanghamitta Thera, the cultural and spiritual bonds forged VIVEKANANDA since the Third Century BCE have been further strengthened through the common heritage CULTURAL of yoga and Ayurveda. Collaboration in the elds of literature, music, dance, and art have CENTRE enriched the cultural landscape of both the countries. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre established in 1998 plays a vital role in strengthening the cultural relations and people-to-people contacts between India and Sri Lanka through wide-ranging activities such as dance and music performances, exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and cultural festivals.

India confers Padma Shri Awards on Deshabandu Dr. Vajira Chitrasena and PADMA SHRI AWARDS Late Prof. Indra Dassanayake, for their pioneering contributions in their individual fields of work and for strengthening India-Sri Lanka ties.

A cultural concert “Divine Quartet” to commemorate India´s 71st Republic Day, featuring legendary maestros from India, Grammy winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Grammy-nominated Pandit Subhen Chatterjee at BMICH. Honourable Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka graced the occasion as Chief Guest. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 8 the sunday morning business TECH/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, August 16, 2020 BOC, SLT launch 99X’s Tracified secures first dynamic QR Japanese investment for bill payments Sri Lanka’s largest bank, BY UWIN LUGODA potential for the Japanese market. beyond seed round, due to the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) recently During this visit, 360ip Japan lack of a well-established venture tied up with the national The pandemic has left the global economy in disarray and CEO Asashi Fujimori had stated capital financing framework telecommunication provider Sri companies filing for bankruptcy around the world. However, the start-up was identified by with an effective technology Lanka Telecom (SLT) to launch one Sri Lankan start-up managed to receive an equity 360ip as a promising venture that commercialisation methodology. the first-ever dynamic QR for bill investment from a firm based in Tokyo even amidst this has clear potential in developing “360ip wants to bridge that payments. unprecedented doom and gloom. its technology and business on a gap by supporting promising Any SLT customer having the On Thursday (13), 99X The start-up is also the first global scale. start-up ventures to develop their BOC SmartPay payment app or BOC, SLT launch first dynamic QR for Technology, a global software product of 99X Technology Furthermore, he added that technology and business beyond any other Lanka QR-certified bill payments company responsible for building Sri Lanka to be successfully as a start-up venture backed Sri Lanka,” said Fujimori. payment app can make payments bill payments at anytime from unique tech-based products, commercialised with an by 99X Technology, Tracified Tracified has formerly been by scanning the dynamic QR code anywhere with a single click announced that one of their start- international partnership, had adopted a technology recognised in both national and printed on SLT’s monthly bill using the SmartPay App or with ups, Tracified, has received an providing them both the funding development methodology of international forums. In 2018, from August 2020. This feature any other Lanka QR-certified equity investment from 360ip, and market access. an excellent standard from its the start-up won the Founder is also available with e-bills for payment app. a venture capital firm based in Tracified acts as a blockchain- inception, powered by a team of Institute Scholarship for the SLT customers who receive their SmartPay, the bank’s mobile Japan. During an online media based platform in the ecommerce highly skilled tech professionals. Best Sustainability Startup Pitch monthly statements via email. payment app, is gaining briefing, 99X Technology Chief space, and was built with the Fujimori had gone on to state at Oslo Innovation Week. The The first-ever static Lanka QR popularity with over 150,000 Executive Officer (CEO) and goal of enabling authentic sellers that Tracified’s blockchain product was also recognised at for bill payments and reloads wallet active users and of an over Co-Founder Mano Sekaram stated to prove the quality of their technology for modern the 2017 E-Swabhimani Digital was launched last year by the 25,000-strong Lanka QR-enabled that they were delighted to see one product to the intended market. traceability in diverse business Social Impact Awards, where it bank with Mobitel and it was islandwide merchant network, of the start-ups incubated within It can also be used by any of the domains has the ability to disrupt emerged winner of the Business/ embraced by customers due due to a simple self-registration the company’s innovation centre/ participants in a supply chain and transform conventional global Commerce category, and at the to its convenience, simplicity, process and continuous accelerator StartupX Foundry, at to share information with other supply chains towards Industry National Best Quality Software and speed. Now, customers can improvements in features and a tipping point in the journey of participants, including the end 4.0, while realising Sustainable Awards (NBQSA), where it won enjoy the freedom of making functionalities. becoming a global offering in this consumers, in a credible way via a Development Goals (SDGs), gold in the e-Logistics and Supply space. public blockchain. to enable fair and transparent Chain Management Category. “I applaud the Founders of “Whether it’s organic produce trading. “This is international Tracified, Dileepa Jayathilake and or Atlantic salmon, Tracified can “360ip has a focus on investing recognition of our blockchain LOLC ‘Most Profitable Uthpalie Thilakarathna, for their identify and record movement, and developing advanced science competency. We are proud to courage to pursue this idea and temperature, and storage and technology ventures on be one of the first traceability Conglomerate’ for build a winning product. Most durations across every stage, a global scale. Although Sri solutions in the public start-ups struggle when it comes using a multitude of tracking Lanka’s potential in developing blockchain, while we have built to going international and getting technologies.” advanced ICT services and many award-winning products second straight year overseas traction, but Tracified In December 2019, a delegation products is known to many, during the past 10 years through LOLC Group announced managed to do it during a very from 360ip visited Sri Lanka only a very few early-stage our cutting-edge research,” said that it posted a Rs. 19.8 billion difficult time period.” and evaluated Tracified and its technology start-ups survive Jayathilake. profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended 31 March 2020, in comparison to Rs. 19.6 billion PAT in the last year, becoming Pan Asia Bank the most profitable listed entity Seylan cardholders receive in Sri Lanka for two consecutive recognised for years. discounts on Daraz.lk While the group performance Seylan Bank recently experience 10% discounts and debit cards with Near was affected by local innovation by partnered with Daraz.lk, covering a wide range of Field Communication externalities such as the Easter Sri Lanka’s largest online products across a number (NFC) technology Sunday attack, the subdued Infosys Finacle shopping platform, for of categories site wide. making transactions economic growth, and the LOLC Group Deputy Chairman Pan Asia, the an exclusive promotion, Through this initiative, contactless. The bank political instability in FY19/20 Ishara Nanayakkara truly Sri Lankan “Seylan Fridays” offering Seylan said it hopes to has a growing clientele that resulted the company to bank, was recently site-wide discounts to all further enhance customer of small and medium record dips in the net interest recognised as Seylan credit cardholders. convenience by providing enterprises (SMEs), income and hikes in impairment the runner-up Seylan credit credit cardholders the retail, and corporate charges, LOLC has benefited in the “Product cardholders can now opportunity to get all their customers and has from the earnings stemming Innovation” enjoy exclusive discounts requirements delivered expanded its footprint from its overseas financial category of the on the Daraz website straight to their doorstep. with 173 branches and operations and the gain on a Client Innovation every Friday until the end Seylan Bank has an ATM network of 215 bargain purchase of Rs. 5.4 Awards 2020 of December 2020 and enabled all Visa credit units across the country. billion from the acquisition of held by Infosys the largest sugar production Finacle. plantation company in Africa. Finacle is the LOLC Finance PLC continued industry-leading to hold its market leadership digital banking HNBA and HNBGI position amongst the non- solution suite banking financial institutions LOLC Group Managing Director/CEO from EdgeVerve (NBFIs) sector in the country Kapila Jayawardena Systems, a wholly relocate Embilipitiya branch with an asset base of Rs. 192 collection and recoveries. The owned subsidiary HNB Assurance PLC billion, a portfolio of Rs. 134 company holds a Rs. 18.4 of Infosys. Finacle (HNBA) and its fully owned billion and deposits of Rs. 99 billion asset base and Rs. 2.6 helps traditional subsidiary, HNB General billion. The company posted billion deposits in FY19/20. and emerging Insurance Ltd. (HNBGI) Rs. 3.9 billion PAT in the year Seylan Bank PLC, an financial announced the relocation of under review. LOLC Finance, associate of the LOLC Group, institutions drive its branch in Embilipitiya as the leading impact lender, also contributed Rs. 1.3 billion truly digital recently. The ceremonious holds the largest pool of to the group’s profits. The transformations occasion was graced by the development finance institutions group’s insurance businesses, to achieve Chief Guest, HNBA and (DFIs), guiding their respective LOLC Life Assurance and frictionless HNBGI CEO Prasantha development goals for Sri LOLC General Insurance, customer Fernando, senior members Lanka. demonstrated an impressive experiences, of the management in In the year under review, performance during the year by Pan Asia Bank recognised for larger ecosystem Innovation by Infosys FInacle HNBA and HNBGI, as Commercial Leasing and recording Rs. 1.5 billion PBT in play, insights- well as other distinguished Finance PLC (CLC), subsidiary comparison to a loss of Rs. 175 driven interactions, and ubiquitous guests. Opening of the relocated HNBA and HNBGI branch in Embilipitiya of LOLC, recorded a PAT million recorded last year. automation. Banks in over 100 countries Speaking at the event, many service enhancement staff. Therefore, I am sure growth of 29% Year-on-Year In a statement about the annual rely on Finacle to service more than a billion Fernando articulated: initiatives, it has been our the commitment of our staff (YoY) to Rs. 1.5 billion, despite performance of the group, Group consumers and 1.3 billion accounts. “The company holds a notion that cutting edge would nurture our singular the challenging macroeconomic Managing Director/CEO Kapila Commenting on the accolade, Pan Asia long-standing relationship facilities would deliver aim towards being the situations. The company holds Jayawardena said: “2019/20 Bank Deputy General Manager (DGM) of togetherness with its greater service satisfaction, industry’s best, and achieve a Rs. 69.4 billion asset base has been a difficult year due – IT Gerald Wanigaratne said: “We are customers in Embilipitiya, and in turn would make a the many milestones of and Rs. 24.9 billion deposits in to externalities affecting most proud to have been chosen to receive this providing them all-inclusive ‘happy customer’. Thus, it excellence for a successful FY19/20. industries, but we are pleased acknowledgement from Infosys Finacle protection and the value is no doubt that this branch future of HNBA and LOLC Development Finance with our strong performance which reflects how Pan Asia Bank partners of fringe benefits one can will drive greater levels HNBGI.” PLC, formerly known as this year, with a group PAT of with the best in business to deliver world- experience through the of service excellence, HNBGI Chief Operating BRAC Lanka PLC, made a Rs. 19.8 billion, which is largely class solutions to its customers. As a truly service of insurance to further contributing to the Officer and Principal Officer strong recovery in the year contributed by our strategic Sri Lankan bank, we are proud to drive the protect their belongings company’s value creation Sithumina Jayasundara under review by recording Rs. foreign ventures. With this digital transformation of the local banking and those who are dear framework.” expressed his views, stating: 176 million PBT from a loss standing, we are proud to be the industry.” to them. Dedicated to Sharing his views, HNBA “Strong and stable branch of Rs. 140 million in the last most profitable listed entity for The Infosys Finacle Client Innovation serving this cause, today’s Chief Operating Officer and operations within our year following the alignment the second consecutive year. Awards programme recognises and celebrates (11) momentous occasion Principal Officer Lasitha general insurance business of its business strategies on With a timely global expansion the best of such innovations by clients around demonstrates the group’s Wimalaratne stated: “This is a key pillar of business restructuring the inherited small strategy, well-diversified the world. These innovations have been continued commitment branch would fortify an growth. This new facility and medium-sized enterprises revenue streams, and a dynamic carefully chosen for their impact on banking towards giving our best to already strong customer is a strong testament for (SME) portfolio. The company workforce in place, we will products and services, customer journeys, customers, in fulfilling their servicing attribute of the our firm’s standing within has been able to reduce its ambitiously look forward to processes, distribution channels, and business insurance needs. Whilst group, fostering streamlined the market, also assisting credit loss provisioning by 35% stride ahead with consistent models leading to additional revenue and the company is focused service delivery between our our business goals in through the implementation of performance during these profit for their respective banks. on actively undertaking invaluable customers and challenging times.” prudent strategies to improve turbulent times.”

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 WE ARE NOW BATTLING COMPLACENCY »SEE PAGE 3

LIVING GENTLY WITH OUR GENTLE GIANTS »SEE PAGE 4 Sunday, August 16, 2020 brunchWITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER MAKING A FILM IS LIKE PICKING A FIGHT WITH A BULLY Sai Selvarajan on his internationally recognised short film Coup d’état Math and more

Painting of Sai Selvarajan ÄÄ Three words to describe yourself? BY JENNIFER RODRIGO Storyteller, Father, Husband. I picking a fight with a bully. “You know spend most of my time doing those you’re gonna get your a** kicked, but it’s things. the right thing to do.” 2020 has been the kind of year we probably only ever alluded to being This year’s SXSW in-person event was ÄÄ Favourite movie of all time? cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a very distant possibility in our adrenaline-fuelled imaginations after Do the Right Thing. It still rings but not before Selvarajan’s animated short true to this day. film earned its well-deserved recognition. watching movies like World War Z or Contagion. Yet, it is upon us. The cancellation, however, hurt him. “It ÄÄ Favourite short film really hurt. In a way I can’t explain,” wrote While many of us spend our time reflecting on what really matters, of all time? Selvarajan for SHOOTonline. He wanted Pioneer by David Lowery. It’s to watch his film with 250 strangers and I stumbled on Coup d’état Math, a short film by Sai Selvarajan. a 20-minute film that goes by in like wanted to feel the air in the room. five minutes. It’s just two people in He continued: “When it happened, a room talking. It’s masterful. I sent this text to everyone I know: ‘I’d I couldn’t look away. Coup d’état Math earned Special Jury rather die at SXSW than not screen my Not being able to open a new tab Recognition: Texas Short in this year’s film.’ Yes, dramatic. But that’s how I on Chrome and direct my attention to I hope South by Southwest (SXSW), an annual felt. And I bet there are other filmmakers something else was golden, to say the you all hang in potpourri of parallel film, interactive and musicians that had that same feeling. least. This film is precious. Poignant. there. We’re all media, and music festivals and conferences We’d have risked it, had we been asked. “It’s my most personal,” Selvarajan in this together. that takes place in Austin, Texas, US. But there’s perspective, too. I might die a wrote back when I eventually tracked I might be on The film demands your attention but heartbroken man, but I know that it was a him down via email to Arlington, Texas. the other it doesn’t direct the emotions that arise privilege for only the privileged can ever The film depicts four immigrant stories side of the as you take in all eight-odd minutes of it. hurt like this.” – a fight to be born, a fight to survive, a world, but It’s almost as if the narrators – carefully The festival described its decision to fight to find your place, and the fight to I carry scouted and chosen by Selvarajan – and award the honour in this way: “The social maintain. It opens with Selvarajan’s own Sri Lanka with visuals – watercolour paintings by his wife realism captured in the film’s animation birth story on a Wednesday night amidst me everywhere Amanda Selvarajan and illustrations, and adds an element of vulnerability and the backdrop of riots and curfew in Sri I go woodcuts by his longtime friend Olivia rawness to the storyline. Sai’s intentional Lanka. The other two are a product of Saldivar – hold space for you as you watch, and thoughtful approach is illustrated in discussions he’s had with his cousins who allowing you to feel and accept the truth in every detail of the film. It presents a rich had experienced refugee camps and door- the four stories in your own unique way. visual tapestry of mixed media combining to-door looting. The last vignette is set in Where did it all start? Selvarajan animation and live action with gripping America and Selvarajan shared in another ponders the question himself in a piece stories of pathos and human resilience.” interview that this was because he wanted he’s written for advertising magazine to show that the immigrants’ journey is SHOOTonline: “Was it the Muslim ban? Leaving home to find home infinite. Was it that Nina Simone documentary? Selvarajan was born in Colombo and Was it my cousin talking about his time in raised in Nigeria. The family left Nigeria Risking two lives to save a refugee camp? Was it seeing a sign for coup d’etat so I could be born?” when he was just 10 years old because the one, that’s Coup d’état 10 p.m. pickup at a daycare? Or was it my He’s not sure but “all that sh*t” went Government was becoming unstable. Math mom and dad breaking curfew during a into his film. He likened making a film to ││Contd. on page 2 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/PLACES Sunday, August 16, 2020

In our hearts, things feel incomplete; we feel that somehow we are leaving unfinished business that we will not be able to make right until next year comes around Jayakumar from Karaitivu

Kataragama. he said that this year, it feels as though While something is missing. “In our hearts, things the origins of the feel incomplete; we feel that somehow we Yatra are shrouded in myth and legend, it are leaving unfinished business that we will is argued that it began with Lord Murugan not be able to make right until next year (Skanda) himself when he landed on the comes around.” shores of Sri Lanka and decided to walk We also spoke to several families who to Kataragama. Regardless of its origins, it had arrived later in the day right in time for is an ancient practice that was kept alive, the pooja held at the Devalaya at around 7 and the most recent times that we saw it p.m.; they had arrived from Akkaraipattu. falter was following the riots of 1983, when “We came today for the pooja, but on it was not safe for Tamils to walk openly other days when the perahera is not closed through Sinhalese areas. However, with the to the public, we would come straight to founding of the Kataragama Devotees Trust Okanda, take part in the pooja, and then set in 1988, the number of pilgrims has slowly out with everyone else though the Kumana increased and at present, the great majority pilgrimage that goes to Kataragama. of pilgrims walk from the Batticaloa and “I have a young family, so we have not Ampara Districts. done that in a while. This year was going Since then, the tradition has been going to be my first as a family man. However, strong, but this year, for the first time since unfortunately, things didn’t work out. It is the Trust was established, the tradition has quite disheartening,” said Jayakumar from not been followed through. Akkaraipattu. KATARAGAMA Although, Acting Basnayaka Nilame Rajapakse shared that despite the pilgrims not being allowed to participate and visit Kataragama this year, many of them still visited Okanda Devalaya, which is actually ESALA FESTIVAL the final religious stop for the procession before stepping into Kumana, where they will walk through the National Park until DURING THE PANDEMIC they reach Kataragama. We visited the Okanda Devalaya to BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE speak to some of the devotees who had The annual Kataragama Esala Festival organised by the Ruhunu Maha visited the Devalaya to take part in the pooja, despite not being able to complete Kataragama Devalaya was held from 21 July to 4 August. However, this year, their journey to the festival. We spoke to the I can’t help but feel that it is due to the current circumstances with the global pandemic still at large, the devotees, many of whom had arrived with Kataragama Perahera, arguably one of the main features of the festival, was unfortunate we are unable to their families and groups of villagers to take complete our pilgrimage closed to the public. part in the pooja, about their experience this Yogeshvaran from Karaitivu Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya wore masks. However, moving from the year compared to how they carried out their Acting Basnayaka Nilame Dilruwan Devalaya to Kiri Vehera, we noticed the religious activities in the past. We started by Rajapakse shared that all the necessary security precautions begin to slack. But for speaking with a large group of around 30-40 We spoke to the devotees about how health guidelines were strictly followed and the most part, visitors were considerate and villagers who were visiting from Karaitivu. they’ve been battling the threat of the so in effect, they simply could not allow the adhered to the guidelines. “We have been coming every year virus, and it was quite interesting to hear for the past 15 years or more to take part that while they are of course aware of the public to take part as they usually would We spoke to some grounds staff about to use the washrooms and required other in the perahera. We spend about a week in pandemic and its dangers in their villages, have in the past. how adjusting to the new normal within the assistance as well. They shared that the staff the holy grounds at the Devalaya and for they do not practise the safety precautions He stated that the premises had to be Devalaya Grounds has been for them. They had undergone a strict filtering process, over a decade, I have been coming with strictly; many of them shared that they do cordoned off to the public for the 15 days of explained that even though the Perahara being subject to health and safety checks, my parents as a child, and now with my not even have masks, and back home there the festival starting 12 noon daily. He added was not open to the public, there was still and added that therefore for the duration of family; today, I am here with my baby. I is no such practice of wearing one. that the medical staff within the temple a large crowd taking part, such as military the festival, they were asked to remain on can’t help but feel that it is unfortunate we As we explored the Okanda Devalaya responsible for the safety of the perahera personnel and other officials who needed the grounds without returning to their homes are unable to complete our pilgrimage,” said grounds, it was apparent that even though personnel had subjected the grounds and daily. Acting Basnayaka Nilame Rajapakse Yogeshvaran. to enter the grounds you must go through persons to the necessary health checks and also shared that as a result of these safety Sudaharan, who was also there with a military checkpoint where safety and so would not allow any outsiders in the precautions, yet another custom – the his family, said: “It is an important part health precautions are adhered to strictly relative vicinity of the perahera. However, traditional two-month-long Pada Yatra or of our village customs for everyone to set – our temperatures were checked, all the holy grounds were accessible to the foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama out to Okanda and make the trek through our details were recorded, and we were public during the morning hours, even by the pilgrims moving from one sacred site the wilderness. We come prepared to cook made to wash hands and sanitise, with the during festival days. to another – was not possible. and prepare meals along the way and even military personnel all wearing masks and We visited the Ruhunu Maha Traditionally, pilgrims from every today, we came early in the morning and we keeping a safe distance. Once you enter Kataragama Devalaya in the morning faith and community begin gathering at are preparing tea here; we want to spend as the grounds, none of those inside, neither hours and also Kiri Vehera, and the safety the Nagadeepa Raja Maha Viharaya in the much time as possible in the holy land.” the devotees who are visiting, the shop precautions they had adopted did not Jaffna Peninsula two weeks prior to the Kap Jayakumar from Karaitivu also shared owners, nor the staff in the Devalaya, were disappoint. With dedicated areas for visitors Hitanawa ceremony in Kataragama, where that it feels incomplete to him, that for a too concerned about these precautions; this to wash their hands at every entrance and they set out on foot and would be joined decade of his lifetime he has been consistent was entirely opposite to what we saw in the separated sections on the grounds, the duty by devotees from Nagadeepa, Selvaccaniti, in completing this journey as it is a precious Kataragama Devalaya. officers were situated at random spots and Vallipuram, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, and experience which they cherish. However, took care to strictly ensure that everyone Batticaloa, who will all then converge in PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

the route of paintings. My wife one doesn’t win by winning, but by is a watercolour artist, so it was sticking it out and going on. “The MAKING A FILM... a way for us to work on a project biggest challenge is finding people day. Her sister (Selvarajan’s mom) together,” he shared. to green light a project. You gotta Contd. from page 1 managed Singham’s fan club. Dealing with the sensitive and just keep knocking on every door.” “If anyone at your paper has any all-important topic of alcoholism, As for being an immigrant They went to the UK, but the pictures or articles of her, I would the film Maggie’s House was himself, and leaving what country had a work visa quota and love to see and read them,” he something that came about constituted home the number of it was already filled, so they headed shared, telling me that all his aunt’s via Lucky Post. Featuring The times he has to build a life for to the US. “I had an aunt and uncle trophies, pictures, and articles were Magdalen House located in Dallas, himself on other shores, Selvarajan in Dallas, so we came here and it all burned up during the riots. the visuals welcome the viewer shared that he does carry those worked out,” he shared. Selvarajan took an introduction to witness intimate narrations by emotions with him, even to this day. The experience of leaving the to video class in college and was women who speak of the role The “At the time, it was very emotional country he was born in and forging a instantly hooked on filmmaking. Magdalen House has played in their and almost traumatic, but it made life in a new country is something his Currently working as Senior Editor lives with its spiritual solution to me who I am. At the time, I didn’t own family has gone through three at Lucky Post, a full-service post- alcoholism. want to leave, but now I know it times. Selvarajan hopes that through production studio in Dallas and “We went to the house and was for the best and I wouldn’t Coup d’état Math, people feel Austin, he edits brand films and it was a real special place. I’m change a thing.” empathy and compassion for people commercials, and sometimes directs so proud of all those women and He has a love for Sri Lanka, leaving their homes behind for new or creatively directs projects through The filmmaking industry, much The pandemic in itself has like all other industries, has taken taught him an inescapable truth how the film turned out. It was Nigeria, and America. Living in ones. “That’s the heart of the film.” the studio as well. “The thing I enjoy an amazing experience,” said all three places has given him an He has wonderful memories of most about it is the people. We’re a a hit; there are no productions and most of us are beginning to see and all theatres have been shut down. accept – life isn’t about things, it’s Selvarajan. understanding of other cultures and Sri Lanka, visiting every summer smallish firm and everyone works Running, playing basketball, ways of life that he still holds on to when he lived in Nigeria, going to well together. It’s a real team effort.” Being an artist is hard in itself and about connecting with people. the pandemic has provided just and collecting vinyl records today. the beach and getting ice cream at Along his career, he has also Other works are pursuits he enjoys and he is His message to anyone going Elephant House, but wishes, now, worked with Hothaus Creative as another impediment to be overcome. Once you stumble onto currently making a documentary through something similar is to that everyone in the country could Lead Editor and as Senior Editor for But Selvarajan thinks that the really Selvarajan’s work on Vimeo, it’s about his own mother and her love never give up on their dreams. co-exist peacefully. “I was planning Brushfire Films. “They taught me a talented folk have their heads down and are working. “Whether it’s hard to stop moving from one video for basketball. “We’re all immigrants in a way. on visiting in December of 2019 lot. I really cut my teeth there.” Keep pushing and find your safe with my wife and two daughters, but writing or getting better at their to the next, and two creations that really caught my attention were Sai up-close space and call it a home.” after the Easter (Sunday) attacks, we A Covid-19 story craft, they’re all working and once What’s a typical day like for Sugarless Tea and Maggie’s House. He admitted that there’s a little had to cancel that trip.” The pandemic in Texas has got this is all over, they’ll be the ones to Selvarajan? He wakes up at 6 With Sugarless Tea, I was taken survivor’s guilt in him as he didn’t Selvarajan’s favourite things worse over time, although it wasn’t come out guns blazing.” a.m., writes till 7.30, and goes for on a journey to India and Queens, personally experience the riots, but about the country are its food and bad in the first few months. “Our I asked Selvarajan if he would a three-mile run. Then he comes New York, following the tale of two his heart goes out to any and all people. “The food is incredible even Governor and Lieutenant Governor consider making a film about the back home and spends time with brothers who’d been separated. It is a immigrants, those who are living if you don’t eat meat or fish.” aren’t very good leaders and they pandemic and he said he’s not sure his two daughters, aged eight and story of brotherly love and sacrifice. under dire conditions and those who He said that there’s something chose to open back up against the if he has a unique angle yet. “I’ve four. From nine to five, he works on Again, the use of watercolour are just looking for a better life. about a Sri Lankan’s eyes and hair. wishes of medical experts, and been thinking about this very thing editing, then eats dinner, and spends paintings by his wife adds a sense of As for his first home, he sends “I can always tell a Sri Lankan now the whole State is paying the and how in 40 years, there’ll still more time with the kids. “Once the innocence to a story that is packed love for the present time. “I hope when I see them on the streets.” price,” he commented. Working be books and movies coming out kids are asleep, I spend time with with complex emotions. you all hang in there. We’re all in Tilaka Singham, Selvarajan’s remotely from home, he’s “hanging about this. I always want my films my wife.” “It (Sugarless Tea) spanned this together. I might be on the other aunt, was a national table tennis in there. We have good days, not so to have a unique voice and feel. I The challenge in his industry decades and continents, and I didn’t side of the world, but I carry Sri champion in Sri Lanka back in her good days”. don’t know if I’m there yet with a is to keep going and he said that Covid-19 story.” have the budget to shoot it so I went Lanka with me everywhere I go.” the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, August 16, 2020 BUSINESS

Health and safety precations in the Eastern Province were not observed as stringently as one would hope

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Wijesuriya also added that another element that really contributes to this World Health Organisation newfound complacency is the way (WHO) Director General Tedros that the virus and its effects are being Adhanom Ghebreyesus shared portrayed. If you were to look at some non-communicable diseases like cancer or that in countries seeing positive diabetes, these have visual representations signs, “the biggest threat now WE ARE NOW that are not pleasant. Yet here, Covid-19 is complacency”, adding: “We has on occasion been compared to the continue to urge active surveillance common cold, and it has been said to ensure the virus does not that many people recover and you can rebound, especially as mass simply get better. He said that while of gatherings of all kinds are starting course these are not effects in isolation, to resume in some countries.” these affect the behavioural patterns of communities. This new “threat” is most prevalent in We also spoke to University of Sri certain parts of Sri Lanka. We experienced BATTLING Jayewardenepura Head of the Department this recently on our travels to the Eastern of Philosophy and Psychology Prof. Province as we made our way across Gnanadasa Perera with regard to this the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, and mentality exhibited by people, and Trincomalee, where we observed that similarly to Wijesuriya, he too shared that the health and safety precautions are not it is human nature to revert to the normal observed as stringently as one would hope. COMPLACENCY that they are used to. Particularly in independent businesses, make their way to the South. If you take a of the pandemic blasted across screens With the Covid-19 He said that there is also this element roadside cafes, clothing shops, and other stroll across Pottuvil, you can easily spot everywhere. pandemic receding in of people not preferring to live ethically; outlets people frequent, it appeared that the newcomers as they will be the only  Speaking to psychologist Chalana we are not too fond of rules and regulations the requirements to wash or sanitise one’s ones sporting face masks. some countries and cities, Wijesuriya with regard to this overall and coming from having been restricted for hands before entering and wear a mask We spoke to a number of shop the United Nations (UN) has mentality and the thinking behind people an extended period of time, people almost were not at all followed; neither the staff owners along the coastal stretch in the also issued a warning stating taking things in their stride, he said that it is believe that they are deserving of their nor the patrons adhered to any of the East, particularly roadside shops that offer that complacency and lifting primarily a behavioural factor. freedom. recommended precautions. various short eats, tea, and coffee, which “stay-at-home” orders and It is as simple as “so many people He said that you can really bring it Things were particularly lax in too do not follow the safety protocols. other restrictions too could are not wearing masks, then it really all down to the individual, adding that it Pottuvil, where when asked about the About this they said that they do wear must be that the issue is not so pressing fast invite a second wave of is also a matter of emotional inelegance, general lack of concern on contracting masks when they have big crowds, which anymore”, he shared, adding that also, new cases. The WHO also he said. Those who are acting complacent the virus, some of the locals shared that rarely ever happens, adding that their stores more specifically in Sri Lanka, the chain confirmed that although without any regard for these health and this is a small community that rarely has do not often have people hanging about of events that transpired right after lifting the pandemic is slowing in safety measures are not doing so because outsiders coming into the town and that inside; customers usually purchase their curfew – i.e. recent focus on the election, some parts of the world, they are unaware of the threat or its those who are already here have essentially items and leave. As such, they shared that whereas in the past few months you saw severity, rather it is a result of a variety of all been quarantined together, so there is no they see no need to employ these additional including in Europe, it is a lot of concern via the media about the factors, primarily behavioural influences real need. measures. worsening globally and that pandemic, suddenly now all eyes were on form their surroundings and also their own However, despite this, it is evident that They added also that of the travellers complacency is a new threat the election and its outcomes and all focus desire for change and freedom. considering travel is no longer restricted, who do visit, they insist that they wear we must address has now been diverted. He said that while the reopening of there were many outsiders, particularly masks. Some store owners shared that The extensive media attention which the economy was necessary, the gradual foreigners who were originally stranded when people come in to eat, they can’t consistently shed light on the pandemic It is as simple as “so adoption of activities that could be in the Hill Country, make them wear face masks as they have is now focused on something else. He many people are not considered “normal” sends a signal to making their way to remove it when eating. They believe  said that the media too certainly has a role people that things are better. What we over to the east that in their part of the island, the virus wearing masks, then it really to play in this. While it does eventually saw with schools opening, many people coast before the has largely been contained and it is highly must be that the issue is come down to the individual to change going back to work, public transport once north-eastern “unlikely” that someone with a virus will not so pressing anymore”, their behaviour and how they chose to again being available, and other instances monsoon hits. be amongst them. Wijesuriya shared, adding react to the situation, the true nature and make it so that it creates an environment of After this, With the Covid-19 pandemic receding that also, more specifically in information of the state of the world and “normalcy”. they will in some countries and cities, the United Sri Lanka, the chain of events the virus must be communicated by the Nations (UN) has also issued a warning media with equal importance as it was Prof. Perera also added that when the stating that complacency and lifting that transpired right after previously communicated considering that pandemic was at its most intense, there “stay-at-home” orders and other lifting curfew the threat hasn’t reduced. was a collective anxiety and stress that we restrictions too could fast invite is slowing in some parts of the world, He also said that we can refer back to all harboured. However, now that it is no a second wave of new cases. including in Europe, it is worsening the incident in Kandakadu where there was longer at a level of top-of-mind recall, that The WHO also confirmed globally and that complacency is a new a rising number of cases in a cluster and anxiety is no longer prevalent. “Sri Lanka that although the pandemic threat we must address. people were very briefly scared. However, is one of those countries that were quick to It would seem that governments at the time, we had Health Services get rid of this anxiety,” he said. the world over are having to deal with Director General Dr. Anil Jasinghe sharing He said that people will always find a basic human nature getting in the way that in Sri Lanka they’ve contained the way to revert back to what is comfortable of a solution. In addressing this issue, communal spreading, Wijesuriya said, and what they are used to, and the way we spoke to professionals with regard adding that when legitimate sources such to change it requires a fundamental to the mentality behind choosing to be as this come forward and share that the philosophical change in the way that the complacent despite having spent three threat has been successfully contained, individual thinks. intense months under varying degrees of then people naturally assume that there is lockdown with information on the dangers no risk.

PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 4 the sunday morning brunch WILDLIFE Sunday, August 16, 2020

The reasons for elephants being endangered are action is taken when an elephant is harmed or many. There is the usual culprit of poaching for ivory, killed. Elephants are wild animals and can be very but another major contributing factor to elephant dangerous when threatened or frightened, and there deaths is human-elephant conflict. 2019 recorded is an understandable sentiment among farmers and the highest ever reported number of elephant deaths, communities along the long lines of “if we kill an with approximately 400 elephant deaths and 120 elephant we get taken to court, but if an elephant human deaths that were related to elephants in some kills us nothing happens”. way reported. In 2010, there were approximately 220 elephant deaths and 80 human deaths, showing a Conservation efforts: marked increase over the last decade. How can we move forward? The Sunday Morning Brunch reached out to Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL) Director and Commenting on conservation efforts, Dr. wildlife biologist Manori Gunawardena and renowned Pilapitiya stated: “Little or no elephant conservation environmental specialist Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, to initiatives are in place. We only try to manage human- learn more about the risks faced by elephants in Sri elephant conflict and that too from a people’s point Lanka and how we as a nation can look to being more of view – that is not conservation. Had we had good proactive about the conservation of these gentle giants. conservation initiatives in place, we would not have 400 elephants being killed every year.” A national issue Gunawardena shared that by and large, she doesn’t believe people want to kill animals. “The Gunawardena explained that elephant majority want to be left in peace and let the elephants conservation is not simply a wildlife issue; it is a live in peace. If you go to the farmers and tell them national issue because of the scale of things, she said, there is a way, they’ll be more than happy. They won’t adding: “It’s literally an elephantine issue.” Recent want you to kill any of them. They just don’t want it in research yielded from the first-ever countrywide their neighbourhood. survey on elephant distribution indicates that 44% of Sri Lanka’s elephant population lives in areas which Commercial agriculture has been are also used by people. That’s nearly half of the entire experiencing a boom over the last country’s elephant population. few years anyway, and it is likely to go “Elephants are very intelligent, which makes things even more complicated because they learn through an even bigger boom in the behaviours and adapt,” Gunawardena explained, next few years. This will result in further sharing that this is why elephants sometimes hang loss of habitable land for elephants, around and get close to vehicles, because in the past, heightening human-elephant conflict A look at elephant they have been fed and given attention by passersby, and having got used to it, they sometimes interact “The rural farmer and the elephant are on this conservation and destructively, stopping vehicles with force. collision course because we as a country have not “This is the attitude of the press when reporting done our conservation planning well in terms of the very real issue elephant and human deaths like a cricket score, elephants. We haven’t looked at this large-scale with X number of elephants dead and X number of impact of development, and what we’re seeing now of human-elephant humans dead, but there is a much bigger cost behind are the aftershocks of the development we have had a these figures.” What is reported is only the deaths, few years ago.” not anything that leads up to it, particularly from an There is a lot of pressure put on the Department conflict elephant’s perspective. of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to tackle elephants, Gunawardena commented, sharing the recent example What is driving human-elephant conflict? of the Puttalam wildlife office being damaged by Speaking on the reasoning behind the high angry locals in response to the death of a child elephant death rate in recent years, Dr. Pilapitya by an elephant attack while on her way to school. shared: “Assigning specific reasons for the Gunawardena explained that the DWC can only increase is difficult in the absence of take limited action in such situations, stating: scientific data. But one could speculate “The Department of Wildlife has very that this increase could be due to little say on what you can do with land encroachments into elephant outside their purview. They can’t habitats – several large-scale decide to build roads, airports, irrigation/agriculture projects dams, etc.; they’re only supposed have commenced in the Dry to deal with the aftermath. If Zone areas with elephant you’re on a motorcycle on a road presence. This can result in where there are elephants, there’s increased crop raiding, as natural really nothing the Department of habitats are exploited. I also Wildlife can do.” feel that farmers are getting less Understaffing and lack of tolerant of elephants that raid their resources also play a huge role. “The Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya crops. Unless development planning Puttalam wildlife office has only six takes the presence of elephants in the people, and across the board, the entire landscape into account accordingly, this Department of Wildlife is very understaffed trend will continue.” and nobody is looking at comprehending Gunawardena agreed that the scale of intervention required. It’s the impact of land-invasive literally elephantine and we need an development is one of the likely elephantine shift. Elephants need reasons for the increase in lots of space; we need a big fix human-elephant conflict and because the scale is huge.” elephant deaths. Citing the There are small initiatives example of the development that attempt to mitigate human- of the Mattala Rajapaksa elephant conflict, Gunawardena International Airport in explained. “Almost every year Hamabatota, Gunawardena people come up with a new gadget explained how a large portion of or deterrent to mitigate human- the forest inhabited by elephants was Manori Gunawardena elephant conflict, but these don’t affect cleared for the airport to be built. the root cause; it’s just a band aid of “Just recently there was a news report sorts.” of elephants encroaching on the roadway leading up What is needed, Gunawardena explained, is a to the highway. The whole nature of that area has holistic approach to conservation. “We need to take changed from a rural, small agrarian community a look at how we’re using land in this country; in the to a more urban landscape, with people also elephant context we need to find those spaces where developing in the same urban manner. humans and elephants can co-exist. There needs to “Large projects like that would have be dialogue on this at a national level,” Gunawardena Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) noted, adding that many problems can be avoided conducted, but these studies don’t take into account or the impact can be minimised if conservation is the long-term secondary development that will considered at the planning stages of large-scale take place in the area, like the building of more projects, as opposed to after the fact. businesses and the impact of those businesses, and Gunawardena commented that with the recent the reclamation of more land to grow things for the change in government, Sri Lanka is potentially going growing community that is forming.” into another development scenario similar to what It is precisely this sort of development that can took place after the end of the civil war, with a big have far-reaching consequences for surrounding focus on land-intensive development and a huge ecosystems and wildlife in the context that we are push on agriculture and growing things as well, seeing today with higher levels of human-elephant particularly land-intensive farming like sugarcane, conflict. bananas, mangoes, and other commercial agriculture. Placing the blame on one group over another Commercial agriculture has been experiencing a boom is not an effective strategy, Gunawardena shared, over the last few years anyway, and it is likely to go adding that it is true the elephants have lost their through an even bigger boom in the next few years. habitats, but farmers also have a right and duty This will result in further loss of habitable land for to protect their livelihoods, which is where much elephants, heightening human-elephant conflict. of the conflict between humans and elephants Gunawardena shared that what is happening now stems. “On any given day, there is an elephant is similar to what happened in the Wet Zone with tea story on the news, of an elephant having broken plantations under British rule, with land being cleared into a house or field or having killed someone. and elephants pushed into the Dry Zone. “We’re doing The language surrounding this is also hostile, the same thing the British did. We’re changing the with the perception that animals are invading,” land cover; how the British did it in the mountains for Gunawardena commented, going on to explain tea and rubber. We’re doing it, and we will see the that when elephants lose their habitats because of effects of this in the long term. In 20 years, we may land being reclaimed, they will automatically end have no elephants left.” PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE up encroaching because it is land they were using or travelling through previously. “Particularly in Covid-19 and elephant deaths the North and East, you will find rural agrarian It was noted that due to the Covid-19 pandemic communities having to deal with elephants. This BY NAVEED ROZAIS all over the world who come to see these and the resulting islandwide lockdown, there was a majestic creatures, as well as the other has escalated because we have expanded our significant decrease in human-elephant conflict, with agricultural footprint heavily since the war.” Elephants are wonderfully majestic and diverse wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer. As deaths of elephants decreasing by an estimated 40%, Understandably, when elephants encroach on painting a hopeful picture for human-elephant deaths fascinating creatures and are one of beautiful and fascinating as elephants are, fields, destroying or eating crops, rural farmers Sri Lanka’s many stunning wildlife they are also an endangered species, with for this year. This unexpected silver lining serves to are frustrated and their livelihoods are threatened. strengthen the argument for elephants needing space resources. Our wildlife and nature parks the overall Sri Lankan elephant population This tension is sometimes heightened because to roam freely without human interference and less are visited by millions of tourists from numbering approximately 7,500. of the elephants’ protected status, and punitive land-intensive development. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, August 16, 2020 HEALTH

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA However, certain “red flags” may warrant investigations such as a brain scan Migraine is not just a bad (neuroimaging) that will be requested headache. It is an extraordinarily during certain instances when indicated to prevalent neurological disorder rule out an alternative diagnosis based on the history and examination. Such sinister affecting one in seven adults features could include a constant headache, worldwide. Most commonly which is different from usual migraine. affected are those between 30 Perhaps it could be the worst possible to 39 years. As a result, it has headache ever in your life or the headache become a public health problem could be so severe as if you’ve been hit of great impact. Severe migraine hard at the back of your head. It could is now identified as one of the also be an abrupt, severe headache like most disabling chronic disorders. a thunderclap. Furthermore, if you get It is one of the most common double vision, loss of consciousness, Migraine seizures, or limb weakness, your doctor complaints encountered by Migraine neurologists in their day-to-day would probably consider neuroimaging to look for an underlying cause; if the practice. In this light, we spoke headache is accompanied with fever, stiff to University of Colombo (UoC) neck, etc., an alternative diagnosis will be Department of Physiology senior get the help you need get the help you need sought. Therefore, if any of these features lecturer and consultant neurologist are present, urgent medical assistance is Dr. Kumarangie Vithanage. required to make an accurate diagnosis. Women tend to experience migraine differently than men. It is estimated Preventing migraine that women suffer from migraine With time, some notice certain triggers attacks three times as often as men. that cause an attack. Hence, by keeping More severe and more frequent attacks an account of these factors, one can opt to commonly experienced by women stem avoid them, thereby lowering your chances from changing hormonal levels, more of getting migraine. Keeping a “headache specifically estrogen. This is predominantly diary” is also useful. In the diary, write noticeable at the time of puberty or after, down every time you have a migraine and when estrogen influence begins. The what you ate and did before it started. This prevalence rises in girls after puberty. The helps to identify the triggers. You can also prevalence of migraine in women increases write down what medicine you took and until about the age of 40 and then begins whether or not it helped. to decrease. It mainly affects younger Common migraine triggers include: individuals, although children aren’t yy Stress exempted. According to World Health yy Hormonal changes Organisation (WHO) data, next to strokes, migraine is the second leading cause of yy Skipping meals or not eating enough neurological disability. Hence, although yy Changes in the weather migraine doesn’t cause mortality, it is a leading cause of morbidity world over. yy Sleeping too much or too little What is migraine? yy Bright or flashing lights Migraine is typically experienced on yy Drinking alcohol one side of the head and is characterised by pulsating, recurring severe headaches, yy Certain drinks or foods such as red lasting for four to 72 hours, and are often wine, cheese, chocolate, aspartame in accompanied by other symptoms such as artificial sweeteners, etc. nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. The pain can be so severe How is migraine treated? that it can interfere with daily activities. Many different medicines can help According to current evidence, migraine relieve migraine. Your doctor can is a primary neuronal dysfunction that help you find the best treatment for leads to a sequence of changes in the you. Treatment focuses on relieving brain and associated tissues. Sometimes or all of the following: yy Aura – some people experience a symptoms and preventing additional it’s accompanied by four phases of yy Headache – the headache gets worse sensation called a migraine “aura” attacks. This includes pain medicines over several hours and is usually premonitory symptoms, aura, headache, An aura is a symptom or feeling to relieve acute pain and secondarily throbbing in nature. It often affects only and postdrome. that occurs just before or during the preventive drugs to prevent migraine one side of the head migraine attack. Each person’s aura episodes in the long run. These What are the symptoms of migraine yy Nausea and sometimes vomiting is different. However, the majority preventive medicines should be taken in adults? experience a visual aura. It might be for at least six to eight months. Besides, yy Feeling sensitive to light and noise – The attacks unfold through a cascade in the form of flashing lights, bright it’s equally important to be aware of lying down in a quiet, dark room often of events that occur over several hours to spots, zig-zag lines, or partial loss of individual triggers and to avoid them as helps days and the symptoms may include some vision. An aura can also include other much as possible. disturbances such as numbness and Lifestyle changes such as healthy tingling of the lips, lower face, and eating and sleeping habits, an exercise fingers of one hand. Some hear sounds routine, regular meditation, and other or have ringing in their ears. The aura relaxation therapies would be beneficial usually lasts a few minutes to an hour along with the avoidance of triggers in and then goes away; more frequently it preventing frequent migraine attacks. lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. Remember not to treat frequent attacks of migraine with self-medication Many experience other symptoms Consultant neurologist Dr. Kumarangie Vithanage of migraine that occur several hours through non-prescription, over-the- or even a day before the headache. Menstrual migraine counter pain medicines. Taking non- Symptoms during this phase are Menstrual migraines are headaches prescription pain medicines too often called “premonitory” or “prodromal” that occur around a woman’s menstrual can cause more headaches which are symptoms. They might include period (usually around two days before to often resistant to treatment. Migraine, yawning, feeling depressed, irritability, three days after the period begins). They although not fatal, is a major cause of food cravings, constipation, or a stiff are thought to be triggered by the normal disability. Hence, when in doubt as neck. After a migraine attack, one might decrease in estrogen levels that occurs to the cause of a recurrent headache, feel drained, confused, and washed out before the onset of the menstrual period. always seek medical advice. for up to a day. Some people also report They tend to be longer lasting, more feeling elated. A sudden head movement severe, and more resistant to treatment than About the writer might bring on the pain again briefly. other types of migraine. The writer, Migraine has a strong genetic Women with menstrual migraine may Dr. Dineshani predisposition with multifactorial also have migraine at other times during Hettiarachchi Sirisena, inheritance. Hence, sometimes they tend the month. Most often, there is no aura is a family physician to run in families. In some individuals, associated with menstrual migraine, even if with a special interest there might be an additive effect of more the woman usually has aura at other times. in rare genetic diseases than one genetic source. Obesity also Making a diagnosis and regenerative has been associated with an increased medicine currently Dr. Vithanage explained that there is frequency and severity of migraine. working as a lecturer no specific test to diagnose migraine and Headaches are often worsened by rapid at the Department of it’s mainly a clinical diagnosis based upon head motion, sneezing, straining at Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University a compatible history, physical examination, passing stools, constant movement, or of Colombo, Sri Lanka. physical exertion. and fulfilment of the diagnostic criteria. English Nursing Care expands with ‘Managed Maid’ English Nursing Care (ENC), a total ones are looked after and cared for can Speaking of this innovative service, ENC in Colombo is a supervised solution in home nursing and elderly be a challenge. ENC’s Managed Maid ENC General Manager Ivanka Fonseka home nursing service which allows care, expanded its service offerings with service entails an operational training said: “We are always looking at ways to quality care within the comfort of an the introduction of a brand new service programme that involves a team from improve the lives of the elderly and that individual’s home. Bringing in expertise called “Managed Maid”. The Managed ENC coming to your home and carrying is why we do understand that sometimes from the UK, English Nursing aims Maid service was introduced with the out a detailed understanding of the when you get used to someone in your to develop Sri Lanka’s community objective of developing the skills of situation in the care space. Thereafter, home, it is difficult to adjust to a new nursing and care sector by setting domestic help with expert training they would create a bespoke training person being brought in. This service elevated standards in terms of quality and management in order to better programme for your domestic help. The allows you to provide quality eldercare and compassionate nursing care in the serve those in need, with the comfort training programme will be delivered to a patient at home whilst minimising country. of a familiar face. This innovative and monitored by a qualified nurse, disruption to their existing routine. service is a unique combination of taking into account all your needs. Our service of upskilling a domestic technical training together with follow- The training programme will allow the helper to provide good quality eldercare For further information on ENC, up assessments and support in the patient’s needs to be met in their own provides real support to the family. Our visit their website at www. customers’ own home. home – whether for long-term care or expert staff always remain available englishnursing.com or call Ensuring that your elderly loved rehabilitation after a hospital stay. when required.” +94114500117. WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 6 the sunday morning brunch ENVIRONMENT Sunday, August 16, 2020

BY NAVEED ROZAIS environmental impact of implementing a large-scale aquaculture development As an island country, Sri Lanka project in Wedithalathive, explaining is blessed with a remarkable that the proposed development would cut bounty. Its diverse climes and through mangrove ecosystems and disrupt the ecosystem completely. Katuwawala environments make it possible to also shared that large-scale aquaculture grow practically anything within development in a country like ours could our shores. From fruits, vegetables, result in the whole industry floundering. and tea to craft and rubber, our Citing the example of Thailand, whose industries are endless, and our aquaculture industry began in the 1960s, geographical position puts us Katuwawala said that when Thailand fairly in the centre of things to be went large-scale with its aquaculture able to capitalise and grow off our development, they faced many setbacks, country’s resources. particularly with disease outbreaks among its shrimp, resulting in the overall major The industry of aquaculture, decline of the shrimp farming industry. particularly shrimp farming, began to take root on a commercial level in the There is contention as to North and East in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, the legality of conducting growing steadily to become one of our  biggest export industries and source of such studies under the Flora and employment for the coastal communities Fauna Protection Ordinance. of these regions. However, in the absence of a However, the shrimp farming industry clear EIA, it is hard to say what has come under fire in recent years and the final outcome would be and months for its potentially adverse impact what impact this may have on on the environment, both marine and both our marine environments coastal. The Sunday Morning Brunch and shrimp farming industry reached out to environmental conservation organisation The Pearl Protectors to learn Katuwawala also explained that part of more about aquaculture and its impact. the proposed aquaculture project involves The Pearl Protectors strive to protect Aquaculture in Sri Lanka growing the exotic shrimp Litopenaeus Sri Lankan marine environments through vannamei, which is a genetically modified building awareness on marine ecosystems shrimp that is not endemic to Sri Lanka. and their beauty as well as fostering Katuwawala also shared that Litopenaeus passionate individuals. They recently vannamei has been introduced to Sri Lanka published a case study titled “Impact on A look at fish and in 2018, despite this being a violation of the the marine environment by shrimp farms, Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, and looking at shrimp farming in Sri Lanka as could have a far-reaching environmental well as eight other countries”, outlining the impact. “While the vannamei prawns impacts and potential sustainable practices themselves may be unaffected by their going forward. presence in our ecosystem, the rest of the ecosystems could be vastly impacted,” What is shrimp farming Katuwawala pointed out. aquaculture? An appeal has been made to the Cabinet to de-gazette Wedithalathive and Aquaculture, as defined by the proceed with the project. The Cabinet is yet National Oceanic and Atmospheric to rule on this. Administration (NOAA) in 2011, is the in Sri Lanka The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, Shrimp farming is a valuable source in shrimp farming cause pollution and Wedithalathive with National Aquatic Resources Research shellfish, algae, and other organisms as of employment and income for rural eutrophication (higher concentrations of and Development Agency (NARA) in all types of water environments. The communities in the northwest, north, and algae and low water oxygen levels). This Nature Reserve and Director General L.K.T.C. Lokukumara, rearing of these organisms does not need east of Sri Lanka. It generates income impacts both the marine environments who explained that the Environmental to be solely for food; aquaculture can also and foreign exchange earnings, and also as well as the mortality of the shrimps its role Impact Assessment (EIA) report is still be used to repopulate endangered species, allows Sri Lanka to play in the global being bred. Self-pollution within farms At the heart of the recent controversy very much underway, with the Department restore habitats, and also breed fish and marketplace, build exchanges, and grow. also affects shrimp mortality, which then is the Wedithalathive Nature Reserve of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) taking water animals for zoos and aquariums. affects yield with fishermen taking the hit situated on Sri Lanka’s north-western coast, over to assess the impact on wildlife in the Globally, aquaculture is one of the The drawbacks of financially. adjoining the Vankalai Sanctuary in the context of Wedithalathive. Lokukumara world’s fastest-growing production shrimp farming Shrimp farming sometimes requires Mannar District. Wedithalathive is a very explained that the study is not close to systems and contributes to 44.1% of salinising freshwater groundwater which rich and vibrant ecosystem of mangroves, being completed at this stage with all the world’s 167.2 million tonnes of fish While shrimp farming provides can affect water that is used for farming tidal mudflats, saltmarshes, seagrass beds, parties involved working closely together supply. As an industry, an estimated 500 valuable employment and economic and drinking. The construction of artificial and coral reefs. It was declared as a nature to identify and define sensitive areas, points million people in developing countries benefits, it takes a heavy toll on the ponds for farming also creates issues with reserve in 25 February 2016 under the Flora of note, and concerns while maintaining all are stakeholders through fisheries and environment, which is why it has become drainage patterns. and Fauna Protection Ordinance. protocols and codes of conduct. aquaculture, whether directly or indirectly. a topic of controversy in a time where the As reported by the Environment There is contention as to the legality of Aquaculture comprises three major whole world is becoming more and more Foundation (Guarantee) Ltd. (EFL), conducting such studies under the Flora and types of farming based on the water conscious of its ecological impact. an aquaculture project proposed by the Fauna Protection Ordinance. However, in environment organisms farmed in marine Shrimp farming interferes with National Aquaculture Development the absence of a clear EIA, it is hard to say water: Freshwater, brackishwater, and both coastal and marine ecosystems. While the vannamei Authority (NAQDA) was to de-gazette what the final outcome would be and what mariculture. They require the clearing of rich and prawns themselves may be the reserve. The main objective of the impact this may have on both our marine Shrimp production mainly belongs diverse mangrove trees and marshlands unaffected by their presence project, according to the NAQDA, is to environments and shrimp farming industry. to marine aquaculture. Shrimps are the that bear a distinct number of species. in our ecosystem, the rest pave the way for foreign currency to enter EFL Head of Legal Bhagya second most traded seafood commodity in Moreover, animal lives are cleared for the country’s economy by growing fish and Wickramasinghe shared that the proposed the world, exporting $ 11 billion – 15% of pond construction and fringing habitats of the ecosystems could be shellfish through Sri Lanka’s first large- aquaculture project at Wedithalathive the worldwide seafood business. Locally, get heavily degraded. These can lead vastly impacted scale aquaculture development project. was suspended following NARA’s initial shrimp exports make up about 50% of Sri to the reduction of animal breeding and The project also proposes including the report and recommendations in 2017 not Lankan fisheries’ export income, bringing feeding habitats. Bangladesh has lost a The Pearl Protectors Co-ordinator Muditha Katuwawala exotic prawn species named “Litopenaeus to de-gazette Wedithalathive as a nature about $ 25 million in revenue. Our biggest huge amount of mangroves and associated vannamei”. reserve. The issue has been put forward to customers are Japan, the US, and the biodiversity due to shrimp aquaculture The paper was co-sponsored by the Cabinet despite these recommendations, European Union (EU). expansion. Also, converting agricultural the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic and while it is under the power of the Sri Lanka’s shrimp farming industry land into shrimp farms created a loss Resources Development and the Minister Minister of Wildlife, the minister does have first started in the Batticaloa region in the of agro-biodiversity and livestock and of Sustainable Development, Wildlife, and the power to de-gazette Wedithalalthive late 1970s and went on to set itself up in increased soil salinity, which predicts that Buddhasasana. as a nature reserve, in accordance with the Puttalam and the North Western Province these ecological impacts may likely be Wedithalathive as a nature reserve Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. in the 1980s. Sri Lanka’s shrimp farming exacerbated by climate change. hosts three main ecosystems that are In such a case, the minister first needs to industry is powerful because of our natural The clearing of mangroves heightens essential to biodiversity such as mangroves, conduct an environmental impact study, resources – coastal lagoons, mangrove the risks of coastal erosion which in turn coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. Shrimp after which if the study indicates that there swamps, tidal flats, and estuaries that are can lead to natural disasters like tsunamis, aquaculture is one of the major threats for is no adverse impact or that the ecosystem well suited for shrimp farming. Combined having more severe impacts, as well as mangroves, which causes distraction to will not be harmed by de-gazetting, then with our transport networks and harbours, increasing carbon dioxide output into the both environmental and social problems. they can go ahead with it. There have been exporting was something that was easy to environment. The Pearl Protectors Co-ordinator talks of such a study being conducted, but accomplish. The nutrients and chemicals used Muditha Katuwawala commented on the this is not yet confirmed. PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, August 16, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 2 AUGUST 8 Non-Rx 62 “The Balcony” playwright 9 Puts back up 66 Taking with force Crossword 10 Sets upright 69 Deliver spontaneously CROSSWORD CLUES 11 Gluck’s “__ ed Euridice” 71 Like granola bars Across 51 Programming classroom 101 Fifth-century invader 12 Belief system 72 Surround 1 Prepare for sushi, in a way 53 Tuneful 102 Smoke dispensers, at times 13 Sweetheart 73 Small deer 5 Experienced 56 ... “fast-paced 107 ... “service-minded 14 Like some sports 76 __ Puff: SpongeBob’s 8 “Milk’s Favorite Cookie” environment” ... attitude” ... and we 15 Ancient music hall driving teacher 12 __ light and we got a __! got a __! 16 School income source 79 Shred 17 Nevada casino city 59 Fitting tightly 111 Be mistaken 21 Program in advance 82 Something to crow about? 18 Taro paste 63 Boomerang’s path 112 “__ Been Thinking About 22 “Hell is other people” 84 Cell, nowadays 19 La. or Dak., once 64 Natural soother You”: 1991 #1 hit French dramatist 85 Always, to a poet 20 Parodies 65 Bearded flower 113 Copy __ 24 Eurasian range 86 Cover-up in Nero’s time 23 The ad said “seasonal work” 67 Tootsy protector 114 Author Bagnold 25 “Yada, yada, yada” letters 88 Russian note ... and we got an __! 68 Haphazard application 115 Long-bodied fish 30 Visibly anticipate, with 91 Royal ornaments 26 Island wine 70 ... “good driving record” ... 117 A channel may lead to one “over” 92 Of a battery terminal 27 Ewoks’ forest moon and we got a __! 119 Shaving cream additive 34 “Little help here, bud?” 93 Sources of fine wool 28 Asian New Year 74 Bodybuilder’s asset 121 ... “strong verbal skills” and 36 African antelope 95 Less clear 29 Did very well in 75 In single file we got a __! 37 “Iron Mike” in the ring 97 Strip of equipment 31 Fan 77 Wind catcher 124 Ljubljana language 39 Coastal bird 99 Anger 32 Turned up ground 78 Very small amount 125 Honoring verses 40 Does a metalworking job 100 Putting on the payroll 33 One of two presidents 80 Protective shelter 126 Word between two cards? 46 Sailor 101 Job for a stylist between a James and an 81 Horns usually shed once 127 Germany’s von Bismarck 47 Letter embellishment 103 Let up Andrew a year 128 Coat material 48 One given the part 104 Pupils do it in the dark 35 ... “flexible hours” ... 83 ... “high-energy position” ... 129 Microsoft product 49 Drink mixer, in Manchester 105 They happen and we got a __! and we got a __! 130 Versatile truck, informally 50 Stress 106 Brief scuffles 38 Team that’s won six 87 Covered, in a way 131 Loch with a legend 52 Farm product 108 Franklin’s burned wood Super Bowls 89 Caper film subject Down 53 Reagle of “Wordplay” 109 Provide with funding 41 NFL linemen 90 “Eat Better, Eat Together” 1 Statements of faith 54 Nebraska senator Fischer 110 Member of the fam. 42 Open court hearing, in law mo. 2 Six-sided fastener 55 Weather map line 116 Name possibly derived 43 “__ the ramparts ... “ 91 Door support 3 Keyed up 56 Bob Marley, e.g. from the Arabic for “hairy” 44 Cape Town’s home: Abbr. 94 One living an orderly life? 4 Musical modifier 57 Sway on a curve 118 Colorless gas for colorful 45 Songwriter Redding 95 Poetic period 5 Make a choice 58 Common quartet signs 47 Rescue plea 96 Hard pull 6 Linger idly instrument 120 Born, in Brest 48 Start to build a pot 98 Opposite of WSW 7 __ bar 60 Emphatic type 122 “Acid” 49 Prohibition 99 Carp family fish 61 Late to the max 123 Pumpernickel grain Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 26 August, 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 2 AUGUST First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Manuel Vicky, 1. G. Kirupanandan, Kalmunai Hendala, Wattala 2. Judy Amarasinghe, Mattakkuliya Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. Jennifer Morais, Colombo 13 4. Almas Shemal, Gampola J.M. Ismail, 5. P.R. Gomez, Colombo 13 Anniewatta, Kandy This week’s winners will be announced on 30 August

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) WITH OUR READERS’ HEALTH IN MIND A SPECIAL ANTIMICROBIAL INK HAS BEEN USED IN THE PRINTING OF OUR NEWSPAPER 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, August 16, 2020

Dankotuwa Porcelain steam Michaelangelo brings Viber launches inhalers now new tools to available you gala Italian Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, fight spam on renowned for its luxurious and elegant porcelain, recently introduced the all-new customised nights at The Grove steam inhaler which is said to be Michaelangelo, the the platform ideal for individuals affected by restaurant that gave Sri respiratory tract infections. Lanka its first taste of Customers are now able to thin-crust, wood-fired purchase the product at their pizza, has now opened convenience from any of the at The Grove Garden Dankotuwa showrooms located Lounge at 289, High at Guildford Crescent, One Level Road, Colombo 5 Galle Face Mall, Union Place, (opposite Kandy store). Kirulapone, Negombo, and To celebrate their Dankotuwa. presence at The Grove Designed and advised by and provide their General Sir John Kotelawala many customers with Defence University (KDU) something special, Department of Surgery lecturer Michaelangelo will bring Dr. Charith Nanayakkara, who you “Italian nights” Michaelangelo flair and or pizza to choose from, specialises in neurosurgery, this this weekend, starting panache. while dessert too has a modified steam inhaler is ideal on Friday, 14 August This weekend will choice of three Italian for individuals affected by any and going on up to feature a gourmet menu favourites – namely Rakuten Viber, one of the picture. In the spirit of Viber’s respiratory tract infections. Sunday, 16 August, for for two (sharing) priced cassata, tiramisu, and tres world’s leading apps for free and strong stance on ensuring user Recently, Dankotuwa dinner only. This will at Rs. 1,900 Nett per leche. caters to vegetarians. A easy communication, announced privacy, any chats initiated Porcelain donated these inhalers to be the first of a series of person, where diners The choice of special feature is that the launch of several tools to through search will be subject the Ministry of Health, the National monthly promotions by will be presented with pizzas on offer will Michaelangelo’s pasta is fight spam and ensure user to additional privacy measures, Institute of Infectious Diseases Michaelangelo at The bruschetta or foccacia to include tonno chipollo, handmade and literally privacy, as well as an option to including: (IDH), Neville Fernando Hospital, Grove where delectable start with, followed by marinara, four cheese, melts in the mouth. search for other users by name. yy Every user’s phone number Homagama Hospital, University Italian specialities, a trio of ravioli which romagno, capricciosa, Live music, a garden The new search capability will remains hidden until they Hospital KDU, and the Sri Lanka apart from those on the will be prawn, crab, and Hawaiian, and more, atmosphere, special be protected with extra privacy share it Navy in addition to the quarantine à la carte menu, will chicken liver pate. The while the pastas on lighting, and an overall measures in accordance with centres in Sri Lanka. be presented to diners main course gives diners offer will feature prawn yy Online status is hidden carnival atmosphere Viber’s strict commitment to with the inimitable a choice of pasta, risotto, fettuccine, penne guarantees to make ensuring privacy for its users. y puttanesca, spaghetti y Voice and video calls are Michaelangelo’s Italian As the world changes bolognaise, spaghetti disabled nights at The Grove an and messaging apps gain an carbonara, fettuccine evening to remember and outsized role in communication, Users who don’t wish al fredo, and others. what’s more, come back people are constantly looking to allow others to find them The mushroom risotto for more! for additional ways to expand through search should simply tap their circles and networks. Yet, More à Settings à Privacy à Let To make reservations, contact the people today are also bombarded users find you by your name. call centre on 0117 612 613 from 11 a.m. with more information than ever People Search on Viber as well as the Message Requests The Grove to 10 p.m. or 0777 792 776. before, due to which avoiding spam and unnecessary overloads inbox will be tested first in select of information is crucial. The countries before rolling out challenge lies not in finding globally. “It’s important for users also as an actor, model, and singer. City – Season 2. After that, I got connections online, but doing so in a safe and private way. With to expand their social circles, “The turning point in my life the opportunity to participate in but keeping their personal came when I along with Dineth Hiru Super Dancer – Season 2 as its new privacy tools, Viber provides the answer. communication space spam-free A dancing star Akarsha grabbed the third place in a choreographer last year (2019), is the other side of that coin. We Viber now allows its users the Hiru Super Dancer – Season 2 without an interview, because Gayan are working tirelessly to find the Vishwa Shankanath Ranasinghe A student of Vision Finale. Srimal and Damith Fernando of the to control who can add them to is a professional dancer in Sri Lanka International School in communities and group chats, optimal solutions, like the ones “With this success, the result Hiru crew checked my videos on the we are releasing now, which and through Hiru Super Dancer – Kandy, he graduated from was that I acquired tremendous internet and were very satisfied.” whether everyone or only their Season 2, people got to know him as the National Cadet Corps saved contacts. To set this empower our users to expand confidence in myself and with Eewose Ultimate Dancing their horizons while addressing a versatile and modern artiste. Not (NCC). my inborn talent, there was no School is open to students of any privacy setting, users simply only is Vishwa a dancer, he is also Talking about his road tap More à Settings à Privacy à their safety and privacy,” said turning back. I was determined age. More than 100 students are Viber Chief Executive Officer a dancing master, choreographer, to success, Ranasinghe to move forward and make a learning to be excellent dancers Groups à Control who can add actor, and model. shared that it’s been a long you to groups. (COO) Ofir Eyal. success of my gifted talent. one day. “I teach them hiphop, Viber’s global user base has Commenting on how it all and rewarding journey. “Looking back, contemporary, Latin, breakdancing, Additionally, new started, Ranasinghe shared that “I must say about my community and group chat access to a range of features like I acquired an IDM popping, locking, house, Bollywood, one-on-one chats, video calls, he hails from Pilimathalawa, success that to arrive All Island First in and Kandyan styles of dancing.” invitations from unknown Kiribathkumbura, Kandy. “I got at this position was senders on Viber will group messaging, and updates and Dancing. I am an Ranasinghe conducts classes in discussions with their favourite to know I have inborn talents. So not a bed of roses. To International Dance Kiribathgoda and Boralesgamuwa. automatically go under the new I learnt dancing from my masters succeed as a dancer Message Requests inbox to keep brands and celebrities. The Teachers’ Association “It was six years ago when company ensures its users have and worked hard to become a and choreographer, (IDTA) Amateur I started my career as a dancing users’ main chat list tidy and free talented dancer one day. As a I worked hard. As a of unwanted requests. a secure and free environment to Award (Latin Dancing) master and director and I’m happy share their emotions. result, I achieved many careers result, I became the top solo dancer and to disclose that I guided Vishmi The new ability to search being a dancer, dancing master, Director of my own for people on Viber will Rakuten Viber is part of I also acquired the Pabasara to become the Popular Star Rakuten Inc., a world leader choreographer, actor, model, and dancing school, Derana City of Dance in Derana Little Star – Season 8. She open opportunities to expand singer. My mother Kanchana is a Eewose Ultimate networks, while retaining user in e-commerce and financial certification in hiphop, and was the first youngest hiphop dancer services. It is the official housewife while my father Luckwin Dancing School; not b-boying at the Red Bull BC in Sri Lanka.” privacy to the fullest. Once Ranasinghe is the gymnastic coach only just in two areas someone searches a user’s name communication channel of One All Stars. If you are curious to know more, FC Barcelona, and the official at Trinity College, Kandy. My sister as a dancer and Vishwa I was successful in being you can check out Ranasinghe on in the Viber search bar, it will Sankapali is an English teacher.” choreographer, but Shankanath appear in the search results, instant messaging and calling Ranasinghe placed second at Derana Star YouTube. alongside the user’s profile app partner of the Golden State Warriors. Taking a zero tolerance approach to sexual bribery When a state official demands governing sexual bribery makes it gifts, etc. but not sexual gratification. service, taking action against those for giving into such bribes. money or a favour in exchange for all the more difficult to prosecute CEJ’s advocacy has led to a working who misuse their office. For most survivors of sexual a service, the word “bribery” comes offenders. definition for sexual forms of Yet, from 2010 to 2019, only 13 bribery, fear lies not only in standing to mind. What if this demand wasn’t Sexual bribery is prevalent gratification, that has been accepted cases were reported to the Bribery up to the corrupt official, but also monetary? What would you call a both in Sri Lanka and in other by the Bribery Commission, and Commission, of which nine were its consequences. The road towards favour that was sexual instead? countries. In a 2019 study on this definition has been added to the successfully detected while six were instituting zero tolerance for sexual Sexual bribery is hardly a novel gender and corruption published National Action Plan for Combating prosecuted. Most people are, however, bribery is one that depends on offence. It is however shrouded by Transparency International Bribery and Corruption in 2019. unaware of the reporting mechanism. several factors. Legal remedies and in ambiguity and lacks a legal Zimbabwe, 57% of the respondents Additionally, the Commission Its existence alone is insufficient. It protection is essential but should definition, making it difficult to noted that the non-monetary bribes to Investigate Allegations of Bribery is imperative to foster awareness, be developed parallel to a system identify. The Centre for Equality and they had experienced were of a or Corruption (CIABOC) has empowerment, and protection of those of support and awareness. It should Justice (CEJ) began documenting sexual nature, thus making sexual established a reporting mechanism who come forward. additionally empower individuals and researching on this issue four favours an active element of bribery accessing a government service. to handle cases of bribery and The CEJ also suggests with practical remedies and a years ago. The CEJ defines sexual culture. Similarly, the 10th edition In Sri Lanka, sexual bribery corruption. Even the political climate that the laws need amending. reporting mechanism they can trust. bribery as an “improper benefit” that of Global Corruption Barometer: can be discussed under the Bribery has moved to eradicate bribery and Acknowledging sexual bribery isn’t Individuals can lodge a is sexual in nature, demanded from Latin America and the Caribbean Act No. 2 of 1965 with several corruption. President Gotabaya enough. Survivors need to feel safe complaint either by calling them a person by persons in positions of (2019) stated that one in five citizens amendments under consideration. Rajapaksa in his election manifesto knowing that the law will protect on their hotline 1954 or through power in exchange for a service. experiences or knows someone who The statute’s interpretation of committed to working towards an them if they come forward with their their website at www.ciaboc.gov.lk/ The absence of express laws experienced sexual extortion when gratification covers money, loans, efficient and corruption-free public experiences and won’t penalise them contact/complaints.

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