Sunday 6 december 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 10/03 Price : Rs 70.00 Extradition request on Mahendran still pending By Methmalie Dissanayake

Attorney General (AG) Dappula de Livera has informed the Justice Ministry Secretary the extradition request on Arjuna Mahendran is still pending and a note of clarification has been submitted to Singapore’s AG regarding the matter, Coordination Officer of the AG, State Counsel Nishara Jayarante on Friday (4) said. Story Continued on page 2 AG’s Dept reveals at COPA session Bandula takes top Rs 6.13B Loss bureaucracy to task at Customs ‘Bureaucratic oligarchy has Failure to clear products imported by made ministers mere beggars’ By Gagani Weerakoon and two palm oil companies flagged Methmalie Dissanayale

BY Gagani Weerakoon and the Treasury and the Ministry of Customs has also failed to take A Senior Government Minister Methmalie Dissanayake Finance S.R. Attygalle has actions against the officials who accused country’s top bureaucrats already taken measures to were involved in this act of fraud. of acting in arbitrary manner that The Auditor General’s investigate and recover the Considering several other has reduced the Cabinet of Department has revealed that a losses incurred. However, COPA issues such as opposing the Ministers to mere rubber stamps loss of Rs 6,130 million had directed the Customs to take installation of a fingerprint and beggars and has incurred, between 2013-2016, immediate action on the matter machine to mark attendance, caused a series of due to negligence on the part of as well. weaknesses in internal embarrassments to Sri Lanka Customs officials Moreover, the Customs has governance, issues pertaining to President Gotabaya failing to clear specific products failed to implement an adequate the recruitment of an Attorney- Rajapaksa and Prime imported by two leading palm oil internal control system at-Law and a Chief Internal Minister Mahinda companies under the regarding the process of imports Auditor for the Legal Rajapaksa. Harmonised System (HS) Code. and exports. As a result of this, Department, the COPA decided This was revealed during the six containers of perfume had to summon Customs officials Story Continued on page 2 Committee on Public Accounts been released under the Western again and in the interim they (COPA) meeting held on 3 medication category and that were ordered to prepare a December. had caused a loss of Rs 40.7 sustainable solution for those COPA heard that Secretary to million to the Government. The issues within two months.

Amaradeva’s ashes Health Ministry informs HRCSL Speaker and Sajith still at funeral parlour Cremating exchange words Sirisena’s promise not kept COVID-19 dead By Gagani Weerakoon and will continue Methmalie Dissanayake By Tissa Korathota Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa By Dilanthi Jayamanne Abeywardena and Opposition Leader The ashes of musician Pundit W.D. Amaradeva Sajith Premadasa exchanged words on 4 have been kept in a funeral parlour for more than The Health Ministry will continue to December in Parliament when the four years as the construction of the ‘Amaradeva cremate COVID-19 infected bodies as Speaker told Premadasa that a phrase in Aesthetic and Research Centre’, which was promised recommended by the Technical the latter’s speech would be expunged to be built after his funeral by former President Committee, appointed to look into the from the Hansard. Maithripala Sirisena and the former Prime Minister cremation and burial of COVID-19 During Premadasa’s speech made at Ranil Wickremesinghe, came to an abrupt halt in late bodies, Health Ministry sources said. the Parliamentary Sittings on... 2019. Constructing the ‘Amaradeva Aesthetic and Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Research Centre’ was a promise made by Sirisena at Amaradeva’s funeral. In August 2018, Sirisena presented the Amaradeva Aesthetic and Research... Spitting at PHIs 21,000 tablets at Mahara Prison dispensary Story Continued on page 2 COVID-19 CID awaiting ASP Perera tells Easter Attacks PCoI positive man Dayasiri intervened to experts’ report remanded By Thameenah Razeek release six suspects By Thameenah Razeek The CID is awaiting an experts’ report on Police bail The suspect who spat at a Public on the pills that were allegedly consumed Health Inspector (PHI) in Atulugama by the Prison inmates during the Mahara By Buddhika was remanded until 17 December Prison unrest on 29 November, Police Samaraweera after being produced in the Panadura Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana said on 4 Magistrate’s Court. December. State Minister Dayasiri The suspect who obstructed the He earlier claimed that some of the Jayasekara intervened in duties of the PHIs was arrested on 4 21,000 tablets used to treat mental releasing six suspects, who were December by the Bandaragama Police illnesses at the Prison dispensary had arrested in connection with the and produced before Court via video been consumed by some prisoners. unrest in the Kuliyapitiya area call on the same day. Accordingly, the CID intends to send in May 2019, on Police bail. He was arrested as per health samples of the tablets allegedly consumed This was revealed when... guidelines after the suspect was ... by inmates to be tested in a bid to ...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 sunday 6 december 2020 news

Criminals, terrorist networks Swiss Ambassador meets continue to target Indian Ocean Justice Minister By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan – Tharaka Balasuriya Colombo, he said that the rise try to grapple with the most control of its maritime The growing number of drug of violent non-State actors is effective intervention boundaries against naval seizures by various naval closely connected with the strategies to combat the terror units of the LTTE, illegal forces in the Indian Ocean growth in the drugs trade in ensuing social ills of the drugs arms shipments, and piracy. indicates that criminal and the Indian Ocean. on their societies. Sri Lanka He noted that due to the terrorist networks continue to He also underlined that the with the help of the United strategic development of Sri target the Indian Ocean as a drugs trade can no longer be Nations Office on Drugs and Lanka’s naval force, we were trafficking network to isolated as an individual Crime has stepped up our able to meet these challenges transport their products to threat, since evidence obligations and despite incurring a significant Europe and North America, suggests that the profits responsibilities in curtailing cost financially as well as a State Minister of Regional generated from such networks these activities.” significant loss of human Cooperation Tharaka have been used to fund terror He highlighted the ongoing lives. “What these experiences Balasuriya noted. networks from Afghanistan to fight against maritime crime also inform us that Speaking via call at a Somalia. and recalled Sri Lanka’s cooperation among States to The Switzerland Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominic Furgler called conference on promoting Sri “The effects caused by the decades-long struggle against develop the Naval capacity in on the Minister of Justice, M.U.M. Ali Sabry at the Justice Ministry Lanka’s interest in the drug trade on particularly the violent separatist struggle areas such as information premises on Friday (4). The duo exchanged views pertaining to the maritime domain and economically-vulnerable of the LTTE, during which Sri judicial sphere while Minister Sabry explained several reforms that sharing need to be increased he intends to introduce to the legal sector. The Minister also strengthening regional communities will place Lanka continuously had to to ensure the collective stressed measures he would be initiating to reduce congestion cooperation with the additional financial burdens navigate the perilous security of the Indian Ocean within the prisons sector as well as measures that would be taken European Union held in on developing States, as they challenge of maintaining the region”. to further strengthen the courts system Communist Party calls for holistic approach in tackling COVID-19

The Communist Party of Sri Lanka errant officers if any are responsible stated that it is imperative that the Urges probe of Mahara Prison riot for the deaths of inmates at said State Ministry of Primary Health State Ministry to draw up a with foreign Governments that have that occurred at the Mahara Prison Prison last month. Services, Pandemics and COVID-19 programme which could bring about tested vaccines to combat the spread premises and to ensure that there is The Party also requested the Prevention formulates a mechanism community participation with the aim of COVID-19 with the intention of no repetition of such incidents in the Minister of Health to probe the crisis to provide knowledge to people freely of bringing about a behavioural making such vaccines available to Sri future. within the Sri Lanka Medical Council on the means of protecting change among the masses affected by Lankans at reasonable prices. They have urged the Government to over the recent removal of its themselves from the debilitating the disease. Meanwhile, the Party has also introduce urgent reforms to the Membership Board and to sort out illness. Lastly, the Party has urged the urged the Government to launch an prisons sector following an the issue forthwith without leaving The Party has also proposed to the State Ministry to hold discussions independent probe into the unrest independent probe and to punish room for criticism in the future.

Continued from page 1

power. Some of them were Bandula takes top... imprisoned. And then there Amaradeva’s ashes still... are these officials. They have Minister of Trade Dr. should be discussed in this posts in every Government no ... Centre Bill to Parliament. planned to comprise a National Front-led Bandula Gunawardena, House thoroughly. The matter what happens. At the On 24 August 2018, Sirisena library, an archive, a Government pledged to finish speaking during the debate on monetary power of the end, we have to go home and laid the foundation stone for museum and a preservation the construction of the Expenditure Heads on country belongs to they remain in their the construction. centre. The estimated cost of Centre before January 2019, Ministry of Industry and Parliament. But if an official of positions.” The Centre was supposed the construction was Rs 250 it had not been done even by Commerce and Ministry of the Finance Ministry or Let us look at the budgets. to be built on a nearly 120- million. The ashes of August 2019. The Trade, said the oligarchy of Treasury tries to do whatever These officials create the perch block under the Urban Amaradewa were also contractor’s service was bureaucracy has made he wants ignoring that fact budgets using their oligopoly. Development Authority near supposed to be placed in the halted and the then ministers mere beggars and and tries to make the But we debate it and scold the Ape Gama in Centre premises. Government collapsed in insisted that Parliamentary ministers mere beggars, what each other in this Parliament. Battaramulla and was Although the then United 2019. should debate on the negative is the point? If Ministries are We are compelled to somehow effects on the fiscal situation not funded, how can we run get the Budget passed of the country as a result of the ministries? When the irrespective of what they the conduct of these officials. ministries could not perform created. They put fake Speaking further well, then the President, numbers in the budgets. Gunawardena stressed, Prime Minister and State These officials did it to former CID awaiting experts’... “Several top officials at the institutions have to take the UNF Government. The UNF Finance Ministry have created blame, not those officials. Government went home but ...determine their Prison officials, 12 inmates, were looking into the an oligarchy and they are Ministers have become mere those officials at the Treasury composition and better four male nurses and a possibility that someone making us, both the beggars today. The Ministers are still holding their posts, understand what effect if any doctor on 3 December. provoked these prisoners to Government and Parliament have made a lot of sacrifices Gunawardena noted. it had on the behaviour of the However, they said further riot. fools. The role of these officials to bring the Government to Prison inmates on the day in investigations in this regard Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka question. were ongoing. College of Psychiatrists said The Police team appointed They said a probe was also that the drugs discovered at to probe the incident has ongoing into the damage the Mahara Prison, following recorded a total of 56 caused and the cost of that the riot, were of enormous Dayasiri intervened to... statements from witnesses to damage to the Government benefit to the prisoners and ... ASP Prasanna Perera Hettipola Police Station were be transported in a private the Mahara Prison incident. and to verify whether they would not result in any testified before the to be taken to the Bingiriya vehicle, the witness said that DIG Rohana added the team were caused by an individual aggressive or violent Presidential Commission of Police Station where the decision was taken based recorded statements from 13 or a group, adding that they behaviour. Inquiry into the 21 April investigations were being on the situation that arose at 2019, Easter Sunday conducted into the matter. that time. bombings, on 4 December. "However, the crowd around Meanwhile, when He said by the time the the Police Station had questioned whether any other suspects were arrested, obstructed it and Jayasekara person or persons had come nearly 2,000 persons had took the six suspects to the to the Police Station on the COVID-19 positive man... gathered at the Hettipola Bingiriya Police Station in a said day, the witness said Police Station and Jayasekara private vehicle," he said. that he had learned that ...identified as COVID-19 Bandaragama Police about antagonised the officers and had then intervened to When a Member of the Namal Kumara had also positive. the incident. refused to be admitted to the resolve the situation. Commission inquired visited the Hettipola Police Police Spokesman, DIG The complaint states the hospital. As the PHIs got into He further said the six whether the suspects Station and had discussions Ajith Rohana said the suspect arrestee had been informed their vehicle and prepared to suspects detained at the arrested by the Police could with the Officer-in-Charge. would be taken to the earlier that the PHIs would return, the infected man had Welikada Prison and an arrive and when the PHIs suddenly verbally abused investigation would be went to his house in them, opened the door of the conducted. Atulugama with an vehicle and spat at the Health Officer Dr. Nimesha ambulance in order to take officers, shouting, “Now you request to the Defence Ratnaweera had lodged a him to an intermediate too have contracted COVID- Extradition request on... Ministry and Foreign Affairs complaint with the treatment centre, he had 19, go heal yourselves”. Mahendran was the The Ministry of Foreign Ministry after the Permanent Governor of Central Bank of Affairs sent the extradition High Court at Bar issued an Sri Lanka (CBSL) when the request on Mahendran to the arrest warrant on Mahendran. Treasury Bond scam took Sri Lankan High Commission Meanwhile, the INTERPOL place and he has been named in Singapore in September has informed Sri Lanka that one of the major suspects in 2019 following which the AG Mahendran has changed his the case. tendered the extradition name to ‘Harjan Alexander’. Speaker and Sajith... 4 December, the Speaker problem.” the phrase ‘failed State’ you persons testing positive for claimed the speech Premadasa: “No. I never cannot expunge it. That is my Cremating COVID-19 dead... COVID-19 in Bogambara, mentioned Sri Lanka as a said that. I know my English. opinion. How on earth can The Committee which was strain of the Virus that has Kandy, the Central Provincial ‘failed State’. Please respect my linguistic you expunge that? What gives appointed earlier this year, by been spreading. Council decided to keep 45 “I request you to permit me skills.” you the right to expunge such the former Director General of Sources said that even the schools situated within the to expunge that part from the The Speaker: “I have no terms?” Health Services Dr. Anil Supreme Court had dismissed Kandy Municipal Council area Hansard because it has doubt about that.” Raising a Point of Order Jasinghe, said this on 4 12 petitions which had closed till 14 December. nothing to do with us,” the Premadasa: “This is after Ponnambalam, State December in response to a challenged the regulations Governor of the Province Speaker said. ludicrous. I have never Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara written communiqué by the gazetted by the Health Ministry Lalith U. Gamage said that the Premadasa: “I never mentioned ‘failed State.’” said: “It was a very supportive Human Rights Commission of directing the cremation of children would have to reach mentioned ‘failed State’ in my The Speaker: “If you had, comment from Sri Lanka regarding their COVID-19 dead. the bus stand close to speech. What I said was we will expunge it.” Ponnambalam. I think that is observations and The Commission has Bogambara in order to get on ‘failed, incompetent and inept At this juncture, the All because they wanted to say recommendations on the informed the Ministry of Health buses and that it would in turn Government.’ I never say that Ceylon Tamil Congress that Sri Lanka is a failed disposal of COVID-19 dead. that by making it mandatory to pose a risk. Sri Lanka is a failed State. Parliamentarian State.” Sources said the Health cremate those who have died or The employees at the bus Please understand the Gajendrakumar Premadasa: “I am surprised Ministry would stand by the suspected to have died from stand were also from difference between the State Ponnambalam questioned the by Jayasekara’s kindness Committee’s recommendations. COVID-19 was neither Bogambara. He said that a and the Government. You Speaker on what grounds he towards me. But I do not need It was reviewed even during the necessary nor fair to the decision had been taken to cannot expunge parts from was going to expunge the his support. I have a strong last Committee meeting and achievement of public health lockdown the area from 10 my speech.” term ‘failed State’. backbone. Jayasekara might there was no change of opinion and therefore was not a p.m. on 4 December. The Speaker: “If it is so, I Ponnambalam: “That is an need one too. I am surprised even at the time due to the permissible restriction of the Gamage said that schools in will look into it later. If it is opinion. For example, if I was by the utter ignorance shown gravity of the Disease which freedom to manifest religion or two villages of the Akurana not, then there is no in a course of a speech, use by the MP.” has been enhanced by the belief. area would reopen for the third virulent nature of the current Meanwhile, with the 12 term in another week’s time. sunday 6 december 2020 A3 A4 sunday 6 december 2020 news Veteran doc begins work Deposit to be at new State Ministry Levied for Quarter Liquor Bottles

By Thameenah Razeek bottles can lead to companies attempt to “At present, it is reported environmental pollution. prevent the implementation that the annual production The Government has During a discussion on of this decision by the capacity of liquor bottles is decided to charge a deposit the matter on 4 December government, action will be 120 million. Of these, 18 to at the time of purchase of at the Ministry of taken to ban quarter 20 million are used for quarter (185 millilitre) Environment under the bottles, Amaraweera arrack and more than 60 liquor bottles in a bid to patronage of subject warned. per cent are non- prevent their incorrect Minister Mahinda However, a final decision recyclable,” he said. Specialist Doctor Amal Harsha the health sector and 24 years of disposal. Amaraweera, it was on the amount to be levied Amaraweera explained de Silva has commenced work as expertise in the health The decision has been emphasised that the deposit on a quarter bottle (being a that an alternative the Secretary to the State Ministry administrative service. Before his taken in the backdrop of amount levied from figure over Rs 10) of the programme of action should of Primary Health Services, latest appointment, he functioned environmentalists consumers should not be deposit was taken after be proposed considering the Pandemics and COVID Prevention as the Deputy Director General repeatedly pointing out that less than Rs 10 per quarter discussions with the demands of bottle with effect from 4 December. Dr. de (Medical Services) of the Ministry of the sale of quarter liquor bottle. If the liquor relevant departments. manufacturers. Silva has 34 years of experience in Health.

Climate mitigation strategies needed Easter Attacks PCoI – Tharaka Balasuriya

By Sulochana Ramiah HQI received cooperation of all Indian and infrastructure loss will Mohan Ocean countries but from have an unprecedented additional extra-regional impact on economic growth, The environmental and players as well. national as well as human existential threats facing With the view that climate security,” he stressed. death threats after particularly the littoral change is a threat multiplier, He commended the EU for States in the Indian Ocean many other maritime providing development from the effects of climate security challenges such as assistance to Sri Lanka to change continue to escalate, illegal, unreported and uplift environmental the State Minister of unregulated (IUU) fishing, standards through the arresting vandals Regional Cooperation maritime piracy, and Switchasia programme, Tharaka Balasuriya said on humanitarian assistance which has a particular focus By Buddhika Sunday bombings, but on 12 their statements on a later day. Friday (4) and disaster relief (HADR) on Sustainable Samaraweera May 2019, a group had Accordingly, they were released Speaking under the theme will become more critical Consumption and damaged several shops and their statements were ‘Promoting Sri Lanka’s and will require greater Production (SCP). “Such A group of four persons, belonging to Muslim recorded on another day,” he Interest in the Maritime cooperation on resources, programmes will be key to arrested by the Police on 12 businessmen in the said. Domain: Strengthening knowledge sharing and ensuring that some of the May 2019, on suspicion of Karanthithpola area in He further said that 37 Regional Cooperation with expertise, he said. key economic sectors such damaging several shops Kuliyapitiya. incidents of shops being the European Union (EU)’, “The full-scale of the as tourism continue to belonging to Muslim He further said that four damaged were reported in the he pointed out that burden States will be evolve with better businessmen in the Kuliyapitiya suspects were arrested by the Kuliyapitiya area on 12 May formulating effective climate saddled with due to climate- environmental standards to area, had been released on the Police in connection with the 2019 and that about 20 mitigation strategies will induced migration, mitigate their impact on our same day without even incident on the same day. suspects were arrested from require not only the decreased food production, environment,” he added. recording any statement. Adding that they were taken to time to time and produced This was revealed on 4 the Kuliyapitiya Police Station, before Court in connection with December when the then Sampath said that a large the matter. He said that some of Kuliyapitiya Headquarters crowd had gathered around the the suspects had been charged Inspector, Nadeera Sampath, Police Station at that time. under the International testified before the Presidential When questioned whether the Covenant on Civil and Political Commission of Inquiry into the Police had taken steps to record Rights Act, No. 56 of 2007 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday a statement from the suspects (ICCPR). bombings. or to produce them in Court, Meanwhile, when questioned The witness further said he the witness said that due to the by a State Counsel as to why it and his family members had lack of officers and the situation took about eight months to been threatened with death at the Police Station on that complete the investigation into even while those arrested in this day, statements could not be the incident, the witness said connection were in custody. recorded. that the investigation could not He said that the security in “The Assistant be completed soon as obtaining the area had been beefed up to Superintendent of Police, Nimal Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) prevent any kind of tense Bandara, instructed me to footage and telephone data situation following the Easter release the suspects and record analysis reports took time.

Reopening of airports to help tourism Joint committee formed to plan health guidelines

A joint committee comprising discussions were held on Aviation Services Sri Lanka officials from the Ministry of Thursday (3) to look into the Limited and veterans in the Health and the Ministry of possibility of reopening the hotel field had taken part in Tourism was appointed to airports in a bid reawaken the the discussions. formulate preliminary plans for tourism industry after a lapse Health Secretary Major the opening of airports in of several months, with the General (Retired) Dr. Sanjeewa accordance with the health participation of Health Munasinghe, the Secretary to guidelines. Minister Pavithra the Tourism Ministry S. Media Secretary to the Wanniarachchi, the State Hettiarachchi and the Ministry of Health, Viraj Minister for Primary Health Chairman of the Tourism Abeysinghe said on Friday (4) Services, Pandemics and Development Authority, that the joint committee was COVID Prevention, Dr. Kimarli Fernando were also tasked with the preparation of Sudarshini Fernandopulle and present. the health guidelines required Tourism Minister Prasanna Airports were closed mid to help boost the tourism Ranatunga. March for the operation of industry. Further steps are to He noted that international commercial be taken to advance tourism in representatives of the passenger flights arriving in Sri accordance with the decisions Ministry’s Epidemiology Unit, Lanka, in keeping with advice taken by the joint committee. Sectional Heads in the Tourism from the health authorities Abeysinghe said that special Ministry, the Airport and (DJ) NEWS SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 2020 A5

Mahara Prison deaths Inquest Awaits AG’s Stance on Preserving Physical Evidence By Ruwan Laknath injuries to both inmates and ascertained (the Prison for COVID-19, while on 4 cover-up. for COVID-19, concerns Jayakody officers numbering over 100, authorities have claimed that December, Perera made an Perera reiterated that if the remain that ‘if their remains and arson-related damages to the locations within the Prison application to the Court that bodies of the deceased are are cremated, that may The hearings of the inquest property. where documentation post-mortems should be cremated, evidence would be hamper criminal investigations proceedings, into the deaths of When the matter was taken pertaining to prisoners were conducted on the 11 deceased. destroyed. Regarding this, the to hold those responsible 11 prisoners at the Mahara up on 4 December before the stored had been destroyed Perera had also brought to the Committee made a written accountable’. Prison on 29 November, is Wattala/Welisara Magistrate during the incident), the notice of the Court a statement appeal to the Special The Committee urged the scheduled to be taken up Buddhika C. Ragala, the investigations into the matter made publicly by the State Rapporteurs on Torture and aforementioned four to ‘inquire again on 11 December at the relevant Judicial Medical have since been taken over by Minister of Prison Other Cruel, Inhuman or into the latest incident and call Wattala/Welisara Magistrate’s Officer and a specialist doctor, the Criminal Investigations Management and Prisoners Degrading Treatment or on the Government to practice Court, pending the Attorney representing the relevant Department. Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte, Punishment, and restraint and to abide by General’s (AG’s) stance on health authorities, had given Previously, a motion was even prior to the conclusion of Extrajudicial, Summary or national and international preserving the physical expert evidence, yet there had filed in Court on 2 December any of the multiple Arbitrary Executions, which laws when responding to any evidence from destruction, been no representation on by the Chairman of the investigations into the was also copied to the United tensions in prisons, and stress especially the bodies of the behalf of the AG. Also on 4 Committee for Protecting the incident, to the effect that the Nations (UN) High on the importance of deceased including the eight December, while the Ragama Rights of Prisoners, Attorney- deceased prisoners had not Commissioner for Human addressing the causes that led who have posthumously tested Police, under whose at-Law Senaka Perera, died due to injuries sustained Rights and the UN Resident prisoners to attempt to escape positive for COVID-19. jurisdiction the presenting of requesting the Court to ensure from gunshot wounds, which Coordinator, on the situation and protest, and in particular The incident at the Mahara facts to the Court regarding criminal justice by preserving were the result of shooting. of prisons, in which they to urgently take measures to Prison on 29 and 30 November the incident falls, had revealed the bodies of the deceased, Perera had explained that the pointed out that since eight of ensure the rights of prisoners has thus far resulted in the in Court that the identities of including of the eight who have claim was baseless and that it those killed were subsequently and to protect them and the deaths of 11 prisoners, caused two of the deceased had been posthumously tested positive pointed towards a potential reported to have tested positive Prisons staff from COVID-19’.

Foreign Reserves Protection Measure MR levies PAL on 41 items By Paneetha Ameresekere however, are subjected to a PAL of five per cent. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, ‘Wood pulp obtained by a in his capacity as the Finance combination of mechanical and Minister, on Thursday (3), gazetted chemical processes’ and ‘electric Ports and Airport Development levies accumulators including separators (PALs) on 41 items ranging from five thereof, whether or not rectangular per cent to 7.5 per cent with (including square)’, are being retrospective effect from 30 November, subjected to a PAL of five per cent. in order to protect the foreign reserves. These items were previously exempted The highest PAL of 7.5 per cent is from PAL. being levied on the importation of Other items covered in this gazette ‘yachts and other vessels for pleasure include halogenated derivatives or or sports, rowing boats and canoes’. hydrocarbons including fluorine and These goods were previously exempted chlorine needed for the manufacture from PAL. Meanwhile, heterocyclic of insecticides such as compounds with nitrogen hetero- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, atoms only required for dye and drug herbicides, refrigeration, air- preparations, water proofing and the conditioning and cleaning electrons manufacture of nylon which were where their PAL has been increased previously exempted from PAL, now, from 2.5 per cent to five per cent.

A near Rs 200M damage caused in Mahara mayhem By Kumudu Upul Shantha equipment had been stored including among others, the uniforms of Prison sources revealed that the inmates and food items. total damage caused to equipment According to Prisons Department and buildings at the Mahara Prison sources, surgical equipment had also premises during the unrest on 29 been damaged during the mayhem. November had been estimated to be in It is also reported that several the region of Rs 150 to 200 million. electronic and technical equipment in They said that the biggest damage the offices had been badly damaged was to the building where special during the unrest. A6 sunday 6 december 2020 focus

EU, SL Acknowledge Rule-based Strategy in Indian Ocean Region Foster regional cooperation with openness and trust – EU Ambassador

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan attention to the maritime domain in Indian Ocean are not fully peace to many “war-torn continents” This is another fundamental the Indian Ocean is increasing to maintained. in the context of a cold war. priority and if we don’t manage it An in-depth discussion with many folds during the pandemic. He also noted the tripartite meeting He noted that the project of regional under Government strict policies to Ambassador, Delegation of the While COVID-19 heavily impacted with the Maldives, India and Sri cooperation has a huge value in terms regulate consumers they will continue European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka practically on skills of our activities; Lanka with Mauritius and Seychelles of peace and stability. But he also to do it, he noted. and the Maldives, Denis Chaibi, be it the global supply chain, port and Bangladesh as observers last reiterated that regional cooperation is The EU diplomat also noted that the Foreign Secretary Admiral operations or the global maritime week had been a success. He pointed not easy to achieve. He recalled the largest supermarket chains in the UK Jayanath Colambage and State trade, everything has been negatively out that if the six countries assure tripartite meeting Sri Lanka had with had stopped import tuna from this Minister of Regional Cooperation impacted while the attention to the maritime domain awareness, 90 per India and the Maldives for a concrete area. “So it’s for us to enable us to Tharaka Balasuriya on ‘Promoting Ocean continues. cent of the Northern Indian Ocean application for regional cooperation make the policy framework that we Sri Lanka’s Interests in the “In the 21st Century we refer to the would be on track. which was commendable. Sri Lanka could manage these resources before Maritime Domain: Strengthening world as the ‘Century of the Ocean’ The Foreign Secretary also pointed plays a big role as Secretary-General this goes out of our hands”. He Regional Cooperation with the and it is also referred to as the ‘Asian out some of the illegal practices in the of the SAARC, and also it is a force proposed joint regional support to European Union’ was held on Century’. The relation between the Indian Ocean where nearly 50 per behind the Indian Ocean’s Rim address this issue. Thursday (3) at the Lakshman Century of the Ocean and Asian cent of merchant vessels do not report Association and even with initiative On maritime security, he stressed Kadirgamar Institute (LKI) where Century is that the major part of Asia their position correctly and a large within the private sectors in the that security is prerequisite for all the they spoke on the mounting is directly and indirectly linked to the number of merchant vessels not BIMSTEC, thus Sri Lanka can foster things he had mentioned. “We need tension on the Indian Ocean and ocean. The sustenance, the having their automatic identification ties using its position, he added. rule-based order as there are huge how many of the issues could be development and the life of many system switched on at all times. He He maintained that regional asymmetries and Europe is built on mitigated with EU’s rule-based Asian countries are related to the also noted that 40 per cent of fishing cooperation is about trust and rules and integrated with rules as the strategy to enhance Sri Lanka’s Indian and the Pacific Ocean, he said. taking place in the Indian Ocean building trust, and building trust is role of governance.” He said the EU position on the busy maritime He also referred to the Prophecy by illegally, unreported and unrevealed very difficult and losing it is very easy. would want to use their experience corridor and at the same time Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan who which means the countries in region “To build trust, we need to track step and share it with the Indian Ocean maintain openness and said that “whoever controls the Indian are blind but cannot be anymore but by step more with intellectual support region such as sharing joint data. transparency in policies and Ocean in the 21st Century will overcome this maritime domain and that’s what made EU support this “We also have the maritime networking including data sharing. dominate the world,” coming to be awareness with proper infrastructures LKI event, such as this forum, he operation called the Atlanta that has While the EU Ambassador spoke on true and that the destiny of the world in place and the Asian Development stressed. changed the whole of Africa which ‘Openness on trade’ and ‘trust’ giving will be decided upon the waters of the Bank in its recent report stated that Regarding maritime trade and was once a ‘no go zone’ controlled by his significant outlook, the EU also Indian Ocean. there is a requirement of USD 16 logistics, he pointed out that Sri piracy and now we have a strong expects from Sri Lanka to work based He also hinted that the world trillion to develop the maritime Lanka having positioned strategically European presence mitigating the on the law of the sea and EU acknowledged what Sri Lanka infrastructure in Asia up to 2030 and it has vast potentials to grow further risks of piracy.” standards. Minister Balasuriya noted proposed to the United Nations in that most countries will miss the as a hub. “In Europe, ports of He also noted that the EU has active that Sri Lanka continues to look at 1971, that the Indian Ocean should SDGs if the money does not come. Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp engagements with India having a ways to diversify its export basket and be the “Zone of Peace” by preventing EU is set on rules has managed massive amount of dialogue on maritime security and seek new markets and that Sri Lanka the nuclearisation of the region, cargo and remain competitive in with ASEAN and further underlined remains steadfast on maintaining and preventing an unnecessary arms race undisputedly tough maritime trade environment that they have a code-sharing with improving our trading relationship and preventing military bases being but the lesson is that those ports have the Asian regional forum on maritime with our European partners. built in the Indian Ocean one against - EU Ambassador been flourishing because they have security. “We are interested while The three top officials at the forum’s the other. Today however, after 49 The EU Ambassador summarised stayed open to the world even since being active through our connectivity opening session agreed that Sri Lanka years, what is happening in the his speech focusing on five major the ancient times. It's the openness to strategy of 2018. Our strategy is could collaborate with the EU and Indian Ocean is its heavy points that the EU is made of and the world”. transparent, rule-based and India and others to build up a strategy nuclearisation and militarisation with what it wants from the Indian Ocean He added that he fully respects sustainable and we fund through this to keep business in the Indian Ocean a large number of military bases that region where rivalry is growing. He choices made by Sri Lanka but point strategy. The EU can bring its own region opened to the world using all are conveniently shifted from place to underlined that legitimacy of the EU out that our approach to openness is experience, its skills and expertise in avenues including port operation place which has shrouded the region. is undisputable and the regional different in terms of trade. He referred the regional progression and maritime without creating an imbalance or give Pointing at how important India is cooperation is built on that. He to Admiral Colambage’s views on the infrastructure investment, he added. power to one over another. for Sri Lanka, the Foreign Secretary pointed out that the geostrategic importance of maritime infrastructure Choose what is best Rule-based noted that the new Government has location of Sri Lanka has taken a new and the EU operators like the Maersk come to power with a huge political meaning where it has also raised and others have great experience and – Minister Balasuriya The Foreign Secretary pointed out mandate and has in mind that suspicions of the relationships have lots of investments capabilities. that a rule-based Indian Ocean is a neighbouring India, which is the between certain global powers. The He underlined that these shipping Minister Balasuriya noted that given must because insecurity in one biggest country in the region with Indian Ocean is only a part of the new liners have cash and can invest and the enormity of the challenges Sri country has given rise to the 7,000 Km of coastline, as one of the theatre of rivalry that is now calling that there needs to be openness. Lanka face, it is left with two options. insecurity of other countries in the factors that determine Sri Lanka’s itself Indo-Pacific. However, Pointing on biodiversity and One is, whether we retreat to our silos region, resulting in an unnecessary strategic outlook. international relations experts among livelihood, the EU Ambassador noted and hope for the best or we view this arms race in the Indian Ocean and He further elaborated that there are the other part of this wider zone note that the EU has made the green present juncture as an opportunity to this region is the most militarised over 300 merchant ships passing at that those who managed to foster recovery and their sustainable build bridges for us to work towards region in the world in the 21st the southern coast of Sri Lanka and regional cooperation and even some economic growth and environment greater cooperation that will bring Century. there too lies several untapped form of integration seem to be able to has been their number one priority. about peace and prosperity for all. He pointed out that 120 warships potentials. convincingly passing a message that “Sri Lanka is also a very dense area He added that the climate of from around 29 different countries The Foreign Secretary said at the they do not have to choose one power like the EU and vulnerable to climate uncertainty is underpinned by threats are patrolling the Indian Ocean at any time the pandemic has plunged the over another but one above all could change and that is why the EU that pose significant roadblocks to given time and nobody knows how country with high expenditure and maintain peace and stability in the wanted to apply better governance humanity’s ability to achieve economic many nuclear submarines carrying foreign debt to a GDP ratio of 86.5 per region. even on the Indian Ocean, he noted. and social prosperity both in the short nuclear warheads are out there. cent, Sri Lanka needs a system to Referring to the Association of “We have the convenience of the law of run like the COVID-19 pandemic, as “Practically we may be sitting on top strategise itself to capitalise on the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the the sea but the institutional well as long-term existential risks such of a volcano,” the Foreign Secretary Indian Ocean having deepwater ports EU Ambassador said the new free framework can be reflected and if Sri as climate change. added. located in international sea lanes. trade agreement having ASEAN, Lanka works on it, we will be able to He left the questions for the leaders Insecurity, strategic competition To benefit from those, the littorals of unifies this rule. There was no doubt support more favourably on the blue and policy-makers and other and strategic convergence can be seen the Indian Ocean need rule-based in the view of the experts that this economy.” stakeholders how to turn these crises practically happening every day in the maritime order as the countries are regional angle of the ASEAN has He also pointed out the need for into opportunities to achieve greater Indian Ocean region, making it asymmetrical economically and allowed it collectively be a more equal collecting data which is a key activity equity and prosperity for Sri Lanka’s paramount that the Indian Ocean geographically and further need peace partner of the great powers. of the EU. “We are looking at all the respective communities. “Given the needs order, more regional and stability and also develop a It is more important that the initiatives,” the EU Ambassador said, enormous task at hand, there is no collaboration and walk-the-talk maritime-related infrastructure to regional cooperation should be unified further emphasising on the illegal doubt that not a single nation, however unlike before. increase global maritime and trade even when there are power shifts and unreported and unregulated fishing much power they may possess, can Foreign Secretary Colambage and supply chain connectivity which high tensions and the EU also had activity in the region. “There are far unilaterally chart a course of action opening the session noted that as the is foremost to reach the Sustainable such experience, he noted. too many fishing boats out there in without the cooperation of other country is waiting to use the term Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. He noted that the EU was formed the Indian Ocean which are not partners,” he added. ‘post-coronavirus period’, it’s However, the Foreign Secretary noted after WWII and on one issue that documented and they are preying on unfortunately not the case as that the peace and stability in the united them was that the EU brought all resources of the Ocean," he added. [email protected] news sunday 6 december 2020 A7

80% COVID-19 patients asymptomatic – Prof. Vitarana

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

Senior Virologist and Leader of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Professor Tissa Vitarana noted that 80 per cent of those who are infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic but they can still infect others, making it that much harder to control the spread of the disease. He was of the opinion that instead of waiting for a vaccine to arrive, which could take time and be very costly, the public should adhere to health guidelines in order to stop the rapid spread of the disease. Prof. Vitarana further noted that no one was immune to COVID-19. He also noted that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will identify only 70 per cent of the infection level accurately. “But PCR tests done against other viruses have a level of accuracy of more than 90 per cent. This means that further research needs to be done to improve the accuracy PCR tests done to suspected COVID-19 cases. About 30 per cent of the positive cases are being missed,” he claimed. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed its willingness to give vaccines to 20 per cent of our population free of charge. The WHO can access the institutional capacity to ensure the safety and potency of those vaccines. These vaccines should be used to save the lives of those infected by the Virus, mainly the elderly and those who have other chronic medical conditions, for example heart patients. However, the main purpose of giving vaccines to a population is to make them immune to the Disease. To effectively stop the transmission of the Virus, at least 80 per cent of the population needs to be immunised, so for that the extra 60 per cent has to be bought at a high price. Research is still being done on how frequently the vaccine should be given to obtain optimum potency,” he said. “The duty of the Government is to increase public awareness so that each person understands the importance of following the three main health rules. The real solution is to always wear a mask when other people are present, maintain a distance of at least one metre from another individual while it must be noted that a two-metre gap is better and frequently wash your hands using soap, especially after going out and being in contact with any surface which has been touched by other people.” Prof. Vitarana also expressed concern over the severe shortage of medicines in Government hospitals. “I would like to suggest to the Minister that the way out would be to implement the Prof. Senaka Bibile medicinal drug policy, suitably modified to meet today’s situation. Prof. Bibile called for tenders worldwide to meet the medicinal requirements, not only of the public healthcare system but also that of the private sector,” he added. A8 sunday 6 december 2020 focus focus sunday 6 december 2020 A9

By Thameenah Razeek drug known as ‘Sarath’ or ‘Reverse’ and verify whether the damages were made by a at the Mahara Prison, resulted in enormous carried out a trial run with several prisoners. person or a group, adding that investigation benefits to patients, as well as for the Father of South Africa, Nelson “When one uses the drug, he needs to see will also disclose whether someone prevention of mental illnesses, and would not Mandela once said that no one truly blood. These prisoners had attempted to provoked them into beginning the riot. result in any aggressive or violent behaviour. knows a nation until one has been distribute the drug as much as possible Shortage of Staff Issuing a release, the SLCP said a inside its jails and that a nation should among the Welikada population and create a considerable amount of publicity had been not be judged by how it treats its situation similar to cannibalism. It is also reported that only nine Prison given by the Media on the link between the highest citizens, but its lowest ones. Chathuranga’s handlers were a group of officials were on duty on 29 November when violent behaviour of prison inmates in Mahara The Article 3 of the Universal powerful drug traffickers,” he added noting the unrest broke out in the Mahara Prison. and the abuse of drugs used in the psychiatric Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) that after receiving the intelligence material It is not only in the Mahara Prison that less practice. Dismissing the claims, they said states that every human being has a Chathuranga was transferred to another than 10 Prison officers are on night guard these drugs were used by millions of people right to life. The Constitution of the Mahara prison and several other prisoners were duty, even the Welikada Prison, where nearly with great benefit. World Health Organisation, the moved around. Unfortunately, the back-up 3,000 prisoners are housed, has only 10 “The drugs used in the psychiatric practice enjoyment of the highest attainable plan of the Welikada Master Plan was officers on night guard duty. in Sri Lanka are also used all over the world standard of health is one of the orchestrated at the Mahara Prison and he Meanwhile, at present, there are 22,363 and these drugs are brought under the fundamental rights of every human stressed the riot was not caused due to prison vacancies for Prison officers. Since the current guidance of the regulatory authorities,” they being without distinction of race, congestion, but was a planned event to cause number of Prison Officials Island-wide is said. religion, political belief, economic or murder inside a prison during the term of inadequate, these officials face a heavy “Sri Lankan psychiatrists have been using social condition. Each giant parapet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and bring workload and as a result, are stressed out. these drugs for the last seven decades with wall that stands guarding prisons international disrepute. Several rounds of interviews were held benefit to patients. These drugs are prescribed around the country proudly displays a Prison Riot Chairman to the Committee for Protecting during the United National Front-led based on well-accepted guidelines. None of the slogan that says ‘prisoners are humans the Rights of Prisoners Senaka Perera said Government to fill vacancies, however, due to drugs are responsible for violent or aggressive too’. It is human nature to panic when that the irresponsible conduct of the Prison political influence, those interviews were behaviour. Moreover, many of them promote faced with scary diseases or ailments, authorities had created a situation where the abruptly halted. calmness and cause mild drowsiness,” the especially when those are murky in pressure on prisoners had exceeded the It is learnt that the Dr. Fernandopulle has SLCP said. nature and no clear information or cure bearable point and the resultant tense presented a Cabinet paper to recruit Prison is available and currently the entire situation had evolved into a massacre despite officials to fill the existing vacancies. 21,000 Tablets world is living with anxiety in the midst the use of minimum force. Elsewhere, Police Spokesman, DIG Rohana the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, with However, Opposition Lawmaker Anura Allegations said it was revealed that 21,000 tablets, to no solid cure in sight. It is in this midst Kumara Dissanayake said despite claims of Despite the fact that officials are trying to treat psychosocial disorders, were stocked at that Sri Lanka witnessed another and who is an unknown force, there is reason to believe make out that the situation or the riot was the Mahara Prison infirmary. He said an prison riot early last week. over-crowding of remand prisoners, who have caused by COVID-19, top Medical Officer (In investigation would be conducted to The first COVID-19 patient in the been in remand for more than 11 months due Charge) at the Mahara Prison Dr. Indrajith determine why such a large number of tablets prison cluster was reported from the to the non-functioning of the Courts, as well Panawenna, claimed that COVID-19 virus were stocked in the infirmary. “It is said that Welikada Prison one month after the as fear of contracting COVID-19 resulted in started spreading in the Mahara Prison due to these tablets could be used as alternatives for Minuwangoda Brandix cluster on 4 the riots. the arbitrary action taken by the higher drugs such as heroin. The medical staff at the November. When the virus began to authorities in violation of the circular Prison will be investigated as well,” he said. spread in the Welikada Prison, a COVID-19 and Deaths prohibiting the transfer of prisoners without Tennakoon said that most of the prisoners number of inmates were moved to the and Damages conducting PCR tests on them. had broken into the Prison infirmary and Mahara Prison. This caused unrest to blame He claimed that the Deputy Director of consumed various medications which in turn among those who were already in the By 3 December, 11 deaths reported and Prison Health care is carrying out a Media meant that they were in a state of intoxication. Mahara Prison. As a result, prison 9 were tested positive posthumously. involved campaign and misusing political However, Prison Commissioner officials directed a group of prisoners However, different tensions rose regarding power to cover up the incident as he does not (Administration) Chandana Ekanayake noted for PCR tests. A batch of the PCR test their final rights whether they are going to have any responsibility. that they have already initiated an results were obtained on 29 November cremate the dead bodies or bury them for “The riot, which was initially said to have investigation in this connection, adding that and 183 inmates had tested positive to future reference. been caused by over-testing, was later blamed accordingly relevant steps will be taken. DIG the Virus. 78 inmates, who were to be bailed out, on over-storage of psychiatric drugs. One day, Rohana noted those who are addicted to Following this development, there have been sent to the Addalaichenai the prison superintendent inquired about heroin and cocaine were believed to have used was unrest within the Prison. At the damage. They set the documentation two prison officers who were held quarantine centre. A total of 187 COVID-19 ‘sleeping pills’ and said that in addition to the tablets prescribed for mental patients. time the information came out, many office on fire and it spread to the PHI hostage even by midnight, despite infected inmates at the Mahara Prison have psychiatric drugs, pyrethrum and penicillin Ekanayake claimed that those who popped prisoners were in the dinner queue. office. repeated pleas. been sent to a special unit located at the were included, and the Police Spokesman said the tablets had turned on each other. Quoting They began to agitate and started to act Meanwhile, some prisoners refrained “By 2.00 a.m., we were able to rescue, Welikada Prison. that for four months, the Government would officers who had been at the scene on 29 in an aggressive manner. Realising from causing any damage to prison with great difficulty, a prison guard Deputy Director of the Ragama Teaching provide for 3,000 inmates at the request of November, Ekanayake said they had never that the situation was getting out of property and tried hard not to get named Chathuranga with the help of Hospital, Dr. Premasiri said that 26 inmates psychiatrists and OPD doctors,” he said, witnessed such scenes of violent behaviour hand, Prison officials immediately involved. When the aggressive prisoners convicted prisoners and he was in admitted to the Hospital, following the adding that the these medications were among prisoners before. informed the higher authorities. attempted to set the kitchen on fire, critical condition by then. The most unrest at the Mahara Prison, have tested approved before he assumed duties. Responding to a Media query, Ekanayake Prisoners at this point then began these prisoners prevented them from difficult part was the rescue operation positive for COVID-19. Rapid Antigen Tests Furthermore, he alleged that it is clear emphasised that the Mahara Prison riot had shouting to be immediately released doing so. This led to a clash between launched for a male nurse held were carried out on 48 of the 71 inmates that he is not involved in any of the inmate erupted suddenly whereas they received and began marching towards the main the two groups. In the melee convicted hostage. We had to adopt a different admitted to the Hospital with injuries. allegations, as he has not encountered such intelligence warning of possible trouble at gate of the Prison. prisoners started to beat remand strategy and again the convicted Former Director of the Hospital an incident in the hospital where he deals some other prisons. Prison officials attempted to bring the prisoners while the fire was raging. The prisoners came to our assistance. He Dr. Shelton Perera said they had to stop with patients and he does not see patients The Criminal Investigation Department will situation under control, but being Fire Brigade was called in and they was clad in a ‘jumper’ of a convicted conducting PCR tests on 60 inmates in the outpatient department. “But it is get Drug Experts’ report on the pills that were unable to do so informed the higher tried to douse the fire. inmate and was escorted out of prison temporarily, as they had started to behave disgusting to try so hard to get me involved consumed by the inmates of the Mahara authorities of the prevailing situation. In the meantime, another group of on a route that was pitch dark before in an aggressive manner. “We had to take in this crime by changing the charges from Prison riot on 29 November, DIG Rohana When Western Province Senior DIG inmates had taken a nursing officer at clashing inmates realised that he was this decision as there were suspicions that time to time,” he noted. claimed on 4 December. Deshabandu Tennakoon was informed the Prison Hospital and a prison guard not an inmate,” he narrated. some inmates were under the influence of Speaking further, the top medical officer SLHRC recommendation about the development inside the hostage. The inmates assaulted the two By the wee hours of 30 November, drugs. A total of 114 inmates had been who was already questioned by CID said Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Human Rights Prison, he instructed Western Province officers. The prison premises had now inmates had broken into the band room admitted to hospital with injuries,” he said. that the Deputy Director of Prison Health Commission has recommended a few steps as (North) DIG and Kelaniya Division turned into a battle ground. The and taken instruments and costumes When PCR tests were carried out on 50 care violated the circular when he approved immediate measures to avert recurrence of Senior SP to go to Mahara Prison with inmates’ aim was to escape from the out. A section of inmates started inmates, 38 tested positive for COVID-19. sending some inmates from the Welikada such incident in their interim report issued on several Police groups. The DIG and prison. They made all attempts to break dancing in those costumes while some As a result of the riot, sources revealed Hospital, lying to him that those inmates the Mahara Prison riots. SDIG Tennakoon also arrived after a the main gates but were unsuccessful, played instruments and another sang that about Rs 150 million in damages had had undergone PCR tests. “But after we Reduce the prison population: short while. as several security rings had been put songs. been caused to the Prison Department. were informed by the prisoners that they As confirmed by prisoners and prison A Police official said Police officers in place around the prison. By the dawn of Monday (30), they Investigations begins had not undergone any PCR tests, we officials, overcrowding is causing general were asked to enter the Prison The situation, however, was far from also set fire to the boiler and another 1. Former State Minister of Prison Reforms conducted tests on them. At least 120 unrest and fuelling the fear of the spread of unarmed. “We were instructed to take settled and with inmates damaging group tried to escape by climbing atop a and Prisoners’ Rehabilitation, inmates were transferred to Mahara COVID-19. As requested in our only shields and batons into the Prison. prison property, prison officials were roof of a prison building. Even though Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle appointed hospital and then we conducted the PCR communications in March 2020, November However, we did not enter the Prison as compelled to open fire but with this the intermittent gunshots were heard until a Committee, headed by the Secretary to tests and two were identified as positive 2020 and the recommendations of the we were instructed to fortify the situation took a turn for the worse. dawn, no officials were allowed to enter the State Ministry of Prison Reforms and cases. Then we increased the number of HRCSL’s study of the Prisons, it is essential security outside the Prison. About 100 Inmates caused severe damage to the the Prison. Prisoners Rehabilitation to probe the PCR tests conducted every day. But then my the following steps are taken: STF officers arrived on the scene. Police Prison Superintendent’s Office, prison Certain inmates, on requests made been taken to monitor the situation hand was attempting to trigger certain unrest. boss adviced me not to do PCR tests and not lExpedite release of remandees on bailable officers and the Officers-in-Charge hospital and industrial section. Without by the Police and the Special Task within the Prison premises using Air incidents within the Prison in a bid to 2. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, to send them to the MRI. Then, I called the offences; (OIC) of the Ragama, Wattala, stopping at that, the unruly mob set Force, brought injured inmates to the Force drone cameras. embarrass the Government. She also Major General (retired) Kamal Gunaratne Director of Prison Health care and he lHold emergency bail hearings for others; Kadawatha, Sapugaskanda, fire to these buildings. With darkness main gate. By noon yesterday, the All those who died or sustained emphasised the need to find out who instructed the Inspector General of Police directed me to send the samples to Ragama lStop remanding those arrested on suspicion Kiribathgoda, Meegajawaththa and creeping in, it was difficult to look for situation was brought under control. injuries had been removed from the was behind these attempts, and that (IGP), C.D. Wickramaratne to probe the hospital or Sri Jayewardenepura hospital,” he of bailable offences; and Peliyagoda Police Stations also arrived. injured prisoners who may have Officials including Prisons Prison premises. Police and prisons the CID has been entrusted with the tense situation which escalated at the said. lCommence the early release programme. They too were instructed not to use any collapsed and the authorities found it Commissioner General Thushara officials had taken steps to send task of conducting investigations in Mahara Prison on 29 November. The Medical Officer disclosed that he was Health and treatment of prisoners: weapons. difficult to evacuate them. Upuldeniya held hours of discussions COVID-19 infected inmates, based on this connection. 3. The Inspector General of Police directed reprimanded for conducting PCR tests on the The protests were sparked by the transfer of Our duty was to be on the lookout for “There were inmates who supported as to what future steps have to be taken PCR test reports, to treatment centres What was the reason the Criminal Investigations Department closest associates of those COVID-19 prisoners infected with the COVID-19 virus prisoners who were attempting to flee. us in this midst. We directed them to regarding the prisoners’ situation. and the others to quarantine centres. (CID) to launch an investigation into the patients. When asked whether he did not from the Welikada prison to Mahara. If the The STF was also assigned to protect assist us in finding and evacuating By 3 December, eleven inmates had Among them were inmates who had Although there are many allegations tense situation at the Mahara Prison. inform the Deputy Director regarding the authorities had responded to prison officials’ the outside and the entrance to the injured inmates. By this time, we knew died and their bodies were kept in the been granted bail as well. on what triggered the Prisoners to 4. A 10-member Police team, led by the circular published, the Medical officer noted concerns to this proposed transfer and had, Prison. However, the unrest was getting that two prison officers were held mortuary of the Ragama Teaching Although the situation was brought create an ‘unrest’ situation in the Kelaniya Senior Superintendent of Police, that the Deputy Director has warned him to instead, set up a separate treatment facility out of hand by then. Meanwhile, Police hostage and were being assaulted. Hospital after identifying that 9 of them under control, security outside and in premises by many groups and has been appointed to investigate the do as he says since he is his boss. for prisoners, this clash and the subsequent officers tried their best to control the Therefore, we requested the prisoners were COVID-19 positive cases. Fifty the surrounding area of the Prison, was individuals, including Politicians, there unrest which erupted on 29 November. Responding to the allegations regarding the deaths could have been completely avoided. prisoners who were shouting near the to handover the two officials and to stop inmates who sustained injuries were still maintained. It was reported that are a bunch of whys and wherefores, 5. The Ministry of Justice too has appointed 21,000 tablets to treat psychosocial disorders There is absence of clarity on treating new entrance. assaulting them. A faction of inmates admitted to hospital. The two injured 400 Police officers, as well as 200 for the situations according to different a five-Member Committee, headed by the that were stocked at the Mahara Prison admissions leaving long delays in PCR testing. But then, the prisoners began hurling was willing to come to a settlement and prison officers were in a critical state. Special Task Force personnel, had been parties. retired High Court Judge Kusala Sarojini infirmary, the Consultant said that he will The following must be followed as a matter of rocks at prison property and causing stop the clash. This, however, was not Relatives of inmates who learnt what deployed to maintain security. Starting with lawmaker and Minister Weerawardena, to probe the incident. take full responsibility even though he did not urgency to reduce fears among prisoners that well received by the other group and had happened, came to the Mahara The then State Minister of Prison Wimal Weerawansa saying that the In relation to the incident, the Police team procure them, but he explained that those could lead to further agitations: once again infighting Prison and began crying and shouting Reforms and Prisoners' Rehabilitation, Mahara Prison riot was not the result of appointed to probe the incident recorded a drugs that were in the infirmary will never lAll new admissions must be first subject to commenced. Top at the gate. Another group of relatives Sudarshani Fernandopulle, appointed congestion or overcrowding in the total of 56 statements from different parties, make a person aggressive as they are used to PCR testing before being included in the officials negotiated with were present near the Ragama a committee, led by the Prisons prison, who also added that according who are allegedly related to the Mahara make the patients calm and quiet. Prisons; them and some agreed to stop their Teaching Hospital. Secretary, to look into the unrest which to an intelligence report, an underworld Prison incident. “If I were to provoke the inmates to rebel or lQuarantine facilities for new intakes to be agitation while the rest remained SDIG Tennakoon, too, visited the broke out in the Prison. Meanwhile, figure known as Chathuranga, a close Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana initiate a riot against the Government, I had strictly maintained; adamant. The convicted prisoners Mahara Prison in the morning and arrangements had been made to associate of the slain underworld don opined that the Police team recorded many ways and good situations to do so. But I lProvide a separate treatment facility for all gave their fullest support to the Police,” checked security measures at the conduct magisterial inquiries and post- Samayan, held at the Welikada statements from 13 Prison officials, 12 did not. These officers have committed the prisoners and remandees who are infected he added. premises. By that time, the tense mortem examinations on the deceased Prison and several other inmates, four male nurses and a doctor on mistake and they are now trying to pin the with the virus; Unfolding the sequence of the situation had been brought inmates, yesterday. prisons, had smuggled a 3 December. However, further investigations blame on me, which is not fair and I will talk lTest all prisoners at Mahara; and mayhem, the official said that under control, The State Minister, expressing her are being further conducted by the Criminal back at any time when needed to save my lRegular testing and treatment for officials. they could not rescue the and steps had views, said that an invisible Investigations Department. integrity,” he claimed. (Pix By Akila Jayawardene) The probes are also ongoing on the Meanwhile, The Sri Lanka College of damages caused to the Government and to Psychiatrists (SLCP) stated the proper usage of the drugs that had allegedly been found A10 sunday 6 DECEMBER 2020 Editorial Editorial sunday 6 december 2020 A11

palms of some politicians in the past. There are August, the earliest occasion it was reasons to believe that certain contemporary feasible to hold the election. Sri Lanka is politicians from all major political parties are on among the few countries in the world that APOLOGY TO the payroll of the LTTE. successfully held elections in the midst of It is also quite unfortunate the UK has chosen a pandemic. to forget that Sri Lanka is one of the few countries Perhaps Lord Ahmad was not aware MR. IQBAL ATHAS While UK Turns that supported the UK over the Falklands issue. that the COVID-19 lockdown regulations This year’s Index will Ceylon Today wishes to express Sri Lanka maintained announced by the UK Prime Minister on showcase the 23 March were enforced without their sincere apology to Iqbal Athas close ties with UK parliamentary oversight as the Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. impressive Parliament went into Easter recess on 25 for causing hurt and pain of mind No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Ever since Independence, Sri Lanka maintained performance of Sri March and was not recalled. The due to erroneous references made to Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 close ties with the UK. Even today, the UK is one Government said the lockdown was of the prime destinations for Sri Lankans seeking Lanka over the past needed urgently and therefore were him in the course of publications in Fax: 0117566545 Blind Eye... higher education overseas. Yet, other than brought into force without prior th th decade in improving Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 seeking ways to slap resolutions on Sri Lanka parliamentary approval. the issues dated 14 and 28 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 its ranking across a th th and issuing damning reports, the UK has not Decision to withdraw September 2014, 6 and 11 October E-mail : [email protected] LTTE diaspora Desecrates the symbol made an effort to formulate a trade agreement number of key social th with its former colony. Its only interest appears to from UN Resolutions 2014 and 10 October 2014 be facilitating the agendas of a separatist terrorist indicators. Specifically, acting with impunity of UK’s democracy group, which is hell-bent on violating the it will highlight the In Sri Lanka’s case, at that time, no sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka new laws have been enacted to deal with by demanding a separate State. extent to which COVID-19 pandemic, which is clear Think twice By a Special Correspondent The Legatum Institute of the UK annually improvements to the evidence that the existing laws were adequate to Sri Lanka as a percentage of its population, is assesses 167 nations across 65 policy-focused deal with the pandemic or any other situation 0.0004% the best in South Asia. The UK has a To say the United Kingdom has a elements, measured by almost 300 country-level healthcare and between March and August 2020. ratio of 0.0832, which is the worst in Europe. terrorism problem is a gross indicators, enabling them to construct a education sectors have Sri Lanka was also heavily criticised for The UK politicians never fail to play the war about Sharia understatement. In the past 50 years, the thoroughly comprehensive picture of prosperity withdrawing from co-sponsoring the UNHCR crimes drum whenever they speak of Sri Lanka. UK had faced 5,218 incidents of terrorism across its institutional, economic and social been key to delivering resolution on Sri Lanka, undertaken during the Now, the latest accusation is military Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith in which 3,447 people were killed and 5,937 dimensions. The following has been stated in former ‘Good Governance’ Government which did appointments to Government roles include insisted Sharia Law should not be interpreted or more were injured. relation to Sri Lanka: this increase in not have a clear mandate from the people of Sri individuals accused of ‘war crimes’. The introduced as the law of the country and forced on other The Terrorism Act, introduced in 2000, “This year’s Index will showcase the impressive prosperity, and how Lanka to do so when they signed the resolution. allegations against the Sri Lankan Armed communities or used to intimidate and influence other granted sweeping powers to the law performance of Sri Lanka over the past decade in However, the present Government, as mandated Forces are just that – allegations. Sri Lankan communities, even though Muslims may hold it in high enforcement agencies, seeking to quell the improving its ranking across a number of key your approach might by the people made a decision to withdraw from Armed Forces fought to neutralise a deadly regard. growing threat of terrorism in the UK, even social indicators. Specifically, it will highlight the serve as an inspiration the UN Resolutions and seek a domestic solution. terrorist outfit which was a threat not only to Supporting his statement the Cardinal also pointed amidst criticism and legal challenges in the extent to which improvements to the healthcare It is a sovereign decision of Sri Lanka, just as the Sri Lanka but the whole world. They did not out that investigations conducted so far on the brutal UK and Europe. and education sectors have been key to delivering for other nations decision of the UK to leave the EU. fight someone else’s war in another country. Easter Sunday Attacks have shown that Sharia Law and As of February 2020, some 75 this increase in prosperity, and how your confronted with Another criticism was there was an increase in It is noteworthy that the UK repeats institutions that advocate or preach Sharia Law have organisations appear in Schedule 2 of the approach might serve as an inspiration for other anti-Muslim sentiment ‘fuelled by disinformation unfounded allegations against the Sri Lankan played a major part in the attacks. Act, which are listed under the heading in nations confronted with similar challenges similar challenges around COVID-19’. Armed Forces made by the extreme Tamil He said this when Opposition legislator Dr.Kavinda the Home Office document ‘Proscribed today.” today” The UK and its Ministers who pander to the will diaspora, while having a Bill called Overseas Jayawardena, met him Thursday (3), to request his Terrorist Organisations’. Every year, a vast number of highly-skilled Sri of the LTTE front organisations may not be aware Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) intervention in pressuring the Government to take over However, it appears that the UK does not Lankan professionals leave for the UK, including that as soon as the first few COVID-19 patients Bill before Parliament to deal with allegations of the Batticaloa Campus owned by the former Governor of treat all the ‘Proscribed Terrorist from the Tamil community, serving in the fields of Thus, it is important to read the Ministerial were identified, Sri Lanka set up a COVID-19 war crimes by British Military in the Iraq war. the Eastern Province, M.L.A.M. Hizbullah. At the Organisations’ listed under the Terrorism medicine, engineering, accountancy and others. Statement made by Lord Tariq Mahmood Ahmad, committee comprising scientists, epidemiologists Given the allegations against the UK Forces Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the 21 April Act 2000 equally. As stated earlier, Sri Lanka’s education and Minister of State for the Commonwealth and and experienced health administrators. These in Iraq and Australian Forces in Afghanistan, 2019, Easter Sunday bombings, it has been proved that healthcare indices are on par with developed South Asia, on 20 November, on the so-called 30 experts stated that due to the possibility of one must be cautious when they accuse the the setting up of the Batticaloa Campus and many of its Openly displaying nations, and far ahead of all the other South human rights priority countries for the UK, in shallow water table in Sri Lanka being Armed Forces of a country which fought to other activities have been done illegally. terrorist paraphernalia Asian nations. The country affords education and this context. contaminated, normal burial would not be safeguard its own territorial integrity and to rid Cardinal Ranjith’s remarks on Sharia or Islamic law healthcare services to all its citizens, with no “Parliamentary elections were delayed twice possible. This applied to everyone. However, the world of a ruthless terror outfit. comes at a time when Muslims of the country are In fact, the supporters of the Liberation reservations or discriminations. Right to equality because of COVID-19 without reconvening taking into consideration representations by While making allegations against Sri Lankan lobbying to ensure their burial rights against health Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) living in the is ensured in Sri Lanka’s Constitution. If anyone Parliament, which resulted in a lack of the Muslim community, a committee has been Armed Forces, the UK seems comfortable to regulations that demands cremation of all dead bodies UK – one of the first terrorist organisations feels their right to such is violated they can seek Parliamentary oversight from March onwards.” It set up to examine the possibility of burial in the accommodate Adele Balasingham, who was as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the to be proscribed under this Act, in March to redress such by appealing to the Supreme is a pity that Lord Ahmad was not aware that it dry areas. It may be noteworthy that recently, responsible for the recruitment of child COVID-19 pandemic. 2001 – have been openly displaying its Court of Sri Lanka. All these are rights was the Election Commission of Sri Lanka that people in Denmark have raised similar soldiers. There can be no greater war crime While, it is understood that final rites of an individual terrorist paraphernalia, carrying the LTTE guaranteed to all the citizens of the country. decided to postpone the parliamentary general concerns about the possibility of groundwater than this. In fact, according the Rome Statute, is extremely sentimental and sensitive issue to the flag, displaying the LTTE leader’s images However, the UK and some of its politicians, election from its initial date of 25 April 2020 to 20 being contaminated in areas where culled mink to which the UK is a State Party, recruitment of deceased’s family,it is also accepted that everyone has a and also carrying out fundraisers, with the blinded by prejudices, fail to see any of that. They June 2020 and finally to 5 August 2020, due to are buried and urged the authorities to burn children is a war crime. What action has the UK right to a decent and dignified funeral according to one’s authorities turning a blind eye to their criticise, censure and misinterpret what is challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. the carcases of culled mink instead of burying Government taken against Mrs Balasingham, beliefs and religion. This remains a fact. activities. happening is Sri Lanka and misrepresent what is The dissolution of the Sri Lankan Parliament for the same reason. The UK makes no mention before making allegations against the Armed What also remains a fact is that our country and Interestingly, according to Section 13 of happening in Sri Lanka, to the UK Parliament was done before the spread of the COVID-19 of the relative success of Sri Lanka in Forces of a friendly country which bore the brunt almost entire world still faces the massive challenge of the Terrorism Act 2000, a person commits and public. pandemic and the election was duly held on 5 controlling the COVID-19. COVID-19 deaths in of terrorism for three decades? arresting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and an offence if the person publishes an image House of Parliament, via laser beam. a blind eye on these incidents can have that the success of it entirely lies on the responsible of – serious implications for British Sri Lankans, conduct of each individual, as to date, the medical (a) an item of clothing, or A desecration of symbol of particularly Tamils, who have become knowledge and scientific evidence related to the COVID- (b) any other article, in such a way or in British democracy victims of extortion by LTTE front 19 pandemic remain incomplete. such circumstances as to arouse organisations. Just like Muslims, almost 99% of Christians are reasonable suspicion that the person is It is no doubt that this is a desecration of buried after they breathe their last. Not only that, except a member or supporter of a proscribed the symbol of British democracy by a Masters of human smuggling Hindus, majority of Sinhala Buddhists, especially when organisation. terrorist organisation and should be In another alarming development, these they die young, are buried and not cremated. However, And also, a person guilty of an offence considered as a terrorist attack on the UK terrorist front organisations have become due to none availability of space in burial grounds or under Section 13 shall be liable on Parliament. masters of human smuggling. Currently, cemeteries local governing bodies encourages summary conviction to – It appears that those responsible for this they conduct human smuggling through cremations (electric/gas burners) when it comes to (a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding ghastly act had beamed the slogans using a mainland Europe in small boats via the Sinhala Buddhists as there is no mandatory rules set for six months, portable projector from a boat on River English Channel, posing a serious problem them when disposing dead bodies. (b) a fine not exceeding level 5 on the Thames. Unfortunately, however, the for the UK. According to Islamic tradition, the burial of a deceased standard scale (£5,000), or Metropolitan Police have so far not been It is quite unfortunate that the UK, which person is a collective obligation (fard kifāyah) by the (c) both. able to apprehend the culprits. held Sri Lanka under the yoke of Muslim community. This obligation consists of ghusl – Unfortunately, this is exactly what the It is not an exaggeration that the UK colonialism for nearly 200 years, views the ritual washing of dead bodies, kafan – shrouding the LTTE supporters and front organisations demonstrates a very laid-back approach country through the prism of extremist body with pieces of cloth and finally salat al-janazah – a have been doing in the UK, since the when it comes to dealing with the LTTE and Tamil diaspora. Instead of regarding the funeral prayer. proscription and even before. They operate the extremist Tamil diaspora. The LTTE flag country as a sovereign State, it rather sees a First, the lives of body handlers and rest of the in the guise of political, cultural and youth is one of the most visible symbols of collection of individual communities. What community must not be endangered. It is therefore of organisations, with the Police taking no terrorism whenever these front the UK has failed to realise is that by paramount importance to keep in mind that determining action when they flout the terms of the organisations conduct ‘peaceful’ protests, furthering the interests of a fragment of one the Islamic position on Islamic burial laws for the Terrorism Act 2000. often stamping on the National Flag of Sri community, they jeopardise the wellbeing victims of COVID-19 is dependent on the available Therefore, it was quite alarming for those Lanka. and security of an entire nation, including medical evidence of how such a practice could put a life who suffered for nearly 30 years due to the While the UK is preoccupied with the all its communities, which are trying hard at risk. violent terrorism unleashed by the LTTE, rising Islamist terrorism in the country, the to reweave the social and economic fabric Second, according to Islamic burial rituals, the dignity both in Sri Lanka and abroad, when on 26 LTTE diaspora has been upping their games torn apart by decades of LTTE terrorism. of the dead and the emotions of their loved ones are to November, the LTTE front organisations of intimidation, extortion and street warfare It is no secret that the LTTE and its front be respected as much as is practically possible in projected propaganda material on the UK in London suburbs. The authorities turning organisations in the UK used to grease the extraordinary situations such as armed conflicts, epidemics, disasters or other catastrophes. This rational approach is characteristic of Islamic law, as evidenced in the Islamic legal maxims pertinent to the COVID-19 pandemic. While, we believe that majority of rationale thinking Muslims may understand the need of safeguarding the lives of others in the country as leniency and ignorance displayed by its rulers, authorities and largely the public lead to the emergence of the second COVID-19 wave which has resulted in increasing Sri Lanka’s total number of infected cases to over 26,000 and mounted the death toll to triple digits. Following 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, a debate on madrasas and institutions that preaches Sharia law emerged and both previous Government and current Government pledged it will rigorously scrutinise such institutions and schools. It was also pledged that Madrasas will be absorbed to the Ministry of Education and its curricula will be monitored. There were 1,669 Islam Madrasa schools and 317 Arabic schools registered under the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs all over the country by May 2019. It was also established that, although Madrasa and Arabic schools that teach Islamic traditions and customs are registered by the Department, it is not entrusted with the supervision of these schools and they are being done by their respecting governing bodies. The need to implement such methods occurred following 2019 Easter Attacks as it was revealed the mastermind behind this attack Zaharan Hashim and Naufer Moulavi, who was later identified as the real leader behind the attacks have, for years, preached Sharia law and brainwashed rich and educated youths to become terrorists in the name of Islamism. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 20 August declaring the first session of new Parliament pledged new Constitution will be introduced envisaging the principle of ‘One country, One law’ for all ethnic communities. It is of utmost importance that this principle will be put into practice and not restricted to mere words in order to build faith among communities. If not, Sri Lanka will never cease to witness racial and communal riots. A12 sunday 6 december 2020 Focus Don’t Believe All You Hear About COVID-19 Remedies By Methmalie Dissanayake Frauds who earn from feel safe and secure in the world. COVID-19 Meanwhile, a team of American Warm weather kills COVID-19, researchers which has been collecting drinking hot water three times a day Following COVID-19 outbreak, data on COVID-19 conspiracy destroys the virus, Adding pepper to several people who claimed that they theories had found that people who your soup or other meals prevents or are miracle healers, traditional In recent times we believe one conspiracy theory are cures COVID-19, exposing yourself to doctors, etc., started to market likely to believe others too. . the sun or temperatures higher than themselves, mainly on social media. saw people who Uncertainty is the key point here. 25°C protects you from COVID-19, These people claimed that they have started to advertise They form a belief system that is taking hot baths prevents COVID-19, health products and medicines which largely woven together by uncertainty. Ultra-violet (UV) lamps could be used can protect the people from the virus. that they have They are also less likely to be resilient. to disinfect hands or other areas of Some even said that they can conduct found cures for They form a belief system, she said, the skin, eating garlic prevents mass healing sessions for the people. that’s largely woven together by COVID-19, dumhatti (steam pots), This is how they earn money from a COVID-19. Some uncertainty. They’re also less likely to syrup, medicine with secret pandemic. The truth is while their said they have be resilient. Past research shows prescriptions and other traditional pockets are getting full, the people people also use conspiracy theories to methods could cure COVID-19. who are suffering economically and alternative methods protect their ideologies and the groups These are a handful out of psychologically will be the ones that which could boost they belong to and identify with. They thousands of myths and conspiracy suffer. also noted that all partisanships are theories that have started to circulate “In recent times we saw people who the immunity of a susceptible to conspiracy theories. If since COVID-19 became the trending started to advertise that they have person to withstand Dr. Kapila Ranasinghe it affirms a person’s belief system, topic in 2020. When a never-heard- found cures for COVID-19. Some said they are more likely to trust it. If it before virus started to grip the whole they have alternative methods which COVID-19. Confused violating their privacy in the process, affirms a person’s belief system, they world, everyone was overwhelmed could boost the immunity of a person people tend to others panicked. That is why the are more likely to trust it. with anxiety and uncertainty. This to withstand COVID-19. Confused people try to hide the fact that they gave myths and conspiracy theories a people tend to believe such claims and believe such claims might be infected even if it meant they Verifying myths perfect chance to get into the heads of follow the advice of these shysters. and follow the would not be treated because of their In a podcast of the World Health people. Sri Lankans are no exception. They spend money for things like actions. No one wanted to be Organisation (WHO) themed ‘Myths vs “People are getting mixed messages steam pots, syrups, etc. This is a advice of these identified as a COVID patient or have Science’ Dr. Sylvie Briand; Director of about COVID-19 from various vicious circle. A majority of people do the PHIs put notices on their doors the Department of Global Infectious sources. There are many not have much money. Many have lost shysters and walls saying their home had been Hazard Preparedness of WHO, misconceptions, half-truths and their jobs and their sources of income placed under quarantine. Due to this explained as to how scientists look at absolute myths that are being spread due to the pandemic. Even in this fear, people tend to believe myths and how they verify them. and it is wise for us to delve into what backdrop, people spend money on misinformation which would give She said the issue with the scientific is being said to try to find out the these ‘quick fixes’ and get frustrated Role of media and them a false sense of security,” he process is that it's a long process truth behind these claims and why when they fail to give them the pointed out. because at the beginning you have a they are spreading so rapidly among protection they want. Again, they tend professionals hypothesis. society,” said Senior Consultant to believe these myths due to The media is doing a great job in Conspiracy theories “And you wonder "maybe this Psychiatrist Dr. Kapila Ranasinghe. frustration because their rational keeping the general public updated People are dragged into conspiracies product or this drug can work and be As a country, we have never been thinking is suppressed as a result of about the facts surrounding the during periods of uncertainty. By a treatment for this new disease”. But this helpless before. Even though the pandemic,” he added. COVID-19 outbreak. But at the same connecting dots, conspiracy theories then you have to implement studies in several vaccinations have been Dr. Ranasinghe said that he has a time, they did not debunk the myths take the unknown out of the equation different places to check if it really developed, the final result of them is simple question to ask those who surrounding it. When one media and give people a sense of control. works or not. And so, this is the still unknown. This is the first time we claim that they have found a cure for institute debunks a myth, another Even if the belief is untrue, having scientific process that, at the end, are witnessing this type of pandemic COVID-19. If they have truly found a media institute shows a completely some sort of explanation for what’s enables you to have evidence. But it in our lifetime. So, it is natural for cure, why do they even stay in Sri different viewpoint. Some media going on can be incredibly soothing. takes time. You need to test the people to feel scared and try to do Lanka? They could go countries such outlets even go as far as to promote The reality of the situation is that hypothesis on many, many subjects everything in their power to get as India and the USA which have so such myths. Again, people get COVID-19 was naturally caused, and before you can get definitive results. through it just as a drowning man will many COVID-19 patients. If they confused. Also, there is an we still do not know how to stop it So, until all the studies are done, we grab on to a straw to survive. could market their cure, our country overwhelming amount of information from spreading. That’s a scary thing. cannot say there is evidence. And will become one of the richest about the pandemic out there. So, If a person believes 5G towers caused currently with COVID-19, which Giving false hope countries in the World. Our debts people do not know what to believe COVID-19, they have something scientists are still in the process of Right now, everyone is confused and could be repaid by exporting such and know what information is correct concrete to fight against rather than studying as it is a disease that they are scared due to the current cures. We would not need to struggle and what is false. feeling like they’re fumbling around in suddenly emerged only a short while situation. So, these myths that there economically anymore. The people Additionally, Western medicine the dark. ago, studies are still ongoing. But as I are ways to protect the people from should think about this, he said. proponents cannot endorse or “People are looking for answers. said, it takes time. So, some studies the virus are very attractive and give “Now everyone knows that many prescribe medicine which does not They are worried and uncertain, and are finished and they have the results, them false hope. Believing such ideas COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic. belong to the allopathic stream also confused by the information they which are really interesting, but make them comfortable. Then they So, even I can claim that I have according to their code of ethics. are receiving-which is often before reaching a conclusion or start to follow the myths to get rid of invented a cure which gives protection “Unfortunately, when COVID-19 contradictory-from different sources,” coming up with a definitive answer, the virus. Once the people start to from COVID-19. Anyone can do that. entered the country the behaviour of Dr. Ranasinghe said. we need to see what the results of the believe such things, it is really So people should be extremely vigilant the media and some professionals He pointed out that the psychology other studies are and make sure that difficult to convince them otherwise, about the claims made by people,” he also disturbed the people. When behind conspiracy theories is that all the studies help scientists reach Dr. Ranasinghe said. said. certain media outlets filmed persons people who may feel powerless or the same conclusion,” she pointed who tested positive for COVID-19, anxious turn to conspiracy theories to out.

By Faadhila Thassim Pandemic public awareness campaign, focusing on the global While remaining indoors is increase in domestic violence amid considered the safest by most amidst the COVID-19 health crisis. this pandemic, over 80 per cent of Dealing with a UN Women noted that if not dealt calls made to the national helpline with, this shadow pandemic will also desperately seeking assistance, are add to the economic impact of COVID- related to domestic violence occurring 19. The global cost of violence against behind closed doors that suggests women had previously been estimated otherwise. shadow pandemic at approximately $1.5 Trillion adding A total of over 1,100 calls from that the figure can only be rising as women and girls subject to domestic assisting these victims towards the provide a 24/7 service to victimised Commission to continue making violence is on the rise and will violence has been made to the latter period. women has helped assist women support accessible to victims. continue in the aftermath of the National Committee on Women over She added that over 1,200 subject to violence as the number of The United Nations Population pandemic. the past three months, proving it to be complaints of Domestic Violence were complaints are on the rise. Fund (UNFPA) representative of Sri Consequences of violence against a perilously compounded pandemic made to the helpline from the period She added that during the April Lanka, the Maldives, Ritsu Nacken for many. March to June 2020 whereby 2020 Island wide lockdown, over 450 said that the well-being of women and women - WHO Domestic violence is considered one psychological and legal support were complaints of violence against women girls tend to be impacted in multiple World Health Organization (WHO) of the gravest violations of Human extended and from July to October were reported and these numbers ways including that of sexual and noted that women feel trapped and Rights and yet, according to the 2020, from among over 4,200 calls dropped in July when the country was reproductive impacts, mental health their lives are often restricted due to United Nations (UN) Women, Even made to the helpline, in excess of partially opened following which, in impacts and the ability of women to violence and most who consider prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, 2,200 were complaints of domestic over the past three months, there has participate in the recovery of the leaving their spouse often end up with over the past 12 months, over 243 violence. been an alarming number of over crisis. several different fears including that Million women and girls across the She added that over twelve hotlines 1,100 complaints of violence against Legal framework of losing their children. world have been subject to sexual or have been established out of which women. Over time, their confidence slips physical violence by an intimate one provides 24/7 assistance to While counselling is offered to The International treaties and away, making life without violence partner. victims by qualified counsellors women in need, their immediate conventions that contain provisions in seem a distant memory, the abuse With the COVID-19 outbreak, the together with the required legal needs have been looked into or they regard to domestic violence include can lead to injuries as well as serious numbers have increased both locally support. have been referred to other service that of the International Covenant on physical and mental health problems and globally with over partial and Legal systems and accessing providers and in the event shelters or Civil and Political Rights, the and in some cases, even death. complete lockdowns resulting in the Maintenance through Courts during safe homes are required, the services Universal Declaration of Human Many women contract sexually abused individuals being imprisoned the pandemic with partial and of WIM is obtained, Jayamanna Rights, The International Covenant on transmitted infections or have in their houses together with their complete lockdowns were difficult and noted. Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. unwanted pregnancies and when abusers. thereby support has been extended to She added that NCW is to establish In Sri Lanka, domestic violence is pregnant, have a great risk of a While most domestic violence cases them and mechanisms to continue its own safe home not to merely deal under the Prevention of Domestic miscarriage or a premature baby and are being reported, several go supporting single mothers or women support women and girls who have Violence Act by which an aggrieved they can experience depression, unreported as those being subject to without a spouse would be adopted as been subject to sexual, domestic and party could make an application to anxiety, and other mental health violence are unaware of the actions their vulnerability is high she added. gender based violence but to ensure the Court for a Prevention Order for problems. that could be taken to end the WIN's victims are provided with free that when they leave the safe home, the prevention of such acts of Women and activists from around violence and especially during COVID- legal advice and represented in Courts they leave as a stronger person who is domestic violence. the world who have been consistently 19, the practical difficulties in seeking and these victims are made aware of ready to face the challenges of the The UNFPA together with the striving to raise awareness of violence assistance due to the several health their legal rights and legal position, outside world. Telecommunications Regulatory against women held rallies and protocols that have been put in place. assisting them to decide which mode Jayamanna noted that there is a Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) protests to mark the International What assistance could of actions they intend taking against very committed committee towards illuminated the Lotus tower in orange Day for the Elimination of Violence their perpetrators. the achievement of such goals and on 25 November in solidarity with the against Women. the victims seek? She added that while continuous that a strategic five-year plan has victims and survivors of gender-based Thereby while it is an established Executive Director of Women in support will be extended to these been made. violence. fact that violence of any sort on any Need (WIN), Savithri Wijesekara said women in need, improved Deputy Resident Representative UNFPA Sri Lanka noted that individual is unacceptable and is a although during the initial COVID-19 mechanisms to provide online UNDP, Faiza Effendi said that while annually the 16 days of activism violation of basic Human Rights, it outbreak, there was a dilemma as to counselling will also be adopted. this is a jeopardy on top of this against gender-based violence is has to be noted that services that are how to support those affected by Helpline pandemic on women, UNDP marked from 25 November to 10 in existence to support women sexual and gender-based violence as formulates ways to help women and December commemorating the affected by sexual, domestic and all crisis centres were closed, the Executive Director of the National girls and protect them by focusing on struggles of the victims and survivors gender based violence together with relationship with the police, regional Committee on Women, Manel the main areas that address their of the violence against women and continued raising of awareness centres, networking and support Jayamanna stated that the 1938 needs adding that support has been girls. among women and girls is crucial to services has immensely helped in helpline and the Government policy to extended to Judicial Service UN Women launched the Shadow curb such acts. Focus Sunday 6 december 2020 A13

By Dilanthi Jayamanne to strengthen immunity and supplement their protein intake in One can tell several kilometres order to battle against COVID-19, the away that one is reaching the site of Health Ministry had done little to the Peliyagoda Fish Market when rebuild the confidence people had in travelling towards Colombo on the consuming fish. last stretch of the Katunayake to There were three lakh people who Colombo Expressway. For some, it is were directly involved in the fishing probably the stench of rotting fish industry, while another 1.2 million entrails but to the others it is more who were indirectly involved in probably the friendly aroma of food it. and the scent money. The Director General of the With the swelling numbers of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic COVID-19 patients from the Brandix Resources, J.S. Kahawatta said, the facility in Minuwangoda, which Department had intervened in spread to several districts in the producing dry and Maldive fish with country including Jaffna from early the large amount of catch that has October, the health authorities and accumulated in fishing trawlers and the military did their level best to boats following the detection of contain the virus within the COVID -19 at the Peliyagoda fish Gampaha District, safeguarding market and several other fisheries Colombo and the rest of the Western harbours which had connections to Province. unfortunate Peliyagoda. Also steps So, it is indeed unfortunate that had been taken to stop the import of persons from the Brandix these products till the situation is Minuwangoda Cluster allegedly overcome. “However, the COVID-19 visited the Peliyagoda Fish Market calamity that hit Peliyagoda gave rise where a large number of wholesalers to the sale of dry fish,” he said. and vendors trade. Health services and military swarmed the fish market Economic impact to carry out PCR tests and carry off As the Executive Committee employees and customers, who were Taking Stock Member of the Government Medical blissfully selling and buying fish, to Officer’s Association, Dr Haritha be isolated for the next 14 days in Aluthge said fish are a daily protein quarantine centres and spend provider for young children to elderly another 14 days at home. persons and pregnant mothers. The It was probably the worst COVID-19 crisis at Peliyagoda dealt nightmare for many who faced it double blows to the country’s while the question of how a fish economy and eating habits of the market could be infected by the of Growing public. coronavirus was a mystery. According to ‘Fisheries Industry Peliyagoda is considered the central Outlook 2017’ report issued by the hub of the fishing trade for not just Socio Economic and Marketing those in Colombo and its suburbs, Research Division of the National but even for those outside the Aquatic Resources Research and Western Province. Development Agency Sri Lanka’s Therefore, the question if fisheries industry contributed by 1.3 Peliyagoda was a convenient false ‘Fish-phobia’ per cent to the total Gross Domestic flag to divert attention from the Production of the country in 2017. It Minuwangoda Brandix cluster and also played a major role in providing patient zero was also on the minds of COVID-19 cluster raises SLMC, MFAR report cites lapse livelihood to over two million people many people. Its close proximity to either directly or indirectly. The Colombo has resulted in the swelling doubt on safety of seafood in health guidelines as cause industry provided 281,465 direct number of COVID-19 patients in the employments to active fishers in Colombo Municipal Council area and 2017. There were 183,650 marine a daily rising death toll of who a had carried out interviews, analysis surrounding areas. There were fishing households and 54,170 majority were from the elderly of available data and site visits. persons who were employed at the inland fishing households in 2017 population. It was found out that those who market who were from midland alone. were working in the market’s stalls The Ministry of estate areas which lead to the rapid Although the industry did not Finding the root cause were infected more than the spread within the congested areas. suffer much loss during COVID’s first The Ministry of Fisheries and fishermen and customers. However, Fisheries and The analysis report recommended wave earlier this year, it suffered a Aquatic Resources (MFAR) appealed the perception that the disease could the adherence to health safety severe blow in the second wave. to the Sri Lanka Medical Association be contacted by consuming fish is a Aquatic guidelines of disease prevention such Cyclone Buravi, which hit the (SLMA) to carry out an analysis as to myth. Prof. Karunathilake explained Resources as the proper wearing of the mask, Eastern and Northern shores of Sri what had triggered the disease at that the disease could only spread if washing hands, and reducing the Lanka, did not help much; fishermen Peliyagoda. Following which, MFAR the virus was present on surfaces (MFAR) capacity of persons present on one were asked to refrain from going out in collaboration with the SLMA due to the presence of COVID-19 occasion by at least 20 per cent. At to sea till further notice as a result. launched an investigation to identify patient(s) being in the vicinity via appealed to the least the retail market should be These rough and tough men who the reason for the spread of COVID- droplets and contact. Sri Lanka removed from Peliyagoda and set up earn their livelihood by battling with 19 at the Peliyagoda Fish Market. According to findings, crowded and elsewhere, he said. Also there was a the Gods and deities of the sea need SLMA President, Prof. Indika congested settings with poor hygienic Medical strong need for a Public Health Government assistance to get back in Karunathilake said that their team facilities at the fish market and the Association Inspector (PHI) for supervision their boats and engage in their trade included eminent Virologist and non adherence to COVID-19 purposes. as free men and not carrying label Chair Professor - Department of preventive measures were the main (SLMA) to carry Another recommendation was ‘COVID-19 infected fishermen.’ They Microbiology, the University of Hong contributory factor for the disease made that the prices should be put deserve better than self-interested Kong Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Malik spread. There were over 7,000 people out an analysis on display instead of being called out politicians who do Media gimmicks by Peiris, Chief Consultant Physician of working at Peliyagoda Fish Market of as to what had loud. The report was also submitted eating “raw” fish on camera. It is time the National Institute of Infectious whom a majority failed to wear their to the Health Ministry. that the authorities such as those at Diseases (NIID), Dr. Ananda masks correctly. Shouting out fish triggered the the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Wijewickrama, Consultant prices was deemed necessary in the Fear of consuming fish Medical Services, who sit in their A/C Microbiologist, Dr. N. Shirani crowded noisy market. disease at The All Island General Fisheries rooms holding meeting-after-meeting Chandrasiri and Director General Also there was a large network of Peliyagoda Federation (AIGFF), National over endless cups of tea, remember Department of Fisheries and Aquatic fish sellers from Mattakkuliya, Convener, Rathna Gamage said, the poor fishing communities living in Resources S.J. Kahawatta. The team Modara, Bluemendhal, Kotahena and despite the public’s demand for fish coastal areas around the island.

As the industry emerges from a tumultuous year, ALFT Packaging shows us how long-term planning and For a post-pandemic world proactive thinking can enable a business to survive and even thrive in turbulent times. The organisation, which recently celebrated its third ALFT Packaging Advances anniversary, was started with the intention of filling the growing need for technologically advanced, international standard, flexible Next-generation Solutions packaging solutions, without having to rely on expensive imports for customers. ALFT began with the coming together of several leading minds in the packaging industry, determined to engineer a solution that would satisfy demand and cater to future trends in packaging. The factory is purpose-built to meet international safety and hygiene standards and it’s the Chathura Jayatissa, Managing Director country’s only British Retail – ALFT Packaging Company (Pvt) Ltd Consortium (BRC) ‘AA’ certified flexible for employees like in-house hostel and packaging facility. The production auditorium. All team members have plant is designed to support received special training in Japan and automated machinery, and minimum continue to have ongoing fellowship handling. Further, underground and training programmes at ALFT’s cables are used instead of the usual auditorium. Knowledge sharing, overhead electric lines to prevent emphasis on teamwork, and innovative entrance points that could cause incentivisation programmes ensures a contamination, completely strong, experienced and motivated wallpapered interiors, stainless steel team is at the helm of operations. floors, and separate sections for every “Visiting dignitaries and operation with its own temperature- representatives of multi-nationals are controlled internal environment makes amazed at the size, scope, and ALFT Packaging one of Sri Lanka’s sophistication levels of our operation. most cutting-edge manufacturing We have a policy of total transparency facility. and allow all our clients to witness the The goal since inception was to inner workings of our factory any time provide packaging solutions in they want to visit,” said Jayatissa. British Retail Consortium (BRC) ‘AA’ certified facility at ALFT Packaging Company (Pvt) Ltd accordance with global health and The organisation is all set to grow its safety standards making ALFT infrastructure, making it possible for that were on par or even better than us, and we are very thankful to them operations to meet sustainability and uniquely prepared for the post- manufacturers to meet consumer the best in the world. Today, the for the shared learnings. As always, we customisation needs of the market. pandemic world. ALFT Packaging was demand. measures we have taken allows local remain environmentally conscious, ALFT’s expansion into new ventures is one of the few organisations Speaking about ALFT, Managing manufacturers to function seamlessly socially aware, and customer-centric based on its main vision to not only to designated as essential by the Director Chathura Jayatissa in a period with restricted imports and in everything we do.” reduce Sri Lanka’s import burden government during even peak explained, “When starting ALFT we highest levels of health and safety ALFT’s high-tech facility is not through supporting local businesses, lockdown periods as the organisation had the single-minded vision of protocols. Throughout our journey our limited to only their manufacturing but also meet Sri Lanka’s export played a vital role in supporting critical providing flexible packaging solutions clients have been equal partners with process. It includes numerous facilities ambitions in the future. A14 Sunday 6 December 2020 focus Will Easter Sunday Attack Victims Get Justice? By Buddhika Samaraweera The witness further stated that Pulasthini was later taken to her It has been more than 18 months home in Mankadu area and on 24 since the Easter Sunday suicide bomb September, 2015, Pulasthini had attacks, that claimed nearly 260 been taken away again by Razik. The innocent lives within a couple of next day, I went to Maligawatte with hours, took place. This highlighted my brother, aunt and son, where I the fact that the Government and learned that Razik had got my other authorities had not taken daughter married to Hastun, she necessary action to ensure national said. security. However, she said that they did not No matter what the then President show her any evidence that the Maithripala Sirisena and other marriage had taken place. The officials concerned state now, if they Maligawatte Police was informed of had taken necessary steps to ensure this. But they said there was nothing national security, such a massacre to do because both Pulasthini and would not have taken place. Hastun were over 18 years, she said However, the findings of the and added she learned that her Presidential Commission of Inquiry, daughter’s name had been changed to into the Easter Sunday bombings, Sarah Jasmine after the marriage. have now revealed that some of the According to Kavitha’s testimony, suspects who are connected to Pulasthini was taken from her home, extremist activities, including even forcibly kept in his office, converted to some of those who carried out the Islam and married off to Hastun by bombings on Easter Sunday, could Razik. Accordingly, it is very clear not be apprehended due to that he had also had close links with weaknesses in the country’s legal the bombers. Also, the Police, who system. could have behaved in a strict For example, it was revealed before manner if someone forcibly detains a the Commission that Abdul Latif daughter by taking her away from her Jamil Mohamed, who blew himself up mother, have acted differently in this by detonating the pack of explosives case. at the Tropical Inn lodge in Dehiwala However, the Police officers on 21 April, 2019, had been attached to the Maligawatte who did summoned to an intelligence agency not perform their duties properly in at one point, interrogated and this connection have not yet been released. Needless to say, if that for their loved ones. summoned before the Commission. happened, it was because the security The Cardinal, along with many Although a statement was recorded and other relevant authorities did not organisations and donor support, has from Razik, he too has not yet been take necessary legal action against also launched a number of summoned to testify before the such individuals in a timely manner. programmes for the welfare of Commission. If the evidence of a We all know that in the end it was hundreds of those who were injured person who had such close links with the innocent people, who knew in the bombings. In such a situation, It is not a simple the bombers is not revealed to the nothing, that had to pay with their his call for prosecution of each and public, there will, no doubt, be a lives, for the negligence of all everyone who contributed to the matter if the problem for the public. authorities. If we, as a country, were tragedy, that claimed the lives of Cardinal, who is It is also the absolute duty of the not able to ensure the safety of their hundreds of innocent believers of the relevant authorities to take action if lives, it is the absolute responsibility religious group he leads, cannot be considered to be any relevant matters were revealed of all of us to at least bring to the ignored. the head of the during Zaharan’s wife, Hadiya’s country the truth behind that tragedy. Meanwhile, it is also reported that evidence, in the background of However, it is somewhat questionable the Presidential Commission of Catholic Kavitha’s statement, that Hadiya is whether the relevant authorities are Inquiry, into the Easter Sunday community in well aware of what happened to as interested in the investigations into bombings, is due to end proceedings Pulasthini. Needless to say, we, as a the Easter Sunday bombings as they in the next few days. More than 350 the country, country, would still be in some danger Pulasthini Rajendran were in the very early days. witnesses have testified before the makes such a if the wife of a suicide bomber and a This came to light when the Commission up to now and the Police powerful member of the NTJ escaped Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Unit attached to the Commission has statement. In complaint with the Police and from local security forces and fled to Cardinal Ranjith, on 3 December, recorded statements from over 1,500 the aftermath of accordingly a complaint has been India. If she has actually fled to India, said that if the investigations into the persons. lodged with the Kalawanchikudi it is the responsibility of all 21 April, 2019, Easter Sunday Key Suspects not the Easter Police in that connection. authorities to bring her back to Sri bombings are not conducted properly, Sunday On the same day, Razik, had given Lanka and take necessary legal other alternatives would have to be summoned a telephone call to Kavitha’s brother action. found. bombings, informing him that Pulasthini was in Also, Naufer Moulavi who is He also said: “We will have to However, several key suspects, their custody and that she would be believed to be the mastermind of the handover the responsibility to other whose statements have been everyone could sent back in about a week. Easter Sunday bombings and mentor parties if the ongoing investigations recorded, by the Police Unit of the see the family “Later I came to Sri Lanka and went of NTJ leader Zaharan had not yet are not conducted properly,” Commission, have not been to Razik’s office, located in been summoned before the Speaking to the Media, at the summoned to testify before the members of Maligawatte. At that time Pulasthini Commission to testify, either. Archbishop’s House in Colombo, Commission so far. those who died was clothed like a Muslim woman. Naufer Moulavi, the theoretician of Ranjith said that it was not In particular, the Leader of the Sri There were three men including Razik the NTJ, appeared before the Police appropriate to reverse the ongoing Lanka Thowheed Jama’ath (SLTJ) weeping in front and another woman. When I was Unit of the Commission on 15 investigation into the Easter Sunday Abdul Razik, who had had links with of him talking to Pulasthini, Razik and the September. He was questioned by the bombings due to day-to-day issues the National Thowheed Jama’ath other two men there were listening,” Police Unit, for about six hours from and added that Catholics would (NTJ) and its Leader Zaharan Hashim, requesting that she added. 9.30 a.m. remain vigilant until the truth about has not yet been summoned before justice be served Lodged Complaint Mastermind the matter is revealed. the Commission. Razik has been “The Government and the President accused of forcibly marrying off for their loved Explaining the action she took after Testifying before the Commission have promised a full investigation into Pulastini Rajendran alias Sarah ones talking to Pulasthini on that day, she on 28 July, former Director of the the bombings. Investigations should Jasmine to Atchchi Muhammadu said, “then I went to the Maligawatte State Intelligence Service (SIS), SDIG be conducted not only by the Muhammadu Hastun, who launched Police Station and lodged a complaint. Nilantha Jayawardena revealed that Presidential Commission of Inquiry, the suicide bombing at the St. When Razik came there with Naufer Moulavi had been identified as but also through other Government Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya. Pulasthini, the Police officers told me the masterminder of the Easter agencies. We do not expect this to be Pulastini is believed to have fled to to take her home for 15 days. They Sunday bombings. swept under the carpet as usual for India in September 2019 and a Police said that I could keep her with me if In addition, when the officers political advantages and other deals,” officer named Abu Bakar, who was Cader Fatima Hadiya from February she was going to follow Hindu religion attached to the Terrorism he said, and added that he hoped that serving at Kalawanchikudi Police to 26 April, 2019, and Hadiya is well and if not she should be handed over Investigation Division (TID) testified all agencies investigating the incident, Station, who is alleged to have helped aware of what happened to to Razik after that time. The Police before the Commission in early this including the CID, would work to her, was also arrested by the Colombo Pulasthini, officers also warned me saying I year, it was revealed that the TID had uncover the forces behind it. Crimes Division. Also, testifying Therefore, she requested the would be arrested if I didn’t act so.” submitted a report to the Attorney It is not a simple matter if the before the Commission on 25 July, security forces not to release She also said that when the General’s Department on Cardinal, who is considered to be the Pulasthini’s mother Kavitha Zaharan’s wife, who was then in the daughter was handed over to be kept 8 June, 2018 seeking advice on head of the Catholic community in the Rajaratnam said her daughter had custody of the Criminal Investigations in her possession for 15 days, the possible legal action against Zaharan country, makes such a statement. In been with Zaharan’s wife, Abdul Department (CID) and is now in the Police officers obtained a signature on and his group, but they had received the aftermath of remand custody until the exact a three-page document. When queried no response from the AG’s the Easter Sunday information on Pulasthini is revealed. regarding its’ content, she said she Department. bombings, She said that in 2015, her daughter, could not understand the contents as Accordingly, the Chairman of the everyone could see Pulasthini went to Kalmunai to attend it was in Sinhala. Commission on 16 July, had the family tuition classes and that on 29 July, “Razik’s aim on those days was to announced that the officials of the members of those 2015, Kavitha’s mother had informed convert Hindus to Islam. When I first AG’s Department, who should have who died weeping her over the phone that Pulasthini went to the Maligawatte Police Station dealt with it would be summoned in front of him was missing. At that time Kavitha has I explained the matter, but the Police before the Commission at a future requesting that been working in Abu Dhabi. She had did not pay attention and only date, but they too have not been justice be served then instructed her mother to lodge a listened to Razik,” she added. summoned before the Commission so far. It is not possible to say exactly why these parties have not been summoned before the Commission so far. But it should not be forgotten that all these parties, directly or indirectly, are more or less responsibile for this massacre. Therefore, we should not forget the sacrifice these innocent people made by giving their lives to wake up the security forces and other responsible authorities from the deep slumber they were in. It was because they gave their lives, that swift action was taken to prevent a major catastrophe that waited to happen. Therefore, we should unite, keeping aside all agendas and work towards obtaining justice for those who lost their lives. Buddhikasamaraweera94 @gmail.com Abdul Razik Naufer Moulavi SPORTS SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 2020 A15

Foreign-based Sri Lankan players Swiss born Haseef a definite asset for SL Football I’ve always liked to seek a challenge and measure myself with good players: Haseef

BY MUSTAQ SYDEEN on my journey. I travelled alone to Juventus and FC Schaffhausen. There Germany in my youth and developed we played against top clubs such as FC Football in Sri Lanka had its own myself as a footballer and as a human Basel, FC Zürich, FC St.Gallen in glory days in the ‘50s and ‘60s when being. In football you must always work Switzerland and delivered successful the island was one of the best teams in hard. Those players who want to move results in the League. After Youth Clubs Asia, but lack of infrastructure and ahead must work hard; that’s the only I moved to FC WettswilBonstetten first planning led to its eventual snakelike way to be successful.” team. I was the youngest in the team slide down the board. Still, where there Dual nationalism has become one of (17years).We played against Geneve was a past, surely a future can be the most contentious topics within Servette in the first round of the League recreated, and at the very international football in the modern era. Cup and later in the third season we least from the way things are In other cases, the heritage of a parent were promoted to the Second Division. beginning to look, it is fairly and even grandparent renders players After the promotional seasonI moved to certain that we can expect a eligible for switching their international Germany after receiving an offer from great surge forward in the allegiance. SC Pfullendorf. I spent three years there world of Sri Lankan football. “The ambition of every footballer is and we won many tournaments, After trying unsuccessfully the same; To succeed, win games and including the District Cup. After the trip for years to forge a world-class to get ahead in proceedings. I hope to be to Germany, I played for FC Wettingen. National men’s soccer team, Sri Lanka wearing the Sri Lankan jersey as soon There also we secured promotion to the signaled it was considering a surprising as possible and have been dreaming of Second Division. FC Wettingen is a new tack: looking for foreign based Sri Haseef Haneef this for a very long time. I train hard special Club in Switzerland with a great Lankan players to join the National every day to prepare myself and stay on history: They played many years ago vs squad with the idea of uplifting the Born in Switzerland Haneef is an track. It is my Motherland and every Napoli (Italy) in the UEFA-Cup, at a game in the country. attacking mid-fielder and right winger child’s dream is to play in the National time where a certain Diego Maradona Naturalizing players so they can join at FC Engstringen. He began his soccer team. It has always been my ambition wore the No.10 jersey for the team.” National sports teams is standard career at the age of 6 and has played for as well to wear the Sri Lankan jersey. I “Sri Lanka already has a name in practice internationally, and following many professional clubs. can hardly wait to go out there and fight cricket. The aim would be that this in those footsteps Football Federation In an exclusive interview with Ceylon on the pitch,” he further added. would also be true for football. For of Sri Lanka (FFSL) revealed on 26 Today, Haneef spoke about his career Haseef also commented on his biggest football to move forward, everyone must November (Thursday) they have and the interest to represent Sri Lanka. achievements in his football career and go hand in hand as a unit and fight scouted over 12 foreign players who He said: “Since my childhood I started unforgettable memories throughout his with passion,” he said,reflecting on his have a Sri Lankan background to join to play football. At the age of 6, I joined successful journey. perspective of Sri Lanka Football. the squad, and some players have my first football club. I played for many “I had many unforgettable moments. Ceylon Today learns Haseef can almost completed their paperwork for professional Youth clubs: For When I joined the professional club actually be a great asset to the Sri dual citizenship and will be available for Grasshopper Club Zurich U13/14, YF Grasshoppers Zurich from the village Lankan National team due to his the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Juventus U15, FC Schaffhausen U16, club FC Urdorf in my youth, we played versatility on the field, as he is equally Among the players who are looking FC Winterthur U18. Among the first successful seasons and took part in adept at midfield despite being a forward to don the Sri Lankan jersey is teams were FC Wettswil Bonstetten, SC international tournaments, playing winger. Success in recruiting such 27-year-old Haneef Mohamed Haseef Pfullendorf (Germany), FC Wettingen against SV Werder Bremen (Germany), talent to don the National jersey will be Mohamed, a foreign based soccer and currently playing for FC Cagliari (Italy) and Chievo Verona (Italy) a much faster route to making progress Haseef Haneef in action player whose parents are Sri Lankan. Engstringen. I gained a lot of experience etc. Further experiences were with YF in future World Cups.

Rugby Scrapbook When sport becomes a dangerous playing fi eld for children – OHCHR

BY VIMAL PERERA annual project called Kids Athletics any other method of causing non- but included in tales. These acknowledged and reported, and held in Kandy in March 2019. accidental damage. The nature and encompass all the areas mentioned concerns are treated seriously and Sport has many benefits for kids. It “We started this Kids Athletics to give intensity of training or competition above. dealt with in confidence. improves physical fitness, teaches young school children a chance to exceed thecapacity of the child’s Recently the Colombo High Coaches, Trainers, Match Officials, essential life skills and increases the enjoy themselves and get to know what immature growing body. When athletes Court issued a verdict against two Volunteers and Staff should be chances they will become active adults. sport is about. But sad to say some are required to participate when rugby players who had been indicted appropriately licensed and accredited There have been issues of concern as schools have hired professional injured. The sanctions used by on the charges of sexually abusing a before they can be deployed for events abuse can mar that wonderful coaches making the event something coaches involve inflicting pain 6-year-old student and abetting to or programmes. experience. In 2019 the SLR drafted a like a win-only-matters tournament,” Sexual abuse is when a child is commit the crime. The two accused It includes vetting all adult persons set of guidelines called Sri Lanka said Jayaweera. Nestle Lanka and its forced or persuaded to take part in were sentenced to 10 and 9 years of when recruiting staff, and the Rugby Safeguarding Policy. SLR is health drink Milo are the promoters of sexual activities. This may involve rigorous imprisonment, respectively. Governors have a duty of care to active in setting up a path to practise the original concept to let children get physical contact or non-contact In another case, a Junior Coach was ensure they hire suitable candidates and instill player welfare. a feel of track and field sports. activities and can happen online or sentenced to jail for ten years on and exclude those who may pose a A recent document ofUNOffice of the “We don’t want competition under offline. Children and young people may charges of child abuse. Inquiries reveal threat to the players. High Commissioner for Human Rights pressure, we just want boys and girls not always understand that they are that there was negligence on the part Stakeholders should encourage their talks on the ‘Pervasive’ sexual abuse of to enjoy themselves,” said Jayaweera. sexually abused. of authorities. Previously the coach, Coaches or Adults with a coaching role children.According to the report, It was revealed that schools all over In sport, coaching techniques which when he was a player,was sanctioned to attend the relevant World Rugby sexual exploitation of children in sport the country, especially in Colombo and involve physical contact with children by being kept out of a critical match. Courses and certification insisted is rife, pervasive, widespread Kandy, recruit highly paid coaches for can create situations where sexual Irrespective of the past the same upon. Coaches to be up-skilled with continuing unchecked. their sports teams that have resulted abuse can be disguised. An abusive person was appointed to guide juniors higher coaching and failure to attain The fear of being outed, shamed, in them abusing boys and girls to situationdevelopswhen a person in a and ends up with a high penalty. any minimum accreditation and renew disbelieved or blamed keeps victims produce favourable results and justify position of authority, such as a coach, the license every three years would silent. Other children are simply not their pay. misuse their power. Sri Lanka mean that he or she may not be able to recognise abusive relationships. Emotional abuse is the emotional In Sri Lanka, abuse is a bubble permitted to continue in the given role. “From very young ages children take Views of Coaches maltreatment of a child, which has a including sexual abuse neglect, Behaviour and performance of the new to a playing field, dive into a pool, Ronnie Ibrahim, a Veteran Coach, severe and persistent negative effect on physical abuse, bullying, emotional volunteers or employees should be tumble on a floor mat, run on a track, said that the issues are prevalent in the child’s personal development.Such abuse and poor practice and monitored for a period to ensure that in pursuit of fun, fitness, most sports in some form or another. as when children are subjected to management. best practices are in order. companionship and camaraderie. He said that discussions with parents repeated criticism, sarcasm, name- Parents in conversation talked about Stakeholders should ensure their Whether the dream is big and life- have shown a growing concern where calling or racism. A child is ignored or how they pushed children when they volunteers or employees when changing, or simply the joy of everyday some say that younger children are excluded. When children feel pressure wanted to see them play in what are working with children or youth avoid sport, the life of a child is forever shying away due to emotional and to perform to unrealistically high termed ribald events of school rugby. being isolated and out of the sight of altered if that child experiences sexual physical pressure. These include long expectations. Many promoters push coaches who parents or other volunteers and abuse or exploitation. Dreams are and gruelling hours of practice and Poor practice refers to when the in turn push children to perform in a employees.discourage inappropriate shattered, joy eroded, hearts and push to play ignoring niggling injuries. behaviour of an individual in a position given event, and we are happy when relationships with children and be minds and bodies destroyed.” The mode to win is through fear and of responsibility falls below the children play on that day. aware of the punishment of the Sri The International Olympic not through dreams whichmotivate organization’s required standard, It is later we realise the trauma Lanka Penal Code. Committee (IOC) place emphasis and achieve the reward of enjoyment. usually as described in the children undergo physically and Stakeholders should continuously through the Safeguarding athletes Nihal ‘Viper’Gunaratne, a World organization’s code of conduct. emotionally because they practice display a high standard of personal from harassment and abuse in sports Rugby Trainer and presently head of Examples of poor practice more hours which pushes them past behaviour and appearance at any mission. The IOC places athletes at the Coaching Committee of SLR, thinks include coaching with alcohol on the the peak. At times we have been rugby-related event. They are also to heart of the Olympic Movement. that there has to be a structured breath, smoking and swearing in front happy when coaches use the stick or refrain from acts that are deemed or Olympic Agenda 2020 sets out the guideline as best practices have to be of children as well as not paying due strong language on their charges. considered unhealthy in front of strategic roadmap for this. Through in place. The pressure by supporters care and attention to all participants. Sri Lanka Rugby their players. the recommendation, the IOC has on school rugby coaches passes on to Bullying is when individuals or A View on Harassment taken significant steps to safeguard players. This pressure translates to be groups seek to harm, intimidate or In 2019 the SLR drafted a set of athletes from harassment and abuse a not so enjoyable experience to coerce someone who is perceived to be guidelines called Sri Lanka Rugby Raj Gonsalkorale writing to FT in in sport. children of rugby. vulnerable. It can involve people of any Safeguarding Policy. This Policy March this year stated:A 13-year-old World Rugby The Child Protection in age and can happen anywhere. In applies to all stakeholders and staff, female student from Gampaha sport, bullying can occur based on a volunteers, parents, players and District desperately appealed to ban Respect and Responsibility are Sports Unit, UK young person’s sporting ability, body coaches who are affiliated to SLR. the sale of canes in Sri Lanka. critical areas of focus as World Rugby size or shape. The Policy is being actively pushed Because every class in school has a (WR) considers Player Welfare as a Child abuse is any form of physical, The negligence of authorities and and discussed by the present Council cane, which is put to maximum use priority. With increasing numbers of emotional or sexual mistreatment or those responsible will lead to and expected to be implemented in the at every lesson every day. children participating in the world- lack of care that leads to injury or Abuse that occurred a period ago near future. She watched helplessly as a nine- wide game, WR expects stakeholders to harm.The critical point is that it surfacing such as, an adult The purpose of this Policy is to year-old boy wet himself in front of take steps to ensure that the encompasses more than sexual speaking about the abuse that took protect children and young adults who the whole school while the teacher- participation of a child in rugby is a mistreatment, which is a narrow focus. place in their childhood. are engaged in Sri Lanka Rugby in in-charge of discipline took a safe and enjoyable experience. Child abuseincludesNeglect, Physical different roles. moment to choose from six different Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional An Event Sheet Providing our Coaches, Staff and canes from her office. That is Sri Lanka Ministry of Abuse and Poor practice, Negligence of In 2019 a rugby coach in New Volunteers with the overreaching approximately six hours per day, Education Authorities as well as Bullying. Zealand was sentenced to 22 years principles that guide to safeguarding equivalent to 14,400 hours of Neglect a crucial concern and is after being convicted of 95 charges of and child protection where the welfare exposure to violence in a child’s life In March 2019 the Special thefailure to meet theprimary physical sexual abuse against young boys. The of the children is a top priority. at this particular school. Consultant to the Ministry of or psychological needs of a child.It can conviction had a ripple effect Sri Lanka Rugby is committed to It is no doubt that similar thinking Education Sunil Jayaweera expressed have a long-lasting impact on a child’s throughout the New Zealand sports promoting the welfare of all children pervades sports with some old boy his disgust that some schools have health and/or development. Areas of community, prompting conversations and young adults to keep them safe adult supporters of school sports turned the concept of promoting sports concern include: about how we protect children in sport. from any harm when involved in accepting the approach if it helps to for the enjoyment of kindergarten Physical abuse is when someone In Sri Lanka, there are only a few Rugby activities. win, not realising the means to an beginners into a highly commercialized deliberately hurts a child causing instances in sports that the law has SLR have identified theroles and end should not be fear. business that demands too much from bodily harm. It may involve hitting, taken its course to punish incidents. responsibilities where the stakeholder The task of stopping physical young participants. kicking, shaking, pushing, poisoning, On the other hand, there are more must practice a safe environment abuse is a Herculean one, but a start He was speaking at the launch of the burning,biting, scalding, drowning or instances not reported to law enforcers policy where abuse is openly to reduce it is a point of introduction. Today - 3.30 pm Dambulla Vs Galle A16 SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 2020 SPORTS Today - 7.30 pm Kandy Vs Colombo Colombo Kings end Jaffna Stallions unbeaten run

By Mustaq Sydeen forgettable outing with the bat as he was sent back to the pavilion by Colombo Kings bowlers put up a Dushmantha Chameera, caught at clinical show before Dinesh backward point adding just 7 runs to Chandimal struck a composed half- his account. century to register a comfortable Jaffna Stallions couldn’t recover 6-wicket win against a star-studded from the early breakthrough and Jaffna Stallions on Friday in the wickets fell at regular interval. Lanka Premier League (LPL). Wanindu Hasaranga was the lone Chasing a modest total of 148, crusader in the middle as he smashed Colombo Kings didn’t face much 41 runs off 23 deliveries, but trouble at all, thanks to a sensational bowling by skipper Angelo brilliant knock from opening Mathews denied the youngster a Qais Ahmed bat Chandimal, as they well-deserved half-century as the overhauled the target with skipper once again did his job in Dinesh Chandimal JAFFNA STALLIONS four balls to spare. the death overs. Chandimal attacked from Stallions showed a defensive Avishka Fernando c Evans b Qais Ahmad 26 the get-go as he played a Vijayakanth Viyaskanth strategy early on and held Johnson Charles c Bell-Drummond b Chameera 07 match winning knock. Along back their in-form opener Minod Bhanuka c Bell-Drummond b Qais Ahmad 21 with Andre Russel he added take his team home. Earlier, Colombo Avishka Fernando, a move Shoaib Malik b Qais Ahmad 08 42 runs for the fourth King’s Qais Ahmed (3/24) produced that did not help them Dhananjaya de Silva c Priyanjan b Kaushal 02 wicket before Russell was another brilliant effort with the ball as much as their batting order Thisara Perera c Evans b Chameera 18 caught at long off after he led the bowling department from did not seem convincing Wanindu Hasaranga b Mathews 41 COLOMBO KINGS another top knock of 32 the front and prevented Jaffna and their middle order Chaturanga Silva c †Chandimal b Russell 00 runs off 20 deliveries Stallions from scoring big. failed to score. Meanwhile, Dinesh Chandimal not out 68 Binura Fernando c Evans b Udana 11 including three The youngster was well right arm leg spinner Laurie Evans b PWH de Silva 14 Kyle Abbot not out 04 humongous sixes. complemented by the rest of the Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Daniel Drummond lbw b PWH de Silva 00 Vijayakanth Viyaskanth not out 03 Chandimal, who has bowlers as they maintained pressure created history as the first Angelo Mathews c Shoaib Malik b Viyaskanth 22 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 2) 07 been in good touch from on the opposition batters and never ever Jaffna born cricketer to Andre Russell c WIA Fernando b PC de Silva 32 TOTAL (for 9 wickets in 20 Overs) 148 the inception of the allowed them to score freely. Pacer play in the LPL. He ended his ST de Silva not out 10 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Johnson Charles, 1.5 tournament, produced Dushmantha Chameera had another quota of four overs conceding Extras (lb 4, w 1) 05 ov), 2-51 (Avishka Fernando, 7.4 ov), 3-63 (Shoaib the kind of solid robust impressive outing with the ball as he 29 runs and picking up the all- TOTAL (for 4 wickets in 19.2 Ov,) 151 Malik, 9.1 ov), 4-66 (MinodBhanuka, 9.6 ov), 5-74 innings he has become conceded just 27 runs from his important wicket of skipper Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Laurie Evans, 3.4 ov), 2-48 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 10.6 ov), 6-86 (Thisara renowned for on the quota of 4 overs and scalped two Anjelo Mathews on his debut. (Daniel Bell-Drummond, 5.4 ov), 3-88 (Angelo Perera, 11.6 ov), 7-87 (Chaturanga de Silva, 12.4 domestic circuit. His 68 wickets as well. This was the first loss for Jaffna Mathews, 11.5 ov), 4-130 (Andre Russell, 16.4 ov) ov), 8-114 (Binura Fernando, 17.1 ov), 9-142 off 51 balls formed the After being invited to bat first, Jaffna Stallions, but they still lead the Bowling: Binura Fernando 4-0-41-0, Wanindu (WaninduHasaranga, 18.5 ov) backbone of Colombo’s Stallions opened the innings with table with 8 points, with Colombo Hasaranga 4-0-23-2, Kyle Abbot 1-0-15-0, Thisara Bowling: Qais Ahmed 3-0-24-3, Dushmantha chase, and featured two Avishka Fernando and Johnson Kings placed second on 6 Perera 2-0-13-0, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth 4-0-29-1, Chameera 4-0-27-2, Angelo Mathews 3-0-9-1, Isuru sixes and seven fours to Charles. Big hitting Charles had a points. Chathuranga de Silva 4-0-21-1, Dhanajaya de Udana 4-0-50-1, Tharindu Kaushal 3-0-22-1, Andre Silva 0.2-0-5-0 Russell 3-0-12-1

Minister approves Concussion Sub Chahal Fires India to Win new SLC Selection Concussion substitute Australia coach Justin Langer for 12 in quick succession to Yuzvendra Chahal took three had a heated argument with swing the momentum back to wickets as India beat Australia by match referee David Boon before India. He returned to dismiss Committee 11 runs in the first Twenty20 the home side began its chase at Matthew Wade for seven Sports Minister Namal match in Canberra on Friday, but Manuka Oval. with the last ball of his Rajapaksa has approved the the win was soured by an Leg-spinner Chahal rubbed salt quota, the wicketkeeper appointment of a new apparent hamstring injury to all- into Australia’s wounds by slog-sweeping to captain National Selection Committee rounder Ravindra Jadeja. removing captain Aaron Finch for Virat Kohli at deep for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). In a contest laced with 35 and star batsman Steve Smith midwicket. The Minister ratified the controversy, Jadeja top-edged “Obviously it’s a great appointment of the seven- into his helmet in the final over, feeling,” Chahal beamed member Selection Committee but was not tested for concussion Brief scores after being named man- headed by Asantha de Mel. on the field at Manuka Oval. India: 161/ 7 (Rahul 51, of-the-match. SLC will have one Selection He ended up scoring a valuable Jadeja 44*, Henriques 3-22, “It’s my pleasure to Committee overlooking nine runs off the last three Starc 2-34) take their wickets. They selections of National men’s, deliveries to push his team to a Australia: 150/ 7 (Finch know the conditions very women’s and junior cricket, defendable total of 161 for seven. 35, Short 34, Chahal 3-25, well and I bowled whereas earlier there were Jadeja, however, was ruled out according to my plans.” Natarajan 3-30) Yuzvendra Chahal different committees for during the innings break, and (Reuters) Asantha de Mel each. The Selection Committee comprises After positive COVID-19 case

• Asantha de Mel – Chairman • Chaminda Mendis South Africa-England ODI moved to Sunday • Pramodya Wickramasinghe • A.W.R. Madurasinghe The first One-Day International the group and a round of back ODIs on Sunday and • T. Nilmini Gunarathne between South Africa and England fresh tests likely Monday in Paarl and Cape Town, • Hemantha Devapriya that was scheduled for Newlands conducted ahead of what before the series is completed at • H.U. Karnain on Friday has been moved to is now the series opener Newlands on Wednesday. Sunday after a player from the in Paarl on Sunday. The decision places a spotlight home team tested positive for “This decision results on the South Africa camp and COVID-19. from a player from the their protocols during a tour that Cricket South Africa (CSA) said Proteas team testing will provide much-needed revenue the latest round of tests conducted positive for COVID-19 for struggling CSA. on Thursday resulted in an after the teams’ last round Two players tested positive Asia Cup 2021 to unnamed South African player of scheduled testing ahead of the Twenty20 returning a positive result, the performed on Thursday International series that started be held in Sri Lanka third from within the camp during ahead of the ODIs,” CSA on 27 Nov. and was won 3-0 by Pakistan have rights for 2022 edition the six-match limited overs series. said in a statement. England. Yet more worrying will The teams had travelled to the “In the interests of the be the positive case from within As the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc stadium to prepare for the game safety and well-being of as well as the CEO of the ECB, the secure hotel bio-bubble, where across the globe, several sporting events got but it was officially called off an both teams, match officials and all Tom Harrison, have agreed to both teams have been based since suspended or cancelled. In cricket, the Asia Cup hour before the start. The player in involved in the match, the Acting postpone the first fixture.” 17 Nov. 2020 was one of the biggest events that couldn’t question is set to be isolated from CEO of CSA, Kugandrie Govender, It means there will be back-to- (Reuters) take place despite talks of a venue change or schedule change over a few months. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which held hosting rights for this year’s Asia Cup, has now given a defining update with regard to the Williamson dominant postponement of this year’s edition, as well as the one to be held in 2022. As per PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Sri Lanka will host the Asia Cup in June NZ put pressure on Windies 2021, while Pakistan has earned the rights to host Kane Williamson showed few signs he has the middle-order partnerships with Henry the event a year after in 2022. not played a Test since March as the New Nicholls (seven), Tom Blundell (14) and Daryl “The next Asia Cup will be hosted in Sri Lanka in Zealand captain posted a career-best 251 on Mitchell (nine) and brought up his double June and we have got hosting rights now for the the second day of the opening Test against century with another characteristic cover 2022 Asia Cup,” he was quoted as saying by PTI. West Indies in Hamilton on Friday. drive, again off Roach’s bowling. As per the original schedule, the Asia Cup was to Williamson’s 22nd Test century, and third While he lost Mitchell shortly afterwards, be hosted by Pakistan in August-September 2020, double ton, made up almost half of New Williamson and Kyle Jamieson combined for but it couldn’t take place because of the COVID-19 Zealand’s first innings total of 519 for seven a breezy 94 runs before the captain, who had pandemic. Now the event has been pushed to June declared before the tourists reached 49 hit Alzarri Joseph for a four and six to go 2021, with Sri Lanka Cricket taking the hosting without loss in reply. John Campbell was on past 250, was caught at deep midwicket rights from PCB. As compensation, PCB gets the 22 and Kraigg Brathwaite 20 not out at the attempting to clear the rope again. hosting rights for the 2022 edition. close of play at Seddon Park. Williamson had Pace bowler Jamieson then continued to The PCB has been striving to get international started the day’s play on 97 after he and Tom burnish his reputation as a potential all- teams to Pakistan for bilateral series and has Latham (86) put on 154 runs for the second rounder with a first half-century. succeeded to some extent, with the likes of wicket on the first day after Jason Holder Williamson declared shortly after the Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka touring the had won the toss and asked the hosts to bat 2.03m tall Jamieson reached his milestone. country in the last 12 months. The matter of on a green pitch. Williamson lost overnight The 25-year-old now has scores of 44, 49 hosting a full-fledged Asia Cup, however, remains partner Ross Taylor (38) in the second over, and 51 not out in his three Test innings after a gigantic task considering the involvement of the but brought up his century when he making his debut earlier this year against Indian cricket team. punched a Kemar Roach delivery through India. (Agencies) point in the next over. He then dominated (Reuters) Kane Williamson

Published by Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Limited, 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 7 and printed at its press at No. 302/1A, Minuwangoda Road, Ja-Ela.