highlights THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 10/012 Price : Rs 30.00

In Sports I think I’m doing my job perfectly: We accept the Thisara challenge to uplift seems to have rediscovered himself lately, and it can the economy be seen at the . So far, everything he touches is – PM turning into gold, be it batting,... A16 page b13

Mahara Prison Riot Legal action soon Cyclone‘Burevi’ Enters SL against 175 inmates By Thameenah Razeek and Kumudu Upul Shantha Cyclonic winds Strong gusty winds expected to The Prisons Department will take legal action against 25 inmates who initiated the riot at the Mahara Prison and another 150 who aided and from 80 to 90 kmph be from 60 to 70 kmph today abetted. Prisons Commissioner (Administration), Chandana Ekanayake, yesterday (2) claimed that By Naalir Jamaldeen However, the strong gusty winds are the group of inmates who initiated and supported expected to be from 60 to 70 kilometres the riot have already been identified. The Meteorology Department, yesterday per hour (kmph) today (3) in these (2), warned that the cyclonic storm aforesaid regions. ‘Burevi’ formed over the South-West of The Meteorology Department added Bay of Bengal is located near the island of that the wind velocity is expected to drop and entered the country from from 30 to 40 kilometres per hour (kmph) Trincomalee and Point Pedro close to at times tomorrow in the aforesaid Mullaitivu. regions, except for the Sabaragamuwa This cyclonic storm with a wind force Province and in some other provinces, from 80 to 90 kilometres per hour (kmph) where wind velocity is expected to be 50 moved nearly westwards and thereafter to 60 kilometres per hour (kmph) at will emerge into the Gulf of Mannar today times. (3) morning, according to the Met Meanwhile, Trincomalee District Department. Secretary, Saman Dharshana, stated The Department said, due to this yesterday that measures had been taken change in the atmosphere, the storm was to send nearly 40,000 persons in the Story Continued on page 2 expected to surge up to one metre height coastal areas in the Trincomalee District above astronomical tide and is likely to to safer ground. inundate low-lying coastal areas from The District Secretary said those who Trincomalee to Kankesanturai and from refused to move were persuaded by PUCSL to be closed? Pooneryn to Puttalam. security forces to move to safer ground. The strong gusty winds were expected He said they were sent to temples, By Gagani Weerakoon to be from 80 to 100 kilometres per hour schools and mosques in the region. Steps (kmph) in the Northern, North-Central, have been taken to provide them with The Government is apparently taking measures to Eastern, North-Western, Western, food and other facilities, the District close the country's utility regulator, the Public Central and other provinces. Secretary added. Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), under the pretext of “creating an efficient work Story Continued on page 2 environment to implement the power generation plan which has been lagging behind for some time.” The PUCSL, as a regulatory body, prevented the Mahara Prison unrest Lohan gets another Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) from increasing the Beware of fake electricity tariff since 2014. It also prevented a State Ministry number of corrupt mega power deals as well as COVID-19 vaccines Nine dead found private power purchasing agreements. – Interpol State Minister Lohan COVID-19 positive Ratwatte has been Story Continued on page 2 By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan appointed as State By Thameenah Razeek Minister of Prison Interpol has issued a warning to all 194 Management and COPE orders all Ministry Secys countries on organised crime networks Nine inmates who died during the Mahara Prisoners’ targeting COVID-19 vaccines, selling them Prison unrest tested positive for COVID-19 Rehabilitation. both physically and online, as the World following the post-mortem examination. He was sworn in Submit annual Health Organization is coming closer to The Director of the Ragama Teaching before President approval and global distribution of the Hospital, Dr. Shelton Perera said the Gotabaya Rajapaksa vaccine. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests at the Presidential reports on time Interpol has also advised members of the carried out on 1 December on the bodies Secretariat yesterday public to take special care when going had revealed that they had contracted the (2). The Chairman of the online to search for medical equipment or Virus. The Hospital authorities conducted Ratwatte is also State Minister of Gem Committee on Public medicines. PCR tests on the other deceased yesterday and Jewellery-related Industries. Enterprises (COPE), Dr. The Interpol ‘Orange Notice’ outlines (2). Charitha Herath, has potential criminal activity in relation to the Eleven inmates died in the incident, while informed Secretaries to falsification, theft and illegal advertising of more than 100 including two Prison officials Ministries, in writing, that all COVID-19 and flu vaccines,... sustained injuries. Government institutions Claiming to spread COVID-19 should submit their Annual Story Continued on Reports to Parliament within page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Mahara jailor the stipulated time. embraces prison Accordingly, Secretaries Noted gangster Slave Island Station Master have been informed that COVID-19 positive guards causing chaos Chairmen/Heads of the Dharmasiri to be Institutions coming under Train commuters 500 new Prison Guards to be recruited the purview of the respective extradited from UAE By M.C. Perera and Keerthi Ministries should submit their Annual Reports to – SLSMU Mendis Parliament within 150 days after the close of the By Chamara Amarasuriya and at risk financial year, as per the guidelines issued by the Keerthi Mendis A complaint has been lodged with the By Dilanthi Jayamanne and Public Enterprises Department of the Ministry of Meegoda Police Station on 1 December, of a Buddhika Samaraweera Finance. Police Media Spokesman, DIG Ajith jailor, on a charge of embracing a few of the Rohana said measures are being taken by guards at the Watareka Prison claiming Story Continued on Police to extradite noted gangster General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Station that he was out to spread COVID-19 after page 2 Dharmasiri Perera from the United Arab Masters' Union (SLSMU), Kasun Chamara, he had been sent on a special assignment Emirates where he had been arrested said train passengers who arrived at the in the aftermath of the Mahara Prison Attack on Hettipola shops while being in hiding. Slave Island Railway Station, which has unrest. Sources said not stopping at that, Perera has been charged with the since been closed, were at critical risk, as a he had also visited the restrooms of the murder of politician Ranjan de Silva, Station Master serving there had tested officers before proceeding to sleep in their Nalin wanted father of Cricketer . positive for COVID-19 a few days ago. beds. suspects released Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 – SSP Hewavitharana By Buddhika Samaraweera

Former Deputy Minister had, during a meeting with Police Officers and certain other parties, requested that several suspects arrested for allegedly attacking properties belonging to Muslims in Hettipola in May 2019, be released. This was disclosed when SSP Oshan Hewavitharana, who was in charge of the Kuliyapitiya Police Division at that time, testified CID begins probe on Mahara Prison unrest before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the bombings on 21 April 2019, Easter Sunday, By Chamara Amarasuriya from the Chief Jailor were recorded inmates. A special inquiry into the stored in the Prison Hospital yesterday (2). as part of its ongoing probe into the Prison riot has been launched by which had been earmarked to be He said there were signs of unrest in the area by The CID yesterday commenced clash that took place at the Prison the CID on the instructions of the given to patients with mental early May. On 12 May 2019, I was informed that an questioning the Chief Jailor of the premises on 29 November. IGP. illnesses, as well as on the unidentified group had asked Muslim businessmen Mahara Prison. They added that statements had The CID is also investigating the conduct of a doctor in the Prison to close their shops in Dummalasuriya, he added. CID sources said statements also been recorded from a few 21,000 tablets that had been Hospital.

Story Continued on page 2 A2 thursday 3 december 2020 news

To punish defaulting State officials HRCSL urges Establishment Code changes The Human Rights Commission of recommendation to implement the prevent this situation, the inclusion Commission on the action taken or reporting to the Commission is not Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has forwarded a said recommendation or to report to of provisions in the Establishments intended to be taken to enforce that sufficient at the discretion of the letter to the Minister of Public the Commission on the action taken Code for disciplinary action against recommendation within the time Commission, it shall be reported to Services, Provincial Councils and in that regard. defaulting Government officials, specified therein, if there are the President. Also, when the Local Government Janaka Bandara ‘However, some Government would be more effective,’ the letter. reasonable reasons why it is difficult recommendation made by the HRCSL Tennakoon, regarding the officials do not implement the Accordingly, the HRCSL added that or impossible to report the action or is disregarded by an authority amendment of the Establishment Commission’s recommendations and the following provision is suitable to to implement the recommendation, referred to in Chapter XLVII of Part II Code to remove the difficulties in fail to report on the action taken. It is be added to the Establishments Code they should be notified or acted upon of the Establishments Code, the implementing the recommendations an obstacle to fulfil our duties to minimise the failure of public within the prescribed time. In cases officer who did so is considered to of the HRCSL. towards the people. Although there is officials to implement the where a public servant fails to report have committed serious misconduct In terms of Section 15(7) and a possibility of taking legal action by recommendations of the HRCSL. within the specified time, or when which falls under the first schedule Section 15(8) of the HRCSL Act, it is the Commission, it is not a “When the HRCSL sends a the course of action he has taken or and the appropriate authorities shall the responsibility of the relevant successful solution as we have to recommendation to any authority or intended to take to enforce the take immediate disciplinary action institution which receives a HRCSL undergo huge financial costs. To official and directs to report to the Commission’s recommendations by against him.”

By Naalir Jamaldeen Base Hospital, Kinniya faces 13A reforms fulfil The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Tamil aspirations – Douglas Trincomalee District severe dearth of hospital staff Parliamentarian M. Imran By Paneetha Ameresekere yesterday (2) claimed that Trincomalee daily while 150 surgeries and births surgeon and an the Base Hospital, Kinniya, 139,627 patients and are taking place every obstetrician serving at the Tamil aspirations can be fulfilled is functioning amidst 159,043 patients are being month at this Hospital. Kinniya Hospital were only with the full implementation of immense difficulties due to daily treated at the OPD of He said while there is a transferred and so far no reforms to the 13th Amendment, the shortage of the the A Grade Base Hospitals need for 46 doctors but replacements have been Fisheries Minister required facilities and of Kantale and Kinniya, only 26 doctors were sent to fill the vacancies. told United States Ambassador to Sri human resource including respectively. available to treat inall There is no proper Lanka, Alaina B. Teplitz, on 1 doctors and nurses. He added that besides divisions of the Kinniya wastewater management December. He was responding to a Imran added that nearly patients being treated at Hospital and that while 88 system and only two beds question posed by her about the Tamil 134,301 patients are the OPD, 550 to 600 nurses are required, only were available in the question, at his Ministry in . treated at the Out Patients patients are treated on a 46 nurses were currently Emergency Treatment Unit He further said these reforms should Department (OPD) of the daily basis at the Kinniya serving. of the Hospital, Imran also entail reforms to the existing District General Hospital Hospital and that 100 to Imran claimed that a added. Provincial Councils.

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Nalin wanted... Beware of... Cyclone‘Burevi’... When questioned by a Commission Member as to ... with the pandemic targeting unsuspecting Meanwhile, the Northern Province coastal areas to move inward. what action he took after being informed of it, the having already triggered members of the public via Governor, yesterday, stated that the Meanwhile, residents in Negombo witness said he went there with the OIC of the unprecedented fake websites and false people in the Northern Province have stated that hundreds of turtles were Dummalasuriya Police and took steps to reopen the opportunistic and cures, which could pose a been advised to take adequate found floating in the shallow seas. shops. predatory criminal significant risk to their precautions to safeguard themselves Details regarding the damage as a He said on the same day, at around 5:30 p.m., he behaviour. health, even their lives. It from the impending disaster and result of the cyclone were not was informed by the Kuliyapitiya Headquarters It also includes examples is essential that law instructed those residing in the available when going to press. Inspector that four Muslim-owned shops in Hettipola of crimes where enforcement is as prepared Road, Karanthipola, Kuliyapitiya, had been attacked. individuals have been as possible for what will be “Four suspects were later arrested based on a tip-off. I advertising, selling and an onslaught of all types of was then informed that more than 200 people have administering fake criminal activity linked to gathered at the scene along with religious leaders,” he vaccines. the COVID-19 vaccine, Mahara jailor... added. Interpol warned so, which is why Interpol has The jailor is said to have trampled Department’s efforts to fill vacancies in However, the witness said it was later decided to ensuring the safety of the issued this global the clothes worn by the guards of the the officer cadre as well. He said that release the four suspects on Police bail. Adding that supply chain and because warning.” Watareka Prison. Meanwhile, the after a short training programme, the the suspects were arrested on a tip-off, he said they identifying illicit websites As well as targeting Prisons Department has decided to new guards will be appointed to their were released on bail until the investigations were selling fake products will COVID-19 vaccines, as give a 14-day leave period for some of posts. Sources revealed that the short- completed. be essential. international travel its officers sent on duty to the Mahara age of officers in the Prisons has led to When questioned by a Member of the Commission The need for gradually resumes, it is Prison, as most of the inmates had a crisis situation. According to sourc- as to whether there had been any other incidents on coordination between law likely that testing for the been COVID-19 positive. It is said that es, shortage of officers had also con- those days; Hewavitharana said the other significant enforcement and health virus will become of considering the irresponsible behav- tributed in some way to the incident incident was reported in Kinigama, Hettipola. He regulatory bodies will also greater importance, iour of the Mahara Prison jailor, that took place at the Mahara Prison added that a large number of persons had gathered play a vital role to ensure resulting in a parallel guards at the Watareka Prison had premises on 29 November. They added after a complaint that some ammunition had been the safety of individuals production and lodged a complaint with the Meegoda that around 2,500 posts within the thrown into the Kinigama Tank by some members of a and that the wellbeing of distribution of Police on the night of 1 December. Prisons Department had fallen vacant, mosque. The Police, with the assistance of Navy communities is protected. unauthorised and falsified Meanwhile, Prisons Commissioner currently. Despite measures being divers, had searched the Tank for two days, on 10 and Vaccines are a prime testing kits. (Administration) Chandana taken by the Prisons Commissioner 11 May 2019. Responding to a question raised by a target of organised crime Interpol’s Cybercrime Ekanayake said that 500 new guards General to fill vacant posts, such Commission Member as to whether they were able to “as Governments are Unit said, of 3,000 will be absorbed within the coming efforts had not borne the desired find anything hidden in the Tank, the witness said preparing to roll out websites associated with weeks as part of the Prisons results, they said. they failed to find anything on 10 and 11 May. He also vaccines, and criminal online pharmacies added: "but some individual who had gone to the organisations are planning suspected of selling illicit Tank to bathe had found ammunition on 12 May. to infiltrate or disrupt medicines and medical Then there was a tense situation in the area, as supply chains,” said devices, around 1,700 people gathered near the mosque. Police and the Interpol Secretary-General contained cyber threats, Legal action... PUCSL to... Army were deployed to the location and although they Jürgen Stock. “Criminal especially phishing and Meanwhile, Prisons Secretary to the President, Dr. managed to disperse the crowd, several mosques were networks will also be spamming malware. Commissioner General Thushara P.B. Jayasundara, in a letter attacked." Upuldeniya added that more than dated 1 December 2020 to the When questioned as to whether any suspects were 25 persons have been identified in Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle, arrested in that connection, the witness said six this connection. has instructed to take necessary suspects were arrested by the Army and that they However, Police Spokesman procedural steps to close the were handed over to the Bingiriya Police. They were Deputy Inspector General of Police PUCSL. then sent to the Hettipola Police Station, the witness Ajith Rohana noted that an "The Budget proposal refers to said. assessment of the damage to the PUCSL and the CEB regarding He also said a large number of persons had Submit annual... properties due to arson has begun. the required changes to create an gathered near the Hettipola Police on 13 May, This decision has been taken as it had been observed Ekanayake said that about 2,500 efficient work environment for the demanding that those suspects be released. Those at several COPE meetings that a considerable number detainees are currently being held power generation plan which has who gathered there insisted that the suspects had of Public Enterprises had not presented their Annual there. been lagging behind for some been arrested without evidence, the witness said, and Reports within the stipulated time period, making the When questioned as to whether time. In this backdrop, I instruct added that a meeting was held at a school to resolve data and information in the Annual Reports they will take action against the you to take necessary procedural the issue. obsolescent, thus preventing the Parliament receiving Prison inmates who were to be steps to close the PUCSL and take When questioned by Commission Members as to up to date data and information for further action. bailed out, Ekanayake explained consequential steps to absorb the whom that meeting was attended by, he said that that they will take actions against technical staff to the Department Bandara, the District and Divisional Secretaries and all inmates who were involved. of National Planning and also religious leaders of all communities attended. The Prisons Department has deploy such staff to the Ministry Hewavitharana also said the ideas of those who launched a probe regarding the of Power and to this office, attended the meeting were also sought, since the 21,000 tablets which were stocked depending on their competencies Police had not conducted investigations into the in the Mahara Prison premises. to serve in the respective places incident. Then, those who attended the meeting Noted gangster... on planning and analytical work," including Buddhist monks and other religious leaders The Police spokesman gangster may have fled to the letter stated. said it was appropriate to release those suspects on said necessary diplomatic Italy. As tariff and connected Police bail until the investigations were over. Bandara measures are being taken He added that a detailed regulatory work is within the also requested that they be released, he added. to deport Perera from Abu probe was also being Nine dead... Government purview, certain He further added: "it was then informed to the Dhabi to Colombo after a carried out to ascertain Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith relevant provisions in the PUCSL Hettipola OIC to grant Police bail to the suspects. The Red Notice had also been whether the criminal had Rohana said 29 were still receiving Act could be incorporated in the suspects were to be sent to the Bingiriya Police issued on him by Interpol. arrived in Colombo medical care at the Ragama Consumer Affairs Authority and Station and released. Somehow, some persons who Meanwhile, informed incognito. Hospital and the General Hospital the CEB Act when PUCSL Act is gathered at the scene protested and prevented the sources from the CID According to the CID, Colombo while the others were replaced in due course, the letter Police from taking the suspects to Bingiriya.” disclosed that Interpol is they had also sought released from the Hospitals. further stated. A State Counsel (SC) then queried whether someone ready to apprehend two Interpol assistance to had come to the Police Station at that time. The more noted gangsters, track down Ratmalana witness said Parliamentarian ‘Kosgoda Sujee’ and Anju and that Red Notice had come to the Police and helped resolve the issue. ‘Ratmalana Anju’. has also been issued on He told the people that there was an agreement to give A CID officer said him. Train commuters... Police bail to the suspects. Jayasekara lives close to although the Dubai Police It is believed that Anju He said the General Manager of said. They said more PCR tests would the Hettipola Police Station and was helpful, had raided three rest could also be in hiding in Railways has thus far failed to be conducted today (3). Hewavitharana added. houses in Dubai believed Italy as after the arrest of formulate a formal system for Earlier, 35 persons had tested He also said the Police took steps to disperse the to have been used as Perera, the former is collecting information of passengers positive during PCR tests conducted in crowds that had gathered in Hettipola Town on the hideouts by Kosgoda suspected to have changed gathering at railway stations. Divulapitiya. Responding to questions, day. However, due to the shortage of officers, the Sujee, the latter had his hideout. A total of 27 persons tested positive sources said this could not be called a shops being damaged could not be avoided, he added. managed to evade arrest. According to sources, for COVID-19 during Random cluster, as these persons belonged to When questioned as to why the suspects were not He said that though it both Sujee and Anju had Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) several Grama Niladhari divisions. arrested on that day, he said the people were was yet unclear as to committed a spate of tests conducted in Divulapitiya, on The total number of COVID-19 dispersed to control the situation that arose. CCTV which country Sujee had contract killings while employees of a Board of Investment patients increased to 24,882, with a footage of the scene could have been taken and the fled to, his accomplices being engaged in big-time approved factory in the vicinity of total of 122 deaths recorded by suspects could have been arrested based on it, he had revealed on illegal drug operations, Maradagahamula, health sources 1 December. added. interrogation that the through their accomplices. news thursday 3 december 2020 A3

Preserve the bodies of 11 Mahara prisoners Kalmunai MC passes including 9 COVID-19 positive Sachets to be 2021 Budget with 9 votes Motion filed in Court By Farooq Sihan (Ampara Correspondent) banned from By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody prevent any grief to the families The Kalmunai Municipal Council has passed the Budget for including relatives of the deceased 2021 with nine votes. Kalmunai Mayor A.M. Raqeeb presented the A motion was filed before the victims. As per the current legal Budget report to the House yesterday (2) and it was tabled in the January Wattala/Welisara Magistrate’s framework on the matter, the bod- House for a vote. A total of 24 members of the Sri Lanka Muslim Court yesterday (2) in connection ies of COVID-19 deceased are cre- Congress, the TNA, the Independent Group (Helicopter), the By Thameenah Razeek with the deaths of 11 prisoners at mated and not buried, thus exclud- Independent Group (Deer), the National Front for Good Governance the Mahara Prison on 29 November, ing the possibility of exhumation and the All Ceylon People’s Congress (ACPC) voted in favour while Annually, Rs 960 million worth shampoos, hair gels and requesting Court to ensure criminal being ordered during the context of 15 Members of the TNA, K. Sivalingam, S. Rajan, ACPC Member hair dyes in sachet form are used and disposed into the justice by preserving the physical a future criminal trial into the inci- M.H.M.A. Manap, National Congress Member Sabras Mansur, the environment thus water sources, rivers, streams, tanks evidence from being destroyed, dent at the Mahara Prison. Tamil Liberation and waterfalls are under serious environmental threat, especially the bodies of the dead According to Perera, the Ragama Alliance and the Minister of Environment said. including those of the nine who Police under whose jurisdiction the Sainthamaruthu The use of these sachets is to be banned from 1 January were found COVID-19 positive. The presenting of facts to Court regard- Independent Group 2021. Prior to the implementation of a ban, discussions motion was filed by Chairman of the ing the incident falls, has been voted against. A were held with groups engaged in the business to address Committee for Protecting the Rights ordered to present expert (the Member of the SLFP their problems, Amaraweera said, adding that alternative of Prisoners, Attorney-at-Law Attorney General and the relevant and a female Member products and procedures should be in place to fill the void. Senaka Perera, and Attorney-at- Health authorities) evidence regard- of the Sainthamaruthu Sachet packets worth Rs 2.6 million are used on a daily Law Namal Rajapaksha made sub- ing this matter and the associated Independent Party did basis. He said that a company owner said that he had missions before Wattala/Welisara question of the preservation of this not attend the meet- imported Rs 5 billion worth sachet packets of shampoo, Magistrate Buddhika C. Ragala. evidence. ing. hair dye and hair gel. The hearing related to the inquest is Meanwhile, some companies have requested a grace to be taken up again tomorrow (04). period and the decision to ban was not taken with the It is reported that injuries sustained intention of closing those companies but they are making from gunshots owing to shooting huge profits from this, he said. played a role in some if not all of the said 11 deaths, and therefore, Perera, speaking to Ceylon Today, explained that under criminal law, matters such as the entry point of bullets, the distance from where the Indian Defence Advisers shot was fired, and such other related details are inquired into, meet Army, SLAF Chiefs adding that hence, it is imperative The newly appointed Sudarshana Pathirana on that the physical evidence is pre- Assistant Defence Adviser 30 November. The officers served without being destroyed so to the High Commission of held discussions with the as to uphold criminal justice and to India, Lieutenant Colonel two Commanders on the Puneet Sushil along with ongoing matters of the Defence Adviser paid a Bilateral Defence courtesy call on Chief of Cooperation and proposals Defence Staff and to further enhance the Commander of the Army, existing engagement Lieutenant General between the two countries. Shavendra Silva on 16 The Defence Advisers November and the also called on the Director Commander of the Air General of Customs on 25 Force, Air Marshal November. A4 thursday 3 december 2020 news

Mahara Prison unrest Ensuring security in Minuwangoda Gunasekara took request lightly – UC Chair AKD demands release By Buddhika witness said that he had not why there was a delay in Samaraweera gone to the Town. sending the water bowser to However, he added that he the Minuwangoda Town, the During a discussion held had given instructions to witness said that an official of autopsy details after the unrest in officers and informed the of the UC had informed him Minuwangoda on 13 May Police from home. The Police that the bowser had suffered By Gagani Weerakoon and Are you going reveal the results of On other days, many inmates 2019, the then Minister, told me that I could not a technical fault that day. Methmalie Dissanayake the autopsies performed on them? received food from relatives so the Edward Gunasekara, was control the situation even if I He also said after the Are their bodies going to be food cooked inside the Prison was requested by several parties, went, he said. National Building Research Jathika Jana Balawegaya handed over to their parents and of an acceptable quality. When including himself (witness), Meanwhile, the Organisation said that most Leader Anura Kumara relatives? When will the bringing food was stopped, the to take steps to ensure the Commission questioned the of the shops belonging to the Dissanayake on 1 December Government reveal the details of authorities had to cook for about security of the area, had witness about the shops UC were unsafe for business demanded that the Government the dead and injured inmates? 3,000 inmates and this reduced made a mockery of that belonging to the UC and due to the damage caused by reveal the autopsy reports of The Government should give us the quality. request, said the other businessmen in fire, those who were engaged inmates killed in the Mahara answers. It is disgusting that Then COVID-19 entered the Minuwangoda Urban Minuwangoda which were in business in those shops Prison unrest on 29 November, persons who are supposed to be Prison. Imagine the plight of Council (UC) Chairman, Neil set on fire by the rioters on were later told to evacuate by since there are concerns that the in the protection of the State are these inmates. One of the Jayasekara. that day. the UC. authorities might attempt to being killed like this. What inmates died due to COVID-19 He was testifying before He said that the fire Jayasekara said that a new cremate the bodies after declaring happened in the Mahara Prison and there is heavy congestion the Presidential Commission brigade of the Gampaha supermarket complex is to be them as COVID-19-infected should be condemned. Killing in the Prison. It is human that of Inquiry into the 21 April Municipal Council was built in Minuwangoda and it persons, in order to hide how they inmates who are under State when such a situation arises, 2019, Easter Sunday informed to control the fire has been agreed to provide were killed. protection should be stopped. people behave aggressively. bombings, on 1 December. and that a water bowser shops in it for those Raising a question under the They have genuine problems in Unrest in the Mahara Prison When a Member of the belonging to the businessmen. However, in Standing Order 27/2, prisons. For example, there was a was not the very first incident. Commission inquired as to Minuwangoda UC was response to a question raised Dissanayake queried: “According dispute regarding the food given Similar unrest due to COVID- whether he had gone to dispatched at the request of by a Commission Member, he to the Criminal Procedure Code, in the Mahara Prison, recently. 19 was reported from prisons Minuwangoda to inquire Air Force officers. admitted that they had not an autopsy must be done on After relatives of the inmates were islandwide. The authorities about the unrest in the Also, when the prepared even a preliminary those inmates who were killed prohibited to bring food into the could have prepared to face Town on that day, the Commission inquired as to plan for its construction. during the shooting. An autopsy Prison, the quality of the food and manage such situations,” would reveal how they really died. given by the Prison had dropped. he said. Outgoing, Incoming Aussie Defence HIV prog committed 176 schools Advisers meet Army Chief to expanding in Kandy, Access to testing and counselling Kalmunai By Faadhila Thassim occurs through this method. Educational Transmission from The World Health infected mother-to-child is Organisation (WHO) Sri also very rare now as Sri Zones closed Lanka, in light of the World Lanka is one of the few By Shiran Ranasinghe Acquired Immunodeficiency countries which has Syndrome (AIDS) Day, stated eliminated mother-to-child Already 176 schools coming under that the Human transmission of HIV. the purview of the Kandy and Immunodeficiency Virus The UN Sri Lanka noted Kalmunai Educational Zones have (HIV) programme is that the spread of COVID-19 been closed due to the COVID-19 committed to expanding has threatened and threat, despite schools in Provinces access to HIV testing and undermined the progress other than the Western Province counselling. made in terms of health and being reopened for the third term on The WHO noted that development, including the 23 November. Outgoing Defence Adviser Lieutenant General tenure of office. Lieutenant quality care, support and gains made against HIV In the Central Province, 145 schools at the Australian High Shavendra Silva on 30 General Silva and the duo treatment for those living which is a strategy to end the have been closed while among them Commission in Sri Lanka, November at the Army had a exchange of views on with HIV, is being carried out AIDS epidemic by 2030. have been seven private schools and Group Sean Unwin Headquarters. matters of bilateral free of charge. “Like all epidemics, it is three pirivenas. and incoming Defence Group Captain Unwin importance, mutual interest The United Nations widening the inequalities Meanwhile, 31 schools in the Adviser, Captain Ian Cain expressed his gratitude to and ongoing preventive Population Fund (UNFPA) that already existed and Kalmunai Educational Zone had also paid a joint courtesy call on the Army Chief for the help measures taken to curb the stated that in Sri Lanka, threatening rights,” the UN been closed. Army Commander extended to him during his spread of COVID-19. more than 95 per cent of HIV noted, categorizing the transmissions occur through threatening of rights as unprotected sex while HIV those of the right to non- can also be transmitted discrimination, the right to through contaminated privacy, the right to needles and syringes but appropriate protection in French Envoy meets Sri Lanka that in Sri Lanka, only less social security and the right than 1% of transmission to work. Eastern Naval Commander condemns assassination Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja of Dr. Mohsen joins Pathfinder Foundation Fakhrizadeh He is presently a Senior Research Associate at the Sri Lanka condemned the Overseas Institute in assassination of academic and nuclear London, a Visiting Scholar physicist Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, and at the International any form of acts of terrorism against Monetary Fund in humanity. Washington, DC and a The Foreign Ministry, issuing a press Member of the Monetary statement in this regard, stated that Sri Policy Consultative Lanka calls for the stability and security Committee of the Central of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf Bank of Sri Lanka. region and believes strongly in dialogue His expertise covers and engagement as the most successful macroeconomic analysis, means for finding a solution to international trade, Dr. Wignaraja, has a problems. regional economic Doctor of Philosophy in The Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Eric Lavertu met the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area, integration, foreign aid, Economics from the Oxford Rear Admiral Ruwan Perera at the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Trincomalee on infrastructure connectivity, University and a Bachelor 1 December. They discussed on several matters of mutual interest economic and business of Science in Economics competitiveness, and from the London School of poverty and inequality. Economics. November sees only one $400M ADB Loan to Aid dengue fatality Incident Command By Paneetha Ameresekere and Control Operations Secondary Education By Paneetha Only one dengue fatality was reported Centre opened at BIA Ameresekere last month (November), the Epidemiology Unit Dengue Head Dr. The Airport and Aviation The Asian Development Arjuna Jayasekara told Ceylon Today Services (Sri Lanka) Bank (ADB) and the yesterday (02). (Private) Limited (AASL) Government of Sri Lanka Meanwhile, for the totality of last has fulfilled the need to (GoSL) on 1 December month, the Epidemiology Unit reported enhance and upgrade signed a US$ 400 million only 486 new dengue cases, which is the airport security measures loan agreement to support lowest number of cases reported thus far and latest technologies and in transforming the for the year, beating the previous lowest as a part of this endeavour, secondary education on inquiry-based and in Science, Technology, figure of 511 reported in April. the Incident Command and system to align with the interactive learning Mathematics, and “The first and main reason was the Control Operations Centre baggage screening X-rays demand for highly-skilled approaches to increase Commerce (STMC) streams. virtual abandonment of work in at the Bandaranaike and Dual-Energy X-ray and agile workers who can student interest and It will enhance readiness for construction sites due to the fear caused International Airport was systems were introduced compete in the rapidly engagement with subject further education in STMC by the COVID-19 pandemic and the declared open on 30 and installed. The AASL changing global economy, content. fields and foster other being that people now spend more November. will also introduce the at the Treasury office in Finance Ministry competencies for higher time at home also because of the COVID- The Centre will meet and latest security screening Colombo. Secretary S.R. Attygalle productivity an 19 pandemic. Further, people are now manage security-related technology, Explosive The loan, known as ‘The signed the loan agreement adaptability. To achieve spending more time in their gardens, contingencies and Detection Systems with Secondary Education for the GoSL and the ADB this, the programme will keeping them clean,” Jayasekara said. emergencies such as Computed Tomography Sector Improvement Sri Lanka Resident Mission reform the curricula, This year, thus far, has seen 35 attempted hijackings and technologies, integrated Programme’ aims to assist Country Director Chen instruction, and dengue deaths, i.e. in the calendar year hijackings, bomb threats image resolution and about 953,000 students Chen signed on behalf of assessment systems to to end November, including a total of and acts of sabotage. energy resolution to the annually, with skills. More the ADB. focus on the practical 29,422 dengue cases in the reference Explosive Trace Detection new BIA terminal which is than 47,000 upper- The programme will also application of knowledge period. Meanwhile, the total number of (ETD) technology too was due to be opened in four secondary education equip the young population and integrate cognitive and dengue deaths reported last year (2019) commissioned. New years. teachers will also be trained with knowledge and skills socio-emotional skills. was 156, from 105,049 cases. NEWS THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 A5

Mahara Prison unrest Mahara incident Psychotropic Prison Officers didn’t abuse power medication not cause – Defence Secy

– SLCP By Faadhila Thassim discharged their duties in a reasonable manner, adding that The Sri Lanka College of behaviour. used by millions of people drugs for the last seven Secretary of Defence, Major several claims made that Prison Psychiatrists (SLCP), said Issuing a release, the with great benefit. decades with benefit to General (Retired) Kamal officials abused their power could the proper usage of the SLCP said a considerable “The drugs used in the patients. These drugs are Gunaratne, said the deaths of not be substantiated. drugs that had allegedly amount of publicity had psychiatric practice in Sri prescribed based on well- prisoners and injuries sustained He added that in the event over been found at the Mahara been given by the Media on Lanka are also used all accepted guidelines. None by inmates during the Mahara 189 COVID-19 infected inmates Prison, resulted in the link between the over the world and these of the drugs are Prison unrest, were not a result of who were to be transferred to a enormous benefits to violent behaviour of prison drugs are brought under responsible for violent or the abuse of power by Prison separate facility broke out of the patients for treatment, as inmates in Mahara and the the guidance of the aggressive behaviour. Officers. Prison, there would have been an well as for the prevention abuse of drugs used in the regulatory authorities,” Moreover, many of them He further said Prison Officers irreversible impact on the public, of mental illnesses, and psychiatric practice. they said. promote calmness and acted within the powers vested in and that thereby the Prison would not result in any Dismissing the claims, “Sri Lankan psychiatrists cause mild drowsiness,” them by way of the Prisons officials had to use their powers in aggressive or violent they said these drugs were have been using these the SLCP said. Ordinance, and that they had a reasonable manner.

2021 Budget of Setting up Hira Foundation Jaffna MC defeated Hizbullah misused MP privileges By T. Pratheepan A total of 16 Members of the (Jaffna Correspondent) Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi – AG (ITAK), 19 Members By Buddhika Samaraweera The 2021 Budget of the representing the UNP, the then Director General of the Rs 197, 500. The Kattankudy MC has Jaffna Municipal Council was SLFP, and the Tamil Liberation Vocational Education Commission. incurred a loss of Rs 8,475,000 defeated by five votes. Alliance voted in favour. The Auditor General (AG), in a recent Despite this, on 2 May 2013, a during a period of 47 months. The Budget of the Council for All 13 Members of the All report, said the registration of the Hira Memorandum of Understanding The report issued by the AG also 2021, under the Ceylon Tamil Congress, 10 Foundation, the lease of the land (MoU) had been signed between the stated that the administration of the administration of the TNA, was Members of the EPDP, and 24 required for the construction of Hira Foundation and the then Batticaloa Campus has acted to presented to the House, Members of the SLFP voted Batticaloa Campus and the opening of Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills make it look like a State institution yesterday (2), by the Mayor of against, while two Members of bank accounts were done illegally. It Development for a period of three by using the State logo in newspaper Jaffna, Emanuel Arnold. the UNP abstained from voting, was also found that degree courses years. The MoU had been signed as a advertisements published for the Out of the 45-Member and as a result, the Budget of and awarding of certificates at the tripartite agreement with the Vice recruitment of students. Council, 19 Members voted in the Council for 2021 was Batticaloa Campus had been done Chancellor of the Technological The Board of Investment of Sri favour and 24 against, while defeated by five votes. illegally. University. Lanka (BoI) has entered into an two Members abstained. The report released by the AG Also, the land on which the agreement with the Batticaloa further stated that Hizbullah had Batticaloa Campus was built, which Campus on 19 May 2016 accepting misused his position as a was to be given on a long-term lease the construction of it as a BoI Parliamentarian and Deputy Minister basis for a period of 30 years, has project. However, although for various illegal activities of the Hira been given on an annual licence documents such as a long-term lease Foundation, a social service basis. The report stated it is illegal to deed for the land, a survey plan of organisation founded by him. give permission for permanent the proposed project site, a building Inflation pushes The report recommended that constructions on a land acquired on plan with the approval of the PS and necessary action be taken against an annual lease basis. It has also a letter of consent from the land officials of the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) been found that they are illegally owner are required when any project poverty line and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri occupying another nine acres of land is being registered as a BoI project, Lanka, who acted outside the in addition to the land provided by no such document has been By Paneetha acceleration. prescribed procedures with regard to the Mahaweli Authority, and that the submitted, the audit report stated. Ameresekere Meanwhile, at the end of 2019, the activities pertaining to the building plan has been approved by Pointing out that Hizbullah and Sri Lanka’s poverty cut-off mark construction of Batticaloa Campus the Vakarai Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) Hiras Hizbullah have opened 14 A man just above the poverty was Rs 4,939. It has since moved Private Limited, owned by former without any investigation or on-site bank accounts at the BOC on behalf line in September, to be still up sharply by 3.08 per cent Eastern Province Governor, M.L.A.M. inspection. of the Hira Foundation and the considered non-poor, would have (Rs 152) to Rs 5,091 due to Hizbullah. The AG’s report also stated that a Batticaloa Campus, it has been to earn Rs 7 more in October due inflation. The AG made these part of the library building and the found that transactions that were to inflation, the Census and In the poverty census of 2016 recommendations, in a special audit administrative building owned by the made through those accounts have Statistics Department (CSD) said it was found that 4.1 per cent or report issued recently on the Kattankudy Municipal Council (MC) not been done in a transparent yesterday (2). 843,913 of the total population Batticaloa Campus. has been given on a monthly lease of manner. It said the poverty cut-off were poor. Meanwhile, in 2016, It is also mentioned in the report Rs 5,000 to maintain the Batticaloa It stated that Rs 4,123,895,832 has mark, which was Rs 5,084 per Sri Lanka’s poverty cut-off mark that the application submitted by the Campus until the new construction been received from foreign countries person in September, has since was Rs 4,166 per person, per Hira Foundation to start a vocational of it is completed, but that it has on 30 occasions since 2016 for four increased by Rs 7 (0.14 per cent) mensem. It has since risen by training institute called the Batticaloa been estimated that the monthly such accounts and that information to Rs 5,091 in October, its 22.2 per cent (Rs 925) to Campus College was rejected by the rental of those properties should be regarding its purpose were not clear. second consecutive monthly Rs 5,091 due to inflation.

Easter Attacks PCoI to conclude proceedings? Mahara Prison riot

By Buddhika Leader of the SriLanka Also, Naufer Moulavi, submitted a report to the HRCSL issues interim Samaraweera Thowheed Jamaath, who is believed to be the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Abdul Razik, who had mastermind of the Department on 8 June It is reported that links with the National bombings and the mentor 2018, seeking advice on recommendations hearings of the Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) of Zaharan, has not yet possible legal action Presidential Commission and its Leader Zaharan been summoned before against Zaharan and his of Inquiry into the Hashim, has not yet been the Commission to testify. group, but that they had By Faadhila Thassim suspicion of bailable offences and by bombings on 21 April summoned before the Naufer, the theoretician received no response from commencing the early-release 2019, Easter Sunday, are Commission. Razik has of the NTJ, testified before the AG’s Department. The Human Rights Commission of programme. due to end in a few days. been accused of forcibly the Police Unit of the The Chairman of the Sri Lanka (HRCSL) issued interim Other immediate recommendations However, several key marrying off Pulastini Commission on 15 Commission, on 16 July, recommendations on the Mahara include that of the treatment of persons who have Rajendran alias Sarah September, where he was had announced that the Prison unrest to the Inspector General prisoners by providing separate recorded statements at Jasmine to Atchchi questioned for about six officials of the AG’s of Police and the Attorney General. treatment facilities for all prisoners the Police Unit of the Muhammadu hours. Department who should The immediate, short-term, medium- and that of restoring the water and Commission have not Muhammadu Hastun, Meanwhile, it was have dealt with it would term and long-term recommendations electricity supply and setting up been summoned to testify who launched the suicide disclosed before the be summoned before the were also issued to the Chief Justice, alternative sources of supplies, before the Commission so bombing at the St. Commission that the Commission at a future the Commissioner General of Prisons, maintaining all food supplies in a far. Sebastian’s Church in Terrorist Investigation date, but they too haven’t the Minister of Prison Reforms and the timely manner, transferring ill In particular, the Katuwapitiya. Division (TID) had been summoned so far. Director General of Health Services. prisoners to nearby hospitals and The immediate recommendations ensuring the smooth of include that of reducing the prison medicines on a daily basis. population, as overcrowding is causing Short-term recommendations are unrest and fuelling the fear of the that of including experts on crowd COVID-19 fallout spread of COVID-19 by expediting the control, negotiation skills and advisors release of remandees on bailable on minimum force while medium and offences, by holding emergency bail long-term recommendations were also Increase in cyber crimes against women hearings for others, by stopping the made based on inquiries conducted by remanding of those arrested in the HRCSL. By Faadhila facilities to take action legal advice and and individuals abroad, Thassim against offenders have psychological support thus making it more been affected as certain have been extended to difficult even for law The Legal and Project Courts do not operate such victims. enforcement. Manager of Women in and Police tend to She added that Wadood made these Need (WiN), Mariam consider such complaints although all types of statements while Embilipitiya Principal arrested Wadood said that while less important amidst violence in general affect addressing a discussion there has been an the many other duties the well-being of women on cyber violence during for taking Rs 150,000 bribe increase in the number imposed on them. and girls, cyber violence COVID-19 organised by of calls made to the WiN She added however, is a serious issue that the United Nations By Rebecca Pavey for obtaining a bribe of made to CIABOC, and helpline by women and that due to the could result in a Development Programme Rs 150,000. is to be produced girls subjected to cyber relationship they permanent impact on the as a part of the The Principal of the CIABOC reported before the Embilipitiya violence during the maintained with the victim and that while commemoration on the President’s College that she had taken the Magistrate once COVID-19 crisis, there Police, certain actions there are already International Day to End Embilipitiya has been bribe to admit a child investigations into the has been certain have been taken against difficulties faced in Violence Against Women arrested by the to Grade One of the matter are concluded, practical difficulties in offenders while certain dealing with local and the 16 Days of Commission to school. said the Director of addressing all of them. other complaints have complaints, there have Activism Against Gender Investigate Allegations She was arrested at Investigations at She said that given the been referred to the been complaints lodged Based Violence of Bribery or 10:00 a.m. yesterday CIABOC, Padmini health emergency, the Police while continuous through organisations campaign. Corruption (CIABOC) (2) on a complaint Weerasuriya. A6 thursday 3 december 2020 editorial

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Feeding the Tiger

Intimidation can be attributed to psycho- terrorism. Destroying the public’s sense of security in places most familiar, coercing a civilian population to change their train of thought preference by subtle manipulation and influencing Government policy by manoeuvring and intimidation is a more sophisticated mode of terrorism. Terrorist funding organisations are mainly front liners for the terrorist behind the scenes, an individual or a group of individuals with the psychopathic urge for dominance, World dominance. GoSL has sought Interpol assistance in identifying and tracing overseas LTTE funding agencies or individuals. Sources of terrorist funding generally include fraud, extortion, kidnapping, smuggling drugs and weapon trafficking. Extorting money was like squeezing lemons for overseas LTTE organisations; today dependence is on direct funding and grants. Dearth of manpower might be a reason for not resorting to obvious terror activities but when the donor stands readily in the wings waiting to be asked why make the effort? Resorting to passive mode psycho-terror is now their modus operandi. China Won 2020 Switzerland once known as the Tiger Treasury contributed by far the most to the Tiger cause. The slaughtering of the Tiger prompted misappropriation of funds crumbling the Tiger Cookie. The mocking bird’s cackling cameo and the ensuing fiasco comes to mind. Raj Rajaratnam accused hedge funder and insider trader is the single largest known LTTE proxy group funder. He is better known for funding Obama’s and Democrat election campaigns. Crusading against Sri Lanka under the guise of human rights activists, campaigning for a separate State, demanding justice and deproscription LTTE front organisations endeavour to don a cloak of respectability and garner funding and empathy not only from the Tamil diaspora but humanitarian and UN organisations who have listed Sri Lanka as a potential candidate for destabilisation. On 21 March 2014, GoSL listed 16 LTTE proxy groups and 424 individuals which put a spoke in the wheel of LTTE activities abroad until 20 November 2015 when the Yahapalana Government delisted eight LTTE proxy groups and a number of By Joschka Fischer Association of Southeast Asian current post-election phase individuals at TNA’s behest. The proscription order Nations – from Indonesia and does not inspire confidence froze funds, assets, economic resources belonging In future history books, 2020 Singapore to Vietnam – and will that the two warring political to or owned by the designated persons and entities. will be known as the year of the In these include important US allies camps will find common Despite efforts by the Yahapalana Government to great COVID-19 pandemic, and such as Japan, South Korea, ground. delist the four key proxy groups LTTE, Tamils rightly so. But it will also be turbulent times Australia, and New Zealand. In these turbulent times of Rehabilitation Organisation (TRO), Global Tamil remembered as the year when of pandemic and For the time being, India is not pandemic and escalating Forum (GTF) and Transnational Government of US President Donald Trump’s participating, but it might join economic and geopolitical Tamil Eelam (TGTE), they remained proscribed. The vile tenure was brought to an escalating later. The only regional player rivalries, America needs its Yahapalana Government’s delisting of LTTE proxy end. Both episodes are closely economic and to be left out of the RCEP is friends more than ever, and groups in 2015 opened the flood gates and their connected and will leave lasting America. America’s friends need it. activities resurged as host countries were now more traces, partly because they geopolitical Without a restoration of US affable and compliant. unfolded during a broader A new China-centred global leadership under Biden, Rudrakumaran of the TGTE was Prabhakaran’s global transition from the rivalries, economic bloc China will be well on its way to former International and LTTE legal advisor now a US-dominated twentieth America needs becoming the dominant force in US citizen and lawyer residing in New York City. His century to a Chinese- The creation of a new, China- the world, and that is not a LTTE contributions include coordinating lawyers for dominated twenty-first century. its friends more centred economic bloc comforting prospect for US the LTTE in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Against this backdrop, 2020 than ever, and illustrates the difference partners and allies in Europe, assisting Suresh Manikkavasagam’s trial in Canada proved to be a highly successful between reality and reality TV. the Indo-Pacific, and elsewhere. and challenging the US decision to name LTTE as year for China. To be sure, America’s When Trump arrived in the The world got a glimpse of a foreign terrorist organisation in 1997. He has things didn’t look that way at White House in January 2017, what Chinese hegemony might represented the LTTE in several peace talks with the its start, when a novel friends need it. one of his first official acts was look like this month when Xi’s GoSL. Rudrakumaran professes today that the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was Without a to withdraw the US from the regime issued a 14-point diktat TGTE has no connection to the Tigers or GTF, and rampaging through the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an to Australia demanding that it is democratic and non-violent. metropolis of Wuhan. Serious restoration of agreement negotiated by “correct mistakes” it has made Father Emmanuel of GTF was ordained as a failures by Chinese authorities President Barack Obama that in the bilateral relationship. Catholic priest in Rome in 1966. GTF formerly WTM permitted that outbreak to US global would have created something Following Australia’s call for an hijacked the pioneering effort of Tamil diaspora to grow into a pandemic that has leadership under like the RCEP, only with international investigation of obtain legal status. Father Emmanuel served the Sri now killed almost 1.5 million America at the centre and the origins of SARS-CoV-2, its Lankan and Asian churches for many years, holds a people and brought the global Biden, China will China left out. Witnessing this exclusion of two Chinese BSc in Physical Science and two Masters’ degrees, economy to a standstill. Earlier be well on its US act of self-harm, China’s companies (ZTE and Huawei) in Philosophy and Theology: Lived in Germany since in the year, it looked as though leaders presumably couldn’t from its 5G network and 1997, operating from Horneburg. Visited Sri Lanka China’s central leadership was way to becoming believe their luck, and Xi’s negative reporting about China during peace talks and met Prabakaran then. Joan facing a deep crisis of Government has been working in the Australian media, China Ryan former Chief Executive of and current Policy confidence. Coming on the the dominant hard to exploit Trump’s has unashamedly singled out Advisor to GTF served as a British Member of back of a trade war with the force in the generous gift ever since. Australia with new trade Parliament for the constituency of Enfield North, United States, COVID-19 These efforts are now bearing barriers. from 1997-2010 and from 2015 to 2019. During momentarily brought the world fruit. With a new free-trade Europeans, in particular, that time she was appointed as a Government country to its knees. zone will come new geopolitical should take note of this Minister, the UK Special Envoy to Cyprus and as a Since then, Chinese realities. A web of dependencies behaviour. America’s allies will Privy Councillor and Labour Party MP. President Xi Jinping’s forceful authoritarian one-party State will arise around China, soon be rid of Trump and his Fr. Emmanuel and Rudrakumaran head the suppression of the democracy quickly contained COVID-19 strengthening its position nationalistic foreign policy. But overseas LTTE proxy groups GTF and TGTE. movement in Hong Kong has and put the economy back on across the Indo-Pacific region. if “America First” is simply Western interest in both organisations is profound, further increased Western track, enabling a near-complete While China emerges replaced with “China First,” and subtle attacks encouraged in whatever form to distrust. The administrative return to normal life. stronger from this year of crisis, little will have been gained. destabilise Sri Lanka remain paramount to clampdown under a draconian In the trade war with the US, America has come out weaker. Europeans and others will still benefactor and recipient. The common objective of new national-security law ends China has given little ground Because of Trump, COVID-19 be looking down the barrel of both groups remains a separate State in the North the era of “one country, two (mainly a promise to buy $200 is running riot in the US, and endless tributes and and the East. Befuddled as the notion may seem it systems,” and raises grave billion in US goods). The the country remains focused on kowtowing. Europeans must should not be dismissed as a mere whim of jousting questions about the future of crackdown in Hong Kong itself, seeming to others to be wake up. This is the last at windmills. Taiwan. seems to be working precisely floundering in division, chaos, chance to shore up the The practicality may seem impossible as it may In any case, China’s position as Xi had hoped it would. And and weakness. This perception “benevolent” hegemon and the take generations for the LTTE to conceive a looks much improved at the in November, China mounted has far-reaching geopolitical promise of liberty in the twenty- formidable force to counter the National Guard, end of 2020. Its failures at the something of a geopolitical consequences. Following a first century. with the added disadvantage of Sri Lanka being an beginning of the pandemic coup with the signing of the contentious election that (Joschka Fischer, Island of diminished proportions and isolation of seem to have been largely Regional Comprehensive Trump has tried to discredit, Germany’s Foreign Minister the terrorists a feasible factor but international forgotten, particularly within Economic Partnership (RCEP), many around the world are and Vice Chancellor from Western interests in the strategic location Sri Lanka China. There is no longer any a new trade agreement that will wondering if President-elect 1998 to 2005, was a leader of commands in the Indian Ocean Ring might be just trace of a loss of public put it at the centre of the Joe Biden’s incoming the German Green Party for the required dosage for them to fuel their needs. confidence in the central world’s largest free-trade area. administration will be in any almost 20 years.) leadership. Employing radical The RCEP will connect China’s position to lead the US out of (Courtesy-www.project- measures, China’s huge market to those of the its downward spiral. The syndicate.org) column thursday 3 december 2020 A7 Where Are We? What Have We Done? By Padraig Colman comments threads on Colombo when they contact me. I report them. are or what they’re doing”. known for twenty books about Telegraph and get a vision of what hell Sometimes, FB responds to my They do not explain why they object technology and education, including Where are we? Why are we? What might be like. Phantasms with no real reports by saying that I have identified to innocent pictures of naked women Amusing Ourselves to Death.Postman are we doing here and why are we names or genders or working parts or a fake account and they have removed but are OK with obvious pornography. argued that by expressing ideas doing it? What on earth have we done! life histories biting one’s ankles into it. Social media can be very helpful. In through visual imagery, television A reader wrote to the Guardian’s eternity. times of lockdown people are able to reduces politics, news, history, and agony aunt Mariella Frostrup: It is even worse when real-life FB suggestions keep in touch with friends and family. other serious topics to entertainment. “Everyone seems to be frazzled and friends get caught up in the trollism FB kept suggesting that I make a I left the country of my birth in 1998, He worried that culture would decline ready to fight. I feel it myself. I have and become fictional characters of the friend of ‘Owen Lynda Skye’. I am but I am able to keep in touch with if the people became an audience and three teenage daughters and all they blogosphere. afraid that I cannot reveal in a family people I have known from the age of their public business a "vaudeville seem to do is sit on their phones and One can even have a look at what newspaper what carnal delights five. act." I have not watched TV on a flounce around the house dropping the real-life neighbours are posting on ‘Owen Lynda Skye’ offered me. It was The downside is that the regular basis since 1997. I watch it dirty underwear as they go. If I ask Facebook and see the delusions they rather gynaecological. ‘Her’ English perceptions, the very synapses of a occasionally on visits to the UK and them to get off their phones, they treat are embracing. Some people have long was not perfect but it was easy generation have been disrupted. Can am appalled by its banality and me like I’m violating their human lists of “friends” but when one looks enough to get the crude gist. I we ever go back? Perhaps Joe Biden condescension. Postman argued that rights. They also complain about closely at them one wonders how reported this several times and was can reverse the deleterious effects of television was destroying the "serious being exhausted all the time when all these elderly men got to know these told the account had been removed the orangeutan who has been laying and rational public conversation" that they have to do is attend school and gorgeous young women in Latin but it kept cropping up. It was waste to the orangery of the White was sustained for centuries by the maintain their social lives.” Mariella America or Thailand. I once played an obviously a fake account designed to House for four years. Can anything printing press.Postman wrote: “When responded: “The internet helps by interesting game -reporting fake get foolish old men like mygoodself reverse the inexorable rise of Google, a technology becomes mythic, it is offering a multitude of ways to be Facebook accounts. You will all have excited enough to give away their Facebook, Apple, Amazon? always dangerous because it is then antagonistic and aggressive without seen them. Attractive ‘young women’ personal details so that a scammer Have the brains of humans been accepted as it is, and is therefore not having to leave the kitchen table… All in provocative poses which fall short can take advantage. irreparably altered for the worst by easily susceptible to modification or of us seething, surfing and fabricating of nudity (FB does not like nudity). When I reported ‘Owen Lynda Skye’ these new giants? control.” Since Postman — who died into the small hours, conjuring They have bizarre names (Tina Tix again, I got a lengthy standard Mark Manson wrote in the in 2003 — wrote those words, fantasy worlds as we edit our Tracey, Michala Motyl, Jessy Trejo) response which did not address the Guardian: “This is life now: one technology has rendered the world existence. I’m not taking any moral and improbable CVs. Many of them issues but came to this conclusion: constant, never-ending stream of non altogether different. How quickly it high ground. I can only boast have persuaded sad old gits to ‘friend’ “We’ve looked over the profile you sequiturs and self-referential garbage became unimaginable to think of occasional glimmers of self- them and the sad old gits tell the reported, and it doesn't go against any that passes in through our eyes and being without a smartphone. Postman awareness, as I scroll enviously ‘girls’ how beautiful they are. Oh dear, of our specific Community out of our brains at the speed of a wrote technology’s, “capacity for good though strangers’ holiday snaps while how sad, never mind. Social media Standards”. I looked at the touchscreen.” or evil rests entirely on human my husband gently snores”. has taken the concept of an imaginary community standards and read this: Reducing serious topics to awareness of what it does to us and I have found many people to fight girl friend to another level. “We want to make sure the content for us”. with on social media. There is a In reality, the accounts are probably people are seeing on Facebook is entertainment When I sit in a restaurant and see a certain je ne sais quoi when the set up by pockmarked hairy ugly men authentic. We believe that total absence of eye-contact, when I adrenaline starts pumping but it is with halitosis and armpit odour who authenticity creates a better Neil Postman was an American sit in a family home and see every not a good way to live, to be fighting are looking for ways to mine data from environment for sharing, and that’s author and media theorist who single person tapping away on a with strangers with funny names on said old gits so they can rob them. I why we don’t want people using eschewed technology, including smartphone I despair. Will we ever be the ether. Take a look at the am a sad old git but I don’t fall for this Facebook to misrepresent who they personal computers.Postman is best able to return from this loss of affect?

developed-country context. The By Mariana Mazzucato, Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be kept Henry Lishi Li, Els Torreele at -70ºC, which is colder than an Antarctic winter. Distributing this Recent announcements of vaccine will create costly and complex demonstrated efficacy in COVID-19 logistical challenges, especially for vaccine trials have brought hope that low- and middle-income countries. a return to normality is in sight. The Although other candidates – such as preliminary data for Pfizer/BioNTech the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine – are and Moderna’s novel mRNA vaccines stable at higher temperatures, it is are highly encouraging, suggesting notable that such glaring features of that their approval for emergency use market discrimination are built into is forthcoming. And more recent the first product to reach the approval news of effectiveness (albeit at a stage. slightly lower rate) in a vaccine from Beyond national interest lurks the AstraZeneca and the University of problem of even narrower private Oxford has fuelled optimism that interests, which stem from an over- even more breakthroughs are on financialised biopharmaceutical their way. innovation model. The business In theory, the arrival of a safe and The arrival of a safe and effective vaccine would represent the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic model for future vaccine development effective vaccine would represent the is already being sized up now that the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the potential pandemic. In reality, we are not even windfall for investors. But while they at the end of the beginning of benefit from sky-rocketing stock delivering what is needed: a “people’s prices, soaring capital gains, and vaccine” that is equitably distributed Designing dumping a company’s shares the and made freely available to all who same day it announces promising need it. preliminary results in a clinical trial, To be sure, the work to create delivering a people’s vaccine has vaccines in a matter of months become an afterthought. deserves praise. Humanity has made The COVID-19 crisis is a perfect test a monumental technological leap Vaccines for People of whether a more public-health- forward. But the springboard was oriented approach to innovation and decades of massive public investment distributing a vaccine in the context In addition, critical questions represents a momentous step production will prevail in the years in research and development. of a pandemic. about the leading vaccine candidates forward, its impact is being offset by ahead. Spike protein No country acting alone can resolve remain unanswered. Responding to massive bilateral advance-purchase While Pfizer is sticking with the this crisis. That is why we need political and economic pressure in agreements by rich countries that can model of maximising shareholder Most of the leading vaccine vaccines that are universally and high-income countries, afford to bet on multiple vaccines. For value, AstraZeneca has at least candidates prime the immune freely available. And yet, the current pharmaceutical companies are example, high-income countries have pledged not to profit from its vaccine system’s defences against the viral innovation system prioritises the rushing their vaccine candidates already bought close to 80 per cent of “during the pandemic.” Yet, despite all ‘spike protein,’ an approach made interests of high-income countries across the finish line. Accordingly, the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna the public investment that possible through years of research at over those of everyone else, and they have designed their phase-three vaccine doses that will be available underwrote these innovations, the the US National Institutes of Health. profits over public health. clinical trials to deliver the quickest within the first year. process will remain opaque, leaving More immediately, BioNTech has The first step toward a people’s possible positive read-out, rather All told, rich countries have laid one to wonder if AstraZeneca is received $445 million from the vaccine is to ensure full transparency than addressing more relevant claim to 3.8 billion doses from different actually ready to prioritise public German government, and Moderna of the clinical-trial results, which questions such as whether the vaccine makers, compared to 3.2 health over profit and offer its vaccine has received $1 million from the would enable independent and timely vaccine prevents infection or just billion (which includes around 700 at cost. While the recent vaccine news Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness assessments of safety and efficacy. protects against the disease. It also is million doses for COVAX) for the rest of has brought hope, it also has exposed Innovations and more than $1 billion The publication of scanty, unclear how long the protection will the world combined. In other words, the pharmaceutical industry’s broken from the US Biomedical Advanced preliminary data through corporate last; whether a given vaccine works high-income countries have pre- business model, casting doubt on the Research and Development Authority press releases is meant for financial equally well in young and old people, ordered enough doses to cover their prospects of delivering a people’s and the US Defense Advanced markets, not the public-health or in people with co-morbidities; and populations several times over, vaccine and achieving Health for All. Research Projects Agency. The community. This practice sets a bad how the top candidates compare to leaving the rest of the world with Business as usual may allow us to AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has precedent. While pharmaceutical one another (critical for designing potentially too few to cover even their scrape by in this crisis. But there is a received more than £1 billion ($1.3 share prices surge, health effective vaccination strategies). most at-risk communities. better way to do things. Before the billion) of public funding. professionals and the public are left COVAX Complex logistical next pandemic arrives, we must But for technological advances to second-guessing the reported results. recognise vaccines as global health translate into Health for All, As more details about the flaws in Moreover, national interests – challenges commons, and start to reorient the innovations that are created clinical trial design and especially those of developed innovation system toward symbiotic collectively should be governed in the implementation for the AstraZeneca- countries – remain the dominant At the same time, because the public-private partnerships governed public interest, not for private profit. Oxford vaccine emerge, so do the factor in vaccine rollout. While the vaccine race is focused primarily on in the public interest. This is especially true when it comes calls for open science and immediate international purchase and Western markets, some candidates (Courtesy-www.project- to developing, manufacturing, and sharing of protocols and results. distribution platform COVAX are scarcely viable outside of a syndicate.org) A8 thursday 3 december 2020 world affairs Reorienting New Delhi In The Indo-Pacific By Siddharth Anil Nair The WIOR is physically a much larger arena, with different regional Beijing’s overt expansionism in and extra-regional actors. However, South Asia and the South China Sea it is a significant arena within the (SCS) continues to threaten India’s IPR for much of the same reasons as maritime security. The rise of China the EIO. as an Asian military and global The main obstacle of the WIOR, economic power has also disrupted when placed within the IPR concept the inherent security and is that India’s approach to the region multilateralism of the Indo-Pacific diverges greatly from its current IPR Region (IPR). partners. Differing priorities, In response, New Delhi along with conflicting interests and historical others has adopted the concept of contexts, for example with regards to the Indo-Pacific. However, over the Pakistan and Iran, have generally last decade New Delhi’s orientation muted the region. in the IPR has been particularly The decision to hold the second Pacific-oriented, resulting in a less phase of the 2020 Malabar Exercise than comprehensive approach to in the Arabian Sea is a welcome India’s maritime security priorities in move in reinforcing the sub-region in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India’s IPR approach. New Delhi’s reception of the recently India’s Strategic Goals in signed Maldives-US defence the Indo-Pacific agreement is also a sign of India’s slow reorientation to the WIOR. China’s so-called ‘peaceful rise’ India’s position in the WIOR gives has been betrayed by Beijing’s it a number of strategic advantages. growing territorial designs in South The Indian peninsula along with the Asia and the SCS; the Lakshadweep Islands and Laccadive ongoing buildup along the Line of Sea, offers New Delhi a unique edge Actual Control (LAC), and in protecting and overseeing much of China’s militarised outposts in the the world’s goods trade from the SCS are evidence to this. These Atlantic Ocean, and energy supplies designs have also been from West Asia to the Pacific Oceans. operationalised through economic The development of material measures under its predatory Belt capacities in this arena will act as a India’s position in the IOR gives it a number of strategic advantages and Road Initiative (BRI), of which springboard for the further the ‘silk road’ is a challenge to delivered by Prime Minister Shinzo a military command on the Andaman enhancement of collective regional India’s maritime security. Abe to the Indian Parliament in and Nicobar Islands was in fact, first security. India’s strategic competition with 2007. The mention of “a broader discussed by President Bill Clinton The growing participation of extra- China has provoked the expansion of Asia” that broke away geographical First, India’s and Prime Minister P.V Narasimha regional actors in the WIOR, such as national material capacity and boundaries…”, or Southeast Asia, Rao as a deterrent against China in France, Germany, the Netherlands, foreign policy measures. These highlighted the political locus of the strategic 1995. and the EU, signals to New Delhi the are aimed at developing and IPR’s confrontation with an Furthermore, the US defines the need to include the region in its IPR preserving collective regional “assertive China”. The continued advantage along IPR as, “…the region which stretches approach. Pursuing mutually security and multilateralism, in militarisation of the SCS, growing the Indo-Pacific from the west coast of India to the beneficial security and economic India’s primary and secondary tensions in East Asia, and the western shores of the United arrangements with actors besides its interest areas. US-China strategic competition, straits. States…”, thereby excluding the existing IPR partners will also help However, over the years, New helps perpetuate Southeast Asia’s The Malacca Western sub-region of the Indian circumventing current contrasts in Delhi’s adoption of the IPR concept prominence in the IPR discourse. Ocean Region (WIOR) from its maritime priorities and geostrategic has witnessed a disproportionate Third, New Delhi’s continuation of dilemma gives strategic approach to the Indo- interests. emphasis on the eastern sub-region the ‘Look East’ policy as the ‘Act Pacific theatre. This explains why the More importantly, China’s growing of the Indian Ocean (EIO) in terms of East’ policy (AEP) in 2014. Building New Delhi an edge sub-region is understated in India’s military and economic presence in its maritime security priorities, on historical ties with Southeast over China’s IPR discourse. the Arabian Sea, through the string resulting in a Pacific-oriented Asia, New Delhi placed ASEAN at While Indian Navy (IN) manoeuvres of pearls and the maritime silk road, approach. A number of factors have the core of the AEP. ASEAN is also energy supply- in the region have been generally remains a threat to India’s brought about such an orientation. considered ‘central to India’s lines, and regional limited to the IOR, the recent Galwan traditional ties to, and its status as a Pacific-Oriented footprint in East Asia’. These foreign Valley clash saw an IN warship net-security provider in the WIOR. policy measures, focused on trade from the IOR deployed to the SCS; coincidentally, The Chabahar Port in the Approach and the EIO developing resilient trans-regional during an ongoing US naval exercise Balochistan-Sistan province in Iran connectivity and supply-chains, flow to the western in the area. There is also a is one such economic interest that First, India’s strategic advantage past the EIO, from the Andaman Pacific Ocean. This growing call for the expansion of IN has seen much controversy; the along the Indo-Pacific straits. Sea, through the Malacca strait, to presence to the Western Pacific, recent exclusion of India from the The Malacca dilemma gives New Southeast Asia and beyond. advantage is beyond its mission-based Zahedan railway project, and the Delhi an edge over China’s energy Fourth, and finally, India’s furthered by the deployments. subsequent agreement of a $400 supply-lines, and regional trade from growing importance in the US-China Reorienting New Delhi billion strategic partnership between the IOR to the western Pacific Ocean. strategic competition. China’s development of China and Iran. This advantage is furthered by the economic influence in Southeast towards the WIOR The WIOR is also of concern to development of material capacities, Asia, along with its large military material India due to extant interests, such as most significant of which has been capabilities, poses a threat to the capacities, most This Pacific-orientation has maintaining a strategic advantage the establishment of India’s first US’s position as an influential extra- resulted in the omission of the WIOR vis-a-vis Pakistan, enhancing trade integrated command on the regional power. The significant of from India’s strategic approach to with Afghanistan and East Africa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. recently ratified Regional the IPR. The use of the term ‘Indo- piracy/terrrorism in the Arabian The Andaman and Nicobar Comprehensive Economic which has been Pacific straits’ for those between the Sea, and energy supplies from the Command’s (ANC) surveillance and Partnership (RCEP) has been the the establishment EIO and Southeast Asia, already Middle East. kinetic capabilities not only improve latest in a list of disruptions to the exclude the sub-region from India’s Conclusion India’s own security status, but also US’s predominance in the IPR. of India’s first strategic approach to the IPR. To secure India’s maritime signal its contribution in preserving As India’s maritime goals continue A comprehensive approach to the priorities in the IOR, but also collective regional security in the to converge with that of the US and integrated IOR should obviously entail an consolidate its vision for the IPR, EIO, for example, through the India- its regional allies – Japan, Australia, command on the emphasis on India’s maritime New Delhi needs to reorient itself, Australia-Japan-US Quadrilateral and the Republic of Korea – New security priorities in both sub- determine its strategic advantages in Security Dialogue (QSD), or Quad. Delhi’s interests will stretch further Andaman and regions of the IOR. the WIOR, and develop national Second, the origins of the IPR into the Pacific theatre, to the SCS, Nicobar Islands This in turn will allow New Delhi to capacity and foreign policy measures concept in the now famous East China Sea and Western Pacific. realise its interests in the larger equivalent to those in the EIO. “confluence of the seas” speech In fact, some suggest that the idea of Indo-Pacific theatre. (www.moderndiplomacy.eu) Climate change and counter-deforestation By Fabio Teixeira wetlands this year. major absorber of planet-heating Between 2014 and 2016, Brazil’s carbon dioxide. Climate change will increase the most populous state of Sao Paulo Its continuing loss threatens to burdens on Brazil’s armed forces faced unprecedented water accelerate climate-related disasters - and endanger the country’s energy shortages that led to street protests. from worsening droughts, floods and and water security, military experts “If it had gone much longer it storms to soaring temperatures and predicted Monday. would have been a major sea level rise - globally. A group of senior military leaders humanitarian crisis,” Barrett said of To preserve the forest and protect said deforestation in the Amazon the Sao Paulo drought. Brazil’s water supplies, the country region could alter rainfall patterns in needs to develop the Amazon, but in Brazil, hitting hydropower plants - Security First a sustainable way, said Raul the country’s major source of energy Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro is Jungmann, Brazil’s defence minister - and water supplies for major urban an outspoken critic of efforts to curb from 2016 to 2018. centres. climate change, and also has said he Brazil’s armed forces are Brazil’s armed forces also could be wants to develop the Amazon region conservationists, he said - but they stretched thin as they respond to an to lift it out of poverty. see protecting national security, uptick in humanitarian crises The president, a former army including from foreign interference, caused by climate change in the captain, has relied on Brazil’s as a top priority. country, the officials said in a military to alleviate humanitarian “The armed forces have report by the International Military crises in the country and to monitor environmental actions as subsidiary. Council on Climate and Security the Amazon, where deforestation has This is not their main focus,” said (IMCCS). surged again after years of advances Jungmann. “The armed forces are “Brazilian leaders should make in cutting losses. primarily concerned with national climate change and counter- The report said that across Latin sovereignty.” deforestation a security priority,” America as whole military forces He said he believes Brazil’s Vice said Oliver-Leighton Barrett, the Brazil’s military to alleviate humanitarian crises in the country and to monitor the Amazon regularly are called in to help with President Hamilton Mourao, who council’s liaison for the Americas, humanitarian crises, and “this will leads the government’s Amazon during an online presentation of the of the country’s electricity coming It is also already struggling to cope continue as climate change drives Council, is dedicated to stopping report. from water-related sources, with worsening drought, which more disasters.” deforestation but lacks support Brazil is highly dependent on according to government data from helped drive fires that scorched 30 The Amazon rainforest - the within the government. hydropower, with about 63 per cent 2019. per cent of its vast western Pantanal world’s largest tropical forest - is a Thomson Reuters Foundation asia Thursday 3 December 2020 A9

Hanoi, Vietnam Singapore City Vietnam says Typhoons caused 192 deaths, US$ 1.3B damages Natural disasters in the past two months caused Vietnam 30 trillion dong (US$ 1.3 billion) in economic damage and killed 192 people, with 57 still missing, authorities said on Wednesday, with its central provinces bearing most of the losses. Vietnam’s central region has had a tough A dish made with lab-grown cultured chicken developed by Eat Just year, with its important tourism industry is pictured in this handout photo. Eat Just, Inc. (Reuters) crippled by the coronavirus pandemic long before the arrival of nine typhoons that In world first wiped out crops and damaged homes of hundreds of thousands people. The two-month toll surpassed losses for Singapore approves the whole of last year, when disasters killed 132 people and caused 6.2 trillion dong in damage, official data showed. sale of lab-grown meat “We embraced nine typhoons and two Singapore has given US production costs. tropical depressions in just two months, start-up Eat Just the Singapore, a City State of from mid-September to mid-November. greenlight to sell its lab- 5.7 million, currently only Those abnormal weather events cost our grown chicken meat, in what produces about 10 per cent of country 30 trillion dong,” said Minister of the firm says is the world’s its food, but has set out Agriculture and Rural Development first regulatory approval for ambitious plans to raise that Nguyen Xuan Cuong in a government so-called clean meat that over the next decade by statement. does not come from supporting high-tech farming “We have to make sure our residents are A woman walks on a flooded road after her village was isolated by the Dakdrinh Hydropower discharge slaughtered animals. and new means of food not homeless, suffering from hunger or in the Typhoon Molave aftermath, in Tinh An Village, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam (Reuters) The meat, to be sold as production. lacking fresh water post-typhoon,” Cuong nuggets, will be priced at Josh Tetrick said the San added. pandemic and natural disasters. of intense flooding, with 35 per cent of premium chicken prices Francisco-based firm was also Vietnam’s economic growth is expected Vietnam is prone to destructive storms settlements located on crowded and when it first launches in a talking to US regulators, but to slow to 2 per cent - 3 per cent this year and flooding due to its long coastline. eroding coastlines, a World Bank report restaurant in Singapore “in that Singapore was a “good bit” after expanding 7.02 per cent in 2019 due About 11.8 million people in Vietnam’s said in October. the very near term,” ahead of the United States. to the wider impact of the coronavirus coastal provinces are exposed to the threat (Reuters) co-founder and CEO Josh “I would imagine what will Tetrick said. happen is the US, Western Demand for alternatives to Europe and others will see regular meat is surging due what Singapore has been able to concerns about health, to do, the rigours of the Bangkok, Thailand Mumbai, India animal welfare and the framework that they put environment. Plant-based together. And I would imagine For 25th straight day substitutes, popularised by that they will try to use it as a the likes of Beyond Meat, template to put their own Impossible Foods and Quorn, framework together,” he said India COVID-19 cases increasingly feature on in an interview. supermarket shelves and The Singapore Food Agency restaurant menus. said it had reviewed data stay below 50k But so-called clean or relating to process, cultured meat, which is manufacturing control and grown from animal muscle safety testing before granting cells in a lab, is still at a approval. nascent stage given high (Reuters)

Manila, Philippines COVID-19 drugs, vaccines Conflict of Interest case Philippines gives FDA Thai PM found emergency use powers ‘not guilty’ Thailand’s Constitutional Court unanimously ruled in favour of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Wednesday, in a conflict-of-interest case brought by Opposition politicians. Prayuth was accused of a conflict of interest because he remained in military housing despite his retirement from the Army in 2014, months after overthrowing an elected government. Prayuth has said he needed to stay there for security reasons. The Court said the former Army Chief’s stay in the residence was in line with the Army’s rules, and the safety of the Prime Minister and his family was the Government’s priority. The Philippines, which has the second most number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in Southeast Asia, is racing to lock in The “not guilty” verdict for Prayuth means that he can vaccine supplies (Reuters) stay in power. “The plaintiff did not commit acts that constituted Philippines President preventing, diagnosing or conflicts of interest. He did not seek personal gains, Rodrigo Duterte issued an treating COVID-19 and if whether directly or indirectly, nor breach ethics,” a Executive Order on their potential benefits Judge said. “His ministerial post therefore does not end Wednesday granting the Food outweigh possible risks. according to the Constitution.” and Drug Administration EUAs shall also be issued if The Court’s decision comes with tension high after (FDA) the power to clear there is “no adequate, months of protests to demand Prayuth’s removal - a call COVID-19 drugs and vaccine approved and available he has rejected. Prayuth had said he would respect the for emergency use. alternative to the drug or Court’s decision even if it ruled against him. He could The Philippines wants to vaccine.” not be reached for comment on the verdict. start immunising 25 million The national procurer or Hours before the verdict, he told a supporter while on Devotees wearing protective masks attend Sunday mass at a church amid the people next year against the the public health programme a trip outside Bangkok: “It’s about destiny. Everything spread of the COVID-19 in Mumbai (Reuters) coronavirus, hoping to implementer can apply for has been pre-destined. I’m not too worried. I believe in restore some normalcy after the EUA, said the order. my own goodness.” Protesters and other critics accuse India’s daily coronavirus cases September, in spite of a busy nearly nine months of at The Philippines, which has Prayuth of engineering elections last year to keep hold continued to stay below the 50,000 festival season last month. times harsh restrictions, and the second most number of of power. He says the vote was fair. mark for the 25th straight day, Daily cases rose by less than prevent the economy from confirmed coronavirus cases A protest movement that began in July to seek with 36,604 new infections 40,000 for the third straight day on sinking deeper into recession. and deaths in Southeast Prayuth’s removal and to call for a new Constitution reported, data from the Health Wednesday, according to a Reuters The FDA can now grant Asia, is racing to lock in has also broken taboos by demanding reforms to the Ministry showed on Wednesday. tally. Deaths rose by 501, the emergency use authorisation vaccine supplies as it targets monarchy to curb the powers of King Maha The country now has 9.5 million Health Ministry said, with the total (EUA) if there is reason to to immunise a third of its 108 Vajiralongkorn. total infections, but cases have now at 138,122. believe the drug or vaccine million population. (Reuters) been dipping since a peak in (Reuters) may be effective in (Reuters)

Seoul, South Korea Gruelling 8-hour exam COVID-19 outbreak adds new stress From avoiding family members to but limited corporate jobs in Asia’s fourth- After delaying the exam by two weeks, skipping extra study at “cram schools,” the largest economy. authorities have prepared 31,291 test coronavirus has forced nearly half a million This year teachers, proctors and students venues nationwide for this year’s exam, South Korean test-takers and proctors to drastically changed their study and teaching nearly double the number from last year to rethink their strategies ahead of a hyper- practices to try to ensure those taking the allow more social distancing. competitive university entrance exam this test don’t ruin their chances by getting sick. Some venues are specialised to week. “We take caution not just in classes but accommodate at least 37 students with The gruelling, almost eight-hour test on also during lunch, sitting facing the walls, confirmed infections, and another 430 in Thursday is seen as a life-defining event for eating alone and not talking at all,” said one quarantine, Deputy Education Minister high school seniors. A degree from a teacher who will also serve as a proctor, Park Baeg-beom told a briefing on prestigious university is seen as a minimum speaking on condition of anonymity as she Wednesday. A mother prays for her son’s success in the college entrance examinations at requirement for securing one of the coveted was not authorised to speak to the Media. (Reuters) a Buddhist temple in Seoul (Reuters) A10 thursday 3 december 2020 world

Brussels, Belgium Addis Ababa, Ethiopia EU tells Brexit negotiator Don’t let deadline force a bad deal

Three diplomats told Reuters several of the EU's 27 Member after Michel Barnier briefed States would rather see ambassadors in Brussels that negotiations continue past the the talks remained snagged on end of the transition phase even fishing rights in British waters, if that means there is a brief "no ensuring fair competition deal" period. guarantees and ways to solve "There is a worry that because future disputes. of this pressure of time there is "A deal still hangs in the a temptation to rush," the balance," said a senior EU diplomat said after a briefing by diplomat who was at the negotiator Michel Barnier for briefing. Britain formally left the the 27 Member States' envoys EU Chief Brexit Negotiator Michel EU on 31 January, but then in Brussels. "We told him: Don't Barnier, wearing a face mask, entered a transition period do that." leaves Brexit trade negotiations in London, Britain (Reuters) under which EU laws apply Britain will not agree to until the end of this year to give extending the transition period citizens and businesses time to with the European Union, a The European Union's Chief adapt. A free-trade deal need to government official said on Brexit Negotiator told Member be in place by 1 January, when Wednesday, after a senior EU States' envoys on Wednesday EU rules for the internal market diplomat suggested Member that negotiations on a trade and the EU Customs Union will States might want trade talks to deal with Britain were reaching cease to apply to Britain, but continue beyond 31 December. The pact, announced by UN officials, will allow aid workers access to government-controlled areas of "a make-or-break moment," and the chances of a damaging "no Britain has repeatedly ruled Tigray (Reuters) they urged him not to be rushed deal" grow as that deadline out any extension to the talks into an unsatisfactory looms. into next year. War-hit Tigray agreement. Another senior diplomat said (Reuters) UN and Ethiopia Athens, Greece Migrant boat sinks reach aid pact Ethiopia and the United Nations reached International Committee of the Red Cross an agreement on Wednesday to channel (ICRC) said at the weekend that medics in desperately needed humanitarian aid to a the local capital Mekelle were short of off Lesbos northern region where a month of war has painkillers, gloves and body bags. killed, wounded and uprooted large numbers "The UN and the Federal Government of of people. Ethiopia have signed an agreement to ensure Two women missing The pact, announced by UN officials, will that humanitarians will have unimpeded, allow aid workers access to government- sustained and secure access for Two women were missing controlled areas of Tigray, where federal humanitarian personnel and services to after a dinghy carrying dozens troops have been battling the Tigray People's areas under the control of the Federal of people sank off the island of Liberation Front (TPLF) and captured the Government in the Tigray Region," the UN Lesbos on Wednesday, a Greek regional capital. humanitarian coordination agency OCHA Coastguard official said, as The war is believed to have killed said in a statement to Reuters. more migrants fleeing conflict thousands, sent 45,000 refugees into Sudan, There was no immediate confirmation from and poverty attempt to enter displaced many more within Tigray, and the Government. Having declared victory in Europe. worsened suffering in a region where Tigray after the fall of Mekelle at the Thirty two people were 600,000 people were already dependent on weekend, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed shifted rescued and a search operation food aid even before the flare-up from focus on Wednesday, meeting political was underway with the 4 November. parties to plan next year's election. assistance of two helicopters Aid agencies had sounded the alarm about His government postponed the and a Frontex vessel, the official a growing humanitarian crisis and been parliamentary vote this year due to COVID- told Reuters. pressing for access, after hundreds of foreign 19, but Tigray went ahead anyway and Hundreds of thousands of A Greek Coast Guard helicopter flies over a Frontex vessel trying to workers were forced to evacuate. overwhelmingly re-elected the TPLF, a former migrants and refugees used rescue refugees and migrants (Reuters) Food is thought to be running out for guerrilla movement-turned-political party. Greece as the main gateway to boat carrying migrants sank off Mitarachi said a Turkish boat 96,000 Eritrean refugees in Tigray, while the (Reuters) Europe through Turkey in 2015 the island of Crete. had responded to a distress and 2016, until a deal between Turkey hosts more than three signal but did not provide aid, Ankara and the European million refugees and migrants, instead allowing "an irregular Union reduced the flow across while tens of thousands of crossing" through the EU's sea the Greek and Turkish land and asylum seekers are still in border. Jerusalem, Israel Kyiv, Ukraine sea borders. Greece waiting for their Turkey's Coastguard said it Sea crossings on overcrowded applications to be processed, had intercepted a vessel Palestinian tax backlog boats are often hazardous and mostly housed in camps where carrying migrants in the area on last month, the Greek conditions have been described Tuesday and had taken 31 Coastguard found the body of a as dire. Greek Migration people into custody. Israel hands migrant near a half-sunken Minister Notis Mitarachi said Greece and Turkey are at vessel on the Aegean island of the EU-Turkey deal was being odds over a host of issues and Rhodes. violated and human lives were regularly exchange accusations over US$ 1B And in September at least being put at risk. over the migration crisis. Israel handed over a backlog of three people drowned when a Citing those rescued, (Reuters) billions of shekels in tax money to the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday, both sides said, in another sign of warming ties between the sides after the US Presidential Election victory of Geneva, Switzerland Sydney, Australia Joe Biden. The taxes, managed by Israel under Valentyn Frechka, CEO of the "Re-leaf Paper" COVID-19 areas interim peace accords from the 1990s project, unloads dry fallen tree leaves at the and usually handed over monthly, Zhytomyr Cardboard Factory in Zhytomyr, make up more than half of the Budget Ukraine (Reuters) of the Palestinian Authority (PA), whose WHO tightens economy has been hard hit by the Turning fallen tree coronavirus pandemic. The 3.77 billion shekels (US$ 1.14 leaves into paper guidelines on billion) transfer is the first since June, when the Palestinians snubbed the Ukrainian handover due to Israeli Prime Minister mask-wearing People walk past a cafe after COVID-19 Benjamin Netanyahu's plans, currently student launches People living in areas with where COVID-19 is spreading restrictions were eased for the State of suspended, to annex parts of the Victoria, in Melbourne, Australia (Reuters) should always wear masks in shops, workplaces and occupied West Bank. schools that lack adequate ventilation, the World Health The Palestinians also rejected the initiative Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday. If they cannot NSW resumes cash several times in 2019 after Israel Valentyn Frechka was a high school student maintain physical distancing of at least one meter (3 ft), trimmed the sum in retaliation for living in rural Ukraine when he began a people in those indoor locations - including children and singing, dancing, funds going to the families of jailed or science project to turn fallen leaves from trees students aged 12 or over - should also wear a mask even if killed militants. It usually amounts to and plants into paper. the spaces are well ventilated, it said in a tightening of its religious services about US$ 190 million a month. Three years on, and the 19-year-old is guidelines. They should also wear masks outdoors if "The #Israeli Government transfers heading an initiative called "Re-leaf Paper," physical distancing cannot be maintained, it said. WHO Australia’s most populous State said all financial dues of the clearance to the producing paper bags and packaging from Spokeswoman Margaret Harris said the recommendations that from Monday it would remove limits account of the #Palestinian Authority," fibre extracted from dead leaves. were among the biggest changes to its guidance on mask- on the number of people at weddings, Palestinian Affairs Minister of Civil The project, based in the city of Zhytomyr, wearing, and updated advice from June. "If indoors, unless bars and religious services and end a Affairs, Hussein al-Sheikh tweeted, 140 km (87 miles) west of the capital Kyiv, ventilation has been assessed to be adequate, WHO ban on public venue dancing as a run of giving the figure as 3.768 billion aims to reduce the environmental impact of advises that the general public should wear a non-medical coronavirus-free days prompted a broad shekels. The Israeli Finance Ministry paper production. mask, regardless of whether physical distancing of at least downgrade of social distancing rules. confirmed the details. It has partnered a cardboard manufacturer 1 metre can be maintained," the WHO said. The changes announced by New South (Reuters) in the city that hired Frechka as a research (Reuters) Wales (NSW) on Wednesday come in time and development specialist in 2018. for Australia’s summer holidays and "The idea is very simple. Things which are Christmas celebrations, and mark the believed to be waste can be re-used or biggest lifting of precautionary measures recycled. Leaves are waste that need to be since nationwide lockdowns began in removed from parks because they emit a lot of March to slow the spread of COVID-19. carbon as they rot," Frechka told Reuters. People in the State, where a third of "It is an opportunity for a customer to use Australia’s 25 million population lives, environmentally-friendly packaging." would also be allowed to drink standing In October, Re-leaf Paper produced its first up at pubs, while seated outdoor events batch of solid paper, made from leaves could host up to 5,000 people. collected in large bags in Kyiv and other cities. Outdoor stadiums could operate at full It is planning to go into commercial capacity and theatres at 75%, production. authorities the state capital Sydney said. In 2020, Forbes magazine in Ukraine People wear protective face masks as they walk beside NSW has recorded no locally-acquired Palestinians wait to receive money via an included Frechka on its list of the 30 most Christmas decorations at a shopping mall amid the infection for nearly four weeks. ATM, outside a bank in Gaza City successful Ukrainians under 30 years old. COVID-19 outbreak in Berlin, Germany (Reuters) (Reuters) (Reuters) (Reuters) thursday 3 december 2020 b11 Govt Ready to Implement Fresh Strategies for Economic Revival – PM Over Rs 5000B to be spent on 289 projects By Anjali Caldera to complete them with the service in the past. It is clear proposed budgets and on time. In today how dangerous the damage The Government is ready to addition, there are more than to a country can be if such a take up the challenge of 400 Government-owned policy is followed.” strengthening the economy by enterprises in various services Meanwhile, referring to the applying fresh strategies, said and financial services today. Budget 2021, he said that Prime Minister Mahinda About 1.8 million public servants through this Budget, the Email: [email protected] Rajapaksa yesterday, joining the are employed in the public sector economy is expected to grow by second day of the Sri Lanka and these physical and human 5.5 per cent next year. It is also Economic Summit 2020 that resources are important.” expected to bring the macro- took place as a virtual event. He highlighted that the economic factors to a positive According to the Prime purpose of all these activities is level and to maintain tax policy Wednesday Markets Minister, the main challenge the to uplift the lives of the people etc. country is facing is the promise and the business of the country. “The next few years are crucial the President Gotabaya “One of the special lessons we for our country’s economic Rajapaksa has given to the learned as a nation during progress. If we are to succeed we “One Month’s country, the goal to achieve a Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa COVID-19 was that in the event must all work together; ‘people-centric’ economic revival. revive the economy in the years of a global threat, it is very challenges must be managed “The severe economic recession to come, he insisted. important to produce the food the properly and we need to Forwards” caused by COVID-19 is a major “Today we are contemplating country needs within the country implement fresh strategies. As a obstacle to overcome that implementing 289 projects itself. We have seen how some Government, we are ready to challenge,” he added. Public/ valued at over Rs 5,000 billion by Governments have acted with the accept those responsibilities and fall sharply private partnerships are essential Government Ministries and mind-set that it is possible to challenges,” he added. to overcome these challenges to Departments. It is very important import any crop, product or (Read Full Speech on Page B-13) By Paneetha Ameresekere

One month’s forwards, the most popular instrument in the foreign exchange (FX) market yesterday (2), due to Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and Government of Sri Agri. Ministry ready to Softlogic Finance’s Lanka (GoSL) controls over the generally most popular ‘spot,’ as well as on the ‘spot next’ instruments for the purpose of cater to increased domestic Rs 1.9B Rights Issue minimising GoSL debt in rupee terms and in a vain attempt to control the rupee in the FX demand post-COVID market; however, fell for the fourth fully subscribed consecutive market day, this time sharply by Rs 10.8B allocated for special projects in 12 Districts between 90 cents and one rupee in two-way Softlogic Finance PLC maintains its signature quotes to Rs 187.00/187.40 to the US dollar 48 farmer clusters established under the project announced on Monday, (30) financial strength and due to sustained uncertainty and insecurity that it raised Rs 1.9 billion remains confident that the fuelled by Fitch Ratings’ junk grade By Anjali Caldera The use of information through its recent Rights company is well-placed in downgrading of Sri Lanka to ‘CCC’ on Friday, and communication Issue, offering 165,390,848 today’s environment to market sources told Ceylon FT. The Ministry of technology (ICT) is an million ordinary voting capitalise on the evolving In the four market days to yesterday, this Agriculture is currently effective way to connect shares in the ratio of 8 new market opportunities and current key FX instrument, “one month’s implementing a number the produce of the shares for every 5 shares achieve long-term forwards,” has fallen steeply by between of special projects with farmers to the market. held, at an issue price of sustainable growth. This Rs 2.10 and Rs 2.20 (1.14 per cent and 1.19 the support of several Some digital initiatives Rs 11.50 a share. The Rights capital infusion comes at an per cent) in two-way quotes and in the international agencies to such as Helaviru app Issue boosted the total opportune moment with calendar year to date, more sharply by modernise and and Govipola app equity position of the demand for credit by the between Rs 5.70 and Rs 6.00 (3.14 per cent- commercialise the assisted farmers to sell company to Rs 4.5 billion, private sector expected to 3.31 per cent) in two-way quotes. agriculture sector to their products during the company stated. rise on the back of the Strictures on the ‘spot’ is to cut down on cater to the increased the first lockdown in This equity raising reduction of interest rates to GoSL‘s FX commitments in rupee terms, but domestic demand March. initiative reaffirms Softlogic multi-year lows. works to the advantage of foreign investors expected in the post COVID-19 has offered Finance’s commitment Softlogic Finance PLC is exiting from the Treasury (T) Bills and T COVID-19 era. an opportunity to foster towards a fresh phase of mainly held by Softlogic Bond market, as such deal in ‘spot’, thereby Addressing the virtual Sumedha Perera some long overdue organisational growth and Capital PLC, which is the making it less costlier for them to buy their Sri Lanka Economic structural changes in development. The Company Financial Services Holding dollars when exiting from such a market. Summit 2020, Agriculture Ministry the agriculture sector. Thus has previously indicated that Company of the Softlogic ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two market Secretary Major General (retired) capitalising on these opportunities the capital raised would Group that has established days from the date of transaction and in the Sumedha Perera further said, under is the must requirement of the allow it to facilitate the an impressive presence in case of ‘spot next,’ three. The current the World Bank assisted hour, according to the Secretary. rollout of its new business the market with a portfolio administered ‘spot’ rate is Component II of the Agriculture Dried fruit and vegetables could strategy and strive for the comprising of Softlogic Life Rs 185.00/20 to the dollar in two way Sector Modernisation project, a sum be one option to avoid the loss of realisation of the high growth Insurance PLC, Softlogic quotes. of Rs 10.8 billion has been allocated produce in the field due to excess trajectory mapped out by the Finance PLC, Softlogic Meanwhile, GoSL’s demand pull for special projects in twelve supply or lack of marketing new management team that Stockbrokers (Pvt.) Ltd and inflationary face value money printing Districts and 48 farmer clusters opportunities, he added. has been in place since May Softlogic Asset Management (FVMP) debt remained unchanged at have already been established “In the livestock industry, milk of this year. Further, this (Pvt.) Ltd. Rs 618,121.22 million yesterday. GoSL’s under this project. can be converted to milk products capital infusion would also Softlogic Holdings also has FVMP debt has been above Rs 0.5 trillion for The European Union (EU) and the such as butter, ghee and cheese. It contribute towards meeting interests in healthcare, a record twenty second consecutive market International Fund for Agricultural is also planned to convert milk the applicable regulatory retail, ICT, leisure, day in its second dispensation to yesterday, Development (IFAD) are the other powder into fresh milk as requirements of the Central automobiles and after only a day’s ‘respite’ on two organisations, the Ministry is mentioned in the President’s Bank of Sri Lanka, including restaurants. Softlogic 2 November when it went below Rs half-a- looking up to develop the National Policy Framework and the the capital adequacy Finance PLC is a registered trillion, then. agriculture sector. construction of a new dairy requirements of the finance company with the GoSL’s money printing borrowing costs Perera further said that the processing plant in Badalgama in Company. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (MPBCs) decreased by Rs 98.67 million Ministry is also developing a cloud- the Gampaha District and the The Softlogic Group has under the Finance Business (0.50 per cent) to Rs 19,826.57 million based Agricultural Information development of small scale dairy long viewed Financial Act No. 42 of 2011, as well as yesterday, aided by growing uncertainty and Management System (AIMS) at processing centres in Gampaha, Services as an industry with a Specialised Leasing insecurity, thereby compelling the market to present with many progressive Colombo, Kurunegala, substantial opportunities for Company licensed by the invest in risk free but low returns T Bills and objectives with the intention of Polonnaruwa, Puttalam and growth. This underscores the Central Bank of Sri Lanka T Bonds, rather than invest in the engine of making the market more Batticaloa District is underway in group’s determination to under the Finance Leasing economic growth, the more lucrative private competitive. this regard,” he said. ensure that Softlogic Finance Act No. 56 of 2000. sector. Further, GoSL’s FVMP debt remaining unchanged is a cause for MPBCs also to remain unchanged under perfect conditions. Nonetheless, due to the settlement/s of a GoSL sale of dollars to CBSL and/or a CBSL To support the Education Sector rupee swap for dollars with the market, market liquidity increased by Rs 1,060 million during trading yesterday. Conversions are based on the middle rate of Govt borrows USD 400M from ADB the administered ‘spot’ as at 4:00 p.m. on The Government’s Development focuses on new strategies such as Monday which was Rs 185.175 to the dollar. Policy Framework, ‘Vistas of online learning and teaching, Subsequently net excess liquidity increased Prosperity and Splendo’ envisages blended learning; distance mode by 0.45 per cent (Rs 1,060 million) to harnessing the power of the education in line with the Rs 237,035 million yesterday. Transactions country’s youth, who account for Government’s plan to address the between GoSL and CBSL are foreign reserves almost one fourth of the total COVID-19 disruptions. neutral. population, and engaging them The Ministry of Education will as proactive partners in the be the Executing Agency for the NFOs Pass Rs 48B country’s sustainable above Programme, whereas the Net foreign outflows (NFOs) from the development process. The State Ministry of Education bourse passed a record Rs 48 billion in the Government of Sri Lanka entered Reforms, Open Universities and calendar year to yesterday, with an NFO of into a budgetary support loan Distance Education Promotion, Rs 218.79 million, thereby increasing NFOs worth of USD 400 million with State Ministry of Women and in the calendar year to date to Rs 48.15 ADB, under the Results Based Child Development, Pre-School billion, data showed. Lending (RBL) financial modality and Primary Education, School Yesterday was also a record 170th market to finance the Secondary Infrastructure and School day in the calendar year to yesterday, the Education Sector Improvement Services and nine Provincial bourse has suffered NFOs. In that time, the Programme (SESIP). The above Education Departments (PEA) bourse has witnessed 188 market days in loan, which was borrowed at an Chen Chen exchanging the Loan Agreement with S.R. Attygalle will be the implementing agencies which time the bourse has suffered record annual interest rate of LIBOR + secondary education system. education reforms; and to the Programme. NFOs in 90.43 per cent of those days. 0.5% has a repayment period of SESIP will institutionalise (iii) strengthening sector In this connection, Secretary to Nonetheless, market indices made pyrrhic 26 years including a five-year systems for enhancing secondary management capacity. the Ministry of Finance S.R. gains, with the benchmark ASPI increasing grace period. students’ learning outcomes The outcome of the Programme Attygalle on behalf of the by 0.45 per cent to 6,345.84 points and the The proposed Secondary through (i) enhancing the quality will be the transformation of the Government of Sri Lanka and, more sensitive S&P SL 20 Index by 0.59 per Education Sector Improvement and relevance of secondary education system as a basic Country Director of ADB Sri cent to 2,512.55 points on a Rs 2.26 billion Programme (SESIP) will support science, technology, foundation for human resource Lanka Resident Mission Chen turnover and on a share volume of 111.54 the Government’s General mathematics, and commerce development for a knowledge- Chen on behalf of ADB, signed million yesterday. Education Sector Development (STMC) programmes; based modern global economy in the Loan Agreement to obtain Plan, 2020–2025 in (ii) strengthening provincial and line with the national policy USD 400 million on 1 December strengthening the country’s school capacity to implement framework. The SESIP also 2020 at the Ministry of Finance. B12 Ceylon FT thursday 3 december 2020 news

New GM of Condominium Tertiary Education Management Authority Spend Shrinks

By Paneetha Ameresekere on tertiary education in 2008 was emanated from WP universities,’ equivalent to 0.91 per cent of GDP. said Wickramaratna. While progressive countries have But by 2013 it had increased to Likewise, in the same period, increased their tertiary education 1.03 per cent of GDP, said 23,447 graduates, islandwide, spend in gross domestic product Wickramaratna. completed their Masters degrees. (GDP) terms, Sri Lanka has done The Opposition MP also pointed Of this number, 20,010 were those the opposite, Opposition Member out vast disparities in higher who successfully read for their of Parliament (MP) Eran education led by the more affluent Masters degrees from universities Wickramaratna said on Tuesday Western Province (WP), compared located in the WP, signifying that (1 December ). with the rest of the country. 85 per cent of all undergraduates Speaking at the debate on the Wickramaratna said that in 2016, who successfully read for their vote of the Education Ministry in the higher education gross Masters degrees, were those Parliament, he said that in 2013, enrolment ratio of a student who graduates who were enrolled in Sri Lanka’s tertiary education generally completed his secondary universities located in the WP. spend was equivalent to 0.37 per education was the highest in the The Opposition MP further said Dr. Indunil Liyanage, senior experience over 30 years in many cent of GDP, but by 2013 it had Western and Central Provinces that in 2018 a total of 267,111 management and marketing organisations covers agriculture, shrunk to 0.34 per cent. with a figure of 18 per cent each, students sat for the General professional assumed duties as the consumer and dairy products and In contrast, in 1998, Japan’s whereas in the North Central Certificate of Education Advanced General Manager of Condominium electronics, financial services industry expenditure on tertiary education Province and in the Uva, these Level Examination (GCE A/L). Of Management Authority(CMA) of Sri and management consultancy was equivalent to 0.41 per cent of percentages yielded low figures of this number, 167,907 qualified to Lanka. Prior to joining CMA, Dr. services. their GDP. But by 2014 it had eight per cent and 11 per cent, enter university. That means 62.86 Liyanage served as a Director/ Dr. Liyanage holds a Doctor of increased to 0.78 per cent of GDP. respectively. per cent of students who sat the Consultant at CCPI Management Philosophy (PhD) from the Faculty of Similarly, Korea’s GDP spend on ‘And, in 2016 and 2017, 60,878 GCE A/L that year qualified to Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and former Chief Graduate Studies (FGS), University of tertiary education was equivalent graduated from WP universities enter university. But the reality Marketing Officer (CMO) of Bank of Colombo. He also holds a Master of to 0.37 per cent of GDP in 1998. alone, while islandwide, this figure was that only 31,451 students Ceylon since 2012. Science (MSc) in Management from the But by 2013 it had more than was a mere 106, 404. This shows entered university, the Opposition He was the Assistant Vice President – University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He doubled to 0.86 per cent of GDP. that 57 per cent of all passed out MP said. ‘Lakhs are being deprived Head of Marketing at NDB Bank, Sri is a Diploma holder of Marketing from Likewise Singapore’s GDP spend graduates in the reference period of entering university,’ he added. Lanka since 2005. Dr. Liyanage, being the Chartered Institute of Marketing a Key Management Personnel (KMP) (U.K.) and is a Certified Management and industry expert with hands on Accountant (CMA) of ICMA (Australia). experience in management, marketing Dr. Liyanage is a Chartered Marketer and sales and was responsible for since 1997 attached to the first batch managing No. 1 product categories and of Chartered Marketers in Sri Lanka. Amaya Group and The Kingsbury achieve ‘Safe brands in the country. His career He was awarded the Fellowship (FCIM) experience covers fast moving of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Secure Tourism’ compliance certification consumer goods (FMCG) industry as a (U.K.) and the Fellowship (FSLIM) of Product Manager and Financial the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing Services industry as a Marketing (SLIM) for his outstanding contribution In affirmation of the measures Manager, Assistant Vice President – made to the marketing profession in taken to ensure the safety of their Head of Marketing and Chief Sri Lanka. Dr. Liyanage is a member of guests, Amaya Resorts and Spas Marketing Officer (CMO) in local and the Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Kingsbury Colombo international banks in Sri Lanka and (U.K.) since 1995 and a member of the received the ‘Safe and Secure Management Consultancy services as Certified Management Accounts (CMA) Tourism’ Compliance Certificate a Director/ Consultant. His extensive Australia since 2017. recently. Accordingly, all properties under the Hayley’s Leisure sector including five properties under Amaya Resorts and Spas namely Amaya Lake Dambulla, Amaya Hills Kandy, Amaya Beach Passikudah, Standard Chartered supports Langdaleby Amaya Nuwara Eliya and The Oliphant Bungalow Nuwara Eliya as well as The Kingsbury PPE manufacturers Colombo were thus certified by the Standard Chartered Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Tourism Development announced the facilitation of financing Authority (SLTDA) following a for Industrial Clothing Limited (Midas stringent audit conducted by KPMG Safety Sri Lanka) as well as Hayleys Sri Lanka. PLC’s subsidiaries Dipped Products The comprehensive safe and PLC and Haycarb PLC to enhance their secure certification audit covered manufacturing capacity of essential over 100 critical points covering all personal protective equipment (PPE) COVID-19 related safety aspects for the global fight against COVID-19. and was commissioned according to These companies were the latest Sri guidelines stipulated by the SLTDA Lankan-based clients to complete a and the Ministry of Health. drawdown from the Bank’s global This sought-after certification USD1 billion not-for-profit financing. was the first South Asian market seeks to build trust among valued Managing Director, Hayley’s have adopted globally standardised In the face of the global pandemic, where we extended a facility from the guests and stakeholders and would Leisure sector, Rohan Karr said, “We health and safety protocols. many companies, including members USD1 billion financing commitment, undoubtedly go a long way in want to ensure that our guests Our property in the city ‘The of the apparel industry in South Asia, and we are pleased to continue making Sri Lanka’s beaches, serene remain safe and secure while Kingsbury Colombo’ boasts 229 switched to manufacturing and supporting more local businesses lakes, verdant forests and misty cool indulging in their dream holidays. luxurious rooms and offers a host of distributing high demand products todrivethe country’s economic hills among other blessings, We would like to take this gastronomical experiences across such as face masks, ventilators, recovery.” accessible without fear once opportunity to thank SLTDA for our renowned restaurants within sanitisers and other PPE products. The Bank extended a USD5.5 million international tourism takes wing. initiating this certification process, the hotel. Standard Chartered launched the not- loan to Midas Safety Sri Lanka which in keeping with the new norm of the Furthermore, the Amaya Resorts for-profit global financing initiative in enabled them to increase production of hospitality/travel industry. Amaya and Spas chain consists of high-end March 2020to support such efforts. To medical gloves and meet growing Resorts and Spas and The boutique hotels and bungalows that date, the Bank has provided more than demand globally. A USD3.6 million Kingsbury Colombo is firmly offer discerning travellers the USD45 million in lending and working loan to Dipped Products PLC helped committed to supporting the holiday of their dreams across capital to companies in Sri Lanka them add new production lines for Government in its efforts to rebuild strategic locations in Sri Lanka with under this programme. personal protective gloves destined for confidence among international 325 resort rooms, 37 high-end Commenting on the Bank’s ongoing the US and the EU. Haycarb PLC, a travellers and to promote Sri Lanka boutique rooms and 15 homely efforts to support local businesses in manufacturer of charcoal-based as a safe destination”. bungalow rooms. This allows guests combating COVID-19, CEO, Standard activated carbon for purification, Sri Lanka received the Safe the opportunity to experience the Chartered Sri Lanka, Bingumal stepped up its face mask Travels Stamp from The World diversity of our island from the sea, Thewarathanthri, said, “Access to manufacturing operations with the Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to lush greens, to the historical funds is a key factor in business upgrade and expansion of its in-house in August this year. The Safe Travels architecture and the renowned tea recovery following a crisis of this manufacturing and warehousing Stamp, which is backed by the plantations. Amaya Resorts and magnitude. At Standard Chartered, facility and increased its mask United Nations World Tourism Spas has an Ayurveda Retreat as our focus has been on supporting our production for both domestic and Organization (UNWTO) as well, consisting of 13 eco-friendly long-standing and new partners to export markets with the help of a well,enables travellers to recognise villas offering a variety of ancient Sri recover fully, and to contribute to the USD1.5 million loan facility from destinations around the world which Lankan Ayurveda treatments. fight against the pandemic. Sri Lanka Standard Chartered.

ICRA Lanka issues rating of [SL] AA- with Stable Outlook to DFCC Bank PLC - Bank has offered debt moratoriums of about Rs 80B The rating factors in DFCC Bank’s country; and these exposure limits In terms of the COVID-19 impact, billion in March 2019 through a rights corporate and SME segments. Also, established track record as the are well within the defined internal ICRA Lanka notes the Bank has issue and plans to conduct another ICRA Lanka notes that the low CASA pioneer development bank in Sri risk parameters of the Bank. The offered debt moratoriums of about rights issue of about LKR 5 Bn during and overall low deposit dependence of Lanka (the Bank became a fully- rating factors in the adequate LKR 80 billion (about 26% of the gross CY2021. Going forward, the Bank’s DFCC (deposits accounted for about fledged commercial bank in 2015), capitalisation profile of DFCC, with portfolio as in June 2020) for ability to maintain adequate capital 73% of the total debt funding, healthy asset quality indicators, and the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio at businesses and individuals affected buffers over the regulatory compared to the LCB sector average of the adequate capitalisation profile. 11.1% as in June 2020, above the by the pandemic; moratorium on requirement will be crucial from a about 85% as in June 2020) are due The Bank has a strong corporate regulatory requirement of 8.5%. majority of these facilities expired in rating point of view. to the Bank’s access to long term banking focus, with about 44% of the ICRA Lanka notes that, among the September 2020, and the repayments DFCC bank comfortably meets the funding lines from multilateral and total portfolio comprising corporate top 20 exposures of the Bank, state- are to resume beginning October minimum core capital requirement set Development Finance Institutions lending as in June 2020. owned entities accounted for about 2020. Repayment performance of by the CBSL with a reported net worth (DFIs[2]). This helps to moderate the The rating also takes cognisance of 14%, and the rest comprises some of these affected borrows, post- of about LKR 48 billion as in June assets and liability mismatch the healthy asset quality indicators of the well-established business groups moratorium, will be monitorable, 2020, against the regulatory stemming from the relatively long- the Bank, with gross NPA (GNPA) of in Sri Lanka. In addition, there is a going forward. minimum of LKR 20 billion by tenured lending profile of the Bank. 4.8% as in June 2020, which was high degree of diversity within the The total capital adequacy ratio December 2020. DFCC’s gearing However, going forward, the lower than the systemic average of large group exposures, thus stood at 15.3% in June 2020 (15.8% remained relatively low at 7.8 (x) as at management intends to improve its 5.3%. DFCC’s portfolio concentration somewhat reducing the concentration in December 2019) as compared to June 2020 compared to the industry CASA base by increasing its retail is relatively high with top 20 risk. The rating also takes cognisance the regulatory requirement of 12.0%. gearing level of 9.4 (x). footprint through digital banking exposures accounting for about 40% of DFCC’s relatively high exposure ICRA Lanka noted that the Bank has ICRA Lanka notes that it has been initiatives and channel developments. of total exposures as in June 2020. towards the construction and real been able to maintain a comfortable challenging for the Bank to grow its Going forward, the Bank’s ability to However, ICRA Lanka notes that estate segments (about 21% as in buffer of about 2.5% over the last retail franchise and improve CASA improve its overall profitability by most of these top exposures comprise June 2020), segments which three years through internal indicators due to its legacy as a expanding lending yields and State owned entities and well- experienced liquidity stress during the generation and a capital infusion in development bank, and as of now, the improving CASA will be crucial from a established business groups in the recent past. FY2019. DFCC Bank raised LKR 2.8 portfolio remains largely focused on rating point of view. economy THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 CEYLON FT B13 Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2020 Holistic back-end We accept the framework to build resilient challenge to uplift Agri sector vital – Govindasamy

Sunshine Holdings Group Managing Director Vish Govindasamy yesterday urged the Government to the economy strengthen the back-end structure of the local agriculture sector by identifying the key pain points of both public and private institutions and addressing them by actively engaging in discussions – PM Mahinda Rajapaksa with relevant stakeholders. Speaking as a panellist at the Sri Lanka Economic Summit ‘Roadmap for Takeoff: Driving a People- Government-owned enterprises Centric Economic Revival’, organised by the Ceylon involved in various services and Chamber of Commerce (CCC), Govindasamy stressed financial services today. About 1.8 that fortifying this framework would prepare the million public servants are agriculture sector to leverage numerous post-COVID employed in the public sector. opportunities, bring prosperity for all parties involved These physical and human and make the sector resilient for any future resources are extremely important disruption. to us. Thus, we look forward to “COVID-19 has brought several opportunities for your continuous support and the Agri sector, and we have ambitious plans on commitment in the future. being self-sufficient in agriculture, dairy and fishery. Further, we are pleased that the While we are preparing for that, we need to make Chamber of Commerce pays sure that all backend processes and the framework special attention to agriculture as which encompasses these processes have to be well. Food security in any country robust. The Government, with right inputs coming is the responsibility of the from industry stakeholders, has to relook at these Government. It should also be a processes and understand where the gaps are. responsibility of the people and Bridging these gaps will not only prepare the Agri their commitment in this regard is sector to latch on to post-pandemic opportunities but essential. also make the sector more resilient to change,” One of the lessons we learned as Govindasamy said. a nation during the COVID-19 pandemic was, in the event of a Great vision for the local traumatic event or a global threat, dairy industry it is very important to produce the food the country needs here. We Taking the dairy industry as an example, have seen how some Governments Govindasamy said, “The country has a great vision have acted with the mindset that it for the local dairy industry intending to make Sri is possible to import any crop, Lanka self-sufficient in milk by 2023. However, the product or service in the past. We back-end framework has to be perfect before we even think it is clear today how try to bring a herd. Also, the animals need to have dangerous the damage to a country enough feed, which means that we have to clear land can be if such a policy is followed. for farmers to grow. This needs to be done through a transparent land clearing process. Furthermore, the Tourism industry needs to deploy enough machinery and Tourism is one of the industries bring in modern technologies to meet this target. most affected by COVID-19. We There are so many aspects to be looked at from a know that the economy has been back-end operations perspective to make front-end hit hard as tourists were not operations of the dairy industry successful,” said allowed to enter the country from Govindasamy. The Government is ready to take with this situation, we are aware the airport and ports. We also know During the panel discussion, Govindasamy praised up the challenge of strengthening that we must make every effort to that many lost their sources of the Government for the measures taken to uplift the the economy of Sri Lanka by further strengthen the economy income and were significantly agriculture sector, including the recent pledge by applying fresh strategies, insisted and the lives of the people. The hampered due to this. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on empowering the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa main objective of this Summit is Yet, the Government took steps local dairy industry and increase the domestic liquid yesterday while joining the second also that. to provide relief measures to the milk production in the next decade. He commended day of the Sri Lanka Economic We appreciate that the holistic industry with loans and the initial steps that the Ministry of Agriculture has Summit 2020 that was held as a The challenges approaches taken by the Heads of moratoriums for repayments. That taken to modernise the existing animal quarantine virtual event. facing our Government and Heads of Private way, we must be prepared to laws. He emphasised that public/ Institutions in planning and revitalise this industry in the “I am delighted that the Government is looking at private partnerships were essential Government in sharing information and strategies future, while conserving the restructuring the existing quarantine laws,which are to overcome these challenges and as a very valuable endeavour. One resources of the industry. very archaic. Furthermore, laws related to bringing in to strengthen the economy in the 2020 are of the main benefits of such efforts The challenges facing our animal vaccines is another aspect to look at. In a years to come. enormous. These over the past few months has been Government in 2020 are enormous. pandemic situation like this, we might have to bring The complete speech delivered by the inflow of export earnings and These challenges are not just due in proper vaccines for animals, but the current the Prime Minister is given below: challenges are foreign employment to the country, to COVID-19. We are aware that processes are not robust enough to do so. Overall, I Sri Lanka is controlling the not just due to even higher than before the the economic recession during the am happy with the approach that the Government is spread of COVID-19 better than epidemic hit. Due to timely import period between 2015 to 2019 also taking to developthe agriculture sector as well as the most countries. At the same time, COVID-19. We restrictions imposed by the affected the progress of the dairy industry,” Govindasamy added. we need to systematically manage are aware that Government, our external accounts country. Watawala Dairy Limited (WDL), a 100% subsidiary our economy and move forward. have received some relief and the Yet, in the face of those of Sunshine’s agribusiness company Watawala Many accept that it is possible. We the economic outsourcing has also increased challenges, we did not get Plantations PLC (CSE: WATA) manages a herd of 1, were able to gain economic recession during through those beneficiaries. discouraged. We did not waste 600 dairy cattle. The farm currently produces around progress in many fields during the time blaming the opposition. But 18,000 litres of fresh milk per day and 540,000 litres past few months. the period Foreign Direct we fulfilled our responsibilities by per month. Annually, the farm releases 6.5 million between 2015 to Investment fulfilling the role that the people litres of milk to the local market, which is 3.5% of the The main challenge have given to us. Accordingly, as annual Sri Lankan milk production. WDL has also The main challenge our country 2019 also However, Foreign Direct the first step towards achieving taken steps to empower the maise farming is facing now is the promise affected the Investment (FDI) inflows into the the ‘Vision of Prosperity’ plan of community in Sri Lanka and bolster Sri Lanka’s rural President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has country have not yet reached a President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, we economy. Since 2017, the company has been given to the country, the goal to progress of the level where we can be happy. The presented the first budget of the purchasing maize from more than 40 maize suppliers achieve a ‘people-centric’ economic country private sector also needs to be more new Government last month. from regions like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, revival. The severe economic active in order to grow those Through the Budget 2021, the Ampara, Monaragala and Mahiyanganaya. recession caused by the epidemic is investments. Thus, we generously economy is expected to grow by Moreover, the Company has allocated small areas an obstacle to efforts to revive the render a continuous service to invite you to work on raising the 5.5 per cent. It is also expected to of lands to families to cultivate land and supply farm economy. Meanwhile, despite some private sector institutes by the bar again. bring the macro-economic factors with maize, grass and other input materials, as an predictions that disruptions could Customs, Income Tax, Excise, On the first day of the Economic to a positive level and to maintain additional source of income. This initiative has occur, minimising them and Board of Investment, Electricity Summit, it seems to us that you the tax policy and so on. We put helped to increase the income level of these families strengthening the economy is and other relevant institutions discussed strategies to be launched forward the necessary proposals to by providing maise to the farm, harvesting and another challenge ahead of us. including institutions handling locally and globally. You also give a new impetus to the economy. maintaining grasslands within the estate. You are aware that the fuel, Ports, Airports, Banks, etc., discussed the role of the private We are sure that the board Government has adopted a fresh even amidst many difficulties. sector in this regard. In-depth members of the Chamber of approach to achieve certain goals Basically, the Government was discussions were held on how our Commerce are also interested to in this regard. To protect able to provide all services through country could continue to utilise help rejuvenate our economy. We businesses, the Government the utmost dedication of the the resources available to further are happy about the fact that the advised Banks and Financial country’s health sector, the three develop the country’s economic private sector has accepted the institutions to issue ‘loan waivers.’ armed forces, the police and the process. You also studied about, economic rehabilitation of the By properly managing the external village administration to control the how technology could be used to country as a liability for them as account of the Government and epidemic. The purpose of all these achieve an economic renaissance. well. This is a very important protecting the rupee, we minimised activities was to uplift the lives of Thus it is clear that you are making trend. We would like to thank public debt pressure. the people and to help businesses a great effort to put our country everyone in this regard on behalf to get back to normal. If we had back on a path of rapid growth. of the Government. Direct Financial failed to do so state-wide Moreover, after some of the The next few years are crucial Assistance businesses would have been sessions we attended today, the for our country as we decide on severely hampered; the entire Government agencies continue to our economic progress; it is a time Meantime, we succeeded by economy would be in danger of share ideas on how to be more for a strong upheaval. If we are to providing Direct Financial collapsing. Through that, the efficient. As everyone undoubtedly succeed in this we must all work Assistance to more than five million Government would not be able to acknowledges, Government together; challenges must be families to help them face the repay the debts it has taken. If that agencies play a special role in this managed properly and we also epidemic. We were also able to happened then the country would regard. need to implement fresh provide relief when it comes to the be in big trouble. By such a strategies. We sense that you are cost of living. Tax and leasing situation, there had been a 289 projects ready for this. concessions were given to small tendency for millions of individuals Today, we are announcing that As a Government we are ready and-medium-scale businesses to to lose their jobs. People would the government would be to accept those responsibilities keep them afloat. An extended have been left in a state of despair launching around 289 projects at and challenges. And we invite period was given to pay for water, and helplessness. a collective value of over Rs 5,000 everybody to join us, to take the electricity bills and license fees, Some must have eagerly waited billion to be implemented by country towards an economic and so on. until the country falls into such a Government Ministries and revival. We extend our heartfelt By involving public servants in all mess. Yet, in the midst of all these Departments. It is very important gratitude to all, including the these activities, this Government issues, our Government has been to complete them with the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Hans was able to increase their able to stabilise the economy. proposed budgets and on time. In Wijayasuriya. efficiency. Steps were taken to However, though we are satisfied addition, there are more than 400 B14 Ceylon FT thursday 3 december 2020 news Importers, exporters affected by freight rate increase

By Isuru Ranawana encounter is the rise in the not only shipping companies started to wane. This resulted least. from China to Sri Lanka at the prices as the increase in freight but also manufacturers, in a decrease in productivity The rate of inflation is also beginning of the year was USD The increase in freight charges directly affects the trading and retail companies as when it came to activities such comparatively lower in China 1,400. This had increased to charges has become a major price of the product. Even well, which will ultimately affect as cargo handling. Additionally, than in Sri Lanka. Since China USD 3,950 by end October. impediment for importers and though business is down, many the consumer. The main cause as some of the manufacturing is supported by the Chinese According to shipping exporters to carry on their companies have added only a for this increase in price is the companies went out of government, it was able to sources there is a tendency for businesses with shipping very low profit margin to their shortage of containers and business, thousands of increase their exports as they this situation to continue until companies having to cut down selling price in order to stay inadequate space on shipping containers were stuck in the were able to produce March 2021. They further on the number of shipping competitive. This is a vessels. port. Shipping lines also expeditiously and more explain that a favourable date containers due to the substantial hindrance faced by The COVID-19 pandemic that refrained from sailing the extensively than other for this situation to improve debilitating effect of the COVID- small and medium scale hit the country at the beginning standard number of ships due countries. Moreover, China cannot be precisely predicted 19 pandemic. businesses. of the year had a big role to play to the decrease in cargo. This increased the quantity of and as this was the first time This has become a major Let’s consider the main in the situation the industry resulted in an excess demand vessels sent to the US which our economy has had to deal concern to importers and rationale behind this situation. finds itself today as the year which precipitated an increase had a major impact on Sri with a crippling viral disease exporters as they have to incur This situation did not occur due come to an end. The problems in freight cost. Lanka as it resulted in a decline such as COVID-19, reinstating more than double the freight to the discrepancies in began with the quarantine On the other hand, China, in the ships coming to Sri the economy to previous levels charges than what they did at economic policy. As a matter of procedures and restrictions of the largest exporter of goods in Lanka. So these factors too will take much time and effort. the start of the year. fact, this situation occurred due people’s movements hit the port the world has managed COVID- contributed to the increase in (The writer is a director of The main barrier that to the COVID-19 pandemic. and the number of port 19 the best and as a result their freight cost. For example, the a leading exports and importers and exporters This rise in price will affect employees reporting for duty businesses have been hit the cost of a 40-ft container sent logistics company) Ideal Industries acquires Takas.lk Local e-commerce sales value expected to grow to US$ 400 million by 2022-23

With over three decades of disruption in-house, and to date has enabled are via e-commerce, thus the to the local automotive, manufacturing e-commerce businesses in Sri Lanka as opportunity is huge.” Since its and after-market solutions industry, well as overseas markets. acquisition by the Ideal Group, Takas. Ideal Group, headed by visionary Speaking at the launch, which was lk has quickly expanded into the gift entrepreneur Nalin Welgama, in limited to a few stakeholders, due to the giving segment, daily essentials, and keeping with his ethos of growth Covid situation, Welgama said cakes/flowers. “We will be working with through innovation, made a move “e-commerce is the way of the future Sri Lankan suppliers and empowering pertinent with the ‘new normal’ by and is the new normal. e-commerce is them, giving them the ability to acquiring one of the pioneers in the Sri Takas Management here to stay, and even when the Covid function on a basis of ‘business as Lankan e-commerce industry, Takas. situation eases, our lifestyles and usual’ during these difficult times”. lk. digital space with Takas.lk is both grown to be a household name in Sri methods of business have been Takas’ new location on Rosmead place Having invested heavily in developing timely and appropriate,” Welgama said Lanka. Indeed, Takas was the first irrevocably transformed. We will focus too is more convenient and better capacity in the Sri Lankan automotive adding “We promise to strengthen company to introduce cash on delivery on expanding market share as more equipped to service their customers. sector, Founder and Executive Takas.lk, making it the most valuable (CoD), and enable the tokenization of companies move their businesses Subsequent to the acquisition, the Chairman of the Ideal Group of e-commerce company in Sri Lanka. The credit cards. Since inception Takas has online. As per statistics, Sri Lanka’s existing Takas.lk management team Companies, Nalin Welgama, is collaborative synergies of the Ideal taken great pride in being a Sri Lankan annual domestic e-commerce sales including Lahiru Pathmalal will remain determined that a Sri Lankan built and Group of Company’s island-wide touch company that has served Sri Lankans value including services is an estimated to guide the company through its operated company be in the forefront of points will further enable us to provide both here and abroad, adding value US$ 40-60 million. This is expected to transition and will work together with e-commerce in Sri Lanka. “The Ideal an unmatched service, hitherto not and giving satisfaction. Furthermore, grow to US$ 400 million by 2022-23. the Ideal team for a stipulated period in Group has and always will be driven by experienced.” Takas.lk commenced the technology stack which Takas “Currently, only 0.3% of Sri Lanka’s their current roles, ensuring a seamless innovation, hence our foray into the operations in 2012 and since then has operates on has been built completely total annual retail sales (US$13 billion) transition. SPORTS THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 A15

Champions League Young set for Liverpool qualifies New Zealand debut Top-order batsman Will Young will make his New Zealand debut in the first Test against West Indies after BJ Watling was ruled out with a hamstring injury, captain Kane for knockout stage Williamson said on Wednesday. Tom Blundell will move down the Teenager Curtis Jones grabbed a order and take the wicketkeeping 58th-minute winner as an injury-hit gloves in Watling’s absence, with Liverpool qualified for the knockout stage Young opening the batting of the Champions League with a 1-0 win alongside Tom Latham at Seddon over Ajax Amsterdam at Anfield on Park in Hamilton on Thursday. Tuesday. Young was set to make his The victory ensured top spot in Group international debut against ‘D’ for Juergen Klopp’s side with 12 points Bangladesh in 2019 before the final after rivals Atalanta were held to a 1-1 Test in Christchurch was cancelled draw at home to Midtjylland. due to the mass shooting at mosques in the city. Ajax, with seven points, are a point “It’s an exciting opportunity for him at the top of the order and adrift of second-placed Atalanta and need I know he’s just looking forward to getting involved after some victory over the Italians in their final group near opportunities that didn’t eventuate,” Williamson told a game to reach the last 16. news conference. As well as Jones, Klopp had another Young, 28, averages 43.76 in first-class matches with 10 youngster to thank for their win as Ireland centuries, the most recent of which came for New Zealand ‘A’ Under-21 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher last week against West Indies. produced a vital save in the final stages of “Often you come into teams and you are trying to get a feel for his Champions League debut. the group, but he’s got that feel. He’s an experienced player; has Kelleher had been drafted in after first played a lot of first-class and to a very high standard,” choice Alisson Becker became the latest Williamson added. addition to Liverpool’s lengthy injury list A decision on the rest of the line-up will be made early on with a scan revealing a hamstring strain. Thursday, with all-rounders Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell With Neco Williams in at right back and Santner and fast bowlers Trent Boult, , Tim Jones in midfield there was a youthful feel Southee and Neil Wagner vying for five spots. to Liverpool, with experienced alternatives “It’s a great problem to have,” Williamson said. in short supply. New Zealand come into the two-match Test series having Jones rattled a shot against the post in beaten West Indies 2-0 in the series. the sixth minute after being set-up by (Reuters) Mohamed Salah, but Ajax fought their way into the game with former Everton midfielder Davy Klaassen proving influential. Kelleher was called into action in the Pakistan tour of New Zealand 32nd minute as he tipped over a blast from Noussair Mazraoui. After the break, Klaassen missed a Eighth Pakistani decent chance, heading wide at the near post, and the Dutch side should have gone 19-year-old Jones did well to guide it my debut in a Champions League game ahead when David Neres struck the post home at the back post. was massive and we got the win and after Kelleher had pushed out a Mazraoui Kelleher completed a memorable qualified. A great night,” said the Irish tests positive for effort. debut when he pulled off a vital save in keeper. Then came the decisive moment - Ajax the final minutes to keep out a header “That’s what I’m there for, I work every keeper Andre Onana badly misjudged a from Ajax’s veteran substitute Klaas- day in training to make sure I am ready COVID-19 cross from Williams and allowed the Jan Huntelaar and I was able to make a few good saves.” One more member of the Pakistan cricket squad touring New ball to float over his head where the “It was an amazing one for me, to make (Reuters) Zealand has returned a positive COVID-19 test, New Zealand’s Ministry of Health said on Wednesday, bringing the total tally of infections within the party to eight. The new case, confirmed in Canterbury, was one of three that were under investigation from Tuesday, with the other two still to be determined. A Ministry statement, which did not name the person who returned a positive test, said the team is not allowed to train until the Canterbury health officials are satisfied that any training activities are unlikely to result in transmission of COVID-19. Two of the eight confirmed cases for COVID-19 have been deemed ‘historic’ and not infectious, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) saying those players are in isolation in the facility with other members of the squad who have tested negative. The PCB, which has not identified those who tested positive, said all those who return negative tests are expected to be able to train in managed isolation. After another round of testing on Sunday, all the players who clear the 14-day health check will be allowed to leave the managed isolation facility. “The PCB has been maintaining a close contact with the Pakistan team management in New Zealand and have kept them updated on the return to training process,” the Board said in a statement. “The management and the players are fully supportive of the process and keen to get back on to the field as soon as they are compliant with the New Zealand Government rules.” (Reuters)

Malinda Pushpakumara () drives over the top (Dambulla Viiking) bowls (Dambulla Viiking) strikes

Lanka Premier League Dambulla Viiking in fi ne touch After an impressive win against Colombo Kings on Tuesday (1), Dambulla Viiking are third in the points table with four points, and has tightened their grip on the Lanka Premier League.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka (Dambulla Viiking) drives

All-rounder (Colombo Kings) Skipper Angelo celebrates a with his unique Mathews (Colombo dance steps Pacemen Anwar Ali (Dambulla Viiking) in action Kings) appeals Today - 3.30 pm Galle Vs Jaffna A16 THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2020 SPORTS Today - 7.30 pm Dambulla Vs Kandy I think I’m doing my job perfectly: Thisara As a batsman I work hard during practices; that’s why I’m successful

Thisara Perera seems to have as they are on top of the points unbeaten 44 delivery 97 against for my strength and to rotate the rediscovered himself lately, and table - unbeaten with three Dambulla Viiking which won the strike," said Perera. it can be seen at the Lanka consecutive wins. game for them. And on Tuesday Perera the bowler has stepped Premier League. So far, “As a team we did a good job. when the chips were again down up in the tournament too. He has everything he touches is turning We did struggle at first. I’m really against Tuskers, Perera smashed claimed five so far in three into gold, be it batting, bowling, proud of my bowling unit, another 68 off 28, and has now games and his captaincy has been fielding or captaining. because they stick to good areas hammered 12 sixes in the spot on with his bowling changes came into the and execute plans,” said Perera tournament. and fielding placement working tournament as the most after their win against Kandy "As a batsman I work hard perfectly for his team. prepared unit out of the five Tuskers on Tuesday night. during practices and that’s why “As captain I have to take teams. Perera said he and the Perera wasn’t needed to bat in I’m successful. I had a good responsibility. I think I’m doing coach had requested the the first game against Galle feeling after my last inning (97*) my job perfectly. We stick to our management to set up a training Gladiators, which Stallions won but this was a fresh start, a new plans that’s why we are camp ahead of the tournament, comfortably, but when he was inning without thinking about successful,” said Perera. which has now paid off for them, needed, he delivered with an the last one. And I always look (AK)

Thisara Perera

Afridi leaves LPL Thilina Wijesinghe faces 4-year doping ban midway due to Former Sri Lanka and Kandy SC full-back Thilina Wijesinghe has tested positive for use of a banned substance (metabolite anabolic steroid). He was personal reasons tested on 1 August 2019. The Disciplinary Committee of the Sri Lanka Anti- All-rounder Doping Agency (SLADA) found him guilty and has Shahid Afridi has banned him for 4-years effective from 21 August left the ongoing 2019 to 20 August 2023. He has the option of Lanka Premier appealing against the ban. League (LPL) During this period, he cannot take part in any midway because of sports or coaching activities. private issues. Thilina has been a consistent performer for Kandy Afridi, who was SC in the Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament for the skipper of the last few years, which paved the way for his , selection to the National team in XVs and Sevens shared the formats. rationale for leaving midway on Twitter to his fans. “Sadly, I’ve a private emergency to take care of. I’ll Lanka Premier League 2020 return to affix England secure again my staff at LPL instantly after Need to have serious the scenario is dealt with. All the series whitewash very best,” he discussion about wrote. Shahid Afridi during a practice session Afridi made his entry to LPL with a fielding: KJP splendid 20-ball half-century. He scored 70 runs in three matches with a fifty at an average of 23.33. Galle has found inning, while , who Gladiators is yet to register their first win in the themselves cornered in the changed the game at the back tournament. Lanka Premier League losing end, was dropped just after he three out of four games so far, came to the crease. Both these and every time it was their dropped chances proved costly fielding which let them down as they went on to lose the with at least five chances being games. dropped during the four games, In the match against including three in the first game, Dambulla Viiking, they dropped Pandya heroics which would have changed the Viiking skipper Dasun Shanaka outcome of the game. early in his inning, and he went Skipper Kusal Janith Perera on to make a match winning help India avoid (KJP) who had another 73, which cost Tuskers the disappointing outing against game. On Tuesday they Jaffna Stallions on Tuesday dropped Stallions skipper night, said that they need to Thisara Perera who won the clean sweep have a serious look at fielding if game for his team. India all-rounder Hardik they are to succeed in the Naveen Ul Haq has accounted Pandya scored his highest tournament. for four drops so far in the one-day international score “We had a plan but did not Kandy Camp. Apart from those of 92 to help his team post a execute well. Thing is we made drops Tuskers also made lots of total of 302 for five against a lot of mistakes in the field. We mistakes in the field where it Dawid Malan Australia in the dead rubber can’t accept that. It’s really hard cost them lots of extra runs, as third match of the series at to manage when we make well as gave breathing space to Dawid Malan scored an unbeaten 99 as England impressively the Manuka Oval on mistakes on the field,” said KJP. the opposition, which also chased down an imposing target to beat South Africa by nine Wednesday. “We made mistakes in all four caused a change of momentum. wickets at Newlands on Tuesday and complete a clean sweep of Pandya's unbeaten knock games. I’m really concerned Meanwhile, KJP also accepted their three-match Twenty20 series. in 76 deliveries featured about the fielding. We need to that their batting unit hadn't South Africa elected to bat after winning the toss and, after a seven fours and one six and have a serious talk about been up to mark in the previous spluttering start, reached 191 for three wickets. he added 150 in an fielding and do our best in the match. But a swashbuckling, record-breaking reply by Malan and Jos entertaining unbroken stand next game,” added KJP. “We won’t get big runs in the Buttler helped England to their target with 14 balls to spare. for the sixth-wicket with Luck has eluded the Tuskers power play every time, but 185 The tourists made 192-1 with Malan one shy of his century Ravindra Jadeja to provide so far in the tournament, where is gettable. We have to take and Buttler 67 in a T20 international record 167-run the touring side hopes of a their mistakes have cost them responsibility as a batting unit. second-wicket partnership, which came off 90 balls. win in the series. dearly. In the very first game We lost wickets at regular "It's exceedingly pleasing to win a game in such conditions as Jadeja smashed five fours (who made intervals,” said KJP. it builds confidence in the changing room," said England and three sixes in his 80) was dropped early in his (AK) captain Eoin Morgan. unbeaten 66 off 50 deliveries Brief Scores: India 5 for 302 South Africa, easily beaten by England in their opening two as the duo added 76 from the (Pandya 92*, Jadeja 66*, Kohli matches in the Cape, were again slow to get going and had last five overs of the match to 63, Agar 2-44) beat Australia 289 scored 64-3 in the 10th over when joined give India's scoring rate a late (Finch 75, Maxwell 59, Thakur at the crease. 3-51, Bumrah 2-43) by 13 runs boost. The pair then added an unbeaten 127 runs as Van der Hosts Australia have Dussen scored a career T20 high of 74 with the experienced Du already bagged the series with two victories in as many Plessis adding 52 not out. They smacked 84 runs off the final matches in Sydney, and both sides made multiple changes to five overs to set a testing target for the tourists. their teams for the final one-dayer. But England, after losing for 16 in their fourth India won the toss for the first time in the series and opted over, set about a poor home attack with some venom, to bat, having failed to chase Australia's score in the previous hammering the bowling to all parts of the ground including 40 two matches. runs off the 11th and 12th overs alone. The hosts bowlers, however, kept the batsmen under check Malan, who had scored 55 runs on Sunday in Paarl to help and reduced them to 152 for five in the 32nd over when India England clinch the series, continued where he left off at the captain was out for 63 to fast bowler Josh smaller Newlands, reaching his half century off 26 balls. Hazlewood for the third time in the series. He reached 98 with a four that tied the scores and then During his knock, Kohli became the fastest batsman to appeared unaware that he was one shy of his ton as he failed to reach 12,000 runs in the 50-over format, reaching the attempt a second run despite a fielding fumble. milestone in his 242nd innings. "I didn't calculate that too well. Maybe I must go back to The 32-year-old broke the record of India batting great and maths class," he joked afterwards. all-time leading run-scorer Sachin Tendulkar, who reached England and South Africa will now play three One Day the milestone in 300 innings. Internationals, starting at Newlands on Friday. (Reuters) Kusal Janith Perera (Reuters)

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