Rejectinghighlights recommendations of Ranugge Commission friday 28 august 2020 Sajith quizzes Govt Latest Edition By Gagani Weerakoon Vol: 09/219 Price : Rs 30.00 and Methmalie Dissanayake Moragoda tipped to be Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday (27), next SL envoy to India questioned the Government on why they rejected By Gagani Weerakoon recommendations given by the 15-member Salary Review Former Minister Commission headed by S. MilindaMoragoda is tipped to Ranugge, to remove the salary be the next Sri Lankan High anomalies in the public sector. Commissioner to India,...

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Presenting Vote on Account to Parliament Buddha Sasana Task Force Urges President Give Priority Don’t Rush To Promote PC Polls Investments The Buddha Sasana Ven. Ittepane Dhammalankara By Gagani Weerakoon and Task Force, submitting a Thera, Ven. Thirikunamalaye Methmalie Dissanayake letter to President Ananda Thera, Ven. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Dodampahala Chandrasiri Presenting the Vote on Account for has advised him against Thera, Ven. Matale the next four months to Parliament being hasty in Dhammakusala Thera, Ven. yesterday (27), Prime Minister Mahinda conducting the long Balangoda Sobitha Thera, Ven. Rajpaksa said the Government would deferred Provincial Akuretiye Nanda Thera, Ven. review all the project loans amounting Council (PC) Polls, Professor Medagama to around Rs 9 billion as priority should before the Government Nandawansa Thera, Ven. Prof. be given to promote investments rather could introduce much- Agalakada Sirisumana Thera, than depending on loans. needed political reforms. Ven. Kandegoda Wimaladhamma “When the former Government was The Task Force Thera and Ven. Vajiraramaye elected in 2015, the growth rate of the consisting of Chief Prelates Gnanaseeha Thera. economy was between five to six per cent. of the Buddhist Sects as well The Task Force has informed But by 2019, Sri Lanka had the as other leading monks had that the Government must also lowest growth rate in South Asia. also pointed out that it would look to seriously overhaul the In 2019, our economic growth also be unwise to press ahead election system here as well as to rate was just 2%. Also, there with the staging of the Poll, get rid of the threat posed to are a huge number of unsettled before the Government sovereignty and territorial bills in 2019. Due to these could introduce the 20th integrity through the 13th and reasons, the Government Amendment, Among the 16th Amendments, instead of would have to reduce monks who had signed the being unduly hasty in holding expenses,” he said. communiqué had been the delayed PC Poll. Ven. Ittepane Dhammalankara Thera Story Continued on page 2 CoL Cabinet Sub- Matale Mayor Speaker: PCoI MPs meals in Parliament Committee Approved suspended cannot summon fmr Fish meal Rs 950 By Thameenah Razeek COPE Chairman and vegetarian By Hewa P. By Gagani Weerakoon and Cabinet approved the Karunaratna Methmalie Dissanayake meal Rs 629 (Matale), Mahesh proposal tabled by President By Gagani Weerakoon and Ruwan (Yatawatta) Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint Speaker Mahinda Yapa Methmalie Dissanayake and K.L. Suraweera a Cabinet Sub-Committee on Abeywardana yesterday (Kandy) the cost of living (CoL). The (27), said the Presidential The controversy surrounding the price Cabinet Sub-Committee will Commission probing the of meals provided to Parliamentarians work to keep the cost of living Mayor of Matale, Daljith Batticaloa Campus Private surfaced once again, when an stable by providing policies and Nandalal Aluvihare, was Limited cannot summon Opposition MP sought the Speaker’s practical solutions. temporarily suspended former Chairman of the involvement in putting the record Cabinet Co-Spokesman Dr. from his position with Committee on Public straight on the costs involved,... Ramesh Pathirana said the immediate effect, based Enterprises (COPE), Sunil Sub-Committee will keep track on provisions in Sections Handunnetti to question Story Continued on of the market... 252, 277(1) and 277(2) of him about the COPE page 2 the MC Ordinance,... investigation on... Story Continued on page 2 Easter Attacks Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Several prominent SJB invitation to Karu Australia Every MP has the right politicians summoned proof of conspiracy – Vajira to express views to PCoI provides chemical The invitation extended by the Samagi Jana Speaker rules By Buddhika Samaraweera Balawegaya (SJB) to former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya is proof that the detection devices Wiggie’s maiden speech Several prominent political figures latter is having an underhand deal and is Several Australian-supplied handheld have been summoned to the Police Unit conspiring to sell the UNP to the SJB, UNP chemical detection devices were presented stays in Hansard of the Presidential Commission of Working Committee Member Vajira Abeywardena to the Acting Inspector General of Police, By Gagani Weerakoon and Inquiry (PCoI) probing the bombings on alleged yesterday (27). C.D. Wickramaratne yesterday, by Methmalie Dissanayake 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday, to record Speaking to the Media, Abeywardena said, that Australian High Commissioner to Sri statements. an individual, who defected from the UNP with 17 Lanka David Holly and Australian Federal Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa An official of the PCoI said former others to join the then Rajapaksa Government, Police Detective Superintendent Rob Abeywardena yesterday (27), informed Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti will talking about having lifetime membership in the... Wilson, the Police Department stated... Parliament that Thamizh Makkal Tesiya... testify before the Police Unit today (28),...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 friday 28 august 2020 news Clay and carpentry subjects to be reintroduced By W.K. Prasad Manju those involving clay and carpentry youths, but lamented that presently in the past, the student population school curriculum and stated these will be reintroduced with it had been deleted and conveniently had gained first-hand knowledge of subjects will not interfere with those State Minister of Women and Child professional training for the younger overlooked from the school it, while such subjects had proved to concerning Information Technology. Affairs, Pre-School and Primary generation. curriculum. be a livelihood for many as well. He added that discussions in this Education, School Infrastructure He said these vocations with Nishantha said, when vocations He said, vocational subjects such regard will be held with Education and Education Services, Piyal professional training had been such as those involving clay and as those involving clay and carpentry Minister, Professor G.L. Peiris and Nishantha said vocations such as existent a long time ago for the carpentry had been taught in schools will henceforth be included in the education officials shortly.

Continued from page 1 Speaker rules... Matale Mayor...... No. 12 of 1989, yesterday (27). ... Kootani (TMTK) Parliamentarian C.V. Give Priority... Central Province Governor, Attorney-at-Law Lalith U. Wigneswaran’s controversial maiden speech in the Premier Rajapaksa said, all 225 Parliamentarians have a responsibility to revive the Gamage, announced the suspension of Aluvihare, House on 20 August would not be removed from the national economy and requested all MPs to join hands with the President and the issuing an Extraordinary Gazette Notification on 25 Hansard, as every MP has the right to express his/ Government to develop the country. Rs 1,900 billion has been allocated for August. her views and the House protects that right. Government expenses from 1 September to 31 December this year with the debt ceiling Gamage meanwhile, appointed former High Court Wigneswaran, during the inaugural sitting of the at Rs 1,300 billion. The debate on the Vote on Account will be held today (28). Judge Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena to inquire into the Ninth Parliament, said, the people living in the irregularities committed by Aluvihare. North and East have a right to self-determination The report on the alleged misdeeds of Aluvihare is to be and that Tamils were the first inhabitants of Sri handed over within three months, the Gazette Lanka. He demanded the recognition of Tamil rights Notification further stated. and repeatedly said “every action has a reaction”. In addition, the current Deputy Mayor Matale, Responding to a Point of Order raised by Samagi CoL Cabinet... Sandanam Prakash, has been directed to perform the Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Manusha Nanayakkara ... demand and supply fluctuations, shortage, Dr. Pathirana said if they do duties. A group of officials from the Government and the who requested the Speaker to remove weather effects, seasonal product so, the local farmer will become Opposition ranks of the Matale MC, including Prakash Wigneswaran’s speech from the Hansard because it changes and international market discouraged and the production of and Amila Niroshan, had informed both the President allegedly violated both the privileges of the MPs and prices. Speaking to the Media yesterday turmeric might fall. and Gamage regarding acts of irregularities that had the Constitution, Speaker Abeywardena noted, (27) at the Department of Government While claiming the public should make allegedly taken place at the MC under Aluvihare’s watch. Wigneswaran made his speech within his rights as Information, Dr. Pathirana said they are sacrifices to gain more benefits, Cabinet Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) an MP. in a bid to reduce imports and increase Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Parliamentarian Rohini Kaviratna, issuing a media Nanayakkara: “The speech made by Wigneswaran exports. Prime Minister Mahinda the people will initially feel the shortage release in this connection, charged that Gamage had on 20 August has been printed in the unedited Rajapaksa and the Ministers of Trade, but later, they will be facilitated by the clearly exceeded the powers vested in him when version of the Parliamentary proceedings report. Agriculture, Fisheries and Plantation will benefit. “So there will be no turmeric in suspending Aluvihare with effect from yesterday. Following that speech, we raised a matter of be the members of the Sub-Committee this time period and people will suffer She claimed that the SJB condemns the political privileges and stated, his speech violates the oath he chaired by the President. Approval was but still the local farmer is encouraged to decision taken by Gamage to suspend Aluvihare from his had taken as a MP. We requested to remove the also granted to obtain the participation cultivate turmeric and then they will be post. speech but it has now been published in the of the State Ministers for the functions of able to sell their crop for a reasonable She further alleged that similarly, heads of Local Hansard. It should be revised and removed from the the Sub-Committee. When queried as to price and thereby all the sellers and Government bodies in areas such as Mabola and Hansard.” whether the Government is planning to buyers will get the opportunity to reap Mawanella had been suspended from service by the Speaker: “Your question is not a Point of Order. import turmeric to deal with the current the benefits,” he said. Provincial Governors. MPs have a right to express their opinions freely. That is everyone’s right. The House should protect that right. It doesn’t matter whether the MP is in the Government or the Opposition. Even you can express your views on this speech in the Chamber as well. Therefore, that speech would not be Australia provides... removed from the Hansard.” ... in a Media release. Training in post-blast crime scene Both Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Holly said: “Australia expresses and narcotic examination will be Several prominent... Shantha Bandara and Samagi Jana Balawegaya solidarity with Sri Lanka in facing the provided by the Australian Federal ... while former MP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam will (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara said that the speech in impact of the global threats of terrorism, Police to ensure the efficient and record a statement on 31 August. question should be removed from the Hansard. SJB organised crime and narcotics effective use of the devices. Also, former MP, Professor Ashu Marasinghe and MP Rauff Hakeem said, all MPs have the freedom of trafficking. Providing chemical detection The handheld chemical detection MP Ranjith Maddumabandara will record statements speech in Parliament, ensured by the Parliamentary devices will assist frontline Police devices’ key functionalities include: on 2 September. Former MP Mangala Samaraweera Powers and Privileges Act. The Speaker’s decision Officers to respond to these crimes.” portability, waterproof and built for and Leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal regarding the matter is perfectly correct. Wickramaratne said: “The Sri Lanka in-field use, ability to detect solids and Party, Sivanesathuri Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan Speaking later in the day, SLPP MP Rear-Admiral Police and the Australian Federal Police liquids, including through containers, a will be summoned to the Police Unit on 3 September. (Retired) Sarath Weerasekara also protested against have further enhanced this relationship wide range of operating temperatures In addition, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella will Wigneswaran’s maiden speech in Parliament. along with inter-Police cooperation, and environments, and the detection of testify before the Police Unit on 7 September, while He said: ‘Historical evidence proves that the operational partnership, and the explosives, toxic industrial chemicals, State Minister Dilum Amunugama is scheduled to Sinhalese are the first inhabitants of Sri Lanka. It is enhancement of professional chemical warfare agents, narcotics, record a statement on 8 September. sad that Wigneswaran has forgotten history.” standards.” precursors and white powders.

Fish meal... Speaker: PCoI...... stating that they do not while making a statement on These facts create a wrong ... the Campus. investigated the Batticaloa such a move and that he want to face the wrath of the this matter.” image. That is why people hate The Speaker made this Campus Pvt Ltd. would look into the matter. public. MP Marikkar: “The MPs.” remark in response to a “I want to know whether the Dissanayake in response Raising a point of order, newspapers have not reported Assistant Secretary privileges issue raised by PCoI obtained your said Handunnetti had sent a Colombo District Samagi Jana what you said. I hope that you General of Parliament Tikiri Jathika Jana Balawegaya permission to summon letter to the Speaker Balawegaya MP S.M. Marikkar will correct it here, so that it Jayatilake: “We have some Leader Anura Kumara Handunnetti. According to regarding the matter and the said there were newspaper would be telecast live.” MPs who had not even Dissanayake in Parliament. the Parliament Powers and latter informed Dissanayake reports stating that a meal of During the workshop on 25 obtained a single meal.” Dissanayake said that Privileges Act, the that he would send a letter of an MP costs Rs 3,000, but was August, Director (Finance) of MPs shouted that the Handunnetti has been Commission cannot question response to the PCoI. given at a subsidised price of Parliament A.S. Upananda statement amounted to summoned by the PCoI in a anyone involved in the COPE Dissanayake: Could a PCoI Rs 200. stated that a meal that costs lessening the value of the letter dated 21 August to investigation without the prior summon a COPE Chairman “People ask whether we eat Rs 3,000 is given to an MP at a orientation programme. appear before the approval of the Speaker,” or COPE Members and gold here for such a price. The rate of Rs 200. Upananda Deputy Secretary General Commission to give evidence Dissanayake said. question them about COPE fish served this morning in the made that statement while of Parliament Neil Iddawela: on his functions as the The Speaker said that he investigations? Parliamentary canteen was not speaking on the functions of “What we meant here is the Chairman of COPE which had not been informed about Speaker: No. They cannot. fresh. That is the situation of the food and catering and cost of a meal.” the food being served to the housekeeping departments of MPs shouted that the figures MPs here. We eat better at the Parliament. He stated that of the cost of a meal were home, but in the meantime an MP is charged Rs 100 for wrong and volunteered to there are reports that the cost breakfast, Rs 200 for lunch calculate the figure of a meal for an MP is Rs and Rs 50 for snacks and tea. themselves. 3,000. Someone has to correct Following the statement, new Iddawela: “In a day, around this and tell the truth. This MPs protested. 2,000 persons receive food SJB invitation... had been stated at the State Minister Dr. Seetha from Parliament and during ... UNP is nothing but a joke. conspiracies,” he added. He insisted that orientation programme for MPs Arambepola: “We had those Budget debates, the average “Since they cannot bring the UNP under they will not allow the UNP to fall into the at the Parliamentary complex meals during the past couple of number of persons who their clutches legally, they conspired to hands of conspirators who will only on 25 August. days, but I am sure that a partake of food is around seize the power of the Party through destroy it. (GW) The correct figures must be single meal would not cost that 3,000.” given. I am speaking on behalf much. The food given is not MP: “Are all persons in of all 225 MPs. The impression worth that much.” Parliament being given food?” the reports created is wrong. It MPs shouted that the matter Iddawela: “Yes. All working seems that the cost of all who should be corrected and that it at the Police, banks, the post are eating here is counted was a shame to state that they office and the Ceylon together to make a total sum eat at Rs 200, what was worth Electricity Board are given Moragoda tipped... and that is divided by 225 to Rs 3,000. food.” ... government sources instance where Sri Lanka is Deputy Minister for Plan arrive at the conclusion that Colombo District MP MPs said it would be better if claimed. appointing a head of a Implementation and one meal of an MP costs Rs Premanath C. Dolawatte: “I they brought food from home, Meanwhile, sources close diplomatic mission with Development. The last 3,000. Wrong figures had been do not think that this meal because there would be no to Moragoda confirmed that similar powers to that of a political post he held was as given at the 25 August costs Rs 3,000. We do not need blame on them. President Gotabaya Cabinet Minister. the Opposition Leader of the workshop. I hope the Speaker your food. We could bring food Iddawela: “That we could Rajapaksa in a bid to have Moragoda was a Member of Colombo Municipal Council. would correct this.” from home.” decide in the future. I have just close relations with Prime Parliament from 2001 to Moragoda also functioned Speaker Mahinda Yapa Dr. Arambepola: “I looked received the correct figures Minister Narendra Modi's 2010 and held key portfolios as a Senior Adviser to Abeywardena: “Were you there for where we would have from the audit branch. A meal government will appoint including Ministries of President Mahinda at the last session of the 25 access to a Rs 3,000 buffet with fish costs Rs 950, while a Moragoda with powers of a Justice and Law reforms, Rajapaksa and is closely August workshop, because meal. There is no such thing. vegetarian meal is Rs 629 for Cabinet Minister. Tourism, Economic Reforms, working with President there I gave the correct figures Do not publicise wrong facts. an MP.” This will be the first such Science and Technology and Gotabaya Rajapaksa as well.

Sajith quizzes... The commission was appointed by that existed in different sectors of the pensioners. The pensioners were the former President Maithripala Sirisena public service. But this Government ones who got affected most by this in 2019. Raising a question under suspended those salary increments move, he added. Standing Order 27(2), Premadasa said and appointed a new committee to “Also, what is the point of halting the former United National Front-led look into the problem again. We the monthly allowance of executive Government granted a salary incre- would like to know the reason behind officials in the public service? Would ment of Rs 10,000 and for all this move,” Premadasa said. the Government give a solution to the Government executive officers, a Furthermore, he said the problems faced by pensioners? monthly allowance of Rs 15,000. Government needed to give a clarifica- When would the new commission “We also decided to remove pension tion on halting salary increments rec- report regarding public service sala- -related anomalies based on new sal- ommended by the Ranugge ries be available?,” Premadasa ques- ary schemes and the salary anomalies Commission for public servants and tioned. news friday 28 august 2020 A3

Fmr SIS Director tells Easter Attacks PCoI Cabinet Approves Defence Secy aware of responsibilities tabling of draft Tax Bills By Buddhika Fernando, informed that Samaraweera National Thowheed By Thameenah Razeek Financial Act, No. 35 of 2018. Gammanpila said the economy meeting held on 27 November Jamath (NTJ) Leader Approval has also been is expected to return to normal 2019 for the introduction of a When any information Zaharan Hashim and Approval was granted to table granted to direct the Legal during the latter part of the year simple yet accountable, efficient is referred to the his followers were in Parliament the four draft Bills Draftsman’s Department to as a result of these remedies. tax methodology so that it would Secretary to the Ministry Islamic State (IS) prepared by the Legal formulate the drafts to revise The Cabinet of Ministers be a tailor-made application for of Defence, I do not ideologues and that they Draftsman’s Department. the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 approved these proposals all the stakeholders in the think it is necessary to could immediately be The draft bills are aimed at of 2017 and the Value Added submitted by the Minister of economy including consumers, make them aware of the motivated to launch a revising the National Building Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002. Finance, Premier Mahinda the workforce, entrepreneurs as steps to be taken in that terrorist attack. SDIG Tax Act, No. 9 of 2009, the Addressing the Media Rajapaksa. well as taxpayers. regard, as the Defence Jayawardena had also Economic Services Fees Act, No. yesterday (27) at the Gammanpila said that He noted that the Central Secretary is usually a requested Fernando to 13 of 2006, the Ports and Department of Government following a proposal submitted Bank of Sri Lanka has taken person who is inform the relevant Aviation Development Tax Act, Information, Cabinet by the President, the approval of steps to enhance the liquidity of knowledgeable about institutions in this No. 18 of 2011 and the Co-Spokesman Udaya the Cabinet was granted at its the financial market. the responsibilities and regard. role of that post, said Referring to this former State Intelligence report, Jayasuriya Service (SIS) Director, questioned SDIG Senior Deputy Inspector Jayawardena as to why General of Police (SDIG) he did not correctly Government subsidy for Nilantha Jayawardena. mention the institutions Family busted He was testifying that should have been before the Presidential informed about the irrigation of coconut lands with drugs in Commission of Inquiry information. (PCoI) probing the In response, he said it By Dilanthi Jayamanne cultivations in which the soil promising yield, it would affect bombings on 21 April was the responsibility of possibly needed to be oil production, he lamented. Mahiyangana 2019 Easter Sunday, on the SIS to bring certain The Government is to revitalised. He said that the existing 26 August. President’s issues to the attention of provide a subsidy for the The coconut palm grows coconut cultivation was about A family that was allegedly involved in Counsel Dilshan the authorities. irrigation of coconut lands with good soil irrigation and 1.1 million hectares. The the drug trade was busted during a raid Jayasuriya, appearing "Whoever holds the post while encouraging coconut heat which should be about cultivated areas would be on a home, at a location in for former Defence of Defence Secretary growers to cultivate high 30 degrees Celsius. increased by promoting Mahiyangana on 26 August, Police said Secretary Hemasiri accepts the appointment yielding varieties of coconut Pollination occurs in that coconut cultivation in the yesterday (27). Fernando, cross- only after they are aware saplings, Chairman of the temperature. However, the uncultivated lands of the The mother, father and their daughter examined SDIG of the nature and scope Coconut Development current climate change during Northern and Eastern parts of were arrested along with 11 grams of Jayawardena. of their duties, so we Authority (CDA), Jayantha which the heat increased to Sri Lanka. In addition, the law heroin, 148 mobile phones, nine Some time before the believe that they have Wickramasinghe said. over 33 degrees Celsius on the sale of coconut lands National Identity Cards (NICs), three Easter Sunday the necessary knowledge Responding to questions resulted in a minor drop in the for residential plots would be driving licences, and Rs 189,000 in Bombings, the SIS had, on such matters," he from Ceylon Today, yield this year. Last year, the amended, bringing down the cash. in a report sent to added. Wickramasinghe said that country was able to produce number of acres from 10 to They added that two other close coconut growers would also 40,000 metric tonnes of five for which Government relatives of the family are currently in be encouraged to apply coconut oil. However, this approval should be remand custody on drug related fertilizer to long-term year, without such a sanctioned, he added. charges. Investigations have revealed that the suspects had been arrested earlier for Thirteen Chinese the same offence but were released after they successfully argued their cases in Nats Arrested Excessive use of plastic needs to stop Court. Meanwhile, one person was taken into custody along with three A group of 13 Chinese rounded up by By Eunice Ruth that are present in many – Marine Biologist kilogrammes of heroin from a location nationals, including personnel from the items including textiles, in Urugodawatte. nine women, were Special Task Force (STF) The increasing consumption cosmetics, manufacturing, parts as these ingested Cash amounting to Rs 600,000, rounded up from a hotel who had reacted on a of micro-plastics and the and packaging. particles pass through the several Automated Teller Machine cards in Mount Lavinia on 26 tip-off to Pugoda STF pollution caused thereby can Meanwhile, he noted that in digestive track, but the and a vehicle was also seized from the August night, along with office. lead to major long-term Sri Lanka, annually 1.59 difference is that it takes suspect. The detection was made by 10,300 smuggled The group was later negative ecological impacts, metric tons of mismanaged much longer to digest than sleuths from the Colombo Crimes cigarettes and for visa handed over to the said marine biologist and plastic ends up in the ocean regular food, he added. Division. (LB) violation, the Police said. Mount Lavinia Police for Co-Founder of the ‎Blue and as a result 90 per cent of He urged the public to The group was investigation (LB) Resources Trust Nishan sea species ingest these items. reduce the use of plastics Perera. In some small animals, they whenever possible and most Speaking to Ceylon Today prevent the normal importantly to improve waste regarding the negative impact functioning of their digestive management by recycling to of using micro-plastics, he tract and block their gills. He reduce the amount of waste Three flyovers to be constructed at Slave Island noted that we need to stop the noted that micro-plastic discarded into the usage of plastic as the first particles can easily get environment. He requested By Thameenah Razeek Mawatha close to the Slave Johnston Fernando tabled the step. He noted that other transferred into the human the public to use sustainable Island Railway Station. project proposal and called for chemicals present in micro- body through other disease alternatives which are more The Cabinet of Ministers The flyover above bids from eligible local plastic particles can be toxic vectors which carry infectious environmental friendly. approved a proposal to Uttarananda Mawatha will be contractors for the construction and lead to unexpected pathogens and also can be He requested the relevant construct three flyovers across 420 metres high and Judge of the three flyovers. The carcinogenic effects. inhaled through respiration authorities to implement railway lines at Uttarananda Akbar Mawatha will be 350 estimated cost of construction Perera further noted that and get embedded in the precautionary principles to Mawatha and Judge Akbar metres. Minister of Highways, is Rs 6 billion. micro-plastics are any type of organs. In the human body, mitigate potential impacts by plastics which are smaller the lungs and the digestive reducing, reusing and than five milimetres in size tract are the most effected recycling plastic. Indian Army holds virtual Catholic Expression writes to 21/4 attack probe PCoI experts’ level interaction Intell units paid more attention A virtual experts’ level interaction through a webinar was organised between the to Methodist churches Indian Army and the Sri Lanka The Catholic Expression ‘The reason for this lodged with the Human Army Medical Corps yesterday movement, submitting a increased attention to Rights Commission of Sri (27). letter to the Presidential Methodist churches had been Lanka on 16 April 2019 due The aim of the webinar was to Commission of Inquiry, due to an attack directed at a to the failure on the part of discuss standard operating probing the 2019 Easter Methodist Church situated in the Police Department to procedures, best practices and Sunday terror attacks, has Kumbichchankulama in the conduct an impartial probe issues concerning COVID-19 said that from the inquiry Anuradhapura District as into the attack. management by both the proceedings that are reported well as the forced detention of The Catholic Expression Armies, with a special focus on in the local Media, it is clear its Priest and devotees, by a said that there is suspicion as ‘force protection and that local intelligence units terror group on 14 April last to whether the two attacks preservation measures.’ the region and as evolved by the Meanwhile, eight officers and having ignored the initial year,’ the letter claimed. have had any links and on The event also saw the respective Armed Forces. In cadets from the Sri Lankan information received from The Catholic Expression whether the Police had participation of expert teams addition, issues about the Armed Forces were dispatched overseas Intelligence units has said that a complaint intentionally attempted to from both sides, wherein the evolving trends of the pandemic to various institutes of the had paid more attention regarding the attack directed sweep the attack on the discussion included aspects of and steps taken to ensure Indian Armed Forces on a instead to provide security to at the Methodist Church in Methodist Church under the containment, management and future management were also special flight on 25 August to local Methodist churches. Anuradhapura had been carpet. mitigation measures specific to discussed. undergo important courses. A4 friday 28 august 2020 news Adm Weerasekera tears Wiggy apart

By Gagani Weerakoon and Weerasekera said Rs 174 billion had written history of over 2,500 years, but Jaffna, said that the Sinhalese and the needs to give an explanation for his Methmalie Dissanayake been allocated for defence related with an even longer Sinhala history. The Muslims had no right to live in the actions. As pointed out by MP expenditure at a time when there is ruins and historical monuments spread Jaffna Peninsula. He attended Royal Manusha Nanayakkara, such racist Challenging Tamil Parliamentarians in peace. He said that after 30 years of war, throughout the country is testament to College, Colombo, and studied among statements should be removed from the Opposition to prove that they have there is peace and in case this peace is the history based on the Sinhala the Sinhalese, then went to the Law the Hansard. genuine concern for the welfare of the compromised, the Government would civilization. Hence, knowing of this past College and studied with the Sinhalese, “Similarly, MP Gajendrakumar Tamil people, State Minister of Provincial allocate more from the Vote on Account very well, these statements that are and afterwards, went on to become a Ponnambalam said that the Sri Lankan Councils and Local Government, Retired for defence-related expenditure. intended to ignite disharmony should be Magistrate, a High Court Judge and a Armed Forces committed war crimes Admiral Sarath Weerasekara yesterday He said if anyone is trying to instigate strongly condemned. Supreme Court Judge and lived among and committed mass murder which was (27) claimed that the so-called the youngsters and create hatred “Somehow, we must be concerned the Sinhalese and Muslims for 65 years the reason why President Gotabaya representatives of the Tamil people between Sinhalese and Tamils and is about his statement about self- and has the audacity to go to Jaffna Rajapaksa lost the Election in the North. would not even donate blood for the laying the foundation for another determination. This particular MP is thereafter and claim that the Sinhalese However, I want to ask him how come people they represented. conflict, then their true nature should be asking for self-determination like a child and Muslims have no right to live in the former Army Commander, Field Marshal “I asked them if they have ever exposed. In the event these demanding for stuff from his mother at a North. Sarath Fonseka who commanded the donated blood for their own people. unscrupulous elements manage to supermarket. He is asking for self- “This MP is eternally insulting the Army during the war won so many votes When the Jaffna Hospital runs out of mislead these youngsters and there is determination to fulfil the aspirations of Government and the Sinhalese in the North when he contested the blood, it is the Sinhalese soldiers who unrest in the country again, the defence the Tamil people. Now, if self- people, Buddhism and the Sinhala Presidential Election. Therefore, I don’t donate blood. The Vellalas will never expenditure would be more than what is determination is given to the North to language and engages in protests in think his utterances should be taken donate their blood as they don’t want allocated now, he said. fulfil the aspirations of the Tamils living Killinochchi demanding the removal seriously as they are baseless. the low caste people to receive their “On the inaugural day of the in the North, then what about the of Buddhist statues. He is none other “Moreover, although he claims that blood. These are the very people who are Parliament, one Party Leader went out of Tamils living in the South? More than 50 than MP C.V. Wigneswaran. This the Sri Lankan Armed Forces committed talking about the aspirations and track and mentioned about self- per cent of the Tamils are living in the same MP takes his oaths in war crimes and heinous crimes, experts welfare of the Tamil people. They don’t determination and the supremacy of the South among the Sinhalese and the Mulliwaikkal prior to taking oaths in in the field such as Desmond de Silva, have the right to talk about the Tamil language. This August assembly Muslims. Does this mean that he is not Parliament. This spot is where the Geoffrey Nice, David Crane, Professor aspirations of the Tamil people. We have is not a place to decide on whether one concerned about the aspirations of the most intense battles took place. Michael Newton, Rodney Dixon and a bigger right to talk about the Tamil language is superior than another. But, Tamils living in the South or is he fully There, many were killed and the battle Major General John Holmespic, after people,” he claimed. we can sympathise with him thinking convinced that their aspirations have was for a separate State and him extensive investigations, cleared the Sri He expressed these sentiments while that he is clueless about the true history already been met? taking oaths at this very spot is a Lankan Armed Forces of committing war participating in the debate on the Vote of Mother Lanka. “This particular MP, when he was clear manifestation that he too is on crimes and crimes against humanity on Account. “Not only are we a country with a holding a very responsible position in the same agenda. Hence, he definitely during the last phase of the war.”

Sampayo’s revision application Speaker names 26 to Parliament Business Committee

By Gagani Weerakoon and Appellate Court grants leave Methmalie Dissanayake Ramanthan, Leader of the House Karunathilaka, Rauff Hakeem, Anura and Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Kumara Dissanayake, Dilan Perera, By Kamal Weeraratna The interdicted Sampayo had filed Speaker Mahinda Yapa Leader of the Opposition Sajith Rishad Bathiudeen, Ranjith the said revision application, praying Abeywardena yesterday (27) Premadasa, Chief Government Whip Maddumabandara, Mano Ganesan, The Court of Appeal yesterday (27) the Court of Appeal, to revoke the announced the names of 26 and Minister Johnston Fernando, M.A. Sumanthiran and Ali Sabri granted leave to hear the revision verdict of the Negombo Chief Parliamentarians who had been Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Raheem. application filed by the interdicted Magistrate’s Court and to enlarge appointed to the Parliamentary Kiriella, Ministers Chamal Meanwhile, the composition of the Negombo Prison Superintendent him on bail. On 22 July, following Business Committee of the Ninth Rajapaksa, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Committee on Public Accounts Anuruddha Sampayo, challenging directions from de Livera, the CID Parliament. Professor G.L. Peiris, Douglas (COPA) and the Committee on Public the remand order issued by the obtained arrest warrants, from the The Committee is headed by the Devananda, Dullas Alahapperuma, Enterprises (COPE) was also Negombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. Negombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, Speaker as per Standing Orders and Wimal Weerawansa, Mahinda announced. Each Committee will Hearing of the application was fixed for Sampayo and three other officials comprises the Deputy Speaker Amaraweera, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, comprise 22 Members and the names for 24 September. of the Negombo Prison,. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Deputy Prasanna Ranatunga and MPs of the Committee Members will be The revision application filed by Warrants had been issued on Chairman of Committees Angajan Mahinda Samarasinghe, Gayantha made public soon. the interdicted petitioner Sampayo Sampayo, Chief Jailors Sarath was perused by a two-Judge Bench Bandara and Nishantha Senaratne comprising Justices Kumuduni and Jailor Kalinga Kaluaggala. Wickremasingha and Devika Kaluaggala surrendered to the CID Abeyratna. on 25 July and was subsequently Electrical Superintendent blamed for power outage The incarcerated petitioner was remanded, while Bandara and represented in Court by President’s Senaratne surrendered to the Counsel Shavendra Fernando. The Negombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, Govt discussing action to be taken respondents include the Acting 96 hours later. Inspector General of Police They were subsequently remanded – Rambukwella Chandana D. Wickramaratna, the after being produced in Court. Director of the Criminal Meanwhile, Sampayo had filed a By Thameenah Razeek interim report of the independent to implement precautions following Investigations Department (CID), writ petition at the Court of Appeal, committee on the island-wide power the actions recommended through and Attorney General Dappula de seeking an injunction preventing While blaming a particular Electrical failure that occurred on 17 August investigations further conducted on Livera, were meanwhile, issued him from being arrested by the CID. Superintendent for the island-wide which was handed over to the Cabinet the particulars in the committee notice to present submissions in this Sampayo, who was evading arrest blackout which occurred on 17 on 26 August has recognised the non- report. connection on 21 September. after being issued warrants, was August, Cabinet Spokesperson availability of a disaster management When questioned as to whether, the The petitioner said that the apprehended on 2 August, in Keheliya Rambukwella said, the methodology for monitoring and Ministry of Power or the Ceylon Negombo Chief Magistrate’s Court Kurunegala, before being transferred Cabinet is discussing the matter on maintenance. The report has Electricity Board (CEB) has kept faith had dismissed the bail application to the CID in Colombo and what action the Government should furnished 11 more recommendations on one officer who can cause a nation- filed by his Attorneys. remanded. take against the officer in question. including the urgency of having a wide blackout, Gammanpila said, the However, Cabinet Co-Spokesman, more reliable monitoring and CEB and its operations are technically Minister of Energy Udaya maintenance methodology for the hard to understand and that the Gammanpila said, there is no need to prevention of disasters. proper procedure regarding the officer rush any procedure against the officer “The cause for the total power and his duties will be taken after No Parliamentary Tradition; even in question and said the Cabinet is outage was a mistake which occurred considering the technical side of the focused on the backup plans that from an officer responsible for general report. Members of PCs could elect them should have been in place after the maintenance at that time in the Fielding a question, Rambukwella blackout and the ways of preventing Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation,” he claimed, the blackout occurred 96 such an electric disruption. noted. The Cabinet meeting headed by hours after the Minister of Power Committee Chairs need not Addressing the Media yesterday (27) the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Dullas Alahapperuma had assumed at the Department of Government has mainly concentrated on the duties and therefore the entire blame be from Opposition – PM Information, Rambukwella said, the estimates for the investments required cannot be placed on the Minister.

By Gagani Weerakoon and Jayamaha said, that was the Methmalie Dissanayake tradition of the Parliament to appoint the Chairmen of the COPA Prime Minister Mahinda and COPE from the Opposition Fmr CIABOC DG files Motion against Rajapaksa yesterday (27) said, side. He queried if the newly there is no Parliamentary tradition elected Speaker Mahinda Yapa that the Chairmen of the Abeywardena would follow the Bogollagama’s complaint Committee on Public Finance practice of the predecessors. (COPF), the Committee on Public In response, the Speaker said, PCoI response on 11 September Accounts (COPA) and the the Committees mentioned by Committee on Public Enterprises Jayamaha are not Special By Faadhila Thassim The Lawyer, appearing for was pertaining to an incident that took (COPE) should be appointed from Parliamentary Committees. Wickramasinghe, said yesterday (27) place during a period which did not the Opposition. Therefore, the Chairmen should be A Motion has been filed on behalf of that Bogollagama does not fall within fall within the time mandated for the He made this remark while elected by the members appointed former Director General of the the definition of a public official as PCoI, and thereby questioned the answering a question raised by to each Committee, he noted. Commission to Investigate Allegations defined in the Constitution and that jurisdiction of the PCoI to proceed with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, joining the of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), he could not lodge a complaint at the the complaint. Premadasa. discussion said, according to the President’s Counsel Dilrukshi Dias PCoI. The PCoI held that a response would Premadasa asked the Premier British Parliamentary tradition, the Wickramasinghe, at the Presidential PCoI Chairman, retired Supreme be given on 11 September. what the latter’s stance was on the Chairmen of the COPA, COPE and Commission of Inquiry appointed to Court Judge, Justice Upali Abeyratne, Bogollagama filed a complaint at the appointment of the Chairmen for COPF were appointed from among probe political victimisation of public in response said that It has already PCoI stating that he was politically the three Committees is, after the Opposition MPs. officials during the tenure of the been decided that any individual could victimised due to a case filed against Samagi Jana Balawegaya Rajapaksa replied, the MPs who United National Front-led lodge a complaint before the PCoI and him by CIABOC accusing him of Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara are appointed as members of Government, with regard to naming that this was the basis for proceedings misappropriating public funds during Jayamaha had said, under Parliamentary Committees (PCs) her as a respondent to a complaint into the complaint . his tenure as the Head of the Board of Standing Order 103, the Speaker could elect the Chairmen of the lodged by former Governor of the The Lawyer further said the Motion Investments in 2006 and that should appoint the Chairmen to respective Committees at their own Eastern Province, Rohitha was also with regard to the fact that Wickramasinghe was one of the main each Special Committee. will. Bogollagama. the complaint lodged by Bogollagama person’s why he was victimised.

Sergeant Gamage tells PCoI he was coerced to be State witness

By Faadhila Thassim concerning the disappearance of from Colombo using an Army vehicle. appear as a State witness, claiming Senanayake at the meeting stated Journalist, Prageeth Ekneligoda. He added, there was documented to have previously succeeded in that Abeysekara and Prematileke had Army Intelligence Staff Sergeant Gamage, testifying before the PCoI proof that the said vehicle did not obtaining the death sentence in over stated that I had agreed to appear as Tharanga Prasad Gamage said, former appointed to probe into the political travel to Colombo on the day of the 25 cases including that of former a State witness and questioned me if CID Director, SSP Shani Abeysekara victimisation of public officials disappearance of Ekneligoda. Parliamentarian Duminda Silva,‘’ he I did so, to which I replied I had not. and SI Prematileke attached to the CID during the tenure of the United ‘’Prematileke and Police Sergeant said. He further added, having Sennayake also told me that in 2018 had falsely informed the National Front-led Government, Mendis attached to the CID, who refused to do as he was told, he was Abeysekara and Premathileke had former Army Commander Mahesh yesterday (27) said, he was questioned me, threatened to arrested and released on bail also stated that the case could end Senanayake that I had agreed to summoned to the CID where he was sentence me to death if I did not following which he was called for a quickly if I testify as a State appear as a State witness for the case accused of kidnapping Ekneligoda accept such an accusation and meeting with Senanayake. witness. News Friday 28 august 2020 A5

Presenting Minimum Age of Marriage Bill Lion’s Club blood MP Premitha Tennakoon donation The Lion’s Club of Millennium City, Athurugiriya, has organised a blood donation programme tomorrow (29). The programme is scheduled to take place at the National gets public support Blood Transfusion Centre at 555/5, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those who wish to donate blood are invited to register on 0762 030 400. By Ruwan Laknath marriage for all (Minimum Age Women’s rights activist Wijemanne in this regard. He Jayakody of Marriage Bill), and to amend Shreen Abdul Saroor, speaking is doing this for children and the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) to Ceylon Today, stated this women. He is standing up for A group comprising Muslim and the Marriages (General) aforesaid group would extend what is right.” women, including child brides Ordinance, No. 19 of 1907/ their fullest support to Tennakoon was quoted in a and teen mothers, civil society Marriage Registration Tennakoon’s endeavour, print Media report as saying Govt Science Faculties activists working on Ordinance, No. 19 of 1907 including if required defending the Minimum Age of Marriage introducing reforms to the (hereinafter known as the the content of these Bills Bill’s intention is to ensure No enrolments since 2017 Muslim Marriage and Divorce Ordinance). before law. that the State fulfils its Act (MMDA), No. 13 of 1951, The Amendment to the CPC She also defended national and international Samagi Jana Balawegaya Advanced Level Examination and lawyers, expressed seeks to amend Section 627 of Tennakoon against criticisms obligations (under the Parliamentarian Rohini results of 2018 as well as of support to Parliamentarian the CPC by removing the including a mudslinging Convention for the Elimination Kaviratna, said students had last year, most students who Premitha Bandara Tennakoon words “between persons campaign levelled against him of All Forms of Discrimination not been enrolled at received the highest marks who has sought to introduce professing Islam” and by certain sections of the against Women and the Government Science continue to languish at home. 18 years as the minimum age replacing such words with the society including some Muslim Convention on the Rights of Faculties since 2017. Hence, she urged the of marriage for both sexes. words “in terms of the MMDA.” men who allege on social the Child, to which Sri Lanka She stated despite the Government to seriously On 26 August, Matale The Amendment to the media that Tennakoon is a is a party to) to protect the release of the General consider enrolling students to District Sri Lanka Podujana Ordinance, seeks to amend the racist. rights of children. Children Certificate of Education the Faculties. Peramuna MP P.B. Tennakoon long title of the Ordinance, by “Tennakoon is not a racist, must be treated as children handed over to the Secretary removing the words “other but a moderate who believes in and this Bill’s intention is not General of Parliament, three than the marriages of Muslims the ‘one country, one law’ to marginalise anyone, he said. Private Member Bills which and” and by substituting the concept, which respects He had also pointed out that had previously been presented interpretation of “marriage” Constitutional supremacy and Sri Lanka has an international to the Eighth Parliament by under Section 64 of the said considers that the law should obligation to introduce a Police rescue woman then Chairperson of the Ordinance with the following be uniform and eschew standard minimum age of 18 Parliamentary Sectoral text for marriage to mean - inequality. He pledged his years without exception for all, Oversight Committee on “any marriage contracted support to this matter even regardless of religion or from reservoir Women and Gender, Dr. under this Ordinance save and prior to his election to personal laws. A standard age Police officers attached to Three Police officers who Thusitha Wijemanne. These except marriages contracted Parliament. He met us during will guarantee and protect the the Thambuththegama Police were on duty in the area had Bills seek to introduce 18 under the Kandyan Marriage this week to discuss this rights of all children, he had Station rescued a 21-year-old noticed a young woman jump years as the minimum age of and Divorce Act or the MMDA.” matter and also consulted Dr. opined. woman who jumped into the into the Reservoir and had Rajanganaya Reservoir with acted immediately to rescue the intention of committing the woman from drowning. suicide on 26 August. She has since been Police said, the woman was admitted to the a resident of Oluwela in Thambuththegama Hospital. 26,000 plus expats Nochchiyagama. (NJ) repatriated By Paneetha Ameresekere Maruthamunai Beach Currently, 26,000 plus expatriates have been repatriated and 55,000 more are to be repatriated on a staggered basis, Army Commander and Head of the Main Road being National Operation Centre for the Prevention of the COVID-19 Outbreak, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said in Colombo on 26 August. renovated Speaking to the Media, he said only some Sri Lankan expatriates arriving in the country have been By Naalir Jamaldeen and Farook Shihan currently confirmed as being positive for the COVID- 19 virus and that no positive cases have been reported Moves are underway to renovate the Maruthamunai Beach from within the country in the past couple of months. Main Road and turn it into a carpeted road. As of 26 August, 7,058 are still in quarantine in 65 Nearly 1,820 metres from Pandiruppu to Periya Neelavanai quarantine centres (QCs) and a total of more than will be developed under this programme, 32,000 upon completion of quarantining, have left for Additional Director of the Provincial Road Development their homes. The Army has deployed one medical Authority, Engineer I.L. Ameenul Bhari, inaugurated the officer to each QC in addition to security being development work undertaken on the road. It was pointed out provided to all QCs and hotels functioning as QCs Sri Lankan YMCA 45th Anniversary that many who frequent the region use this road. where expatriates are in quarantine, Silva said. Acting Director-General of Health Services, Dr. S. Sridharan, who also spoke at this event, said Convention tomorrow polymerase chain reaction testing by the State sector has been increased up to 2,000 a day, and the private The Sri Lankan Young Men’s Director, V. Rajendran. SDIG Jayawardena tells Easter sector has increased such testing up to 1,000 tests Christian Association (YMCA) “I invite all members of Y’s Attacks PCoI per day. He also said random tests are being network and its communities Men to join us tomorrow at the conducted. will hold its 45th anniversary Kingsbury Hotel where we convention tomorrow (29) in shall hold the convention with Other officials didn’t focus Colombo. the proper COVID-19 “Sri Lanka Y’s Men Region protocols,” Rajendran added. on Zaharan et al now has a network of nine Details on the latest clubs across the country and 45th Regional Convention are By Buddhika Islamist extremism and Third year functions under Y’s Men now available on Samaraweera Zaharan. International,” said Regional srilankaysmen.org. He further said, he had commemoration Although I was well aware requested the NSC to deploy of National Thowheed Jama- a special team to arrest of Late Minister Azwer ath Leader Zaharan Hashim, Zaharan in 2018. If they had his followers, their activities acted on the information The third year memorial ceremony and the and other matters pertaining provided, Zaharan and his commemorative oration of the Late Minister A.H.M. to Islamist extremism, other group would not have been Azwer, organised by the All Ceylon Union of Muslim officials did not focus on able to launch a bomb attack, League Youth Front, will be held at 9 a.m. on 30 CEB fails to submit them, said former State he added. August at its Head Office at K.G. 7, Elvitigala Intelligence Service (SIS) The SIS had reported that Mawatha, Colombo 8. Secretary of the Front, M.Z. Islandwide Blackout Info Director, Senior Deputy Zaharan was also connected Ahmad Munawwar said yesterday (27), former Sri Inspector General of Police to the stock of explosives Lankan Ambassador to Iran and the President of the By Thameenah Razeek committee appointed by the (SDIG) Nilantha found in Wanathavilluwa. Moors Islamic Cultural Home, Omar Kamil will deliver Minister of Power Dullas Jayawardena. But no action was taken on the commemorative oration under the title “Concluded The CEB failed to submit certain Alahapperuma said the blackout He was testifying before the any of them, he further said, General Election and Muslims”. information and data with regard occurred because of human error, Presidential Commission of and added that if the weekly During the event, scholarships will also be given to to the 17 August islandwide the PUCSL is not ready to take Inquiry probing the bombings Intelligence review meetings selected students from poor families who are studying blackout, the Public Utilities actions based on it. “We will on 21 April 2019, Easter were properly held in for their GCE Advanced Level. Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) analyse the data and information Sunday, yesterday (27). January and February 2019, Please call 0714790063 to confirm your stated. and then observe what our He said since 2016, he had more information about participation. (NJ) The PUCSL requested the CEB investigations tell us before taken steps to refer a number Zaharan and others could to submit a report within 72 hours making a decision,” he said. of issues related to Islamist have been provided. from the day the blackout Herath said that the only thing extremism to the relevant In response to a question occurred. The CEB botched their that delays their decision is the agencies, including the from a Member of the PCoI as responsibilities and hadn’t CEB’s lethargy with regard to National Security Council to why the meetings were not submitted the required providing information that was (NSC) and added that it held, he said the procedure information to the PUCSL. requested by the PUCSL. He also would be problematic if was for the meetings to be Jaffna MC bans use Communications Director at the noted they will definitely look into responsible officials in convened by the Defence PUCSL, Jayanath Herath the wrongdoers and take legal institutions such as the Secretary and that he could of polyethylene yesterday (27) said that even action against them regardless of Ministry of Defence stated not comment on why they though the report issued by the their status. they were not aware of were not held. By Naalir Jamaldeen

The Jaffna Municipal Council has banned the use of polyethylene (polythene) wrappings and bags being used in the hotels, restaurants and business PCoI probing political victimisation of public officials establishments within the Municipality limits from 15 September. According to a Council official, the resolution to ban Col Pieris says his arrest was on baseless grounds the use of polyethylene items was passed last year, while implementing it officially was postponed, By Faadhila Thassim public officials during the tenure of the United discussions that I should be arrested. following a request made by owners of restaurants and National Front-led Government, to provide Discussions were held in this regard at business establishments because they couldn’t The CID recorded statements from him with statements with regard to his complaint that Temple Trees where former Premier Ranil change to the alternative immediately. regard to the disappearance of Journalist his arrest in relation to the disappearance of Wickremesinghe and politicians including The decision to implement the resolution was taken Prageeth Ekneligoda by which they attempted Ekneligoda was politically motivated. Parliamentarians Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and during the monthly meeting convened on 25 August and to confirm allegations of the former Secretary Pieris added that he was summoned to the Mangala Samaraweera were present,’’ he chaired by Mayor Emmanuel Arnold. of Defence and incumbent President, CID on five occasions and on the final added. Pieris further said his arrest was The official added that enough time has been given Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s involvement, said occasion he was summoned to give condicted on baseless grounds and that his and that restaurants, hotels and business Lieutenant Colonel Radeesh Pieris. statements and arrested without being given wife was also questioned on several occasions. establishments within the Municipal limits have been Pieris testified on 26 August before the any reason for the arrest. He added that Sub Inspector of Police of the asked to use lotus, teak and banana leaves as Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed ‘’Prior to my arrest, I was informed by CID, Premathilake had questioned him along immediate alternative materials to wrap things. to probe into the political victimisation of Intelligence sources that there were with two other officers. Message from Message from Prime Minister About Central Bank of Sri Lanka The Central Bank of Sri international relations by Mahinda Rajapaksa Lanka (CBSL) is the apex The Vision of The Mission of being the focal point of contact I congratulate the Central Bank of Sri Lanka authority entrusted with the the CBSL the CBSL for multilateral financial for its remarkable journey of 70 years, which has mandate of maintaining international organizations, President Gotabaya economic and price stability “Maintaining economic been highly challenging yet rewarding with the such as the IMF, World Bank, “A credible and dynamic achievement of many significant milestones. and the financial system and price stability and ADB etc., while also actively central bank contributing The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the apex stability, as stipulated in the financial system stability to involved in regional to the prosperity of Sri institution in the financial sector of the country, Monetary Law Act No. 58 of support sustainable growth arrangements such as the Lanka.” Rajapaksa celebrates its 70th anniversary at a time when 1949 (as amended). through policy stimulus, South East Asian Central Sri Lanka has entered into a new era of political These objectives are advice, commitment and Banks (SEACEN) centre, stability, and renewed hope and aspirations on pursued with a view to excellence.” SAARC-Finance Network etc. At a time when Central Bank of Sri Lanka economic prosperity amidst the unprecedented encouraging and promoting increasingly sophisticated The CBSL has been (CBSL) celebrates its 70th anniversary, I am challenges posed by the global COVID-19 the development of needs of consumers and of the Federal Reserve Bank, immensely contributing to the pleased to send my greetings. pandemic. productive resources of the businesses while mitigating comprehensively articulated country’s economic policy As the country’s monetary authority, the Having worked closely with the Central Bank country. Besides the main risks emanated from the rationale and the legal making process from its Central Bank has established its presence by as the Minister of Finance for over a decade objectives, the CBSL is digitalization. parameters for a central bank, inception by giving insights to serving the nation diligently, since its during a period of extreme challenges, I strongly entrusted with several major The five-member Monetary and was presented to the face volatile socio-economic establishment on 28th August, 1950. believe that the Central Bank would act as a functions, including the Board is the governing Corporate governance as House of Representatives in realities. I commend the leadership and guidance given catalyst in transforming Sri Lanka into a agency functions. authority of the CBSL. The the foundation for decision decisions. November 1949. The Bill was The CBSL always places by the CBSL to the banking sector of Sri Lanka prosperous nation under the Government’s The CBSL is charged with areas of operations of the making in CBSL Priority has also been passed by the House as the emphasis on agility to be to achieve considerable progress in conformity development agenda. the primary responsibility of CBSL have expanded to six attached to Right to Monetary Law Act No. 58 of flexible in the face of emerging with the policy directives in ‘Vistas of Prosperity While Sri Lanka has thrived towards economic issuing and managing the regional offices to contribute The CBSL is determined to Information regime with a view 1949 on 25 November 1949, challenges locally and globally. and Splendour’. prosperity since gaining independence, the local currency, the Sri towards regionally balanced discharge its statutory to enhancing the engagement paving the way for the Fifteen governors have given Central Bank’s measures to provide sufficient economic and financial progress of the country Lankan Rupee, which is growth of the country by mandates in consonance with with the general public and establishment of the Central leadership to the CBSL during liquidity to the market has enabled small and has also been punctuated by episodes that have served as the legal tender in making the services of CBSL corporate governance upholding the public trust in Bank of Ceylon ending the its journey over seven decades. medium scale entrepreneurs as well as tested our determination. Sri Lanka. The CBSL also available many parts of the principles and within an the Bank. Currency Board System. The The CBSL has overcome individuals to gain confidence when the country Throughout the past seven decades, the Finance and other Government agencies to acts as the advisor to the island. autonomous framework. The annual Strategic Central Bank of Ceylon opened many more challenges during was fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Central Bank of Sri Lanka has strived to provide effectively address the issues faced by the Government of Sri Lanka The aforementioned Internal operational Planning exercise focuses on the doors for the public by this path amidst a devastating The challenging task of managing relatively leadership in pursuing the traditional Central economy and provide timely solutions that would (GOSL) on economic affairs functions of CBSL are carried framework and administrative harnessing the efficiency of the commencing its operations on civil war, natural disasters and stable exchange rates during this entire period Bank mandate of achieving economic and price enhance the wellbeing of Sri Lankans. and the Banker to the GOSL, out by 29 departments, structure of the Bank have work culture and effective and August 28, 1950. The current political instability, while under extremely difficult conditions was also stability while maintaining financial system The Central Bank, as the fiscal agent of the while also being responsible which are grouped into four been designed focusing on the efficient delivery of services to name as the Central Bank of steering the economy through carried out in a commendable manner. stability to create a conducive environment that Government, has been successful in managing for issuing Government clusters, namely, economic attainment of monetary and all stakeholders. Sri Lanka was given to this major headwinds amidst Stability of Sri Lanka’s financial system and facilitates economic growth and development of public debt with an unblemished record of securities, debt servicing and policy advisory cluster, financial sector stability. The history of CBSL which sacrosanct entity of the nation financial and economic crises financial institutions during the lockdown period the country. meeting its debt servicing commitments on time, managing government debt. financial sector regulation In recognition of the is intertwined with the in 1985. globally. marked by adverse market conditions was due to In addition, the Central Bank has played a strengthening investor confidence on Sri Lanka. The sole authority of and supervision cluster, risk fundamental role of the Sri Lanka’s narrative of The mandate assigned to the However, the Bank has the prompt safety measures taken by the Central pivotal role in reshaping the financial system of The Central Bank has also been the focal point managing the country’s management and compliance effective conduct of monetary progress and development CBSL at the outset has evolved celebrated many fulfilling Bank. Sri Lanka, from a rudimentary financial system of contact for several key international international reserves is also cluster, and capacity building policy and policies to ensure in response to rapidly outcomes during these seven The futuristic journey of Sri Lanka’s to a diversified financial system with greater institutions, which has been imperative in vested with the CBSL. and support cluster. financial system resilience, the The ‘Central Bank of Ceylon’ changing economic decades. advancement towards a developed economy market orientation while promoting financial promoting collaboration and economic Managing the Employees’ With the support of quality of the staff of CBSL in was established by the environment, financial Together we have been able requires the burden of debt to be controlled inclusion. partnerships of Sri Lanka with the rest of the Provident Fund, resourceful staff of the CBSL, terms of technical skill, Monetary Law Act No. 58 of markets and technological to build a unique strong and within manageable limits. The Central Bank’s functions have been world. administering the Foreign the Bank remains committed competence and knowledge is 1949 and its operations began advancements. stable organization well In this regard, Sri Lanka has maintained an modernised, adapting to changes in the The Central Bank’s contribution over the past Exchange regulations and to ensuring a conducive ensured through a rigorous in 1950.As the country gained Accordingly, the objectives prepared to withstand exemplary record of making the debt service Keeping up with counterparts in the financial economic and financial landscape over the years 70 years in achieving and sustaining a administration of foreign and macroeconomic environment, recruitment and training political freedom in 1948, the and functions of the CBSL unfolding uncertain times of payments in a timely manner. sector globally, I am confident that the Central in areas such as provision of payments and promising, equitable and inclusive economic government funded credit which is imperative to achieve policy. establishment of the Central have become better identified crises. The CBSL will navigate By effectively meeting the country’s debt Bank of Sri Lanka will assist the Government to settlement facilities, currency management and growth by supporting the Government’s schemes to enhance access to equitable and sustainable Transparency, credibility Bank of Ceylon symbolized the and used more actively to turbulent times ahead in servicing requirements even under the most navigate the country safely through these management of foreign exchange and foreign development agenda while maintaining price finance for regional growth of the economy. and accountability are key intention of the Government in shape its role as the apex steering the nation towards distressing situations and managing Sri Lanka’s turbulent times and steer the development reserves, to name a few among many. stability through the conduct of monetary policy development are other tasks The strategic priorities of pillars of the decision-making achieving economic freedom. monetary authority of the prosperity being a strategic foreign reserves prudently, the Central Bank has agenda forward. Since its inception in 1950, the Central Bank’s is commendable. carried out by the CBSL as the CBSL have been process of the CBSL. The blueprint designed by country in the context of new partner of an inclusive socio- proven that it truly is the apex institution in the I wish the Central Bank all the success in role as the banker and the financial advisor to I hope that the Central Bank will continue its agent to the GOSL. instrumental in fostering a While emphasizing the the founder Governor John world order. economic development financial sector of Sri Lanka. rendering yeomen service to the nation. the Government has been instrumental in efforts to support the Government in steering the Managing the country’s wide-ranging, resilient and independence in carrying out Exter, a renowned economist The Bank has maintained agenda. promoting coordination between monetary and economy through various domestic and global payments and settlements deep financial sector which its functions, the CBSL fiscal policy that had contributed to the headwinds that lie ahead by devising sound system is another vital role serves as a catalyst to ensures efficient and effective implementation of growth stimulating policies. macroeconomic policies and by providing played by the CBSL. The sustenance of the economy of coordination between the Throughout its history, the Central Bank has proactive advice to the Government to build a Bank has been implementing Sri Lanka. monetary and fiscal policies to worked collaboratively with the Ministry of resilient and prosperous Sri Lanka. agile policies to meet arrive at viable macroeconomic

Message from Central Bank Governor Deshamanya Prof. W.D Lakshman

The Central Bank of Sri met the challenging interlinked network comprising The Central Bank was able to challenging times. Lanka proudly celebrates its circumstances encountered on 26 licensed commercial banks successfully carry out its In conclusion, it is noted with seventieth anniversary today. the way, converting some of with over 2,900 branches mandate in the face of vast gratitude to all stakeholders, The Central Bank commenced these into significant scattered throughout the socio-economic changes that the Central Bank, as a its operations on 28th August institutional milestones. country, in addition to 6 resulting from economic public institution, has been able 1950, as per the Monetary Law Throughout the history of the specialized banks and a liberalisation policies to maintain the trust and Act, No. 58 of 1949 (MLA), as past eventful 70 years, the multitude of non-bank financial introduced starting from late confidence of people under very drafted by John Exter, who Central Bank has contributed institutions. Meanwhile, the 1970s, and also during periods challenging socio-economic subsequently became the first to economic progress of Sri Central Bank pioneered the of social unrest, such as the circumstances. The Central Governor of the newly Lanka with proactive policy development of a National youth uprisings in early 1970s Bank has endeavoured to established Central Bank of measures, providing the Payment and Settlement System and late 1980s. promote pubic wellbeing since Ceylon. required economic and in the country, while taking The Central Bank experienced its inception. Through a process The Central Bank of Ceylon financial stability as the measures to make payment and the brutality of the 30 year long of evolution over the past 70 was renamed the Central Bank bedrock for the implementation settlement safe, secure, sound, civil conflict, first-hand, when it years, the Central Bank has of Sri Lanka in 1985. of desired socio-economic efficient and accessible over the was attacked by the terrorists in gradually progressed to become Originally, as per the MLA, policies for development. years. 1996. However, the resumption a modern central bank. the bank was mandated to Going through a fixed Being a public centric Central of its operations within a very The Bank successfully work for the achievement of exchange rate regime till Bank, a dedicated department short period of time in spite of maintained economic and price four objectives: 1970s, a monetary targeting was established recently, to the devastating loss of human stability in the economy, while a) The stabilisation of regime since the 1980s and a closely connect with the people life and physical resources of also firmly anchoring inflation domestic monetary values. flexible inflation targeting further, by handling public the Central Bank was a expectations. b) The preservation of the par framework at present, the complaints and grievances on testament to the resilience of The financial system has also value of the Ceylon rupee and Central Bank has been able to financial service providers the Bank as an institution, and remained resilient despite the free use of the rupee for manage inflation within regulated by the Central Bank. of the moral strength of its staff. mounting challenges. With current international reasonable levels. In its capacity as the agent to It provided guidance to the stability in these two spheres transactions. The maintenance of single the Government of Sri Lanka, economy during times when the ensured, the economy can c) The promotion and digit inflation continuously for the Central Bank has been able country was suffering from confidently work towards maintenance of a high level of over a period of a decade since to carry out several agency natural disasters such as the achieving desired national production, employment, and 2009 was a significant functions in an efficient and Tsunami catastrophe in 2004 objectives of inclusive and real income in Ceylon. environment as influenced by achievement of the Bank’s timely manner. The financing and several severe weather sustainable development. d) The encouragement and forces of globalization, and in statutory mandate. needs of the Government have related events. Its vigilant The Central Bank is promotion of full development particular, financial An increased degree of been fulfilled at the lowest oversight was instrumental for committed to help in correcting of the productive resources of innovations and developments flexibility in the determination possible cost, while maintaining the minimum disruptions to the the longstanding structural Ceylon. in information technology. of the exchange rate has been an unblemished record of timely financial system of the country issues like the twin deficits on Most central banks during Most central banks, today, achieved allowing some debt repayments. during periods of regional and the fiscal account and the this period were aligned to the operate with the goals of freedom to market forces. The The Central Bank has also global financial crises such as external current account. so-called ‘Bretton Woods maintaining a sustained low emergence of any significant helped the Government to the 1997/98 Asian Financial Further, domestic production system’, which attempted to level of inflation and a stable misalignment of real exchange liberalise foreign exchange Crisis and the Global Financial capacity and its productivity maintain, for the global real economy, while rates was prevented to ensure transactions, while Crisis of 2007/08. need to be enhanced through economy, a system of exchange maintaining financial system trade competitiveness. continuously strengthening its However, the most challenging accelerated capital rate stability, preventing stability. The relative external stability oversight to combat money year in its seven decades of accumulation and technological competitive currency The Central Bank of Sri of the currency has been laundering and terrorist existence has turned out to be modernisation. It is encouraging devaluations and promoting Lanka also evolved with the preserved while maintaining financing activities in Sri Lanka. the year 2020. As we mark the to see that these reforms are conditions of stable economic changing environment, and adequate levels of the country’s Activities related to the 70th anniversary this year, the envisaged in the national policy growth in the post-World War underwent a modernisation foreign reserves, thereby management of the Employees’ economy is faced with the framework put forth by His II era. programme in the year 2000. creating sufficient buffers to Provident Fund, the largest formidable challenge of Excellency the President, under Under this system, countries The Bank’s original duly meet the balance of superannuation fund in the overcoming the adverse impacts the title ‘Vistas of Prosperity and agreed to avoid trade wars and objectives were streamlined to payments requirements of the country, are carried out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Splendour’. With timely and opted to direct their monetary a core two-fold stability country. efficiently, while ensuring a along with almost all other proactive measures, Sri Lanka policies, mainly, to achieve objective: The Central Bank has been healthy return to its members nations in the world. would be able to take the next relative exchange rate stability. a) Maintaining economic and instrumental in facilitating the by prudently investing funds. The Central Bank, within its leap forward, towards achieving However, later, with the price stability development and maintaining Further, the Central Bank has mandate, has contributed the said desired national breakdown of the Bretton b) Maintaining financial the stability of the financial been instrumental in improving proactively to lessen the adverse objectives in the time to come. Woods system in the early system stability. system despite testing episodes financial inclusion of the people economic and financial impact In that journey, the Central 1970s and rising levels of There is of course the encountered in the times of through various regional on businesses and households. Bank would remain committed unemployment, most countries underlying objective of global financial turmoil we development activities, thereby Steering the economy through to provide the necessary have begun to adjust policies encouraging and promoting have gone through recently. promoting equitable growth in such challenging circumstances impetus to ensure economic and directed more towards the development of the The financial institutional the country. proves the strength, adaptability financial stability of the country, domestic economic stability. productive resources of Sri system of Sri Lanka has The role of the Central Bank and resilience of the Central with a view to promoting the The focus of central banks all Lanka. evolved from a simple has been dynamic, and it has Bank as the apex financial development of the productive over the world evolved through In its journey towards structure with 12 commercial adapted to challenging institution and the financial resources of Sri Lanka and to the years in response to achieving these objectives, the banks with 28 branches in economic circumstances as regulator in the country, and uplift the general wellbeing of changes in the socio-political Central Bank had successfully 1950, into a widespread and witnessed in the last 70 years. displays its agility during most the society. A8 FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2020 NEWS NEWS FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2020 A9 Pregnant and Tests COVID-19 Positive 36% of VoA money given Police Sergeant nd SLTB Manager remanded Contracts virus after 2 to ministries held by four nabbed with narcotics on bribery charge A Sergeant attached to the Juntion area in Payagala, carried BY GAGANI WEERAKOON Welikada Police was taken into out on a tip-off, along with 25 period of isolation positive AND METHMALIE – Rajakaruna BY HANSI NANAYAKKARA into a complaint lodged with them, later, a disciplinary inquiry had custody along with heroin and grams of heroin. DISSANAYAKE billion,” he added. on 18 August, by Azar Asjan, a been initiated against him on crystal methamphetamine, also Investigators later found BY DILANTHI JAYAMANNE quarantine period at the period of self-isolation, after Furthermore, Rajakaruna Colombo Additional Magistrate resident of Pesalai, Mannar, who charges of dereliction of duty known as ‘ice’, yesterday (27), out that the suspects were AND NALEER JAMALDEEN Vavuniya-Pampemaduwa which the mandatory PCR Samagi Jana Balawegaya questioned the Government Priyantha Liyanage, yesterday (27), had functioned as the Auditor of during office hours. the Police said. linked to a drug dealer in quarantine centre. test came back negative. (SJB) Parliamentarian whether it would give some remanded, till 8 September, the the SLTB Depot in Mannar. The plaintiff had further stated The suspect was Dubai who was linked to a A repatriated pregnant The Epidemiology Unit’s However, during her second Harshana Rajakaruna kind of compensation to the Chief Manager of the Northern The Commission said that the that Ameen had then demanded picked up from a woman currently held at the woman from Dubai, tested Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. period of isolation at home, yesterday (27) stressed in people who lost their jobs Regional Office of the Sri Lanka complaint had stated that the the said bribe from him to inform location in Dumbara Jail. positive for COVID-19 on 26 Sudath Samaraweera she had visited a doctor Parliament, 36 per cent of due to the COVID-19 Transport Board (SLTB). plaintiff on one day last year, the Colombo office and halt the Damana, Ampara, Meanwhile, an accomplice of August, and was sent to the confirmed her PCR test was because of breathing Vote on Account (VoA) outbreak. The suspect, identified as Abdul during the evening break had gone disciplinary inquiry against him. along with nine Ishara Lakmal, who was among Mulleriyawa Base Hospital COVID-19 positive and difficulties, which was when monies have been allocated “As a result of the COVID- Ameen, a resident of Akbar Town, to a kiosk in front of the Depot for a The Commission stated that grams of heroin and the four arrested recently while yesterday (27) for further added that she is showing she was discovered as having to Ministerial portfolios held 19 outbreak, many factories Wattala, has been charged with cup of tea, where he had engaged Ameen had been nabbed by its 390 grams of crystal attempting to flee to Dubai, was treatment, said Dr. Kapila mild COVID-19 symptoms. contracted the virus. by four persons. had to be shut down and soliciting a bribe of Rs 60,000 from in a conversation with the officers when he had attempted to meth. arrested by the Nawagamuwa Police Mallawarachchi Director Owing to her pregnancy, she He also said that because Participating in the debate many people lost their jobs. the Auditor of the SLTB Mannar Operations Manager of the Depot. receive the bribe near the petrol In a related development, a drug ring yesterday. Chilaw General Hospital. is receiving treatment at the she was in self-isolation, it is on the Vote on Account, billion worth of loans. The Government should take Depot, to release the latter from a The complainant had stated that station at Mannar on 19 August. operating between Dubai, United Arab The suspect had managed the The 29-year-old woman, a Mulleriyawa Base Hospital, unlikely that she had Rajakaruna queried as to “This is a huge amount of care of them too. It is a disciplinary inquiry being his chatting to the Depot The suspect Ameen was not Emirates, and the Dumbara Prison finances of Ishara and the distribution resident of Bangadeniya, instead of at the IDH infected anyone. All why the Government debt which we never saw in timely need. The conducted against him. Operations Manager had been produced in Court yesterday and was busted following the arrest of of drugs. Chilaw, was six months’ quarantine facility. members of her household mentioned that it would the past. I hope that the businessmen should be The Commission to Investigate reported to the Depot Manager by the Additional Magistrate ordered three persons yesterday, the Police Three kilograms of cannabis from pregnant, and had been in Dr. Samaraweera have also been placed in borrow another Rs 750 Government would make a given relief while protecting Allegations of Bribery or the Head of the Finance Division of the Prisons Director to produce the added. Kerala, a luxury car, and a van were self-isolation after explained that she had quarantine upon her positive billion in addition to the clarification as to why it is the banking system,” Corruption, informed the Court the Depot. suspect in Court at the next The three suspects were picked up also seized from the suspect. completing the mandatory completed the first 14-day diagnosis. earlier requested Rs 1,300 going to borrow Rs 750 Rajakaruna noted. that they had commenced a probe The complainant stated that hearing. during a raid, near the Bo Gaha (LB) A10 friday 28 august 2020 Editorial

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Leopard Lives Matter Another leopard was killed by a snare at a private estate at Ambagasthenna, Doluwa, in the Central Province, raising the total number of leopard deaths to eight for this year, Police and Wildlife officials said recently. According to officials, the animal was hanging by the snare wire by the Saving Liberal Democracy time rescuers reached the scene. The death was caused by asphyxiation due to the pressure exerted by the snare on the leopard’s diaphragm. A Wildlife official said that locals and estate managers have been constantly warned against the use of snares and their risk to wildlife, especially the leopard. The official added that estate management usually conducts daily checks to remove snares but it was difficult to do the same with locals because they think and act differently. The Sri Lankan Leopard, scientific name Panthera Pardus Kotiya, is a leopard subspecies endemic to the island. The Sri Lankan species has a tawny or rusty yellow coat with dark spots and close-set rosettes, which are smaller than in Indian leopard’s. The subspecies has allegedly adapted to become rather large, because it is an apex predator without competition by other large wild cat species in the country. Sri Lankan Leopards are found in all habitats throughout the island. In the Central Hills where the animals are mostly at risk, leopards have been found in forest patches, tea estates, grasslands, home gardens, and pine and eucalyptus plantations. They are lone hunters, with the exception of females with young. Both sexes live in overlapping territories with the ranges of males overlapping the smaller ranges of several females, as well as overlapping the ranges of neighbouring males. Sri Lankan leopards are usually nocturnal hunters, but are also active during dawn and dusk, and daytime hours. They rarely carry their kills onto trees like leopard subspecies in other parts of the world, which is likely because of the lack of competition and the relative abundance of prey. As the leopard is the apex predator in Sri Lanka, it does not By CHRIS PATTEN were threatened by the idea of freedom. independence, civic participation, and need to protect its prey. The survival of the subspecies But one huge tyranny thrived and criticism of the CPC’s past. Taken together, is threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation Advocates of free and open societies prospered. Following the Soviet Union’s they amount to a pretty good description of primarily with some levels of direct poaching and must not only stand up to assaults on collapse, China, ruled by its own the values that Hong Kong represented direct and indirect human-leopard related leopard their values by Chinese President Xi Communist regime, resumed the economic and which Xi’s regime now wants to deaths. The Sri Lankan leopard is currently listed as Jinping and other like-minded leaders. status that came with being the world’s obliterate. Endangered on the International Union for They also must show that they still believe most populous country, and took Standing up to such assaults on liberal Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. As of 2015 the in liberal democracy themselves. advantage of the open markets secured by democratic values requires a robust wild population is estimated at 700-950 individuals. I belong to a fortunate generation. Born the world’s liberal democracies, with their response to hostile behaviour. Above all, This year is not particularly stellar for the Sri Lanka in the United Kingdom in 1944, towards belief in a cooperative international order. liberal democracy’s defenders must show Leopard, let alone for us humans with our COVID-19 the end of a world war that killed between that they themselves still believe these and socio-economic cavalcade! In the first five months 70 million and 85 million people, I have The theories about good values are worth fighting for. of this year alone, six leopards were caught in snares; neither been bombed nor had to fight on governance The UK under Prime Minister Boris four of them were killed. In May, a vanishingly rare any battlefields. Johnson is not setting a good example. As black leopard – a black panther – died at a Wildlife I grew up in a country and continent that As a young politician, I took the theories incompetent governance takes its toll and treatment facility. It had been brought there three days were at peace and thus able to enjoy the about good governance in open societies the consequences of mendacious populism earlier after being found trapped in a snare in a tea economic benefits of unprecedented cross- largely for granted. But when I served as snowball, there are worrying signs of estate in Hatton. The black panther was only the third border cooperation. The West repelled the Governor of Hong Kong in the 1990s, I saw corners being cut in our political system – one recorded in the past decade. Two earlier recorded Soviet Union’s military threat without the benefits that flow from the rule of law, for example, a blurring of the boundaries black panthers were also killed in snares, in 2009 and conflict, thereby liberating its European independent Courts, freedom of speech, an between private and party financial 2013 on the Sinharaja border. According to empire to join the rest of a free continent. open economy, and political pluralism in a interest and ministerial responsibility. the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT), In particular, Europe and other parts of new light. Governing a city largely The UK has no codified Constitution, but 47 leopards were trapped in snares during the past the world benefited from the leadership of inhabited by refugees from a communist we had always assumed in the past that decade. Of the total 79 leopard deaths reported during the economically and militarily powerful dictatorship was a full-on tutorial in all the “good guys” – irrespective of party – this period, 42 deaths were caused by snare-induced United States. More important than those values that I had long assumed but would know how to behave when in power. injuries. America’s hard power was the power of the not really thought through. The good guys seem thin on the ground The typical snare is a noose of steel wire that is ideas that it embraced, exemplified, and Now those values are being stripped from just now. concealed along trails frequented by wild animals. exported. The US was far from perfect, and Hong Kong, as the Communist Party of Likewise, the European Union is a When the unsuspecting animal or one of its limbs it made mistakes. But overall, it set a China brazenly and enthusiastically begins community of values as much as an touches the wire, it springs the noose. As the animal prodigious example of generosity and to destroy it as a free and open society. The economic and trade bloc. But the struggles to free itself, the trap gets tighter – crushing demonstrated the boundless possibilities CPC’s assault on Hong Kong’s autonomy is behaviour of Member States such as the animal’s organs. Snaring wildlife is outlawed under of well-ordered freedom. not surprising, because the territory Poland and Hungary has called into Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, but The US system was pluralistic, represents precisely those values that question their commitment to liberal an exception is made for ‘pest species’ such as wild democratic, and bound by law. As Alexis China’s leaders regard as a threat to their democracy. boars that damage crops. WWCT’s data for 2010-2020 de Tocqueville had observed in the 1830s rule. Above all, in the US, President Donald show that 90 per cent of leopards that get caught in in his great book ‘Democracy in America’, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Trump is widely criticised, even by lifelong snares die. Of the 47 leopards the WWCT recorded as the popular will was constrained by cronies feared that globalisation, Republicans, for not respecting or being snared, 37 were in the Central Highlands. constitutional checks and by public urbanisation, and the Internet might understanding the US Constitution and Conservationists say that because snares are behaviour and attitudes. The system was endanger their dictatorship. So, they the separation of the executive, legislative, basically banned by local regulations but continue to democratic, but liberal in the sense that it cracked down on dissent, repressed civil and judicial branches. Does Trump even be used thanks to the ‘pest species’ loophole needs safeguarded individual and minority society, pursued a policy towards Muslim believe in democracy? Does he want all immediate addressing. The law is completely capable opinions and interests (with the admittedly Uighurs in Xinjiang that amounts to Americans to vote in November, regardless of prosecuting offenders as snares indiscriminately kill significant constraint of white supremacy). genocide under the United Nations of race or party affiliation, or only those protected species other than vermin. There is also a Others followed suit. Britain liked to give definition, and took aim at all those who will support him? And will he accept need for equipping the Wildlife Conservation the impression that liberal democracy was elements of liberal democracy they regard the election result if it goes against him? Department with the proper equipment and training so its own invention, and its greatest export. as incompatible with CPC rule. To save liberal democracy, it is not officials can tackle these problems affectively. Vermin Even Karl Marx quietly admired Britain’s Conveniently for those of us outside enough to stand up to external threats. We such as wild boar can be culled or corralled, parliamentary accountability, independent China, Xi listed these liberal democratic must also continue to practise what we eliminating the need for snares. Last but not least, Courts, and strong executive. threats in the instructions he issued to preach. locals need to be educated of the importance of this For more than a half-century after World Party and Government officials in 2013, (Chris Patten, the last British national treasure and those caught killing leopards War II, liberal democracy was on the soon after becoming President. They Governor of Hong Kong and a former EU should suffer stringent penalties. march. The Soviet Union’s brand of include ‘Western constitutional Commissioner for External Affairs, is Communism retreated and eventually democracy,’ the promotion of universal Chancellor of the University of Oxford.) collapsed and dictators almost everywhere rules of human rights, media (Courtesy-www.project-syndicate.org) opinion friday 28 august 2020 a11

Notes To The People

Table 1: TNA’s Gains and Losses in the Last two elections, 2015 and 2020 Electoral District 2015 2020 Jaffna 207577 112967 Vanni 89886 69916 Trincomalee 45894 39570 WhitherBatticaloa 127185 79460 Digamadulla/ Ampara 45421 25255 Tamil Politics?total 515963 327168 By Sumanasiri Liyanage Table 1: TNA’s Gains and Losses in the Last two elections, 2015 and 2020 Table 2: District-wise Election Results in When a judge becomes a politician, Northern and Eastern Provinces they may think they can pass Electoral District 2015 2020 judgment on any subjects. C.V. Jaffna 207577 112967 Illankai Thamil Sri Lanka Podu Ahila Illankai Eelam Peoples Thamil Makka Wigneswaran, a new Vanni 89886 69916 Parliamentarian, in my opinion Trincomalee 45894 39570 Arasu Kachchi Peramuna + Thamil Congress Democratic Front Thesiya Kuttani totally out of context, made an SLFP + TMVP attempt to show that he was an Batticaloa 127185 79460 anthropologist, archaeologist and a Digamadulla/ Ampara 45421 25255 Jaffna 112967 49373 55303 45797 35927 historian all at the same time as he is total 515963 327168 Vanni 69916 42524 8232 11310 8789 a politician. Since, I have no knowledge or training in either of Trincomalee 39570 68681 2745 3775 1625 those subjects, I will not even era might not be questioned by the Batticaloa 79460 33424 1203 67692 4960 attempt to either prove or refute his Tamil people. judgement. Nonetheless, I believe his Digamadulla 25255 126012 - 582 - Results of the statement should not be scrapped Total 327168 320014 67483 129156 51301 from the Hansard as it reports Parliamentary Election 2020 Table 2: District-wise Election Results in percentage 36.55 35.75 7.54 14,43 5.73 Parliamentary proceedings Northern and Eastern Provinces accurately. Moreover, Wigneswaran’s In my previous column, I Without Digamadulla 301913 194002 67483 128574 51301 statement may be used as a Illankairecognised Thamil threeSri Lanka trends Podu in TamilAhila Illankai percentageEelam Peoples Thamil Makka40.62 26,10 9.68 17.30 6.90 hypothesis to be tested through politics. While the results show the Arasu Kachchi Peramuna + Thamil Congress Democratic Front Thesiya Kuttani serious research based on decline of the position of the Tamil archaeological and chronicle National AllianceSLFP (TNA). This is much + TMVP evidence by the expertsJaffna in their 112967more visible when49373 the results of55303 the out45797 the votes that the35927 small parties class can offer to the national belated bourgeois tasks. Hence, the respective fields of study.Vanni 699162020 Election42524 are compared with8232 the and11310 independent groups8789 obtained. If question is the one offered to it by the solution to the national question is Having listened to his brief speech Parliamentary Election 2015. we add those votes, percentage Mahinda Rajapaksa regime in 2009. closely linked with the systemic Trincomalee 39570 68681 2745 3775 1625 the purpose of which was to Table 1 shows the TNA votes figures may slightly change. The After the end of the peace process transformation of the existing socio- congratulate the newlyBatticaloa elected 79460reduced in 202033424 by 36.59 per cent.1203 second67692 factor to be taken4960 into that began in 2002, the country fell economic and politico-cultural Speaker, I assume thatDigamadulla Wigneswaran 25255This is a significant126012 reduction.- Does account582 is there are -a substantial into a trap where only two solutions system. Such a transformational task might have thought Totalthat by speaking 327168it mean the Tamil320014 voters moved67483 from number129156 of Sinhala voters51301 in the were possible. Either the LTTE under is not class-neutral and falls on the like that he could createpercentage a tumult in 36.55the moderate35.75 TNA position to the7.54 Vanni,14,43 Trincomalee and5.73 Digamadulla its leadership should form a separate lower strata of the society, in short, Parliament on its first day by more radical Tamil position? Such a electoral Districts. In order to reduce Tamil Eelam or as it happened the on the working people. provoking extreme SinhalaWithout Digamadulla 301913movement may194002 be seen in the 67483 the128574 impact of the second51301 factor over Government dominated by the By organising the working people nationalists in it andpercentage give a space for 40.62Election results.26,10 9.68 the17.30 results we also calculated6.90 votes Sinhala majority should vanquish irrespective of their ethnicity and on an international campaign that there However, the tendency is that they leaving Digamadulla District aside. the Tamil militant project of the the basis of their day to livelihood was no freedom of speech for Tamils moved to EPDP, TMVP and the SLPP. LTTE. issues we may think a different and Militant Tamil even in the Parliament. The judge Table 2 shows the Parliamentary The failure of the last Yahapalana novel approach to the national misjudged on that occasion belated Election results in 2020. While Nationalism on its way out regime to offer it some kind of question, which is just, democratic, responses to his speech radical Tamil parties received 13.27 constitutional solution proved time and humane. notwithstanding. per cent of votes from Northern and Does this mean an end to Tamil and again that no bourgeois solution The Election results have clearly Tamil politics is in flux. What I Eastern Provinces, EPDP, TMVP, nationalism, including its beyond what is mentioned above is shown that a different politics is intend to do here is to add a few SLFP and SLPP received 50.18 per secessionist wing? Or does the result possible. possible on the basis of notes to my previous column on New cent of total votes in the five electoral show a need for a different approach Trotsky in his theory permanent unconditional defence and protection Trends in Tamil Politics two weeks districts. More importantly, EPDP for nationalist politics? My reading is revolution informed us that in of peoples’ right to land, water and ago. and TMVP jointly got 14.43 per cent that the events unfolding since 2009 backward capitalist countries, some sea. Wigneswaran’s speech I think of votes. signify that there is no bourgeois conventional bourgeois democratic The writer is a retired teacher of reflects the desperation and despair Of course, these figures should be solution for the Lankan national tasks cannot be performed by the Political Economy at the of Tamil politicians who used to think studied with the utmost care for two question. Strictly speaking, the weak and dependent bourgeoise.Only University of Peradeniya. E-mail: that their hegemony in the post LTTE reasons. First, in calculation we left solution that the Sinhala bourgeois working people can resolve those [email protected]

Letters to the Editor E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One)

Liberal democracy is rooted in the of Sri Lankan’s to be ignored based movement which led to the Easter stable governing environment, the rights of individuals and not the on contested scientific evidence thus Carnage of 2019 in Sri Lanka. The State should use this platform to rights of groups or fixed scarring the psyche of Sri Lankan ideological, political and social solidify liberal democracy in Sri communities. Muslims for generations to come. infrastructure, which gave rise to Human beings Lanka by working towards creating a “Liberal democracy cannot exist At times, identities provide a sense the Easter Carnage is still not only have a national identity that defines what without a national identity that of purpose and meaning and a basis existing but thriving in Sri Lanka citizens hold in common with one defines what citizens hold in common for esteem and regard that is larger thanks to identity politics of the fundamental need another. with one another. Given the de facto than people’s individual selves. majority and minority Muslim to belong-a need Not doing so at this point of time multiculturalism of contemporary Identities efficiently satisfy the Community. will lead to a situation of identity democracies, that identity needs to human need for respect and dignity. The prime reason for this situation that their politics going on steroids! be civic or creedal. That is, it needs The concept of ‘identity,’ builds on is the current Sri Lankan I conclude by once again quoting to be based on liberal political ideas a universal aspect of the human Constitution which calls for collective Fukuyama who warns that that are accessible to people of psyche that Plato labelled thymos, proportional representation at a identities, be they ‘fragmenting into segments based on different cultural backgrounds rather the demand for respect for one’s threshold of 5 per cent of the votes ever-narrower identities, threatening than on fixed characteristics such as inner dignity. polled. If this situation persists the racial, ethnic, the possibility of deliberation and race, ethnicity, or religion”. But there is a specifically modern identity politics and all that it leads religious, regional, collective action by society as a – Francis Fukuyama expression of thymos that emerged to will continue to persist and thrive whole’. If we go down the current after the Protestant Reformation and in Sri Lanka. Politicians to clergy or national, often path of identity based politics we in Human beings have a fundamental that values the inner self more and all in between will exploit this Sri Lanka are most likely to fulfil need to belong-a need that their highly than society’s laws, norms, situation for their individual satisfy. Such this prophecy. collective identities, be they racial, and customs and insists that society expectations at the cost of national affiliations, which People will never stop thinking ethnic, religious, regional, or changes its own norms to give issues. about themselves and their societies national, often satisfy. Such recognition to that inner self. The I believe Identity, in the recent psychologies call in identity terms. But people’s affiliations, which psychologies call first major expression of modern past has begun to focus on the rise identities are neither fixed nor ‘social identities,’ serve multiple identity politics was nineteenth- of right-wing nationalist populism or ‘social identities,’ necessarily given by birth. Identity psychological functions. These century European nationalism, vice versa. serve multiple can be used to divide, but it can also include, for example, the need for a when cultural groups began to This development threatens liberal be used to unify. That, in the end, sense of safety, which social demand recognition in the form of democracy because populist leaders psychological will be the remedy for the populist identities satisfy by reducing statehood. seek to use the legitimacy they gain functions politics of the present. uncertainty and providing norms Francis Fukuyama argues that from democratic elections to We need a national level effort and that help people navigate everyday identity politics is eroding national undermine liberal institutions such programme to address these issues life. unity in the United States and as Courts, the Media, and impartial in a Sri Lankan manner and I firmly Some social identities also offer Europe, undermining the kind of bureaucracies, which minorities rely path in Sri Lanka. believe that a state led Declaration rituals and customs to aid with loss, civil discourse essential to the on for a sense of equity and all We in Sri Lanka have an of a Year of Tolerance will be a good mourning, and other significant maintenance of liberal democracy. citizens rely on for fair play. unparalleled and unique starting point and foundation to use challenges that occur during the I believe that much of modern The contemporary Middle East, opportunity to exploit. With the identity as a tool to unite all Sri course of one’s life. (This relates to Islamism is similarly driven by like the Balkans before it, is an election of the populist SLPP, which Lankans to become one, out of the Sri Lankan Governments identity confusion among Muslims extreme example of out of control used identify politics of the majority many. ignoring international guidelines on in modernising societies who feel identity politics and what ultimately (thus reverse engineering) the Please consider extending your COVID-19 death disposal and neither Western nor traditional and happens to countries that do not traditional interpretation of identity considerable influence as a Sri mandating only cremation in Sri see a particular form of politicised invest in integrative national politics often associated with Lankan towards this end. Lanka for COVID-19 dead.) This religion as a source of community identities. We must take all politically marginalised minority Dr Ruvaiz Haniffa caused the social identity of a group and identity. We saw this in the precautions NOT to go down this groups) to establish a politically Consultant Family Physician B12 friday 28 august 2020

Tourism Sector Debt Moratorium Extended Till End March 2021 By Ishara Gamage Sunday Attack and COVID-19, an undue level of stress or Council. CBSL has implemented debt threaten the stability of the Credit facilities to be The financial sector regulator, moratorium schemes since April banking system considering the supported under this Scheme Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) 2019. lower level of exposure to the will include all performing credit has decided to extend the “Considering the ongoing travel tourism sector by licensed banks, facilities as at 18 April 2019 or a prevailing debt moratorium to restrictions, disruption to the capital buffers maintained by later date, granted to eligible COVID-19 affected businesses economic activities and licensed banks and measures borrowers and non-performing and individuals for a further representations made by the proposed by the Ministry of loans re-structured under period of six months commencing Ministry of Tourism and related Tourism to revive the tourism Circular No. 5 of 2020 issued on from 1 October 2020 to 31 March agencies, CBSL requests licensed industry. 27 March 2020. Debt 2021, the CBSL said. commercial banks and licensed Eligible borrowers include, moratorium refers to The CBSL also stated that specialised banks to provide a businesses and individuals who moratorium for both capital and eligible borrowers who wish to debt moratorium to COVID-19 are affected by COVID-19 and interest for a further period of avail the moratorium shall make affected businesses and registered with Ministry of six months commencing 1 a request seeking such individuals in the tourism sector Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism October 2020 to 31 March 2021. moratorium to the relevant for a further period of six months Development Authority, Agencies “Any eligible borrower who has licensed bank on or before 25 commencing from 1 October under Sri Lanka Tourism the capacity to service the loan September 2020. 2020 to 31 March 2021” CBSL Development Authority, and repayment is expected to service Wednesday Markets With a view to meeting the circular issued to banks stated. Local Government Authorities such loan repayments instead of challenges faced by the tourism CBSL observed that the such as Pradeshiya Sabha, requesting for this extension”, it industry due to the Easter proposed Scheme may not cause Urban Council or Municipal said. Bearish run continues Bank of Ceylon 1H To develop new Data Management System for CBSL at CSE Singapore Simcorp secures contract revenue up 2.4% The Singapore-based Simcorp Pte. Limited, has secured the Sri Lankan By Mario Andree Government contract to set up the a new data management system to meet the PAT, PBT down amid COVID-19 existing requirements in the management of the country’s foreign reserves as The bearish run continued for the third well as to facilitate future developments, the Government said yesterday. The consecutive session as the benchmark index Bank of Ceylon has concluded the first final selection was done through an internationally competitive bidding process. posted losses on Thursday (27) on a higher half of the year earning industry Considering the recommendation of the Standing Procurement Committee turnover with continued foreign exits from the leadership in terms of assets, deposits, appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers and the views and recommendations market. advances and revenue. of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) Despite the challenging economic (ICTA) on the proposed procurement, the Minister of Finance proposed to slipped 0.04 per cent (2.34 points) to close at conditions, the Bank has reported the award this contract to Simcorp Pte Limited Singapore. The proposal was 5,333.32 points, its lowest since 18 August, highest industry growth rates in terms of approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (IG) while the more liquid S&P SL20, representing revenue, deposits and advances for the the top 20 shares, slipped 0.42 per cent (9.93 first half of the year. points) to close at 2,354.98 points. The revenue of the Bank for the period The daily turnover at the Colombo Stock was Rs 118.3 billion with a YoY increase Kanchana Ratwatte Exchange stood at Rs 2.2 billion on Thursday of 2.4 %. It reported a Profit before Tax st (27), lower than Rs 1.88 billion recorded (PBT) of Rs 6.9 billion and Profit after Tax SL World’s 21 Largest during the previous market day. (PAT) of Rs 5.8 billion for 1H-2020 More than 50.77 million shares changed notwithstanding the consequences of the Tea Importer hands on Thursday (27) during 10,676 COVID-19 pandemic. trades. However, the Bank’s net interest By Paneetha Ameresekere (93,762 mts), respectively. Shares of 234 companies were traded, of income showed an 18% decrease YoY However, neither Pakistan nor which 79 emerged as losers as against 71 mainly due to the day one loss on the Sri Lanka, the world’s third the UK was among Sri Lanka’s top winners. COVID -19 moratorium and increase in largest tea exporter, was also its 25 tea export destinations in 2018 Foreigners were net sellers on Thursday (27) interest expenses in line with a growth in twenty first and twenty second and 2019, Ministry and Forbes and for the thirty-first consecutive session. Net the deposit base. largest importer together with Walker Tea Brokers data showed. foreign outflow during the day amounted to The Bank experienced more deposits D. P. K. Gunasekara Australia in 2018, latest data Russia remained Sri Lanka’s Rs 357 million, as foreigners sold shares given the instability created in the market released by the Plantation Ministry third largest tea export destination worth Rs 373 billion as against purchases due to pandemic related economic disruptions, causing interest showed. in both 2018 and 2019 respectively, worth Rs 16 million. expenses to rise. The impact of the Moratorium was accounted But these imports were mainly statistics further showed. In The top five gainers during the day were against the interest income based on the modification method for value addition and re-export. complementary developments, the Blue Diamonds (non-voting), Laxapana, given in the Sri Lanka Financial Reporting Standard (SLFRS) 9 Sri Lanka exported 303,944 USA, which was Sri Lanka’s Pegusus Hotel, Horana and Mahaweli and the resultant day one loss of Rs 6 billion has been adjusted metric tons (mts) of tea, while it fifteenth largest tea export Coconut. to interest income. Operating expenses contracted by 7% YoY. imported 11,000 mts (11 million destination in 2018, importing The top five losers during the day were This was as a result of many cost controls that were put in kilos) in 2018. Of this figure, 10.59 5,561,016 million kgs from Sri Beruwela Resorts, RIL Properties, Amana place by the Bank. However, the Bank had to make an million kgs were re-exported, the Lanka, moved up to thirteenth Bank, Dilmah Ceylon and Keleni Valley. impairment charge of Rs 14.7 billion for the loans and Ministry said. position in 2019 importing advances by accounting for a significant increase in credit risk. In related developments, 7,114,369 kgs. Egypt, which was Despite all these challenges the Bank’s asset base grew by Australia was the twenty fourth the twenty-first largest importer of 11% to Rs 2.7 trillion, backed by a 14% surge in loans. The largest importer of Sri Lankan tea Sri Lankan tea in 2018, importing Bank’s loan book stood at Rs 1.8 trillion with both Government in 2018, importing 2.12 million kgs 2.01 million kgs that year, was not and private sector lending contributing to this growth. that year, data further showed. among the top 25 importers of Sri The Bank’s deposit base which represents 23% of the The top five global importers of Lankan tea last year. industry increased during 1H 2020, despite the low interest Sri Lankan tea in 2018 in Tea which was Sri Lanka’s fifth Import Controls rates prevailing in the market. The Bank’s deposit base of Rs descending order were Russia and largest foreign exchange earner in 2.2 trillion represents 32% of Current and Savings deposit CIS (248,800 mts), Pakistan 2018, moved up to fourth position (CASA) base which generates funds at low cost. Further, the (191,773 mts), USA (119,385 mts), last year, according to the Central Aid ‘Spot’ to Gain Bank has reported the NPA ratio of 5.35% for 1H 2020 UK (107, 862 mts) and Egypt Bank of Sri Lanka. nd demonstrating its robustness in monitoring and recovery for 2 Day measures of loans and advances even in a traumatic situation. Bank of Ceylon has played a significant role in the economic By Paneetha Ameresekere revival of the country, ensuring the functionality of financial system in the country. The benchmark ‘spot’ gained for the second While the entire country was in a state of lockdown, the Bank SriLankan suspends flights consecutive market day yesterday, up sharply by kept the wheels of the economy moving by ensuring a 30 and 20 cents to be trading at Rs continuous money supply, facilitating payments and to India till 30 Sept 186.00/184.20 to the US dollar in two-way settlements etc utilising its islandwide network. All of the quotes as at 4 p.m., aided by the Government of Bank’s digital channels, mobile branches and branches were By Anjali Caldera period will be able to rebook flights Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) seeming anathema to kept functioning to cater to the financial needs of the ordinary or the Airline will re-issue tickets. imports, underlined by it raising taxes on diesel citizen, businesses and Government institutions. SriLankan Airlines has been Earlier, it was notified that the and petrol this week, market sources told this The Bank’s role in passing on the benefits of the moratorium compelled to temporarily suspend all flights will not be in operation until reporter. and the special low interest working capital loan announced by its flights to India until 30 September 30 August. But due to the rising In the two market days to yesterday, the ‘spot’ the CBSL in order to facilitate the revival of the COVID-19-hit 2020, following the travel restrictions numbers of COVID-19 cases, the has gained by 0.21 per cent and 0.32 per cent businesses and individuals is also unparalleled and imposed by the Indian Government Indian Government has decided to (40 and 60 cents), nonetheless, in the calendar commendable. due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, extend the closure of the borders year to yesterday the ‘spot’ has declined by 2.59 Both Bank of Ceylon Chairman Kanchana Ratwatte and revealed the SriLankan Airlines until 30 September. Besides, the per cent and 2.65 per cent (Rs 4.70-Rs 4.80) in Acting General Manager, D. P. K. Gunasekera say they are Office in New Delhi. SriLankan Airlines charter flights two-way quotes, thereby causing cost-push optimistic about promising results towards the end of the The passengers who have already for repatriation continue as usual, inflationary pressure. financial year as well. booked tickets to India during this sources told Ceylon FT. However, uncertainty in the money market was further reflected by a sharp fall in GoSL’s money printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) for the fourteenth consecutive market day to yesterday due to domestic investors continued penchant to invest in risk free Treasury (T) Bills and T Bonds CMTA dismisses Jayasundera’s statement in secondary market trading, rather than to lend to the private sector, the engine of economic Says stock sufficient only for a month growth. Consequently, GoSL’s MPBCs steeply declined By Rajiesh Seetharam that the CMTA represents, 23 brands have cars into the country. by 11.38 per cent (Rs 35.10 million) to go deeper zero stocks,” he said. “Before the import ban, anyone in Sri Lanka into negative territory, to minus (-) Rs 343.53 Ceylon Motor Traders’ Association (CMTA) With regards Jayasundara’s statement, could import a vehicle, it wasn’t regulated. million yesterday. This sharp fall in MPBCs took Chairman Yasendra Amarasinghe was of the Amarasinghe explained, “In the last financial Grey importers would sell their vehicle for place in the backdrop where GoSL’s face value opinion that the current stock of vehicles year alone, CMTA has contributed over Rs small profits as they don’t offer an after-sales (FV) MP debt remained unchanged for the third available in Sri Lanka is insufficient to carry 70 B to the Government’s coffers in terms of service or any other facilities, however there consecutive market day to yesterday at Rs out business activities for even a month. duties, taxes and fees; over Rs 140 B to isn’t any warranty for the vehicle; used 302,874.47 million. Ceylon FT spoke to CMTA Chairman supporting industries such as leasing and vehicles were imported causing huge safety In related developments, the settlement/s of Amarasinghe, to get his opinion on insurance; and we have provided direct and issues for consumers. Instead of banning the GoSL’s sale of US dollars to Central Bank of Sri President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara’s indirect employment to around 33,000 Sri import of vehicles as a whole, government Lanka (CBSL) and/or CBSL’s swaps with statement in which he alleged that vehicle Lankans. Further, we have invested over Rs should regulate the industry.” commercial banks, saw market’s net excess importation causes a massive outflow of 70 million in training and upskilling our “The ban on truck and bus imports has liquidity increase for the third consecutive foreign currency. workforce. The cars that can be seen in caused great hindrance to industrial growth market day, with yesterday’s increase being Rs Amarasinghe noted that 9767 units of places such as Kohuwala are imported by as almost all industries use trucks for 3,542 million (US$ 18.98 million) to Rs 201,054 brand new vehicles were registered in Sri private importers, not authorised franchise transportation and buses are used for public million yesterday. Conversions are based on the Lanka in 2019 by members of CMTA while holders. If the Government wishes to limit transport”, he said in conclusion. middle rate of the ‘spot’ as at 4 p.m. on Tuesday only 463 units of imported vehicles are the stocks of vehicles being imported to Sri President’s Secretary Dr. P.B. (25 August) which was Rs 186.60 to the dollar. currently available. “It means the current Lanka, we strongly urge that regulations be Jayasundara on Monday (24) stated that Sri stock of brand new vehicles in the country is put in place ensuring that only legitimate Lanka has imported sufficient vehicles during not sufficient even for one month. companies that have been vetted by the period 2015-19, and that the stock was Out of the 31 brands of passenger vehicles Government authorities are able to import sufficient for another two and a half years. tourism friday 28 august 2020 ceylon ft b13 Rebuild Tourism in a safe, equitable and climate -friendly manner – UNSG As part of the wider UN economy are mostly at risk response to COVID-19, United from job loss and business Nation Secretary-General closures across the tourism Antonio Guterres recently sector. At the same time, released a thematic brief on the destinations most reliant on impact the pandemic has had tourism for jobs and economic on tourism. Drawing on the growth, including SIDS and latest data from the World LDCs are likely to be Tourism Organisation hardest hit, including through (UNWTO), the lead author of an anticipated fall in foreign the publication, it warns that direct investment (FDI). as many as 100 million direct In addition to calling for tourism jobs are at risk, and strong support for the sector in the massive drop in export mitigating these massive revenues from tourism could impacts, the brief stresses reduce global GDP by as much that this crisis represents an as 2.8 per cent. The brief opportunity to rethink tourism, stresses that tourism is an including how it contributes to essential pillar of the the SDGs. To this end, the Sustainable Development Policy Brief provides five Goals (SDGs) and the most priorities for the restart of vulnerable workers and tourism, all aimed at ensuring nations are at the greatest risk. a more resilient, inclusive and Tourism has been among the carbon neutral sector. These hardest hit of all sectors by priorities are: COVID-19 and no country has 1. Mitigate socio-economic been unaffected, with impacts on livelihoods, restrictions on travel and a imperative that we rebuild the same time allowing people to around protected areas; cases Zurab Pololikashvili said: particularly women’s sudden drop in consumer tourism sector in a safe, experience some of the world’s of poaching and looting are “Tourism touches on nearly employment and demand leading to an equitable and climate friendly cultural and natural riches expected to rise. Again, the every part of our societies and economic security. unprecedented fall in manner and to ensure tourism and brings people closer to impact on biodiversity and is a cornerstone of growth and 2. Boost competitiveness international tourist numbers. regains its position as a each other, highlighting our ecosystems will be particularly employment, both in developed and build resilience, The ‘COVID-19 and provider of decent jobs, stable common humanity. critical in SIDS (Small Islands and developing economies. The including through Transforming Tourism’ Policy incomes and the protection of The brief warns that the Developing States) and LDCs United Nations Secretary- economic diversification Brief from the Secretary- our cultural and natural impacts of the pandemic on (Least Developed Countries). General echoes the five key and encouragement of General of the United Nations, heritage”. The UN Secretary- tourism are already placing Furthermore, with 90 per cent priority areas that UNWTO has MSMEs. Antonio Guterres, makes clear General further underscored conservation efforts in of World Heritages Sites having identified for tourism to return 3. Advance innovation and the impact that the pandemic that tourism is one of the jeopardy. Citing case studies closed as a result of the and drive wider recovery, and digital transformation of has had on global tourism and world’s most important from around the world, it pandemic, both tangible and both governments and the tourism how this affects everything economic sectors, providing warns that the sudden fall in intangible heritage is at risk in private sector now have a duty 4. Foster sustainability and from jobs and economies to livelihoods to hundreds of tourism revenues has cut off all parts of the world. to put this plan into action.” green growth wildlife conservation and the millions more, while it boosts funding for biodiversity Five points priorities The Policy Brief notes 5. Enhanced focus on protection of cultural heritage. economies and enables conservation and, with moving forward that women, youth and coordination, and Guterres said, “It is countries to thrive, and at the livelihoods at risk in and UNWTO Secretary-General workers in the informal responsible leadership

Re-opening of destinations ensuring accessibility for all travellers UNWTO, ONCE Foundation, ENAT release guidelines allowing disables to travel without hassle The World Tourism requirements can be advised disabilities and all other Organisation (UNWTO) is on their travel decisions. citizens. calling on destinations to • Restrict usage of accessible recognise the needs of Transportation toilets to those who need them travellers with disabilities or • Upskill employees to be and sanitise after every use. specific access requirements, able to duly inform clients with • Guarantee individual use as they open their borders to disabilities on the new rules. of sealed-off cutlery sets and/ visitors again. In the • Keep reserved/priority or single-use equipment by meantime, in partnership with access seating for persons with clients with disabilities and ONCE Foundation of Spain disabilities, seniors, pregnant seniors; staff may provide and European Network for women and others without assistance, if requested. Accessible Tourism compromising anyone’s safety. • Train staff to provide a (ENAT),UNWTO has released a • Adjust new protocols at seamless service experience to set of new guidelines to ensure airports/stations for clients with disabilities in accessibility and inclusivity of passengers with disabilities/ safety. all travellers, aligning with the access requirements. Maintain • Ensure deep cleaning of all global Sustainable routine sanitation and customer service areas, Development Goals (SDGs). disinfection of all areas with equipment and surfaces on a According to the newest data potential for human contact. regular basis. from UNWTO, 40 per cent of • Regularly disinfect mobility tourism destinations have now equipment used for providing Activities within a eased travel restrictions which assistance to access transport tourism destination were imposed due to COVID- facilities. 19. • Advise clients to purchase • Adapt protocols for visitors UNWTO Secretary-General direct trips where possible, in with disabilities at museums Zurab Pololikashvili said: order to diminish exposure to as one fits-all rigid systems of “Much progress has been access requirements as a great signage and disinfect regularly and transparent separators so risks and obstacles. queuing, carrying capacity made in making tourism more economic opportunity for them as it is frequently touched. clients with different • Revise and announce instructions and security do accessible to all. As we guide to stay afloat and make their Provide alternatives for new disabilities can enjoy a opening hours of repair stores not work well for all visitors. the responsible restart of businesses flourish again. sound announcements seamless travel experience. and rental companies of • Observe ratios of reserved tourism, we must make sure Thus the guidelines issued (subtitled videos, images, • Assist travellers with motor mobility devices at the seats for visitors with that this progress is not rolled by the UNWTO, ONCE pictograms, QR codes, voice disabilities to safely destination. disabilities when deciding on back. Instead, it must be Foundation and ENAT support announcement systems in manipulate masks and new carrying capacity rules at stepped up as it will benefit all tourism stakeholders lifts). sanitizers in case they are Accommodation, bars monuments, cinemas, theatres everyone. These guidelines including accommodation • Install touch less and unaccompanied and require and restaurants and concert venues. show that simple, thoughtful providers, bars, restaurants button-free technologies, assistance. • Refrain from ‘sealing off’ measures can make a real and tourism offices, to adjust interface terminals and ticket • Avoid adding unnecessary • Make front desks fully accessibility features at difference for travellers – and to new health and sanitary machines. furniture and obstacles that accessible; adapt counter natural settings and ensure in return, allow destinations to demands without reducing • Make all web pages and would cause clutter in heights, separators’ positions, safety for all. welcome this wide and diverse accessibility. The apps accessible and include all accessible routes. signage, install magnetic • Mind potential risks at demographic as they look to recommendations cover four accessibility-related • Place (radio) beacons to loops, provide guest seating, entertainment parks, sports & recover from COVID-19.” distinct areas as in travel information at these platforms, ease indoor way finding for so all users can check in fitness facilities and follow the Travellers with disabilities, planning and protocols, especially that related to blind travellers as they are comfortably and in a normal sanitary instructions for specific access requirements transportation, COVID-19 travel advice and facing new barriers. manner. frequently manipulated and seniors wish to start accommodation, bars and warnings. Make complaint forms • Introduce automated equipment. travelling again just as any restaurants and tourist • Use transparent masks available in QR or other check-in/out processes • Keep accessibility other citizen. There is a activities. and visors when possible, so e-formats if not available in through accessible web pages/ equipment at swimming considerable segment of the persons with intellectual and paper version. apps, key card systems, pools/beaches operational and population in the world who Travel planning and psycho-social disabilities, deaf • Ensure that DMOs/Tourist service catalogues/menus in properly disinfected. belong to this category. As the information on new and blind travellers would Information Offices are QR codes and touch less hand • Ensure that travel guides tourism sector is gradually understand better key involved in designing all dryers. adapt their itineraries/routes, reopening, it should not travel protocols instructions. protocols in order to be able to • Ensure physical distances and consider group sizes and impose unreasonable new • Update information, • Regularly remind about provide correct, transparent between serving tables so all safety of clients with obstacles and barriers for instructions and alerts in physical distance rules and and updated instructions to users can move around in disabilities and seniors when them if we are to embrace the accessible, easy-to read and assist travellers who do not any visitor with disability. safety. using equipment, providing concept of ‘Accessible Tourism clear language formats so any understand the local language • Maintain effective • Refrain from blocking information and planning for All’, in the post-COVID client with specific access or those with learning communication between tour- pavements and footpaths with visits. recovery process. The travel requirements knows how to difficulties to comply. operators and travel agencies bar and restaurant furniture (AC) and tourism industries should proceed. • Consider specific positions and other service providers, so to an extent which does not see travellers with specific • Extend the use of Braille and signage of hand sanitisers clients with specific allow their use by persons with b14 Ceylon Ft friDAY 28 AUGUST 2020 news Ceylon Cold Stores clinches People’s Bank empowers SMEs People’s Bank has stepped forward to support Great Managers Awards 2020 the Government’s development programme by introducing the ‘Business Power’ loan scheme to In recognition that its senior Ceylon Cold Stores secured empower small and medium enterprises operating management are among the best prestigious individual awards in sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, in corporate leadership, Ceylon resonating with high standards of construction, direct and indirect exports, Cold Stores PLC was awarded the performance and leadership innovation and technology, etc. ‘A Company with Great Managers’ within the organisation. The loans are granted to boost financial and the prestigious ‘Great Head of Manufacturing, Ceylon strength of a large segment of the SMEs Managers Awards 2020’ by the Cold Stores PLC, Assistant Vice islandwide including credit facilities at Colombo Leadership Academy for President, John Keells Holdings concessionary interest rates through easy Leadership Excellence recently. PLC Duminda Gunawardena was payment systems. Showcasing that Ceylon Cold the winner for the ‘Team’ Stores PLC has a successful eco category, Manager Human system in nurturing great Resources, Ceylon Cold Stores managers, President, Consumer PLC Tharanga Dilhan was Foods Sector, Non-Independent presented an award for the Executive Director of John Keells ‘Alignment’ category and, Holdings PLC, Daminda Gamlath Manager Marketing Planning & received the coveted ‘A Company Strategy, Frozen Confectionery, with Great Managers’ award at Ceylon Cold Stores PLC the presentation ceremony. Archchana Vekneswaran was the President, Consumer Foods Sector, Non-Independent Executive Director JKH Daminda Several senior managers of winner for the ‘Drive’ category. Gamlath (centre) was presented the prestigious ‘Great Managers Awards 2020’

Lanka IOC commissions fully modernised Petrol Shed at Battaramulla Litro offer Underlining the importance of discounts on HNB Singithi Brand visibility and exploring new opportunity to serve VISA Cards via customers, Lanka IOC said it to secure your had added one more Petrol Shed at Battaramulla. PickMe App It was inaugurated by Dr. Litro Gas Lanka Limited has child’s future Rakesh Pandey, Head partnered with PickMe to offer HNB PLC announced the launch of a special (Economic & Commercial), High discounts for Gas cylinder or refill insurance scheme on standing orders issued by Commission of India, Colombo purchased via the PickMe app. parents into HNB Singithi and Teen savings and Manoj Gupta, Managing The offer is available for all Visa accounts. Director, Lanka IOC. cards issued in Sri Lanka (Debit, Working in partnership with HNB Assurance, Dr. Pandey, in his address, Credit and prepaid cards) and the the bank will now guarantee that in an appreciated Lanka IOC’s efforts discount will be deducted unfortunate event of a parent’s demise – due to of increasing footprints and automatically at the point of purchase natural or accidental death - HNB will continue serving the Nation with without having to use a promo code. monthly standing orders to their children’s commitment. He also said that Commenting on the promotion, accounts until the child reaches the age of 18. this would go a long way in Chairman and CEO of Litro Gas “Given the great uncertainty that we are all building strong bonding and Lanka Limited Anil Koswatta said “We facing in the wake of the COVID pandemic and the bilateral relation of Sri Lanka are glad to be offering a small relief to many other disruptions to daily life that it has and India. our loyal consumers during this caused, HNB made a decision that we have to go Managing Director, Manoj turbulent time. Also, we hope this above and beyond when it comes to safeguarding Gupta appreciated the way Sri serves to incentivise customers to the interest of our youngest customers while Lanka handled Covid-19 and embrace the digital, the same way providing parents with peace of mind. Through created a role model for other directives, the role being played exhibited by the citizens have Litro has. this unique partnership with HNB Assurance, we countries. The leadership, the by the Triforces and Health care been instrumental in containing are now able to do exactly that,” HNB Senior strict enforcement of the sector and the discipline the spread of the virus. Manager - Deposits, Viranga Gamage stated. sports friday 28 august 2020 A15

Novak Djokovic cruised past Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-1 on Wednesday to reach a record-equalling eighth Western & Southern Open semi-final where he will face Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. Djokovic cruises The semi-finals will be played on Friday, scheduled as the final day of the event, after organisers joined other sporting events in suspending play on Thursday in protest against racial injustice. World number one Djokovic took advantage of a series of errors by Struff to grab control of into semis the match and closed out the third seed Daniil Medvedev 1-6, really tough match." Naomi Osaka's decision to pull 62-minute encounter with a love 6-4, 6-3 and reach his maiden In other quarter-final matches, out of her semi-final in protest service break to extend his semi-final in the event, which is Greek fourth seed Stefanos over racial injustice. unbeaten run to 24 matches. being played at Flushing Tsitsipas advanced after Reilly "I think a bigger demonstration "It was great. I started a little bit Meadows, New York instead of Opelka, who was leading 6-5, needs to happen and a bigger tight in my opening couple of Cincinnati due to COVID-19. retired due to a knee injury. disturbance needs to happen," service games. Ever since I made Bautista Agut's chances of Tsitsipas will play Milos Raonic, said Raonic, who was speaking that break at the beginning of the victory appeared distant after the a 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-5 winner over before the tennis governing bodies first set, I never looked back," said 24-year-old Russian cruised Serbian Filip Krajinovic, for a spot jointly announced the Djokovic. through the first set and had in the final. postponement of Thursday's "I really played very aggressive three break point chances early in Raonic, a former world number fixtures. whenever I had the chance and I the second. three, said he considered not "I think it's about everybody was going for my shots." But the 32-year-old Bautista playing his quarter-final in being on the same page. If three With the win, Djokovic tied Agut began to play freer, charging solidarity with the protests over guys, four guys step up tomorrow, Jimmy Connors, Stefan Edberg, the net and serving with more the Police shooting of Jacob but everything continues as Roger Federer and Bill Talbert's confidence. Blake, a Black man, in the city of normal on Monday when the U.S. semi-final totals at the ATP "After the first set, I was Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday. Open starts, you know, have we Masters 1000 event. thinking a lot of bad things," he The Canadian urged players taken that next small step after Earlier, Bautista Agut produced said with a laugh. "I had to fight a and administrators to join hands not playing the first day?" Novak Djokovic (SRB) reacts after defeating Tennys a stunning comeback to defeat lot in the second set. It was a and take a unified stand following (Reuters) Sandgren (USA)

National Rapid Chess Championships 2020 Finch says Test career probably finished Australia's Aaron Finch says he has seriously-good players in Australia, little chance of returning to the Test especially top-order batters. Susal and Sachini arena due to the emergence of a crop of "The talent depth is really, really strong talented youngsters. With three limited- at the moment, so I don't think there's overs World Cups over the next three an opportunity to be honest," said the 33 years, he will have little time to stake a year-old. emerge champs claim. Finch has already flagged the 2023 ODI Finch, Australia's limited-overs World Cup in India as his career swan FIDE Master skipper, made his Test debut in 2018 song, but will need to focus on back-to- Susal de Silva of against Pakistan in Dubai as fellow back Twenty20 World Cups in the next Nalanda College, opener David Warner served a one-year two years before that. Colombo and suspension for his role in the Cape Town Finch is in England leading a 21-man Women ball-tampering scandal. touring party for next month's limited International The hard-hitting batsman played the overs series, which includes three Master Sachini last of his five Tests in the Boxing Day Twenty20 Internationals and three one- Ranasinghe of Nf3 contest against India that year before dayers. Chess Club, won being dropped, and has since played only "It's always a place I've loved batting, the Sri Lanka five first-class matches. right from when I first came over as a National Rapid "In terms of red-ball cricket, I don't club player up in York," said the former Chess Susal de Silva think it's realistic to play Test cricket Surrey and Yorkshire player. Championship at again," Finch was quoted as saying by "I think having played over here for six the Sathara Hall, Cricket Australia's website. and force a claim, I think, is going to be county seasons in T20, a bit of four-day Maharagama "Just based on two things: The amount really limited; and also the young batters cricket helps." recently. of opportunity to play four-day cricket coming through, there are some (Reuters) The 14-year-old schoolboy performed brilliantly to score a total of 8.5 50-Plus Cricket encounter points out of 9 games and was unbeaten Sachini Ranasinghe Old Peterite Veterans meet Thomian Masters throughout the championship. He won the title along with a Trophy, Gold Medal and Winner will be awarded Mike Chanmugam Challenge Trophy Rs 20,000/= in cash. Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage of Ananda College and By M.H. YAKEEM played as a 50 plus encounter from this Thurairatnam, Sunil Wijeratne, Johann W, Chandana Wijekoon of SL Navy Chess Club tied for second year for the Mike Chanmugam Challenge Ramesh Wanakuwatte, Nalin J, Anura place with 8 points each. Ranindu won the Silver Medal Old Peterite Veterans will meet Thomian Trophy. Bulankulame, Amitha Abeynaike, Vajira and a cash prize when he beat Chandana on the tie Masters in a 30-over cricket encounter at There will be fabulous prizes for the best Wijegunawardena, Thiran Thenabadu, breaker. Chandana Wijekoon ended up with the Bronze the Colts Cricket Grounds on 30 August batsman, best bowler, best fielder and the Ranil Peiris, Suresh Bulankulame medal and cash prize. The match will commence at 10.00 a.m. Man of the Match. OLD PETERITE VETERANS FROM: WIM Sachini Ranasinghe, the most experienced female This match is being played after a lapse Indunil Anthony, a former Peterite Ranmore Martinesz, Vinothen John, chess player in the country, was also outstanding. She scored of 8 years. Deepal Ahangama (Thomian cricketer, has come forward through his Damian Tissaaratchy, Shafeek Rahim, a total of 6 ½ points out of 7 games, and also remained Masters) and Peter Deckker (Old Peterite company ‘Stewarts’ to sponsor the playing Peter Deckker, Susaan Bandara, Priyan de unbeaten to win the title. She received a Trophy, Gold Medal Veterans) have got together with OPSC (Old kits for the Old Pererite Veterans team, Silva, Sujeewa Dhahanayake, Duran and Rs 15,000/= in cash. Peterite Sports Club) Chairman Kumantha while the Rector of St. Peter's College has Dawson, Chaminda Perera, Shery Van K.M. Sanidula Dahamdi (Musaeus College) and Nevanjee Ranasinghe and OBU 2020 headed by extended his blessings to both teams. Heer, Reynold Abeykoon, Chanaka Hewawasam (Visakha Vidyalaya) tied for second place with six Asela Lihinikaduwa to revive the match THOMIAN MASTERS FROM: Johanne Abeygoonawardane, Maxwell Perera, points. In the tie break Sanidula got the better of Nevanjee to between the two schools, which will now be Peiris, Deepal Ahangama, Lakshman Suranjith Fernando win the Silver Medal and cash award, while Nevanjee won the Bronze medal and cash award. The event was conducted by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka at Sathara Hall. A total of 270 players participated in the Swiss system events where the men’s section had 9 games and women’s section 7 games. HNB/HUTCH Clay CFSL President elect Luxman Wijesuriya, who is the General Secretary of the South Asian Chess Council and Court Nationals Commonwealth Chess Association and Vice President of Asian Chess Federation was the Chief Guest, while CFSL Treasurer 2020 tennis Erosh Jayasinghe also graced the Awards Ceremony. (IR) tournament Tough ‘Maliban Biscuits’ Trophy MCA Masters ‘Sixes’ battles 2020 on 29 August expected Janali Manamperi Anika Seneviratne The Senior Citizens of MCA cricketing fraternity are hurriedly getting back into shape, dusting their boots and getting their flannels dry cleaned in readiness for the 02nd Maliban –MCA Masters ‘Sixes’ 2020, to be held on 29 in Girls’ August (Saturday), simultaneously at the MCA and DS Senanayake College Grounds commencing 8.30 am. The following 12 teams have confirmed participation: Fairfirst Insurance (2019 joint winner), HNB ‘A’ (2019 semis joint winner), HNB ‘B’, John Keells Group, Sri Lankan Airlines ‘A’ & ‘B’, Deutsche Bank AG, Singer Sri Lanka, An enthralling game of tennis can be Sampath Bank, Combined Team (from Janashakthi & expected in the Girls’ open singles Allianz Insurance); Airport & Aviation Services and Sri semi-final when four of Sri Lanka’s top Lanka Telecom. junior players battle each other at the The special awards on offer are for the Best Batsman, SLTA courts. Best Bowler, Most Senior player, Most Sixes and Man of Anika Seneviratne takes on Neyara the Series. Weerawansa in the first semis, while Last year, Fairfirst Insurance & HNB shared the brand Janali Manamperi will face Savini new ‘Maliban Biscuits’ Trophy, as the final was abandoned Jayasuriya in the second for a place in due to bad light. the final. (IR) Neyara Weerawansa Savini Jayasuriya A16 Friday 28 august 2020 Sports

SLC Major Tier ‘A’ Tournament CCC Champs for Second Consecutive Year

Blue Eagles Evergreen Kavindu Ishan celebrates after scoring the winning penalty

Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Blue Eagles set-up final clash with CFC Airmen superstars sweep Java Lane aside on penalties Victorious CCC team celebrate Pic by Venura Chandramalitha Colombo FC given a mini scare CCC emerged Champion of the in last weekend’s fixtures. 290 runs against Ragama CC. 30, Seekkuge Prasanna 5/72, by Red Star SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Cricket They were Dinesh Chandimal Chathuranga de Silva (NCC) Dushan Vimukthi 3/55) and tournament (2019/2020) for the (Army CC), Ashan Priyanjan had a match bag of 9 wickets 76/5 (35) (Sithara Gimhan 31, second consecutive year (CCC), Kusal Mendis (CCC), against Colts CC, while Seekkuge Seekuge Prasanna 3/29) By Mustaq Sydeen yesterday. Udara Jayasundera (Ragama Prasanna (Army CC) had a match At P. Sara Oval (Match Skipper Kusal Mendis scored CC), Lahiru Thirimanne bag of 8 wickets against drawn) Blue Eagles returned to form with an emphatic 4-3 his third century in the second (Ragama CC), Shanuka Dulaj Saracens. Ragama CC: 491 and 23/0 (5) win on penalties over Java Lane to set up a final clash inning against Chilaw Marians (BRC) and Angelo Perera Chilaw Marians CC won on the BRC: 406 (142/2 o/n) (110.4) with Colombo FC in the Vantage FFSL President’s Cup when he made 157 runs in 183 (NCC). first inning against Colts CC; (Shanuka Dulaj 143, Hashen 2020. balls with 14 boundaries and 4 Duvindu Thilakarathne of BRC Ragama CC won on the first Ramanayake 56, Nisal Francisco After some stuttering form in the quarter-final, the sixes. Ashan Priyanjan also was the leading bowler in the inning against BRC and Army CC 50, Bhanuka Rajapaksha 50, Airmen rediscovered their mojo at Sugathadasa scored 170 runs in 172 balls with tournament. He took 61 wickets won on the first inning against Lasith Lakshan 32, Shashika Stadium last evening in the penultimate match of their 24 boundaries and 3 sixes. for 1163 runs. Saracens CC in last weekend Dulshan 4/127, Kalhara title hopes to ease past Java Lane. NCC beat Colts CC by an Lahiru Udara (NCC) was the fixtures. Senarathne 3/146, Ishan Blue Eagles got the perfect start when the Java Lane innings and 79 runs at CCC to leading batsman scoring 1039 CCC lead the points table with Jayarathne 2/51) keeper made a big blunder. Instead of collecting the earn 19 points and end as runs in 14 innings with 3 95.19 points, NCC are second At SSC (Match drawn) ball cleanly he decided to kick the bouncing ball and it runner-up in the tournament. centuries and 6 half centuries. with 83.1 points and Chilaw CCC: 287 (59.5) and 494/8 rebounded off the body of Nethma Malshan inside the There were seven centurions His best inning was an unbeaten Marians CC third with 81.85 decl. (68/2 o/n) (97) (Ashan box and found the back of the net in the 9th minute. points. Priyanjan 170, Kusal Mendis Three minutes later Blue Eagle’s doubled their lead At CCC (NCC won by innings 157, Lasith Abeyrathne 56, when evergreen Kavindu Ishan netted their second Points Table and 79 runs) Wanindu Hasaranga 51, goal in the 12th minute. The 27-year-old curled a kick NCC: 458 (88.2) Thikshila de Silva 2/44, Shehan from the edge of the box into the bottom corner to put SUPER 8 M W L T D NR PTS Colts CC: 222 (51) and 157 Jayasuriya 2/53, Nimesh his team in a comfortable position. CCC 7 4 0 0 3 0 95.19 (119/6 o/n) (48.2) (Sadeera Vimukthi 2/175) It was hard not to wonder if Blue Eagles were going Samarawickrama 72, Angelo Chilaw Marians CC: 458/9 to blow it again when Kavindu Ishan produced an NCC 7 2 0 0 5 0 83.10 Mathews 30 (RH), Chathuranga decl. (83/2 o/n) (87) (Shehan astonishing miss, poking against the post after being Chilaw Marians CC 7 2 1 0 4 0 81.85 De Silva 4/81, Ashian Daniel Jayasuriya 108, Oshadha played in by a gorgeous pass from their winger. 3/47, Dushmantha Chameera Fernando 85, Kasun Vidura 61, Backed up by an intelligent midfield and a Ragama CC 7 2 2 0 3 0 68.91 2/12) Rumesh Buddika 56, Lasith willingness to run, Blue Eagle’s vaunted attack proved Colts CC 7 1 3 0 3 0 58.60 At MCG Katunayake (Match Croospulle 50, Pulina Tharanga far too strong for their opponents. Kavindu Ishan was drawn) 34, Malinda Pushpakumara outstanding and combined wonderfully with Nethma Army SC 7 1 2 0 4 0 51.78 Army CC: 642/9 decl. (156.2) 4/106, Lakshan Sandakan Malshan to trouble the Java Lane defense until half Saracens CC 7 1 2 0 4 0 47.83 Saracens SC: 259 (72/2 o/n) 3/112) and 52/2 (9) (Lasith time. (69.5) (Gamindu Kanishka 95, Croospulle 42, Lasith Abeyrathne Java Lane came out with more determination in the BRC 7 0 3 0 4 0 45.85 Saliya Saman 45, Dilum Sudeera 2/23) second half and were briefly in control of the game. Their efforts paid dividends when they were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute, which Malaka Perera converted from the spot to give them hopes of a comeback. Most runs Java Lane indeed managed a vastly improved Savith, Yasith into Men’s finals second-half showing and carved out a couple of other Player M I NO Runs HS Ave BF SR 100’s 50’s half chances to score the equalizer which was well Lahiru Udara 9 14 2 1039 290* 86.58 1198 86.72 3 6 defended by Blue Eagles. In contrast, it was a mixed performance after the (NCC) break from the Blue Eagles who lost their momentum Dinesh Chandimal 8 13 2 1027 354* 93.36 1318 77.92 3 4 against a typically resilient Java Lane. Blue Eagles hopes of steadying the ship suffered a (Army SC) cruel blow just five minutes to the final whistle as Java Bhanuka Rajapaksa 10 18 1 83 115 49.11 694 120.31 2 7 Lane regrouped and capitalized on their errors to equalise in the 85th minute when Naveen Jude slotted (BRC) home a brilliant through ball from T. Francis to take the match into a penalty shootout Lasith Aberathne 10 16 2 788 153 56.28 1112 70.86 3 4 Coming into the shootouts Blue Eagles converted 4 (CCC) kicks through Jeewantha Fernando, K. Duminda, Shanaka Wijesena and Kavindu Ishan, while Java Lahiru Thirimanna 9 15 2 726 187* 55.84 1326 54.75 2 3 Lane’s hero of the quarter-final T. Francis and M. (Ragama CC) Najabdeen missed their spot kicks to leave the Java Lane Coach red-faced. Pogba tests Meanwhile, Colombo FC was given a mini scare by Red Star in the second semi-final which ended in another penalty shootout, with Colombo FC walking positive for out winners 3-2. COVID-19 Savith Weerasinghe Yasith de Silva (Pic by Kelum Chamara) Savith Weerasinghe and Yasith de Silva are was all in vain, as Savith used all his France midfielder Paul Pogba has been set to clash in the final after defeating Sanka experience to wrap up the set 6-3 and reserve left out of their squad for next month’s Athukorala and Thehan Wijemanne in the his spot in the final. Nations League matches after testing semi-finals of the HNB/HUTCH Clay Court The most anticipated second semi-final positive for COVID-19, Manager Didier Nationals 2020 tennis tournament being encounter between Yasith de Silva and Deschamps said on Thursday. played at the SLTA courts. Thehan Wijemanne ended with Yasith Rennes midfielder Eduardo In a tightly contested first set both Savith registering a thrilling victory. Yasith kicked-off Camavinga was called up as a late and Sanka were searching for a break in their proceedings by going on the attack from the replacement for Manchester serves to get an early lead. However, after a outset but Thehan did well to counter the United’s Pogba. brilliant rally Savith dominated play to win the attacks and hold off any threat which came The 27-year-old will have to self-isolate first set 7/5 and rattle his opponent. his way in the early stages. However, Yasith for 14 days. He will miss France’s MostSavith wickets was put to the test by Sanka in the continued to play aggressively forcing Thehan PlayerNations League gameM in SwedenI Oon M secondR set.W SankaBBI fought BBM hard and putAve up a Econ into5W’ making 10W errors,’ which paid off as he won Saturday, 5 September and the home decent fight to stay alive in the match, but it both sets 7/6, 6/2 and avoiding a tie break. D.S.game Thilakarathne against Croatia 9 three 16 days 317.0later. 40 1163 61 8/147 13/118 19.06 3.66 5 3 However, Pogba could be eligible for (BRC)selection for United’s Premier League M.Pushpakumaraopener against Crystal 9 Palace15 at 319.5Old 50 1034 50 6/80 9/160 20.68 3.23 4 0 Trafford on 19 September. Series Against Sri Lanka (CCC)His club said: “Everybody at United wishes Paul a speedy recovery ahead of Upulthe Indrasiri new season.” 9 16 407.4 66 England1405 50 7/120 10/150 might 28.10 3.44hold 5 Training1 Camp in Sub-Continent (NegomboPogba CC)will be replaced in the France squad by 17-year-old Rennes midfielder England are looking into the That was the last of six Tests this in January for a tour that was said. “If not then we just have to AsithaEduardo Fernando Camavinga. 9 18 271.1 42 possibility996 47 of holding7/139 a training9/142 21.19season 3.67 – all played4 behind0 closed originally halted in March because make the most of what is available “I’ve completed, at the very last camp in the sub-continent for their doors because of the coronavirus of the virus outbreak before to us.” (Chilawminute, Marians a change CC) in the list,” Test squad ahead of planned tours pandemic – after England’s 2-1 win travelling to India for a Test England are next slated to take on PrabathDeschamps Jayasuriya said on Thursday.9 16 323.3 49 of1124 Sri Lanka 46 and6/65 India. 9/144 24.43over 3.47 the West 4 Indies 0last month. series. Pakistan in the T20I series. The “Paul Pogba, who was previously on Their red-ball side completed a But as Joe Root’s side left their “It is nice to know that some form series will get underway from 28 (Coltsthe CC)list, unfortunately for him he carried 2020 home Test programme with a bio-secure bubble, there was no of preparation is being considered August at Old Trafford. The out a test yesterday which was returned 1-0 win in a three-match series certainty as to when they will be in ahead of the winter tours if they remaining two matches will be as positive this morning.” against Pakistan following a rain- action again, with COVID-19 having take place and to give us a really played at the same venue on 30 (Reuters) marred drawn finale at upended the global cricket calendar. good chance of competing if it is in August and 1 September. Southampton on Tuesday. England could be in Sri Lanka sub-continent conditions,” Root (Agencies)

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