www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit CASES IN 0112 695 112 THE WORLD 68,117,768 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 29,378 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 15,377,814 290,880 1999 If showing symptoms COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1990 0117 966 366 1,554,159 INDIA 9,714,308 141,078 BRAZIL 6,628,065 177,388 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD 21,258 RUSSIA 2,515,009 44,159 143 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 7,977 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 47,180,360 FRANCE 2,295,908 55,521 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 8 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME COVID-19 CLUSTERS AND SUBCLUSTERS COVID-19 Youngest death in SL Under control despite Sri Lanka recorded its youngest Covid-19- related death as a 20-day-old infant passed away isolated cases: Govt. yesterday (8). The Government yesterday Speaking to The Morning, Health authorities confirmed that the infant Issues with (8) assured that the two biggest Secretary to the State Ministry Dr. was admitted to Lady Ridgeway Hospital for clusters, Peliyagoda Fish Market Amal Harsha Perera stressed that Children in Colombo on Monday (7) last night and Minuwangoda Brandix, along the Peliyagoda cluster has been and has been diagnosed with pneumonia. with their sub clusters, are now completely controlled as of now, COVID-19 under control despite several but that there are a few isolated infrastructure isolated cases being reported from cases reported from Minuwangoda. BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Covid vaccines in development. time to time. Contd. on page 2 Vaccine given to American and German developers Discussions are ongoing to address the existing infrastructure – Pfizer and BioNTech – announced 90-year-old Brit issues related to the future Covid-19 vaccination programme yesterday (8) that a vaccine has been MANNAR WIND FARM set to be implemented in the country, once official approval produced. A preliminary analysis is given by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the showed that the first Covid-19 vaccine 100 MW added vaccines that are currently being developed by several can prevent more than 90% of people countries, according to Secretary to the State Ministry of from contracting the virus. to national grid Covid-19 Prevention Dr. Amal Harsha Perera. Out of the hundreds of vaccines produced to combat the virus, only a The Mannar Island Wind Farm was He told The Morning that the would receive 4.2 million doses of dozen of them are in the final stages of opened for operations yesterday (8). vaccine should be stored at the lowest a Covid-19 vaccine under WHO’s testing. Although a vaccine produced The inauguration ceremony was graced temperature, adding that discussions COVAX programme. by Oxford University was widely by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are focusing on looking at various So far, no vaccine against Covid- discussed in the past, this new vaccine and State Minister of Solar, Wind, and A 90-year-old woman from Northern Ireland options and new technologies at 19 has been registered under any produced by American and German Hydro Power Generation Projects has become the first person in the world to present. internationally recognised regulatory developers is the first vaccine to show Development Duminda Dissanayake. receive the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine outside According to Minister of Health authority, or for that matter, even the any results. Contd. on page 2 trial conditions – marking the start of the UK’s Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Sri Lanka WHO. There are lots of different Contd. on page 2 mass vaccination programme, BBC reported. GOVT’S NEW GRASSROOTS-LEVEL PROJECT National schools MORE TESTING THE BETTER Launch next week to be increased Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa The Prime Minister, while presiding the The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (7) said on Monday (7) that the new Consultative Committee of the Ministry approved the proposal made by Minister of project “Wada Samaga Yali Gamata”, of Finance in Parliament, emphasised Education Prof. G.L. Peiris to increase the number which identifies the real needs and that the political authorities should of national schools in the island to 1,000, priorities of the country’s rural people, identify the real needs of the people covering all district secretariats. will be launched in the rural and semi-urban on 14 December Prime Minister areas and launch the project. COVID-19 2020. Mahinda Rajapaksa Contd. on page 2 Shattering the stigma MAHARA PRISON HRCSL WRITES TO HOSPITAL The State Ministry of Primary Health Services, Pandemics, and Covid Prevention is to look at a Postmortems Focus on dead strategic approach in shattering the stigma that has been created around Covid-19, it is learnt. not concluded from Mahara DEATH ROW INMATES None of the post-mortem examinations of the inmates Prison clash Sentences to be reduced that died in the Mahara The Human Rights Commission of Sri A Cabinet paper presented by the Ministry Prison riots have been Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the Colombo of Justice proposed the re-establishment of the concluded, stated Police North Teaching Hospital on Saturday (5) four-year pardon, which, if approved, will reduce Media Spokesperson DIG regarding the manner of preservation and the sentences of prisoners on death row to 20 Ajith Rohana. DIG disposal of the bodies received after the years, while allowing the release of those who Contd. on page 2 Ajith Rohana Mahara Prison clash. have served over 20 years of their sentence. Contd. on page 2

SOYSAPURA Health officials carried out rapid antigen tests on a section of residents living in the Lakmuthu Sevana GL assures Cabinet approves housing complex in Wellawatta yesterday (8) PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM end to ragging WATER BOARD Minister of Education Prof. development G.L. Peiris said ragging in The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (7) universities should be eradicated approved a proposal presented by the Minister Govt. urged to reverse decision completely and assured that of Urban Development to construct 30 houses – The Joint Water Supply National Water Supply and Minister has instructed steps would be taken to end a building consisting of 20 houses of 550 square and Drainage Board Workers’ Drainage Board (NWSDB). that all manpower contract incidents of ragging. feet and a building consisting of 10 houses – Union urged the Government In a letter written to employees of the Board should He said the main issue with Minister Prof. under the Soysapura Housing Project. to reverse the decision taken by Minister of Water Supply be removed by May 2021 and ending this inhumane practice, G.L. Peiris the Ministry of Water Supply Vasudeva Nanayakkara, replaced by workers by the which has cost students their SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 to remove all manpower Union Co-Secretary N.D.N. Presidential Task Force. lives and made a negative impact on their contract employees of the Leelaratne stated that the Contd. on page 2 health for years, is that some lecturers tend PCOI ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION to approve ragging to some extent. TOBACCO, ALCOHOL USAGE Contd. on page 2 Report handed COVID-19 School-level national Large crowds to over to President collect Ayurveda BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA action plan launched The Presidential Commission of medicine Inquiry (PCoI) probing incidents BY SARAH HANNAN Alcohol Control to prevent the usage on tobacco and alcohol use in 2016, Dhammika Bandara from Kegalle began the of political victimisation during the among the youth. about 15.2% of children just above distribution of the locally produced Ayurveda Yahapalana Government handed The Ministry of Health yesterday Minister of Health Pavithra the ages of 10 were found to be using medicine against the Covid-19 virus yesterday over its final report to President (8) announced that a national action Wanniarachchi, during a special tobacco-related products while about (8), drawing in over 10,000 people to his Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (8). plan is to be launched along with the discussion yesterday, pointed out 5.5% were found to have used alcohol. residence, confirmed the Kegalle Police. Contd. on page 2 National Authority on Tobacco and that according to the global survey Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 COVID-19 Minuwangoda, ‘SL has history of Schools in Galle Pandemic crisis to BRANDIX CLUSTER PROBE Peliyagoda, prisons successful vaccination’ Education Division 20 officers infected TOTAL CASES Sri Lanka has maintained a long end in 3-6 months with Covid-19 clusters exceed 25,000 history of successful vaccination closed till Friday The World Health Organisation A group of 20 police officers of the The tally of Covid-19 cases from programmes, and the Government will The Southern Province Governor’s (WHO) has put together a mechanism Criminal Investigation Department the Muniwangoda, Peliyagoda, and live up to this reputation in aiding the Secretariat said yesterday (8) that to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine (CID) have contracted Covid-19 while prisons clusters climbed to 25,025 on deployment of any potential Covid-19 all schools in the Galle Education to all countries equally, said Cabinet probing the Minuwangoda Covid-19

25,822*Stats updated as at 9.30 p.m. on 8 December Monday (7), according to the Ministry vaccine, assured Foreign Relations Division will remain closed from Spokesperson State Minister Dr. cluster, Minister of Public Security Dr. of Health Epidemiology Unit. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. today (9) until Friday (11). Ramesh Pathirana. Sarath Weerasekara revealed. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday , December 9, 2020

Contd. from page 1

existed when running diagnostics and collecting Organisation (WHO) too is in the middle of a Ministry of Finance and Treasury Secretary Issues with... necessary samples. The shortage of ambulances Minuwangoda,... year-long campaign to assist 100 million people S.R. Attygalle said that there should be good Their vaccine has been tested on 43,500 in areas where Covid-19-infected patients are The number was pushed up by 703 new to commit to quit tobacco in time for World No co-ordination among government institutions people in six countries and no safety concerns reported was also highlighted and the possibility cases on Monday, of which 466 cases were Tobacco Day on 31 May 2021. WHO launched regarding the relevant places. Accordingly, the have been raised so far. of using ambulances in areas where patients are identified to be close contacts of patients from a “Quit Challenge” through WhatsApp and also Secretary to the Ministry agreed to prepare a list Sri Lanka has already entered the COVAX not reported was to be considered. the Peliyagoda cluster, while 237 were from published the “More than 100 reasons to quit of priorities with the assistance of State Ministers programme and GAVI vaccine alliance, which President Gotabaya Rajapaksa too had the prisons cluster. tobacco” article in line with the campaign. Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Shehan Semasinghe. are working for a vaccine for Covid-19 with instructed that the cremation of those who died “Smoking kills eight million people a year, the technical help of the WHO,” Wanniarachchi due to the Covid-19 disease be carried out at but if users need more motivation to kick the said, adding that attention should be given the expense of the Government, should families ‘SL has history... habit, the pandemic provides the right incentive,” Postmortems... to the vaccine trials that are still in the third find it financially cumbersome to carry out the Addressing the 31st Special Session of WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom This was why there had been a delay in clinical stage. final rites as per government and healthcare the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Ghebreyesus elaborated. performing the final rites for these inmates, She also said that when a vaccine is created, regulations. in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, he “Commit to Quit” is said to help create despite them having tested positive for Covid- Sri Lanka will be able to obtain it for 20pct of Discussions were also focused on the further stated: “When introducing the Covid-19 healthier environments that are conducive to 19, he explained. Eight of the 11 inmates that the population in the country in the first stage, intervention of the Ministry of Health in vaccination programme, the Government will quit tobacco by advocating for strong tobacco died in the riot posthumously tested positive for which amounts to 4.2 million Sri Lankans. controlling the spread of Covid-19 in the Colombo ensure public confidence is maintained.” cessation policies, increase access to cessation the coronavirus. Moreover, Dr. Perera stressed that the country Municipal Council (CMC) area, and how the With Sri Lanka already included in the global services, raise awareness of tobacco industry Speaking to the media, DIG Rohana said is focusing on the free quota to be given by the healthcare authorities should act when dealing COVAX Facility for Covid-19 vaccination, a tactics, and empower tobacco users to make that a court order is required for post-mortem WHO as an initial step. with Covid-19 clusters that would be generated co-ordination committee comprising experts successful quit attempts through “quit and win” examinations to be carried out on these deceased Nevertheless, he assured that measures would in future. Dr. Fernandopulle also noted that the from the Ministry of Health will work with the initiatives. inmates. The court order will depend on the be taken to vaccine all Sri Lankans once WHO health guidelines that are in practice should be World Health Organisation (WHO) towards the Quitting tobacco is challenging, especially with ongoing inquiry into the riot incident, he added. approves the still developing Covid-19 vaccine. reiterated to the public in the upcoming festive implementation of a safer vaccine programme, the added social and economic stresses that have “However, the Gazette Notification issued He said Sri Lanka has an excellent system for season and urged the public to not be complacent, he added. He went on to note that Sri Lanka’s come as a result of the pandemic. Worldwide, by the Minister of Health stipulates how to deal immunisation vaccination and since the system as there are still hundreds of patients that are focus will be on eliminating Covid-19 within around 780 million people say they want to quit, with a Covid-19 victim. These people died in is already in place, once the vaccine comes, the getting reported to have contracted Covid-19 the country over the course of 2021. but only 30% of them have access to the tools an incident that took place inside a prison. The immunisation programme could be developed from several areas of the country. Sri Lanka has been managing the spread of that can help them do so. Together with partners, court is due to decide after considering all these covering the entire country. the disease through strict adherence to universal WHO will provide people with the tools and factors.” health precautions with a whole-of-government resources they need to make a successful quit Meanwhile, important evidence, such as Sentences to... approach, targeting zero transmission, he stated, attempt. In a scientific brief released earlier this photographs, DNA, hair and blood samples, Vaccine given.. State Minister of Prison Management and adding that Sri Lanka’s free universal healthcare year, showing that smokers are at higher risk and fingerprints, has been collected from the Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Lohan Ratwatte revealed facilities had helped curb the spread of the virus. of developing severe disease and death from bodies, he added. said it was the “best early birthday present”. this last week at the inaugural meeting of the He explained that the Government has deployed Covid-19, WHO reiterated that tobacco is also a Hubs in the UK will vaccinate over-80s and Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, a strategic plan based on 10 pillars aiming to deal major risk factor for non-communicable diseases some health and care staff. The programme aims where he added that the Ministry is also looking to with the pandemic while maintaining normalcy (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, cancer, Focus on... to protect the most vulnerable and return life settle minor bail amounts for convicts that cannot amongst the populace. These 10 pillars comprise: respiratory disease, and diabetes. Moreover, “We note from media reports that eight of the to normal. Matron May Parsons administered afford the fee and remain in prison as a result. national-level co-ordination, planning, and review; people living with these conditions are more 11 people who were shot to death have been Keenan’s vaccine at 6.30 a.m. GMT at University These measures are part of the Government’s raising awareness of risks among the public and vulnerable to severe Covid-19. found to have been infected by the Covid-19 Hospital, Coventry. Keenan said: “I feel so strategy to reduce congestion in prisons by actively involving them in mitigation efforts; “Millions of people worldwide want to quit virus. While we are aware of the regulations privileged to be the first person vaccinated releasing around 8,000 inmates, he stated. Sri maintaining supervision, detection, and rapid tobacco; we must seize this opportunity and invest in relation to the disposal of bodies of those against Covid-19; it’s the best early birthday Lanka’s 28 prisons house close to 29,000 inmates, response; monitoring ports of entry and inland in services to help them be successful, while infected by the virus, we write to remind you present I could wish for because it means I can and such overcrowding poses a greater threat in transportation routes; strengthening the laboratory we urge everyone to divest from the tobacco that these bodies form part of an investigation finally look forward to spending time with my the face of Covid-19, he explained, and thus, the system; controlling and preventing the virus’ industry and their interests,” WHO Director that has already commenced,” the letter stated. family and friends in the new year after being President had issued a directive to release those spread; expediting facilities to healthcare services; of Health Promotion Dr. Ruediger Krech said. The HRCSL requested that the bodies should on my own for most of the year. who could be granted pardons. continuing essential health services; and ensuring be preserved in a manner compatible with health “I can’t thank May and the NHS (National social security and continued economic activity. requirements but not be cremated or destroyed Health Service) staff enough who have looked He went on to note that the Government has Report handed... in any other way until the autopsy proceedings after me tremendously, and my advice to anyone Govt. urged... worked to address the pandemic’s socioeconomic The report, made up of 2,000 pages and in relation to their death have concluded. offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it The decision has been informed to all heads impact through the provision of financial relief three volumes containing information on 198 The HRCSL further requested that external at 90, then you can have it too.” of the NWSDB, it is learnt. and dry rations to over six million families and complaints lodged at the Commission, had been examination of the bodies such as photographs, The UK is the first country in the world to “We note that the decision to remove rural vulnerable groups, and financial facilities to local submitted to the President last morning, Secretary etc. can be commenced and access should be start using the Pfizer vaccine after regulators contract workers is a grave injustice to these businesses, as well as establishing a Covid-19 to the Commission Pearl Wickremesinghe told provided to the forensic team for this purpose. approved its use last week. employees and an inhumane situation,” it is stated. Healthcare and Social Security Fund. The Morning. “All members of the Commission “Our inquiries reveal that although your Most of these employees have been working With regard to a potential vaccine, Minister were present when the report was handed over hospital lacks the facilities for performing for a long time like 10, 15, and 20 years. These Gunawardena elaborated that the Sri Lankan to the President.” autopsies on bodies of people who were infected National schools... employees, who for a long time have devoted Government – following discussions with the The Commission was chaired by retired with the virus, the mortuary at the Infectious Accordingly, the programme is planned to be their youth to the Water Board and received low WHO, the World Bank, and other funding sources Supreme Court Judge Upali Abeyratne and Diseases Hospital at Kotikawatte does have implemented in three phases and the Minister of wages in the midst of various hardships, did not – has secured funds to procure and improve included retired Court of Appeal Judge Daya the required facilities, and permission should Education presented a proposal to develop one intend to go for another job. It is also difficult equipment to maintain vaccine cold supply chains. Chandrasiri and retired Inspector General of be sought from the Magistrate for seeking their selected provincial council school as a national for them to move to another job now, Leelaratne “As this virus transcends all national boundaries, Police (IGP) Chandra Fernando. expertise if required,” it said. The HRCSL school in each of the 123 divisional secretariat explained. At the same time, the then Secretary the role of the United Nations is felt pivotally today. The Commission was appointed by President admonished that it is especially required to divisions in which there are no national schools to the Ministry of Water Supply had promised in Sri Lanka reiterates the call of the UN Secretary Rajapaksa on 9 January 2020 to investigate alleged ensure the welfare of those deprived of liberty as the first phase. Further, the programme plans writing that he would take steps to make these General to make the Covid-19 vaccine a global instances of political victimisation of government under Section 11 (d) of the HRCSL Act No. 21 to upgrade 673 schools selected on the basis of employees permanent employees of the Ceylon public good – free and accessible to all,” he said. and semi-government officials between the of 1996 and this letter was written under the identified criteria as national schools under the Electricity Board (CEB). Just as how Sri Lanka reiterated its support years 2015 and 2019. The investigations of authority of the same. second phase and to further develop the existing “This was promised by the letters dated on to the WHO’s extensive work, he stressed, all the Commission saw the case of Avant Garde 373 national schools under the third phase. 1 July 1988 and 24 December 2014 by the stakeholders must facilitate the WHO’s Access to Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi being heard, Policy approval had been granted by the Secretary to the Ministry. After explaining the Covid-19 Tools Accelerator, especially considering among others. Over 1,100 complaints were Large crowds... Cabinet of Ministers on 10 December 2019 above to you in the discussions held with you, the repeated waves of the virus occurring in received by the Presidential Commission. Accordingly, the medicine was arranged to be to implement an appropriate programme to you agreed that a programme would be drawn several countries. Noting that developing countries provided free of charge. Bandara from Kegalle establish 1,000 new national schools covering up to make these labour contract employees require increased international funding and debt claimed that the drug can remove the Covid-19 all divisional secretariats. permanent,” the letter stated. moratoriums to weather this crisis, he urged Pandemic crisis... virus from the body of patients. There was a long “Instead of a plan to make it permanent, your that middle-income countries (MICs) be given The Health Ministry has made a request to the queue of people waiting to collect the medicine advice now is to remove those employees,” the special attention, with Sri Lanka joining the UN United Nations (UN) health agency with regard near the doctor’s house last morning. Shattering... union said, urging the Minister to reverse his Secretary General’s call to broaden eligibility for to the virus jabs, he said during the media briefing Addressing a recent analytical meeting that decision and take necessary steps to make them the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and to announce Cabinet decisions yesterday (8). was held at the Ministry yesterday (8), State permanent instead. include MICs. The WHO will distribute the vaccine to Sri 20 officers... Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle stressed – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “As we finally pass through this pandemic, Lanka in accordance with their production This is in addition to the 70 police officers on the importance of improving awareness let us hope that in a post-pandemic era, through capacity, he added. Speaking of the indigenous from the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) about Covid-19 through traditional and new co-ordinated and collective action aligned with medicine for Covid-19, the State Minister said who were initially reported to have contracted media platforms. GL assures... the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development the physicians practising western medicine the virus when they were assigned to trace the “There is an undue fear among the people “Only through a strong consensus within Goals, we may build an inclusive and more resilient have agreed to use it as a short-term solution if origins of the cluster on 5 November. about Covid-19 and that infected people are universities that ragging can be eradicated. post-Covid world that is fairer and greener.” it reacts well against the virus. As vaccines and “These officers were involved in recording trying to hide it, which has caused problems in All necessary steps will be taken to create an medicines for the novel coronavirus are being statements from over 100 employees who were the controlling Covid-19. We need to urge the environment where students can complete their developed, the world is expected to eliminate infected by the virus.” public to get tested and then to go and get treated university education without any fear or concern,” Cabinet... the pandemic crisis within the coming three to With the Minuwangoda cluster and its close at the healthcare institutions that are designated the Minister said. Cabinet approval was granted on 16 October six months, he said further. contacts found to be spreading the disease rapidly, Covid-19 treatment centres, if they get tested He said this while participating at an event held 2014 to implement the Soysapura Relocation health authorities had been pushed to locate the positive for Covid-19.” at the University Grants Commission (UGC) Housing Project for the construction of five origins of the cluster. The Attorney General’s She also stressed the need for the public to to donate a scholarship to Pasindu Hirushan buildings consisting of 20 houses each to relocate Under control... (AG) Department, following up on the request of be made aware of the situation as there is a Perera, a student of the Management Faculty of 48 dilapidated two-storey, half-rented houses “We are focusing on the situation now the Ministry of Health, had at the time instructed tendency for society to look down on the infected the University of Sri Jayewardenepura who fell and 24 dilapidated shanties located within the developing in Thihariya in the Gampaha District,” the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) of people and reject them. Focusing on increasing seriously ill due to a ragging incident. premises of the Soysapura Housing Scheme. he said, adding that there was an issue as the the time to launch a police inquiry. The case had the capacity of daily PCR testing, the State The scholarship was sponsored by Abbas Accordingly, the relevant families have been people were refusing to go for PCR tests. been given to the CCD. However, they had to Minister also inquired about the difficulties that Eusufally of Hemas Holdings PLC. resettled in 60 houses constructed in three “State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle prematurely halt the investigation as a majority buildings. Ten houses on a pre-sale basis were will be visiting the Maulavi of the area to discuss of their staff involved in the probe had also planned to be built in the remaining two buildings. the current situation, and steps are being taken to found to be Covid-19-positive. The Acting IGP However, it has been observed that only 30 conduct PCR tests and control the new developing at the time had informed the AG of the inability Cartoon of the day houses can be constructed under the existing situation in Thihariya too,” Dr. Perera assured. to carry out the probe, after which the AG had provisions. When asked about the trend of the spread instructed that the investigation be handed over of Covid-19 in other parts of the country, the to a different unit. Dr. Weerasekara also noted Secretary pointed out that the subclusters are that random PCR tests had been performed School-level... also under control at present. on about 1,500 employees of Brandix, out of “At present, the numbers would have grown – Maheesha Mudugamuwa which 400 had been diagnosed with the virus further, which is why we need to make it a and would be tested for antigens to make sure national interest to safeguard the future of all they were cured of Covid-19. schoolchildren and save society from the menace 100 MW... – Sarah Hannan of drug usage. We are looking to adapt a national Dissanayake stated that a capacity of 100 MW plan with a scientific process for the prevention will be released to the national grid. Although of tobacco and alcohol usage among adolescents there are wind farms in the country, they are Youngest... and youth,” Wanniarachchi noted. owned by the private sector. He said this is the However, a subsequent PCR test has confirmed The implementation of drug prevention first wind power plant owned by the Ceylon that the infant was infected with Covid-19. counselling and awareness programmes, Electricity Board (CEB). It was revealed that Lady Ridgeway Hospital Director Dr. G. drug prevention programmes, and monitoring it costs less than Rs. 10 to generate a unit of Wijesuriya said that at the time of admission, were discussed. It was also suggested that all electricity through the new wind power plant. the infant was in a critical condition with severe responsible parties should make schools and pneumonia. It was further reported that the parents educational institutions into areas that discourage of the infants, who are residents of the Thotalanga drug use and create an environment conducive Launch... area, were tested negative for the virus. to the development of tobacco and alcohol Prime Minister Rajapaksa said so in response abstinence skills. to a proposal made by MP Prof. Ranjith Bandara, The issuance of circulars and the presentation that priority should be given to the vital priorities Schools in Galle... of cabinet papers on the above processes from the of the people and not to bureaucracy to bring This was decided at a meeting held yesterday Ministry as well at the Authority in the future were about a positive change in the living standards of after considering the increased number of Covid also considered. Meanwhile, the World Health 72% of Sri Lankans, both rural and semi-urban. patients discovered on Monday (7). the morning Wednesday, December 9, 2020 3 business CICT donates Fitch downgrades BOC to ‘CCC’ following $ 100,000 to sovereign downgrade Fitch Ratings has downgraded “Our forecasts are subject to a high have largely halted the recognition of Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) Long-term degree of uncertainty regarding the credit impairment thus far. Foreign and Local Currency Issuer evolution of the pandemic globally Fitch lowered BOC’s earnings and Default Ratings (IDR) to ‘CCC’ and in Sri Lanka. The downgrade profitability score to ‘b-’/negative, Covid-19 Fund from ‘B-’. The ratings do not carry and negative outlook on risk appetite despite higher-than-sector loan The Colombo International an outlook because of the potentially and most of the financial profile expansion, as pre-provision operating Container Terminals (CICT), high volatility at this rating level, in factors reflect the downside risks profit may not be able to provide the company that manages line with Fitch’s rating definitions. to borrowers’ creditworthiness and sufficient headroom if credit costs the South Terminal of the Fitch has also downgraded BOC’s the stability of the bank’s financial outpace income growth. Port of Colombo, donated Viability Rating to ‘CCC’ from ‘B-’, metrics stemming from the operating It also lowered BOC’s funding and $ 100,000 (Rs. 18.6 million) and has revised the Support Rating environment,” Fitch said. liquidity score to ‘b-’/negative due to the Covid-19 Healthcare Floor to ‘No Floor’ from ‘B-’. BOC’s Fitch lowered BOC’s risk appetite to rising challenges in accessing and and Social Security Fund National Long-term Ratings were not score to ‘ccc’/negative to reflect pricing foreign currency funding, this week. considered in this review. heightened risk from its significant even though BOC is likely to benefit The downgrade of BOC’s Long- exposure to the sovereign and from its state linkages and entrenched The donation presented to term IDR and Viability Rating non-state exposures that could be domestic deposit franchise for local President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stems from the 27 November 2020 susceptible to deteriorating operating currency funding. BOC has the largest on 7 December was the third downgrade of the sovereign IDR conditions. It said it believes the foreign currency deposit base in Sri cash donation by CICT and its to ‘CCC’ from ‘B-’ and Fitch’s bank’s exposure to state and state- Lanka and has significant foreign CICT CEO Jack Huang (second from left) and CFO Raymond Mu presenting the employees towards the battle donation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assessment of the operating related entities could rise in the near currency denominated non-deposit against the pandemic and the environment. BOC’s Long-term to medium term, as it may be asked to funding. fourth donation towards the the fight against Covid-19,” 19, CICT also supported the IDR is driven by the bank’s intrinsic take the lead in supporting businesses Fitch maintained the bank’s cause overall. In May this CICT CEO Jack Huang said. construction of a two-storey strength, as expressed by its Viability and individuals affected by the capitalisation and leverage score year, the China Merchants “We are happy to share this community centre that will Rating. The ratings are constrained by pandemic. BOC’s loans rose by 25% at ‘b-’/negative, reflecting the Foundation (CMF), the CSR responsibility through keeping provide multiple essential the sovereign IDR. in 9M20, a much higher increase than heightened constraints on accessing arm of CICT’s parent company our terminal operations going services to some 2,000 people “We believe the operating the sector average of 10% and that of capital given the state’s weak ability China Merchants Group in the midst of many challenges living in Pannila near Horana environment (‘ccc’/negative) private sector peers. to provide support should BOC’s donated, $ 200,000 (approx. and by contributing funds and with an initial commitment of continues to have a high influence Fitch said BOC’s asset quality score capital need to be replenished, since Rs. 37.4 million) to the Covid- equipment to support those at Rs. 18.4 million earlier this year. on bank ratings, as it affects the level of ‘ccc’/negative is aligned with its it is a fully state-owned bank. BOC’s 19 fund. In October, CICT the frontline of the battle. We Additionally, as part of of risk of doing business and banks’ risk appetite score and reflects its exposure to the state sector bolsters employees contributed a further believe that is what any good CICT’s continuing support financial and non-financials rating expectation of higher impairment its reported ratios, which are mostly Rs. 800,000. Additionally, the corporate citizen should do.” to the Wheelchair Tennis factors. Our assessment reflects that ratios. It also reflects Fitch’s belief risk-weighted at 0%. Still, its core company donated more than Huang was accompanied by Programme of the Sri Lanka risks are skewed to the downside that its asset quality may come under capitalisation remains thin, and its 1,000 protective suits and 25,000 CICT Chief Financial Officer Tennis Association (SLTA), given the sovereign’s weakened more pressure than that of domestic capital buffers may reduce further if face masks to Sri Lanka in 2020. (CFO) Raymond Mu at the the company donated $ 35,000 credit profile and the impact of the peers. Fitch expects underlying it uses its capital conservation buffer “CICT is not just integral presentation of the company’s (Rs. 6.5 million) and three coronavirus pandemic. We expect asset quality stress to build from of 1%, as permitted by the Central to Sri Lanka’s economy, it latest donation to President professional-grade titanium GDP to contract by 6.7% in 2020 and already elevated levels despite relief Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) under is a major cog in the engine Rajapaksa. wheelchairs costing $ 9,000 (Rs. to begin recovering in 2021 by 4.9%, measures, such as restructuring under the country’s pandemic-related relief of growth and as such must Besides its contributions to 1.6 million) in August and June partly driven by the low-base effect. loan repayment moratoriums, which measures, Fitch noted. help shoulder the burden of the efforts to combat Covid- this year. Huawei Service Annual Giving Dialog’s Genie enables Season open till 10 January Global smartphone brand Huawei out by well-trained and experienced Huawei has covered all the bases Tenaga Smart Parking launched the Huawei Service Annual Huawei technicians. Commenting on in terms of essential service offerings. Giving Season in Sri Lanka to be in the Huawei Annual Giving Season, Not only users can get their device operation till 10 January. Huawei Devices Sri Lanka Country batteries replaced, but they can also Commenced on 24 November, Head Peter Liu said: “We have get the main board replacements for with ‘One-Click-Pay’ Huawei Service Annual Giving launched this annual giveaway to special discounts. The main board Season offers its loyal customers Huawei users for them to taste the replacement cost of Y3 2017 – 3G Genie, Sri Lanka’s first PCI- customers can now store their a progressive step in digitising seasonal bonanzas, gifts, and feeling of freshness of the New Year model is Rs. 3,842 and its 4G model DSS (Payment Card Industry credit/debit card on the app via the transport sector within the unbelievable discounts on device season. Also, Huawei users with is Rs. 4,399. For Y5 2017, it costs Data Security Standard)-certified Genie. Once the card details are concept of a smart city. spare parts and repairs. their older devices have stayed with only Rs. 4,399, for Y7 2016 Rs. fintech platform powered by securely entered and verified “Genie is happy to join hands Walk-in customers to any of the us trusting the brand. Therefore, it’s 4,999, for Y7 Pro 2018 Rs. 4,399, and Dialog Axiata PLC recently for the first time, customers can with Tenaga ParkSmart to Colombo, Maharagama, Kandy, time to show our gratitude to them. for Y9 2018 Rs. 5,599. presented customers of Tenaga use the “One-Click-Pay” option, provide secure and seamless Anuradhapura, Galle, and Jaffna Huawei Annual Giving Season is a The older devices which require Car Park, South Asia’s largest eliminating the need to re-enter remote payments for their Huawei service centres will also be wonderful opportunity for users with screen replacements can be taken to parking management company, card details each time they regular customers, thereby eligible for discounts up to 50% on older devices to get them repaired, a nearest service centre and serviced with an easy, streamlined, and make a payment. One-Click- easing the daily payment hassles. selected device spare parts, low- refreshed at very low prices.” with new screens at unbelievable secure “One-Click Pay” payment Pay is an effective and secure We give our partner merchants cost device repairs, free cleansing, For devices needing repairs, prices. The screen replacement cost method for services rendered. alternative when transferring and their customers total device disinfection, and many more such as screen replacement, battery of Huawei Y3 2017 (Gold), Y5 2017 Launched in partnership with sensitive information, adding an confidence in the security behind services. replacement, and main board (Black), and Y6 2018 (Black/White) the Colombo Municipal Council extra level of security to credit/ their transactions.” Customers can obtain a new, replacement, special discounted is Rs. 2,999 while the cost for Nova (CMC), the Tenaga ParkSmart debit card payments and fast Tenaga Managing Director frosted screen protector which is rates are on offer at Huawei Annual 2i (White) is Rs. 3,499 and Nova app provides users with the becoming a catalyst in fighting Duminda Jayatilake stated: “We anti-fingerprint, anti-greasy dirt, Giving Season. 3i (Pearl White/Iris Purple) is Rs. convenience of paying their fraud whilst creating a seamless are pleased to announce this highly durable, and skid-resistant Huawei MediaPad T2-7 device 4,999. In the MediaPad series, screen parking fees online through the payment process. new feature of Genie which has for a discounted price of Rs. 200. holders are eligible to get the device replacement for MediaPad T2 7 costs app based on the location and Speaking on this integration, been integrated to our ParkSmart Huawei service centres have also screen replaced along with a new only Rs. 2,999, MediaPad T1 10 costs duration of parking. With the Dialog Axiata PLC Group app. This is in line with our introduced a new and stylish back back cover, both for just Rs. 3,699. Rs. 2,999, and MediaPad M3 Lite integration of the tokenisation Chief Digital Services Officer vision of making parking simple cover protector for those who Huawei users can now give a new costs Rs. 3,999. features offered by Genie in Renuka Fernando said: “Genie and convenient to the public. take extra care of their devices, lease of life to their older devices While the service centres offer the Tenaga ParkSmart app, is pleased to partner Tenaga Tenaga Car Parks has always which is available for a discounted with an original battery replacement these major repair services at special customers don’t have to enter ParkSmart. One-click payments strived to bring cutting-edge price of Rs. 150. Customers who for discounted prices. Huawei device rates at Huawei Service Annual their payment details each time within the Tenaga ParkSmart technology to the parking take their Huawei devices for users of GR3 2017, GR5 2017, T2 Giving Season, users can also avail they make a payment through app is a step forward in bringing industry and contribute towards repairs are also entitled to a free 7, Y3 2, Y3 2017, Y5 2017, Y6 2, of attractive tweaks to their devices the app. cashless payment options to the the President’s vision of making cleansing and disinfection service. Y6 2019, Y6 Pro 2018, and Y7 can such as changing the back cover Tenaga ParkSmart app Sri Lankan public and taking Colombo a ‘truly smart city’.” This cleansing and disinfection avail battery replacement for a prices colour for a nominal price. Selected services are available for all Huawei as low as Rs. 1,899 while Huawei models such as Huawei Y6 Pro’s smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart devices including Nova 2i, Nova 3, Midnight Black back cover and watches, bands, and free buds. Nova 3i, P10, P10 Plus, P30 lite, P9, Amber Brown colour are available Huawei service centres are T3 10, Y7 2019, Y9 2018, and Y9 for Rs. 1,699 while MediaPad T2 ComBank offers cardholders constantly monitored by Huawei 2019 can avail this exciting offer for 7’s Champagne colour back cover is seasonal discounts up to 50% and all the device repairs are carried only Rs. 2,599. available for Rs. 1,699. Commercial Bank has commenced on 1 December and to 25% on credit cards; 16 online announced discounts of up to 50% will be applicable on specified shopping sites offering discounts Sri Lanka Tourism webinar on ‘Building and easy payment plans for up days or periods until the end of of up to 35% on credit cards and to 60 months at more than 2,000 2020. 25% on debit cards; and five Destination Image post Covid’ leading retail outlets in the country Participants include 121 Supermarket chains offering for credit and debit cardholders clothing, fashion and accessories discounts of up to 25% on credit Sri Lanka Tourism has organised of Sri Jayewardenepura lecturer and Events and John Keells until the end of December. retailers offering discounts of cards and 10% on debit cards. a strategic-level webinar titled at the Department of Marketing Holdings PLC Head of Corporate While the discounts will be up to 50% on both credit and Additionally, five education “Building Destination Image for and Management Dr. Lalith Affairs Dileep Mudadeniya. applicable at a cross-section of debit cards; 17 footwear and institutes are offering up to 30% post-Covid Tourism Revival” Chandralal. Dr. Chandralal will The panel will discuss the strategic retailers of clothing and fashion, leatherwear retailers offering off and easy payment plans on targeted at industry stakeholders. present the findings of a national path ahead for reviving tourism leather and footwear, accessories, discounts of up to 25% on credit various educational programmes, The event is presented with the study on the importance of visitor in a post-Covid context. Also, jewellery, watches, lifestyle cards and 20% on debit cards; five automobile dealers are aim of presenting the findings of perception. This will be followed participants will be able to listen to products, opticians, salons 13 jewellers offering discounts offering up to 30% discounts, research carried out to identify the by a panel discussion led by three the roadmap laid out by the national and spas, as well as on online of up to 50% on both credit and and two insurance companies are importance of visitor perception. Sri leading industry experts: Global tourism regulator and explore the shopping sites and supermarkets, debit cards; eight watches and offering easy payment plans, the Lanka Tourism hopes to incorporate Communications Consulting readiness to resume operation within the easy payment plans will accessories boutiques offering bank said. these findings into the strategy- Global Tourism Communications the new normal. be available on purchases of discounts of up to 50% on credit Outbound holidays can be making mechanism in the new Consultant John Bailey, Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Tourism said it invites electronic home appliances cards and 40% on debit cards; 30 purchased on easy payment normal. This event would be held Tourism Chairperson Kimarli members of the public to tune into and furniture from 20 leading lifestyle stores offering discounts plans of up to 24 months on in partnership with the Advocata Fernando, and E-Tourism Frontiers the discussion through Zoom. The lifestyle brands and on dream of up to 50% on credit and debit credit cards. Discounts of up to Institute, the official public policy Founder/CEO and global tourism event will also be live-streamed on overseas holidays purchased at cards; six opticians offering 75% on credit cards will also partner. marketing consultant Damian the Sri Lanka Tourism and Advocata 36 participating travel agents and discounts of up to 50% on both be applicable for stays at 57 The webinar, which will be hosted Cook. This eminent panel would be Institute’s Facebook pages. companies islandwide. credit and debit cards; a salon local hotels and will run until 31 through Zoom, will commence moderated by Cinnamon Hotels and To register and more event details, All credit and debit card offers and spa offering discounts of up December 2020. with a presentation by University Resorts Vice President of Marketing visit www.srilanka.travel/webinar/. the morning 4 Wednesday, December 9, 2020 brunch

About ‘ERIK’ – Sachi’s four-page short comic

“For those out LPL-INSPIRED – of the loop, ERIK is a four-page fan comic I made about Magneto. There’s actually a story behind why I made that comic. Back when WHEN FAN ART the pandemic had just hit the US, the primary distributor for comic books announced that they would be halting IS NEXT LEVEL book distribution for a while. This BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE meant that no Sachi Ediriweera, @ new DC, Marvel, Image, or any route345art on Twitter, monthly comic has been making waves book title would once again with his most be available in a recent work – his fan art store. It was the first inspired by the Lanka time in decades that A glimpse at “ERIC”, Sachi’s four-page comic on X-Men’s Magneto Premier League (LPL) 2020 something like that logos. had happened. You there won’t be took off. The comic The artwork has since have to understand new comics the got featured on received an overwhelmingly – purchasing following week Newsarama, was positive response, with it I got the idea of creating an monthly comic either, I thought, shared by industry getting retweeted by Minister artwork after seeing all the books is almost a why don’t I just professionals, of Youth and Sports Affairs team logos. The LPL team ritual there. It’s how make a short it also opened a Namal Rajapaksa, the official logos drew a fair amount of the superheroes we Marvel fan comic few doors, and so team accounts, and the official criticism for valid reasons love, the Batmen and upload it. on. It was a fun LPL social media accounts as and I wondered if there was a and the Spider- So that’s what I experience for sure. well. way to visually unify them in Men, became did. I choose the “Again, it’s a We reached out to Sachi a poster-type artwork. That’s popular in the first X-Men character great example of about his new piece and he took how I got started place. Magneto and doing fan art and us through his thinking and how Sachi Ediriweera “The first created a four-page making use of the he approached the artwork. week with no new comic. I uploaded avenues available comic books went it on Twitter on a – as a fan, you get He shared: “I got the idea We asked about whether he of creating an artwork after by. A lot of shops Wednesday, which to give back to the had expected his new work to and readers were is usually the day community. And seeing all the team logos. The go viral yet again, and he said LPL team logos drew a fair affected by this new comics are as an artist, you that while he was expecting of course. It was released in stores get to reach new amount of criticism for valid a certain level of interaction, reasons and I wondered if there an industry-wide (also known as audiences. In the these things are never disruption no one NCBD, New end, it tends to be was a way to visually unify something you can predict. “I them in a poster-type artwork. had foreseen. Comic Book Day). a win-win for all,” was expecting a certain level of So, knowing that And then, it just Sachi concluded. That’s how I got started. reaction as many of those who “Initially, I was unsure follow my work online were editors or a writer sees their “I enjoy the idea of about working with so many LPL fans as well. I guess no work and decides to work with being inspired by Sri Lankan visual elements that were one expected to see the team Fan art by Sachi, inspired by the LPL 2020 logos them. elements – to create art inconsistent because that meant logos interpreted like this and There used to be a time which can reach international I had to balance all the colours since it unified them, it was when, if you wanted to work audiences. Whenever I scroll and shapes. I spent a fair bit of just embraced by everyone. We also asked Sachi about (intellectual property) holders with these big companies, you through my social media feeds, time conceptualising the layout, Around an hour after uploading his thoughts on fan art in in the world, may it be Disney had to go to a convention in I get to see art from all over the seeing what worked and what the artwork on my social media general, and the role it plays or Warner Bros (who own person – mostly in the US. world – the US, Europe, India, didn’t.” channels, I knew this one was in the cultural zeitgeist, in Marvel and DC Comics, Nowadays, however, if you Japan, and so on. So there are He added: “Symmetry going to be different and I was response to which he shared respectively) endorse fan art make a really good piece of fan times I just wonder, wouldn’t is a running theme in my right. Since then, the artwork that he feels that fan art is a to a certain extent. They allow art and it gets seen by the right it be cool to see a Sri Lankan work and it was the reason has become one of my most vital part of pop culture, as it artists to sell fan interpretations people, you have a chance of version of this or that. I used the elephant from the popular pieces this year,” he redefines the creator-audience of their characters at comic getting hired no matter where “And I must be clear, I’m Kandy Tuskers team on top said. relationship in a unique and conventions and in turn, it has in the world you are. That’s not the only one in Sri Lanka and then the Gladiator and He shared that as an artist, personal way. Unlike a review become a promotion tool for the beauty of fan art and social who thinks like this. Unlike Viking against each other on it’s a great feeling because it or feedback note, there’s them. It doesn’t even need media. On a closing note, we the rest of the world, and even the bottom. In the end, I think lets one know that what they’ve more heart to it when an artist to be a piece of art that was also asked Sachi about his compared to the rest of the having a clear creative direction made has resonated with an decides to pick their pencil up drawn – even a cosplay or a affinity to creating pieces countries in South Asia, the helped with the piece that I audience, “which is one of the and draw a character from a fan-made short film would inspired by Sri Lanka and digital artist talent pool in Sri ended up with.” toughest aspects of being a TV show or movie they love. fall under this,” said Sachi, whether there is an element Lanka is quite small. We pretty Sachi is no stranger to his working artist in my opinion” He also added: “In fact, certain adding also that it allows these of staying connected to home, much know each other and artwork gaining viral status, he said, adding also that on fandoms have entire artistic organisations to spot new talent as he is a Lankan living away most of us have this drive to with his “TinTin in Sri Lanka” the other hand, it helps one communities dedicated to them so they could recruit them. He from his motherland, and he get our work seen by a global becoming an internet sensation, reach new audiences across the and it has helped such shows/ said that there are countless said while that’s a part of it for audience. That’s not a bad thing getting most Lankans excited country or world, depending on movies become more popular. artists who got their first DC or sure, there is more to it. to have,” said Sachi. about what’s next from Sachi. what they’ve made. “Almost all major IP Marvel comic book gigs after Singapore Airlines resumes passenger flights to and from Colombo Singapore Airlines resumed by the end of January 2021, whilst provided at meal service. passenger flights to and from continuously adding on capacity and Promoting a contactless Colombo from 6 December 2020. destinations as and when individual journey, all passengers may use Singapore Airlines Sri Lanka countries’ regulatory bodies permit the SingaporeAir mobile app to is now operating three times a them to be done. remotely control the Krisflyer inflight Ceylinco Life Chairman R. Renganathan (left) and Managing Director Thushara Ranasinghe draw the first batch of Family Savari 14 winners week from Singapore to Colombo All passengers on board would entertainment system; the app also every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday receive a “SIA Care Kit”, which provides passengers an e-library whilst Colombo to Singapore includes a facemask, hand sanitiser, with over 150 publications. You can Ceylinco Life draws first would be operated every Monday, and disinfectant surface wipe download the app via the Apple App Wednesday, and Saturday. whilst an anti-bacterial wipe will be Store or Google Play Store. All passengers arriving to Sri Android users: Apple users: batch of ‘Family Savari 14’ Lanka will require both Foreign Ministry and Civil Aviation approvals prior to departure from winners for Rs. 5 m in gold their origin destination. Departing passengers will also need to meet A click of a mouse, the whir getting Rs. 50,000 each, and the travel restrictions and safety the respective countries’ entry of a hard disk, and a fortune in another 70 receiving Rs. 25,000 precautions necessitated by the requirements. gold was gifted to a group of each. Covid-19 pandemic. Singapore Airlines has continued lucky policyholders of Ceylinco Five more draws are to be Winners chosen at the first draw to adjust capacity to destinations in Life as the life insurance conducted in 2021, culminating came from areas as diverse as its network to help better facilitate air leader’s “new normal” Family in more than 600 Ceylinco Life Trincomalee, Wennappuwa, travel and meet required cargo needs Savari promotion conducted its policyholders winning Rs. 30 Nelliaddy, Matara, and in these challenging times. Globally, first draw. million in gold via the 14th Nochchiyagama. Singapore Airlines is expected to The first batch of winners edition of the Family Savari To be eligible to participate resume 20% of pre-Covid capacity comprising 103 policyholders mega promotion. in the six bimonthly Family won Rs. 5 million in gold, The decision to present Savari draws, Ceylinco Life Flight number Route Days of operation Departure Arrival with one of them receiving the policyholders with gold customers are required to keep SQ468 Singapore – Colombo Sun/Tue/Fri 2210 2330 equivalent of Rs. 1 million, two instead of the customary their life insurance or retirement winning Rs. 250,000 each, five overseas holidays and local plans active between September SQ469 Colombo – Singapore Mon/Wed/Sat 0045 0715 receiving Rs. 100,000 each, 25 excursions was on account of 2020 and August 2021. the morning 5 Wednesday, December 9, 2020 sports Night of ‘Messi vs. Ronaldo’ Steve Thompson can’t recall WC win Rugby rivalry to revive in 2021 It was Barcelona vs. Juventus or Lionel Messi vs. Rugby World Cup (WC) 2003 winner Steve Thompson, 42, of England will host Australia and South Africa in rugby union in Cristiano Ronaldo at 1.30 a.m. today (9). It’s the clash England and seven other former co-players claim the sport Twickenham during November next year. The Autumn International of the titans when Barcelona hosted Serie-A giant has left them with permanent brain damage. They are in series will start with England playing an emerging nation on Juventus who had felt safe in the knowledge that the process of starting a claim for negligence of the game’s 6 November before a game against Australia on 13 November. they had already qualified for the knockouts of the authorities, World Rugby. Every member of the group has England will then face South Africa, who beat Head Coach Eddie Champions League. However, there was still top spot recently been diagnosed with the early signs of dementia and Jones’ side in the 2019 World Cup final on 20 November. “These will to play for and the chance to end the group stage by they say repeated blows to the head are to blame. Thompson be some good games of rugby and tough tests for us (England) as winning all six games for the first time since 2002. adds: “I can’t remember any of those games. It’s frightening.” we work to improve as a team,” Jones has told BBC yesterday (8).

India fail to SL to play in ‘different ‘India-Pakistan’ clean-sweep Australia In spite of a gritty knock of 85 clash in SL in 2021 made by Indo skipper Virat Kohli, in z Cricket turns out to be their pursuit of 187 runs to win the bio-bubble’ in SA in 2020. After having a pandemic- match and record a 3/0 clean sweep, BY REVATHA S. SILVA hotter 'after' the pandemic marred 2020, the Indian team is now Australia won by 12 runs the third Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and set to go through an extremely hectic and final T20I played yesterday (8) After England decided Pakistan will feature in the Asia Cup 2021 where they will play 14 Tests, 16 in Sydney. to return home, T20I tournament scheduled to be held in ODIs, and 23 T20Is from January to The ODI series between the two abandoning their June next year in Sri Lanka. This means December. countries was won by Australia 2/1 three-match ODI series a scintillating Indo-Pakistan clash will Restless 2021 for India on 2 December. Their three-match in South Africa on be on the cards here in Sri Lanka then. Test series will begin next Thursday Monday (7), the next Also, Virat Kohli’s men in blue are This is beside the Indian Premier (17) in Adelaide under lights as the international cricket scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in June League (IPL) 2021, Asia Cup to be held first-ever pink-ball Test between the series there, the two- next year for three ODIs and five T20Is. in June-July 2021, and the International two cricketing giants. match Test series against Then they will stay on for the Asia Cup Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20 World Cup to be played in the June-July window in scheduled for October 2021. Scores: Sri Lanka, has been in Sri Lanka. This means, there is not even a single Australia 186/5 in 20 overs serious doubt. SL won a Test in SA first in Dec. 2011 at Kigsmead and recorded a 2-0 series month in 2021 when Kohli and his boys (Matthew Wade 80 in 53 balls – But now there is hope that win at Port Elizabeth when they last travelled there in February 2019 Bangladesh Tests after that? will be able to rest their limbs but will 4x7, 6x2, Glenn Maxwell 54 in the important series will Discussions are now ongoing be continuously occupied either with 36 – 4x3, 6x3, Steven Smith 24; get underway in a different SL series will be cricket boards to decide on between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and international cricket or the IPL. Washington Sundar 2/34) biosecure bubble in South different: SA team abandoning the series abruptly the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) BCCI is yet to officially release their India (won the toss) 174/7 in 20 Africa to counter the threat doctor on Monday (7). whether the two boards could hold the forthcoming schedule, but Inside Sport overs (Virat Kohli 85 in 61 – 4x4, created by the Covid-19 Meanwhile, South Africa postponed three-Test bilateral series in news web published the proposed 6x3, Shikhar Dhawan 28, Hardik outbreak. cricket team doctor Shuaib Incur massive Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup next year. schedule yesterday. Pandya 20, Shardul Thakur 17 n.o.; Sri Lanka, under Dimuth Manjra was quoted by Daily financial losses Bangladesh were to play here the Test Mitchell Swepson 3/23) Karunaratne, are to start their Mail yesterday as saying that England managed to play series initially in July-August this year, In 2022 and 2023 yy Player of the Match: Mitchell two-Test series in Centurion on there would be changes to the a three-match T20I series but after a couple of postponements due Following a three-match ODI and Swepson (Aus) 26 December, the Boxing Day. biosecure environment for the prior to their ODIs in South to the pandemic, the series was put off T20I series against West Indies in visit of Sri Lanka. Africa, which they won indefinitely in October. January to February in 2022, India are to yy Player of the Series: Hardik No final decision yet, “The Sri Lanka series 3/0. But the postponement SLC CEO Ashley de Silva yesterday host Sri Lanka for three Tests and three Pandya (India) says De Silva was set to be very different of the ODIs will come as a (8) said the two boards are now engaged T20Is, from February to March 2022. yy “We cannot make any because the hotel is very massive financial blow to in discussions – though exact dates for In September 2022, the next edition Series: India won 2/1 statement at the moment different. Again, we were the embattled Cricket South the Asia Cup were still not finalised – on of the Asia Cup has been planned to Indo skipper (on the fate of the South looking to try and balance the Africa (CSA). the possibility of playing the series after be staged in Pakistan by its organisers, Virat Kohli Africa tour). We are having mental wellness with strict The Guardian reported the Asia Cup 2021. the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). But square drives discussions internally,” Sri Covid-19 protocols. But now, on Monday that the wiped “We are looking at some windows here, the participation of India will be on his way to 85 yesterday Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO maybe (we) need a different out three-match T20I series when we could host them. A decision in serious doubt due to the longstanding (8) in Sydney Ashley de Silva told The approach,” Manjra has said. against England would see will also be made within the next week political rivalry between India and Morning Sports yesterday (8). England and South Africa CSA lose an estimated amount or so,” de Silva clarified. Pakistan. “We are also seeking advice ODI teams were staying of £ 1.5 million, equivalent to Australia, meanwhile, will host from our health authorities. at Hotel Vineyard in Cape Rs. 372 million. Fulfilling bilateral the next ICC T20 World Cup during Actually, we are monitoring Town where at least five The cancellation also cast commitments October-November 2022. the current system (in South persons, including one South doubts on CSA’s ability to The Board of Control for Cricket In December, Sri Lanka will again Africa) before we make the African and two England host the planned future tours in India (BCCI), which governs the visit India for a five-match ODI series. right decision. But no final players, unexpectedly tested not only of Sri Lanka, but of world’s most expensive cricket team In October 2023, India will stage the decision has been made so positive for Covid-19 over the Pakistan and Australia too, in at the moment, has been committed to ICC’s main flagship tournament, the far,” de Silva added. weekend, prompting the two the coming months. honour their cancelled bilateral series 50-over World Cup.

BERNARD JESUTHASAN and struggles – which were few SPORTS because of his simple lifestyle – with me and I was much honoured that WATCH he would seek my counsel in certain Tribute to a gentleman, teacher, situations. The norm in today’s by Dinith Pathi society is that everyone speaks well of a person who has passed away This article is not going to be one even though they do not associate of the “normal” ones which usually and wonderful human being with that person as much as they appear in this column. Normally, all should in that person’s lifetime. articles appearing in this section are Parts 1 and Part 2. The fact that these Bernard Sir, if there is any written in the third person. Also, the qualifications and achievements consolation that I can take from your articles appearing here try to be as would come as a surprise to many very untimely passing, is the fact that objective and informative as possible should give an inkling as to the I was able to associate perhaps even regarding what is happening in the qualities that he possessed as a closer than normal with you because world of sports. person. of the lockdown which we had to Today's article does not connect go through earlier in the year. I am any of the above dots, apart from From a respectable family personally happy that I called you the fact that it somewhat concerns in Jaffna at least twice every week to check the world of sports –local sports Bernard Sir hailed from a very up on you and your wellbeing. But in general and local school sports respectable family, originally from I am not at all sure that I had put in particular. Also, this will not be Jaffna. He was in a family of four into words enough the respect that I objective in any sense and will be siblings and was educated at St. had for you and for that I am deeply subjective in every sense. These are Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. He sorry. I would like to hope that you MY memories, experiences, and was the most humble of persons, knew that from our close association. observations associating closely with never looking for any publicity or Bernard Jesuthasan There is so much more to write but possibly the most wonderful human self-promotion, and was shy and his students. The many tributes on other constraints have to come into being I have ever met in my life. retiring to a fault. social media from his former and that equation. I still remember vividly the current students at hearing of his A trained teacher in English coaching camps we used to have untimely passing bears testimony to A void hard to fill literature at St. Peter’s in the old days where the respect he commanded from his His demise has left a void that I first met Mr. Bernard Jesuthasan, we would spend the nights at the students at all times. Even in this age will be hard to fill for a lot of people or “Bernard Sir” as he was pavilion. Whilst the boys were of hyperbole on social media, the and not the least the current batch of affectionately and fondly known by resting, we would talk long and deep sincerity of the words of his students Peterites. Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo, everyone, somewhere around April into the night regarding the future was extremely moving and poignant. the present Rector, and the priestly Bernard Jesuthasan was St. Peter’s College Master-in-Charge of tennis for the or May in 1998. He was appointed of the sport of tennis at college and last two decades when the school climbed unprecedented heights in the fiercely Bernard Sir was truly a saint. The community at St. Peter’s have lost as the Master-in-Charge (MIC) of how we would look to improve it. competitive interschool circuit two of us had cross words only once a dependable teacher, the Peterites the newly started sport of tennis at Those were the days when St. Peter’s in our association of 22 years and have lost a guiding light, and I have St. Peter’s College, Colombo and I College was a non-entity in the field work through the all-important post asked Bernard Sir what happened, he anyone who knows my personality lost a deeply respected friend. was the Coach. From then onwards, of tennis and we were just taking the of the Secretary of the Sri Lanka told me that he was razzing him a bit. knows that the other person has to Bernard Sir finally let me finish I have associated with him closely first steps along a long and hard road. Schools Tennis Association, the post (Bernard Sir had quite a dry sense have saintly qualities, if that was the this article with how we would for more than 22 years in those he held for four years uncontested of humour.) The problem was, I was case. He will be missed deeply at St. always part with each other very same capacities until his very 22 years and around 100 before he gave it up himself. not sure whether I believed him or Peter’s College because not only was whenever I gave you a lift! “Thank untimely demise last week. championships His tenure as the MIC of tennis not. And to this day, I do not have a he the MIC of tennis, but he was also you Pathi Sir, All the best!” you Bernard Sir was a trained teacher And 22 years and around 100 at Peter's had its moments as well. definitive answer either way. the compere of almost all important would say always. And my reply in subjects of English, English championships and runners-up titles I remember one day a player came college functions. He was also in invariably was: “See you Bernard literature, and mass media and as well as more than two-dozen Sri and told me, in a bit of bother, that Truly a saint charge of numerous other societies Sir, thank you!” communication. He had also Lanka players later, Bernard Sir Bernard Sir had asked him if he was Bernard Sir was a throwback to the at the college and rendered yeoman Thanks Bernard Sir for the completed BPh (Hons) and BA and I were still working together playing in the team that year. He had good old days of society when the service to Peterites for the past 23 memories! Let us meet again and (Hons) degrees and also possessed a as friends. The care and affection replied to Bernard Sir: “Of course teachers were respected without any years as a teacher. start another successful tennis Postgraduate Diploma in Education he showed all the boys who were Sir.” This would not have been much reservation. His Catholic faith had programme somewhere else and a Master’s in Journalism and playing the game of tennis were news except for the fact that the given him the qualities he possessed Friendship sometime in the distant future. Mass Communication. He had never called into question. And this boy from whom he had asked the in abundance and his prior training I am extremely fortunate that he (The writer has been the Head also authored two text books, care extended to all the players from question was the Vice Captain of the in the seminary had inculcated the considered me a friend in that he Tennis Coach of St. Peter’s College Communication and Media Studies the other schools as well from his Under-19 team that year! When I values which he tried to teach to would confide his personal problems for the past 22 years and counting)