Illegal and hazardous constructions COVID-19 SLIDING LOCAL CASES TOTAL CASES TOWARDS 3,345 A GRAVE DEATHS RECOVERED DISASTER ACTIVE CASES 174 13 3,158 RS. 70.00 PAGES 88 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 02 – NO. 53 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 CASES AROUND THE WORLD RECOVERED TOTAL CASES 22,092,196 DORMANT 20A STIRS UP A DEATHS OIL PIPELINE HORNET’S NEST IN AND 30,407,457 951,473 RESURFACES OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.20 P.M. ON 25 SEPTEMBER 2020 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 5 LRT project still alive z Transport Ministry yet z Cabinet decision z Current cost lower to act on letter required to terminate than initial estimate

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA this is a costly project and we have to think about the country’s The Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project is yet economic situation after the to be terminated despite the request made by impact of Covid. Therefore, the President’s Secretary Dr. P.B Jayasundara as per the President’s Secretary requested directives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa last me to think about this project week, The Sunday Morning learnt. and take proper decisions. The decision of course cannot be When contacted by The Sunday project had been approved by the made at the ministry level. It Morning, Ministry of Transport Cabinet, it should be terminated should be done by the Cabinet Secretary Monti Ranatunga by the Cabinet, he said. of Ministers because this project stressed that the directives to “There is an evaluation started based on the cabinet terminate the project should committee, and the committee’s decision.” come from the Cabinet; as the recommendation is that maybe Contd. on page 2

FERTILISER SUBSIDY GARBAGE CONTAINERS Don’t chase jackals: DWC Rs. 20 b BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA to avoid jackals and getting bitten. ‘Relocating’ trees Back to There is a practice to chase away The Department of Wildlife these creatures. This only results annually Conservation (DWC) is conducting in humans getting bitten. We are The Government is to incur a UK soon awareness programmes to warn the conducting programmes to educate cost of Rs. 20 billion annually to for development is preparing to public not to chase jackals, after people that they should not be fully subsidise fertiliser supplies send the containers of waste two rabies deaths were reported chasing jackals and that not all for paddy farmers, according BY SARAH HANNAN for development projects being Felling prized matured trees exported to Sri Lanka by a in Millaniya. jackals have rabies,” DWC Director to the Ministry of Agriculture. considered first. for development work would UK company, back to its “Awareness programmes were – Health Dr. Tharaka Prasad said. National Fertiliser Secretariat The Ministry of Environment Speaking to The Sunday create an adverse impact to the country of origin in the UK carried out in these areas on how Contd. on page 2 Director Mahesh Gammanpila is to look at employing high- Morning, Minister of ecosystem of an area. Therefore, from October onwards, once told The Sunday Morning that tech environment conservation Environment Mahinda we are looking at aCAPITAL technique the legal process is completed, HEIGHTS the subsidy begins from the methods, with a method Amaraweera said: “We are that is widely used where the the Central Environmental Yala Season. to relocate trees from their looking at relocating trees to tree can be relocated.” Authority (CEA) revealed. CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Contd. on page 2 original position to make way pave the way for development. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION OIL REFINERY Remembering their roots UPWARDS Low-quality Errant estates CAPITAL HEIGHTS boiler costs could be RS. 34 MILLION VISIT OUR taken over UPWARDSWEBSITE millions Labour Minister Nimal Siripala Concerns have been raised de Silva warned the plantation CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 over the importation of a companies that fail to provide RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION low-quality boiler from Italy the Rs. 1,000 minimum wage for READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS by the previous Government, estate sector workers, claiming which spent Rs. 440 million to they continue to incur losses, could PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR replace one of four boilers of the SHOW beAPARTMENT taken over by the Government WEBSITE 51-year-old Sapugaskanda Oil and made profitable. VISIT OUR +94 763112233WEBSITE Refinery owned by the Ceylon READY FOR INSPECTIONContd. on page 2 SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk Petroleum Corporation (CPC), +94 763112233 BANGLADESH TOUR SHOW APARTMENT The Sunday Morning learnt. READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION Contd. on page 2 PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION SLC to follow PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION OIL SPILL IMPACT Monthly all guidelines Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) reviews for reiterated that it would follow (SLFP) Leader is pictured having a conversation with party all Covid-19 guidelines for the 3 years General Secretary at “Bandaranaike Prathyawalokanaya”, the commemoration of the Bangladesh cricket team which Assessing the marine 61st death anniversary of SLFP Founder S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike held on 25 September is scheduled to arrive in Colombo environmental impact of the PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE in late October. MT New Diamond’s bunker Contd. on page 2 oil spill might take at least three MECHANISM TO REDUCE COST OF LIVING years, with monthly assessments required throughout that period, claimed the National Aquatic Resources Research and Vegetable middlemen cut Development Agency (NARA) The Government is considering consultation with the Agriculture vegetables valued at Rs. 700 at Aluthgamage further explained. assisting the Marine Environment purchasing vegetables directly Ministry and the Trade Ministry, Rs. 350 by purchasing directly Following the successful Protection Authority (MEPA) from farmers through the following a successful trial. from the farmers. We managed to programme carried out by the with the site research. Agriculture Ministry to sell to the Agriculture Minister achieve this target by cutting out Agriculture Ministry, the Cost The Sunday Morning spoke to public through Sathosa outlets all middlemen,” the Minister said. of Living Committee decided NARA Head of Environmental that are under the purview of told The Sunday Morning that his The Agriculture Ministry to expand the programme by Studies Division K.W.S. the Trade Ministry, as a measure Ministry had already successfully has, in the first stage of the formulating a joint mechanism Weerasekara to inquire about to reduce the skyrocketing carried out a programme through programme, sold up to 10,000 with the Agriculture and Trade the time they would take to vegetable prices. which vegetables were purchased such vegetable bags. Ministries. assess the full extent of the The decision has been taken directly from the farmers and “The wastage recorded by us The two Ministries are now expected pollution. by the Cabinet-appointed sold directly to the public. when transporting vegetables in the process of finalising the Contd. on page 2 Cost of Living Committee in “We managed to sell a bag of from the farmer was 2%,” mechanism, Aluthgamage said. 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, September 27, 2020

Contd. from page 1

is not high,” he noted. “The British company is ready to take back the determine how much of the jackal population CPC appointed a committee. But up until 2016, LRT project... Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport Secretary garbage containers. But the shipping restrictions is being infected in the relevant regions. nothing was done,” he stressed. “Therefore, the Cabinet should take the Ranatunga revealed that the Ministry hadn’t that were imposed due to Covid-19 caused a The boiler was imported from Italy from the decision to terminate, discontinue, or postpone yet analysed the cost of the project, though Dr. hindrance to it.” same company which made the equipment of the the operation,” he said. Jayasundara said it was costly. “Moreover, the legal paperwork that is to SLC to... refinery. After only about a year or two, a leak Asked whether he informed the LRT Project be completed to recommence the reshipping SLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashley from one pipeline was noticed by the engineers. Office about the termination of the operation, The project and roadblocks process too was delayed.” de Silva told The Sunday Morning that the SLC During this time, the older boiler had also been Ranatunga confirmed he hadn’t yet informed The 15.7 km LRT system with 16 stations The CEA official noted that the institution will is still waiting for a response from the Task Force repaired by the engineers, he explained. them. “I do want to discuss with the Project from Colombo Fort to Malabe via Battaramulla be looking into completing the legal paperwork of the National Operation Centre for Prevention CPC officials, however, alleged that even Office, and I’m awaiting the Cabinet’s decision,” involved an elevated railway track, elevated this week and is hopeful that the reshipment of of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). though the boiler should be working for at least he said. stations, a train depot, the procurement of the garbage containers will commence from The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) 10 years, a guarantee period had not been given In a letter written to Ranatunga and copied LRT trains, and the installation of electrical, October onwards. has expressed their disagreement over local by the Italian company. to the Secretaries of the Treasury and Ministry communication, and signal systems. The project The UK’s Environment Agency in July agreed Covid-19 protocols on Bangladesh’s World Test However, the CPC has already instructed the of Urban Development and Housing, Director is expected to reduce travel time from Colombo to accept the controversial waste containers Championship series in Sri Lanka. Italian company to send the spare parts, while General of the Department of National Planning, Fort to Malabe to approximately 30 minutes. exported to Sri Lanka by a UK company. Meanwhile, it is reported that Bangladeshi the local engineers are currently conducting the Director General of the Department of External The loan agreement pertaining to the project The case was taken up on 23 July, during which fast bowler Abu Jayed has tested positive for repair work. Resources, and Chairman of the Ministry of was signed between Sri Lanka and Japan last time the Attorney General’s (AG) Department Covid-19 ahead of their tour of Sri Lanka. – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Urban Development, Dr. Jayasundara stated March. of Sri Lanka had informed the Court of Appeal As reported, BCB President Nazmul Hasan that the President had directed him to request Accordingly, Japan extended a loan of around of Sri Lanka that the UK Government was in had said it won’t be possible for their players the Transport Ministry Secretary to terminate the Rs. 48 billion to Sri Lanka for the Colombo the process of conducting an inquiry on the to be confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days. Monthly... project and close the project office with immediate LRT Project. British company that exported waste material Hasan had further said that they had been “So far, we have sent three teams on three effect. Furthermore, the letter stated that a suitable The loan for the project was offered on highly in freight containers to Sri Lanka, violating the working on a schedule with a seven-day occasions to collect samples of water and oil, alternative solution for transportation could be concessional terms and conditions, including a UK’s environment and health regulations. quarantine period in mind, but a 14-day period and to observe the behaviour patterns of the worked out in consultation with the Ministry 40-year repayment period for funds obtained for In January this year, the CEA proposed would mean that the Bangladesh Test squad, all aquatic species. In these three rounds, the data of Urban Development and Housing and the consultation services with a grace period of 12 alternative options, including securing the services of whom haven’t played a competitive match in we gathered and the observations that were Department of National Planning of the Ministry years, a 0.1% interest rate per annum for civil of a foreign consultancy firm with adequate six months, will get just one week to prepare for made by our team of academics were shared of Finance. work and equipment, and a 0.01% interest rate technical knowledge to expedite the process the first Test scheduled for 23 October. with the MEPA, so they could present it to the When asked whether the Transport Ministry for engineering services. of investigating into the containers of imported He had also said that both cricket boards were Attorney General (AG)’s Department as part of was going to submit a cabinet paper to terminate Accordingly, in the project, the preliminary base garbage from the UK found at the Colombo having discussions along the lines of a seven-day the claims procedure.” the project, Ranatunga said: “I don’t know cost estimated during the feasibility study was Port in 2019. quarantine period, but SLC’s terms and conditions Weerasekara also noted that they are now which ministry should put forward the cabinet $ 1,374 million and including price escalation, In 2019, Sri Lanka Customs and the CEA found were nowhere near those discussions and neither looking at conducting field visits fortnightly, paper. This project was put to this Ministry contingencies, and interest, Sri Lanka and the that some private parties had imported around were they anything close to what other countries to assess the extent of the pollution, given that very recently. Earlier, it was under the Urban Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) 240 container loads of waste to the country hosting cricket in the pandemic are doing. the ship is still in Sri Lankan territorial waters. Development Ministry. They may submit the estimated the loan amount to be $ 1,850 million. without the approval of the CEA, breaching the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “After it is removed from the location, we cabinet paper from the Finance Ministry’s side In January this year, Ministry of Urban provisions of the Basel Convention. will then have to continue our research work on or the previous Ministry may be asked to submit Development, Water Supply, and Housing It was later revealed that the waste consignments a monthly basis. What we would like to stress the cabinet paper. The Transport Ministry may Facilities Secretary Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama were imported from the UK and had been lying Relocating... here is that once an oil spill occurs, the extent also be asked to do so.” wrote to the Project Director of the LRT Project at the Colombo International Container Terminals Amaraweera further claimed that the technique of the damage cannot be immediately assessed, expressing his concerns over the project funded (CICT) and the Katunayake Free Trade Zone is called tree transplanting, where a matured tree as the impact it continues to cause to the marine Costly or cheap? by JICA. (FTZ) since 2017. will be carefully uprooted with the entire root ecology system can differ,” she noted. The reason for termination, as specified by Dr. In his letter copied to the Secretaries of the The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) structure of the said tree intact and moved out Therefore, according to Weerasekara, the Jayasundara in the letter, was that the LRT Project President, Prime Minister, and Treasury, he raised filed a writ of certiorari and mandamus in of the path where, for instance, a road, a bridge, research might extend even as long as three years, was very costly and thereby not the appropriate, eight concerns regarding the project, and asked the Court of Appeal, naming the CEA, Sri or a rail road will be built. during which time the NARA will deploy teams cost-effective solution as urban transportation the Project Director for explanations to be given Lanka Customs, and the AG’s Department as “Sri Lanka does not have the technical expertise to gather water samples as well as observe and infrastructure it was billed as. on or before 10 February 2020. respondents of the case, which ordered the CEA or the machinery that is required to carry out such record the behaviour of aquatic species such as Meanwhile, The Sunday Morning reliably The concerns raised in his letter include the and Customs to conduct an investigation into the a task. Therefore, we are seeking expert foreign whales, dolphins, and turtles to determine the learnt that prior to Dr. Jayasundara’s letter written total loan amount, consultancy fee, unit costs of illegal importation of container loads of waste at advice on this matter. In the weeks to come, we pollution levels that this accident would cause last Monday (21), a meeting was held on the the rolling stock, the Japanese monopoly with the Colombo Port and Katunayake FTZ. shall discuss at length with Forest Department not only to Sri Lanka’s territorial waters but the 18th between Dr. Jayasundara and Ranatunga. regard to the rolling stocks to be used for the – Sarah Hannan officials and experts of the field to be part of this entire ocean itself. The Sunday Morning also learnt that the project, issues pertaining to the design, the marshy innovative programme,” he added. At the moment, NARA’s Samudrika Vessel is detailed design of the LRT Project was already lands in the locations selected for the depot and Amaraweera also stressed that rather than afloat at the site and a team of research scientists completed by local and international consultants, workshop, cost increases and environmental Don’t chase... protesting over the country being rapidly are continuing their observations and research and based on the final engineering cost estimates, impacts, and restricting the consultancy service Rabies was spreading among the jackal and developed in the coming years, concerned to support the marine pollution report that the the project cost had now reduced to $ 1 billion. on design and supervision to a lump-sum contract dog population in certain parts of the country and entities and environmental activists could provide MEPA will be preparing with the assistance of Furthermore, the cost per kilometre of the instead of a time-based contract. it was confirmed that both deaths in Millaniya constructive feedback on how to strike a balance the other universities. LRT Project is now estimated to be around $ The LRT’s Project Management Unit (PMU), were due to the rabies virus. between conserving wildlife and forests and The first phase of the legal claims that Sri 62.5 million, which is far lower than the original in its lengthy explanation to Secretary Dr. Meanwhile, DWC Director – Operations paving the way for the country’s development. Lanka bills against the owners of the MT New estimate. Wickrama, as seen by The Sunday Morning, Ranjan Marasinghe also requested the public Apart from that, Amaraweera also noted that Diamond crude oil is looking at a total of Rs. When contacted by The Sunday Morning, stated that the land acquisition for the project is not to hunt jackals to curb the spread of rabies. a cabinet paper was drafted to protect the 103 440 million as of 23 September. University of Moratuwa senior lecturer and already in progress, as lands in depot areas were “There is no need for the public to get involved main rivers of Sri Lanka, where he requested the Sri Lanka billed a further claim of Rs. 100 transport infrastructure expert Dr. Dimantha De identified and information on the same was sent and hunt jackals. This can cause other problems Government to look at appointing a presidential million towards the cost of fire mitigation and Silva stressed that if the cost of the project was to the Government Valuation Department for such as a decline in jackal population, which task force to conserve the river network of Sri rescue operations to the MT New Diamond considered to be high, it was because it was a valuation purposes, while the school buildings in turn can result in an increase in other wild Lanka. The task force will have to ensure that crude oil tanker’s owners last Thursday (24), short-distance project. He pointed out that if the affected along the trace were also discussed with animals such as wild boars and peacocks. We the rivers are cleaned up and any pollutants or the AG’s Department revealed. distance could be extended to at least 30 km by the Chief Secretary, provincial/zonal directors, request the people to let the authorities handle garbage is moved out from them, so we have This claim was forwarded to them through expanding the line to Kottawa via Kaduwela, and the principals. the situation. clean freshwater flowing through the country a written request after the Greece-based Porto the cost per kilometre would further reduce to “In Horana, Millaniya, and Ingiriya, rabies is through the “Surakimu Ganga” programme. Emporios Shipping Inc., which is the registered around $ 55 million. spreading among dogs and jackals. There is a The cabinet paper is currently being drafted owner of the 20-year-old Panama-flagged MT “The latest calculations made based on Back to... programme to vaccinate dogs by the Ministry by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). New Diamond, had agreed to pay the interim the engineering estimates are on a par with An official from the CEA Waste Management of Health.” Amaraweera noted that once the rivers are claim of Rs. 340 million that was named by the international costs as at today, and the cost Division, speaking to The Sunday Morning, said: He said the Department was attempting to protected, the lagoon will be protected, which AG’s Department on 15 September. will make all the difference in conserving the “The additional Rs. 100 million accounts for environment. the costs incurred from 13-23 September as legal The Ministry also issued directives to conduct fees and investigation fees,” AG’s Department a series of beach clean-up programmes to Co-ordinating Officer State Counsel Nishara coincide with World Coastal Cleanup Day that Jayaratne said. took place on the 19th, covering the entire coast The claims for the firefighting, rescue of Sri Lanka with about 70 beaches. operations, and legal fees incurred so far will A meeting between Coca-Cola officials be paid through the ship’s insurer P.F.I. West and Amaraweera was held on 21 September, of England Ship Overseas Mutual Insurance where they discussed the major environmental Association. In total, the Sri Lankan Government problem that the country is facing due to the has filed insurance claims amounting to Rs. 440 increasing number of plastic bottles being million against the distressed MT New Diamond dumped. The company was asked to implement crude oil tanker owners up to 23 September. a suitable recycling system to assist the Ministry – Sarah Hannan in reducing pollution. Errant estates... Rs. 20 b... Last week, at a meeting chaired by the Minister “The Government will give a 100% subsidy between the trade union leaders representing the for fertiliser for paddy farmers. This will be plantation sector and the representatives of the provided until further notice,” he said. employers’ federation controlling the plantation He noted that other farmers would also companies, de Silva had stressed that it was receive a partial fertiliser subsidy. “surprising” that these estates continue to run at “Farmers of other crops will also get the a loss and that it was questionable whether the fertiliser subsidised at a low rate of Rs. 1,500 plantation companies were operating as charities. per a 50 kilogramme bag. Here, the Government The Minister also pointed out that if is bearing about Rs. 2,500,” Gammanpila said. the companies continue to incur losses, the He said the key reason for paddy farmers to Government would take over those plantations, as receive the subsidy was also part of the initiative it can maintain the estates in a profitable manner. to substitute organic fertiliser with chemical Minister de Silva also stressed that a large sum fertiliser. “We will be providing organic fertiliser of money had been spent by the Government as part of the subsidy programme, but at the on the plantation companies and that the same time, we don’t have large quantities of construction of estate houses, roads, and other this valuable organic fertiliser, so chemical infrastructure development is being carried fertiliser would also be given.” out by the Government. Therefore, he said the – Skandha Gunasekara plantation companies would save a lot of money. Furthermore, he stressed that many plantation companies had failed to provide basic amenities Low-quality... such as drinking water, sanitation, and housing to It is learnt that the boiler was imported from their employees and stressed that this Government Italy in 2016 based on a report of a committee is committed to achieving social justice for the appointed in 2013. The purchasing had been plantation community. conducted via a procurement committee based The discussion was held at the Department on engineering estimates, it is also learnt. of Labour with a view to reach an employee- Speaking to The Sunday Morning, United employer agreement to increase the minimum National Party (UNP)-affiliated Jathika Sevaka daily wage of the plantation workers to Rs. 1,000. Sangamaya (JSS) CPC Branch President In February, Prime Minister Mahinda Ananda Palitha said the four boilers of the Rajapaksa assured that arrangements were refinery were as old as the refinery and various being made to pay the proposed daily wage requests had been made since 2002 to upgrade of Rs. 1,000 to estate sector employees from the refinery to get at least 100,000 MT of refined 1 March. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also petroleum products per day. promised the same. “In 2013 too we made a request and the then – Maheesha Mudugamuwa the sunday morning 3 Sunday, September 27, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

and CPSTL to look into their assets, the TU CPC AND CPSTL leader claimed the majority of these losses were a result of mismanagement. The CPC supplies about 80% of the fuel products required by the transport sector while maintaining almost 100% of the supply of all other fuel products including heavy fuel, kerosene, and naphtha. The CPC’s refinery has the capacity to produce only around 30% of the total fuel requirement in the country, while the FUELLING balance is imported as refined products. There is no plan at all when The CPC supplies petroleum products importing and unloading fuel. islandwide through its distribution channel When unloading fuel to Kolonnawa, which consists of 1,302 filling stations it takes days and then some ships are located around the country. sent to unload in Muthurajawela. Ideally, if the import shipment carried only the amount of fuel that can be unloaded at each port to each LOSSES CPC’s losses respective storage facility, the CPC would not have to pay demurrages In the Final Budget Position Report of JSS CPC Branch President the Ministry of Finance, it is stated that Ananda Palitha IN ENERGY SECTOR the total cost of fuel-based imports of the z Auditor’s report exposes demurrage CPC for 2019 stood at $ 3,359 million, taken by the CPSTL. costs and pipeline issues accounting for about 17% of the total Furthermore, Palitha stressed that the imports of the country. Since the cost of demurrage charge for unloading fuel from imports accounts for about 95% of the the Dolphin Pier for it to be stored in the total expenditure of the CPC, its financial Kolonnawa facility (CTPSL – Kolonnawa performance is directly affected by the Terminal) was $ 3 per metric tonne (MT), dynamics of global oil price movements but when storing it in the Muthurajawela and the exchange rate. facility, it costs around $ 0.22. Contd. on page 14 There are also instances where shipments imported into the country were unloaded Demurrage expenses to both the Muthurajawela and Kolonnawa The losses incurred as a result of facilities, even though, ideally, the demurrage charges came to light recently Kolonnawa facility should be used only to along with other revelations in the Auditor maintain buffer stocks. General’s report. “There is no plan at all when importing In the report, it was mentioned that the and unloading fuel. When unloading fuel BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA country incurred a loss of around Rs. 499 to Kolonnawa, it takes days and then some million as a result of demurrage costs due to ships are sent to unload in Muthurajawela. Disturbing allegations were raised by trade unions (TUs) attached to delays in unloading fuel. Ideally, if the import shipment carried only the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) against several high-profile As explained by Palitha, after the the amount of fuel that can be unloaded officials of the CPC and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. construction of the Muthurajawela oil at each port to each respective storage (CPSTL), as they claimed that the corporation incurred losses due to the storage facility (CPSTL – Muthurajawla facility, the CPC would not have to pay corrupt practices of its officials. Terminal), there was no reason for the demurrages,” Palitha explained. CPC to incur demurrage costs. “But still, it The Auditor General’s report, which is Urging President Gotabaya Rajapaksa National Party (UNP)-affiliated Jathika Once we connect it from the sea to continues,” he stressed. seen by The Sunday Morning, contains to investigate the assets of high-profile Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) CPC Branch the Muthurajawela Terminal, as According to him, the Lanka Indian Oil details on investigations into the oil pipeline officials who are dealing with importing President Ananda Palitha said the losses we have two pipelines – one black Company (Lanka IOC) has a 33% share of system. The report stated that even though and storing petroleum products in Sri were incurred due to the corrupt practices of and one white – which are very fast the storage capacity at the CPSTL, while the the average time to unload a shipment of Lanka, the TUs alleged that the delays these officials and about 95% of the losses and cost-effective, we will be able to rest is with the CPC; in addition, full control 40,000 MT of fuel was around 96 hours, it in unloading petroleum products, which could’ve been averted by the CPSTL. discharge 40,000 MT within 48 of the CPSTL is with the CPC. takes around 120-168 hours in Sri Lanka resulted in them having to pay massive Insisting that the President should hours, which is very fast Nevertheless, the decisions with regard due to the dilapidated condition of the age- demurrage costs, was intentional. conduct an impartial investigation into all CPSTL Chairman Uvais Mohamed to the importation and storage of fuel old pipeline system. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, United high-profile officials attached to the CPC required for local consumption are being Contd. on page 14 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, September 27, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN COVID-19 PREVENTION The complacency displayed by several institutions on following the necessary health and safety protocols to prevent Covid-19 from spreading in society got the better of Sri Lanka earlier this Protocol breached? week. AASL and health authorities commence investigations While the Ministry of Health was too eager to celebrate the milestone PHOTO © AVIATION VOICE and safety guidelines. Book Fair which saw scores of of the first foreign national being A well-placed source at the people gathering to make their treated and sent back to China after Ministry of Health said that even yearly purchases. making a full recovery, the pats the NOCPOC meetings have Even the health authorities and the on the back given to government stopped and the personnel who Epidemiology Unit had made their institutions for having everything are authorised to make statements observations over the possible threat under control have now been are evading the media, which they to society, as contact tracing for overshadowed, as ground-level believe is an act of deceit. thousands of people arriving from issues have arisen, giving way to the all corners of the island would be a breach that took place at the Mattala PHIs’ hands still tied gargantuan task. Rajapaksa International Airport Meanwhile, Public Health (MRIA). Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka For weeks, Epidemiology Unit (PHIUSL) President Upul Rohana Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath expressed his displeasure on how Lately, we have been unable Samaraweera has been calling they are not provided with accurate to carry out our duties in the media in for weekly press information about the persons preventing the pandemic briefings to reiterate the importance were subjected to a PCR test at a Airport and Aviation Services (Sri entering the country and whether from once again causing an of following the necessary health private hospital in Matara on 23 Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) Chairman they need to be under surveillance outbreak, as we are not given guidelines and has also been September, after which a 52-year- Maj. Gen. (Retd.) G.A. Chandrasiri by the PHIs of the respective areas. the necessary information consistently reminding the public old Russian flight crew member As soon as the incident was stated: “As soon as the incident “Lately, we have been unable to reported, our team visited PHIUSL President about the proper donning and was tested positive for Covid-19 the was reported, our team visited the carry out our duties in preventing Upul Rohana doffing of face masks, washing following day. the MRIA and conducted a MRIA and conducted a preliminary another outbreak, as we are not or sanitising hands, maintaining Although we do not receive a preliminary investigation, investigation, which went on given the necessary information. physical distance, and adopting daily update from the National which went on until Friday until Friday (25) 3 a.m. Another Also, when our area PHI is not Moreover, the Government’s proper respiratory etiquette. Operation Centre for Prevention (25) 3 a.m. Another team team arrived at MRIA to carry updated about the exact whereabouts decision to go ahead and bring down “There will come a time when of Covid-19 (NOCPOC) anymore, arrived at the MRIA to carry out disciplinary inquiries over the of visitors who are coming to the the Bangladesh cricket team too there is a breach in the process that Army Commander and NOCPOC out disciplinary inquiries various department personnel who country on short holidays, it is has come under heavy criticism. would threaten the wellbeing of Head Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva AASL Chairman Maj. Gen. (Retd.) were responsible for executing their difficult for us to determine whether However, the Ministry of Sports and the entire nation. Therefore, it is makes it a point at every chance he G.A. Chandrasiri duties on the days the group arrived they have been staying in the Youth Affairs had announced that important that each person takes the gets, to address the media to remind at the MRIA.” country since the lockdown period all safety measures will be followed responsibility of their health and the public not to take this situation visiting another country.” Maj. Gen. Chandrasiri noted that or whether they are new arrivals.” when the team is brought down wellbeing into mind and follows lightly. He said that ideally, anyone disciplinary action will be taken Rohana also noted that with the to Sri Lanka, further stating that it these guidelines,” Dr. Samaraweera “The incident in Matara has entering the country through against all personnel involved and health guidelines not being gazetted is important that sports activities stressed. revealed that there has been a any seaport or airport should be the AASL will take all necessary as a community health regulation, commence so that the team’s spirit shortcoming in following the directed to a designated hotel that measures to rectify the situation to their officers cannot impose arbitrary can be lifted. Safety precautions dodged procedures we have been abiding is recognised by and registered ensure such a breach would not take laws on the public by forcing them A 15-member crew arrived at the by over the past six months. The with the NOCPOC and would be place in the future. to stay indoors, limit their outdoor The result of the third PCR test MRIA from Bangalore, India on 13 airport authorities had failed to closely monitored by the assigned We then contacted the Ministry activities, or instruct them to wear conducted on the Russian flight September and had produced PCR inform the NOCPOC about their healthcare officials on a daily basis, of Health to inquire as to what face masks when in public places. crew member at the Hambantota test certifications they had obtained arrival and their stay in the country. adding that the failure to update the measures they are taking to rectify Questions have also been raised General Hospital, released on in India to confirm that they were The group in question too had not NOCPOC, however, had created this matter and whether strict action by the public over the many public Friday (25) at 5.15 p.m., confirmed not infected with the virus. However, adhered to the health guidelines this breach. would be taken against anyone who gatherings taking place as of late, him to be negative for Covid-19. when the crew was to depart, they that are issued to them when Speaking to The Sunday Morning, does not follow the specified health such as the Colombo International

The Central Environmental Authority INLAND WATER BODIES (CEA) estimated that major industrial parks of Sri Lanka generate approximately 30 million cubic metres of wastewater per year. Although the CEA has set out standards for effluent discharge, the authority indicated that about 10% of the wastewater that is Turn black with pollutants produced from industries gets discharged to the environment without being treated. This causes a serious threat to the Canal choked with garbage due to UC negligence environment as the wastewater gets released to a drain, canal, or lagoon, which then takes it it to the ocean through Mattakkuliya, just The Sunday Morning then contacted the to a river, and eventually falls into the ocean. passing Crow Island, spreading the pollutants Wattala MOH for comment, and was told In 2017, the CEA had identified 150 to anyone residing downstream. that there is always the dispute of whether sources of pollution caused by industries that the drains, waterways, and canals are under were linked to tanning, oil refining, beverages, Established wastewater the purview of the urban council, MOH, or textiles and clothing, rubber, ceramics, food treatment plants the CEA. production, fertilisers, and plastics. The CEA also noted that Sri Lanka has “The MOH office handles the technical The Sunday Morning this week visited constructed wastewater treatment plants aspect of these issues and we are able to one such site where untreated wastewater at its major industrial parks in Biyagama, take in complaints made by area residents. was just released to a nearby drain, most Seethawaka, Horana, and Greater Colombo Ideally, the institution that you are referring often late at night, which goes unnoticed by that have the capacity of treating 7.5, 9, 11, to functions under the Board of Investment the residents of the area. and 2.5 million cubic metres of wastewater (BOI) and should obtain the necessary Upon reaching the area in question respectively, per year. certification and have a water treatment located in Wattala, down A.S.P. Liyanage Traces of green and black plant within its factory premises to treat Mawatha, we observed that the main canal dyes that had colourised Wastewater disposal project effluent water before it is released to the was carrying a polluted body of water the sides of a drain Moreover, an amount of $ 95.1 million environment,” an official of the Wattala MOH towards the Kelani River. PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM was sanctioned by the Swedish International explained on the condition of anonymity. Right opposite the main canal, a leading and as we reached the end of set up at the Hekitta Road- Development Agency (SIDA) as an interest- He further noted that even if water pollution international school is situated and at the the lane, the pipelines that were A.S.P. Liyanage Mawatha free concessionary credit to the Government is reported, the MOH will have to alert the time we arrived in the area, a long line of releasing the pollutants to the intersection. We spoke to of Sri Lanka for the implementation of the relevant state institution to look into the matter school vans were parked right next to the drain became quite visible. The garbage being Lakshman, the grocery shop Ratmalana/Moratuwa and Ja-Ela/Ekala and take legal action against the entities. canal, which would possibly be making the When we checked our dumped right into owner, to ask whether there Wastewater Disposal Project. Since the polluted water is carried to students, parents, teachers, and school van location on an online mapping the canal too causes were other factories in that This was complemented with a grant the Kelani River, ideally the Irrigation drivers sick and uneasy from the pollutant service, they indicated that we various issues; area which dispose untreated funding of SEK (Swedish krona) 56.2 Department will have to look into the matter air emanating from it. were in the backyard of a fabric polythene blocks the wastewater to the canal. million for the engineer/supervision input, and if the ocean is getting affected, the To the main canal, wastewater is brought product manufacturer in the pipes and then when “The apparel manufacturer an output-based grant of $ 0.1 million, Marine Environment Protection Authority through drains that originate from by-lanes. area. There was no wastewater there are heavy rains that you are referring to has been and funding from Global Partnership on (MEPA) and the Coast Conservation We traced one of the by-lanes down getting disposed to the drain the by-roads tend functioning for over 40 years output-based aid/World Bank Department will have to step in. Governors Park, 1st lane to locate the origins at that moment. However, we to get inundated, now and the wastewater issues for an amount of $ 3 million, of “Without a formal complaint of the wastewater. noticed that at the place where bringing out all the too go back that far. This is just which SIDA contributed with by a resident, we are unable to Although the water pollution is alleged to the pipeline would discharge garbage and polluted one factory, but this water body the counter value of SEK 14 The impact from probe into the matter or advise be caused by the pollutants released from wastewater, there were clear water to the road gathers pollutant wastewater million. the pollutants is the relevant authorities to take certain factories, we also observed that indications of traces of green Samantha Perera, from the Dutch Canal and the The project, which was not experienced by a action against not one company, garbage had been tossed to the sides of the and black dyes that had a resident of Hekitta Hamilton Canal. There are implemented during 2008- larger population, but all companies that are canal, and as we took a turn towards the colourised the drain sides. quite a lot of factories that need 2016, aimed at improving the which can be a releasing untreated effluent by-lane, we observed more garbage floating The pipeline was capped to be held accountable for the environmental conditions in reason as to why this water to a canal, which falls in the drain, which was adding to the damage. off and just a few metres away there was pollution that has been caused over the years.” the two areas and mitigating matter is overlooked to the river and to the ocean. The residents down the lane were, of a stream of frothing water being gently The long-term neglect by the Wattala- pollution by providing a full- by authorities Moreover, the impact from the course, shielded from the eyesore that is discharged to the drain. Mabola Urban Council (UC) over the fledged wastewater system An official of the pollutants is not experienced taking place, as all the houses were protected As there was no sign of people down the increasing pollutants in the canal too can comprising sewerage, pumping, Wattala MOH office by a larger population, which by giant parapet walls and massive gates. lane, we drove out towards the main canal, be noted as one of the growing causes of treatment, and safe disposal can be a reason as to why The water in the drain was a sludgy black, where we located a grocery shop that was environmental pollution, Lakshman stated. of treated effluent and sludge, this matter is overlooked by “The garbage being dumped right which would enhance the living conditions authorities,” he elaborated. into the canal too causes various issues; of the people living in the areas as well as He added that the garbage dumping polythene blocks the pipes and then when sustain industrial development. issue should definitely be looked into there are heavy rains, the by-roads tend to by the Wattala-Mabola UC as it is their get inundated, bringing out all the garbage No one takes responsibility responsibility to ensure that garbage is and polluted water to the road. Moreover, When contacted for comment over routinely collected from residential and when the weather is too sunny and the the possible water pollution that was industrial areas of Wattala. water levels drop in the canal, there is taking place at the site where the apparel The official from the MOH office stated this unbearable stench that emanates from manufacturer was draining out its untreated that there should be clear assignment of the the mud,” Samantha Perera, a resident of effluent water, the Wattala-Mabola Urban inland water bodies, canals, and waterways Hekitta explained. Council said that the area did not fall under so that when people have to raise issues of According to them, there are no creatures in their purview, and the writer was directed this nature, one institution could easily take Garbage tossed to the canal, but their worry is that the polluted to get in touch with the Medical Officer of legal action against those who pollute. the sides of the canal water falls to the Kelani River and then makes Health (MOH) Office in Wattala. – Sarah Hannan the sunday morning 5 Sunday, September 27, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA a proper license.” Illegal and hazardous constructions The number of hotels operating in Following the catastrophic disaster Ella rapidly increased over a short reported last week of a building in period of time and most of these hotels Kandy collapsing, concerns were SLIDING TOWARDS A were constructed without obtaining the raised over all illegal and hazardous necessary approvals from government constructions mushrooming in authorities, he said. landslide-prone areas, especially in The association urged the Ministry of the Central Province. Tourism, SLTDA, and recently the UDA to control and regularise constructions in This issue was aggravated over the last GRAVE DISASTER the area. few years as a result of the sudden influx According to the association, there of tourists which has led to increased should be a proper mechanism to monitor commercialisation, resulting in a majority the construction of these hotels, as it could of the existing properties being converted pose a huge environmental threat to the into hotels, restaurants, guest houses, or area if not properly regulated. homestays. The association has also requested the As reported by The Sunday Morning, the Government to limit the number of rooms majority of these commercial properties in these hotels to about 20. “Additionally, are not registered with the Sri Lanka there should be a limitation on the number Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA); of floors that could be built and a complete Ella, especially, houses around 700 such prohibition on the construction of high unregistered properties that have been rises in the area,” De Silva stated. operational for several years. Ella Pradeshiya Sabha Janatha Vimukthi Following the incident, several state Peramuna (JVP) member Pubudu Gimhana institutions including the Kandy Municipal alleged that the Pradeshiya Sabha was Council (KMC) and the National Building turning a blind eye to illegal constructions Research Organisation (NBRO) are now in the area, while some constructors conducting surveys to identify illegal didn’t care about the rules and regulations constructions in the Central Province. enforced by the Pradeshiya Sabha. The recent incident exposed many The five-storey building There were also incidents where loopholes in the construction approval that collapsed onto another approvals had been granted due to political system of the local government institution building in Buwelikada, Kandy influence, he stressed. as well as the practical difficulties of The Ella Pradeshiya Sabha had not done monitoring whether the approved plan was According to NBRO Emergency in construction of a number of hotels in Ella Ella Hotel Association (EHA) President anything for the development of Ella over constructed or not. Landslide Risk Contact Person R.M.S. which developed as a tourist destination in Malith De Silva told The Sunday Morning the past few years, he further alleged. NBRO Human Settlements Planning Bandara, the construction of the property in recent years. that only around 20 hotels were operational “Ella should be preserved as a and Training Division Director Kishan question began around 2010 and gradually As seen by any visitor travelling to Ella, a in Ella several years ago before it was destination while managing sustainable Sugathapala told The Sunday Morning that developed to its state prior to its collapse. number of hotels are still being constructed transformed into a more prominent tourist tourism. The damage caused to the the NBRO had already identified areas NBRO officials are currently investigating on sloping hills. As alleged by many destination. environment by constructing illegal with a high risk of landslides in the Central the incident to identify the reason for the experts, a number of these constructions are “But with the increase of tourist arrivals to buildings in Ella can’t be rectified,” Province. collapse. being built without proper approvals from the area, the number of hotels also increased Gimhana said. “We are preparing a proposal. First, we the relevant authorities. As a result, myriad gradually. Now there are around 829 hotels He urged the Government to pay more are trying to identify public buildings. We’ll Constructions in Ella questions arose over the safety of these operating in Ella,” he said, adding: “Out attention to the area’s development start with tuition classes. Then, we will hotels and the travellers who stayed in these of those hotels, only about 100 hotels are and control irregular tourism and check other public buildings. Then, to the Questions were also raised over the hotels. registered with the SLTDA and operate with overexploitation immediately. public buildings that include the hotels. It’s a very costly exercise,” he stressed. Explaining further, Sugathapala stressed that prior to starting on any construction, the necessary approvals have to be taken, but it was difficult to examine the constructions that were already built. “The Kandy incident was solely due to structural failure and it has nothing to do with landslides,” he said. “Any type of construction in a landslide- prone area needs to be approved by either the UDA (Urban Development Authority) or the Ella Pradeshiya Sabha, and when those two authorities seek to provide approval, they require the approval of the NBRO,” Sugathapala stressed. Meanwhile, another report was requested by the Central Province Governor this week following the deadly disaster that occurred last Sunday (20) morning where a five-storey building collapsed onto another building in the Buwelikada area in Kandy. “I’ve instructed the relevant officials to inspect the condition of all the buildings in the city and to submit a report,” Central Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage said. He told the media that there were incidents where the owners carried out construction without following the proper plans that were approved by the Municipal Council. The buildings in these landslide-prone areas, especially in Kandy, should be constructed as per the architectural designs that are made to suit such areas, he stressed, adding that heavy buildings don’t suit the area and therefore, steps should be taken to change the types of designs in future constructions. “These people have to live in this area and they have nowhere else to go and therefore, similarly to Japan, a suitable structural method should be applied,” he said. The Governor also stressed the need to take legal action against illegal constructions within the Kandy municipality. “There is a legal officer at the KMC and it’s one of their tasks to take legal action against illegal constructions,” he added. According to him, the committee appointed to look into the incident is currently conducting the investigation. The NBRO said the construction of a building on top of a loose or soft soil layer was the cause for last Sunday’s tragedy in Buwelikda, Kandy. After investigating the incident, an NBRO officer said the soil layer was unable to bear the weight of the five-storey building, which eventually resulted in the collapse during the early hours of Sunday. It is also said the building was built blocking a valley path.

A search operation was carried out to find the survivors 6 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, September 27, 2020

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI Manning Market in Colombo AND MAHIKA PANDITHA COST OF LIVING PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Recent reports show that the cost of food in Sri Lanka has increased by 12.3% in August of 2020 compared with the same month in the previous year. However, with import controls in place, this does not come as a surprise. Advocata Institute Chief Operating Officer (COO) Up, up, Dhananath Fernando, speaking to The Sunday Morning, highlighted the current economic framework of the country. When asked what may have spiked the commodity prices to unbearable figures, he said that and away? overwhelming rise of the price of mostly tied. We import most of our headline inflation, according to the z eggs resulted in the Government essential products from India and Year-on-Year (YoY) change in the Prices of commodities skyrocketing in 2020 lowering it to Rs. 16, which is a local production has also dropped, Colombo Consumer Price Index very favourable response to us. We so there is nothing much the (CCPI, 2013=100), has dropped to “According to recent reports, are simply coping like everyone Government can do.” 4.1% in August 2020 from 4.2% there is a 17% drop in the else and we are hopeful that the He said that the Government in July 2020. This was mainly consumer rate of adult soap and President and the Government will has made it a policy to keep the due to the statistical effect of the an 18% decline in the consumer give us a favourable response very price of rice low, starting January substantially high base in August rate in baby soap. If people have soon,” Jayawardena noted. 2021, and have taken steps to 2019. Moreover, food inflation reduced the consumption of a make essential items such as (YoY) has gone up to 12.3% in staple product like soap, they are Measures to curb the issue dhal and coconuts available for August 2020 from 10.9% in July really in trouble,” he added. When The Sunday Morning lowest possible rates. Moreover, 2020, but non-food inflation (YoY) Ceylon Bakery Owners’ reached out to Minister of Trade the Government has also held has dropped to 0.8% in August Association (CBOA) President Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, he discussions with the High 2020 from 1.5% in July 2020. N.K. Jayawardena shared that the shared that the Ministry together Commissioner of India to make According to Fernando, the prices are now escalating every with the Government is doing an exception to make available the increase in food inflation is a result day. everything in their power to curb essential food items. of the import controls and the “Last month, for the first time this situation, although it is a global Commenting on their own way reduced local production, and the in the history of Sri Lanka, an reality that we have to accept. of tackling this issue, Lassana resultant inability to supply to the egg was over Rs. 25, and this hits “This is one of the worst Flora Chairman/CEO Dr. Lasantha overwhelming demand. This has the income of bakery owners. pandemics in the history of the Malavige shared that they are a ripple effect; for example, when Local vegetable vendors at Manning Market Items like turmeric, flour, onions, world, and the global supply working hard to maintain the the corn supply is reduced, the and potatoes are also extremely chain has been destroyed and lowest prices for fruits and price goes up and in turn affects the kg during the same period. We inflation usually drops due to expensive now, and in order to the world economy is affected. vegetables. poultry farmers as corn is a major import soya from the US and the consumer behaviour, adding that cover the expenses, we spend about A World Bank forecast predicts “We source directly from food for poultry. This will then currency fluctuation and scarcity they decide to cut down all their Rs. 6,000 daily. We have informed this economy’s downfall to last the farmers and deliver to the increase the poultry prices, thus in the material has also resulted in purchases except food, and as a the Presidential Secretariat about for the next five years. So in these customer’s doorstep, avoiding raising demand on bakery products a price hike,” Rajapakshe told The result, this goes down. these issues. Our complaint on the circumstances, our hands are middlemen. In addition, we and increasing its prices. Sunday Morning. minimise post-harvest loss Effects of the price hike When the grain prices are high, by implementing modern the prices of chicken and eggs A brief analysis technologies for delivery, packing, Nelna Farms (Pvt.) Ltd. General are also increased. Rajapakshe and storage. The cold chain is Manager (GM) Kapila Rajapakshe commented on the fact that when According to the daily reports at Rs. 96 during the same time the price decline noted in the maintained to ensure freshness and shared that the main reasons for the the prices are high, the consumers’ by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka last month. The price of fish has non-food category by the same minimise wastage. Furthermore, increase in commodity prices were affordability becomes a problem, (CBSL), the prices of vegetables, remained at a relatively high yet magnitude. Accordingly, within our business is conducted entirely scarcity and the high prices of raw which results in them avoiding coconut, and turmeric increased in consistent rate since August 2020, the food category, vegetables and online, which avoids expensive materials. excess purchases or limiting their August 2020. Beans, carrots, and with 1 kg of kelawalla fish ranging certain other prices have increased shop space. These strategies have “There is a huge shortage in the purchases only to essential items. cabbages are priced at a range of from Rs. 600-650, for example. since last month; within the non- helped us maintain lower cost, country and the price has gone “This scenario is not healthy for Rs. 250-260 per kg this week from The monthly change of the food category, prices of payments allowing us to pass that benefit to up from Rs. 55 to Rs. 90 per kg us too because the benefit goes to Rs. 240 during the same time last Colombo Consumer Price Index to medical laboratories, etc. have our customers.” of maize from March 2020 to the intermediaries who deal with month. Prices of rice varieties have (CCPI) recorded was at 0.0% in shown a decline since last month. Meanwhile, all attempts made September 2020, respectively. raw materials. With the increase in significantly increased as well: August 2020. This is said to be due The recorded core inflation (YoY) by The Sunday Morning to contact Other than this, rice has been prices, the top line is rising but the Currently, 1 kg of samba is priced to setting off the price increase of has remained at 3.2% during the All Island Farmers’ Federation banned from animal feed and has bottom line has no relief.” at Rs. 103, whereas it was priced 0.1% in the food category, with month of August 2020. (AIFF) National Organiser Namal gone up from Rs. 60 to Rs. 90 per Fernando too said that non-food Karunaratne were futile.

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI COST OF LIVING With the prices of vegetables and other essentials going up daily, the cost of living has increased drastically since the beginning of this year. While the Government and the people are already Can we handle it? battered by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, these long- inevitable no matter what the cause is, provide them with the environment where of the country to places where despite term consequences have caused so we have to find alternative ways of they can afford to eat, and feed their the higher cost of living they receive income to stay prepared. Government families. a better pay. This is possible if we put everyone to worry about what the taxes and other external factors are always the people and the planet before profit situation would be in our country unpredictable. This may or may not be alone. That strike of balance is what is and the world in the next few years. temporary. The price of an egg was Rs. 12 Not only our missing in this puzzle to the financial To get a better understanding on during Covid, but now it has skyrocketed freedom of future Sri Lankans. So next how the general public is dealing to an amount close to Rs. 30. Just like that, problem time you dig into that cheesecake at your with this problem, The Sunday costs add up to everything we consume, so Thilanka Rodrigo favourite coffee shop, remember a family Morning spoke to a cross-section of I believe things improve for our benefit. somewhere in this country barely makes individuals. The increase in the cost of living is a the same amount you just spent to feed a problem affecting the whole world right family of four three times a day, and that Be responsible now. It is not only our problem. I believe shouldn’t be the case anymore. Govt.’s recovery the Government should try to adopt consumers policies of countries that have managed tenfold Shenani Komasaru – housewife to jumpstart their economies after the Govt. should Harini Perera – Attorney-at-Law lockdown with Covid-19. The majority of Sri Lankans are of do their part The cost of living increasing due to the middle-income families and it is expected Dilum Fonseka – brand elevated prices of goods is going to cause that a global pandemic affecting the entire People and executive a lot of difficulties for a lot of people, world would have a major impact on these particularly considering that we are still families. There is actually nothing we can planet before This is a tough time for everybody, but recovering from the pandemic. However, do about it, except re-evaluate our priorities when the general public of the country is if we, the civilians, are still recovering, and learn to be minimalistic. I believe the profit battered, I believe it is the responsibility of then the Government’s recovery is tenfold. best we can do to support the country in Gulzar Ahmed – Co-founder of the Government to do their part in handling So I guess these prices spiking was this difficult time is to also do our part and Global Strategic Network the prices, as that is in fact their job. Lower inevitable. Considering that the effects of be responsible consumers. the taxes, impose strong agricultural world. We might not come out of this for a the pandemic are felt globally, we cannot Eight million of us earn less than Rs. policies – do whatever it takes. Now is very long time. What we can do right now single our Government and blame them for 1,000 a day and two million earn even the time to prove to us that it was the right is let go of things we consider luxurious these spikes. Sourcing is difficult, labour Must take care less than that. As a Sri Lankan coming decision to vote them into positions of and try and adapt to the situation, because is scarce, and having the economy pretty from a middle-class family, running a power. the only way to get through this is to face much shut down for three months was a of people start-up and managing work is quite the it together. huge blow. While many will really feel the Nimasha Dabare – teacher challenge while keeping up with price adjustment, it would seem there’s no one hikes in this country. The lockdown was Face this to blame, but we have to bear with it and If it is an absolute necessity to raise necessary, but the financial constraints Accept the hope for the better. Personally, we would food prices like this, then at least the it brought upon the common public was together have to forego any luxuries or things we Government should provide concessions at one point unbearable. It’s true that Nilas Arululanantham – situation would not consider essential and make some for low-income families. Otherwise, we businesses are getting back on their feet, photographer Shalini de Silva adjustments for a less indulgent lifestyle. will have starving children, and while but the employees and the public see no Sri Lanka hasn’t been thriving, we are difference in their pay scale – may it be the The cost of living is going high at full The cost of living is rapidly increasing not a country that allows our people to government sector or private sector – to speed; most people are facing pay cuts and these days and we have nothing but Covid- Cost of living starve. If there’s ever a scenario where keep up with the prices pitched. companies are laying people off, so this is 19 to blame. What we can do is accept the people cannot afford their daily meals In a country like ours, sadly, price hikes really not the best time to have the prices situation and try and limit our purchases inevitable to sustain themselves, then there’s a are permanent or that’s what I have noticed of every food item increased. Although, to essentials only. We can also start eating Chandu de Silva – Head of Client problem. Regardless of how difficult it is ever since I started to work 10 years ago. there is very little we as consumers can vegetables grown in our backyards and Services at Mint Media for the Government and our economy to We need to think twice about minimum do. I believe the Government is also at a maybe share them with our neighbours recover from the current situation, there’s wages of all sectors. The more the cost of loss of resources and strategies as this is and friends too. This is the way to help the The increase in the cost of living is a responsibility to take care of its people, living goes up, the more people move out a situation affecting the population of the community at this point in time. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, September 27, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA the number of incidents where fake deeds are prepared for lands Complaints were recorded where the owners are residing in at various police stations foreign countries is on the rise A programme to computerise around the country and around 50% of land deeds in all land-related data is regarding individuals Sri Lanka are forged. currently ongoing so as to “These are not isolated prevent fraudulent activities encroaching private lands related to lands by creating fake deeds incidents but very well-organised rackets,” he stressed. Land Minister to claim ownership, The S.M. Chandrasena Sunday Morning learnt. Explaining further, Perera said one of the main reasons as to why Recently, such a land racket was these incidents were on the rise who has more than 10 years of uncovered by the Chilaw Police was mainly because, in Sri Lanka, experience dealing with civil when a group of people tried to there is a system of document matters including land-related sell a property worth around Rs. 2 registration as against the title matters, said it is a must to check million in Mundalama. The Police registration of lands. Whilst the land records either at the Land arrested three suspects last Sunday there is a pilot project for title Registry or at local government (20) while the racketeers were registration, almost all the lands offices. trying to sell five plots of land by in the country were registered by “If an owner wanted to protect preparing fake deeds. documents. the land from this type of fraud, Accordingly, one plot was “Document registration has the owner can file a caveat – a already sold after faking the paved the way for many people to notice registered at the relevant owner’s National Identity Card engage in these types of frauds. Land Registry – which holds (NIC) and preparing a fake deed. If a plot of land is registered by a record of the land. When the The last plot was said to have the title, the person under whose caveat is in place, the Land been sold at Rs. 2 million. The name the land is registered can Registrar is duty-bound to inform racketeers were identified as aged be identified, and the space for those who register the caveat, between 45 and 50 years. fraud is limited,” he explained, when any document or alteration The “Fake Deed” racket, as it LAND ENCROACHMENT adding that in most cases, the to the registration of the said land has now come to be known, is racketeers have either created is received,” he explained. one of the most common types fake documents or impersonated “Verification of relevant of fraud happening in Sri Lanka. the true owner of the land. documents prior to purchasing And according to the Registrar land is a must,” Perera stressed. General’s Department, around Furthermore, he noted: “To 50% of land deeds in Sri Lanka safeguard against any type of were forged documents. ILLEGAL If an owner wanted to protect fraudulent transactions, the buyers Land Minister S.M. the land from this type of should ensure that through his/her Chandrasena said a fraud, the owner can file a notary, the documents including programme to computerise caveat – a notice registered the original deed, the title report all land-related data was at the relevant Land Registry (for more than 30 years), copy of currently ongoing so as to – which holds a record of the the survey plan recently approved prevent fraudulent activities land. When the caveat is in by the local authority, the plan related to lands ACTIVITIES place, the Land Registrar is from the local authority to identify duty-bound to inform those any land to be acquired by the A number of complaints are also who register the caveat, when government for development recorded by the law-enforcement any document or alteration to projects, a certified copy of the authorities on a daily basis the registration of the said land duplicate deed (the copy of the regarding the production of fake is received deed with the stamp duly affixed, deeds, title abstracts commonly Senior Counsel Sampath Perera which must be mandatorily known as “paththiru” in Sinhala, ON THE lodged at the Land Registry by letters of permits, etc., and these the notary), abstracts of the title types of fake deeds were mainly In most of these scams, the (paththiru), ownership non- said to be created by using the racketeers created fake NICs vesting certificate, street/building seals of deceased notaries. matching the details of the actual line certificate, are in order.” In July, the Colombo High owner. Most of the time, the Court sentenced five suspects, unsuspecting buyers and notaries Digitisation plans who were found guilty of selling a get caught to this scam as the However, to avoid this type of piece of land in Kollupitiya under owner’s details (NIC) match the fraudulent activity, the Registrar a fake deed, to 67 years in prison details on the title abstract, Perera General’s Department is taking collectively. added. measures to digitise data on land It was reported that a fine To avoid this type of fraud, deeds and birth certificates. of Rs. 130,000 was levied on Senior Counsel Perera, In most of these scams, the the suspects and they were racketeers created fake NICs ordered to pay Rs. 14 million as matching the details of the compensation to the owner of the actual owner. Most of the land. Rodrigo, Jeyaraj Amarasinghe, Media Division said a number of time, the unsuspected buyers The first defendant of the case, andRISE Chintha Rajapaksa, who were incidents were reported regarding and notaries get caught to Christy Vivian Rodrigo, was also found guilty, were served land issues, but the Division this scam as the owner’s sentenced to 25 years of rigorous 10-year sentences and fines of Rs. did not have separate data on details (NIC) match the details imprisonment along with a fine 20,000. The trio is also to pay Rs. the total number of suspects on the title abstract of Rs. 20,000, and Rs. 2 million 3 million each in compensation to in custody at present over in compensation. Dhammika the land owner. creating fake deeds and When contacted by The Sunday The Attorney General served selling lands. Morning to ascertain what actions indictments against the five An officer attached the Land Reform Commission convicts over selling a piece of to the division said (LRC) has taken to prevent these land on a road adjoining Marine the respective police types of fraudulent activities, Document registration has Drive in Kollupitiya using fake stations handle the LRC Executive Director D.K.D. paved the way for many deeds on 24 October 2012, and cases as and when a Disanayaka refused to provide people to engage in these types also aiding and abetting the complaint is lodged. information over the phone. of frauds. If a plot of land said crime. Following the trial, When contacted by The Sunday is registered by the title, the Colombo High Court Judge Gihan How to protect Morning, Land Minister S.M. person under whose name Pilapitiya found the defendants oneself Chandrasena said: “A programme the land is registered can be guilty of the charges and handed Explaining the process, to computerise all land-related identified, and the space for down the aforementioned Senior Counsel Sampath data is currently ongoing so as fraud is limited penalties. Perera told The to prevent fraudulent Senior Counsel Sampath Perera When contacted by The Sunday activities related to Sunday Morning, the Police Morning that lands.”

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA RANAVIRU HOUSING SCHEME because the needed electricity and water facilities were not provided. Around 30 On 12 March 2012, the “Wiru Nivasa” (houses) have been built as of now, at least housing scheme was initiated by the then partially.” Government to provide 60 families of war In addition, residents speaking to the veterans with new homes. media recently said that the access road But successive governments have failed Waiting for shelter to the housing scheme was in an isolated to address the issues faced by the project area and that only part of the loan from and hand over the houses to the war heroes. the Government was provided to build the The project was carried out under the houses. National Housing Development Authority Meanwhile, NHDA Director General L. (NHDA) under the patronage of then Edirisinghe said that they are now looking Minister of Housing and Construction at completing the project, for which they . are therefore allocating funds. Addressing the opening of the project, “They (houses) were up to a certain Weerawansa said: “If you had left these level. Some are halfway completed, lands in fear of terrorist attacks and some are completed, and some are not. bombings, then the duties of our armed I’m trying to see the financial cash flow forces would have been harder and longer. and how we can assist them. We must You all are shareholders of the battle to free see if they’re being occupied because this country from the grips of terrorism. our officials have informed us that Therefore, not one housing project but some houses have been completely even if we make 1,000 housing schemes, it The current state of the houses abandoned.” would still not be enough to repay the debt The housing scheme is situated in the getting delayed. At the time, only around assistance and facilitating matters to do He said that he believed one of the to you for holding onto these lands.” Damana region of the Ampara District. 25 houses were built. The loan was given with housing. reasons for the halt in the project was the Former NHDA District Manager for only that year but no one took it. Some “Electricity and water must be supplied change in government in 2015, adding: Ampara P.S. Kalansooriya said the project bought the land solely and failed to build by the Central Government. I believe “From what I can gather, the project went faced many shortcomings. He said the loan homes. It is now prime land to reside electricity has been provided by now, so if on till 2014 but thereafter had stopped and From what I can gather, the project facility was not properly provided to those in. I think there are a few living there, the Government can give a water pipeline, nothing had happened in the last couple of went on till 2014 but thereafter had building their houses and that some owners but this project can be revamped and then that problem would be solved.” years.” stopped and nothing had happened in did not seem interested in constructing completed as it is good land to occupy.” Current NHDA District Manager for Meanwhile, multiple attempts made by the last couple of years homes but merely bought the land. He said the Government at the time had Ampara K.L. Athula too said the lack of The Sunday Morning to reach Minister of NHDA Director General “It wasn’t completed fully. The also failed to properly provide electricity infrastructure facilities was a reason for the Industries Wimal Weerawansa to inquire L. Edirisinghe Government was unable to provide and water to the area, adding that the delays. whether he would ensure the project was electricity and water, so the project was NHDA is only capable of providing “It was started in 2012 but was stopped completed at least now failed. the sunday morning Sunday, September 27, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The much talked about constitutional amendment – the 20th Amendment to the Constitution – was last week tabled in the House 20th: To or amidst protest by the main Opposition, Samagi Jana not to? Balawegaya (SJB). It was Justice Minister Ali 20A stirs up a hornet’s nest It is a standing joke, even though there’s nothing funny about it, that Sri Sabry who presented the 20th Lankans in general – by nature – have a collective memory span of two Amendment Bill to the House. weeks. Two weeks is all it takes for most of us to forget even the most The Bill was presented without profound events, be they good, bad, or even ugly. It’s this psyche that any amendments that were politicians of all hues have grown accustomed to exploit to the detriment proposed by governing party of the country. stakeholders with the agreement How else could any rational individual explain the litany of broken that amendments to the piece promises of politicians over the years who despite that keep bouncing back of legislation would be made with more of the same! And the great majority of people who keep buying during the committee stage in what is proffered, only to be duped over and over again. It seems that we Parliament. in and outside Government are a people that finds learning from the past a most challenging pastime. However, the loud shouts This explains the spectacle that unfolds in the country’s Parliament every of the Opposition legislators z Pro-SLPP national organisations z SC to take up 18 petitions few years following an election. It is the most predictable of events where drowned Ali Sabry’s voice in the what is bad in opposition becomes good in government and what is good Chamber when the new piece of ‘suspicious’ over 20A against 20A on Tuesday in government becomes bad in opposition. What is incomprehensible is legislation was presented. that the followers and supporters of the respective parties play along, SJB MPs, holding placards deaf and dumb, and the vicious cycle keeps repeating time and again. saying “apita vissa epa” (we Ever since 1994, the general call among civil society has been for don’t want 20), kept shouting the abolition of the executive presidency and many of its main political the slogan in chorus while proponents have been the honourable members of Parliament who are wearing black bands and badges today fighting to strengthen it while the party that was keen on retaining saying “No to 20”. their creation now wants it scrapped. Opposition Leader Sajith the It’s been 26 years since this circus began and it has grown into this Premadasa claimed that it was black box all-consuming political storm today. It seems the more people forget, the a “dark day for the country’s more history keeps repeating itself. Today, with Parliament embroiled in democracy”. He noted that the by Capt. Vasabha much the same argument that first began in 1994, it looks as if time has Bill diminished the powers stood still in sunny Sri Lanka. vested with the legislature. While the 20th Amendment It was ’s People’s Alliance (PA) that screamed “We register our opposition Bill was presented to from the rooftops back then that the fountain of all evil in this land was to the 20th Amendment. This Parliament last week, the presidency and dooshanaya and bheeshanaya were its fruits. Many amendment has provisions that a group of national of whom were members of the then PA are today MPs of the ruling will erode democracy in the organisations that are party, backing the strengthening of the Executive via the proposed 20th country and only strengthen the stakeholders of the Amendment. Executive,” Premadasa claimed. Government have once Meanwhile, it is now the turn of and his Opposition The Opposition legislators again expressed objections Samagi Jana Balawegaya to do what Chandrika Kumaratunga did and then took to the Well of the to some of the clauses in the cry out that the proposed amendment would lead to the recreation of the Chamber, continuing to chorus proposed legislation fountain of evil with dooshanaya and bheeshanaya being the consequences. the anti-20th Amendment They point out that doing away with the National Audit Commission and slogan. to debate several import the National Procurement Commission would pave the way for unbridled Several governing party regulations, the subject of the corruption, or dooshanaya, while the proposed concentration of executive members gathered near the 20th Amendment continued to powers once again in one individual would inevitably lead to bheeshanaya. Justice Minister while several dominate the debates during the It’s the same old story in a brand new avatar with only the actors changing other governing party members first few hours. sides. “How long more and what further price will the country have to also took to the Well of the State Minister Shehan pay for the games its politicians play” is the trillion-rupee question today. Chamber. The protesting and Semasinghe, during his speech, It is being said that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution is reflective the verbal barrage between the said that there is no room of the overwhelming mandate given by the people on 5 August 2020. It Opposition and governing party for turning back on the 20th has also been pointed out that the same rationale can be attributed to the members lasted for over half an Amendment. mandate given by the people on 8 January 2015 which spawned the 19th hour. “I have seen how Parliament Amendment. What is mind-boggling is that the implementation of both Despite efforts by Speaker amended laws and regulations the 19th, which cut the president’s power, and the 20th, which restores to and how democratic the all powers, have been attributed to the will of the people obtained within get the Opposition MPs to return decisions were. The people were a period of less than five years. to their seats and recommence given relief after the Covid-19 Political analysts point out that the 19th Amendment came about the day’s business, the Speaker pandemic. We will not bring Prime Minister and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in response to at least two decades of sustained agitation against the failed in his efforts while the amendments that are hostile to presidency. Having struggled for two decades to bring about the 19th, what Serjeant-at-Arms stood by the this country,” Semasinghe said. Mahindananda Aluthgamage for debate in Parliament only made the people change their mind in five years, or is it that the 20th is mace. “During the previous claimed that there were several if the SC approves the draft. not exactly a reflection of the people’s mandate and has more to do with As the protest became more Government, we witnessed how Opposition parliamentarians The Opposition can submit opportunism, is what analysts are asking these days. The fact that every intense, several SJB MPs no-confidence motions were who were prepared to extend their proposals at the committee political party represented in Parliament and civil society organisations noticed that the cameras inside passed in the House. They did support to the 20th Amendment. stage. We are ready to consider united to enact the 19th Amendment where as there is no such unity but the Chamber were turned off. so after suspending the Standing He noted that there are 17 their proposals,” the Minister rather opposition from many quarters to the 20th points to very different SJB MP noted Orders of the House. We do not Opposition MPs who are in added. circumstances and very different mandates. that it was unfair on the part act in such an undemocratic discussion with the governing Aluthgamage continued to A collective of civil society groups taking issue with the proposed of the staff to switch off the manner. People have given party to join the Government. repeat the Government’s slogan amendment and even the Prime Minister himself weighing in on the matter cameras. us a mandate to do away with “We will get 20 MPs from with regard to constitutional by appointing a special commission of his own to study and report on the The SJB legislators then the 19th Amendment. We act the Opposition who will vote amendments that the people proposed changes indicate that the 20th may not be rooted in as popular walked up to the Speaker’s according to that mandate given for this Bill and we will get 170 had given a mandate to the a mandate as the 19th. Some pundits have pointed out that if elements chair to express their protest to us by the people and we votes in support of the Bill,” he Government to abolish the 19th of the 20th Amendment were made known prior to the last election, the against switching off cameras. don’t need the permission of the said. Amendment and as such they mandate received may well have been different. “Switching the cameras off is Opposition for that,” he noted. However, Aluthgamage could not disregard it. It is accepted that the 19th Amendment strengthened the democratic unfair,” MP The State Minister said that added that the Government has “The 20th Amendment is not institutions, and particularly Parliament itself, which is the repository of claimed. Opposition protests would not only tabled a draft of the 20th a demon, as the Opposition the peoples’ will, by taking away chunks of executive presidential power Meanwhile, Minister be allowed to disrupt the work Amendment to the Constitution was trying to show. We will not and depositing them in independent institutions controlled by Parliament Wimal Weerawansa raised an of Parliament, which runs on and was prepared to consider do anything detrimental to the and civil society through the Constitutional Council. objection later and pointed to public money. any amendments submitted by country during the tenure of Political analysts point out that despite its many shortcomings, the 19th a precedent that was created He further stated that the the Opposition. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Amendment brought about positive change in key institutions. For instance, by former Speaker W.J.M. Minister of Finance will “We only tabled a draft and Prime Minister Mahinda it stopped politicians from lording over the Police and MPs sitting on Lokubandara, where he had introduce a budget that will of the 20th Amendment and Rajapaksa,” the Minister said. the OIC’s chair at police stations, directing how the Police should act. It directed the cameras towards the provide solutions to many doing so does not mean it He further noted that the 19th gave teeth to the Election Commission to take charge during an election Speaker and the Chair during problems, taking into account has received parliamentary Amendment was not introduced and punish those who violate the law. It is because of this that election disturbances in the Chamber. the strength it brings to the approval. The Opposition can for the benefit of the people violence became a thing of the past and no election-related deaths have been However, while the governing economy. challenge it in the Supreme but to take revenge from the recorded ever since. It also strengthened parliamentary oversight through party moved the motion Meanwhile, Minister Court (SC) and will take it up Rajapaksas. the Audit Commission which was vested with wide ranging powers that Looking at last Tuesday’s brought about some semblance of monetary discipline that was lacking parliamentary proceedings, it in the public sector. It brought about a palpable fear among public sector was evident that the governing employees to abide by the law and many could be heard saying that the party’s parliamentary group was strict auditing could land them in hot water, should they stray. well prepared to address the These are but a few of the many positive aspects of the independent objections raised. commissions established under the 19th Amendment. To throw away all The day before the 20th the good that has been achieved in order to rectify a few imperfections is Amendment Bill was tabled in akin to throwing away the baby along with the bath water. Parliament, President Gotabaya The fact that the President has done an excellent job in handling the Rajapaksa convened a meeting Covid-19 crisis so far points to the fact that if there is a will, there is a of the Cabinet of Ministers way. We have no doubt in the President’s will to put things right, given on Monday (21) evening. The his performance so far, and it would be unfortunate if the groundswell Cabinet meeting is usually of support he enjoys will be compromised as a result of ill-thought-out scheduled on Wednesday legislation which has given the lame duck Opposition a new lease of life evenings. and a juicy bone of contention. However, last week’s Cabinet Therefore, given the pros and cons of both the 19th as well as the meeting was called at 4 p.m. on proposed 20th Amendment, it is only fair by the people that it is widely Monday. discussed among the same groups that championed the 19th for over two Also, the governing party decades and an amicable and equitable solution is arrived at, where the parliamentary group meeting best of both are retained until such time a new constitution is introduced. was held that evening at 6.30 It is imperative that the chief architect of the 19th, former President p.m. Maithripala Sirisena, is also consulted on the matter, for he swore before The parliamentary group the casket of late Ven. Sobitha Thera that he will not look back until the meeting was convened at the post is abolished. The 20th Amendment, if it is enacted in its current Presidential Secretariat and form, would mean that all the strife, blood, sweat, and tears shed for the chaired by the President while abolition of the presidency over the years would all be in vain. governing party parliamentary No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. group meetings are usually held Fax - 011 2 673 441 with the Prime Minister at the General - 011 5 200 900 chair in the morning of the first Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 day of parliamentary sessions Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 that week. E-mail - [email protected] The President, it is learnt, had reiterated the importance 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS 20A stirs up a hornet’s nest in and outside Government z SC to take up 18 petitions z SJB invites UNP to join z Tissa meets RW and Karu against 20A on Tuesday common opposition alliance to resolve SJB-UNP crises of getting the 20th Amendment are fraudulent activities that SLFP prepares report Petitions add on The petitioner has stated that A special judge bench consisting implemented to overcome the have taken place since the Good the proposed constitutional of SC justices was appointed on confusions and obstacles to Governance Government. People Stakeholder of the Sri Lanka As soon as the 20th Amendment amendment violates the basic Friday to consider the petitions administrative work caused by the can question if people who Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was tabled in the House, petitions rights guaranteed by the filed against the draft bill of 19th Amendment. supported the Good Governance Government, the Sri Lanka challenging the new piece of Constitution as well as other the 20th Amendment to the President Rajapaksa has Government are now behind Freedom Party (SLFP) last week legislation started to mount before paragraphs, and therefore Constitution. been resolute in his stance of the 20th Amendment in order said it will decide the party’s the SC. requests the SC to deliver a The judge bench, chaired by abolishing the 19th Amendment to sweep aside the issues,” Dr. stance on the 20th Amendment The number of petitions before verdict declaring the draft Chief Justice , sans the clauses on the Bandara said, adding that there following discussions with party the SC within 48 hours of the Bill bill will require a two-thirds consists of four other SC Justices, presidential term and frequency was suspicion whether some of members. being tabled in Parliament stood majority in Parliament and namely Buwaneka Aluwihare, of an individual to contest for the the clauses in the new piece of SLFP Spokesperson at 12. a public referendum to be , Vijith office. legislation have been introduced Weerakumara Dissanayake told The Constitution provides for passed Malalgoda, and . with the intention of signing a news conference last week interested parties to invoke the The petitions will be taken up Internal protests the US Millennium Challenge that the party will vote for the jurisdiction of the SC to determine will require a two-thirds majority for consideration on Tuesday (29). While the 20th Amendment Corporation (MCC) Compact proposed 20th Amendment. whether any bill or any of its in Parliament and a public Bill was presented to Parliament agreement. “While the SLFP takes the provisions are inconsistent with referendum to be passed. SJB-UNP alliance last week, a group of national It is believed that a sum of Rs. positives in the proposed the Constitution within seven days Six petitions were filed The SJB last week invited the organisations that are stakeholders 743 billion, which is circulated amendment, we will also of it being tabled in Parliament. challenging the 20th Amendment United National Party (UNP) to of the Government have once among 150 state institutions, intervene to further improve it,” If the bill is not challenged in Bill before the SC as of join the new alliance that is in the again expressed objections would go unaccounted for as Dissanayake said. He explained the SC, it can be taken up for Wednesday (23), including by the making. The invitation was also to some of the clauses in the auditing of these 150 state that the party was keen on debate after seven days. In the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). extended to the UNP to contest proposed legislation. institutions will not be allowed looking at bringing the 20th event the legislation is challenged The SJB was the second to file a the impending provincial council The Federation of National as per the proposed piece of Amendment to a constructive before the SC, the Court has to case in the SC. election as an alliance with the Organisations, headed by legislation. place, rather than debating if the deliver its determination within “Our lawyers went before the SJB. Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, Dr. Bandara further observed party should vote for it. 21 days from the date of the Supreme Court to challenge the The invitation was extended by Attorney-at-Law Kalyananda that the people had given a He added that discussions petitions. 20th Amendment Bill,” SJB SJB General Secretary Madduma Thiranagama, and Dr. Wasantha mandate to the Government to will take place during these two Parliament cannot take General Secretary MP Ranjith Bandara at a press conference last Bandara, held a media briefing to present a new constitution and not weeks and different opinions and any action on the respective Madduma Bandara told The week where he had said that the express displeasure at some of the a constitutional amendment. ideas among party members will amendment bill during that period. Morning after filing the petition. message had been already passed contents of the 20th Amendment However, it is evident that be considered. The first petition was filed in The SJB charged that certain on to the UNP. and the Government’s failure there’s growing discussion over The SLFP is also studying the SC by a lawyer challenging provisions of the 20th Amendment “We invite the UNP to join the to address the concerns being the report presented by the nine- the proposed amendment and the 20th Amendment on Tuesday Bill violated fundamental rights SJB-led alliance which is in the raised by the public, including member committee that was preparing a report to create (22). as well as sections of the current making. It will also be possible stakeholders of the governing appointed by the Prime Minister awareness among party members. The petitioner has stated that Constitution. for the two parties to contest party. to make recommendations on the When a question was posed to a referendum should be called The the provincial council elections Dr. Amarasekera said the Prime 20th Amendment. the SLFP Spokesperson about for in order to pass the 20th (TNA) also went before the SC together, if the two parties strike Minister had appointed a nine- The failure to present copies of the party’s’ support for the 19th Amendment. over the same. a deal to become partners to an member committee to study and the report to the governing party Amendment to the Constitution The petition filed by a “Our legal team tendered papers alliance,” Madduma Bandara had propose amendments and when members has given further rise to in 2015, which will now be lawyer has sought a court to courts objecting to the 20th said. the report was submitted, the suspicion on the real intentions of repealed by the proposed 20th decision declaring that the 20th Amendment Bill,” TNA Leader “I have already spoken to new recommended amendments were introducing the 20th Amendment Amendment, Dissanayake noted Amendment draft bill, which has MP R. Sampanthan told The UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan expected to be made, but the to the Constitution, a senior that serious issues arose during been presented in Parliament, Morning. Wijewardene as well,” he had piece of legislation was presented Government minister said. the implementation of the 19th requires a public referendum to be The TNA alleged that the further noted. to Parliament without any Amendment. passed, as it violates basic rights. Bill was contrary to the current SJB MP , amendments. It is believed that a sum of Rs. “This is why the former The petition was filed by Constitution and infringed the who had also participated in the “Given the situation, we have 743 billion, which is circulated President, even during his term, Attorney-at-Law Indika Gallage fundamental rights and other press conference, had said the ideal lost faith in the process,” he said. among 150 state institutions, said there was a need for an through Attorney-at-Law provisions guaranteed by the scenario would be to hand over Thiranagama said that a report would go unaccounted for alternative,” he added. Dharshana Weraduwage while the Constitution. the UNP leadership to Opposition on the negative aspects of the as auditing of these 150 He noted that the divisions Attorney General (AG) has been Public interest litigation activist Leader Premadasa. proposed amendment presented state institutions will not be of power created between the named as a respondent. and Attorney-at-Law Nagananda However, a formal discussion to Parliament would be compiled allowed as per the proposed President, Prime Minister, and The application alleges that Kodituwakku also challenged the between the SJB and UNP had within a week. piece of legislation the Speaker was one of the the proposed 20th Amendment 20th Amendment Bill before the not taken place on the matter of “Why wasn’t this discussed at key weaknesses of the 19th curtails a number of basic rights SC. forming an alliance. the Cabinet meeting? Why cant’s Amendment. and other provisions ensured by “People are the supreme the Government parliamentarians Speaking of the report that “If there is no conflict the Constitution. authority. The Bill takes away the Tissa meets RW take this up for discussion? was submitted by the committee between those holding these The petitioning party has sovereignty of the people. The Meanwhile, SJB National This is a serious problem. As a appointed by the Prime Minister positions, there is no issue with charged that the contents of the Constitution speaks of democracy, Organiser had result of this conduct, there’s to study the 20th Amendment the 19th Amendment. But it proposed 20th Amendment are independent judiciary, and the recently met with UNP Leader suspicion,” Thiranagama said. and propose amendments, cannot go forward if there are severely prejudicial towards separation of power doctrine. The and former He noted that the present Minister Weerawansa said the such conflicts. The mandate is the public, such as the removal Bill is a direct violation of all Speaker . situation has given rise to Prime Minister has said that to create a solution that does of the provisions allowing for this.” Attanayake had met with suspicion that there is an attempt the recommendations of the not cause such a conflict,” filing fundamental rights (FR) Centre for Policy Alternatives Wickremesinghe and Jayasuriya to hide or cover up some issue. committee report would be put Dissanayake observed. petitions against the President; (CPA) Executive Director Dr. separately in an unofficial capacity “This cannot be done in a discreet forward during the committee As for the independent curtailing the powers vested Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu and in order to address the conflict manner. Why are they hiding stage of the 20th Amendment in commissions that were set up with the Election Commission Anil Kariyawasam also challenged between the it? Therefore, we wish to tell Parliament. by the 19th Amendment, which to file legal action against the 20th Amendment. SJB and UNP the Government, the President, When the media posed a are likely to be weakened violation of directives issued Six more petitions challenging and to look at and Prime Minister to reveal question to Weerawansa on and eventually abolished by by the Commission; preventing the draft bill of the 20th working on a the recommendations of the whether the amendments the new piece of legislation, the Presidential Secretariat, the Amendment to the Constitution joint platform. committee,” Thiranagama added. proposed by him and other Dissanayake said it was Prime Minister’s Office, and were filed with the SC on During the The Federation heavily likeminded individuals in the important to look at solutions state institutions from being Thursday (24). discussion with criticised the inclusion of the Government could be included in to address the weaknesses of audited; and removing the The petitions were filed by Wickremesinghe, clause enabling dual citizens to the new legislation at committee the commissions as opposed to restrictions placed preventing a former Southern Province Attanayake enter Parliament and engage in stage, he responded saying: arguing if commissions should be person with dual citizenship from Governor and former Campaign had requested governance activities. “It is the Prime Minister of abolished. contesting general elections or the for Free and Fair Elections him to look at “There are foreign intelligence this country who is saying the When asked if the SLFP will presidential election. (CaFFE) Executive Director resolving the SJB National operatives all over. When these amendments will be made. He vote for the proposed 20th The petition has further stated Ranjith Keerthi Tennakoon clash between Organiser Tissa people take citizenship in a appointed the committee and the Amendment if it abolishes that the proposed amendment has and five other parties, citing the SJB and Attanayake country, they declare allegiance recommendations made by this independent commissions, sought to reintroduce provisions the Attorney General as the UNP. to that country. What will happen committee will be put forward Dissanayake said there was time allowing the presentation of respondent. “When Maithripala Sirisena if such a person becomes a by him. This is what the Prime to discuss the matter and make a emergency bills, which had been Tennakoon, in his petition, has was being proposed as the minister? Can the secrets of Minister has publicly stated.” decision. done away through the 19th claimed that certain provisions presidential candidate, I opposed the Cabinet be protected? A Amendment. of the proposed draft bill it. I felt a UNP leader should be the US citizen can enter the US It has also stated that the severely violated the country’s presidential candidate. I met with Government. This is a dangerous proposed constitutional Constitution. Hence, a two-thirds Wickremesinghe on an unofficial situation,” Thiranagama said. amendment would abolish the majority of Parliament is not capacity. It was a meeting pushed According to Dr. Bandara, power vested with the Bribery sufficient to pass such provisions, by me on a private level. I also there would not be any crisis Commission to investigate an the petitioner has pointed out, met with Karu Jayasuriya. I if the Government removes incident of bribery or corruption while calling for a referendum as discussed resolving the present the bad aspects in the 20th without a prior complaint and that well. crisis with them. I asked Ranil Amendment and retain the good it also removes the qualifications Accordingly, Tennakoon has Wickremesinghe to reconsider my ones. “A dispute has arisen over required to be appointed as the sought a SC verdict mandating request. I requested that he takes the amendment from within the Auditor General. a referendum to pass the into consideration the people’s Government because there’s The petitioner has stated that controversial articles of the mandate and reach a decision. something wrong,” he pointed the proposed constitutional proposed draft bill. His response was that he will out. amendment violates the basic Meanwhile, another six petitions think about it. However, he is “If there is a provision stating rights guaranteed by the were filed before the Supreme well known to slip through issues. that the Auditor General cannot Constitution as well as other Court on Friday (25). I have worked with him for 35 conduct an audit on state bodies, paragraphs, and therefore Thereby, 18 petitions in total years,” Attanayake said last week all investigations would have The 20th Amendment was tabled in Parliament last week amidst protest by the main requests the SC to deliver a have been filed against the 20th during an interview with a private to be halted immediately. These Opposition, the SJB verdict declaring the draft bill Amendment by Friday. radio station. 10 the sunday morning hot seat Sunday, September 27, 2020 WE DIDN’T LOOK AT SUPPORTERS’ GRIEVANCES z We all have to share the blame they were interested in becoming the next leader of the UNP. z Defeat is an opportunity for the party There were others who were nominated, among which my name was also nominated; z Party needs rebranding and reorganising by the time there were six nominated names, Ranil Wickremesinghe said, why don’t you z People will decide on the best leader for the UNP all talk it over and come to a consensus, and then one person come forward. BY SARAH HANNAN But unfortunately, none of us could come to a consensus, which then led to an election. The dust seems to be settling to Although I must say there was no hostility some extent with regard to the one- WHEN I WAS MEETING between any one of us. In the run-up to the time largest political party of the THE MAHANAYAKA party leadership election, there were a lot of country, the United National Party THERA AND THE CHIEF discussions, and because that was taking a (UNP), following the election of a PRELATES, THEY SAID lot of time, Ranil Wickremesinghe suggested new Deputy Leader to take charge of THAT ALTHOUGH THE appointing a deputy leader first and once that the party’s reforms process. Ruwan is done, we can have a transition period and LEADERSHIP CHANGE IS look at handing over the leadership of the Wijewardene was recently elected NEEDED FOR THE PARTY, the UNP’s Deputy Leader in a secret party to his successor between December DO NOT DISCARD RANIL 2020 and January 2021. ballot held during the party’s last Scan the QR Working Committee (WC) meeting. WICKREMESINGHE, AND PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE KEEP HIM AT LEAST IN AN Does that mean you will become the code to access This week, newly elected UNP party leader before the provincial council our coverage of Deputy Leader Wijewardene sat in ADVISORY ROLE TO GET elections in 2021? Will there be this issue on HIS ADVICE AND MAKE USE Me? (Laughing) Well, that also depends. any possibility of the Hot Seat of The Sunday Morning. The Sunday OF HIS KNOWLEDGE There are others that are thinking of taking Wickremesinghe Following are excerpts of the WHEN THESE DISPUTES Morning over the leadership of the UNP. Hopefully, performing the YouTube channel interview: if it comes to a consensus, the next person HAPPEN WITHIN THE role of a de facto You have been in the party WC and been can take over the leadership. Otherwise, by PARTY, ONE CAN EASILY leader under your How are you settling into the post of UNP the Deputy General Secretary of the party December 2020, I guess we will have to go GET SUCKED INTO THESE leadership? Deputy Leader? for a while. What prevented you from for another vote and appoint the new leader SITUATIONS, WHERE No, he would The party members from across the ensuring the party didn’t end up in its of the UNP. serve the party on an country have positively responded to my current situation? YOU GET INVOLVED AND advisory level. appointment. Many called in to wish me, We all have to take the blame for what Do you think you have strong enough ATTEMPT TO SETTLE THE while some dropped by to congratulate me. happened. I don’t think we can just blame charisma to be one of Sri Lanka’s biggest DISPUTES AND MEDIATE. Has the party The grassroots-level party activists are raring one person. Usually, it is very easy to assign political parties? UNFORTUNATELY, AMIDST managed to settle the internal disputes to commence their work and get the UNP blame to one person or, in this case, the I hope so. I guess I cannot answer that ALL THAT, WE LOST now that a definitive decision is reached back on track. leader of the party. question. It is the people that support our on the party leadership? When these disputes happen within the party who will have to answer the question. OUR WAY. THIS CAN BE We do not have a huge dispute right at What will be your immediate party, one can easily get sucked into these CONSIDERED A WAKEUP the moment. I guess the disputes that we responsibilities towards rebuilding the situations, where you get involved and You come from a family that has CALL had before the presidential election were far UNP? attempt to settle the disputes and mediate. produced prime ministers and presidents; greater than what we are facing right now. I am looking forward to visiting the Unfortunately, amidst all that, we lost our do you aspire to be the leader of the I don’t know whether I am emulating The present WC can come to an agreement electorates and reviving the party machinery way. This can be considered a wakeup call. country at some point in your life? them, but I do admire them. on many matters after discussions, no matter all over Sri Lanka. Rebuilding the party will Now it’s very clear as to where we went I guess all of us aspire to become the who becomes the leader. be done in a two-pronged approach: On one wrong and it’s time we fixed these things president or prime minister of the country Do you think you are more qualified to hand, I will have to pay a personal visit to and went forward. when we come into politics. Everyone has lead the UNP than Sajith Premadasa? Will there be a change in the WC of the all the electorates and attempt to win over their personal ambition. What I say is that we That I cannot say. That is up to the people UNP? the confidence of the UNP voter base, which There have been a few party seniors who should not let our personal ambitions take to decide. But I will do my best. All I want is We have not discussed that at the moment. will involve a lot of travelling. have objected to your appointment. How precedence over the country’s ambitions. to do good for the country and the UNP. Right now, we have 40 members in the WC; On the other hand, to win over confidence, do you plan to unite all forces within the I mean, it all depends on the people and the party Constitution says that we can have we will have to look at party reforms. The party to move forward? whether they have confidence in me. In the run-up to the election for the post of up to 90 members, and this is another thing UNP will go through its much-needed party I don’t know whether they were objecting UNP Deputy Leader, there was criticism that we have to talk about. reform in the coming months. as such. But obviously there were some of that it was UNP Leader Wickremesinghe’s Some changes will be needed. Right now, the seniors that were also looking forward to plan to handover the party leadership to change in the composition of the WC has not Where do you think the UNP took a being appointed to the leadership position. you, thereby ensuring the party leadership been talked about or addressed. wrong turn, which eventually led to its So, when it came to the deputy leadership, it WHEN WE WERE IN remains within the family. Is this true? unprecedented defeat at the 2020 general was put for a vote, and I got the backing of GOVERNMENT, WE No, I do not agree with that statement. Along with a change in the UNP election? the majority of the WC. JUST COULD NOT People who really know him know that he leadership, would the UNP change their The loss that we suffered in the At this point, we should not alienate COMMUNICATE OUR does not favour family. That is one of his manifesto to match the present times? recent general election can be seen as anyone in the party, as right now, we need VISION TO THE PEOPLE known characteristics. Yes, definitely. We do have to consider an opportunity for the party to look into everyone. All those seniors are needed, I came forward because there were a lot some changes. We have been quite consistent reforms. Over the years, the party has been because they all have vast experience in the AND INFORM THEM of requests that were made by our party with our party manifesto. It is just that we distancing itself from its voter base, and political sphere and working in the UNP. AS TO WHAT WE WERE supporters from across the country, even the haven’t been able to communicate to the there have been calls for reform. We see this DOING, LET ALONE Mahanayaka Thera and the Maha Sangha. people as to what we plan to do. One huge as a good opportunity to bring in the changes How differently would you carry out the COMMUNICATE WHAT I don’t think he at any point intended for issue that we have is communication; we and to win over the lost confidence of our party’s reforms agenda as the new Deputy BENEFITS THE PEOPLE the leadership of the UNP to be contained lack proper communication between the voter base and the rest of the population. Leader? REAPED AS A RESULT OF within the family. citizen and the party. We would need to start reforming the party The UNP is not like any other party and Even when we were in government, we In almost 70 years of Sri Lankan politics, from the bottom up. We will have to look THE WORK THAT WE DID it is not like the SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana just could not communicate our vision to the this is the first time the UNP is not in at how we organise our electorates. From Peramuna) or the SLFP (Sri Lanka Freedom people and inform them as to what we were Parliament. How do you take that defeat 1977 onwards, we were looking at forming Who are the political or non-political Party), where the leadership is passed down doing, let alone communicate what benefits and the cause that led to it? branches in the villages and then gradually leaders you would like to emulate or from family member to family member. the people reaped as a result of the work that For a long time, I think the infighting building up the party. But now, we have to admire? Eventually, the decision to appoint the we did. within the party really took a toll on our look at whether that was the most effective I draw inspiration from two figures. Not Deputy Leader came in via a vote by the Instead, only the negative aspects were voter base. I think they were getting fed up way to rally our party supporters from the trying to sound cheesy, but Abraham Lincoln WC. Ranil Wickremesinghe did not use constantly getting highlighted and we with the leadership tussles, which came to grassroots level. was one person that I was inspired by after his vote and as the Leader of the party, he were busy trying to defend ourselves from a point where they were openly criticising We might have to look at a different reading his biography. Especially because remained non-partisan. all these allegations, rather than actually each other over media platforms. Then method of organising our electorates. The when he was appointed the Head of the communicating to the people what we had of course, Sajith Premadasa breaking off party itself needs a facelift, where some Republican Party, he managed to bring the What role would Ranil Wickremesinghe achieved and delivered as a government. to form his own party made a dent in the are talking about constitutional reforms. I party together, although the other contestants play in the future within the UNP? Our manifesto has always been quite voter base that the UNP had built over the think the party needs to be rebranded and were archrivals. Eventually, they became Whatever criticisms are levelled current, but there should have been some years. reorganised. Those are two key areas that we his biggest strength and biggest supporters. against him, we, as a country or as form of reform done from time to time. But what really happened is that during would have to look at. Moreover, he was able to make decisive a party, do not take advantage of the the time we were in the Government, all the decisions when it came to the future of the vast knowledge that he has on various What is going to be the UNP’s main target UNP MPs concentrated only on their work Ranil Wickremesinghe’s statement on country. subjects; from economics to the voter base? in office rather than the grievances of our stepping down from the party leadership The other person is Nelson Mandela, who environment to even little things about It is surprising to say that we have lost all supporters. has been looked at very sceptically by was persecuted by the apartheid regime music, his knowledge is immense. the types of our voter bases at the moment; We were out of power for nearly 20 years, many who feel he was not sincere about at the time. But when he was released, he We never took advantage of that, and in we’ve lost the confidence of the Buddhist and throughout those 20 years, a lot of our it. Will there be a change in the party forgave all the people who persecuted him fact, when I was meeting the Mahanayaka vote, the monitory vote, and the business party supporters faced various issues that leadership? and managed to unite that country. Thera and the Chief Prelates, they said community vote as well as the middleclass needed to be addressed. There were a lot of Ranil Wickremesinghe was very direct In the non-political sphere I admire that although the leadership change is and every other subcategory. expectations and we failed to deliver what when he said that it was time for him Elon Musk, who has broken barriers. He needed for the party, do not discard Ranil We need to really sit down and reflect on was promised to them during the run-up to to step down. When he announced that thinks out of the box; not scared to take on Wickremesinghe, and keep him at least in an how to win back the support we enjoyed all elections. That is one of the reasons why we he was stepping down, there were four challenges and he is really shaping the future advisory role to get his advice and make use these years. suffered this heavy loss. members who came forward to say that of the world in a way. of his knowledge. Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 11 Sunday, September 27, 2020 FOCUS

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA PROVINCIAL COUNCILS Would the abolition of the provincial council (PC) system save billions of rupees for the country? Can the government officials run the country without the nine chief ministers and around 638 provincial councillors elected by the people in the A necessity respective provinces? The answer is in the affirmative, according to Ministry of Public Services, Provincial Councils, and Local Government Secretary J.J. Rathnasiri. A public discussion about the PC He said a massive amount of money system is ongoing, while several was needed for the upkeep of the chief organisations too proposed various ministers, 45 ministers, and council or waste? options to change the present system members, and that the staff members expired, he said that while the amount the PC elections, introduced to the Constitution through of each PC could be retained if the was not calculated yet, he witnessed Gajanayake said the 13th Amendment system is run by the state officials a massive reduction compared to the that in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Provincial Councils and under the direct guidance of the Central previous level of expenditure. no proper research Local Government Affairs Government. “The chief ministry office of a PC has was conducted by the When asked about the funds that were 15 staff members, and a chief minister Government to evaluate saved by the Government over the past is entitled to all privileges enjoyed by whether the system is years in the provinces where the terms a cabinet minister including vehicle good or bad. Rs. 103,769 million. permits. In addition, there are also “While those who live At present, all nine PCs are not ministers and council members and their in the South might not functioning as their terms of office staff members, and they are entitled to a need PCs, those who live expired. The term of office of the salary and other allowances. When the in the faraway North and Southern PC ended on 10 April; Western system is only run by the staff members, East need this system; they PC, 21 April; Sabaragamuwa PC, this additional expenditure could be never said they didn’t want 26 September 2017; Eastern PC, 30 saved,” Rathnasiri explained. this system,” he continued. September 2017; North Central PC, 1 Furthermore, he noted that the “The main political October 2017; Central, North Western, Government hadn’t taken a decision yet parties use this system as and Northern PCs, September 2018; and on whether to hold the PC election, and a stepping stone to get into the term of office of the Uva PC ended thereby hadn’t discussed a date for the national mainstream politics, on 8 September this year. same either. while the system also allows many Speaking to The Sunday Morning No effect on expenses? women and young people to get into on an earlier occasion, State Minister The chief ministry office of a PC has politics,” Gajanayake said, adding that of Provincial Councils and Local 15 staff members, and a chief minister Meanwhile, election monitors claim even though almost all the parties use Government Affairs Sarath Weerasekara is entitled to all privileges enjoyed by the Central Government can’t avoid the this system, they haven’t explored its full said: “A public discussion about the a cabinet minister including vehicle expenses incurred through the PCs once capital and recurrent expenditure of the potential yet. PC system is ongoing, while several permits...When the system is only run the system is abolished. PCs. According to Ministry of Finance organisations too proposed various by the staff members, this additional Speaking to The Sunday Morning, “For health, education, infrastructure, statistics, expenditure on PCs for 2017 options to change the present system expenditure could be saved Centre for Monitoring Election Violence and others, the Government will have was reported at Rs. 286,031 million. introduced to the Constitution through Ministry of Public Services, Provincial (CMEV) National Co-ordinator Manjula to spend, and it cannot shy away from This demonstrates an increase from the the 13th Amendment.” Councils, and Local Government Gajanayake stressed that irrespective of the responsibility of maintaining these previous amount of Rs. 276,147 million The State Minister stressed that Secretary J.J. Rathnasiri whether the PC system is in place or not, councils,” he stressed. for 2016. The average expenditure on the Government hadn’t yet taken any the Government would have to bear the Stressing the importance of holding PCs from December 1996 to 2017 was decision regarding the PC election.

20TH AMENDMENT BILL Petitions mount before SC BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodituwakku following a general election – The too challenged the 20th Amendment before Constitution now does not permit the The 20th Amendment to the Constitution the Supreme Court. President to dissolve Parliament until the has seen 18 separate objections filed against “People are the supreme authority. expiry of four-and-a-half years following it in the Supreme Court immediately after it The bill takes away the sovereignty of a general election. was tabled in Parliament, with those suing the people. The Constitution speaks of (vi) Article 85: The President may secure the for legal recourse charging that it would be democracy, an independent Judiciary, and passage of a bill that has been rejected the bane of democracy. the separation of power doctrine – the bill is by Parliament by submitting it to a On Tuesday (22), Minister of Justice Ali a direct violation of all this.” referendum – This power does not exist Sabry PC tabled the draft bill of the 20th Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) now. Amendment to the Constitution. Executive Director Dr. Paikiasothy (vii) Article 122: The President may certify Saravanamuttu and Anil Kariyawasam that a bill is “urgent in the national Dark day for democracy too challenged the 20th Amendment on interest”, whereupon the Supreme This was instantly followed by a massive Wednesday. Court is required to determine its protest in the House by the main Opposition The following day, Thursday (24), saw constitutionality within 24 hours and party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), another six petitions being filed at the communicate that only to the President who wore black armbands and invaded the Supreme Court. These were by former and the Speaker. The bill will then be Well of the House, holding placards and Governor and Campaign for Free and Fair rushed through all its stages and will chanting “No 20”. Elections (CaFFE) Executive Director SJB, the main Opposition, protested against the 20th Amendment Bill become law without any intimation to “Today is a dark day for democracy,” Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon, Transparency the country or its peoples – The 19th said Opposition Leader and SJB Leader International Sri Lanka (TISL), human The clauses violate the spirit of liberal of the citizen may require approval Amendment repealed this power in 2015. Sajith Premadasa, with regard to the bill rights activist Abdul Sanun, S.C.C. democracy. For example, the President is at a referendum since it infringes the (viii) Article 154: The Auditor General will that weakened the powers of the Legislature Ilangovan, Lohini Fernando, and Lakmal taken away from any kind of legal suit, fundamental right to a remedy. not be required to audit the accounts of having been introduced to the House. Jayakody. the Auditor General’s Department doesn’t (ii) Chapter VIIA: The President shall the offices of the President and the Prime Following the presentation of the bill, any look into the accounts of the President’s appoint the Chief Justice and other Minister, nor will he be required to audit citizen has the right to file a petition against Office, the Constitutional Council is got rid judges of the Supreme Court and Court the accounts of “companies in which it in the Supreme Court within seven days. of, the President can appoint independent of Appeal; he shall have the power the Government or a public corporation commissions, and they are commissions to appoint and remove the Attorney or local authority holds 50% or more of Eighteen petitions filed People are the supreme authority. The of the State. So, basically you go back to a General, Auditor General, Ombudsman, the shares of that company – The power On Wednesday (23), six petitions were bill takes away the sovereignty of the 1978 Constitution.” Secretary General of Parliament, and to audit these accounts was expressly filed before the Supreme Court, challenging people. The Constitution speaks of He noted that the President would have all independent commissions including conferred on the Auditor General by the the 20th Amendment Bill, including one democracy, an independent Judiciary, unchecked powers over the Judiciary as the Election Commission and Judicial 19th Amendment. petition by the SJB. and the separation of power doctrine – well as the ability to appoint or dismiss key Service Commission – The Constitution (ix) Article 155G: The National Police Attorney-at-Law Indika Gallage lodged the bill is a direct violation of all this officials such as the Inspector General of now requires him to obtain the Commission (NPC) is stripped of its Public interest litigation activist and a special application, claiming that the bill Attorney-at-Law Police (IGP), the Attorney General, and the “approval” of the Constitution Council power of appointment, promotion, required a referendum to be enacted, as it Nagananda Kodituwakku Auditor General. before making these appointments. transfer, disciplinary control, and violated the basic rights of the people. “The President has unfettered sway over That institution is to be replaced with a dismissal of police officers – This power The SJB was the second to file a case in the Chief Justice and the judges of the “Parliamentary Council”, a token body was conferred on the Police Commission Supreme Court. Further, on Friday (25), six more petitions higher courts. The Parliamentary Council which may only make “observations” on by the 19th Amendment. “Our lawyers went before the Supreme were filed before the Supreme Court, has only powers of observation and the proposed appointments. (x) Chapter XIXA: The Commission to Court to challenge the 20th Amendment making it a total of 18 petitions challenging President is not mandated to listen to their (iii) Articles 44-47: The President chooses, Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Bill,” SJB General Secretary Ranjith the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. observations. The IGP, Attorney General, appoints, and removes ministers, Corruption (CIABOC) is abolished – Madduma Bandara told The Sunday and Auditor General are all appointed by including the Prime Minister – Under Constitutional status to this Commission Morning. Utterly authoritarian the President according to his liking.” the Constitution now, it is the Prime was granted by the 19th Amendment. The SJB charged that certain provisions The 20th Amendment to the Constitution Minister who chooses Members of (xi) Chapter XIXB: The National of the 20th Amendment Bill violated seeks to repeal several key clauses of the Contentious clauses Parliament (MPs) for appointment as Procurement Commission is abolished – fundamental rights as well as sections of the 19th Amendment – clauses seen by many, Accordingly, the contentious clauses of ministers, and it is only on the advice of This Commission was established by the current Constitution. particularly the petitioners, as ones that the 20th Amendment are as follows: the Prime Minister that a minister may 19th Amendment. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) also strengthen democracy – and essentially (i) Article 35: No action of the President, be removed by the President. Today, the According to the Attorney General, the went before the Supreme Court for the reverts back to the 1978 Constitution either in his official or private capacity Prime Minister ceases to hold office only bill needs only a two-thirds majority to be same. introduced by the late President J.R. may be questioned in any court – The if a vote of no confidence is passed in passed in Parliament and the Government “Our legal team tendered papers to courts Jayewardene. 19th Amendment enabled an official Parliament and may not be removed by has the required majority with 145 seats objecting the 20th Amendment Bill,” TNA Dr. Saravanamuttu, speaking to The act of the President to be challenged the President. won by the ruling party – the Sri Lanka Leader R. Sampanthan told The Sunday Sunday Morning, pointed out that the in the Supreme Court if it infringed (iv) Article 44: The President may assign Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – at the Morning. 20th Amendment removes all democratic a fundamental right by instituting to himself any subjects or functions and parliamentary election held on 5 August The TNA alleged that the bill was principles of the 19th Amendment and proceedings against the Attorney create and hold any number of ministries with the support of allied political parties in contrary to the current Constitution and strengthens the Executive. General. An example was President – The Constitution now does not allow the 225-member-strong Parliament. infringed upon the fundamental rights “The 20th Amendment seeks to Sirisena’s 2018 illegal appointment of the President to be a Minister. Only a MP The Supreme Court must submit its and other provisions guaranteed by the dismantle all the checks and balances on Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister may be a minister. decision within 21 days from the date the Constitution. the exercise of the Executive’s power. and subsequent illegal dissolution of (v) Article 70: The President may dissolve petitions challenging the 20th Amendment Public interest litigation activist and In that respect, it is utterly authoritarian. Parliament. The repeal of this entitlement Parliament at any time after one year were filed. 12 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, September 27, 2020

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Colombo. Another route will be to go from Makumubura to With authorities focusing Nugegoda through Narahenpita heavily on managing traffic to Town Hall. There will be both congestion, The Sunday clockwise and anti-clockwise Morning looked at some routes. We have allocated low- of the new plans in the floor buses for this project. With pipeline, such as the park- this project, we hope to reduce and-ride system project, traffic congestion, especially if and also the economic cost the citizens transition to using of uncontrolled vehicular the park-and-ride system,” SLTB Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka told traffic in the city. The Sunday Morning. On Monday (21), the authorities He too pointed out the need for brought into force the bus priority a culture of disciplined motorists. lane system while also establishing With regard to the current traffic specific instructions for three- lane law, he said that changes wheelers and motorbikes. have been met with resistance and Police Media Spokesman SSP objections but will succeed in the Jaliya Senaratne explained to long run, adding that it is not the The Sunday Morning that only first time vehicular traffic and lane buses along with school and changes have been implemented. office transport vehicles would be “If you go into rural areas, allowed in the priority lane. TRAFFIC CONGESTION you will find that when traffic “Only private and CTB (Ceylon is stopped at a railway crossing, Transport Board) buses along all the small vehicles such as with office and school transport motorbikes and three-wheelers vehicles will be allowed to use creep their way to the front of the the bus priority lane,” he told traffic queue and cause even more The Sunday Morning, adding that of a block at the front. This block three-wheelers and motorbikes HAZARDHAZARD ONON in turn takes time to disperse, have been advised to use the causing further traffic congestion middle lane. along that road.” “Three-wheelers and bikes can Citing earlier instances where go in the second lane. Only when the public had been reluctant there aren’t three lanes available to accept traffic law changes, can three-wheelers and bikes use ECONOMYECONOMY Ranawaka said that masses would the lane for ordinary vehicles. see the benefit as time progressed. However, the bus lane cannot be thinking power of the people as the morning and evening each and merchandise to the ports. embark and disembark from. Noting that Sri Lankans as a used by any vehicle other than well their physical capacity. Right and as a result, we lose six hours That cannot be done over the In addition, Dr. Wijewardena people are very resistant to change, those specified at all times.” now, Sri Lanka is suffering from per day in manpower. So the internet – it has to be (physically) said an efficient public service too he said that even when the current The Sunday Morning then spoke that ailment. People are travelling human productivity is pretty low transported. So these are the would reduce the need for citizens garbage collection system was first to leading economist and former with great difficulty to the city of as a result of that. That is why in priority areas in Sri Lanka. You to travel profusely. introduced, many people protested Central Bank Deputy Governor Colombo from distant locations.” China, workers stay in the factory must have special roads for these “Another long-term plan should against it, but the system was Dr. W.A. Wijewardena on the He noted that foreign nations, premises itself so that there is no containers to travel.” be the automation of the public successfully implemented. impact of heavy traffic congestion especially those with industrial travel time or other disturbances. Dr. Wijewardena pointed the service so that people don’t have “Another good example is on the country’s economy. capacities, have adopted methods Similarly, the same thing has finger at the politicians and to visit the public offices to get when Duplication and Galle Road where workers would reside at been introduced by Brandix when successive governments for the a public service. Public service were both made one-way. People Negative impact the workplace till the weekend or they set up the textile (factory) failure to better manage traffic, should be decentralised while said it would never work and Dr. Wijewardena explained the end of the month. He said that in Visakhapatnam in Andhra especially in Colombo, citing everything is shifted online so that would cause additional problems, that long hours spent on the traffic congestion in fact causes Pradesh, India.” “politicking” as the number one people are not required to travel but now that change has been road, travelling from home to the huge losses to the economy on a Dr. Wijewardena noted that reason. and can access these facilities at implemented successfully. I think workplace and back, results in low daily basis. the logistics sector could use the home. For those who don’t have the people will soon assimilate to productivity among the workforce “One can see that people have support of the authorities, as it is access to computers at home, the new traffic systems.” in the country. “What happens is settled down in the satellite areas one of the main areas adversely then the Government must enable that the human capital of a country of Colombo with a distance of affected by high levels of traffic. various communications and Park-and-ride system becomes easily exhausted as a about 20 to 30 km and they take “There are certain things you computer centres from which one “The park-and-ride system is an result of having to spend longer about two to three hours to reach cannot avoid. For example, can get the relevant public service initiative by the Government to hours on the road. It reduces their workplaces. Three hours in taking manufactured goods from the state authorities.” have motorists in small vehicles Noting that road accidents kills such as motorbikes and cars more people than the coronavirus transition to using efficient, quality on a daily basis, Dr. Wijewardena public transport for their daily emphasised the need for the travel needs. For the pilot project, The Government should enforce enforcement of road discipline we hope to use the Makumbura the new traffic laws without and urged authorities to go ahead Multimodal Transport Hub as the going back on it because of with the new traffic plan despite starting point where those coming the various objections made objections from various quarters. into Colombo can park their by people. Road discipline “The Government should vehicles at the designated car park is a must in Sri Lanka. On enforce the new traffic laws and hop onto a bus to Colombo. an economic aspect, these are without going back on it because The Makumbura Transport Hub small changes. People are of the various objections made by can park over a 1,000 cars. At the objecting now to temporary people. Road discipline is a must current assessment, we will only inconveniences, but in the long in Sri Lanka. On an economic have 15 buses for these two routes, run, these changes are needed aspect, these are small changes. even if a bus was to leave every 15 People are objecting now to minutes.” Leading economist temporary inconveniences, but in He said that government Dr. W.A. Wijewardena the long run, these changes are expenditure for the park-and-ride needed. When the Government system project were being kept “During the previous started the one-way traffic plan at a minimum through various Government, there was a proposal in the city of Colombo, we saw methods including opting for a to construct a single uni-railway heavy traffic congestion in the profit-sharing agreement with line, but this Government came first few days, but gradually that Lanka Ashok Leyland to procure to power and the project was dissipated. Similarly, these new the required number of buses. The immediately stopped. We expect changes too will soon become the main reason for profit sharing is that a different government that norm.” due to the risk factor in the project comes after this could scrap Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka as well as their inability to import this Government’s project. Sri Transport Board (SLTB) is weeks new buses at the moment. The Lanka needs a roadmap for road away from kicking off its park- buses that are to be used have transportation, which will be and-ride system programme as a been brought down a few years signed off by both the Government measure to reduce traffic in the earlier for a different purpose but and the Opposition so that it can city of Colombo and its suburbs. were never used and were parked be followed regardless of the “From 15 October, we will in the yard. Moreover, they have government in power.” be starting the park-and-ride also negotiated in the agreement programme. The first stage to have more buses released as the Solution will start from Makumbura to project progresses. He then made several Pettah, and then Pettah through He said the next step would be propositions for the authorities to Battaramulla back to Makumbura. to amalgamate the railway system follow to ease traffic congestion in From Makumbura the route will as well. “We need to upgrade Colombo, key among them being go along the highway to Pettah, the Kelani Valley Railway Line better, developed public transport to enable this integration. There as opposed to individual, private is a train from Makumbura to transport. Pettah, but we need to increase the “The Government must have a number of trains. Right now, there roadmap for road transportation. is an issue on that line with the Maybe within the next five to substations along this route. The 10 years’ time, there must be Police and the National Transport a roadmap which would give Commission are continuing to the policy guidelines for the formulate new strategies to ease successive governments to traffic congestion in the country.” implement. That roadmap should He said an awareness campaign necessarily contain facilities for also would be conducted in the mass transport rather than private The park-and-ride system is an coming days to inform the public individual transport, and public initiative by the Government of the park-and-ride initiative and transport must be improved. In to have motorists in small its many benefits. Thailand, where I have been vehicles such as motorbikes “We hope that the people teaching as of late, they have and cars transition to using transition to this system quickly, introduced luxury buses and efficient, quality public as it is a guaranteed way to reduce people travel in these buses rather transport for their daily travel traffic congestion in Colombo. than in their private vehicles.” needs. For the pilot project, we Public co-operation is needed Once again referring to hope to use the Makumbura to ensure the project kicks off initiatives by foreign countries Multimodal Transport Hub successfully, considering the like Singapore, Thailand, and as the starting point investment the Government is Malaysia, he suggested that Sri SLTB Chairman pouring into it. We hope to do a Lanka too could set up three- Kingsley Ranawaka publicity campaign soon to educate wheeler halts for passengers to the masses on this project.” the sunday morning 13 Sunday, September 27, 2020 OPINION

In light of the 20th Amendment (20A) being tabled in Parliament last week, the Prabuddha Lanka Foundation organised a THE PROPOSED 20A discussion pertaining to the same last Tuesday (22) at the Foundation Institute in Colombo. The event saw the attendance of a number of lawyers and social Legitimacy, activists, including Attorney-at- Law Eraj de Silva, who delivered a speech on certain aspects of the 20A including legitimacy, accountability, and the rule of law. The speech is produced below. accountability, Members of the Head Table, fellow professionals, ladies, and gentlemen; a lot is being said about the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution. In essence, the proposed 20th Amendment, as you all may have and the rule of law heard, enhances the power of the “Office of President” or the Attorney-at-Law Eraj de Silva “presidency”, with other selected aspects like the much-talked-about dual citizenship issue. colonisers was/were overthrown, officio the CJ), who are responsible In terms of the 19th and strengthening the notion of executive power by the President. Now, many might argue that and the sovereignty of the people for the appointment, transfer, and Amendment, any act of the “sovereignty of the people”. In terms of the proposed 20th the enhancement of the power of was embraced. In Sri Lanka too, disciplinary control of the lower the President done in his Can anyone argue that there was Amendment, we see a significant the presidency is a good thing, we see this gradual evolutionary judiciary is also to be solely in the official capacity was subject a mandate given by the people enlargement in the scope, exercise, something that is even necessary process, a process that gets better hands of the President. to challenge under Article for regress of these norms? How and control of executive power by at this juncture. Many blame the with time, from crown to coloniser Does this not compromise the 126 of the Constitution (in does removing these provisions the presidency, which appears to be 19th Amendment, among other to the Colebrooke-Cameron reforms entire justice system and the the Supreme Court under strengthen efficient decision the objective, and indeed arguably things, for the perceived deadlock in the 1830s, Donoughmore, independence of the judiciary? Is the fundamental rights making? In fact, we must not forget the principal justification, behind in decision making during the Soulbury, and eventually to the this legitimate? jurisdiction). This is now that the conclusion of the war the proposed 20th Amendment. last regime, which is generally highly symbolic recognition in the There is of course the mechanism expressly taken away. The was achieved during the tenure of In terms of the new Amendment, believed to have come at a cost to 1972 Constitution-making process, of the Parliamentary Council, in new provision on immunity the 17th Amendment (which was the President controls the entire the country. Political commentators by way of the Nawarangahala place of the present Constitutional is not new. Once again, we the previous avatar of the 19th executive and all the ministers, argue that in fact there is now an Constituent Assembly, of the Council. But this is largely oscillate back to the pre- Amendment). Any move towards with the power of appointment and overwhelming need, indeed a clear “sovereignty of the people”, a smoke and mirrors, because the 19th Amendment position, regress of these norms is arguably removal of all ministers, including mandate, for efficacious, swift, notion that was enshrined in Articles President, according to the proposed promulgated originally under an affront to the sovereignty of the the Prime Minister. The power and efficient decision making, Lee 3 and 4 of the 1978 Constitution. Amendment, shall only seek the the original 1972 Constitution people and an affront to legitimacy. of the Prime Minister, as set out Kuan Yew style, in order to take In modern times, we see that “observations” of such Council, in the 19th Amendment, is done the country forward towards rapid which comprises solely of members back to Windows 95 and/or MS Accountability and the away with. In the appointment of economic development. Indeed, Thirdly, the role of the of Parliament. DOS, without any rhyme or reason enlargement of executive ministers, the President “may” this appears to be the principal Auditor General...“companies Secondly, the role of whatsoever, particularly after such power of the President consult the Prime Minister “where justification, and the spirit and registered or deemed to independent commissions is progress has been made in these The second angle which I propose he considers such consultation purpose, of the 20th Amendment. be registered under the affected, even undermined. (a) areas? to analyse in the new Amendment is necessary”. Under the 19th But is it really that simple? Is Companies Act No. 7 of 2007, Again, appointments are to be The progress made in these areas from the angle of “accountability”, Amendment, the position was very this really what this proposed in which the Government or made solely by the President, as is in the form of steps towards but accountability more particularly different. Amendment is all about? public corporation or local above, without the involvement giving citizens more “rights” in relation to the exercise of Contd. on page 14 We must bear in mind that the authority holds 50% or more of the Constitutional Council, 20th Amendment, if passed in its of the shares” are also not compromising the independence present form, might be here to stay included. Does this mean that, of such commissions. (b) Two of for a very, very long time, given that for example, the accounts the commissions are to be totally future governments in power may of SriLankan Airlines and Sri done away with – the National not have the luxury of a two-thirds Lanka Telecom are not to be Procurement Commission and the majority, to effect constitutional audited by the Auditor General Audit Services Commission, both change. So, it is not about this and/or not to be tabled in aimed at eliminating corruption President, or this Government, it Parliament? Does not the pubic – why? (c) Failure to comply is about the propriety and fit of have a right to know? with the directions of the Election this Constitution, as amended by Commission is no longer to be this Amendment, for long-term Sri the “sovereignty of the people” an offence in terms of Article Lanka. has further evolved into a more 104GG, which was introduced by Therefore, it is imperative, indeed meaningful, mature concept: Now, the 19th Amendment, which is to our duty as professionals and as it does not simply mean majority be abolished. This, arguably, takes citizens, that we look more closely rule, but deeply entrenched within it away the teeth of the Election at this proposed Amendment. lie basic norms such as fundamental Commission, severely undermining In this talk, I would like to rights, the independence of the its purpose and effectiveness, and analyse selected aspects of the judiciary, and, to a certain extent, thereby undermining free and fair proposed 20th Amendment, through good governance, which norms elections. three different angles and/or should come as “standard” in vantage points. any modern constitution that is In short, there is a process: Namely; “legitimate”. Departing from these A process which ensures 1. The concept of legitimacy norms is like, to use a computer space for independence. Such 2. Accountability metaphor, going back to Windows processes, involving more 3. The rule of law 95 and/or to MS DOS. than one person, are seen, and From this vantage point, the are almost standard, in other Legitimacy vantage point of legitimacy, serious jurisdictions such as the UK, First, the concept of legitimacy. flaws start becoming apparent in the Singapore, the US, and India. What is this concept of legitimacy? proposed 20th Amendment, in at Why depart from the present In simple terms, it is what is right least three big ways: process, particularly when it is and/or proper, and must come Firstly, implications to the functioning so well? from the correct source – or independence of the judiciary and to “sovereign”, linked to the notion of the system of justice. Thirdly, the role of the Auditor “sovereignty”. Secondly, implications to the General. Curiously, the new Global constitutional history, and independent commissions and to Amendment does not include Sri Lankan constitutional history, good governance. (unlike the 19th) – in the list of aptly demonstrates the evolutionary And, thirdly, implications to entities to be audited by the Auditor shift, through hard lessons learnt, transparency. General – “the Office of Secretary in the notion of “sovereign” or First, there appear to be serious to the President” and “the Office of “sovereignty” from “crown and/or implications to the independence Secretary to the Prime Minister”. coloniser” to that of “the people”. of the judiciary. If the Amendment Does this mean these offices are Through evolution and lessons goes through, appointments to the not to be audited by the Auditor learnt, it gets better, more refined, higher judiciary – including the General? and more legitimate. appointment of the Chief Justice Furthermore, “companies In world constitutional history, (CJ), justices of the Supreme registered or deemed to be we see in the Magna Carta of Court and Court of Appeal – are, registered under the Companies 1215, that it came to boiling point in effect, solely in the hands of the Act No. 7 of 2007, in which the and the barons confronted King President, whereas right now, under Government or public corporation John (of Robin Hood fame) in the present 19th, the Constitutional or local authority holds 50% or order to bring in the first shift Council has to ratify such more of the shares” are also not of the power balance from the appointments. included. Does this mean that, for monarchy to the people. The French In short, there is a process: A example, the accounts of SriLankan Revolution and the American process which ensures space for Airlines and Sri Lanka Telecom War of Independence, both in the independence. Such processes, are not to be audited by the Auditor latter part of the 18th Century, involving more than one person, are General and/or not to be tabled in were much more bloody. In both seen, and are almost standard, in Parliament? Does not the pubic instances, however, the monarchy/ other jurisdictions such as the UK, have a right to know? If this is Singapore, the US, and India. Why so, there are serious concerns, How does removing these depart from the present process, among other things, in relation to provisions strengthen efficient particularly when it is functioning transparency and good governance. decision making? In fact, so well? Other key appointments The striking feature in relation we must not forget that the of the justice system too suffer a to all of what has been enumerated conclusion of the war was similar fate: The appointment of above is there does not seem to achieved during the tenure of the Attorney General, the chief law be any rationale whatsoever for the 17th Amendment (which officer of the State, who – among removing these measures, which was the previous avatar of the other things – is solely responsible strike directly at the heart of the 19th Amendment). Any move for criminal prosecutions, is also in independence of the judiciary towards regress of these norms the hands of the President. and at good governance norms, is arguably an affront to the Furthermore, members of the which should be standard in any sovereignty of the people and Judicial Service Commission constitution, in order for it to be an affront to legitimacy (except the Chairman, who is ex legitimate. Again, are we going 14 the sunday morning OPINION/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, September 27, 2020

Contd. from page 13 Contd. from page 10

will be easier to work with them. I do not see any obstacle in working Legitimacy... We didn’t look... with them or forming an alliance I think what really knocked us are pointing out that since this with the SJB and working together So for example, the qua warranto, those purporting to be “waiting until the next out over the years was that we Government was elected, on average with them in the future. president as before (as per function under the cover of an election” and/or the extreme were fast losing the party’s Buddhist at least seven acres of forest are the position of the 19th invalid act by the President. measure of impeachment. voter base. But that said, I don’t being destroyed per day. Would you consider running for Amendment), the President, If the Amendment is passed, This is like waiting until the think we should solely concentrate Then, you have convicted president at the 2024 elections? Is in terms of the Constitution, this body of case law may dam reaches breaking point. on winning only the Buddhist votes. murderers coming into Parliament, that something the UNP is looking can grant presidential still be relevant. However, We had such a strong minority which has turned Sri Lanka into the at with the leadership change? pardons, effect land grants of there remains ambiguity and Rule of law support base as well, which we have laughing stock of the world. We will have to, at some point, state lands, declare states of problematic areas in this body The final angle that I lost now. The way the country is going, not talk about that. Right now, our emergency, make emergency of case law. want to analyse of the 20th The UNP has always been a party only the SJB but all the Opposition concentration is on how to revamp, regulations and/or summon, The provision introduced by Amendment is the rule of law that didn’t look into one ethnicity parties will have to find common reorganise, and restructure. So the prorogue, and/or dissolve the 19th Amendment, relating aspect. or one religion, and it has always ground if we are to have some next presidential election is about Parliament (only when it to the “challengeability” of All I have said before in been a party that brought everyone kind of an impact against this four years away, and a lot can comes to the dissolution, this the President’s acts by way relation to “legitimacy” and together. We have to keep that basic Government. But of course, we happen during that time. Maybe has to be after one year, rather of the fundamental rights “accountability” overlap and principle and go forward in trying to have to consider this Government’s we might have to go for a common than the previous four-and-a- jurisdiction, provided much- fall fairly and squarely within win the confidence of the people. popularity and they have quite a candidate; maybe the UNP will field half-year requirement). needed clarity in the matter, the rule of law, and in fact, lot of power over the populous, our own candidate. In addition, unlike the 19th and, arguably, much-needed there are several affronts to Will the UNP contest as a separate so alliances among many of these Amendment, the President legal accountability. Indeed, the rule of law. party at the upcoming provincial Opposition parties need to be Since you mentioned considering can also hold any portfolio in the recent past, we saw However, what I want to council elections or will it be considered. a common candidate for the next of his choosing and exercise challenges of this nature focus on here is one selected looking at forming alliances with presidential election, do you think the powers given to such in the Supreme Court, for aspect of the rule of law, friendly parties? Do you see a possible alliance the UNP took a wise decision in ministers by law. So, for instance, in the case of the attributable originally to Right now, what we need to between the UNP and SJB? Will supporting a common candidate example, if the President Royal Park murder pardon constitutional theorist A.V. concentrate on is building the party, the members that left the UNP for during the previous Government? confers on himself the and the seven-judge bench Dicey in the 19th Century. and that is why we are thinking of the SJB be allowed to rejoin the With regard to the common Ministry of Lands, he has decision in the dissolution Dicey points out that in getting in the reforms and winning UNP? And in such an instance, candidate; yes, we made a huge power, qua Minister of Lands, case. That is not to say that order not to offend the rule the confidence of the party’s support will Sajith Premadasa be eligible mistake, no doubt. We hardly to acquire lands in terms of the Supreme Court should of law, the law should not base. But when it comes to the first for the leadership of the UNP? knew the person we were fielding the Land Acquisition Act and, not act with restraint, in be made targeting and/or election, which will probably be Sajith Premadasa formed the and only once he was appointed for instance, qua Minister the event its jurisdiction is be tailor made for suiting a the provincial council elections, SJB and proved to be a successful President, we saw what he was of Defence, is empowered invoked under this Article particular individual or group we would have to be realistic, and political leader and managed to get capable of. I agree that it was to make detention orders in and/or even impose penalties of individuals. In other words, I don’t think we can make a big elected to Parliament during the the wrong person we decided to terms of the Public Security where someone wrongly the suit should not be tailor impact at the provincial council recent general election. Since he has back, which led the Yahapalana Ordinance. invokes this jurisdiction, made to suit the individual. It elections, looking at where the party established his own party, I don’t see Government into a tug-o-war. Therefore, in theory at however, it provides a much- should be tailor made for the is right now. why we need to take him back and So it’s not the common candidacy least, the amount of executive needed safeguard against, for country and for its people. If Then the local government make him the leader of the UNP. we have to worry about, but rather power that can be exercised example, the use of arbitrary the suit is tailor made for the elections will follow, and that is one But in the future, we will consider the person we decide to field as the by the presidency, in terms of presidential power. person, it will not suit or fit the thing we are talking about. forming an alliance with the SJB common candidate. the proposed amendment, is The second type of next incumbent of the suit. But I think the way the country and working together, because without limit. accountability is political When one takes the 20th is heading right now, where we 90% of the members in the SJB are Are you considering forming a This position is not novel accountability. For example, Amendment as a whole, or saw the 20th Amendment to former UNPers and there are people coalition government after 2024 to Sri Lanka because it UK Prime Minister Boris even selected aspects of it the Constitution being tabled that I have worked with during the then? has indeed been the case Johnson, however powerful in isolation, like the issue of in Parliament on 22 September, local government elections and The way politics works in this before and, in particular, he may be, has to face Prime dual citizenship and/or the there seems to be a huge barrier provincial council elections. When country, we have to think about was the case during the J.R. Minister’s Questions time age reduction from 35 to 30, for democracy to flourish in this I gained entry to Parliament, some coalition governments; it is very Jayewardene presidency every week in Parliament even if some of these aspects country. of them supported demonstrations hard for one party to win a majority and thereafter, after the and give reasons for his for the sake of argument Then, you have the environmental at the chambers during the Mahinda and establish a government or enter promulgation of the 1978 decisions which are generally could be objectively justified, issues that are constantly being Rajapaksa Government. Parliament. We have to therefore Constitution in its original broadcast live to the public. the allegation is that they are reported, and environmentalists We have history together and it think about coalitions. form. This does not mean that the tailor made for an individual But haven’t we experienced Prime Minister does not or a group of related since 1978 that there could have the power to take those individuals. If that is so, this Contd. from page 3 be potential for abuse of decisions. It just means that in and of itself, will offend this kind of power? What the reasoning behind those Dicey and the rule of law. cannot be used, the report observed prevents the arbitrary exercise decisions and/or justifications Celebrated legal theorist that it poses a huge threat to the of this kind of power, if not must be made transparent. John Rawls, in his work “A country’s uninterrupted fuel supply. by the present incumbent, Similarly, Lee Kuan Yew, as Theory of Justice”, talks FUELLING... It was further observed that during then by the next? In the a Member of Parliament, was about the concept of a “veil the past few years, the country circumstances, even if one susceptible to questions. of ignorance”; that, applied As a result, demurrage charges incurred huge losses as a result of justifies that there is a need We watch on CNN for here – for lawmaking and/ were incurred by the CPC, causing this. Furthermore, considerable for this power, should example, how President or constitution making, the it to incur losses. For the past five damage was also caused to the there not be checks and Donald Trump, through his populace must be placed years, the CPC paid a total of Rs. CPC’s... environment due to leakages in the balances? Should there not be Press Secretary Kayleigh behind a “veil of ignorance”. 499 million. While sales to the transport pipelines. accountability? McEnany, regularly faces a That is, they know not what Highlighting another issue that sector was Rs. 430 billion, which Also, since there is no inter- Here, there are at least two cantankerous press in regular social situation, race, religion, impacts the time taken to unload, the accounts for 65% of the total pipeline system between the two types of accountability that press briefings, which have gender they are going to be report pointed out that while around revenue of the CPC, it recorded main storage facilities, whether are important. One is judicial/ by convention become near born into, but they know 20% of the total fuel requirement of the a loss of Rs. 26 billion in 2019. the two storage facilities are being legal accountability. The other constitutional. These are all they are going to be born country is produced by the refinery of The balance 35% represents utilised to its full capacity was is political/parliamentary powerful leaders; however, into Sri Lanka in its present the CPC, since the refinery is very old other sectors including aviation, questioned in the report. accountability. they have to “justify” their socioeconomic climate. In and not up to date, there were instances domestic, industry, and power Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Legal accountability is decisions. these circumstances, behind the refinery was closed for more than generation, which recorded a CPSTL Chairman Uvais Mohamed the ability to challenge the As a South African jurist this veil of ignorance, they 56 days, and instances it was closed profit of Rs. 14 billion, leading to said: “We have to do some work actions of the President in said, we must move towards a must choose a constitution. due to breakdowns and to conduct an overall loss of Rs. 12 billion to on these pipelines and we will do court. The 20th Amendment culture of justification rather How in those circumstances repairs. As a result, the amounts of the the CPC, it stated. so within a short period. There strengthens the immunity than a culture of authority. would the constitution be refined petroleum products that need The continuous losses are two major installations, one is from suit provision of the In Sri Lanka, this culture framed? Does the 20th to be imported to Sri Lanka increased, accumulated by the CPC over in Kolonnawa and the other is in President and provides that of justification, and this Amendment meet the veil of and with the increased number of units, the years, which stood at Rs. Muthurajawela. Fifty percent of the “no proceedings shall be form of accountability, is ignorance test? the delays in unloading also increased, 337 billion as at the end of 2019, fuel is being stored in the Kolonnawa instituted or continued against constitutionally nonexistent, the report stated. had a significant impact on its facility and the other 50% in the him in a court or tribunal particularly under the Conclusion operations, thereby weakening its Muthurajawela facility. in respect of anything done proposed 20th Amendment. In conclusion, the last few Old pipelines balance sheet in the absence of “So basically, if you take the or omitted to be done by Since the President is not a constitutional Amendments As highlighted in the report, two equity infusion. Kolonnawa facility, we already have him either in his official Member of Parliament, he have seen a political “to and out of five pipelines that transport Trade receivables, which stood three lines in working condition. Out of or private capacity”. There then does not have to face fro”; from the 17th to the fuel from the Colombo Port to the at Rs. 95 billion at the end of the five pipelines we have, two are not is the exception notably, question time in Parliament or 18th, back to the 19th, and Kolonnawa storage facility were 2018, increased to Rs. 164 billion in working condition; only the offshore however, in relation to powers hold regular press briefings of now back to the proposed abandoned due to issues with the by the end of 2019, resulting in parts are in working condition – the exercised by the president quo this kind. 20th. pipelines; pipelines that were leaking the CPC’s exposure to Bank of onshore parts are corroded. minister. In the 19th Amendment, in Even if one justifies the were also used to transport fuel, while Ceylon (BOC) and People’s Bank “What we are going to do is In terms of the 19th theory at least, the rationale need for empowering the most of these pipelines are decayed. (PB) reaching close to Rs. 566 restore the onshore parts so we can Amendment, any act of was that executive power executive presidency, what A total of 43.27% of the total billion. enhance the product-discharging the President done in his would be excised by the is the possible justification refined oil requirement of the The CPC financed the process. We have three lines of 14, official capacity was subject Cabinet and ministers, who for the good provisions of country is being stored at the operations of the electricity sector 12, and 10 inches. In Muthurajawela, to challenge under Article in turn would be susceptible, the 19th Amendment to be Kolonnawa oil storage facility. The too in particular, with about Rs. we have two working lines. 126 of the Constitution (in at least, to questions in removed? Do these provisions imported refined oil is transported 102 billion remaining unpaid “Once we connect it from the sea the Supreme Court under Parliament and would have to not further strengthen the to the Kolonnawa facility via these as at the end of 2019. Treasury to the Muthurajawela Terminal, as the fundamental rights justify their actions. rights of the people? dilapidated pipelines. In effect, the guarantees amounting to $ 1.8 we have two pipelines – one black jurisdiction). This is now These forms of What is necessary is that transportation of refined oil is solely billion were issued to cover the and one white – which are very fast expressly taken away. accountability, both political the good bits are retained, and dependent on one pipeline, and in CPC’s exposure to the above two and cost-effective, we will be able The new provision on and legal, are important and that the bad bits are dropped. case of a breakdown of this pipeline, banks, according to the report. to discharge 40,000 MT within 48 immunity is not new. Once arguably go to the root of In fact, to its credit, in the there could be a severe fuel shortage hours, which is very fast.” again, we oscillate back to democracy. Without these proposed 20th Amendment, in the country, the report observed. unloaded per month. Accordingly, According to international the pre-19th Amendment forms of accountability, it some of the provisions of The imported refined oil stored in around 43 fuel varieties covered in standards, it takes about 36-48 hours position, promulgated can be like the old folktale/ the 19th Amendment, such the Kolonnawa facility is transported this report are being stored at the to unload 40,000 MT in fuel packages. originally under the story of “The Emperor’s New as the Right to Information from the Dolphin Pier via a pipeline Muthurajawela facility. The fuel is That is based on the capacity and original 1972 Constitution. Clothes” where everybody provisions and the two-term that is over 75 years old. As such, being unloaded via the Single Point capability of the pipeline. There emerged a body of in the village praised the time limit of the presidency, very low pressure has to be used in Buoy Mooring (SPBM). “At present, what happens is we jurisprudence, notably the Emperor on his new clothes, have been retained. If these order to successfully unload oil into Nevertheless, during bad weather are unable to unload 40,000 MT judgment of Justice Mark which were nonexistent, are retained, why not the this pipeline, where the maximum conditions, it is risky to unload fuel via within 48 hours, because that would Fernando in the case of to such extent that the other good parts? unloading speed is around 220 MT the SPBM. On such occasions, the total require doing it at a rate of at least Karunathilaka vs. Dayananda Emperor himself started Otherwise, it will be like per hour. requirement of fuel is unloaded to/from 1,000 MTs per hour; due to the size Dissanayake (1999) 1 SLR believing in the glory of his going back to Windows 95 The report further stated that it the Kolonnawa facility. Therefore, it of the pipeline and the age of the 157, where the court has held nonexistent clothes, which or MS DOS, only in a much takes around eight days (192 hours) takes more time than usual. pipeline, we cannot go as fast as we that this immunity can be may potentially in turn make more sinister way, which to unload 40,000 MT of oil, and Even though the transportation want to,” he added. used only “as a shield, not the culture of sycophancy could have long-lasting when several products are being of fuel via pipelines was identified “To mitigate that problem, we have a sword” – thereby, though endemic in Sri Lanka. ramifications for Sri Lanka. imported, it can take much longer as one of the cheapest modes to do proposed two different options. One a direct challenge to the Apart from the limited legal The 20th Amendment has than this. Comparably, this situation so, there is no inter-pipeline system is to come up with new pipelines President may not be possible, challenge to the president not yet been passed. is very unproductive. Accordingly, connecting the Kolonnawa and and the second is to renovate the there is scope for indirect qua minister, the only other Now is the time to do it is observed that irrespective of the Muthurajawela facilities. And since pipelines we have laid, and different challenge by preventing for forms of accountability of something about it. country’s fuel requirement, only four in inclement weather conditions strategies are under discussion at the example by a writ of quo the presidency appear to Thank you. ships with 40,000 MT of oil can be the Muthurajawela storage facility moment,” he noted. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, September 27, 2020 SPORTS Dean Jones,

Jones announcing while clad in professors’ attire in Dambulla in 2004. This earned him the memory of a nickname “Professor Deano” golden era Cricketing world mourns unexpected death

Iconic Australia cricketer of the Australia fast-bowler Brett Lee 1980s, Dean Jones, nicknamed I think the thing we want to say about Deano “Deano” or “Professor Deano”, is that he would have wanted us to be here tonight. It’s pretty much the “Select Deano”, died in Mumbai, India on as we call it. It’s Deano’s dugout tonight. He Thursday (24) at the age of is an absolute legend. Firstly, to his family and friends we send our condolences. It’s a At Trinidad in March 1984, Jones making his 59, while he was working as a debut for Australia commentator on the television real tough day for everyone, not only for his close mates… but the whole cricketing world world cricket; one of the great players and coverage of the ongoing in general. What Deano would’ve wanted is for personalities in a golden time for the game. Indian Premier League (IPL) in us to come out here in the dugout, get it done, His role in the team’s World Cup win in 1987 the UAE. and have some fun for the game we all love. and the 1989 Ashes under AB (Alan Border) were huge turning points for Australian Jones with wife and two daughters Flags fly at half-mast on the Sydney Harbour Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Earl Eddings cricket. His double century in Madras was Dean Jones’ impression Bridge in memory of Jones on Friday (25) on Australian and innovative, and exciting character, the Dean Jones was a hero to a generation of one of the greatest and most courageous most appealing in cricket’s new era didn’t think it was anything dangerous or cricketers and will forever be remembered innings of all time. We can only hope to international cricket anything bad, he just flippantly said things. as a legend of this great game. Anyone who make Australians as proud of our team as yy Jones was one of the early orchestrators Cricketers and administrators I remember the row he created in South watched cricket in the 1980s and 1990s will they were of Deano. He will be missed by of cavalier and aggressive batting in comment on the legendary player Africa, for instance, when Hashim Amla was fondly recall his cavalier approach at the the game and millions of people around the ODI game. That was only in the categorised a terrorist. Dean Jones didn’t crease and the incredible energy and passion the world. format’s second decade. “Stepping out West Indies’ great Michael Holding mean anything bad. If he was as racist as the he brought to every game he played. This is a and hitting (the ball) out of the park” I think people misunderstood Dean Jones. I people think he was, or the type of person truly sad day. Deano’s loss will be felt not just Former Australia Captain Steve Smith was not a familiar sight until Dean Jones have heard people say that he was a racist. There that he was, he wouldn’t be going to Pakistan at home in Australia, but across the globe. Our Awful to hear the news of Dean Jones passing did it is no way I could ever think of Dean Jones as on many occasions and pretty much mixing thoughts and best wishes are with his wife Jane away in Mumbai. He was a wonderful player for being a racist. He was a happy-go-lucky guy. with people the way he did. He was just a and daughters Isabella and Phoebe. Australia and he will be missed. My thoughts yy In as early as 1980s, Jones made both He might have been a little undiplomatic with misunderstood guy. My experiences with are with his family. RIP Deano! “running between the wickets” and some of the things he said. And, because he him were always good. Current Australia Coach Justin Langer “fielding” two key aspects of the game Jones was integral to the rebuilding of the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison – not mere routine occupations – that Test and ODI side that went on to dominate An absolute cricketing legend. A true contribute in their own ways towards a the sport for nearly 20 years. What a great entertainer at the crease, whose flair with the team’s victory Dean Jones’ batting was always an player and a great bloke. We are shocked bat and electric running between the wickets yy Jones was called a natural showman enjoyable sight: Roy Dias and very sad to hear of his passing. Deano changed the game forever. A genuine good from the early days of his career, an was a true legend of Australian sport and guy and a huge loss. aspect that “the limited-over cricket industry” craved to have, about a decade Roy Dias was one of the greatest batsmen in Sri Lanka players who used his feet for both fast bowlers as well as or two later during the period Dean Jones played international spinners. He was very strong on the on-side – his pull shots cricket. Here is what Dias has to say about his and flicks went for sixes most of the time. He was good yy He was one of the leading figures contemporary: at timing the ball. of Allan Border’s Australian outfit I first saw Dean Jones when he was just We didn’t have much time together, but whenever which revived Australian cricket. They coming into the Australian side in the 1985 we met, he always had a good word and was polite. subsequently went on to dominate world Benson & Hedges World Series Cup in Australia. He was a very straightforward and open cricket, similar to the way the West I immediately recognised him to be a great player, commentator, which made him a good Indies did in the 1980s who made many runs in both One-Dayers and commentator. I enjoyed listening to yy He was one of the most brilliant Tests, as expected. his commentaries and views. batsmen of his time, when fierce fast When I learnt that Dean Jones had His untimely death is a great bowlers held sway in world cricket. His passed away, it came as a great shock loss to the game of cricket. averages of 46.55 in Tests and 44.61 in since I watched his commentaries the My sympathies go out to his ODIs is proof of this previous evening on the IPL (Indian family, friends, and fans. Premier League). May he rest in peace! yy Post retirement, Deano became a TV I recall that he was one of the commentator with an air of forthright, The first Australian team to win the World Cup in 1987 Ranindu crowned National Champion Nc6 11.g5 Nd7 12.Nxc6 Bxc6 13.Be2 Be7 14.h4 material edge, but white has great compensation. manuals say: “Bring everyone to the party!” Qb7 15.h5 O-O-O 16.a4 b4 23.Be3 c5 24.Qc1 Kh7 25.Be4 Ng4 26.Bf4 Now that all THE CHESS White’s Qe7 27.Qd1 Nf6 the white pieces 17.Nb5! An minor pieces are are optimally CORNER intuitive sacrifice dominating the positioned, the by Dulan Edirisinghe typical of the board and there is decisive blow dynamic playing Ranindu a glaring weakness arrives. 28.Bxg6+ Ranindu Liyanage, a 16-year-old student from style Ranindu Liyanage, at g6. Ranindu Kg8 (Kxg6 Ananda College, emerged victorious at the recently excels in. 17... the National calmly improves 29.Qd3+ Kh5 axb5 18.axb5 Chess the positioning of 30.Qf5#) 29.Bxf7+ Kxf7 30.c4 b4 31.Qd3 a5 concluded National Chess Championship. Along Champion with the National Blitz title he won last month, Ranindu went “à la Tal” Bxb5 19.Ra7 Qc6 2020 his pieces as if nothing happened. As the instruction 32.Re1 Kg8 33.Qg6 1-0. this triumph marks an important milestone in with 17.Nb5! 20.Qxb4 Bxe2 the career of the youngster whose eye-catching 21.Kxe2 (threatening to bring the other rook performances at foreign tournaments in recent to the party with Rha1 next) d5 22. Qxe7 dxe4 years went under the radar more often than not. 23.fxe4 Qxe4 24.Qd6 Qg2+ 25.Bf2 Qe4+. The champion dominated the 13-round event by scoring nine wins and two draws in the first Is black going to escape with a 11 rounds to build up an unassailable lead. As the 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nc4 Nxe4 perpetual check front-runner, he was consistently under pressure to 5.Qe2 Qe7 6.Ne3 Nc6 7.Nc3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 g6 after all? (26. perform and he did it with some style by producing 9.d4 h6 10.g3 Bg7 11.Bg2 O-O 12.O-O Rb8 Be3 Qg2+ 27.Bf2 some memorable games. Two of his victories stood 13.Rb1 Bd7 14.Qc4 a6 15.Nd5 Qd8 16.Re1 out in particular. Both were high-stake games Qe4+). 26.Kd2! the king b5 17.Qd3 Bf5 18.Qd1 Be6 against tough opposition and both contained Ranindu, playing what undoubtedly can be high-quality sacrifices. After 25...Qe4+ steps bravely into the hazardous d-file. termed the biggest game of his career thus far, One of the most difficult things in chess is to has a small but pleasant advantage and can assess the consequences of a sacrifice that does not 26...Qd5+ (Nb6 27.Rc7+ Kb8 28.Rd7+ Ka8 29.Ra1+) 27.Qxd5 exd5 28.Bg3 Rde8 29.Rha1 safely nurture it with simple developing moves. have a calculable forced line leading to winning With the tournament situation screaming for a back the material. Let’s see how our new National Nb6 30.Rc7+ Kd8 31.Rb7 Nc8 32.Ra8 Rhf8 33.Rc7 and a checkmate follows. A great way to safety-first approach, he trusted his instincts and Champion did it. did the exact opposite. Ranindu Liyanage – Rasika Samaranayake finish a great game. National Championship 2020, Round 08 After two more rounds it became obvious that the prodigiously talented Minul Doluweera from 19.Rxe6! PRINT MEDIA PARTNER Moving on to the second weekend with a healthy fxe6 20.Nf4 Royal College, who himself became the National one point lead over the chasing pack, many expected Qe8 21.d5 Ne5 Ranindu to play a tad conservatively. Instead, he Champion at the age of 17 in 2017, was the only contender standing between Ranindu and the 22.Nxe6 Rf7. produced this attacking masterclass to enhance Once again the his title credentials. coveted national title. Ranindu Liyanage – Minul Doluweera sacrifice is mostly 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 intuitive. Black a6 6.Be3 e6 7.f3 Qc7 8.Qd2 b5 9.g4 Bb7 10.a3 National Championship 2020, Round 10 Ranindu played 19.Rxe6! has a slight ‘Diack probe’ restarts Disgraced former International Association of Athletics Surfing begins at Federations (IAAF) President Arugam Bay Lamine Diack has made his latest Post-Covid-19 sports are underway appearance in front of a French as of yesterday (26), with both local judge as part of an investigation and international surfers in action into the alleged corruption in a big way at Arugam Bay. The linked to the respective event will end today (27). The first awarding of the 2016 and 2020 two stages of the event were held Olympic Games to Rio de Janeiro before the pandemic outbreak in and Tokyo. Diack, found guilty of Matara and Hikkaduwa. corruption by the Paris Criminal Court last week, following an investigation into cover-ups of Russian doping cases for cash, has been “interviewed” by the judge, according to Agence France-Presse.

Sunday, September 27, 2020

writing on that day itself or the following day: sports (a) Attendance sheet of the selection committee members who participated in the selection trials certified by the President or National selection Secretary of the national sports association/ federation (b) Name list of athletes who participated for the selection trials signed by the selection committee members of the national sports process centralised association/federation (c) The record describing the method of z selection of all the athletes and the sheet Sport Selection Committee given ample control of marks awarded to them, certified by the A new Extraordinary Gazette the same day. The National Sport selection committee of the national sports Dialog President’s Notification, dated Wednesday Selection Committee has the association/federation (23), was issued to the media on power to cancel the selection (d) Details of the events participated in, Gold Cup Volleyball Friday (25) to give control over trials of the national sports the positions achieved by the selected the selection process of sports associations/federations athletes, and their correct name list, in Maharagama associations and federations that do not present including the additional athletes The final round of the Dialog President’s Gold to the National Sport Selection such particulars and the Notably, the new Gazette also Cup Volleyball Tournament, conducted by the Committee. selection trials held on adds the following: Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVF), began the personal discretion of A nomination should not be on Friday (25) at the National Youth Services Sports Law Regulations No. 3 of 1974, to the president /secretary and given for any international Council indoor stadium, Maharagama. It was control participants in sports representing Sri coaches of national sports tournament prior to obtaining to be over on Saturday (26). Lanka, published in Gazette No. 130 dated associations/federations as the approval of the National This is the main tournament of the local 20 September 1974, which was amended well as the selections made Sport Selection Committee and volleyball calendar, sponsored by Dialog Axiata by Regulation No. 385/7A dated 20 January thereby.” an appropriate method should PLC for the 14th consecutive year. 1986, has been amended by this new Gazette The new Extraordinary be followed in recommending Notification. Gazette also states: “All coaches/managers/assistant “The power of making recommendations in national sports associations/ submitted for the recommendation coaches/sport trainers/masseurs for such respect of appointing the Selection Committee federations should present the of the National Sport Selection Committee.” international tournaments and the agreement Kohli’s lack of practice of all national sports associations/federations selection criteria to the National Sport It further states: “The participation of of the National Sport Selection Committee should be vested only in the National Sport Selection Committee 28 days before the the project officer in charge of the relevant should be obtained thereto in line with the Anushka Sharma, India Captain Virat Kohli’s Selection Committee and the particulars selection trials, and the selection criteria national sport at the Ministry of Sports below criteria: wife, has criticised Sunil Gavaskar for his about dates, venues, relevant details, and should be published in their official website (and Youth Affairs) should be taken for (a) The contribution to the field of sports “distasteful” commentary on Thursday (24), selection criteria of the selection trials should and the website of the Ministry in charge the selection trials and the National Sport thus far “accusing a wife for her husband’s game”, Cricinfo be informed to the athletes before 14 days of the subject of Sports (Ministry of Sports Selection Committee should be informed (b) Their present performance in the field reported on Friday (25). In an Instagram story pass,” the amended Gazette mentions. and Youth Affairs). Also, at the end of the accordingly. of sports posted the day after Kohli’s team, lost an IPL It also notes: “The copies of all such selection trials, its results should be published “At the end of the selection trials, the (c) Knowledge, understanding, and match Sharma objected to a part of the commentary details should be presented in writing to the in their official website and the correct following particulars should be provided to experience in the relevant sport where Gavaskar was discussing Kohli’s lack of National Sport Selection Committee also on name list of selected athletes should be the National Sport Selection Committee in (d) Skills shown as an athlete/coach practice with co-commentator Aakash Chopra.

Kandakadu incident The incident at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre happened just as SLTA successfully conducts the tournament was about to start. The SLTA authorities then took a very quick decision to postpone the tournament again and wait for that Clay Court Nationals 2020 particular incident to settle down – thus, once again, taking the safety first approach, which Ever since the global health emergency for is what is necessary in this particular situation. Covid-19 was declared around the world, the Dinith Having observed that situation for some time, word of sports has been in a state of utter Pathiraja Anika Seneviratne finally the tournament was restarted in the first chaos. Sri Lanka has been no exception. Ever the umpires and the organisers to the parents, week of September and was conducted smoothly since the country emerged from lockdown in ON COURT as well as the spectators, fully co-operated to within strict observation and guidelines. Once mid-May, sports have been trying to make a make the pilot tournament a success. Everyone again, all concerned – the players, the coaches, comeback in one way or the other. was most concerned that the tournament went the parents, and the spectators – fully co-operated Even then, school sports, which play such achievement which can perhaps be studied off without a hitch. Another very noteworthy with the authorities to make sure the tournament a vital part in the local sports scene, were not and copied by the other sports associations in feature was the fact that the SLTA hierarchy was conducted in as safe a manner as possible. even allowed to the country. had made arrangements to invite public health Notice to inform change start until late last The SLTA opened its gates to the tennis-loving inspectors (PHIs), doctors, as well as all other Tennis community has shown of Company name month or early public on 1 June under strict health guidelines relevant officials of the health authorities to the way This is to announce that as this month. And issued by the relevant authorities. Everyone witness the pilot tournament and to give the No handshakes were allowed; the players per the stipulation of S. 9 (2) of the companies Act. No. 7 no competitions connected with the game took great pains to try necessary advice to conduct future tournaments. were asked stay as far apart as possible and the of 2007, the below mentioned from any sports and stay within the laid down guidelines, and This action had two results. Firstly, there spectators were limited. But even with all these company name has been have been held Yasitha de Silva friendly but firm warnings were given if they were well-qualified people watching the action in place, at least we were playing tennis matches changed from in the country. were flouted. Having conducted practices under and the arrangements from “a neutral point of again. Under the guidance of Referee Dharaka 4th September, 2020. These are all very A noteworthy feat these conditions for about a month, the SLTA view”. Secondly, this action gave confidence Ellawala, Tournament Director Ganendran Current company name: ARMX International Lanka common sense At the time of writing this column, no school then conducted a pilot tournament for invited to the parents that the SLTA was taking all Subramaniam, Tournament Co-ordinator Zareena (Pvt) Ltd decisions because competitions were started. In fact, in most players covering all age categories. This was possible precautions to make sure the tournament Saleem, and all the other relevant officials Company No: the consequences sports, it has already been announced that no done to study the impact of the guidelines in a being conducted was done in as safe a manner contributing with all their might, this was a PV 71763 of not taking competitions would be held for the calendar year tournament environment. as possible. Having then garnered the views well-conducted tournament which passed off New Company name: the proper 2020. Against this backdrop, the Sri Lanka Tennis of the medical profession as well as the other without any major glitches. Once again, the ARMX Security Solutions precautions would Association (SLTA) etched a notable milestone Confidence created by relevant bodies, the SLTA then got ready to tennis community rose up to the challenge and (Pvt) Ltd be absolutely by conducting and concluding one of its long- pilot tournament restart the postponed tournament, the Clay has showed the way. Everyone connected with Address: drastic. postponed tournaments very successfully at the It should be mentioned with praise that all Court Nationals. But then there was another the game of tennis can certainly take a bow. L1-58 Realty Plaza, Ja-ela SLTA courts last weekend. It is a noteworthy stakeholders of the game, from the players to twist round the corner. PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI 11350, Sri Lanka

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 SRI LANKA’S AUDITOR GENERAL AND STEVE JOBS’ GARDEN FENCE »SEE PAGE 3

NEW PLANTERS’ CHIEF TO USE ELPITIYA TECH TEMPLATE ON INDUSTRY »SEE PAGE 5 Sunday, September 27, 2020 Govt.business sways on apparel imports again

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

Following concerns raised by exporters and local manufacturers, the Ministry of Trade is planning to restrict selected ready-made apparel products which were permitted to be imported through an extraordinary gazette notification recently. Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana stated that this Government’s policy on apparel imports. the Ministry of Finance issued an decision was taken following a meeting On 1 April, it banned all imports apart extraordinary gazette notification under between the President and exporters from pharmaceuticals, fuel, and raw the Imports and Exports (Control) on Wednesday (23). materials required for export purposes. Act No. 1 of 1969 on 15 September Dormant “We will appoint a committee to look On 19 April, the import restrictions 2020, permitting ready-made apparel into each ready-made apparel item one were extended until 15 July and further products to be imported considering by one and decide to restrict imports expanded to restrict rice, sugar, liquour, the upcoming festive season. Now of items which can be produced in Sri and apparel-related products. it appears that another change is in Lanka,” the Minister stated. However, following requests made the offing. This is the latest turn in the by heads of leading apparel businesses, Contd. on page 2 oil pipeline Pakistan FTA rice resurfaces scam exposed z Set to reduce z Auditor General’s z First launched z Profiteering with z Masterminded by CPC losses report the catalyst in 2015 ‘imitation’ basmati Private companies BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR caused by the lack of pipelines on this BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR super kernel basmati. This inferior route,” Olga stated. quality rice is the rice variety that has The construction of a cross-country pipeline from the Colombo Considering the dilapidated status of A large-scale rice scam that had been imported for the last five years Port to the Kolonnawa Terminal which was launched in 2015 the existing – and only – active (12-inch) gone on unhindered for five years by under the Pakistan FTA,” Wickrema has got a new lease of life after a report by the Auditor oil pipeline connecting the Colombo exploiting the Free Trade Agreement told The Sunday Morning Business. General revealed colossal losses caused by the absence Port and the Kolonnawa Terminal, then (FTA) with Pakistan was uncovered by Wickrema added that the scam had of the said pipeline. Minister of Power and Energy Patali the authorities last week, The Sunday been conducted by a group of private in 2015 proposed Morning Business learns. businesses with the support of state The Auditor General recently revealed on the project had not commenced the construction of a new cross-country The Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA institutions, which were provided that the state-owned Ceylon Petroleum until now. pipeline on the same route. (PSFTA) permits the importation the necessary permits to import rice Corporation (CPC) paid about Rs. 488 When we contacted Ministry of On 17 June 2015, the Cabinet of of an annual quota of 6,000 metric from Pakistan. million over the last five-year period to Energy Secretary K.D.R. Olga, she Ministers approved the construction of tonnes (MT) of PK385 variety of “The permit to import rice was shipping companies as late fees. This stated that the Ministry is aware of the project and to call for international basmati rice or super kernel basmati with several state institutions. The was attributed to the delay in unloading the losses caused by the absence of bidders for the project. With no from Pakistan on a duty-free basis. private businesses had got together and fuel consignments at Sri Lankan ports the pipeline and also the recent report significant development in the project However, a recent quality ordered rice through these licences. due to the existence of only one active by the Auditor General on this matter. reported during the interim period, on 10 verification test conducted on rice, When it arrived in Sri Lanka, they pipeline to transport fuel, and insufficient “The Colombo Port to Kolonnawa May 2016, then Minister of Petroleum which was imported from Pakistan last would sell it to wholesale and retail fuel storage facilities. Terminal cross-country pipeline project Resources Development Chandima year but is still stuck at the Port, has rice sellers, mainly in Pettah. So they The Sunday Morning Business was being dragged for years. But our Weerakkody obtained the approval been found to be an inferior basmati have misused the FTA to maximise uncovered that in mid-2015, a project to Ministry is planning to complete it of the Cabinet to implement the said lookalike rice variety, according to profits by importing substandard rice construct a cross-country pipeline from under this Government’s tenure. We project as a government-to-government Ministry of Trade Spokesperson and misrepresenting it as basmati,” the Colombo Port to the Kolonnawa are having a meeting pertaining to (G2G) project considering the dire need Mahesh Wickrema. imported is of inferior quality, it has Wickrema added. Terminal received the approval of the this project this week with the relevant for this pipeline. “Although the rice that had been an appearance similar to basmati or Contd. on page 2 Cabinet of Ministers. However, work authorities. We understand the losses Contd. on page 2 AGRI IMPORT BAN Multiple tests Only if cultivated locally BY THE SUNDAY MORNING restrict produce that is being BUSINESS DESK produced in Sri Lanka on a large to deter tourists scale. BY UWIN LUGODA The recent Cabinet decision to “We do not want to restrict temporarily suspend commodities agricultural items that are not being Both The Hotels Association that could be cultivated cultivated in Sri Lanka as it would of Sri Lanka (THASL) and domestically only applies to create a market shortage until we the Sri Lanka Association agricultural crops that are being cultivate them in our country. It of Inbound Tour Operators cultivated in Sri Lanka at the is also impractical to ban such (SLAITO) have expressed moment, the Ministry of Trade things,” the spokesperson added. concerns over the number clarified to The Sunday Morning Following the local spread of PCR tests the country has Business on Thursday (24). of Covid-19 in mid-March, the imposed on tourists entering On 16 September 2020, the Government imposed stringent Sri Lanka. Cabinet of Ministers approved three import restrictions to avoid a During a media briefing proposals as an interim measure to foreign exchange crisis in the organised by SLAITO at the prevent a foreign exchange crisis. country. Sri Lanka, a country that Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Samples for PCR tests being collected from the airport staff by The recommendations that formed is mostly dependent on imports on 23 September, THASL health authorities in June the cabinet proposal was made by a to cater to local demand, was Chairman Sanath Ukwatte country, instead of three as in fast as possible.” committee appointed to determine forced to rely heavily on local pointed out that the number of Sri Lanka. Speaking to The Sunday tariffs. production. PCR tests stipulated by the Sri “I don’t know whether Morning Business, SLAITO One of the recommendations One such agricultural crop that Lanka Tourism Development tourists are going to like that; President Mahen Kariyawasam was a “temporary suspension of whether agricultural crops that a number of essential agricultural was banned from being imported Authority (SLTDA) might act it is quite an inconvenience agreed with Ukwatte’s the importation of non-essential have the potential to be cultivated products in the country. was turmeric. The ban is expected as a deterrent for prospective for them. Therefore, we need statement, saying it will goods and commodities that could in Sri Lanka but are not being When The Sunday Morning to enable Sri Lanka to become visitors. He explained that to review this and open our definitely act as a deterrent be cultivated or manufactured cultivated at the moment in the Business contacted a spokesperson self-sufficient in terms of turmeric other competitors such as the doors for a limited number to tourists looking to enter Sri domestically”. country, at least on a large scale, from the Ministry of Trade for by early 2022, according to the Maldives require only one PCR of tourists to come in, and Lanka. However, the proposal seems were also included. If this was the clarification, the spokesperson Department of Export Agriculture test from tourists entering the try to restart our industry as Contd. on page 2 to have created confusion over case, it could create a shortage of said that the Ministry would only (DEA). 2 the sunday morning business ANALYSIS/NEWS Sunday, September 27, 2020 Govt.’s Inward Investment Swaps will revive fixed income market BY CT CLSA SECURITIES The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), in order to encourage fresh foreign inflows to the country, decided to offer “USD/LKR Buy-Sell Currency Swaps” for tenures beyond one year and up to two years to Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) under the scheme “Inward Investment Swaps Scheme (IIS Scheme)”. The IIS Scheme’s objective is to facilitate LCBs to hedge the foreign exchange risk pertaining to foreign currency inflows that are directed through Inward Investment Accounts (IIAs). Operating instructions issued indicated to the media that the said to LCBs indicate the IIS Scheme announcement is only applicable is applicable on forex inflows for investments in government directed through IIAs. Although securities as of now. IIAs are used to facilitate This announcement comes into investments in many instruments, effect at a time when Sri Lanka is i.e. equity, government securities, expected to honour its $ 1 billion debentures, unit trusts, bank International Sovereign Bond deposits, etc., State Minister of (ISB) payment that is set to mature Finance Ajith Nivard Cabraal on 4 October 2020, amid a muted ISB market due to Covid-19. This However, extending the hedge move is likely to stimulate FII towards the equity market would (Foreign Institutional Investors) have resulted in a 10-year CAGR investments in the fixed income (Compound Annual Growth Rate) market with the total value of gain of +4.8% in the Colombo swaps capped at $ 1 billion. Stock Exchange (CSE), if the hedge was implemented during the past decade for CSE investments of this magnitude. On the assumption that the IIS Scheme is extended towards the equity market, to be entitled for the swap, CSE’s top 20 market cap companies indicated following minimum percentage holdings for a ticket size of $ 25 million as at the closing of 23 September 2020. With Sri Lanka heading towards a new chapter in foreign investments as per the State Minister of Finance, it will be essential to revive both the fixed income and equity markets reviving the fixed income market. This type of government policy by introducing mechanisms of We believe extension of similar support will help to attract much- this nature. We estimate this hedging instruments to equity needed foreign currency flows into announcement to be positive on investors may assist a FII revival Sri Lanka, amid ambitious plans of the overall economy, especially in in capital markets in the near term. a near-term economic revival. Chevron Lubricants Lanka appoints new MD and CEO Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC joining Chevron in 2004 and company.” Administration Karachi, Pakistan. Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC (CLLP) announced that Muhammad moving through multiple positions Prior to joining CLLP, McCloud joined CLLP in October (CLLP) was incorporated in 1992 Najam Shamsuddin was appointed of increasing responsibilities in Shamsuddin was the Area Business 2018 and has led the company to and is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. the Managing Director (MD) and Pakistan, the Middle East, and Manager for Chevron’s Asia Pacific achieve top-line and bottom-line It is Sri Lanka’s leading marketer of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of several markets in Asia. Cluster Markets, a position he growth in FY2019. McCloud world-class lubricants and engages the company effective 1 October “The Chevron Lubricants Lanka held since April 2019. In that role, will assume a new position with in blending, manufacturing, 2020. team is strong as demonstrated Shamsuddin oversaw profitable Chevron based in the UK. importing, distributing, and Shamsuddin’s appointments by the company’s improved growth for Chevron Lubricants Kaul added: “Pat has made marketing lubricants, oils, greases, follow the leadership transition at performance and strong results in Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, noteworthy achievements in his two brake fluids, and specialty products CLLP with the resignation of Pat in a period of great adversity,” Indonesia, and other export years at CLLP, with his strong focus in Sri Lanka. The company McCloud, as McCloud moves to said CLLP Chairperson Rochna countries, CLLP said. Shamsuddin on customer needs and workforce offers its products for industrial, a different role within Chevron. Kaul. “While we will miss Pat in holds a Bachelor’s in Business morale. We thank him for his commercial, and consumer Shamsuddin brings more than 15 Colombo, Najam’s leadership and Administration (Hons) and a significant contributions to our applications. CLLP markets its Pat McCloud Muhammad Najam years of international industry knowledge of the industry will Master’s in Business Administration business and the Chevron Lanka products under the Chevron, Caltex, Shamsuddin experience in the oil and gas sector, prove to be a great benefit to the from the Institute of Business team.” and Texaco brands. Contd. from page 1

and hand over the project to the same imported with an insignificant cess amount Pakistani market including tea, rubber, and short-term visitors to present a negative Dormant oil... company that was selected. They have under this Gazette Notification. coconut. Pakistan in return has duty-free PCR certificate on arrival, with effect from Accordingly, it was planned that 100% quoted a cost of $ 50 million. The selected In addition, the Extraordinary Gazette also access on 102 products in the Sri Lankan 10 September. financing of the project on an engineering, party does not come with a funding agency. permits the importation of shawls, scarves, market, including oranges, basmati rice, and However, during the SLAITO event, procurement, and construction (EPC) We have to find a source of funds through mufflers, mantillas, veils, knee and ankle engineering goods. SLTDA Chairperson Kimarli Fernando turnkey basis would be obtained by the Department of External Resources guards, ties, bow ties, nightshirts, pyjamas, The agreement mentions that during stated that the industry should be careful receiving only one comprehensive proposal (ERD),” she added. and cravats under a 90-day loan facility. the month of October every year, the when drawing comparisons between Sri each from the US, China, India, and The existing three pipelines from the “Local companies have already Department of Commerce would publish Lanka and countries like the Maldives. She Malaysia upon the recommendations of the Dolphin Pier at the Colombo Port to the commenced the production of such goods a newspaper advertisement in all three explained that the Maldives consists of respective embassy/high commission. Kolonnawa Terminal were built in the 1940s and a relaxation of import restrictions now languages on the availability of the annual several islands, most of which only have The Ministry of Petroleum Resources for the transportation of petroleum products. could result in a negative impact on the quota of the 6,000 MT of the PK385 variety just one resort. Development in its 2017 annual report Out of these pipelines, two were abandoned slowly developing local industries,” Marikar of basmati rice or super kernel basmati for “If there is an outbreak, all they have to stated that it co-ordinated all the activities many years ago due to the inability to carry claimed. duty-free importation during the following worry about and control is that particular of the project with the CPC and Ceylon out maintenance and repairs as a result of Speaking further, he said that the NCE is calendar year (January-December). island, while here, we are just one big Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd. (CPSTL). illegal encroachment on the pipeline terrace of the view that import restrictions should Importers who were willing to import island.” “Almost all the preliminary steps by squatters. be imposed with a long-term development rice under the PSFTA registered with the She added that the current requirements of this project such as the preliminary view. Department and imported rice under a duty for tourists entering the country were topographical surveys, geographical waiver. put forward by local health officials. She surveys, initial environmental examination, Govt. sways... explained that as it stands, these tourists identification of most suitable (feasible) According to Sri Lanka Retailers’ Pakistan FTA... have to do the first test 72 hours before pipe-laying route, and provision for Association Founder Chairman Hussain According to him, the sole purpose of Multiple tests... departure, which is already a requirement compensation and remedies to the affected Sadique, the circular permits selected ready- the scam was to achieve a wider profit He explained that since health is the in most airlines, another PCR test once parties have been completed. Now it is in made garments to be imported under a margin by selling a kilogramme of inferior number one concern from the country’s they land in Sri Lanka, and a third PCR test the process of finding funds and selecting 90-day loan facility. quality rice for the price of a kilogramme perspective, SLAITO does not object to within the first five to seven days. a suitable contractor to implement the said “Importers have to apply and make a of basmati, which is generally an expensive multiple PCR tests, but hopes that the The requirement of three PCR tests project in time,” the 2017 report added. request from the Department of Imports and rice variety. requirement will be relaxed as the situation was first put forward by then Minister of No major developments were reported Exports Control to get the approval to import The Ministry launched an investigation gets better. Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, in the project up until 15 November last these selected items. It is a conditional into the scam and is in the process “It will definitely be a problem, because Tourism, and Aviation Services Prasanna year, on which date China Petroleum approval,” Sadique told The Sunday Morning of obtaining the names of the private no one would want to come and stay in Ranatunga at a media briefing on 17 June. Pipeline Engineering Co. Ltd. (CPPECL) Business on Thursday (24). businesses that were part of the scam. All one hotel for 14 days. Other countries like During the event, he stated that tourists are on its website noted: “On 30 October, CPP Nevertheless, following the introduction our attempts on Thursday (24) to reach the Maldives and Singapore have already required to bring the reports of the PCR received a letter of award from the owners of this circular, exporters and local former Minister of Industry and Commerce decided to open their countries to tourists tests conducted in the country of origin. of the Kolonnawa cross-country pipeline manufacturers have been raising concerns , under whose purview with just one PCR test, so I think we need These reports will be inspected by local project in Sri Lanka.” over the importation of ready-made garments the PSFTA came into being during this five- to work our way towards less tests. Once authorities, and a second PCR test will be Confirming the awarding of the tender that could be easily produced locally. year period, proved futile. we open Sri Lanka again, we will see very done at the airport. Tourists will then be kept to CPPECL, Ministry of Energy Secretary National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) The PSFTA became operational from low numbers of tourists, but it will get at the airport until they receive the PCR test Olga noted that following the selection of Secretary General Shiham Marikar told 12 June 2005 onwards. Under the FTA, better as we go along.” reports, after which they will be directed to a Chinese company last year, the project The Sunday Morning Business that some Sri Lanka and Pakistan had agreed to offer The Maldives reopened to international hotels or lodges registered with the SLTDA. came to a standstill, citing that a feasibility of the items that could be produced within preferential market access to each other’s tourists in mid-July, with minimum A third PCR test will be conducted during study had not been done prior to awarding the country, such as those under HS Code exports by way of tariff concessions. requirements for their visitors. The Health tourists’ stay in Sri Lanka, he said, adding the tender. 6208 (nightgowns) and HS Code 62.13 Accordingly, Sri Lanka enjoys duty- Protection Agency (HPA) of the Maldives that they will be under constant health “We are going to do a feasibility study (handkerchiefs) have been allowed to be free market access on 206 products in the later made it mandatory for all tourists and supervision. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, September 27, 2020 INSIGHT/INNOVATION Sri Lanka’s Auditor General and Steve Jobs’ garden fence

By Accountability is key pertaining to the transparency and Dhananath Even under the 19th accountability of SOEs will be Amendment, the Auditor General’s taken seriously. Fernando powers did not include the ability Improving systems and doing to audit state-owned enterprises things better than we did in the past A few days ago, I read up (SOEs) incorporated through must be the way forward if we are on an interesting anecdote the Companies Act in which the serious about a “system change”. from the life of Steve Jobs. government has a stake of less than In order to strengthen governance, When Steve was a child, 50%. Maintaining accountability we should at least list strategic his father had asked him in most of our gigantic SOEs that SOEs at the Colombo Stock to paint the fence around the Treasury has supported with Exchange (CSE) so that these his house. Steve took the taxpayer money has failed! Most institutions will have no choice SOEs have failed to produce even but to adhere to the governance task up and painted the a basic annual report over the years structure of the CSE. One other outside of the fence. When for the benefit of the public, even measure is to provide the Auditor he proudly presented his though the revenue of some public General with more power to hard work to his father, the enterprises is nearly half a trillion. investigate SOEs incorporated father questioned why only There are more than 500 SOEs through the Companies Act in the outside of the fence was of different scales which waste which the government has less painted. a colossal amount of taxpayer than 50% stake, as most SOEs money, and there is no excuse that have the practice of incorporating Steve replied: “Dad, no one sees can be provided for not producing subsidiaries and sub-subsidiaries the other side of the fence!” annual accounts when earning half under the main SOE with different To that, his dad responded: a trillion rupees in revenue. stakeholder arrangements. “Steve, but we will see it.” The space created by the 20th In public policy, dismantling an Many years later, when Steve Amendment for SOEs to not get existing accountability measure briefed his engineering team on audited by the Auditor General without an alternative could be the deliverables of the Macintosh will set a bad example for all highly problematic, given the level computer, he said to them: “I want businesses. The collective losses of corruption rooted in Sri Lankan the outside of the computer’s of only 16 strategic SOEs in 2018 society. Sri Lanka has dropped aesthetics and design to be we see on the outside is a for our public sector but also for is multidimensional. A greater amounted to Rs. 156.73 billion, from 89th to 93rd in the Corruption outstanding. But I also want the reflection of our society on the our private sector. degree of Sri Lanka’s corruption which is equivalent to more than Perception Index for 2019 by inside of the computer to be more inside. Therefore, Sri Lankans In the context of the 20th and crime is white collar crime, thrice (Rs. 47 billion in 2017) Transparency International. outstanding than the outside.” not reaching our full potential is Amendment, the proposed Clause and given the legal structure of Sri the expenditure of the Samurdhi If you observe any successful To that, his team responded: interconnected to the absence of 31 repeals article 153 (1) of the Lanka, even qualified auditors are Programme. private company or society, “Why do we need to spend so many systems of accountability Constitution which mandated that finding it difficult to audit. One may ask why corruption there are systems and procedures much time, effort, and money on and transparency. Audits and the Auditor General be a qualified The VAT (value-added tax) levels were still high with the that have been refined over the the inside of the computer? No one checks and balances should come auditor subject to the approval of scandal reported many years Auditor General having the years with the advancement of really sees the inside!” from within. What we see outside the Constitutional Council (CC), ago and the more recent Central power to audit under the 19th technology to reach where they Steve replied: “But we will see is merely a reflection of who we following which, s/he would be Bank bond fiasco all indicate the Amendment, and when there were are today. Our attitude towards it.” truly are on the inside. Sri Lankan appointed by the President. enormous cost of ignoring simple additional checks such as having accountability measures has to The ongoing debate on the society lags behind for this very The removal of this by the 20th processes, which when multiplied an Opposition member heading the change as a way of painting the dilution of the Auditor General’s reason, as we lack the many Amendment opens the risk of can cripple our entire economy. Committee on Public Enterprises fence on the inside even though no powers has reminded us of the systems of accountability and appointing an Auditor General who Unfortunately, the need for such (COPE) and opening COPE one sees it. Ultimately, what we need to paint both sides of our transparency necessary for growth. wouldn’t possess the qualifications processes only come into the meetings to the media; it is true see on the outside is what we build fence if we want to see a developed required for the position. limelight when things go wrong, that neither the Auditor General inside. and prosperous Sri Lanka. Systematic misgovernance The risk of providing while the positive results of having nor opening COPE meetings to (The writer is the Chief The development, prosperity, and If you ask any Sri Lankan why constitutional leeway in appointing due process usually don’t make it the media will solve all corruption Operating Officer of Advocata progress we see in any society or their country is still developing, an unqualified Auditor General to newspaper headlines. problems within SOEs. Institute. He can be contacted at institution are a result of structural they will give you three If the level of corruption and [email protected]. Learn changes, self-discipline, and reasons: corruption, waste, and misgovernance was high even more about Advocata’s work at systematic advances of working misgovernance. What we see on The with the Auditor General’s powers www.advocata.org. The opinions on an in-depth value system. That the outside as low productivity, under the 19th Amendment, expressed are the author’s own is why self control is always better inefficiency, and delays are a Coordin tion Problem imagine how the situation would views. They may not necessarily than state control. result of a lack of accountability, be without such supervision. reflect the views of the Advocata by Audits and checks and balances transparency, audits, and checks We sincerely hope that at Institute, or anyone affiliated with are unseen on the inside. What and balances. This is not only valid the committee stage, matters the institute)

The Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) supply to the next level. DIMO’s highly together with the University of Moratuwa qualified and experienced team of engineers (UOM) launched a pioneering pilot project ADB-funded renewable energy is assigned to execute this project while on microgrid with a grant assistance of $ sharing the knowledge with our German 1.8 million (approximately Rs. 325 million) partner DHYBRID. We believe that this from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) microgrid project launched project will help DIMO enhance expertise on Thursday (24). in developing the microgrid concept in Sri Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC Lanka. DIMO has also been contributing (DIMO), together with the German specialist to the construction of the utility grid of Sri DHYBRID, has been selected for the supply Lanka for the past 50 years.” of a comprehensive renewable energy DIMO Director Wijith Pushpawela stated: microgrid consisting of power generation “The microgrid concept is experimented and storage; a model which can be scaled and utilised not only in Sri Lanka but all up for uninterrupted power distribution over the world, and is recognised as the for customers across the country, DIMO latest innovation in power generation and announced. distribution, as this will completely exclude The pilot project contains a commercial the power transmission, giving financial microgrid and R&D (research and benefits while also improving the quality of development) facility which will be used power. If this concept suits Sri Lanka, the as a research platform for studies in the country will look at establishing microgrids nature of renewable energy integration in the long run to improve national power and smart grids. The data obtained from supply.” the commercial microgrid as well as the DHYBRID Country Manager Fabian equipment and simulation environment Baretzky commented: “We are honoured and will facilitate these R&D functions towards proud to be a part of the exciting transition of meeting the predefined research targets. the energy system in Sri Lanka together with The UOM has signed a Memorandum our partner DIMO. We believe that LECO is Representatives of partnering institutes and businesses together with Minister of Power and ministry officials at the project of Understanding (MoU) with LECO inauguration ceremony pursuing an ambitious and advanced approach in establishing the “LECO Smartgrid to increase renewable energy penetration in Laboratory” and the facility will be in Mannar, 30 MW hydropower station as outages during maintenance activities. reliability, and the lessons learnt through this the grid, while at the same time enhancing the maintained by LECO for the first 20 in Moragolla, and the solar rooftop credit During such power failures, solar inverters project will be shared internationally.” resilience of the grid. Together with DIMO, years. The South Asia Energy Division of line, among others. Similarly, ADB has also withdraw from the system by anti- Furthermore, he highlighted the we plan to further support the transition of ADB, along with the Ministries of Power been supporting the strengthening of power islanding protection, driving even the contribution and assistance from ADB and the country towards a more independent and and Energy, conceptualised this as part evacuation from distributed renewable customers who have sufficient power to in particular, the strong support from Energy greener energy system.” of its assistance to expand clean energy energy generation, both at transmission and power up their premises through their solar Sector Group Chief Dr. Yongping Zhai, South DHYBRID is a specialised international development in Sri Lanka. LECO was primary distribution levels, in addition to its generation, go out of power,” LECO Acting Asia Energy Division Director Dr. Priyantha solutions provider of renewable and hybrid selected as the instrument to realise this support to both the supply side and demand General Manager Dr. Narendra De Silva Wijayatunga, Country Director for Nepal energy systems for industries, utilities, and concept and the UOM premises was selected side of energy efficiency improvements. said. Dr. Mukhtor Khamudkhanov, Senior Energy islands. They combine conventional energy to be the site for the pilot cross-sectoral ADB is always committed to supporting He added: “Microgrids are identified Specialist Dr. Aiming Zhou, and Energy supply, such as diesel generators or unstable project due to the many advantages it Sri Lanka’s inclusive energy sector as a solution for these problems where it Specialist Ranishka Wimalasena, and Dr. utility grids, with renewable energy systems offers. UOM will provide the rooftop and development, focusing on clean energy can increase the hosting capacity of the Tilak Siyambalapitiya and Upali Daranagama and storage technology – perfectly controlled laboratory location and a set of targets are to with new and innovative technologies and distribution network and can feed the power for formulating this novel concept. and comprehensively visualised. be met by UOM post commissioning. The solutions,” said ADB Country Director for to the network when the grid is not available, DIMO Chairman and Managing Director This partnership of ADB, LECO, and initial investment and capacity development Sri Lanka Dr. Chen Chen at the launch event. since the excess power can be stored while Ranjith Pandithage said: “As a company UOM with strong expertise and wide support are financed through ADB’s Clean “LECO is always dedicated to maintaining storage issues like reverse power flow and which plays a significant role in the power experience, together with DIMO and Energy Financing Partnership Facility. a safe and hassle-free electricity supply subsequent voltage issues are also expected sector through transmission and distribution DHYBRID, is expected to help Sri Lanka’s “ADB has been a long-term partner in to our customers round the clock on their to be mitigated. Through this pilot project, projects and power generation – mainly drive for clean energy development and Sri Lanka’s energy sector development. demand. This project will be developed LECO will seek the possibility of replicating focusing on renewable energy – we are to achieve its target of 70% of its power Our assistance in clean energy includes Sri as a solution for power interruptions that the concept for other transformers and indeed privileged to work together on this generation from clean energy sources by Lanka’s first large-scale 100 MW wind park consumers face due to breakdowns as well similar premises, to improve power supply historic project that will take the local power 2030. 4 the sunday morning business VIEWS Sunday, September 27, 2020

For many businesses, 2020 public institutions, and academics has been an annus horribilis, on research and development offers the likes of which they great potential. haven’t experienced before. Take for example the global race There seems no end in sight to a Covid vaccine; it is a project of to these unprecedented epic proportion to research, develop, circumstances, even though Partnerspublic and private institutions, and frequently. in This is only mildly crisis far outweigh the negatives. From mass produce, and distribute a shot life in Sri Lanka feels a lot even with academia. In the current different to those business the financial benefits of sharing that would guarantee herd immunity more normal than it is in most circumstances, such collaboration arrangements of the past – assets and resources, to the infusion and bring an end to this pandemic. other parts of the world. For allows businesses to share new gentlemen’s agreements struck on of new knowledge and access to The collaboration is immense – companies large and small knowledge and technology and golf courses or at exclusive men’s more experts, and the ability to among governments, scientists, whose business models have explore new products and services clubs by a genteel, closely connected explore new markets, there are public health officials, and rival without the large capital infusions set of men who often shared very many plusses to businesses stepping pharmaceutical companies at a scale been placed under severe and the risks associated with similar backgrounds and upbringing. out of their silos to collaborate in never seen before. This vaccine strain by the new normal, this venturing out on their own. By making collaboration part of the ways that complement each other. endeavour we hope would result in is a moment of reckoning to THE In markets such as ours, most new normal, businesses would only In a best-case scenario, it would success and set the tone for business change and adapt quickly or large businesses are ultimately be formalising and bringing to the result in the inspiration to find in the post-Covid era. risk perish. HEADLIGHT interconnected and have dealings fore what has always been a practice, new ways of solving problems and Collaboration gives business a with each other throughout their albeit at a low, silent scale. fresh connections to create new chance to succeed in a new way – This is the time to make good use easily achieved collaboration domestic supply chains. The handful Collaboration between two opportunities. by partnering for mutual success of collaboration as a business tool between people and functions and of large, successful entrepreneurs independent entities would naturally Knowledge transfer is especially and perhaps even for the greater to emerge stronger post pandemic. companies within an entity, to may be competitors but many come with challenges – resulting important to the way we do business good. Nurtured well, it’s a business Collaboration in business takes the more complex collaboration also share close relationships, and even in a clash of cultures. But today and co-operating with other superpower for these changing many forms – from the more between peers and competitors, use their networks of influence the benefits of good collaboration specialised experts, businesses, times. REITs: An Focusing on packaged products opportunity to benefit from real for urbanised customers estate investment The consumer sector of the ensure that our products are available. BY THE COLOMBO STOCK EXCHANGE Sri Lankan conglomerate For example, we represent and work with Sunshine Holdings completed its the authorities to ensure that a particular The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and acquisition of leading Sri Lankan product is available across the country. the Securities and Exchange Commission of confectionery company Daintee The second space for us in healthcare is Sri Lanka (SEC) announced the launch of Real Ltd. in August. The transaction, medical devices; we are a large player in Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which now valued at Rs. 1.7 billion, added diagnostic lab equipment, so we run on gives average investors an opportunity to reap several well-known brands to Siemens equipment which the company the benefits of real estate investment and the has invested in. Here again, we have not advantages associated with investing in publicly Sunshine’s portfolio, including seen any disruption. traded securities on the CSE. Daintee and Milady. In his first The third part of our business is the While investing in real estate appears to be a interview since the acquisition, Healthguard pharmacy chain. We have popular choice, the rising cost of property poses Sunshine Holdings Director 20-plus pharmacies in Colombo. Our a significant challenge to individual investors and Sunshine Healthcare Lanka focus again has been to provide a very who typically resort to bank loans to finance such Ltd., Watawala Tea Ceylon Ltd., qualitative environment for people to buy investments. This timely introduction by the CSE and Healthguard Pharmacy pharmaceutical products. Due to Covid- and SEC provides greater access to all investor Ltd. Managing Director Shyam 19, of course there were restrictions, but segments to commercial real estate projects and an Sathasivam spoke to The Sunday what we have done is make products opportunity to benefit from the recently observed Morning Business on his plans for available, especially immunity products. spiraling property prices. Daintee, the state of Sunshine REITs were first introduced in the US in 1960, Are you looking at any local creating a mechanism for individual investors, Holdings’ other subsidiaries in the production in the healthcare sector? especially middle-income earners, to generate Covid environment, and his view Definitely, we are exploring it. We are income through investing in large commercial on the national economic policy. keen to explore and expand the healthcare real estate. This product has made rapid progress The following are excerpts of the sector. Local production is definitely on within the Asian markets as well with its growing interview. our radar. I think the Government has popularity, especially in Thailand, Malaysia, and Shyam Sathasivam announced lots of new plans to strengthen India, and is also viewed as a mechanism to broad Sunshine Holdings’ acquisition of the sector, so we are going to explore that base the real estate ownership within a country. Daintee Ltd. was mainly to expand same goes for the Daintee business. For building experience. We are piloting a further. We are also open to partnerships. An REIT is essentially a structure which your operations in the fast-moving now, it is a successful domestic business, farm fresh product in Colombo. We will typically owns and operates income-generating consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Are but we will look into opportunities where learn from that and look at opportunities How did the lockdown impact your real estate. The income-generating real estate you planning to expand the current we will bring in exciting new products to and also partnerships. company? Have your businesses assets owned by an REIT may include office product portfolio of Daintee? the Sri Lankan market. Nevertheless, we bounced back to their previous levels buildings, shopping malls, apartments, hotels, Broadly, Sunshine Holdings is are very keen to ensure that our products Has Watawala’s palm oil unit had any post lockdown? resorts, self-storage facilities, and warehouses. primarily in healthcare, consumer, agri, have a Sri Lankan flavour. For example, discussions with the authorities with Lockdown was a shock for all Sri An REIT would enable unit holders to earn a and renewable energy. In healthcare, one of Daintee’s biggest successes was its regard to the recent ban on cultivating Lankan businesses. For example, tea portion of the income that is generated through we are a significant player. Consumer tamarind flavour. Our innovation would oil palm trees? How much of an impact is freshly manufactured. In this case, renting, leasing, or selling these properties which is a space we are looking to expand. We be flavours our local population fancy. will it have on your business? it took us two weeks to get the factory is required to be distributed directly to the unit are Sri Lanka’s number one branded tea We continuously engage with the up and running and the packaging back holders of the REIT. The CSE and SEC have company and Watawala Tea is the largest At the moment, Daintee has a market Government and other stakeholders. out. There was a huge demand for our introduced a framework which mandates the brand in Sri Lanka, followed by Ran share of 40%, mainly in rural areas. Watawala has been in the palm oil national brand Watawala Tea, so we distribution of 90% of the generated income to its Kahata and Zesta. We are a large player How much of a market share are you business prior to privatisation. We were had to scramble and settle down, but investors. in the tea segment. Our aspiration was targeting for Daintee islandwide? the largest palm oil company before; we we were able to work with Ministry of This innovative introduction, which has been to grow, so we looked for an acquisition Sri Lanka has a large enough have only continued to develop. So for Defence and get essential service permits. formulated specifically taking into consideration in the local market. Our customer base population that can sustain significant us, it is not about planting afresh, it is Healthcare from day one was a priority the local environment, would open up new is primarily Sri Lankan and Daintee was food and beverage spaces. We have seen more about renewing what we have. We sector of the Government, so we had the horizons for real estate developers and owners to one such opportunity, so we made this this in tea. We have continued to grow will engage with them. Planting anew is Ministry to help as well. Quarter one was convert completed income-generating projects into investment for the brand. because there are so many unbranded the area of discussion of the Government, a difficult quarter for all our businesses, an REIT, have its units listed on the CSE following The Daintee brand is a very strong opportunities. We experience the same but we are continuing to engage with the but we have bounced back well. Even the mechanism now made available to them, and local brand. We all grew up with Milady thing in the confectionery space. Here, authorities. We have not experienced any during the last few months of the second have them publicly traded in the secondary market, and all of those products from Daintee. people either make at home or buy at disruption to our current operations. quarter we bounced back well. Things are similar to equity securities listed on the CSE. So, we bought it for what we thought was home. There are less and less people settling down now, but we are continuing The framework for REITs has been introduced a very strong brand with a wide range of making it at home so it will be more Last November, Sunshine’s energy to make plans to ensure that we can by the SEC via rules made by the SEC in terms products. We will work with the team to about introducing new products as contribution to the national grid was sustain. We are quietly bullish. of Sectiona 53 and 13 of the SEC Act which see what opportunities there are to expand consumers become urbanised and look increased by 2.4 MW to 7.7 MW. came into effect from 31 July 2020 in the form on. for packaged products of what they used Are you planning to increase your How do you expect the third quarter of a Gazette Notification. The comprehensive to make at home or what others would contribution further? to be? formation of SEC rules will govern the overall What are the other FMCG sectors make. It is more about market size and We have entered the renewable energy There is greater awareness about mechanism of REITs in Sri Lanka. The CSE has you are looking to venture into at the market growth. The overall market will space because we felt that it was an area the healthcare challenges while we also formulated Listing Rules for the listing of moment? expand within the confectionery space of opportunity. The country is looking wait for a long-term solution like a units of REITs. An REIT would enable investors to For now, I think food and beverages and there will be new segments. People to grow its energy capacity. It was a vaccine, whereas in the short term further diversify their portfolios by investing in this is the area of interest for us and that is are looking for multiple segments and sector we felt that we can contribute there are self-precautionary measures lucrative investment vehicle which would produce what we have past experience in. Now healthy food is one of those areas. significantly to. We have ventured as well as anti-viral products. We long-term returns. Investors would benefit from a with confectionery, that is a new space beyond the hydropower and solar as well. are in the healthcare space and we stable stream of income, swift entry and exit route for us. We will take some time to study Now that the President has advised We have partnered with our Japanese represent the multinationals that are through the secondary market, and also benefit that space and then will continue to look officials to implement plans to meet the shareholder SBI Holdings and are manufacturing these products. When from the returns of the overall real estate asset into opportunities. We are conscious local demand for liquid milk, what are investing more in solar. Therefore, we Hydroxychloroquine was put out as a appreciation. about weighing in segments that can the new plans you have for Watawala’s continue to invest in the energy sector. potential medicine, we had that. And The economy at large would also benefit from sell across Sri Lanka. We are in value- dairy unit? Solar is where most of the focus is now we have other anti-viral products. the introduction of REITs with the anticipated conscious segments, so our Watawala In the agri business, we do two now. There has been more technology We have Covid-19 testing kits. I think creation of jobs, economic growth, increased Tea and Daintee’s Choco Mint reaches segments. One is the palm oil and improvement with regard to panels. We what will happen is that we will all have tax revenues, and liquidity through listing, and the majority of Sri Lanka. Therefore, if the other one is dairy. For dairy, it is are working with our local technical to deal with the virus as it is. would also attract foreign direct investments into we expand, it will be more in terms of a greenfield project, in that we have partners, the Japanese company, and local the country. REITs would also require stronger products that reach across the market. invested significantly to start a brand new, manufacturers of panels. What you will Amidst a strict ban on imports, what corporate governance and increased transparency modern dairy farm. We have more than see is low-cost solar panels. There will be would be your marketing strategies which would help the investor community and What would be the marketing 1,500 herd animals. Most of them are lot of opportunities for renewable energy. going ahead? regulatory bodies to assess the viability and quality strategies that will be used to transition imported and high yielding. We are one When it comes to healthcare products, of projects. Daintee to a more premium product of the largest single sources of fresh milk. Is your healthcare arm affected by the we have not been impacted by imports Similar to any stock market investment, the category? Are you looking at any We believe more and more consumers ongoing import restrictions? per se, because they are necessary investor is required to take into account his/her partnerships for this purpose? will convert from milk powder to fresh No, it is not. Sunshine Healthcare is essential goods. We will look into own financial status and also consult with an Sunshine has been very successful milk and consume more dairy. Overall, a significantly large part of the group. It alternate production options and local investment advisor prior to making an investment because of our partnerships. In the Sri Lankans consume less dairy, but they is a large player in the market. We cut production. Our consumer category is decision. A review can also be carried out on the healthcare space we partner with global will gradually consume more. Yoghurt across three areas. Firstly, pharmaceutical 100% locally manufactured. Therefore, REIT’s disclosure filings, including the annual leaders in pharmaceuticals and medical is becoming a healthy snack and there is imports across the world as well as cost- there is no impact. Imports for these and quarterly reports, prior to making a decision to devices. We entered the agri business in more consumption of fresh milk. effective products from the region; from categories have always been small. invest in REITs. partnership with Tata Tea in India as well At this point we are still at the farm India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as well. Overall, the Government’s policy of The CSE and SEC will continue to focus on as Wilmar International in Singapore. stage, where the focus is on stabilising So what we see is availability through import control stabilises the exchange setting up a more conducive environment along We are always open to partnerships; they the farm, but we are talking to multiple Covid-19, because we have an excellent rate. That gives us a more positive with the regulatory authorities to facilitate greater have been part of our business. So, the people in the market. We have brand- distribution system of our own. We economic outlook. company and investor participation. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, September 27, 2020 PLANTATIONS

BY UWIN LUGODA We have gone up to that level of digitisation, where the information Sri Lanka’s plantation will be derived very fast and the sector has more or less decision-making will also be very remained the same since New Planters’ Chief fast, unlike earlier where we had its initiation centuries ago, to wait for the end of the month resulting in it not staying for the accountants to tell us abreast of technological whether we are running at a loss advancements in the global or profit.” plantation industry. This Their next step in the has now led the industry to use Elpitiya tech digitisation journey of the industry is to provide barcodes and QR to face challenges due its codes to pluckers so that when lack of digitisation, also they weigh their harvest, they leaving its technological can scan the code and it will involvement decades automatically be added into behind its competing template on industry the system under their names. nations. In order to combat He explained that this type of this issue, the new Chairman technology was already present in of the Planters’ Association Bathiya Bulumulla pledges to extend learnings avocado plantations in Kenya over of Ceylon (PA) plans to usher 10 years ago. in a new digital era for the from his own estate to all estates Speaking on the level of interest sector. of the local industry, Bulumulla stated that a lot of companies have During the 166th annual “To meet this issue, we must According to Bulumulla, August and that this technology introduced similar technologies general meeting (AGM) of the think differently and focus on another reason for the automation will not only gather data, but also to the country, some brought organisation, held on 17 September enhancing how our industry of the industry is because data ensures a smooth workflow. down from countries like India at the BMICH, newly elected performs and how it is perceived. is still being recorded on books Generally, work is distributed and some developed in Sri Lanka Chairman Bathiya Bulumulla The introduction of new and pieces of paper. He explained amongst the estate workers itself. However, he stated that announced his plans to supplement technology will be essential to that while this is entered into every morning by field officers these attempts have been futile, the industry with technology. this endeavour, enabling us to computers, it still takes up to by handing over chits with the and Elpitiya Plantations’ solution Speaking to The Sunday Morning overcome longstanding barriers seven to eight days to make a workers’ names and which fields is the first to develop a tailor- Business, he stated that Sri Lanka in order to achieve maximum monthly report and see whether they will be working on. Assistant made solution for the plantation is around 50 years behind its productivity from our asset base they have run at a profit or loss. managers then have to go around sector. competitors in terms of technology, – land.” “Today, technology has the fields to ensure the work is He stated that the company with countries like Malaysia and His own company, Elpitiya advanced to the level where being done, and other officers is more than willing to share Kenya having already adopted Plantations PLC, faced the same massive volumes of data can mark people who have completed everything they learnt and technology into their plantation problem a few years ago, which be rapidly analysed in order to their task at the end of the day. developed with the other sectors. eventually led it to make the improve the quality and speed of This has remained unchanged for companies, but they should “If you walk into almost any decision to mechanise a majority decision-making. In the future, the past 150 years. be willing to adopt these new plantation company in a country of their operation. Bulumulla we will not be able to wait till the However, Bulumulla stated that technologies. He went on to state like Malaysia, which has estates explained that this allowed them end of the month to see whether as of August, the new technology that these companies should also spanning around 8,000 hectares, to keep their agricultural calendars a company or estate is able to they developed with the help of be able to invest a certain amount you will only find a maximum of accurate, letting them know when run at a profit or not. However, a small IT firm has given tabs of capital in these technologies two or three people working in to uproot trees and old bushes as by capturing and analysing vital for all the field staffs which help and training of the staff. the offices, because everything is well as when to replant. information on a performance them assign each worker with a Bulumulla predicted that automated.” The company chose to parameters basis, we will be able respective field by just dragging 50-60% of the local companies Bulumulla explained that this mechanise the harvesting process to identify and respond to issues and dropping their profiles. He should be willing to adopt such level of automation will help for its tea plantations, as it is as they happen. Such capabilities explained that assistant managers technologies and stated that his the local industry resolve one a major part of the operation. will ultimately make our and field officers can also goal is to get a majority of these of its biggest issues, which is However, he stated that local tea organisations more agile, resilient, monitor the workers and the work companies to make this change by the out-migration of youth from estates are at a disadvantage when PA Chairman Bathiya Bulumulla and better able to navigate an done, finally uploading the data the end of this year. plantations to urban areas like mechanising their tea plantations PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM often constrained and increasingly collected to the system at the end “We are a very technologically Colombo, creating an acute due to the hilly terrain most of the competitive global market.” of the day, which helps make the rich country, and when it comes shortage of workers. He stated that estates are located in. but it is difficult to be selective Taking his company as an workers’ salaries. to IT, we are almost on a par with this is why the industry must start “What we are currently using with this type of plucking, unlike example again, he stated that for “Companies can use these countries like India. Therefore, it mechanising certain aspects of the is the single or double human- hand plucking. But with the the first time in Sri Lanka, Elpitiya technologies to check their is a matter of taking the interest, plantations and bring in technology operated plucking machines to decrease in manpower, this is Plantations introduced “paperless productivity each day, and also implementing it, and training our to where manpower is lacking. harvest tea because of the slops, better than no plucking at all.” technology” into the sector last do it all the way from Colombo. staff.” 6 the sunday morning business LAUNCH Sunday, September 27, 2020

not on the gains that come with true knowledge,” he continued. ‘Divi Maga Dinana Maga’ launched Adding to this, Jayaweera stated: “Instead of westernising what we z Discussion on dynamic paradigms of change have built over the years, we should be adapting our own unique versions “The world today doesn’t foster Sangarathana, Sri Lanka Telecom to fit in and accommodate the changes intelligence or intellectuals; it now (SLT) Chairman Rohan Fernando, and developments to further build the produces a generation of creatures Guest Speaker Attorney-at-Law future.” with qualifications” was a statement Dilith Jayaweera, along with a large The Divi Maga Dinana Maga made by a recognised professor, audience of literary enthusiasts. translation is an adaption that captures said Government Medical Officers’ “What that professor meant by the true essence and importance of Association (GMOA) President Dr. the generation of qualified creatures effectively managing the change in Anuruddha Padeniya, kicking off an was that our humanity is slowly all circumstances of the business evening that explored the paradigms deteriorating. In the past, we saw an world. Jayaweera further elaborated of change in life, marking the launch educational system that developed that the success behind change of the translation Divi Maga Dinana intelligence and intellectual. Ajantha Seneviratne, Sarasavi Publications Chairman H.D. GMOA President management lies beneath the grasp of Premasiri, and SLT Chairman Rohan Fernando Dr. Anuruddha Maga published by author, poet, and Intelligence at its core becomes Padeniya Attorney-at-Law Dilith Jayaweera this perceptive translation. engineer Ajantha Seneviratne. the key driver behind overcoming The revolutionary publication Divi This special insightful discussion, any challenge, be it Covid-19 or current Sri Lankan educational have started producing educated upon fostering intelligence. Parents Maga Dinana Maga by Ajantha held on 15 September at the Sri Lanka even its rumoured sibling virus system. individuals and focused less on and children who walk into my Seneviratne intends to help fulfill the Foundation Institute, discussed the that is predicted to come in 2024. “That same education system building intelligence. Restricted clinics portray the grave truth about gaps present within individuals in the different paradigms of change in life Nothing becomes a challenge that once built intelligence has within the white-collar mentality, education, where many parents are face of change and nurtures them with and how to face them positively. Also with intelligence,” he stated in an unfortunately failed in four different we have lost a lot from the core of now more focused on their children strategies to adapt to the volatility of it present at the launch were Ven. Maha interesting revelation about the ways, the first being that we our education that once stood strong passing educational milestone and successfully.

BY UWIN LUGODA of freshwater through reduced cotton cultivation. While fast fashion in the early The “Full Circle Textiles Project: Scaling 2000s focused more on pushing Innovations in Cellulosic Recycling” is a products out and embarking on first-of-its-kind consortium project with ambitious expansion schemes the overall aim to investigate economically around the world, the more recent viable and scalable solutions for cellulosic past has shown them shifting their chemical recycling to enable a closed loop focus towards ethics and corporate system converting textile waste – of cotton transparency. and cotton-blend materials – to produce new man-made cellulosic fibres. In order to fulfil this new narrative, the Over an 18-month period, project Amsterdam-based global initiative Fashion partners will collaborate with innovators, for Good, is now aiming to transform the Evrnu, Infinited Fibre Company, Phoenxt, fashion industry, by driving its transition to Renewcell, and Tyton BioSciences, to a circular economy and bringing industry validate the potential of their technologies players together to “reimagine how fashion in this still nascent market. The recycled is designed, made, used, and reused”. content produced by four of these innovators Aimed at making all fashion good, the will be converted at Birla Cellulose’s platform supports indigenous innovators state-of-the-art pilot plants to produce across various fields in fashion, made ‘Good’ fashion high-quality cellulosic fibres. From there, possible through collaboration and fibres will move through the project community-building. Having first entered partners’ supply chains to be manufactured India on 28 January 2020 with a South Asia into garments. Given that Infinited Fibre programme, the initiative is now set to leave Company produces industry-ready fibre its mark on Sri Lanka as well. through their process, their fibre will be The Sunday Morning Business delivered directly to the project partners’ interviewed Fashion For Good Managing to enhance Sri supply chains for garment production. Director Katrin Ley to speak about the The Project will provide an assessment initiative and their plans for Sri Lanka. of the innovator’s environmental impact, technologies, recycled output, and What does Fashion For Good stand for? subsequent garments. These results along With Laudes Foundation as a founding with the Project’s key learnings should partner, and building on our Co-Founder Lankan industry determine how best to support and scale William McDonough’s philosophy of these promising solutions. Cradle to Cradle, which is a globally recognised measure of safer, more yy Good materials — safe, healthy, and Fashion for Good corporate partners Arvind What is the process adopted by Fashion sustainable products made for the circular designed for reuse and recycling Ltd., Bestseller, C&A and PVH Corp., For Good? economy, Fashion for Good was established yy Good economy — growing, circular, provided business support, development Fashion for Good’s Innovation Platform as a global, collaborative innovation shared, and benefiting everyone funding, and expertise to this pioneering supports innovators and helps them to scale platform to tackle the problems faced by the pilot project. As a global leader in apparel their innovations in the fashion supply fashion industry. yy Good energy — renewable and clean manufacturing and with a focus on textiles, chain. Connecting the innovators with In order to create a truly good fashion yy Good water — clean and available to all advanced materials, and environmental large, corporate players in collaborative industry, incremental improvements are solutions, Arvind Ltd. provided access to pilot projects, is a crucial step to driving not enough to make the change; disruptive yy Good lives — living and working their Effluent Treatment Plant near Gujarat, mainstream adoption of innovative innovation is needed. The good news is conditions that are just, safe, and India, one of the world’s largest textile technologies to shift the fashion industry to we see game-changing technologies that dignified manufacturing operations, to conduct a field a circular system that is regenerative and can bring real disruption to the industry evaluation. The SeaChange system was restorative. Fashion for Good facilitates and can offer major leaps forward towards How many countries have already implemented over a period of three months these collaborative pilot projects, offering circularity, but they are unfortunately adopted this initiative? to test and evaluate the feasibility of wide- innovators coaching, bespoke fundraising currently not being scaled. We increasingly Fashion for Good operates on a global scale implementation of the system. support, hands-on guidance and, in some see large corporations that are committed to scale. Collaborations in the fashion The pilot provided an opportunity to cases, financial support to manufacturers becoming more sustainable, have pledged ecosystem are mandatory and absolutely test SeaChange’s technology in multiple through the Good Fashion Fund. towards circularity and who want to adopt essential — only a global partnership can different waste streams. The waste streams these innovations to achieve their ambitions. create the movement needed to create real, tested included sludge, dyeing concentrates Are you already in touch with local We work directly alongside the most structural change. and combined effluent, Reverse Osmosis industry leaders? promising innovators, bringing them Our programmes are supported by our (RO) Reject, and Mother Liquor. All waste Fashion for Good is already active together with market players, such as global network of partners and like-minded streams were successfully treated by the in Asia and is continuously expanding brands, retailers, and manufacturers, in organisations from across the world and SeaChange system and reduced to minerals our activities with local manufacturers. order to make it easier for them to work we scout innovative start-ups with the in a single pass, demonstrating the technical We have established partnerships with together effectively, bridge the innovation potential to disrupt the current apparel and viability of the technology to process India-based textile manufacturer Arvind, gap, and bring these innovations to the textile value chain, bringing a positive wastewater. Sludge was selected as the most global home textile leaders Welspun, and mainstream. environmental and/or social impact. viable application for SeaChange, given are collaborating with world leader in To move the industry forward we act its hefty environmental impact and cost of viscose staple fibre and raw materials Birla on two fronts. First, as an innovation How has the South Asian market received disposal. Cellulose. Additionally, we have established platform;we give promising start-ups the the initiative? Fashion For Good Managing Director Katrin Ley A typical dyehouse generates one to three a partnership with the Circular Apparel support they need in order to grow and South Asia is a global leader in tonnes of sludge per day from wastewater Innovation Factory (CAIF), an initiative scale. Secondly, as a convenor for change; manufacturing and one of the largest the fashion supply chain. Of particular treatment, costing over $ 200,000 annually of the innovation platform Intellecap, with our museum in Amsterdam, we are consumer markets for fashion. The rapidly interest are the unique perspectives of for its disposal and generating over 5,000 who provide support in our local activities building a Good Fashion Movement to growing region presents significant home-grown innovators focusing on key tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. Across and expanding our partner and innovator help people understand and reimagine the opportunities to create value and impact areas including raw materials, dyeing and thousands of suppliers and/or dyehouses, network. ways in which they can make a difference both socially and environmentally from a finishing, manufacturing, retail, end-of-use, these costs are tremendous and are only through their clothing choices, from before transition towards a circular economy. With and transparency and traceability. Fashion increasing as options for its safe disposal Are you only targeting big companies, or the point of purchase, to garment care and a rich heritage in textile manufacturing and for Good is actively working on scaling become more limited under public pressure are you going to the grassroots level as beyond. production, we are seeking to spark and innovations in the region, by catalysing to improve sustainability. Implementing well? scale promising innovations from this region collaborative pilots, which address areas the SeaChange system into their treatment We are working with big companies What is the market gap that Fashion that have the potential to disrupt the current such as making organic cotton traceable and facility will effectively eliminate such costs mainly through our platform due to the For Good looks to fill? fashion supply chain worldwide. solutions for the treatment of wastewater as well as the associated environmental fact that if they implement innovations, Fashion for Good looks at the biggest We are staunch ambassadors of from the apparel manufacturing process. impacts. the impact is a lot bigger on the industry problems facing the fashion industry industrywide collaboration. The launch With regard to the Full Circle Textiles and they often have the set-up to make and brings together the entire fashion of our regional programme in South Asia Can you tell us a bit about the Project, as much as 73% of clothing those changes in their supply chains. That ecosystem to work on solving them strengthens our network and positions us to Wastewater Treatment Pilot and the Full produced is sent to landfills or is incinerated, doesn’t mean we don’t work with smaller through disruptive, sustainable innovation. better serve local manufacturers, key supply Circle Textiles Project ? and of all new clothing made, less than brands though, since all the work that we For true good fashion and a circular supply chain actors, brands, and innovators. By With regard to the Wastewater Treatment 1% of material used comes from recycled do, and everything that we learn through chain to exist, all elements, from design to connecting them to our global network and Pilot, fashion brands and their suppliers sources. Focusing on cellulosic fibres, this our projects, reports, or pilots are being end-of-use, must be reconsidered and for leading players in the fashion ecosystem, need a cost-effective solution for sustainable Project aims to validate and eventually published and made available for free for this to happen, considering the enormity of we help the innovators’ solutions and wastewater treatment. The high expense and scale promising technologies in chemical everyone. So everyone can learn from what the challenge, collaboration is required. technologies reach scale and our presence environmental impact associated with water recycling from a select group of innovators we are doing. Next to this, in the museum It’s our mission to bring together the has been met with optimism and a positive treatment creates an attractive opportunity to tackle these issues. in Amsterdam we have a shop where we entire apparel industry — brands, retailers, show of support. for innovation. To investigate solutions in Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF), feature and sell smaller sustainable brands suppliers, non-profit organisations, this area, Fashion for Good initiated a pilot which are most commonly derived from like Emroce, Flavia la Rocca, Wires, and innovators, funders, and the wider public Why did you decide to venture into Sri project with scaling programme innovator wood, have the third largest share in many more. We also often invite brands and — to innovate and collaborate for good Lanka and what plans do you have here? SeaChange Technologies, whose focus is global fibre production after polyester innovators or entrepreneurs on stage during fashion. Drawing from the Cradle to Fashion for Good is looking for the treatment of industrial effluent. and cotton. MMCF production has great our (virtual) events, to share their story and Cradle framework, good fashion is not innovative start-ups from across South Seeking new solutions to the potential from a sustainability perspective; key learnings with our audience. If we want fashion that simply looks good or is mostly Asia, including Sri Lanka, with disruptive environmental impact and high costs moving production away from oil-derived to change the industry, we need to work good; it is good in five important ways: sustainability solutions applicable to associated with wastewater treatment, synthetic fibres and reducing the depletion together. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, September 27, 2020 INSIGHT

By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby Noise pollution Travel to a developed country and there’s something you notice immediately: The deafening sound of silence. Advanced cultures have understood the harmful nature of loud noise on humans, and have imposed limits on the level of noise that and the economy can be generated in public, resulting in less stress, unbroken sleep, and an accompanying yy National Environmental (Amendment) increase in clear thought processes and Act No. 56 of 1988 economic activity and innovation. yy National Environmental (Noise Control) But in Sri Lanka, we have no such limits. Regulations No. 1 of 1996 Sri Lankans regularly arrive at work or school tired out, exposed to loud speakers yy Traffic laws such as the Motor Traffic Act bellowing all night pirith, mosque calls to which prohibit unauthorised alterations prayer, kovil ceremonies, church prayers, to vehicles, including fixing of additional election rallies, musical shows, neighbours horns and sirens playing loud music, “choon paan” men, yy Requirements of police permits and vehicles without silencers, bus horns... municipal permits for large gatherings of The loss to productivity – both physical people are expected to include limitations and mental – can only be imagined. on noise levels such as the use of Key factors loudspeakers. However, this is very rarely enforced yy The WHO (World Health Organisation) estimates 360 million people have The way forward hearing loss worldwide, 32 million of yy For policymakers whom are teenagers. The WHO says one of the key causes is unnecessary noise Î Establishment of preventive and corrective legislation yy Cairo banned honking in an attempt to Î Clear policy direction as to which eradicate its image as the noisiest place authorities are empowered to clamp on earth down on noise pollution, and yy Recent research found that Guangzhou awareness creation of that role, both had the worst noise pollution in China, among the public and officials of and Zurich was the quietest city in those authorities Switzerland Î Ban public loudspeakers Î Protecting certain areas, residential yy Digital hearing technology maker Mimi areas, school zones, hospital zones, Hearing Technologies GmbH developed courts, areas of natural interest, urban the Worldwide Hearing Index of aggressive behaviour, sleep disruption, chronic parks, etc. yy There are no-honking policies in the US; stress, exhaustion, depression, anxiety, Î Compulsory separation of noise Dallas, Phoenix, Atlantic City, Miami. hysteria, and hypertension. With sources such as airports from In China, new car owners have caused increased noise, discomfort increases residential areas havoc in recent times, and Shanghai and people are increasingly becoming Î The establishment of areas where has been encouraged to ban it. Egypt patients. This can lead to more serious traffic is not allowed, except for encouraged the liberal use of the horn and chronic health problems later in unloading goods, at certain times life. Many children living close to noisy Î Impose fines if noise thresholds are yy A 2013 study by the Ministry of Health airports or streets suffer from stress violated showed that 9% of Sri Lankans had and other issues, such as memory, Î Better urban planning hearing disorders concentration, and reading difficulties. Î Creating public awareness of the yy The Sri Lanka Police charged 7,906 harmful effects of noise pollution yy Cognitive and behavioural problems: motorists for unreasonable horn use in Î Growing trees – buffers provided by Research has revealed that members of 2019 clumps of trees are known to reduce society living near airports or highways noise levels from 5 to 10 dB yy The basic principle should be that typically have more headaches, require Î Restriction on use of loudspeakers one person’s or community’s actions, more sleeping pills and sedatives, and are during election campaigns including religious freedom, should not more likely to sustain minor injuries and Î Use of computer models to plan and affect citizens’ sleep and quality of life. seek psychiatric treatment. predict noise levels in neighbourhoods This will silence the loudspeakers of yy Wildlife problems: The wellbeing and religious institutions yy Neighbourhood awareness programme protection of animals is also impaired In torture camps of dictatorial regimes, by noise emissions. This can lead to ÎReduce noise in households by loud music is often used as a technique of economic loss. For example, studies reducing radio, music, and TV torture in the form of sleep deprivation. have shown that noises contribute to less volumes In Sri Lanka, neighbours, vendors, and chicks for birds, including chickens. ÎPrevent very loud recreation and go to religious organisations are the culprits. very noisy places as well Noise pollution causes horrific and Generators of sound ÎIt also makes a difference to do your irreparable harm to our physical and mental Social events – in most social activities, homework at the correct time health as something we are unable to noise is at its peak. In Sri Lanka, weddings, ÎIn devices that produce too much just see. Indeed, it is called the birthday parties, other social gatherings, or noise, use good noise absorbers “underestimated hazard” by the religious ceremonies typically disregard ÎHearing music with headphones often WHO. Noise may cause a range local government rules and cause represents a positive step forward of short and long-term health noise pollution that inconveniences the ÎWhen in a noisy area, use earplugs issues, such as sleep disorder, neighbourhood. to reduce the overall noise of the cardiovascular effects, reduced Marketing promotions – a common building work and school results, noise generator in Sri Lanka. From “choon ÎPrior permission should be necessary audiology disorders, etc. paan” to politicians in vehicles demanding if loudspeakers are to be used at any Noise pollution has that we vote for them and shops seeking time everyday implications to attract attention to themselves by hiring ÎConstruction work must be banned for millions of people. DJs, few parts of Sri Lanka escape this type within 500 metres of residential areas Noise-induced hearing of pollution. Although this may not seem and permitted only during certain loss (NIHL) is one of the serious, over time, it affects the hearing times that are informed in advance to most common health conditions. abilities of people who are exposed to these neighbourhoods Loud noise exposure can also cause sounds constantly. high blood pressure, cardiac problems, sleep time bedrooms and less than 35 dB(A) in when they rest during the daytime, since Industrial sound pollution – in Sri Lanka, Conclusion disorders, and stress. classrooms. For the prevention of adverse daytime permissible noise levels are higher large factories generally stay below noise Sri Lanka has recognised other aspects of Globally, noise pollution is recognised health effects due to night noise, the WHO in many societies. levels. However, smaller neighbourhood environmental pollution, whether they harm as a major environmental pollutant that guidelines suggest less than 40 dB(A) factories often do not. humans directly or only harm other species. directly harms human health, and studies per year of average nights (night) outside Effect of sounds Horning culture – Sri Lanka has a horning These include climate change, deforestation, and policies focus on permissible levels of bedrooms. yy Hearing problems: Our ears can culture unlike many nations where drivers hunting, plastic pollution, industrial sound. Figure 1 maps noise levels of major tolerate only a certain level of sound and are more patient on the road. Over time, pollution, use of pesticides, and much more. cities around the world. Vulnerable segments of the the sound of the car horn has become It is high time that our country recognises population exposure to high levels of noise; either What is noise pollution? one sharp noise or constant exposure more common, easier to identify and also noise pollution as an important issue that Infants – only those who have cared for over a longer period can lead to deafness, understand in the heat of the moment, in the directly affects the health of humans and the Noise above 65 decibels (dB) is infants know how difficult it can be to put a eardrum damage, and hearing loss. It also interest of clarity and security. Most horns economic and social wellbeing of the nation. considered noise pollution as defined by the wailing infant to sleep. But noisy societies reduces our vulnerability to the sounds are currently a sharp F, sometimes louder, at (The writers are Managing Partners WHO. Precisely, if it is more than 75 dB, such as Sri Lanka have not taken into that our ears absorb unconsciously to 110 dB. of Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds noise becomes dangerous. Consequently, consideration the rights of infants and carers. regulate the rhythm of our bodies. Religious institutions – in Sri Lanka, God practical solutions for challenges faced by noise levels below 65 dB are recommended Pregnant persons – pregnancy can is deaf, hence the need for almost every society and different industries. Dr. Dias during the day, and restful sleep is not be tough. But sleep deprivation during yy Sleeping and cardiovascular problem: single place of worship of every religion is a digital architect and an educationist possible with noise levels above 30 dB in the pregnancy can adversely affect both mother Although at this stage it might not to blast prayers that can be heard for many based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds a atmosphere at night. and child. seem like it, excessive noise levels miles, no matter what religion other people BSc in Computing from the University Elderly – elderly persons need a lot of rest, will probably disrupt your sleep cycle may belong to. of Greenwich, a Master’s in Computer International context including during the day. and cause discomfort. You can have Software Engineering from Staffordshire Decibel level: Sound is measured by Sick persons – there’s a reason that several exhaustion issues without a Legal measures University, and a PhD from the University decibels. Each action has a decibel level, hospitals are considered quiet zones in which decent night’s sleep. This will impact Periodically, there have been attempts to of Malaya. He is completing a second from rustling leaves (20 to 30 dB) through motorists should avoid horning. But the vast your success both at home and in the reduce noise levels in Sri Lanka. Despite the doctorate in Business Administration thunderclaps (120 dB) to siren wails (120 to majority of patients are not in hospitals and workplace. So it is best to sleep soundly laws being exhaustively detailed, they have from Universiti Utara Malaysia [ruwan@ 140 dB). Sounds approaching or exceeding are recovering at home, whether it’s from the in order for you to rest properly. There is failed due to discrepancies in the wording of cogitaro.com]. Eliatamby is a lecturer in 85 dB can damage eardrums. Sound sources flu or something more serious. a growing prevalence of blood pressure, laws and challenges to the measurement of marketing, human resources, and mass that go beyond this are common, including Persons who work night shifts – hospital cardiovascular disease, and cardiac stress noise levels. But the biggest cause for failure communications based in Colombo. power lawnmowers (90 dB), metros (90-115 staff, night shift doctors, firefighters, issues. Studies show that high-intensity has been the apathy of the Government, He is an author and was formerly the dB), concerts (110-120 dB), etc. policemen, factory workers on night rosters, noise leads to elevated blood pressure and Provincial Government, Local Government, associate editor of a newspaper and editor International standard: For the purpose of etc. Sri Lanka too has all of these categories enhances heartbeat as the regular flow of and the Police towards noise pollution. of various industry magazines. He holds good teaching and learning environments, of people who need to sleep during the day. the blood disrupts. Among the laws are: an MBA from London Metropolitan WHO’s recommendations on noise But apart from the negative health effects of University and an LLM from Cardiff yy Psychological issues: Studies show that yy The National Environmental Act No. 40 in communities suggest less than 30 staying up all night, they also are vulnerable Metropolitan University [niresh@ human as well as animal excessive noise of 1980 A-weighted decibels (dB[A]) in night- to health effects of not getting proper sleep can be associated with the incidence cogitaro.com]) 8 the sunday morning business TECH/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, September 27, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA Amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Sri Lanka has been lagging behind in fully embracing digital transformation to drive Huawei on a mission sustainable development. In order to promote such inclusion, Huawei Technologies Lanka is set to bring to Sri Lanka their to digitise Sri Lankans long-term digital inclusion initiative “TECH4ALL”, with the theme of “Leaving no one behind”. Chinese tech giant aims to ‘leave no one behind’ Kotelawala Defence University and remove coverage barriers During a presentation at a media (KDU) to open two research labs to through innovations in connectivity, networking session, Huawei promote digital adoption. AI (artificial intelligence), the Enterprise Business Group in Sri In his presentation, De Zoysa cloud, and mobile devices. The Lanka Vice President Indika De stated that there are three critical application aspect is to create Zoysa stated that the vision of the ways for ICT to drive sustainable digital ecosystems and help initiative is to bring digital resources development and help countries, developers build applications to every person, home, and governments, and cities achieve the for different communities and organisation for a fully connected, Sustainable Development Goals industries. Finally, the skills aspect intelligent world. (SDGs). These include increased is to work with local governments, This initiative has already been access to information and services, communities, organisations, and launched in several countries in increased connectivity between other partners to enhance the the region, such as Bangladesh, people and organisations, and digital skills of society. Malaysia, and the Philippines, increased productivity and resource During his presentation, De improving four key domains which efficiency. Zoysa named 2021-2030 the include education, environment, “A country cannot progress “Decade of Skills Development”, health, and development. These without adapting to the rapid with goals that include reducing the domains have their respective goals technological changes taking population of unskilled labour to of enabling equity and quality in several African countries. Their the next two years. the current Covid-19 pandemic. place. It is with this in mind 10%, providing higher education education, mitigating the effects success was evident in 2019, when Furthermore in South Africa, Two of their programmes have that our policies will create the opportunities to every student, of climate and enabling nature DigiTruck “Skills on Wheels”, a the TECH4ALL initiative recently already been launched in the environment required to develop creating global technocrats and conservation, enabling inclusion mobile, solar-powered classroom, launched the DigiSchool project, country. These include “Seeds for the IT competencies and language positioning Sri Lanka as the and equity in health, and using ICT with the aim of bringing digital which aims to connect 100 urban the Future”, which takes a group skills of future generations, in epicentre of human resource (Information and Communications skills to under-served communities, and rural primary schools over of 10 to 12 university students to order to enable them to conquer development in Asia. Technology) to boost rural provided training for more than the next year, in addition to the China where they can interact with global markets,” he said in his “The 21st Century is known as development. 1,500 young adults and teachers in 12 already connected through 5G other international students and presentation. the knowledge-centric century. Outside of Asia, the initiative rural areas in Kenya. It is a success technology. learn new technology trends, and He stated that their three priorities In order to remain competitive is also widely present throughout the company hopes to replicate The initiative was launched in for the second programme, Huawei are technology, application, and globally, it is imperative that ICT is Africa, and has had success in countries like France, the Sri Lanka earlier this year, but its has partnered up with the University skills. The technology aspect is integrated with every sector of the digitising the education sectors of Philippines, and several others in progress was slowed down due to of Moratuwa and General Sir John to make connectivity affordable economy,” he said. The Rainforest Ecolodge NSB becomes first state wins PATA Gold Award bank ‘with great managers’

National Savings Bank namely, “Driving Results The “Company with The organiser of the (NSB) was recently and Execution” , “Coaching Great Managers” award event, Colombo Leadership recognised as a “Company Others for Growth” and recognises organisations Academy said that a COO Bimal Mahagedera receiving the award virtually with Great Managers” with “Aligning Organisational with credibility and best number of nominations The Rainforest Ecolodge, an alliance the announcement, said: “We as an industry five individuals of the bank Vision”, respectively, practices in nurturing great were received to contend comprising leading hoteliers, clinched an ventured on this project to showcase best winning awards under four while V.S. Fernando and managers through a culture and validate true leadership award under the category “Sustainability practices in ecotourism. Enhancing the potential different categories at the D.C. Olaboduwa were of high performance where and managerial excellence, Natural Heritage” at the prestigious PATA of Sinharaja as an ecotourism hub was the Great Manager Awards 2020 awarded under the category, career paths and roadmaps benchmarking the best Gold Awards 2020, which was announced in a main goal of this initiative and we are delighted hosted by the Colombo “Team Effectiveness and for growth are provided with practices among Sri Lankan virtual ceremony held at Shanghai on Thursday with this honour in further promoting this Leadership Academy of Collaboration”. great clarity, alignment of corporate entities. morning (24). biodiversity hotspot to add to the rich profile of Leadership Excellence. NSB NSB Chairperson Keasila learning and development Colombo Leadership Chairman Prema Cooray, jubilant after Sri Lanka’s tourism.” is the first state bank in Sri Jayawardena said the bank to drive performance and Academy Chief Executive Lanka to receive this award. is proud to have committed execute strategy, a culture Officer (CEO) Riaz Hassen, The managers of the bank, leaders at many levels within to challenge the status quo NSB Chairperson Keasila C.N. Ekanayake, J.M.A.K. the organisation thanks to and instigate creativity and Jayawardena, and members Abans introduces LG ThinQ Jayasinghe, and Dilukshi very good human resources innovation, and where more of the senior management Tashiya Perera were awarded practices adopted which is managers are natured through of the bank and Colombo Great Manager Awards under recognised by the facilitators a well-structured programme Leadership Academy were technology to Sri Lanka three different categories, of the Great Manager Awards. that ensures sustainability. present at the occasion. Abans recently launched LG DualCool Inverter air conditioners (AC) featuring the innovative ThinQ technology AIA Insurance platinum sponsor for the first time in Sri Lanka. The LG ThinQ app allows users to remotely access the of Most Admired Companies LG DualCool Inverter AC AIA Sri Lanka has partnered to both listed and unlisted in business and enduring recognition they deserve, using a smartphone to switch the Chartered Institute of companies in Sri Lanka. elements of successful business although they contribute on the AC and set the ideal Management Accountants AIA CEO Nikhil Advani organisation. With over significantly towards the temperature. It also provides (CIMA) and the International said: “As Sri Lanka’s ‘Best three decades of experience country’s economic growth.” an energy consumption report Chamber of Commerce Sri Life Insurance Company’, doing business in Sri Lanka, He added: “We are delighted at the end of the day to help Lanka (ICCSL) in presenting as recognised by the Global AIA is truly appreciative to have a company of AIA’s determine when and where to “Sri Lanka’s Most Admired Banking and Finance Review, and respectful of companies stature and repute on board cut down on the AC usage. Companies Awards 2020” as and as a key player in the that succeed financially, but for the third consecutive year “LG DualCool Inverter a platinum sponsor. This is country’s corporate sector, we more so, through sustainable to recognise and applaud ACs are all equipped with a the third year of the awards appreciate that these awards and ethical value creation. In companies that add significant dual inverter compressor that ceremony for which AIA has are the only one of its kind in this light, we are delighted value to the country’s economy helps save energy up to 70% been the platinum sponsor. Sri Lanka. It gives us great to be a part of this effort to and overall development. As while cooling faster than other The awards are aimed at pleasure to support, recognise, recognise honesty and integrity platinum sponsor, AIA will not ACs. The inverter compressor recognising companies that and reward companies that in Sri Lanka’s most reputed be a contestant for the awards consistently adjusts and adapts global warming potential – with a special Ocean Black are a cut above the rest in not only excel financially but corporates.” but as a company, AIA most its speed to maintain optimum compared to other commonly Protection that is applied to terms of not just their financial more so, are committed to ICCSL Chairman Dinesh certainly upholds the values temperature levels, with a found refrigerants. LG ACs both the indoor and outdoor performance, but also on creating value in a sustainable Weerakkody noted: “This of excellence required to be power-savings operation range operate at low sound levels, units of the AC. This ensures the value they create in a and ethical way for their pioneering initiative which associated with an event of this frequency that saves more due to LG’s unique skew exceptional durability and an sustainable and ethical way for employees, customers, rewards excellence across nature.” energy than conventional fan design, which eliminates extended lifespan for the air their employees, customers, investors, and the community. a number of performance The awards ceremony is compressors. Therefore, it’s no unnecessary noise and operates conditioner,” Abans further investors, and the general “AIA Director and Chief criteria is aimed at recognising scheduled to be held at the wonder your electricity bills silently to assure you peaceful stated. community. Officer – Legal, Operations, companies with the strongest Bandaranaike Memorial will reduce drastically and you sleep at all times. LG DualCool Inverter ACs Companies that have been in and External Relations reputations, that inspire International Conference Hall can save more money as well,” “The climate conditions are priced at Rs. 124,990 business for over five years as Chathuri Munaweera added: other organisations and (BMICH) Lotus Ballroom Abans said. and weather in Sri Lanka onwards, and come with at 30 June 2020 and are 30% “As part of the largest life entrepreneurs. This is also on 10 November from 4 p.m. It added that LG ACs use tend to cause damage to a 10-year warranty on the or more Sri Lankan-owned, insurer in the world, AIA unique in that it facilitates and onwards, amidst a gathering of R32 environment-friendly air conditioners, which is compressor, as well as special are eligible to enter this awards endorses international encourages unlisted companies corporate and non-corporate refrigerant gas with a lower why LG ACs are designed offers on selected cards. competition which is open standards of excellence which usually don’t get the attendees.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 A BOOK FAIR AMIDST A PANDEMIC: CAUSE FOR CONCERN? »SEE PAGE 4

DO SRI LANKAN BUSINESSES CARE ABOUT BEING INCLUSIVE? »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,brunch September 27, 2020 BY JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM omedy, amongst many other distractions, has been keeping us afloat amid these times of global pandemic. CThe photo pictured here depicting an interaction between two rose-ringed parakeets in the Kaudulla National Park, Sri Lanka, while putting an involuntary smile on

our faces, has made it to Petr Sochman this year’s finalists’ list of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The person behind the capture is amateur wildlife photographer Petr Sochman. What are the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, you ask? Founded in 2015 by two photographers, Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the initiative essentially functions with an aim to promote conservation through brilliant and uplifting imagery. ││Contd. on page 2 SRI LANKAN ROSE-RINGED PARAKEETS MAKE IT TO UK-BASED COMEDY WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

BY NAVEED ROZAIS On a personal note, growing up, I hated clothes, but I was still interested in Batik is one of Sri Lanka’s most making things that I wanted to wear. I used loved and versatile heritage to make batik shirts for my brother, and he crafts. This form of resist dyeing used to love them. I just knew that I wanted The future of batik to be a textile designer. After completing has been given elevated status, Darshi Keerthisena De Livera on Sri Lanka’s iconic local craft and where the future may lead my degrees abroad, I started working at being included under its own Brandix, where I received a lot of exposure. Ministry, the State Ministry of I visited fabric shows in Europe and the US Batik, Handloom Fabrics, and Local and frequently met with top clients. Apparel Products. With raw materials, a lack of At this point, batik was in a slump. standardisation means that our It had its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, Recently, State Minister Dayasiri suppliers are usually random, and but in the 1990s and early 2000s, there Jayasekara spoke on his vision of the products we use – be it dye, was no innovation in the marketplace. developing the batik industry and fabric, or even wax – can vary in The war had impacted tourism which bringing it up to the same level as quality, and we also don’t have had impacted income and demand, and Thailand’s and Indonesia’s batik clear information on how it has people had stopped experimenting. No industries (batik is, in fact, an been sourced and what impact it experimenting meant no demand, and it Indonesian textile printing technique has had on communities and the had become a cycle. Buddhi Batiks, though that Sri Lanka has embraced and made environment very innovative in the 1970s and 1980s, our own). Jayasekara also spoke about exporting to markets like Seychelles, had encouraging government sector workers also scaled down greatly. to wear batik and other local textiles at ÄÄ Tell us about Buddhi Batiks I’d studied textile technology, so I least once a week as well as reducing and how you came to take it understood that different kinds of natural the prices of batik and handloom over. fabrics could be enriched with batik and apparel to make it more affordable for Buddhi Batiks was founded by my I decided to introduce silk chiffons, silk such employees. parents. As newlyweds, my mother satins, and silk georgettes into the market With the batik industry due for a wanted to give my father a gift, and she when I took over Buddhi Batiks in the facelift, The Sunday Morning Brunch commissioned a batik maker from the mid-2000s and showed this range of new reached out to prolific batik designer nearby village to make a batik shirt. batik designs at Colombo Fashion Week and Buddhi Batiks Creative Director Something went wrong though, and she (CFW) in 2007. It was extremely well Darshi Keerthisena De Livera for some never got the shirt, which prompted my received, and since then, batik has had a insight into Sri Lanka’s batik industry, father to propose that they make a shirt big resurgence, as have sarees, which at the how the impending government policy together. It just went from there; they time were not regarded cool. can affect change, and how the industry received lots of compliments and began can hope to evolve for the future. making more things. ││Contd. on page 2 PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, September 27, 2020 REIMAGINING RETAIL IN THE

From left: Chatham Luxury Watches Director Sid Hirdaramani, HSBC Sri Lanka Head of Marketing and Communications Tharanga Gunasekera, CFW Founder and Managing Director Ajai Vir Singh, Shangri-La Hotel Colombo Vice President and General Manager Timothy Wright, and NEW NORMAL Crocodile Lanka General Manager Chamal Fonseka PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Ajai Vir Singh on CFW Retail Week PHOTOS LALITH PERERA Looking to the future As always, for CFW, BY NAVEED ROZAIS next step to fashion after it is responsibility in fashion and presented and promoted. “The circularity will continue to be Colombo Fashion Week’s current environment where we a primary focus. CFW Retail (CFW) new programme “CFW needed an interesting interaction Week saw the introduction Retail Week” has made quite an between designers and fashion of Circular Colombo, a new impression on Colombo. consumers led to developing and campaign that promotes With a three-week programme experimenting with a new form of circularity and conscious of theme-specific knowledge and retail,” Singh said. “This new form building on the blending of consumption through a platform engagement-based experiences of retail goes beyond just monetary performance art and fashion that that connects designers and like expert talks on related topics, value. It includes knowledge-based marked the recently concluded companies together to identify workshops, retail events, food value and engagement.” HSBC Colombo Fashion Week and repurpose excess garments, events, movie screenings, and a With Covid-19 demanding 2020, which included an excerpt fabrics, and waste. few children’s programmes as the re-evaluation and fine-tuning reading by Ashok Ferrey of his CFW Retail Week provides well, CFW Retail Week provides of fashion, the mindset of a latest book on the runway as well as a unique opportunity to add guests with an alternative look at post-lockdown society was also CFW Founder and Managing Director Ajai Vir Singh performances from several renowned value to Colombo’s fashion retail in the wake of the pandemic, something that needed opening and Sri Lankan performing artists. customer, particularly mid- which saw international travel an infusion of positivity, which “These topics are, no doubt, with a focus on encouraging action “CFW believes in the pandemic in what is most heavily curbed, and highlights is something CFW Retail Week part of our brand’s value system and conscious consumption.” collaboration of creative definitely a troubled time. Singh how value-driven engagement can hopes to inspire. CFW Retail Week and these are the very topics industries. This collaborative shared that it is CFW’s belief enhance the retail experience. focuses on weekly themes such which will continue to evolve as Bringing creative approach of ours has been in place that this new experiment of as Fashion and Wellness Week, fashion evolves because it deals industries together for the last five years. Bringing knowledge-based retail will Taking retail to the next level Environment and Conservation with societal and environmental On connecting literature and in literature was the next step, catch on amongst the fashion For CFW Managing Director Week, and Literary Week, curating wellbeing. CFW Retail Week takes fashion, Singh shared that this making us probably the first and design-based consumers and Ajai Vir Singh, a focus on retail experiences and drawing attention this discussion forward by starting link highlights the importance of fashion platform in the world will generate more commerce has always been in the offing, to these themes that CFW has new dialogues with experts in their collaboration between different to bring literature and fashion and much-needed financial value given that retail is the logical always held close to its heart. fields connected to these topics, creative industries and disciplines, together,” Singh commented. to our nascent fashion industry.

An amateur photographer is hardly disappointed SRI LANKAN... Sochman feels that amateur photographers everywhere should cherish for the sunrise”. THE FUTURE... Contd. from page 1 the independence they have. It’s a great His first visit to Sri Lanka was back in privilege, according to him, that they don’t Contd. from page 1 2019; his wife and him immediately fell need to “get the shot to be paid”. This in love with the country. Their trip was ÄÄ What are the biggest allows them to better respect the animals dotted with experiences that brought them a Collaboration is a very they photograph. “If the bird we want to challenges the batik combination of culture and nature – visiting important way forward; no see does not show up, no problem, we industry faces today? classic historic monuments and national brand is strong in everything...I can still enjoy being in nature. If our gear I think the main challenges parks in search of wildlife. prefer to concentrate on my cannot cope due to low levels of light, today would be labour and a lack “It became quickly clear to us that we immediate area of expertise, well, we still have that beautiful evening of standardisation of raw materials. need to come back soon, and we were very as do most people. This is why walk. Bearing this in mind, an amateur Labour is hard to find because batik is happy to do so in January this year,” he collaborations are win-win photographer can hardly ever come back a very difficult and time-intensive craft. said. Their second visit was almost entirely and can result in new and home disappointed.” The number of people practising it has dedicated to birdwatching, but the duo still innovative products Although not deterred by the Easter reduced because batik was not popular had a chance to enjoy other fascinations in Sunday bombings of 2019, and even the for a very long time, and the people the island, local cuisine being one of them. and young designers collaborate with Covid-19 pandemic, Sochman is happy who were doing batik were not having “We now have a number of cookery batik designers and entrepreneurs at all to come back to the island once travel much success and mainly focused books at home; we hunt for ingredients to levels of the market for design input restrictions in Europe and Sri Lanka are on souvenirs and things like wall re-create some of the dishes we ate in Sri and R&D (research and development). loosened, if in the least, hoping they can hangings. When Buddhi Batiks started, Crested Lanka. (It’s) hard to believe that before Collaboration is a very important serpent contribute their tiny bit to the economic we had over 350 team members; now, visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, some way forward; no brand is strong in eagle recovery of the country. we only have 60. We’re still scratching of our friends warned us (that) Sri Lankan the surface, but with batik becoming everything. Within Buddi Batiks, Social distance, please! food is comparatively bland!” cool again, it’s likely to improve. we frequently collaborate with other Although titled “Social distance, Recalling a favourite moment during With raw materials, a lack brands and designers; one of our most please!”, the capture is actually of two his travels, Sochman spoke of the sunset of standardisation means that our recent collaborations being with local parakeets using their feet to clean the over Sigiriya viewed from Pidurangala. suppliers are usually random, and the craft brand Kanatala, which works with partner’s beak. “The photo is of course Having been told that the place would be products we use – be it dye, fabric, or hana weaving. taken out of context…but when realising, full of tourists albeit with stunning views, even wax – can vary in quality, and I prefer to concentrate on my back home, that the picture made our he trekked up first just for some shots. we also don’t have clear information immediate area of expertise, as do most friends laugh, my wife convinced me “But the experience went far beyond my on how it has been sourced and what people. This is why collaborations are to submit it to the Comedy Wildlife expectations, even though I had seen impact it has had on communities and win-win and can result in new and Photography Awards,” shared Sochman. many pictures and videos on the internet the environment. innovative products. Sochman lives in Brussels, Belgium, beforehand. I just had to return there to sit For us to be able to truly claim ÄÄ How do you see things although his hometown is Prague in the quietly,” he recounted, to watch the sun that we are sustainable, we need to Czech Republic. disappearing behind the mountains in all its have a good, transparent supply chain. unfolding for the batik “It was a pure accident,” he elaborated, glory. Standardising materials will also industry in the future? adding: “We chose Kaudulla hoping to With apologies to its people, food, and automatically standardise quality, as I’m very hopeful that standardising history, Sochman shared that if he were Grey raw materials and introducing water see mainly some birds of prey, such as the hornbill well as pricing for our manufacturers changeable hawk-eagles or the grey-headed to select only one thing he liked about the because you will always know what disposal management systems will be fish eagles. The rose-ringed parakeets were country, it would have to be its natural a huge achievement and create big, Referring to their “guide and friend” your prices are going to be like for the not on my list at all, as the bird also lives environment. “The richness and variety of positive change for the industry. These in Sri Lanka – Akila Nuwan – who is next few months. here in Brussels where it escaped several wildlife is simply incredible.” changes will make us better able to one of those directly affected by the decades ago from a breeder and has thrived Something he didn’t quite enjoy? Apart Ä compete in the international market, pandemic, Sochman shared that he Ä How do you see the new in the city parks ever since.” from the “extreme heat” in the southern which will increase competition across is deeply grateful to him. “He is not potential policies by the Sochman began photographing the provinces that to someone from central the board and make everybody become only a great tour guide but also a keen Government affecting the scene, not because he was particularly Europe felt “really infernal”, it was the better and create better designs and birdwatcher with amazing knowledge of batik industry? interested in that specific bird species but impoverished state in which many people products. However, it is important the Sri Lankan avifauna. My wife and The Government said they will because he really liked the light and the lived in the island that affected him. “From that we as an industry work with the I were very happy to benefit from his be looking into standardisation, which interaction between the birds. the perspective of a visitor who cannot Government and participate in their knowledge and he gave us great insights is something that we as an industry offer any remedy, it is a painful reminder of efforts to create new systems and into the society of Sri Lanka on top of have asked for. They’re also looking at Sri Lanka, an island worth how little we have control over in our lives processes. navigating us through the local wildlife.” effective waste management and have returning to and how much it is a lottery, being born already included, in their budgeting Batik is approaching a new Sochman spent a good part of his into a certain situation. Many people in Covid-19 and Belgium for next year, plans to build water heyday, as Covid-19 and the temporary closing of the economy have given childhood in communist Prague and once Europe take things such as social security Commenting on the pandemic, purifying plants, where water can be local artists and entrepreneurs the the regime collapsed in 1989, he tried to or healthcare for granted, sometimes losing Sochman said that although Belgium was purified and dyes won’t be released to chance to grow their businesses locally. enjoy the possibilities that arose, especially the wider perspective…” heavily affected by the first wave of the the environment. Many batik producers don’t have the chance to travel and study abroad. pandemic, right now, the numbers aren’t The batik industry has different their own shops because they don’t His first job, following his education growing that quickly. “On the other hand, market levels. Batik is essentially a have easy access to the market in a in history and law, was at a law firm in my home country, the Czech Republic, print technique – you have different way that is viable for them in terms Prague. However, soon after the Czech has overcome the first wave seemingly batik designers selling at different of business. They also don’t have the Republic joined the European Union (EU) fine but things appear to be getting out of market levels, from wholesalers to the time to devote to R&D. Raw materials in 2004, he was offered a position in the control now. I don’t have any medical or niche market. Buddhi Batiks is a niche standardisation, design collaboration, headquarters of the EU in Brussels. epidemiological expertise, but the lesson brand, and with Buddhi Batiks, we and boosting the industry offer a Photography, he said, is something he which I think we need to take from this have our own diffusion lines “Buddhi” solution to this. fell into in pretty much the same “classic as citizens is to select our political leaders and “BB” that sell to different customer It is our responsibility now as batik route” anyone with a penchant does. with care, to avoid populism, and to do segments. producers, entrepreneurs, and creative “Initially, just holiday pictures and in the our best to put in power trustworthy, I met the Minister last week when people to be original and think out of end, selecting holiday locations in view of reliable politicians who will take he visited Marawila, and he shared that the box. R&D is the biggest part of the available photo opportunities.” Sochman responsible decisions in these difficult he was expecting to see good design industry. Change is consistent, and if started mainly with landscape photography times where human lives and national across all market levels in the industry. we don’t change and innovate as we but was quickly drawn to the life of animals economies are at stake.” One potential way he hopes to do this go, what happened in the ‘90s will which he described as being “often very This year’s winners for the Comedy is through collaboration with local Blue- happen again. intense in the mornings when one is faced Wildlife Photography Awards will be design universities where students standing somewhere on location, waiting malkoha announced on 22 October. the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, September 27, 2020 SOCIETY Do Sri Lankan businesses care about being inclusive? BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE work is the store manager would give the management a daily progress An incident took place recently report and after considering all the at a well-known establishment goings-on, they would gather all the where an openly identifying employees every month and briefly remind them of how to remain calm member of the LGBTQ in a difficult situation with a customer community was denied and to always be polite. entrance to the establishment Fouze also shared that while she based on her “appearance”. does educate her employees on the While the discriminatory importance of maintaining customer act seemed to be a result of one relations and being courteous, at employee’s personal bias, the the same time, they do not tolerate establishment was quick to take any harassment or misconduct by Dogs are responsibility and the necessary customers towards their employees, action by issuing an apology. sharing that they have CCTV They released a statement coverage and have advised their staff now welcome subsequent to the incident and to remain polite until the footage has an initial statement made earlier. been reviewed and both sides have Among other things, they said: been listened to. She shared that they “After extensive discussions with the had to deal with such a situation at Fox Kandy guests concerned, we have decided to once. Fox Kandy, operated by withdraw the employee’s termination Speaking further, she shared that Fox Resorts, the hospitality and instead include him in our they operate under the assumption arm of Capital Maharaja sensitisation programme which will that putting a lot of pressure on Organisation, is delighted to be conducted next week…we will employees serves no purpose, and announce that they are now do everything in our power to ensure that gradual awareness and education welcoming well-behaved this doesn’t happen again.” is the way forward. doggie friends! With reference to the incident, She also added that as the Set amidst the rolling hills we took a look at the importance of clientele they deal with are quite of Hantana, this 26-bedroom adopting sensitisation programmes, different, in that pet owners are quite boutique hotel was opened in PHOTO BRUNO AGUIRRE ON UNSPLASH particularly for businesses where staff sensitive when it comes to their pets, November 2019. Featuring interact with customers on a one-on- treating them as their children and a gourmet restaurant, a one basis. address the issue, it must be done on expressed, they do not conduct so on, they must extend greater care spectacular infinity pool, and We reached out to a number a national level as it is a much larger training that is specific to LGBTQ towards their valued customers. luxury rooms, Fox Kandy of business owners who conduct issue than that of a dress code and issues or other minority issues, Colombo Court Hotel & received rave reviews for its businesses where their staff interact one single employee expressing their whilst they do focus on being Spa Operations Manager Kevin fabulous cuisine, stunning with customers, and spoke to them personal biases that the majority of non-discriminatory regardless, and Schumacher shared his perspective views, and exemplary service. depression. Fox Kandy now about how they approach such Lankans actually share. placing customers first. as someone from the hospitality The hotel also houses a rare provides the ideal opportunity issues if it were to arise, whether He said that in Sri Lanka, for Across the board, all business industry, stating: “In the case of treasure gallery: Copies of to bond with your dogs as they employ such sensitisation the most part, people are not so owners expressed that Sri Lanka hospitality, form the front desk never-seen-before artwork well as enjoy a well-deserved programmes, and whether Sri Lanka aggressive when it comes to their has some work to do when it comes onwards, it is all about how you treat by renowned Sri Lankan holiday with your beloved overall is open to a more inclusive likes and dislikes, and this here to being inclusive and creating your guests,” he said, sharing that and foreign artists from the canine by your side. discussion. happens to be an unfortunate incident awareness and acceptance at a there is no room for error in his line personal collection of the Fox Resorts is uniquely Speaking to MSD Capital where it was caught on camera where broader level. of business. Chairman of the Capital prepared to host your furry Holdings Group Managing Director things escalated. The ugly truth of the Sushi Kai Owner Pasindu “In the 21st Century, it is so very Maharaja Organisation. guests, offering pet beds Dinesh Wijesinghe, referring to the matter is it happens more often than Peiris shared that while they are not easy to get a black mark on your These pieces, including and bowls as well as meals incident itself and sharing with us you think, and it is done in the guise a fine-dining restaurant and so do reputation for the slightest thing and Aubrey Collette’s whimsical and treats served from an his experience, he said that to be of many pretences, he said. not require a dress code for their therefore, there is no such thing as caricatures of famous Sri especially designed pet menu. perfectly honest, they do not conduct Even when you look at the customers, meaning issues similar small mistakes.” Lankan political figures, have The hotel, which is laid out in training that is specific to certain previous attempts at trying to to the referred incident do not tend He also shared that at Colombo been carefully curated around four-room villas, has assigned social issues or communities, adding bring to the forefront these issues to crop up, they do carry out regular Court Hotel, they employ a system the rooms and public spaces two villas exclusively for that what they do is create awareness with regardsto LGBTQ persons, training for their staff with regards to where employees undergo training of the property. bookings with dogs. While where every one of their guests must people were not willing to have that customer care and etiquette. on how to deal with customers and Fox Kandy is run by a dogs may dine with guests in be treated with respect and everyone conversation and nobody wanted to He said: “We carry out especially how to greet them, which is team of ardent dog lovers a separate dining area close must be treated equally, regardless of hear about it. annual seminars where we bring absolutely important. who chose to welcome family to the villas, they will not be race, colour, creed, gender identity, He said: “Broader society is down professionals who conduct He also shared that they give a lot dogs as guests to the hotel allowed into the restaurant or sexual orientation. still not ready to accept certain workshops for our staff on how best of importance to sensitivity and being in August 2020. With Sri so as not to disturb guests However, he addressed this minorities and, to this day, consider to carry out their duties, and for the non-discriminatory as all are equal; Lankans only being able to who are not comfortable with particular incident, stating that the these perversions and abnormalities. most part, the management is hands- considering that their establishment travel domestically for the them. Separate walking paths underlying problem here is a deep- Our society is still very conservative on that if there ever is an issue, the was often patronised by foreign guests foreseeable future, and our have also been laid so you seated cultural issue. In Sri Lanka, in these matters and to truly find a customer is immediately directed and now due to the pandemic it is dogs being accustomed to and your dogs can get some people have a public face and a solution, it must be taken up at a to the owner so it can be dealt with mostly locals who patronise it, they getting attention throughout exercise. Even grooming and private face that people put on, and higher level.” efficiently.” have not been any different when it the day, Fox decided to training appointments can be everyone can agree, if they are honest Speaking about the way Tayo Bear (Pvt.) Ltd. Owner/ comes to their guests. minimise the stress on these arranged upon prior request. with themselves, that people often they have gone about training Director Shanaz Fouze shared: He said that they remind their furry friends by letting them talk behind closed doors; minorities their employees and the level of “Basically, the girls I have at the café staff and train them to be sensitive and travel with you. As you travel To reserve your stay, are referred to often in dismissive and importance they place on training are quite young, and the way we train to always behave in a polite manner locally, the hotel encourages email info@foxresorts. derogatory terms and no amount of with regards to sensitivity and also our girls is that they are made aware with guests, regardless of what spa you to take your pooch along, com or call corporate etiquette, many of the of the importance of being sensitive treatment they have come for, and that training on an individual capacity is rather than leaving them 0778 857 778. going to solve this, he opined. business owners we spoke to shared to their customers at all times.” the management will take over in any to languish in neglect or He said that if we are to truly that, similar to what Wijesinghe She added also that the way they difficult situations.

Shangri-La unveils ‘Central’, all-day dining restaurant and café Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo opened the doors of “Central”, its vibrant all-day dining restaurant and café, on 20 September 2020. This new gastronomic journey takes guests’ taste buds on an adventurous culinary tour of the globe, whilst also celebrating Sri Lanka’s tapestry of native cuisine. PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA 4 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS Sunday, September 27, 2020

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA concessions for the stall-holders. Moreover, all those running the book fair are obliging The Colombo International Book on a voluntary basis. Fair (CIBF), organised by the Sri ÄÄ Were any regulations or Lanka Book Publishers’ Association A book fair amidst special advice specified by (SLBPA), commenced its 2020 the Government and state edition on Friday, 18 September authorities? at the Bandaranaike Memorial We are following them – temperature International Conference Hall checking, washing of hands, use of (BMICH) under strict Covid-19 a pandemic sanitisers, and compulsory wearing of health and safety guidelines. The masks – and to the best of our ability in book fair is scheduled to be held order to assist customers to maintain social until Sunday, 27 September (today) Cause for concern? People have been cooped up in their distancing. We also have the co-operation from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. houses for months and this is an of the Ministry of Health, the PHIs (public health inspectors), and the Police. It was with miserable realisation that opportunity for them to step out and many bookworms all over the island came to buy new books as well as bargain ÄÄ How is the response so far terms with the stark possibility of the absence books. This book fair will show that from the customers and of the annual book fair in its usual glory people accept the limitations and during the initial stages of Covid-19, with it are willing to observe the rules and the crowd? being declared a global pandemic. regulations to pave the way for society Excellent. They also recognise the For better or worse, the CIBF, Sri to return to normalcy importance of the book fair. We have been Lanka’s largest book exhibition, is now able to jointly keep Covid-19 at bay and SLPBA Director and Vijitha Yapa we must now return to normal life. Bus and open for the public for the 22nd consecutive Chairman Vijitha Yapa time, astonishing masses across the seas and train travel, visits to cinemas, and opening offering a wide selection of over 400 stalls, of schools have taken place. Now we have both local and foreign, with the participation to show the world what this little island has of around 150 publishing companies. achieved, especially when Covid cases are rising in other countries like India, Brazil, Presently, social media is being flooded PHOTO LALITH PERERA with the hashtags #CIBF and #CIBF2020, and the US. It is indeed a pity that world and avid booklovers and happy customers For the convenience of visitors, we have also an opportunity to meet up with friends, press has hardly carried any news of our uploading their purchases online are guilty partnered with a company to sell masks at attend literary discussions, and enjoy the success. as charged. In conversation with SLPBA only Rs. 15 each, which is the lowest price in entertainment offered each evening with ÄÄ Was an online or virtual Director and Vijitha Yapa Group of Sri Lanka as far as I know. songs, dances, and plays. approach to CIBF 2020 Companies Chairman Vijitha Yapa, The All visitors have to wash their hands and But it’s a pleasure to see almost every sanitise with special sanitisation liquid. They visitor carrying a parcel of books. That is the considered at any point in Sunday Morning Brunch raised concerns of flights. However, foreign publishers must maintain social distancing at all times joy of shopping as the whole BMICH has time? about the annual book fair being held in its have made arrangements for their local and our staff do their rounds to ensure they become a huge 40,000-sq. ft. bookshop. The major booksellers in Sri Lanka have typical regard with the ongoing threat of a distributors to run stalls. We have had a (customers) adhere to the health regulations There is an entrance fee of Rs. 20, their sites and many orders were serviced in second wave in the island. good response from local publishers and imposed by the health authorities. which is utilised to award scholarships to the last months. It’s nothing new. In many Below are excerpts of the interview. over 400 stalls. It is the largest public event People have been cooped up in their economically underprivileged students cases, we have been able to achieve 24-hour in Sri Lanka and runs for 10 days. ÄÄ What are the differences houses for months and this is an opportunity to be educated at a university level. The deliveries as well. Unlike other commodities, between the typical CIBF for them to step out and buy new books as scholarships are given up to four years as ÄÄ What was the response from books are not easy to market online as people held any other year and well as bargain books. This book fair will a monthly stipend. Members of the armed want to feel the books, read the synopses, and the Government and other choose what they want, rather than what the CIBF 2020? With the Covid show that people accept the limitations forces and the Police are allowed free state authorities? and are willing to observe the rules and entry as well as members of the clergy and publishers want. This is the importance of scenario, what are the extra The authorities were cautious and were regulations to pave the way for society to schoolchildren in official school uniforms. book fairs like ours, where customers have health precautions taken into surprised by our request. Nevertheless, as return to normalcy. the best opportunities to choose rather than consideration this year? ÄÄ What are the challenges long as health guidelines were observed, stare at computers, making choices. Foreign The main difference is that specific ÄÄ So far, are there any changes the organisers faced in the they were happy to give permission. companies using online platforms know health/safety precautions have to be in the numbers and the crowd process of making CIBF 2020 The expenses on our side are higher as about the limitations regarding the sale of observed at this year’s book fair. All this year in comparison to a reality? staff members had to be recruited for the foreign books. Many local booksellers who enter the premises must have their duration of the book fair, but we are happy sell the books at up to 50% discounts. temperature checked and those having other years? The main challenge was to accept that to go through with it. The BMICH and The numbers were understandably less it was essential to have the book fair despite All I can say is, come visit the book excess temperatures are not allowed in. All other service providers responded with fair, have a look, and buy what you must wear masks and keep it on at all times. in the first five days (up to the time of this foreign participants not being able to attend lower rates as well and we responded with interview), but the enthusiasm is high. This is due to quarantine restrictions and the lack really need.

Time and time again, a few of us who follow the international fashion scene like a religion have corrected many a journalists ‘No one’s daddy handed me this’ privately, but due to media complacency, nothing happens. Very fortunately now, social media exists and therefore, we are able Stefan Andre Joachim on TBFW and the fashion scene in Sri Lanka to call out the fashion thieves. Another very important aspect of this to BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE its talent and advance through creativity. the scene, and the overall need for the right launched to harness the very best of Sri Stefan has made some bold statements connections. However, he shared that he’s Lanka’s creative talent in the fashion understand is that if any media personnel are affiliated to a brand by way of free goods, Stefan Andre Joachim, one of Sri about the fashion scene in Sri Lanka, hopeful that things can and will soon change industry. There are many platforms to they should never be taken seriously as a Lanka’s eminent fashion personalities, primarily Colombo, claiming that true and that TBFW might possibly be a step in TBFW that we will roll out in time. It is critique. amidst launching his brand new venture talent does not often get the opportunity the right direction. not an agency or simply a show either; “The Badass Fashion Week” (TBFW), to shine, referring to an abundance of the objective of it is to be able to take Sri ÄÄ Don’t you think this elite opened up about our country’s fashion nepotism, “fashion-thieving”, having close ÄÄ What is TBFW? Lankan creative talent to the world, while relationships with the current who’s who of TBFW is a project that has been showcasing the very best of the country. status of those in the industry industry and its continued failure to nurture is attached to you as well? ÄÄHow can people get involved You yourself may seem with TBFW, and what kind of to people as part of the people are you looking for? gatekeepers. Can you say We have call-outs on all social that you’re different to “the media platforms, with Instagram being privileged”? the strongest. We are looking for start-up Anyone who truly knows me knows designers, models, hairstylists, makeup that I have never been a gatekeeper. If at all, artists, videographers and photographers, I have broken down all gates to get here and graphics and animation professionals, and when I was not this strong, being attacked social influencers. by the older designers when I started, I scaled those gates in secret. This goes for ÄÄWhen you say Colombo’s my entire panel and team as well. “fashion scene”, do you mean There have been many people who have the designer retailers, or tried to stop us and still do. Thinking back events such as the Mercedes- on the struggle and the constant need to earn Benz Fashion Week or this place, it all seems so insignificant now, Colombo Fashion Week? considering that fact that we were actually What do you include when fighting the privileged and not the talented. you refer to the collective? ÄÄ What do you see in TBFW and Let’s break this down. Designer retailers and shows are all private entities how do you see it disrupting that are entitled to showcase or retail in any the current trend and making way they choose to. They have all added real change? What kind of value to the overall growth of the industry change do you want and see like the new retail malls have. happening? What I meant when I What I see is immense said “gagging for years at the potential. It’ll disrupt the fashion fashion scene” was that we scene by making it accessible have watched mediocre design and providing a stepping stone being rolled out year after year for many people who otherwise and being accepted time and won’t have any idea of where time again, especially by the to start or who to reach out to. apparent fashion media, only We have a team of the best because there are no checks and talent in the country right now, balances to call a spade a spade. with additional guest mentors Like most things in Sri who are also the trailblazers Lanka, someone is either Stefan Andre Joachim of this industry. There’s never related to another person’s been a scenario before where auntie or they go to the same church or so many such people have come together to they “feel sorry to say anything because the materialise one “badass” idea for Sri Lanka. designer’s gardener died of cancer”. This is I am a designer, but my passion supposed to be the business of fashion and has always been political science if we are going to make it internationally, and investigative journalism. I am an we have to let go of the privileged and entrepreneur but a storyteller at heart. I was sympathy connections! an athlete, a swimmer, and a rugby flanker We also don’t have anyone qualified for my street team. Like I said, no one’s in the media to truly critique the industry’s daddy handed me this. Failing has never work, so what we end up with is a bunch of been an option and is certainly not a part of pictures and a description of the obvious. my DNA. the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, September 27, 2020 HEALTH BY NAVEED ROZAIS symptoms of ID along with pale skin, a faint SHAYANA heartbeat, and an enlarged spleen. Looking Iron is an integral part of our lives. at how children respond to the things Besides being one of the most useful AMERESEKERE around them; if they are irritable and how metals known to humans, iron also they react to being asked to do simple tasks is also a way to gauge if there may be a plays a crucial role in our biology, ON IRON potential nutrient deficiency. Some children most notably by forming part of the do take more time with some aspects of substance “haemoglobin” DEFICIENCY development, so it is important to also be which allows our blood to carry mindful of the child’s individuality as well. around oxygen. ANAEMIA IN Anaemia, in other words a deficiency Battling ID and IDA of iron, can affect us a lot more than we CHILDREN With the lockdown over and kids think, and surprisingly, iron is not always going back to school, it is now an important something we automatically get enough of. UNDER FIVE time to pay attention to children having In light of this, The Sunday Morning difficulties learning so as to make sure Brunch sat down with nutritionist Shayana the problem isn’t something like iron Ameresekere (MHumNutr, RNutr) to deficiency. learn more about iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children and what we can do to keep our children healthy. Babies are born with enough Defining ID and IDA iron stored in their bodies for ID is defined as the decrease of the the first six months of life. From total content of iron in the body, and IDA the seventh or eighth month, it occurs when the lack of iron in the body is sufficiently severe enough to hinder the becomes important to introduce production of red blood cells, which in turn iron sources like meat into their limits the amount of oxygen carried in the food. Parents should maintain blood. Oxygenating blood is not iron’s only open communication with their role in the body. Iron is involved in many PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA paediatricians fundamental biological processes within the body, including DNA synthesis, mitochondrial respiration (mitochondria Fixing the early stages of iron deficiency are responsible for cell function), is relatively easy, and making sure children neurotransmitter, and myelin synthesis. have a balanced diet is important. Cutting out Balanced iron levels are needed to maintain processed food and snacks is an important normal physiological brain function as well. first step, as is focusing on wholesome “Essentially, iron affects our home-cooked meals. Even with babies, functionality,” Amarasekere explained. homemade pureed food tends to be richer in “It is stored in our liver, spleen, skeletal nutrients than processed baby food. Iron-rich muscle, and other anatomic areas and is sources of food include legumes and lentils, Building eggs, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, oyster involved in a lot of our internal processes. It is very important for younger children’s mushrooms, sweet potato, and red meats. cognitive development. Tracking the iron Additionally, the body absorbs iron levels in expecting mothers is also very better when consumed with a source of important because iron plays a huge role in vitamin C. To enable the body to absorb foetal development during pregnancy.” more iron, serve iron-rich foods alongside foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed. ID and IDA in the Good sources of vitamin C are oranges and Sri Lankan context awareness other citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, and papaya. The Ceylon Medical Journal (CMJ) Amarasekere also stressed the recently reported that 7.3% of children on nutritional education importance of education, for both children under the age of five years suffer from IDA and parents. “Having campaigns and building in Sri Lanka. Amarasekere shared that while overnight and is predominantly done with their diet. Watching out for symptoms awareness on nutritional education in genetics can sometimes play a factor in through nutrition. There are avenues of Speaking on which groups of children of ID and IDA general, especially for parents, is essential. iron deficiency, with South and Southeast treatment for severe deficiency and IDA, are most at risk of having ID and IDA, Educational programmes and seminars that Asian people tending to have lower rates like iron fortification and supplements, Amarasekere commented that ID is found in ID can present itself in several ways. talk to children about what they’re eating of iron absorption, a key component in iron but we must first look at the nutrition of children across all socioeconomic groups. In younger children, doctors look at and getting them excited about what they’re deficiency is diet. Iron is not something the the child. When it comes to ID in younger “Children from affluent backgrounds various growth and cognitive development eating and why, are also strong positive steps body produces naturally, and as such, it has children, paediatricians look at development have high incidences of ID because milestones. “Physically, there are two that can be taken. to be included in the food we eat. milestones starting from birth to age five, by increased disposable income often leads growth charts paediatricians refer to when “It also comes down to the education of “Diet plays a crucial role; there are two which time we hope children have formed to a lot of processed foods and other less tracking growth: One by the World Health parents on what healthy introductory diets main sources of iron: haem iron (meat- healthy eating habits that they can keep nutritious food being in their diets. In Organisation (WHO) and the other by the are for children. Babies are born with enough based) and non-haem iron (non-meat based, through to becoming teenagers.” villages, children live on the simple staple of Centres for Disease Control and Prevention iron stored in their bodies for the first six derived from dark green leafy vegetables While there is a focus on ID and IDA rice and curry, which, for the most part, is a (CDC). Most paediatricians follow the months of life. From the seventh or eighth like spinach and broccoli). Per gram, in younger children because they are in well-balanced and nutritious meal. Children WHO chart, comparing height, weight, month, it becomes important to introduce meat sources have more iron than non- the formative stages of their development, in rural areas tend to have ID because meat and head circumference,” Amarasekere iron sources like meat into their food. Parents meat sources. If we’re not eating meat for this is not to say that older children are is expensive and a luxury in their meals.” explained, adding that if children drop out should maintain open communication with whatever reason, we need to make sure our not at risk. Girls approaching puberty, in Covid-19 and Sri Lanka’s lockdown of the percentile they have been tracking their paediatricians. I always encourage vegetables are compensating for this.” particular, are susceptible to ID, both due has given parents the chance to spend along from birth, then it is time to discuss parents to make lists of questions before ID in children can lead to physical to menstruation as well as the changes in more time with their children and pay with the paediatrician what could be causing they visit their paediatrician to ensure their growth and cognitive difficulties. their diet due to peer pressure that sees more attention to nutrition as a whole, this shift. paediatricians can give them the most Amarasekere commented that treating ID is them curbing their appetites. Young boys particularly in the early days, although From a cognitive perspective, keener effective care. Paediatricians also must a longer term process. are also at risk of developing ID based those early stages saw a brief scarcity in observation is needed; a delay in speech make sure parents have access to as much “It’s not something that can be fixed on their levels of activity when combined food until things started settling down. and a short attention span are common information as possible.”

seeing the joy of healing their patients. In 2008, then World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Arpico Insurance launches The profession of a Dr. Margaret Chan stated: “Primary healthcare offers the best way of coping Diabcare for diabetic patients with the ills of life in the 21st Century: general practitioner Globalisation of unhealthy lifestyles, rapid Embracing its unparalleled unplanned urbanisation, and the ageing of commitment to its customers, Arpico populations.” Insurance PLC recently introduced Induction of new CGPSL President Patient demand is soaring and their Diabcare, a unique policy cover needs are becoming more complex, but dedicated exclusively for patients The induction of the 20th President the number of GPs is far from keeping diagnosed with diabetes. Over two of the College of General Practitioners pace. In the future, our health service million Sri Lankans are diabetic, of Sri Lanka (CGPSL), along with the will rely on GPs with the capabilities according to the National Diabetes presidential address, was held on 12 and competence to deliver care closer Centre of the Diabetes Association of September at Earls Court, Cinnamon to home and reduce the state’s reliance Sri Lanka (DASL). Globally, there are Lakeside amidst a large gathering of on hospital care. At present, at least half approximately 463 million cases with a eminent medical professionals. of the population in the world does not significant increase in low and middle- receive the health services they need, income countries. The disease is dubbed Arpico Insurance PLC CEO Harsha De Alwis (left) Newly elected President Dr. D.K.D. conversing with General Manager – Sales H.E.T. Mathew stated that the CGPSL while about 100 million people are pushed as the silent killer with one person dying Sampath while GM – Sales N.C.P. Nishan lights is a voluntary organisation into extreme poverty each year because of from it every six seconds. the oil lamp at the Diabcare launch committed to enhance the out-of-pocket spending on health. Diabetes is one of four major to issues we face today,” said Arpico medical practice of general The recent Covid-19 pandemic can types of non-communicable diseases Insurance PLC Chief Executive Officer practitioners (GPs) of Sri problems, requiring GPs to be viewed as a disrupting agent which prevailing in the world today. In the Harsha De Alwis. “Diabcare is a unique Lanka. Established in 1969, solve clinical puzzles and has had a significant impact on the way past, opting for health insurance could plan specifically designed to provide CGPSL is the apex academic make accurate and timely in which a GP has operated thus far. It have been difficult for people with customers with the financial protection and professional body of diagnoses of diseases and proper has become evident that the time is ripe diabetes. However, recent reforms and support in fighting this self- GPs in the country. It was management. for GPs to embark on adopting digital have improved access to coverage. managed disease.” incorporated by the College A GP’s approach takes solutions which will allow unhindered Inspired by the parent company’s Group What makes this product stand out of General Practitioners of Sri into account the spiritual, access to patients, ensuring the relevant Chairman Dr. Sena Yaddehige’s vision is that the sum assured to be paid in the Lanka (Incorporation) Law cultural, social, economic, and security and ethical standards of the to serve all Sri Lankans in their hour event of the demise of the insured or Newly elected President practice. GPs must seek out such digital of need, Arpico Insurance now offers No. 26 of 1974, followed by Dr. D.K.D. Mathew emotional aspect of the patient, if the insured is diagnosed with one of amendments to the Act in 1980, thus arriving at treatments and solutions and online tools that will enable this unique product to persons currently the critical illnesses covered; namely which empowers and ensures the college’s management in a very patient-centric the patient to receive advice, treatments, being treated for diabetes. cancer, stroke, blindness/total loss of validity as an academic body of national manner. They adhere to and maintain prescriptions, and referrals. “Diabetes is undoubtedly a life- sight, end-stage renal failure (ESRF), importance. high professional, clinical, and ethical Dr. Mathew stated that if we do not threatening disease if one doesn’t and amputation of a limb. In addition, He said that a GP is the first point standards in providing the best possible find better, smarter ways to help the manage it well, and the number of upon the completion of three years of care for anyone of any age in the care in a cost-effective way to patients. growing elderly population remain healthy those diagnosed with it is skyrocketing of the policy, the insured will be able community, whether it is concerning The life of a GP is an enviable one as and independent, our hospitals will be in Sri Lanka just like abroad. As a to receive reimbursements towards physical or mental health ailments. The it provides professional development, a overwhelmed, which is why we need leading insurance provider, we make it medical expenses for diabetics-related profession of a GP is not limited to any secure livelihood, camaraderie among effective, strong, and expanding general our obligation to stand by our people tests prescribed by a doctor, up to the one medical speciality or organ of the colleagues of the profession, and, most practice more than ever before in the and society. We thrive to seek ways value of Rs. 5,000 annually, until the body, but covers a variety of medical importantly, the sense of fulfilment of history of our medical services. in providing the best possible solution end of the policy term. 6 the sunday morning brunch GAMES/TOONS Sunday, September 27, 2020

23 Some, in San Salvador 71 Chain with links SOLUTION FOR 13 SEPTEMBER Crossword 28 Courses for coll. credit 72 St. Petersburg’s river CROSSWORD CLUES 30 Load 73 Originate, with “up” Across 59 Mets’ slugger Alonso 112 Long-legged wader 31 Assure the failure of 76 A-listers 1 Like some stressed text 60 Catalog 113 Chops 33 Since, in a seasonal song 77 Eats well 7 Perfect pass 62 Greek vacation isle 117 Reeled off 34 “Bill & __ Excellent 80 Theoretical visitors 13 Imp 65 Essential 119 Film in which Fido wins Adventure” 81 Cacophony 19 Rattler commonly used 67 Film about a composing a place at the Round Table? 35 Throat dangler 82 Landers of letters in pairs pooch? 122 Unpaid debt 36 Beverage aisle options 84 Banks of “America’s 20 University staying power? 71 Not alfresco 123 Pump part 37 It helps you get up Got Talent” 21 Mild, in Milan 74 Year, to Yves 124 Imitated 39 “__ objections?” 86 Ancient Dead Sea kingdom 22 Film with a feline 75 Sampled 125 Flirts with 42 Horace’s “__ Poetica” 88 Something to chew baseball ace? 78 Deli order 126 Rose to great heights 43 Last word of the most 89 Yours, to Yvette 24 Not on TV yet 79 Org. monitoring possible 127 Hen holders recent version of “America 90 Kramer, to Jerry the Beautiful” 91 Sun Devils’ rival 25 Roy Rogers’ birth name alien signals Down 26 Ninja Turtles’ ally April __ 81 Gillian’s Emmy-winning 44 “The A-Team” actor 94 Angry 54-Downs 1 Little devils 45 Didn’t dillydally 97 Catches sight of 27 One end of the Chicago role on “The X-Files” 2 Detective, at times L’s Blue Line 83 Settled 46 One chip, maybe 98 Down 3 Affectedly creative 47 Sought damages 99 Ear malady 29 Shattering grenade, to a GI 85 Small egg 4 Shoestring 30 Shunned the paper clip 87 Drama about organized 49 Personnel staff 100 Captured 5 “__ bin ein Berliner”: JFK 50 O.T. book after Neh. 101 Take shelter, with “down” 32 Biopic about Frank from disobedience at obedience 6 Holly Golightly’s creator “Men in Black”? school? 51 Brit’s informal eatery 102 Fort Knox unit 7 __ throat 52 One, on a one 103 Rhone tributary 34 Scraps 92 Frying pan spray 8 Danger 38 Cookout glowers 93 Mix masters, briefly? 54 Fan at the game 104 Pelvic bones 9 Changes one’s tone of voice 58 Clothes line 105 Bounders 40 Artist’s asset 95 Vols’ school 10 QuŽbec street 41 Clicked ballot 96 Golf caddie, e.g. 61 “Lookee here!” 107 Author Zora __ Hurston 11 With a bow, to Anne- 62 “Anderson Cooper 360¡” 108 Went astray 42 __ Martin: Bond’s car 97 Help-wanted ad abbr. Sophie Mutter 44 AOL alternative 98 “Me too” channel 111 “Horrors!” 12 Beyond harmful 63 Poetic tribute 113 Greeting from Kermit 45 Flier to Oslo 100 Maria __, the last House 13 Goes back on one’s word 48 Comedy about a lost mutt? of Habsburg ruler 64 Landmark ‘70s case 114 Star features 14 Gasteyer of “Mean Girls” anonym 115 Put an edge on 53 Sports channel that shows 102 Film romance starring 15 Put the kibosh on college games Puss? 66 Autobahn hazard 116 Benchmarks: Abbr. 16 Wispy clouds 68 Censor’s target 118 __ kwon do 55 High-five, e.g. 106 Like volcanic rock 17 Shaking like __ 56 “Insecure” star Rae 109 “By yesterday!” 69 Together, in Toulon 120 Spanish “that” 18 Pigeon’s perch 70 Eclectic magazine 121 Cpl., e.g. 57 Not supporting 110 Clock __ 21 Trusted adviser Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 7 October 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 13 SEPTEMBER First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners M. Prasanna, 1. N. Bonaventure, Negombo Valaichchenai 2. Shanthi Rajapaske, Gampola Colombo 15 Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. S.L. Caderamanpulle, 4. Amali Samaratunga, Colombo 4 U.R. Morias, 5. Judy Amanda, Colombo 15 Colombo 13 This week’s winners will be announced on 11 October

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

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) the sunday morning brunch Sunday, September 27, 2020 7

1st of October Celebrate Int’ Coffee Day at THE COMMONS The Commons Coffee or spiced latte from 8-11 a.m. Italy and across Europe, and to House, the foremost home- daily at The Commons. the Americas, and finally to your ANSWER AND WIN! grown coffee house concept in The Commons coffee house coffee cup. Colombo, offers an excellent concept is synonymous with the Enjoy a cup of coffee on Win a voucher worth Rs. 2,000 selection of hot and cold coffees, style of great coffee houses in International Coffee Day; inhale from The Commons Coffee House by ranging from a regular coffee the world. Most people love their its aroma, taste its dark and full- to cappuccino, crème brulee coffee in the morning and enjoy bodied flavour, and indulge in the answering the following question cappuccino, café latte, caramel coffee at The Commons to catch excellent choice of flavors at The related to International Coffee Day! latte, choc chunk cookie latte, up with friends and colleagues. Commons Coffee House – your and hazelnut macchiato, to name International Coffee Day cosy hangout spot. When and where did instant coffee a few. The iced coffees include is to savour and appreciate the make its first appearance? cinnamon spiced iced coffee, beverage and it also marks the Thai iced coffee, and caramel long history of the drink where Email us your answers along with frappe among the delicious cold the properties of coffee beans 0112 694 435 coffee selection. are thought to have first been for more details or visit your full name and contact details A celebration deal is on discovered in Ethiopia; originally to [email protected] on or before offer from 27 September to 2 popularised in the Arab world Wednesday, 30 September. October with a 20% discount on from around the 15th Century, a delicious cappuccino, café latte, spreading across Asia, then to www.thecommonscolombo.com COLOMBO COFFEE COMPANY The only total coffee solutions provider in Sri Lanka BY THARANI SERASINGHE acknowledges that the possible fate of Sri Lanka’s coffee industry is the thing Sipping a cup of finely brewed coffee that we depict. At the centre, with all is a journey many fail to experience, things considered, lies its noteworthy and which is why Colombo Coffee Company, critical asset – its family. This is the reason the market pioneers within the nation, Colombo Coffee Company is centred on is enthusiastic to revolutionise the local upgrading each single angle of their lives. coffee industry. Colombo Coffee Company This includes educating farmers, providing is no more just a place of distributing and employment opportunities, empowering selling coffee; it is now about everything women, and teaching children – in a to do with “coffee”. Especially following nutshell, “giving back to the community”. the Covid-19 pandemic, they have “Thus, we have made Toscana Ceylon, changed their navigation, Colombo Coffee a 100% locally sourced coffee. With 100% Company Deputy General Manager Kushan Arabica beans product created with beans Samararatne highlighted. from the central hills of Sri Lanka, Toscana Colombo Coffee Company is the only Ceylon is available in coffee beans, coffee total coffee solutions provider within the powder, and Nespresso-compatible capsule country. Having a history of more than 10 packs. The most creative thing about this years with over 350 clients over Sri Lanka, project is the remarkable corporate social the company is the greatest coffee supplier responsibility and other ambitions married to hotels, eateries, restaurants, cafes, bistros, to it. workplaces, and even households. “One of the key concentrations behind It is also the authorised distributor for the Toscana Ceylon brand is the need to Lavazza coffee in Sri Lanka. progress and highlight the coffee With more than 120 years industry in a new dimension to of history and making more the world. The Toscana project than 100,000 tonnes of coffee has given us the opportunity annually, Lavazza is one of to work even closer with the greatest coffee roasters on our farmer networks and the planet. Having more than processors, thus creating a better 50 guidelines centres generally understanding of the needs and and supportability programmes wants of them. At the heart of through which coffee farmers the project lies the dream and are made and managed with, goal of taking Ceylon coffee Lavazza is known as one of globally,” he noted. the best advocates towards With these ambitions the upliftment of the coffee in mind, Colombo Coffee commerce around the world. As Company is investing its time a brand, Lavazza is one of the and effort further down the foremost sought-after brands supply chain by getting involved around the world and is known in the green bean sourcing for their consistency in high levels in different regions in Sri calibre and wide range. Lanka. Working closely with “The coffee plant isn’t the coffee processors in those inborn to Sri Lanka, having been regions to educate farmers on taken into the country by Muslim Toscana Ceylon Tin proper harvesting methods and pilgrims in Yemen via India. technologies while developing It was George Samuel Bird, a the effectiveness and efficiency former British Army officer, of the processes, Colombo who established the island’s first Coffee Company hopes to take coffee plantation in 1824 while the Ceylon coffee to the world it was still British Ceylon. His with improved quality and brother, Colonel Henry Bird, competitive pricing in the time later began to cultivate coffee to come. plantations in Sinhapitiya. “Colombo Coffee Company Soon after that, British forces is taking giant strides in taking settled and continued the the Ceylon Coffee to the maintenance of the coffee international markets while plantations established by the maintaining high standards Bird brothers.” and excellent quality. In fact, Sri Lanka’s coffee industry a sample we sent for quality experienced such vast growth check came out with a 90+ during the 1800s that British cupping score, placing that in the forces recruited large numbers ‘Specialty Coffee’ range, which of lower-class native and South is a huge boost for us. We have Indian labourers. Sir James excellent coffee in Sri Lanka, Emerson Tennent comments in but it is about maintaining that Ceylon (1859): “In spite of the Toscana Pack consistency of quality that we reality that the plant had existed are eager about. from days of yore on the island (having “Also, with the aim of developing likely been displayed from Mocha by the the Sri Lankan coffee culture, we are Middle Easterners), the local people were introducing many new products with special unaware of the estimation of its berries, focus on B2C, and many activities/events and fair utilised its takes off to season are planned ahead to engage more people their curries, and its blooms to excite their in the coffee experience. One such event havens.” will happen on 3 October in celebration Then in 1882, the coffee industry in Sri of World Coffee Day. Please follow us on Lanka was almost completely wiped out by social media for more details of this and blight. many upcoming events,” Samararatne Colombo Coffee Company concluded. the sunday morning brunch 8 Sunday, September 27, 2020

1st of October YOUR COFFEE DESTINATION ‘Everyday Great CAFÉ LA DÉFENSE BY THARANI SERASINGHE everyone around you. The other branch is located Value’ at Barista Many memories were at 124, Park Road, Colombo Sri Lanka’s largest and “Covid-19 certainly brought back with the 5. Established in 2016, the most sought-after coffee house impacted the way we do business atmosphere and the Park Road outlet is open from chain Barista recently launched and also the way consumers 6.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. Very smell of coffee at Café interestingly, they serve their its “Everyday Great Value” make their purchases. Customers La Défense, reminding campaign as part of its series are now more cautious when customers all year around. me of the boarders of Meanwhile, the branch in of initiatives to help boost the selecting a café to visit as Paris. Café La Défense post-Covid recovery of the coffee safety and value for money is Colombo 4 serves its customers industry and the Sri Lankan their utmost priority. Our latest is a small, stylish spot from 7.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. economy as a whole. This time campaign focuses on safety, for great coffee and an The café has more news to concentrating on giving its cleanliness, the highest quality, array of delicious French, share with its customers: They customers great value for money and providing our customers English, and Sri Lankan are in the process of opening and the highest-quality products, value for the money they spend,” dishes and baked goods. up a new branch in the near the campaign focuses on adhering said Barista General Manager As you step inside the future. However, the mystery to safety regulations that are now Dilupa Pathirana. café, its friendly staff will continue as to where they Barista General Manager have picked as the location. imperative for the industry. Dilupa Pathirana During the lockdown period, warmly welcomed me The latest initiative sees the management and staff of with a friendly “hello”. Managing Director Café La Defense Chandana De Silva Barista’s skilled culinary team (WTC), Laksala Thummulla, Barista came together to create The place is almost like Bambalapitiya, Staple Street, opting to create its own cakes, a strategy that would benefit a second home; this desserts, and confectioneries in the latest outlet at the Southern all stakeholders once they were its own newly built, state-of-the- Expressway Service Area in allowed to reopen. In a step-by- French-style coffee shop art bakery. The new delectable Welipenna, and the signature step approach, Barista has been affords bright, brown range includes croissants (butter, outlet Café Mocha, the dessert rolling out this plan by opening interiors decorated chocolate, and blueberry danish), range also comes in combos selected outlets that adhere to with iconic sceneries muffins (chocolate, banana, with your favourite coffee health and safety regulations and motivational and blueberry), cakes (death by drinks. For instance, customers stringently, opening strategic quotes. Each chocolate, carrot, and red velvet), can choose a butter, chocolate, new outlets in preparation for partition, separated and chocolate brownies. or blueberry danish and couple tourist influxes, and introducing from the main zone, Available at Barista outlets it with a cup of coffee for just new value additions to the café’s is arranged to fit into at the World Trade Centre Rs. 590. offerings. the preferences of all kinds of coffee lovers.

The café incorporates a “Our goal of revisiting the Perfect iced coffee conference room, smoking classic Parisian café comes This recipe is quick, easy, budget-friendly, and tastes just zone, as well as a larger space with quality and customer like in the gourmet coffee shops, if not better! of parking with unlimited free satisfaction in mind. Boasting Yield: 1 serving WiFi. During the evening, top-notch ingredients in Prep time: 5 minutes Café La Défense is filled with Total time: 5 minutes everything, from its classic Ingredients: great music and excellent sandwiches to its house- • 1/2 cup sugar food, making it an excellent made hot chocolate, Café La • 1/2 teaspoon choice to hang out with your Défense is the perfect spot vanilla extract loved ones. Café La Défense • 1 cup coffee, at for anyone looking for a room temperature is not only the ideal place to classic Parisian ambiance and • 2 tablespoons half hang out, but also for study excellent coffee,” shared Café and half*, or more, sessions and work discussions, La Défense Managing Director to taste and guarantees that you’ll Chandana De Silva. Directions: have a good time with 1. To make the simple With things gradually syrup, combine returning to normalcy, people sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over now seem more relaxed and are medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved smiling more. So what are you 2. Let it cool completely and then stir in vanilla extract; set aside waiting for? Do not hesitate to 3. Serve coffee over ice with half and half and simple get a heavenly taste of coffee syrup to taste from one of the best coffee Note: *Milk or cream can be substituted destinations in Colombo and (Courtesy Damn Delicious) experience the best throughout the year!