Govt. proceeds with MAHAPOLA TRUST FUND CONTROVERSY Budget proposal LEGAL ACTION URGED AGAINST SLIIT

RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 6 VOL. 03 – NO.18 SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021

CHOKED BY GOVT. YET UNDECIDED ECO AND ON CONSENSUAL COST ISSUES RESOLUTION AT UNHRC »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 3 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] CONSENSUAL RESOLUTION WITH CORE GROUP Politically challenging: Govt. z Govt. studying text of z GoSL sends ‘tough’ response z Diplomatic missions to lobby other z ‘UN targeted consensual resolution to UN Rights Chief countries based on GoSL report sanctions unlikely’

BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA The GoSL has fired off a “tough” resolution by the UN Core Group on “We have made a firm report, and UNHCHR is unfair,” he told The response to the damning report of the . Foreign Secretary Admiral that's going to be a very tough response Sunday Morning. The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has stated that a United Nations High Commissioner Prof. Jayanath Colombage said that as well. The bottom line is that we He said that there were inaccuracies consensual resolution with the Core Group at the United for Human Rights (UNHCHR) the factual errors, errors in law, and argue that we have not committed in the UNHCHR report, because it Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is likely to be Michelle Bachelet on the country’s errors in perception in the UNHCHR’s any war crimes, or any crimes mainly focused on the incidents that human rights situation, and is presently report were taken into consideration against humanity, and therefore, we occurred last year. politically challenging, The Sunday Morning learnt. perusing the proposal for a consensual when drafting the response. feel that the action proposed by the Contd. on page 2 RS. 1,000 DAILY WAGE RUWANPURA EXPRESSWAY Now, the next step... Govt. to lose Rs. 20 b RPCs to pay z If existing tender from Feb. conditions followed z Subject to conditions The Government will incur a BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA amending the Payment of Gratuity loss of around Rs. 20 billion due Act, and harvesting a minimum of to the awarding of the contracts to Following months of 16 kg of tea per week, according four different local companies for negotiations, plantation companies to the Plantation Association of the construction of four sections of on Friday (29) agreed to increase Ceylon (PAC) President Bathiya Phase I of the long-delayed Ruwanpura estate workers’ minimum daily Bulumulla. Expressway in adherence to the wage to Rs. 1,000 from February, The decision was taken at tender conditions, The Sunday Morning albeit under several conditions, a discussion held between learnt. The Sunday Morning learnt. representatives from the plantation Contd. on page 2 The conditions included sector and top government officials. adopting a hybrid model, Contd. on page 2 PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER FIRST PUMPED STORAGE HYDROPOWER PLANT Imran Khan to visit SL on 23 Feb Rs. 500 m to find Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Sri Lanka has been confirmed and exact location is scheduled to take place on 23 February, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry and Prime Minister in a deep discussion at Hultfsdorp following the ceremony to z ‘CEB misled Cabinet on renewable energy component’ making it the first visit to be undertaken by a lay the foundation stone for the ‘Adhikarna Piyasa’ project last Monday (25) PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA The Ceylon Electricity Board last week, by spending a colossal head of state to the country since the advent UNHCHR PROPOSALS ON PTA (CEB) is going to conduct a sum of money at a time when of the Covid-19 pandemic last year. feasibility study for the operation three major studies have already Contd. on page 2 of the first pumped storage been conducted and completed in No immediate accommodation by Govt. hydropower plant for which this regard. BY SARAH HANNAN Nations High Commissioner for Human and the EU’s request to attend to it Cabinet approval was granted Contd. on page 2 Covid impacts The Government stated the Rights (UNHCHR) to be made to the immediately, cannot be accommodated. amendments suggested by the United Prevention of Terrorism Act CAPITAL(PTA), Contd. on page 2 HEIGHTS HIV testing NEW COVID-19 VARIANT CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS RS. 34 MILLION BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE New fossil fuel law No major UPWARDS The number of people coming in for zAligned with Natural Gas National Policy UPWARDS human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and to obtain related treatment The Ministry of Energy has approved the proposal presented threat to SL services has significantly decreased due initiated the drafting of the new by Minister of Energy Udaya Sri Lanka is not facing a serious threat from CAPITAL HEIGHTS to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Sunday Fossil Fuel Resource Development Gammanpila, The Sunday Morning the new Covid variant now, said the Primary RS. 34 MILLION Morning learnt. Act, after the Cabinet of Ministers learnt. Healthcare, Epidemics, and Covid Disease VISIT OUR Contd. on page 2 UPWARDSWEBSITE Contd. on page 2 Control State Ministry Secretary. Contd. on page 2 CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 PCOI ON POLITICAL VICTIMISATION REPORT RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION POLITICAL VICTIMISATION PCOI READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS Further proposals PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR Respondents to go to court SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITE VISIT OUR z z before the House +94 763112233WEBSITE Report has no basis: MP Sumanthiran Says will take action Further comments on the recommendations READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk+94 763112233 BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate incidents said PCoI – are likely to go before in the report of the Presidential Commission SHOW APARTMENT of political victimisation – who were Court seeking orders to nullify the of Inquiry (PCoI) probing incidents of READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION Most of those who have been named themselves complainants before various PCoI’s decisions and recommendations, PROJECTpolitical victimisation NEARING are to be deliberated COMPLETION as respondents in the complaints filed law enforcement authorities and judicial The Sunday Morning learnt. in Parliament this week. PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION before the Presidential Commission of bodies against the complainants at the Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 NEWS

Contd. from page 1

J.C. Weliamuna PC and former Premier However, he said that a consensual Cabinet approval would be sought in this New fossil... Wickremesinghe’s Secretary Saman Respondents... resolution would be politically challenging, regard this week. “The new Act will replace the Petroleum Ekanayake were among the individuals The three-member PCoI appointed by as the public could oppose it. However, when asked about the losses Resources Act No. 26 of 2003 and will who would face an inquiry under the special President in January “There could be opposition from the amounting to billions of rupees, the RDA address the shortcomings in the existing PCoI which will be tasked with making 2020, and chaired by retired Supreme public. So it is a political decision as to Director General refrained from responding, Act in terms of interpreting the definitions, recommendations to the Parliament on Court Judge Justice Upali Abeyratne, whether we are going for a consensual reiterating that Cabinet will make the final regulation, progress, and maintaining a imposing punishment on the aforementioned had a mandate to investigate incidents of resolution or not. If you take the 30/1 decision. national monitoring agency. Furthermore, it persons for allegedly violating the political victimisation that are alleged to Resolution in 2015, the Government that – Maheesha Mudugamuwa will establish a new legal framework for local Constitution. have happened to public officers, employees co-sponsored it was brought down by fossil fuel including the natural gas industry – Sarah Hannan of government corporations, and members the people. They had a clear mandate in as proposed in the National Policy on Natural of the armed forces and the police service. Parliament, but then the people of this No major... Gas (NPNG),” Gammanpila told The Sunday These incidents are alleged to have taken country saw that as a betrayal. There were State Ministry Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha Morning. No immediate... place during the period between 8 January certain things in 30/1 that we can’t do De Silva told The Sunday Morning that the The Ministry of Energy published the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, 2015 and 16 November 2019, during according to the Constitution, and there are existing vaccines would be used against the NPNG in the Government Gazette in October Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the tenure of the United National Front- things we have done. There are things that new variant as well, until a new vaccine is 2020, with the assistance of the Petroleum Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage said led “(Yahapalana) Good Governance” the people don’t want us to do. The former developed to target the new variants. Resources Development Secretariat (PRDS) that while the related aspects highlighted Government. United National Front-led Government lost “We have a steady vaccination programme, followed by an extensive public consultation in the UNHCHR report would be revisited, Other members of the PCoI included popularity, and the architects of 30/1 were and it is going on very well at present,” he process. amending the PTA could not be done retired Court of Appeal Judge Justice Daya even voted out of the Parliament. But for added. The policy focuses on five key principles immediately. Chandrasiri Jayathilake, and retired Inspector this Government to even go for a consensual Sri Lanka received the first 500,000 doses – ensuring energy security; the minimisation “Just because an organisation is asking General of Police Chandra Fernando. resolution is very politically challenging. The of a Covid-19 vaccine from India last week. of environmental, health, and safety risks; us to make several amendments to the PTA, With regard to the implementation of the public opinion matters,” he noted. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was the optimal use of indigenous natural gas; we cannot accommodate them immediately. decisions and recommendations contained However, the Foreign Secretary said that manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. enhanced private sector participation and We have communicated the proposals to the in the report of the said PCoI, which was they can’t jump to conclusions, and that Accordingly, 150,000 health workers, and adaptive development; and the optimisation Attorney General’s Department. In addition handed over to the President recently, the they need to look at the substance of the 115,000 military and police troops will be the of the market structure for inclusive benefits. to that, the input from the Presidential Cabinet of Ministers on 18 January approved consensual resolutions proposed by the Core first to be inoculated. The Health Ministry The structural changes in the legal, Commission of Inquiry that has been the submission of the report to Parliament, Group. plans to expand the vaccination campaign to institutional, and regulatory frameworks appointed to engage in fact finding, among and to take necessary steps to implement the The UN Core Group on Sri Lanka consists 4,000 hospitals and health centres in other proposed in the NPNG are scheduled to be others, with regard to alleged grave human decisions and recommendations of the report. of Canada, Germany, North Macedonia, parts of the country next week. incorporated within an 18-month period. rights violations, will also be considered,” Contacting The Sunday Morning in Montenegro, and the UK. When queried about the next stocks of – Sarah Hannan Prof. Colombage noted. this regard, a Convener of the Lawyers When queried about the delegation that vaccines, Dr. De Silva noted that the State He reiterated that although the Ministry for Democracy (LfD) organisation Lal would represent Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, Minister of the Production, Supply, and of Foreign Affairs has been a part of the Wijenayake further claimed that the PCoI has the Foreign Secretary said that it was likely Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Rs. 500 m... related ongoing discussions, he was not the cleared guilty parties who lodged complaints that the session would be a virtual one. Jayasumana is taking necessary steps to bring It is learnt that the earlier studies and best person to explain the decision that the with the PCoI citing political vengeance “It will probably be a virtual one due to the down the next stocks within the next few locations for the pump storage generation Government would eventually take. wrought by the original complainants, Covid-19 pandemic situation, and the session months. facilities have already been identified by Attempts made by The Sunday Morning specifically claiming that cases had been filed is not that far away. Of course, the Foreign “As of now, we are focusing on the experts committees. to contact Public Security Minister (Retd.) against them by the original complainants at Minister will be given five minutes to make vaccination programme, which began last In addition, at least one proposal is there Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Weerasekera for the Police FCID, the CID, and the CIABOC a speech. We are getting ready for that. week, and it is expected that the protection where a global player has proposed a pump comment, proved futile. for political reasons, and have instead Presumably, it will be a virtual one,” he said. against the new strain could also be gained storage facility on a build-operate-transfer ordered the original complainants listed as He also said that Sri Lanka’s Permanent from the existing vaccination programme,” (BOT) basis, undertaking to do the final respondents before the PCoI to be charged. Representatives to the UN in Geneva, in he added. engineering studies on its own, it is further Covid... “Most of those who have been made New York, and other missions, had worked – Maheesha Mudugamuwa learnt. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, respondents in the cases filed before this together in the preparation of the response Last week, cabinet approval was granted National Sexually Transmitted Diseases PCoI, who were themselves complainants report, adding that they would carry it for a proposal submitted by the Minister (STD)/Acquired Immunodeficiency before various law enforcement authorities forward to the next level. RPCs to... of Power to conduct a complete feasibility Syndrome (AIDS) Control Programme and judicial bodies against the complainants “Based on our report, we have to create a This included the regional plantation study to determine the most suitable location Consultant Venereologist, Dr. Chandrika at the said PCoI, will likely go before Court narrative for Sri Lanka, and that narrative will companies (RPCs), the estate worker unions, out of the two locations identified in a study Jayakody said that there is growing concern seeking orders to nullify the PCoI’s decisions be targeted or channelled to many different Labour Minister , and carried out in collaboration with the Japan that Covid-19 will result in service provision and recommendations,” he claimed. countries through our heads of missions,” he officials of the Ministry of Labour and the International Co-operation Agency (JICA). disruptions in the case of HIV testing and Issuing a press release in this regard, the said. Department of Labour. This JICA proposal identified the Ma Oya treatment. LfD claimed that Sri Lanka still clings to the Meanwhile, the Foreign Secretary He told The Sunday Morning that the Valley and the Wewatenna area in Kandy as “In 2019 alone, 439 new HIV infections Special PCoI Act, No. 7 of 1978, as amended commented on calls to refer Sri Lanka to the companies wanted a different proposal, and suitable locations for the construction of the were reported. Of these, 359 were males. by the Special PCoI (Special Provisions) International Criminal Court (ICC), and said that the conditions that had been agreed upon proposed power plant. However, we see a decrease in cases Act, No. 4 of 1978, for what they described that it was a long shot. were proposed by Minister de Silva. “After The cabinet proposal stated that the CEB is being reported in 2020 due to the Covid- to be the dastardly purpose of making He said that it was the UN Security much deliberation, we agreed to what the of the view that a full feasibility study should 19 pandemic where only 340 new HIV dark characters white. The LfD was of the Council (SC) that handles these issues, and Minister wanted,” he stressed. be carried out to identify the most suitable infections were reported,” noted Dr. view that it is high time Sri Lanka repeals not the UNHRC. Explaining further on the conditions, location. Jayakody. this piece of legislation, because to clear “The decisions of the UNHRC are non- Bulumulla said: “Under the hybrid system, However, the study is proposed to be According to Dr. Jayakody, there has been persons pronounced guilty of criminal acts as binding. We are not bound to do anything. If we are giving entrepreneurship to our funded from the balance of the investment on a gradual increase in the number of new innocent of those acts is also, in their reading, it goes to a higher level, then it is a different workers. Part of the estate will be given to the “Green Power Development and Energy diagnoses of HIV-infected persons reported vindictive. matter. We have friends in the UNSC. I don’t the workers to pluck on their own. For three Efficiency Improvement Project”, which in Sri Lanka in recent times. “It is surprising that there are moves to think it will ever happen because certain days, they should work as estate workers, and is being funded by the Asian Development “In 2011, 144 new HIV infections make the complainants into these charges countries that have the veto power will stand for three days as entrepreneurs.” Bank (ADB). were reported and the numbers gradually against criminals to be proclaimed as the by Sri Lanka. China and Russia have always “We agreed to what the Minister wanted. The cabinet memo stated that the setting increased. Sri Lanka is still a low-risk country accused. This will mean that a commission, supported Sri Lanka,” he said. He wanted a wage structure to be given, up of pumped storage hydropower plants for the spread of HIV, and HIV prevalence is which is not a court of law, has the right He also commented on calls for targeted which we agreed to. The minimum sum of will address the technical problems that have less than 0.01% in the general population,” to make observations and/or decisions sanctions, such as the freezing of assets Rs. 1,000 includes all the allowances and arisen due to the variability in generating added Dr. Jayakody. above the established courts of law. This and imposing of travel bans on Sri Lankan everything. Now it is up to the Government electricity through certain renewable energy Since 2016, there has been an increase in is a blatant violation of the rule of law and officials. to resolve the matter with the workers trade sources. the number of HIV infections among young the independence of the Judiciary (vide “Again, the UNHRC can’t enforce unions,” he said. Nevertheless, energy experts alleged that people aged 15-24 years, corresponding to Bandaranaike v. Weeraratne and Two Others anything. They can only make Accordingly, Bulumulla said that the the pumped storage hydropower plant was the total increase of HIV infections during 1/1978 SLR 412),” the release further read. recommendations. Targeted UN sanctions companies are ready to pay the minimum not designed to support renewable energy but this period. In 2019, 54 (12%) of new HIV MP M.A. Sumanthiran PC, who had also against Sri Lanka are unlikely, but then, wage of Rs. 1,000 from February for all rather for coal power as the off-peak load was infections were in this age group, and 89% of been named a respondent to complaints individual countries can make decisions. We estate workers. low. The 2018 generation plan along with the them were males, Dr. Jayakody further said. that had been lodged with the PCoI, when have to wait and see how they are taking In December 2020, Minister de Silva JICA study did not support renewable energy According to Dr. Jayakody, Sri Lanka sees contacted by The Sunday Morning in this this. Right now, Sri Lanka has a geostrategic instructed the relevant authorities to take the although the CEB has mentioned renewable less sexually risky behaviour among females regard, said that since the PCoI’s report had importance, so I don’t think that these final decision on increasing the minimum energy. when compared to males. no foundation at all, it was not something that countries will want to stay away from Sri daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,000, as Speaking to The Sunday Morning, energy To prevent the transmission of this had any standing. Lanka. On the contrary, they would want to per the 2021 Budget proposal, within a week expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawe alleged that infection among youths, it is important to “Summons had been issued to me for not keep engaging with Sri Lanka. If they want after considering the submissions made by the CEB has misled the Cabinet by stating follow steps like delaying sexual intercourse appearing before the PCoI on a particular that, travel bans and assets freezes are not the both parties during discussions with the estate the renewable energy requirement at the until marriage, limiting sexual intercourse day. best thing to do,” he said. workers’ leaders and Employers’ Federation beginning. to one faithful partner, and using a condom “Further, I applied for the relevant PCoI representatives regarding the increase in “The JICA study has nothing to do with correctly and consistently when having sex, proceedings, but did not receive such. Also, wages. However, the PAC had stressed that renewable energy. It was connected to coal she further explained. I have been implicated in a complaint by Govt. to... the planters would not meet the Minister on and gas power. Even in the CEB generation Blood tests to detect HIV are performed Batticaloa District Thamil Makkal Viduthalai In a letter written by the Ministry of the previously set date, and would instead plans, the pumped storage was never free of charge while maintaining Pulikal MP Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan Highways and addressed to the responsive seek a meeting early next month. designed to support renewable energy. There confidentiality at STI clinics throughout the alias , when it was the Attorney bidders on its intention to award the contract At a previous meeting held with the is a question as to why this pumped storage country, Dr. Jayakody said. These tests can General who indicted him. I have no to construct the Ruwanpura Expressway PAC, the Minister was firm about the plan came up now,” he stressed. now detect the infection at an early stage, and knowledge of such.” Phase I from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya, it Government’s decision that the minimum Meanwhile, when contacted by The it is possible for people living with HIV to He further said that he will take whatever stated that the Standing Cabinet-Appointed wage for plantation workers should be Rs. Sunday Morning, Ministry of Power receive antiviral drugs and lead a normal life. action necessary as advised by his lawyers. Procurement Committee (SCAPC) has 1,000, and that it could not be changed Spokesman and Director – Development Young people are also provided with recommended the awarding of the four under any circumstances. He had warned the Sulakshana Jayawardena said that the CEB risk reduction counselling and behavioural contract packages to the substantially companies that if any of them were unable has decided to conduct a feasibility study to change counselling to maintain their Politically... responsive bidders, namely SD CC SEC to pay the minimum wage of Rs. 1,000, they identify a proper location for the pumped positive behaviours, said Dr. Jayakody. “Today, there is not much talk about the JV, Maga Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd., KDAW- were to hand over the estate company to the storage hydropower plant with the support of war that took place nearly 12 years ago, but NEM-E and C JV, and Access Engineering Government. the ADB. talk that is focused on last year. We feel that PLC, including contingencies and provisional Meanwhile, Cabinet approval has also been “The total amount allocated for the entire Imran Khan... this is a clear infringement on the domestic sums and excluding value-added tax (VAT), granted to increase the daily wages of estate feasibility study is Rs. 500 million,” he said. Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath internal matters of a sovereign country. So, for the construction of packages from one sector employees up to Rs. 1,000, across – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Colombage told The Sunday Morning that we are opposing that, and we would like to to four at a cost of around Rs. 17 billion, Rs. wages control boards, so that the relevant the visit has now been confirmed for 23 see like-minded countries opposing such 12 billion, Rs. 19 billion, and Rs. 20 billion, Budget proposal could be implemented. February. moves coming from international bodies,” he respectively. The estate sector employees are eligible Further... Premier Khan is expected to arrive and said. As calculated by The Sunday Morning, for a daily wage/remuneration of Rs. 750, “The PCoI which probed into political stay in the country for one or two days under The 46th session of the UN Human the total amount of the present plan finalised including a fixed price allowance of Rs. 50, victimisation has suggested the establishment a biosafety bubble. Rights Council (UNHRC) is to take place by the SCAPC, excluding VAT, is around and another allowance named “over a kilo of a special PCoI to take necessary action The main focus of the visit is to enhance from 22 February to 23 March in Geneva, Rs. 68 billion. But if the construction of all rate” if the fixed weight of a kilo exceeds against individuals who violated the bilateral relations, it is learnt. Switzerland. four sections could be handed over to Maga productivity. Constitution in their role in establishing the Prof. Colombage said the two nations have When questioned as to what other Engineering, which is the lowest bidder at Although several rounds of discussions Anti-Corruption Committee and the Anti- maintained high-level bilateral relations and strategies the country would adopt at the a cost of Rs. 12 billion, the Government were held with the parties who signed the Corruption Secretariat which functioned noted that Pakistan has been a great friend to UNHRC session, Prof. Colombage said that could have constructed the entire Phase I estate employee salaries collective agreement under the United National Front (UNF)-led Sri Lanka by supporting the country during the Core Group on Sri Lanka has indicated of the Ruwanpura Expressway at a cost of for 2019-2021, the Ceylon Employers’ Government and for them to face an inquiry,” most difficult times. that they are willing to accept a consensual around Rs. 48 billion. Therefore, as a result Association representing the estate owners’ Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Ramesh “We would wish to see bilateral relations, resolution. of adhering to the tender conditions, the association, which is one party of the Pathirana told The Sunday Morning. especially concerning trade, grow between “We have indicated that a consensual Government is about to lose around Rs. 20 collective agreement, has proposed to Former Prime Minister Ranil the two countries. This will be a significant resolution will be politically challenging. To billion. increase the daily wage up to Rs. 920. Wickremesinghe; former parliamentarians visit,” he said. agree to it or make any decision, we need to However, when queried as to whether there Considering this fact, the Cabinet , Malik When queried about the specifics of the see the text of what they are proposing. Now were any negotiations being conducted in this approved the resolution furnished by the Samarawickrama, and Dr. Jayampathy visit, Prof. Colombage said that Premier they have sent us a text. We have to study regard, Road Development Authority (RDA) Minister of Labour for taking necessary Wickramaratne PC; MPs Patali Champika Khan would likely spend a day or two in each line in order to make a decision. But Director General D.M. Dayaratne told The steps to increase the employee wages of Ranawaka, , Field Marshal Sri Lanka and meet President Gotabaya we haven’t had any time to study any core Sunday Morning that the selected companies the estate sector up to Rs. 1,000 across , R. Sampanthan, M.A. Rajapaksa and Khan’s counterpart, Prime group suggestions in detail, because we were would be submitted to Cabinet, and only wages control boards, so that the 2021 Sumanthiran PC, and Anura Kumara Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. focusing on responding to the UNHCHR,” once Cabinet approval has been granted will Budget proposal could be implemented, the Dissanayake; as well as others including – Lahiru Pothmulla he said. the tenders be awarded. According to him, Government said. the sunday morning 3 Sunday, January 31, 2021 SPOTLIGHT z SLIIT denies those values had not been brought to 15 November 2016, but that the to account. Furthermore, the Trust Fund had not informed the allegations; instalment receivable to the fund, contractor in writing. from 8 February 2016 to the date Moreover, the agreement should functioning of terminating the agreement, 15 have been terminated within a as guarantee September 2016, amounted to Rs. period of 14 days from that date, 298,913,043. on 17 August 2015, though the company The Online Lottery had been agreement had in reality been reintroduced on 30 July 2013 terminated only on 15 September on the approval of the Cabinet 2016. As such, a private company z Online (Number 13/0773/540/008 dated had been allowed to earn excessive 13 June 2013) with the objective profits for a period of over one lottery scam; of raising necessary funds for the year by using the concept of COPE probes accomplishment of the objectives “Mahapola”, it is revealed. of the fund in terms of Section irregularities 6(2)(d) of the Mahapola Higher Special probe by COPE Education Scholarship Trust Fund Meanwhile, the Committee Act, No. 66 of 1981. on Public Enterprises (COPE) z MTF to In terms of Section 7.1(b) also conducted a special probe facilitate setting of the contract agreement, the recently, and COPE Chairman contractor should pay the premium Prof. instructed up foreign to the Trust Fund on or before the Secretary to the Ministry of the first date of the quarter. In Trade J.M. Bhadrani Jayawardena universities in the event of failing to do so, the to inform the Attorney General of SL contractor should be informed in the losses and irregularities, and that connection in writing within a to lodge a complaint in this regard period of 90 days. with the Criminal Investigation BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA MAHAPOLA TRUST FUND CONTROVERSY However, it is revealed in the Department (CID). Breaking its prolonged report that the payments had been The COPE investigation, silence, the Mahapola Trust defaulted from 31 January 2015 up conducted at the Parliamentary Fund (MTF) last week urged Complex last week, was attended by State Ministers Susil the Presidential Secretariat Premajayantha and Dr. Nalaka to take immediate legal LEGAL ACTION Godahewa, and MPs Eran action against the Sri Lanka Wickramaratne, Institute of Information Jayamaha, Premnath C. Dolawatta, Technology (SLIIT), based and S.M. Marikkar. on the final report of the The Committee also inquiry conducted by the recommended a proper study on Presidential Commission the irregularities with regard to into allegations of the National Wealth Corporation fraudulent transactions and the National Wealth Securities Corporation, under the Mahapola several years ago. URGED Trust Fund, and ordered that the Even though the probe was heads of the said institutions be conducted in 2018 by the summoned before the COPE Presidential Commission on forthwith. Corruption, the MTF has neither AGAINST SLIIT We paid the agreed amount The officials who attended the received a copy of the final report, investment made by the fund so as establish the institution, which is taken action in accordance with of Rs. 408 million to investigation told the Committee nor has it been directed by the to earn profits and to maximise the now functioning well under the the terms and conditions of the Mahapola and took the total that the Cabinet had approved the Presidential Secretariat to take benefits enjoyed by the students. guarantee company, which is not agreement entered into between administration under the liquidation of those institutions, necessary legal action to recover “This is daylight robbery, as for profit. the Trust Fund and the institution guarantee company. But the as they were running at a loss. the massive losses incurred by the SLIIT has violated the very basis The institution was initiated with maintaining the lottery in 2013 to land and the buildings still Commenting on this, Prof. Herath Trust Fund, which presently has a of the establishment. We are the its own money, and only after it recover the instalment of Rs. 375 belong to MTF, as SLIIT had said that although it would not net worth of Rs. 12 billion. sole investor of SLIIT, but it has had been functioning for about a million receivable for the period to renew its agreement with be a problem to liquidate after The Mahapola Higher Education now severed the relationship with year did the MTF agree to give from 5 May 2015 to 7 February the fund, and went for a lease punishing the culprits, it would Scholarship Fund was initiated the fund in a fraudulent manner by a sum of Rs. 373 million and a 2016, along with the penalty agreement on property not be appropriate to liquidate with the objective of facilitating the signing new agreements during the 25-acre land in Malabe, he said. for the delay, amounting to Rs. SLIIT President/CEO those institutions without a proper higher educational requirements of previous Government,” he added. “In 2000, we came to an 14,564,000, from the institution Prof. Lalith Gamage investigation into the frauds. students with financial difficulties. When asked why the MTF has agreement with MTF, and maintaining the lottery, and that Contd. on page 10 This fund, which was initiated not taken any legal action as yet, according to that agreement, about 35 years ago, is controlled by Banadara stressed that the fund they lease the land to SLIIT on a board of trustees. had no intention to jeopardise a 60-year lease. According to However, the fund had been the smooth functioning of SLIIT, that, SLIIT had to pay either Rs. subjected to criticism over the as it also helps a section of 8 million, or 20% of its profits improper management of the students in their higher education. to Mahapola. Also, SLIIT has to investment of its monies, as well Furthermore, the fund did not want have four members from MTF on as over allowing the ownership of to spend millions of rupees on its board, including the Secretary the Mahapola Campus in Malabe, litigation. and the Chief Accountant,” Prof. initiated under the trusteeship of Gamage explained. the fund, to fall out of the hands of Even though the initial the fund by the board of trustees, agreement was to appoint a during the said period. Secretary and a Chief Accountant, A unique situation has arisen several ministers who were in over the management of the charge of this did not understand SLIIT in Malabe, after the Higher the concept, and as a result, Education Minister vowed that it he stressed, they appointed would be taken back under control non-qualified people. Political of the Government, cancelling its interference and changes legal transfer in 2015. only delayed the institution’s The controversy was heightened development. after then-Minister of Higher However, in 2015, SLIIT’s Education and Cultural Affairs management opposed the Dr. Wijedasa Rajapakshe sought appointment of members who did Cabinet approval to appoint This is daylight robbery, as not meet the minimum standards a board of trustees for SLIIT, SLIIT has violated the very of the institution, and as a result, changing its current administrative basis of the establishment. We then-Minister of Trade Gamini structure, which comprised seven are the sole investor of SLIIT, Jayawickreme Perera decided to non-governmental officials who are but it has now severed the end the agreement by asking SLIIT experts in their respective fields. relationship with the fund in a to pay the amount it had been However, the former Minister’s fraudulent manner by signing given by the fund. decision was subjected to much new agreements during the “We paid the agreed amount of criticism, as SLIIT had severed its previous Government Rs. 408 million to Mahapola and link with MTF in 2015, by paying took the total administration under Mahapola Trust Fund Director a total of Rs. 408 million and Parakrama Bandara the guarantee company. But the forming a “fresh” lease agreement land and the buildings still belong on the property. to MTF, as SLIIT had to renew its Accordingly, SLIIT will be “There is a final report of the agreement with the fund, and went paying around Rs. 20 million Presidential Commission, and for a lease agreement on property,” per month to the fund. The MTF it must lay down the necessary he said. has provided a 25-acre land in steps taken by the Government. Malabe and Rs. 373 million for the Therefore, we are waiting till Lottery scam construction of its first building in the Presidential Secretariat takes In addition to the SLIIT issue, 2000. necessary actions,” he stressed. massive financial losses amounting Accordingly, the Cabinet paper In a recent special audit report by to millions of rupees in the proposed the appointment of a the Auditor General’s Department Mahapola Online Lottery Scheme board of trustees – composed of on the management of investments have been revealed. two higher officials, each from of the Mahapola Higher Education The total losses incurred as a the Presidential Secretariat and Scholarship Trust Fund, it is result of financial irregularities the Prime Minister’s Office; the revealed that irrespective of an and the mismanagement of the Secretaries to the Higher Education outstanding lease rent of Rs. fund is said to be Rs. 673 million. Ministry and Education Ministry; 98,642,356, recoverable up to 12 The report stated that the Trust and about five other members with May 2015, the Trust Fund had Fund had been deprived of the knowledge on university affairs – entered into a new agreement with said amount due to the selection to take over SLIIT and operate it the company on 12 May 2015, and of an institution to maintain the under an administrative board. as such, the recoverable lease rent online lottery by deviating from the Nevertheless, SLIIT was had been limited to Rs. 20 million procurement procedure. unhappy with Dr. Rajapakshe’s per annum. Accordingly, the lease The investigations however decision, as they claimed that they rent receivable to the Trust Fund concluded that the procurement had paid a sum of Rs. 408 million had decreased by Rs. 120.99 committee that selected the for the fund to ensure no political million from the second half of institution for maintaining appointments would be made to 2015 up to 31 December 2017. the lottery and the evaluation SLIIT. committee, as well as the Speaking to The Sunday SLIIT denies allegations institution that maintained the Morning, MTF Director Parakrama SLIIT President/CEO Prof. lottery should be held accountable Bandara stressed that the sole Lalith Gamage stressed that none for the losses. intention of the fund is to help of the state-owned or private It is further stated in the report poor students, and SLIIT was an companies supported him to that the Trust Fund had not 4 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 ROUND-UP MR back at Abhayarama The Abhayarama Temple in Narahenpita was one Not me, says sunny time a hive of activity as the headquarters of Prime Prasanna side up Minister (PM) Mahinda by abilis Rajapaksa’s political work The controversy after relinquishing the post surrounding the of President in 2015. East Container Terminal (ECT) at The temple’s Chief Incumbent the Port Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, has caused quite at the time, played a key role in supporting Rajapaksa as well as a rift between members of the getting the nationalist forces back Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa extending offerings to Abhayarama Perks to on one platform. Temple Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera on his 78th Government and However, with the Government’s birthday last week (26) a section of the announcement of the East Container have openly made statements against week, created the opportunity for Buddhist clergy that State Minister for Pottery Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and PM Rajapaksa and the Thera to try has continuously being assigned for a joint venture the Government over the ECT and mend their differences. pushed the several groups at the event. placate? with India, the nationalist forces led project. Rajapaksa had arrived at the During one such nationalist agenda by a section of the Buddhist clergy This resulted in the one-time temple to wish the Thera and the two in the country. discussion, State Minister Following a practice 2. Minister Prasanna have opposed the move and have governing party allies distancing had engaged in a lengthy discussion for Pottery Prasanna that had been Ranatunga’s daughter sided with the port trade unions to themselves from the Government of about one-and-a-half hours. Several of these Ranaweera had seen Ven. witnessed during Pavitra Ranatunga, block the venture. including its leaders. The Prime After the discussion with the Buddhist monks last Gunawansa Thera standing the previous who resides in Adelaide Ven. Ananda Thera, along with Minister and one-time confidante, PM, the Thera, in his speech, had week attended the aside and watching the governments, Australia, has been several other members of the Ven. Ananda Thera became distant. commended Rajapaksa for his religious observances conversation among the incumbent appointed Third Secretary Buddhist clergy, have made public However, the 78th birthday of services to the country during his held to mark the birthday several government Government has also to the Sri Lankan Consulate their objections to the move and Ven. Ananda Thera, that fell last tenure as President. of their colleague Ven. members. taken steps to make in Sydney. Muruththettuwe Ananda Ranaweera had political appointments 3. Minister Dr. Bandula Thera at the Abhayarama immediately made his way to Sri Lankan missions Gunawardana’s daughter Temple in Colombo 5. towards Ven. Gunawansa Randula Gunawardana is Towards the port One of the leading Thera and said: “I’m not overseas. scheduled to leave for New After the conclusion of move towards the temple gate, monks in the nationalist supportive of the whole The string of new York as Third Secretary to the religious observances the Prime Minister had seen force, Ven. Elle ECT issue. I have always appointments has created a the Permanent Mission of and the alms giving at the his one-time ally, Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera had been against the handing stir in the country’s Foreign Sri Lanka to the United Abhayarama Temple, it Gunawansa Thera, standing also attended the function. over of the terminal to a Service since it is the batch Nations. was time for the invitees waiting for his vehicle. Several government foreign party. I have also Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera heads that are first appointed 4. State Minister Duminda and well-wishers to Rajapaksa had put down the ministers including made public statements to key overseas missions. Dissanayake’s brother depart. shutter and inquired from the Thera a smile to the Prime Minister’s Prime Minister Mahinda about my stance.” However, the appointment Amila E. Dissanayake why he was waiting and if he had face. The two had then shared a Rajapaksa had attended Seeing Ranaweera’s of individuals due to political has been appointed Third Prime Minister Mahinda transport back to the temple. Ven. good laugh and Rajapaksa had the event. predicament, the Thera had affiliations to key overseas Secretary to the Sri Lankan Rajapaksa, after greeting everyone Gunawansa Thera had said: “I’m made his way out of Abhayarama The issues over the ECT smiled and said, “I know,” missions has been criticised Embassy in Paris. at the venue, had made his way to waiting to go towards Galle Face, after Ven. Gunawansa Thera had and its proposed joint before making his way by many career diplomats. 5. President’s Media Director his vehicle to leave the temple. actually towards the Port.” said his vehicle was on its way venture were also taken towards the other clergy Following is a list of new Mohan Samaranayake’s When the vehicle started to The Thera’s words had brought to pick him. up for discussion among at the event. appointments to Sri Lankan daughter Subashini missions overseas: Samaranayake has been 1. appointed Third Secretary (SJB) MP Tissa to the Sri Lankan Embassy Attanayake’s daughter in Vienna. Dulmini Indrachapa 6. Former Navy Chief and New match Attanayake has been Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Kick out or appointed as the Third Australia Admiral Thisara Secretary to the High Samarasinghe’s daughter monitor Commission of Sri Lanka Thulasi Samarasinghe in Canberra, Australia. has been posted as Third A monitor lizard kick up? Dulmini is reportedly Secretary to the Sri Lankan in Galle made residing in Melbourne, High Commission in its way to the Several officials has now called for its Australia at present. Singapore. International of Sri Lanka complete overhaul. Cricket Council Customs are It is learnt that two (ICC) Twitter tipped to take Customs officials, Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thera visiting handle when up positions who are facing some the Darampanawa Reserve in the Lahugala area it made an in the Treasury serious allegations, Only three unexpected following strict are to receive the To the jungles appearance at the Galle International directives President Gotabaya patronage of a VIP Rajapaksa of the Government. Cricket Stadium when the second issued by Therefore, we go… hours to cure test match between Sri Lanka and President Gotabaya instead of being kicked out Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara England was on the way. Rajapaksa recently. Health Minister for involvement in alleged Thera of the Bodhu Bala Sena Pavithra irregularities, these officials (BBS) fame, last week, decided Wanniarachchi has “The ICC is reviewing reports that Sri Lanka The President recently are to be appointed to the to take up the issue of illegal used an extra fielder against England and Galle slammed the Customs Treasury under the guise of taken much flak deforestation that is taking for consuming a today. The situation will be ‘monitored’,” the Department and its officials being granted a promotion, ICC had tweeted. over various irregularities and it is reliably learnt. place in some parts of the concoction created by country. Dhammika Bandara The Thera had visited the Darampanawa to cure Covid-19, Reserve in the Lahugala area, which especially after she is under the purview of the Forest tested positive for it. Department. However, Bandara has Blessings After touring the area, Ven. Gnanasara once again come forward Thera had alleged that there have been in defence of his tonic, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley made roads cut in the reserve and lands being claiming that if he is given his way to the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo 2 before allocated through forged deeds with the the opportunity to meet the Dhammika Bandara travelling to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on knowledge of the relevant urban council Minister, he would cure her Thursday (28) to accept and hand over the 500,000 Covishield and pradeshiya sabha. He has added that within three hours. had contracted Covid- vaccines made in India to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. archaeological sites have also been affected He had claimed in a social 19 since she had failed to as a result. media post that he would follow several compulsory Since it was a Duruthu full moon for the health and wellbeing of the The Thera had also questioned cure her within three hours guidelines given by him, Poya day, Bagley decided to visit the people of Sri Lanka and also sought the Wildlife Department and Forest with the divine intervention which include abstinence, temple, engage in religious activities, the blessings of Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Department on the action being taken so of Goddess Kali. being vegetarian during the and offer alms to the Buddhist clergy Thera. As per the Buddhist traditions far to prevent the illegal clearing of forest Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka A few days prior to this period the tonic is being Gopal Bagley seeking the blessings of Ven. before the presentation of the vaccine. in India and Sri Lanka, the High lands in the Lahugala Reserve area. post, Bandara had claimed taken, refraining from Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera at the Gangaramaya The High Commissioner, it is learnt, Commissioner had offered meals to The BBS and Gnanasara Thera at one that the Health Minister consuming alcohol, etc. Temple had prayed at the Gangaramaya Temple devotees at the Temple. time made headlines for inciting racial hatred. Family connections No place for Disgruntled A senior cabinet minister of The appointment of Jerome Jayaratne as the new Manager SLC and his appointment as the Team the Government has recently Manager is an interim measure, SLC of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team became a hot topic last week, women expressed his displeasure at the had said. especially due to his relationship to Sports Minister Namal The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), manner in which the State is Rajapaksa. A career coach, Jayaratne previously held the position of Chief led by Opposition Leader Sajith carrying out its affairs. Jayaratne is the father of Tatiana, tour of the West Indies in February. Operations Officer at the SLC and Premadasa, held its first official Addressing a meeting with Sri Lanka who is married to Prime Minster However, responding to had multiple stints as the national Working Committee (WC) meeting Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) electoral Mahinda Rajapaksa’s youngest the comments related to team’s Assistant Coach and had also last Tuesday (26). organisers in his constituency, the powerful son Rohitha Rajapaksa. Jayaratne’s appointment, served as an Advisor to the national minister had said that apart from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Sports Minister Rajapaksa cricket team. While there are around 30 members in the ordinary citizens, he too was disgruntled announced Jayaratne’s had said that his Jayaratne has coached his alma WC, only four slots have been occupied by at present. appointment as the new (Jayaratne’s) involvement mater, S. Thomas’ College in 1997, women. A notable absentee in the list was former “No one has the right to say not to criticise Manager of the team following in cricket dated long before and has played for the Sri Lanka A MP who actively the Government. People are faced with the resignation of Ashantha he became a member of team as an all-rounder in the late engaged in SJB political work since its problems. People therefore have the right de Mel at the end of the the family. 80s and early 90s and represented formation last year. However, Premachandra to criticise the Government,” the Minister England tour. Jayaratne currently the CCC Sports Club. was defeated at the last general election. had said. According to the Minister, the cost Jayaratne will functions as the He had also served as the Head Nevertheless, former MP Ajith P. Perera, of living has skyrocketed, causing immense now be the Chief Cricket Coach of the national cricket team who was also defeated at the last general difficulties to the public and the situation SJB Leader Sajith Manager for New Sri Lanka Cricket Team Operations when was the election, was appointed as the Chief has resulted in government ministers being Manager Jerome Jayaratne Premadasa Sri Lanka’s Officer of the Minister of Sports. Executive of the SJB. unable to even have a good night’s sleep. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Sunday, January 31, 2021 Page 5 6 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 SPOTLIGHT

SAITM IN MALABE the new sunset and sunrise institutions participation of the Association of under the guidance of the government that Medical Specialists, SLMA, Government will take over ownership and management Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), of SAITM’s assets, liabilities, staff, and Federation of Faculty Medical Teachers’ students. Subject to the approval of the Association, Government Medical Attorney General’s (AG) Department, Students’ Parents’ Association, and the MoU will be converted into a legal SAITM Medical Students’ Parents’ agreement. Association, who participated as Controversy According to the communiqué, this observers. solution resolves all concerns raised by In July 2017, a MoU was signed before various groups, including: then President 1. SAITM does not meet Sri Lanka’s high between Secretary to the Ministry of standards for medical education Health Janaka Sugathadasa representing 2. SAITM’s profit motive will pervert the the Government and Dr. goal of creating good doctors Teaching Hospital Founder Dr. Neville 3. The Sri Lanka Medical Council Fernando at the hospital premises. continues (SLMC), which establishes and Under the agreement, the Dr. Neville maintains national standards for Fernando Teaching Hospital was to be the medical profession, proposed a administered independently by a board of thorough set of minimum standards for directors and functioned as a government medical education and training that was teaching hospital from 1 August 2017. accepted by the Cabinet with minor amendments on 13 December 2017. This filled a major void in ensuring high standards of medical education a. Medical education and training of the “sunset” institution will be approved by the SLMC in accordance with the minimum standards. The SLMC will specify further measures (clinical training and assessment in state hospitals) necessary for students who have received degrees from SAITM to meet these standards and thereby gain provisional registration b. The SLMC will grant fresh approval for the “sunrise” institution upon its meeting minimum standards, through an institutional review and site visits as per their mandate and standard practice for this purpose We can save billions in foreign 4. The “sunset” and “sunrise” institutions exchange and also open up the will not operate for profit. The “sunrise” country’s education sector to other The SAITM institution will be a company limited countries...If a correct decision is building in by guarantee that charges fees, but taken today, we can stop students Malabe reinvests any excess income over going abroad tomorrow expenditure in the institution, including UGC Chairman senior in the provision of scholarships based Prof. Sampath Amaratunge BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA via the transferral of all SAITM’s assets, on financial need. SLIIT is an ideal liabilities, staff, and students to a non- partner in this effort, with two decades A recent advertisement to sell the controversial private university state, not-for-profit degree-awarding of experience in providing high-quality, Addressing the occasion, then Minister building of the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) entity that complies with the minimum not-for-profit higher education of Health Dr. said in Malabe has raised many eyebrows, as questions remain unanswered standards on medical education and Thus, this practical and equitable that Dr. Fernando has “willingly agreed regarding the management of the property. training. solution recognises, addresses, and to hand over the hospital without any According to the Department of resolves the concerns expressed against resistance”, adding that such a large local Many believe the property has been auditorium that can accommodate 600 Government Information, the legal SAITM, and is fully compliant with the investment benefitting the state sector handed over to the Government and is attendees (sic).” process to carry this out requires the communiqué issued by the then President should be commended. He also declared being managed as a semi-government It is also reported that the management creation of two separate entities, both in on 29 October 2017. that all profession-related issues regarding institution, and the private hospital of the institution is reportedly hoping to compliance with the minimum standards: Additionally, the Dr. Neville Fernando the hospital and SAITM have now been attached to the university that was mired construct a hospital in another location after Teaching Hospital will be transferred to resolved, while only the politically yy A new not-for-profit “sunset” institution in controversy is also a fully government- selling the building along with the land. the Ministry of Health, allowing the state motivated issues of various parties remain. that will absorb all students who were owned hospital controlled by Treasury Reportedly, the SAITM management medical sector to gain a Rs. 3.2 billion However, under the agreement, Dr. in SAITM’s medical programme, funds just as other state hospitals. had been planning to sell its assets to worth of assets at no cost. Fernando has not only handed over the as well as its assets and liabilities, at Yet, the ownership of the two settle the institute’s loans. The solution has the unanimous hospital to the government, but has also which point SAITM will be abolished. institutions is still unclear. In January 2018, in a letter issued by approval of the nine-member committee, agreed to pay off the loans obtained to The sunset institution will conclude As appeared in a daily local English then Director General of Government which was chaired by then Deputy build the hospital. According to him, he operations when the last current batches newspaper recently, an advertisement Information Sudarshana Gunawardana, Minister of National Policies and will continue to repay the remainder of of students graduate. No new students has been posted by the management it was stated that the nine-member Economic Affairs Dr. and Rs. 2 billion to Bank of Ceylon. will be admitted to this entity. of SAITM on a website under the committee appointed by the then includes the secretaries to the Ministries In May 2019, the then Secretary to commercial property section on 13 President was tasked with implementing yy A new not-for-profit “sunrise” of Health, Higher Education, and the Ministry of Health appeared before January to sell its building and the land the steps outlined in the presidential institution that will start accepting new Highways; SLMC President; University the Presidential Commission of Inquiry for a value of Rs. 3.5 billion. communiqué dated 29 October 2017, students from 2019. Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman; (PCoI) probing fraud and corruption over The advertisement read: “3 acre; 1 which provided the following solution to On 30 December 2017, the Government Vice Chancellors of the Universities of the past four years at state institutions root; 38 perches land in Malabe ideal this crisis: The abolition of SAITM in a signed a Memorandum of Understanding Colombo and Sri Jayewardenepura; and over a complaint that claimed public for university or international school. manner legally acceptable to the current (MoU) with SAITM and the Sri Lanka Medical Faculty Deans of the Universities funds were used to maintain the Dr. Two complete, five-story buildings shareholders, lending institutions, and the Institute of Information Technology of Colombo and Kelaniya. Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital in the with one incomplete building with new entity interested in taking over all (SLIIT). According to the MoU, with the This committee met thrice to debate absence of a legal takeover. elevator facilities to the top floor and an operations and management of SAITM, abolition of SAITM, SLIIT will establish and improve this solution with the Contd. on page 10

BY SARAH HANNAN UDA LAND ACQUISITION The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has hit a roadblock in initiating the development work they had planned out for the 2.5-acre land Colombo Uni blocks move located at Muttiah Road which z Proposed land by UDA refused The land, which currently houses a houses the hostel for women and women’s hostel, was acquired by the differently abled students from the bodies had been consulted, and nor university in 1995 after the removal University of Colombo (UoC). had they been offered an alternative of the then Ceylon Salt Corporation. Although in November last year, facility where the student could be The hostel has a capacity to the UDA announced the planned relocated at the time. house 550 students and also has acquisition of the land, the Arts Speaking to The Sunday facilities for differently abled Faculty Teachers’ Association of Morning, AFTA President and students, and is the ideal place the Colombo University (AFTA) UoC Faculty of Arts senior lecturer to house these students due to its had protested the move and even Thiyagaraja Waradas said: “The close proximity to the university. written to Prime Minister Mahinda UDA cannot proceed with their Although UoC was also looking Rajapaksa on 5 November to plans at the moment, since the into the possibilities of taking legal intervene and halt the move. Ministry of Education and the action against the land acquisition While the AFTA did not receive University Grants Commission by the UDA in November 2020, no any response to the request they (UGC) are waiting on the UDA to such move has been initiated yet. made, The Sunday Morning learnt propose a workable and acceptable The UDA cannot proceed The University of Colombo hostel on Muttiah Road that the hostel still stands at the with their plans at the solution over the relocation.” Muttiah Road premises. moment, since the Ministry of The AFTA is of the view that which has been taken without endangers their safety amidst UDA Director General N.P.K. Education and the University the hostel is at present located providing another hostel facility at the pandemic, which makes Ranaweera, when contacted to Grants Commission (UGC) in a convenient location and has a time when the on-site functions of finding alternative housing nearly inquire the progress of acquiring are waiting on the UDA the capacity to accommodate a the university are on hold due to the impossible,” the letter further the land in question, stated: “We to propose a workable and large number of students. Since Covid-19 pandemic.” read. have suggested several properties acceptable solution over the the hostel is occupied by many The letter further explained In November 2020, the UDA for the University of Colombo relocation undergraduates who follow that UoC currently does not have Director General told The Sunday to relocate their hostel premises UoC AFTA President and senior curricular in the Faculty of Arts, it adequate hostel facilities and is in Morning that even though the that is currently occupying the lecturer Thiyagaraja Waradas is ideal for the resident students. the process of enhancing its hostel university opposed the decision, land in Muttiah Road. We are The Association is also of the facilities. the land would be acquired and We have suggested several waiting for the university to vacate view that the hostel had even “In light of the Government’s a new hostel complex would be properties for the University the premises to commence the 550 female students including been renovated in recent times to plans to increase the annual intake built for the university in a separate of Colombo to relocate their development work.” differently abled students, a majority provide access to the differently of students to all state universities, location. hostel premises that is currently It is further learnt that the UDA of whom are from the Faculty of abled students residing at the hostel this action that will result in On 11 November 2020, the UDA occupying the land in Muttiah had suggested that the hostel could Arts. The hostel is one of eight premises. curtailing the limited resources told The Sunday Morning that the Road. We are waiting for be relocated to a UDA-owned land student hostels allocated for UoC. In their letter to the Prime available to the university decision would not be changed the university to vacate the in Orugodawatta. However, UoC The AFTA also raised concerns Minister, the AFTA wrote: “As a seems counterintuitive. Any and the land would be acquired premises to commence the officials had refused to accept the indicating that the decision of union concerned with ensuring move to seize the said property by the authority for development development work offer. acquiring the land by the UDA access to education and safeguarding immediately not only deprives purposes, regardless of the UDA Director General At present, the Muttiah Road came as a surprise since neither state education, we have serious the needy students of a chance opposition that was mounting N.P.K. Ranaweera hostel is said to house more than the hostellers nor student and staff concerns regarding this decision to better education, but also against the move. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, January 31, 2021 SPOTLIGHT Choked by eco and cost issues

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA levelled by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Nalin Bandara, who Environmentalists have raised claimed that there is a cloud of uncertainty concerns over the Ceylon Electricity over the tender called for the purchase of Board (CEB)’s plan to expand coal coal for the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant. power generation, as they allege He said that a cabinet paper was put that the country is going to fall into forward on 18 January to purchase 300,000 a coal trap set up by international tonnes of coal for $ 96. At the time, he said: “As of now, several other tenders have been coal dealers. cancelled. Those cancelled tenders have The allegation is that the rich countries been called to purchase a tonne of coal at $ The Lakvijaya Power that are moving away from coal power, 56.” Station in Norochcholai considering the health and environmental As a result, Bandara alleged that Sri disadvantages, are now trying to use Sri Lanka will suffer a total loss of $ 1.7 billion. cost within the same premises. Since most The previous versions of the LTGEP the power plant has not been awarded Lanka as a dumping site by giving away However, responding to MP Bandara’s of the existing infrastructure can be used have identified the commissioning of low- and timely implementation of the power used machinery and pumping unclean coal claim, the Ceylon Coal Company (CCC) has commonly, the fourth unit can be built at cost major power plants. The LTGEP 2013- plant in 2019 is not achievable. Due into the country by influencing certain stated in a media release that as per a policy a lower cost as well. The overhead costs 2032 had identified the commissioning of to the non-implementation of low-cost authorities to use more coal as a cheap fuel decision taken by the Government in 2015, of the proposed extension will also be the 2x250 MW coal power plant in Sampur power plants as planned, high-cost option for the power industry. half of the quantity of coal will be procured minimum, as the same trained staff and by 2018. The Sampur coal power plant, supplementary power needed to be Speaking to The Sunday Morning, on a long-term basis from one tender and the spare parts can be utilised commonly for all which went through the initial gestation procured to overcome shortages as stopgap Environmental Conservation Trust (ECT) remaining quantity will be procured through four units. stage –feasibility studies were finalised, measures. Supplementary power sources Executive Director Sajeewa Chamikara several spot tenders. According to the CEB’s newly drafted EIA (environmental impact assessment) of 56 MW had provided 37.2 GWh for a alleged that the world’s clean coal deposits Accordingly, 1.2 million metric tonnes energy plan, no coal plants were built until conducted, land reservation evaluated, and period of seven months in 2018. The PPA have already been exploited by the rich of coal for the season 2020/2021 will be 2011 due to several environmental and tender procedure initiated – was cancelled (power purchase agreement) of retired IPP countries and that those countries, with the awarded through the main tender awarded social issues, and at present, coal power in 2015. In the LTGEP 2015-2034, a 300 (independent power provider) ACE Power help of international dealers, are trying to on 8 November 2019, and the balance will plants with a total capacity of 900 MW are MW natural gas combined cycle plant was Embilipitiya was extended and it supplied dump that coal in Sri Lanka. be obtained through six spot tenders. in operation in Puttalam, which was built introduced to be commissioned in 2019. 362.84 GWh energy in 2018. “Most of the countries are moving Currently, five spot tenders are in in two stages. Even though coal power was After receiving the PUCSL’s approval Attempts by The Sunday Morning to towards clean energy. The main focus of operation for 2020/2021 and four of them the cheapest after hydropower, the CEB for the LTGEP 2015-2034 in September contact CEB Chairman and the world is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) have been awarded to the lowest bidder. has stated that recently, coal prices too 2016, the tender process was initiated by Minister of Power power plants. Unlike other countries, Only one tender has been cancelled. The have shown an increased volatility. the CEB in November 2016. However, proved futile. the energy authorities in Sri Lanka are reason for its cancellation was that the advocating the Government’s need for Tender Board had rejected the request to more coal power to use as basis for cheap change the coal loading port in violation of power plants,” he stressed. the tender rules. The bidder, therefore, had Explaining further, Chamikara noted that voluntarily withdrawn. attempts to build the Sampur Coal Power Plant were somehow blocked during the SL taking U-turn amidst time of the previous Government, but the opposition authorities have not stopped their attempts Despite vehement opposition from to build more coal power plants. environmentalists and rights activists, Sri Urging the State to scrap all coal power Lanka now seems to be taking a U-turn generation plans, Chamikara said the towards cheap “coal-fired power” with Government should start updating the a number of plant construction projects already existing resources so as to increase suggested in the newly drafted Long-Term their efficiencies. Generation Expansion Plan (LTGEP) 2020- 2039 of the CEB. The new draft plan, which is currently Base-case plan being reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), has (CEB 2020-2039) highlighted the importance of the extension yy 2023 1x300 MW new coal power of the Lakvijaya coal complex in 2023 and plant (change to super critical will 2024 with the development of high-efficient be evaluated) (Lakvijaya Extension coal power plants. Furthermore, two 300 Phase I) MW high-efficient coal power plants are expected to be commissioned in 2025 and yy 2024 1x300 MW new coal power 2028 at Foul Point in Trincomalee. plant (change to super critical will Nevertheless, The Sunday Morning be evaluated) (Lakvijaya Extension learnt that CEB engineers are in favour Phase II) of cheaper coal power, as they claim it is yy 2025 1x300 MW new coal power the cheapest base power the country could plant (change to super critical will have at present. As identified by them, be evaluated) (Lakvijaya Extension the future coal power development is an Phase II or Foul Point Phase I) integral requirement for catering to the power sector demand at lower cost. yy 2028 1x300 MW new coal power According to the CEB’s 2020-2039 plant (change to super critical will be draft generation plan, by 2025, “the firm evaluated) (Foul Point Phase I) capacity share of coal power plants (would yy 2031 1x300 MW new coal power be) at 30% and Natural Gas Power Plants plant (change to super critical will be (would be) at 35%. By 2030, this share will evaluated) (Foul Point Phase II) be 30% from coal and 34% from natural gas”. yy 2033 1x300 MW new coal power The CEB also stressed that in the long plant (change to super critical will be term, it is important to recognise that evaluated) (Foul Point Phase II) coal plant development programmes yy 2037 1x300 MW new coal power will have a favourable influence on the plant (change to super critical will be economy. Neighbouring countries like evaluated) (Foul Point Phase III) India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh y have developed large-scale coal power y 2039 1x300 MW new coal power plants recently to facilitate their economic plant (change to super critical will be development. Timely implementation of evaluated) (Foul Point Phase III) the coal plants identified in Sri Lanka is (Source: CEB) essential and delaying these plants any further will increase the price of electricity and also affect the economic development Not as cheap as before of the country. While environmentalists are stressing Speaking to The Sunday Morning, a about the importance of abandoning existing senior engineer at the CEB said that the plans to build more coal power plants, construction of a new 300 MW unit in energy experts claim that coal is not as Norochcholai would help the environment, cheap as it was before. as it would then be possible to control the Speaking to The Sunday Morning, energy operations of the other three units. expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawe said: “The “During the power crisis a few months cost of coal has risen to over $ 90 free on ago, the CEB couldn’t stop the plant for board (FOB). With freight, insurance, value- repairs and during that time, the plant added tax, and lightering, the total cost of started to release sulphur dioxide and coal received by a plant is $ 120/tonne and nitrogen dioxide. But now, the situation at the current exchange rate, this is Rs. 24 is under control with the increase of the per kilogramme.” hydropower generation,” he stressed. “This makes the cost of coal per unit However, justifying the construction generated Rs. 9.12, and with the diesel cost of new units in the Lakvijaya premises, for the plant added, the fuel cost per unit is the Subject Minister has stated that Rs. 9.90. Adding the other costs of the plant construction of a coal power plant takes (excluding financing) brings the unit cost to at least five to seven years due to time- Rs 14.50. Putting the debt and equity returns consuming tasks such as land acquisition, at the current exchange rate will drive up resettlement and compensation, design, any new coal plant unit cost to around Rs. environmental approval process, other 20,” he stressed. construction approvals, etc. An extension The topic of coal power returned to the to an existing plant can be completed limelight recently following allegations within two to three years with a lower the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

Sri Lanka’s political arena these days is dominated by two topics – the impending United Nations Human UNHRC’s Sword Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions and the controversy over the proposed joint of Damocles venture with India on Government yet undecided on developing the East There was a time when leading proponents of the present regime would Container Terminal (ECT) at go on hunger strikes and speak out vocally against perceived western interference in domestic matters. These chest-beating “patriots” would the Colombo Port. be the first in line to give their unsolicited opinion on matters of “national Both issues have put to the test interest”. Such “patriotism” usually results in placing the Government Sri Lanka’s prowess in diplomacy in an awkward situation, leading to inevitable backtracking. But these as well as relations with the days, with no election on the horizon, the pseudo-patriots seem to have country’s neighbour, India. vanished into thin air, paving the way for what appears to be a tectonic With bits and pieces of the shift in official government policy. advanced copy of the UNHRC consensual resolution at UNHRC In the first instance, the change of stance is difficult to digest coming as High Commissioner’s final draft it is from an administration long known for its obstinacy in compromising on Sri Lanka being publicised in z Govt. sends 20-page response z UK and US to closely review on such controversial issues as amending the Prevention of Terrorism certain sections of the media, the Act (PTA), divestiture of national assets, and giving due recognition to UNHRC last week decided to to UNHR HC’s observations UNHRC report on Sri Lanka concerns raised by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), publicise the report, claiming it has especially with regard to post-war accountability and allegations of human already been leaked in Sri Lanka. rights violations. But, it’s all happening. The Government of Sri Over the last few days, signalling a dramatic shift in policy, the Government Lanka on Wednesday (27) has made known its intentions that it no longer has any qualms in sitting sent its response to the High down with the relevant stakeholders in plotting the way forward be it the Commissioner’s observations. The PTA, UNHRC allegations, or divesting the East Container Terminal (ECT) near 20-page response, it is learnt, of the Colombo Port. The PTA, for starters, has been a controversial piece has been accepted by the High of legislation enacted during the three-decade war with the specific purpose Commissioner’s Office. the of fighting that war on the legal front. The far reaching and expansive The Government has explicitly provisions that form the basis of the legislation have long been described responded to the concerns raised black box as draconian in nature, even encroaching on fundamental rights prescribed in the High Commissioner’s by Capt. Vasabha and guaranteed elsewhere in the Constitution. observations and has noted that These draconian provisions have been the subject of legal debate for the report was full of bias without decades now and its abolition has been on the table ever since the end of correct information and matters now that the co-sponsorship has the war 12 years ago. Human rights defenders, civil society representatives, available not being taken into been withdrawn, Colombage had parliamentarians, among others, have at regular intervals called for the consideration, it is learnt. said that Sri Lanka is looking at abolition of the legislation, pointing out that the only purpose it served It is also learnt that the different options. in the post-war era was to strengthen the hand of the State to control and Government of Sri Lanka has The core group – UK, Canada, stifle dissent. pointed out the actions it has taken Germany, Montenegro, and North Even the previous dovish Yahapalana regime fell for the temptation of thus far jointly with the UN bodies Macedonia – are talking about retaining the controversial Act, being well aware of its many uses; so it and individually as a sovereign a consensual resolution. In this, comes as somewhat of a surprise that the far more hawkish present regime state to address the concerns raised the draft text must be designed, has expressed its willingness to water down the legislation. It can only by the rights body. developed, and finalised by the be speculated that the change of heart may have been brought about by The Core Group on Sri Lanka Core Group and the Government the realisation that the time has come to play ball with the international led by the UK is moving ahead of Sri Lanka. “We are now community, if the country was to escape the doghouse at the upcoming in preparing the resolution to be discussing with the core group in UNHCR sessions in Geneva. presented to the UNHRC on Sri Colombo and Geneva, and we are For more than a decade now, two consecutive governments representing Lanka since the Government is yet trying to see if we can find a way the major political parties have made promises to the human rights to respond on whether it agrees to out. watchdog but failed to live up to them on returning to Colombo. The old a consensual resolution or not. “The core group has given us ruse of appointing commissions to inquire into allegations, most notably It is in this backdrop that certain texts and we are currently accountability for the war disappeared, has now passed its expiry date Foreign Secretary Prof. Jayanath preparing our responsive texts and will no longer hold water with the West. Therefore, the appointment Colombage had stated earlier to that. Basically, it is not as of a new commission to inquire into the reports presented by all previous last week that the Government harsh as 30/1 or the rollover commissions that had been appointed over the years for the very same believed the High Commissioner resolution. What we really want reason is unlikely to serve its purpose. had both factual inconsistencies is to reflect the actual situation in For starters, the latest UN report, published last week in the run up to the and conceptual misinterpretations Sri Lanka – not assumptions or 46th Session of the UNHRC in Geneva, casts a shadow on the Government’s in her report. inaccuracies – and recognise what intentions, pointing out that there is a serious threat to the further erosion this Government has done. As of civil liberties owing to the failure of the State to effectively address soon as we can, we will sit down, past violations already probed and documented. The report that has caused talk, and finalise the details, consternation in Colombo was mandated by the UNHRC Resolution although we are handicapped by 40/1 adopted on 21 March 2019 with regard to promoting reconciliation, the pandemic at the moment,” accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka and will be presented to Colombage had further noted. the Human Rights Council on 24 February. However, it is reliably learnt This blot on Sri Lanka that has stuck on for the past decade is not something that the Sri Lankan Government its people or its government deserves. It is a blot that has contributed to is considering a counter resolution stifling development in the country and has prevented it from achieving its at the Council in response to the United Nations Human Rights Council full economic potential. In fact, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights resolution to be submitted by the Michelle Bachelet has echoed these very same sentiments in her report, Core Group led by the UK. stating that Sri Lanka can achieve lasting peace and sustainable development Sri Lanka is now trying to The Core Group – UK, Tamil Eelam) cadre who was only if it effectively addresses systemic impunity and ensures civic space. muster the support of friendly Canada, Germany, trained to kill him, and that’s The time has come to grab the bull by its horns and put this matter to rest states – China, Russia, and India. Montenegro, and North good. 12,500 LTTE combatants once and for all. It is of paramount importance if the Government is serious “They have said that they will Macedonia – are talking were rehabilitated and were put about its intentions to attract quality foreign investment, develop tourism stand by us and now, it is the time about a consensual back to society. The good news resolution. In this, the draft to its full potential, and restore Sri Lanka’s standing in the international Foreign Secretary for them to do so. We haven’t is that none of them went back to community. As long as the black mark of human rights violations is stuck Prof. Jayanath Colombage started these discussions yet. We text must be designed, violence. to its name, none of these objectives can ever be fully realised, especially are going to talk to and seek the developed, and finalised “The 20th Amendment, the in an era in which the new US administration will most likely be leading “We also feel the UNHRC has support of like-minded leaders by the Core Group and the Prevention of Terrorism Act the charge at the UN agency. not been very fair with Sri Lanka soon. It will be a consensual Government of Sri Lanka (PTA), and senior military A hallmark of the present regime has been its obsessive compulsion to because we are a sovereign, resolution only if it has and had said: “Look at the US – offices in key positions were engage in domestic theatrics, little realising the consequences of its actions independent, democratic country, represents our voice, together with how many people did President all mentioned in the report. We on the international front. Put plainly, this is an era in which optics matter and the current Government has them. If it is only their voice, it is (Donald) Trump pardon? That is believe that the argument of more than ever. The thin line that used to distinguish between local and been mandated by the people politically challenging for us.” the prerogative of the president. militarisation is not right. In foreign audiences no longer exists in a digitised world. Both action and of this country through the Referring to one of the The presidential pardon of many countries, retired generals non-action have consequences that could end up being self-defeatist. A democratic vote,” the Foreign issues raised in the High Sergeant Ratnayake was only one serve the government – what is case in point is the spate of appointments of retired military personnel to Secretary told The Morning. Commissioner’s report, the such case. (Former) President wrong with that? The government key positions in the civilian administration apparatus. Despite having the As for the options the pardon of Sergeant (Sunil) Maithri(pala) Sirisena pardoned has invested in their training, best of intentions to instil discipline in the state sector, it sends the wrong Government is considering, Ratnayake, the Foreign Secretary an LTTE (Liberation Tigers of exposure, and experience, so signals in the wrong directions. the government may as well use The continued persecution of police personnel actively involved in them when they are retired. The probing various incidents has been frowned upon by the UN body, which previous Government discussed in fact goes on to cite former CID Director Shani Abeysekera as a case a counterterrorism act, but in point, where it alleges that the administration has directly attempted to their own Parliamentary Select halt ongoing investigations. The report also goes on to cast aspersions on Committee, after four years of interference in the country’s criminal justice system, all of which points discussion, said it was not good to an impending storm in Geneva. and it never saw the light of the In an unprecedented development, the UN Commissioner, in her report, day. Imagine the situation if has called on member nations to refer Sri Lanka to the International we had repealed the PTA prior Criminal Court (ICC) while going on to recommend targeted sanctions to Easter Sunday. It is a living on individuals, including punitive action such as travel bans and freezing document and some aspects of of assets. It is to be noted that the UN Commissioner’s call to refer Sri it may have to be revisited,” Lanka to the ICC, which is the court of last resort when all domestic Colombage had added. options have been exhausted, points to the fact that the UNHCR has lost faith in domestic mechanisms that have been proposed by successive Watchful eyes governments over the past 12 years. Meanwhile, though the US is no If the UNHRC is to go down that road, it will no doubt cast a cloud over longer a member of the UNHRC, the country and its economic prospects. To put it into perspective, every it is interested in the commitment tourist and every potential investor will think twice about venturing into Sri Lanka has made to the Council a country that is on trial for human rights violations. Therefore, it is in the and has urged the Government to best interest of all concerned to avert such an eventuality by calling on our come up with a meaningful plan friends in the global community to desist from embarking on that rocky at the upcoming UNHRC Session. road by voting against such a resolution, and in return for the Government In response to a question raised to act in a spirit of co-operation. Given what is in store, it is clear that the during a virtual conversation held Government in general and the Foreign Minister in particular have their with a group of journalists last work cut out. week, US Ambassador Aliana No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. B. Teplitz said it was pleasing Fax - 011 2 673 441 to hear last year from Foreign General - 011 5 200 900 Minister Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 that there will be a comprehensive Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 reconciliation strategy through a E-mail - [email protected] domestic process. 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Government yet undecided on consensual resolution at UNHRC z UK and US to closely review z Ready to visit some provisions z Moragoda’s nomination as UNHRC report on Sri Lanka of PTA, Sri Lanka tells EU SL Envoy to India still stands on Missing Persons, the Office for Information received by the Reparations, and the Human Rights experts indicates that cremation Commission. often takes place immediately upon “The EU stressed the value of the notification of the test results a fully empowered and resilient without granting family members civil society, in all its diversity for reasonable time or the opportunity any democracy. The EU expressed to cross check or receive the final its continued readiness to support test results. Sri Lanka in these efforts,” the There have been several cases statement had noted. of cremations based on erroneous information about Covid-19 test Spotlight on burial issue results, the experts said. The issue of mandatory burials of The experts noted that the Covid-19 dead has come into focus President and Prime Minister had and the emphasis on the issue by instructed the health authorities to the UNHRC would undoubtedly explore options for burials in Sri weigh on the Muslim countries that Lanka. are currently sitting members of the “However, we are concerned Council. to learn that the recommendation A group of UN human rights to include both cremation and experts last week urged the Sri burial options for the disposal of Lankan Government to end its bodies of Covid-19 victims by policy of forced cremation of a panel of experts appointed by the Covid-19 deceased, saying the State Minister for Primary it ran contrary to the beliefs of Healthcare, Pandemics, and Covid- Muslims and other minorities in 19 Prevention was reportedly the country, and could foment disregarded by the Government,” existing prejudices, intolerance, and they said. violence. “We hope that the report of According to a statement issued local burial options by the main by the UN, the experts have said committee referred to by the Health the imposition of cremation as the Minister will be available soon only option for handling the bodies and that the authorities will stop confirmed or suspected of Covid- pursuing a burial solution in a 19 amounts to a human rights foreign country. violation. “There has been no established The other issue faced by the medical or scientific evidence in Sri Government – the controversy Lanka or other countries that burial over the ECT – is also building of dead bodies leads to increased up to become a diplomatic risk of spreading communicable concern. The US last week diseases such as Covid-19,” said the weighed in on the issue experts. saying it believed that India As of 21 January 2021, 274 Covid- should have a stake in the 19-related deaths have been reported Colombo Port’s ECT in Sri Lanka, with a significant number of the deaths belonging to “We strongly urge the Muslim minorities, it said. Government of Sri Lanka to stop United Nations Human Rights Council The statement had noted that the forced cremation of Covid- all of the bodies were cremated 19 bodies, to take all necessary rights concerns, Teplitz said “Obviously, with India being Reviewing PTA according to the Fourth Amendment measures to combat disinformation, she hoped the commission will the beneficiary of Sri Lanka’s port It is in this backdrop that the of the Provisional Clinical Practice hate speech, and stigmatisation of be quite open, transparent, and facilities through all transhipment Government has assured the Guidelines on Covid-19-suspected the Muslims and other minorities self-reflective about where the activities that take place, along European Union (EU) of its and confirmed patients issued on 31 as a vector of the pandemic; and opportunities lie to move ahead. with the unloading and shipments intention to revisit and review the March 2020. to provide remedy and ensure “We hope the Government will to smaller Indian ports, having provisions of the Prevention of The decision to make cremation accountability for cremations that bravely take up those opportunities an Indian company with a stake Terrorism Act (PTA) with a view mandatory followed alleged expert were carried out by error,” they said. and will also challenge the here, I would think, is essential to make appropriate amendments. advice, including by the Chief Meanwhile, British High narrative of Sri Lanka as a victim. to Sri Lanka’s maritime future,” The Government has made this Epidemiologist who claimed that Commissioner in Sri Lanka Sarah I think Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans Ambassador Teplitz told reporters. observation during the 23rd burials could contaminate ground Hulton, referring to the experts’ are in control of their own destiny,” Much controversy has arisen meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint drinking water. statement, tweeted: “A clear she noted. over the ECT with the trade Commission held last week. However, the World Health message from UN experts. Families It is in this backdrop that US unions attached to the Colombo A joint statement issued by Organisation (WHO) has reiterated should be able to bury their loved State Department’s Spokesperson Port opposing the Government’s the Foreign Ministry had stated there is no evidence to suggest ones, in line with international Edward Price said last week that decision to assign a 49% stake of that the 23rd meeting of the that cremation prevents the spread health guidelines and their religious the US was carefully reviewing it to parties outside of Sri Lanka. Joint Commission between Sri of the disease, while the College practices.” the “significant” report from the The Government is looking at a Lanka and the EU was held via of Community Physicians of Sri However, Foreign Secretary US Ambassador Aliana B. Teplitz Office of the United Nations High joint venture with India along with video conference and that during Lanka and the Sri Lanka Medical Colombage opined that the (Covid- Commissioner for Human Rights a partnership with Japan. the meeting, Sri Lanka had Association (SLMA) issued 19) burial issue was mentioned in “I would like to see progress Michelle Bachelet on human rights Ambassador Teplitz added that reaffirmed its commitments made statements recently clarifying Bachelet’s report and that the report on that. We simply urge the in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka should be looking for to effectively implement the 27 that there has been no proof that is assuming that there’s a dangerous Government to carry forward the He said Sri Lanka’s future the best value in its economic international conventions covered burial of the Covid-19 dead bodies trend in Sri Lanka from last year, promises that it has already made depends on respecting rights today arrangements and that in this by the GSP+ scheme on human constitutes a public health hazard. which means they are targeting the and come up with a meaningful and taking meaningful steps to deal regard, having private sector and labour rights, environment, and “While we must be alert to the tenure of the incumbent President. plan at this upcoming UNHRC with the past. involvement was “very good”. good governance. serious public health challenges “The power is vested with the session. There is a degree of “We are carefully reviewing “Looking at the business In this context, the EU had posed by the pandemic, Covid-19 Director General of Health (DGH). concern that we have not seen the significant report from @ arrangements, and finding reiterated the need for Sri Lanka to measures must respect and protect Health authorities have to decide meaningful progress everyone had UNHumanRights on human rights something that is sustainable amend the PTA and bring it in line the dignity of the dead, their on this based on scientific evidence hoped for, perhaps a year ago when in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s future and beneficial and gives your with international standards. cultural and religious traditions and World Health Organisation these pledges were made,” she depends on respecting rights today key business partner a stake, is a The EU had also stated that it or beliefs, and their families (WHO) guidelines. So far, the DGH said. and taking meaningful steps to deal no-brainer in terms of a deal for regretted Sri Lanka’s withdrawal throughout,” the experts said. says only cremation is allowed,” he The US Envoy said this was the with the past,” he tweeted. this country,” she added. US and from its co-sponsorship of the “We deplore the implementation had said. reason the US and other countries Meanwhile, the UK said it will India enjoy a strong relationship, UNHRC Resolution 30/1 and of such public health decisions Moragoda to India have offered to help Sri Lanka. “It continue to support human rights with the former viewing the subsequent resolutions that based on discrimination, aggressive On the diplomatic front, several is not about hectoring Sri Lanka and accountability in Sri Lanka latter as its greatest ally in Asia, incorporated and built on it. nationalism, and ethnocentrism diplomatic appointments proposed or bullying. It’s about helping Sri at the upcoming session of the especially in the Indian Ocean Sri Lanka had explained amounting to persecution of by the Government have been met Lanka realise the pledges that it UNHRC. region as well as a counterforce to how it would advance national Muslims and other minorities in the with resistance in some instances itself as a country has made to UK’s Permanent Representative its main rival China’s dominance reconciliation and action taken in country,” added the experts. while in another, negotiations its own people. In that sense, the to the UN in Geneva Julian in the region. accordance with its Constitution “Such hostility against the continue on the appointment. US would continue on that path. Braithwaite said that the UK will The relationship between the US and laws while pointing out the minorities exacerbates existing The main diplomatic Democracy is needed to respect be considering the new UN human and India is expected to further appointment of a commission prejudices, inter-communal appointments under focus are that the rights of all citizens and have rights report on Sri Lanka as well. strengthen under new US President of inquiry to investigate alleged tensions, and religious intolerance, of as Sri Lanka’s robust dialogue about what has Joe Biden. human rights violations. sowing fear and distrust while High Commissioner to India and gone wrong. Certainly for us, we Building support Therefore, balancing good The EU had reiterated inciting further hatred and violence. former Air Force Chief, Air Chief know more than anyone in this The other issue faced by the relations with India and US the importance of fostering “We are equally concerned that Marshal Sumangala Dias as the past year how challenging it can Government – the controversy will play a key role when Sri reconciliation, justice, such a policy deters the poor and High Commissioner to Canada. be when people’s rights are not over the ECT – is also building up Lanka gears to face the UNHRC accountability, and peaceful the most vulnerable from accessing The appointment of the latter fully realised,” Ambassador Teplitz to become a diplomatic concern. sessions come February where co-existence among Sri Lanka’s public healthcare over fears of to the proposed office has come noted. The US last week weighed in the Government’s diplomatic diverse communities, and discrimination,” the experts said, to a standstill with the Canadian Meanwhile, commenting on the on the issue saying it believed that skills and commitment to the underlined the important role of the adding this would further negatively Government rejecting the Sri Commission of Inquiry appointed India should have a stake in the human rights agenda will be put independent institutions established impact the public health measures Lankan Government’s appointment. by the President to probe human Colombo Port’s ECT. to the test. in recent years, notably the Office to contain the pandemic. Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 FOCUS/SPOTLIGHT

BY UWIN LUGODA PHOTO © GETTY IMAGES are. Therefore, we are thankful to the Government for introducing Over a month has passed these protocols and the industry since the first tourists for adopting them.” landed in Sri Lanka However, on 27 January, following the outbreak of Dubai’s Supreme Committee of the Covid-19 virus, and Crisis and Disaster Management as of Wednesday (27), announced updates to their travel the country has received protocols for inbound passengers over 1,700 tourists. With effective from today (31) these arrival numbers and onwards. The Dubai Government stated that any UAE citizens inquiries being made by arriving in the country will have international tourists, local to take PCR tests on arrival, while tourism stakeholders are UAE residents, Gulf Co-operation predicting a positive future Council (GCC) citizens, and other for the country’s tourism visitors are required to take PCR industry in the months to tests 72 hours prior to travelling. come. Speaking for the local inbound tour operators, former Sri Lanka Tourists first started returning Association of Inbound Tour to the island on 28 December Operators (SLAITO) President 2020, when a flight carrying Mahen Kariyawasam also stated 185 tourists from Ukraine that they expect to see a gradual landed at the Mattala Rajapaksa increase in interest and arrivals International Airport (MRIA) for once Sri Lanka’s tourism markets the first time since March 2020, begin to fare better. He explained for a pilot project initiated by Sri that the current booking status Lanka Tourism to attract visitors. of the inbound tour operators is Following 11 more similar not doing great due to the impact flights, the country fully opened Covid has had on European its airports for tourists on 21 markets. January for all its tourism markets except the UK, due to their higher number of cases and deadlier variant of the virus. Sun, fun, and Judging by the inquiries and future bookings that we get, we expect tourists to mainly come from India and Europe. In We expect a slow increase in general, tourists used to stay arrivals. But we cannot make six to seven days on average a proper prediction until we before the Easter attacks, but are a few more weeks into the now we expect the European opening of the airports beaches again tourists to stay longer than SLAITO President 14 days Mahen Kariyawasam the unstable environment both in Following health protocols (THASL), which has welcomed THASL President Sri Lanka and its potential tourism the Government’s decision to Sanath Ukwatte markets. However, they expect With the arrival of the 60 certified hotel, in consultation reopen the country. Speaking to The Sunday a gradual increase of tourists tourists from 21 January to 27 with the hotel doctor/local health Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the Sri Lanka Tourism towards the end of 2021, having January, the Sri Lanka Tourism authorities, will admit the patient Morning about the sector, THASL However, he expressed Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) stated seen the interests generated from Development Authority (SLTDA) into a private hospital approved President Sanath Ukwatte stated concerns over the payments the that out of the 1,700 tourists countries such as the United Arab reported that they had found two by the Ministry of Health. The that they have seen a gradual tourists have to make for the PCR that came to Sri Lanka, 60 came Emirates (UAE), Germany, and positive cases of Covid-19. tourist’s Covid-19 insurance cover increase in arrivals since the test and the Covid insurance. He following the complete opening India. SLTDA Director General will reimburse hospital charges reopening and foresee a higher stated that the tourist board is of the airport. While only 1,700 Speaking to us, Sri Lanka Dhammika Wijayasinghe told including the ambulance transfer growth of arrivals in the months currently asking the tourists to arrived in the country, the initial Tourism Development Authority The Sunday Morning that the fees up to $ 50,000 for a month. to come. Altogether the industry pay for both PCR and insurance aim of the pilot project was to (SLTDA) Director General two patients were sent to the Furthermore, there will be is expected to bring down 500,000 in US dollars, which will incur an accommodate around 5,000 Dhammika Wijayasinghe agreed Nawaloka Covid Intermediate an appointed medical officer in tourists by the end of the year, additional cost of $ 18. Russian and Ukrainian tourists to with the SLTPB, and explained Care Centre following their each of the “safe and secure”- with earnings of up to $ 1 billion. Tourists need to pay $ 12 for generate $ 10 million in tourism that while they cannot predict positive screening. certified hotels and in the event “Judging by the inquiries and a month’s cover of a $ 50,000 revenue to Sri Lanka, with hotels anything until everything is A set of guidelines released by of exposure, the guest will be future bookings that we get, we insurance offered by People’s offering an all-inclusive package normalised, there have been Sri Lanka Tourism together with kept under quarantine in an expect tourists to mainly come Insurance PLC and must also pre- for $ 100 a day. These tourists inquiries from the European, US, the Health Ministry stated that in isolated area in the same hotel, from India and Europe. In general, purchase PCR tests depending were expected to each spend $ and Indian markets. the event of a positive case among under the strict supervision and tourists used to stay six to seven on the length of their stay, 1,500 during their stay in the “We cannot predict anything, the tourists visiting the country, administration of the hotel doctor days on average before the Easter both of which are mandatory country. even if the vaccine comes here, it the level one “safe and secure”- and local health authorities. attacks, but now we expect the requirements for the visa process. Speaking to us earlier, Airport European tourists to stay longer If the tourists are staying in and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) than 14 days.” the country for the minimum (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Shehan will not go back to our pre-Covid 52 hotels as level one hotels, He added that compared to requirement of seven days, they Sumanasekara said that the tourist We cannot predict anything, numbers until the situation is according to a list released on other destinations that have also must pay for two PCR tests, and arrivals will be limited to 2,500 even if the vaccine comes normalised. We have seen other 14 January by the SLTDA. opened its borders, Sri Lanka is for any stay exceeding the seven per day, considering the PCR test here, it will not go back to our countries like Thailand follow Sri These accommodation providers doing positively due to the current days, they must purchase three capacity, the availability of hotels pre-Covid numbers until the Lanka’s example and decide to have been audited by the local protocols in place. PCR tests, with each test priced and tour guides, and restrictions at situation is normalised. We fully reopen for their borders as tourism board and been certified At the time of speaking, at $ 40. the country’s airports. have seen other countries like well.” as “safe and secure” for their Ukwatte noted: “We have “We are currently talking to Thailand follow Sri Lanka’s She also explained that while compliance with the Covid-19 countries like Dubai that keep the SLTDA to clarify this issue, Predictions of example and decide to fully the Government has put a cap of Health Protocols and the Tourism its borders open with no proper and we expect a slow increase in stakeholders reopen for their borders as well 2,500 arrivals per day, she does Operational Guidelines. health protocols for the tourists arrivals. But we cannot make a The SLTPB stated that, as of SLTDA Director General not think that the arrivals will fill These hotels have also entering the country. These same proper prediction until we are a now, they are unable to predict Dhammika Wijayasinghe that limit anytime soon. registered with The Hotels countries are currently facing a few more weeks into the opening any expectations for 2021 due to Currently, Sri Lanka has listed Association of Sri Lanka much stronger outbreak than we of the airports.”

Contd. from page 3 Contd. from page 6

university students. the government. decision is taken today, we Legal action... MTF Director Controversy... However, an audit inspection can stop students going abroad He therefore said that as possible, according to Bandara said that the The PCoI, which probed under the government’s purview. revealed that the Ministry of tomorrow,” he stressed. the liquidation should sources. new project will allow allegations of fraud and The ownership of the hospital Health had spent a sum of Rs. Explaining further, Prof. be delayed until those In response to COPE’s global universities to corruption during the period premises, however, belongs 583 million on the settlement of Amaratunga said the UGC is irregularities were statements, Prof. open local branches in from 15 January 2015 to 31 to the Urban Development revenue expenditure of the hospital planning to turn Sri Lanka into a properly investigated. Gamage pointed out specially-demarcated December 2018, had launched an Authority (UDA). for the period from 1 August 2017 higher education hub. The current situation that the Committee’s university villages investigation into the use of state The cabinet memorandum to 31 December 2018. “We have so many good plans of SLIIT was also responsibility was around the country, funds to maintain the hospital proposed to reach an agreement Nevertheless, the ownership of and soon a recognised private discussed. The to investigate state with infrastructure and without legally handing over the for transferring the physical the university is still in question. university would open its wings Committee expressed institutions audited by other facilities built hospital to the government. possession of the buildings, When contacted by The in Sri Lanka. We have to delay its displeasure at the fact the Auditor General’s using Mahapola funds. Testifying before the including the properties Sunday Morning, UGC the plans due to the Covid-19 that even though SLIIT Department. “Since In return, the foreign Commission, the then Health belonging to Dr. Neville Chairman senior Prof. Sampath pandemic situation,” he added. had been summoned, SLIIT is not a state universities will pay Secretary told the Commission Fernando Sri Lanka-Russia Amaratunge said the university Speaking to The Sunday it had informed COPE, institution, the law a royalty fee of up to that the cabinet paper states Friendship Teaching Hospital (SAITM) does not fall under the Morning, an employee attached through the Julius & firm that we hired 20% of the profit to that the Dr. Neville Fernando in Malabe, to the Government purview of the UGC. to the SAITM management, who Creasy law firm, that consulted us that we are Mahapola. Teaching Hospital will be of Sri Lanka on a sublease for a “I have requested the Health wished to remain anonymous, it had not been legally not answerable to the Explaining further, owned by SAITM for 10 years, period of 10 years. Ministry to put SAITM under the confirmed the publishing of bound to do so. Thus, COPE,” he stressed. Bandara noted that only after which the hospital It was reported that until University of Sri Jayewardenepura an advertisement to sell the COPE decided that Julius Commenting on over 100 acres of land can only be taken over by the the loan of Rs. 1,013 million, during the previous Government, university building and the land, & Creasy should be the final report of the would be purchased government. which was obtained by a private but it never happened. As of now, but said no investor has come summoned to resolve the Presidential Commission by the MTF, of which A communiqué issued by the institution from a state bank for the university management of the up yet and therefore SAITM matter. on Corruption five-perch divisions of presidential commission to the the establishment of the hospital, premises is not under the UGC,” Chairman Dr. Fernando, who is COPE further that carried out an land would be leased out media highlighted the question is repaid, the ownership and he elaborated. now around 90 years old, has recommended that, as investigation on the to foreign universities raised as to whether the Ministry legality of the properties should When asked whether the withdrawn his decision. SLIIT is an institution of issue, Prof. Gamage said willing to open their Secretary, who is the Chief be retained with the private UGC has the ability at present “We have put up an national importance, after that they did not receive wings in Sri Lanka. The Accounting Officer by law, ought institution. Once the loan is to develop SAITM, Prof. advertisement, but because of preparing an internal the final report officially, fund’s money would to correct an incorrect financial settled in full, the ownership of Amaratunge said that if SAITM the high value of the property, report as an extension but discovered that the not be utilised for the decision put forward by a minister. the hospital, along with all the was handed over to the UGC, we did not get an investor. But of the discussion on that report contained nothing construction of these Accordingly, the then Health properties, should be transferred they could convert it into a high- in the meantime, the Chairman institution and reporting against SLIIT either. universities; instead, it Secretary had answered in the to the government. quality private medical faculty has also changed his mind and to Parliament, it would expects revenue from the affirmative. Cabinet approval for the by developing the university as a decided not to sell the property,” be appropriate to decide Opening foreign new project. Despite it being four years government to take over the public-private partnership (PPP) she noted, adding that the on the action to be taken universities The relevant proposal since the MoU was signed hospital had been granted on 5 without being a burden to the university and the hospital was in that regard. Meanwhile, The is currently being before then President Sirisena, July 2017. Treasury. still under the ownership of the Further, it was revealed Sunday Morning prepared, Badara said, The Sunday Morning learnt Even after two years since “We can save billions in Chairman. that the institution did not learnt that the MTF is adding that within a that the transfer of assets of the Cabinet approval was granted, foreign exchange and also open “The Chairman told us that he have an internal auditor planning to facilitate the year, the initial steps Dr. Neville Fernando Teaching it is learnt that a sublease up the country’s education sector did not hand over the hospital and an accountant. establishment of foreign would be completed. Hospital is still on the way. agreement had not been entered to other countries. We have premises too,” she noted. COPE recommended universities in Sri Lanka “The proposal would be It has been revealed that state into in order to vest the physical all the resources and it’s just a All attempts made by The Sunday that action be taken to to increase the Mahapola submitted to Cabinet,” he funds have been allocated for possession of buildings and matter of sitting at a roundtable Morning to reach the UDA and the fill the vacancy as soon allowances of state added. the hospital without bringing it properties of the hospital with and taking a decision. If a correct Ministry of Higher Education failed. the sunday morning 11 Sunday, January 31, 2021 HOTSEAT/FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN appointed to look at drafting the I am looking at a period of will have to take a call on that. new constitution is presently between 30-45 days. Sri Lanka is finally working on it. They are working The Prisons Act is scheduled to taking measures to on the concept papers and have Has the backlog at the be amended to accommodate amend its archaic laws. identified the critical areas from Government Analyst’s a more rehabilitative method Amendments to various the previous amendments as well Department pertaining rather than the current Legal acts and ordinances will as the public comments that have to reports of confiscated penalisation method. What be drafted including been submitted, and they are in substances, i.e., drug changes to the Act can we crucial suggestions that the process of meeting with the trafficking, dealing, and expect? have been made over the political parties in the country possession, for which the I personally believe amending past few years. Minister of for their representations. So once hearing of cases faced delays, the Act per se is not going to that happens, hopefully during been cleared? help with the goals we have Justice Ali Sabry returns to system the month of March, they will be The process has been very with regard to the prisoners and The Sunday Morning Hot able to draw up the draft. well handled even amidst the the facilities in place at present. Seat to discuss the record Covid-19 lockdowns that were A such, we are looking into a number of legislative The Sri Lanka Police was taking place. I am glad at the process of how to transform the amendments taking issued a circular on guidelines way it has progressed so far. In prison system from a detention place at present, as the to follow when taking legal fact, I have appointed a retired facility-based system into under justice system in Sri Lanka action over the possession of analyst – Mrs. Sakunthala that of a correctional facility- undergoes a complete heroin and cannabis. Are these Tennakoon – as an advisor to based system, so that we could overhaul in reforming the guidelines currently being the Ministry, to co-ordinate categorise the prisoners – that double-centuries-old acts followed? with the Government Analyst’s is, the first offenders, women, and ordinances. I believe so. In fact, I met Department, who has assisted in and children separately, and the with the Chief Justice, Attorney clearing the backlog to a great youth offenders separately. Following are excerpts of General (AG), Minister of extent. The overall approach that complete the interview: Public Security (Rtd.) Admiral Hopefully, by the end of we are going for is to look at , and the March, we should be able to whether we can rehabilitate How many laws are to be IGP (Inspector General of clear the backlog, and from the convicted instead of put amended overall? Police) to check the overall the current six to nine-month them in prison for minor crimes There are three dedicated process of what is happening, turnaround period, our target related to possession of narcotic committees appointed from the and to primarily address the is to reduce it to 30 days. The substances in minor amounts, overhaul Justice Ministry itself, that is adjudication process more reports on the substances can be especially those who are the Law Reform Committee, efficiently and to expedite it. released within 30 days. addicted to it, rather than those Criminal Law Reform Review who are dealing or trafficking. Committee, and Commercial What were the suggested Reforms have been proposed So, these offenders will be sent – Ali Sabry Law Reform Committee, which amendments that were for the Penal Code on for rehabilitation instead of will, from time to time, identify proposed by the committee combating sexual and gender- being sent to prison. the requirements and the need that was appointed to based violence. Have you taken Moreover, we will have for amendments. Thereafter, deliberate over the Dangerous these proposed amendments to consider how to use the z Cabinet papers presented from time to time, we will Drugs Ordinance? into consideration? community-based correction appoint a subject-specific The proposed amendments to The Criminal Law Reform facilities for crimes that carry a expert committee to look into revamp the whole Ordinance are Committee is considering those, sentence of less than two years; on 35-40 amendments these amendments. The overall considered in two stages. In the as multiple amendments are to send them (convicted persons) progress at present is that we meantime, the immediate issues taking place simultaneously. to correctional centres in order to have already started presenting that we have identified fall under Right now, we are looking rehabilitate them. We are looking z Draft of new constitution cabinet papers pertaining to several amendments that we will at attending to the urgent at an overall development about 35-40 amendments. have to consider – Government amendments that need to be approach, which is currently Analyst’s reports that are prima looked into. So, this matter is being discussed. likely in March The Government is looking at facie without evidence, that is, if referred to the Criminal Law amending the Prevention of the defence wants to prove their Reform Committee. Have any timelines been set to Terrorism Act (PTA). What case but you cut short the time; Amendments to the Muslim carry out the amendments? areas are to be amended? then whether we could also find Marriage and Divorce Act It is not that easy to give The PTA does not fall under a way to produce the evidence (MMDA) have been requested timelines since the Legal my purview, as it is a subject that and destroy the excess materials for the longest time. What Draftsman Department should is overlooked by the Ministry or products without having a measures have you taken to first receive the initial drafts of Defence and Public Security. deterrent from the final outcome; accommodate these proposals to of these amendments, which Various aspects of it have been we also consider whether the amend sections of the Act? has to then be submitted to the discussed, and the cabinet paper Excise Commission Department A cabinet paper in this regard stakeholders for consideration. for that should come from the should be specifically given the has already been submitted. The These suggestions should then line ministry. power to carry out investigations Cabinet has referred it to the go to the AG’s Department and arrest suspects, because they legislative subcommittee, which and the AG should certify the What will be the role of your are also doing so right now. is to approve it and inform the amendments, after which, it will Ministry in the amendment of Then, of course, we need Cabinet of Ministers, to signify be forwarded to the Cabinet the PTA Act? to identify and categorise their approval. After which, again. What happens is the line the different substances and it will be sent to the Legal So, it is very difficult to give a ministry will submit a cabinet drugs that are in circulation Draftsman. timeline. But we have identified paper, and after the Cabinet in the narcotic trade, such as the amendments that need to approves the amendments, it methamphetamine, which needs There were suggestions on be completed urgently and goes to the Legal Draftsman, to be identified as a dangerous appointing female judges to we are following up with the which is under the Ministry substance. the Quazi Courts. What is the designated reform committees of Justice. After that, we will Various changes are being progress on this front? every two weeks to hold a get involved in drafting the discussed which would be I do not want to discuss the progress review meeting, which amendments to the respective accepted as amendments once technical details of this process, is attended by officials from the act. agreed upon. since the Cabinet will take a Legal Draftsman Department, decision on this. But personally, the Legal Department at the What is the current status of When will these proposed speaking for myself, there cannot Ministry of Justice, AG, and the drafting of the proposed amendments come into effect be discrimination between male Chief Justice, in order to monitor PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA new constitution? under the Dangerous Drugs or female, as both are equally the progress of the legislations The expert committee Ordinance? qualified. However, the Cabinet that are being amended.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAN Challenged by practicalities The Ministry of Environment has taken Holdings Ltd. FMCG Managing Director Jayasekara stated: “If the producers are a firm decision about imposing a ban on Sriyan Wijerathne said: “Say we agree to looking at turning the cut-off quantity to single-use plastics. The gazette is scheduled stop introducing products in sachets after their advantage, by producing packaging at to be published on 31 March 2021, with the ban and our competitors exploit the 22 g or 22 ml, that would be unacceptable the ban coming into effect from 1 April minimum quantity of product that can and unethical. Furthermore, the monies 2021 according to the Central Environment be contained of 20 g or 20 ml and design spent on designing machinery to cater to that Authority (CEA), which will be acting as the packaging to accommodate 22 g or 22 ml and requirement could actually be better used in regulator. introduce it to the market, we do not think the switching to alternative packaging options.” When The Sunday Morning asked CEA Government could take any action against Waste Management Division Director that. The question then arises as to whether Public responsibility Sarojini Jayasekara whether they have this policy on banning single-use plastics will However, producers have claimed that suggested alternatives, she noted: “The have any impact at all.” although it is convenient to bring in policy “The corporate narrative that ‘plastic immediate alternative for the sachet ban, We then cross questioned Jayasekara changes, changing the behaviour patterns pollution is a waste management as communicated to us, is that the brands on what they have to say, should such an of consumers to co-operate in disposing the issue caused by individual would keep their product packaging or incident take place and whether action would plastics responsibly has not been effective. consumers’ is a false approach.” bottling to 100 g or 100 ml. That is to still be taken against them. Responding, Contd. on page 14 PHOTO ADA DERANA completely discontinue the production of sachet type packages that are used to market Failed attempts throughout history to ban plastic prohibition of the manufacture and sale purposes of this Order – “food wrappers” occasion. personal care products such as shampoos, of polythene and related products was means lunch sheets. “Polythene” includes 6. No. 2034/38 – September 1 2017 bans conditioners, hairstyling gels, lotions, and 1994 First attempt to regulate plastics in for the HDPE bags in 2008, under the issued by former President Maithripala high-density polyethylene, low density the manufacture of food containers, creams that were below the quantity of 20 g Sri Lanka came in 1994, during the period Environment Conservation Levy Act, No. 26 Sirisena under gazette notification No. polyethylene, and polypropylene. plates, cups, and spoons from expanded 2034/33 – 1 September 2017 issued or 20 ml.” of Shrimani Athulathmudaly when she was of 2008. However, it was abandoned after a 3. Further, No. 2034/35 – September 2017 polystyrene for in country use; and the the Minister of Environment, with several court order was issued against charging Rs. under the National Environmental Act. ban manufacture of any bag of high- sale, offer for sale, offer free of charge, Jayasekara said that the CEA would allow The order prohibits the manufacture companies to phase out the products currently guidelines and the proposal to ban High 2 for a plastic bag in the Supreme Court. The density polyethylene as a raw material exhibition, or use of food containers, Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bags with less other reason was that the conservation levy of polythene or any polythene product for in country use; and sale, offer for sale, plates, cups, and spoons manufactured in the market, and would have to look at than 20 microns thickness. However, this was was sent to the “Environment Conservation of 20 microns or below in thickness for offer free of charge, exhibition, or use of from expanded polystyrene within the implementing a monitoring mechanism as not implemented at all. Levy Account” of the Consolidated Fund in country use or the sale, offer for sale, any bag manufactured from high-density country. to whether the brands continue to introduce which was never spent for national recycling offer free of charge, exhibition or use polyethylene as a raw material within the 2007 In January 2007, a ban was imposed of polythene or any polythene product 2019 The Government was urged, on such packaging after 1 April 2021. by President Maithripala Sirisena who was efforts of the Central Environmental country. several occasions, by environmentalists While the government decision is already Authority. The levy was also imposed on which is 20 microns or below in thickness the Environment Minister at that time. Under within the country. 4. No. 2034/36 – September 1 2017 to ban single-use plastics and in March being challenged by industry giants who are section 23W of the National Environmental incandescent bulbs and mobile phone bills. prohibits open burning of refuse and other 2019, during the Yahapalana Government, affected by the impending ban, with the grace Act No. 47 of 1980, Gazette Notification 2017 In 2017, there were six proposals in 2. Also Gazette Notification No. 2034/34 combustible matters inclusive of plastics. organisations such as the Centre for – September 1 2017 Order prohibits period being requested to be extended from No. 1466/5 was issued, banning the use of an attempt to seek a permanent solution for 5. No. 2034/37 – September 1 2017 Environmental Justice, Pearl Protectors, three months to one year, there also seems polythene that is less than 20 microns in this matter, but unfortunately the process the manufacture of food wrappers from and Friends of the Earth Sri Lanka wrote to polythene as a raw material for in country prohibits the use of all forms of to be speculation that some brand producers thickness. However, this was not effectively stumbled on several roadblocks, later polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of enforced since it was not easy to measure the proving that the initiation of the ban was not use; and the sale, offer for sale, offer free of the Parliament, Minister of Finance, and all would exploit the quantity stipulated to their charge, exhibition or use of food wrappers products, or polypropylene products as advantage. thickness during the raids. successful. decoration in political, social, religious, MPs requesting the implementation of a manufactured from polythene as a raw ban, for which no action was initiated. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Hemas 2008 A conservation levy was introduced 1. The Gazette Notification for the material within the country. For the national, cultural, or any other event or 12 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 OPINION/FOCUS A LESSON FROM THE FAILED TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

BY CHANDRA JAYARATNE news/2021/1/20/donald-trumps-farewell- Al Jazeera post his one term in office will falsehoods). What a way to end a presidency resonate in the mind of our President and Many in civil society are of the opinion that the President, in keeping and have recorded in history that headline embed in his mind the path he must tread, with the commitments of his successful election manifesto accepted as the end quote. The publication goes on to recalling the famous Robert Frost poem by a majority of voting citizens and the pledges he reiterated upon the record that the “US President claims credit “The Road Not Taken”: assumption of office and the inaugural address to the Parliament, must for things he did not do and twists his record ensure that the Government led by him, including his Cabinet and the key on the coronavirus pandemic, veterans, Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, decision-making executives, desists from knowingly uttering falsehoods, taxes, economy, capitol insurrection, China, And sorry I could not travel both presenting non-transparent information, or engaging in deceptive acts and ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the And be one traveller, long I stood and further ensures that they collectively commit to uphold the truth and Levant)”. And looked down one as far as I could present the reality at all times, however unpalatable it may be. His successor in office, President Joe To where it bent in the undergrowth; Biden, in his inaugural address, inter alia It is verily believed that there are many 2021, whilst preventing forex forward stated the following: “This is democracy’s Then took the other, as just as fair, instances in governance, seen over the contracting and commercial banks from day. A day of history and hope. Of renewal And having perhaps the better claim, past year, where key members of the declaring cash dividends and resolve...The right of dissent peaceably, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Government have failed to meet the core yy within the guard rails of our republic, is Though as for that the passing there value of upholding the truth. Some of the Promoting Modern Monetary Theory perhaps our nation’s greatest strength... Had worn them really about the same, instances pointed out include: and promising infrastructure project What are the common objects we love that investments of Rs. 5 trillion within an The popular quote ‘In the long run, the most unpleasant truth is a safer companion than a define us as Americans? I think I know. And both that morning equally lay yy The effective application of the principle already stretched budget with high fiscal pleasant falsehood’, is attributed to President Opportunity, security, liberty, dignity, In leaves no step had trodden black. “One country, one law” for all in society Theodore Roosevelt deficits respect, honour, and yes, the truth. Recent Oh, I kept the first for another day! PHOTO ©️ MASHABLE yy The controversy surrounding the burial yy Non-transparent withdrawal of pending weeks and months have taught us a painful Yet knowing how way leads on to way, of dead bodies of Covid-19 patients court cases and pardoning previously continuing on a massive scale lesson. There is truth and there are lies. Lies I doubted if I should ever come back. convicted persons Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican, was told for power and for profit. And each of yy The denial of potential high risks y America’s President during an eight-year us has a duty and responsibility as citizens, I shall be telling this with a sigh attaching to external debt settlements y Covid patients declared as originating term from 1901 to 1909. The popular as Americans, and especially as leaders – Somewhere ages and ages hence: from defined limited number of clusters yy Non-transparency of the Budget 2021 quote “In the long run, the most unpleasant leaders who have pledged to honour our Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— with no community spread tagged by a professional as “playing truth is a safer companion than a pleasant Constitution and protect our nation – to I took the one less travelled by, ostrich or parading in the emperor’s new yy All Mahara Prison rioters who died; falsehood” is attributed to President defend the truth and to defeat the lies...That And that has made all the difference. clothes?” none had died from shooting but by Theodore Roosevelt. This valuable lesson democracy and hope, truth, and justice, did y attacks of fellow prisoners appears to have been ignored by the not die on our watch but thrived.” May our Buddhist leaders, who bless the y Non-transparent deals connected with Republican one-term President Donald J. I am sure as a former American citizen, leaders in governance regularly with “Raja highway contracts, privatisation of the yy The denial of purported scams involving Trump, who relinquished office last week. a disciplined and trained soldier ingrained Bhavatu Dhammiko” (“May the ruler be East Container Terminal (ECT), and oil and sugar imports, and non- Al Jazeera’s website trumps his with core values developed at the alma just”), also stress the lesson from Buddhist sale and lease of state lands transparent imports of antigen test kits falsehoods at the end term, with a headline mater, the quotes of Teddy Roosevelt and philosophy, “Before you speak, let your and coal yy Expecting high-level foreign direct “Donald Trump’s farewell falsehoods: Joe Biden above and the lessons from words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is investment (FDI) of $ 2.5 billion in yy Sand mining and deforestation rackets Fact check” (https://www.aljazeera.com/ how Donald Trump was headlined by the it necessary? Is it kind?”

Understanding coastal, ecological, and social change in SL

BY SARAH HANNAN that have come together.

Since the 1970s, there has been an Project SEDRIC enormous transformation of the southern Titled “Social-Ecological Dynamics and eastern seaboard, irrespective of the in Rapid Economic Development: political regimes that came to power. Infrastructure and Coastal Change in South- These areas were also sites that were badly Eastern Sri Lanka” (SEDRIC), the research affected by the 2004 tsunami and are now project will strive to generate evidence- facing the consequences of accelerated based findings on the impact these changes climate change in the recent years due to have on coastal communities, livelihood rapid infrastructure development and the opportunities, and the physical environment expansion of the tourism trade after the end of the two regions. of the civil war in 2009. The project will look at several The two provinces also house ecologically subthemes: The impact of the changes on important national parks and protected coastal erosion, on coastal biodiversity, and areas. However, with the natural disasters on conservation policies. The project will and change in the coastal belt caused by also seek to map areas vulnerable to land projects such as expansion of irrigation use, climate change, and coastal erosion schemes, port development projects, and through remote sensing. By mapping and For ICES, the participation in this the changes it set off in biodiversity in the tracking major developments since the project means it continues some of the region, new challenges have been presented 1970s in and around the south-eastern work that is already done in the Eastern to its residents. coast of the country, the study sets out to Province, for which it has released two These changes have had significant develop a better understanding of the links studies looking at women’s labour force impacts on coastal environments, between economic developments, social participation in the East biodiversity and protected areas, local transformation, land use and land cover ICES Executive Director Dr. Mario Gomez economies, and community relationships, change, nature conservation, tourism, and creating new opportunities on the one hand local livelihood. and opening new vulnerabilities on the According to Dr. Gomez, the project policies. This part of the project will other. will train 10 mPhil students in terms of use analytical frameworks pertaining to A multidisciplinary research study was their research and supervise and encourage political economy, ecology, and social launched in 2020 by the French Embassy, them to conduct their work. “For ICES, geography to better understand the through the French Ministry of Foreign the participation in this project means it processes of exclusion and inclusion Affairs, that is to be conducted in five of local populations. It will also seek coastal regions in Sri Lanka – Trincomalee, to understand the transformation of Batticaloa, Ampara East, Hambantota East, the informal economy and the local and Galle – to gain a better understanding handicraft industry as part of the Transformation of the Hambantota Port region of the social and ecological changes taking development dynamics at work. place along the southern and eastern coasts continues some of the work that is already order to understand the past, present, 3. Organise a set of training in paleo- of Sri Lanka. done in the Eastern Province, for which it and future states of these environments, environment, remote sensing, International Centre for Ethnic Studies has released two studies looking at women’s their biodiversity, and the impact on biodiversity monitoring, and (ICES) Executive Director Dr. Mario labour force participation in the East.” the storage of coastal blue carbon. This interdisciplinary research on the Gomez, who is the local co-ordinator for component will use the latest remote transformations that have occurred and this research, speaking to The Sunday Objectives sensing techniques to map land cover their social-ecological consequences. Morning, stated: “One of the many areas Meanwhile, French Institute of and land use, as well as palynology The development of a mobile phone of development that we are looking at is Pondicherry (IFP) Head of the Department approaches to better understand the application should facilitate the improving the weaving industries that are of Ecology Raphael Mathevet explained historical evolution of the environment identification of tree species in the present in the region – one led by men and that the main objective of project SEDRIC in the areas under study. This work will threatened dry tropical forest of the the other by women – where we will try is to better understand all social and allow a mapping and assessment of eastern coast and should serve as a to understand the transformation that has ecological changes that are taking place coastal zone vulnerabilities to global support for developing citizen sciences. occurred in the lives of these people over along the coast of Sri Lanka, targeting the changes including coastal erosion, and Workshops for restitution and collective the 70 years.” southern and eastern region for which they the impact of new infrastructure. reflection will allow for exchanges He added that there is special focus on the have to: 2. Provide a multidisciplinary analysis of throughout the project with local Eastern Province, as it hosts a multi-ethnic 1. Establish a scientific monitoring system the key social, economic, and ecological stakeholders, farmers, tourism operators, community which has aided the area’s for the environmental changes taking issues in the areas under study and of the protected area managers, NGOs, and transformation in terms of creating unique place along coastal ecosystems and interactions between nature conservation, government departments. social, political, ethnic, and religious factors Locations of the five case study sites infrastructure development sites in infrastructure development, and tourism Contd. on page 14 the sunday morning 13 Sunday, January 31, 2021 VIEWS/FEATURE

AMENDING LAW ON STATUTORY RAPE No time for such Re-evaluating training Sandro Sathyajith, 20, minimum television presenter at a sentence leading media outlet

MILITARY TRAINING FOR YOUTHS An 18-year-old could be an Advanced Level student, university student, a housewife with three kids, or even a sole breadwinner working three jobs; while having BY UWIN LUGODA the Legal Draftsman to draft to transition to adulthood, the life amendments to the Penal of an 18-year-old can be hectic. Section 363 of Sri Lanka’s Code to suit the present Looking for Finding the time for such training Penal Code has for long listed circumstances.” is an obstacle that needs to be rape as a serious offence for Upon contacting the SLMA, considered as well. Additionally, which the convicted shall we learnt that this respective where do we draw the line between be punished with “rigorous study, titled “Child sexual a militarised society and law- imprisonment for a term not abuse presenting to District abiding citizens? less than seven years and General Hospital, Chilaw” not exceeding 20 years and and conducted by an outside obedience or with fine”. Statutory rape party in 2017, revealed that carries a stronger sentence most cases of extrafamilial Paving the way of no less than 15 years and abuse stemmed from romantic not exceeding 20 years, with relationships between the child for a country of young sex offenders being and the perpetrator, some of given a minimum of 10 years. whom were in the same age trained killers? However, this minimum group. discipline? Sahan Dharmasena, 21, sentencing of 10 years might Speaking to The Sunday Real Talk Podcast soon change. Morning, Minister of Justice BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA According to Sri Lankan law, Ali Sabry stated that this, Co-founder a person less than 18 years of alongside two Supreme Court Following Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara’s recent proposal to The proposed military training age is considered a child whilst judgements and numerous commence a programme to give military training to all Sri Lankans above the age of 18 years, programme in my opinion is the legal age for consent for sex reports, called for a revision of the public has expressed outrage and concern. His comments have also further compounded a double-edged sword. There is 16 years. the Penal Code. He explained anxieties pertaining to increased militarisation in Sri Lanka under the reign of the current is an opportunity here that Additionally, child that in some of these cases, Government. According to Weerasekara, the proposal was inspired by the dire need for this may mean a very healthy sexual abuse is defined as the sexual relationship was discipline among Sri Lankan youths, as he believes that military training “builds personality and change for the country as it “involvement of dependent, not rape and stemmed from teaches its youths discipline developmentally immature an earlier affair, where the instils leadership qualities”. The Sunday Morning spoke to a number of individuals on the issue at and also works towards the children and adolescents in girls are younger than 18 and hand for deeper insight into the concerns of the general public. betterment of youths’ physical sexual activities that they do not sometimes the boys are also aspects such as endurance and truly understand, to which they only 19 or 20 years old. strength. However, is it really a cannot give informed consent, SL youths need wise decision to train the entire According to the law which violate accepted social youth population and hand out as it stands, if a young Govt. has inaccurately norms/family roles”. knowledge that may be used for male engages in sexual freedom and As of 2015, the Sri Lanka violence? intercourse with a girl Police reported 1,654 child interpreted ‘discipline’ opportunities I see two extremes. Either we younger than 16 years, abuse cases. However, the true will create a future led by well- and is convicted of rape, Ranuli Palipane, 20, university undergraduate Deepthi Jayasinghe, 38, prevalence of statutory rape in disciplined, hardened, and tough the minimum sentence the country is not known due I think our Government has German language teacher individuals or we will pave the a court can impose has to a lack of the availability of inaccurately interpreted what and screenwriter way for an entire country of to be in line with the information. While in most of “discipline” means. The average trained killers. minimum mandatory these statutory rape cases, the Sri Lankan citizen cannot merely sentence stipulated children knew the perpetrator grasp the concept of respect – in the law, even if the and were unwilling partners, in which is where I think we should circumstances may justify cases concerning extrafamilial start. There are many other issues the imposition of a lesser abuse, the child was sometimes that need to be addressed from sentence Instilling a willing partner. the grassroots level, like blatant A 2018 performance report According to the law as racism and how this patriarchal of the Sri Lanka Police stated it stands, if a young male society is weighing down on every discipline that from 2016 to 2018, a total engages in sexual intercourse woman’s shoulders. Discipline of 4,568 cases of statutory with a girl younger than 16 and responsibility are better taught should be up rape of girls below the age of years, and is convicted of rape, to children at home. 16 have been reported in the the minimum sentence a court I also think the Government fall prey to drugs, sex, and alcohol to schools country. The report went on can impose has to be in line views the youths differently to – that comes from their failure to state that 3,796 cases had with the minimum mandatory how we actually are. We are not to educate us properly on such Akhila Seneviratne, 23, occurred with the consent of sentence stipulated in the law, uncontrollable and don’t easily topics. university undergraduate the victim as a result of love even if the circumstances may It is absolute nonsense. The I feel that youths are in dire affairs, whereas 772 instances justify the imposition of a education system in Sri Lanka is need of resources such as financial of statutory rape were without lesser sentence. already somewhat militarised – support for entrepreneurship and the consent of the victim. There ‘Entire families get it’s all about obeying rules and soft skills development. You can’t had been a reduction in the Impractical, ignorant, not having an individual identity, develop these via online education. number of statutory rapes cases disrupted’ creating parrots and slaves out of University admissions also take a from 2016 to 2018, with the “When the perpetrators students. really long time, and I don’ think number decreasing from 1,686 are also only 19 or 20, we I’m all for individuality and military training is going to do these to 1,444, respectively. cannot punish them forever, and unrealistic liberation. I understand that people youths any good while they await When asked for the latest so we need to look into these Nisal Walpola, 20, student need discipline, but it can be taught admissions. Schools and religious statistics, the Police claimed situations individually. If we than that, the fact that such an idea in different ways. We don’t need to institutions were established to prior permission was required give the current minimum was attempted at university level drag militarisation into everything. instil discipline. to release these to the media sentence, there could be social and had failed, would mean this too Compulsory meditation and and The Sunday Morning was impacts on both parties, as would not play out well. martial arts can be introduced to unable to obtain permission sometimes these relationships The average Sri Lankan youth the school system, which would before going to print. have conceived children and has a lot at stake and life is a be far better than this proposal, It will not have led to them starting a constant struggle. There’s so much as it teaches the controlling of discipline society Contradiction in family. If we convict one party competition, but the Government your mind, mindfulness, and non- the law and they go to jail, that entire fails to address that and instead violence. Gangulee Walpola, 25, It is in this backdrop that the family gets disrupted,” the expects us to sacrifice time that In my opinion, those in Attorney-at-Law Cabinet approved a proposal Minister explained. we can utilise to study and find Parliament need disciplining more submitted by the Justice Due to this, Sabry stated employment. than the youths of this country. Minister to amend Penal Code that the Penal Code needed Unlike Israel or South Korea, Sri The street harassers, uncouth tuk- Section 364 on statutory rape. to be revisited and therefore, This is impractical, ignorant, Lanka does not have the need for tuk drivers, and all the government A study by the Sri Lanka an expert committee was and unrealistic. Firstly, due to the conscription. If it is discipline the officials are those who really Medical Association (SLMA) appointed to oversee the issue. current pandemic situation, there authorities are interested in, it is the need disciplining. Sri Lankan has also pointed out the need He went on to state that if is no assurance that things will go education system that ought to be youths need love, freedom, and to amend the law. The Cabinet reformed, the new Penal Code back to normal anytime soon. Other reformed. opportunities to develop. decision, which was announced will not stipulate a mandatory on 20 January, stated that there minimum sentencing, was a contradiction in the law and instead leave it to the regarding statutory rape. respective judge’s discretion. Feasibility study needed; no trial and error I personally disagree with the The decision read: “There As of Friday (29), no proper idea that this would result in is a contradiction in the law decisions on the revision of the Tharumalee Silva, 21, university undergraduate disciplined individuals. Discipline regarding statutory rape. A Penal Code had been made. A feasibility study needs to has worked out well in countries does not mean that it would shouldn’t start after a person study by the SLMA has also The Sunday Morning be done before a proposal like like Switzerland and Singapore, definitely work for us. reaches 18 years of age. Discipline pointed out the need of revising reached out to the Bar this is tabled. It involves a lot of and it has led to some of the I agree that discipline is an area must be practiced as early as the the provisions of the Penal Association of Sri Lanka money and as a country, our free lowest crime rates in the world. in which Sri Lanka is lacking and age children learn to speak and Code relating to statutory (BASL) President Kalinga education and healthcare systems Considering these examples, it that this proposal may take us one understand. If discipline is priority, rape. The Cabinet, therefore, Indatissa PC for clarification are saturated. I’m not sure if our could have positive implications on step forward in making the situation then the Government can start with approved the proposal by the on the matter. However, he economy can afford this. disciplining the people. However, better, but as a country, we can’t implementing disciplinary systems Justice Minister to instruct refused to comment. At the same time, such a system just because it worked for them afford to do trial and error. in schools and universities. Contd. on page 14 14 the sunday morning Sunday, January 31, 2021 LAUNCH/FOCUS Going Daily

University of Colombo Department of Surgery Head Chair Professor of University of Sri Jayewardenepura Department of English and Linguistics Surgery Prof. S.M. Wijeyaratne (left) Senior Lecturer Dr. Indira Mawelle (left)

The launch event’s Chief Guest, University of Colombo Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chandrika Wijeyaratne (left), receiving a copy of the first edition of The Morning from Liberty Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Director/ Chairman Dilith Jayaweera PHOTOS THE MORNING PHOTO DESK University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge (left) Vallibel One PLC Chairman/Managing Director Dhammika Perera (left)

Contd. from page 12 Contd. from page 13

enrolled 25 persons including 12 French National Centre for Scientific Understanding... researchers from IFP (six from India Research (CNRS) and the French Looking for obedience... and six from France), 12 students, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The areas earmarked for research in the region along with its impact on and one assistant; 48% of them are Project SEDRIC brings together Should not be a their beds on time and are able in Trincomalee would be the port, the communities, geospatial changes from the field of ecology, 36% from researchers and students from the to take on strenuous physical in the Batticaloa region, and the the areas have undergone in the last social sciences, and 16% from remote Eastern University, the University nightmare for activity, that does not merely irrigation system; in the Arugam Bay two decades, and the impact it has on sensing. This team is co-ordinated of Ruhuna, the University of create a disciplined, law-abiding region, it would be the national parks the livelihoods of the communities; by Dr. Gomez from ICES and Julien Peradeniya, ICES, and IFP. youths individual. The best example and the protected areas and clusters; and in Galle, we have several drivers Andrea and Raphael Mathevet from Altogether, these five partners Sanduni Liyanage, 31, is the majority of European in Hambantota East, it would be the where the main changes are around IFP. The project is led by the IFP, a aim to map, track, and develop a teacher at a leading citizens who do not undergo harbour and the areas that have been the sustainable development of these research organisation that implements nuanced understanding of the rapid government school such military training and are earmarked for development projects, coastal areas,” Mathevet further international research on cultures, transformation taking place in yet generally more disciplined where the team would specifically stated. environments, and societies in South coastal ecosystems, economies, and The proposed military training than our people. You will almost study the rapid changes taking place Overall, project SEDRIC has Asia under the umbrella of the lifestyles. programme for young people never find someone cutting a que can affect society in both good or rallying for a cheap party and Contd. from page 9 and bad ways. It should not be relationship-based politics like in made a burden for the community this country. Perhaps it is through Opposition Leader , last week Athukorala, Gayantha Karunathilake, P. Harrison, and should not be a nightmare the integration of better skills and Government... appointed new office bearers to the party for the , Chandrani Bandara, Dilip for the youths. It should be well values into the education system. year 2021 along with the Working Committee Wedaarachchi, and A.H.M. Haleem organised and should have a It is learnt that the Canadian Government had (WC). Premadasa remains the Leader of the Head of Operations: Harin Fernando particular age limit where youths In line with announced its rejection of Dias’ appointment party, while MP Chief Executive: Ajith P. Perera can choose when to participate. It to the Sri Lankan High Commission in Canada retained his position as the General Secretary of Deputy General Secretaries: Nalin Bandara, should not be just another military Govt.’s within one month of receiving Sri Lanka’s the SJB. Ashoka Abeysinghe, and Rohini Wijeratne programme; rather, it should be official communication on the matter. Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka was appointed as Deputy National Organisers: J.C. an opportunity to participate in militarisation With regard to Sri Lanka’s nomination to the the Chairman of SJB while MPs S.M. Marikkar Alawathuwala and community programmes and agenda High Commission in India, contrary to media and were appointed as the Spokesmen: S.M. Marikkar and Manusha spend some time working for the reports to the effect that Moragoda’s nomination new Spokesmen for the party. Nanayakkara country. Amalini De Sayrah, writer has been turned down by the Indian Government, MP Harin Fernando was appointed as the Vice Meanwhile, Ranawaka last week stated that and researcher it is learnt that there has been no such rejection of Chairman and Head of Operations for the SJB. there were several false reports being circulated Many factors to Since this Government Moragoda’s appointment. Given the ’s history of on social media about his role in the SJB and the came to power, it has slowly A senior government minister said that there having a senior representative from a minority non-allocation of a position for him among the consider militarised key sectors of the civil has been no change to Moragoda’s appointment community among its key office bearers, the SJB SJB office bearers. administration. This militarising of as Sri Lanka’s Envoy in India. was expected to follow the tradition, given its Ranawaka had stated on his FB page that both Ruwan Gunasekara, 53, young minds – “discipline” that is However, it is learnt that negotiations are wider electoral appeal. Premadasa and Madduma Bandara had invited former military official associated with rigidity and force currently ongoing on whether Sri Lanka should Accordingly, SJB’s senior most MP, Imthiaz him to attend the SJB’s WC meeting. A lot of factors need to be – probably seems to them like a appoint a high commissioner of cabinet rank or if Bakeer Markar, was earlier expected to be “I attended the SJB WC meeting along with considered. There is definitely natural next step in this journey the appointment should be that of a normal high appointed as the SJB Chairman. a group of my political colleagues. When the going to be backlash and towards a fully militarised society. commissioner. The appointments were approved during the Committee asked me if I would join them and resistance from certain groups, This level of militarisation should Central Committee meeting of the SJB. engage in political work with the SJB, I agreed. especially given the fact that not be normalised. Tamil parties Speaking during the meeting, Premadasa had Accordingly, the WC informed me that it would this Government is labelled as There are so many shortfalls in The Tamil political parties representing the announced that MP Patali discuss the role I should play in the SJB at its one that promotes militarisation. our local education system that Northern and Eastern Provinces, excluding those had officially joined the SJB and that Ranawaka next committee meeting and would inform me I, too, find that it could be a could be addressed without going allied with the Government, have decided to will receive a senior position in the party soon. of the decision,” Ranawaka had stated. problem if the training is forced, about it this way. Experts in the support a black flag protest to be carried out this List of office bearers for 2021: He had further noted that the SJB officials, as there is currently no immediate field of education state that 18 week. Families of the forcibly disappeared have Leader: Sajith Premadasa through their actions, would show that various need for Sri Lanka to undertake might be too late an age to change called out to name this week a “black week” to General Secretary: Ranjith Madduma Bandara reports of him (Ranawaka) being sidelined in the such a measure. youths’ long-held beliefs or create mark those who have disappeared as well as the Chairman: Sarath Fonseka SJB are false. There could be positive the society that the Government failure to ensure justice for them and their families. Treasurer: Dr. Harsha de Silva “The people who voted for me at the last outcomes, especially for hopes to achieve. The black week will also coincide with National Organiser: general election subscribe to the ideologies of those from underprivileged “Discipline” and “law-abiding” Independence Day, which falls on Thursday (4 Senior Vice Chairmen: Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, the SJB. I would therefore like to state that I will backgrounds, as military training are terms open to interpretation, February). , , Lakshman stand for this mandate and work towards building is inclusive of basic etiquette and from experience, it could very Kiriella, , and Ravi a free and democratic Sri Lanka together with the training and so on. Then comes well mean restrictions on free SJB office bearers Samaraweera SJB leadership as well as my fellow members,” the question of what “discipline” expression and dissent against the The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by Vice Chairmen: Harin Fernando, Thalatha Ranawaka had added. really means. If one can make State. Contd. from page 11

consumers” is a false approach. at a long-term programme where they moment the CEA is also looking at the next “It is time that they take responsibility and can educate consumers on recycling and phase of the single-use plastic ban. Sharing Challenged by... initiate a longstanding action. Corporates disposing packaging in a more responsible further information about the next phase, are trying to defend that PET bottles are not manner, in order to reduce the damage that CEA Waste Management Division Director Many operational collection points only failed. In the past weeks, waste-to-energy single-use plastics, which is an incorrect single-use plastics are causing to nature. said: “We are now looking at reducing the receive about 2% of the total packaging that projects have been underway, transforming statement. Although they claim that plastics “Once the behavioural change is visible, sachet use for food items as well. That needs is released to the market. Whereas the rest is waste into a resource. If we can properly can be recycled, only 2% can be fully then they would reach out to a more to be closely looked into, where we would disposed irresponsibly, it probably ends up manage this process, it will help us save a lot recycled, and only 12% has recyclability sustainable packaging option. You cannot consider the essentials which are packaged in landfills, waterways, and, in the end, the of money. Today’s world is concentrating on including upscaling and downscaling. 88% of get a person who has been using products in such quantities. Before sachets were ocean. recycling as much as possible. There are a lot plastic goes to waste dumps and the ocean.” in sachets to switch to purchasing a larger introduced, people would purchase items “While we look at supporting the of resources and costs involved in products, quantity the next day just to keep up with that are only needed in their kitchen in bulk Government in the initial stages of reducing hence, disposing them after use is no longer A temporary fix the government regulations. Consumer quantities. One such non-essential item plastic packaging introduced to the market, affordable. We must concentrate on recycling While environmentalists and the CEA education needs to be in place and the that we see packaged in sachets is sauce. or switching to alternative/biodegradable and reusing as much as possible.” are trying to pin the burden entirely on the Government should allow the companies If you do not use sauce on everything your packaging, we will also have to look at The CEJ recommended that while the corporates, Wijerathne said that gazetting the sufficient time to phase out from the use of household will not purchase a bottle of creating awareness among the public on single-use plastic ban is imposed on lunch ban is more a temporary fix than a permanent single-use plastic as well.” sauce.” responsible waste disposal. We have taken sheets, shopping bags, sachets, small plastic solution. Wijerathne suggests several steps that Jayasekara opined that reducing the food the initial steps by introducing clearly bottles, and other selected items, there needs “We are not against the Government’s could be rolled out over a period of time, industry packaging use would be the most categorised collection bins for various to be a project that collects large plastic decision to ban and reduce the use of plastic which are consumer education, government challenging thing given that we are amid a plastic waste. That means the public has a bottles, plastic containers, and yoghurt cups, in our day-to-day life. However, imposing tax concessions to brands that are switching pandemic and to adhere to health and safety responsibility in assisting the State as well as while other items marked as recyclables a ban in this manner will only make matters to eco-friendly packaging so that they could guidelines, it is compulsory that food items us corporates to work towards achieving this should be collected and recycled 100%. worse, with some attempting to steer away sell the products at a more affordable rate, are well packed and secured. She noted that goal,” Wijerathne added. The CEJ also recommended that the CEA and still continue to release packaging in and switching to alternative packaging it would be a project that would require could also mandate the producers to take full different sizes. Ideally, what should happen options where they would change the more discussions among the stakeholders Responsibility of corporates responsibility on ensuring that the plastic is a gradual transition towards a more nature- machinery and use recyclable or reusable as well as changing consumer behaviour in Centre for Environmental Justice packaging they release to the market is friendly option of packaging whilst creating packaging. purchasing single serve products. Executive Director Hemantha Withanage recycled. awareness among the consumers so that a Attempts to contact Unilever Sri Lanka meanwhile pointed out: “Even though we Withanage remarked that the corporate behavioural change could be instilled.” Next step – food packaging and John Keells Holdings for comment have made countless efforts in Sri Lanka narrative that “plastic pollution is a waste Hemas Holdings Ltd. has initiated a plastic While the debate will go on about proved futile. on waste management, we have always management issue caused by individual usage reduction project which is looking personal hygiene product packaging, at the – Sarah Hannan the sunday morning 15 Sunday, January 31, 2021 SPORTS

January 1999 in Adelaide: A moment where the Captain, the team, the administration, and the entire country got together to fight for one cause

10 POINTS to save Sri Lanka’s cricket A few suggestions that stemmed from various discussions over the past week to rebuild SL’s cricket for the future

COMPILED BY REVATHA S. SILVA 1 3

Present 25-plus first-class clubs to be reduced to 10-plus Sri Lanka reached top international level with School cricket structure2 to be about 10 clubs in her domestic premier system. The 10 or so clubs would feature the best 150 or so further sustained players of the country, the catchment for national Schools have historically been the representation. The Sports Minister pledged on backbone of Sri Lanka’s cricket. But there Updating archaic sports law 27 January that he would take action to have is a problem: Are enough funds allocated Laws that were drafted about 50 years ago need to Alleviating4 corruption in administration “competitive domestic and provincial tournaments”. to school cricket compared to club cricket be updated to suit the realities of the present day. This allegation has been highlighted in the media for two whole decades since the time the cricket A solid provincial structure can also sustain now? Is it because the schools have no Many experts have pointed out this fact. Efforts are board became a “professional” outfit. Either a new system needs to be implemented to regulate its competition and allow emerging outstation areas major voting capability in the national also underway to amend the country’s sports law, internal financial activities, or the Government must make sure it paves the way for more sincere like Jaffna to come to the top. cricket administration? and may be the Cricket Board Constitution. and accountable officials to govern its matters. 5 9 Alleviating corruption spilled over to the game Now bribery and corruption have crept into every sphere of the sport, from top to bottom. Appointment of officials, coaches, player selections, passing fitness tests, etc. have all become deals mixed with corruption. When it’s the corruptors who rule the roost, the best people are distanced and the system crumbles. Revitalising SL ‘A’, Emerging, and U-19 6 Some say T20 “bang bang” cricket should not be allowed in school cricket. Anyway, a strong Balancing high income and commitment technical base needs to be laid down from the early years of budding players. The main focus should Cricket is a disproportionately rich sport in an economy like Sri Lanka. So the cricketers could easily be on Test cricket. The now-stalled international series for SL “A”, SL Emerging, as well as SL U-19 tend to lose their way after a certain point. The new “performance-based” paying scheme the Sports 7 need to be resumed soon. Ministry is going to initiate is a timely move. 10

A disciplinary code which Centralising management of includes social media contracted players guidelines The privately conducted Player Manager system The new generation of cricketers is prone to that exists now needs to be centralised by the the ails of social media and their behaviour Right role models, right spirit cricket board. The present system creates space on Facebook, etc. needs to be streamlined. Sri Lanka has a serious problem on having right, well-rounded role models in sport. As a result, for undue influence on team selections, makes Drunk driving, drug addiction, clubbing, etc. perhaps the spirit and temperament at the highest level is dwindling. Unity and teamwork have emerging talents more prone to the evils of have become a great menace. A very strict suffered. No team can consistently do well in such a situation. With greater luxuries that beget commercialism, and forms factions within the disciplinary code is essential from school to distractions, the Indians are doing their job. The reason: The right people – like Sourav Ganguly, national team. 8 national level. Rahul Dravid, and Ravi Shastri – are at right places. A classic example for Sri Lanka! Athauda, Sudarshana win senior tennis titles The Over-35 (O-35) and 45 (O-45) national tennis senior singles titles were won by Prasanna Athauda, who beat Sumudu Hemantha 6/1, 6/0 in the finals, and K.A. Sudarshana, who beat Suresh de Silva 6/2, 6/1, WI inks broadcast deal on Friday (29) in Colombo. In men’s with ESPN O-35 doubles, Athauda and Perumal Ganesh beat Upali Gunasekara and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have finalised Hemantha 7/5, 7/5 while in O-45 a five-year contract with ESPN+. The doubles, (pictured from left) Arjun deal gives ESPN exclusive rights for Fernando and Chammika de Silva beat Windies’ home matches to be aired on Priyankara Vithanage and Sudarshana TV and digitally in the US. Sri Lanka are 6/2, 6/2 in the finals. to tour there next month and it is not clear whether the games will be aired PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI in the Asian region too by ESPN.

Sunday, January 31, 2021 Caruanasports strikes another blow to ‘general principles’ Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov is a in the post-match interview, Caruana following variation often used by ‘PRAMO’ renowned chess personality. As a responded in a typically considerate Magnus Carlsen against the Queen’s player, his victims include no less than manner. He started with “I think these Gambit. TO HEAD CRICKET six world champions. As an author, he positions are a bit different than what 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3. Nf3 a6 4.cxd5 has done some groundbreaking work we knew in the past”, and went on to exd5 5.Nc3 h6 by writing a series of highly acclaimed explain that white gets an excellent books on middlegame strategy. So position if he manages to play g3-Bg2. SELECTORS when Sokolov sees a move made by But after 13...Bxc3 14.Qxc3 Qf6! the second-best player on the planet he is not allowed to, therein lies the z SLC sends four names to fill two slots in National and tweets “If this decision is good whole point. for black, I need to learn chess Wojtaszek soon got himself in a Cricket Selection Committee again”, it makes the whole chess tangle and sacrificed a pawn with BY REVATHA S. SILVA The four names community sit up and take notice. 15.Qc1 Nc5 16.Qb1 Qe6 17.Rfe1 The move in question was played Qxc4. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) nominated by SLC in the ninth round of the ongoing Tata Caruana consolidated his material on Thursday (29) has sent The four names that have been Steel Masters Tournament held in advantage and won the game. 18.b3 five names to the Ministry sent by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to Wijk aan Zee. It happened after 1.c4 Qc3 19.Bd2 Qf6 20.Bc1 h5 21.Bb2 of Youth and Sports for its the Ministry of Youth and Sports Nf6 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5.e4 Ne5 22.Be2 h4 23.Qc1 g5 24.Bb5 consideration for filling are Hemantha Wickramaratne, O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Bg4 8.Be3 Bxf3 Re7 25.Re3 Qg6 26.Be2 Rae8 27.Qc2 two vacant slots of the Kapila Wijegunawardena, Romesh 9.Bxf3 exd4 10.Bxd4 Nc6 11.Be3 Ne6 28.f3 Nf4 29.Bf1 c6 30.Qf2 In the opening, one of the key three-member National Kaluwitharana, and Waruna Re8 12.Qd2 Nd7 13.Rad1. Re6 31.Rc3 d5 32.g3 hxg3 33.hxg3 principles is not not to waste time. Waragoda. dxe4 34.gxf4 gxf4+ 35.Qg2 exf3 The rapid development of one’s minor Cricket (Senior) Selection 36.Qxg6+ Rxg6+ 37.Kh1 f2 38.Bh3 pieces is vital in the battle for the Committee. reportedly not been a part of the recent Nc4 39.Rxc4 Re1+ 0-1. centre. “Unnecessary” pawn moves The outgoing members are its selection process, it is also learnt. FIDE Director General Emil in the opening are frowned upon. So, former Head Ashantha de Mel, who No collective decision-making has Sutovsky, summed up the situation how can you explain the best player in resigned from the post last week, and been there during both the South with a tweet of his own, describing the world playing 3.a6 and 5.h6 before Chaminda Mendis. African and England series, where the Caruana’s move as “Ultimate 21st developing a single piece? The remaining member, Pramodya Lankans lost 2-0 on both occasions Century chess”. So what exactly has Unsurprisingly, there are good Wickramasinghe, nicknamed “Pramo”, Secretary to the Ministry of Youth and in Tests. changed in this century? reasons for both the pawn moves. In is likely to be appointed as Head of the Sports Anuradha Wijekoon The names will be considered The truth is, modern players the Queen’s Gambit, the light squared new selectors, Sports Ministry sources Kaluwitharana, and Waruna by the National Sports Selection grew up with the acceptance that bishop on c8 can be a problem for revealed on Friday (29). Waragoda. Committee and then by the National the silicone monsters are better than black. 3...a6 is the first step of a plan The four names that have been Out of the above four, two will be Sports Council under Mahela us. This apparent lack of prejudice to expand the queenside with dxc4-b5- sent by the SLC to the Ministry included in the new committee under Jayawardene before the Ministry Wojtaszek-Caruana against computer evaluations meant Bb7-c5. White does not want to allow are Hemantha Wickramaratne, Wickramasinghe, it is learnt. officially announces, most probably Black played 13...Bxc3 here the Carlsens and Caruanas are much this, so he plays 4.cxd5. This means Kapila Wijegunawardena, Romesh Wickramasinghe and Mendis have next week, the new national selectors. better equipped to find exceptions to the aforementioned black bishop can In a purely positional sense, parting general principles than Kasparovs and now happily be deployed along the with the fianchettoed bishop here is Karpovs. So, instead of relying on c8-h3 diagonal. The other pawn move an absolute shocker. For starters, that intuitive decisions based on sweeping 5...h6 prevents white from developing In Brief bishop is the primary defender of generalisations, they try to get to the a bishop to g5. The key again is the black’s already weakened kingside. absolute truth of a given position. As understanding of another principle, BBL k/o today the opening day of the tournament, White also gets the bishop pair to add long as you can support any crazy idea that in a semi-closed position a slight Brisbane Heat beat Adelaide Delhi Bulls beat Bangla Tigers by to his already considerable advantage with concrete analysis, anything goes. delay in development is not fatal. Strikers by six wickets on Friday seven wickets, Pune Devils beat in space. For instance, Caruana’s “violation” We can conclude that the general (29) in the Eliminator of the 2020/21 Deccan Gladiators by seven wickets, And yet, Fabiano Caruana won the would not have worked if not for the principles are only a guide for the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. and Martha Arabians beat Northern game after 39 moves. 14...Qf6 follow up. players to follow when they don’t Adelaide got 130/7 and Brisbane Warriors by five wickets. Being told about Sokolov’s tweet Now try making sense of the know what to do in a position. When reached the target (131/4) in 18.5 you do know what to do, as is the case overs. The tournament’s Qualifier Pakistan beat SA in first Test with Caruanas and Carlsens, those can between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Pakistan won their first Test against be ignored. The great Victor Korchnoi Sixers was held in Canberra yesterday South Africa (SA) on Friday (29) explained this phenomenon best when (30). The Knockout will be held today, by seven wickets in Karachi. After he said: “A chess player’s talent is Sunday, between Brisbane Heat and bowling out the Proteas for 245 in measured not by his knowledge of the Sydney Thunder. their second innings on Friday, the rules but his ability to find exceptions home team were set a target of 88 Pakistan’s Abu Dhabi T10 League results Fawad Alam to them.” runs to win. They reached 90/3 and celebrates his In the next column we shall On Friday (29), Qalanders beat won the Test to take a 1-0 lead in the first-innings’ continue exploring this curious Pune Devils by nine wickets while two-match series. Fawad Alam was ton (109) in relation between general strategic chasing 108 to win. On Thursday, adjudged the Player of the Match. Karachi The start of the Wojtaszek-Caruana game PHOTO CRICINFO PHOTO © TATA STEEL CHESS rules and their exceptions.

THE ‘HOW TO PLAY’ SERIES CONTINUES… hitting high-looping, top-spin shots and Dinith keeps the opponent pinned to the back Pathiraja of the court, it is much more difficult for the opponent to be aggressive. ON COURT Against ‘all-court players’ Getting them out of the comfort zone Today’s discussion on how to play This is because, if the opponent against “all-court players” An introduction wants to be so, from three-plus feet What are the normal or general behind the baseline, then they have to strengths of this type of player? They A major drawback among young tactics should be devised with the get out of their comfort zone and hit can be listed as given below: Sri Lankan players is the fact that strengths of the player devising low-percentage shots. This is exactly yy They can be categorised as the their tactical knowledge and nous them at the forefront of the mind at what the player wants their opponent most complete tennis players is not up to the required standard. all times. to do. The only tactic that most of the For the purposes of this In any match, this particular tactic, yy They are comfortable playing all players have is the fact that they discussion, it will be assumed that if applied properly, is very effective. the shots need to put one more ball over the player devising the tactics is Not only that; since it is not easy to yy They adjust their game according the net. In this multi-part series, proficient in playing all the shots. hit a drop-shot from so far behind the to the opponent it is hoped to discuss the tactics Also for purposes of this article, baseline, it will also help the player yy They use variety that can be used against specific the player against whom the tactics tactically in the match. What would be the general weaknesses types of players. Whilst the points are being devised against will be of this type of tennis player? mentioned here are by no means referred to as the “opponent”. Getting mental strength yy Just as the very phrase “all court” exhaustive, it is hoped that these In previous weeks, we discussed As mentioned before, this type of suggests, these are players who points would form the basis of playing against (i) taller players, opponent likes to be aggressive, likes are comfortable playing all the foundation for players to flesh out (ii) shorter players, (iii) faster to make shots, and dictate the points. shots in the book. And unless their own tactics when confronted players, (iv) slower players, (v) Therefore, the player needs to make they have a player-specific against such players. consistent players, (vi) serve- sure that they take the upper hand by weakness, they generally do not Winning a match against an all-court opponent will give any player immense In deciding on tactics against and-volley players, and (vii) “the themselves and go on the offensive to have any generic weaknesses. satisfaction and confidence. Here, Yasitha de Silva is congratulated by his parents any player, the first and the most grinders”. Today in the eighth part, dictate the points. after winning this year’s Sri Lanka men’s singles National title on 17 January in important thing that needs to we’ll discuss what they usually This would make sure that the player yy With the above in mind, the Colombo. He beat Sharmal Dissanayake in the final be understood is the fact that call “the all-court players”. is taking away one of the opponent’s tactics need to be devised PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI main mental strengths. The opponent against this kind of opponent. opponent, the most important tactic Firstly, the player has to make sure match. The best example for this is that will then have to adjust the game to When devising such tactics, it is Example from Nadal is to make sure that the player has to that they stick to their “weapon” and when Rafael Nadal plays Roger Federer, suit the player’s tactics. important to understand that your vs. Federer play good, tough tennis, and “stay use it as much as possible; that is, to the former tries to play as many ground And it is up to the player to decide strengths should be maximised in the point” until the player gets a stay on the offensive in the match. But when the player uses their strokes as he can with his forehand. what is working on that particular day, and given priority when coming chance to go on the offensive. Having These types of all-court players are “weapon”, it becomes that much harder Secondly, the player should hit high- and to make sure that they play to those up with those tactics. said that, there are three main areas mostly offensive ones. Since they for the opponent to go for their shots. looping top-spin shots to the back of the strengths. Winning a match against an Stay on the offensive that the player can focus on, so as to are able to hit all the shots, they are This in turn will help the player to adjust court. The all-court players are not only all-court opponent will always give shape the progress of the match in stroke-makers and like to dictate the the tempo of the match to their liking aggressive, but they also like to play the player immense satisfaction and Basically, against this type of the player’s favour. tempo of the match. and use that ability to win points in the with variety. When the player keeps confidence.

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Sunday, January 31, 2021 INCREASINGbusiness RETIREMENT AGE Energy Ministry-Treasury Govt. proceeds with contradiction on fuel fund z Fuel fund is after getting Rs. 48 b z There is no Rs. 48 b Budget proposal from Treasury: Gammanpila to give: Attygalle z Pvt. sector concerns BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR

fall on deaf ears While the Ministry of Energy awaits BY YAKUTA DAWOOD the transfer of Rs. 48 billion from the Treasury towards the implementation Despite concerns raised by of the fuel price stabilisation fund, the the private sector with regard Treasury says the money has already to the Budget proposal of been given to the Ceylon Electricity increasing the retirement Board (CEB) to settle its pending payments to Ceylon Petroleum age, the Government is in the Corporation (CPC). process of incorporating the Speaking to The Sunday Morning proposal into all the relevant Business, Minister of Energy Udaya acts, including the Employees’ Gammanpila stated that the Cabinet Provident Fund (EPF) Act, of Ministers has already allocated Rs. The Sunday Morning Business Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda Rajapaksa delivering the Budget 48 billion for the implementation of reliably learns. 2021 Speech in Parliament the price stabilisation fund. Minister is going to draw up a special “Contrary to this, the life “The Treasury said it will give Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle provisions act,” Attygalle added. expectancy for females is 76.6 years, that amount to us; after that, we will Minister of Energy Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle told us that the required measures to All attempts to contact Minister of and it is 72 years for males. Therefore, start the fuel stabilisation fund,” implement the proposal have been Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva for based on the life expectancy, it is Gammanpila added. billion as Attygalle mentioned, is in global oil prices. Therefore, the taken, and the Ministry of Finance comment on Thursday (28) proved proposed to amend the Employees’ However, when contacted, Treasury the collection of the initial fuel price aforementioned institutions were had informed the Ministry of Labour futile. Provident Fund Act to expand the Secretary S.R. Attygalle stated Rs. stabilisation fund that was formed allowed to sell oil with a widened about the necessary changes to the acts. When announcing the Budget 2021, retirement age for both men and 48 billion was given to the CEB, and immediately after the initial local profit margin, while this additional “We have given our amendments to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, women up to 60 years. I wish to also added that stabilisation has to be done outbreak of the virus, when the duty was channelled directly to the the Labour Ministry, and the Minister is who is also the Minister of Finance, bring to your notice that at the time in some other way, as these are all global oil prices were at their most Fuel Price Stabilisation Fund. attending to that. The Labour Minister stated that having two different of the adoption of the Employees’ state-owned enterprises. negative levels. The Ministry of Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle is preparing a special act, so to speak, compulsory retirement ages for men Provident Fund (EPF) Act, the life “In fact, it is not Rs. 48 billion. It Finance imposed an additional duty told The Sunday Morning Business in which would override the present acts. and women cannot be justified. He expectancy for females was as low is Rs. 50 billion, and that money has per litre of fuel sold by Lanka Indian December that this additional duty was As there are several acts that could be added that the compulsory retirement as 57.5 years and the life expectancy been given out already. We will see Oil Corporation (LIOC) and Ceylon temporarily removed when global oil impacted when we make these changes age for the public sector is 60 years, for males was 58.8 years,” Rajapaksa whether we can adjust any taxes,” Petroleum Corporation (CPC), as prices were returning to their previous – for example, the EPF Act outlines the whereas it is 50 years for the private had added. he added. the Government decided to maintain levels. age for retirement benefits – the Labour sector and is lower for females. Contd. on page 2 The Rs. 48 billion, or Rs. 50 fuel prices despite the historical drop Contd. on page 2 Ceylon Cinnamon battle Excise Act to be amended soon z Committee appointed Government has now appointed “Certain laws pertaining to a $ 60 million World Bank- continues with Madagascar a committee to make necessary excise revenue management, funded project that comprised a to make changes amendments to the Excise Act implementation of excise regulations, couple of other similar projects z Madagascar z Dept. of Excise rules in order to “modernise” it to suit and implementation of social and for several state institutions, but claims SL lacks present day requirements. corporate responsibility projects will the entire project was terminated out replacement of Deputy Excise Commissioner be changed. Unlike others’ claims, in the latter part of last year. indigenousness entire Act Kapila Kumarasinghe told The the current Excise Act is a dynamic The reason provided for the BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Sunday Morning Business that piece of legislation. We are not going termination by Kumarasinghe is z SL sends the committee is headed by Excise to replace it with a whole new one,” that Sri Lanka “did not want to justification After World Bank terminated Department Commissioner General Kumarasinghe added. borrow and undertake such a project through EDB funding for the project of replacing M. J. Gunasiri while the rest of the Before the termination of the which will increase its outstanding the existing century-old Excise committee includes officials from funds by the World Bank, drafting external debt”. BY MADHUSHA Act of Sri Lanka last year, the the Excise Department. a new Excise Act was a part of Contd. on page 2 THAVAPALAKUMAR

As Madagascar continues to object to Sri Lanka’s Dialog Axiata’s Genie Enables Tenaga Smart Parking with application to the European ‘One-Click-Pay’ Union (EU) requesting them to grant geographical Genie, Sri Lanka’s first PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security indication (GI) for the Standard) certified Fintech platform powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri country’s cinnamon as country that has objected to Cinnamomum verum Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, recently presented customers of “Ceylon Cinnamon”, Sri Sri Lanka’s application so far. (true cinnamon). Partly for Tenaga Car Park, South Asia’s largest parking management company, with Lankan authorities have filed “The objection has been historical reasons, and partly an easy, streamlined and secure ‘One-Click Pay’ payment method for services rendered. a detailed justification to the made by the Madagascar because of the reference to Launched in partnership with the Colombo Municipal Council, the Tenaga EU, The Sunday Morning authorities on the grounds Ceylon, Cinnamomum ParkSmart App provides users with the convenience of paying their Business learns. that ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ is not zeylanicum remains the most parking fees online through the App based on the location and duration Department of Export a variety, and they too grow widely used botanical name 23 flights come of the parking. With the integration of the tokenization features offered by Agriculture Economics Ceylon cinnamon,” said Dr. for the cinnamon plant. Genie in the Tenaga ParkSmart App, customers don’t have to enter their Research Unit Director Seneviratne. If Sri Lanka receives payment details each time they make a payment through the App. Tenaga (Regulation) Dr. J.M. He also added that the “Ceylon cinnamon” on board with SL ParkSmart App customers can now store their Credit/Debit Card on the Seneviratne told us that they Madagascar is arguing that GI, Madagascar cinnamon A total of 23 flights are currently Chairperson Kimarli Fernando App, using Genie. Once the card details are securely entered and verified filed the justification through if at all Sri Lanka is to obtain would face issues promoting operating to and from Sri Lanka stated that Sri Lanka has reopened for the first time, customers can use the ‘One-Click Pay’ option, eliminating the Export Development GI for its cinnamon, it should their cinnamon as Ceylon since the opening of the borders two of its airports, which are the the need to re-enter the card details each time they make a payment. Board (EDB) recently, and a be “Sri Lanka Cinnamon”, cinnamon, as the GI would to all international tourists on 21 Bandaranaike International Airport One-Click Pay is an effective and secure alternative when transferring positive response is expected as Ceylon is not the name give Ceylon cinnamon higher January 2021, according to (Retd.) (BIA), and the Mattala Rajapaksa sensitive information, adding an extra level of security to credit/debit card within a few weeks. of the country. However, Dr. acceptance and recognition Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri. International Airport (MRIA) for payments and fast becoming a catalyst in fighting fraud whilst creating a seamless payment process. “We sent a long in-depth Seneviratne added that, if in international markets, The Speaking to The Sunday international passengers. Speaking on this integration, Group Chief Digital Services Officer of justification. We will continue required, support from the Sunday Morning Business Morning, Chandrasiri said that the Sri Lanka reopened its borders Dialog Axiata PLC, Renuka Fernando said “Genie is pleased to partner to defend ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ United Nations (UN) will learns. flights operating include SriLankan for tourism after about 10 months. Tenaga ParkSmart. One-click payments within The Tenaga ParkSmart App and obtain the GI,” he added. be obtained in resolving Nevertheless, Dr. Airlines, Qatar Airways, China The country’s tourism came to is a step forward in bringing cashless payment options to the Sri Lankan Sri Lanka last year applied this issue, as Ceylon is the Seneviratne stated that even Airways, Singapore Airlines, a standstill after the closure of public and taking a progressive step in digitising the transport sector to the EU for GI for “Ceylon ancient name of the country though Madagascar grows Kuwait Airways, Ukraine BIA in March, following the local within the concept of a Smart City. Genie is happy to join hands with Cinnamon”, to which the East and Madagascar’s arguments Ceylon cinnamon, the International Airlines, Oman Air, outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Tenaga ParkSmart to provide secure and seamless remote payments for African island nation filed its are invalid. cinnamon-peeling methods Emirates, LOT Polish Airlines, Nevertheless, following the their regular customers, thereby easing the daily payment hassles. We objection to this application Outside Sri Lanka, used in Sri Lanka are and others. lifting of the seven-week lockdown give our partner merchants and their customers total confidence in the when the EU called for Madagascar is one of the indigenous to the country, “Several private airlines are imposed by the Government to security behind their transactions.” statements of objection last countries where Ceylon and when providing the GI, requesting to operate flights to control the local spread of the Managing Director of Tenaga, Duminda Jayatilake stated “We are pleased year. Cinnamon, or so-called such unique components too Sri Lanka, and we are encouraging virus, domestic tourism began to to announce this new feature of Genie which has been integrated to our The GI is a sign used “true cinnamon”, grows are taken into consideration. them to come do so,” Chandrasiri pick up, bringing the occupancy ParkSmart App. This is in line with our vision of making parking simple and convenient to the public. Tenaga Car Parks has always strived to bring on products that have a in abundance. While the “Their objection is vague. added. rates of hotels to 20% until the cutting edge technology to the parking industry and contribute towards specific geographical origin cinnamon tree is native We can defend against their In this context, Minister of recent “second wave” of the virus, His Excellency, the President’s vision of making Colombo a “Truly Smart and possess qualities or a to Sri Lanka, according objection and get the GI,” Dr. Tourism which began on 4 October with City”. reputation that is attributed to Madagascar Spices Seneviratne expressed with said prior to the pandemic about the detection of the Minuwangoda to that origin. To function Company, it was introduced confidence. 80 airlines were operating to cluster. as a GI, a sign must identify to Madagascar in the 17th Obtaining GI for Sri and from Sri Lanka; however, it Furthermore, according to a product as originating in Century by sailors crossing Lanka’s cinnamon has long might take a couple of months to Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion a given place. In addition, the Indian Ocean on their been in the pipeline under get those airlines back on board. Bureau (SLTPB) Acting Marketing the qualities, characteristics, trading routes, and since consecutive governments. As of now, “a total of 35 airlines Director and Director of Public or reputation of the product then, Madagascar has been Lack of required provisions have expressed their willingness to Relations Madubhani Perera, should be essentially due to promoting their cinnamon as in the Intellectual Property operate flights”, Ranatunga added. a total of 1,700 tourists were the place of origin. Ceylon Cinnamon. Act of the country and high Speaking at a press conference recorded during the period from Even though calls for Scientific names for costs involved in preparing held to mark the reopening of 25 December 2020 to 24 January objection were still open, even Madagascar’s cinnamon are for GI application are said to the country for all international 2021, along with a group of as of the latter part of last Cinnamomum zeylanicum be the reasons for the delay. travellers, Sri Lanka Tourism German travellers. year, Madagascar was the only (Ceylon Cinnamon) and Contd. on page 2 Development Authority (SLTDA) Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, January 31, 2021

Fitch Ratings on last Monday due to Fitch’s assessment of the (25) revised the National Long- sovereign rating and the operating Term Ratings of Sri Lankan environment financial institutions following The parents’ increased ability the recalibration of the and/or propensity to provide agency’s national rating scale support to their subsidiaries for Sri Lanka. The recalibration could lead to positive action on is to reflect changes in the the National Long-Term Ratings relative creditworthiness of Cargills Bank, Richard Pieris among Sri Lankan issuers Finance, Singer Finance (Lanka), CBC Finance, HNB Finance, following Fitch’s downgrade Abans Finance, and AMW Capital of the sovereign rating to Leasing and Finance CCC from B-/Negative on Debt ratings will move in tandem 27 November 2020. Fitch with the National Long-Term typically does not assign Ratings Outlooks or apply modifiers Factors that could, individually to sovereigns with a rating or collectively, lead to negative of CCC or below. Revision rating action/downgrade: ratings are used to modify Pressure on the National Ratings ratings for reasons that are of BOC and PB will most likely not related to credit quality in stem from a deterioration in Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating, as this order to reflect changes in the will probably constrain their national rating scale driven standalone credit profiles. Pressure purely by the recalibration on CB’s and HNB’s National of the National Ratings Long-Term Ratings could stem Correspondence Table. from either a downgrade of Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating or a National scale ratings are a risk sustained decline in their credit ranking of issuers in a particular profiles, largely in terms of their market designed to help local capital buffers, while operating investors differentiate risk. Sri reflects Fitch’s assessment that environment risks remain high. Lanka’s national scale ratings are FITCH RATINGS extraordinary support from the A weaker assessment of the denoted by the unique identifier sovereign can no longer be relied operating environment independent “(lka)”. Fitch adds this identifier upon as its ability to provide of changes in the sovereign rating, to reflect the unique nature of the extraordinary support is severely or deterioration in their key credit Sri Lankan national scale. National constrained, which is reflected by metrics beyond Fitch’s base-case scales are not comparable with Nine revisions on its CCC Rating, said Fitch. expectations relative to peers, Fitch’s international rating scales or BOC’s and PB’s National would also lead to increased with other countries’ national rating Ratings are therefore driven by downward pressure on the ratings scales. their intrinsic credit profiles and of BOC, PB, CB, and HNB. The national ratings of the Sri reflect their entrenched domestic The parents’ weaker ability and/ Lankan financial institutions franchises, higher risk appetite, and or propensity to provide support consider their creditworthiness recalibration and smaller capital buffers due to their to their subsidiaries could lead to relative to other issuers in the state linkages, relative to similarly negative action on the National country. The recalibration of the rated private bank peers. Long-Term Ratings of Cargills Sri Lanka’s National Rating Scale Bank, Richard Pieris Finance, has resulted in the revision of the Rating sensitivities Singer Finance (Lanka), CBC National Long-Term Ratings of two downgrades The National Ratings Finance, HNB Finance, Abans the following Sri Lankan financial are sensitive to a change in Finance, and AMW Capital AA-(lka)/Stable from A-(lka)/ institutions: from Negative are driven by their corporate parents due to the financial institutions’ Leasing and Finance. Stable the recalibration of the national the recalibration of the corporate creditworthiness relative to Debt ratings would be Banks yy Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC to rating scale. The recalibration parents’ National Ratings. other Sri Lankan issuers and the downgraded if the National Long- yy Commercial Bank of Ceylon A+(lka)/Stable from BBB(lka)/ also reflects the differing levels of Fitch has taken corresponding sovereign rating. Term Ratings were downgraded. PLC (CB) to AA-(lka)/Stable Stable constraint placed on Sri Lankan rating action on the financial Fitch expects to resolve the BOC and PB have a 1.78% issuers due to the sovereign’s institutions’ national scale debt Rating Watch on Abans Finance equity stake each in Fitch Ratings from AA+(lka)/Negative yy Abans Finance PLC to A(lka)/ credit profile. The revision of the ratings, where assigned. The senior after the completion of its sale to Lanka Ltd. No shareholder other Rating Watch Evolving (RWE) yy Hatton National Bank PLC National Ratings of CBC Finance debt ratings are at the same level as Softlogic Capital PLC with the than Fitch, Inc. is involved in the from BB+(lka)/RWE (HNB) to AA-(lka)/Stable from and HNB Finance stems from the National Long-Term Ratings. potential for the Rating Watch to day-to-day rating operations of, or AA+(lka)/Negative yy AMW Capital Leasing and the recalibration of the National National Ratings assigned to Tier be extended, which is dependent on credit reviews undertaken by, Fitch yy Cargills Bank Limited to AA- Finance PLC to AA-(lka)/ Ratings of their parents, CB and 2 issues are two notches below the Fitch having greater clarity on the Ratings Lanka Ltd. (lka)/Stable from A+(lka)/Stable Negative from BBB-(lka)/ HNB. The Stable Outlooks on National Rating anchor ratings. ability and propensity of the new Negative CBC Finance and HNB Finance Other Sri Lankan financial ultimate parent, Softlogic Holdings Public ratings with credit Non-bank financial At the same time, Fitch has mirror the Stable Outlook on CB institutions’ national ratings, PLC, to support the surviving linkage to other ratings institutions downgraded the National Ratings and HNB. which are not mentioned in this entity and its standalone credit CBC Finance’s rating is driven yy CBC Finance Ltd. to A(lka)/ of Bank of Ceylon (BOC) and The revision of the National commentary, have not been strength. by CB’s rating. HNB Finance’s Stable from AA-(lka)/Negative People’s Bank (Sri Lanka) (PB) Ratings and the Outlooks of affected by the recalibration Factors that could, individually rating is driven by HNB’s rating. to AA-(lka) from AA+(lka). The Cargills Bank, Richard Pieris exercise, according to Fitch ratings. or collectively, lead to positive Singer Finance’s rating is driven by yy HNB Finance PLC to A(lka)/ Outlook is Stable. Finance, Singer Finance (Lanka), rating action/upgrade: Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC (AA[lka]/ Stable from AA-(lka)/Negative The revision of the National Abans Finance, and AMW Capital Key rating drivers Upside to the National Long- Stable). Abans Finance’s rating is yy Richard Pieris Finance Ltd. to Ratings of CB and HNB and the Leasing and Finance stem from The downgrade of the Term Ratings of BOC, PB, CB, and driven by Abans PLC (AA[lka]/ revision of the Outlooks to Stable the change in the relativity of National Ratings of BOC and PB HNB is limited in the near term Stable). Contd. from page 1

have adverse effects on the export sector.” of 92 Octane petrol was Rs. 12. The overall together the Excise Ordinance and Tobacco The Excise Ordinance was introduced Govt. Explaining further, Marikkar also shared recoverable import duty on 92 Octane petrol Tax Act, with a completely digitalised in 1912 and the Excise Department was However, we reliably learnt that the Weerasinghe’s sentiments on the impact on was Rs. 30. Meanwhile, the revised import platform. established in 1913. Since then, the Ordinance private sector was not in favour of this youth employment. Exporters want youths duty per litre of 95 Octane petrol was Rs. 15, Under this revamp, the Excise Ordinance, has been amended 25 times. However, there proposal. When we asked Attygalle whether on board so as to increase productivity and duty per litre of Super diesel was Rs. 20, and along with 1,020 excise notifications and has been virtually no digitisation over the the Government will take into account the innovation by fostering new ideas to compete duty per litre of Auto diesel was Rs. 11. 2,500 circulars, was to be updated to cater to years. concerns of the private sector, he added that in the international market, he shared. According to a World Bank article modern-day requirements and be merged with Further, according to the industry he does not think anybody – employees or Generally, in the private sector, employees published on 27 October 2020, after plunging the Tobacco Tax Act. stakeholders, the existing Ordinance provides employers – will oppose this move. are recruited based on company policies with significantly in March and April, crude oil Last year, sources from the Excise ample loopholes for perpetrators to produce “The Department of Labour can consult regard to employment on a contractual basis prices saw a robust recovery in May and June, Department told The Sunday Morning illicit liquor, thereby creating a massive loss the people and make the amendments, which has the flexibility to retain employees averaging $ 42 per barrel of oil in the third Business that the amendments would be made in the Government’s tax revenue while only because when you prepare an act, anyone can with high productivity beyond the retirement quarter of the year. However, they remain in consultation with industry stakeholders, but legitimate liquor manufacturers pay large challenge that in the court,” Attygalle added. age (done on mutually agreeable terms). at almost one-third lower than their 2019 are unlikely to be completed within this year. sums in taxes. The Sunday Morning Business spoke to Accordingly, the minimum age of a male average. However, a foundation was expected to be In 2019, then Minister of Finance Mangala Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) employee is 55 years and for females it is 50 About three months after the establishment laid for the amendments within the next four Samaraweera during a press conference Chairman Kanishka Weerasinghe in this years. of the fund, Minister of Trade and Co-Cabinet months. stated that the existing Excise Ordinance was regard. He stated that one of the reasons why However, Marikkar emphasised: “Exporters Spokesman Dr. Bandula Gunawardana stated Under earlier plans, the new Excise Act brought in during Queen Victoria’s regime the private sector is opposing this act is due are requesting the authorities to not introduce that the fund had not grown as expected due was expected to incorporate world-class and therefore, the mentality of the Ordinance to the current challenges in recruiting the a policy in this regard, but to leave things as to a drop in consumption. best practices in terms of the expansion of still belongs to the early 19th Century. younger generation to the industry. they are, where the employer and employee, In late November 2020, Minister of Energy the excise tax revenue base, simplify tax “If we continue with this Act, the officials “Currently, youth unemployment is at on mutual understanding, can adopt the Udaya Gammanpila stated that maintaining rates, and introduce new technologies. It at the Department of Excise will keep getting 19% and female youths account for around general contract procedure. local fuel prices amidst fluctuating global was also expected to improve the excise richer while the illicit liquor brewing increases 26%. Hence, there’s something wrong there. “At the end of the day, the employer oil prices is the policy of the present revenue management system, as the Excise day by day,” Samaraweera noted. We need to attract younger people into the should be able to decide. If the retirement Government, and added that the Ministry Department would adopt a digital system for organisation, and that is not going to happen age has been exceeded and the employer is looking at the establishment of a separate revenue collection similar to the Revenue by prolonging the employment of the older wants to retain the employee, they should stabilisation fund by studying contemporary Administration Management Information 23 flights... generation.” be allowed to do so via a special agreement. market trends, for this purpose. System (RAMIS) of the Inland Revenue In the statement, Perera said: “In December According to Weerasinghe, the private Hence, we request that the proposal not be Department (IRD). (2020) up to 24 January 2021, there were sector is not in favour of this act due to several implemented,” he added. Nevertheless, it is still not decided whether about 1,700 tourists that came into the reasons such as the burden to bear costs and Ceylon... these software-related changes would be country under the pilot project. But with its ability to afford it, commercial cycles, However, in the second half of last made by the Sri Lankan Government in the regard to tourists who came with our second and also organisational human resource Energy... year, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a existing Ordinance while amending it, as programme with the reopening of airports requirements. According to Attygalle, the fund has only proposal by the Ministry of Trade to advise these changes would be a costly affair. For under the guidelines, only 60 tourists arrived In addition to these, he shed light on another raised about Rs. 50-60 billion, which is the Legal Draftsman to draft a bill to amend example, the development of a digital system 21 to 24 January 2021.” concerning issue, sharing that as there are an significantly less than the Government’s initial the Intellectual Properties Act of No. 36 which would address the loopholes in excise “The pilot project handled by Udayanga excessive number of workers who are above intention to collect Rs. 200 billion under the of 2003 with the provisions to establish a tax collection alone would cost over $ 7 Weeratunga, the former Ambassador the retirement age, it would be impossible to fund within a period of six months. comprehensive and definite legal framework million. (to Russia) is the one that initiated this retain them all if the act is established. “There is no money in the fund at the for the registration of GIs in Sri Lanka. Under the previous plan, stakeholders, programme and brought down these people to When inquired if the concerns had been moment. We paid some fuel dues to the After obtaining the GI, Ceylon cinnamon police stations around the island, and tourist Sri Lanka,” Perera noted. communicated to the relevant ministries, Central Bank of Sri Lanka. We lent the rest to can be sold in international markets for hotels were planned to be interlinked for In the meantime, Sri Lanka is also preparing Weerasinghe stated: “We have made our Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to settle their much higher prices than at the moment, as improved monitoring of supply chains, while its global tourism promotion campaign, views known. I believe if there are further outstanding payments to the CPC,” he noted. the country would be able to maintain the manufacturers, consumers, and liquor licence which is expected to kick off this year. The discussions, it will have to take place with the The fund was initially established to traceability and quality of its spices. holders were expected to be able to obtain long-awaited global advertising campaign for Minister of Labour.” repay the outstanding debt of the CPC “Once the final product reaches the global data and information including the types Sri Lanka Tourism was set to be launched in We also spoke to National Chamber of and CEB. Shortly after the General market with its very unique identity, we of licences, prices, and regulations on one September last year, but faced delays due to Exporters of Sri Lanka Secretary General/ Elections in August, The Sunday Morning will get higher prices for our products. By platform. Covid-19. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shiham Business exclusively reported that half of the higher, I mean five to six times higher,” Dr. As of October 2019, the new Excise Act, The campaign has been in the pipeline for Marikkar, who said that the official request on CEB’s outstanding payments to the CPC were Seneviratne added. which was at the preliminary drafting stage five to seven years under two governments, paper will be sent to the relevant ministries by settled by utilising Rs. 48 billion from the with two committees amending the Excise and has been desperately awaited by the early next week. “The proposal will say that fund. Ordinance along with the excise regulations industry, particularly following the Easter the exporters are requesting them (authorities) Following the revision of duties on fuel on Excise... and notifications, was expected to come into Sunday attacks, and more recently, the to revisit that particular proposal, as it will 13 March, the revised import duty per litre The new Excise Act was expected to bring effect from December 2019 onwards. coronavirus outbreak. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, January 31, 2021 INSIGHT/DIPLOMACY Bribes and ‘service charges’ z Deregulation commission good only if it actually deregulates and the Government’s efforts on Many exporters have said their Many exporters deregulation have to be appreciated main challenges are not issues have said their main without a doubt. This will be a big such as finding opportunities challenges are not game-changer if we utilise this in outside markets. Their issues such as finding opportunity with good intentions. biggest concerns are in Sri opportunities in outside Understanding the gravity of this Lanka where their activities markets. Their biggest By get things done requires the assignment is of vital importance. and scope of innovation are concerns are in Sri paying of bribes. If you don’t Developing a feasible framework restricted by a regulatory Lanka where their Dhananath pay, you can’t get anything done, to achieve its objectives, too, is framework activities and scope of Fernando even if you have followed protocol of high importance. There are innovation are restricted and procedure to the dot. This is a two sides to deregulation. One is market regulations and labour by a regulatory framework. as he/she has to repay the capital common practice, from the security deregulating the factor markets. market regulations. Our hiring and The other side of regulation is and interest on capital, and he/she While having a conversation guard up to the director generals There are regulations at a higher firing guidelines are rigid, so doing product regulation, which calls is losing an opportunity to make a with a businessman, I of many institutions; from getting level on main factors that contribute business is a complete nightmare. for unnecessary documentation at profit. brought up the topic of a passport to getting approval for a to productivity. That is land Under the existing regulatory every office. This is common for It would be a gigantic task for bribery in Sri Lanka. I put million-dollar investment. regulations, labour regulations, framework, it is therefore unlikely all product sectors of the economy. the committee to cover the scope him on the spot by asking: This issue has been discussed capital regulations, and entrepreneur that investors will come to Sri The National Medicines Regulatory of all regulations just in 90 days, over the years and it is not only a regulations. Deregulation in each Lanka more often. One reason why Authority (NMRA) has so many and all the members are already “Have you ever paid a bribe problem in Sri Lanka but across sector is an assignment on its own. investors are actively looking at various processes and procedures on different fulltime assignments. to sort out your business the world. But we all agree that in the Port City is that businesses at on getting medical equipment Since this committee comes under matters?” He responded: this part of the world, bribery is The main reason for high the Port City will have a separate and issuing licences; so does the the purview of the President, the “The answer depends on painfully common. Fear surrounding levels of bribery is excessive regulatory framework. Faster and Telecommunication Regulatory business community will keep a your definition of a ‘bribe’.” the act too has started to erode. regulation and discretionary convenient systems and processes, Commission, which has another set close eye on the outcome of this He added: “If your definition That is the reason my friend, who power assigned to certain and minimum yet strong regulation of regulations on products. These initiative. of a bribe is dishonestly is a businessman, prefers the term officers. When we have too are what all investors are looking are all fine examples of excessive We need to learn lessons persuading someone to act “service charge” instead of bribe. many gatekeepers with for. They want to invest easily regulation restricting product from the past committees where discretionary powers, bribery in an illegitimate manner by The main reason for high levels of without excessively spending their markets. nothing happened apart from the bribery is excessive regulation and or service charges, as we term energy and money on unnecessary When considering all these spending of public money and a gift of money or another it, becomes unavoidable inducement, my answer is ‘no’. discretionary power assigned to regulatory work which increases products and licence requirements kicking of the can down the road. certain officers. When we have too their transaction costs or by paying as the general regulatory This Government, unfortunately, But I have paid and continue many gatekeepers with discretionary Just take land regulation as an “service charges”, as per my friend’s framework, then the scope of the fell into the same trap with the to pay ‘service charges’ (which powers, bribery or service charges, example. Eighty percent of the definition. newly appointed commission will committee appointed to appoint I believe is the new term for as we term it, becomes unavoidable. land is owned by the Government, The business registration be very broad. So, most likely, heads for SOEs (state-owned bribery). This is ‘paid’ to get With this context in mind, and our farmers do not have the process is a nightmare for budding they may have to identify a few organisations), which did not legitimate things done faster. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa property rights to cultivate what entrepreneurs. Small businesses big-ticket items where deregulation achieve the expected outcome. Without oiling the palm, I has appointed a deregulation they want and develop their lands. registering proprietorships require can be done faster, with a higher There were media reports of cannot get any legalities commission. The committee is Different types of land registrations a grama sewa certificate, rent impact on business and investment. political appointees, and some processed,” he stated. assigned with the objective of are in place by the name of agreement, nameboards, and have to Sri Lanka’s Customs’ regulation, members even submitted fraudulent “Following that definition, easing business processes with a Swarnabhoomi, Jaya Bhoomi, etc., provide so much more unnecessary land regulation, and capital market documents as qualifications to sit my answer is ‘yes’,” he went on 90-day time frame. Identifying but nothing can be used as collateral documentation and go through regulation are definitely a few areas in high-level director boards at to say. He further explained: deregulation as an urgent need to at a bank to obtain much-needed unnecessary processes, that it kills where the problems are known state institutions. ease the process of doing business capital. As a result, for decades, our the aspiration of the entrepreneur yet nothing has been done over The deregulation commission “Paying money to get things is a step in the right direction. Many farmers have been using the same even before they commence the the years. The problem for many is undoubtedly an initiative in the done as per procedure is a time this column emphasised the technology and very inefficient business. The company registration businessmen is not that they want right direction, but the real victory termed a ‘service charge’, and importance of deregulation and methods of farming. This is evident process can be done via an to bend the law or do anything for business and investment would paying to get anything illegal its impact on easing the process in how 25% of our labour force online system to get the business illegitimate, but rather that the be the day actual deregulation takes done is a bribe.” of doing business. It is a low- contributed about 8% in terms of registered. However, getting copies authorities do not provide any place – where the businessmen do hanging fruit that can be plucked GDP. certified by directors and other answer for the applications and not have to pay any “service charge” Unfortunately in Sri Lanka, easily with minimal financial The situation is not very different documents that are required, has delay the process. For an investor, to speed up the process or bribe to following normal procedure to resources. The President’s initiative in other sectors in terms of capital become a long and tiring process. a very delayed date is an expense, get anything illegitimate done. Liechtenstein: SL’s new diplomatic friend BY YAKUTA DAWOOD in other countries, especially in a small- scaled country like Sri Lanka. Along with The Cabinet of Ministers last week that, since the purchasing power of these nodded their consent to launch diplomatic inhabitants is pretty much high, the need relations with Liechtenstein, a country to travel overseas is drastically high which most have never heard of before. The could again benefit Sri Lanka to increase the proposal stated that it is a small country inward tourism. between Switzerland and Austria, and “Sri Lanka possesses the opportunity is one of the wealthiest countries in the for investments and tourists having higher world. Soon after the proposal was passed purchasing power,” the Government in Cabinet, it became a topic of discussion Information Department added. on social media. This week The Sunday Meanwhile, Liechtenstein’s economy Morning Business is taking a look at this has been strongly shaped by the production country. of its goods. In 2018, the goods-producing sector provided 36% of employment in the Liechtenstein: A tiny little nation country. This represents a remarkably high The Principality of Liechtenstein proportion, compared to other European is a tiny, doubly landlocked country countries. tucked away between Switzerland and Due to Liechtenstein’s limited domestic Austria (Western Europe) with mountain market, it has been said that larger slopes rising above the Rhine Valley. enterprises are heavily export-oriented The statement from the Government with a vast majority of the production of Information Department stated that their goods sold overseas. The important Liechtenstein has both parliamentary branches include mechanical engineering, democracy and a king as the resigned manufacturing of electrical machinery, constitutional head of state. vehicle components, dental technology, the According to the Embassy of the production of food, as well as construction Principality of Liechtenstein, the country work. has an area of 62 square miles (about the A tourist attraction in Liechtenstein same geographic size as Washington, DC), Conclusion inhabited by just over 38,400 people. The Liechtenstein has invested in the The country (Liechtenstein) is also 623 economic sectors and then finally with Developing friendship, co-operation, total length of its borders is 47 miles and development of the banking system with considered one of the wealthiest the “agricultural sector” with 99 economic and bilateral and multilateral ties with the the country lies at an elevation of 1,486 low-income tax schemes. Apart from these countries due to the more sectors in the year 2018. Government of Liechtenstein will benefit feet above sea level. factors, the country is also considered distinguished industrial capacity and Sri Lanka in many ways than expected. Despite its small size and lack of natural one of the wealthiest countries due to the for also manufacturing essentials Employment For example, the luxurious tourism from resources, Liechtenstein has developed into more distinguished industrial capacity such as medical drugs, subtle A distinctive feature of Liechtenstein’s Liechtenstein will serve the Sri Lankan a prosperous, highly industrialised, free- and for also manufacturing essentials correction equipment, and electronic national economy is a large number of tourism industry in gaining higher revenue enterprise economy with a vital financial such as medical drugs, subtle correction equipment inward cross-border commuters. For as they might be willing to stay in the services sector and one of the highest per equipment, and electronic equipment. instance, in 2018, 56% of Liechtenstein’s country for a longer period of time and capita income levels in the world, hence compare these data with those of 2008 workforce consisted of this group. spend money than just being backpack the Liechtenstein economy is widely Gross Domestic Product when the GDP per capita in Liechtenstein Further, Liechtenstein in Figures 2020 states tourists. diversified with a large number of small According to the latest statistics, the was $ 142,780. that out of 38,784 residents in Liechtenstein, There is also a possibility of Liechtenstein and medium-sized businesses, particularly GDP of Liechtenstein grew by 0.7% in Commenting on GDP, the Government a total of 39,635 persons are employed investing their high-tech industrial plants in the noted services sector. 2018 compared to the previous year. This Information Department added that “GDP (including inward commuters) as of 31 under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in The country has been a member of the rate is 13-tenths of 1% less than the figure during the previous year (2020) had been $ December 2018. In comparison to this, the Sri Lanka because the resources, labour, European Economic Area (an organisation of 2% published in 2017. 143,700 approximately”. unemployment rate in 2018 stands at 1.7% and other necessities are much cheaper in serving as a bridge between the European The GDP per capita of Liechtenstein in According to statistics published by which has improved, while comparing it to comparison to other countries. Free Trade Association and the EU) since 2018 was $ 179,175, $ 13,990 less than Liechtenstein in Figures 2020, the service the previous year 1.8% in 2017. All in all, both the Sri Lankan and May 1995, and since then, the Government in 2017 when it was $ 165,185. To view sector is one of their key sectors in the When the GDP of the country is on Liechtenstein Governments will benefit is working to harmonise its economic the evolution of the GDP per capita, it is country with a total of 4,156 economic a positive note, it is obvious that the from the new understanding between the policies with those of an integrated EU. interesting to look back a few years and sectors, followed by the “good sector” with country will be willing and able to invest two nations and this journey is yet to begin. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/APPS Sunday, January 31, 2021

Japan’s Prime Minister this week apologised to his nation for his Government’s failures in its Covid-19 response, where health services are now under too much strain The value of sorry to provide adequate care. It’s reluctance to accept collective reputation over time, there’s a lot for what it truly is – responsible learning experiences that may be a rare admission of failure, responsibility on behalf of the more that an honest public apology leadership and resilience in the face spun positively for future benefit. THE especially in Asia where institutions they lead, making great can achieve. Yet business leaders of adversity. Mistakes can be moments that leaders in both politics and effort instead to identify and blame would much rather hire expensive Years of macho posturing has can encourage innovation. There HEADLIGHT business enjoy earning a single individual. The thing is as consultants and agencies than face made our society construe an are plenty of anecdotes about how credit but often distance leaders, it is important that those in the public and take the blame. apology or acceptance of a mistake many important and well-loved that proclaimed “The buck stops themselves from taking the the highest positions of authority Truly courageous leadership is as a sign of weakness. The worst products we enjoy today were the here” on his desk at the Oval blame. take emblematic action to accept accepting failure with sincerity, aspect of a culture of such denial results of mistakes – penicillin, Office. It was a statement of his moral responsibility even if they and leading others to battle forward is that it is contagious. In a society X-rays, microwaves, Coca-Cola, moral responsibility and ultimate Our politicians and business played no role in an actual incident. through the negativity. It is far where those in positions of power Post-it notes, and even potato chips. answerability, both of which come leaders seldom admit a mistake In this age of social media, more powerful and mature to fix are reluctant to admit failure, the While not every mistake will have with the job of leadership. Bosses or failure; while the opposite is mistakes have the potential to go what’s broken and move on than to generation waiting in the shadows a positive outcome, it is better to must share failures and successes true of any moment to glorify viral and cause an unforgiving wallow in failure and begin toxic learns only to mirror that behaviour. take some risks and expect at least in equal measure; it takes courage themselves. Accepting one’s public backlash that is near blame games to avoid humiliation. This is why it’s important, some failures than to fear the very to admit failure and to face blame, failure is considered far too great a impossible to contain. While image It is time we demanded such especially for professionals and possibility of making a mistake. but those brave enough to take such concession to make and equated to management campaigns after the transparency and accountability, and businesses, to make learning a Former US President Harry action would know their potential to losing face. There is even greater fact may help a business restore its appreciated an admission of failure priority where mistakes are used as Truman famously had a sign win respect and admiration.

BY YAKUTA DAWOOD increasing its marketing in regards to providing users privacy policy insurance In the age of hashtags, likes, tweets, while using social media applications. shares, and snaps, online privacy can Signal seem almost nonexistent, as sharing Whatsapp’s privacy: personal information through social media Signal is a completely open-source, is now more pronounced than ever. free, secure, and private instant messaging However, if you have noticed, the platform just like WhatsApp. Like any latest ongoing topic spoken about by other modern instant messaging service, everyone in the year 2021 is about the Thoughts from Viber Signal also supports text, images, videos, announcement made by WhatsApp group chats, voice and video calls, and regarding its privacy update. Due to Viber does not read user chats and calls documents. this concern, privacy issues have spiked and even its engineers cannot access Signal provides end-to-end encryption dramatically within the local and global the chats and calls of its users. It is for both text and voice messages. community, and many have been seen encrypted from end-to-end, no special Accordingly, nobody is entitled to see the shifting away from WhatsApp to other settings required. It’s clear and simple. content of messages or the voice calls. alternatives. yy Delivered messages are not stored Furthermore, Signal also has the feature The concern arose when WhatsApp by Viber and Cloud backup. If users named “Screen Security”. This feature announced that it has completed its want to back up their chats, they can essentially blocks other applications assimilation into Facebook which resulted choose to activate cloud backup, but used on mobile phones and the user itself in Facebook and WhatsApp becoming Viber doesn’t keep any copy of users’ from taking screenshots of your chats. one. Obviously, by this, it would mean the messages and calls. This way, you can be sure that even if monitoring of messages, calls, etc. will there’s an app that is keeping tabs on your increase to a greater extent than before. yy Viber offers screen privacy allowing activities on your phone, it can’t capture WhatsApp has been a popular users to send self-destructing messages what’s happening inside your Signal app. application ever since it was launched in within a chat and entire chats can be Additionally, Signal has promised that 2009 with the aim of providing users an hidden and only visible using a pin advertisements within the application and alternative to traditional text messaging. code. affiliate marketers will not be entertained, By 2020, more than two billion WhatsApp yy Viber has cut all business ties with as it could hinder the user experience. users were reported across the globe, for Facebook and it doesn’t share any user its privacy and other services. information with them either. Up until the 4 January 2021 update, WhatsApp’s terms of agreement stated the “We have decided to make it our DNA following: so that we defend the user’s rights, protect The update not only demonstrates their data, and ensure privacy to their chat how meaningless user privacy is to yy “Respect for your privacy is coded into and calls,” Agaoua emphasised. WhatsApp, but it seems like a new our DNA. Since we started WhatsApp, record in disrespecting users, and no we’ve aspired to build our services Viber in Sri Lanka doubt will keep breaking in the future with a set of strong privacy principles According to the statistics published by Rakuten Viber CEO Djamel Agaoua in mind. Viber, the uptick in Viber Communities yy “However, your WhatsApp messages showcased an increase in interest Telegram will not be shared on Facebook for by Sri Lankans, as messages sent to others to see. In fact, Facebook will Communities grew by 85% while users Telegram is similar to Signal in a lot not use your WhatsApp messages for who viewed communities also grew by a of ways. It is mentioned that Telegram any purpose other than to assist us in record 125%. allows for up to 100,000 users in a single operating and providing our services.” Agaoua said that Viber welcomes this group. growth potential and aims to continue to One feature which sets Telegram apart However, these two statements offer Sri Lankan users enhanced services. from other instant messaging services is have been removed from the updated We have also over the years begun that Telegram has no limit for the size of WhatsApp Privacy Policy. Furthermore, investing in localising the app interface the file you can share on the service; users WhatsApp uses people’s information to and partnering with important local could share a file that is several GBs in operate and provide services accordingly. organisations forging crucial partnerships size with their peers on the service. “We use the information we have to help our users. Rakuten Viber Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Djamel Agaoua Even though Telegram also features to operate and provide our services, “Sri Lanka is a vital market for us, and end-to-end encryption, it isn’t available including providing customer support; Viber aims to continue to improve the app Features to be launched in more about users’ privacy than the way by default and for all messages; unless completing purchases or transactions; and tailor it to meet local market needs. Sri Lanka Viber does. users start conversations in Secret Chat, improving, fixing, and customising our We hope to soon introduce our Sri Lankan As Viber celebrated a decade of success, “Privacy and security of our users the messages aren’t completely encrypted. services; and connecting our services with users to fintech and the chatbot payment it also marked an important milestone continue to be part of our DNA and Another disadvantage is that Telegram Facebook company products that you may solution,” Agaoua noted. by moving into fintech allowing users to this is why it is important to understand could also go through the messages use.” buy goods and services through its app. the difference between Viber and other because it isn’t open sourced. When issues such as these arose, This feature was launched in Ukraine platforms. They will go on reading what Conclusion WhatsApp users across the globe felt like and is now being introduced across the you say to your friends, to your family in a they were losing control of information We used to initially introduce Asia Pacific region. However, speaking call or chats, to define what you like, and Right now, Viber is becoming an all- that profiles entire aspects of their lives. something and get it translated here, to The Sunday Morning Business, target you with these ads and make more encompassing communications platform During this crisis of “uncertainty”, however, we realised that only a Sri Agaoua confirmed that this feature will be money”. trying its best to expand into utilities Rakuten Viber Chief Executive Officer Lankan would understand what the available for Sri Lankan users as soon as Meanwhile, the question “if global and fintech to provide its users the best (CEO) Djamel Agaoua released a public people in Sri Lanka would like, and possible. demand rises in regards to the usage of the possible application in terms of all the statement expressing Viber’s opinion over not someone from outside the country “Very soon it will be available in Sri Viber application, it’s likely for the cost demands. According to official statistics, WhatsApp’s latest privacy update and Lanka where users, through the platform, of production to increase, hence will this Viber has over one billion users and seven Viber Asia-Pacific Director Viber’s commitment towards protecting Anubhav Nayyar can buy goods and services and pay result in Viber moving from free service million interactions per minute. users’ privacy. Following this, The Sunday with Google Pay or another local mobile to paid services in the future?” was asked Commenting further in terms of Viber, Morning Business caught Agaoua in an wallet.” to enlighten Viber users regarding the new Agaoua said that Viber aims to always exclusive interview on this topic. Viber Asia-Pacific Director Anubhav When questioned about new features strategies. stay ahead of the curve for its users. When asked about the opinion from Nayyar on 24 February 2020 said that being introduced within the coming year, Agaoua emphasised that Viber is, and “We want Viber to become a ‘lifetime Agaoua with regard to the WhatsApp Viber was launched in the Sri Lankan Agaoua said that Viber has enhanced user always will be, completely free for you to app’ for everyone that they can navigate update, he expressed that WhatsApp’s market in 2010, and by 2015 Viber had experience ensuring that their interests are send unlimited fast messages and make conveniently, providing users with the privacy policy reduces the term “privacy” begun investing in localising the app serviced. Accordingly, the new features endless crystal-clear calls to other people. services that cater to their needs and to a laughingstock. “The update not only and partnering with other Sri Lankan which will be launched (not specifically in “As you use the Viber app, you may have interests without worrying about privacy demonstrates how meaningless user organisations in order to provide higher Sri Lanka) are mentioned below: noticed ads and offers from businesses as our system protects it.” privacy is to WhatsApp, but it seems like accessibility to Sri Lankan (non-English appear in your main chat list, possibly after When inquired about the rise of new yy 5G networks; “what it will bring to our a new record in disrespecting users, and speakers from rural parts) users by calls, and in other select places around users, new innovations, etc., and its world is only the tip of the iceberg” no doubt will keep breaking in the future,” introducing new local interface in both the app. Showing you these tailored and relation to the employment rate of Viber, he added. Tamil and Sinhala languages. yy AR, VR, and AI within Viber itself; relevant offers helps us keep the app free for Agaoua stated that “Viber has immense Furthermore, commenting on partnering “your physical and digital lives are you to use. future plans going forward and expects Viber privacy in comparison with other Sri Lankan organisations, going to merge. In the future, the “In order to keep the running of Viber a growth in its workforce to make this to WhatsApp Nayyar reasoned that “everything from differences between the two worlds free, this is our solution of showing a happen”. When inquired about how secure the the concept to the actual creation and will disappear and users will expect limited number of ads to our users. We Giving the concluding remark, Agaoua protection of personal details of Viber execution is done here in Sri Lanka itself. the same capabilities of expressing may collect information from the users urges all Sri Lankan users to choose a users is in comparison to WhatsApp, We used to initially introduce something emotions and interacting with their about what they like but this is for our own communications platform that provides Agaoua noted that “we realise that people and get it translated here, however, we friends in their digital life, as in their purpose only – we are not going to share you the promise and respects the promise are very sensitive to this issue. Privacy realised that only a Sri Lankan would physical life”. this information with other people to bring of protecting your data. “Most of us has always been in the forefront, the very understand what the people in Sri Lanka you more ads. We aim to continue to ensure don’t pay attention to the fine print and DNA of Viber, and to do this, Viber has would like, and not someone from outside Competition your chats stay private, safe, and completely the terms of use – how our data will be been constantly updating its features to the country”. When questioned about the competing free, for you to chat with anyone, anywhere, used. Now, we should be a little more keep up with the demand”. “I believe that in Sri Lanka, we have the strategy of Viber in comparison to anytime,” Agaoua added. concerned about just ticking that box and The features used to protect the personal responsibility of ensuring that we protect WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, saying go ahead and use my data. We details of Viber users are through; user privacy; it’s extremely important for Agaoua said that when comparing to Alternatives should be aware and concerned about us,” Nayyar commented in terms of the other competitors, it will be difficult for Excluding Viber, the other alternatives how our data is mined, used, and passed yy End-to-end encryption by default: privacy policy. consumers to find a company who cares such as Signal and Telegram are around,” he added. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, January 31, 2021 VIEWS

By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby Digitalise! For heaven’s

Sri Lanka is in trouble. The economy is being wrecked by Covid-19, and the country has massive debt repayments coming up this year. The year 2020 was extremely bad economically, and sake, digitalise! indications are that 2021 may be worse. Until sufficient stocks of vaccines are procured to immunise at least 70% of the population, our economy cannot go back to any semblance of normalcy. There’s no use blaming this Government, the last regime, or anyone else. Blame Nature. Blame the virus. This was something that no country was prepared for. Sri Lanka needs to attract Foreign Direct Investments and foreign tourists to survive. But our level of competitiveness on the global stage is dismal, and we simply don’t have any major Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) to spark the interest of global investors. There’s no use talking about high literacy and longevity, and a strategic location geographically. Lots of countries have all of that. We need to increase our efficiency and ease of doing business. That means installing technology. Just try to do business through the websites of most Sri Lankan organisations – State, private, individual, etc. Most have the functionality of glorified newspaper pages, and there’s little actual digital capability. To impress foreign investors and foreign travelers, we need to digitalise and look attractive. Every aspect of our country that has slow old manual systems needs to be changed, to show the world that we are a nation of the New Millennium and not one that’s still struggling with antiquated systems of the last century. This is not a choice anymore. It’s a matter of survival.

A welcome decision that requires to work with brands through seamless, efficiency of corporations, as well as how the country’s full support omnichannel, transparent, contextual and economies operate and plan for the future. personalised experiences. Governments worldwide invest heavily A few weeks ago, the President brought in their digital economies to boost the the Ministry of Technology directly under Digital experience development of value and prosperity. his purview. He is the Subject Minister People now work from various locations The Top 5 countries share a common for it, which gives national priority to – workplaces, homes, or coffee shops on a thread in terms of information creation, but this crucial area. This is a welcome move time. Once a digital system is implemented, that the vast majority of decisions are daily basis. The degree of communication each approach is different in terms of digital indeed. But this decision needs the full the paper system must be discontinued and taken on a ‘gut feeling’ or ‘experience’ in the physical office as we work has competitiveness. The US and Sweden support of all sections of the State and the process must become truly paperless. basis, with little or no consultative changed. The growth of this diverse implement a balanced approach between private sector to empower it to work, to drag processes or examination through global connectivity requires the managing generating awareness, fostering a supportive Sri Lanka into the digital age in all the areas Get rid of the red tape statistical and global data of the impact of of a diverse talent environment and the and creative atmosphere for technology that Sri Lanka is lagging behind. Digitalisation in itself is useless if it is decisions that significantly affect policy. allowing of digital business processes of growth. One or two variables are prioritised But this Ministry cannot be effective if only transferring bureaucratic red tape Both the state and private sectors need to the next generation to be successful, even by Singapore, Denmark and Switzerland. its directives are not followed by every onto our computers. The entire process of firmly adopt scientific thinking, which if it is spread across different locations and One out of five businesses on the other government institution, including all digitalisation needs to include the key aspect has a far greater connection to reality. timeframes. end of the continuum may be considered other Ministries. If other Ministries do of wiping out red tape. There’s no use going technologically innovative in line with not properly digitalise, or follow their digital if you still need your Grama Niladari Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) Digital payments global standards such as Amazon, Google, own standards in digitalisation, then the to authorise every decision you make, and By 2022, the Government expects FDI to The way everyday transactions are carried or Microsoft. Companies at this stage have national effort will be incoherent and fall your Grama Niladari is only available two hit $ 4 billion, which is a more than three- out is becoming increasingly digitalised. a digitally integrated strategy, backed by a apart. It is therefore vital that the Ministry days of the week. fold increase; but in the first eight months Cashless payment options, such as the digital community, completely integrated of Technology be given absolute powers to of 2019, FDIs into Sri Lanka decreased by e-wallet, which plays an integral role in with their platforms and functions. enforce rapid digitalisation. Bandwidth and nationwide reach 65% to $ 501 million from $ 1.42 billion, taking the market toward a digital future, The vast majority of businesses use The private sector has a vital role to according to the latest data released by the are becoming commonplace to support the digital for enhancing decision-making, Why should investors come to play in digitalisation – mainly in the areas Central Bank, as shown in Fig. 1. Granted, digital economy’s development and growth. improving efficiency, simplifying and Sri Lanka, and not Malaysia or of nationwide coverage and sufficient Covid-19 is currently a dominating factor PayPal is available in over 200 countries automating processes, strengthening bandwidth – and in banking. The person in global FDI. But when one examines FDI and regions, but one of the very few places customer engagement and finding market Singapore? in Monaragala shouldn’t have to climb a into Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards, when on earth that you can’t use PayPal is Sri opportunities, among others. Many Investors look for ease of doing business, coconut tree to obtain an internet signal. our war ended, one gets the bad feeling Lanka. companies use technology as a way to boost because they want rapid returns on Neither should they suffer from insufficient that FDI growth is only meandering slowly For many years, we have lamented the operations including the use of IT systems investments. They don’t want to get stuck bandwidth that would prevent them from upwards, and not skyrocketing as we need fact that global payment systems such (HR, procurement & finance, CRM & in ancient manual systems for years. The having online meetings with customers. it to do. as PayPal are not available in Sri Lanka. support), digital payment and cloud-based higher the level of digitalisation, the more PayPal teams have visited the country; work. attractive a country becomes. It’s that Appointment systems Digital technology successive governments have promised to Technologies are used to enhance the simple. A key aspect of digitalisation in the We exist today in a digital world. get it done; but nothing has happened. That goods and services to external customers battle against red tape is in the setting up of Digital technology is quickly moving means that a major method of transferring (automated supply chain) – typically What is digitalisation? appointment systems for all organisations, forward, linking people worldwide and foreign currency into our country simply including front end platforms for customer Simply put, it’s the ability of a person which would drastically reduce physical generating exciting new possibilities. isn’t there; a system that much of the world interaction including improving business living in the depths of Monaragala to waiting times in dealing with government More than at any time in human history, now prefers. or brand recognition online through digital seamlessly market his product to a institutions, and also private sector as a result of technological advances, In practical terms, how can Sri Lankan marketing, optimising the search engine customer in Las Vegas. The keyword here is institutions. This column covered this topic people have better access to information, individuals and companies market website or e-commerce platform. ‘seamless’. If the proper digitalisation hasn’t extensively in an article titled “Is Sri Lanka facilities, and resources. In almost all themselves globally, if their potential been enabled by government agencies, better prepared to work from home?” nations, in industries and daily lives, customers can’t seamlessly remit payments? Way forward banks, internet service providers, Customs, the influence of the automating method, This is a huge issue for individuals, SMEs, yy The Ministry of Technology must be the Central Bank, etc., there is no way that E-wallet and QR Codes artificial intelligence and the Internet of etc., since they are forced to rely on ancient given sweeping powers to implement this can work. This is not about putting up The private sector must lead by Things (IoT) is felt. Although the effect of systems that are costly. We are still fiddling digitalisation in every government a fancy looking website. It is about making leveraging technology to help popularise digitalisation is widespread, the benefits it around with cheques, bank guarantees, institution. every existing process as fast as possible, the use of cashless payments in the country. produces are unevenly distributed. To help etc. At least we have credit card payment yy Every government institution should and facilitating the introduction of new This would greatly help a wide range of build a more inclusive future for all, it is facilities; but that is usually too costly for have a special department that would and better digital processes that are used customers including micro-enterprises and crucial to understand a country’s digital many SMEs. facilitate and implement the directives of internationally. SMEs to develop their business without the readiness. the Ministry of Technology. expense, burdens, and security issues that Global context Cost come with cash management. Electronic Digital economy Fig. 2 shows the Digital Competitiveness yy Rapid timelines should be established If you think digitalisation is a costly payments typically save up to 1-2% of a The world economy is also experiencing Ranking of nations. The Digital Readiness for nationwide digitalisation that would process that would require billions of rupees country’s GDP. E-Payments providers offer digital transition at a frantic pace. What’s assessment is based on seven components: include a short period for study of global at every institution, think again. Much of a streamlined and realistic payment choice the digital economy, then? It’s the economic basic needs, human capital, ease of best practices; planning of short-term, the digitalisation can be carried out at very for daily needs, from travel and on-demand activity that is the result of billions of doing business, business and government mid-term and long-term digitalisation low cost, as long as it is done by competent food and delivery to both online and offline online interactions between individuals, investment, startup environment, initiatives; cost comparisons; persons who are well versed in global transactions, and even mobile prepaid companies, devices, knowledge, and technology adoption, and technology procurement processes; testing and best practices. This should not be another upgrades via growing ecosystem of services processes every day. The cornerstone infrastructure. Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 give a implementation; constant follow up and method for every Minister’s cousin to rake and networks of partners. of the digital economy is the hyperlink very good picture of the various stages of evaluation. in nefarious profits. Furthermore, e-Payments can partner with ability, which means that individuals, digitalisation of countries around the world, yy Costly solutions must be avoided. third parties, strengthening the seamless entities and machines that come from the and also demonstrate that Sri Lanka is at Up-to-date digital systems adoption of email wallets across the nation. internet, mobile systems, and the internet the bottom end of digitalisation and global Copyright Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and There’s little point in implementing This allows users to make payments itself, are increasingly interconnected. The competitiveness, and needs to get its act Niresh Eliatamby digital systems and letting them languish from mobile apps for participating banks digital economy forms and undermines together to become more attractive for Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias, BSc, MSc, for years as they become obsolete. Every and e-wallets and requires merchants to traditional ideas as to how companies are investment. PhD, and Niresh Eliatamby, LL.B., LL.M., institution must have a continuous process show only one QR code for payments. At organised, how companies communicate, As Fig. 6 shows, higher countries with MBA, are Managing Partners of Cogitaro. to keep digital systems up to date with present, several Sri Lankan banks have and what services, knowledge, and products higher ICT investment clearly demonstrated com, a consultancy that finds practical advancing technology and processes. recently rolled out e-wallet systems, but customers receive. significantly higher per capita GDP, with solutions for challenges facing society, the their acceptance among both customers and All consumers – business-to-business lower ICT investors having lower GDP. environment and all types of industries. Paperless merchants is very low. (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), as We are no longer living in the Dr. Dias is a digital architect and Digitalisation in Sri Lanka has too often well as business-to-business- to consumer technological eras of King Mahasena educationist based in Kuala Lumpur, simply been the adding on of a digital Ad hoc decision making (B2B2C) – choose to connect with and King Parakramabahu. Sri Lanka Malaysia. [email protected] system while continuing to maintain the Digitalisation also cannot undo the companies when and wherever and in needs to wake up and look around at Eliatamby is an author, marketer and manual system. This defeats the whole curse of ad hoc decision making that the most convenient way in the digital what has been going on in the rest of educationist based in Colombo, purpose, since it is adding to the waste of plagues Sri Lanka’s state sector. It is clear economy. Moreover, consumers wish the world. Technology impacts the Sri Lanka. [email protected] 6 the sunday morning business TECH/TAX Sunday, January 31, 2021

upsell to your existing customers. By Losing customers is even more critical for product companies that Chrishan de Mel Five aspects tech product operate in a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, as onboarding a new customer has an additional support cost. The book “Customer Success: My first experience of the How Innovative Companies Are excitement of a product companies must consider Reducing Churn and Growing company being acquired Recurring Revenue” by Dan was back in 2004, while Steinman, Lincoln Murphy, and working at Virtusa. A client, Nick Mehta is an excellent resource edocs, was acquired by Siebel in their journey to understand the implications. Software, which was later The three goals of planning for bought by Oracle in 2006. The interest by larger players and other measures of success, e.g. was encouraging to see so many The three goals of planning for customer success are to reduce Being acquired is one of the their subsequent acquisition is engagement among users, size of tech start-ups emerge and their customer success are to reduce churn, increase contract value of successful exit strategies for a a validation of the product and the user base, subscription-based entrepreneurial spirit. However, one churn, increase contract value existing customers through up/ product company, especially business model. revenue. Be willing to let go of your area the start-ups had not always of existing customers through cross-selling, and to improve Building any new digital product initial assumptions or convictions thought through was how the up/cross-selling, and to customer experience and customer if it has scaled with visible is a blur of decisions relating to and pivot to a new opportunity. solution would be monetised. This satisfaction. This ideally will traction in its target market. improve customer experience the solution and functionality, The opportunities and assumptions should be addressed and debated and customer satisfaction. This generate new leads through The acquisition provides the design, revenue models, and start-up companies had in December during the initial stages to arrive at ideally will generate new leads referrals. founders and early investors implementation. This article will 2019 were no longer valid in the revenue model. through referrals a significant payback, while focus on some areas a product January 2020. Most product companies now Conclusion providing the company with company must focus on to influence opt for a subscription-based pricing entire system was tested over a The areas discussed above are a successful outcome, either through Ask the hard questions structure instead of a steep licensing weekend to ensure there were no important but not exhaustive. Other additional resources to scale about your solution faster. acquisition or growth. fee up front. This enables the side effects. Now, the addition of aspects such as branding, marketing, Challenge yourself and your core user to pay for either the features new functionality or an upgrade and customer acquisition also need I’ve also seen several exits among Know your target market team on the solution. What is the and functionality used, resources to a new release is often seamless. to be addressed when launching an Norwegian clients at 99x; many Analyse your market to problem you are aiming to solve? consumed, or level of usage, instead The product is designed, built, impactful digital product. during the past six months. Adra, understand size, competitor Ask yourself if it is important of a flat fee. This also enables deployed, enhanced, and scaled up (The writer is the Chief a product that helps organisations offerings, trends in terms of new enough, widespread enough, companies using the product to on the cloud! Marketing and Corporate Affairs manage their financial close more entrants, acquisitions, and industry and painful enough for potential move these costs to operating It is important to identify a Officer at 99x and spearheads efficiently, was purchased by drivers. These will provide you customers to be interested. Would expenses. For the product vendor, it suitable architecture that utilises marketing activities while Trintech in 2017. More recently with insights to identify a gap or they consider the solution worth provides a recurring revenue stream, cloud services, from the start. Both supporting business development in August 2020, Sikri Holding opportunity to explore further paying for? Can the benefits be which makes the company more AWS and Microsoft Azure offer a and customer success initiatives. AS, a listed company in Norway, or validate your initial idea. The identified and quantified? While stable. However, the churn rate, range of services, which in the past He is an accomplished practitioner purchased Sureway AS and WhatIf existence of established products some answers may come later in i.e. based on how many customers would have been a sizeable part of with over 25 years of experience AS. In December 2020, Visma, one vendors with legacy products will the lifecycle, these are essential cancel their subscriptions, must be any product development effort. in the tech industry with of Norway’s largest IT companies, also indicate an opportunity for questions to ensure the product is managed. This is a key area that The architecture should consider complementary roles in programme acquired Compello, a cloud-based disruption. relevant to the intended customers determines the attractiveness of a and exploit these features. Two management and corporate solution that helps companies Understand how a company or users. company for acquisition as well. main benefits as a result are on consulting. Prior to joining 99x, manage the movement of invoices in this space is valued and the end-user experience and being he was employed as the Executive and other documents, making a Monetisation cannot be an Build on the cloud able to scale the product to meet Director of SLASSCOM. His paperless work environment a The churn rate, i.e. based on afterthought In the early days of my career demand. industry experience includes reality. In January 2021, DNB and how many customers cancel During my time at SLASSCOM at DMS, I remember uploading a banking and financial services SpareBank 1 purchased Uni Micro, their subscriptions, must (Sri Lanka Association for Software new release or “patch” to a diskette Implement a customer and global IT services with a platform to manage accounting be managed. This is a key and Services Companies), I was and going over to the client site success programme organisations such as Virtusa, services. Each of these are examples area that determines the able to attend many pitching to install the update. The updates The cost of acquiring a new Societe Generale (SOCGEN), of companies that were successful in attractiveness of a company events where start-ups presented were done while all the users customer is always more than Nations Trust Bank, and Union their product development strategy. for acquisition as well their ideas and business models. It were offline and sometimes the what it would cost to nurture and Bank of Colombo) z Govt. introduces latest addition to tax system BY YAKUTA DAWOOD GST in the pipeline for Sri Lanka purposes, this procedure will increase the most food and children’s clothes are exempt The goods and services tax (GST) is a price of the transfer from one department to from any tax. single tax applied to the cost of certain goods another for further process”. and services, right from the manufacturer to In addition, the statement adds that “as per GST in Ukraine the consumer. Precisely, GST is imposed on the study undertaken by the Curtin University In Ukraine, there is a standard tax rate the price of the product, and the customer of Technology, Perth in 2000, GST would which is 20% and the VAT value is added to who buys the product pays the sales price negatively impact the real estate market as it the cost of goods and service prices. Some inclusive of the GST. would add up to 8% to the cost of new homes of the supplies are also subject to lower The first country to implement GST was and reduce demand by about 12%”. rates under 0% and 7%. Generally, 7% rate France in 1954, and since then, an estimated is applicable to pharmaceutical products, 160 countries have adopted this tax system in Challenges medicines, and medical equipment while the some form or another. Some of the countries When GST is imposed, it is likely that export of goods and services attract 0% VAT. with a GST include Canada, Vietnam, the structural reform will change the entire Australia, Singapore, the UK, Monaco, taxation landscape. While implementing Conclusion Spain, Italy, Nigeria, Brazil, South Korea, this new reform, India faces critical issues GST could be a game-changing reform and India. such as, according to the Central GST Bill for the Sri Lankan economy by developing a 2017, allows the central government to notify common market and reducing the cascading Tax in Sri Lanka CGST rates, subject to a cap which implies effect of tax on the cost of goods and Current types that the government may change rates services. Accordingly, this will impact the tax Some taxes, duties, and levies in Sri Lanka subject to a cap of 20%, without requiring the structure, tax incidence, tax computation, tax include Income Tax, Economic Service approval of Parliament. payment, and compliance. Charge (ESC), Value-Added Tax (VAT), Secondly, around 37 returns have to be Furthermore, speaking to The Sunday Nation Building Tax (NBT), Stamp Duty, will introduce a GST for items including indirect taxes available. This is because filled in a year on the GST portal. This kind Morning Business, Ministry of Finance Tourism Development Levy, Betting and vehicles, cigarettes, telecommunication, multiple indirect taxes at the Central and of arrangement requires access to the internet Department of Fiscal Policy Director Kapila Gaming Levy, Share Transaction Levy, alcohol, and betting and gaming. State levels are being replaced by GST and and being digitally literate. However, India’s Senanayake stated that this new improvised Telecommunication Levy, Luxury Tax on Speaking to The Sunday Morning backed with a robust end-to-end IT system. performance on these two aspects was very tax structure could further benefit companies. Motor Vehicles which substituted the Annual Business, Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle Additionally, GST will result in higher low; deficiencies are severe in rural India. “I think it’s a good benefit to all businesses Luxury Tax on Motor Vehicles, Vehicle said the necessary documentation to revenue efficiency. GST is expected to According to some estimates, computer as well as all other parties – vehicles, for Entitlement Levy, Debt Repayment Levy, implement the tax is currently being decrease the cost of collection of tax literacy in India is just 6.5%. In terms of example. This has excise special provision, Crop Insurance Levy, Cellular Tower Levy, drafted at the moment, which will be later revenues of the government, and will, internet penetration, the estimated internet luxury tax, vehicle entitlement levy, and other SMS Advertising Levy, Migration Tax, submitted to Parliament to obtain approval therefore, lead to higher revenue efficiency. penetration had reached only 27% in 2016. taxes for the different categories. However, Casino Entrance Levy, and Carbon Tax. subsequently. To gain an in-depth knowledge regarding through this implementation, there will be “It is a single tax because we want to Key benefits faced by businesses GST, a comparison between GST in India only one tax,” Senanayake said. Current tax system simplify the existing tax system without Firstly, this measure has enabled a robust against GST in other countries is essential. According to him, payments and collection The current Sri Lankan tax system is having five or six taxes for one product and comprehensive IT system, which is of the tax would be easy and the transparency regarded as one of the most complicated or service. It is one single tax like the the foundation of the GST regime in India. GST in Brazil of the tax would also be visible due to the tax structures in the world. For instance, if International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants,” Therefore, all taxpayer services such as Talking about the Brazil model of GST, online payment system. you take taxes charged on tobacco, each Attygalle added. registrations, returns, payments, etc. would it is much independent and carefree in In regard to GST being implemented in and every product will have different tax Meanwhile, Minister of Trade Dr. be available to the taxpayers online, which comparison to other nations, and has a Sri Lanka, we spoke to an alcohol company structures which makes it complicated Bandula Gunawardena stated that since makes compliance easy and transparent. dividing rule of taxes between the states who would be subjected to this tax before the for the government to calculate as well as the current Government came into power, Secondly, an uniformity of tax rates and the centre. Brazil has six tax slabs: 0%, end of the first quarter. Accordingly, a senior also for the companies to keep their focus Income Tax, VAT, and other taxes have and structure. This is basically when 1.65%, 2%, 7%, 12%, and 17%. official, who wished to remain anonymous, on. For example, if you take a Gold Leaf been “reduced significantly”, and therefore GST ensures that indirect tax rates and told us that the industry is not certain about cigarette, it consists of Excise, VAT, NBT, introducing GST would benefit the structures are common across the country, GST in Australia the tax or the tax structure. The official net-of-tax, and a tax share percentage. government in terms of tax revenue. thereby increasing certainty and ease In Australia, the GST is a federal tax which added that they have spoken to the relevant In order to simplify the tax structure, the Introducing this new implementation in of doing business. Thirdly, it improves is collected by the supreme authority and thus authorities but no clear directives were given Government took a measure in January 2020 Sri Lanka is currently in progress, hence competitiveness. For instance, reduction divided further among the states without any to the industry. to simplify the tax policy in order to better before we come to the final stage of this in transaction costs of doing business conflict arising through the process. The GST “They are combining all the existing taxes. facilitate tax payers and also to make the tax new measure, let’s dive deeper into what would eventually lead to an improved was firstly introduced in 2000 with the tax As of now, taxes imposed on those categories administration more efficient. GST is in India and gain background competitiveness for the trade and industry. rate of 10%, which is consistent to date. are not consistent – some are charged on However, it was revealed during the knowledge of what exactly it is and the value (VAT), some are product-based, and Budget 2021 reading that the Government benefits enjoyed by the industry, the Key benefits faced by consumers GST in China some are revenue and unit-based, and they will further take steps to simplify the tax government, and the customers involved in Implementation of GST has resulted in After the European and Asia Pacific are trying to merge them together, so this is process charged on products and services the process. an overall tax burden on most commodities markets, China has maintained the GST not easy. It is a cumbersome process. We still under one regulation named the “goods and to reduce because of efficiency gains and applications over goods and the conditioned do not know the impact we will face,” the services tax”. GST in India prevention of leakages. Furthermore, due to provision of repairs, processing, and official noted. What this would mean is that efficiency Neighboring country India established the transparency present in the country, the replacement-assisted services, which also Meanwhile, another leading alcohol in admiration in Sri Lanka will improve, a dual GST structure in 2017, which was charges of goods and services are noted to means it is restrictedly collected on goods manufacturer told us that they have not transparency will be accurate among the the biggest reform in the country’s tax be decreased, resulting in low prices while which are consumed in the manufacturing received anything in writing and until that, public, and companies could benefit by this structure in decades. By introducing the tax, consuming. process as the fixed asset goods. China has they do not want to comment on the tax. implementation that is yet to be drafted and the biggest gain India will have is in terms three tax rates: 0%, 5%, and 19%. Implementation of GST in Sri Lanka could presented to Parliament. of a reduction in the overall tax burden Drawbacks be an advantage or a disadvantage to the Now, what exactly is this GST about? on goods, which is currently estimated at However, a critical review presented by GST in UK industry. The efficiency, benefits, and the 25-30%. Madhu Bala on 21 March 2018 mentions In the UK, there are three tax rates – 0%, other commentaries of this tax can only be GST in Sri Lanka several disadvantages faced after the 5%, and 20% – applicable on goods and analysed after the structure and other details Announcing the Budget 2021, Prime Key benefits faced by government imposition of GST in India. According to services. Most of the goods are covered of the draft are submitted to Parliament and Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is also the By implementation, it becomes easier for the document, it states that “as the GST under the 20% tax rate. The VAT on postage made public to corporates and the general Minister of Finance, stated that Sri Lanka the government to administrate different considers all the transactions for taxation stamps, financial, property transactions, and public. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, January 31, 2021 ECONOMY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR Sri Lanka’s market boom soon after a “year of human misery” as The Economic Times of India refers to the year 2020, has been jaw droppingly impressive. The (CSE) in January 2021 broke its own records achieved years ago and rose to the second best performing stock market in the world. Opposition cast doubts over the CSE’s record-breaking performances and stated this is either another “pumping and dumping” saga or “money laundering” by the wealthy of the country who were allegedly bringing in all their “black money” that had been stacked overseas to get “white-washed” at the CSE. However, the CSE, the Securities Officials too gave credit for and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Colombo Stock Brokers’ low interest rates for the Association (CSBA) stood firmly market boom by the performance. Speaking to The Morning It should be noted that the Business on 19 January, CSE boom is also amidst a money Market boom and Chairman Dumith Fernando stated printing spree of the Government that lowered interest rates have in the name of so-called “Modern made the stock market a preferable Monetary Theory”. The prevailing alternative investment option for economic despair, but a buoyant potential investors, and as a result, market, raises a question whether many people are moving towards there is any correlation between money printing: A the stock market. money printing by the Government “This movement was also made and the boom at the CSE. The easy by the recent digitalisation Market Mine of The Sunday at the CSE. Also, there is now Morning Business is finding an confidence in our economy as it is answer to this question. bouncing back from the pandemic,” Money printing in correlation analysis Fernando added. Meanwhile, SEC Chairman Viraj Sri Lanka interest rates thereby lowering of the CSE also grew significantly Dayaratne PC also noted that the In simple terms, money costs of borrowing. American over the first three days of trading recent performance at the CSE has printing in a country obviously Economist Anna Jacobson for the year adding Rs. 115 billion been mainly backed by lowered means printing the currency Schwartz stated since the cost of and closing the day at 3.08 trillion – interest rates coupled with the of the respective government borrowing becomes much more which is the highest recorded since digitalised platform. by an authority approved by affordable when the interest April 2018. “More and more people are seeing that government. The money rates are low, it puts more the stock market as a place to invest, printing authority in our country money in consumers’ hands, Highest market cap ever and and also because of the awareness is the Central Bank of Sri Lanka making them (feel) wealthier, number of trades within a day and the content that is appearing on (CBSL) under the Monetary stimulating their spending. As a CSE recorded two significant social media. Also, trading accounts Law Act, No. 58 of 1949, giving response to increased spending milestones on 13 January with can be created online now, so people the CBSL the authority to do so from consumers, Schwartz the market capitalisation reaching can start trading quickly unlike since its establishment. Before says businesses order more Growth investing according to up with higher returns on capital an all-time high value of Rs. 3.25 before. There is also a global factor the establishment of the CBSL, a raw materials and increase Investopedia is a stock-buying which is sometimes much larger trillion and recording 52,559 trades, – global markets are doing well. I Currency Board System undertook their production to cater to the strategy that focuses on companies than their initial investment. which is the highest number of would attribute the performance to money printing in Sri Lanka. increasing demand for goods and expected to grow at an above- However, there is also a good trades recorded within a market day. a combination of these reasons,” The CBSL prints notes at a services. Eventually, business average rate compared to their chance these investors may lose The number of trades carried out Dayaratne added. British company named De La activity increases along with the industry or the market. Growth every cent they invested due to on that day surpassed the previous CSBA President Kosala Gamage Rue Lanka plant in Biyagama. demand for capital goods and investors tend to favour small, the nature of high risk of these record of 49,921 carried out on 18 also attributed CSE’s recent The Government of Sri Lanka and labour. young companies poised to investments. August 2011. achievements to lowered interest De La Rue have an established While increased money supply expand, expecting to profit by a CSE indices and overall market rates and the digitalisation of the yy Shares and successful public-private makes the cost of borrowing lower, rise in their stock prices. activity continued its upward CSE. partnership (PPP) that has been it also gives comparatively smaller Small cap stocks, technology, While covering many of the momentum with both indices “The stock exchange has been operating for over 30 years and return on savings. The lower and healthcare stocks and above investment instruments, share showcasing gains and the turnover completely digitalised; this has the Government owns 40% incentive consumers get from speculative investments come investments are mainly categorised figure crossing Rs. 9 billion, encouraged a large section of equity share in De La Rue Lanka savings encourages them to spend under growth investment into two main types, namely recording a daily average turnover youngsters. Maybe they are not Currency and Security Print (Pvt.) on commodities instead of holding instruments. Even though there is common shares and preferred of Rs. 7.4 billion, eight trading pumping large sums of money, but Ltd. in Biyagama. According to onto money or look for investment no proper definition for small cap shares. Preferred shares generally days into 2021. The ASPI gained that has created interest,” Gamage De La Rue, originally, the site only opportunities that give them higher stocks, analysts have identified that do not provide shareholders with 160.99 points closing on the day told us. produced banknotes for the CBSL. returns. companies with a capitalisation voting rights while common shares at 7,443.23, which is the highest Gamage further noted that as long Today however, over 80% of the between $ 300 million and $ 2 do provide at one vote per share recorded since 21 August 2015, as interest rates remain low, we can yy Lowered interest rates make the banknotes produced at Biyagama billion as a small cap firm and owned. According to Investopedia, showcasing a gain of 75% since expect this record-breaking trend at stock market an ideal place for are for the export market. companies within this range are the dividend yield of a preferred falling to its lowest point in a the CSE to continue. investment CBSL Economic Research at their early stage of growth, share is calculated as the dollar decade on 12 May 2020. The S&P Director Chandranath Amarasekara When the returns on savings which means their stocks might amount of a dividend divided by SL20 index, which includes the 20 How long will this last? on 26 November last year stated are lower amidst reduced interest appreciate in price going ahead. the price of the share. Meanwhile, largest and most liquid stocks, also As the above officials noted, the that the CBSL at that point held Rs. rates, investors tend to look for Historically, small-cap stocks have common shares tend to outperform increased by 39 points to close at boom will sustain as long as low 566 treasury bills or government better options that could provide made higher returns and when bonds and preferred shares, and is 2,782.17. interest rates prevail. The CBSL securities and it rose by Rs. 2 them higher returns. Investing rising back from a recession, these also the type of share that provides during the first Monetary Policy billion more by 30 November. It in property is the next option stocks have managed to perform the biggest potential for long-term ASPI sets new all-time high Review of 2021 held in mid- went up to Rs. 618 billion on 1 for many investors in Sri Lanka. or recover faster than large-cap gains. – among the best performing January stated that the low interest December as the CBSL printed However, according to the CBSL, stocks. Nevertheless, this type of indices globally rate structure is expected to be yy These contributed significantly Rs. 50 billion more money within the Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) stocks are identified as stocks with The ASPI reached its all-time maintained. to the market boom a few days. As of 22 January of the reached a higher degree of risk due to their high index tally on 18 January “Most market interest rates have 2021, the face value of the CBSL’s 141.6 during the 1st half of 2020, volatility. The Colombo Stock Exchange closing the 10th trading day of 2021 declined to single-digit levels, while treasury bill holding value was Rs. recording an annual increase of Meanwhile, technology and (CSE) has been breaking records at 7922.66 points. The previous some have reached their historic 724.24 billion. 7.1% while on a semi-annual basis healthcare stocks are stocks of recently and was even recognised highest points figure recorded was lows. Although deposit rates are the LVI marginally increased by the companies that develop new as the second best performing stock 7811.80 points on 14 February not expected to decline further, the Chain of events from 2% and both annual and semi- technologies or new innovations in market in the world by Bloomberg a 2011. The ASPI gained 188.09 high level of excess liquidity in money printing to market annual percentage changes of the healthcare sector. Investopedia few days ago. points on this day recording the the domestic money market leaves boom LVI showed a declining trend notes that the stocks of such eighth highest points gain in CSE’s sufficient space for market lending yy Pumping printed money into over the recent periods, making companies that develop popular ASPI crossed 7,000 points for the 35-year history. rates to adjust downward, thereby economy property a not-so good investment or revolutionary products can first time since 2015 The S&P SL20 index continued providing low cost funds to the opportunity. rise exponentially in price in a The benchmark All Share Price its upward momentum crossing economy,” the CBSL noted. Printed money is pumped into relatively short period of time. It Index (ASPI) crossed 7,000 points 3,000 points on this day, reaching its Further it added that the yy Defensive investment an economy to increase the money also quoted an example. on 6 January this year for the first highest point since market close on expansion in money and credit instruments supply for a particular region or “The price of Pfizer (PFE) time since 24 November 2015, 4 December 2019, gaining 100.32 supply observed in the latter part the country as a whole and this is And here comes defensive was just under $ 5 a share in closing the trading day at 7,036.76 points on the same day to end the of 2020 is expected to continue referred to as “money creation” or investment instruments, growth 1994 before Viagra was released. points. The ASPI crossed the 7,000 day at 3,003.30 points. The market in 2021 supported by persistent “money issuance”. Another form of instruments, and shares as This blockbuster drug took the mark for the first time on 1 October continued to showcase increased low interest rates, yet notable injecting cash into an economy is alternative best investment options company’s stock price to above 2010 and reached its highest points investor interest with the turnover inflationary pressures are unlikely, identified as “quantitative easing”. amidst lowered interest rates and $ 30 a share over the next five level, recording 7,811.80 points on crossing Rs. 12 billion for the given the slack in the economy. This is a form of monetary policy declining land valuation. As years, thanks to FDA (Food and 14 February 2011. The index and second consecutive day recording “Credit to all sectors of the used by central banks around the name says it all, defensive Drug Administration) approval of overall market activity continued Rs. 12.18 billion. economy is expected to gather the world as a method to swiftly investment instruments protect the drug in 1998. On occasion, a its upward momentum from 2020 The consolidated turnover pace in 2021 supported by the increase the domestic money the investor’s money through a growth stock can go on a wild ride. onwards with the ASPI recording a recorded for 10 trading days into continued decline in lending rates, supply and spur economic activity, market or economic slowdown. Streaming media company Roku growth of 4% in the first three days 2021 is Rs. 83.6 billion, which implementation of special loan particularly during an economic According to The Nest: “When (ROKU) surged in the months after of 2021 and the market generating a is 21% of the full year aggregate schemes at low interest rates, crisis. However, unlike “money the stock market or economy are its initial public offering (IPO) total turnover of Rs. 18 billion. The turnover figure recorded in along with the rising demand for creation” or “money issuance”, experiencing a downturn, defensive in the fall of 2017, only to retreat ASPI has recorded a 66% increase 2020 and 48% of the aggregate credit, driven by improved investor in this scenario, a central bank investments can decline in value, towards the closing price from its since reaching its lowest point in turnover recorded in 2019. The sentiment and the envisaged revival purchases government securities too, but defensive investments first day of trading just a few short over a decade on 12 May 2020. total number of trades recorded in domestic economic activity,” the from the open market using the generally do not experience months later.” The S&P SL20 index, which that day topped the previous regulator added further. money that has been printed in as much financial loss as non- The next type of investment includes the 20 largest and most record with 67,153 trades carried Even though digitalisation of order to increase the money supply defensive securities.” under growth investment liquid stocks which declined by out within the day. Since the turn the CSE platforms and booms in and investment. These securities Defensive investment instruments is speculative four points the same day, also of 2021, the CSE ASPI has also foreign markets contributed to the add new money to the economy instruments include bonds, inverse investments. Seekers of thrill target gained 2.4% over the past three been among the best performing prevailing boom at the CSE, the and expand the balance sheet of the funds, dividend stocks, and high-risk growth instruments such days, tracking back points losses primary indices globally on a main factor that contributed to respective central bank. commodities. Defensive stocks as penny stocks, option contracts, as a result of the pandemic back in year-to-date (YTD) basis. As of the record-breaking performance perform well no matter what the undeveloped land, and speculative March 2020 to record its highest 18 January, CSE was the best is lowered interest rates, which yy Pumped money leads to lowered economy is going through. real estates. According to analysts, since 25 February 2020, closing performing primary index listed is in turn a result of excessive interest rates investors who choose the right the trading day at 2,703.19 points. on Bloomberg on a YTD basis money printing by the Sri Lankan yy Growth investment instruments Larger money supply lowers speculative investment often end The overall market capitalisation with a 16.95% YTD return. Government. 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, January 31, 2021 Sri Lanka Insurance posts Homelands expands property portfolio Homelands Skyline (Pvt.) Rs. 55.2 billion revenue in 2020 Ltd. recently announced Sri Lanka Insurance times are defining, we will continue the acquisition of three new Corporation (SLIC) has closed protecting our nation, turning properties in Negombo, the year 2020 on a positive obstacles into opportunities,” noted Meegoda, and Piliyandala note recording revenue SLIC Chairman Jagath Wellawatta. – Kahathuduwa as a new growth by achieving Rs. 55.2 “In 2020, we have experienced addition to their high-value billion revenue for the year, volatility and uncertainty at an property portfolio. a marked improvement on unprecedented level. With the Homelands Skyline (Pvt.) pandemic situation, we have not Ltd. expects to develop the Rs. 48.6 billion in the year seen the normalcy in our business these lands into modern 2019. operations, yet we were resilient architectural constructions. In the year of 2020, SLIC reported and have achieved remarkable “The real estate market has 30% growth in life insurance results for SLIC. The pandemic seen a massive impact from premium increasing to Rs. 19.2 situation compelled us to broaden the Covid-19 pandemic, and billion, whilst general insurance our horizons further and we were we are doing our part by reported 7% growth in premium SLIC Chairman Jagath Wellawatta SLIC CEO Chandana L. Aluthgama challenged every day to embrace procuring land to drive real grew to Rs. 20.1 billion. The changes and adapt to those changes estate forward in the midst company achieved a combined Gross of Rs. 8.2 billion as a bonus to out by the pandemic outbreak urged at a staggering speed. We have of the pandemic and to see Written Premium (GWP) growth policyholders. The cumulative life us to conduct our business operations exercised innovative business continued growth of the real rate of 17% during the year. General insurance bonus paid out during the in a more empathetic manner. We strategies to cater to dynamic estate sector. Moreover, this insurance contributed 51% towards past 10 years tops a massive Rs. will further strengthen internal consumer needs and we were able to project fits well with our Homelands Holdings Chairman the total GWP, whilst life insurance 54 billion, making the SLIC bonus capabilities to serve the nation provide many service enhancements strategy of deepening our Nalin Herath contributed 49%. payout unmatchable. through innovative and affordable and product innovations, delivering presence across the country’s Meegoda, which is facing In continuing with its tradition of “As the national insurer, we have insurance solutions which cater to exceptional customer experience to leading real estate markets,” High Level Road, into a leadership, SLIC in 2020 surpassed witnessed yet another challenging all Sri Lankans under the ‘Insurance our customers,” noted SLIC CEO the company said issuing a middle-level apartment its own record to declare a sum year and the consequences brought for All’ concept. Even though the Chandana L. Aluthgama. statement. and housing project. These The property located in apartments and houses are Negombo consists of 17 proposed to be priced at less acres in a prime location than Rs. 10 million. in a highly residential area The new property People’s Bank offers Lanka QR payment with close proximity to the comprises 18 acres of land city. The new property is which was purchased in option to Ceylinco Life holders facing the Baseline Road, Piliyandala – Kahathuduwa Negombo and is proposed adjoining the Canterbury People’s Bank recently entered to be developed into 384 Golf Resort Apartments into an agreement with Ceylinco architecturally designed project. This proposed Life Insurance Ltd. to offer the houses and apartments, the project is the new wing of People’s Bank LANKA QR payment company added. the Canterbury Golf Resort acceptance solution to Ceylinco Life Meanwhile, the company Apartments project and will policyholders. The agreement to offer is hoping to develop the 50 include 177 villas and 264 this service was exchanged between acres of land purchased in golf-view apartments. People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapakse and Ceylinco Life Executive Chairman R. Renganathan at Ceylinco Life Tower recently. Lanka QR is a pioneering initiative Hero MotoCorp of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) that aims to revolutionise the People’s Bank and Ceylinco Life Insurance Ltd. exchanging the MoU surpasses 100 m units in payments landscape in Sri Lanka by enabling fast, secure, and low-cost General Manager (Payment and Centre Chief Manager Prasad Palitha Jayawardena, and Director/ digital payments to a large number of Digital) K.B. Rajapakse, Chief Marasinghe and Ceylinco Life Deputy Chief Financial Officer cumulative production merchants. Information Officer Dhammika Director of HR and Training P.D.M. Ranga Abeynayake were also Hero MotoCorp recently People’s Bank CEO/GM Ranjith Dasa, Head of Marketing Nalaka Cooray, Managing Director/CEO present at the occasion of signing the surpassed the milestone of 100 Kodituwakku, Senior Deputy Wijayawardana, and People’s Card E.T.L. Ranasinghe, Director/CFO agreement. million units in cumulative production. The 100 millionth bike, the Xtreme 160R, JKOA, Asus CIMA launches CGMA Finance was rolled-out of the company’s manufacturing release Expert facility in Haridwar, in the Leadership Programme northern Indian hill state of CIMA recently digital skills set out in through self-paced Lanka. There are few Uttarakhand. Centre PCs announced the launch the CIMA Professional e-learning. Whilst other state and private This is also the 20th John Keells Office Automation of its digital learning Qualification syllabus there is still a place for sector universities consecutive year that Hero (Pvt.) Ltd. (JKOA), a provider of platform – the CGMA and assesses their traditional learning and awaiting registration MotoCorp has retained the office automation solutions, has Finance Leadership application across examinations in test to be recognised as title of the world’s largest partnered with ASUS. Programme (CGMA operations, management, centres, it is right in a universities providing manufacturer of two-wheelers. ASUS Global has designated JKOA, FLP) to students, and strategy. digital age that we now this access. This is one of the fastest established in 1992, a fully owned employers, and Upon successful offer alternative pathways Also present at the global achievements of the 100 subsidiary of John Keells Holdings universities across Sri completion of each to learn, understand, launch were LSEG million cumulative production Hero MotoCorp Chairman and PLC, as their authorised dealers in Lanka as an alternative of the three levels of and apply finance,” Director and Chief mark, the company claims, CEO Dr. Pawan Munjal with global Sri Lanka. Through this partnership, approach to completing guided learning and noted Association of Financial Officer Fadhil with the last 50 million units movie icon Shah Rukh Khan at the ASUS has unveiled the Expert Centre the CIMA Professional assessments, participants International Certified Jiffry, FCMA, CGMA, coming in a span of just seven unveiling of the company’s 100 Series desktop PCs to Sri Lanka. Qualification. must successfully pass Professional Accountants who spoke about how years. millionth motorcycle – the Xtreme 160R These are varied, state-of-the-art Late last year, a global business simulation Managing Director of beneficial access to the To mark the occasion, Hero business desktops that enable extended launch was held across case-study exams and Global Markets Irene CIMA Professional MotoCorp Chairman and outlined Hero MotoCorp’s asset lifecycles. Africa, Europe, and Asia meet professional Teng. Qualification via the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plans and vision for the next Expert Centre desktop PCs are by the Association of experience requirements CIMA in Sri Lanka CGMA FLP would Dr. Pawan Munjal unveiled five years. built and available in a variety of International Certified to become a Chartered Country Manager Zahara be for students as six special celebration edition As part of the next five-year segments and structure. These range Professional Accountants, Global Management Ansary ACMA, CGMA, well as employers, models at the company’s plan, Hero MotoCorp will from Expert Centre D3 to D9. Expert the combined strength Accountant and gain spoke about how whilst CIMA Student manufacturing facility at introduce over 10 products – Centre desktops have also passed US of the American Institute access to the Association students in Sri Lanka Society President and Gurugram, located in the including variants, refreshes, military-grade durability standards of CPAs (AICPA) and of International can join this programme Emerging Markets National Capital Region and upgrades – every year. and are also engineered for long- the Chartered Institute Certified Professional via a registered tuition Fin Tech Pte. Ltd. (NCR) of Delhi. The six He stated: “We are going term reliability and quiet operation. of Management Accountants, according provider who is assigned Investment Associate celebration edition models to continue to ride our They also come with a three-year Accountants (CIMA). to a press release issued as a reseller. Two Shehan Senanayake include Splendor+, Xtreme growth journey. In keeping manufacturer warranty. This comes in on this regard. such providers will be mentioned that 160R, Passion Pro, and with our vision to ‘Be the Based on the performance needs response to the increased “CIMA’s CGMA unveiled soon. CIMA has once again Glamour (motorcycles), and Future of Mobility’, we will of an organisation, the Expert Centre demand worldwide to Finance Leadership As at the time of the become a trendsetter Destini 125 and Maestro Edge be launching a host of new desktop PCs have been grouped deliver remote access Programme has been launch, the UWS degree in revolutionising the 110 (scooters) that will go on motorcycles and scooters under three categories. First, specially and self-paced online launched in response programme offered professional education sale from February 2021. over the next five years, in designed for enterprise, organisational, learning. According to to the changing world by Imperial College space. He also added Addressing a global addition to expanding our and governmental use. Second, the institute, the CGMA we live in and meets of Business Studies that this platform would audience including customers, global footprint. We will also specially designed for advanced FLP covers competencies the growing demand to (ICBS) has come on be beneficial for students dealers, distributors, investors, continue to invest in research SMBs; and thirdly, specially designed in finance, accounting, deliver business finance board to provide the given the current suppliers, employees, and and development and focus on for budget-conscious users. business, people, and and accounting skills CGMA FLP route in Sri context. the media, Dr. Munjal also new mobility solutions.” AIA Insurance provides free access LOLC Life Assurance and General to wellness specialists Insurance expand operations in Matara AIA Insurance recently mental health professionals, or our customers; to make it easier General insurance “Our talented staff introduced a health and physiotherapists. for them to become and stay companies LOLC Life stands ready to assist the wellness offering whereby it While AIA has recommended healthy and pursue their wellness Assurance and LOLC residents of Matara with provides access to wellness a one-year plan for the journey.” General Insurance recently all their insurance needs, specialists, free of charge, via consultations, customers are free AIA’s Head of Marketing expanded its operations be it personal or business,” the oDoc app for its customers. to utilise these consultations in Shevanthie De Alwis added: “We in Matara. The new expressed LOLC General All customers with an annual whichever order they wish to and believe that everyone should LOLC Life and LOLC Insurance CEO Kithsiri premium value of above Rs. when they wish to, according be the best they can be and that General zonal offices were Gunawardena. 100,000 per policy can make to a press release issued by the means being optimal in your inaugurated at 366,1/1, LOLC General use of this offer and carry out company on this matter. health and wellness. That is Galle Road, Paburana, Insurance and LOLC consultations with Sri Lanka AIA Chief Executive Officer why we tied up with Sri Lanka’s Matara. In addition, the LOLC Life Assurance CEO Nadika Opatha ceremoniously opening Life Assurance are fully Medical Council-registered (CEO) Nikhil Advani noted: “Our pioneering telemedicine provider LOLC Life Provincial the LOLC Life Provincial Office in Matara owned subsidiaries of the wellness specialists. The purpose is enabling healthier, oDoc to provide support and Office in Matara was opened by LOLC Life. in the months ahead,” noted LOLC Group – one of offer extends six free mobile longer, better lives. So, we’ve motivation to our customers relocated to 13, Station “We hope to expand LOLC Life Assurance the largest and diversified consultations for the year, with got to think about what would throughout their lives and Road, Matara. This is the our presence further in the Chief Executive Officer conglomerates in Sri Lanka select nutritionists, dieticians, make a meaningful impact to wellness journeys.” first provincial branch entire Southern Province, (CEO) Nadika Opatha. with international presence.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 IS IT A NUMBERS GAME? »SEE PAGE 3

THE WATERLESS VILLAGE IN WELIGAMA IS STILL WATERLESS »SEE PAGE 4 Sunday, January 31, 2021 TikTokbrunch has taken over BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

There was a time in Sri Lanka when TikTok as a social media platform was frowned upon, said to be infested with negativity and mindless content. However, the video-sharing social media network has since come a long way, amassing an endless slew of celebrities, athletes, politicians, and influencers. Most recently, we saw Minister of Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa joining the platform and sharing with his followers a message, urging Lankan youth to create positive content and contribute to the promotion of our current “Lankan youth can digital ecosystem. become entrepreneurs We spoke to Namal through social media, Rajapaksa with regard to much like the rest of the his prompting youth to world, and we can use create content on TikTok, these platforms to sell and the emphasis on the our products, promote need for positive content. our nation, to show He said that social media who we are to the world content created in this through these platforms” country has two sides to Minister of Youth and it. “Some of it is positive, Sports Namal Rajapaksa some of it is negative, and some tend to make themselves a joke out believe social media when of it, but that is part of used in a positive manner social media and how it is will have a lot of good created,” he said, adding: impact on the younger “Of course I do agree generation.” certain people misuse it – a majority of them – but I ││Contd. on page 2

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa PHOTO SUDARSHA KANNANGARA ‘Depriving someone of their dignity will not create civic-minded citizens’ In conversation with Ambika Satkunanathan about Sri Lanka’s prisons

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA The Sunday Morning Brunch spoke to human rights lawyer, advocate, and former Commissioner of the Human The public also Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (2015-2020) Ambika Following the Mahara Prison has a perception Satkunanathan in this regard. Satkunanathan led the first-ever riots in late November 2020, the that only evil, national study of prisons in Sri Lanka at the commission, awful people go closely working with the island’s prisons for an extensive ever-existent call for the dire need into prisons and period of time, and was the keynote speaker in the virtual they come out as Facebook event hosted last week by the international of prison reforms islandwide was people who can libertarian non-profit organisation “Students for Liberty”. be reintegrated amplified more than ever before. into society as ÄÄ You are on record to have conducted the Adding to the conversation were “good citizens”. first-ever national study on prisons in ‘Things will be more That is a myth Sri Lanka. Tell us a little bit about your study. prisoners rights associations and Human rights lawyer, advocate, This is the only study in Sri Lanka we have on prisons flexible in 2021’ activists who urged the authorities and former with empirical data. It’s a 856-page volume and it gives that they used that time to Human Rights insight into the treatment and conditions of prisoners with Piyush Tyagi of to take heed of the gross human Commissioner of an analysis of related laws, the gaps and shortcomings, prepare the entire team to Sri Lanka (2015- Marriott International align with the new norm. rights violations that have been and provides recommendations – both for legal reform and 2020) Ambika practical strategies. It covers every issue in relation to prisons. on plans for the year “We focused on a lot of Satkunanathan initiatives which involved taking place day in and day out The research was done at 20 prisons in Sri Lanka. We educating our guests. within the aggregate of the would visit them and would spend an average of five days or BY VENESSA ANTHONY As we’ve always been even more at each prison. ││Contd. on page 4 Weligama Bay a premium luxury hotel, Sri Lankan prison systems. Marriott Resort & Spa is there’s always been a focus a beach resort with a local on hygiene, but because touch in terms of cuisines of the pandemic and the and offerings. During new normal, we actually the pandemic, Marriott elevated our hygiene had to close their doors levels.” Talking about the safety measures put in BY NAVEED ROZAIS else. The world as we knew for about two-and-a-half it was redefined, and we had months through April and place, he said: “We were The new Suffice it to say that to embrace new trends in May, until the middle of the first hotel to introduce 2020 was a strange year, and order to survive in the “new June. They are currently an electrostatic sprayer 2021, while a new year, is set normal” in which we found welcoming guests with all which we used to ensure normal for the to be equally as strange. In ourselves. safety precautions in place, that all public areas could 2020, people all around the The dawn of 2021 while offering a heightened be immediately sanitised fashion industry world redefined their normal has not meant the end of experience. including the elevators. lifestyles. They had to adapt Covid-19, and our new norms Speaking to Marriott In fact, that has become to new changes across all of living, as well as newer International General our standard operating needs to be spheres, be it work, education, norms that will develop, will Manager (GM) Piyush procedure now.” business and administration, be around for a while. Tyagi, he commented ││Contd. on page 4 responsibility Dr. Sumith Gopura leisure, fashion, or anything ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/TRENDS Sunday, January 31, 2021

seeking views in any way they could. garners them their dedicated followings that the immense potential is untapped, Instead of focusing on talent or narrative, and adoration; it is evident that people and it is all about guiding those who they chose to post salacious content, which who love to create will create and TikTok create and giving them the platform and of course gets promoted via the algorithm, has just become today’s tool to do it. the opportunity to be more creative – to as more views guarantees promotion via teach them to use social media with the app regardless of content. However, Finding your niche in the platform a positive attitude. With TikTok in she said, as time has passed, more creatives Tymeron Carvalho, yet another particular being one of world’s fastest- have entered the platform, and have TikTok user with a considerable growing platforms with over 90 million identified that sharing information and following, also shared with us that what user profiles, a majority being youngsters, their art gets more views. you’ve got to do is find your niche on the he said that he believes, with the way that platform. “I love to make others laugh, Lankans are using social media and the enjoy, and make use of the hacks I have number of people who use mobile phones, found out in my life. I find it very easy it is a clear indication as per statistics that to convey my positive and motivational we are connected amongst each other messages via these three categories: though these kinds of platforms. “We are comedy, remedies, and dance,” he said. global and we have connectivity for the Carvalho also said that creating for most part of the country – I wouldn’t say the platform has expanded his horizons in the entire country – but this is something ways he did not think previously possible, we cannot restrict,” he said, noting that sharing that he has learnt more than he what we must therefore do is encourage has created, from video editing and photo positive content. editing to new dancing steps etc. He added that we are citizens Much like all the other creators we of this country, and therefore have a spoke to, he also took care to stress the responsibility to become a responsible importance of not spreading negativity citizen and not act irresponsibly, and there online. He said: “Today, social media has has been careless content that has caused become a bigger tool than institutions like a lot of tension between communities school. It gives people the power to either and individuals, while there have also make or break someone with their posts been those who use it as a platform to and comments, and so I urge everyone, destroy someone’s personality. “So what before spreading something negative, I am trying to do here is to at least try Lochana Jayakody think and rethink whether it’s worth it.” and put out more positive content,” he Speaking to The Sunday Morning said, adding that he hopes to foster the Brunch, Namal Rajapaksa shared further true potential that these platforms hold. A.L. Ijas “Lankan youth can become entrepreneurs Amandha Amarasekara through social media, much like the rest of the world, and we can use these platforms to sell our products, promote our nation, to show who we are to the world through these platforms.” The give and take We also asked the creators what it is that they get in return when it comes to posting content online. Surely there must be a give and take if you are dedicating your time to a platform and an audience who gives you their utmost attention? Many of them replied that while there is earning potential, they create because it is what they love to do. Amandha Amarasekara, another TikTok creator who publishes a variety of content ranging from fitness to dance and performance comedy-style videos, said that at first he started it on the premise of “I am a content creator, I Lochi pointed out that some of the should do it”, but went on to fall in love PHOTO © HELLO I’M NIK ON UNSPLASH biggest Lankan creators on the platform with it for its broad range and diversity. are skilled creatives, people who have a Now he sincerely enjoys putting out purpose, like A.L. Ijas (@dusky_boii), Tymeron Carvalho every piece of content he creates, “be it who has 7.5 million followers at present a dance, acting out a script, giving out on TikTok, who as a photography tips and tricks on healthcare and fitness, enthusiast, shares his skills on his profile to transforming from outfit to outfit to to his ever-growing audience. the beat of a song”. He also shared that TikTok ... Speaking with Ijas, he said that while it is primarily a space to share his Contd. from page 1 Lankans distrustful of change he started posting on TikTok in 2018, content, it absolutely does hold potential With the evolution of TikTok’s and what he set out to do was to share for financial gain – but that is true of any reputation, we asked Lochana Jayakodi, various tricks of the trade – how to take form of social media. He stressed that we know of certain who currently has well over 600,000 certain photographs with little resources It is evident that the larger creators on countries that have banned, or imposed followers on the platform, about why and share the behind-the-scenes with his the platform have set up revenue streams certain restrictions on, social media, but Sri it garnered such a negative attitude audience. He said that he enjoys creating via ad content and creative pursuits in Lanka has allowed for “ultimate freedom from society at first and how things are content and he is glad about the feedback collaboration with various entertainment when it comes to social media and content different now. She said she believes this is he receives – many people have told him and media entities. While Lankan creators to be created”, he said, adding that he primarily because Lankans often tend to that they have been inspired by his work are yet to fully financially weaponise their himself is a strong believer that we can be distrustful of change and things that are and they wish to emulate him. following, most creators have struck a become the centre for content creation in new, and when TikTok was first introduced These various creators encapsulate comfortable balance between some ads here the world if we focus our energies towards to us, many of those who took up the a clear distinction of the content which and there, and creating for the love of it. a positive path. platform chose to create content purely

sustainable, and how to move away reality (VR) platforms, which in pandemic has moved this dialogue from “fast fashion” and establish some aspect disappointed loyal into its fastest gear yet in order to more “slow” fashion that people can consumers, who still expected the build more responsible businesses. The Covid-19-related lockdown enjoy more. experiential entity of fashion to Circularity has come to a point The new... in many countries restricted the come through in a Fashion Week where segments of designer brands fashion consumers to digital ÄÄ How did the global format. see waste as a key resource and trends. They wore what they had Contd. from page 1 screens and both their living fashion industry The survival skills of fashion placing great importance on closing in their wardrobes, moving beyond and working environments respond to the brands were tested yet again when the loop, from carbon emissions and seasonal norms. The impact that Covid-19 has became one and the same, which the global fashion calendar reached street litter, to waste materials and The Covid-19-related lockdown pandemic? had on the global fashion industry eventually altered their way of the traditional time to launch resources. in many countries restricted the All fashion brands, both big is huge and cannot be missed. The dressing seasonal collections, with the What the industry needs to fashion consumers to digital screens and small, global and local, new and Department of Textile and Clothing University of Moratuwa Department industry being forced to make many do now is to reinvent and redefine and both their living and working established, experienced a rough Technology of the University of of Textile and Clothing Technology unconventional decisions when it themselves to provide more environments became one and the patch, and difficulty conducting Moratuwa has taken advantage of Dr. Sumith Gopura came to collections. Some brands sustainable products which can same, which eventually altered business as usual. This was mainly 2020 and the pandemic to conduct opted to halt their production, also be multi-purpose. The sea, their way of dressing. “Comfy” because the pandemic detached research into global fashion and taking control of their own pace and soil, and air must not be polluted became the new formal and people function of which was to cover the consumers from physical shopping, consumer trends, and how Covid-19 schedule, while some others went with waste fibre, apparel landfill, concentrated more on “on-screen body and afford some protection forcing many outlets to close down. has affected the global rules of ahead as planned, following social- and toxic air that causes damage fashion”. from the environment around However, fashion brands fashion. distancing rules and regulations. By to all forms of living beings, and People were also given you. The impact of the Covid-19 were able to make a comeback The Sunday Morning Brunch choice, some designers have taken this can be achieved if emerging individual space and time to reflect pandemic made us reconsider with technology, applying spoke to Dr. Sumith Gopura of brave decisions opting to continue sustainable practices are promoted on their interests and skills. They “clothes” as a mere necessity of themselves in maximising online the Department of Textile and selling what they have shown and implemented. took time to think about what they mankind. platforms. Fashion consumers Clothing Technology, University the previous season. This is not We’re now in a world where really need in life, shaping their This is not to say that “fashion” switched to shopping online of Moratuwa, who, together with something that works for all brands, people have started to value lives to focus more on needs rather or “designs” are at fault. What is in lockdown and most fashion Research Assistant Dilmini Yasara, however, and on a local level, “wellness” and “simplicity” over than wants. More people have wrong is that the competition that businesses also quickly shifted has used his real-time exposure we have been very lucky as our everything else. The time has come started practising, enhancing, and fashion businesses have within towards e-commerce via their own to the pandemic to navigate the seasons are not mainly driven by the for the fashion industry to behave showcasing their unique interests them in this fast-paced money- websites or third-party e-tailers. changing rules of fashion under the changes of climate. in a responsible manner to suit than ever before. oriented world has increased the This new form of livelihood made impact of Covid-19 and figure out the pandemic-inspired lifestyle. In terms of fashion, people have production in large numbers, social media become an essential what we can expect. ÄÄ What do you think the Concentrating on quality raw shifted their notion of fashion to creating more and more waste channel to reach out to, court, future will be? materials with sustainable supply Ä move away from people who inspire that has ultimately affected the and convert shoppers. Despite Ä What are the most The Western world as a whole chain networks over the constraint fashion to be an integral part of environment. The global fashion the devastation, brands reflected notable changes to is moving back to survival mode, parameters of fashion trends under their life for purely commercial and industry is responsible for 1.2 hope through positive messages, global fashion caused stepping back from focusing on Covid-19 will surely ensure long- selfish reasons, to people who value billion tonnes of carbon emission sensitively delivering the values by Covid-19? creativity and individual talent term survival for fashion brands the purpose of responsible fashion. as well as a great deal of waste that the consumers were missing As the world headed into a because they are feeling insecure during this trying time and even mismanagement that require a major in shopping, and reassuring the global lockdown, the working about basic needs like jobs, health, beyond. ÄÄ What can the global rethinking by the fashion industry as comfort, care, and relaxation of sphere had no choice but to shift and social networking. We are embracing and living fashion industry learn a whole of its values, consumption, consumers by building an emotional to work from home (WFH). The They’re reconsidering their through different sorts of new and waste. The pandemic has given connection with them. result was that fashion consumers from the pandemic? priorities to fit their lifestyle in the normal everywhere. The new the industry, as well as consumers, Fashion Weeks and catwalk were restricted to lockdown fashion, With the present money- new normal. “Sustainability” and normal for the fashion industry some much-needed time to rethink shows, a major part of the global wearing clothes that made them oriented fashion industry, people “circularity” were already important now, definitely needs to be being needs and wants in fashion and fashion business, were either feel great and powerful rather than had gone far beyond fulfilling the conversations within the global responsible through sustainability what it stands for, how to be more cancelling or switching to virtual adhering to traditional seasonal basic human need of clothing, the fashion industry. The Covid-19 and circularity. the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, January 31, 2021 WILDLIFE

BY NAVEED ROZAIS The majestic elephant is one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific wildlife resources. These fascinating creatures drive millions of people to our wildlife and nature parks, they have become an integral part of how the world sees us, and, given the role they play within our own culture, they are an integral part of how we see ourselves. But there is a flip side to our relationship with elephants. For one thing, elephants are an endangered species in need of careful conservation. Even when leaving aside the drama caused by social We will be using the waterhole The census is likely to be media influencers who are unable to tell the count technique for the census. fraught with errors. You may African elephant apart from the Sri Lankan It is a direct census method undercount because you may elephant when curating content for another where we map out all the not see all the elephants in a day, as Sri Lankans, our relationship with the gentle giants is flawed. 2020 saw more waterholes and places where waterhole when you’re counting. than 400 elephant deaths being reported as water is and position our staff You can also double-count when well as 122 human deaths due to human- and people who are going to an elephant comes to the same elephant conflict (HEC), a number that has exceeded all expectations and broken help us to count elephant herds waterhole twice. There is no records we neither want nor need broken. continuously way if one error on the plus HEC has escalated to unprecedented levels, DWC Director – Operations side cancels out one error on the with intervention greatly needed for both Ranjan Marasinghe minus because you don’t know our sakes and those of the elephants. Killing wild elephants in Sri Lanka is a criminal what the error is anyway offence, but there have been regular reports elephants live in scrub and forest habitats, EFL Director Rukshan Jayawardene of angry villagers poisoning or shooting these can often be far away from humans. them because of the risk elephants pose As a technique, Dr. Fernando shared to their livelihoods, homes, and even their that the waterhole count technique is lives. very unreliable and that there are other Sri Lanka also has a population of methods that can be used to estimate approximately 200 captive elephants in Sri animal populations. The methods, like dung Lanka. One hundred of these elephants are counts, identifying individual animals and in the custody of the Pinnawala Elephant extrapolating numbers, advanced mark and Orphanage, the Dehiwala Zoo, or the capture techniques, and fingerprinting by Ridiyagama Safari Park; approximately 40 extracting DNA from droppings, while also in the custody of religious establishments not completely reliable, are more reliable and temples; and approximately 60 are than waterhole counts. “A waterhole count privately owned. The treatment of these is an obsolete and amateurish way to try to animals in captivity and the need for them IS IT A count elephants,” Dr. Fernando said, noting: to be held in captivity at all is hotly debated. “There is no easy, dependable, and cheap way to count elephants.” Is 2021 the year of the elephant? Dr. Fernando also questioned the need The Department of Wildlife and for a census since no reliable number for Conservation (DWC) recently announced elephants could be accurately estimated. that they intend to carry out a countrywide NUMBERS What is important to gauge is distribution, Waterhole counts are useless elephant census this year. The last official which Dr. Fernando said a waterhole count and not a scientific technique. census of this kind was carried out in could not do effectively, with a waterhole 2011 and estimated Sri Lanka’s elephant count not taking into account room for error We have no idea how far away population at a minimum of 5,179 caused by factors like the same elephant these numbers are from the elephants. visiting a watering hole twice in one truth…A waterhole count is an GAME? day, and elephants that may be missed at Speaking to The Sunday Morning Brunch DWC Director – Operations Ranjan night due to visibility. Another issue Dr. obsolete and amateurish way to Marasinghe shared that the proposed Fernando raised with the waterhole count try to count elephants. There is elephant census is set to take place in DWC to hold first technique was manpower, and the size of no easy, dependable, and cheap August or September. “We have been watering holes and water bodies, especially way to count elephants planning this census for the last two to large-scale tanks and rivers. An independent study conducted by Centre for Conservation and Research three years but couldn’t do it,” Marasinghe elephant census Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando said, adding that the months of August or Dr. Fernando with a group of researchers September have been selected to conduct that was published in 2019 showed that the census because this is the peak of the since elephants occur over 59.9% of Sri Lanka, Marasinghe also said the data gathered 2011 which gives some idea of the mammoth drought in the dry season. during the census would be used to inform size of the proposed census. “We will be using the waterhole count external parties, is that the census will management practices and decisions technique for the census,” Marasinghe Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL) indirectly over the coming years. Speaking require locating elephants and waterholes Director Rukshan Jayawardene shared said. “It is a direct census method where within jungles, which comes with an of the previous census conducted in we map out all the waterholes and places similar views on the reliability of a census 2011, Marasinghe explained that the element of risk. carried out using the waterhole count where water is and position our staff and In addition to the elephant census, census provided the DWC with valuable people who are going to help us to count technique, highlighting that even in peak information like where the highest density Marasinghe also explained that the DWC drought season, it’s likely that there’ll be a elephant herds continuously.” Conducted will be focusing heavily on mitigating of elephants was occurring. “On that basis, over two-and-a-half days, the census will little rain somewhere in the dry zone which we distributed funds and resources for those HEC this year, and are planning to could cause elephants not to come to get the take place with time being sliced into half- establish a countrywide electric fence regions,” Marasinghe explained. hour intervals and recording the number water they would normally have got form a network as well as experiment with watering hole that day. “There are also rock of elephants who will be visiting the several other methods of mitigating HEC. Where do we go from here? waterholes over this two-day period. cisterns that collect water and sometimes Speaking on the proposed census and “We can’t specify one particular last right through the dry season. Rock Marasinghe shared that through the method that we are using,” Marasinghe its long-term impact, wildlife scientist census, the DWC will be able to get a more outcrops are scattered throughout dry zone and Born Free Foundation Country said, adding: “Because our approach is to jungles,” Jayawardene explained, adding: accurate and up-to-date idea of the aspects use all methods possible. We’re getting Representative Manori Gunawardena of elephants in Sri Lanka like the density “The census is likely to be fraught with shared: “While the DWC feels the need help from the Innovation Commission, errors. You may undercount because you of elephants, the different proportions of a group of innovators who are testing to know the ‘number’ of elephants, elephants according to age classes, the may not see all the elephants in a waterhole what would be prudent regardless of new technology in combating HEC.” While the DWC feels the when you’re counting. You can also ratios of male to female elephants, the Marasinghe did comment that strategies the merits of the method is to focus ratios of tuskers to non-tuskers, and the need to know the “number” double-count when an elephant comes to on critical regions to understand the like ultrasound techniques to deter the same waterhole twice. There is no way nourishment level of elephants. “There elephants, redesigning electric fences for of elephants, what would be demographics of elephants in that area.” will be a number, but it is not the highest if one error on the plus side cancels out one Gunawardena also noted that elephants maximum efficiency, and trenches were prudent regardless of the merits error on the minus because you don’t know priority of conducting the census,” among the strategies being considered, of the method is to focus on outside parks in human-dominated areas Marasinghe said. “When we continue this what the error is anyway.” are predominantly nocturnal and visit although no final decisions have been critical regions to understand Speaking on eliminating room for operation 10 or 20 times, we can see the made. waterholes or village tanks. Additionally, trend and discuss the trends of elephants the demographics of elephants error, Marasinghe explained that the DWC the entire dry zone of Sri Lanka is dotted because there is no statistically sound Is an elephant census futile? in that area would be dividing the two-and-a-half-day with many irrigation tanks, which makes method for calculating the exact number period into 10 30-minute slices in a bid counting elephants islandwide not very With the upcoming census using the Born Free Foundation Country to isolate the highest and lowest reported of elephants in our forests. Conducting waterhole technique, and no completely Representative Manori Gunawardena feasible. an elephant census is a mammoth task; sightings and account for error, using the “What would be feasible and useful accurate way to pinpoint the Sri Lankan maximum number of sightings reported in we are going to be working with district elephant population in terms of numbers, from a conservation management and secretaries, the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri by the DWC in the census is flawed. each area to estimate the total population. HEC mitigation perspective is to do the question does arise; is the proposed Marasinghe also stressed that population Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Air Force, elephant census a useful exercise? “Waterhole counts are useless and not a a combination of direct and indirect students, and volunteers.” scientific technique,” Dr. Fernando said. numbers were not the main focus of the methods to ascertain elephant distribution Sharing his view, Centre for census, which is being carried out more for Marasinghe also noted that a Conservation and Research (CCR) “We have no idea how far away these and demography in select locations challenge of working on the elephant numbers are from the truth.” purposes of observing trends in the elephant representing the landscapes, human land- Chairman Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando population. census, especially with volunteers and commented that the technique being used Dr. Fernando explained that since use types, and habitat types.” PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM 4 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE Sunday, January 31, 2021 ‘If India can, why can’t we?’ There are many other obstacles, but Prof. Neelika Malavige on Sri Lanka’s capacity to produce a Covid-19 vaccine at least we have been able to overcome BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA I did my PhD at the University of Oxford in could be introduced to Sri Lanka. We are them with difficulty. There is very limited this area, and I am extremely passionate about sequencing much more and more frequently focus on research and development in Sri To date, Covid-19 clings on to our how viruses cause harm to humans and how since the beginning of this year. The World Lanka. The policymakers don’t seem to world, constantly evolving in its form our wonderful immune systems fight them. Health Organisation (WHO) is funding this understand how it can benefit everyone and the economy as well. and severity, claiming more lives and Our research has been focusing on research. identifying the type of immune responses that We are also studying how long immune Additionally, although we boast of a good hope with every passing day. are important to reduce the disease severity of responses last following natural infection high literacy rate, our scientific literacy is Amidst traditional kottamalli cures and Covid-19. We have been working on dengue and what type of immune responses are very poor. In schools, children are taught “magic Covid healing potion” controversies, for over 15 years and have made important protective. These are crucial questions to to memorise and churn out what they have the only promising silver lining in this breakthroughs in that venture. answer if we are to move forward with studied rather than to question and develop dark and foreboding cloud seems to be the Covid-19. critical thinking. We are seeing the results of impending vaccines that are being developed ÄÄ What is the current state this during this pandemic, where people just globally, aiming to better manage this with regard to the Covid-19 ÄÄ In a news statement, you have believe anything being told on mainstream pandemic situation. vaccination in Sri Lanka? claimed that Sri Lanka has the media and social media without questioning Following continuous discussions, The vaccine seems to be the only option resources and the capacity what they see. government officials have confirmed the to see an end to the pandemic. However, to develop our own vaccines. reception of over 500,000 doses of Oxford currently most of the vaccines only reduce Could you please elaborate? ÄÄ What kind of assistance is AstraZeneca’s Covishield, a gift from symptomatic illness, and we have no data to When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the needed for our researchers in neighbouring India on 28 January 2020 know if they reduce transmission as well. world, all countries started with equal footing. the potential development of (Thursday). A donation of a further 300,000 We also see the emergence of variants which Many developed countries, of course, have our own vaccine? doses of the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm is to USJ Faculty of Medical Sciences Department might escape immunity induced by vaccines. very successfully developed new diagnostics, of Immunology and Molecular Medicine Head Policymakers don’t seem to understand follow shortly. There are many questions we don’t have new vaccines, etc. What is remarkable is Prof. Neelika Malavige how research and innovation can greatly help In light of the conversation surrounding answers to. However, if the vaccines indeed how India rose to the occasion and showed the economy. I think it’s important for them Covid-19 vaccines, The Sunday Morning reduce disease severity and people won’t die that it was indeed a superpower. It developed development, we again have the expertise to to understand who can do what and invest Brunch spoke to one of Sri Lanka’s frontline of Covid-19, or won’t develop severe illness, its own vaccine and is one of the biggest identify potential drug candidates (Western accordingly. It’s not just about the vaccine. researchers in this regard, University of then we have achieved a lot. We can then manufacturing sites (Serum Institute) for the or Ayurvedic drugs) and test their efficacy. It’s also about developing diagnostics, drugs, Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) Faculty of move onto reducing or halting transmission. Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. If India can, But we need a “Biosafety Level 3” (BSL- and vaccines. This is not just for Covid-19, Medical Sciences Head of the Department of why can’t we? It is quite disheartening to note 3) lab to do so. Me and several others have but for many other illnesses in general. Immunology and Molecular Medicine Prof. ÄÄ What are the key crucial that although we have the human resources to worked for many years in such facilities. But Neelika Malavige. pointers and observations do this, there is a lack of other resources, and there is not a single BSL-3 lab in the whole ÄÄ Do you think developing such in your research so far on a vaccine would have positive Ä mainly, the commitment to make it a reality. country. So many ayurvedic physicians have Ä Give us a brief introduction Covid-19? also contacted us, to see if their potential drug implications in the long run of yourself, what you do, and We have been studying the Sri Lankan ÄÄ If we have the resources to candidates are working. But how can we (test that transcends being just a your current endeavours viral strains from the onset. The current do so, what is standing in the it), when we don’t have such a lab? solution for Covid itself? with regard to research on circulating strain that emerged from late way of developing our own The case remains the same for I definitely think so. There are so Covid-19. September is one not previously seen in Sri vaccine? vaccines. If you are unable to culture the many (people) who want to develop and do I am a professor at the Department of Lanka. However, with the emergence of new I think it’s important to point out that SARS-CoV-2 virus, then we can’t think of something good for the country. The country Immunology and Molecular Medicine and variants from several countries, it is very apart from a vaccine, drug development is developing a vaccine. We simply lack the does not use them, nor are they given the due I have a keen interest in viral immunology. important to watch out for such variants that also extremely important. If I talk about drug infrastructure here. recognition. ‘Depriving someone... ‘Things will... Contd. from page 1 far easier administratively to imprison someone ÄÄ The fact that your study is the than keep their files open for months if they are first-ever national research Contd. from page 1 We would conduct inspections of the sent for community corrections. conducted on prisons in the Marriott introduced a global prisons – go over every nook and cranny within We need to address the inequality, island is indeed alarming. Why programme to the hotel by the those prisons from every ward to every cell marginalisation, and discrimination in our do you think there is so little name of “Commitment To Clean to the kitchen. We also administered nearly society at the community level to make sure research in this regard? (CTC)”. Tyagi explained that the 3,000 questionnaires and conducted nearly fewer people end up in prison. Firstly, I believe that it is because prisons CTC concept was introduced in 350 interviews with prisoners and roughly and prisoners are not really something the order to increase confidence among 102 interviews with prison officials. We ÄÄ Do you think the tagline general public pays attention to. the guests: “When someone enters Marriott International General Manager additionally interviewed the Attorney General, “Prisoners are Humans too” that Second is the issue of access, which is Piyush Tyagi Minister of Justice, Secretary to the Ministry of lies underneath the mural at a hotel, they want to be assured it needed for conducting credible research. The our employees who were employed Justice, officers of the Community Corrections Welikada Prison is ironic? Please is safe, so the vehicles and baggage Human Rights Commission, however, has the pre-Covid and we take care of our Department, and relevant officers from the are sanitised, and there are ample do elaborate on the conditions authority to enter all premises of detention at all employees as a family.” Ministry of Health at the time. signages across the hotel promoting of prisons islandwide. times without prior notification, through which Marriott worked very closely It was both a quantitative and qualitative social distancing and masks.” He also What I find ironic and slightly hypocritical it was able to conduct the study. with the sales and marketing team. study. The report based on the study was added that there were a lot of efforts are people in society who say that prisoners “There was a lot of engagement, published in December 2020 and is framed in terms of digitalisation, where they are not being treated right, but at the same time ÄÄ Conversation around the which we did on social media like within national as well as international moved away from physical menus say that we need more prisons to be built. I find drastic need for prison reforms Facebook, Instagram, and various standards, i.e. it refers to the globally accepted at restaurants, and offered QR codes it hypocritical that people whose instinctive other platforms. When we enhanced Mandela Rules as well as the Constitution of was aggravated following that guests may scan and access all reaction to anything is “let’s arrest and the engagement with the domestic Sri Lanka, in particular the fundamental rights the Mahara Prison riots in the information they need. imprison” without bothering to learn about the market, we were fortunate to have chapter of our Constitution. We also used the November 2020. Do you see Talking about their reopening root causes of crime, then speak of prisoners’ seen a strong demand coming from Prisons Ordinance and other relevant local the promised prison reforms post lockdown, he added: “When rights. this market.” They had many guests laws. The report is accessible to the public happening anytime soon? we started having our first domestic Let’s not constantly blame only the leisure guests walking into the hotel, who would come back, and stay and it is an immense resource which everyone Department of Prisons. We as a society Yes and no. In the Department of should utilise. Prisons, we have come across progressive they could actually see the level of over a weekend, which they found must take responsibility for the state of our seriousness adopted by the hosts motivating. Tyagi added that the prisons and plight of prisoners. Even in and empathetic officials who understand ÄÄ What would you say are the key that the problem is not just with the penal at the hotel at all levels. So that reason why this happens is because society, there isn’t any social discourse on helped us because we could actually of the view from their rooms: “All findings of this study? the rights of prisoners. Society wakes up system but with the entire criminal justice The fundamental finding is that our penal system. The current Commissioner General increase confidence, and we see great our rooms face the ocean and you only when a violent incident such as the responses coming in.” can get a great view of the entire system is not fit for this purpose. The public Mahara riots happen. It is only then that our of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya is one of also has a perception that only evil, awful them. Tyagi also informed us that bay from each and every room. The society remembers that prisoners exist. Each they have never catered to so many levels of comfort we offer are also people go into prisons and they come out as successive government, regardless of who However, reforms are not just about law. people who can be reintegrated into society I heard that the Government is planning to domestic tourists from the time unmatched, and guests are provided was in power, did not pay adequate attention they launched, so, in spite of the with everything they could need to as “good citizens”. That is a myth, as we have to our penal system and didn’t do enough to commute death row sentences to life, which observed. is a good thing. Evidence has shown that the pandemic, it has actually made way obtain a refreshing stay away from address the root causes of crime. Instead of for a much higher engagement with all their burdens.” He added that their Most people who end up in prison are addressing the pipeline to prison, they built death penalty has no deterrent effect on crime. those who are already socially marginalised Furthermore, the death penalty is a cruel and the local community. other key strength is their food: “Our more prisons. Marriott is currently certified as cuisine is a factor that we take great and discriminated against. What they For example, the prisons do not have inhumane punishment, which erodes our own experience in prison doesn’t really help make humanity and hence should be abolished. a Level Two hotel, where both local pride in. We offer a large variety of a budgetary allocation for the provision of and foreigners who have completed food, catering both to an international their situation or community security better. It sanitary napkins to female prisoners and This move by the Government is positive. often leads these persons deeper into a cycle of The Government has also said it is going the required quarantine period can and local market with a flavoursome they are forced to rely on family members to lodge. Speaking about why they twist.” poverty, violence and criminal activity. They provide it, but not everyone has families. Many to restart the four-year evaluation process, are criminalised in prison and by the time they whereby each prisoner will be evaluated wish to remain a Level Two hotel, In terms of local offerings, foreign prisoners for example, both men and Tyagi explained: “The Marriott they tweaked their buffet, which are released, their lives have broken down so women, resort to performing menial tasks for and could become eligible for early release much that it is difficult for them to heal and depending on progress in rehabilitation. This has seen a very strong demand used to be focused on international other prisoners to obtain essential commodities when it comes to local weddings, cuisines pre-Covid, and made it rebuild. such as soap or toothpaste. We found that the is also a step in the right direction, but the homecomings, and other social more localised. “We focused a lot on Also, most people who are in prison Department of Prisons takes it upon themselves evaluation process as it exists is not very events. In January this year, we’ve seafood offerings and engagement shouldn’t really be in prison. The belief that to request donations to meet the needs of robust and there are shortcomings that need to had over 20 social events, which is activities, especially with kids. These more prisons are needed to accommodate prisoners, as it is not within their budget. be addressed, which I hope the Government a great start for 2021. We’ve never small things made our guests quite criminals to make society safer is a dangerous Successive governments have neglected will do. had so many social events from the happy, and helped them cope with myth. For instance, a large number of persons their responsibility and should be held What is disappointing is that the local community ever from the time the toll that the pandemic took.” in our prisons are those who were unable to accountable, but it does not stop there. We as a Government has stated that those on death we opened in 2017.” He noted that Over the weekend, guests pay fines. We came across people who were society should take more responsibility, which row for drug offenses will not be commuted. Sri Lanka is seeing a strong market could sit on the rooftop and enjoy unable to pay a fine as little as Rs. 3,000 and we clearly do not. We only resort to a blame They need to be aware that having the death for destination weddings, which is a the pop-up bar and the band that were imprisoned due to that. What would game. At the societal level, we have to address penalty does not curb drug crime – as shown factor that Marriott focuses on. “This would keep them entertained. “Our happen to that person’s life and family when inequality and discrimination so that people by evidence from other countries. is one of the main reasons why we rooftop has a 360-degree view of the he is imprisoned? Social stigma aggravates this are not pushed or forced into precarious and The Mandela Rules say that the deprivation of decided to stick to Level Two at the whole of Weligama Bay, which is situation. exploitative activities to survive. liberty is the punishment, i.e. what it means Sri Lanka has a very progressive law called is that imprisonment itself is the punishment. moment, and ensure that we take something our guests really love. We the Community-Based Corrections Act and However, Sri Lankans have this twisted belief care of our guests coming here to even offer sessions like aqua yoga in it says that anyone convicted for an offense that further suffering has to be inflicted upon celebrate special occasions.” the pool for the ultimate relaxation for less than two years of imprisonment, need the imprisoned. If a prisoner was to have a Out of the 190 rooms Marriott experience.” not be imprisoned and instead can be sent for We need to address the inequality, bed in prison in this country, Sri Lankans houses, he observed that even during Tyagi plans to spend 2021 community corrections, which is far less costly marginalisation, and discrimination would be outraged and would question why weekdays, they manage to acquire making a complete business for the government. This is a better option as in our society at the community level to the government is allocating funds for the a double-digit occupancy with 18% recovery, and providing their guests the government spends about Rs. 300,000 per make sure fewer people end up in prison. comfort of such awful people. of the hotel booked. This number with a heightened experience, with prisoner on average annually. Furthermore, this Human rights lawyer, advocate, Depriving someone of their dignity will increases significantly over the their safety promised. “We hope method would enable a person to remain within and former Commissioner of the not create civic-minded citizens. In order for us weekend to about 50% occupancy. the whole Covid situation in the the community and their family. That law, Human Rights Commission of to really address the problem, we must look at Tyagi added that as a hotel, country becomes controlled. I’m sure regrettably, is not used due to little awareness Sri Lanka (2015-2020) the root causes and interrogate how we look at they made a conscious decision not vaccines are just around the corner. and reluctance among judicial officers and Ambika Satkunanathan crime and punishment. We must look at social to lay off a single employee during I’m sure things will be more flexible lawyers. Some officials confessed to us that it is attitudes, and a shift in mindset is required. the pandemic. “We still have all in 2021.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, January 31, 2021 PEOPLE

The daily struggle of carrying containers of water up the hill The waterless village in Weligama is still waterless BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE one source of water. May 2021 programme to It has been nearly three decades since the residents of Jayaralapura, Weligama settled down in their village. However, since they received their address issue? six perches and Rs. 8,000, to do with it what they could to set up a home We spoke to Water Supply and for themselves and their loved ones, the townspeople are yet to receive Drainage Board (WSDB) Assistant Engineer and Officer in Charge of a steady water supply to their village. The townspeople are all previous Weligama Indika Illamperuma regarding residents of the Weligama coast; having to relocate as a wave washed this matter, and he shared that while the away their homes in 1989, they were given settlements inland. The village, townspeople are referring as a result of an however, remains a fishing village with their main income being fisheries. incident well before his time, this kind of Housing nearly 300-400 people, the motors and ground wells to supply drinking supply is referred to as a “bulk supply”, village is colloquially referred to as “Rala water, and they also visit the community and that it constitutes a bulk of water that Gama” by the people of Weligama, and pond, which is 1 km down the hill, in order is purchased from the Water Board under while it’s easy enough to find – take a turn to bathe. Children, women, and men take their rural area plan, the bills of which inland from the old Galle Road when you turns waiting around the pond, which was W.J.P. Nalani Weeraratne Inoshika Krishanthi need to be paid by the community for the spot the Jinaraja Junior School and the constructed by the Jinaraja Temple on their supply. Jinaraja Temple – it’s nowhere near as easy behalf. “Thankfully, as if by a miracle, Illamperuma said that the issue here is to reach, considering that Rala Gama is there appears to be a water source deep that the grid for water supply to Weligama situated on top of a very steep hill. It would underground on this very spot, and so this was built in the early ‘80s, which was seem that their challenges all begin and end pond never goes dry,” the townspeople before these villages were set up at such with this hill that one gets past to reach the said, although the state of the water makes high elevations; therefore, the Water Board town, as the elevation is too steep to supply it so that they cannot ever drink it. neither has sufficient water for the demand, water. nor do they have the ability to generate The townsfolk engage in the daily While the WSDB may ensure a enough pressure to send the water to these struggle of drawing water up the hill to solution in the near future, the heights. He said, at present, the Weligama their homes, and it has consumed their townspeople are sceptical and are water supply tank is at a 26-metre height lives. Speaking with us, they shared that pleading for the authorities to pay them from sea level and does not have a high there are many children in their village a moment of their attention to provide enough elevation. who have grown up and lived their whole However, he said that by May 2021, lives not knowing anything other than them with a solution. Considering they the Matara Stage IV Water Supply Project the struggle of getting access to water; to have suffered for the past 30 years, is scheduled to get underway, and the clean, to bathe, and most importantly, to they do not know whether these 2021 Weligama town will also be covered drink. Inoshika Krishanthi, a mother of schemes would be implemented Children are forced to choose between water and education through this. He said that this programme is sure to address these issues that the four, shared with us that she has taken it families, must spend what they earn to spent over Rs. 1 million in establishing townspeople are facing. upon herself to fetch water for the families The state of the pond, while kept clean purchase water bottles from the town. a water supply. However, after using it However, while the WSDB may from morning till noon daily for a small by the townspeople, houses water that is a Nearly every home we visited had for only four years, she said that because ensure a solution in the near future, the fee, and this has now become her source of murky green in colour, as it is exposed to an armada of water barrels, and many of the municipality failed to pay the bills to townspeople are sceptical, and are pleading income. the elements. And they shared that during them had setups where they could redirect the Water Board, the latter removed the for the authorities to pay them a moment the dry season, the water tends to give rainwater to fall into a barrel covered with machine and took it away. of their attention to provide them with a An arduous daily battle to off an unbearable odour, but they have several layers of cloth, so as to filter the Since then, they have had many solution. Considering they have suffered no choice but to use it. During these dry rainwater collected. politicians come and go, promising that fetch water for the past 30 years, they do not know seasons, life is insufferable, they said, as W.J.P. Nalani Weeraratne shared with they would supply water, including current Currently, the people have adopted a whether these 2021 schemes would be the villagers they rely on for water must us that in 1997, there was a brief attempt Speaker , routine of collecting water from the homes implemented, and they collectively said limit how much water they give away; and by the then-State Minister of Fisheries to who had visited the town and promised a on the lower end of the hill that have setup that the solutions they seek need not be the other villagers, who are all low-income supply water to the village, where they water supply. However, none had followed super-efficient or perfect; simply that they through on their promises. can be given access to drinking water, and Most recently, with the pandemic, the so that their children will not have to spend townspeople are faced with yet another their lives fetching water to live. concern – the fear of contracting the virus. As they are heavily reliant on the PHOTOS SUDARSHA LAKMAL community pond to bathe and with many Watch our video documentary of the villagers engaging in the fishing trade, they are very exposed to society on a @brunch.lk BrunchLK regular basis. They said that they are afraid and are aware of the dangers, but do not see any other option, as they have only this www.facebook.com/brunchlk

The single pond that meets the needs of the villagers The makeshift water tanks households depend on in case of emergency 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, January 31, 2021 Curbing noncommunicable diseases: Let’s start young BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, are on the rise globally. Healthy lifestyle choices to prevent some of the main types of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma), and diabetes are currently in focus. Most of these diseases result from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Programmes involving young people Participants at the programme to spread the message has proven to be included 10 student leaders from each effective in inculcating healthy behavioural Educational material used school. Since 10 schools were involved, The brochures giving details of the practices. As young people have the a total of 100 students, 20 parents, and 20 capacity to add value to solutions for NCDs, 10 health messages in Sinhala, Tamil, and teachers joined the workshop. They were English; the workbook for the children; the College of General Practitioners of provided a leadership training Sri Lanka (CGPSL) initiated the “Talk and the manual for programme, a brief insight facilitators were the main to Your Neighbour Project” under the on drama skills, as well leadership of CGPSL Past President Dr. K. educational material used. Handing over of the certificates as important background A marking scheme was Chandrasekher. form the core group and they too provide TV channels in Sri Lanka. information avoiding used to guide the judges to This project is in line with both the additional guidance as required. These are According to the World Health information overload on ensure consistency during global and national initiatives taken by the called intra-school activities. Organisation (WHO), NCDs each of the 10 selected assessment when judging United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) disproportionately affect people in low health messages during the the inter-school activities. and the Ministry of Health, Nutrition, and Inter-school activities and middle-income countries where more workshop. They were also A portfolio was maintained Indigenous Medicine of Sri Lanka. It was At present, the schools are taking than three-quarters of global NCD deaths, trained on how to convey by each school to enter the initiated by the Noncommunicable Diseases part in an inter-school activity where they i.e 32 million, occur. As a result of this these messages effectively activities they got involved Committee of the CGPSL with the support are competing with one another. These rising global burden, there is a heightened to their fellow schoolmates, in, denoting each activity, of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of activities are now underway. Here, priority awareness of the necessity for primary other colleagues, family the impact created, number Health, Nutrition, and Indigenous Medicine. will be given not only for the propagation risk prevention programmes. These aim members, teachers, and of students who participated, Other stakeholders include the Sri Lanka of messages but on how creatively and to facilitate long-term behaviour changes those in their immediate CGPSL Past President and Talk to lessons learned, as well as Diabetes and Cardiovascular Initiative Your Neighbour Project Lead Dr. K. effectively these were converted into in children and adolescents and equip neighbourhood. This training pictorial evidence and other (SLDC), the College of Endocrinologists, Chandrasekher lifestyle modifications and then practiced in them with knowledge and skills to become was done through small related evidence for each as well as Community Development the community. The schools are expected change-makers in society. This pilot project group interactive sessions which were activity. This is maintained by the teachers Services (CDS), a reputed nongovernmental to convey their achievements, as a team, showcased the importance of starting health facilitated by medical professionals from who oversee the participating students. organisation (NGO) of 40 years in using their drama skills which they education at a young age which will not CGPSL, the College of Endocrinologists, This was submitted to the panel of judges existence. The media partner is Ada Derana acquired through the training given during only benefit society in general, but will and other well-known doctors who by each school for assessment purposes. 24x7. the two-day workshop. The competition also improve childhood and adolescent volunteered to share the workload. The portfolio maintained will be gone will be adjudicated by a panel of health behaviours and wellbeing. This Campaign strategy and activities To ensure consistency during the through by independent judges to assess the facilitation sessions, these medical independent judges. The schools that show multidisciplinary approach utilising both The main strategy of this pilot project, quantum and quality of work done by each professionals were given a specially commendable results will receive valuable education and health expertise will have a which targeted 10 selected schools in the school as well as by the team to assess the prepared “Manual for Facilitators” which cash prices. lasting impact. Western Province, is to create awareness impact created by the project. they could use during the small group about NCDs and to encourage lifestyle discussions with the student leaders. The Media exposure and behaviour modifications among the Intra-school activities students used innovative approaches in All these activities have been About the writer target population like students, parents, After the conclusion of the workshop, preparing poems and short 10-minute recorded by Ada Derana 24x7, their The writer, and teachers linked to the selected schools these children have been given many dramas depicting the health messages, media partner which provides ample Dr. Dineshani as well as their neighborhoods and opportunities with the support of the possible challenges that could be faced exposure to the various activities through Hettiarachchi communities, using 10 selected students principals, teachers, and parents to conduct when these messages are propagated to various programmes which are telecast on Sirisena, is a family from each school as ambassadors of change. small projects within their schools as Saturdays from 5.30 to 6 p.m. Twelve such physician with a the community, means to overcome them, well as in their families and immediate Well-prepared Information Education programmes were aired covering various special interest in rare and strategies to convert the messages to neighbourhood to propagate the health Communication (IEC) materials were used aspects of the project to reach the whole genetic diseases and lifestyle modifications. The student leaders messages they have learned. The school to enhance awareness and bring about the nation. Commercials on each message of 30 regenerative medicine were provided with a “workbook” to enter activities are also monitored by the staff above-mentioned behaviour change. seconds duration as well as frequency cards currently working as the information they gathered for each of CDS to ensure optimum momentum is of the health messages so that they could were telecast for three months during the a lecturer at the Department of Anatomy, Workshop maintained. CDS also provides guidance prime time belts throughout the day on Ada “individualise” them. and support to the team in each school. The Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, A two-day workshop was held with Derana 24x7, one of the much sought after Sri Lanka. participants from each school, which doctors allocated to each of these schools Ninewells introduces TSH testing facility First private sector healthcare provider to offer service

Ninewells Hospital became private hospitals, Ninewells Hospital the first private sector healthcare continually strives to innovate provider to introduce a Thyroid- and progress with the latest global Stimulating Hormone (TSH) technological advances to provide testing facility to detect congenital our patients a safe experience hypothyroidism among newborn and reliable service. This latest babies in Sri Lanka. acquisition by the hospital, which This latest introduction means has been developed in Switzerland that newborns can now be screened and manufactured in Finland, is for the condition within days after considered the gold standard in TSH birth and if diagnosed, can begin screening worldwide.” immediate treatment to avoid serious If diagnosed, congenital growth complications such as hypothyroidism is considered The TSH testing impaired brain development. Before facility detects a serious condition due to the now, testing, which was conducted congenital negative impact it has on postnatal Covid-19 surge prompts hypothyroidism through the public healthcare sector, among development. For this reason, early took up to several months for a newborn babies detection and treatment is vital and diagnosis due to limited resources, in Sri Lanka should ideally begin within the first regular PPE training at which in turn delayed treatment. two weeks after birth. Ninewells Hospital Chief Operating TSH screening is a simple procedure English Nursing Care Officer (COO) and Medical which is conducted through a heel Director Dr. Vibash Wijeratne said: prick test, at a very cost-effective English Nursing Care has nurses are trained and on “Congenital hypothyroidism refers rate. Moreover, test results can be recently upped their frequency successful conclusion of the to inadequate thyroid hormone obtained through Ninewells Hospital of team training programmes training, nurses are employed. production in newborn babies. Sri Lanka currently has a national for a healthier population. within a short span of three days, to update their nursing teams English Nursing Care is a On average, one in 4,000 babies programme for screening newborns “As the country’s leading allowing healthcare providers to and caregivers on the correct Sri Lankan home nursing care are born with a severe form of the for congenital hypothyroidism. private sector maternity care service begin treatment immediately to avoid use of personal protective service, bringing 35 years of condition in Sri Lanka, while milder With this introduction we hope provider that conducts over 50% development-related impediments equipment (PPE) and other nursing experience from the UK forms are detected more frequently. to support this cause and the vision of the deliveries among Colombo’s and get a healthier start in life. elder care requirements. With and embedding best practises the surge in the number of in the Sri Lankan community TSH testing facility active Covid-19 cases in the since 2017. The team of nurses country, English Nursing Care work closely with your loved are in the strong belief that ones to manage their health, having a team of well-qualified, medication, and mobility, and effective, and reliable nurses be their companion when you will give their customers are far away. peace of mind. Identifying the shortage of such healthcare For further information workers, English Nursing Care on English Nursing Care, encourages regular training of nurses, and updating systems visit their website www. and management of care of englishnursing.com or customers. On recruitment, call +94 114 500 117. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, January 31, 2021 GAMES/TOONS

24 Ship’s-keel constellation 74 “Tosca” tune 31 Herring prized for its roe 75 Make the first bid SOLUTION FOR 17 JANUARY Crossword 33 “Piano is not my forte,” e.g. 76 Aroma CROSSWORD CLUES 34 Reindeer in “Frozen” 77 One often talked down to? Across 56 Dash lengths 114 Astrological ram 35 “Don’t worry about me” 78 Brian of ambient music 1 Apollo’s home 57 Point a finger at 115 Part of HMS 36 Polite address 79 Env. contents 7 Cartesian concept 58 “Downton Abbey” title 116 Coatrack parts 37 __ canto 82 Salmon serving 11 Edwards, in Calif. 59 Open, as a bottle 117 Kvetch 38 Dinghy drivers 83 Fla. NBA team 14 Spitting sound 62 Fisherman with pots 118 Principal, for one 39 Org. funded by FICA 84 Italy’s equivalent of the 18 Early ball game score 63 The daredevil baseball 119 Magazine VIPs 40 “If I __ to do it again ... “ BBC 19 His given name was spelled pitcher __ 120 “Dilbert” intern 41 “__ seen worse” 85 Muslim leader with horseshoes in the 70 Beat, e.g. 121 Scornful smiles 45 Apple variety 86 Omelet ingredients for show’s intro 71 Scolds, with “out” Down 46 Prefix with byte some diets 20 Former French coin 72 Live wire’s opposite 1 Contrived 47 Mediterranean sailing 87 “The Addams Family” 21 Ride, but not in a nice way 73 First name in mystery 2 Biscotti flavoring vessel cousin 22 The troublesome soccer 74 Pro 3 Go back over 48 Milk source 90 Algerian quarter player __ 75 Vintner’s prefix 4 Mythical trickster 49 Authorize 91 Look up to 25 Fragrant root used in 76 European auto 5 Biloxi-to-Mobile dir. 50 Passel 92 Astronomy Muse perfumes 80 Back talk 6 Sawbones 51 City WSW of Bogotá 93 Consumed greedily 26 Actor Morales 81 The politically ambitious 7 Mischievous 52 “Absolutely!” 94 Squealed 27 Covent Garden architect sprinter __ 8 Slow party, say 53 Unhip type 95 Sites for vows Jones 86 Nintendo debut of 2006 9 MIT Chapel designer 57 Honk 96 Birthplace of Solidarity 28 Sprightly 88 “Dies __”: hymn Saarinen 58 The America’s Cup trophy, 97 Muralist José María __ 29 Chop finely 89 Power source 10 Dean’s email address e.g. 98 Moon of Saturn 30 “Sure” 90 The lucky football receiver ending 59 One-eighty 102 Gunk 31 Biol. and chem. 99 Masterful 11 For the __ 60 With “and” and 67-Down, 103 Reggie Miller, for his entire 32 Genetic “messenger” initials 100 Feverish, maybe 12 Early hr. occasionally NBA career 33 Many a Degas 101 Judge 13 On a tight schedule 61 Brain and spinal cord: Abbr. 104 Australia’s __ Rock 34 The bombastic archer __ 102 Marienbad, for one 14 Louisiana’s county 63 “__ bien!” 106 “Hard Road to Glory” 39 The Destroyer, in Hinduism 105 Sting counterpart 64 “Today” co-host Kotb author 42 Appearance 106 Single chip, perhaps 15 Request help from 65 Floor coverings 107 Cool drinks 43 2020, por ejemplo 107 In pieces 16 Halloween charity 66 LAX listings 108 “We have met the enemy 44 The frugal lacrosse goalie 109 Big name in cosmetics 17 What history repeats? 67 See 60-Down and he is us” toon 50 Printer function 110 Pig out 21 Whopper topper 68 One of three seen in Wood’s 109 “My treat” Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, 54 Mideast gulf port 111 The foolhardy hockey 23 Condo, e.g. “American Gothic” 112 Antipollution org. No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 10 February, 2021. 55 Unassuming player 69 Managed care gps. 113 “At Seventeen” singer Janis 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 17 JANUARY

First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Rozanne D.J. Amath, 1. Elmore Rodrigo, Seeduwa Maharagama 2. Aloma Cramer, Ratmalana Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. L.R.M. Jansze, Ragama Kandy Ainsley F. Wambeek, Ragama 4. M. Saheed, 5. A.R. Packiarajah, Colombo 6

This week’s winners will be announced on 14 February

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) 8 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS Sunday, January 31, 2021

The Morning launch The very first print edition of The Morning, the daily paper of The Sunday Morning, was launched on 25 January at the Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. office down Wijerama Mawatha, with many esteemed guests in attendance to share a toast and celebrate the need to “always know the truth”.

Content to check out The F Word with Guidelines 1. Sri Lanka’s most obscure and 3. Egg rolls – http://www.pulse.lk/ Smriti Daniel | for tourists puzzling laws – http://www.pulse. pulse-recipes/egg-rolls/ lk/everythingelse/sri-lankas-most- 4. Kadei paan – http://www.pulse.lk/ Gehan Blok and visiting Sri obscure-and-puzzling-laws/ pulse-recipes/kadei-paan/ Dino Corera Lanka 2. Are Sri Lanka’s turtles heading into 5. Send in your requests to +94 extinction? – http://www.pulse. Log onto our Log onto our (70) 707 8573 and hear your lk/everythingelse/are-sri-lankas- favourite tunes instantly on www. YouTube channel for YouTube channel turtles-heading-into-extinction/ islandpulse.lk! the full interview for the full video Send in your requests to +94 (70) 707 8573 and hear your favourite tunes instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

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