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Travel restrictions extended till 21 June By Dilanthi Jayamanne

Travel restrictions currently imposed have been further extended by another week to 21 June 2021, Head of the National Operation Centre for Travel Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) General Shavendra Silva said. child can understand. This is Contrary to claims made by the Government of visible on every road in the keeping with its plan to lift restrictions as scheduled country and at every junction. on Monday (14) at 4 a.m., the curbs will instead be If permission had been granted extended till 4 a.m. on 21 June. Restrictions only to essential services vehicles Medical professionals have appealed of the to travel on the roads, people Government for at least two weeks of restrictions to question how it is that every road control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. leading into Colombo and out of the city have such traffic congestion. a Sham Although it was only pharmacies which could remain open, it is possible to see even Roads brimming with vehicles other shops open in certain areas. By observing that there is no decrease in the spread of the Even tailor shops are open Covid pandemic due to the travel restrictions, it has been confirmed even now that the COVID spread has not reduced outbreak is spreading far and wide. It is not wrong to say, after restrictions, to prevent the A grave concern has arisen why observing the happenings during Covid virus from spreading, authorities do not understand the past few days that travel when you go onto the roads, it is the fact that due to the travel restrictions, which are being possible to see traffic congestion restrictions being limited to only Rs 5,000 allowance extended week by week, are a and shops open at almost every words, the country and its people total farce. junction and what is being done are suffering further and being However much the authorities here is an act that is being inconvenienced and people are cost Govt Rs 7.7B boast that movement of people is carried out to deceive people, becoming victims of the Covid By Faadhila Thassim restricted by imposing travel which is a joke that even a young pandemic, daily. A total of Rs 7.7 billion was distributed amongst Samurdhi recipients, low-income earners, and those who had lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by way of the payment of Rs 5,000 allowance from 2 to 10 June, SLPP MP Ranjith Bandara said. Highest He added a total of 88 per cent of Samurdhi recipients, low-income earners, and those who had lost their income due to the COVID-19 pandemic had received their Rs COVID-19 death 5,000 allowance within eight days. Youth employed at Port City will Bandara said over 178,000 families in Colombo and Gampaha alone had received this allowance, adding that toll recorded the distribution is taking place at a rapid pace in order to By Dilanthi Jayamanne receive minimum US$ 1,000 support these affected families. By W.K. Prasad Manju He also said that there is a possibility While the payment of the Rs 5000 allowance Sri Lanka recorded 101 deaths on Thursday that attention will be focused more on commenced on 2 June, State Minister of Samurdhi, (10), the highest so far, the National Operation Member of the Colombo Port City youth who have a good education with Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment Centre for Preventing COVID-19 (NOCPCO) Economic Commission, Secretary to the knowledge in computers, information and Business Development, Shehan Semasinghe said. Ministry of Water Supply, Dr. Priyath technology and those who are proficient previously stated that it would be first paid to Samurdhi Quoting Director General Health Services Bandu Wickrema told Ceylon Today that in the English language. recipients. (DGHS), Dr. Asela Gunawardana, the Centre Sri Lankan youths, who receive job Dr. Wickrema also pointed out that Semasinghe further stated that a total of six to 6.5 said this had brought the COVID-19 death toll opportunities at the Colombo Port City, banks, hospitals, universities, computer million families are entitled to the allowance and that the to 2,011. will receive a salary of at least US Dollars institutions, information technology Government has made the necessary allocations. Deputy Director General (Disaster 1,000 and salaries will increase according organisations, institutions of higher Management and Preparedness), Dr. Hemantha to the nature of the job. Accordingly, they education, various offices, organisations Herath said that although PCR tests of COVID will be given an opportunity to earn from providing various types of services, hotels, victims could be issued almost immediately, USD 1,000 to 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 and conference halls, leisure parks, sports some could be delayed. Therefore, when maybe even more depending on the type activities, shopping complexes as well as a reporting COVID deaths, there are those who of job. number of other organisations and offices died on that particular day while others were He pointed out that during the initial of international companies will be set up Indian Police bust those who had died earlier. 5-10 years 83,000 job opportunities will at the Colombo Port City and that job Meanwhile, the NOCPCO issuing the total be created but during the first two years opportunities here will mainly be granted human smuggling number of COVID-19 cases recorded on 10 about 10,000 will be given jobs. to the youth of Sri Lanka. June said that Colombo reported 339 with the The basic buildings will be constructed A policy decision had been taken by the highest number of cases from Avissawella (87), within the first two years and the youth Government recently that 75 per cent of operation Wellawatta (38), Mattakkuliya (30), Borella (26) community of this country will receive a job opportunities in the Colombo Port City and Maradana (26). number of job opportunities in the field of should be given to the youth of this Gampaha District recorded 575 cases with construction. Subsequently, after the two country and the relevant proposal had 70 Sri Lankans arrested the highest number being reported from years, offices and institutions will be been submitted by Minister of Sports and By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan Nittambuwa (171), Gampaha (42), Kadawatha established and many jobs will be Youth Affair, Digital Technology and (42), Minuwangoda (33), Negombo (33), available in relation to those, Dr. Enterprise Development State Minister, A human smuggling operation involving around 70 Veyangoda (32), Biyagama (28) and Ja-ela (26), Wickrema added. Namal Rajapaksa. Sri Lankans, mostly Tamils from the North, was However, the total number of cases from the thwarted by the Karnataka Police on Friday (11). Kalutara District in the Western Province had They travelled in boats to Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu in not been issued. When contacted, NOCPCO different batches, Ceylon Today learns. said that it did not receive data from the Thirty-eight of them had arrived on 17 March 2021 District. Fuel price hike unavoidable in Tuticorin on a boat and had travelled to The Deputy Director General (Disaster Mangalore, Karnataka. They had been residing in Management and Preparedness said that the – Gammanpila lodges and houses in Mangalore, Karnataka matter had to be inquired from the Commissioner of Police Shashi Kumar told Ceylon Epidemiology Unit or obtained from its website. Today on Friday. They had left for Mangalore due to However the website reported the total number CPC Rs 331B in the Red elections in Tamil Nadu, he added. of COVID cases identified following the New By Thameenah Razeek “Regrettably, the Government is no Investigations conducted jointly with Tamil Nadu Year as 16,024. longer able to endure such a significant intelligence revealed that another 40 illegal migrants The Chief of the Epidemiology Unit was not Due to the loss of Rs 331 billion loss. There has never been a time in had arrived in the State and had remained there. All available for Comment. incurred by the Ceylon Petroleum history when the price of fuel in the of them had travelled to Tuticorin in boats from the Health sources in Kalutara said that several Corporation (CPC) by 2020, as a result of country did not increase for such a Northern part of Sri Lanka, he said. cases had been diagnosed from Kalutara on continued selling of fuel at lower prices, lengthy period of time even when the “Each of them has paid their agents between Rs. Thursday (10) although there is a minute the Cabinet Sub Committee on Cost of global market price did. As a result, the 600,000 to Rs. 1 million and one of the agents was decline in the number of daily cases reported, Living has agreed to revise fuel pricing in CPC has already declared bankruptcy also nabbed in Tamil Nadu,” he said. they added. the near future. and is unable to pay its debts,” he said. The illegal migrants said that they wanted to go to Minister of Energy, Udaya Gammanpila In conclusion, he stated that the Canada for job opportunities and some claimed they declined to give a time frame for the tourism industry has collapsed, foreign had contacts there. “They were assured of good jobs revision, claiming that huge lines in front investment has ceased, and a huge and better life,” the Police Commissioner added. of petrol stations would be detrimental to number of workers have returned to Sri He said the illegal migrants were between the ages the COVID-19 administration. Lanka from overseas, resulting in a fall in 18-30 and had arrived in Tuticorin, 145 nautical Gammanpila made these remarks at a remittances. miles from Jaffna on 17 March when the State of Media conference on Friday (11) at the In the midst of the foreign exchange Tamil Nadu was under lockdown due to COVID-19. Ministry of Energy. crisis, he noted that spending US$ 03 Thirty eight of them were detained at the Police He said that the Government billion on fuel imports is a challenge. community hall in Mangalore and were produced in understands how the cost of living has State Minister of Money and Capital Court later that evening, he added. risen, and that this is the only reason Market and State Enterprise Reforms According to the Police Commissioner they were they have not increased the price of fuel Ajith Nivard Cabraal was also present at planning to leave for Canada from Mangalore. in the last 21 months. the Media conference. A2 sunday 13 JUNE 2021 news Two arrested Police statement on fake news, etc SL HC thanks BASL Raises Lankans residing for assisting in Britain for Zahran Concern Over their support By Sandeep Tissaaratchy By Sandeep Tissaaratchy The Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has arrested two more individuals who have allegedly had Sri Lanka is facing a connections with Zahran Hashim, Police Spokesman Contents difficult time due to the DIG Ajith Rohana said. recent surge in COVID-19 One of the suspects was directly involved in the While raising concerns over the to hate speech and incitement to cases, however the bombings which took place on Easter Sunday in 2019. contents of a statement, issued by the violence, it is important to ensure that Government is dedicated to A 47-year-old resident of the Kahatagasdigiliya area, Sri Lanka Police, titled “circulation of authorities do not use such laws to solve the issue with the who previously served as the assistant postmaster of fake news, photographs, videos stifle genuine expressions of dissent help of international Mukariyawa post office in Kahatagasdigiliya, was taken causing disunity, hate and and criticism,” the BASL added. partners and well-wishers, into custody on 10 June by the TID. obstructing the Covid-19 The BASL further raised concerns Sri Lanka’s High After conducting investigations, it was revealed that programme,” the Executive Committee in relation to members of the Commissioner to the the suspect had provided shelter to Zahran Hashim and of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka executive, including the Police, being United Kingdom, Saroja four other members of the extremist group in 2018. (BASL) stated the Laws mentioned in allowed to decide on what is or is not Sirisena said on Friday In addition, the other suspect, who was once detained the release could be misused by Police fake news and on the basis of their (11). at the Batticaloa Prison, has been taken into custody for officers to suppress freedom of speech. subjective decisions to cause arrests She made these propagating Zahran Hashim’s extremist ideologies and The BASL noted that at a time when and detention of persons. comments during her having connections with him. the country remains under travel “In our view this would be better address to celebrate the DIG Rohana said that the individual is a 35-year-old restrictions, it is essential that the achieved, if any decision to arrest or Vesak Celebration in Sri resident of Kattankudy. freedom of speech and expression of charge any person is taken only after Lanka and thanked the Sri Lankans residing in Britain The two suspects have been transferred to the TID the people and their right to dissent careful due consideration and for their support for the country during the difficult Office in Colombo, for further interrogation regarding and disagree are protected. professional assessment that there is time. the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. “The said statement contains a a real and reasonable prospect of an “Buddhism is synonymous with Sri Lankan culture warning that the Criminal alleged offence in law being and has been the first religion in the world to officially Investigation Department and the committed, with advice from the ordain women and permit access to temples in all social Computer Crimes Division of the Sri Attorney General as may be warranted strata. The progressiveness of religion has been a Lanka Police will be conducting in the relevant context,” the BASL significant factor in the education of women in Sri investigations by monitoring the noted. Lankan society” Sirisena said. Lions Club of internet for violators, in order to The BASL addressed a letter to the She went on to say that the Vesak celebration is not enforce the law, whilst the BASL has Inspector General of Police on 10 June only the most venerated festivals but also the most Modera Mattakkuliya no objection to enforcing laws relating raising concerns over the statement. popular and celebrated festivals which touch the lives of all Sri Lankans irrespective of religious background. The High Commission said that their celebrations will conducts flood relief become an annual celebratory event in order for the Sri Lankans in Britain to enjoy a glimpse of the festival project On a tip-off in a raid conducted in Colombo 12 which is enjoyed by Sri Lankans. Lions Club of Modera Mattakkuliya initiated a flood relief project in response to an urgent request for Three in custody with assistance from more than 200 families who were affected by the floods in Wattala area. Under this project dry rations required for 200 families was procured First woman CID immediately and was handed over at the site by Lions 3,400 pulse-oximeters Officials. A dry rations package per family included Rice, Dhal, Onions, Coconuts and many other essential Deputy Director items. illegally imported The total cost of the rations donated was Rs 350,000. PDG Lion Sivapathasunderam together with his Lady By Treshan Fernando appointed Lion Vaanmathy, Region Chairman Lion Maheswaran, Region Chairman designate Lion Kamal Silva, Zone The Central Anti-Vice Striking Unit By Thameenah Razeek Chairman designate Lion Ninesh, Club President Lion in Walana, Panadura arrested three Bertram, sponsor Lion Renganathan together with Lady suspects on 10 June for illegally A female Police officer has Lion Helene Renganathan and few members of the Club importing a large stock of pulse been appointed as the attended the handing over of the items at the Hendala oximeters, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Deputy Director of the Purana Viharaya. Rohana said. Criminal Investigations Police found a total of 3,400 pulse Department (CID), for the oximeters in the raid, which were taken first time in Sri Lankan into Police custody, DIG Rohana went history. on to say. SSP Imesha Muthumala The Police had received information has been chosen as the new regarding the illegally imported stock of CID Deputy Director. The equipment and had conducted a raid appointment was made soon after. The stock of pulse conducted in Colombo 12 and Police following the approval of oximeters had been imported without took the three suspects, the stock of the Secretary of the obtaining permission from the National pulse oximeters and the vehicles used Ministry of Public Security. Medicines Regulatory Authority for transporting this equipment, into Officer Muthumala joined (NMRA), Police investigations had custody. the Police force on 3 November 2007 as an ASP. She revealed. DIG Rohana further added that the has earned a number of credentials both in the United DIG Rohana noted that these pulse Central Anti-Vice Striking Unit in States and other countries. oximeters are medical equipment used Walana, Panadura is continuing She graduated from the University of Ruhuna with a to identify the oxygen saturation rate investigations into the incident along Bachelor of Science degree and the Open University in a patient’s blood. The raid was with support from the NMRA. with a Bachelor of Laws degree. (TR) C-19 gives rise through online platforms to… Surge of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccine Arrested for forcing a Need for booster still in question child to drink alcohol By Sandeep Tissaaratchy and substandard By Dilanthi Jayamanne inoculate Sri Lankans against the new coronavirus. The speciality is that Sri Lanka is A person who had made a child drink No one knows if a booster dose would have using three vaccines against the virus while alcohol was taken into custody, following a products to be given for any of the vaccines that were most countries were researching only on a video footage of the boy coerced into The consequences of platforms. Perera claimed being used against COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, single or two vaccines that were being used. drinking alcohol from a can, being the counterfeit and that pharmaceuticals, Director of the Allergy, Immunity and Cell Dr. Jeewandara said on-going research circulated on social media, Police piracy trade are extensive branded foods, and many Biology Unit, at the University of Sri would help decide which vaccine was most Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said. including lost taxes, other branded items are Jayewardenepura (USJP), Dr. Chandima effective for Sri Lankans and increased According to the investigation it has been royalties and other at high risk of becoming Jeewandara said. antibodies against the virus, and, would revealed that the incident had taken place revenues, loss of jobs, immediate victims to Fielding questions at a Media briefing on provide best protection against the infection. in the Peliyagoda Police area. loss of goodwill and counterfeiting during this whether the people would have to continue to He said however that all three vaccine that A special team had been deployed to the reputation, and even loss pandemic. take the COVID-19 jab, he said the necessity of were in use were effective against the alpha area and the suspect was arrested, DIG of incentive to innovate In Sri Lanka, the a booster dose was still in question. However, B.1.1.7 variant initially found in the United Rohana said. The suspect was to be charged and invest, said Sudath Intellectual Property Act currently there was ongoing research on all Kingdom and was currently detected in several under the Penal Code and the Children and Perera, Managing Partner No. 36 of 2003 (IP Act), a three vaccines that were being used locally to parts of the country. Young Persons Ordinance. at the law firm Sudath comprehensive act in line Perera Associates. with the TRIPS “Following World Anti- Agreement, protects Counterfeiting Day, brand owners’ rights which fell on 8 June, we including copyrights, are reminded of the trademarks, patents and X-Press Feeders urged to speed up tracing bunker oil severe impact and threat industrial designs. of counterfeit and pirated “Still, for the IPR By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan the container ship ‘X-Press Pearl’, confirm products on our lives and framework to be that the situation on site was under the economy. successful, it is essential The Government has urged the X-Press observation with no signs of debris and no “Counterfeiting in fact that the Law is applied Feeder operators to speed up the process of confirmed reports of fuel oil pollution so far. is not just limited to and enforced across the finding out whether there was bunker oil or The ship’s aft portion remains on the high-end products but board against all not in the 322MT sunken ship, before a worse seabed at a depth of about 21 metres and the impacts all industries- violators committing ecological disaster occurs. front portion remains afloat and is reported from consumer goods, offences by the regulatory A grey sheen has been observed coming out as being stable. pharmaceuticals, bodies vested with of the vessel and water samples are currently Sri Lankan Navy divers have found no medical equipment, powers to enforce IP Laws being tested. evidence of a breach to the ships fuel oil electronics, children’s in Sri Lanka,” he further Inspections thus far show that tanks and observations from the Salvors who toys, garments and said. discolouration of the sea has been apparent remain on scene with the Sri Lankan Navy accessories to pesticides He said that as the since the vessel’s stern became submerged and Indian Coastguard said there was no and motor vehicle parts,” country focuses on and the remnants of the cargo in the 1,486 India as well. noticeable oil spill. Perera said. increasing international containers that were onboard were exposed to According to the Sri Lanka Navy, diving Representatives of ITOPF and Oil Spill He pointed out that trade and investment, water. seems to be difficult due to the Response are monitoring updates from the with the ongoing COVID- IPR protection, along SLPA Chairman Gen Daya Ratnayake told discoloured water, which made it difficult to scene and remain on standby to be deployed 19 pandemic, there has with investment Ceylon Today they have urged the company’s see and also the rough seas prevailing these in case of any reported spill. been a surge of protection, is of the salvors and divers to expedite investigations days. The salvors will remain on scene to deal counterfeit and utmost importance to before a major oil spill occurs in the ocean, The entire operation was up to the X-Press with any possible debris supported by the Sri substandard products at ensure the development which otherwise could be one of the worst Feeder Company, to clear the mess, said Gen. Lankan Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, an alarming rate, of the local economy. ecological disasters to take place in Sri Ratnayake. who have oil spill response capabilities were especially through online (TF) Lanka and possibly in the Southern coast of Meanwhile, the X-Press Feeder operators of also on standby, the vessel operators said. news sunday 13 june 2021 A3 EU Comes Down Hard on SL with New Resolution By Sulochana Ramiah advancement on Sri Lanka’s Sri Lanka. Mohan human rights obligations and The resolution adopted listed demand the repeal or several serious concerns in The European Union replacement of the PTA. terms of UN Human Rights Parliament (EU) came down The resolution cites that the Council resolution of 23 March heavily on Sri Lanka by PTA has been systematically 2021 entitled ‘Promoting adopting a resolution on 10 used for arbitrary arrests and reconciliation, accountability June 2021, citing that it failed the detention of Muslims and and human rights in Sri Lanka’ to repeal the Prevention of minority groups in Sri Lanka, and with regard to the report of Terrorism Act (PTA) as assured, including Ahnaf Jazeem, a the UN Special Rapporteur on a condition that helped Sri 26-year-old Muslim teacher the promotion and protection of Lanka regain access to and poet, and lawyer Hejaaz human rights and fundamental generous tariff preferences Hizbullah and Shani freedoms while countering under the GSP+ and effectively Abeysekara, the former director terrorism of 14 December 2018 implement the 27 international of the Criminal Investigation entitled ‘Visit to Sri Lanka’. conventions, including human Department and urged the They also noted that the rights conventions. Government of Sri Lanka to human rights situation in Sri The EU Parliament said that immediately give those Lanka has been steadily on 19 May, 2017, Sri Lanka detained a fair trial on valid deteriorating; with the new regained access to generous charges. government rapidly tariff preferences under the The EU Parliament said the backtracking on the limited GSP+, on the condition that it resolution is in accordance with progress achieved under replaces its PTA and work on the previous resolutions on Sri previous administrations as the Human Rights violations Lanka, the report of the Office well as the space in which civil related issues but it has not of the UN High Commissioner society and independent media done so. for Human Rights of 9 February can operate in the country is The resolution underlined 2021 entitled ‘Promoting rapidly shrinking. that the GSP+ scheme offered reconciliation, accountability They also raised concerns on to Sri Lanka has made a and human rights. the deaths of 11 inmates at significant contribution to the The EU Parliament instructed Mahara prison and 117 others country’s economy, from which the President of the European who were injured when guards exports to the EU have Parliament David Sassoli to opened fire to control a riot over increased to EUR 2.3 billion, forward the newly adopted COVID-19 conditions in making the EU Sri Lanka’s resolution to the Council, the November 2020. second-largest export market Commission, the Vice President The EU Parliament also and as it failed to uphold those of the Commission/ High called for the immediate conditions, they urged the Representative of the Union for suspension of the Commission and the European Foreign Affairs and Security de-radicalisation regulation as External Action Service (EEAS) Policy, the EU Special it does not provide for to take into due account Representative for Human procedural guarantees for any current events when assessing Rights, the Secretary-General person deprived of their liberty Sri Lanka’s eligibility for GSP+ of the UN, the UN Human as laid down in Article 9 of the status and using the GSP+ as Rights Counci and the International Covenant on Civil leverage to push for Government and Parliament of and Political Rights.

China-Sri Lanka Friendship Nephrology Specialised Hospital opened

The China-Sri Lanka The hospital complex was transplants and can Friendship National Nephrology built at a cost of Rs 12 billion accommodate 200 in-house Specialised Hospital in and spans over 16 acres and patients. In addition, the Polonnaruwa was declared open has been designed with the hospital is equipped with 20 by President Gotabaya influence of ancient ICU beds, a dialysis unit Rajapaksa on Friday (11). architecture of Sri Lanka and equipped with 100 machines, Sri Lanka received the hospital China. The complex was a clinic complex for kidney complex as a full grant from the constructed within a period of patients, state-of-the- art Chinese Government at the 30 months. laboratories, radiation and CT request of former President The hospital consists of five scan services, and a state-of- Maithripala Sirisena during his operating theatres with the-art auditorium. visit to China in 2015. modern facilities for kidney (ST)

Loss-making SEC to be reactivated on PM’s instructions

Prime Minister Mahinda obtained for the construction be informed about the Rajapaksa has instructed that of the UNP party headquarters necessary financial the functions of the State ‘Sirikotha’ and payments in assistance. Engineering Corporation (SEC), this had not yet been made. The trade union which was incurring losses due The officials pointed out that representatives appreciated to financial mismanagement, a crisis has arisen in the the positive response received be reactivated. Corporation due to the from the Prime Minister at this The PM made this decision at Government granting meeting. a discussion held at Temple appointments and promotions “This discussion shows that Trees on the current situation without properly looking into a very lucky time is coming for of the SEC on Thursday (10). the qualifications of certain the SEC. A programme was It was revealed that a number individuals. discussed to repay the existing of projects were implemented Rajapaksa said that a loans. Now we have a collective arbitrarily through the SEC in common decision will be taken responsibility thanks to the the past and the corporation is through discussions to restart efforts of PM Rajapaksa,” yet to receive billions of rupees the projects that have been National Organiser of the Joint due to them. stalled during the reactivation Trade Union Centre Primalal An official of the SEC revealed of the SEC and that the Perera said. that its services had been relevant departments would (ST)

Dry rations to female-headed families in north By Yathu Murikandi Bashkaran - Seyvapuram area were Kilinochchi provided with dry correspondent rations worth Rs 2000. Selected elderly and Dry rations were female-headed distributed by Ram households in Brothers to female- Murikandi, headed families in the Selvapuram and Kilinochchi District. Ponnagar were also Twenty women- given food parcels on headed families in the Thursday (10). A4 sunday 13 JUNE 2021 Interview

By Aruni Mallawa Arachchi

The Government has done its best of each player. If the players need to control the spread of COVID-19, any clarification on it then there is Minister of Youth and Sports, Namal no hindrance to that. That is Rajapaksa said. While dismissing Govt Has because, it is the players allegations that the vaccination themselves that have the right to drive is politicised, he assured that sign the contracts or not. health authorities are free to carry How was an official letter out their duties without leaked? What does this say interference. about the institution? “We don’t see the point in imposing another lockdown, as Done Its Best A: I have ordered a probe into this there is no evidence to suggest that incident. That is because only two this helps eradicate the virus,” he people were aware of the contract said. People will be able to reap the fees. Hence, one of them had benefits of the Port City project in a leaked it. I am not going to short span of one to two years, mention names. despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he You had heaped added. To Control praises on SLC “We have a clear vision to president revitalise sports in this country and Shammi Silva, hope to introduce sweeping against whom changes,” he further said. a spate of Following are excerpts of the corruption interview: Covid-19 COVID-19 deaths have begun to rise. Though the Government has boasted that the virus spread has been controlled, the Opposition has charged that the exercise has failed? A: Let’s get one thing straight. This Spread charges pandemic is not ravaging only Sri had been Lanka. It is a global phenomenon. overnight, but levelled by the COPE What anybody could do is to control it – Namal Rajapaksa we must give them sufficient time to Committee, during the SLC to the best of their ability. To date, no establish themselves. We must have a AGM. Most say this was a bad country has found a 100 per cent secondary level team in place to replace idea? cure for this illness. So far, only an Basil Rajapaksa, who had professionals. The true benefits of this the seniors at any given moment. We immunisation drive has been put in played a leading role during project will only be for the masses. This intend to launch a five-year system to A: I never heaped praises on Shammi place. It is successful in Sri Lanka. the first and second wave of will be proved in the future. develop all sports. Silva. He was voted in. It is the sports the pandemic, left the country The Government has taken all Isn’t there a subject Minister for The public does not have a unions that elect them. If you could with the emergence of the third possible measures to control its it? favourable opinion with regard analyse the COPE reports, those before wave. You have stepped in to spread. The public should support to either the conduct or the the past five years also need to be fill the gap. Is he due anytime the Government in this endeavour. A: There is a Minister only to submit performance of a player like considered. But it is the accountant soon? the necessary recommendations put that has to respond to these charges. It is clear that the vaccination Kusal Mendis. Doesn’t his A: He will be back for sure. He didn’t forth by Committee to the Cabinet and drive is politicised. Can you inclusion bar another skilled The accounts sheet of the condone this? leave due to the emergence of the third the Parliament, but he will not be previous office-bearers of the wave. He left due to personal reasons. spearheading the Committee. player from entering the national team? SLC had been ratified after their A: There are two sides to this Though he is based there, he has not You were given the State term of office had expired, but it argument. People assume so because shirked his duty by the Nation. He is A: I feel the selectors should have the Ministry of Digital Technology is alleged that a letter submitted of what is portrayed by the Media. constantly monitoring the situation right to select whomever they feel recently and what have you by you had validated their term However, the health authorities have here and coordinating the various planned to achieve through it? should be in the side. That is why I said the final say in the vaccination drive. programmes which he had helmed via the Minister, or the selectors and the of office? The political authority only Zoom. A: My main priority is to build digital SLC cannot take decisions by giving A: I have never submitted a letter coordinates the process and provides The Opposition is charging that Sri Lanka projects. Through that we into sentimentality. Such decisions are and it is only just months that had infrastructure facilities. I agree there the Government ratified the hope to connect the entire country by taken by coaches and selectors in lapsed since I became the subject were certain shortcomings. I don’t controversial Port City Bill amid way of digital technology. This was only concurrence with each other. They Minister. think the vaccination drive is the pandemic? a word used politically in the past. But, have the total freedom to take such Haven’t you ever submitted politicised. this time around we will ensure it decisions and we do not intervene in such a letter, which had You were also part of the A: The Opposition is crestfallen and becomes a reality. As part of this such matters. validated accounts sheets sans COVID Committee. Was this as they have nothing to show for their concept the data of all citizens here will There was also criticism any dates and times? matter discussed? efforts, they are now seeing crocodiles be collated and their privacy will be directed against the handing even in the teacup. During their guaranteed. Furthermore through this over of contracts to the national A: No. I have not done any of this A: The President ordered Grama regime, they strived to ratify this Bill concept we will be able to prevent team? and I say this with responsibility. I Niladhari divisions to vaccinate but failed. We have not forgotten how cyber-attacks by hackers and related have not exerted any pressure and people based on the Electoral Sajith, Anura Kumara and Ranil had cybercrimes. A: I do not wish to delve into the neither has my ministry. Register. It was also recommended to claimed in the past that the Port City We will continue to create jobs for the precise amount of cash being paid to When Shammi Silva and his inoculate essential workers in MOH concept is the biggest project with job market through digital technology the players. When we fall sick, we pay a team’s term of office had areas. We will overcome the which to develop this country. But, as and the first technical garden will be certain amount to the doctors and the expired, didn’t you extend their shortcomings witnessed in Colombo. they could not press ahead with it, they set up in Galle and it will be hospitals for treatment and afterwards stint through a letter? What about the second dose of are crying over spilled milk. The inaugurated within a three-month we don’t complain about the charges the AstraZeneca vaccine? Opposition knows very well that if this period. Within a period of one year five levied, whether it is high or not. It is A: When their term ended, I had to project succeeds as envisaged by this such technical gardens will be created. likewise here. This is a professional fee. form either an Interim Committee or a A: The pact signed with India Government, they will not be able to Also through the e-Thaksalawa and Several people have queried Management Committee. To do that, clearly mentions the deadline to form a regime for many moons to come, with the coordination of the ICT and as to how a player like Kusal we might have had to wait for advice provide the second dose of this hence the false allegations. the TRC a channel will be set up to Mendis could be in the A group from the AG. I could not have taken a vaccine, but we are fully aware of the The JVP alleges that by further improve online education of our and draw a salary applicable to decision on my own. Then, the AG situation in India at present. They are students. advised us to form a Management pandering to the dictates of one that segment? facing practical issues. We hope that country, Sri Lanka could become As the Sports Minister, what Committee. None of this had a bearing once the crisis in India is brought entangled in the economic and is your take on the state of A: This question has to be posed to on the AGM. under control, we would be able to the Committee headed by Aravinda de political conspiracies of other cricket? Didn’t this situation prompt receive the promised second dose. Silva. Nations? people like Mathivanan and You said mass gatherings A: I have a clear vision with regard to As the subject Minister, you can Nishantha Ranatunga to opt out are banned, but we saw you A: The Port City has not been given to sports and cricket. I think we can go on always intervene? of the AGM, claiming that they one country, but when the Hambantota a long journey in most of the popular attending inaugurations of cannot place their trust in you? treatment centres flanked by a Port was being given, why did they sports. We cannot revive cricket by A: Yes, we can ask. However, those keep mum. Where were they when the being purely sentimental. We need to who took such decisions must respond A: That is their view. If I had horde of people? Mattala Airport was being given? This revitalise this game with a long-term to it professionally. They should interfered with the AGM, then I would A: Youths arrived at such events as is only an investment. Through this programme. explain how the contract system have backed Nishantha more than volunteers. While following health project, we hope to seek investment Despite this, Bangladeshi fans works. Once a report on it is received, anyone else as alleged by you. He had guidelines, these youths incurred from Germany, Japan, and India. Even were not very receptive to most we will be able to identify the reasons in fact got incarcerated with my their own expenses for these centres. the US is welcome. of the new players in our team? behind it. younger brother. He is also a close Even the Opposition Leader, who took Isn’t there an issue as to who Is it fair to conceal salaries family friend. Furthermore, he is also part in a demonstration, ultimately would become its residents? A: The Bangladesh team has drawn by SLC officials, while the younger brother of Minister contracted the virus. No cases were improved tremendously in the recent exposing those of players? Prasanna Ranatunga. If there was any reported following these events. A: Anyone with the requisite past. Hence, our team looked chance for me to support a candidate Why did the Government fail qualifications can work at the Port City, inexperienced. Bangladesh also tried A: The salaries drawn by all must be at this election, then I would have to impose travel restrictions but from a political perspective, those out newcomers for around five years revealed. In fact, I had tabled a report backed Nishantha and not Shammi, during the New Year period, who are close to Namal Rajapaksa or and now they have a settled side. to the House with regard to the salaries but I did not back any candidate. I when a new strain of the virus Sajith Premadasa will not be able to get England also did the same and within of all those employed at SLC. Hence, have decided not to interfere with any jobs there. Only those with four years, they won a World Cup as anyone can delve into it. sports AGM, because such events have was detected? qualifications will have access to it. well. India too had done likewise. Also before the Sri Lanka team to proceed independently. A: It is really easy to impose a When will the country benefit Therefore, this is nothing new. We left for their tour of England, But there is this view that lockdown as urged by the Opposition, from it? cannot depend on seniors forever. why did the players refuse to ultimately the AGM was won by but we need to see what countries Are you content with this sign their player contracts? putting out a one-legged horse? gained through these moves. No A: If its management committee is decision to blood a host of country succeeded 100 per cent able to coordinate its work effectively newcomers? A: A contract is their private right. A: I mentioned earlier that it was through such measures. Australia, and efficiently, I feel that within a span The players can resolve this issue independent. There is also a system in India, New Zealand and Maldives of one to two years its benefits could be A: The Cricket Committee headed by following a dialogue with the SLC. If not place for it and there is no point in imposed such lockdowns, but have reaped, despite the COVID-19 Aravinda de Silva and the Selection without signing the contracts they criticising it. If anyone doesn’t like it, they controlled the spread? This is a pandemic. If not for the pandemic, Committee are of the view that could sign it depending on the they must change it. That is why as national challenge for us all. We must investors could have been wooed newcomers have to be blooded at some particular series they play. For example soon as I took over this Ministry, I said not politicise this. within six months and already stage and that the time is right for it. I the team left for the 2014 World Cup the Sports Act and the AGM protocols What measures have been investments in the region of US$ 1 as the subject Minister appointed them based on a contract that governed that have to be revamped. We will taken to prevent the spread of billion have been promised. We cannot in the first place and therefore, I must particular tournament. Even Lasith undertake this within two years. the Indian strain of the virus? give a definite timeframe due to the have confidence and trust in what they Malinga played international cricket by Are we up to the mark in terms pandemic. But, within the next five do. I also feel that they would go about signing contracts based on the series of sports internationally? A: This is a challenge. The Navy is years, this project will become South their work without eroding the trust or tours that he played. Hence tasked with protecting our sea routes. Asia’s main economic centre. that I have placed in each of them. contracts are decided primarily A: I think this is a mindset. We are Even the Ministry of Fisheries is It is also claimed that after the They need to play for their country. according to the wishes of the players. not of the mindset which says we are monitoring it. Minister Douglas five-year period the crown would They must not always hanker after But, doesn’t the aim of all either regional or global. When we look Devananda is keeping close tabs on pass on to Namal Rajapaksa? money. There has to be teamwork if players should be country first at past players, they had a clear vision. it. victories are to be gained consistently. and money secondary? Sanath Jayasuriya had the aim of There are several issues in A: Who said that I wonder? I know We lost to Bangladesh for the scoring as many runs as possible and the health sphere. Would we for sure that in cartoons it is so. first time in history. Do you A: I as the subject Minister firmly Muttiah Muralitharan wanted to take be able to go on this journey What I mean is once you take honestly think that this new believe that all of these players are as many wickets as possible. Even without strengthening them? the reins, the real benefits of team would do any justice to the determined to represent their country Lasith Malinga had a similar vision, and that they are not drawn by but I do not see that vision in today’s this Port City project can be country? A: Yes. We need to discuss this at reaped. Is that so? monetary benefits. players. Not only cricketers, many length. Justice must be served. There A: I am not content with defeats, but Didn’t the players object to other sportspersons have got entangled is a spate of issues, especially at rural A: This has not been mooted for my I am happy to see newcomers being payments being made based on in that South Asian mentality. level, and there are many benefit. This is for the people of this given an opportunity to shine. They the skill factor? Therefore, the challenge before me is to shortcomings at regional hospitals. land. Politicians will not reap the also have the responsibility to deliver take these players out of this mindset Some of them don’t even have benefits. This is the mindset of the the goods for their country once they A: I am of the opinion that payments and prepare them to take the best in adequate doctors and nurses. Opposition. This project is helmed by get that chance. This will not happen must be made based on the skill factor the world. FOCUS SUNday 13 June 2021 A5

By Eunice Ruth

Even though the Government and other organisations try to reduce its impact in various ways, the X-Press Pearl disaster turned out to be a persistent issue with massive amounts of pollutants released into the environment. Beginning While marine disasters are not a new issue in Sri Lanka, the impact of X-Press Pearl incident ranks higher than previous ones. According to ‘Maritime Adversities around Sri Lanka (1994-2021)’, a research report compiled by the Pearl Protectors Organisation, Sri Lanka and health impacts. Locals have been acts as a prime maritime hub in the of the End advised not to touch anything washed Indian Ocean in terms of location and ashore with their bare hands and connectivity, changing global trends clean-up crews are required to wear in shipping and trade and preferential Biggest marine disaster in history of Sri Lanka protective gear when handling the trade access. The report stated that a waste. total of 20 major maritime adversities Meanwhile, Sri Lanka needs to (excluding ship strikes) have occurred rethink its contingency plans to face in Sri Lanka within a period of 27 Billions of nurdles from stricken ship in our waters future disasters as it currently has years, from 1994 to 2021. However, only a limited number of resources. among them, more than 50 per cent of On the other hand, oil spills are very the incidents have occurred in the last It will take decades to mitigate impact harmful to marine life especially for five years. species that live on the water’s surface. Oil destroys marine birds’ Killer plastic ability to repel water and the Ashoke Weerakoon, a scientist at Plastics can poison fish, contaminating food chain insulation ability of marine mammals. National Aquatic Resources Research In the event of an oil spill, affected and Development Agency (NARA) said wildlife need to be found, stabilised, the X-Press Pearl disaster has cleaned and rehabilitated properly increased air pollution along with the before they are released back to the release of chemicals including ocean all of which require special hazardous and noxious substances training and equipment. such as bases and acids into the The Marine Pollution Prevention Act ocean. In addition, a large No. 35 of 2008 MEPA and the National amount of plastic pellets was Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCOP) of also dumped into the water. Sri Lanka, provides a framework for the Out of the pollutants found prevention and mitigation of oil spills for in the oceans today, different stakeholders to be followed in approximately 80 per cent the event of a spill to prevent or minimise are plastics. Typically, harm to marine and coastal plastics in the ocean environment within the territorial sea degrade within a year but and even in high seas where a spill can not completely. During the potentially harm Sri Lanka. degradation process toxic “With the density of ships passing chemicals like polystyrene and through our waters is expected to BPA are released, contaminating increase further, if Sri Lanka develops the water. proactive strategies for maritime Plastic pellets or nurdles are a raw adversities, in terms of resources, material used in manufacturing monitoring, and policy, rather than plastic items, mainly single-use relying on reactive solutions, Sri plastic items. Different types of Authority (MEPA) along with the tri- Lanka would be able to successfully nurdles produce various compositions forces have already started using mitigate them by protecting our seas of compounds in various colours. backhoes to remove them from the and sustaining millions of livelihoods However, the majority of them are seashore,” said Katuwawala that depend upon them and ensuring white in colour and are similar to fish Massive efforts are underway to a sustainable maritime industry that eggs. They are also a chief source of clear Sri Lanka’s beaches polluted Muditha Katuwawala will aid Sri Lanka to grow into a prime micro-plastic pollution in the oceans. with nurdles that have washed up maritime hub and even extend our A nurdle weighs 20 mg and due to its from the X-Press Pearl. No one is able or a few decades. Meanwhile, the support and services to regional smaller size and round shape, they’re to say how long we will have the general public should be educated adversities,” said Katuwawala. often mistaken by marine species for adverse effects of this pollution and regarding the marine pollution caused Pix Credit – The Pearl Protectors food, who either die from ingesting sometimes it could even take a years by the disaster and its environmental and Internet nurdles or pass the plastics up through the food chain. Nurdles can also absorb other chemicals over time, and once swallowed, can contaminate the food chain with high concentrations of toxins. In Sri Lanka, where fish are a main source of protein, this problem poses an immediate health concern. Coordinator of Pearl Protectors, Muditha Katuwawala said three containers, each carrying a little over a billion nurdles, were dumped into and other species whose main food the ocean from the X-Press Pearl. are jelly fish because they often Accordingly, it is estimated that more confuse discarded plastic bags for than 3 billion nurdles could have jelly fish. Similarly it is common for been deposited in the ocean, and sea birds to confuse plastics with along with the shipwreck, more cuttlefish and fish to mistake them for plastic deposits are to be expected. their natural prey. Ingesting plastic waste can obstruct a bird’s digestive Environmental impact system or reduce its digestive ability, Food supplies are adversely affected leading to starvation, malnutrition when animals are poisoned by toxic and eventually, death. substances and foreign particles such Meanwhile, coral reefs are also very as nurdles. Animals are exposed to vulnerable to damage from nurdles plastics mostly through ingestion and and chemicals. Re-growing or entanglement, where ingestion is restoring corals damaged from more frequent than entanglement. maritime disasters cannot be replaced Most marine species mistake plastics immediately artificially as they take for food. Several research reports decades to restore naturally. show that more than 260 different species of vertebrates and Clean up operations invertebrates ingest plastics or are In order to clean the ocean, the entangled in plastics or plastic containers needs to be removed products, leading to more than immediately. However, pellets and 400,000 deaths of marine mammals. nurdles cannot be removed from the Micro-plastic particles absorb ocean entirely and their impacts are toxins when in water and become long term. They cannot be removed more contaminated than the water using manual methods and need around it. When they are eaten by specific tools to be extracted from the fish, the chemicals can bioaccumulate ocean. The Pearl Protectors are in their cells and tissue. Later, when currently working on finding suitable we consume the contaminated fish, equipment to remove the nurdles and the chemicals trapped in their bodies are discussing with experts to come can leach into our system leading to up with a solution. various health issues and even cause “It took about 8,000 volunteers and cancer in the case of heavy metals. three months to clean up the beaches So far, due to the recent fire, many in Hong Kong which were polluted with turtles, fishes and other marine pellets. Currently, due to the travel animals have died due to the chemical restrictions in the country, utilising reactions and plastic indigestion. resources are really difficult and the Plastic waste mostly affect sea turtles Marine Environment Protection A6 sunday 13 June 2021 Focus

‘Thinking outside the box’ Cardboard Coffins Take Funeral Industry by Storm

By Dilanthi Jayamanne head. This was approved by the DMMC Mayor and its Commissioner. While family and friends mourn the However, there were those who felt dead, there are others who find that the Council should not intervene business opportunities in those tears. in the matter as well. Although a majority of people would With no allocation made towards prefer to talk about the last rites of purchasing the boxes, he was their dead in hushed tones, there are compelled to draw the attention of others who would give a silent whoop Facebook users to the Council’s of joy that they themselves are alive requirement. It was in this instance and in business to earn a few bucks that veteran Media personality in burying the dead. Ariyasiri Withanage provided Rs But the fact is that for many middle- 100,000 to purchase the cardboard and low-income families in Sri Lanka coffins. there is no burden heavier, than the He said the project had been burden of marriage and death. Setting launched with this. “We had samples aside the more joyous tidings of of the boxes with trimmings and satin marriage, this will focus on the interiors that could be used to bury a sombre topic of death and funerals. person who dies of natural causes No one talks of a grand funeral, and those which were to be used for although they would probably say persons who die of COVID-19. A body that the dead person was given a which weighs up to 100 kilogrammes rollicking send-off. Only the person’s could be placed in this coffin, which immediate family would know the cost has been specially designed to take they incurred on the finer aspects of the weight. The box is made of the funeral, starting from the recycled cardboard and paper purchasing of a coffin to bury the collected by “bothal pattara dead. kaarayas,” and the Council employees Then along came the COVID-19 who collect these items and sell them issue and people started dying of the to places that recycle and sell the viral infection. The demand for coffins product to institutions like ‘Packwell’ increased and COVID-19, like the to produce boxes such as these, Tsunami in 2004, became a roaring Sahabandu explained. business opportunity for most The only drawback is that the box undertakers and florists, especially should not get wet. The strength of those with strategically situated any cardboard box deteriorates when shops close to hospitals. Hospital it gets wet. This should be placed employees or paid hands from the carefully in a dry place by those who undertaker were known to opt for the cardboard coffin and recommend this or that undertaker ensure that it does not get wet. on the pretext of helping the bereaved The concept is currently being family members in their time of implemented only within the sorrow to “find the person who would jurisdiction of the DMMC. But there do the job for them at a reasonable are other provincial and local amount.” governments which could implement There are those who want to ensure this environmentally-friendly and that even after death, their relative economically-viable method of has a decent coffin to rest in during disposing of at least the COVID-19 his or her final hours on earth. dead. Already, the Local Government Therefore, even if the coffin is poorly Authority in Anuradhapura and an made, with low-quality wood, with or undertaker in Kobeigane have without interior trimmings, most approached the DMMC requesting the members of the public would pay no cardboard coffin. However, the less than Rs 30,000 for the Council has requested for an contraption. Conditions are worse at undertaking that the boxes and the institutions like Colombo South service would be provided at a Teaching Hospital - Kalubowila, reasonable amount not exceeding where the cemetery is not more than the dead were those whose families viral infection, they have to think of Rs 15,000 and would not be misused. 200 metres away. COVID-19 infected would use a coffin for burial, for ways and means of keeping their “Our aim is to protect the bodies, which are disposed of as which a large number of trees are home fires burning, their children environment and at the same time to quickly as possible without the felled. If furniture was made from the who have been unable to go to school, ensure that the public receive the procedure of embalming, and are wood taken from those trees it would and live in fear of losing their jobs. A economic benefit of using such a already placed in body bags, undergo remain inside a home for a long great number of families are faced coffin,” he added. the entire procedure and are sent off period, Sahabandu, who is also a with this issue. To have to put a “Also, this is not a private at no less than Rs 30,000 to 40,000. pharmacist, said when Ceylon Today family in this situation through the enterprise. It was only established on With this situation, it did not take met him at the DMMC’s Funeral ordeal of having to spend an a concept which was submitted by long for the next of kin of those Parlour. “Cutting down trees to make enormous amount of money for a me. This is currently being facilitated patients who had succumbed to coffins, which would remain in all coffin and the performance of last and carried out by the DMMC, which COVID-19, to complain to hospital glory, with its fine padded interior on rites at this stage is something that is responsible for initiating this authorities at Kalubowila, and accuse display for a maximum of three days, should be averted. programme,” he said. hospital staff of paving the way for before it is either buried six feet under The Councillor said he had taken “Undertakers and owners of funeral robbery and corruption. or incinerated is a crime,” he said. the appeal made by the Kalubowila parlours should not see this as a Grieved by this situation and in In addition to the expenditure JMO, to the Sub Committee of the challenge to their business. This too desperation, Consultant Judicial incurred in setting the coffin ablaze DMMC and rekindled the proposal in fact is a part of their craft and they Medical Officer, Dr. Prasanna using electricity or gas, it takes which had been submitted by him last should only take up the challenge of Dassanayake, called and appealed to several years for the coffin itself to year. enhancing this concept and taking it the Director General of Health decay once buried, for which even its then submitted to the Council meeting A price quoted for a box was Rs forward to suit the needs of society,” Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela dead occupant would have to account in February last year. However, 4,500. Also, the DMMC does not have Councillor Sahabandu said. Gunawardana for assistance in for in the afterlife, he lamented. although it was approved with a a hearse. “Therefore, we were able to Everyone knows that COVID-19 has resolving the issue. People cut down forests for building majority vote at the time, the Council identify the owner of one in the turned into a money-making venture. Dr. Gunawardana, who was the constructions etc. But this aspect of could not implement it. vicinity on hire at a cost of Rs 5,000. Those governing the country and top former Director of this Teaching deforestation can be halted. “Merely Sahabandu said in the meantime he He said this was inclusive of the brass who run quarantine facilities, Hospital, had informed him to contact asking people to stop chopping down had met an institution known as personal protective equipment (PPE) those who bring down the technology City Councillor Priyantha Sahabandu trees to build coffins is useless,” he ‘Packwell’ and described his that was to be worn by the driver of for COVID-19 testing are guilty of of the Dehiwala Mount Lavinia said, observing that in 2019 he had first requirement for “a cardboard instead the vehicle. The Council also incurred ‘milking COVID-19 to the very last Municipal Council (DMMC), who he suggested manufacturing a wooden box of a wood for coffins.” He had also met a cost of about Rs 14,000 for the coin that it could squirt.’ Therefore, it said had a solution to his problem. to be reused. The money which was DGHS, Dr. Gunawardana, when he employees of the crematorium and the is not surprising that even the Felling trees to produce made as a down payment for the box was the Director of Teaching Hospital PPE which was required to be worn by undertaker chooses to fatten his could be given to the family of the dead Kalubowila and briefed him regarding them during the handling of COVID- purse using the misery of the victims coffins person, while a rich person could be his efforts to curtail the purposeless 19 infected bodies even if it was inside of this virus. But it is time for more invited to deposit that money in a fund destructive use of wood in the a coffin. people to ‘think outside the box,’ and A large number of trees are set up at the Council to assist another manufacturing of coffins. Teething troubles come up with more ways of bringing sacrificed to produce coffins. Before poor family during a funeral, or to People are already weighed down more rays of solace to the masses the COVID-19 situation, there were invest in a scholarship for a poor child. with social and financial burdens Sahabandu said a proposal was suffering the weight of a country set around 350 to 400 deaths in the The proposal was set before the Health stemming from the coronavirus. mooted by him to provide the entire upon by a viral infection. country on a daily basis. A majority of Committee of the Council, which was Besides fear of being a victim to the service at a cost of Rs 10,000 per Pix by Udesh Ranasinha focus sunday 13 june 2021 A7 Interference, Ad Hoc Decisions Subverting Vaccine Rollout

By Methmalie Pathirana and the Galle offered the vaccine at the Army Dissanayake Government Agent. Hospital in Narahenpita. The “Dr. Ramesh Pathirana was logic, some Parliamentarians The online registration very helpful to us in this presented here is they should programme for COVID-19 programme. He was very be vaccinated as they vaccine rollout in Galle Four disappointed about this frequently meet the public in Gravets Divisional Secretariat situation and requested us not various areas in the country area, received immense to withdraw from the and their number of close praises for its effectiveness. programme. He even ensured contacts was higher. While people in many parts of that there will be no such It was observed that several the Island, had to stay in long incidents in the future. The famous figures, such as former queues for hours to get their Government Agent also cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, vaccine, people in the said requested the same. Now we were receiving the vaccine too. area had been asked to are having discussions about It was also reported that, in register online to get their reinitiating the programme.” some areas, elderly people vaccine. The Divisional Secretariat were turned away from the They, then received a date, assured that even though the vaccination centres while the time and venue via a text online registration programme vaccines were given to those message, to come over to get is not in the effect anymore, between 30 and 60 the vaccine. In this manner, they will give all the possible years. Those who received the the public did not need to help to the medical officials to vaccine complained that they waste their time in queues. continue the vaccination had to wait in the queues for When they arrived at the rollout in the area. several hours. vaccination centre their text When Ceylon Today, spoke Furthermore, disputes were messages were checked by to Galle Mayor Priyantha Medical Officer present at the reported in several areas as Army Officers deployed at Sahabandu, he denied that site refused. well. centres and allowed to get the any such dispute had occurred The Mayor was arrested in Lack of AstraZeneca vaccine. at Madapathala vaccination respect of obstructing the This method, initiated by the centre. duties of State Officers and second dose Divisional Secretariat gained “A large number of people violating quarantine praises and there were were vaccinated on that day. regulations at the vaccination Currently Sri Lanka is facing requests to extend this method After all the registered persons programme in the a shortage of 600,000 doses of to the other parts of the received their vaccination, Moratumulla Police area. the Oxford-AstraZeneca country as well. another group of people had The MOH of the area had COVISHIELD vaccine to Unfortunately, the Divisional also requested to be provided a statement to Police complete the 2nd round of the Secretariat on Thursday (3), vaccinated, and they remained over the incident and thus vaccine programme. informed the public that the at the centre. They had come following investigations he was In this backdrop, the online registration method will from elsewhere. This had arrested after he surrendered Government is trying to find not be in effect anymore and happened at some other to Police Officers. alternative ways to complete the vaccine rollout will be centres as well. It is a normal His bail application was the 2nd round. It was said carried out by Galle Urban thing. But there was no rejected and Fernando was during a Cabinet media Council and respective health dispute. These people were remanded until 11 June. briefing that discussions are officials in the area. given the vaccine too,” he said. Confusions in Kandy ongoing with other countries It was reported that the If there was any problem where there is an excess of reason behind this decision why hadn’t the people Confusion arose on Monday AstraZeneca vaccines to was interference of provincial complained about it? If they do (31), during the Sputnik V perchance. Also, attention has politicians of the area. not have any problem with coronavirus vaccine rollout in been drawn towards whether it “We had to stop the that, why are some people Kandy, as receivers had to put is possible to follow ‘Mix and programme because it seemed trying to create unnecessary their signatures on a vaccine Match’ method as well. we could not carry it out problems? He queried. consent form, which had a seal Sputnik V vaccine’s rollout in General of Health Services, Dr. Big picture anymore with transparency,” The Mayor denied that he that said the receiver agrees to Kundasale. S.M. Arnold, Dr. Neelika Divisional Secretary of Galle tried to interfere in the take just a single dose of the Deputy Director General Malavige, World Health When we look at the whole Four Gravets, Himali vaccination rollout in the area. Sputnik V vaccine. (Disaster Management and Organisation National picture of current vaccine Ratnaweera, when contacted This is not the only instant Consent forms were obtained Response) Dr. Hemantha Programme Officer, rollout in Sri Lanka it is very by Ceylon Today, said. where the State officials from those who received both Herath, fielding questions Consultant Epidemiologists clear that lack of coordination “On Wednesday (2), the expressed their frustration Oxford AstraZeneca during a press briefing in Dr. Hasitha Tissera and Dr. between the officials and vaccination was scheduled for over the ongoing vaccination COVISHIELD and Sinopharm Colombo, said the Ministry Dasanayake are the other interference of politicians have Madapathala Grama Niladhari rollout in the country. vaccines. However, this had not ‘received such a members of the committee. played major roles in creating Division. We gave vaccines for Moratuwa Fiasco particular seal was not placed report,’ noting that if the The Minister further said the chaos in the rollout. more than 3,000 persons that on those forms. Although, the Health Ministry was to take committee had decided to Sri Lanka already has a day. When the people who live On 28 May, Moratuwa Mayor receiver’s statement is such a decision, it would inoculate everyone with at successful vaccine rollout for in the area received the Samanlal Fernando was available in Sinhala, Tamil and inform the public through the least one dose of the Sputnik V other vaccines which has vaccine as per the prior arrested for obstructing the English languages on the mainstream media. vaccine after prolonged earned a tremendous applause registration it was already duties of State Officers. consent form, this seal was Dr. Herath said as of now discussions. The Government, from the world. It is evening time, when we noticed Fernando was captured on available only in the Sinhala the Health Ministry had issued on the other hand, is questionable as to why only another large group of about video arguing with State language. no such advice to the health discussing and testing the idea the coronavirus vaccine rollout 500 people outside the Officials during a vaccine Meanwhile, the Health authorities in those areas. The of giving a single dose or is facing such problems. vaccination centre, demanding rollout in Moratuwa on 27 Ministry denied any knowledge second dose of the Sputnik V mixing vaccinations If the authorities took steps the vaccine be given to them May, where he demanded about obtaining signatures vaccine is slightly different. throughout the inoculation to inform the people that they too. They were not even the people in possession of tokens from the people that they were There is ongoing research and procedure on a daily basis. might be receiving only one jab residents of the Grama issued by him be given the agreeable to a single dose of what emerges from this is He said the form is there to of Sputnik V vaccine Niladhari Division,” she said. vaccine, to which the Chief the coronavirus jab during the information regarding the gap sign as an acceptance receipt beforehand there would not When the Divisional between the two doses and the before taking the vaccine and have been any confusions. In Secretary queried whether dosage that should be the concerns about the seal other countries, it is an utmost there were Madapathala administered, whether a are unwarranted. “The necessity to educate people residents among the crowd, a booster dose and if a third is authorities in Kandy acted in regarding the vaccine they are few people raised their hands required etc. accordance with the going to receive for obtaining and they were allowed to enter He said the experts at the Government and Expert their consent. Informing the the vaccination centre’s Health Ministry too, would Committee directions. The people that they might receive premises. However, the other have to assess all this data purpose of the paperwork is to just one dose of a vaccine people in the group who came and issue guidelines demonstrate people’s when they arrived at a from elsewhere started to accordingly. The vaccination willingness to receive the vaccination centre is highly behave in an unruly manner, programme was carried out in vaccine.” He went on to say unethical. trying to break open the gates 18 Grama Niladhari Divisions that many groups are Moreover, it is also very clear of the centre. in the Ratnapura District on attempting to misinterpret the that many politicians, “Since we could not control Sunday (30) and Monday (31) entire procedure. especially provincial level ones, them, I came back from there. as well. When asked why Deputy are trying to get credit they do Because of these kinds of However, when journalists Director General, Disaster not deserve. It is the duty of disputes, we decided not to be questioned about this Management and Response, the Government to control this involved in the programme controversial seal, Cabinet Dr. Hemantha Herath said he irresponsible behaviour of anymore. There were some Spokesperson Keheliya couldn’t take responsibility for these politicians. other instances where groups Rambukwella said that the the seal, Rambukwella replied The politicians are very eager had disputes with my officials. seal was placed on the consent Dr. Herath should be to blame the Media saying they Some provincial politicians form following a decision taken questioned about the lack of always highlight ‘minor’ errors also want to interfere with the by the Health Ministry. communication with the rest in the vaccine rollout. programme. My officers who Rambukwella said it was of the institutions. However, the above listed worked tirelessly for this are introduced with Government Early chaos scenarios cannot be labelled highly frustrated with this. No instructions and the approval as minor incidents because point in us continuing the of the Experts’ Committee When Oxford AstraZeneca such incidents can cripple the programme if we do not have a regarding vaccination. COVISHIELD vaccine rollout entire COVID-19 vaccine control over it,” she said. Rambukwella elaborated on was started the initial plan rollout and if that happens all Ratnaweera said that she the composition of the Expert prepared was listing priority the efforts taken so far to informed their decision to both Committee, stating that it is groups, but was diverted after control the pandemic would be Minister Dr. Ramesh chaired by Deputy Director the Parliamentarians were in vain. A8 SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 EDITORIAL

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] The public’s responsibility

On-going travel restrictions that were scheduled to be lifted at 4 a.m. tomorrow (14), were further extended until 21 June, Head of the National Centre for the Eradication of COVID-19, Army Commander General Shavendra Silva announced on Friday. The restrictions that were first imposed on 21 May were supposed to last until 7 June, with a plan to relax restrictions on 25 May, 31 May and 4 June. However, taking into consideration the high number of positive cases reported daily, after 25 May, restrictions had been strictly imposed. And, they were further extended until 14 June. On the days that restrictions were supposed to relax, the public were allowed to travel outside based on the last digit of their NICs. However, unfortunately, what is seen on many public roads is an entirely different picture. A large Ranil’s Impending number of vehicles enter Colombo and other main cities around the country on a daily basis. In order to prevent the collapse of already strained economy, the authorities allowed the functioning of essential services and businesses, with a limited number of staff in offices and the majority working from home, while restrictions on travel were on going. Parliament Entry Yet, a large number of travel restriction violators are arrested each day: Among them are drug peddlers, alcohol smugglers, and smugglers of other illegal goods. Then there are the party-goers. A group of teledrama actors and models were recently sent for mandatory quarantine, for throwing birthday Stirs Opposition party at a star-class hotel in Colombo. Another group arrested a few days ago for attending a pool With the UNP Working Committee passing Shifting the conversation to a different party. a resolution that UNP Leader Ranil topic, Prof. Ashu Marasinghe stated that While there is a dangerous, highly contagious, Wickremesinghe should swear in as the the Government is yet to respond to the fatal virus is being circulated around the country, Party’s National List MP, he was flooded with Leader’s remarks on the ship. some irresponsible segments in the public, the party phone calls inquiring whether he would be Wickremesinghe concluded by saying if must go on. However, due to their irresponsible actually accepting the offer. there is a nitrate acid leak, subject matter behaviour, a large percentage of the country will Opposition members of Parliament, experts, Customs officials, and medical have to suffer. Included in them are the daily wage diplomats, friends, and the personnel should go to the ship first. earners, who have been without any means of Media all were curious The fire spread due to high winds, income during travel restriction period. whether he would be sworn in according to the Harbour Master. When the case numbers don’t go down, when the or not on 8 June, when The Meteorological Department, on death toll keeps increasing, the authorities have no Parliament is convened. the other hand, predicted a recourse but to extend travel restrictions. Wickremesinghe responded to strong wind 24 hours earlier. Despite travel restrictions in place, daily case all those who asked “Are you The other did not seek numbers seem to in the upper 2,000s, sometimes taking oaths in Parliament tomorrow?” with assistance from the even surpassing 3,000. The daily number of deaths an ease “No, not so soon”. international community. In seems to steadily rise, with Friday recording an The news of the UNP Leader’s impending Government about the issues that the people fact, the damage caused by the fire that alarming 101 cases, crossing the century mark for entry to Parliament, on the other hand, and the country are facing,” the Leader engulfed the X-Press Pearl ship, similar to the first time. caused a political uproar, with many MPs added. the COVID-19 pandemic, could have long- The public should keep in mind that the recovery believing that once the Leader arrived, Following that, the group discussed in term consequences for the country. rate is still less compared to the new cases daily opposition parties would rally around him length about the Supreme Court’s ruling, The Party Leader and activists discussed recorded and act in accordance with health and form an opposition force. which resulted in the dismissal of over 75 a variety of topics, including the COVID-19 guidelines to keep the pandemic as manageable as Others, meanwhile, predicted that Municipal Council, Urban Council, and pandemic and immunisations, and gave possible. Wickremesinghe would take over the Pradeshiya Sabha members of the UNP for extensive advice on how to effectively As the health sector faces an uphill battle with the leadership of the Opposition. On 8 June, the supporting a rival party during the last communicate the party’s message to its deadly Beta-strain of COVD-19 it is the common topic amongst opposition MPs was parliamentary elections. members. responsibility of the public not make the task more Wickremesinghe’s entry to Parliament. Meanwhile, a group of about 20 local daunting by acting haphazardly as soon as curbs are With heat building up, former UNP MPs government councillors was debating how to Vote of Confidence lifted. Also, the Alpha variant, which originated from and party officials joined a Zoom call to bring the Party back together through various During the Samagi Jana Balawegaya the United Kingdom, had been detected in 80 communicate with the Leader. groups, but the consensus is that those who (SJB) Parliamentary Group Meeting, a samples the University of Sri Jayewardenepura had “Many were unaware that the Leader was left should be expelled and replaced. The proposal had been unanimously ratified received for sequencing from several parts of Sri not going to Parliament last week, so they majority feel that the party’s position will be extending the Party’s unstinted support Lanka, so being extra cautious should be the norm. assumed he would be sworn in on the 8 maintained whenever a new group is and loyalty to its leader MP Sajith There is no denial that these are desperate times June, and even news conferences were held appointed. Premadasa, stating that he should remain with provisions at home are dwindling as days go by. against the Leader,” UNP Chairman Vajira Several meetings were held on Thursday Opposition Leader. Some may have vital medicines in short supply, Abeywardena said. evening via ZOOM on those who will join the SJB MPs who had been instrumental in while some others might have important business to UNP General Secretary Palitha Range party following the Court decision. Party tabling the proposal to support attend to, but at times like this, no matter how hard Bandara summed it up well, saying that he activists met the Leader through Zoom Premadasa’s leadership, were Chief it can be, it is essential that we think about the did not expect that a single person could technology on Thursday morning to discuss Opposition Whip MP Lakshman Kiriella, health of the collective. intimidate groups, and that as a result, the the current political crisis. Champika Ranawake MPs Mano Ganesan The days following the relaxing of restrictions will public got to know how divided the main “There have been numerous concerns raised and Rauff Hakeem. The proposal had been be a test if further curbs are needed. Any negligence Opposition is. thus far. The fertiliser scarcity has impacted seconded by Party General Secretary Ranjith in the public’s part would just set all of us back. The “I never expected it to reach a point where farmers in our area particularly hard. I’m not Maddumabandara, Rajitha Senaratne, virus spreads easily in crowds and it is up to us not they would hold a vote of confidence,” he sure if people will go hungry after the COVID- Sarath Fonseka and Ashok Abeysinghe. to cause a snowballing effect by running around added. 19 outbreak is over,” Samarasinghe expressed However, this move did not sit well with town as soon as we get the chance to stretch our UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene his remorse over the situation. many as concerns were raised whether there legs. Being cooped up certainly has us yearning for bemoaned the fact that the importance of the Wijewardene underlined the benefits of was a need to do so as it implies that SJB is some freedom, but that doesn’t mean we are entitled Leader was recognised by both the public and organic fertilisers over chemical fertilisers. affected by the impending entry of UNP to a picnic as soon as the restrictions are lifted. MPs only now. They agree that the country “It is a good plan. Only if a 10-year plan is Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe. It is also A good rule of thumb is to gauge one’s travels and should be led by an experienced mature and implemented. There will be no shortage of speculated that there is a group of SJB MPs avoid crowds as much as possible. Shop locally so visionary leader, ‘like our leader’. fertiliser and the crop would not be harmed. who would pledge support to that you can keep your contacts to a minimum. He went on to say that as a result of this, The problem is in the hasty manner the Wickremesinghe upon his taking a Staying at home is not the worst thing that can those who were afraid of Wickremesinghe Government acted in introducing it,” he said Parliament Seat. happen compared to a country entirely crippled by began slinging mud at him, claiming that while quoting the recently resigned Secretary MP Harin Fernando, when asked, the coronavirus. In the meantime, one should stick there is a Rajapaksa connection. Those who of the Agriculture Ministry. responded to Media, stating that he would to transactions that can be done online to limit claim the Leader is making deals with the Furthermore, Abeywardena stated that a have never allowed such ‘naïve’ move to be travel as much as possible. Rajapaksas are the same who have made lack of rice, due to a problem with organic taken had he being there. However, it is important that the most vulnerable deals with the Rajapaksas night after night in fertiliser, could be a major issue and that “It was absolutely unnecessary and people in this pandemic are protected where order to save their brothers and cover businessmen are also afraid to import rice due uncalled for,” he added. programmes to deliver dry rations to isolated personal scams. Sandith Samarasinghe to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that food The grapevine is that Fernando is in the communities or low income families should be done remarked in all seriousness that no one is is not transported from one country to top of the list of MPs that would join hands without interruption. discussing Wickremesinghe removing the another in Europe. with Wickremesinghe. However, he did not We have once again come to a critical juncture Rajapaksas from power in 2015. The Leader Range Bandara recalled how, in 1965, when acknowledge such speculation. where the outcomes will totally depend on the stated that there is no need to defame or late Indian Agriculture Minister Chidambaram Meanwhile, SJB Leader Premadasa left actions we take in the next couple of days. We the criticise anyone, and that, despite being a Subramaniam introduced chemical fertilisers hospital with his wife on Friday (11), after public can either act responsibly and save our target of everyone, he will always focus on the to India, late Prime Minister Dudley fully recovering. Both, he and wife Jalani communities from the ravaging virus, or act harm done by the Government to the country Senanayake did the same in Sri Lanka. Seeds Premadasa, were placed under medical care irresponsibly and drag this country to a state of and its citizens. are now engineered to adapt to chemical after being tested COVID-19 positive on 23 decay. “Regardless of what the Opposition says, if fertilisers. Organic fertilisers are difficult to May. we do the right thing, the people will decide use for seeds that are compatible with Soon after leaving hospital the couple who is correct. I’m going to Parliament on chemical fertilizers, according to Range went to Gangarama Temple to seek behalf of the people and to speak with the Bandara. blessings. focus Sunday 13 june 2021 A9 ‘Long COVID’ - A Psychosomatic Aftermath of the Virus A concerted therapeutic effort for follow-up treatment is on the cards

By Dilanthi Jayamanne discharged patients were asked to attend after a lapse of two weeks of It has been approximately one year “‘Long COVID’ being cured of COVID-19. Patients and two months since the island who have significant symptoms of nation started experiencing the symptoms could and lung complications were asked to pangs of being infected by the SARS undergo a chest X-Ray and a CT CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19. But would make one scan. Only five % of COVID-19 unlike in China which allegedly gave believe that they were patients developed lung issues owing birth to the virus, Italy, the United to COVID pneumonia however, he States of America and the United imagining themselves said. Kingdom which suffered dearly at its to have these Such lung issues could be hands during wave one and two, Sri permanent and would result in these Lanka did not reach such massive symptoms. But it is persons having to remain under heights in the number of cases that medication for long periods which were diagnosed and ever-increasing not a psychological could even be for the rest of their life. death toll of large numbers dying or issue but were several They may even have to use an inhaler dropping dead on a daily basis. In like patients with asthma. He warned both waves it must be said the virus issues which need to that smokers were most vulnerable was comparatively generous towards amongst those who suffered such the Lankans. be addressed even by long COVID effects and were at times With majority cases being detected the occupational forced to lifetime medication even from the Western Province during the after recovering from the virus. first wave the numbers stood at therapists to ensure Dr. Narangoda observed that there 2,815 cases and the death toll at 11 that these persons were also those who attended the by 1st August 2020. clinic with non-specific symptoms were able to go back to such as fatigue etc which were part Increasing numbers of post viral syndrome. However even By 1 April 2021 the main cluster their lives” these symptoms could affect their detected at an apparel factory in jobs and their lives and therefore Minuwangoda and its sub-clusters need attention. detected at the Peliyagoda fish in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Both these categories should seek market and the Prison had reached in addition to boosting the immune medical attention- especially those the colossal 87,910 with a death toll system during post viral syndrome or who have a persistent cough and that numbered 568. The total post viral fatigue people also need breathing difficulties. number of cases in the country by adequate sleep, a balanced a proper • Findings on Long COVID then stood at 92,706. Having escaped meal, exercise and maintain their According to reports and studies thus far with a few grazes in the Vitamin D level in the mid-range. A post-COVID conditions were a wide second wave the country has not person daily requires about 1,000 range of new, returning, or ongoing been so lucky this time. Call it the international units of the vitamin D. health problems people experienced third wave or an extension of the Although people in Asian countries for over four weeks after first being second wave which there is serious like Sri Lanka are able to obtain this infected with the virus that causes doubt as to whether it really ended is from the sun, they too are not able to COVID-19. Even people who have no currently reaching gigantic figures in describes varied symptoms that are unable to revert to their day-to- be exposed themselves for long symptoms when they were infected this small island. With daily PCR persist even after four weeks from the day activities or perhaps engage in periods. There aren’t many food could have post-COVID conditions. positive cases topping the three onset of a diagnosed COVID-19 their professions as they formally items that have vitmin D either. The Centres for Disease Control thousand mark and the number of infection. Prof. Seneviratne said that did. Therefore, the low vitamin D level is and Prevention (CDC) of the United deaths each day being in the 20s 30s the most common symptoms include Some of those who seek medical best to supplemented for a minimum States notes that experts around the and 40s as the COVID-19 numbers fatigue, breathlessness, and cough attention say that they are period of four months. At the same world were working to learn more detected in the post New Year while there were also those who have unable to walk the same time being a non-expensive, easy to about short- and long-term health COVID-19 cluster had reached palpitations, chest pain distances that they do intervention not too much of the effects associated with COVID-19. 71,879, while the death toll a total gastrointestinal dysfunction, and used to when they vitamin should be taken. • The post COVID Conditions or 1,269 by 26 May 2021. even neural and cognitive were in good health. Sri Lanka entertained the herbal Long COVID symptoms identified by Repercussions discrepancies such as Professor and concoctions and syrups during the it were: forgetfulness. The situation is Consultant second wave towards the latter part Tiredness or fatigue A midst the plus points of such that there are those who of last year in a bid to boost Difficulty thinking or concentrating reinvigorating Sri Lanka’s tired immunity. That was one reason why (sometimes referred to as ‘brain fog’) nature and environment, COVID-19 the herbal syrups was in such Headache would leave behind, that is if even demand for a certain period last year Loss of smell or taste this small isle situated in the Indian also during the second wave of Dizziness on standing ocean is to see the last of it, a legacy COVID-19. Fast-beating or pounding heart of issues in the spheres of society, “According to However, with the extended (also known as heart palpitations) psychology and health. Children families in Sri Lanka there is a large Difficulty breathing or shortness of being forced to remain at home and Professor and amount of social support to breath kept out of their school environment, Consultant in Clinical encourage any person who is Cough large numbers losing their jobs when perhaps going through these Chest pain earlier such instances only came up Immunology and symptoms which has Joint or muscle pain due to political reasons, fear, a Allergy, Institute of nothing to do with any Depression or anxiety drastic increase in anti- social psychological disorder in Fever behaviour in children and adults, Immunity and them, to overcome he Need to remember crime, and possibly long term and Transplantation, Royal observed. • Also, the more serious issues are short-term health issues stemming The local when the lung tissues are affected. from the SARS CoV-2 virus. The Free Hospital and • May lead to life time medication country’s burden would be the experience • A complete recovery may take five heavier to carry. University College, UK, to six months when affected with According to Professor and Suranjith Seneviratne, Consultant non-specific symptoms. But there are Consultant in Clinical Immunology Physician, Dr. Eranga a large number of studies across the and Allergy, Institute of Immunity many countries with Narangoda who is world to gather more information on and Transplantation, Royal Free currently at Base Long COVID to arrive at a definite Hospital and University College, UK, big outbreaks such as Hospital Homagama time period of recovery. Suranjith Seneviratne, many the one that is said that while patients In the years to come if the country countries with big outbreaks such as who recover from does get over this pandemic crisis, the one that is currently being currently being COVID-19 could have the State health service may be called experienced in Sri Lanka were being non- specific issue lasting upon to cater to more and more of affected by what is termed as ‘Long experienced in Sri for several months there Long COVID clinics as the entire COVID’, which needs to engage the Lanka were being were also those with lung country is affected by the attention of medical practitioners in issues as a result of COVID coronavirus. several disciplines to help manage affected by what is pneumonia. They could have the cases. It may require the efforts termed as ‘Long developed issues in their lung of the psychologist, the tissue due to the complication. physiotherapist, the occupational COVID’, which needs This could be more serious therapist and perhaps even the case which requires close clinician who initially attended to to engage the medical attention. The him or her while being in hospital attention of medical hospital hosts a clinic in with the viral infection. A General which fully recovered Practitioner alone would be unable to practitioners in handle the list of health issues related to a ‘Long COVID’. several disciplines to Such ‘Long COVID’ symptoms help manage the could and would make one believe that they were imagining themselves cases” to have these symptoms. But it is not a psychological issue but were several issues which need to be addressed even by the occupational therapists to ensure that these persons were able to go back to their lives. There was wide scale research going into Long COVID which has also become a public health crisis in several countries. ‘Long COVID’, A10 sunday 13 june 2021 focus Can Sri Lanka Fully Embrace Organic Farming? Ban on chemical fertilisers may jeopardise food security– Expert

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan plant residue and straw, therefore the imbued with agricultural chemicals. population of microorganisms present Predicted approximate yield losses (%) The test was conducted on-farm ‘Go chemical fertiliser, come organic in foreign compost is completely chemical components used such as food’ is one of the goals of the different to native ones. Introducing insecticides and herbicides. Government’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity foreign microorganisms to the Sri Paddy 30-35 The agro chemical residues and Splendour’ national policy Lankan environment may cause an Tea 50 contained in the Chinese cabbage on framework and with the world looking outbreak of diseases causing major Maize 50 which the solution was sprayed was to mitigate the effects of the issues to local agriculture. then compared to plants that had pandemic, the shift can be seen as Managing Director, Agriworld (PVT) Potato 30-50 been treated only with the farm one in the right direction. However, to Ltd Wicky Wickramatunga who has Sugarcane 30-40 chemicals. Of the 32 types of farm introduce organic agriculture wide experience in the global and local Cinnamon 25 chemicals tested, the content of a nationwide and ban chemical agriculture sector pointed out that Betel 20 total of 11 including naproamide and fertilisers without introducing a converting a country from Upcountry vegitables 30-50 metalaxyl was reduced by more than proper roadmap would doom the goal conventional agriculture to a fully 50 per cent. of sustainable development where organic one overnight is a certain Floriculture/ foliage plants environment almost 100 The company says the ionised food security issues are likely to affect impossibility. It has to be a gradual Controlled environmant agricultureHydroponics almost 100 calcium binds with the carbon and the country immensely. process that can take 10-20 years or chlorine radicals in the components, Importing chemical fertilisers and even more. No country in the world Compiled by National Science Foundation, 2021 neutralising their toxicity. other agrochemicals was banned on has done such a miraculous The company expects the same 29 April 2021 in an attempt to replace transition and there will not be even effect to be obtainable in soil and is it with organic agriculture. It became in the future. He quoted Bhutan as a planning to sell the technology to a sensational issue since nowhere in good example of this type of failure. companies engaged in growing crops the world could a country go fully “In 2012 they decided to be fully E ects on paddy Sector with reduced or no farm chemical organic, that too in this speed. organic by 2020. Even today their use. The focus is on growing sustainable share of organic agriculture is just a Sri Lanka is planning to import Estimated yield losses of Sirisena et Paddy and Rice Production and food products in soil regenerated mere 1.3 per cent while Sri Lanka has al...: organic fertilisers for 500,000 using organic matter that have been a 2.5 per cent share, according to Fully organic: 25% Imports (in million metric tons) hectares of paddy land and 600,000 repurposed with a variety of Statistics from the International No fertilizers: 43% hectares of other crops for the next materials, it does not involve merely Federation of Organic Agriculture 4.47 season. Following the ban on Fully organic: dumping imported organic fertiliser Movements (IFOAM)”. Pro–tability reduces by 32.7% chemical fertiliser and it has to be into the soil. Rice consumption reduces by 26.7% 3.28 clear how this will be introduced. On the question of whether we have 3.04 The bacteria in one person can be all the know-how to introduce proper Rice imports incrass to LKR 10 billion. In Australia, only about 50 kg of 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.4 harmful to another; likewise each organic food farming in Sri Lanka, he 2.23 chemical fertiliser is applied per No fertilizers: 1.7 country’s soil is unique with features said that yield losses can be expected Pro–tability reduces by 44.41% hectare. In Sri Lanka, 300 kg per that are not adoptive elsewhere. by converting to organic farming for Rice consumption reduces by 44.12% 0.7 hectare is applied which is alarming. some selected crops that are given in (food shortage - food riots) Initially, it has been planned to No proper roadmap CONVENTIONAL ORGANIC NO FERTILIZER 1 chart. Rice import bill increases to LKR 42 apply 70 per cent of chemical billion (additional funding) Paddy output Rice output Rice requirmentImports Organic farming methods however “Having the expertise for organic fertiliser and 30 per cent of organic produce varying results as the farming is not the issue. The main Source: Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association, 2021 fertiliser. This trend couldn’t be process is complicated; leading to issue is how and who is going to changed abruptly. Sri Lanka aims to inconsistent end results. compensate for the lost food in the promote organic fertiliser use So far the Government has not country, not the knowledge. We are gradually up to the point where 100 created a roadmap to introduce heading for a certain food scarcity per cent of organic fertiliser is used, organic fertilisers and reduce non- within the next few months,” he E ects on Tea Sector the Agriculture Ministry noted. organic fertilisers. This ad-hoc stressed. The year 2020 will be remembered decision to ban chemical fertilisers “Market for organic produce in the Productivity of VPT reduced by 35%. for the global COVID-19 pandemic, had dealt a severe blow to farmers. world is very limited due to the price the impact of which is likely to be felt Tea Production and exports: million kg. The Fertiliser Secretariat faced a factor. Organic produce is at least 100 for a much longer time, writes Louise 279 lack of manpower and transportation per cent more expensive than the Tea export value: LKR ‘000 million 265 Luttikholt, Executive Director of issues due to the curfew and was not conventionally grown product, if not 230 IFOAM – Organics International. able to distribute the available stocks more. So, it is a very niche market in If tea can be sold at Rs 866.70 per kg, a According to her, the crisis revealed reduction of LKR 85 billon from the 2020 to the farmers on time. The All Island the whole world.” 181 the vulnerability of global food value can be expected. 167 Farmers’ Federation (AIFF) National The extent of land under organic 146 systems and that the transition to Organiser Namal Karunaratne, noted production in the whole world is just Pro–tability will sharply reduce in both sustainable and resilient food that the Government has been 1.5 per cent, he said. sectors and the estate sector will likely systems is needed. In COVID times, incur losses. misleading farmer communities for a Local production it almost looked as if the food was very long time. regarded as medicine. It remains to He reiterated that the Government A few months ago Minister of 13 13 be seen if the 2021 United Nation’s CONVENTIONAL ORGANIC /NO FERTILIZER had failed to ready the necessary Agriculture Mahindananda Source: Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association, 2021 Food Systems Summit, aiming to Local demand Production Export volume Export earnnings fertiliser stocks for the Yala season. Aluthgamage said organic fertiliser ‘launch bold and new actions to Some soils can be easily converted requirements will be supplied to all transform the way the world within three seasons. However, in any farmers on subsidised basis from produces and consumes food’, will international standard of organic June for the Maha Season and that Asia: The countries with the highest organic share of total take these signals seriously. farming, two years is the minimum for financial support will also be given to The IFOAM report, which looks at the conversion period. That is where organic fertiliser producers. agricultural land 2019 the consolidated data from 2019, you are building your soil. It is only Locally produced organic fertiliser is Source: FiBL survey 2021 shows that once again, increasing after that can a farmer expect the to be purchased by State companies, demand for organic products same yield as you would have got with said Aluthgamage and further added Timor-Leste 8.5% stimulated growth in the industry chemical fertilisers, Lanka Organic that whatever challenge it might with organic food sales heading Agriculture Movement (LOAM) encounter, the arduous task of Sri Lanka towards the 110 billion Euro mark. President Thilak Kariyawasam told a building the country will be overcome Singapore 2.2% Double-digit growth rates were local newspaper. with the use of eco-friendly fertiliser. recorded in many advanced markets Last week the local Media reported Issues pertaining to production and Republic of Korea 1.8% for organic products. The production that three 40 foot containers of organic fertilisers will be overcome by side is also keeping pace: The latest organic fertiliser had arrived in Sri utilising local raw materials and Philippines 1.4% data shows that organic farmland Lanka from Tamil Nadu and that the technology. Bhutan 1.3% grew in many countries, and that material is being tested. The “Considering available facilities for total organic farmlands increased to containers were brought under the the production of organic fertiliser in India 1.3% more than 72 million hectares, Exports and Imports Control Act, the country, we will not resort to UAE 1.2% representing 1.5 per cent of officials said and it seems like no importation in the future. The matter agricultural land worldwide, approval was obtained from the of which we are discussing at Taiwan 1.2% managed by more than three million Director General of Agriculture for present,” the Minister further said. producers. their import. The consignment arrived Prof. Nimal Sanderatne, who Palestine 1.2% There were more than two million under a special category, the specialises in agrarian economics, hectares of certified organic 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% Government later said. spelt the danger of banning chemical agricultural land in Africa in 2019. According to protocol, respective fertiliser. “The economic Share of total agricultural land Compared to 2018, Africa reported officials must issue their consent consequences can be horrendous he 177,054 hectares more, a 9.5 per before the Director General of and it would reduce the production of A consultant to a Japanese said that the excessive use of cent increase. Agriculture can approve the permit to both food crops and export crops, company JIMA Co. Ltd, Sashi agrochemicals has led to birth defects The total area dedicated to import organic fertilisers. The impoverish farmers, decrease food Dhanatunge said that by allowing while medical surveys reveal that 30 organic agriculture in Asia was Government said they are going to availability, increase food prices and farmers to produce compost children are born blind every month more than 5.9 million hectares in amend this particular law but it reduce the accessibility of those with themselves, with special equipment or in Sri Lanka. 2019. There were 1.4 million hasn’t been done yet. low income to get adequate food, by using the equipment they already Alternatives producers, most of which were in A tremendous amount of testing is threaten food security, increase have, the organic fertiliser needed for India. The leading countries by area needed before organic waste can be import expenditure, reduce export a small plot of 10 acres can be made In a Nikkei Weekly article were India (2.3 million hectares) imported;experts need to test samples earnings and worsen the country’s within three months. published in August 2019, mentions and China (over 2.2 million before they are imported and not after weak external finances,” he told a Secondly, the compost needed for a company known as Iotech.Co, hectares). it arrives in bulk. local Media recently. commercial farms can be obtained by which provides consulting services As of the end of 2019, 16.5 million At a time when a pandemic is There are many studies that prove dedicated companies. This requires to the food industry on quality hectares of agricultural land in rocking the world it would be a grave organic fertiliser alone cannot supply composting machines that can make issues, having developed a Europe (European Union: 14.6 mistake to import compost from the food demand as the world large quantities cheaply. technology that neutralises more million hectares) were managed another country in this manner. population is growing faster and by Movement for Land and Agricultural than 50 per cent of substances organically by over 430’000 Organic matter that makes up 2044 it would reach around nine Reform believes that promoting found in agro chemicals. producers. compost consists of animal manure, billion. environmentally friendly agricultural The technology involves ionising Scientists and engineers should practices can be a solution to a host of calcium and other minerals and develop strategies aimed at the issues. They made several proposals causing these to react with progress of mankind rather than to help realise the goal of making Sri components, thereby neutralising banning a process currently in Lanka the first nation to succeed them. It could be used to remove practice. What is needed is to place Statistics & Emerging Trends 2021 without the use of agrochemicals. farm chemicals that have soaked the onus on chemical fertiliser They suggested a solid policy into the soil. manufacturers, importers, OCEANIA 35.9 MILLION HA decision a reality at the grassroots; by The method utilises unique distributors and users and impose EUROPE 16.5 MILLION HA presenting a solution to practical technologies in which seeds from fines if they are engaged in challenges that might come up and Iotech such as peach are fermented; environmental destruction. LATIN AMERICA 8.3 MILLION HA drawing lessons from local and ionising minerals contained in the Educational programmes are ASIA 5.9 MILLION HA international experiences. seeds and the results is then needed as well as long term plans to NORTH AMERICA 3.6 MILLION HA In the meantime, the overuse of blended in water. help people looking to buy organic chemical fertiliser has given rise to a The technology’s efficacy was produce. This is not like banning AFRICA 2 MILLION HA multitude of health issues and is the tested by spraying a solution the import of turmeric or vehicles, it cause for the rise in kidney diseases containing the ionised calcium and is a science. in Sri Lanka. The Agriculture Ministry other minerals onto Chinese cabbage – [email protected] focus sunday 13 june 2021 A11 Fight against COVID-19 Faulty Websites Hampering Vaccination Efforts? By Thameenah Razeek Samarasekara has never said the Ministry of Information Technology, campaign without undue interference. URL is forged, but he has said the declared that the Ministry was Sri Lanka has also been the victim of As the Government launched the website is still being developed as of the committed to ICTA's efforts.“We a different type of vaccine fraud. When second phase of the inoculation drive, end of May. collaborated closely with ICTA on this the Island Nation was preparing to extending it to senior citizens and project, and we initially thought the launch its COVID-19 immunisation pregnant mothers, the online software, About-turn knowledge gained would be beneficial campaign to the public, social media which enables citizens to register for At the beginning of June, his stance to the public. We even planned to give posts surfaced suggesting herbal cures their vaccines and was specifically was drastically different. He said, “It all citizens who finished the as an alternative to the vaccine. “Don't designed to drive the COVID-19 appears that the website will no longer immunisation programme, including take the lethal corona vaccine,” the immunisation programme in the be available to the public, because they the first and second doses, a certificate. poster says in Sinhala. All those who country, experienced glitches in were unable to complete the final The internationally recognised receive the Government-provided registering beneficiaries. phase. We asked the Ministry of Health certificate will act as a passport for COVID-19 vaccine will die within a The Information and Communication to provide us with information as soon anyone who wishes to travel abroad year, as their bodies deteriorate. All of Technology Agency (ICTA) did not as possible, so that we could publish when it becomes possible,” he said. this is part of a plan to sell Sri Lanka publicise the portal’s URL, but it was the link on the website and provide However, Dr. Munasinghe said they to foreigners.” widely circulated on social media and access to all. However, we did not were unable to provide data for the The COVID-19 vaccine supply is shared hundreds of times on receive a proper response as to when certification approval. increasing, and vaccination confidence WhatsApp. Several beneficiaries they will be able to provide us with the is rising, but the distribution network reported challenges ranging from being information, nor did we receive Too many cooks is still vulnerable due to broken unable to register, to not being able to statistics on the vaccination centres. As The College of Community Physicians websites. Millions of Sri Lankans use get a slot when the inoculation was up a result, the entire procedure has of Sri Lanka expressed their websites that are frequently inoperable for registration. ground to a halt,” he said. dissatisfaction with the country's to schedule vaccination appointments. However, in defence, the ICTA stated The next question that arises is, if a COVID-19 vaccination campaign. They This is not only decreasing vaccination that the site is legitimate, but has not developed website has reached its final believe that there are too many decision- rates, but it is also discouraging some yet gone live. They also blamed the phase and they are still unable to makers and a lack of coordination in the eligible persons from receiving the Ministry of Health, claiming that they complete it, what solution do they fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine. are waiting for the Ministry of Health to have? What will happen to the funds which resulted in a slew of problems. The most consumer-friendly place to notify them of the vaccination centres. they set aside to create the website? They went on to say that impromptu begin is with the reason why everyone Hiranya Samarasekara, Chief Will they keep it as it is until they There is also no particular restriction decisions made in the vaccination visits these sites: At a time when Technology Officer at ICTA, tweeted receive a response from the Health with the stakeholder that they are not campaign without a clear strategy to everyone, regardless of age or other that the WhatsApp message circulating Ministry, or will they abandon the allowed to release the URL before the meet individual needs or respond to medical conditions, is required to was not an official launch message. He project? formal launch, thus no action will be criticisms had resulted in chaos. The acquire at least one vaccination. was also convinced that the website In this connection, Samarasekara taken. College of Community Physicians of Sri Some people are concerned about would be available for registration by refused to provide information on the Despite the fact that he did not refute Lanka has noted a lack of a clear rollout receiving the second dose, while others the end of May. next step they hope to take or their the URL’s validity, Samarasekara said plan, a lack of prioritisation of the are concerned about receiving the first However, the beneficiaries were not backup plan. they were willing to give the service not available limited quantity of vaccines to jab. People are at a loss as to what they fortunate enough to gain access to the The second question is how the only to Astra Zeneca vaccinated minimise complications and deaths, should do, now that the website by the end of the previous website’s link got out. Samarasekara individuals, but also to others. inadequate planning leading to demand Administration has taken such a week. Therefore, Ceylon Today inquired said calmly that it happens frequently Health Secretary, Major General and supply mismatches, too many different approach. about Samarasekara's position. He said and that there is nothing to worry (Retired) Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, irrelevant stakeholders involved in the Many people believe that the COVID- the website would no longer be about. Recently, many ICTA-created said they have not received any vaccine campaign, inadequate risk 19 vaccination drive can be operational. He justified his response applications and websites have been information regarding the communication, and uncertainty at all streamlined, to ensure that the by pointing out that the website was blamed for data breaches. malfunctioning website, which they levels. public's growing trust in the vaccine is another failure and that the Health Many people began to criticise the believe has already been created. He Certain groups have made a not hampered by frustrating and Ministry did not provide enough Government-owned agency for failing to said they provided sufficient concerted attempt to smear the widely occasionally broken websites. Sri information in this connection. respect the privacy of patients and information for the website to be applauded national public health Lankans who are debating whether or The URL states that if eligible consumers. created. However, he was unaware of immunisation programmes, according not to get vaccinated could be more individuals have received the first dose However, it appears that the ICTA is the malfunctioning website, and no one to the statement. As a result, the willing if they learnt that booking of Covishield (Astra Zeneca) vaccine unconcerned about the data breach as from ICTA had notified him of the medical community is extremely appointments is easier. As the country and are awaiting the second dose, they well. He claimed that because the insufficient data or the website's concerned about the current situation. strives to make eligibility easier, it may should register using the vaccine. website was created as a collaboration, suspension. Authorities should allow technical also make the process of putting shots covid19.gov.lk/sign-in URL. a stakeholder might break the link. Jayantha de Silva, Secretary of the professionals to run the vaccine into arms easier.

Fight against COVID-19 Utilising Technology to Streamline Vaccine Drive Vital

By Eunice Ruth tensions and troubles with the vaccine for long-term follow-up transparent process which will the virus spread, by eliminating the public. Therefore, the Sri Lankan action, in the event it becomes follow policies and regulations of the need for mass gatherings and long With the surge in COVID-19 cases, Government, health officials, and the necessary. Government with regard to who gets queues,” he said. it is important to understand the Information and Communication “After submitting personal details, the vaccine and the location where Meanwhile, the pilot project to risks and avoid the spread. The Technology Agency of Sri Lanka the individuals will receive a date, they would receive it. This will be digitalise the COVID-19 vaccine rollout public should avoid gatherings at (ICTA) have decided to set up a time and allocated vaccination done in coordination with the Health was successfully completed on 19 May public places for various purposes. website for the online registration of centres for different areas will be Ministry and allied institutions such at the Army Hospital and also, Visiting hospitals to get vaccinated is the COVID-19 vaccination, which will announced in the Media, with links as Medical Officer of Health and currently, the testing process is ongoing another major concern which needs be user-friendly, flexible, and citizen- to the ICTA website. People will get a Grama Niladhari Divisions. Also, the in various Grama Niladhari Divisions. to be addressed immediately. Amid focused. time along with a code to be data collected will be released The website is expected to be available facing a difficult time with the Strategic Communications produced at their respective strictly only to the authorised to the public soon. The updates of the COVID-19 pandemic and its Specialist of ICTA, T.M.G. vaccination centres, which will medical staff. Apart from prepping website including the information challenges, it is important to Chandrasekara, said the website has enable them to get vaccinated for vaccines, the relevant medical regarding vaccine availability, date, understand the need for been developed by the ICTA in expeditiously, without having to wait staff will be able to use the data for time and vaccination centres has not digitalisation, without sticking to old partnership with the Ministry of in long queues. After receiving both research purposes, such as making been updated completely and the paper form database systems, to Health and other medical informatics vaccines, every individual will be inferences on how diseases Ministry of Health has to update the reduce mass public gatherings and staff. The website will allow citizens issued with a Government-certified, correlate, so that they can find the website with the relevant vaccine ease the work of the health officials. to register for their vaccines online internationally recognised best solutions for infected patients, details and MOH area details. Digitalisation has influenced many and is linked to the electoral registry certificate, bearing a QR code which he added. Last year, the ICTA supported the industries for years and with the database, which will facilitate confirms its authenticity,” “This software will help the country with another COVID-19 technology that exists today, there is information for all above the age of Chandrasekara said. Government to distribute the vaccine safety measure, with the launch of a solution to help the vaccination 18, he added. The digitalisation Meanwhile, ICTA Chairman, Prof. to all transparently and through this ‘Stay Safe,’ application, which is a process within the country. Also, the process will help in tracking the Lalith Gamage, said the Agency is system we will enable everyone to get QR Code-based system that allows Government and Health Officials vaccines belonging to different fully aware of the need to maintain the vaccine by prior appointments. the public to enter their personal found that digital solutions could pharmaceutical companies, which data security and has taken This measure will not only be a details via their mobile when going to save their time, increase response will help community health sectors measures to ensure data privacy. convenience to the public and health supermarkets, malls, hospitals, and rates, and resolve other unwanted understand the efficacy levels of each Digitalisation will facilitate a officials, but will also help to prevent offices. A12 sunday 13 june 2021 Focus Forsaken by her own country, a Sri Lankan dies alone in Japan ‘Please Help Me’ Cry Haunts Land of the Rising Sun Family accuses authorities of a cover-up

By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan

Migrant workers, asylum seekers, boat people, refugees fleeing their home country from poverty, oppression and war, have nothing to share but sorrows and the pathetic lives they spend in strange lands. But the death of Wishma Sandamali Rathnayake, who perished in a Japanese detention facility, is undeserved as Sri Lanka-Japan ties are deep rooted. The matter triggered a political upheaval in Japan whereas in Sri Lanka the news was met with silence. A 33-year-old elementary school teacher, Wishma were missing and the Rathnayake died in custody at immigration officer did not the Nagoya Immigration Centre know what an IV stands for. due to the lack of food and Wishma who was avoiding medical attention. Her death immigration officials over her shocked the Japanese more expired visa desperately showed than it did Sri Lankans up at the Police station in including the Sri Lankan Shizuoka, to seek protection Embassy who were seemingly from her abusive partner. She aware of her plight from the also had told them she would time she was detained. But why want to leave for Sri Lanka, but didn’t anyone come forward to had less than USD 20. Wishma her rescue? It is a question that has mentioned in her diary that needs to be analysed so that she had asked the embassy mistakes such as these don’t staff for an air ticket. recur. Immigration Bureau and revealed that Justice Ministry As she received a threatening Ceylon Today wrote to the Sri refused to disclose the details of officials are hesitant about letter from her fiancé that he Lankan Foreign Ministry her illness. releasing the CCTV footage to would take revenge and would requesting to clarify on The Japanese public have Wishma’s family and are buying follow her even if she goes to Sri Wishma’s death and is still realised through Wishma’s time by citing security concerns Lanka since she had reported awaiting a response. ordeal how Japan’s Immigration because it might expose these him to the Police. This led her to The Sri Lankan Mission in Agency treated foreign people so facilities that are usually contact START, to help her stay Japan has been questioned over inhumanly that the reserved for criminals, in Japan. In late December the unwarranted death by Government and the ruling including terrorists. It may 2020, she applied for Wishma’s two sisters who are coalition have abandoned plans reveal how frequently officers provisional release, but the currently in Tokyo, trying solve to enact a bill to revise the check-in on detainees and what request was denied in mid- the puzzle because they claim Immigration Control and routes they take. They argue February. She started that when a foreign citizen is Refugee Recognition Law during that such information must be complaining of stomach aches, detained, the immigration the current regular Diet kept confidential to prevent nausea and loss of appetite authority would first notify the session. detainees from escaping. from mid-January. Embassy of the news on the The grieving family wants The lawmakers have also “I am not well at all. Please detainee. in Japan by Japan’s the latter part of 2018, doing medical, post-mortem and stressed that with the ongoing help me,” she wrote to Akemi In this case, the Sri Lankan immigration services and the part-time jobs and later blood reports, and CCTV inquiries into Wishma’s death, Mano, 67, a local resident who Mission says they have no idea Sri Lankan Mission,” Wyomi teaching in an elementary footage to see what really had disclosing the CCTV footage had become involved in her about Wishma, contradicting and Poornima, who are school (she went to Japan in happened to Wishma. would hamper their proceedings case and who was planning to the fact that Wishma in her currently in Tokyo, said. 2017), she had been supporting But in the second year she making it difficult for the panel take her in if she were released. diary has mentioned she was in “When we saw Wishma in her her mother financially. She was could not manage her college members investigating the “I don’t want to bother you, but touch with a person named coffin, we could not recognise a contributor to Sri Lanka’s fees, so she resorts to working a matter. I have no one else who cares Roshan Gamage from the her as she looked extremely foreign exchange, but little was part-time job. But her fate came “Unless we see the video we about me,” Wishma wrote. Embassy. Gamage denies the thin. Her limbs were similar to done in return. in the form of her fiancé who cannot judge what had gone Supporters kept demanding claim. He told Wishma’s sisters; a haggard elderly in her 70s. The Embassy staff hinted to was also a Sri Lankan. Over the wrong and we need to tell our that immigration authorities get Poornima and Wyomi that the We could easily guess how the two sisters that Wishma’s months, she was abused by her mother about it,” Wyomi told her medical attention or grant death has become a political badly she has been treated.” death has been unnecessarily partner around the time her Ceylon Today. “How can we her a provisional release, but tool in Japan. He also said that The sisters also said that the politicised in Japan. “Had the student visa was expiring. She return without an answer to our their requests were denied. At since Wishma sought asylum in official at the Sri Lankan Sri Lankan Embassy and the had confided in many of her mother? She is eagerly waiting the end of February 2021, Japan, the matter rested in the Embassy had told them that Japanese Immigration Officials friends about her domestic and can we say ‘we don’t know Wishma requested provisional local authorities and the the Japanese authorities had done their duties properly, why abuse by her fiancé who also what happen to your daughter’. release again, saying that she embassy had not details issued an apology over would this matter go to the Diet threatened of consequences if I cannot say that,” she said. wanted to be treated at a thereupon. Wishma’s death. (Japanese Parliament)?” she goes back to Sri Lanka. Japanese hospital, but her application Ceylon Today reliably states “We are here, but no one said questioned Wishma’s sisters. She moved from place to place was rejected again. In her last that an officer named Kawauchi sorry to us,” they said, implying The Sri Lankan with an expired visa amid fight for justice days, Wishma lost weight and from Nagoya Immigration that the Sri Lankan Mission constant threats from her was seen in a wheelchair on 3 Centre had informed the Sri was lying to them. Embassy was informed fiancé. She decided to apply for Most of the matters related to March. Lankan Embassy of Wishma’s A panel of independent asylum in Japan and contacted Wishma’s ordeal was revealed A psychiatrist who saw detention. Japanese lawyers and civil Ceylon Today has also some human rights activists to to the two sisters after they Wishma on 4 March, The Japanese Government is rights activists who invited the obtained a few pages of her support her. According to her arrived in Tokyo. According to recommended she should be known to be harsh on illegal sisters said they have asked diary where she mentions an sisters, Wishma’s asylum their sources, Wishma fell ill in granted a provisional release, immigrants with many deaths time till 7 July to investigate the official named Roshan Gamage application was rejected twice mid-January this year. stating in a report to the Nagoya reported in detention centres tragic death. from the Sri Lankan Embassy by Japanese Immigration. According to START, Wishma immigration centre that her while detainees waited for their Japan’s Justice Minister Yoko in Tokyo to whom she had Over threats by her fiancé, showed up with a bucket when condition would improve if she asylum claims or refugee status Kamikawa and the Immigration confided to get her an air ticket she finally surrendered to the organisation’s staff visited was released. But the to be approved. Control Authority have come to return to Sri Lanka and that immigration authorities at the her at the detention centre Immigration Authority Compared to wealthy under fire over Wishma’s death she needs help. Nagoya Regional Immigration because she could not eat or suspected that Wishma was countries, Japan is the lowest and their response to the There was an outpouring of Services Bureau in 2020 walk and was frequently feigning illness to gain in approving asylum for tragedy. sadness and anger by the August where she was detained. nauseas. She was also mentally provisional release and foreigners. Japan never Death in vain Japanese public who According to Kyodo News, stressed. According to Wyomi, conveyed this view to the encourages asylum and usually denounced the way migrant Wishma was terrified of her Wishma had been vomiting psychiatrist. When the less than one per cent are For merely overstaying her workers are been treated. abusive partner. Yasunori blood. psychiatrist had recommended granted asylum and in 2020 visa, Wishma was detained like Wishma’s death vividly Matsui, who works for START, a The staff worried about her to release Wishma, the interim only 47 persons sought asylum a criminal in a single cell, cut showcased the other side of the support organisation for foreign poor health and repeatedly report of the Agency removed in Japan. It is also said that at off from the rest of the world Japan’s tight-fisted rule. There workers and refugees, had been asked the Bureau to let her be that recommendation and said least 24 detainees have died and only allowed a were protests and silent prayers meeting Wishma since administered an IV (an it did not include the since 1997, according to the representative from a non- held for Wishma, while less December 2020. She initially intravenous drip). But her recommendation in Japanese Lawyers Network for governmental organisation attention was paid in Sri Lanka thought that the immigration request has been not granted. consideration of Wishma’s Refugees. Based on the called START to visit her. over her tragic death due to agency was a shelter and would Some of the medical documents honour and privacy. statistics of Japan’s When a foreigner is detained starvation and illness. protect her, Matsui said. Immigration Services Agency, in Japan, it is immediately Lawmakers, especially from “Wishma called us last in the the estimated number of foreign informed to the relevant Japan’s opposition party, end of 2019 and told us not to Interim report not the continuous complaints nationals who overstayed was embassy and it was the same in debated the new immigration worry that she will sort out her finalised yet - Japanese lodged by the late Ms. 82,892 as of 1 January 2020, Wishma’s case. Her diary law that came after Wishma’s visa matter. That is all we heard Embassy, Colombo Rathnayake of her where 1,112 were Sri Lankans. mentions: “I called the embassy death and rejected the new bill and we know she will work it Ceylon Today posted several indisposition as well as In 1 May 1993, when the in the morning. I have the name that would have a strong through. However, there was no questions to the Japanese various appeals made by her highest number of foreign of Satsui San and Miku San implication on migrant news until a Policeman came to Embassy, Colombo over supporters. nationals overstaying their who came to meet me. I gave all workers. Due to strong our house in Kadawatha saying Wishma’s death. On 9 April 2021, the authorised period of stay was the embassy details to them”. contentions from the civil that he was sent by the Foreign Embassy of Japan Immigration Services Bureau recorded, it was 298,646, out of She died on 6 March and her societies and human rights Ministry to inform about the response: First and foremost, in Japan published an interim which 3,763 were Sri Lankans. body remained in the mortuary activists in Japan, the bill was death of our sister.” we would like to express our report of the investigation Detention and caring for the until her sisters travelled to overturned. Wishma’s mother was in deepest condolences to the regarding this case, which, in detainee is the duty of the host Tokyo on 31 April. After her death, many shock and she wants to know late Ms. Rathnayake and to due course, will be finalised Government, hence the death of In her diary dated August Japanese realised that their how she died, while under her bereaved family. We take after incorporating the views a person under their custody is 2020 she wrote: “I want to go to immigration system needed to Japanese custody. The family this case very gravely as Ms. provided by external experts. serious crime committed on an Sri Lanka.” Her medical report be reformed. However, the believes that the best evidence Rathnayake passed away We refrain from making unarmed person. mentions her cause of death as Japanese Government on how Wishma died can only despite medical treatments by further comments with regard “Wishma was treated with a ‘unidentified’. submitted the bill to amend the be found on CCTV footage from the doctors at the Immigration to the rest of the inquiries, lack of sensitivity to human Despite the stressful life immigration law to strengthen the detention facility. Services Bureau as well as at because the case is still under rights and international norms Wishma spent in Japan from the authority of the Many Japanese Media outlets a private hospital, following investigation. FOCUS SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 A13 CEB Made Vital Contribution to SL’s Solar Power Revolution By Eng. Lanka Perera and Energy (GWh) Annual Energy Contribution from NCRE projects 10.8% 10,000 50 become more vigilant to the varying Eng. Rohan Seneviratne 11.1% 9.9% 10.0% 9,000 45 solar market conditions in the technical 1400 as well as in the financial sense. 9.8% 8,000 40 Sri Lanka, being an island situated % energy from NCRE to 9.9% 8.2% Regardless of these continuous 1200 the total energy demand tions 7,000 35 near the equator, is blessed with a improvements and contributions by significant amount of solar radiation or 1000 6,000 30 CEB to promote renewable energy, 6.3% onnec 5,000 25 sunlight, to be put in plain terms, 800 6.8% 6.3% critics have always pointed out that SL throughout the country, year-round. 4,000 20 is on a slow drive and CEB is an 5.5% Looking at this fact and the rapid 600 impediment for promotion of solar and 4.4% 3,000 15 Capacity MW developments in solar technology, 3.7%3.5% SL should meet major percentage of 400 3.2% 2,000 10 many individuals claim that solar 2.6% Number of C increasing electricity demand by power generation would be Sri Lanka’s 200 1.5%1.6% 1,000 5 renewable energy resources. Yet, 0.6%1.0% best option to achieve its goals of low- - - 0 despite abundance of resources like carbon electricity generation and 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 wind and solar, the possibility of a providing low-cost electricity to the 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 100% renewable fed system needs to be Year Connections Capacity MW people, in light of the pressing need to analysed, giving due consideration to meet the growing demand. Figure 1: Energy Generation by NCRE Schemes (ceb.lk) Figure 2: Growth of Net Metered Solar Facilities (CEB) technical and financial constraints. SL And, there has always been an has so far tapped the full potential of uproar regarding relevant authorities Electricity production by source, Sri Lanka Electricity production by source, Sri Lanka World major hydro schemes and is left with and professionals either turning a blind Change countryRelative Change countryRelative only NCRE resources like mini-hydro, eye towards this solar potential lying in wind, solar, bio-mass for any new Other renewables 25,000 TWh Other renewables Solar Solar front of us or purposely trying to add Wind renewable additions. Resources like 14 TWh Wind friction to an otherwise smooth journey wind and solar are inherently 20,000 TWh Hydropower 12 TWh of popularising this green energy Hydropower intermittent and their output fluctuates 2019 source, delivered free at our doorstep. 2019 Nuclear according to the real-time availability of 10 TWh Other renewables 682.88 terawatt-hours Other renewables 0.1 terawatt-hours 15,000 TWh Oil In particular, Ceylon Electricity Board Solar 704.02 terawatt-hours wind and sunlight. This adversely Solar 0.37 terawatt-hours Nuclear 8 TWh Wind 1,416.95 terawatt-hours (CEB) being the major electricity utility Wind 0.37 terawatt-hours Gas affects balancing supply and demand of Hydropower 4261.24 terawatt-hours in SL is blamed time and time again for Hydropower 6.48 terawatt-hours 10,000 TWh 6 TWh Nuclear 2,720.67 terawatt-hours the power system and its stability. Also, Nuclear 0 terawatt-hours Oil hindering the progression of solar Oil 4.87 terawatt-hours Oil 1,089.31 terawatt-hours it in turn requires either adequate 414 TWh Gas 0 terawatt-hours Gas 5,943.11 terawatt-hours industry. Gas 5,000 TWh reliable generation reserve from other Coal 3.64 terawatt-hours Coal 9,081.62 terawatt-hours Coal Whether these accusations are based 2 TWh Total 25,899.81 terawatt-hours resources or enough energy storage Total 15.82 terawatt-hours Coal on facts or are mere misconceptions connected to the system to compensate 0 TWh 0 TWh needs to be explored further. In this 2000 2005 2010 2015 2019 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 for the fluctuating supply and to Source: OurWorld in Data based on BP Statistical Review of World Energy & Ember (2021) OurWorldInData.org/energy . CC BY context, it is worthwhile looking Source: OurWorld in Data based on BP Statistical Review of World Energy & Ember (2021) OurWorldInData.org/energy . CC BY maintain system stability. Additional Note: Other renewables’ includes biomass and waste, geothermal, wawe and tidal. Note: Other renewables’ includes biomass and waste, geothermal, wawe and tidal. through the path of progression of solar financial burden has to be borne to industry in SL, especially CEB’s additions to the scheme were upgrade the existing transmission and contribution to date and what is in introduced specifically for solar distribution networks to smart grids to store for its future. connections. The expanded concept support the high penetration of Up to 1999, over 50% of electricity consisted of three schemes, Net- renewable sources like wind and solar. generation was fulfilled by renewable Metering, Net Accounting and Net Plus. As per CEB Least Cost Generation Plan, energy, which mainly consisted of large The Net Metering scheme was it is envisaged to generate 70% of hydropower generation. Meanwhile, in retained, with option for existing electrical energy requirements through 1996, embedded generators were customers to shift to another scheme. clean energy sources by 2030, out of interconnected to CEB’s distribution Net Accounting and Net Plus Schemes which 50% is to be generated from network, under power purchase were allowed for power producers using renewable energy sources. To achieve agreements. Grid interconnection of solar energy and installations this target, CEB is planning to integrate Non-Conventional Renewable Energy necessarily had to be on actual 2,338 MW of solar and 765 MW of wind (NCRE) generation plants of up to 10 functional roofs and not on ground or power to the national grid by 2030. This MW was initiated this year. Under structures erected for the purpose of is challenging and at the same time NCRE umbrella, renewable energy adding more solar capacity. These creates many business opportunities sources like mini-hydro, solar, bio- schemes also included payments for for the private sector to invest in solar mass (community waste, dendro) and energy fed to the network by the and wind power projects. wind are considered. As a progressive customer, unlike in the initial scheme. It is paramount to meet low carbon step, in 1997 CEB introduced the grid Under the Net Accounting scheme, goals, just as it is essential to provide interconnection standards and customer’s consumption and solar testing of solar installations connected construction stage and it is expected to reliable and low-cost energy to support procedures for embedded generators. generation were set off against each to low-voltage feeders and be commissioned within the next 12-15 economic growth. Hence, it is important Owing to technical constraints at that other and a payment was made for recommendation for tariff for the HT months. The balance capacity is for a developing country like SL to time, CEB did not allow connections of excess generation at the introduced metering solar installations were expected to be connected to the adopt a gradual process of phasing out renewable energy facilities to the low export tariff, of Rs 22 per unit during formulated. At end April 2021, SL has national grid in the next 2 years. fossil fuels, based on a scientific voltage system. the first seven years and from the 32,411 roof solar installations with Further, CEB expects to initiate approach, rather than rebelling for an Another favourable step to NCRE eighth year up to twentieth year, Rs total capacity of 367 MW. Out of the another 90 MW ground-mounted Solar overnight green change. SL seems to be developers including solar projects, was 15.50 per unit. The contract period was above, 16,472 are installations (121 PV Power Plant tender in (1-10) MW progressing on that path, by promoting the introduction of a cost-based, extended to 20 years. MW) operate as Net Metering scheme, capacity and 60 MW ground-mounted renewable energy and introducing technology-specific and three-tier tariff Net Plus scheme accounted for 14,392 installations (113.5 MW) Solar PV Power Plant tender in 10 MW liquid natural gas as gap fuel, with from 2007. This allowed a project energy consumption and generation operate on Net Accounting scheme, and capacity during the upcoming months contributions of all stakeholders. developer to cover its operation and separately. The generation from solar another 1,547 installations (132 MW) to further bolster the renewable energy So, with all this progression, how far maintenance and capital costs and it PV plant was directly exported to the operate on Net Plus scheme. integration to the national grid. At have we come in the solar industry? ensured an assured return on capital. network and the customer was paid as Overvoltage issues at low-voltage present, the installed capacity of How far behind are we in the global From the inception in 1996, the NCRE per the introduced export tariff, same network in the daytime is becoming ground-based solar installations is 84 solar power generation arena? sector in SL has gradually evolved and as in Net Accounting. Customer’s total quite a common problem in urban MW. According to BP Statistical Review of annual energy contribution by NCRE consumption was billed at the normal areas, where the locations have a Over the years, while rooftop solar World Energy (2021), solar electricity was continually on the rise. tariff. The export tariff is Rs 22 per unit higher amount of rooftop Solar PVs energy generation has continually generation of the world is 2.7% of the 2008 marked another milestone in during the first seven years and from installed. Electricity flows from higher grown, CEB diversified its solar arena total generation and that of SL is the path of renewable energy sector in the eighth year up to twentieth year, Rs voltage to lower voltage. The inverter in 2020 by launching a project to around 2.3% and growing. This is a SL, as Cabinet approved the Net 15.50 per unit. Contract period was has to be running at a higher voltage implement 7,000 nos. of 75 kW ground- sign that SL is on the path to a greener Metering concept. This opened doors extended to 20 years. The capacity of than the grid, so it can push power out. based solar PV generating systems, future. But what lies ahead? for the utilities’ bulk and ordinary the solar installation was extended to On a sunny day, when a household’s under Build-Own-Operate (BOT), near Even though the SL solar industry customers alike, to connect a renewable contract demand of the roof owner. The generation exceeds its consumption, distribution transformers in rural has matured from its inception, up to energy source to the low-voltage above prices were so attractive to the the solar inverter pushes electricity into areas, under National Competitive now it primarily has been a passive network. To allow for implementation of solar developers and less favourable to the grid and this lifts the network Bidding. The distribution transformers one, where technology-wise local net energy metering scheme, the ‘Grid CEB, as CEB average selling price to voltage slightly, depending on the where the solar facilities are to be value-addition is minimal. All major Interconnection Standards for Net the customers is about Rs 16.50. distance from the transformer. The connected have been identified by CEB, equipment such as solar PV panels Metering of on Grid Renewable Energy Favourable export tariff for problem occurs when a large number of after a technical study. Solar facility and inverters are imported and utilised Based Generating Facility’ was customers, added to the growth of solar PV installations are connected to implementers are to be selected via a locally, which is approximately 80% of formulated and published in 2010, in rooftop solar industry, while the utility the same low-voltage line and every competitive bidding process and the bid project cost. It is important that which CEB was a pioneer. That year, incurred additional expenditure in solar installation pushes power into the has been published. The project is investments are made in areas like CEB formulated and published the ‘Net implementing these schemes. Despite system. This lifts the network voltage expected to add 525 MW of solar power major component assembling or Energy Metering Manual.’ The allowable this, CEB spearheaded in establishing above the regulatory limits. This can to the national grid and contribute manufacturing, to enlarge the scope of size of a facility started with 42 kW and standards and procedures related to cause damage to sensitive electrical 1,000 GWh of electrical energy per year local value addition. Sri Lanka has so was then enhanced to 10 MW and later provision of these schemes and equipment connected to the network. to the country. Further, CEB will far explored only mini-scale solar on reduced to 1,000 kW. The scheme proactively took actions to promote Voltage rise amount caused by Solar PV financially benefit, since the tariff for power generation, with specific came into effect from July 2010. these schemes by enlightening increases when the distance from the the solar energy will be decided via attention to rooftop solar and small- In this scheme, no payment was customers, fast-tracking service distribution transformer increases. It is competitive bidding (approximately Rs scale ground-based solar. Large-scale made to the customer. The energy providing procedures, and effecting nearly impossible to connect Solar PV 16 per unit) and also this will solar power generation facilities are consumption (import) and the energy payments to customers. systems which are to be connected at contribute to CEBs goal to achieve 70% not yet implemented. The feasibility of fed (export) to the network were set off In 2016, almost immediate to the far end locations from the distribution electricity generation via clean energy adding large-scale solar power plants against each other. Any excess introduction of the Net Plus schemes, transformers without violating voltage sources by 2030. to the national grids has to be studied generation was carried forward up to 10 the Ministry of Power and Energy, limits. Thereby, it is quite obvious that In this course of progression, CEB further and new projects should be years and any excess usage was billed launched a project called “Soorya Bala there is an upper cap of domestic solar has constantly evolved in establishing created. Furthermore, if we envision a at normal tariff. Sangramaya” in collaboration with PV systems which can be absorbed to standards, developing technical country with high renewable Even though this scheme was not CEB, Sustainable Energy Authority low-voltage networks. specifications, testing procedures and penetration, steps have to be taken to limited to solar and any renewable (SLSEA), and LECO, to promote rooftop From 2017 onwards, CEB initiated in human capacity-building in the solar upgrade our transmission networks to source could be connected, customers solar plants. Then target was to add tenders to procure energy from ground- sector. Also, in parallel, the other smart grids, to suit such scenario. predominantly consisted of solar 200 MW by solar generation to the mounted Solar PV Power Plants. The industry stakeholders have grown, with Apart from human technical capacity- facilities. With the passing years, the national grid by 2020 and 1,000 MW by initiated ground-mounted Solar PV time. More and more solar PV vendors building, SL has to explore new solar market constantly evolved. By 2025. With the relentless work of CEB Power Plant tenders are in the form of 1 have come into the market and with the business models and investment 2016, the Net Metered solar customer and contributions of all stakeholders in MW x 60 plants, 10 MW x 2 plants, 1 ever-growing competition, vendors have options to make such large-scale solar base of CEB had grown to 4,690 and the rooftop solar industry, by 2017, MW x 90 plants, 10 MW Solar PV Power improved their technical know-how. power plants a reality. that of Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) within one year of launching the Plant with Agriculture Farming and 150 Further, the standards of equipment The Government, a utility, any Ltd (LECO) had reached 1,795. project, total solar capacity increased MW Solar PV Power Plants in (1-10) such as solar panels, inverters, battery authority, the private sector, or a Capacity wise, 32 MW had been added from 30 MW to 100 MW. Further, in MW capacity and the total expected banks and other associated equipment, citizen alone will not be able to make to the system via Net Metered solar 2017, CEB developed the procedure to capacity of those initiated tenders are the workmanship, and the value-added the future of the solar industry of SL generation by 2016. The average size of absorb HT Metering customers under about 330 MW. At present, 33 nos. of services provided, such as online brighter. It would only be a reality if all a connected solar installation was Net Plus scheme, with capacities of 1 Solar PV Power Plants amounting to 33 energy monitoring systems have parties come forward and collaborate approximately 5 kW. MVA or above. In this, the procedure MW capacity have been connected to improved. Not to mention the existing to do their part in setting strategic The solar market was gaining and technical requirement for the national grid and about 59 Solar PV and prospective solar customers have goals, research, capacity-building, momentum, when in 2016 another connection of High-Tension metering Power Plants amounting to 77 MW become more knowledgeable and keen investments, and utility perspectives. progressive step in the Net Metering consumers under Net Plus Scheme, capacity, having signed the Power in this area. Utilities, private solar We are hopeful of such a brighter scheme was introduced. The new Procedure on commissioning and Purchase Agreement with CEB are in vendors and customers all alike have future. A14 SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 FOCUS

By Charani Patabendige speech and expression including publication, the freedom of peaceful War is futile, war is destructive, and assembly, the freedom of association, war creates misery. Sri Lanka freedom either by himself or in underwent a three-decade war with association with others to manifest one of the world’s notorious terrorist his religion or belief in worship, organisations known as the Liberation Hatred Does observance, practice and teaching, the Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and won freedom of movement and of choosing the battle against terrorism. In a his residence within Sri Lanka; and country like Sri Lanka, which is the freedom to return to Sri Lanka”. All multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and these rights are applicable without any multi-religious, the occurrence of segregation to all ethnicities. However, violence is evident. The challenge is to Not Cease By Article 15 of the Constitution is on deter violence and mitigate potential restrictions of fundamental rights. threats. To prevent violence, one of Certain Articles are “proscribed by law the best practices is to foster peace in the interests of national security, and reconciliation. Nonetheless, public order and the protection of promoting peace and reconciliation public health or morality, or to secure becomes a strenuous task due to due recognition and respect for the various reasons. Therefore, to attain Hatred, But rights and freedoms of others, or of peace criminal justice system cannot meeting the just requirements of the fight alone, reconciliation becomes a general welfare of a democratic society. pivotal factor. Measures to ensure peace Array of Reasons for War and stability There are an array of reasons Only By Love behind war and nothing can be Following is a list of some of the further from the truth; war occurs measures taken in the aftermath of due to denial of rights. Therefore, it is the war to ensure peace and stability important to look into the acts of the of the country: past, which initiated enmity and • 2010 Lessons Learned and created a rift. The turmoil between Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Tamils and Sinhalese came into • Secretariat to Coordinate the existence due to a series of events Reconciliation Mechanisms (SCRM) committed by both parties. In the year • The Right to Information Act No. 12 of 1949, Indian Tamil plantation of 2016 workers were disenfranchised. • Office for Reparations Act No. 34 of Moreover, the Ceylon Citizenship Act 2018 denied citizenship to Tamils of Indian • Convention for the Protection of All origin creating controversy. It is Persons from Enforced important to mention the chaos Disappearance created by the Sinhala Only Act • Convention on the Rights of Persons passed in 1956, by S.W.R.D. with Disabilities Bandaranaike. The Act opened doors • Human Rights Commission of Sri for the underprivileged Sinhala Lanka community to rise and engage in • Election Commission administration by eliminating the • Office for Missing Persons language barrier. However, this was • Office for Reparations detrimental to Tamils whose majority • ILO Convention on Employment spoke English. Moreover having less Policy population intensified the situation • Witness Protection of Victims of and political insecurity created Crime and Witnesses Act violence. • Distribution of lands of Tamils The objective behind forming LTTE bestowed property rights back to the was setting a separate homeland - the owner, conversely, lapses and delay Tamil Eelam. Tamil Tigers were a in distribution obstructed justice group designed to fight for ‘self- leading to justice undone. determination’. The motive of the The above steps taken at times LTTE does not serve the purpose of achieved success and at times became harmony, which the Tamils wanted; a failure. The success of one project Prabhakaran claimed a part of the fails due to the introduction of another land, which is an infringement of the by a new government. For that reason, interest of all population. Therefore, it is pivotal that there should be a his struggle was not a depiction of all consensus in the de radicalising the Tamils; it was his agenda to come process to create harmony between to power by attempting to oust the ethnicities. The implementation of the legitimate Government. The victims of above measures will be an asset to his violence composed of Sinhalese, the country as it enhances stability Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, and Taking up the challenge of Sri Lanka is a unitary State.” This between ethnicities. others, who craved for peace to live explicitly displays that the division of Yet, one significant lacuna that without terror. The resulting hatred and continuous the land is in contravention to the law impedes the road to reconciliation is provocation gave rise to violence by and against the best interest of the the lack of psychological Dark Period both parties. With the failure of the people. The Constitution displays the reconciliation to which the The year 1981 marks a dark period ceasefire agreement, due to lost hope, protection provided to the diverse Government needs to pay attention. in Sri Lanka’s history due to the the Sri Lankan Government took the population of Sri Lanka For this, increasing citizen burning of the Jaffna Library. The challenge of defending the lives of all notwithstanding ethnicity or religion. participation in the reconciliation literature lost was precious and the the civilians by conducting a Chapter II of the Constitution is much process, promoting healthy dialogue, damage done is irreversible to the humanitarian mission, consequently disputed for giving Buddhism the youth participation in politics and whole country. On the other hand, quashing terrorism and upholding foremost place nonetheless it states, law, psychological support, there were major human rights law peace. The popular opinion and the “while assuring to all religions the rights community engagement and violations and humanitarian accusation posed by western countries granted by Articles 10 and 14(1) (e)”, economic assistance can bridge the violations committed by the LTTE. is that Sinhalese are against Tamils; which shows that any religion will not gap between ethnicities in addition to They attacked religious places, however, the reality suggests otherwise. be subordinate to another. Therefore, an effective criminal justice system. including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya It is an obvious fact that there are all religions are free from Peace is a process that must be in 1985, the Kattankudy Mosque in conflicts in any country and diversity in discrimination. accomplished mutually and not 1990 and massacred 147 men and the composition becomes a challenge Article 12 is on right to equality, individually. Therefore, civilians too boys and the Temple of Tooth Relic in when fostering peace and which states all persons are equal have to harmonize with one another. Kandy in 1998. These are non- reconciliation. which precludes the reconciliation before the law and are entitled to the The beauty of living in a multi- military targets. They closed the gates Moreover, Tamils in Sri Lanka who process. Additionally, “LTTE uses the equal protection of the law. Article cultural, multi-ethnic country is that of Mavil Aru preventing water from witnessed war, who knew the reality actions of the Transnational further states, “no citizen shall the said diversity itself makes them reaching the area, which is a basic despised violence. “Nonetheless, most Government of Tamil Eelam, the Global be discriminated against on the unified. The 2004 Tsunami as well as right; they bombed economic places Tamils abroad remain profoundly Tamil Forum, and the British Tamil grounds of race, religion, language, present COVID-19 pandemic proved such as the Central bank, Colombo committed to Tamil Eelam, the Forum indirectly to achieve its political caste, sex, political opinion, place of that we are divided by ethnicity but International Airport, and the existence of a separate State in Sri goal, a Tamil homeland. The Tamil birth, or any one of such grounds”. united during a struggle, there is no Kollonawa oil refinery. The LTTE Lanka. This has widened the gap Eelam People’s Assembly, as well as Furthermore, it states that it shall be segregation when it comes to charity killed many leaders, Army Personnel between the diaspora and Tamils in Sri ex-combatant and intelligence groups, lawful for a person to acquire within when people are in need, we share and the public irrespective of their Lanka. Most in the country are continue to adhere to radical ideas of a a reasonable time sufficient and care among each other. When we ethnicity and country such as Rajiv exhausted by decades of war and are remerging LTTE insurgency.” Moreover, knowledge of any language as a see a differently-abled person we do Gandhi, Ranasinghe Premadasa, more concerned with rebuilding their usage of the proscribed LTTE flag in qualification for any employment or not hesitate to help, we do not ask Nataraja Raviraj, Lakshman lives under difficult circumstances than foreign countries is an infringement of office in the public… employment or what your ethnicity is. When a baby Kadirgamar, Admiral Clancy in continuing the struggle for an law. Hence, the Government needs to office”. Article 12(3) is wide in scope is smiling, you hold their little hand Fernando, and Matara Kithalagama independent state.” Former LTTE takes necessary diplomatic measures to it display language does not become and appreciate the beauty. We cheer Sri Seelalankara Thera. These attacks Women’s political wing remedy the condition and deter a barrier, thus the word “any the same way when Murali takes a were against Sri Lankans it was not leader Thamilini Jeyakkumaran, in her violence. language” upholds the fact that all wicket and Sanath scores a six. If we against Tamils; therefore, the book Under the Shadow of a Sharp- Briefly, challenges posed to the ethnicities are welcomed and as a nation heal the wounds of the allegation of Genocide fails here. Edged Blade, states as follows, “No river reconciliation process includes political diversity is not an obstruction. past and acknowledge the efforts we These attacks were in strict breach of of blood should flow in this land again. insecurity, lack of consensus between Proviso to the section lists that no have taken, quashing the inner human rights as well as the laws of No mother should wail beating her belly ethnicities and external threats such as persons shall on the grounds of demons of hatred will lead to peace armed conflict. that held her child or the coffin that diaspora and politically motivated language, caste, sex, or any one of and reconciliation. carries his or her dead body. Our future countries and organizations. Thus, it is such grounds, be subject to any generations should strive incessantly to important to look at the steps taken to disability, liability, restriction, or win a world through their intellectual promote peace and reconciliation. condition concerning access to prowess only” .Therefore, it is clear that Rights given to all ethnicities shops, public restaurants, hotels, there is no point in hatred against the places of public entertainment, and Tamil community and the said Firstly, when looking at the 1978 places of public worship of his expressions by Tamils speaks Constitution of the Democratic Socialist religion. for themselves. Republic of Sri Lanka, the supreme law Article 14 sheds light on External threats such of the country, we can witness a range a plethora of rights as Tamil Diaspora of rights given to all ethnicities. Article such as are a challenge, 02 of the Constitution states, “Republic the “freedom of SPORTS SUNDAY 13 JUNE 2021 A15 Limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka Dhawan to

Shikhar Dhawan Lead India

Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Zealand (18 June onwards), followed by Gaikwad, who has a healthy average reserve bowler during the four-match England earlier this year, but failed to Nitish Rana, K Gowtham and Chetan a five-Test series against England of 47.87 in List A cricket, has scored home Test series against England clear the mandatory fitness test. Sakariya have all received maiden call- starting in August. That makes this the five half-centuries in 13 IPL matches. recently and, during that series, he The pair of Shreyas Iyer and T ups to the national team, figuring in the first instance of two senior Indian men's As for Rana, the Knight Riders' regular, captured the headlines when he Natarajan were not considered for 20-man India squad for the white-ball teams operating simultaneously in he has 13 fifties in the IPL and a total of became the most expensive uncapped selection as they are both still series in Sri Lanka, scheduled for July. bilateral series. 1,638 runs. He also has three centuries Indian player in the IPL when the recovering from surgeries. Iyer had The second-string squad - the main It is no surprise that four of the five in List A cricket for Delhi in the Super Kings paid INR 9.25 crore (US$ hurt his shoulder during the ODI team will be in England at the time - uncapped players - Gowtham the domestic circuit. 1,273,000 approx.) for him, beating series against England and had will be captained by opening batter exception - all made strong impressions Probably the biggest surprise in the bids from the Sunrisers Hyderabad undergone surgery in April, which had Shikhar Dhawan, who has never led in the last two seasons of the IPL. squad, though, is Sakariya. The left- and the Knight Riders. In the 2020 ruled him out of the IPL. Natarajan, India previously, and have fast bowler Padikkal and Gaikwad have been arm fast bowler from Saurashtra was IPL, too, Gowtham had bagged a who made a fairy-tale debut in Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the vice- successful as openers at the Royal bought by the Royals in the auction massive sum from the Punjab Kings Australia in all three formats at the captain. Challengers Bangalore and Chennai before the 2021 IPL for INR 1.2 crore (then Kings XI Punjab), who released turn of the year, had to abandon the India's Sri Lanka tour comprises six Super Kings respectively, while Rana (USD 164,000 approx.), which proved him after the season after fielding him IPL to undergo knee surgery. matches: three ODIs (on 13, 16 and 18 has been a regular in the top order at to be an inspired investment. Sakariya, in just two matches. Gowtham has 57 Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), July), followed by three T20Is (21, 23, the Kolkata Knight Riders for a few 23, has picked up seven wickets in wickets in 35 List A matches for Bhuvneshwar Kumar (vice-capt), 25 July). Former India captain Rahul seasons, and pacer Sakariya made an seven IPL matches so far, and his Karnataka and has a batting strike Prithvi Shaw, Devdutt Padikkal, Dravid has been confirmed as the head impressive start to his stint with the victims include MS Dhoni, KL Rahul, rate of 141.26 in List A and 159.24 in Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, coach for the tour, although the BCCI Rajasthan Royals in the truncated Mayank Agarwal, Suresh Raina, T20s respectively. Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Nitish did not announce the entire roster of 2021 edition. Ambati Rayudu and Rana. The squad also features spinner Rana, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju support staff on Thursday when it Padikkal became the first Indian to The India call-up is bound to be a Varun Chakravarthy, who has been Samson (wk), Yuzvendra Chahal, made public details of the squad, which hit four consecutive List A centuries, bittersweet moment for Sakariya, who picked for the third time by the Rahul Chahar, K Gowtham, Krunal will have five reserve bowlers. while opening for Karnataka during the lost his father to COVID-19 selectors since the 2020 IPL. Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun India will have to field a team in Sri Indian domestic Vijay Hazare 50-over immediately after he returned home Chakravarthy, who plays for the Chakravarthy, Deepak Chahar, Lanka shorn of its premier players tournament this year. Padikkal, who once the IPL had been suspended Knight Riders, had been selected for Navdeep Saini, Chetan Sakariya because the main squad, captained by made his IPL debut with the Royal indefinitely in early May. the T20I series in Australia last year Net bowlers: Ishan Porel, Sandeep Virat Kohli, is currently in England Challengers in IPL 2020, has 668 runs For 32-year-old Gowtham, too, the but did not travel because of a Warrier, Arshdeep Singh, R. Sai getting ready for the inaugural World in 21 IPL matches at an average of India call-up means a step up from shoulder injury, and was again picked Kishore, Simarjeet Singh Test Championship final against New 33.40 and a strike rate of 131.75. the fringes. He was included as a for the home T20I series against (Agencies)

Rugby Scrapbook Asher-Smith COVID and Long-Term Player Development storms to By Vimal Perera in boys; Learn to Train. From the onset of the growth spurt, 200m Diamond The COVID environment has children are ready to begin given little for rugby fans in Sri developing foundational sport Lanka to feel positive. It is so for skills. League victory most sports globally, but some are 4. Ages 11 to 15 for girls and 12 to gradually raising their head. From 16 for boys. Train to Train. The Britain’s Dina Asher- where will the next generation of ages at the defined stage for Smith clocked her fastest Tuskers come? boys and girls based on the time outside of a major Cricketers were axed for failing onset and duration of the championship as she the fitness tests — a criterion growth spurt. The stage at powered to victory in the touted as required for high- which people are physiologically 200 metres at the third performance. Bhanuka Rajapakse responsive to stimuli and Diamond League meeting voiced his disappointment. training; in other words, the of the season in Florence Mickey Arthur responded: "He is time to start 'building the on Thursday. a very talented cricketer; he has engine' and exploiting the The 25-year-old world got great hands and superb sensitive periods of accelerated champion laid down a hitting ability. His fielding, adaptation to training. These strong marker ahead of the however, is not up to international youths may play and do their Tokyo Olympics with a time standard. His fitness levels, too, best to win, but they still need to of 22.06 seconds that left are not at the required standards. Danush Dayan spend more time on skill her more than half a We are building a culture to push Strategic Plan for Development of plans? training and physical second ahead of the Ivory the players to be the best they can Athletics in Sri Lanka. Shemal Long-Term Athlete Development development and less on Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta be. We want our best players on Fernando has led and managed is a training, competition and winning (process vs outcome). Lou. the field.” the Sri Lankan team at many recovery programme based on 5. Train to Compete. This stage is Asher-Smith’s time Dina Asher-Smith The Sri Lanka Sevens Rugby international events, and twice at developmental age — the about optimising the engine and marked her season’s best Captain Danush Dayan came out the Olympics. Fernando’s maturation level— rather than teaching participants how to run, leaving the Briton in high spirits heading towards with a scathing criticism. Sri research is available in the chronological age. It is athlete- compete. They can either choose the Olympics next month. Lanka is to participate in the Olympic World Library. centred, coach driven and to specialise in one sport, "It's been really hard over the past year and a bit Commonwealth and Asian Sevens He emphasised the need for 'A administration, sport science and pursue a competitive stream, or because of the pandemic - so I'm really proud to be next year, and Danush believes Sri Lankan version' of the 'Long sponsor supported continue participating at a able to put that kind of time, and I definitely have more we are already behind schedule in Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Science, research and decades recreational level and enter the in me," she said. our training. "We do our training Model of Canada' to be designed of experience say that kids and Active for Life stage. In the The surprise of the evening in Florence, which was at home, but that is not enough and developed as a framework, adults being active and staying competitive stream, high- hosting the meeting while Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is for rugby because we are not combining the best research active, can even reach the most volume and high-intensity unavailable as it hosts Euro 2020 soccer matches, was going to play chess, badminton or findings of the latest sports incredible heights of sports training begin to occur year- Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen setting a European tennis. Rugby is a team game, and science with the best practices in achievement if they do the right round. record in the men’s 5,000m. (Reuters) we have to train as a team. Player coaching and training around the things at the correct time. 6. Train to Win. Elite athletes with combination is an important world. According to Washington Youth identified talent enter this stage aspect." He recommended introducing Soccer, the Long-Term Player to pursue the most intense He voices his concern on a this to all schools and universities Development model aims to training suitable for broadcast on players losing their in Sri Lanka to facilitate provide a standardised structured international winning After social media furore livelihood as clubs cannot producing athletes who could support plan to guide clubs, performances. continue to pay while there is no reach their full athletic potential. coaches and parents to assist all 7. Active for Life. Young athletes rugby. The call to include schools is our players in reaching their full can enter this stage at Robinson taking We talk a lot about all sports, essential, as it is the parent who potential in the game. essentially any age following the but do we have a long-term should understand the need for The LTAD plan emphasises the acquisition of physical literacy. development or a high- LTAD, rather than pushing parent in the development of kids. This stage is important as ‘short break’ performance plan for sports? Is children before time and beyond Parents need to know how to children have been correctly the long-term player development their reach. proceed, while coaches will turn introduced to activity and sport from cricket (LTPD) a result of high Fernando says the principles of out the elite player when that throughout the Active Start, performance, or does LTPD lead to the LTAD Model adopted in process is part of the plan. At the FUNdamentals, and Learn to Ollie Robinson will not be high- Performance? The idea is to Canada is for the proper early stage, it is the process that is Train stages. part of Sussex's squad for produce better on field results, management of youth and important and not the outcome. Building the elite athlete and their first two T20 Blast but the events quoted earlier does adolescent growth and The LTAD focuses on long-term stage seven above is the most fixtures as he takes a ‘short not lead to producing better on development process. This model development, not a short-term important. The core reasons for break from the game’ field results. will help develop a lifelong success, which allows for the best these three problems at the following his suspension Henrikson in The Ecology of involvement of Sri Lankans in opportunity for sports introduction stage of this article from international cricket Talent Development in Sport physical activity and participation participation and optimal sport are a lack of balance and stability. pending an ECB questions: whether an athlete is in sport, and significantly, help potential throughout Life (Balyi, The vision for New Zealand investigation into offensive gifted by nature or elitism results develop elite athletes who could Way, & Higgs, 2013). Rugby is to Inspire and Unify. tweets he posted as a from many hours of training. reach the Olympic podium. US Human Kinetics describes They want rugby to be the best it teenager. Sussex condemned Many factors can contribute to a In the short term, Fernando the seven stages as below. can be. And their purpose for a Robinson's tweets and said thriving environment to suggests that Great Britain's 1. Until age 6, Active Start. It is all Head of High-Performance? To that they would "turn [their] developing excellence, each being World Class Performance about play and mastering basic lead the High-Performance Team attention to supporting Ollie variable and dependent on the Programmes could be a short- movement skills! Children by providing innovative, leading- in his commitment to Ollie Robinson current coach-athlete term goal for Sri Lanka. Other should have fun with physical edge, high-performance initiatives continue to educate himself", environment and the coaching distinct Development and Talent activity. for New Zealand Rugby's but he will not face further process. One has to consider the are designed for athletes who can 2. Ages 6 to 9, FUNdamentals. professional athletes, including disciplinary action from his county. dynamic process of the game and progress through the world-class Ages 6 to 9 in boys and 6 to 8 in Referees, Coaches and Team Robinson is not a centrally-contracted England the cognitive nature of solving pathway and could be long-term girls, children should support, through the delivery of player and the ECB clarified at the time of his problems, but conflict with the prospects. participate in various well- world-class high-performance suspension that he was available for selection at strict delivery principles. Has Sri Lanka sport produced structured activities that programmes that incorporates county level if Sussex opted to pick him, but the club In 2013, Rear Admiral Shemal better players nurtured through a develop fundamental movement sports science research and released a statement on Thursday confirming that he Fernando published a well- system in developing players to be skills and overall motor skills. development and international would not be involved at the start of the Blast. articulated resource paper, competitive as seen in such 3. Ages 8 to 11 in girls and 9 to 12 benchmarking. (Agencies) A16 sunday 13 june 2021 SPORTS Yupun Breaks Into Olympic Quota

‘invitational entries’; hence, he had to College Wennappuwa. He competed at finish within the top 52 to make the cut the 2015 World Military Games and by 29 June. won a Bronze medal in the men’s Italy based sprinter Yupun is the sixth in the list of Asian 4x100m relay, and was part of the Gold Yupun Abeykoon finished finish fourth in a photo finish with athletes who have qualified for the medal winning 4x100m relay team at fourth at the Rome Diamond Matadi Emmanuel of Liberia. South Olympics, and if he makes it, will be the the South Asian Games 2019. League 100m yesterday clocking in Africa’s Akani Simbine (10.08) and first South Asian male to qualify for the at 10.16 seconds, and broke into the Great Britain’s Chijindu Ujah (10.10) 100m. Yupun in 2021 Olympic quota by World Ranking, finished first and second. The field Yupun has had an amazing season so 60M becoming the first South Asian Athlete included USA’s World Championship far, and has established several Sri 24 Jan 6.59sec (SL record) to be ranked in that list in the 100m. Gold medalist Michael Rodgers who Lanka and South Asia records in the 05 Feb 6.65 sec He also became the first Sri Lankan to finished fifth . 100m. His time of 10.09 seconds (wind 12 Feb 6.66 sec compete in an elite Diamond event in With a placing score of 140 for fourth aided) is the fastest time by a South 100M a Diamond league meeting since it was place, Yupun achieved his highest ever Asian in any condition, while his time of launched in 2010. performance score of 1,291, which 10.15 seconds is a Sri Lankan and 13 May -10.13 (+2.2) Of the 8 elite athletes in the line-up, ranks him as high as 50th in the Road South Asian record. 13 May -10.15 sec (SL & SA record) six athletes had faster seasonal best to Tokyo ranking, where 56 athletes will Hailing from Pannala, Yupun first 21 May – 10.09 (+2.2) times than Yupun, but the tall Lankan be selected for the 100m. Out of the 56, attended Pannala National School and 10 Jun - 10.16 (-0.1) was unfazed and ran his heart out to four slots have been allocated as then transferred to St. Joseph Vaz (AK)

Krejcikova beats Sakkari in dramatic Tsitsipas reaches semi-final For a brief first Czech woman to first major final moment, an win the title at Roland exhausted Garros since Hana Greek fifth seed athleticism and staunch Barbora Mandlikova in 1981, Stefanos Tsitsipas defence to win the next Krejcikova then saw off a game staved off a fightback six games, leaving thought she had point before wrapping it from German Alexander Zverev staring at his booked her place up on her next, and Zverev to win 6-3 6-3 coaching team in the French fifth, match point for a 4-6 4-6 6-3 in a bewildered. Open final and she 7-5 4-6 9-7 victory. scintillating French The sixth-seeded raised her arms in She could easily have Open clash on Friday German, however, triumph. lost her composure after and book a maiden regrouped and added Unfortunately for the the umpire’s decision to Grand Slam final spot. more power to his shots Czech, an incorrect line rule the ball in, but Tsitsipas got an early with early breaks in the call by the umpire on Krejcikova barely break in the opening third and fourth sets match point put her protested. set, aided by two double enough for him to level celebrations on ice and While players at the faults from Zverev, and the match at two sets she quickly realised that other three Grand Slams remained solid against apiece. she had to do it all over With the contest can challenge line calls the German’s heavy Tsitsipas needed to again. swinging wildly from one by using Hawk Eye, with groundstrokes to hold change his game in the At 7-8, 30-40 in the player to another, the some slams relying on onto his narrow decider and the 22-year- decider of her semi-final momentum could have the system to make all advantage on a sun- old managed to find an against Maria Sakkari, tilted back Sakkari’s line calls, Roland Garros bathed Philippe Chatrier extra gear to seal the the Greek hit a forehand way. organisers have court. contest on his fifth that was called long by TV replays showed adamantly refused to U.S. Open finalist match point and booked the line judge, only for that the ball was introduce the ball- Zverev built a 3-0 lead a final outing against the chair umpire to actually out and tracking technology at at the start of the either top seed Novak check the mark and call Krejcikova, who is the claycourt major. second set but Tsitsipas Djokovic or 13-time it in. bidding to become the (Reuters) showed exemplary winner Rafa Nadal. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Ngidi, Nortje give Warner, Stoinis pull out SA upper hand of the Hundred Fourteen wickets fell on an no partnership was worth more than David Warner, Marcus quarantine, have had an eventful first day at St Lucia, where 24 in a reflection on South Africa’s Stoinis and Sophie Devine impact on the health and South Africa inched in front aftter incisiveness and solid slip catching. have pulled out of the wellbeing of some players dismissing West Indies for their Kagiso Rabada set the tone and inaugural season of the and their families," he said. lowest total against South Africa. looked back to his menacing best Hundred, with the ECB "CA has maintained that Aiden Markram and Rassie van when he beat Kraigg Brathwaite bracing for further the wellbeing of players, staff der Dussen put their team in the with the new ball on several withdrawals amid clashes and officials is a top priority, lead after Anrich Nortje saw West occasions but did not find the edge. with international tours and and never more so than Indies shot out for 97. The visitors, Instead, it was Nortje who struck at restrictions on overseas during the COVID-19 touring the Caribbean for the first the other end. He bowled Shai Hope travel. pandemic given the time in 11 years, adjusted well to in the perfect fast bowler’s fashion Warner and Stoinis were extraordinary challenges it conditions that suited their pace as the ball angled away and hit the both contracted by the has placed upon pack. top of off stump to break a 24-run Southern Brave on deals international athletes and West Indies were left to rue their opening stand. worth £100,000 and £80,000 sporting teams." decision to bat first, especially as Nortje could have had a second respectively, but have opted "It is obviously their attack were unable to cause wicket off the next ball when he to withdraw from the disappointing to lose players plus the the same problems as South Africa’s greeted Nkrumah Bonner with a competition. Both players with the ability of David and knockouts. on a pitch that appeared to flatten as menacing short ball that Bonner have been named in Marcus, but the realities of They are lining the day wore on. Although the appeared to top-edge onto his badge. Australia's preliminary Covid mean there are up a temporary bounce remained true and the carry South Africa reviewed while Bonner squad for white-ball tours to practicalities that are replacement for good, West Indies’ attack did not had a concussion test. The former the Caribbean and difficult for some overseas the start of the generate the same seam movement was unsuccessful and showed no Bangladesh, which overlap players to overcome," the Hundred, likely to be an as South Africa’s, neither did they bat involved and though he was with the Hundred's window ECB said in a statement to overseas player in the bowl with the same militaristic deemed fit to continue, he was from 21 July-21 August, but ESPNcricinfo. "Replacement Vitality Blast. discipline, but they took four of the reassessed at the end of the innings, are expected to withdraw in overseas players will be This is the second time top six with debutant seamer and duly replaced by Kieran Powell order to spend time with signed by Southern Brave, that Warner has pulled out Jayden Seales responsible for three for the remainder of the contest. their families. and we look forward to the of the Hundred, after he of those wickets. Three balls after Bonner’s helmet Trevor Hohns, Australia's Hundred showcasing world- initially did so in March 2020 Seales, playing in just his second blow, Nortje bowled Brathwaite with National selector, added six class cricket this summer." citing ‘family and personal first-class game, was the most a delivery that jagged back into the players to the preliminary Their third men's overseas reasons’. Stoinis was lined impressive of the home pack on a West Indian captain and onto the squad for those tours player, Andre Russell, is up as his replacement before day for the quicks that belonged to outside of the off stump. following discussions with likely to miss the first half of the tournament was South Africa’s fast men. They Scores those initially named. the tournament's group postponed to 2021 and was impressed with accuracy and South Africa 128 for 4 (van der "During the course of those stage on international duty, then retained before aggression and condemned West Dussen 34*, de Kock 4*, Seales discussions, it has become during West Indies' home February's draft, Indies to only their second sub-100 3-34) clear that recent experiences T20I series against Australia in which Warner total since 2004. No West Indies West Indies 97 (Holder 20, Ngidi abroad, including but not and Pakistan, but the Brave was re-signed as David Warner batsman scored more than 20 and 5-19, Nortje 4-35) limited to extended periods hope he will be available for a first-round and in bio-secure hubs and hard their first three or four games pick. (ESPN) Marcus Stoinis

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