WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PROTECT YOURSELF FROM AND THE COVID-19 FUTURE: A BLEAK PICTURE?

ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES TUESDAY , DECEMBER 29, 2020

41,603 THE FINANCE SANGAKKARA DEATHS RECOVERED COMPANY DELISTED IN TEST TEAM 8,188 FROM CSE OF THE DECADE THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 194 33,221 UNTIL 11.27 P.M. ON 28 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 5

COVID-19 VACCINE COVID-19 ESTATE SECTOR WAGE HIKE EU rolls out vaccines Meeting postponed European Union (EU) countries on to Thursday Sunday (27) embarked on a vaccination Govt. meets WHO to campaign to defeat the “nightmare” of z Govt. and RPCs to meet on 31 Covid-19, with the first to be immunised Dec for final decision expressing emotion after their jab, and leaders hailing a milestone in the fight The meeting between government against the pandemic. expedite process ministers and owners of regional plantation companies (RPCs) has been rescheduled to 31 December, it is learnt. Winning formula z Govt. focuses on getting z Discussion on getting Contd. on page 2 figured: AstraZeneca WHO's free quota registered vaccines CORN FOR ETHANOL The pharmaceutical boss behind BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Accordingly, Chief Advisor to the President Lalith the Oxford vaccine said researchers Weeratunga, who is now co-ordinating the process of importing have found a “winning formula” to A special discussion between the officials Covid-19 vaccines; Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra improve the jab’s efficacy, Sky News of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Silva; Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe; President reported. and local officials heading the Covid-19 Secretary to the State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, controlling mission in was held Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control Dr. Amal Harsha de yesterday (28) to expedite the process of Silva; and several other officials participated in the meeting. orders ban Antigen testing in WP importing vaccines. Contd. on page 2 President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed to completely ban the use of corn (maize) to continue REGISTERING COVID-19 VACCINE SUPPLIERS to manufacture ethanol and alcohol in the Police Media Spokesperson DIG PULMODDAI MINERAL SAND DEPOSITORY country. Ajith Rohana stated that persons who NMRA awaits Govt.’s decision He instructed the Commissioner General of exit the Western Province (WP) will be BY SARAH HANNAN Excise to issue a gazette notification imposing subjected to rapid antigen testing until Value-adding process the ban, the President’s Media Division (PMD) 5 January 2021. The National Medicines said. Currently, rapid antigen tests are Regulatory Authority (NMRA) is commences Contd. on page 2 conducted at 11 exit points of the awaiting the Government’s decision Plans are afoot to stop and instead steps are to be Western Province. on picking countries that Covid-19 Ministry of Health is currently in the sorting and exporting of taken to begin the value-adding Defence Secretary vaccinations could be imported discussion with several countries, minerals extracted from the process to increase revenue, from, to open registrations for and is consulting the World Health Pulmoddai Mineral Sand stated Industries Minister promoted to General ‘Govt. opted for suppliers, it is learnt. Organisation (WHO), about Depository to be sold as raw Wimal Weerawansa. Speaking to The Morning, NMRA bringing down the most compatible materials to foreign countries, Contd. on page 2 Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kamal cheap options’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) vaccination for Sri Lanka. Gunaratne has been promoted to the rank of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe said: “The Contd. on page 2 General. said on Sunday (27) that the Government The promotion was granted by President tried to control the Covid-19 pandemic LANKA SATHOSA AND CWE Gotabaya Rajapaksa last evening (28). by resorting to cheap options instead PROTEST AGAINST BURIALS Gunaratne was the former Commander – of doing the right thing. New chairpersons Security Forces Headquarters in Wanni, as well as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) appointed of the 53rd Division. He has formerly served as the Deputy Ambassador to Brazil as well. Must learn from Rear Admiral (Retd.) Ananda Peiris has pandemic: WHO been appointed the new Chairman of Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned retail network Sri Lanka Army World Health Organisation (WHO) “Lanka Sathosa”. Director General Tedros Adhanom Contd. on page 2 Chief promoted Ghebreyesus warned the public on Sunday (27) that the Covid-19 pandemic NUSHAD PERERA will not be the last such crisis, dpa news to General said yesterday (28). New Chairman Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva has “History tells us that this won’t be the been promoted to the rank of General, stated last pandemic and epidemics are a fact the Sri Lanka Army. Silva has been serving as of life,” Tedros said in a video released of SLSI the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army since Several Buddhist organisations staged a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat in to mark the first-ever International Day Former Chairman of Lanka Sathosa and Colombo yesterday (28) demanding that permission not be granted to bury the bodies of August 2019. He is also the Chief of Defence of Epidemic Preparedness on Sunday. the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment Muslims who died of Covid-19 Staff, as appointed in early 2020. (CWE), Nushad Perera has been appointed PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM Contd. on page 2 Chairman of the Sri Lanka Standards SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Institution (SLSI). BURYING COVID DEAD COVID-19 TREATMENT Contd. on page 2 Small schools FINAL RITES OF COVID-19 DEAD Decision on final Two locations Permit under being considered Expert Committee rites after dialogue submitted to PM Discussions were held by the health conditions: authorities yesterday (28) about the The United National Party (UNP) has Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva possibilities of using small schools that report soon stated that the Government should expedite Nanayakkara said a report on two are currently closed for emergency use, The Expert Committee the process to make a final decision on the locations having a deepwater table was Buddhist leaders as Covid-19 treatment centres, according appointed to re-examine final rites of the Covid-19 dead. submitted to Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda The Inter-Religious Relations Committee to State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, the final rites of Covid- UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Rajapaksa and Minister of Health Pavithra of the Sri Lanka Amarapura and Ramanna Epidemics, and Covid Disease Control 19 victims will submit Wijewardene, issuing a statement on the Wanniarachchi. The Minister attended a Samagri Sangha Sabha has made a request Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva its report to the Health party’s stance on the matter, noted that the discussion held by the PM with Muslim to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to review Contd. on page 2 Ministry Secretary in the decision should be taken after reaching a parliamentarians and was assigned to locate the mandatory cremation of the bodies of near future, according consensus with all communities. areas with a deepwater table. Covid-19 victims. Chief to the Health Ministry’s Epidemiologist Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 New Act to stop Epidemiology Unit. Dr. Sudath invasive plants Contd. on page 2 Samaraweera BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI RURAL TRADE NETWORK

The Bill to control the importation and spreading of invasive plants, named the Empowering 25,000 women entrepreneurs “Alien Invasive Species Control Act”, State Minister for Development that the Government has taken steps sentiments while participating will be introduced soon, amidst reports of of Samurdhi Home Economy, to establish a rural trade network in a concessionary loan scheme excessive growth of the invasive Mimosa Microfinance, Self-employment, and that empowers 25,000 women launch event for small and medium pigra (Yoda Nidikumba) in the Kaduwela Businesses and Underutilised State entrepreneurs. enterprises. Municipality. Resources Shehan Semasinghe stated The State Minister shared these Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 PARK AND RIDE PILOT PROJECT SL welcomes first batch of tourists Free for two months A special charter flight carrying 185 tourists from Ukraine landed at the Mattala Rajapaksa z Launch on 2 January International Airport yesterday (28). Contd. on page 2 BY PAMODI WARAVITA would not be levying parking fees Development Component Project from private vehicle owners during the Director Nalaka Dissanayake stated The upcoming “Park and Ride” first two months of its implementation. that the first two months of free parking system, which will enable private Speaking to The Morning, would be offered as an incentive for the vehicle owners to park their vehicle Greater Colombo Urban Transport public to get accustomed to this system. and take a shuttle service to work, Development Project Township Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Contd. from page 1

Anuradhapura where loans ranging from Rs. Russian Sputnik V vaccine are expected to growths would be needed to eliminate the plant. Govt. meets... Small schools... 50,000 to Rs. 200,000 were symbolically awarded reach customers in January 2021, based on the Ministry of Environment Director – Dr. de Silva said the meeting was focused on He told The Morning that as per the discussions on behalf of 250 entrepreneurs. existing partnerships with foreign manufacturers. Biodiversity Abeykoon said that individuals expediting the process of receiving the WHO’s yesterday, the decision might not be positive, as Addressing the gathering, Semasinghe For those who have recently submitted their could clear out invasive plants in their lands on free quota. the facilities of most of these schools are not up said: “Under the current Budget proposal, the requests, the vaccine’s first batches would be their own if they so desire, but conceded that When asked whether the health authorities have to the expected level in order to operate them as Government has a plan to create 25,000 women dispatched from March 2021, RDIF stated. a national scale long-term project to eliminate decided on what vaccine should be imported, Covid-19 treatment centres. However, Dr. de Silva entrepreneurs. The necessary foundation and The second interim analysis of clinical trial Mimosa pigra has not been devised yet. the Secretary noted the officials are considering noted that a final decision had not been made. allocation for this has been prepared in this data was said to have shown a 91.4% efficacy all vaccines that have already been registered, He also said 15,000 beds were currently Budget. The aim of the programme is to empower for the Sputnik V vaccine on day 28 after the although no final decision has been made on allocated for Covid-19 treatment and more will at least one or two women entrepreneurs in each first dose, while vaccine efficacy is over 95% SL welcomes... which vaccine would be chosen. be required as the quarantine process continues. of the 14,000 grama niladhari divisions.” 42 days after the first dose. The batch of foreign tourists, who arrived on According to Health Ministry statistics, there The State Ministry’s aim is to establish a board a SkyUp Airlines flight, will be staying are nearly 70 such Covid-19 treatment centers network of goods and distribution EU rolls... in the country for around 10-14 days, according Meeting... established across the country. without any shortage in times of a global crisis The vaccine is a glimmer of hope for a to the Ministry of Tourism. During last week’s meeting, the RPCs had – Maheesha Mudugamuwa such as the Covid-19 pandemic. continent yearning for a return to normal from They are the first group of tourists to arrive in requested a week’s time to get back with the Semasinghe added that the State Ministry will a pandemic that has killed 1.76 million people the island since March this year when airports terms and conditions they plan to agree upon, work to strengthen the trade network of supply worldwide since emerging in China late last year were closed in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. as not all RPCs were willing to increase the Permit under... centres, businesses run by women, and also and caused at least 80 million confirmed cases, Sri Lanka has reopened its airspace for minimum daily wage to Rs. 1,000. In a letter to the President on Saturday (26), small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which according to an AFP tally. commercial flights as the island nation looks to Speaking to The Morning, Minister of Labour the Committee urged to convene an emergency make up 70% of the country’s economy. But polls have shown many Europeans are once again kick-start the tourism industry which Nimal Siripala de Silva said: “Although we meeting of doctors, virologists, public health – Sarah Hannan unwilling to take the vaccine, which could was on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. were scheduled to meet on Monday (28), the officials, religious leaders, and other relevant impede its effectiveness in beating the virus, Accordingly, the charter flight with 185 RPCs requested a few more days to arrive at persons to discuss the issue. while it will take months for large chunks of passengers from Ukraine which arrived yesterday an agreement and inform us of their decision on The Committee pointed out that the burial of Free for two... the population to be immunised. marks the first flight to arrive under the pilot improving the minimum daily wage, or improving those who died of Covid-19 should be allowed The Park and Ride system, set to launch on 2 project aiming to bring back foreign tourists to Sri incentives for estate workers. The meeting was under certain conditions. January 2021, will allow vehicle owners travelling Lanka. Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka therefore rescheduled to 31 December.” Moreover, the Committee said these conditions into Colombo to park and take a shuttle service Winning... (AASL) Deputy Chairman Rajiv Sooriyaarachchi During last week’s meeting, de Silva said should be made to ensure the health of the people from the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Trials of the vaccine, developed by the said that after this group of tourists reached the that a few suggestions were made to ensure that on the one hand, and adequately adhere to the Centre (MTC) to the city. university along with AstraZeneca, showed airport, they underwent all quarantine procedures the workers’ performance could be assessed to religious practices of the Muslims, Catholics, and Dissanayake stated that after the first two an efficacy rate of 90% when people were with the necessary arrangements by the airport provide them with a minimum daily wage of Rs. other religious communities on the other hand. months, the parking fees would be charged under given half a dose, followed by a whole dose staff. The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka 1,000. It had been suggested that every employee “The options of coffins made of durable three categories, namely three hours, six hours, at least a month later. When two full doses (CAASL) had announced earlier that it will be required to work 180 days a year, and it was and impermeable material, specific Muslim and one day. He added that the parking fee would were given at least a month apart, the vaccine resume international flights operations from 26 agreed to give them an additional target of one cemeteries, concrete tombs with water seals, differ from vehicle to vehicle as well, but refused had an efficacy of 62%, meaning when all December, eight months after they were closed kg of tea to be plucked daily. or pre-prepared water-sealed concrete tombs to elaborate on the exact pricing mechanism, as results were taken into account, the overall in view of the Covid-19 outbreak. De Silva said: “Regardless of all these can be taken into consideration when burying it has not been finalised yet. efficacy was 70%. The Pfizer and Moderna However, a decision was taken to postpone conditions, I informed the RPCs that the minimum Covid-19 victims,” it said. These buses would operate on two separate vaccines were shown to be 95% and 94.5% the resumption of flights in the wake of the new daily wage should be increased to Rs. 1,000 The letter stated that such coffins and cemeteries routes, clockwise and anticlockwise, from effective, respectively. However, AstraZeneca coronavirus strain, which is spreading fast in the for all employees, and at no point should the should be approved by a designated authority. Kottawa. The first route would operate through Chief Executive Pascal Soriot told British UK.Due to the postponement, a flight carrying factory managers deduct from the weight of Furthermore, it said that the Inter-Religious Kottawa-Pannipitiya-Battaramulla-Rajagiriya- newspaper The Sunday Times: “We think we Russian tourists which was scheduled to arrive the tea that gets plucked, stating that they were Relations Committee of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Fort-High Level Road-Kirulapone-Makumbura. have figured out the winning formula and in Sri Lanka on Sunday (27) had been cancelled. damaged or wasted when transferring them to and Ramanna Samagari Sangha Sabha believes The second would run through Kottawa- how to get efficacy that, after two doses, is However, the flight with a group of tourists the weighing crates.” that the lack of scientific knowledge of the virus Nugegoda-Nawala-Narahenpita-Torrington-Town up there with everybody else. I can’t tell you from Ukraine was expected to arrive on Monday De Silva also stated that if the RPCs disagree is a necessary point to be taken into account. Hall-Fort-Colpetty-Bambalapitiya-Thummulla- more because we will publish at some point.” as scheduled. Several countries across the world with increasing the daily wage as directed, “Therefore, more than eight months later Makumbura. have already closed their land and sea borders the Government is willing to take over the and with a significant body of research on the According to the State Minister of Vehicle and suspended commercial flights over fears management of such plantation companies. nature of the Covid-19 virus, burying Covid-19 Regulation, Bus Transport Services, and Carriages Govt. opted... about the new coronavirus strain. – Sarah Hannan corpses has shown that there is no risk of the and Automotive Industries Dilum Amunugama, Speaking at an event held in Kataragama to virus spreading, and their view is that there is no the bus rates of the luxury buses providing the discuss solutions to the issues of the public, further justification for mandatory cremation,” shuttle service would be double the amount Premadasa said: “The Government’s Covid- Expert... President orders... the letter stated. charged by the non-A/C buses that currently 19 management efforts are not trustworthy. It Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera The President also instructed the subject State operate within the city. tried to do what’s cheap instead of what’s right. said that the committee’s report will consider the A ‘paniya’, which is not even approved by the Minister and relevant officials to intervene in order Amunugama also mentioned that the Ministry authorities, was promoted as a cure for Covid, scientific basis of burying the bodies of Covid-19 to stop irregularities in the purchase of crops from Two locations... hopes to hold a trial run tomorrow (30) with the and some people go behind that.” victims in addition to cremation. farmers including turmeric and maize. “I asked our geologist to look for areas with assistance of the Sri Lanka Police. However, he added, all bodies of Covid-19 He emphasised that local farmers have a deepwater table. He highlighted via a report “Signal priority would be given to the bus that victims will be cremated under the current successfully expanded the cultivation of turmeric two locations which do not have groundwater, will operate during the trial,” he said. Must learn... quarantine procedures. and maize and that the next season harvest is even at a depth of 30 feet.” When asked whether this facility would only Meanwhile, Chief Incumbent of the Bellanwila nearing. Farmers should get a fair price, the Accordingly, the area of Marichchikattu in be available for small vehicles and motorbikes, The WHO Head said that better investment Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Dr. Bellanwila President stressed. He said the Government Mannar and Eragama in the Eastern Province have Amunugama stated that it could be used by any in public health supported by governments and Dhammaratana Thera stressed that such decisions should fully intervene to stop irregularities in been identified as locations with a deepwater table. private vehicle coming into Colombo. society could “ensure that our children and their should be taken considering scientific facts. the stockpiling of traders. The relevant report can be taken into This system hopes to reduce the heavy traffic children inherit a safer, more resilient, and more A group of Buddhist monks yesterday (28) The President ordered the destruction of turmeric consideration by the medical officers in making congestion during the morning and evening peak sustainable world”. launched a protest against the burial of Covid-19 stocks illegally imported by errant traders. The the decision on whether burials would be times of the week. Tedros said that the new coronavirus turned the victims in front of the Presidential Secretariat. Director General of Customs and the Inspector permitted in the disposal of Covid-19 victims, world “upside down” over the past 12 months Joining the protest, Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka General of Police (IGP) have been instructed Nanayakkara further said. with far-reaching consequences for societies Thera said: “It is wrong to protest against the to strictly enforce the law against businessmen In the meantime, experts have pointed out Value-adding... and economies. cremation of Covid-19 victims when even the engaged in irregularities, the PMD reported. The that cremation of Covid-19 victims continues He said: “I have summoned the Chairman and But the pandemic itself was not a surprise, Supreme Court has rejected the petitions. Do President also emphasised the need to ensure an to be the best form of disposing of the remains. General Manager of Lanka Mineral Sands to especially since warnings of such a possibility, not do that.” expansion of the market for wholesalers gathering University of Ruhuna senior lecturer in forensic Colombo to discuss the process of stopping the and of the world’s unpreparedness, had been grain stocks such as turmeric, maize, black-eyed medicine Dr. U.C.P. Perera stressed that the export of this precious mineral as a raw material, issued many times over the years. peas, orids (undu), mung beans, sesame, and correct course of action is to remove the virus and adding value to it in the future. “We must all learn the lessons the pandemic finger millet (kurahan), instead of giving loans. from the corpse and prevent further infection as “As it is difficult for us as a Government agency is teaching us,” Tedros said. This includes SL Army... President Rajapaksa also instructed officials this is a virus situation. to do that work alone, we have now started investment in preparedness capacities not just in His prior appointments include Chief of Staff, to be alert to prevent crops from being harmed “The best way is via cremation,” he said. working on a public-private partnership to obtain the health sector but rather an “all-of-government Adjutant General, and Director of Operations by pests such as the fall armyworm, commonly He said that actions that go beyond this can the necessary technology. We look forward to and all-of-society approach”. of the Army. Currently, he is also serving as known in the country as the “sena caterpillar”. be considered on certain occasions, adding taking the necessary steps in the coming year.” “The pandemic has highlighted the intimate the Head of the National Operations Centre for that, however, there is no certification from any This will enable Lanka Mineral Sands to earn links between the health of humans, animals, and Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). country regarding that. several times more in the future than it currently the planet, which required a common approach,” Silva’s promotion to the rank of General has Decision on... The PCR tests that were conducted on the earns, he added. the WHO Chief said. been granted by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, He further stated that the Government should bodies placed in refrigerators also proved that “One of the significant priorities in the Gazette the Sri Lanka Army said. prioritise the advice of the religious leaders while they had the virus, he pointed out. Notification issued by the President to the co-ordinating with all relevant sectors. Meanwhile, University of Ruhuna ecological Minister of Industries is to ‘explore the existing Antigen testing... The relevant proposal was submitted to the agriculture Prof. Priyantha Yapa said: “The issue underground and oceanic mineral resources While 8,000 persons were tested for the virus, New... Working Committee meeting on 23 December by is how long the virus will exist once it is mixed using modern high technology and to utilise 49 persons were identified as Covid-19-positive. Meanwhile, Venura Gunawardena has been Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, and it has with the soil.” the existing mineral resources to strengthen the appointed the Chairman of the Co-operative been agreed on unanimously, the statement noted. The world is yet to find an answer to this country’s manufacturing process’. Accordingly, Wholesale Establishment (CWE), the Ministry It had added that the decision whether to problem, he said, adding: “We are 100% sure we swear before you at this juncture that we will New Act... of Trade said. Former Civil Security Department cremate or bury their dead is a right of each that the virus can be destroyed via cremation.” work to elevate the role of the Lanka Mineral Speaking to The Morning, Ministry of Director General Ananda Peiris has been appointed community. Sands company,” Weerawansa said. Environment Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe said to the position following the recent resignation The UNP is of the view that the Government – Maheesha Mudugamuwa that this draft bill includes a risk assessment of former Lanka Sathosa and CWE Chairman should consult with Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, Empowering... mechanism which will be conducted when Nushad Perera. Perera has meanwhile been and Muslim religious leaders before taking a The event was sponsored by the National introducing foreign plants to the country. appointed Chairman of the Sri Lanka Standards decision. Savings Bank of Sri Lanka and was held in NMRA awaits... “The plants will only be allowed into the Institution (SLSI). Perera on Saturday (26) Once the Government decides which countries country if they are not invasive, as 99% of announced that he stepped down as the Chairman the vaccination would be brought down from, then invasive plants in the country come from abroad.” of the CWE, citing a busy schedule, and refuted we will allow suppliers from the corresponding Stating that the Bill for the Alien Invasive reports that he was removed. Cartoon of the day countries to register their product with us.” Species Control Act was drafted in 2017 and Certain media reports had claimed he was ousted State Minister of Pharmaceuticals Production, sent to the Attorney General’s Department for from the Sathosa chairmanship for allegedly Supply, and Regulation Prof. Channa Jayasumana opinions, Dr. Jasinghe added: “This is an issue causing losses to the Government to the tune is expected to discuss importing Russia’s Sputnik of urgency and we need to expedite the process.” of several billions of rupees, due to his alleged V Covid-19 vaccine with Russian Ambassador As means of controlling the growth of the involvement in a sugar racket. to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Yury Materiy. existing invasive plants, penalties may be imposed Perera was appointed Chairman of Lanka The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), through this Bill on persons who do not manage Sathosa, which operates supermarkets, and CWE, in a media communiqué in November, announced the growth of these plants on their lands, Ministry which operates the lorries and warehouses, on that the cost of one dose of the Sputnik V of Environment Director – Biodiversity R.H.M.P. 2 January 2020. vaccine for international markets will be less Abeykoon told The Morning. than $ 10. The RDIF added that it continues to Although this Act may help, it would not expand existing agreements with international be sufficient because the problems lie in the New Chairman... manufacturing partners to produce the vaccine implementation of these regulations, stated for more than 500 million people in 2021. Kaduwela Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) The marketing professional was appointed A person that wants to be vaccinated will have Municipal Council Member Asitha Niroshana. Chairman of Lanka Sathosa, which operates to take two inoculations. The RDIF also assured He claimed: “Many invasive and harmful plants the supermarkets, and CWE, which operates that Sputnik V will be cheaper than mRNA were planted through state tree planting projects.” the lorries and warehouses, on 2 January 2020. vaccines with similar efficacy levels. He also said that rather than penalising the Perera on Saturday (26) announced that he RDIF and partners have launched production of public, the Government should take necessary stepped down as the Chairman of the CWE, the lyophilised (dry) form of the vaccine, which steps to control the plants’ growth and spread. citing a busy schedule, and refuted reports that is stored at a temperature of +2 to +8 degrees It was Niroshana who brought attention to the he was removed from the position. Celsius. Such a regime enables the distribution emerging threat to cultivation, soil fertility, and Certain media reports had claimed he was ousted of the vaccine in international markets, as well local flora posed by the growth of the invasive from the Sathosa chairmanship for allegedly as expanding its use in hard-to-reach regions, Mimosa pigra in the Kaduwela Municipality. causing losses to the Government to the tune including areas with tropical climates. He told The Morning that a consistent eight to of several billions of rupees, due to his alleged The first international deliveries of the 10-year plan to clear and burn Mimosa pigra involvement in a sugar racket. 3 the morning Tuesday , December 29, 2020

Highland becomes highest-selling milk powder at Sathosa Lanka Sathosa yesterday Lasantha Wickramasinghe. (28) announced that it had “In line with this, we are successfully propelled excited to have partnered with Highland above the Lanka Sathosa on driving our competition to emerge as the Highland range of products. highest-selling full cream Working together, we have business milk powder at Sathosa. successfully helped Highland The Finance Company The two state sector entities full cream milk powder rise have promoted home-grown to become the number-one brand Highland’s locally selling brand in its category manufactured full cream milk at Sathosa outlets. This is a powder to consumers across significant milestone for the 420 Sathosa outlets around brand, as well as for the local delisted from CSE the island, and as a result, dairy industry.” Highland now accounts for Former Lanka Sathosa Securities of The Finance capital, capital adequacy, and liquid one in every three packets of Ltd. Chairman Dr. Nushad Company PLC (TFC), the assets requirements. full cream milk powder sold M. Perera stated: “We are license of which was cancelled Speaking on its penal measures on average at Sathosa outlets, delighted to see Highland in May this year, were at the time (2019), the CBSL rising from a basket share of now emerge as the highest- delisted from the Colombo noted that “the company (TFC) less than 15% about a year selling full cream milk Stock Exchange (CSE) with is incurring a monthly loss of ago. powder at our stores. In immediate effect yesterday around Rs. 200 million, and hence The local dairy sector is doing so, we have also helped it is obvious that operation of the currently largely dependent the nation save valuable (28). The edict was made under company in this manner would on imported milk powder, foreign exchange. This is a Section 53 of the Securities be further detrimental to the thereby resulting in a result of the ingenuity and and Exchange Commission interest of the depositors and other significant drain on foreign commitment of both our (SEC) Act No. 36 of 1987. stakeholders”. exchange. teams. It gives us further Following this, additional penal “Milco was formed with impetus to champion local TFC is a finance company that action was taken in May this the aim of supporting the brands and thereby drive the was severely impacted by the failure year; the Monetary Board of the rural economy and catering economy forward.” of a number of financial institutions governance practices of the business, of deposits, and disbursement of CBSL cancelled TFC’s licence to the nutritional needs of the Lanka Sathosa Ltd. is a within the Ceylinco Group in 2008. led to a severe liquidity crisis that loans and advances to facilitate and its Certificate of Registration nation. Over the years, we state-owned largest retail The financial status of the company consequently required intervention TFC’s restructuring process. as a registered finance leasing have continued to ramp up network business in Sri deteriorated gradually since then, from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka At the end of this grace period establishment under the provisions our fresh milk collection and Lanka with over 420 outlets resulting in dire straits such as (CBSL). In September 2019, the (October 2019), the CBSL issued of the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 dairy product manufacturing islandwide, and over 4,500 negative capital, poor liquidity CBSL extended the regulatory a Notice of Cancellation (NOC) of of 2000. The reason cited by CBSL operations to strengthen employees. It was established position, continuous losses, and actions on TFC for a period of one the finance business license issued for these moves was TFC’s failure to the local dairy industry and in 2005 under the name significantly deteriorated asset month. The extended regulatory to TFC for continuous violations of find investors to revive the company offer nutritious products Lanka Sathosa with the aim quality. actions included the suspension of the Financial Business Act No. 42 within the time period stipulated by to consumers,” stated of ensuring food security for This, combined with the poor accepting new deposits, withdrawal of 2011 – including minimum core the CBSL. Milco (Pvt.) Ltd. Chairman the mass consumer. Huawei introduces GT2 Pro Huawei Sri Lanka TruRelax technology is has recently introduced ideal for users with heavy Huawei Watch GT2 Pro, workload to manage a flagship smartwatch stress as it provides from Huawei. The watch suggestions such as breath comes with a 1.39” training to release stress AMOLED touch screen levels. The GT2 Route with slide and touch Back feature records the gestures, a power button, travel route and uses GPS and a function button. for position marking, Its main body is titanium and even during a signal and its face is made with drop, users can still use sapphire crystal. It is also the recorded route to find available in Nebula Gray their way back. With its 4 and Night Black colours. The Huawei Watch functionality. It is ideal GB memory, it is capable Weighing approximately GT2 Pro operates as a for professionals and of storing up to 500 Seylan Bank and Healthnet.lk officials marking the partnership 52g (without straps), the personal golf coach with executives who are in songs. Huawei Watch GT2 Pro is its new Golf Driving search of a high-quality The smartwatch also water resistant. Range Mode. Users and hi-tech smartwatch supports Huawei Share, The Huawei Watch has can analyse even the that upgrades their quality which allows users to Seylan Harasara partners more than 100 customised swing posture while of life, and importantly, transfer files such as “workout modes” such as receiving suggestions for their style.” music and photos. Its climbing mode, outdoor improving swing speed Powered with AI in-built remote shutter running, rowing, surfing, and frequency. (artificial intelligence) feature enables users with Healthnet.lk tennis, etc. It is packed Commenting on the algorithms, the to snap photos from Seylan Bank’s “Seylan off on all medicine purchases unnecessarily, thereby confirming with more than 10 running newly launched Huawei smartwatch lowers the smartwatch after Harasara” has recently partnered between Rs. 1,000-5,000 and 10% they stay safe and healthy amidst courses with voice Watch GT2 Pro, Huawei power consumption and placing the phone when with Healthnet.lk to provide off on purchases above Rs. 5,000. a global pandemic. guidance and can also offer Devices, Sri Lanka measures blood oxygen focusing on an object. medicine delivery services for all Free delivery will be offered for Seylan Bank has 173 branches, suggestions for training. Country Head Peter Liu saturation (SpO2) or heart It also supports wireless Seylan Harasara senior citizen medicine purchases of less than 70 cash deposit machines, 66 The GT2 Pro smartwatch said: “While most of rate 24/7. With Huawei charging and reverse account holders. Rs. 1,000 within an outlined cheque deposit machines, and provides real-time data on today’s smartwatches TruSleep technology, charging. With five Through this partnership, senior radius. an ATM network of 216 units heart rate, average speed, feature a sporty look, the the GT2 smartwatch can minutes of wireless citizens who are a part of the Seylan According to health authorities, across the country. The bank maximum slope, and tack Huawei Watch GT2 Pro scientifically track and quick charge, it can be Harasara family can purchase senior citizens are in the high-risk was recently ranked second and distance for cross carries a professional diagnose common types used for 10 hours and medicine through Healthnet.lk and category of contracting the virus among public listed companies country skiing, while it is look and is designed for of sleep issues while when fully charged, it get it delivered to their doorstep due to various reasons. Through for transparency in corporate programmed to remind minimalism. It is packed providing suggestions lasts for 14 days. The free of charge, reducing the risks this initiative, Seylan Harasara reporting by Transparency Global if any of the calculated with more than 200 for sound sleep. Its Huawei Watch GT2 Pro of exposure to the virus. Harasara account holders can avoid travel and is now part of the S&P Dow metrics exceed the set watch faces to choose stress monitoring feature can be purchased for account holders will receive 5% and face-to-face interactions Jones SL 20 Index. limits. from, giving it wider backed by Huawei Rs. 54,999. Sampath provides 33% bonus interest for foreign currency savings Sampath Bank recently announced an offer guaranteed returns, especially for their the account during a given quarter. additional bonus interest of 33% on its short to medium-term foreign currency Bonus interest is awarded to accounts Sampath Foreign Currency (FC) Prime investments,” said Sampath Bank Head of with average balances of $ 10,000 or more. accounts. With the account already offering Deposit Mobilisation Halin Hettigoda. There are no withdrawal restrictions for the a base interest rate of 3% p.a., account “In light of this, we are delighted to awarding of bonus interest on accounts with holders will be able to earn an effective rate offer them a secure savings solution that balances of over $ 50,000. Account holders (annual equivalent rate) of 4.05% p.a. provides both higher returns, as well as can make up to one withdrawal per quarter The bank states that this rate of return is greater flexibility. We invite individuals and on accounts with balances of $ 10,000- considerably higher than the average market businesses to avail themselves of Sampath 49,999.99 to qualify for the bonus interest. interest rates for foreign currency savings FC Prime’s attractive base interest rate, as Sampath Bank also offers special interest accounts. It is comparable to the interest well as the additional bonus interest, and rates for their personal foreign currency rates being offered on foreign currency fixed grow their US dollar earnings and savings account fixed deposits. Meanwhile, deposits which, in today’s market, are not with Sampath Bank.” Sampath’s business foreign currency far from the rates on local currency fixed Individuals and businesses with foreign accounts, which include savings accounts, deposits. currency earnings and savings can open a current accounts, and term deposits, allow “In today’s turbulent market conditions, Sampath FC Prime account with an initial individuals and businesses to withdraw up individuals and businesses are faced with deposit of $ 1,000 or more. Interest is to $ 5,000, or equivalent in foreign currency very few stable investment options that calculated based on the average balance in notes, for travel purposes. 4 the morning INSIGHT/CORPORATE Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Education equity in Sri Lanka: A pathway out of poverty

periods. Among poor children aged are 24.5 and 14.2, respectively. A Figure 1: Proportions of children (non-poor, poor, near-poor) not attending school by age and sex By between 17-18 years, this figure has similar pattern is observed for near- *Note: Multi-dimensionally poor (MDP) households (HHs) – (HHs with weighted deprivation score of 33.3% or more); near IP HHs (HHs within 20% above the NPL); near MDP HHs (HHs with weighted deprivation score 20% or higher, but less than 33.3%); near- Wimal remained almost unchanged at nearly poor children and even non-poor poor children (children in Near IP HHs and/or Near MDP HHs) 65%. The corresponding percentages children, although the proportions Nanayakkara for non-poor children are much are significantly low for non-poor. lower (Table 1). Although Sri Lanka has Out of the poor children (15-16 Inadequacy of facilities for provided universal free years) who leave the education online learning education since 1939, around system, more than 66% left mainly Inequality in education can be one-fifth of poor children due to “poor educational progress/not further widened as not all children drop out of school after the willing to attend” (36.6%), “financial have the necessary facilities for age of 14 years and another problems” (22.1%), or to “help online learning during prolonged two-thirds after the age in housekeeping/other activities curfews, lockdowns, or when of the household” (8.6%). The schools are kept closed indefinitely. of 16 years. Comparison corresponding percentages of poor According to the Computer Literacy of estimates based on the children (17-18 years) were 49.5, Survey – 2019 (DCS), only 22.2% Household Income and 15.8, and 20.0, respectively. One of the households in Sri Lanka Expenditure Survey (HIES) of the reasons for poor education own a desktop/laptop computer – 2012/13 and HIES – 2016, progress could be inadequate (urban: 38.3%; rural: 19.9%, and conducted by the Department nutritional intake. The HIES – 2016 estate: 3.8%). According to the of Census and Statistics shows that the per capita energy Telecommunications Regulatory (DCS), show only a marginal consumption of poor households Commission (TRC) of Sri Lanka, improvement. with children (5-18 years) is less than there were a total of 1.53 million 75% (or 1,513 kilo calories per capita fixed internet subscribers and 5.73 With the closure of schools a day [kcpcad]) of the recommended million mobile subscribers in 2018. following the Covid-19 outbreak and energy requirement (2,030 kcpcad). However, the use of smartphones the sudden shift to online learning, The corresponding consumption would be limited, especially in poor children with no access to of non-poor households is 2,081 remote rural areas, where broadband e-learning opportunities risk falling kcpcad, above the recommended internet facilities are weak and there even further behind. In this context, requirement. is no information on the extent of some proposals made in the Budget smartphone users among the poor. 2021 to improve the education Gender gap of early “E-Thaksalawa” the national Source: Author’s estimates based on HIES – 2016, DCS system and reduce poverty will school leavers e-learning portal of the Ministry benefit poor children who have been As there is a possibility for some of Education (MoE), is facilitating 81.2%). The “Guru Gedara” distance Percentage of children not attending school or any other disproportionately affected by the of the near-poor children to slip e-learning for students (grade one learning programme of the Ministry educational institute by age pandemic. This blog highlights some into poverty, due to the effects of to Advanced Level [A/L]). But of Education (MoE) broadcast by of the education-related difficulties Covid-19, it is important to consider some children cannot access them at Channel Eye/Nethra TV, Art TV, Age group HIES-2012/13 HIES-2016 faced by poor children in Sri Lanka both poor and near-poor. Figure present due to the lack of facilities or and Ada Derana, for students from (Years) based on HIES data and the recent 1 shows the proportions of early means. Broadband internet facilities, grade three to GCE (A/L) are Non-poor Poor Non-poor Poor budget proposals which could help school leavers are very high for poor a computer/laptop or a smartphone, both in Sinhala and Tamil. The Sri them to overcome these difficulties. and near-poor children compared to and sufficient data are essential to Lanka Broadcasting Corporation 5-14 0.8 6.2 0.7 4.7 Poor children out of school non-poor. There is also a significant download available study material. (SLBC) is also broadcasting these gender gap, especially among the As highlighted in a previous lessons for the benefit of children 15-16 8.1 23.8 7.2 19.6 A large proportion of poor poor and near-poor. Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) who do not have access even to a children are dropping out of school For example, 73.6% of poor boys article, the best option therefore TV. 17-18 30.3 64.7 28.0 64.3 after 14 years, and the percentage aged 17-18 years are out of school would be to use television (TV) as This is an excellent and of poor children (15-16 years) not compared to 53.9% of poor girls in 86% (HIES – 2016) of households innovative way for poor children (Source: Author’s estimates based on HIES - 2012/13 and HIES - 2016 data) attending school has declined only this age group. The corresponding in the country own TVs (urban: to continue their studies in a by 4.2, between the two survey percentages for the 15-16 age group 88.9%; rural: 86.1%, and estate: stream of their choice, who may be leaving education prematurely A summary of some of the The early implementation of due to lack of facilities, especially most important proposals are: these proposals could pave the teachers, to teach science/ „„“Gamata Sannivedanaya” way to breaking the vicious technology subjects, mathematics, to provide 4G/Fibre broadband poverty trap through equitable languages, etc., in rural/estate facilities to cover all grama education and ensuring that no schools and non-national schools. niladhari divisions; internet child is left behind. facilities to all schools. (The writer is a Senior Budget proposals „„“E-Thaksalawa” learning Visiting Fellow at the IPS with The Budget 2021 has some portal to be strengthened further research interests in poverty, proposals which, if implemented, to minimise the difficulties faced and is a specialist in sampling. could solve most of the issues by students in rural/estate and He was previously engaged at highlighted above. They will non-national schools. the Department of Census and benefit the poor and vulnerable „„“Guru Gedara” programme to Statistics, where he functioned children, who are facing difficulties be made available to all students, as the Director General for 12 in continuing their education, by providing TV sets to schools years. He received his BSc in explained above. The proposals are in difficult areas. Mathematics and Physics from also aimed at developing the entire „„Improving and expanding the University of Peradeniya education system with special the opportunities for vocational/ and holds a Postgraduate emphasis on skills development, to technical education, which will Diploma in Applied Statistics meet the ever-increasing demand be extremely useful in developing from the University of Reading, for high skills and also to provide the necessary skills in a rapidly UK. He can be reached on necessary facilities. changing environment. [email protected]) UiPath announces 2020 Eric Rajapakse Opticians Automation Excellence opens branch in Dehiwala Eric Rajapakse Opticians recently Awards winners opened a state-of-the-art Enterprise robotic and strategic-level transformation across submitted. The winners branch in Galle Road, process automation impact derived from functional processes this were selected by a Dehiwala with a new (RPA) software their use of automation year, and I am elated to jury panel, comprising logo. This branch is the company UiPath last toward business see how leaders rose to eminent senior industry first step towards the week, on the closing functions. the challenge and used executives such as company’s new efforts in day of the Reboot Work The awards aim to automation to present Sequoia Capital India expansion, and will offer Festival, announced the recognise and celebrate innovative solutions,” LLP Managing Director customers both eye care winners of its second UiPath customers in said UiPath India and Mohit Bhatnagar, and hearing solutions edition of the UiPath India and South Asia South Asia President TCS Vice President under one roof. Automation Excellence for the business impact Manish Bharti. and Global Head – The new branch is Awards. Expolanka created by driving Speaking on the Cognitive Business equipped with the latest Holdings, PWC, Oracle innovation using occasion, UiPath India Operations Ashok refractive equipment Consulting, and Bennett automation in their and South Asia Vice Pai, Zinnov CEO Pari to provide the best Eric Rajapakse Opticians MD Rajeev Rajapakse lighting the oil lamp at the opening of the Coleman were among respective fields. The President – Marketing Natarajan, Author eye examinations and new branch the 37 winners across awards are organised Rajesh Kumar said: of India Automated: provides a safe and the 14 award categories. to inspire companies “These awards showcase How the fourth secure environment Polo Ralph Lauren, Polar city as they can now Eric Rajapakse The winners were to think beyond the the most impactful industrial revolution by operating strictly Sun, and many others access all those services Opticians provides eye selected from an norm and explore ideas in leveraging is transforming India in accordance with the for both frames and right here. This is in examinations including overwhelming number ways in which RPA automation, and we are Pranjal Sharma, health guidelines given sunglasses. line with our objective an eye pressure test and of registrations and can be used to create grateful to our eminent ITC Group Head for by the authorities since Sharing his views, to open up branches in eye vision test, carried nominations that were impactful innovations, Jury and all entrants for R&D, Sustainability, the Covid-19 pandemic, Eric Rajapakse Opticians central locations so that out using high-tech received from Sri and specifically this year their participation.” and Projects Sanjiv according to the Managing Director our customers can save computerised equipment Lanka, Bangladesh, and to display resilience in The entries received Rangrass, and opticians. Rajeev Rajapakse both time and money in order to identify any India. The selection business. were shortlisted by ICICI Bank Head The showroom features stated: “Customers in by conveniently visiting conditions that affect a was based on project or “The pandemic independent consultants of Operations and designer brands such as and around this location the nearest branch for person’s eyesight and process-level impact, led businesses to based on the forms and Customer Service Prada, Gucci, Vogue, need not travel all the all their eye care and recommend the best business-level impact, accelerate their digital supporting documents Anubhuti Sanghai. Rayban, Michael Kors, way to the heart of the hearing solution needs.” course of action. 5 the morning Tuesday , December 29, 2020

Plants play a crucial role in the ecosystem

is now 14. This is concerning, because we don’t seem to have adequate strategies to deal with illegal activity in a time of crisis.” 2021: What happens now? With 2020 having been a challenging year for conservation, how best can we move forward and do better in 2021? Wijesingha shared that he felt the public needed to push the Government to select a proper development policy. “From Wildlife conservation what I’ve seen in the past, we don’t have any particular development strategy. Our budgets are flawed and vague, and have no direction in what they’re promoting and what infrastructure is being expanded and the future to attract investment. Is our development policy tech-based? Innovation-based? Production-based? Are we going back to being an agricultural economy? Are BY NAVEED ROZAIS we developing tourism or promoting a workforce-based foreign employment Sri Lanka as an island is remarkably mechanism? Is it a mix of all these?” blessed with natural beauty and Wijesingha also spoke about looking an abundance of wildlife. But there back at the manifestos put forward by is a dark side to Sri Lanka’s natural those we have voted for, noting that the identity. Over the last year, the present administration’s election manifesto island renowned for leopards and was environmentally focused, promising elephants has seen the deaths of conservation, environmental awareness, A bleak clean water, protecting trees, and becoming more than 12 leopards and over 400 elephants, the vast majority of carbon neutral. “It was a perfect manifesto, but in which are a direct result of human- reality, it has been gone against. People who animal conflict. Additionally, only have voted, and people who actually have 17% of our landmass is closed- some say, must push the Government to get canopy forest cover. These are just what was promised done, and demand that some of the concerning statistics the environment is protected,” Wijesingha regarding wildlife and nature said, adding that the Government needs to conservation in Sri Lanka. move towards more careful conservation picture?A look back at wildlife conservation in 2020 and strategies that don’t exploit the The Morning Brunch reached out country’s land resources. to a few respected environmentalists for Jayawardene stressed that park and their thoughts on what 2020 has meant for and what we should be doing in 2021 wilderness management needs to be done conservation efforts and how we can build responsibly, not just from a bureaucratic a more sustainable 2021. which was also contributing heavily to the perspective looking at rupees and cents, but 2020: A conservation mismanagement of these parks. from an eco-sensitive perspective as well, Since the onset of the pandemic, national paying attention to the needs of the animals. annus horribilis? parks have seen drastic drops in visitor “We are looking at the problem from What has 2020 meant for numbers, and at the same time, a remarkable back to front, focusing on human needs,” conservation? Wildlife and Nature bouncing back of animal behaviour has been Jayawardene said. “The front end is wildlife Protection Society Sri Lanka (WNPS) seen. The quality and number of animal and wilderness. If we keep following our President Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne sightings improved dramatically, hinting at current model, 50 years from now, there shared that it has essentially been a the problems that over-visitation causes, will be nothing, because we’re dealing with disaster. “We’ve seen quite a lot of with increased noise (both human and a living, breathing ecosystem that is self- deforestation,” he said. “We’ve seen a vehicle) and crowds disrupting animal sustaining. It is us who fool around with it number of pieces of protective legislation behaviour and driving animals further and and make it unsustainable.” being overturned, and a number of further away from roads. Wijeyaratne explained that protected areas being put back into “People tried hard to manage this environmentalists are running out of development. There have also been lots because there is an impact on wildlife in options, especially because Sri Lanka’s legal of illegal acts of land acquisition and parks from over-visitation,” Jayawardene process is failing the country, with its delays destruction. From a wildlife conservation The whole year was pretty much a explained. “But because there are no and cumbersome laws, citing the example perspective, we’ve had a huge number disaster. Protective decisions taken have long-term studies on the subject, no one, of the illegal clearing of land in Wilpattu of leopard deaths due to snaring, and the also been disastrous, like the Gazette from the Department of Wildlife to Sri National Park. human-elephant conflict has continued to issued by the Land Commissioner Lanka Tourism, has been willing to listen “The issue was flagged by escalate to unbelievable proportions.” General to give ownership to lands and admit that there is a serious impact environmentalists, but destruction went In addition to the leopard deaths and that were encroached on and illegally problem on wildlife behaviour from on unabated. Years later, putting a fine human-elephant conflict heavily covered in grabbed by various parties over-visitation; and that this is something in place and thinking you can recreate an that will have a long-term impact on the media, Wijeyeratne shared that there are Environmentalist and Rainforest Protectors We’ve seen quite a lot of deforestation. ecosystem that takes decades to emerge aspects of wildlife conservation that tend to the sustainability of the resource that is is ridiculous,” Wijeyeratne said, adding: Convenor Jayantha Wijesingha animals living in the wild.” We’ve seen a number of pieces of fly under the radar when it comes to public protective legislation being overturned, “Some of our neighbouring countries have attention. Jayawardene also explained that the created different courts and procedures Department of Wildlife Conservation, and a number of protected areas being “If you look at migrant birds and Covid-19: A mixed blessing? put back into development. There have for environmental issues because they birdlife, you will see some serious assaults Covid-19 has completely dominated under whose purview lie the national have recognised that standard procedure parks, are also understaffed, are hardly also been lots of illegal acts of land being launched on Mannar and the eastern 2020 across all forms of life, changing acquisition and destruction is of absolutely no use in a time-sensitive coast that will affect bird populations a lot,” how we live, how we work, and how we present in some places, and have almost WNPS President environmentally disruptive scenario.” Wijeyeratne said. “There has also been a interact. But what did Covid-19 mean for no ability in places outside protected PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM lot of assault on mangroves, which are the wildlife? Has it been a positive influence or areas. “The long-term sustainability of Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne single most important kind of land area from a negative one? any kind of wildlife is questionable unless a conservation perspective, because of the Speaking from the view of wildlife we change our thinking and strategies,” have not inhibited illegal activity taking Leopard spotted in crucial role they play in biodiversity and the conservation within Sri Lanka’s national Jayawardene stressed. “These things are place, and we’ve seen a lot of this – places our national parks ecosystem. There have been huge assaults parks, Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL) revelations to us because it has been an that were forested have been cut down, and on the mangrove ecosystem, from Mannar Director Rukshan Jayawardene shared that extraordinary year.” poaching has gone up. We’ve seen a record down to Negombo, with different political animals in protected areas were given a Outside protected areas, however, number of leopard deaths this year. The total forces being at the forefront of destabilising respite of sorts from the pressures of tourism 2020 has been a very different year for and adversely affecting a number of marine and over-visitation in national parks. Pre- wildlife. “Illegal activity took an uptick. and brackish water species who depend on pandemic, national parks like Yala National Lots of areas saw less disturbance, where the mangrove ecosystem.” Park and similar were themselves in a crisis, otherwise during a normal year, there Environmentalist and Rainforest with the numbers of local and foreign tourists would be humans passing through for Protectors Convenor Jayantha Wijesingha visiting the parks being nearly uncontrollable, some kind of reason. This was because of shared a similarly grim overview, stating lockdowns, isolation, and other strategies that 2020 saw the cancellation of the used to control the spread of Covid-19,” MWFC Circular 05 of 2001, with over Jayawardene said. “But these restrictions 500,000 hectares of state forests being Because there are no long-term studies on transferred to their respective divisional the subject, no one, from the Department secretariats for various development of Wildlife to Sri Lanka activities under the Land Development Tourism, has been Ordinance. This is effectively a loss of willing to listen and 500,000 hectares of natural forest. admit that there is a “The whole year was pretty much a serious impact problem disaster,” Wijesingha said. “Protective on wildlife behaviour decisions taken have also been disastrous, from over-visitation like the Gazette issued by the Land EFL Director Commissioner General to give ownership to Rukshan Jayawardene lands that were encroached on and illegally An elephant at the edge of grabbed by various parties.” Deer locking horns a lake in search of water 6 the morning FOOD Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Baking with Organic Brouqs Cake food and where to find them BY VENESSA ANTHONY

With the current pandemic still ongoing, it’s more important than ever to boost your immune system. An easy way to do this is to eat clean. Consistently eating clean foods fills your body with plentiful vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, Orgnik Agro and healthy fats, which improve heart Orgnik Agro gets all their products and brain health, assist with weight from their very own estate in management, build a stronger immune Avissawella and Kurunegala. The system, and increase energy levels, management spoke about why their among other benefits. Organic eating is products are of quality, stating: “We a healthier option for your body because don’t use chemicals or hormones. We these fruits and veggies don’t come with only use organic fertiliser. We even have the added chemicals and preservatives; farms with country chickens, buffalos, it’s rich with all its natural nutrients. and cows, so we use their waste as Here are some places where you can fertilisers” get high quality organic produce. They also offer scrapped coconuts and packaged king coconuts for the ease of their customers. They de-husk the coconuts and king coconuts, crack BY VENESSA ANTHONY her confidence greatly. open the shells, package them, and send She named her husband as her them to their shops. The management Zahara Usman, the creative soul greatest support and graciously thanked added: “We want them to use a healthier behind Brouqs Cake on Instagram, her family for pushing her to achieve all alternative than what they find in the has been baking for as long she has now. She worked up the courage market today.” as she can remember. She has and started up her very own home-based They also have a fun little treat for always enjoyed having her hands bakery. Thus, Brouqs Cake was born. Owita Organics kids to enjoy – iced candy! It’s made greased with butter and flour Usman mentioned that she is truly entirely of organic fruits and fresh milk while concocting her next delicious grateful to be a part of the baking Owita Organics has farmer partners with no added preservatives. surprise for her online bakery. community: “It’s a pleasure to meet equally all over the country including in Nuwara You can find them at talented bakers out there.” Eliya, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Usman shared her inspiration behind her Touching on the essential factors when more. Some of them work as farmer talent with The Morning Brunch: “I am running an online bakery, she explained her groups and some work as commercial 29, Canal Lane, Colombo fortunate to have inherited my mother’s procedure: “Brouqs Cake is a platform to farmers. Most of them are located near They even deliver on UberEats, for talent in baking. She is absolutely skilled share all my baking adventures. I believe the railway, which makes it easier to your convenience. in making assorted sweets, desserts, and the most important thing after creating transport goods to Colombo. Vihangun savouries for all kinds of occasions.” absolute delights, is capturing the perfect Theekshana Ariyarathne, the owner of Mango Friends She told us that watching her mother just picture and creating the right content on Owita Organics, commented on their Co-founded by Dushyanth Weeraman, throw together a combination of ingredients your social platform for your followers. I vision, stating: “We are looking to have Mango Friends is an initiative providing to form some wonderful dishes that not love keeping my page attractive for those an ecosystem in all the key cities; organic fruits to their customers. They only tasted exquisite but looked eye- who are looking for bakers.” we already have two ecosystems specialise in organically produced catching too, instilled a passion for baking She added that she really formed and we are planning mangos. in her. enjoys coming up with new, to replicate this model in 25 They do a mango by the name TJC She began taking cake decorating classes Balancing kids and a job is not the easiest creative, innovative ideas that other cities by 2030.” They mango, which grows in the dry zones of after she discovered her calling for baking, task, but she manages to stay strong and keep her busy and baking. aim to build an affordable the island, mainly available in the and realised that she really liked it. “I make it work. “Having three kids didn’t Her favourite dish to bake, value chain and Anuradhapura, Kekirawa, gained a valuable new skill; I already knew stop me. Instead, I spent more time baking she said, is tres leches: “It’s so make clean eating and Monaragala how to bake, but these classes just elevated on their birthdays and making coloured milky and awesome! I affordable in Sri areas. Dushyanth my decorating skills and made my cakes frosting.” Her family saw her creations love how perfectly the Lanka. commented that it is look phenomenal. at these functions and were blown away sweetness of the milk He also a very tasty mango “I found baking to be very peaceful, a by how good they looked and tasted; they blends with the soft cake.” mentioned why often mistaken for good form of therapy. As I progressed on encouraged her to pursue her passion She hopes to introduce he thinks it’s the Alfonso mango my skill level, baking went from being a further and Usman told us that this boosted more flavours in her tres important to eat grown in India. hobby to a business.” leches in the future. healthy: “It is He also said that She added: “If a cake tastes amazing and She also came up with a delightful menu important for people’s health healthy living is the best rocks your world, then no one cares if the for Christmas this year. “We created double and the prevention of diseases that way to go forward, adding baker has a qualification or not.” chocolate gooey brownies shaped in are contracted through food. What you that there has never been a Usman is a proud mother of three kids. little Christmas trees, because who is not are is what you eat. If you take soil and better time to consider going organic. a chocoholic, right?” she exclaimed. She add chemicals, insects like worms can’t Available as Sri Lanka’s premier also whipped up some divine cupcakes live; your gut is similar – if you have online shop for your organic fruit needs, decorated with the cutest snowflakes that pesticides in your gut, you can’t live. So it now has a physical outlet in addition are bound to melt on your tongue. that’s why it’s important to eat healthy to their Kotte Road venue; they have One may not be able to acquire these food.” now collaborated with Home Bargains Christmas-themed goodies anymore, but You can find them on and are available at its Mohideen she would be more than happy to make you Terrace location too. a batch of her special gooey brownies and cupcakes on order! owita.lk @owitaorganics All her cakes are baked entirely from @mango_friends.sl scratch, and she adds a lot of love and care into her creations. She caters to all Saaraketha Organics occasions, including birthday parties, They have a range of chemical-free, weddings, and other wonderful life events. sustainably produced, and ethically “It gives me a feeling of satisfaction sourced products, with farm-to- to know that my cakes were a part of Organic Life table transparency. They also have a someone’s once-in-a-lifetime event and They are a community of individuals range of products that are certified helped make it a memorable experience.” and farmers who are passionate about internationally, by the International She revealed that she plans to open up serving organically and fairly grown Federation of Organic Agriculture her very own cake shop with homemade produce as fresh as possible. The Movements (IFOAM). All of these, products, all baked with the finest organic estate project commenced and local standards, are ingredients. “There will be a wide variety in 1992 and the establishment was employed to ensure of cakes, desserts, and pastries to please all formed in 1997 and their teas were that the products my customers, and all will be made with a exported to many countries in the conform range of products.” world in bulk form. Today, they grow to a strict and pack at source to ensure the quality principle of of the produce. They also strive hard “sustainable @brouqs.cake to bring an identity to the community and good of farmers they closely engage with. for you”. With this in mind, this growers’ brand, All standard Greenfield Farm Organic Life, was internal established in 2010. They specialise in control systems teas, but also offer many more items and the production like spices, rice, and sugars. 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Cakes and cupcakes by Brouqs Cake www.organiclife.lk @organiclife.lk saaraketha.com the morning 7 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 SPORTS

z Kohli wins two is the -keeper of plum awards, the ICC Test Team of the Decade dominates women’s awards The winners of the prestigious International Council (ICC) Awards for the Decade, including the Rachel Heyhoe-Flint Award for the Best Female Player of the Decade and Sir Garfield Sobers Award for the Best Male Player, were announced yesterday (28) by the ICC. , who scored 20,396 runs in all international cricket during the time period, which is more than anyone else, won two main awards. He was also part of team India that won the ICC World Cup 2011 and ICC Champions Trophy 2013. Kohli was also named ICC Cricketer of the Year in both 2017 and 2018, so it was no surprise that he emerged as the clear jury favourite, winning the “ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade”. Perry wins three awards for women Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry was a clear favourite in the Indian Female Cricketer of the Decade ICC AWARDS OF THE DECADE 2010-20 legend Virat Kohli category. She won the Rachael won men’s Heyhoe-Flint Award with her scores plum award of 4,349 runs with four centuries and 213 in all international cricket during the decade – which was also the most wickets taken by any player. Perry was also part of the Aus Sangakkara team that won the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2013 and ICC Women’s T20 World Cups in 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020. She has also won the Rachael Heyhoe- Flint Award for leading Women’s Cricketer in years 2017 and 2019. She also went on to win the ICC in Test team Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade as well as the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Decade – T20I Cricketer of the Decade. Kathryn Bryce (Scotland) The award winners: Sangakkara in ICC 1. Sir Garfield Sobers Award Test Team for ICC Male Cricketer of the of the Decade Decade – Virat Kohli (India) of the Decade India Skipper Virat Kohli has Nominees: of the Decade – Nominees: (Australia), been named the of the (India), (Australia) (New Zealand), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Anya ICC’s Test Team of the Decade, Virat Kohli (India), Nominees: Meg Lanning (Australia), Ellyse Shrubsole (England), having also been named the Captain Ellyse Perry (England), Kumar Sangakkara James Anderson (England), Perry (Australia), (Australia), and of the Test Team of the Year in bagged (Sri Lanka), Steve Smith (Sri Lanka), Virat (India), (India), and (West Indies) each of the past three years. He three (Australia), A.B. de Villiers Kohli (India), Joe Root (England), (West Indies) 8. ICC Spirit of Cricket Award also became the only men’s player awards for (South Africa), and Kane (Pakistan), Steve Smith 6. ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade – Mahendra Singh to be named in ICC’s Test, ODI, women Williamson (New Zealand) (Australia), and of the Decade – Dhoni (India) and T20I Teams of the Decade. 2. Rachael Heyhoe- (New Zealand) (Afghanistan) The ICC Spirit of Cricket Award Meanwhile, Sri Lankan legend Flint Award for ICC 4. ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of Nominees: of the Decade was won by M.S. Kumar Sangakkara has been given Female Cricketer of the the Decade – Virat Kohli (India) (Australia), Chris Dhoni following a fan vote, for his wicket-keeping duties of the ICC Decade – Ellyse Perry Nominees: Gayle (West Indies), Rashid Khan decision to recall after a Test Team of the Decade. (Australia) M.S. Dhoni (India), Virat Kohli (Afghanistan), Virat Kohli (India), controversial run out in the 2011 Nominees: (India), (Sri Lanka), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Rohit Nottingham Test between England ICC Men’s Test Team of Suzie Bates (New Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Sharma (India), and and India. The incident had also the Decade: Zealand), Meg Lanning (India), Mitchell (South Africa) won the ICC Spirit of Cricket , , (Australia), Ellyse Perry Starc (Australia), and A.B. de 7. ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer Award in 2011. Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli (Australia), Mithali Raj Villiers (South Africa) of the Decade – Ellyse Perry 9. ICC Men’s Associate (Capt.), Steve Smith, Kumar (India), (England), 5. ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer (Australia) Cricketer of the Decade – Kyle Sangakkara (wk), , and Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) of the Decade – Ellyse Perry Nominees: Coetzer (Scotland) Ravichandran Ashwin, , 3. ICC Men’s Test Cricketer (Australia) (New Zealand), 10. ICC Women’s Associate , and James Anderson

Victors, defeated, and death-boxes that have to wait competition is left behind in the battlefield. death there’s life to be lived. There are I recalled Amitha’s “match report” after engagements. Profit and loss. Joys and INTERCEPTION reading something that was sent to me by sorrows. Praise and blame. It’s good not to by Malinda Sarath Weerakoon, a Royalist who played in be fixated with the vicissitudes, but they are the Big Match several years before Chulaka part of the story. Seneviratne and his boys did. What happens in the game can outlive the It was a picture of two elderly men players, but that depends on how the game playing a game of chess in a highly ornate was played. Back in the year 1983, Amitha room. There was just a single spectator, a “The game” in 1983 could very well have Abeysekera, who wrote a daily column for bottle of wine, and three glasses on a side ended when Chulaka Amarasinghe hit the The Island titled “This is my island” wrote table. The players were clearly inhabiting winning boundary, but it didn’t. Sometimes about the Royal-Thomian cricket encounter. a world that was made of 64 squares and it spills out of the ground. At least for It was a post-match story but one which had nothing else. Mathangaweera, his teammates, and the very little to do with the match. It was about That was the setting. Here is the caption: Royalists attending that dinner, it did. the traditional post-match dinner which both “At the end of the game, the king and pawn Thirty-seven years have passed. So much teams attended. go back in the same box; what happened has happened. I mentioned the match, but If memory serves well, he referred to during the game is what lives on.” only because it constitutes context. This something his nephew or perhaps the son It is a line that resonates with Omar story is about what happened later, an after- of a friend had told him. The boy was a Khayyam’s “chess poem” in the Rubbayyat: taste that’s sweet. Thomian cricketer. I believe his name was ’Tis all a checkerboard of nights and days The victor and defeated, the spectators Mathangaweera. Royal, under Chulaka Where destiny with men for pieces plays and scribes will one day end up in the same Amarasinghe, had beaten S. Thomas’ by Hither, thither, moves, cuts and slays death-box, so to speak. Someone might dig 10 wickets that year. The victory had come And one by one back in the closet lays. Amitha’s article from the archives. Someone after 14 years, the previous win having been Khayyam doesn’t comment on the game may come across this piece. Someone in 1969 under Eardley Lieversz. At the end of the game, the king and pawn go back in the same box. What happened during the game or rather the longevity of the encounter or its may smile or reflect on the eternal verities. S. Thomas’ hadn’t tasted victory since is what lives on memory. That poem is a sobering comment Something might live on, something might 1964. Naturally, for the Thomians, it on human effort and relationships. It also not. Certain things don’t fit in certain boxes was a result that was hard to stomach. with no reference to the result of the match.” more than a century old and victories, as has a tinge of futility. We all die, so why or take time to lay to rest, certain others The following is the gist of what the boy Of course, it is easy for the victor to mentioned above, were few and far apart. get agitated one way or another with the might conclude. had told Amitha: “Uncle, we thought the be magnanimous, but few would grudge The Royalists showed humility and the this-and-that of life, the balance sheet, he The writer can be reached at Royalists would tease us to no end, but they the exercise of bragging rights. After Thomians demonstrated grace. seemed to ask. [email protected] or www. didn’t. It was just a friendly conversation all, the inter-school rivalry was already The point is that the unyielding story of On the other hand, on this side of malindawords.blogspot.com Kiwis lead by 192 runs in 1st innings ‘City vs. Everton’ struck by Covid-19 New Zealand (NZ) bowlers shone on day three of their first Test Manchester City’s Premier League football match at at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui yesterday (28) after ending Everton yesterday (28) was postponed four hours before Pakistan’s resistance led by Faheem Ashraf and skipper Mohammad kick-off because of an outbreak of coronavirus at the club. Rizwan, who shared 107 runs for the seventh wicket. The latest tests have returned more positive results, in addition to those of Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, and two staff members revealed on 25 December. The City training ground will be closed for an “indeterminate period”, BBC said. The postponement comes during a period that has also seen a number of English Football League matches called off because of Covid-19. Tuesday,sports December 29, 2020 As many as four Sri Lankan that it was only Vishwa Fernando and players, who are now playing Dasun Shanaka who remained for the in the first cricket Test at Lankans as recognised bowlers at one Centurion in South Africa, got point. Out of the 22 players named by injured, offering the advantage Sri Lanka for the South Africa tour, on a platter to the opposition. six are currently injured. Has the recent Lanka Premier South Africa gained a massive and, League (LPL), where all those injured most likely, match-winning lead of players participated in hectic T20 SRI LANKA 225 runs in the first innings as three cricket for almost three weeks until more Lankans – all main strike- just two days before their departure to bowlers – joined batsman Dhananjaya South Africa, caused these injuries? de Silva in the “injury list” yesterday If so, it could be a tragic proposition (28) denting the Lankans’ attack and as Sri Lanka were expected to do well the edge they could have had in the and repeat their historic series-winning Test. feat, which they made in South Africa Sri Lanka were 65/2 at stumps on last time (2019), this time too. day three yesterday (28) still behind In hindsight, after the Indian 160 runs after losing the initiative that Premier League (IPL), both the INJURED! they got after the first day’s play on Australian and Indian players are Saturday. getting involved in a gruelling Test Joining de Silva – who will be out series Down Under now without z Is it LPL, bad of the entire series due to a thigh much injury fears; and so are the New tear – was opening fast-bowler Kasun Zealanders who play in another Test management, Rajitha who got injured on Sunday series simultaneously in New Zealand (27) and was ruled out of the game. at the moment. Lahiru Kumara, another main fast- Who is to blame? The Lankan team or tough luck? bowler, also got injured yesterday. reportedly has a dedicated physio, The leg-spinning all-rounder masseur, and trainer too. Is it below- Wanindu Hasaranga too got injured par body and condition maintenance yesterday, yet he returned to action. on the part of the Lankan players, Yet the details of both Kumara’s and or is it too much cricket as well as Hasaranga’s injuries are yet to be the scarce importance given to the revealed. significant Test series while being The array of the injuries prompted involved in the LPL in a mighty rush? Skipper to use At the end of the day, will Sri Lanka as many as seven bowlers, including face the Proteas’ battering unduly, in a himself and batsman , in series in which they could have done the South African first innings where wonders, as the home team was not up they amassed 621 runs including four to the mark this time around, suffering half-centuries and a 199 by Faf du from both internal as well as external Plessis. problems in their cricketing structure? The mockery of the situation was (RSS)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings 396 South Africa 1st innings (overnight 317/4) c and b Shanaka 95 Aiden Markram c Shanaka b Vishwa Fernando 68 Rassie van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara 15 c Karunaratne b Hasaranga 199 c Sub b Hasaranga 18 Temba Bavuma c Dickwella b Shanaka 71 Wiaan Mulder c Dickwella b Hasaranga 36 Keshav Maharaj c Hasaranga b Vishwa Fernando 73 Anrich Nortje c Dickwella b Vishwa Fernando 0 Lutho Sipamla lbw b Hasaranga 0 Lungi Ngidi 2 Extras (nb 7, w 10, b 9, lb 18) 44 Total (all out, 142.1 overs) 621 Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Markram, 28.4 ov), 2-200 (van der Dussen, 42.6 ov), 3-200 (Elgar, 43.4 ov), 4-220 (de Kock, 47.1 ov), 5-399 (Bavuma, 90.4 ov), 6-476 (Mulder, 107.4 ov), 7-609 (du Plessis, 137.5 ov), 8-610 (Nortje, 138.6 ov), 9-611 (Sipamla, 139.2 ov), 10-621 (Maharaj, 142.1 ov) Bowling: Vishwa Fernando 31.1-3-129-3 (3w), Rajitha 2.1-0-16-0 (1nb), Shanaka 28.5-2-98-2 (3nb), Hasaranga 45-5-171-4 (1nb), Kumara 21.1-0-103-1 (2nb), Karunaratne 6.5-0-36-0, Mendis 7-0-41-0 (2nb)

Sri Lanka 2nd innings Dimuth Karunaratne b Ngidi 6 not out 33 Kusal Mendis c van der Dussen b Ngidi 0 Dinesh Chandimal not out 21 Did not bat: Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara Extras (nb 1, b 4) 5 Total (for 2 wickets, 12 overs) 65 Fall of wickets:1-141 (Markram, 28.4 ov), 2-200 (van der Dussen, 42.6 ov), 3-200 (Elgar, 43.4 ov), 4-220 (de Kasun Rajitha hobbles off with a groin Kock, 47.1 ov) injury on day two, Sunday, of the first Test at Bowling: Ngidi 6-0-28-2, Nortje 3-0-23-0, Mulder 3-0-10-0 (1nb) Centurion between Sri Lanka and South Africa India fight back After gaining a first- Brief scores 1-0 after drubbing the innings lead of 131 runs, tourists in the first Test in India produced a fine Australia first innings 195 and 133/6 in 66 overs Adelaide, bowling them bowling display with (Matthew Wade 40, 28, Travis out for their lowest-ever each of their five bowlers Head 17, Cameron Green 17 n.o.; total (36) in the second picking up at least a 2/25, Umesh Yadav 1/5) vs. India first innings 326 innings to win the match wicket to reduce Australia Situation: Australia lead by two runs with four by eight wickets. to 133/6 by stumps on wickets intact in second innings Both the Indian pacies day three yesterday (28) and spinners made a fine at the Melbourne Cricket four wickets remaining Under, have a fair chance display of bowling in Grounds in Australia. in the second innings. of equalising the four- yesterday to With two more days This means that India, match series at 1-1 in take the advantage over to go in this second Test, who won the Test series Melbourne this time. the strong Aussies and Ravichandran Ashwin took Australia are leading by 2-1 last time (2018/19) Presently, Australia make amends to their first the wicket of leading Aus just two runs with only creating history Down are leading the series Test’s debacle. batter Marnus Labuschagne yesterday (28)