highlights wednesday Amazing 19 august 2020 Parallels Latest Edition Between Vol: 09/212 Price : Rs 30.00 Belarus In Sports and US Namal set to page A6 introduce a new Russia - Central Sports Act Sports Minister Namal Balancing Force of Rajapaksa, who assumed duties yesterday, mulls Indian Ocean Diplomacy replacing the 1973 Sports Act with a new one. page A7 A16 Attempt to bribe Dompe OIC thwarted CIABOc Officers apprehend suspect

By Chamara Amarasuriya To restore national A suspect was apprehended by officers transmission grid of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption AG’s Dept reduces yesterday (18), on charges of attempting to backlog in child offer a bribe of Rs 200,000 to the Officer-in- Hourly Power Cuts Charge of the Dompe abuse cases Police Station, Chief Finalises 12,968 cases, Inspector (CI) of Police, Roshan Sanjeewa, to 851 cases pending prevent the law being enforced on the two By Hansi Nanayakkara suspects arrested on charges of drug Until 21 August Attorney General, Dappula de Livera smuggling. By Methmalie Dissanayake August, due to the restoration of the has finalised details of 12,968 cases of The suspect was national transmission grid, General child abuse over the last 18 months. arrested at the OIC’s The power supply countrywide is Manager of the Ceylon Electricity Board Coordinating Officer to the Attorney Office when he attempted scheduled to be suspended for an hour on a (CEB), Keerthi Karunaratne said yesterday General, State Counsel Nishara... to bribe the Officer. daily basis in a staggered manner until 21 (18). Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Pillaiyan, Jayasekara Dubai-based Two seats in Chamber President’s vacant tomorrow allowed to attend underworld figure Policy Statement lured PNB officers Inaugural day of at 9th Parliament Parliament Ninth Parliament to By Kanagarasah By Kavindya Perera Opposition to be given Saravanan and J.T. de kick off sans UNP chance to debate Silva Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris yesterday (18) informed Secretary General of Opposition MPs Batticaloa Civil Appellate Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratna, an Parliament Dhammika will be given an High Court Judge D. underworld character known as Udara Dassanayake opportunity on 21 Susaidasan yesterday (18), Sampath, based in Dubai, United Arab yesterday (18), said August to air their granted permission to Tamil Emirates, had coaxed certain Police two seats in the views in Parliament Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers to peddle Chamber would be on President (TMVP) Leader and drugs. kept vacant tomorrow Gotabaya Parliamentarian (20), on the inaugural Rajapaksa’s Policy Sivanesathurai Story Continued on page 2 day of the Ninth Statement, which is Chandrakanthan alias Parliament as the UNP to be made when Pillaiyan, who has been and the Ape Jana Bala the Ninth detained at the Batticaloa DSG tells Commission Party have failed to Parliament is Prison, as a suspect in the name their National ceremonially assassination of former Tamil List Parliamentarians inaugurated National Alliance Batticaloa Directors by 14 August. tomorrow (20). District MP Joseph Both Parties secured Parliament sources said, a debate Pararajasingham, to attend responsible for one National List slot each at the General pertaining to the President’s policy the maiden session of the Election. However, they failed to name statement will be held from 9:30 a.m. to Ninth Parliament when it irregularities at ETI MPs to fill the slots due to intra-Party 4:30 p.m. on 21 August. (JT) convenes tomorrow (20). Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) conflicts. The Election Commission (EC) Chandrakanthan, who is Priyantha Nawana told the Presidential has therefore not gazetted their National the main suspect in the Commission investigating irregularities List MPs. murder of Pararajasingham, and misappropriations which took place The EC had to obtain advice from the was arrested on 11 October at ETI yesterday (18), the Board of Attorney General regarding the Ape Jana Alleged political 2015 and has been in remand for over four Directors of ETI should be held directly Bala Party’s National List MP as the Party years. responsible for the irregularities faces uncertainty regarding its General victimisation TMVP members and Prison Officials had made uncovered at the Commission. Secretary post, as a result, the National a request to Court to allow Chandrakanthan to The Deputy Solicitor General said this, List MP’s name could not be gazetted by attend the maiden session of Parliament. when for the first time members of ETI... 14 August. (MD and TR) Ranil, Mangala,

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Patali, Rauff, eight others Maintaining links with Rifkan Bathiudeen assisted big-time drug traffickers before PCoI Zaharan to flee to India – Witness By Faadhila Thassim Seven more PNB By Buddhika He was testifying before Fernando on 7 April 2019. Former Prime Minister Ranil Samaraweera the Presidential Commission He also said, Mendis had Wickremesinghe and former Ministers Officers in the net of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the in return sent him a report , Patali Champika In a report which I received bombings on 21 April 2019 on 8 April 2019, detailing Ranawaka, and eight By Kavindya Perera from the then Chief of Easter Sunday, yesterday Zaharan’s latest activities. others were issued notice to appear National Intelligence, Sisira (18). That report contained before the Presidential Commission of The CID yesterday (18), named seven more Police Mendis on 8 April 2019, it On 7 April 2019, the SIS information that he had fled Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to probe into Narcotics Bureau (PNB) Officials as suspects, for was mentioned that National received information from a to India with the help of the alleged political victimisation of maintaining contacts with big-time drug Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) foreign Intelligence agency Rifkan. “But I informed him public officials during the tenure of the traffickers. Leader, Zaharan Hashim that a group including about certain contradictory former United National Front-led The seven officers, who were named as suspects had fled to India with the Zaharan was planning to facts in it, because no such Government. by the CID, are Lionel Jayaratna who is presently assistance of Rifkan launch an attack in Sri information had been Chairman of the Commission, retired incarcerated and six others who are currently Bathiudeen, brother of Lanka, he added. He also reported to the SIS,” he Supreme Court Judge, Justice Upali being interrogated on detention orders, namely W. former Minister Rishad said, the information was noted. The witness also said, Abeyratne ordered to issue notice to Udara Pathiranahewa, Sumedha Weerasingha, W. Bathiudeen, said former forwarded to former CNI Mendis had then told him these individuals to appear before the Upali Ratnayaka, Nirosh Madusanka de Silva, R. Director of the State Sisira Mendis, then IGP that he would discuss the Commission on 7 September as Don Anil and Ruwan Alwis. Intelligence Service (SIS), Pujith Jayasundara and matter with Fernando and respondents to a complaint filed by the The Prison Department Officers informed SDIG Nilantha then Secretary to the get back to SDIG former Director General of the Divi Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratna... Jayawardana. Ministry of Defence Hemasiri Jayawardana. Neguma, R.A.A.K. Ranawaka.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 wednesday 19 august 2020 news

Possession of illegal passport charge Fmr SIS Director Jayawardena Jailor who tells Easter Attacks PCoI worshipped Shashi claims I acted on foreign Kanjipani Imran intelligence By Buddhika Samaraweera absconds political If the former Chief of National Intelligence (CNI) or By Kumudu Upul Shantha the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence says I did not pay enough attention to the information provided by a Prisons Department sources said though the Jailor foreign Intelligence agency regarding a possible terror from the Boossa Prison, who is alleged to have bowed to attack in April 2019, I have sufficient technical noted gangster and death row inmate Kanjipani Imran, victimisation evidence to prove it wrong, former Director of the State had been transferred to the Vavuniya Prison a fortnight By Kavindya Perera was legal and valid. The case Intelligence Service (SIS), Senior DIG Nilantha ago, he had still not reported for duty. connected to the possession of an Jayawardena said. According to Department sources, the Jailor in Shashi Weerawansa, the wife of illegal passport, filed against Shashi He was testifying yesterday (18) before the question had reportedly applied for sick leave. Minister of Industries , was taken up for Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the However, a Department source added the probe into Weerawansa, yesterday (18), claimed hearing yesterday. bombings on 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday. his conduct will not be halted. that she had never possessed an President’s Counsel Shavendra He said he had informed former IGP Pujith A video containing footage of the Jailor bowing down to illegal passport and charged that the Fernando appeared for the defendant Jayasundara, former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Imran at the Boossa Prison had been sent to the cell case against her had been filed with Weerawansa, while the prosecution Fernando and former CNI Sisira Mendis on 7 April phone of Defence Secretary, Retired Major General the sinister aim of political was represented by Deputy Solicitor 2019, about information provided by a Foreign Kamal Gunaratne. Gunaratne said so at an event in victimisation. General Dileepa Peiris and officers Intelligence Unit that a terrorist attack could take Colombo recently. She was making a statement from from the Criminal Investigations place in Sri Lanka. the dock of the Colombo Chief Department (CID). Members of the PCoI then questioned the witness as Magistrate’s Court. The CID has charged Shashi to whether he had taken steps to discuss the She further claimed that she had Weerawansa with possessing a Intelligence information at the weekly Intelligence been punished for an offence that she passport bearing Number D 3642817 review meeting held on 9 April 2019. In reply, he said had not committed and insisted that from 13 September 2010 up to 26 he had not discussed the matter as he had informed STF arrests 3 suspects as her husband was at that time a February, five years ago. the CNI and the IGP, who also attended the meeting. Cabinet Minister, there was no She has also been charged with “At the meeting, Mendis had the report I had given on with fake currency necessity for her to commit an offence flouting provisions contained in the Intelligence information in his hand. I told him of this sort. Section 45(1) of Immigration and that it was useless to merely hold it and asked him to notes in Mulleriyawa Shashi Weerawansa said that the Emigration Act, No. 20 of 1948, as instead discuss it. But he did not discuss it at the Department of Immigration and Amended by Act No. 16 of 1993, Act meeting that day,” he said. By M.C. Perera (Colombo) Emigration had even handed over a No. 42 of 1998 and Act No. 31 of 2006 SDIG Jayawardena further said if the former CNI letter to her to state that her passport through her actions. says it is not true, he has technical evidence to prove The Special Task Force (STF) said they had arrested it. The Chairman of the PCoI then instructed the three suspects yesterday (18) who had been transporting witness to present the evidence before the bundles of fake Rs 5,000 notes in a motorcar in the Commission. At that time, the witness said they could Galwana area in Mulleriyawa. not be produced yesterday and they could be According to Police, some 128 bundles of currency Preventing ragging in universities presented to the Commission after Mendis testified notes had been found. The suspects had been nabbed before the Commission. However, the Chairman of the following a tip-off received by the STF that the trio had PCoI informed SDIG Jayawardena that he could not assembled the currency notes at a house in Galwana in Officials shouldn’t be lenient– GL set out conditions during the proceedings of the Mulleriyawa ahead of its transportation. Police said Minister of Education, Professor G.L. Education, University Vice Chancellors Commission and instructed him to present the upon interrogation, the suspects had revealed that they Peiris, advised his Ministry officials not and academics. During the meeting, evidence yesterday itself if necessary to prove his had assembled the currency notes in order to purchase to show leniency when preventing attention was also drawn towards innocence. However, after the counsel representing a stock of gold. They added that the suspects aged 34 to ragging in universities. revamping the education curriculum to the witness had a discussion with the members of the 42 are residents of the Ja-Ela, Angoda and Mulleriyawa He said so during talks yesterday (18) suit the modern job market as well as PCoI, the PCoI Chairman then instructed the witness areas and they have been handed over to the with officials from the University Grants conducting superior quality language to present the evidence to the Commission at a future Mulleriyawa Police for further inquiries. Commission, the Ministry of Higher courses for job seekers. date.

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Directors responsible... AG’s Dept...... Board of Directors, Solicitor General had ... Jayaratna yesterday (18) been reduced to 851 pending Jeewaka Edirisinghe, Nalaka submitted facts to the confirmed the cases have been cases in the Child Protection Edirisinghe, Asanka Commission regarding filed between January 2019 Unit, she added. Edirisinghe and Deepa misdemeanors and and July 2020 and of these, She also said it was the first Edirisinghe – members of the irregularities which had taken 6,149 cases had been filed in time in local legal history that Edirisinghe family – were place at ETI and had been High Court. cases pending in the Child summoned to give evidence revealed to the Commission so Furthermore, 4,372 Protection Unit had been atthe Presidential Commission far, while lawyers representing suspects have been released reduced to 851 and averred of Inquiry. the Board of Directors of ETI so far and Police have been that the cooperation of officers In addition to members of and Ben Holdings had instructed to file 2,447 cases from the Attorney General’s the Edirisinghe family, Sunil family said since there are Commission was not expressed their objection to at the Magistrate’s Courts, Department had been crucial Abeyratne, Sumathipala seven cases in three expecting evidence by submitting facts in this noted Jayaratna. in the reduction in the number Kariyawasam, Sujith Magistrates Courts regarding attributing an offence and the manner. Thereby, the backlog has of such cases. Jayawardena and Hafeez incidents related to the ETI ETI Board of Directors were Subsequently, the Rajurdeen, who were also Company, giving evidence at summoned to the Commission Chairman of the Commission members of the Board of this Commission put his to look into facts and report to ordered that all members of Directors of ETI were also clients into a difficult President Gotabaya the Board of Directors of ETI summoned. situation. Responding to this Rajapaksa as this was a who had been summoned to Legal Counsel representing statement, the Deputy responsibility of the be present at the Commission Seven more... members of the Edirisinghe Solicitor General said the Commission. The Deputy on 21 August once again. ... that Police Constable of the PNB, B. Ruwan Pushpakumara and Police Sergeant of the PNB Saman Kumara Jayasingha, who are both currently in remand custody in connection with the case, are detained at the Angunakolapelessa Prison. Dubai-based... The case is due to be taken up again on 31 August. Hourly Power... He made this observation when the case Karunaratne added the country will during a security maintenance check. linked to certain PNB officers maintaining be divided into four regions and power The blackout lasted for over five hours contact with big-time drug traffickers was will be suspended as per four separate and some areas even experienced the taken up for hearing. Ranil, Mangala,... time slots (6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; power cut for more than eight hours. Peiris said the underworld figure named, Former Ministers Malik the Anti-Corruption Committee. 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; 8:00 p.m. to The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Sampath, had given instructions from Samarawickrema and Field “On three occasions, I was 9:00 p.m.; and 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 Lanka on the same day ordered the Dubai, with regard to how much cash Marshal and remanded for a total of 152 p.m.). CEB to provide a detailed report by accrued from the peddling of drugs should former Parliamentarian days and was suspended from An island-wide power failure today (19) regarding the blackout. be deposited to the accounts of the suspect Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne my job, resulting in a loss of occurred on 17 August, reportedly In addition, Minister of Power, PNB officials and how much of illegal drugs PC, J.C. Weliamuna PC, approximately over Rs 4.6 due to a failure in the transmission , appointed a should be distributed among these suspect MPs R. Sampanthan, M.A. million,” Ranawaka claimed system at the Kerawalapitiya Grid committee to look into the matter as officers. The Prisons Department officers Sumanthiran PC, Anura while giving evidence before the Substation which was identified well. told Court that the suspect PNB officers are Kumara Dissanayaka, and PCoI yesterday (18). He presently being detained at the Secretary of the Anti- requested for compensation for Angunakolapelessa Prison due to the impact Corruption Committee this alleged loss and of COVID-19. Secretariat, Ananda Wijepala compensation for the The prosecution was represented by DSG were also thereby ordered to be psychological impact that this Peiris, State Counsel Nuwan Atigalla along issued notice. had on him along with the costs Pillaiyan, Jayasekara... with senior officers from the CID. A group of Ranawaka filed two incurred by him as legal When the particular appeal was row inmate, Sri Lanka Podujana lawyers led by Ajith Pathirana and complaints at the Commission charges, all amounting to Rs 20 taken up for hearing before Judge Peramuna Parliamentarian Premalal Wasantha Pitigala, appeared for the suspect stating that his arrest and a million. Susaidasan yesterday, he granted Jayasekara, to attend the inaugural PNB officers. total of five cases filed against Ranawaka also requested for permission to allow Chandrakanthan session of the Ninth Parliament The prosecution produced a progress him including of the alleged officers attached to the to attend Parliament tomorrow. tomorrow. report on the case to Court and submissions misappropriation of Divi Financial Crimes Investigation Chandrakanthan was accompanied Jayasekara who was elected from were made by DSG Peiris. He said, the Neguma funds and the initial Division (FCID), D.K. to Court amidst tight security and his the Ratnapura District to the ongoing case against the suspect PNB investigations carried out by Serasinghe, Sajith Rathnayake, supporters had thronged in front of Legislature at the 5 August General officers, had first come to light based on the Anti-Corruption Committee S.A.S. Gunawardena, Thilak the Court. Election, is presently serving time in details unearthed through the arrest and Secretariat Chaired by Samaranayake and S.S.M. Meanwhile, Serjeant-at-Arms of Prison, after being convicted by the interrogation of a suspect identified as Wickremesinghe were political Saajith, and the former Director Parliament Naren Fernando said Ratnapura High Court over a case of Chaminda Wickramarachchi alias Tile motivated. The other of Divi Neguma at the time the approval has been granted to death homicide. Chaminda. He said investigations into the respondents were issued notice complaint was filed, H. incident had revealed that on 30 April, the based on Ranawaka’s request Sumanapala, to be named as suspect Tile Chaminda had gone to Matara to name them as respondents respondents to the complaint in a car and that he had used a State vehicle as they were also members of filed by him. as well so that his vehicle will be safe before heading to Hikkaduwa to distribute the stock of drugs. The prosecution further informed that the CID had arrested a suspect identified as Vihanga alias Menik and his permanent driver identified as Attempt to... Kavinda Sooriyaarachchi and said they were According to Commission sources, the suspect had gone to the currently being grilled on detention orders. OIC’s office to bribe him to free two suspects who had been arrested Taking the submissions into on charges of possessing a kilo of cannabis. consideration, the Court ordered the The suspect is said to be a resident of Pethiyagoda, Kelaniya. He suspect PNB officers to be produced in had been apprehended following a complaint lodged with the Court at the next hearing and ordered the Commission by the Officer himself. It is also said this was the third suspects to be further remanded till 31 occasion the OIC had apprehended a suspect who had attempted to August. bribe him while carrying out his duty. news wednesday 19 august 2020 A3 To deter illegal immigrants Islandwide power Strengthen surveillance in North and East failures may recur – CEBEU By Kameshi Kohomange submitted. The Ministry of order to meet the demand of Doctors and PHIs urge and Sulochana Ramiah Power approved it and the national power grid which Mohan thereafter the Cabinet of presently at its peak, stands By Dilanthi measures should be adopted Union of Sri Lanka, Upul Ministers approval was at 2,400 MW. Jayamanne to stop anyone from entering Rohana, warned of the Islandwide power failures obtained during the interim Meanwhile, Herath said the the country illegally. constant threat of fishermen may recur since there is no Government last year after islandwide power failure Doctors and Public Health Currently, other than the being infected with COVID- base load power station to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa which occurred on 17 August Inspectors (PHIs) urged the existing cluster of foreign 19. provide a continuous supply was elected in November 2019 was due to a technical Ministries of Defence and repatriates which was the “There is large-scale of electricity throughout the but it never moved beyond breakdown that took place at Health to strengthen the only contributor to the fishing activity taking place year, the Ceylon Electricity that point,” he added. the Kerawalapitiya Sub- surveillance measures on the increasing number of in the coastal areas through Board Engineers’ Union Meanwhile, Chairman of the Station, where 300 MW of the Northern and Eastern COVID-19 patients being which our local fishermen (CEBEU) claimed. Ceylon Electricity Board Kerawalapitiya Power Plant shores, to prevent any recorded locally, there are no were in constant contact Engineer Anuruddha (CEB), Engineer Vijitha and 900 MW of the carrier of COVID-19 arriving cases being reported from with their Indian Tilakaratne told Ceylon Today Herath said there is no ground Norochcholai Power Plant are undetected from India. society. Although the counterparts. Fish was that for the umpteenth time for reports of further added to the national grid. Executive Committee Epidemiology Unit has said exchanged, persons crossed they had informed the islandwide power failures due To make sure that an Member of the Government it was initiating random between boats, while there government to install a base to the breakdown of the incident of this nature will not Medical Officers’ Association, polymerase chain reaction was a large amount of goods load power station with a Lakvijaya Power Plant in occur in the future, he said Dr. Haritha Aluthge, (PCR) tests in the being smuggled over the maximum capacity of 300 Norochcholai. that attention must be drawn yesterday (18), said with community, so far the Health waters, into the island, of megawatts (MWs) and for the When contacted by Ceylon to power generation and India being named as the Ministry has failed to release which turmeric is the latest last five years or so, the matter Today, he said the boilers of transmission. He added that third country to be most any of their findings through addition,” he said. had been ignored without the coal Power Plant which new power plants must be affected by COVID-19, there the tests which have been He stated currently the giving importance to that operates at 500 degrees built according to the power was a strong possibility for conducted in Colombo, Navy is conducting need. Celsius need to cool down to generation plan, while the people seeking safety in Sri Jaffna and other parts of the awareness programmes for “There were six international 200 degrees before restarting transmission system must be Lanka, where the situation is country, he added. fisherfolk regarding what bidders for a Liquefied Natural the operation, adding that this strengthened and regulated. under control. On 17 August But what should concern should be done if an Gas (LNG) project. The South usual process generally takes Herath further said that two alone, the number of COVID- us is the Ocean to which the unknown person or vessel is Koreans also came in with a around four days. committees were appointed to 19 cases in India was Navy was playing close seen in the area and what LNG project but their pricing During this period where the investigate the islandwide 54,000, while the death toll attention to, he said. precautionary measures was high, hence, it was Norochcholai Power Plant is power interruption. spiked to 900. Meanwhile, President of should be taken under such rejected. Within the last five not operational, the capacity The Public Utilities Dr. Aluthge said preventive the Public Health Inspectors’ circumstances. years, the matter dragged on, of the Kelanitissa Power Plant Commission of Sri Lanka has and finally a bidder was which produces 165 mega also requested the CEB to selected after negotiations and watts (MW), thermal power submit an investigation report the technical committee plants as well as hydro power regarding the power failure expression on the bid was plants will be increased in within three days. Amendments to NATA Act Preventing youth from falling Fire damages Thondaman’s ancestral victim to smoking and drinking home in Kotmale The Chairman of the the scope of the law and noted National Authority on Tobacco that the amended Act will be By Naalir Jamaldeen and fighters from the Fire and and Alcohol (NATA), Dr. tabled in Parliament for State Minister of Estate Rescue Unit of Nuwara-Eliya Samadhi Rajapaksa stated approval. The ancestral home Housing and Community being brought in. that new amendments would Dr. Rajapaksa said the belonging to the late Minister Infrastructure Facilities, The cause of the fire was not be introduced shortly to the necessary institutions which Arumugam Thondaman in the Jeevan Thondaman and known, however, the Kotmale NATA Act, No. 27 of 2006, are tasked with carrying out Wewandan Estate in Kotmale frontline Members of the Police are conducting further with the blessings of the preventive programmes on caught fire early yesterday Ceylon Workers Congress had inquiries in this connection. President, the subject smoking and drinking will (18) morning, causing severe rushed to the scene when The fire caused severe Minister and Cabinet. also be provided with legal damage to the roof, according they were informed of the damage to the house and Issuing a media release in powers, thus enabling to the Kotmale Police. incident, and took steps to many valuables within the this regard, he stated that the offenders to be meted out Son of the late Minister douse the fire with fire- house were also destroyed. NATA was looking to harsh punishments that implement a series of could deter youths from programmes throughout the falling prey to the evils of country to safeguard the smoking and drinking. youths from falling victim to He said that taxes imposed the scourges of smoking and by the State on tobacco and drinking. alcohol are not sufficient and He said that towards this that the taxes would have to exercise, the NATA Act has to be increased considerably in be amended urgently within Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa this regard.

PCoI probing 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday bombings India was safe haven for NTJ By Buddhika Samaraweera – Former SIS Director Easter Sunday. When we When a Member of the PCoI India was one of the safest received foreign intelligence questioned him as to whether places for National Thowheed Information on 4 April 2019, the SIS had taken any steps to Jama’ath (NTJ) Leader they had not tested a bomb, prevent Zaharan from using Zaharan Hashim and his he said, and added that the social media platforms such associates to hide, said former first information of such a dry as Facebook following the Director of the State run conducted by them was foreign Intelligence Intelligence Service (SIS), reported on 17 April 2019. information, SDIG Senior Deputy Inspector However, at that time, we Jayawardana said that they General of Police (SDIG) had information that the NTJ didn’t take any action in that Nilantha Jayawardana. had conducted a weapons regard. The Commissioner He also said that when the training in Nuwara-Eliya and then explained to him that it SIS was informed by the that Zaharan’s brother, would have been important to Indian Intelligence agency Mohamed Zaini alias Sinna take actions in that regard as regarding the possibility of a Moulavi, had delivered social media platforms were terror attack which could be religious sermons at these mainly used by Zaharan to carried out by NTJ Members, camps, he also said. According communicate extremist ideas he was not of the opinion that to him, the SIS has taken to his followers and to they had the ability to carry steps to inform the Criminal motivate them. out such an attack. Investigations Department in Responding to a question by Jayawardana testified before this regard in March 2019. the Senior State Counsel the Presidential Commission Responding to a question (SSC) as to whether he was of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the raised by a Member of the aware of the fact that the then 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday PCoI regarding the foreign Head of the Terrorism bombings, yesterday (18). Intelligence information that Investigation Division (TID), “We did not ignore the the SIS received regarding an DIG Waruna Jayasundara had Intelligence information attack, he said that it was contacted Facebook and had provided by them at all. It is a mentioned in the report that blocked Zaharan from well-known fact that at that extremists had carried out accessing his account after time Islamist extremists had reconnaissance on the Indian DIG Jayasundara was the mental capacity to carry High Commission and that it informed about the foreign out such attacks at anytime. was the only definite target Intelligence information on a But since it was mentioned in identified by the foreign possible terrorist attack in foreign Intelligence Intelligence agency. April 2019, he said that the information that they could “After we received foreign SIS had asked Facebook two attack places such as the Intelligence information, I years ago to do the same Indian High Commission, we spoke to the informant who thing. But you had sent the found it somewhat difficult to provided us the information. request to a wrong electronic believe since it needed great Although I wanted to get more mail address, the SSC then preparation,” he added. specific information by talking explained to the witness. SDIG Jayawardena also to them, it only made me SDIG Jayawardana further added that following the stock doubtful about the content of said that he immediately told of explosives being recovered their information,” he added. the then Chief of National in the Wanathawilluwa area in He also said that if the Intelligence, Sisira Mendis January 2019, they were of Indian High Commission was about the foreign Intelligence the opinion that Zaharan and satisfied with the Intelligence information and that on 8 his followers were no longer information provided, they April 2019, Mendis had sent strong, would have followed certain him a document detailing He also said that there was procedures like evacuation Zaharan’s recent activities. not enough evidence that the operations and made special However, this report had Zaharan-led team had arrangements but that none of contradictory information and, conducted a large explosion those seemed to have taken I informed that to Mendis, he prior to the bombings on place. added. A4 wednesday 19 august 2020 news

Clay, cane, brass and furniture Govt to increase Domestic output milk production should be increased Chairman of the Presidential Task requirement is 1,200 million litres, Force on Economic Revival and whereas the current milk production Poverty Alleviation, , is 420 million litres. Although the said the Government is focusing on remaining quantity of milk required is – Basil increasing milk production to meet 780 million litres, if the people are metric tons per hectare. local milk demand and to bring it to accustomed to using liquid milk, Rajapaksa instructed the export levels within the next five another 400 million litres of milk can departments to take immediate action years. meet the local demand. About eight regarding the release of land required He was speaking at a discussion at litres of liquid milk is required to for the cultivation of maize by dairy Temple Trees on 17 August, with the produce one kilogramme of milk farmers for the upcoming season. Ministers involved in the dairy sector powder. Measures will be taken to increase and the heads of Government Meanwhile, plans have been made consumption of fresh milk in institutions associated with the for the import and production of Colombo, Gampaha and other urban industry. effective seeds for the success of areas and to increase production in This Task Force pays special maize cultivation, with regard to milk the dairy industry. State Minister of Clay, Cane, brass and furniture ahead of attention to food security and prices, the import of dairy cattle, Minister of Agriculture, Brass, Furniture and Rural tackling the overseas market. He nutrition and intends to develop grassland protection and the and Industry, said this when assuming duties large-scale dairy farms as well as allotment of land for this. State Ministers said that his aim was to further at his Ministry premises at the small-scale dairy farms to increase Production of maize should be and Kanaka Herath were also increase domestic output of World Trade Centre, yesterday local milk production. The local milk increased from 3.8 metric tons to 7 present. items made out of clay, cane, (18).

Fmr SIS Director Jayawardena 19A repeal proposal Committee to probe blackout tells Easter Attacks PCoI to be presented to Report out SIS regularly receives intel Cabinet today – Ali Sabry on threats to dignitaries By W.K. Prasad Manju on 24 August By Buddhika Samaraweera occasion attended by the President. Minister of Justice, President’s Counsel By Thameenah Razeek visited the Kerawalapitiya However, he added the report which M.U.M. Ali Sabry said that a proposal will be Grid Substation to inspect The State Intelligence Service (SIS) he prepared included certain matters submitted in the inaugural meeting of the The committee to probe into what has actually happened. regularly receives information pertaining to Zaharan, 30 other Cabinet of Ministers of the new Sri Lanka the islandwide power cut “The discussions were regarding certain security threats to individuals who held the Islamic State Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Government today which occurred on 17 August about the disruption and the various dignitaries, said former SIS (IS) ideology and IS activities that were (19), to seek its approval towards the repealing of due to a failure in the committee members are Director, Senior Deputy Inspector spreading in Batticaloa. The report shortcomings contained in the 19th Amendment transmission system at the looking forward to conducting General of Police (SDIG), Nilantha also included information on certain to the Constitution. Kerawalapitiya Grid- a thorough investigation into Jayawardena. extremist ideologies propagated on He noted that during the meeting, he would Substation convened the matter,” he said. He was testifying before the social media by extremist brief his Cabinet colleagues, regarding the yesterday (18) morning and is However, Ceylon Electricity Presidential Commission of Inquiry organisations and individuals, he shortcomings identified in the 19th Amendment. likely to release its first report Board Chairman, Engineer (PCoI) probing the bombings on 21 said. Sabry said that following which the Ministers on 24 August. is not a April 2019 Easter Sunday, yesterday However, in response to a question will have an opportunity to air their views and The committee consists of member of this committee. (18). from members of the PCoI as to submit proposals towards the formulation of the nine members including Speaking of the power cut SDIG Jayawardena was questioned whether the report should have 20th Amendment to the Constitution. officials of the Public Utilities on 17 August, Eng. Herath regarding a threat assessment report included the foreign Intelligence He added that his Ministry will be tasked with Commission of Sri Lanka, the said that the problem which he, as the SIS Director, had information received on 4 April 2019, the drafting the 20th Amendment based on Finance Ministry and occurred initially due to a prepared before former President he said if all the Intelligence those views and proposals. The maiden Cabinet academics at the Moratuwa human error and then left for a function information received by the SIS was meeting of the SLPP administration is set to University. Spokesperson to developed into a technical at the Weber Stadium in Batticaloa on taken much seriously, no dignitary commence under the aegis of President the Ministry of Power, error. “No matter how the 12 April 2019. would be able to reach the public. Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Sulakshana Jayawardene error occurred, we will find a When members of the PCoI queried “The SIS regularly receives reports , at 10.30 a.m. at the said yesterday that the solution to overcome this,” he the witness if the report prepared by that certain dignitaries could be Presidential Secretariat today. committee members had noted. him referred to information provided assassinated in various locations. But by a foreign Intelligence agency on 4 we do not make those warnings April 2019, stating that a group public. including National Thowheed Even our jobs are at risk through it, Jama’ath (NTJ) Leader Zaharan since we have to take responsibility in Hashim and his followers could case any such event takes place,” he Indian External Affairs Minister launch a terror attack, he said it was said. not mentioned in the report, as it was He also said there were many not something relevant to Sirisena’s instances where certain dignitaries sends good wishes to local counterpart visit. acted in defiance of the security External Affairs Minister of India, paid a courtesy call on the Minister the two countries in a limited “There was no mention of a possible warnings given by the SIS. Dr. S Jaishankar wished Minister of and handed over a letter of manner. plot to assassinate the President or On 22 April 2019, a day after the Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, congratulation from Dr. Jaishankar Both sides also discussed closer any other dignitary. Therefore, there Easter Sunday bombings, I informed , yesterday and noted that the mandate received cooperation in the expansion of was no connection between the many dignitaries including former (18), to congratulate him on his by the Sri Lankan Government in the Buddhist links. President’s visit and the information Prime Minister reappointment. recent Election would play a key role Gunawardena welcomed the contained in the report regarding a that there was a van with explosives Dr. Jaishankar said he looked in strengthening the commitment by decision of the Indian Government to possible terror attack,” he stated, and stored near one of the churches to forward to working closely with both countries to take bilateral convert the Kushinagar Airport as an added he did not feel the need to launch another attack, however, Gunawardena to take the India-Sri relations forward. Gunawardena International Airport for ease of include information about a possible Wickremesinghe and former Speaker Lanka partnership to greater heights noted that it was important for India travel for Buddhist pilgrims. Baglay attack on Catholic churches, as the had gone to inspect as part of India’s ‘neighbourhood and Sri Lanka to pursue close and Gunwardena also discussed threat assessment report was St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade first’ policy. Immediately after cooperation in the post COVID-19 other issues of regional and prepared concerning a special despite those instructions, he said. Gunawardena assumed duties, High scenario and expressed hope to international interest to both the Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay expand travel and tourism between countries.

Arrest of former Senior COVID-19 unlikely that any single DIG Lalith Jayasinghe therapeutic intervention will emerge SP of Police Exams Dept admits By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody under investigation. It is also early delivery of a vaccine must be essential to recruit study sites from tempered by the presence of he did not abide by Circular The COVID-19, endemic flu-like non-high income countries into significant issues, challenges and status with flare-ups across time and international studies. Prof. uncertainties in the delivery of safe By Faadhila Thassim retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice geography is likely, if the Virus either Sreeharan opined that while it is and effective vaccines for COVID-19. Upali Abeyratne. mutates significantly and regularly, unlikely that any single therapeutic Such includes the Virus mutation Superintendent of Police of the Abeyratne noted that according to or if Virus immunity is not sustained intervention will emerge as the game (careful tracking of mutations and Police Examinations Department, the Circular, the Police Special over time. changer, a combination of therapies emerging strains must continue), risk K.K.K. Gunasekara, on 17 August Investigation Unit (SIU) to which This was noted in an opinion including anti-viral, anti- mitigation and societal acceptance of admitted that he worked contrary to Gunasekara was attached was not article, titled Challenges in the inflammatory and other extra the risk (many technologies and Circulars issued by the Inspector permitted to bring the suspect to the Development of Therapeutics and pulmonary actions should have the immunogenic responses remain General of Police on powers of those premises of the SIU but Gunasekara Vaccines for COVID-19 authored by greater chance of offering clinical untested), antibody response and attached to the Police of the Special brought Jayasinghe to the SIU Visiting Professor at the Jaffna benefits. Care should also be taken protectivity (limited information Investigation Unit regarding the arrest premises for investigations violating University, Nadarajah Sreeharan and in the current state of accelerated available on the strength, duration of former Senior Deputy Inspector the regulations in the circular. published this month in the Jaffna development of therapeutics and and nature of the antibody response; General of Police Lalith Jayasinghe. Further, Abeyratne also noted that if Medical Journal. vaccines, he explained, to ensure assessment is needed in the elderly, Jayasinghe was arrested for the SIU questions a suspect, they Concerning the process pertaining that basic scientific and ethical ethnic groups and those with pressurising Police officers to refrain have to immediately hand over the to the development of a drug during a principles are not compromised and co-morbidities; understand the role from including the name of the main suspect to a Police Station where the pandemic, he noted that efforts to for the benefit-risk profile of of neutralising antibodies and cell suspect in a shooting incident in arrest could be carried out, stating create national and global interventions in development to be mediated response; and the safety of Kahawatta, former Deputy Minister, that Gunasekara and the SIU failed to collaborative partnerships towards mandatorily communicated any vaccine should be continuously alias Choka abide by this regulation too. this end, should ensure the use of transparently to the participating monitored to detect the presence of Malli during the Presidential Election Gunasekara who was not obliged to standardised protocols and study patients and the public. He noted antibody dependent enhancement), 2015. Gunasekara, who was then hand over excerpts of the investigation designs and establish global clinical that informed consent for trials, and access and affordability (a attached to the Police Special carried out to the Attorney General trial networks to speed up the especially in resource poor settings, concerted global effort through Investigation Unit, led initial according to the regulations of the conduct of and recruitment into should be drafted carefully to meet public-private partnerships is investigations. Circular had also forwarded excerpts these studies. Enrolling trial subjects normal good clinical practice needed). Sreeharan also warned that Gunasekara stated this in response to the Attorney General said into standardised global protocols requirements while any interference potential pandemic diseases are to a question by the Chairman of the Abeyratne. will ensure that a single multi-centre in the regulatory process, by emerging with greater frequency as Presidential Commission of Inquiry Gunasekara, however, noted that he trial or the meta-analysis of several politicians and Governments, should climate change and human-animal (PCoI) appointed to probe into political acted on directions given to him by the trials will have the necessary power be resisted. interactions result in an increase in victimisation of public officials during Director of the SIU and believed that to arrive at conclusions on the With regard to the development of viral mutations and vector borne the tenure of the former Government, he had to abide by such instructions. benefit-risk of the interventions vaccines, any news of the potential or diseases. news wednesday 19 august 2020 A5

Expatriates to be CMC conducts 790 brought back Priority for those registered with SLBFE By Shiran Ranasingha Dinesh Gunawardena concerning issues faced by random PCR tests Minister of Labour Nimal migrant Sri Lankans and By Dilanthi Jayamanne 6,228 PCR tests. He said their medical teams kits had been provided by the Siripala de Silva said while measures that should be Dr. Wijayamuni stated the had gone to low-income and Epidemiology Unit of the bringing down expatriate Sri taken to resolve their The Public Health Council health authorities middle-income settlements as Health Ministry, the Lankans, prominence would problems as well as bringing Department of the Colombo were concerned about those well as construction sites and remaining costs from the be given to those who had down those who are facing Municipal Council has dwelling in high-risk areas. announced that they could wages of the health staff migrated after having duly severe issues. performed 790 random To date, random PCR tests have their PCR tests involved in the process to the registered with the Sri Lanka De Silva said that those polymerase chain reaction have been conducted in New performed. The medical final test result were borne by Bureau of Foreign who had expressed their (PCR) tests within the first Moor Street, Mattakkuliya teams, the nurses and Public the Council. The private Employment (SLBFE) willingness to return home two weeks of this month. Crow Island, Bloemendhal, Health Inspectors (PHIs) sector would charge at least He was speaking at a Media will be brought down initially Department Chief, Dr. Magazine Road, Kirulapona, ensured that all those Rs 6,800 to conduct a single briefing at the Ministry on 17 and said that some others Ruwan Wijayamuni, said on Narahenpita, present in the area test whereas these tests were August. may have to face delays when 17 August that from April till Thimbirigasyaya, Jawatte cooperated with the health performed by my Department He noted that he will returning home as they have 16 August, the City health Road, and Nawaloka and staff. free of charge for city shortly hold talks with legal cases filed against them authorities had conducted Sanken Construction sites. He stated although the test dwellers, he said. Minister of Foreign Affairs which need to be resolved.

Foreign policy in keeping with U.S. to further co-operation ‘Saubhagya Dakma’ shortly on many fronts The United States (US) is Sri Lanka did not have a interested in furthering proper foreign policy since – Prof. Colombage cooperation with Sri Lanka on 2015 to maintain healthy the best countries, such as security considerations went, a number of sectors including relations with other States the US and other developed it is an ‘India first’ approach, economic, commercial, Foreign Ministry Secretary, countries in Europe. But, the which means that Sri Lanka governance, security and Retired Admiral, Professor President insisted that this cannot be, should not be, and development, US Ambassador Jayanath Colombage said. should change because we will not be a strategic security in Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz Prof. Colombage noted that should focus on other concern for India. noted at a meeting with Prime foreign policies before 2015 countries such as those in “I want to remind that even Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had specific objectives. He the Middle East,” he said, during incumbent Prime at the Temple Trees yesterday said the policy that existed in while noting that the Minister Mahinda (18). the 2005-2010 period was President has given full Rajapaksa’s tenure as Teplitz congratulated success” in handling the Minister Rajapaksa informed about the war while from permission to send extra staff President, we had excellent Rajapaksa on a “very very COVID-19 outbreak, calling it that certain sectors of the 2011-2015 was about to countries in Asia if needed. relations with India. That was successful campaign with “a big success story.” She population and certain areas strengthening the economy. Prof. Colombage explained the main factor as to how he very significant results.” further said that the Sri of the country are lacking However, according to Prof. that they were working on a could finish the war against Noting that the Election was Lanka-US economic basic facilities. He highlighted Colombage, the United well-functioning foreign the Liberation Tigers of Tamil conducted in a free, fair and relationship is also a priority the need for safe drinking National Front led policy forecasting the next Eelam in 2009. He had even peaceful manner, she said for the US, including helping water in certain parts of the Government did not have a five years and that it will be a appointed a troika – then that the results showed the generate new job country, noting that unsafe proper foreign policy and that wide-angled policy according Secretary of Defence and “rejection of the previous opportunities for Sri Lankans drinking water is a major their policy facilitated to the President’s manifesto. incumbent President administration.” in the private sector. cause of chronic kidney European countries. “Discussions are ongoing in Gotabaya Rajapaksa, then “We look forward to working Prime Minister Rajapaksa disease. He further added that this regard with the Secretary to the President with the new Government,” also suggested that the US Other areas discussed discussions were ongoing Presidential Secretariat,” he Lalith Weeratunga, and then she added. could provide assistance to included bringing in new with President Gotabaya said. Senior Adviser to the Questioned about the new Sri Lanka to establish investments, support for Rajapaksa to initiate a new Earlier, Prof. Colombage, in President Basil Rajapaksa – Government’s priorities, vocational training centres democratic institutions and policy that synchronises with his first interview to an who would shuttle between Premier Rajapaksa said that around the country. “There governance-related projects, the President’s manifesto Indian Media outlet, noted New Delhi and Colombo and economic recovery is currently are many opportunities,” and cooperation in the ‘Saubhagya Dakma’ (Vision of that as far as strategic keep him briefed about the the main priority due to the Teplitz said, “especially with security sector with a specific Prosperity). “The President security concerns go, Sri ground situation in Sri impact of the COVID-19 the strong advantage Sri focus on counterterrorism, has instructed to direct Lanka has an ‘India first’ Lanka. That helped us win pandemic. Lanka has with a well- the trafficking of people and educated and qualified approach. the war. So there was no Ambassador Teplitz said educated labour force.” narcotics, and addressing diplomats to be assigned to He told the Times of India, major shift towards China “The Government certainly is In discussing the transnational organised Middle-Eastern countries. on 14 August, that President even during Mahinda to be commended for its development sector, Prime crime. Previously, qualified Rajapaksa has made it very Rajapaksa’s Presidency.” diplomats were assigned to clear that as far as strategic (TR)

Numbers in Parliament do not matter Views endorsed are more formidable Migrant workers earn US$ By Anuradha Herath – Dr. Amarasuriya National List Legislature. she considers it a privilege to 572M in June 2020 Parliamentarian of the The JJB is also known as be able to represent the JJB Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna the National People’s Power. alongside the likes of its By Dhammika by 6.7 per cent in June this US$ 572 million. (JVP) led Jathika Jana She said all those who are Leader Anura Kumara Ranaweera year compared to June last However, the Bank noted Balawegaya (JJB), Dr. Harini opposed to them would do Dissanayaka and fellow MP year due to the festival that compared to the first six Amarasuriya said though her well to bear in mind that this Vijitha Herath, both of whom The Central Bank on 17 advances they received. months of 2019, the total political alliance got only was not the first time that a she noted had received August announced that The Bank said the total remittance earned by migrant three seats, the views they small number of MPs from the virulent criticism from remittances earned by Sri remittances accrued by workers in the first six endorse were more formidable JVP had been elected to the political rivals in the run-up Lankan migrant workers in migrant workers in June months of this year had than the number being House. to this year’s General the Middle East had increased 2020 had been tabulated at declined by 8.9%. represented in the Amarasuriya also said that Election.

Dinesh Gammanpila assumes duties Weerawansa assumes duties assumes duties Minister of Energy commenced duties at the Ministry of Energy situated at 80, Sir Ernest de Silva Mawatha, Colombo 7, on 17 August. Before commencement, he planted a sandalwood sapling at the premises.

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry on 17 Justice Ministry Secretary assumes duties August. He stated the Government is ready to rise up Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, to the new challenges. He stressed that with a Attorney-at-Law Priyantha Mayadunne strong Government in office and its non- assumed duties at the Ministry premises aligned and friendly foreign policy, it is yesterday (18). envisioned to bring about a number of key Mayadunne who is a graduate in changes beneficial to the country. He also Business Management from the called on Sri Lankans overseas to join hands University of Sri Jayewardenepura has with the Government in this endeavour. also obtained a Degree in law from the Minister of Industries Wimal Weerawansa while Outlining the Government’s efforts to Open University. He also has a Degree in commencing duties at the Ministry of Industries on 17 August address issues arising in the post-COVID-19 Buddhist Education from the Kelaniya vowed to bring about a total transformation in the industrial era, he highlighted that Sri Lanka is geared to University. sector. He said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given him achieve its economic goals within the Mayadunne has previously served as an the powers to empower local industrialists and create a upcoming years. He stated the Department of Additional Secretary to the Ministries of conducive environment for them to carry out their duties. Commerce has been brought under the Mass Media, Economic Affairs and Trade Meanwhile, Weerawansa also promised to restart industries purview of the Foreign Ministry with a view to and also served as a Secretary to the that had been shut down during the previous United National enhance exports, investments and Ministries of Fisheries, Water Supply, Front-led regime. He assumed duties at the Ministry at 73/1, entrepreneurship of Sri Lankans. Higher Education, Ports and Naval Affairs. Galle Road, Colombo 3. A6 Wednesday 19 august 2020 Editorial

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Blackout

or Black Donald Lukashenko Magic? It is none other than the President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union Malaka Amazing Parallels Wickremesinghe who has stood up emphasising on an extensive investigation into the islandwide power failure on Monday (17). Eng. Malaka Wickremesinghe has even said Monday’s countrywide power failure could be an act of sabotage and insisted that an extensive Between Belarus investigation should be carried out with no stone unturned to find out what had really gone wrong. The sudden power failure crippled the entire country for nearly eight hours bringing several vital sectors including pipeborne water supply to a standstill in several urban areas in the country. and US The sudden power failure even created traffic congestion in Colombo and the suburbs as well as By Alexei Bayer in other places with the failure in the colour lights systems which are in place to regulate traffic. Belarus has been independent for less Elaborating further on the blackout Eng. Malaka than 30 years — 26 of which it has been Wickremesinghe even mentioned that a similar ruled by a buffoonish former collective farm power failure had occurred four years ago and the chairman Alexander Lukashenko. investigation launched to find out the real reason To see how the man widely described as for the blackout then had failed to establish what Europe’s last dictator is quickly becoming a had really gone wrong. hero in the Trump firmament, let’s start Preliminary investigation into Monday’s with the art of skewing elections. countrywide power cut has revealed that the Voter suppression has long been a immediate cause of the power failure was a Republican tactic, but Donald Trump is technical fault at the Kerawalapitiya Grid Sub taking it to a previously unknown level. Station. He has openly admitted that he is Several other reasons have also surfaced with planning to steal the election by Eng. Malaka Wickremesinghe who is holding a key dismantling America’s Postal position as head of the CEB Engineers Union even Service during a pandemic in order to keep doubting of an act of sabotage with regard to the voters from casting mail-in ballots. power failure on Monday (17). It is important to note that with the sharp Lukashenko leading Trump… increase in demand for electricity in recent years, And if that doesn’t work and he still loses particularly after the end of the separatist terrorist in November, Trump has already prepared Under Trump, the United States – despite 250 years of self-Government – may get dangerously war in 2009, several industrial activities have the ground for disputing the election and close to how Europe’s last dictator has operated in Belarus emerged in various parts of the country. undermining trust in its result. There is So, the disruption in the nature of a massive also the possibility that Trump will refuse Advantage: Lukashenko have taken them more than a quarter of a power failure throughout the country for several to leave the White House in January 2021. Of course Lukashenko, who has been century – but the people of Belarus have hours on last Monday had not only crippled vital The latter step would be a page out of the described as “Europe’s last dictator,” had grown tired of constant lying. They have areas such as health, transportat and water supply playbook of Alexander Lukashenko. The more resources at his disposal ahead of the finally realised that you can’t be free if you but the power blackout has even given a wrong Belarusian dictator is still clinging to power 9 August vote to rig it. To start with, he allow your leaders to lie to you with signal to foreign and local industrialists and even though pretty much the entire country simply arrested his leading opponents and impunity. investors who are looking into the possibilities of is out in the streets, demanding that he put them in jail. In the United States, too many people – going for new ventures in the island. leave after grossly falsifying the results of When the Opposition united behind Trump’s support is still running at 40% Electricity being the lifeline of all essential sectors the latest election in his country. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the wife of one of and more and the entire Republican Party in the country, the power supply system should be the jailed candidates, and huge lines establishment is loyally behind him – are updated constantly with state-of-the-art technology … and Trump leading Lukash- formed in front of polling stations, still allowing Trump and the Republicans to prevent any form of breakdown or blackout with enko Lukashenko prevented them from voting to go on with their lying. More stunning yet, regard to power generation. and told poll workers to falsify the results. among white voters, Trump’s support Monday’s islandwide power failure has Lukashenko’s response to peaceful But since the vote for Tikhanovskaya was stands at 48%, tied with Biden, and in emphasised the need of revitalising the entire power protests since the election has been to send an avalanche, the President simply stopped some polls it still surpasses 50%. supply system in the country and on alerting CEB his Security Forces to beat up, tear gas and counting and simply declared that he got officials to be more vigilant on averting any kind of arrest protesters – in other words, to 80% of the vote. Period. Bigoted conspiracy mongers debacle in the future. commit crimes while demanding that Even as his support fades, Trump The power failure which lasted for nearly eight protesters “obey the law.” Trump: Dreaming of pulling a is doubling down on racist rhetoric. That’s hours throughout the country has been an eye Here the Belarusian dictator is following Lukashenko exactly what Lukashenko has done when opener for the new Government and to the Ministry in Trump’s footsteps. The United States faced with massive protests. of Power to put the CEB in order and to root out President famously tweeted (repeatedly) True, Trump is not there yet – but he’s Addressing his followers, he warned not those responsible for the debacle. that he was a law and order President while trying hard to emulate Lukashenko. He only that NATO is massing troops on Not only the CEB Engineers Union even other sending Federal troops in riot gear to attack can’t make Joe Biden or Kamala Harris Belarus’s borders but that they will send in unions in the power sector were not ruling out an peaceful protesters in Washington, DC and ineligible to run by jailing them. “black-skinned, yellow-faced and blonde- act of sabotage, the investigations into the blackout Portland, Oregon. However, he and his allies are doing the headed soldiers.” must be carried out whether the countrywide power next best thing – mounting fake failure was due to any technical fault or due to an Two pandemic deniers investigations of Biden and spreading fake Two men dependent on act of sabotage. Even before the 9 August election in birther theories about Harris. Putin’s help On the other hand, the efforts taken by nearly Belarus, Trump and Lukashenko Two men united in their disdain of fifty engineers and hundreds of other technicians demonstrated their similarity in the way women As to their disdain for women, In his hour of need, Lukashenko is engaging themselves immediately in the task of they reacted to the coronavirus pandemic. especially women in positions of power, turning to Putin, hoping that the Russian restoring the power supply within eight hours is Lukashenko decided to ignore it – thus Lukashenko and Trump are evil twins. No dictator will extend a helping hand. praiseworthy and the CEB could be even proud of creating the 15 minutes of fame for the sooner did Biden announce Harris as his Trump also famously called on Russia to its team of engineers and technicians not only Belarusian soccer league, when it was the running mate than Trump attacked her as hack into Hillary Clinton’s server to get her proving their capability in the restoration of power only one for a while holding professional a “nasty woman.” emails during the 2016 election. And, right supply but on not ruling out an act of sabotage with soccer games while everybody else was Lukashenko did one better, calling his on cue, Trump is now planning to have a regard to Monday’s power failure and calling for an locked down. female opponent a confused girl. He also one-on-one summit with Putin before the extensive investigation. Trump didn’t completely ignore COVID- mocked her as a weakling and repeatedly election. It is anybody’s guess what the two So, now it is up to the Government to live up to 19, but constantly undermined efforts to declaring that a woman would are going to discuss. the expectations of the countrymen and to prove combat the virus by articulating crazy just “collapse, poor dear,” if she became Americans may learn what Belarusians whether Monday’s power failure was a blackout or medical theories and giving rise to an entire President. are already finding out: Nations that lamely black magic ! anti-masker movement among his followers give up their freedom will eventually give – all of which continues to feed a Courageous Belarusians up their Independence as well. devastating death toll in the United States. But this is where similarities end. It may (www.theglobalist.com) column wednesday 19 august 2020 A7

Geo Political Harmony Russia - Central Balancing Force of Indian Ocean Diplomacy

By Dr. C.G.Ilangakoon control both. Nor are other small best example for same is the UN India and China could respect and Nations in the region. Hence, South Human right Council proposal against recognise and which stands above The 21st century is an epoch, Asia must have a power, which Sri Lanka and the associated behavior both. This is where Russia can come providing a greater space for the vertically walks taller than these two The financial appeal of the West, which, trusting the lies of in. Hence, the diplomacy of Sri Lanka innovative revolutionisation of the regional giants and Russia can be Tamil diaspora, attempted to abuse must drop its orthodox approach of South Asian context of geopolitics, seemed as the country, which of China and its the international legal norms of resorting to the Europe, the members causing its shift in different comprises such ‘walking-taller relative interest, for humanitarianism and punish the Sri of which have vested interest and be dimensions and conditioning the quality’ and also the capacity. The Lankan war heroes for destroying innovative enough to be political psychology of its actors in to vision of the diplomacy of the newly the most part, to LTTE terrorism. We all know that revolutionized in to skillfully using changing the strategic and -elected Government of Sri Lanka Russia supported Sri Lanka Russia as the balancing force and act geopolitics-based national interests must be set in the direction of gain the profits of wholeheartedly in that unjust exercise in the best interest of the through the prism of a drastic intelligent assimilation of the power of military and of the international actors of vested Motherland. dynamism. Therefore, the countries of Russia to balance Chinese and Indian interest. Protection from South Asia, notwithstanding their interests, in order to insure peace and geopolitical Hence, for a country like Sri Lanka wish to be in it or not, are compelled prosperity for South Asia. It is time for to have and enjoy the mediation of Military Doctrines to be the part and parcel of the crises the Sri Lankan political leadership to objectives, with less Russian diplomacy as the balancing of their own region and discern that the willed wish of the force of global and South-East China and India are engaged in a simultaneously, of the geopolitical voters of the Motherland is not to or diminished partnerships represents a stress- race of military doctrines in the game of the super powers of world crawl horizontally, as it was in the interest to exploit its comforting power, which must be acquisition of their geopolitical politics. At the inception, the battle erstwhile UNP regimes, but to walk made use of by the designers of the spheres of influence. In this race, Sri was between India and Pakistan to tall internationally. The people not partner Sri Lankan diplomacy in the best Lanka is again thrown in to the realm establish their strategic interests. only entertained that trust, but also interest of the Indian Ocean, the of tension. There are theories: (1) Now, the actors have changed and enjoyed it, particularly after economically, makes South East is perched in. String of Pearls. (2) Necklace of China has replaced Pakistan. The successfully defeating the brutal LTTE China a better Diamonds (3) Salami Slicing and smaller countries like Sri Lanka are terrorists under the brilliant military Spheres of Influence many more. As an instance, the being squeezed in this game of big leadership of President Gotabaya accomplice in India and China have their own “Strings of Pearls” theory is on brothers. What Sri Lanka has to Rajapaksa. Besides, as a rule, the National and strategic interests. There potential Chinese intentions in the discern is not only the immediate history of the relationship of Russia partnership, a must be a domain for the Indian Ocean, referring to the neighbourhood, but also: with South Asia portrays that their implementation of these designs. If network of its military and (1) Political and diplomacy mutual partnership had only wished associate in the both plan to use all domains, the commercial facilities and components. economic, cultural and trade politics, and a cooperation will be impossible and the relationships along its sea lines of (2) Military assistance. interests. Russia’s political culmination will be competition. This communication, which extends from (3) Substantial financial aid. involvement in the region was very desired confederate dangerous modus operandi has to be the Chinese Mainland to Port Sudan (4) Interest-free or low- limited. Now, the time has dawned for impeded immediately and Sri Lanka in the Horn of Africa. Now, India interest-rate loan Russia, as a super power, to make its in the domain of or any other country in the region is treats this doctrine as a threat. It is facilities. contribution greater and relatively commerce. China’s incapable of executing it. Hence, the very unfair to be victimised by these (5) Promotion of prosperity- more multifaceted, while Sri Lanka only option left for the region is to theories for countries like Sri Lanka, conducive projects like the can absorb this pioneering duty with global projects, have the recourse to a competent which have nothing to do with them. tourism of money-spending the tremendous responsibility of authority for the empirical Therefore, Russia is a power, the travellers and many more. creating a politically comfortable structured for South performance of the task. Russia can contribution of which shall be The China card space for Russia. Asia have shown: be that authority and the diplomacy of enormous, in the diplomatic efforts to Russian Diplomacy Profit Sri Lanka can take the leadership and save Sri Lanka from the negative If India is to be analytically glanced (1) more dynamic use the space to structure required impactof such geostrategic at in the afore-mentioned profit- Herein, first of all, it is pivotal to policies in collaboration with Russia, doctrinesofboth regional giants. generating-context, the winner-status discern the basic nature of Russian enthusiasm, to divide the areas of influence Economic Partnership will have to be ascribed to China and diplomacy. It is an engagement to win between India and China. What are Up to recent time, Russia had been not to India. In right regulation of target audiences, by fostering (2) deliberate the areas of such influence is not a celebrated for military cooperation international relationships, no cooperation in politics, collaboration determination, matter, attributable to the present only. Since the starting of this country will be ready to play with the in economic projects and partnering very short text, since it is a context, century, and the rise of President winners of defeat. Namely that’s why, in the domain of culture.In this (3) conscious associated with the international legal Vladimir Putin, Russia has been able the China card is so central for Sri intricate agenda, what has been jurisprudence of sophisticated to establish a new position for itself Lanka in particular and for all other nestled in the centre is the National political leadership, professionalism. Then, the presence in the South Asian region relying on small countries in general. The interest of the Motherland. There is a of Russia would increase the the Russian prowess for arms financial appeal of China and its hallmark feature in Russian respecting the importance-intensity of policy production and infrastructure relative interest, for the most part, to diplomacy. That is not using the sovereignty and the structure and the propensity to technology sharing. In the last half gain the profits of military and ‘Action of Countering’ against foreign agreement will be higher. decade, Russia has entered into the geopolitical objectives, with less or propaganda. The countering is treated territorial integrity realm of economic cooperation too, diminished interest to exploit its as a part of the strategic Interference in Local and pushed forward its idea of partner economically, makes China a communication, but, not as a of its partners and Clashes Eurasian Economic Union, looking better accomplice in partnership, a diplomatic narrative. Intelligently (4) dedication to for Free Trade Agreements with wished associate in politics, and a contrasted with Western countries, India has a tested and tasted countries in South Asia. To this end, desired confederate in the domain of Russia is not focused on exporting its investments in the tradition of interfering in to the continuity of harmonious commerce. China’s global projects, diplomacy in to the internal affairs of internal affairs of other regions. The relationship between Russia and Sri structured for South Asia have other countries, in the fake name of void of harmful and best example is indirect feeding of Lanka stands to be of utmost shown: (1) more dynamic enthusiasm, importing diplomacy by other state LTTE terrorism. The established importance for Russian interests and (2) deliberate determination, (3) actors on their own. What the Russian compromising terms evidence of this interference is, that Putin’s ambitions of regaining the conscious political leadership, diplomacy is interested in and targets and conditions the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was lost glory of Soviet times of being the respecting the sovereignty and the at is promotion of international murdered by LTTE, for trespassing major power player and influencer in territorial integrity of its partners and dialogue and strategic stability among their agreement and super-imposing global affairs. Hence, this foolishly (4) dedication to investments in the differing international players. diplomacy, comprises many unique the Provincial Councils System on Sri dropped chance by the UNP void of harmfuland compromising Russian diplomacy enjoys attracting traits, while being broader than Lanka. Contrasted with India, Government must be made use of to terms and conditions. There are many allies and structuring partnerships diplomacy. Apart from the orthodox international policy structure of profit Sri Lanka prosperity-wise. This more intricacies, which could be with difficult partners. It is with components of diplomacy like China does not contain strategies to can be achieved via hard work on elaborated with. courage and pride that Russia cooperation in the realm of education, interfere in to the internal affairs of policy planning, project programming emphasises that the Nation state is science, arts, sports, tourism and other states. Its methodology is and mutually collaborating. Balancing Regional Giants the only reliable guarantor of global mass media, the Russian discretionary impact and intensity Lethargically waiting till the job is Yet the geopolitical race and geo- peace and stable world order. It is also humanitarian cooperation includes adjustment. It gladly observes the done by the other party will crush the strategic rivalry between the two central to produce an insight in to humanitarian assistance in crisis neutrality in the clashes of the region. chance. regional giants continue and the small humanitarian cooperation, widely situations and development aid. Yet, Nevertheless, China is incapable of About the writer: countries are pressurised to be used by post-Soviet states. the Russian diplomacy lacks the geo- stopping India from the practices of Dr. Gamini Ilangakoon is a victimised by the game. Now Sri Notwithstanding the fact that it, to political brutalism of interventionism its internal interferences. Hence, Lawyer, specialising in Lanka is not in the right power to some extent, is in much proximity to in the name of humanitarianism. The there must be a higher power, which International Treaty Laws Zimbabwe drought worsens

By Lungelo Ndhlovu Shrinking rainfall The programme plans to benefit After long-running drought slashed 2.3 million people, especially their harvests, small-scale farmers in women, in a country where climate Lupane, western Zimbabwe, decided change impacts have helped to drive to switch away from irrigating their more than 7.7 million Zimbabweans fields by flooding them, which wastes into hunger, UNDP said. huge amounts of water. The work will focus on three semi- They tested out more precise drip arid provinces of southern irrigation that saves water by Zimbabwe - Manicaland, Masvingo delivering it to plants efficiently, while and Matabeleland South – which are monitoring soil moisture and particularly vulnerable to global temperature with pressure sensors. warming. Here, rainfall is predicted Those practices have enabled to decrease by 15 per cent and farmers in the Tshongokwe Irrigation runoff by 20 per cent, leading to Scheme in Matabeleland North higher food shortages, food prices Province to grow vegetables and adapt and drought-related livestock to more challenging climate deaths, according to the project conditions. document. “We started growing cabbages at a The region has experienced larger scale last May,” said increasing temperatures since the SoneniDube, chairperson of the and most of its 63-member farmers developing countries adapt to climate Tshongokwe, as well as setting up 1950s, with a decline in annual scheme’s committee. have seen their incomes rise, Dube shifts and adopt clean energy, weather stations and 250 field precipitation and an increase in “We had lost hope in farming as said. approved a $26.6 million grant for a schools for farmers.It will also equip mid-season dry spells, coupled with drought had dried our main source of “We produced meaningful profits programme to scale up this kind of three of the country’s main droughts and floods. water which is Tshongokwe Dam,” she from the two hectares of irrigated climate-resilient agriculture in agricultural training colleges with These changes in climate have added by phone. cabbage,” she said. “We paid school Zimbabwe. upgraded technology to boost reduced water availability and With support from local groups and fees for our children and bought food, Due to start in September and run research. increased soil aridity, the document international agencies, including the seed and fertilisers for our next through to 2027, the GCF-backed It will be co-financed by said, denting crop yields and making United Nations Development crops.” programme aims to fund about 20 Zimbabwe’s Government with just it harder for smallholder farmers to Programme (UNDP), yields on the In March, the international Green climate-smart irrigation schemes in over $20 million, while UNDP has earn a living. scheme’s 24 hectares have improved Climate Fund (GCF), which helps southern Zimbabwe, similar to committed $1.2 million. (Thomson Reuters Foundation) A8 wednesday 19 august 2020 column Accurate Implementation of Online Education By Eunice Ruth Tertiary and Vocational Education reproducing the same via the online Commission of Sri Lanka (TVEC) from system and if we call it an online The Online Education System two to seven, which identifies flexible education system it’s a completely which was followed by Sri Lankans pathways which assist in lateral false statement. during the COVID-19 pandemic is mobility between vocational Even if the Sustainable inaccurate when it comes to the education and higher education Development Goal (STG) mentions its correct educational structure of Sri sectors by providing a basis for fourth goal as providing quality and Lanka said the Commissioner of the recognising prior learning. equal education still in Sri Lanka, we Sri Lanka Inventors Commission Even if we have all these have discrimination when it comes to (SLIC), Professor Rangika established frameworks (NCQF and the schools of the city and village with Halwathura. SLQF) still, the system is not a lack of teachers and resources When contacted regarding the processed within the country because however internationally these online recent online educational system of of the lack of knowledge regarding classes have reached its maximum by our country, he noted that the this among the public. accessing the basic facilities without international online education Now the students of our country any discrimination. systems have developed in different start their journey after the General The most important thing in online stages where it can educate children Certificate of Education (GCE) education now is everyone can access from kindergarten to Ph.D. levels but How Colleges can get Online Education Right - (Courtesy tcf.org) Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced anything in the world over the mobile in Sri Lanka, during the pandemic, Level (A/L) which is an internationally phone, it makes an opportunity for everyone started using online generate a new knowledge to carry which can be used by the student to -accepted qualification, by just the students to get more helpful educational and if implemented out independent studies for achieve the third stage which is selecting the stream to follow without lectures, articles and other relevant correctly the students will get the professional development. achieving that content and the last having a proper understanding of the documents from any corner of the maximum out of it. The purpose of basic skills is to and most important stage is getting Sri Lankan educational structure. world by accessing online browsers, The online education system should improve and develop additional feedback from the student regarding The new student-centred education which cannot be given by the be implemented in a correct and intellectual abilities including the difficulties and failures in the system should be based on students, teachers. systematic way according to the communication, information developed content. by providing problem-solving and By using the correct educational circular which was published by the management skills, analytical skills, A new framework has been inquiry-based education. Even if they structure if our education system Universities Grant Commission (UGC) evaluation skills, problem-solving introduced in Sri Lanka aiming the say they have moved from a teacher- designs an online platform to provide in 2016 but currently the schools, skills and soft skills to grow with new quality of higher education and centred education system to a the same lesson for all students via other educational institutions, skills within a managed environment training through recognising and student-centred education system online then tuition classes will be not teachers and students are not to make sound decisions effectively accrediting qualifications offered by the teaching methods haven’t change needed and schools can continue following the circular. According to and efficiently. The student should different institutions. Sri Lanka from the teacher-based education teaching by following the correct the circular, they define the develop positive attitudes while Qualifications Framework (SLQF), it system. structure without facing any education system in four letters, making progress with their learning, helps to identify different and broad The Teacher-based education problems. KSAM which stands for Knowledge, by selecting the correct path to levels of competencies from one to system is the content-based Solution for all these is building up Skills, Attitude, and Mindset. To qualify. ten, which can be expected from the education system which will provide a systematic online education system ensure each and every student is The online education system should holders of different qualifications. It only questions and answers to the which can fulfill all educational receiving proper knowledge, the follow the above four to get good combines school, vocational, and students even if the world moved so needs by creating a proper quality teacher or the online resource should results in four stages. The first stage higher education sectors in Sri far from this content-based content with the help of the National include the basic principle study, is to understand the learning Lanka. education. The schooling system Institute of Education (NIE) and simple facts and ideas, both outcome of the student, the second National Vocational Qualification which was followed by our education National Education Commission theoretically and practically to stage is to develop and deliver content Framework (NVQF) developed by the system prior to the pandemic is (NED).

By Dr. Tilak S Fernando Book Review Dr. Athula Withanage's latest book on ‘Wound Care and Management’, the only book ever published in Sri Wound Care and Management Lanka on wound care management so far, gives an insight into modern concepts of wound care, and up to date account of wound management. It will help every by Dr. Athula Withanage medical student, Junior doctor, nurse practitioner, writing to him at Family Trust established by down slough and necrotic wound care specialist at [email protected]. Withanage family members to tissues, and many maggots various levels of education. uk. transfer merit to their deceased ingest bacteria. Maggots are The author believes that it parents and his late brother, known as the world's 'smallest will be a handy book to have a Healing process Bandula Withanage. During surgeons' among medics. copy of this book in all the Healing of a wound means the treatment, the only person Older people over the age of wound care departments in the replacement of dead who visited the hospital to her 65 with 70% of leg ulcers suffer hospitals as it contains tissues in the body. It is a condition was only the Director due to venous disease. The essential information without mechanism through which the of the older people’s home . author advises it is vital to burdening the medical student body repairs and restores the Finally, upon the patient’s full explain to patients about the and all healthcare damaged tissue; it is a recovery, the Director of the development of venous practitioners. The information complex interaction of Older Peoples’ home contacted hypertension, and to advise in this book will also help to physical, chemical, and a relative in the USA, which and encourage them to wear have a unified and consistent cellular events and helps the made her son to visit her in Sri support stockings, and also to approach in treating wounds, patient to maintain a quality of Lanka and accompany his raise legs when sedentary. which will open doors to local life. Dr. Withanage believes mother to the USA for good. Dr. Athula Withanage is a research. that it is essential to basic surgical trainer for understand the healing Types of dressing doctors from all over the world. Wound care and process especially at its Semi-Permeable film He has been training young management various stages, if the wounds dressings allow the wounds to doctors for over 25 years as a are to be assessed breathe and give access to Faculty Member for Royal 'Wound Care and appropriately and to have Dr Athula Withanage presents his book to the Minister of Health, water vapour and air. With College of Surgeons in England Management' comprises 17 planned management of a Pavitra Wanniarachchi such dressings patients could and Welsh Institute of Minimal chapters. It encompasses wound. The author discusses have a shower without Access Therapy WIMAT in Principles of wound care; the vital elements in selecting multimillion-dollar industry. considerable pain to the contaminating the wound. Cardiff. He is also an Normal wound healing; the correct dressing for every New dressing techniques are patient. The author observes Absorbent dressings on a Honorary Clinical Tutor for Factors affecting wound stage of wound healing. The mushrooming daily. The latest that he experienced bilateral wound are recommended Cardiff University. Presently healing; Different types of old concept of encouraging the technology comes up in the varicose ulcers being dressed where slight ooze of blood or he is attached to the wounds and ulcers; Wound ‘drying up' method with scab form of various gels, maggots' on a patient for two years with uninfected exudate is expected. Kotelawela Defence University assessment; Wound infection formation is discouraged; therapy (Larva farms), vacuum Betadine soaked gauze, yet the Hydrocolloids are the modern as a Clinical Supervisor, and its management; Modern instead, the modern concept of suction therapy, all of which wound did not heal, and the dressings developed since Educational Supervisor and concepts of wound healing; novel methods by retaining are costly. If a doctor does not patient required narcotic George Winter's concept of Examiner. On completion of Management of painful appropriate moisture in a use the basics, then it boils analgesia. Later, by modern wound care for lightly his 50 years of Service to the wounds; Basic concepts of wound is encouraged. A down to 'taking the patient for substituting the dressing to secreting wounds. Hydrogels Public & National Health wound dressing. How to process of natural healing a ride’ by him, because it is hydrocolloid gel the pain are always applied with a gel Service (UK) and 25 years of choose an appropriate wound achieves by maintaining a impossible to apply any subsided and varicose veins retaining as secondary Surgical Skill Training at the dressing; Advanced wound warm, moist and nontoxic sophisticated methods to any surgery was performed; the dressing. It can absorb a Royal Society of Surgeons dressing technique; Wound environment, the aim of which wound, states the author. wound healed within six substantial amount of fluid via (UK), the book authored by closure; New biological would be not to harm the peri- Choosing a wound dressing weeks. hydrogen bonding. him on ‘Wound Care and methods available for wound tissues by using safe, needs to be carried out based Moist wound healing Medical grade honey is Management' has just been promoting wound healing; simple, cost-effective, non- on common wound prepared after a filtration released. Selection of wound dressing irritant, non-allergenic characteristics. The modern Dr. Athula Withanage process of impurities, gamma Dr. Athula Withanage is a for chronic ulcers; Standard dressings and treatments. In concept of wound healing is by adopted the latest method of radiated and produced under versatile character whose part- precautions in wound care and wound dressing traumatising keeping the dressings moist wound healing to treat a sterile hygienic conditions. It is time hobby is writing books to Economic usage of dressings of new tissue is discouraged in appropriately moisture female patient of 88 years of a potent antibacterial agent, relax after a tiresome day in the and affordability. changing of dressings. retentive. The author advises age, when the patient was thus can be used in infected operating theatre. He has The author endorses not to Moist wound healing how important it is to suffering immensely and wounds. It has to be undiluted published several novels, in cause harm to a healing determine whether the wound completely bedridden, to retain its antibacterial Sinhala and English. His wound and to the peri-wound Zoologist George Winter is acute, chronic or at what ostracised by her own family property. It needs to be used medical thriller, ‘Within a skin in treating a wound, but introduced the modern stage of healing, and the level and was in an Older People's moderately on oozing wounds Capsule’, discusses the limited to adopt a holistic approach to concept of ‘moist wound of exudate (the fluid that seeps Home. He described the because excessive exudate time factor when a surgeon has wound management by paying healing’ in 1962. In a study out of blood vessels or an wound as completely dilutes the honey. In the case of to grapple with brain surgery. attention to a patient's overall published in the Nature organ). Even 'washing of a 'hopeless'and it emanated a diabetics, it can be used with The text is written as a fiction condition and social Magazine, he demonstrated wound with cold water delays nasty odour. These facts, blood sugar monitoring. but with a mixture of murder, background. that epithelialisation the healing process!' probably made her family Vac Therapy is a method of romance, bribery, and medical Dr. Withanage wishes to (successful wound closure) The days of slapping in members to ostracise her and sealed surface wound suction ethics surrounding some of the update his manuscript in the occurred twice as faster in Betadine to any wound is over did not even bother to visit her using a suction pump. Vac 'unorthodox' experiments on future with the assistance of most wounds compared with and must end, suggests the in the Older People’s Home! The Therapy uses when exudate is human beings. Although, his colleagues in the medical wounds that were kept dry author, because it is cruel, patient needed both so excessive and cannot be ‘Within a Capsule’, creates field incorporating modern (with a large dry scab). George painful and burns to no end. psychological healing as much handled by any other method inspiration, yet it deals with a research and developments. Winter suggested that moist “The usage of Betadine alone as wound management. Dr. of dressing. serious vital medical opinion to He expects to receive any wound healing may not be for any stage of wound healing Athula Withanage undertook to Maggots or Medi-flys are examine whether the human suggestions for improvement appropriate for some wounds has been overused and treat her free of charge, under sterile larvae hatched from eggs brain could be made to survive of future editions of the book. as a necrotic digit (dead tissue) misused.” The usage of their family trust - Piyaseeli laid by laboratory-reared flies. death on 'near-death’ patients. Anyone who wishes to contact in diabetes. Betadine causes delay in the Withanage Charitable Trust. Maggots produce powerful the author may do so by Treatment of wounds is a healing of a wound with Piyaseeli Withanage is a proteolytic enzymes that break [email protected] World wednesday 19 august 2020 A9

Leidschendam, Lebanon Pandemic now driven Scarred Lebanon braces for Hariri by 20s, 30s, 40s group, killing verdict many asymptomatic - WHO Absence of symptoms danger for vulnerable populations

The World Health Organisation "What we are observing is not (WHO) said on Tuesday (18) it simply a resurgence. We believe was concerned that the novel it's a signal that we have entered COVID-19 spread was being a new phase of pandemic in the driven by people in their 20s, 30s Asia-Pacific," Kasai said. and 40s, many of which were He said countries were better unaware they were infected, able to reduce disruption to lives posing a danger to vulnerable and economies by combining groups. early detection and response to WHO officials said this month manage infections. Workers prepare a giant poster depicting Lebanon's the proportion of younger people While mutations had been assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, in among those infected had risen observed, the WHO still saw the downtown Beirut, Lebanon, 12 February 2010 (Reuters) globally, putting at risk virus as ‘relatively stable’, Kasai vulnerable sectors of the said. Judges at the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for population worldwide, including WHO also reminded Lebanon are set to rule on Tuesday (18) in the case of the elderly and sick people in drug-makers to follow all four Hezbollah members charged with conspiracy to densely populated areas with necessary research and carry out the 2005 bombing that killed former Prime weak health services. development steps when creating Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others. "The epidemic is changing," a vaccine. Hariri, a Sunni Muslim billionaire, had close ties WHO Western Pacific regional Socorro Escalante, its technical with the United States, Western and Sunni Gulf Arab director, Takeshi Kasai, told a People walk in protective masks in Pontevedra, Spain, 13 August 2020 officer and medicines policy allies, and was seen as a threat to Iranian and Syrian virtual briefing. "People in their (Reuters) advisor, said the WHO was influence in Lebanon. 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly coordinating with Russia, which His assassination plunged Lebanon into what was driving the spread. Many are re-impose curbs as companies countries that had appeared to this month became the first then its worst crisis since the 1975-90 civil war, unaware they are infected." race to find a vaccine for a virus have the virus under control, country to grant regulatory leading to the withdrawal of Syrian Forces and setting "This increases the risk of that has battered economies, including Vietnam, which until approval for a COVID-19 vaccine. the stage for years of confrontation between rival spillovers to the more killed more than 770,000 people recently went three months "We hope to get the response in political forces. vulnerable," he added. and infected nearly 22 million, without domestic transmission terms of the evidence of this new The Iran-backed Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah has A surge in new cases has according to a Reuters tally. due to its aggressive mitigation vaccine," Escalante said. denied any involvement in the 14 February 2005 prompted some countries to Surges were reported in efforts. (Reuters) bombing. The case has been overshadowed by the even bigger Beirut blast this month – the largest in Lebanon's history – that killed 178 people and drew outraged demands for accountability. Hong Kong, China The verdict in The Hague may further complicate an Some like it hot! already tumultuous situation after the 4 August blast and the resignation of the Government backed by I won't take US Hezbollah and its allies. The judgment had initially been expected earlier this sanctions to heart month, but was delayed after the port explosion. The investigation and trial in absentia of the four Hezbollah members has taken 15 years and cost - Carrie Lam roughly one billion Dollars. It could result in a guilty verdict and later sentencing of up to life imprisonment, or acquittal. The Hybrid Court, with Lebanese criminal law and a mix of international and Lebanese Judges, could serve as a model if Beirut decides to prosecute this month's explosion. (Reuters)

Dakar, Senegal Overfishing in Congo Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday (18) she was not too bothered about threatens endangered US sanctions against her but the Chinese- ruled city will complain to the World Trade sharks - Report Organisation (WTO) about a new US requirement on Hong Kong-made products. The United States this month imposed sanctions on Lam and other current and former Hong Kong and mainland officials whom Washington accuses of curtailing political freedom in the financial hub. "Despite some inconvenience in my personal affairs, it is nothing I would take to heart," Lam told a weekly news conference. "We will continue to do what is right for the country and for Hong Kong." The sanctions came in response to China's imposition of a sweeping national security law on the semi-autonomous city after An array of dead sharks including hammerheads, silky prolonged anti-China, pro-democracy sharks and dusky sharks are laid out on the Songolo protests last year. Beach, Pointe-Noire, Congo Republic, 14 November 2019 The legislation punishes anything China (Reuters) considers secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life Each day, fishmongers in Congo Republic pile up in prison and has drawn criticism from hundreds of dead sharks on the shore and begin Western countries that worry the law will Brian David Bruns, and his wife Aurelia Bruns of Las Vegas take a selfie in front of a thermometer lopping off fins and bartering over hammerheads and end the freedoms promised when the former reading 127 degrees Fahrenheit (52 Celsius) at the Furnace Creek Visitors Centre in Death Valley, other endangered species. British Colony returned to Chinese rule in California, US 17 August 2020 (Reuters) The bustling seaside business could be jeopardising 1997. the marine environment in the Gulf of Guinea, wildlife The sanctions freeze any US assets of the trade group TRAFFIC warned this week. Artisanal officials targeted and bar Americans from fishermen are harvesting 400-1,000 sharks and rays doing business with them. per day, according to surveys it conducted last year. Lam said that while she could not travel to Jakarta, Indonesia The fishermen say they don't have a choice. A rise in the United States herself, her Government industrial fishing by dozens of mainly Chinese trawlers would continue to promote Hong Kong to US in Congolese waters is eroding their livelihoods. businesses. Two captive orangutans rescued "Since the Chinese trawlers arrived, it's complicated The US Government has also required Two critically was arranged, said programme director of IAR things," said, Alain Pangou, a 54-year-old fisherman. goods made in the former British Colony for endangered orangutans Darmanto, the head of Indonesia. ‘It's difficult to live.’ export to the United States to be labelled as have been rescued from Indonesia's nature "The rehabilitation process In a short film released alongside the report on made in China after 25 September. captivity on Indonesia's conservation agency in for rescued orangutans is Monday (17), Pangou and his small crew lament Lam said Hong Kong and China were Java Island and sent to a Central Java. long and complicated. It will bygone days of plentiful fish, as they clear a net of separate WTO members and Hong Kong rehabilitation centre on The orangutans, who be extremely difficult for an juvenile hammerheads – too young to have had any would lodge a complaint against the US Borneo to assess whether had been held in cages, orangutan that has been offspring to replace their numbers. decision. they can be released back have been sent to a locked in a cage all its life to At the nearby Songolo Beach market, in Pointe- The Hong Kong Government initially into the wild, a rehabilitation centre in learn how to survive in the Noire, traders haggle over fins for export to Asia, while denounced the US sanctions as ‘shameless conservation group said. Ketapang, in West wild," said Sanchez. the rest of the meat is sold for local consumption. and despicable’ and ‘blatant and barbaric’ ‘Samson’ and ‘Boboy’, Kalimantan Province on There are only estimated "The artisanal shark fishers shouldn't be targeted as interference in China's internal affairs. both male and estimated to Borneo, IAR said. to be around 100,000 the bad boys here, they're getting squeezed by an Beijing and Lam's Government have be around 20 years old, At the centre, they will be Bornean orangutans left in unregulated industrial fisheries sector," said Emma defended the national security law as were suffering from given health checks and the wild, according to the Stokes who heads the regional office of another necessary for the city's stability and malnutrition when they quarantined for two World Wildlife Fund, with environmental group, the Wildlife Conservation prosperity, and they said imposing it was were removed from an months before being the population crashing by Society. China's legitimate right. amusement park and a assessed to decide whether more than 50 per cent over Worldwide, shark populations are in trouble due to Asked about the international private family home, they can be returned to the the past 60 years. industrial fishing and the practice of 'finning' – or community's criticism of last week's arrest of according to a statement wild. The animals have suffered slicing off shark fins for a soup considered a Chinese pro-democracy Media tycoon Jimmy Lai, and from International Animal "It’s very sad to see from illegal poaching, as delicacy. Demand for fins has spurred a global raid on the search of his Apple Daily newsroom by Rescue (IAR). individuals like Samson and well as destruction of these apex predators. some 200 Police officers, Lam said she could The two Bornean Boboy who should be living habitat due to large-scale A global ocean survey published on 22 July in the not comment on individual cases, but orangutans had been free in their natural habitat logging and replacement of journal Nature found that sharks were ‘functionally warned of ‘double standards’ in concerns identified as being illegally but instead have been forests with cash crops extinct’ at one fifth of 371 coastal reefs monitored expressed by other countries. held in captivity in October confined to cages for years," such as palm oil. since 2015. (Reuters) last year before a rescue said Karmele L. Sanchez, (Reuters) (Reuters) A10 wednesday 19 august 2020 news

Palm oil being sold as vegetable oil 32-year-old woman arrested Product may cause heart disease, for peddling heroin By Naalir Jamaldeen

health issues – ITI Chair A 32-year old woman was arrested in the Balawatta area in the Pindeniya Police Division for giving heroin to a prisoner in By Eunice Ruth by ITI and the final test results revealed informed the Ministry of Science and the Kegalle Prison, Pindeniya Police said yesterday (18). that several samples contained elements Technology in this regard. The Police seized 6.35grams of heroin from her possession. Palm oil being sold as vegetable oil unhealthy to the human body and high When contacted, the Director of When her house was searched, Police found Rs 26,000 in cash contains components which can cause levels of trans fatty acids which are not Consumer Affairs and Information at the and five mobile phones bought from selling drugs. heart diseases, said the Chairman of the found in natural vegetable oil, he added. Consumer Affairs Authority, Asela The suspect is a resident of Kotiyakumbura. Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Dr. Meanwhile, he noted that adulterated Bandara, noted that they previously faced Sirimal Premakumara. cooking oils could be stocks discarded an issue regarding the mixing of palm oil When contacted yesterday (18), from overseas hotels which are imported with vegetable oil and that it was stopped Premakumara noted that consumption of and purified before being sold under after a tax was imposed on palm oil. various cooking oils instead of natural various brands locally. He added that the Authority has not vegetable oil can lead to adverse health Premakumara further said that as an received any complaints regarding the CEB Unions issues. Samples of various cooking oils institute the ITI has no powers to take aforementioned issue and that they will were collected from the market and tested legal action on this and they have already take immediate action if it did. demand PCoI on Monday’s blackout Four suspects Four nabbed with drugs By Thameenah Razeek including three women The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Trade Union Collective worth over Rs 10M demanded the appointment of a Presidential Commission of arrested in drug raids Inquiry (PCoI) to look into irregularities at the CEB including the By M.C. Perera Kolonnawa was searched, four all-island power outage on Monday, 17 August. bankbooks were found and The collective noted that no fruitful discussions had ensued and By Nabiya Vaffoor Padukka Police said four seized, Police said. nor had shortcomings been rectified regarding Monday’s blackout persons including a Works A luxury motor vehicle even though Ministers and other responsible authorities had Suspects arrested on 17 August and yesterday (18) Inspector of the Kolonnawa suspected to have been bought appointed committees to look into such matters. for possessing heroin were produced before the Municipal Council, who had with proceeds of drug deals and Convener of the Collective, A.G.U. Nishantha yesterday (18) Magistrate’s Court, yesterday. engaged in large-scale drug two three-wheelers were also claimed the entire country faced a sudden power disruption a few The Police arrested four suspects including three distribution in Colombo and seized. years ago in the wake of the CEB administration's decision to build women in separate raids conducted in Seeduwa, suburbs, were taken into custody, On the instructions of Western a new system control centre in Battaramulla and deploy only well Mahara, Kegalle and Jayagampura. with drugs worth over Rs 10 Province Senior DIG, Deshabandu qualified electrical engineers to maintain the national power grid at Based on a tip-off, officers of Gonahena Special Task million. Tennakoon, DIG in charge of the a huge cost. But it is still questionable if the system’s stability has Force (STF) arrested a 30-year-old suspect who was a Police seized 1.11 kilogrammes South of the Western Province, increased by replacing superintendents and control room resident of Dhungalhena, Seeduwa, for the possession of drugs, a luxury motor vehicle, Kapila Kadupitiya, SSP in charge operators with high-paid engineers if the country still suffers from of 13.8 grams of heroin on 17 August. The suspect two three-wheelers, four bank of the Nugegoda Division, Pradeep sudden blackouts, he noted. “Some time ago, a transformer worth was produced before the Negombo Magistrate, books, an electronic scale and Ratnayake, ASP Rohan millions of rupees which was not purchased according to a proper yesterday. papers used to wrap drugs. Pushpakumara, a team of Police methodology caught fire in Norochcholai and it had been in use for Mahara Prison authorities arrested a woman who Based on information obtained Officers including OIC of the more than a year with no maintenance. How this happened while was carrying two packets of narcotics hidden in a during lengthy questioning, a Padukka Police, OIC Ajith qualified engineers were at work is still a mystery,” he further trouser belt to be handed over to an inmate at the phone call was given by a suspect Nissanka, OIC of the Anti- claimed. He also said the committee appointed to look into an Prison, yesterday. to the Works Inspector and drugs Corruption Division, IP Sanjeewa, explosion of a transformer in 2016 had not arrived at a proper The suspect is a 26-year-old mother of one living in were ordered. Police said they and OIC of the Crime Division, SI conclusion. Ja-Ela who has tried to deliver the heroin to a 20-year- made the arrest when he brought A.R. Jayasinghe conducted the old inmate who was remanded by the Wattala the drugs to a shop owned by him raid. Magistrate on suspicion of the possession of heroin. at the Kolonnawa Public Market. Police Constables Kumara, The suspect who was apprehended yesterday who The OIC said, they seized 100 Liyanage, Madusanka, Perera, claimed to be the wife of the inmate in question was grams of drugs and paper used to Jayawardena, Maduwantha, Power outage on 17 August also jailed for a theft case and released about six wrap drugs. Manjula, and Sajith also months ago. When a luxury house in participated in the raid. CEB engineers acted

Fmr SIS Director Jayawardena tells Easter Attacks PCoI irresponsibly – FPRP By Eunice Ruth

Info on Zaharan et al not Electrical engineers and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri proper intel Lanka (PUCSL) should take full By Buddhika Samaraweera Sunday, yesterday (18). Since Defence Secretary, Chief of National responsibility for Jayawardena had, on a previous occasion, Intelligence (CNI) and former IGP until 7 the power outage The information received on 4 April admitted this information could be April 2019 and SDIG Jayawardena said on 17 August, 2019 regarding the possibility of a terror regarded as Intelligence information, the from 4 to 7 April 2019, he had deployed stated the President attack by National Thowheed Jama’ath PCoI Chairman then questioned him SIS officials to find out more information of the Foundation Leader Zaharan Hashim and his followers, regarding it. about those mentioned in the foreign for People’s Right was not proper Intelligence information, In reply, he said if he had mentioned so Intelligence information, including Protection (FPRP), said former State Intelligence Service (SIS) before the PCoI, it was a mistake and Zaharan. Asela Sampath. Director, Senior Deputy Inspector General informed the PCoI that his previous Jayawardena said the SIS had taken Speaking at a Media briefing yesterday (18), he blamed the of Police (SDIG), Nilantha Jayawardena. statement should be amended. Although measures to send a team to check the engineers for their irresponsibility toward the issue and he also He was testifying before the Presidential the SIS had received the foreign Eastern Province after receiving that stated there are more than 1,000 engineers in the Ceylon Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Intelligence information on 4 April 2019, it information and thereby they tried to Electricity Board (CEB), but no one approached the Media to bombings on 21 April 2019 Easter had not been shared with the then obtain more information. inform about the failure. He stated that a team has been appointed to investigate and stated they will drag the issue for longer than the allotted seven days and forget about it. He requested Director (Development) of the CEB, Sulakshana Jayawardena, to inform the public regarding the actual incident behind the power outage and to apologise for the inconvenience caused. Sampath further added they are having a discussion with their lawyers today (19) regarding the losses experienced Develop public due to the power shortage and he said they will take action. transport from scratch

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa advised Doubts if authorities to revive the uplift of the public – President transport service, by creating a conducive environment for passengers to travel. The Minister said by increasing the power cuts will “A small step will lead to a big change. number of trains, more people will be able Start cleaning buses and provide seating to travel on the Kelani Valley Railway Line. facilities to passengers from tomorrow,” State Minister the President ordered. pointed out the importance of exploring be routine Pointing out the small step taken to stop the benefits which can be gained by using posters kept cities clean, President opening up the services of training and Rajapaksa said development in any sector maintenance facilities belonging to the – can begin with a small initiative. Transport Board to the private sector as The President said so during a meeting well. to discuss future activities of the Ministry It was decided to introduce a prepaid SJB to monitor situation closely of Transport and the State Ministry of card system expeditiously for both public Vehicle Regulation, Bus Transport and private sectors for an efficient By Ruwantha Nithulgaspitiya Services and Carriages and Automotive passenger transport service. Industries, held at the Presidential During this meeting, the steps that (SJB) Secretariat yesterday (18). should be taken to rid the Department of Parliamentarian Chaminda Wijesiri The President reiterated the necessity of Motor Traffic of corruption and claimed that there were serious implementing the Park and Drive system irregularities were discussed in detail. suspicions regarding whether the Sri to minimise traffic congestion. Although The President drew attention to the Lanka Podujana Peramuna Government the Transport Board provides bus possibility of allowing ordinary buses in is planning to carry out a series of power transport, it should be transformed into a good condition to operate on the cuts under the pretext of Monday’s (17) profitable entity, he said. Both public and expressway, so that more passengers all-island power outage. He said that the private transport sectors should pay could travel, paying low bus fares. SJB will continue to monitor the attention to the bus service in rural areas. Secretary to the President, P.B. situation to see if there are strong “Start implementing the combined Jayasundera, Finance Secretary S.R. indications that the Government is transport timetable of trains and buses achieved,” the President said. Attygalle, Secretary to the Ministry of planning to purchase electricity from without delay. It is important to identify It was decided to repair railway Transport N.B. Monty Ranatunga, and firms that are harmful to the country. areas that need swift solutions to develop carriages to provide a better service. Heads of the institutions under the Wijesiri urged the subject Minister not the transport sector. Long and short-term Transport Minister said Ministry of Transport and the State to waste time forming committees to plans should be formulated for the next Colombo Fort and four other railway Ministry, as well as representatives of probe the incident and to instead find five years to develop the sector. It is stations will be modernised as a pilot private bus associations were present at the root cause of the sudden island- imperative to review if targets have been project. the discussion. wide power failure. wednesDAY 19 august 2020 b11 Comprehensive system change vital By Anjali Caldera – Tourism Chairperson A comprehensive system change is essential to revamp post COVID-19 tourism funds. Thus, the system has to change; we police and carrying out surveys in this said Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson cannot give excuses to the President,” she regard. Kirmali Fernando yesterday. She urged the added. SLTDA has focused on six authorities to accelerate industry reform. Fernando further stated that they have transformational themes as in increasing She was speaking at the stakeholders already commenced restructuring the institutional performance , governance and meeting in Colombo yesterday. tourism sector aligning with the National regulations, improving market Sri Lanka Tourism is to propose to the Policy Framework focusing on 10 key areas understanding, country-wise marketing, Government to bring an act to amalgamate in order of priority: improving communication across marketing three tourism organisations of the four that National security, friendly non-aligned channels, lifting industry standards at comes under Sri Lanka Tourist Board to foreign policy, Administration free of touch points: infrastructure development effectively implement the short-term corruption, a new constitution that fulfills and plan destinations - to develop new Tourism Strategic Plan (January 2020 the peoples’ wishes, productive citizenry areas; getting provincial officers to help Tuesday Markets -2022). and vibrant labour force, people-centric with registrations, regional promotions, Besides, a special task force has been economic development, technology based industry requirements etc. As Bourse’s NFOs Enter 100th Day formed with Professor in Tourism society, development of physical resources, Further, the Chairperson insisted they Economics, University of Colombo Prof. sustainable environmental management, were looking for multi donors such as Suranga Silva, Ministry of Tourism and disciplined, law abiding and value based UNDP, WTO, World Bank to upgrade, EU ‘Spot’ falls by a Aviation Secretary, S. Hettiarachchi, Sri society. support for SMEs, ADB support with SME Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kirmali The industry has already implemented a COVID concessions etc. Fernando and Sri Lanka Tourism National Policy Framework focusing on The Authority currently works with Rupee to Development Authority (SLTDA) Director utilising technology as the registration programmes such as Australian Skills General Dhammika Wijayasinghe to discuss process operates 100 per cent online now. Development programme to upgrade industry-related matters and come forward Prof. Silva said the gaps in the previous regional tourism services and improve Rs184.40/60 to $ with effective policies to revive tourism strategic plan such as coordination failures, tourism skills and human resources. aligning with the National Policy market failures, institutional failures, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, Market Uncertainty Continues Framework. resource failures (finance/ human Prasanna Ranathunga said “Though we “Private sector stakeholders have been resources) and investment shortcomings come out with different policies from time to By Paneetha Ameresekere practising a system of their own for 30-40 have to be looked into. time, we will have to change plans based on years and they challenge us with the new SLTDA has contacted most associations international conditions as this is a global system. This is not what we expect from to get feedback and has met 15 -16 pandemic which has a direct impact on the The benchmark ‘spot’ sharply depreciated by a industry stakeholders unless we get the associations and written to all provincial tourism industry”. rupee to be quoted at Rs 184.40/60 to the US support from all 49 associations in the governors, institutes that provide tourism Though the Cabinet paper on tourism dollar in two way quotes as at 4p.m. yesterday , industry, to revive tourism. There are two study programmes etc. for their input. approved under the care-taker Government market sources told this reporter. million people who depend on tourism,” Seventeen key tourism activities there were practical issues when They said that this steep fall is due to stated Fernando. identifying new attractions in the country implementing projects. continuous foreign exits from the financial If these so-called systems worked for tourists, MICE tourism, attractions, We therefore have to move forward with markets due to uncertainty. Yesterday saw net properly, then how is it that we are unable service centres, immigration and emigration these challenges. Within the next two to foreign outflows (NFOs) from the bourse enter a to pay wages and tour guide fees in the face facilities, streamlining processes, three weeks, we have to clear all problems record one hundredth day in the calendar year to of a crisis. expanding training schools, community that have cropped up. date with a sum of Rs 117.62 million, thereby “According to President Gotabaya based tourism, wellness tourism, high “Besides we have to open the country taking NFOs in the reference period to another Rajapaksa, he is in favour of foreign quality service, minimise harassment of soon for international tourism,” she record Rs 28.25 billion. In the 117 trading days investments than depending on foreign tourists; currently working with tourist concluded. that have transpired in the calendar year to yesterday, a record 85.47 per cent of those days (100 days) have suffered NFOs. Also, yesterday was the eleventh consecutive market day that the bourse has suffered NFOs. Suspension of PABC’s Further, in the calendar year to yesterday, shareholder wealth wiped out has amounted to Rs Primary Dealer Revenue slumps 366.39 billion (12.85 percent), the benchmark ASPI has fallen by 849.29 points (13.86 per cent) and the more sensitive S&P SL 20 Index by Licence extended 605.82 points (20.63 per cent), respectively. Despite this carnage, the bourse, yesterday over by 6 Months 24% Jan-May Monday saw the ASPI and the S&P SL 20 Index making pyrrhic gains of 0.54 per cent and 0.61 By Rajiesh Seetharam By Mario Andree declined one per cent to 0.6 billion recorded a per cent to 5,279.92 points and 2,331.14 points Rs 1.19 trillion from Rs year earlier. respectively, on a Rs 1.73 billion turnover on a Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) in During the first five 1.2 trillion a year ago. On the expenditure 72.39 million share volume. disclosure to Colombo Stock exchange has noted months of this year According to the report front, recurrent In another drawback, in the calendar year to that the suspension of the Bank’s primary dealer Government revenue tax revenue declined expenditure increased yesterday the ‘spot’ has weakened by between licence was extended by six months from 15 declined 24.3 per cent 27.9 per cent during the 8.8 per cent to Rs 1.04 1.71 per cent and 1.76 per cent (Rs 3.10-Rs 3.20) August 2020. Further, the Central Bank has according to data first five months to Rs trillion during the first in two-way quotes, thereby causing cost-push informed that this suspension will have no released by the Central 508.3 billion from Rs 705 five months from Rs inflationary pressure as Sri Lanka is an import bearing on the bank's regular banking activities Bank of Sri Lanka, while billion recorded during 958.8 billion a year ago. -dependent economy. and trading on the secondary market. State expenditure and the same period of last Capita and net lending Meanwhile, domestic investors, continuing to The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri lending declined one per year. by the Government feel more secure in investing in safe haven Lanka on 14 August 2017, decided to suspend cent. However, non-tax declined 38.7 per cent to Treasury (T) Bills and T Bonds in secondary business activities of a Primary Dealer arm of Pan The Central Bank revenue on the other Rs 151.5 billion from Rs market trading, rather than lending to the private Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) for a period pointed out that during hand has improved 14 247.3 billion recorded sector due to perceived uncertainty, saw of six months with effect from 15 August 2017. the first five months of per cent to Rs 75 billion during the same period Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money Since then the suspension has been extended. this year Government from Rs 65.8 billion. of last year. printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply "This regulatory action is based on the findings revenue reached Rs Grants received by the During the first five decrease for the seventh consecutive market day of an investigation carried out by the Central 583.3 billion, down 24.3 Government during the months the overall to yesterday, this time by 32.19 per cent (Rs Bank related to PABC’s transactions with per cent compared to Rs first five months of this budget deficit expanded `122.50 million) to Rs 258.02 million, thereby Perpetual Treasuries Ltd in the government 770.8 billion recorded a year increased a 40.3 per cent to Rs 610 assuring that Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s securities market," noted a Central Bank year earlier. significant 233 per cent billion from Rs 434.8 (CBSL’s) record 97 year old Rs 40,000 million statement in 2017. State expenditure to Rs 2 million from Rs billion a year ago. Treasury (T) Bill sale of today’s will be a roaring success with weighted average yields (WAYs) to be commanded at this auction to be well within CBSL’s acceptable maximum yields or in the worst case scenario to synchronise with those administered maximum yields for this auction. LAUGFS Holdings Limited Celebrates This contraction in MPBCs was despite GoSL’s demand-pull inflationary face value (FV) MP debt been marginally increased by Rs 10 million, 25 Years of Entrepreneurship thereby on the whole increasing GoSL’s FVMP debt to Rs 305,626.45.47 million yesterday, LAUGFS Holdings Limited celebrated 25 island, with the forward thinking vision of a whilst also partially contributing to pressure for years in Sri Lanka. greener tomorrow. LAUGFS Lubricants MPBCs to rise and not fall. It started off as Gas Auto Lanka, a business became Sri Lanka’s first local lubricant brand, In related developments, the settlement of that introduced LPG as an alternate fuel for making it another industry first for LAUGFS. swaps between the market and CBSL and/or motor vehicles. Propelled by this “We wanted to be more than just another GoSL’s sales of dollars to CBSL, followed by entrepreneurial spirit LAUGFS went on to national corporate entity in the market; we exporter conversions saw market liquidity become trailblazers in many industries in Sri wanted to truly drive the nation forward and increase by Rs 4,475 million (US$ 24.37 million) Lanka. Currently the Group is present in 20 extend the innovative zeal of LAUGFS across during the course of yesterday’s trading. industries and has expanded beyond Sri Sri Lanka and internationally. Our journey has Conversions are based on the middle rate of the Lankan borders. Its annual revenue exceeds been long and challenging but after two and a ‘spot’ as at 4p.m. on Friday (14 August) which was USD 300 million and is backed by an employee half decades of dauntless growth in the face of Rs 183.60 to the dollar. cadre of 3500. Speaking on the occasion, W. K. adversity, we are confident about LAUGFS’s Howbeit, CBSL, the steward of the country’s H. Wegapitiya, Group Chairman of LAUGFS prospects over the next 25 years,” said Group foreign debt and of its foreign reserves, Holdings Limited, said, “25 years ago, we began Deputy Chairman of LAUGFS Holdings Limited transactions with the market and also with the our journey to draw out the infinite potential of was formerly a monopoly. With its strategic Thilak De Silva, reflecting on the history of GoSL, are not transparent, in that it expects our nation and its people. Though we had vision to become a dominant player in the LPG LAUGFS. Looking to the future the group reporters not only to make arithmetical humble beginnings, we were filled with the industry LAUGFS set on to create an continued its expansion in the years that deducements to trace such transactions vis-a-vis determination to achieve greatness. Now 25 overarching LPG supply chain from trading to followed, with the establishment of LAUGFS its ‘interventions’ in its daily open market years later, we have touched the lives of shipment, storage and transport. In line with Gas Bangladesh in one of the largest emerging operations, but by also keeping mum in regard to millions of Sri Lankans and are a leading name this vision the group acquired 3 seafaring energy markets in the region and SLOGAL the cause/s of the movement of market liquidity across the industries in which we operate; vessels, Gas Challenger, Gas Success and Gas Energy DMCC in Dubai, as the energy trading on such occasions. moreover we have achieved an international Courage which are used in the transportation arm of LAUGFS. Locally the group continued to Subsequently, market’s net excess liquidity presence for the ‘LAUGFS’ brand. We are proud of LPG. Moreover LAUGFS owns the largest extend its frontiers in the energy industry increased by 2.41 per cent (Rs 4,485 million) to to celebrate 25 years of our LAUGFS family LPG Transhipment Terminal in South Asia, through its launch of LAUGFS Power, now Rs 190,516 million at the end of yesterday’s along with our loyal customers and business located within the Hambantota Port and operating multiple hydro and solar power trading. partners who have supported us on this operated under LAUGFS Terminals. projects in Sri Lanka, including the operation of GoSL’s MPBCs are prorated to the weighted journey.” Between 2004 and 2010, the group the largest solar power plant in the country. average yields fetched in secondary market Though the origins of LAUGFS was Gas Auto continued to establish a multitude of strategic LAUGFS entered the Leisure industry with trading of T Bills and T Bonds. Investments in T Lanka established in 1995, in its 25-year business units across multiple industries. LAUGFS Leisure and the establishment of Bills and T Bonds are considered risk free, journey, it evolved and diversified to progress LAUGFS Petroleum, LAUGFS Corporation Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw, earning because, in the event GoSL is unable to honour from local to global. In the year 2000, LAUGFS (Rubber), LAUGFS Salt and Chemicals and hallmark accolades for customer excellence such debt, CBSL is mandated to print demand- opened the first 24-hour supermarket in Sri JADE Restaurants were founded during this which would go on to be achieved by its sister pull inflationary money and repay such creditors. Lanka, in 2001, LAUGFS Gas initiated time frame. In 2008 Eco Sri began operations in location; Anantaya Resort and Spa Pasikudah. operations, signalling the beginning of a rapid cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka The group is poised to move into a new era of growth for LAUGFS across an industry that to engage in vehicle emission testing across the revolutionary growth. B12 Ceylon FT Wednesday 19 AUGUST 2020 Insight

The UN at 75: is it a success? Perhaps Local Companies Must Tap UN Goods and Services Contracts PART 11 As the world moves forward there is By Dr. Palitha an increasing clamour to reform the Kohona United Nations to reflect contemporary political and economic “With the UN reality. The most difficult challenge spending close to will be to reform the Security Council USD 7 billion on which substantially reflects the power peacekeeping and structures of the post-World War further billions on world. Two of the P5 are Europeans maintaining offices and members of the EU. Three of the in most member states numbering elected members would also be 193, lucrative opportunities have members of the EU. opened up for supplying personnel, At the moment, the WEOG group in goods and services. Admittedly, the the Security Council with Belgium, contracts for the supply of troops are Estonia and Germany (to be replaced dominated by India, Bangladesh and by Norway and Ireland) has six Nepal. Sri Lanka’s troop contribution members out of 15, which is grossly has progressively diminished and new disproportionate in every sense. contributions are constrained due to Africa has three of the elected cleverly manipulated and members, Latin America and the unsubstantiated allegations relating Caribbean two and Asia two plus the to war crimes and human rights Permanent seat (China). Asia is violations. Nevertheless, in 2014, we under-represented given that almost succeeded in securing an agreement half the world population lives in Asia to supply field medical facilities and a and world economy is dominated by helicopter squadron on lucrative it. Italy, the UN’s sixth-largest funder, terms. With field operations and provided leadership to a movement country offices beginning to rely known as the Uniting for Consensus extensively on IT, the opportunities in opposition to the possible for supplying IT personnel, software expansion of permanent seats. Core and hardware have increased rapidly. members of the group include Head Office supplying contracts are Canada, South Korea, Spain, dominated by a select group of Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey, suppliers actively assisted by their Argentina and Colombia. They would missions. A former UN employee is like to see the creation of a new currently serving time for engaging in category of seats, still non- corrupt sweetheart deals with repository of over 550 multilateral much more impressive manner than permanent, but elected for an companies from his own country. But treaties, the vast majority of them many better resourced countries. extended duration (semi-permanent with increasing transparency, it negotiated under the auspices of the The manner that the world body seats). The G4 group, India, would be possible for companies from U.N. They cover almost every aspect has responded to natural and man Germany, Brazil and Japan, have countries such as Sri Lanka to secure of human interaction, including the made disasters has saved countless been campaigning to expand the P5 UN goods and services contracts. Sri environment, the oceans, aviation, lives and alleviated much misery. category to 9. Lanka’s astounding success in trade, transport, human rights, The U.N. has been successful in While the Security Council, may not managing the COVID-19 threat gives disarmament, terrorism, organised restoring normalcy to a number of be reformed by another war, the it a particular advantage in the crime, the outer space, shipping, road global situations that threatened to dramatically altered global socio- medical services area. Supplying food rules, etc, and set a complex network Sri Lanka was a cause untold violence and misery. economic realities might help to for peacekeeping personnel in the of global standards for the conduct of Cambodia has emerged as a stable change attitudes. field is another area that Sri Lanka individual states as never before. Sri significant and increasingly prosperous country Making the international civil could look at.” Lanka played a significant role in contributor to the after decades of conflict, largely as a service of the U.N., of which Sri The first part of this article was advancing the UN’s anti terrorist consequence of the Australian Lankans have occupied senior published yesterday (18th).The agenda along with other affected peacekeeping initiated, and U.N. brokered peace positions over the years, truly following is the final part of this countries, and should continue to do and the subsequent peacekeeping effective has been another challenge. article. so. force in Haiti and operation. Constantly criticised by the major The way UN’s Constitution (The The international rule of law thus Timor Leste, after a quarter century contributors, it has chugged along for Charter) is formulated ensures that established, seeps down to national was gradually of conflict, has established itself as a 75 years. While intermittent efforts its powers are strictly constrained. At level in many areas influencing the peaceful member of the international have been made under different SGs, the same time, the rights and development of the rule of law within expanding its community. especially during the tenures of Kofi privileges of those who won the countries. participation. South Africa’s transition from Annan and Ban Ki-moon, to make it Second World War are well and truly Admittedly, the entry into force of a apartheid to democracy and majority more dynamic and responsive to entrenched in a blatantly multilateral treaty or a state This effort needs rule was painstakingly facilitated by contemporary needs, it is probably undemocratic manner in the Charter, becoming party to a treaty does not the U.N despite the obstructions the time to approach this task in a causing much disenchantment in a per se advance the condition of to be revived posed over many years by some Veto comprehensive manner. Creditably, world where the political, economic individual persons. But the very wielding members of the U.N. The role Ban Ki-moon succeeded in bringing and social power centres have shifted existence of these universally proactively as of the world organisation in guiding large numbers of women in to significantly. The Veto power accepted standards, raises awareness the former Yugoslavia’s successor managerial positions. (A young Sri conferred on the P5 in the Security and creates the incentive to strive for contributions to states to peace, after the initial Lankan woman is the SG’s Special Council, limits its freedom of action to those higher goals. Some times with a peacekeeping is a explosion of violence, was not Envoy for Youth). The ability of the situations where the Veto wielders little bit of added pressure. insignificant. Even the complex legal Organisation to deliver on its agree. The Cold War paralyzed the An obligation to settle international means to issues relating to succession were mandates efficiently to the U.N. and its Security Council disputes by peaceful means was dealt with imaginatively by the world satisfaction of member states substantially, hobbling it during consecrated in the Charter, together extending our body, especially its Treaty Section continues to be questioned by its those dangerous years of East-West with a prohibition on the use of force and the Office of Legal Affairs. main funder. A former US Permanent confrontation. in international relations. The soft power and This brings us on to a vital and Representative, John Bolton, once Similarly, North South relations mission of the International Court of expanded area of U.N. activity – suggested that the secretariat remain clouded by suspicions Justice, created by the Charter, is to generating peacekeeping. Since its first building could be reduced to from its traceable to the now distant colonial resolve inter-State disputes goodwill, in peacekeeping operations on the current 38 floors to 10 and the world experience. This constraint continues peacefully in accordance with borders of Israel and between India would not know the difference. to influence attitudes and is not international law. While the addition to and Pakistan, its peacekeeping role The U.N. has been described as a helped by an overbearing, ‘we know judgements and advisory opinions of has expanded substantially, with private club. Its members decide what best’ approach of the West. The the ICJ carry tremendous moral tapping a source peacekeepers being given the club should do. Although the Group of 77, originally intended to be pressure, the Court itself has no multidimensional mandates. Today world at large may have other higher the platform of developing countries authority to enforce them. of income for the the U.N. is actively engaged in expectations, the U.N. is able to on economic and social issues, is no The U.N. and its agencies have peacekeeping operations in 16 deliver only what its sovereign longer 77. Relatively prosperous been successful in mobilising the country. countries. It has over 120,000 membership and the Charter permits China (a P5 country), the second international community on various personnel, performing peacekeeping it to do. The most effective results are biggest economy in the world, works issues. As the scourge of terrorism The cost of peace functions, including civilian, police achieved where a consensus is with it and it has grown to 134. Not surged across borders and became a and military personnel, contributed obtained. all of its members are poor developing threat to many countries, the U.N. keeping exceeds voluntarily by 122 Member States, But as Secretary-General Dag countries either. The per capita was able to establish treaty based and seven billion mainly by developing countries. Sri Hammarskjold so succinctly income of Singapore comfortably Security Council sponsored rules and Lanka was a significant contributor to proclaimed, the U.N. was not created outstrips many of the developed to mobilise states and resources to dollars, making it the peacekeeping force in Haiti and to send humanity to heaven, but world. counter this threat. Expertise was was gradually expanding its simply to stop it from going to hell. Similarly, the Non Aligned assembled, resources were mobilised, the costliest participation. This effort needs to be Likewise, it has been said that if the Movement, of which Sri Lanka has information was collated, training revived proactively as contributions to U.N. did not exist we would have had been a prominent member, often was provided to countries that needed aspect of U.N. peacekeeping is a means to extending to invent it. punching way above its weight, it, and awareness was raised to a high our soft power and generating Given the current global suspicions originally intended to be the group level. In the absence of the U.N. and operations. Now, goodwill, in addition to tapping a and rivalries, it is unlikely that we not aligned to the East or the West, its agencies, it is doubtful if these U.N. peacekeepers source of income for the country. would succeed in creating a U.N. has tended to pull in different collective advances could have been The cost of peacekeeping exceeds today from scratch. Despite all the directions with no cohesive non- achieved at a global level. The may be permitted seven billion dollars, making it the criticisms for its failures, it has aligned focus. Nevertheless, it occurrence of terrorist acts in the costliest aspect of U.N. operations. achieved much in its 75 years of remains a platform of group strength West helped to focus attention on this to play an Now, U.N. peacekeepers may be existence. Just that successes do not for the week and the meek. Some threat even further. Much more permitted to play an offensive role to garner headlines. It could be have dropped out of this group. India, remains to be done. The offensive role to defend their mandates, including the described as the most successful and an original Non-aligned stalwart, confrontations of the moment may protection of civilians. truly global political organisation ever today is participating in military deny the world of future opportunities defend their While there are impressive success created. exercises with the US, Japan and to collaborate should such threats stories, peacekeeping related In retrospect, one could say that the Australia (The Quad) designed to raise their heads again. mandates, criticisms also abound. The U.N.’s UN has navigated through the confront and contain China. Similarly, the global response to including the peacekeeping efforts may meet with crashing waves of global discord and The tendency of the Security health challenges such as the AIDS greater success if their mandates are survived so far. It has also enjoyed Council, when the P5 works in pandemic, the swine flu and avian flu protection of formulated with better information moments of euphoric glee of success. unison, to adopt decisions binding on threats that had the potential to originating at ground level and On the whole, as was hopefully all member states under Chapter 7 of cause havoc and the Ebola epidemic civilians following more structured observed by Georges Bidault, Minister the Charter and which should were countered due to the existence consultations, including with host for Foreign Affairs and head of the properly be the legislative of the U.N., especially the WHO. And governments, if the mandates are French delegation to the San responsibility of the General now Covid 19. Despite the criticism clearly defined and the peacekeeping Francisco Conference, in the past 75 Assembly, has also come in for piled on the WHO by the US, it is the troops are better briefed, equipped years, it has performed admirably, criticism. first and last resort for many a poor and selected on the basis of “Reconciling the requirements of the Consistent with the objectives of country in this crisis. The U.N. has experience and training, if operations ideal with the possibilities of the real”. the Charter, the U.N. has been developed an impressive ability to are regularly reviewed and exit (The writer is a , Sri Lanka’s seminally responsible for the raise awareness rapidly and mobilise strategies are well defined. former Permanent Representative unprecedented development of the member states to respond quickly to Unfortunately, there has been a to the United Nations, former international rule of law. The threats of this nature. The WHO dealt tendency for some missions to be Foreign Secretary and Head of the Secretary-General’s Office is the with the Covid 19 pandemic in a extended indefinitely. UN Treaty Section.) IT Wednesday 19 august 2020 b13

Digital outlook… The New Normal Customer By Chathura Jayawardena delays, disruptions in recovery funnel, that both customers and businesses sales pipeline disturbances, and are experiencing a sequence of Dealing with the unexpected as imports and exports complexities unexpected distress caused by many expected would become the new along with many other unexpected social and financial complexities. default business skill that businesses social and economic turbulences. However, it is very important that should be confident with. The Despite the negative sentiments, employees and management of unprecedented socioeconomic many businesses are trying to explore any business hold back emotional pressure brought by this crisis has the silver lining in the new normal. reactions and follow an empathetic led many businesses to experience a Businesses are impelled to invest and approach towards customers, unless long-hiatus or complete collapse. The work around in a digitally infused the business agenda is purely short circumstances of social distancing, environment, which allows term and transactional. Though it is remote working and global isolation businesses to expand their digital evident many businesses are forced upon by the pandemic has assets that can be utilised to scale the responding to the situation caused a series of unexpected market businesses’ provision as well as to run accordingly, surprisingly, there are conditions which could not be it efficiently than ever before. still some short-sighted businesses predicted in almost any formulated Therefore, it has become critical that which try to take advantage over this business strategy. Despite the businesses consider data as the new situation by creating artificial control circumstances, the majority of creativity and bloodline of the of stocks, manipulating prices with businesses began to accelerate their industry. demand fluctuations, false marketing, digital transformation initiative with The strategic direction of the inferior product offering and many renewed enthusiasm as a response to business needs to be combined with short-sighted tactics which could the ongoing situation. On the other greater digital collaboration with a destroy the most important business hand, businesses that already 360-degree understanding of the aspect; “the customer’s trust” which operated with infused digital business value chain and customer would in turn affect “customer capabilities gained a tremendous behavior. It is also important to loyalty” when the situation boost as the sudden technology re-assess marketing approaches as becomes normal. Businesses at this diffusion towards consumers have the velocity of digital content-driven moment should always have a better been completely unanticipated. marketing is forming it to be the core Chathura Jayawardena understating of the surroundings Hence, the so-called “new normal" of the marketing mix. Many when responding to the emotional urged many businesses to work with a businesses tend to put marketing how manageable the cost of goods and sustainable and impactful digital cognition of the customers to create new perspective as things may never budget at scrutiny when times are services are in relation to the customer experience depends on how that magical bond between the two. return to the way they used to be. uncertain such as these, however, unexpected demand in play during a effectively end to end sales process The interactive platform between a Businesses inevitably need to infuse modern platforms have allowed crisis. transform digitally to be responsive business and customers and its technology into the deepest veins of publication and distribution of Furthermore, business leadership towards buyer behaviour which may employees would take a fairly the business to formulate a tech- content to become much easier, has to come up with an innovative consist of the ability to mirror the diversified approach with a greater driven culture that could sustain as a cheaper, and faster and more direct agenda which assesses how customer journey by utilising blend of digital tools and online shield for varied macro economical than it used to be, which is why automation and effective integration interconnected digital platforms. platforms. New social protocols will turbulences. Many businesses with a businesses must scale digital of CRM, CMS and ERP with other Many scholars and practitioners demand social disengagement which legacy set up are finding it rather representation in multiple platforms digital assets will infuse speed and believe that knowing the customers nurtures natural preference to difficult to maintain a similar in a synergistic manner. Further, it is scalability to the business to reach well enough is the most defining individualistic decision-making which experience with customers. very important for every business to the optimum performance. A cultural component of orchestrating digital is influenced substantially from the Contextually, customer interface has digest that marketing during the transformation which drives customer experience. Hence, it is information in digital mediums with become increasingly difficult to current pandemic as it is not business businesses with technological rather important that businesses greater customisation to individual maintain which encourages as usual; empathy, a sense of competencies would become the influence as many stakeholders as preference. Hence, the role of businesses to reach the desired understanding about the market and cornerstone of the business models possible to invest in an innovation relationships would function with outcome of establishing seamless surrounding is much more critical to which set strong technology leverage that drives such valuable customer increased remote collaboration within experience in both off and online integrate into communications as to compete in the future and to inputs to the table. Rigorous and without different verticals of the interfaces. Such orchestration of communication during a difficult time sustain through disruptions which integration of AI engines, CRM data business. It is important that digital customer experience would would have a lasting impact on the could occur unexpectedly. and social listing are essential in business leaders understand the make businesses leverage on the relationships with the customers utilising offline data inflow to support criticality of this novelty and allocate speed of technology diffusion using which could go a long way. Digital Customer an advanced platform that identifies adequate digital resources which digital assets whilst reassuring In addition, it is important to Experience customer behaviour which would support real-time decision-making, adequate resources are directed to acknowledge that a digital-driven enable in creating a better customised enabling effective capacity planning cultivate digital seeds within the very business would consist of greater Many disciples of Digital digital customer experience. As and appropriate resource allocation cultural roots of the business. flexibility to scale up or down Transformation (DX) were worried customers are spending more time on for the different scenarios which could according to the different about the imbalance in the pace of connected platforms, businesses are be in play for the business. As Business Model and circumstances, hence, getting the technology adoption between trying to feed in as much details as highlighted before, it is immensely Direction correct digital outlook has to be the customers and businesses. The possible to get customers’ attention, important that businesses maintain a first box to tick for any business COVID-19 pandemic may be a however, it’s rather important to high data-driven connectivity with The impact on business operations which is merging into the new normal. blessing in disguise in such understand that customers have customers to accumulate a sense of due to the pandemic was truly global Businesses may need to make short- conditions as a majority of customers short attention spans which are deeper understanding to provide and catastrophic. Forced lockdowns term alterations to their business and businesses were forced to adapt highly influenced by the services at the right time with a and social distancing measures strategy depending on the impact to new digital living conditions at a customisation and the gratification of personal touch. In turbulent times triggered immense imbalances caused by the pandemic to that significant transformational pace. communication. It is also important like this, it is sensible for businesses between what was demanded and particular business. The decision of Incremental digital adoption has that businesses continue to to deploy short-term actionable what was not. Commercial platforms whether to shred cost, divert influenced every business, reinforcing differentiate while maintaining decisions, while having an including manufacturing, investments, decentralise the the necessity of blending in the magic uniformity of appearance across all understanding of the customer transportation, retail, and wholesale business process, geo expansion or of digital technology towards creating Omni platforms in order to make it a behaviour to create a lasting impact were halted for months but are now close down is unique for each revitalised business strategies to unique customer experience. on the customer. easing out slowly with greater circumstance. However, it is create an unparalleled digital Customer Relationship The writer is a 2nd year PhD complexities as every country is important to take immediate action to customer experience. Businesses student at the Management and having its unique economic security increase or effectively manage cash across industries focus on The current situation signifies the Science University (MSU) Malaysia measures to deal with. On the other flow with an ethical framework as the transforming transactional interfaces critical importance for businesses to Master’s Degree in Business hand, many businesses are facing solution should not always be to lay- and greater diversification into digital stay as relevant as possible to the Administration from University of tremendous pressure on managing off employees just to save some money advertising as the go-to strategy of need of the moment and stay Sunderland, United Kingdom cashflows derived from imbalances in in the short term. Agility in pricing is creating a digital customer connected with the customer in a Director of Abans Information inventory, project cancellation and also a key attribute which determines experience. However, creating a more meaningful way. It is obvious Systems Ceylinco Life deploys SAP Pan Asia Bank Investment and Finance Module launches ‘Business Internet Banking’

Accelerating its digital create their own logins transformation journey, Pan without any extra cost or Asia Bank has re-launched having to visit the bank its ‘Business Internet each time, they need a Banking’ as a better and new one, offering time The Ceylinco Life team that executed the SAP project with the Company’s management improved version of the savings.” current Corporate Internet The salient features of Ceylinco Life has become the custodian Standard Chartered Financial Asset Management Banking platform, extending the new Pan Asia first life insurer in Sri Lanka to Bank. Module (FAM) which enables convenience and ease of use Business Internet implement the SAP S/4 HANA The integration of the on-demand reporting of the to its valued customers. Banking encompasses Investment and Finance Module investment management system financial results of the company Senior Deputy General multi-level authorisation; for Enterprise Resource Planning with Standard Chartered Bank with improved accuracy and Manager of Pan Asia Bank, creates users without (ERP) to enhance returns earned has enabled straight-through- efficiency; simplification of Naleen Edirisinghe, said, visiting a branch; fund for its policy holders while processing (STP) of deal regulatory reporting and “Pan Asia has designed the transfers (to any local reducing risk. settlements and position insurance fund reporting; new value added Business bank); utility bill SAP integrated investment reconciliation which proved assistance with accurate Internet Banking version payments; set up standing management module allows invaluable during the recent investments in insurance funds; taking into consideration orders online; secured Ceylinco Life to manage its lockdown, enabling unabated efficient management of the most pressing messaging option; RTGS diverse investments in a and uninterrupted investment inventory and fixed assets; requirements of Sri Lankan request; cheque book seamless and efficient manner, transactions without the need for generation of accurate and cost business owners when it request and view account while cutting down on repetitive wet signatures or delivery of efficient information; and comes to conducting their balance/history. and manual operations, the physical documents, Sri Lanka’s enhanced visibility and control in internet banking Edirisinghe added, Company said. life insurance front-runner said. the supplier management transactions. One of the “Saving customers’ The system provides a holistic The SAP S/4 HANA Finance process. main features that Pan Asia valuable time, the new view of overall portfolio positions, Module essentially enables SAP S/4 HANA is a full Business Internet Banking Business Internet performance and risk exposures, smoother and efficient in-memory solution and provides offers compared to its Banking allows them to be providing management with accounting processes and a higher speed of processing predecessor is that it has in touch with the bank timely and relevant insights to facilitates efficient management power, dashboards and multi-level authorisations with an in-built secure fine tune investment strategy decisions. Some of its benefits analytical capabilities. Another catering to the need of messaging option. Most of swiftly, while managing risks include seamless integration of key feature that warranted the corporate clientele. Pan Asia all, this service is free of proactively.It also integrates the the SAP General Ledger with shift is that it enables the Bank’s new Business charge for all customers Company’s investment other systems including the core Company to build and manage a Internet Banking empowers Naleen Edirisinghe – Senior Deputy as there is no annual or management system with its insurance system and the single platform of information. customers, so that they can General Manager, Pan Asia Bank joining fee.” B14 Ceylon FT Wednesday 19 AUGUST 2020 Advertorial Atlas joins Government’s Health Safety Awareness Campaign

Atlas Axillia Co. (Private) Limited has joined the government’s campaign to educate over 4 million kids in Sri Lanka. Atlas has entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Education to promote health and safety as children go back to school in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. This includes educating kids about hygiene and safety practices and to instil good health practices amongst kids to maintain a safe learning environment in the post-COVID-19 future. These initiatives include Atlas- DFCC opens Myspace sponsored television commercials by the Ministry of Education with regard to health safety, a COVID-19 safety booklet, Self Banking Unit at which is to be distributed to students and Speaking about the partnership with the we can create a low risk environment that a game called Atlas Suru Viru, an online Ministry of Education, Managing Director, inspires and keeps learning fun, while LIOC Col-7 game and app that interactively teaches Atlas Axillia Co-Asitha Samaraweera said, allowing students to safely continue with kids the right habits for health and safety “By following the guidelines and their education. Throughout this crisis, we The MySpace Self Banking Unit was ceremonially declared and how to make good hygiene a part of precautions laid down by the health have supported our communities and we open by DFCC Bank PLC, Chief Executive Officer, Lakshman their lifestyle. authorities and the Ministry of Education, will continue to do so in the future.” Silva and Managing Director, Lanka IOC PLC Manoj Gupta

NDB connects to CRIB Credit Score Instant Decision Module NDB has connected host to host with the decision making of financial the Credit Score Instant Decision institutions. Module introduced by the Credit Group CEO Dimantha Seneviratne Information Bureau (CRIB) through the further stated that the benefits to Application Programming Interface. borrowers from the Credit Score include Director/Group CEO Dimantha faster credit evaluations, credit facilities Seneviratne said this will enable the with better conditions and higher credit Bank to have online access to Sri limits by maintaining optimal scores. Lanka’s first credit scoring facility – the He added that the latest credit scores ‘CRIB Credit Score’ Instant Decision would provide a sound and consistent Module. indication of historical credit CRIB Credit Score is calculated based worthiness, risk level and reliability of a on an algorithm, which incorporates key potential borrower. By integrating with aspects of a borrower including payment this system, the Bank will be able to behaviour, over indebtedness, minimise human intervention, store demographics and utilisation of data for decision-making and enable (Left to Right) NDB Senior Software Engineer – (Information Technology) Madhawa Madhuranga, Deputy Manager, Shared Services available credit. These scores will custom printouts to ensure (Credit Administration Unit) Roshan Asbury, NDB Chief Operating Officer Deepal Akuretiyagama, NDB Director/Group Chief Executive provide more in-depth information for documentation processing efficiency. Officer Dimantha Seneviratne, Director/General Manger, CRIB, Nandi Anthony, Operations Manager, CRIB Indika Dissanayake sports wednesday 19 august 2020 A15

Europa League Inter demolish Shakhtar to reach final Lautaro Martinez played been a long time since I had target in the first half, still scored in the competition, then chief tormentor as Inter Milan played such a match and we failed to threaten after the turned provider releasing claimed an emphatic 5-0 have shown that Inter are break until the 62nd minute Lukaku on the right for the victory against Shakhtar ready for the big matches,” when Junior Morales headed Belgian striker to make it 4-0 Donetsk to reach the Europa Martinez told Sky Sport Italia. the ball straight at Samir from inside the box. League final and come closer “I am very happy for the Handanovic. Lukaku has now scored in to a first title in nine years on team, which is playing well “We’ve had a great campaign 10 consecutive Europa League Monday. and growing match after in Europe, but this result was a matches and by producing Argentine striker Martinez, match.” big disappointment. We another cool finish at the end who scored twice, was the Shakhtar dominated couldn’t show our football. of a powerful run seven pinnacle of a perfect tactical possession as expected, but Their second goal destroyed us minutes from time, he is now display as Antonio Conte’s were toothless up front and mentally,” said Shakhtar’s one short of Ronaldo’s mark of team set up a clash with five- Inter opened the scoring with Davit Khocholava. 34 goals in one season for Inter time champions Sevilla, also their first chance after 19 “Inter have two fantastic in 1997-98. thanks to a goal by Danilo minutes. strikers. It was very hard to “We are a team that is D’Ambrosio and a Romelu Nicolo Barella collected a play against them in one-on- growing day by day. There are Lukaku brace. woeful clearance from one situations.” both young and experienced Shakhtar had their share of goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov and Inter were just more clinical. players. This is fundamental in possession, but failed to raced down the right flank Two minutes later, a team, so the less experienced threaten a compact Inter side, before crossing for Martinez, D’Ambrosio headed home from can follow those who have who eventually completely whose perfectly-timed header Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez in action with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Alan Barella’s corner to make it 2-0. more experience,” added overwhelmed their opponents. went into the back of the net. Patrick Martinez curled in a perfect Martinez. Sevilla beat Manchester Seeking their first trophy 43rd minute, when Marcos second half, tipping the ball shot in the 74th to cap a “Sevilla are a strong team. United 2-1 on Sunday to book since a 2011 Coppa Italia Antonio fired a shot just over wide to deny Martinez who had remarkable individual We will try to prepare as best their place in Friday’s triumph, Inter controlled the bar. attempted a fine loop from 30 performance, dashing any hope we can for this match. We hope showdown. Shakhtar, who pinged the ball Pyatov made up for his metres. of a comeback by Shakhtar. that everything goes well and “It’s an incredible night, the around without being able to earlier mistake with a superb Shakhtar, who had not Martinez, who before his that the Cup can go to Inter.” kind we dreamed of. It has bring it forward before the save four minutes into the mustered a single shot on brace had not previously (Reuters)

Avinesh wins NEGC KDCA 50-over tournament 29 Clubs to battle for honours

By Hafiz Marikar Secretary Janaka Pathirana thanked all Annual Captains Cup participating clubs and promised the 29 Clubs will be seen in action in the tournament will be well organised. District Association (KDCA) 50-over The winners will be presented with the competition, scheduled to commence from 20 KDCA President’s Trophy, while the runner- August. This was decided at the KDCA up will receive the KDCA Secretary’s Trophy. Committee Meeting held in their premises with Special awards will be given for the best team, representatives of all clubs in attendance. bowler, batsman and fielder. The scoring and According to reports, the major clubs – umpiring part will be handled by the Kandy CC, Kandy Youth CC, Old Rajans SC, organisers. Veteran Kandy cricketer Malcolm Old Antonians SC, Old Trinitians SC and Old Perera, who is the KDCA Vice President, Zahirians – will be the main contenders. explained in detail the tournament format Matches will take place at Pallekelle Prison’s and requested the clubs to stick to the Grounds, St. Anthony’s Grounds Katugastota, tournament schedule without any Asgiriya Stadium, postponements. Grounds at Lake View, Peradeniya University KDCA Cricket Secretary Anton Perera along Grounds and Wickrema Bahu College with Tournament Committee Chairman Grounds Gampola. Jaliya Jayasuriya will monitor the KDCA President Roland Perera and competition.

All Island Hardball T10 Super League Tournament 32 teams in the fray The All Island Hardball in action at this the knock-out round. 48 T10 Super League Cricket tournament. first round matches will be Tournament conducted by The champion team will completed the first round. Winners and runners-up pose with their trophies the Super Sports Club receive the Champion Each team will play three Balapitiya will be held from Trophy and Rs 200,000/= matches in the first round. Avinesh Naresh Kumar, the More than 100 golfers teed off at General Meeting will now take 22 August at the Teachers prize money. The runner- The quarter-finals will be ever-reliable golfer, won the this colourful annual event, place this weekend with the Training College Ground up will receive a trophy and held on 5 September, while annual Captains Cup at the which attracted many availability of the Special Balapitiya. Entrance fee is Rs 100,000/= as prize the two semi-finals and Nuwara Eliya Golf Course spectators. Defending champion General Meeting minutes. Rs 20,000/= per team. money. final will be held on the (NEGC) recently with a net score Chamara Abeyrathne, however, Meanwhile, the annual 32 teams will participate Man of the final, best 6th at the same venue. of 69. The evergreen Suraine found the going tough and Graham Sinclair Cup, which in the tournament. Teams bowler, best batsman, and This will be first cricket Premathilake came second with finished in 16th place. Another took place on the opening day, will be divided into eight man of the tournament will tournament in the a score of 71. Another golf player with great potential, has been declared null and void groups and play on a league each receive Rs 10,000/=. Balapitiya area after the sensation, Haroon Aslam, was Tharanga Gunasekara, ended in due to a fault in the ground basis. Former national The champion team from COVID-19 pandemic. third. 10th place. The Club Annual marking. cricketers will also be seen each group will advance to (IR) Clay court nationals Rain-hit second Test drawn to recommence Zak Crawley struck a half- making a decision on who century as England and starts the third Test, with fast Pakistan played out a tame bowlers Jofra Archer and draw in their rain-hit second Mark Wood waiting in the Test at the Rose Bowl on wings. Monday. “All the guys are now in Only 134.3 overs were contention for the next one. possible in the entire match, We will see where we are which included a 38-over spell (physically) tomorrow. We will late on the fifth afternoon as also take the surface into the sun finally came out, with account.” England finishing on 110 for Pakistan had won the toss four before the game was and elected to bat posting 236 called off with no prospect of a in their first innings, a total winner. that their captain Azhar Ali Crawley scored 53, his third felt was competitive. Test half-century, before he “It’s been frustrating for was out leg before wicket to both teams. The game was set Mohammad Abbas (2-28) up quite nicely as the having put on 91 with Dom conditions were good for Sibley (32) for the second bowling throughout,” he said. wicket, both gaining valuable “We spoke about taking on time at the crease ahead of the the challenge of batting first third and final Test that starts and we fought really hard. The at the same venue on Friday. England bowling attack is Opener Rory Burns (0) and brilliant, but the guys stuck to Ollie Pope (9) were the other the task. two batsmen dismissed. “The best thing out of the “We were excited about this Test is we did not have to bowl week, so it’s disappointing not much. It is a big Test coming to get much cricket in,” up and we want everybody to The postponed HNB- the qualification rounds had England captain Joe Root said be fresh and ready.” HUTCH clay court nationals, begun in March and had to at the post-match England won the first Test one of the three highest– be postponed when the presentation. in Manchester by three rated domestic annual COVID-19 pandemic hit the “But I thought Zak was wickets. tennis tournaments, will country. The tournament excellent today. That Scores- commence from 21 August will go on till 13 September partnership (with Sibley) was England 110 for 4 declared (Friday) at the Sri Lanka (Sunday) adhering to high class on a very difficult (Crawley 53, Abbas 2-28) Tennis Association (SLTA) required health guidelines surface.” Pakistan 236 (Rizwan 72, courts. stipulated by the Sports and Root said the selectors will Abid 60, Broad 4-56) SLTA announced last week Health Ministries. look at the full squad before (Reuters) Zak Crawley in action A16 WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST 2020 SPORTS

Financial irregularities of Cycling Federation D-Day before Ministry takes legal action

Former Cycling Federation officials former Treasurer Senaka Ranasinghe 2019 due to financial irregularities by temporary arrangement appoint Police Special Investigation Unit (SIU) will get a last chance to come up with stated that as per the request made its officials, who had failed to present Director General, Department of to investigate into this since it is a audited financial accounts today by the trio, the date of inquiry has audited financial statements for the Sports Development to continue its sports related crime. The during the inquiry set up by the been postponed from 4 August to years 2018 and 2019. functions and an election be investigation has been completed and Sports Ministry, and failure to do so today (19 August), and if they failed to “I, Dullas Alahapperuma, the convened and held to elect new office the report sent to the Attorney will lead the Ministry to take legal present themselves the Ministry will Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs bearers to the Cycling Federation of General. action as per the Sports Law, a Sports take legal action as per the Sports by virtue of the powers vested in me Sri Lanka.” Meanwhile, Senaka Ranasinghe Ministry letter has revealed. Law considering the trio accept the under Sections 32 (b) and 33 of the Misdeeds of the Cycling Federation who was also the Treasurer of the The letter signed by Assistant charges. Sports Act No. 25 of 1973 do hereby were highlighted by the Media National Olympic Committee (NOC), Director Sports, R.B. Wickramasinghe Cycling Federation was suspended suspend with immediate effect the following the last South Asian Games, resigned from his post at the NOC to former Cycling Federation in July by former Sports Minister registration of the Cycling Federation where they were alleged to have fixed amid the turmoil citing personal President N. Karunarathne, former Dullas Alahapperuma through of Sri Lanka which is the National an event during the Games. The reasons. Secretary Nihal Kulasekara and Extraordinary Gazette dated 27 July Federation for Cycling and as a Sports Ministry directed the (AK)

Namal set to introduce Let there be light ICC Panel likely new Sports Act to discuss rules BY ANJANA KALUARACHCHI The International Cricket Council (ICC) is Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who likely to discuss Test cricket’s bad light rules assumed duties yesterday, mulls replacing the which have been criticised during the ongoing 1973 Sri Lanka Sports Act with a new one. England v Pakistan series, a source in the “We are looking at the possibility of replacing governing body told Reuters on Monday. the existing Sports Act introduced in 1973 with Rain and bad light have combined to limit a new Act, taking into account the current action in the second Test between England trends, future context and global development of and Pakistan in Southampton, frustrating sports. This is to be finalised once the Sports players and television viewers hoping for live Councils are appointed,” tweeted Rajapaksa last cricket amid the COVID-19 pandemic. evening. “We at the ICC are open to such ideas and Every Sports Minister introduced several new the ICC Cricket Committee may discuss the regulations to the already gazetted Sports Act issue in their next meeting,” the source said. No.25 of 1973, but none of them thought of Umpires currently use light meters to replacing the existing Act with a completely determine if the light is ‘dangerous or different one. unreasonable’ to continue playing. Rajapaksa earlier said he is looking to In 2013, ICC Member Boards rejected the introduce a new sports culture and develop a governing body’s proposal of using floodlights sports based economy and sports tourism to continue a Test match in case of fading through four key areas by popularising leisure natural light. sports, developing competitive sports, building a The ICC Cricket Committee has not set a sports driven economy through sports Namal Rajapaksa officially assuming duties, as his wife Limini Weerasinghe and mother date for its next meeting and any entertainment and popularizing Esports. Shiranthi Rajapaksa look on. He goes into the history books as being Sri Lanka’s youngest recommendation to use floodlights would Pic by Sajeewa Chinthaka Kahadagamage national sportsman to be Sports Minister require the approval of the ICC Board. Former England captain has suggested using a pink ball, currently used only in day-night Tests for its higher visibility, to avoid losing playing time to bad SLC Major Tier ‘A’ Tournament Dream 11 bags IPL light. “The more I watch this, particularly in (Plate Championship) 2020 title sponsorship England, the pink ball could be the solution - just play with it all the time,” Vaughan told Fantasy cricket platform Dream 11 has BBC Test Match Special. Moors SC beat Tamil Union bagged the title sponsorship for IPL 2020 with Former Australia leg-spinner a winning bid of INR 222 crore, IPL chairman also backed the pink-ball idea. Moors SC beat Tamil Union C & AC Brijesh Patel confirmed. Dream 11 beat “If we lower that light meter reading and by 44 runs in the second weekend of Unacademy (INR 171 crore) and Byju’s (INR use a pink ball for Test matches, I think we’ll the Super-8 round in the SLC Major 201 crore) to clinch the deal which will run stay out there a lot longer,” Warne told Sky League Tier ‘A’ Cricket Tournament from 18 August to 31 December 2020. Sports on Monday. Plate Championship (2019/2020) BCCI had to scramble for a last-minute Under existing playing conditions, a pink yesterday. replacement for VIVO, after they invoked the ball can be used in any bilateral series, Chanaka Ruwansiri skipper of Force Majeure clause in their contract to provided the two teams involved agree in Lankan CC scored his second ton in withdraw from the 2020 season. VIVO had advance. the Plate Championship when he signed a five-year deal in 2018 worth INR 2199 (Reuters) scored 165 runs against SSC. Dushan crore, which earned BCCI about INR 440 crore Hemantha of Baduraliya CC scored a season. 115 runs. According to the revenue sharing agreement Praveen Jayawickrame (Moors SC) between BCCI and IPL franchise owners in had a match bag of 11 wickets against Chanaka Ruwansiri 2018, the teams earned 50 per cent of the Tamil Union. income from the central rights - including At the De Soysa Stadium Lankan CC: 375 (119.4 ) (Chanaka broadcast, title and other sponsorship deals Moratuwa (Moors SC won by 44 Ruwansiri 165, Geeth Kumara struck by the Board. This means runs) 60, Primosh Perera 34, Jeffrey approximately INR 111 crore will be split Moors SC: 206 and 171 Vandersay 5/117, Kalana Perera between the franchises for this season, as (46.1) (Kavishka Anjula 43, Ayana 3/54) opposed to twice the amount (INR 220 crore) Siriwardhana 32, Dhananjaya de Silva At NCC (Match drawn) per season since VIVO signed up. 5/54, Sadeesh Pathiranage 2/43) Badureliya CC: 267 and 276 (Agencies) Tamil Union C & AC: 178 and 155 (69.1) (Dushan Hemantha 115, (36.3) (Suranga Lakmal 40, Tharanga Dunith Jayatunga 48, Upul Indrasiri Paranavitana 30, Praveen 5/85, Lakshitha Rasanjana 5/97) Jayawickrame 6/91, Ramesh Mendis Negombo CC: 381 (105.2) (Dilshan 2/18) Munaweera 91, Madawa Warnapura At Colts (Match drawn) 87, Angelo Jayasinghe 66, Upul SSC: 332 (76.2) and 226/4 Indrasiri 38, Roscoe Thattil 33, Ashen (48) (Sandun Weerakkody 67, Silva 30, Dushan Hemantha 4/82, Nuwanidu Fernando 45, Charith Alankara Asanka 2/43, Buddika Asalanka 34, Kavindu Kulasekara 33*, Sanjeewa 2/90) General view of covers on the field as rain stops play for the day Geeth Kumara 3/49) (IR) between England v Pakistan

Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Bernard’s spot kick takes Defenders into QF Saunders humiliate Super Sun BY MUSTAQ SYDEEN back shots at goal which was denied by the control with J. Chaminda firing over and M. Red Star custodian. Rahman’s effort being denied by a great Defenders FC ambushed the strong Red When Red Star had over 80% possession save from Defenders keeper R. Jayasekara. Star SC to secure a 1-0 victory, thanks to in the first 20 minutes it looked like being a There was tension at the dying moments, J. Bernard’s first half penalty, which long evening for Defenders in the rather though, with Red Star netting a goal which secured them a quarter-final berth in the surreal surroundings of an empty stadium. was called off side. Defenders did Vantage FFSL President’s Cup worked off Red Star were clearly shaken out of their everything possible to keep their opponents Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. stride and looked frail at the back as at bay, and even with additional minutes of The win helped Defenders to top Group Defenders threatened on the counter-attack injury time, Red Star failed to score the ‘C’ with 7 points, while Red Star FC was and succeeded when the Servicemen were equalizer and Defenders registered a second with 6 points. Saunders had to face awarded a penalty following a hard tackle famous win. an early exit from the campaign after they inside the penalty box. J. Bernard slammed Meanwhile, Saunders ended their ended third with 4 points. home with a low strike to the left bottom campaign with comfortable 9-5 victory Predictably, Red Star enjoyed the majority corner to go up 1-0 into half time. The Red against Super Sun SC in another Group ‘C’ of possession, but Defenders were gritty Star keeper was slow to react once Bernard encounter worked off at Race Course and disciplined as well as being lethal on had opted to shoot, but the lead was a International Stadium. the counter-attack as they troubled the Red deserved one for the Servicemen who had The win came too late for Saunders who Star defense on a number of occasions. the better of what had been a cagey first have been eliminated from the knockouts During an evenly contested first half, half. since they finished third in there Group Defender’s held a slight edge with M. Red Star began the second half with with 4 points. Issadeen and company blasting back-to- greater purpose and looked to have taken Pic by Kelum Chamara J. Bernard (Defenders) fires home from the penalty spot.

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