PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

ACTIVE CASES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 TOTAL CASES ’S FIRST SHOPERTAINMENT WOMEN’S DO NOT PRIORITISE 34,159 WORLD CUP 2022 ECONOMY OVER HEALTH: DEATHS RECOVERED EXPERIENCE IN NEW ZEALAND DR. DUSHNI WEERAKOON 9,079 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 154 24,867 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 7 »SEE PAGE 3 UNTIL 8.30 P.M. ON 15 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU Fire at SC z CID teams launch z No documents probe into fire damaged says Police The fire at the Supreme Court Ajith Rohana said. Department (CID) launched an yesterday (15) had erupted in He said the fire was investigation to determine the the basement and no document successfully controlled, adding cause of the fire by deploying or registry was damaged in the that, on instructions of the IGP, three teams. fire, Police Spokesman DIG the Criminal Investigation Contd. on page 2

Attorney General Dappula de Livera grimly surveys the scene of the fire that broke out at the Supreme Court complex in Hulftsdorp, Colombo, yesterday (15) PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE

NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS PC ELECTIONS TOTAL CASES SLAF TRAINING AIRCRAFT CRASHES Party leaders to deliberate z Fresh proposal on polls to Cabinet next week

BY SARAH HANNAN Spokesperson and Minister convenience was presented 30,459*Stats updated as at 8.30 p.m. on 15 December Board set of Mass Media Keheliya to the Cabinet of Ministers The Cabinet has instructed Rambukwella stated. on Monday (14), by COVID-19 that the party leaders are to During yesterday’s (15) Minister of Public Services, deliberate on the method cabinet media briefing, Provincial Councils and Local up to probe of holding the upcoming Rambukwella said that Government Janaka Bandara ‘Don’t use medicine provincial council (PC) the proposal on holding Tennakoon. shown on social media’ BY PAMODI WARAVITA elections, Government PC elections at the earliest Contd. on page 2 The general public is requested not to use An investigation board has been various medicines prescribed for Covid-19 OUTSTANDING MONIES TO GSMB appointed to probe the Sri Lanka Air Paid biotech published on social media, the State Ministry crash of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural Force (SLAF) flight crash that occurred Three years to and Ayurvedic Hospitals Development, and last afternoon (14), SLAF Media uni for N’Eliya Community Health stated. Spokesperson Group Dushan Wijesinghe told The Morning. BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI settle Rs. 1 b Contd. on page 2 Metal quarry operators that were ‘Next 4 to 6 months A paid state-owned university for biosystems permitted to mine in state-owned lands technology will be opened in Ambewela, Nuwara are said to owe a sum of Rs.1,089 worst of pandemic’ Eliya in mid-2021, as the first in a network of million in arrears payments to two state Bill Gates said that he will take the vaccine national universities that will be established institutions, The Morning learnt. publicly as former US Presidents Bill Clinton, through the Mahapola Trust Fund. Contd. on page 2 George Bush, and Barack Obama have said it would Contd. on page 2 increase the people’s confidence in the vaccine. US ELECTORAL COLLEGE VEHICLE NUMBER PLATES Unity Plaza closed Biden’s victory Provincial letters after 6 test positive to be removed All the shops at Unity Plaza Shopping confirmed The Cabinet Complex, Bambalapitiya were closed after six Members of the US electoral has approved a employees of a laptop retail shop tested positive college have affirmed Joe resolution submitted for Covid-19, Public Health Inspectors Union Biden’s presidential election by the Transport (PHIU) Secretary M. Balasooriya said. victory, one of the final steps Minister to remove PELIYAGODA FISH MARKET required for him to take office. the provincial letters COVID-19 IN PRISONS Former Deputy Contd. on page 2 Joe Biden when issuing vehicle number plates, the Government Information Department said. 800 inmates Minister arrested Reopening PURCHASING FRUITS AND VEGGIES Contd. on page 2 Former All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) released on bail MP Abdullah Mohamed today Directly from farmers With the increasing number of Covid-19 cases Maharoof has been arrested It has been decided to reopen the BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA from farmers through the purchased directly from reported in prisons, the Government is taking by the Criminal Investigation Peliyagoda Fish Market Complex, which Department of Agriculture. farmers to the Narahenpita, measures to reduce the number of prisoners by Department (CID). Abdullah Mohamed was closed due to the spread of the Covid-19 The Agriculture Ministry Accordingly, the pilot Meegoda, and Welisara expediting ongoing court cases, especially of Contd. on page 2 Maharoof epidemic, today (16) for wholesale trading. has taken steps to purchase project would be commenced Economic Centres. those who are in remand prison, according to Contd. on page 2 vegetables and fruits directly by distributing products Contd. on page 2 State Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, POACHING IN SRI LANKAN WATERS and Covid Disease Control Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva. 36 Indian fishermen arrested Kithul to become Special operations carried out 36 Indian nationals along with PREVENTIVE MEDICATION by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and five fishing trawlers and fishing a main crop Coast Guard in several sea areas accessories, for poaching in Sri The Cabinet on Only after clinical trials off the coast of the island yesterday Lankan waters. Monday (14) approved Pharmaceuticals or vaccinations that (15) led to the apprehension of Contd. on page 2 a proposal submitted by the Minister of are being released as Covid-19 control HEJAAZ HIZBULLAH or preventive medication should only be Plantation for prescribed in Sri Lanka following successful nominating the clinical trials, State Minister of Primary kithul crop as a Healthcare, Epidemiology, and Disease Control main plantation Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle revealed. Lawyers crop. Contd. on page 2 No more standing SAMAGI JANA BALAWEGAYA passengers in buses gain access Leadership to The Attorney General (AG) yesterday (15) Passengers standing while travelling in informed the Court of Appeal that arrangements change every year buses is a violation of the quarantine law, the can be made for lawyers representing Hejaaz According to the new Constitution of the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Hizbullah, who is currently being held in Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the term of informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP). connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks, office of party leaders and other officials has to meet their client. been limited to one year. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Hejaaz Hizbullah Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday , December 16, 2020

Contd. from page 1

very agile. We’re a partner in a thing called Meanwhile, arrangements are being made to upcoming PC elections are to be held and a peacefully although a group of Republicans Board set... CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness direct the apprehended Indian nationals for 14 fresh proposal is to be made to the Cabinet by tried to enter the building to hold their own He said the investigation will be conducted Innovations), which is the second biggest funder days of quarantine, the SLN said. next week,” Rambukwella elaborated. vote and were turned away. under the authority of the Air Force Commander, after the US Government,” he said. Once the party leaders present their proposal “The people have spoken. It was a safe, but that the date of conclusion of the investigation “So, in diagnostics, therapy, and vaccines, on PC elections, the Cabinet of Ministers will fair, and secure election,” said Governor could not be determined at this stage. we know where the science is; we know how Former Deputy... once again deliberate on the matter, after which Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat who had been The board has been tasked with submitting a the pieces need to come together in an urgent The former Deputy Minister has been arrested they would arrive at a decision on whether the the subject of a kidnapping plot thwarted by report based on the findings of the investigation, way. And so our expertise in infectious disease, over the misuse of vehicles belonging to Lanka election would be held according to the old the FBI earlier this year. “After today, the including the technical status of the aircraft which normally only relates to developing Sathosa during the 2015-2019 period, the Police election system or the proposed new electoral results will be final.” and history of the pilot. The investigation will countries, applied to the entire world for this said. The arrest was made on Monday (14) in system where new wards are to be demarcated (BBC) be conducted in accordance with the Standard crisis,” he added. Kinniya. by the Delimitation Commission prior to the Accident Procedure, and help from overseas The US needs to help all of humanity, Gates Police Media Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana election. may be required to determine the cause of the said when asked of the executive order signed said that a person named Farook Mohamed The incumbent Government will also have to Provincial letters... crash, according to the Spokesman. by President Donald Trump which prioritises Aslam, a resident of Matale, has also been look into the issues that will be raised through It said the letters to identify provinces are Wijesinghe added that the flight had taken off distribution of the vaccine to Americans before arrested along with the former MP. the Delimitation Commission report and address added to the number plate when registering at 1.05 p.m. last afternoon. Although the radio it goes to people in other countries. The CID had launched investigations into the them before a date for the election is set. vehicles, which aids in the process of vehicular communications tower had lost touch with the “We want the world economy to be going. We matter based on a complaint made by Lanka emission tests and annual revenue license aircraft at 1.15 p.m., the pilot had not declared want to minimise the deaths. And, you know, the Sathosa. Arrested suspects will be produced issuance. an emergency beforehand. basic technology is a German company. And so before a magistrate in due course, DIG Rohana Paid biotech... “However, both the customers as well as the The trainee pilot joined in July 2019 and blocking international sharing and co-operation said. Ministry of Trade Media Secretary Mahesh Department of Motor Traffic have to encounter had accumulated a number of flight hours, has been disruptive and a mistake during this Wickrama told The Morning yesterday (15) that many difficulties since the number plates have so it remains a mystery as to why the crash entire pandemic,” he said. the Ministry plans to open the other universities to be changed at each instance the right of occurred, he said. The SLAF PT-6 Training “So, we need to ramp up the capacity of all No more... in districts which, like Nuwara Eliya, have ownership of a vehicle is transferred between Aircraft, which took off last afternoon from the vaccines. There will be some additional ones Issuing a written notification, DGHS Dr. Asela no national universities at present, such as in provinces. China Bay in Trincomalee, had crash landed approved in the months ahead that are easier Gunawardena pointed out that the number of Horana in the Kalutara District. “Since a unique number is issued to each at Kantale. The pilot was rushed to the hospital to scale up the manufacturing. But the US has passengers buses are allowed to transport is only The universities will focus on information registered vehicle at registration, the identity where he was in critical condition, and later benefited from other countries’ work care, and in accordance with the number of available seats. technology (IT), biosystems technology, and of each vehicle can be easily recognised across succumbed to his injuries. we shouldn’ be entirely selfish in how we go He added that no passenger should travel in other such job-oriented disciplines, and will the departmental database. forward,” he added. a bus while standing. also consist of a university for international “Considering those facts, the Cabinet of (NDTV) Legal action may be taken under the provisions languages. Ministers issued approval to the resolution Fire at... of the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases “These paid state universities will have submitted by the Minister of Transport for the The DIG said the CID has summoned experts Unity Plaza... Ordinance against parties acting in contravention affordable tuition fees and students will also removal of provincial letters at the issuance of of the Government Analyst’s Department and “We will not allow any visitors to Unity Plaza of the rule, the letter to the IGP read. be able to obtain loans via student loan schemes vehicle number plates,” it said. from the electrical engineering field to probe until the contact tracing of all the Covid-19 According to the health safety guidelines for state-approved educational institutions,” the fire. patients is completed,” he stated. issued by the Government, the number of he said. “Scenes of crime officers will also assist passengers travelling in passenger buses The biosystems technology university in Directly from... the experts team to collect scientific evidence. should be limited to the number of seats, while Nuwara Eliya will focus on contributing to the President has instructed Neither the registry nor a document has been 800 inmates... maintaining proper spacing. fields of exporting cut flowers, coffee, potato, all relevant institutions, including the Ministry damaged,” he said. He told The Morning that around 800 prisoners Despite the increase in bus fares to minimise fruits, and vegetables. of Agriculture, to take immediate action to A fire was reported at the Supreme Court have been released on bail as of now, and the losses for bus owners, overcrowded buses “Sri Lanka is currently struggling to meet control the unjust increase in vegetable and complex at Hulftsdorp in Colombo yesterday. several measures, including the introduction of can still be observed on the roads. the production demands in these fields, as well fruit prices. The Fire Service Department of the Colombo technology aimed at speeding up court activities, as the technical knowledge needed for them,” This was revealed at a discussion held Municipal Council said several fire trucks have already been taken by the Government to Wickrama said. The university in Nuwara Eliya between Agriculture Minister Mahindananda were deployed to douse the fire which was control the spread of the virus. Only after... will be targeting students from the area who will Aluthgamage and the business community at then brought under control. “We are doing lots of testing there now and Dr. Fernadopulle shared this observation be able to contribute to the said fields. the Narahenpita Economic Centre. also separating the positive patients at the during a discussion held with the expert Though the selection criteria to enrol in these The Minister informed the trade community moment. We have also focused on bailing out committee appointed to oversee the Covid-19 degree programmes have not been finalised that the new programme will be implemented in ‘Don’t use... people who can be bailed out, and around 800 vaccination programme for the country held yet, the Media Secretary added that the Z score collaboration with the Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, The Ministry pointed out that prescriptions people have already been released on bail. We recently. system won’t be considered and there would and Anuradhapura District Secretaries and their detailing ingredients used in local indigenous are trying to reduce the overcrowding of the The expert committee, which comprises be no competitive examination. subordinates as well as farmers’ associations medicine were being widely circulated on the prisons,” he said, adding that the Government virologists, microbiologists, and epidemiologists, This degree-awarding institution will be in the relevant districts. internet these days. However, these drugs should had also introduced a digital solution so as to met with the State Minister to table their views established under the provisions of the Mahapola Furthermore, the Government will take steps not be tested at home, the Ministry warned. prevent the transporting of prisoners to courts on the feasibility of using the Covid-19 vaccine Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund to sell the products purchased, in consultation The State Ministry emphasised that it is for legal proceedings. to control Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. Act (No. 66 of 1981) and with the approval with the agrarian service centres and officials essential to follow the guidelines issued by The main focus is to avoid the mixing of The State Minister further said: “It is of the Ministry of Education. However, these to the traders of the relevant economic centres, the Ministry of Health in accordance with positive prisoners with non-infected prisoners imperative to ensure that any medicine or universities will not fall under the purview of at reasonable prices in secure packaging. the guidelines issued by the World Health and to solve the overcrowding, he added. vaccine prescribed by a doctor is not harmful the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Aluthgamage emphasised that the relevant Organisation (WHO), even while using “We are doing mass screenings currently at to the human body and that there should be an are not linked to the national university system traders should sell the products to the consumers indigenous medical treatments to enhance prisons including rapid antigen tests and PCR,” accurate assessment of the complications and under the UGC’s purview. with a very reasonable margin and should their immunity. Dr. de Silva said. side effects caused by it, prior to prescribing This programme has been launched to provide display the relevant prices clearly. According to the Department of Prisons, the the same to the larger part of the population.” higher education facilities to youths, which is The Minister also pointed out that the number of inmates infected with the coronavirus Dr. Fernandopulle pointed out that the an objective of the Mahapola Trust Fund. The Government will take the responsibility of ‘Next 4... exceeded 3,000 as of Monday (14). measures the Government is taking should Media Secretary said raising funds for the transporting these vegetables and fruits in Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates, whose – Maheesha Mudugamuwa always be in the best interest of the people and Mahapola Trust Fund would also translate to standard plastic containers to prevent damage foundation has been part of the effort to develop it should ensure that it does not create adverse funds for the Mahapola Scholarship Programme. during shipment. and deliver Covid-19 vaccines, warned on impacts on the healthcare system of the country. Aluthgamage stressed to the trading Sunday (13) that the next four to six months 36 Indian... At present, four vaccines are being offered in community that adding a high margin should could be the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. Although operations to prevent poaching by the world: Oxford, Pfizer- BioNTech, Sputnik, Three years... be stopped. “Sadly, the next four to six months could be foreign fishermen in Sri Lankan waters have and Synova, on which a comparative inquiry According to the Geological Survey and the worst of the pandemic. The IHME (Institute been restricted since March this year due to was to be conducted, following which, Dr. Mines Bureau (GSMB), the institutions that for Health Metrics and Evaluation) forecast Covid-19 concerns, the Navy resumed its Fernandopulle directed that further studies issued these permits – the Forest Department Reopening... shows over 200,000 additional deaths. If we raids on poaching, considering the impact of should be conducted and expert opinions should and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka – are Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda visited would follow the rules, in terms of wearing this wanton act on the livelihood of the local be submitted. yet to receive operating fees for leasing out the the market complex on Monday (14). masks and not mixing, we could avoid a large fishing community and to protect the fishing State Ministry Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha quarries to the operators. He instructed Ministry Secretary Indu percentage of those deaths,” Gates, the Co-Chair resource of the country, as a result of the surge de Silva, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath “Permits for quarrying on state-owned lands Ratnayake and officials of the Traders’ of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in the arrival of foreign fishing trawlers in Sri Samaraweera, University of Colombo are issued on an annual basis. When re-issuing Association to take necessary steps to reopen told CNN. Lankan waters, the SLN said. Prof. Jennifer Perera, University of Sri the permit for the new year, even if the arrears the fish market complex from today onwards In recent weeks, the US is experiencing Accordingly, the Northern Naval Command, Jayewardenepura Prof. Neelika Malavige, of previous years was calculated, there was a under health and safety guidelines. record high cases, deaths, and hospitalisations. during a special operation in the sea area off and the Deputy Director of the Institute of lack of a proper recovery method to charge these Accordingly, only wholesale trading will “I thought the US would do a better job handling Delft Island, had intercepted three Indian fishing Epidemiology participated in this discussion. quarry operators the arrears, which has resulted commence under the first phase, to be followed it,” said Gates, who in 2015 had warned the trawlers, and held 22 Indian nationals and those in such a large sum being accumulated,” GSMB later by retail trading activities. world of such a pandemic. vessels for poaching in the island’s territorial Chairman Anura Walpola told The Morning. Furthermore, an identity card will be issued “Overall, when I did the forecasts in 2015, I waters. Lawyers... By the end of June this year, the monies due to all traders at the complex. talked about the deaths potentially being higher. Elsewhere in the sea area north of Mannar Accordingly, Hizbullah will be meeting his to the Forest Department and the Mahaweli In addition, the Minister instructed to maintain So, this virus could be more fatal than it is. We and west of Kudiramali Point, 14 more Indian legal counsels at 2.30 p.m. today (16). Authority of Sri Lanka stood at Rs. 38.7 million a register of all individuals entering and exiting didn’t get the worst case. But the thing that has nationals and two fishing trawlers were held The petition filed by Attorney-at-Law Chalana and Rs. 1,050 million, respectively. the market. surprised me is that the economic impact in by the North Central Naval Command and Perera, seeking a court order on the Director of It has been decided that the quarry operators Officials of the Traders’ Association have also the US and around the world has been much Northwestern Naval Command, respectively, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will have to settle 25% of the arrears immediately, been instructed to expedite the renovation work greater than the forecasts that I made five years for poaching in Sri Lankan waters. to grant permission for Hizbullah to access his while the balance monies are to be settled within being carried out in the market as well as to ago,” he said. All these search operations were conducted lawyers, was taken up before Appeals Court a time period of three years, to be settled in properly follow the health and safety guidelines. Covid-19 has so far killed more than 290,000 adhering to the Covid-19 preventive guidelines Justices Priyantha Fernando and Sobitha monthly instalments. The Police have been notified to strictly people in the US. and further investigations are currently underway Rajakaruna last morning. – Sarah Hannan enforce the law against those who do not follow Gates said that his foundation has been funding with regard to the 36 accused and five fishing Following the announcement of the AG’s the health and safety instructions. a lot of the research for the vaccines. “We’re trawlers held by the Navy. decision, the legal matter was concluded by the Appeals Court bench. Biden’s victory... The petition in question alleged that the CID The Democrat won November’s contest Leadership to... has not granted access for Hizbullah’s lawyers with 306 electoral college votes to Republican Accordingly, the democratic structure has Cartoon of the day to meet him since September. However, when Donald Trump’s 232. been included in the SJB Constitution, stated the petition was heard on Monday (14), the AG Under the US system, voters actually SJB MP Tissa Attanayake. denied the accusations. cast their ballots for “electors”, who in turn It was stated at a meeting that the draft Meanwhile, Appeals Court President Arjuna formally vote for candidates weeks after the constitution prepared by the party will be Obeysekara recused himself from considering election. approved by the executive council and further the petition on 10 December, citing personal Despite this process, President Trump is action will be taken to alter the party’s leadership reasons. not expected to accept the result. within an year of its tenure. Normally, the electors do not get that He expressed these views while participating much attention but this year, due to Trump’s in a media briefing held at the office of the Party leaders... persistent efforts to question and overturn the Leader of the Opposition in Colombo. “We discussed at length about the PC elections results – involving legal challenges which have and the impact it has due to the 13th Amendment been rejected by courts across the country – to the Constitution. Dinesh Gunawardena headed the state-by-state vote was in the spotlight. Kithul to... a parliamentary subcommittee to study the Solidly Democrat California, with its 55 The Cabinet also approved the establishment feasibility of amending the polling structure electors, was one of the last states to vote on of a Kithul Development Board. and to change the way we hold elections, yet a Monday (14) and took Biden across the 270- The Government said the kithul-related final decision was not arrived at, due to various vote threshold required to win the presidency. production industry, which is endemic to Sri concerns,” Rambukwella explained. Heightened security had been put in place in Lanka, is recognised as a highly potential He also reiterated that the Yahapalana some states, including Michigan and Georgia, industry for earning foreign exchange while Government too could not arrive at a firm ahead of voting, which took place in state various actions have been taken to uplift the decision and decided to postpone the PC capitals and Washington DC. kithul industry during the previous periods. elections. As a result, many of the PCs have In Michigan – a key swing state which “It has been recognised that the expansion of been in a dissolved state for close to two years. Biden won – legislative offices in the state the kithul-related industry under the programme “At the end of the discussion, the Cabinet capital Lansing were closed due to “credible” to create a people-centred economy across agreed that the political party leaders should threats of violence. local production implemented by the present further deliberate on the manner in which the The vote at the capitol building went ahead Government is appropriate,” it said. 5 the morning Wednesday, December 16, 2020

A family of maize farmers

Dobusiness not prioritise economy over health: Crysbro praises Dr. Dushni Weerakoon Govt.’s initiative z Notes that such spotlight at the conference. to uplift dairy, “Inflation is a looming concern. It shortsighted is lagging behind currently, because no one is spending right now, which poultry sectors policies will bite gives us the flexibility to pump liquidity without too much fear. The Poultry company Crysbro advantage that can be passed in the long run initial impact to the economy from stated it appreciates the down to poultry consumers in Covid-19 was a supply-side shock. Government’s recent initiative the country,” stated Crysbro BY DAYAN SURENDRANATHAN Now what we see is a demand-side to uplift and strengthen the Senior Marketing Manager shock. People are not spending due local dairy, poultry, and egg Amores Sellar. Ensuring the normalisation to concerns over livelihoods,” Dr. industries. This resulted from “Removing barriers that of economic activity must From left: IHP Executive Director Dr. Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, IPS Executive Director Weerakon said, when asked how long a meeting of the Presidential stand in the way of optimum be balanced with containing Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, and University of Sri Jayewardenepura Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka would Task Force for Economic maize production, directly the spread of Covid-19, as Microbiology Head Prof. Neelika Malavige be able to maintain low interest rates. Revival, led by Chairman impacting poultry and egg prioritising the economy over decision-making. She added that people will be Basil Rajapaksa, where many industries, is a significant step health could be detrimental He specifically slammed last required to return to employment issues that challenge the towards strengthening the in the long run, according to week’s decision by the Ministry from 2021 to drive economic growth. large and small-scale dairy country’s economy and food Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) of Tourism to reopen the airports, “However, the health risks are and poultry industries were security.” Executive Director Dr. Dushni which he said the Ministry of Health high, especially given that almost brought to light. He further stated that Weerakoon. opposed. 68% of the labour market is from President Gotabhaya government intervention is “We need to protect our businesses the informal sector. There will have Rajapaksa, who was also also essential to strengthen “I understand the Government’s by keeping our borders closed. to be a strong public health message present at the discussion, the export of poultry and urgency to get the economy back to The decision to open Sri Lanka to that goes out to those workers to give highlighted numerous allied products in particular, normal as fast as possible. We were tourism from next month is a hare- them a sense of confidence that going problems faced by the which will in turn enable the enjoying a good period; exports were brained idea. Our current response back to work is not putting their lives poultry and dairy industries, private sector and smallholders picking up, so was FDI (foreign mirrors that of Japan’s, which is also at risk.” particularly the shortage to earn approximately $ 16 direct investment). Foreign investors facing a difficult time containing the Dr. Dushni Weerakoon was of the of raw materials needed to million annually from this were starting to come back, and the pandemic,” he espoused. opinion that a two-month lockdown maintain optimum production sector. Therefore, initiatives to CSE () was All three panellists agreed that might be ideal for managing the levels. ascertain long-term remedies reflecting high market confidence. IPS Executive Director Dr. Dushni the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine pandemic, but might “knock over” Also discussed were the to the problems faced by But as health specialists here pointed Weerakoon addressing the conference means very little for Sri Lanka’s the economy, given the upcoming restrictions on the importation the poultry, dairy, and egg out: There are no easy trade-offs. If Department Head Prof. Neelika public health and economic health debt servicing obligations, and the of maize, which is a major industries will undoubtedly you choose the economy over health Malavige, and Institute for Health into 2021, with health experts Dr. excess liquidity and low interest rate problem facing the poultry offer a great boost to the now, in favour of the short term, Policy (IHP) Executive Director Dr. Rannan-Eliya and Prof. Malavige environment. industry, and the Government industry, he stressed. there will be severe consequences in Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya. in agreement that the rollout of the On the other hand, Dr. Rannan- was asked to provide In support of the the long term,” she stated yesterday Dr. Rannan-Eliya opened with vaccine will not be Sri Lanka’s Eliya believed that, given the data immediate assistance to reduce Government’s initiative to (15). praise for Sri Lanka’s efforts toward saving grace. It is understood that the and what we have from the global the cost of poultry and egg meet local demand for maize She voiced these views speaking at the containment of the first wave only guaranteed vaccine Sri Lanka management of Covid-19 thus production. in Sri Lanka, Crysbro stated it Day 1 of the Asia Securities’ fourth in March. He stated there was clear has is from Covax, an organisation far, lockdowns are ineffective for “Sri Lanka’s annual demand purchases maize from farmers. Annual Investment Conference political leadership that listened to working for equitable access to the containment. He emphasised that for maize to be used in poultry This is aimed at securing the titled “V(accine)-Shaped Recovery? the health authorities, complemented vaccine. Sri Lanka’s approach must be built feed stands at around 450,000 income of local maize farmers Medical Factors and Economic by the military’s logistical expertise. Prof. Malavige pointed out that around ramping up the frequency and metric tonnes, whereas and saving foreign exchange Implications”, which discussed the “Our world-class quarantine even by August 2021, the vaccine volume of test-and-trace efforts. currently only about 225,000 spent on maize imports. rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, and controls, together with diligent would only cover 10% of the island’s “Data shows that countries that metric tonnes are supplied Under this programme, their implications for public health test-and-trace methods, ensured population, and another 10% six have successfully eradicated Covid- from within the country to maize is purchased from policy strategy and macroeconomic that the pandemic was contained. months afterwards. 19 outbreaks and brought them fulfill this need. The remaining over 2,000 farmers in policy going into 2021. The pandemic will still have to be “Even if we vaccinated up to under control are those that have 225,000 metric tonnes have Monaragala, Mahiyanganaya, She added that the Government managed diligently through effective 50% of our population, it would aggressively increased PCR testing to be imported at the cost of and Anuradhapura, further should pay close attention to test-and-trace, with the aim of not have a significant impact on the capacity. A vaccine, on the other a massive amount of foreign strengthening the rural the ongoing health crisis, while elimination, not control,” he said. community spread of the virus,” she hand, wouldn’t be as effective, exchange, and Rs. 10 in taxes economy. Crysbro also continuing to keep a close eye on the However, he also criticised the said, citing a study conducted by because dosage volumes, especially is levied on every kilogram operates state-of-the-art economy. failure in containing the second wave McKinsey & Co. in the US. for countries like Sri Lanka, would of maize. An increase in storage facilities to store this Alongside Dr. Weerakoon, the in October, which he attributed to Outside of concerns about the not be sufficient to achieve adequate maize cultivation would maize purchased from farmers, panel featured University of Sri the failure to ramp up testing when pandemic, Sri Lanka’s economic herd immunity,” said Dr. Rannan- garner massive savings and partly in a corn storage Jayewardenepura Microbiology required, and splits in political health was also put under the Eliya. reduce tax spend, which is an complex in Siyambalanduwa.

The Sri Lanka-Russia Business Council stated it is planning to work online SL-Russia Business Hayleys donates with the inter-governmental commission in both countries Council to discuss action and organise a meeting online, to discuss all relevant urgent healthcare aspects and an action plan plan for bilateral trade for better bilateral business relationships for both council, where Sri Lankan Materiy also noted that Niral Kadawatharatchie, and countries. Ambassador to the Russian once the Covid-19 situation Salota International (Pvt.) Ltd. supplies The council considers Federation M.D. Lamawansa normalises, the arrivals of Managing Director Kolitha that the Russian-Sri was also present. tourists from Russia will Wickremesinghe, will serve as Diversified conglomerate directly imported from personnel, who are working Lankan Intergovernmental Materiy stated that Sri increase significantly. Vice Presidents. Buddapriya Hayleys stated that, with Switzerland and donated tirelessly to arrest the Commission on Trade, Lanka remains one of “The Russian Direct Ramanayake of MOS Lanka its employees’ support, to the Karapitiya Hospital, spread of the virus,” said Economic, Scientific, and Russia’s key partners in South Investment Fund, entrusted (Pvt.) Ltd. has been elected it established a fund to together with five ICU beds Hayleys PLC Chairman Technological Co-operation Asia. with promoting the Russian as Treasurer, and South Asia strengthen healthcare and other items at a cost and Chief Executive Mohan can be instrumental “Our ties continue to Sputnik V vaccine, the Textile Industries Lanka (Pvt.) facilities in the country. of approximately Rs. 30 Pandithage. in the development of deepen in many spheres. world’s very first adenovirus Ltd. Chief Financial Officer Hayleys’ employees million. In addition to the above bilateral business ties. Further impetus to our vector-based vaccine against Priyantha Hapuarachchi collectively contributed Rs. Out of the group fund, donations, Hayleys Group After the appointment of relations was given by the Covid-19, is prepared for talks joined the council in his 19.4 million to the Hayleys the contributions made by subsidiaries, Haycarb PLC a Co-Chairman for this positive results of the visit of with international partners – capacity as the Immediate Group Fund, which was subsidiaries Haycarb PLC, and Dipped Products PLC, Commission by the Sri Russian Minister of Foreign the authorised and designated Past President for the period matched on a 1:1 basis by Dipped Products PLC, and jointly donated medical Lankan side, the Commission Affairs Sergey Lavrov to Sri government-owned agencies of 2020-2021. Hayleys’ companies, thereby Eco Solutions PLC and their supplies valued at Rs. 2.6 expects to hold its next Lanka on 14 January this and private companies – on The following companies jointly contributing a sum staff were utilised to provide million to the IDH. Other meeting, subject to pandemic year. In 2019, the volume of joint manufacture of the were elected for the of Rs. 38.8 million. The multi-parameter monitors donations made by Hayleys guidelines. bilateral trade between Russia vaccine and technology committee member positions: group’s total contributions and syringe pumps valued companies include 11,500 This was disclosed and Sri Lanka amounted to transfers, with prospects of the Imperial Tea Exports (Pvt.) amount to Rs. 55 million to at Rs. 10.6 million to the metres of fabric from during the Sri Lanka-Russia $ 400 million, with imports export of the vaccine to other Ltd., Maharaja Organisation date. Infectious Diseases Hospital Hayleys Fabric PLC, and Business Council’s 17th to Russia from Sri Lanka countries,” Materiy added. Projects (Pvt.) Ltd., MAC Donations made out of the (IDH). 19,000 Oxypura masks from Annual General Meeting held reaching $ 290 million. Avian Technologies (Pvt.) Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., Natures fund include two ultrasound “With these donations, Puritas to the Sri Lanka recently. Russian Federation According to the Russian Ltd. Managing Director Beauty Creations Ltd., scanners imported from the entire Hayleys team is Army and other healthcare Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Customs statistics for the first Buddika Liyanage will Orifini Jewelers (Pvt.) Ltd., Japan and handed over proud to have been able to personnel, in appreciation the Maldives Yuri Borisovich eight months of this year, serve as the council’s new Regency Teas (Pvt.) Ltd., to the Ministry of Health, support the Government of their services during this Materiy graced the occasion, trade turnover has increased President, while Freight Rhino Roofing Products Ltd., and five ventilators and frontline healthcare pandemic. and addressed the online by 36%, reaching $ 352.8 Links International (Pvt.) Spillburg Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., gathering as the patron of the million,” Materiy added. Ltd. Managing Director and Uni Traders (Pvt.) Ltd. 4 the morning ADVERTORIAL Wednesday, December 16, 2020

COMMONWEALTH ENTERPRISE AND INVESTMENT COUNCIL NDB Chairman among panellists at intl. webinar National Development Bank also commented on how the PLC’s (NDB) Chairman Eshana Commonwealth can use post- de Silva was among the panellists Brexit opportunities to expand at the recently held webinar on trade links with the UK. banking and professional services Rapid advances in technology organised by the Commonwealth have increased the tradability of Enterprise and Investment Council services across borders, especially (CWEIC) in partnership with the for countries such as Sri Lanka. City of London. Emerging markets would do well NDB Bank was one of the first to use the current opportunities Sri Lankan finance companies to to establish trade agreements take part in this with country blocs, such as the webinar, with de Silva Commonwealth, to expand their representing the banking sector services trade. at the discussion, among the likes The welcome remarks were of London Policy and Resources NDB Chairman Eshana de Silva delivered by CWEIC Chairman Committee Chair Catherine Lord Marland, followed Aitken spence McGuinness, Absa International when trade in goods dominates by opening remarks delivered Chief Executive Cheryl Buss, the discourse, the value of Free by London’s Lord Mayor Standard Chartered Director Trade Agreements (FTAs) versus Alderman William Russell. David Bartlett, and Zenith Bank regulatory co-operation in services This webinar was a part of a Chairman Jim Ovia. trade, and the future of leadership series launched by The discussions revolved around international institutions and the CWEIC that has so far been hotels pledges international trade in services global co-operation. addressed by 15 current and underpinned by functioning Furthermore, his speech former heads of state, ministers, global markets as a route out of covered factors that need to and over 100 business leaders. the current crisis, especially for be included in global trade The Commonwealth is an emerging markets. agreements to help grow organisation of 54 nations that De Silva discussed the the services industry in largely evolved out of the former 1% of turnover importance of the services trade emerging markets. De Silva territories of the British Empire. CEAT donates to police personnel for students z Presents 100,000 Aitken Spence Hotels has disposable gloves, launched a campaign this 5,000 bottles of hand festive season, aimed at sanitiser, and 5,000 paying tribute to “All the reusable masks good in the world”. This year’s theme has been inspired by CEAT Kelani Holdings has CEAT Kelani Vice President Sales and Marketing Madhushanka Ranatunga (left) the silver linings that have donated 1,000 boxes of essential makes a symbolic presentation to Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police protective materials to the Sri Lanka Deshabandu Tennakoon in the presence of CEAT Kelani Managing Director made a difference in the Ravi Dadlani world, amidst the disruptive Police and tyre dealers islandwide events that unravelled since for the battle against the spread of March 2020. Covid-19. The company presented 450 The hospitality arm of the group boxes to Senior Deputy Inspector has created a range of activities that General of Police Deshabandu reiterates the spirit of Christmas, Tennakoon recently, intended for across its hotels and resorts in Sri the use of police personnel, while Lanka, Maldives, India, and Oman. the balance 550 boxes are being distributed to tyre dealers. Each box Floor stickers in use Sanitiser in use at the Contents of a “CEAT Cares” box ‘Close to home, Closer contains 100 disposable gloves, five at the tyre dealer tyre dealer outlets to heart’ reusable masks, and five bottles of outlets Under this theme, the domestic hand sanitiser. the National Institute of Infectious 350 buses operating in the Colombo campaign “Close to home, further facilitate the cause. Leisure Head, and Aitken Spence Additionally, CEAT Kelani Diseases, Ministry of Health, Sri District for the use of passengers Closer to heart” reaches out to Hotel Managements Chairperson has provided tyre dealers with Jayewardenepura General as they board. CEAT also supplied those travelling with a purpose, Celebrating the Stasshani Jayawardena noted that especially designed floor stickers Hospital and its Postgraduate hand sanitiser liquid for these buses encouraging guests to spend brave hearts the theme came naturally given to aid organised social distancing at Medical Training Centre, Lady for three months and three months’ their holidays at Aitken Spence In appreciation of the hard work its longstanding commitment to dealer outlets. Ridgeway Hospital for Children, requirement of personal safety kits hotels; Heritance Kandalama, and dedication of the local military empower and inspire. “The safety precautions the Badulla General Hospital, and for bus drivers and conductors. Heritance Negombo, Heritance and healthcare professionals, the “From the inception, Aitken necessitated by the global pandemic the Sri Lanka Police to combat CEAT Kelani Holdings is Ahungalla, Heritance Tea Factory, hospitality group has also extended Spence Hotels is known to have to be strictly observed for Covid-19. considered one of the most Turyaa Kalutara, Amethyst Resort special discounts up to 58% under have led the way for greater many more months if the country is CEAT Kelani also contributed successful India-Sri Lanka joint Pasikuda, Bandarawela Hotel, and its “brave heart” celebratory drive things within the industry. to effectively manage the situation. Rs. 2 million towards the cost of ventures in the manufacturing Earl’s Regency and Earl’s Regent from January to March 2021. From sustainability to food Implementing all the mandated construction of a new 106-bed sector. The joint venture’s in Kandy. and beverage, to community protocols in our own operations, we Army Hospital at Pallekele in cumulative investment in Sri Aitken Spence Hotels Sri Lanka Love from yonder engagement, we have always feel dutybound to support those at Kandy. Lanka to date totals Rs. 8 billion, has pledged 1% of their turnover The group has also made been at the forefront. The values the frontlines, especially the In addition to this, CEAT Kelani inclusive of Rs. 3 billion committed between 1 December 2020 and 15 available premade hampers and and traditions that envelope us Police and our dealers, for them to implemented measures to improve in January 2018 for expansion of January 2021 to purchase school sharing platters that can be ordered as a company are based on a protect themselves and those they safety and hygiene facilities for volumes, technology upgrades, supplies for children in and around online and delivered. Made in premise of appreciation. Whilst come into contact with,” CEAT commuters as well as bus crews, to and new product development. the locality of the resorts in Sri line with the group’s sustainable it is easy to dwell on the negative Kelani Managing Director Ravi support lorry crews with personal The company’s manufacturing Lanka. The group also encourages and community development, connotations based on the black Dadlani said. safety kits, to sanitise lorries that operations in Sri Lanka encompass guests to partake in this endeavour ingredients are largely locally swan event that has interrupted Earlier this year, CEAT Kelani serve key market locations, and pneumatic tyres in the radial by choosing Aitken Spence Hotels sourced. our lives as we knew it, we take Holdings made a series of donations to help sustain workers at tyre (passenger cars, vans, and SUVs), and further contribute to the cause Speaking on the theme and the this as an opportunity to appreciate of equipment and consumables dealerships around the country. commercial (bias-ply and radial), by donating to “Spence Evoluzione festive season, Aitken Spence and provide for those in need,” exceeding Rs. 10 million in value Among the projects undertaken was motorcycle, three-wheeler, and Charitable Trust”, which will PLC Director, Tourism and Jayawardena stated. to key state institutions including the fitting of hand sanitiser units in agricultural vehicle segments.

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Together, we can drive customer unlock greater value from their data and with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Cloud, the Modern OPN Build Track is framework to help bring ISVs applications success. boost the customer experience. services that are faster, more advanced, specifically for you. It is focused on helping onto Oracle Cloud. (The writer is Vice President of ISV and have higher performance than other you attain Oracle Cloud Expertise to develop Ecosystem JAPAC at Oracle Corporation. Distinct advantages of cloud providers, creating opportunities and maintain your existing applications more Transforming together – OPN This article is being published in Sri Oracle Cloud for competitive pricing and new business cost-effectively, more efficiently, and adopt and ISVs Lanka exclusively in The Morning To help address these requirements, models. modern, cloud-based capabilities and features And there are opportunities for Business.) 5 the morning Wednesday, December 16, 2020 brunch Sri Lanka’s first shopertainment experience BY VENESSA ANTHONY

The launch event of Sri Lanka’s first shopertainment experience, held at Arcade Independence Square over the weekend (December 12), WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN brought about a novel shopping experience to all shopaholics out there. The market hosted over 50 local entrepreneurs who showcased products ranging from food and beverage to arts, crafts, handloom, and batik, with the aim of supporting local AIR TRAVEL businesses that were badly affected due to the ongoing RESUMES IN DECEMBER pandemic. One could find Christmas trees made from In conversation with Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa’s R. Sritharan eco-friendly material as well as handloom batik clothing. The BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE destination is highly affordable and with options were endless, especially the Covid-19 effects even more so, he if you were on the lookout for The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) announced that it would said, adding that therefore we will prove Christmas-themed items. to be extremely attractive to low-budget Guests were provided with be soon issuing directives to the travel industry on the opening of Sri live music and entertainment to Lanka's airspace for commercial and charter flights as operations are set travellers. However, something we should also keep them occupied while they to resume air travel with effect from 26 December, eight months after the consider is the nature of our destination shopped to their heart's content. lockdown since the first Covid-19 outbreak. and what it presents to the elderly. He The opening ceremony was held We reached out to Amaranthe Bay with people; there are areas that have said he is certain that we can expect a lot under the patronage of Minister Resort & Spa Consultant – Business entirely been cast away due to the war, of pensioners choosing Sri Lanka as a Namal Rajapaksa as the Guest of Development and Marketing R. Sritharan which can be given much-needed attention place to retire to. He said that especially Honour and Minister Dr. Bandula with regard to the expectations from the so that they can be revived into ideal considering that Christmas spending and Gunawardena as the Chief Guest. perspective of a longtime hotelier and his tourist destinations. If the Tourist Board an entire years’ worth of spending has been The project also welcomed new thoughts on any specific changes is ready to work around the curtailed, and with the extended time they partners, Bathiya and Santhush of the Lankan hotel trade will traditional idea they have may have had to reflect on the way of life “Showtown”, to further promote experience when things always implemented, then and their quality of life, there is potentially their upcoming weekly events as begin to pick up. the country can really a large number of European pensioners they aid in creating a sustainable Sritharan, who make something of this looking to live out their lives in relative network of local entrepreneurs. is a Ceylon Hotel opportunity. comfort and Sri Lanka will present itself as “We entered 2020 with School alumnus who He said that he is a paradise for such needs. many hopes and dreams, but has worked for over hopeful that Sri Lanka He said that when he suggests from March, we all began to hate 30 years with Aitken is able to truly draw adjustment according to the coming times, this year. Yet, this year gave us Spence Hotels, shared his from her true potential this is an area that the Tourist Board can the chance to witness our inner projections considering he as a destination, adding really look into in order to make ourselves strengths; we saw how strong has experienced nearly four that there is much to see and attractive to those looking to live out their we are as individuals. We were decades in different stages of much to do in Sri Lanka, only if lives in retirement. confused during the first wave, tourism in Sri Lanka and globally. R. Sritharan we embrace her potential and give we didn't know what to do, as Starting things off, he said that her a chance. The struggles the second wave approached, most importantly there is some hope and He also spoke of some of the we built up the courage to face it something for people in the industry to look Longer stays challenges they are likely to face and head-on. We couldn't implement forward to. He said that having suffered He also referred to the nature of air shared that one of the things that get a complete shopertainment eight long months of a bleak cast of a dark travel and the changes we can expect, overlooked is the loss in human resources. experience due to the prevailing shadow upon the entire industry, finally including the possible rise in airfare. He He said that as they have been forced to situation of the county, but there is a target to work towards. said that there is a likelihood that airfares work at minimum wage, many in the hotel we wanted to promote a fully While there is anticipation, there will be higher than usual, and in such trade have transferred to various other Lankan experience. All products must also be a measured level of realism instances, we can anticipate longer stays. industries in search of better prospects. featured today are 100% made in to know that things will not bounce back The ordinary traveller who would He spoke of how their pastry chef at Sri Lanka by proud Sri Lankans,” any time soon, and the airports opening have come in for a rushed few days Amaranthe Resort has found work as a Santhush Weeraman commented is not the end all be all in reviving the stay would opt to spend a longer time baker at a bakery, and how a number of at the press conference. tourism industry, he explained. He said at their destination and in doing so, the their in-house staff has looked for labour The event was an afternoon he anticipates it will require, at the very destination must equip themselves to jobs, despite their training, stints in the filled with entertainment and the least, 365 days from the day of reopening provide for such longer staying guests. Maldives and other countries, and awards air was abuzz with the festive airports for the industry to raise its head. He said that we must look into having that they’ve won in Chef Guild. cheer. more dynamic events if we are to keep Sridaran said that when the trade This Christmas, keep About the East travellers engaged for extended periods of picks up again, this drain of human local businesses in mind when Sridaran spoke of what to expect time. Sri Lanka, considering its geography resources will affect them, stating that it shopping, as the smallest specifically and pointed out that with and size, presents itself as the perfect will almost be like opening a brand new purchase means a lot to these regard to what we can do. He said we specimen for such long stays as guests are hotel where they would have to reinvest business owners in these difficult must look into tourism in the East as they able to explore an entire country in just a in training new staff and headhunting times. are used to a somewhat laid back tourism few weeks, if they wish, and we should for suitable people. You may assume The market will be held pattern. In addition, the way they are prepare to offer such exciting options, he that once operations pick up again these every Saturday from 9 a.m. to situated allows for the perfect two-week emphasised. people will return but it is not so simple, 9 p.m. Pop over to the Arcade period for travellers to come and spend he said, stating that they have made Independence Square and enjoy The Guest of Honour Minister Namal Rajapaksa and the Chief their time. Shift your focus commitments and also would not want to Guest Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena participating in the a variety of locally crafted He spoke particularly about the Jaffna Sridaran also said that we can expect return to a struggling industry so quickly, shopertainment experience on 12 December products! peninsula, where it is not concentrated a new kind of traveller. Sri Lanka as a they will want to wait it out.

PHOTOS PRADEEP DAMBARAGE 6 the morning STYLE/WELLNESS Wednesday, December 16, 2020 A sarongto unite the nation A GIFT OF LOVI Ceylon’s Asanka De Mel on new collection, the pandemic, and moving forward BY VENESSA ANTHONY the garments, you need many people. To make patterns, the fabric, add the buttons, LOVI Ceylon is all about embracing our our clothes have a lot of components. When traditional values as Sri Lankans. LOVI Ceylon the lockdown happened in areas like Ja-ela WELLNESS Founder Asanka De Mel spreads a message of and Kotahena, that makes the process so unity and togetherness as Sri Lankan citizens. much harder; when one critical member is stuck.” He added that he had to shut down Reimagine 10 of his outlets. “When the De Mel’s last collection cash flow of the company is was launched spectacularly not that great, it doesn’t make at the last Colombo Fashion it easy on the manufacturing Week. The collection labelled side either, but we had to “Reimagine” told a tale of finance through all of these reimagining Sri Lankan identity. obstructions in a way that we Lovi aims to create a clothing could hold on to our team and identity that speaks to our employees and stay afloat.” aspirations, unity, and diversity He described what went away from the tribal groups and through his mind during the rooted deeply into our culture. pandemic, “The first two- LOVI highlights the wealth and three months, all I felt was beauty of our motherland and shock and disbelief that in Spa shows people that they have so such a modern era, we were much more to live for, spreading still so unprepared for this. I Ceylon a beautiful message of hope during these felt anger and sadness too because we had turbulent times. to shut down a few stores and figure out the gears up In conversation with The Morning Brunch, challenges. After that, I had to make a switch for the Asanka De Mel explained the concept and get on with life. After we opened in behind Reimagine. “We used the idea of June, I realised this pandemic had made me season the national suit. Many people are familiar stronger mentally.” He commented that the with this, but it’s mostly regarded as the pandemic was a blessing in disguise as he Gift box white suit that most politicians wear. We at got more time to spend with his two-year-old LOVI aimed to introduce a different idea; and his wife. something that is colourful and exciting BY VENESSA ANTHONY UK and South Africa within the week. and comes with all the connotations of our Looking ahead They are also launching online on certain country.” On a positive note, he added: “We have Spa Ceylon is a convenient American and Chinese websites. Even He talked about why they created outfits come to a place where we can manage the and wonderful gift to give, through all the ups and downs, they said they for women in this collection, “Considering risk. It will take a while to get to complete especially during this have stayed strong and spread the Lankan the fact that it’s a national suit, it’s a crime to normalisation, but some level of activity can season when you want to culture. exclude half of our population, that is women be managed.” spread the message of Balasuriya elaborated on the concept of and girls. In our collection, we promote De Mel gave us an insider’s look into his love and care. It’s a gift their experience centres, noting: equality so we have clothes for everyone.” next collection. “It’s an attire for weddings. of wellness for anyone, “We opened a new shopping He elaborated on how the collection I’ve noticed people these days tend to experience centre in our came to be. “We have a rich history and a spend an extravagant amount of money on regardless of their identity. showroom in Bambalapitiya, long cultural identity; we had the longest wedding wear. We want to give them an Spa Ceylon Co-founder Shalin where people can come in monarchy in the history of civilisation, but opportunity to have good-quality clothes Balasuriya spoke to The Morning Brunch and experience the magic of the other elements of traditional clothing that represent their culture as Sri Lankan about Spa Ceylon’s latest collection, The Spa Ceylon.” have not kept up with a modern element citizens, and that’s comfortable in this Royal Garden. You are to provide contemporary style. It’s not like weather without breaking your bank.” He “It’s a whole collection of gift boxes and granted with the people don’t like to wear it; it’s just that what also mentioned that due to Covid, the launch special gift packaging. The concept was opportunity to already exists is old and has no innovation. of this collection was pushed back, but it will inspired by the royal gardens in Ceylon, the sample all their LOVI adds creativity and functionality to our be happening this Friday. flora and fauna there, and the opulency products, take national suit to wear in today’s lifestyle.” De Mel said that although we have and vibrance of the breathtaking some lovely This collection is available in-store, and to adhere to the gardens.” pictures with will be available online on Friday (18). government These products have the tastefully The pandemic and its effects regulations on handling the fragrance notes decorated the situation, he brunch of our enchantingly backgrounds, and get When asked about what LOVI has in store encourages people to blossoming gardens; your shopping done, for the season, De Mel responded: “LOVI shop in-store. “We have one will reminisce the Shalin Balasuriya all in a very safe doesn’t do sales or discounts. We have taken all the necessary aroma of their favourite environment. priced our items as low as we can without precautions against flowers when applying exploiting our employees so they can garner the virus, so it’s a safe these products. It brings mastered during this pandemic. a reasonable income.” De Mel’s creations environment to visit. together traditional Sri Additionally, they’ve also removed the First-ever live shopping are handcrafted by ladies that put in a lot People need a break; Lankan art to capture hassle of gift wrapping, as all their products of hard work; they do not come from the it’s nice to be able to go the feeling of walking can be packed in beautifully designed boxes, event with Spa Ceylon most fortunate backgrounds. With LOVI, out and enjoy. Working through the royal gardens. keeping in theme with the holiday spirit. De Mel aims to provide equal opportunity from home, managing kids, it’s not easy; we Balasuriya then talked about how Spa Balasuriya revealed some exciting news to all. He talked about how the pandemic all need a mental break.” Ceylon prepped for the busy holiday season. ‘A year of waiting’ to all Spa Ceylon lovers out there. Spa Ceylon affected the creation of his outfits. “To make He added: “In Sri Lanka, there’s only 5% “We have a wide range of gift boxes this When asked how Spa Ceylon coped plans on hosting a live session on Facebook of the population that indulges in buying year. Our main gift box was inspired by the during the pandemic and how they had to and Instagram on 18 December, which will be clothes online. We don’t know how long this Sri Lankan drums, so the boxes are round. adapt to the current situation, Balasuriya the first-ever live shopping event in Sri Lanka. pandemic is going to last, so we need to start We’ve got another gift box inspired by Vesak said: “It was a tough time. Our business He mentioned that it will be hosted by himself adjusting to the new normal while adhering lanterns. We’ve also got our usual Christmas depends heavily on the tourism industry along with their beauty and wellness expert. to the regulations.” baubles adorned by the motifs we’ve as well, and that’s gone to zero. We’ve “People can interact immediately; they He concluded that they developed.” focused a lot on our consumers and being as can ask questions as well. There will be many are lucky to have such a He explained that the main idea behind accessible as possible under the conditions. competitions to participate in, so viewers can loyal fanbase, both within these gift boxes was to make the safety of “We’ve made our website more accessible. enjoy some amazing prizes.” the country and outside. their customers their priority since many We’ve created ways to bridge offline and The watchers will also be taken through “They buy regularly, people are reluctant to go shopping during online. You can even call or WhatsApp and a virtual walkthrough of the showroom and anytime they have a need the pandemic and make gifting simple for order your products. We’ve understood that graced with an informative tour of all the to buy for a birthday, everyone. people are reluctant to go out and shop so we products on display. anniversary, or even “We’ve made it easy for people to made it as easy as possible.” “If our views want discounts, they are a house party, they access their packages. We’ve come up He opened up about his personal welcome to ask for them and they will receive come to us, and with innovative ways to shop this season. experience regarding this year, sharing that it it on the spot! We will DM them a discount code throw their hard- Everything is pre-packed; people can has been a “year of waiting”. that they can redeem on any of our items.” earned money into simply come and pick it up. We’ve “We didn’t know how long this would Pop by their live session on Friday, 18 LOVI. For that we also come up with the concept of a gift last; our planning cycles were shorter, and December from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and treat are very grateful.” concierge where customers can specify it’s been a year of innovations and efficiency. yourself to some of their heavenly goodies. Bid their needs and allocate a budget, and our We’re waiting for better times but continue adieu to the year in luxury. concierge will sort out all the gifting for you to work strategically to build the business.” and have it delivered wherever you wish.” @spaceylonofficial You can obtain a gift box in line with your Expansion amidst a pandemic budget. You also have the option of driving On a lighter note, even during the @SpaCeylonAyurveda by, and they will deliver your package right pandemic, Spa Ceylon has managed to grow LOVI Ceylon Founder to your vehicle. Drive through shopping is and open a new store in Portugal, and they’re lk.spaceylon.com Asanka De Mel a novel concept Spa Ceylon seems to have currently planning on opening stores in the The Body Shop launches Christmas campaign in Sri Lanka The British skincare and beauty everyone, no matter their economic a Christmas feast. The Warm Vanilla of blueberry, mint, and coconut; brand The Body Shop announced this or social circumstance, must have lineup, for one, is formulated with and base notes of musk, vanilla, month that they are joining the cause access to basic hygiene and comfort vanilla extract from Madagascar sandalwood, and blackberry. of tackling period poverty; a topic during menstruation. With this and evokes memories of luscious that is fast gaining momentum as a special Christmas campaign, The gourmet creations and richly sweet Find these products and more at critical issue that must be resolved for Body Shop is helping those in need indulgence. Jazz a loved one’s The Body Shop outlets in Colombo the wellbeing of women everywhere. with a contribution of Rs. 5 for every holiday up with Festive Berry, (flagship store on Bagatalle Road, The Body Shop will donate 1.8 p for transaction. formulated with cranberry seed oil Colombo City Centre, and at Odel every purchase made during 1-31 There are many deliciously from North America. The fragrance is Alexandra Place) and Kandy December 2020 towards the cause. indulgent ways to contribute. The deliciously fruity with a tangy twist (Kandy City Centre). Contact Through this initiative, The Body Body Shop Christmas reveal for – so good that you could almost eat 0115765656 for to Colombo Shop is committing to a shared this year evokes the delightful it – with top notes of juniper berry, and suburbs, and 0774476170 for vision for women everywhere; that nostalgia and comforting warmth of raspberry, and orange; heart notes Kandy and suburbs. the morning 7 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 SPORTS z Full match schedule ICC Women’s announced by ICC Cricket World Cup yy The tournament was postponed from its original window in February-March 2022 Schedule: 2021 yy An opening match at Tauranga’s (Hosted in New Zealand from 4 March to Bay Oval and a final under lights at WOMEN’S 3 April 2022. Eight nations and 31 matches. Hagley Oval are two of the highlights Six host cities: Auckland, Hamilton, of a 31-match schedule announced on Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Tuesday for the ICC Women’s Cricket Dunedin) World Cup * denotes day/night yy The Basin Reserve in Wellington and Bay Oval, Tauranga the Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host the semi-finals yy Fri, 4 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. Qualifier* yy Gahley Oval is also set to host the final yy under lights on 3 April 2022 CRICKET Sun, 6 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. India* The pinnacle event for women’s cricket yy Tue, 8 Mar 2022 – Australia vs. will see 31 matches played across 31 Qualifier * action-packed days between 4 March and 3 April 2022 – the first global women’s yy Fri, 11 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. cricket event to be played since the South Africa* Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia back yy Mon, 14 Mar 2022 – South Africa vs. in March. The tournament was postponed England* from its original window in February- March 2021 with the same six host cities WORLD yy Wed, 16 Mar 2022 – England vs. and venues retained for 2022. India* Eight of the world’s best cricket nations yy Fri, 18 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. will go head to head in six host cities Qualifier across Aotearoa (the traditional Maori name for New Zealand): Auckland, University Oval, Dunedin Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, yy Sat, 5 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. South Christchurch, and Dunedin. Africa Highlights of the match yy Mon, 7 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. schedule include: CUP 2022 Qualifier yy A bumper opening match in Tauranga yy Wed, 9 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. featuring the White Ferns and a qualifier England on Friday, 4 March. Tauranga also hosts the rematch of the 2017 Women’s IN NEW ZEALAND Seddon Park, Hamilton Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s yy Sat, 5 Mar 2022 – Australia vs. 2022 will be the first of two major cricket with England up against India on England* Wednesday, 16 March. tournaments across the globe in 2022 – the other being the Commonwealth Games in yy Thu, 10 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. yy Dunedin’s University Oval, the home England. India* of global superstar Suzie Bates, is to Prize money for the showpiece of yy Sat, 12 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. host three pool matches, with reigning women’s international cricket will total India* champions England, hometown NZD $ 5.5 million (Rs. 728 million), and favourites, the White Ferns, and South all matches will be broadcast live to a huge yy Mon, 14 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. Africa on show. global audience. Qualifier yy Hamilton’s Seddon Park will host Manu Sawhney yy Thu, 17 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. seven pool matches, with staunch rivals South Africa* Australia and England kicking off the ICC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) city’s matches. India and South Africa Manu Sawhney said: “The ICC has made yy Mon, 21 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. will both take on the host nation’s a long-term commitment to elevating Qualifier* White Ferns in Hamilton. women’s cricket as part of our strategy to y grow and develop the global game. y Tue, 22 Mar 2022 – India vs. yy The iconic Basin Reserve will host a “We want to build a sustainable Qualifier* Trans-Tasman showdown between Women’s World Cup CEO Andrea Nelson, Sir Richard Hadlee, NZ player Amy Satterthwaite, Minister Grant Robertson, former NZ player Deborah Hockley, and current Kiwi player Lea Tahuhu at the foundation for women’s cricket. It is about Basin Reserve, Wellington Australia and New Zealand on Sunday, announcement event of the 2022 ICC Women’s’ WC building a product that fans want to watch, 13 March, as well as five other pool that kids want to take up, that sponsors yy Sun, 13 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. matches and the first semi-final of the Amy Satterthwaite Dane van Niekerk and broadcasters want to be part of. This Australia tournament. White Ferns veteran and Canterbury South Africa Captain Dane van Niekerk schedule takes the world’s best cricketers yy Tue, 15 Mar 2022 – Australia vs. yy A massive double-header weekend in Magicians Representative Amy says playing in a World Cup will be a across New Zealand and can help inspire a Qualifier Auckland sees India taking on Australia Satterthwaite attended the announcement at memorable occasion. generation of girls and boys to take up the yy Tue, 22 Mar 2022 – South Africa vs. on Saturday, 19 March, before the Hagley Oval. “Any time you get the chance to play for game. Australia White Ferns face England the following Satterthwaite said: “As a born-and-bred your country and wear the Proteas on your “We are extremely proud of the significant day. Cantabrian, it’s fantastic to see the Hagley jersey, it’s an honour. progress we have made in increasing prize yy Thu, 24 Mar 2022 – South Africa vs. Oval lights up and running. To play in a “I have been fortunate to have the money for ICC events over the last few Qualifier yy Christchurch to host the final on 3 April World Cup at our own stomping ground opportunity before to play at a Women’s years, with the ICC Women’s Cricket World under lights at Hagley Oval on the back here in Christchurch, under lights, would Cricket World Cup, but every new time is Cup 2022 in New Zealand having $ NZD yy Fri, 25 Mar 2022 – Qualifier vs. of three pool matches and a semi-final. be a real career highlight. more special than the last. Every young 5.5 million dollars available in prize money, Australia yy The much-anticipated Hagley Oval “It was hard to watch the T20 Women’s cricket player dreams of playing for their an increase of almost 60% on 2017 and yy Sun, 27 Mar 2022 – England vs. lights were switched on for the first Cricket World Cup from the sidelines back country at the highest level, and we are more than 1,000% compared to 2013.” Qualifier time by Deputy Prime Minister Grant in March (after giving birth in January), definitely looking forward to the CWC22 Andrea Nelson Robertson at the announcement, so seeing the match schedule all locked in New Zealand,” she said. Wed, 30 Mar 2022 – Semi-Final 1 with key Canterbury Cricket Trust, in for the ODI World Cup here in 2022 Mithali Raj With the match schedule now locked in, Eden Park, Auckland Canterbury Cricket Association, and gives both myself and the rest of the team ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup CEO Christchurch city representatives in a target to strive for as we prepare over the India Captain Mithali Raj is also looking Andrea Nelson is excited to see the country yy Sat, 19 Mar 2022 – India vs. attendance. next 16 months.” forward to leading her team to a win at the get behind the event. Australia* World Cup. Nelson said: “Our team is proud to be Raj said: “We have all been through delivering a tournament where Kiwis yy Sun, 20 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. a very difficult year and are happy to be across the whole country, in each of our six England getting back at playing the game we all host cities, can really get involved in what Hagley Oval, Christchurch love. India has been doing very well at is a truly special event. We can’t wait to see ICC tournaments in the past three or four the excitement build around New Zealand yy Thu, 24 Mar 2022 – England vs. years, whether you talk about the (ODI) as we prepare to roll out the welcome mat Qualifier* World Cup or the recently concluded T20 for the rest of the world. yy Sat, 26 Mar 2022 – New Zealand vs. World Cup, and if we manage to win the “Major events like this one are all about Qualifier tournament in 2022, it will be a massive creating a genuine legacy for the sport and inspiration for the next generation of girls, we are proud to say our tournament was the yy Sun, 27 Mar 2022 – India vs. South as the 50-over format is considered the catalyst for the installation of the Hagley Africa* pinnacle for any cricketer. I can assure you Oval lights. I’d like to thank the New yy Thu, 31 Mar 2022 – Semi-Final 2* the team and I are looking forward to it.” Zealand Government and the Canterbury yy Sun, 3 Apr 2022 – Final* Prize money equivalent to Cricket Trust for making that happen.” Rs. 728 m Direct entries tournament which is confirmed to take Sports fans across all six host cities will New Zealand, Australia, England, South place 26 June-10 July . get a taste of the White Ferns action with Africa, and India have qualified for the The eight-team round-robin format will key match-ups taking place in each city. World Cup. The three remaining teams see all teams play each other, with the top Reigning world champions England who won the tournament in 2017 at home The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will emerge from the ICC qualifying four teams qualifying for semi-finals.

A semi-final and the final will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch Pogba likely to stay Rahim is Tyson Fury! at Man United Bangladesh cricketer Paul Pogba is likely to stay at Mushfiqur Rahim Manchester United until next has apologised to summer as it would be “difficult” his Beximco Dhaka to sort out a move in January, teammate Nasum his agent has said. Mino Raiola Ahmed for misbehaving recently said the 27-year-old with him twice during France midfielder is “unhappy” the Bangabandhu T20 at the club and “has to change Cup Eliminator against teams”. However, Pogba pledged Fortune Barishal on his commitment to the club Monday (14). In a match after those remarks were heavily that Dhaka eventually criticised. “When it comes to Pogba won by nine runs to remain in contention for a place in the final, how Rahim in England, they are sensitive, behaved with his teammates, notwithstanding their fielding errors, made it perhaps too sensitive,” Raiola has seem like he was a boxing world champ. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) told Italian paper Tuttosport. has fined Rahim 25% of his match fees for breaching the BCB code of conduct.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020 zsports The ace spinner may soon rejoin Kandy’s earnest national ranks rugby supporter BY REVATHA S. SILVA Will Mahamarakkala Kurukulasooriya ‘Raja’ no more Patabendige Perera be back in action in the international stage soon? He may, opines (SLC) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jerome Jayaratne. Akila Dananjaya sparked controversy after controversy when Akila Dananjaya last played he was first picked in the Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka in September squad for the 2012 T20 World Cup, 2019 against New Zealand without having any professional in a T20I played in Pallekele cricket behind him. But the bowler, who could bowl the leg-break, , carrom ball, and along with the stock off-spinner with telling control, has always been considered another rare and unorthodox find of Sri Lanka’s cricket. His services will be much Akila anticipated when three white-ball World Cups will be around the corner in the next three years. “I personally feel he will have Sakari “Raja” Sivapalan; Kandy has lost an earnest sports lover no further issues. But we don’t have the instrument to measure BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY never missed a game involving the degrees (of the angles of the KSC, even if it was played in bowler’s arm). Those Dananjaya Sakari “Raja” Sivapalan, Colombo. An old boy of Cymas equipment costs about half a who was Kandy Sports Club’s College, Kandy, Raja had played million dollars. Visibly, he looks (KSC) “ball picker” and “water football at junior level. okay to my knowledge. His boy” doing his services to the modified action is okay. But still, utmost, free of charge, as a real Kandy rugby feels his it is difficult to make a final call sports supporter, passed away demise before the action is actually tested unexpectedly last Thursday, 10 Tributes have been pouring in for by the ICC (International Cricket December. Raja the whole of the past week. Council),” Jayaratne told The is free? It was known though that Raja Those tributes were from those who Morning Sports yesterday (15). ICC testing centre and test. That’s international arena by former was suffering from diabetes. His had been in shock to hear about his the normal rule. But at the moment, Sri Lanka Captain Mahela burial was held at the Mahiyawa unexpected demise. Raja will be Banned in September 2019 because of Covid, the international Jayawardene, has already played General Cemetery last Friday (11). sorely missed. He will also be very Dananjaya was banned from travel restrictions have created a for Sri Lanka as well as Chennai He was 52 years old at the time of fondly remembered by the rugby bowling in international cricket delay,” Jayaratne explained. Super Kings and his untimely death. fans in the country, particularly in for 12 months because of illegal “He has done a lot of work on his franchises in the Indian Premier the upcountry, in times to come. bowling action in September 2019. action in the recent months. So the League (IPL). A dedicated Kandy The fans would have witnessed It was as a result of the ICC’s ICC has wanted some footage on supporter how Raja served his club, and the automatic penalty for bowlers who the corrected action. We are in the Will he be in action soon in The rugby-loving people in game in general, the best way he have twice failed an assessment midst of collating his footage from the international stage? Kandy will always remember could and knew how. Sports need inside a two-year period. Dananjaya all different angles on the modified “It is difficult to say a time when SLC COO Jerome Jayaratne the way Raja helped KSC during crafts, stars, administrators, as well could however bowl in domestic action which is to be sent to the he will be back in action. They all their matches, as well as their as such personalities like Raja who cricket conducted by SLC. ICC.” (the ICC) have asked for different In fact, I don’t think it will take practices. Raja was best known for earnestly loved those sports. “His ban finished in the month footages. They will put those a very long time because he has helping KSC at matches played at He leaves his beloved wife of August (2020). So SLC has When can Dananjaya through a panel to check it. After already finished his ban. So I don’t Nittawela, in Kandy. Theresa and his four children contacted the ICC and asked what be back? the ICC looks into the footage, they think they will drag it as much. But He had been an ardent rugby Yogaswari, Vinodani, Sangeetha, the way forward is. Generally, the The 27-year-old Panadura- will revert back to us. You never we have to wait to see what their supporter, always ready to serve and Krishanthi. case is that they have to go to the born spinner, introduced to the know; it might not take much time. panel says,” added Jayaratne. the sport going out of his way. He Goodbye dear Raja! z The arguments on its pros and Coronavirus vaccine and tennis cons I’ve been hearing on the TV and in The world has been suffering SPORTS the news, there shouldn’t really be through the scrooge of the any long-term effects. So I would coronavirus for almost a year WATCH hope that the players would all be now. It has brought unprecedented willing to do that.” levels of disruption to all aspects by Dinith Pathi Whilst he was reluctant to be of life. Sports activities have had dragged into a specific discussion to bear the brunt of the force of it pandemic might be able to be regarding Djokovic’s reservations as well. brought under some measure of about being vaccinated, he did For the first time in history, even control at long last. And frankly, have some good words about his the Olympics had to be postponed it is not a moment too soon as the opponent. other than for the reason of a general population is starting to “I guess it would be difficult. world war. The sport of tennis has get very weary of all the controls I also read he’d said if it was been no exception to this. The and it is starting to look as if even something that had to be done for Wimbledon Championships had the little bit of discipline that the him to play the sport, he would. to be cancelled this year and the population had, regarding the So I guess we’ll have to wait and French Open and the US Open controls, is coming loose. see what the ATP (Association of had to be rescheduled. All junior Tennis Professionals) position is International Tennis Federation Djokovic, an ‘anti-vaxxer’ going to be on that.” (ITF) tournaments were cancelled There have been discussions for months and the professional in the sport of tennis regarding Need for a solution soon tennis calendar had to be truncated the vaccine and the vaccination With the Australian Open dates to get some semblance of normalcy certificate being made compulsory being in discussion because of the back to the game. to participate in any event. Whilst Australian Open organisers await nod to allow players to train in quarantine. They have been in discussions over the Covid-19 quarantine necessities and also the the legal implications of such protocols to be established for those arriving in the country ahead of the Grand Slam, which is set to begin on 18 January ability of the players to practise Some control after long a move need to be discussed during the quarantine period, Now, there seems to be some separately at another forum, the traditional medicine is a well- it means that the sport of tennis Waiting to know Murray, like all players, is also in light at the end of the tunnel. anti-vaccination lobby has been known factor in this particular can return to at least some sort of ATP’s position limbo for the moment. But with the One vaccine has already been actively working against such a discussion. normalcy in 2021. And that player “I think it probably should be the discussions still ongoing with the approved for use in both the US necessity being brought into tennis is Andy Murray. case,” said the 33-year-old Scot state authorities and the organisers, and the UK. Meanwhile, even at this juncture. Murray’s views Whilst he has said that he whilst giving an assessment of his it is hoped that a solution is arrived indigenous doctors are coming The most well-known face of the The sport’s international nature understands the reluctance of some, prospects for the coming season. at sooner rather than later. out with various cures, although “anti-vaxxers”, as they are known, has made this crisis especially he has also said that with the dates “I would hope that all the players With all of the above being taken I must hasten to add that none of is none other than Novak Djokovic challenging, and its cultural of the Australian Open for 2021 would be willing to do that for into consideration, one would hope those cures have been approved himself. While most players have diversity means that not everyone already being in question and the good of the sport – providing that saner counsel will prevail for scientifically since they have not expressed willingness for such a may be happy with taking a doubt, perhaps the only way that everything has proved to be safe, the good of the sport of tennis. undergone the necessary clinical rule, if it is brought into the sport jab. But, in this backdrop, one this can be sorted out is by insisting clinical trials and everything have And it has to be independent trials. for the good of everyone, Novak’s prominent player has come out in that everyone participating is been done, and there are not any of whatever decision regarding But the rationale is that this rather eccentric attitude towards support of this idea, especially if vaccinated beforehand. significant side effects. From what vaccination is reached eventually. the morning Wednesday, December 16, 2020 9 education z ‘Fauna Frames’ conducted by IIT launches country’s FOS Media first BSc. (Hons.) in BY RAMALKA KASIGE The changing “With the tech advancements in cameras, AI and Data Science everyone can take a wildlife image! But it takes years of dedication and effort to art of wildlife master the art of capturing through editing badly it could be ruined in a matter of precious images that can connect minutes. So, questions were with people!” – Wildlife raised from the audience on photographer Alvis Lazarus. post processing of images. As Remembering the good Lakshitha shared, it depends on old days, I bought my DSLR how creative we are to think out and started dabbling in nature of the box, while being brave photography. With a few enough to bend the rules to frustrating efforts, clicking some come up with an exceptional or average, lucky decent ones and a Wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunarathna conventional outcome. lot of mediocre images of several faunal species I encountered in Let’s go by ethics field classes, I decided that it was Most importantly, Lakshitha high time to learn things properly did not forget to highlight the from someone knowledgeable. importance of adhering to Informatics Institute of Technology the skills required ahead of time and My two good friends Chinthana ethics in wildlife photography. (IIT), the pioneer in British higher provide a pathway for students to get Wimalasuriya and Iranga Thejana According to conventional education in Sri Lanka and the country’s world-class qualifications in those were ready to help me in teaching wisdom, people will protect what premier IT and business campus, areas.” various useful camera techniques. they love. Going by that, wildlife launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever BSc. While providing an introduction Still, there’s a lot more to learn and photographers are one of the (Hons.) in Artificial Intelligence and to the university, School of Robert absorb by myself. I was delighted best groups to promote wildlife- Data Science awarded by Robert Gordon University – UK Head Dr. John to see that getting a perfect shot one of Sri Lanka’s extraordinary himself is a Sri Lankan icon for us related ethics, while capturing Gordon University (RGU) – UK at an Isaacs stated: “RGU has been awarded of an animal and sharing them in talents; a wildlife photographer, that we can always look up to. their beauty. online forum held recently. a Gold Rating, the highest rating, in social networks like Facebook and none other than Lakshitha The organising team of the The informative online forum was the Teaching Excellence Framework Instagram has become a favourite Karunarathna. He was a tea taster Conservation is key workshop was led by FOS Media attended by School of Robert Gordon (TEF) review. This is a framework hobby of many. This hobby has by profession, later enthralled Wildlife photography can be President Malintha Wijayaweera. University – UK Head Dr. John all universities in the UK submit nurtured the hidden wildlife with nature photography, which a force for good, as well-shot “As a concerned media unit of a Isaacs, Robert Gordon University – to. This reflects consistent delivery photographer in many talented indeed was a turning point in his photographs can be used in prestigious university, we always UK Professor – Intelligent Systems of outstanding teaching, learning, individuals. life. Although his journey as a numerous productive ways to believe in creating opportunities Research Prof. Nirmalie Wiratunga, and outcomes for its students. This Is it only a hobby or is it a trend Wildlife photographer started six educate, inform, and inspire the for others and for ourselves. So, WSO2 President and General Manager places us in the top 20% of the best nowadays? If it is a trend, what do years ago, his recent progression general public. As concerned in an era where everyone is into – Integration Business Shevan universities in the UK for the quality of they make of this trend? Today, led him to several prestigious human beings, we can always wildlife photography, we decided Goonetilleke, and IIT Dean Naomi its undergraduate teaching and learning. thousands of young professionals international awards for his artistic portray a great message in terms of on inviting Lakshitha to conduct Krishnarajah. The forum was moderated RGU has also been placed second in have taken up wildlife captures. Grand prize winner of conservation through our captures, a workshop, as we believed that by IIT Department of Computing Head Scotland and second in the UK for photography as a hobby as well Nature’s Best Photograph, Africa shared Lakshitha. A single image he is one of the best persons we Dr. Damitha Karunaratna. Overall Student Satisfaction in the as to keep going with the trend, as POTY Awards from Big Picture, can keep a full stop to numerous can look up to in the field. We IIT’s BSc. (Hons.) in Artificial National Student Survey (NSS) results.” wildlife photography is seen as a second place in the Animal conservational problems hope this workshop was useful Intelligence and Data Science is Giving her insights on AI and DS, “cool” thing to do. Thanks to easy Portrait category of the prestigious prevailing right now; the power of for all our viewers. A big thank designed to cater to the growing Prof. Nirmalie Wiratunga said: “We are availability of camera equipment, Golden Turtle Photo Competition an image is that effective. you to Lakshitha for his time, demand of ICT professionals with skills very pleased to offer the BSc. (Hons.) better access to wildlife habitats, and Festival, second prize at the patience, and knowledge shared in artificial intelligence and data science in Artificial Intelligence and Data and the ease with which they prestigious Sanctuary Wildlife Pre-preparedness and also to all our FOS media (AI and DS), as well as to provide the Science with collaboration between can display their work on social Photography Awards, and the matters while you master members for being such an opportunity for students looking to RGU, Scotland, and IIT, Sri Lanka. media. A question arises when National Award of the Sony World patience important part of this event going pursue a rewarding career in AI and DS. We have designed the course jointly thinking whether they do it out of Photography Awards 2020 are few Readiness of the photographer forward. Stay tuned with FOS Students will be able to gain practical which will be delivered by IIT; with an intrinsic love of or concern for mentions among the many. will ensure the chances of Media for more exciting events,” understanding of contemporary AI RGU assuring quality and conferring nature or for the sake of doing it? capturing great shots. He gave Wijayaweera acknowledged. and DS trends and technologies in awards. Industries such as healthcare, Yet amidst this controversy, we Experience shared many instances of how he Even though the virtual events developing cutting-edge solutions. life sciences, energy, financial services, can definitely point out wonderful He started the session by succeeded in capturing rare lack the kind of interpersonal The four-year full-time degree adopts automotive, manufacturing, and nature photographers who have sharing his very own experiences. shots by being well prepared. communications attendees get a methodical approach where modules entertainment all benefit from reasoning immense concern for nature with According to Lakshitha, there’s Preparedness for the climatic/ from in-person events, “Fauna are organised from general to specific from data. Technology giants such as dedication and passion towards no specific time or age to tap your weather conditions and light Frames” ended on a positive note ones as the student progresses through Facebook, Google, and Microsoft are what they do. potentials as he has mastered the conditions is a must when it with a lot being discussed, almost the years. opening their deep-learning platforms In such a venture, “Fauna art of Wildlife photography though comes to nature photography in all basic factors of wildlife Initially, a range of modules are for all to use. We have designed Frames”, a wildlife photography self-learning within the past six the wild. The value of patience photography covering general organised under key streams such as this degree with modules that are workshop, was organized by FOS years. He highlighted that it’s is seen over time as the lesson, and technical aspects. systems, mathematics, programming, essential to meet industry demands. Media; the official media unit not always the fancy, high-end repeated, becomes evident to the As the bottom line of the and AI and DS. Subsequently, they Hot applications like self-driving of the Faculty of Science of the equipment that get the job done photographer. Lakshitha shared workshop, it was noted that we are gradually specialised into AI and cars, personal assistants that can make University of Colombo. It was and they are just mere facilitators his own experience which was should all ensure that we are DS modules, as the student progresses reservations on your behalf or IoT held on 29 November 2020 as of your task or the supporters implied when trying to capture the adhering to the ethics and that through Stages 1 to 4. These will sensing platforms that can manage a virtual forum. When it comes which make your work easy. very first Monarch to spread the they are well maintained with our include modules such as programming, smart homes, automated language to attending workshops, mostly It was a great message for the wings out of thousands as the sun wildlife photography, as a picture database, web, IoT, algorithms, deep translation, or video captioning on everyone is prepared to attend amateurs with the false ideal that rose, in Mexico. His patience must is never more important than the learning, machine learning, machine mobile devices all rely on AI and data long, tiring, and very informative wildlife photography is all about have mattered a lot in capturing welfare of the animal. vision, mathematics, and statistics, science technologies. This degree events. But for my surprise, I expensive lenses and equipment. this moment which only lasts for To all enthusiasts out there, tap where students are exposed to both will impart a strong conceptual realised that my first impression Bringing in the captures of some a few seconds, as he had been the hidden passions embedded theoretical principles and state-of-the- understanding of technologies behind was not truly right. Soon, the of the world-renowned wildlife holding his camera for hours, even in you and prepare to fall in love art technological advances. This will AI and data science and extend the atmosphere was surrounded photographers such as Brent without a tripod. with wildlife photography. It has enable students to learn about the power reach and relevance for opportunities by cheerful and very energetic Stirton, David Lloyd, Frederica a way of gripping your heart and of automation, analytics, and AI, paving to gain employment and thrive in photography enthusiasts who Welney, Ami Vitale, Jayaprakash Bending the rules for never letting go. In the meantime, the way for innovation while following professional careers.” were eagerly awaiting to join for Bojan, and Brrard Lucas, added perfection have fun, experiment, and keep the course and after graduation as WSO2 President and General a quality conversation. more value to the session. As they You could take an incredible practising. One day you will well. As with all IIT degrees, Year 3 Manager – Integration Business Shevan The workshop was conducted by inspired Lakshitha, our speaker photograph, but if you run it master it! will include a compulsory 12-month Goonetilleke commented: “Advances industrial placement period that will in artificial intelligence technologies provide the student additional practical have proven to disrupt and improve skills and a competitive edge in the job how we work across all industries, market. Some of the careers associated globally. The AI and Data Science “Lodiya”, a creative sculpture with this AI and DS degree include programme launched by IIT is very concept submitted by a team from data/enterprise architect, application timely as it will impart much-needed the City School of Architecture Port City Colombo ‘Envision architect, data scientist, machine skills and knowledge to budding – Tharindu Perera, Pulasthi learning scientist/engineer, data analyst, technology professionals in the country Handunge, and Viranga Waduge data science consultant, business who can leverage this to build artificial – won the Port City Colombo the Future’ competition intelligence engineer, big data engineer/ intelligence solutions to improve Sri Student Design Competition final round and were given five application developer, and software Lankan industries as well as provide “Envision the Future” Beach weeks of mentoring sessions engineer. expertise to advance these technologies Sculpture category, while “Wall with design expert Ismael Addressing the online audience, on a global scale.” of Bubbles”, a creative concept Abdeen and the jurors to further IIT Dean Naomi Krishnarajah stated: IIT was established in 1990 as the submitted by R. Javaneesan, a develop their design concepts. “Today marks another significant first private higher education institute student from Jaffna studying at During the final presentation milestone as IIT launches the BSc. that awards reputed British degrees the University of Moratuwa, was process, world-renowned (Hons.) in Artificial Intelligence and in the field of ICT and business. crowned as the winner of the architect Cecil Balmod chaired Data Science in collaboration with IIT is an award-winning campus Interactive Wall design category. the competition as an honorary Robert Gordon University (RGU), offering internal postgraduate and The winning designs will R. Javaneesan Tharindu Perera Viranga Waduge Pulasthi Handunge judge. Scotland. The growing need for undergraduate degrees from the be constructed at Port City The winner of the Interactive also awarded with cash prizes. The competition attracted AI and data science professionals University of Westminster, UK and Colombo’s Marina District. Wall category “Wall of Bubbles” Concluding month-long applications from undergraduate by the industry locally, regionally, Robert Gordon University, UK. IIT has The grand finale was held is a design of an air bubble- submissions and an intensive and master’s degree students and internationally was the main played a pivotal role in strengthening as a virtual live event on 16 inspired wall where commuters mentoring period, the “Envision enrolled in any registered justification for launching this degree. the IT and business sectors in Sri November 2020 at 6 p.m. via the can interact with water bubbles the Future” competition was university in the country or IIT has been extremely successful Lanka over the years by producing Port City Colombo Facebook and shapes, enabling them to a key initiative of Port City overseas and reading in the with its undergraduate ICT degrees world-class graduates. Since its page. relax and release tensions. The Colombo to capture the Sri fields of art, architecture, design, and this is another degree adding to its inception in 1990, IIT has produced The winning concept for runners up of the Interactive Lankan spirit through art. engineering, and/or any other growing portfolio of offerings. IIT has over 5,000 graduates who are now the beach sculpture “Lodiya” Wall category were Nethmini All submissions were programme that aligned with developed a strong partnership with based in many countries around the narrates the change of time Liyanagamage, Shavendra reviewed and judged by a four- creativity. Port City received RGU since 2016 and has been offering, globe. These graduates have gone on designed with kinetic steel Goonetilleke, Azamul Huq member team of industry experts nearly 400 applications from namely MSc. in Big Data Analytics and to become successful entrepreneurs components and copper sheets. Abdul Haleem, and Ranjaka comprising Ruchi Jayanathan, across the world, some from MSc. in Business Analytics, which are and IT/business professionals in both It lets the spectators enjoy a Kalhara Hettiarachichi from Anoma Wijewardene, Shilanthi students studying in the world’s highly sought by graduates working in local and international corporate and dreamy moment on the beach. the University of Manchester, Abayagunawardana, and Xia top universities. In order to industry. The AI and data science degree government entities. They have played The two runners up in the Beach University of Melbourne, Yuan. The judges shortlisted 10 facilitate the competition, Port cover multiple streams (programming, a pivotal role in empowering over Sculpture category were Rochelle University of Kent, and John participants for each category City Colombo partnered with systems, and artificial intelligence and 250 multinational and local blue-chip Fernando and Lakal Piyarathna Moores University, respectively. and the top three were selected Academy of Design to mentor data science) progressively moving companies by holding key strategic from the Academy of Design A cash prize of Rs. 300,000 through an expert feasibility design concepts. ARTRA towards specialisation in AI and data positions while contributing immensely and University of Moratuwa, was awarded for each category committee. Three finalists from magazine was the official art science. IIT’s strong relationship with towards the growth of their respective respectively. winner while runners up were each category moved into the partner. the ICT industry enables it to identify organisations.