PROTECT YOURSELF FROM COVID-19

ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 34,732 JAFFNA STALLIONS A KINDER GDP SEES RECORD FALL, DEATHS RECOVERED WIN LPL 2020 CHRISTMAS BUT CABRAAL BUOYANT 8,638 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 160 25,652 »SEE PAGE 8 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 3 UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 16 DECEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA and Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Gambia for threshold programme development. The Millennium Challenge Sri Lanka loses the MCC compact grant The Board also reaffirmed its support Corporation (MCC) Board which proposed compact with Sri Lanka. of the Board. re-selected Benin, Burkina Faso, for regional integration; Malawi, for continuing compact development met on Tuesday (15) in Washington A release issued by the MCC “As part of the annual selection Côte d’Ivoire, and Niger as eligible Mozambique, Timor-Leste, and in Indonesia, Kosovo, and Lesotho.ˮ DC has decided to discontinue the yesterday (16) announced the decisions process, MCC’s Board of Directors for concurrent compact programmes Tunisia for compact development; Contd. on page 2 Penal Code fines to be amended The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (14) approved the proposal made by Minister Mahapola to set of Justice Ali Sabry to amend the fines stipulated in the Penal Code, The Morning learnt. Minister Udaya Contd. on page 2 Gammanpila Smart classes for up foreign unis z Aimed at raising uni BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Mahapola Trust Fund “This will enable us The Mahapola Trust Fund is planning Director Parakrama Bandara to either increase the all by 2022: G.L. told The Morning yesterday student allowance to Rs. All schools will be provided with smart student allowance to facilitate the establishment of (16) that these for-profit 7,000 or grant Mahapola classrooms with provisions to foster foreign universities in Sri Lanka to universities, which will scholarships to more low- English language literacy by 2022, stated z University villages increase the Mahapola allowances be open to both local and income students,” Bandara Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Pieris. of state university students, The foreign students, are still said. Contd. on page 2 to be established Morning learnt. in the planning stage. Contd. on page 2 NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS RS 1,000 DAILY WAGE TOTAL CASES A fresh start Crucial

31,070*Stats updated as at 10.00 p.m. on 16 December COVID-19 discussion Deaths increase to 160 Three more Covid-19-related deaths were reported in the country yesterday today (16), increasing the death toll to 160, the Department of Government Information announced. z Govt. and RPCs to meet BY PAMODI WARAVITA regarding the long-running dispute over the daily wage Patient escapes from A crucial meeting between of plantation sector workers the Ministry of Plantations will be held today (17), The Welisara Hospital and regional plantation Morning learnt. A 43-year-old Covid-19 patient company (RPC) owners Contd. on page 2 who was being treated at the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases in RENEWABLE ENERGY Welisara escaped the hospital yesterday (16) morning. Fish traders resumed operations at the Peliyagoda Fish Market yesterday (16) after being reopened following the second wave of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown Expedite projects: PHOTO LALITH PERERA PCR, antigen tests MAHARA PRISON CLASH for garment factory SUPREME COURT FIRE President employees Culprits identified: Police President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has All garment factory employees are Police Media Spokesman has identified the leaders who examined the possibility of rapidly to undergo systematic PCR or rapid Deputy Inspector General (DIG) created the unrest inside the UNP adding renewable energy sources antigen testing, stated the National Ajith Rohana said the Criminal Mahara Prison. such as wind, solar, and natural gas Operations Centre for Prevention of Investigation Department (CID) Contd. on page 2 to the power grid, the President’s Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO). Media Division (PMD) stated. calls for Contd. on page 2 President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Mandatory quarantine Court orders POSTAL DEPARTMENT continues after airport inquiry reopening cremation of Director General of Health Services The United National Party (UNP) yesterday Launches new Dr. Asela Gunawardena said yesterday (16) called on the Government to conduct (16) that plans have been made to an immediate, transparent, and independent continue mandatory quarantine measures four bodies inquiry into the fire at the Supreme Court. courier service even after the reopening of Bandaranaike The Wattala Magistrate’s of the four inmates killed due to Contd. on page 2 The Postal Department Minister of Mass Media Keheliya International Airport (BIA). Court yesterday (16) took up gunshot injuries during the recent launched a new cash-on-delivery Rambukwella yesterday (16). the appeal to allow the burial of Mahara Prison clashes. service, which was inaugurated by Contd. on page 2 Beruwala Station bodies submitted by the families Contd. on page 2 temporarily closed The Beruwala Railway Station has been temporarily closed due to identifying two Covid-19-infected persons. Areas in Monaragala and Panadura isolated Two areas in the Kalutara and Monaragala Districts have been isolated Prisons Department with immediate effect, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva stated. Govt. to increase launches web app treatment centres z Visitors BY SARAH HANNAN and overcrowding that is visible during The Ministry of Health has decided to inmate visiting hours, which will also take over hospitals with relatively higher can make With the purpose of minimising the reduce the waiting time visitors have to patient capacity and expeditiously appointments inconvenience to visitors and ensuring spend while they wait for their imprisoned convert them into Covid-19 treatment the security of prison institutions, the family member to be brought to the centres, as daily infections continue to to visit inmates Department of Prisons launched a web app visiting area,” Commissioner General surge across the country. and place that allows families of inmates to make of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya told SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 an appointment prior to visits. The Morning. video calls “We hope this will ease the congestion Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Thursday , December 17, 2020

Contd. from page 1

at a snail’s pace due to the Covid-19 issuance of tickets and checking have and Poonarin areas and it is also planned Another feature of the web app is that Mahapola to... disruptions, but that currently the unions been temporarily suspended, General to gradually increase the power share it allows inmates to receive video calls This project will allow global are holding talks with individual RPCs. Manager of Railways M.J. Dilantha generated using solar power and natural via relevant technology. universities to open local branches in “Not all RPC owners are in favour of a Fernando said. gas, the PMD added. Upuldeniya explained that similar to specially demarcated university villages daily wage of Rs. 1,000, but some are in He said the Beruwala Railway Station The President has emphasised that making an appointment to visit an inmate around the country with infrastructure agreement with it,” he said. will be reopened after disinfecting the the Government should intervene to during prison visiting hours, the families and other facilities built using Mahapola The proposal to increase the daily entire premises. remove all obstacles faced by private will also be able to schedule video calls funds. In return, the foreign universities wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1,000 Meanwhile, another Covid-19-infected entrepreneurs when implementing with inmates. will pay a royalty fee of up to 20% of the was made during the first reading of person has been identified at the Kandy projects while providing all incentives This facility will enable inmates profit to Mahapola. Budget 2021 on 17 November by Prime General Hospital. needed in this regard. The Ministries who are not allowed to receive visitors Responding to questions about quality Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda A member of the hospital staff has of Power and Energy are responsible physically to stay in touch with their assurance, Bandara said: “The quality of Rajapaksa. tested positive for the virus, according to for obtaining prior approval from other families. It would also ensure the safety these universities and investors will be hospital Director Dr. Iresha Fernando. institutions and awarding it to investors. and security of inmates as well the entire ensured and this project will not result in The President also said the Board of prison system. opening any substandard universities with Patient escapes... Investment (BOI) and the Ministries of This app has been developed by the minimal facilities.” Police Media Spokesman Deputy Areas in... Power and Energy should jointly take Planning and Information Technology University academic quarters are also to Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana Accordingly, the Thotawatta area steps to explore investment opportunities Division of the Department of Prisons be established in parallel to this project, said the escapee had provided a false in Panadura (Kalutara District) and and implement projects expeditiously. on a concept of the Commissioner which will generate a separate income for address in Maradana to the hospital. the Alupotha area in Badalkumbura Solar power generation is to be done General of Prisons, with a pilot project Mahapola through the rent, said Bandara. “There was no such address in (Monaragala District) have been placed under several schemes and one of the launched on Tuesday (15) at the He added that generating income for Maradana. However, the Police has found under isolation. projects will be implemented to identify Angunakolapelessa Prison. Mahapola is the main goal behind this out that he is a resident of Grandpass and 100,000 Samurdhi families and to build project as “the fund has faced losses due addicted to drugs. The Mahabage Police is solar panels on the roofs of their houses to financial irregularities in the past”. conducting a special operation to trace the Govt. to... and provide them with an additional Penal Code... However, Inter University Students’ patient,” he said. The decision was reached during a income, the PMD said. Cabinet co-spokesperson Minister Federation (IUSF) Convener Ven. It was learnt that the patient was found meeting of the Task Force on Covid-19 The President has further stated that the Udaya Gammanpila said: “Sri Lanka’s Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thera told later in the evening. prevention held yesterday (16) at the Government should bear the cost of Rs. Penal code is so archaic that the penalties The Morning that this is an attempt of Ministry. 800,000 per house for this project. and fines stipulated can be as low as Rs. the Government to launch its agenda of Secretaries to State Ministries Dr. Amal 10. For instance, the fine for torturing privatising education under the guise of PCR, antigen... Harsha and K.R. Uduwawala as well as an animal is Rs. 100, which means raising funds for Mahapola. At its meeting held Tuesday (15), the Additional Secretaries Dr. Sunil Alwis Culprits whoever who decides to torture, say, a “We want the Mahapola allowance to NOCPCO discussed how PCR and rapid and Dr. Lakshmi Somatunga were present dog, can easily get away by paying the be increased as was promised prior to antigen testing is being conducted daily at the meeting chaired by Minister of identified... Rs. 100 fine. Since the fines have not elections. But the Government should in Board of Investment (BOI) enterprises Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi. He said the CID is continuing to record been revised accordingly to match the allocate funds for this,” The thera said. to screen employees for possible In the wake of the prevailing Covid-19 statements from the inmates. country’s inflation, even committing a He said the IUSF is against all forms of contamination. situation, 500-600 new positive cases “The CID has so far recorded 334 crime seems to be received very lightly.” private universities, adding that financial According to the Army, the test protocol are being reported daily islandwide, statements from 197 inmates, 107 prison The Ministry of Justice, under the irregularities in the Mahapola Trust Fund introduced by the health authorities while approximately 500 patients officials, 17 nurses, and nine doctors,” he directives of the Legal Aid Commission must be addressed and that relying on mandates that 1% of employees are to make complete recoveries, the officials said. of Sri Lanka, has appointed a special privatisation to compensate for such is not be subjected to PCR tests daily, or 5% revealed during the meeting. committee to look into this matter, and to the solution. of the workforce is to undergo PCR tests Thereby, the Health Minister’s focus proceed with proposing the revised fines weekly. Rapid antigen tests are optional, fell on expediting the establishment of Court orders... that should be included in the amended and being conducted by five private sector Covid-19 treatment centres to enable Investigations carried out by the Penal Code. Sri Lanka... hospitals.This process is conducted under medical care for the increasing number of multidisciplinary committee last week Gammanpila also noted that with the “The Board discontinued the proposed the supervision of a Task Force appointed infected persons. revealed that four of the dead inmates fines being revised and increased to compact with Sri Lanka,” it said. from the Navy. The officials hence decided that the had sustained gunshot injuries causing match the current inflation rate, people At its quarterly meeting on 15 Considering the large number of Ministry should take over the hospitals their deaths. will be discouraged from committing December, the MCC Board selected new requests the NOCPCO receives from with more treatment capacity in order to The postmortem reports of the four crimes that they could otherwise get countries as eligible for US Government the public, private hospitals have been convert them as medical care facilities bodies in question were submitted to the away with by paying a small fine. grant assistance. asked to submit proposals to operate for Covid-19. Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday for “With the increment of fines, we MCC Chief Executive Officer Intermediate Care Centres (ICCs), at The required funds for this purpose consideration by the multidisciplinary hope that the crime rate recorded in Sean Cairncross said he was pleased either a specific hospital or a luxury hotel. will be allocated by the Health Ministry, committee. the country will also reduce. We have to announce MCC’s new compact Three proposals that fulfill the relevant while additional funds are expected to be The families of the dead inmates also advised the Ministry of Justice to partnership with Sierra Leone and new requisites have been received by the sought from Asian Development Bank had appealed that the court allow their inform the legal draftsman to prepare the threshold partnership with Kiribati. NOCPCO thus far, stated NOCPCO Head (ADB) and World Bank (WB). bodies to be buried, even though the necessary draft bill that would include “Sierra Leone has been a strong and Army Commander Shavendra Silva. It was further revealed that nearly inmates were tested positive for Covid- the amended penalty fees, which will be threshold programme partner; Kiribati has Describing the progress on lifting the 14,000 PCR tests and 3,000 rapid antigen 19 posthumously, since the cause of their suggested by the special committee that demonstrated a commitment to MCC’s isolation status placed on several flats, tests are being carried out daily in all deaths were found to be gunshot injuries. is appointed for the task,” Gammanpila eligibility criteria. We look forward to he explained that PCR and rapid antigen districts. Speaking to The Morning, Committee concluded. working with all of our government testing is being conducted on a single Wanniarachchi also paid attention to for Protecting Rights of Prisoners – Sarah Hannan partners to achieve sustainable economic member of each household in such areas. the measures taken to ensure the safety (CPRP) General Secretary Attorney- growth supported by country ownership The entire household would be subject to of health sector workers, including at-Law Senaka Perera stated: “The and accountability to improve the lives of further testing if a single member were to hospital staff, medical officers of health Department of Prisons was attempting Launches... their citizens.” test positive during this initial screening. (MOHs), and public health inspectors to cover up the incident and tried to The first phase of the new service will In addition, the Board unanimously Through this method, he noted, 10 (PHIs), according to the Ministry’s media cremate all 11 of the dead inmates see the delivery of parcels under Rs. approved a $ 23 million threshold flats have been cleared for release from release. without even conducting a postmortem. 50,000 in value. programme with the Solomon Islands. isolation, while two more flats are Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. We suspected foul play, which is why Minister Rambukwella stated that the This MCC threshold programme aims to currently being subjected to this process. Sanjeewa Munasighe has been directed to we assisted the families that were existing Value Payable Post service was assist the Solomon Islands Government Co-chairing Monday’s meeting provide them with the necessary facilities distressed to file necessary petitions at repurposed into this new local courier in addressing the country’s biggest alongside the NOCPCO Head were State including transportation and medical the Human Rights commission as well service. constraints to economic growth. Minister of Primary Health Services, equipment. the Attorney General’s (AG) Department, He explained that the new service Epidemic Control, and Covid-19 Dr. requesting for a proper investigation and will be deployed through all sub-post Sudarshini Fernandopulle, and Health postmortem.” offices, and will be managed through a Crucial... Services Director General Dr. Asela Deaths increase... Perera also retorted that they were computerised system. Media Secretary to the Ministry of Gunawardena. Among the three victims was a disappointed in the manner in which The local courier service will also Plantation Samantha Gunasekera told 43-year-old female from Bandaragama, it even government representatives and undergo further development to accept yesterday (16) that the proposed increase was revealed. parliamentarians were loosely making card payments in the future, noted of the daily wage to Rs. 1,000 for Mandatory... statements about the incident at Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne. plantation workers will be discussed with “We will be directing all arrivals to 14 Parliament and how in every opportunity RPC owners today. days of quarantine at quarantine centres Smart classes... they got to make a statement drawing Speaking to The Morning on Monday and a further 14 days of self-quarantine,” He stated this at an awareness various probabilities. UNP calls... (14), Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) he stated. programme conducted for the principals “Today, the court proved that there was In a statement, the party said it was Chairman Bhathiya Bulumulla said the At the NOCPCO Task Force meeting of 200 schools in the Southern Province definitely some foul play that took place concerned by the fire that broke out at Government has indicated a middle point held yesterday (Tuesday, 15), it was stated under the English-friendly Classes and we will continue to pursue this case the Supreme Court complex on Tuesday with the RPCs’ representative body as it that 65,000 more Sri Lankans from abroad Project which aims to use technology for the sake of the families that have lost (15), emphasising that this building is the aspires to implement a productivity-based are expecting to return to the country and to enhance English literacy among their loved ones and the ones that have apex of the country’s judicial system and model. A daily wage of Rs. 1,000 would are to be facilitated using all possible schoolchildren. sustained injuries,” Perera noted. is situated in a high-security zone. result in a cost of approximately Rs. 21 means. So far, more than 500,000 students The request made by the four families “The SC complex is situated in a billion for the industry, he added. from 852 schools islandwide have to bury their dead instead of cremating section of Colombo which is currently However, when contacted yesterday, joined the programme, he stated. was objected by Co-ordinating Officer to under lockdown, and court proceedings State Minister of Estate Housing and Beruwala This programme has already been the AG State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne, have been limited to only urgent cases Community Infrastructure Jeewan implemented in schools in the Northern, who pointed out that permitting the with the absence of any public. As such, Thondaman told The Morning that Station... Sabaragamuwa, Uva, and Central burial of the deceased Covid-19-infected the Government must ascertain what led discussions between RPCs and plantation However, trains will be stopped at the Provinces. victims goes against the Covid-19 to the lapse in security which resulted in worker trade unions have been proceeding railway station but activities such as the regulations in handling the dead. this fire. Last week, the AG’s Department had “The UNP is only concerned by the Expedite... requested the Magistrate to permit the reports emerging regarding the location Many countries in the world today postmortems of the deceased inmates to of the fire. Media quoted the Supreme Cartoon of the day are turning to renewable energy sources be carried out under a multidisciplinary Court Marshal who stated that the fire for power generation, the President has committee, as per a request made by the had been contained to the basement of noted. legal counsel of the aggravated party for the complex. At the time, the Marshal As per “Saubhagyaye Dekma” policy a fair autopsy. was unable to provide an update on the statement, the Government expects to – Sarah Hannan state of the court record room which is meet 70% of the total electricity demand situated in the basement. from renewable energy sources by 2030. “Subsequently, the Police have stated During a discussion on power Prisons that no damage has been sustained by generation held at the Presidential the records room. However, the party Secretariat on Tuesday (15), President Department... requests that a full inventory be taken of Rajapaksa stated that the generation of Visitors can access this web app by the records in the record room to ensure renewable energy should be carried out entering their information and detainee no files have gone missing. expeditiously in a systematic manner with information, including the expected date “Those who were responsible for the short-term objectives. and time of arrival. security of this complex must be held The Government aims to meet the They can arrive on the day of the accountable. Prior to the handover of increasing demand for energy from appointment at the scheduled time and the Government in 2019, the UNP- renewable energy sources when meet the detainee without any delay. led Government was in the process of implementing development projects in Upuldeniya also reiterated that due digitising court records. the future, the PMD said in its statement. to the current Covid-19 pandemic, “The necessary systems had Under the first phase, the wind power visits from home to see inmates have been procured and were awaiting project installed in the island of Mannar been temporarily suspended. Therefore, implementation. We ask the Government has added 30 MW to the main power grid. families will be able to access the above whether they have continued this process, By the end of 2021, this capacity will facility once the health authorities have and if not to provide an explanation as to be increased to 100 MW. Wind farms are given the appropriate clearances and the why they delayed this important task,” also being built centring the Chunnakam present cluster in the Prison has subsided. the statement read. 3 the morning Thursday , December 17, 2020 Concessionary loans launched for festive season The Government yesterday due to the employees' accounts (16) launched loan facilities at without any delay. a concessionary interest rate Those who own three-wheelers, of 0.625% with a repayment school vans, and buses, as well as period of 10 months to enable individuals employed at private households to meet their needs bus services can apply for the during the upcoming Christmas concessionary loan by presenting and New Year festive seasons. their National Identity Card business The loans are to be provided to the State bank where their by Bank of Ceylon, People's account is maintained. Those GDP sees record fall, Bank, National Savings Bank who don’t belong to the above (NSB), Regional Development category, and yet earn daily Bank, and Samurdhi Bank, wages and maintain an account while the provision of loans to at a State Bank, are also entitled state pensioners and Samurdhi to this festive loan facility. beneficiaries has been vested “The Government is but Cabraal buoyant with the Department of Pensions determined to steer the country and the Samurdhi Bank, the forward in 2021, with the President’s Media Division economy and people's lives z Points to 30% growth QoQ despite 16% contraction YoY announced. completely restored, while The loans are to be provided catching up on the losses BY DAYAN SURENDRANATHAN Year-on-Year (YoY) performance, has lost credibility. under three income categories. incurred during 2020 due to and not Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) “So #SriLanka GDP growth Individuals with a monthly the Covid-19 pandemic. The Despite official statistics reporting an all-time record performance. for 9mo 2020 -5.3%: Q2 -16.3% salary/income above Rs. 50,000 workforce and entrepreneurs economic contraction in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020, The much-delayed [and] Q3 +1.5%. So as I argued, are entitled to a loan of Rs. made immense sacrifices to State Minister of Money and Capital Market, and State macroeconomic indicators for 2020 but shouted down [by] Min @ 50,000, while those earning a gradually restore exports, Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal welcomed the new were released by the Department an_cabraal etc. Figures presented by monthly salary/income between tourism, construction, and other figures yesterday (16) as indicators of Sri Lanka’s positive of Census and Statistics on 15 PM @PresRajapaksa at budget were Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 50,000 manufacturing facilities and macroeconomic outlook going into 2021, placing emphasis on December. The numbers revealed wrong. 2020 growth will be negative could request for a total loan services during the two-month the 1.5% GDP growth rate achieved in Q3. an unprecedented contraction and deficit well over 10%. Can’t of Rs 25,000. Finally, those period of travel restriction at in Q2 GDP of 16.3%, driven fool everyone; but credibility lost.” with a monthly salary/income the height of the Covid-19 by a sharp fall in industry and Meanwhile, when questioned below Rs. 25,000 are eligible pandemic. It was backed up by services sectors though Q3 (July- by Asia Securities Chairman for a loan of Rs. 10,000. Loans overwhelming support from September) rebounded to a growth Dumith Fernando at the conference will be recovered on a monthly the health, security, police, and rate of 1.5%. With the contraction yesterday on quelling investors’ instalment basis from January to public service,” said the PMD in of 1.6% in Q1, the cumulative worries on whether the Central October 2021. its communiqué. GDP contraction for the first nine Bank would be able to maintain Employees in both the public “Therefore, in 2020, it was months of 2020 stands at 5.3%. low interest rates for much longer, and private sectors who expect possible to revive production The officially released numbers Cabraal stressed that maintaining to receive the supplementary in the field of agriculture. It are a far cry from the optimistic the interest rate stable and boosting financial facility should notify ensured the supply of food predictions posited during the business confidence would be key their Heads of Institutes to for the survival of the urban Budget 2021 speech of Prime to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery commence the loan process, population. The supplementary Minister and Minister of Finance post Covid-19, citing a cricket the PMD said. The heads will, finance facility for the festive Mahinda Rajapaksa recently, which example. in turn, submit the certified list season has been arranged as a forecast a real GDP growth of 1.5% “This isn’t a T20. It’s more like of applicants to the State bank token of appreciation for their for 2020. It is distant even from a Test match. The whole world branch closest to their place of contribution to the motherland the Central Bank’s less optimistic was taken aback by the shock of employment. The respective during distressed times,” the prediction in October 2020, which Covid-19, which is reflected in the branch will credit the amount PMD concluded. was -1.7% for 2020. However, 2Q numbers. However, through Cabraal remains buoyant that Sri the policies that our government State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal addressing the session Lanka is moving towards recovery has implemented within the last six “...We have seen momentum, Budget 2021 is an attainable target,” in the long term and achieving the months, we have laid a stable base particularly in the third quarter claimed Cabraal. Government’s lofty goal of 5.5% for growth in the long run, which is which shows an over 30% rise in He was delivering the keynote GDP growth for 2021. about three to four years from now. Economic downturn growth since the second. We’ve also address during day two of the Asia Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Of course, we are going to face dips held a stable exchange rate, which Securities Forum on “Investor’s MP Dr. Harsha de Silva criticised and scares in the short term, but the could hurt Abans more is a hallmark of our macroeconomic Dilemma 2021” held yesterday. the Government shortly after the calm set of macro-fundamentals management in the past few However, it must be noted that release of the figures on Monday, we have put in place will ensure Sri months. Given these, a target of GDP growth or contraction rates are claiming the budget forecast is Lanka’s success in the long term,” than Singer: Fitch 5.5% GDP growth as mentioned in traditionally arrived at comparing inaccurate and that the Government assured Cabraal. Consumer durables retailer capital efficiencies, which it Abans PLC's (BBB+(lka)/ has achieved in the last 24 Negative) leverage will rise months,” FItch stated. faster than that of its peer “However, Abans' Mobitel and Education Ministry digitise Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC investment in the $ 184 (BBB+(lka)/Negative) if the million Colombo City Centre coronavirus-led economic (CCC) mixed development scholars’ school applications downturn worsens, due to project could weigh on the Together with the Ministry of The key benefits of the new Abans' higher exposure rating if it requires further Education, Mobitel has launched online system include a completely to higher-risk non-core capital infusion. CCC needs to an online system to facilitate the automated application management businesses, Fitch Ratings said sell the remaining apartments evaluation of Grade Five Scholarship and selection process as well as yesterday (16). by early 2022 to complete exam results for school applications. the elimination of the paper-based However, the ratings of both construction and start repaying Students who currently receive process, with more accuracy, companies are currently the project debt.” outstanding marks at the Grade efficiency, and added convenience same, reflecting Abans' lower Consumer durable retailers Five Scholarship exam are currently for the parents, schools, and leverage than Singer, which have seen better-than-expected hampered by the existing manual the Ministry of Education. The provides a buffer against demand for products in the system that is prone to human system can be operated simply Abans' higher business risk. last six months despite the setbacks and unexpected delays, Minister of Education Prof. G.L. Peiris and SLT/Mobitel Group CEO Lalith Seneviratne from anywhere over the internet. “Singer's better business pandemic, driven by demand causing inconvenience when (centre), along with Mobitel Chief Marketing Officer Shashika Senerath, Senior Additionally, the data and statistics risk profile reflects its market for IT and related products applying for new schools. Mobitel General Manager of Information Technology Saman Perera (right), Secretary to the recorded by the system can be used leadership in consumer amid increased telecommuting said it understood this void and Ministry of Education Prof. K. Kapila C.K. Perera, and Secretary to the State Ministry for the betterment of the future durable retailing in the and home-based learning, of Women and Child Development, Preschools and Primary Education, School collaborated with the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Education Service K.M.S.D. Jayasekara (left) education in Sri Lanka. country, more diversified and the complete freeze on Education to create this online The new online system offers a product portfolio, and higher informal imports as part of evaluation system that will facilitate officials from both the Ministry of education zonal level for operations predefined grace period that allows mix of locally manufactured ongoing import controls, Fitch the assessment of school applications Education and the SLT Group. and monitoring; and school-level amendments to the initially selected products, which support noted. However, demand based on the results of Grade Five The new system comprises a operations, where school principals schools, enabling more choice for more stable profit margins could weaken further if the Scholarship students. three-layer solution: Namely, the select and apply to schools on behalf the students. This facility ensures during periods when the current downturn is deeper The programme was launched on ministry level, which will consist of scholarship-eligible students. a hassle-free “Change of Mind” local currency weakens. and/or lasts longer than 10 December under the patronage of system administration of the The platform will provide an easy- period where parents can easily Abans' stronger financial expected, as Fitch believes of Minister of Education Prof. G.L. selection process, application to-use and digitised solution for the amend the applied list of schools profile stems from its cost unemployment will rise, Peiris and SLT/Mobitel Group management, and all other provision of shortlisting schools for within the application period rationalisation and working weakening household income. CEO Lalith Seneviratne, along with administrative functionalities; eligible students. through the system. Manufacturing expands in November while services edges up With the contribution from a significant contributed to the overall increase in the rerouted, or refused to be accepted, by the increased in November 2020, particularly that an improvement was observed in their increase in new orders – particularly in Manufacturing PMI, according to the DCS. shipping lines. with the improvements observed in business activities, due to the increase in the manufacturing of textile and wearing “Some respondents in the manufacture of The DCS stated that the sub-index of transportation and education sub-sectors,” apparel and personal protective equipment apparel, and food and beverages sectors – food and beverages and textiles and wearing Expectations for manufacturing activities the Department added. exports. Backlogs of work continued to manufacturing activities have improved in apparel sectors highlighted that although for the next three months increased Further, the business activities sub- increase in November with the disruptions November, compared to the previous month. there was reasonable or satisfactory demand, significantly, with expectation for the index also increased during the month, to their business activities, due to the According to the manufacturing and they were unable to carry out production at normalisation of economic activities within indicating a moderation in contraction of absence of employees residing in lockdown services Purchasing Managers’ Indices the desired capacity, due to lower employee the country, as well as in major export service activities. Business activities in areas. (PMIs) released by the Department of availability over health-related concerns,” markets. financial services and insurance sub-sectors According to the DCS, employment Census and Statistics (DCS) yesterday the DCS said in the release. Meanwhile, remaining in the contraction showed an increase in this period. However, continued to decline in November, owing (16), manufacturing bounced to 57.6 in Despite the higher increase observed in territory, the services sector PMI edged business activities in wholesale and retail to non-extension of work agreements of the November, with an increase of 17.3 index new orders and production, the stock of up to 48.8 in November, reflecting a trade, transportation, and accommodation, contract employees amidst a halt in new points compared to October 2020. purchases remained contracted with a slight slower decline in services sector economic food and beverage sub-sectors declined recruitments. However, the DCS added that Increases in the Production sub-index, edging-up, as there were some accumulated activities compared to the previous month. with the quarantine curfew imposed in the expectations on future business activities mainly on account of the manufacturing stocks available. The Suppliers’ Delivery “This deterioration in services sector Western Province in early November, and increased considerably in November, as of textile and wearing apparel, and Time sub-index lengthened at a higher activities was underpinned by the declines localised isolations effected to contain the service providers were more optimistic on non-metallic mineral products sectors, pace, mainly due to ongoing delays at the observed in business activities and spread of the second wave of Covid-19. the recovery of economic activities that together with lengthening of the Suppliers' Port of Colombo, where many respondents employment sub-indices of the services Nevertheless, the DCS stated that were affected by the second wave of the Delivery Time across all sectors, have also mentioned that their shipments were either PMI. The new businesses sub-index respondents in freight forwarding cited pandemic. 4 the morning MARKET/ADVERTORIAL Thursday , December 17, 2020

Daraz Christmas sale closes tomorrow Daraz announced that Secret Santa game, or by its Christmas sale, which adding selected items to began on 12 December their cart; while further Hemas divests with over three million rewards are offered products on sale, is through the Inter Daraz closing tomorrow (18). PUBG Tournament, a The sale offers discounts treasure hunt, and further of up to 80%, and Rs. 2 giveaways. million worth in discount Additionally, vouchers. purchases made over The sale features over a certain amount will shareholding in 450 brands, with a 14-day see customers winning return policy, and offers products from several considerable discounts premium clothing brands, on smartphones by alongside other valuable Apple and Samsung, as prizes for the initial well as on televisions, buyers of specific items. home theatre systems, Customers who pay their refrigerators, air electricity bills through SerendibHemas Holdings PLC (HHL) stated that it divested its direction and Hotelfocus on uplifting return accretive to Hemas’ earnings per share conditioners, and washing “Daraz Easy bills” will shareholding in Serendib Hotel PLC to Eden Hotel Lanka PLC, a on equity from the core segments, and return on equity going forward,” machines, along with shave an extra 10% off subsidiary of LOLC Holdings PLC, for a total consideration of Rs. we have made a strategic decision said Hemas Holdings Group Chief offers worth Rs. 1 million their total bill. In addition 791.7 million. Asia Securities Advisors (Pvt.) Ltd. acted as sole to increase investments within our Executive Officer (CEO) Kasturi from Browns. The sale to this, Daraz has partnered advisors to Hemas on this transaction. consumer, healthcare, and mobility Chellaraja Wilson. was co-sponsored by up with several banks to sectors. We are confident that Eden She further added that despite the Samsung, Unilever, offer a further 10% off Serendib Hotels PLC is the includes its investment in Anantara Hotel Lanka PLC, a part of the challenges they faced amidst the Brown and Company and up to 60 months zero- majority shareholder of Dolphin Peacehaven Tangalle Resort. LOLC Group, a respected leader in Covid-19 pandemic, all their core PLC, Huawei, Vantage, interest rate instalment Hotels PLC, Hotel Sigiriya PLC, The group also recently reduced its the corporate and leisure sector, is a businesses have shown resilience and Reckitt Benckiser. plans on credit cards. Serendib Leisure Management Ltd., exposure to its travel and other aviation strong parent company for Serendib during the first half, and they Customers are also Furthermore, Mastercard Frontier Capital Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd., representation businesses, selling a Hotels PLC. This divestiture will no anticipate the momentum to continue. eligible for various offers 12% discounts on all and Sanctuary Resorts Lanka (Pvt.) majority stake of these businesses to its doubt be in the interest of the growth “The group has plans to expand and gifts through the sale’s credit and debit cards. Ltd. Hemas will continue to hold senior management team. of Serendib Hotels PLC, as well as its invest aggressively in the core sectors a few leisure sector assets, which “In line with the group’s portfolio employees. This transaction will be in the coming years,” Wilson added. Uber installs safety screens Uber Sri Lanka announced it has installed safety screens between the passenger and the driver in over 1,500 cars and three-wheelers at its cost to enable social distancing within the confines of a vehicle. Commenting on the initiative, Uber South Asia Head of Supply and Driver Operations Pavan Vaish said: “At Uber, we are constantly redefining The team at Homelands Skyline transportation safety standards, and we take all possible precautions to help with safer travels for Uber Safety Screens Homelands Skyline records both riders and drivers. “We pioneered safety the initiative, according distribution of safety screens earlier this to Uber Sri Lanka. supplies, Uber has year to maintain social Since the resumption recently launched a set of 500 real estate sales this year distancing while on of its services, Uber has safety measures, such as Homelands Skyline stated it has completed of the curve, regardless of the effects the provided to them on construction material trips. Uber teams will been distributing cleaning the Go Online Checklist, 500 sales of apartments and houses this year, pandemic had on the industry, and thereby by the Government last year, Homelands continue to work around supplies and protective a mandatory mask policy despite the steep decline in the local and reach 500 sales this year,” Herath stated. Skyline was able to provide the completed the clock to leverage equipment to all active for both riders and global economy due to Covid-19. These apartment sales were recorded apartments to their residents at an affordable our technology and drivers on its platform. drivers, pre-trip mask Homelands Skyline Chairman/Managing mainly at Canterbury Golf Resort price compared to others in the sector. global expertise, while Globally, Uber has verification selfies for Director Nalin Herath said that through Apartments in Piliyandala, Kahathuduwa, During this past year, Homelands Skyline also innovating the purchased safety supplies drivers, driver education dealing with the challenges, they were able Elixia 3C’s Resort Apartments in Malabe, introduced the resort living concept to the best possible product worth $ 50 million. In Sri around Covid-19-related to identify and reach untouched areas in the and Ariyana Resort Apartments in country with the Ariyana Resort Apartment experience for all drivers Lanka, Uber has procured safety protocols, and real estate sector, withstand the storm of a Athurugiriya. in Athurugiriya, and has also succeeded in and riders.’’ and started distributing an updated cancellation crisis, and come out of it successfully. Herath further explained that as a including a variety of value additions to its Drivers who have safety supplies, such as policy, where both riders “Due to our sales staff’s adaptation to the result of the loans Homelands Skyline projects with Covid-19 in mind, like the installed the safety masks and sanitisers, and drivers can cancel transformation from traditional marketing to receives at a lower interest rate, as well as Wellness Centre at Canterbury Golf Resort screens in their vehicles worth Rs. 10 million. trips if they do not feel digital marketing, we were able to stay ahead the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions Apartments in Piliyandala, Kahathuduwa. have reacted positively to In addition to the safe. REITs should not be taxed: CA-CSE webinar The recently-introduced Real and that it meet the basic criterions a month of obtaining approval. Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) stipulated within the Listing Rules Renuke also explained the process should not be subjected to tax, or to qualify for a listing on the CSE. of listing a REIT on the CSE, and only to a very low-tax situation, said The real estate assets owned by the noted that it would only take around KPMG Sri Lanka Principal for Tax REIT would be required to meet 50 days from the point CSE grants and Regulation Suresh R. I. Perera the minimum threshold of Rs. approval for the listing application, during a recent webinar. 500 million at the point of listing, up to the point of Listing the units Perera shared this view at the and it is mandatory that all units and being made available for trading recently-conducted webinar titled issued pursuant to a REIT be listed. on the CSE. “REITs: The Way Forward and Additionally, a 30% stake to be During the webinar, Manil Opportunities”, organised by the held by the sponsor or strategic Jayesinghe noted the importance of Institute of Chartered Accountants investor – which will be locked in the independence of the property of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) and the for a period of six months – and valuation that needs to be produced, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). 20% of the units issued be held by and the appointment of a specialised He stated that most countries have a minimum of 100 shareholders panel of advisors to safeguard the introduced specific REIT-related are among the basic requirements interest of unit holders. tax provisions into their tax statutes, that need to be met at the point of Meanwhile, Ravi Abeysuriya and explained the complications Listing a REIT. noted seven specific benefits for an that might arise to stakeholders, Meanwhile, Renuke investor through the introduction sponsors, and investors, in the advantage for attracting investment Dr. Suriyapperuma stated that expected to be further enhanced, Wijayawardhane stated that, similar of REITs on the CSE. The seven context of the current tax provisions. into REITS,” he added. upon the SEC issuing the gazette owing to the tax incentives included to a listed company, REITs would be benefits highlighted were that an Commenting on the reliefs The webinar featured capital notification, the Sri Lankan capital in the National Budget. Checks and subject to compliance requirements investor could invest in real estate provided for REITs in the recently- market and financial services experts, market can now formally accept Balances are included within the in the best interest of all stakeholders with a small sum, diversify their announced Budget, Perera stated including CA Sri Lanka Chairman applications for creating REITs, not regulation framework to safeguard involved, and with focus on investor investment portfolio, gain access that the Budget proposals have Manil Jayesinghe, CSE CEO only for commercial and residential the interests of our investors, protection and maintaining a fair and to a liquid investment vehicle, addressed capital gains tax on Rajeeva Bandaranaike, Securities properties meeting the criteria, but while facilitating flexibility for orderly market. secure a stable and recurrent investors, stamp duty, and dividends and Exchange Commission of Sri also for infrastructure projects. the business case of REITs as an Commenting on the timeline for income stream, the reduced risk to investors in REIT units. Lanka (SEC) Director of Corporate “It's important to note that Sri investment vehicle,” Suriyapperuma issuing a REIT and the approval associated with a REIT investment “As dividends from quoted Affairs Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Lankan REITs are allowed only as added. process, Renuke noted that initial due to the transparency demanded company shares at present attract CSE Chief Regulatory Officer a listed security, mainly to promote It has been made mandatory approval for the REIT would have through the listing rules, the easy tax, the tax-free status provided for Renuke Wijayawardhane, and transparency and facilitate retail within the Framework that a to be obtained through the SEC, understandability of the investment, dividends from REITs to investors Candor Holdings Group Director investor participation. In Sri Lanka, REIT be managed by a managing and the listing application should and that it also serves as a hedge would provide a competitive Ravi Abeysuriya. the attractiveness of REITs is company licensed by the SEC, be forwarded to the CSE within against inflation rates in the country. 5 the morning Thursday , December 17, 2020

PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA

BY VENESSA ANTHONY brunch “Celebrating Differences” is an annual gathering hosted by the Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) Charitable Foundation, at which every child feels the true spirit of Christmas. For the past 14 years, every BY NAVEED ROZAIS Festive December, children and youths of all abilities and ages, came Although the whole together on stage to capture world is set to celebrate a hearts with their individual more sombre Christmas than charms. most this season with the Sounds This year, due to the pandemic still in full force, at Hilton Colombo ongoing pandemic, Dilmah’s little moments are going to MJF Foundation had to make all the difference, and With melodies by husband and adapt to the new normal, and MJF Kids from the Child nothing evokes festive spirit Development Centre Dunkeld conduct the event virtually. like music can. wife duo Tilanka and Lydia Children from many parts of Festive Sounds at Hilton the country came together to Colombo is one of those little Lydia shared that 2020 in a troubled time for the share their talents with the Christmas activities which marks their fourth year entertainment industry, world on one stage on 15 draws you into the moment of performing together at Tilanka and Lydia December, and the event was and helps you appreciate the Festive Sounds at Hilton encouraged musicians to be streamed live on Facebook. beauty of the season. Colombo. “It’s always been creative with sharing their MJF Centre for Dignified Taking place at a good experience working music and to pursue sharing and Sustainable Empowerment the Hilton lobby till 25 with Hilton Colombo. This their music online. Lydia Manager Rehana Wettasinghe December, Festive Sounds year’s theme is ‘Home commented that, in general, shared her thoughts on the at Hilton Colombo primarily for Christmas’ and shows the creative mindset has programme: “Christmas is features the musical talent coming home in a boat. really come out during very special in Sri Lanka and of husband and wife We’re playing in the lobby at lockdown and at home, and it is celebrated by most people team Tilanka Jayamanne the front so it’s what people there are many creative of all faiths. This is one of the and Lydia Goonetilleke see as they enter.” ways for musicians to share most exciting parts of the year Jayamanne playing a combo Tilanka shared his their music with the world. for the foundation and also one of the flute and the violin. thoughts on this Christmas Festive Sounds is taking Upcycled ‘Christmas Tree of in this uncertain time, place till 25 December of the longest-running events Kindness’ from MJF Centre East MJF Moratuwa Both Tilanka and Lydia of the year.” are professionally classically saying: “I feel that we with Tilanka and Lydia The way 2020 has trained musicians, who met should still have the heart performing each evening unfolded, we’ve all adapted to each other through their love and the kindness to enjoy from 7.15 to 8 p.m. From the change and adopted new of music. Lydia and Tilanka this Christmas, but still be 20 to 25 December, Festive ways of touching the lives of have both explored various responsible at the same Sounds at Hilton Colombo vulnerable communities. “It’s genres of music in their time. Christmas is a joyous will also feature sing-alongs so much harder to explain performances including jazz, season whatever said and from 8 to 8.45 p.m. with these challenges to children pop, and R&B. The versatile done, but we must strike a the Old Joes’ Choir (20, 21 with disabilities, but we’ve duo have a wide repertoire. balance and be safe while December), Voiced Out (22, been connecting with them Commenting on Festive enjoying ourselves.” 23 December), and Choro virtually since April. Their Sounds at Hilton Colombo, Speaking as musicians Calibre (24, 25 December). resilience to the change has taught us a lot.” She also commented that sadly, most of the children do not have access to the internet, so they’ve fallen behind Team from the academically, “We’ve been MJF Centre East Charin Mendes compelled to step out of our comfort zones to meet their needs. This year has been a releases four new huge learning curve and we’ve achieved the unimaginable.” The children of the songs with the iconic centres had very special, heart-warming messages to share. The kids had prepared A kinder Brian Mcknight Jr. a touching skit, where they shared their messages of Sri Lankan singer- positivity around a “tree of songwriter and producer kindness”. It was quite joyful Charin Mendes has to watch these children get released four new songs into the seasonal cheer and with the iconic Brian embrace the true meaning of Christmas McKnight Jr. Mendes is Christmas. Another talented a chart-topping recording young lady told the tale of MJF Charitable Foundation hosts annual gathering artist with iTunes top diversity, with some creatively 10 and top 100 credits cut out pictures, to emphasise say, unless your business in multiple territories the importance of being success extends to the poor, worldwide. His album “20 sustainable. She left us with needy, and helpless people of TWENTY” comes as his this message: “When we are our country, it is not a success, newest chapter in taking kind to the planet, it ripples it is just greed.” Lankan artistry global. down to us that call earth our Wettasinghe talked about Charin Mendes is the first home.” how the pandemic changed Sri Lankan to have been Dilmah Founder Merril their centres: “Our centres are invited to the Grammy J. Fernando mentioned that usually buzzing with activity, Awards in Los Angeles, the rest a secret until the work together, thus the “Celebrating Differences” is but unfortunately this year it’s which he has attended album officially comes music is unstoppable and one of the happiest events of been pretty quiet. Since the more than thrice. He has out.” it just creates itself. We the year for him. Fernando children could not come to us, been an active writer, Inspired by his travels have a lot more music stated: “We put together all we had to go to them in the producer, and singer in the and writing for a wider coming up and I’m excited these helpless children, even form of outreach programmes, Hollywood music scene global audience, Charin to share them soon!” Brian though no one cares for them, reaching out to over hundreds for many years. decided to feature his McKnight Jr. is the son of I care for them. My family and Youth from Cape After months of long-time creative partner superstar Brian McKnight and hundreds of children.” Weligama MJF Centre my staff care for them. When She also said that the highlight crafting his unique Brian McKnight Jr. (of who brought us global hits you see their performance at of this year was when they new sound, Mendes set the legendary McKnight such as “Back at One”, Wettasinghe commented positive affirmations noted on the celebration, you will see launched the mobile tuk-tuk his eyes on marking a family) for four of his “One Last Cry”, and on a concept that was them. what a great job all of us are toy and book library. This career milestone with newest songs on the “Still”. completely alien to most The event featured doing for these children.” He initiative brought so much joy his upcoming album upcoming album “20 Ten new songs have people, until April – online many more skits of children went on to add: “As I always and education to the children. “20 TWENTY”, a true TWENTY”. “My brother already been released learning. “It is now the celebrating Christmas with joy first on many fronts for Brian McKnight Jr. and from Charin’s album driving force of our staff and and positive messages. a Sri Lankan artist and I worked really well as “20 TWENTY”. The students,” she said, adding, It’s evident that the a timeless record for the a team on our first song album in its entirety without which, it would have MJF Foundation is doing ages. The songs were ‘Never Give Up’, so it will be released early been quite the challenge to a lot to better the lives of written, recorded, and was inevitable that we next year. Watch out for provide these kids with the these children. You can find produced while working in followed up by doing updates and follow his education they need and them on their website: www. different parts of the world three more hits. Brian is journey on instagram. deserve. mjffoundation.org, Instagram: including Los Angeles, truly a world-class artist com/CharinMendes The children of the Youth @mjffoundation, and on London, Manchester, New and we work on the same and YouTube.com/ Cape Weligama Foundation Facebook: MJF Foundation York, and Singapore. “The wavelength. Just like me, CharinMendes. Charin’s celebrated Christmas in a – The Merrill J. Fernando album is pretty vast. There he is a singer, songwriter, music is available on way that doesn’t harm the Charitable Foundation. are many featured artists and producer, so we talk Apple Music, Spotify, environment – they turned This year, spread the love including some of whose the same language and it Sony Entertainment a palm tree on the beach and goodwill of the season and names I’ve revealed and translates into music. The Network, and all major Inclusivity is at the heart into a tree of positivity, by help out these deserving kids some I’ve not. I will keep vibes are great when we music stores worldwide. of celebrating differences adding paper decorations with in any way that you can! 6 the morning TRAVEL Friday , November 20, 2020

ANI Villas Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions

IS THIS THE NEW NORMAL FOR BY VENESSA ANTHONY December was the season of travel; one would go out and enjoy the festive holidays, but such is no longer the case. So, in such a situation, how does one enjoy the holidays? Jetwing Jetwing Hotels has the answer ISLAND to that question. They’ve launched a seasonal promotion so everyone gets to enjoy the festivities whilst being in a safe, protected environment. In very exciting news, Jetwing has launched their Hotels 12 Days of Christmas programme. TRAVEL? For 12 days, one or more of their hotels will put out an offer not brings on Local villas shed some light to be missed out on, and the best part is that they are e-vouchers, BY VENESSA ANTHONY Jasper Oceans, Kosgoda so you can redeem your voucher whenever you feel like you need a the festivities Christmas this year is going to vacation, any day until 30 June. Gingerbread House open on 15 where guests are encouraged be quite a different affair. No longer The Morning Brunch spoke December! It’s a magnificent feat; to donate gifts for children of a is anyone travelling out and about to Jetwing Hotels Marketing it’s every chocoholics dream come local orphanage on 21 December. for the festive season; everyone is Executive Isuri Alahakoon true. Alahakoon revealed that Santa stuck at home in fear of contracting regarding the concept behind this Claus will be visiting the hotel on the virus. Meanwhile, there are small programme. “We didn’t want A Christmas feast Christmas Eve, bearing wonderful businesses that are suffering even guests to feel like they had to travel Christmas Eve is going to be gifts for all the kids. more so. We at The Morning Brunch immediately during the season quite the event at Jetwing Blue and spoke to a few boutique villas about after they avail our offers. We gave Jetwing Beach, Negombo. Guests Something for everybody how they were coping with the them the opportunity to wait until will be given the opportunity to If you’re looking for pandemic and the huge loss in guests the situation settles down and visit sample a seven-course wine and a serendipitous, romantic and tourism. our hotels whenever they deem it’s dine experience! Every classic getaway, head over to Jetwing safe for them to travel.” She added Christmas dish will be laid out in St. Andrew’s, and you’ll be One party at a time: Jasper that their guests’ comfort and well- front of your eyes, so go ahead treated to a serene seven-course being is their number one priority, and indulge – calories don’t count candlelit dinner, while heralding Ocean Villas, Kosgoda and that all hotels under their chain In conversation with the owner during Christmas! the dawn of 2021 in style. Enjoy shut down operations.” He detailed some reservations pending because have adhered very strictly to the Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya is the cosy weather with your of Jasper Ocean Villas, Kosgoda, government regulations. who wanted to remain anonymous, why they decided to shut down people understand that they can have prepared to knock your socks loved one while indulging in this we were told about how the temporarily, stating: “We don’t know a nice vacation while being as safe off with a magnificent lunch on special dining experience. Guests where guests come from. We are as possible from the virus, adding: A sweet treat Christmas Day that boasts roast will also be provided with an pandemic affected her business. Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, “We’re actually managing okay since located in the Galle District and there “Once the airports open, we are turkey, with traditional stuffing and exclusive New Year Lunch Buffet are many cases in the area, so we hopeful that tourism will pick up and Negombo takes a health-conscious gravy, and a classic eight-course created by Executive Chef Nihal we have two properties. Our regular twist to the festivities this year, guests still keep coming because they decided that this was the best step to business will go back to what it was.” set dinner at the Apsara restaurant. Senanayake. take.” keeping in mind the pandemic Just to send this year off with a Tangalla Bay by Jetwing will have a good understanding about going on, so they aim to provide our refund and cancellation policy.” He talked about how they Bentota River Villas bang, Jetwing St. Andrew’s will be celebrating Christmas Eve with Bentota River Villas Owner guests with the chance to better She also added that many people are handled guests before they shut celebrate Christmas and the New a barbecue dinner on the terrace M.S.M. Ishaf said that he was not their health, while still enjoying a reluctant to book because the curfew down, stating: “We did have one Year with a gala dinner buffet and with a fun, festive sundown party too happy with the current situation: relaxing vacation. is unplanned; whenever restrictions guest (who was ill), and we informed fireworks. at poolside for Christmas Day. “We do have a few guests on and Jetwing Pavilions will also be are implemented, they come with the PHI (Public Health Inspector) The New Year’s Eve bash is going off, but usually, December is packed. hosting an extravagant cookie no warning, so guests don’t get the office about them being there, to A charitable gesture to be amazing; guests will get to We have a hard time getting guests evening as well as a delicious Christmas is a time to spread opportunity to cancel. “No one really ensure maximum safety of everyone end off their year with a luminous because we require a quarantine ayurvedic dinner on 21 and 23 love and goodwill. Jetwing wants to make the booking, and involved, we also strongly followed firework display with a renowned certificate from them.” He talked December, respectively. Hotels takes the true meaning because of that, the occupancy has the Government regulations.” He DJ to set the mood, and not to about how bad Jetwing Blue, of Christmas very seriously. gone down drastically, and we still added that they are hopeful that mention, the dinner buffet. the situation Negombo as Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara have to pay salaries to our staff.” She they will be able to reopen again, Stay tuned on their website is both in our an early treat Eliya, will begin the 12 days with also worries about the Government by the end of January, next year. www.jetwinghotels.com and country and for everyone the decoration of the Christmas imposing curfew during 24 and 25 “We believe that we will be able to Instagram @jetwinghotels in the rest of with a tree by the help of the children December, which usually would manage.” Furthermore, he added: for their exciting 12 Days of the world. sweet tooth of the Paynter Home and in be two of the busiest days of the “Normally, this time of the year is the Christmas offers and you’ll get “We usually out there, Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse will year. She looked on the bright side, season. It’s usually busy. This year, to enjoy some of these amazing have a group declared their host a Family Christmas Party, however, stating: “Things are doing there’s nobody, but we really hope events! of Russians okay, we are better off than the rest tourism will pick up by next March/ that visit us for of the world.” Jasper Ocean Villas April.” over two weeks caters for family holidays, so she this time, every year, but because Amaya Lake Thinking of a deals on beverages, and reassured that guests will be in a safe Ideal for this situation: of the restrictions, we are unable responsible holiday with festive spreads on quiet environment, stating: “We only cater ANI Villas to accommodate them, leading to a your nearest and dearest, contemplative evenings are to one party at a time, so it will only The Morning Brunch spoke huge loss in income as well. away from the grind of on offer. From Christmas be immediate family. Our staff also with ANI Villas, Dickwella Resort The underlying theme at all city life? Why not head buffets to festive high tea lodge inhouse, so no one is travelling Manager Dinesh Hewavitharana. these villas is that it is much safer over to Amaya Resorts and spreads to themed cocktail about, which significantly minimises “We’ve been open since March, but for everyone to vacation at a villa Spas in Kandy, Dambulla, nights and food fiestas, the risk of contracting the virus.” we don’t get any business,” he said or Nuwara Eliya? the choices are seemingly despairingly. “We are using this time because of the privacy you are Celebrating a “Merry endless as is the variety of Hoping for the best: Pearl Villa, to finish all our maintenance work in guaranteed. This pandemic has and Masked” festive goodies on offer. the resort so that once business picks affected us all, both mentally and Habaraduwa season should not faze In affirmation of the up again, we can continue to provide physically, and so we all could We spoke to Pearl Villa, you this holiday season. measures taken to ensure guests with a wonderful experience use a much-needed break from the Habaraduwa Manager and Amaya Hills, Amaya the safety of their guests, here at ANI Villas.” He encouraged busy hustle and bustle of the “new Administrator Dinera Theekshana Lake, The Langdale, and Amaya Resorts and guests to come to visit their property. normal”. Why not go ahead and about how they’ve been coping with The Oliphant are ready Spas received the “Safe “We are a private villa. If you stay book yourself a lovely holiday, and Covid-19. “We are very concerned to welcome you with a and Secure Tourism” at a five-star hotel, then you have support local businesses that are about the health and safety of our must-experience lineup compliance certificate no choice but to mingle with other struggling to make ends meet? It’s guests, so we have had to currently of seasonal events, while recently. Five properties guests, which may cause one to the season after all! ensuring you are safe and under the Amaya Resorts contract the virus. At ANI Villas, secure during your much- and Spas, Sri Lanka you come with either a trusted group deserved holiday. umbrella i.e. Amaya of friends or your family. It’s very With the promise of Lake, Dambulla; Amaya ideal for this unforeseen situation.” A safe and bringing the flavours of Hills, Kandy; Amaya He told us that they already have Christmas to your hearts Beach, Passikudah; secure festive while striking the right Langdale Resorts and balance between the Spa, Nuwara Eliya; and traditional and the modern, the Oliphant Bungalow, season with Amaya Resorts and Spas Nuwara Eliya were thus has organised theme certified by the Sri Lanka nights, competitions, Tourism Development prizes, and surprises Authority (SLTDA) to make your year-end following a stringent Amaya getaway truly memorable. audit conducted by The Hill Capital of KPMG Sri Lanka. Kandy, Dambulla in Call 0114 767 the cultural triangle, 888/0114 767 800, Resorts or the cool climes of WhatsApp 076 513 Nuwara Eliya, whichever 7864, or visit www. Bentota River Villa location you choose, amayaresorts.com for and Spas themed food nights, great more details. the morning 7 Thursday, December 17, 2020 sports

As Asia Rugby announces 2021 Calendar... SLR laments over lack of sponsorship for juniors Asia Rugby (AR) confirmed this week the commencement of 2021 competitions, with Hong Kong hosting the Asia Rugby Women’s Championship which was initially scheduled for 2020.

The Championship will also be considered as the qualifiers for the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) 2021 scheduled for September 2021 in New Zealand. Sponsoring juniors a challenge: Illyas Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Head Rizly Illyas, elated to find the new year Asian rugby calendar, said: “We will take part in the Asian Men’s and Women’s 7’s but will struggle with the junior tournaments as we have no confirmed sponsors so far.” He further added yesterday (16): “We trust that with the new policies adopted by the Hon. Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa, our current sponsors would give the much-needed support for our junior national teams as they are our feeder base to the national squad, both 15’s and 7’s . “In our discussions with the Hon. Minister, he The Asian Rugby 2021 Calendar has requested us (SLR) to speak to the current * From 31 March to 6 April: sponsors to further support and strengthen the Asia U-19 Boys XV-side (SL, Taipei, junior national teams, and look for new partners Korea, and Hong Kong) as sponsors too. (From 2020 Calendar – Venue to be confirmed) “Our juniors are the backbone of our senior * From 26-29 May: sides, under the new SLR regime and the Asian XV-side men (SL, UAE, Philippines, watchful eyes of the National Sports Council. and Singapore) We have the benchmark that our teams always At Racecourse, Colombo win medals, raising the bar of our rugby profile * 21 and 22 August: in the Asian region.” Asia 18 Boys 7’s (Venue to be confirmed) Asian Sevens in August * 28 and 29 August: The AR said this week that the WRWC 2021 Asia 7’s Men and Women 1st leg qualifiers will feature Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, In Korea * 11 and 12 September: and Japan with the winners being awarded Asia 7’s Men and Women 2nd leg Asia’s direct spot into the event. They will be In China placed in Pool “B” alongside Canada, the US, The iconic Asia Rugby Seven Series is scheduled over three legs in South Korea, China, and Sri Lanka from August 2021 * 25 and 26 September: and Europe (1). The iconic AR Sevens Series is Asia 7’s Men and Women 3rd leg scheduled over three legs to be played in South on 31 March 2021. It will serve as the pathway work closely with the AR Player Welfare and Asia Rugby (AR) President Qais Al Dhalai In Colombo Korea, China, and Sri Lanka from August to to the Junior World Trophy 2021, featuring Medical Committee and relevant stakeholders to has said: “We are very excited about the return * In October (dates to be confirmed): September 2021. Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and monitor the updates and effects of the Covid-19 of rugby across Asia.” Asia 7’s U-20 Boys Hong Kong. pandemic, ensuring that the competitions are “Some of our unions have already kicked (Venue to be confirmed) Following all health measures The AR Competitions Committee has been held with all relevant safety measures in place. off their domestic tournaments and it’s the * From 5-13 November: The AR U-19 Men’s 15’s Tournament was engaged constantly with unions in planning the time now for international rugby as well,” Asia U-19 Boys XV-side (SL, Taipei, Korea, Hong Kong) In Colombo postponed from 2020 and it will now commence 2021 competitions calendar and continues to AR Head Al Dhalai’s views Asiarugby.com had quoted Al Dhalai.

Bill Ponsford batting against England at the Oval What happened in the pronounced. Yet he was in a positive frame of Into the in 1934 as ‘keeper Les Ames looks on. He scored a 1934 ‘Timeless Test’ mind on the true, midsummer Oval as he played lot of runs for Australia in the inter-war years and forward, showing the full face of his beloved Past with died in 1990, aged 90 The fifth and deciding Ashes Test was bat ‘Big Bertha’, at that time one of the heaviest played at the London Oval from 18-22 seen in big cricket.” Thilak August 1934. “Timeless Test” meant there was no time limitation for the game and Contributing each other that it was played until one side won. It “Bradman, who had had a 388-run record “Bill Ponsford, Australia’s big-scoring opening happened to be the last and deciding match partnership with Ponsford in the Leeds Test, bat, walked out with partner Bill Brown under of a five-Test series. joined him…Clark and Bowes tested both men the Gasometer at the Oval at Kennington, Scores: with a leg-side field that hinted at ‘bodyline’, London. It was the final of the 1934 Ashes * England 1st innings 321 in 117.3 overs which both had enjoyed bowling in the past. series – the decider with the series square at (Maurice Leyland 110; Hans Ebeling 3/74) The batsmen weathered this style of attack. 1-1, and it was Ponsford’s last Test. He was * Australia (won the toss) 1st innings 701 “Ponsford began placing the ball with his 33 and had been playing for his country with in 171.2 overs (Bill Posnford 266 in 422 usual perfection while seeking late-cuts and distinction for a decade.” balls, Don Bradman 244; Bill Bowes 4/164) drives. Both men were lifted by the assurance Here we go to the famous 2001 Roland * England 2nd innings 145 in 63.3 overs of the other. As usual Bradman’s presence saw Perry biographical book, “Bradman’s Best (Wally Hammond 43; Clarrie Grimmett the scoring rate increase. Ashes Teams”. 5/64) “Bradman was always the centre of attention The young generation today has no other * Australia 2nd innings 327 in 68.3 overs for the crowd and the opposition, as he went specific way than reading these old stories, (Don Bradman 77; Bill Bowes 5/55) about his precision field bisections, which were if they are to continue the great traditions of Australia won by 562 runs to win the meant to disrupt the opposition. This benefitted cricket for tomorrow with true spirit of the game. Ashes 2-1 Ponsford, his confidence grew with the ‘little fella’ at the wicket.” The 1934 ‘Timeless Leeds, respectively. The two teams moved to the Kennington Oval with the series still at stake. Third highest total in Tests “Ponsford, his cap tilted at an angle, was in the “The 300 partnership came soon after tea; mood for a big finish and he was in best form then Ponsford reached 150. The Oval crowd, Test’ at the Oval of his carrier, having scored 181 a month earlier now resigned to the fact that the Test (and the in the drawn fourth Test at Leeds. Everything series) was slipping away from England before zAustralia reached England for the Ashes after playing a one- was in his favour. Captain Woodfull had won their very eyes on day one of a timeless contest, day match against Ceylon at NCC the toss, giving Australia the advantage in a was politely clapping milestones. Bradman Timeless Test. It was Saturday, 18 August. raced through 200, while Ponsford kept his “In theory, the game could go on till Christmas. own pace. Between, they were destroying Whistle-stop match at NCC Bromley making an unbeaten 80. Bertram de Ponsford was just the character to concentrate England. The Australian team played the Ashes in Krester took 3/73. Ceylon got 125/5 by the end hard on the job at hand from the start of the “Ponsford and Bradman made 451 in 316 England from 8 June to 22 August 1934 winning of day’s play. Sargo Jayawickrema scored 56 innings for a day or two. He had proved to be one minutes, a world record for any wicket in a it by 2-1. Donald Bradman scored 758 in while Hans Ebeling got 3/24 for Australia. of the two biggest-scoring Australian batsmen Test (then). There was a surprise; Bradman the series with England, then under Robert Then Australia played their first game in ever, the other being Bradman,” noted Perry. tried to hook a Bowes bouncer and top-edged Wyatt, and were amply helped by the batting England, a two-day first-class match against to ’keeper Les Ames. He was on his way for of Maurice Leyland, who made 478 runs in the Worcestershire from 2 May 1934, almost The full face of his ‘Big Bertha’ 244 in 316 minutes. He hit 32 fours and one series. Hedley Verity took a series tally of 24 a month after their whistle-stop match in “England’s attack was strong. It had pace, six. His last 44 took 33 minutes,” described wickets for England while William O’Reilly Colombo. swing, and variety in its line-up with left-arm Perry on a graphic note, that carries the reader got 28 wickets for the Aussies. quick Nobby Clark, Gubby Allen, and Bill into past that is as long as almost 100 years En route to England by ship, Australia played Ponsford with his tilted cap Bowes. Its fourth bowler, the left-arm spinner prior to now. a one-day single-innings unofficial match Australia had won the first Test by 238 runs Hedley Verity, was the best of his kind in cricket. In reply to England’s 321, Australia had made against Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) on 4 April at Nottingham and England squared the series “Ponsford began watchfully, his crouching their answer with a stunning 701, a lead of an 1934 at the Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) 1-1 in the second Test at Lord’s – winning style – developed in Melbourne, a city that impregnable 380 runs! The Australian total was Grounds in Colombo. Australia, under William it by an innings and 38 runs. The third and produced more wet wickets than any other the third highest in Test cricket that time and The cover of the Roland Perry book “Bradman’s Best Ashes Teams” Woodfull, made 284/6 declared with Ernest fourth Tests were drawn at Manchester and Australian city in the 1920s – seamed more won them the Ashes in a “Timeless” decider. Benzema lifts Real Madrid to top Karim Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao to move level on points at the top of La Liga on Tuesday (15). Real have now won four games in a Not Australian, he is ‘new Indian’ row in all competitions, as they continue to turn their The reception for India Captain Virat Kohli on the ongoing Australia season around. Real Sociedad, tour has been unprecedented; everybody’s talking only about Kohli, Atletico Madrid, and Real and the impact his absence will have on the last three Tests he won’t Madrid are all on 26 points at be playing. The most telling comment has come from Greg Chappell, the top of La Liga. Benzema who has said: “Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer of scored twice to win the game all time.” Kohli’s reaction? “Firstly, I would like to say that I've always for Real, heading in and then been myself. The way my personality and character is – I think it is a drilling an injury-time second. representation of the new India,” he said. Thursday,sports December 17, 2020

The two teams before the final and the LPL trophy Jaffna stallions win LPL 2020 The crucial run-out of Galle Gladiators’ opener Danushka Jaffna Stallions beat Galle 33, Avishka Fernando 27, Johnson Gunathilaka following a mid- Gladiators by 53 runs in the pitch collision with bowler Charles 26; Dhananjaya Lakshan 3/36) Suranga Lakmal. He came to final of the inaugural Lanka Galle Gladiators 134/9 (run rate the final as the tournament’s Premier League (LPL) 2020 6.88) (Bhanuka Rajapaksa 40, Azam highest run-getter with 475 runs last (16) night under lights Khan 36 in 17 – 4x1, 6x4, Shehan in nine games. The batsman could have been recalled by at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Jayasuriya 15, Sahan Arachchige 17; the fielding side by seeing International Stadium in Shoaib Malik 2/13, Usman Shinwari the unexpected nature of the Hambantota. 2/20) collision, some pointed out Result: Jaffna Stallion won by The Jaffna franchise’s triumph is 53 runs considered a huge boost for overall Winner: Jaffna Stallions 2020 LPL Jaffna cricket. At least three original Champions (prize money $ 100,000 northern youngsters represented Jaffna or Rs. 18.6 million) Stallions. Runners-up: Galle Gladiators ($ The LPL 2021 is now scheduled 50,000 or Rs. 9.3 million) for July-August next year. Player of the Final: Shoaib Malik Scores: of Jaffna Stallions ($ 2,500 or Rs. Jaffna Stallion (won the toss) 188/6 467,345) (run rate 9.40) (Shoaib Malik 46, Player of the Series: Wanindu Thisara Perera 39 n.o. in 14 balls Hasaranga of Jaffna Stallions ($ 9896 – 4x5, 6x2, Dhananjaya de Silva or Rs. 1,850,000)

“Australia vs. India” has been one of the Australia vs. India, 1st Test most absorbing Test rivalries. The race for crucial International Cricket Council (ICC) Venue: Adelaide Oval (under lights) World Test Championship points will further Date: From 17 to 21 December enhance the stakes this time. Starting time: 2.30 p.m. local time (9.30 Virat Kohli’s India created history when they a.m. SL time) toured Australia two years ago, claiming the Teams: four-match series 2-1 to register the country’s India XI – Virat Kohli (Capt.), Mayank first Test series victory Down Under. Not much Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar has changed in terms of the visiting team’s Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, credentials this time around, but Australia Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran looks a lot more formidable, specifically in Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, the batting department. and Jasprit Bumrah. Australia squad – Tim Paine (Capt./ Aus stronger this time wk), Pat Cummins, Joe Burns, Cameron Steve Smith and David Warner’s returns have Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, certainly played a role in bolstering them, but Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus equally instrumental to Australia’s rise to No. Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, 1 in the ICC Test Team Rankings has been the James Pattinson, Steven Smith, Mitchell proliferation of other batsmen such as Marnus Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade Labuschagne and Travis Head, both of whom (wk), and David Warner. have established themselves as fine Test players in the last two years. including three centuries. Jasprit Bumrah was Two skippers, Virat And so, the hosts appear a much more Kohli (on left) and Tim the dominant force with the ball, claiming 21 intimidating batting unit than the one that Paine, with the Border- wickets at 17. failed to register a single hundred against India Gavaskar Trophy in 2018/19, even in the absence of Warner for Quotes the opening Test this time. Australia Captain Tim Paine Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins today “Steve Smith and David Warner are two of India won last series the best players in the world. They’ve played India are the defending Border-Gavaskar in lots of Test matches for Australia, lots of big Trophy champions. The Virat Kohli-led team matches, lots of big series. So their experience had defeated Australia in their own den to Can India pull off an encore? not only for me to lean on but for our whole clinch the four-match series 2-1 the last time group has been awesome, and the way they’ve India travelled Down Under in 2018/19. That been around our group for the last 12 months was India’s as well as any Asian side’s first in the same warm-up, Indians had been bowled Kohli to leave after first Test Sharma shared a picture with his fans on has been unbelievably good. So we’re very Test series win in Australia. out for 194 by a second-string attack. Two of the biggest talking points ahead of Instagram from inside the flight with a thumbs- lucky to have them back.” On their third tour to Australia, though, India, With the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh the Test series have been the fact that Kohli up to inform that he is now in Australia. He India Vice Captain Ajinkya Rahane under Bishan Bedi, had managed to register Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon, will be heading home after the first Test for will now be put in a 14-day quarantine as per “We do have a strong attack. We will miss their first Test match win, which came against the challenge will be further amplified. the birth of his first child, leaving reins of the Covid-19 protocol, after which he will be put Ishant Sharma. He is a senior fast bowler. Bob Simpson’s side in 1977 in Melbourne. team in the hands of Ajinkkya Rahane. to another fitness test. But the guys who are here – Umesh Yadav, Before that, India had been thumped in Australia Test country rankings play a part And that Rohit Sharma will miss the first The current Indo Vice Captain needs to clear Navdeep Saini, Mohammad Siraj with Jasprit 4-0 in 1947/48 and 1967/68, respectively. The contest will acquire more importance two Tests and possibly the last two as well, it in order to be in contention for selection for (Bumrah) and (Mohammed) Shami – are all in the backdrop of the ICC World Test unless he is given the green light by the India the Sydney Test starting on 7 January. experienced and they know how to bowl in India’s first pink-ball Test abroad Championship. Australia and India currently team physio in Australia after his two-week these conditions.” The first Test in Adelaide also presents India occupy the top two spots on the points table, quarantine is over. Pujara and Bumrah shone the challenge of playing their first day/night but New Zealand, who just registered a clean last time Series schedule Test on overseas soil. sweep against West Indies, are threatening to Sharma reaches Australia A full-strength India side registered their first After Adelaide, the matches will be played Their bowling attack, which bundled Australia dislodge India. Rohit Sharma reportedly reached Australia series victory on Australian soil with wins in in Melbourne (from 26-30 December), Sydney “A” for 108 in a three-day warm-up match, is Australia are on firmer footing, but their yesterday (16). The Indian batsman had left Adelaide and Melbourne in 2018/19. (from 7-11 January), and Brisbane (15-19 well equipped for the task, but the moving pink dominance on the table could be jeopardised for Australia in the early hours of Tuesday (15) Cheteshwar Pujara was key to India’s January). ball will also ask questions of India’s batsmen – if they slip up in this series. to play the third Test. success with the bat, making 521 runs at 74.42, (With inputs from ICC)