highlights wednesday Trump and 4 november 2020 Latest Edition Caesar: Vol: 09/267 Price : Rs 30.00 Two Men Above the Law In Sports page A6 Jayasuriya re-eligible to involve One Parisian in cricket: ICC infected with Former Sri Lanka captain and star batsman Sanath Jayasuriya confirmed COVID-19 every yesterday that the 2-year sanction imposed on him by the International 30 seconds Cricket Council (ICC) has... A16 page A9

If it can wipe out At Moneragala Prison COVID-19 from SL Ready to sacrifice myself Inmate Killed in to sea – Pavithra By Gagani Weerakoon and Methmalie Clash With Jailors Dissanayake Badulla Prisons Director Moneragala Police carrying Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, yesterday (3) told Parliament that she is to probe incident out separate investigation even ready to sacrifice herself to the sea, if such an act can By Kumudu Upul Shantha attacked by the inmate, the wipe out the COVID-19 & Sanjeewa Bandara- jailor’s arm had broken and he pandemic from the country. Moneragala too had been admitted to hospital for treatment. Story Continued on page 2 An inmate was killed and a When contacted, Prisons jailor sustained injuries yesterday Commissioner General, (3) during an altercation between Thushara Upuldeniya said he rd jailors and an inmate at the has already appointed the 23 COVID-19 Moneragala Prison. Badulla Prisons Director to Tensions had flared up when probe the incident. an inmate hurled a rock at a He said the Moneragala Police death reported jailor, injuring him. In response were also carrying out a separate to the incident, two other jailors investigation. By Dilanthi Jayamanne had allegedly assaulted the Upuldeniya added the inmate and the latter had deceased had been regularly The 23rd COVID-19 death was reported with the succumbed to injuries. imprisoned over various crimes death of a 61-year-old resident of Colombo 15, on 2 Sources said, when the jailor When the incident had assaulted the inmate. and maintained that the victim November. had gone to open the prison cell escalated into a heated argument According to sources, the had also flouted prison The post-mortem examination has revealed that where the inmate had been between the two, the inmate had prisoner had succumbed to his regulations. she had suffered from fever, cough and throat housed last morning, the latter got hold of a rock and attacked injuries after being admitted to The deceased has been infection, and that the cause of death was likely due had berated the jailor for the the jailor. Then two other jailors, the Moneragala Hospital. identified as 42-year-old Upul to infection in the lungs. delay in opening the cell. who had come to the cell, had They added that on being Nilantha, a resident of Ampara. Previously, the 22nd COVID-19 death was recorded with the death of a 68-year-old woman who died at a home in Jampettah Street in Colombo 13 on 1 November, the Government Information Department said. Parliament okays Parliamentary Council Set up committee mandatory qualifications Story Continued on page 2 Devananda appointed to prevent further to be a doctor PM’s representative spread of COVID-19 By Gagani Weerakoon and – Anura Kumara Sudarshana Methmalie Dissanayake Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda, By Gagani Weerakoon and Churna to save A regulation under the Medical was appointed to the Methmalie Dissanayake Ordinance to make it mandatory to obtain Parliamentary Council COVID-19 patients? two credit passes (C) and one ordinary (PC) as the Jathika Jana pass (S) in the GCE Advanced Level representative of the Balawegaya (JJB) By Gagani Weerakoon Biology stream to become a registered Prime Minister, the Leader Anura and Methmalie doctor under the Medical Council of Sri Prime Minister’s Office Kumara Dissanayake Lanka was passed yesterday (03) in stated in a Media Dissanayake Parliament. release, yesterday (3). yesterday (3) State Minister, Professor Another regulation under the Ordinance A proposal was proposed a Channa Jayasumana, was passed on the same day amidst mooted by Premier committee to be set yesterday (3), said in Parliament objections from the Jathika Jana Mahinda Rajapaksa and approval of up to discuss steps that he never proposed the use Balawegaya (JJB) Leader Anura Kumara Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had to be taken to of Ayurvedic medicine Dissanayake, who suggested that the... been received. prevent the COVID- ‘Sudarshana Churna’ in the 19 outbreak, rather form of a syrup, tablets or than debating the capsules in State hospitals Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 matter in practising Western medicine, to Parliament. prevent COVID-19. 18 Members WB congratulates Participating in the debate on two In response to a question raised by Samagi Jana Regulations of the Medical Ordinance, Balawegaya Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva, appointed to Committee SL on handling Dissanayake said by setting up a Jayasumana said, “I only said Sudarshana Churna on Public Finance committee, both the Government’s and could be used in the form of a syrup in Ayurvedic COVID-19 Pandemic the Opposition’s proposal to prevent the hospitals. I never said it could be used as a Western Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena pandemic could be taken into medicine. yesterday (03) announced the names of the At a meeting with Prime Minister Mahinda consideration, adding that it would... 18 Parliamentarians who have been Rajapaksa yesterday evening, World Bank Story Continued on page 2 appointed to the Committee on Public Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal Story Continued on page 2 Finance of the first session of the ninth and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, Parliament. commended the Sri Lankan Government for Over 100 stranded whales Ministers Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, its dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. Sajith questions Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, Keheliya Expressing “deep gratitude for the on Panadura Beach rescued Rambukwella, Susil Premajayantha, D.V. relationship” that Sri Lanka and the World delay in purchasing Chanaka, Vidura Wickramanayaka and Bank share, Hadad-Zervos congratulated Three Pilot Whales Dr. Sarath Weerasekera and MPs Anura the Prime Minister “not only on the election ventilators Priyadharshana Yapa, Vijitha Herath, victory but how Sri Lanka has managed the By Gagani Weerakoon and Dilan Perera, Dr. Harsha de Silva, pandemic.” Methmalie Dissanayake die battling waves President’s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran, “We wish you a speedy exit from this Chaminda Wijesiri, Hesha Withanage,... situation,” he said. He was accompanied... Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, By Faadhila Thassim and Paneetha yesterday (3), questioned in Parliament Ameresekere Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 as to what steps had been taken by the Government to increase the number of Three Pilot Whales were reported dead while ventilators and other healthcare authorities and locals joined to rescue over 100 Pilot facilities to contain the second wave of Whales stranded off the coast of Panadura on 2 SLAF Commander assumes office the COVID-19 outbreak. November. Participating in the debate on two Marine Biologist Asha De Vos said, the Whales were The 18th Sri Lanka Air regulations of the Medical Ordinance, within the surf zone and since the waves kept Force (SLAF) Commander, Premadasa said although the Opposition breaking, the Whales could not get beyond that, and it Air Marshal Sudarshana warned about the possibility of a second was also evident that the animals were weakening. Pathirana assumed duties in wave of COVID-19, the Government did Pic by Akila Jayawardena his new portfolio at the SLAF nothing but mock them. headquarters yesterday (03). "We warned about this since March. After the handing over of When I spoke about it in Parliament, the the baton by outgoing Air Government only slung mud at me. Force Commander, Air Chief Their priority was passing the 20th Marshal Sumangala Dias on Amendment, not the well-being of the 2 November, the new people," he stressed. Commander assumed “Since March, this Government has duties. not bought a single ventilator. They did Later, the new Air Force not buy quality polymerase chain Commander addressed all reaction machines as well. We proposed the officers of the SLAF. to provide free face masks to people.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 wednesday 4 november 2020 news COVID – 19 pandemic Basil’s return augurs well for politics Minister of Environment Rajapaksa if he were to However, Amaraweera Mahinda Amaraweera said if re-enter the Legislature. opined that he was still not Police officers former Minister Basil Amaraweera was speaking certain whether there were Rajapaksa were to re-enter at a Media briefing held at his any plans within the Parliament it would augur Ministry yesterday (3). Government to allow well for local politics. Meawhile, he was asked as Rajapaksa to be sworn in as infected rise to 179 He said the Sri Lanka to the reason behind the an MP. He added that in any Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) decision taken by SLPP case, the process of swearing By Chamara Amarasuriya infected with the fatal illness Already, 175 Police officers Parliamentary group would National List MP Jayantha in an MP was long drawn and has increased to 179. from the Western Province are welcome the return of Ketagoda to resign. cannot be done overnight. The National Centre for the The Centre said, 23 STF in the quarantine programme Prevention of the COVID-19 personnel from its Rajagiriya while another 1,238 are Pandemic said, the total camp had also contracted the presently undergoing number of Police officers Virus. self- quarantine. Ambassadors Collective praise President over non-aligned stance Devananda opens fish processing facility The Ambassadors Collective the stance taken by the Sri signed by Chairman Sarath issuing a communiqué Lankan President to maintain Wijesinghe PC, Co-Secretary Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, on 1 pertaining to the recent visit to non-align relations with all Consular General John November, opened a fish feed manufacturing, fish sorting the country of US Secretary of nations was praiseworthy. Wijesinghe and Envoy and fish freezer plant in Jaffna. The plant’s capacity State Mike Pompeo states that The communiqué was Lakshman Mendis. includes sorting out crab, cuttlefish and prawns to the export market and will provide direct employment to 300 youth. Further, the plant has the capacity to sort and pack 2,000 kilogrammes of fish for export, daily. Isurupaya temporarily closed for disinfection Devananda, speaking on this occasion, said due to the plant’s freezer capacity, the operators of this plant these By J T de Silva premises will remain closed until further notice. days should buy their fish currently being sold at The move comes after COVID-19 positive subsidised prices, store them and sell them at a profit, The Education Ministry said Tuesday that case was detected at the ‘Isurupaya’ with a particular focus on the export market on those ‘Isurupaya’ building was temporarily shut down building, Kapila K. Perera, Secretary to the days when the fish harvest is lean. (PA) for disinfection. According to the Ministry, the Ministry said.

Continued from page 1 18 Members appointed... Sajith questions... Devananda...

... Isuru Dodangoda, Anupa Members to appoint the But the Government neglected that too. As per the 20th Pasqual, Sahan Pradeep Withana Chairperson to the Committee at Now, the Health Minister says they follow the Amendment, the PC would and Professor Ranjith Bandara the Committee meeting was World Health Organization. But when it came comprise the Prime were appointed to the Committee passed in Parliament on the to disposing the remains of COVID-19 Minister, Opposition Leader, on Public Finance. same day. victims, the Government, as usual, played Speaker, and The proposal made by its (GW and MD) their race-card, by cremating the remains of representatives appointed Muslims. They divided the people by doing by the Premier and so,” Premadasa said. Opposition Leader. We as the Opposition will give our fullest EPDP Leader Devananda support to the Government if they come up contested the 2020 General Sudarshana Churna... with a proper plan without any Election on the Sri Lanka discrimination, he pledged. Podujana Peramuna ticket. This medicine is still being Gunasekara. However, for this to researched and it has not been be used as a Western medicine, distributed yet. It cannot be there are several steps which given to COVID-19 patients who have to be followed. If it receives are receiving treatment in State clinical approval after those hospitals practising Western steps, then I can intervene as the Parliament okays... medicine at the moment,” he State Minister,” he pointed out. said. Participating in the discussion, ... Resolution should be added to the to amendments prior to passing of the Dissanayake and that the Resolution “Research regarding the State Minister of Ayurveda, Sisira Ordinance allowing it to be subject to second Resolution. should be passed at the Committee on Sudarshana Churna was Jayakody, said the Sudarshana amendments yearly. Therefore, he However, Leader of the House and Parliamentary Business. conducted by Professor of the Sri Churna could be used only in further suggested that the matter Minister Dinesh Gunawardena pointed Recording the objection raised by Jayewardenepura University Ayurvedic hospitals at the should be referred and discussed at the out in Parliament that the Government Dissanayake, the two resolutions were Medical Faculty, Duleeka moment. Consultative Committee and made open does not see eye to eye with passed in Parliament.

Set up committee... WB Congratulates...

... give an opportunity to committee, so that everyone the Virus as well. This means ... by the World Bank the current outbreak Studies have shown that everyone, to actively could give their support to the that the Virus is active among Country Manager for situation is under control: seeing a location in a movie participate in the decision- authorities in this critical those who are in active service Maldives and Sri Lanka, Economic development, or television can have a making process regarding the time,” he said. and who travel. If this spreads Chiyo Kanda. roads, drinking water, significant impact on the prevention of the current “Furthermore, COVID-19 to the elderly population and The Sri Lankan delegation sanitation and agriculture. number of tourists visiting COVID-19 outbreak. which is an invisible enemy those who suffer from other thanked the World Bank for In the area of agriculture, that location. One of the “This is a matter of national has now entered the illnesses, the situation will be the many years of close the two delegations explored most successful examples of importance. Therefore, we Parliament as well. A Police more dangerous,” he noted. cooperation and assured how farmers could be more film-induced tourism is New should not waste our time by officer attached to the Dissanayake also requested that the new government will empowered to produce Zealand after being featured blaming each other in Parliament and two Parliament the Government not to pass continue that relationship. It value-added products that in the The Lord of the Rings Parliament. Health authorities correspondents have tested Gazette Notifications in a also appreciated the Bank could be marketed trilogy. and the military have positive for COVID-19 and hurried manner. for the various assistance internationally as uniquely Prime Minister Rajapaksa controlled the outbreak to a several close contacts of theirs “There is no need for that. programmes during the Sri Lankan brands. The said the Ranminithenna Tele certain extent now. If it breaks are being quarantined now. Such Laws could be passed pandemic. The World Bank World Bank Country Cinema Village was establish down, the country will be end Apart from them, about 150 after discussing about them was the first donor agency to Director highlighted Sri — during his presidency — up in a disaster. That is why I Police officers island-wide after summoning an Advisory come forward with Lanka’s Ayurveda sector, with film tourism in mind. am proposing to establish this have also tested positive for Select Committee,” he said. assistance when the noting that there is a great However, it was not put to pandemic first broke out international demand for good use during the past few early this year. Ayurvedic products. years. While there are The Country Director said Another area that was examples of some popular the World Bank will assess discussed was film tourism. films shot in Sri Lanka — 23rd COVID-19... how best to support Sri With a very well-developed such as The Bridge on the Lanka and to “see how we tourism sector, Hadad- River Kwai, Indiana Jones The Department, quoting the The virus had developed into a most vulnerable are those with can turn this crisis into an Zervos said a possible next and the Temple of Doom and Epidemiology Unit in a release, pneumonia condition, he said. non-communicable diseases opportunity.” step for countries like Sri Water — there is a lot of said a PCR test carried out Dr. Gunawardhana added this and the elderly. Asked about Sri Lanka’s Lanka to increase tourism potential for growth, the two during the post-mortem had was the 22nd COVID-19 death He explained that COVID-19 priorities, Prime Minister even further is to attract the delegations agreed. The detected the virus on the in the country. could not be taken as the cause Rajapaksa responded by entertainment industry Prime Minister expressed a remains of the deceased. Meanwhile, the JMO of the of death for the 27-year-old pointing to several key from around the world to keen interest on further Earlier, a member of her family National Institute of Infectious who committed suicide. “His sectors the Government use Sri Lanka as the collaborating with the World had been diagnosed with the Diseases (NIID) and the death could not be counted as would like to priorities after location for productions. Bank in this area. Disease, while the remaining Colombo East Teaching a COVID-19 death. However, family members had been in Hospital, Dr. Channa Perera precautions were taken to home quarantine. said COVID-19 deaths could cremate his remains according Director General of Health occur either due to direct to the international regulations Services (DGHS), Dr. Asela complications of the disease or as the virus was present in his Gunawardhana said the death due to aggravations caused by body and was detected during Ready to sacrifice... had occurred due to direct the virus to an illness a patient the autopsy carried out in complications of COVID-19. was already suffering from. The Panadura.” Starting the debate on two country from COVID-19,” 2023 and that US$ 35 Regulations of the Medical she said. million from it has been Ordinance, she said many In her reply at the end of allocated for the health people sling mud at her the debate, Wanniarachchi sector. Another US$ 22 using images of her engaging said the delay in amending million will be spent to Three Pilot... in a religious activity to the Quarantine and develop healthcare facilities invoke blessings, to curb the Prevention of Diseases as well, she said. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard pod of Whales to the sea. animals upright but it was hard pandemic. Ordinance was a result of “We have set up 25 centres (SLCG) personnel attached the Volunteers and neighbours in as the waves were tossing both “The Opposition slings the Government wanting to to conduct PCR tests. About Coast Guard Station, Panadura, the area provided jet skis and lit the animals and the rescuers. mud at me, saying that I am obtain advice from medical 8,000 daily PCR tests are noticing a stranded pod of ‘Pilot the beach area with vehicle She added, some of the going to sacrifice myself to experts. being conducted islandwide Whales’ beached on the mounted floodlights to assist the Whales were wounded, as they the sea. According to legend, “Provisions of the at the moment. In Sri Lanka, Panadura shore, and notified the rescue mission during the night were being bashed about on the this country has the Quarantine and Prevention COVID-19 deaths have been Navy, the Department of Wildlife hours instrumental for returning rocks and the sand. blessings of Gods. I do my of Diseases Ordinance are controlled to a significant and the National Aquatic the Pilot Whales back to sea. De Vos further said, while the best these days to prevent applied to the whole country. extent. It is puzzling as to Resources Research and There were public concerns, reason for such a stranding is this pandemic as the Everyone should understand why about 60 per cent of Development Agency, after the Whales were mishandled, to yet to be assessed, scientists Minister in charge. Apart that the term public places patients are not showing any which a team of SLCG rescuers which De Vos updated her social assume that whales get from that, I have received in the Ordinance means symptom of the illness. We with the assistance of other media handle stating, they had stranded because of their highly many invitations to outdoor public places,” she have controlled the situation stakeholders and volunteers not been mishandled as the social nature and if one stays too participate in religious said. in the Gampaha District and continued the coordinated Whales breathe from their close to the coastline and gets activities to bless the Furthermore, she said the we hope that the islandwide rescue mission into the night blowholes that are located at the pushed onto the beach by the country at this difficult time. Government has received situation can be brought despite raging waves and top of their heads, therefore the waves, there is a high chance I am ready to sacrifice myself US$ 128 million as a loan, under control soon,” she currents, in order to return the rescuers had tried to keep the that the others would follow. to the sea to protect the which should be spent until said. news wednesday 4 november 2020 A3 Identifications to be used as curfew passes Used sleepers for By Thameenah Razeek should be used only for official and selected food outlets in purposes. curfew-imposed areas will be Employees of 102 State, “Police personnel at allowed to operate delivery non-State institutions, checkpoints have been services and representatives of electric fences corporations and media instructed to allow staff the outlets should obtain institutions are allowed to use members of ministries, permits through the respective By Thameenah Razeek km of electric fences and The Cabinet has proposed their official identity cards as statutory institutions, Divisional Secretaries. DIG secure fences along with to utilise removed railway curfew passes, while lawyers corporations and media Rohana said that supermarket The Cabinet has approved elephant retention centres sleepers for this purpose. can use their office establishments to commute to chains and Sathosa will be the use of removed railway have been planned to be The Cabinet has identification card (ID) or the work,” he said. allowed to operate 15 delivery sleepers to set up secure constructed. consented to the combined National ID when in uniform DIG Rohana urged those vehicles each, adding that the electric fences to minimise Although timber posts are proposal furnished by the and while heading to Court given special permission to operators must follow the the human-elephant being used to fix these Minister of Wildlife and proceedings. adhere to government health health and safety guidelines conflict. fences at present, the Forest Conservation and the Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith and safety guidelines and issued by the Government. Approximately 4,500 elephants constantly knock Minister of Transport to use Rohana yesterday (3) said measures taken to ensure the Selected food outlets and kilometres (km) of electric them down and using already used and removed lawyers can also use the ID smooth functioning of the pharmacies will also be fences have already been concrete posts is beyond a sleepers of the Department given to them by the Bar State mechanism and also allowed to operate delivery put up in the 133 Divisional practical approach due to of Railways to the Association of Sri Lanka. He essential services. services during the curfew Secretariats in 19 Districts difficulties in renovating Department of Wildlife warned that these facilities Meanwhile, supermarkets period. while approximately 1,500 them. Conservation, free of charge.

Hotline 1981 Apple Watte Construction Second Phase begins On-the-spot Operations Centre to deal with environmental complaints By Eunice Ruth directed to the relevant organisations, to take immediate action in this regard. The Central Environmental Authority “After the amendment of the (CEA) has set up a special Operations Environment Act, we have planned to Centre to attend to and investigate punish those who destroy the environment-related complaints environment,” said Jayasinghe. immediately, said Director General of Meanwhile, the CEA has decided to the CEA, P.B. Hemantha Jayasinghe. extend the validity period of Jayasinghe said the hotline of the new Environmental Protection Licences operations centre is 1981 and that the (EPLs) and Scheduled Waste Construction work on the second phase of the Apple Watte Housing Scheme at Maligawatta commenced yesterday (3) on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and with the involvement of State public will receive a 24- hour service Management Licences (SWMLs) expiring Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa. These houses will be provided to needy families living in low-income settlements. A total of from the centre. The Complaints during the period of the quarantine 700 housing units with 550 square feet per house will be constructed in this apartment complex Management Unit and Investigation curfew, by another three months. This Unit will work together to minimise and is applicable for the industries operated prevent environmental issues, he with a valid EPL or SWML in the added. Colombo and Kalutara Districts. The He said the operations centre includes EPL was issued under the Wholesale trade Injustice caused to 2019 A/L candidates the Environment Police, the Department Extraordinary Gazette Number 1533/16 of Wildlife Conservation, the Forest and the SWML is issued under the Conservation Department and other Extraordinary Gazette No. 1534/18. Economic JVP seeks UGC’s environment related authorities, and However, the Licenceholder shall also the regional officials of the CEA. comply with the norms and conditions This centre will conduct immediate mentioned in the expired EPL or SWML centres in WP intervention raids on the complaints received by during the extended three month The JVP submitted a letter to the University Grants connecting its officers with the period. Also, this permission will be to re-open Commission (UGC), urging them to look into injustice caused to operations room. solely used only by the licenceholder to students who sat for the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination Jayasinghe said officials of this centre whom the respective licence is issued By Buddhika Samaraweera under both the old and new syllabuses. will update all the complaints received and cannot be transferred to anyone in The JVP said due to discrepancies in the two syllabuses, the to a database and the issues will be any situation, stated the CEA. The Government has decided to re-open dreams of scores of students aspiring to seek university closed economic centres in the Western education have been shattered. Province, for wholesale trade, in accordance Hence, the JVP urged the UGC to intervene in the matter and with health regulations. sort it out, to ensure a bright future for the students. An official of the Ministry of Agriculture said steps had been taken to keep the economic 16 train centres open from today (4), even in the areas where the quarantine curfew has been operations resume imposed. BOI and EDB-approved institutions It has been decided not to conduct retail By Buddhika Samaraweera Colombo Fort and Rambukkana trade in these economic centres and to allow Operations may continue two between Colombo Fort and only licensed wholesalers to trade. Despite the cancellation of most Polgahawela, two between Colombo It has also been decided to issue licences for – Police train services in the recent days due to Fort and Galle and two between 15 vehicles to each supermarket and to By Faadhila Thassim the prevailing situation in the country, Colombo Fort and Avissawella. implement a special programme to home- the Railways Department has taken The Department said, only students deliver goods. All institutions approved by the Board of Investment (BOI) steps to resume 16 train journeys. who sit for the GCE Advanced Level Meanwhile, Chairman of the Presidential and the Export Development Board (EDB) are permitted to The 16 will operate on the main, the Examination, their parents and Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty operate without quarantine curfew passes, said Police Upcountry, the Coastal and the Kelani teachers who are on examination duty Alleviation, Basil Rajapaksa, recently said Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana. Valley lines. can board the relevant trains in areas there was no hope of opening retail shops He said guidelines have been issued for institutions requiring There will be four operations between where the quarantine curfew has been during the curfew and steps would be taken to curfew passes. DIG Rohana added that construction services, Colombo Fort and Chilaw six between imposed. home-deliver essential items through fisheries and agricultural operations and other listed industries cooperative shops. could only operate with a curfew pass.

Eye and Nethra channels to continue By Thameenah Razeek academic activities using telecasting English, are to be designed for and broadcasting media. broadcast. Cabinet approved utilisation of the The Cabinet cited distance Cabinet approved the ‘Eye Channel’ and ‘Nethra Channel’ learning methodologies need to be implementation of a series of for the continuation of academic applied to continue educational educational programmes with the activities following the distance activities when the commencement assistance of State and non-State- learning method. of schools is not practical due to the run television and broadcasting Considering the inconvenience second wave of the COVID-19 channels in collaboration with the caused to academic activities in pandemic. National Institute of Education and schools due to the prevailing Educational programmes starting the State Ministry of Educational COVID-19 pandemic conditions, the from Grade Three to 13 in all three Reforms, Open Universities and Government took steps to resume languages, Sinhala, Tamil and Distant Education Promotion.

HRCSL sends recommendations to Health Min, NOC Chief The Human Rights Commission of powers by the proper authority; rather than unfortunate victims Sri Lanka wrote to Minister of vesting the powers of testing to of a virulent virus. Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi and designated personnel; listing the The Commission’s view is these the Head of the National Operation places designated as quarantine discrepancies could be Centre for the Prevention of COVID- centres and the designating eliminated by: ensuring that the 19, Lieutenant General Shavendra authority; clarifying the period of quarantined period is considered Silva on the guidelines on required quarantining; creating a paid or duty leave; ensuring regularising the quarantine receipt system for quarantined financial or any other assistance process. persons including the reason for to the families of those in The Commission has observed quarantine, the place they are being quarantine; the Grama Niladhari that a large number of persons have taken to and the length of isolation; (GN) be immediately informed been sent to quarantine in view of external scrutiny of quarantine when a person is quarantined; the resurgence of the COVID-19 centres, especially by the proper and the vulnerable dependents of pandemic and has received many authority; and prohibiting those the families are left behind due to complaints relating to the process. handling quarantine from informing the quarantine process, for the The Commission is of the view the media of the proposed GN to ensure the provision of all that the quarantine process can be quarantining efforts, exposing those necessary support to vulnerable regularised under the law by: being quarantined to the public persons including alerting the transparency in the delegation of gaze as though they were offenders proper authorities. A4 wednesday 4 november 2020 news

Essential workers reporting to work Mental health well-being of employees Acting IGP issues One third of private sector support investment

Over one third of companies, of whom mental well-being per cent in senior guidelines private sector 50 per cent were and over one-third management, 20 employees captured women and 50 per identifying this as per cent in middle By Faadhila Thassim President’s and Prime Minister’s those listed require their in a recent survey, cent were men. an area where management, 41 Offices, the Attorney General’s employees to report to work, the said it was Collectively, these support is needed. per cent junior or AIGP, C.D. Wickramaratne, Department and all Ministries same guidelines are required to important for companies employ Of the 516 women senior executives, issued guidelines to be followed would be permitted to report to be followed, while written notice companies to invest more than 140,000 that completed the and 24 per cent by essential government work from areas where has to be given to the area in the mental health employees, survey, 6 per cent operational staff. services, semi-government quarantine curfew has been SDIG. well-being of including were in senior However, two- services, corporations and imposed or passing areas where Wickramaratne said it is the employees, due to approximately management, 21 thirds of companies statutory boards, in getting quarantine curfew has been responsibility of Heads of the impact of 85,000 women. per cent in middle have provided some employees from areas where imposed with a work identity institutions or the competent COVID-19. Another key management, 36 form of mental quarantine curfew has been card or National Identity Card authority to ensure that the A report released finding included per cent were junior health and imposed, to report to work. and a letter from the Head of the letters provided to employees or by the International that over one- or senior executives counselling support Guidelines were issued in institution stating the employees their work identity cards are not Finance quarter of men and and 37 per cent to workers. The accordance with a Circular were required to report to work. misused in the event their Corporation on 29 one in five women were operational survey, spanning a issued by the President’s Such individuals will not be services are not essential, October, said this reporting feeling staff. A similar month, was Secretary on 28 and 29 October. provided quarantine curfew adding that legal action will be survey covered distracted or unable breakdown applies conducted from 22 Employees from over 107 permits by the Police and in the instituted against these 1,032 employees to focus due to for male June to 22 July. listed institutions including the event institutions other than individuals. from across 15 large health, stress or respondents, with 6 (PA)

Encroachment on Amarawewa grassland 17 houses vested with homeless 2,500 dairy farming families Samurdhi beneficiaries

By Naalir Jamaldeen ‘Prosperity and Splendour initiated for homeless inconvenienced and Farook Sihan policy of President Gotabaya Samurdhi beneficiaries. Rajapaksa was Beneficiaries were selected By Buddhika cattle to graze. by smugglers for political influence. Seventeen houses commissioned to the from 20 Grama Niladhari Samaraweera When contacted, various illegal Hemapala also said, constructed under the third beneficiaries on 1 November. Divisions in the Navithanveli President of the activities. The at a time when the phase in 20 Grama Niladhari The NHDA had provided Divisional Secretariat Farmers belonging Magampura Cattle Members of the quality of imported Divisions in the Navithanveli Rs 600,000 to each Division including to over 2,500 families, Owners’ Association, Association further milk products has Divisional Secretariat beneficiary family under its Salambaikerni - One and who make a living G. Hemapala, said said the farmers had been reported to be Division by the National housing subsidy Two, Sorikkalmunai – One from the dairy there had been completely lost the adverse for one’s Housing Development programme. and Two, and Central Camp industry in several incidents of grassland due to the health, more than Authority (NHDA) in line The houses were – One and Three. Tissamaharama, are cattle roaming in the activities of the 2,500 families with the “house to you, constructed in lands owned In addition two useful tree facing severe grasslands being smugglers. They said dependent on the future to the country’ by beneficiaries under the saplings were planted near difficulties due to the slaughtered. although the officials dairy industry would concept of the Vision of housing programme being each house. encroachment on the He further said the were informed about benefit if the grassland in buildings constructed it on a number of grassland is properly Amarawewa, which on the grassland have occasions, action was allocated to the had been set aside for also been taken over not taken due to farmers. Proposal to enhance CPC Traditional craftsmen, rural refinery capacity approved Cabinet approved the Currently, the capacity of exchange. proposal presented by the the refinery located at A feasibility study was industries empowered Minister of Power to initiate Sapugaskanda is only conducted in 2010 for the a new feasibility study to 40,000 barrels of renovation and expansion of and Navy. Attention will be raw materials for determine the scope, condensate per day (bblspd), the refinery to increase its The Cabinet granted Even though this paid to the plight of these industries on a technical, operational and and the Corporation refinery capacity up to 100,000 approval to the will take place outside the traditional concessionary basis financial feasibility of the meets only 25 per cent of the bblspd. Subsequent proposal to obtain the formal craftsmen and rural in order for these project for several alternative local demand for refined technological changes in the empty bullet and shell procurement process, industries to empower manufacturers to be proposals to enhance the petroleum products. The field have made it impossible cases and disposed this will follow the those involved. more competitive in existing capacity of the remaining 75% has to be to proceed on the results of armour plates from price matrix approved Accordingly, it is the market. Ceylon Petroleum imported, making a greater that feasibility study. the Army, Air Force by Cabinet in 2017. planned to supply the (TR) Corporation’s refinery. impact on the foreign (TR)

180 quarantine violators arrested – Police More Cabinet decisions By Buddhika 307 vehicles for violating in public places. Samaraweera and quarantine curfew since 4 He said these BY Thameenah Razeek The Cabinet approved the wastage, scarcity and deviation Thameenah Razeek October. individuals, if found guilty proposal to provide from standards, should be DIG Rohana further said in Courts, will be fined The Cabinet decided that the infrastructure with scientific followed. In the 24 hours between legal action will be taken Rs 10,000 or imprisoned activities of the Spices and Allied standards and components Locally manufactured saris for 2 October and yesterday (3) against those arrested, for six months. Products Marketing Board based on an automated Dhamma school teachers morning, 180 persons were under the Quarantine and The curfew was enforced established under Section 2 of centralised methodology on A total of 76,000 saris are arrested for violating Prevention of Diseases as a means to minimise the State Agricultural instructions of the Information required for 2020 to be given to quarantine curfew. Ordinance. public gatherings, to Co-Operations Act, No. 11 of and Communication Technology Dhamma school teachers. Police Media Spokesman, Meanwhile, 73 persons contain the spread of the 1972 should be handed over to Agency, including the completion Cabinet approved the proposal to DIG Ajith Rohana, said 25 were arrested in the past deadly COVID-19 virus. All the Department of Agriculture of the National Fertiliser purchase 76,000 locally vehicles were seized. four days for either not individuals were advised to and the institution should be Secretariat with modern manufactured saris from Lanka Police have arrested wearing face masks or not remain indoors during closed from 27 July 2008. technologies, improving existing Salusala for Rs 182.4 million at a 1,992 suspects and seized practising social distancing curfew hours. The Board is currently under laboratories and strengthening cost of Rs 2,400 per each. the purview of the State Ministry the District level operating and Providing security services to of Development of Minor Crops evaluation system including a hospitals and other institutions including Sugarcane, Maize, field inspection mechanism to be The contract is to be awarded Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, established in collaboration with to provide security services to Concocted views on COVID-19 experiments Clove, Betel Related Industries the Sri Lanka Institute of hospitals and other institutions and Export Promotion. A formal Nanotechnology. The production, under the Ministry of Health for By Kumudu mechanism is required to supply and use of fertiliser must 2020/2021. Cabinet approved Jayawardena fabricated views in society. She said that to date, implement the programmes be handled on a scientific basis contract to provide security In an interview, she said certain elements of the identified by the said State to maintain sustainable soil services to 35 institutions and Professor Nileeka that certain persons were Virus had proved to have Ministry and the proposal made conditions conducive to produce hospitals in the Western Malewige of the Sri striving to circulate originated in Europe. by the Minister of Plantation quality crops for a healthy food Province to Rakna Arakshaka Jayewardenepura concocted views regarding But, Prof. Malewige Industries in this regard was production process. Therefore, a Lanka Limited and the contract University said the recent the recent experiments asserted that it was yet to approved by the Cabinet. proper fertiliser supply chain to provide security services to 26 experiments that they had that a group of scientists be ascertained whether the Other Cabinet decisions: management process with institutions and hospitals conducted into the COVID- from her University had Virus circulating here has Systematic production and appropriate technical procedures outside the Province to L.R.D.C. 19 pandemic should not be conducted into the fast originated in that part of distribution of fertiliser that do not lead to fertiliser Services (Private) Limited. utilised to express spreading pandemic. the world.

Ensure basic facilities for health staff – Harshana By Nabiya Vaffoor there was a shortage of beds and people allocate for this,” he added. understand the overall situation and Abeysena said. were quarantined in houses,” he added. Meanwhile, NIO Member Dr. Anil take action to regulate the economy. If Meanwhile, NIO Member Dr. Nihal When COVID-19 was successfully Nanayakkara further stated that Jayantha, stated that if Sri Lanka is to the economy is to recover, money Abeysinghe, said in a pandemic, suppressed, the Government took the basic facilities for health staff and be completely shut down in light of the should be released to the society under decisions cannot be made in advance. credit for it enthusiastically, but when security forces should be mandatory, situation it is currently facing, it would the leadership of the Government,” he “It is difficult to decide in advance the second wave of COVID-19 went out because if they were affected, the be scientifically correct, but added. that the country will not be shut down. of hand, they blame the public without situation will go out of control. economically it would be necessary to PCR samples taken for testing have a In particular, the safety of the entire any hesitation, said National “Even health workers warn that the think twice. certain temperature at which they have staff, including health officers and Intellectuals Organisation (NIO) pandemic is slipping out of control. “Special attention should be paid to to be kept until they are sent to the doctors, must be ensured, the Member, Attorney Harshana They must provide some basic facilities the fact that the low-income people who laboratory, while some areas are necessary transport facilities provided, Nanayakkara. to the health staff and security forces. are under pressure every day are looking for refrigerators to keep and adequate equipment acquired, or “A lie about the success of COVID-19 Provisions should be allocated for their becoming more and more oppressed. samples, as the capacity of the there is a danger that the work of suppression was socialised by the security. Polymerase chain reaction The Government should intervene laboratories is insufficient, and hospitals will be disrupted in the Government and later the public also (PCR) machine breakdowns have made properly and take basic measures to therefore in the midst of these future,” he added. accepted that lie. As a result, the risk of it impossible to control the disease in a reduce the disparity in revenue circumstances, the authenticity of the They said so while speaking at a COVID-19 was forgotten by the people. timely manner. The Government distribution. Otherwise, the country result obtained cannot be trusted, NIO Media briefing of the NIO on 29 After the onset of the second wave, cannot say that there is no money to will face another catastrophe. We must Member Professor Krishantha October. Column Wednesday 4 November 2020 A5 Resurgence By Padraig Colman virus). Public compliance was not encouraged when Boris For a long time, I have been Johnson’s chief adviser complaining that the West has blatantly flouted the rules been paying little attention to that he had helped to the relative success of Sri formulate. Police and Lanka in dealing with the the Crown Prosecution pandemic. I made this point Service have been handed a again on a comment thread on 225-page dossier urging them YouTube reacting to a GoSL to investigate Dominic video explaining what actions Cummings for allegedly the Government had taken. perverting the course of Most of the comments on the justice, (a crime which could thread were broadly lead to a life sentence) in supportive of the video, of the relation to a statement about Government and of my his journeys to the North-east comment. There was one of England at the height of the glaring exception; someone pandemic. calling himself ‘poorpoor’ who Some individuals and violently abused Sri Lanka, groups of ordinary people will saying that the deaths must always behave stupidly and be higher and being covered recklessly. I heard the story up. Nobody agreed with him that a man who lives in a and his comments seem to housing complex near the have disappeared. A new troll HNB ATM that I use felt some has taken his place, and is symptoms and went to a crowing that we have egg on surgery near the Sampath our faces now that there is a ATM that I use to get himself new surge of cases and we tested. He had to wait a few should be embarrassed about days for his result and, rather our boasting. than staying at home, went to the Cargills branch that I use Deaths increase and several other shops that I It seems to be a very odd use and had a jolly time thing to find joy in Sri Lanka’s visiting friends. In the UK new outbreak of the virus. I there were horrendous images take no joy in the fact that of people crowding into Soho nearly 100,000 people are The second wave appears more virulent and dangerous pubs and onto beaches. catching COVID-19 every day Many if not most ordinary in England, and the daily Upul Rohana, President of have brought the virus with people try to do the best for number of deaths is 350. I the PHIA (Public Health them. Why were they brought themselves and others. It was worry for friends and family in Inspectors’ Association of Sri in? not conducive to public the UK. I had been hoping to Lanka), said the spread of Why did Brandix issue the discipline for the golf club of visit. A much-loved family COVID-19 in the CMC bold statement: “Brandix does the Irish Parliament to break member died in the early days (Colombo Municipal Council) not have the authority to the rules. It was not conducive of the epidemic. More Sri area was ‘slightly out of Sri Lanka’s new clusters operate a private aircraft in & to public discipline to allow Lankans have died in the UK control.’ Dr. Ruwan out of India!” when it is well- Cheltenham races to go ahead than have died in Sri Lanka. Wijayamuni, Chief of the were first found in a known that Brandix CEO, and then give the woman, Timothy Snyder, the CMCPHD (Colombo Municipal Ashroff Omar, is on the Board Dido Harding, responsible for distinguished American Council Public Health garment factory in of Directors of SriLankan that decision an influential historian, pointed out that Department), denied that the Airlines and Brandix admitted role in dealing with the more Americans have died of COVID-19 situation in the Minuwangoda but the on 7 October, “We operated pandemic. It was not the virus than were killed in CMC area was “somewhat out three chartered flights from conducive to public discipline Vietnam: “COVID-19 has of control”. Visakhapatnam, India and the to allow rules to be flouted killed more Americans than Sri Lanka’s new clusters infection of a fish market in aircraft chartered belonged to during the Thondaman the Wehrmacht, or the were first found in a garment SriLankan Airlines.” funeral. Apparently, medical Japanese imperial Army, or factory in Minuwangoda but Peliyagoda, where large If Brandix followed the professionals concede that the indeed any other battlefield the infection of a fish market recognised Government holding of mass rallies for foe. We endure the equivalent in Peliyagoda, where large numbers of traders, buyers protocols, “under the Parliamentary Elections in of 9/11 every few days. This numbers of traders, buyers supervision of the respective August resurrected the virus. time, though, Americans took from restaurants and from restaurants and PHIs”, why does the PHIU decisions that killed individual customers buy deny participating? AG calls for Brandix horrendous numbers of other each day led to a wide spread individual customers buy to be investigated Americans.” of the disease. Bad examples for the each day led to a wide people Sunday English paper New COVID-19 cases Brandix reported that the State The total number of COVID- I wrote about the Brandix spread of the disease In the UK, Boris Johnson intelligence agencies 19 cases reported in Sri Lanka situation in these pages on 15 recently suggested that the conducted a thorough check rose to 10,105 on 30 October October. Brandix issued a reason the virus was spiking on Brandix operations and and the 20th death was number of statements denying was because, “everybody got a that their findings, reported to reported. A report issued by allegations that were bit, kind of complacent and President Rajapaksa, were the National Operation Centre circulating on social media. blasé”. This is the man who “extremely damning”. Attorney for the Prevention of COVID- On 7 October, a statement was boasting about not General Dappula de Livera 19 said that, as of 29 October, said, “no parties from India or wearing a mask when he directed acting IGP C.D. there were 5,731 new cases, any other country have had journalist but I can analyse admit to bringing Sri Lankan visited NHS hospitals, who Wickramaratne to investigate 2,908 were identified from the access to the facility during statements and balance one workers from India? The issue was proud of shaking hands the COVID-19 spread from Gampaha District, while this period.” side against the other. Why is not the nationality of the with front line health care Brandix Minuwangoda and 1,584 were from the Colombo I do not have the resources did Brandix deny bringing workers but the fact they were workers (one nurse who met submit an investigation report District. to be an investigative workers from India and then brought in and they appear to him subsequently died of the within two weeks.

Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera Polymath with the Midas touch passes away

The polymath with the Midas touch Analytical Control,and Technical other reliefs, redress for physically seen from this perspective, disability and multifaceted personality known Services, before finally moving on to disabled persons to access all key rights and in particular, inclusion and for his decade’s long peerless and the cosmetics and healthcare industry parts of new public buildings. In these safety through accessibility via the tireless activism on behalf of the as a Director – Senior Manager of cases, the Supreme Court, whilst design of built environments, should rights of the disabled, Dr. Ajith Quality Assurance and Product acknowledging other reliefs, held that be the concern of all instead of the Chrysantha Stephen Perera passed Development. all authorities empowered to approve travails of a few. away on 29 October 2020. Not satisfied with learning from building plans or issue certificates of Born on 29 February 1956, he was “books and men” alone, as the School conformity for public buildings should Needs of the disabled 64 years old at the time of passing. song of Royal College would have it, refrain from doing so in respect of any Perera was also instrumental in the After passing out of his alma mater, he sought to “learn to play the game” new buildings which were in violation establishment of the first Sri Lanka Royal College, Colombo, he pursued by parallelly training and eventually of accessibility related legal Standard for design guidelines in academic excellence, obtaining a becoming a Test Match Panel Umpire requirements - laws and regulations, building construction and the needs Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree of the gentleman’s game. Dr. Perera and that non-compliance constitutes of disabled people in buildings - SLS from the University of Colombo and a also held all offices of the Association a violation of the FRs of equality ISO TR 9527 : 2006. A Justice of the joint Masters in Science from the of Cricket Umpires and Scorers, before the law and equal protection of Peace, he also contested as an University of Colombo and the England. the law, and the freedom of independent candidate at the August University of Birmingham, England. movement, while State agencies were 2015 Parliamentary Poll in order to The accident obliged to ensure that those of them champion the cause. Chartered Chemist It was at the peak of his dual who are disabled or with restricted He was also the Founder, Chief He then went on to train careers, at this juncture, that a tragic ability should be given every Executive and Secretary General of professionally in the field of analytical accident that occurred when a large opportunity to integrate freely with the not-for-profit humanitarian chemistry and became a Chartered tree fell onto the vehicle he was the community. service organisation, Idiriya. Chemist (and later a Fellow of the travelling in, killed his driver, and However, his most enduring legacy Being a scholar, he was also the Royal Society of Chemistry, United instantaneously paralysed him waist as the brightest flagbearer of this author of multiple books on Kingdom), specialising in quality down, thus rendering him a most worthy cause would concern his multifarious topics including on assurance (and later a Fellow of the wheelchair bound paraplegic for the expansion of the definition of cricket, accessibility and a biography Institute of Quality Assurance, UK). rest of his life. ‘disabled’ from the term being of his father. Having commenced his professional construed in a narrow sense to attest He was the son of the Founder and career in the academia as an Court cases to a minority afflicted by such, to First Commandant of the Naval and Assistant Lecturer at the Department Undeterred from what might have instead include all living beings, Maritime Academy of Trincomalee and of Chemistry of the University of easily spelled the end for most, and Dr. Ajith Chrysantha Stephen Perera whom at one time or another in their the First Director of Naval Training of Colombo, Dr. Perera then went on to armed with the constant pain of life, would all experience some form of the Royal Ceylon Navy, the late the multinational pharmaceutical personal experience, he then in several landmark Court cases, disability, specifically limited mobility Instructor Commodore M.G.S. Perera manufacturing industry, initially as a voluntarily took on the cause of stands out. Through the public or restricted ability in attending to and the late Maureen Johanna Production Executive, and disability rights. His achievements in interest fundamental rights normal day to day activities, for a Perera. He leaves behind a sister, subsequently as a Senior Manager in this field, are many. Among them, applications - SCFR 221/2009 and short period or a lengthier period or Deepthi C.J. Guneratne. charge of Quality Assurance and being the sole petitioner and advocate SCFR 273/2018 - he sought, among for the entirety of one’s lifetime. When (RLJ) A6 Wednesday 4 November 2020 Editorial

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Take Stern Action Against Curfew Violators As the number of COVID-19 cases climbed drastically and the Divulapitiya and Peliyagoda Trump and Caesar: COVID-19 clusters started spreading to all parts of the island, the Government was forced to declare quarantine curfew, first in selected Police areas and later in the entire Western Province and certain Police areas outside the Western Province. As of 2 Two Men Above the Law November, quarantine curfew was in effect in 118 Police areas, according to Police Spokesman, In their ruthless pursuit of power and self-aggrandisement, both Deputy Inspector General Ajith Rohana. The Police had also taken a large number of Caesar and Trump run roughshod over laws and norms persons into custody for violating quarantine curfew regulations and for failure to adhere to By Brent Ranalli emoluments clause. (So far, lawsuits COVID-19 safety guidelines such as wearing face against Trump on the basis of emoluments masks and maintaining social distance. After the In their extraordinary appetites, and corruption have floundered on the imposition of quarantine curfew on 4 October, a extraordinary ambition and extraordinary question of who has standing to sue. total of 1,812 individuals had been arrested for rise to power, both Julius Caesar and There are so few precedents for the violating quarantine curfew regulations along with Donald Trump exemplify what the ancient Courts to rely on because past Presidents 282 vehicles. Despite the growing number of world called the “great-souled” man. of both parties have been scrupulous to COVID-19 cases and the quarantine curfew, these The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle avoid conflicts of interest, e.g., by placing numbers appear to be on an upward trajectory. was the first to describe the “great-souled assets in blind trusts. Quarantine curfew is not at all a new thing to Sri man.” For Aristotle, to be “great-souled” Both Caesar and Trump are notorious Lankans; just a couple of months ago we survived was the highest virtue. for flirting with extraordinary powers. an islandwide curfew that lasted for around two Though Caesar never claimed the title of months. Even though it was a quite frustrating and Cicero’s doubts king, he achieved kingship in all but name. depressing experience, especially due to the fact Cicero, writing centuries later, was able that the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent to observe ambitious men like Caesar and Breaking taboos quarantine curfew were new things to us at that Pompey and Sulla up close in action. In Caesar even printed coins stamped with time, we somehow managed to stay home, thereby contrast to Aristotle, he was not so sure his image – an affectation of monarchs, contributing to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the that this was the highest virtue. long taboo in Rome. He also allowed country. As a result, cases decreased and the Cicero considered the driving ambition of himself to be worshiped as a God in Government was able to lift the curfew. the Caesarian type to be reckless. In his conquered Eastern Provinces, as well as We suffered, and overcame the first wave of the view, it was not adequately tempered by taking as a consort the queen of Egypt, pandemic. But, unfortunately, now it is back. It the virtue of justice. Cleopatra and fathering a son who would would not be wrong to state that these new COVID- In their ruthless pursuit of power and have a claim to that throne. 19 clusters, which many identify as the second self-aggrandisement, we see in both Caesar Caesar “reformed” the Roman Senate by wave, plunged Sri Lanka into a severe health crisis, and Trump a willingness to run roughshod expanding its membership and packing it and are more dangerous than what we dealt with over laws and norms. with partisans and clients. That Senate, in back in March-May period, or during the first wave. Caesar professed to respect the rights turn, heaped him with honours and In this context, in addition to several other national and privileges of the tribunes, who were powers, including dictator for life. Donald Trump level decisions, the Government imposing the common people’s representatives in Roman Senators were even required to quarantine curfew was with the aim of limiting Roman politics. In fact, defending the pledge to defend Caesar’s life with their people’s mobility and interaction with other people. prerogatives of tribunes was his nominal constitutional power of oversight. own. He demeaned the Senate further in However, to make matters worse, a large number reason for marching an army across the Even after decades of creeping increases large and small ways, like refusing to rise of people can be seen violating quarantine curfew Rubicon into Italy – in defiance of the in Executive power, such a move by the when addressed by a Senatorial delegation. regulations. After the imposition of quarantine Senate. Executive is breathtakingly bold and Caesar so centralised power in his own curfew on 4 October, many individuals were also signals utter disregard for constitutional person that the governorships and taken into custody arrested for not wearing face How Caesar constantly bent checks and balances. For this too, Trump consulships he doled out to loyal officers masks and maintaining social distance, the most the rules was impeached. no longer held any scope for ambition – one rudimentary precautionary measures As for the Judicial Branch no stranger to reason why the plot to assassinate Caesar recommended by health authorities to prevent the However, when it suited Caesar’s lawsuits, President Trump has long held included even long-serving and trusted spread of COVID-19. political purposes (e.g., in raiding the the Court System in contempt. As subordinates. The National Operations Centre for Prevention of public treasury after occupying Rome), he President, Trump has not sought a direct COVID-19 Outbreak, on 28 October, announced was perfectly willing to defy and confrontation with the Federal Courts. Lovers of accolades galore that a decision had been taken to impose manhandle the tribunes himself. But in collaboration with Senate Trump takes personal offence at tough quarantine curfew in the Western Province with When push came to shove, he violated Republicans, he has been busy packing questions at press conferences. His effect from the midnight of 29 October. This sacred tradition by entering the city of the Judiciary with candidates who are advisers strive to outdo each other in decision came after a number of COVID-19 cases Rome under arms. He defied edicts from ideological and sometimes absurdly under- flattering him in televised meetings. were reported from several heavily populated areas the Senate and in other ways placed qualified or otherwise deemed unfit by the At the height of his power, Caesar grew in the Colombo and Gampaha districts. It is after himself above and outside the law. American Bar Association. He is similarly accustomed to fawning flattery this announcement people’s complete and utter presumably counting on the Judiciary to from the Senate (a golden chair, titles, disregard for the law and the gravity of the situation Trump’s way of being above become more compliant over time. honours). could be seen clearly. After this announcement was the law And Caesar, like Trump, turned irate if made,a considerable number of people left the Declaring war on the press he felt the least bit slighted. When Cicero Western Province before the quarantine curfew Although Trump ran in 2016 on a And Trump has declared open war on the praised the late politician Cato in print, came into effect. Some of them had even posted on supposed anti-corruption platform (“drain Press, the traditional “Fourth Estate” of US Caesar took the undignified step of social media about it while leaving for other areas the swamp”), the Trump campaign and the politics, all the while entering into a responding with a pamphlet of his own, for a three-day vacation. Trump administration have been mired in symbiotic relationship with the notoriously slandering the dead man. People not understanding and/or disregarding scandal. right-wing Fox News channel. Similarly, when the tribune Pontus the value of their own life is indeed tragic. Those Close associates of Trump’s have already Trump even went as far as suggesting Aquila remained seated as Caesar passed, who left the Western Province before the quarantine been found guilty of tax evasion, bank the creation of a State-run Media network to show that he was not a party man, curfew came into force did not just put their lives at fraud, lying to Congress, lying to Federal in the US to counter the unflattering Caesar fumed for days afterward, ending stake; they put the lives of everyone they met at investigators, campaign finance violations reporting of the independent media. every decree with a sarcastic “If Pontus risk.On 1 November, the Police announced that 550 and witness tampering. Perhaps most damagingly of all, Trump Aquila will permit it!” persons who left the Western Province have been Trump himself is clearly setting the (un) is continuing to own and control his This is reminiscent of Trump’s identified and that they will be directed to self- ethical tone here. As a businessman, prior business empire even while serving as distributing Federal assistance to States quarantine at the places they are staying currently. to assuming the Presidency, Trump President. This creates practically dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, those who violated quarantine curfew perfected the art of reneging on contracts unlimited opportunities for corruption. Trump said in that context that State regulations have been arrested and their vehicles and stiffing contractors. Governors need to “treat us well,” and have been seized by the Police. Both parties will face He regularly lied to investors and Foreign Governments seeking suggested that Governors who didn’t show legal action in the near future. creditors about his assets and income. US favours him enough “appreciation” should be Those who violate quarantine curfew regulations banks considered him such a credit risk in passed over. are not only putting people’s lives at risk, they are the 1990s that they cut him off, driving It is no secret that foreign Governments Conclusion also blatantly jeopardising the efforts of hundreds him into the arms of Germany’s Deutsche seeking favours rent suites in Trump- of people who work day in day out to rid the country Bank, whose Moscow branch also owned properties, and that influence- The comparison above, points to two of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Police maintained shadowy operations is Russia. seekers of all kinds buy expensive ambitious men who pose a similar menace should continue to identify and take stern action Even more serious: By instructing memberships at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s to republican values and institutions. But against such people. administration officials to defy “Southern White House.” there is also a world of difference between Congressional subpoenas, Trump is This conflict of interest puts Trump in Donald Trump and Julius Caesar. compromising the Legislative Branch’s direct violation of the Constitution’s (www.theglobalist.com) column wednesday 4 november 2020 A7

19A Dual Citizenship ‘Constitutionalism Should Not Lag Behind’

By Dr. C. G. Ilangakoon discrimination and violating question: “What is supreme? The fundamental rights, which are Parliament or the Judiciary? The present theoretical exegesis was prohibited by globally recognised and structured on the basis of the contents indigenously ratified international What is Supreme? of Chapter (3) Article (14: a) of the conventions on human rights. The ruling was given by the late Constitution of Sri Lanka on the Regrettably, the Sri Lankan Speaker Anura Bandaranaike on 20 freedom of speech and expression, constitution has been degraded to June 2001. It shielded Members of including publication such unprofessionalism and the Parliament from any intrusion by the Fundamental Law reduced where Judiciary. On that occasion, the Constitutional text: talented and erudite members of the Speaker had received notice of a Article 91 judiciary are girded with judgmental resolution, signed by the requisite embarrassment, since, the pragmatic number of Members of Parliament It all began with the constitutional juridical practice is to refer to the law from the ranks of the Opposition. They text, which envisaged: Article 91, in an inquest, in the administration of sought the appointment of a Select Clause (1) No person shall be qualified justice before delivering a verdict. Committee of Parliament, to inquire to be elected as a Member of The contextual discrepancy of the into a complaint of misbehavior, Parliament or to sit and vote in constitution is one void, the present against the then Chief Justice Sarath Parliament - Para (d) if he is – Sub Para writer opts to articulate herein. It Silva. The Supreme Court made an (xiii) a citizen of Sri Lanka who is also a demonstrates that the constitution is interim order that sought to prevent citizen of any other country”. A locked in a phraseological battle of the Speaker from dealing with that constitution is convened to guarantee obscurity and terminological resolution, until the Court had heard the sovereignty, which is vested in the ambiguity. The repercussion is the and determined a fundamental rights people. repetition of ceaseless amendments to application, filed before it. Speaker the constitution, the last of it being the Bandaranaike ruled that the Supreme Chapter (1) Article (3) twentieth. It’s high time this statute- Court had no jurisdiction to issue the In the Republic of Sri Lanka, devastation ends with the introduction interim order, and therefore he had no sovereignty is in the people and is of an innovatively inked new legal obligation to comply with it. He inalienable. Sovereignty includes the constitution of discerning freshness relied on section 3 of the Parliament powers of Government, fundamental and rescinding the operative Geetha Kumarasinghe Anura Bandaranaike (Powers and Privileges) Act of 1953. rights and franchise”. Chapter (3) Fundamental Law. Now, if we are to doctrinally digest Article (12) Para (1) enshrines: All totally unfit for the pragmatic needs of provides for an automatic loss of Geetha’s issue, an almost similar persons are equal before the law and Constitutional Normativity the country and amending it with the nationality on a particular ground. As argumentation seems obtaining the are entitled to equal protection of the Who will be entrusted with the forming of each and every new for the second case, the same ground qualifications and the ground to occur: law. The globalised jurisprudential terrific task of framing the new Government. The members of may be adopted as the foundation, but “Can a constitutional provision maxim indubitably elucidates that a constitution? This is an earnest Parliament have neither interest, nor the power is ascribed to competent invalidate a public mandate, granted constitutional context, should it be set question posed by SLPP managers, inclination nor the ability to scrutinise authorities to deprive the individual of in a General Election via franchise? Is in the truth of statutory validity and elected to govern the affairs of the the complicated constitutional texts his nationality. However, regardless of the article (3) in Chapter (1) of the judicial exactitude, its texture ought to country. As of now, the absorbed with pervasion, permeation, the domestic terminology or statutory constitution not operative? Are people comprise no terminological ambiguity, practice when constitution-making penetration and circumspection. Thus, constructions in indigenous law, the not supreme? Is not, the sovereignty of nor interpretative equivocation nor was merely tasking the legal their doctrinal ignorance plus destitute measures, which result in the loss or Sri Lanka vested in the people? Then, textual double-talk. Then, if such luminaries. Hair splitting arguments knowledge of English, compel them to deprivation or self-renunciation or if this argumentation is right, what axiom is trespassed by the and court trials may constitute a be subserviently obedient to the nullification as such, must be qualified was the legal status of Geetha as a constitutional textualism itself, such commendable appurtenance, demands of bureaucratism, finally subject to the relevant international dual-citizen? Is she a person of fundamental law portrays an associated with their vocation. ending up casting the vote for a legal conventional norms and standards. violated rights? If the answer is in the omission, producing a lacuna, the However, inking a constitutional text statute, they do not know. This is affirmative, should her deprived rights non-jurisprudential void of which to govern the whole architecture of the precisely what happens with the An Example be restored and compensated with? commands immediate abrogation of justice administration is a responsible constitutional condemnation of The best example is the actress, such constitution and formulation and and complicating task. nationality plurality. popularly known as Geetha Conclusion institution of a new constitution. The constitution-makers must have Kumarasinghe. By virtue of the Dual citizenship is neither a demon Has this juristical aphorism been three concepts emanating from Citizenship Deprivation provisions in the constitution of Sri nor a blood sucking monster, as some breached in the 19A, It is truly worth existentialism: From the above doctrinal exegesis, Lanka, she was compelled to power-greedy politicians portray it. If glancing at this in the light of the (1) Constitutionalism. what can be discerned is, the presently relinquish her citizenship, though in there is a politician, whom, the people above-stipulated constitutional texts. (2) Existentialism. operative constitution of Sri Lanka has the heart and soul, her burning wish of a country are not ready to vote and (3) Normativism. failed the Motherland. It has violated was to retain the citizenships of both make the executive President, the dual A Contravention Constitutionalism deals with the rights of the people, it was convened to Sri Lanka and Switzerland. The citizenship and its holders cannot bear The constitution of Sri Lanka, in law. Existentialism is for the empirical defend and protect. Now, the task of glamorous actress, turned politician, the responsibility for it. If the general respect of the sovereignty and its reference to nature. Positivism bears the present analysis is to examine one who was elected to Parliament in public feels that the dual citizen is the inalienability, fundamental rights, the pragmatic pertinence to and of the domains, infringed by the UNP August 2015, from the Galle district, best to be made their political leader, it equality of everyone before the law interaction with the society. These are constitutional hypocrisy, to be more on the United People’s Freedom is their voluntary wish. The space for retains, neither judicial incongruence three central pillars, on which, the exact, the realm dual citizenship. The Alliance (UPFA) ticket, was unseated such a wish, in Sri Lanka, has been nor jurisprudential discombobulation. super structure of the constitution has constitution of Sri Lanka indirectly by an Appeal Court ruling. Media provided for by the provisions of the The statutory clarity of it is well to be built. The constitutionalism promotes self-deprivation of reports confirmed that the Court of constitution itself. Introducing adequate of being contented with. Yet, reflects jurisprudence. The naturalised nationality, though it Appeal on 3 May 2017 issued a Writ of provisions, in contravention of the the articles, textualised in 19A appear existentialism refers to ontology. The articulates no empirical initiation of Quo Warranto, disqualifying Geetha norms of the Fundamental Law of the to contravene jurisprudential normativism produces the society- the Government authorities to deprive holding the office as an MP, because country, to deprive politically-popular aphorism and invokes doubt in the effect. If the super structure is not it arbitrarily, through an operation of she enjoyed a naturalised Sri Lanka- and public-mandate-friendly terminology and interpretative lucidity constructed on these three central the network of its state organs or a Switzerland dual citizenship at the personalities, the chance of being of judicial exactitude. pillars, once again, the motherland will coercive court procedure. By enacting time of seeking nomination to enter elected to the Parliament or Presidency revert back to the zero. The zero this anti-citizenship-plurality law, the Parliament. The basis of judgment is a brutal violation of the fundamental 19A Article 91 constitutionality is not the final UNP constitutionalism has not only was provisions, contained in the 19A, rights of that person. Why? The right In what is it reflected? In the 19A destination, the public mandate turned its back to the norms and establishing dual citizens’ rights, to nationality singularity or plurality is Article 91, Clause (1), Para (d), Sub dreamed to win. Hence, the standards, which constrain the described above. The court held: (1) a right, gifted by God with birth. It is Para (xiii) which articulates that a Sri professional community to be tasked discretion of states to deprive and The respondent failed to negate the an existential right. Lankan citizen, if naturalised and should be, not just constitutionalists, withdraw the person’s nationality, but status of Switzerland citizenship (2) Therefore, a fundamental right and obtains a citizenship of another but, constitutionalist-normativists. also degraded and disrespected them. She failed to do same before besides, a human right. At the worst, country, is disqualified to be elected as Only then will the Constitution It is also not clear whether the contesting Election in August 2015 (3) what should be done is, not the a Member of Parliament or sit and vote produce the much needed inter- fundamental right of a child to a The constitution prohibits dual abolition of the right to dual or plural in Parliament. The nomenclature of dependent nexus and operative nationality, born of dual citizenship citizens to enter the Parliament (4) citizenship, but, making the text the 19A, not only distorts, but also equilibrium of the above-said three enjoying parents, has been guaranteed Therefore, Geetha Kumarasinghe context relevant to the needs of the impedes the vertical and horizontal essential domains. or not. could no longer function as a Member country. The mere general pervasion of the original text of the Constitutionalism should not lag There generally are four modes of of Parliament. And she lost her seat, constitutional texts of citizenship constitution across enacted behind. Its advancement must be losing citizenship: (1) self-renunciation voluntarily mandated by the people of attribution or deprivation is not Fundamental Law. With this textual parallel to the march of normativism (2) Ex Lege-automatic loss of the her district. enough, as contained in 19th-A. The contamination the following and metaphysically ontological citizenship by the operation of law (3) Then to contest the 2020 General textual properties must be made constitutional contexts are being existentialism. That’s why the global Active deprivation via competent state Election Geetha abandoned her defence-relevant, security- trespassed: (a) Equality of all before judicial and jurisprudential organs or a court process, invoking a Switzerland citizenship. This dual guaranteeing and the territorial- the law, ascertained by the Article (12) intelligentsia always demand a fifty- stipulation of the nationality law (4) citizenship issue has created a integrity-protecting.The innovation of Para (1), (b) Fundamental rights of five per cent presence of legal experts Citizenship nullification by virtue of seeming “jurisprudential” dispute in the text-content compatibility is the citizens, naturalised with citizenship- in the legislature, the qualified committing acts in violation of the the minds of authentic legal luminaries duty of the constitutionalists plurality. The final result is, all people erudition of the members of which, norms of domestic law: Example- of Sri Lanka and abroad: “is a mandate appointed for the task. are not equal before the law, but only a formulate, amend, revise and rescind fraud. While loss or deprivation covers granted by the people in an Election, discriminatively selected community. laws. It is very unfortunate that Sri two distinct processes, the both leads subject to subsequent amendment, About the writer: Simultaneously structuring a Lanka is devoid of this much needed to the one and same outcome. Then, without an Election, in the absence of Dr. Gamini Ilangakoon is a regulatory architecture for the imperative. The final result of this sine the distinction between the two is not people’s franchise? A similar issue Lawyer, specialising in administration of justice through qua non is making constitutions, clear too. In one case the state erupted before to determine the International Treaty Laws.

Appreciation Tuan Nasoor (Kervey) Dole I am penning this appreciation as interest in sports and social Trainee and subsequently gained Upon retirement he and his wife which took place at the Jawatha a tribute to an erstwhile sincere activities. employment at Holiday Inn, Colombo joined their only daughter Shifani Muslim Burial Grounds amidst his friend and relative of mine, Tuan An amiable, affable and genial in their Accounts Division, where he domiciled In Australia. Shifani close relatives and friends. Nasoor Dole whom we fondly called person, Kervey’s company was liked served for quite a long time. carries on the tradition of her late Kervey leaves behind his ever- Kervey, who succumbed to the Will by all. He had a cheerful and His great passion was to seek father and serves as an Accountant sorrowing wife Ayesha (nee Lye) and of the Almighty on 22 October 2020 pleasant disposition, which greener pastures in the Middle East at Tango Energy Co. She is married daughter Shifani. during this Holy Month of Rabbi-Ul outstanding qualities earned him and his ambition was realised when to Muharriz Jabeer, who is Kervey, you are no more, but your Awwal after a brief illness. much recognition and popularity he received a break as Chief employed at 8Squad (Pvt) Ltd. as fond memories will linger long in Kervey received his early amongst his school mates, Accountant at Algosaibi Cold the Principal Technology our hearts for many more years to education at Carey College, colleagues and friends. He radiated Stores, Jeddah (one of the largest Consultant. come. Colombo and St. Michael’s, happiness wherever he went. and reputed Cold Stores in the Due to the prevailing COVID-19 May you Attain the Eternal Bliss Polwatte, where he excelled in his On leaving school, he joined O.T. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), in which pandemic they were unfortunately of Jennathul Firdouse - Aameen academic pursuits and took a keen David Accountants as an Accounts capacity he served until retirement. unable to be present at the funeral, Rowan Aniff A8 wednesday 4 november 2020 news

Minimum Standards of Medical Education Mahroof Calls on Govt to Pavithra sanctioned Parliamentary approval Consider Burying Muslim By Dilanthi Jayamanne – GMOA Health Minister Pavithra legalise a regulation of the Wanniarachchi sanctioned Medical Ordinance, for which Parliamentary approval for the the GMOA had continuously COVID-19 Victims Minimum Standards of fought. By Naalir Jamaldeen connection. that the Government had not their stance in connection Medical Education, the “It was because of the lack of He claimed that according to paid attention so far in this with the cremation of Muslim Government Medical Officers’ minimum standards for Samagi Jana Balawegaya Islamic religious rites, the connection. COVID-19 victims, Association (GMOA) said. medical education that (SJB) Trincomalee District bodies of Muslim persons He added that the WHO has considering this is an issue of GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal students who did not even Parliamentarian Imran must be buried. recommended that bodies of the entire country without Fernando, said finally the have the relevant Mahroof has made urged He added that no one has persons who died due to the treating it as the problem of 96-year-old Medical qualifications at the General President Gotabaya the authority to cremate COVID-19 pandemic can be an individual community. Ordinance had a legal Certificate of Education Rajapaksa, Prime Minister bodies according to Islam. buried and that based on this Meanwhile, Health Minister regulation in place to Advanced Level Examination Mahinda Rajapaksa and Mahroof said in such a recommendation, many Pavithra Wanniarachchi and strengthen the Sri Lanka to enter medicine enrolled in a Justice Minister, M.U.M. Ali situation, Muslims were countries bury the bodies of Ali Sabry yesterday (3) had Medical Council’s (SLMC’s) medical faculty like the South Sabry PC to reconsider the worried over the cremation of COVID-19 victims, noting stated in Parliament that the ability to insist that any Asian Institute of Technology stance of health sector officials Muslim COVID-19 victims and however, that in Sri Lanka, request of Muslims that the medical faculty that is being and Medicine (SAITM) and over cremating Muslim claimed that several requests the bodies of persons who died authorities must grant set up meets the standards of embarked on a medical persons who die from the had been made to the from COVID-19 were permission to bury the bodies medical education that had degree. Even the Judiciary COVID-19 pandemic. authorities to reconsider their cremated. of Muslim COVID-19 victims been identified by the held that the SLMC did not Mahroof said he has sent an stance and allow Muslims to Mahroof reiterated that the instead of cremating, is being Ordinance. have proper regulations in electronic mail to them in this bury COVID-19 victims but authorities must reconsider examined. Appreciating the Minister’s place to identify minimum effort, he said it had been only standards for medicine, which Minister Wanniarachchi who had led to the students from had taken measures to take SAITM being able to obtain the matter to Parliament and provisional registration from Woman who gave 20 waste containers sanction its approval to the SLMC,” he added. birth, escapes from returned to the UK Former CJ new hospital leaving baby By Naalir Jamaldeen medical observation in an SL Ambassador incubator. A woman who gave birth at The sources added that while and Permanent the Teaching Hospital, the baby was being treated till Batticaloa, escaped leaving the she gained the recommended baby in the Hospital. weight, the mother had Representative to UN The Administration of the escaped from the Hospital. The Government’s proposal Speaker Mahinda Yapa Hospital on 2 November Doctors had been waiting, to appoint former Chief Abeywardane. informed Police Headquarters hoping that she would return Justice, Mohan Peiris PC as Ministers Dinesh in Batticaloa, Hospital to Hospital after visiting her the new Sri Lankan Gunawardena, Johnston sources said yesterday (3). home, but since it didn’t take Ambassador and Permanent Fernando, Douglas They added that a pregnant place, doctors came to the Representative to the United Devananda and Keheliya Twenty containers of waste lying inside the Colombo Port woman, a resident of conclusion that the mother were returned to the UK on 30 October, while another 65 Nations has been approved Rambukwella and Sitthandi, Batticaloa, was had made good her escape. containers are scheduled to be returned on 4 November. The by the Committee on High Parliamentarians Rishad admitted to the Batticaloa Following the complaint Court of Appeal had ordered to return 242 garbage containers Posts. Bathiudeen and Field Hospital on 20 September for lodged with the Police, a which had been illegally imported from the UK with immediate Peiris was called to the Marshal Sarath Fonseka delivery and gave birth to a search operation is on to trace effect. These containers were brought into the country Committee on High Posts were also present at the baby girl with low birth weight. the mother after obtaining violating the provisions of International Basel Convention and held in Parliament today (3) meeting. the provisions of the Customs Ordinance as well. As per the The baby had been kept under Court permission. order given by Court, the Consumer Protection Unit of the under the patronage of the (GW and MD) Customs will take initial steps to return the containers to the UK

(NV) Second Inter-Monsoon to commence soon Vienna shootings: Meteorology Department SL Embassy liaising predicts thundershowers BBS working closely with authorities with World Sufi Muslims By Faadhila Thassim at least three persons and with lightning The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS), issuing a Media release, injuring several more on 2 stressed, they were working in close cooperation with the The Embassy and November. By Naalir Jamaldeen Provinces and the Vavuniya World Sufi Muslim population to root out the extremist Permanent Mission of Sri The Embassy advised the and Hambantota Districts. elements from the Islamic faith globally. Lanka in Vienna, Austria, Sri Lankan community in The Meteorology Department He added, certain places in informed the Sri Lankan Vienna to strictly adhere to yesterday (3) predicted that the the Central, Sabaragamuwa community living in Vienna the advice of the second inter-monsoon and Uva Provinces could that the Embassy is liaising authorities. conditions will commence in remain foggy. with the authorities to It was reported that the two to three days and gradually Saliheen also cautioned the ensure their safety. Vienna Police had urged develop over the country, public to be vigilant of possible ETTP benefits The assurance was given the public to avoid using thundershowers accompanied lightning strikes and heavy after gunmen armed with public transport while by lightning is expected in the winds. secondary school rifles opened fire at six roadblocks were put up evenings or night. Showers or thundershowers locations in Vienna killing around the City Centre. Heavy showers above 50 could occur in certain places in students and teachers millimetres are expected in a the deep and shallow seas from few places. Galle extending to Pottuvil via An English Language Teacher Training Project (ETTP) Senior Meteorologist Hambantota and during such now in its 15th year has benefited 2,352 teachers and Mohammed Saliheen predicts, period’s fishermen and other 310,400 secondary school (General Certificate of Education showers or thundershowers marine workers were asked to Advanced Level) students, Director of Education and Three suspects would occur after 2 p.m. in the be cautious while navigating in English of the British Council, Louise Cowcher said Uva, Eastern and North Central seas in those regions. recently. The course is a distance teacher training course with study sessions run by trainers at the 31 ‘Regional arrested in narco haul English Support Centres’ leading up to the University of The Navy arrested three the Navy was able to find a Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test. suspects and seized over 99 package containing one kilo The project was an initiative of the British Council and kilos of Kerala cannabis and 765 grams of Kerala Imposing quarantine curfew the Council for Business with Britain. worth over Rs 17 million and cannabis hidden in bushes in (PA) 950 miligrams (mg) of Crystal the Urumalai area, Methamphetamine (ICE) Talaimannar. In another Decisions not taken by worth over Rs 29 million, search operation in during operations carried out Naruvilikkulam, the Navy administrators – Kaviratne in the previous week. managed to recover three Samagi Jana Balawegaya the quarantine curfew had been To breed fish During a special operation more packages stuffed with Parliamentarian Rohini imposed, the country has been conducted by the Northern 10 kilos and 50 grams of Kaviratne, said decisions about destabilised. Naval Command on 29 Kerala cannabis as well. imposing quarantine curfew are She said those involved in Navy scuttles October off the Kovilam Elsewhere, in Urani, not taken by administrators. imposing curfew continue to Lighthouse in Karainagar, a Velvettithurai, the Northern She said these decisions were make contradictory statements, suspicious dinghy was Naval Command combined taken by the Army Commander, further complicating matters two gunboats off spotted dropping several with the Velvettithurai Police the Police Media Spokesman, for people. sacks into water and carried out a search and and two SDIGs, including Kaviratne said so while Trinco coast escaping from the scene apprehended two suspects Deshabandu Tennakoon. speaking at a Media briefing at towards the Casuarina Beach with 950 mg of Crystal She charged that due to the the Opposition Leader’s Office, when the Navy was about to Methamphetamine hidden in haphazard manner in which yesterday (3). search the dinghy. a house on 25 October. Subsequent search Further, it is believed that operations by the Navy led to the street value of the Kerala the seizure of the evading cannabis stock seized by the dinghy left at the Casuarina Navy during operations in the Beach and the recovery of last week alone is around Fire destroys grocery four sacks full of 82 kilos and Rs 29.61 million. 450 grams of Kerala cannabis The suspects held during store in Kattankudy The Navy recently scuttled two Navy gunboats from the same sea area. these separate operations By Naalir Jamaldeen obtained from China, to breed fish. Meanwhile, the North were identified as residents of Municipal Council doused the The gunboats were ‘Weeraya,’ gifted by China in 1972 Central Naval Command in Point Pedro, Urani and Grocery items worth several fire after battling it for more and the other was ‘Jagatha,’ procured in 1980. coordination with the Mannar Kalpitiya, 34-39-year-olds. millions of rupees were than two hours; valuable items The scuttling was done off the coast of Trincomalee, Police Special Task Force Further, the apprehended destroyed in a sudden fire that in the store were completely making them an artificial reef that can shelter and nabbed a suspect who was suspects along with narcotic broke out in a grocery store in destroyed. breed fish and crustaceans. peddling four kilos and 450 substances and other items the Kattankudy Town along the The owner of the grocery shop The Navy hopes that this new marine ecosystem grams of Kerala cannabis in a were handed over to the Batticaloa-Kalmunai main road. is an agent for gas cylinders and created off the coast of Sandy Bay, Trincomalee, will be motorbike, during a special Kayts, Talaimannar, Vankalai The fire broke out around 10 a large number of gas cylinders an opportunity for the fishing community in the area to search operation conducted and Velvettithurai Police a.m. yesterday (3). had been stored in a section of reap economic benefits in the future, as well as to in Puthukudiyiruppu, Stations for onward legal Kattankudy Police and the grocery store, according to attract tourists to the Eastern Province. Mannar, on 26 October. action. firefighters from the Batticaloa the Police. (PA) During a search operation, (NV) Asia wednesday 4 november 2020 A9 India, U.S., Japan and Australia Kick-off Large Naval Drills India, the United States, Japan and John S McCain missile destroyer, The exercises comes at a time when Australia began their largest joint Australia’s Ballarat frigate and a the host, India, is locked in a military naval exercises in over a decade on Japanese destroyer, the Indian stand-off on the disputed land border Tuesday (3), Indian Government Ministry of Defence said. with China. sources said, seen as part of efforts to There will be no contact between Thousands of troops are in close balance China’s vast military and the military personnel of the four proximity in the western Himalayas, economic power in the region. nations because of COVID-19 where India says Chinese troops have The annual “Malabar” wargames restrictions during the first phase of intruded across its side of the de facto that India holds with the United the drills running till 6 November, it border. Beijing denies any intrusion States and Japan have been said. and says India has been building expanded to include Australia this Later this month, India and the roads and other infrastructure in the year to cover all members of the United States will deploy aircraft disputed area, causing the crisis. Quad, an informal group of the four carriers in the drills, a military source Australia’s diplomatic relations largest democracies in the Indo- said. with China also worsened this year Pacific. “The exercise will showcase the after Canberra led calls for an China has accused the United high-levels of synergy and international inquiry into the States, which has been leading the coordination between the friendly coronavirus pandemic and Beijing effort to forge a common front among navies, which is based on their imposed trade sanctions on its allies, of a “Cold War mentality” shared values and commitment to an Australian beef and barley. and ideological prejudice. open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a Separately, Japan is embroiled in a Five ships of the Indian Navy, rules-based international order,” the dispute with China over ownership of including a submarine, were deployed Defence Ministry said in its islands in the East China Sea. Vessels from the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the in the exercise along with U.S. Navy’s statement. (Reuters) Philippine Navy sail in formation at sea, 9 May 2019. (Reuters)

Yangon, Myanmar Shanghai, China 49 new COVID-19 cases reported, Fugitive monk Wirathu hands mass testing in Xinjiang himself in to face sedition charges

Hardline Buddhist nationalist monk Ashin Wirathu handed himself over to police in Myanmar’s commercial capital of Yangon on Monday (2) after more than a year on the run from charges of sedition. Wearing a face mask and shield, he spoke to supporters at a monks’ association in the city before driving to a Police station in Dagon township, according to Reuters witnesses. Officials there did not immediately comment. People walk in a street during morning rush hour following an outbreak of “I will pay homage to senior monks, COVID-19 in Beijing. (Reuters) and then I will go with Police, I will go wherever they send,” he said, accusing China reported 49 new COVID-19 year. the Government and ruling party of cases for 2 November, up from 24 a Xinjiang region reported 13 new bullying him, according to a video day earlier, the National Health local asymptomatic cases in broadcast of the speech. Authority reported on Tuesday (3). Kashgar. Wirathu is known for his rhetoric The National Health Commission Authorities in the region have against minority Muslims, particularly said in a statement 44 of the new been conducting large-scale testing the Rohingya community, but he has cases were imported infections in Kashgar and Kizilsu in Xinjiang’s also been critical of the civilian originating from overseas and the latest outbreak. Government of Aung San Suu Kyi and Supporters of a nationalist Buddhist monk Wirathu demonstrate outside the court other five were locally transmitted Kashgar and Akto county in supportive of Myanmar’s powerful after he handed himself over to police, in Yangon. (Reuters) cases in the northwestern Xinjiang neighbouring Kizilsu launched their military. region. third round of testing on 1 The western district court in Yangon “son of Buddha” by bringing a case transition from military rule began in Among the 44 imported cases, November, after completing the first issued a warrant for his arrest in May against him and called on people and 2011. four were on a flight to the central and second rounds since 27 last year. monks to “do their duty in this He has often targeted Rohingya city of Wuhan from New Delhi, October. His surrender to authorities comes election”, without elaborating. Muslims, more than 730,000 of whom India. The South Asian nation has As of 2 November, Kashgar had days ahead of a 9 November “His appearance and surrender is fled an army crackdown in Rakhine the second-most number of 62 confirmed cases, while Kashgar parliamentary election which will nothing to do with the politics ahead State in 2017 that United Nations coronavirus cases in the world, after and Kizilsu had a total of 231 decide the next government. of the election,” said one of his investigators said was carried out with the United States. asymptomatic cases. The ruling National League for supporters, Pyinyar Wunthar. “genocidal intent”. They were the city’s first imported China does not classify Democracy party, which came to “He just wants to finish his case and The law under which Wirathu faces cases since 7 August. symptomless patients as confirmed power in a landslide 2015 victory, is clear the accusation against him possible arrest prohibits bringing The commission also reported 61 COVID-19 cases. widely expected to retain power, and before the Government changes after “hatred or contempt” or exciting new asymptomatic cases, compared The total number of confirmed Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi the 2020 election,” he said. disaffection toward the Government. It with 30 a day earlier. Of the total, cases in China now stands at remain as the country’s leader. Wirathu is the most prominent of carries a prison sentence of up to 19 were passengers on the same 86,070, while the death toll remains Speaking on Monday, Wirathu said the nationalist monks to gain growing three years. flight from New Delhi to Wuhan, unchanged at 4,634. the Government had disrepected a political weight in Myanmar since a (Reuters) where the virus first emerged last (Reuters)

Bangkok, Thailand

Kathmandu, Nepal China, Govt deny SavePornhub: online porn Nepali opposition’s ban prompts backlash landgrab accusations Thailand’s Government said on Tuesday (3) it had banned Pornhub and China and Nepal denied on “It is not true that China has 190 other websites showing Tuesday (3) the accusations of encroached our land and had pornography, prompting social media Nepali opposition lawmakers who constructed buildings there,” anger over censorship and a call for a said Beijing had seized territory said Sewa Lamsal, a protest against the decision. along the Himalayan border spokeswoman for Nepal’s Digital Minister Puttipong between the two nations. Foreign Ministry, but she did not Punnakanta told reporters the block Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, a elaborate. was part of efforts to restrict access to provincial lawmaker of the In Beijing, a Foreign Ministry porn and gambling websites, adding opposition Nepali Congress spokesman, Wang Wenbin, that such content is illegal under the party, said Chinese troops had dismissed the report of China country’s cybercrime law. crossed the border and built nine seizing territory from Nepal as a But many Thai users criticised the concrete structures about 1 km “completely unfounded rumour”. decision to shut the site in a country inside Nepal, at Limi in the The area of the alleged Chinese that was among the Top 20 by daily district of Humla bordering Tibet. incursion is rugged and traffic for Pornhub in 2019 and which Shahi, who represents the mountainous, with the border has a globally-known sex industry. area, told Reuters that China did sometimes poorly marked. An activist group called Anonymous not object when Nepali villagers In September, Nepal’s Foreign Party posted a statement saying: “We built a road in the sparsely Ministry said that when similar want to reclaim Pornhub. People are populated area 10 years ago. claims were aired about the area entitled to choices.” Another group, “They are now saying the small in 2016, it had found the using the hashtag #SavePornhub, A message from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society saying that the Pornhub valley belongs to them,” Shahi buildings to be sited one called a demonstration for Tuesday website has been suspended in Thailand is displayed on a TV screen. (Reuters) said. kilometre within Chinese afternoon. The claims were first reported territory. Pornhub did not immediately respond for reforms to reduce King Maha probably do,” said a user named on Tuesday by London’s Daily Nepal has no border dispute to a request for comment. Vajiralongkorn’s powers. Jirawat Punnawat on Twitter. Telegraph newspaper, which with China, but it has one with Some internet users asked whether A hashtag that translates as Emilie Pradichit, director of the quoted Shahi and another Nepali its other neighbour India, itself the ban was about trying to protect Thai #HornyPower is trending on Thai Manushya Foundation, which politician as saying China had locked in a military stand-off morals or because the site featured Twitter following the Pornhub block, campaigns for digital rights, said the annexed dozens of hectares from with China along their contested some compromising royal images. with tweets making comments or decision showed Thailand was “a land the Himalayan nation bordering Himalayan border. Thailand’s Government has faced posting memes that the Government of digital dictatorship, with Tibet, beginning in May. (Reuters) months of youth and student-led would be facing greater opposition now conservatives in power trying to control protests demanding the removal of beyond the protesters. what young people can watch, can say Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a “If someone doesn’t hate the current and can do online.” former junta leader, as well as calling military Government, now they (Reuters) a10 wednesday 4 november 2020 World

Paris, France Two Arrested After Four One Parisian Killed in Suspected Islamist infected with Attack in Vienna COVID-19 every Two people were arrested near APA news agency said. 30 seconds Vienna on Tuesday (3), according A Police spokesman said at to the APA news agency, as least 1,000 officers were involved – Health Minister Police hunted accomplices of a in the search. gunman or gunmen who killed The Government announced four people in what the three days of national mourning, Government called an Islamist and a minute's silence at noon. terrorist attack in the Austrian (1100 GMT) capital. The editor of Vienna's Falter In an early morning televised newspaper, Florian Klenk, news conference, Interior tweeted that the dead assailant Minister Karl Nehammer was a 20-year-old born in repeated calls for the public to Austria to ethnic Albanian stay off the streets. parents from North Macedonia, Nehammer said Police had and known to domestic shot dead one attacker on intelligence agencies as one of 90 Monday (2) night, a man wearing Austrian Islamists who aimed to Mouffetard Street is pictured as the national lockdown an explosives belt that turned travel to Syria. Klenk did not give starts as part of the measures to fight a second wave of out to be fake. Authorities a source for his information. COVID-19 in Paris, France, 30 October 2020 (Reuters) identified him as an Islamic Nehammer said video material State sympathiser. Authorities had been seized from the home One Parisian is getting infected with COVID-19 and witnesses were not of the known assailant, and every 30 seconds, while every 15 minutes there is a immediately able to rule out the Police were investigating his Parisian arriving in hospital as a result of the disease, Police officers stand guard after exchanges of gunfire in Vienna, possibility there had been other Austria. (Reuters) potential connections. Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Tuesday (3). gunmen. APA reported that multiple Veran made the comments to RTL Radio in response Police confirmed on Tuesday night, as many people took fraction of a second," Hofmeister homes had been searched and to demands by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to open up that three civilians - two men advantage of a last evening out told Reuters television. arrests made, citing the Interior small bookshops and other smaller stores to try to and a woman - had been killed, before the start of a nationwide "At that moment I also did not Ministry. A Ministry spokesman keep commerce and social activity ticking over despite and at least 15 others wounded, coronavirus curfew. pay attention to what he looks was not immediately available to a new lockdown in France. including a Police officer. The Six locations were attacked in like. I was trying to understand comment. Veran said any such move was too risky given the national broadcaster ORF later central Vienna, starting outside what's happening. I then moved Vienna's Police Chief declined high COVID-19 infection rates in the French capital. said a fourth civilian, a woman, the main synagogue, which was away from the window and called to provide further details on the "She cannot ignore the fact that every 15 minutes, in had died. closed. the Police." known attacker's identity, saying the hospitals of Paris, there is someone ill who has APA quoted Police as saying A witness, Vienna rabbi Nehammer, the Interior it might endanger the been hospitalised with COVID. She cannot ignore the two arrests had been made in Schlomo Hofmeister, said he Minister, said: "We experienced investigation. fact that every 30 seconds, there is a Parisian who has the nearby town of St Poelten. could not be certain whether an attack yesterday evening by Police sealed off much of the been contaminated," said Veran. The Kurier news site reported there was more than one at least one Islamist terrorist, a historic centre of the city "We want to save the Parisians and the French that heavily armed Police had shooter. situation that we have not had to overnight, urging the public to people and we do that with determination and searched two properties. "I saw one person. Later, I saw live through in Austria for shelter where they were. Many consistency," he added. Witnesses had described videos and I'm not sure it was decades." sought refuge in bars and hotels, France reported a record 52,518 new COVID-19 on crowds being fired on in bars the same one. I find it very Seven of the injured were in a while public transport in the Monday, while the country's COVID-19 death toll rose with automatic rifles on Monday difficult to identify someone in a life-threatening condition, the area was shut down. (Reuters) by 416 to 37,435. (Reuters)

Dubai, United Arab Emirates London, United Kingdom Iran’s U.S. policy not T-cell study adds to debate over affected by who wins election duration of COVID-19 immunity Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on – Khamenei A small but key UK study understanding of how the work. The study also Tuesday (3) the U.S. has found that "cellular immunity to COVID-19 found the size of T-cell Presidential Election's result under which international immunity" to the pandemic works." response differed, and was will not impact Tehran's policy financial sanctions on Iran SARS-CoV-2 virus is present Experts not directly considerably higher in people towards Washington. were lifted in return for curbs after six months in people involved with the study said who had had symptomatic "Our policy towards the to its nuclear programme. Iran who had mild or its findings were important COVID-19 than those who United States is clearly set and followed Washington's rejection asymptomatic COVID-19 - and would add to a growing had no symptoms when does not change with the by reducing its compliance. suggesting they might have body of knowledge about infected. movement of individuals. It Iran's Foreign Minister some level of protection for at potential protective immunity The researchers said this does not matter to us who Mohammad Javad Zarif told least that time. to COVID-19. could be interpreted in two comes and goes," Khamenei U.S. network CBS on Monday Scientists presenting the The study, which has not ways: It is possible that said in a speech carried live on (2) that he wants the United findings, from 100 non- yet been peer-reviewed by higher cellular immunity State TV. States to rejoin the accord, but hospitalised COVID-19 other experts but was might give better protection Khamenei was speaking on that "re-engagement does not patients in Britain, said they published online on bioRxiv, against re-infection in people the anniversary of the 1979 mean renegotiation" because "if were ‘reassuring’ but did not analysed the blood of 100 who had symptoms, or seizure of the U.S. embassy in we wanted to do that, we would mean people cannot in rare patients six months after equally, that asymptomatic Tehran, which coincided with have done it with President cases be infected twice with they had had either mild or patients are better able to the birthday of Islam's Prophet (Donald) Trump four years the disease. asymptomatic COVID-19. It fight off the virus without the Mohammad. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah ago." "While our findings cause found that while some of the need to generate a large Ali Khamenei (Reuters) "The students' attack on this Zarif told CBS that, "the us to be cautiously optimistic patients' antibody levels had immune response. den of spies was quite because of concerns over the statements by the Biden camp about the strength and dropped, their T-cell response "These results provide appropriate and wise," spread of the coronavirus have been more promising, but length of immunity generated - another key part of the reassurance that, although Khamenei said, referring to which has killed about 36,000 we will have to wait and see". after SARS-CoV-2 infection, immune system - remained the titre of antibody to SARS- radical Islamist students who people in the country, the Trump has said he wants to this is just one piece of the robust. CoV-2 can fall below stormed the embassy, taking worst hit in the Middle East. strike a broader accord that puzzle," said Paul Moss, a "(Our) early results show detectable levels within a few hostage 52 staff for an eventual The Democratic nominee, Joe would also address Iran's professor of haematology at that T-cell responses may months of infection, a degree 444 days. There have been no Biden, has pledged to rejoin missile programme and Britain's Birmingham outlast the initial antibody of immunity to the virus may U.S.-Iranian diplomatic Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with regional activities. Iran has University who co-led the response," said Shamez be maintained," said Charles relations since. six powers if Iran returns to ruled out any negotiations study. Ladhani, a consultant Bangham, chair of Iran this year cancelled compliance with it. unless Washington first "There is still a lot for us epidemiologist at Public immunology at Imperial rallies and other events In 2018 President Donald returns to the agreement. learn before we have a full Health England who co-led College London. (Reuters) marking the embassy seizure Trump abandoned the deal, (Reuters)

Madrid, Spain Buenos Aires, Argentina Tourist arrivals Govt expects 10M doses of collapse as Russian COVID-19 vaccine Argentina is expecting 10 production of the Russian COVID-19 hits million doses of Russia's vaccine," RDIF's CEO, Kirill main experimental COVID- Dmitriev, said in comments International tourist arrivals to million foreign tourists visited 19 vaccine between shared by a company Spain fell 87 per cent year-on-year Spain, around 75 per cent fewer December and January, the spokesman. in September, data showed on than in the same period of 2019, Government said on RDIF said on Friday (30 Tuesday (3), as coronavirus the National Statistics Institute Monday (2), as infections October) it had started the restrictions and a rapid rise in (INE) said. France now accounts for continue to climb in the process to submit cases put many off visiting. the largest group of foreign tourists South American country. preliminary documents in After a disastrous summer after the number of Britons - who The vaccine, known as neighbouring Brazil, a season, when few visitors came last year made up a fifth of Sputnik V, is given in two necessary step to register despite the lifting of lockdowns, international visitors - plunged 81 doses and could begin (Direct Investment) Fund to going on "for quite some the vaccine for use there. many had hoped the stricken per cent between January and arriving as early as next see if Argentina was time." Officials including Despite the Argentine tourist sector, which normally September. month, the Government interested in having doses Argentina's Deputy Health Government's strict accounts for 12 per cent of Still, officials in the Canary said in a news release. The of the vaccine in the month Minister had travelled to lockdown to curb the economic output, would improve in Islands were optimistic that some price of the Russian vaccine of December and of course Russia to review the spread of the virus from September. of the winter season there could be would be "more or less we said yes," Fernandez vaccine's development, the mid-March, coronavirus But September's year-on-year fall salvaged after Germany and Britain average" compared with said. Government said. cases are still on the rise. was even steeper than the 76 per removed travel restrictions to the others, President Alberto The Russian Direct "The Sputnik V vaccine The South American cent drop recorded in August, while archipelago While Spain's gross Fernandez said in the Investment Fund (RDIF) is for Argentina will be country exceeded one tourists spent 90 per cent less in domestic product rebounded in the release. backing the development produced by RDIF partners million infections last September than in the same month third quarter, the economy was still "We had a proposal from and roll-out of the Sputnik in India, Korea, China and a month and more than a year ago. Over the first nine 8.7 per cent smaller than a year the Russian Foreign V vaccine. Fernandez said number of other countries 30,000 deaths. months of the year, some 16.8 ago. (Reuters) Ministry and the Russian talks with RDIF had been that are setting up a (Reuters) wednesday 4 november 2020 b11

On the Adoption of Sri Lanka Accounting Standards – SLFRS 9 CBSL Issues New Guidelines for Banks The Central Bank of Sri Lanka replaced with the following: (a) (CBSL) with a view to establishing Licensed banks shall use forecasts consistent practices on the and projections published by the adoption of Sri Lanka Accounting Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Standards – SLFRS 9: Financial when adjusting credit provisioning Instruments by licensed banks models to reflect the economic under COVID-19 environment, conditions and forecasts, on a issued amendments to Circular consistent basis. (b) If CBSL No. 04 of 2018 dated 31 December forecasts are not available, 2018. licensed banks shall use credible Accordingly in the case where alternative sources on a consistent direct temporary restrictions on basis and shall maintain relevant economic activities are in place documentary evidence. Tuesday Markets due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Annex 1 Guideline 1.3 (b) shall licensed banks may exercise be replaced as follows: All judgment on a case-by-case basis, restructured loans, which are to determine whether to classify restructured more than twice, FVMP Debt facilities as Stage 3 facilities or other than credit facilities/ not, considering the borrower’s Currency denominated sovereign immediately after Guideline 4.7 as exposures mentioned in 3.2 below. inability to revive the business and instruments; and licensed banks follows: Licensed banks shall with banks may exercise judgment on Passes Rupees generate sufficient cash flows to shall continue to follow the the approval of the Board of case-by-case basis to determine repay the exposure once the guidance prescribed in Circular Directors of the bank include clear whether to categorise such restrictions on economic activities No. 04 of 2018 in respect to Loss guidelines on staging of loans and facilities as Stage 3 facilities or Half-a-Trillion are removed; Given Default (LGD) to be used advances for impairment not, if a facility has been It also stated that licensed when computing expected losses purposes in the related policies, restructured more than twice due banks may consult CA Sri Lanka for exposures denominated in amidst the extraordinary to adverse economic consequences Again and Auditors to obtain further foreign currencies issued by circumstances caused by the of the COVID-19 outbreak or the guidance in respect of computing sovereigns. COVID-19 outbreak. Easter Sunday Attack. By Paneetha Ameresekere Probability of Default for Foreign Guideline 4.8 shall be inserted Guideline 5.3 (a) and (b) shall be (IG)

Government of Sri Lanka’s ( GoSL’s) face value money printing (FVMP) debt passed the Rupees half-a-trillion mark once more yesterday, after a day’s interlude on Monday due to a lack of Sabry Ghouse new Dy Chairman revenue. Consequently, GoSL’s FVMP debt increased by 2.03 per cent (Rs 10,000 million) to Rs Fmr Dy Gov Siriwardana on Union Bank Board 503,167.87 million yesterday. Of this, Rs 1,567 million was demand pull inflationary, while the By Ishara Gamage Technology, Risk Management and Exchange Commission of Sri balance Rs 8,433 million was utilised as and the FIU. He was the Chairman Lanka, Director of the Insurance settlement/s for GoSL’s foreign debt servicing After the retirement of former of the National Payment Council, Regulatory Commission of Sri commitments and/or due to CBSL returning Deputy Chairman Union Bank Financial System Stability Lanka, Chairman of the Credit swapped US dollars for rupees to the market. Priyantha Fernando from the Committee and the Tender Boards Information Bureau of Sri Lanka, Consequently, the country’s foreign reserves were Board with effect from 1 of Treasury Bonds & Treasury Head of the Financial Sector poorer by US$ 45.76 million. Conversions are November 2020, Sabry Ghouse, Bills in addition to being a Consolidation Unit of CBSL, based on the middle rate of the ‘spot’ as at 4 p.m. Non-Executive, Independent member of the Monetary Policy Deputy Secretary General of the on Thursday which was Rs 184.275 to the dollar. Director was appointed Deputy Committee, Inter Regulatory National Economic Council of Sri Meanwhile, GoSL’s MP borrowing costs (BCs) Chairman of the Bank with effect Institutions Committee and Non Lanka and a Director of Ceylon decreased by 0.31 per cent (Rs 47.76 million) to from 2 November 2020, the bank Financial Risk Management Electricity Board, LankaClear (Pvt) Rs 15,242.02 million yesterday due to continued said. Committee. Ltd. and Colombo Dockyard PLC uncertainty, complemented by investor The bank also promoted Trevine C. J. P. Siriwardana Siriwardana has over 32 years and as an Observer on the Board preference for risk free, but ‘low returns’ Treasury Sylvester Anthony Fernandopulle, of experience in CBSL, especially of Directors of the Board of (T) Bills and T Bonds, rather than lend to the as the Senior Independent until his retirement in October in the areas of Economic and Price Investments (BoI). ‘high returns’ private sector which is also the Director with effect from 2 2018. Stability, Financial System New Deputy Chairman Sabry economy’s engine of growth, market sources told November 2020. Siriwardana holds an MSc. Stability and certain Agency Ghouse was appointed to the this reporter. Further, an increase in GoSL’s Meanwhile, former Central degree and a Postgraduate Functions. Prior to being Board as an Independent, Non- FVMP debt, such as that which took place Bank Deputy Governor Diploma in Quantitative appointed as the Deputy Executive Director on 30 August yesterday is a case for Money Printing Borrowing Chandrasiri Jayasingha Pandita Development Economics from the Governor, he held the position of 2012. His banking career spans Costs (MPBCs) to increase and not decrease Siriwardana, was appointed Non University of Warwick, UK and a the Assistant Governor in-charge over 27 years with leading under the normal scheme of things. Executive, Independent Director B.Sc. degree in Agriculture from of Public Debt, Information international Banks. He counts 10 Also, a sign of investor appetite for T-Bills and of Union Bank of Colombo PLC the University of Ruhuna. Technology, Legal and years’ experience serving in T-Bonds is that today’s Rs 40 billion T-Bill sale with effect from 2 November 2020. He also functioned as the Compliance, Macroprudential overseas markets. He was a former will be a success. At present he functions as a Deputy Governor supervising Surveillance, Human Resources, Director of the Credit Information Meanwhile, due to an increase in FVMP debt Director of the Colombo Stock departments of Bank Supervision, Policy Review and Monitoring, Bureau (CRIB) in Sri Lanka and yesterday, market’s net excess liquidity increased Exchange. Supervision of Non-Bank Payments and Settlement and holds a Master’s Degree in by 1.19 per cent (Rs 1,567 million) to Rs 133,174 C. J. P. Siriwardana functioned Financial Institutions, Public Risk Management Departments. Business Administration (MBA) million. as the Deputy Governor of the Debt, Payments and Settlements, Siriwardana has also served as a from the University of Western In related developments, the benchmark ‘spot’ Central Bank since August 2017 Finance, Secretariat, Information Commissioner of the Securities Sydney, Australia. made a pyrrhic gain of 20 cents to Rs 184.30/40 to the dollar in two-way trades at 4 p.m. yesterday due to GoSL’s import controls, sources told CT. However, in the calendar year to 4 p.m. yesterday, the ‘spot’ has depreciated by Rs 3 (1.65 per cent) in two-way quotes. DFCC Bank CEO appointed Chairman SLBA In related developments, the bourse fell for the nineteenth consecutive market day yesterday with net foreign outflows (NFOS) due to DFCC Bank CEO Lakshman in the DFCC family, with his cooperation”. uncertainty, with yesterday’s figure being Silva was elected as the Chairman extensive knowledge used to The AGM of the SLBA held in Rs 377.28 million, thereby increasing NFOs in the of the Sri Lanka Banks’ promote and strengthen the Colombo on 9 October 2020 the calendar year to date to a record Rs 45.64 billion. Association (SLBA) at the recently diverse product portfolio of DFCC member banks (being all of the Bourse concluded Annual General Bank. licensed banks operating in Sri Meeting of the SLBA held in Speaking on the appointment, Lanka) elected their board of The bourse, in the 170 market days that have Colombo. This is a position he will Silva said, “I would like to initially directors for the ensuing period up transpired in the calendar year to yesterday, hold for the ensuing period up to appreciate . Dimantha Seneviratne to the next AGM in 2021. CEO suffered NFOs for a record 151 (88.82 per cent) of the next AGM in 2021. Lakshman and his board members, for the DFCC Bank PLC – Chairman those days. Nonetheless the bourse made pyrrhic Silva takes up this position from service rendered to the association Lakshman Silva,D. P. K. gains yesterday, with the benchmark ASPI Dimantha Seneviratne, outgoing under his Chairmanship for the Gunasekera General Manager increasing by 2.27 per cent to 5,843.27 points Chairman of the board for calendar year 2019/2020. I would Bank of Ceylon – Vice Chairman, Director/CEO, DFCC Bank PLC, and the more sensitive S&P SL 20 Index by 1.39 2019/2020. Lakshman Silva also like to thank the members for Basheer Ahmed, CEO Indian per cent to 2, 294.39 points on an Rs 2.71 billion The SLBA is an umbrella body the confidence they have reposed Bank – Vice Chairman, Jonathan turnover and on a share volume of 168.98 million that strives to bring all Sri Lankan in me to lead the banks in what Alles, CEO Hatton National Bank at yesterday’s trading. Banks together and work as one, 11 voluntary principles to develop seems to be a bleak and difficult PLC, Kapila Ariyaratne, CEO In other developments, the Colombo Stock to create sustainable value for a sustainability road map. time, not only for domestic Seylan Bank plc, Bingumal Exchange (CSE) was informed yesterday that their customers, investors, CEO Silva is an industry veteran development, but for the Thewarathanthri, CEO Standard Softlogic Holdings PLC’s Executive Director Ashok employees and other stakeholders. who with his extensive significant debilitation of Chartered Bank,Wajid Ali Shah, Pathirage bought 25,995 shares of the company Under the leadership of the SLBA background and expertise in the economies worldwide due to the Regional General Manager Habib at Rs 10.20 a share on Monday (2 November). various leading banks have come financial service and banking devastating impact of the COVID- Bank Ltd, Damitha Kumari Meanwhile, it was announced that Trade together to address the important industry of over 30 years, has 19 pandemic. Not only is leading Ratnayake, General Manager Finance and Investments PLC, a finance issues and means through which helped steer to DFCC Bank to an the SLBA a great honour to me, it National Savings Bank (Ajith Peiris company, will merge with its parent, Commercial the banking industry of Sri Lanka arena of elite players, by becoming is a responsibility that I hope to was appointed General Manager of Credit and Finance plc, which will be firmed at can prosper. In a further one of the respected and foremost undertake, by bringing together NSB on 12.10.2020 and now its EGM to be held on 9 November. collaboration with the Central commercial banks in the island. the resources at hand to reassure represents NSB on the SLBA Sanasa Development Bank plc (SDB) has Bank, the SLBA has been able to Joining the DFCC Group in 1987, the stability of the banking system Board), Ravi De Silva, Secretary announced to the Colombo Stock Exchange ensure various banks adopt the He has been an instrumental cog through collective effort and General SLBA. (CSE) that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has facilitated eligible shareholders of SDB as at end 26 October (2020), to apply for their rights entitlements either via CDS or via SDB’s online system. Cabinet Decisions providing opportunities and Meanwhile, Lanka IOC PLC announced that it precautions for the producers to held it AGM, virtually yesterday (3). minimise the issues confronted In related developments, Serendib Land plc Export production villages programme by them by this programme,” it announced the postponement of the AGM cited. Furthermore, it has been scheduled for 26 November due to the COVID-19 to develop rural production planned to set up these export Pandemic. Additionally, Dankotuwa Porcelian production villages covering plc said that it will hold its AGM on 26 The Government has approved with the export supply chain, as subject to the guidance of the agricultural, fisheries, November, online. Similarly, Ambeon Holdings planned implementation of an well as to upgrade the local Ministry of Trade. mechanical and services sectors plc and Colombo City Holdings plc have export production villages production industries as import “It is expected to cluster and set a sustainable existence informed the CSE that it will hold its AGM online programme to develop the rural replacements. villages with companies of export of those export villages by on 26 November. Likewise, Orient Holdings plc productions. However, Cabinet also comprising similar producers entering into future trade has informed the CSE that it would hold its AGM These productions will be approved to utilise the required and provide opportunities for agreements with top level export online/virtual on 30 November. developed within a formal allocations from the Sri Lanka their productions to be exposed companies. enterprise model and link those Export Development Board to the market, as well as (TR) B12 Ceylon FT wednesday 4 november 2020 news Bain Capital Joins Race to Acquire Piramal Glass Global private equity firm Bain of its real estate, pharma and story went to press, a spokesperson Capital has joined the race to acquire financial services businesses through for Bain Capital declined to a controlling stake in Ajay Piramal- stake sales in non-core businesses. comment. promoted Piramal Glass Private In October 2019, the group’s According to the company’s Limited (PGPL), two people directly flagship entity Piramal Enterprises corporate filings, Piramal Glass aware of the development told Mint, had raised 5,400 crore through a mix Private had made unrelated requesting anonymity as the of rights issue of 3,650 crore and investments of around 300 crore in discussions are private. preferential allotment of convertible FY 2019 and YTD FY 2020 in According to the people cited above, instruments to Canadian pension Chennai-based Archean Group. In Bain Capital's offer, which came over fund manager Caisse de dépôt et 2018, India Resurgent Fund (IRF), a the weekend, is higher than rival placement du Québec (CDPQ), joint venture between Bain Capital Blackstone’s group binding bid which amounting to 1,750 crore. Credit and Piramal Enterprises, has bid close to US$790 million for In October this year, Piramal invested about 800 crore in Archean the company. Pharma Ltd, a subsidiary of Piramal Chemical Industries Ltd in a "Bain capital is a late entrant but Enterprises Ltd (PEL), completed the structured credit transaction has made a higher offer which is sale of a 20% stake to US-based comprising both debt and equity close to US$ 900 million for the private equity giant Carlyle Group for following which it owned close to 30% company," said one of the people 3,523.40 crore. Piramal group has stake in the company. cited above. "Piramal group is Ajay Piramal said the proceeds from the sale will The onset of the pandemic has led seeking a valuation of around US$1 be used as growth capital for the to a rise in demand for the global billion in enterprise value." PGPL is a leading player in the India and the US, and one in Sri group’s pharma businesses to packaging industry across segments. "Blackstone’s offer is valid till global glass packaging industry and Lanka, with a total production expand existing capacities as well as Makers of vials and syringes have for November 4 and Bain is expected to has seven subsidiaries, two of which- capacity of 1,410 tonnes per day as to tap attractive acquisition instance started scaling up capacity make a binding offer by then," said Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC and on 31 March, 2019. opportunities within and outside in anticipation of a surge in demand the other person cited above. "In Piramal Glass USA Inc--have The transaction, when its goes India. if and when a successful covid-19 addition to Blackstone and Bain, manufacturing units in Sri Lanka though, will mark another stake While requests for comment to vaccine is launched in India – a there are two more bidders in the and the US, respectively. PGPL has divestment by Piramal group which is Piramal group and Blackstone market that could hit US$ 6 billion. race." five manufacturing units, two each in looking to shore up the capital base remained unanswered before this (www.livemint.com)

EM sovereign debt sales to reach HUAWEI CLOUD releases $140 B in 2021: Goldman Sachs Emerging market sales as markets turned remain the largest regional Device-Cloud Synergy sovereign debt issuance in volatile in the run-up to the emerging market issuers 2021 could reach US$140 U.S. presidential election next year, with around US$ billion, almost as high as and drove up borrowing 37 billion and US$ 32 billion this year, as a flurry of high- costs. respectively in sales, Meeting Solution in APAC yield bond sales offsets a Goldman Sachs said its followed by Asia, the slowdown in investment- expectation of a pickup in analysts said. grade issuance, Goldman high-yield issuance next Higher debt maturities in Sachs estimates. year partly reflected its 2021 point to a still relatively As funding needs soared forecast for an improved benign net issuance because of the COVID-19 outlook, with better risk backdrop, the bank said, pandemic, investment- sentiment helping the riskier with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, grade sovereigns scrambled sovereigns. 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70% of businesses experience threats to corporate reputation: BDO survey

Businesses are becoming fact) considering themselves to be confers extraordinary advantages increasingly vulnerable to reactive when it comes to on a given business and secures reputational risk, with 70% of them reputation-centric issues. customer loyalty. Customers flock having experienced an event that Trying to demonstrate corporate to brands they believe in, and that has posed a threat to their integrity while acting without sense of integrity allows the reputation, stated in the fifth values is an issue that can touch company to outperform its rivals.” annual Global Risk Landscape even reputable companies. Burbidge added: “However, we Report produced by specialist also believing customers will take BDO’s survey reveals the scale of have found deep disagreement on accountancy and business advisory their custom elsewhere in the wake so-called ‘integrity washing’, with who’s responsible for transparency. firm BDO LLP. of a damaging incident. businesses worrying more about the One-in-three companies admits to BDO’s extensive survey of no less Family-run businesses and perception of integrity than the being reactive on reputation. That’s than 500 C-Suite executives across manufacturers feel the highest practice. not the best strategy. A worrying the EMEA, Europe, the Middle East, reputational risk. A significant 87% of executives 87% say their company may be Africa, Asia Pacific and the Despite the threat, it’s clear that believe their organisation is practice.” guilty of ‘integrity washing’. Clearly, Americas shows that companies are too many companies remain culpable on this particular point, Nigel Burbidge, global chair of then, there is much work to be done alert to the dangers, with 25% reactive in their approach, with less while almost half (49%) agreed with risk advisory services at BDO LLP, here. Integrity should be woven into suggesting shareholder price is a than half (45%) of those surveyed the statement: “So long as we are commented: “Clearly integrity is the fabric of every company. primary consequence of believing their crisis strategy is perceived to have integrity, we do vital, with 99% of respondents Everyone must share the same reputational damage, with a quarter proactive and over a third (35%, in not actively prioritise putting it into agreed on that point. Being trusted ethos.” focus wednesday 4 november 2020 ceylon ft b13 Smallholders – Backbone of SL’s Tea Industry By K.L Gunaratne resulted in improvement in the quality of the tea leaf itself. With nearly 500,000 smallholders in A recent study by the International total, the tea smallholder sector is a Labour Organisation confirms these significant contributor to the observations which I have personally production and output of Ceylon Tea in witnessed over the years as a Sri Lanka, and across the globe, often smallholder, namely: that casual called the 'backbone' of the tea workers engaged in tea smallholdings industry, and with good reason. usually earn a higher daily wage 16% of Sri Lanka's arable land compared to the plantation workers belongs to the tea sector. Of this, tea and contribute towards more smallholders operate within 60% of the productive work (Future of work for Tea total tea lands and account for more Smallholders in Sri Lanka, ILO, 2018). than 70% of the total tea produced. This is simply due to the fact that the According to the Tea Control Act, tea people we contract to work on our plots growing land, between 20 perches and are paid solely based on their 10 acres are considered "Tea productivity. Smallholdings" across the country. Over the years, although the tea I am a tea smallholder myself. My smallholder sector has evolved to suit journey began in 1977 with a 2-acre tea the times, it is unfortunate that the rest land. I now operate three small tea of our industry has been held back lands while simultaneously serving as from progress by forcing the the Chairman of the Sri Lanka continuation of a basic wage system Federation of Tea Smallholders. that does not prioritise or sufficiently Running a smallholding over the past reward productivity. RPCs continue to three decades (or more) has not been an play an important role in our industry – easy feat. No matter how big or small particularly in terms of upholding the your tea plot is, ensuring that the land international image and reputation of is well managed, tea is correctly Ceylon Tea through their commitments harvested, and the quality of Ceylon to securing international standards and Tea is upheld, are challenging certifications. standards to meet everyday. Hence it is essential that the RPCs K.L Gunaratne Currently, a great deal is being made are able to continue operations in a about the tea industry and tea sustainable manner. A collapse in the companies being in hot water over RPC sector would create major risks to concerns on wages, productivity, (RPCs) – smallholders are not bound while still remaining sustainable as maintain profitability, and so a the entire industry’s reputation for the output, and quality. As such we felt it by a 'Collective Agreement' when it a business. collective decision was taken by tea highest quality standards and its was important to share lessons from a comes to the matter of worker Lesson from tea smallholders to shift towards a capacity for innovation – given that tea smallholder perspective to help compensation. Sri Lanka's Industrial productivity-linked wage, as we saw more recent advancements in refine best practices and discover a Disputes Act of 1950 defines the smallholders this to be far more efficient and effective mechanisation, climate-friendly sustainable way forward. It is essential 'Collective Agreement' as an for the industry. factories, use of drone technology and that the industry – as a collective – agreement relating to the terms and Here's how we operate: As a baseline, Speaking from direct personal IT to optimise production and supply ensures a paradigm shift in the way condition of employment of workmen tea harvesters are paid a rate of Rs 30 experience, the ability to remunerate chain have only been made possible we've been managing this sector. While in any industry. Within the tea for every kilo they harvest. Some tea harvesters based on output has due to their investments. Such it is true that the industry was industry, this agreement mainly harvesters pluck up to an average of been liberating them and me. While this advancements can only be scaled down introduced by the British in 1867, the focuses on worker remuneration and 30kgs on a good day. A good day is has helped me manage my tea lands to provide benefits to tea smallholders challenges we face today are totally is renegotiated every two years. when the weather, the soil and better and yield higher outputs, it has once a path to implementation has different from then, and there is no With wage negotiations harvesting practices are all in our also given me the time to venture into been cleared by RPCs. Failure to reason as to why our management approaching early next year, industry favour. Leaves on each tea bush are other areas of work I am passionate facilitate this progress will ultimately practices should not evolve with the actors across the board seem to be at harvested on rotation every 7-10 days. about. For instance, I was able to jeopardise the sustainability of the times. cross-roads on the best way forward. This means that leaves from each bush pursue my passion of setting up the entire industry. Basic industry dynamics The only point on which there seems are plucked at least three times a National Pre-School Development Moreover, the first and most pressing to be much agreement is that reform month. A tea plot needs more than just Foundation; this foundation aims to solution to this dilemma is obvious to Tea smallholder plantations are is needed and urgently. This is a the expertise of tea harvesters to yield a train pre-school teachers in Early all parties. The wage model must be found commonly across the island. battle fought every two years, and successful output. Besides tea Childhood Development within revised. Our experience as tea Most low-country tea comes from unfortunately, there are no winners; harvesters, we also have other plantation communities. For tea smallholders is clear proof of this fact plantations in Ratnapura, Galle, only losers. By contrast, fieldworkers who engage in manual harvesters, moving out of a daily and should not be lightly disregarded. Matara and Kalutara. Mid-country smallholders like us who are not labour oriented tasks like weeding, payment system has opened up a path We are all advocates of our tea, and smallholdings are widespread across, bound by such an agreement have manuring and up-keeping estate for them to secure higher earnings what hurts one sector of our industry Kegalle and Kandy. Up-Country tea the independence to make decisions infrastructure who are paid a daily while increasing mobility of labour – will ultimately impact all of us. A comes from Nuwara Eliya and Uva. we feel are best for our workers, the wage of Rs 1,000. These fieldworkers meaning that workers were freed up to paradigm shift is necessary, and it can A majority of tea smallholders are industry and the legacy of Ceylon work 8 hours a day. As illustrated actively pursue work on different only start with a long-overdue update to both managers and harvesters of their Tea. above, for tea harvesters, our method of smallholder plots in order to boost their the way in which, workers are paid. lands. Small tea plots are easy to While we use the Collective payment is far from an unrewarding, earnings even further. (The author is the Chairman of the manage, and if you own one, you and Agreement as a benchmark for the fixed daily wage model. Instead, each Over the past few years, tea Sri Lanka Federation of Tea your family will likely tend it. The rate of payment, we have one crucial harvester is paid for the kilos of tea they harvesters who work on smallholder Smallholders. The Federation of Tea larger the tea plot, the more advantage, which is, we have the yield –which is to say: a productivity plots have evolved into entrepreneurs Smallholders is an industry body decentralised management becomes freedom to decide on the model of linked model of remuneration. themselves. Driven by the need to aimed at promoting the – quite similar to the basics of how payment. For us, the Collective Until the 2000s, like the RPCs, tea improve efficiency and output, advancement and development of the much larger tea companies Agreement is only a guideline. Our smallholders also paid harvesters and harvesters themselves have become tea smallholdings in the country. In function. However, unlike the big tea main focus is therefore in ensuring tea workers a daily wage. However, we 'agents of change'. Management and 2018, tea smallholders contributed companies – widely known as that we are able to offer workers a found that this became a real challenge production practices have become to more than 70% of over the overall Regional Plantation Companies method of payment that is attractive, when trying to retain workers and smarter, output-oriented and have tea production in the country.) First virtual IIT Cutting Edge 2020 Showcased

Informatics Institute of Technology unbanked" by Mohamed Ifram Ismath (IIT) successfully concluded its first- and the Bronze Award was won by ever virtual IIT Cutting Edge 2020 ‘Chain of Ownership’ by Hannah show where the latest collection of Natasha Hariharan. ground-breaking IT and business Awards were presented for ‘Business solutions of IIT students were Innovation – Information Driven showcased. Entrepreneurial Startup Awards’ while Cutting Edge is primarily an annual ‘Best Project’ awards were presented to exhibition organised by IIT to boost 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed projects of digital entrepreneurship among Foundation Level students, as well as students pursuing undergraduate First and Second Year student projects programmes of the University of of Business Information Systems, Westminster. Business Management and Software The theme of Cutting Edge 2020 was Engineering/Computer Science. ‘Embracing change and In the Business Pitch 2020 transformation through digital competition there were two major technologies’. Many IIT tracks – School track and IIT track. undergraduates following Software School track was open for local and Engineering, Computer Science, international school students above 15 Business Information Systems (BIS) years while the IIT track was open to and Business Management degrees undergraduates and foundation participated. In keeping with safety students to submit their ideas under precautions , this year’s Cutting Edge ‘Non-technical Business Solution’ and was carried out virtually through live ‘Technical Business Solution’ streaming on the IIT Web Portal and how to showcase it effectively to create Models for Smart Cities and Urban Award was bagged by ‘DAugmentor: categories. The IIT Track Champion the IIT Official facebook page. maximum impact team work and Innovation’ by hSenid Mobile Solutions Automating Generative Adversarial was Dinu Sudharaka Perera while the Cutting Edge 2020 was a multi- determination, helped students. With Key Account Manager Randula Networks Modulation and Tuning for 1st Runner-up was Jittendran Jude faceted event that comprised the the new format, video footage is on the Wijesinghe. Data Augmentation’ by Palamuni Sajith Hector and 2nd Runner-up was Cutting Edge Live Show, webinars and Web and anyone could browse through IIT students presented a wide array Dilum Maduranga De Silva and the M. Brian K. Anupama Fernando. The panel discussions, coding competition, and absorb it much better, without of innovative projects in Artificial Bronze Award was won by ‘ReviewIt: School Track Champion was Shenal gaming competition, quizzes, business missing out on anything.” Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality Sentiment Analyser for Recommending Kumarawadu of St. Benedict's College pitch competition and project The webinars and panel discussions (AR), Cloud Computing, Data Science, Products’ genuineness based on while the 1st Runner-ups were Rushda exhibition. provided unique insights from some of Big Data, NLP, Internet of Things, Customer Online Reviews’ by Rafeek, Amanda Fernando and Dean of IIT Naomi Krishnarajah Sri Lanka’s leading personalities in Sentiment Analysis, Embedded Warnakulasuriya Ishani Rayanthi Uthayakumar Jemima of OKI stated, “The first-ever Virtual Cutting ICT, business and entrepreneurship. Systems, Robotics, Fin Tech, Croos. In the Best Project under the International School - Wattala. Edge was an exciting event for They included ‘Introduction of IoT and Entrepreneurship, E-Commerce, category ‘Business Innovation’ The coding competition judged everyone at IIT. The pandemic has practical sessions of IoT with Arduino Game Development, Business sponsored by Idea Mart, the Gold coding skills against fellow students. helped us to think differently and (or Microbit)’ by XO Concepts Senior Analytics, Digital Marketing and Award Winner was ‘InfoChurn- The Cutting Edge Gamefest online adapt to the new environment. Having Technology Architect Malinda Image Processing. In the Best Project Customer Retention Engine with tournament allowed gaming fanatics to Cutting Edge on a virtual platform Rathnayaka, ‘Cyber Security – under the category ‘Software Project Churn Prediction for Motor Insurance battle each other in Valorant, Dota 2 means that everyone had to think Awareness of the threats in IoT and Innovation’, the Gold Award was won in Sri Lanka’ by Thilini Prarthana and Call of Duty Mobile. The ‘Kahoot innovatively. Students had to not only Smart Cities’ by Shan Shanmugarajah, by ‘Smart Shoes for Visual Impaired’ Gimhani, the Silver Award winner was Quiz Competition’ drew an think about the project but also decide an IT professional and ‘Business by Stelan Briyan Simonsz, the Silver ‘TrustCredit – A credit score for the enthusiastic response. B14 Ceylon FT wednesday 4 november 2020 focus How COVID-19 will Increase Inequality in Developing Economies

By Gabriela Cugat and provides evidence that the home. Note that these Futoshi Narita gains for emerging market estimates do not reflect any economies and low-income income redistribution Emerging markets and developing countries achieved measures after the pandemic. developing economies grew since the global financial This means that countries consistently in the two crisis could be reversed. The can dampen the effect on decades before the COVID-19 analysis shows that the inequality and on welfare pandemic hit, allowing for average Gini coefficient for more generally by policy much-needed gains in poverty emerging market and actions. reduction and life expectancy. developing economies will rise The crisis now puts much of to 42.7, which is comparable What can we do that progress at risk while to the level in 2008. The about it? further widening the gap impact would be larger for between rich and poor. low-income developing In our latest World Despite the pre-pandemic countries despite slower Economic Outlook, we gains in poverty reduction progress since 2008. outlined some policies and and lifespan, many of these measures to support affected countries have struggled to Welfare will suffer people and firms that will be reduce income inequality. At This widening inequality on essential for keeping the the same time, they saw average has a clear impact on inequality gap from widening persistently high shares of people’s well-being. We assess further. inactive youth (i.e., those not the progress made before the Investment in retraining in employment, education, or pandemic and what we can and re-skilling programmes training), wide inequality in expect for 2020 in terms of can boost re-employment education, and large gaps welfare using a measure that prospects for adaptable remaining in economic goes beyond GDP. We use a workers whose job duties may opportunities for women. welfare measure that see long-term changes as a COVID-19 is expected to combines information on result of the pandemic. make inequality even worse consumption growth, life Meanwhile, expanding access than past crises since expectancy, leisure time, and to the internet and promoting measures to contain the consumption inequality. financial inclusion will be pandemic have had Based on these measures, important for an increasingly disproportionate effects on from 2002 to 2019, emerging digital world of work. vulnerable workers and markets and developing Relaxing eligibility criteria women. economies enjoyed welfare for unemployment insurance As part of our latest World growth of almost 6 per cent, and extending paid family Economic Outlook we explore which is 1.3 percentage and sick leave can also two facts about the current points higher than per capita cushion the impact the crisis pandemic to estimate its the ability to work from home result of the pandemic, which distribution (Gini coefficient) real GDP growth, suggesting is having on jobs. Social effect on inequality: a is lower among low-income would worsen the income for 2020 for 106 countries many aspects of peoples’ lives assistance in the form of person’s ability to work from workers than for high-income distribution. and compute the per cent were seeing improvement. conditional cash transfers, home and the drop in GDP earners. Based on data from Second, we use the IMF’s change. The higher the Gini The increase was mostly due food stamps, and nutrition expected for most countries the United States, we know GDP growth projections for coefficient the greater the to improvements in life and medical benefits for low- in the world. that sectors with activities 2020 as a proxy for what the inequality, with high-income expectancy. income households must not more likely to be performed aggregate decrease in income individuals receiving much The pandemic could reduce be withdrawn prematurely. The impact of where from home saw a smaller will be. We distribute this loss larger percentages of the total welfare by 8 per cent in Policies to prevent decades you work reduction in employment. across income brackets in income of the population. emerging markets and of hard-won gains from being These two facts combined tell proportion to their ability to What this tells us is the developing countries with lost will be critical to ensuring First, the ability to work us that lower-income workers work from home. With this estimated effect from COVID- more than half of it stemming a more equitable and from home has been key were less likely to be able to new income distribution, we 19 on the income distribution from the excess change in prosperous future beyond the during the pandemic. A work from home and more compute a post-COVID is much larger than that of inequality as a result of a crisis. recent IMF study shows that likely to lose their jobs as a summary measure of income past pandemics. It also person’s ability to work from IMF Blog sports wednesday 4 november 2020 A15 Loyola has Fine All-rounder in Hashen Lalendra PLAYER PROFILE Fared this Season Batting Bowling Name: Warnakulasooriya Hashen Lalendra Fernando Vs Sri Pragnananda Raddoluwa 03 & 00 4/42 & 4/47 School: Loyola College Negombo Vs Gonzalvez Pamunugama 12 2/8 & 5/40 Vs Prince Ratnapura 01 & 02 2/58 & 8/47 Born on: 2002.02.05 Vs Maris Stella Thimbirigaskatuwa 19 2/30 Batting Style: RHB Bowling Style: RAOS Vs Bomiriya Central 43 & 33 2/05 M I NO Runs Ave 100’s 50’s Vs Sri Sumangala Kandy 61 & 89 6/69 13 22 - 648 29.45 01 04 Vs St. John’s Nugegoda 32 2/17 & 6/28 Vs Rajasinghe Hanwella 24 & 01 1/40 & 0/20 Highest Score: 147 against Maliyadeva Model Vs Lyceum Panadura 60 & 56 1/55 School Kurunegala Vs Debarawewa NS 07 & 05 5/19 & 4/46 100’s: 01 Vs Ananda Shashthralaya Matugama 14 & 03 3/59 & 5/57 50’s: 04 (61 & 89 Vs Sri Sumangala Vs Gamini NS Bentota 29 & 07 4/34 & 2/53 Kandy, 60 & 56 Vs Lyceum Vs Maliyadeva Model Kurunegala 147 4/15 & 4/24 Panadura) District Under-15 team in the W R Ave BBI BBM 5W’s 10W’s Prima Champions Trophy Inter District Cricket 76 813 19.70 8/47 10/105 06 01 Tournament conducted by Sri BBI: 8/47 against Prince College Ratnapura Lanka Cricket in 2016. He scored 361 runs and took 31 BBM: 10/105 against Prince College Ratnapura wickets during the 2017 season as the skipper. 10W’s: 01 He represented the school Leicester City’s Marc Albrighton in action 5W’s: 06 (5/40 Vs Gonzalvez Pamunugama, 8/47 Vs Under-17 team in 2018 and 2019. His Under-15 and Prince Ratnapura, 6/69 Vs Sri Sumangala Kandy, 6/28 Vs Under-17 coach was Moditha Vibrant Leicester St. John’s Nugegoda, 5/19 Vs Debarawewa NS, 5/57 Vs Bandara (2017 to 2019). He took 29 wickets and scored Ananda Shashthralaya Matugama) 129 runs in the 2019 Under- go second with Best All-round Performance: 147, 4/15 & 4/24 Vs 17 season as the skipper. He played two seasons for Maliyadeva Model Kurunegala the Under-19 team (2017/2018 and 2018/2019). 4-1 win at Leeds He scored 438 runs with a Warnakulasooriya Hashen 147 runs against Maliyadeva half century and took 36 Jamie Vardy inspired and Under who showed great Lalendra Fernando, skipper of Model School Kurunegala wickets for 502 runs in the YouriTielemans scored twice finesse to pick out Vardy who Loyola College Negombo, during the season. He also 2018/19 season. He led the as Leicester City enjoyed an slotted home. performed well as an all- claimed 76 wickets for 813 Under-19 team during the impressive 4-1 win at Leeds The 33-year-old striker has rounder in the ‘Singer Trophy’ runs with six 5-wicket hauls Hashen Lalendra Fernando 2019/20 season under United on Monday, which now scored eight goals in all Under-19 Division Three inter and one 10-wicket haul, with current coach Niranjan moves them up to second in competitions this season with Schools Cricket (Two-day) his best in an inning being the Under-13 team for three Paramanadan. the Premier League. each coming away from home. tournament 2019/20 season 8/47 against Prince College seasons (2013 to 2015) and Loyola advanced to the The Foxes, who have now Maddison was involved with conducted by Sri Lanka Ratnapura. led the team in 2015. He quarter-final of the Division won all four away games this the fourth goal in stoppage Schools Cricket Association. Hashen joined Loyola in scored 222 runs and claimed Three (Two day) tournament season, grabbed the lead in time, when Mateusz Klich A third year coloursman, the 2009 as a grade one student 18 wickets during that under his captaincy. SLSCA the second minute when challenged him from behind right-handed middle order and commenced his cricket season. decided to postpone the Vardy intercepted a poor and after a VAR review, batsman scored 648 runs with career at 11 years in 2013 In 2016 and 2017 he played tournament due to the back-pass from Leeds referee Andre Marriner a century and four half under the coach Dinesh for the Under-15 team. He prevailing health concerns defender Robin Koch and set- awarded a penalty which centuries with a top score of Ranatunge. He represented represented the Gampaha (from 15 March). (IR) up Harvey Barnes to slot Tielemans confidently home. converted. The goal came directly after Leicester are on 15 points, an early chance for Patrick just one point behind leaders Bamford, the Leeds striker, Liverpool and Rodgers who could only head straight enthused about his team. Slipper in line for 100th at Kasper Schmeichel from "I thought my players were close range. brilliant. We had to be Test on Queensland return Brendan Rodgers' side tactically disciplined and then doubled their lead in the 21st play when we had the ball," he Australia prop James The ACT Brumbies minute when Marc Albrighton said. Slipper is in line to threw Slipper a lifeline whipped in a cross and "If we get to March, April celebrate his 100th Test after the 2018 season Vardy's stooping, angled and we are in that position cap in Saturday’s second and he took the chance header struck Leeds keeper (second), then it will be nice, Tri-Nations game against with both hands, IllanMeslier in the face and but there is a long way to go," New Zealand, a milestone working his way back fell to Tielemans to fire home. he added. that was far from his into the Wallabies Leeds came out strongly Leeds are 12th on 10 points thoughts when frozen out frame the following after the break and pulled a and their Argentine Manager by the Queensland Reds year to play a third goal back three minutes after Marcelo Bielsa struck a self- two years ago. Rugby World Cup the restart when a deep cross critical tone. Slipper was handed a under Michael Cheika. from Stuart Dallas went "In the first 30 minutes we two-month ban after “I wasn’t thinking through a crowded box and defended poorly and after we testing positive twice for James Slipper about hitting 100 (test) into the far corner of the net. didn't create enough danger. cocaine at the start of the caps, that couldn’t Pablo Hernandez then hit That is one of the main 2018 season, leading to him falling have been any further away from the bar for Leeds with a fine responsibilities of the out with the Reds’ disciplinarian my thought process at the time,” effort from the edge of the Manager," he said. coach Brad Thorn. the 31-year-old Slipper told box, but Leicester restored "I am not taking the blame, Battling depression at the time, reporters on Tuesday. their two-goal advantage with just stating the players were Slipper was never selected for the “Thinking back when I had the a beautifully worked third not correctly distributed. The Reds again despite having change, going to the Brumbies, I goal. players are disappointed," Ajinkya Rahane represented the provincial side in just wanted to play consistent rug Substitute James added Bielsa. Rahane returns to form in over 100 Super Rugby matches. by. (Reuters) Maddison found Cengiz (Reuters) time for Australia series Ajinkya Rahane announced his return to form in Monday's Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and India captain Virat Tamim, Mahmudullah to receive NOCs for PSL Kohli will be happy with the timing, despite being at the receiving end in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Monday (2 November). “We had Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting had said are ready to give the No Objection planned to host the upcoming T20 before the start of the tournament that Rahane, more Certificate to Tamim Iqbal and tournament from mid-November, of a timer than a slogger, was not ‘an automatic choice’ Mahmudullah to take part in the but now as we are planning to host for the side chasing their first IPL title. Pakistan Super League (PSL), since it from the third week of November, Rahane sat out Delhi's first six matches and when the tournament doesn’t clash with they can go ahead and play in opportunities finally came he could not immediately grab the upcoming Bangabandhu T20 PSL,” he added. them, managing only 51 runs in his first five outings. tournament. Though they are expected to go However, back at number three after struggling as an Lahore Qalanders have picked and play in the PSL, BCB will have opener, Rahane scored a fluent 60 off 46 balls in their Tamim to replace Chris Lynn, while to seek special clearance from the six-wicket win against Kohli's Bangalore. Multan Sultans will be without Government for them to reduce the "Ricky told me when we came here that I would bat Moeen Ali and have replaced him quarantine period upon their number three. It's a good number to bat on," said with Mahmudullah. return so that they can take part in Rahane, who will be Kohli's deputy in India's four-Test Earlier, the BCB had decided not the domestic tournament, like the series in Australia beginning on 17 December. to give the NOC to Bangladeshi Board did for their foreign coaches "It was disappointing to get out. I wanted to finish the cricketers for the Lanka Premier earlier. game. We know how funny this game is, but in the end League (LPL) as it was clashing Mahmudullah Tamim Iqbal On 14 November, table-toppers good to win this game and qualify." with the upcoming domestic Multan Sultan will take on Karachi Despite the defeat, Bangalore joined defending competition. Pace bowler then preparing for the Sri Lanka instead of mid-November as Kings in the first qualifier, followed champions Mumbai Indians and Delhi in the playoff. Mustafizur Rahman can consider tour that eventually got postponed. initially planned. by the eliminator clash between (Reuters) himself unlucky as BCB denied The duo can consider themselves “We will give them NOC as the Lahore Qalandar and Peshawar him the NOC for the ongoing 13th fortunate considering the PSL is not clashing with our Zalmi. The second eliminator will Scores edition of the Indian Premier upcoming Bangabandhu T20 domestic T20 tournament,” BCB be held on the 15th and the final RCB: 152/7 (Padikkal 50, de Villiers 35; Nortje 3-33) League (IPL) due to his obligations tournament is expected to start cricket Operations Chairman on the 17th. DC: 154/4 (Rahane 60, Dhawan 54; Ahmed 2-26) with the national side, who were from the third week of November Akram Khan told Cricbuzz on (Cricbuzz) A16 wednesday 4 november 2020 sports If today’s meeting fails LPL could move to UAE or Malaysia The Lanka Premier League's 21 crews and commentators set to come arrangements around a biosecure Health Ministry officials today, after Although it is likely that both the November start date is being for the tournament. bubble for players and staff more which the path forward will be Minister and SLC officials are wary of reconsidered, while there is also now Having repeatedly cancelled straightforward. clearer. Among SLC's requests is for criticising the Health Ministry's a possibility the tournament will be previous iterations of the tournament, "The last option, which we would players to be required to do a five to staunch position for fear such moved to the UAE or Malaysia. SLC is desperate to make it happen rather not take, is to play in the UAE seven-day quarantine only, after criticism could come off as callous, Tournament Director Ravin this year, and is now considering or Malaysia. This is a Sri Lankan which they should be allowed to within the Board at least there seems Wickramaratne said that Sri Lanka three options, Wickramaratne said. tournament so it should be played begin training within the LPL to be mounting frustration that health Cricket (SLC) would much prefer to “The first option is to play the here. But this has been a much- bubble. authorities are thwarting attempts to play the tournament in the island. tournament across two venues in Sri awaited tournament, and there are Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa is bring high-profile cricket back to the However, the 14-day quarantine the Lanka - Hambantota and Pallekelle - many Sri Lankan players who have also understood to be supporting island. Among the arguments SLC is Health Ministry is insisting on but we might have to move the been waiting to play in it. So we SLC’s requests, but has not so far likely to make is that the LPL will be a increasingly appears a dealbreaker for tournament back by about one week. want to play it." succeeded in securing a more flexible significant economic boost to the some foreign players, as well as an The second option is to play it all in SLC officials and tournament quarantine plan from another economy in a difficult time. operational obstacle for broadcast one venue, which will make the organisers are now set to meet Ministry in his own Government. (ESPN)

Jayasuriya re-eligible to England tour of South Africa 2020 involve in cricket: ICC Archer, Stokes rested for ODIs Former Sri Lanka captain and star batsman Sanath England have named two Jayasuriya confirmed 15-man squads and three yesterday that the 2-year reserve players for their sanction imposed on him by limited over series in South the International Cricket Africa later this month. The Council (ICC) has lapsed, T20I party is at full-strength and he is now eligible to as England look to prepare for involve himself in cricket next year's T20 World Cup in activities once again. India, while Jofra Archer, Ben Jayasuriya had agreed to Stokes and Sam Curran will the sanction, which was be rested for the ODI matches imposed for not handing over which follow. his personal mobile phone to Sanath Jayasuriya The selectors have named ICC authorities who were 23 players in all with 10 of conducting an investigation loving public are the best them appearing in both against him. witness to this aspect. squads. Archer, Stokes and In a press statement “I am grateful and extend Sam Curran, Chris Jordan Jayasuriya said: my sincere thanks to the Sri and Dawid Malan have only “I am happy to announce Lankan public and my fans been selected in the T20I that the ICC ACU has who supported me squad, while Joe Root, Chris informed me that the terms throughout this period. You Woakes, Olly Stone, Lewis of my agreed sanction have were a source of great Gregory and Liam Livingstone been met and my period of strength to me during this have just been included in the ineligibility has concluded. I difficult time. 50-over squad. Despite a am now, therefore, re-eligible “I thank the Anti- hectic workload, including a to participate or be otherwise Corruption Unit of the ICC stint in the IPL with Rajasthan involved in the game of for the cooperation extended Royals, Jos Buttler has been cricket. to me in this regard, and selected in both squads. “I reiterate the fact that I extend my appreciation for Reece Topley, who returned have always maintained a the services rendered to me to England duty for the first high degree of integrity by my lawyers, President’s time in four years during the throughout my cricketing Counsel Kalinga Indatissa 50-over series against Ireland career. I have always put and Attorney-at-Law Vishwa in July, has been included in Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer country first, and the cricket de Livera Tennekoon.” both parties. His fellow left- armer, David Willey, who England since July 2018, three ODIs and three T20Is before the ODI series begins impressed against the Irish has also been included as during the summer, has also three days later, and with a man of the series one of the three travelling been left out, while there is concludes with matches on 4 display, has not been included reserves after an excellent only space for two frontline and 9 December. due to injury. Mark Wood, campaign in the T20 Blast spinners in Moeen Ali and T20 Squad: Eoin Morgan who endured a frustrating which yielded 19 wickets in Adil Rashid. Lancashire's (captain), Moeen Ali, Jofra Zimbabwe summer, has been selected for ten matches. Tom Helm, the young leg-spinner Matt Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, both the ODI and T20 series, young Middlesex quick, is Parkinson has not been Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Sam while Somerset batsman Tom also in the reserve list and is included. Curran, Tom Curran, Chris Banton, who was part of all of the only uncapped player The squad will leave Jordan, Dawid Malan, Adil win final ODI England's limited overs included. England on 16 November for Rashid, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, squads during the summer, is There is no place in either Cape Town. They will play Reece Topley, Mark Wood Beat Pakistan in Super Over only named as a reserve squad for Kent batsman Joe one 50-over intra-squad ODI Squad: Eoin player this time. Denly, who played in the practice match and two T20s Morgan(captain), Moeen Ali, Zimbabwe won the final 22-3 to post a pretty decent Stone has been recalled to T20I series against Australia in preparation for the two Jonathan Bairstow, Sam ODI – restricting Pakistan 279-run target. Their innings the ODI squad after a at the end of the home series, which will be played Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom from a clean sweep – after was anchored by centurion succession of injuries which season, with Livingstone behind closed doors and Curran, Lewis Gregory, Liam beating the Green Shirts in Sean Williams (118) after it have kept him out of preferred in the ODI squad begin on 27 November with Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe the Super Over at the was wrecked by Mohammad international reckoning since and Denly's Kent teammate the first T20I at Newlands. Root, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Hasnain (5-26). last summer's solitary Test Sam Billings chosen for the The second and third Reece Topley, Chris Woakes, on Tuesday. Pakistan's run chase was against Ireland. Jake Ball, T20 series. Lancashire quick matches will be played on 29 Mark Wood Having taken five wickets doomed from the start and who has not played for Saqib Mahmood, who played November and 1 December (Agencies) (5-49) during the quota of 50 they were 51-4 and 88-5 at overs, pacer Muzarabani various stages, but their restricted Pakistan to just captain Babar Azam (125) two runs in the Super Over, and Wahab Riaz (52) almost taking both the Pakistani turned the game around wickets within four balls, before falling right at the which made the chase a death. In the end, it came cakewalk for his side. down to Pakistan needing a Earlier in the day, after last-ball boundary to force a Make helmet mandatory winning the toss and Super Over - something deciding to bat first, Muhammad Musa Khan did, Zimbabwe recovered from courtesy a misfielding. for batsmen: Tendulkar Indian batting great Sachin The ICC, which has since Tendulkar has asked the toughened helmet standards, Eight SL Emerging governing International was not immediately available Cricket Council (ICC) to make for comment on Tendulkar's Cricketers to play it mandatory for all batsmen suggestion. In another tweet, to wear helmets irrespective of Tendulkar reminded India Australian domestic league whether facing a pacer or a coach Ravi Shastri how he got spinner. hit top-edging a full toss Eight Sri Lankan Rashantha, Navod During a recent Indian delivery from Sunil Gavaskar emerging cricketers had Paranavithana and Premier League match in during an exhibition match. signed an agreement to Mohamed Samas, pacers Dubai, Sunrisers Hyderabad "That could've been a grave take part in the Australian Dilshan Madusanka and batsman Vijay Shankar was injury too but thankfully domestic (Dandenong Amshi de Silva, and knocked down after being hit wasn't!" Tendulkar wrote. League) tournament, spinners Ashen Daniel and in the helmet by a full-blooded Former team mate Pragyan which was scheduled to be Kavindu Nadeeshan. throw from Kings XI Punjab Ojha backed Tendulkar and played from October - Initial discussions with fielder Nicholas Pooran. said wearing a helmet should March. Cricket Australia had "The game has become be compulsory for wicket- It is reported that the commenced in 2018 by Sri faster, but is it getting safer?" keepers, close-in fielders, and cricketers were scheduled Lanka Cricket Secretary Tendulkar said on Tuesday, even the umpires. to take wing to Australia in Mohan de Silva, and reacting to the video of the "Why not make helmet September, but due to the approval was granted last incident on Twitter."Recently compulsory for wicketkeepers current COVID-19 year, which will be in force we witnessed an incident (standing up), batsmen, short situation the tournament till 2022, for 12 players to which could’ve been nasty. Be "Request @ICC to take this Phil Hughes died in 2014, two leg-silly point fielders and has been pushed back. have the opportunity to it a spinner or pacer, wearing up on priority," Tendulkar days after being hit in the both the umpires? Safety is The emerging players take part in the a HELMET should be added, tagging all the cricket neck by a bouncer during a also important!" tweeted the selected are: Batsmen tournament. MANDATORY for batsmen at boards. Sheffield Shield game in former left-arm spinner. Kamil Mishara, Ravindu (WW) professional levels. Former Australia batsman Sydney. (Reuters)

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