www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk Tuesday, November 17, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit Covid-19 Total cases Active cases Total cases coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit cases in 0112 695 112 the world 54,978,144 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline Protect yourself from 17,516 Promotion Ambulance Deaths Cases Deaths 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 11,374,574 251,935 If showing symptoms Covid-19 deaths Recovered 1999 1990 0117 966 366 1,326,860 INDIA 8,857,836 130,280 BRAZIL 5,863,093 165,811 Presidential Special Task Force for Essential Services Recoverd 11,806 FRANCE 1,981,827 44,548 61 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 5,649 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 38,243,706 RUSSIA 1,948,603 33,489 The above statistics are confirmed up until 9.30 p.m. on 16 November 2020 Source: Health Promotion Bureau

New Covid-19 detections Norochcholai Power Plant Private sector salaries Total Cases Labour Dept. approval Only one 300 MW needed for reductions Labour Minister by the Government 14,017*Stats updated as at 7.00 p.m. on 16 November Nimal Siripala de to those who still Covid-19 Silva said private couldn’t report for unit operating companies, apart employment in the from those in the private sector as a Three more deaths tourism industry, result of the Covid- Three more Covid-19 deaths were z One unit shut for maintenance, z No power shortfall due to hydropower reported last night (16), according other over faulty steam tube generation: State Minister should obtain 19 situation. to the Department of Government permission from He said that the Information. the Department of Labour Minister Nimal 50% pay scale for By Maheesha Mudugamuwa The CEB management confirmed Labour to reduce the Siripala de Silva the tourism industry that one unit of the power plant salaries of employees by 50% if should be maintained and the Person arrested over A faulty steam tube at the Norochcholai Power Plant has was currently not functioning due it is incurring huge losses due to agreement reached by employers forced the shutdown of one 300 MW unit, while another 300 to a fault in a steam tube. Repair the Covid-19 pandemic. to pay the full salaries to the rest fake news MW unit is currently undergoing routine maintenance, Ceylon work is currently ongoing and the At a meeting held yesterday of the private sector should be A 28-year-old resident of Kandy was Electricity Board (CEB) sources told The Morning. management assured that the unit (16), the Minister requested to maintained. arrested yesterday (16) for posting on would be fixed within two weeks continue providing the relief Contd. on page 2 social media purported images of bodies As a result, only one unit, of a As learnt by The Morning, from the date of breakdown. It is of individuals who passed away due to capacity of 300 MW, is currently the power plant was scheduled said the unit broke down last week. 2021 Budget debate Covid-19 being found on the roadside, functioning, but the CEB said there for maintenance in January as it The Chinese-built coal power plant the Sri Lanka Police stated. would not be any power cuts as prepares to supply electricity during at Norochcholai has intermittently Covid-19 reduces expenses hydropower generation is currently the dry season from February to broken down since its inception. VACCINE at its peak. May. Contd. on page 2 By Skandha Gunasekara reduction in costs because this time there won’t be many There would be a significant officials and guests who will 95% effective reduction in expenses for the be in Parliament,” Secretary Returning home 2021 Budget debate this year as General of Parliament Dhammika says US company opposed to the previous years due Dasanayake told The Morning. A new vaccine that protects against to the Covid-19 situation and its He noted that even the number Covid-19 is nearly 95% effective, early impact, The Morning learnt. of MPs would be less this time. data from US company Moderna shows. “We very much expect a Contd. on page 2 Minuwangoda Reopening schools cluster under control Discussion next week The Minuwangoda cluster that z erupted as the starting point of the Between education and health authorities second Covid-19 wave in Sri Lanka was By Sarah Hannan now brought under complete control, G.L. Peiris said: “Although Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra The Ministry of Education we planned to reopen schools Silva stated. is discussing with the health on 9 November, due to the authorities and the school present pandemic situation, the administrations about the Government took a decision to Peliyagoda Market decision to reopen schools on postpone it for a period of two 23 November, The Morning weeks. The date to recommence restarts operations learnt. schools has now been set to The Manning Market, which was Speaking to The Morning, Monday, 23 November.” temporarily shifted to Peliyagoda, and the Minister of Education Professor Contd. on page 2 Fish Market recommenced its operations Following the lifting of travel restrictions imposed on the Western Province, people who had earlier entered the province and yesterday (16) after being shut down due were unable to exit flocked to the Colombo Central Bus Stand yesterday (16) to the threat of Covid-19, Police Media Photo Lalith Perera Health professionals handling Covid deaths Spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajith Rohana stated. SLAF pilots Govt. urged to issue guidelines Budget 2021 The Health Ministry is urged to of the disease spreading while British PM in self-isolation immediately formulate guidelines transporting the bodies. presentation today First time commissioning for health professionals on how to GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha British Prime Minister Boris Johnson The Budget for the year 2021 is scheduled deal with the bodies of the people Aluthge told the media that a is under self-isolation following the to be presented to Parliament at 01.40 p.m. who die at home due to Covid-19. number of practical issues had detection of an MP testing positive for two female officers today (17). Two female officers were Gunarathe and Pilot Officer R.T. The Government Medical already arisen when conducting Covid-19, BBC reported. It will be presented to the House by Prime commissioned as pilots yesterday Weerawardana became the first Officers’ Association (GMOA) PCR tests on the deceased in Minister and Minister of Finance Mahinda (16) for the first time in the history lady officers to be awarded the warned that if proper guidelines hospitals. See full Stories on page 2 Rajapaksa. The Second Reading debate of the of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). prestigious Flying Brevet and be were not given, there was a risk Contd. on page 2 Budget will take place over four days, from Issuing a statement yesterday, the the pioneering female military 19-21 November, as decided. SLAF said Pilot Officer A.D.P.L. aviators of Sri Lanka for the first First year in office SJB suspends Contd. on page 2 time in the history of the SLFA. Diana's membership The honour was Don’t organise special Sri Lanka’s main Opposition party, the CID questions Eran bestowed on the (SJB), decided z Statement recorded over last officers during the events: President to suspend the party membership of its Commissioning and No state ceremonies or events The President has also National List MP Diana Gamage, who week's press conference Wings Parade of the 61st will be held to mark President called upon those willing voted in favour of the 20th Amendment Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Intake of Officers Cadets Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s first- to wish him not to organise to the Constitution. Wickremeratne was yesterday (16) summoned by held at the Air Force year anniversary in office on 18 special events incurring Contd. on page 2 the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to Academy in China Bay, November, in keeping with the unnecessary expenditure, the Pilot Officers A.D.P.L. Gunarathe record a statement about and R.T. Weerawardana Trincomalee yesterday. policy set out by the President, report added. Ola-leaf manuscript copies comments made by him it was reported. Contd. on page 2 during a recent press To be brought conference, The Morning Covid-19 Bus fares learnt. from UK Wickremaratne Action against said that he explained Safety bus programme Sri Lanka has initiated discussions to his remarks to the CID overcharging bring down transcripts of the ola-leaf yesterday when recording manuscripts which contain medicinal the statement for over owners prescriptions pertaining to Hela Ayurveda SJB MP Eran three hours. from next week The Government stated yesterday (16) Wickremeratne practices that were archived at several Contd. on page 2 that legal action will be taken against bus museums in the UK. z Staff no show affecting bus operation Contd. on page 2 owners who charge more than the fares set Court of Appeal The Lanka Private Bus Wijeratne said: “We are by the Ministry of Transport. Owners’ Association (LPBOA) looking at presenting a According to State Minister of Vehicle Rain to intensify Rishad ordered to is to propose the initiation of proposal to the Minister of Regulation, Bus Transport Services and “Covid-19 Safety Buses” from Transport about the Covid- Carriages, and Automotive Industries Dilum in coming days reforest Kallaru next week onwards, after 20 19 Safety Bus programme, Amunugama, the route licenses of five such The prevailing showery condition is Parliamentarian was out of the 500 bus drivers and where we will operate selected buses were already suspended. expected to grow over the island within ordered by the Court of Appeal yesterday (16) conductors tested positive for LPBOA Chairman buses which will carry a sticker He said that a number of complaints were the next few days, the Department of to reforest the Kallaru Sanctuary in Wilpattu at Covid-19 from the Western Gemunu Wijeratne indicating that it is a Covid-19 received from passengers that they were Meteorology stated. his own expense. Province during the ongoing Speaking to The Morning, Safety Bus. being overcharged and that they were not Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 second wave of the virus. LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Contd. on page 2 being issued tickets. 2 the morning pictorial/news Tuesday, November 17, 2020

UN’s actions condemnedA letter bearing the subject “Objection to Ms. Hanaa Singer for intervention in internal affairs of Sri Lanka” was submitted by Ven. Jamburawella Chandraratne Thera of the People’s Responsibility Centre yesterday (16), to United Nations (UN) Resident Co-ordinator to Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer pertaining to her letter to Prime Minister recently on the cremation of the bodies of Covid-19 victims

Contd. from page 1

Ashfield MP Lee Anderson who later tested or thundershowers will occur at several hospital, whether the samples needed for the Person arrested... positive for Covid-19,” the report said. places elsewhere in the afternoon or night. CID questions... PCR test are taken at home or at the hospital, Police Media Spokesman Deputy Inspector The Prime Minister had said he was contacted Heavy showers above 100 mm can be “I explained that I was speaking of upholding to which hospital the body should be taken for General (DIG) Ajith Rohana refuted the claims by NHS (National Health Service) Test and Trace expected at some places in the Western, the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails PCR testing, and how to keep the body until that such deaths occurred, saying that it had not. on Sunday (16) but is not showing symptoms. Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, Northern, through the judicial system when I spoke at the the PCR report is received; and added that He added that out of the 58 deaths reported in Johnson last Thursday (12) had spent about and Eastern Provinces. weekly press conference held at the Opposition guidelines should be prepared in this regard. Sri Lanka by that time, only one individual 35 minutes with Anderson who has since tested The general public is kindly requested Leader’s office last week,” Wickremeratne Meanwhile, the Health Ministry last week had passed away on a public road – a beggar positive. to take adequate precautions to minimise told The Morning. decided to probe into the recent Covid-19 without shelter. The news came as Number 10 said Johnson damage caused by temporary localised strong He said that he had stressed the responsibility deaths in Colombo amidst the second wave He further admonished that action will be would make “critical announcements” about winds and lightning during thundershowers. of the Government to protect witnesses and of infections. taken against fake news spreading and the the coronavirus and “levelling up” the UK over Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers suspects held in custody. Health Services Deputy Director General offenders will be produced in court. the coming weeks. will occur at times in sea areas around “The Government has a duty to protect both Dr. Hemantha Herath said a three-member In an announcement planned before Johnson the island. Heavy showers will occur in witnesses and suspects alike, especially as they committee comprising Primary Health Services was told to self-isolate, Downing Street said the northern, eastern, south-eastern, and may reveal crucial information that could lead Director Dr. Priyantha Atapattu, consultant Dr. 95% effective... there would be a “clear signal” of his “ongoing southern sea areas of the island. to justice being served.” Hasitha Tissera of the Epidemiology Unit, and The results come hot on the heels of similar ambitions for the UK”. Winds will be north-easterly in the Wickremeratne was questioned yesterday consultant Dr. Ajith Tennakoon, was appointed results from Pfizer, and add to growing sea areas extending from Colombo to by the CID over comments he had made at a to conduct a scientific review into the Covid- confidence that vaccines can help end the Kankesanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, press conference on 12 November. 19-related home deaths reported recently. pandemic. SJB suspends... and south-easterly to easterly in other sea – Skandha Gunasekara Dr. Herath stated that eight out of the initial Both companies used a highly innovative In a letter addressed to MP Gamage, signed by areas around the island. 22 deaths, with the onset of the second corona and experimental approach to designing their Party Leader , it is stated that Wind speed will be about 20-30 kmph wave, were reported as home deaths. Some of vaccines. she had failed to comply with the unanimous and can increase up to 50 kmph in the sea Labour Dept... them died while undergoing quarantine and The trial involved 30,000 people in the US decision taken by the SJB to vote against the areas extending from Beruwala to Pottuvil The 50% pay system can only be implemented certain deaths were reported from isolated with half being given two doses of the vaccine, 20th Amendment to the Constitution. via Galle and Matara and from Puttalam to if a working group does not report for work, areas as well four weeks apart. The rest had dummy injections. Highlighting that this is a serious violation Trincomalee via Kankesanthurai. he said. In such cases, it was decided that the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa The analysis was based on the first 95 to of party discipline, the Opposition Leader Sea areas extending from Beruwala to companies should inform the Department of develop Covid-19 symptoms.Only five of the stated that he decided to suspend her party Pottuvil via Galle and Matara and from Labour about the inconvenience and obtain Covid cases were in people given the vaccine, 90 membership for the reputation or wellbeing Puttalam to Trincomalee via Kankesanthurai permission to pay 50% of the salary, the Don’t organise... were in those given the dummy treatment. The and prosperity of the party. can be fairly rough at times. Other sea areas Minister said. Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected the company says the vaccine is protecting 94.5%. Premadasa stated that he cancelled MP around the island can be slight to moderate. He directed the Department of Labour to seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka on The data also shows there were 11 cases of Gamage’s party membership with the powers Temporarily strong gusty winds up to monitor whether all workplaces around the 16 November 2019 and took the oath of office severe Covid in the trial, but none happened in vested in him by the SJB’s Constitution, as the 70-80 kmph can occur and very rough seas country were adhering to the health guidelines on 18 November 2019. A special address to people who were immunised. Chairman of the party. can be expected during thundershowers. issued by the Government to stop the spread the nation by the President will be telecast at “The overall effectiveness has been of Covid-19. 8.30 p.m. tomorrow (18) on all television and remarkable…it’s a great day,” Moderna Chief At a meeting held between the Minister, radio channels. Medical Officer Tal Zaks told BBC News. To be brought... Only one... labour officials, and trade unions, Minister de (BBC) The decision was announced by Central Silva instructed the Commissioner of Labour to Province Governor Lalith U. Gamage during In August, the entire country was left without set up Covid-19 committees in the workplaces Safety bus... Minuwangoda... a recent District Infrastructure Development power in an hours-long outage following an as soon as possible with the participation of We are also looking at getting our bus staff Committee meeting held in Matale as part of “unspecified failure” at the Kerawalapitiya both employers and employees. health insurance with the assistance of the A total of 3,106 infections were identified from the National Programme to Uplift the National Power Station. Following this, the country – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Ministry. ” the cluster which originated from Minuwangoda. Rural Economy. faced power cuts for a few days as the CEB Accordingly, the conductor will have a However, only 136 of them are currently “We have been informed that the priceless said it could not turn on the Norochcholai dedicated seat at the front entrance of the bus, under medical treatment while the rest have been ola-leaf manuscripts which include the ancient Power Plant immediately after the blackout. Covid-19 reduces... a hand sanitiser bottle will be attached at the discharged upon recovery, the Army Chief said. Ayurveda practices of Sri Lanka are held According to the CEB, only around 20% of “Members have also been asked to attend entry point of the bus, and disposable seat covers “When the Minuwangoda cluster was at several museums in the UK. These ola- total power generation is supplied via thermal only if they are speaking. So unless there is a will be issued to passengers when boarding the identified, over 1,000 persons had been infected leaf manuscripts had been taken away from coal, while 38% is supplied through thermal vote or similar, some of them won’t come.” bus, whilst buses will only take passengers to even by the first day. That means nearly 2,000 Sri Lanka during the British invasion. The oil and 40% through hydro. He noted that the traditionally held “tea half-capacity. had been infected. We were able to stop the manuscripts are said to have recorded the State Minister for Solar, Wind, and Grid party” following the commencement of the He also added that safety instructions will be spread at 3,106 cases.” indigenous knowledge of the ancestors of our Power Projects Development Duminda Budget debate would also be scaled down clearly displayed at the front of the bus. Meanwhile, the Army Chief said that home country, including Hela Ayurveda practices, Dissanayake told The Morning that there considerably. With persons who suffer from non- quarantine was initiated considering the issues which is of great value and importance, that will not be a shortfall in the power supply “There will be a tea party, but not at the communicable diseases (NCDs) facing significant of transporting patients of the Peliyagoda Fish should be preserved for future generations,” due to low power consumption these days as scale we normally have it. We will be asking risk of complications if they contract the virus, Market cluster to quarantine centres. Gamage noted. well as the hydropower generation capacity MPs to have their tea from the members’ Wijeratne added: “We are facing a crisis at this State Minister of Promotion of Indigenous of the country. dining area, and we will be doing the same moment as we are unable to operate most of Peliyagoda Market... Medicine, Development of Rural and Ayurvedic He noted that the 300 MW unit that was shut for the diplomats also. So there won’t be a our buses, with drivers and conductors not The decision to relocate the market was taken Hospitals, and Community Health Sisira for maintenance will recommence operations very elaborate tea ceremony.” reporting to work. Many of them suffer from after several employees at the Manning Market Jayakody, who participated in the Matale on Friday (20). Meanwhile, Parliament Director – Finance non-communicable diseases such as high blood tested positive for Covid-19 recently. meeting, stated that the relevant arrangements W. Upananda said that the total expenses were pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and their According to the Police Media Spokesperson, were being discussed to bring transcripts of yet to be calculated, stating: “We haven’t done families are not letting them drive the buses as all workers at the Peliyagoda Market will be the ola-leaf manuscripts. He added that a cost Budget 2021... any calculations just yet, but will do so after they do not want their husbands, fathers, and subjected to PCR testing as per the guidelines of £ 25 will be charged to copy one page of During these days, the budget debate will the budget debates have concluded.” sons to contract the virus.” issued by the Ministry of Health. the manuscript, and the necessary provisions be held daily from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and He said a drop in expenses could be expected Wijeratne said that it is the responsibility However, workers who have not undergone will be made to bring that knowledge back to the vote for the Second Reading is scheduled considering the reduction in the number of of the Road Passenger Transport Authority to PCR testing are requested to contact SSP Sri Lanka. for 5 p.m. on 21 November. days the debate will be held. ensure that random PCR testing is conducted Nishantha Chandrasekera of the Colombo The committee stage debate will be held “Usually the debate goes on for 26 days, but at all bus terminals regardless of whether they Central Division to have PCR tests conducted. from 23 November to 10 December. this time it will be done over only 21 days, so drive a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus Rains to... The vote for the Third Reading will take even with that, we can expect less expenses or a private bus. Showers or thundershowers will occur place on 10 December at 5 p.m. for this year’s Budget debate.” Road Passenger Transport Authority – Western British PM... at times in the Northern, North Central, Province Chairman O.W. Prasanna Sanjeewa “Boris Johnson is self-isolating after meeting Eastern, and Southern Provinces. Showers recently revealed that at least 20 out of the Rishad ordered... Discussion next... 500 drivers, conductors, and timekeepers who The case against the former Minister over Accordingly, Prof. Peiris noted that prior to underwent PCR testing at several bus terminals the clearing of the Kallaru Sanctuary near reopening schools, the Ministry of Education within the Western Province from October up to Cartoon of the day Wilpattu National Park was taken up before will consider the health and safety of the date had tested positive for Covid-19. Court of Appeal Justices Janak de Silva and country’s schoolchildren and their future, and So far, samples have been collected at the Nishshanka Bandula Karunaratne yesterday. added that all the necessary precautions are Gunasinghepura, Nugegoda, Maharagama, The petition, filed by the Centre for once again in place. Horana, Kottawa, Homagama, Panadura, Environmental Justice (CEJ), had named the “It is after considering these two aspects Kalutara, and Matugama bus stands. Department of Wildlife and Conservation that we will take a decision on the date of Further sample collections are to be carried out (DWC), Central Environmental Authority reopening schools after consulting the experts in other bus terminals in the coming weeks as well. (CEA), former Minister Bathiudeen, and several and specialists in the healthcare sector. We Sanjeewa noted that at least 10,000 people are others as respondents in the petition. will also consult the principals and teachers of employed in the passenger transport service within Returning the verdict on the case, the court the respective schools to assess the situation,” the Western Province operating approximately ruled the clearing of the reserve to be illegal. he added. 4,900 buses on a day-to-day basis. In addition to ordering Bathiudeen to reforest – Sarah Hannan the cleared area, the court also ordered the respondent to take steps to pay the plaintiff’s Govt. urged... legal fees. Welcoming the move by the Government to Three more... The CEJ had lodged the petition in 2015, conduct PCR tests even on the deceased during The victims were an 84-year-old stating that reforestation and illegal resettlement the post-mortem, Dr. Aluthge stressed that female and two males aged 70 and 75, at Wilpattu National Park have caused massive there are no guidelines for the health workers who were from Moratuwa, Colombo environmental destruction, and sought an order on how to function in such a situation, even 10, and Colombo 13, respectively. of Writ of Certiorari and Mandamus to remove though it has been recommended that PCR tests The 84-year-old died at her residence whilst illegal resettlements in a forest reserved area. be performed after the death at home of those the 70-year-old died while receiving treatment The hearing of the petition was set to be who suffered from other illnesses. at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), concluded in August last year. However, it He said that a number of practical issues and the 75-year-old was pronounced dead was postponed as Court of Appeal Judge had arisen at the grassroots level, such as upon admission at the National Hospital. Mahinda Samayawardhena had declined to how to perform a PCR test on a person who These three deaths bring the total death toll deliver its verdict. dies at home, how to transport the body to a due to Covid-19 in Sri Lanka to 61. the morning Tuesday, November 17, 2020 3 business Real estate upbeat despite Covid curfews: Lanka Property Web Sri Lanka’s real estate market in 2021. The current housing prices has suffered no damage from in Canada have reduced drastically the Covid-19 curfews imposed with each month since February. since October in various parts Meanwhile in the UK, reports of the country and has in fact of mortgage lender Nationwide operated positively through showed that the country witnessed a property price reduction of 1.4% them, the country’s leading in June and 1.7% in May. This property listing website was its highest property price Lanka Property Web said fluctuation since 2009. In Australia, yesterday (16). CoreLogic’s daily index revealed Melbourne had recorded a 3% The company based this on a reduction in real estate prices in the comparison done between website Kandy, Dehiwala, and Wattala. called it “an outstanding record” for second quarter; while Singapore visitors and users of Lanka Property There was also a unique increase this year. experienced its highest property Web (LPW) during the first week in searches for cultivated lands, The House Price Index of price reduction in three years of the initial lockdown imposed in especially for coconut and tea LPW showed that during 2020 during the same period. March and the last week of October, November the Government imposed In summary, there has been a lands, noted LPW, saying this bears (between Q1 and Q3) the prices With repatriation in progress which showed an increase of 153% a curfew for the entire Western rather minimal impact on the views evidence to the growing internal of houses, apartments, and lands and the need for housing growing and 115%, respectively. Province. and leads on the site during this agriculture industry that is reviving have remained stable in Sri Lanka. every day, it is less likely that the With the initial Minuwangoda LPW added that the number of lockdown compared to the first. despite the pandemic. However, in countries like Canada, Sri Lankan real estate market will Covid-19 cluster growing in ads posted on lankapropertyweb. The most property searches had LPW said it gained its highest Moody’s Analytics forecast experience a downturn similar to different parts of the country, and ad com also increased by 298% along been in the areas of Colombo, lead generation in October as well, housing prices to drop over the countries like the UK, Singapore, hoc curfews being put in place, on 2 with a rise in page views of 139%. particularly Colombo 5, 6, and 7, reaching a peak of 100,000, and next few months reaching up to 7% etc., LPW forecast. Can revival of SOEs alleviate crushing debt burden? SLASSCOM Finance Director Jehan Conference Chair and Alternate Forum Head Perinpanaygam Rohith Pradeep z First Reading of Budget 2021 today (17)

BY THE PATHFINDER FOUNDATION established at the line ministries and and Abu Dhabi, have refused to provide Treasury. additional financial support to their The Government of Sri Lanka has An important gap in the proposed national airlines even though these two SLASSCOM to announced that it will implement reforms reforms relates to pricing policy. The jurisdictions have two of the largest and strategies to revive state-owned largest proportion of the losses incurred sovereign wealth funds in the world. enterprises (SOEs), while maintaining by SOEs is attributable to pricing policy. Yet Sri Lanka, despite its parlous public its policy decision to discontinue Economic services (Ceylon Petroleum finances, has not been able to take tough host RPA week privatisation. Effective implementation Corporation [CPC], Ceylon Electricity decisions in relation to its national carrier. of the proposed reforms would increase Board [CEB], Sri Lanka Transport Successful implementation of SOE the value of SOEs. An important issue Board [SLTB], Sri Lanka Railways reforms will reduce the burden on the to be addressed is whether this creates [SLR], and the National Water Supply budget and strengthen state bank balance online in December an opportunity to raise financing for and Drainage Board [NWS&DB]) sheets. In addition, the valuation of these Following the The initiative will also redundant by such alleviating the country’s onerous debt are provided below cost. There is a enterprises will be enhanced and the successful RPA (robotic encompass a training technologies, Fernando burden. The crushing effects of this debt considerable body of empirical research opportunity will be created to consider process automation) calendar in partnership explained that the use of burden on the people of this country have which demonstrates that such subsidies very seriously how a programme of asset conference and with technology service bots translates into zero been demonstrated by the constrained are a very inefficient means of supporting disposal can contribute to alleviating the Hackathon in 2019, the providers, as well as errors, zero interruptions, response of the Government in protecting the poor and vulnerable. In practice, they unsustainable debt burden. This course of first of its kind in Sri an awards ceremony to more volumes, and people and livelihoods during the tend to benefit higher income groups action would be a less painful option for Lanka, SLASSCOM recognise companies scalability, and therein pandemic. Sri Lanka’s fiscal stimulus as a disproportionately. It is more effective to the general public than raising taxes or (Sri Lanka Association who have taken steps to more cost efficiencies percentage of GDP has been significantly provide a social safety net through a well- cutting priority expenditure. for Software Services automate, and through and profits. “This means lower than comparator countries. The designed and targeted income transfer Consideration should be given to Companies) will hold these case studies that humans are provided Central Bank of Sri Lanka and a well- scheme. The highly inefficient (poorly categorising state-owned assets into the 2020 RPA online encourage others to join more knowledge-centric capitalised banking system have been designed and poorly targeted) Samurdhi those which can be sold outright, such conference from 9-11 the revolution. job prospects in analytics, able to step into the breach. However, Programme should be reformed to achieve as the Hilton and Hyatt hotels. A second December, with the entire “It’s still the early strategy-making and the impact of the burden imposed on the this objective. This would provide greater category could be assets which can week being designed as days for robotics in Sri innovations, thus giving capital adequacy of the banking system leeway for adopting pricing policies that generate considerable financing for the SLASSCOM RPA week. Lanka, but several of them the opportunities to will only be known after the moratoria do not impose an unsustainable burden on Government through the sale of minority The week will include our member companies reskill themselves,” he are lifted. The Government’s success the Government Budget and/or balance stakes. For instance, the sale of 10-15% training workshops, have already acquired said. in containing the pandemic (March- sheets of state banks. The current subsidy- of the Bank of Ceylon and People’s Bank a hackathon, and world-class capability Through the pandemic, September 2020) was a major positive based model of delivering economic would generate a considerable amount award ceremonies, and implemented several companies around factor in coping with its unprecedented services is no longer affordable given of money. Part of this can be allocated in conjunction with successful projects the world have been effects, particularly through the early the highly constrained fiscal space and to the employees of the institutions. this event that will not only within the IT cutting costs, but the opening up of the economy. the debt dynamics which threaten the Furthermore, if these stakes are sold be conducted on an (information technology)/ general trend is for the This note argues that the Government’s wellbeing of the people. through the stock market, the listing “international scale”, BPM (business process majority of these firms efforts to reform SOEs creates an The Pathfinder Foundation is concerned regulations would result in disclosure SLASSCOM said. management) companies to continue investments opportunity to address the onerous debt that the lack of fiscal space and the requirements which would improve SLASSCOM said it but in several industries in automation and burden by selling public assets. Where possibility of a debt crisis highlights corporate governance. There could be a sees immense potential such as banking and digitisation. “Companies the Government intends to retain control, the unsustainability of the Government third category of public assets for which for the adoption of finance and insurance,” haven’t skimped on RPA it can consider selling minority stakes. being the employer of first resort. Sri the Government can decide there should this technology across said SLASSCOM Finance budgets because it is the However, there is a strong case for the Lanka’s post-colonial history involves the be no change in ownership structure. multiple industries and Director and BPM Forum future,” said Conference sale of assets like the Hilton and Hyatt commitment of successive governments A separate vehicle can be created envisions Sri Lanka being Board Representative Chair and Alternate hotels once market conditions become to creating unproductive public sector (similar to a sinking fund) into which a centre of excellence for Jehan Perinpanaygam. Forum Head Rohith more favourable. The emergence of a employment. However, the current highly the sale proceeds can be credited. RPA streamlining. He noted: “This is a Pradeep. ”The focus is vaccine that is 90% effective is likely to constrained fiscal space calls for a radical These funds can be earmarked solely “The thinking is quite digital workforce that on becoming efficient accelerate the bounce back of the hotel rethink of the traditional approach of for the purpose of debt management. simple – RPA enables the works uninterrupted, and cost-effective, and and tourism sector. the Government being the employer The timing of such transactions should automation of repetitive 24/7, and we are seeing gaining competitive The Government is seeking to of first resort. Historically, successive be determined by the improvement in process-oriented rule- a lot of mundane tasks advantage through RPA. introduce a holistic programme of governments have been unwilling or market conditions. It would be timely based tasks, bringing with being successfully With working from home reform for improving the management unable to introduce economic reforms to commence thinking about such an it a massive potential to automated. RPA is best becoming the norm, of SOEs. In doing so, there is merit in that would increase gainful employment initiative at a time when sentiment and achieve cost efficiencies, suited for large volume- organisations with RPA drawing on the Statements of Intent outside the government sector. For SOE confidence, at home and abroad, is being while facilitating human based processes and deployed will require less (SOIs) drawn up by the major SOEs reforms to be effective, there should be boosted by the emergence of a vaccine resources to focus on incorporates functional employee interaction and in recent years. The current initiative complementary policies which generate which is over 90% effective. more knowledge-intensive intelligence into an dependency on employee is pushing for the professionalisation productive employment opportunities The Pathfinder Foundation believes work,” said SLASSCOM application called a ‘bot’ availability since bots can of the management of SOEs through throughout the economy. that the Budget Speech provides an Chairman Channa which works on your be operated remotely.” rigorous recruitment schemes and opportunity for the Government to Manoharan, highlighting computer and completes SLASSCOM said its capacity building in order to promote The way forward elaborate on such a programme which the need for companies to the designated tasks.” member companies are prudent decision-making and operational The agenda for reforming SOEs offers the prospect of reducing the debt embrace bots – the virtual Giving further insight, dedicated to adopting efficiency. The upgraded management includes the following: improved burden in a manner that contains the pain workforce. SLASSCOM BPM Forum RPA to empower local teams will be called upon to develop corporate governance; appointment inflicted on the people of Sri Lanka. Such The conference will Lead Shanaka Fernando companies to compete medium-term strategic plans which of competent chief executive officers a programme will also transmit a positive include industry experts said: “When it comes to better internationally identify growth strategies, including (CEOs); recruitment of qualified signal to investors and creditors, both and an international RPA, it’s actually about and provide Sri Lanka’s through business process engineering, professionals for procurement, finance, at home and abroad, as well as to rating panel of speakers and merging technology IT/BPM industry with a mergers, and amalgamations. These new human resource development, and other agencies thereby increasing the credit panellists. The aim of the and domain knowledge competitive advantage business models are expected to respond key management positions; adoption of worthiness of the country. conference is to create to develop software with RPA as an enabler to emerging opportunities in the post- realistic pricing policies and investment (Registered in 2008, The Pathfinder a sense of urgency for programmes that are able in attracting global pandemic world and meet challenges strategies; institutionalising performance Foundation (PF) is a non-profit, non- companies to adopt RPA to follow standard and business to Sri Lanka. particularly in relation to logistics and audit and financial management controls; partisan research and advocacy think- to start doing things repetitive instructions.” SLASSCOM also supply chain resilience. Each SOE will and expenditure management. tank which is engaged in promoting faster, better, and cheaper, Clarifying the common recognises the continued also be expected to develop robust key Success depends on taking tough economic policy reforms in Sri Lanka. and showcase Sri Lanka’s question of humans support extended by their performance indicators. In addition, decisions. It is noteworthy that Readers’ comments are welcome at www. capability internationally. being replaced or made corporate sponsor Dialog. monitoring mechanisms are to be governments, such as that of Norway pathfinderfoundation.org) the morning 4 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 brunch BY NAVEED ROZAIS TEDxColombo hosted a livestream of the international TEDWomen 2020 conference on 14 November. The TEDWomen 2020 conference TEDx Colombo presents originally took place on 12 November with a special livestream event being held by TEDxColombo by registration only. The theme of TEDWomen 2020 was TEDWomen 2020 “Fearless”, with the virtual conference drawing on the collective courage and A livestream event featuring a talk by Sri Lankan spiritual teacher and leader JayaShri Maathaa community of women across the world the corporate and business world, JayaShri 2020 was a careful process, with the to take a global step forward together Maathaa came to a profound realisation that TEDx Colombo team working closely in this uncertain time. TEDWomen caused her to leave that life behind. Now with TEDWomen on who the right 2020 included TEDx chapters from all she devotes her life to helping people to speaker would be based on the speakers around the world to curate a talk each apply Buddhist teachings to their own lives, TEDWomen 2020 already had lined up as to be featured on livestream as content to quieten their minds and create positive well as making sure that each speaker’s for TEDxWomen organisers around the personal transformations. message was unique. world. TEDx chapters that curated a talk JayaShri Maathaa spoke on the power “JayaShri Maatha’s message resonated included TEDxSydney, TEDxLagos, of gratitude, explaining how she went on a with us because of the extreme change she TEDxPortofSpain, TEDxMontrealWomen, journey of self-seeking and discovery at the had made in her life at an age when she and TEDxColombo. age of 38, going through a “conscious dying was doing really well for herself,” Anwer The TEDWomen 2020 conference took process”, letting go of everything in her said, adding: “Also, JayaShri Maathaa was place in three sessions. Session 1: Bring life including her intimate relationship, her someone whose idea and message was very It On was a session of inspiring talks and career, and an established business of over simple and something that everyone could performances designed to take participants 12 years. JayaShri Maathaa explained that take back with them in a very short period.” on a journey of curiosity, wonder, and through all this, she had a magical mantra in Anwer also shared that JayaShri’s message learning. Session 1 featured speakers her head. The simple words “thank you”. comes at a very uncertain time, globally like politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, “When you say thank you, it creates with the pandemic, and from a TEDWomen WNBA (Women’s National Basketball a harmony between you and the external perspective, at a politically uncertain time in Association) champion and activist Renee included educator and performer Adie Pat Mitchell; AI (artificial intelligence) environment,” JayaShir Maathaa said, US history as well. Montgomery, Assembly of First Nations Delaney; women’s health specialist Anita advocate Jamila Gordon; former Australian adding: “Initially it is just a word without Speaking on being able to contribute (AFN) Yukon Regional Kluane Adamek, Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, human and civil rights Prime Minister Julia Gillard, economist and true feeling or gratitude. But a word is to the global TED platform via the civic leader Maria Teresa Kumar, poet and attorney and advocate Kylar W. Broadus; international development expert Ngozi a sound, a sound is a vibration, and that TEDWomen 2020 conference, Anwer author Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, architect, artist, and designer Elizabeth Okonjo-Iweala; musician, actress, and vibration creates energy. After a while, that said: “It’s every organiser’s dream to have infectious disease researcher Sophie Rose, Diller; legal and business integrity leader activist Kesha; spiritual teacher and leader energy penetrates the heart centre and the a speaker featured on the global TED and TEDx Learning Specialist Bianca Angelique Parisot-Potter, builder Tracy JayaShri Maathaa, NASA Astronaut Megan rest of the body.” platform. The idea that we could do that DeJesus. Young; and singer-songwriter Madison McArthur; and poet and author Apiorkor Speaking on TEDxColombo’s was absolutely amazing. This means that Session 2: Raise Your Voice was a McFerrin. Seyiram Ashong-Abbey. participation in the TEDWomen 2020 TED has been watching TEDxColombo as series of talks and performances from some The final session, Session 3: Onward! The talk curated by TEDxColombo conference, TEDxColombo Licensee Safra a platform and that the 10 years of work that of the world’s most extraordinary risk-takers featured speakers like feminist activist and featured spiritual teacher and leader Anwer shared that nominating a speaker we have and the speakers we have featured and innovators. Speakers in this session writer Gloria Steinem; businesswoman JayaShri Maathaa. Having spent decades in to represent Sri Lanka at TEDWomen locally have had an impact.” Support your alma mater Know your rights The Kingsbury BY NAVEED ROZAIS launches novel The Students for Liberty Legal protection for the LGBTQ+ minority ‘giving back’ initiative Sri Lanka chapter held the person has to be a part of the second session in a series of case,” Chandrasekaram said, LGBTQ+focused webinars on adding: “And you need a good, 14 November, bringing together solid evidence base. This hasn’t LGBTQ+ advocates and activists happened yet.” to discuss the legal landscape Sri Fernando shared that it was Lanka’s LGBTQ+ community vital for LGBTQ+ persons to know finds themselves in. their rights. Namely, the right The webinar panel consisted to ask law enforcement for their of Vassar College New York identification, the right to ask why LGBTQ+ and Gender Resources they are being arrested (however, Director Danuhsi Fernando, you should not resist arrest), the University of Colombo Faculty vague wording of these laws noted that just because sentencing right to a lawyer, the right to not of Law senior lecturer Visakesa contributes to them being misused. cannot be carried out doesn’t mean be detained for more than 48 hours Chandrasekaram, and international For example, Section 365 reads: that LGBTQ+ persons cannot without being produced before LGBTQ+ rights activist, political “Whoever voluntarily has carnal be detained or arrested, which is a magistrate, and the right to not The Kingsbury, which affairs analyst, and academic Dr. intercourse against the order of why it is important for LGBTQ+ being tortured and subjected to is Hayleys Leisure’s flagship Chamindra Weerawardhana. nature with any man, woman, persons to know their rights cruel or degrading treatment. hotel, has launched a unique The aim of the webinar was to or animal shall be punished…”, initiative to engage past pupils discuss what rights and protection but the word voluntarily means Rights of the LGTBTQ+ How can we move forward? of schools around the country the LGBTQ+ community in Sri consensual, and consensual sexual community Chandrasekaram shared that who are residing in Colombo. Lanka currently have as well as relations between adults is not Article 12 of Sri Lanka’s there do not seem to be effective “Support Your Alma Mater” the reforms needed for a more something that can be policed Constitution consists of two key domestic remedies that afford encourages past pupils of these inclusive society and country. by the state. Fernando also noted selected schools to indulge in parts. Part one states that “all LGBTQ+ persons a great deal of full implementation. The offer that with the wording of carnal The Kingsbury’s extensive persons are equal before the legal protection. Internationally, will be valid until the end of Sri Lanka’s legal stance on intercourse, the law implies that gastronomic fare. Through law and are entitled to the equal the Human Rights Committee is February 2021 and will include homosexual activity is against the this initiative, The Kingsbury LGBTQ+ issues protection of the law”, and part an avenue that can be pursued by the festive season – Christmas order of nature, which is to say it will donate 10% of the total Same-sex relations are still two states that “no citizen shall LGBTQ+ persons whose rights Eve, Christmas Day, New doesn’t occur in nature, which is bill value to the individual criminalised under Sections 365 be discriminated against on the have been violated. However, Year’s Eve, and New Year’s a myth, as homosexual relations past pupil’s alma mater each and 365A of Sri Lanka’s Penal grounds of race, religion, language, Chandrasekaram noted that the Day. happen very frequently within the month. The offer is open to Code (this section of the Penal caste, sex, political opinion, Human Rights Committee holds “Maintaining our business animal kingdom. every gastronomical experience Code deals with unnatural offences place of birth, or any one of such limited power, and the Supreme continuity in a milieu of Fernando also addressed the The Kingsbury is renowned and grave sexual abuse) and the grounds”. Court is not bound to hold uncertainty due to Covid-19 wording of Section 365A which for – indulgences that have LGBTQIA community still faces Fernando commented that recommendations made by the has brought about myriad addresses acts of “gross indecency” etched chapters among gourmet a great deal of harassment and while these protections against Human Rights Committee. challenges,” said Hayleys committed privately or publicly, connoisseurs. violations of their rights. discrimination are implicit, it On a practical level, Leisure Managing Director pointing out that what constitutes Just a couple of clicks on Dr. Weerawardhana shared frequently doesn’t work that way Chandrasekaram shared that the Rohan Karr. “Sustaining gross indecency is never clearly the extensive delivery menu that the Ministry of Health has practically, and we need clearer most practical way forward is income and ensuring defined and is subjective. available on “The Kingsbury published a circular on legal gender laws with terms that are not easy amending these laws in the Penal employment of our team is Fernando further shared that Indulgence” platform recognition modelled after the for people to hide behind. Code to include more clarity. a priority for us. But at the it is important for Sri Lanka to indulgence.thekingsburyhotel. UK’s Gender Recognition Act Chandrasekaram commented For example, removing the word same time, we observed that remember that these laws and com is all it takes to give back of 2004. This circular allows a that from a legal standpoint, the “private” from Section 365A, so due to Covid-19, a number of attitudes are not our own, but to your alma mater. Indulge transgender person who has begun list of discriminatory factors that consensual relations can take fund-raising events organised were injected into our culture by in the expansive range of the medical gender change process is left open-ended for specific place in private without censure. by past pupils for their schools colonists. The laws themselves amazing epicurean options at to have their gender changed cases to be argued. For example, Weerawardhana commented were cancelled. It was these come from British colonial law. Churros, The Ocean, King’s on their national identification recently a boy was denied on the future, sharing that even two factors that showed us Pre-colonisation, there were lots of Steak Bar, Yue Chuan, Harbour documents including their birth admission to school because his within the LGBTQ+ community, the opportunity to close the depiction of homosexuality in our Court, Honey Beach, and certificates. This is contingent on mother was HIV-positive, and there is still a lot of bias and gap by finding a two-fold art and culture. It was only after Ce La Vi. From Chinese to medical review by a consultant the school felt the boy would misunderstanding that takes place, solution; increasing revenue western colonisation that same-sex seafood, Japanese to steaks, psychiatrist who has to deliver a likely be HIV-positive too. The particularly towards transgender for us and enabling past pupils relations became seen as bad. Indian to Thai, East and West diagnosis of gender dysphoria for Supreme Court went on record persons, and that the correct use to fundraise for their school. “We need to go back to are well combined for perfect the process to begin. saying that the boy couldn’t be of terminology and fair unbiased Hence, ‘Support Your Alma learning our history properly, and meals ending with delectable However, Section 399, discriminated against because representation, particularly in Mater’ is one way in which that help people who use the word desserts, all available on “The which deals with impersonation, of his perceived HIV status. media, needs to take place in order funding gap can be assuaged ‘culture’ back at us and help them Indulgence” platform. Once is frequently used as a means to HIV status is not on the list of to overcome these biases, both for the schools and enable realise it is colonisation.” restrictions are eased, the discriminate against transgender discriminatory factors listed in within the community and without. us to keep our bottom line Speaking on the power of “Support Your Alma Mater” persons, especially those who the Constitution but falls under “As Sri Lankans, we do sustainable.” the Supreme Court, Fernando offer will also open its doors for haven’t undergone the medical other grounds. have a democratic tradition, and Past pupils need to simply explained that constitutionally, the dine in and take away. change process, on the basis that However, with regard to sexual it’s important to remember this. register their alma mater Supreme Court doesn’t have the With a number of schools they are violating the ordinance orientation, there have been no We need more representation with the relevant details via power of judicial review, which including key private, national, by dressing as a member of the previous rulings, largely because of LGBTQ+ people in our daily The Kingsbury Indulgence means they cannot change laws, and international schools opposite gender. those members of the LGBTQ+ lives, media campaigns need to platform. The Kingsbury but they do have the power to having expressed great These sections of the Penal community who are targeted be strengthened, and we need to will maintain a dedicated interpret these laws. enthusiasm to become a part of Code, along with the Vagrancy by law enforcement are already strongly mobilise the younger account for each registered In 2017, the Supreme Court this initiative, The Kingsbury Ordinance, are frequently used disadvantaged and unable to generation. They need to be made school to ensure traceability of said it was inappropriate for is currently in the process of to make arbitrary arrests against defend themselves. more conscious,” Weerawardhana spends and accountability of sentencing to be done on LGBTQ+ formalising the processes for LGBTQ+ persons. “For this to happen with stressed on the importance of the contributions. Fernando explained that the persons. However, Fernando sexual orientation, a high-profile younger generation. the morning 5 Tuesday, November 17, 2020 sports WADA tests in full swing ATP Finals now on at O2 Aus Test Skipper isolated World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Director The season-ending tournament for the highest-ranked men’s Yesterday (16), snap restrictions to curb a coronavirus General Olivier Niggli (pictured here) has admitted singles and doubles tennis players in the world, the Association outbreak in South Australia complicated preparations for the Japanese Govt. has raised concerns over the of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals 2020, began at the O2 India’s blockbuster cricket tour there. Australian Captain impact of the coronavirus pandemic on testing Arena in London on Sunday (15). It will go on till 22 November. Tim Paine has reportedly forced into isolation as a result. in the lead-up to the postponed Tokyo 2020 The singles draw features Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Rafael Nadal Questions are now raised over the first Test in the South Olympics, Inside the Games said yesterday (16). (Spain), Daniil Medvedev (Russia), Dominic Thiem (Austria), Australian city Adelaide. India are to play their limited-over But he has expressed confidence that the system Alexander Zverev (Germany), Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece), Diego series in relatively virus-free Sydney and Canberra before will return to full speed in time for the Games. Schwartzman (Argentina), and Andrey Rublev (Russia). moving to Adelaide for the first Test that starts on 17 Dec. In Brief BBL INTRODUCES ‘X-FACTOR’ the UAE as probable venues to shift the IMRAN KHWAJA SUBSTITUTES event from India due to the pandemic, The Australian equivalent to the the Indian cricket board (BCCI) finally Indian Premier League (IPL), the Big went for the UAE option. The Mumbai Bash League (BBL) T20 tournament Mirror stated on Sunday (15) that the has introduced three innovations for the BCCI has paid nearly INR 100 crores upcoming 2020-21 season starting on 10 (approximately SL Rs. 2.4 billion) to the December. Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for staging 1. X-Factor – teams are able to name two the cash-rich league. NEXT ICC substitutes, one of which can be used BANGLADESHI U-19 CRICKETER at the 10-over mark of the first innings. COMMITS SUICIDE! The “X-Factor” substitute can only replace a player who has not batted or Sajibul Islam Sajib, a member of the bowled more than one over 2018 Bangladesh Under-19 World Cup 2. Power Surge – the usual six-over squad, was found dead at his home in “powerplay” will now only be four, Amgachhi village under Rajshahi’s CHAIRMAN? with the batting side choosing when to Durgapur upazila on Sunday (15). The z ‘Singapore’s Khwaja vs. NZ’s Barclay’ means ‘associate take the other two. The two-over period 23-year-old batsman was found hanging chosen by the batting team can only be from a rope tied to the ceiling inside his countries vs. superpowers in world cricket’ taken from the 11th over onwards room when the Police broke the door down 3. Bash Boost – there are three points for to recover his body around 11.45 a.m., The International Cricket Council's Barclay has backing of powerful a win with an extra point dependent on Hasmat Ali, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of (ICC) annual quarterly meetings nations the state of the run chase in the second Durgapur Police Station has told The Daily began yesterday (16), soon after a innings. The extra point will be given Star. “His death was a suicide,” the OC secret ballot voting opened. That “It is understood that India along with to the chasing team if they are ahead of has said, quoting Sajib’s family and the was to pick one of the following two SENA countries (South Africa, England, where the side batting first were after Police’s primary investigation’s findings. as its new Chairman. The two are: New Zealand, and Australia) are set to vote 10 overs, and vice versa The OC has also said Sajib was suffering New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Head for Barclay, who backs teams playing more This season, Sydney Sixers will defend mentally after not being included in the bilateral series which suits the financial the BBL title they won by defeating upcoming Bangabandhu T20 Cup. It is a Greg Barclay and the ICC’s current model of these boards in harsh economic Melbourne Stars in last season’s final. T20 national competition organised by the Interim Chairman Imran Khwaja, climate,” The Hindu added. On the contrary, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) which its current representative from it also said: “Khwaja, on the other hand, has BCCI PAID NEARLY RS. 100 CRORES Singapore. TO ECB FOR STAGING IPL had announced that the tournament would the backing of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) be used as the criteria to select players Chief Ehsan Mani. The former Singapore The IPL 2020 ended successfully in for the series against West Indies in early It could take three rounds of voting to Cricket Board Chief is an advocate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last 2021. The final selections for the T20 Cup elect the next ICC Chairman, if neither of increasing ICC events which will increase the week. After choosing both Sri Lanka and had taken place only last Thursday (12). the two candidates in the running wins the If none of the candidates can get two- revenue pool of associate nations.” requisite number of votes, international thirds majority after three rounds of voting, Singaporean Imran Khwaja will Khwaja a confidante of Manohar media said yesterday. automatically become the next ICC Chairman The electronic voting process involved Khwaja is currently the Interim Chairman the 16 boards of directors; 12 from ICC be three rounds of voting. since Shashank Manohar decided against full member or Test-playing nations, three “If neither candidate gets that number of seeking a third term as ICC Chairman early associate countries, and one independent votes (after the first round), another round this year. The Singapore-based lawyer female director – Indra Nooyi of PepsiCo. of voting will take place – most likely later Khwaja is known as a strong confidante of If there’s no two-thirds majority after this week. Manohar within the ICC circles. three rounds… “Should that also not throw up a winner, Manohar, though an Indian, opposed “Barclay or Khwaja will need at least a final round of voting will take place. rigorously the domination of the Big Three Sajibul Islam Sajib and the Bangladesh 11 votes (two-thirds majority) to win the If there is no two-thirds majority after in the ICC’s administrative model during U-19 team that won elections but with a fractured mandate, it that, then it is believed that Khwaja will his tenure. The model that existed before the 2020 ICC U-19 will be difficult for either to get a two-third be appointed the new Chairman for a him gave a lot of prominence to the most World Cup majority,” The Hindu said yesterday. stipulated period. Votes are being cast powerful economies of world cricket – Meanwhile ESPNcricinfo said there will electronically,” the website reported. Australia, England, and India. Superhero Gambit: The sequel was a case of too little, too late. Mumbai INTERCEPTION overhauled the target with nine deliveries by Malinda to spare. Seneviratne Surprise being the key The Capitals probably wouldn’t say that Stoinis was the lynchpin of their overall Last week, i.e. just before the final of strategy. Had he come up with a stellar the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 performance, then the Superhero tag might between the Delhi Capitals and the have gained further currency, but we are Mumbai Indians, there was a lot of chatter talking of a sport marked by “glorious about the role of Marcus Stoinis. In a must- uncertainties”. If he were a hero in the win game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the game against the Sunrisers, he was down to Capitals gambled by sending him to open zero, literally, in the final. the batting. He scored 38 off 27 deliveries, That should tell us something about Marcus Stoinis provided some dynamism, and helped his celebrates the wicket superheroes and super-heroics. Good team close to 190. Later, taking three for of Quinton de Kock in for chatter before and after. Good as a 26 off three overs, he helped contain the the IPL 2020 finals on strategy-sliver in moments of desperation Sunrisers to 172. 10 November in UAE. with surprise being the key element in the “Stoinis is punching It was a gamble that worked. As we just about anything he exercise, nothing more and nothing less. mentioned in this column last week, the can find – the air, his He didn’t cover himself with problem with gambles is that they are own palm. Get out of essentially about playing percentages. the way. He is pumped,” glory Some work, some don’t. Sometimes commented Cricinfo on Last week, the following observation the fall of the wicket they inject a surprise factor that gives PHOTO BCCI was made: “Gambles are for one- just enough of an edge to deliver a win. off superheroes who may or may However, you can’t use the same surprise not be labelled as such depending on twice. Teams prepare and each “surprise” contorted. It takes the thick outside edge and Rohit Sharma and de Kock put on 45 in 4.1 things get out of hand. Mumbai won its performance. Let’s see how Stoinis is factored into the preparation. floats gently to QDK’s (Quinton de Kock's) overs before Stoinis (yes, him) interrupted fifth IPL title. conducts himself against Mumbai. Let’s right. After a brief move from the patterns, their party. wish him well.” Felling the Hulk first up! Capitals are back to their recent problem of Too little, too late by Delhi Stoinis didn’t cover himself with glory. We don’t know if the Mumbai Indians failed first-wicket stands.” Back to the Cricinfo commentary: If we forget the whole Superhero Gambit Delhi came off second best. It’s not the figured out some plan to counter Stoinis, The Superhero Gamble had failed, if it “Stoinis to de Kock, OUT. Taken behind! element of the narrative, it was a typical Delhi end of the world for Stoinis, who is clearly but it is unlikely that they were surprised was seen as pivotal to overall strategy that Stoinis, golden duck earlier today, gets a performance. A couple of batsmen got half- a special cricketer. It’s not the end of the when Stoinis walked in with Shikhar is. The Capitals stuttered and before the wicket off his first ball. Short of a length, centuries but since they were for the most part world for the Capitals. (After all they made Dhawan after Delhi opted to bat first upon third over was done, were 22 for three, cross seam, in the corridor. Wants to cut in damage control mode, acceleration to the it all the way to the finals, which puts them winning the toss. Here’s the Cricinfo with Dhawan and Ajinkya Rahane joining behind square and is cramped on it a point of securing a match-winning total was ahead of six other teams!) commentary; first ball of the final. Travis Stoinis in the dressing room. Shreyas Iyer touch. Gets a thick edge to Pant’s left and out of the question. It would come down to Let’s wish them well as we resolve Boult to Marcus Stoinis: (65 not out) and Rishabh Pant (56) saved it is held. Stoinis is punching just about their bowlers. to return to sobriety in this business of “Boult to Stoinis, OUT got him first Delhi the blushes, but the 157-run target anything he can find – the air, his own Axar Patel was stingy (conceding just 16 strategising, be it in cricket or any other ball! Felled the Hulk first up! Short of a would not have worried Mumbai too much. palm. Get out of the way. He is pumped.” off his four overs). Ravichandran Ashwin sport, or life itself! good length, rising in the corridor. Stoinis Redemption? Not quite. His two overs kept things reasonably quiet (28 off four). The writer can be reached at defends for the one coming in but has ended Redemption? Not quite cost 23. Mumbai Skipper Sharma (68 off Anrich Nortje accounted for the wickets [email protected] or www. up playing inside the line and is all sorts of Mumbai went about the chase efficiently. 51) paced the innings well and didn’t let of Sharma and Hardik Pandya, but it malindawords.blogspot.com