„„ www.themorning.lk „„ Late City VOL 01 | NO 25 | Rs. 30.00 { FRIDAY } FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2021 THE SLIPPERY STRANDED IN SLOPE OF BANNING BENGALURU THOUGHT

WHO IS TO BENEFIT FROM CHINA IS SL’S THE ‘SUDDEN’ GAZETTE ‘CLOSEST FRIEND’: NOTIFICATION ISSUED? DINESH »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGE 3 »SEE PAGE 11 Testing reduced Covid burial to after vaccine? z Medical lab techs, PHIs, z Government lab services deny GMOA sound alarm claim; say facilities increased

BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE be permitted Balasooriya told The Morning. The number of PCR tests and rapid antigen According to the PHIs Union, this decline z z tests (RATs) that are conducted has gone was also confirmed by their District officers. Near 11-month mandatory Decision comes after Pak PM’s down since the national vaccination drive “Reducing PCR tests is not a wise cremation policy to end visit and amidst UNHRC sessions began in late January, various stakeholders decision. What if we get a new strain of of the healthcare system claimed. coronavirus? If the PCR tests are to be BY THE MORNING NEWS DESK as a result of Covid-19 would be “The imposition of cremation Speaking to The Morning, Public Health reduced, it should be done in a scientific Ending a highly controversial mandatory cremation policy cremated was issued in early April as the only option for handling Inspectors (PHIs) Union of Sri Lanka way,” Balasooriya added. that was in place for 11 months, the Government yesterday last year, leading to an outcry by the bodies confirmed or suspected Secretary M. Balasooriya said that there is College of Medical Laboratory Science (25) decided to permit the burial of Covid-19 deceased, The the Muslim community in Sri of Covid-19 amounts to a human a decrease in PCR and RAT tests conducted President Ravi Kumudesh went a step Morning learnt. Lanka. rights violation. There has been no in certain areas. further, claiming that the Government The Department of Government certain conditions, which were The United Nations (UN) and established medical or scientific “The number of PCR tests reported purposefully reduced PCR and RAT testing Printing published the relevant not available at the time of going human rights activists, both local evidence in Sri Lanka or other during the first stage of the Covid-19 to show positive results for the vaccination gazette notification. to print. and international, had long urged countries that burial of dead bodies pandemic was 19,000, but we see a programme. It is understood that permission The gazette notification that that the mandatory cremation leads to increased risk of spreading clear drop in PCR tests and RATs now,” Contd. on page 2 has been granted subjected to all bodies of victims who died policy be ended. Contd. on page 2 THE FACE OF RELIEF Sirisena’s immunity, Proposal to ban for SC to decide: Sabry face veils in public z Justice Minister Ali Sabry said held at the Justice Ministry, Says only apex court can interpret presidential immunity clause yesterday (25) that a proposal has the Minister said a proposal to BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI AND whether the former President, have to be interpreted, has to been submitted to Cabinet to bring amend the Muslim Marriage DINITHA RATHNAYAKE who is now a Government be done by the SC.” in laws to ban the wearing of face and Divorce Act (MMDA) Justice Minister M.U.M. Ali Parliamentarian, is eligible The question was in reference veils, which could pose a threat had already been submitted to Sabry PC said that the final for Presidential immunity. to the the recommendations of to national security, in public. Cabinet late last year. decision on whether criminal “All I can provide is an the Presidential Commission of Speaking at a news briefing Contd. on page 2 or civil proceedings can be opinion, which I will refrain Inquiry (PCoI) on the Easter instituted against former from providing. The exclusive Sunday bombings of 21 April President Maithripala Sirisena jurisdiction to interpret any 2019, which recommended can only be made by the Article in the Constitution and legal action against the Supreme Court (SC). make a final decision lies with former President for acts he The Minister said this in the SC. How Article 35 of the committed or omitted during response to a question by Constitution, which pertains his Presidency. the press yesterday (25) as to to Presidential immunity, will Contd. on page 2 All clergy Planters to have vaccine skip wages priority meeting again? BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE z Labour Comnr. Gen. warns All religious clergy are eligible to receive of action if boycott happens the Covid-19 vaccine as President Gotabaya BY PAMODI WARAVITA Rajapaksa had advised to prioritise the clergy in the vaccination programme, After having boycotted the meeting of the according to Secretary to the State Ministry Wages Board on the minimum wage for the tea of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and plantation sector, regional plantation companies Covid Disease Control Dr. Amal Harsha (RPCs) are still undecided about their attendance de Silva. at the next meeting, The Morning learnt. Speaking to The Morning on 24 The next meeting would be convened on 1 February, Dr. de Silva said that the first March to hear objections to the decision reached phase of vaccine administration would on 8 February about granting Rs. 1,000 as the Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage was yesterday (25) acquitted by the cater to the clergy in high-risk areas in minimum wage to plantation workers. Colombo High Court in the case filed over the misappropriation of trade union funds the Western Province. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (25), Contd. on page 2 Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) Media Spokesman Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said the SUDARSHINI’S CONCERNS ABOUT HEALTH MIN. representatives of the PA have not yet decided Bachelet urges on whether they would attend the next wages Health Min. to act based board meeting. int’l accountability Contd. on page 2 z UNHRC agenda sets on veracity of claims dangerous precedent: Dinesh BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Herath said that Health Ministry COVID-19 CASES BY PAMODI WARAVITA Responding to concerns raised Secretary Maj. Gen. Dr. Sanjeewa by State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Munasinghe, and Director ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES United Nations High Commissioner for Fernandopulle regarding the General of Health Services Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called Health Ministry, Health Ministry (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena on the United Nations Human Rights officials said that the relevant can inquire into the matter and 81,467 Council (UNHRC) to explore new ways authorities could take action to rectify the situation if the claims of accountability for Sri Lanka at the rectify any issues based on the made by Dr. Fernandopulle are DEATHS RECOVERED international level. veracity of the claims. true. This was at the Interactive Dialogue Session Speaking to The Morning “Dr. Fernandopulle has a right 4,496 457 76,514 on her report on Sri Lanka which concluded yesterday (25), Deputy Director to express her opinion as a public SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU on 24 February. General of Health Services representative. THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.00 P.M. ON 25 FEBRUARY 2021 Contd. on page 2 (DDGHS) Dr. Hemantha Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Friday, February 26, 2021 FEDERAL OR UNITARY CONSTITUTION Reparations Office Wiggy asks UN to devising psychosocial hold referendum BY PAMODI WARAVITA

Through a letter, the Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani (TMTK) has requested the United support programme Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to hold a referendum in the North and the East to BY PAMODI WARAVITA No. 5 of 2018), and relatives of Office had not taken place for determine their view on a federal constitution, The Office for Reparations is presently formulating a new a deceased person or a person three months from March 2020. The Morning learnt. psychosocial support programme to aid aggrieved persons, missing in the circumstances The official further mentioned “My constituent party leaders have asked The Morning learnt. referred to above. that currently, compensation is given for a referendum to be conducted under TMTK Leader and parliamentarian “We are embarking on a Wijayathilake. Officials at the Office for to those who have suffered due to international supervision in the North and C.V. Wigneswaran programme to provide psychosocial Aggrieved persons, as defined Reparations told The Morning death, injury or the loss of property. East, where the people of the North and East support for aggrieved persons in under the Office for Reparations that a total of 7,727 aggrieved The Act came into operation should decide whether they want to be under a “Maybe the time has come now,” opined collaboration with the relevant Act, No. 34 of 2018, include persons had been provided with at the end of 2018 to provide unitary constitution or a federal constitution,” Wigneswaran. Government officers. We will persons who have suffered damage compensation since 2019 to compensation and reparations TMTK Leader and parliamentarian C.V. Both civil society organisations and political commence with the conduct of as a result of the loss of life or December 2020, amounting to to victims of violence and to act Wigneswaran told The Morning yesterday (25). parties from the North and the East have an assessment of the needs,” damage to their person or property, a total sum of Rs. 1.012 billion. as a measure of reconciliation According to Wigneswaran, who was also written to the UNHRC and its Member States Office for Reparations Sri Lanka in the course of, consequent to, From January 2019 to December and security. Primarily, the Act a former Chief Minister of the Northern ahead of the UNHRC Session. The Core Chairperson Dharani Wijayathilake or in connection with the armed 2019, 5,034 aggrieved persons had establishes the grant of reparations Province, the letter had been sent to the Group of Countries for Sri Lanka (the UK, told The Morning yesterday (25). conflict which took place in the been paid a total sum of Rs. 717.19 to persons who have suffered UNHRC in light of its 46th Session which Canada, Germany, Montenegro, and North According to Wijayathilake, Northern and Eastern Provinces million. However, from January due to the armed conflict or its is currently ongoing in Geneva, Switzerland Macedonia) is expected to submit a resolution the assessment of needs is done or its aftermath, due to political 2020 to December 2020, 2,693 aftermath, due to political unrest and will continue until 23 March. at this year’s UNHRC session. through multiple stakeholder unrest or civil disturbances, or aggrieved persons had received or civil disturbances, or due to Wigneswaran claimed that former Prime Although the Government initially consultations. She added that a such damage being in the nature compensation amounting to a sum the enforced disappearances. The Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike had favoured considered co-sponsoring a resolution with holistic approach for the entire of prolonged and grave damage of Rs. 295.07 million. Office started its operations in a federal constitution in 1926, followed by the the Core Group, it was later learnt by The programme would be considered. suffered by individuals, groups or When inquired as to the April 2019, under its Board of Kandyans in 1946, while former President Morning that the expectations of the Core However, Wijayathilake added communities, or due to an enforced reasons behind the reduction of Directors - Dr. J.M. Swaminathan, J.R. Jayewardene had, in an interview in Group were not met by the Government that the Covid-19 pandemic disappearance (as defined in the compensated aggrieved persons Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) W.W. 1994, said that he believes that a federal during negotiations. Yesterday, the report had delayed the progress of the International Convention for the in 2020, the official said that it Rathnapriya Bandu, A.A.M. constitution is best suited for the country, on Sri Lanka by UN High Commissioner programme. “We have still not Protection of all Persons from was due to the pandemic, where Fathihu, Sellathamby Sumithra although its countrymen were not ready for for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet was gone to the field either,” said Enforced Disappearance Act, the manual functioning of the and Chairperson Wijayathilake. such at the time. scheduled to be discussed. Contd. from page 1

and the media want to highlight the adequacy Sirisena in November 2018. and the pain it had caused to both the Muslim It was reported that the two categories (those Covid... of the vaccine by reducing the PCR and RAT When contacted for a response on the and Christian communities. between the ages of 30 and 60, and those “The imposition of cremation as the only testing to show a decrease in Covid-19 cases. Easter report recommendations, Sri Lanka Speaking in response, Foreign Minister above the age of 60) were asked to come to option for handling the bodies confirmed or “We don’t disagree with vaccination, but Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary Dinesh Gunawardena categorically rejected get vaccinated at the same time, causing a suspected of Covid-19 amounts to a human the public should know the truth. This vaccine Dayasiri Jayasekara said that they don’t agree Bachelet’s allegations, stating that they, while situation akin to the crowding we saw in the rights violation. There has been no established doesn’t reduce the number of cases,” he said. with most of the recommendations, and that ill-founded, reflect the preconceived, politicised, rush to obtain a traditional medicine syrup medical or scientific evidence in Sri Lanka or Kumudesh further added that the vaccine investigations should also focus on identifying and prejudicial agenda which certain elements known as the “Dhammika Paniya” in Kegalle, other countries that burial of dead bodies leads triggers an immune response in the body the real mastermind behind these attacks. have relentlessly pursued against Sri Lanka. Jayawardana added. to increased risk of spreading communicable against the coronavirus, and is viable, with “We are against most of the recommendations, “Insistence on ever-expanding externally He further said that the State Minister is diseases such as Covid-19,” said UN experts 60% efficacy. and we reject them. All of us, including President driven prescriptions, notwithstanding our concerned about unco-ordinated circulars in a statement last month. “It is important that you return for your Sirisena, share this position. We will express continuous co-operation with this Council, being issued within the Ministry resulting in The World Health Organisation guidance on second dose to make it effective. This vaccine our disagreement with the recommendations.” could set a dangerous precedent affecting all UN contradictions. the proper disposal of Covid deceased permits is not a prevention,” said Kumudesh. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Member States. We regret the disproportionate “Some people do not have the knowledge both burial and cremation, and Sri Lanka was The country will face the consequences of (SLFP) Executive Committee yesterday decided attention drawn to Sri Lanka by this Council, of community health and experience in one of the few countries in the world that had the reduced testing within the next couple of to re-appoint Sirisena as the Party Chairperson, driven by political motivations. We remain vaccination. There should be a plan to vaccinate a mandatory cremation policy in place. months, he claimed. at the Party’s Executive Committee meeting. open to engaging constructively with the UN, and for post-vaccination monitoring, and plans This change in policy came one day after Meanwhile, the Government Medical including this Council, and the international that were made should be put into action in a the departure of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Officers’ Association (GMOA) Assistant community in mutually agreed areas, in manner that is well planned and co-ordinated.” Khan, who was on a two-day state visit to Sri Secretary Dr. Naveen De Soysa told The Planters to... conformity with the Constitution and in keeping Attempts to contact Health Ministry Secretary Lanka. The Morning exclusively reported Morning yesterday that PCR tests show a “We do not know whether we should with domestic priorities and policies,” said Dr. Munasinghe and DGHS Dr. Gunawardena yesterday that Khan received “positive” fluctuating trend at the moment, whereas it dignify the quorum with our presence,” said Gunawardena. regarding this matter proved futile. responses from both President Gotabaya should operate in a more structured manner. Dr. Rajadurai. The Permanent Missions of the UK, Canada, Speaking to The Morning earlier this week, Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda “PCR tests were increased up to 17,000 Commissioner General of Labour Prabath Germany, Montenegro, and North Macedonia Dr. Herath said that health workers are being Rajapaksa when he had raised the issue of during the last month. They then decreased Chandrakeerthi told The Morning that since – countries which form the Core Group of influenced to vaccinate outside of the provided allowing the bodies of Muslim Covid-19 to 15,000. Then it was 12,000. We believe the representatives of RPCs boycotted the Countries for Sri Lanka – are scheduled for priority lists. He requested the public and victims to be buried. that the average PCR tests in a day should be previous meeting on 19 February, it has been informal consultations on 1 March on promoting individuals to refrain from imposing such Speaking to The Morning, Samagi Jana more than 15,000, and that everything should decided to reconvene the Board for a final reconciliation, accountability, and human rights pressure on health workers. Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mujibur Rahman said be coordinated through an operating system,” meeting on 1 March. in Sri Lanka. Releasing a statement to the press, the College that Prime Minister Khan had informed this said De Zoysa. “We need a quorum – two representatives The Core Group is expected to submit of Community Physicians had noted that the to both Government and Opposition Muslim However, when contacted for a response, from the trade unions, two representatives a resolution on the country. Although the vaccine prioritisation of the Health Ministry had MPs when he met them on Wednesday. the Laboratory Services Deputy Director from the employers’ side, and two from the Government initially considered co-sponsoring deviated from the original plan and requested “Khan said that he received positive responses General Dr. Sudath Dharmarathne dismissed the Government – in order to reach a decision. a resolution with the Core Group, it was later the Government to urgently implement “the from the President and Prime Minister when allegations, and said the laboratories dedicated Since we could not obtain a quorum on 19 learnt by The Morning that the expectations scientifically recommended vaccine priority he raised the issue of the mandatory cremation for PCR testing are continuing to operate, with February, we could not reach a decision,” said of the Core Group were not met by the list rather than taking ad hoc decisions on the of Muslim Covid-19 deceased, with them. It supplies being adequately received. Chandrakeerthi. Government during discussions. vaccination policy”. was indicated that the President and Prime “The number of samples we are getting Raising his concerns over another potential Meanwhile, a consignment of 500,000 Minister had said that it would be allowed.” fluctuates daily. Sometimes we get 13,000, boycott by representatives of the RPCs, doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 According to Rahman, Khan had said that the and sometimes 17,000. But we do not see any Chandrakeerthi said that if that happens, the Health Min... vaccines, ordered by the State Pharmaceuticals fact that the burial of Covid-19 victims is not decrease in PCR tests. All the labs are working.” Department of Labour would be forced to Dr. Munasinghe and Dr. Gunawardena can Corporation from the Serum Institute of India, allowed in Sri Lanka – when other countries Dharmaratne also added that three new labs enforce the provisions of the Wages Boards inquire into the concerns raised and if there is arrived at the Bandaranaike International have allowed it – is an issue. were opened recently in Kegalle, Kurunegala, Ordinance to take action against them. However, anything undue that has taken place, they will Airport, Katunayake, yesterday. The decision also comes during the 46th and Kalutara as well, to increase the number when inquired as to the nature of the proposed look into it and rectify.” Regular Session of the UN Human Rights of tests. actions, Chandrakeerthi refused to elaborate. On Tuesday (24), State Minister of Primary Council, where the Permanent Missions of “Currently we have 31 labs working under Nevertheless, he did state that Minister Health Care, Epidemics, and Covid Disease All clergy... the UK, Canada, Germany, Montenegro, and both the Government and private sectors, of Labour Nimal Siripala de Silva had been Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle raised “We are administering the Covid-19 vaccine North Macedonia – countries that form the and we tested 400,000 samples in December informed of this decision through discussions. concerns about the current vaccination to all clergy including the Mahanayakes (Chief Core Group of Countries for Sri Lanka, which 2020, and 450,000 in January 2021,” said When contacted regarding the matter, prioritisation and administration practice and Prelates) of the three Sects. Clergy in the is expected to submit a resolution on Sri Lanka. Dharmaratne. Secretary to the Ministry of Labour Mapa ad hoc decision-making and implementation Western Province will have the priority during It is understood that the Government of Pathirana told The Morning that the nature of the practices of certain Health Ministry officials. the vaccine administration. However, the Sri Lanka is counting on the support of the actions cannot be determined yet. He, however, Speaking to The Morning yesterday, State clergy in other parts of the country will also be Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) Action... noted that the “Wages Board Ordinance does Minister Dr. Fernandopulle’s Media Secretary vaccinated during the coming week,” he said. countries, which includes Pakistan, in defeating The PCoI report concluded that there was give certain powers to the Labour Commissioner Thusitha Jayawardana said that Dr. Fernandopulle Previously, Prime Minister Mahinda this resolution, and the change in policy may a failure and negligence on the part of the General and the Minister”. has raised these concerns with the National Rajapaksa had ordered that the Mahanayakes have been towards achieving that end. officials and authorities, including former Operations Centre for the Prevention of the be inoculated. On Tuesday (23), OIC Secretary General President Maithripala Sirisena, in preventing the Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) and Vaccination Sri Lanka’s vaccine prioritisation process Yousef Al Othaimeen raised the issue of terror attack and taking legal action against the Bachelet... Task Force Head Lalith Weeratunga. has come under criticism, including from the mandatory cremation of Covid-19 victims in perpetrators. The charges mooted against him During the presentation of the oral report “The State Minister is worried and has raised College of Community Physicians as of late, for Sri Lanka in his speech made to the UNHRC are failure to detect that terrorist and extremist on Sri Lanka on 24 February, Bachelet said these concerns with the Covid-19 Task Force, deviating from the originally planned and listed Session. activity was taking place in the country, being that new ways to advance various types of with General Shavendra Silva, Weeratunga, priority groups to also include parliamentarians In his speech during the High Level Segment negligent to look into such activities and as to accountability internationally must be explored and all the relevant committees. There are on the premise that they interact heavily with of the session, the OIC Secretary General who was responsible for such activities, and by the Council to provide justice for the victims. Covid-19-related decision-making meetings the public. said their organisation is keenly monitoring also to take legal action against them, and the Bachelet stressed that her report shows that conducted without informing her, which is This allegation has, however, been countered the situation of Muslim communities within failure to prevent the 21 April 2019 attacks. although 12 years have passed since the end problematic because she is the Subject Minister by the authorities including the Ministry of non-OIC members. The relevant law that was operative during the of the armed conflict in the country, domestic of State for Covid-19 Control.” Health Epidemiology Unit, stating that the “In this regard, the OIC is concerned with presidency of Maithripala Sirisena at the time processes to provide justice for the victims He further said that Dr. Fernandopulle is fact that such changes to prioritisations would the situation of the Muslims of Sri Lanka, as when the Easter Sunday attacks occurred was and to provide them with reconciliation have concerned about official decisions taken at be made as the situation evolves had been they are denied the right to bury the bodies of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which failed on multiple occasions. meetings with the President regarding the mentioned prior to the vaccine procurement the Covid victims following the Islamic rule, afforded the President immunity from suit for She further noted that the trends over the past vaccination drive being changed over the phone, applications themselves. while adhering to the guidelines of the WHO. acts of commission or omission, both official year are “disturbing”, warning that the space overnight, by certain Health Ministry officials. The OIC urges the Government of Sri Lanka and private, during his tenure in office as the for civil society and independent media was “The State Minister said that the public should to take swift action to guarantee and respect President. The subsequent 20th Amendment to shrinking at a rapid pace. be communicated to properly about vaccination. Proposal... the right of burial of the Muslim community.” the Constitution, which is operative at present, She also raised concerns over the deep erosion Decisions that were made to vaccinate those Responding to reports, Minister Sabry said also affords the same to the sitting President. of the independence of the Judiciary, the Human above the age of 60 years were changed. Then there was no move at all to either amend or In the case of Rajavarothiam Sampanthan Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), it was planned that those between the ages of 30 abolish the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance. Testing... and Others v. Attorney General and Others, the the National Police Commission (NPC), and and 60 would be vaccinated because of the high “There is no attempt whatsoever to change “With the Covid-19 cases being reported SC in 2018 held that Presidential immunity other bodies following the enactment of the risk of transmission. It was collectively decided this piece of legislation. The crux of the speech on a daily basis on the rise, health authorities was not absolute, and that he/she could be held 20th Amendment to the Constitution. that those above 60 should be vaccinated I made in Parliament recently in response to have decided to conduct 1,000 RATs and liable for acts of commission and omission, Adding that the militarisation of civilian because they have the highest death rate. But MP Rathana Thera was that the removal of 20,000 PCR tests per day. The random RATs including in his official capacity, whilst being functions was impinging on democratic this was changed on an ad-hoc basis through Article 16 of the Constitution will result in are part of ongoing efforts to detect and contain a sitting President. governance in the country, Bachelet said that the phone calls that were made by certain Ministry abolishment of all laws under it,” he said. the virus, but now we see only 10,000 PCR This was when a group of individuals from Tamil and Muslim minority communities were officials. The State Minister clearly said that “What I said was that Article 16 cannot be tests per day. But this should be increased to political parties and civil society organisations facing exclusion on divisive and discriminatory this cannot be done so. Sometimes, decisions repealed at once, as the laws under it should 25,000,” he told The Morning yesterday (25). filed fundamental rights cases pertaining to the lines. She specifically pointed to the ongoing are taken even surpassing the decisions made be studied separately if Article 16 is to be According to Kumudesh, the Government dissolution of Parliament by former President forced cremation of the Covid-19 deceased by the President.” abolished.” 43 Friday, February 26, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk China is Sri Lanka’s A CHINESE GIFT ‘closest friend’: Dinesh Foreign Minister Dinesh and will embark on a new journey Gunawardena has told toward fully building a modern Chinese State Councillor and socialist country. Foreign Minister Wang Yi that China’s development means a Sri Lanka regards China as its growing force for peace and the closest friend, according to a growth of developing countries, press release by the Chinese which will provide more Embassy in Colombo. development opportunities for “Sri Lanka regards China as its developing countries, including closest friend and sincerely thanks Sri Lanka, he added. China for its long-term, selfless Yi called on the two sides help for Sri Lanka’s economic to make solid progress in development, improvement of co-operation within the people’s livelihood, and coping framework of the Belt and Road with internal and external Initiative, turning the Colombo challenges,” Gunawardena had Port City and the Hambantota said in a phone conversation set Port into two major engines to The Sri Lanka-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) recently donated school items to students of Miyadella Kanishta Vidyalaya, Maligawila. The photo shows SLCFA Senior Vice President Thilak Boteju up at the latter’s request. Foreign Minister Chinese State Councillor and boost Sri Lanka’s economic and Treasurer Gamini Rajanayaka handing over a complete computer system to the Principal of the Dinesh Gunawardena Foreign Minister Wang Yi Yi had said that the two development, pushing for Sri school Ruwan Wijeweera countries are strategic Lanka’s industrialisation, and co-operative partners of sincere In recent years, Gunawardena including non-interference in enhancing the country’s capacity mutual assistance and lasting said that some Western countries, other countries’ internal affairs. for independent development. friendship. Over the past year, including the US, have once Gunawardena added that Sri Gunawardena warmly Two, including Ayurvedic the two countries joined hands again exploited the human rights Lanka appreciates China’s fair congratulated China on the 100th to fight against the pandemic and issues, and baselessly accused stance on human rights issues anniversary of the CPC’s founding, supported each other, and their developing countries, including and is willing to join hands with saying that China has, under the doctor, arrested with explosives bilateral relations maintained a Sri Lanka, in the UNHRC. He China to safeguard fairness leadership of the CPC, completely Two persons including and a 41-year-old person. Inspector General of Police strong development momentum, expressed his hope that China will and justice in regional and lifted itself out of poverty, made an Ayurvedic doctor were The raid was carried out (DIG) Ajith Rohana. he said. continue to uphold justice and international affairs. great development achievements, arrested with explosives in the on a tipoff received by the The Yakkalamulla Police This call took place as the stand with developing countries. “Those allegations about and significantly improved the Kinniya area in Trincomalee, Trincomalee Naval Base. seized the tea, and officials alleged human rights violations Yi agreed that some Western Xinjiang and Hong Kong are livelihood of its people. stated the Trincomalee Police. Meanwhile, the Police of the Tea Board had arrived during the last stages of the Sri countries are used to pressuring just baseless. We steadily support Gunawardena said China has The Police said 37 coils of Special Task Force has to inspect the matter further. Lankan civil war in 2009 are developing countries on the China on the Xinjiang, Hong also led other countries on the way dynamite and other explosives arrested two suspects in The two suspects were being discussed at the 46th United pretext of human rights, adding Kong-related issues and the One- towards common development, were found in the suspects’ Yakkalamulla in possession produced in the Magistrate’s Nations Human Rights Council that China firmly opposes this, China Policy.” and made vital contributions possession. The arrested are a of 2.6 kg of refuse tea, stated Court yesterday (25), (UNHRC) session in Geneva, and is willing to unswervingly Noting that this year marks the to human civilisation. He 44-year-old Ayurvedic doctor Police Spokesman Deputy according to the Spokesman. held virtually this year. The support each other with Sri 100th anniversary of the founding highlighted that the Colombo Port “Core Group of Countries for Lanka to jointly safeguard the of the Communist Party of China City and the Hambantota Port are UNHRC must Sri Lanka” (The UK, Canada, legitimate rights and interests of (CPC), Yi said that China has won key projects for Sri Lanka’s future Easter report sent Germany, Montenegro, and developing countries, the basic the victory of ending extreme development, and noted that Sri ensure accountability North Macedonia) are moving norms governing international poverty and achieved great Lanka welcomes more Chinese to AG and tabled a resolution against Sri Lanka relations, and the purposes and results in building a moderately investment, businessmen, and regarding the issue. principles of the UN Charter prosperous society in all respects, tourists. for ‘crimes’ in SL: in Parliament The Attorney General (AG) received the Canada Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) The recent report of the United Nations report on the Easter Sunday attacks from the 500,000 vaccine doses (UN) Human Rights High Commissioner President’s Secretary yesterday (25), the AG’s Michelle Bachelet highlighted the need for Co-ordinating Officer said. the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to She said the AG has received Volume ordered by SPC arrive ensure accountability for crimes committed in 1 of the report and has also requested the Sri Lanka, Canadian Foreign Minister Marc President’s Secretary to submit all the The 500,000 Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid- blood count (FBC) has returned to normal. Garneau said on Tuesday (23). proceedings, documents, and material of the 19 vaccine doses ordered from India by the In a statement, the College of Oncologists Speaking at the 46th Session of the UNHRC, PCoI pertaining to the Easter Sunday attacks State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) said cancer patients are at increased risk he said Canada is deeply concerned about (Volumes 2-5). Meanwhile, the report was arrived at the Bandaranaike International of Covid-19 infection and the degree of the deteriorating human rights situation in tabled in Parliament by Leader of the House Airport, Katunayake (BIA) yesterday (25), risk varies based on immunosuppressive Sri Lanka. Minister Dinesh Gunawardena last morning. State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana treatments given, debility, old age, “Threats to human rights defenders and While tabling the English and Sinhalese copies announced. malnutrition, and other comorbidities. civil society organisations, suppression of the report, he requested the Speaker to As at Wednesday (24), the total number They further said that the Covid vaccine of memorialisation, forced cremations of release the report to the public. of people vaccinated in Sri Lanka was is not harmful to cancer patients, as it religious minorities, and the deterioration “We have no issue in taking the report up New Rs. 20 coin approaching the 400,000 milestone. does not contain a live virus, but it should of the rule of law continue in Sri Lanka,” for debate,” the Minister said in response to Sri Lanka began vaccinating healthcare not be administered during periods of Garneau said. a question by Opposition MPs. for circulation workers and frontline security forces severe immunosuppression caused by He said Canada will continue to support The report was handed over to President personnel on 29 January after receiving a chemotherapy treatment. measures that will support accountability, Gotabaya Rajapaksa on 1 February by the stock of 500,000 AstraZeneca Covishield Meanwhile, a total of 2,583 police officers reconciliation, and peace in Sri Lanka. Commission. from March vaccines from the Government of India. Sri received the Covid vaccine on Tuesday, A new Rs. 20 coin, issued to mark the 70th Lanka still awaits vaccines from the World increasing the total number of police Decisions by Technical Committee anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Health Organisation (WHO) COVAX officers vaccinated since the inception of (CBSL), is to be added into circulation from facility for 20% of its population. the vaccination drive to 17,914, according March, the President’s Media Division (PMD) Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka College of to Police Spokesman Deputy Inspector disturbed vaccination drive: State Minister said yesterday (25). Oncologists on Tuesday (23) said that General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana. State Minister of Primary 19 vaccination programme. identified in the areas where The CBSL has announced that five million cancer patients who have completed The vaccination drive for field police Healthcare, Pandemics, She said on Tuesday (23) the highest number of Covid coins will be added from 3 March. treatment and are on surveillance can officers continued yesterday at the Police and Covid Prevention Dr. that the Ministry of Health patients and deaths have been The new coin was presented by CBSL receive the Covid-19 vaccine. However, Field Force Headquarters in Bambalapitiya. Sudarshini Fernandopulle Technical Committee had reported. Governor Prof. W.D. Lakshman to President they stated that those who are undergoing Furthermore, the Spokesman stated that stated that certain decisions decided to amend the decision Meanwhile, she added that Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential chemotherapy and about to undergo 11 persons were arrested on Tuesday for taken by the Technical taken by the Ministry of the first batch of vaccines Secretariat on Wednesday (24). chemotherapy should wait for one month violating quarantine regulations and not Committee of the Ministry Health that the Covid vaccine received from India is already The coin is made of nickel-plated steel following treatment and until their full wearing facemasks. of Health have caused should be given to people over being successfully distributed with a seven-sided shape. disturbances in the Covid- the age of 30 who have been to selected groups. 10 top women to share a stage on Women’s Day For the first time in Sri Lanka, 10 is one of the lowest in South Asia. We highly accomplished women from as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation diverse fields of influence will come (FNF) are deeply committed to doing together on the same stage to share our part to help Sri Lanka address this insights into what they would do pertinent issue,” he emphasised, going differently if they were given the on to elaborate on the Foundation’s opportunity to lead the country. initiatives. Hemas Holdings Group CEO “Towards this end, we have carried Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson; Triad out a number of initiatives since Joint Managing Director Varuni our establishment in Sri Lanka. For Amunugama-Fernando; University instance, with our #FemaleForward Grants Commission (UGC) Vice international campaign, we have Chairman Prof. Janitha Liyanage; empowered the everyday female former Olympic athlete Sriyani heroes in this region. Our objective is Kulawansa; Sri Jayawardenapura to raise awareness around the issues General Hospital Deputy Director women face in their daily lives in and public health specialist Dr. South Asian society. iLead is another Santhushya Fernando; Ada Derana initiative through which we feature Head of English News Indeewari highly accomplished women who Amuwatte; author and publisher are able to shape Sri Lanka’s future,” Ameena Hussein; former Sanasa he added. Development Bank Chairperson In its latest initiative, FNF is joined Samadani Kiriwandeniya; writer, by NextGenSL, which brings together researcher, and author Sarah Kabir; young politicians and political activists and (Reaching for the Stars award- across the spectrum. Rasika Jayakody winner (by the Sri Lanka Association attended by a distinguished audience. project is to demonstrate the manner in Naumann Foundation Head of Sri population, they have been historically and Milinda Rajapaksha, two youth for Child Development) Nilshani De The Friedrich Naumann which women will lead if given access Lanka office Hubertus von Welck subjugated by a patriarchal system leaders within the two main political Silva will be featured as speakers at Foundation for Freedom (FNF) to decision-making platforms and said of the event. that has hindered their social progress. camps, are the co-conveners of the the event. and NextGenSL, Sri Lanka’s only adequate opportunities in governance. He added that this programme Leadership, for instance, has come initiative which began during a heated Planned to coincide with cross-party youth political platform, This will also convince the key will be a step towards addressing amidst great challenges and personal political crisis in December 2018. It International Women’s Day 2021, have organised this event to ensure decision-makers as to why there the disproportionate representation of sacrifice, and even though Sri Lanka has organised many public and media the event will be held at the Lotus women are given a platform to shape should be measures to meaningfully women in positions of power. has been engaged in a nation-building events thus far, giving a platform to Ballroom at Shangri-La Hotel, the future of Sri Lanka. address the underrepresentation “Although women are a majority exercise these past 73 years, the dynamic young politicians from all Colombo on 8 March at 7 p.m. and “The primary objective of the of women in politics,” Friedrich in Sri Lanka, making 52% of the representation of women in politics parties to voice their views. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/ANALYSIS } Friday, February 26, 2021

his healthy advancement of life and the appreciation of this fundamental New dawn dignity of himself and others. Corporal punishment This stance is one that is not only applicable to Sri Lanka. In the case for Sri Lanka of Parents Forum for Meaningful Education v. Union of India and Another (Civil Writ Appeal Petition Customs not a justifiable means 196/1998), the UNCRC, the Delhi One of the main factors that determine how High Court in an order penned well a country goes forward is the way it adapts by A.D. Singh J. and joined by to and meaningfully deals with the status quo. M. Sharma J., in arriving at the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, this week, decision that corporal punishment to discipline - SC must be outlawed, made important appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry observations including that the FR of (PCoI) to streamline the operations of Sri the child will have no meaning if they Lanka Customs, with a focus on evaluating the are not protected by the State and that status quo of Sri Lanka Customs and looking the State and the schools are bound into what steps need to be taken to enhance its to recognise the right of the children effectiveness. The PCoI is headed by Supreme not to be exposed to violence of any Court Judge Justice A.L. Shiran Gooneratne, kind connected with education. It was stated that to allow even minimum and comprises judges, Central Bank officials, violence to children can degenerate and experts in the trade. into aggravated form as a teacher Another duty of this newly appointed PCoI, using the rod cannot every time be according to the President’s Media Division mindful of the force with which he (PMD), is to look into various allegations may be hitting the child. Further, levelled against Sri Lanka Customs, which, if that children are entitled to all the Constitutional rights and also that a implemented properly, would benefit the entire child cannot be deprived of the same country, considering the importance of the role just because he is small, as being small Sri Lanka Customs plays in the local economy. in turn does not make him less of a After Covid-19 hit Sri Lanka’s overall human being than a grown up. development and economy, like many countries, A child, Thurairaj PC J. points out, Sri Lanka is now at a crucial juncture, where is a precious national resource to be every cent and precaution counts. In this context, nurtured and attended with tenderness BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY on him has been removed, and that and care and not with cruelty, and streamlining Sri Lanka Customs’ operations is his dignity is restored. That would therefore, subjecting the child to an admirable move. The elimination of the practice of corporal punishment may not be in some way guarantee his future corporal punishment for reforming The fact that this PCoI is tasked with looking achieved through isolated incidents, but a profound understanding by mental health, which is vital to his him/her cannot be part of education, into allegations against Sri Lanka Customs is those entrusted with the care of children that violence is not a justifiable advancement in life.” given that it causes incalculable harm also a relief, as it is one of the public institutions means to the end of discipline, the Supreme Court (SC) observed. According to Thurairaja PC J., to him/her, in his/her body and mind. against which an astronomical number of The SC noted thus in the case of physical or mental violence”, and given the advancements in society, Singh J. describes this phenomenon H.W. Karunapala and Others v. in relation to school discipline, Article this aforementioned view must be as follows: “The child has to be allegations have been levelled. Another duty J.P.K. Siriwardhana and Others (SC/ 28(2) {States Parties shall take all fundamentally held, and developed prepared for responsible life in a free the newly appointed PCoI is tasked with is FR/97/2017), where the judgement appropriate measures to ensure that upon. Therefore, the Court, as the society in the spirit of understanding, coming up with recommendations to ensure and was penned by President’s Counsel school discipline is administered in upper guardian of the child, must peace, and tolerance. The use of maintain total transparency in the functioning (PC) and Justice (J), S. Thurairaja and a manner consistent with the child's ensure that the child is provided with a corporal punishment is antithetic to of Sri Lanka Customs, taking into consideration was joined by Sisira J. de Abrew J. human dignity and in conformity with sense of justice being restored in view these values. We cannot subject the the security and quarantine regulations using and Murdu N.B. Fernando PC J. the present Convention.}, in addition to of the violation of his/her person and child to torture and still expect him/ Article 37. the lack of respect to his/her dignity her to act with understanding, peace information technology. Nexus between corporal Thus, while corporal punishment exhibited by a teacher, Thurairaja PC and tolerance towards others and be a Recent incidents, such as the incident where punishment and torture does not amount to torture in itself, the J. emphasised. “While recognising protagonist of peace and love. It was the Preventive Directorate of Sri Lanka Customs The SC in its judgement explained practice of the infliction of physical or teachers as being responsible for the probably for this reason that lawyer found bottled water in a container which had corporal punishment and the violation mental punishment which disregards growth and upbringing of children, and Independence activist Mahatma been officially declared to be containing over of Fundamental Rights (FR) such as the inherent dignity of a child amounts they are entrusted with the duty Gandhi said that ‘if we are to reach 11,000 litres of foreign liquor, raised concerns, freedom from torture. to inhuman or degrading punishment, of guiding children and instilling real peace in this world, and if we are Article 11 of the Constitution reads as Thurairaja PC J. explained, noting discipline in them. However, children to carry on a real war against war, we and according to Sri Lanka Customs, resulted in follows: “No person shall be subjected however that the extreme or continual are not to be considered the property shall have to begin with children, and a large-scale investigation. Sri Lanka Customs to torture or to cruel, inhuman or use of force in corporal punishment of the adults entrusted with their if they will grow up in their natural also seized illegally imported vehicles/vehicle degrading treatment or punishment”. could even amount to torture if a care. Children are entitled to their innocence, we won’t have to struggle, parts in the recent past. While these forms of Further, in reference to minors, situation warrants it. own sense of self and dignity, being we won’t have to pass fruitless idle seizures show that Sri Lanka Customs does its the United Nations Convention on It is established in Sri Lanka that separate beings. It is unacceptable to resolutions, but we shall go from love duty, at the same time, it raises concerns about the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in corporal punishment may amount consider that a child assaulted may not to love and peace to peace, until at Article 37 states as follows: “States to violations of Article 11 of the be entitled to a remedy for the reason last all the corners of the world are the large-scale irregularities and corruption that Parties shall ensure that: (a) No Constitution. In the case of Bandara of being a minor while an adult in the covered with that peace and love for can take place when importing goods, which child shall be subjected to torture or v. Wickremasinghe (S.C. 190/94), same circumstances would be entitled which, consciously or unconsciously, primarily concerns Sri Lanka Customs more other cruel, inhuman, or degrading despite the case being prior to the to such relief. In any case, minors, the whole world is hungering’.” than other public institutions. Considering treatment or punishment.” Amendments to the Penal Code as vulnerable and impressionable It is established through the case the monetary value of such irregularities, the Article 5 of the Universal criminalising corporal punishment members of society must be entitled to of Bandara v. Wickremasinghe, that importance of Sri Lanka Customs’ operations Declaration of Human Rights, Article or recognising mental trauma, the a higher degree of protection”. teachers in the act of maintaining 7 of the International Covenant SC supported the view that the However, the case of Bandara v. discipline, act in the colour of their cannot be stressed enough. on Civil and Political Rights, and excessive use of force by teachers and Wickremasinghe notes the following: office and not in their personal Streamlining state institutions was, and Article 1 of the Convention against administrative officials in maintaining “Nevertheless, this Court recognises capacity and that if they so exceed by the looks of it still is, in the President’s Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or discipline could amount to cruel and that what amounts to a ‘high degree their powers while in this pursuit, plans for the country, and he started this Degrading Treatment or Punishment degrading treatment. In that case, of maltreatment’ in relation to an they may become liable for the endeavour by visiting the Department of Motor contain terms prohibiting torture as K.M.M.B. Kulatunga PC J. joined adult does not always resonate with infringement of FR by Executive or Traffic (DMT), soon after becoming President, well as cruel, inhuman, or degrading by Chief Justice G.P.S. de Silva and the mental constitution of a minor. administrative action. treatment or punishment. Pathmanathan Ramanathan J., was Therefore, when a minor complains Additionally, there is no requirement and the National Housing Development In relation to corporal punishment, of the view that: “The discipline of of degrading treatment, the Court of malice or intent required for the Authority (NHDA) later. Even though the injuries caused and suffered as a result, students is a matter within the purview as the upper guardian must not be violation of Article 11. Further, it two aforementioned visits were limited to and its association with the freedom of school teachers. It would follow quick to dismiss the claims for failing is established by the Ministry of verbal discussions with public officials and from torture, cruel, inhuman or that whenever they purport to maintain to meet the same high threshold Education, through Paragraph 2.4 the service-seeking public, the President has degrading punishment, the Committee discipline, they act under the colour of of maltreatment. Instead, it must of the Circular 12/2016, that even gone the extra mile and has taken a step to on the Rights of the Child notes in its office. If in doing so, they exceed their carefully consider the impact that the with the best interest of the child Concluding Observations on States power, they may become liable for the alleged treatment may have had on the and the discipline of the school in strengthen Sri Lanka Customs. Parties’ Reports and in other Comments infringement of FR by executive or mentality and growth of the child.” mind, a teacher may be in violation When it comes to modernisation, Sri Lanka, that any corporal punishment of administrative action.” It is therefore imperative to the of all relevant provisions in reference despite having taken slow but progressive children, however light, is incompatible He was further of the view that: child, Thurairaja PC J. observes, that to corporal punishment. Thus, steps concerning almost all sectors, has a long with the UNCRC, citing, in particular, “This Court must by granting he/she is assured that his/her dignity the intention of the perpetrator is way to go. At the same time, such processes Article 19, which requires the appropriate relief reassure the is recognised by law and is thus irrelevant to the illegality of corporal being politicised has been a perpetual issue. protection of children “from all forms petitioner that the humiliation inflicted reflected by the Court’s decision, for punishment, be it a teacher, parent, guardian or any other adult under Streamlining public institutions, which may whose care or contact that the minor also involve restructuring depending on the may be in, for the sole reason that it is need, is a necessary but an arduous task, as it the duty of the State to protect children involves a large number of stakeholders, who from all forms of physical violence. may or may not be on the same page, and it Cruelty, violence and physical harm, should not in turn create new loopholes when particularly in the view of setting an example is condemned by all major seeking to rectify the existing ones. Also, faiths of our country, which forms these changes need to be for the long term the bedrock of our culture, Thurairaja and should not last only until the end of the PC J. observed. The Dhammapada, incumbent Government’s tenure. At the same Thurairaj PC J. notes, profoundly states time, this PCoI being attentive to the concerns as follows: “As one instructs others, of Sri Lanka Customs’ trade unions’ opinions so should one act; if one would tame is compulsory for a successful effort. others, one should first be well tamed. Truly, it is very hard to tame oneself”. Sri Lanka Customs is, without a doubt, one of It is therefore clear that those Sri Lanka’s most important state institutions that guiding and instructing impressionable fulfils a great deal of responsibilities that directly children do not set a suitable example contribute to the country’s income and thereby in impulsively engaging in violent strengthens its economy and development, and acts that harm children in the name of it has finally received the Country Head’s due disciplining them, as children are only likely to carry forward this behaviour, attention. Thurairaja PC J. explains, noting in this regard that if teachers aim to instil self-discipline and non-violence in No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. children, they must set the example by Fax - 011 2 673 441 instilling the same values in themselves. General - 011 5 200 900 “While this is a difficult practice, if one Sales & Marketing - 076 1 367 612 is to expect this of children, they are to Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367 620 reflect it and expect it of themselves”. E-mail - [email protected] It is imperative that we do not, as a Investigations Desk - 077 7 714 078 State, condone such behaviour as it is Website - www.themorning.lk detrimental to the growth of children and is to be construed as cruel or degrading treatment. 45 Friday, February 26, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk and prepare the community for interviews about it. But nobody talks violence and mobilise the community about it openly, because if they do it, into violence exists. Radical thinking they cannot maintain a movement. A alone is not extremism, but radical lot of things the LTTE did are actually thinking that relates to extremism and a replica of the Nazi movement.” exclusivism is what leads to violence.” Adding that extremist ideologies She also emphasised that policies, can exist in any ethnic or religious regulations, and laws are needed to community, Dr. Hettiarahchi quell and limit the spread of extremist added that extremist Buddhists, ideologies, and that responsible Christians, Muslims, and Hindus governments globally will not allow should not be allowed. She also said their countries to be contaminated. that while not allowing extremist She added: “Governments must and ideologies to come into the country, will study the impact of that ideology all communities need to work on on fracturing the community. We establishing harmony. restrict their ability to damage She added: “In this way, we should society and collect funds and create be very careful of the extremist narratives that damage youth. trap – that is, how they trap agencies and organisations to comment on it, because it generates a lot of Ideologies conversation around it, and then people get divided based on who is cannot be best at arguing the case. “So to begin with, I would say that banned; open banning is the first step. If you do not ban extremism and violence-inspiring discussion is key: ideologies to prevent them from coming into a country, it will poison Sociologist the minds and destroy the country. One of the countries that have done it straightforwardly without trying to be “That is why banning is important politically correct, is Singapore, and – if you do not ban it, you allow they are very firm about it. I believe the spread of exclusive extremist that a country like Sri Lanka has to ideologies. Wherever Wahhabism also be firm and direct and say no to has spread in Arab countries, we extremist ideologies – this is where have witnessed extremism that we draw the line.” has led to communal and ethnic The second step after banning, disharmony, fractured cultural, ethnic according to Dr. Hettiarachchi, is and religious communities, and raising awareness. She added that the destabilisation of the existing Sri Lanka can start with schools, harmonious environment. children, families, educationalists, “Even though Wahhabism exists in and the office culture, and that the Arab world, particularly in Saudi teacher trainers are also important in Arabia, which is largely a mono- this process. She opined that when religious Islamic nation, it cannot appointing teachers, it is necessary The slippery co-exist in other places where people to ensure good standards and ensure of diverse identities and faiths exist. also that they do not spread any kind Wahhabism clearly has no place in of extremism or such thinking trends. a multi-religious, multi-ethnic and She added: “Other long-term multi-cultural country like Sri Lanka.” solutions after banning should be Speaking of the spread of the implementing a Harmony Act and abovementioned ideologies, Dr. ensuring ethnic harmony. Long- Hettiarachchi added that such term steps are needed because slope of banning ideologies being in Sri Lanka, and these extremist ideologies such as being allowed to grow, is damaging Wahhabism did not come to Sri to the entire culture, and also impacts Lanka overnight; they have been on all ethnic communities such as creeping in for a long time – some Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and since the 2004 tsunami era, and some especially Muslims who are moderate. since the 1990s. “In fact, more than non-Muslims, thought the Muslim community has expressed opposition to such ideologies SL does not A dispassionate look at the Easter report’s recommendations to damaging the peaceful image of Islam. One of the documents need to ban Bodu Bala Sena, Wahhabism and Thowheed orgs. prepared after the Easter Sunday attacks, by Muslim civil society reinvent the wheel; BY SUMUDU CHAMARA “It happened with the Islamic State organisations, mentions dealing (IS). It is banned due to it being with Wahhabism as one of their follow Singapore The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) extremist and dangerous but various recommendations. They say that the appointed to look into the Easter Sunday attacks of 21 April 2019 is this methods are used to attract youth. ideas of extremism, radicalism and week’s hottest topic, and the political arena is filled with varying opinions In many countries, including in terrorism do not belong to Islam.” “If we actually look at the trend about the report’s contents. so-called developed countries, youth Speaking of the global situation taking place today, it was set in the joined the IS organisation as they concerning the relationship between 1960s. They are trying to legitimise The report, as expected, contained were attracted by its ideology. When extremist ideologies and violence, these ideologies claiming that there a plethora of recommendations, some something is banned, it becomes an Dr. Hettiarachchi added that every is disharmony, when in reality, it is of which are long-term actions that are Extremists attraction,” she noted. mainstream extremist group, such as not the actual reason. When it comes likely to take a significant amount of constitute When questioned as to what would be Al Qaeda and the IS, have a strategy to banning radical ideologies, Sri time, resources, and collective effort. an effective method to address extremist of involving and targeting people Lanka does not have to reinvent the One such recommendation is the only fraction of ideologies, if imposing a ban is not, who do understand this concept, and wheel. Other countries have done action proposed in the PCoI’s report she added: “Imposing a ban is unlikely getting them to be the mouthpieces it; and we have to learn from how regarding regulating and monitoring community: Muslim to help in removing an idea from for their extremism-based campaigns. other countries have safeguarded certain religious organisations people’s minds, and what needs to be She added: “The Liberation themselves from extremist ideologues and movements, in a bid to curtail activist done is openly discussing the contents Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and their ideologies. extremist religious ideologies and of that ideology. Certain religious had the same strategy. Even now, “One thing is certain, we cannot inter-religious tensions. ideologies are usually not taken for open individuals overseas who are inspired have a dialogue with Wahhabism, After the Easter Sunday attacks, discussion, because certain religions by separatism and also such persons as other Muslim majority countries which were carried out by a group She also noted that what does take such things for granted. in Sri Lanka are using the local have done this and moved on. Strong of religious extremists, a discourse and does not constitute an extremist “We can question a theory or a community, basically the non-Tamil governance and strict laws are emerged about Islamist extremism ideology is subjective, and that certain science, but people do not tend to community, to campaign for the necessary as the first step.” in Sri Lanka, including the practice things (ideologies) a person considers question something they believe, separatist agenda, because they feel of Wahhabism. Wahhabism is a to be extreme may be perceived by particularly when it has been passed that their credibility is high when Extremist groups not part of conservative movement within another person as not extreme. on to them from an early age. The they get non-Tamils to campaign the larger community Islam and is named after its founder, She explained: “We can determine best way to show the pros and cons for separatism and non-Muslims to To inquire about the Muslim Theologian Mohamed ibn Abd whether a certain ideology is extreme, of anything is discussing it openly. campaign for Wahhabism under the community’s opinion about al-Wahhab, who was born in the Middle only by assessing the extent to There is also a lack of room to discuss guise of freedom of expression. Wahhabism, The Morning spoke East in the 18th Century. It advocates a which it may be harmful to people’s various ideologies in Sri Lanka. Even if “Here is how they do it: You take to Ustaz Sabry of the Mishkath return to a purer form of Islam. existence. If a certain ideology is discussed, no one is bound to respond.” one charismatic person, give them Research Institute. The PCoI, in its final report, considered to be extremist and it is an ideology, and they take it forward He emphasised that the larger recommended that the ideology of likely to cause imminent damage, such Banning Wahhabism by using the grievances of their Muslim community does not support Wahhabism be banned, in addition as the mass suicide incident which crucial; more long-term communities. A lot of people are extremist ideologies or follow any to Thowheed organisations, as happened in Jonestown in Guyana, a steps needed unsuspecting of these ideologies, and ideology to an extreme level. well as the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) ban may be useful. As various extremist ideologies all mainstream global terrorist moments He also noted that when it comes organisation. “For example, even Jainism can have been identified to be behind have such ideologies and practices. to ideologies, there are a number This begs the question – how be considered extremist, although terror attacks, The Morning also “It is what happened with the LTTE of misunderstandings about certain practical is it to ban an ideology, not harmful. The only factor that looked into the relationship between as well. LTTE Leader V. Prabhakaran ideologies, and that those following which exists more in believers’ minds determines whether an ideology is extremist ideologies and violent was convinced by a certain person Wahhabism do not represent the than in books? Laws and regulations extreme, is by evaluating whether it is activities. to take up his agenda, and then he general Muslim community. can stop people from physically likely to cause any harm to a country Speaking to The Morning, Trainer took it up and ran with it. All his According to Sabry, there are those practicing an ideology, but who can and/or people. Otherwise, we cannot on Counter-terrorism Dr. Malkanthi speeches are a replica of Nazi Leader following Wahhabism to minimal, see their minds? label, because people view the same Hettiarachchi said that banning Adolf Hitler's autobiography Mein moderate, and extreme levels, ideology in different ways, depending Wahhabism is a first and necessary Kampf (My Struggle). This has been and that therefore, they cannot be Can a thought be banned? on their thinking patterns.” step, while adding that for long- written about by a few, and those who identified under one category. He also To discuss the banning of an Speaking of the results of banning term results, more policy and legal worked with Prabhakaran have given stressed that those going to extreme ideology, The Morning spoke to Prof. an ideology, she added that even decisions can be taken. levels of such ideologies constitute Subhangi Herath of the Colombo though a ban cannot stop people She added: “Laws and only a small fraction of the larger University Sociology Department, from believing in something, it can, recommendations on banning do not Banning Muslim community. who said that when it comes to the however, limit the extent to which it come into being without studying Sri Lanka is a country that has idea of banning an ideology, the only reaches the people. the impact of a particular ideology or Wahhabism suffered more than enough due thing that can be done is banning the “If certain cultural practices are group's activity based on an ideology, to people going to extremes, the practice of that particular ideology, as being held openly, people easily and on the freedom and wellbeing first step; latest one being the Easter Sunday an ideology is something that exists in adapt to such. If such practices cannot of the community. Emphasis is attacks. The question now is taking people’s minds. be held openly, the possibility of particularly given to ideologies that awareness comes meaningful and effective steps to Prof. Herath added that a mere people embracing such practices and instigate and or promote violence. address these concerns, without ban cannot remove an ideology from ideologies can be relatively low. At the “When it comes to banning an next: Counter- resorting to mere legal reforms. people’s minds, and that if certain same time, sometimes, the more that ideology, it is banned because it is terrorism Trainer After all, countering extremist people believe in that particular something is banned, the more people an extremist ideology. It may not be ideologies is tantamount to fighting ideology, it continues. are attracted to it. violent, but the potential to instigate with people’s minds. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/INSIGHT } Friday, February 26, 2021

BY PAMODI WARAVITA Sinhala colonisation from the time of Independence. We are not minorities. The alleged human rights violations during the last stages of the Neither we nor the others who are Sri Lankan civil war in 2009 are currently being discussed at the 46th United minorities could get our concerns across Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva, held virtually this to the echelons of power. They have year. The “Core Group of Countries for Sri Lanka” (The UK, Canada, Germany, already made up their minds that our Montenegro, and North Macedonia) are moving a resolution against Sri problems are only economic and that Lanka regarding the issue. Tamil civil society leaders, politicians, and the they could throw some crumbs and community have joined in the call for action, laying out their demands get us under control. Further, they are and expectations from the UNHRC. The Morning spoke to Former Northern dreaming of a Sinhala Buddhist country. Province Chief Minister parliamentarian and current leader of the Thamizh Hence their ears are deaf. Of course the Makkal Thesya Kootani (TMTK) C.V. Wigneswaran, known for his radical human rights situation and minority views on Sri Lanka’s ethnic context, about the changes the Tamil community grievances are many more. Yes. Since and its political leaders are expecting at this year’s UNHRC session. 2009 it is getting steadily worse. How can the Government which claims that The following are excerpts of the you cannot fool all people all the this is a Sinhala Buddhist Country and interview. time. The Government is behaving so that there is no ethnic problem listen to in order to maintain its vote bank and our problems? Do you expect any concrete not with the future of the country in change at this year’s UNHRC mind. Their approach would lead our What have your communications session in Geneva, considering the country to the brink of disaster. with the diaspora revealed about their years of prolonged debates? current demands and approaches? It depends on the lobbying done Do you think action, 12 years after They have realistic approaches. They by Sri Lanka. They have very the end of the war, is necessary? have a legitimate expectation that our successfully lied to the international What sort of action are you people should live with the right of community so far. The High expecting considering the time self-determination in the North East. Commissioner for Human Rights lapse? What sort of action does They will continue to fight in political has seen through their modus the community need and should and diplomatic ways. After all ours operandi so far and come out with prioritise? is a struggle for the very existence of a strong and truthful report. There I have known of families wantonly the Tamil race in Sri Lanka. We need is no reason why member countries wiped out by the military leaving to fight against the fate that befell the may still not be mesmerised by Sri just one or two members of the Burghers. Our diaspora is well aware of Lanka’s lies and prevarications. But family alive. our situation. our hope is there should be concrete change in favour of the victims. What are your thoughts on the Government’s approach with India at What exact actions has the the moment? TMTK taken with regard to the Again, foolish and dangerous. You ongoing UNHRC session? What ‘UNHRC resolution cannot threaten one powerful person is the exact position of the TMTK by flirting with another powerful with regard to the draft resolution person. At a certain time both will released by the Core Group? pounce upon you. I doubt the foxiness We have been trying to get the of the Government will work with the truth of what happened at the end far short of Narendra Modi Government. of the war across to those who matter internationally. Our work Do you think the Tamil minority has had good effects. The draft was parties are adequately addressing the a pitiable document. No mention needs of the community? Is there a of the International Criminal Court disconnect between the Tamil political (ICC), International, Independent, our expectations’ leaders and the grassroots politicians and Impartial Mechanism (IIIM), they represent? nor Referendum. It falls far short of Now they have realised their follies our expectations. z Wigneswaran disappointed by absence of and are thinking of joint action on behalf of the people they represent. What do you think of the High The hitherto Colombo-based Tamil Commissioner for the UNHRC International Criminal Court action leaders are getting to realise the folly Michelle Bachelet’s report and the Some of them needed psychiatric justice and reparation, not necessarily prevent recurrence of crimes. of living apart from those whom they Government’s response to it? healing. Could they forget what punishment. I have said that if a represent. There is more collaboration She has understood the real happened to their dear ones 12 years feasible solution would be forthcoming What are your thoughts on the now between the Tamil leaders and their situation in Sri Lanka to a great ago? Could their other kith and kin for the Tamil speaking community as current actions of the government? constituencies. extent. Her report was encouraging. forget? The reason why successive a whole, we could talk to the victims. Do you think concerns of the minority The Government is prevaricating as governments are delaying action of any The arrogance of politicians would not are adequately listened to? Has the What is the position of the TMTK usual. They are closing their eyes like sort in favour of the victims is because entertain such suggestions. They prefer human rights situation and minority with regard to the recently concluded the proverbial cat and thinking the they know one of you might ask such to be punished by destiny or karma grievances worsened with the change Pottuvil to Point Pedro protest? world is dark. The Government will questions from the victims or their in due course. Time does not heal the of government, and since 2009? We too took part. But, we kept a low suddenly be jolted to open their eyes. representatives. wrong doers. It comes with greater fury Foolish and dangerous as I said profile in deference to the expectations against them in due course! Slobodan earlier. Militarising might make the of the organisers led by Velan Swami What are your thoughts on the Where is it said after a period of Milosevic for example! powers that be happy and powerful. who wanted politicians to take a rear Government’s approach at this time a criminal would be found to be After all, real reconciliation is As time passes, it would lead to greater seat. We welcome the demonstration year’s UNHRC session? innocent by the law? possible only when the Sinhalese and calamities and therefore grief. And wholeheartedly and look forward to Foolish and dangerous. Even if The action expected is charging the Tamils know what has happened power corrupts. Absolute power would such North-East, Muslim-Christian- they manage to fool the international the wrongdoers and getting justice during the war. This is possible only no doubt corrupt absolutely. We the Hindu collaborations and party alliances community this time, their karma for those killed wantonly against all through an international independent Tamil speaking, are the majority in the on important matters concerning the will catch up with them soon. And human norms. The community needs inquiry. Importantly action is needed to North and East, even now after all the victim community.

BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY allows working mothers to take two nursing Sri Lanka lacks a legal framework that ‘Incorporate flexi-work arrangements intervals at such times as she may require. supports flexible working arrangements, The Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Act, despite the myriad benefits such arrangements No. 15 of 2018, provides maternity leave for provide women and mothers, notes an article into labour law framework’ 12 weeks for any number of children. published recently in the Junior Bar Journal. Sri Lanka needs to therefore rethink, The article adds that flexible work practices Most of the International Labour industrial plant, hours of work can reach 56 this right was expanded to all employees Wanigasinghe emphasised, providing access can result in higher rates of employment Organisation (ILO) Conventions on working hours per week on average, without prejudice with 26 weeks’ continuous employment by to flexibility as a part of protection against (including boosting the number of productive time, according to Wanigasinghe, are too to the compensatory rest that may be provided the Children and Families Act of 2014. In discrimination based on broader family care- hours), and more compatibility between restrictive to meet the modern realities of for in national legislation. The same applies Sweden, parents have a legal entitlement to giving responsibilities beyond caring for qualifications and job skill levels (instead of flexible working. With this impact and the to flexible working arrangements such reduce their working hours up to 25% until young children. Wanigasinghe added that working below the qualification grade) for prevailing cultural and gender ideologies and as staggered working time arrangements, the child’s eighth birthday, with a return to full the country also needs to further broaden this women and mothers, whilst enabling them to masculine norms, Sri Lanka still follows an variable daily shifts lengths, annualised hours guaranteed thereafter. concept by incorporating paternity leave or balance work and life. outdated legal framework on working hours working hours, on-call work, and the flexi- In Sri Lanka, the labour legislations do parental leave in the legal framework. The article, titled “Working Women and that is unfavourable to flexible working time system. not have any provision that expressly deals The common employer-oriented flexible Tight Rope Walking: An Agenda to Reform arrangements and work-life balance on the The necessity of relaxing the working with flexible working arrangements. The working arrangements are often used in the Workplace Flexibility Laws”, was written by side of female employees. hours to meet the modern realities of working Wages Board Ordinance, No. 24 of 1941, the Sri Lankan informal economic structure Attorney-at-Law Nadunie Wanigasinghe. The ILO Hours of Work (Industry) arrangements was also pinpointed by the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of such as part time, seasonal employment, and According to the World Economic Convention, No. 1 of 1919 accomplished Committee of Experts on the Application of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 19 shift work. But the non-regulation of these Forum’s 2018 Global Gender Gap Index, the eight-hour workday, alongside a 48-hour Conventions and Recommendations. of 1954, and the Factories Ordinance, No. 45 arrangements by the prevalent labour law Sri Lanka was ranked 125th under the weekly limit on working time. However, it The Workers with Family Responsibilities of 1942, adhere to the outdated rigid working structure provides leeway for the exploitation sub index of economic participation and allows for working for 56 hours in cases of Convention, No. 156 of 1981 was designed hours, rest intervals, and different types of of the female employees in the informal opportunity gender gap, indicating thereby processes which are required by reason of highlighting the necessity of enabling workers holidays. economies and jeopardises the decent work the low integration of women. Additionally, their nature to be carried out continuously to engage in employment without conflicting The normal period during which any person norms of the workers of the above categories. Wanigasinghe pointed out, it is women who by a succession of shifts. Similar rules were employment with family responsibilities. The may be employed in or about the business Further, the flexible working arrangements are predominantly affected by the tensions established by the Hours of Work (Commerce Committee of Experts envisioned designing of any shop or office should not exceed being more concentrated on elementary, arising due to the conflicting responsibilities and Offices) Convention, No. 30 of 1930, the measures to enable workers with family eight hours and in any one week must not informal occupations, and less focused on of work and life due to the increase in the objective of which was to extend the hours of responsibilities to combine employment and exceed 45 hours under the Shop and Office professional and managerial roles, can lead to ageing population, dual-earners, female work standards prescribed to all those persons family obligations without conflicting both Employees Act of 1954. The total hours highly skilled mothers to shift to the informal breadwinners, and care and related domestic not covered by Convention No. 1 of 1919, work and social services. worked, exclusive of intervals for meals and economy, thereby pushing themselves to responsibilities. except for those employed in agriculture, The Workers with Family Responsibilities rest, should not exceed nine hours in any day, take up work of a lower level than what they Therefore, Wanigasinghe noted that maritime or inland navigation, fisheries, and Recommendation, No. 165 of 1981, and not exceed 48 hours in any week under are capable of. This, Wanigasinghe posits, is flexible working options can play a domestic service. recommended that particular attention should the Factories Ordinance. a suboptimal outcome for both employees significant role in addressing these adverse Wanigasinghe, citing the “Working time be given to general measures for improving Under the Employment of Women, Young and employers, as it represents a significant labour market outcomes and effectively in the 21st Century: Discussion report for the working conditions and the quality of Persons and Children Act, No. 47 of 1956, opportunity cost and a loss of potential output. reconciling commitments in their work and Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Working- working life, including measures aimed at female workers cannot be employed for Structuring international regulations in domestic lives. time Arrangements” of the IL Office in the progressive reduction of daily hours of more than 10 days on night work, during the form of procedures, rather than specified Flexible working arrangements can be Geneva, Switzerland in 2011, noted that it work and the reduction of overtime, and more any one month. Similar limitations and outcomes, would be more beneficial, leading defined as any type of working arrangement can be observed that the definitions of the flexible arrangements with regard to working prohibitions on night work are imposed by the them to be considered as fundamental that allows work to be carried out outside exceptions to the normal scheme of working schedules, rest periods and holidays. Factories Ordinance and the Shop and Office social rights. Modifications of the prevalent the spatial and temporal limitations of a hours authorised by these Conventions are It can be proposed, Wanigasinghe Employees’ Act. outdated labour laws to cater to flexible standard working day. With the advancement very restricted. Some of these exceptions explained, that labour standards in the form However, the Shop and Office working; thereby promoting a family-friendly of technology, Wanigasinghe further are directly connoted to the form of work of required procedures, rather than specified Employees’ (Regulation of Employment and employment policy is imperative in reducing notes, there is a spectrum of unstructured, organisation. For instance, shift work is outcomes, would be more appropriate and Remuneration) (Amendment) Act, No. 14 of the weak employment outcomes towards structured, and autonomous work structures acceptable subject to the condition that the practical in meeting the real world work 2018, and the Maternity Benefits Ordinance women and to utilise the full potential of that alters the time and/or place that work average number of working hours over a requests. provided more opportunity for mothers to women workers, Wanigasinghe observed, gets done on a regular basis such as flexi- period of three weeks or less does not exceed The UK introduced a right to request spend considerable time with the babies. The adding however that the efficacy of the time, extended leave, part time work, eight per day and 48 per week. flexible working through the Employment Act 2018 Amendments to the Shop and Office modifications without an attitudinal change in compressed work week, telecommuting, work In addition, if shift work is rendered of 2002 to limited categories of employees Employees Act provides maternity leave the society concerning flexible working, is a from home, and job share. necessary by the continuous operation of an with parental or caring responsibilities. Later, for 84 days for any number of children, and moot point. 47 Friday, February 26, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

businessSL firm in external EU wants SL to debt obligations BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) which we took and repaid Regardless of concerns has taken measures on as well. But, at that time it raised by economists and restricting imports to was necessary because we the Opposition on Sri conserve foreign currency had certain reasons based on comply with WTO Lanka’s upcoming external in order to pay the debts on which we went for the IMF at debt obligations against the time. that time. Now those reasons BY ZAHIDA RIZVI (about Rs. 220 billion) in 2018 backdrop of a diminishing Thus, the Ministry stated are not there anymore. We Speaking at the press and 2019. reserve, the Government that Sri Lanka should be need to now find ways to briefing on “EU-Sri Lanka “To increase GSP+ utilisation, firmly says it can meet the taken as an example in increase the foreign exchange trade-related assistance”, you will need to have a balanced obligations through foreign its debt paying capacity. inflows into the country and European Union (EU) approach and not close doors. inflows, export income, and Furthermore, it was also that is the way we can do Delegation to Sri Lanka Trade is about mutual benefits. taxes. stated that most of the this in a very sustainable and the Maldives Head of There is a need to open up the Of the current Sri Lankan general public might not manner,” Cabraal added. Co-operation Frank Hess said economy, invest in research and debt of $ 68 billion, sovereign understand the philosophy on In addition to this, the import restrictions development, provide skills to bonds were reported to be Government decisions to pay the Ministry of Finance implemented by Sri Lanka, workers, nurture entrepreneurs, 17%, which amounts to $ the debts on time. However, highlighted discussions with in place for more than 10 provide decent jobs, and most 14 billion, the Ministry of the Ministry hoped that its CBSL to declare that both months now, are a major importantly, create a conducive Finance revealed in a press statements would nullify parties are confident that trade concern for the EU, and business environment which conference held yesterday allegations and clear doubts. the necessary forex inflows added that the restrictions supports both exporters and (25) at the Ministry. The Ministry of Finance can be generated within the should be informed to the importers,” he added. “This was the only area made a firm statement economy. World Trade Organisation. The Sri Lankan Government where there were some highlighting that the CBSL Moreover, Cabraal “Even if Sri Lanka can apply is keen to pursue a trade model discussions in agencies and the Ministry itself are continued to mention that quantitative import restrictions aiming at export growth and foreign as well as international planning on meeting the both parties are also working in case of a critical Balance direct investment (FDI) growth, forums, at which time we country’s debt obligations on different areas to generate of Payments situation, it has attracting foreign investment also hear regularly from different through foreign inflows, and increase these inflows. to comply with main WTO from the EU. But, the maintenance investment groups regarding export income, and taxes, The Ministry illustrated obligations when invoking Balance of its domestic policies that are in the certain regulations that and clearly mentioned the assessment of inflows to of Payments restrictions,” he said. place is required so as to restore they have, but we have that Sri Lanka will not be depict how Sri Lanka is going International Trade Centre (ITC) National Project Co-ordinator Dayaratne Hess further pointed out that Silva addressing the gathering and delegates at the press briefing on “EU- the equilibrium in its Balance of responded to those by making accessing the International to generate enough inflows the obligation to notify about Sri Lanka trade-related assistance” PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA Payments on a sound and lasting payments exactly on time,” Monetary Fund. and income to settle its debt import restrictions needs to be basis, by adopting measures State Minister of Money and “There are various obligations in the following managed in a transparent manner. Additionally, the briefing Lanka of € 1.5 billion in 2019 which increase instead of decrease Capital Market and State instances where people ask years. The General Council is to be reflected that the Generalised alone. Even without the UK, this international trade. Enterprise Reforms Ajith us as to why we don’t want The total assessment of notified, and consultations need System of Preferences (GSP) balance is still € 1 billion in favour According to the EU, global Nivard Cabraal commented. to access the IMF. It’s not inflows included a figure of to be entered into with other WTO utilisation rate was currently of Sri Lanka,” Hess said. problems, such as the pandemic, “Sri Lanka has not like we have anything against $ 32 billion. Furthermore, members. Additionally, temporary still relatively low, and was only Economic and trade spearhead economic crises, and defaulted one cent at any the IMF, I know how to deal merchandising exports were measures are to be applied since concentrated in a few sectors in co-operation is the focal point the recovery of the Sri Lankan and time and I want to make that with the IMF because we did said to make up $ 30 million the current Sri Lankan regulations Sri Lanka. of the co-operation between the global economy at present depends clear to everyone that Sri access it in 2007 and 2008, out of this figure. Also, it was operate without an expiration date. “Approximately € 3 billion EU and Sri Lanka since the EU on open and rules-based trade, as Lanka will honor its debts,” the time I was the governor,” mentioned that merchandising It also needs to comply with the was exported to the EU from Sri is the island’s second-largest it gives confidence for businesses Cabraal added. Cabraal declared. exports were planning to shift obligation to present timetables Lanka in 2019 using the GSP+ export market, with a positive to invest and re-start exchanges The Minister also “We had the largest ever its focus on boat building, for the progressive relaxation until preferences. This resulted in a trade balance in favour of the that bring in employment and highlighted that the Ministry facility where Sri Lanka had minerals, and gem exports. final elimination of the measures. positive trade balance for Sri island of more than € 1 billion revenues. of Finance and the Central obtained $ 2.6 billion dollars Contd. on page 8 CCPI-based inflation Sri Lanka’s Ornamental Fish Industry to be upgraded BY ZAHIDA RIZVI market, and has had a steady expansion increased to 3.3% in The Sri Lankan Government has of its trade involving more than 125 introduced low interest loan schemes countries. February 2021 and other financial support, training, Ornamental fish exports consist of and technical assistance for beginners as 70% of freshwater ornamentals and Headline inflation, as were recorded at 0.23% and well as for the people already involved 30% of marine ornamentals. During the measured by the year-on-year 0.08%, respectively, in February in the Ornamental Fish industry, The last decade Sri Lanka’s ornamental fish (YoY) change in the Colombo 2021. Morning Business learnt. exports showed a compounded annual Consumer Price Index (CCPI) Accordingly, within the food Sri Lanka`s State Minister for growth rate of 7.2% in value, when increased to 3.3% in February category, the prices of vegetables, Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Shrimp compared to the compounded growth 2021 from 3% in January 2021. green chillies, chicken, and Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, rate of 3.2% observed during 2001 to This was driven by monthly eggs increased in February Multi-Day Fishing, and Fish Exports 2010 period. Fancy guppy varieties from increases in the prices of items 2021. However, the price of Kanchana Wijesekera, addressing the Sri Lanka have become very popular in both the food and non-food potatoes recorded a decline third international ornamental fish trade all over the world and fancy guppies categories. Meanwhile, food during the month. Meanwhile, and technical virtual conference said that contribute to 65% of our freshwater inflation (YoY) increased to 7.9% prices of items in the non-food the Export Development Board of Sri ornamental fish export volumes. in February 2021 from 6.8% in category recorded an increase Lanka has created a platform to facilitate In 2019, Sri Lanka exported January 2021. However, non- during the month mainly due ornamental fish through the participation ornamental fish to 76 countries, and food inflation (YoY) decreased to price increases observed in of Sri Lankan producers and exporters existing level and increasing livelihood practices and overall improving fish 80% of that export volume were to 11 marginally to 1.3% in February the transport (tyres, tubes, and in international exhibitions related to opportunities, particularly in rural areas. health management. countries. 2021 from 1.4% in January 2021. spare parts) and housing, water, ornamental fish trade. The strategies for the development “Technology advancement and Prices obtained by exporters have The change in the CCPI, electricity, gas, and other fuels “The ornamental fish industry is of ornamental fish industry include sharing among producer countries remained virtually static over a measured on an annual average (maintenance/reconstruction) lagging far behind in comparison to the diversification of species and variety is a key for the development of this number of years despite increase in basis, decreased to 4.1% in subcategories. food fish aquaculture sector in regards composition of export fish basket by sector. Some of the areas which associated production costs such as February 2021 from 4.3% in Core inflation (YoY), which to technology advancement, and the improving quality, minimising pressure need attention are optimum packing artemia, feed, chemicals, drugs etc. January 2021. The monthly reflects the underlying inflation future of the ornamental fish industry on natural stocks in the wild through conditions for ornamental fish during Further stringent health screening tests change of CCPI was recorded in the economy, decreased depends on the extent of application of promotion of domestication and captive transport: breeding and farming of required by importing countries also at 0.31% in February 2021. marginally to 2.6% in February aquaculture practices into the production breeding, particularly of marine and high valued species and intensification add to the costs of the exporter. This This was due to price increases 2021 from 2.7% in January of ornamental fish,” he said. indigenous ornamental fish, further of ornamental fish farming systems,” has impacted the development of the observed in items of both 2021. Moreover, annual average The Minister further said the Sri discourage use of destructive fishing Wijesekera added. ornamental fish industry negatively. food and non-food categories. core inflation also decreased Lankan Government has vowed to methods which includes tissue culture Sri Lanka consists of 111 ornamental Establishment of a market information Moreover, monthly changes in marginally to 3% in February develop the Ornamental fish industry of ornamental aquatic plants, and reduce fish species living in freshwater and system, by INFOFISH or any other the food and non-food categories 2021 from 3.1% in January 2021. with the aim of attaining a 100% mortalities throughout the supply chain marine habitats, is reputed as a supplier relevant international organisation, will increase in the export income from the by introducing best management of good quality fish to the international pave the way to ease the situation. CEB introduces innovative solutions as online services BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI extensive range of services which support and billing corrections, and ownership change online locations of the CEB offices. aid consumers. Also, the SMS service has also and tracking the status of their application/request Along with the aforementioned online services, The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) officially helped CEB consumers carry out their activities,” live. consumers can also register for CEB SMS services launched its online services to the nation along Samarawickrama added. Another feature known as the “Breakdown online or through SMS. This facility includes the with other services created to support consumers The CEB Care web portal was launched as the Complaint” involves consumers lodging ability to lodge complaints, register and unregister and accelerate the CEB’s activities, on Wednesday latest service which was incepted to digitalise and complaints online and tracking the state of for the facility, and receive the latest account (24) at the CEB Headquarters. provide convenient services to consumers. As a progress of their complaints. balance by sending a message to the CEB SMS These latest additions to the CEB’s services result of this, the CEB’s consumers will have the Furthermore, the “Outage Calendar” feature service number 1987. were innovative solutions in response to recurring option to access both the CEB Care web portal involves consumers receiving a personalised In addition to this, another updated facility consumer challenges and a step forward in the path and the already available CEB Care app with a outage calendar indicating scheduled electrical that the CEB said it had improved was its call of utilising advancing technological opportunities. single set of user credentials. interruption details for subscribed accounts centre services. This particular service was said The CEB has extended its service channels in “In addition to the existing CEB services, Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma where consumers can check future scheduled to have improved in efficiency along with the this regard. we want to introduce the latest addition to PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM interruptions. addition of an Interactive and Automated Voice CEB Head Engineer Jagath Samarawickrama, the CEB Smart Service line-up. For instance, In addition to the “Outage Calendar”, the Response service (I/AVR). introducing the additions at the event, commented: as the old procedure of getting a new service where more features are under development. “Outage Map” exists as a similar feature where As it is common to carry or own an electronic “As you know, the CEB has provided services connection involves filling an application at the The “New Service Connection Request” feature consumers can check live outages in a geological device, the CEB expressed that it is ideal, to make activities convenient for consumers CEB office, these online and additional services gives consumers the ability to apply for a new map in the consumer’s area or neighbourhood. convenient, and faster for consumers to connect over the years. Thus, the CEB wants to take this allow consumers to do this at ease from wherever service connection online and track the status of Also, the “Bill Calendar” feature gives to the CEB staff and crew online when in need opportunity to introduce the latest additions to they are located by using these latest services,” their application online. customers the ability to estimate their monthly of assistance. Thus, the CEB also introduced our ‘Smart Service’ line-up. Samarawickrama explained. Also, the “Other Service Requests” feature bill through the electricity bill calculator. CEB Assist, which exists as a Smart Service that “As you may be aware, the CEB has already In addition, both the CEB Care web portal involves consumers applying or requesting for Lastly, through the “Contacts” feature, entails various systems and modules. launched the CEB Care app. This app offers an and CEB Care app involve a handful of facilities services such as meter changes, pole shifting, consumers can check relevant details about and Contd. on page 8 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERNATIONAL/CORPORATE } Friday, February 26, 2021 The decrease in global CORONAVIRUS IMPACT ON APAC TOURISM LIFTING international tourist arrivals deepened in 4Q20, after a short-lived improvement in cross-border mobility in 3Q20, a recent Fitch Ratings report noted. Slow and only partial return It added that easing of border controls led by European countries were disrupted by a second wave of Covid-19 infections, triggering renewed, albeit less stringent, lockdowns globally. The second of international tourism wave is now easing, but continues to activity in parts of APAC. weigh on an already fragile recovery Recovery hinges on Domestic air travel in China, for outlook for tourism, and will prolong containment, vaccination example, has nearly recovered to pre- the impact on related sectors in the Fitch projects a slow return pandemic levels. Other countries in the coming year. International travel in international tourism flows region have also seen signs of recovery remains essentially on hold across across APAC to begin in 2H21, in domestic flights. Meanwhile, hotel the Asia-Pacific (APAC) despite but arrivals will remain well occupancy rates have been picking the region’s relative success in below pre-pandemic levels. Even up due to local pent-up demand for containing the coronavirus, Fitch these modest projections depend travel, although much of it has been noted. on progress in virus containment supported by quarantine requirements Tourist arrivals in APAC and effective vaccine distribution. of returning residents. economies fell by 84% in 2020, China had administered 40.5 million In the months ahead, Fitch expects steeper than the 74% contraction vaccine doses as of 9 February more governments to try to resume globally, according to the World 2021. Rollouts are underway in international travel via two-way Tourism Organisation. Many APAC Singapore, India, Indonesia, and “travel bubbles”, including those sovereigns have strict controls Sri Lanka, and others plan to start that were suspended due to the on international tourism to stem distribution in 1Q21. recent resurgence in the virus (i.e. imported cases, and the restrictions Some of APAC’s most tourism- from 4Q20. Arrivals in the Maldives If sustained, the partial tourism Domestic tourism gaining Singapore-Hong Kong and Australia- were tightened in recent months. dependent economies, such as the have come predominantly from recovery may help the Maldives traction, led by China New Zealand). However, a broader New cases flared up again in Maldives and Macao, have eased Russia, India, and the UK, while to begin reversing the collapse in and more sustained resumption of Thailand and Malaysia in late 2020, quarantine requirements for tourists arrivals from China – its largest its external services balances and Containment of the coronavirus international tourism flows in APAC but have begun to decline modestly with coronavirus test certificates, source market in 2019 – remain ease its acute external financing has set the stage since 2H20 for a will likely only materialise beyond more recently. and saw a mild recovery in arrivals sluggish. pressures. gradual normalisation of domestic 2021. Cathay Pacific delivers first vaccine shipment to Hong Kong Cathay Pacific recently flew the first to the aircraft doors to allow for priority shipment of Covid-19 vaccines to Hong unloading and upon arrival, the aircraft Kong onboard flight CX391 from Beijing was parked at the South Apron closest to as the airline continues to support the Hong the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal at Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Kong International Airport to reduce the Government’s vaccination programme. towing time between the parking bay and Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer the cargo terminal. (CEO) Augustus Tang said: “This is an Meticulous planning both within Cathay important milestone in Hong Kong’s fight Pacific and with the shipper and forwarder against Covid-19 and we are immensely in Beijing, as well as the consignee in Hong proud to be doing our part in this fight. It Kong, was critical to ensure utmost precision is a successful effort, which involves close throughout the shipping process. collaboration with the Airport Authority As part of an airport-wide recertification of Hong Kong, and many of our industry of the International Airport Transport partners and business associates. Association’s (IATA) CEIV Pharma “We stand ready to undertake future accreditation (the internationally recognised shipments using our vaccine solution quality-assurance scheme for pharmaceutical product and support the Government in its shipments) at Hong Kong International The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between D. Samson Industries and SL Medical Association community-wide rollout programme.” Airport, Cathay Pacific Cargo, Cathay The one million doses of Sinovac Covid-19 Pacific Cargo Terminal, and ground-handling vaccines were loaded inside six temperature- subsidiary Hong Kong Airport Services controlled Envirotainer e2 RAP containers (HAS) have all been re-certified. This offers D. Samson Industries signs MoU with SLMA to maintain the vaccine temperature range a complete level of quality assurance at every D. Samson Industries Kahaduwa, DSI Business Medicine at the University Beta diabetic shoes optimum comfort of the of 2-8℃. The shipments were loaded closest stage of the import and transshipment journey. recently signed a Development Manager of Colombo (FOMUOC). are specially designed diabetic patients. Memorandum of Oshini Jayasooriya, and “NIROGI LANKA” is a shoes intended to offer With technical advice, Contd. from page 7 Understanding (MoU) DSI Assistant Business project under the Sri Lanka protection for diabetic feet research and support with the Sri Lanka Medical Development Manager Medical Association, by increasing comfort and from the FOMUOC and Association (SLMA) for Janaka Bandara were which provided technical reducing irritation. With a NIROGI SLMA, the beta CEB... SL firm... the production of a beta present at the signing of expertise to DSI in protective interior made brand diabetic footwear CEB Assist comprises the CEB Care web In addition to this, the Ministry highlighted Brand-Diabetic shoe the MoU. developing diabetes ulcer with soft material and with will be continuously portal and CEB Care app for consumers, whereas that the particular exports of gems and range under the NIROGI Recognising the gap in prevention shoes during no stitching, and soft and modified and improved “CEB Assist Solutions”, which consists of nine jewelers were understated. As the previous LANKA Project. the market for diabetic 2016/2017 as “NIROGI stretchable material these to ensure that it caters systems with more than 35 modules, is used export income of gems and jewelers SLMA President Dr. shoes and the necessity Diabetic footwear”. This beta diabetic shoes cater to to the requirements by the CEB office staff. The “Meter Assist”, amounted to $ 300 million, the Ministry Padma Gunarathne, to produce footwear that collaboration further the tenderness of diabetic of patients. NIROGI “Breakdown Assist”, and “Disconnection Assist”, reported to have removed all Gem Export D. Samson Industries is tailored to the comforts extended towards the feet. The special insoles will communicate the which also exist as online systems, are used by taxes and had discussions with gem trade to (Pvt.) Ltd. Director of diabetic patients, D. development of beta that provide support and availability of the footwear field crews to tend to field repairs. promote this product to achieve the incentive Dilshan Rajapaksa, Samson Industries (Pvt) diabetic “prescription reduce pressure on the to doctors and allied The CEB also mentioned the solutions for the of $ 1 billion. NIROGI Lanka project Ltd. has decided to shoes” in accordance bottom of the foot coupled healthcare professionals to two types of outages, i.e. planned and unplanned The Ministry has also reportedly worked Chairman Chathuranga collaborate with SLMA with the objectives of this with the specially designed facilitate an awareness of outages. to increase services in tourism and promote Ranasinghe, Dr. Thusitha as well as the Faculty of project. lightweight soles are for the product in the market. It stated that planned outages, caused by the industry as well. In 2018, the reported field repairs such as preventive maintenance income from the tourism industry amounted and new constructions, would involve CEB to $ 4.5 billion, and it was stated that the consumers receiving a notification through five incentive for tourism for the present year is Public sector institutions honoured of the interruption notification channels: contact only 1/3 of that amount. centre and AVR, CEB Care web portal, CEB In addition to this; IT, BPO, transportation, Care app, SMS, and newspaper. and consultancies will be promoted and at CA Sri Lanka’s APFASL awards Whereas, unplanned outages caused by factors carefully managed to achieve the target of The Coconut Research Board, and Karuwalagaswewa Pradeshiya such as breakdowns and accidents involve $ 6.1 billion. Buddhist and Pali University of Sabha were the main winners under consumers receiving an estimated restoration Furthermore, it was reported that work Sri Lanka, and the University of Sri a total of nine categories. time through the aforementioned interruption remittances are planned to be increased and Jayewardenepura were adjudged The awards were given notification channels, immediately after the promoted as well. The Ministry stated that overall winners at the Best Annual under nine categories classified CEB is aware of the outage. foreign employees were asked to surrender Report and Accounts Awards 2020 under Ministries, Departments, Furthermore, the CEB highlighted to have 10% to the CBSL to the inflows reserves. organised by the Association of Universities, Non-Commercial revamped internal processes to provide services The target for this foreign inflow amounted Public Finance Accountants of Sri Statutory Boards, Research and solutions with minimum consumer visits to $ 8 billion, which is reported to be $ 1 Lanka (APFASL), the public sector Institutions, Provincial Councils, to the CEB office using the aforementioned billion higher than last year. wing of CA Sri Lanka. Municipal Councils, Urban systems and services. Also, as a measure taken to promote work The event was held on 22 Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas. Minister of Power Dullas Alahapperuma remittances, the Ministry is working with the February 2021 at the BMICH under In total, 24 public sector stated: “The ministries, in collaboration with foreign employment bureau to promote the the patronage of State Minister of organisations were honoured at the the CEB, are taking relevant steps to follow high end markets of skilled workers in order Money, Capital Markets, and State awards ceremony while certificates an advancing and successful path. We are also to enhance their knowledge for them to work Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard of compliance were awarded to 32 passing a milestone in the history of the CEB in high-income countries for a better pay. Cabraal and Treasury Secretary public sector organisations. as we are making this launch. Thus, it is my Furthermore, interest and financial inflows S.R. Attygalle. The awards were held alongside responsibility to thank everyone who has worked from world and other banks were also flowing The Public Sector Best Annual the Chartered Institute of Public on this project. into the country. In addition to this, the Reports and Accounts Awards by Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) “There were allegations made against the rollover of sri lanka development bonds APFASL is an important initiative Membership Certificate Awarding CEB and its workers. These allegations stated inflows into the finance sector due to the aimed at helping improve the quality Ceremony, where public sector that the CEB is not consumer-friendly. The conservation program. of annual reports and accounts accountants and auditors were public is unaware of the additions that were Also, foreign direct investments in issued by public sector organisations conferred with the membership included in the CEB’s services; they are only pharmaceutical industry, port city, and to help enhance transparency and of CIPFA, London. CA Sri Lanka aware of these allegations and are stuck in Hambanthota will also be promoted to accountability within the sector, President Manil Jayesinghe said State Minister of Money, Capital Markets, and State Enterprise Reforms this mentality. There is no point transforming achieve a target of $ 4.9 billion. while also promoting the underlying that the institute has always been Ajith Nivard Cabraal addressing the invitees and award winners technology, if the attitudes don’t transform “This amounts to $ 32 billion as the total need to develop high-quality conscious of the critical anchor as well,” Alahapperuma added. inflow that we are planning to have this year. financial reporting. role the public sector plays in the auditors. The Public Sector Best it was heartening to that over This event was also graced by State If we have $ 32 billion dollars coming in, A total of nine public sector economic development of Sri Annual Reports and Accounts 70 organisations from across Minister of Solar, Wind, and Hydropower we can very comfortably repay all the debts institutions including the Buddhist Lanka. Awards and CIPFA Membership the country vied for honours at Generation Projects Development Duminda that are all in due and we would be doing and Pali University of Sri Lanka, “Therefore, in our standing as Certificate Awarding Ceremony the 2020 competition. “In fact, Dissanayake; CEB Additional General that on that basis,” Cabraal stated. Coconut Research Board, Employee the national body of accountants, are two integral initiatives in our the number of participating Manager Dr. Rohantha Abeysekera, who “There will be several ways in which Trust Fund Board, Ministry of Road CA Sri Lanka, through our public continuing and consistent efforts institutions has significantly welcomed the public to the event; CEB money will flow into the country and we and Highways, Sri Lanka Air Force, sector wing, rolled out a series of of strengthening this vital sector increased for this competition, General Manager Kumudumi Herath, who are monitoring that very carefully, to ensure Office of the Chief Secretary – ground-breaking initiatives aimed which employs over 1.1 million compared to the previous year, voiced the vision of the CEB; along with that will happen,” Cabraal added. North Central Province, Urban at enhancing the public sector and people,” he said. and the quality of reporting has CEB Chairman Vijitha Herath; followed The Ministry of Finance also mentioned the Council – Balangoda, Dehiwala- strengthening the skills and expertise The President further added also enhanced significantly,” by CEB Deputy General Manager Sujeewa incentive of coming to a SWAP agreement Mount Lavinia Municipal Council, of public sector accountants and that despite the circumstances, Jayesinghe said. Abeywickrama. with China as a source of emergency funds. business 49 Friday, February 26, 2021 { CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk SLT-Mobitel debuts Spotify in Sri Lanka SLT-Mobitel recently partnered with Spotify to mark their launch plan is not applicable with one-time their preferred premium package in Sri Lanka. Spotify is a paid premium music streaming app which subscription plans. SLT-Mobitel data under four categories; Individual, Duo, allows subscribers to listen to music to their heart's content. Both rates, depending on the user’s respective Family, Student. Each category has SLT-Mobitel Post-Paid and Pre-Paid customers will now be able to broadband charges, will apply. recurring and non-recurring plans. enjoy Spotify by activating a monthly recurring subscription or one- Spotify also has some exciting features After one month of free streaming, time subscription plan and access unlimited music streaming and that will provide SLT-Mobitel customers the package will activate once the downloading facilities. with the opportunity to listen to ad-free offer period terminates. While both The subscription charges will get download their favourite songs, for the music, access millions of uninterrupted the Individual and Student premiums added to the user’s customary billing, next 30 days. Users who sign up for their music under one platform, play any song are limited to one account user, the Duo where payment will be deducted in real first monthly subscription will receive they like, anywhere they go, and also be package offers two accounts and the time. Starting from the payment date, the an additional one month, courtesy of able to enjoy their music offline. Family premium is accessible through user will be able to access Spotify and Spotify. The one-month subscription SLT-Mobitel customers can select six accounts. Siyapatha Finance reiterates service and stability Siyapatha Finance PLC Loan, Fixed Deposits, Savings by the Covid-19 pandemic. It stated it has maintained its Accounts, and factoring. became our priority to support profile as a subsidiary of With a capital base of over our customers and the members Sampath Bank PLC, as well Rs. 4 billion, which is above of the Siyapatha family by as a licensed commercial bank the CBSL minimum capital devising a suitable strategy that Central Bank of Sri Lanka officials and customers at the Commercial Bank in Sri Lanka. requirement of Rs. 2.5 billion would ensure security for all stall at the event The company stated it is by 1 January 2021, the company stakeholders involved,” stated headed by a senior group of aims to maintain the value of its Siyapatha Finance Managing professionals as the Board of services, and executes a strategy Director Ananda Seneviratne. Directors, alongside Chairman that enables financial inclusivity “Together, we rose to the ComBank campaigns Sumith Cumaranatunga. of targeted customer groups, challenge and were able to Siyapatha Finance PLC including small and medium follow up with our expansion stated it aims to be an clientele. Siyapatha Finance to be able to support the LANKAQR in South innovative premier financial Siyapatha Finance Chairman Siyapatha Finance Managing claims to possess an islandwide customer base across the The Commercial Bank of ComBank Q+ a 20% cashback services provider, and Sumith Cumaranatunga Director Ananda Seneviratne branch network, including the country. Personally, the level of Ceylon supports the Central Bank’s subject to a daily limit till 5 March similarly aims at providing North and the East, currently commitment and determination initiative to promote cashless digital 2021, and deployed a sales team flexible solutions to customers, a professional team as their the financial needs of any totalling 40 branches. displayed by the team has payments via LANKAQR and saw to visit retail establishments in the generating values for mission. customer, in the areas of “The Siyapatha Finance amazed me, and I am proud the Bank campaigning for the “rg Galle Fort to register more vendors stakeholders, while ensuring The company further Vehicle Leasing, Gold Loan, team understood the gravity of their overall attitude, mqrdu LANKAQR” programme in for the ComBank Q+ Merchant app, corporate governance through stated it is able to cater to Business Loan, Personal of the situation brought about resilience, and performance.” Galle on 20 and 21 February 2021. as part of its continuing support to The Central Bank programme popularising LANKAQR. was graced by Central Bank ComBank Q+ offers options Governor Deshamanya Prof. W. for both retail customers and RIL Property launches Mode Group begins D. Lakshman and Central Bank merchants. All recently launched Director Payments and Settlements Point-of-Sale (POS) machines their latest project D. Kumaratunge and several other deployed by the Bank are enabled ‘CO WORK’ space dignitaries. with LANKAQR functionality. Commercial Bank, whose The Bank also launched the RIL Property PLC recently app “ComBank Q+” was the Flash Digital bank account, a launched CO WORK, a first QR-based payment app to revolutionary account that features 3,000 sq. ft. co-working be launched on LANKAQR, a complete suite of financial space located on the 10th the national Quick Response management and financial wellness floor of the Parkland (QR) Code platform, is offering tools in one seamless application, Building located on Park customers in the Galle Fort which is also certified to process Street, Colombo 02. area who pay for purchases via transactions under LANKAQR. CO WORK was launched to provide affordable and Samsung announces Samsung smart working spaces for individuals and teams on a temporary, short- or long- Carnival – ‘Avurudu Wasi’ term basis. It was designed Samsung, Sri Lankan consumer They want to buy bigger TVs that to provide customers with electronics brand, announced offer better cinematic viewing peace of mind work facilities its annual Samsung Carnival experiences. It is also evident with security, access to the “Avurudu Wasi” campaign, that consumers have reduced the facility through an access where customers can celebrate frequency of shopping to practise system and Covid-19 the Avurudu season with discounts social distancing. Therefore, they compliant workstations. and payment schemes on a variety are keen on purchasing refrigerators Speaking at the launch for includes readily available and water, high-speed Wi-Fi, of Samsung products. with larger storage spaces to store CO WORK, RIL Property sanitisers and plexiglas and access to a high-speed This present year, customers are more food and to maintain their PLC CEO and Executive shields that have been printer. able to achieve up to 30% cash freshness for the whole family Director Hiroshini Fernando installed between desks. Access to the location discounts and warranty offers on to enjoy. The ‘Samsung Carnival stated: “We feel co-working Before the pandemic social and its facilities is between TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, – Avurudhu Wasi’ promotion is spaces are fast becoming the distance and hygiene were 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m., washing machines, and microwave aimed at creating that much-needed norm as more companies support services relegated to from Monday to Sunday, ovens from 17 February to 15 April experience by these consumer are looking to ‘de-densify’ the background, mostly when however, the facility will 2021. offerings as we enter the New their offices. Companies people weren’t occupying the be accessible 24/7. It also Customers can also visit the Year.” are looking at investing in space. Today, visible hygiene offers ample parking, shower One Galle Face Atrium Samsung During this period, customers convenient office spaces is a necessity in making facility and a washing bay, Carnival Stall between 1 March and can avail cashback offers, at the most affordable customers feel comfortable and the badminton court. 15 April to avail these offers and discounts when purchasing prices. At CO WORK, we in a shared space and we Being located in the Parkland participate in digitalised Avurudu Samsung global TV products, have included technology make it happen.” Building also allows Joining the country in slowly maximising its construction games. and other products. Some of the to revamp our workspaces CO WORK is a members of CO WORK to field amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Mode Group of Companies Samsung Sri Lanka Managing products on offer are: Crystal such as hands-free check-ins professional office set up that avail special offers provided launched its latest project, a 30-unit apartment condominium in Director Kevin SungSu You 4K UHD TVs, FHD, and HD and smart censored elevator can be hired for a day, a week, by the clientele based at Wellawatte, Colombo 6. commented on the demand for Smart TVs; One and Double- buttons, etc. or months based on the need the building; this includes Mode Group Companies Founder and present Managing Samsung TVs and refrigerators, Door Inverter, Side by Side, “We have increased of the customer. Membership restaurants and salons. Director Arundavanathan Anosan placed the foundation stone stating: “This season, due to the Yogurt Maestro, and Five-in-One hygiene measures that would amenities include a private Other services on offer at of the new project alongside Mode Group Companies Directress prevailing pandemic, consumers Convertible Refrigerators, and be critical for our customers conference room, meeting CO WORK include company Hamza Priya. are looking to create experiences Digital Inverter and Non-Inverter to feel comfortable; this rooms, complimentary coffee secretarial and legal services. right at the comfort of their homes. Air Conditioners. Hutch becomes sole telecom brand to win at SLIM DIGIS 2.0 Hutch has been winners at SLIM DIGIS efforts to ensure that acclaimed at the SLIM 2.0. It is an achievement its message reached a DIGIS 2.0 annual that defined the top quality bigger audience-base awards ceremony for of our digital campaigns and then continued its innovative 360 that have elevated Hutch’s the engagement by degree digital marketing brand presence within Sri implementing the latest campaigns that propelled Lanka. This achievement digital infrastructure. the company’s image to would not have been Hutch Co-Founder a new high within the possible without our / CEO at Digibrush, telecommunications dedicated Hutch team Hisham Zulfiqar said: industry. working with our digital “It’s always delightful Hutch clinched the agency Digibrush, and I to work with clients that Bronze for “Digital congratulate them for this think Digital-First. This Campaigns Excellence milestone win.” award and recognition 2019” and was the sole The award was taken is a result of the intense Telecommunications as a testament to Hutch’s focus by the team at winner at the coveted focus on innovation in its Hutch and Digibrush on Awards ceremony. customer communications. using Digital to create Commenting on the The winning digital positive business impacts accolade, Hutch Chief marketing campaign was that support revenue Executive Officer, carried out in parallel to the growth through effective Thirukumar Nadarasa island-wide 4G expansion. digital communications From left, Hutch Digital Marketing Communication Assistant Manager Nishadi Herath, Hutch Marketing Communication Senior Manager Rajiv David, Hutch Chief said: “We are truly After the merger with and providing real-time Marketing Officer Ramzeena Morseth Lye, Hutch Chief Executive Officer Thirukumar Nadarasa, Digibrush Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hisham Zulfiqar, Digibrush Chief Business Officer Jiffry Jameel, Digibrush Digital Media Specialist Aquil Nizam honored to be the only Etisalat, Hutch extensively customer service through telco to be among the leveraged digital marketing our digital channels.” 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Friday, February 26, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 24 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 25 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE Astrue Active Income Fund 100.8269...... 100.8269 VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) VOLUME PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 15.0167...... 14.1444 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 23,868...... 29...... 29.3...... 30...... 29...... 29.7...... 0.7 SINGER FINANCE...... 118,649...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14.2...... 14...... 14...... -0.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8713...... 16.8713 ABANS...... 1,255...... 177...... 167.75...... 167.75...... 166...... 166.25...... -10.75 SLT...... 1,936...... 34.3...... 34.6...... 34.8...... 34.5...... 34.8...... 0.5 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 17.0036...... 16.5362 ACCESS ENG SL...... 1,961,422...... 23.9...... 24...... 24.3...... 23.8...... 24.1...... 0.2 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 20,832...... 75.2...... 77.1...... 79.2...... 75.2...... 78.2...... 3 Senfin Dyanmic Income Fund 10.0170...... 10.0170 ACL PLASTICS...... 1,511...... 243.25...... 250.5...... 250.5...... 248...... 249.75...... 6.5 SWISSTEK...... 87,571...... 108.5...... 110...... 117.75...... 108...... 111...... 2.5 Senfin Growth Fund 9.1100...... 8.8100 ACME...... 7,015...... 6...... 6...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... 0 TALAWAKELLE...... 8,890...... 39.3...... 40...... 44.4...... 38.2...... 40.6...... 1.3 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.1120...... 15.1120 AGALAWATTE...... 24,527...... 27.2...... 28.4...... 31...... 28.4...... 30.2...... 3 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 1...... 38.7...... 36...... 36...... 36...... 38.7...... 0 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 11.9100...... 11.5600 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 184...... 38.9...... 38.1...... 39...... 38.1...... 39...... 0.1 TEEJAY LANKA...... 15,543...... 41...... 41.8...... 41.8...... 40...... 40.6...... -0.4 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4433...... 12.4433 AITKEN SPENCE...... 157,185...... 61.6...... 62...... 62.5...... 59.9...... 61...... -0.6 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 18,727...... 220.25...... 210...... 220...... 210...... 213.75...... -6.5 Ceybank Century Growth 75.3200...... 73.0100 ALLIANCE...... 1,200...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 50.8...... 50...... 50...... -0.8 TOKYO CEMENT...... 284,915...... 70...... 72.2...... 73.9...... 70...... 73.2...... 3.2 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.5141...... 14.5141 AMANA BANK...... 523,297...... 3.4...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000].763,617...... 63.5...... 63.5...... 66.5...... 63.5...... 66.2...... 2.7 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 11.1164...... 11.1164 AMAYA LEISURE...... 103...... 18.5...... 18.5...... 19.5...... 18.5...... 19.5...... 1 UNION BANK...... 29,196...... 11.2...... 11.2...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.4...... 0.2 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8604...... 13.8604 ASIA ASSET...... 22,698...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 7...... 6.2...... 6.5...... 0.3 UNION CHEMICALS...... 100...... 772...... 720...... 720...... 715...... 716...... -56 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3880...... 12.3880 ASIRI...... 11,211...... 26.5...... 26.6...... 27.5...... 26.5...... 27.5...... 1 UNISYST...... 27,050...... 15...... 15...... 15.1...... 14.8...... 15...... 0 Ceybank Unit Trust 25.4100...... 23.8500 ASIRI SURG...... 102,449...... 14...... 14...... 14.7...... 14...... 14...... 0 UNITED MOTORS...... 1,511...... 67...... 67...... 67...... 66.2...... 66.5...... -0.5 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.6963...... 0.6928 AUTODROME...... 107...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 0 VALLIBEL...... 483,752...... 7.4...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.4...... 0 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 6.9800...... 6.7000 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 1,512...... 138.25...... 140.5...... 144...... 136.25...... 139.5...... 1.25 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 12,121...... 111.5...... 119...... 119...... 112...... 114...... 2.5 Ceylon Income Fund 22.3119...... 22.3119 BALANGODA...... 700...... 14.2...... 13.2...... 14...... 13.1...... 13.4...... -0.8 VIDULLANKA...... 61,977...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.2...... 5.2...... -0.1 CEYLON Index Fund 53.2300...... 51.0800 BUKIT DARAH...... 303...... 316...... 328...... 328...... 327.75...... 327.75...... 11.75 WATAWALA...... 9,054...... 55...... 55.7...... 55.7...... 55...... 55.5...... 0.5 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.4600...... 5.3500 C M HOLDINGS...... 5,001...... 90.1...... 90...... 90...... 90...... 90...... -0.1 YORK ARCADE...... 101...... 165...... 165...... 165...... 164.5...... 164.75...... -0.25 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3934...... 17.3934 C T HOLDINGS...... 36,545...... 169...... 173.5...... 173.5...... 169...... 169...... 0 SECOND BOARD Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.5500...... 3.4200 CARGILLS...... 562...... 230.25...... 237.5...... 240...... 235...... 238.5...... 8.25 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 2...... 25.6...... 27.7...... 27.7...... 27.6...... 25.6...... 0 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1500...... 6.1500 CARGO BOAT...... 918...... 61.2...... 62.5...... 64.5...... 61.6...... 62.3...... 1.1 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 2,904...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.4...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 0.2 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.7095...... 11.7095 CARSONS...... 2,464...... 280.5...... 277.25...... 277.25...... 254.25...... 264.75...... -15.75 ARPICO...... 1,169...... 171...... 170.5...... 199.75...... 170...... 199...... 28 Comtrust Equity Fund 18.4500...... 17.5400 CDB...... 1,200...... 110...... 107.5...... 116...... 107.5...... 116...... 6 ASIA CAPITAL...... 4,026...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.3...... 5.4...... 0 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.9071...... 11.9071 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 2,359...... 78.9...... 76.5...... 78.9...... 76.5...... 78...... -0.9 BROWNS BEACH...... 56...... 11.9...... 12.4...... 12.4...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 0 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,342.5900...... 1,275.4600 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 55,922...... 90.6...... 90.1...... 92.5...... 90...... 90.3...... -0.3 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 33,375...... 6.7...... 6.6...... 6.8...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 0 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,857.6400...... 1,857.5900 CENTRAL IND...... 7,320...... 114.75...... 118...... 118...... 113...... 116.75...... 2 DIALOG FINANCE...... 5...... 59.7...... 56...... 56...... 56...... 59.7...... 0 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,497.3700...... 1,497.3700 CEYLINCO INS...... 102...... 1992...... 1,902.25...... 2,000.00...... 1,902.25.....2,000.00...... 8 DISTILLERIES...... 42,514...... 20.7...... 20.7...... 21.1...... 20.7...... 21.1...... 0.4 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,918.9300...... 1,918.9300 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 18...... 1099.75...... 1,100.00...... 1,138.25...... 1,100.00.....1,099.75...... 0 FIRST CAPITAL...... 150,222...... 52.5...... 52...... 52...... 50...... 51.8...... -0.7 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,133.4600...... 1,133.4300 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 20,736...... 126.25...... 125.75...... 125.75...... 125.25...... 125.25...... -1 KELSEY...... 101...... 42.8...... 42.7...... 42.7...... 35.1...... 35.1...... -7.7 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 18.2918...... 17.9572 CEYLON INV...... 5,988...... 64.2...... 65.5...... 69.8...... 65.5...... 67.9...... 3.7 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 10...... 216.5...... 210.25...... 210.25...... 210.25...... 216.5...... 0 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.3607...... 20.3607 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 17,975...... 1060.5...... 1,060.00...... 1,060.00...... 1,045.00.....1,050.00...... -10.5 LANKA REALTY...... 250...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 33...... 0 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.7499...... 27.7499 CHEMANEX...... 1,503...... 82.2...... 82.2...... 83...... 75.1...... 78.8...... -3.4 LOLC FINANCE...... 427,599...... 6.5...... 6.5...... 6.9...... 6.5...... 6.8...... 0.3 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.9371...... 14.9371 CHEVRON...... 63,876...... 99.9...... 101...... 102.5...... 99.9...... 101.5...... 1.6 MADULSIMA...... 15,518...... 8.8...... 8.2...... 8.6...... 8.2...... 8.2...... -0.6 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 24.4400...... 22.9700 CIC...... 143,690...... 57.5...... 58.5...... 59.7...... 58...... 59...... 1.5 ODEL PLC...... 23,170...... 19...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 19.00...... 0 NAMAL Bank Fund 8.9837...... 8.6324 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 362,777...... 46.9...... 48.5...... 48.5...... 46.5...... 48...... 1.1 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... XR 1,500...... 7.9...... 7.9...... 8...... 7.9...... 8...... 0.1 NAMAL Growth Fund 140.9746...... 131.6078 CITRUS LEISURE...... 23...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 8.7...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 0 SELINSING...... 1...... 817.25...... 817.75...... 817.75...... 817.75...... 817.25...... 0 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.8483...... 24.8483 COLD STORES...... 234...... 640.25...... 650...... 650...... 645...... 647.75...... 7.5 SERENDIB LAND...... 30...... 3000...... 2,666.00...... 2,666.00...... 2,550.00...... 3,000.00...... 0 NAMAL Income Fund 14.1419...... 14.1419 COLOMBO CITY...... 153...... 893.75...... 891...... 891...... 875...... 877.75...... -16 SHALIMAR...... 18...... 1203.2...... 1,113.00...... 1,113.00...... 1,100.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 National Equity Fund 34.5488...... 32.3305 COLOMBO LAND...... 26,108...... 25...... 25.4...... 25.5...... 24...... 24...... -1 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 20,195...... 51.1...... 50.4...... 54...... 50...... 52.1...... 1 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7588...... 18.7588 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 835,848...... 85...... 89...... 91...... 87.7...... 88.8...... 3.8 DIRI SAVI BOARD NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 45.8200...... 44.3900 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].132,920...... 76.5...... 78...... 87...... 78...... 81.4...... 4.9 AGSTAR PLC...... 12,454...... 7...... 7.1...... 7.4...... 7.1...... 7.3...... 0.3 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 10.5200...... 10.1000 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 70...... 1225...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00...... 1,250.00.....1,225.00...... 0 ALUMEX PLC...... 116,542...... 20.9...... 21...... 21.7...... 20.9...... 21.5...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0966...... 16.0966 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 57,364...... 11.9...... 11.9...... 12.1...... 11.3...... 12...... 0.1 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 22,502...... 8...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 7.1...... 7.8...... -0.2 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.1658...... 17.1658 DFCC BANK PLC...... 21,818...... 61.9...... 62...... 62.9...... 62...... 62.7...... 0.8 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 23,764...... 17.7...... 17.2...... 18.7...... 17.2...... 18.3...... 0.6 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3730...... 16.3730 DIALOG...... 1,000,119...... 12.7...... 12.6...... 12.8...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0 AMF CO LTD...... 106...... 298.5...... 301.25...... 301.25...... 299...... 300.25...... 1.75 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.7108...... 20.7108 DIMO...... 13...... 530...... 539...... 539...... 525...... 530...... 0 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 200...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 21.5...... 0 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.6637...... 23.6637 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 2,765,735...... 50.1...... 50...... 51.8...... 47.9...... 50.3...... 0.2 ASIA SIYAKA...... 389,733...... 2.5...... 2.6...... 2.7...... 2.5...... 2.7...... 0.2 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6700 DOCKYARD...... 698...... 75.4...... 79.8...... 83.9...... 76...... 81.5...... 6.1 BANSEI RESORTS...... 100...... 7.8...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 7.90...... 0.1 Premier Money Market Fund 18.7506...... 18.7506 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 300...... 23.5...... 23...... 23...... 23...... 23...... -0.5 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 47,542...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0 Softlogic Equity Fund 119.1758...... 113.2909 DURDANS...... 3...... 100.75...... 104.5...... 104.5...... 101...... 100.75...... 0 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 37,521...... 24.2...... 24.00...... 24.80...... 22.60...... 24.40...... 0.2 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.8911...... 104.8911 E B CREASY...... 41,728...... 38.9...... 39...... 39...... 36.9...... 37.3...... -1.6 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 1,559...... 13.7...... 13...... 13.1...... 12.8...... 13.1...... -0.6 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within EAST WEST...... 233,672...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.3...... -0.2 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 212,108...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14...... 14.1...... -0.2 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. EASTERN MERCHANT...... 2,070...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 0 BROWNS...... 567,972...... 170.5...... 165...... 182.25...... 160...... 176...... 5.5 EXPOLANKA...... 9,988,516...... 41...... 41.7...... 47.9...... 41...... 46.5...... 5.5 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 34,937,373...... 5.4...... 5.5...... 5.9...... 5.4...... 5.8...... 0.4 Ex­change Rates 25 Feb. 2021 FORT LAND...... 761...... 13.6...... 13...... 14...... 13...... 13.8...... 0.2 C T LAND...... 25,388...... 28.3...... 27.1...... 29...... 27.1...... 29...... 0.7 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 158,410...... 135...... 135...... 135...... 126...... 127.75...... -7.25 C.W.MACKIE...... 1,225...... 44.6...... 44.5...... 47.2...... 44.5...... 45.5...... 0.9 currencies quoted by commercial banks of GULF currencies based on previous HAYCARB...... 614,470...... 102.25...... 102.5...... 104.25...... 100.25...... 102.75...... 0.5 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 42...... 779.75...... 722.25...... 725...... 722.25...... 779.75...... 0 in Colombo for Telegraphic Transfers day’s market weighted average rate for HAYLEYS...... 989,490...... 61.3...... 64...... 64...... 60...... 62...... 0.7 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 11,085...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 0 (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 1,689,064...... 15...... 15...... 15.4...... 14.9...... 15.2...... 0.2 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE CFI...... 57...... 74.9...... 71...... 71...... 71...... 74.9...... 0 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 152.4460...... 157.3191 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 514.6204 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 7,020...... 51.6...... 52.9...... 56.4...... 52.9...... 53.2...... 1.6 CIT...... 80...... 113...... 139.25...... 139.25...... 108.25...... 113...... 0 CANADIAN DOLLAR 152.7623...... 158.2757 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 640.8744 HDFC...... 5,110...... 38...... 39...... 39...... 38.9...... 38.9...... 0.9 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 10,100...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 0 CHINESE YUAN (RENMINBI) 28.9349...... 30.6890 Oman Oman Rial...... 503.9401 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 82,985...... 80.4...... 82.2...... 82.2...... 80.2...... 81...... 0.6 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 18,305...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 0 EURO 233.5326...... 239.6390 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.2853 HNB...... 192,013...... 130.75...... 134...... 134...... 132...... 133.75...... 3 JAPANESE YEN 1.8162...... 1.8579 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal...... 51.7213 COM.CREDIT...... 1,121...... 22.8...... 23.1...... 23.1...... 22...... 22.1...... -0.7 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 145.7882...... 149.4917 UAE UAE Dirham...... 52.8189 HNB ASSURANCE...... 25,625...... 58.6...... 60...... 60...... 58...... 58.9...... 0.3 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 12,598...... 113.5...... 116...... 116...... 112.5...... 113...... -0.5 STERLING POUND 272.3374...... 272.4161 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 814,787...... 103.25...... 104.5...... 105...... 103.25...... 104...... 0.75 DILMAH CEYLON...... 5...... 652...... 651.5...... 651.5...... 651.5...... 652...... 0 SWISS FRANC 210.2429...... 218.0653 HORANA...... 2,221...... 23.7...... 21.1...... 22.9...... 21.1...... 22.9...... -0.8 US DOLLAR 192.8800...... 196.6200 E - CHANNELLING...... 3,680...... 6.1...... 6.2...... 6.2...... 5.8...... 5.8...... -0.3 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 47...... 60...... 54.5...... 59.7...... 54.5...... 60...... 0 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 6,400...... 10.4...... 10.9...... 10.9...... 10.5...... 10.5...... 0.1 HOTELS CORP...... 4...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 12...... 0 ELPITIYA...... 14,495...... 44.9...... 42.3...... 45...... 42.1...... 44...... -0.9 Market Indicators 25 Feb. 2021 HUNTERS...... 8...... 632...... 635...... 635...... 635...... 632...... 0 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 200...... 53.4...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 59.9...... 6.5 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 363,970...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... -0.1 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 7,476.34...... 7,371.86 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 11,900...... 11.4...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.3...... -1.1 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 8,724...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 28.8...... 28.1...... 28.5...... 0 GALADARI...... 2,056...... 8.6...... 8.3...... 8.7...... 8.3...... 8.7...... 0.1 S&P SL20 2,966.63...... 2,899.00 JKH...... 1,344,685...... 152...... 153...... 155.5...... 152...... 152.25...... 0.25 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 448...... 31.2...... 30.2...... 31.4...... 30.1...... 30.7...... -0.5 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 10,020.80...... 9,880.76 KEGALLE...... 2,536...... 109.5...... 107.25...... 114.25...... 107...... 114.25...... 4.75 HAPUGASTENNE...... 1...... 16.1...... 16...... 16...... 16...... 16.1...... 0 TRI ON S&P SL20 4,885.01...... 4,773.65 KELANI CABLES...... 24,890...... 124.5...... 124.5...... 125.25...... 122...... 125...... 0.5 HARISCHANDRA...... 1,252...... 3914.25...... 4,044.00...... 4,050.00...... 3,999.00...... 4,048.25...... 134 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 3,006,492,160.00...... 2,620,086,270.00 KELANI TYRES...... 36,330...... 77.1...... 79.9...... 80...... 77.5...... 78.9...... 1.8 HATTON...... 15,458...... 8.1...... 8.5...... 9...... 8.5...... 8.9...... 0.8 KELANI VALLEY...... 5,243...... 38.5...... 39.5...... 40.8...... 38.5...... 40...... 1.5 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 2,905,094,910.00...... 2,588,836,860.00 HNB FINANCE...... 2,201...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.5...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 0 KINGSBURY...... 8,860...... 11.2...... 11.3...... 11.9...... 11.2...... 11.8...... 0.6 HVA FOODS...... 2,861...... 5.1...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.1...... 5.4...... 0.3 DOMESTIC SALES 2,151,753,220.00...... 2,207,924,480.00 KOTAGALA...... 23,433...... 6...... 5.7...... 6.2...... 5.7...... 6...... 0 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 1,700...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 101,397,168.00...... 31,249,386.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 209,038...... 357.5...... 372...... 378...... 352...... 365...... 7.5 JOHN KEELLS...... 273...... 74...... 74.4...... 74.4...... 74...... 74.2...... 0.2 FOREIGN SALES 854,738,880.00...... 412,161,760.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 79,192...... 16.4...... 16.5...... 17.8...... 16...... 16.7...... 0.3 KEELLS FOOD...... 4,029...... 155...... 155...... 157...... 155...... 156...... 1 LANKA ASHOK...... 5...... 839.25...... 760.25...... 760.25...... 760.25...... 839.25...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 100,956,872.00...... 75,740,752.00 KEELLS HOTELS...... 15,079...... 10.5...... 10.6...... 10.6...... 10.3...... 10.4...... -0.1 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 2,856...... 43.9...... 45.7...... 45.7...... 43...... 44...... 0.1 DOMESTIC 91,486,984.00...... 70,686,024.00 LANKA CERAMIC...... 100...... 128.75...... 121.5...... 121.5...... 121.5...... 121.5...... -7.25 LANKA IOC...... 120,279...... 20.1...... 20.9...... 21.3...... 20.4...... 20.6...... 0.5 FOREIGN 5,760,791.00...... 2,501,250.00 LANKEM CEYLON...... 5,534...... 29...... 27...... 30...... 27...... 28.4...... -0.6 LANKA TILES...... 58,866...... 197...... 206...... 210...... 192...... 207...... 10 TRADES(NO.) 18,270...... 17,888 LANKA WALLTILE...... 123,121...... 193.5...... 193.25...... 207...... 193.25...... 204.5...... 11 LAUGFS POWER...... 2,901...... 9.5...... 10.00...... 10.00...... 9.10...... 9.30...... -0.2 DOMESTIC 17,768...... 17,392 LAUGFS GAS...... 37,105...... 22...... 22...... 22.6...... 20.5...... 22.1...... 0.1 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 20,234...... 6.9...... 6.7...... 7.1...... 6.7...... 7...... 0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 2,550...... 9.4...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 0.1 FOREIGN 502...... 496 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 36,790...... 18...... 17.5...... 18.4...... 17.1...... 18...... 0 LAXAPANA XR...... 75,666...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 14.5...... 14.3...... 14.4...... 0 MAHAWELI REACH...... 845...... 13...... 13...... 13...... 12.6...... 12.7...... -0.3 CORPORATE DEBT 0...... 0 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 167,533...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 2...... 1.9...... 1.9...... 0 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LAXAPANA [LITE.R0000] XR.3,709,097...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.2...... 0.4...... -0.1 LB FINANCE...... 39,103...... 205.5...... 209.75...... 210...... 205...... 206.25...... 0.75 MASKELIYA...... 5,001...... 12.5...... 11.2...... 11.5...... 11.2...... 11.5...... -1 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LEE HEDGES...... 4,331...... 63...... 72.5...... 74.7...... 66...... 66.9...... 3.9 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 11,543...... 5.9...... 6...... 6...... 5.9...... 6...... 0.1 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 260...... 249 LION BREWERY...... 81...... 550.25...... 548.75...... 555...... 548...... 550.25...... 0 NUWARA ELIYA...... 172...... 1171.5...... 1,002.50...... 1,003.50...... 1,000.00...... 1,001.00...... -170.5 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.2...... 13 LMF...... 29,494...... 159.5...... 155...... 163.75...... 155...... 161...... 1.5 ON’ALLY...... 840...... 36.5...... 32.5...... 32.5...... 32...... 32...... -4.5 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.2...... 1.2 LVL ENERGY...... 75,711...... 9.3...... 9.6...... 10...... 9.2...... 9.6...... 0.3 ORIENT FINANCE...... 20,500...... 15.9...... 14.9...... 15...... 14.9...... 14.9...... -1 MALWATTE...... 11,630...... 12.9...... 12.5...... 13.5...... 12.2...... 13.5...... 0.6 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 405...... 26.3...... 27.8...... 27.8...... 26.5...... 27.8...... 1.5 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.4...... 2.5 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 11...... 30...... 29.7...... 30.9...... 29.7...... 30...... 0 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,269,427,205,151.00...... 3,223,736,457,106.00 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 2,100...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 8.8...... 8.5...... 8.8...... 0.3 MELSTACORP...... 599,536...... 48.1...... 50...... 51.2...... 48.2...... 50.1...... 2 PRIME FINANCE...... 1,500...... 12.9...... 13.2...... 13.4...... 13.2...... 13.3...... 0.4 MERC. SHIPPING...... 150...... 75.1...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... 72.3...... -2.8 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 60,603...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.4...... 5...... 5.2...... 0 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK...... 14,686...... 7.6...... 7.1...... 7.5...... 7.1...... 7.5...... -0.1 RAMBODA FALLS...... 762...... 16.8...... 16.5...... 17.7...... 16.2...... 17.1...... 0.3 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 416,708...... 1.1...... 1...... 1.1...... 1...... 1...... -0.1 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 28,860...... 7...... 7...... 7.3...... 7...... 7.2...... 0.2 Weighted Average Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.57 NAMUNUKULA...... 231...... 180...... 176.5...... 184.25...... 176.5...... 177.5...... -2.5 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 2,270...... 349.75...... 355...... 360...... 354.75...... 357.5...... 7.75 Minimum Rate (%)...... 4.54...... 4.54 ROYAL PALMS...... 54,104...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 15.5...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 0 Maximum Rate (%)...... 4.55...... 4.65 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 191,901...... 82.2...... 83...... 86...... 82...... 82.9...... 0.7 Total Gross amount (Rs. million)...... 11,950...... 9,136 NATIONS TRUST...... 5,546...... 57.5...... 57.6...... 59...... 57.6...... 58...... 0.5 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 16...... 227...... 227...... 233.5...... 227...... 227...... 0 Total Net amount (Rs. million)...... 11,950...... 8,950 NAWALOKA...... 91,911...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5.2...... 5...... 5...... -0.2 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 2...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.4...... 6.3...... 0 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility NESTLE...... 291...... 1200...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,186.00.....1,198.75...... -1.25 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 546...... 15...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 15.2...... 0.2 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 1,000...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 8.6...... 8.9...... -0.1 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 171,553 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 166,649...... 15.6...... 15.6...... 16...... 15.5...... 15.8...... 0.2 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PAN ASIA...... 108,285...... 17...... 17...... 17.6...... 17...... 17.2...... 0.2 SINGER IND...... 2...... 94.3...... 94.5...... 94.5...... 94.5...... 94.3...... 0 PANASIAN POWER...... 10,643,041...... 3.5...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 3.4...... 3.6...... 0.1 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 260,277...... 2...... 2...... 2.1...... 1.9...... 2.1...... 0.1 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLE’S INS...... 32,624...... 31.1...... 31...... 31.5...... 30.8...... 31...... -0.1 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 4,439...... 4.2...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 4...... 4.1...... -0.1 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 809,958.88 PEOPLES LEASING...... 26,799...... 12...... 12.1...... 12.3...... 12.1...... 12.3...... 0.3 SOFTLOGIC...... 17,715...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.8...... 12.5...... 12.6...... -0.1 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 793,445.02 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,012,472...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 10...... 9.7...... 9.9...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 21,988...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 4...... 3.7...... 3.9...... 0.2 PRINTCARE PLC...... 6,497...... 30.5...... 30.1...... 30.1...... 29.4...... 29.4...... -1.1 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 8...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 0 TOP 10 GAINERS R I L PROPERTY...... 151,743...... 6.6...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6.4...... 6.7...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 89,615...... 31.4...... 31.2...... 31.8...... 30...... 30.8...... -0.6 REGNIS...... 11,575...... 96.4...... 98...... 98...... 95...... 95...... -1.4 TAL LANKA...... 550...... 12.3...... 12.2...... 13...... 12...... 13...... 0.7 Company VWA VWA Change Change Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA AGRI...... 462,928...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.8...... 3.5...... 3.7...... -0.1 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 81...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 22.8...... 22.4...... 22.4...... 0 TESS AGRO 0.4 0.5...... 0.1...... 25 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 220...... 225.75...... 225...... 225...... 225...... 225...... -0.75 UNION ASSURANCE...... 8,216...... 314.5...... 305...... 318...... 305...... 305...... -9.5 TESS AGRO 0.5 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 RENUKA FOODS...... 13,399...... 14.3...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 14...... 14...... -0.3 VALLIBEL ONE...... 1,532,475...... 55.3...... 56...... 59...... 55.3...... 57.6...... 2.3 S M B LEASING 0.5 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 ARPICO 171 199...... 28...... 16.37 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...4,137...... 12.1...... 12...... 12.6...... 11.7...... 12.1...... 0 WATCH LIST EXPOLANKA 41 46.5...... 5.5...... 13.41 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 125,128...... 15.2...... 15...... 15.5...... 14.7...... 15.2...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 4,912...... 1.1...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 0.1 EQUITY TWO PLC 53.4 59.9...... 6.5...... 12.17 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 1,614...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 7.6...... 8.3...... 0 AGALAWATTE 27.2 30.2...... 3...... 11.03 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000].2,501...... 11.3...... 11.6...... 12.5...... 11.6...... 12.4...... 1.1 HATTON 8.1 8.9...... 0.8...... 9.88 RESUS ENERGY...... 9,838...... 24.8...... 26...... 26...... 24...... 24.1...... -0.7 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 25,800...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0 RENUKA HOLDINGS 11.3 12.4...... 1.1...... 9.73 RICHARD PIERIS...... 582,491...... 16.5...... 17...... 17...... 16...... 16.3...... -0.2 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000].154,249...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0.2...... 0.3...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS 1.1 1.2...... 0.1...... 9.09 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 304,202...... 278.25...... 278...... 295...... 270...... 285.5...... 7.25 HUNAS FALLS...... 537...... 152...... 155...... 155...... 150...... 150.25...... -1.75 TOP 10 LOSERS S M B LEASING...... 1,939,618...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 LANKEM DEV...... 9,200...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.7...... 3.7...... 0 Company VWA VWA...... Change...... Change S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000].3,715,320...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.3...... 0 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 9,553...... 2.9...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.9...... 0 INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 SAMPATH...... 5,127,803...... 154...... 154...... 158...... 154...... 155.75...... 1.75 NATION LANKA...... 113,259...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.8...... -0.1 LAXAPANA 0.5 0.4...... -0.1...... -20 KELSEY 42.8 35.1...... -7.7...... -17.99 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 27,508...... 57.4...... 58.4...... 58.4...... 57.5...... 58...... 0.6 PARAGON...... 2,330...... 53.2...... 52.5...... 52.5...... 49...... 49.8...... -3.4 NUWARA ELIYA 1,171.50 1,001.00...... -170.5...... -14.55 SEYLAN BANK...... 6,376...... 50...... 50...... 50.4...... 49.1...... 49.6...... -0.4 RADIANT GEMS...... 458...... 29.4...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 25.3...... 29.4...... 0 ON’ALLY 36.5 32...... -4.5...... -12.33 NATION LANKA 0.9 0.8...... -0.1...... -11.11 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]....99,671...... 39.9...... 40...... 41.6...... 40...... 40.8...... 0.9 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 8,300...... 7.5...... 7.4...... 7.5...... 7.2...... 7.2...... -0.3 FORTRESS RESORTS 11.4 10.3...... -1.1...... -9.65 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 144,455...... 16.1...... 16.3...... 16.7...... 15.7...... 15.9...... -0.2 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 26...... 73...... 73...... 73...... 68.5...... 73...... 0 MULLERS 1.1 1...... -0.1...... -9.09 MASKELIYA 12.5 11.5...... -1...... -8 SIERRA CABL...... 538,608...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.8...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 0.2 TESS AGRO...... 215,616...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 UNION CHEMICALS 772 716...... -56...... -7.25 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 1...... 33.1...... 32...... 32...... 32...... 33.1...... 0 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 611,203...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.1 114 Friday, February 26, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Paul McCartney THOUGHT FOR THE DAY announces new book

of lyrics “We are what we Paul McCartney has announced a new repeatedly do. book of lyrics. The Lyrics: 1956 to the Excellence, then, Present compiles 154 of McCartney’s is not an act, but works, from childhood compositions a habit.” to the Beatles years, to Wings and his – ARISTOTLE current solo albums. The book was edited by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Muldoon, who also penned the introduction.

BY VENESSA ANTHONY His rules for travel are simple, as Shyamal is a firm believer in packing light. He told us that wherever Sri Lankan Prabuddha Shyamal, a self-taught he goes, the two things he will always have on him, brunchguitarist with a speciality in bass guitar and despite the countries he’s chosen for his next adventure Randhula de Silva on percussion instruments such as the cajon would be his guitar and amplifier. “I wander around the streets, guitar in hand, playing my heart out to and drums had a dream of showing the whoever would listen. That is what my music is.” world his musical talents. When we asked him how he survived the six A few years ago, Shyamal decided on a whim to months in Bengaluru, he explained that he had follow his undying passion for music, by travelling been staying at a hotel, which was very nice to GoodLife X the world, busking, and playing his music wherever accommodate him for his unexpectedly long stay. he was able to. He arrived in India last year, with big Shyamal said that even though the first lockdown was BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE In order to join, a prerequisite must dreams of touring the country. After visiting many only three months, the airports were still not entirely be that your business must be out of the parts of the country, with his guitar in hand, he arrived functional in Sri Lanka, so he had no choice but to wait GLX, or GoodLife X, is a idea stage and must be “post revenue”. at Bengaluru, which was supposed to be the last stop of until the second wave had arrived and receded. Sharing programme offering support and solutions However, she said that this does not mean his tour. He was all set to fly back to Sri Lanka to begin an interesting anecdote of his experience at the hotel, for innovative sustainable businesses that that it must be generating a large income, recording his debut album. Rather unfortunately, he got he said: “During the first three months, I had a picture can have a positive impact on wellness, only that you must have at least several stranded there, as that was around the time Sri Lanka of myself up on the hotel walls, because I was there for health, and the environment to scale their customers dedicated to paying for your announced its first lockdown, and he was unable to fly a very long time, in comparison to their other guests.” products and services to reach local and product. And, of course, your product back due to the country’s restrictions. Talking more about this engrossing situation, he global markets. GLX Director Randhula or service must embody values based on Giving us an insight to his experience, Shyamal also added: “The manager at the hotel was a really nice de Silva shared with us that most sustainability and creating an impact; and commented: “I started off playing in Ladakh, then guy. They even offered us gas and a gas cooker so we activities catering to the development of if not, be in dire need of adopting and visited Mumbai and Goa, and finally Bengaluru could prepare our meals, which really helped with my these sectors were in need of a serious adapting to such values. because I had a flight from Chennai to Sri Lanka in a homesickness.” paradigm shift. GLX started their first accelerator couple of days.” He added that right before his flight, As hospitable the hotel was to him, everything Randhula, who is currently a council with six start-ups, which have gone on the airports shut down and he was stuck there for six comes with a price; Shyamal revealed that he had member of the National Council for to become household names around months. to pay roughly around Indian Rs. 2,500 for the hotel Start-ups, member of the Board of Global the island – Ananta Sustainables, throughout his stay. He explained that he had to earn Entrepreneurship Network’s Sri Lankan Bellissima, Honest Greens, Kimbula his keep by taking up whatever gigs came his way chapter, and formerly Chief Executive Kithul, SOZO, and Us on Earth. In their in Bengaluru, and he also engaged in quite a bit of Officer (CEO) and currently Director of most recent iteration in 2020, GLX has busking. “I enjoy busking a lot; you get to meet new Hatch Works, stated that GLX started 10 start-ups that have completed the people, understand cultures, and have fun with your its journey in 2018 after identifying the programme which include the coconut- Stranded in audience.” With the pandemic ongoing at a bad rate existence of this disconnect between based brand Sebastco, Moonshadow at the time, gigs were quite hard to come by, Shyamal tech-enabled innovators and the Naturals, Refreshing Ayurvedic Wellness noted, adding that busking was a lot easier than entrepreneurs in the traditional sectors. (RAW), Olai Shop (Pvt.) Ltd., BusSeat. scovering for gigs. She commented that the Asian region lk (TechKitez [Pvt.] Ltd.), Wawamu, When it comes to his music, his forte is rock ‘n’ has an abundance of natural resources, Mindful (Pvt.) Ltd., Local Forecast, Bengaluru roll, the blues, and hip hop along with an avid interest however it remains a barely tapped Goodfolks (Pvt.) Ltd., and Owita in classical music. market, stating that natural value products Naturals. Self-taught He added that he would love to travel again this do not get marketed as they should. year, but the pandemic is really not a good time for She said that having recognised the During Covid-19 Randhula shared that since the musicians. “Business is down and with my experience need to enable agriculture and the rise guitarist new situation no longer allows for last time, I don’t think I want to risk travelling and of millennials hungry to solve problems, their international experts to travel getting stranded again,” he joked. His one hope for this developing GLX as a programme was and visit onsite, it is a drastic change. Prabuddha year is that the pandemic dies down, and he will be a no-brainer, and stated that it exists in However, a positive outcome has been able to embark on his adventures once again. He also order to facilitate innovative ethical and that since everything has gone virtual, Shyamal’s has plans to release his very own album this year, that sustainable business ideas that improve they are able to have everyone engaged he has been working on throughout the lockdowns, people’s lives while also assisting these together on a regular basis, whereas in as, he explained, there are not many musicians businesses to cater to the sophisticated story the pre-Covid-19 period, this level of in Sri Lanka that play bass, which is one of his needs of international markets. time commitment would not have been strongholds. GLX focuses on start-ups and SME (small and medium enterprise) (and/ so possible, and they would not have or tech-enabled) business models that explored the potential of the virtual space. can shape consumer behaviour and She said that while for start-ups the make significant contributions virtual space is nothing new, the SMEs to solve ecological and social they work with are facing a challenge in challenges stemming from the facilitating virtual connectivity. However, food and agriculture, wellness and travel, she said that the adapting process was design, and energy sectors. quick and smooth, sharing an example Providing an ecosystem with a where they have people like 77-year- unique platform to support creative old Gordon De Silva whose daughter is and engaged entrepreneurs and their currently in the process of taking over the sustainable business ideas; enabling business, and Gordon himself has adapted innovation through international well in the transition. knowledge, networks and market Additionally, she shared that in intelligence; and funding opportunities response to Covid-19’s impact on are at the core of GLX’s focus areas. businesses and the economy, they Therefore, according to Randhula, launched the “Stay Good in Business” interested companies are selected programme followed up by the GLX for individually tailored GLX business Garage programme as a tailor-made programmes, aimed to provide access to five-month programme for sustainable- numerous necessary resources including minded SMEs in the travel, wellness, investment opportunities and funding. food, and design sectors to improve In its latest venture, GoodLife X business through marketing strategy, push T-Talk – cancer prevention partnered with the Sri Lanka Tourism into new markets, and international Alliance to initiate the partnerships. “Grants for Tourism in the trans community Resilience” programme programme, Halloluwa hopes to give the to assist SMEs in the trans community an idea of what they tourism industry, and it An initiative by the NTN can do if they do have cancer, and how was designed to guide to prevent community-specific risks. SMEs in successfully BY VENESSA ANTHONY navigating the changing Discrimination and gender environment and adapting Amid high-profile transgender to new markets by health topics, cancer is often overlooked. dysmorphia identifying and leveraging There is barely any information on Discrimination plays an important opportunities brought on by cancer outcomes for transgender people part in the logistics of cancer the current global crisis. because of an absence of studies.There screening. Screening programmes is also the issue of population cancer From these studies, we can for gynaecological and genitourinary Does your business statistics not including details of sexual understand that there is a complex cancers might fail to identify eligible qualify? orientation or status. collection of issues affecting the ability transgender participants. These The National Transgender Network procudures need to improve to the Randhula of transgender people to access effective shared that they Sri Lanka (NTN) recently hosted a cancer care, including the possibility point where they dont publicly reveal discussion on how to prevent cancer the patients sex at birth. According utilise cyclic of discrimination, that discourages programmes, and how it affects the transitional social transgender people from seeking to a report published by the World community, as one of their T-Talk Health Organisation (WHO), trans called medical help. accelerator sessions. Halloluwa noted that breast cancer men are often not included in screening Speaking to The Morning Brunch programmes for cervical cancer, despite programmes, to is another concern: “Doctors have facilitate and NTN Sri Lanka Drop-in Centre Manager suggested that by obtaining a breast retaining some or all of their natal Dinushi Halloluwa explained the genitalia. The fear of discrimination kick-start those implant, there is a concern of cancer as businesses concept behind T-Talk: “In Sri Lanka, a side effect.” She added that there are could also prevent transgender people the transgender community is not aware from taking advantage of these services. that join the not many causes of breast cancer in the project. as much, so with this initiative, we hope trans community, but the aim of this Halloluwa also added that that they can learn more about important programme is to raise awareness. transgender men and women remain topics of discussions for them.” Another cause for concern, susceptible to cancers of reproductive Hallowuwa pointed out, was that some organs that are no longer in alignment The risk of cancer in the trans transgender people choose to undergo with their gender. For example, trans community medical gender affirmation, which may women might not recognise the The studies available on this topic include therapy with cross-sex hormones persisting risk of prostate cancer. Those suggest that transgender people have and/or surgical change of the genitalia who have undergone sex reassignment a disproportionate cancer burden, but and other sex characteristics. surgery might be unaware of the without high-level evidence, health-care To minimise the risks, one must continuing possibility of reproductive providers are stifled in their ability to have sufficient knowledge of cancer cancers due to residual tissue that provide sufficient guidance. risk to take effective action. With this remains after surgery. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { TRAVEL } Friday, February 26, 2021 Fox Resorts receives SLSI 1672:2020 certification Mini World’s End for Covid safety measures in Madulsima Better safe than sorry

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE making the trip to and fro is not easy, particularly if it’s windy, and it is In early February 2021, certainly not at all advisable during Fox Resorts has become all guests. it was reported that a sundown. the second hotel chain to “We’ve strived to meet not person who had gone on an Night time in Madulsima is also receive the SLSI 1672:2020 just the local regulations set rather tough, regardless of which certification for Covid safety out by the Ministry of Health excursion to Mini World’s time of the year you visit. At that End in Madulsima had gone measures. This is currently and Sri Lanka Tourism, but elevation, the nights are extremely the only Covid-19 safety also international standards missing. Unfortunately, cold and taking some warm clothes certification available for Sri according to the WHO (World the gentleman’s body was with you is a must. And if you’ve Lankan hotels hosting local Health Organisation) to ensure later discovered by military set up your tents at the peak of the guests. Visitors at the Fox our properties are completely officers in a three-day search, famous sign post with the guardrails properties can now explore safe,” stated Fox Jaffna after inspecting nearly 200 just next to the unguarded Mini some of the island’s best-kept General Manager Glenville feet of the precipice. World’s End lookout point, it is best secrets without worry. Palliyeguru. to double check if you’ve secured Prior to the pandemic, Mini The resort chain received “Travel offers you the your tents, or your night will not be World’s End in Madulsima was their official certification in chance to take a break from pleasant. However, having braved known as an extremely popular The view from Mini World’s End December last year, after the stress and anxiety that the night time, we can guarantee camping spot for many travel multiple audits and stringent the pandemic has brought bus to Pitamaruwa. we took the trip extremely lightly that catching the sunrise at Mini enthusiasts and we also recall fond guidelines were set in place, about. Since international From then on, the journey and did not take great care to look Worlds’ End and basking in the rays memories from having visited the covering both their resort travel options are limited at is fairly straightforward. If you out for the unguarded precipice just amidst the slightly damp atmosphere site early last year. properties in Jaffna and Kandy, present, this is a wonderful get down at the 30th Mile Post, next to us. Thinking back, we realise courtesy of the night’s rain is The venue is frequented by as well as the head office in opportunity to explore our it’s around a 1 km walk to your that if the weather conditions were something that cannot be described; seasoned and rookie travellers, Colombo. The SLSI 1672:2020 very own beautiful island. destination. The path is direct even slightly worse, we would have it is otherworldly. considering the relative ease with certification for essential With that in mind, we’ve and you can keep an eye out for been presented with an extremely The unfortunate incident which you can reach the spot. In preparatory and prevention put together a selection of the famous “summer hut” where dangerous situation. that took place in Madulsima is our experience travelling from measures covers everything curated travel packages while everyone rests for a moment for the Another concern with extremely saddening, and it is Colombo, we took the Badulla from hygiene practices to keeping caution and safety “full experience”. Madulsima is the lack of easy access likely that the incident could either 99 route bus. Upon getting off in recommendations for handling in mind,” said Fox Kandy Whilst we are revisiting the to a water stream, which is strange deter future campers or, hopefully, Badulla, the locals will tell you suspected and confirmed cases General Manager (GM) Brian memory of our trip to Mini World’s for such a popular camping spot. encourage them to take greater that there is a bus that can take you of Covid-19 to protocols for Reginalld. End on an unfortunate note, we But, it’s possible that despite its care when visiting the location. directly to Mini World’s End in isolation and quarantining Fox Kandy is a boutique need to say that we were extremely popularity, the place has held on to However, there are always many Pitamaruwa. However, the reality is if required. Fox Kandy and resort that offers modern lucky to have the sun shine down its natural integrity without being types of campers, and while slightly different, as you may have Jaffna are the only hotels in conveniences in the most on us throughout our stay during the tainted by excessive crowds, largely accidents can happen, there will to take two buses, depending on their respective areas to have breath-taking setting. The daytime and when night came, we due to the challenge in gathering always be those who take things how impatient you are – as we were received this certification. resort also offers trekking had to deal with just some light rain water. So one pro tip would be far too lightly. We are hopeful extremely impatient, we opted to “We made the decision to options to the neighbouring which passed by quickly. However, to take as much water as you can that you would heed our warning take a bus to Passara from Badulla implement the necessary mountains – a chance to escape looking back, we realise that due to possibly carry with you. However, to put safety first. Regardless of town and from there caught another sanitisation efforts and and unwind, and be one with the mild weather we experienced, if you are travelling during the dry whether you feel that your unique other precautions back in nature. season and need more water, there experience may appear of low risk, February 2020, because we Just a short drive outside is a freshwater stream about there is no harm in being cautious. take the safety of our guests of Jaffna town is Fox Jaffna. 200m from the main road, but and employees extremely An ancestral home turned seriously. Over the last year, boutique hotel, the property these protocols have become is a oasis secluded from the a routine part of our hotel’s Jaffna town. You can take a practices. We want our guests dip in the emerald-hued pool, to be able to come on holiday indulge in a fiery traditional with peace of mind, so getting meal unique to the region the official certification was whipped up by one of the hotel the obvious next step,” said chefs, learn more about the Fox Resorts Chief Executive region’s history at Fox’s war Officer (CEO) Chris Quyn. bunker turned museum, or Since the pandemic began a visit the in-house art gallery year ago, the company has featuring some of the seminal upped their practices to ensure works from Sri Lanka’s elite a safe and comfortable stay for “43 Group”.

Oasis Ayurveda Resort H’tota opens doors to locals Mainly focuses on MICE Amber Matarage underwater

The four-star hotel Oasis Oasis Ayurveda Youngest diver in Ayurveda Beach Resort, Beach Resort, Sisilasagama, Hambantota, will open Sisilasagama, to accommodate local guests after a Hambantota Sri Lanka lapse of 30 years due to increasing Sri Lanka witnessed the requests from the corporate sector creation of its youngest diver and families. when 10-year-old Amber The property, with two Matarage got her PADI suites, 10 chalets, and 38 superior (Professional Association of rooms with balconies, is owned Diving Instructors) license in by diversified entrepreneur and Unawatuna, Galle. Chairman Sumith Ekanayake, who Amber is no stranger to the built this hotel 30 years ago as Sri sea. Having grown up on the Lanka’s first four-star Ayurveda bay, her parents, who own two resort mainly targeting German boutique hotels in Unawatuna, tourists. and exhibitions (MICE) and were instrumental in encouraging Amber Matarage with Shirley Koralage “As there is a growing demand safety deposit boxes, mini bar, free Oasis Ayurveda Beach General corporate events for which they offer her love for swimming and (left) and her father (right) for weddings and large conferences, WiFi, a large swimming pool with Manager Dinesh Dasanayake said two halls and a mini conference diving from a very early age. we invested around Rs. 400 million a special kiddies’ area, pool bar, headstrong, and courageous that the hotel maintained over 90% facility. Amber trained with experienced for a 300-cover banquet hall with fitness facilities, squash, badminton, young girl who is sure to excel occupancy throughout its operations He said that with the Covid-19 diving instructor Shirley modern facilities. The construction and tennis courts, children’s in all her future endeavours. mainly due to its unparalleled pandemic there is a demand for Koralage, who runs the popular began last year and 50% has been playground, private beach, and many Whilst Amber is extremely European standard of service. wellness tourism and they hope Submarine Diving School, as completed and this would be ready other activities. modest about this huge “However, with the Covid-19 to offer part of the hotel under well as her father, who is also a by the end of the year,” he further Dasanayake stated that since achievement, she is a role model pandemic, the hotel operations came tight health guidelines for long- licensed diver and her no. 1 fan. added. the Southern Expressway exit is 10 for all young girls in Sri Lanka to a standstill and the management stay foreigners after the impact Amber is a student of The The resort offers a large bar, minutes away from the hotel, they who wish to follow their dreams then decided to reinvest in on the pandemic reduces and British School in Colombo pool table, 24-hour front desk, room are receiving bookings for many and succeed in their chosen completely refurbishing and adding the vaccination process is fully and plans to pursue a career in service, air-conditioning, cable TV, meetings, incentives, conferences, careers. more features to the hotel,” he noted. completed. marine biology. She is a bright, PHOTOS SUBMARINE DIVING SCHOOL brunch 134 Friday, February 26, 2021 { COLUMNS/EVENTS } „„ www.themorning.lk character, we see their normal state of succeed – or not! In Braveheart life. How they go about their day-to- (1995), William Wallace achieves his day activities. And then something goal but ends up sacrificing his life. happens which pulls them out of their Either way, there has to be a cost. comfort zone. In The Lord of the Most of the time, having gone through Rings, Frodo Baggins leads a cosy their arc, the character comes back full DEVELOPING hobbit’s life until he is thrust with the circle to where we found them at the task of destroying the One Ring of start. But he or she has gone through Power. This changes his entire life. significant change. Either they’ve CHARACTERS FOR FILM In Interstellar (2014), Cooper and his lost someone or something. There is daughter stumble upon a secret NASA always a cost. It adds more gravity to facility which enlists him on a mission their success. to save humanity. This is the inciting Redemption might exist or not; incident which turns the character’s it depends on whether the writer life upside down. And the goal is wants to redeem the character’s sometimes born out of this inciting past actions or not. However, if the incident. character does have redemption, Once you have a goal, there are it can serve as the final arc of a obviously going to be obstacles. storyline. The path to navigate through In 2015, filmmaking collective obstacles and achieve a character’s High School Junkies started goal is what creates the character arc. creating short films out of passion And this is where narrative structures and soon gained momentum as (which we will discuss in a later a film production house that PHOTO PIXABAY article) such as the three-act, five-act championed frugal filmmaking. come into play. Their second short, EIDETIC, BY FRED FERNANDO Utilising a narrative structure to became the first-ever Sri Lankan Behind the scenes of Fight Club plan out the course of your character’s film to be screened at the San Diego Characters are the guiding actions helps cement their character Comic-Con, and has subsequently force of any story. They serve Either way, the goal or intention drives the character and also helps arc. been screened all over the world. as the connection between an writers define character traits. yy Failures They host guests from Hollywood on their webinars, Junkyard Theory. audience and the narrative. The yy more relatable a character is, Obstacles, obstacles The failure of a character As screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to achieve what he needs creates the more the viewers identify sympathy for the character. Opening with him/her. puts it, everything boils down to intentions and obstacles. Somebody a film with the character failing helps But developing a character is wants something and something the audience empathise with him/her no minute task. Screenwriters spend stands in his way of getting it. It’s the and thereby connect. While certain months or years writing a script but tactics and methods a character utilises characters can be quite unlikable, it if the characters are underdeveloped, to navigate the obstacles that end up is their failures and constant need to the resulting film itself can fall flat defining what sort of character they achieve that serve as a pathway for the and there is very little a director or are. audience to relate to them. even his actors can do to save it. Here In The Lion King (1994), Simba When a character has nothing to are a few tips on how to create well- is persuaded by Rafiki to claim his lose, it creates ambition, which he or the character to take action and thus rounded characters. role as the true king, but his own uncle she will do everything in their power move the story forwards. Sometimes, yy Scar stands in his way. In Steven to achieve. This ambition helps create Every character needs a goal during the course of a film, the goal Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark conflict as the characters might have A story starts off with a character can change as well. For instance, in (1981), Indiana Jones ventures in to come up with unconventional ways having a clear intention or goal. In Jurassic Park (1993) Alan Grant’s search of the Ark of the Covenant but to attain their goals. Rocky (1976), the main character’s first goal is to verify the safety of a a group of Nazis are also in pursuit of y goal is to beat Apollo Creed, the world dino park but halfway through, his y Success and redemption the same. champion. In John Wick (2014), John goal flips and turns to ensure the After the failures, after finding wants revenge on the men who killed survival and safety of himself and the yy Character arcs new, creative ways to achieve their Behind the scenes of John Wick his dog. The goal creates the drive for children. Whenever we are introduced to a goals, a character could finally SLT-Mobitel to host ‘Elephant Vision Care powers local tennis by sponsoring Decoder Hackathon’ SLT-Mobitel has partnered SLTA’s 105th Colombo Championship with the Department of Wildlife Vision Care, Sri Conservation to host “The Elephant Lanka’s largest eye Decoder Hackathon” which aims to care solutions provider, address the growing human-elephant will be supporting the conflict (HEC) by way of seeking Colombo Championship innovative and practical solutions to organised by the Sri help curb its recurrence. Lanka Tennis Association To enter “The Elephant (SLTA). The tournament Decoder Hackathon”, applicants can was held from 5 to log on to www.sltmobitel-elephant- 21 February 2021 decoder.com and submit their ideas with the participation Vision Care MD Janaka Fonseka handing over the sponsorship to Anika Seneviratne – winner of Luca Knese – winner of Men’s and solutions. Depending on the awarded cash prizes. of Sri Lanka’s finest SLTA officials Women’s Singles title Singles title performance and feasibility level of The most optimal concept or tennis players Anika the solutions, the three most optimal solution which meets the required Seneviratne emerged the Expressing his stated: “We are excited Vision Care, we are of very enthusiastic about solutions will then be selected by standard will have an opportunity winner of the Women’s opinion about the to be a part of this the belief that sports play supporting sporting the panel and the winner would to be recognised and deployed in Singles title while Luca partnership, Vision prestigious annual tennis a big role in creating a events, especially one be announced at the end of the collaboration with the Department of Knese won the Men’s Care Managing Director tournament for the fifth healthy, active nation which has such a long, evaluation process. Winners will be Wildlife Conservation. Singles title. (MD) Janaka Fonseka consecutive year. At and therefore, we are rich history.” Status of microplastic pollution in coastal beaches and waters of Sri Lanka

What is microplastic pollution?

Plastic is the most prevalent type of marine debris found in our ocean. Plastic debris can come in all shapes and sizes, but those that study; microplastics were classified time ingest the toxic pollutants. and clean the beaches as much as are less than five millimetres in according to polymer type, The chemicals accumulate in the you can, to save the environment length are called “microplastics”. geometry, and colour of the sites animals’ tissues and then increase from danger. If it's not possible for Microplastics come from a tested. 60% of the sand samples in concentration as the pollutants you to organise these activities, variety of sources, including from and 70% of the surface water are transferred up the food chain. participate in various environment samples contained microplastics. protection teams and engage with larger plastic debris that degrades What are the methods into smaller and smaller pieces. The size range of microplastics them to save the environment. In addition, microbeads, a type of from surface water and beaches to reduce microplastic 4. Support bans microplastic, are very tiny pieces were 1.5-2.5 mm and 3-4.5 mm, Be strong and support bans respectively. The majority of these pollution? so we can live a better life in the of manufactured polyethylene 1. Reduce your use of single- plastic that are added as exfoliants were identified as polyethylene future. (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with use plastics 5. Avoid products containing to health and beauty products, such Reduce single-use plastics as some cleansers and toothpaste. some polystyrene (PS) foam at microbeads a few sites. Fragments derived as much as you can. Try to use Microbeads are found in some These tiny particles easily pass eco-friendly products which are through water filtration systems from larger amounts of debris face scrubs, toothpaste, and body appear to be a dominant type of reusable and easily disposable. washes you use. Avoid products and end up in the ocean, posing a 2. Recycle properly potential threat to marine life. microplastics. containing plastic microbeads. Recycling properly is the Instead, you could use products PHOTO © ACTIVESUSTAINABILITY Microplastic pollution in How microplastics pollution most important during this whole with eco-friendly alternatives affects the environment process. If you miss even one to plastic beads which are good addressing plastic pollution future generations. coastal beaches and waters process, it will greatly affect and In today’s world, plastic for your body and save the Raise your hand and support This article was compiled by destroy the environment. Dump of Sri Lanka litter has been positioned top environment too. organisations addressing plastic Zara Boharie, who is a volunteer of the specific items into the specified The abundance of in the list of worldwide threats, 6. Spread the word pollution and say no to plastic. The Pearl Protectors. bins. microplastics in surface water and counting climate change Spread the word and talk to the If we save Mother Nature @pearlprotectors beach sediment in southern Sri and ozone depletion. Marine 3. Participate in or organise world about the dangers which will right now by stopping the harm Lanka covering a distance of 91 km animals mistakenly feed on the a beach cleanup happen in the future. we are causing to it, we would see Organise a beach cleanup of coastline was revealed in a microplastics, and at the same 7. Support organisations a bright, safe future ahead for our PHOTOS © BIMALI KOONGOLLA 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Friday, February 26, 2021 Imran praises Arjuna for instilling self-belief in SL cricket

Pakistan PM and former World Cup- winning Captain Imran Khan addressing Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) and the gathering at World Cup (1992)-winning cricket Wednesday’s (24) Captain Imran Khan said in Colombo lunch at Shangri-La hosted by the Sri on Wednesday (24) that it was Arjuna Lanka Sports Minister Ranatunga who “instilled self- determination and self-belief” in Sri Lanka’s cricket. Premier Khan said so when he met Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Namal Rajapaksa for lunch at Shangri-La. Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, some former sports ministers, and members of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), National Sports Council (NSC), and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) took part in hosting Khan for lunch. The event was also graced by Sri Lanka’s former cricket legends – many of them from the 1996 World Cup-winning team – including Ranatunga, presently an Opposition politician. Olympic silver medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe and former top athletes also took part in the occasion. Prime Minister Khan left Sri Lanka on the same day (Wednesday afternoon) following Arjuna after receiving the World Cup from Pakistani Prime Minister at the time, the late Benazir Bhutto his two-day visit here.

Part of the speech Premier Khan made at Wednesday’s luncheon in Colombo: There are two ways that people react to defeat. One is they get demoralised. And when they get demoralised, they lose their dream; they give up on their dreams. Second, those who become champions are those who actually learn from their defeat. You do not give up. Every time when there is a setback in life, there are lessons to be learnt. That ability to analyse where you went wrong and then pick yourself up and start struggling again, is the only way you became a champion. In 1975, Sri Lanka faced the same problem. And gradually, I saw the team evolved; developed self-belief. And I must say, and I commend you Arjuna because you were the one who actually instilled self-determination, self-belief, and we were all very pleased to watch you win the World Cup in Lahore (in 1996). Imran Khan and Arjuna Ranatunga at a function in Mumbai in 2011

Photos from Wednesday’s lunch in Colombo with local sports dignitaries held for Pakistan PM Khan

UPUL THARANGA SIGNS OFF you well. I would like to wish SLC all the very best for the future and I am hopeful that the team will bounce back strong soon.” Tharanga’s call-up to the Sri Lanka An epitome of SL’s ODI squad came in July 2005, about seven months after the Asian tsunami washed away his family home in Ambalangoda, on 26 December 2004. He is another proud product of the outstation cricketer Ambalangoda and Balapitiya areas down South, which has produced a Kandy of highs and even the lowest points in number of international cricketers in my career. I have decided to retire from recent times. He is, in fact, an epitome of Musings international cricket. Your well-wishes “the outstation cricketer” that held sway and messages of encouragement were over more Colombo-centred national BY HAFIZ MARIKAR easily the drive behind my ambition. cricketers during the last ten to fifteen For that I thank you all, and I wish years in Sri Lanka’s cricket. Upul Tharanga, the former Sri Lanka batsman, announced his retirement UPUL THARANGA - CAREER AND FACTS from international cricket on Tuesday (23) after a near 15-year career at the Full Name: Warushavithana across formats, scoring 9,112 highest level. Upul Tharanga international runs, including 18 centuries It is reported that the player will soon Born: 2 February 1985 migrate to the US where his fiancée Tharanga last appeared for Sri is living at present. There is also a Age: 36 years Lanka in an ODI against South possibility, it is reported, that he will Parents: Warushavithana Africa in March 2019 represent the US in future, as the US Bhadrasoma and R.J. Padma He played 31 Tests scoring 1,754 national cricket controlling body is Siblings: Nuwan Tharanga runs now recruiting overseas players in their (brother) and Kumeesha Manori He totalled 407 runs in 26 T20Is bid to become an International Cricket (sister) Council (ICC) full member. he played Tharanga released a statement on Hometown: Balapitiya However, it’s in ODIs that he was Twitter on Tuesday saying: “All good Playing Role: Left-handed in his element – he played 235 things must come to an end.” batsman and occasional ODIs, scoring 6,951 runs and 15 He added: “I believe it is time for wicket-keeper centuries, including a career-high me to bid farewell to my international of 174 not out against India in cricket career after over 15 years of Highlights Kingston in 2013 It was on the 2006 tour giving the game my all. I leave behind Tharanga’s international debut Tharanga also had a brief stint as of England that Upul a road travelled with fond memories was in an ODI against West Indies Captain of Sri Lanka in 2017 Tharanga began to come and great friendships. I am thankful to in Dambulla in 2005 He finishes his career as Sri Lanka to the forefront, hitting Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for always Since then, the left-handed fifth-highest centurion in ODI an outstanding century having faith and trust vested in me. (120) at Lord’s against opener/top-order batsman history, behind Sanath Jayasuriya, England on 17 June in I am grateful to the many cricket he has played 292 matches Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne the first match of Sri loving fans, friends, and my family Dilshan, and Mahela Jayawardene Lanka’s 5-0 whitewash for standing by me during my highest sports 154 Friday, February 26, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk FOREIGN India win ‘dusty SPORTS IN BRIEF thriller’ in Ahmadabad z Match over as 30 z India now need z England all out z Ashwin z Axar Patel takes wickets fall within only a draw to for their lowest- takes 400 match-haul two days enter WTC final ever total wickets of 11/70 England 1st innings 112 India 1st innings (overnight 99/3 in 33 overs) INDIA 1ST INNINGS India 1st innings (overnight 99/3 in 33 overs) Rohit Sharma lbw b Leach 66  Shubman Gill c Crawley b Archer 1 1 We should just be grateful Woods is here, Cheteshwar Pujara lbw b Leach 0 says McIlroy Rory McIlroy has said we should be thankful that Tiger Woods is still alive, and not wondering Virat Kohli (Capt.) b Leach 27 whether he will play golf again. McIlroy said Woods’ health is the most important thing after he suffered Ajinkya Rahane lbw b Leach 7 serious leg injuries in a car crash in Los Angeles on Tuesday (23). The 15-time golf major champion’s foot Rishabh Pant (wk) c Foakes b Root 1 and ankle have had to be stabilised with screws and pins. “He’s a human being and has already been Ravichandran Ashwin c Crawley b Root 17 through so much,” McIlroy said. “At this stage I think everyone should just be grateful that he is here, that he is alive, and that his kids haven’t lost their dad. That’s the most important thing. Golf is so far Washington Sundar b Root 0 from the equation right now, it is not even on the map at this point. I feel like we should pay tribute to Axar Patel c Sibley b Root 0 him every day for being on the PGA (Professional Golf Association) Tour and what he has done for golf,” Ishant Sharma not out 10 McIllroy has added. Woods, 45, had to be “extricated from the wreck” by fire-fighters and paramedics Jasprit Bumrah lbw b Root 1 and suffered “open fractures affecting the tibia and fibula bones” in his lower right leg “stabilised by Extras (w 1, b 2, lb 2) 5 inserting a rod into the tibia”. He was “awake and responsive” on Wednesday (24) following surgery, but the future of his playing career is in doubt. While stressing that he hopes Woods will play again, McIlroy Total (all out in 53.2 overs) 145 has said the world of golf has to prepare for the day when Woods is no longer a player. Fall of wickets: 1-33 (Gill, 14.6 ov), 2-34 (Pujara, 15.5 ov), 3-98 (Kohli, 32.2 ov), 4-114 (Rahane, 38.2  Holloway breaks Colin Jackson’s 60 m ov), 5-115 (Sharma, 40.1 ov), 6-117 (Pant, 41.1 hurdles record ov), 7-125 (Sundar, 45.1 ov), 8-125 (Patel, 45.3 ov), American Grant Holloway broke the indoor 60-metre hurdles world record at the World Indoor Tour 9-134 (Ashwin, 49.2 ov), 10-145 (Bumrah, 53.2 ov) in Madrid, Spain yesterday (25). Holloway ran 7.29 seconds to eclipse Welshman Colin Jackson’s time of Bowling: James Anderson 13-8-20-0, Stuart Broad 7.30 seconds set in March 1994. The 23-year-old world champion had recorded the second-fastest time in history in Lievin on 9 February. 6-1-16-0, Jofra Archer 5-2-24-1, Jack Leach 20-2-54- 4, Ben Stokes 3-0-19-0 (1w), Joe Root 6.2-3-8-5

ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS Zak Crawley b Patel 0 Dom Sibley c Pant b Patel 7 Jonny Bairstow b Patel 0 Joe Root (Capt.) lbw b Patel 19 Ben Stokes lbw b Ashwin 25 Ollie Pope b Ashwin 12 Ben Foakes (wk) lbw b Patel 8 Jofra Archer lbw b Ashwin 0 Jack Leach c Rahane b Ashwin 9 Left-arm spin sensation Axar Patel took a match-bag of 11/70 as England were made to bite the dust under two days in the third Stuart Broad not out 1 Test at Ahmadabad yesterday (25) James Anderson c Pant b Sundar 0 After a day in which wickets fell in a England ‘like rabbits in headlights’ - Vaughan Extras 0 Total (all out in 30.4 overs) 81 flurry, India emerged victorious to  Man City needs to be more clinical: Guardiola boost their chances of cementing England’s batsmen played “like the sub-continental conditions for Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Crawley, 0.1 ov), 2-0 (Bairstow, 0.3 ov), 3-19 (Sibley, 8.3 ov), 4-50 (Stokes, 17.2 ov), Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola said his side “has to be more clinical” despite seeing another a place in the International rabbits in headlights” on the first a number of weeks now and would dominant display sweep aside Borussia Monchengladbach for a 19th successive win in their Champions Cricket Council (ICC) World Test day of the third Test against India have been facing lots of spin. 5-56 (Root, 18.5 ov), 6-66 (Pope, 21.6 ov), 7-68 League round of 16 on Wednesday (24). Guardiola’s team -- favourites to win their first Champions Championship (WTC) final, even as in Ahmedabad, says former captain England’s averages must improve (Archer, 23.2 ov), 8-80 (Foakes, 28.2 ov), 9-80 (Leach, League title this season -- were far too good for their meek opposition in Budapest, and perhaps should 29.4 ov), 10-81 (Anderson, 30.4 ov) have added to the first-leg lead given to them by Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus. “In general, we they eliminated England from the Michael Vaughan. The tourists were before Ashes,” he had further added. controlled the game. Unfortunately we were not clinical enough up front,” Guardiola told BT Sport. race yesterday (25) in Ahmadabad bowled out for only 112 in 48.4 overs “Joe Root is very near to averaging Bowling: Axar Patel 15-0-32-5, Ravichandran Ashwin 15-3-48-4, Washington Sundar 0.4-0-1-1 “That is something we have to improve in this competition. Upfront we have to be more clinical. In this on the second day of their third Test. before India reached 99-3 on day one 50 but then the other batsmen are in competition you have to be perfect to make sure you go through.” Axar Patel claimed 11 wickets in and wound up the game winning it the 30s. If you think you’re going to the match and Ravichandran Ashwin by 10 wickets yesterday (25). win in Australia by one player having India 2nd innings (target 49) became only the fourth Indian to reach “They didn’t know how to play or a stormer then that’s very risky.” INDIA 2ND INNINGS 400 Test wickets as India bundled rotate the strike,” Vaughan has said Jonny Bairstow, who was rested for England out for 81 in their second on The Cricket Social. the first two Tests of the four-match Rohit Sharma not out 25 innings, giving themselves a target “India knows that this England series, fell for a duck on his return to Shubman Gill not out 15 of 49. Rohit Sharma brought up the side, against this spinning ball, don’t the side on Wednesday (24). Extras (b 8, lb 1) 9 winning runs with a six as the hosts have skilful players who know how “I don’t understand the philosophy Total (0 wickets in 7.4 overs) 49 wrapped up victory within two days. to play it. of taking players out of the team to Bowling: Jack Leach 4-1-15-0, Joe Root 3.4-0-25-0 India now need to avoid defeat in “The England players don’t seem to fly home and then to come back and Result: India win by 10 wickets the final Test at the same venue in be improving, and that is a concern. expect them to perform,” Vaughan Series: India lead four-match series 2-1 Ahmadabad to ensure they progress A lot of the batsmen have been in said. Player of the Match: Axar Patel to the WTC final, said icc-cricket. Test No.: 2,412 com. Australia, meanwhile, will hope of the equation with his adventurous Axar opened the bowling, and had Umpires: Anil Chaudhari and Nitin Menon England can still get something out of stroke-play, fell in the very next over, England reduced to 0/2 in an eventful Last Test: Thursday, 4 March the series and win the final Test, which when England captain Joe Root brought first three balls. He cleaned up Zak would result in a Trans-Tasman event himself on. Crawley with the first ball, and dished visitors lost six wickets for 31 runs, with in the inaugural WTC final. Root built on that wicket to return his out the same treatment to Jonny Bairstow Root’s dismissal by Axar in the next over The day began with India resuming best ever bowling figures. He ran through with his third ball, after the batsman being a blow they never recovered from. their first innings on 99/3, trailing England the tail, dismissing Washington Sundar overturned his lbw dismissal on the Ashwin proved too good for England’s  Messi strikes twice, Barcelona win by 13 runs. However, the scale of the task (0), Axar Patel (0), Jasprit Bumrah (1) second ball. lower order as he brought up his 400th Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Elche 3-0 to move within five points of Spanish La Liga awaiting both teams on a turning track and eventually Ashwin (17) to claim a Dom Sibley looked to grind his way Test wicket in just his 77th Test – he leaders Atletico Madrid on Wednesday (24). The Argentina forward found the bottom corner to open became evident when, within six overs phenomenal 5/8. All the while, Ashwin through, but missed a sweep and was became the quickest bowler after Muttiah the scoring from Martin Braithwaite’s back-heel after the break. The 33-year-old then doubled the lead of the morning, Ajinkya Rahane was and Ishant Sharma, who was unbeaten caught behind, his dismissal upheld Muralitharan to reach the mark. 20 minutes later, finishing smartly after a wonderful solo run and pass from Dutchman Frenkie de Jong. Jordi Alba wrapped up the win at the Camp Nou shortly after when he converted from Braithwaite’s trapped in front by Leach, attempting a on 10 not out, had boosted India’s lead despite a review. Root and Ben Stokes England’s collapse left India a target header. Lionel Messi’s double takes him top of the La Liga scoring chart with 18 goals, two more than cut but misjudging the degree of the turn. to 33. then briefly resisted India, putting on a of 49. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Luis Suarez. Barcelona are third in the table behind Atletico and Real Madrid, albeit having played a The wicket opened the floodgates. England had fought their way back 31-run stand for the fourth wicket, with the India openers, knocked off 11 runs game more than the leaders. Sevilla can also move back above them if they win their game in hand. Rohit Sharma, who had scored an into contention in the match, but Root having a dismissal overturned on in what remained in the second session, authoritative 66 till that point, became unfortunately, their batsmen couldn’t review en route. and it didn’t take them long to finish  Mendy scores Real winner at Atlanta Leach’s second wicket four overs later, capitalise. India’s bowlers, primarily Their partnership helped England take things off in the final session, batting Ferland Mendy scored a stunning late winner as Real Madrid clinched a hard-working last-16 first-leg Champions League victory against 10-man Atalanta on Wednesday (24). Real looked like being attempting a sweep that didn’t account for Axar and Ashwin, were superb with the the lead, but Ashwin came in to break freely and assuredly. left frustrated by a well-organised home side until Mendy curled in with four minutes left. Atalanta’s the lack of turn. The dangerous Rishabh ball, displaying immense control to run the stand with the one that straightened The final Test will begin at the same Remo Freuler was sent off after just 17 minutes for denying Mendy a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The Pant, who could have taken the pitch out through the England line-up. and rammed into Stokes’ pads. The venue on 4 March. depleted hosts did not have a single shot on target and now must score in the return leg on 16 March.

Chris Morris of South Africa raised many eyebrows by being sold for the astounding amount of Indian IPL salary structure explained Rs. 16.25 crores in the IPL player auction held on 18 February. He surpassed Yuvraj Singh’s Indian You have seen multiple player’s salary (taxes are crores will be paid to Cricket 8. How staggered the salary Rs. 16 crore contract for Delhi cricketers walk away with worked out accordingly) Australia. This money comes payment for players is depends Daredevils in 2015 multi-crore deals over the years 3. There are no other out of the IPL central revenue on how cash rich the franchise at Indian Premier League (IPL) claimants for the salary pool is and how the sponsorship auctions. Big name players money, the amount is the 6. In 2008, when the IPL money etc. is coming in. Some have struck it rich, while little player’s alone began, the bid amounts and franchises pay their players known players have become 4. All salaries are per salaries were in US dollars. the full amount together. Cash- household names, remembered season. So if a player is At that time the exchange rich franchises have been Times of India recently. bought for Indian Rs. 10 rate was fixed at Indian Rs. known to hand out cheques crore, he is paid that amount 40 per US dollar. In 2012, the to the players at the first team How exactly does the for one season’s appearance. system was shifted to Indian camp before the start of the IPL salary structure In case say it’s a three-year rupees (INR) tournament. Some might work? Here’s a quick contract, he will be paid 7. If a player is bought, say decide to pay 50% before the explainer: Indian Rs. 30 crore (Indian on a one-year contract, and tournament and 50% during 1. Players are bought at an Rs. 10 crore per season then retained for the next the tournament. Some might auction after teams bid for depending on availability) season, there is a contract follow the 15-65-20 formula, them. The bidding starts at 5. The Board of Control for extension at the same price whereby they pay players their base price and eventually Cricket in India (BCCI) pays as the salary that was being 15% of their salary a week the team with the highest bid 20% of whatever a player paid earlier (this can differ before the tournament starts, gets to buy the player for the earns to that player’s home from case to case, in case the 65% of the sum during the highest bid amount board. So for example, if an team wants to give the player tournament, and the remaining 2. The sum that the player Australian player is bought a raise while negotiating 20% within a stipulated time is bought for becomes the for Indian Rs. 10 crore, two contract extension) after the tournament ends. „„ www.themorning.lk Friday, February 26, 2021 ‘Thiri’, ‘Dhana’ Tharanga to Raipur pass fitness test Legends Series

Sri Lanka Test squad’s two Upul Tharanga, who announced his regulars Lahiru Thirimanne international retirement only on Tuesday (23), and Dhananjaya de Silva, has joined the Sri Lanka Legends team for the who had to pass fitness tests Road Safety World Series 2021, starting in for them to be confirmed for Raipur, India on 6 March. Sanath Jayasuriya, the forthcoming Test series in Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Russel Arnold the West Indies, have passed are also in the team. Several newcomers, those tests yesterday (25). Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, and De Silva faced the test after Chamara Silva are also expected rehabilitation due to injury to join them. Sri Lanka will meet and is now fully recovered. West Indies (on 6 March), “Thiri” faced the two-km run South Africa (8), Bangladesh test yesterday at Sugathadasa (10), and England (14) in the after recovering from series, which will be aired live Covid-19. on pay TV here. Captain Dasun Shanaka to miss the entire T20I series in WI? zsports Dimuth Karunaratne to lead SL in his absence! BY REVATHA S. SILVA years. The US Embassy in Sri T20 practice games held in so far nothing,” said de Silva. Antigua quarantine regulation Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Lanka is reportedly currently Sri Lanka before the team’s When asked who is going to on arrival is three days. Sri T20I Skipper Dasun Shanaka inquiring whether some other departure to Antigua this week. captain Sri Lanka in the T20I if Lanka reached there yesterday is to miss the entire three- person had entered the US Shanaka’s visa issue had he is unable to reach Antigua (25) and are expected to start match series in the West Indies, by forging Shanaka’s lost not been sorted out even by and Barbuda in time for the training on Monday. The Morning Sports learnt passport. evening yesterday, said Sri series, de Silva said: “We have The T20I leg of Sri Lanka yesterday (25). In his absence, Sri Lanka Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO spoken to the selectors. We are versus West Indies series The all-rounder is presently ODI Captain Dimuth Ashley de Silva. waiting for a response from will be held in Antigua on 3 entangled in a visa issue in the Karunaratne may lead the “We were expecting it them. But we have to look at (Wednesday), 5 (Friday), and US for he has allegedly lost Lankans in the T20Is starting (Shanaka’s visa) to come today the current situation. We’ll have 7 (Sunday) March before the one of his passports in 2018 on Wednesday (3 March). He (yesterday). Within the next to make a call by Monday (1 start of the ODI and Test legs Sri Lanka ODI and T20I squad arrived in Antigua yesterday (25) containing a US visa for five had shown good form in the day or two, it may come, but March).” of the series, respectively. LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF Who is to benefit from the ‘sudden’ gazette

SSC Open semi-finalists found notification issued? Janali Manamperi beat Sethmi Sumanaweera 6/1, 6/0, Tanya Doloswala beat Nelani z Issued with just five days to go for the SLC election! Jayasuriya 6/4, 6/3, and Dinethya Dharmaratne, 15, who beat fancied BY REVATHA S. SILVA February, with 24 February (Wednesday) Oneli Perera in the third round being the day of accepting nominations. in a three-setter, beat Vonara De Is any individual unduly benefitted Alwis 7/5, 6/3 in women’s singles unduly by the 19 February 2021 Not providing a level playing field? quarter-finals of the SSC Open Extraordinary Gazette notification Two camps, led by incumbent SLC tennis yesterday (25) in Colombo. 2215/47, issued by the Ministry of President Shammi Silva and former In men’s singles quarter- Youth and Sports? Vice President Kangadaran Mathivanan, finals, Luka Kense beat Thehan It is interesting that the said respectively, nominated names for Wijemanne 6/2, 6/4, Sankha notification was made, repealing a the posts. Mathivanan’s camp gave Atukorale beat Dumindu Dilum previous notification on the National nominations for only three posts, while 6/2, 6/0, Vibuda Wijebandara Associations of Sports, just five days Silva’s camp gave nominations for all (pictured) beat Savith Weerasinghe 6/4, 6/2, Kiran Vairavanathan before nominations were called for the seven positions. beat Gayanath Senadeera 7/6 (7/4), 6-2. Principal sponsor of the event Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Annual General Is the said 19 February Extraordinary is First Capital Holdings. Other co-sponsors are DIMO, 3G Sports - Meeting (AGM), scheduled for 20 May. Gazette an indication that one contesting the official ball sponsor (Head), ABC Shipping, CBL-Nutriline, and The said Extraordinary Gazette camp for the SLC election is unduly People’s Bank. (PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI) notification was issued, pertaining to favoured by the authorities? Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, repealing the If so, it is not providing a level playing #BIGGIRLSCAN paragraph No. 06 of the Extraordinary field for the elections. It is nothing but For centuries, there has been Gazette (2166/9), dated 10 March 2020 having your own men, while disrupting one common belief that has (by then-Minister of Education, Sports, the way for the others. “tormented” the girls of Sri Lanka. and Youth Affairs Dullas Alahapperuma), It is further interesting that the When a girl reaches puberty or which was substituted for a paragraph development occurred when Sri Lanka becomes a “BIG GIRL” according of the Regulations of the National is struggling internationally, currently to Sri Lankan slang, the society Associations of Sports, published in Is any individual being benefitted unduly by the 19 February 2021 Extraordinary Gazette being placed only seventh in both Tests demands they behave by a certain the Extraordinary Gazette (1990/23), notification 2215/47, issued by the Youth and Sports Ministry? and T20Is, and eighth in ODIs. set of rules that are mostly imposed published on 27 October 2016 (by then- on them. Girls are warned about Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara), of Education, Sports, and Youth Affairs Paving way for a certain The petitioners’ request their social associations, taking as amended by another Extraordinary Dullas Alahapperuma had said thus: “The individual? At the same time, on 15 March, part in sports, and even riding a Gazette (2006/13), issued on 13 February paragraph no. (4) (c) of the Extraordinary The talk doing the rounds in the local the Appeal Court of Sri Lanka is to bicycle. With all these barriers 2017 (by Jayasekara, then-Minister of Gazette No. 2006/13 dated 13.02.2017 cricket circles now is that this “sudden” hear responses from several parties, faced by girls in Sri Lanka, it is not a surprise that most of them Sports). which was substituted for the paragraph gazette notification has been issued with including SLC and the Sports Ministry, simply give up on sports. Here the message Sri Lanka women’s cricket The said 19 February 2021 no. 05 (4) (r) of the Regulations of the a view to paving the way for a certain over a petition filed on 15 February Captain Chamari Athapaththu is giving is to break such stereotype Extraordinary Gazette notification said: National Association of Sports published individual, whose possibility to contest by 12 members of “the civil society”, thinking. She wants to inspire the young girls in Sri Lanka to take “… such persons except the Treasurer or in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 1990/23 for the SLC Executive Committee in including Muttiah Muralitharan, on “the to sports and challenge such conservative thinking. The Red Bull Assistant Treasurer had not participated dated 27.10.2016 is repealed and the the forthcoming election is hindered governance of cricket in Sri Lanka”. brand promoter, Athapaththu is to do it through her #BIG GIRLS in any major tournament, meet, event following section is inserted instead. by the previous Extraordinary Gazette The sixth point in their 27-item petition CAN movement. of competition registered, promoted, “… such person except the Treasurer or (no. 2166/9 issued on 10 March 2020). said: “We are aware of the difference conducted or approved by the said Assistant Treasurer had not participated Is such a change of Sports Law between a ‘Government acting of its Association in respect of such sport as as a player in any major tournament, meet viable in the duration of time where own volition’ (political intervention) and a team for more than two times as an or competition registered, promoted, nominations have been called for an a ‘Government acting under the direction individual for an event of sport, or had conducted or approved by the said AGM of a national sports association of the judiciary’ (judicial intervention). not represented as a sports administrator Association in respect of such sport as a or more of those? That made the difference between the in international forums of such respective team for more than two times or for more In fact, the election of SLC office- suspension of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Sports Federation;…” than one time as an individual for an event bearers for 2021-23 was announced and the non-suspension of the Board The now-repealed paragraph No. 06 or sport, or had not represented Sri Lanka for 20 May 2021 on, reportedly, 5 of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of the Extraordinary Gazette (2166/9) of as a player and is not in possession of a February, and the latest Sports Ministry by ICC. We are very mindful of these 10 March 2020 issued by the Minister certificate issued to the above effect;…” Extraordinary Gazette was issued on 19 legal issues.” SLC joins Tamil Union to form Women’s High- Performance Centre Rickey Skerritt eyes WI cricket board presidency again Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has established a High-Performance Centre for women’s cricket, with the aim of lifting the women’s The Trinidad and Tobago the positions of CWI President they defeated the incumbents game to reach greater heights. The new Centre was established at Cricket Board (TTCB) will and Vice President. President Dave Cameron and the P. Sara Oval cricket stadium in Colombo following an MoU SLC once again be supporting the And, after close to two Vice President Emmanuel signed with the Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club. According incumbent Cricket West Indies hours of discussion during the Nanthan by margins of 8-4 in to the MoU, the P. Sara Oval ground, its side wickets, indoor nets, (CWI) President Rickey Skerritt meeting chaired by President a secret ballot. Guardian Media gymnasium, swimming pool, and the dormitory facilities of the Tamil and Vice President Dr. Kishore Azim Bassarrath, the meeting was told from a meeting insider Union will be used to develop women’s cricket. “We will use this Shallow when the Annual General unanimously agreed to endorse that the discussions centred on Women’s High-Performance Centre to lift the women’s game of Sri Meeting (AGM) and elections of the nominations of Skerritt and how the coronavirus pandemic Lanka to world-class status,” said SLC President Shammi Silva in a officers take place on 28 March. Dr. Shallow for another two-year had affected cricket activities in media communiqué yesterday. Skerritt, 62, and 35-year-old Dr. term at the helm of CWI. the Caribbean and throughout Shallow, the current St. Vincent Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, the world since March 2020, National Inter Club (Super League) Chess and the Grenadines Cricket 64, is a Saint Kitts and Nevis and that it would be unfair to from today Association President, are being Richard Skerritt (left) with former West Indies off-spinner Roger politician affiliated to the St. Kitts judge the performance of the The strongest team chess event in Sri Lanka, the National Inter Club nominated by the Leeward Islands Harper who heads their selection panel and Nevis Labour Party. He held CWI leadership in the context (Super League) Chess Championship 2021, starts today (26). Five Cricket Board, and seconded by several portfolios in the country’s of an abbreviated term of office. national chess champions, G.C. Anuruddha, Chamika Perera, Isuru the TTCB. However, he is yet to nomination confirmation was ministry from 2004-15. He has Also, the TTCB believed that Alahakoon, Minul Doluweera, and reigning National chess champion The Guyana Chronicles announce who has nominated provided. also been closely associated with notwithstanding the negative Ranindu Liyanage are to play in this while Sachini Ranasinghe and on Monday (22) said that him, and who has seconded his However, the national cricket in the Caribbean and has impact on cricket over the past Gihansa Sarathchandra, two women’s national chess champions, will last Wednesday (17), veteran nomination. His running mate executive of the TTCB met acted as the manager of the West year, several initiatives initiated also play. Reigning champion team University of Sri Jayewardenepura CWI Director Anand Sanasie for Vice President is Barbados via Zoom last Friday (19) and Indies cricket team. by Skerritt and Dr. Shallow as has fielded a strong team this year as well. The Kandy chess giants, announced his candidacy for Cricket Board (BCB) Vice Guardian Media Sports has In March 2019, he was elected enunciated in their manifesto YMCA Kandy Chess Club, the reigning silver medallists, are also the position of President, saying President Calvin Hope, who is been reliably informed that the as CWI President, along with gained valuable traction, but fighting for supremacy while Nf3 Chess Club, the bronze medallists that the time is right for new also a CWI Director, and like main topic on the agenda was the his running mate, Dr. Kishore needed more time to produce last year, have withdrawn from the tournament due to the pandemic. “visionary leadership”. Sanasie, no announcement of nomination of the candidates for Shallow, as Vice President, when the desired results.

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