NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS LNG POWER PLANTS TOTAL CASES COVID-19 1,083 TOTAL CASES VAST AREA FOR LOCAL CASES 4,504 EXPLORATION DEATHS RECOVERED

ACTIVE CASES 1,195 13 3,296 RS. 70.00 PAGES 88 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 03 – NO. 02 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1111, 2020 CASES AROUND THE WORLD RECOVERED TOTAL CASES 27,779,592 CURFEW COVID-19 DEATHS OR NOT, CSE INFECTS 36,940,925 1,069,424 TO STAY OPEN 20A THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.00 P.M. ON 9 OCTOBER 2020 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 3 After JICA, Govt. removes ADB z Dumped from Kelani Valley railway project z Was involved from 2016

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA This is according to a letter sent by been removed from the Kelani Improvement Programme was earlier ADB’s operation planning for Sri ADB to Institution of Engineers Sri Valley project. listed in ADB’s Country Operations Lanka. We therefore suggest that Following the controversial removal of the Japan Lanka (IESL) President Eng. (Prof.) “We write in reference to the Business Plan (COBP). However, IESL may engage with government International Co-operation Agency (JICA) from the Sarath Abayakoon dated 20 September letter dated 9 September 2020 on ADB was advised by the Department on this matter and any implications Colombo Light Rail Transit Project (LRT), the Government 2020, which was seen by The the review of the Kelani Valley of External Resources, Ministry of for the Main Line, Coastal Line, and Sunday Morning. (KV) Line feasibility study and Finance, that the ADB loan for the Puttalam Line under the CSRP, as of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has now removed Asian Development The letter, signed by ADB Director remaining sections of the Colombo KV Line has been removed from well as the Kandy Suburban Railway Bank (ADB) from the Kelani Valley Railway Improvement – South Asia Regional Department Suburban Railway Project (CSRP). the COBP for Sri Lanka. As such, Project,” it stated. Programme, The Sunday Morning learnt. Ravi Peri, reveals that ADB has The Kelani Valley Railway there is now no railway project in Contd. on page 2 UK WASTE CONTAINERS PVT. HOSPITALS TESTING FACTORY WORKERS The true test No need: Medical Lab Technologists SL demands Concerns have been raised Sri Lanka Association laboratory technologists over the request made by the of Government Medical who conduct the tests have Rs. 1.6 b Board of Investment (BOI) Laboratory Technologists the capacity to conduct them The Sri Lankan Government urging factory owners to direct (SLGMLT) President Ravi without the assistance of submitted a written demand for their employees to get PCR tests Kumudesh told The Sunday private hospitals. compensation of Rs. 1.69 billion done through private hospitals. Morning that the medical Contd. on page 2 from the UK Government for the 263 containers filled with waste that were imported to Sri Lanka in 2017, The Sunday Morning learnt. Dead turtles from oil spill? The complaint letter was sent to z Reports due this week the Basel Convention Secretariat under the United Nations (UN) BY SARAH HANNAN Environment Programme, which oversees controlling transboundary The Marine Environment Protection movements of hazardous Authority (MEPA) is trying to determine if wastes and their disposal, who will the carcasses of turtles and porpoises that were in turn co-ordinate the matter with washed ashore on the coastline were a result of Classrooms islandwide were disinfected last Friday (9) to prepare a safe environment for students facing the The mysterious death of 13 turtles on the beach stretch the UK. the recent MT New Diamond bunker oil spill. Grade Five Scholarship and Advanced Level examinations starting today (11) PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE from Mount Lavinia to Wellawatte was reported last Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Sunday (4) PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM CAPITAL HEIGHTS Railways to CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS SLTB confident transport UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION commodities UPWARDS of comeback z Restrictions cause Rs. 20 m daily loss The Ministry of Agriculture has decided that it would reconsider CAPITAL HEIGHTSBY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA has emerged and we using the railway system to RS. 34 MILLION are facing difficulties,” transport goods between cities VISIT OUR The Sri Lanka SLTB Chairman Kingsley from January 2021 onwards. UPWARDSWEBSITE Transport Board (SLTB) Ranawaka told The Contd. on page 2 VISIT OUR is confident of bouncing Sunday Morning. CAPITAL HEIGHTS+94 763112233 back once the Covid- He said that the SLTB RABIES AMONG JACKALS SHOW APARTMENT RS. 34 MILLION RS.35 MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDS 19 outbreak has been has no choice but to UPWARDS Authorities READY FOR INSPECTION contained, despite operate and the main issue PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR incurring a loss of Rs. is that there are hardly any struggle to SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITE20 million daily. commuters due to the fear VISIT OUR “We were incurring of using public transport. vaccinate +94 763112233WEBSITE heavy losses when Covid- The Government this Authorities are facing READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk+94 763112233 19 initially hit the country week called on buses to difficulties in controlling the READY FORSHOW INSPECTION APARTMENT but we were able to make only carry passengers spread of the rabies virus among PROJECT NEARING COMPLETIONREADY FOR INSPECTION a good comeback and cut equivalent to the seating jackal populations in certain PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION our losses greatly. But capacity. parts of the country due to the PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION now again another cluster Contd. on page 2 impracticality of vaccinating the animal. Contd. on page 2 PM invites more Chinese money Despite long-running concerns of a Chinese economic takeover of Sri Lanka and so-called “debt trap diplomacy”, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday (9) invited more Chinese companies to invest in Sri Lanka. At a meeting held with a high-level Chinese delegation Chinese Communist Party Political Bureau member Yang Jiechi led by former Minister of greets Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Foreign Affairs of China and he expected that the Chinese help generate export earnings current Communist Party Government would be able to as well as create employment Political Bureau member encourage Chinese companies opportunities for Sri Lankans, Yang Jiechi at Temple Trees, to come and invest in Sri especially young people. the Prime Minister said that Lanka, adding that it would Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning PICTORIAL/NEWS Sunday, October 11, 2020 week glanceat a Samagi Tharuna Balwegaya Chairman MP Mayantha Dissanayake PHOTOS SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, PRADEEP at the Supreme Court on 2 October Cabinet Spokesperson and Mass Media Minister Covid-19-positive employees of the Minuwangoda after filing a special determination DAMBARAGE, KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, LALITH PERERA, Keheliya Kambukwella checking the time at the The Police and armed forces enforcing curfew in the Brandix apparel factory being transported for petition against the 20th AND ESHAN DASANAYAKA Cabinet media briefing last Tuesday (6) Gampaha District last Wednesday (7) treatment in ambulances last Wednesday (7) Amendment on 28 September

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana, and State Trading Corporation Chairman Yoga Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe signing in at the Perera presiding over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) The Keells Super outlet in Gampaha implementing in full force BMICH last Tuesday (6) to provide evidence to the Presidential signing ceremony of Dasa Group of Companies at the State Trading the health authorities’ guidelines of wearing masks and physical Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the Easter Sunday attacks. Corporation last Thursday (8) distancing on Friday (9) Correction It has been brought to our attention Gooneratne sent a letter of demand that the three petitioners’ names whereas Priath Fernando communicated mentioned in the article published directly with the Nuwara Eliya Golf on Friday, 9 October, titled “Nuwara Club (NEGC) Secretary and general Eliya Golf Club: What next?” in our committee on the issues of the Special daily epaper The Morning page 2, General Meeting (SGM), passing a should be corrected as follows – first resolution with retrospective effect. petitioner D.S. Abeyewardene, second The Sunday Morning wishes to petitioner Rev. L.S. Joshua, third express its regret for any inconvenience Former Prime Minister Ranil Former Chinese Foreign Minister and current petitioner K.M.A. Waheed Mohamed the news item would have caused Wickremesinghe arrived at the BMICH last Communist Party Political Bureau Member Yang Tuesday (6) to provide evidence to the Jiechi, who headed the top-level Chinese delegation from Nuwara Eliya. to Priath Fernando and Ranjan Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) Lawyers protested near the court building last Tuesday (6) that arrived in the country last Thursday evening Priath Fernando and Ranjan Gooneratne by naming them as the probing the Easter Sunday attacks only to against the 20th Amendment to the Constitution that was (8), at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Gooneratne are not petitioners. Ranjan petitioners. leave early because he was unwell tabled in Parliament last month Katunayake (BIA)

Contd. from page 1

will conduct the post-mortem procedures Analyst’s Department and to our very waste can be transhipped from one country After JICA... to identify the cause of deaths. In the own laboratory for testing, for which to another if a bilateral agreement is Authorities... For the KV Line project, the pre- meantime, we also lodged a complaint the results will be issued in a span of signed. However, investigations revealed Department of Wildlife Conservation feasibility consultants had been mobilised at the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Police, about five working days,” Weerasekara that these waste containers were brought (DWC) Director of Wildlife Health in 2016 after signing agreements for should legal action be sought,” CCD explained. down to Sri Lanka through a Sri Lankan Dr. Tharaka Prasad said that it was not an ADB grant of $ 1 million. The officials said. living in the UK with the assistance of possible to vaccinate foxes. consultation was completed and the draft The toxicology reports are due this a sibling who was based in Sri Lanka. “We are facing several issues, foremost final report was issued in November 2017, week, according to the MEPA. PM invites... We have therefore forwarded a written of which is the impracticality of while the stakeholder workshop was also MEPA General Manager Dr. Kumara The Government is interested in complaint on 6 October to the Basel vaccinating foxes. We cannot vaccinate held in November 2017. said: “The cause of the deaths is still accepting investments from around the Convention Secretariat demanding through injection but through their food At present, the following reports have unknown and we are awaiting the report world and the priority is the Port City of compensation,” Minister of Environment source, which in turn could pose additional already been submitted: final report from the post-mortem examinations Colombo, he added. Amaraweera noted. risks to humans.” of the pre-feasibility consultancy, KV and can only come to a conclusion after In a controversial meeting held with 130 waste containers were held at the Rabies transmitted by jackals is believed Line alternative study, train control the toxicology report is submitted. The the Chinese delegation that did not Katunayake Free Trade Zone while the to have claimed the lives of two people centre evaluation, long-distance railway carcasses are now at the lab and we would undergo the compulsory 14-day quarantine rest of the 133 waste containers were held already. service evaluation, and ticketing system be getting the earliest of the reports by process in Sri Lanka prior to the meeting, at the Colombo Port. On 27 September, 21 Dr. Prasad explained that the chewable evaluation. Tuesday (13).” the Prime Minister pointed out that the waste containers out of the 133 that were form of the vaccine also contains a virus The detailed design consultation for The Sunday Morning also contacted tourism sector had been severely impacted held at the Colombo Port were shipped that could be harmful to humans, if the development initiatives identified DWC Director General Chandana globally and that Sri Lanka is committed back to the UK following investigations. transmitted.“It’s a type of vaccinia. It is by the pre-feasibility study was initiated Sooriyabandara to inquire as to whether to rebuilding its tourism industry and With the assistance of Sri Lanka Customs, harmless to the foxes and helps with the in February 2017. The procurement it was common for turtles to succumb in providing a safe haven for tourists from the rest of the 112 waste containers vaccination process, but was completed and the detailed design such conditions. “Turtles and porpoises around the world, based on the advice of too will be shipped to the UK once the the vaccinia virus can harm other animals consultants were mobilised in 2018. This surface to take their breaths and especially health authorities. investigations are completed. and can be deadly if transmitted to was initiated through an ADB loan of $ 10 in the case of turtles, this is a time that The Prime Minister said he hoped – Sarah Hannan humans.” million. The scope of the consultancy was they come ashore to lay eggs. There to work closely with the Chinese The rabies outbreak which began to carry out a feasibility study and detailed is a probability that they were caught Government to find collective solutions in Milleniyawa has now spread to designs for the KV Line, the Main Line, by fishing nets or were injured by to the common challenges posed by the Railways to... neighbouring regions. He said the the Coastal Line, and the Puttalam Line. the propellers of the trawler engines. pandemic, including the global fight to end Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Ministry of Health is carrying large-scale The procurement for consultancy However, we can only share the findings it and the development of economic ties in Aluthgamage on Thursday (8) called on vaccinations of dogs in Horana, where the commenced in October 2017 and the after the reports are submitted to the Sri Lanka. Addressing the meeting, Jiechi State Ministers Mohan Priyadarshana rabies virus is currently concentrated.“The expression of interest (EOI) had been courts next week.” said that the Chinese Government has De Silva and Jayantha Samaraweera, dogs are being vaccinated and this can called. Twenty-one consultancy firms Both the MEPA and the DWC are always encouraged Chinese companies to Agriculture Ministry Secretary, Ceylon stop it from transmitting to humans. Once submitted their interest; the evaluation has awaiting the reports and the court decision invest in Sri Lanka. Fertiliser Company Chairman, Railways all the dogs are vaccinated, even if an now been completed and six shortlisted on pronouncing the cause of deaths of “China has already contributed to General Manager, Ports Authority infected jackal bites one of these animals, organisations will be issued with “request these marine creatures, and should there the development process in Sri Lanka, Chairman, and other officials to discuss the dogs would not get sick and pass it on for proposal” documents. be a correlation to the bunker oil spill especially relating to the Colombo Port the feasibility of using train services to to humans.” As learnt by The Sunday Morning, that was caused by the MT New Diamond City and other projects. The tourism sector transport agrarian products, fisheries Initially, the rabies outbreak had begun since the ADB has been removed from when it was held in the Sri Lankan is very important for the relationship crops, export crops, fuel, and fertiliser in Milleniyawa and is now spreading to the project, there was no official funding territorial waters after it faced an accident between the two countries. We hope that once again. other areas including Horana, Pugoda, and partner for the project as of now and the last month, then these turtle and porpoise those relations will continue as soon as “Fifty years ago, the country’s train Ingiriya. project is at a standstill at present. deaths would be added as evidence of the Covid-19 situation is brought under service was widely used to transport – Skandha Gunasekara Nevertheless, when contacted by The marine environment pollution caused by control. China has increased imports of goods from sea ports to the areas across Sunday Morning, Transport Minister the incident. local products from Sri Lanka,” Jiechi the country. With the increasing costs Gamini Lokuge noted that the KV Line When asked about the legal proceedings added. The delegation also met President of transporting goods via the road and No need... would be upgraded soon with a double- to claim the damages caused to the marine Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday evening highway network, mounting waste, “We can conduct more than 4,000 tests line system. environment from the owners of the MT and discussed bilateral relations at length. increasing traffic congestion, and per day, and conducting tests for factory However, he did not speak about the New Diamond and whether Sri Lanka – Maheesha Mudugamuwa pollution, we have decided to once employees will not be a problem for the availability of funding. will have to go to international courts for again switch to using trains to transport government laboratories,” he said, adding hearings, Dr. Kumara told The Sunday goods across the country,” Aluthgamage that the SLGMLT was not consulted by the Morning: “The MT New Diamond has SLTB confident... revealed. BOI before making the request. Dead turtles... appointed two local legal representative Thereafter, private bus associations took In order to facilitate the transportation of He went on to charge that there were “We have added remarks to run tests agencies that are now representing them a decision to reduce their operating fleet fisheries crops, the Ministry is discussing issues regarding the tests conducted by the on the porpoise carcasses to see whether in court. They are handling the legal by half to reduce losses. the possibility of setting up freezer private hospitals as there was nobody to there are traces of bunker oil ingestion in proceedings for the Captain of the MT “We cannot ask people to pay more so facilities in rail carriages. take responsibility. their respiratory tracts,” MEPA General New Diamond, who is held in custody we will not be increasing ticket prices, but The idea to use trains for transporting When contacted, Association of Private Manager Dr. Terney Pradeep Kumara and will also handle the claims case that we have reduced the number of buses to commodity items came about when Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH) told The Sunday Morning on Friday we are filing for marine environment reduce losses,” Lanka Private Bus Owners’ ministry officials were deliberating President Dr. Lakith Peiris told The (9), referring to the report from the post pollution.” Association President Gemunu Wijeratne over the proposal to commence the Sunday Morning that the respective mortems. The MEPA is currently working closely told The Sunday Morning. transportation of fertiliser from the Ports private hospitals should take responsibility Over 10 carcasses of turtles and with the National Aquatic Resources of Trincomalee and Colombo to the rest of over the PCR tests conducted by them. porpoises were washed ashore on the Research and Development Agency the country. Earlier, following the BOI request, coastal belt from the west via the southern (NARA) to conduct the routine sampling SL demands... Government fertiliser companies Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. coast to the east over a span of one week. from the bunker oil spill site and will A total of Rs. 1,694,274,751 has been spend Rs. 650 million a year to transport Marikkar raised concerns over the inability With the beaches having a heavy observe the changes in marine life demanded as compensation for holding the fertilisers. Once the mode of transportation of the government hospitals to conduct footfall, it had been the visitors who had behaviour for the next three years. waste containers in Sri Lanka over the past switches to railways, the cost can be PCR tests, stressing that the factory alerted Coast Conservation Department NARA Environmental Studies Division three years. brought down by at least 50%, it is owners would have to bear the total cost of (CCD) officials, who had in return Head K.W.S. Weerasekara, speaking Minister of Environment Mahinda believed. the PCR tests, which would be millions of informed the MEPA, the Department to The Sunday Morning, noted that on Amaraweera on Tuesday (6) stated that in Meanwhile, arrangements are to rupees. of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), and Friday, they had collected another batch the years 2017-2018, a private company be made in January 2021 to transport MP Marikkar further noted that taking the National Zoological Department in of water samples and had logged in the had imported 263 containers that were vegetable and fruit products as well into consideration the situation faced by Dehiwala and alerted them regarding the behavioural observations, which they are full of waste from the UK in violation as commodities such as tea from the the factory owners due to the Covid-19 incident to take necessary action. to share with the MEPA. of the regulations stipulated in the Basel northern, southern, and central regions of pandemic-related financial crisis, the “We gathered the carcasses and sent “The water and bunker oil mixed water Convention. the country to urban areas. factory owners would be further hampered it to the Zoological Department which samples will be sent to the Government “According to the Basel Convention, – Sarah Hannan by the decision taken by the BOI. the sunday morning 3 Sunday, October 11, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA LNG POWER PLANTS the demand for electricity is growing at 6% a year. The topics of renewable energy He had said that to address the and LNG (liquefied natural gas) potential power crisis in the future, have resurfaced in the news yet in line with the President Gotabaya again, with Minister of Power Rajapaksa’s “Vision for Prosperity” Dullas Alahapperuma recently policy statement, the contribution of stating that two LNG power green and renewable energy to the plants will be constructed by the country's power grid should be increased year 2023 as a solution to the Vast area for to 70% by 2030. prevailing power crisis in the In this regard, CEB Chairman Eng. Herath said the construction of the country in the future. already tendered LNG power plant would commence next month. He said that although discussions It is further learnt that the CEB is have been going on since 2007, not a incurring a loss of around Rs. 250 single LNG plant has been built during million per day due to the higher the past 13 years. The proposed LNG exploration electricity production cost while the power plants have also been mentioned annual loss of the CEB is at around Rs. in the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)’s 85 billion. Long-Term Generation Expansion Plans As explained by Eng. Herath, the CEB prepared annually since 2015. As explained by Minister of incurs losses as it sells a unit at around Nevertheless, so far, only one LNG Energy Udaya Gammanpila, Rs. 16, while the production cost is at power plant – the Kerawalapitiya LNG a decision has also been around Rs. 23. To reduce these losses, the power plant with a capacity of 300 MW – taken by the Government CEB should go for low-cost electricity, has been awarded by the CEB, of which to recommence oil and gas the Chairman added. the construction is yet to commence. exploration as well as to attract “We are finalising the LNG projects In January this year, the Cabinet of more investors to the industry and several other low-cost electricity Ministers approved a 300 MW LNG projects. Unless we commence such plant to be built in Kerawalapitiya as a projects, the losses incurred by the CEB joint venture between the CEB, Japan, cannot be reduced,” he stressed. and India, with the financial support Furthermore, the CEB Chairman said given from Asian Development Bank the reason for the delay in commencing (ADB). Along with this, the approved the construction of low-cost power coal power plant with a capacity of plants was the delay in procurement 600 MW was also approved as an processes, adding that given the present extension to an existing complex in documentation speed, it would take the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant another year to finalise the construction (Lakvijaya Power Station), partly in of the power plants. order to solve the looming power crisis Accordingly, the incorporation and mainly to reduce the losses incurred of LNG-fired power plants to the by the CEB as a result of purchasing and Sri Lankan power system has been generating high-cost diesel electricity. considered in the Long-Term Generation According to the US Energy Expansion Plan 2015-2034. Information and Administration (EIA), In preparation of the Long-Term LNG is natural gas that has been Generation Expansion Plan 2020-2039, cooled to a liquid state (liquefied) – at the present trend of LNG fuel prices about -260° Fahrenheit – for shipping was considered with the possibility and storage purposes. The volume of of recovering the capital cost of LNG natural gas in its liquid state is about infrastructure. The option of adopting 600 times smaller than its volume in its a floating storage regasification unit gaseous state in a natural gas pipeline. (FSRU) as an immediate requirement, This liquefaction process, developed in along with the possibility of a land-based the 19th Century, makes it possible to Norochcholai Coal Power Plant LNG terminal as a long-term solution, is transport natural gas to places natural gas considered. pipelines do not reach, and also to use However, LNG infrastructure must be natural gas as a transportation fuel. established at least by 2021 in order to also been taken by the Government to As learnt by The Sunday Morning, accommodate only another 300 MW and gain the maximum benefit of avoiding Oil and gas exploration recommence oil and gas exploration as negotiations between Sri Lanka therefore, several rounds of discussions high-cost fuel oil. The combined cycle With plans underway to build more well as to attract more investors to the and India for the construction of a were held,” the source said, adding that plants that are operating using oil in LNG power plants in the country, the industry. He said the country has already 300 MW of LNG power plant is at a at present, negotiations are at a standstill the western region will be converted CEB also sought the possibility of prepared a natural gas policy to attract standstill, as the new Government is as the CEB has decided to go on project to natural gas immediately after the introducing indigenous natural gas more investors to explore oil and gas in yet to take a decision on whether or tendering. facility is made available. The delays in in the Mannar Basin, although the Sri Lanka. not to continue with it When contacted by The Sunday procuring LNG infrastructure will cause determination of the quantity and the Moreover, due consideration was Morning, CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha the power plants to operate on oil, which appropriate price are still to be validated. given to the availability of natural gas Kerawalapitiya next month. Herath said that negotiations had not yet would result in an enormous cost overrun Reportedly, oil and gas exploration in the Mannar Basin and the utilisation begun under the new Government and and increased environmental emissions, was recommenced last year after three of natural gas as a fuel option for the Ground work yet to begin the CEB is fully focused on the tendering the CEB plan explains. years of waiting, and the Petroleum power sector. The discovery of natural When contacted by The Sunday processes. The main load centre of Sri Lanka Resources Development Secretariat gas resources is still at an early stage in Morning, a spokesman for LTL Holdings However, yet, the unsolicited proposals is also located in the western region. (PRDS) reopened the ex-Cairn M2 block the Mannar Basin. However, it is learnt (Pvt.) Ltd. said the power purchasing (such as government-to-government) will In order to minimise the transmission in the Mannar Basin for development that high priority for local natural gas agreement between Lakdhanavi and the be considered in the future if there is a losses, the development of power plants and commercialisation through a limited utilisation will be given when the price is CEB is yet to be signed, adding that request, he said. closer to the load centre is identified. tender offer. competitive with foreign markets. once the agreements are finalised, the Therefore, the development of natural As of last year, Sri Lanka had received The development of natural gas power construction of the LNG power plant Already delayed gas-operated power plants in the western three proposals from two consortiums plants is linked with the development would begin. As explained in CEB’s Long-Term region is identified as a priority, which and an operator based in the UK, of necessary natural gas infrastructure The power purchasing agreement at Generation Expansion Plan, LNG- will comply with the environmental Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. to import LNG. However, the LNG present is at the Attorney General’s (AG) fired combined cycle power plants and requirements in the western region. Speaking to The Sunday Morning import contracts are governed by “take Department, he said. associated LNG import infrastructure – 2 Meanwhile, Hambantota is identified as in earlier September, former Minister or pay” restrictions. In addition, having a Meanwhile, as learnt by The Sunday x 300 MW dual fuel combined cycle the second location to develop natural of Petroleum Resources Development proper mix of long-term, spot, and short- Morning, negotiations between Sri power plants – must be commissioned gas power plants with its available port Chandima Weerakkody lamented that term contracts for the varied demand Lanka and India for the construction of in the western region by 2022. The facilities. his successors had abandoned his project according to the weather patterns and a 300 MW of LNG power plant is at a associated LNG importing infrastructure Meanwhile, Minister Alahapperuma and as a result, the whole process was seasonal aspects related to ore projects standstill, as the new Government is yet is to be developed on a fast track said in Parliament on Thursday (8) delayed by over two years. should also be considered. The total to take a decision on whether or not to process with sufficient capacity to cater that the CEB has incurred a loss of Rs. “Earlier, the Secretariat (PRDS) had present value of implementing the Base continue with it. to both the new power plants and the 181.5 billion between 2015 and 2019. planned to have gas production by 2023 Case Plan 2020-2039 in the next 20 years A well-informed source attached to conversion of other oil-fired combined Accordingly, the CEB has incurred a with the existing developments of the is approximately $ 16,675 million, with a the Ministry of Power said that several cycle power plants in the western region. loss of Rs. 2.3 billion in 2015, Rs. 14.4 M2 block for which we have already discount rate of 10%. rounds of discussions took place between Furthermore, an additional 3 x 300 billion in 2016, Rs. 47.5 billion in 2017, advertised. Then we need Total (a French Until local gas production begins, the two parties under the previous MW natural gas combined cycle power Rs. 31.9 billion in 2018, and Rs. 85.4 oil and gas company) and Equinor (a the CEB is to call for tenders for the Government, but the new Government is plants are expected to be commissioned billion in 2019. The factors for the losses, Norwegian petroleum refining company) LNG supply next month, parallel to yet to give its consent to the agreements by 2026 in either Kerawalapitiya or as explained by Alahapperuma, included to interpret the existing data from JS5 and the construction of the power plant. reached between the two parties. Hambantota. the inability of the previous governments JS6 blocks in eastern Sri Lanka basin and Apart from the already awarded LNG “India was keen on funding a LNG Minister Alahapperuma had stated at a to build new power plants during the past then to decide on future steps,” he said. tender to Lakdhanavi Ltd., the CEB is power plant of around 500 MW, but meeting held at the CEB last week that few years and also the failure to amend As explained by Minister of Energy to call for tenders for the construction under the CEB Long-Term Energy during the last five years, only 300 MW the electricity tariffs in line with the Udaya Gammanpila, a decision has of the second LNG power plant in Generation Plan, the system could were added to the national grid, although increased cost of generation. 4 the sunday morning FOCUS/VIEWS Sunday, October 11, 2020

areas in the Gampaha District, the risk COVID-19 and danger of Covid-19 spreading across the county still remained. Meanwhile, DIG Rohana said that according to health and intelligence Increasing threat level unit statistics, several employees BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI of working from home, attached to the Brandix factory in shopping from home, and Battling the Minuwangoda are to be traced to With the new cluster even schooling from home undergo quarantine. Around 125 of Covid-19 patients for our children, and I employees at Brandix reported to the resurfacing in Sri Lanka, the believe doing our part from respective police stations and health fear, uncertainty, and lack home is the best way going officials last Thursday (8) for the of safety associated with the forward, to help fight this quarantine process. first wave are back. While pandemic. The Police Spokesman, however, the Government and health virus, again professionals try their best People stopped said that strict action would be z No countrywide taken against those who continue to to contain the situation, we following guidelines avoid the quarantine process under spoke to some members after first wave lockdown says the Quarantine and Prevention of of the public on what they Lahiru Pramod Gamage – Army Chief Diseases Ordinance. think about it. banker, entrepreneur, traveller, Experts too think infections and scuba diver z can grow if people ignore health Public can’t handle Strict action guidelines. long-term stress against those The Covid-19 pandemic is Yasodhara Pathanjali – artist continuing across the globe, with over violating 36 million cases reported across 190 quarantine countries. Resurgence in Covid-19 z Doubts on whether Not just Sri Lanka, but many old or new strain: countries across Europe are also As we all know, this seeing a resurgence in Covid-19 cases is the second wave and GMOA after successfully slowing outbreaks the threat level is really earlier in the year. According to Sri Lanka as a nation high. We saw how all BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA international media reports, the vast has done incredibly well those wealthy nations majority of countries are declaring with the Covid pandemic, collapsed in the face of The second wave of the more cases each day now than they particularly compared to this pandemic. My opinion coronavirus officially hit were during the first wave earlier this the rest of the world. But is that our people didn’t Sri Lanka last week, as it year. But, while infection numbers the big failure on the part of follow the health guidelines may appear higher, it could simply be recorded the largest-ever the administration has been when the pandemic that increases in testing capacity are Covid-19 cluster since the the lack of understanding situation was getting better identifying more cases. first coronavirus patient was around people's ability to in the island. Although countries across Europe identified in the island in live in stress long term. When we go onto the previously appeared to have gained January this year. In order for disciplined, streets we can clearly control of the virus through strict effective, and committed see people not wearing However, the authorities are taking lockdown measures, many countries adherence to safety masks properly and so on. strict measures to control the spread in this region are now concerned measures, such as proper Now the authorities must of the virus while the Army and Police about experiencing a second wave. mask wearing and hand consider how they are are currently tracking the contacts. The second spike of Covid-19 cases sanitisation when there is a going to stop the spread, The contacts this time are described as was seen in the UK at the start of high risk of spread, people because the second wave the hardest to track down compared to August, and while the new daily cases need to be led first to relax is here. the previous smaller clusters reported are currently increasing at a lower during times when there Implementing curfew a few months ago. rate than was seen in the first wave, has been very little or no in parts of the Gampaha Even though the authorities have precautionary measures must be taken threat. District is a good thing failed to identify the source of the to prevent them from increasing any The mental and physical and my opinion is Minuwangoda Covid-19 cluster, they further. health cost of not giving the authorities should denied any social transmission of the people a break when they lockdown the entire virus at the moment. A new strain of virus? PHOTO LALITH PERERA could have had a break Gampaha District until they As statistics have shown, over 1,000 Concerns have been raised over the is staggering. The false discover everyone affected Covid-19-positive cases have so far current strain of the Covid-19 virus, as fear is now bigger than with Covid-19. I think the been identified through PCR tests doubts have emerged on whether the the fear people should be Government will impose conducted during the week and among country is hit by a new strain of the feeling, and pretend action islandwide curfew during them, almost all positive patients, virus, The Sunday Morning learnt. Therefore, the first more important than real the weekend to prevent apart from some, are employees of the According to the Government patient identified was an action. We urgently need a people going here and Brandix factory in Minuwangoda or Medical Officers’ Association system to correctly review there. their close associates. intermediate patient, who (GMOA), a clear picture of the the threat level, which So far, several patients have been had previously been infected ongoing situation could only be will allow people to relax, Public responsible for reported outside the Minuwangoda assessed after a lapse of 48 hours as with the virus at the garment and then when the risk second wave cluster as well. tests were still being conducted and factory, and it is possible that increases, like now with the Thusitha Medagama – Nevertheless, the Government is the investigations were still underway, Minuwangoda outbreak, to Human resources executive yet to make a decision on imposing a the first patient may have they said on Friday (9). promptly and properly snap lockdown. GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal recovered by now back into action. Fernando told The Sunday Morning No countrywide lockdown Ministry of Health Chief Epidemiologist that in the current situation, even At this rate, situation Army Chief Lt. Gen. Shavendra asymptomatic persons seem to be Dr. Sudath Samaraweera Silva said last week that they do spreading the virus more than the will keep repeating not intend to impose a countrywide earlier situation. Gulzar Ahmed – Global curfew or a lockdown in Colombo “We still don’t know whether we Strategic Network Co-founder city over the weekend, as they did not management at present when the The authorities are, however, have got a new strain or whether see any threat in areas other than those whole country was ignoring the health warning that the next couple of days it’s the same strain. Even in other In my opinion, I think identified over the week. guidelines and behaving like there was would be crucial when it comes to the countries there were discussions that the risk will be high Urging the public to take the no threat at all. spread of the disease. there are different types of Covid- this time since patients necessary health precautions, Lt. Gen. Commenting on the number So far, Covid-19 cases have been 19 strains,” he said, adding that were identified around Silva said authorities were currently of tests conducted at present, he reported from the Anuradhapura, depending on how the virus entered the country – in Jaffna, closely monitoring the situation. said the authorities were currently Badulla, Galle, Kurunegala, the country, the strain could be Kurunegala, Dambulla, The Army Chief said that as conducting the maximum number of Monaragala, Puttalam, Kegalle, different; it could either be better than and Monaragala as well – detections had been made in many tests possible. “This is a big cluster Kalutara, Kandy, Matara, the previous situation or worse. which means that the virus areas outside the Gampaha District, and therefore, it takes some time to Polonnaruwa, and Ratnapura Districts “But as of now, the current situation Sadly, Sri Lanka has has spread around these those living in areas outside the high- conduct the tests,” he said. and all these cases were directed for is worse than earlier, as it seems a reputation of suffering areas; we also had 1,000- risk region under continued police Dr. Samaraweera also noted that immediate treatment and quarantine, that even asymptomatic patients are from mild amnesia. Just plus positive cases within a curfew, should be cautious. Those the apparel worker who was first according to the Health Ministry. spreading the virus. A clearer situation like how we forgot about couple of days. living in areas outside Gampaha too diagnosed with the new coronavirus Chief Epidemiologist Dr. will be seen after 48 hours,” Dr. fostering national security In addition, we are still faced serious risk, the Army Chief was not the origin of the Covid-19 Samaraweera also told the media Fernando stressed. after a long-fought war to not certain about the source warned. So far, the curfew covers only cluster at the Minuwangoda Brandix earlier this week that it would be a According to the GMOA, contact secure peace in the country of this new community the Gampaha District. garment factory and the virus may very difficult task to identify who had tracing, maintaining physical distance, that led to the 21 April case, which I believe is have been in the factory for several got infected first among the Brandix and increasing the number of PCR attacks, the same way we very critical to uncover. I Brandix in the limelight weeks. workers. tests conducted should be done see history repeating itself think the public was also A rumour was making the rounds According to Dr. Samaraweera, the The number of infections could immediately to avoid any social today. After months in responsible for this second that the employees of Brandix got employees of the factory had been be several thousand although transmission of the disease. lockdown, we just went wave since over time infected from those who had come suffering from respiratory ailments approximately 1,100 persons had so “It’s still too early to say whether back to normal, but it people forgot about the down to Sri Lanka from India. since 20 September. far tested positive – the vast majority there is a social transmission and also didn’t mean the Covid- virus and didn’t follow the Allegations were also levelled He said that the Minuwangoda of them Brandix employees. Police the contact tracing of the infected 19 threat ended globally. health guidelines such as against the management of Brandix garment factory worker who was first headquarters said that the person who persons will be difficult unlike the It’s alarming to note that wearing a mask, etc. that because they had not conducted diagnosed with the new coronavirus supplied food to the Minuwangoda previous situation,” he stressed. we don’t see any social Right now, I think it’s proper health check-ups of their had shown symptoms on 28 police station too had tested positive. Meanwhile, President Gotabaya distancing measures very vital to take all the employees, the Covid-19 cluster September and was admitted to the The Police identified his son as a Rajapaksa had instructed relevant actively in place, face steps to control any further spread throughout society. hospital on 30 September. Brandix worker. Later, nearly 100 parties to take immediate measures masks have become a joke, spread of the virus. That is Responding to allegations, Lt. Gen. “Therefore, the first patient officers and men attached to the to contain the spread of Covid- and social gatherings are a what the authorities need Silva said that only 48 Sri Lankans identified was an intermediate patient, Minuwangoda Police were subjected 19, identify close associates of the treat once again. to do. Also, this will be a working at the Brandix facility in who had previously been infected to RT-PCR tests while services were affected, and to increase the number If we as a nation do good learning point for all India had been brought back, although with the virus at the garment factory, suspended temporarily. of PCR tests being conducted. not take countermeasures of us to once again remind there were reports of 60 returnees, and and it is possible that the first patient Last Wednesday night (7), while Instructions were issued to carry seriously even after moving ourselves that this is not all of them had been quarantined at a may have recovered by now,” he said. being moved by the Army to a out random PCR tests in every into a normal state until the over yet and the virus hotel in Kosgoda and were made to He said since the first patients to quarantine facility, a person died of a district in the country as well as in virus is curbed globally, we can emerge at any point, undergo RT-PCR tests. be reported were from the factory, heart attack. institutions. Organisations where a are going to see a similar anywhere, due to which Meanwhile, Ministry of Health and if symptoms had appeared on large number of people are employed situation repeating time we need to continue to Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath 20 September, the virus would have Public urged to take have been asked to conduct tests. after time in the future. follow the safety measures. Samaraweera denied allegations entered the factory two weeks or more precautions However, it does appear that the As a nation, the best way Authorities should educate levelled against the management prior. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith factories with large workforces have forward is to go back into the public on this and of Brandix that they had ignored Even though it’s been a week since Rohana also said some of those high- neglected this responsibility. lockdown for a period take some action on those symptoms shown by their employees the identification of the first Covid-19 risk groups were yet to voluntarily The requirement to gazette the of two weeks, and keep who do not follow the and instead instructed them to patient from Minuwangoda, the health submit themselves for RT-PCR tests. existing rules and regulations aimed only essential services guidelines because they not continue their routine work. and law-enforcement authorities were Urging the public to wear face at preventing Covid-19 was also functioning to help fight only put their own lives When contacted by The Sunday yet unable to detect the origin of the masks and adhere to the health discussed during the meeting held this sudden outbreak. We at risk but also everyone Morning, Dr. Samaraweera said it Minuwangoda cluster, The Sunday guidelines, he said even though police this week. have surely adopted to else’s too. was unfair to point fingers at the Morning learnt. curfew was imposed only in 18 police Contd. on page 12 the virtual environment Contd. on page 12 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, October 11, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

EXPRESSWAY PROJECTS Shifting lanes takes time z New construction I is from Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya is 12,496.337 km. model delays projects (26.3 km), Section II is from Ingiriya to Ratnapura (26.2 km), and Section Survey on delayed projects z III is from Ratnapura to Pelmadulla Meanwhile, the RDA has launched Government to (21.4 km). a survey to identify the number absorb additional 100,000 km road project of road development projects that cost overruns have not been completed yet due to Despite the construction of the construction delays. The survey had z Focus on expressway projects being delayed, begun following Minister Fernando’s the RDA, as per the directions given request last week to look into the 100,000 km road by President Goatabaya Rajapaksa, is delayed projects and to evaluate the development projects now continuing the 100,000 km road possibilities of taking legal action constructions project with the aim of against those who have wilfully z RDA launches completing it by 2024, as promised delayed the projects. in the national policy framework Addressing the progress review survey on delayed “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour”. meeting of the Priority Road Project road projects The President stated that new (iRoad), implemented by the RDA bridges will be built replacing last week, Minister Fernando said the BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA hanging, wooden plank, and small road projects would be taken over by bridges. The construction of 8,000 the RDA if construction is delayed The long awaited expressway km of roads has commenced and 400 and the road has not been completed projects, the Central Expressway Survey conducted prior to the commencement km of it has already been completed on time. Project (CEP) and the Ruwanpura of the construction of Section I of the CEP in the last few months. The Minister further stated that the Expressway Project (REP), are PHOTOS © CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY PROJECT He stressed that no room should be contractors who are postponing the to see further delays due to the left for interruptions and delays in the construction will not be involved in Government’s decision to utilise Accordingly, the Cabinet has construction process. future projects of the Ministry. Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) removed the Chinese contractor, “The supervision of the The Minister also instructed models for expressway constructions, China National Technical Import and construction should be carried out by Ministry Secretary Premasiri to The Sunday Morning learnt. Export Corporation (CNTIC), which both government representatives and submit a report on the companies It is learnt that this decision has was awarded the contract to construct contractors and no subcontractors are that are still delaying the construction been taken by the Government a 26.3 km Section I of the REP from allowed,” the President noted. of roads, especially those whose considering the economic downturn Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya in 2016 by The prioritisation of the President’s construction work had not been caused due to the Covid-19 the REP. brainchild, the 100,000 km project, completed on time. The construction pandemic. The Sunday Morning As per the cabinet memorandum was questioned by some transport of some roads was scheduled to be further learnt that the Government’s dated 26 July 2016, CNTIC was the experts who claimed that it was completed in 2018 but had not been dire financial position had not left proposed contractor for Section I of a question of prioritising national completed yet, the Minister said. any room to increase its capital the REP. The Cabinet of Ministers interests. They also noted that the RDA Director General D.M. expenditure and, worse, even to meet approved a proposal presented by economic loss caused by the delay Dayaratne told The Sunday Morning the budgeted expenditure next year, the Highways Minister to proceed in constructing national expressways that the number of projects that have making the BOT model practically with the expressway constructions and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) been delayed, contractors to whom the only way to go ahead with the Road map of the CEP using the funds of local banks and system would be much higher those projects have been awarded, long-delayed expressway projects. the services of local construction than delaying some other road and the total loss incurred by the However, a senior official to the delay in dispersing the funds expressway was launched in 2014 companies. construction projects. Government due to the delay of the attached to the Road Development of the already signed agreement and the estimated total cost was The REP from Kahathuduwa to According to the statistics of construction would be assessed, Authority (RDA), who wished to covering 85% of the contract price, approximately Rs. 200 billion. The Pelmadulla to Ratnapura (73.9 km) the RDA, the grand total of the and a report would be submitted remain anonymous, told The Sunday is yet to properly begin due to the work was scheduled to be completed has been divided into three sections national highways in Sri Lanka to Highways Minister Johnston Morning that the construction of delay on the part of the Government by 2018. for implementation purposes. Section (“A”, “B’, and “E” Class Roads) Fernando next week. these projects would be delayed for to meet the agreed 15% of the total However, the previous at least another three months. loan amount. Government came into power in They are hopeful that the projects However, the contract for Section I 2015 and changed the name of the would somehow raise their heads was signed in 2015. project from “Kandy Expressway” from the ground next year. The delay caused due to the to “Central Expressway” and The BOT model lays the least inability to come to an agreement on former Prime Minister Ranil financial burden on the Treasury, the conditions mentioned in the loan Wickremesinghe again launched but choosing an investor under the contract, has caused a massive price the construction of the expressway BOT model has made it difficult, escalation. by laying a foundation stone in especially during the economic Meanwhile, the construction February 2017 with the first phase slowdown brought about by the of Section I of the CEP between expected to be completed in mid- ongoing pandemic. The investors too Kadawatha and Meerigama 2019. are currently under stress with orders commenced last week. Accordingly, The first phase includes the drying up, tight cash flows, and the 37 km stretch, which was following stages; Stage 1 – labour shortages. undertaken by Metallurgical Kadawatha to Meerigama, Stage Furthermore, the stretched balance Corporation of China, is scheduled to 2 – Meerigama to Kurunegala, sheets of the companies do not allow be completed in four years. Stage 3 – Pothuhera to Galagedara them the leeway to take on additional Section I includes three – Kandy, and Stage 4 – Kurunegala debt to finance the initial cost of interchanges in Gampaha, to Dambulla. In addition, there is a construction, which BOT projects Meerigama, and Veyangoda. The link road starting from Ambepussa entail. construction will be done in two to Meerigama that comes under With revenue, in the form of toll stages. The first stage involves the Stage 2. revenue, flowing only after the completion of five kilometres and the Stage 3 of the project starts completion of construction, these rest of the distance will be completed from the Hiripathwella Grama projects are the least preferred. at a cost of Rs. 168.5 million. Niladhari Division (GND) of the Nevertheless, the delay of projects Polgahawela Divisional Secretariat is causing the Government a financial Division (DSD) and ends at the loss economically, in addition to the Palu Kopiwatta GND of the already incurred losses due to the Tumpane (Galagedara) DSD. delay in commissioning the projects. The supervision of the Again, Stage 4 of the project starts As learnt by The Sunday Morning, construction should at the Theliyagonna GND of the the Government will have to absorb be carried out by both Kurunegala DSD and runs through billions of rupees as additional government representatives DSDs Mallawapitiya, lbbagamuwa, cost overruns due to the delay in Mawathagama, Rideegama, commissioning Section I of the CEP and contractors and no Melsiripura, and Galewela, and during the tenure of the previous subcontractors are allowed ends at the Mirisgoniya junction of Government, and the losses would President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the Dambulla DSD (crossing A06), have to be covered by the Treasury. according to the RDA. It is further learnt that the On the other hand, the REP, Government had already incurred which has also been discussed at a loss of around Rs. 30 billion length during cabinet meetings as a result of cost overruns this year, is also yet to commence. from just Section I of the CEP The REP too was supposed to be from Kadawatha to Meerigama. converted into a BOT model and Accordingly, the total cost of Section the tender documents were being I of the CEP has now increased finalised by the Highways Ministry from around $ 158 million to $ 194 last month. As such, the project was million. The RDA also had to pay an to be commenced soon after the additional Rs. 8 billion as an advance Meanwhile, according to contractors were finalised, without payment to activate the Chinese loan. Highways Minister Johnston any delay. The cost overruns have been Fernando, a proposal has been However, as learnt by The calculated based on the price presented to Cabinet to construct Sunday Morning, the funds for the escalations of the construction stretches of roads on the CEP from project had not yet been finalised materials, from the date of signing Pothuhera to Galagedara and from and the estimates were to be done the construction contract to the Kurunegala to Dambulla. after concluding the tender process. date when the construction actually “We hope to complete construction In July, the Cabinet officially commenced, according to a well- work on these expressways within removed the Chinese contractor informed source at the Ministry of the next three-and-a-half years. We from Section I of the REP (from Highways. also fast-tracked and completed the Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya) and The 37 km Section I of the CEP construction work on the Matara to decided to go ahead with local from Kadawatha to Meerigama Hambantota stretch on the Southern funding. was scheduled to be constructed Expressway within four months,” he As confirmed earlier by by a Chinese contractor at an said. Highways Ministry Secretary estimated cost of around Rs. 158 Despite Minister Fernando’s Ranjith Premasiri, the local funds billion, obtained as a loan from the assurance, officials claimed that the are to be raised through state banks Export-Import Bank of China. The projects would be delayed under the and the Ministry of Highways is construction of Section I of the CEP, present construction models. yet to lay out a mechanism for the which moved at a snail’s pace due The construction work of the purpose of funding. 6 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE November this year. “We had made plans to The Government’s plans for bring down 44,000 Russians in the tourism sector are to be November. The plan received pushed back with the arrival the approval of the Cabinet of of a contingent of 44,000 Ministers about three weeks ago. Russian tourists scheduled in But all this was subject to the green November being postponed light from the health services.” indefinitely, The Sunday Nevertheless, he said the recent Morning learnt. coronavirus developments in the country had pushed back the The Hotels Association of Sri Russian tour group. “That Russian Lanka (THASL) President Sanath group arrival was postponed. But Ukwatte told The Sunday Morning we are also in discussion with that there have been many inquiries corona ‘green’ countries for further for bookings to Sri Lanka due to tourism opportunities.” the lack of Covid-19-free countries, Minister Ranatunga too adding: “There have been many affirmed that the entire industry inquiries, but no bookings as such was awaiting authorisation by yet. the health authorities to start their “We were one of the few activities. countries that had controlled the pandemic quite well, and tourists around the world don’t really have that many options in that regard. However, it is still hard for us to determine how many bookings we will have.” He said that the opening of the airport would allow the travel industry to kickstart operations with overseas tourists. “The first step is to fix a date for when the airport would open for We are working day and night foreign tourists. After that, we can Covid-19 to ensure that everything is work on informing stakeholders prepared and the country and estimate a number. is ready to open its doors to “We must advertise and promote international tourism as soon Sri Lanka tourism, and we have to as we’ve brought the Covid-19 work with travel agents as well as outbreak under control. But our customers. we can’t give a definite time “At the moment, I don’t want to New cluster delays and date on when we can speculate on how many tourists we open for tourism can expect as soon as the airports Minister of Tourism open. As another cluster has been Prasanna Ranatunga found, we have to wait till that is contained and things normalise. “These kinds of situations can “Before tourism in the country be recurring, as what we are facing tourism plans can be opened, we have to globally is unprecedented in complete the repatriation of Sri modern times. So, we don’t know we can open the airport, provided ensuring the country was only a (SLTDA). It will show the itinerary Lankan expatriates,” he said, how long it would take for this new the health officials are happy and if few steps away from restarting the of a tourist – exactly where he is adding: “The process has slowed cluster to be brought under control; they give us the proper protocol to tourism sector as soon as it gets the bound and what hotels he is staying in the past few weeks due to also, whether we may need curfew follow, then we can ascertain how We were one of the few nod from the health services. at. In addition, the Covid-19 test the quarantine centres reaching and lockdown to contain it.” many bookings we can expect.” countries that had controlled “We are working day and results of each tourist would be its capacities. But once the He said they expected that Sri the pandemic quite well, night to ensure that everything is available on the app. The app has quarantine centres are freed up, Sri Lanka attractive Lanka being given the “All Clear” and tourists around the prepared and the country is ready been developed and is awaiting the repatriation process will be right now pass by the World Tourism Council world don’t really have that to open its doors to international official launch.” swiftly completed. Only after it He noted that the majority would assist in attracting more many options in that regard. tourism as soon as we’ve brought In addition, he said the has been completed can we begin of tourists who visit during the visitors. However, it is still hard for us the Covid-19 outbreak under incumbent Government wants welcoming tourists.” end of the year are from regions “Also, the fact that Sri Lanka determine how many bookings control. But we can’t give a to provide tourists with health Furthermore, the Health experiencing winter during those got the “All Clear” pass from we will have definite time and date on when insurance which would also cover Ministry informed The Sunday times, such as Europe. the World Tourism Council has THASL President Sanath we can open for tourism; the Covid-19, stating: “We also want Morning that there wasn’t a “Normally, the inquiries during resulted in so many countries Ukwatte Government is making all the to provide health insurance for all requirement for an islandwide the winter season come from saying Sri Lanka is a safe necessary arrangements.” tourists including cover for Covid- lockdown at present. European countries and Russia. To destination. So, there would be until a decision is taken to open the One of the new initiatives taken 19. We’ve informed insurance “Currently, there is no need to avoid the cold winter, they want to increased demand under the airport. That will be the first step.” by the Government is to introduce companies to provide us with their lockdown the country, as we are come to Sri Lanka and spend some circumstances.” an app for tourists. input on this mechanism. We are managing the situation. There is time here. Ukwatte then reiterated that Tourism sector “A presentation was done a few also making arrangements to bring no need for islandwide curfew “But right now, of course, I think that a date for opening of the geared and ready days ago but it wasn’t made public down tourists in groups.” either,” Ministry of Health Chief there is a big demand for people to airport would help finalise plans Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism given the circumstances. The app He then revealed that the Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath travel here because there are not for prospective tourists, stating: Prasanna Ranatunga said the will be done by the Sri Lanka Cabinet had already approved a Samarweera told The Sunday many countries for them to go to. If “However, nothing can be done Government was in the process of Tourism Development Authority large tour group of Russians for Morning.

In view of the allegations of large-scale stipulated by the Government. Once this rice producers hoarding rice to choke is properly implemented, it will show the supply to the market, resulting in prices thieves that they cannot play the market Samba is being sold over Rs. 110 per skyrocketing, plans are afoot by the and make profits illegally. They will kilogramme…This is way above the Government to import rice to the country stop hoarding paddy as there won’t be a government control price. So why is the to meet increased demands, if needed. possibility of the price increasing.” Government allowing this to happen? In May, the Government introduced a He said the large-scale producers were This has a domino effect; when the rice control price for rice for a third time. not releasing stocks to the market in order is sold at a high price in the market, Accordingly, the maximum retail price to create a scarcity and drive prices up. then the paddy is sold to the rice millers (MRP) of a kilogramme of keeri samba is “What has happened now is that these at a high price as well now Rs. 120, while samba is Rs. 98 and producers and large-scale rice millers All Island Rice Producers’ Corporation nadu is Rs. 96. are hoarding stocks in order to drive the Vice President The first revision took place on 10 April prices up. Then they release the stocks by Nishantha Attanayake and on that day, the MRP for keeri samba selling them at a much higher rate than was Rs. 125, while the MRP for samba the government control price. I believe it and nadu was Rs. 90, and kekulu rice was is the Government that has to first be held want to buy at a higher rate than the legally Rs. 85. responsible for failing to implement their stipulated price.” However, there has continued to be rice control price. Samba is being sold He said that there was ample rice in the a “shortage” of rice which has resulted over Rs. 110 per kilogramme, while the country and that they would request the in the prices being increased above the bulk price is Rs. 106. This is way above Government to desist from importing rice. control price. the government control price. So why is “District secretaries have around 50,000 All Island Rice Millers’ Association the Government allowing this to happen? metric tonnes of paddy and they will Kandy District President and All Island This has a domino effect; when the rice is have to be released soon. We will make a Rice Producers’ Corporation Vice sold at a high price in the market, then the formal request from the ministers and the President Nishantha Attanayake said that paddy is sold to the rice millers at a high Government stating that there is no need the scam was being carried out by large- price as well. This is a vicious cycle that to import rice and that we are completely scale rice producers and millers, along must be stopped. The Consumer Affairs opposed to such a move.” with businessmen. Authority (CAA) must act to stop these Rice Mill Owners’ Association of Sri people from selling rice and paddy above Lanka President B.K. Ranjith too lamented the control price.” the issue of prices remaining uncontrolled. “The problem is that large-scale rice Already, the Government has Rice millers have hoarded large stocks of rice. approved the funding for us through In addition, there are other businessmen People’s Bank but we have not taken When we – the small-scale rice millers who have also bought paddy during the any decision to import just yet. Rs. 1 – buy paddy at a high price, our cost harvesting season and stored them to billion has been approved as funding of production increases and as a resell at high prices to make a profit. Only to import the rice pot boils result, we have to sell the processed rice 30% are large-scale producers, while the Sathosa Chairman at a higher price to break even remaining 70% are small to medium-scale rice producers and millers; so now all the Nushad Perera z Government to z No shortage of Rice Mill Owners’ Association of Sri Lanka President small and medium-scale rice millers are B.K. Ranjith compelled to buy paddy from large-scale “There is no need to import rice. There ensure smooth rice in country producers and those who have hoarded is no rice shortage. There is an artificial paddy stocks to sell at exorbitant prices. shortage. This is caused by businessmen rice supply says millers He then called on consumers to act So when we, the small-scale rice millers, and rice millers who want to make according to their conscience and refuse to buy paddy at a high price, our cost of immeasurable profits. We have told the He said the Government must take steps established for rice and paddy in the past pay illegally high prices for rice. production increases and as a result, we Government what needs to be done. I to properly implement the MRP. few months. They should deploy the Police “The consumers also have a have to sell the processed rice at a higher believe the Government can resolve this “What the Government needs to do is and the Army and make sure that no one responsibility to reject traders who are price to break even.” issue easily.” to strictly implement the control price is allowed to sell above the control price selling rice at high prices. They shouldn’t Contd. on page 10 the sunday morning 7 Sunday, OctoberOctober 11, 2020 FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN Tree felling in Wanathawilluwa The National Environmental Act of Sri Lanka is to undergo amendments in order to increase fines and terms of imprisonment against those who violate the Act, Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera revealed. “The fines and terms of imprisonment will be increased up The Government is in no to 10 times to curb the destruction way influencing the Police that is caused to wildlife, from carrying out their duties. forests, and the biodiversity The Police is in fact being of the country. We are looking requested to arrest the politically to draft amendments to the connected figure immediately, existing Environmental Act and but it is quite concerning as hopefully will be able to propose to why the Police is not acting it to the Cabinet of Ministers for accordingly approval, after which it will be Minister of Environment sent to the Attorney General (AG) Mahinda Amaraweera for approval and enactment,” Amaraweera stated. had recently noticed that law He further reiterated that enforcement officers are at times contrary to what many social showing reluctance to arrest certain media posts have been speculating, individuals or take action against the amount of deforestation around ENVIRONMENTAL certain entities that are connected the country within forest reserves to such activities. were unfounded and only about “I urge the Police to take four such protected areas were prompt action on such persons subjected to encroachment-related or institutions, regardless of their destruction. political or social positioning. “Some social media outlets are I can assure that over a recent spreading false propaganda that incident of environmental large-scale environmental damage destruction, the Government is is being done with the connivance ACT TO BE in no way influencing the Police of the Government. In the past, from carrying out their duties. The politicians and powerful people Police is in fact being requested were freed, but now the common to arrest the politically connected people are caught and punished for figure immediately, but it is a small mistake. There is no room quite concerning as to why the for that,” Amaraweera elaborated. Police is not acting accordingly,” He added that the law is to be Amaraweera said. enforced against the perpetrators AMENDED Regarding the amendments regardless of their political environmental matters will be environmental destruction that took using heavy machinery; even these be able to take legal action against to be made to the National affiliation or social position, as appointed. place over the past months did not activities had been documented the situation. However, these Environmental Act, the Minister displayed by the law enforcement “This will allow the District entirely take place in protected and shared on social media,” he private landowners are supposed noted that further discussions are when a politician’s brother was Committee to take decisions over zones or areas that belonged to the explained. to get a permit to use heavy to take place with the participation arrested over the destruction that development projects that are to be Government. Therefore, Amaraweera machinery within the land areas for of all concerned stakeholders, took place in the Anawilundawa launched in their respective areas, “When the mass felling of trees reiterated that even the provincial clearing from the district/divisional adding that the Ministry would Wetland Sanctuary. and with the recommendations or torching of vegetation takes reporters and the public should secretariat and keep the area give them an opportunity to share Given that there is an increase of the environmental unit, they place in privately owned land, first find out whether it is privately environmental authorities informed their recommendations on how in environmental destruction would be able to take decisions that we cannot mediate. For instance, owned land or whether it is a of such activities. penalties can be increased and activities, the Minister noted that would not adversely impact the there were situations where the government-owned land that is Speaking further about the how to fortify the regulations through the District Co-ordinating biodiversity of an area.” private landowner, after a lapse being cleared. enforcement of law on perpetrators that are in place, so that strict Committees that meet once a Amaraweera also noted that of two to three years, had decided If it is a private land, the who destroy the environment, action could be taken against the month, a special unit to look into some of the events relating to to clear their land for cultivation Ministry of Environment will not Amaraweera noted that he perpetrators without delay.

Although Sri Lanka passed its Protection a considerable amount of time,” Herath in public transport is with railcars and BARRIER-FREE ACCESS IN PUBLIC SPACES of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities explained. train stations, as much of the railway Act in 1996, 24 years later we still don’t However, since 2009, their Secretariat infrastructure is outdated, and replacing see any progress in making public spaces saw some progress, especially in buildings it would require a massive budget and and institutions accessible to persons with constructed under the purview of the a considerable amount of time. The disabilities (PwDs). Urban Development Authority (UDA), as Secretariat is looking forward to working Increasing disability access is important these had strictly adhered to the guidelines closely with Sri Lanka Railways and the in increasing employability of PwDs in an stipulated. Ministry of Transport on how the spaces PROPER effective manner, thereby garnering their could be converted to provide suitable contribution to the national economy. Further amendments access to PwDs. According to data from the Department of She also noted that the previous Gazettes Census and Statistics, 70.93% of PwDs are did not permit the Secretariat to impose Ensuring barrier-free access not economically active. Out of the persons penalties against those who did not adhere In a paper published under the title who are not economically active, 47.96% to the regulations. Therefore, they are “Disability Access in Public Buildings” ACCESS are too old to work and discussing the inclusion for the International Research Conference 36.92% are engaged in of some amendments to on Sustainability in Built Environment, household work, while the regulatory act in that the authors W.A.D. Keerthirathna, Gayani the rest is a composite However, we still have a regard. Karunasena, and V.A.K. Rodrigo of the of students, children not small issue with the buses “We are hopeful Department of Building Economics of attending school, income and railcars that are in that with the ongoing the University of Moratuwa, noted that STILL recipients, pensioners, discussions with the increasing disability access is important to use, as these are still not social workers, and others. wheelchair-friendly. The UDA, National Transport “acquire their contribution to the national In accordance with Government has been Commission, Sri economy through employing them in an the Protection of the advised on replacing such Lanka Railways, Road effective manner”. Rights of Persons with passenger coaches in the Development Authority During their research, they discovered BLOCKED Disabilities Act No. 28 of (RDA), Ministry of existing facilities with disability access; future, or at least having a 1996, all existing public ramp facility installed on Transport, and other hospital buildings were found to have buildings, public places, public transport until such relevant stakeholders, an provided sufficient facilities at entrances, and areas wherever time all-inclusive regulatory doors and openings, staircases, and common services are NSPD Assistant Director act can be drafted in the lifts; banks provide fewer facilities for available, shall be made Ishanka Herath next two months,” Herath disability access – ramps are provided in accessible to persons with added. only 40% of bank buildings and 20% of disabilities in compliance In the meantime, ramps only provide handrails according to with the Disabled Persons (Accessibility) the NSPD also proposed to the public requirements. Regulations No. 1 of 2006 published in transportation authorities and institutions In addition, while 90% of bank buildings the Government Gazettes Extraordinary to pay attention to the standards that should are equipped with lifts, only 20% of No. 1467/15 on 17 October 2006 and No. be followed when designing public spaces, buildings have lifts with the required space 1619/24 on 18 September 2009. especially when bringing down transport for disability access. Ramps are rarely The Sunday Morning learnt that these coaches that could be seen within office and Gazettes were being amended to suit purpose built to enable administration buildings present times, and measures were being PwDs to move freely with (only 20%). In addition, taken to create awareness on the urgent minimum assistance. certain buildings have need to provide accessibility to PwDs at the At the moment, one We are hopeful that with toilet facilities that do not institutional level. such project that can be the ongoing discussions have grab rails installed, The Sunday Morning contacted the used as a benchmark is the with the UDA, National while only 20% of National Secretariat for Persons with Makumbura Multimodal Transport Commission, buildings provide toilets Disabilities (NSPD) to gauge the progress Transport Hub in Kottawa, Sri Lanka Railways, Road with doors that open made following the issuance of these which has been built Development Authority outwards. Gazettes. with the consideration (RDA), Ministry of At the design stage of Responding to our query, NSPD Assistant of providing convenient Transport, and other school buildings, less Director Ishanka Herath said that issues access to PwDs. relevant stakeholders, an consideration is given to prevail with many of the buildings that were “However, we still have all-inclusive regulatory act disability access. “Sixty constructed prior to 2009, and that most a small issue with the can be drafted in the next percent of school buildings of the new buildings are compliant to the buses and railcars that are two months have thresholds of more regulations listed under the Gazettes. in use, as these are still NSPD Assistant Director than 15 mm in height at the “When we consider the designs of the not wheelchair-friendly. Ishanka Herath entrance, hence it is difficult old state institution buildings, none of them The Government has to enter on wheelchairs. were constructed with a disabled person in been advised on replacing such passenger No school building could be found with lift mind. Therefore, if they are to make any coaches in the future, or at least having a facilities. There were no ramps either. changes to the structure, they would have to ramp facility installed on public transport “Railway and bus stations do not provide incur a considerable cost, and the approval until such time.” satisfactory facilities for disability access. process for such changes would also take Herath said that the biggest obstacle Contd. on page 10 the sunday morning Sunday, October 11, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The build-up to the proposed 20th Amendment Bill, which has been gathering Keeping the much attention during the past few weeks, was suddenly put on the second wave at bay backburner last week with the re-emergence Despite the multitude of mitigatory efforts over the past few months, of a Covid-19 cluster in Covid-19 is once again playing havoc in the country. Last week’s explosion of cases stemming from a private apparel manufacturing facility in Minuwangoda. Minuwangoda is continuing to cause ripples with cases being detected The detection of a Covid-19- on a daily basis in at least 16 places across the country so far. It seems positive patient from the Brandix Covid-19 infects 20A the worst-case scenario is now upon us and history has taught us that it factory in Minuwangoda opened z SC concludes hearing petitions; z NFF and Wijeyadasa warn is better for the authorities to admit the fact at the outset and get down to what seems like a Pandora’s implementing the required action, rather than live in denial and present box, with a sudden increase observation to Prez and Speaker against 20A; MR responds a brave face. in the number of Covid-19 For Covid-19 to be tackled, it is essential that the authorities take the individuals rising above 1,000 people into their confidence and obtain their co-operation to minimise within a matter of three days. the impact of what is now effectively a second wave. At the end of the However, while the first day, despite all the regulations in place, if the people don’t co-operate in Covid-19 detection was made protecting themselves as well as each other from this raging pandemic, the last Sunday (4), the Supreme mitigatory efforts now being rolled out are not likely to have their desired Court (SC) concluded the the effect. Therefore, it is essential that all stakeholders act in concert so as consideration of petitions filed to mobilise the people to act as the virus guard against this deadly virus. challenging the draft bill of black box Sri Lanka was lucky to get off lightly in the first wave, considering the the 20th Amendment to the by Capt. Vasabha magnitude and scale of the Covid-19 epidemic in neighbouring India, Constitution on Monday (5). which even last Friday (9) recorded 70,000-plus cases within 24 hours. The decision of the court will The National Freedom India is second only to the worst affected country, the US, and currently be sent to the President and Front (NFF) wrote publicly has nearly seven million cases and 107,000 known deaths. Therefore, Speaker of Parliament in due to Prime Minister Mahinda it goes without saying that every precaution needs to be taken on the course, once a determination Rajapaksa stating that the interaction of people between the two countries. The recent proposal has been made. Chief Justice party is disappointed over of the Minister of Tourism to open up a travel bubble between the two Jayantha Jayasuriya stated the failure to include any countries for tourism will be like, in the current context, jumping from in open court that the secret of the amendments to the the frying pan into the fire. decision of the SC regarding the draft bill proposed by its The private enterprise that operates the Minuwangoda apparel constitutionality of the draft 20th Leader, Minister Wimal manufacturing facility has come under fire, especially on social media, Amendment will be referred to Weerawansa, in the proposal as being responsible for causing the second wave by bringing down a the President and Speaker of of amendments to the draft group of people from its production facility in Vishakapatnam, India via a Parliament, in accordance with of 20A of the Government charter flight that arrived at the Mattala Airport on 22 September. However, the Constitution. submitted by the AG in court the criticism seems unfounded based on what the Head of the Covid-19 During the hearing, Attorney Task Force has been saying on the likely origins of the source. For all General (AG) Dappula de Livera Ultimately, the court dealt intents and purposes, no one up to now knows how and when Covid-19 stated that all the provisions with the AG’s obstructions by manifested in Minuwangoda. Needless to say, it is a worrisome scenario, contained in the draft 20th making one of its own copies given Sri Lanka’s proximity to the virus hotbed next door. Amendment were in accordance available for the petitioners’ Sri Lanka can ill-afford to fall victim to a similar predicament, given with the Constitution. counsel to photocopy and the limited healthcare resources and economic repercussions. It is safe Pointing out that the President peruse. to say that the vast majority of private businesses are still reeling from is bound to ensure free and fair Subsequently, the court the impact of the first wave, and key sectors like tourism, hospitality, and elections in accordance with the directed the parties involved in retail continue to be in the doldrums. As a result, government revenue Constitution, the AG stated that the case to submit their written has been hit hard and making ends meet will be even more challenging the proposed 20th Amendment submissions, if any, before in the days ahead. With the situation being what it is, the authorities have Bill had expanded that 3 p.m. on Tuesday, giving no option but to be proactive and nip this latest outbreak in the bud, if responsibility while providing petitioners’ counsel mere hours that is even possible, given the fact that the cases are already widespread. the Election Commission (EC) to obtain, photocopy, read, It seems the Government is well aware of the need to keep the economy with a strong legal basis for free and file objections against ticking, which is why it has so far desisted from imposing a blanket and fair elections. several hundred pages of legal lockdown like it did in March, restricting such action to specific areas The AG explained that the arguments by the AG. in the Gampaha District. The Government now has to walk a fine line 20th Amendment proposes Consideration of the petitions in ensuring the health system does not overheat, while at the same time to reinstate the President’s commenced for the fourth and ensuring that people are able to safely engage in their day-to-day activities immunity taken from him by the final day on Friday (9) morning Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa without spreading or falling victim to the virus which has also made 19th Amendment, which will before the five-member judge inroads into the commercial capital with multiple cases being detected enable the President to exercise bench chaired by Chief Justice Meanwhile, Ministers Nimal over the week. the executive powers vested in Jayasuriya. The bench consisted Siripala de Silva, Gamini Since the Government has outlined its strategy, the way forward is by him by the Constitution without of SC Justices Buwaneka Lokuge, and Prof. G.L. Peiris aggressively expanding testing capacity. Rather than waiting for sick any hindrance. Aluwihare, Sisira de Abrew, filed interlocutory petitions people to turn up at hospitals where spreading of the virus may already He further emphasised Priyantha Jayawardena, and seeking permission to present have happened, it is far more advisable for the health authorities to go to that there was no need for a Vijith Malalgoda. cross-submissions pertaining the people instead and carry out random testing at least in the high-risk referendum to approve any of Thirty-nine petitions in total to the petitions challenging the areas and mitigate possible community spread by identifying and isolating the provisions contained in were filed against the draft bill 20th Amendment draft bill. virus carriers. The fact that nearly 90% of positive cases identified at the the draft. In conclusion, AG of the 20th Amendment, citing In addition, MPs Sagara Minuwangoda facility have been asymptomatic is another challenge that de Livera stressed in court the AG as the respondent. Kariyawasam, Ven. Omare has to be overcome through aggressive testing across vulnerable cities and that the draft could easily The petitions were put Kassapa Thera, M. Dayaratne, towns. There is simply no other way than testing, testing, and more testing. be passed by a two-thirds forward by EC member W.A. Weerathilake, and It was pointed out by the Government Medical Officers’ Association majority in Parliament without a Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole, the P.G.B. Abeyratne also filed (GMOA) last week that ongoing testing is still well below capacity. referendum. Samagi Jana Balawegaya interlocutory petitions. According to the GMOA, the current testing capacity is around 4,000 In addition, AG de Livera (SJB), United National Party tests per day, but only about 2,000 are being carried out at present. If Sri refused to give a copy of his (UNP) General Secretary Wimal’s missive Lanka is to avoid being another India, testing has to be increased rapidly, written submissions to counsel Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, The National Freedom Front covering the entire island. It is pointless to bolt the stable door after the for the petitioners, when said UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan (NFF), a key coalition partner Minister Wimal Weerawansa horse has bolted, and this is the challenge the health authorities must counsel made an application for Wijewardene, SJB Youth of the Sri Lanka Podujana embrace without delay. it to enable them to respond to Wing Chairman Mayantha Peramuna (SLPP), wrote The letter titled “Amendments Already many sectors have been adversely affected, even though a the Government’s positions. Dissanayake, Attorney-at-Law publicly to Prime Minister to be made to the 20th general lockdown has not been imposed. Schools, universities, tuition Chief Justice Jayasuriya asked P. Liyanaarachchi of the Sirilaka Mahinda Rajapaksa stating that Amendment to the Constitution classes, bars, pubs, and nightclubs have been ordered to be shut while a ban the AG whether he could make Janatha Peramuna, Transparency the party is disappointed over during the Parliamentary has been imposed on any events being held. Many daily wage earners are it available for them even as an International Sri Lanka (TISL), the failure to include any of the Committee Stage” includes once again without employment. While restrictions are certainly the need electronic copy. The AG refused former Governor and Campaign amendments to the draft bill concerns of the party regarding of the hour, these steps must be complemented with health measures in the request of the Chief Justice. for Free and Fair Elections proposed by its Leader, Minister the amendments that should be order to stop the spread of the virus. There is no point in keeping state and The AG informed Chief Justice (CaFFE) Executive Director Wimal Weerawansa, in the included in the draft of the 20th private sector offices open while cutting down on bus and train services, Jayasuriya that he would only be Ranjith Keerthi Tennakoon, proposal of amendments to the Amendment to the Constitution as the available services are bound to be congested. One way out is for giving the electronic or “soft” human rights activist Abdul draft of 20A of the Government at the parliamentary committee the state sector to embrace smart technology and work remotely. copy to the court on Tuesday (6). Zanoon, and many others. submitted by the AG in court. stage. However, this is easier said than done, as it is akin to letting the fox On behalf of the politburo of guard the chicken coop. The million-rupee question is: How do you get the NFF, its General Secretary the notoriously lethargic and inefficient public sector to work remotely S. Wijayasiri had forwarded when they don’t even work in their appointed offices? This certainly is the letter to Prime Minister a poser for the authorities, but one that needs to be figured out sooner Rajapaksa, and it was thereafter than later since Covid-19 will be around for some time, at least until a released to the media. vaccine is discovered. The letter stressed that the Meanwhile, on the economic front, the Opposition has been complaining NFF and the general public that the economic data for the second quarter has not been forthcoming were strongly opposed to a even though it is well past the due date. It does not take Einstein to predict number of provisions central to that the full impact of the first lockdown was felt in the second and third the proposed 20th Amendment. quarters of financial year 2020 and the numbers cannot be anything but “Neglecting those points will dire, with the first quarter even before the Covid impact registering a negatively impact the image of 1.6% contraction. With a second wave now on the horizon, the same the Government and the spirit of is expected to befall the fourth quarter, making 2020 an unprecedented the public mandate, which the disaster in economic terms. Prime Minister would also agree The World Bank last week gave an indication of what was to be on,” the letter states. anticipated, forecasting a 6.7% contraction of the economy for the year. The first point emphasised To put it into perspective, Sri Lanka’s highest growth rate of 7% was is the exemption of companies achieved in 2012 and has been on the decline ever since. Now, just eight registered under the Registrar years later, the economy has shrunk by as much. of Companies, of which the Given the status quo, the administration has a Herculean task to get Government holds the majority the indicators back in the black, hopefully at some point next year. The of shares, from the Auditor World Bank at least is confident of such a prospect as per its forecast General’s audit. released last week. But much needs to be done to get there and every The second point is the measure taken now to mitigate the second wave of Covid-19 will passing of emergency acts certainly help the cause. without informing the general No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. public regarding such through Fax - 011 2 673 441 gazette notifications or General - 011 5 200 900 providing adequate time for Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 their constitutionality to be Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 determined by the SC. E-mail - [email protected] They also objected to the 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Covid-19 infects 20A z NFF and Wijeyadasa warn z MS’ security and part of z Opposition Leader seeks more against 20A; MR responds premises to be slashed security following attack

General come to the attention of can assign the auditing of a state nature passed. There have been 39 Prof. Peiris told a news the public. corporation or a state-owned petitions filed before the Supreme briefing last Monday He said one such false claim company to a qualified audit Court and we are awaiting the that opposing views on a being made is that the 19th firm, but before doing so, he is court’s decision on whether we selection of clauses included Amendment set up an Audit mandatorily required to obtain need to hold a referendum. This in the 20th Amendment Commission and that the 20th the concurrence of the Finance decision will be conveyed to the by Weerawansa and SLPP Amendment seeks to abolish it. Minister and also to consult the Speaker by 12 October, which is parliamentarian Wijeyadasa “What the 19th Amendment Auditor General. the end of the three-week period Rajapakshe were part of made provision for was not an “After the minister in charge of specified in the Constitution. the democratic process of Audit Commission but only the subject assigns the auditing Then, there will be changes at the citizens having the right to an Audit Service Commission of a state corporation or a state- committee stage, and already we express their views (ASC). The ASC does not carry owned company to an audit have said that some changes will out any auditing functions. firm in this manner, the Auditor be made,” he had told the media. Opposition Leader’s Private It handles matters like the General can issue a written notice However, Prof. Peiris has Secretary noted that there’s a appointment, promotion, transfer, to that audit firm, informing them declined to elaborate on whether need for an increase in security and disciplinary control of that he proposes to utilise their the points raised by Weerawansa personnel since there needs to members of the State Audit services for the performance would be addressed. On Sunday be several personnel who can Service. and discharge of the Auditor (4), Weerawansa said his party provide advance security as well “Usually, such matters General’s duties in relation to that objected to dual citizens being as accompany Premadasa when pertaining to government servants state corporation or state-owned allowed to hold any post in he attends scheduled public are dealt with by the Public company, and thereupon that Parliament, including becoming meetings. Service Commission. All that the audit firm is mandatorily required executive president, as well as creation of the ASC achieved was to act under the direction and passing emergency legislation Rishadgate to set up yet another commission control of the Auditor General,” without prior gazette publications. Last week also saw a growing to do the work that was being he said. The NFF also objected to certain controversy over All Ceylon done by the Public Service The Prime Minister added that companies the Government was Makkal Congress (ACMC) Commission,” Rajapaksa said. the contents of Article 154(2), a majority shareholder of being Leader MP Rishad Bathiudeen, He said another such claim which existed from the inception exempt from the oversight of the following a photograph of him being made by the Opposition of the 1978 Constitution, were not Auditor General. going viral on social media is that the 20th Amendment changed by the 19th Amendment Prof. Peiris defended the where he is seen shaking hands seeks to remove the Presidential and will not change under the inclusion of dual citizenship, with Minister Chamal Rajapaksa Secretariat and the Office of 20th Amendment either. alleging that it was only at an event attended by the the Prime Minister from the introduced in the 19th Defence Secretary. purview of the Auditor General, The growing public scepticism Amendment to target specific The photograph was publicised when in fact the amendment of the possibility of a political members of the Rajapaksa family. in the backdrop of Bathiudeen’s simply removed redundant and “deal” between certain brother, Riyaj Bathiudeen, who unnecessary language. senior members of the MS’ woes was in police custody over the The Prime Minister explained Government and Bathiudeen The security provided to the Easter Sunday attacks probe, that from the very inception finally resulted in President governing SLPP’s coalition being suddenly released by the of the 1978 Constitution, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa denying partner, Sri Lanka Freedom Police, citing a lack of evidence Presidential Secretariat and the that the Government had Party (SLFP) Leader and former to prosecute him. entered into any political deal Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Prime Minister’s Office have President MP Maithripala The growing public scepticism been under the purview of the with Bathiudeen Sirisena, has been reduced, much of the possibility of a political 20th Amendment’s favourable Dr. Rajapakshe was concerned Auditor General. The phrase “all to the displeasure of the SLFPers. “deal” between certain senior treatment of Sri Lankans who are about violating his pledge to departments of government” in “Therefore, it can be said that The security provided to members of the Government and also citizens of other countries defend the Constitution of Sri Article 154(1) of the pre-19th the contents of Article 154(2) Sirisena has been reduced by half, Bathiudeen finally resulted in and seek to enter Parliament, run Lanka by voting for such an Amendment Constitution brought have remained the same from the it is learnt. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for president, serve as diplomats, amendment. He had also opined the Presidential Secretariat and inception of the 1978 Constitution Sirisena had been assigned denying that the Government had or hold other senior government that the Government could the Prime Minister’s Office and will continue to remain so a contingent of 120 security entered into any political deal positions that could bring their have opted to simply remove under the purview of the Auditor in the future as well. Hence, the personnel, offered earlier to with Bathiudeen. national loyalties into question. the negative aspects of the 19th General. claim that state-owned companies former President Mahinda The President made this denial Through the letter to the Amendment and retain its positive “These institutions were always are to be taken out of the purview Rajapaksa, which has now been through a Facebook message. Prime Minister, the NFF had features, rather than eradicate it listed as government departments of the Auditor General is a reduced to 60 personnel. He said that he was not respectfully emphasised that the completely. Dr. Rajapakshe voted in the Government Financial complete falsehood.” prepared to hand over the Government should correct those in favour of the 19th Amendment Regulations. Quite apart from Rajapaksa added that it’s also According to unofficial power of arresting or arbitrarily mistakes. in 2015 and served as Minister of these two institutions, even the being claimed by Opposition reports, the discussion releasing people to politicians. The party stated that this should Justice at the time. Office of Former Presidents is propagandists that the 19th on the matter of the 20th President Rajapaksa said that be a political stance taken to In the letter, Dr. Rajapakshe listed as a separate government Amendment had stipulated that Amendment between the he will take actions to rectify any protect the public mandate and called for the power to appoint department and all these the Auditor General should be a SLFP and Basil has made omissions or mistakes made by in the event the Government, as ministers to be given exclusively institutions were always audited “qualified auditor” and that when progress, with both sides relevant officials or authorities, a whole, chooses to ignore this to the President, rather than for by the Auditor General,” he said. the 20th Amendment reinstates agreeing on several key if any. The President further said political stance, the party will not this to be done in consultation Rajapaksa said that the the old pre-19th Amendment concerns that he will not forsake the trust be held politically responsible with the Prime Minister. He inclusion of the Presidential Article 153(1), this qualification placed in him by Sri Lankan in this regard. The NFF holds also proposed that instead of Secretariat and the Office of the requirement will be dropped and It is also learnt that there citizens. six precious seats in Parliament, the Parliamentary Council, Prime Minister by name in Article hence, after the 20th Amendment are moves to reacquire part of The full message of President without whose support the the Constitutional Council 154(1) by the 19th Amendment is passed, even an unqualified the official residence premises Rajapaksa is as follows: Government would be unable to be expanded to include the did not achieve anything new. person can be appointed as the assigned to Sirisena. The Ministry “Ensuring national security secure the 250 votes necessary to President’s nominee and a “Even though they may have Auditor General. of Public Administration is in the is the first and foremost pass the 20th Amendment. nominee from minor parties to not been specifically mentioned “Constitutions are written on process of making the necessary responsibility of my Government. NFF MPs, including its Leader expand it to seven members. by name, from the very inception the assumption that those reading arrangements for the reacquisition I am not prepared to hand over the Weerawansa, voted in favour of If any issues arose in the of the 1978 Constitution, the it will have basic common of some areas of the compound. power of arresting or arbitrarily the 19th Amendment when it was function of the independent Presidential Secretariat and Prime sense. The Constitution does not It is noteworthy that the releasing people to politicians, as passed in 2015. commissions, they could be Minister’s Office had always been state anywhere that the person security and land allocation of the happened in the past. resolved through discussions under the purview of the Auditor appointed as Attorney General official premises of Sirisena are “I will also take actions to Wijeyadasa concerned between the President and the General. or as a Supreme Court judge being reduced in the backdrop of rectify any omissions or mistakes SLPP parliamentarian Dr. Parliamentary Council, he “Even after the 20th has to be a qualified lawyer. the SLFP holding discussions on made by the relevant authorities Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe had proposed. Amendment reinstates the old But those appointed as Attorney the proposed 20th Amendment or officials. I emphasise that written to President Gotabaya Article 154(1) which existed General, Auditor General, or a Bill with SLPP Founder and our Government has not Rajapaksa, raising his own MR responds from the inception of the 1978 Supreme Court judge will always theoretician Basil Rajapaksa. entered into any political deal concerns about the 20th Prime Minister Rajapaksa Constitution, in place of the have the required educational According to unofficial reports, with parliamentarian Rishad Amendment and expressing on Sunday (4) held a public so-called ‘changes’ made by the and professional qualifications the discussion on the matter of Bathiudeen. doubts about whether he would meeting and vigorously defended 19th Amendment, the Presidential without which they cannot the 20th Amendment between “I assure my citizens that I vote for the Bill. the proposed 20th Amendment Secretariat and the Prime function in those positions,” the the SLFP and Basil has made will not forsake the trust that The letter, addressed to Bill, refuting allegations that Minister’s Office will continue to PM said in the statement. progress, with both sides agreeing they have placed in me and I will President Rajapaksa and the enactment of the bill would remain within the purview of the on several key concerns. most certainly continue to work copied to Prime Minister reduce the powers of the Auditor Auditor General. Over the past Democracy? Opposition Leader’s security towards strengthening the built Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that General or remove important decades, it’s the Auditor General SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. On the topic of official trust.” institutions from the department’s who audited the Presidential Peiris last week downplayed the security, Opposition Leader oversight. Secretariat and the Prime growing chorus of dissenting Sajith Premadasa has also faced Cardinal gets tough “All the 20th Amendment seeks Minister’s Office and not some voices within the governing ranks a similar predicament, as he feels His Eminence Malcolm to do is to replace the changes private audit firm.” against the 20th Amendment, the number of security personnel Cardinal Ranjith has raised made to the provisions relating to The Prime Minister said another insisting that such debate was assigned to him is insufficient. concerns over the Criminal the Auditor General by the 19th falsehood that’s being propagated a natural part of the democratic The Opposition Leader’s Office Investigation Department (CID) Amendment with the provisions is that state-owned companies process. had written to Defence Secretary releasing Bathiudeen’s brother. that existed before the 19th will be removed from the purview Prof. Peiris told a news briefing Maj. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne on Referring to Riyaj Bathiudeen, Amendment,” the Prime Minister of the Auditor General by the 20th last Monday (5) that opposing 30 September, stating that the he said that suspects whose said in a statement. Amendment and explained that views on a selection of clauses security contingent assigned to actions were investigated over He said the Opposition has been the auditing of state corporations included in the 20th Amendment Premadasa was insufficient. the allegations pertaining to the trying to propagate the idea that and state-owned companies by Weerawansa and SLPP The letter recalled the attack Easter Sunday bombings were the Auditor General’s powers (i.e. companies in which the parliamentarian Dr. Wijeyadasa on a meeting attended by the released from custody by the CID. would be reduced by the proposed State owns more than 50% of Rajapakshe were part of the Opposition Leader last month in In a special media briefing held constitutional amendment and the shares) comes under Article democratic process of citizens the Mount Lavinia police area, on 3 October at the Archbishop’s it is easier to propagate various 154(2) of the Constitution. having the right to express their stating it was evident that there House in Colombo, the Cardinal falsehoods in this connection, as He said that under the views. was a need for more security to raised suspicions that a “political it is seldom that the constitutional provisions of Article 154(2), the “There are several stages to be assigned to Premadasa. deal” is behind the move. provisions regarding the Auditor minister in charge of the subject getting key legislation of this The letter signed by the Contd. on page 10 MP Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe 10 the sunday morning FOCUS/POLITICS Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA again and told him that we need to aspersions on his eminence. We appoint a committee because we reiterate that we fully trust the With former President needed to find out what happened,” Presidential Commission of Inquiry Maithripala Sirisena the former President said. to render justice to the hundreds of being one of the last key Sirisena said that he had been innocent individuals who lost their individuals to be questioned feeling unwell and thus instructed lives or were maimed for life due by the Presidential his Secretary to come up with a list to, both the hateful actions of the Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) of names. terrorists and the shameful inaction probing the Easter Sunday “The Secretary to the President of the political and administrative attacks, the commission came up with some names that I as well as intelligence officials of hopes to conclude its also found acceptable and I asked that time, who are responsible for him to prepare the appointment this mindless carnage of human operations by the end of letters. I returned the next day and beings. Justice must prevail at all October. gave the appointment letters before costs,” the Archbishop’s House Thus far, former President holding the National Security said in a statement. Sirisena has charged that Council (NSC) meeting at 10 a.m. The Archbishop’s House went on former Prime Minister Ranil on 22 April. Appointing this PCoI to assert that neither the Cardinal Wickremesinghe and the was one of the recommendations of nor the Archdiocese of Colombo United National Party (UNP) the committee I appointed, headed had any prior knowledge of the Government worked against by Justice Vijith Malalgoda,” attacks. him, that non-governmental Sirisena said. “Once again, we affirm organisations (NGOs) were He also told the PCoI categorically that the Cardinal and hampering reconciliation, and investigating the Easter attacks that the bishops as well as the Catholic that former Inspector General of a large number of NGOs actively clergy were in no way made aware Police (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara worked against reconciliation in of this plot by anyone and so the and former Secretary of Defence Former President Maithripala Sirisena arriving the country by preventing people allegation is baseless.” at BMICH on 5 October to provide evidence to Hemasiri Fernando were to be held the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks from overcoming various traumas Throwing a curveball at the accountable for allowing the Easter PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM they had endured in the past. investigations, authorities on 30 Sunday bombings to occur. “All governments faced this September released the brother problem. There are some good of MP Rishad Bathiudeen, Riyaj PCOI ON EASTER SUNDAY ATTACKS NGOs that do a lot for the people. Bathiudeen, from custody. But a large number of them want We affirm categorically that to ensure that people are angry the Cardinal and the bishops and resentful. During my time as as well as the Catholic clergy President, NGOs played a big role 20 December is the last date were in no way made aware in hindering our reconciliation of the commission’s functions. of this plot by anyone and so work,” he said. Our target is to complete all the allegation (by MP Harin Sirisena added that these NGOs proceedings by the end of this Fernando) is baseless often work beyond their stipulated month. Therefore, we hope to Hearings criteria. Archbishop’s House in a compile and present the report statement “For example, they profess to by 20 December support Montessori kids, but they Secretary to the PCoI probing the go into Tamil villages and conduct Easter attacks Buwaneka Herath Prime Minister Ranil skits and plays with children that Wickremesinghe and the Cabinet focus on issues faced during the only supported him during the war. They want children who had Bathiudeen was arrested in first six months in power, former to conclude not faced the war to be traumatised the run up to the parliamentary President Maithripala Sirisena told as well,” he said. elections over alleged connections the PCoI investigating the Easter Sirisena said that some Muslim to the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Sunday attacks. organisations too bring in extremist In response, the Cardinal said Sirisena said that preachers into the country and that that he was disappointed to know Wickremesinghe and the UNP these men played a significant role that a suspect had been released began undermining him, as he in the spread of Wahabism. prior to proper legal proceedings (Sirisena) started talking against this month Furthermore, he said that former being followed. the Bond Scam. Things only the ceiling for a party to enter ministerial posts. Meanwhile, IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former “It is sad to note the release of a became worse when he appointed a Parliament to 5% of the total vote, the seventh Parliament, from Defence Secretary Hemasiri suspect held in connection with the PCoI on the Bond Scam, he said. minorities had strong sways in April 2010 to June 2015, had 17 Fernando were responsible for Easter Sunday attacks,” Cardinal Responding to a question successive governments. Muslim MPs, out of which 13 There are some good NGOs not preventing the Easter Sunday Ranjith said at a press conference posed by the Attorney General’s The sixth Parliament of the held ministerial posts. The eighth that do a lot for the people. But attacks. in Colombo. (AG) Department official that led Democratic Socialist Republic Parliament, from September 2015 a large number of them want Sirisena made the above claim “It is sad that the investigations the evidence, Sirisena said that of Sri Lanka, from April 2004 to to March 2020, had 22 Muslim to ensure that people are angry responding to a question posed by are not going the way it should,” from the time former President February 2010, had 27 Muslim MPs, out of which 11 held and resentful. During my time the representative from the AG’s he said. Ranasinghe Premadasa lowered MPs, out of which 18 held ministerial posts. as President, NGOs played Department who led the evidence. Meanwhile, State Minister of This was data compiled by the a big role in hindering our Former Minister and current Internal Security, Home Affairs, commission and Sirisena was reconciliation work Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Disaster Management Chamal informed of these statistics. Former President MP Harin Fermando too made a Rajapaksa in Parliament last week “When the ceiling for a party to Maithripala Sirisena questionable statement to the PCoI asserted that Bathiudeen had enter Parliament was 12.5% of the when he claimed that the Catholic been released due to the lack of total vote, this wasn’t a problem. established to address these issues. Church, including Cardinal evidence. While we must ensure that we get Sirisena added that he had just Malcolm Ranjith, had been Meanwhile, Secretary to the the ideas and opinions of all groups returned to his hotel after obtaining forewarned of the attack. PCoI investigating the Easter in the country, we must also keep medical treatment at a hospital in However, the Catholic Church attacks Buwaneka Herath said that extremism in mind. I must remind Singapore when he was informed was quick to reject MP Fernando’s the Commission’s term ended on you that all Muslim ministers of of the Easter Sunday attacks statements. 20 December and that they would the eighth Parliament was with the “I then called the Prime Minister, The Archbishop’s House charged submit a report by then. UNP,” he said. the Secretary to the President, that Fernando was making baseless “20 December is the last date The former President said that at the Defence Secretary, and the allegations against Cardinal of the Commission’s functions. present, politicians do not have the IGP. I instructed them to take Malcom Ranjith. Our target is to complete all ability to address mistrust between the necessary steps. I also called “We wish to therefore condemn proceedings by the end of this various ethnic and religious groups, the then CDS (Chief of Defence this puerile attempt of MP month. Therefore, we hope to and that special institutions with Staff) Shavendra Silva. I called Fernando to find excuses for his compile and present the report by the required resources need to be the Secretary to the President own grave misdeed and cast unjust 20 December.”

Contd. from page 6 Contd. from page 9

haven’t decided to import rice He said that no decision had been meeting that was previously scheduled to be yet. Already, the Government has taken yet to import rice but would be Covid-19... held this week with Catholic MPs due to the Rice pot... approved the funding for us through done so at the earliest possibility if the prevalent coronavirus situation. People’s Bank but we have not taken need arises. Surprised and saddened by the CID’s Secretary to the Bishop Rev. Fr. Deninton He too charged that it was the any decision to import just yet. Rs. 1 “At the moment, there is enough rice conduct, he urged the authorities to properly Subasinghe confirmed to The Morning Government that had to be held billion has been approved as funding in the country and as long as the supply carry out the investigations in this regard. earlier this week that the meeting had been accountable for failing to enforce the to import the rice,” Sathosa Chairman is there, we won’t move to import. As The Cardinal also referred to a statement postponed by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. MRP. Nushad Perera told The Sunday soon as we see a drop in the supply, made by Police Media Spokesperson He said the meeting had been scheduled “So the main problem is not Morning. we will move to import. Sathosa has SSP Jaliya Senaratne, in which he said for Tuesday (6). implementing the control price for He said that they would first import enough stocks and we will release them that investigations into the carnage have “The Cardinal wanted to meet the MPs to rice. This is solely the responsibility supplies for a period of two months as per the demand, except for samba.” revealed that the parliamentarian’s brother discuss an array of matters.” of the Government. We have told the and the rice would be procured from a The CAA asserted that they have has maintained direct links with the It is learnt that the probe into the Easter Consumer Affairs Authority to enforce South Asian country. been carrying out a large number of bombers. Sunday attacks was to be taken up for the maximum retail price. If they don’t “We would look to initially import raids to catch those selling rice above Speaking further, the Cardinal pointed out discussion during the meeting. have the manpower, then they should around two months’ supply of rice which the control price. that the Police Spokesperson’s statement It is in this backdrop that CID Deputy deploy the military to ensure that the would add up to an estimated 200,000 “Within a period of just over a week, and the CID’s move are in complete Inspector General (DIG) Nuwan control price is implemented and that metric tonnes. We will be importing we have carried out over 400 raids,” contradiction. Wedasinghe was suddenly transferred as no one is illegally selling at higher from a South Asian country. It will be a CAA Director – Consumer Affairs and SSP Senaratne, in a recent media briefing, the Acting DIG of Western Province-North prices.” government-to-government agreement, Information Asela Bandara said. announced that Riyaj Bathiudeen was while DIG S.P. Ranasinghe, a former senior Meanwhile, Lanka Sathosa affirmed so all South Asian countries would be He added that the CAA was taking released due to “lack of evidence” to file a CID officer with diplomatic experience, was that they were ready to import rice at eligible, as there won’t be any restrictions. all necessary steps to ensure the control case against him. appointed as the new DIG of the CID. the earliest sight of shortage. We can expect the rice to come down price is maintained. However, Archbishop of Colombo The transfers were implemented with “We are ready to import, but we within a week of placing the order.” – Skandha Gunasekara Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had to postpone a immediate effect. Contd. from page 7

yy Persons with impaired hearing 1. Unexpected vertical changes of levels 5. Seating does not consist of waiting areas 8. Lack of loud speakers with Proper access... (curbs, steps, ruts, gutters, etc.) prevent at counters and along lengthy walkways supplementary messages for public yy Persons with intellectual impairment Railway stations do not have enough continuous accessible paths of travel to reduce tiredness premises (e.g. railway stations, bus space at entrance doors for wheelchair yy Persons with impaired vision 2. Excessive slopes (camber) across the 6. Access vulnerability associated with stations, and airports with visual access. Seventy percent of buildings use direction of travel on a footpath, which doors, including the need to manipulate messages) yy Persons with physical disabilities more than 15 mm-high thresholds for the makes control of the wheelchair difficult a handle while using a walking aid and 9. Edges of walls, furniture, and other doors and openings. There are no ramps at PwDs are an important group to consider 3. Inadequate provision of space at difficulty in moving quickly through items are not rounded to prevent physical the entrances for wheelchair access, and when designing and constructing buildings doorways and within rooms to allow swinging doors injury if people walk into it toilet facilities that were provided were of because they need special facilities in order for wheelchair dimensions and turning 7. Visual signs are not very clear and 10. Unguarded projections at heights such very poor quality,” the report read. to access these. As such, designers must pay circles accurate. A flashing light unaccompanied that someone who cannot see them It is necessary to be concerned about a special attention to providing such facilities 4. Not paying specific attention to steps by a message can be confusing (e.g. would be in danger of walking into them barrier-free environment. According to the to ensure barrier-free access. Problems and handrail design to ensure adequate a flashing fire exit sign would be 11. Obstructions such as cupboards, etc. Ministry of Social Services, there are four that arise on design considerations can be support and a feeling of confidence and preferable to a flashing red light; it gets along corridors or hallways major groups of PwDs: summarised as follows: ease when negotiating steps the message across much faster) – Sarah Hannan the sunday morning 11 Sunday, October 11, 2020 hot seat

The committee members to proceed and conduct a cannot raise objections when transparent inquiry? the proceedings are ongoing. We were given all the However, they are allowed to information required to conduct our raise their concerns with me. first session and the inquiry that was Technical terrorism Anyone is free to ask questions carried out was quite substantive and the freedom to question was which allowed us to have a lengthy given with the understanding that discussion. they are not going to misuse the opportunity to cause any disruption What elements do you think to the proceedings. COPE proceedings are lacking hindering COPE and how will you improve them? In your first meeting, you were At the moment, we are discussing very focused on the energy and the possibilities of sharing the power sector, especially the coal sessions on social media platforms DR. CHARITHA HERATH power plant in Norochcholai and to engage a larger audience. the emergency power purchases. Moreover, we are suggesting BY SARAH HANNAN that have not submitted their audit reports that are submitted by the but rather by the previous heads and Were you given sufficient that the relevant authorities, such reports in a timely manner. The institutions which becomes a representatives of that institution. information by the Opposition as the secretaries or the chairmen The Committee on Public Auditor General’s Department, challenge when they are auditing We are therefore not going to that appear at the sessions, follow Enterprises (COPE) up until now, tabled all the audit the institutions for compliance. penalise the state officials who have the directions that are given by commenced its first session reports that are available to them The lack of support that a newly now come before the committee to the committee and to report their on Tuesday (6) under its and have submitted it to COPE for appointed COPE is afforded by the respond to the ongoing inquiries, progress within the given timeline, newly appointed committee deliberations and recommendations. state institutions in order to unveil for which COPE is given powers which will enable COPE to expedite chaired by Dr. Charitha COPE cannot start an inquiry the matters is another challenge to openly question and report to the the proceedings and identify the Herath, who is also a Member over a state institution if the that the committee faces. public with the media’s support. bottlenecks. audit report is not tabled. There Furthermore, the existing I have a responsibility to Finally, there are several of Parliament appointed cannot be incidents where some legality of COPE and the powers maintain that rapport and allow the regulatory issues that we plan to through the National List state institutions have evaded a that are vested in the committee by committee members to talk, but not rectify and impose strict deadlines of the Sri Lanka Podujana government auditor and have the Parliament to take action over to make any critical remarks that on, which the attendees will have to Peramuna (SLPP). not conducted an audit using an some of the observations that were would tarnish their reputation as adhere to, so that the decisions independent audit firm. presented during the sessions can officers of the State. could be reached in a After a two-and-a-half hour first The missing audit reports can greatly hinder the proceedings and timely manner. inquiry, the committee was to meet also be from institutions that are their outcome. You are essentially questioning on Thursday (8) as well. not operating at present, as there The most pressing issue the previous Government’s However, due to the Covid-19 are many state corporations and originates within COPE itself, as work through COPE and their cluster that was activated on 3 institutions that are listed but have getting one collective voice from the expenditures and governance. October, the members had decided ceased their operations following committee that comprises members How will you ensure that the to postpone the session to be held the 1977 Open Economy. from different political parties proceedings are conducted in an during the next parliamentary holding different political opinions unbiased manner? session on 20 October. Are you aware that some state is the biggest challenge. These This week, The Sunday Morning corporations have not published parliamentarians need to understand spoke to new COPE Chairman their annual reports over the that this is a common committee Dr. Herath on the challenges that recent years? that is inquiring over the state the new committee is facing in I am not aware of such incidents enterprises on behalf of the people conducting inquiries over the but if there are state institutions that appointed them to office. state-owned public enterprises and that have failed to compile or in questioning the irregularities publish their annual reports, it is How are you planning to revealed through the Auditor of grave concern, and COPE will overcome the challenges? General's reports for the years 2009 instruct the Auditor General’s I am trying to be impartial and I to 2016. Department to look into such am striving to pass judgements that The following are excerpts of the institutions. are ruled by facts over judgements interview. Even if the audit or annual passed by emotions. reports are missing, certain As the Chairman of COPE, I am What will be the first batch of institutions will still be called in accountable to the people of Sri public enterprises that would for COPE sessions for inquiries. Lanka and I have a duty to report come under scrutiny? For instance, the Lanka Puwath back to the public the proceedings We have issued notices to Lanka news agency is currently non- of the committee meetings, as Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd. and have operational, but it is still coming up it is, and how the institutions commenced inquiries over their on our records. are governed by the incumbent audit reports for the years 2009- authorities and previous authorities. 2016. For this company, the audit Heading and reporting the queries are already conducted and proceedings to the public in a the Auditor General’s report was transparent manner can mitigate already submitted to Parliament. IT IS UNFAIR these various challenges that I have Based on those documents, we had FOR THE to face as the Chairman. discussions in our first session on As I said earlier, we do not have a Tuesday. REPRESENTATIVES legal framework in place to impose The Secretary to the Ministry of THAT APPEAR AT penalties to the institutions that have Power and Energy, the Chairman of COPE SESSIONS not been diligent in their reporting. Lanka Coal Company (Pvt.) Ltd., TO FACE SUCH Despite that, as a committee, we and representatives of the Ceylon POSITIONS OF are able to share the findings, Electricity Board (CEB) and Ceylon UNEASE FOR DELAYS observations, and recommendations Shipping Corporation were required that we have given to the said to attend the inquiry on Tuesday. THAT WERE NOT institutions with the public, who During these sessions, concerns CAUSED BY THEM will ensure that they are held were raised and observations were BUT RATHER BY accountable for their wrongdoings. made by the Auditor General’s THE PREVIOUS Department and it was revealed HEADS AND What are your thoughts on that there was a Rs. 1.1 billion REPRESENTATIVES opening the meeting proceedings loss that was incurred due to the to the media? mismanagement of certain sections OF THAT Let me set the record straight of these stakeholder institutions INSTITUTION right now by saying that COPE at over the span of seven years. no point announced such a decision. Procurements made during 2015 It was purely speculation which was especially came under scrutiny in What are the challenges that you misinterpreted over a discussion the Auditor General’s report. see for your team in having to which took place at the Committee probe certain institutions? on the Business of the House which Which institutions will you first Every government that consists of the party leaders. That pick to follow up on based on gets elected follows different committee suggested that they the recommendations tabled by management models to should relook at the media publicity the previous committee report administrate the state institutions. arrangements of the Parliament and published on 21 February 2020? Some governments followed the had nothing to do with COPE or We will have those follow-up procurement guidelines and the COPA proceedings. sessions shortly. But before that, regulatory frameworks, but some The first session was telecasted the new committee decided that decided not to follow the due live and was opened to the media on we should take up the special audit process. Tuesday. reports that were submitted by the The challenge that is upon Auditor General’s Department up to this committee is to inform and Is there a chance that personnel now, which were not examined. educate these officials at these that are subjected to inquiries can There are about 31 completed public institutions that they are just get unnecessarily targeted due to and tabled audit reports that governing an asset that belongs to this? we are deliberating and basing the public. Actually, that was one concern our discussions on at the COPE Moreover, getting the true that our committee had, and we meetings that are to be held as facts about these institutions into have discussed this at length and starting sessions. the observations is imperative, have requested the committee In the meantime, we thought as sometimes due to the members of COPE to be vigilant that we will convene some of technicalities that are involved in about the individuals, institution the institutions that were served certain institutional procedures in representatives, or heads who attend observations and recommendations preparing documentation, some COPE sessions for inquiries. by the previous committee which malpractices can be covered up. The committee has been advised were recorded in the 21 February We refer to that as “technical not to target these representatives 2020 COPE report. terrorism”; who are in fact holding incumbent Is the committee working on the use of jargon and positions in these state institutions, clearing the backlog of audits that technical terms that are not and the matter in question might not have piled up for most of the state explained in layman terms in be an issue that was created by their enterprises? Some have last been their documentations that are misdeeds. audited in 2015. submitted – the Auditor General’s It is unfair for the representatives All state-owned public Department officials at times that appear at COPE sessions to corporations that are overseen by might not understand the technical face such positions of unease for COPE will look into the institutions terms that are mentioned in the delays that were not caused by them 12 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI AND BAN ON CATTLE SLAUGHTER responds positively. There is a high level of DINITHI GUNASEKERA intelligence. Whatever said and done, you can’t look at every animal the same way.” Based upon a proposal by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the One step at a time Government reached a decision to D. Perera used the metaphor of a vehicle ban cattle slaughter in Sri Lanka moving at a considerable velocity that by amending the existing legal comes to an abrupt, complete halt to framework in reference to the explain the repercussions of such a law importation of beef. PROCESS IN being implemented overnight. The system, like the fast-moving vehicle, would not According to Minister of Mass Media meet a secure halt. It would shake, wobble, and Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya and one or two of its parts would crumble. Rambukwella, the legislation with regard Likewise, for the ban to be successful, to the laws on cattle slaughter and beef there needs to be phasing out and importation will be changed accordingly. realistic goals. Setting an annual goal for The main pieces of legislation are the THE MAKING progressive reduction of killings is one Animals Act No. 29 of 1958 and the Cattle such step. The authorities opting for these Slaughter Ordinance No. 9 of 1898 – the z Sudden move vs. holistic approach bans ought to have an elaborate idea and legal instruments currently under review – in solution for every possible problem that order to implement a “suitable programme could occur as a side-effect: A holistic plan. for elderly cattle that cannot be utilised “I believe the first step should be efficiently for agricultural purposes”. It is a shame that this country enacted through the Animal Welfare Bill. Meat and meat products are a crucial continues to govern animals Firstly, it should pave the way for humane component of the diet of the average human, through legislation passed in the and limited killings for the purpose of which is also a key source of protein. Past 1970s. Hence, all this talk of being consumption. Start with the humane studies on Sri Lanka’s livestock industry a spiritually ingrained country is slaughter of animals and regulation of show that its lack of development is a result proved invalid…we are lagging permits for meat products to be imported of the domineering religious, cultural, and behind the rest of the world from other countries, tax concessions for economic factors in our society. Studies Attorney-at-Law Senaka Weeraratna importers, and even heavy regulation of also show that there is a major demand existing local slaughterhouses. for processed meat products in Sri Lankan “Of course, there are existing regulations, urban culture and that several large-scale but the problem is that there are no processors have entered the business during regulatory bodies that enforce or oversee the past few decades. them. Develop from there. It provides more The first step should be enacted time for the other industries, such as the Livestock numbers through the Animal Welfare Bill. dairy industry, to develop procedures and According to the Department of Firstly, it should pave the way for find lasting solutions for whatever role they Census and Statistics, 192,403 cattle were this decision is currently submitted for give protection, shelter, and ward both humane and limited killings for the can play. A cow would give birth to a calf slaughtered for meat in 2018. It is reported observations by all Cabinet Ministers to the different classes of human beings, purpose of consumption. Start with two or three times a year on average. How that we produced over 29,000 tonnes of before proceeding with the legal changes and also to birds and beasts,” commented the humane slaughter of animals would you manage the sudden surplus of beef in 2019, while over 4,634 goats and that are proposed to be made. Weeraratne, expressing his utmost support Animal rights advocate and activist cattle that is suddenly not being killed? What sheep were slaughtered in the Colombo “The processes in reference to this to the proposed cattle slaughter ban. Dominic Perera is the solution for that? These are points to District alone in the same year. However, decision are still under review, and until Previous attempts at passing a cattle be considered before imposing such a drastic it was further recorded that the number the ministerial observations come through, slaughter ban were in the years 2009 and solution is to legislate for humane slaughter law,” D. Perera stressed. of cattle slaughtered has substantially there is nothing to inform the media or the 2012, which were unsuccessful. methods for all food animals.” decreased between 1969 and 2018. general public,” said Gunawardana. “So far, the governing party never had Speaking to The Sunday Morning, The Animal Welfare Bill Livestock has been one of the most In response to our inquiries as to how an absolute majority. It depended largely animal rights advocate and activist The Bill is a comprehensive document essential segments in agriculture for the Government plans to implement on minority votes for the sustenance of Dominic Perera, while agreeing on the prepared by the Law Commission of Sri centuries; it plays a powerful role in rural import mechanisms and put in place price power. Generally, most individuals in value of all lives, expressed a more Lanka after extensive consultations with development where the meat industry increases, Gunawardana shared: “We are minorities have different attitudes towards elaborate response. the public and examination of laws of contributes a dominant part. The term currently importing beef as an essential the treatment of animals. The tolerance “My work consists largely of animal other jurisdictions. Although approved by “livestock” is used in a broad sense to food item as well. This will not cause much for cattle slaughter so far was solely this rescue and welfare in urban areas. I rescue the Cabinet earlier this year, the Bill still cover all grown animals regardless of change. Prices of products will be moved reason,” affirmed Weeraratne. cattle from slaughterhouses and stray cattle awaits enactment in Parliament and has age, location, or purpose of breeding. around to suit the economic landscape, as it Weeraratne further elaborated on with no owners. As an animal advocate, been on hold since 2006. Figures on livestock numbers should will be done with all imports in the future.” Sri Lanka’s intolerance towards cattle I’m for banning cattle slaughter in Sri Applying to all animals, the Bill adopts refer to live animals numbered on a given slaughter from the olden days dating back Lanka, but there is also an economical a proactive approach to animal welfare. day or on several consecutive days. The A legal perspective to the pre-Independence era. component that has to be considered. It not only recognises a duty of care on general practice of the United Nations Attorney-at-Law Senaka Weeraratna, “In the freedom fighting days, “Why cattle? I believe every life matters, the part of persons in charge of animals Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN a former Honorary Legal Consultant on Keppetipola would shout at the colonisers, but there is certainly a sizable difference to treat the animals humanely, but also FAO) is that figures for an indicated year Animal Welfare Legislation to the Law exclaiming: ‘Geri mas kanno’ (beef-eaters).’ between slaughtering cattle compared to that opts to prevent cruelty to animals, secure relate to animals reported by countries in Commission of Sri Lanka, was eager The consumption of beef was considered an of poultry and even dogs, which is popular the protection and welfare of animals, between October of the previous year and to elaborate on the legal framework invite for righteous derogatory slurs and it in some countries. These lives have drastic establish a National Animal Welfare September of the year indicated. pertaining to the matter. led to people losing their rank and status in differences between each other with regard Authority, provide regulations and codes Furthermore, according to the FAO, as Accordingly, there are two main statutes. society.” to how complex they are,” expressed D. of practice, raise community awareness reported by countries, meat production data One is the Animals Act of Sri Lanka Perera. on animal welfare and foster kindness/ refers either to commercial meat production No. 29 of 1958 – an Act to regulate the Selective animal rights? D. Perera shared that he has visited every compassion/responsible behaviour towards (meat entering marketing channels), slaughter of animals. Amendments for the Attorney-at-Law and animal rights slaughterhouse from Negombo to Borella, animals, replace the Prevention of Cruelty inspected production (from animals same had been brought in on 19 February activist Lalani Perera believes that all and that he knows that the animals know to Animals Ordinance No. 13 of 1907, slaughtered under sanitary inspection), or 2009 by the then Ministry of Livestock animals have life and feel pain. what’s going to happen to them. bring the law governing animal welfare in total production (the total of the other two Development. The Butchers Ordinance No. “Many humans consume animal flesh. “I usually rescue the ones on death row. If Sri Lanka in line with modern legislation categories together with figures on slaughter 9 of 1893, which governed cattle slaughter To introduce humane slaughter methods you rescue one of them, they also understand by providing for natural justice and basic for personal consumption). All FAO annual in the Colonial Era, is the other. to cover all food animals is necessary. A that their life has been saved, and that freedoms to be extended to animals, production data refers to the total production The Butchers Ordinance was amended group of us has filed a case in the Court of amazes me. I try not to go to these places and and safeguard and enhance Sri Lanka’s of livestock. by the Butchers Amendment Act No. Appeal recommending such a step and the look them directly in the eyes. They look at historical reputation for animal welfare. It is further helpful to note that 13 of 2008, imposing a total ban on the Ministry of Local Government has already you with this sad set of eyes and they know, Passing the Bill would mean a giant leap statistics from individual countries on slaughter of pregnant or lactating cows, prepared draft amendments to the Butchers the minute you walk in, why you’re there.” forward for Sri Lanka in terms of its archaic meat production usually fall into three notwithstanding the possession of a Ordinance for this purpose. That Ministry He reiterated that all lives matter, but inhibition on animal rights. However, it categories: Live weight (weight of the slaughter permit. The relevant penalty is should pursue these amendments without pointed out that the question lies in whether depends on how many advocates and how animal immediately before slaughter), not less than Rs. 50,000 and imprisonment further delay,” shared L. Perera. other life forms are complicated enough to often the issue is opted for regular tabling in killed weight, (live weight minus the for a period not exceeding three years. The experienced lawyer and activist, impose blanket bans on a practical basis in Parliament, explained D. Perera. uncollected blood lost during slaughter), The Butchers Ordinance is now under however, believes that banning cattle the real world where there are individuals Adding final thoughts, Weeraratne said: and dressed carcass weight (weight minus review for major law reform. As a result, slaughter in Sri Lanka would lead to the of all sorts of preferences and belief “It is a shame that this country continues to all parts – edible and inedible – that are religious authorities too will need a license importation of beef, which would mean systems, adding that, however, something govern animals through legislation passed removed in dressing the carcass). to carry out ritual animal sacrifices. more cattle will be slaughtered elsewhere is better than nothing. in the 1970s. Hence, all this talk of being “In the Buddha’s discourse in the and even illegally to meet the country’s “Other breeds of animals such as poultry a spiritually ingrained country is proved How will the proposal be Cakkavatti Sihanada Sutta (Digha Nikaya demands. do not own as complex of a system, and invalid. The truth is that we are lagging implemented? of the Sutta Pitaka), the Buddha spelt out “I fail to understand how no slaughter that makes them unaware, unlike breeds behind the rest of the world, even with Speaking to Minister of Trade Dr. the duties of an ideal ruler as follows: in Sri Lanka and more slaughter outside of animals such as cows, dogs, and even a country with fundamentally Buddhist Bandula Gunawardana, it appears that The Cakkavatti King (righteous king) will Sri Lanka will help the cause. The only goats. If you give the cow a command, it values that preaches loving kindness.”

Contd. from page 4

Battling the... Authorities need to Numbers still high number of new cases and have seen Increasing threat... reiterate importance of approximately 75% of deaths are of large reductions from earlier peaks. come in a friendly tone at times, it is guidelines Meanwhile, according to the those aged 65 years and above, the As of Friday, the total Covid-19 Common man will suffer if for the better good. The authorities Isuru Ranaweera World Health Organisation (WHO), WHO stated last week. infections confirmed so far in Sri curfew is imposed are proficient in making decisions that the number of new cases per week It further stated that in several Lanka stood at 4,504. By Thursday Lakshan de Silva – the public should adhere to. The threat level is increasing, as can has remained stable at two million countries, the number of new cases evening, seven arrivals from the Arabian Business Company (Pvt.) Ltd. At this time, the steps that should be seen with the growing case numbers for the past three weeks, with the is rising again, and in many (most United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chairman be taken need to be done to keep resulting from the Minuwangoda cumulative total of over 36.7 million notably within the European region) including five naval personnel, the general public’s interests in cluster. The threat is increasing as cases as of Friday. Over one million the second wave is exceeding two others from Iran, and one As to the reason why the mind, rather than just administering people are not following the health and deaths were now reported globally, previous peaks; this can be partly from Kuwait were confirmed to re-emergence of Covid-19 is yet another lockdown. Even though the safety guidelines properly. Most people of which the majority were reported attributed to enhancements in have tested positive for Covid-19. unclear, it is no coincidence that curfew was extremely effective in are not wearing their masks properly in the region of the Americas (55%), surveillance capacities over time. The number of Covid-19 patients the second wave has begun with a curbing the first wave, we need to and some people avoid wearing them at followed by Europe (23%). In other countries, a gradual decline reported from the new cluster linked mindboggling number of 1,000-plus realise the economic and financial all. There is a great risk of community In the past week, the region of in new cases from earlier peaks to the Minuwangoda apparel factory patients testing positive. The sole aspects of it. The common man isn’t spread now that the Minuwangoda the Americas, South East Asia, in August, for example in Brazil, rose to 1,053 that night, as one reason for this is noncompliance; capable of withstanding another cases are spreading the virus rapidly and Europe accounted for 91% of Colombia, and Peru, can be seen. factory worker and 18 contacts tested taking on the pride that our nation lockdown. throughout most parts of the island. new cases. Five countries (namely In India and the Philippines, the positive for the virus. Accordingly, was Covid free, the public forgot This brings me to point out the Another wave cannot be prevented; India, the US, Brazil, Argentina, and number of new cases appears to 29 novel coronavirus infections in basic discipline. importance of helping those in need; waves will keep happening as long as France) reported 60% of new global have stabilised, but they are still total were detected on Thursday. In While travelling in public food items, hygiene products, water, we do not have a proper vaccine. What cases this past week, while Israel reporting high numbers. There are addition, two factory workers, 11 transport such as tuk tuks, it was and electricity should be accessible the authorities can do is prepare the registered the highest incidence also examples of countries that have close contacts, and three possible pretty surprising to notice most of the to them without it having to be a public and take necessary precautions (3,717 new cases per one million consistently shown an increasing cases tested positive for Covid-19 on people in Colombo were not wearing luxury. While it may not be practical before this gets out of hand. This population). incidence, as their first wave Friday, bringing the total detections protective masks. for me to say so, I believe there will includes continuous reiteration that Globally, the highest percentage continues; these include Indonesia, for that day to 16. In the meantime, As much as we thank and praise the be some ray of hope that would following health and safety guidelines of cases have been reported in the Iraq, and Myanmar, although recoveries reported from the disease soldiers who are putting their lives be presented to us sooner than we is important, that social distancing is 25-39 age group, with approximately Indonesia is reporting a slight drop stand at 3,296 while the number of and health on the line on behalf of expect. So far, as a country, we have crucial, and they need to encourage 50% of cases in the 25-64 age this week. South Africa and Australia active cases currently under medical us, we as the public should respect faced Covid-19 proudly and strongly getting tested as soon as possible after group. However, the percentage are examples of countries that have care reached 1,195 as of Friday, their instructions. Even if it does not with nothing but pride. getting symptoms. of deaths increases with age, and successfully managed to reduce the health statistics revealed. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 13 14 the sunday morning OPINION/APPRECIATION Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY PROF. (DR.) CAPT. NALAKA JAYAKODY POST-PANDEMIC Sri Lanka is truly a blessed maritime nation. The country’s exceptional maritime services, quality of seafarers and the relevant training institutions, strategic geographical How SL can be a maritime location, as well as its abundant natural and human resources put the country in a perfect position to thrive in becoming a maritime education and training hub, not just education and training hub in the region but on a global scale. the profession is very lucrative compared over the years, and today, these countries part of maritime education, such as supply This is an opportunity that should to sending domestic workers such as including ours are developing or have chain and logistics, into the school A/L never be missed. It’s the ideal moment housemaids to Middle Eastern countries. developed in this particular sector. This, syllabus. This is a very attractive profession for the Government to lobby with other again, is the same scenario that happened with high income, and the Government countries, establish sustainable public- Quality of seafarers with the US and Europe – the transition needs to focus more on seafarers in contrast private partnerships (PPPs), create The quality of seafarers has gradually from off-shore to on-shore. Sri Lanka has to sending domestic workers. awareness about this lucrative profession, reduced over the years and this has become to leverage its blue economy and seize 2. Lobbying and PPPs integrate maritime education into the a global concern today. This can be due to all opportunities before the outsourcing We need to utilise the idling seafarers school curriculum, encourage prospects many reasons. Becoming a seafarer was markets move into the African region. in the country. Even the present 5,000 to pursue their maritime training at home highly competitive two or three decades Many years ago, a student had to go seafarers are employed mostly on foreign rather than abroad, and invest in a range of ago. You had to be the best of the best to to the university after A/Ls to pursue his vessels. Currently, it’s solely the private infrastructure and support systems, among be considered and recognised as one. The or her higher education. Today, there are sector that spends money to get foreign many others. profession is highly lucrative with high many paths available right after one’s O/ ships or companies to enable our seafarers It’s now or never. income, and only a very few are recruited Ls, with foundation programmes paving the to gain access to job opportunities. I onboard to international ships. way to degree programmes or professional strongly suggest that the Government gets Maritime transport dominates For example, many years ago in Sri Lanka, qualifications, with higher starting salaries heavily involved through its officials from When we talk about maritime in general, if you wanted to recruit around 25 cadet Prof. Capt. Nalaka Jayakody and a wider range of opportunities on-shore. ministries and authorities participating and it’s probably the main mode of transport officers, the employer would receive around Going for an off-shore career is considered lobbying with other countries in this area. for global trade, with around 90% of traded 500 applications. This shows that one needs my view, if this leadership fails to act, I fear the last resort like in China, and this has led I believe lobbying is essential to the goods being carried by ships. Despite many to be among the cream of the cream, with an there will not be any opportunity in the near to a drastic reduction in competitiveness industry as a whole. PPP) are paramount technological advances in this sector, the exceptional skill set. Today, the employer will future. among seafarers. to its success. They need to ensure that the shipping industry still continues to dominate not even receive 25 applications. This is not Over the years, many prospective seafarers’ community is well recognised as the lifeblood of the global economy. just in Sri Lanka, but globally. If we take a seafarers from Sri Lanka have gone SL as security services and and take measures to increase the number of Things such as intercontinental trade, look at the news, there are more accidents and overseas for their maritime training crew change hub employed seafarers. bulk transportation of raw materials, and incidents on ships compared to those days. programmes and job opportunities. We I always view a crisis as an opportunity. 3. Maritime education the import and export of affordable food, One reason is that the quality of seafarers and could’ve easily discouraged this, as we Sri Lanka has managed to earn colossal and training hub essentials, and manufactured goods would the other is their inadequate level of education not only lose our talent pool and resource revenue by providing their exceptional I want to stress that Sri Lanka, most of the simply be impossible. Simply put, without and training. personnel, but also foreign exchange and security services (sea marshal) onboard time, misses the mark or opportunity – too shipping, we would’ve all gone hungry economic growth. ships including those that face piracy many words spoken with very little action. I during this pandemic. Pandemic and its In my experience, Sri Lanka has highly attacks. Similarly, Sri Lanka can also thrive have personally tried my very best to make detrimental effects qualified resource personnel, surpassing as a hub for a crew change. The present Sri Lanka a maritime training hub, but due Seafarers globally and in The coronavirus pandemic has caused even some of the best countries. Being an unresolved crew change crisis can be a to various external constraints, I’ve not been Sri Lanka a lot of fatigue among seafarers globally. experienced, seasoned seafarer, having massive opportunity, with many seafarers able to succeed. It’s time that I now intervene Globally, there are over 54,000 merchant Usually, a seafarer’s contract is four to six travelled to over 90 countries with exposure remaining stranded on seas (around 400,000 with the officials and ministry to say that Sri ships trading internationally, run by months off-shore, then they return to land towards diverse cultures, I can confidently seafarers, according to the International Lanka, no doubt, is in a better position with around 1.7 million seafarers, according to to take care of their family life, and then go say that we have some of the best senior Maritime Organisation [IMO]). maritime training providers that are of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) back to sea. Thousands of seafarers remain captains, officers, chief engineers, and highest quality standards with state-of-the-art figures. Somewhere in between 15% trapped at sea and some remain stranded engineers as trainers like nowhere else in Sri Lanka’s way forward infrastructure and facilities in the region. and 20% of global seafarers are from the even after 12 months or more onboard. the world. The IMO features a whitelist of eligible (Prof. Jayakody DSc [Cn], MSc [Swe], Philippines, second to China. The industry Even according to the Maritime Labour countries to train their programmes. Sri FNI [UK], FCILT [UK], FIMarEST amounts to over 3.6% of GDP (gross Convention (MLC), an employer cannot Transition from off-shore to Lanka is one of the many with only a [UK], CMarTech [UK], Master Mariner domestic product) as per the stats released keep the seafarer for more than a year. The on-shore globally and in SL handful of institutions providing similar [Aus] has served as the Chairman of last year. Being a maritime nation, the fatigue has forced many seafarers to quarrel When we look at history, seafaring was qualifications. Sri Lanka is highly dependent the Nautical Institute [UK] Sri Lanka Philippines has done exceptionally well, among each other, which is understandable started by the Europeans who owned and on benchmarking in how other countries are Branch and President of the Sri Lanka setting a world-class example to all other due to the mental stress and illness the managed various merchant ships. After doing in this sector. We don’t have to. This Association of Non-State Higher countries. pandemic has brought about. World War II, shipping thrived as a fruitful mentality and attitude needs to change. Education Institutions [SLANSHEI], In contrast, Sri Lanka is also regarded as a business. As time went by, and the American- In my personal view, we are well and serves in an advisory capacity in the maritime nation with many natural resources Crisis turned into opportunity European shipping trade grew significantly, independent and self-sufficient to stand by private and public sector. He also served as and easy access due to its strategic location The pandemic has forced many these countries developed at a fast pace with ourselves. However, the quality of these a Board Director of the Maritime Training in the Indian Ocean. The country may maritime training providers globally to colossal wealth. And as this was happening, maritime education and training institutions Centre in Seychelles and Fiji Maritime even be boasting a much higher quality in shut down, notably in the UK, Europe, there were a wide range of opportunities needs to be overlooked and maintained. Academy in Fiji, a Member – National maritime education and training, with many and Australia. This is an ideal moment on-shore in comparison to off-shore, with Therefore, it’s the duty of the country’s Task Force of IMO implementation of of our seafarers notably running merchant for the country to market and open up to salaries not having a big difference at all. administration to ensure these institutions Ballast Water Strategy, a Member – Sri ships of all types and sizes across the world. limitless opportunities in this area, at least Eventually, with off-shore jobs being very continuously adhere to the guidelines set by Lanka of the Marine Environment Forum, However, unfortunately, over the years, by lobbying and inviting students and challenging, many preferred on-shore jobs. the IMO. To overcome the issue of the quality visiting professor as well as an external despite having around 17,500 active prospects from the SAARC (South Asian This resulted in outsourcing off-shore jobs to of seafarers, I suggest three solutions. auditor at Dalian Maritime University seafarers, we only have around 5,000 Association for Regional Co-operation) the Asian and East-European destinations at 1. Creating awareness in China, programme reviewer at the employed at any given time. This shows region. Our qualifications and training cheaper labour costs whilst still owning and As a maritime nation, we need to University Grant Commission [UGC], that 12,500 of them are idling without any are internationally recognised with a very managing the fleets. equip ourselves with better knowledge in auditor at CILT Accrediting Committee, vessels. Currently, these 5,000 seafarers affordable fee plan. Sri Lanka, just like the Philippines and maritime. The best way to go about this, former Vice Chairman of the Chartered earn about $ 300 million a year. Though This is the right time, under the country’s many other Asian and Eastern European which I also have proposed to certain Institute of Logistics and Transport [CILT it might be a small number, the quality of current leadership, to start acting upon it. In countries, was enjoying this opportunity administrations, is to try and include some International – Sri Lanka Branch])

Memories in one’s school life are always immortal, especially with lovable devoted teachers who Gnana Munasinghe – Southlands College, Galle were inextricably intertwined with your school activities. Many are the esteemed personages who we met at Southlands College have left A tribute to a distinguished teacher their indelible influence during our unforgettable school career. Mrs. enabled students, paving a clear dire need. Ultimately, a decision Munasinghe during the twilight of staff at the home. Past Southlanders by the related grandchildren of Gnana Munasingha, better known path to their future. All her devoted was taken to admit her to an elder’s her life. It became a happy gathering who participated at the event were Mrs. Munasinghe on Sunday (19) as Gnana Jayathilake to many a senior and junior students during home in Colombo, since there were to all participants since they met served with a snack and a cup of morning. The seventh day bana senior southlander, is one of them. four decades at Southlands never many past pupils living in and each other after a long interval since ginger tea. was delivered at the Village 60 Miss Gnana Jayathilaka joined forgot to visit her even after leaving around Colombo and its suburbs, leaving college. We celebrated Then onwards, we kept visiting Plus at 4 p.m. on Saturday (25) and Southlands College as a member college whenever they were free to who were willing to assist in looking her 92nd birthday too on 3 April her until the beginning of February, dinner was offered to the residents of the tutorial staff in 1952 as a do so. Many visited her almost every after her in a suitable elder’s home in 2019 at the home, providing the but owing to the coronavirus at the home, followed by the heel young lady, straight after obtaining year at her residence in Kosgoda Colombo. other residents of the home with pandemic, it was almost impossible dane offered to the Bikkhus of her Bachelor of Arts from the throughout a long period, showing Thus, the decision was short eats for their evening tea. The to visit her as usual. Nevertheless, Mahindaramaya, Borella on Sunday University of Colombo. It was gratitude to a teacher always on the implemented and the 91-year-old mission became possible with the we kept contacting the young girl (26). during Miss Edith Ridge’s era that memory lane of Southlands. Mrs. Munasinghe was brought support given steadily and very assistant who was looking after This will be an unusual episode in she assumed duties as an assistant All past students enjoyed visits to the “Village 60 Plus” elder’s generously by devoted Southlanders, her. In the beginning of July 2020, the history of education in Sri Lanka, teacher at our Alma Mater. She to her residence and she was home at No. 9, Jambugasmulla remembering Mrs. Munasinghe with Dr. Sudarma informed us about when a collection of grateful students completed 34 years of her entire extremely happy to receive her Road, Nugegoda on 11 June 2018. warmth and gratitude. her failing health and that she is took it upon themselves to look teaching career at Southlands loving pupils and greeted them with Arrangements were made to open a Although she was unable to hesitating to have her meals as after a 93-year-old teacher in her until her retirement in 1986 as the joy, reminiscing about her teaching trust fund to cover the finances with enjoy herself as earlier, she felt was the case earlier. We organised hour of need when she was unable Deputy Principal. career by reciting poems and singing transparency to look after her at the very happy whenever students a chanting of seth pirith again at to look after herself without proper She was an excellent, dedicated many songs that brought back elder’s home. Thus, a noble project and friends visited and spoke to the home on 18 evening at 4 p.m., assistance in the twilight of her life. teacher with an outstanding ability nostalgic memories of our student was formed, titled “Looking after her, reminding her of the good old but unfortunately, she passed away Devoted Southlanders, spending devoted many an hour to provide the life at our Alma Mater. Many past Mrs. Munasinghe”. Many past pupils days at Southlands. At times, she peacefully at 3.15 p.m. and our good their own evening in life, some of necessary guidance and encourage pupils kept in touch with her over the here and abroad, friends, relations, joined reciting poetry she taught mission to bless her at the last hour whom had left school more than 60 the talented students in many a phone when unable to visit her. From and well-wishers too contributed in school and also chanted the became a failure. years ago, and juniors too, rallied literary pursuit. Southlanders were the beginning of 2018, we were to the fund, remembering the karaniya metta sutraya with them Arrangements were made to keep around to look after their beloved fortunate to win many an accolade unable to visit her or contact her great service rendered by Mrs. too. She spoke to us whenever we her body at the Jayaratne funeral teacher following the example and innumerable achievements, since her telephone was out of order Munasinghe to our Alma Mater. visited until last September 2019. parlour in Borella on the 18 morning set by Lord Buddha, poojacha bringing credit to the college for many months. More than 50 past pupils visited Since then, we were unable to until 2 p.m. The pansukula ceremony poojaniyanam, paying gratitude to during her stay for many years Ultimately, a visit was paid to her Mrs. Munasinghe during the first have any conversation with her. was conducted at the parlour and the Sacred Bo Tree. among extracurricular activities residence and we realised that our month after her admission to the Somewhere in November 2019, the cremation took place at the This will be a great legend added that breathed life to the Golden Era beloved teacher was very much in elder’s home. Many living abroad Dr. Sudarma Yakndawela who was crematorium at 2.30 p.m. at the to the Almanac of Southlands of Southlands. She was singularly need of special assistance to look too visited her during their visits to treating Mrs. Munasinghe informed Borella Cemetery on 18 July 2020. College, Galle – the premier girls’ responsible to produce many quality after her during the twilight of the motherland, paying gratitude to a me and Malini that her health was The customary mala batha was school in southern Sri Lanka – orators and singers under her able her life and also should be given dear teacher. deteriorating gradually. offered to the residents at Village 60 hopefully, an endeavour worthy of mentorship during many decades. necessary medical attention. This A get-together was organised in Chanting of seth pirith was Plus where she spent the last two emulation by future generations of Sinhala Literary Union activities information made us all worried. November 2018 at Village 60 Plus, organised to bless Mrs. Munasinghe years of her noble life in this human students. and unforgettable educational tours The news spread around and past providing an opportunity to her at the premises of the home, which world. “Knit together in love and enjoyed with her are etched in our pupils, friends, and ex-staff members devoted pupils to visit their beloved took place on 7 December 2019. The We deposited her ashes at the service.” memories forever. of Southlands were in search of a teacher and to meet each other who seth pirith ceremony was followed premises at the cemetery, with the Shantha Manawadu Abeysekera She had produced thousands of solution to assist her at this hour of were willing to take care of Mrs. by a dinner for the residents and the participation and assistance provided and Malini Weeramuni the sunday morning 15 Sunday, October 11, 2020 SPORTS

The Sri Lanka Army on the evening of its Army Day on GIVING A BOOST TO ARMY CRICKET 10 October and the 71st Anniversary received an additional stimulant to the distinctive flavour of cricket in the Army upon the enlistment of internationally famed Thisara and Chandimal professional cricketers Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal to the rank of Major during a simple ceremony, held at the Commander’s office on Friday adorned with ‘Major’ insignia (9) morning, the Army Media Division stated.

According to a report published on the army.lk website, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, who is also the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), taking a respite from his busy schedule, has pinned rank insignia on both Perera and Chandimal who Also taking part on the occasion were SLAVF Commandant Maj. Gen. Ruwan Wanigasooriya, SLAOC Regiment Master General joined the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Ordnance Maj. Gen. Chandana Marasinghe, and Army Cricket Vice Chairman and Chief Co-ordinator Brig. Shiran Abeysekara Force (SLAVF), and expressed his Army Chief Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva pinning rank insignia on Thisara Perera who happiness by congratulating both of first captain to lead Sri Lanka in International Cricket Council (ICC) Chandimal made his Test debut joined the SLAVF on Friday (9) them. the first day-night Test match, named Perera as the key player of Sri for Sri Lanka in December 2011, in has been enlisted to the Sri Lanka Lanka's squad for the tournament. the second Test of the series against Major Perera and Major Army Ordnance Corps (SLAOC) Dinesh Chandimal on 26 South Africa in Durban. He made Chandimal Regiment. September 2019 joined the Sri half-centuries (58 and 54) in each of Major Thisara Perera, who has Thisara Perera is a professional Lankan Army as a Volunteer Sri Lanka's innings, becoming the also contributed to the growth of Sri Lankan cricketer and a former Commissioned Officer and has been first Sri Lankan batsman to score cricket among budding cricketers limited-overs captain for Sri Lanka, eligible to play for the Sri Lanka half centuries in both innings on Test in the Gajaba Regiment (GR), was who currently represents Sri Lanka Army Sports Club. In August 2020, debut. This incidentally led Sri Lanka earlier enlisted to the GR in which in limited-over formats. Primarily while playing for the Sri Lanka Army to their first Test win in South Africa. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and a bowling all-rounder, he is an Sports Club, Chandimal made the SLAVF Commandant Maj. Gen. Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. Kamal aggressive left-handed batsman who highest total in domestic first-class Ruwan Wanigasooriya, SLAOC Gunaratne were also respected can hit big sixes in death overs and cricket in Sri Lanka with an unbeaten Regiment Master General Ordnance veterans. At present, Lt. Gen. is a useful right-arm medium-fast 354 runs. A handy and agile right- Maj. Gen. Chandana Marasinghe, Shavendra Silva is the Colonel of the bowler, who has represented ODI, handed batsman who sometimes and Army Cricket Vice Chairman GR, in addition to being the Colonel Test, and T20 matches, bringing plays as the wicket-keeper middle and Chief Co-ordinator Brig. Shiran of the Regiment of the Special credit to the country. In April 2019, order batsman, Chandimal was the Abeysekara were also associated Forces. he was named in Sri Lanka's squad first captain to lead Sri Lanka in their with the brief occasion. Major Dinesh Chandimal, the for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. The first day-night Test match. (Courtesy Sri Lanka Army) Dinesh Chandimal is now Maj. Chandimal Covid-19 ‘aces’ tennis again When human Unless you’ve been living persons following them. on planet Mars from last Sunday (4) onwards, you Towels and would know by now that handkerchiefs intuition trumps there’s another cluster of Reminding everyone of Covid-19 cases in Sri Lanka. such regulations; the first And with the relevant and the most important one artificial intelligence authorities still struggling is the fact that masks need to to find out the full story be worn at all times except chess problem that supposedly holds the key to human regarding the cluster, things when the players are on THE CHESS consciousness. This claim is slightly exaggerated and the have started to look bleak court playing tennis itself. position holds little practical value to a chess player, but again for all sports in the Secondly, it is important that CORNER let’s have a look. country. In last Sunday’s the players be encouraged The problem was specifically designed to defeat an column, this writer and reminded at all times that by Dulan Edirisinghe artificially intelligent computer but be solvable for humans. enunciated on the successful they should not touch their The position is somewhat bizarre, but perfectly legal. conclusion of the Clay Court face with their hands as far as Man vs. machine battle in chess is a landmark in the Nationals tournament and possible. history of technology. The challenge of building a computer As long as white expressed the hope that it Towels have got to be programme capable of defeating the best human chess keeps moving his could be the catalyst and the used for this purpose and players was one of the original grand challenges in the field king, it’s an easy draw. example for other sports to then too, one side of the of artificial intelligence (AI). This was accomplished in 1997 The human brain follow. But now with this towel must be touched with when the IBM supercomputer “Deep Blue” defeated World immediately discards new cluster taking centre the hand and the other side Champion Garry Kasparov. moves like bxa4, cxb5, stage, everything is back to is to be used to wipe the After recovering from this crushing loss, Kasparov learned or c7 which allows square one again. face. This can be done if the to embrace the role of AI in chess. He developed the view black to untangle players are able to use towels that a human-AI collaboration would help us adapt and himself. On the other Three tournaments improve, and that the optimal combination would be to ‘A chess problem to hand, a computer or handkerchiefs with two defeat computers’ Apart from the Clay colours on the two sides. And let the human exercise judgment over whether to follow engine attempting Court Nationals, the sport of of course, all players need to the computer’s advice. the same problem using bruteforce is sent on a wild goose tennis finished three other be encouraged to wash their Things have changed since. Today, even a chess engine chase due to the presence of three bishops and the ensuing tournaments within the hands before and after every running on your smartphone can beat Deep Blue. The permutations. According to the Penrose Institute, this massive last few weeks according tennis session. proportion attributed to human judgement in the so-called search will rapidly expand to something that exceeds all the to this writer’s knowledge. “human-AI collaboration” has been shrinking over time to computational power on planet Earth. And the Batticaloa Tennis Strange times the point where you start to have doubts about situations It appears that fortresses and blockades represent our best Tournament, which was the Another important thing where a human might think they know better. Not only in chance of beating the engines. Here’s another similar position. next major tournament on is that the players need to chess, the same uncertainty might occur in the near future the calendar, was showing be constantly reminded to over things like landing a plane or making medical diagnosis. An engine without all the signs of a very maintain physical distance Can humankind strike back? Unlikely. But are there an endgame tablebase promising tournament, at all times. This is a novel situations where we can still prove human insight matters continues in vain to taking all the entries concept for Sri Lankan in terms of efficiency? Definitely. analyse this position in that had been confirmed society as normally Sri Let’s consider the following training position. search of a win for black. into consideration. This Lankans are warm people The human brain sees tournament was supposed to who like to show their With an extra the two “jedi” knights start next week. warmth by being close to bishop and a knight, creating a “force field” In fact, this writer was each other. But the times white is winning trapping the black king, Neyara Weerawansa, one of the semi-finalists of this year’s SL Clay easily, but what is the ensuring a draw. thinking of enunciating Court Nationals, which was one of the national sports events that could demand that we adjust to the on all the details of that be completed amidst the Covid-19 outbreak needs of the time so as to most efficient way? The most powerful visual representation of our theme tournament in this column PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI make sure that not only the While an engine uses comes from a study composed by W.E. Rudolph. too, as it would have been a particular person but also bruteforce, the human very good starting point for particular outbreak is that the “other” person is safe brain can come up with 1.Ba4+! Kxa4 (1... Batticaloa tennis, this being Dinith once again, there are fewer by making sure that social an elegant solution. Just Kc4 2.Bb3+ Kb5 3.c4+ the second consecutive Pathiraja kids on the courts and distancing guidelines are White to play play Nd5 and Bb5 and Kc6 4.Ba4+ and white year they’re having this less activity going on in strictly followed. This needs see what happens. The wins) 2.b3+ Kb5 tournament on a grand every field. The question to be followed by all the black king is confined to a prison and the white king is free 3.c4+ Kc6 4.d5+ Kd7 scale. ON COURT then arises as to what, if players, parents, coaches, and to approach and help deliver the checkmate. 5.e6+ Kxd8 6.f5 and the border is sealed. anything, can be done in the other relevant officials for Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1997) All stopped now very seriously indeed. this particular situation to the continuation of the sport. But now, all tournaments But with time passing and make sure that the activities These are strange times. have been postponed on no new cases being reported continue but with a safety And unfortunately, there is White to play and draw health and safety grounds. from society, the precautions net being present at all no end in sight either. But W.E. Rudolph (1912) With the current situation in were laxly followed. It is times. that cannot be an excuse. All full swing, perhaps it is time the human inclination to In this context, it is stakeholders in every sport, If you found the solution, to look back and wonder do so. But in this particular important to remember to especially the sport of tennis congratulations. But if every one of us did all situation, with this particular follow the health and safety in the case of this writer, don’t forget to ask an we could do to mitigate outbreak, it has been proved measures that have been have to do their bit to make engine to solve this, so the spread of the virus. At conclusively that such laxity outlined by the experts. sure all health and safety that you can enjoy a the beginning of the tennis cannot be afforded at any What’s been evident in guidelines are followed Sir Roger Penrose, who was awarded the Nobel Prize well-deserved moment practises after the lockdown, time. the last few months is that strictly at all times. Because for Physics just last week, argued in his 1987 book The of smug satisfaction in June, all coaches and those regulations should at the end of the day, no one, Emperor’s New Mind that not even quantum computers watching the struggles players as well as the parents Following health be followed religiously, no one at all, wants to go could rival what’s in our heads. Penrose, whose younger of the silicon beast. and the relevant authorities guidelines perhaps even at some back to the dark days of the brother Jonathan is a Grandmaster, once even created a The final position took the safety precautions The result of this inconvenience to the earlier few months. SA Parliament Philander’s bro censures CSA shot dead! Cricket South Africa (CSA) came Former South African under heavy fire from the MPs pacer Vernon Philander’s on Tuesday (6) for presenting a younger brother Tyrone summarised report of a forensic Philander was shot dead in report, instead of the full document. Cape Town on Wednesday The MPs adopted a hardened line of (7). The dreadful incident questioning to the CSA delegation has happened metres away and said the committee meeting from the family home could not go ahead until the in their neighbourhood organisation presents a full report. of Ravensmead. In a CSA Acting President Beresford statement issued by the Williams (pictured) has said they Philander family, Vernon would present the full forensic has said they were “coming report before the end of business to terms with the brutal on Friday (9). murder”.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

BYsports REVATHA S. SILVA Why T10 could be the best solution It was reported in the media recently that Sri Lanka Cricket to popularise the game of cricket in (SLC) is gearing up to launch a tournament called “Lanka SLC to pioneer the post-Covid-19 world T10 Super League”. SLC called for a marketing/management (1) T10 takes just 90 minutes by insisting that T20 is agency recently to join with per match which is the same the “be-all and end-all” of them to procure and manage as the duration of a football short-form cricket. There is franchise ownership rights of match. Therefore, many more to short-form cricket matches could be organised than T20. the proposed tournament and cricket’s next over a day. A multi-team (6) T10 is also the best version partner SLC as its “total event tournament could be for multi-sport games such rights holder”. wrapped up in a few days as the Olympics and Asian Will T10 be the next cricketing on a single ground. It is a Games. An Olympics T10 spectacle? That is in a context where cost-effective option and a event would be totally the three-hour-long T20s has clearly logistics-friendly format too. different, hence would not failed to reach beyond the traditional (2) What people do not harm the commercial value cricketing regions of the world after ‘big boom’ understand is that even of the International Cricket almost 18 years of its introduction. cricket’s shortest version Council’s (ICC) T20 World z Twenty20 takes 200 Cup generally held every Reaching the US and China Will ICC push IOC to include T10 cricket in next Olympics? minutes, which is more two years. In other words, will the T10 be This year, Cricket West Indies than two times longer than (7) The International Olympic the most suitable model of cricket to announced that the first edition of the the normal versions of Committee (IOC) would reach the hitherto distant “markets” “Vincy Premier T10 League” would other sports, i.e. Football only accept a tried and such as China and the US? start on 22 May 2020, but later it (90 minutes), rugby (80 tested international version It is worth for SLC to experiment was postponed due to the Covid-19 minutes), basketball (48 of cricket. Since ICC has new prospects of this new “short pandemic. The “Vanuatu T10 Blast” minutes). targeted cricket at the 2028 format” through the proposed Lanka was staged earlier in Port Vila. There (3) Despite the short time spans Los Angeles Olympics, T10 Super League and take the were other minor T10 leagues such it takes for basketball and it has to recognise T10 lead in convincing the International as the “Cricket Fiji Vakataukata T10 rugby, for example, they as cricket’s fourth format Cricket Council (ICC) to promote it League” and the “Malaysia T10 are still not satisfied and are (after five-day Tests, for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Bash”. going for “micro-versions” One-Day Internationals/ of those respective sports, ODIs, and Twenty20s Lanka T10 Super League Criticisms and way forward i.e. “3x3 basketball” (10 Internationals/T20Is) and The proposed six-team T10 league Cricket needs to soon find a format that can carry the game to the presently non- One of the most salient criticisms minutes) and “Rugby encourages its members organised by SLC is planned to have cricketing regions of the world against the T10 format has been Sevens” (14 minutes). to play T10 Internationals 11 match days which include 17 T10 “While the details of the new to the country.” its “too short” nature, meaning (4) If the three-hour Twenty20 (T10Is). games. The proposed tournament is tournament are yet to be finalised, De Silva has also added: “England some players may not get any is this popular, it is not (8) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), by to have a double round-robin format, SLC hopes to hold the tournament is going to play The Hundred, so it’s chance of either bowling or difficult to imagine how taking the lead among ICC plus two semi-finals and the final. sometime in 2021, though a suitable always good to be innovative; it’s all batting in a match. The next is the popular a 90-minute T10 Full Members to launch a Each of the six teams is to feature window would have to be found that about popularising the game.” overwhelming domination of the would be, especially among domestic T10 Franchise a squad of 16 players including a is compatible with the Lanka Premier batsman over the bowler seen in the youth audiences. “The League, should table a maximum of six international players League (LPL) T20 tournament History, the pros and cons the format. Hundred” format that the Resolution at the ICC from ICC Full or Associate Member and potential national team tours,” The first competition using T10 Short formats are always prone England and Wales Cricket Board to recognise T10 countries, together with a support reported Cricinfo on Tuesday (6) format took place in December for match-fixing and corruption, yet Board is promoting, where as cricket’s fourth format, staff of 10 personnel including two in an article written by Madushka 2017 in the United Arab Emirates cricket cannot stop evolving. And if two teams each having a enabling ICC Members to overseas coaches. Balasuriya, titled “SLC hopes to (UAE), named “Abu Dhabi T10 it is to suit the modern needs, it has single innings restricted to play T10 Internationals. The matches are planned to become first Full Member to host League”. The event continued to be doing it fully and entirely, not a maximum of 100 balls, (9) T10 is also the ideal version be staged at both Dambulla and T10 league with ‘commercial’ in 2018 and 2019 too. The ICC half-heartedly like in the T20 model. lasts two-and-a-half hours to capture new audiences Pallekele International Stadia. benefits”. officially sanctioned the league. In In this aspect, the future could be and therefore is only very and globalise cricket. . May 2020, England Captain Eoin T10, not T20. Countries can adapt marginally different from (10) Finally, a rhetorical First to host T10 league Ashley de Silva’s opinion Morgan supported the idea of using in future to have their separate T20s in terms of the match question: Which sport The deadline for sending The above report quoted SLC the format at the Olympics, with squads for Test/ODI cricket while duration. would an uninitiated Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for CEO Ashley de Silva as saying: former “legends” Virender Sehwag also having their separate T20/T10 (5) A three-hour Twenty20 CHINESE boy choose to agencies to procure and manage “Definitely it would help Sri Lanka and Shahid Afridi also supporting squads. In the future, a youngster game is way too long for watch at a stadium or on franchise ownership rights and have Cricket in a commercial sense, but the concept. Another, “Qatar T10 could be moulded more specifically the “millennial generation”. TV for that matter – an total event rights for the Lanka T10 it’s also a new concept. It will be League” was founded in Doha last in the format that suits him/her the We may be missing out 80-minute rugby match or a Super League has been notified as more interesting for the spectators, year with Afridi being its Brand best, according to the skills that they on a huge new audience 200-minute T20I? tomorrow (12). while it will also bring something Ambassador. display. Chamidu and Venuli U-12 champs at Matale tennis BY L.D. CHANDRASIRI, OUR MATALE beat Pasindu Rukunayake, who 6-1, 6-1 in the event’s final. SPORTS CORRESPONDENT is also from Kurunegala, in the The three-day tournament, Boys’ Under-12 Singles finals organised by the MDTC, Chamidu Abeysinghe, 6-1, 6-3. saw 46 participants in both Venuli Jayasinghe, and Meanwhile, Jayasinghe from Boys’ and Girls’ segments Sandaru Guruge walked away Kurunegala was the winner in representing the Colombo, with singles crowns at the the corresponding Girls’ U-12 Kandy, Kurunegala, and Matale Open Ranking Tennis Singles finals where she beat Matale Districts. Tournament 2020 (Category Faith Vithanage from Colombo Harsha Chandrasiri was the 5), which was played at the 4-1, 4-1. Tournament Director while Matale District Tennis Club Guruge from Colombo Prasad Jayalatharachchi was From left: Tournament Director Harsha Chandrasiri, Boys’ U-16 Singles champion Sandaru Guruge, Boys’ U-12 Singles champion Chamidu (MDTC) courts from 25 to 27 won the Boys’ U-16 Singles the Tournament Referee, Abeysingle, Boys’ U-16 Singles runner-up Besandu Dassanayake, MDTC President Dr. H.M. Fahim, MDTC Treasurer Ismath Inoon Rafi, and SLTA September. title defeating Besandu representing the Sri Lanka Tournament Referee Prasad Jayalatharachchi after the 2020 Matale Open Ranking Tennis Tournament which ended on 27 September Abeysinghe from Kurunegala Dassanayake from Kurunegala Tennis Association (SLTA).

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 IS SRI LANKA UNLUCKY OR UNPREPARED? »SEE PAGE 3

SRI LANKA’S FISH NOT ON AUSSIE SHORES »SEE PAGE 8 Sunday,business October 11, 2020 Covid-hit apparel industry rallies Curfew or not, around workers CSE to stay open BY THE SUNDAY MORNING BUSINESS Meanwhile, CSE Chairman zJAAFSL, exporters, MAS defend workforce Dumith Fernando too told us that The newly digitalised the necessary infrastructure and BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR do not criminalise them, and Minuwangoda. Subsequent Colombo Stock Exchange systems are in place to ensure certainly do not disrespect PCR tests conducted on the (CSE) is set to remain open the market remains operational After fingers were pointed them,” Cooray stated. patient’s close contacts for trading regardless during a possible curfew. at apparel sector workers Sri Lanka Apparel detected the largest cluster of whether or not the “The CSE conducted business following the detection of Exporters’ Association found in Sri Lanka, and the Government opts for an continuity exercises to ensure the new Covid-19 cluster, (SLAEA) Chairman Rehan cluster mainly consisted of islandwide curfew, quite we are able to operate the market leading to creating social Lakhany too vehemently the workers who worked in unlike the lockdown remotely. The CSE and the stock stigma, apparel associations condemned the allegations, the same apparel factory. period following the first broker firms are satisfied with and leading apparel labelling them as mere Brandix Apparel Ltd. and the outcome of these exercises companies have come to “personal opinions”. MAS Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. Covid-19 outbreak in Sri and the robustness of the systems their defence. “I have seen negative are the two largest apparel Lanka when the country to continue uninterrupted stock Joint Apparel Association reports accusing the entire companies in Sri Lanka. was kept closed for a market operations,” Fernando Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL) apparel sector and its When contacted by us, staggering seven weeks. stated. Secretary General Tuli workers circulating since an official spokesperson On 17 September, CSE became Cooray told The Sunday last Sunday (4). What I can for MAS stated that MAS Speaking on behalf of the digitalised with the conversion Morning Business that it is say is they are not true in is hopeful that no lasting regulator of the CSE, Securities of paper-based statements to concerning to see the stigma any way. Stigmatising the negative perceptions have and Exchange Commission (SEC) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa opens trading at the CSE following its digitisation electronic forms to facilitate surrounding apparel workers apparel industry and its been created regarding Director of External Relations and in mid September companies listed on the CSE following the detection of workers has always been apparel workers or the Surveillance Tushara Jayaratne to pay dividends electronically the cluster, conveniently the culture. What we should industry. told The Sunday Morning Business During the lockdown in March, settlement would be done even to shareholders. Furthermore, disregarding the fact that do now is get together and “We are optimistic that no that the recent digitalisation that we had issues as our platform was during a curfew as the banking the CSE launched a new CSE these workers contribute emerge from this situation lasting negative perceptions was carried out at the CSE rules not digitalised,” Jayaratne stated. sector remained active even during mobile app for end-to-end digital significantly to the gross as one,” Lakhany told us. have been created by this out the need for a market closure. According to Jayaratne, the previous lockdown. onboarding and online account domestic product (GDP) Health authorities last latest outbreak on the “There will certainly not be a payment settlement was rendered “We gave maximum publicity opening that removes the barriers of Sri Lanka. Sunday detected a Covid-19 300,000-plus associates closure of the market this time. impossible during the previous for this digitalised platform. There to entry for new investors, enabling “Why can’t people case in the community for employed by our industry With the digitalisation, a Central occasion, which necessitated the are about 800,000 CDS accounts. any eligible prospective investor understand that apparel the first time in about two directly, or indeed to Depository System (CDS) can be market closure, but digitalisation Most of the active account holders around the country to open a CDS workers are a part of society months – an apparel factory the larger community to opened from your mobile without has addressed this issue too. The have already provided their email account to trade in the market too? This could have worker from the Gampaha whom it provides indirect having to visit the CSE. Customers digitalised platform requires CDS addresses and account numbers. without the need to visit a branch happened to anyone from any District attached to Brandix livelihood,” he added. will get all the required information account holders to provide their They cannot trade if they have not office. sector. Do not attack them, Apparel Solutions Ltd. in Contd. on page 2 and verification through e-mails. bank details to make sure that provided these details,” he added. Contd. on page 2

WORLD BANK’S SRI LANKA FORECAST VEHICLE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS Major recession even Protest and we will consider: Ramesh without new wave zOver 60% of vehicle dealerships closed BY THE SUNDAY MORNING been taken into account in this to the fiscal stimulus package BUSINESS DESK forecast. implemented in November 2019, BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR were revealed to us by Vehicle A World Bank report compiled The report titled “Beaten or which included a reduction of the Importers’ Association Lanka prior to the detection of the new Broken? Informality and Covid- Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and The Government will consider (VIAL) President Indika and largest Covid-19 cluster in 19” was released on 8 October an increase of the registration a relaxation of the vehicle Sampath Merenchige who Sri Lanka projects the island’s and highlights that Sri Lanka threshold, and severe disruptions import ban only if the general charged that much of the industry economy to contract by -6.7% avoided large-scale domestic in economic activity. As a result, public takes to the streets in has already gone out of business this year, which would point to transmission and experienced despite a moderation in public protest against vehicle import due to the prevailing stringent a far more severe contraction only a very small number of investment, the overall budget restrictions, according to restrictions on vehicle imports. if the ongoing situation in the infections per capita. deficit increased,” the report adds. Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister He added that the rest of the country is taken into account. Despite Sri Lanka’s “success” The forecast has also been Dr. Ramesh Pathirana. dealerships too will join the exit The forecast specifies that in containing domestic attributed to the rise of the central “If the general public gets queue soon. 30 September, the end of the transmission as mentioned in the government debt-to-GDP ratio on the road, protesting for new “Even though the Government third quarter, was the cut-off report, the projected GDP decline to over 90% as of end-April vehicles to be imported, then we said there is enough of a vehicle date for the report, which is of 6.7% has been attributed to 2020 (from 86.8% at the end might think about it. But for now, stock for more than two years, at four days prior to the detection a number of factors including of last year), with more than our concern is protecting our the moment there are only about of the Minuwangoda cluster, the impact on exports, private half of the debt denominated reserves,” he said on Thursday 1,000 vehicles at showrooms which means the ongoing health consumption, and investment. in foreign currency. (8). islandwide. After selling these situation and curfews have not “Tax revenues fell short due Contd. on page 2 The Minister added that even vehicles, all vehicle dealerships if the vehicle importers have run have to shut down their out unregistered stocks, they business,” Merenchige stated. could still keep the businesses The permanent closure of going in terms of the second- vehicle dealerships has been hand vehicle market. doubled within the past month, A killer blow for events industry He stated this responding to a as in early September, the VIAL query by The Sunday Morning noted that only 25% of the BY UWIN LUGODA be held at hotels. He explained that the Business about the stance of the vehicle dealerships closed down new cluster of cases has had adverse Government on the fact that over as they sold out their stocks. The new cluster of coronavirus effects on the industry, which was solely 60% of vehicle dealerships have However, Dr. Pathirana infections, which has been spreading depending on the local market. closed down their showrooms maintained that the Government across Sri Lanka, and its ramifications “A lot of events have been cancelled, and there are only about does not see a dire need to may prove fatal to some companies in both current ones and others that were 1,000 vehicles at showrooms import vehicles at the moment, the local events industry, according to booked for the future, like weddings. islandwide at the moment. as unregistered vehicles could industry leaders. People are very reluctant to have events These figures be seen idling at dealerships. According to Event Management in the current environment. But we “We understand the plight of Association (EMA) Vice President understand the need for restrictions since vehicle importers, but these Kamesh Malwana, event management the safety of the country is our priority, import restrictions are not companies are back in the deep-end so we need to take stock of the situation only for them, it is for all due to the cancellations that took place and then find a solution from there,” he importers in the country. following the most recent outbreak. emphasised. Moreover, there are still Speaking to The Sunday Morning However, Malwana stated that the enough vehicles at vehicle Business, he explained that most event association has already written to the showrooms,” Dr. Pathirana management companies were just time we usually have the most events. “We are among the first to be affected Ministry of Health, requesting a meeting added. beginning to recover from the initial But now we are losing our income all by these tragedies, so we are hoping the to discuss the guidelines for events. He On a further note, he Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020, with over again with this situation,” he said. Government will give us a helping hand agreed that they need to enforce strict stated that even if vehicle (with each company having) five to six Malwana stated that some companies in order to restart our industry. If not, guidelines and this should be done in importers have run out confirmed events and more pending. have already shut down due to bankruptcy this will lead to more unemployment consultation with the EMA. unregistered stocks, However, with the resurgence of the while others are mainly managing from from the event management sector,” He stated that the industry will also they could still keep the virus, these companies are now suffering their personal savings. He stated that the he added. need a grace period on making payments businesses going in a mass cancellation of events. industry has been suffering consecutively Similar to Malwana, The Hotels to banks and financial institutions as terms of the second- “The industry was just picking up for the past two years, firstly due to the Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) the moratorium will not help due to the Co-Cabinet hand vehicle market. after the last lockdown and we were Easter Sunday attack in 2019 and now President Sanath Ukwatte also lamented interest being accumulated. Spokesman Minister Contd. on waiting for December, during which due to the pandemic. the cancellation of events scheduled to Contd. on page 2 Dr. Ramesh Pathirana page 2 2 the sunday morning business INSIGHT/NEWS Sunday, October 11, 2020

By Rohan Parikh Introduction of REITs a

Real Estate Investment Trusts (popularly referred to as REITs) are a popular asset class in economies progressive move by SEC with mature primary and secondary real estate markets. Its introduction Also, REITs are often able to act as by the SEC are an extension of the current in Sri Lanka is a progressive move “anchor” investors in the early stages of Unit Trust Code, and came into effect by the Securities and Exchange real estate projects. Purchasing a certain on 31 July 2020 in the form of a gazette Commission of Sri Lanka (CSESL) percentage of the apartments or units in notification. underlying the huge growth in the a development at an early stage increases In order to promote transparency and to domestic real estate market and the viability of the project and allows the distribute ownership among people of Sri developer to reduce their risk. Lanka, REITs are only allowed as listed creating a key tool to aid its future Finally, an often-overlooked factor REITs on the Colombo Stock Exchange growth. is that REITs greatly help incentivise (CSE). The listing has three primary developers to build more commercial and requirements, namely that the building What is a REIT? rental developments. Generally, office should be fully completed, there should A REIT is essentially like a mutual fund and shopping complexes are risky for be 20% occupancy, and it should be an of property assets. Like a mutual fund, a developers as there are very few actual income-generating project. pool of investors invests into a funding buyers, and the developer has to earn their The new regulation has offered real estate vehicle (in this case, the REIT). The REIT return through managing rentals. Apart developers and owners of fully completed then uses these funds to invest in a pool from not being a core competency for most properties in Sri Lanka the capability of of real estate assets such as residential developers, this significantly increases converting their properties to a REIT which projects, commercial projects, commercial the project payback period and thus will offer the general public the opportunity rental property, malls, warehouses, and increases the financial cost and reduces the to invest and thereby benefit from any industrial developments, to name a few. viability of such projects. As a result, many increase in property values. The REIT earns a return either through developers avoid building rental assets. Specific provisions have been included rental income on properties rented out REITs act as key players here as they for the verification of title and valuation (such as office blocks and malls) or through often purchase malls and office blocks, of the property that will form part of the profits from the completion of a residential investments is that disposal or sale of 100 million invested in a small share of a and are happy to earn long-term rental assets. Among the requirements is the or commercial project. Just like a mutual assets can be time-consuming, tedious, considerable portfolio of apartments and income and pass this on to their investors. mandatory distribution of approximately fund, these earnings are then either paid out and often the market can be illiquid when offices. The risk of one of these apartments This gives developers a clear exit and 90% of the income to unitholders, which is to the unitholders of the REIT or invested the investor most needs cash. This low having a problem barely has any effect on encourages them to develop more rental- currently not a requirement for any of the in other property assets. liquidity potential makes investors wary of their overall return. based projects. listed entities. locking funds into a real estate investment Secondly, the “units” or “shares” in a Furthermore, due to the availability of the Why is it useful for investors? versus other, more liquid investments like REIT can be bought and sold just like a REITs in Sri Lanka pass-through tax mechanism on unit trusts, Generally, real estate investments, by FDs (fixed deposits) or stocks. stock or like units in a mutual fund. If our The REIT is the only new product REITs could also be a viable business their nature, require big-ticket investment A REIT helps the investor get around investor needs funds, they could sell their launched by the CSE after 23 years, the last concept to Sri Lanka that will open new sizes and do not offer the investor much both these problems. shares in the REIT immediately at the being the introduction of corporate bonds horizons for entrepreneurs to take the real diversification of risk. For example, an Firstly, as an investor, a REIT allows market value on that particular date. They in 1997. estate industry to greater heights. individual investor may want to invest one to buy a certain number of “units” would be able to cash out immediately and The spiralling property prices in Sri REITs will give a higher dividend and a Rs. 100 million in real estate. They can or “shares” in the REIT. As a REIT is enjoy the returns up to that date. Lanka has made it a challenge for average relatively stable income through long leases buy a few apartments, or a few offices as invested in a variety of real estate assets, citizens to finance real estate investments, with regulation to protect investors. The an investment. This not only requires a the investor thus diversifies his risk across Why is it useful for real estate which means a significant proportion of rules, however, could change in the future significant amount of capital investment, a much larger pool of assets. This makes it developers? the population will not benefit from the based on industry requirements. but it also exposes the investor to the risk easy for even small investors to diversify Firstly, by pooling together large groups appreciation of property and infrastructure In conclusion, it would be ideal if the that a particular apartment or office may with lower risk exposure in real estate. of investors, REITs allow developers development values. stamp duty was reduced or removed at least have a problem or may be a bad buy. Since The investor thus theoretically can enjoy access to a much larger pool of capital Introduced by the SEC together with until REITs became popular in Sri Lanka. they only have a few real estate assets, one the upside of a real estate investment, than they usually have. This greatly helps relevant stakeholders, the regulatory (The writer is the Managing Director bad asset can significantly impact the return while mitigating some of the downside assuage one of the largest problems of a framework has been set in place taking of Iconic Developments and an alumni on the portfolio. risks through diversification. Thus, the developer in an extremely cash-intensive into consideration the local environment of the Wharton School of Business and The other challenge with real estate aforementioned investor now has Rs. industry. in which it will operate. The rules set out INSEAD) Use US GSP better Contd. from page 1 Curfew... our Sri Lankan employees working in standard operating protocols A killer... –Ambassador Teplitz India and their families, who returned that include social distancing on The digitalisation also featured to Sri Lanka. We confirm that they, production floors, cafeterias, and “Business will not come up all Ambassador of the US to the revamp of CSE and SEC digital including their families, followed the production meetings, stringent at once; it will take some time to Sri Lanka and the Maldives touch points including new CSE, Sri Lanka Government protocol for temperature checks, as well as gradually pick up again. So the Alaina B. Teplitz has called SEC, and CDS websites that were the prevention and control of Covid- restricted interactions between Government will have to help our on Sri Lanka to utilise more re-launched with “user-friendly” 19, which includes PCR testing and external parties and team members industry with the current situation fully the Generalised System interfaces to offer users an informative a 14-day mandatory quarantine at belonging to different shifts, it said. because it is practically impossible of Preferences (GSP) offered browsing experience covering trading a government-regulated quarantine “MAS also places all raw for us to pay salaries and (bear) other by the US Government. information, regulatory information, facility, as well as the 14-day self- material sourced from external expenses without any income. Unlike “Trade can still grow as well as investor-centric information quarantine process done under the suppliers in quarantine for 24 hours other industries, ours is one of the and one way Sri Lankan maintained by the CDS. supervision of the respective PHIs. to eliminate any possibilities of first to be affected in situations like companies can maximise With the new online account Further to this, it must also be noted virus transmission from material this,” he added. trade with the US is to take opening feature offered by the CSE that none of these Sri Lankans surfaces,” the company noted. Local authorities announced a better advantage of existing mobile app, prospective investors nor their family members visited ban to all public gatherings on 6 trade preferences. For can begin investing instantly with the Minuwangoda manufacturing October, following the detection of a example, did you know that their account opening, trading, and facility,” the statement from Brandix Protest... new Covid-19 cluster which brought exports under the Generalised settlement, and monitor their accounts added. The Minister added that the the total number of confirmed Ambassador of the US to Sri Lanka System of Preferences or and the Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz remotely. Commenting on these allegations Government is yet to look at an cases to 4,252 as of 8 October. The GSP accounted for 5.32% of The CSE was closed from 20 March against Brandix, Cooray stated alternative option for vehicle Government then revised the timeline the total exports to the US in he said that Sri Lanka should to 10 May mainly due to the inability that in no way would the company importers. of public activities on 7 October. 2019? That seems like a very capitalise on its geopolitical of being physically present at the have been negligent in terms of the Speaking to us in September, The timeline stated that public small percentage. A total of $ positioning to reap long-term CSE to undertake usual operations safety of its workers, as it is one of Merenchige expressed his activities from 4 October to 31 196 million in exports were economic benefits. as well as due to restricted mobility, the companies that adheres to all dissatisfaction over the way the October will have to strictly follow eligible for cost savings under “The pandemic gives us according to the CSE. Nevertheless, the health guidelines issued by the vehicle industry is being treated by the new normal procedures. It GSP,” she said. reasons to be optimistic. In the seven-week-long market closure Ministry of Health. the Government, despite the colossal categorised public activities into Teplitz was addressing the recent years, Sri Lanka has created uncertainties amongst the “Brandix is one of the best sum of tax revenue the Government four segments of “No Operations”, 4th Annual General Meeting been increasingly featured investors, particularly among foreign companies in the world. I do not made through vehicle imports. “Higher Restrictions”, “Restricted”, of Sri Lanka – USA Business in discussions on the Asian investors who were unhappy that they think these allegations are true and I Debt moratoriums and financial and “Normal Operations”, with Council (SLUSABC), which geopolitical environment. were being prevented from pulling out cannot accept them,” he added. relief packages that were announced primarily only weddings and funerals functions under the aegis Undoubtedly our strategic their investments in a volatile market Speaking on the accusations following the Easter Sunday incident allowed to continue, with general of the Ceylon Chamber of location across the Indian situation. against Brandix, Lakhany explained last year were not made available measures of physical distancing, Commerce, as the Chief Ocean sea lanes has been that the apparel workers from to the vehicle industry, even though respiratory etiquette, hand washing, Guest on 17 September. attracting the interest of major this particular company were the industry has been facing a and wearing face masks applying to She also encouraged local powers such as India, China, Covid-hit... asymptomatic and, if at all, the financially tough period since late all of them. businesses to market these and more recently, Japan and Social media posts and several maximum the company could do 2018. benefits to attract more the US. Whilst this has its news reports were quick to point the is check the temperature of the Exacerbating the industry’s buyers. own merits and demerits, I finger at Brandix, accusing them of employees, mandate washing hands misery, the Government restricted Major... “This is a marketing hope Sri Lanka will be able to not adhering to health guidelines and before entering the building, and imports following the local spread Nevertheless, the report says that advantage that Sri Lankan withstand, to play a new role of forcing workers to report to work wearing a mask. of Covid-19 in mid-March this year Sri Lanka would be able to more firms should be broadcasting on Asia’s rapidly changing despite increased body temperature. When the first case of this cluster in order to avoid a possible foreign than recover GDP losses under to prospective buyers geopolitical stage and convert In addition to this, Brandix was also went almost undetected even by exchange crisis amidst a crippled the pandemic by 2025, given the as a reason to buy from it to the country’s own long- accused of bringing down Indian hospitals, how can we expect an global and national economy. mitigation of domestic transmission these companies. It’s an term economic benefit,” Dr. nationals to their facility without apparel company to detect it merely Even though the initial ban before 4 October. advantage that, in fact, we Ratnayake said. requiring them to be quarantined by checking the body temperature, on vehicle imports was imposed Furthermore, the baseline forecast do not want to be kept a Sanji De Silva of Bileeta upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Lakhany questioned. only as a short-term measure, the suggests that Sri Lanka’s external secret. We want Sri Lankan (Pvt.) Ltd. was elected as the Meanwhile, clarifying concerns Both Lakhany and Cooray expect Government later on announced that debt will be very high compared businesses to know about Vice President and Mohan pertaining to their facility in the ongoing situation to have an vehicle imports would be restricted to exports and remittance receipts. these opportunities, which is Mendis of Heritage Teas Minuwangoda on Wednesday impact on the apparel sector, but for another two years. They also The report also projects Sri Lankan why the embassy facilitated (Pvt.) Ltd. was elected as (7), Brandix stated that they have quantifying the impact at this ruled out a possible vehicle shortage economy to grow by 3.3% next discussions as recently as the Treasurer for the period identified the primary female party is stage is premature, according to by stating that the country has year, which could also be revised last week explaining how 2020/2021. CBL Natural the owner of a hostel, while the two Lakhany. Nevertheless, both of them enough vehicles in stock for the next significantly in light of recent GSP exporters can take better Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., Dipped members occupying her hostel and assured that the industry has already two years. developments. Last month, First advantage of GSP benefits Products PLC, Fanam the supervisor being referred to are provided the necessary facilities in In 2019, Sri Lanka spent about $ Capital Research (FCR) estimated and we’ll continue to discuss International (Pvt.) Ltd., employed by a third-party cleaning terms of safety to its workers. 815.7 million on vehicle imports, that Sri Lanka’s GDP would see that topic if there is further Global Rubber Industries service provider contracted by the Meanwhile, MAS confirmed compared to $ 1.5 billion the its steepest contraction in history interest.” (Pvt.) Ltd., HVA Foods PLC, Brandix Minuwangoda facility. to us that they continue to adhere previous year. In August, the of -5.8% in 2020 following the Hayleys Advantis Ltd. MAC Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. The company also denied to stringent protocols and health Central Bank of Sri Lanka stated unexpected contraction in Q1 GDP Director Dr. Asanka and Regency Teas (Pvt.) providing access to any party from guidelines over and above those that expenditure on motor vehicle growth of -1.6%. This forecast too Ratnayake was re-elected Ltd. were elected from the India or any other country to the stipulated by local authorities across imports declined by 80.9% due came before the latest outbreak. as the President of the membership to serve on the facility during this period. all MAS facilities. Employees to the import restriction measures The initial growth forecast of the SLUSABC for 2020/2021 at Executive Committee of the “We operated three chartered are provided with protective gear, taken by the Government and the World Bank for Sri Lanka for 2020 the AGM, and in his address Council. flights from Visakhapatnam, India for regular sanitisation, and other Central Bank since March 2020. was 3.3%. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, October 11, 2020 ECONOMY

By Dhananath Fernando Some time back, a friend of Is Sri Lanka unlucky mine died in a motorcycle accident. I consoled myself thinking it was pure misfortune. However, upon visiting the location of the accident, I discovered my friend had ridden his bike or unprepared? without a safety helmet. Needless to say, if he hadn’t met with the accident, zEconomic misfortune and economic mismanagement go hand in hand regardless of whether he was health perspective and from an time taken penetrating regulatory The intention of protecting wearing a helmet or not, he economic angle. barriers that stand in the way local industries by imposing would’ve still been amongst One main lesson Covid-19 has of easy registration, only to tariffs has made our own local us. However, if he had worn taught us is that only self-control prolong the process even further, industries uncompetitive and a helmet, it is likely that and self-discipline can contain the continuing all the way to the point has forced consumers to bear he would’ve survived the virus, not state control. The state of customs. the cost of inefficiencies. As accident. can only play a facilitatory role, and The added unnecessary import a result, local industries are the impact on public health and our restrictions further hurt Sri Lanka’s neither productive for export Most incidents in life, or economy worsens with each blanket export potential with higher tariffs nor competitive, and we are even in the economy, can be policy decision. on imported raw materials for back at square one seen through two lenses – of When we look at the events export processing making matters misfortune and mismanagement over the last five to six years, worse and Sri Lanka’s exports can be only done by borrowing (in its positive variation, these an unaccounted cost of uncompetitive on the global stage. money from other lenders and can be interpreted as good fortune mismanagement is throwing away The intention of protecting local servicing the existing debt. Even or as the results of hard work and resources and opportunities that industries by imposing tariffs has if it is possible, it won’t provide smart decisions). It is embedded could have been utilised during hard made our own local industries a permanent solution due to the in Sri Lankan culture to interpret times of misfortune. All the misfortune and mismanagement over the last few decades now appear to be uncompetitive and has forced unsustainability of our debt. most unfavourable events in life For example, think of a cricket funnelling down to a serious economic shock consumers to bear the cost of If Sri Lanka had built the through the lens of misfortune. team which is chasing a total, and inefficiencies. As a result, local right economic foundations with However, a deeper dive into loses half their wickets due to the One main lesson Covid-19 consumption, our supply chains industries are neither productive proper social security safety nets the root causes of unfortunate frontline batsmen playing careless has taught us is that only self- for exports were interrupted during for export nor competitive, and we and policies to boost competition incidents often emphasises lapses shots. However, the team ends up control and self-discipline can the first wave of Covid. Since then, are back at square one. and productivity with a firm of management. losing only by two runs due to a contain the virus, not state however, our exports have been on Our mismanagement has caused understanding of economic A sudden uptick in Covid-19 brave fightback by the lower order control. The state can only the rise to reach pre-Covid levels. us to restrict our exports only to fundamentals, we would never cases can also be viewed by society batsmen, which took the team to the play a facilitatory role, and the However, our apparel sector is one a few sectors and we have placed have reached this dangerous through these two lenses. As brink of an unlikely victory. Should impact on public health and major industry that was badly hit too many export eggs in the juncture. individuals, isn’t it the appropriate we say the team was unlucky our economy worsens with by Covid-19 just at the start of this apparel basket. By and large, we could also have time to question if we followed because it got agonisingly close each blanket policy decision year – a time we need exports the navigated or totally avoided most the simple steps of wearing a and lost by only two runs, or should most. Mismanagement and of the misfortunes we are facing at face mask, washing our hands, we blame the carelessness of the due to mismanagement, and some There is talk in society that the misfortune of our debt the moment. Our mismanagement maintaining social distance, and batsmen at the top, without whom events are due to misfortune. But it recent Covid-19 cluster is viewed sustainability is what has made us believe that taking precautionary measures to the team would have presumably is undeniable that we are hindered as a result of both misfortune and Covid-19 has had a direct we are unfortunate. Unfortunately, avoid greater misfortune? ended up winning the match? by the mismanagement of our mismanagement. However, we impact on our debt sustainability. the degree of mismanagement On the broader picture of public When we look back at our recent misfortunes. as a country cannot be forgiven As we have highlighted multiple through which we have survived policy; have we increased our history, in 2015-2016, the Central However, all the misfortune and for the mismanagement of our times, servicing debt of nearly $ so far is more than we can afford. testing capacity, have we followed Bank bond fiasco affected our mismanagement over the last few export sector over the years. Our 4 billion till 2025 is a mammoth Therefore, we have now reached the right testing strategy, and have financial markets to an extent; in decades now appear to be funnelling mismanagement of exports backed task. Our debt servicing cost has such a precarious position that we we been conducting random testing? 2016, the drought greatly affected down to a serious economic shock. by a system of unnecessary and exploded to a whopping 107% simply cannot afford to face any These are questions we should ask Sri Lanka’s economic prospects; The uncertainty of Covid-19 and excessive regulations on exports of our annual revenue, and our further misfortune! ourselves before jumping to any in 2018, we had a constitutional its impact at the global scale have continues to handicap our export annual revenue is declining as a (The writer is the Chief conclusions. crisis; this was followed by the 2019 made it the right ingredient to stir potential. According to a study percentage of GDP over the years. Operating Officer of Advocata However, a combination of Easter Sunday attacks which further up a storm for Sri Lanka. conducted by Verite Research in The Government’s generous Institute. He can be contacted mismanagement and misfortune shattered hopes of any economic 2018, registering as an exporter is tax cut offered at the end of last at [email protected]. is deadly, and these two often recovery; we had the Digana riots Mismanagement and an extensive process. The example year is expected to significantly The opinions expressed are the complement each other. Whether and social media blockages in misfortune of exports they provided is of the coconut reduce tax revenue for 2020. author’s own views. They do not it’s misfortune or mismanagement, between; in 2020, we are still in Covid-19 hit our exports industry, where the process adds The Government assured us that reflect the views of the Advocata the consequences for citizens would the middle of a global pandemic. badly on all fronts. As our export three to four weeks in time taken we are in a position to service Institute or anyone affiliated with be very serious both from a public Some of these negative shocks are markets were affected by falling to register, in addition to the all our debts. However, that the institute)

By Dr. Nisha Arunatilake Why an economy should The world economy is predicted to contract by -4.9% in 2020 (International Monetary Fund [IMF], 2020). The performance of individual countries during the be ready for anything Covid-19 pandemic varies widely. A variety of factors, including frequent but high-impact disasters independent of governments and plan to stimulate the economy, The Covid-19 pandemic presents the severity of the pandemic, such as pandemics, which receive employers are more resilient, as mainly focused on improving unprecedented economic and social stringency of containment efforts, less policy attention. An IRM they are not affected by economic infrastructure. This facilitated a challenges to countries across the and the connection of economies system also takes into account both downturns during disasters. quicker recovery in comparison world. Sri Lanka has been largely with other affected countries, low-probability, high-impact risks to many other countries. successful in containing the spread determine the performance of (e.g. tsunamis and pandemics) Building Sri Lanka’s The Covid-19 experience of the disease and maintaining low individual economies. Disasters as well as high-probability, low- resilience highlights the need for casualty levels. The recovery from such as Covid-19 can impede impact risks (e.g. floods and Sri Lanka is highly stronger social protection similar pandemics in the future can development in countries; while it droughts). vulnerable to different coverage in Sri Lanka. be expedited if the country is better is difficult to avoid being affected types of disasters. The inadequate coverage prepared to respond to disasters. by disasters, being prepared can Fiscal and financial risk Preparedness can of existing programmes Given that Sri Lanka will remain reduce the costs and quicken the management reduce the resultant has hampered the effective highly vulnerable to the growing recovery. This is important to improve a socioeconomic costs. channelling of relief to the threat of pandemics like Covid- Countries can prepare for country’s resilience to disasters. Over time, Sri Lanka most affected individuals. 19 and other forms of disasters, disasters in a variety of ways. The ability to respond to a disaster has put in place a variety of A universal programme improving its disaster preparedness Following the World Development effectively depends on its available institutions and mechanisms can overcome some of these can mitigate the human and Report 2014 recommendations, fiscal space. Evidence shows that to respond to disasters. issues. Such a programme economic costs arising from them. this article concentrates on disaster countries with sufficient funds to However, there is no IRM process can also be more efficient and Note: This article is based on preparedness along: a) Integrated cushion the impacts of an adverse in the country. For example, flexible, as the administrative Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) risk management, b) fiscal and shock can minimise the costs of the Epidemiology Unit at the costs incurred will be minimised forthcoming “Sri-Lanka: State financial risk management, and c) disasters and facilitate a faster Ministry of Health is experienced and the Government will have of the Economy 2020” report social insurance and work status. recovery. This requires increasing in handling public health risks and better information to target on “Pandemics and Disruptions: spending when economies are has managed to contain Covid-19 different types of populations in Reviving Sri Lanka’s Economy Integrated risk down, and saving during economic successfully, but its functions are important to build the capacity of providing relief. Covid-19 and Beyond”. management (IRM) booms. Such counter-cyclical limited to the health sector. existing institutions to handle such At present, Sri Lanka protects (Nisha Arunatilake is This involves strengthening the spending is possible only when Since the 2004 tsunami, Sri disasters. the incomes of formal sector the Director of Research at overall capacity of a country to countries plan to manage their Lanka has followed international The importance of long-term workers by protecting jobs. IPS. She heads the Labour, manage all types of risks, rather finances, keeping a long-term frameworks to improve its fiscal discipline in Sri Lanka was Companies are compelled to Employment, and Human than specific ones. IRM is both perspective. disaster preparedness through exemplified by the Covid-19 pay their workers regardless Resource Development Research efficient and cost-effective. It helps legal and institutional reforms pandemic. A stronger financial of whether they work or not. Unit. Her research interests countries prepare for different Social protection and and capacity building. However, position would have enabled more Continuing to retain a full include labour market analysis, types of disasters using the same social insurance the current framework is highly relief to households and businesses workforce during financially education and skill development, process by providing a framework This provides safeguards against focused on addressing hydro- for a faster recovery, including difficult times can be a challenge migration and development, and for exploiting synergies in the poverty during adverse shocks meteorological disasters. As such, more investments to boost growth. to many companies, especially health economics. She holds a management of risks and balancing and boosts recovery of economic the relief activities of Covid-19 Many countries increase public amid severe reductions in business BSc in Computer Science and different trade-offs across risks. activities by maintaining aggregate were co-ordinated by a task force investments to create jobs and activities and revenue. Schemes Mathematics with summa cum For example, building capacity demand. The coverage of protection under the Presidential Secretariat. boost economic activity. For that are not linked to the employer laude from the University of to provide relief to people during and the adequacy of benefits The involvement of a high-level example, in the aftermath of to provide unemployment the South, USA and an MA and a disaster can be useful during are important to improve the office has certainly improved the the 2008 global financial crisis insurance can help employers PhD in Economics from Duke different types of disasters. effectiveness of social protection. response effectiveness in the short (GFC), the Chinese Government survive while providing relief to University, USA. Talk with Nisha IRM also helps prepare for less Social protection funds that are term; in the long term, though, it is rolled out a massive investment workers. via [email protected]) 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/INNOVATION Sunday, October 11, 2020 Pandemic of misinformation As new Covid cases within the country soar, we have also credible, fact-based journalism. internet is full of helpful-sounding those media mean that they can seen the return of a pandemic of misinformation which had The anxiety surrounding the but unfounded theories. While be equally rife with useful and died down as the country let down its guard. The past week virus means that humans are your home remedies of ginger and truthful information as well as has seen the internet, social media, and messaging platforms emotionally invested in all things turmeric and coriander are all great fake, speculative, and downright ablaze with rumour and conjecture travelling at intense Covid-19, leaving their ability to for building immunity, they’re not dangerous content. The problem speed from device to device to an audience clamouring for discern compromised. Much of the going to combat Covid-19. was serious enough that the World information. misinformation and disinformation And then there is the spectrum Health Organisation (WHO), thus plays on our anxieties and uses of speculative pronouncements, United Nations (UN), International The chaos of information shared Even mainstream media and that as a vehicle to spread hatred authoritative quoting of intelligence Federation of Red Cross and Red following the detection of the new respected news sites are guilty THE and discrimination. This week’s sources, gleeful sharing of closely Crescent Societies (IFRC), and cluster was a damning indictment on of some degree of amplification, sickening onslaught on the character guarded news, and amateur image several other agencies issued a people’s judgment and intelligence, profiling, and framing of the truth HEADLIGHT and behaviour of apparel workers, editing that goes into building statement on how these tools may be and the sheer lack of sophistication – a potentially dangerous trend the finger pointing, and blame the narrative around potential used to promote healthy behaviours in consuming information even given the legitimacy they enjoy. Lanka we have lived in over the games reeked of prejudice and lockdowns and curfews. Having and how to mitigate the harm from among the urban, educated elite. As consumers, we have scant past five years. There was similarly recklessness. The stigma thus built been taken by surprise the first misinformation and disinformation. It is incredibly important that we awareness of the deliberate but sinister and irresponsible conduct only feeds a culture of hysteria, bad time around, it’s only natural that Granted that the leader of the learn to discriminate and treat subtle influence media can have on social media following the judgment, and foolishness in dealing people should overreact and begin free world himself has been one forwarded information with a over a narrative. Clickbait headlines Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, with a virus that no country can hoarding, leading to artificial of the foremost purveyors of degree of suspicion. It’s tragic that and sensational media presentations which resulted in creating a fear claim to have tamed. shortages and, far worse, crowded misinformation, but we must all people don’t take a moment to fact- do little to help, and it’s a pity they psychosis that lasted several Also dangerous is the abundance places where this contagious virus strive to do better. Think critically, check, verify, cross-check a piece aren’t seen for what they are – weeks with the public feeling like of medical advice that carries no may thrive. verify facts, question legitimacy, of information or at least google the strategies that monetise our yearning a bomb could go off anywhere, at solid proof of efficacy. From steam In Covid-19, the world has and take a minute before sharing. source, all of which can easily be for information. any time despite assurances to the inhalation and exposing oneself to experienced the first truly global And know that your social media done in a matter of seconds. And if Of course, this is not the first contrary by the Police. Then too sunlight and high temperatures to example of how the internet and timelines and those WhatsApp something sounds less than credible, time this misinformation monster we saw mainstream media feeding kill the virus, to bogus remedies social media can keep us informed messages, and even the internet, or smells of a conspiracy theory, has reared its ugly head in the into the fear instead of taking the that include suggestions of drug and connected on a massive by design, are open to being choose not to share it any further. newly social media savvy Sri responsible route and sticking to cocktails and native treatment, the scale. But the inherent features of superspreaders of misinformation.

SLASSCOM recognises winners of Oslo The locally made green Innovation Week The first member meet-up since the Covid-19 lockdown of the Sri Lanka traffic and fitness solution Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM) was concluded z recently where the Oslo Innovation Week First Sri Lankan electric bike plans 1,000 sales in first year awards ceremony was also held. BY UWIN LUGODA The six winners of the Oslo Innovation Week Accelerate 2020 competition were The vehicle industry has always been selected from a pool of over 50 shortlisted dominated by fossil fuels, but in the past applicants by an expert panel of judges few years, we have seen a significant made up of local and foreign specialists push towards companies coming up with in business and IT domains; the teams electric automobiles. However, it is not were Q-bus, Magicbits, Studybuddyzone, solely the companies that opt for electric Fusion Lab, Ananke IoT Services, and automobiles; more consumers make the Ultraclass. switch each year due to lower fuel costs, From these winners, the team Ultraclass environmental stewardship, and energy have been selected to represent Sri Lanka independence. and showcase their innovations at the Oslo This move for greener transport has Innovation Week 2020 Top 100 Pitches, also been making its way into the global which will be held virtually this year due bicycle segment, with the standard pedal to Covid-19 restrictions. bike and even motorbikes rapidly being Hosted by the SLASSCOM replaced by electric/smart bikes. The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Forum global e-bike market is projected to grow and sponsored by PwC Sri Lanka, the at a Compound Annual Growth Rate evening was graced by the Ambassador (CAGR) of 9.01% to reach $ 38.6 billion Demonstration of the Rhoda smart bike of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka by 2025 from $ 21.1 billion in 2018, PHOTOS ESHAN DASANAYAKA Trine Jøranli Eskedal, embassy staff, according to international research. SLASSCOM members, and well-wishers. This trend has now made its way to Sri Fazul stated that the ideation and 30% reduction in calories burnt, compared design similar to a scooter that allows SLASSCOM Chairman Channa Lanka in the form of Rhoda, the country’s conceptualisation of the product started to cycling on a conventional bicycle someone to get on and off a Rhoda easily, Manoharan highlighted that this meet-up first locally built electric bicycle. Themed in 2017, with the beta prototype having amounting to 495 calories. in a well-ironed shirt and trouser, saree, or was a special one not only since it was the “Cycling Redefined”, Rhoda was officially been completed in June 2020 thanks to his “Finding time for exercise means we even more traditional outfits like a sarong. first post-Covid event for the association, unveiled to the media on 24 September. other two Co-founders, Head of Design would need additional hours in a 24-hour Furthermore, other attractive features but also because it was the celebratory Speaking to The Sunday Morning Lee Bazalgette and Head of Production day, in the midst of trying to balance work include the integrated locking mechanism platform to recognise the winners of the Business, Rhoda CEO and Co-Founder Fazul Mowjood. He explained that he and life. However, the constant movement, that allows one to park a Rhoda anywhere, Oslo Innovation Week Accelerate 2020. Eyas Fazul said that Rhoda’s goal is had always been passionate about riding, breaking away from a sedentary lifestyle locking it to light poles and metal railing, “The aim of the competition was to to revolutionise mobility in Sri Lanka, especially old café racer-type motorcycles; that Rhoda provides, acts as its own form and the integrated headlights and taillights inspire Sri Lankan startups to explore the focusing on the three key principles of however, his shift to electric mobility came of exercise,” Fazul added. for cycling at night after those long days opportunities of using digital technology to convenience, sustainability, and value for three years ago when he saw an electric at office. solve social issues and more importantly, to money. He explained that they will first kick scooter that had a range of around 60 He stated that these factors, alongside support them with financial aid, mentorship, start by redefining cycling for the average km in one charge while attending a solar the bike’s ability to traverse a diverse and guidance to successfully commercialise commuter with Rhoda AT, Sri Lanka’s first conference in Singapore. Riding a Rhoda also has range of terrains, including sandy beaches their innovations,” explained SLASSCOM electric smart bicycle. “It immediately dawned on me that this, a significant impact on the and inner gravel roads, make the switch to Director Anura De Alwis. The Rhoda AT is equipped with a a contextually designed electric mobility environment with the reduction Rhoda attractive to a vast target market. Launched in partnership and under specifically engineered motor and a battery product, is the solution for the commuting of our daily individual carbon The company currently has two models, the patronage of the Royal Norwegian that adds two more riding modes to a problems in Sri Lanka, especially footprint created due to commutes, the AT which stands for All-Terrain and Embassy in Sri Lanka, the Oslo Innovation conventional bicycle; the “Power Assist” considering how bad rush hour commutes reducing the CO2 emissions of 7 kg the AT SS which is the Stainless Steel Week Accelerate 2020 was a competition mode (up to 60 km on a full charge), best can be in our cities islandwide.” in cars or 2.3 kg in three-wheelers to variant of the AT, both having the same to recognise and support Sri Lankan tech defined as an invisible push while peddling Fazul presented Rhoda as the solution only 1.1 kg in a Rhoda specifications. The two models are also startups. The competition revolved around which significantly reduces the effort to the average person’s travel woes, on customisable with a multitude of colours innovative products and services that can needed for momentum while still putting account of the average speed during and accessory options. help fight the pandemic while addressing in a healthy exercise, and the “Cruise” rush hour on a Rhoda being 19 km/h, in Speaking on the mental aspect of Rhoda, For their first 50 pre-orders, they are social issues arising from the same. The mode (up to 30 km on a full charge), contrast to 10 km/h, which the average Fazul stated that there is countless research giving each buyer a special edition of the competition also required applicants to where the bicycle transforms into a safer commute in a car, three-wheeler, or bus, that links slow, passive commuting, Rhoda, called the Founder Edition, where focus their innovations on the UN17 motorcycle through its twist throttle. reducing a 20 km commute time from 120 such as being stuck behind a wheel or in they offer a free custom mural of the Sustainable Development Goals in one minutes to 70 minutes. He went on to state public transport, to stress-related physical consumer’s liking. These orders are set to of five areas, namely Ocean, Healthcare, that a fully charged Rhoda has plenty of and mental illnesses like heart disease, start delivering in the first quarter of 2021. Energy, Equality, and Smart Cities. power for an average daily commute to anxiety, and even depression. It has also Fazul stated that most of their “Our dependency on digital infrastructure Fazul stated that most of their work (30 km), run errands (10 km), and been shown that opting for an active manufacturing is currently in-house, but and online services has never been more manufacturing is currently in-house, even meet friends (20 km) on Power Assist commute, like walking or cycling, leads they do source some items from local and than it is today,” mentioned Ambassador but they do source some items from mode. Moreover, he stated that choosing to a reduction in being prone to such international suppliers who manufacture Eskedal. “Over four billion people use local and international suppliers to travel in a Rhoda AT would result in less illnesses and a boost in productivity due based on their design specifications. He digital technologies, but this means that who manufacture based on their one-person cars coming into the city. This to increased blood circulation to the brain explained that iron and steel are some of half of the world still doesn’t, and we need design specifications. He explained would have a net positive effect on society and the positive hormonal effects that the key materials in Rhoda, and due to this, to pay special attention to these people that iron and steel are some of the key with less congested roads, which would occur when exercising; a more sustainable they have partnered with suppliers who and support them. With SLASSCOM’s materials in Rhoda, and due to this, help other public transport commuters and lifestyle for us. source them from a couple of countries continued commitment to promote startups, they have partnered with suppliers city officials streamline traffic better. Finally he pointed out that Rhoda also such as India and China. we can expect these kinds of initiatives who source them from a couple of “Riding a Rhoda also has a significant has a positive effect on the wallet of the “Rhoda AT is for any populated city and to continue and for the country’s startup countries such as India and China. impact on the environment with the user; where an average commute costs is not limited to just Colombo. Congested ecosystem to bloom,” she commended. reduction of our daily individual carbon around Rs. 15 per kilometre by car, Rs. cities like Kandy, Kurunegala, and The evening also included the footprint created due to commutes, 35 per kilometre by three-wheeler, Rs. Ratnapura; cycling cities such as Jaffna recognition of six innovators from Cutting The product also claims the title of Sri reducing the CO2 emissions of 7 kg in 6.5 per kilometre by motorcycle, Rs. 4 and Trincomalee; and even coastal cities Edge 2020 – an innovation-centred Lanka’s first smart bicycle. Its integration cars or 2.3 kg in three-wheelers to only per kilometre by bus, and even Rs. 2 per like Galle and Matara are perfect for our exhibition hosted by the Informatics with a smartphone enables biometric 1.1 kg in a Rhoda, which can be further kilometre by train, the cost of Rhoda is Rs. product. Rhoda is designed and made in Institute of Technology (IIT) – namely, authentication through the phone’s reduced if charged through solar, which is 0.2 per kilometre, offering unparalleled Sri Lanka, for Sri Lankans first.” Gayalie Jayawardhane, Mohamed Irfan fingerprint sensor. It also enables face sustainable for the planet.” economic benefits to transportation. He stated that the current Government Ismath, Jittendran Jude Sajith Hector, Nisal recognition to access the bike thanks to He stated that by having the option to “In summary, Rhoda is the more is looking to promote a cycling culture Sudila, Safiyaah Thur Rahman, and Stelan the smartphone HUD (heads-up display). pedal in a Rhoda, there is a significant convenient, sustainable and economical, for daily commuting purposes. Therefore, Briyan Simonsz. These students will be Through a dedicated app, it allows the physical and also mental health benefit option for mobility and transportation.” Rhoda’s target is to have at least 1,000 taken into the SLASSCOM mentorship integrated lights and locking mechanism associated with it. When riding to work on According to Fazul, the Rhoda AT was Rhodies (Rhoda riders) on the streets programme to be guided in terms of that can be controlled through the app for Power Assist mode, the bike is set to act as designed around the ideals of the daily of Sri Lanka in the first year of their commercialising their innovations. unprecedented safety and security. a sort of exercise, with analysis showing a commuter, starting with the step-through production. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, October 11, 2020 TRANSPORT

passage of bulk vehicles, but the By difference is that between the lanes and Dr. Nicholas Ruwan the area allotted to other vehicles there is a physical barrier. This barrier prohibits Dias and Niresh the entry of other vehicles, which enables Eliatamby buses to run more freely. Divided bus lanes are much more complicated and costly than bus lanes as they require Anyone who drives in Colombo exclusive land. Private transportation for even a few minutes runs the in some cases must be substantially very real possibility of hitting limited and major expropriations or getting hit by something are necessary in other cases, – a motorcycle, a tuk tuk, but the reported net benefits a person, a bus, another support their introduction and car or van, or even a tree; inclusion as a basic criterion or get stuck in traffic for the design of transport that turns a 20-minute networks. drive into a 90-minute Capital investment nightmare. That’s how badly our (medium) roads have been designed. 1. Improve cycling infrastructure There’s no point in wringing our hands like naughty children and saying Cycling to work is an interesting there’s too much traffic. Until our public option, but has some drawbacks – safety, transport system – trains and buses – is rain, scorching sun. But other Asian brought up to a satisfactory level, people nations have managed it. So should we. have to get to school and to work. Via the roads – they don’t have wings to fly. 2. Improve bus services Traffic isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a major We need more buses and better buses. economic issue that affects investment, Enough said. productivity, and efficiency. And it keeps a lot of angry commuters in a bad mood 3. Develop and refine park-and-ride permanently. Rail and bus coupled with ample So let’s look at what the problems are parking at railway and bus stations. What and what needs to be done. could be simpler? May need a significant Traffic congestion is only at junctions. amount of land acquisition though. Roads have sufficient capacity. It’s a myth that we don’t have sufficient road 4. Use inbound flow control space in Colombo. If the traffic would Sophisticated ICT systems exist in other flow, vehicles would get from point A countries, that can be designed by our to point B and then be off the roads. But own young ICT professionals. Use them. when junctions are badly designed, they become clogged with traffic, resulting in 5. Rationalise distribution and many times the number of vehicles than Fixing Colombo’s deliveries necessary remaining on the roads. Our roads are too often blocked by heavy vehicles loading and unloading, What’s wrong with our from cement mixers to containers. The junctions? roads around the Port of Colombo are yy Poor construction of left and right- particularly troublesome. We need to turn lanes at junctions forcing turning take a look at best practices in cities such vehicles to stop for long periods traffic issue as Singapore, where industrial traffic is yy Poor calibration of traffic lights yy Separate bus stops from the road with a accidents, must be taken into account and routed on different roads and at different resulting in left-turning vehicles being curb – low cost, rapid execution minimised. times to ensure that rush hour traffic is not stopped needlessly yy Relocate existing religious statues to The most obvious effect of congestion disrupted. is an increase in travel time, particularly yy Left-turn lanes and right-turn lanes alternative sites 50 metres away from during peak periods, which is well Capital investment (high) are mostly not separated from straight the junctions above those in smaller towns. The slow lanes, resulting in vehicles hopping yy Issue orders that only convoys of the 1. Existing rail network circulation rate often exasperates drivers lanes and creating clogs President, Prime Minister, Speaker, and creates violent behaviour. See our last week’s column on yy Roundabouts being poorly designed Chief Justice, and Commanders of Armed Forces should be allowed Since multiple choices are made around optimising usage of the existing rail yy Poor training of traffic police the world, a city with serious congestion network, with Greater Colombo already yy Think three-dimensional. Build short, problems will drive investors away, having 92 railway stations. Improve the yy Political interference in the smooth low-cost, single-lane or double-lane flow of traffic, with traffic police giving although other significant conditions may tracks; expand the stations; and put better, flyovers at critical junctions. But don’t be favourable. While traffic congestion faster, and larger trains on the track. priority to VIP convoys carrying minor bankrupt the country doing it. Simple politicians might not be the only cause, it may flyovers really don’t cost much, once still play a major role in the exodus 2. New light rail yy Poor construction of bus stops, you cut out the corruption from traditional city centres for better A contentious political issue right now, resulting in buses stopping partially or yy Go underground. Sometimes, short performance conditions. but it should be explored for areas of fully on the roads and at junctions to underground tunnels at junctions can Congestion can make the lifestyle of Greater Colombo that aren’t covered by pick up passengers, resulting in traffic be less costly than flyovers a city unsustainable in the medium and the existing rail network. blockage y long term. The synergy that can result y Plant many more new trees and get rid 3. Expressways yy Poor construction of parking spots, of trees that block traffic. But don’t go from the concentration of cities’ services resulting in traffic congestion due to chopping down any 200-year-old trees and opportunities can be cancelled by An interesting project is being carried improper parking and reversing out of excessive travel times, fuel consumption, out to connect the Colombo Port City/ parking slots yy Ensure that city planners include sufficient parking when approving and pollution. More and more people to encourage children to do so without Fort area with the expressway network, yy Tuk tuk parks being located at multiple high-rise buildings, shopping will want to flee from this lifestyle and accompanying them. connecting at the Kelani Bridge. It junctions resulting in accidents or travel elsewhere in a situation marked remains to be seen how much of the malls, etc. 3. Enforce current laws on road congestion as they move in and out by growing difficulties and dangers to existing traffic will use this. Much transport yy Religious statues blocking the line of Congestion can make the lifestyle of public health. In short, pollution and its depends on whether it will be toll free or sight of motorists a city unsustainable in the medium consequences slowly challenge cities’ The enforcement of traffic laws in have a high toll that pushes it out of the and long term. The synergy that sustainability. Sri Lanka is done in an ad hoc manner reach of motorists. Practical solutions can result from the concentration Whilst billions of rupees will strengthen that fails to deter errant motorists. Conclusion yy Separate the running lanes with a small of cities’ services and opportunities our urban transport infrastructure and The assistance of CCTV is required to curb – low cost, rapid execution can be cancelled by excessive bring it to international standards, if road regularise enforcement, with traffic fine The problem of congestion is too severe y travel times, fuel consumption, and and travel actions continue to deteriorate, notices to be sent to the addresses of and far-reaching to assume that unilateral, y Calibrate the traffic lights properly – pollution zero cost; how hard can this be? the benefits of such investments will be vehicle owners. unpredictable, knee-jerk, or voluntary greatly diminished. steps will mitigate it. yy Rationalise the design of roundabouts. yy Go back to the drawing board where 4. Enhance bus perception On the contrary, maintaining control of Just because the British built them schools are concerned and figure out Capital investment (low) Although public transport is vigorously urban living standards and guaranteeing in a certain way a hundred years ago how parents can be provided sufficient 1. Improve traffic light promoted, car ownership growth will minimum sustainability requires a doesn’t mean we have to keep them parking to pick up kids from Royal management system continue as a result of changing ages in multidisciplinary effort that involves yy Have professionals train traffic College, Ladies College, St. Joseph’s our society. The enhancement of comfort improving driving habits, providing policemen College, Ananda College, and all of Traffic control systems (TCMs) can and safety levels of bus and rail transport better infrastructure, and measures to the big schools in Colombo. These yy Move tuk tuk parks away from be very effective in optimising road is badly needed. manage traffic (supply side management) cause daily blocks in the morning and efficiency by adjusting the timing of road and rationalising road use (demand junctions. This needs politicians with The most obvious effect of afternoon lights in real time to meet the demands. management). courage congestion is an increase in travel If the lights are all synchronised to meet In the end, traffic management isn’t Background time, particularly during peak demand, “blocking back” (vehicles kept in rocket science. It’s something that many periods, which is well above those in Due to a variety of factors such as interconnections) will mitigate the effects megacities handle quite efficiently, while smaller towns. The slow circulation a rise in the purchasing power of the of the grid blocking. Traffic planners also many others don’t. Simply implement the rate often exasperates drivers and middle-income socioeconomic groups, can create and design plans for different best practices of the successful megacities creates violent behaviour greater credit availability, relative price situations (e.g. an arterial incident) that and the traffic will flow. reductions, and an increase in production are then automatically loaded into the 5. Expand parking areas (The writers are Managing Partners of the vehicles used, the last few TCM. of Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that decades saw a significant increase in the Whatever happened to the many multi- finds practical solutions for challenges number of motor vehicles in developing 2. Track road conditions using CCTV storey parking garages that were mooted facing society and different industries. countries. The growing availability of The use of CCTV at road intersections over the last 30 years? These have great Dr. Dias is a digital architect and cars has facilitated greater personal enables traffic managers to detect crashes, profit potential for investors, if the land educationist based in Kuala Lumpur. mobility, which has, in combination impacts, and other congestion causes. is made available by the government, He holds a BSc in Computing from the with population growth in urban areas, This will ensure traffic managers receive provincial government, or local University of Greenwich, a Master’s contributed to a rise in congestion, and advancing alerts of issues that affect their government. in Computer Software Engineering the reduction in the number of people per network, combined with excellent contact from Staffordshire University, and a household. networks with traffic police, and major Exclusive lanes and streets for PhD from the University of Malaya. Congestion interferes with the road users (including airports, trains, mass transit He is completing a second doctorate economic efficiency of a city, as it adds retail parks). Furthermore, each mounted Bus-only lane in Business Administration from extra costs that increase the expense and CCTV camera must meet the minimum Universiti Utara Malaysia [ruwan@ harm the growth of all activities. Cities specifications to facilitate compliance. The low cost of implementation of cogitaro.com]. Eliatamby is a lecturer in have to be competitive both nationally Illegal stationing of vehicles and waiting bus lanes depends on drivers’ readiness marketing, human resources, and mass and internationally in a globalised world obstructs the flow of traffic and limits to comply. Discipline cannot always communications based in Colombo. He like today, with customers increasingly the capacity of intersections. Unlawful be imposed on the user. Sometimes a is an author and was formerly associate demanding, and there are numerous interconnections where a yellow box systematic violation of the restrictions editor of a newspaper and editor of choices offering advantages to investors. occurs can lead to grid blockages across a results in invalidating the measure. various industry magazines. He holds In order to do this, the different kinds of wide area of the network. Violating speed an MBA from London Metropolitan costs, such as transport-related costs of limits, red light jumps, or restricted area Separated bus lanes University and an LLM from Cardiff time of travel, energy usage, the amount riding can lead to collisions, accidents, Separated bus lanes are similar to bus- Metropolitan University [niresh@ of air pollution, and the number of and people’s inability to walk or ride, or only lanes as they are for the exclusive cogitaro.com]) 6 the sunday morning business EMPLOYMENT/ADVERTORIAL Sunday, October 11, 2020 UPay launches SL’s first gamified contest from a Could state-funded digital payment app Lifestyle payment app several months to a year before UPay, which is powered by receiving such a large reward maternity leave cushion SDB bank, has launched UPay with most other contests,” the Millionaire, the island’s first bank said. interactive game from a digital A total of five Rs. 100,000 payment app. winners are to be selected and A first in banking and fintech daily cash prizes and other locally, the gamified contest is gifts are to be handed out on Covid-19 job losses? an effort at increasing digital five days of the contest. Across engagement islandwide in a seven days, contestants will be BY UWIN LUGODA income flow into households and fun and interactive way, the asked to join with friends and cushion post-Covid-19 job losses. bank said. Contest prizes and family and finish a series of Career or family? It’s an “Tax relief for MLBs cost less daily rewards are tied to the daily tasks to remain eligible unfortunate dilemma faced by most than other welfare initiatives. successful completion of a and participate. Daily tasks women as a result of unspoken Based on 2018 data, we estimated series of daily tasks, together range from inviting a friend to discrimination against female job the annual cost of MLBs to be with friends and family. the contest and getting them to applicants. Rs. 4.2 billion. This amounts “Starting this month, much download and register for UPay This discrimination mainly to approximately 0.25% of tax excitement has already been and tagging friends on specific stems from the corporate stigma revenue. In contrast, Samurdhi built around UPay Millionaire’s posts across social media, to surrounding maternity leave, the subsidies amounted to 2.3%, Rs. novel gamification concept recording and uploading fun cost and burden of which must 39.2 billion of tax revenue.” and the unbelievable list of and engaging videos onto the currently be borne exclusively by The analysis showcased that cash prizes offered. With a top contest website. the company. This has traditionally tax relief for MLBs is more cost prize of one million rupees, UPay Millionaire is the only deterred companies from hiring effective than the Government’s you stand the chance to be a mobile payment app game in women employees at the interview recent initiative to boost millionaire in just seven days. A the country with a million- stage itself, and has long been employment. Verité estimated refreshing change, as it can take rupee top prize. considered one of the biggest that the Government’s plan to roadblocks women face when recruit 160,000 workers will cost starting their professional lives. approximately Rs. 58.67 billion In order to curb this bias, 129 Subhashini Abeysinghe and Verité Executive Director and Head of Research annually, while state-supported Laptops and devices countries from around the world Dr. Nishan De Mel MLBs will boost the employment have already adopted policies to aid PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA of women for less than one-tenth of corporations by helping them fund this cost. demand surges for maternity leave benefits (MLBs). (USAID)’s Youth Employment discrimination against women and Society and the state have an Out of these 129, 96 states fully and Business Start-up Programme, boost female economic participation obligation to ensure that women Metropolitan support MLBs while the remaining was presented to the media on 30 by shifting the cost of MLBs have equal opportunities in the 33 partially support MLBs. September. from the employer to the state. He labour market. While employers A visible consequence of the However in Sri Lanka, private During the media event, Verité explained that the state can reduce are made to bear the cost of MLBs nationwide lockdown during employers still bear the entire Executive Director and Head of these disadvantages by allowing solely, women will continue to be Covid has been a marked spike cost of MLBs for a period of at Research Dr. Nishan De Mel listed entities to set off the cost of MLBs disadvantaged. Dr. De Mel stated in the demand of IT peripherals least 12 weeks, making it more out these disadvantages faced by against their taxes. that the state can boost female required by students for online expensive to hire women than men, women in that particular age group. In fact, MLBs were accounted economic participation and combat education, senior management thereby leading to discrimination He explained that women in the for in the 2019 Budget, which this unfair disadvantage against of the Metropolitan Group, against female job applicants. This 20-40 age group secure only 30% of included a proposal for the state to women in the 20-40 age group by which celebrates its 62nd issue adds to Sri Lanka’s female jobs in the private sector, compared partially support MLBs through tax including MLBs in the forthcoming anniversary, recently revealed. unemployment rate which has to 45% in the public sector. deductibility, but the proposal was 2020/2021 Budget. The Metropolitan Group’s persistently been two times that of The analysis also showcased that not implemented. Subsequently, When contacted for the retail arm, mCentres, said the male unemployment rate. women in this age group are 6.6 the tax cuts implemented at the Government’s stance on this issue, the company experienced a An analysis done on the extent times more likely to be unemployed beginning of 2020 were worth Rs. State Minister for Women and Child Metropolitan Computers (Pvt.) Ltd. new purchasing trend among Head of Corporate Sales Hasalaka of disadvantages women face that women outside the age group. 52 billion – 10 times the value of Development Piyal Nishantha de consumers, while Covid- De Silva due to not having state-supported “Requiring these private tax concessions necessary to support Silva refused to comment due to 19 itself changed the entire MLBs, showcased that this gap in companies to shoulder the entire MLBs. Yet the opportunity to having insufficient information on landscape of classroom ongoing efforts to help equip unemployment rates is worse for cost of MBLs makes hiring women structure these tax concessions in a the subject. De Silva directed us to education. today’s teachers with the tools women of child-bearing age – they in the 20-40 age group more manner that would fund MLBs was the Ministry Secretary, who was “With school classes they now need to continue their are 3.8 times more likely to be expensive. Therefore, women in lost. unavailable for comment at the time compelled to adapt to teaching roles. unemployed than men of the same this age group who are seeking According to Dr. De Mel, this of printing. When we contacted the curriculums online, it has Along with the laptop offers, age. The analysis done by Verité employment outside the public move would have many positive Commissioner General of Labour meant even children in the a free all-in-one colour printer, Research, a private think tank that sector are at a disadvantage,” said outcomes for both society and the for the Department of Labour, household now needed access which is a critical requirement provides strategic analyses for Asia, Dr. De Mel. economy. The analysis predicted R.P.A. Wimalaweera, he said he was to IT infrastructure of their own for all teachers, has also been and YouLead, United States Agency He stated the Sri Lankan that increased female participation on leave and requested us to call and laptops for learning were a added into the mix. To make for International Development Government can reduce this in the labour force will increase him tomorrow (12) for comment. necessity,” Head of Corporate these essential items affordable Sales Hasalaka De Silva said. for teaching, Metropolitan He also said that the team mCentres said they are linking behind mCentres understood up with leading banks to the financial challenges of facilitate low-interest bank loans households during the lockdown for teachers to equip themselves as well as the importance and with the latest technology. urgency to continue with online Since launching, mCentres education for children, and so has expanded to more than 12 initiated equipment bundles locations across the island in a for students with easy payment bid to better serve its customers. schemes. In addition, each of the Furthermore, with the islandwide showrooms come coronavirus still prevailing equipped with in-house service in society, distance education centres. “The advantage of has become the new norm, service centres available at each catapulting electronic of the mCentre showrooms is equipment, especially laptops, that a customer who purchased as an essential educational a laptop from Trincomalee can necessity. get the same the service from The MoU being exchanged between SLIC and Certis Lanka Home Nursing “The most demanded the Galle showroom. They and Swiftcare (Pvt.) Ltd. From left: SLIC DGM – Marketing Namalee A. products were laptops and need not take the device to the Silva, SLIC Chief Officer Business Development Rukman Weeraratne, SLIC CEO Chandana L. Aluthgama, Executive Director Minoli Wijesinghe, printers. Laptops with the latest showroom it was purchased Director/General Manager Chathika Ranawana, Manager – Sales and technology were required for from, which makes it more Marketing Shashi Arasanayagam, Certis Lanka Home Nursing and online classes. Also home convenient for our customers,” Swiftcare (Pvt.) Ltd. Assistant Manager – Operations Visanka Weerakkody printers became another said Metropolitan Group Head necessity to print assignments, of Retail and SME (Small and papers, and tutorials,” said De Medium Enterprises) Shamaz Silva, adding that mCentres Hossen. was one of the few retailers to He stressed that the offer a five-year warranty on the knowledgeable and trained laptop machines, with the most sales teams at the mCenter Healthcare and nursing affordable laptop along with a showrooms were capable 60-month instalment plan. of identifying customer He also pointed out that requirements so that customers special attention has been purchased exactly the required benefits for SLIC Motor made that the devices on offer product to help support learning are Federal Communications from home or work-from-home Commission (FCC) certified. situations. “FCC is a US certification The Metropolitan Group that requires that all wireless specialises in office automation Plus policyholders communication devices sold equipment, technology, and in the US meet its minimum offers a wide range of products Sri Lanka Insurance (SLIC) hospital OPD (outpatient department) L. Aluthgama, SLIC Chief Officer comprehensive motor insurance card guidelines for safe human and services in imaging, IT, joined hands with home nursing and inpatient services at discounted – Business Development Rukman to Certis Lanka Home Nursing at the exposure to radiofrequency (RF) telecommunications and service provider Certis Lanka Home rates, 10% off on standard room rates, Weeraratne, SLIC Deputy General time of registration. energy,” said De Silva, adding: engineering, infrastructure, Nursing and Swiftcare to provide and 20% off on luxury room rates are Manager (DGM) – Marketing More details on terms and “Many individuals don’t realise power and energy (generators), exclusive benefits for Sri Lanka only offered at Asiri Hospitals under Namalee A. Silva, Executive Director conditions can be obtained by calling that exposure to more devices and office interiors. The group Insurance Motor Plus comprehensive the exclusive annual membership fee Minoli Wijesinghe, Director/General the SLIC hotline 0112 357 357 through RF could possibly have also markets and supports policyholders under the Motor Plus of Rs. 3,000 for the policyholders. Manager Chathika Ranawana, or Certis Lanka hotline 0112 585 an impact on health later in life consumer products such as Loyalty Rewards benefit scheme. In addition, if the members require Manager – Sales and Marketing 777/0777 006 793. Certis Lanka and having genuine devices cameras, desktops and laptops, The exclusive healthcare benefits home nursing services, that too can be Shashi Arasanayagam, Certis Lanka Home Nursing and Swiftcare (Pvt.) with genuine FCC certification mobile phones, and lighting. inclusive of doctor on call, nurse provided on a daily or monthly fee. Home Nursing and Swiftcare Ltd. is a subsidiary of Certis Lanka is an added layer of protection Metropolitan also offers the on call, ambulance services, The Memorandum of Assistant Manager – Operations Group and has been in the healthcare during usage.” In addition, the widest and most diverse range 24-hour customer care, 5% discount Understanding (MoU) was Visanka Weerakkody. service since 1992 and has over team at mCentres has now gone of Canon printing devices on age care equipment, mobile exchanged between the two entities Sri Lanka Insurance Motor Plus 600 nursing assistants. Sri Lanka a step further by offering special from individual requirements physiotherapy/speech therapy/ recently at the SLIC Head Office comprehensive motor insurance Insurance Motor Plus is the premier laptop schemes for teachers, to industrial-level printing dieticians, 5-10% discount on lab in the presence of SLIC Chief policyholders can avail the unique vehicle insurer in Sri Lanka, the which would support the available under one roof. tests excluding Asiri Hospital, Executive Officer (CEO) Chandana benefits by presenting their company said. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, October 11, 2020 VIEWS

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR The seven-week-long lockdown from late March to early May, as a swift measure to control the local spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, The economic horror rendered thousands of people unemployed, forced the share market to close its operations, paralysed exports, left small-scale business owners to worry of another lockdown about their next meal, and contracted the economic growth to negative rates in the second quarter of 2020.

After the reopening of the country, the economy was on a slow yet gradual recovery path in the last few months, slowly healing its scars from the previous lockdown, and the country was on track to achieve its revised economic targets. A CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando SLRA Founder Chairman Hussain FCCISL President Shirley THASL President Sanath Ukwatte NCE Immediate Past President CCC President Saranga number of economic indicators Sadique Jayawardena Ramal Jasinghe Wijeyarathne were almost fully recovered Earnings from exports rebounded the previous one,” Sadique added. businesses are slowly recovering,” The income from the tourism trading during the week that began as they were nearing their pre- further in the following month Speaking further, he noted that CCC President Saranga industry recorded $ 3.59 billion in on 16 March, a couple of days after pandemic levels, while another set as $ 906.02 million exports were Sri Lanka is not in a financially Wijeyarathne noted. 2019 compared to $ 4.38 billion the first case of Covid-19 in a Sri of indicators were recording an achieved in June, indicating a stable position to afford another He added that businesses have (4.9% to GDP) in 2018, a drop of Lankan national. impressive recovery. recovery of both domestic and lockdown, but nevertheless, if been showing impressive signs $ 0.79 billion mainly due to the The following week, it remained While a peaceful recovery was global supply and demand chains we are in a situation to go for of recovery in the past four to six Easter Sunday attacks. closed for four days with the on its way, last Sunday (4), Sri to some extent. In July, Sri Lanka’s another lockdown, we should not weeks and in September, some of Nevertheless, Sri Lanka targeted Government declaring holidays. It Lanka reported a community exports surpassed the $ 1 billion hesitate to do that as safety should the businesses managed to achieve to have a greater year ahead in was opened on 20 March, only to case of Covid-19 after a gap of mark after six months. be the primary concern of the a turnover, better than that of before terms of tourism and a further close shortly after opening. Since six months. Subsequent PCR The achievement was attributed Government. the initial lockdown. recovery in tourist arrivals. The then, the CSE remained closed until tests done on the patient’s close by the EDB to Sri Lanka’s strategic Noting that living with Covid- According to him, against this country set a target of four million 11 May, effectively not recording contacts detected the Divulapitiya location, its reliable manufacturing 19 would be the new normal, he backdrop, another lockdown would tourist arrivals for 2020. However, any flows into or out of the CSE. cluster, which, according to health and export base, and proactive emphasised the importance of certainly act as an impediment amidst crippled international Before opening for trading on authorities, is more dangerous than and rapid action taken by the Sri following pandemic guidelines to to this recovery process and will tourism, particularly in the Asian 11 May, the CSE installed a new the Kandakadu cluster. Lankan Government to control protect ourselves from the virus. possibly make the process sluggish, region due to the coronavirus system under which the market With the identification of a large Covid-19. However, Sri Lanka’s “The Government is prepared delaying it by months or even outbreak and its global spread, in would automatically close for the cluster, fears over a possible second exports during the month of August in terms of healthcare and safety years. early March this year, Sri Lanka day if the S&P SL20 Index dropped lockdown began to emerge amongst 2020 recorded a dip of 19.2% to $ measures as they were expecting In addition to this, another severe revised this target to 2.3 million. by 10% or more. The week from 11 the business community of Sri 947.7 million, as compared to the another wave. So hopefully, this impact of a possible lockdown Nevertheless, days after this, Sri May to 15 May saw a number of Lanka, which could be dreadful at value of $ 1,033.3 million recorded cluster too will be controlled,” would be settling bank loans and Lanka identified the first national trading halts, and Rs. 1.5 billion in a time of recovery. This week, The during the same month last year, Sadique added. payments. Wijeyarathne stated that case of Covid-19 on 10 March foreign inflow was reported during Sunday Morning Business took a according to the EDB. However, most of the financial assistance and this led to the closure of the the week while Rs. 5 billion in look at a number of areas of the Sri despite the slight dip in August, MSMEs hoping worse given to the businesses by the Bandaranaike International Airport outflow was reported in the same Lankan economy and what would exports are largely on track to won’t come to worst Government are expired while the (BIA), effectively bringing the period. Overall, Rs. 3.5 billion in be the impact of a second lockdown achieve the revised export target of Micro, small, and medium- rest is reaching its expiration in the tourism to zero levels a week later. net foreign outflow was reported on them. $ 10.75 billion in 2020. sized enterprises (MSMEs) make near future. The BIA was initially scheduled during this particular week. (At the time of going to print, At a time when an impressive up a large part of the Sri Lankan “This means that businesses to reopen on 1 August this year Meanwhile, at the end of the curfew was imposed only in recovery is being made in one economy, accounting for 80% of have to start paying their loans. and this was moved to mid-August second week after reopening, selected areas in the Gampaha of the most important sectors of all businesses, according to the If businesses remain open, they following a surge in local Covid- foreigners bought stocks worth District) the economy, a second lockdown National Human Resources and can afford to pay these loans 19 cases. The date was once again Rs. 1.6 billion, an improvement would be disastrous, National Employment Policy. MSMEs again somehow. But if there is a pushed back to September after compared to the first week, while Terrible timing for Chamber of Exporters (NCE) are in all sectors of the economy lockdown coming in, it would be identifying several Covid-19 they sold stocks worth Rs. 1.5 exporters Immediate Past President Ramal and provide employment for hard for them to settle these loans,” clusters within the country. The billion compared to Rs. 5 billion the Sri Lanka’s export industry Jasinghe said. skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled, he stated. Government is yet to announce a previous week. is one of the top three foreign Speaking to The Sunday Morning and differently skilled people. Speaking further, he stated date on when the airport will be During the third week after the exchange earning sources of the Business, he stated that a second MSMEs are an essential source that India too went for a blanket open to international travellers. reopening of the CSE, foreign country. According to the Export lockdown would be very serious of employment opportunities lockdown initially, deadlocking Nevertheless, following the purchases witnessed a drop Development Board (EDB), Sri as Sri Lanka’s exports are on a and are estimated to contribute all of its economic activities, but lifting of the lockdown in May, compared to the week prior, as it Lanka is one of the region’s most recovery path and have already about 35% of employment. In the after a certain point, the Indian hotels and tourist establishments was reported at Rs. 593.1 million, vibrant export hubs, as it is equally entered into the new market post service sector, SMEs accounts Government decided to open were getting business from local while shares sold by foreigners competent in the agriculture, the first lockdown. for more than 90% of business its economy partially as it is travellers. Even though the number hiked to Rs. 3.9 billion that same manufacturing, and service “Lockdown at this stage would establishments. It is estimated that impractical for a country to close of local travellers does not match week. sectors despite the dire need of a be damaging for our country, as MSMEs contribute 52% to the GDP economic activities completely. the international tourists, local In June, net foreign outflows were diversification in its export basket. we are in the fourth quarter of the and are considered as the backbone “Opening the economy has its tourism was some sort of a relief for Rs. 8.6 billion and this reduced to Exports took a massive hit year. We have targets to achieve,” of the economy. own positive and negative impacts. the owners of these hotels to keep Rs. 3.3 billion the following month. following the lockdown in March. Jasinghe added. According to a report done by the The pPositive impact is that the their businesses up and running However, the following month, Manufacturing facilities could He further noted that using the United Nations (UN), titled “Impact economy is somewhat performing. with a glimmer of hope. which is August, the net foreign not continue their operations and lessons learned from the initial of Covid-19 to the MSME Sector in In terms of health, opening the Against this backdrop, if outflows shot up to Rs. 8.06 billion. mobility was strictly prohibited lockdown, Sri Lanka should Sri Lanka”, with the local outbreak economy could not be the best thing Sri Lanka is going for another Nevertheless, in September, with the exemption of essential adopt better policies while taking of the virus in March, most of the to do. But Sri Lanka is a much lockdown, it would bring local showing an impressive recovery services. necessary precautions to effectively economic activities were badly smaller country and more educated tourism too to zero, worsening the after the initial lockdown, the Initially, there were also issues in control and cure the new cluster. affected, causing the MSMEs to than them. So the authorities have financial troubles of hotel owners, CSE was identified as the best procuring raw materials required undergo severe hardships. The to compulsorily make the general said The Hotels Association of Sri performing exchange in the world for export purposes due to the Retailers are not too daily wage earners were the most public adhere to health guidelines,” Lanka (THASL) President Sanath in the month of September. Government’s early measures worried affected. he added. Ukwatte. Issuing a statement on the to impose stringent bans on all Even though Sri Lanka had a Although the agricultural sector Wijeyarathne believes that if “Already the industry is in a achievement, CSE Chairman imports. However, later on, raw seven-week-long lockdown, all was permitted to carry out their health guidelines are followed dangerous situation right now and it Dumith Fernando stated that materials required for local sectors districts apart from three districts activities even during the lockdown, accordingly, there would not be a is hardly surviving. Even the local the continued low interest rate for export purposes were exempted that were considered as high-risk other sectors were mostly paralysed need to go for another lockdown tourism accounts for about 20% of environment has led to more from the ban. areas eased curfew restrictions during the period. For example, in as going for one would cost the overall tourism we were getting financial assets being moved from Merchandise export earning once or twice a week for the terms of the apparel sector, most significantly to the economy. before the pandemic,” Ukwatte low-yielding fixed income assets figures for March reflected this general public to purchase essential of the SMEs in the sector depend Meanwhile, the Federation added. into the share market, and we sudden disruption with only $ 646 items. On this day, supermarkets, on fabrics and accessories supplied of Chambers of Commerce and He emphasised the need to expect that to continue into the million being earned for the month. pharmacies, and other essential from China and the disruption of Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) too create a balance between opening coming months. This was nearly a 42% drop from service providers opened their the supply chain affected them expressed similar views, speaking the country for tourism while However, Fernando told The the $ 1,112 million recorded in services to the general public. severely. to The Sunday Morning Business. effectively mitigating the Covid-19 Sunday Morning Business that if March 2019. In addition to this, a considerable The micro-level garment FCCISL President Shirley situation within the country. Sri Lanka is to go for another As a result of the lockdown, number of people, particularly manufacturers also obtain their raw Jayawardena stated that there would lockdown, the CSE is prepared to merchandise export earnings those who live in urban areas, material from wholesale agents not be a need to go for another Lockdown or not, CSE operate even during the lockdown, recorded a historical Year-Over- managed to get essential items who import the items in bulk, lockdown as the health authorities could carry on unlike the previous time. Year (YoY) decrease by nearly 64% by shopping online. However, mainly from China and India, and are capable of controlling the new The Colombo Stock Exchange “At that time, the market was not to $ 277.4 million in April 2020 this moderate activity in the the breakdown of their supply chain Covid-19 cluster like they did with (CSE) crashed on Monday (5), ready to operate without people in from $ 772.57 million documented retail sector was limited only for added with the restrictions imposed the Navy cluster. a day after the discovery of the their offices. This time, the CSE and in April 2019, reflecting the impact pharmaceuticals and groceries, by the curfew made them almost “We hope that there will not be a Minuwangoda Covid cluster, with stock broker firms are prepared to of the closure of Sri Lanka’s export while other areas of retail such as inactive. stage to go for another lockdown. the ASPI (All-Share Price Index) operate even during a curfew,” he markets as well as domestic curfew electronics, furniture, and clothing In addition, the majority of the But if we are to go for one, we recording the biggest-ever drop of added. restrictions. remained somewhat sluggish. MSMEs faced working capital should not hesitate to do so. All we 5,587.18 points falling by 462.99 Subsequently, the Securities and The apparel sector recorded a However, the Sri Lanka Retailers’ problems as they did not receive can do is to learn to live with it with points on Monday, which led to Exchange Commission (SEC) too sharp decline of 82% during the Association (SLRA) believes that payments for goods supplied. The adequate precautions,” she stated. the suspension of trading twice confirmed to us that there would month of April, compared to the if we are to go for a second blanket price escalation of raw materials that day. However, it recovered not be a market closure even if same month in the previous year. lockdown, the lessons we learned due to limited availability also A knockout punch significantly from Wednesday (7) there was a lockdown or curfew in Other selected sectors that have from the first lockdown would affected their operations. for tourism onwards, with local bargain hunters Colombo. recorded a significant decline make sure that other areas of the Nevertheless, with a number of It might not be wrong to say coming to its rescue. Foreigners during the same period included retail sector too would perform as financial assistance initiatives from that tourism is the most affected sold over Rs. 1 billion worth of Conclusion tea (-21%), coconut products usual during the lockdown. the Government, MSMEs began sector from the ongoing pandemic. shares on Wednesday and will Based on the comments we (-35.2%), rubber products (-53%), SLRA Founder Chairman to show signs of recovery in the Sri Lanka, a tropical tourism almost certainly remain on the sell have received for this article, it is food and beverages (-44%), spices Hussain Sadique told The Sunday past couple of weeks, while a few destination that depends on tourism side until the local Covid situation apparent that a second lockdown (-24%), electronics and electronic Morning Business that if the health of them managed to even reach the earnings for a large portion of its settles down, and possibly even at a time when the economy is components (-63%), petroleum authorities decide to go for a pre-pandemic levels. At a time like foreign exchange earnings, is yet after. However, the CSE may showing signs of recovery would products (-63%), seafood (-72%), lockdown, it would be shorter and this, consequences of imposing to see international tourism on the remain in the green this week due to damage the recovery process as and base metal products (-49%). better than the previous one. another lockdown would be hard island. local investor participation. a large part of the economy may However, in May, exports “Last time, the retail performance to even imagine, according to the According to the aforementioned The market was closed for not operate during the lockdown. managed to bounce back to $ 602 was mainly on groceries and Colombo Chamber of Commerce UN report, there are about 3,926 trading in the last two weeks As the above officials noted, it million compared to $ 277 million pharmaceutical areas, but this time (CCC). establishments catering to tourism of March, after the S&P SL20 is imperative to adhere to health the previous month. It is also we are expecting performance “Going for another lockdown and they directly employ a total of Index, which includes the 20 guidelines while also keeping the notable that the lockdown was lifted across all sectors of the retail is completely dependent on the 169,903 people while indirectly largest companies by total market economy up and running, given on 11 May and domestic operations industry, if we are going into decision of the health authorities, employing about 219,484 people. capitalisation listed on the CSE, the fact that our country clearly began to return to normalcy soon a lockdown, and certainly this but this would be a bad time to The entire group is severely dropped by 5% several times, cannot afford another long national after. lockdown would not be the same as go into a second lockdown as affected by the pandemic. triggering 30-minute halts in regular lockdown. 8 the sunday morning business TRADE/CHILDREN Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA requirements such as biosecurity which set the grounds for what Sri Lanka’s island status can and cannot be brought to has made it a rich hub for Australia and under what format seafood of different varieties they should be brought in, food and an extensive network Sri Lanka’s fish not safety assessments to inspect the of seafood exporters. Thus, products against food standard the seafood product sector codes, weights and measures, and has emerged as a quality labelling/naming of the products. exporter of a wide variety of Boulter stated that other fish, with the most popular requirements include market requirements with regards to of them being tuna. on Aussie shores specifications and sustainability/ According to the Sri Lanka z Thailand, China, Vietnam dominate seafood market down under social welfare. Export Development Board During the webinar, Consulate (EDB) website, the country is Australia is an open market about $ 5 billion in revenue from General of Sri Lanka in Sydney, currently home to 24 seafood with minimal restrictions end-of-point sales of imported Australia Consul (Commercial) exporters, whose top five exports on imports of goods and seafood. The main imported M.M. Abdul Raheem agreed consist of tuna (in fresh, chilled, services. This is due to their categories of seafood include with Boulter’s statement on and frozen forms), shrimps trade policy being based on canned and frozen, out of which the potential of Sri Lankan and prawns, crabs and lobsters, trade openness, economic the top three are 82,686 tonnes seafood exports. He gave a shark fins, and fish maws. These growth, and improved living of canned fish like tuna, 52,822 comprehensive overview on how exporters have penetrated several standards tonnes of whitefish, and 31,734 easy trading with Australia really international markets including tonnes of prawns. is. the likes of the US, Italy, France, performance of the sector was $ Boulter pointed out that since In his presentation, Raheem the Netherlands and Hong Kong. 265 million in 2018 and $ 262 tuna is Sri Lanka’s top seafood showed that Australia is an open Sri Lanka also hosts 32 million in 2019. export, and one of Australia’s market with minimal restrictions EU-approved seafood processing EDB Chairman Prabhash top seafood imports, there on imports of goods and services. plants which successfully comply Subasinghe reported that Sri is a massive opportunity for This is due to their trade policy with the stringent regulations Lanka’s seafood exports are local exporters to tap into the being based on trade openness, imposed by importing countries seeing strong demand and higher Australian market, particularly in economic growth, and improved and adhere to the Hazard prices even during the global the frozen seafood category. living standards, with emphasis Analysis Critical Control Point pandemic in April 2020 during Workers clean steam-cooked tuna fish on the canned tuna processing line at the on improving international (HACCP), Friend of Sea, and an online forum organised by Thai Union Frozen Products factory in Mahachai, Samutsakorn Province, Thailand With a population of 25 competitiveness and market other food security environment- Advocata Institute, a Colombo- In 2019, Australia imported 214,000 tonnes of seafood, with 150,000 tonnes of million people where around access overseas. it being from Thailand, China, Vietnam, and New Zealand, the country’s top four 15 kg of seafood is consumed friendly requirements. based think tank. importer markets, respectively The country also places a high Due to this, the country’s During this forum, he per person each year, level of dependence on imports seafood exports have been able explained that the country was Australia”, held on 7 October, he “Imported seafood is the largest Australia generates about $ 5 of a number of products, which to garner substantial revenue exporting to top markets like stated that Sri Lanka has a huge sector of our seafood industry billion in revenue from end- include seafood. over the years, with EDB Italy, even though those markets potential to tap the Australian and it represents up to 65% of of-point sales of imported Moreover, Raheem stated reports showing that the export were under lockdown. He seafood importers market. Australian seafood consumption. seafood that customs tariff rates in attributed this to the Government Australia is a big market for Sri Our seafood imports come up Australia vary from 0 to 5%, declaring seafood as an essential Lankan seafood exporters, even to about $ 1.9 to 2 billion per “If I had to pick some with an average duty rate of service soon after the initial being among the top 10 in 2011, annum, and as of now, these four species which I think would 4.6%. However, some goods Our seafood imports come up nationwide curfew was imposed. according to the EDB website. nations gain a bulk of it, tying up provide Sri Lankan exporters such as food items and electronic to about $ 1.9 to 2 billion Despite this, Sri Lankan However, Sri Lanka is not among the Australian seafood trade.” a great opportunity, I would products do not attract customs per annum, and as of now, seafood exporters seem to be Australia’s top 10 importers. In Compared to this, his say any whitefish species like duty. these four nations (Thailand, dropping the ball when it comes his presentation, Boulter showed presentation revealed that barramundi, and blue swimmer “These reasons add to the huge China, Vietnam, and New to other markets like Australia, that in 2019, Australia imported according to Australian trade crabs.” potential of the local seafood Zealand) gain a bulk of according to Seafood Importers’ 214,000 tonnes of seafood, with data, Sri Lanka only accounted He explained that there were exporters to tap into the vast it, tying up the Australian Association of Australasia 150,000 tonnes of it being from for 81 tonnes. several hurdles local exporters Australian market which is seafood trade (SIAA) Executive Officer Mark Thailand, China, Vietnam, and With a population of 25 million should familiarise themselves currently being dominated by SIAA Executive Officer Mark Boulter. During a webinar on New Zealand, the country’s people where around 15 kg of with before commencing other countries in the region like Boulter “Market Enhancement for Sri top four importer markets, seafood is consumed per person business with Australia. These Thailand and Vietnam,” Raheem Lankan Products and Services in respectively. each year, Australia generates included government regulatory noted.

Seylan celebrates 8th Tikiri World Children’s Month Seylan Tikiri, the pioneer and offers. children’s savings account in Sri “Children’s Day is celebrated Lanka, launched Seylan Tikiri on 1 October throughout the World Children’s Month for the world, and Seylan is the only eighth year. bank in Sri Lanka to extend the Seylan is set to unfold a range of celebration throughout the entire gifts for all young savers including month with exclusive gift schemes bicycles, tabs, scooters, and LED and benefits to encourage young TVs, Hungry Frog games, and savers. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa handing over a clay savings till to a child sensor-driven helicopters. For the “Through these promotions, very first time, depositors of over both existing and new Tikiri Rs. 1 million during the month of accountholders are given the People’s Bank October will receive Play Stations opportunity to receive the best (PS4) and home theatre systems, gifts offered by a children’s with Seylan revamping the Seylan savings account and experience a distributes clay tills Tikiri gift range to suit the dreams wide range of valuable benefits. Union Assurance celebrates of the modern-day child. “Seylan Tikri strives to cater Commenting on this year’s to the changing needs of future on Children’s Day promotion, Seylan Head of generations by providing them Children’s Day in Kandy To commemorate World A. Jayasith, and Head Marketing and Sales Gamika De with continuous banking support. Union Assurance Sisumaga+ actively in the competition, sharing their Children’s Day, People's of Marketing Nalaka Silva said: “Seylan Tikiri, one Empowering them to lead a Children’s Day celebrations were held thoughts on what they wanted to be when Bank introduced a special Wijayawardana, together of the most beloved children’s successful future, team Seylan at Kandy City Center on 1 October. The they grow up. clay till as a gift to children with a large gathering of savings products in the country, encourages everyone to be a event included art competitions, photo Union Assurance recently launched having Isuru Udana and Sisu government officials and continues to place great emphasis part of this year’s promotion and booths, and other activities which took Sisumaga+, a protection-based Udana accounts at a national children participated in the on providing children with the experience a world of exclusive place throughout the day from 10 a.m. 5 plan especially designed to ensure event presided by Prime event. right platform to secure the benefits.” p.m. Children and parents turned up in uninterrupted education from childhood Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Based on a request made financial strength which allows Through Seylan Tikiri, your large numbers to be a part of the event, through to university. Sisumaga+ is for at the “Ape Gama” premises by State Minister for Clay, them to pursue their life’s hopes child will receive amazing benefits the bank said. parents who wish to make provision for on 2 October 2020. Cane, Brass, Furniture, and and dreams. Over the years, Seylan such as bonus interest premiums The highlight of the event was the their children’s academic expenses for The bank said this gift was Rural Industries Prasanna Tikiri has encouraged children to on savings and wonderful gifts art competition titled “Loku Wunama university or tertiary education, ensuring introduced to inculcate the Ranaweera, People's Bank start saving from an early age by while learning the importance of Mama” (when I grow up), where kids the higher education costs are met, even saving habit in children and decided to gift clay savings motivating and rewarding them saving for their future at an early showed off their skills to stand a chance in the unfortunate circumstance of a to support local industries in tills to the Isuru Udana and through a variety of gift schemes age, the bank said. to win prizes. All children participated possible demise of the parent. line with the Government's Sisu Udana accountholders “Vistas of Prosperity and to encourage the children’s Splendour" manifesto. saving habit. The significant At this event that was feature of this especially held under the theme “Let’s designed clay savings Pan Asia Bank promotes Mithuru Max Build Our Nation”, People's till is that once it has Bank Chairman Sujeewa served its purpose, it can Rajapakse joined Prime be easily used as a bird's Minister Rajapaksa in nest, thereby making it an and Daskam children’s accounts presenting the special tills to environmentally friendly Pan Asia Bank announced that customer deposit. A Mithuru Max savings account can In addition to the gifts, children will the children. option, the bank said. its Mithuru Max children’s savings In addition, for faster growth of be opened with a minimum deposit also benefit from high interest rates of Minister of Education People's Bank recently account offers an array of gifts and the account balance, Pan Asia Bank of Rs. 500, and all children below 13 up to 4.75% p.a. (4.85%) Furthermore, Prof. G.L. Peiris; State unveiled the "Made in Sri Daskam children’s savings account then pays an annual interest of 5.25% years of age are eligible to receive all existing Pan Asia Bank Mithuru Minister of Women and Lanka" loans programme offers a 10% bonus deposit for every (AER 5.38%) on the total balance. gifts based on their account balance in accountholders also will be eligible to Child Development, which aims to develop deposit. The interest is calculated on a daily the following manner: receive these gifts going forward, as Preschools and Primary local industries, promote The Daskam children’s savings basis and credited to the account at Rs. 1,000 – savings till their account balances grow. Education, School export-oriented industries, account aims to be a pillar of the end of each month. For example, Rs. 2,000 – pencil box The gift for deposit slabs up to Rs. Infrastructure, and Education encourage import substitute strength to a child when he/she if a customer deposits Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 5,000 – lunch box and water bottle 50,000 can be directly collected from Services Piyal Nishantha De industries, enhance the enters adulthood and takes on life’s a Daskam children’s savings account, Rs. 10,000 – school bag any Pan Asia Bank branch and there Silva; People's Bank Senior quality of local products, challenges such as higher education, the bank will make an additional Rs. 25,000 – kids’ scooter or smart onwards, a voucher will be issued DGM (Deputy General increase employment marriage, etc. The account offers deposit of Rs. 10,000 to that account watch from the bank. where the respective Manager) – Retail Banking opportunities for locals, and a unique “deposit for deposit” immediately and begin to calculate Rs. 50,000 – remote controlled gift item can be collected from a K.B. Rajapakse; DGM drive regional development feature that enables its balance to interest at 5.25% (AER 5.38%) on the helicopter or Bluetooth speaker partner outlet. – Process Management, for all those involved in the grow in greater proportions. Under total balance of Rs. 110,000. Rs. 100,000 – Wi-Fi drone or bicycle For further information on Quality Assurance, and agri, plantations, fisheries, this feature, every deposit made by The benefit of receiving an Rs. 250,000 – self-balancing scooter Daskam children’s savings accounts, Retail Banking Renuka clay, batik, brass, gem and the customer to the account will additional 10% deposit from the bank or tablet device visit your nearest Pan Asia Bank Jayasinghe; AGM (Assistant jewellery, and other local be rewarded by the bank with an is valid for any number of deposits Rs. 500,000 – Sony Play Station 4 branch, call 011 466 7222, or visit GM) – Retail Banking industries. additional deposit worth 10% of the until the child turns 12 years old. (PS4) or voucher for a laptop www.pabcbank.com. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 WAITING FOR A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL »SEE PAGE 5

CREATING A NEW PLATFORM TO SEEK MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT »SEE PAGE 4 Sunday,brunch October 11, 2020 Vegan Sri Lankan restaurant making MIRISATA waves in Oregon Bringing Sri Lankan spice to Portland

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Last weekend saw the opening of “Mirisata”, a landmark vegan Sri Lankan restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Mirisata is not only the first Sri Lankan restaurant in Portland, but also the first vegan restaurant in the world to serve exclusively Sri Lankan cuisine. A worker-owned business, Mirisata is a three-person team consisting of Alex, Simar, and Rochelle. The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Mirisata mastermind and Co-Owner Alex for a look at this groundbreaking restaurant and how it came to be. Below are excerpts of the interview.

ÄÄ What’s the its shape after being cooked in the pot for Mirisata origin story? a long time. I used to International cook rice and curry for Growing up in travel being super California, my dad, who is my friends a lot and was restricted has been frequently told I should Sri Lankan, would cook Sri driving people to Lankan food very frequently. start a restaurant. try new cuisines I’m not a chef and Growing up in the US as a because the next first-generation immigrant, I have no commercial best thing to cooking experience. I I didn’t feel a connection to travelling is trying Sri Lankan culture in many was a freelance journalist out a new cuisine and then worked in ways, besides the food. I at home started cooking my dad’s communications with recipes when I moved away non-profits. I decided from home and went to to do a pop-up and college, as well as visiting Sri Lankan I found a vegan chef, Simar, restaurants in the US and learning more who’d been working for over about Sri Lankan cuisine in general. 10 years in commercial I’ve been vegan for 17 years, and I kitchens. We had our first started veganising favourite Sri Lankan pop-up in March before the recipes like my dad’s chicken curry using Covid-19 outbreak, where vegan meat substitutes. There are many we served 65 people a types of vegan chicken in the US; for formal, sit-down dinner. curry, you need something that will keep ││Contd. on page 2 BRACING OURSELVES BY NAVEED ROZAIS men and women calling us in equal amounts for support.” Here we are watching a second Dr. Ranasinghe shared that outbreak of Covid-19 taking Newly rising Covid cases and many people with pre-existing place, with the first new case of mental health conditions were community-bound Covid-19 being what it means on an emotional level unable to access mental health reported last Sunday (4) and a total services and treatment, including of over 1,000 cases, and counting, medication, because of the being reported within the following lockdown. The NIMH stepped in, 72-hour period (as of 7 October). working with local mental health Our sense of security – or as teams and post offices to be able to some say complacency – has been deliver medication to those in need. shattered to an extent. Covid-19 is From an NIMH standpoint, Dr. here again within our community. Ranasinghe shared that the NIMH The economic implications of has prepared for a potential second a second wave and lockdown are lockdown, reviving procedures clear. It would not be good. The first and systems they used in the first lockdown saw Sri Lanka’s three lockdown, giving accommodation biggest industries – tourism, migrant to some staff so that they don’t worker, and apparel industries – need to travel and potentially take severe hits, along with almost expose themselves, as well as following all health guidelines. every other industry too beginning PHOTO © BRANIMIR BALAGOVIC ON UNSPLASH to suffer. The tourism industry has seen things get bleaker with foreign What to expect to feel it was time to slow down and mental health. But what was our NIMH’s mental health helpline, about the situation to anxiety from travel to our shores being completely in a (potential) second be mindful. For others, it was a mental health like during the first 1926, received approximately those with pre-existing mental halted, with no hope of resuming time of great scarcity and strain, lockdown? 15,000 calls during the lockdown, health conditions treating their lockdown? until, at absolute earliest, early 2021. with loss of income, restricted In light of this, we reached receiving more than 150 calls each illness during the lockdown,” Dr. Speaking on a potential But what does this mean movement, and mounting out to National Institute of day, with a drop rate of 200 calls. Ranasinghe shared, adding that as second lockdown, Dr. Ranasinghe emotionally for us as a people? uncertainty. Mental Health (NIMH) senior Dr. Ranasinghe also shared that the lockdown went on, the nature commented that a second The first lockdown and our Self-care became important consultant psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa there was an increased incidence of issues reported changed. “It lockdown, while easier to manage during the first lockdown; Ranasinghe to gain insights into of suicide during the lockdown. became about economic issues, on a practical and logistical level, mental state dialogues on wellness and what general mental health was “In the beginning, the majority domestic violence, alcohol would still definitely be a very The first lockdown was a mental health increased, as did like during the last lockdown. of calls we received were about problems, and then child-related difficult time. mixed bag of emotions. For some, awareness on the importance of Dr. Ranasinghe shared that the anxiety, from general anxiety issues like education. We had both ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch FOOD/CAUSE Sunday, October 11, 2020

that have closed down, unfortunately. There were two types of restaurants that were impacted the most – the very large restaurants with big dining spaces and high rents are suffering because people MIRISATA... don’t feel safe eating out in large settings Contd. from page 1 anymore, and the downtown places too have been suffering because everyone’s working from home and the workday lunch is what they depend on. make those profits happen shouldn’t be There have also been people who have able to share in those profits. Labour is done very well, especially those who had what creates profit and that profit should be takeout and delivery as part of their sales. shared. In a worker-owned business, or a Mirisata is expanding and we are worker co-operative, the people who growing the team. When someone comes are working in the business have in brand new, they won’t immediately part-ownership in the business as become an owner. There will be a trial well. Simar, Rochelle, and I have period where we see how they fit in, the equal ownership of Mirisata value they bring to the business, and how Alex they can help it grow before we make them part-owners. our prawn vade. There isn’t really a great Worker co-ops are popular around substitute for fish and crab yet, but we’re the world but not in the restaurant trying things out. industry. There are several worker co-op We’ve made vegan egg hoppers using supermarkets and other companies in a mung-based egg substitute and we’re the US, and it’s also a form of business introducing these egg hoppers as a brunch catching on in Europe. The multibillion- item on Sundays. We’re very excited about dollar Spanish company Mondragon is it as it will be the first time we introduce owned by its employees. the egg hopper to our customers. ÄÄ What’s the food scene like in Portland and where does Mirisata fit in? Portland is a very vegan-friendly city in that respect; it’s like other vegan- friendly cities like London and Barcelona, except that it is a much smaller city. Being a vegan restaurant, we’re definitely in the right place. Indian food is popular in Portland, where there are some vegan and vegetarian Indian restaurants. We try to emphasise how different Sri Lankan food is from Alex Indian food, although we do realise that there is some overlap, like the Sri Lankan In Mirisata’s case, we have a small Simar lost his job during the We opened last weekend and are now open fried rice being close to the Indian biryani pandemic, and we had extra time on our four days week from Thursday to Sunday. indoor dining room, which is currently and similar. We try to stay away from that closed, that can accommodate about hands and decided to start another pop-up To design the logo, we commissioned and give people a unique experience, with for takeout alone. our friend Suprabha Irugalratne, a vegan 16 people and an outdoor area that can food like hoppers and string hoppers. Most accommodate between 24 and 30 people. We found this little place that was activist and illustrator from Kandy. Our Indian restaurants in the city offer North willing to give us a low price and let us logo isn’t actually a chicken – it’s the Sri More people like eating outdoors than Indian cuisine, so you can’t get food like in, and we have lots of space in the front pay our security deposit over time, and Lankan jungle fowl, which is the national ours anywhere else in town. we started the pop-up with $ 600, our own bird of Sri Lanka. Of all the amazing that we can use for that. There are small The vast majority of our customers improvements that need to be made, and money, which is very low for start-ups animals in the country, this one has have never tried Sri Lankan food before in the US. We then had Rochelle join the special significance for a vegan restaurant. we need to build a deck as well for added and they love it. Mirisata also provides seating, which we will slowly do over time. team to make Mirisata more than a pop-up. There are four jungle fowl species in the Sri Lankans in the area with a taste of world and, while the other three were home. There are no Sri Lankan restaurants Simar ÄÄ What’s the long-term vision domesticated to become chickens, the Sri in Portland, although we have a big Sri Lankan jungle fowl resisted attempts at of Mirisata? Lankan population in nearby Hillsboro. Eventually, once Covid-19 passes, domestication and is still only found living There is one company that does catering free in the wild. ÄÄ Is being vegan a challenge we’d like to have a nice dine-in restaurant when it comes to creating for events, but that’s about it. where we serve rice and curry family style. ÄÄ Mirisata is a worker-owned authentic Sri Lankan cuisine? I actually reached out to the Sri At the moment, it’s mostly takeout, which Lankan community in the area when is fine given the time and also since rice business. What led to doing Sri Lankan food is actually one of the starting out with Mirisata to see if any one business this way? most vegan-friendly cuisines in the world. and curry is something that can easily be of them would like to be involved, but it served takeout style. But we do love the In a worker-owned business, or a You really only need to look out for a didn’t pan out. The community here have worker co-operative, the people who few things like Maldivian fish in your pol presentation of rice and curry served family intensive jobs with bigger companies, so style with bowls of curries on the table and are working in the business have part- sambol or seeni sambol and make small managing time can be difficult. ownership in the business as well. Simar, adjustments like that to keep things vegan- people connecting over their food. Rochelle, and I have equal ownership of friendly. Other than that, it’s very obvious ÄÄ How has the pandemic We’re expanding our menu, adding Mirisata. when a Sri Lankan dish is meat-based. the egg hopper for brunch on Sundays affected Portland’s food as well as honey hoppers, and we’re also Working this way, for me, is a values I’ve also been vegan for over 17 years scene? and have tried cooking with different types introducing vegan beef rolls, which we’ve thing. I don’t want to be anyone’s boss. I With Mirisata, international travel of vegan meats. It’s not very limiting. The been working on for a while. We’re also want to be their partner. People shouldn’t being super restricted has been driving biggest limitation is seafood. For example, getting a beer and wine license and hoping be working for just a wage or an hourly people to try new cuisines because the next you can’t make a crab curry because you to get in Lion Stout and make it available rate. If the company is doing well and best thing to travelling is trying out a new can’t fake a whole crab or crab body parts. at Mirisata. It isn’t available anywhere else eventually there are profits, I don’t see cuisine at home. Rochelle There is vegan shrimp, which we use in in the US, so we’re pretty excited about it. why the people who worked so hard to There have been a lot of restaurants

also come up again if there is a prolonged have failed, and those of us who have curfew.” got Covid-19 have not done so wilfully. Covid-19 is at the end of the day a disease. The very real issue of stigma Now is the time to band With the nature of together and be mindful of BRACING... Covid-19 and its rate of precautions and guidelines, Contd. from page 1 routines. Uduman also commented that some infection, it is easy to blame and for each of us to do our teenagers and young people will be or ostracise those who part – both individually and “People who are in tourism are contract it. But it is very collectively – to fight this hit the most, and so are the children in vulnerable to developing depression in a second lockdown, especially because this important to remember outbreak. school and doing exams; not to mention that crises are survived by those working abroad, stuck there with lockdown would be coming at a time when schools have just reopened and routines are working together and not Our resilience is real their relatives in Sri Lanka. by turning on each other. Sri Lanka’s biggest Anxiety will definitely just going back to normal. On coming to terms with a Stigmatising Covid-19 strength is its people, and go up,” Dr. Ranasinghe and those who get it can it is our people working said. “With the previous second lockdown, Uduman stressed that it is important contribute to making the together and being kind lockdown, we had hoped virus more likely to spread, that will get us through this that we were coming out (of for people to be mindful of what is happening. resulting in a bigger and The majority of calls difficult time. it). This time, with the fear potentially uncontrollable Sri Lanka is resilient of community spread, the “People need to really we received were about understand what they outbreak. Stigma can anxiety, from general beyond belief. We have level of anxiety will likely lead those with potential suffered through so many be much more. There are can and can’t control in a anxiety about the situation like this. Things symptoms to do things like situation to anxiety times of trauma and come out also people who are fed up, hide their symptoms and stronger. From our decades- and those who are in very that can be controlled from those with pre- include looking after not seek out healthcare existing mental health long civil war to the tsunami difficult situations feel it immediately. to the Easter attacks, we have would just be better to catch yourself and your loved conditions treating ones, as well as practising Particularly in the case their illness during the always defeated what has it and die, if that’s the case.” We also need to of a second lockdown, where been thrown at us. Counselling remember that not self-care and keeping active lockdown by exercise or pursuing a we will all be more stressed, NIMH senior consultant Sri Lanka has always psychologist and every home is safe and it is more important than been a collective society. psychotherapist Nivendra comfortable, so that hobby. If there is a second psychiatrist ever to be kind, actively Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe We’ve always thought Uduman shared his views on challenge is also there. lockdown, then government regulations will be released work against perpetuating about ourselves as a whole, what to expect emotionally The risks and issues negative stereotypes and and this is what will get us from a second lockdown, of intimate partner to help understand what you PHOTO © TATIANA RODRIGUEZ ON UNSPLASH can and can’t control.” assumptions, and be extra careful of what through; not just Covid-19, but any other explaining that the most violence and being with shutting down and stepping back,” information you share and with whom. crisis that comes our way. We’ve seen our likely emotion Sri Lankans unsafe will also come Pressing pause on life, as many did during the Uduman said, adding: “But other people Don’t strengthen false associations between country’s spirit of togetherness rise to the will experience will be up again if there is a need to be on the move and be active. We the disease and other factors, don’t create occasion time and time again. anxiety. For adults, financial prolonged curfew first lockdown, seems very difficult, and Uduman shared also need to remember that not every home widespread fear, and don’t dehumanise While this second outbreak is a situations and job security Counselling psychologist is safe and comfortable, so that challenge is those who have the disease. setback, it is just that; a setback. We will will be a source of anxiety, and psychotherapist that this will depend very much on the person. “Some also there. The risks and issues of intimate A second outbreak, though persevere and we will recover. And we will while young people will Nivendra Uduman partner violence and being unsafe will discouraging, does not mean that we do it as we have always done. Together. struggle because of shifts in people are very content

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, October 11, 2020 TRAVEL

BY JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM Submerged in water, beverage in hand, elbows propped on the side of the infinity pool, I was lost in my own world…a world where time stood still and what was before me – a gorgeous sunset peeking over a charming jungle-like setting – was the only thing on my mind. This almost theatrical setting at Kadju House in Tangalle is easily one of its best The infinity pool allures – the pool looking over tangled “Kadju is the dominant tree on the vegetation which looks out onto the property,” shared the owner, commenting gorgeous sea beyond. on how the place got its name. The villa The stay at this boutique-style hotel was also has quite a number of photographs of short, but the memories are stored away for different species of birds on its walls. When safekeeping, easily to last a lifetime. queried, the owner admitted that he loves We arrived at Kadju House on a birds. “The birds in the photographs are somewhat overcast Friday in September, SURROUNDED BY JUNGLE, SEA, AND BIRDS birds we see on the property,” he shared, happy that the sojourn from Colombo took adding that deciding to bring in this element less than two hours via the highway and worked out well to blend art into the also happy that the space we were stepping property. out of our vehicle onto felt refreshingly “Art doesn’t have to be abstract different from what we left behind. What if it’s real in that way.” The walls are immediately greets you as you walk largely bare in keeping with the whole up the stairs leading you to the main KADJU HOUSE, minimalistic vibe of the place. accommodation area is how rustic the entire The property was found in early place feels. 2000 but construction began only in Encased in its rustic elegance, however, 2007. Two years later, Kadju House is an intimate and minimalistic space. was open to the market. “It was not There are four en suite bedrooms, each with meant to be a commercial property,” I TANGALLE was told; the owner fell in love with the its own distinct style. The Sea Room is positioned in such a way that you can catch designed Kadju House, won the Geoffrey white araliya tree on the property when glimpses of the waves crashing on the sea as Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture he saw it. Assigning Kodikara on the you lay in bed or soaked in the tub. You can in 2014 for his work on this property. The project resulted in the place taking on a also take in views of the vegetation below space seamlessly blends in tropical aesthetic beautifully minimalist aura albeit with from the suite’s balcony. The Courtyard with modern luxury. It was also listed in the exception of the pool which he thinks Room opens into its own secluded garden Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Beach Villas in adds a sense of “drama” to the entire and comes with its own deck. The shower the World. place. If you wish to move away from area is outdoor, open to the sky, and shaded Galle and spend a quieter vacation nestled by a frangipani tree. The Pool Suite is amidst vegetation and the surrounding somewhat cut off from the rest of the house, sea, Kadju House in Tangalle is a must- characterised by high ceilings, sea views, visit. The boutique hotel is offering 60% and also opens out onto a private deck and off for residents. The place comes with the gardens beyond. The Garden Room breakfast and you can bring your own offers pretty views of the lush garden with groceries and have the chef there cook the fruit trees and comes with twin beds – other meals for you. perfect for children. The bathtub stands next to a lily pond. The formal dining area, open to the garden, is made up of a long table. You are www.kadjuhouse.com also welcome to dine on the terrace by the pool (hard to beat this offer), or at any spot in the lush garden or on the beach itself. Pradeep Kodikara, the architect who The bedrooms opening out into nature The terrace by the pool 077 3022276 Kadju House (@KadjuHouse) 4 the sunday morning brunch MENTAL HEALTH Sunday, October 11, 2020 Creating a new platform to seek mental health support Airtel and NIMH launch text-based mental health helpline BY NAVEED ROZAIS Creating a safe platform to The increasing popularity in report mental health issues Counselling psychologist and the dialogue on mental health psychotherapist Nivendra Uduman, indicates that more people are speaking during the panel discussion, said seeking help and support than that while technology can contribute to ever before. That being said, mental health issues, it is also very useful there is still so much to be done as a tool to getting effective mental health with regard to de-stigmatising support and intervention. Uduman also mental health and mental illness explained that communicating through in Sri Lanka. The most important words can have a very meaningful impact, of these is the creation of safe as sometimes it is very difficult for environments for people to open someone to physically voice out what they up about their emotions and are feeling, adding that this gives the text helpline an edge over phone and in-person struggles which affect their counselling, particularly with the youths. mental wellbeing. A landmark achievement has been made on this front with Airtel Lanka and

the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) launching a new text-based The anonymity of text would helpline that will allow people to seek make them more comfortable mental health support and intervention talking about day-to-day over SMS. things like relationship issues, The “1926” chatline, launched at study-related stress, and family a private event followed by a panel discussion on raising awareness about the situations. It would be easier for them to discuss these things over helpline and encouraging its usage among From left: Airtel Lanka Chief Marketing Officer Chandrashekhar the youths (even those who do not have Singh Chauhan, NIMH senior consultant psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa text than on the phone or a pre-diagnosed condition), went live Ranasinghe, Ministry of Health Noncommunicable Diseases Deputy Director General Dr. Champika Wickremasinghe, and NIMH in person yesterday (10). Director Dr. Dhammika Wijesinghe. Joining virtually onscreen is Counselling psychologist and The panel discussion was Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Ashish Chandra psychotherapist Nivendra Uduman moderated by mental health advocate and digital content creator Shanuki improved ways of being accessible to During the panel discussion, Dr. De Alwis and included NIMH senior those who need help. We are thankful Ranasinghe further shared that the Dr. Ranasinghe also commented that consultant psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa to Airtel for helping us evolve 1926 chatline will be managed by a separate the youths have a tendency to be very Ranasinghe, counselling psychologist from a voice-based helpline to a text- team of over 20 nurses as well as a team insular with their mental health issues, and psychotherapist Nivendra Uduman, based helpline,” Dr. Ranasinghe said. of volunteers who will be trained to with many of our youths not opening up Airtel Lanka Head of Human Resources work with users over text. Replies would to anyone – even close friends or family – Kanishka Ranaweera, and Airtel Lanka How the 1926 chatline works be based on urgency, looking at the for fear of being vulnerable. A text-based Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/Managing Using the helpline is very simply severity of the messages as well as the platform makes people like this feel much Director (MD) Ashish Chandra. where all someone looking for mental history of the user with various levels more comfortable, and communicating via health support needs to do is send a text of responses, including working with text also makes them feel less vulnerable, Importance of text-based to 1926, after which the user will be the 119 emergency helpline services to especially when they contact the 1926 helpline for today’s youths connected to professional counsellors who dispatch help in the case of emergency helpline on separate occasions and are Dr. Ranasinghe shared that despite can provide support and counselling via a or high-risk situations. counselled by different people. reduced suicide rates over the last 20 text message in English, Sinhala, or Tamil. Uduman commented that the 1926 years, mental health is still a key issue The 1926 text-based helpline hopes to Keeping the 1926 chatline safe chatline also gives users the chance to in Sri Lanka. From a societal point encourage more young people to reach out Moreover, Dr. Ranasinghe explained come forward with non-critical mental of view, there is much to be done to professionals, particularly when they that users are not compelled to share any health issues. “In many cases, symptoms regarding increasing empathy as well as are experiencing times of crisis and may personal or identification information on of depression and other mental health require guidance in mitigating their mental the chatline. The only thing the chatline issues can be treated long before it comes fixing stigma and social norms. Another gap is in professional, health concerns in a safe and anonymous collects is the user’s phone number. to (the point of) suicide and self-harm. co-ordinated services – something environment. As healthcare professionals, “When someone gets in touch with us Youths don’t know how to identify it in the NIMH is able to help with, given Speaking on the launch of the 1926 our dependency on technology on the 1926 helpline and they come into themselves. their reach and infrastructure across chatline, Airtel Lanka CEO/MD Chandra is now more important than the system, their number is registered; “The anonymity of text would make the island. The NIMH has a mental explained that digital technologies are ever before. As a result of from our side, we make a profile with them more comfortable talking about team in each district and is connected transforming learning, socialising, and key information like the risks reported day-to-day things like relationship issues, communication among the youths. its advancements, we must (if they’ve been dealing with violence study-related stress, and family situations. to the national emergency helpline find improved ways of being 119 as well, giving them the capacity “At Airtel, we are always looking at or substance abuse, if they’re at risk of It would be easier for them to discuss to launch a co-ordinated response to ways to create meaningful connections accessible to those who attempting suicide or self-harm, etc.) these things over text than on the phone support anyone in need of mental health for our customers by blending technology need help The next time the person gets in touch or in person. Also, with over-the-phone intervention. with human needs, and this is one such NIMH senior consultant psychiatrist with us, the profile pops up to let the counselling, questions are often geared The 1926 chatline is geared towards initiative. Our brand is heavily engaged Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe counsellor know if they are at high risk. towards anxiety and depression. Text younger people. “(The use of) mobile with young Sri Lankans and we are very Only the supervisor can see the details would be an easier medium for youths to much aware that they prefer to use digital of these profiles. Text messages are not express themselves, especially because of phones and text messaging in particular The 1926 chatline launched yesterday have rapidly become the preferred platforms to engage and find solutions,” recorded; we make our own paper-based the perception that call lines are for people Chandra said. (10) to coincide with World Mental Health records so that we can treat people more in a crisis.” communication tools among the youths, Day 2020, the theme of which is “Mental creating a culture connected to their Airtel Lanka has a network footprint effectively.” Uduman also said that text-based across the island and has emerged as Sri Health for All: Greater Investment, There are very specific situations. helplines help overcome issues of privacy phones. As healthcare professionals, Greater Access…Everyone, Everywhere”. our dependency on technology is now Lanka’s fastest-expanding network, being For example, if a child is being abused, because users are able to get help and the fastest operator to reach one million The 1926 text service is free for all Airtel there will be a handover of information seek counsel from anywhere and in any more important than ever before. As a users and is also accessible for users of result of its advancements, we must find customers in the country following its to another agency for effective action to situation without needing to worry about establishment in 2009. other mobile networks. take place. being seen or being overheard. PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM

The panel discussion at the “1926” chatline launch. From left: Moderator Shanuki De Alwis, Airtel Lanka Head of Human Resources Kanishka Ranaweera, counselling psychologist and psychotherapist Nivendra Uduman, NIMH senior consultant psychiatrist Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, October 11, 2020 EDUCATION Waiting for a light at the end of the tunnel Covid-19 and education in Sri Lanka

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA “When Covid-19 restrictions were in place earlier in the year, we had lectures through Zoom. Then, we started university on 24 August. We had just started exams the week before the last when these new cases were detected. All our exams are postponed yet again. It seems we will be graduating in five years instead of four,” said Anudi Karunanayake, a first-year student at the University of Colombo, in conversation with The Sunday Morning Brunch. Things seemed to be slowly but surely drifting back to normal in the island of Sri Lanka, after over a two-month period of islandwide curfew and a few months of adjusting to the “new normal”. However, the public is yet again left in the lurch after a garment worker in an apparel factory tested positive for the coronavirus at the Gampaha Hospital on 4 October, which also led to the detection of the Minuwangoda Covid cluster soon after. As at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (7), Covid-19-positive cases from the Minuwangoda cluster stood at 832 and curfew was imposed in the Divulapitiya, Minuwangoda, Veyangoda, Gampaha, and a number of other adjacent police divisions until further notice. PHOTOS LALITH PERERA we’ve been stalling for a much longer time or she was mad,” shared Liyara Silva, a USA, shared her thoughts with us, stating: viewing news items at short intervals, while When will this end? period than we’d like to admit. frustrated A/L student following the local “At the moment, I’m highly stressed maintaining calm within the household. Following the recent developments, “The Covid-19 situation changed the curriculum. because the university keeps telling us to “Adults within households can schools that were to be closed for holidays lives of students and teachers alike. I am a In addition to schools, a couple of come there as soon as possible. The Health encourage more ‘opportunity-based’ following the Grade Five Scholarship part of a leading private school in Colombo government universities have also closed Ministry of Georgia stresses that doing a discussions with regard to the current examination and the Advanced Level (A/L) where the school authorities managed to while many other neighbouring universities medical degree online is not acceptable, situation. You can prepare them for any examination commenced vacation five launch online teaching on a regular basis and private institutions have followed suit which is true. At the moment, the university situation just by engaging them in household days prior to the scheduled date. by creating an online teaching platform,” unofficially on the basis of keeping its just announced that they will stop chores and showing them that when things Although many may state that shared Sajeevanie Bandara, a senior student population safe. conducting online lectures by 19 October are not perfect, there are other options. schoolgoers have it easy as the holidays teacher and university guidance counsellor Sri Lanka’s state-run universities, and that we should get there through a The main message is to prepare them for were pre-planned and so it was set to begin from a reputed school in Colombo. reputed for its long-drawn semesters due chartered flight. If we can’t or aren’t willing eventualities by showing them that the either way, the hourly news updates on to reasons varying from sudden student to come, we are requested to skip this world is not a perfect place, that sometimes hundreds of newly confirmed cases suggest union strikes to political interventions to semester, or worse, repeat it all over again we all have to adjust accordingly, and that otherwise. mere inefficiencies of the system, could next year. the outcomes may not even be as negative “Right after quarantine, when we Regardless, many of the schools in potentially inculcate more unrest within the “In medicine, there is also a secondary as they think. came back to school, we started off where the island do not have the same avid young student population as a result of subject called ‘communication skills’, in we left off. The newly inducted batch of facilities and resources. We as a school further obstacles to their graduation. which we are supposed to go to clinics, visit prefects in our school was determined to successfully ensured the academic “The exams are postponed, but we patients, talk with them, and get the relevant get back to work – as we all should. We progress of the students, and even held have lectures…for now. They strictly patient history and diagnoses. We were Adults within households can had an excellent batch of prefects last online tests for evaluation purposes. informed us to wear masks within the supposed to start communication skills and encourage more ‘opportunity’-based year and we noticed how, unfortunately, It’s true that it wasn’t smooth sailing university premises. The lack of time is Georgian language in the first semester.” discussions with regard to the current they were unable to go through with their initially, as all the teachers were not what I’m worried about,” commented situation...The main message is to planned duties to their fullest capacity equally competent in using IT for Anuki Viyathma, a second-year student at Think of this as a ‘delay’; prepare the children for eventualities because of the coronavirus. The goal of teaching purposes the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. by showing them that the world is our newly inducted guild was to make The limitations to learning due to the focus on mental health Senior teacher and university guidance Despite all the evident drawbacks the not a perfect place, that sometimes we sure we covered everything the previous lack of an online platform were yet again all have to adjust accordingly, and batch couldn’t,” said Dulandi Gunasekera, counsellor Sajeevanie Bandara highlighted by a number of university student population is facing, many shared the sentiment that the country’s prompt that the outcomes may not even be as a newly inducted prefect at Musaeus students we spoke to. This proved to be negative as they think College, Colombo. “Regardless, many of the schools in particularly challenging for students in response to adversity is in fact “the best “We stopped school when we were on solution according to the current situation”. Chartered health psychologist and senior the island do not have the same facilities STEM (science, technology, engineering, university lecturer Dr. G.P. Gamage the verge of distributing permission slips and resources. We as a school successfully and mathematics) fields. The hindrances to conducting lessons to start physical meetings and projects at ensured the academic progress of the are, in a sense, only one side of the coin. school again. We had a ray of hope that students and even held online tests for A pandemic such as this has more deep- “We need to think of the delay as everything will go as planned. But now, evaluation purposes. It’s true that it wasn’t rooted psychological impacts on citizens, just one occurrence in the whole array of the permission slips have been in my even more so in the case of students. In smooth sailing initially, as all the teachers We haven’t completed the practical events that will happen. While it will leave schoolbag since Friday (2). were not equally competent in using IT an exchange with Open University of Sri a ‘mark’ in the students’ records, what’s “The uncertainty is the most daunting units yet. They were planning to Lanka senior lecturer in psychology and for teaching purposes. However, with time carry out face-to-face practical exams, important is that this obstacle should not thing. The problem is we don’t know how and regular training sessions, they became chartered health psychologist Dr. G.P. stop them achieving their life goals, as there far this would go. We don’t know if we like observing tissues and so on. But Gamage, a number of considerable pointers competent. yesterday we were informed to prepare can be opportunities also hidden in this dark would go for another lockdown. We were “As an A/L teacher, online teaching were unveiled. Dr. Gamage shared that cloud,” explained Dr. Gamage. really hyped up about everything we had presentations on those subjects, which, it’s important to have a clear picture of the during the pandemic situation proved to be to be honest, is ineffective Sharing her expertise, Dr. Gamage planned and now we’re not even sure if very successful as the students are more situation without any misinformation. recommends an activity for A/L students we can execute it. This whole incident mature. They even felt quite confident in A second-year medical student preparing for the upcoming exam and for hitting at the peak of everything going asking questions verbally and through the parents of younger children. back to normal is possibly the worst thing,” chat box. So the school I represent is ready “The major problem we are facing “Take a piece of paper, divide it into explained the forlorn school prefect. to face any unexpected situation as we currently is connection issues. Luckily, we The Health Ministry of Georgia two, and on the right side write down Besides the disenchanted feelings and successfully handled the first lockdown. had our exams in the last three weeks. We stresses that doing a medical degree the things you enjoyed doing during the the dashed hopes of school students, we However, I understand that it won’t be the haven’t completed the practical units yet. online is not acceptable, which is lockdown period. On the left side, write the learnt that the teaching staffs of schools too same for schools throughout the island.” They were planning to carry out face-to- true. At the moment, the university things you did not like about the lockdown are deeply concerned about the foggy path Sri Lanka, still classified as a face practical exams, like observing tissues just announced that they will stop period that’s now in the past. Compare both ahead. developing nation on the world stage, has and so on. But yesterday we were informed conducting online lectures by 19 sides and try to see that all the experiences Prolonged lockdowns and curfews enough and more reasons to be anxious to prepare presentations on those subjects, October and that we should get there are balanced in a certain way with both would only mean the continuation or about the rocky months to come. Despite which, to be honest, is ineffective,” shared through a chartered flight positive and negative aspects. However, you resumption of lessons online via popular the plentiful praise and commendations another second-year medical student at the Sadhana Ranasinghe, prospective need to also remember that while we should online platforms and learning management received by reputed international University of Colombo. medical student of a university in hold on to the positives and enhance those systems (LMSs) such as Zoom, Microsoft organisations from across the globe, the Georgia, US – we should either convert the negatives Teams, and Google Classroom. country is currently at a stumbling point The plight of also into positive or discard these negative economically. aspects as life experiences we gained.” Did the first lockdown have students abroad “Most of the time, it is misinformation Talking about mental health amidst University students already attending that creates a lot of distress. This is the pandemic, Dr. Gamage stated that Exams a foreign university or even prospective particularly important for Grade Five its benefits? Meanwhile, the Government circumstances in life are always changing One of the very few silver linings students in foreign universities who are students who were about to face the exam announced on Wednesday that the – that it is a fact of life. She advised of the first wave of Covid-19 was currently in Sri Lanka are facing major as these children are 10-11 years old and GCE A/L and Grade Five Scholarship that maintaining good mental health is undoubtedly the major developments in challenges. The visa issuing process, do not have the level of cognition and examinations will be held as scheduled. all about adjusting to the situations in the information technology (IT) sector which was by default regulated due to the emotional maturity of adults. They see “My batchmates and I are fed up. I a healthy manner without resorting to in Sri Lanka, and only a very few would circumstances in other countries, would be their parents in distress and tend to ‘mimic’ was so fed up that I even went on a trip to harmful behaviour or negative reactions disagree. It can be said that Covid-19 further hindered, while travel restrictions them.” Nuwara Eliya with my friends last week. continuously. practically forced Sri Lanka to adapt to imposed would now be further heightened. Dr. Gamage advised parents, teachers, If anyone hears someone from an earlier Several attempts made by The Sunday the functional utilisation of e-learning and Sadhana Ranasinghe, a prospective and children to minimise their exposure to batch having gone on a trip at the brink of Morning Brunch to contact the Ministry of work-from-home arrangements, which medical student of a university in Georgia, many different types of media and curtail A/L exams, they would have asked if he Education for a comment failed. 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH/AWARENESS Sunday, October 11, 2020 ‘disABILITY’ teletherapy app to support children with disability BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE Around 10-20% might The app aims to share not have typical knowledge, therapies, and services Designed and coded by Dilmah’s Merrill J. Fernando (MJF) symptoms…Some people for people with disability, especially Charitable Foundation and MillenniumIT, “disABILITY” is an may only experience minor children, in regions of Sri Lanka app designed to support children with disabilities and their pain, similar to indigestion. where access to transport, regular therapy, and other services are families by connecting them with expert guidance. In some, there may not be limited. World Vision Lanka will Put together in collaboration Palsy and other Developmental any chest pain, especially support the dissemination of the app with partners Microsoft, Sarva, Disorders (NCCCPDD) Director in women, older people, amongst people with disability and and World Vision Lanka, the app Gopi Kitnasamy shared: “It truly and those with diabetes support its use by their families. complements the MJF Charitable is a passion project. In our four Recognising the need for The app includes guided Foundation’s disability advice centres, we attend to about 300 grassroots acceptance of the app disability and development channel on YouTube in reaching children and what we’ve come to in rural areas, World Vision Lanka screening; access to paediatricians; children and people with disabilities realise is that awareness plays a will pilot the app, introducing it to early identification and intervention; in remote parts of Sri Lanka. major role in effectively helping marginalised communities in which and therapeutic, educational, and The collaboration demonstrates them. As we continued to reach out, the organisation operates. MJF rehabilitation assistance, allowing the power of collaboration with we came across a lot of people who Charitable Foundation therapists caregivers to monitor progress with Microsoft, providing access to kept their children with cerebral and teachers will support the the guidance from MJF Charitable its Azure platform and initiating palsy at home, which was shocking assessment, diagnosis, referral, Foundation’s multidisciplinary team. the collaboration amongst as we have great health services, but follow-up, and review of children PHOTO ESHAN DASANAYAKA The project focuses on MillenniumIT and the MJF due to the lack of awareness, there and others. A national campaign possibilities, and in emphasising Charitable Foundation, after are those children who have never conceptualised by Sarva is being the ability of people who are MilleniumIT’s innovative efforts even once visited a doctor and they MJF Charitable Foundation Head of Rehabilitation Services and NCCCPDD Director launched simultaneously to support considered disabled seeks to grow at artificial intelligence (AI) for all end up housebound.” Gopi Kitnasamy awareness and inclusion, while awareness of the estimated 40,000 Accessibility Hackathon in 2019. Kitnasamy also shared how during the pandemic, and it proved to delays in development. Early sharing information about the app. people with cerebral palsy in Sri Launched on World Cerebral they were inspired to launch this to be most beneficial.” identification can help foster The app is currently available Lanka, 17 million around the world, Palsy Day falling on 6 October, the project as quickly as they did, He said that subsequently stimulating environments where for Android phones and tabs on and others with Down syndrome app is the first of its kind globally sharing that while they carry out they decided to take things a little families, healthcare, and education Google Play Store and will shortly or other developmental disorders. and is available in Sinhala, Tamil, services daily, once the lockdown further by taking teletherapy and professionals are better prepared to be available for iOS on Apple App This requires communication to and English. It offers invaluable came, it disrupted those procedures. also telescreening totally online and support the development, inclusion, Store. It is designed in an intuitive address the stigma and evolve to teletherapy services for people with “We can’t allow for a break in making it easily accessible. and active participation of children manner, based on the age of the acceptance, respect, and inclusion. cerebral palsy (CP). service as it breaks down any Among people with disabilities, with disabilities. The disABILITY person, and its services are available Sarva designed and produced an Speaking at the event, MJF progress we may have had leading children are especially vulnerable app will bridge the gap between via an interactive platform on any infomercial which will be broadcast Charitable Foundation Head of up to that point. It must be a as undetected disabilities in the families with persons with smartphone with only the most basic to help Sri Lankans overcome the Rehabilitation Services and National continuous process and that is when their early years and delays in disabilities and help provide the skills required in order to use the stigma and isolation of people with Centre for Children with Cerebral we initiated a teletherapy initiative rehabilitative initiatives can lead necessary services remotely. app. disability. Heart health: Let’s beat heart disease! BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA disease. Cigarette smoking has been shown to raise blood pressure In celebration of World Heart Day, yy De-stress by including exercise, many awareness programmes were recreational activities, and meditation or conducted under the theme “Use yoga to your daily routine. Stress has been Your Heart to Beat Heart Disease”. linked with heart disease in many ways Global leaders have pledged yy Get enough sleep – make sure you feel to reduce mortality from non- rested after a good night’s sleep. Certain communicable diseases (NCDs) by conditions such as sleep apnoea can 25% by 2025. interfere with sound sleep, which might Cardiovascular disease (CVD) need treatment accounts for nearly half of all NCD-related Several causes such as age, lifestyle, deaths, making it the foremost cause of diet, and smoking can contribute to death worldwide. As our community got cardiovascular disease. World Heart Day together in the fight against heart disease, PHOTO © UP HEALTH SYSTEM – MARQUETTE was created by the World Heart Federation a free webinar was organised by Healthnet to inform those around the globe of in partnership with English Nursing Care, cardiovascular disease and stroke which which included eminent cardiologist Dr. Any suspicion of a heart attack, usually largely dependent on the level of activity under control is an important factor in claims 17.9 million lives each year. Hence, Bhathiya Ranasinghe and English Nursing with symptoms lasting for more than five you were accustomed to along with your preventing heart disease by spreading awareness, we can create Care Director of Nursing and consultant minutes, should warrant an immediate physical fitness before the cardiac episode yy Maintain a healthy weight – obesity positive lifestyle changes that will impact cardiologist Fiona Eccles who spoke on ECG (electrocardiogram) investigation. and the extent of the damage to the cardiac is linked to heart disease, high blood the community at large. the topic of “A Healthy Heart”, covering a Dr. Ranasinghe emphasised that even muscles. pressure, high cholesterol levels, and plethora of topics related to heart health. though older males have a higher tendency Before your discharge, your doctor will diabetes, which in turn are risk factors About the writer Dr. Ranasinghe explained what is to suffer from a MI, age is no longer a discuss what activities you can do at home. for heart attacks The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi commonly known as a heart attack – or in determinant as he has seen heart attacks Sexual activity can be resumed if the heart Sirisena, is a family physician with a special medical terms an ST-elevation myocardial in the very young as well as the very old, attack is mild and you can climb two flights yy Limit processed food and incorporate interest in rare genetic infarction (STEMI) – as a sudden and adding that hence, across the board, cardiac of stairs without getting breathless after whole foods such as fruits and diseases and regenerative sometimes fatal occurrence of a blood clot symptoms at any age should not be taken two weeks of discharge from the hospital. vegetables into your diet medicine currently lightly. Another most frequently encountered query (thrombosis) in a blood vessel supplying yy Regular exercise is also important as it working as a lecturer is when to resume driving. Dr. Ranasinghe the heart (coronary arteries), which results has many benefits that promote heart at the Department of in the death of a part of the heart muscle. Minutes matter explained that this too depends on your Anatomy, Faculty of When you experience the signs and health Among the cardinal features, 70- cardiac status; generally, those who are Medicine, University of symptoms of a heart attack, every minute 80% will have features that are typically asymptomatic can start driving around two yy Limit alcohol and smoking, both of Colombo, matters. The first few minutes to hours will suggestive of a heart attack or a myocardial weeks to one month following discharge. which have negative health impacts and Sri Lanka. infarction (MI). However, around 10-20% determine the short-term and long-term If it’s a heavy vehicle such as a bus or can increase your likelihood of heart might not have typical symptoms, and outcome of the patient. Within three hours a lorry, your cardiologist should give they’re called atypical presentations. Some of the onset of chest pain, 80-90% of the clearance, ideally following a stress test. people may only experience minor pain, cardiac muscle cells die due to the lack of If you need stenting or a coronary artery similar to indigestion. In some, there may perfusion, and by about 12 hours, all the bypass grafting (CABG), you will need a not be any chest pain, especially in women, muscles supplied by the occluded artery bit longer to resume normal activities. older people, and those with diabetes. will undergo cell death. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are absolutely Immediate management Most common symptoms critical to avoid irreversible cell death If you are experiencing any of the of a heart attack due to ischemia, which will determine the symptoms discussed above, it’s important yy Chest pain – often felt as a sensation of ultimate outcome. to go to the nearest health centre or hospital where they can take the initial steps. If pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the Coronary heart disease in women centre of your chest you have chewable Aspirin 300 mg, you In general, pre-menopausal women can chew it and swallow at home. At the yy Pain in other parts of the body – this have a lower tendency to develop a heart hospital, following investigations such could be a type of radiating pain where attack than their male counterparts due to as an ECG and a troponin test, they will you would feel as if the pain is travelling the protective effect of estrogen. They may, provide thrombolysis therapy or primary from your chest to your arms (usually however, experience atypical symptoms coronary interventions such as stenting. the left arm, but it can affect both arms), such as a heart attack with no chest pain, jaw, neck, back, and abdomen but they might have nausea or vomiting. Lowering your risk of a heart attack y y Hence, it’s often confused as gastritis or y Blood pressure control – as having high y Lightheaded or dizzy feeling acid reflux. After menopause, the risk of a blood pressure (BP) puts you at risk of yy Sweating heart attack increases in women. heart disease, it’s important to get your pressure checked regularly. Lifestyle yy Shortness of breath Life after a heart attack changes to prevent and control high BP yy Nausea or vomiting Once you have a heart attack, there should be adopted, such as reducing the will be a constant worry and anxiety amount of dietary salt intake yy A sense of overwhelming anxiety that lingers, especially with regard to (similar to having a panic attack) experiencing another episode. Becoming yy Cholesterol and triglycerides should be kept under check yy Coughing or wheezing active again can promote heart health; however, this should only be done while yy Diabetes or high blood sugar can (Source: NHS) following proper medical advice. Usual Some of the atypical presentations damage your blood vessels and the activities can be resumed within a few include upper abdominal (epigastric) pain, nerves that control your heart and blood weeks of having a heart attack, but this is toothache, and headache. vessels. Hence, getting your blood sugar the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, October 11, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

14 Slimming procedures, 70 Copacetic, in slang SOLUTION FOR 27 SEPTEMBER informally 71 Thomas Gray’s “The Bard,” Crossword 15 Some how-to book e.g. CROSSWORD CLUES targets? 72 Smooching on a plane, Across 63 Unable to find the way 115 Foundation for nude 16 Unusually energetic sort or short 1 They often offer free Wi-Fi 64 Rates highly sketches? 17 “__ Went Mad”: Riley 73 Photo possibilities 6 Julie’s “East of Eden” role 65 Stand-up’s goals, 117 Color for a “Starry” poem 74 Tractor brand, familiarly 10 Bygone Swedish wheels informally Dutch classic? 18 __-majesté 76 Vibration sensor 14 Suit material 68 Philippines’ highest 119 Golfer’s cry after holing 24 Gems 77 Flattery 19 Tickle peak: Abbr. a long putt 26 It’s a blast 78 First light 20 Fruity commercial prefix 69 Decision maker 120 Unceasingly 29 MSN, for one 79 “Demian” author 21 Up-in-the-air bear 72 Very little, to Vivaldi 121 Boxer Oscar __ Hoya 32 El __ 80 Mongolian dry spot 22 “Do __?” 75 “Yikes!” 122 Sister of Goneril 34 Show disdain for 81 Fail to be kept private 23 Molding okra likenesses? 80 Traditional Western song 123 “I think of slaying Holmes 35 Prohibitions 82 Pakistani bread 25 Accumulation after many to sing while cleaning up ... He takes my mind from 36 Type of eye layer 83 Slant oil changes? the atelier? better things” writer 37 Karmann __: sports car 88 Carefully consider 27 Therefore 84 Flu symptom 124 Stitches 38 It might be caught with 89 Bay State motto opener 28 Clotheshorse’s collection 85 “Coffee __?” 125 Like Florida scrub a fly 92 Intestinal tract division 30 Singer? 86 Minimal 126 Immobile 39 __ facto 93 Grub 31 Cube-ic Rubik 87 High-level banking aids 41 Philatelist’s buys 94 More over the top Down 42 Hounds, e.g. 33 “__ Rebel”: 1962 hit 90 Wanna-__ 1 Batgirl garb 97 Legume family bean 34 Handles 91 Augustus’ devious wife 46 Manga series about gaming 99 Ones just hanging out 2 Love in Spain 49 Retinal receptor 35 Housekeeper-artist barter 94 Place to make waves 3 Thick dessert topping 100 Zilch agreement? 95 Conservatory subj. 50 Lao Tzu’s “way” 101 British actress-politician 4 Source of protection 51 Text changers, for short 40 Dirty Harry’s org. 96 Bucolic lines 5 It has a watery bed Jackson 43 Lab eggs 98 Sculpting painstakingly, 52 Back in a shell 102 Wi-Fi connection? 6 All of Albee’s “The Zoo 54 Big __ 44 Classic pops as ice? Story,” essentially 104 Very disappointing turnout 45 Like no-see-ums 103 Precepts 57 Scullers’ pair? 107 Kin of op. cit. 7 French wheel 58 OTC drug agency 47 Schwarz of toys 105 Pickle pick 8 Spanish spreads 108 __-Rooter 48 Therapist’s concern 106 They’re depressed 59 Rapscallions 9 One catching with flies, 61 All-encompassing 109 Over 50 Bait during recitals maybe 110 Jamaican citrus 53 Employing 107 Resolve 62 __ chair 10 Good in golf ... otherwise, 66 Ante, e.g. 111 “__ no idea” 55 Stuffed shell? 109 Introspective Randall not so much 113 29-day Hebrew month 56 Asset for sketching Thompson choral work 67 Romps 11 LAX touchdowns 68 Reply of feigned innocence 114 Traveling carnival sight the human body? with a joyous title 12 Sun Devils’ sch. 60 Two-handed tool 112 Jr.’s exam 69 Prepared, as apples for 116 “__ been thinking ... “ 13 Short-legged hounds strudel 118 Indian title Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 21 October 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope.

Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 27 SEPTEMBER First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners D.A. Jayatileke, Malabe 1. S. Ratnasekera, Ratmamel (Matara) Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 2. J.A.B.L. Ranasinghe, Ganemulla 3. Nirmala Illankoon, Colombo 6 N.C. Dayarathne, 4. K. Gayathri, Kalmunai Pitakotte 5. A. Ganeshalingam, Trincomalee

This week’s winners will be announced on 25 October

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS Sunday, October 11, 2020

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE over 3,500 concertgoers at the heart of Negombo – there were a number of fans On 4 October, musical legends from that very concert present at this event Marians and Daddy performed at as well, expecting the same magic they Havelock Grounds at 6.30 p.m. in experienced six years ago. Rushani Rodrigo and Janishka an event organised by the event Premasinghe shared: “We are really glad management company Bourne MARIANS we came. It was a family thing for us. We Innovations. attended the other concert when it was held The event was highly anticipated as in Negombo and since then, we have been the two groups last collaborated six years looking forward to another collaboration. ago, and the event was reflective of this For our family, it is an opportunity excitement as the crowds showed up amidst for us and our children to bond, where rising Covid-19 concerns. their musical interests and our musical While the setup alone was rather unique AND DADDY interests are merging on one stage. It is not to begin with, as this performance marked something that happens often.” the first time a local concert featuring local Despite having performed on the artists was held at Havelock Grounds, there same stage together, both Marians and was also the added element of holding an 2020 LIVE IN CONCERT Daddy put on an exceptional show for their outdoor concert while the pandemic was in industry veterans, and Daddy held their audience, performing a number of medleys full swing. first exclusive collaboration back in 2014, – both old and new – with each band The timing of the event was such that where they performed to an audience of taking on each other’s most beloved work, the most recent Covid-19 patient from giving the attendees a never -before-seen Minuwangoda was discovered on the day of experience. Marians also performed a new the event, placing the organisers in quite a song that is yet to be released for the first predicament. While there were talks online time onstage. of all events being cancelled immediately, Melon Perera, one of the attendees at with the Government announcing that it was the concert, shared that he particularly attempting to contain the spread of the virus enjoyed the amalgamation of the two and cordon off the Gampaha area, a decision styles, with the new and old coming was made to carry on with the event. that they really appreciated the efforts together this way. “I loved this We spoke to some of the concertgoers made by the organisers to put the concept of mashing the new and on what they thought about this decision event together in spite of the obvious the old, both leading bands in the and what brought them to attend the concert obstacles they must’ve faced in island; it’s as if Marians is uplifting despite there being very real concerns of a getting the go ahead from the relevant their juniors and showing their second wave of Covid-19. authorities. unconditional support, and Daddy is The event organisers too did not pretend “It was a great time and we showing their respect to a group that that all was fine and made extra efforts to enjoyed it a lot. In this Covid has been consistent for just over three ensure all concertgoers remained safe by situation, it was a welcome release decades now,” he said. way of repeated reminders to keep face when it was first announced, and Marians and Daddy 2020 proved masks on, maintain physical distancing, and there were no safety concerns as to be an overall success, despite mingle only amongst one’s own group. serious as the current situation. I timing bringing in the added Having dealt with the safety regulations Despite being an outdoor concert, think people really need things concern of uncertainty. However, to the best of the organisers’ ability, the the arrangement provided seating for all like this; even though everything in these trying times where the concert itself was a success, with many of attendees with sufficient distancing in feels up in the air and uncertain, entertainment and event industry the attendees declaring that they had been between each row and particular areas were you still have to enjoy yourself. has plummeted, the event provided absolutely looking forward to it amidst the cordoned off with barriers. The only persons I think they (organisers) did a an opportunity for fans to enjoy pandemic concerns. not wearing face masks were the bands, who good job in balancing both – it themselves while also supporting Ishika, Tashiya, Sameera, and Sonel, were quite a distance away from the crowd was handled well,” they shared. their artists. who attended the event as a group, shared PHOTOS KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM on the elevated stage. Both Marians, well-known

touch to the setting. Darley Rd. offers three exclusive dining rooms: British Council and Auckland Room, 34 Room, and Press Room for private functions and intimate gatherings. The venue sticks CBB celebrate 15 years of Darley Rd. to toe-tapping live music to keep their guests on the edge. The newest pub in town by Excel Restaurants Speaking on the special teacher training project launch, Browns Hotels and Resorts On 29 September, Ministry of Attendees at the event BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI Group General Manager and Excel Education officials, Council for Business Restaurants Executive Director Eksath with Britain (CBB) committee members, Excel Restaurants launched its Wijeratne said: “I am pleased to Regional English Support Centre (RESC) newest restaurant and pub, introduce our latest venture Darley mentors, and British Council staff Darley Rd. – or Darley Road Road Pub & Restaurant, which is a gathered in the auditorium of the Ministry Pub & Restaurant – amidst a one-of-a-kind place ideal for a relaxed of Education to celebrate the long-running gathering of guests and friends hangout or an exciting nighttime CBB English Language Teacher Training on 24 September 2020. rendezvous. The ambience at Darley Project. Rd. has been curated to ensure a This project has been running since Located at the Excel World sense of privacy and entertainment Excel Restaurants Executive Director 2005 and it draws to a close this year. Entertainment Park premises down for everyone. I would like to invite This publication collects their often very T.B. Jayah Mawatha, this cosy new Eksath Wijeratne It grew out of six-weekend workshops everyone to visit Darley Rd. to enjoy around the country and developed into personal stories. spot is ideal to chill with your friends good music, good food, and drink – They talk about how the project and enjoy some tongue-tingling dishes the annual delivery of English language all in a stellar setting. Darley Rd. is teacher training to approximately 200 impacted their lives, their schools, and and fascinating drinks. Promoted as a a great venue to catch up with family their pupils. Within their narratives unique place for both weekend chills English language teachers nationwide. or friends and to make new ones…a Over 2,000 teachers have been trained are the techniques they learnt, such as and weeknight hanging out, Darley place you can always count on any day the use of the correction code to make Rd. has something for everyone through this project impacting over of the week.” 310,000 pupils. The course is a distance error-correction more motivating, – definitely the perfect place to This new kid on the block, with its resources like authentic materials and relax, unwind, mix and mingle, and teacher training course with study sessions experimental dishes and old-school, run by the trainers at the 31 RESCs across puppets they added to their teaching appreciate good food and good music. hip fusion atmosphere, is guaranteed baskets, and teaching skills like more The launch was a sensational the country, leading up to the University to create a new dimension for the local of Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test. communicative lesson planning and using evening as guests celebrated the birth The ambience is complete with restaurant scene. Excel Restaurants concept checking questions to check of this remarkable place with an array Speakers at the event included stylish brick walls, elegant wooden currently manages a collection of Secretary to the Minister of Education their understanding of the meaning they of mouthwatering dishes and appealing décor, and dim lighting to create that restaurants in Colombo, including adopted. Their stories show children cocktails and mocktails. The paneer Prof. Kapila Perera, CBB President old-school British pub vibe, although Tsing Tao, Il Cielo, Berlin Sky Roshanie Moraes, British High becoming more confident in their use of bites and the “watalappan cocktail” the stylish bar stools and the plush Lounge, Loon Tao, Floor by O!, Shore English and becoming more motivated were certainly our favourites. Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton, seating add a bit of a contemporary by O!, and The Four Leafed Clover. and British Council Director of Education to use English. Teachers also cite the The menu at Darley Rd. is diverse, increase in their pupils’ marks in end innovative, and extremely exciting; and English Louise Cowcher. Due to Covid-19, the project of the term tests as well as in Ordinary it ranges from Asian fusion dishes to and Advanced Levels. The case studies classic western picks. It also includes was unable to have its annual awards ceremony. Instead, the Cambridge illustrate the move from teacher to favourite Sri Lankan dishes such as student-centred classrooms and a extra spicy mutton baduma and crispy Teaching Knowledge Test and British Council Teacher Training Certificates corresponding increase in teacher and salt and pepper cuttlefish with exotic student confidence. tamarind sauce. Other special delights were given to the teachers at their RESCs. A collage of photographs taken during The event also showcased this year’s include pub grubs such as devilled addition to the project in the form of meat, chicken kochchi balls, Mexican these smaller ceremonies was displayed at the event. The RESC mentors attended the an employability poster competition. potato wedges, devilled cashew nuts, Teachers on the project worked with Cajun spiced chicken breast, and herb- event and were given certificates for their work on the project. their classes to produce a poster on a marinated fish fillet. topic connected to employability. These The drinks menu include local The publication A Celebration of the CBB Teacher Training Project: 2005- posters were shortlisted by the RESCs, beers, a range of magnificent wines, then by British Council, and the finalists and a collection of spirited beverages 2020 – Case Studies from across the Country by the CBB and British Council were selected by members of the CBB together with some refreshing committee. The winning teachers whose cocktails such as the “wasa kuppiya” was launched at the event as well. The project’s legacy is the cadre of trainers classes submitted the successful posters and the “flaming Lamborghini” as well received their awards. The posters were on as delicious mocktails such as “date and teachers it has created, who then impact hundreds of thousands of pupils. display at the event and also included in king” and “green lady”. the case study publication.

Content to check out Forgetful Mani | Read aloud Pulse Talks with 1. The Gentrification videos with Room to Read Kasturi Chellaraja of Colombo: Pulse Kids together with Room to Log onto our Community Read is bringing quality education stories YouTube channel for 2. Breadfruit curry with fun and easy reads. Log onto the full video our YouTube channel for more! Send in your requests to +94 (70) 707 8573 and hear your favourite tunes instantly on www.islandpulse.lk! THIS WEEK ON Facebook: slpulse Instagram: @pulse_lk YouTube: Pulse.lk

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7