www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 21,880,512 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,895 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 5,571,976 173,159 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 773,895 BRAZIL 3,340,197 107,879 INDIA 2,667,973 51,280 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 927,745 15,740 11 2,676 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 14,600,883 S. AFRICA 587,345 11,839 THE ABOVE STATISTICS208 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 9.30 P.M. ON 17 AUGUST 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU COVID-19 HEALTH GUIDELINES ISLANDWIDE POWER INTERRUPTION POWER OUTAGE Facemasks Water supply Committee disrupted The water supply in several areas yesterday mandatory (17) was disrupted due to an islandwide power outage experienced throughout the country. A spokesman of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said the in Parliament water supply from pumping stations had to investigate been disrupted without electric generators. BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA wear facemasks Contd. on page 2 even while It is mandatory for all speaking in the TRAFFIC LIGHTS DISCONNECTED MPs as well as others Chambers. visiting or working at “Facemasks are Heavy traffic the Parliament to wear mandatory and MPs power outage facemasks on the day of cannot take them off even the inaugural sitting scheduled to speak in the Chambers.” BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA According to a statement issued in for 20 August. He said that all staff and by the Department of Government Severe traffic congestion was reported Deputy Secretary General of visitors too must wear masks as A committee to look into the islandwide power outage was Information, the power outage had yesterday (17) in roads in Colombo as Parliament and Chief of Staff a mandatory requirement. appointed yesterday (17) by newly appointed Minister of been a result of a technical failure that traffic lights were not functioning due to Neil Iddawela said that MPs must Contd. on page 2 Power Dullas Alahapperuma. had occurred at the Kerawalapitiya the prevailing islandwide power failure. Grid Substation. Reportedly, as a result of traffic lights HISTORICAL SITE IN KURUNEGALA Speaking to The Morning, he said Meanwhile, it is learnt that Ceylon Consumers throughout the not functioning, several roads in the city of the committee would meet for the first Electricity Board (CEB) officials are island were left for hours without Colombo have been blocked. However, police time today (18) to find out the root also investigating the cause of the power at around 1 p.m., the CEB officers had attempted to guide motorists in Litigation threatened cause of the power interruption that islandwide power outage experienced confirmed. order to curb the situation. occurred yesterday. yesterday, as the cause remains unclear. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 against MC members PCOI ON EASTER ATTACKS

BY SARAH HANNAN two MC members opposing the IN THE HOT SEAT decision. MS summoned Kurunegala Municipal Council “Out of the Rs. 44.3 million (MC) members had voted to pass that is required to be paid as the necessary administrative and administrative and legal fees, the on 26 August legal fees that were required for Kurunegala MC approved Rs. 21 Former President Maithripala Sirisena the legal hearings against the million following the meeting has been summoned by the Presidential demolition of the archaeological held yesterday (17). Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the site in Kurunegala, with only Contd. on page 2 Easter Sunday attacks last year. The Commission has requested the now PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS MP elect to appear before the Commission’s Police Unit on 26 August. Will not be unfair to Contd. on page 2 anyone: Justice Minister GOVT. ANALYST’S DEP. Newly appointed Minister Constitution and the people 2 employees of Justice Ali Sabry PC of . assured that no one would be He made these observations arrested harmed or subjected to unfair while addressing the gathering A laboratory employee attached to the treatment by the proposed after he assumed duties as the Government Analyst’s Department has been constitutional amendments and Minister of Justice yesterday (17) arrested with 18.7 g of heroin. that the Government would at the Ministry premises. The Police said the suspect was arrested work to strengthen both the Contd. on page 2 Sunday evening (16) in the Moratuwahena area in Athurugiriya by the Athurugiriya Police. Contd. on page 2 SUBSTANDARD TURMERIC POWDER Wimal Weerawansa yesterday (17) officially assumed duties as Minister of Industries at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce INAUGURAL P’MENT SESSION CAA recalls premises located in Colombo 3 PHOTO LALITH PERERA Elected MPs substandard stocks MATTALA AIRPORT USED AS WAREHOUSE The Consumer Affairs “We request the consumers Authority (CAA) said that it to stick to purchasing turmeric invited for is continuously conducting raids powder from known spice Damages to be assessed on places selling substandard brands. The issue is with the sessions turmeric powder. retail stocks that are sold in An assessment report has been called a meeting held yesterday (17) on the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Speaking to The Morning, the market. Samples from by the Minister of Tourism on the future plans for the airport. Dasanayake has informed all Members of a CAA official noted that the several batches at present have damages done to Mattala Rajapaksa During the discussion, it had been Parliament (MPs) to attend the first sitting recently confiscated stock of been sent to the Government International Airport (MRIA) by using brought to the attention of the Minister of the ninth Parliament, which is scheduled turmeric powder had higher Analyst’s Department- it for paddy storage during the tenure that Airport and Aviation Services (Sri to commence at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday (20). percentages of wheat flour recommended laboratory for of the previous Government. Mattala Airport Lanka) Ltd. (AASL) had failed to make The Secretary General has extended this and food colouring instead of testing,” the official elaborated. Minister of Tourism Prasanna an accurate assessment of the damages invitation through a letter to the newly elected turmeric in it. Contd. on page 2 Ranatunga has ordered the report week, it is learnt. done to the airport. MPs. to be submitted to him by next The matter had been taken up during Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 FOUR LICENSED MICROFINANCE COMPANIES 16-YEAR-OLD LOSES VISION Hospital launches inquiry A group of medical specialists Rs. 5.4 b in loans and advances attached to the Mirigama Base Hospital have launched an investigation into the alleged incident reported from Mirigama issued during first 6 months where a 16-year-old epilepsy The Central Bank of Sri Lanka regulatory purview, The Morning explained: “Issues such as multiple However, for this year as at 30 June patient had lost his vision after (CBSL) affirmed that Rs. 5.4 billion learnt. borrowing, overindebtedness, and 2020, four licensed microfinance taking the medicines distributed in loans and advances has been issued CBSL officials made these remarks customer harassment prevail in the companies held a loans and advances by the hospital during the Covid- Lenin Niroshan from four licensed microfinance yesterday (17) in responses to a few microfinance sector. The lack of portfolio of approximately Rs. 5.4 19 lockdown period. companies during the first six months questions posed at them by The comprehensive credit information billion. Lenin Niroshan, a resident father, after taking the medicine, of 2020. Sunday Morning in its article titled and high competition in the sector The Department added that of Kaleliya in Gampaha, had Niroshan had shown allergic The financial regulatory authority “Microfinancing loans: The ongoing are some of the contributing factors regulations have been issued on the received the medicine from symptoms and been admitted to for Sri Lanka is set to propose the crisis in the North” and published on for the said issues.” maximum lending rate for licensed the Mirigama Base Hospital the Wathupitiwala Base Hospital, enactment of the Microfinance and Sunday, 7 August. When inquired about the total microfinance companies, which is 35% on 6 April by post due to the after which he had then been Credit Regulatory Authority Act Responding to our question on amount of loans disbursed in 2017- per annum (effective annual interest coronavirus-related curfew that transferred to the National Eye (MCRA Act) which is expected to the current status of microfinancing 2018 and 2018-2019, the Department rate), which enables protection for prevailed in the country. Hospital. bring the unregulated microfinance loans in Sri Lanka, CBSL’s noted that information for the said customers from high interest rates. However, as alleged by his Contd. on page 2 institutions and moneylenders under Communications Department periods were unavailable with them. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Tuesday, August 18, 2020

SECURITY IN ECONOMIC INTERESTS

BY DIPANJAN ROY CHAUDHURY India, following the re-election of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister (PM) of Sri Lanka and the family’s consolidation of power, is keeping a close watch on any move by the regime to India to closely undermine Delhi’s security and economic interests in the island nation as well as the Indian Ocean Region. While the Rajapaksas have traditionally been close to the Chinese, President Rajapaksa, younger brother of the PM, has monitor Sri Lanka refrained from taking any measure Air Force plane, which had developed the common citizens in meaningful so far to harm Indian interests a snag, in what won huge praises in ways, according to officials. after being elected as President in Colombo. The 2019 terror attacks in The Indian Housing Project, to construct 2019. However, all eyes are now on Lanka have brought the two sides closer 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka, is India’s the elder Rajapaksa Mahinda, the in the fight against cross-border terror flagship and largest grant assistance project current PM, who as a President had and radical forces, according to Lanka in Sri Lanka. strengthened ties with Beijing, watchers. Over 48,600 houses have been Even when he was the lame duck PM, constructed under the project so far. China, persons familiar with the matter Mahinda was hosted by India as part of unsure of electoral outcome, cultivated told ET. outreach to the ruling leadership in the a wide array of Lankan political parties China wants to develop Sri Lanka as Southern neighbour, recalled one of the ahead of the general election on 5 August, an anchor for its Indian Ocean outreach persons quoted above. a break from its earlier practice of backing but this has security implications for India’s total development assistance one party in each of India’s neighbouring India, ranging from the Hambantota portfolio in Sri Lanka now exceeds $ countries. Port to Chinese submarines in Lankan 3.45 billion, of which $ 560 million is in ET has reliably gathered that Chinese waters. “India does not expect Sri Lanka the form of grant assistance. emissaries held closed-door, behind-the- to dilute its ties with China but at the The assistance programmes across scenes meetings with Lankan political same time hope that no step based on Lankan districts focus on capacity leaders across parties ahead of the polls. the huge electoral mandate is initiated building, human resources development, In 2015 in Sri Lanka and later in 2018 to undermine Delhi’s security interests,” connectivity, as well as infrastructure in the Maldives, Beijing was taken by a watcher of Indo-Lankan ties told ET. development. surprise when its favourites lost polls in New Delhi, on its part, will continue to These span a wide range of areas both these countries. support development-related and infra from cultural conservation (restoration Shocked by the 2015 presidential projects in the island nation based on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of Thiruketheeswaram temple) to poll results in Lanka, Beijing decided local requirements. construction of iconic landmarks (Jaffna to cultivate powerful Buddhist clergy in The Government here moved swiftly Mahinda Rajapaksa and reinforce shared diplomat to call on the newly elected Cultural Centre) to enhancing connectivity the island nation, ET has learnt. China even before poll results were formally Buddhist heritage. PM to discuss future plans of (restoration of railway lines). accounts for 10% of Sri Lanka’s external announced with PM Narendra Modi Indian envoy to Sri Lanka, Gopal co-operation. The Indian naval base in A unique nature of these projects is debt of $ 55 billion. becoming the first leader to congratulate Baglay, became the first foreign Goa last week repaired a Sri Lankan their people-centric nature, benefiting (The Economic Times [ET])

Contd. from page 1

went off. Operations of many yesterday due to a technical before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s investigation would be continued,” commodities in the market, the Committee... restaurants and banks were also fault at the Kerawalapitiya Grid Court yesterday (17). Dr. Abayaratne added. (MM) CAA confirmed. The CEB initially noted that halted as power was not restored Substation. Meanwhile, another employee On 13 August, the Navy the outage was due to a failure within the first few hours. In this regard, the Ministry of of the Government Analyst’s recovered two gunny sacks full in the transmission system at the Several power outages were Power assured that steps are taken Department with narcotic drugs of dried turmeric hidden at the Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation. observed last year but were to restore the electricity supply as was arrested by the Athurugiriya Litigation... Oluthuduwai beach. As confirmed by an engineer not repeated this year, until soon as possible. Police. Only two council members The Navy has been conducting attached to the CEB, power yesterday’s outage. Reportedly, 15 g of heroin, opposed the decision – one from regular patrols to prevent the was expected to return within a 25 g of Ice, a measuring scale, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna arrival of illegal immigrants and few hours from the onset of the MS... and a motorcycle found in the (JVP) and the other from the smuggling of contraband into the restoration efforts. As of 5 p.m. Facemasks... possession of the suspect have Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna country via maritime transport. yesterday, the engineer, who “Facemasks must be worn in Meanwhile, former Prime been taken into custody. (SLPP),” JVP politburo Namal The retrieved sacks were stuffed wished to remain anonymous, told all common areas too. Everyone Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Karunaratne told The Morning. with dried turmeric weighing The Morning that the engineers in the Parliament (premises) former Minister of Defence Karunaratne noted that from about 57.2 kg, the Navy informed. were investigating the matter must wear facemasks,” Iddawela Ruwan Wijewardene, and former the Rs. 21 million approved and On a previous occasion too, the and that the cause could only be reiterated. Minister of Law and Order Elected... passed yesterday as administrative Navy seized 999.5 kg of turmeric identified after completing the Sagala Ratnayake have also been This letter has been sent to 223 fees, a part payment had already which is believed to have been restoration. summoned by the Commission to MPs, whose names have been been made via the North Western smuggled via sea routes. It is As of 6 p.m. yesterday, the Water... record statements regarding the gazetted by the Chairman of the Province Governor’s office to the suspected that the consignment CEB said that the restoration The NWSDB at the time of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Election Commission (EC). two fact-finding committees that discovered on 13 August might was completed in several areas. power outage noted that it would Accordingly, Wickremesinghe The letter from the Secretary were appointed. have been smuggled in a similar However, as confirmed by take nearly three to five hours and Ratnayake are to appear General of Parliament has He elaborated that the manner. Alahapperuma last evening, the to restore the water supply once before the Commission on 21 stated that the appointment of breakdown of the grand total of Meanwhile, the seized haul of entire system was to be restored the power supply is restored and August while Wijewardene is to the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Rs. 44.3 million is allocated into turmeric was handed over to the by 7 p.m. advised the general public to use appear at the Investigation Unit and Deputy Chairperson of four components – namely, the Jaffna Customs Office for onward Power was restored in most water sparingly in the meantime. today (18). Committees, in accordance committee appointed by the Prime legal action. areas in the country yesterday, Meanwhile, severe traffic with Standing Order No. 1 of Minister to investigate the matter, – Sarah Hannan except for in the North, North congestion was also reported in Parliament, and the official oath another committee appointed Central, and Uva Provinces. The several routes in Colombo as 2 employees... or affirmation of all new MPs will by the Attorney General’s (AG) power supply will be restored traffic lights were not functioning The arrest was made while take place on the same day. Department for legal counsel for Rs. 5.4 b... gradually in all areas, the CEB as a result of the power failure. police officials were inspecting a the incident, legal counselling informed. motorcycle on suspicions based on fees for the ongoing case heard A further reduction on this Meanwhile, as a result of the a tip-off, the Police said. at courts in Kurunegala for maximum rate, in line with the power outage, there was heavy Heavy... The suspect has been identified Damages... demolishing an archaeological recent reductions in CBSL policy traffic reported in Colombo and An islandwide power outage as a 28-year-old resident of Ranatunga had ordered for a site, and for the legal counsel the rates, is contemplated at present. its suburbs as the traffic lights occurred at around 12.50 p.m. Matara. He was to be produced proper analysis to be done and the Mayor seeks for the petition heard Moreover, the CBSL report to be submitted within a at the Court of Appeal. elaborated that it has proposed week. “The Kurunegala Municipal the enactment of the MCRA – Skandha Gunasekara Commissioner personally Act which is expected to bring informed me that he did not sign the unregulated microfinance off the budget request to allocate institutions and moneylenders Cartoon of the day funds for a legal case that is filed under regulatory purview. Hospital... against the Mayor. This is an The enactment of the MCRA “He recovered after he was illegal attempt made by (Mayor of Act is expected to enable better admitted, but he lost his vision,” Kurunegala) Thushara Sanjeewa regulation of the microfinance Niroshan’s father alleged. Witharana, and the Council has and moneylending industries, As they highlighted, the no right to use public funds to addressing some of the current medicine the hospital has pay for a personal case as this,” issues in the microfinance been giving to Niroshan and Karunaratne explained. industry such as multiple the medicine they received by He pointed out that this is a borrowing, overindebtedness, post have been different. They total misuse of position and power lack of comprehensive credit stressed that they continued with which the accused Mayor is information, etc. The regulatory the medicine thinking that the exercising and misappropriation framework for microfinance difference was due to the brand of public funds for a personal institutions, including the name. litigation he is being charged for. customer protection mechanisms, Mirigama Base Hospital is expected to be strengthened Director Dr. Jayantha Abayaratne with the enactment of the said the hospital has sent medicine proposed MCRA Act. by post during the Covid-19 Will not... The CBSL commenced lockdown. He said the child had Sabry further noted that over 70 licensing microfinance also received the medicine from years have been wasted talking companies under the the hospital and a complaint had about nationality, religion, and Microfinance Act No. 6 of been recorded with the hospital caste, adding that he would work 2016 (Microfinance Act) since that the said patient has lost his hard to remove all these obstacles 2019 and has licensed four vision after taking the medicine and drive the country towards microfinance companies. As posted by the hospital. prosperity. the Microfinance Act mandates “We have already launched an the licensing of microfinance investigation. In the mother’s institutions which engage in complaint, she has mentioned that deposit mobilisation, a number of the patient has also taken some CAA recalls... microfinance institutions which medicines given by a person who The restrictions on imports due do not accept deposits remain himself identified as a doctor. to Covid-19 prevention protocols outside its purview. Considering all the facts, the have created a shortage in several – Sarah Hannan the morning Tuesday , August 18, 2020 3 business

Reflecting that Furthermore, the accommodation, manufacturing activities are food, and beverage subsector gradually approaching the also recorded an improvement pre-Covid levels with the over the last month in line with normalisation of business the improvements in domestic activities, the Manufacturing Manufacturing and tourism. Moreover, business Purchasing Managers Index activities related to the wholesale (PMI) continued to expand and retail trade, health services, and in July 2020, recording 64.6, telecommunication subsectors also mainly due to the expansion increased during the month. However, respondents, in new orders and production Services activities particularly in cargo handling subindices, the Department and import trade, were concerned of Census and Statistics about restrictions imposed on announced yesterday (17). non-essential items. Employment continue expansion in July continued to decline in July 2020 for The new orders and production the sixth consecutive month, owing subindices expanded, yet at a slower economic activities. The suppliers’ improved, yet the manufacturers by the expansions observed in new 2020 with the gradual recovery to the halt in new recruitments. rate, benefitting from new orders time continued to lengthen are still concerned that the subdued businesses, business activities, and in economic activities. Business Furthermore, backlogs of work received in July 2020. Meanwhile, at a slower pace during the period. external demand due to the Covid- expectations for activity compared activities in most of the subsectors declined in July 2020 since most employment remained expanded “Respondents highlighted 19 pandemic would continue to to June 2020, indicating a further expanded during the month, of the firms are operating under the in line with these developments. that the restrictions imposed on exert pressure on their business recovery in the services sector indicating a broad-based recovery normal working environment. The stock of purchases expanded importation of certain categories activities,” the Department said. which was affected by the Covid-19 in service activities. With the rise in Meanwhile, expectations on future at a higher rate due to intended of goods adversely affected some The services sector continued to pandemic. financial facilities granted, business business activities increased in July accumulation of stocks for future manufacturing activities. The overall expand for the second consecutive New businesses, particularly in activities in the financial services 2020 with the positive sentiments on productions, anticipating higher expectations for manufacturing month with the PMI reaching 51.4 financial services and insurance subsector improved in July 2020 the revival of economic activity in demand with the normalisation of activities for the next three months in July 2020. This was underpinned subsectors, improved in July compared to the previous month. the forthcoming period. CEAT to save Rs. 11 b ComBank’s pre-tax in foreign exchange via profit down 8.17% in H1 Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC six months to 5.71% was due to its capturing the impact of Covid-19 on import substitution (ComBank) reported profit before tax success in reducing interest expenses the expected credit loss computation (PBT) of Rs. 12.511 billion for the first by 4.57% to Rs. 38.626 billion via as at 30 June 2020, resulting in net CEAT Kelani Holdings although we can supply times in a lifespan due to half of 2020, a decline of 8.17% from timely repricing of its liabilities in the operating income reducing by 1.56% (Pvt.) Ltd. announced that, in 100% of the truck and bus its robust heavy-duty nylon Rs. 13,623 billion reported in H1 2019, review period. to Rs. 26.176 billion. response to the Government’s tyre requirement with current construction, users can enjoy while the bank’s profit after tax (PAT) “The ups and downs reflected in our “Banking has become a balancing policies to develop domestic production, we also have the a lower cost per kilometre of Rs. 6.961 billion in the six months six-month results are symptomatic of act more than ever before, with industry, it has stepped up option, if the need arises, from CEAT truck and bus under review was an improvement of the combination of factors that were different indicators contributing to a capacity utilisation across to shift some of our export tyres. He said this alternative 7.65% from H1 2019. in play, the pre-pandemic slowing see-saw effect,” he said. all its manufacturing plants volumes of markets that have would also support the local Meanwhile, the Commercial down of business and the consequent In this milieu, the bank contained to supply the full domestic not yet opened up to cater tyre retreading industry which Bank of Ceylon Group, comprising rise in impairment charges, and many operating expenses for the six requirement of truck and to the domestic market and currently is in need of more Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and concessions, voluntary as well as months to Rs. 12.986 billion, a bus tyres, thereby helping to support the Government’s good-quality nylon tyre casings its subsidiaries and associates, saw its regulator-mandated, that the bank had growth of just 2.72% over the conserve much-needed foreign effort to reduce foreign for its growth. assets grow by a healthy 11.19% over to provide in support of customers corresponding period of 2019, currency for the country. exchange outflows.” Truck-bus tyres that fit the six months to cross the milestone affected by the impacts of Covid- enabling it to post an operating profit With the temporary import Elaborating on the 20-inch rims are among those of the Rs. 1.5 trillion mark in the 19,” ComBank Chairman Dharma of Rs. 13.191 billion before taxes on restrictions in place, the company’s capacity to meet that have been categorised as second quarter of the year as well as Dheerasinghe commented. “There financial services, which reflected company, which already additional domestic demand restricted for import at present, its gross income improve by 2.15% to were also other gains in some areas a reduction of 5.44%, Renganathan manufactures the majority of created by the restriction of along with car radial tyres Rs. 75.167 billion in the period under that helped cushion the negative disclosed. “We believe this is a Sri Lanka’s tyre requirements, imports, Dadlani disclosed that that fit rims of 12, 13, and review. impacts to some extent. We believe this creditable achievement in the context said it could supply 100% of CEAT Kelani can currently 14 inches. CEAT Kelani also However, with interest income is all par for the course.” of the conditions that prevailed,” he the passenger bus and goods produce two million tyres announced that it has kept the declining by 5% to Rs. 61.393 billion ComBank Managing Director said. transport sectors’ tyre needs annually in many categories, prices of its tyres unchanged for the six months ended 30 June 2020 S. Renganathan elaborated that With taxes on financial services through domestic production. with an imminent addition since December 2019 to and by 11.05% in the second quarter although total operating income had for the period reducing by 42.48% to This would represent a saving within next few of weeks support customers and the alone, mainly due to recognition of a increased by a respectable 10.34% Rs, 2.073 billion due to the abolition of Rs. 11 billion a year in of a further 200,000 car and economy. day one/modification loss on interest to Rs. 35.437 billion in the review of the Debt Repayment Levy (DRL) foreign exchange through van radial tyres since new In July, the company concessions offered to customers period, impairment charges and other and the Nation Building Tax (NBT) import substitution, the machinery is being installed launched CEAT “LYFMAX”, affected by the Covid-19 pandemic losses had increased significantly by from January 2020 and December company said. pending the arrival of foreign a heavy-duty 10.00 R-20 under the special concessions 67.56% to Rs. 9.261 billion for the six 2019, respectively, the group “The role of the local technologists to commission size bias-ply tyre for mandated by the Central Bank and the months. The increase in provisions recorded profit before income tax of industry is primarily to supply the new capacity. trucks, engineered and built bank’s own concessionary payment was mainly due to the higher credit Rs. 11.117 billion, an improvement domestic needs and export “It is also our opinion that specifically for users who schemes, net interest income for the risk on account of facilities under of 7.40% over the first half of 2019. surplus production, which in many applications, it is consider heavy load-carrying period reviewed reduced by 5.71% moratorium, additional collective Income tax expenses reduced by a CEAT Kelani Holdings has cost-beneficial and a viable capability with higher mileage to Rs. 22.767 billion and by 16.98% impairment provisions made under marginal 0.24% to Rs. 3.669 billion done very successfully for alternative to replace imported a priority. Each tyre weighs a to Rs. 9.984 billion in the second stressed scenarios for certain identified due to tax concessions on the bank’s many years,” Managing 10.00 R20 radial truck and bus solid 52 kg (115 pounds) and quarter, adding pressure on net interest industries, and a decision to apply Sri Lanka Development Bonds Director Ravi Dadlani said. tyres with locally produced has been extensively tested margins, the bank disclosed in a filing increased weightages for the worst- portfolio that were not available “We have periodically invested 10.00-20 heavy duty 18 PR and benchmarked against two with the Colombo Stock Exchange case scenario when assessing the in the corresponding period of last in expanding capacity and bias-ply tyres,” Dadlani added, of the top imported brands (CSE). probability-weighted forward-looking year, enabling the group to report product range and now export pointing out that with its attributed with load-carrying The bank’s ability to limit the macroeconomic indicators and loss profit after tax of Rs. 7.448 billion, a to 16 countries. However, ability to be retreaded multiple credentials in the local market. decline in net interest income for the given defaults with the objective of growth of 11.61%. NCE partners Bureau Veritas Colombo Dockyard to build carriers for Norwegian company for ‘Cov-Safe’ certification Colombo Dockyard PLC is carry includes bulk cargo, 19 pandemic, this showcases moving towards executing an grain, timber, unit loads, and the successful marketing The National Chamber of already signed contract with containers. Each vessel is efforts carried out by Colombo Exporters (NCE) partnered with Misje Eco Bulk AS (Misje), a powered by a four-stroke diesel Dockyard in a challenging Bureau Veritas Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. to Norwegian company, to build six engine with an electric hybrid environment. Colombo provide the “Cov-Safe Certification” firm and four optional eco bulk system supplying additional Dockyard has been targeting the which has international recognition. carriers. power through a battery system. European market extensively, “The NCE, being a strong The contracts were signed These vessels are developed especially for the construction advocate for sustainable and ethical on 14 March 2020 but are as eco-friendly vessels, as they of eco-friendly bulkers, cable trading practices, which also scheduled to come into effect have lower emissions compared laying and repairing vessels, includes ensuring employee safety only in the month of September to conventional bulk carriers service operation vessels, of exporting industries, safety of 2020, with the owner’s final of the same size. The concept etc. which are in demand, the clients, and continuous hygienic board approval. and the basic design of the and Colombo Dockyard is practices, is in the view that Sri Misje Eco Bulk AS is a fully innovative bulk carriers are extremely confident of serving Lankan companies should be geared owned subsidiary of Kåre developed by Norway’s Wärtsilä these emerging requirements in with the right tools to protect both Misje & Co., a family-owned Ship Design AS and the detailed Europe with the capacity and their employees and clients to fight Norwegian company which designing will be carried out by experience it has gathered over against Covid-19,” NCE said. holds a group of companies that Colombo Dockyard. the past four-and-a-half decades The local arm of the provides a complete package The first vessel of the series of shipbuilding expertise. internationally recognised Bureau of services from chartering is scheduled to be delivered in In addition, this illustrates Veritas Group has developed and operation to technical and 18 months and the subsequent Colombo Dockyard’s reputation a special certification named financial management. vessels will be delivered in four internationally of being one “Cov-Safe Hygiene Assessment” onsite assessments, certification, and manufactured in Covid-19-safe These 89.95-metre-long months’ intervals. of the most competitive and certification to ensure Sri Lankan surveillance assessments. environments vessels are designed to hold a “Amidst the negative impacts dynamic shipbuilding and ship companies will be audited to ensure The Bureau Veritas Group cargo capacity of 5,000 DWT. of last year’s Easter Sunday repairing facilities in the South yy Receiving special guidelines to best practices to fight Covid-19. comprises 78,000 employees and The type of cargo they could incident and the current Covid- Asian region,” the company said. follow to ensure work environments The Bureau Veritas Sri Lanka 60-plus accreditations, which is more are safe and clean, with workforce certification offers a comprehensive than adequately equipped to provide and clients following proper range of global or sector-specific service to any organisation. hygienic practices standards, certifications, customised Some of the benefits highlighted assessments, and training services are: The Cov-Safe Hygiene Assessment in the quality, health and safety, supports clients to mitigate risk, yy Internationally recognised environment, supply chain, and ensuring compliance, procurement, certification on health and safety corporate responsibility fields to and infrastructure planning. This measures compliance related to small, medium, and large companies certification will carry the message to Covid-19 in 140 countries. The assessment foreign buyers that the products have process is on a four-phase process, yy Fast certification process to ensure been manufactured in Covid-19-safe 3D image of the 5,000 DWT bulk carrier where it consists of self-assessments, the reliability of products to be environments. the morning 4 Tuesday , August 18, 2020 brunch #FEEDMEFESTIVAL: Sri Lanka’s first home chef food festival array of food for every member of the family, varying from biscuit puddings, eclairs, cakes, and cupcakes to biryani, savouries, pizza, and many more! The vendors showcasing at #FEEDMEFESTIVAL are Whisk It, Bake & Flake, Dogolicious, Pizza D’ Zoya, Second Serving, I-Scream, Sugar Royale, A&A Homemade Good Food, The Sweet Lane, The Coco Shell, Dutch Burgher Kitchen, Spoonful, The Backup Plan, Foodtopia, Yes, We Cake, Nezkitchen, Rozy’s Kitchen, Bai Veetu Biriyani, Off the Wok!, Rayhana shared Fine Dine at Home, and Safi’s. that during the Rayhana and Shifani have lockdown, Facebook pages also carefully curated their BY NAVEED ROZAIS like Grocery Delivery-Info saw a partners and sponsors, reaching #FEEDMEFESTIVAL is lot of homecooks and businesses out to brands that are relevant to Colombo’s newest food starting up and offering their #FEEDMEFESTIVAL’s vision. festival. A carefully curated services through the page. Rayhana The #FEEDMEFESTIVAL herself was inspired to start has a partnership with SAASH festival of home chefs and Colombo Eatery, an online food PHOTOGRAPHY, a pair of small food businesses business specialising in sugar-free Shifani Mahroof Rayhana Jiffry photographers who turned showcasing the passion and chocolate biscuit pudding. their passion into a business creativity of Sri Lanka’s home “I noticed a decline on the page experience in digital marketing vetted, choosing to showcase only has also received public health following the aftermath of chefs, #FEEDMEFESTIVAL is post lockdown. Normally, a post (she is the owner of the online businesses that had started up inspector (PHI) approval and 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. set to take place on Sunday, was met with immediate sales jewellery brand Glitteray) and during the lockdown or businesses will be following Covid-19 #FEEDMEFESTIVAL has also 30 August at Prana Lounge in in the comments, but this was Shifani’s organisational and that had started previously but health and safety guidelines to partnered with digital print Colombo 7. becoming less and less frequent,” administrative skills (she is a ceased operations for one reason the letter for the safety of their solutions provider Anim8. The logo Rayhana commented. partner of the rapidly growing IT or another before starting up again vendors and their guests. This design partnership was formed The #FEEDMEFESTIVAL is After seeing Shifani being company Negete which specialises mid-lockdown. Rayhana and edition of #FEEDMEFESTIVAL with Emenze, a creative individual organised by best friends Rayhana inspired to make a cheesecake in the hospitality industry), the Shifani also looked at the stories will be takeaway only, with all who started freelancing due to Jiffry and Shifani Mahroof to for a mutual friend’s birthday, #FEEDMEFESTIVAL was formed. behind the businesses and their vendors taking the necessary the difficulties he faced from the foster and promote the many home Rayhana threw around the idea of An initial post on Facebook wonders when curating the festival. food and health safety precaution. Covid-19 lockdown. chefs and small food businesses bringing these small home chefs yielded an overwhelming 75 The #FEEDMEFESTIVAL #FEEDMEFESTIVAL is a that started or thrived during Sri and businesses together and giving responses, leading Rayhana will feature 21 vendors split family-friendly event with #FEEDMEFESTIVAL takes place on Lanka’s Covid-19 lockdown. them an opportunity to sell and get and Shifani to limit the across two halls at Prana Lounge interactive photobooths Speaking on how the idea for their names out there. #FEEDMEFESTIVAL to a total as “savouries” and “desserts”. and other activities in Sunday, 30 August at Prana Lounge, #FEEDMEFESTIVAL came to be, Combining Rayhana’s of 21 vendors, who they carefully The #FEEDMEFESTIVAL addition to a delectable Colombo 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ARII Wellness z The 100% natural and organic wellness brand driven by two sisters

BY NAVEED ROZAIS fall to a minimum (something both Amreeya and Rihaab are very thankful for), and most Wellness has become an ever more importantly triggering new hair growth for looking to empower the local communities important aspect of our lives, with people those with hair loss and bald patches. that bring our products or ingredients to us,” paying more attention to what they put Amreeya commented on the most Amreeya explained. inside and on their bodies than ever before. remarkable property of ARII Wellness’ ARII Wellness sells through its social From clean, organic food to all-natural nourishing hair oil, explaining: “The media platforms and is launching its personal care, wellness is fast becoming an number one thing is that it not only triggers website in the near future, before hoping to essential need. new hair growth but that it triggers the open a small retail outlet in Colombo. It’s One of the newest brands making a splash growth of black hair, which makes it also looking to expand its product range, in the wellness market, is ARII Wellness, a amazing for those trying to keep their hair although this is based solely on when they family-owned and grown band being driven features three core wellness products, from greying.” perfect their product. “When we try and find by two sisters, Amreeya and Rihaab. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Nourishing Rihaab added: “ARII Wellness’ products something really good that is worth sharing, Just over two weeks old, the ARII Herbal Hair Oil, and Organic Wild Bees are 100% safe. We make sure the products we will gradually introduce it. It’s all about Wellness brand focuses on creating 100% Honey. All products are sourced and made retain all their natural goodness and being true to ourselves, to our brand, and Sri Lankan natural wellness products with in Sri Lanka to keep things all-natural and nutrients; they’re organically sourced and most importantly our customers,” Amreeya organic, ethically sourced ingredients that ethically sustainable. there are no preservative or additives. With added. don’t go through any unnatural processes. The duo behind ARII Wellness, sisters our Organic Wild Bees Honey and Organic “The ARII Wellness brand is all about ARII Wellness cares about the value of their Amreeya and Rihaab, are self-described Virgin Coconut Oil, you can actually taste championing holistic wellness and products and takes care not to compromise opposites who are “poles apart”. Amreeya the difference. For our hair oil, we did providing premium quality products at the the benefits and nutrients their carefully commented on coming together to work on consider using ingredients to mask the best possible rates,” Rihaab shared, adding: curated lineup provides. ARII Wellness, sharing: “We both have very natural scent. “This is something we started together as ARII Wellness is the newest venture different likes and dislikes, but one of the sisters to explore our passion and we want to of the ARII brand, which also includes only things we are able to agree on is ARII promote the concept of wellness and make ARII Jewels, with big dreams to pioneer Wellness because we are both passionate the good stuff accessible to people. We want a revolution in celebrating the beauty and about promoting the use of natural products people to get to know the benefits of using the benefits of products in their natural, and highlighting things in their purest something that is completely natural and of untainted form. ARII Jewels were one of form.” exceptional quality. We personally use all the first brands to popularise the use of raw, Embracing Sri Lankan industries our products ourselves and we confidently natural-stoned jewellery in Sri Lanka. and products is very important to ARII believe that anyone can derive the Amreeya and Rihaab The ARII Wellness brand currently Wellness. “There are so many Sri Lankan innumerable health and wellness benefits fruits and vegetables and herbs used daily without the side effects from our products.” in our households, but we are unfortunately not privy to all the benefits of using these products in their natural form,” Rihaab However, we decided not to resort to shared. “Take virgin coconut oil, for anything artificial to ensure that the benefits example, its benefits go so far beyond its are not impacted in any way. Thankfully, use in cooking. Add it to your daily cup once you massage it into your scalp, the of coffee for a boost of immunity. Swish smell is barely noticeable. So our products it around in your mouth to prevent dental are 100% natural and completely safe. Even decay. Use it on your skin. The uses are a baby can use our hair oil.” endless,” she added. Staying true to its ethical vision, ARII ARII Wellness’ products retain all their Wellness works with a small group of natural goodness and nutrients and are not local manufacturers and communities from tested on animals in any way. The ARII around the island to source their ingredients. Wellness range has been tried and tested In sourcing their organic wild honey, for extensively for months by a select range example, ARII Wellness works with locals of family and friends. The ARII Wellness who go into the jungle and get the honey nourishing hair oil alone has shown a themselves from naturally occurring hives. myriad of benefits, including getting rid “We want to be conscious in our thinking, of and preventing dandruff, reducing hair and think about the environment while 5 the morning sports Tuesday , August 18, 2020 Tata Sons is new IPL sponsor? A damp Test Oh, US Open, of sports! Today (18), the (IPL) organisers need to finalise who is With a maximum of 28 overs to go on the last day, England were Former India cricketer Chetan Chauhan died on Sunday going to be the IPL 2020 title sponsor. The China-owned Vivo, their previous 91/2 in the first innings against Pakistan in their second Test (16) aged 73, a month after being diagnosed with Covid- sponsor, left the league recently due to escalating Indo-China political tensions. yesterday (17). When we made this final update, the Southampton 19. Yesterday (17), Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori was Then, Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. has chickened out from bidding the last moment. So affair was heading for a drab draw. Pakistan were all out yesterday tested positive for Covid-19. Women’s world No. 2 tennis the race is now among Tata Sons, Byju’s, Reliance Jio, Dream11, and Unacademy, in this severely rain-affected encounter, for 236. Mohammad Rizwan player Romanian Simona Halep withdraw from the US out of which Tata Sons headed by Ratan N. Tata is expected to win the coveted top-scored with 72. James Anderson (3/60) and (4/56) Open, also yesterday, to become the sixth top 10 women’s sponsorship deal. In another move, IPL team Rajasthan Royals became the first shared seven between them. Zak Crawly (pictured) scored player to opt out of the Grand Slam starting on 31 August. major cricket team to be sponsored by a sanitary towel company (Niine). 53 for England, who are leading the three-match series 1-0. Sport is suffering due to the pandemic like never before! Shehan and Duvindu dazzle Highlights: Siriwardana, their , made z Chilaw Marians 89 and 151 in the two innings. stride forward yy For BRC, skipper Bhanuka Promod Maduwantha made 54 Rajapaksa struck tons in both in the second. Kasun Rajitha got This week’s Major Club League innings; 115 in 82 deliveries in the 5/63 and 4/104 in the two innings, Super-8 cricket matches were first innings and 110 in 98 balls in respectively the second. Duvindu Tillakaratne over yesterday (17), with Tier ‘A’ Plate Group Chilaw Marians Cricket Club made 53 n.o. in the first innings. In their , Tillakaratne took led by (Second day's updates) 6/63 and 7/55, a rare match-bag registering a timely outright of 13/118 Moors vs. Tamil Union at victory over Sri Lanka Army. BRC skipper made BRC’s Duvindu Tillakaratne shone with a match-haul of 13/118 yy For NCC, Chamika Karunaratne Moratuwa: After five rounds of the two centuries (115 and 110) against NCC tournament, the win could see scored 93 while Lahiru Udara Scores: Moors 206 and 17/2; Tamil All Major League games this time 4/23 in the second essay Thirimanne and Roshen Silva scored 90 in their first innings. Union (overnight 37/3) 178 (Dhananjaya Chilaw to the second place of struck 63 and 67, respectively. are restricted to three days due to the yy For Army, Udara also scored 93 in 64 balls de Silva 95 n.o.; Praveen Jayawickrama the table, behind leaders CCC. Kalhara Senarathne recorded pandemic. scored 62 in the first innings in the second essay. Asian Daniel 5/53) their best bowling their second But the week’s standout Super-8 RESULTS while their opener Ashan got 4/98 in the first innings while Moors lead by 45 runs innings taking 3/28 performance came from BRC skipper Tier ‘A’ Super-8 Tournament Randika struck 133 in 84 balls took 4/76 in the SSC vs. Lankan CC at Colts: Bhanuka Rajapaksa who made twin # Chilaw Marians beat SL in the second innings. Seekkuge yy For Colts, second centuries against NCC. In that drawn Prasanna took 6/101 in 24 overs took 4/24 in the first innings Scores: SSC 332; Lankan CCC game, their slow left-armer Duvindu Army by 45 runs at P. Sara: # CCC vs. Saracens (overnight 14/0) 308/5 (Chanaka in the second innings and 4/44 in the second. Prabath drawn at SSC: Tillakaratne had a match haul of 13 Scores: Chilaw 269 and 241; SL Jayasuriya took 5/69 in the Ruwansiri 151 n.o. in 84 balls, Geeth wickets. Army 216 and (target 295) 249 # Ragama CC beat Colts by second innings. In , Scores: CCC 142 and 351/7 dec.; Kumara 60; Kalana Perera 3/41) Highlights: 103 runs at CCC: Sadeera Samarawickrama made Saracens 183 and (target 311) 283/6 Lankan CC trail by 24 runs CCC and Negombo on top Scores: Ragama 258 and 220; Colts yy For Chilaw Marians, skipper 69 in a solo effort in their second Highlights: The fourth-round matches of the 163 and (target 316) 212 Badureliya SC vs. Negombo Shehan Jayasuriya scored essay. yy For CCC, Minod Bhanuka scored Major League Plate division will be at NCC: 95 in the first innings before Highlights: 92 while Lahiru Gamage took over today (18). Negombo CC and # BRC vs. NCC drawn at Scores: Badureliya SC 267; Negombo taking 4/66 in the second with yy For Ragama, Saminda Fernando 5/29 in the first innings. Lasith Tamil Union are leading that table. Katunayake: (overnight 20/0) 328/7 (Dilshan his bowling. made 73 and Madushka Abeyratne scored 101 n.o. and The final two rounds of matches Scores: BRC 316 and (overnight Munaweera 91, Madawa Warnapura captured 4/71 in the first innings. Fernando 57 in the first innings. Lahiru Madushanka made 63, also in Super-8 will be on from 20 and 25 42/5) 240; NCC 275 and (target 287) 72 n.o., Angelo Jayasinghe 66; Dushan Kasun Adikari made 73 n.o. Shashika Dulshan took 6/45. in their second innings August while the final Plate round will 227/9 Hemantha 3/61) while Nimesh Vimukthi took In the second essay, Lahiru begin on 22 August. yy For Saracens, Milinda Negombo lead by 61 runs

M.S. Dhoni has retired from The eighth Caribbean Premier all forms of international cricket. League (CPL) will begin today, “There goes a legend” sums up 18 August in one of the most CPL GETS OFF the sentiments expressed by one powerful cricketing islands in z Amid spike in Covid-19 cases at venue and all. Now “MS” scored just Coolness the Caribbean region, Trinidad six centuries in 90 Tests. His Test z One way to keep the heat on is to remain cool and Tobago (TT). average is a middling 38.09. He had greater at- presence Details in ODIs, with an average of “Dhoni finishes off in Administrator: 50.57 in 350 matches. His glove- style”. This could be his most (CWI) work is certainly impressive, memorable finish ever. The Dates: From 18 August to 10 accounting for 256 catches moment that gave all Sri Lankan September (24 days) and 38 stumpings in Tests (321 cricket fans heartaches. India Venues: The 33 matches will be played catches and 123 stumpings in was ecstatic. They thus won the at two venues in TT: Brian Lara ODIs). 2011 World Cup by six wickets Academy in Tarouba and Queen’s He was a leader and this in Mumbai Park Oval in St. Clair, Port of Spain makes raises the worth of the Semi-finals: Both semi-finals will be above numbers. A level-headed It’s important to be in the played in Tarouba on 8 September finisher, he was also a master moment of the six or the wicket- (Tuesday) at damage control when things taking delivery, enjoy it, and Final: In Tarouba on 10 September got out of hand. Countless are then put it aside. It is important (Thursday) the times when he stepped in to get one’s wits under control Times: Matches will start at either at bats for Tringabo Knight Riders in last Jason Holder celebrates a wicket for to bring sanity when India’s after a bad moment, retake the 10 a.m., 2.15 p.m., or 5.30 p.m. local year’s CPL at CPL last year top-order had gone insane. No guard, so to speak. Get back on time (7.30 p.m., 11.45 p.m., or 3 a.m. Johnson Charles, Jonathan Carter, , and Kesrick wonder then that he is often track, in other words. For every [the following day] Sri Lanka time, Hayden Walsh, and Raymon Reifer Williams referred to as Mister Cool or single delivery, every single which is nine-and-half hours in front Captain Cool. moment on the field. Every of TT) yy Corey Anderson and Mitchell yy (New Zealand), innings, every match. Season Sponsor: The main sponsor is Hero Santner (New Zealand), Rashid , Najibullah Dhoni, Dravid, and after season. MotoCorp; the principal sponsor Khan (Afghanistan), and Shayan Zadran and Zahir Khan Arjuna is Mobile Premier League (MPL), Jahangir (Pakistan) (Afghanistan), and He was cool. Dhoni seldom Setting examples, an online gaming platform; and the 2. (Canada) showed emotion. He had standards media partners are One Caribbean 6. Tringabo Knight Riders: yy (West Indies) absolute focus. Rarely fazed, Of course, being cool won’t Media Limited and Newsday yy Kieron Pollard (West Indies) regardless of the match- give you Tendulkar-like stats, yy and situation or tempers that had but it helps you be the best you Covid-19 situation yy , , yy and frayed. It was as though he had can be or at least close to that. This year’s CPL is to be held under Sunil Naraine, and Lendl (South Africa), Ross Taylor abstracted himself from all that It’s all about temperament. strict biosecurity rules. That too amid Simmons (New Zealand), Naveen-ul-Haq was extraneous to the particular The mind. It’s perhaps like an rising Covid-19 cases in TT. By Sunday yy job at hand, be it farming the actor “getting into character” (16), the country had recorded 497 (Afghanistan), and Jessy Singh and Tim Seifert strike or getting to a place before making his/her cases with 10 deaths. The current (USA) (New Zealand), Ali Khan (USA), Fawad Ahmed (Australia), where risks could be entrance – before speaking population of TT is estimated as 1.3 3. Jamaica Tallawahs taken in a tight or even INTERCEPTION his/her lines. million (1,363,985). (Zimbabwe), and yy Rovman Powell (West Indies) Pravin Tambe (India) seemingly impossible by Malinda People like MS set PM’s views chase. examples. They set yy , Jermaine History There are debates over Seneviratne standards. That’s why they Prime Minister Blackwood, Fidel Edwards, who was “cooler” – are legends. They are cool Dr. Keith Rowley said this on Saturday Veerasammy Perumal, Andre Past winners: Dhoni or Rahul Dravid. beyond compare. On and (15): “You may recall that the whole Russell, Oshane Thomas, and yy 2013 – Jamaica Tallawahs, 2014 Now Arjuna Ranatunga is Enjoy it, and then put off the field. That has to take CPL arrangement is that they are Chadwick Walton – Barbados Tridents, 2015 – sometimes thought of as it aside discipline at some level. A lot operating in an isolated bubble, so they yy Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, “Captain Cool” (of that time), Coolness is not something one has to happen before we can are very well secured away from the Asif Ali (Pakistan), Sandeep 2016 – Jamaica Tallawahs, 2017 but that’s a misnomer. He is born with. Well, one might taste the fruit of our labour. population and that will continue. (The) Lamichhane (Nepal), Mujeeb Ur – Trinbago Knight Riders, 2018 was cool to the extent that he have a cool gene but it needs Got to prepare the soil, got to players are among themselves, tested, Rahman (Afghanistan), and Glenn – Trinbago Knight Riders, 2019 – was never overawed by the to be cultivated. How does one tend the tender sampling, got (and) not interacting with the national Phillips (New Zealand) Barbados Tridents names, reputation, or even the cultivate coolness? to fertilise, got to protect from population. (They are) going to the 4. St. Kitts Nevis Patriots gamesmanship and below- There are no easy answers. pests, got to harvest carefully. ground, playing, broadcasting (will take yy Most Wins: Trinbago Knight yy Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan) the-belt operations of the We are all human. We all have Works in agriculture. Works in place), and that is about it. So that will Riders (three titles), and Jamaica opposition. He had his Dhoni- emotions. We experience joy sports. continue.” (Reported by Newsday) yy , , Tallawahs and Barbados Tridents like moments and was a hero and sorrow and are often carried And MS, thanks for the Six teams , and (two titles each) in his own right. Perhaps it is away by them. A good shot moments! Thanks for the years! yy yy unfair to compare Dhoni having (in cricket) can lift us and also And for teaching us that one way (Key: Franchise name / Its Captain and Chris Lynn Most overall runs: entered the scene as Arjuna was rob us of just that fraction of to keep the heat on is to remain / Leading home players / Overseas (Australia), Nick Kelly and Ish (2,354 runs) for both Jamaica leaving. Let’s say both seemed concentration that will make cool. players) Sodhi (New Zealand) Tallawahs and St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots to have resolved not to let for an error that costs dearly. A (The writer can be reached 1. Barbados Tridents 5. St. Lucia Zouks: emotion best reason. Both were bowler who gets carted out of at malindasenevi@gmail. yy yy Jason Holder (West Indies) yy Daren Sammy (West Indies) Most overall wickets: Dwayne thinking cricketers. Thinking the park can lose his line and com or www.malindawords. Bravo (97 wickets) for Trinbago skippers. Cool men. length. blogspot.com) yy , , yy , , Knight Riders the morning 6 Tuesday , August 18, 2020 education Nippon Paint Port City Colombo invites reveals the winners of AYDA 2019/20 Following the 13th university students for instalment of the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA), Nippon Paint has crowned Lin Honghan, from China and Greta Elsa design competition Nurtjahja, from Indonesia the grand title of being the Port City Colombo is marking yet another milestone event in the last year. During the last month, (Pvt.) Ltd. through China Harbour Asia Young Designers of country in its next phase of development. The project recently the Government has approved a $ 1 Engineering Company (CHEC) the Year 2019/2020, beating launched “Envision the Future”, a sculpture design competition billion investment proposal by the is part of China Communications other participants across 15 to design a beach sculpture and an interactive wall, targeted project company to develop the first Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC). geographical locations, in a at budding local designers. The iconic sculptures and the first- vertical development in Port City Incorporated in 2006, CCCC is listed rigorous selection process of-its-kind interactive wall that will adorn the country’s largest Colombo. on the Hong Kong and Shanghai to represent their countries landmark development project, Port City Colombo, are set to Built to ensure the future prospects Stock Exchanges and currently for the prestigious title in the become local monuments that will be identified globally. of the next generation, Port City employs over 120,000 employees, Architectural Category and Chandima Gawarammana from Colombo is considered the most with presence in 145 countries and Interior Design Category, the University of Moratuwa who The design competition is a part architecture, design, engineering, futuristic project in Sri Lanka at regions. CCCC is the world leader respectively. won the award for Best Design of the Port City Colombo’s launch and/or any other programme that present. in port design and construction, road This year’s competition Impact under the Architectural Category initiatives and aims to capture the aligns with creativity. Graduates who and bridge design and construction, marks AYDA’s first virtual Sri Lankan spirit through several have completed their degree in the About Port City Colombo dredging, and container crane and event in light of Covid-19 of the judges from the strategic monuments that will act as academic year 2019/2020 are also Port City Colombo is a brand heavy machinery manufacturing. restrictions, establishing Architectural Category. beacons when the project is identified eligible to apply. Individuals can apply new city development built as an In addition, CCCC is also vastly Nippon Paint’s steadfast Chandima Gawarammana globally. With several phases of as solo applicants and as members of a extension of the existing Colombo experienced in building construction passion in fostering the next from the University of the project already underway, such team (maximum of two submissions). Central Business District (CBD) and is a major real estate investor and generation of designers. Moratuwa won the award for as the public beach and parks, the However, a team is limited to a with an initial investment of $ 1.4 developer. Following the virtual Best Design Impact under sculptures and the interactive wall maximum of three members. billion and an expected $ 15 billion For the financial year ending competition, both winners the Architectural Category will be a part of its next stage of The winning concepts will be overall investment when completed. December 2017, CCCC recorded walked away with more than for his proposed design of a development. Adapting to the post- awarded with more than Rs. 700,000 Spanning 269 hectares, it is a sea a revenue of $ 79.4 billion with $ 10,000 worth of prizes, “Gem Promotional Centre” Covid-19 “new normal”, the entire in cash prizes and will be chosen to reclamation project joined to the total assets of $ 183 billion. CCCC including the opportunity on the theme of “Industrial competition will be conducted construct at the Marina District beach current CBD. was ranked 91st among Fortune to attend a fully funded and Cultural Exposure”. on a digital platform via www. at the Port City Colombo premises. When completed, Port City 500 companies in 2018 and ranked six-week Design Discovery With the Gem Promotional envisionthefuture.lk. The winning individual/team of each Colombo is estimated to have some third on ENR Top International programme at the Harvard Centre, Gawarammana Partnering with Academy of Design competition will be called upon to 5.7 million sq. m. of build-up space, Contractor in 2018. Among the University Graduate School aimed to reveal the real (AOD) to mentor design concepts in co-operate with an international boasting some of the best in design illustrious accomplishments, CCCC of Design in Boston, treasure of the gem industry the competition and ARTRA magazine construction company selected by in terms of Grade A offices, medical is proud to have designed five out of Massachusetts, USA. that is not known to many. as the official art partner, Port City CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt.) Ltd. facilities, educational facilities, 10 of the world’s largest container The international In the city of Ratnapura, the Colombo invites its stakeholders, the to create the sculpture. integrated resorts, marina, retail terminals and cross-sea bridges. competition theme this year, project aims to rehabilitate next generation, to contribute to the Made up of five precincts; a destinations, hotels, and various CCCC has been actively involved “Forward: A Sustainable the gem mines as a tribute design of this monumental project. financial district, central park living, lifestyle developments. Using the with the development of Sri Lanka Future”, posed a unique to the community and their The sculpture design and interactive international island, the marina, and latest sustainable city design and smart since 1998, executing massive challenge to its participants culture. The design provided wall concept competition is open island living, Port City Colombo is a city concepts, Port City Colombo will construction projects, such as the to showcase designs a modern solution to the to Sri Lankan nationals who are world-class city for South Asia in the be the hub of South Asia. Southern Highway, Outer Circular immersed with functional industry in the form of a undergraduate and master’s students making. Port City Colombo sits on Highway, Hambantota Port, Mattala and social sustainability facility, revitalising the currently enrolled in any registered 269 hectares of land reclaimed from About CHEC Port City International Airport, Colombo South elements. In an effort to traditional techniques used university in the country or overseas the sea and was declared a part of Colombo (Pvt.) Ltd. Container Terminal, and many other break the boundaries of in the gem mines that have and reading in the fields of art, the Colombo Administrative District CHEC Port City Colombo major infrastructure projects. current design concepts, been passed down through Nippon Paint and AYDA generations. aim to nurture the next Raveendran Sangeethan, generations of architects also from the University of and interior designers Moratuwa delivered a strong Anchor team strives to provide safe restart to conceptualise more and unique concept of a sustainable designs in “Public Market” under the their projects that will Interior Design Category at for schoolchildren of Biyagama reduce negative impacts AYDA. Life during the pandemic has we must take necessary steps to on the environment and In light of the Covid-19 been difficult for parents and eliminate this risk.” eventually improve quality outbreak, Nippon Paint children alike. The return to school He added: “I would like to of life. The winning design made the decision to is an important and welcome step, thank the parents, teachers, and by Greta Elsa Nurtjahja present this year’s awards but it is important that children the Anchor team for coming from Indonesia embodied via a virtual ceremony, return to a safe and hygienic space together in an effort to make this the theme with “Rumah where the finalists from the to resume their learning. environment safe and hygienic Kopi” while Lin Honghan Interior Design Category To provide a safe restart to the for the over-2,000 children of from China complimented and Architectural Category schoolchildren of Biyagama, the our school and for following the the theme well with his were judged on 8 and 9 July, team behind Anchor, the flagship guidelines of the local health Clean-up in progress Disinfection of classroom design, “Sweet Dream respectively and engaged dairy brand of Fonterra Brands authorities.” in the Garden” where he in an insightful Q & A Sri Lanka, recently organised Anchor sponsored a tractor incorporated traditional session with the esteemed a shramadana clean-up and and grass cutters for the day to culture with modern design international judges; all awareness programme at the maintain the gardens and grounds concepts. of which then culminated grounds and classrooms of the of both schools. A disinfection “Participants of this in a live broadcast awards Biyagama Central College and machine was used to sanitise year’s virtual competition ceremony via Zoom on 10 Biyagama Primary School. the premises and a donation of showed great innovations, July at 6 p.m. Speaking on the initiative, surgical masks and hand sanitiser strong concepts, and “Over the past 12 years, Biyagama Central College was made to be used by the social interactions the Asia Young Designer Principal U.V. Gunarathne said: schoolchildren upon coming back especially during this Awards stayed true to our “While the pandemic has been to school. time of uncertainty. Not commitment to innovation a never-before experienced Fonterra Brands Lanka health only did their designs and sustainability. By challenge to us all, we should also and safety experts also kicked off a showcase technical skill, instilling a deep sense remind ourselves of other risks week-long series of safety briefing but most importantly, a of responsibility and due to the overgrown vegetation, sessions to the schoolchildren, who deep understanding for accountability in these such as mosquito breeding, and returned in rosters on 10 August. Donation of surgical masks and hand sanitiser environmental sustainability young budding designers, and what it takes to change we believe that in time the future of design, which they will contribute to In a year like no other, Cambridge is the essence of the year’s social and environmental International released the results of its Cambridge International releases theme. The judges had a advancements in society June 2020 series on time, to thousands difficult but rewarding through their professional of schools around the world on 11 experience deliberating the achievements. We are proud August. Altogether more than 950,000 results for June 2020 series participants’ entries but of the network that we’ve grades were issued, to almost 4,000 above all, we are proud built, connecting industry schools in 139 countries. the same way as any other year. Their grades is built on best practices from and a lasting passion for learning. of the impressive work professionals and talented In Sri Lanka, this year the most awarding method is robust, clear, and the UK and are adapted to ensure Cambridge International is part of from designers across the designers from across the popular Cambridge Ordinary Level available on their website. they work across the many different the University of Cambridge and region. Greta Elsa Nurtjahja region,” said NIPSEA (O/L) subjects are English Language, Cambridge Assessment International countries we work in. is the world’s largest provider of exceeded expectations in Management Company Pte. Mathematics (Syllabus D), and Education South Asia Regional “I would like to thank our schools international education programmes this competition with the Ltd. (subsidiary of Nippon Computer Science and the most Director Mahesh Srivastava said: and teachers for the huge amount of and qualifications for five to 19 level of detail and vision in Paint Holdings Co.) Group popular Cambridge International “2020 has been a transformational year effort they put into supporting our year olds. Cambridge International her design,” said PT Founder CEO Wee Siew Kim. Advanced Subsidiary (A/S) and and has had a huge impact on teaching awarding process for the June 2020 works with 10,000 schools, making Elenbee Cipta DesainLea AYDA by Nippon Advanced Level (A/L) subjects are across the world. With school closures, series, which has enabled us to provide Cambridge the largest international Aziz, one of the judges from Paint will be organising Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Cambridge Learners were not able to students with reliable and trusted community of schools worldwide. the Interior Design Category. international webinars Globally, the most popular Cambridge take their June exams and therefore we grades this year. Cambridge Pathway gives students “This year’s entries, to me, where professionals from International A/S and A/L subjects developed a statistical standardisation “I hope our students around the a clear path for educational success were very interesting and the industry and young this year are English (General Paper), process with the schools to award final world can now move forward with from the age of five to 19. Schools diverse. Some of the entries designers will bring their Mathematics, and Physics. grades. Through the process, we aimed their lives, and have come through this can shape the curriculum around were very poetic, historical, knowledge and talents This year Cambridge International to create a level playing field and experience stronger and more resilient, how they want students to learn – and proves that the together, in August and took the decision not to hold exams ensure that our grades are fair.” after what has been a very challenging with a wide range of subjects and participants dived deep into October this year. Nippon for its global June 2020 series. Cambridge International Chief time for everyone.” flexible ways to offer them. It helps researching the environment Paint and AYDA have Instead, they engaged with education Executive Christine Özden said: Universities have confirmed they students discover new abilities and and how to address different announced 2020’s theme; authorities, governments, and schools “In a unique situation, Cambridge are happy with the method used to a wider world, and gives them the environmental issues. So, “Forward: Human-Centred around the world to develop a robust International had to respond quickly determine assessed grades this year skills they need for life, so they can it was rather difficult for us Design” and encourages process for awarding students with so that our global community of and have said they will be flexible, achieve at school, university, and to judge with the variety of submissions from the assessed grades. Cambridge students stayed safe, but to help as many students as possible work. entries but we thought the world’s budding talents. Their awarding process combined could progress with their education. A to progress with their educational For more information on their final entries from different For more information teacher insights with a rigorous key priority was to ensure Cambridge journeys. awarding process for the June 2020 countries were very diverse and to participate standardisation process. This ensured students received grades that are Cambridge Assessment series and their standardisation and exciting,” said Tange in this competition, grades issued for June 2020 would trusted by employers and universities International Education prepares method, please visit https://www. Associates Chairman and visit: https://www. be fair and reliable and accepted by around the world. school students for life, helping cambridgeinternational.org/covid/ Senior Principal Architect asiayoungdesignerawards. universities and employers globally, in “Our process for awarding assessed them develop an informed curiosity results-day/understanding-results/. Paul Noritaka Tange, one com/.