highlights wednesday 28 october 2020 Withstanding Latest Edition Great Power Vol: 09/262 Price : Rs 30.00 Bullying In Sports page A6 Rohit, Ishant omitted from India’s Escalating US tour squads Intervention in Sri Lanka India left out the injured duo of opener Rohit Sharma and quick Ishant Sharma from the Test and limited-overs squads for their upcoming tour of Australia,... A16 page A7 In areas coming under CMC COVID-19 ‘Slightly AG orders probe into Brandix Out of Control’ COVID-19 origin

By Hansi Nanayakkara – President of PHIA

Attorney General Dappula de Livera has ordered Acting IGP Chandana D. Wickremaratne, to CMC Health Chief Three deaths promptly launch a probe into the recent spread of COVID-19 from the Brandix apparel factory in brushes aside allegations in one day Minuwangoda, stated his Coordinating Secretary State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne yesterday. Story Continued on page 2 Quarantine curfew imposed in Panadura, Moratuwa and Homagama Avoiding PCoI on political victimisation Kotagala Town in Hatton isolated

Ranawaka et al By Dilanthi Jayamanne and Kumudu patients with the virus had been reported from Jayawardana Grandpass, Maradana, and Mattakkuliya. “It can be prosecuted is becoming extremely difficult to find out President of the Public Health Inspectors' details regarding the places they had visited Association of Sri Lanka (PHIA), Upul Rohana, and their close contacts, due to the increasing – U.R. de Silva PC said the spread of COVID-19 in the Colombo number of infections,” he said. Municipal Council (CMC) area was ‘slightly He lamented that prevention and control By Kumudu Upul Shantha out of control.’ Rohana said a large number of would slip through the fingers of the PHIs,...

President’s Counsel U.R. de Story Continued on Silva, Head of the Infrastructure page 2 Development Committee of the Justice Ministry, says the Presidential Commission of Rishad’s bail Inquiry, which is probing acts of Pompeo arrives political victimisations during the previous regime, has the By Gaya Thirimadura plea rejected power to file legal action in the - Katunayake Supreme Court against SJB MP By Hansi Nanayakkara Patali Champika Ranawaka and U.S. Secretary of State, other witnesses, as they... Michael R. Pompeo, arrived Colombo Fort Chief in Sri Lanka at 7:35 p.m. Magistrate Priyantha Story Continued on page 2 yesterday aboard a Boeing Liyanage yesterday 757, accompanied by a rejected the bail delegation of 45, for two- application submitted day bilateral discussions. by ACMC MP Rishad Army in COVID-19 The touring U.S. Bathiudeen. delegation led by Pompeo The Parliamentarian Tracing Mission was welcomed at the BIA was re-remanded by State Minister of until 10 November. By Paneetha Ameresekere Foreign Affairs Tharaka Former Minister of Balasuriya, U.S. Industry and The Army’s Quick Reaction Rider Team (QRRT), to Ambassador to Sri Lanka Commerce further strengthen the ongoing preventive Alaina B. Teplitz and a Bathiudeen, the mechanism against COVID-19 transmission in the group of officers... director of the project Colombo District and its suburbs, on a directive Mohamed Yaseen given by Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Head Story Continued on page 2 Samsudeen and the project accountant of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Alagarathnam Manoranjan, are accused COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief of Defence of violating Article 82(1) of Presidential Staff and Commander of the Army, is now engaged Cabinet approves 46 curfew Elections Act, No. 15 of 1981 by in conducting random temperature checks on people misappropriating public funds to the in congested areas. new MoU with India tune of Rs 9.5 million. The Army said in this connection, QRRT soldiers violators arrested yesterday morning (27), operated at Rajagiriya, By Thameenah Razeek By Thameenah Razeek Story Continued on page 2 Modara, Maligawatta, Gothatuwa, Pettah,... The Cabinet gave its consent to a Police have arrested another 46 proposal submitted by the Prime Minister, individuals and taken seven vehicles into Will Pompeo sign as the Minister of Finance, for entering into custody, during the past 48-hours, for a new Memorandum of Understanding with violating curfew regulations. secret agreements? the Government of India. Police Spokesman, DIG Ajith Rohana said Addressing the weekly Cabinet Media Police have arrested 1,122 persons and “Is U.S. Secretary briefing yesterday (27), at the Information taken into custody 163 vehicles so far, since of State Michael R. Department, Co-Cabinet Spokesman 4 October, for violating curfew regulations Pompeo here to Ramesh Pathirana claimed, the imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 finalise agreements Government of lndia has awarded financial pandemic. He said that they will file charges such as the grants to Sri Lanka since 2005 with a view against the suspects according to Millennium to implementing small-scale development... quarantine law. Challenge Story Continued on page 2 Corporation (MCC) Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Agreement and Status of Forces Four SLMC MPs voting for 20A Agreement (SOFA)? JVP warns U.S. Are there other Hakeem struggling to secret agreements to be signed that have take disciplinary action ‘Hands off Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty’ not been revealed before the country?” Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader MP several Buddhist Rauff Hakeem is presently struggling to institute monks questioned. disciplinary action against four of his MPs who had Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, voted in favour of the 20th Amendment to the Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera, Ven. Malwane Constitution. Chandraratana Thera, and Ven. SLMC sources said MP Hakeem has already Kapugollagama Ananda Thera sent a letter notified the four MPs who had voted for the Bill, to the President expressing concerns demanding written explanations as to why they regarding Pompeo’s visit. went against the party decision and voted with the “Pompeo’s visit is seen as an invasion of Government. Sri Lanka by the United States and not on It has also been reported that the supreme council an invitation” they said. Copies of the letter of the SLMC would meet to take a final decision By Methmalie Dissanayake yesterday (27) staged a protest opposite the were also sent to Chief Prelates, religious regarding the conduct of the four MPs next week. U.S. Embassy in Colombo, against the visit of leaders, the Prime Minister and other It has been reported the four MPs who voted for... The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Members of Parliament and Ministers.

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 wednesday 28 october 2020 news

Citing issues with DDG Lab Services Continued from page 1

MLTs threaten to COVID-19 ‘Slightly Out of Control’... suspend PCR tests ... if the present situation Department (CMCPHD), Dr. said they included, Maradana, within the CMC limits worsened. Ruwan Wijayamuni, brushed Mattakkuliya, Fort, Pettah, Sri Lanka experienced the aside allegations that the Bloemendhal, Borella, Welikada, By Dilanthi Jayamanne had been imported for its use. highest number of COVID-19 COVID-19 situation in the CMC Dam Street, Foreshore Police The extraction machine is used to extract deaths yesterday (27), when area was somewhat out of area and Wolfendhal Street. Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) the Ribonucleic acid (RNA) from the three deaths were reported, control. The Hatton, Kotagala Town in warned that they would be forced to specimen taken for PCR testing for COVID- bringing the total to 19. Dr. Wijayamuni noted that up Hatton was isolated following the suspend PCR tests, if timely measures were 19. The National Operation Centre to October this year, the city had increasing number of COVID-19 not taken to replace the Acting Deputy Although these required reagents had for Prevention of COVID-19 seen 134 COVID-19 patients, patients, Head of NOCPCO, Director General of Laboratory Services been imported by the company, which (NOCPCO), said by late afternoon while another 62 had been added Lieutenant General Shavendra (DDG Lab Services), who was not willing to purchased the three machines that were two COVID-19 deaths had been with the Brandix cluster at its Silva said. Silva said the decision discuss the issues of the service with given to the BIA PCR laboratory, and reported, an 87-year-old woman Minuwangoda facility and one at had been taken, as the number professionals. measures taken to release them after a from Wekanda, Slave Island and the Colombo Dockyard on 18 of patients had increased to 10 President of the College of Medical lapse of over three weeks in the airport a 19-year-old from Keselwatta. October 2020. However, 337 by yesterday (27) morning, and Laboratory Science Sri Lanka (CMLSSL), cargo facility, the PCR laboratory is still The National Hospital noted were added with the detection of that a decision had been taken to Ravi Kumudesh, said a permanent DDG unable to use them, as the Health Ministry that the deaths had occurred at COVID-19 patients at the isolate the town area, to prevent Laboratory Services was needed to address has issues regarding the cold chain at the the time of admission. The Peliyagoda Fish Market last further spread. the technical and professional issues faced airport cargo facility. deceased had tested positive, Wednesday (21). On Sunday (25), two persons by the laboratory service. The position He noted that although there was a risk after PCR tests were conducted He lamented that within nine from Kotagala, Hatton working at should be filled with an official who could in using manual extraction machines, the on them. days, the numbers had escalated the Peliyagoda Fish Market were cordially work with the MLTs, he said. BIA PCR Laboratory had been able to Earlier in the day, the Health by another 632, with rigorous diagnosed with the virus. One of Kumudesh said one of the burning issues conduct about 700 tests a day with the first Ministry reported the death of a tracing and PCR tests conducted the persons is said to have currently being faced by the PCR laboratory set of reagents (RNA extraction kits) it had 41-year-old man from Ja-Ela, on first-level contacts of those travelled by bus from the Pettah facility at the BIA was the inability to use received with the machinery. However, who was receiving treatment for identified before in Peliyagoda. Bus Stand to Hatton. three manual extraction machines, due to after it had run out of the reagent, the COVID-19 at the National He noted that all patients had The CMC has done random strictures of the Health Ministry preventing company which had initially purchased the Institute of Infectious Diseases been transferred to hospitals, PCR tests in the CMC areas and the laboratory from using the kits which machines had imported more of it. (NIID). The man was reported to with measures taken to found 1,087 positive patients. have been suffering from quarantine their contacts. Meanwhile, quarantine curfew cirrhosis, it noted. Responding to questions was imposed in Panadura, Chief of the Colombo Municipal regarding the areas in the city Moratuwa and Homagama from Continued from page 1 Council Public Health which were under quarantine, he last night.

Pompeo... Hakeem...... from the Minister and the ... the Bill are supportive of the present instrumental in forging time to take disciplinary party, its leader would be Ministry of Foreign Minister of Foreign continuing to maintain regime. this new Tamil political action against them will forced to steer the party Affairs and the U.S. Affairs during his that the party has to take The four SLMC MPs force which is supportive be detrimental to the all by himself in Embassy in brief stay in a shrewd decision at this have pointed out that of the Government in the party’s political future in Parliament. Colombo. Colombo, while he is stage as there is a Tamil politicians such as Eastern Province. the Eastern Province. However, they insisted Pompeo will hold due to take wing to political force that is Sathasivam Viyalendran, They have warned that These MPs had also that they will never leave bilateral talks with Male at 12:30 p.m. currently emerging in the Pillaiyan and Karuna any move by the SLMC warned that if they were the party under any the President, Prime today. Eastern Province which is Amman had been hierarchy at this point in to be expelled from the circumstance.

‘Hands off... Rishad’s bail ...

After the protest the med ‘Hands off Sri global and regional power play. We are well They had allegedly misused housing complex located at booths in compliance with the Lanka’s Sovereignty’ they handed over a aware that the USA is willing to violate 222 buses, belonging to the Ebenezer Place in Dehiwala, legal procedure, he said further. letter to the U.S. Ambassador. It was seen every democratic and international norm State-owned Sri Lanka during the early hours of 19 Investigations had revealed that the protesters were maintaining social and principle when it comes to protecting Transport Board (SLTB), to October. that the process in question had distancing and wearing face masks in its interests.” transport internally displaced He was later produced before taken place outside the legal accordance with COVID-19 health Furthermore, the letter said, the persons (IDPs) from Puttalam to the Fort Chief Magistrate’s framework, the Chief Magistrate guidelines. statement by the U.S. Government urging polling stations in Silavathurai, Court and remanded until mentioned while delivering the Pompeo, who arrived in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka to make “necessary but difficult Mannar during the 2019 yesterday. verdict. yesterday, and held discussions with decisions to secure its economic Presidential Election. The Magistrate also He also noted that MP President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime independence”was not just hypocritical The CID, on the direction of announced that the verdict on Bathiudeen, had absconded the Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign given that the U.S. Government is making Attorney General Dappula de the bail application submitted CID for six days despite being Affairs Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. all efforts to undermine Sri Lanka’s political Livera, had prayed the Colombo by the defence counsels will be aware of the Police were trying “We wish to register our strong protest and economic independence, but also Fort Magistrate to issue delivered on the same day. to apprehend him. and condemn efforts by the United States threatening and deeply disrespectful of the warrants for the arrest of MP However, when the bail Considering the submissions, Government to interfere with the independent and sovereign Nation-State. Bathiudeen and the other two application was taken up the Chief Magistrate, ordered to independence and sovereignty of Sri “Now that the USA’s influence and power, suspects, on charges of criminal yesterday, MP Bathiudeen, was re-remand the Parliamentarian Lanka,” was the cry of the protesters. is waning in the world, it is desperately misappropriation of public not present in Court, as he is and the project accountant The JVP, in the letter, also queried attempting to fix its interests in South Asia funds and violation of election currently under quarantine at Alagarathnam Manoranjan until whether there were any undeclared secret with whatever means it can. If not, we see laws. the facility in Pallansena. 10 November. options, including signing of the MCC no reason why a week before a critical However, the Magistrate ruled Magistrate Liyanage, The verdict on granting bail to agreement, strengthening of SOFA and election in the U.S., the Secretary of State that the Police can proceed to delivering the verdict on the bail the project director Mohamed pushing Sri Lanka to be a partner of QUAD. should hurriedly visit Sri Lanka is this arrest the suspects without a application, said it is the Samsudeen will be delivered The letter stated,they do not believe that manner. We are well aware that several warrant. responsibility of the Government next week, as he has submitted the visit of U.S. Secretary of State, Mike critical military and trade agreements are Thereby, de Livera directed to ensure the citizen’s suffrage a medical report to the Court Pompeo to Sri Lanka was at all to do with a pending, and, which the U.S. Government the Police, to arrest the three however, the Government is not claiming that he is suffering “commitment to a strong, independent, and is pressurising the Government of Sri suspects according to the law. authorised to do so unlawfully. from an illness, the Chief democratic Sri Lanka” as stated by U.S. Lanka to enter into, without proper On 14 October, the Fort Chief Contrary to the defendant’s Magistrate announced. diplomats. accountability and due process. Magistrate, issued a travel ban claims, then-Finance Minister Meanwhile, the seven “On the contrary, the USA has Unfortunately, the current Government in on the Parliamentarian on a Mangala Samaraweera, in his suspects who were arrested for consistently sought to bring Sri Lanka Sri Lanka has proven itself unable to request by the CID. testimony, had maintained that aiding MP Bathiudeen to under its sphere of influence and thereby maintain an independent and non-aligned MP Bathiudeen was he gave instructions to abscond from the CID were drag it into an unnecessary and costly stance on these issues,” the JVP said. subsequently arrested at a transport the IDPs to polling enlarged on conditional bail.

AG orders probe... Army in...

He has also instructed the Secretary also remarked that the month. However, the cases had soon ... Mattakkuliya, Maradana and Angoda areas Police to submit a detailed AG had given instructions to Brandix, a prominent apparel spread to other apparel factories and checked temperature levels of people using progress report on the Wickremaratne, based on powers manufacturer here, said the in the District and other parts of non-contact temperature assessment devices, as investigations within a fortnight, vested in his post and on rigorous protocol implemented the country, while it is believed part of an initial check to identify and trace she stated. provisions contained in Section across the label, and the this also led to the emergence of people who may have elevated temperatures. Jayaratne added that de Livera 393(2) of the Code of Criminal immediate response and support another cluster, the Peliyagoda The practice would promptly diagnose had spoken to the head of the Procedure. received from the PHI and Fish Market. potential persons with abnormal temperature, Legal Division of the Police The Minuwangoda facility had relevant health authorities of Sri The total confirmed cases from but who are unaware of their conditions. Department, Police Media become the epicentre of a Lanka enabled the early detection the Minuwangoda and Peliyagoda Simultaneously, the QRRT has devised a Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana, surprise resurgence of COVID-19 of the patient, ensuring her timely clusters have neared the 5,000 mechanism to direct these patients to hospitals before conveying his order to the cases in the country, after an transfer to IDH for immediate mark, presently becoming the immediately. The project, now in operation, is Acting IGP. employee of the factory had tested treatment and mitigation of any single biggest COVID-19 outbreak facilitated by the Directorate of Army The AG’s Coordinating positive for the virus earlier this further spread of the virus. in the country yet. Operations.

46 curfew... Cabinet... Ranawaka et al...

DIG Rohana said certain segments of the general ... projects strengthening the bilateral ... continue to avoid giving testimony guilty of Contempt of Court charges public have violated quarantine regulations while relationship between the two countries. before the said Commission. would be duly punished by the Supreme shopping in the Gampaha District after the government “A number of projects pertaining to the He said the Commission has the power Court. decided to open Pharmacies and Essential food outlets, development of infrastructure facilities in the which is vested in a normal Court, but Among those who had to date refused in the district, for a limited period of time. fields of Education, Health and Community not that of a higher Court. De Silva stated to give testimony before the Commission “We gave the general public an opportunity to leave Development have been implemented across that if a certain witness or certain are besides Ranawaka are SJB MP Field their residence, so that they can buy their daily the State and Local Government institutions as witnesses continue to intentionally ignore Marshal Sarath Fonseka, TNA MP M.A. essentials items including medication. However, well as Non-Governmental Organisations,” he giving testimony before it or even hand Sumanthiran, ex-UNP MP Malik especially in the Kadawatha area they have failed to added. The Government of India has also given over certain documents, the Commission Samarawickrema, NPP Leader MP Anura adhere to health guidelines, including keeping a one- its consent to award the same financial has the power to file Contempt of Court Kumara Dissanayake, ex-UNP MP metre gap,” he added. cooperation to the Government of Sri Lanka charges at the SC against such witnesses. Hirunika Premachandra, SJB MP Ranjan DIG Rohana reiterated that persons, professions that with a view to implement community-based However, the ex-BASL President added Ramanayake, TNA Leader MP R. are deemed as essential services, including Health development projects with higher benefits for that if any witness has submitted valid Sampanthan, ex-MP Jayampathy Services, Airports, Fire Department, Foreign Ministry, the next five (5) years from 2020 - 2025. The reasons for their inability to give Wickremaratne, PC JC Weliamuna, Communication and Media institutions, can use their Indian Government has agreed to grant testimony before the Commission, then ex-Solicitor General Dilrukshi Dias official IDs as a curfew permit to move around. He said maximum Rs 300 million for selected projects legal action cannot be instituted against Wickremasinghe and the former Director they have been advised to come down hard on for the development of schools, Universities such persons. of the Anti-Corruption Secretariat individuals caught violating quarantine law. and housing. UR de Silva also said that anyone found Ananda Wijayapala respectively. news wednesday 28 October 2020 A3

Cabinet approves new Demarcation Committee New Constitution

By Thameenah Razeek public organisations have demanded to set up new Divisional Cabinet approved the proposal Secretariat Divisions in some for the appointment of a new areas, and amendment of certain Demarcation Committee for the divisions, demarcation and Within a Year performance of applicable gazetting the Divisional activities. Secretariats. By Thameenah Razeek The proposal was put forward by However, these institutions have – Rambukwella the Minister of Irrigation and the already been set up but not An 11-member team has been State Minister of Internal Security, gazetted. appointed to draft a new Constitution, major need of a new Constitution, future, Rambukwella said that the Home Affairs and Disaster “Although a Demarcation so it could be tabled in the Parliament Rambukwella said that the 20th question should posed to either the Management, Chamal Rajapaksa. Committee has to be appointed before the second anniversary of the Amendment to the existing President or Basil Rajapaksa. Speaking at the weekly Cabinet once in five years for these inauguration of President Gotabaya Constitution was tabled to meet the In response to a question posed by Media briefing yesterday (27) at purposes, the report of the Rajapaksa, Cabinet Spokesperson current issues, which have been the Media, regarding a rumour that the Information Department, Committee appointed in the year Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday occurring in the country for a long number of Ministers have signed a Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya 2012 has not been gazetted and (27). time. He said that as the Minister of letter to President, requesting him to Rambukwella said a number of officially accepted, followed by Addressing the weekly Media Justice vowed in the Parliament the grant a Presidential Pardon to former people’s representatives, as well as technical shortcomings,” he said. briefing, at the Information government will table the new Minister Duminda Silva, who is in Department yesterday (27), to Constitution within a year, the death row at the moment, announce the Cabinet decision, government is all set to bring a new Rambukwella claimed that he is not Rambukwella said that the drafting of Constitution by the next year. aware of such letter and anyone can the new Constitution is expected to be When asked whether former request anything from the President completed within a year. Minister Basil Rajapaksa is hoping to but the final decision is with the Regulating childcare services While reiterating that there is a take oaths in Parliament in the near judiciary. Duplication hinders Cabinet decisions Govt to buy unsold fish progress – WB By Thameenah Razeek By Thameenah Razeek By Paneetha Ameresekere led to confusion and in some The government has allocated Rs 200 million to purchase cases, it has been a challenge for The Cabinet which met on 26 October took the following the fish harvest which has remained unsold in markets, Although the Children’s the effective regulation of decisions: following the discovery of COVID-19 infected cases. Secretariat (CS) is mandated to services. Obtaining additional financial grants from the Asian Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that the oversee early childhood Teacher qualifications are also Development Bank for the Small and Medium Sized government has already started purchasing fish from the development (ECD) policies and a barrier to improvement. Some Enterprises’ Line of Credit Project of Sri Lanka. vendors and discussions are ongoing to use that fish to programmes, on the other hand, teachers and assistants who work The Asian Development Bank has given its consent to produce canned fish. He said this was a precautionary method the regulation of childcare centres in childcare centres are award a loan grant of United States Dollars 165 million, to safeguard the fishermen. Addressing the weekly Media comes under the authority of the unqualified and untrained. This including the emergency response components of US$ 100 briefing to announce Cabinet decisions yesterday (27) at National Child Protection deficiency is partly a result of the million for the precautions to be taken to address the Information Department, Dr. Pathirana said that they have Authority (NCPA), the World Bank traditional belief that caring for circumstances, which erupted due to the unfavourable informed the government to produce canned fish out of the (WB), in a report released on 23 children is a natural function for impact of the novel COVID -19 pandemic on the small and fish harvest so it can be used for a long time. October (Friday), said. women and that no specific medium-scale entrepreneurs. As a result, the monitoring of training is required for such It has been agreed to issue a concessionary loan grant of centres at the ground level is work, the WB said. United States Dollars 400 million for the Secondary conducted by different officers The profession also suffers from Education Sector Enhancement Project under the result- attached to different institutions, social stigma, with lower status based loan grant financial methodology of the Asian even when the services are given to child caregivers than to Development Bank. provided in integrated centres, preschool teachers. This stigma, The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution that is, in such centres providing combined with the lack of career submitted by the Prime Minister, as the Minister of both childcare and education development options for early Finance, for entering into the applicable agreements with services, the WB said. childhood professionals, the Asian Development Bank in order to obtain the said In practice, the division of discourages potential candidates loan and the grant. responsibility and authority has from entering the profession. Establishment of Sri Lankan Embassies in Romania and Spain: Diplomatic relations between Romania and Sri Lanka commenced in 1957 and has established very good bilateral relations today. Diplomatic relations between Spain and Sri Lanka commenced in 1955. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the CEB and LECO transformer network proposals presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs to establish Sri Lankan Embassies in those countries with a view to further develop the existing relations with those countries. Govt to install 10,000 Development of wind power projects at Mannar lsland: Construction work on the 100 MW wind power plant is solar power plants being carried out in the Mannar Island under US$ 200 million investment of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). By Thameenah Razeek The physical progress of the project is 73% and the “The aim of the meeting was to construction is expected to be completed by the beginning introduce the programme to of 2O21. The Government is planning to rural organisations like It has been revealed that six wind turbines could be install 10,000 solar power plants Samurdhi Banks, cooperative installed at the power plant using the remaining USD 47 of 100 kW, connected to the societies, agrarian societies and million out of the USD 200 million obtained for the project. distribution transformer network village welfare societies, who This will increase the generating capacity of the power plant of the Ceylon Electricity Board possess investment capabilities by about 20 MW. (CEB) and the Lanka Electricity and their own land to be utilised The policy approval of the Asian Development Bank has Company (Private) Limited in the project,” he said. been granted for this proposal and the Cabinet of Ministers (LECO), investing Rs 10 million. Speaking further, Engineer approved the proposal presented by Minister of Power to CEB Chairman, Engineer Herath stressed that 7,250 implement further action in this regard. Vijitha Herath, said about 50 transformers have been Awarding of Raigam Korale Tea Shakthi Tea Factory perches of land within a 400- identified by the CEB and will be to Raigam Tea Small Holdings Development Society: metre radius will be needed to installed soon, to start this as a Tea Shakthi Tea Factory in Raigam Korale has been given initiate the project, after collective programme with the to the Dikhena Tea Small Holder Development Society on a discussing with the Chairman of Ministry of Power. lease basis and production of the factory was stopped in the Presidential Task Force, “It is noteworthy to mention April 2019. The tea smallholders who supplied their Basil Rajapaksa. that this programme alone will produce to this factory have been inconvenienced due to Engineer Herath noted that be able to produce 1,000 MW of this and the Dkhena Society has to pay around investors will be selected on solar energy at around 12 Rs/ Rs 42 million to the tea smallholders, broker firms and competitive bidding and kWh in 3 years, compared to the other outsiders who supplied tea leaves to the factory. The preference will be given to local 300 MW of total solar power proposal presented by the Minister of Plantation Industries, investors within the district absorption in the past 5 years at accordingly, to hand it over to the Raigam Smallholder Tea where a transformer is set up. 22 Rs/kWh rate,” he said. Development Society, which has about 1,800 members and the financial strength to continue its production activities, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

SL has high COVID-19 spread – Marikkar By Nabiya Vaffoor tests will only be conducted once a week, quarantined at home,” he added. since the PHIs were only provided five kits He further emphasised that people in Sri Lanka is one of the countries which per week. Where are the 25,000 PCR kits the above-mentioned Police divisions has a high COVID-19 spread in the which were provided by China? If this is aren’t capable of stocking food for the community, said SJB MP S.M. Marikkar. how the Government provides facilities, whole quarantine period, due to poverty, “Though government authorities claim then they are the main reason behind the and the Government has put them in that there is no community spread of second wave of COVID-19 in this trouble by not providing them with Rs COVID-19 in our country, when it was country,” Marikkar said. 5,000. checked as a percentage of detected, Marikkar further noted that home “Over 10 people live in one home in infected and the population, it is crystal quarantining for clustered and populated these areas. Most of them are daily wage clear that Sri Lanka is one of the areas is risky. earners. They have lost their source of countries which has a high rate of COVID- “It has been almost a week since curfew income. After two to four days of curfew 19 spread in the community,” he added. was imposed in Wellampitiya, they are out of money and basic rations. He further noted that Medical Officers of Bloemendhal, Mattakkuliya and How does the Government expect people Health (MOHs) in some areas have Kotahena, Colombo District Police to live in such a situation?” he said. claimed that the PCR tests will only be divisions. The Government hasn’t taken He further noted that the Government conducted once a week, since the Public any step to provide Rs 5000, the was heartless enough to focus only on its Health Inspectors (PHIs) were only minimum relief that they are bound to personal agendas, such as obtaining a provided with five kits per week. pay these people. Instead of these Police two-thirds majority and the 20th “They are planning to quarantine first divisions, Gothatuwa, Mulleriyawa, Amendment. He further emphasised that contacts at home, which is risky. Some of Grandpass, Dematagoda, Fort, Pettah, the Government should conduct more these first contacts weren’t even directed Welikada and Borella are facing the same random PCR tests in populated areas. to PCR before advising them to quarantine issue. The public in these areas use to live Marikkar said so yesterday (27), during at home. When people questioned the clustered. It increases the risk of a Media briefing held at Samagi Jana MOH in this connection, he claimed PCR spreading when these people are Balawegaya (SJB) Headquarters. A4 Wednesday 28 October 2020 News Breast Cancer Awareness Month 43% of Caregivers 66% Lack Professional employees SL joins Global deprived of Training – WB Landmark The percentage of women and that no specific caregivers with no training is required for such childcare professional training is 43 work, the WB said. Although employer-supported per cent, the World Bank The profession also suffers childcare is a step in the right (WB), in a report on Sri from social stigma, with direction, it does not reach parents Illumination Lanka’s early childhood lower status given to child employed in the informal sector, development and education, caregivers than to preschool which is an important consideration which was released recently teachers. This stigma, for Sri Lanka, where 66 per cent of stated. combined with the lack of employed people work in informal It also said although the career development options work arrangements, the World Bank Campaign Children’s Secretariat (CS) is for early childhood (WB), in a report said. mandated to oversee early professionals, discourages Therefore, providing affordable childhood development potential candidates from childcare options to accommodate By Nabiya Vaffoor (ECD) policies and entering the profession. the needs of parents working in the programmes, the regulation Of the total number of informal sector is a priority for Sri Sri Lanka joined the Global of childcare centres comes caregivers numbering 1,274, Lanka, and extending such services Landmark Illumination under the authority of the the percentage of caregivers could improve outcomes for both Campaign for the first time and National Child Protection with less than Ordinary parents and children, it said. showed its support for Breast Authority (NCPA). Level qualifications is 18 per The WB Group reports that having Cancer Awareness Month, by As a result, the monitoring cent. Percentage of a child under age five reduces Sri lighting up Lotus Tower, of centres at the ground level caregivers with Ordinary Lankan women’s labour force Colombo in pink on 26 October is conducted by different Level qualifications 41 per participation by 7.4 per cent when from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. officers attached to different cent, percentage of compared with women without Monuments in over 140 institutions, even when the caregivers with Advanced young children, and this rate has countries illuminated in pink services are provided in Level qualifications 38 per been increasing over the years, it light, to promote global integrated centres, that is, in cent, percentage of said. awareness of breast cancer, to centres providing both caregivers with graduate As such, childcare and early remind the importance of early childcare and education degrees three per cent, the childhood programmes are critical detection of breast cancer. services, the WB said. percentage of caregivers with to the economic development of the Research has shown that 4,000 In practice, the division of two or more years of country and the International Sri Lankan women are affected responsibility and authority professional training six per Monetary Fund reports that Sri by breast cancer every year. has led to confusion and in cent, percentage of Lanka can raise its long-term GDP The Global Landmark some cases, it has been a caregivers with 1-2 years of by up to 20 per cent by closing the Illumination Campaign, which challenge for the effective professional training 26 per gender gap in the workforce, the WB was initiated in 2000, regulation of services. cent, percentage of report said. promoted a very clear message Teacher qualifications are caregivers with 3-6 months Availability of reliable childcare this year, which is to touch, also a barrier to of professional training 11 services had a direct impact on look, check (TLC) to encourage improvement. Some teachers per cent, percentage of women’s labour force participation checking breasts every month. and assistants who work in caregivers with less than in both the public and the private The campaign also emphasises childcare centres are three months of training 14 sectors, leading to growing corporate that all females above the age unqualified and untrained. per cent and percentage of investment in childcare, the WB of 20, must do a monthly This deficiency is partly a caregivers with no said. breast self-examination on a result of the traditional professional training 43 per The impact on business has led to fixed date, to detect any breast belief that caring for children cent, the WB said. increasing private sector investment cancer early. is a natural function for (PA) in childcare services, and many private sector employers now provide various childcare options to employees as a recruitment and retention strategy. Companies have To Execute Urgent Work in the Public Sector adopted a number of models, EP Governor including on-site, off-site, and tie-in arrangements in which private Automation, not new recruitment seeks report on sector companies outsource the management of centres to Finance Ministry Directive to Public Sector Heads professional preschool and childcare cow population service providers. By Paneetha Ameresekere Services Division’s (MSD’s) to fill such vacancies as a last The Governor of the Eastern Province, Most employers provide services permission will have to be first resort. Otherwise, work should Anuradha Yahampath, has ordered the either free of charge or at a Depend on automation and not obtained, he said. continue with the existing staff Management and Commerce Faculty of subsidised rate, and many of the on physical recruitment of public Prior to the recruitment of new without filling such vacancies. the South Eastern University to conduct larger corporate childcare centres servants, Finance Ministry staff to Government of Sri Lanka Recruitment for primary a survey on the control of the population provide integrated care with both Secretary S.R. Attygalle, in a (GoSL) service, monies from the services has been temporarily of cows in the Batticaloa District and to childcare and preschool facilities. circular to Ministry and State Consolidated Fund should be stopped. Even if such recruitment submit a proposal to her forthwith. There are also several examples of Ministry Secretaries, Provincial first allocated to pay such is needed, such recruits should Yahampah has urged the Head of the successful public-private Secretaries, departmental, board recruits their emoluments, said be obtained from the Department Faculty, Dr. S. Gunapalan, to furnish partnerships in the provision of and statutory board heads said . Attygalle. Emoluments to be paid of Multi-Purpose Development his report within a week to her. childcare services, some of which Recruitment, if still needed, to to such new recruits should be Task Force. Wherever possible, if She has decided to seek the report in are based on the workplace provide essential and urgent determined only by the MSD. vacancies arise in the primary order to ascertain as to how much of consortium model, in which several work, if such a need arises, Three months prior to staff services sector, such vacancies lands would be needed for the grazing employers share the cost of running should be restricted to minimal going on retirement, GoSL should be filled by promotions for cows while the rest would be utilised a childcare facility. staff recruitment for which the institutional heads should make and not by new recruitment, for the purpose of agricultural activities (PA) Finance Ministry’s Management prior plans, three months ahead, Attygalle further said. in the Batticaloa District.

Transferring lands to LSSP cautions Govt over Early education not Divisional Secretaries Pompeo’s visit traditionally provided Joint Paper LSSP General Secretary, must do the same. This is a Prof. Tissa Vitarana, truly non-aligned policy to being drafted cautioned the Government which all countries that were by State – WB not to fall into the USA’s colonised have always One of the challenges in estimated that 85 per cent of – Amaraweera trap to get us involved in its subscribed to, from the time establishing a strong centres (including childcare By Sanduni Kaushalya proposed war against China. we were liberated from implementation structure for centres) levy fees. There will also be pressure imperialist rule. Under no preschool education in Sri Consequently, the overall Minister of Environment, Mahinda to sign the Millennium circumstances should Sri Lanka is that there is national enrolment rate for Amaraweera, said a joint Paper was Challenge Corporation Lanka support US military currently no clear precedent preschool-age children is 56 being drafted to be presented to Cabinet, (MCC) Agreement and aggression against China. for State engagement in the per cent, compared to primary with the support of three Ministries, on Status of Forces Agreement Even staying neutral is tacit provision of early childhood school enrolment at the transferring lands sans forest cover to (SOFA) and agreements that approval. care and education (ECCE) national level at 81 per cent Divisional Secretaries henceforth. the UNP-led Yahapalana “We must oppose war by the because, unlike health and for children aged five years Furthermore, the Ministry is also Government was prepared USA against a fellow Third social services, ECCE, and at the preschool level, 64 planning to demarcate all wildlife parks, to sign, to obtain a grant of World country. What right particularly early education, per cent for children aged four lands coming under the purview of the US$ 480 million. has the USA to claim that is not traditionally provided years, 23 per cent for children Wildlife Conservation Department, their He said the Gunaruwan China poses a military danger by the State, the World Bank aged three years, and only 3 borders, among others. He said due to Committee has given to it, when its boundaries are (WB), in a report released per cent for children aged two these lands not being demarcated, they instances of countries like thousands of miles away? It is recently said. years. had been illegally taken over by those Madagascar that signed and fulfilled the the USA that has over 400 military bases However, where ECCE is In 2019, Sri Lanka had a with vested interests and asserted that conditions, but did not receive the around China, while China has only one free, it may be overused, but total number of children this measure will put an end to this. promised amount of money. Not outside its boundaries.” without public funding, early between the ages zero-four surprising, as USA is in an economic Signing the MCC and SOFA Agreements childhood education (ECE) is years numbering 1,871,000. crisis and heavily in debt. would compel us to support USA often unsustainable and Of this number, the total “US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is aggression. The MCC Agreement would highly inequitable. number of children attending one of the most powerful politicians in enable the USA to exploit our economy Sri Lanka’s level of public preschools (two-five years) Vehicle racketeers the world. His visit to Sri Lanka, and without restriction and its companies to investment in ECCE is was 578,160, overall three other Asian countries including buy our land besides establishing rapid relatively low. Public enrolment of preschool-age India, is to get some Asian support for its transport links from Colombo to expenditure on ECCE was children (three-five years) was arrested planned attack on China, which has not Trincomalee. The SOFA would allow 0.0001 per cent of the gross 56 per cent, the percentage of By Nabiya Vaffoor received the support of ASEAN,” he thousands of armed troops from the USA domestic product (GDP) in children enrolled who were added. to use the whole of Sri Lanka as a 2011/12, compared with an above five years of age at Two persons, who were engaged in a He pointed out that Philippines’ military base (now that they are losing average public expenditure preschools is 47.6 per cent, racket involving the sale of leased President Rodrigo Duterte was not ready Diego Garcia, their main Indian Ocean (among middle-income the percentage of children vehicles after changing their overall look, to go to war with China and wanted to base). Thus, the LSSP appeals to the countries) of 0.03 per cent, enrolled who are above four including the number plates and chassis resolve their issues bilaterally and Government to take a non-aligned stance that is, 2,900 per cent more in years of age 37.3 per cent, the numbers, were arrested. peacefully. He also pointed out that the and support China. It is also vitally State investments in ECCE in percentage of children Following a tipoff received by the European Union, led by Germany, has important that Sri Lanka does not sign GDP percentage terms enrolled who are over three Ruwanwalla and Imbulgoda Police, their recognised that China is only interested the MCC Agreement and SOFA. The Sri compared to that of Sri years of age 13.3 per cent, officers on 25 October had arrested the in trade, and it is refusing to support the Lankan Government should immediately Lanka. and the percentage of children duo. Following the inquiry, the officers USA’s military attack on China. implement the UN Declaration of the The vast majority of ECCE enrolled who are over two have found that the suspects have sold Prof. Vitarana pointed out that the USA Indian Ocean as a Zone of Peace. This is services in Sri Lanka are years of age was 1.8 per cent. three three-wheelers and one lorry in is advancing its ‘India First’ policy to rally a declaration which Sri Lanka itself privately financed, and it is (PA) such a manner. The suspects were Asian support against China. Pakistan initiated. residents of Ruwanwella and Imbulgoda, has taken China’s side and Sri Lanka too (SRM) and between 38-58 years of age. COLUMN wednesday 28 october 2020 A5 Sri Lankan Genius Creates History By Dr. Tilak S. Fernando after a motor accident over three years ago), and wanted Emil Savundra's The Sri Lankan brain is smart and explanation about the issue. Emil competent at all times. Mother Lanka Savundra turned towards the widow has produced a higher percentage of and confidently, said: "Madam if you outstanding scholars in a multiple of failed to process your claim for three disciplines. During the first COVID-19 years, please contact your lock down, the country saw inventions incompetent solicitors and do not introduced by talented school blame me for that." That made David children, undergraduates and Frost lose his temper and go through industrialists. the roof. He pointed the finger at The Intellectual acumen of the Sri Savundra again and asked: "How can Lankan brain enabled many to excel you sit here as if nothing has globally as scientists, eminent happened after traumatising lawyers, engineers, medical and brain thousands of your motor insurance surgeons, business tycoons including customers with your company - FAM? international reprobates by using Do you have a conscience at all?” their grey matter in the canniest way Emil Savundra replied as cool as a possible. It is currently seen in the cucumber: "Mr. Frost, I have not manner drug marketing and peddling broken any of the laws in this have spread to limitless levels in this country. It is the British Government country. Police raids take place daily that created 'insolvency and aided by the President's orders. bankruptcy; all I have done was to The leading cause of Sri Lanka’s follow the rules of the country to the brain-drain was either because of the letter." lack of opportunities for the qualified or nepotism induced political No regrets skulduggery. It was akin to a viral Emil Savundra’s only criminal offence In an interview in 1969 Frost angrily pursued Savundra What David Frost wanted to show disease where a lot of square pegs in Ceylon was non-payment of an IR was perhaps Emil Savundra’s regret fitted into round holes, so the bill based on earnings from economic powerboat race from Cowes to Sri Lanka but the Government of and repentance before his victims, but professionals and the talented left the fraud Torquay he fractured his spine. His Ceylon refused to confirm having no defiance at all. With Emil country seeking greener pastures and friends introduced him to an received any extradition orders from Savundra's reply, he managed to enhanced foreign economies. he 'became involved in an economic osteopath, Stephen Ward, whose England. Later Emil Savundra provoke the audience head-on Every citizen should welcome sabotage of an unsuccessful shipload name became entangled with a top returned to Rome and spent a month collision by calling David Frost as the President Gotabaya’s latest and novel of oil'. In 1950, he became implicated model at the time known as Christine still being pursued by the British finest swordsman in England and the idea providing the talented with an in a hush money business racket in Keeler. Stephen Ward was exposed on press. In 1967 he re-entered the audience as 'peasants' and denying excellent opportunity to accomplish Ghana. Despite such infringements, a sensational life scandal in 1963 with United Kingdom. categorically any moral responsibility their ambitions in a newly developed he escaped from a jail sentence and Britain's War Secretary John Profumo for the unfortunate situation at the education scheme. For it to be was deported from Ghana to avoid having a 'love affair' with Christine His Assets collapse of his company. productive the education system local embarrassment. Belgian Keeler, who secretly shared sexual During the trial hearing in 1968, Irritated David Frost, in his panic- needs replacement with a new authorities sentenced him to jail for activity with a Soviet Naval Attaché. Emil Savundra confirmed his stricken situation, spoke to the wrong National Policy. In a way the COVID- swindling the Krediet Bank of Stephen Ward's trial hit the headlines securities worth of £540,000 (five camera before walking off the set. The 19 pandemic was a wakeup call for Antwerp over a 'non-existent in British newspapers as well as in hundred and forty thousand) and British TV handling of Emil Savundra Sri Lanka as well as the rest of the consignment of rice'. In 1958 Emil the International press. During the ownership worth £870,000 (eight by David Frost interview paved the world. Savundra resurfaced again as a scandal, Emil Savundra was referred hundred and seventy-thousand- middle ground for Emil Savundra's middle-man for an American to as the 'Indian doctor'. pound sterling) of 'Blue Chip' shares right to a fair trial in a British criminal The renowned Company dealing in minerals in An investigative team from the reinforcing his company (FAM). Court. After the TV interview, Emil international swindler Ghana, known as Camp Bird. By London Sunday Times managed to Nevertheless, not a single security Savundra was arrested. After a long- developing screwed tactics, he track Emil Savundra down after his was available when the company winded and an aggressive legal battle In 1962 Sri Lankan born Michael subsequently became a post-war insurance company FAM collapsed collapsed. It confirmed that Emil between the defendant and the Marion Emil Anacletus Pierre black marketeer in 1958. He became due to failure of cash flow. The Savundra had transferred the FAM Barristers, he was sentenced to eight Saundranayagam popularly known as involved with Coffee beans deal in scandal exposed Emil Savundra's assets to a bank in Liechtenstein, an years of imprisonment with a fine of Dr. Emil Savundra, an international 1959 at the expense of the Costa Rica extravagant lifestyle while hobnobbing offshore institution, beyond British £50,000 (fifty thousand) in March swindler became known the world Government. with the rich, powerful and control (tax haven). That paved the 1968. Due to his persistent ill-health over as the most dazzling Asian in the Tax Evasion aristocracy of the time. way for greater secrecy that proved 'no of diabetes and a heart condition, he UK. His name occupied the Controversial such funds were ever found.' was transferred to a prison hospital. international historical records as the The only offence on record in The Frost Interview Emil’s response first Asian to establish one of the 'Ceylon' was his failure to pay income businessman leading insurance companies that tax out of his earnings from Emil Savundra's fraudulent In December 1974 Dr. Emil subsequently botched in early 1979. fraudulent activities. His involvement Emil Savundra was regarded as one business activities burst into the Savundra was released from prison There were six well-established with the Inland Revenue was the only of the controversial businessmen to public domain in 1967 through a just before Christmas due to his poor insurance companies at the time; one reason for him to leave Ceylon. After use the UK's libel laws to his world-shattering BBC interview by the health. On his way out to freedom, a of them was Emil Savundra's Fire, reaching England in 1963, Emil advantage. He once attempted to veteran broadcaster and journalist, TV presenter waited for him to emerge Auto & Marine Insurance Company, Savundra was involved with car sales thwart an attempt of exposing his Sir David Frost, (who died of a heart out of the prison gates and known as FAM. business and developed his network derogatory life and business practices attack at the age of 74). Facing a live approached him to ask a simple Hailing from a legal background in successfully. With his experience and by the Private Eye magazine. TV audience, Emil Savundra question. Ceylon, as a young man Emil perception, he floated a company Emil Savundra suffered a heart appeared confident in his ability to "Dr. Emil Savundra, now that you Savundra had a brief career in Ceylon specialising in Fire, Auto and Marine attack in 1966. He sold his FAM defend his conduct. are a free man, what are your plans attached to the Civil Engineers. Insurance (FAM) and offered the company shares to his directors. Later During the interview, David Frost for the future?" During the Second World War, the British motorists desirable insurance the company led by Stuart de Quincey pointed out to a widow in the Never short of words Emil Savundra British denied his entry to the Royal premiums. He used for the first-time Walker collapsed within days leaving audience whose husband died of a replied: “Like the British aristocracy, I Air Force despite possessing a pilot's elementary computerisation. its motor insurance clients legally motor accident three years before the am going to live off the wife”. licence. The extra revenue out of the uninsured. That affected more than interview, but her claim had not been At the age of 53, Dr. Emil Savundra insurance company made him lead a 400,000 approximately. Media men settled up to the time of the interview. died in Old Windsor, Berkshire on 21 Early beginnings copious and extravaganza lifestyle besieged Emil Savundra's North Frost pointed the finger at the December 1976 as a registered At the age of twenty-three, during possessing racing powerboats and London mansion in the posh widow in the audience (whose banker. the Korean War, as an intermediary, living in a palatial house. During a Hampstead area for days. He fled to husband was a client of FAM and died [email protected] Incompetence, Cronyism and COVID-19 By Michael Gregson explode: “What on earth are they boards of companies winning doing?” contracts. And if you’ve got a problem A palpable air of alarm has replaced The smell worsens around the test with any of this, well why not take it COVID-19 fatigue in Colombo. A week and trace system, run by the up with the Government’s anti- or two ago people were complacent, McKinsey alumna Dido Harding. Her corruption champion – Dido Harding’s leaving their masks at home and old company pocketed £560,000 for husband and a Tory MP. The whole ignoring social distancing. That has deciding on the “vision, purpose and thing stinks.” all changed following new clusters of narrative” of the programme. It’s a vicious circle: cut back on the disease suddenly springing up. More than 1,100 consultants from public-sector expertise and you rely The streets are empty and traffic flows Deloitte are now working on test and more on expensive outsiders; rely freely. trace, while executives at Boston more on outsiders and the public Sri Lanka has received a wake-up Consulting Group are being paid as sector can ‘safely’ be shrunk further. call. Whatever mistakes or missteps much as £6,250 a day for their input. As the UK Cabinet Office Minister there were, it’s worth remembering Beyond the consultants, companies Lord Agnew wrote last month in a that the island has an enviable record such as Serco, Sitel, G4S and Mitie leaked letter to senior civil servants, fighting the disease and only a tiny provide the call handlers, organise an ‘unacceptable’ reliance on number of cases and deaths testing sites, dispatch tests and so on, management consultants has compared to supposedly advanced pushing the total cost of the system ‘infantilised’ the civil service and economies like the UK – where the up to £12 billion. This is a vast sum – deprived “our brightest public response to COVID-19 has been representing around a fifth of Sri Dido Hardin and UK Premier Boris Johnson servants of opportunities to work on marked by staggering incompetence, Lanka’s annual gross domestic some of the most challenging, political cronyism and widespread product (GDP). It might be value for understand totally why we do need to committee, called for her to be given a fulfilling and crunchy issues”. corruption. money if the system worked, but it see faster turnaround times and we “well-earned rest” and moved on to Some might argue that there is a Weekly stories of huge sums of doesn’t. need to improve it.” focus on “lessons learned”. He warned place for private companies like Serco public money spent with seeming Even Boris Johnson now admits it Senior members of the Prime of a “vacuum of leadership in test and and G4S to help with the delivery of disregard for value, without tender or is failing. In October, contact-tracing Minister’s ruling Conservative Party trace, which is destroying public public services. But surely transparency, for services of dubious fell to new low and waiting times for are running out of patience with test confidence and compliance”. outsourcing and the profiteering that value or poor quality, to companies test results soared to almost double and trace and it’s beleaguered boss – Opposition Labour MP Dan Carden can go with it should not be the and consultants which often have the target. who has earned the nickname Dido claimed the ‘cronyism’ of the test and default for a well-resourced, modern close links to power in Britain. Under pressure to explain new ‘Hiding’ for disappearing from public trace scheme is well documented. state? The bill for private consultants on figures showing less than 60 per cent view as her empire crashes and “Conservative Baroness and business Profit must never be put before COVID-19 related projects is of close contacts being reached, while burns, taking billions of pounds and executive Baroness Harding lives. Boris Johnson needs to be approaching £200 million, causing test turnaround times rose to nearly thousands of lives with it. appointed as the head of test and reminded of this or have his Meg Hillier, the chairwoman of the 48 hours, the Prime Minister said: “I Sir Bernard Jenkin, chair of the trace, Serco’s CEO the brother of a Premiership forever tainted with the public accounts committee, to share people’s frustrations and I powerful Parliamentary liaison former Tory MP and Tory MPs on the stench of corruption. A6 Wednesday 28 October 2020 Editorial

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Hotel bombing A Myriad of Reasons Led to Easter Sunday Attacks! It was revealed before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing the last year’s Easter Sunday attacks that several questionable telephone conversations had taken place between Withstanding Great former President Maithripala Sirisena and the then Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Senior DIG) Nilantha Jayawardena, before the Easter Sunday attacks. This information was revealed to the public, in a Power Bullying context where a multitude of allegations have been levelled against several prominent public officials, By Lakna Paranamanna members of law-enforcement agencies and politicians of the last Government, in connection ‘Encourage’ appears to be the new with their failure to avert the Easter Sunday attacks favourite word of American diplomats when despite several forewarnings. it comes to expressing opinions on Sri Recently it was revealed before the PCoI probing Lanka’s relations with China. In the days the Easter Sunday attacks that a 159-second leading up to the US Secretary of State telephone conversation had taken place between Mike Pompeo’s visit to Sri Lanka, a top former President Maithripala Sirisena and the then official from the State Department’s South Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), and Central Asian Affairs Bureau – Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena, at 7:59 a.m. on Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean 21 April 2019, just before the attacks, and that R. Thompson said the US hopes to another telephone conversation had taken place ‘encourage’ Sri Lanka to rethink options between the duo at 6:16 p.m. on 20 April 2019. available for economic development; According to the information revealed so far, about promise of a transparent and sustainable 20 telephone conversations had taken place development should Sri Lanka choose to between the former President and the former SIS side with the US, as opposed to what was Director, from 4 to 21 April 2019. These telephone described as ‘discriminatory and opaque’ conversations had taken place after the SIS received practices of China during meetings with the foreign intelligence information that a group Sri Lankan leadership. including National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ) US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz too in an Leader Zaharan Hashim could launch an attack. interview recently said America The former President had, from the very ‘encourages’ Sino-SL relations if it’s beginning, maintained that he was not informed of transparent and mutually beneficial. Given the information given by foreign intelligence at least nominally, all sovereign States are services regarding the Easter Sunday attacks. equal and autonomous, for the US to claim However, a document submitted at the PCoI to encourage Sri Lanka’s bilateral relations probing the Easter Sunday attacks on 24 October with another or dictate the quality and showed that a total of 221 telephone conversations conduct of foreign relations is itself an had taken place between the former President and infringement of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. the former SIS Director from January to April 2019 signed between the US and India in the flared in 1962, Sirimavo Bandaranaike alone. What they discussed on this many of Pot calling the kettle black recent years. Mining geospatial data with took the lead in facilitating peace talks occasions, especially in the face of a catastrophe of The choice of words although may seem Indian partnership involves deeper between the two nations led by a six- this magnitude, remains unknown. benign, is only a forewarning of the implications than a standard military member Non Aligned Movement group. When the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks pressures that await Sri Lanka in the cooperation agreement. As such, the Although it did not provide lasting questioned the former President in connection with months to come subject to two key signing of BECA legitimises American solutions, it did offer much needed these telephone conversations, in response, he developments - US Presidential election footholds in the Indian Ocean and on breathing space for the two nations and stated that he could not remember much about the and Sri Lanka’s own conduct in the deeper ground than China at present. It is ease the tensions. said telephone calls, while continuing to maintain Sino-US cold war. only a matter of time before the Chinese- Sri Lanka had the potential to play the that he was not aware of the foreign intelligence President Donald Trump’s foreign policy American power race, coupled with invasive same role this time around when the border information pertaining to the Easter Sunday regime, with Pompeo at the fore has been surveillance projects, changes the Indian skirmishes erupted, but our Government attacks. He added that even though his residence or one that in no unclear terms prioritised Ocean into another South China sea. was otherwise occupied with not just the the office may have received the said telephone unilateralism. It’s also marked with pandemic but also with keeping the calls, it was hard to say he got them all. threats, sanctions and even attempts at What choice does Sri Lanka Covid-19 stricken economy afloat while Sri Lanka has a former President who denies he regime changes when countries refused to have? pushing through the 20th Amendment to had absolutely no knowledge about the Easter bow to American pressure as seen in the the Constitution. But now is not the time Sunday attacks despite having the SIS under his case of Bolivia and Venezuela in the recent Against this backdrop, it is important to for should haves and could haves. The supervision, in addition to two high-ranking past. While America is quick to label keep in mind that here on, the biggest Sino-US cold war is at our doorstep and Sri officials – former Defence Secretary Hemasiri China’s conduct as bullying, they have pressure on Chinese activities in Sri Lanka Lanka should hope to play no part in it. Fernando and former Inspector General of Police been no different in their foreign policy will be emanating from India, having been Sri Lanka’s strong pivot towards China (IGP) Pujith Jayasundara – who claim that the conduct. deputised and backed by the US, upon isn’t a secret. Meanwhile, anti-US rhetoric former President should be held accountable for the Comity and cooperation is no longer the synchronising the military machineries of was quite prominently featured and was a failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks. It guiding principle of the American foreign the two countries. But it is Sri Lanka’s own key slogan of President Gotabaya would not be an exaggeration to state that policy playbook. The conduct of American conduct that has pushed the country into Rajapaksa’s winning campaign at the 2019 statements made by this trio and other officials who foreign policy during the pandemic in itself the present peril; the departure from non- Presidential election. As such, the question testified before the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday is a sufficient case in point, reflective of aligned foreign policy, habit of pandering to remains whether Sri Lanka can even call attacks show a huge lack of cooperation and disdain for genuine international whichever great power that exerts pressure itself a non-aligned nation any longer. coordination among them. Unfortunately, despite cooperation if it no longer only serves at a given point in time instead of Despite these key issues remaining at clear evidence suggesting that not one, but many American interests. The overt actions oscillating between allies and affiliations. stake, Sri Lankan foreign policy as well as officials and politicians had ignored warnings, they should also come as no surprise, given It is unfortunate that India chose to invite the Government remains disorganised and continue to deny any knowledge or responsibility. Pompeo’s former position as Director of the American geo-political rivalries into the divided along completely irrelevant, pro and As the PCoI probing the Easter Sunday attacks CIA – a job mandate that requires skills Indian Ocean region. Had India chosen to anti imperialist lines. The priority and focus continued its proceedings, more and more startling that are at complete odds with diplomacy. face the Chinese threat by empowering and at hand should be to reel back and reiterate revelations came to light, raising serious concerns strengthening its own neighbours including Sri Lanka’s position as a non-aligned among the public who are waiting to find out whose South Asian tour Sri Lanka against invasive Chinese policies, country and place Sri Lanka’s interests at fault allowed extremists to carry out a spate of So, it is folly for Sri Lanka to expect global wars may not have found its way into the fore, geared at regaining respect suicide bombings on last year’s Easter Sunday. anything different or to treat Secretary our neighbourhood this early on. India’s towards Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and According to information revealed before the PCoI Pompeo’s visit as simply a goodwill visit. biggest struggle and conflict with China, autonomy, to ensure we no longer allow probing the Easter Sunday attacks so far, it is Though maybe coveted in diplomatic involving the skirmishes along the Line of situations that permit other nations to evident that in addition to many an other factor, jargon, there is no hiding that countering Actual Control of the Sino-Indian border dictate the quality of Sri Lanka’s relations authorities’ negligence, poor communication Chinese presence is the sole reason for his has now been exploited by the US and with other countries. Sri Lanka’s Foreign between institutions and officials, lack of visit to Sri Lanka and if given the chance, through its interference, indirectly has Ministry recently announced it is now in the coordination between responsible authorities pressure Sri Lanka into siding with the weakened India’s supremacy in the region process of drafting a foreign policy white including the former President and Prime Minister, US-led Quad. by manufacturing a dependency as paper and one can only hope that instead of and the huge support received by the extremists The purpose of Pompeo’s visit to South opposed to actually strengthening India. repeating foreign policy thinking of the past, who carried out the attack, have also caused the Asia is the signing of BECA, the Basic Sri Lanka too could have played a key it is geared at prioritising Sri Lanka’s failure to avert the Easter Sunday attacks. Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for role in preventing this regional tension national interests and achieving Sri Lanka’s Geo-Spatial Cooperation with India. It is from escalating into a fodder available for potential and most importantly, keep Sri the final and fourth defence agreement exploitation. When the Sino-Indian conflict Lanka out of the crossfire of power scuffles. column wednesday 28 October 2020 A7

Escalating US Intervention in Sri Lanka

US B1 Bombers at DG. Is Sri Lanka to supplant the horrors enacted there?

By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe Oceans. In January 2017, the Sri bases. It has been central in few years. However, the three main corridor” proposed by the compact for Lankan Government granted China a launching invasions in Iraq and bilateral agreements the US has the Trincomalee-Colombo highway “My view of foreign policy is that we 99-year lease of Hambantota Port in Afghanistan and flying missions deployed to assert its political, could splinter Sri Lanka into two need to be careful and circumspect exchange for US$1.1 billion in debt across Asia, including over the South economic and military control over Sri separate entities under the control of about United States intervention in any relief. China is also developing other China Sea. If the islands go back to Lanka – MCC, ACSA and SOFA – are the United States, resulting in the loss foreign nation.” - Michele Bachmann projects in Sri Lanka, such as the Mauritius and the Chagossians who facing massive local opposition. of sovereignty, unity and territorial - US Politician $1.4 billion “Port City” in Colombo on sued for their right to return are integrity. “Secretary Pompeo travels to land reclaimed from the Indian allowed back, then the US will require MCC Compact Colombo to underscore the commitment Ocean. an alternative base. That could be Sri The Millennium Challenge Protect our beautiful of the United States to a partnership Is Sri Lanka the Lanka. Corporation (MCC), a foreign-aid island home with a strong, sovereign Sri Lanka and UN Res weakens security agency established by the US to advance common goals for a free alternative base? Congress, is ready to sign a “compact” In conclusion, while Sri Lanka and open Indo-Pacific region.” In January 2015, Sri Lanka and the with Sri Lanka to facilitate private- appreciates the significance of - Morgan Ortagus, US Department In order to curtail Chinese US co-sponsored a UN Human Rights sector investment and economic maintaining good relationships with of State spokesman - Press expansion across Asia, the US is Council Resolution in Geneva calling growth. The MCC Compact would US, China, India and other countries Statement planning to turn strategically located for accountability for alleged war undertake transportation and land this should not result in the sacrifice Sri Lanka’s strategic location in the Sri Lanka into a “military logistics crimes and missing persons in the management in return for a grant of of the principles of sovereignty, Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has hub” and the centre of its “Free and final stage of the war against the $480 million to Sri Lanka. The democracy and the rule of law in Sri resulted in many rich and powerful Open Indo-Pacific Region Policy”. LTTE, the UNHRC Resolution, now Transport Project will include Lanka, which needs to remain non- countries such as the US, China, Control of Sri Lanka has become more abrogated by the Government, exerted advanced traffic management, bus aligned and refrain from getting India, Japan, Saudi Arabia and other urgent for the US since the pressure in 2015 on Sri Lanka to transportation modernisation and a involved in the geopolitical such States, struggling to influence International Court of Justice (ICJ) make significant changes, including central ring-road network connecting confrontation that is developing over Sri Lanka. The sea lanes of had ruled that US occupation of the the dismissal and imprisonment of its the Central, Sabaragamuwa and between America and China, through the Indian Ocean are considered to be Indian Ocean Chagos Islands is illegal intelligence officers and army Eastern Provinces to the Western agreements that would enable these the busiest in the world, with more and the islands be handed back to personnel. These measures weakened Province. countries to gain a foothold in Sri than 80 per cent of global seaborne oil Mauritius “as rapidly as possible”. Sri Lankan intelligence and security, The Land Project would include a Lanka. It is time that all Sri Lankans trade estimated to be passing through The Diego Garcia (DG) military base paving the way for the Easter Sunday state land inventory, deeds have to stand together at this critical them. Sri Lanka is a participant in was established after Britain, which massacre by Islamist terrorists. The registration improvement, land juncture to protect our precious, the Maritime Belt and Silk Road “owns” Chagos, forcibly removed its Easter attacks are now being used to valuation improvement, land grants beautiful island home. Initiative, China’s extensive network inhabitants between 1968 and 1973. justify the acceleration of US registration and deed conversion, and The writer is an Attorney-at-Law of ports and maritime facilities Diego Garcia is one of America’s most intervention in Sri Lanka, which had land policy and legal governance. with LLB, LLM, MPhil. connecting the Pacific and Indian important and secretive military already been increasing over the last There are fears that the “economic [email protected] A WEEE Problem that is Getting Bigger

By Padraig Colman avionics components. Counterfeit bans disposals of consumer electronics Chinese parts have been detected in in landfills. A study from the Product I was pleased to receive a message the instrumentation of C-130J Stewardship Institute (PSI) shows that on my (second-hand) smart phone Hercules transport aircraft. Failure of retailers are lagging behind consumers inviting me to bring my e-waste to the these components would leave pilots in social responsibility. local post office. I had up to 10 October with blank instrument panels in mid- How did the recent Sri Lankan to do this and just about met the flight. Production of these counterfeit initiative work out? I sent my e-waste deadline. This seemed to be a very parts often begins as electronic waste, to the post office and wondered what welcome initiative by the CEA (Central shipped from the US to Hong Kong. would happen to it. Would it be Environmental Authority). Mahinda The only answer seems to be to send dumped in a land-fill? What happened Amaraweera, Minister of Environment, e-waste to another country and cause to it was that it came back to me. They said the programme was organised a problem elsewhere. In direct violation only seemed to be interested in phones with the objective of minimising the of federal law, Colorado-based firm and computers that they could find an harm caused to human beings, Executive Recycling falsely claimed immediate use for. animals, and the environment by they would process waste in the US. improper e-waste disposal. He said Instead, they exported it. The fine was Unavailability of a that all Government agencies are US$4.5 million and the court recycling facility bound by international development sentenced CEO, Brandon Richter, to agreements to implement the UN two and a half years in prison. I have looked at a number of SDGs (United Nations Sustainable academic studies on the subject and Development Goals). Charitable donations am filled with despair. No-one seems to The EU exported 220,000 tons of have a solution and the problem just WEEE WEEE to West Africa in 2009. Some keeps growing. One study of the Sri The acronym WEEE (waste electrical WEEE man sculpture made out of e-waste at the educational charity project products sent as charitable donations, Lankan situation says: “Currently all and electronic equipment) describes ostensibly for reuse, are unusable. In the E-waste collected within the discarded electrical or electronic of Indian WEEE is recycled, while the mean Filofax. I tread lightly on the Ghana 30 per cent of WEEE imports country is being exported because of devices. WEEE contains toxic remaining was mixed with normal earth. I had an amplifier that served are unusable. Pakistan receives the unavailability of a recycling facility materials such as lead, mercury, waste. me well for over 30 years and speakers thousands of tons of WEEE every year for electronic waste. Hence, it is an cadmium, brominated flame- The communications revolution that lasted 20 years. from developed countries. urgent requirement to establish an retardants and polyvinyl chloride. combined with rampant consumerism Creative capitalists have developed environmentally sound E-waste These substances cause cancer, has created vast amounts of cyber- Counterfeit parts markets in WEEE.There are recycling facility to cater E-waste respiratory and reproductive problems. clutter, as people feel compelled Even a Luddite like myself manages companies that extract gold, silver, generated within the country.” That Even a low level of exposure of children constantly to upgrade their phones to accumulate a lot of redundant palladium and base metals such as does not get us very far. and pregnant women can cause and computers. I have never been an electronic rubbish. Some of it is a copper and nickel from circuit boards. It would be interesting if Minister serious neurological damage. early adopter. I have never been a great result of well-meant but misplaced Their worth can reach more than $15 Mahinda Amaraweera could clarify Phthalates causes sterility; chlorinated fan of phones of any kind and I have charity, or recycling by friends and per pound. The microprocessors inside what criteria were given for deciding dioxins cause Hodgkin’s only recently been forced to use a family. Some it is stuff like my trusty circuit boards can sell for more than which items of e-waste would be lymphoma. Unregulated WEEE smart phone. In those dark days when old amplifier which reaches the end of $30 per pound. EWEEE could prove a accepted at post offices. The only activities do not only harm those I had to work for a living, The its natural life and crawls away to die. valuable source of metals in developing guidance I could find was a statement working directly with the materials but Management was always trying to It is difficult to know what to do with countries if the dangerous work that only domestic e-waste and not also contaminate agricultural lands force gadgets on us; there were little this redundant equipment. processes were to be regulated. All over industrial-grade machinery would be and livestock and enter the food chain. hand-held computers called Electronic waste is sometimes the world, local communities are accepted. I certainly have never had E-waste represents 2 per cent of Organisers which one had to go on recycled in a bad way, finding its way taking positive steps to encourage any industrial-grade machinery. What America’s garbage in landfills, but it courses to learn how to operate. I into counterfeit parts. A 2011 report by recycling. New York state residents are to do with the items that we are equals 70 per cent of overall toxic never used mine at all and was the Senate Armed Services Committee produce more than 300 million pounds still stuck with? It would also be waste. The US generates 3.4 million chastised for creating this redundant said that the US military supply chain of electronic waste each year. New laws interesting to learn what was done tons of WEEE a year only 11 per cent e-waste. I found it much easier to jot might contain over one million make manufacturers responsible for with the items that were accepted at of which is recycled. Only 15 per cent things down in my diary – and I don’t counterfeit parts, including crucial the recycling of their own products and post offices. A8 wednesday 28 october 2020 world affairs Caucasus Proxy War By Prof. Zlatko was precisely the opposite Hadzidedic from the reaction of Yeltsin’s foreign policy in the case of the All proxy wars are, by first Armenian-Azeri war. definition, delusional. Usually, Instead of automatically taking two client-States wage a war, Armenia’s side and further one against another, while, promoting the concept of actually, their war advances ethnically exclusive territories, interests of some other States, as designed by the Anglo- commonly their sponsor- French axis, Russia took a States. The war between neutral position and thereby Armenia and Azerbaijan over has practically given a green Nagorno-Karabakh is not a light to Azerbaijan to regain simple proxy war: Its proxiness control over Nagorno- and delusional character Karabakh and restore its full exponentially grow as the sovereignty and territorial conflict unfolds on the ground. integrity. In this way, the very For, it is conceived as a war concept of ethnically exclusive that was supposed to draw two territories has been major regional powers, Russia delegitimised, not only in the and Turkey, into a mutual Caucasus, but also in the conflict, on the assumptions entire post-Soviet space. Yet, it that Russia is going to act as remains to be delegitimised in Armenia’s sponsor-State, the Balkans. ready to enter the war on the Russia has probably made side of its presumed proxy, such a radical geopolitical and that Turkey is going to act turnover in tacit agreement as Azerbaijan’s sponsor-State, with Turkey, so as to be safe ready to enter the war on the about its outcome and the side of its presumed proxy. Anglo-Franco strategy to draw Russia and Turkey into mutual conflict foreseeable consequences. Yet, as the conflict unfolds, it Their rapprochement has thus becomes transparent that a new war with Azerbaijan, as creation of the ethnically been elevated to a level of these assumptions were deeply France’s (and Britain’s)de facto exclusive territory of potential strategic alliance. At wrong and that the proxiness proxy. Nagorno-Karabakh for the same time, Turkey has and delusional character of For, Putin’s Russia is not Armenian ethnic minority in strengthened its credibility in this very war are skyrocketing Geopolitical games Azerbaijan, with the ultimate the post-Soviet space and the beyond the absurd. However, the basic Yeltsin’s Russia. Yeltsin allowed goal of its secession from rest of Eurasia, but not in the assumption was that in the himself to be drawn into a Azerbaijan and annexation by conflictual mode against Rejection of further development Russia Armenia. Russia. This improvement of Turkey’s European will automatically take geopolitical game constructed The same pattern was also Turkey’s international membership Armenia’s side, as it once did, promoted in the Balkans, standing has been based on its in the times of Boris Yeltsin. In for Russia’s ultimate again by Britain and France, principled defence of Turkish rapprochement with other words, Armenia was in their initiatives for ethnic Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and Russia, which is a logical pushed into the war by France destruction, the game of partition of Bosnia in the territorial integrity, that is, consequence of Turkey’s (and Britain), so as to make it 1990s and annexation of its principled respect for geopolitical reversal caused by seem as if Russia did it, in creation of ethnically exclusive territories by Serbia and international law, not on an its failure to become a order to eventually draw Croatia, and recently, for aggressive implementation of a candidate for membership in Russia into a conflict with territories, like Nagorno- exchange of ethnic territories pan-Turkic programme that the European Union after so Turkey, which was assumed to between Serbia and Kosovo. would eventually include all many years of begging, has not be on the side of Azerbaijan in Karabakh, or South Ossetia, to The concept of ethnically Turkic peoples, including remained unnoticed by case of Armenian attack. A exclusive territories as the Azeris, into some imagined relevant circles in the West. cunning plan, isn’t it? Yet, be followed by their secession only safe environment for Greater Turkey. The same While the United States has these assumptions, as well as survival of ethnic groups, applies to Russia and its tried to persuade the Turks to the strategy derived from from the States to which they therefore, is not the invention abandonment of presupposed remain its most reliable ally them, have proved to be a of some ‘wild tribes’ in the pan-Orthodox sentiments in and refrain from turning farcical failure. originally belonged and Balkans or the Caucasus. It the case of Armenia, although towards Turkey’s natural For, Putin’s Russia is not is a premeditated strategy for these have yet to be geopolitical environment, that Yeltsin’s Russia. Yeltsin annexation by the States with permanent destabilization of abandoned in the Balkans, in is, towards other Eurasian allowed himself to be drawn which they shared common any geopolitical zone, wherever the case of Russia’s flirting powers, France’s foreign into a geopolitical game applied. Its authorship needs with the Greater Serbian policy, with a British support, constructed for Russia’s ethnic identity to be finally attributed to those programme of ethnically has chosen a different ultimate destruction, the game who are always present in exclusive territories. strategy. of creation of ethnically their application – the British Assuming that the close exclusive territories, like Soviet politicians. However, determination. This process and French foreign policy Armenia Azerbaijan encounters between Russia’s Nagorno-Karabakh, or South Putin is not Yeltsin, and he did ended up with the total establishments. Yet, this time, sovereignty and Turkey’s troops on the soil Ossetia, to be followed by their understand the destructive dissolution of the Soviet in the case of the second of Syria and Libya were an secession from the States to potential of the concept of Union. Of course, full Armenian-Azeri war, this hook In any case, both Russia and expression of a true potential which they originally belonged ethnically exclusive territories application of this pattern has not been swallowed by its Turkey have thus made an for their mutual conflict, and annexation by the States when applied to the post- generates a process of endless main targets, Russia and important step out of the rather than a careful with which they shared Soviet space: If every ethnic dissolutions: For, all ethnic Turkey. straitjacket tailored for them choreography conceived by common ethnic identity. In group were to claim its own minorities within these newly- when the concept of ethnically these two powers to deceive other words, this game was a exclusive territory, and then proclaimed States may well Anglo-French exclusive territories was their potential adversaries in game of endless ethnic unification with its ethnic kin claim secession from these ethnically exclusive inserted into Eurasian the Euro-Atlantic bloc, France cleansing and creation of in other States, there would be States, since the underlying geopolitical space. In that way, and Britain have created a ethnically exclusive territories, no more territorially compact assumption, adopted by many territories they have also created a strategy to draw Russia and which would eventually States in Eurasia, including local ethno nationalist leaders, Having been aware of the geopolitical framework for Turkey into a mutual conflict destroy not only Russia with Russia itself. is that these ethnic groups’ fact that the Armenian attack Armenia and Azerbaijan to through their presumed its numerous ethnic survival is possible only within on Azerbaijan was generated make a step out of their proxy proxies, Armenia and minorities, but also the entire Soviet Republic their own ethnically exclusive by some other players, who roles, in which they were given Azerbaijan. For this purpose, zone of Eurasia with its stimulated to claim Statelets. To put it briefly, it is were not even too careful to a task to inscribe their they used the traditional numberless ethnic groups. a pattern of geopolitical hide its role in it (such as respective ethnically exclusive bonds between France and This was a recipe for the independence fission, with the consequences President Macron of France), territories. In other words, Armenia, based on the ultimate destruction of the A similar pattern was similar to those of nuclear and that the very concept of what has been generated is a presence of the numerous entire Eurasian space, previously applied to the fission. Among other ethnically exclusive territories geopolitical potential for peace Armenian diaspora in France. carefully planned in the inner Soviet Union, when its destructive processes triggered has served as a tool for between these two countries Due to these historical bonds, circles of the Anglo-American republics were stimulated to in the post-Soviet space, this permanent destabilisation of and their reconstitution along it was not difficult for France foreign policy establishment, claim independence on the pattern also led to the both Russia and the rest of civic-inclusive, instead of to persuade the Armenian and recklessly adopted by basis of ethnic identity and Armenian invasion of Eurasia, Russian foreign ethnic-exclusive, lines. leadership to fall into a trap of Yeltsin and many other post- presumed right to self- Azerbaijan’s territory and policy reacted in a way that (www.moderndiplomacy.

Syrian Refugees Tools of Duplicitous Politics

By Ahmad Salah dozens other temporary detention Ankara has been using Syrian citizens centres in Syria, where people eke out as a leverage against the European Since the beginning of the conflict in a meager existence. states in pursuit of political benefits for Syria the issue of Syrian refugees and a long time. No one pays attention to internally displace has been the Decade long war the lives of people who are used as a subject of countless articles and At the same time, the problem is not change coin in big politics. This is reports with international only refugee camps. Syria has been at equally true for Rukban where humanitarian organisations and war for a decade. The country’s refugees are held in inhuman countries involved in the Syrian economy has suffered greatly over this conditions and not allowed to return to conflict shifting responsibility for the period, and many cities have been their homeland. In those rare plight of migrants. practically grazed to the ground. exceptions that they are able to leave, The most notorious example of Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic refugees have to pay large sums of human suffering put against political didn’t spare Syria and drained the money that most of those living in games is the Rukban refugee camp already weakened economy even more. camp are not able to come by. located in eastern Syria inside the However, Damascus’ attempts of post- It’s hard to predict how long the 55-km zone around Al-Tanf base war reconstruction and economic Syrian conflict will go on and when – or controlled by the U.S. and its proxies. recovery were undermined by multiple if – the American military will leave the packages of severe sanctions imposed Al-Tanf base. One thing can be said for Open a humanitarian by the U.S. At the same time, U.S.- sure: The kind of criminal inaction and corridor based human rights monitors and disregard for humanitarian Human suffering resulting from political games - Rukban refugee camp, Syria humanitarian organisations continue catastrophe witnessed in refugee According to official information, to weep over the Syrian citizens’ camps is a humiliating failure of more than 50,000 people, mostly aware of the plight of people in proposals were ignored by the misery. modern diplomacy and an unforgivable women and children, currently live in Rukban, has repeatedly urged American side. The US also refuse to The situation is the same for those mistake for the international the camp. This is a huge number Washington to open a humanitarian provide the camp with first aid items. refugees who stay in camps abroad, community. People shouldn’t be a tool comparable to the population of a corridor so that everyone can safely Neighbouring Jordan is inactive, too, especially in countries bordering on in the games of politicians. small town. The Syrian Government, return home. However, all such despite Rukban being the largest of Syria, particularly Jordan and Turkey. www.moderndiplomacy.eu Asia wednesday 28 october 2020 A9 U.S., India must focus on threat posed by China – Pompeo

The United States and India must sure. We have a lot to discuss today: Narendra Modi’s Government to seek work together to confront the threat Our cooperation on the pandemic that closer military ties with the United posed by China to security and originated in Wuhan, to confronting States. freedom, U.S. Secretary Mike Pompeo the Chinese Communist Party’s This month, India invited Australia said on Tuesday (27) as he prepared threats to security and freedom to to join naval drills it holds each year for talks with Indian leaders. promoting peace and stability with the United States and Japan, Pompeo arrived in New Delhi on throughout the region.” brushing off Chinese concerns that Monday (26) along with Defence U.S. President Donald Trump has the exercises destabilise the region. Secretary Mark Esper for an annual made being tough on China a key part “Our focus now must be on strategic dialogue at a time of of his campaign to secure a second institutionalising and regularising heightened tension in the region, with term in next week’s presidential our cooperation to meet the Indian troops confronting Chinese election and Pompeo has been trying challenges of the day and uphold the forces on their disputed Himalayan to bolster allies to counter China’s principles of a free and open Indo- border. growing influence in the region. Pacific well into the future,” Esper “Today is a new opportunity for two India has its own problems with a said. great democracies like ours to grow more assertive China. The two sides will later on Tuesday closer,” Pompeo said before the talks In June, 20 Indian soldiers were sign a military agreement that will India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gestures to show the way to U.S. Secretary of with Indian Foreign Minister killed in a clash with Chinese troops give India access to advanced U.S. State Mike Pompeo and U.S. Defence Secretary Mark Esper after they posed for a Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and on their high-altitude border, satellite and map data for better picture with India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during a photo Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, hardening the mood in India against accuracy of its missiles and drones. opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India “There is much more work to do for China and driving Prime Minister (Reuters) (Reuters)

Peshawar, Pakistan Jakarta, Indonesia Blast at religious school kills Tycoon sentenced to life in jail seven, wounds more than 80 for stock manipulation An Indonesian graft court A bomb blast at a religious has sentenced businessman seminary in the Pakistani city of Benny Tjokrosaputro to life in Peshawar on Tuesday (27) killed prison for a stock at least seven people and manipulation scheme that wounded more than 80, Police helped trigger losses of more and hospital officials said. than USD 1 billion at State There was no immediate claim insurer Asuransi Jiwasraya, of responsibility for the bomb in State news agency Antara the northwestern city, near the said. border with Afghanistan, which Three of the insurer’s has long been plagued by executives were among the five Islamist violence. other defendants sentenced to “Unknown people planted life terms in one of Indonesia’s Benny Tjokrosaputro is seen during the trial of a corruption case explosives in a plastic bag,” said biggest anti-graft trials by a in financial management and investment funds of PT Asuransi a Police officer who declined to A Police officer points to the damaged roof while others survey the site special corruption court in of a bomb blast at a religious seminary in Peshawar (Reuters) Jiwasraya at the court in Jakarta, 7 September 2020 (Reuters) be identified as he is not Jakarta, the capital. authorised to speak to Media. and the injured. “I want to students, citing religious texts Tjokrosaputro, who had Peshawar Police Chief assure my nation we will ensure on the importance of education made international headlines currencies, the agency said, policies in 2018 and the Mohammad Ali Gandapur told the terrorists responsible for when a huge blast ripped with a USD 1-billion lawsuit citing court documents. Government has yet to resolve Reuters the bomb contained up this cowardly barbaric attack through the hall, knocking over he once filed against Goldman The businessman had used some of the debt outstanding to 6 kg of explosives. are brought to justice ASAP,” he the camera. Sachs, was ordered to pay his knowledge to “tarnish the to policyholders. Though militant violence in said. A hospital source said he had compensation of 6 trillion reputation of, and erode public The case caused estimated the city, and in Pakistan in Tariq Burki, director the city’s survived the blast but was rupiah (USD 410 million) at trust in, the capital market,” state losses of 16.81 trillion general, has fallen over recent Lady Reading Hospital, said receiving treatment in hospital. his sentencing on Monday Antara quoted Judge rupiah (USD 1.15 billion), years, there has been an earlier that four of the seven Photos provided by Police (26), the agency added. Rosmina, who uses one name, Government auditors have increase in attacks on the dead were children but later depicting the aftermath showed The court found as saying. said. security forces this year in said four children were debris strewn around the hall Tjokrosaputro, chief Tjokrosaputro could not be Tjokrosaputro, who ranked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, wounded and all the dead were and a small crater. commissioner of property reached for comment. In a 43rd on business magazine of which Peshawar is capital. adults. The madrassa is largely for developer Hanson statement, his lawyer, Forbes’s list of 50 richest Some of the past attacks have Five of the 83 wounded were adult students and many were International, guilty of Muchtar Arifin, dismissed as people in Indonesia in 2018, been claimed by the Pakistani in critical condition, he said. studying when the blast corruption and money baseless the accusation that had filed a lawsuit against Taliban. However, the militant The hospital released a list happened, said city resident laundering by conspiring with his client had controlled share Goldman in 2016 over the group released a statement showing more than a dozen of Abdul Rahim, whose 27-year other investors to inflate prices owned by other people, ownership of shares in saying they condemned those wounded were from old cousin was among the shares in Indonesia’s main and added that the Hanson International. While Tuesday’s blast and denied Afghanistan. wounded. equity market. businessman planned to he won the case in lower involvement. A video shared by Police “He told us they were He made arrangements with appeal. courts, Goldman won an Prime Minister Imran Khan on showed the madrassa’s attending a class when the blast Jiwasraya executives to invest Bad investments led appeal at the Supreme Court Twitter sent his condolences to religious scholar Sheikh took place,” Rahim said. in stocks and then used gains Jiwasraya to default on more last year. family members of the victims Rahimullah addressing (Reuters) to buy properties and foreign than 10,000 bancassurance (Reuters)

Hanoi, Vietnam Tokyo, Japan

Rush to prep devastated Bangkok, Thailand region as typhoon nears Court acquits reporter over chicken farm tweet

A Thai appeals court on Tuesday (27) overturned charges against a television reporter who had been sentenced to two years in prison for libelling a Fishing boats are seen at a port after returning to avoid Molave typhoon in Da Nang city, 25 October 2020 (Reuters) chicken farm on Twitter. Suchanee Cloitre was convicted in Vietnam was rushing to ensure more on to buses and directing boats to December 2019 for a Twitter post than half a million people were out of come ashore, while residents and about a legal dispute over working harm’s way on Tuesday (27), ahead of soldiers piled sandbags on roofs to conditions at the Thammakaset farm. the arrival of a powerful typhoon set to secure them from the approaching In a statement, the court ruled that dump more heavy rain on a central strong winds. while some of her wording had not region devastated by weeks of intense Molave struck the Philippines at the been suitable, she had done no wrong. weather. weekend, causing flooding and “As a member of the Press and a Hundreds of flights were cancelled landslides and killing at least three citizen, the defendant has the right to and schools closed in affected areas as people, with 13 still missing on investigate, criticise and give opinion Typhoon Molave approached over the Tuesday, the disaster agency said. that is in the public interest,” it said. Cabinet approves South China Sea, packing wind speed of Vietnam’s Prime Minister has Suchanee, who had been on bail, told up to 165 kmph and expected to make compared Molave to Typhoon Damrey, Reuters she felt “much relieved”. landfall early on Wednesday (28). which killed more than 100 people Her Twitter post centred on a plan for free Molave will be the fourth storm to hit the and caused property damage of about complaint that a group of migrant Southeast Asian country this month, 22 trillion dong (USD 949.3 million) in workers from Myanmar made to deepening a crisis in its central region central Vietnam three years ago. Thailand’s National Human Rights that has seen 130 people killed in Molave is forecast to hit tourism Commission about conditions at the COVID-19 vaccines floods and landslides and many still infrastructure along its central chicken farm in 2016. missing. beaches and the Dung Quat refinery Thammakaset, which has denied the Japan’s Cabinet any health damage the coronavirus for State Media cited the disaster agency in Quang Ngai Province, with heavy accusations from the outset, has filed approved a plan on caused by a vaccine, the public by mid- as saying some 572,000 people would rain forecast also for the coffee- multiple lawsuits against journalists Tuesday (27) to use according to a 2021. Japan has need to be evacuated by 5 p.m. (0900) growing Central Highlands. and activists over the case. public funds to document posted on struck deals for on Tuesday. The Government on Coffee traders said heavy rains will Representatives of the farm could not provide novel the health hundreds of Monday (26) said it was preparing to hamper the harvest, starts from October, immediately be reached for comment coronavirus vaccines ministry’s website. millions of doses evacuate nearly 1.3 million people from and delay the drying process of the on Tuesday. to the public for free. Prime Minister from companies risky areas. beans. (Reuters) The plan also calls Yoshihide Suga has including State broadcaster VTV showed (Reuters) for the Government pledged to provide AstraZeneca Plc and footage of military helping the elderly to bear the cost of enough vaccines for Pfizer Inc. a10 wednesday 28 october 2020 world Moscow, Russia Trump Celebrates at White House as Supreme Court Nominee Confirmed

President Donald Trump revelled in one of his signature achievements on Monday (26) at a White House ceremony to celebrate U.S. Senate confirmation of his third Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, eight days before the election. The made-for-TV prime-time event on the White House lawn mirrored one a month ago, when Barrett's nomination was announced, which Ambulances queue before driving onto the territory of the Pokrovskaya hospital preceded a coronavirus outbreak amid the outbreak of COVID-19 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, 23 October 2020 among top Republicans including (Reuters) Trump himself. It came little more than an hour after the Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Barrett to the lifetime Govt orders wider appointment on a 52-48 vote, with Democrats unified in Opposition. Her confirmation as successor to liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, use of masks who died last month, creates a 6-3 conservative majority on the High Calls for bars to close overnight Court. One Republican, Susan U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as Judge Amy Coney Barrett delivers remarks Collins, voted against the after she was sworn in as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court on the South Russian authorities on Tuesday GMT). The RIA news agency had confirmation. Lawn of the White House in Washington, U.S. 26 October 2020 (Reuters) (27) ordered people across the earlier reported this as an order, Trump, who has been touting the country to wear facemasks in some not a recommendation. appointment at campaign rallies to the although not Majority Leader Mitch from the White House balcony. public places and asked regional Russia has seen a surge in new cheers of his supporters, had pressed McConnell, who has not been to the Chief Justice John Roberts will authorities to consider shutting COVID-19 infections in recent the Senate to confirm Barrett, 48, White House since August due to administer the separate judicial oath bars and restaurants overnight weeks, prompting the authorities before the 3 November election in COVID-19 concerns. at the Court on Tuesday (27), the after a surge in coronavirus cases. to open temporary hospitals and which he trails Democrat Joe Biden in Conservative Supreme Court Justice Court said in a statement. The consumer health watchdog urge the population to take national opinion polls. No Supreme Clarence Thomas, wearing his judicial Trump's other Supreme Court told regional authorities to make precautionary measures. Court justice had ever been confirmed black robes, administered one of the appointees are conservatives Neil masks mandatory in parking lots, The authorities have said they so close to a Presidential Election. two oaths of office that justices have to Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. elevators, taxis and public will not repeat the total lockdowns "The Barrett family has captured take. In brief remarks, Barrett Trump has said he expects the transport. Some cities, including imposed across the country earlier America's heart. It is highly fitting that declared her independence from Court to decide the outcome of the the capital Moscow, have already this year. Justice Barrett fills the seat of a true Trump and the political process even election and wants Barrett to made masks mandatory on public Russia had reported 1,547,774 pioneer for women, Justice Ruth as the President stood behind her. participate on any election-related transport. infections, the world's fourth Bader Ginsburg," Trump said with a "The oath that I have solemnly taken cases that go before the justices. It also suggested they close bars largest COVID-19 case load after smiling Barrett at his side. tonight means at its core I will do the Barrett's confirmation shifts the and restaurants between 11 p.m. the United States, India and Brazil. In contrast to the White House event job without fear or favour and do it Supreme Court further to the right, and 6 a.m. (2000 GMT to 0300 (Reuters) last month, more people wore masks independently of the political which could pave the way to and seats were spread out to ensure branches and of my own preferences," conservative rulings curbing abortion social distancing. Several of the she said. and expanding gun rights, among Republican senators who voted to After the ceremony, Trump and other things. confirm Barrett were in attendance, Barrett waved to applauding guests (Reuters) London, United Kingdom

Halloween cancelled Crimson ladies… for England's high risk areas

Trick or treating during Halloween is banned in the areas of England in the highest level of COVID-19 lockdown, a junior minister in Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Government said on Tuesday (27). Asked by LBC radio if trick or treating - a tradition in which children go from house to house asking for goodies or threatening a trick - was banned, junior business minister Nadhim Zahawi said: "Sadly - tier three - you can't" "It's a tough thing," Zahawi said. Halloween, celebrated on 31 October, dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would try to ward off ghosts. Some of the traditions of the festival were incorporated into Catholic vigils such as All Hallows' Eve. (Reuters)

Los Angeles, United States Wind-whipped wildfires prompt mass evacuations, Women dressed in red pose at the Spanish Steps as they record a video to raise awareness of gender-based violence ahead of the injure 2 fire-fighters International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, in Rome, Italy, 26 October 2020 (Reuters)

Wind-driven walls of flame Orange County by late afternoon, spurred mass evacuations in county fire authority spokesman Athens, Greece Dubai, United Arab Emirates Southern California and left two fire- Thanh Nguyen told Reuters. fighters badly injured on Monday Utility company Southern (26), as hundreds of thousands of California Edison said its equipment Navy vessel, Child malnutrition reaches residents endured a second day of is under investigation as a possible power shutoffs meant to counter source of the blaze. Some 90,800 container new highs in parts of Yemen heightened fire risks from dry and residents were ordered evacuated gusty weather. from homes in and around the city ship collide off Parts of Yemen are seeing their – UN survey The latest threats came amid what of Irvine as the fire raged largely highest levels of acute malnutrition meteorologists called the strongest unchecked through drought- Piraeus port in children, heightening warnings Yemen, acute malnutrition cases in onslaught of extreme winds - and parched brush in the canyons and that the country is approaching a children under five have increased lowest humidity levels - yet foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains A Portuguese-flagged container dire food security crisis, a U.N. about 10 per cent in 2020, to more documented during an already epic south of Los Angeles, officials said. vessel collided with a Greek Navy report said on Tuesday (27). than half a million. Cases of children California wildfire season ranked as (Reuters) minehunter off the Greek port of Drivers of malnutrition in Yemen with severe acute malnutrition rose the worst on record in terms of Piraeus early on Tuesday (27), worsened in 2020, as the 15.5 per cent, and at least a quarter- acreage burned. authorities said. coronavirus pandemic, economic million pregnant or breastfeeding Fires have scorched more than TV images showed the Navy decline, floods, escalating conflict women also need malnutrition 16,500 square km - equivalent to the vessel tilting on its side and and significant underfunding of this treatment. About 1.4 million land mass of the State of Hawaii - sinking. A tug boat had approached year's aid response have children under five live in south since the start of the year, with and was expected to pull it to the compounded an already bleak Yemen, which is under the control of thousands of homes destroyed and coast. Two people were slightly hunger situation after almost six the internationally recognised 31 lives lost. Red flag warnings for injured, a coast guard official said, years of war. "We've been warning Government of Yemen. IPC data for incendiary weather conditions adding that the Greek Navy vessel's since July that Yemen is on the north Yemen, where most Yemenis remained in place across much of 27-member crew had been brink of a catastrophic food security live and which is controlled by Iran- California due to winds gusting in transferred to safety. crisis. If the war doesn't end now, we aligned Houthi authorities, is not yet excess of 129 kmph, according to The container ship Maersk are nearing an irreversible situation available. the California Department of Launcheston was not damaged, the and risk losing an entire generation Famine has never been officially Forestry and Fire Protection. official said. of Yemen's young children," said Lise declared in Yemen. The U.N. says Illustrating the hazards posed by It was not immediately clear how Grande, U.N. Humanitarian the country is the world's largest California's latest bout of desert- the collision happened but the Coordinator for Yemen. humanitarian crisis, with 80 per Residents are silhouetted as they born winds, a blaze dubbed the watch the Blue Ridge Fire burning in incident would be further According to a U.N. Integrated cent of the population reliant on Silverado fire erupted early Monday Yorba Linda, California, U.S. 26 investigated, the official added. Food Security Phase Classification humanitarian aid. and spread across 2,913 hectares of October 2020 (Reuters) (Reuters) (IPC) malnutrition analysis of south (Reuters) wednesDAY 28 october 2020 b11

Moody’s releases latest Sri Lanka report Solid Political Environment Must for Economic Prosperity BoI’s US$5 billion FDI target is hard to achieve By Ishara Gamage

Sri Lanka’s political developments can disrupt the country’s fiscal and economic policymaking and hinder the government’s ability to pursue its reform agenda at the pace it Inflationary FVMP Debt Up Rs 32.23B projects; Moody’s investor services Tuesday Markets stated in its latest Sri Lanka country report. According to their assessment, quality of legislative and executive institutions takes Shares recover into account Sri Lanka’s capable By Mario Andree institutions, but challenges its policy implementation. The two-day bearish run ended at the “In particular, policy measures Colombo Stock Exchange on Tuesday (27), as to maintain financial and inflation not exceeding 5%, and a achieving macroeconomic targets. “We believe this will be hard to the benchmark index recovered, from a near economic stability in responses to fiscal deficit of less than 4% of Meanwhile, the report also achieve, even if the nominal target three-week low, on a relatively high turnover, shocks have at times been limited. GDP.” stated that Sri Lanka’s Board of is pushed back multiple years, despite continued foreign exits from the Moreover, politically contentious According to them key policy Investment (BoI) reports that it given weaker economic Bourse. reforms have sometimes been areas in the National Policy has signed $1.5 billion in conditions, both domestically and The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) delayed,” it stated. Framework relevant for Sri investment agreements in the first globally among some of the main gained 0.19 per cent (10.95 points) to close at Moody’s added, “Following Lanka’s credit profile include nine months of 2020, and expects origins of FDI. Global travel 5,680.28 points, while the more liquid S&P Presidential Elections in late strengthening State enterprise the full-year number to reach $2.5 restrictions are also a key factor SL20 gained 0.27 per cent (6.18 points) to 2019, incoming President management, ensuring strategic billion. Actual realised investment behind what we expect to be a close at 2,260.97 points. Gotabaya Rajapaska presented ownership of economically only amounts to $370 million, weaker year for FDI volumes,” The daily turnover at the CSE stood at the country’s National Policy important natural resources, and which includes a $250 million Moody’s report stated. Rs 1.09 billion, slightly higher than the Framework, which includes 10 a macroeconomic policy mixed development residential The pipeline for Sri Lanka’s FDI Rs 1.01 billion recorded the previous market key policies to achieve four main framework that (i) incentivises and shopping complex in includes two large refinery day. More than 55.27 million shares changed goals: a productive citizenry, a domestic investment and reduces Colombo. projects that were agreed upon in hands during 12,709 trades. contented family, a disciplined import expenditure, (ii) eliminates “While timing considerations 2019. In October 2019, Sri Shares of 239 companies were traded. There and just society and a prosperous wasteful government spending often lead to actual realised FDI Lanka’s BoI approved an were 85 winners and losers each at the end of nation. With the August 2020 and (iii) reduces the trade deficit inflows being lower, there investment proposal for a refinery the day. elections delivering the President’s and expands the export economy continues to be interest in and related projects at the Foreigners were net sellers for the fifteenth party of Sri Lanka Podujana via promotion of more value- manufacturing zones established Hambantota Port by Sugih Energy consecutive session. Peramuna (SLPP) 145 seats out of added industries. outside of Colombo and International; the company is Net foreign outflow during the day amounted 225, we expect Parliament to Given challenges in the Gampaha, a city north of the planning a $24 billion oil refinery to Rs 211 million, as foreigners sold shares remain generally supportive of the domestic business environment – capital, as well as in various IT and petrochemical complex that worth Rs 228 million as against purchases President’s policy goals. Over evidenced by Sri Lanka’s ease of parks and special economic zones would process around 21 million worth Rs 17 million. 2020-25, the government seeks to doing business ranking being established to support tons of petrochemical material The top ten gainers during the day were achieve an average economic basically unchanged at around manufactured exports,” it stated. and around 420,000 barrels of oil Industrial Asphalt, Kelsey, Anilana Hotels, growth rate of 6.5% or higher; per- 100 out of 190 countries over the The government is targeting per day once completed over the Samson International, Sunshine Holdings, capita income above $6,500, an last decade – Moody’s believe overall FDI inflows of $5 billion in next five years. Marawila Resorts, Orient Finance, Prime unemployment rate less than 4%, there are considerable hurdles to 2020. (More on Page 13) Finance, Tokyo Cement (non-voting) and HNB Finance. Top ten losers were Ramboda Falls, Hotels Corporation, Mullers, Browns Beach, Lanka Aluminium, Pegasus Hotels, Radiant Gems, During Yahapalana regime Browns, Ceylon Tea Brokers and Kotmale HNB secures Holdings. Politicians obtained US$ 60M for SMEs from France’s PROPARCO Uncertainty clouds illegal credit facilities Hatton National Bank PLC • Over 200 cases reported so far recently announced a T Bill auction landmark agreement with • Negligence over repayments also reported PROPARCO, the private sector Paneetha Ameresekere funding arm of the French Several politicians, during the have also been summoned and Development Bank Agence With investors preferring to ‘hide their good governance (Yahapalana statements recorded. This Française de Développement money under a pillow’, rather than invest in regime), have obtained credit Committee comprising four (AFD), to secure US$ 60 risk free Treasury (T) Bills, due to uncertainty, facilities from major State Banks persons has been formed to probe million in funding. the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) was able and have deliberately neglected to the irregularities and acts of the “This is the second time HNB to sell only Rs 32,492 million T Bills at make repayments, revealed the four major banks contrary to the is partnering with PROPARCO yesterday’s auction, which was less than the initial investigations, conducted by objectives of the institutions and since 2015. The agreement is a original parcel of Rs 40,000 million offered. the Committee appointed by the functional aspects of the Banking clear testimony for the The weighted average yields (WAYs) fetched Prime Minister to investigate the Act after January 8, 2015. confidence placed in HNB by for the 91,182 and 364-day T Bills at inconsistencies of State Banks and The Committee is to present International Financial yesterday’s auction were 4.57 per cent, 4.69 their related institutions during legal, financial and administrative Institutions especially within per cent and 4.96 per cent, down two basis Yahapalana regime. actions and recommendations to the context of the overhanging HNB Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles points (bps) each in respect of the maximum Besides, there are a considerable avoid such occurrences in the uncertainty on account of the administered yields (MAYs) permissible for the number of complaints over the future. Further, the Committee is COVID-19 pandemic. Through 91 and 182-day T Bills and down one bp of the illegal process followed to obtain responsible to identify the guilty this long-term funding HNB MAY of the 364-day T Bill, respectively. credit facilities; attempting to officials for these financial losses will be in a position to support Meanwhile, the Government of Sri Lanka’s influence every State Bank and get and to present recommendations the much aggrieved SME (GoSL’s) risk free face value money printing the approval for the credit facilities for the banks to provide a better segment of our nation,” HNB (FVMP) debt sharply declined by 0.57 per cent at their earliest despite following service to the public. Managing Director/CEO (Rs 3,078 million) to Rs 534,581.87 million, the usual process and even The report consisting of relevant Jonathan Alles, stated. thereby negating demand-pull inflationary without mortgaging the properties recommendations is to be handed “PROPARCO is pleased to pressure ‘as well’ to an extent at yesterday’s to the relevant banks. Further, over to the Cabinet through the once again partner with HNB. trading. they have also been charged for Secretary of the Ministry of Our US$ 60 million credit line Nonetheless, GoSL’s FVMP debt has been trading properties of some Banks Finance. The Chairman of the will help HNB to further stuck at the record Rs half-a-trillion plus mark on their free will. Committee is former High Court support SMEs, especially in for a record fifteenth consecutive market day Over 200 complaints in this Judge Sisira Rathnayake. rural areas. This new to yesterday due to a lack of GoSL revenue. regard have been reported to the Chartered Accountant Susantha operation reflects the ongoing In other developments, the benchmark Committee by the Bank Trade de Silva, retired Additional Auditor commitment of PROPARCO to ‘spot’ remained unchanged at Rs184.30/40 to Unions and public during the said General W. Premananda and also a facilitate access to credit for the US dollar in two-way quotes at 4 p.m. period. representative from the Ministry of job-creating SMEs”, said yesterday due to a lack of import demand led Inquiries in this connection have Finance are the other members of PROPARCO Head of Financial PROPARCO Head of Financial by GoSL’s import controls, market sources already commenced and the the Committee. Institutions and Inclusion Institutions and Inclusion said. parties involved in the allegations (AC) Guillaume Barberousse. Guillaume Barberousse However, in the calendar year to 4 p.m. yesterday, the ‘spot’ had depreciated by three rupees (1.65 per cent) in two-way quotes, thereby causing cost-push inflationary pressure as Sri Lanka is an import dependent economy. SL must build bridges, not walls – Harsha Meanwhile, market liquidity was uplifted by Rs 6,698 million (US$ 36.32 million) during By Paneetha Ameresekere that is the kind of conspiracy sees, it will not be possible for Government to move away from trading yesterday, because of the settlement/s theory falsification that was countries to achieve levels of falsifications and conspiracy of a GoSL sale of dollars to CBSL and/or due Sri Lanka must not build a wall spread across this nation. That is equitable prosperity and socio- theories regarding international to CBSL swapping rupees for dollars from the around it, instead it must build very unfortunate. Is this the economic development that people agreements. Whether it is with market. Transactions between GoSL and bridges “from our country, to the profile of Sri Lanka that we want would desire by receding from the IMF in these difficult times, or CBSL are foreign reserves neutral. region and beyond,” SJB MP Dr. to project to the outside world?” international stage and shutting with the proposed Economic and Conversions are based on the middle rate of Harsha de Silva, speaking in the Opposition MP asked. down supply chains,” de Silva Technological Cooperation the ‘spot’ as at 4 p.m. on Friday which was Parliament recently, said. “Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic said. Agreement (ETCA) with India or Rs 184.40 to the dollar. Consequently, “That is how we could build the has slowed down and disrupted The lessons the world has learnt the free trade agreement (FTA) market’s net excess liquidity (NEL) increased national economy and achieve our the movement of goods and through all this, if at all, are, “how with China or the Acquisition and by 2.49 per cent (Rs 3,620 million) to overall objective of development,” people. However, the reality is that much our destiny is bound Cross-Servicing Agreement Rs 149,211 million yesterday. he said. the world has become globalised together, how vulnerable we are (ACSA) or the Millennium In other developments, GoSL’s MP “Nonetheless, that the and it is a far stretch to imagine as a species to pandemics and the Challenge Corporation (MCC) with borrowing costs (BCs) steeply fell by 0.88 per Singapore Trade Agreement would that the globalised nature of the effects of climate change, which the US, please, let us debate facts cent (Rs 135.18 million) to Rs 15,234.71 take away jobs from our people world will be abandoned. Despite require global solutions that and benefits that will ultimately million, led by the aforesaid retirement of and that Singaporeans will arrive the disruption that has occurred makes working together, help Sri Lanka achieve that maturing FVMP debt of GoSL’s. by shiploads to take these jobs. as a result of this pandemic, and imperative,” he said. elusive development of our What bunkum!, Mr. Speaker? But protectionist tendencies that one “In closing, I would urge the country,” the Opposition MP said. B12 Ceylon FT wednesday 28 October 2020 news Sri Lanka tops S Asia’s mobile Internet speeds Sri Lanka has been ranked 102nd average mobile download speed. on Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index, for mobile Internet speeds and placed Fixed broadband internet 94th on the index for fixed broadband speed speeds in the month of September. In the mobile Internet speed When it comes to fixed line department, the country has slipped broadband Internet speeds, Sri Lanka one positions when compared to the is placed 94th out of 175 nations with previous month, with an average an average download speed of download speed of 19.95Mbps. On the 31.42Mbps. China takes up the 20th fixed broadband speed front, Sri lower in the mobile department. point when compared to August’s Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index for spot with 138.66Mbps, Bangladesh Lanka gained three spots with average figures and is now placed 102nd out mobile Internet speeds and placed holds the 98th position with download speeds of 31.42Mbps and Mobile Internet speed of the total 138 countries. 70th on the index for fixed broadband 29.85Mbps, Nepal ranks 113th with has been ranked 94th. According to Ookla Speedtest Global The country’s average mobile speeds in the month of September. 22.36Mbps, and Pakistan is at 159th In both these cases, Sri Lanka’s Index for September 2020, Sri Lanka’s upload speed is at 10.01 Mbps and Pakistan occupies the 116th place position with 10.10Mbps. The global numbers are well below the global average mobile download speed is latency is 26ms. The global average of with 17.13Mbps, and Nepal holds the average download speed is average Internet speeds, but 19.95Mbps – significantly lower than mobile upload speed is 11.22Mbps 117th position with 17.12Mbps. 85.73Mbps, upload speed is neighbouring countries such as the global average of 35.26Mbps. and average latency is 42ms. Bangladesh fared badly, however, and 45.74Mbps with latency of 21ms. Nepal, Pakistan, and India, rank India has witnessed a drop of one India has been ranked 131st on is ranked at 133 with 10.76Mbps (IG)

Ceylinco Life’s 9-month CIIE ideal opportunity for income up 14% Sri Lankan exporters – EDB official The third China International organised this type of import companies will participate in the PAT down 6.7% Import Expo (CIIE) is an ideal expo, and we look forward to exhibition through their local opportunity for Sri Lankan continuing participating in this agents, due to challenges posed exporters to tap China’s vast event as Sri Lankan companies by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer market, a Sri Lankan have achieved good results Premathilake said. official has said. there,” she said. The EDB has previously Anoma Premathilake, Director The process for joining the CIIE launched successful promotion of Market Development at Sri has consistently been smooth activities in China and is Lanka’s Export Development and methodical due to currently focusing on marketing Board (EDB), told Xinhua in a digitisation. The EDB is assisting products, including apparel, recent interview that Sri Lankan small- and medium-sized fresh and processed food, as well exporters have been participating enterprises which are faced with as wood and wooden products, in the CIIE since it started in difficulties due to language Premathilake said. 2018 and found it an ideal venue barriers and lack of access to “Sri Lanka is primarily sending to engage with Chinese online platforms, the official said. commodities to China, but in the consumers. Though a total of 30 Sri Lankan long-run we hope to export more “We are very happy that the exporters have registered for the value-added products,” she said. Chinese Government has CIIE this year, only seven (Xinhua)

Chairman R. Renganathan and Managing Director CEO Thushara Ranasinghe Ceylinco Life has posted a of a lower transfer of Rs 2.9 billion to Submitting Transfer consolidated income of Rs 26 billion shareholder profits as against Rs 3.3 for the nine months ending 30 billion for the first nine months of Dialog Axiata’s Pricing Disclosure Form September 2020, achieving noteworthy 2019. top line growth of 14 per cent in a “Our results reflect Ceylinco Life’s period of adverse conditions for ability to maintain its momentum in business. terms of volumes even in difficult Genie partners IRD announces Gross Written Premium income for times, as well as the resilience of the the period grew by 13.8 per cent to Company’s investment strategies,” Rs 15.5 billion, while investment and Ceylinco Life Managing Director/CEO with WEBXPAY guidelines other income increased by 14.3 per Thushara Ranasinghe said. “A decline cent to Rs 10.8 billion, the Company in profits was anticipated and factored Powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, the PCI-DSS-certified The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a reports. in as a consequence of the need to payment app Genie has partnered with WEBXPAY to guideline in relation to the submission of the Transfer Ceylinco Life transferred Rs 6.7 make provisions for the continuing further scale their reach to over 1,400 merchants through Pricing Disclosure Form (TPDF) for the tax year billion to its life fund for the period impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a simple and secure payment checkout. 2019/20. under review, enlarging the fund to the business. We remain confident Dialog Axiata has been in the forefront of Fintech The guideline issued sets out the method of filling the Rs 103.6 billion as at 30 September that our business model will generate products since 2012, and Genie has seen their efforts disclosure form along with the relevant criteria to 2020 and transferred Rs 2.9 billion to equitable returns for policyholders and reach new heights in financial inclusivity. Genie has won determine the extent of information to be disclosed by the shareholders’ fund in respect of shareholders alike, while expanding two gold awards for ‘Most Popular Electronic Payment each Tax Payer. the nine months, increasing the the footprint of life insurance in the Product (Fintech)’ and ‘Best Mobile Application for Retailer The key changes in the guideline compared to the shareholder fund to Rs 35.8 billion at market.” Payments’ at the LankaPay Technnovation Awards 2019 previous one are: the end of the third quarter. Total assets of Ceylinco Life grew by and two awards for ‘Best Disruptor’ and ‘Best Start-up TPDF is required to be filed by an entity, only if the The Company said it paid Rs 9.1 Rs 27.5 billion or 20.7 per cent since Product’ at the SLASSCOM Innovation Awards 2019. aggregate value of all international and specified billion in net claims and benefits to 31 December 2019 to Rs 160.7 billion WEBXPAY was established by a small group of domestic transactions of an entity exceeds Rs 200 policyholders for the period, an as at 30 September 2020, while the developers which, in a span of 4 years, has grown to cater million. increase of 12.8 per cent over the Company’s investment portfolio to over 1,400 clients. They attribute their success to The arm’s length range to be considered to justify corresponding nine months of the increased by Rs 27.4 billion or 23.5 working in synergy with other companies, ensuring that arm’s length nature of a price, would be the 25th and previous year. per cent over the nine months to they get the most out of the e-Commerce solution they 75th percentile of the comparable data. Ceylinco Life reported profit of Rs 144.3 billion at the end of the third provide via their Internet Payment Gateway (IPG). A TPDF, which is the means whereby taxpayers Rs 5.29 billion before tax and Rs 4.18 quarter of the year. The Company’s net As a result of this partnership, end users will have to subject to the transfer pricing rules in Sri Lanka, as billion after tax for the nine months, assets value per share stood at simply sign in and pay instead of entering their card specified by Sections 76 and 77 of the Inland Revenue recording declines of 8.4 per cent and Rs 716.08 as at 30th September 2020, details at every checkout, giving them a simple, secure Act, No. 24 of 2017 (hereinafter referred to as, IRA) and 6.7 per cent respectively, on account up by Rs 86.23 or 13.6 per cent YoY. and quick payment checkout experience. Whilst browsing the Transfer Pricing Regulations 01 of 2018, provides through the desktop, customers will have a revolutionary the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue with scan and pay experience as they merely have to certain information regarding the transactions carried authenticate via their smartphone in order to authorise out with associated enterprises (control transactions) SDB records strong the payment. during the year of assessment. (IG) Q3 2020 performance Publicis INQB8 brings int’l expertise to local startups The Publicis Groupe announces between the inherently similar agency Publicis INQB8, signalling a shift in and start-up cultures. Additionally, Set to end year on a high the start-up ecosystem of Sri Lanka. founders will have the opportunity to This project opens up the possibilities connect with clients and an extensive SDB displayed a considerable rise maintain. for start-up partnerships beyond the network. on profits year-over-year, with year- The bank continued its heavy typical venture capitalist portfolio. At the crossroads of one of the most to-date net profit equalling Rs 603 focus on offering unique savings and The purpose behind Publicis INQB8 promising moments in the local start- million by the end of the 3rd Quarter wealth creation initiatives to its is to arm founders with the expertise up landscape and an uncertain global of 2020, as opposed to its sizable MSME customer base, they need to brand, position and economic outlook, this project hopes performance of Rs 50.9 million for allowing for their continued well- market their innovations – a function to inspire founders towards impactful the same period in the previous year. being right through the pandemic- as essential as the innovation itself. creative solutions. From subscription Despite the challenges to economic affected period. Publicis Groupe’s Chief Strategy business models to social enterprises, growth experienced, the bank almost As a large percentage of SDBs Officer Murtaza A. Tajbhoy, who is all start-ups can benefit from an Chief Strategy Officer, Publicis met its profit target of Rs 628 million shareholder makeup is composed of spearheading this project, calls Groupe - Murtaza A. Tajbhoy airtight pitch, unique positioning and for the period ending September. the island’s significant rural and Publicis INQB8 “an initiative that falls distinct tone of voice – with Publicis The profitability growth recorded cooperative populations, all the within the ambit of our expertise and both start-up and agency culture, INQB8, they can access this was also complemented by a 15% profit earned goes right back to this enables us to demonstrate the ideas. Founders will gain access to advantage for free. The true year-over-year increase in SDBs vital segment in the national Publicis Groupe’s unique approach to tools such as research and insights, distinction of Publicis INQB8 from total asset base, standing at economy. data, tech and creativity.” On top of strategy, customer journey mapping, other start-up accelerators is the Rs 123,600 million, at the end of With SDB further cementing its this, Publicis INQB8 is offering these UX/CX/UI, creative thinking and value addition at every stage of the September 2020. standing as the market leader in the services free of charge to start-ups. most importantly, international process, from pitch to IPO. With The significance of their Quarter 3 all-important MSME segment, while Murtaza works closely with Associate network expertise. mentorship and guidance, positioning financials have rendered more merit recording a profitability increase Vice President and Business Lead of Publicis INQB8 will partner workshops, proprietary creative considering much of it ran alongside and a high growth rate, the bank is Digitas Sri Lanka, Kabeer Rafaideen entrepreneurs with specialists from frameworks and so much more, the COVID-19-affected stretch in the well-placed to finish the year on a on this project. disciplines of strategy, design, Publicis INQB8 enables start-ups and country, along with the MSME- high with an equally strong display Publicis INQB8 aims to bring the writing, digital communications, and founders to bring their ideas to life majority shareholder portfolio they in the final quarter of 2020. focus onto the fundamental core of more, and encourage collaboration with creativity. Economy Ceylon FT wednesday 28 OCTOBER 2020 B13

Annual Credit Analysis by Moody’s Investor Services SL External Debt Servicing for 2020-25 US$25.8B The US-based Moody’s such as export receipts or Investors Services released its foreign investment, either latest Economic Analysis portfolio or direct. Report on Sri Lanka on 26 October External The following are two vulnerability risk: b excerpts from the report: We assess external Overview and vulnerability risk at ‘b,’ driven outlook by external payments due over the next year that are The credit profile of Sri materially higher than foreign Lanka reflects ongoing exchange reserves. government liquidity and Persistently low reserve external risks, which will be adequacy denotes Sri Lanka’s exacerbated by the impact of high vulnerability to sudden the coronavirus pandemic. shifts in investor sentiment. Key credit challenges Other sovereigns with a ‘b’ include large borrowing external vulnerability risk requirements with high score include Bahrain, reliance on external funding Belarus and Mongolia (B3 and low foreign exchange negative). Sri Lanka’s current reserve coverage of account deficit narrowed to forthcoming economy-wide 2.2% of GDP in 2019 from external debt maturities, all 3.2% in 2018, primarily set against the government’s because of a contraction in very fragile fiscal position. the goods deficit on very weak A volatile domestic political import growth as the economy environment can also remained sluggish following heighten refinancing risks. the April 2019 terrorist attack Moderate income levels and and amid pre-election stronger institutions uncertainty. compared with many peers We project the current mitigate these challenges. account deficit to widen The stable outlook denotes modestly in 2020 to 2.6% of balanced credit risks at the GDP before returning to closer Caa1 rating level. On the to 3% of GDP in 2021-22, and downside, Sri Lanka’s very to be only partially financed large and recurring financing by FDI inflows (see Graphs 32 needs over the near to institutions, governance total. This includes upcoming potentially stoke tighter and 33), which we expect to medium-term could put more strength, fiscal strength and international sovereign bond liquidity conditions, resulting remain subdued through pressure on the sovereign’s susceptibility to event risk, payments of US$1 billion in in greater local currency 2021. external and liquidity position which are the four main July 2021, US$500 million in depreciation. Moreover, During the first half of 2020, than we currently expect. On analytic factors in our January 2022 and US$1 domestic debt has come at Sri Lanka’s current account the upside, Sri Lanka’s rating Sovereign Ratings billion in July 2022. The higher cost and shorter deficit was just US$793 is supported by the country’s Methodology. CBSL settled October 2020’s maturities than external debt, million (around 0.9% of 2019 relatively high per-capita External Sector US$1billion maturity on the particularly when the latter is GDP), reflective of weak income and modest economic government’s behalf, with the contracted on more demand for both exports and competitiveness, which Risks central bank conducting concessional terms. imports, the latter of which provide some prospects for OMOs to maintain surplus Since the beginning of the contracted by a more growth to recover robustly. We (Moody’s) estimate that liquidity and increasing year, the government has significant degree because of Moderate institutions and government gross borrowing holdings of government debt We (Moody’s) sourced some financing from regulatory measures and the governance strength also requirements, incorporating to prevent a spike in overnight non-market sources, imposition of a domestic provides some support projections on fiscal deficits money market rates. estimate that including lending and swap lockdown in the second compared with similarly rated and maturing government Total external debt servicing government facilities. In March, the quarter. peers. debt repayments, will reach obligations do not account for government secured a Our forecast takes into We would upgrade Sri about 24% of GDP in 2020 any further external financing gross borrowing syndicated loan of US$1.2 account substantial import Lanka’s rating if financing and remain elevated above of the budget deficit in coming requirements, billion from China compression, and smaller risks diminished materially 20% of GDP through 2022. years. Dollar international Development Bank (A1 stable) foreign exchange inflows on and durably. This could stem While large external debt sovereign bonds account for incorporating while in July, Sri Lanka weaker garment and textile from the government repayments are a key source US$8.4 billion, or about 30%, finalised a US$ 400 million exports, tourism activity, and delivering a credible and of liquidity pressure, a of all maturing external projections on currency swap with the remittances from overseas secure medium-term significant portion of annual government debt service fiscal deficits Reserve Bank of India. from Sri Lankan workers in financing strategy that gross borrowing needs are to payments over 2020-25 (see We expect negotiations for oil-producing nations. We maintained a manageable cost roll over the large stock of Graph 1). and maturing further assistance, whether forecast foreign exchange of debt and a faster, more domestic treasury bills. Short- At these levels, Sri Lanka’s government debt through liquidity relief on reserves to end 2020 and sustained buildup in non- term debt has increased to bond maturities are among bilateral debt payments or 2021 at around US$6 billion, debt-creating foreign around 24% of overall the highest of rated frontier repayments, will further lending, to approximately level with the exchange inflows. domestic debt and 13% of market sovereigns as a complement these two last two years. Additionally, total outstanding government proportion of foreign exchange reach about 24% facilities. Nevertheless, delays We do not expect the quality implementation of fiscal debt as of June 2020. We reserves. The low reserves of GDP in 2020 in securing additional funding of reserves to improve; the consolidation measures, estimate domestic debt highlight the government’s from multilateral and bilateral percentage of foreign particularly greater revenue repayments will average significant exposure to and remain creditors, in addition to the exchange reserves from mobilisation, that pointed to a around 16% of GDP over refinancing risk. The IMF’s Rapid Financing international swap liabilities material narrowing of fiscal 2020-22. government has sought elevated above Facility, mean that the has increased as a result of deficits in the next few years On the external side, Sri multilateral and bilateral 20% of GDP financing sources for the US$400 million RBI swap and contributed to lower Lanka’s gross external sources for external financing repayments in the next few and may further increase annual borrowing needs, financing needs are large, that will help to cover through 2022 years are not secured and risk should that existing line be would be positive for Sri mostly reflecting maturing imminent repayments. coming at a high cost. In expanded, or other foreign Lanka’s rating. government debt repayments We expect that the addition, while the currency currency swap lines with We would be likely to (international bonds, bilateral authorities will increasingly swap facilities do temporarily bilateral partners be engaged. downgrade the rating if and multilateral loans and tap domestic financing, boost foreign exchange Ongoing net purchases of external and domestic concessional debt). particularly given our forecast reserves, they are time-bound foreign exchange from the financing conditions The government’s external for wider fiscal deficits in the and represent a liability to the market through 2020 will deteriorated to a greater debt servicing payments will coming years. However, monetary authority. They do offset continued weakness in extent than our baseline be about US$4 billion-US$4.5 refinancing external debt not meaningfully increase non-debt-creating foreign expectations, contributing to billion annually over 2020-25, domestically would further foreign exchange reserves as exchange inflows. higher repayment stress more or around US$25.8 billion in pressure reserves and do non-debt-creating inflows, Despite our expectations of consistent with a lower rating. no significant changes in the Additionally, should the level and quality of foreign probability that Sri Lanka’s exchange reserves, government debt will continue persistently low reserve to rise markedly beyond our adequacy denotes baseline expectations vulnerability to a shift in increase, with a related foreign financing conditions. further deterioration in debt We estimate that Sri Lanka’s affordability, this could also External Vulnerability result in a downgrade of the Indicator (EVI), the ratio of rating. external debt payments due This credit analysis over the next year to foreign elaborates on Sri Lanka’s exchange reserves, will credit profile in terms of continue to hover around economic strength, 200% over the next few years. B14 Ceylon FT Wednesday 28 october 2020 Banking

‘Saubagya COVID-19 Working Capital Loan Scheme’ BoC distributes Rs 42.8B Continuing its focus on The program officially termed the country’s economic revival. The working capital loans offered entrepreneurial and economic ‘Saubagya COVID-19 Renaissance Participating financial institutions have allowed businesses of all sizes development islandwide, BOC has Facility’ was launched by CBSL to such as BOC maintained full and across all industries, to led the way in CBSL’s ‘Saubagya revive businesses adversely adherence with the strict loan continue operations unimpeded. A COVID-19 Working Capital Loan impacted by the COVID-19 eligibility and application criteria sizable 58% of the loans disbursed scheme, by being set to single pandemic, so as to mitigate the set out by the Regional Development by BOC as part of the program have handedly disburse Rs 42.8 billion of negative effects on living conditions Department of the Central Bank of been in the SME Service sector, the allocated total of Rs 150 billion countrywide and the national Sri Lanka. From loan assessment with a further 33% in the by CBSL. economy. Introduced in 3 phases, and vetting to forwarding, BOC’s Agriculture sector. This highlights A sum of Rs 34.6 billion has the 4% interest working capital stringent internal approval the critical nature of the ‘Saubagya already been fully disbursed by the loans offered through the program procedures fully complemented Working Capital Loan Scheme’ to bank, which is almost to 83% of the have helped businesses continue CBSL’s loan scrutinisation process, small and rural enterprises island total number of loans BOC has operations and support their ensuring as large a number of loans -wide and in the revival of key successfully registered with CBSL. employees, while contributing to the as possible received CBSL approval. sectors of the national economy.

UPay Millionaire Season 1 NSB enables a cashless Winner’s Coronation society with Lanka QR A gamified contest themed ‘7 Days Dilum Prabath from Kottawa and participants for its 1st season itself. As one of the few banks to using QR Code banking offered by to Win a MILLION’, UPay Millionaire Madu Sandaruwan from Galle. They actively engaged and receive accreditation for LANKA the leader in savings. Thus, with was successfully concluded last Thilak Piyadigama, CEO of SDB, participated in all the daily missions QR Transaction Types 1, 2, 3 and QR Code based banking, dawns a week. The lucky winner Sarunthika handed over the cheque to the top to reach the grand prize of One 4 both as acquirers and issuers new era of banking facilities Subramaniam from Wattala bagged prize winner. Million Rupees.This is only the from the Central Bank of Sri especially for the informal sector the top prize, while another five UPay Millionaire is one of the first ending of Season 1 and there are Lanka (CBSL), NSB is well of the economy to become lucky winners received cash prices. gamified contests in Sri Lanka’s plans in the making to produce even equipped to lend credence to QR formalised. They were Abishek K from Kandy, fintech industry and mobile more winners in subsequent Code banking in the industry. To At this time when challenges in Ajith Sinhalage from Gampaha, payment app landscape. The seasons, through this unique this end, within a short period of a the form of the Global Corona Damitha Lanka from Hokandara, contest drew nearly 2000 interactive contest. fortnight from launch NSB has on Virus has sounded the death knell boarded upwards of 1,800 to many an establishment merchants indicating the virtually grounding transaction to popularity of QR Code banking zero and thereby leading to severe amongst its customers. losses to those enterprises, QR In addition, given a branch and Code banking is ever more postal network exceeding 4,000 relevant doing away with the need points islandswide, NSB is in a for traditional cash-based unique position to enable even the transactions. This is a testament smallest self-employed goods or to the versatility of QR Code services provider to embrace QR banking and the more reason why Code based banking and thereby all people should embrace it. incorporating a hitherto neglected QR Code banking heralds the segment to traditional banking. future of cash less and digitalised Now NSB accountholders can Sri Lankan economy on the global venture out on their own no stage and NSB the safest place for matter how small they are and yet your money, is at the very be afforded financial inclusion forefront spearheading it. UPay Millionaire Season 1 winners with the UPay Team and SDB Officials SPORTS WEDNESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2020 A15 Barrett excited Spurs beat Burnley at chance to win to move fi fth Bledisloe Cup in Son Heung-min’s prolific start to the season continued Australia with his 76th minute header Not securing the Bledisloe despite a 47-26 thrashing at giving Tottenham Hotspur a Cup before leaving New the hands of the Wallabies in 1-0 win at winless Burnley in Zealand rankles with the All the series opener in Perth the Premier League on Blacks, fullback Beauden after Barrett’s brother Scott Monday and moving Jose Barrett said on Tuesday, but was sent off. “It’s important Mourinho’s side up to fifth. it does offer the twice World to remember how you felt in The South Korean was left Player of the Year the the changing rooms or in the unmarked at the back post to opportunity of breaking new game during those moments nod home his eighth league ground in Australia. and use that as fuel,” Barrett goal of the season after Harry The 29-year-old has won told reporters from the Kane had flicked on an Erik the Rugby World Cup, six team’s camp in Sydney. Lamela corner to give Rugby Championships and “It was a reality check, and Mourinho’s side a third win in seven Bledisloe Cups over his essentially we don’t want it to six games. 84-test career, but has never happen again. That one just Kane had saved Spurs before secured the trophy really showed their strengths minutes earlier with a fine that symbolises trans- when everything goes to plan piece of defending as he Tasman Sea rugby and we don’t front up cleared a goal-bound James supremacy on Australian physically and emotionally.” Tarkowski header off the line. soil. (Reuters) Although Spurs always Barrett missed the first of looked more comfortable on this year’s four Bledisloe Cup the ball it was Sean Dyche’s tests – a 16-16 draw in side, who have just a point Wellington – but returned from their opening five games, with a sparkling display in who had come the closest. Auckland as the All Blacks Ashley Barnes had a 20th took a 1-0 series lead with a minute drive ruled out for 27-7 victory nine days ago. offside and then Spurs keeper The All Blacks play two Hugo Lloris got down well to more tests against the stop a low drive from Ashley improving Wallabies in Westwood. Sydney on Saturday and Son is now the top scorer in Brisbane the following week the Premier League and Kane as part of the Rugby is becoming a leading creator Championship. with the assist, his eighth of “Yes, of course it bothers the campaign so far. us,” Barrett said of failing to Mourinho’s approach of sweep the home tests. asking Kane to play in a “But we can’t be too deeper role, often operating Burnley’s Chris Wood in action with Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld arrogant and assume we’re just behind Son and Lucas going to win every game at Moura, has produced the most Burnley is a fantastic result,” be up there at the end of the to being what we can be like. home. We do respect potent attack in the league he added. season. Massive fight from the We got done a little bit by a Australia and we are up for with 16 goals in six games. Kane said the win, at a lads,” he said. soft goal tonight, but we the challenge that is “It is great. We need venue where they failed to win Burnley look set for a long quelled a lot of good attacks presented this weekend. everyone to be scoring and in the past two seasons, was a season, but Dyche saw some tonight,” he said. “We haven’t won the assisting at the top end of the sign of real progress for encouraging signs in their “Tough start to the season Bledisloe Cup on their soil for pitch. Me and Sonny have had Tottenham. display. in all different ways. I thought a long time and we’ve got the a nice little partnership going “It was a massive game “It was a very good the last two games it is opportunity to do that. We’re recently and hopefully it today; it is not an easy place performance, very thorough beginning to show things pretty excited about that continues,” said Kane. to come. It is going to be a performance. There has to be coming back together. We challenge.” “Even today it was not an tough game, a big battle and belief in what we are doing have to keep that going.” The All Blacks retained the amazing assist but it fell well these are the games you need and the last two games in (Reuters) Bledisloe Cup for the 17th for Sonny and 1-0 away to three points if you are going to particular we have gone back straight season last year Beauden Barrett

Anuka, a consistent Wallabies lock welcomes more wicket taker niggle before third Bledisloe test Anuka Pradeeptha Jayasinghe, skipper of Sri PLAYER PROFILE Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto says should be encouraged because you get Sumangala College Name: Anuka Pradeeptha Jayasinghe Australia will be ready for more niggle a few laughs and a few smiles out of it.” Panadura, showed his School: Sri Sumangala College Panadura from the All Blacks in the third Salakaia-Loto said he was not too bowling abilities in the Born on: 2001.01.21 Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney on close with any of the All Blacks but had ‘Singer Trophy’ Under-19 Batting Style: Saturday after the New Zealanders got shared a beer with Coles after the Division Two inter Bowling Style: LALS in their faces at Eden Park. game. “It was pretty funny. I’m sure the Schools Cricket (Two-day) A fired-up All Blacks side beat boys will be looking forward to seeing tournament 2019/20 M I NO Runs Ave 100’s 50’s Australia 27-7 in the second match in them,” he added. season conducted by Sri 14 26 02 - - - - Auckland, with hooker Dane Coles “I just remember Dane Coles running Lanka Schools Cricket O W R Ave BBI BBM 5W’s E 10W’s doing his best to ruffle the Wallabies’ about 50 metres after they scored to Association. 256 82 792 9.65 6/13 11/58 05 3.09 01 feathers on his recall to the starting pat me on the back. I found that pretty The left arm leg spinner BBI: 6/13 against Royal Panadura side. funny. and right hand bat, who Coles instigated an early “I haven’t heard anything too funny BBM: 11/58 against Siri Piyarathana Padukka is a fourth year confrontation with Wallabies prop (from him). I’m sure he’ll have a few coloursman, captured 82 5W’s: 05 (Vs Siri Piyarathana Padukka 5/13 & 6/45, Taniela Tupou at Eden Park and ran Lukhan Salakaia-Loto lines up his sleeve this week.” wickets with five 5-wicket Vs St. Mary’s Kegalle 5/26, Vs Royal out of his way to give Salakaia-Loto a The Wallabies trail 1-0 in the four- hauls and one 10-wicket Panadura 6/13, Vs Sri Dharmaloka pat on the back after Aaron Smith players or come across packs who try test Bledisloe Cup, the annual series haul. Kelaniya 5/27) scored the All Blacks’ first try. to get under your skin,” he told contested between the trans-Tasman Anuka commenced his Salakaia-Loto said he liked the niggle reporters on Tuesday. nations, after holding the All Blacks 10W’s: 01 (vs Siri Piyarathana Padukka 10/58) career at the Sri and that the Wallabies were well “For us, we’ve faced that all year, 16-16 in the Wellington opener. Sumangala College Fared this Season prepared for whatever came their way especially when we play those derbies Saturday doubles as the first clash in cricket academy under Against Bowling in Sydney. in Super Rugby. the Rugby Championship, which also Harsha Srinath in 2008. Tholangamuwa Central 2/13 “Wherever you play and whoever you “It’s good. It’s a fun part of the game includes Argentina. He represented the school Siri Piyarathana Padukka 5/13 & 6/45 play, you’re always going to have and it’s a part of the game I reckon (Reuters) under-13 team from 2010 St. Mary’s Kegalle 4/36 & 5/26 to 2014 under Thilak Royal Panadura 1/24 & 6/13 Revatha Balapitiya 3/46 & 0/12 Fernando, Jayathu Piliyandala Central 4/81 & 3/28 Nilaweera, Kelum Lyceum Wattala 2/17 & 1/33 Rathnaweera and Harsha Bandaranayake Gampaha 3/30 Srinath. He represented Holy Cross Kalutara 1/24 & 2/31 Gayle propels KXIP to 8-wicket victory the under-15 team in Kalutara Vidyalaya 4/27 & 4/34 2015 and 2016 under Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya 5/27 & 4/18 Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle notched bagged two wickets each as Knight Riders Harsha Srinath. He Rahula Matara 2/40 & 1/30 up a half-century each to guide Kings XI were restricted to a score of 149 for nine in represented Kalutara Holy Cross Kalutara (PQF) 4/46 & 3/30 Punjab (KXIP) to a crucial eight-wicket their stipulated 20 overs. Moratu Vidyalaya (B/M) 4/23 & 3/45 District under-15 team in victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Besides these three KXIP players, Glenn the Prima Champions Match 46 of the ongoing 13th season of Maxwell and Murugan Ashwin also Trophy Inter District Tournament innings. the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the chipped in with a wicket each. conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket Fresher Anuka claimed a match Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday. Opener Shubman Gill hammered a in 2015 and 2016. bag of 14 wickets for 100 runs and Chasing a par total of 150 runs to win, crucial 57-run knock off 45 deliveries for He represented the school under established a new bowling record skipper-cum opener KL Rahul (28) and KKR. Skipper Eoin Morgan was the only 17 team under Thilak Fernando in big match history against Mandeep Singh provided a decent start to other batsman for Knight Riders besides and Harsha Srinath in 2016 and Moratu Vidyalaya in 2017. He the Punjab-based franchise by stitching a Gill to have managed to make a notable 2017. He represented the college captured 35 wickets for 334 runs 47-run stand for the opening wicket before contribution with 25-ball 40. first XI cricket team as a fresher in in 4 big matches. the former was out lbw to Varun Gayle was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ the 2016/2017 season under Sri Sumangala recorded nine Chakravarthy in the eighth over. for his impressive performance with the Thilak Fernando. He claimed 55 outright wins in the season and Mandeep Singh then joined forces with bat. wickets with seven 5-wicket hauls advanced to the pre-quarter-final Chris Gayle and the duo not only smashed With the win, Kings XI Punjab have now and three 10-wicket hauls in 12 of the two-day knockout a fifty each but also shared a 100-run grabbed the fourth spot in the IPL 2020 innings that season. He captured tournament as group ‘B’ stand for the second wicket to help KXIP standings with six wins from 12 matches. 70 wickets with seven 5-wicket champions in the first round cross the mark in 18.5 overs. KKR, on the other hand, have dropped to hauls and three 10-wicket hauls under Anuka Jayasinghe, but lost While Gayle departed for 29-ball 51 runs the fifth place with six victories as well. in 18 innings during the to Holy Cross Kalutara in the PQF. after being caught by Prasidh Krishna on a The victory saw the KL Rahul-led side 2017/2018 season. Sri Sumangala advanced to the Lockie Ferguson delivery, Mandeep stay in the fray for a berth in IPL 2020 He represented the college first quarter-final of the Division Two remained unbeaten at the crease at playoffs. XI cricket team during the Limited Over tournament, but 56-ball 61 runs. Brief Scores 2018/2019 season under Manoj SLSCA postponed all matches due Earlier, Kings XI Punjab won the toss KKR: 149/9 (Gill 57, Morgan 40, Shami Chanaka and his assistant to the prevailing health concerns and elected to bowl first. 3-35, Jordan 2-25, Bishnoi 2-20) Deshan Fernando. He claimed 74 (COVID-19) until further notice Mohammed Shami was the pick of the KXIP: 150/2 (Rahul 28, Mandeep 66*, wickets with five 5-wicket hauls (from 15 March). bowlers for Punjab with figures of three for Gayle 51) Chris Gayle and two 10-wicket hauls in 20 (IR) 35, while Chris Jordan and Ravi Bishnoi (Agencies) A16 wednesday 28 october 2020 sports

South Africa to host Sri Lanka for two Test series South Africa will play Australians since the England, Sri Lanka, ball-tampering scandal Australia and Pakistan of 2018 over which at home during the captain Steve Smith and 2020-21 season and batsmen David Warner could also tour the latter and Cameron Bancroft for the first time in 14 received lengthy bans. years after announcing Pakistan will play their season schedule on three ODIs and three Tuesday. T20s in South Africa in Cricket South Africa April, with the details of last week announced a that trip still being home limited overs worked out. series against England CSA have said they are that will feature three also exploring the One Day Internationals feasibility of touring and three Twenty20 Pakistan for the first matches from 27 Nov. to time since 2007, which 9 Dec. would likely be between They will also welcome the home Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka for two Tests, Australia Test series. in Pretoria (26-30 Dec) A CSA delegation is and Johannesburg (2-6 scheduled to leave for Jan), with both played Pakistan this weekend on the Highveld to for a security minimise travel for the assessment. teams. Australia will Zimbabwe are arrive for three Tests in currently in Pakistan for February and March, three ODIs and three with the exact dates and T20 international venues yet to be matches, with those confirmed. It will be the games to get under way first red ball series in on Friday. SLC Calls for Tenders South Africa for the (Reuters) for England Tour Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has rescheduled for January 2021. $700K, but SLC is of the opinion Board also cancelled their tour Navy rugby player called for tenders from Media The said series is not part of the they should get $1Mn per game to Sri Lanka for the same organisations to procure Media FTP signed with Sony. As SLC (i.e. total of $2Mn). The reason. and related activities for the was not happy with Sony’s offer difference in revenue has led to Meanwhile, as reported by tentatively rescheduled England the Board has called for SLC now deciding to call for Inside Sport earlier, SLC has tests positive for tour of Sri Lanka, though ECB is Expression of Interests for tenders. It is worth noting that already signed up with SPN for yet to officially confirm the International Television, Radio, the series is still not 100% the Sri Lanka cricket Media series. Digital, Gaming and Betting confirmed, and recently the ECB rights for the next 3-year cycle. COVID-19 England were in Sri Lanka to rights of the tour. Interested spokesperson was quoted as SLC again was not satisfied with Former National Rugby Seven’s player and current Navy play a two-match Test series in parties have been requested to saying they will have to see how the $22.3Mn offer by Sony for wing three quarter Dinusha Chathuranga has tested March when it was abruptly submit their EOI before Sri Lanka’s quarantine norms the 3-year cycle, but as they did positive for Covid-19. A product of Isipathana College, called off due to the threat posed 2 November. pan out, and only post that a not have any other alternative, Dinusha played a valiant role for his school as a centre. He by the Covid-19 pandemic, and According to reports, Sony call on the series will be taken. they had accepted the offer. also played a pivotal role for Navy during the last season the series has now been initially had valued the series at Recently, Bangladesh Cricket (Agencies) scoring a few important tries for his team.

Zimbabwe face bubble trouble Pogba plans to against fancied Pakistan sue over ‘fake’ Cricket-starved fans in Pakistan room with seasoned veterans such would ordinarily turn out in as Brendan Taylor and Sikandar droves to cheer on their team, but Raza. retirement reports the limited-overs series with “Hopefully the youth take the Zimbabwe starting on Friday will opportunity and grab the match Manchester United and France midfielder Paul be a subdued affair as the games experience – how to prepare, how Pogba says he will take legal action after ‘total take place behind closed-doors in to go about the game.” fake’ reports said he was to quit international a ‘bio-bubble’ designed to keep Zimbabwe are boosted by the football. players separated from the public. return of paceman Blessing Pogba, 27, was reported to be quitting the Pakistan are already well-versed Muzarabani after a two-year stint France national team over comments made with COVID-19 protocols from with English county by the country’s President, Emmanuel their recent tour of England, but it Northamptonshire – but a vast Macron, about Islam. will be something new for chasm still separates the sides, World Cup winner Pogba, who is Zimbabwe to contend with during with Pakistan winning the last Muslim, has 10 goals and 72 caps for the three one-day internationals eight encounters. The hosts will France. (ODI) and three Twenty20 interna- look to captain Babar Azam, a top- “Absolutely 100% unfounded news about me Babar Azam tionals in Rawalpindi between 30 three ranked batsman in both are going around, stating things I have never Oct. and 10 Nov. Anticipating that experience.” white-ball formats, to assert him- said or thought,” he said. health measures – including quar- As participants in the self, while left-arm spinner Imad Writing on Instagram, he said he was antines and weekly testing – will International Cricket Council’s Wasim will fancy his chances “appalled, angry, shocked and frustrated” at become standard for future tours, new qualification competition for against an opposition who have some Media “using him to make total fake Zimbabwe’s head coach Lalchand the next 50-Over World Cup in historically struggled on turning headlines” and “adding the French national Rajput wants his players to 2023, both teams will be playing Asian pitches. team and my religion to the pot”. embrace cricket’s new paradigm. for their first Super League points “Seniors like Shoaib Malik and He added: “I am against any and all forms of “We’ve got to get used to it,” the during the ODI matches. Sarfaraz Ahmed have not been terror and violence. Unfortunately, some press Indian national told Reuters from Rajput believes that makes now picked for this series, but their people don’t act responsibly when writing the Harare, opting not to tour the right time to bring young play- careers are not over by any news, abusing their press freedom, not verifying Pakistan after a diplomatic ers into his aging squad. means,” said Pakistan coach if what they write/reproduce is true, creating a request from the local Indian “We are going to try and push Misbah-ul-Haq. This series will be gossip chain without caring it affects people’s embassy. some youngsters into the team,” Pakistan’s eighth on home soil lives and my life. “It will make it easi- he said, describing how valuable it since a 2009 militant attack on Sri “I am taking legal action against the publishers er when we play the is for rookie batsmen Wesley Lanka’s team bus prompted other and spreaders of these 100% Fake News.” next team – easier Madhevere and Milton Shumba, touring sides to avoid the country. (Agencies) because of the both 20, to share the dressing (Reuters) Paul Pogba

Rohit, Ishant omitted from India’s tour squads India left out the injured defending champions Mumbai Indians Rishabh Pant. Pant was omitted from Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Jasprit duo of opener Rohit in the Twenty20 competition, has also limited-overs squads where Rahul was Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Sharma and quick missed the last two IPL matches with a preferred. Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma from the hamstring injury. Four additional bowlers – Kamlesh Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Test and limited-overs “The BCCI medical team will continue Nagarkoti, Kartik Tyagi, Ishan Porel and Mohammed Siraj squads for their to monitor the progress of Rohit Sharma T. Natarajan - will accompany the team T20I squad: Virat Kohli (captain), upcoming tour of and Ishant Sharma,” Board of Control on the tour. Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, KL Australia, but for Cricket in India Secretary Jay Shah India are scheduled to play four Test Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, will continue said in a statement. matches in December-January, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Sanju to monitor Limited-overs stalwart Rohit has preceded by three one-day Samson (wicketkeeper), Ravindra their reinvented himself as a Test opener and internationals and as many Twenty20 Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Yuzvendra progress, the his injury creates uncertainty around matches, though the exact itinerary is Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Cricket Board who would partner Mayank Agarwal at yet to be finalised. Shami, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, said on the top of the batting order in the four- The Virat Kohli-led team, who Varun Chakravarthy Monday. Test series. recorded India’s first ever Test series ODI squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Ishant has been India have named Prithvi Shaw, KL victory in Australia last year, are Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, KL ruled out of the Rahul and Shubman Gill in the Test scheduled to quarantine in Sydney next Rahul (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, remainder of the ongoing squad and one of them could land the month. Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Indian Premier League (IPL) in role should Rohit fail to recover. Test squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Agarwal, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra the United Arab Emirates after Uncapped quick Mohammed Siraj was Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, KL Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit suffering an abdominal muscle also named in the 18-member Test Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep tear earlier in the tournament. squad, which contains two Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Shubman Gill, Saini, Shardul Thakur. Rohit, who captains wicketkeepers in Wriddhiman Saha and Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), (Reuters) Rohit Sharma

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