www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk Maintain Distance, Stay Safe MONDAY, MAY 4, 2020 www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk

UNP to boycott meeting with PM The United National Party Issuing a press statement Treasury defends (UNP) has announced it will yesterday (3), the UNP claimed not attend the meeting called that the meeting called by the by Prime Minister Mahinda Prime Minister was politically Rajapaksa to discuss the current motivated. situation in the country. Contd. on page 2 money printing Opposition will block z CBSL printed Rs. 213 b since early March z No negative impact, says Treasury Secretary

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA year, reaching Rs. 291.83 billion as of like this, that is the only option any govt. finances: PM 24 April. government has. If you look at the US Prime Minister (PM) Mahinda under Article 150 (3) of the The total amount of money printed by the Government so far According to CBSL data, since the Government, it also applied the same Rajapaksa, issuing a statement Constitution, the President has stands at less than 0.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the beginning of this year, it has pumped method to stabilise and maintain the yesterday (3), alleged that the complete authority to allocate Finance Ministry revealed yesterday (3). Rs. 217.1 billion into the market. financial sector.” Opposition’s efforts to reconvene funds for any purpose for which Elaborating further, Atygalle stressed CBSL data further revealed that the Parliament were aimed at using funds had not been allocated by Speaking to The Morning, Finance Sri Lanka but in other countries, including that the money printed by the Government total outstanding market liquidity was their majority in Parliament to Parliament. Ministry Secretary S.R. Atygalle justified the US, as well. had been pumped into the local market at a surplus of Rs. 96.352 billion by the block government finances. He added that after the the printing of money to meet financial According to statistics, the Central and as a result, the Government could end of the week, compared to a surplus Rajapaksa further alleged new parliament convenes, demands at a time the country was facing Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) printed keep inflation at a low level. On the other of Rs. 82.126 billion by the end of last that the Opposition intended to the Opposition can raise its worst-ever economic crisis due to the approximately Rs. 213 billion since hand, since imports have been restricted, week. During the year up to 30 April sabotage the anti-coronavirus questions on how money was ongoing coronavirus pandemic. the first week of March this year, with the money would not be going out of 2020, the Sri Lankan rupee depreciated campaign in order to bring spent between the time the old The Secretary ruled out any negative the start of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country and would instead circulate against the US dollar by 5.8%, against disrepute to the Government Parliament was dissolved and impacts to the economy in the future as Sri Lanka, with the CBSL’s holdings within the system, he explained. the pound sterling by 0.7%, the euro by before the election. the the new one was convened. a result of excessive money printing, of government securities, which stood Atygalle said: “I don’t see any negative 2.8%, the Japanese yen by 7.5%, and the The PM went on to say that Contd. on page 2 claiming that it was not only happening in at Rs. 78.01 billion as of 12 March this impact in printing money, as at a time Indian rupee by 0.4%.

RESUMING UNI OPERATIONS A warm welcome 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Only once safety AG to decide fate The Election Commission (EC) has been taken by the EC after a political is ensured: FUTA decided to seek the Attorney General’s (AG) party representative raised issues about The Federation of University opinion on the validity of the nominations the declaration of holidays and whether it Teachers Associations (FUTA) said which were accepted during public holidays would affect the validity of the nominations they are ready to return to work in March, a member of the EC, Prof. received by the Commission during those once all necessary safety measures Ratnajeevan Hoole told The Morning. holidays. and precautions are in place and the According to him, the decision has Contd. on page 2 restriction on travel between districts is removed. “Precautions need to be taken before reopening universities. Contd. on page 2 INCLEMENT WEATHER SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT Heat index at Responsibility EVEN AFTER CURFEW LIFTED danger level on provincial No private buses The Department of Meteorology forecast showers or thundershowers authorities: Govt. in operation in a few areas in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva Provinces and BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA The Lanka Private Bus Owners in the Galle and Matara Districts in the Association (LPBOA) said yesterday evening or night. The Government yesterday (3) asserted that it (3) that although curfew would be Showers or thundershowers are likely was the responsibility of the provincial councils lifted on 11 May, private buses won’t to occur over coastal areas of the Western to ensure social distancing was followed on be operating. and Southern Provinces. public transport. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2

COVID-19 RECOVEREES 1,500-1,800 MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICE Not re-infected: Removed from dhal Health authorities tests done daily zOver 25,000 PCR tests so far and canned fish Covid-19 patients, once recovered, The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has will not be re-infected, Director BY AGRA RANASINGHE removed the maximum retail prices (MRP) of General of Health Services (DGHS) Sri Lanka has so far conducted around Mysore dhal and canned fish. Dr. Anil Jasinghe revealed. 25,000 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) The relevant Gazette Notification was issued Contd. on page 2 Residents of Immamul Aroos Mawatha, Maradana were welcomed by the security forces tests in total, to detect those infected under Section 20 (5) of the CAA Act No. 09 and health authorities with flowers and certificates, on their return home after the area was with Covid-19, and the number of tests of 2003. The Extraordinary Gazette has been reopened yesterday (3) done daily are being increased to around signed by CAA Chairman Major General (Retd.) PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA 1,500-1,800, The Morning learnt. Shantha Dissanayake. Akurana, Beruwala Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 out of lockdown POSTAL SERVICES TO RECOMMENCE Pannila and Cheenakotuwa in Beruwala, and Akurana in Kandy were re-opened yesterday (3), Army Workers demand safety measures Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva said. BY SARAH HANNAN message, most of the post offices received the necessary facemasks Transport Board and the Sri Lanka These areas were placed under have not received the necessary tools or gloves and had to source their Railways Department, to exchange lockdown and were categorised The Joint Postal Trade Unions Front wrote to the Postmaster and sanitisation liquids as agreed own PPE. correspondence and parcels,” as isolated areas after reports of General indicating that the postal workers will not be the previous week,” Postal and Furthermore, since the health Kariyawasam added. increased Covid-19 infections. reporting to work today (4) as most of the post offices and Telecommunications Officers’ Union authorities have instructed to function As delays in restoring these services Akurana was declared an isolated sub post offices had still not been disinfected. General Secretary H.K. Kariyawasam with a minimum number of staff, get further delayed, more delays could area on 29 March, while similar told The Morning. the postal service will function at be expected in restoring the postal restrictions were imposed in The unions also stated that the “We were instructed that safety Kariyawasam said that most of very low capacity, causing delays service. He also noted that it can Beruwala on 14 April. necessary personal protective measures should be in place prior to the staff volunteered to deliver the in delivering post to houses. also have an effect on the upcoming Contd. on page 2 equipment (PPE) that should be opening the post offices to the public medicine issued from government “For us to function at an optimum general election, as the transfer of used by the postal workers had not once the curfew is relaxed. Although hospitals to their monthly clinic level, the transport facilities too parcels of postal vote forms too is SEE FULL STORIES been supplied to the respective post the Postmaster General had issued the attendees; even during this initiative, have to function, as our service handled by their department. ON PAGE 2 offices yet. guidelines to us through a WhatsApp some of the postal workers had not is dependent on the Sri Lanka Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Monday, May 4, 2020

LETTER TO HRCSL Curfew not legally imposed: Sumanthiran In a letter to the Chairperson and law. Having recorded my submission in this wellbeing of the people of this country. highways and to have access to public places law relating to public security can be utilised to other members of the Human Rights regard and while granting bail to my client, the In these circumstances, I wish to draw your may only be curtailed by restrictions imposed impose curfew for exigencies of public health Council of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), former learned Magistrate very specifically held that attention to Section 10 (c) and (d) of the Act in terms of Articles 15 (6) and 15 (7).” – vide hazards. But leaving that question aside, there Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP he was not making a determination No. 21 of 1996, by which the Human Rights Vadivelu v. OIC Sithambarapuram and others is at present no regulation made even under the M.A. Sumanthiran PC outlines his as to the legality of the curfew at this point in Commission is empowered to advise and make (2002) 3SLR 146. Public Security Ordinance. interpretation of the legality of time. It is pertinent to note that my client has not recommendations to the government and urge In conclusion, Mark Fernando J. held: “There Thus, the present “curfew” has not been legally the curfew imposed, lifted, and been accused of violating any curfew. you to kindly address this particular situation is force in the respondent’s contention that imposed, however desirable and necessary it An islandwide “curfew” was declared from which I detail below: the restrictions complained of were imposed may be. In fact, it is all the more important that re-imposed in various parts of the 6 p.m. on 20 March 2020 and announced to Curfews in this country have hitherto been in the interests of national security, and were the restrictions on the freedom of movement be island since 20 March. The contents the country by the President’s Media Division imposed by the use of emergency regulations after reasonably necessary for that purpose. However, properly and legally prescribed and enforced of the letter have been reproduced (PMD), which has virtually been in force up bringing Part II of the Public Security Ordinance Article 15 (7) required that such restrictions be given the grave need for such in the present below. to now with variations in certain districts and into operation by means of a proclamation. This imposed by a law, or by regulations made under context and the need for certainty in this regard. “curfew” being “lifted” and “re-imposed” at has not been done in the present instance. the law relating to public security. Accordingly, Although, in view of the above, it is not Imposition of “curfew” different times in different places. Further, there is provision under Section the travel pass system constitutes a restriction necessary to discuss the regulations made under I write this in the public interest. I am of the opinion that restricting movement 16 of the Public Security Ordinance (which not authorised by Article 15(7). I hold that the the Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases However, at the outset I must declare my is desirable and necessary at this time in our comes under Part III) to impose restrictions on petitioner’s fundamental right under Article 14 Ordinance, I am annexing copies of same to “interest” in a related matter. I appear as Counsel country in order to meet the challenge presented movements of people by making publication (1) (h) had been infringed by executive action by show that in any case, none provide for the in by Covid-19. There is no gainsaying that such in the Gazette to that effect. This also has not the application to him of the travel pass system.” imposing of curfew. I trust the Commission will the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court in Case restrictions including curfew must be imposed been done. Article 15 (7) of the Constitution very give due consideration to the matters raised by me No: B/1454/20 for Mr. Ranjan Ramanayake, legally under applicable provisions of law. Insofar The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has specifically provides: “For the purposes of this in view of the very serious public importance of former Member of Parliament. In the course of as I have been able to ascertain, this has not been noted that any restriction on the freedom of paragraph, ‘law’ includes regulations made this issue and advise the Government on the need my submissions made to court on 20 April 2020, done under any extant legal provision. Such movement guaranteed by Article 14 (1) (h) of under the law for the time being relating to to rectify and regularise this matter without any I took up the position that no curfew has been action therefore poses a grave threat to the rule the Constitution must be prescribed by law: public security.” further delay. In view of the public importance of declared in the country in terms of any applicable of law and indeed to the “…(t)he right of citizens to travel on public There is also the question as to whether the this matter, I am releasing this letter to the media.

Contd. from page 1

Opposition... that therefore, after this date, the President has its members, President’s Counsel (PC) N.J. recoveree and presented the previous reports. identification of clusters, such as that of Navy “At this moment, we should set politics aside no authority to allocate funds for any purpose. Abeysekara, Prof. Hoole, President’s Secretary “We subjected him to a PCR (polymerase personnel and those from Bandaranayake and concentrate on controlling the coronavirus This is an absurd argument. Under Article Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Director General of Health chain reaction) test and the test readings returned Mawatha, would help prevent community spread outbreak and restoring normalcy to the lives of 150 (3) of the Constitution, the President has Services (DGHS) Dr. Anil Jasinghe, and the positive. We made arrangements to transfer him of the pandemic. the people,” Rajapaksa added. complete authority to allocate funds for any AG, as respondents. to IDH after that,” an NHSL spokesperson said. Since the number of tests has been increased, PM Rajapaksa’s full statement is reproduced purpose for which funds had not been allocated The petitioner requests the Supreme Court Dr. Jasinghe explained: “The public should the pandemic can be controlled with more below: by Parliament. It goes without saying that if to declare that the Gazette Notification issued not be alarmed to hear that a Covid-19 recoveree confidence, and the health authorities should The President, the Government, and the state Parliament has already allocated funds for a by the EC announcing the general election on tested positive. Even after a person recovers ensure that testing is done continuously. People apparatus have focused their entire attention given purpose, there is no need for the President 20 June is unconstitutional, and invalidate the from the virus, there will be residual virus have to follow the instructions of the health on combating Covid-19. The way in which to intervene in the matter. Gazette Notification. fragments. When a PCR test is conducted, it authorities as community distancing should be the people have benefited from this is clearly The Opposition also alleges that the President Prof. Hoole noted that depending on the AG’s will not be able to distinguish between genetic maintained as much as possible, said Dr. Ananda. apparent. Even in the midst of this national is not reconvening Parliament with the ulterior opinion, the preferential numbers would be material (RNA and DNA) from an infectious crisis and global disaster, we see the unpleasant motive of misusing the funds coming in from issued, and the decision on holding the election virus and the ‘dead’ virus fragments.” sight of the political Opposition in this country abroad for the anti-coronavirus campaign. They on 20 June would depend on the Court’s decision. The patient is at present admitted at IDH and UNP to... vociferously demanding that the dissolved contend that Parliament should be reconvened The Commission is preparing for the election will be placed under observation with different “Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a Parliament be reconvened and asserting that to supervise how that money is spent. All as usual, he said. tests carried out to determine whether the virus politically motivated move, decided to host after 30 April, the President has no legal funds received by the Government go to the According to him, the next EC meeting is remains inactive. a meeting of the former 225 members of the right to allocate funds for the maintenance of Treasury via the Central Bank system. There are scheduled for 12 May. – Sarah Hannan 2015 Parliament on Monday (4). government services without the approval of the procedures that have to be followed in spending – Maheesha Mudugamuwa “While this meeting was not accepted as old Parliament. They have even issued a threat to this money. Funds in the Treasury cannot be an alternative to the official reconvening of the effect that unless Parliament is reconvened, spent in the manner that Yahapalana ministers Akurana... Parliament, the UNP decided to attend the the President and all of us in the Government spent the money of the Central Cultural Fund. Only once... Entry to and exit from these areas was meeting so as to once again reiterate the party’s run the risk of the loss of our civic rights and After the new parliament convenes, the “Precautions need to be taken before completely prohibited and the Army and Police official stance that politics must be put aside in the confiscation of our property. Opposition will have the opportunity to raise reopening universities. With the country still were deployed to ensure citizens adhered to the face of the growing national crisis caused Parliament was dissolved at the beginning of questions about how government money was being under lockdown and travel between the restrictions. by Covid-19. March when there were no coronavirus patients spent between the time of the dissolution of districts restricted, even if the universities “However, the party has since learnt that the in the country. After the first Coronavirus patient the old Parliament and the convening of the reopen, we will face an issue of providing invitation to this meeting has been extended to was found one-and-a-half weeks later, the new parliament. Until then, they should refrain transport for the undergraduates and the staff Workers... all former MPs and other active political leaders, Election Commission postponed the election from misleading the public with blatant lies. to return to their accommodation,” FUTA He also noted that the postal workers’ including those from previous parliaments, till the 20 of June. The Election Commission At this moment, we should set politics aside Chairman Prof. B.M.H.S.K. Banneheke said. decision to not return to work is not intended thereby expanding the invitation from the has already announced that the election could be and concentrate on controlling the coronavirus Prof. Banneheke noted that the circular issued to inconvenience the public, but rather to original 225 MPs. postponed further depending on the advice of the outbreak and restoring normalcy to the lives of by the University Grants Commission (UGC) ensure that they are not infected by Covid-19 “The UNP is of the opinion that no meaningful medical authorities. The Election Commission the people. We all saw the magnitude of the to phase out the reopening of universities was and become carries of the virus, which would dialogue can be held in this type of meeting. will hold the election at a suitable time in coronavirus cluster that had formed among a commendable move. However, the dates cause the virus to spread to other communities Instead, the Rajapaksa regime is focussed on accordance with the powers vested in them. navy personnel due to their involvement in the that were set in the circular would be pushed in the country. playing party politics at a time when the nation The Opposition’s concern obviously is that anti-coronavirus campaign. I wish them all a back as logistical issues need to be addressed. needs unity in the leadership. if the election is held in a situation where speedy recovery. This highlights the personal While the research teams were coming to the “The UNP stands ready to assist the the anti-coronavirus campaign in Sri Lanka risks taken in the service of the people by our universities to continue their research work, for Removed... Government in their efforts to eradicate the has shown much better results than in most health sector workers, and the Army, Navy, the moment, that group can be easily managed. On 17 March 2020, the CAA set an MRP Covid-19 menace that has seen our country other countries, they would be placed at a Air Force, and Police at the forefront of the But reopening at full capacity will be further of Rs. 65 for a kilogramme of Mysore dhal, come to a standstill.” serious disadvantage. Hence, we see that the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. I call delayed as the country needs to have a fully and Rs. 100 for a 425 g tin of canned fish as The UNP further noted that in order to Opposition’s present efforts are aimed at getting upon all members of the public to extend their functional transport system and the hostels and a relief measure for the public at the outset of effectively do so, the Government must ensure the old Parliament reconvened and using their fullest co-operation to these heroic individuals accommodation facilities should be prepared the Covid-19 outbreak. that all measures taken are in line with the majority in Parliament to block government to enable them to fulfil their duties effectively. to receive the university student population country’s Constitution. finances, thereby sabotaging the anti-coronavirus and academic and non-academic staff as well. campaign in order to bring the Government into Prof. Banneheke also stated that the UGC Responsibility... disrepute before the election. AG to... is yet to have a discussion with the university Responding to reports of private buses Heat index... Back in February, when there was no Public Administration Minister Janaka administrations on how universities would not following social distancing protocols, Similar conditions may be experienced in the coronavirus threat in the country, the Opposition Bandara Tennakoon, in a special Gazette commence operations. Minister of Passenger Transport Mahinda Puttalam, Mannar, and Jaffna Districts during used their majority in Parliament to block Notification, had declared three days – 17, The Government, last month, announced Amaraweera said it was not the duty of the the morning too. payments to government suppliers of medicine 18, and 19 March – special public holidays, to that the academic staff of universities would Central Government. The general public is kindly requested to take and fertiliser so as to bring the new Government prevent the spread of the coronavirus (Covid- resume work today (4). “It is up to the provincial councils to adequate precautions to minimise damages caused into disrepute by creating a shortage of fertiliser 19). – Sarah Hannan make sure that private transport vehicles are by lightning activity and localised strong winds and medicine in the country. Meanwhile, a fundamental rights (FR) following the health guidelines issued by health during thundershowers. The Opposition argues that Article 150 (3) of petition was filed by a former councillor in the authorities, including social distancing,” the The low-pressure area developed over south the Constitution allows the President to allocate Supreme Court last week, seeking an interim No private... Minister said. Andaman Sea and adjoining Southeast Bay of funds for the running of government services injunction against holding a general election LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne told He went on to say that state transport would Bengal Sea area is likely to develop further. The at a time when Parliament has been dissolved amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Morning that if they have to follow the not abdicate from sticking to health guidelines. fishing and naval community therefore is requested only if the previous Parliament had not passed The petition was filed by former Colombo health instructions given by the Government “State buses and the railway services are to be vigilant when sailing in the deep-sea area. an appropriation act. Municipal Council (CMC) Councillor pertaining to the operation of buses, they won’t only allowed to transport essential service Showers or thundershowers will occur at times They claim that the previous Government had Attorney-at-Law Charitha Gunaratne, stating be able to earn adequate income to provide even employees and are strictly following health in places in the sea area extending from Puttalam passed a Vote on Account up to 30 April and the EC Chairman, Mahinda Deshapriya, and the minimum daily earnings required for the and safety protocols,” he said. to Pottuvil via Colombo, Galle, and Hambantota drivers or conductors. in the afternoon or night. He also noted that private bus operators had Wind activity is expected in the western and requested the Government to provide a fuel 1,500-1,800... south-western sea area extending from Mannar to Cartoon of the day subsidy for private buses, but that Cabinet Ministry of Health (MoH) Public Health Hambantota via Colombo and Galle, and winds rejected the request. Services Deputy Director General Dr. Paba will move to the south-eastern area at a speed of Therefore, private buses will not be Palihawadana told The Morning that the increased 20-30 kmph. operational, until at least the end of May, he said. number of tests, which is now 1,500-1,800, done Moreover, the sea area around the island can – Agra Ranasinghe daily would be more than enough to control the be slight to moderately rough, while temporarily Covid-19 pandemic in the country. strong gusty winds of a speed up to 70-80 Dr. Palihawadana also stated that around 25,000 kmph and rough seas can be expected during Not re-infected: ... tests have been conducted so far. thundershowers. Dr. Jasinghe made this statement when The However, Government Medical Officers’ The Heat Index Advisory issued by the Natural Sunday Morning inquired about a 67-year-old Association (GMOA) representative Dr. Hazards Early Warning Centre predicts that person who recovered from Covid-19, tested Samantha Ananda explained that if the health the heat index is expected to increase up to the positive for Covid-19 when he was admitted authorities are conducting 1,500-1,800 PCR “Danger” level, marking the index at 41-54 to the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) tests, it could be considered a reasonable number degrees Celsius at some places in the Puttalam, following a heart attack on 30 April. to control the virus if it could in fact ensure the Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya, and Mullaitivu A resident from Ja-Ela, the person was testing of all people in the quarantine centres Districts; if exposed to the heat for a prolonged admitted to the National Institute of Infectious and also people under home quarantine who are period, the public will experience heat cramps Diseases (IDH) on 17 March after contracting highly suspected of having contracted the virus. and heat exhaustion, and a heat stroke is probable Covid-19 and was treated for a period of one This number is better than the low number of with continued activity. month and discharged on 17 April. tests conducted before, he shared. Meanwhile, the heat index will reach a reading The recovered person returned home and “It’s very important from an epidemiological of 32-41 degrees Celsius at the “Extreme Caution” had observed a further 14 days of self-isolation point of view, to understand the extent of the level in some places in the Eastern, Western, as instructed by the hospital authorities. He spread of the disease. It’s good that the number Southern, and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and experienced a heart attack on 30 April, following of tests has been increased, but it should cover the Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa, Monaragala and which he was admitted to NHSL. the needed areas if we really want to control the Kilinochchi Districts, causing possible heat During the admission process, he had alerted spread of the disease.” cramps and heat exhaustion, while continuing the hospital staff that he was a Covid-19 Additionally, Dr. Ananda said that the recent activity could result in heat stroke. the morning 3 Monday, May 4, 2020 business Shangri-La’s Sri Lankan management Commercial Bank launches platform Shangri-La Colombo General on pay cuts Manager Timothy Wright to help SMEs BY UWIN LUGODA charge is going to impact their “We have far too many lower earners the most. employees than we actually need with e-commerce Shangri-La’s senior management in Sri Lanka is taking “We have 1,600 employees in to operate after Covid-19, so we voluntary pay cuts to minimise the financial impact on lower Sri Lanka and I would imagine may need to look at reassigning The Commercial Bank continuously explores earning employees in their properties during the Covid-19 that at least 50-60% are getting them to adjust our systems to of Ceylon has launched ways of empowering local crisis. very close to the point where they adapt to the new norm.” a new platform branded entrepreneurs. We believe are having difficulty sustaining Shangri-La is one of the biggest ComBank Simple Pay for ComBank Simple Pay will This was revealed by Shangri- contribute to support these lower and supporting their families.” international hotel chains operating the first time in Sri Lanka to strengthen this relationship La Colombo General Manager earners and their families. During the forum which was in Sri Lanka, with the Colombo help the small and medium and help further enhance the Timothy Wright during a webinar “Managing the payroll is really held on 30 April, Wright also property housing 500 rooms and enterprise (SME) sector with contribution of SMEs to the conducted by the Sri Lanka going to be the big challenge. stated that the hotel would be suites and 41 service apartments. e-commerce. economy. Tourism Alliance on how to None of us know when or how overmanned once the coronavirus The Hambantota property spans This product is the “Many small businesses survive and thrive post Covid-19. long this is going to last or how pandemic ends. He explained that 58 hectares, making it the largest Sri Lankan version of are deterred from Wright explained that in parallel long we can continue to support once the crisis ends, they may resort in Sri Lanka, and has 274 the Mastercard product e-commerce by a lack of to these pay cuts, Shangri-La is the labour force that we have.” need to look at reassigning its rooms. Shangri-La is also the “Simplified Commerce”, knowhow and the cost of also looking at other ways the He stated that they are workforce in order to fit the new owner of One Galle Face, the which was launched by the maintaining an online store,” senior management and staff could concerned that the drop in service norms. country’s biggest mall. bank for the first time in Manatunge added. South Asia. “ComBank Simple Commercial Bank stated Pay addresses both these that this platform will help concerns and is backed entrepreneurs create their by the bank’s technical own online store without expertise and support, Dialog begins ICU development spending large sums on web making it possible for even development and design. the smallest of businesses to It enables them to sell take their offering online.” products, accept electronic ComBank Simple Pay payments, and significantly can be accessed via iOS and at Negombo General Hospital enhance their business Android mobile applications opportunities. too. This allows merchants As the first stage of the recently pledged Rs. 200 Salient features of to accept payments on the million towards urgently required ICU (intensive ComBank Simple Pay go, send e-invoices, and care unit) capacity development in hospitals include e-invoices which monitor payment activity selected by the Ministry of Health (MoH), allows businesses to send in real time. The system is Dialog Axiata PLC commenced immediate civil their customers branded optimised for mobile usage, reconstruction for the expansion and provision of invoices, setting up of allowing users to access it equipment to establish a fully functional ICU at the recurring payments, and through smartphones. Negombo District General Hospital. selling products and services As its name implies, This initiative is expected to further support directly through social ComBank Simple Pay healthcare providers with their lifesaving activities media. The platform will simplifies the process of and significantly increase accessibility to intensive enable the merchants to get expanding a business to the care for the general public; this would not only paid securely and to receive web by providing an easy- enable the treatment of Covid-19 patients but will an overview of all invoices, to-use solution, enabling also continue to support all other patients in need helping them keep track of a single point of contact of critical care in the long term. outstanding invoices and to between SMEs and their The civil reconstruction and ICU development periodically send reminders. customers, helping grow being conducted at the hospital through Dialog It also supports accounting entrepreneurs’ business Axiata’s funding will establish a fully fledged integration by enabling the portfolios, and increasing ICU complex with a Medical Intensive Care downloading of data for a customer retention and Unit (MICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit prescribed period which can loyalty by enabling easy (SICU), and increase the capacity from four beds be imported to accounting access. It also helps maintain to 10 beds, complete with state-of-the-art ICU platforms. The availability market share by securing the equipment. of a payment dashboard company’s business position The restoration of the hospital’s ICU facility Dialog has undertaken in partnership with the and enabling us to do more and save more lives in facilitates the reviewing of amidst competition while by Dialog Axiata will further enable training of Ministry of Health to restore the Intensive Care the process.” the latest transaction status staying visible and easily postgraduate doctors in intensive care, lessen the Unit of the hospital. I believe we will do an even Commenting, Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief and an overview of the available. pressure on medical staff treating patients with greater service to our people in the long term with Executive Supun Weerasinghe said: “With the cash flow. The system is Besides enabling acute illnesses, and will also act as a catalyst this immediate renovation and expansion, and increasing requirement to expand the intensive compliant with the Payment entrepreneurs to begin to improve healthcare systems in the district to upgrading the ICU.” care capabilities and healthcare systems in the Card Industry Data Security e-commerce without having provide a higher chance of survival of admitted Negombo District General Hospital consultant country, we pledged Rs. 200 million towards Standard (PCI-DSS) written a single line of code, critical patients in the long run. paediatrician Dr. Lakkumar Fernando said: “An urgently required ICU capacity development in certification as required by ComBank Simple Pay also Negombo District General Hospital Director ICU is a direct lifesaving centre. When someone hospitals selected by the MoH, and as a first step, card schemes. enables SMEs to embark on Dr. Nihal Weerasuriya said: “The Negombo has trouble breathing or has heart failure or a we are pleased to commence immediate civil Commenting on the social commerce by sharing District General Hospital has been designated similar critical life-threatening issue, an ICU and reconstruction of the ICU facilities at the Negombo introduction of ComBank and selling their products as a specialist hospital by the Ministry of Health specialised equipment, such as artificial respiratory District General Hospital to support healthcare Simple Pay, Commercial and services directly on to combat Covid-19. This hospital is doing a equipment, are needed to keep the patient alive providers in their direct lifesaving activities and Bank Chief Operating social media. The online great service right now towards its patients in until the body is restored with other medicine. considerably increase accessibility to critical care, Officer Sanath Manatunge store can be updated by the this Covid-19 high-risk area. However, the ICU We are making a big difference in the lives of for not only Covid-19-related treatment but also all said: “As one of the merchant with new offerings is currently housed in a small four-bed area. I people with the ICU, and for that we are grateful other patients that require intensive care in the long biggest lenders to the SME as and when they become am grateful and thankful for this noble work that to Dialog for augmenting our critical care facilities term.” sector, Commercial Bank available. Palm oil industry supports Govt.’s domestic agriculture drive

Sri Lanka’s oil palm cultivators the country’s total area of oil palm exchange in the years ahead.” He added: “It is absurd that can provide tangible support to the to 20,000 hectares under strictly Dr. Fernando conceded that the activists and lobbyists with Government’s efforts to promote enforced guidelines, the Association local palm oil industry would not vested interests who have been local agriculture and import pointed out. be in a position to supply all of Sri campaigning against oil palm on substitution as a response to the However, the “baseless Lanka’s palm oil requirements for the basis of events that took place impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vilification” of the local palm oil several years, but emphasised that decades ago in some other parts the national economy, the sector’s industry by “elements with vested allowing the industry to proceed with of the world, ignore the fact that it apex association has said. interests” had seriously delayed the investments in the pipeline would has taken 50 years for Sri Lanka In a statement, the Palm Oil government-approved expansion of enable a foundation to be laid for to cultivate 9,000 hectares of oil Industry Association (POIA), which cultivation, leading to the country substantial import substitution in the palm, and that even after oil palm represents cultivators as well as producing just 23,000 tonnes of palm medium term. cultivation ultimately reaches the refiners, processors, manufacturers, oil per annum and the import of a The palm oil industry currently Government-mandated 20,000 marketers, and sellers of palm oil and staggering 240,000 tonnes of crude employs about 13,000 people in hectares, the crop would account for other products of the oil palm, said palm oil into the country each year, cultivation, refining, and production. only 2.5% of the extent under tea, the local industry could help mitigate the POIA said. said they would start making losses significantly to the Government’s The plantation companies had rubber, and coconut. the effects on multiple sectors, of the “Numerous sectors such as of Rs. 100 million per month as a drive to promote domestic implemented all health and safety “They also ignore the fact that the increase in the special commodity confectionery manufacturers have result of the higher cost of imported production and self-sufficiency as a measures recommended for workers Government’s decision to encourage levy on imported palm oil. already expressed concern on the palm oil. “While we understand long-term goal. Oil palm cultivation in oil palm plantations and ensured cultivation of oil palm is backed Sri Lanka already has 9,000 increase in their costs of production and appreciate the factors that have is already helping save valuable that the estates resumed work by comprehensive conditions and hectares of oil palm, cultivated under as a result of the imposition of the necessitated the imposition of the foreign exchange by reducing (palm within days of the declaration of a guidelines that ensure there will be highly regulated conditions, to ensure special commodity levy on imported levy, we feel this is an opportune oil) imports at a time the country is countrywide curfew in March this no environmental degradation, no the industry is environmentally palm oil,” POIA President Dr. Rohan moment for the Government to trying to conserve foreign currency, year, conscious of the importance deforestation, and no replacement non-invasive. Plantation companies Fernando said. “Confectionary support the local palm oil industry, and has the potential to help Sri of keeping production going, Dr. of other viable crops,” Dr. Fernando have been mandated to increase manufacturers, for example, have especially since it can contribute Lanka conserve even more foreign Fernando disclosed. said. 4 the morning brunch Monday, May 4, 2020

Galle Fortis almost unrecognisable Once swarming with tourists, now a ghost town ransforming almost into a “We also started up food delivery. ghost town, the charms of BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE We acquired some special curfew passes Fort, of which the bustling Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular from the Police and since we have been cobblestoned streets were getting five to six orders a day as we shared once swarming with tourists tourist destinations and every drone our menus with our contacts and regular and endless liveliness, are no more, with owner’s dream location, has unsurprisingly customers, which is not nearly enough but has T suffered greatly due to the a lot of what makes Galle Fort what it is been something,” he said. having to go underground due to the very Covid-19 pandemic. He said they take the strictest precautions and necessary but unfortunate Government- since the delivery service has been a go, they have imposed curfew. also opened up the venue’s veranda for any stragglers While Galle boasts beautiful who are walking around to relax. He said they have the unfortunate reality of the situation. He believes remnants of colonial architecture, rich made sure to keep one metre distance between the that there would be no business, let alone any profits, cultural heritage, and ideal sunset tables and all safety precautions like masks and for at least six months to a year’s time. locations, Galle Fort is primarily sanitizer will be provided. Since they opened the He said that while nobody has any real clue of Fort Bazaar Manager a business centre – a gigantic space up, one or two guests have come in to just what would happen, and even if the curfew is lifted, Asanka Lokuge shopping precinct with back to spend the day by themselves. Lokuge said that while it is likely that people would want to stay inside while back restaurants, novelty stores, things look quite bleak, they are hopeful, adding that the Government too may advise it particularly when hotels, and BnB (bed and with time things will start to pick up. it comes to Galle as there haven’t been any Covid-19 breakfast) joints. cases. However, businesses of Going online His personal opinion is that while it would be any kind have had to almost difficult, even when the avenues open up for those While Galle may be most well known for the entirely halt operations from Colombo to make their way around the island, many boutique restaurants, there’s also a number of considering the worldwide it would be preferable if they act responsibly and not retail stores and novelty item shops scattered around. shutdown of most travel and the take chances of carrying the virus further than it has. One such retail store is Karma Collection, a boutique need for social distancing. featuring fashion, art, and homeware, with its prime location sandwiched between the mosque and the Painting us the picture A ghost town, but making the best of it Hoppa Galle Fort lighthouse, so you can’t miss it. Manager E.S.S.R. We spoke to some of the While Galle has transformed itself into a ghost We spoke to Karma Collection Founder Tivon Krishanthi business owners of the Galle Fort and town, its residents are attempting to make the best out Prasad who also echoed the many woes expressed by adjacent areas to paint a picture for us of a bad situation; like Munidasa mentioned, delivery nearly all the businessowners in Galle we have since of what our beloved Galle Fort looks like and take-away services seem to be the only thing spoken to, saying: “Things are looking quite bad.” now. restaurateurs can do until things take a change for the However, Prasad was of the view that while Celebrity chef Dharshan Munidasa better. regaining the status quo may be too far down the line, and Nihonbashi Restaurants (Pvt.) Ltd. We spoke to Hoppa Galle Fort Manager E.S.S.R. he has decided to set his sight on other opportunities. Managing Director Nayana Ellepola shared Krishanthi also shared that they are trying out the He said the only way to get through this is with a their understanding of what business down delivery service just to see how it goes. She said that positive outlook, and what he has done is look to south looks like at present. Nihonbashi unsurprisingly there is not a lot of business – almost the online market to strengthen the store’s online Restaurants also manages The Tuna and none. presence. The Crab in Galle. Until recently, there had been some foreigners He said that if we are being hopeful, this will Wijaya Beach Owner According to them, most businesses who were stranded here during the travel ban. all continue till about the end of the year and even Mahendra Wijesena in Galle including their own are 99% Krishanthi said they saw who walked around and still we cannot be certain of how soon things would tourist-based; many are upmarket went to the beach whenever curfew was lifted. pick up. Therefore, instead of dwelling on the things establishments which have all come to However, many of them had been Russians, and there he cannot change, he has registered on Amazon and standstill during this difficult time. was a charter flight that was sent from Russia to most similar delivery services to market his products. They said there are no “maybes” of them back to their country. Prasad shared that there has been a number of about it; all business operations are closed She also shared that there are others who foreigners who were stuck here due to the travel bans down, with just some establishments making are attempting to integrate themselves into the in their specific countries, who have made attempts to attempts to carry out take-away services at community the best they could, especially those be friendly with the locals; some of those people have the very least, which will show one or two who had decided to stay in rooms and therefore are helped him set up his online presence with many of restaurants having opened for that purpose. required to go out and explore the city for meals and them saying they need a project of sorts to keep them such. They shared that Galle Fort, being a tourist- occupied during the day. Karma Collection driven market, would have to halt at least for the As for the future, she said all they can really It is understood that not all businesses have Founder Tivon Prasad short term from the looks of it. hope to do is target locals, and once curfew is lifted the privilege of changing their target audience as According to both Munidasa and Ellepola, and it is declared safe to travel, locals who have been simply as Prasad, considering what they are selling. Galle is essentially reliant on two types of stuck inside their homes for two months can come to However, his outlook seems to be the best one could markets: One is the tourists coming from Galle and experience a change of pace. hope for during times of crisis. abroad and the other is local tourists coming from Colombo on weekends to enjoy Movement has been zero General uncertainty a change of scenery. They said that if Speaking to Fort Bazaar Manager Asanka As many of the businessowners we spoke to reviving from the Easter Sunday attacks Lokuge, he shared that the reality of Galle Fort is that have mentioned a general settling of uncertainty and was difficult, where one of the two during curfew times, due to the double barriers set confusion, with many of them starting things off with markets remained available to some up in Galle Fort, there has been nobody coming in or “we have no clue”, nobody truly knows what will extent, things are very much different going out and so movement in Galle Fort has been happen and there isn’t a lot of precedent as to how now. zero. we should carry out our consumer-driven society We also spoke to Wijaya Beach “The area that Fort Bazaar is in, when usually at a time like this, particularly during the hopefully Owner Mahendra Wijesena. Wijaya there would be a swarm of people just shoulder brief adjustment period once it is declared safe to step Beach is a family-owned business to shoulder, we see about 10 to 15 people biking outside. that has become one of the best-loved around,” shared Lokuge. The thing with Galle Fort To anyone else who has been wondering what establishments down South for their is that there isn’t an off season; there are lots of it’s like everywhere else, the picture is not that much popularity with the local expat community. things on offer that there’s something for anyone different from your view when you peak outside. We Wijesena shared that while they are ready to all year round, especially for budget travellers and are dealing with somewhat similar concerns, and the work as soon as possible, they have accepted backpackers who are just passing through. bets that we can do is hope for the best.

PHOTOS JANAKA DE SILVA the morning Monday, May 4, 2020 sports Sir Bill begins term two Gayle allegations German Bundesliga restarts Sir Bill Beaumont who was re-elected ‘scandalous’: Sarwan The German football league Bundesliga will as World Rugby Head on Saturday (2), Calling the “you’re-a-snake” allegation resume this month, said the club’s Sporting vowed that he is “a good listener” and levelled against him by Chris Gayle Director Simon Rolfes yesterday (3). “The most will seek to “reunite” rugby union. One “scandalous”, Jamaica Tallawahs Assi. important thing was we got good feedback from of his biggest tasks will now be dealing Coach Ramnaresh Sarwan yesterday politicians for our concepts for games without with the fallout of the coronavirus (3) denied he had any role in the spectators,” Rolfes told media, and the German pandemic, which has brought the release of Gayle by the franchise for Government is going to take its final decision on sport to almost a complete halt. the 2020 Caribbean Premier League. the league’s restart on Wednesday, 6 May.

SLC sued over TV rights deal zSLC’s TV production rights deal for 2020-23 likely to be challenged in court The recent offering of TV production rights of Police for monetary wrongdoings. tender has been based on a certain international matches played by the Sri Lanka Cricket The SLC has had zero application FTP (Future Tours Programme) team in the country during the next three-year period is of basic financial prequalification which doesn’t exist any longer. There likely to be challenged in court, The Morning Sports learnt criteria in the selection process. will be substantial changes to that yesterday (3). That too has happened while they FTP due to the ongoing pandemic. (SLC) were knowing very well that Doesn’t the present scenario beg “If the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) condition of anonymity. IPG owes millions of dollars to the question that there should be a administrators continue to SLC sold television production vendors and many other service re-tender? For instance, how are they flaunt established principles of rights of the beleaguered Sri Lankan providers. This indicated nothing but going to price out the rescheduled transparency and financial integrity, team to the Dubai-based company financial mismanagement probably England cricket series (postponed given the nature of its offering of the named IPG, which has “a cloudy for gaining personal monetary in March) which was not included television production rights to (a tv track record” and “absolutely no benefits,” the source argued. in the original tender document?” production company named) IPG financial standing”, the Sri Lankan he asked. which has a background of felonious media reported on more than several Request for re-tender “This may lead to nothing but nature, there is a possibility that the occasions last month. The intentions of any possible further erosion of SLC’s image and transaction will be challenged in legal action could be driven by the strong speculation that someone court,” a source who is in the know A dubious deal need to re-tender the production might have gained undue financial of the said SLC rights deal told The “The owner of the tenderer has deal, he speculated. benefits from those deals,” the Morning Sports yesterday, on once been arrested by the Dubai “Yes, the three-year production source further added.

yy Manohar was BCCI’s President twice, between 2008-15. After Manohar’s first term at the BCCI in 2011, it was Srinivasan I see ICC...! who became its President A quick look at yy Manohar’s current (second) international cricket’s term as ICC Chairman governing body and the ends in May 2020. Despite forthcoming election of having the option of its Chairman. serving for another two years, Manohar has refused Having a great, proud history, to do so the International Cricket Council (ICC) is criticised during the last yy Manohar rolled back six years, for being a tool of the the Big Three’s revamp, Former BCCI President ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar brought in a new financial From left: England Captain Joe Root and West Indies Captain Jason Holder Big Three; the national cricket Narayanaswamy Srinivasan boards of Australia, England, yy Srinivasan was investigated distribution model, changed and India. management structure in several scams, including the governance structure of one involving betting on the ICC Board, and brought yy The ICC was founded yy The President of the ICC, West Indies to be who previously headed the the Indian Premier League in an independent female on 15 June 1909 as (IPL) where his son-in-law director for the first time the Imperial Cricket ICC Council, now heads its Board of 15 directors Gurunath Meiyappan has yy In the last two years, ‘quarantined’ in England Conference. It was been indicted for passing renamed the International and largely an honorary Manohar oversaw the ICC Discussions around June, allowing enough time revised schedule for the tour. position inside information to management’s plan to Cricket Conference in bookies rescheduling West Indies’ tour for any period of isolation, 1965. It was in 1989 that yy The last ICC President was introduce the World Test of England have included the followed by practice matches. Behind closed doors this body was named the Zaheer Abbas, who was yy ICC’s rules allow a Championship and the ODI possibility of the visitors going The length of the isolation is Any cricket that does take ICC appointed in June 2015 chairman to serve a League, to be launched into isolation for as long as another part of the discussions, place this summer is likely maximum of three two- from May 2020 yy The ICC’s membership yy The changes to the ICC 14 days. with 14 days one of the options. to be behind closed doors, year terms if he or she is is 104 countries (12 full Constitution in 2014 yy Majority of ICC directors The three-Test series was As it stands, there are no perhaps in a “biosecure” re-elected every two years or Test members, and 92 handed its control to the are to decide the next ICC due to begin in June, but the restrictions placed on overseas environment. associate members). Its so-called Big Three – yy The present ICC Chairman Chairman in June 2020 shutdown of cricket in England travellers arriving in the UK. Even then, the staging of headquarters is in Dubai, Australia, England, and is India’s Shashank yy As per the election rules, and Wales has been extended matches and the ability of UAE. Its annual revenue is India Manohar, 62, who is a only a current or former until at least 1 July. The earliest Screening foreigners overseas teams to play in the prominent Indian lawyer approximately $ 53 million yy In 2014, former Indian ICC Director can contest date the first Test could begin However, UK Transport UK will be determined by and a cricket administrator (as in 2018) cricket board, Board of for the Chairman’s is thought to be 8 July. Secretary Grant Shapps government guidelines. who was elected to the Control for Cricket in position. Each director can If the Windies are in has told the BBC yesterday yy The ICC does not make or position after Srinivasan in India (BCCI) President nominate one candidate. isolation, they are likely that plans for screening and Rescheduling alter the laws of the game, November 2015 which have remained under Narayanaswamy Srinivasan Nominees with the support to have access to practice quarantining people coming Australia, Pakistan, and yy The post of ICC President of at least two directors facilities at a locked-down from abroad were “a serious Ireland are also due to tour the governance of the became the first Chairman Marylebone Cricket Club of the ICC was abolished in April are eligible to contest the venue. point under consideration”. England this summer. 2016 and Manohar, who election since 1788 yy Srinivasan, 75, is an Indian On Saturday (2), the The ECB has previously replaced Srinivasan, Leaving mid-June industrialist and cricket yy Manohar’s successor will England and Wales Cricket stated it is looking at yy The post of Chairman of became the first administrator who is also be known this month (May BBC said yesterday (3) the Board (ECB) said “positive” rescheduling the international the ICC was established in independent chairman of MD of India Cements Ltd. 2020) Windies’ planning involves discussions had been held with calendar for the period between 2014 after a revamp of its the ICC since then leaving the Caribbean in mid- Cricket West Indies over a July and the end of September.