www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 28,106,048 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 3,152 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 6,556,947 195,550 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 909,510 INDIA 4,494,389 75,328 BRAZIL 4,199,332 128,653 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,046,370 18,263 12 2,955 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 20,171,956 PERU 702,776 30,236 THE ABOVE STATISTICS185 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 7.10 P.M. ON 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

MIGRANT WORKERS Transforming into skilled workers WHO’S TO SAVE US? BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA into skilled workers. “This programme will give has already been modified SLBFE Deputy General better opportunities to our accordingly. The Foreign Manager and Media migrant workers. We want to “We have changed the Employment Bureau Spokesman R.K.K.M.P. discontinue the housemaid curriculum to teach additional (SLBFE) is to provide Randeniya told The Morning category for Sri Lankan skills so that they can work training to migrant workers that they want to transform migrant workers and convert as resident housekeepers and to uplift their professional migrant workers into skilled it into skilled workers.” institutional housekeepers,” careers and transform them workers. He said that the curriculum Randeniya said. ANAWILUNDAWA WETLLAND CLEARING Spotlight

President

ADVERSE WEATHER Immediate on State People living in the area alongside the lake in Madinnagoda, Rajagiriya were caught in floods yesterday (10) due to heavy, rehabilitation continuous rains PHOTO LALITH PERERA Hundreds of 5,000 tanks BOOSSA PRISON displaced in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Minister’s has directed the relevant authorities Inmates stage to rehabilitate 5,000 tanks scattered across the island following a The prevailing adverse weather mechanism combining ancient a hunger strike and downpour of above 100 mm of technology and modern scientific A group of inmates held crimes, including notorious rain experienced overnight within the methods. brother at the Boossa Prison in underworld figures over the past days The tanks will be rehabilitated z Probe ongoing to z Anawilundawa Galle has launched a hunger “Kanjipani Imran”, “Podi caused inundation within the suburbs, under the “Wari Saubhagya” determine alleged committee report strike this last morning (10). Lassie”, and “Wele Suda”, affecting up to 285 families in eight programme with the assistance of Sources revealed that are engaging in this hunger divisional secretariats. the Civil Defence Force (CDF) involvement: Minister tabled in Parliament 39 out of 45 detainees strike. Contd. on page 2 to expedite the project, stated the BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA convicted of serious Contd. on page 2 President’s Media Division (PMD). An investigation is currently underway to BAKERY OWNERS MINISTERS' PUBLIC DAY see whether there was any involvement of a prominent governing party’s state minister’s brother regarding the unlawful clearing of Shifted to Monday a section of the protected Anawilundawa Warn of price hike The Cabinet of Ministers has Wetland, Minister of Wildlife and Forest The All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ making baked goods – namely decided to change the ministers’ Conservation C.B. Rathnayake told The Morning. Association (ACBOA) has warned sugar, margarine, and eggs – have public day from Wednesday to that prices of bakery goods, other increased. State Minister Monday. He said the investigation Sanctuary in Puttalam was than bread, would have to be “Only flour has not would reveal whether tabled in Parliament by increased if the prevailing high increased. Sugar, margarine, there was any connection Minister Rathnayake on August 2020. prices of goods continue. and especially egg prices have Mangroves as alleged. Meanwhile, Wednesday (9). The Department said ACBOA Chairman N.K. to increase the prices of bakery sky-rocketed.” the report of the five- The Department of the area where illegal Jayawardana said that they have goods by Rs. 5, except for bread, He said their association is member committee Wildlife and Forest activity had taken place written to the President and Prime if this trend of high prices of other scheduled to meet Prime Minister cleared in Kirinda appointed to probe the Conservation said the is approximately 0.697 Minister about the issue. goods such as eggs and margarine today (11) z Police arrest suspects damage caused to the incident was reported to hectares. “We have written to the continue.” along with the All Island Poultry Anawilundawa Wetland wildlife officials on 26 Contd. on page 2 President and Prime Minister He said that the prices of three Association of Sri Lanka. A 30-acre mangrove was illegally and explained that we will have of four essential items needed for Contd. on page 2 cleared in Tissamaharama’s Vilamulla area, which was MT NEW DIAMOND TANKER CASE AGAINST BATHIUDEEN’S BROTHER discovered by the residents of the GAFFOOR BUILDING area who promptly alerted the Orders to tow away Kirinda Police, recently. Project to CID asked to Kirinda Police Officer in Charge (OIC) M.L.B. Ranjith and his from Lankan waters team had visited the site and had The Marine Environment was engulfed in fire last week, convert into a been able to take the suspected Protection Authority (MEPA) to tow the vessel away from the regulate probe businessman who was clearing the decided to inform the owners of Sri Lankan maritime boundary land area into custody and ceased the MT New Diamond, which without delay. luxury hotel The Colombo Magistrate’s Court yesterday the JCB land mower that was used Contd. on page 2 The Urban Development Authority (10) ordered the Criminal Investigation for the job, whilst they were clearing (UDA) is to reconstruct and renovate the Department (CID) to regulate the investigations closer to 30 acres of mangrove from Gaffoor Building, a prominent four-storey, into Rifkhan Bathiudeen, brother of former the lagoon area. wedge-shaped building located in Colombo Minister , who was accused Fort, to transform it into a luxury hotel, State of allegedly forging documents to alienate a SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Minister for Urban Development, Coast land of 80 acres. Conservation, Waste Disposal, and Public The CID was also instructed to arrest any Sanitation Dr. said. other individuals linked to the incident and ADMISSIONS TO STATE UNIVERSITIES He told The Morning that renovation to produce them before courts. work of the project had already been Rifkhan Bathiudeen Contd. on page 2 commenced and the project would be completed in another one-and-a-half years. HIGH POSTS COMMITTEE Medical faculty intake Contd. on page 2 Names of 6 mission by 350 heads forwarded increased Nominations for the appointment of six new ambassadors and high BY SARAH HANNAN who qualify for university admissions. came to an agreement to increase the commissioners have been referred to the Committee on High Posts of Therefore, the Ministry requested from number of intakes by 350. Parliament for approval. The Ministry of Education has the University Grants Commission Accordingly, the aim of this decision The nominations for the appointments are: decided to increase the number of (UGC) to take the necessary steps to is to give more enrolment opportunities yy Admiral (Retd.) K.K.V.P. yy Prof. Kshanika admissions to state university medical increase the number of students enrolled than the previous years to students Harischandra de Silva – Hirimburegama – faculties by 350. in universities in comparison to the when they are admitted to medical Ambassador to Afghanistan Ambassador to France “The decision was taken to reflect previous years,” Minister of Education faculties of the universities based on yy Ravinatha Aryasinha – the National Policy Framework ‘Vision Prof. G.L. Peiris told The Morning. their results at the GCE Advanced yy Milinda Moragoda – High Ambassador to the US for Prosperity’ that was published by Following several discussions with Level examination held in 2019, and Commissioner to India President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which the UGC and vice chancellors and also to increase the number of future yy Vishramal Sanjiv Gunasekara yy Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona – aims to increase opportunities for the deans of the medical faculties of state doctors added to the human resources – Ambassador to Japan Ambassador to China youth to pursue tertiary studies for all universities, the Ministry and the UGC of the country. Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Friday , September 11, 2020

BUDGET DEFICIT Gear for the worst: Eran Wickremaratne (SJB) made in the run-up to the election on taxes Authority (RDA), the National Water Supply MP , in a and the deteriorated fiscal position. This and Drainage Board (NWSDB), the Ceylon Parliamentary meeting yesterday situation has got progressively worse in 2020. Electricity Board (CEB), and SriLankan (10), addressed the House in a “Government revenue has declined by 28% Airlines. So, particular attention needs to 15-minute speech, focusing on the compared to 2019. Recurrent expenditure has be paid to them. State-owned enterprises current fiscal position of Sri Lanka increased by 10% and the budget deficit has like the CEB, CPC, and SriLankan Airlines amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. increased by 41%. Development spending, are problematic for every government and that is capital expenditure, has reduced by therefore, we need to restructure the debt. The following are excerpts of the speech. 44%. Government debt has increased by Rs. Giving government guarantees is only handling “For today’s debate, six directives under 1,020 billion in just six months, rising from the data, making the Government look good. the Port and Airport Development Levy 13,000 billion to over 14,000 billion from “Eventually that risk is not a contingent (PAL) and six directives under the Customs January to June in 2020. The fiscal results liability. It is a direct liability of the Sri Ordinance have been tabled. Disappointingly, will get worse as the year progresses. There Lanka sovereign debt and therefore, the I would like to state that the respective is also an additional cost of a 10% increase Government needs to look at that. You Cabinet Minister has failed to mention a in the government staff cadre. The import have no room because you mishandled the single word in this regard. Today’s topic for ban will start to hit government revenue SJB Member of Parliament Eran Wickramaratne fiscal part at the beginning; you have no debate is the directive under Section 3 of the in the second half. Corporate taxes will fiscal space. You then brought the Central Port and Airport Development Levy No. 18 sharply drop and Sri Lanka should prepare Rs. 245, coconut which was Rs. 38 is now “57% of this is foreign debt, non- Bank and wanted the Central Bank to do of 2011. for its worst budget deficit in 35 years. Rs. 66, and dhal which was Rs. 120 is now concessional, as opposed to only 2.5% 15 something on the monetary space. I must say “I would like to address the House; It is fully expected that expenditure will Rs. 145. The increases are 12%, 21%, 73%, years ago. Often the accusation is made when that despite the fact that you forced out two particularly before I start, I would like increase during a health crisis to support 46%, 125%, 4%, 74%, and 21%, respectively. you are in office for four-and-a-half years. members of the Monetary Board, Dr. (Ms.) to bring to the notice of the House that a health expenditure and to support livelihood, In fact, the Government has reduced some This is what you have done. We forget the Dushni Weerakoon and Mr. Nihal Fonseka, journalist was found dead near Independent but that is not what has happened. Capital taxes, but after many years, the previous fact that the (SLFP) and despite the threat on senior officials Square and today (10), we heard from Hon. expenditure has in fact come down during Government was able to rectify a regressive and its subsequent governments formed by in the Central Bank, even today, it is not a that Mr. Zacki Jabbar, a well- this period. The crisis has occurred due to the tax system. The direct tax percentage was the SLFP leadership have been in office for matter of people; it is a matter of policy that known journalist of the island, has been collapse in government revenue. That is why 25% in 2019 and was indirect tax was more than 25 years in this country. Have you you need to correct. They have done their found after three days. the crisis has occurred. This is a policy error 75%. When we took responsibility for the taken the major responsibility for the fiscal utmost. They have provided the liquidity, “We also heard today that near the Japan and the sooner it is admitted and corrected, Government, the direct taxes were only 12% decline and the economic decline? Most of but credit growth in May, June, and July has Friendship Bridge near Parliament, another the Government can get on the right track. and we have been able to correct a regressive the non-concessional borrowings of 75%, been negative. It cannot be solved only on the body has been found, and clearly the “Unfortunately, in spite of the reduction tax system, taking away or lessening the equal to $ 15.3 billion were international monetary side because you have little space Government needs to look into this because of tax relief to the public, there has been no burden on the poor in this country. sovereign bonds. China has now displaced on the fiscal side. we are concerned about the loss of life. benefit felt by the people. Prices of essentials “The external sector, as a result of the Japan as the largest bilateral creditor to Sri “The President declared that he will However, I must say that this Government have in fact increased despite the reduction, poor fiscal management, has also lost this Lanka accounting for 12.4% of government prioritise the concept of “one country – one has been making various criticisms of the exempting some taxes. Food price inflation opportunity in the global capital markets. We debt. Out of $ 4.4 billion of Chinese law”, but the truth is it is “one country – previous Government, forgetting the fact has reached 12.9% in July. The national are, therefore, paying our external debts by lending to Sri Lanka, only $ 760 million is two laws”. The Anawilundawa Wetland is that they have been in office for nearly one consumer price index reached 6.1% in running down our reserves. By the middle of classified as official bilateral debt. The rest protected by the Ramsar Convention. But year; in two months it is going to be one year July. These are not our statistics. These are last year in 2019, government reserves were is considered commercial. Whether this is a who was arrested? Only the bulldozer driver in office. Just because some Members of statistics from government departments. $ 859 billion, but within one year in June debt trap or a death trap is a question that we and the owner were arrested. The political Parliament have come here more recently, “If you take the food prices of September 2020, the reserves $ 6.7 billion. Therefore, have to ask. influence behind it was not arrested. I don’t that does not mean that the Government has 2019 and compare them with that of there are major debt repayments. In 2020, “External debt in Sri Lanka is speak only for the present Government. not been in office for nearly a year. September 2020, brinjals which were Rs. 2021, and 2022, Sri Lanka has to pay mainly predominantly by the public sector, and The Bond Scam took place, and even then “Under the previous Government, Sri 125 per kilo are now Rs. 159 per kilo, snake on sovereign bonds. Sri Lanka has another $ is very high in relation to current account only the officials were talked about. The Lanka achieved and improved its fiscal gourd which was Rs. 119 is Rs. 144, and 4 billion debt maturing in 2020 and 2024. receipts. The pressure will intensify in 2020 political influence behind it was untouched. position after several years. In 2017 and pumpkin which was Rs. 100 is Rs. 173. “Therefore, I would like to say a word when current account receipts fall sharply Therefore, I am completely against capital 2018, we had primary surpluses after 1992. These are not prices that I am quoting. These on the debt repayments the country is amidst the downturn in tourism, exports, punishment, the reason being “one country The budget deficit was kept at 5.3% of GDP statistics are from the Central Bank of Sri facing. Our debt is about 87% of GDP. With remittances, and capital market financing – two laws”. None of the 225 here will be during this period; the lowest level since Lanka’s weekly economic indicators. the International Monetary Fund (IMF) costs as they go up. subjected to the capital punishment. 1977. It must be stated that by the end of “On the Pettah retail prices, carrots which credits and Treasury guarantees, which the “The Government has an issue on the state- “If we are to develop this country, we must 2019, it started to deteriorate. I believe the cost Rs. 114 in September last year now cost Government is freely giving out, it is not owned enterprises. Particularly, they have bring in investments. Everything needs to main reason it started to deteriorate is due Rs. 166, cabbage which was Rs. 72 is now really 87%. It is really 98% of GDP by April issued guarantees to the Ceylon Petroleum developed, not fundamental policies alone. to the Government’s irresponsible statement Rs. 162, beans which were Rs. 236 are now 2020. It may be higher now. Corporation (CPC), the Road Development Keep in mind about the past 25 years.”

Contd. from page 1

The necessity to include the irrigation systems relevant fuel stains and it was revealed that the out by the Special Task Force (STF). Spotlight on... of the island and all the forest reservoirs and Mangroves... oil patch was the accumulation of some of the “Kanjipani Imran”, “Wele Suda”, and several On 28 August, in a statement, the Department neighbouring rivers in a gazette notification was “When we arrived at the site, we witnessed several fuel that was used for the ship. other inmates of the Boossa Prison previously said that as per the Flora and Fauna Protection among the topics discussed at the meeting. mangrove piles that were cleared from the area. Furthermore, AG’s Co-ordinating Officer staged a hunger strike in June this year, demanding Ordinance, these 1,397 hectares of land have President Rajapaksa also instructed the officials Just after the 2004 tsunami, there was a mangrove State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said MEPA prison officials to extend the time period inmates been declared as a sanctuary on 11 May 1997, and to rapidly renovate 500 small tanks located within cultivation project that was initiated to conserve Chairperson Lahandapura was instructed to issue are allowed outside their cells. They called off on 25 August 2020, the mangrove ecosystem in reserves for the benefit of wild animals. A one-year the coastline of Vilamulla,” OIC Ranjith noted. the necessary directives to the salvors of the ship, the hunger strike following discussions held with the sanctuary has been cleared using machinery programme will be implemented to achieve this Further, investigations carried out by the to take urgent measures to stop the oil leak into prison officials. illegally, when there were no officers from the objective jointly by the Department of Irrigation and Kirinda Police had uncovered that the suspected Sri Lankan waters. Department in the vicinity. Declared a wetland the Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation. businessman was clearing the area to expand his In the meantime, Navy Spokesperson Captain under the Ramsar Convention, the 1,397-hectare In parallel to this initiative, the “National Food tourist hotel project. The area is rich in biodiversity Indika de Silva stated an investigation was Hundreds... Anawilunduwa sanctuary is one of six recognised Production Contribution Programme” covering and is home to a variety of birds and vertebrates expected to be carried out into the oil leak using Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Divisional Secretary sites in Sri Lanka. Apart from the various birds, 120,000 abandoned paddy lands will also be and is a popular tourist attraction that is frequented a joint divers unit. Y.K.S. Jeewamala said that measures were in place fish species, and amphibians living in the wetland, launched, the PMD said. During this meeting, by bird watching enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the to move the affected families to safe locations, Anawilunduwa also attracts many migratory birds. special attention was drawn to the need to promptly residents of the area had raised concerns that not should the situation change with more rain which fill the vacancies that exist in certain cadres such enough attention is given to the area by the relevant Shifted to... would be experienced. as engineer and technical officer in the field of authorities or environmentalists, and will therefore Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Close to 100 families in the Colombo Divisional Immediate... irrigation for a long period of time, the PMD said. soon be destroyed by persons who have earmarked stated this yesterday Secretariat were affected by inundation with the The proposed programme was reviewed in length The progress of the “Tharuna Govi Saubhagya, the area for development work, without proper (10) during the weekly media briefing to worst affected area identified to be Madinnagoda during the meeting to discuss future activities Kabanika Govipala” programme initiated with the impact assessments. announce cabinet decisions. down Kalapaluwawa Road. When The Morning of the State Ministry of Development of Rural aim of directing young entrepreneurs to use organic Photo Desk had visited the area, the residents had Paddy Fields and Associated Tanks, Reservoirs, fertilisers for agricultural activities, was reviewed at said that when they had gone to their designated and Irrigation held at the Presidential Secretariat this meeting. The project has been designed covering Orders to... CID asked... safe house which is the nearest temple, they had on Wednesday (9). 5,000 acres from the right bank of Maduru Oya. The owners were to be informed of this in Rifkhan Bathiudeen was arrested following been asked to return to their homes. “A project to rehabilitate tanks was carried out It was agreed that all the necessary infrastructure writing yesterday (10) as per the directives of the a complaint lodged by an individual residing “We had to return to our houses, which were partly earlier too. It came under strong criticism by the facilities for the project will be provided. Attorney General (AG), stated MEPA Chairperson in Maradana, alleging that he had defrauded an inundated, and wait it out until the water receded,” experts as well as the public. This is due to the fact State Minister of Internal Security, Internal Affairs, Attorney-at-Law Dharshani Lahandapura. 80-acre land in Talaimannar. He was granted bail an area resident had told our photojournalists. that despite the dredging of tanks, ancient techniques and Disaster Management , State She called on the AG on Wednesday (9) to seek on 17 February this year. – Sarah Hannan and scientific methods of water retention were not Minister of Development of Rural Paddy Fields legal advice pertaining to the measures that could The complaint claimed that Rifkhan Bathiudeen used. Such shortcomings should be avoided and and Associated Tanks, Reservoirs, and Irrigation be taken with regard to the ill-fated oil tanker. had sold a 40-acre land in Talaimannar owned by rehabilitation should proceed in a manner specific , Presidential Task Force on The Sri Lanka Navy observed a narrow diesel- another person to a private company under a false Project to... to each area and tank under a common criterion,” Economic Revival Head ; Secretary like oil patch in the sea close to the ship both on deed and that he had allegedly obtained Rs. 49.2 “The original plan started when the current the President said. to the President P.B. Jayasundera; officials of the Tuesday (8) and Wednesday, and measures were million from the deal. President was the Defence Secretary. They had The capacity of tanks has been reduced due Cabinet, state ministries, and line institutes; and subsequently taken to destroy the oil patch using When the case was taken up yesterday, the CID started the renovation work and then everything to their silting. There is a large number of tanks representatives of the farmers’ associations were chemicals. told Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne came to a halt with the change of government in with breached banks. Presidential Task Force on present at the discussion, according to the PMD. Divers were later deployed to inspect the that the reports on the alleged fake signatures 2015. The project was delayed for the last five Economic Revival Chairman Basil Rajapaksa on the documents have been sought from the years and we have recommenced it,” he added. pointed out the necessity to rehabilitate such tanks Government Analyst. The project would be similar to the Dutch Hospital targeting the Maha season. Probes into the matter will be concluded once project and would be completely handled by the President Rajapaksa highlighted the possibility Cartoon of the day the Government Analyst’s reports are received and UDA, he added. The building was completed in of using tank water not only for paddy cultivation the relevant investigation reports will subsequently 1915. At the time of completion, the owner of but also to meet the needs for drinking water and be directed to the Attorney General (AG), the CID the building was Abdul Gaffoor, a jewellery and other irrigation requirements. further told the court. The attorney representing gemstone trader. Gaffoor used to sell gems and The Department of Land Use Policy Planning the aggrieved party, presenting his submissions, jewellery to cruise ship passengers visiting the island. and the Department of Agriculture have jointly stated that the CID had previously informed the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa conducted a survey on the pattern of agricultural court that several linked to the incident were to be land use depending on the irrigation system. Based arrested, adding that it is, however, doubtful that on its findings, plans are afoot to cultivate 17 the probes are now nearing completion. Names of... identified crops in the intermediate and inter seasons He further noted that his client is doubtful Any person who wishes to make representations supported by a satisfactory water management whether this situation was resulted by the exertion on the aforementioned nominations have been system, stated the PMD. of influence by the defence and sought the court requested to submit their signed written memoranda “The rehabilitation of tanks should be carried to order the CID to regulate the investigations and to the Secretary of the Committee on High Posts out while preserving their related industries. It is arrest other suspects who are in connection with on or before 23 September. The Committee on imperative that the project should be implemented in the incident. High Posts is tasked with examining the suitability conjunction with affiliated organisations and farmers’ of persons who have been either appointed to societies.” President Rajapaksa had instructed to any post or nominated to hold office in any post renovate the irrigation system including canals and Inmates stage... determined by the Cabinet of Ministers and to make dams in parallel with the project to rehabilitate tanks. However, “Potta Naufer”, “Kevuma”, “Army recommendations with regard to such persons. During the meeting, attention was focused on the Sampath”, and three other infamous criminals have requirement of expediting the “Uthuru Meda Maha decided not to support the strike action. Ela” and “Wyamba Ela” projects planned with the The inmates on strike are reportedly protesting Warn of... objective to supply irrigation and drinking water. against the discontinuation of the telephone facility “We are to meet the Prime Minister at 9 a.m. Under this programme 80,000 hectares fed by provided during the Covid-19 outbreak, searching on Friday (today). We hope for a fruitful outcome 1,500 tanks in the North Central and North Western attorneys who come into the prison to meet the at the meeting.” Provinces will be cultivated, the PMD stated. inmates, and the search operations being carried – Skandha Gunasekara the morning Thursday , September 11, 2020 3 business Regulatory and AML Some ‘concessional’ loans compliance key challenges less favourable than for SL banks: Deloitte borrowing on markets: Verité The extent of concessionality procurement of goods and services evaluated loans from China (18) Meeting increased unstructured data. This lack of in loans is being from contractors connected to the and India (3) were tied, and six of regulatory expectations technological maturity, and data overestimated, and that in lender. This limits the recipient the 13 evaluated loans from Japan and enforcing Anti- governance appears to have had a some cases loans that are country’s ability to secure the best were also tied. Money Laundering (AML) cascading impact on every aspect deemed concessional can value for money through a process The study also measured and compliance pose key of the AML programme. be less favourable than of competitive bidding. Therefore, evaluated the extent to which operational challenges to Sri In the area of sanctions projects funded by tied loans can each loan is vulnerable to being screening, around 63% of borrowing on international have significant escalations in costs. non-concessional due to the tied Lankan banks, according to financial markets, said the “South Asia Anti-Money respondents indicated that they The cost escalation on the tied component of the loan. The study were struggling with issues Verité Research in a recent component has the consequence concluded that 18 of the tied loans Laundering Preparedness study it published regarding Survey Report 2020” posed by limited data structure reversing the concessionality or would be non-concessional with and integration with core borrowing by the Sri Lankan grant element of the loan. a cost escalation of 50% on the published by Deloitte this banking systems. Too many false Government. The findings of the study were tied element; four of these loans week. positives, limited automation presented by Executive Director were vulnerable to becoming non- The survey conducted with pertaining to the updation of Multilateral and bilateral Dr. Nishan de Mel and Research concessional with a cost-escalation leading banks and financial regulatory lists and sanctions lists, borrowing is often favoured by Director Subhashini Abeysinghe of 15% on the tied element, and the institutions in India, Sri Lanka, and inadequate “fuzzy” name- governments such as Sri Lanka at a webinar hosted by Verité vulnerability of loans to being non- and Bangladesh earlier this year, matching capabilities emerged as because such financing tends to Research on 10 September 2020. concessional can vary significantly highlights siloed risk management other major issues amongst the have “concessional” elements, The study by Verité Research and can depend on the country from approaches across banking respondents. relative to the international provides a measurement of the which the loan is secured. operations, customer due diligence, to manage AML compliance, and In the area of trade-based financial markets. However, the initial concessionality of major The study suggested that for Sri sanctions screening, and trade- budget constraints to implement money laundering, 83% of study showed that an erosion of infrastructure loans taken by Sri Lanka, the risk of cost escalation based transactions as the root AML programmes alongside respondents indicated screening concessionality arises from the Lanka between 2005 and 2018, by is likely to be higher for projects causes for systemic inefficiencies increased scrutiny of third-party trade finance transactions against widely accepted practice of “tying” source of the loan. It showed that funded by tied loans that originated leading to fraud. reviews. internal lists, regulatory lists, and loans to sources of procurement 28 out of 35 evaluated bilateral as unsolicited proposals. In Sri However 77% of respondents in Survey respondents had also sanctions lists. The respondents preferred by the lender. A loan loans to Sri Lanka between 2005 Lanka’s case, 13 of the 28 projects Sri Lanka indicated that their AML highlighted technology-related also pointed at challenges such as is tied when a certain potion and 2018 were tied loans worth funded by tied loans originated as programme was compliant with all challenges such as limited identifying hidden relationships of the loan is restricted to the $ 9.2 billion. Furthermore, all unsolicited proposals. regulatory requirements. integration with core banking between trade partners and ports, Deloitte noted the challenges systems, incomplete coverage of estimating pricing and invoicing range from insufficient numbers all products and processes, too of goods, and unavailability of a of adequately trained staff, many false positive alerts, and single automated system that can South Asia Investor Conference insufficient/outdated technology issues around data accuracy and combine all screening data. concluded successfully Sampath Bank, CBL Group, WSO2 The third edition of the South Lanka PLC, and Distilleries for the future.” Asia Investor Conference 2020 Company of Sri Lanka PLC, which Being CAL’s partner in (SAIC 2020), jointly organised by account for 24% of the Colombo Bangladesh, LankaBangla donate PCR lab to Army Hospital Capital Alliance Securities (Pvt.) Stock Exchange’s market cap. Securities Ltd. Head of Ltd. (CAL), AKD Securities, and Speaking on the event, CAL Institutional and Foreign Trade Lanka Bangla Asset Management Managing Director – Global Rehan Muhammad said: “The Co. Ltd., kicked off on 8 September Markets Deshan Pushparajah liquidity situation has improved 2020. Despite the current climate said: “In light of the current significantly in our equity markets, surrounding the spread of Covid- circumstances surrounding Covid- about three folds compared to 19, round-the-clock meetings 19, the perceived risk profile of how it was at the beginning of were held virtually, attracting emerging and frontier markets has 2020. With that, FIIs (Foreign over 100 participants among 16 increased significantly. Therefore, Institutional Investors) have been international funds, domestic funds, it is imperative to showcase to getting more active and seeking and companies representing Sri investors that a more nuanced corporate access, which has been From left: Sampath Bank Managing Director Nanda Fernando, CBL Group Chairman Ramya Wickramasingha, and WSO2 Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in approach is needed to assess very limited this year mainly Founder/CEO Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana handing over the cheques to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this remote forum. The companies Covid’s impact and response in due to Covid restrictions. With Strengthening the nation’s ability donation of this PCR laboratory in pandemic control that other representing Sri Lanka included different markets. In this light, our collaborated effort – SAIC to respond to the Covid-19 global partnership with CBL and WSO2. countries can emulate. On behalf the likes of John Keells Holdings SAIC 2020 serves an important VIRTUCON – we are aiming to pandemic, Sampath Bank PLC, We will continue to empower our of WSO2, I’d like to express our PLC, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, function for companies in South provide FIIs the best possible CBL Group, and WSO2 jointly fellow Sri Lankans and help the gratitude to everyone involved Hemas Holdings PLC, Sampath Asia to communicate how they market insights and corporate donated a fully equipped PCR nation emerge stronger from this in these containment efforts, Bank PLC, Hatton National Bank have dealt with the crisis of the access to Bangladesh, Pakistan, laboratory to the Army Hospital in health and economic crisis,” said particularly the health officials PLC, Dialog Axiata PLC, Teejay past few months and their vision and Sri Lankan markets.” Colombo recently. Sampath Bank Managing Director and armed forces who have been Costing around Rs. 32 million, Nanda Fernando. at the forefront. We’re pleased this state-of-the-art lab has a “The CBL Group is honoured to join Sampath Bank and the testing capacity of 600 per day, to support Sri Lanka’s fight CBL Group in this endeavour to Oppo launches smartphone under Rs. 20,000 thereby expanding the national against Covid-19 and we are increase the PCR testing capacity Oppo recently launched in Sri charging. It also boasts a ‘Bigger capacity to conduct PCR tests. thankful to our national health of the Colombo Army Hospital Lanka the OPPO A1k, which Memory’. Equipped with 32GB This added capacity will enable authorities and armed forces significantly as the authorities is priced at Rs. 19,990 with a ROM and 256GB extended health authorities to expand who continue to lead Sri Lanka’s continue to test, identify, and 4,000mAh battery and a 2GB memory, A1K enables larger their testing base, identify those frontline. This contribution, in contain the spread of this RAM and 32GB ROM, to provide storage for your personal photos infected with the virus, treat them, collaboration with Sampath Bank pandemic in our country,” said Sri Lankans access to all the great and data. OPPO A1K comes with and ensure we keep community and WSO2, will increase the WSO2 Founder and CEO Dr. features synonymous with OPPO a 6.1-inch HD+ display, which transmission at near-zero levels. PCR testing capabilities of the Sanjiva Weerawarana. with a “budget” high-performance enables one to get more immersive “The health sector, tri-forces, Sri Lanka Army to 600 tests per Established in 1987, Sampath smartphone. experience while watching videos the Police, and all other essential day and will enhance our nation’s Bank is today Sri Lanka’s “The less-than Rs. 20,000 market or playing games. The Corning service personnel led by our efforts to detect and control the third largest private bank. The for smartphones will be a ‘game- Gorilla Glass 3 further enhances government have been working spread of this pandemic,” said CBL Group is a leading Sri changer’ segment in Sri Lanka and the screen’s toughness,” the tirelessly to protect us during this CBL Group Chairman Ramya Lankan food conglomerate with this will be a refreshing move to company said. global pandemic. This has helped Wickramasingha. manufacturing facilities in Sri infiltrate the growing smartphone It added that the OPPO A1K Sri Lanka minimise the spread of “Sri Lanka has done a Lanka and overseas, exporting usage in the country. comes with a simple design, a the virus, despite having limited remarkable job of restricting to over 60 countries. WSO2 was A1k is packed with a 4000mAh matte finish which looks elegant to resources. Thanking them for the spread of Covid-19 in the founded in 2005 and employs over battery, a leading position in the hold, and a plain rear panel which their service, we are honoured country and it has been an 650 engineers, consultants, and category, and allows a whole day is fairly tough to break and not to support their efforts with the exemplary demonstration of professionals worldwide. of use (around 17 hours) without susceptible to fingerprint marks.

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) Club HNB members get elite has introduced a cashless bill SLT first utility service provider payment facility through the addition of QR codes on all with dynamic QR bill payments services from Frontier Advisory SLT bills. HNB PLC announced a As such, payments for upgrading our products partnership with Frontier all SLT bills can be made and services that will Advisory (Pvt.) Ltd. to provide through any LankaQR- provide convenience to our members of its exclusive private certified payment app. customers. The inclusion of banking arm, Club HNB, Scanning the QR code on the the dynamic QR code bill with elite tax and regulatory SLT bill from the designated payment facility is another consultation services. banking apps will lead the step towards taking our Through the new partnership, customer to the bill payment services to a more cashless Club HNB members will now transaction. yet secure process. Moving have privileged access to a The facility for central bill with global technology is gamut of advisory services collection of this process is important to keep abreast, designed to ensure value, provided by Bank of Ceylon BOC General Manager Sugath Gunasekara (left) and SLT CEO and we as SLT take it as our From left: HNB Head of Club Michelle de Silva and Deputy General Manager Kiththi Perera exchanging the agreement convenience, and compliance – Retail and SME Banking Sanjay Wijemanne together with Frontier Advisory (BOC), a partnership that responsibility to inculcate for clients – both in their Directors Faryal Fazla Farour, Mohamed Azreen Zaheer, and Mohamed merges two giants from their from both companies also QR-certified payment tech-savvy behaviour in personal and professional tax Hussain Kariapper Mohamed Hameez respective fields to bring out participated at the launching app. The recent pandemic our society, because we are obligations. solution to rationalising their tax With 252 customer centres the most effective and safe ceremony. situation has created positive in the best position to do “While taxation is an essential burden in a holistic manner,” across the country, HNB is Sri bill payment facility. “We are proud to partner reinforcement on customer so. While experiencing the obligation, it can often be a HNB Deputy General Manager Lanka’s second largest private The agreement between with SLT to introduce the perception towards digital convenience of QR code tedious and complex process. – Retail and SME Banking bank. It is the first Sri Lankan SLT and BOC was first-ever dynamic QR banking and driving this bill payments, we also will For high net worth clients, Sanjay Wijemanne stated. bank to obtain an international exchanged by SLT CEO for bill payments in Sri momentum through digital be initiating a new practice ensuring complete compliance Frontier Advisory ranks credit rating; HNB is rated Kiththi Perera and BOC Lanka, with a revolutionary innovations would be the among our customers,” and elimination of human error among Sri Lanka’s most on par with the sovereign by General Manager Sugath payment experience. Now ‘new normal’ post Covid- stated SLT CEO Perera. can be particularly challenging. respected business advisory Moody’s Investors Service and Gunasekara. SLT Group customers can enjoy the 19,” stated BOC General The bill payment “Through our partnership experts, providing clients with the national long-term rating Chief Finance Officer freedom of making bill Manager Gunasekara. transactions are assured with Frontier Advisory, we are a diversity of services aimed at of HNB was revised upward Sanjeewa Samaranayake, payments anywhere at any “In a dynamic and of the safest methods as now able to offer Club HNB improving businesses through by two notches to AA+ (lka) BOC Assistant General time with a single click, evolving industry such as a result of partnerships members a deeply personalised, a broad range of value-added recently by Fitch Ratings Manager Aruna Kumara, using BOC SmartPay or telecommunication, it is with reputed banks in the affordable, and comprehensive consulting services. (Lanka) Ltd. and other representatives with any other Lanka- SLT’s objective to keep country, SLT said. the morning 4 Thursday , September 11, 2020 brunch

Whirlwind Paranoid Earthling Genetic Fallacy

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE just around the corner. Coming back to the event, Uncaged will be the ‘ressurection “Uncaged”, the first live rock and fest’ we’ve been waiting for – the gig heavy metal experience since the where everyone will witness a rather lockdown in Sri Lanka, will take rejuvenated Genetic Fallacy, where only chaos and pandemonium will matter. And place on 31 October 2020 at Bro Pub ‘UNCAGED’ note that we will not be held responsible & Restaurant from 5 p.m. onwards. First live rock and heavy metal for any broken bones, necks, or limbs this The event is organised by Suriya time. So make sure to come and support all Brothers, a business supply service the bands and raise the flag of heavy metal organisation which has expanded into experience since lockdown on the 31st of October at Bro Pub.” promoting local, homegrown music with We also spoke to the all-girls rock contemporary arts by taking on the role as and roll group set to debut at the concert. an event organiser. Those who attend the show will also with senior bands,” he said, adding that Ace of pentacles band member Iny shared Speaking to Suriya Brothers Director/ stand a chance to take part in an exciting quarantine was tough but thankfully they that their band was formed about a year Founder Pubudu Suriyapperuma, he shared giveaway in collaboration with collectic; had their private studio where they were ago with herself and her sister, following that they chose to organise the event they will be giving away two rock icons able to get together and create music for which they decided to expand their duo Ace of Pentacle despite the many hoops they had to jump “Mötley Crüe” figurines via a raffle draw. the duration of that time. “We’ve been at to an all-girls rock band. She said they through with regard to the health and safety We also spoke to all the artists who work for our album and currently, we’ve were inspired to get into the music scene We also reached out to the veteran precautions, which are indeed necessary, will be performing at the concert, completed our part, having done the primarily because their dad is a musician groups who will be performing. Speaking because they believe it is essential to kick- who all expressed their leg work for the album. The and so they believe it was an inevitability. to Misha Whirlwind about how things start the live rock and heavy metal scene. thoughts on performing a A limited tracks are now in the mixing They believe music is in their blood. have been during quarantine, he shared They hope that “Uncaged” can be that live gig after being cooped number of tickets and mastering stage, so there Speaking about the opportunity to that unlike some of the other musicians, moment. up for so long. is our new album to look debut at “Uncaged”, she said: “This is a Whirlwind and its members chose to He said that with careful consideration Silence Of Loud are available, so forward to as well.” great opportunity as it will be our first live take a step back during that period of the current situation, they have taken guitarist Kavin purchase your tickets “We are super stocked gig as a group. We will be performing two of time, taking time for themselves. the appropriate health precautions and Harshana said that they from your favourite band to perform at Uncaged of our original songs at the event as well.” He said that they have always been a therefore the number of participants has are looking forward alongside our sisters and She also stated that as a girl group, they “voice of the people – being vocal and been limited. So if you wish to attend the to playing gigs and ASAP. Tickets are priced brothers from Ace Of have had a great response and that they discussing topics that would otherwise event, you must grab your tickets soon. having that energy again. at Rs. 1,500. Pentacles, Silence of Loud, have received a lot of encouragement, be considered taboo – and they chose this Uncaged is not part of their marquee Silence Of Loud is an Shehara, Whirlwind and noting that audiences can expect them to time to take some time for themselves concerts – acoustic Saturday: storyteller or 80s-influenced glam metal/ Paranoid Earthling,” shared Jeric give their absolute best at the upcoming instead”. Rock Saturday; it is a unique event solely heavy metal band hailing from from Negombo’s Genetic Fallacy. event. He said they are all musicians by hosted to mark the resurgence of the scene. Kandy. “This upcoming show would be “The pandemic has impacted the heavy Shehara, Sri Lanka’s very own iron profession. For them, a gig means a They will be featuring six different acts the first time for us to play our new music metal scene immensely, but that did not maiden, also shared her thoughts. “I gig – to have that interaction with their from around the island, including industry and also a great opportunity to play with a stop us from composing new music, of am looking forward to performing my audience and to feel that energy. So veterans like Whirlwind and Paranoid number of other bands and share the stage course. By the looks of it, an EP could be new single, the music video of which they had remained reserved during the Earthling as well as bands like Silence also just came out on YouTube. We lockdown period. However, they are Of Loud from Kandy, Genetic Fallacy will be performing a full set and we are excited to perform at “Uncaged” as from Negombo, Shehara, and the all-girls definitely looking forward to it.” things have started to pick up and it has rock group Ace of Pentacles, for whom She said that this event would be to start somewhere. He said they are “Uncaged” would be their debut showcase. special because she is also celebrating happy to be a part of it. Pubudu shared that it would be a her debut album’s one year anniversary. Mirshad from Paranoid Earthling special show. He said they chose 31 She shared that they have so many plans also shared that they are excited and are October because the month of October and she believes that “Uncaged” will be looking forward to playing. “It’s going is special for rock music and metal, with the starting point, helping to jumpstart to be a great show – the first show of the Oktoberfest happening and the date being the happenings of the metal event year,” Mirshad said, adding that they will Halloween night. He stated that there will calendar. Shehara also extended her well- be performing some of their new songs. be cos players, stands where people can get wishes to Ace of Pentacles, commenting They have an album upcoming which their face pained, and a mini-mart where that it is pretty empowering to see an all- they hope to release some time soon next you can pick up merchandise. Silence Of Loud Shehara and band girls rock band coming out to play. year as well.

Shangri-La to unveil Mel Medura to commence support group therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder ‘Central’, all-day dining The Sumithrayo Drug Demand Reduction Programme (Mel Medura) has been in the forefront of supporting restaurant and café people struggling with all types of addictions since 1986. Realising the Opens 20 September 2020 benefits of group support, Mel Medura is now courageously moving into Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is set to facilitating support group sessions open the doors of “Central”, its vibrant for those struggling with Alcohol all-day dining restaurant and café, on 20 Use Disorder (problem drinking that September 2020. becomes severe is given the medical Travelling around Sri Lanka was most diagnosis of “Alcohol Use Disorder” or famously conducted by train, with the AUD). Colombo Fort Station being the focal point This free service will include eight of much of this activity. Encompassing sessions for each group which will be all these elements, the unique design and facilitated by trained Mel Medura key décor of Central is inspired by a lively train workers. Those interested will have to journey coloured with multiple international request for a registration form which culinary stops along the way. needs to be filled and handed over for favourites, providing the ideal space for an As guests enter, they are greeted by evaluation before acceptance to a group. intimate celebration or business meeting. a grand clock, reminiscent of old-world Mel Medura Honorary Director In such a group experience, the clients bring restoration and balance back to life Central Café is a truly fascinating stop charm and central to any town or city. The Jomo Uduman explained: “People with meet other individuals who have faced in mind, body, and spirit. on the dining journey. The eclectic mix of walkway to the main restaurant is themed AUD generally blame outside forces for similar problems, so they realise that “No one ever plans to become comfort food and innovative dishes is set around a luggage rack showing delicious their situation. Everything is someone they are not alone in life and will addicted. There are countless reasons to be the talk of the town and also directly homemade jams, specialty teas, and more. else’s fault. If their job is at stake, it’s feel tremendous satisfaction with this why someone would try a substance or connects Shangri-La Hotel to One Galle The design of the main restaurant is inspired because their boss is picking on them. connection. They may also feel that their behaviour. Some are driven by curiosity Face Mall, allowing guests to move through by a luxury train carriage and is adorned If their marriage is cracking up, their pain is not exclusive or unique and the and peer pressure, while others are the complex with ease. with Sri Lankan folk art and exotic tropical spouse is unreasonable. If they fail as fact that others with similar problems looking for a way to relieve stress. “We’ve created something really elements including Sri Lanka’s national parents, they will see their children as are willing to connect and support Children who grow up in environments special for our guests to enjoy at Central flower, the purple water lily. ungrateful. Everything and everyone them can also be profoundly healing. where drugs and alcohol are present have Restaurant and Café,” said Shangri-La Staying closer to home, guests can becomes a reason to drink. A person This helps them move beyond their a greater risk of developing a substance Hotel, Colombo Vice President and enjoy delightful Asian dishes bolstered with with this disorder who is spiralling isolation and it gives further energy to abuse disorder down the road. The truth General Manager Timothy Wright. “From robust flavours from North India, a delicious may even say that they don’t wish hope, which helps to fuel the process of is, there’s no single face of addiction. conceptualising the design and food medley of Southeast Asian food, and to drink but circumstances like their change. Anyone can develop patterns of abuse offerings through to the finishing touches, exquisite delights from the Japanese hot and employment/spouse/kids force them to.” Most people seek help feeling or risky behaviors, no matter their age, every aspect of Central has been carefully cold counters. Central’s western terminal Important topics that will be defeated by life and overwhelmed culture, or financial status,” Uduman considered to create a journey featuring includes a classic butcher’s board presenting discussed in the support group sessions by their failure to control their use of explained. fine global and Sri Lankan cuisine. We’re prime cuts of meat, whilst the Italian section include family relationships and peer alcohol. They feel they have nowhere to In 2004, Sumithrayo shifted its in- excited to welcome guests from near and features home-style pasta and pizza. Local pressure; cultural and social influences; go and no possibility for a better outcome house rehab to daycare which has since far to enjoy this sensational new dining treasures showing devotion to age-old health and wellbeing; financial in life. When such individuals join a proved to be more successful during experience right in the heart of Colombo.” recipes can be enjoyed at the extensive Sri management; maintaining relationships, group of people struggling with similar recovery and in preventing relapse. Central presents a combination of Lankan section. handling of responsibilities in family problems, they have the opportunity of extensive buffets priced from Rs. 3,950 The restaurant’s two semi-private and workplace; thoughts, feelings, and witnessing change in others while at (nett) onwards and an à la carte menu. For more information, contact dining rooms transport guests back to the emotion handling; time management; the same time having their own small For more information and reservations, Mel Medura: 60, Horton Place, golden age of travel, creating a warm and handling withdrawal symptoms; and victories acknowledged and celebrated call 011-7888288, email restaurants.slcb@ welcoming ambience. Each dining room preventing and addressing relapses. by group members. Through this process, Colombo 7. Call 0112 693 shangri-la.com, or visit www.shangri-la. features a private bar and beverage station AUD affects relationships and hope begins to emerge which helps these 460/0112 694 665 or e-mail: com/colombo. stocked with worldly spirits and local pushes people into increased isolation. individuals build motivation; manage [email protected]. cravings, emotions, and behaviours; and the morning 5 Friday , September 11, 2020 sports Chahar has recovered CPL 2020 final on Raptors prevail at NBA In a boost to the Chennai Super Kings, Deepak The captains of the last two teams standing in the The Toronto Raptors forced a series-deciding game Chahar has recovered completely from Covid-19 and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 set up the seven against the Boston Celtics in the National regrouped with the squad in UAE yesterday (10). The scene perfectly for the final yesterday (10). Kieron Basketball Association (NBA) play-offs after a seamer has not yet started training, though, for the Pollard’s Trinbago Knight Riders have been so thrilling 125-122 double-overtime victory in Florida Indian Premier League (IPL) starting next Saturday dominant that they have won all their 11 matches yesterday (10). Kyle Lowry’s (pictured) 33 points (19). Ruturaj Gaikwad, the other player who was in the lead-up to their fourth final. On the other helped the defending champions tie the series 3-3. tested positive, is understood to be still in quarantine hand, Daren Sammy’s St. Lucia Zouks have overcome The winner of Friday’s (today) decider will play the as he had started his isolation period at a later date. tremendous odds to enter their first-ever CPL final. Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference final. Bangladesh still US Open 2020 enters doesn’t have a team decisive weekend zWho's gonna be the new champ? Following is an update of this year’s US Open matches away from her record 24th Grand Slam, won which had reached its semi-final stage in the singles nine of the match’s final 11 games. “Whenever you events by Wednesday (9). The finals will be held on can birth a baby, then honestly you can do anything,” Saturday (for women’s) and Sunday (men’s), the last Serena told the press after the match.) sponsorz Plans to visit SL this month with ‘tour-only’ sponsor day of the event. Victoria Azarenka beat Elise Mertens (16) 6/1, 6/0 The quarter-finals of both women’s and men’s (Azarenka put an end to Mertens’ perfect run to World’s cricket boards he Bangladesh Cricket Board deal signed with the local Gazi TV (GTV) singles were completed on Wednesday (9), day 10 last eight, where she had not dropped a single set.) (BCB), severely hit by the in 2014 lapsed last April leaving the cricket of the pandemic-affected 2020 US Open tennis at Men’s: stung by Covid-19! economic downfall due to the board to go to the market again to find the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre, Covid-19 pandemic, like many a media partner for the ensuing period. Flushing Meadows, New York, USA. Daniil Medvedev (3) beat Andrey Rublev (10) 7/6 Current financial woes are not Tother cricketing nations, has not yet found a “BCB is yet to hit the market with the (8/6), 6/3, 7/6 (7/5) limited to Bangladesh cricket only: sponsor for its national team, international media right tender. This means, more than Women’s: (The all-Russian battle saw two childhood friends yy The world’s richest board, media revealed yesterday (10). six months of revenue from the media Serena Williams (seed 3) beat Tsvetana Pironkova from Moscow being separated by only two very tight the Board of Control for “The Bangladesh cricket team is rights partner for the board is already lost. 4/6, 6/3, 6/2 tie-breakers.) Cricket in India (BCCI) took scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka this Other than this, BCB will not be paid by (The 38-year-old “super- Dominic Thiem (2) beat Alex De Minaur (21) 6/1, a 50% hit on their “marquee month for a three-match Test series, but the the previous broadcaster on account of mom” beat another “super- 6/2, 6/4 property” Indian Premier national team is struggling for a sponsor,” the cancelled series,” added InsideSport. mom” after trailing her by (Aussie de Minaur is one of the fastest players League (IPL) after “Vivo” InsideSport reported yesterday. Normalcy expected soon a set and a break. From on tour, but Thiem is the current World No. 3.) pulled out No media rights partner too 3-all second set Williams, Semi-final schedule: yy Sri Lanka Cricket took The BCB’s team sponsorship deal with now only two almost a 30-35% hit in “BCB is not only without a sponsor but Unilever expired in January. It was in the Women’s: also without a media rights deal in place process of naming a new sponsor before renewal of their team yy Naomi Osaka (Japan/Seed 4) vs. Jennifer Brady for the current cycle,” the report further the global coronavirus pandemic began. sponsor “Dialog” and media (USA/28) at 7 p.m. Thursday NY time (4 a.m. added, quoting BCB Chief Executive On 21 January, BCB reportedly sought an rights holder “Sony” recently Friday SL time), followed by Serena Williams Officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury. Expression of Interest (EOI) for a two- yy The England and Wales (USA/3) vs. Victoria Azarenka Chowdhury has declared to local media year team sponsorship bid with a floor Cricket Board-organised (Belarus/unseeded) series against West Indies that finalising a long-term sponsor in these price of $ 6.5 million (Rs. circumstances is “next to impossible”. 1.2 billion) which couldn’t yy Doubles final: Xu Yifan and Pakistan recently, and Nicole Melichar (3) vs. Laura without a title sponsor as attract any sponsor. This Trying to manage sponsor for forced the BCB to take Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva on the previous “Specsavers”, SL tour only Friday at 9.30 p.m. SL time pulled out an interim sponsor in “There is no sponsor for our national Akash, a company owned yy The Pakistan Cricket Board Men’s: team right now… In such a reality, we’re by Beximco. managed a sponsor only for y looking for a sponsor on a temporary Nevertheless, the board y Dominic Thiem (Austria/2) vs. their England tour; that too basis,” Chowdhury has told The is hopeful that once the Daniil Medvedev (Russia/3) at 4 p.m. with a 50% cut Independent. “We will go for a long- pandemic situation on Friday (11) NY time (Saturday yy Cricket West Indies has not term deal sometime later with the overall normalises, they can sort 1.30 a.m. SL time) followed by had a media rights partner market situation becoming normal,” the out all their commercial Alexander Zverve (Germany/5) for the last six months BCB CEO added, stating: “We’ve Sri deals. “All issues vs. Pablo Carreno Busta yy Cricket South Africa lost Lanka series ahead. So we’re now trying including media (Spain/20) various commercial deals to manage a sponsor for the tour. Later, rights will be yy Doubles final: Mate recently Russia’s Daniil Pavic and Bruno Soares we’ll try to go for a long-term deal.” resolved along with Medvedev serving yy Cricket Australia announced team sponsorship to compatriot and vs. Nikola Mektic and losses of millions of dollars No rights revenue for six (then),” childhood friend Wesley Koolhof (8) on months Andrey Rublev at US due to Covid-19 Chowdhury had Open men’s singles Fourth-seed Japanese Friday at 12.30 a.m. SL quarter-finals on Naomi Osaka was to meet time Source: Inside Sport Adding further to the BCB woes, its $ opined. Jennifer Brady last night in 20.02 million (Rs. 3.6 billion) media rights Wednesday. Medvedev won 7/6 (6), 6/3, 7/6 (5) women’s singles semi-finals

and out Thomians. Almost 12 of them KANDY were from St. Thomas’ Prep School which had had very limited exposure MUSINGS at the junior level then. by Hafiz Marikar Lewke, the part-timer They had the famous Goonathileka brothers – Jeewan and Jayan, Indrajit Perera, Gavin Jayasekara, Corea, The rugby lovers of Kandy are still Karathelis, Mubarak, Madushka Perera, talking about him. Why? An “original” Dilsiri Welikala, Wimalasooriya, Amila Kandy boy, his contribution towards Mudushanka, Suraj Rajapakse, Jason Kandy Sports Club rugby can be who achieved ‘the full’ Jayasekara, Suresh Kandiah, and the weighed in gold. His name is Nimal z late Wasim Thajudeen in their ranks Lewke. Why Kandy rugby is indebted to 'SSP Nimal Lewke’ then. Lewke had never played rugby for his school, St. Sylvester’s College, Team comprising Namal Kandy. That was because there was Rajapaksa no rugby at his school at the time. He S. Thomas’ Warden Neville De Alwis, started his rugby quite later in life with Master-in-Charge U. Nanayakkara, and Kandy SC. He later gave a big hand Junior Coach A.L.F. Fernando were to the club in the sphere of coaching. a tower of strength to Lewke then. It was Lewke who guided Kandy As Head Coach, Lewke supervised SC to win their first “Triple Crown” the junior development squad during 25 years ago in 1995. that period which consisted of Namal Rajapaksa, the young Sports Minister Fourth in the table today. It all started in ’95 mid-season. That Namal’s two brothers, Yoshitha was when, at the end of the first leg, and Rohitha, too were a part of the Kandy SC was placed fourth in the squad. The three bros were involved League’s points table. in the game quite passionately. Their At this point, Kandy SC’s livewire father Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Lewke with wife Chrishanthi, daughter Anushka, and son Dushanth Lewke receives the ‘Kreeda Bhushana’ lifetime sports achievement award in Malik Samarawickreme, along with PHOTO THE NATION July 2019 from President at the Presidential Sports Awards President and present Prime Minister former Police Dept. stalwart Hemantha Ceremony at the BMICH, Colombo of the country, used to frequent the Yatawara, got through to Nimal Lewke. When Kandy SC’s request came in, hatched to overcome the challenge. college ground to see how his three They made the request for him to coach Lewke had to look into many aspects, That was with the able assistance of season. The feat was followed up in Suranga Amaranga, plus veterans sons were involved in practices under his former club. A desperate situ. apart from his personal security. The Kishin Butani, Sarath Perera, and 1997 by another resounding season. Saman Kothalawala and those three Lewke. biggest challenge, of course, was to Malith Fernando of Kandy SC. Kandy became third in the League. Fijians – Kiti, Coro, and Millie. Personal security, hectic travel the nearly four-hour journey SSP Lewke is to travel to Kandy two They beat Havelock SC 98-0, a record If there is will… journey from Vavuniya to Kandy covering days a week now. It was the turning in club rugby history here. Thomians sans any ‘imports’ A significant observation at the end: Not to say, it was a huge challenge over 175 km. point in the club’s recent destiny. The Lewke had the outstanding Later on, Lewke went on to be Even with highly professional foreign for Lewke. That moment, he was based On hindsight, he could have been rest is history. service of the players in the the Sri Lanka rugby Head Coach coaches, Kandy SC and S. Thomas’ in Vavuniya as Senior Superintendent well aware that, as someone who has Dr. Sarath Kapuwatha, Hassan calibre of the Ekanayake brothers where he had another notable career. couldn’t achieve later on, what they of Police (SSP). The situation in the undergone many counter-terrorism Sinhawansa, Siva Subramanium, and – Priyantha and L.V. Ekanayake, In addition, when he coached S. could achieve under the “part-timer” North at the time was extremely training, most of the VIP assassinations the present writer too were there to Indrajith Banadaranayake, Lasantha Thomas’, Mount Lavinia in 2000, Nimal Lewke. volatile. The civil was so raging all over the world had been when they give Lewke the necessary backing in Wijesooriya, Sudath Sampath, Imthi the side was an unbeaten champion “If there is a will, there is always a that Lewke’s predecessor had been were in movement. that arduous task. Marikkar, Nalin Dissanayake, Tuan team among schools under skipper way.” That was, obviously, the motto assassinated inside his own office by Bohoran, Asoka Jayasena, and Gavin Jayasekara. of Lewke. The Kandy rugby lovers terrorists. Lewke was occupying the Two days a week The Triple Crown schoolboy products that time such There were no “imports” in the will never forget you! In fact, they very same office. An excellent deception plan was Kandy won the “Triple Crown” that as Harris Omar, Pradeep Basnayaka, Thomian team that year. All were out owe Lewke a lot.