www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 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 43,069,901 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 7,784 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 8,835,252 230,104 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 1,156,350 INDIA 7,873,664 118,621 BRAZIL 5,381,224 156,926 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERED RUSSIA 1,513,877 26,050 16 3,803 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 3,966 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 31,744,016 SPAIN 1,110,372 34,752 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 11. 00 P.M. ON 25 OCTOBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS COVID-19 PATIENTS TOTAL CASES

4,313* Stats updated as at 7.00 p.m. on 25 October GPS mapping COVID-19 16th Covid death reported in SL The 16th Covid-19 death in was reported yesterday (25). A 70-year-old male from 2 receiving treatment inaccurate: GMOA at the General Hospital Intensive Care BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Services, GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal Fernando In order to implement digital surveillance, the Unit (ICU) died early last morning. The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said the GPS stressed that the mapping was inaccurate due to GMOA has requested the Ministry to facilitate the failure of the Epidemiology Unit to share a platform-hosting facility (web server), real- Manning Market mapping of Covid-19 patients done by the Epidemiology Unit of the necessary data with relevant parties. time PCR-positive data from all government Ministry of Health was inaccurate and not up to the expected standard. Therefore, the GMOA has taken steps to and private laboratories, and details of close closed till Nov. In a letter written to Minister of Health Pavithra Rajapaksa, the Secretary to the Ministry of develop a digital surveillance platform to contacts. The Colombo Manning Market is Wanniarachchi and copied to President Gotabaya Health, and the Director General of Health achieve the above requirement. Contd. on page 2 temporarily closed until 1 November, authorities confirmed. RS. 5,000 FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY CURFEW SC to reschedule cases Curfew in Colombo The Supreme Court, headed by the Allowance Chief Justice, has decided to reschedule cases pending before the court during the period of the quarantine curfew. SLMA makes for 15 more recommendations The Sri Lanka Medical Association police areas (SLMA) and the Intercollegiate Committee representing all medical z Rs. 2.3 billion z Rs. 16 million for dry professional colleges and associations allocated to pay over rations for orphanages put forth recommendations to contain 400,000 families and homes the current Covid-19 outbreak. A request has been made to more police areas where the curfew the Ministry of Finance to obtain has been imposed, said Gampaha Curfew in four more the necessary provisions to grant District Secretary Sunil Jayalath. areas in Colombo an allowance of Rs. 5,000 to 15 Contd. on page 2 Quarantine curfew was imposed in the , Pettah, , and 20TH AMENDMENT police areas from 6 p.m. yesterday (25) till further notice. Explanations Legal action called from errant against No decision to lift MPs: SLMC Gampaha curfew Following a discussion on errant MPs No decision has been taken to lift the Friday (23) on four of its MPs Opposition Leader Sajith curfew imposed in the Gampaha District who voted in favour of the 20th Premadasa has stated that legal today (26), Army Commander Lt. Gen. With quarantine curfew imposed in certain areas around Colombo, police officers checked persons and motorists entering Amendment to the Constitution, action will be taken against Shavendra Silva said yesterday (25). such areas yesterday (25) the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress the Samagi Jana Balawegaya PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM (SLMC) issued a statement on (SJB) parliamentarians COVID-19 RESTRICTED TRAVEL Saturday (24), noting that the who voted in favour of the Six Kalubowila QUARANTINE CURFEW MPs were asked to explain their 20th Amendment to the Hospital staff infected position. Constitution. Six staff members of the Colombo Over 500,000 Courts won’t Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 South (Kalubowila) Teaching Hospital have been identified to be positive for passenger arrivals function Covid-19. z Arrivals from March till October this year Reducing environmental Airport and Aviation Services from two of its airports during regularly: BASL Night mail trains from (Sri Lanka) (Pvt.) Ltd. (AASL) the period from March to The courts in areas where quarantine curfew pollution Fort cancelled stated that it has handled over October. has been imposed will not function for regular All night mail trains departing from 500,000 repatriated passengers Contd. on page 2 work, according to the Bar Association of Sri z Recycle drop box set the Fort Railway Station were cancelled Lanka (BASL). up at schools and from yesterday (25) onwards, stated AREAS IN WHICH QUARANTINE CURFEW Contd. on page 2 state institute the Railway Control Room. HAS BEEN DECLARED The Ministry of Environment signed Reaching dangerous GAMPAHA DISTRICT a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two private companies Minister of Environment Mahinda Fish safe for levels: Health authorities to launch an initiative to collect empty Amaraweera, Atlas Managing Director Asitha Samaraweera, and The continuous social movements consumption: carbon pens and used toothbrushes INSEE Cement Chairman Nandana have pushed the Covid-19 situation for recycling. Ekanayake with the specially in the country to dangerous levels, Contd. on page 2 designed recycle drop box Epidemiology Unit Chief Epidemiologist Wellampitiya Health Ministry Dr. Sudath Samaraweera said. NATIONAL LIST SLOT BY SARAH HANNAN Police sergeant at Gothatuwa UNP to decide this week Mulleyirawa The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed Parliament tests positive Maligawatte that fish and related products are safe for BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake A sub-inspector attached to the Keselwatte consumption, provided that they are cooked said that the party leadership would Parliament Police Intelligence Unit has Dam Street in a hygienic manner. The United National Party meet this week to decide on an tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Aduruppu Street Contd. on page 2 (UNP) is to decide who will fill individual to represent the UNP Weralabada Police the single parliamentary seat in Parliament. Station this week. Contd. on page 2 NIC mandatory to COVID-19 visit Dalada Maligawa KALUTARA DISTRICT It has been made compulsory for the Payagala Aluthgama Nothing is 100% foolproof: THASL visitors of the Temple of the Sacred Beruwala Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) BY MIHI PERERA (THASL) President Sanath Ukwatte immediately isolated, the hotels to bring their national identity card KURUNEGALA DISTRICT said that no safety measure in place were shut down, and all the staff (NIC) with them, stated Sri Dalada Kuliyapitiya Referring to the Covid-19- is 100% foolproof. present at the time were tested; the Maligawa Chief Custodian Pradeep Pannala positive cases detected in the hotel Ukwatte, speaking to The Morning, staff are being kept in the hotel Nilanga Dela (Diyawadana Nilame). Giriulla industry — at Hilton Colombo and shared that upon identifying for a few days until the results are Narammala * Updated as at 9.00 p.m. on 25th October Shangri-La Colombo specifically — temperature hikes in the employees released. SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 Dummalasuriya Source: Sri Lanka Police The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka of both hotels, the staff were Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Monday, October 26, 2020

Contd. from page 1

around has greatly affected the airports and dates where curfew is imposed will be Epidemiology Unit GPS... seaports and their surrounding towns. The rescheduled, and the new dates will be He stated that considering the zonal Bandaranaike International Airport and the notified later. lockdown and the dynamicity of the issue, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport issues map on it is mandatory to perform GPS mapping continued to operate under the regulation of patients and contacts up to the grama and supervision of the Sri Lankan health Reducing... niladhari divisions. authorities to repatriate Sri Lankans living “Studies have revealed that disposable “We are extremely disappointed to note abroad,” AASL Head of Marketing and carbon pens and toothbrushes potentially high-risk Covid-19 that patient mapping is not performed up to Corporate Communications Dr. Sumith De cause significant environmental damage. the expected standards,” he stated. Silva noted. For the first time in our country, a Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Accordingly, the Bandaranaike International programme to recycle discarded carbon pens Jayaruwan Bandara and Epidemiology Airport has handled 6,971 aircraft, 515,659 and toothbrushes will be launched in the areas in SL Unit Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath passengers, and 109,995 metric tonnes of coming weeks,” Minister of Environment The Ministry Samaraweera were not available for cargo since March 2020. Mahinda Amaraweera told The Morning. of Health’s comment. The Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport Two private companies, INSEE Cement has handled 250 aircraft, 13,325 passengers, and Atlas Sri Lanka, last week signed an Epidemiology and 69 metric tonnes of cargo during this agreement with the Ministry of Environment Unit has issued Allowance... period, fulfilling its national responsibility to support the recycling of discarded details of high-risk Accordingly, an amount of over Rs. 2.32 and making an active contribution in this toothbrushes and empty carbon pens. Covid-19 areas billion has been estimated to be distributed challenging sphere. Each school and state institution is to be in Sri Lanka. The among 464,254 families, he said. The re-emergence of Covid-19 has now given a specially designed drop box that Epidemiology Under the first phase of the programme, prompted the AASL to ensure the safety could hold 2,000 used pens and 500 used Unit released a the allowance of Rs 5,000 has already been of its employees and its customers with toothbrushes. map based on the provided to families in the Minuwangoda, necessary action taken from the outset, as “We recently partnered with the Ministry categorisation of Divulapitiya, and Veyangoda police areas in mentioned below, to continue operations. of Environment to launch an islandwide Medical Officers of the Gampaha District. Suspension of the opportunity provided recycling project to reduce the amount Health (MoH) areas, The District Secretary added that 3,702 to air travellers who have completed the of plastic released into the environment. families in the Gampaha District have been full quarantine process in Sri Lanka under An MoU was signed between us, the the number of quarantined and steps have been taken to the programme of repatriation of expatriate Ministry and INSEE Cement, signifying cases reported, and provide them dry rations. Sri Lankans from the Duty Free Shopping our participation and support in reducing the distribution of Meanwhile, a sum of Rs. 16 million Complex at the arrival terminal, subject to the damage single-use plastics cause to the quarantine centres. has been allocated to provide dry rations health regulations environment,” Atlas Managing Director The cases taken to children’s homes, elders’ homes, and The public lounge and public viewing area Asitha Samaraweera stated. into consideration economically disadvantaged pirivenas in the for air travellers was temporarily closed This programme is to be symbolically are those that were District. Disinfection of all public areas and office presented to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reported from 8 to premises within the entire airport at a future date and the initial launch of the 22 October. All necessary measures were taken within programme is scheduled to take place at the Explanations... the airport premises to minimise the risk to Vijitha Central College, Dickwella. Excerpts of the statement issued by the the outside world from staff members who – Sarah Hannan SLMC follow. directly contribute to the operational process discharge criteria considering limited Consequent to the Samagi Jana of the airport resources available Reaching... Balawegaya parliamentary group meeting, Provision of essential safety equipment to UNP to... Optimal and rational use of information Dr. Samaraweera noted that the only way SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem summoned the maximum extent possible to company “We will meet this week and this issue technology for contact tracing and to contain the virus from spreading is to limit its parliamentary group for a meeting at his staff at a cost of over Rs. 10 million per will also be addressed. Within the month, surveillance social movements. residence last evening (23), in the presence month we will decide on who will be going to 2. Management of patients Health authorities are currently engaged in of Party Secretary Nizam Kariapper. Provision of the opportunity to facilitate Parliament.” All PCR positive cases have to be identifying areas where the virus is spreading After a lengthy discussion on the matters the rest of the community in a proper Meanwhile, the Election Commission institutionalised, but not necessarily at and imposing quarantine curfew to contain relating to the vote on the “20A”, it was manner with the state-of-the-art laboratory (EC) told The Morning that they had no hospitals. Large halls or dormitories the spread of Covid-19. decided that the SLMC MPs who voted in at the airport premises say in who filled the remaining vacant with good ventilation can be converted favour of the “20A”, were asked to explain Even in this pandemic situation, the Parliament seats. as isolation centres. This will reduce the their position to the High Command of the sudden suspension of airport operations “It is up to the relevant political parties to burden on the healthcare system and the Police sergeant... Party, enabling it to take further steps on this and airline suppliers, along with other more decide on who is to take up the vacant seat hospitals Reportedly, the officer had travelled to the matter. developed countries, had a major impact on in Parliament,” said EC Chairman Mahinda National-level hospitals should be Fish Market. The Party Leader, Party Secretary, and the national economy of Sri Lanka. It has Deshapriya. reserved to maintain tertiary care Seven persons identified as close contacts of four MPs, namely H.M.M. Harees, Faizal dealt a major blow to the tourism industry, 3. Restriction of mobility the sub-inspector are under self-quarantine Cassim, M. Thowfeek, and Nazeer Ahamed related direct and indirect employment In all the affected areas, mobility needs and will be subjected to PCR tests, Sergeant- were present at the said meeting. opportunities, and all other related Fish safe... to be restricted while maintaining essential at-Arms of the Parliament Narendra The Leader also informed that the High livelihoods depending on foreign exchange Speaking to The Morning, Ministry of economic and service activities. All Fernando said. Command must meet at the earliest possible inflows, such as taxi services, tour guides, Health Acting Director General of Health regulations in the recent gazette must be According to officials, the Covid-infected date to deliberate on this issue. and the hotel sector. Services Dr. S. Sridharan said: “There is no strictly applied sub-inspector didn’t work in the main M. Nizam Kariapper – Sarah Hannan scientific evidence that the virus can thrive It may be necessary to completely isolate Parliament building. Secretary on fish that is well-cooked, although in a affected economic centres such as free Sri Lanka Muslim Congress theoretical sense, the Covid-19 virus can trade zones (FTZs) and ports of entry while 24 October 2020. Courts won’t... thrive on any surface for a considerable maintaining economic processes, supply NIC mandatory... Accordingly, in , the Supreme amount of time, unless it is disinfected.” chains, and essential services In addition, steps have also been taken Court, Court of Appeal, Civil Appellate Dr. Sridharan further reiterated that while 4. Ensuring co-ordination to temporarily suspend the admission of Legal action... High Courts, Commercial High Courts, the fish is being prepared for cooking or is Co-operation between directorates, residents of quarantine curfew areas to ensure While Members of Parliament (MPs) Provincial High Courts, District Courts, and transferred from the refrigerator, one must advisory bodies, expert groups within the the health and safety of other devotees, he have the right to make democratic decisions, Magistrates’ Courts will not function as they refrain from touching their face with the Ministry of Health, with security forces, said. it is not permissible to act outside the are situated in the Keselwatte police area, same hands. task force, and professional bodies The Diyawadana Nilame pointed out decision of a collective body, the SJB where there is a curfew declared. In the Moreover, Dr. Sridharan said that utensils 5. Quarantine process that these measures have been taken to Leader pointed out. above courts, the cases due to be mentioned that are used for storage or for the cooking The health sector must have the key ensure the safety of the devotees who visit Eight legislators representing the SJB, and called, trials, and other matters will be and preparation of fish need to be washed decision-making power regarding the Sri Dalada Maligawa daily and to maintain namely Diana Gamage, Nazeer Ahamed, postponed by way of a notice published. thoroughly after they have been used. quarantine process the traditional Dalada Pooja rituals, in the A.A.S.M. Raheem, Faizal Caseem, H.M.M. It is also announced that the Magistrate’s He also added that Minister of Health Health professionals should base the backdrop of the Covid-19 outbreak. Harees, M.S. Thowfeek, Arvind Kumar, Court in Hulftsdorp will function only for Pavithra Wanniarachchi had over the decisions on a risk assessment process Furthermore, devotees will only be and Ishak Rahman had backed the 20th the limited purpose of extension of remand weekend instructed the Department of 6. Ensuring trust and confidence of the admitted to the temple premises after Amendment to the Constitution at the vote orders, which will be done automatically Fisheries and the fisheries outlets across the general public the proper implementation of hygienic held in Parliament on Thursday night (22). through Skype, and it will apply only in country to continue to operate under strict There is a need to strictly enforce procedures such as wearing face masks, MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara, speaking respect of courthouses located in places health and safety guidelines, which should guidelines for media reporting on Covid-19 washing hands, and checking body to the media following the vote, had vowed where a curfew is in operation. be followed by vendors, suppliers, and Stigmatisation and criminalisation must temperature, he added. to take disciplinary action against SJB In areas where there is no curfew in consumers. be avoided Assistant Secretary National List MP Diana operation, the Judicial Service Commission In this regard, the Department of Fisheries Maintain supply chains and provision of Gamage. (JSC) has informed the judges to take and fisheries trade unions are tasked with essential services Nothing... At the SJB parliamentary group meeting appropriate decisions in consultation with coming up with suitable health guidelines “With the latest development, most on Friday (23), the party had decided to oust the local bars and health authorities. In that they should continue to follow and hotels have been asked to minimise staff the members who voted in support of the such an instance, reliance will be placed submit the same to the Ministry of Health Curfew in... movement for 10 days to two weeks. With 20th Amendment. on the circulars already issued by the JSC, which will later on be imposed after The Task Force at the National Operations staff who travel by public transport, we try according to the BASL. the clearance of regulations by ministry Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak to keep them in the hotels and provide them Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Supreme officials. (NOCPCO) has made the decision as a accommodation. We’re doing temperature Over 500,000... Court has announced that all the cases In the meantime, those who are involved in precautionary measure to contain the spread checks on all the employees three times a “The resurgence of Covid-19 this time that are scheduled to be taken up on the the fisheries trade and fish stalls are asked to of the virus. day and recording them. We also make sure wear a face mask at all times, practise hand a doctor is in-house or nearby, so we can washing or sanitising as necessary, maintain immediately call for medical advice and help. physical distance, and adopt respiratory No decision... “In the case of Shangri-La, the person etiquette. He stated that necessary steps will be detected is from the banquet hall. That area Cartoon of the day taken to allow the people to obtain essential has been isolated,” commented Ukwatte. items, while under quarantine curfew. He added: “This is a pandemic and the Manning... Areas where the curfew had been imposed virus spreads with human contact. Hotels are This was with regard to the ongoing for over three consecutive days will be places where people gather. They are high- Covid-19 pandemic. given the opportunity to obtain essential risk areas. We have all these protocols in place items today, he had added. — we do temperature checks on our staff as well as on our guests so we can detect a fever. SC to... We have our guests register their names, ID The rescheduled dates are to be notified Six Kalubowila... numbers, and addresses for contact tracing.” later. Accordingly, the Emergency Treatment Ukwatte urged all Sri Lankans to be very This was informed to the Attorney Unit (ETU), Ward 23, Ward 7, and the careful. “Hotels can take all the precautions, General, the Secretary to the Ministry Outpatient Department (OPD) of the hospital but if visitors bring the virus to the hotels, of Justice, and the Secretary of the Bar were temporarily closed on Saturday (24). that’s another problem,” he said, adding: Association of Sri Lanka by the Supreme However, operations of the ETU, Ward 23, “The hotel industry is unfortunately severely Court Registrar yesterday (25). and the OPD resumed as usual after a proper impacted with this virus. If you find that you disinfection of the areas was carried out, are unwell, we kindly urge you not to visit according to the Director of the hospital. hotels. Co-operate with us and give us the SLMA makes... support that we require right now.” The recommendations are as follows. However, Ukwatte noted: “Nothing is 1. General considerations Night mail... 100% foolproof. Outsiders who come in for Strengthen the Epidemiology Unit However, the Galle night mail train will weddings, etc. can bring in the virus. There’s by providing more human resources, operate as per usual. a risk there.” expertise, and funding This decision has been taken due to the Epidemiological predicting, forecasting, curfew imposed in the Fort police area. and mapping to plan preventive and A quarantine curfew was imposed in the Fort, 16th Covid... management strategies Pettah, Borella, and Welikada police areas This is the third Covid-19-related death Revise the patient admission and yesterday. reported in Sri Lanka this week the morning Monday, October 26, 2020 3 business CBSL Governor CSE open today wants shift in multilateral financial despite Fort curfew institutions’ support The Colombo Stock Exchange the country to open a Central as well as due to restricted (CSE) will be open for trading Depository Systems (CDS) mobility, according to the CSE. today (26) despite the imposition account to trade in the market According to the SEC, the of curfew in Fort, where it is without the need to visit a branch payment settlement was rendered situated, and other parts of office. impossible during the previous Colombo, unlike the previous The digitalisation also occasion, which necessitated the Covid-19-imposed curfew period featured the revamp of the market closure, but digitalisation earlier this year. CSE and the Securities and has addressed this issue. The CSE Chairman Dumith Exchange Commission (SEC) digitalised platform requires Fernando confirmed this to digital touchpoints, including CDS account holders to provide The Morning Business last (25) the new CSE, SEC, and CDS their bank details to make sure evening. “Yes, we plan to stay websites that were relaunched that settlement would be done open for trading. We have run the with “user-friendly” interfaces even during a curfew as long proper preparatory exercises and to offer users an informative as the banking sector remains From left: World Bank Country Director for the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris are ready to operate remotely,” he browsing experience covering active. Even during the previous Hadad-Zervos; World Bank Country Manager for Sri Lanka Chiyo Kanda; and CBSL said. trading information, regulatory lockdown, most banks remained Governor Deshamanya Prof. W.D. Lakshman This would be a welcome change information, as well as investor- open as they were deemed Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Prof. Lakshman said such for investors and stockbrokers centric information maintained by essential services. Governor Deshamanya Prof. W.D. rethinking was necessary to enable from the first Covid-19 lockdown/ the CDS. The seven-week market closure Lakshman has emphasised the emerging and developing economies curfew period in Sri Lanka when With the new online account created uncertainties amongst need to rethink support provided by to strengthen their production and the market was kept closed for a opening feature offered by the the investors, particularly among multilateral financial institutions to innovative capacity, in particular, staggering seven weeks. CSE mobile app, prospective foreign investors who were emerging and developing economies through this support, thereby The continued operation of investors can begin investing unhappy that they were being like Sri Lanka. enhancing economic stability and the CSE has been made possible instantly with their account prevented from pulling out their This point was made by Prof. resilience of such countries. CSE Chairman Dumith Fernando due to its recent digitalisation opening, trading, and settlements, investments in a volatile market Lakshman when World Bank Beyond this, they discussed various initiative, which was completed Furthermore, the CSE launched a and monitor their accounts situation. This, along with other Country Director for the Maldives, matters of mutual interest, including on 17 September, with the new CSE mobile app for end-to- remotely. macroeconomic conditions and Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris Hadad- ongoing and future World Bank conversion of paper-based end digital onboarding and online The CSE was kept closed from a bleak outlook, has resulted in Zervos, accompanied by World Bank support for several sectors in Sri statements to electronic forms account opening that removes 20 March to 10 May mainly a huge outflow of foreign funds Country Manager for Sri Lanka Lanka, in particular, the education to facilitate companies listed the barriers to entry for new due to the inability of being from the CSE since its reopening; Chiyo Kanda, paid a courtesy call on and health sectors as well as the on the CSE to pay dividends investors, enabling any eligible physically present at the CSE a trend that has continued even up the Governor of the Central Bank on small and medium enterprise (SME) electronically to shareholders. prospective investor around to undertake usual operations to the last week. Friday (23). informal sector.

Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has launched the SLT creates community SLTDA streamlines tourism SLT GO Wi-Fi solution to enable SLT Broadband customers and overall Wi-Fi networks investment approval process internet consumers The Sri Lanka Tourism during the past 10 years. The inter- making the investment process of Sri Lanka to enjoy Development Authority (SLTDA) agency collaboration was further a streamlined and transparent Wi-Fi connectivity on announced that it has streamlined strengthened recently with the process which is investor-focused. the go via community the tourism investment project continuous dialogue which resulted This is one more step on the Wi-Fi networks. This approval process and the in bringing together all project- path of placing Sri Lanka at the connectivity will extend facilitation services provided approving government agencies to forefront of tourism globally. It to over 23 million Wi-Fi by the Investor Relations Unit prepare one common application has been USAID-SAIL’s privilege hotspot connections in (IRU), the unit established within for tourism investments. to partner with the SLTDA on this over 25 countries around the SLTDA as the centralised “In addition, the approval journey.” the world. facilitation arm for tourism processes of key approving Responding to the achievements Community Wi-Fi investments in the country. agencies were mapped to spot the recently made by the IRU, SLTDA networks offer wireless The key objective of this effort duplications and delays due to Chairperson Kimarli Fernando network access to visitors is to provide a single point of unnecessary steps and multiple stated: “The above achievements and nearby users, thus contact for the investors in the signatories. The process was are not made solely by the creating a virtual public tourism sector and to provide an thereby streamlined and as a SLTDA. It’s a joint effort made Wi-Fi network. efficient, effective, and hassle-free result, the time taken to issue a by all government agencies. The Fon Wireless Ltd. investment facilitation process for preliminary clearance was able collaboration and support given is a global wireless Existing Broadband service by purchasing to stay connected and tourism investments. to be reduced from 45 days to 25 by all the government agencies network that pioneered customers will also have Wi-Fi passes as a prepaid how this is sometimes In general, an investor in the days. The total average number in making these improvements residential WiFi sharing access to data within the solution to enjoy the quite tedious when tourism sector has to fill individual of the reduction of days taken for to the process are tremendous. over a decade ago. volume of their home service provided. you’re on the move or applications for several line project approvals is expected to be The SLTDA thanks all the Recognising this, SLT broadband packages. Commenting at the travelling abroad. SLT agencies for approval of a tourism reduced further in the future,” the heads of those agencies and all said it has partnered When customers are launch, SLT CEO has provided a solution project. The number of agencies SLTDA said. the government officers who with Fon Wireless Ltd. on the go, the SLT GO Kiththi Perera stated: to this problem. We are applicable for a tourism project Technical support for the above contributed to this effort. Very to provide community app will automatically “As the national extremely grateful to is comparatively higher if the streamlining process was provided soon, the entire process will be Wi-Fi connectivity to connect them to the telecommunication Fon Wireless Ltd. for projects are located closer to a to the SLTDA by the United automated and the facility will be SLT customers as well as nearest available Wi-Fi service provider, we take partnering with us and sensitive attraction. The process, States Agency for International available for the investor to submit non-SLT customers. hotspot. pride in collaborating helping us make this therefore, becomes tedious, Development – Supporting the application online and to track SLT GO, Sri Lanka’s Users may access the with Fon Wireless Ltd. possible.” complex, and time-consuming and Accelerated Investment in Sri the progress of approvals. This will largest Wi-Fi network, service in two ways. SLT to bring you community SLT and non-SLT as a result, incurs a considerable Lanka (USAID-SAIL) project with be an integrated system where all allows users access to Broadband customers Wi-Fi networks, a way to consumers can activate cost for the investor. This situation a team of experts with international the project-approving agencies and unlimited data using need to simply use their stay connected no matter this service to connect sometimes also encourages third expertise and exposure. Talking utility agencies are connected.” their smartphone, mobile current username and where in the world you to community Wi-Fi party involvements which lead to about the contribution made by The SLTDA said it encourages device, or laptop for password. Any other are. We recognise the networks whether from corruption. the SAIL project, International all the investors to obtain the prepaid customers. customers may enjoy this importance of being able home or overseas. Finding solutions for the above Development Group Country services of the IRU to obtain issues; a centralised facilitation Director Chief of Party Glenn reliable information on the process, unit was established by the F.J. Mackenzie-Frazer stated: proper guidance, and facilitation SLTDA in late 2010. The IRU “The hard work and dedication services to ensure successful Ideal offers Sri Lanka’s first free has approved 503 projects with a of the SLTDA Investor Relations tourism projects with proper total value of $ 3789.04 million Unit is now bearing fruit and quality standards. vehicle insurance cover Ideal Motors (Pvt.) Ltd. and its subsidiary Ideal First Choice (Pvt.) Ltd. (part of the Ideal Group of Samsung launches Galaxy Companies) have pioneered an insurance reward scheme free of charge; an industry first for vehicle Z Fold 2 in Sri Lanka owners who continue to avail services from both Ideal Motors Samsung Sri Lanka mystic bronze colour and Ideal First Choice workshops. has introduced the with exclusive telecom The Ideal Motors main workshop next generation of its partner Dialog and at located in exclusively foldable devices range, authorised partners undertakes repairs and services for the Samsung Galaxy Z John Keells Office Mahindra vehicles and the 11 Ideal Fold 2. Automation and First Choice Workshops located “With a larger cover Softlogic Retail, and islandwide undertake repairs and screen and massive customers will also services for multi-brand vehicles main screen, the Galaxy avail a one-time screen including Mahindra vehicles. Z Fold 2 combines replacement offer with Ideal Group Founder and solid design and expert every purchase of Chairman Nalin Welgama From left: Ideal Motors (Pvt.) Ltd. Director – Automotive Chaminda Wanigaratne, craftsmanship with the Galaxy Z Fold 2. stated: “We are delighted to Allianz Insurance Lanka Ltd. Director/CEO Gany Subramaniam, Ideal Group intuitive new features Customers could reach reward our customers with a Chairman Nalin Welgama, and Ideal Group Director – Legal and Corporate Affairs for a unique mobile Sri Lanka has shown its With enhancements out for any assistance by free personal accident insurance Nimisha Welgama experience that offers the love for new technology across hardware and contacting the Galaxy cover; a first-time event in Sri and trusted Allianz insurance and daily hospital cash allowance. versatility that everyday by making our previous user experience, as well Premier Service hotline Lanka’s automobile market. At Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. for this Ideal Group consists of over life demands,” Samsung foldable smartphones a as our industry-leading allocated for Galaxy Ideal Group, we are constantly initiative.” a 1,000 team members and Sri Lanka said. huge success. With the partnerships with Google Z Fold 2 customers on providing innovative solutions to The insurance cover offers has a turnover of more than Samsung Sri Lanka Galaxy Z Fold 2, we and Microsoft, we are 0117 540 540 or post our loyal customers. We believe a range of benefits including Rs. 20 billion annually. Ideal Managing Director are taking another bold unfolding a new era inquiries on Samsung vehicle owners of any brand accidental death, total and/or Group specialises in assembly, Kevin SungSu YOU step towards the future, of possibilities for the Members, which offers should be honoured with this permanent disablement, accidental importation, and distribution of said: “At Samsung, we creating newer, more mobile device.” assistance, providing reward for choosing to service death due to an accident as a motor vehicles and multi-brand believe in pushing the intuitive experiences The Galaxy Z Fold real-time solutions their vehicles with us. We have passenger in a car, rider on a bike, spare parts, and automotive after boundaries of innovation. for our consumers. 2 will be available in a through live chat. partnered with the highly reputed funeral benefits, medical expenses, sales services. the morning 4 Monday, October 26, 2020 brunch American Centre holds virtual seminar on ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION BY NAVEED ROZAIS something that requires great accuracy, over time, humans will find it difficult The American Centre in Colombo hosted a webinar on robotics and to maintain the same level of accuracy; automation as part of their Makerspace on 24 October. The webinar was these are situations where robots are an advantage.” conducted by mechatronics specialist and tech company Zone 24x7 Senior Robots are designed to make life easier Designer Ranjan Kulathunga. The webinar was held by The American by carrying out monotonous and high- Centre as part of their Makerspace, a platform conceptualised to provide accuracy tasks, leaving humans more easily young inventors, entrepreneurs, and educators with technology and able to pursue more creative and thought- resources to foster innovation and solve problems. provoking tasks. Kulathunga also spoke about the Makerspace conducts courses and through their depictions in science fiction, present scope of robotics and the integral public seminars on subjects like robotics inspiring potential makers in children to role that they will play in the future, and automation and fosters Sri Lanka’s look at the world differently. Speaking explaining that even countries like Sri makers’ community, hosting the first Sri on science fiction media like movies and Lanka have great potential for contributing Lankan Maker Fair in 2019 with the US television shows, Kulathunga shared: to the field of robotics, with companies like Embassy. “People back then envisioned what the Zone 24x7 designing robots for companies The seminar, led by Kulathunga, who future would look like, and now, much of in the US. is also Makerspace Co-ordinator at the what they imagined is real and can be made Kulathunga also explained that robots American Centre, dealt with the value of simply nowadays too.” have different applications across all fields robotics and how it applies in day-to-day Speaking on what separates a robot of industry, from exoskeletal robots that life, while also discussing trends in robotics from a machine, Kulathunga explained allow the differently abled to achieve in a Sri Lankan context. that, basically, robots are reprogrammable unimpaired function, to commercial robots muscle structures and understand how future where they become a problem for Kulathunga shared that there is quite machines, who also have the capacity to that can revolutionise retail processes like muscles work and how movement happens. us? A complicated question, and one that an active makers’ community in Sri adapt to obstacles when performing tasks, inventory to a myriad application between If you want to be a robotic engineer, you Kulathunga left open for participants to Lanka, with the first Maker Fair being while a machine can only do one thing industries like education, entertainment, absolutely need to understand biology. ponder. held last year, which attracted over 7,000 under specific conditions. This is because medicine, and the military to name a few. Many robots feature algorithms based on Makerspace at the American Centre people over the course of two days. These of sensors, scanners, cameras, and other Robotics is not all computers, biological processes. Even AI (artificial was initiated in 2013 as a space to provide Sri Lankan makers came together in the pieces of tech that allow them to be more numbers, and engineering, Kulathunga intelligence) requires working with resources and nurture talent to design early days of the pandemic, contributing flexible. shared, explaining that it was very artificial neurons and neural networks, something new in the technical field. knowledge and expertise to design Kulathunga stressed that robots are not important for designers working in robotics which requires significant biological Makerspace conducts short programmes innovations like special robots to deliver always necessary, but in certain situations to have a solid understanding of biology. knowledge.” and public seminars on technology and things to patients and UV lamps to help can give humans an advantage. “If you “To design perfect robots, you need an Ending the webinar, Kulathunga posed advancement. All programmes are free destroy the Covid-19 virus. assign a task to a human and if they do understanding of biology because you are the question that has been the subject of of charge. For more information, please Kulathunga explained that robots have it the whole day, they will get tired,” imitating human or animal actions. You many a thrilling piece of science fiction visit the American Centre’s Facebook or a very special place in human imagination Kulathunga said, adding: “Also, if it is need to understand skeletal systems and – will our developing robots lead to a Instagram pages. Christmas Craft Market Infinity pool BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE overlooking the Mapakada Lake On 21 November, Space Leap will be hosting their first edition of the Christmas Craft Market at the Sapumal Foundation from 10 a.m. Mapakada Village onwards. Space Leap and LEAP by Mihiri Founder Mihiri Devendra shared that awarded 2020 the event is set to be an interesting mix of traditional Sri Lankan artisans TripAdvisor Travellers’ and international makers based in the island coming together for a one-of-a- Choice award kind Christmas market. Palmyra weaving workshop Mapakada Village She shared that guests can Mahiyangana announced expect an amazing range of products that it has been recognised from books, baskets, accessories, as a 2020 TripAdvisor homeware, jewellery, art, collectibles, Travellers’ Choice award- food, and beverages to get you started winner recently. This award on your Christmas shopping with Space Leap and LEAP by Mihiri Founder Mihiri Devendra (left) is presented to Mapakada meaningful gifts that tell a story. Village in recognition for The venue, Sapumal Foundation Christmas gift for someone. said that they hope that as time goes on consistently receiving a large Sunset breakfast amidst nature at Barnes Place, is a space that has She said that one of the primary things would soon change. number of positive guest overlooking the serene been dedicated for artists to find reasons they chose to have this event Additionally, she stated that feedback throughout a full Mapakada Lake and the solace and express their creativity. is to provide some ease to those courtesy of Space Leap, guests year of TripAdvisor reviews, majestic mountains of Managed by Space Leap, the space artists and artisans in the island can also participate in a number of placing them in the top 10% the central hills. With a offers opportunities for artisans and who have had to suffer during this workshops that are periodically run of properties in the region. sprawling garden, infinity artists from around the island to come pandemic; to allow them a space at the venue. As a jewellery maker “The past year has been pool, and abundant nature together and connect. where they can market their smaller- and designer herself, curated classes challenging for the entire and wildlife in and around Devendra shared that Space scale homegrown products. She said for jewellery designing and making hospitality industry. From the property, a stay at Leap aims to create an opportunity that while other places do exist for are always available with a number the Easter bombings to the Mapakada Village is a truly for makers to meet people within similar purposes, many participants of other crafts; an example being unprecedented Covid-19 rejuvenating experience. an interesting space connected to have not been paid upfront and often the most recent palmyra weaving pandemic, the industry The resort tastefully Colombo’s creative history, stating work on a commission basis and as workshop, where they had wonderful Creative workshop has been grappling with curates its offerings to that what they’ve done is provide an such, have had to suffer some losses. ladies who came all the way from multiple setbacks. The provide guests with a truly avenue where creatives can come Devendra also shared that their Vavuniya to instruct the participants. IF YOU ARE AN ARTISAN AND Mapakada Village team immersive experience enjoy the beautiful gardens of the space is usually utilised by university For all this and more, if you are YOU WISH TO REGISTER, YOU worked relentlessly to of Mahiyanganaya. The Sapumal Foundation and get inspired students studying arts, architecture, and creative or are looking to be amongst CAN CALL THE FOLLOWING provide our guests with the main restaurant serves through art, crafts, and creativity. engineering who come and study their creative things, then it’s probably NUMBER FOR TABLE SPACE best in service, food, and authentic Sri Lankan meals Guests who make it to the market gallery and collection. However, these in your favour to lock down your (RS. 5,000) OR TENT SPACE memorable experiences. for breakfast, lunch, and will also be guided on a curated tour of activities too have been hampered due calendar for a special Saturday of (RS. 8, 000-10,000). Receiving this award is an dinner whilst providing the Sapumal Foundation’s incredible to the current situation and students crafts, culture, and creativity at the FOR MORE INFORMATION, honour in knowing that our guests with the flexibility gallery of art by the 43 Group, courtesy do not visit the venue anymore. She Christmas Craft Market. CONTACT 0777 301 166 guests have placed their to dine anywhere, anytime of the Foundation’s guardian and trust in us and have enjoyed they desire. Guests can curator Rohan De Soyza. their stay. The effects of also enjoy curated dining Devendra shared with all their Covid-19 is not yet over, experiences, from a sunrise good intentions, considering the and we continue to take all breakfast and high tea prevailing unpredictable situation extensive measures required on the boat to “catch and in the country, they are remaining to comply with health dine” experiences that are hopeful to have the event on 21 regulations to uphold the extremely popular amongst November, although they had highest standards of hygiene guests who visit Mapakada originally hoped to have it on 14 and safety to ensure our Village Mahiyangana. November, which also happens to be guests are protected and feel To find out more Deepavali; and so they hoped to have safe during their stay with about how to book your a celebration in light of the festival us,” said Mapakada Village next holiday at Mapakada with some fireworks. However, Mahiyangana Managing Village, call the reservations Devendra shared that the event would Director Kumudula De team on 0777 926 790 not be any less spectacular. Silva. or email reservations@ She added that there will also be Located approximately mapakadavillage.lk or visit a children’s painting workshop with 10 minutes away from www.mapakadavillage. handmade wooden elephant figurines the Mahiyangana town, lk and avail yourself of a taking place between 11 a.m. and 12 lies Mapakada Village, a special discount with the noon; the perfect opportunity for kids secluded 14-room resort offer code MVPR20. to get creative and make a special Sapumal Foundation the morning 5 Monday , October 26, 2020 sports NBA won’t clash with Olympics Kapil Dev is fine CSA left without a Head The 2020-21 National Basketball Association (NBA) Kapil Dev is “absolutely fine” and has At least six members of the South season is now set to accommodate the postponed been discharged from the hospital Africa (CSA) board have acceded to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics after previous doubts over Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Delhi request of their members’ council, the highest whether the sport’s top stars could represent their yesterday (25). Chetan Sharma, one decision-making body in South African nations at the Games. According to ESPN, the new of Dev’s contemporaries in the Indian cricket – made up of the 14 provincial affiliate NBA season is now due to start on 22 December, team, has revealed so. The 61-year- presidents – and have stood down from their around two months after the conclusion of the 2020 NBA Finals. It will finish in time to old’s condition has been evaluated and an emergency coronary angioplasty positions yesterday (25). The list included Acting President Beresford Williams, who allow players to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, set for July-August next year. has been performed on Thursday (22) following his heart attack. took over from Chris Nenzani in August, leaving CSA without a President now.

Brindon Bagirathan Jaffna Stallions bought by Brindon Bagirathan Jaffna Stallions, one of the five teams/ franchises of the (LPL), which is scheduled to be played from 21 November to 13 December in Pallekele and Hambantota, is now owned by a UK-based consortium led by successful healthcare entrepreneur Brindon Bagirathan, international media revealed yesterday (25). The way their No. 11 batsman Khaleel Ahmed pushed one onto the off and almost walked to the other end when SRH needed a “gettable” 13 off three balls was inexplicable – the only rational explanation can “It will boost cricketing interest among be “it’s a drama” like WWF. He looked as if he wanted to get run out; as if he was saying to himself “please get me out, please get me out!” young cricketers in the island nation and offer real opportunities in the future,” Jaffna Stallions CEO Selva Waran said. , Dawid Malan, , Shoaib Malik, and are some of the key players picked by the Jaffna Stallions in the Players Draft held last week. Is IPL a tournament The team has also picked three home- grown talented youngsters from Jaffna, Theivendram Dinoshan (18), Vijayakanth Viyaskanth (19), and Kanagarathnam Kabilraj (21) in the squad. “Bagirathan is known and renowned amongst cricket circles, most prevalent or a drama? in Australia, England, and India. The core motivation of the franchise is to By Revatha S. Silva Some already argue that this year’s IPL is 12 runs, losing all 10 wickets for a total of 114 the other end when SRH needed a “gettable” develop cricket in the Northern Province It rises again, again, and again… simply like the World Wrestling Federation in 19.5 overs. Incredible. The KXIP majority 13 off three balls was inexplicable – the only in Sri Lanka. This is highlighted by the That’s the dubious fixing allegations (WWF) bouts that are enacted for the world shareholder is Mohit Burman (46%). Bollywood rational explanation can be “it’s a drama” like picking of three Jaffna-based cricketers,” entertainment market as shows produced star Preity Zinta, who owns about 23% of its WWF. He looked as if he wanted to get run out; one report added. against the ongoing Indian Premier according to a script, adding more and more shares, was seen watching the game cheering. as if he was saying to himself “please get me “The inclusion of three Jaffna-born League (IPL) 2020, now being played excitement into debilitating brawls. By the end of 16 overs of their reply, SRH out, please get me out!” youngsters in our team is a testimony to in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The latest example came from Saturday’s looked as if they were heading for another the kind of cricketing talent this Province The mind boggling over-excitement – (24) match no. 43 of the tournament this time, fantastic finish with Manish Pandey and Vijay Some interesting reactions seen has. It is also an encouragement to the very close finishes, many tied games, and played between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Shankar batting, needing a highly possible 28 on social media cricketing community of Jaffna and rural unexpected twists that are abundant – in this Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Dubai. runs from 24 balls. yy “I think Khaleel Ahmed wanted a hug cricketers across the island. I am confident year’s tournament happening behind closed KXIP, led by Lokesh Rahul, won by 12 runs But Chris Jordan (3/23) and Arshdeep from Preeti Zinta (the franchise owner of that the LPL will further boost cricketing doors is too good to be true, the ardent IPL in another dramatic finish. It was too dramatic, Singh (3/17) from KXIP came on to trigger a the eventual winner KXIP)” interest among young cricketers and followers look to be saying. yet the least convincing, as SRH fell 12 runs remarkable collapse where the Hyderabad side offer real opportunities in the future. Our Television viewers are provided with recorded short of their target of 127. lost their last six wickets for 15 runs – from 100 yy “Match is fixed 100 %, 19.4 (needed 13 consortium shall strive to work beyond cheering sounds of spectators to make them The way SRH collapsed quite unusually from for three to 114 all out. in 3)” the LPL matches and make real grassroots forget it is played in empty stadia. Fixing a position, where they needed 71 runs from The way the SRH batsmen went for their yy “Arshdeep Singh to Khaleel Ahmed, no progress to help the development of allegations are not new to the IPL, a brainchild 83 balls with 10 wickets in hand, was a hot shot and their runs were nothing but laughable. run, oh ho ho, a proper defence to point. cricket in Jaffna. We hope that one day of Lalit Modi, who himself has a very dubious talking point on social media yesterday (25). The way their No. 11 batsman Khaleel Ahmed What was that son!” one of our kids will play at a national and track record as a businessman. The David Warner-led SRH eventually lost by pushed one onto the off and almost walked to international level,” Waran said.

Square Amending the Sports Act of 1973 Cuts by Sudath Pasqual The time is NOW, Namal! When Namal Rajapaksa was appointed as the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, he capital, but does he have the ear Is this the most pressing valve that can be eased to release the was quick to highlight the need to revoke of his father and his uncle on issue facing the President tensions brought on by the present-day and revise the Sports Act of 1973. Most of this matter? Blood relationships and the PM of Sri Lanka pandemic. Sports offer a pleasant and whom are familiar with the 1973 Sports in politics matter only if those in the midst of a health healthy distraction from the unpleasantness Act and its shortcomings were cautiously relationships have the power to crisis? No, it is not. of our daily pandemic-induced grind. optimistic about the disagreeable piece of draw political blood. Are sports important Our obsessive, compulsive, and legislation finally getting the axe. In other words, a political sibling for the social wellbeing sometimes neurotic fascination with all In Sri Lanka, for systemic change to seeking radical systemic change must of the nation at a time of things Covid-19 could provide the political happen, it must be propelled by force(s) have the ability to force that change a pandemic? Yes, most cover for Namal Rajapaksa to push through of immense political power. When Namal because he/she has enough electoral clout certainly. Sports, along the statutory changes needed to adjust the Rajapaksa said that the existing Sports Act to be influential at the next election, on with various forms of art, asymmetry of power between the Minister must be amended, those words had the power their own merit. may be the most important of Sports and Youth Affairs and the sporting to inspire and raise expectations, because activities available to a order. he has the needed political support to make A sports issue amidst society to battle the mental If Namal Rajapaksa is serious about that change happen. the pandemic and physical fatigue of introducing structural change and Does Namal Rajapaksa have that kind dealing with the pressures adjustments to the order, this may be Making radical, systemic change of electoral clout? Probably not, but he of a pandemic. the time to get cracking on it, while the Namal Rajapaksa, after all, is the son of has the clout to pester his father and his country’s political order is distracted by the Prime Minister (PM) and the nephew uncle until they throw up their hands and The Daily News of 5 September 2020 reported on the readiness of the THIS is the time the enormity of tackling the Covid-19 new Sports and Youth Affairs Minister to enact a new Sports Act in six of the President. Yes, he has the political give into his demands. months, amending the existing archaic 1973 Sports Act Sports are a safety pandemic.