PCR Capacity to Be Maintained the Present PCR Testing Capacity in the Told the Sunday Morning on Friday (6)

Covid takes CPC to profitability

GR GETS RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 03 – NO. 06 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2020 HANDS ON AS MUTATING STRAINS LAND GRAB VIRUS TAKES AND CHANGING RACKET IN CENTRE STAGE SYMPTOMS NUGEGODA »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE PAGE 10 »SEE PAGES 3 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 GENERAL PREVENTIVE GUIDELINES For verified information on the coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any of the following authorities Suwasariya Ambulance Service 1999 Health Promotion Bureau Quarantine Unit 0112 112 705 1990 Epidemiology Unit 0112 695 112 Govt. coronavirus hotline 0113071073 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Wash hands with soap for 40-60 Wear a commercially available mask/ Maintain a minimum distance Use gloves when shopping, using Use traditional Sri Lankan greeting Always wear a mask, avoid crowded Hotline 0113456200-4 seconds, or rub hands with alcohol- cloth mask or a surgical mask at all of 1 metre from others, especially public transport, etc. and discard into at all times instead of handshaking, vehicles, maintain distance, and wash Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 based handrub for 20-30 seconds times in public places in public places a lidded bin lined with a bag hugging, and/or kissing hands before and after travelling Email [email protected] OIL PIPELINE RENOVATION Govt. yet to end China deal z Local engineers offer lower cost z TUs urge Minister to terminate

BY MAHEESHA MUDGAMUWA The proposal was submitted to However, even though Cabinet Minister nor the present Minister They are pushing for it to be handed the Cabinet by former Minister approval was received, the project has taken any action to terminate over to local engineers at the CPC and Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila is under fire as he of Petroleum Industries Kabir had not proceeded due to the the project. Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals is yet to terminate a costly Chinese oil pipeline renovation Hashim last October to renovate vehement opposition by the trade The TUs attached to the Ceylon Ltd. (CPSTL) at a total cost of Rs. the dilapidated oil pipeline at a cost unions (TUs) last year. Petroleum Corporation (CPC) raised 1,900 million for the renovation of project, despite local engineers offering to carry out the of Rs. 15 billion by China Petroleum Yet, the project still has Cabinet concerns over the delay of the Minister both 12 and 18-inch pipelines. work at one-tenth the cost, The Sunday Morning learnt. Pipeline Bureau (CPP). approval, as neither the previous in terminating the expensive project. Contd. on page 2 Our daily bread? RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS PCR capacity to be maintained The present PCR testing capacity in the told The Sunday Morning on Friday (6). He added that the issues that prevailed country would be maintained despite the He stressed that there would be no regarding PCR testing in the country have introduction of a new rapid antigen test reduction in the number of PCR tests now been sorted and therefore, the PCR tests for Covid-19, Ministry of Health Chief conducted in the country at present, despite are being carried out at maximum capacity. Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath Samaraweera the new rapid antigen test being introduced. Contd. on page 2 FOREIGNCAPITAL REVENUE BY MIGRANT WORKERS HEIGHTS SL records decline CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION of $ 1 b so far UPWARDS BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA loss of jobs by Sri Lankan migrant workers since the The country was expected Covid-19 outbreak affected CAPITAL HEIGHTS to lose over $ 1 billion in their employment. RS. 34 MILLION foreign revenue due to the Contd. on page 2 VISIT OUR UPWARDSWEBSITE CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS+94 OUR 763112233 MIGRANT WORKER JOB LOSSES RS.35SHOW APARTMENT MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS Report due PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OUR SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITE VISIT OUR +94 763112233WEBSITE A stock of bread was seen taken to a bakery in Attidiya, Ratmalana on Friday (6). The level of hygiene in handling tomorrow the stock, however, remains a question READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk+94 763112233 PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA BY SARAH HANNAN READY FORSHOW INSPECTION APARTMENT KERAWALAPITIYA LNG PLANT The SriPROJECT Lanka Bureau ofNEARING Foreign Employment COMPLETION READY FOR INSPECTION Expensive fertiliser (SLBFE) will publish its report on the number of job PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION Launch on Prez’s losses that was compiled using data gathered via its hurting farmers online survey form tomorrow (9). anniversary Contd. on page 2 z Free fertiliser delay derails ‘Maha’ plans The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will commence the construction of the 300 The timely cultivation of crops for the upcoming EAST CONTAINER TERMINAL MW Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power Maha season has been jeopardised as the Government plant in Kerawalapitiya on 17 November to has failed to deliver free fertiliser on time, pushing Ports Authority commemorate the completion of President farmers to purchase fertiliser from shops at a high price, Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s first year in office, The Sunday Morning learnt. CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath told The “The Government is misleading the farmers this time denies Indian stake Sunday Morning. by saying they are unable to deliver the fertiliser for their Contrary to media reports, by the Sri Lanka Ports Contd. on page 2 cultivating needs on time and telling to purchase fertiliser no decision has been taken by Authority (SLPA), to India’s using their (farmers) personal funds”. the Government to hand over Adani Group, according to FISHERIES SECTOR Contd. on page 2 the East Container Terminal the SLPA. (ECT), which is now operated Contd. on page 2 Govt. eliminates KOTMALE DAM ELEVATION ‘middlemen’ Capacity to be doubled In a bid to ensure the income levels of The water capacity of the Kotmale Common Infrastructure Facilities of fishermen are unharmed due to the impact Reservoir and Dam is to be more than Settlements and Canals in Mahaweli of Covid-19, the Government has directed doubled by raising the dam by 30 metres, Zones Siripala Gamlath said: “The the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) to irrigate arable lands in the Mahaweli intention of this project is to improve and others purchasing fish to make their H Zone towards the Anuradhapura the water supply to the two districts State Minister Siripala Gamlath inspecting the purchases directly from the fishermen. and Puttalam Districts, it is learnt. that are under the Mahaweli H Zone. model reservoir dam complex during a recent Contd. on page 2 State Minister of Development of Contd. on page 2 visit to the Kotmale reservoir project office 2 the sunday morning FOCUS/NEWS Sunday, November 8, 2020

BY SARAH HANNAN Last week, the ambient air quality above Sri Lanka reached unhealthy reading levels for about four days Air pollution vs. Covid-19 straight. z Air pollution could increase risk of respiratory diseases like Covid-19 The restriction of movements and the public being mandated to wear the pollutants or the particulate pollution conditions are expected (µg/m3) of air and annually should that when the air is polluted, people In terms of Covid-19, the WHO facemasks when outdoors, somewhat matter that should be present in to fluctuate and if the public is stand at 25 µg/m3 of air. inadvertently breathe bad-quality has repeated many times what reduced the possible exposure of the the atmosphere should be a lot exposed to the low-quality air air. Through the lungs, it will cause measures need to be taken, from masses to the pollutants that were less these days since there is very that is circulating, they would Covid-19 symptoms major damage, already increasing the washing your hands, maintaining present. less vehicular movement, and experience some breathing aggravated risk of chronic respiratory diseases good hygiene, and ensuring that you According to data from the factories too are running at half their difficulties, specifically sensitive In a recent interview for the such as lung cancer, obstructive respect the physical distance that it National Building Research capacity due to Covid-19 health groups (i.e., children, the elderly, World Health Organisation chronic pulmonary diseases, is recommending, to avoiding very Organisation’s (NBRO) Air Quality guidelines. However, the change in pregnant women, and people with (WHO), its Department of Public asthma, pneumonia, and others. crowded places in which you may Monitoring Centres, apart from wind direction seems to be pushing respiratory illnesses), but not Health, Environment, and Social The very small particles can then have very close contact with other the southern parts of Sri Lanka, polluted atmospheric air from the others. Determinants of Health Director reach the bloodstream, affecting the people, ensuring natural ventilation, the particulate matter level in the Indian subcontinent these days, The presence of such pollution Dr. Maria Neira highlighted how air cardiovascular system and other and the use of masks whenever they atmosphere in Colombo, Kandy, which brought in the smog and a conditions can be observed due pollution could aggravate symptoms organs. are recommended. Puttalam, Vavuniya, Jaffna, and other haze situation mid-week.” to natural changes such as the of Covid-19 in terms of the present “In the case of the patients with “But in the case of air pollution, places had increased abnormally Elaborating on the phenomenon, invisibility of buildings and other community health. Covid-19, those who will be more at the most important recommendation since 27 October, reaching unhealthy Premasiri noted that when the NBRO places far away from the horizon, “About seven million premature a severe risk of developing illness are is that in those countries where the levels. observed the real-time air quality the appearance of smoke in the deaths are caused every year due those with underlying conditions like levels of air pollution are very high, Although Sri Lanka experienced a map, it had confirmed that the air surrounding atmosphere, and the to exposure to air pollution. If you high blood pressure, heart diseases, we need to enforce legislation to similar incident at around the same quality above the Indian subcontinent presence of a slightly darker sky. realise that exposure to air pollution or respiratory diseases. We see that reduce those levels of air pollution,” time in 2019, the levels were below was found to be at unhealthy levels In Sri Lanka, the ambient air will increase the risk of diseases of air pollution might exacerbate those Dr. Neira noted. the reading of 150 on the Air Quality and the change in wind direction quality is regulated under the the respiratory system – and that diseases and make the patients and She added that citizens should be Index (AQI) metre. This time, it had meant that all pollutants were blown National Environmental Act and Covid-19 is mainly a disease of population more vulnerable to the aware of the fact that the air pollution shot over 190, which is categorised over Sri Lanka during the past few according to the schedule published the respiratory system – you will disease, and exacerbate the severity is affecting their health, and by doing as unhealthy. days. under Extraordinary Gazette No. realise that we are increasing the of developing a more serious illness,” so, requesting the authorities at the To understand the possible reasons In 2019, Sri Lanka ranked 25th 1562/22 of 15 August 2008, the susceptibility and vulnerability she elaborated. city or country level to tackle the behind the drop in air quality, out of the 98 countries where air maximum permissible level for of people who are exposed to air Dr. Neira then pointed out that the causes of air pollution, reducing the The Sunday Morning contacted quality is being monitored across particulate matter in aerodynamic pollution. Therefore, we need to make precautions that are presently taken emissions and stopping the burning NBRO Air Quality Studies Unit the world, reflecting an average diameter is less than 2.5 µm in sure that this double burden is tackled to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can of fossil fuels, which are contributing Co-ordinator and Senior Scientist reading of 25.20 as per the US size. Pollutant particulate matter in a very important way, addressing greatly help reduce the development enormously to this air pollution, and H.D.S. Premasiri, who explained AQI. (PM ) for a 24-hour time period the causes of air pollution as well.” of respiratory illnesses caused by thereby preventing the illnesses that 2.5 the situation, stating: “Ideally, According to the NBRO, the was 50 micrograms per cubic metre Explaining further, Dr. Neira noted polluted air. exposure to air pollution is causing.

Contd. from page 1

to the MoC. While several groups of people had returned import is high, we have also given licenses Govt. yet... “The terminal is now being operated to Sri Lanka due to the dangers posed by the Govt. eliminates... to each and every individual and group to “Earlier for the renovation of a six-inch by the SLPA and that has not changed. Covid-19 pandemic in their migrant countries, “We are working with the Ceylon Fisheries import fertiliser as per the requirement till 15 single line, it cost only Rs. 350 million from We have waited many years to begin the most have now returned to their countries of Corporation, local canneries, and dry fish March 2021,” National Fertiliser Secretariat the local engineers, but considering the rupee operations and now everything is done and employment. processing factories, and have asked them Director Mahesh Gammanpila told The Sunday depreciation, as estimated by the engineers we received government approval to continue However, there are several thousand who to purchase fish stocks directly from the Morning. attached to the CPC and CPSTL, it would the operation,” he stressed. lost their jobs and/or had ended their contracts fisherman to ensure the fish catch is supplied Gammanpila admitted that there is a delay cost around Rs. 1,900 million to renovate When queried whether the SLPA would and are unable to secure new job contracts to the market. The initiative aims to eliminate in the fertiliser stocks being delivered due to the dual pipeline system,” Jathika Sevaka agree to hand over the ECT to India, the due to the present global economic condition. middleman and supply fish to the public the quantity and travel restrictions that are Sangamaya (JSS) CPC branch President SLPA Chairman said: “We hope that the at an affordable rate through the Ceylon in place from time to time due to Covid-19. Ananda Palitha stressed. Government will take a decision in the best Fisheries Corporation,” State Minister of According to the Presidential Task Force “As estimated, the costs for the 12-inch line interest of the country and we have kept our SL records... Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish and Prawn on Economic Revival, in order to fulfil the and 18-inch line would be around Rs. 700 trust on the President.” Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, demand of fertiliser that is required, both million and Rs. 1,200 million, respectively, However, as reported by Bloomberg, Adani (SLBFE) Deputy General Manager and Media Multiday Fishing Activities, and Fish Exports public and private sector importers are to be which is far below the Chinese proposal,” Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (Adani Spokesman R.K.K.M.P. Randeniya said that Kanchana Wijesekera said. given the fullest support to import fertiliser Palitha stressed. Ports & SEZ) and a local partner have received a loss of $ 1 billion had been calculated two At least 80 metric tonnes (MT) of fish were without hindrance. Urging Minister Gammanpila to terminate an in-principle approval to sign a deal with weeks ago. stuck at several fisheries harbours, creating In addition to that, the Government is also the approved proposal by the CPPB, the the SLPA, which will hold a majority stake “We were earning an estimated $ 7.8 billion a shortage of fresh fish in the market due to exploring the possibility of producing organic TU leader stressed that if the project is not in the ECT. in foreign remittance from migrant workers the closure of the Peliyagoda Fish Market fertiliser in an attempt to reduce the use terminated, there is a possibility the CPPB The details of the agreement are still being prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. Now, that and several fisheries harbours. of chemical fertiliser by 25% during the would take legal action. worked out after a review of the project amount has reduced to $ 6.7 billion, as of According to Wijesekara, their stocks had upcoming Maha season. “Therefore, we urged the Minister to following labour protests that had stalled two weeks ago. We will be recalculating the later been dried by fishermen, as they did not Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture withdraw the project and go ahead with local the deal before the parliamentary elections loss this coming week.” have a method to stock such a consignment. Mahindananda Aluthgamage recently engineers,” he reiterated. in August. He also noted that around 20,000 migrant Later, the Government had sent out CFC presented a proposal to the Cabinet to produce When contacted, Gammanpila said a Adani, India’s biggest ports and logistics workers had lost their jobs. officials to purchase the stocks, freeze some fertiliser on a scientific basis in order to decision has not yet been taken and that he company, had signed a preliminary agreement “We believe around 20,000-22,000 migrant of them, and distribute the same for retail. The maintain sustainable soil conditions to produce is studying the proposal. for the project last year. Work on reviving workers have lost their jobs in the Middle purchased fish stocks were to be processed quality crops. “There has been a tender process and the the project, being jointly developed by Sri East and East Asia,” he added. and canned, if suitable, and stored for future Under this initiative, the National Fertiliser proposal has been approved by the Cabinet, Lanka, India, and Japan, comes at a time of consumption. Secretariat is to be equipped with modern following approval received from the rising regional tensions with China. Both Wijesekara noted that if any fishermen are technology, improving existing laboratories committee. Therefore, a decision cannot be India and Japan are members of the informal Launch on... finding it difficult to sell their fish, they are to and strengthening the district-level operating made without studying it properly,” he said. Quad grouping that, along with the US and Once construction begins, the 300 MW LNG directly contact the area fisheries co-ordinator and evaluation system, including a field Australia, is seen as a counter to Beijing’s power plant would be the first power plant to and notify them that fish stocks are available inspection mechanism to be established in influence in Asia. begin construction in eight years following for purchase. collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of PCR capacity... The SLPA inaugurated the operations of the the commencement of the Norochcholai Coal The mechanism in place is designed to Nanotechnology (SLINTEC). According to the Health Education Bureau controversial ECT two weeks ago. Power Plant in 2013. ensure fishermen are able to sell all the – Sarah Hannan (HEB), Sri Lanka has conducted a total number However, The Sunday Morning learnt that The controversial Kerawalapitiya LNG fish they catch during their seafaring, and of 568,183 PCR tests so far, with 11,824 tests government-level discussions with India and power plant was delayed by two years due any excess fish stocks will be processed conducted on last Thursday (5). The highest Japan are still ongoing and a final decision to the issues pertaining to the awarding of accordingly and made available to the public Capacity to... number of PCR tests was conducted on 31 would be made in the future. the contract. With final cabinet approval for consumption. This way, the Government The irrigation system will allow farmers in October, which was 11,999. “The SLPA launched the operations soon received last week, the project has been looks to ensure the fishermen do not incur these regions to improve their paddy and other Dr. Samaraweera said there were delays after it got the approval for the request made reviewed thrice by the Cabinet of Ministers losses in the fisheries sector. agricultural crop cultivations.” in releasing some PCR test results due to by the authority,” SLPA Chairman Ratnayake of two governments. – Sarah Hannan With the increase of the water capacity of the malfunctioning PCR machine at the said, adding that the ECT as well as the Jaya Furthermore, The Sunday Morning learnt these tanks under this project, new arable Mulleriyawa Hospital in recent days. The Container Terminal (JCT) were abandoned that the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) lands could be utilised for agriculture and, in machine has now been restored and the during the previous Government, and since between the CEB and Lakdhanavi Ltd. would Expensive fertiliser... addition, the water sources of the new project examination of the delayed PCR tests was the construction of the JCT was not completed, be signed this week. “The biggest issue the farming communities could be used for drinking water purposes in underway, he added. the cranes ordered for the JCT were placed In February this year, the Government are now facing is that the price of fertiliser these areas as well. Meanwhile, a group of medical specialists is at the ECT. awarded the contract to construct the second has increased by about Rs. 500,” All Island When asked about the cost that would be currently reviewing the quality of the antigen- “We got other required equipment and now phase of the 300 MW LNG power plant Farmers’ Federation (AIFF) National incurred and whether the Government had based rapid diagnostic test which is to be there is enough equipment for the terminal in Kerawalapitiya to Lakdhanavi Ltd., Co-ordinator Namal Karunaratne told The called for investors to complete the next stage introduced to Sri Lanka as a replacement for operation,” he added. overturning a cabinet decision of the previous Sunday Morning. of the project, Gamlath said: “We are at present PCR testing. The expert team was conducting The operation work of the ECT has been Government taken just over a year prior. He also noted that the Government has drafting the proposal for the dam elevation. research to ascertain which group of people delayed during the past five years and in The approval, as learnt by The Sunday now set a condition saying that each farm We are yet to call for investors.” with the virus should be subjected to antigen 2015, the cranes ordered for the ECT had Morning, is conditional upon Lakdhanavi’s should have a composting bin/pit, in line Kotmale Reservoir Engineer-in-Charge tests. been cancelled and attempts had been made withdrawal of a petition filed at the Supreme with the Government’s initiative to explore R.M.S. Wathsala told The Sunday Morning Dr. Samaraweera said, with the introduction to hand over the operations to India and Court (SC) against the contract being the possibility of producing organic fertiliser that the water capacity of the dam would of the new testing system, results could be Japan, he said. originally awarded to a Chinese company. and using at least 25% of organic fertiliser increase to 391 million cubic metres through delivered within a shorter period of time than “We informed the Government that the SLPA GCL China Windforce and RenewGen. during this cultivation season. this exercise. PCR testing. It requires no big machines wants the ECT to expand its capacity and Lakdhanavi filed a petition at the SC soon “The condition is that it is only if they have “Under the new project to raise the height unlike those used for PCR testing and the new we received approval from the Government. after the decision was reached in February a composting bin/pit that they would receive of the reservoir dam by 30 metres, the water system was known to be very productive and As of now, the terminal is operating,” the last year, as it was the lowest bidder, while free fertiliser this time. In my opinion, it is capacity of the Kotmale Reservoir will increase effective in detecting Covid-19 cases within Chairman noted. GCL China Windforce and RenewGen was very unfair to set such conditions. At least to 391 million cubic metres from its current a shorter period of time, he added. Although the construction of the 450- the second lowest bidder. they should create some awareness on how capacity of 174 million cubic metres.” – Maheesha Mudugamuwa metre terminal was completed in 2015 as Originally, cabinet approval was granted to set up and maintain a composting bin/pit Accordingly, more water will be issued the first phase of the project, operations did to award the tender to set up two 300 MW first, and they (farmers) should be given time via the penstock at the Polgolla Dam to the not commence for five years at the ECT and LNG power plants in Kerawalapitiya with the to do so,” Karunarathne noted. Bowatenna Reservoir, thereby boosting the Ports Authority... operations using cranes for the JCT-5 began Procurement Appeal Board (PAB) approving He also pointed out that the Government capacity of the irrigation tanks Kala Wewa Refuting the local and international media recently. the awarding of the second contract to should look at issuing fertiliser subsidies to and Rajangana Wewa, and that of Dambulla reports published last week that Adani Group Lakdhanavi Ltd. At the time, then Power other group cultivators, given that the country Oya and Kandalama too. is likely to hold a 49% stake in the terminal and Energy Minister Ravi Karunanayake is hit by a pandemic and farmers are finding The Kotmale Hydroelectric turbine currently with its local partner while SLPA will hold a Report due... said the decision to award the power plants it difficult to ensure there is a sufficient yield generates 210 MW, and this could be increased 51% stake, SLPA Chairman Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Speaking to The Sunday Morning, SLBFE to the first and second bidder in a single to meet the country’s food demand. to 240 MW when the height of the dam is Daya Ratnayake told The Sunday Morning that Deputy General Manager and Media tender for an independent power producer In early September, the National Fertiliser elevated by 30 metres, Engineer Wathsala said. these reports were based solely on speculation Spokesperson Mangala Randeniya said: “The was bipartisan. Secretariat had obtained Cabinet approval The current length of the reservoir dam is 600 and no decision whatsoever had been taken survey was kept open for migrant workers to However, concerns have been raised over to import 425,000 metric tonnes (MT) of metres and its current height is 87 metres. The by the Government. enter their details on their employment status the second proposal submitted to the Cabinet fertiliser to meet the demand of farmers for Kotmale Reservoir Project was set up under the It is learnt that the Memorandum of after Covid-19 impacted their countries of which received its approval last week, as the Maha season. Accelerated Mahaweli Development Scheme in Co-operation (MoC) signed between Sri work. We are looking to publish the report amendments have been made by the CEB “This time, we have placed an order to 1979. A dam was built across the Kotmale Oya Lanka, India, and Japan to jointly develop for the past seven months on Monday evening and Lakdhanavi Ltd. to the original project import an additional 275,000 MT of fertiliser at Kadadora and was constructed at a cost of Rs. the ECT has not yet been terminated by the (tomorrow), once our staff returns to office proposal. to meet the growing demand from farmers; 9 billion; its operations commenced in 1985. Government of Sri Lanka or any other partners after the quarantine curfew is relaxed.” – Maheesha Mudugamuwa given that the quantity we are looking to – Sarah Hannan the sunday morning 3 Sunday, November 8, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

Snaps from the video of former Hambantota Municipal Council Mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando allegedly being involved in what seems like illegal land encroachment, that went viral

I told him (Sugath) that I do not need money from him to remove my security guards from the said land. I also sensed that there was something more to what I was seeing on the surface over this Land grab racket disputed land Former Hambantota Municipal Council Mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando

had agreed to provide security for Weerarathne’s plot of land. in Nugegoda “I would like to reiterate that my only connection with this land begins when z Video focusing on former z AG intervenes and demands my security firm signs an agreement and provides security for Weerarathne’s land. For documentation purposes, my security Hambantota Mayor goes viral immediate police probe firm had asked him to submit a copy of the deed of the land, so we could draft BY SARAH HANNAN parties that were brawling, an emergency people would arrive in vehicles and start to the legal agreement to provide security to patrol bike arrived, and a constable said: assault him. These incidents of assault have the land expanse that is owned by him,” Many incidents of illegal land ‘An area resident just called 119 and been happening for several months now and Fernando explained. grabs have been reported in alerted us about a fight’ – it is the CCTV although there have been several complaints Fernando had then allocated 10 of his the media, and yet another footage from that specific day that is made to the Police, no action was taken in security officers (SOs) to Weerarathne’s such land grab came into the circulating,” Fernando explained. this regard,” Fernando explained. land. spotlight recently. A video of According to Fernando, a person named During the aforementioned incident at Sanith Sanjeewa Weerarathne, the owner Providing security which Fernando arrived at the scene of former Hambantota Municipal of the land depicted in the CCTV footage, assault, in addition to the 10 SOs he had Council Mayor Eraj Ravindra was assaulted several times when he for the land allocated, his own personal security also Fernando allegedly being visited his newly acquired plot of land. Fernando noted that seeing this person’s accompanied him, he said. involved in what seems like “Each time this boy arrived, a bunch of plight, his security firm managers Contd. on page 6 illegal land encroachment went viral on social media recently. Fernando, however, denied the allegations directed at him relating to the video.

The video gained more traction after Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal Rajapaksa shared it on his official Twitter handle, denying that his I would like to reiterate that my only immediate family and his extended family connection with this land begins when had any associations with the persons in my security firm signs an agreement and the video. provides security for Weerarathne’s land “Saw a video on social media which Former Hambantota implicates myself and members of my Municipal Council Mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando family. Relevant authorities are already looking in to this matter. Incidents such as this should not be taken lightly! I can enters the plot of land and acquires it. assure that no one from my family is The narrator goes on to claim that the involved or affiliated to this,” Rajapaksa fabricated title deeds were prepared by tweeted on 31 October. Dexter Ajith Balasuriya from Malagala, The narrator of the video implies that Padukka. Fernando was involved in a land grabbing The narrator adds that after preparing all racket in Colombo and its suburbs, used the necessary documents to complete the his political affiliations to do so, and fabricated title deed, Fernando allegedly was allegedly fabricating title deeds and uses his security services company to selling it to people to line his pocket. guard the grabbed lands by setting up a fake agreement between the land owner Viral video and the said company. The majority of the video shows Then, the narrator claims, Fernando CCTV footage of a plot of cleared out uses his security force of 20 security land. The narrator alleges that Fernando, officers to break the padlocks of the who is described as a political thug, entrance to the forcefully acquired land to was exploiting his position of power gain entry. to gain forced entry to a plot of land The narrator claims that the plot of in Nugegoda. The narrator claims that land documented on the CCTV footage Fernando uses brokers to single out lands is owned by a person named Velona that are under dispute and that have been Kanthi who lives in Italy, and the narrator unoccupied for long periods of time due notes that there is an ongoing case at the to the owners living overseas, so as to Nugegoda District Court, adding that fabricate title deeds on said lands. there were also notifications displayed on The narrator then alleges that Fernando the walls surrounding the land pertaining takes a group of his men and breaks and to the said case. The narrator then alleges that Fernando instructed his security officers to remove the notifications that were pasted to the wall, before entering the land that he had allegedly forcefully acquired. Fernando responds The Sunday Morning on Friday (6) spoke to former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando to understand the backstory to the video that went viral and his involvement in the issue. “The land in question has had some dispute for over one year now. I have my own business premises located right behind the land that is shown in the CCTV footage. I would like to clarify that the video has been edited and puts together incidents that occurred over two years.” Fernando said that he has no ownership or intention of acquiring the land in question and vehemently denies all the allegations directed at him in the video. He also noted that whilst he was in the CCTV footage that is being circulated, contrary to what the narrator alleges, he did not break open locks to gain entry to the land. “That particular day, when I was going to my office in Nugegoda from The security agreement signed between Hambantota, I saw a group of people Former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Ravindra fighting in front of this land in question. Fernando’s security services company and I was concerned and I went there to stop Sanith Sanjeewa Weerarathne the fight. While I was talking to the two 4 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT Sunday, November 8, 2020 CPC AND CPSTL LOSSES Igniting COVID-19 IMPACT solutions SriLankan on z Losses despite decline in z Upgrading refinery step global fuel prices in right direction BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery life support A new mechanism to reduce the losses incurred by the z Airline awaits Govt. approval z Chairman says no issues Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to relaunch passenger flights with airline’s finances (CPC) and the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals The outlook for the airline the period from 2009 to 2019 data suggests that this trend Ltd. (CPSTL) is to see the light industry continues to be bleak, is Rs. 240 billion. has reversed amid a return to of day, it is learnt. as the combination of travel At the same time, in lockdown and quarantine in bans, quarantine laws, and addition to the losses some markets, according to Allegedly, the losses are mainly health concerns have seen concerned, the total loans the IATA. incurred due to the lack of proper passenger numbers nosedive, owed by SriLankan Airlines Last month, the IATA mechanisms and the corruption that leaving the national carrier, to state banks and state demonstrated the low has occurred in the processes of SriLankan Airlines, on life institutions, including incidence of inflight Covid- purchasing, storing, and distributing support. the Ceylon Petroleum 19 transmission with an petroleum products during the past Although every industry Corporation (CPC), is Rs. 146 updated tally of published decades. has suffered due to the billion. cases. Since the start of 2020, The issue has been investigated coronavirus pandemic, few Meanwhile, in an interview there have been 44 cases of by a number of state monitoring have been as hard hit as the with Bloomberg Markets Covid-19 reported where agencies including the Auditor airline industry. SriLankan Asia, SriLankan Airlines transmission is thought to General’s Department and the Airlines, having no passenger Chairman Pathirage discussed have been associated with Committee on Public Enterprises flights operating at the how the national carrier was a flight journey (inclusive (COPE), and reported by many media 2019. The balance 35% represents detrimental impact on the natural moment, runs solely on cargo coping with the impact of the of confirmed, probable, and institutions including The Sunday other sectors including aviation, environment, and compensation has handling, as learnt by The Covid-19 pandemic. potential cases). Over the Morning on many occasions. domestic, industry, and power- been paid in several instances in that Sunday Morning. The employees on contract same period, some 1.2 billion No progress generation, recording a profit of Rs. connection. At the beginning of the year, basis are currently at passengers have travelled. 14 billion which leads to an overall The National Audit Office (NAO) with the appointment of new home and the airline IATA Medical Advisor Dr. However, as alleged by the loss of Rs. 12 billion to CPC, it has also observed that a pipeline had Chairman/Chief Executive is waiting for cabinet David Powell said the risk of a trade unions (TUs) attached to the stated. not been laid down to facilitate the Officer Ashok Pathirage, approval for the VRS passenger contracting Covid- Opposition political parties at the The continuous losses accumulated transportation of fuel between the there was hope amongst (voluntary retirement 19 while onboard appears to CPC and CPSTL, the incumbent by CPC over the years which stood two main terminals; it was observed the nation that SriLankan scheme) in order to reduce be very low. With only 44 Minister of Energy has not yet taken at Rs. 337 billion at the end of 2019 that the storage facilities of those would somehow convert the number of employees identified potential cases of any productive decision to review the has had a significant impact on the terminals could not be made use of into a profitable venture, flight-related transmission losses incurred by the two institutions operations, thereby weakening its optimally. as Pathirage is well known As reported, it was stated among 1.2 billion travellers, falling under the purview of the balance sheet in the absence of equity In order to unload 40,000 metric for his success in the local that the carrier experienced that’s one case for every Ministry. infusion. Trade receivables which tonnes (MT) of fuel, it is agreed with business. an approximately 75% drop 27 million travellers. “We Instead, the TUs allege that the stood at Rs. 95 billion at the end of the relevant vessel that the stock of However, allegations in turnover compared to recognise that this may be Minister and the new management 2018 has increased to Rs. 164 billion fuel should be unloaded within a have now been levelled that 2019 due to Covid-19, and an underestimation, but were continuing the allegedly corrupt by the end of 2019, resulting in the period of 96 hours. However, due the airline is at the verge of negotiated with lessors to even if 90% of the cases practices followed during the past CPC’s exposure to Bank of Ceylon to blockages in the pipeline and collapse under Pathirage, reduce costs. It is planning were unreported, it would few decades, leading to the current (BOC) and People’s Bank (PB) to inefficiencies in the storage system, it as all payments including to save $ 100 million per be one case for every 2.7 financial situation of the CPC and close at Rs. 566 billion. is observed that a period of 120-168 payments to lessors have now annum by reducing lease million travellers. We think CPSTL. hours is spent at present to unload stopped. costs. Furthermore, the these figures are extremely As learnt by The Sunday Morning, fuel from a vessel, thus necessitating It has been alleged that airline is expecting to slash reassuring. Furthermore, the there was no reason for the CPC to the CPC to pay demurrages in that $ 150 million has been the number of staff members vast majority of published incur losses at present, as during this We have already handed over connection. The demurrages paid requested by the Chairman from 7,000 to 5,000 under the cases occurred before the year, the corporation had not reduced the relevant reports to the during the last five years totalled Rs. from the Government to voluntary retirement scheme wearing of face coverings fuel prices despite crude oil prices in Minister, explaining how the 488 million. pay the staff of 7,000 till (VRS) in the offing for further inflight became widespread.” the world market dropping drastically renovations should happen, but Furthermore, the preliminary March 2021. Recently, China reductions. As the world airline due to the Covid-19 pandemic. the Minister did not even give inspection report on the Trincomalee provided a loan of $ 500 The national carrier is industry prepares for the “Actually, the CPC is not incurring us a meeting to discuss. Instead, Upper Tank Farm, the tank farm million to the Government already dealing with a debt of launching of flights despite losses at present. The issue is that they are planning to go ahead located close to the Trincomalee for 22 million people of the $ 1 billion owed to state banks the pandemic with high safety CPC revenue is not coming to the with the expensive renovation Harbour, can easily be made use of in country. The airline wants and on international bonds, measures, Sri Lanka Nidahas corporation, but instead is going to projects the process of supplying petroleum 30% of that to pay the staff of and is also negotiating with Sevaka Sangamaya (SLNSS) the Government. If the corruption can oil in the country. Yet, so far, it 7,000. Despite the financial the Government to convert SriLankan Airlines Branch JSS CPC branch President be put to an end, the CPC will incur Ananda Palitha has been unable to ensure active constraints, the pilots have its debt into equity to reduce General Secretary Janaka massive profits,” United National utilisation of the said tank farm. requested the Chairman to costs. Pathirathne told The Sunday Party (UNP)-affiliated Jathika Sevaka The cost of oil transportation can seek an additional $ 5 million Meanwhile, the Morning that the airline was Sangamaya (JSS) CPC branch Moreover, the CPC has been be minimised by way of transporting ($ 155 million altogether) so International Air Transport expecting the Government’s President Ananda Palitha told The financing the operations of the oil to Trincomalee and surrounding that the pilots can be paid in Association (IATA) has green light to relaunch the Sunday Morning. electricity sector in particular, with areas from Trincomalee, instead of full without any pay cuts. now predicted that global passenger flights. “Everybody questions how the about Rs. 102 billion remaining transporting oil from Colombo. The If the Government refuses passenger numbers will fall “At present, only cargo CPC incurs losses. It is simple – if unpaid at the end of 2019. Treasury savings in the year 2015, according to pay $ 150 million, the staff by 66% this year, which is flights are operating,” he said. the corruption attached to these main guarantees amounting to $ 1.8 to the preliminary inspection report will not be paid any salary higher than their original The employees on contract three mechanisms – purchasing, billion have been issued to cover the on the Trincomalee Upper Tank for November, it is further forecast of 63%. basis are currently at home distributing, and storing – ends, the exposure to the above two banks, Farm, had been estimated at Rs. 618 alleged. and the airline is waiting for SriLankan Airlines has a CPC can convert into a profit-earning according to the report. million. According to a recent audit cabinet approval for the VRS deficit asset base of minus state institution,” he continued. In addition, this saving is report, during the first quarter in order to reduce the number level and has inherited a Renovations approximately equal to the cost of of 2020, SriLankan Airlines of employees, he said. state of operational loss Losses continue As explained by JSS trade the full installation of 12 oil tanks has incurred a net loss of The Chairman has requested that increases year by year. The CPC accounts for about 80% unionist Palitha, the main focus of and all other infrastructure facilities. Rs. 47 billion along with an $ 150 million from the The total operational loss of the market share for supplying fuel the Minister of Energy should be to Although the above project is more accumulated loss of Rs. 326 Government to run the carrier; reported so far is Rs. 116 products to the transport sector, while renovate the age-old pipeline and economically and environmentally billion. The company’s current however, the monies are yet billion, equivalent to $ 866 maintaining almost full supply of all refinery. However, he noted that productive, it has not been liabilities exceeded its current to be received, he said, adding million approximately other fuel products including heavy when it comes to renovations, the implemented so far, it is stated. assets by Rs. 211,645.13 that so far, the employees have fuel, kerosene, and naphtha. Government should do it in a manner million and total liabilities The Geneva-based body received their salaries on time. Moreover, the CPC’s refinery has which will not result in further losses Recommendations exceeded its total assets by Rs. said the picture is particularly Meanwhile, when contacted a capacity to produce only around to the CPC. from NAO 273,369.08 million. bleak in Europe, where by The Sunday Morning, 30% of the total fuel requirement “We have already handed over Meanwhile, in the At present, SriLankan hopes of a summer revival SriLankan Airlines Chairman in the country, while the balance is the relevant reports to the Minister, recommendations given by the NAO, Airlines has a deficit asset have been dashed by new Pathirage said there was imported as refined products. The explaining how the renovations it is stated that the existing pipeline base of minus level and has lockdown measures. no issue with regard to the corporation supplies petroleum should happen, but the Minister did system for unloading oil in the inherited a state of operational August demand plunged payment of salaries to staff products in the country through its not even give us a meeting to discuss. vicinity of oil tank complexes should loss that increases year by 79.9% compared with last members and that the carrier distribution channel which consists of Instead, they are planning to go be renovated to avoid the possible year. The total operational year, but improved from an is handling the financial 1,302 filling stations islandwide. ahead with the expensive renovation risk in unloading oil at the two loss reported so far is Rs. 116 87.0% drop in July, as travel situation. In the Final Budget Position Report projects,” he alleged. main terminals (set up in a densely billion, equivalent to $ 866 restrictions were lifted in the – Maheesha of the Ministry of Finance, it is Furthermore, Palitha stressed that populated area), public protests or million approximately. Schengen Area. Mudugamuwa stated that the total cost of fuel-based the current fuel purchasing system environmental damage should be However, the total loss for However, more recent flight import of CPC for 2019 stood at $ and companies should also be minimised, and an uninterrupted oil 3,359 million, accounting for about changed in order to reduce the losses. supply within the country should be 17% of total imports of the country. ensured. Since the cost of imports accounts Auditor raises concerns It is recommended in the report for about 95% of CPC’s total Meanwhile, the latest report that the exorbitant demurrages expenditure, its financial performance published by the Auditor General’s charges arising from the delays in is directly affected by the dynamics Department states that a considerable oil unloading should be avoided, of the global oil price movements and financial loss is observed to have and since railway wagons can be exchange rate. taken place during the preceding easily handled from the Trincomalee While sales to the transport sector years due to wastes caused by area, it should be managed in a more of Rs. 430 billion accounts for breakdowns often happening in systematic and economical manner in 65% of total revenue of the CPC, it the pipeline as well as continuous order to reduce fuel transport costs. recorded a loss of Rs. 26 billion in leakage of fuel. This has caused a Contd. on page 6 the sunday morning 5 Sunday, November 88, 2020 FOCUS

and workers’ remittances, is now projected to compress the external current account deficit to below 1.5% of GDP in 2020, the State Minister added. “In the meantime, Sri Lanka’s entire local debt stock of about Rs. 7.7 trillion ($ 42 billion) as at end- July 2020 is being rolled over and repriced now at interest rates which are almost half of what was paid in 2019, while the rupee remains stable. It may also be noted that a new trend has been established where greater reliance is being placed on domestic financing, and that strategy has already improved the ‘domestic: foreign’ ratio of the debt from 51:49 at end 2019 to 56:44 now – a trend the authorities are keen to improve further in the period ahead. It is, therefore, clear that the Government’s commitment and support towards better debt management, both directly and indirectly, has already started to take effect,” he added. The Sri Lankan economy is expected to rebound in 2021, as evidenced by the fast recovery of activity since the relaxation of the lockdown in May 2020, although a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, as observed in October, could affect the momentum to some extent. The Central Bank is projecting the trade deficit to fall to 6.6% of Closed down shops and empty streets of Colombo during the quarantine curfew GDP from 9.5%, as the economy slows and the Government’s foreign borrowings turn negative, shrinking and welfare-related expenditure. foreign debt service obligations, the savings investment gap which SRI LANKA’S ECONOMY However, the prompt and measured Sri Lankan authorities imposed drives the current account deficit. policy support provided by the restrictions on non-essential imports Total investment would fall to Government and the Central Bank from March 2020. 26.9% of GDP in 2020 from 27.4% enabled Sri Lanka to contain the Such decisive and bold action, in 2019, while national savings unfavourable effects of Covid-19 along with the reduction in global would go up from 25.3% to 25.4%. to a great extent, and return the petroleum prices, resulted in a The current account deficit would economy to near-normalcy by mid- substantial saving of nearly $ 3 shrink from 2.2% of GDP to 1.5%. May 2020,” he told The Sunday billion in terms of expenditure on The Central Bank is expecting Morning. merchandise imports in the first annual average inflation – a For example, when the nine months of the year, compared somewhat difficult concept for Resilience Government was of the view that to the same period of the previous people to grasp – to be around 4.7% it was necessary to conserve forex, year. This saving, along with the in 2020 from 4.3% in 2019. given the likelihood of low foreign better-than-expected outcomes Meanwhile, attempts made by The exchange earnings due to the in terms of merchandise exports, Sunday Morning to contact Treasury put to the test pandemic and the need to prioritise services exports other than tourism, Secretary S.R. Attygalle were futile.

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA gave the tax concession expecting in 2021, which could widen the Sri Lanka is in its deepest the economy to boost. In terms budget deficit unless revenue of import controls, 50% of our enhancement measures are economic crisis in decades, as government income came from adopted. a result of the strict measures imports and because of the control It also noted that according taken in response to the of imports, revenue reduced,” to the Ministry of Finance, Covid-19 pandemic as the Fernando explained, adding that, as government revenue is expected country was gripped by a an example, the Government lost to reduce from Rs. 1,891 billion resurgence of several clusters revenue earned when importing in 2019 to Rs. 1,450 billion in by the end of October. motor vehicles. 2020. Projected government Highlighting the issues with revenue for 2020 will be less than As per the Central Bank’s Recent regard to dollar earnings, he stressed 10% of GDP, among the lowest Economic Developments report, that one of the key dollar-earning in the world. This change in which comes before the budget, the industries is tourism, which was revenue is largely due to tax cuts country’s gross domestic product affected by Covid-19. However, implemented in late 2019 and due (GDP) is forecasted to shrink 1.7% the remittance slightly went up, to the economic impacts of the in 2020 and recover to a 5% growth showing a good sign, as the backlog mitigation strategy for Covid-19. in 2021. The economy is projected and informal remittance come from The reduction in revenue poses to contract by 1.7%, reflecting the formal channels. a significant fiscal challenge impact of the pandemic-induced as a large share of government fallout, particularly in the second expenditure is non-discretionary. quarter of the year 2020. For instance, the Government’s It is further stressed that the projected revenue for 2020 is country’s budget deficit would not sufficient to pay recurrent expand to 9.3% of GDP in 2020 obligations of salaries and interest from 6.8% in 2019. expenditure; salaries and interest Economists warned that the payments combined is equivalent current economic impacts would to 127% of revenue. continue for next few years, even In addition, there are other if the economic activities return recurrent expenditure items, to normal. Nevertheless, the including welfare programmes Government hopes its pandemic such as Samurdhi and fertiliser response will lead to a quick Sri Lanka’s entire local debt subsidies, which are also in recovery. stock of about Rs. 7.7 trillion effect non-discretionary, given The measures implemented ($ 42 billion) as at end-July the political economy challenges since March have had a huge 2020 is being rolled over and associated with downward impact on some sectors of the repriced now at interest rates revisions to these, according to economy. Industries such as retail, which are almost half of what Verité. accommodation and restaurants, and was paid in 2019, while the Financing recurrent expenditure transport saw significant declines rupee remains stable through increased borrowings is an in production, as they were mostly State Minister of Money and unsustainable strategy which will directly affected by the international Capital Markets and State compound Sri Lanka’s existing travel ban and strict nationwide Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard debt sustainability challenges. lockdown. Cabraal Considering the high level of Speaking to The Sunday Morning, non-discretionary expenditure, Advocata Institute Chief Operating the path to improved fiscal Officer (COO) Dhananath Fernando In the meantime, the Ministry sustainability is through revenue said the current financial situation of Finance is yet to calculate the enhancement. Given prevailing in Sri Lanka is tight as the debt utilisation of budgetary allocations. weak economic growth, such servicing cost and expenses have When contacted by The Sunday revenue enhancement measures gone up due to the health crisis, with Morning, the Department of will need to be those which do not the additional moratorium given by National Budget of the Ministry disincentivise economic output, it the Government. said the calculations would be is said. “It is more likely to go up in the done towards the end of the year, However, State Minister of coming couple of years as well. If and even though there was some Money and Capital Markets and there is a vaccine, then they will money left in ministerial levels, the State Enterprise Reforms Ajith have to spend money for that too. At final calculation cannot be made, Nivard Cabraal said that nobody the same time, our income has been as those could be used to pay the should harbour fears of Sri reduced. Because of Covid-19, since commitments already made by those Lanka’s ability to service its debt. people are not earning, they pay ministries. “With the spread of the Covid- less taxes. Even before Covid-19, Meanwhile, according to Verité 19 pandemic, all countries the Government gave massive tax Research, the appropriation bill including Sri Lanka observed a concessions to boost the economy,” for 2020 and 2021 being presented contraction in economic activity, he said. to Parliament ahead of the budget reduction in foreign exchange “We have lost revenue speech shows an increase in earnings, decrease in revenue significantly. The Government expenditure to Rs. 3,654 billion collection, and increase in health 6 the sunday morning OPINION/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, November 8, 2020

Contd. from page 4 Sustainable consumption Igniting... The NAO has further highlighted the importance of the revival of the bunkering oil business which can be easily operated according to the for sustainable development natural geographical location of BY SHERON HEWAWADUGE habitats, and humans. According Sri Lanka. It is stated that the to the fact sheet of the UN Ocean bunkering oil business should The 2030 Agenda for Conference, plastic waste kills up be systematically implemented Sustainable Development, to one million seabirds, 100,000 within the country to enable which includes 17 sea mammals, marine turtles, and its implementation as a foreign Sustainable Development countless fish each year. Since it is exchange-earning investment Goals (SDGs), was adopted cheap and hard to replace, plastic opportunity to the country. by the United Nations (UN) production is still at a higher level In relation to fuel purchasing, and plastic recycling has a long it is recommended that in member states in 2015. This way to go. Each time you make entering into term contracts with agenda provides a holistic the choice to avoid using plastic or international oil suppliers for approach to development, recycle plastic products, you lower oil purchases, a formal study addressing the economic, the risk of environmental damage. should be carried out on the social, and environmental To make a real environmental term contracts followed by other challenges that the world change, you can shift to reusable countries similar to Sri Lanka in faces today. shopping bags and containers, order to identify more appropriate and carry a reusable water bottle. terms and conditions. Sustainable development is Avoid heavily and unnecessarily In the meantime, the Cabinet not entirely a new or a western packaged foods as much as of Ministers, at its meeting last concept, but a concept embedded in and ocean acidification; it can To put it simply, it’s all about You can also switch to earth- possible to limit the waste in your week, approved the proposal our lifestyles through our culture, also influence animal populations buying better, consuming better, friendly diet choices such as consumption cycle. You could presented by Minister of Power enriched with Buddhist philosophy. through entering the terrestrial and and throwing away better. This by eating local, eating fresh, also install a water filtration Dallas Alahapperuma to initiate One good example can be taken aquatic food webs, and can alter article will educate you on some eating less meat, and not eating system at home to eliminate a new feasibility study aimed from the Third Century BC, when ecosystem functioning. smart choices you can make to help endangered species. New research the need for bottled water. A at increasing the capacity of the Arahath Mahinda Thera preached Indeed, the Government slow down and eventually stop the findings reveal that eating less beef recently launched programme to Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery from to King Devanampiya Tissa and has a key role to play in the demise of our planet. will reduce the carbon footprint recycle used carbon pen tubes the current 40,000 barrels per day made him understand that the land implementation of and accelerating Transportation releases a significantly. According to the and toothbrushes is a good waste to 100,000. belongs to the people and also to the progress towards achieving the devastating percentage of carbon Food and Agriculture Organisation sorting initiative. The corporation’s refinery all other living beings, whilst the SDGs. Nevertheless, we the people dioxide into the atmosphere, which (FAO) of the US, beef has the Composting your organic waste meets only 25% of local demand king was only the guardian. This is carry the biggest responsibility leads us to rethink the promotion highest emission intensities, is another smart choice to reduce for refined petroleum products a Buddhist tenet on conservation towards making the planet healthy. of earth-friendly transportation which is 300 kg carbon dioxide waste as well as to make rich soil while the remaining has to be and sustainability. Likewise, it is a The collective impact of our options. Walking, cycling, and equivalents (CO2-eq.) per kg for planting. Instead of throwing imported, making a greater concept which has been practiced mindful eco-friendly consumption using public transportation of protein produced. Cow milk away most of the remains of your impact on foreign exchange. A over time, and started to fade away on the environment that we all whenever possible are some and other meat products such as food like tea bags, egg shells, and feasibility study was conducted as a result of industrialisation in the depend on becomes enormous. It of the options to limit your chicken and pork have lower global fruit and vegetable scraps, etc., in 2010 for the renovation recent decades. allows to protect natural habitats carbon footprint on earth. These average emission intensities below it can be composted in your own and expansion of the refinery Achieving sustainable spread across both land and water, options are also economical. 100 kg CO2-eq. per kg of protein garden. to increase its capacity to consumption has been recognised thus leaving space for all the living Social distancing regulations produced. Hence, the Government Simple and smart choices will 100,000. However, subsequent as an integral part of the 2030 beings on earth. due to Covid-19 have given us decision to ban cattle slaughter is a help us to fulfil our responsibility technological changes in the field Agenda through SDG 12. Many of us are not aware that the the opportunity to explore new laudable intervention. towards making our planet had made it impossible to proceed Sustainable consumption means to small choices we make on a daily potentials, like work from home Plastic pollution is one of the healthy and share it with all other on the results of the feasibility consume in a way that allows us basis can actually have a significant (WFH), virtual meetings, etc., to most catastrophic forms of waste living beings. study. to preserve our resources and the impact on global environmental reduce travel or the need to travel. pollution. Plastic takes a long (The writer is the Assistant Meanwhile, attempts made by environment to the extent possible. issues. That is due to lack of Moreover, you could shift to more time to decompose and ends up Director of the Sustainable The Sunday Morning to contact As we all know, carbon dioxide information on how to improve our energy-efficient technologies like in landfills or oceans, posing a Development Council of Minister of Energy Udaya emissions cause global warming own environmental performances. hybrid or electric vehicles. greater impact on wildlife, wildlife Sri Lanka) Gammanpila were futile.

Contd. from page 3

the land, he thought it was owned and parked my vehicle close to the Land grab.... by Weerarathne and that area thugs land and waited there overnight,” were trying to intimidate him in Fernando added. “When the constables arrived and attempts to enter the land that Later in the early hours of the questioned as to why there were Weerarathne had purchased. morning, Fernando said, Sugath had so many people at the premises, I “It was a Sunday and since it was arrived at the land and complained identified myself as the chairman of getting late, when Sugath arrived, I about how Fernando had acquired the security firm that is providing went to his house. He then brought the land for a very low price of Rs. security for the land in question and a file which had the title records 100,000 whereas the land was worth explained to them that 10 SOs were which showed the ownership at least Rs. 8 million. allocated (for the land) and the rest transfers and the case file of the “I made it quite clear to him that I were my personal security. I then land dispute that named petitioners had not bought the land or forcefully told them that the people who had Wijeweera Chandana Jayawardena acquired it and that if he could prove assaulted had fled the scene and of Udahamulla, who had a car his claims with original documents that I was there to see to my SOs’ wash at Stanley Thilakaratne at the police station, I was willing to wellbeing,” Fernando noted. Mawatha in Nugegoda (located leave the land. He never turned up Fernando said he then gave his across the disputed land), Chandana and it was after that incident that the contact number to the constables Priyantha William, and Abeysinghe video was shared on social media,” who had arrived on the police patrol Liyanarachchige Gamini.” Fernando explained. bike so they could get in touch with The court case was filed at the him if they had any inquiries. Nugegoda District Court under AG orders Police to It was Weerarathne who had case number SPL/424/18 on 9 June investigate opened the padlock to the land 2018. As soon as the video started and provided entry to Fernando so “If I remember right, the lot circulating on social media, that he could show him the spot numbers that were mentioned in the Attorney General (AG) Dappula de from where the assaulters had hit document were 134, 135, 136/1, and Livera wrote to Acting Inspector Weerarathne that day, Fernando 136 for land lots of 17.5 perches. General of Police (IGP) C.D. said. Sugath then asked me to remove Wickrameratne on 29 October “As I entered the plot of land, I the security allotted to the land instructing him to launch an removed my facemask and looked and maybe just leave one security investigation into the CCTV footage at the CCTV cameras of the person to guard the land. Sugath and video which implies a land adjacent buildings and waved. I did then said that it was he who had grab racket involving Eraj Ravindra this so, in case people go through sent people to assault Weerarathne,” Fernando, Dexter Ajith Balasuriya, the footage, they’d know it was I Fernando stated. Sanith Sanjeewa Weerarathne, and who was there to personally see Fernando, understanding that Mohomed Mazaheer Mohomed for myself what had happened,” he the matter was graver than he had Nazeerdeen. explained. initially presumed, agreed to remove his security detail from the disputed The AG had ordered the Encounter with alleged land. Police to investigate; assaulters Fernando had then asked Sugath Whether Dexter Ajith Balasuriya About 45 minutes after the whether he could accompany him to prepared fake deeds for Eraj constables had left the scene, make a statement to the Police that Ravindra Fernando; Fernando had gotten a call from a there is an ongoing court case over Whether Eraj Ravindra Fernando person named Sugath. the land, which was why the assault used personnel from his own private “When I got the call from had taken place, and now that the security service to forcibly enter the Sugath, I sensed he was calling true owners had alerted Fernando premises; me regarding the Nugegoda land about the dispute, he was ready to Which group entered the land in incident. Incidentally, I knew remove his security detail. question after breaking the padlocks. Sugath, as he had even visited my Sugath had then told Fernando The AG had further noted that house in Hambantota several times. that there was no necessity to go to the Police is to submit a report on During the phone conversation, the Police and that Sugath and his whether this video was credible and Sugath said the land that is in family were willing to pay Rs. 10 handover the case to the Criminal question is actually owned by one of million to Fernando, so he could Investigation Department (CID) for his uncles. I had no idea that Sugath remove his security guards from the further investigations. or his family had any connection to land. The Mirihana Police, when this land,” Fernando claimed. “I told him that I do not need contacted by The Sunday Morning, Sugath had been in Kurunegala money from him to remove my stated that there was an ongoing when he made the call, and security guards from the said land. I court case at the Nugegoda District Fernando had asked him to come also sensed that there was something Court over the disputed land in to Nugegoda immediately, as there more to what I was seeing on the question, and said that the CID was was a dispute over the land that he surface over this disputed land. currently looking in to the possible claimed his uncles owned. After that, we had an argument, financial scam that had taken place Fernando reiterated that at the and I left for the land in question. I during the past years over the land time he had provided security for did not remove my security detail in question. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, November 8, 2020 FOCUS

commence its work, parliamentary sources told The Sunday Morning. Through its last-ditch effort, the Government was able to include an amendment to the 20th Amendment draft bill at the 11th hour to reconstitute the SC bench from 11 to 17 and the Court of Appeal bench from 11 to 19 Justices. According to sources, the Council is to deliberate proposals by the President to the newly available vacant seats on the SC bench when it meets next on Tuesday. Meanwhile, independent commissions – appointments to which the PC makes observations on – will continue, apart from the National Audit Commission and the National Procurement Commission. “The Audit Commission and the National Procurement will cease to exist in accordance with the 20th Amendment to the Constitution,” Minister of Justice Ali Sabry affirmed. In this regard, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution states: “Every person holding office on the day immediately preceding the date of commencement of this Act, as the Chairman or a member of – (a) the Audit Service Commission; and (b) the National Procurement From CC to PC Commission, 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 36 20th Amendment to the Constitution shall zEnforcing the 20th Amendment to the Constitution commenced cease to hold such office with effect from the date of commencement of this Act: Provided that such person shall, unless BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Parliamentary Council (hereinafter referred Later that day, the inaugural meeting he earlier resigns, dies, or is removed to as “the Council”), comprising – (a) the of the PC was held under the patronage from office continue to exercise, perform, The newly established Prime Minister; (b) the Speaker; (c) the of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and discharge the powers, duties, and Parliamentary Council (PC) is to Leader of the Opposition; (d) a nominee of The Audit Commission at the Speaker’s official residence. The functions of their respective offices for deliberate the proposed new the Prime Minister, who shall be a Member meeting was attended by the Prime a period of six months from the date appointees to the Supreme Court of Parliament; and (e) a nominee of the and the National Minister, Leader of the Opposition, of commencement of this Act, for the (SC) when it meets next, while two Leader of the Opposition, who shall be a Procurement will cease to Minister Devananda, MP Hashim, purpose of discharging and performing key independent commissions Member of Parliament.” exist in accordance with Secretary General of Parliament the duties and functions pending or would conclude their operations The PC, which replaced the CC, only Dasanayaka, and Deputy Secretary uncompleted as at the day immediately and disband in accordance with the has powers to make its observations on the the 20th Amendment to General and Chief of Staff Neil Iddawela. preceding the date of commencement of newly enacted 20th Amendment to nominees sent by the President. the Constitution The PC had discussed the framework this Act.” Moreover, it has a period of one week within which it would function under the Accordingly, the EC, Public Service the Constitution. to submit its observations, and if failed to Minister of Justice Ali Sabry 20th Amendment to the Constitution. Commission, NPC, HRCSL, CIABOC, The 20th Amendment to the Constitution, do so, the President could go ahead and It had decided to meet once again Finance Commission, and Delimitation which was enacted as law by Parliament confirm his appointments. on Tuesday, 10 November to formally Commission would continue to function. on 22 October 2020, did away with the “His Excellency will send us his Constitutional Council (CC) established proposals and we have to send our under the 19th Amendment to the observations on those,” Dasanayake said. Constitution and set up what is known as According to the 20th Amendment, the Parliamentary Council. the PC can make its observations on “There will be only five members nominees to the Election Commission including the three ex-officio members, (EC), Public Service Commission, a nominee by the Prime Minister, and a National Police Commission (NPC), nominee by the Leader of the Opposition,” Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika (HRCSL), Commission to Investigate Dasanayake told The Sunday Morning. Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Article 41A (1) of the 20th Amendment to (CIABOC), Finance Commission, the Constitution stipulates: “The Chairmen and Delimitation Commission, as and members of the commissions referred well as nominees for the positions of to in Schedule I to this Article and the Chief Justice and the Judges of the persons to be appointed to the offices SC, President and Judges of the Court referred to in Part I and Part II of Schedule of Appeal, members of the Judicial II to this Article shall be appointed to Service Commission (other than the Last Wednesday (4), Prime Minister such commissions and such offices by the Chairman), Attorney General, Auditor Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Minister President. General, Parliamentary Commissioner Douglas Devananda and Opposition Leader “In making such appointments, the for Administration (Ombudsman), and Sajith Premadasa appointed MP Kabir President shall seek the observations of a Secretary General of Parliament. Hashim as their nominees. The inaugural Parliamentary Council meeting held on 4 November

The Government is to appoint a not be held in the absence of a report of the committee to make recommendations on PROVINCIAL COUNCIL POLLS Delimitation Review Committee. the process of holding the much-delayed As such, the newly elected Sri Lanka provincial council elections − whether to Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Government go ahead under the existing legislation or to is now seeking to hold the provincial revert to the old system which would see the council elections as soon as possible elections being held under the “proportional and is to appoint a committee to make representation” method. Committee to make recommendations in this regard. The Parliament of Sri Lanka passed the “In order to hold the provincial council Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) elections, we must change the Provincial Act (No. 17 of 2017) which was certified on Council Act. The present Act is now obsolete 22 September 2017. in the sense that the delimitation report has This was an amendment to the original not been approved by a two-thirds majority Provincial Councils Act (No. 2 of 1988) recommendations in Parliament,” State Minister of Provincial which was passed by Parliament following months of the Minister having referred Councils and Local Government Sarath a constitutional amendment, as published in the report for its consideration, submit its Weerasekara told The Sunday Morning. the Gazette in October 1987 − better known report to the President. He explained that to hold provincial as the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. 6. After receipt of that report, the President council elections, either new legislation had The 13th Amendment came into shall by proclamation forthwith to be introduced or the elections had to be force on 14 November 1987; the main publish the new number of electorates, held according to the initial proportional objective of it was to establish provincial boundaries, and names assigned to each representation electoral system. councils as a means of decentralising electorate so created on the report of the “The previous Government appointed the Central Government’s power over review committee. a review committee chaired by the Prime the administration of the provinces − On 4 October 2017, then President Minister and he was supposed to give his particularly those areas with high minority Maithripala Sirisena appointed a report within a period of two months, but that populations. Delimitation Committee comprising five too did not happen. So, if that is the case, we The Provincial Councils Elections members with a mandate to delimit such cannot have the provincial council elections (Amendment) Act (No. 17 of 2017) electorates and submit its report within as per that Act. If you want to have elections provided for a new, mixed (first-past-the- a period of four months from its date of as per the present Act, then we will have to post/simple majority and proportional appointment. do another delimitation exercise and get the representation) system of elections, where On 6 March 2018, the report of the report approved by a two-thirds majority 50% of the members for an administrative Delimitation Committee was submitted to in Parliament. If not, you have to change district should be elected through electorates Parliament by then Minister of Provincial the Act and opt for the previous system of under the simple majority system and the Councils and Local Government Faiszer proportional representation,” he noted. other 50% of members through the district- Musthapha. He said that the Government would level proportional representation (additional However, on 24 August 2018, the appoint a committee in the coming days to list of members) system. delimitation report failed to gain approval of deliberate and make recommendations to The Provincial Councils Elections the Parliament when it received no votes in the Government on how to move forward (Amendment) Act (No. 17 of 2017) saw the favour and 139 votes against it. with regard to conducting provincial council inclusion of a new section to the original On 28 August 2018, the Speaker elections. Provincial Councils Act (No. 2 of 1988), appointed a Delimitation Review “So, in this regard, a committee is to which was inserted as Section 3A and Committee headed by then Prime Minister be appointed. The committee is to be contained the following provisions: PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Ranil Wickremesinghe. appointed by the Government. The task 1. A delimitation commission to be However, the Review Committee has of the committee is to contemplate and appointed by the President within two 3. The Minister shall within two weeks approve the report within one month failed to submit views up to date. recommend whether to hold the provincial weeks of the commencement of the Act of the receipt of such report, table it in of the tabling of the report, then the In September 2019, the Supreme Court, council elections as per the current Act (i.e., 22 September 2017). Parliament for its approval by not less Speaker shall appoint a review committee following then President Sirisena’s move and do a delimitation again or to change 2. The committee shall within four months than two-thirds of the whole number of consisting of five persons headed by the seeking the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Act and go for the old proportional of its appointment submit its report to the MPs. Prime Minister. holding provincial council elections, ruled representation system.” Minister. 4. In the event the Parliament does not 5. The review committee shall within two that the provincial council elections could (SK) the sunday morning Sunday, November 8, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

The re-imposition of a Covid-19 lockdown last week, mainly in the Western Province, was the focus of Pros and cons of the public while political circles were engaged in discussing the manner in relaxing restrictions which the Government has GR gets hands on as handled the re-emergence Despite public assurances that the rampaging Covid-19 pandemic is of the virus. under control in Sri Lanka, video recordings of the Minister of Health and several other ministers fervently seeking divine intervention to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa contain the worsening situation has got the grapevine buzzing. has adopted a hands-on approach The video, which went viral, first led to an explosion of humour and to address the re-emergence of the mirth on social media, but has now given way to serious concern on virus by convening daily meetings the actual ground situation. To make matters worse, when questioned of the Covid-19 Task Force and in Parliament over the unusual methods adopted by the Health personally looking in to the steps virus takes centre stage Minister and other ministers to contain the crisis, Minister Pavithra taken to address the situation Wanniarachchi responded saying that she was even willing to sacrifice while maintaining economic z Parliamentary Council to officially z President’s appointments to her life by jumping into the sea, if it would make Covid go away. activities in the country. commence work this week Supreme Court Council’s first duty While the Health Minister and her ministerial colleagues, just as While calling on the authorities every other citizen in this country, has the right to engage in their to work towards lifting the personal beliefs and worship any deity, the issue here was whether quarantine curfew imposed in those praying had done what was necessary before seeking divine the Western Province tomorrow intervention. Not surprisingly, the Opposition seized the opportunity (9), the President has instructed to draw attention to this fact and subsequent revelations shed light officials to strictly monitor the on the health sector’s state of readiness to tackle the virus. quarantine process implemented The question being asked by the man on the street these days is that to control the spread of Covid- if, as the Health Minister has consistently maintained thus far, at least 19 after the curfew is lifted. in public, everything is hunky dory with regard to the containment of The families identified as the pandemic in Sri Lanka, why go to the extreme length of offering close contacts of Covid-19- to sacrifice her life just to bring things under control? Considering infected patients have been self- the Minister’s actions in private and utterings in public, it didn’t take quarantined within their own long for the grapevine to buzz. Something simply didn’t add up and homes while this figure is now for the Government to prepare a the people have every reason to be worried. close to 84,000 persons in 31,457 national action plan to address the Today, the Health Ministry is facing a barrage of criticism for the homes, the President’s Media Covid-19 situation in the country. manner in which it has handled the second wave of Covid-19, even Division (PMD) stated. They extended unconditional though it very successfully handled the first wave. The criticism has Within the Western Province support for it. emanated from government doctors themselves, who have taken alone, a total of 40,676 persons Last week also saw the the extraordinary step of distancing themselves from some of the have been self-quarantined in inaugural meeting of the measures taken by the Health Ministry. 13,911 homes. Parliamentary Council (PC) It appears that despite the initial success, the general election that The President has emphasised established under the 20th intervened between the first and second wave, caused institutional the need to strictly monitor the Amendment. The Constitutional complacency that led to the authorities being caught on the wrong persons who are under quarantine Council that was set up under foot when the second wave suddenly erupted early last month. When once the curfew has been lifted. the 19th Amendment to the the concern of whether new testing hardware had been purchased Constitution became defunct with since March was brought up in Parliament, the Health Minister House meets the implementation of the 20th retorted that 200 new ventilators had been inducted into service in It is in this backdrop that Amendment late last month. the past few months, only to be reminded that these machines were parliamentary sittings were held The new Parliamentary Council a gift from the US. amidst the quarantine curfew. only has powers to make its Given that there were just 3,000-odd cases and 10 reported deaths Media personnel were last observations on the nominees sent during the six-month period from March to September, there is every week barred from covering by the President. indication to suggest that the health authorities took the situation for parliamentary sessions when The Council also has a week granted, simply going by data. Then when the Minuwangoda cluster the House met for a brief one- to communicate its observations exploded in early October, they were caught off guard and are still day session last Tuesday (3). and in the event it fails to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa scrambling to get a grip of things. Parliament coverage was telecast communicate its observations The lesson to be learnt from this episode is that until such time via a cable television channel, to the President, the proposed by the Parliamentary Council Once the term of the EC a vaccine is widely available, neither the health authorities nor the Facebook Live, YouTube, and appointments could be carried out for appointment to the Supreme comes to an end, Deshapriya will people can afford the luxury of being complacent. Covid-19 has Parliament Webcast. and the President could confirm Court (SC). conclude his tenure of nearly 37 the potential to pop up in the most unexpected of places at the most The Committee on the appointment. Hence, the new appointments years in the election office. unexpected of times, and within days cause havoc across the country. Parliamentary Business decided The Council is headed to the SC are likely to be made by Under the 20th Amendment, This is why even though the Government is looking at relaxing to limit sittings to one day due to by Speaker Mahinda Yapa the President shortly. five new commissioners are to curfew restrictions now in place in the most affected areas, it is the Covid-19 pandemic and only Abeywardena and has two A last-minute amendment was be appointed to the EC. The EC always better to be on guard. for two hours, from 10 a.m. to 12 ex-officio members, the Prime moved to the 20th Amendment under the 19th Amendment had In this endeavour, it is important that the health authorities get on noon. Minister and the Leader of and the Government increased the three commissioners. board. The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) which, Two regulations to the Medical the Opposition. Its two other number of judges in the SC from Deshapriya, when questioned as of now, does not seem to see eye-to-eye with the Ministry. Their Ordinance submitted by Minister members are Minister Douglas 11 to 16, and 11 to 19 in the Court about his tenure in the EC, grouse is that the opinion of the Association has not been sought on of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi Devananda, who is the Prime of Appeal. maintained that he did not wish key matters and even when it was in fact sought, their suggestions were taken up for debate. Minister’s nominee, and MP Presenting the said amendment, to make any statements and and opinions have not been given due consideration. In hindsight, Only Members of Parliament Kabir Hashim, who is the Justice Minister Ali Sabry preferred to silently commence much of the credit for controlling the first wave of the pandemic is (MPs), invited officials, security Opposition Leader’s nominee. informed the House that the his retirement. owed to the GMOA which was on the ball from day one in working personnel, and Parliament staff All Council members attended reason for increasing the numbers with the authorities to control the spread of the pandemic. were allowed to come into the the inaugural meeting last week. in the two superior courts is to Spotlight on Basil All that is now water under the bridge. The GMOA’s consistent call complex on that day. Parliament Secretary General expedite the hearing of cases and/ Founder and theoretician of the for increasing testing capacity has received attention only after the Meanwhile, the Committee Dhammika Dasanayake and or clear the backlog. governing Sri Lanka Podujana advent of the second wave. Up until that point, the authorities had on Parliamentary Business also Deputy Secretary General and Peramuna (SLPP), former been content on only mobilising equipment received as donations. decided to meet on Thursday Chief of Staff Neil Iddawala were Mahinda bids adieu Minister Basil Rajapaksa, was Since the first week of October, the number of cases has increased (12) and pass the Appropriation also present at the meeting. Election Commission (EC) last week in the limelight once by a whopping 400% and the number of deaths has increased by 200%. Bill presented by the Minister of At the first meeting, the Council Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya again. This time, it was over his The 3,000-plus cases at the beginning of October has in a matter of Finance for service expenditure was expected to take up nominees last week cleared his office in impending entrance to Parliament five weeks shot up to over 12,000 cases, while the 10 deaths at the for the financial year 2020. submitted by President Gotabaya preparation of his retirement that following the implementation of beginning of October has shot up to 29 as at last Friday. These are The Government will present Rajapaksa, but had not taken up is to commence when the tenure the 20th Amendment that permits worrisome figures by any yardstick and one cannot blame the Health its Budget to Parliament on 17 the names during the meeting. of the EC comes to an end on the dual citizens to hold public Minister for seeking divine intervention. November. The Council had instead 16th of this month. office including parliamentary With the situation being what it is, many are questioning the prudence Parliamentary proceedings discussed the framework within With the 20th Amendment to representation. of relaxing curfew restrictions, even though economic considerations were dominated by the current which it will operate under the Constitution being passed in Basil is a dual citizen of the warrant it. While the request to strictly adhere to health guidelines Covid-19 situation in the country the 20th Amendment to the Parliament, a new Chairman and US and Sri Lanka and was barred is reasonable enough, it is a lot to be asking from a people who are and attacks and counterattacks Constitution and decided to meet members are to be appointed to from entering Parliament under habitually used to breaking the rules. From observing traffic rules to between the Opposition and again on Tuesday (10) to formally the Commission. the 19th Amendment. such mundane things as taking one’s place in a queue, we are a people governing party were based on it. commence its work. The EC consists of two other Basil currently holds the who, given the opportunity, will not hesitate to bend the rules. The However, the call of all The President has submitted members and it is learnt that they leadership of the Task Force for only problem with Covid is that one does not get to bend the rules. Opposition political parties was several names to be considered have already vacated their offices. Economic Revival and Poverty Either you adhere to the guidelines or fall victim to the virus. There Alleviation. is no way out by bribing a policeman or a healthcare worker. When The day prior to last week’s one falls, they are likely to take many others with them, which from parliamentary sittings, the rumour any point of view is a recipe for disaster. mill was at work overtime As of last week, major countries in Europe like the UK, France, regarding the resignation of Italy, and Germany have gone back into lockdown mode in order to SLPP National List MP Jayantha control record numbers of new cases. We, on the other hand, despite Ketagoda from Parliament in the increasing numbers with a daily average of 400 or so new cases, order to make way for Basil to be are toying with the idea of relaxing restrictions already in place. While appointed to Parliament through the reason for doing so is obvious, it will be a Herculean challenge the SLPP National List. for the authorities to keep people safe while at the same time keeping It was rumoured that Basil the economy ticking. would be sworn in when One of the main reasons for easing curfew restrictions is to enable Parliament met last Tuesday (3). daily-wage earners to go about their business. However, given the However, sources close to strict guidelines, one wonders whether business establishments will Basil Rajapaksa told The Sunday be willing to run the risk of employing persons who are exposed Morning that Rajapaksa had not to risks while travelling. On the flip side, if people adhere to the taken any decision yet on entering guidelines, work from home, and stop going out, the services of daily Parliament. wage earners could well become redundant – which is why these Minister of Irrigation and State individuals need to be identified and relief measures announced by Minister of Internal Security, the Government must be made available to them. Home Affairs, and Disaster The past 10 months of this year have shown that the only successful Management Chamal Rajapaksa way to contain Covid-19 is to isolate people from each other. How it said all SLPP members were is done is up to the authorities. If Sri Lanka wants to buck this trend, requesting his brother, Basil, to then it should also be ready to face any eventuality. Given the recent enter Parliament. record, the Government would do well to err on the side of caution. He told The Sunday Morning that despite the requests made by No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. the SLPP MPs, Basil had not yet Fax - 011 2 673 441 made a decision regarding the General - 011 5 200 900 matter. Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 “All MPs are requesting it Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 because it is Basil who forms E-mail - [email protected] the SLPP. But he has not taken a decision yet,” he said, whilst 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

SAMAGI JANA BALAWEGAYA CARVING ITS GR gets hands on as PLACE IN THE OPPOSITION BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA virus takes centre stage The Samagi Jana Balawegaya z President’s appointments to z SLPP commences paving path for z Chinese focus on taking relations (SJB) has held informal We have notified the leaders of the Supreme Court Council’s first duty Basil’s entrance to Parliament with Sri Lanka to next level discussions with the United minority parties that constitute National Party (UNP) the SJB, to inform us of the action being taken against their errant Wimal put in place New Chinese envoy pertaining to an alliance whilst refuting media reports that SLPP such a thing is happening, we arrives taking steps to sack the MPs MPs. In the coming days, we will MP Jayantha Ketagoda is to would announce it at a news Leader of an SLPP ally, the who had voted in favour of the get to know what action has been resign from his parliamentary conference without being National Freedom Front (NFF), Given the ongoing clash 20th Amendment (20A), failing taken in this regard seat to pave the way for Basil to discreet,” the MP said. Minister Wimal Weerawansa, between the US and China, in enter Parliament. It was rumoured that MP who has been waxing eloquent which Sri Lanka now figures to tow the party line. When asked whether the SLPP Ketagoda would resign tomorrow on his agitation against the prominently, mainly due to Below are excerpts of SJB MP no qualms with those who voted had made an official decision, and Basil Rajapaksa would be controversial US Millennium the country’s geographical Ranjith Madduma Bandara’s with us. Minister Chamal Rajapaksa sworn in as MP in his place. Challenge Corporation (MCC) positioning in the Indian interview with The Sunday Morning. stressed that no such official Compact, has received somewhat Ocean, China is now looking at The SJB opposed the 20A What will the SJB do to build decision was made. SLPP anniversary of a telling off from President taking its diplomatic ties with throughout and in fact staged a itself as the main Opposition party? During the vote on the 20th Last week was a milestone Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka and the Government protest on the morning the 20A draft We will take all necessary steps Amendment (20A) in Parliament for the SLPP, which marked its Weerawansa is one of the to a higher level. was taken up for debate. What then in and through Parliament against last month, a member of the fourth year in politics on Monday leading figures in the governing The public statements and happened with MP Diana Gamage all wrongdoings of the Government. All Ceylon Muslim Congress (2). party opposing the MCC deal. counterstatements between the and the vote on the 20A? We have already begun a proper (ACMC) voted against the piece In celebrating the occasion, Despite the public outcry US and China in the run-up to It’s clear that there had been restructuring and strengthening of the of legislation but voted in favour SLPP Chairman Professor against the deal by him and Pompeo’s visit to Sri Lanka backdoor dealings between her and party across the country. As we speak, of the clause on dual citizens. G.L. Peiris issued a statement several other SLPP allies, they and afterwards has put Sri those in the government ranks, and we are gathering support from the ACMC MP S.M.M. capturing the achievements the were noticeably silent during the Lanka-China relations on a new according to some agreement, she masses from all parts of the country. Muszhaaraff, when questioned party gained in a short span of recent visit of US Secretary of trajectory. switched allegiances. As such, she on his decision, said: “We agreed time. State Mike Pompeo to Sri Lanka. In order to take the relations cast her vote for the 20A and failed to We have seen the UNP criticising that we would oppose the 20A. “Looking at the path the party However, after Pomepo’s between the two countries tow the party line. what it calls the Government’s Clause 17 was a completely has taken since then, I consider meeting with the President, to the next level, China has failing Covid-19 policy that led to different matter, which is why I it a privilege to have held the where it was discussed and chosen a well-seasoned As a party, what action has the SJB the current second wave, but the decided to vote in favour of it. position of Chairman of such a decided to move forward and diplomat as its new envoy in taken against MP Gamage? SJB appears to be silent on the However, there were some who party. beyond the MCC deal, the likes Colombo. We will take disciplinary action; matter. Why is this? supported the Government with “I heartily congratulate the of Weerawansa were seen once China’s new Ambassador Qi a disciplinary hearing is currently No, that is not the case. Our Leader, the passing of the 20A in its future of the Sri Lanka People’s again rabblerousing against the Zhenhong, with over 30 years’ ongoing. We will also consult our Sajith Premadasa, both in Parliament entirety, and there were members Front, which is celebrating its MCC Compact. experience and expertise in the legal team on what steps can be taken and before the media, said that the from the Government who fourth anniversary today,” Peiris Chinese foreign service, arrived and how to address this issue. Government failed to contain the first opposed Clause 17.” noted. The day prior to last week’s in Sri Lanka on 30 October and wave because it wanted to achieve its “Just because I sit with the Following are excerpts of his parliamentary sittings, the will assume duties after a two- Will she be removed from the political goals and that if the country Opposition, it does not mean I statement: rumour mill was at work week quarantine period. party? had closed on 2 March, the outbreak have to oppose every move the “The Sri Lanka Podujana overtime regarding the Upon arrival at the Yes. A proper disciplinary hearing could have been handled successfully, Government makes,” he added. Peramuna, which inherited resignation of SLPP National Bandaranaike International will be conducted and then, we but they waited till nominations were Basil however, has remained a glorious leadership of the List MP Jayantha Ketagoda Airport (BIA), Ambassador will take the necessary steps to handed over to lockdown the country, tight-lipped about the speculation country, is directing party politics from Parliament in order Qi, in a message, had stated: appropriately penalise her for her and this allowed the virus to spread of his entrance to Parliament. in a new direction. As a result to make way for Basil to be “The minute I landed on the errant actions. further among the populace. In the run-up to the 20th of the 2015 general elections, appointed to Parliament land of Sri Lanka, ‘the Pearl of They failed to close down the Amendment’s tabling in the thinking of the people of through the SLPP National the Indian Ocean’, its beauty, Does MP Gamage hold dual airports in time as well. Then, they Parliament, Basil maintained this country changed. The List. It was rumoured that hospitality, and kindness have citizenship? were so clouded by their need to have that the value of the new piece expectations of the country did Basil would be sworn in made me feel very touched and As far as we know, no. She the 20A enacted that they ignored of legislation should not be not seem to be fulfilled and the when Parliament met last heart-warmed. Entrusted by the never told us of a dual citizenship, the warning signs of a second wave; disregarded by saying it is aimed government that came to power Tuesday (3) Government and the people of and when we inquired with the thus, we are now facing a severe at paving the way for him to as a people’s government did not China, I assume my office as Department of Immigration and second outbreak of the coronavirus. enter Parliament. appear to be in power. Weerawansa told the media the new Chinese Ambassador Emigration, we were told that she is The Government must take full “People began to wonder soon after Pomepo left the to Sri Lanka with deep not a dual citizen and that she was responsibility for allowing a second whether the leadership of country, that he would not be a honour in my heart and great only a Sri Lankan national. wave to erupt. President Mahinda Rajapaksa member of a government that responsibility on my shoulder.” would prosper in the next phase signs the MCC deal. He said the friendly relations Has it now been revealed that she is Nevertheless, many fault the SJB of the political annals. Politically He further noted that as far between China and Sri a dual citizen? for not having a voice as the main confused people waited hopefully as he knew, Prime Minister Lanka could be traced back We do not know. We have not Opposition. How do you respond? until the gap in patriotic politics Rajapaksa did not have any thousands of years ago, and received any new information in this We are the ones who have voiced was filled. interest in meeting with Pompeo the two countries are strategic regard. our concerns about these issues the “Basil Rajapaksa pioneered during his Sri Lankan visit. co-operative partners based on most. We are the most vocal group in the filling of the gap by shifting However, the President, sincere mutual assistance and What is the SJB’s stance on the the Opposition. The SJB has raised its the political genealogy in a new taking a swipe at the likes of ever-lasting friendship. minority party members who failed voice over every wrongdoing of the direction. Due to his strong Weerawansa last week, said “Since the establishment to tow the party line? Government. commitment, a new political that he would not sign the MCC of diplomatic relations, We have notified the leaders of the party called the Sri Lanka deal under any circumstance, especially after President Xi minority parties that constitute the Any plans to work with the UNP? People’s Front entered the arena and that has resulted in some Jinping’s visit to Sri Lanka SJB, to inform us of the action being Yes, we have invited the UNP to on 2 November 2016. The SLPP individuals making statements in 2014, we have seen much taken against their errant MPs. In the join us in this alliance. The old UNP grew by choosing the lotus to please the gallery on the achievement in bilateral coming days, we will get to know has been rejected by the people. flower as its symbol, turning the actions they would resort to in exchanges and co-operation in what action has been taken in this Nevertheless, we have invited them to existing party politics in a new the event the agreement was various areas, and maintained regard. join us. direction and becoming a strong signed. close communication and challenge to the Government in “The MCC agreement will co-ordination on international Will the SJB continue doing politics Have there be any official talks? power, based on the views of the not be signed even in a dream. and regional affairs. More with the minority parties or will We have officially invited them. people. Some individuals keep making recently, the time-tested there be a parting of ways? Now, we are awaiting their response. SLPP Founder and theoretician Basil Rajapaksa “People’s testimony confirmed statements to the gallery saying friendship and trust between None of the minority parties have that the SLPP has grown well they would resort to various our two countries have grown indicated or made any statements to Have there been any unofficial in the 2018 local government actions if the agreement was even stronger through the the effect that they want to part ways. discussions? Ketagoda, who is slated to elections. In as little as a month, signed due to this reason. These joint fight against Covid-19, Yes, certain groups of the resign from Parliament to make the party was able to renew individuals know very well that which set a great example of What about from the side of the two factions have held informal way for Basil, had said that Basil the Sri Lankan political annals the MCC agreement will not be foreign relations with sincere SJB? Will the party continue to discussions. would enter Parliament only at with 71% of the vote. In a very signed. Therefore, I say without friendship and mutual support work with the minority parties? the opportune time. short period of time, the SLPP any hesitation that all talk about between different countries,” We will take the necessary “(Basil) Rajapaksa is the managed to garner the highest resorting to various actions if he said. disciplinary action and remove Founder of our party. It is our number of votes in the history of the MCC agreement is signed is As the new Ambassador of those who voted against us in wish that he should become party politics. gallery talk,” the President told the People’s Republic of China Parliament. We have already an MP and at the appropriate “Taking that victory to the next our sister newspaper, Aruna. to the Democratic Socialist taken the decision to do so. But time, he will be sworn in. It level, the SLPP was able to add Republic of Sri Lanka, with regard to the rest, we have will not take place according a distinguished leader as well as Ambassador Qi said he looks to the interests of the online a pro-people, great man to the forward to working with all speculators,” Ketagoda had told political annals of the country at colleagues and friends both the media. the presidential election in 2019. from China and Sri Lanka, and We will take all necessary steps As for whether he would President Gotabaya Rajapaksa striving for more achievement in and through Parliament resign from Parliament to make won a landslide victory by in the years to come. way for Basil’s nomination, garnering the 6,924,255 votes, “Let’s join hands to against all wrongdoings of according to Ketagoda, there further consolidating the stability implement the consensus the Government. We were several MPs ready to forgo of the SLPP as a political party. reached by leaders of our two have already begun a their seats to make way for Basil. “Given the organisational countries, promote our strategic proper restructuring However, Ketagoda had said capacity of the party, the co-operative partnership, build and strengthening he would be first among them. SLPP was able to identify the the Belt and Road Initiative of the party across “(Basil) Rajapaksa will only conscience of the people by and other co-operation with the country. As decide when to swear in. There conversing with the village, extensive consultation and we speak, we is an overwhelming request from making the vision of prosperity joint contribution, so as to are gathering the rank and file of the party for a programme that goes beyond bring tangible benefits to our support from him to be an MP,” he had further concepts. As a result, the SLPP two people and better ensure the masses from said. managed to win the general peace, stability, development, Meanwhile, SLPP General election with a two-thirds and prosperity in this region. all parts of the Secretary and MP Sagara majority, turning political history Once again please accept country Kariyawasam said MP Ketagoda upside down and becoming the my greetings and gratitude,” SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara had not tendered his resignation. proudest political party in the Ambassador Qi added. “These are just rumours. If country.” NFF Leader Minister Wimal Weerawansa Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, November 8, 2020

The previous strains that circulated in Sri Lanka were of the B.1, B.2, B 1.1, and B.4 SUGGESTIONS TO CONTROL AND lineages (the Kandakadu cluster viruses were of B.1 lineage), and therefore, the MITIGATE CURRENT COVID-19 OUTBREAK current virus strain is slightly different as it belongs to the B.1.42 lineage. The Government Medical Officers’ 5. We recently observed that a leading Association (GMOA) wrote to President private hospital in Colombo managed Similar to strains in Europe Gotabaya Rajapaksa highlighting areas of to achieve a daily PCR capacity of Samples of the first Covid-19 cases concern they believed to be of paramount 2,000 tests, with only two functioning detected in the country were tested by importance in controlling and mitigating PCR machines, within a very short the laboratory of the Department of the current outbreak. Below were the period of time. In this context, it Immunology and Molecular Medicine areas highlighted: is disappointing to note that the and Allergy of the Immunology and Cell 1. We observe that a failure in the Ministry of Health, with 20 allocated Biology Unit at USJ, and its researchers implementation of “border crossing PCR testing centres, is yet to achieve said the virus strain in circulation in Sri governance” resulted in Covid-19 the daily minimum PCR requirement Lanka at present was similar to that of the spreading across the country through which is essential to effectively strain found in Sweden, Denmark, and supply chains. A similar situation manage the current outbreak in the other European countries at present. can be expected from home delivery country. Researchers also say that categorisation services and especially trading vehicles 6. We highlight the necessity of an audit of the virus needs to be included in any which operate in areas with restrictions/ to monitor the capacity, capability, precautionary measures against it. They curfew. As such, to reinforce border and efficiency of PCR testing which say the virus is likely to change in a few crossing governance as mentioned in provides the basis of Covid-19 public weeks – that is, there is a risk of another the “GMOA Covid-19 Exit Strategy” health decision-making. Therefore, viral strain spreading. presented to Your Excellency on 4 we propose to categorise results “The Ministry of Health informed April 2020 and incorporated into the under three headings, as below: us that this time, the Covid-19 virus is guidelines prepared jointly by the COVID-19 spreading rapidly and asked us to conduct Ministry of Health and the GMOA, Test Category in relation to result public health decision- the necessary research to identify the herewith we attach the draft guidelines issued making characteristics of this present strain and for your notice. provide information. That is how our 2. We highlight the importance of GPS A Within 24 hours Timely PCR reports research team began its work. The required mapping of Covid-19 data to make B Between 24 hours Delayed PCR reports biological samples were obtained through decisions timely and efficiently. The and 48 hours the Ministry of Health. That is why we GMOA together with the Ministry of C More than 48 hours Outdated PCR reports Mutating conducted the research and released the Health has developed a GPS mapping report on 31 October,” said USJ Faculty system which will enable health We expect that this audit format will of Medicine senior lecturer Dr. Chandima authorities to recognise potential “red result in maintaining A and B categories Jeewandara, who is part of the research zones” rapidly with increased accuracy. over 90% of results. Since PCR sensitivity team at the university. We believe this system will ultimately falls around 70%, “Test, Test, Test” Dr. Jeewandara stated that 16 biological be helpful in implementing an efficient strategy should be considered under the strains and samples were taken for testing this and successful zonal management above audit. time, adding that these were obtained strategy. 7. Random community testing formal from the Minuwangoda Brandix cluster, 3. Accurate, timely, and effective zonal guidance should be issued in relation Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster, and the lockdown/restriction procedures will to the high-risk category and routine Colombo Municipal Council cluster. Of prevent further spread of Covid-19 in surveillance. these samples, 12 out of 13 showed a Sri Lanka and help contact tracing and 8. We wish to inform you that the changing homogeneous state. control the pandemic. Epidemiology Unit recommended “Our research in March, observed 4. “Lock-out” parameters need to be maintaining a minimum PCR changes in samples of this virus. There formulated in a transparent manner and capacity of over 10,000 per day with is no similarity between the Kandakadu communicated properly to build public a buffer capacity of over 100,000 cluster virus and the Peliyagoda and confidence, pubic contribution, and testing physical elements, at the Minuwangoda cluster virus,” he said. accountability for safeguarding their meeting chaired by the Minister of symptoms “Although the SARS-CoV- 2 virus group zones. Health. that is prevalent in Ukraine these days is not 100% similar to the Covid virus group in Sri Lanka, there is a very close link,” he Research continues to find added. Researchers also say that there is no data cause behind sudden deaths on whether this group was formed from the Kandakadu cluster. But researchers BY SARAH HANNAN say that there is a possibility that the virus which was introduced to the Kandakadu As the Covid-19 data platforms managed by the Epidemiology Unit of the cluster had later mutated and re-emerged in Ministry of Health (MoH) reflect the number of Covid-19 cases reported in the Minuwangoda apparel factory cluster. the country, which is increasing by hundreds per day, the virologists and a dedicated team of scientists have placed all hands on deck to understand Studies to continue the present Covid-19 virus strain in Sri Lanka. It is clear that its virulence “The virulence of the present strain has increased severalfold. and its aggressive nature can be observed through the symptoms that it generates Meanwhile, increased sample collection Sixteen virus strains originating from once it enters our body; it can range from has created somewhat of a backlog in patients of the Minuwangoda apparel asymptomatic cases to sudden death. report generation as diagnostic labs have factory and in turn the Minuwangoda Patients can react adversely to this disease. stretched their workforce thin to deliver the cluster, the Colombo Municipality, and the “Moreover, the DNA construct too PCR test results in a timely manner. Beruwala Fish Market, who were admitted can affect the way the virus behaves in A month following the second Covid- to tertiary care hospitals, were subjected to each person’s immune system, causing 19 wave hitting Sri Lanka, a report on the sequencing. varying symptoms and side effects. whole genome sequencing of the virus Whole genome sequencing was If the virus enters a sick person, it is strain present in the country was issued successful in 13 strains while partial more likely to cause complications. We by the Department of Immunology and genome sequencing was successful in three are conducting continuous research on Molecular Medicine and Allergy of the strains. the mutations of the new strains,” Dr. Immunology and Cell Biology Unit at the The findings revealed that 12 out of Jeewandara noted. University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ). 13 strains were similar to each other and It was in 2012 that, as a result of findings Phylogenetics of the current strains (circled) compared to previous strains in Sri Lanka (blue dots) MoH Secretary (Retd.) Maj. Gen. Dr. were of the B.1.42 lineage (clade 20C), in a research paper that stated a virus and other strains in the world (Source: Nextstrain.org) Sanjeewa Munasinghe, earlier last week, suggesting that the virus strains circulating could affect Sri Lanka in the future, Dr. stated that the virus is said to be spreading in different places of the country are of Jeewandara informed the Central Bank of Health Organisation (WHO) to purchase hands with soap, wearing masks, and social rapidly this time around, and also noted common origin. Fifteen out of sixteen Sri Lanka (CBSL) of the need for a well- equipment for this research. distancing are very important to get rid of that if a person who had contracted the strains had the D614G mutation, which is equipped laboratory for the very purpose “The quality of our laboratory is at a this virus, and added that the current virus virus in April had 100,000 particles of associated with high viral load and higher of handling a deadly virus. Accordingly, in very high level,” Dr. Jeewandara said. strain may change in a few weeks. the virus in a droplet of saliva when they rates of transmissibility. 2019, funds were allocated by the World Dr. Jeewandara emphasised that washing Contd. on page 14 coughed or sneezed, this time (second wave), the number of particles had increased to the millions and perhaps even The Information and the platform, they are alerted and one billion. Communication Technology STAY SAFE SRI LANKA DIGITAL PROJECT asked not to enter/permit entry to “The viral load is higher this time Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) last the premises. around and can infect a larger number of Wednesday (4) proposed a digital when having to actually contact businesses, institutions can obtain “The app is currently people. If people continue to travel a lot, project to streamline the contact trace, which got me thinking of their unique QR code or outlet undergoing the preliminary that will accelerate the speed of the virus tracing process in the backdrop an effective platform for data code through the www.staysafe. stages of implementing a spreading to the whole country. Therefore, of the present Covid-19 outbreak, collection.” gov.lk/ website, which was database that records all I kindly request all of you to limit your The Sunday Morning learnt. Perera then reached out to activated yesterday. employees’ locations of all travel to essential duties,” Dr. Munasinghe During a meeting with Nuzhi Meyen, Christopher Perera also noted that the companies, which can be reiterated. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Adikaram, and Kanishka Bandara platform was designed with the accessed by anyone, regardless The scientists at the Department of the developers and officials for assistance in developing a data consideration of data protection, of whether they have a Immunology and Molecular Medicine and of ICTA Sri Lanka, headed by collection platform, which they and not even the merchants will smartphone or not. The database Allergy at USJ carried out whole genome Chairman Jayantha De Silva, then presented to ICTA Sri Lanka. have access to the information will be implemented by Sunday sequencing of the virus to determine if demonstrated the mechanism of The platform developed for of a customer accessing their (today), and the app will be the current outbreak has resulted in the the “Stay Safe Sri Lanka” digital the Stay Safe Sri Lanka digital services. launched officially on Monday spread of different strains, if there are project, after which approval project would be made available have to scan using a smartphone. “The full information will (tomorrow),” ICTA Sri Lanka certain mutations that result in the rapid was granted for the project to be to retailers, supermarkets, state 2. SMS: For those who do be saved in the Government Chairman De Silva stated. spread of the virus, and also to investigate launched yesterday (7). and private institutions that not use smartphones, they could of Sri Lanka cloud and access The team commissioned by the relationship between the currently Speaking to The Sunday are constantly accessed by the enter their details using SMS, will be granted to the task force ICTA Sri Lanka to design the circulating virus strains and previous Morning, the project’s Lead public, and even transport sector for which, at the first instance, appointed to prevent the Covid- Stay Safe Sri Lanka digital strains that circulated in Sri Lanka. Developer and data scientist personnel, Perera explained. they will have to register by 19 outbreak, the Ministry of project comprises Shanaka Shanaka Perera explained that “Data collection will be done sending the following command Defence, and the Ministry of Perera (BSc – University of Different from first strain this project will ease the burden through QR code scanning, SMS, via SMS to 1919 to register: Health,” he assured. Colombo, AMCA – UK, MSc Key findings of the study outlined that of having to manually collect data and direct entry, and the public SSuser’s NIC number. The Stay Safe Sri Lanka data – UK, at present is pursuing the current strain of the coronavirus in from the public. can choose either of these options. After that, when they access any platform will also provide ease PhD in Data Science – UK), circulation is different to the strains that “Over the past few weeks, The public will not need to install place which has the Stay Safe Sri the process of alerting people Nuzhi Meyen (consultant in the circulated in the first wave earlier this year. people had to write down their any apps to be able to enter their Lanka unique ID, they will only if they have been exposed to a tech space, BSc – University The present virus strain was also found to details such as the name, contact details to the platform,” Perera have to send an SMS with the Covid-19-positive patient during of Colombo, MSc – University have higher transmissibility due to its high number, and national identity card added. unique ID of the outlet to 1919. their activities. Furthermore, if a of Moratuwa, CIMA-passed viral loads. (NIC) number in contact tracing Details on the process follow: 3. Direct entry: The merchant person becomes a close contact finalist), Christopher Adikaram Furthermore, it was also found that the forms or books maintained 1. QR code: The merchant will be given a user interface to of a Covid-19-positive person (BSc in IT – University of same virus strain is so far responsible for by service providers, retail will be assigned a unique QR which they only have to enter while they are accessing services, Moratuwa), and Kanishka the infections detected in Minuwangoda, outlets, supermarkets, and so on. code they could print and display a person’s NIC number/mobile the moment they scan the QR Bandara (BSc in Software the Colombo Municipality area, and the However, there was a question at the entrance to their store or phone number. code, send the SMS, or the Engineering – Cardiff Peliyagoda Fish Market cluster. about how effective that would be institution, which the public will Interested merchants, merchant enters the details into Metropolitan University). the sunday morning 11 Sunday, November 8, 2020 HOTSEAT/VIEWS

BY SARAH HANNAN Moreover, all steps were communicated through circulars and were readily available The number of Covid-19 cases and on the Ministry of Health website for the deaths that were a result of public access, and were also communicated complications caused by the virus, SURVEILLANCE through various media channels; also on spiked over the month of October how the health authorities are containing and seemed to escalate the world the spread of the virus; and if the public over. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka too was aware of any mishandlings, they were is witnessing more clusters/ encouraged to report such incidents to their subclusters over the past few days MECHANISM MOHs or area PHIs. following the second wave that Part of the responsibility also lies with institutional heads, and there are ongoing originated in early October. inquiries over these institutional heads As the vaccination for the virus is who failed to implement the necessary yet to reach countries that have CONTINUOUSLY preventive measures and skipped on timely to wait for donor countries to reports to the surveillance teams on possible purchase the vaccinations on their outbreaks in their administrative regions. behalf, Sri Lanka too will have to A separate inquiry is being conducted wait on its donor. on the delay in the respective MOH failing to report the record number of flu patients During such time, the health STRENGTHENED reported from the Minuwangoda area where authorities, Government, and the second wave originated as well. experts in the fields of virology There are weak links in the mechanism and epidemiology are suggesting DR. JAYARUWAN BANDARA and we are working on strengthening them that the public should learn to live at present, to ensure that we have a robust with the virus whilst exercising z People have to z Section of stakeholders z Inquiries ongoing over surveillance mechanism in place. caution when going about their take responsibility failed to adhere to institutional heads failing daily routines. Ministry of Health When the public seemed to let their Spokesperson Dr. Jayaruwan for their health guidelines with preventive measures guard down and started to disregard the Bandara joined in conversation health regulations, why didn’t the health authorities step in and take stern action with The Sunday Morning to live with the virus for years to come, until a to conduct several samplings to confirm against violators? respond to our queries over the vaccination is made available. the virulence of the present strain. At least Actually, when we talk about the present situation and the level Unfortunately, the news of a successful three rounds of testing were conducted at responsible way of behaviour, that sense of preparedness on part of the vaccination has not been made public. the MRI, during which it was confirmed of responsibility towards one’s own health healthcare authorities in handling There are close to 100 types of vaccines that that the viral load was high and that the should come from within. This is why, the mounting caseloads this time. are being developed, but these vaccinations behaviour of the strain was more aggressive rather than enforcing laws over the public, Excerpt below: will have to go through clinical trials and than the one that was present in the period we decided to first issue guidelines and improvements before being made available from March-May. Even the symptoms that improve awareness among the public The re-emergence of Covid-19 escalated to the population at large. were displayed by the patient were a little before resorting to strict regulations and law at a fast pace. Were the authorities different from the previous symptoms that enforcement as stipulated in the Quarantine caught off guard this time? What were the monitoring mechanisms were communicated. (and Prevention of Diseases) Act. We were not caught off guard, but that the health authorities had in place It was the surveillance mechanism that were in the process of strengthening after the country opened up after the we had in place that assisted us in taking the health system to continuously adapt lockdown earlier this year? prompt action, thereby helping us take to the challenges that were posed by A community surveillance mechanism control of the second wave that we are still That sense of responsibility towards this pandemic. Since the pandemic was by the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology experiencing. one’s own health should come from declared, we were heeding the instructions Unit was always in place, which is why within. This is why, rather than issued by the World Health Organisation we were able to respond promptly when Was there a lapse in the surveillance enforcing laws over the public, we (WHO), and our healthcare system too was the clusters started in early October. mechanisms in the past few months decided to first issue guidelines and adjusting to the rising healthcare needs that There were parameters in place, such as which resulted in the re-emergence of improve awareness among the public were presented since the first patient was the requirement to report on patients who Covid-19? recorded in Sri Lanka. were admitted to hospitals with respiratory I don’t agree that we had a lapse in the By now, we have understood that this disease symptoms, and, if the clinician surveillance mechanism which resulted We placed our trust in the people at the virus is not going to go away in a matter of suspects that the patient was infected with in the re-emergence of Covid-19; rather time and presumed that educating them weeks or months and therefore, we have Covid-19, they were to further investigate the failure of a section of stakeholders in and continuously asking them to follow taken measures to deal with this on-the-go. the patient’s health records and conduct a upholding the responsibility of adhering the guidelines would instil in them good It is apparent that now, not only Sri Lanka preliminary stage contact tracing by asking to the guidelines that were issued by the healthcare habits and thereby prevent the but the entire world will have to adapt and further questions. Ministry of Health, led to the re-emergence. virus from spreading. Had the guidelines and circulars that If you take Singapore for example, Unanswered questions I don’t agree that we had a lapse in the we continuously issued and painstakingly from day one, they imposed strict laws. surveillance mechanism which resulted collated been followed, the impact that we For instance, there was an incident where Dr. Bandara refrained from answering the the public on the manner in which people in the re-emergence of Covid-19; rather are facing at present could have been far a couple was fined for not wearing questions relating to policy and ministry-level are being taken for quarantine, such as the failure of a section of stakeholders less. It was visible that certain institutions – masks when they were outdoors – the decisions, noting that they would be better where children have been separated from in upholding the responsibility of both state and private – failed to implement fine amounted to Rs. 1.4 million in local posed to the Minster or a higher authority parents, resulting sometimes in tragedies. adhering to the guidelines that were and adhere to the guidelines in the past four currency. involved in the Task Force at the National Have the health authorities addressed this issued by the Ministry of Health, led to months, and that led to the present situation. Imposing laws in Sri Lanka is not Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 issue? the re-emergence There were units appointed to supervise practical, as not many will have the ability Outbreak (NOCPCO). 3. What mechanism has been put in place to as to whether the guidelines were followed, to pay such a steep fine; in fact, some even Many attempts by The Sunday Morning to ensure proper co-ordination between the and these units were directed by the MOHs struggle to purchase face masks. contact the Health Minister or Health Ministry different divisions in the health sector and A circular was also sent to the Medical and PHIs (public health inspectors) and This is why even the issuance of the Secretary to respond to said questions failed the Task Force at the NOCPCO? Officers of Health (MOHs) across the were overseen by the Epidemiology Unit of gazette notification imposing the penalties as they were engaged in meetings related to 4. How much has the Health Ministry assigned country requesting them to obtain 10 the Ministry of Health. These officials work against the people was delayed. But finally, Covid-19 mitigation. Below are the questions for medical research to look at more nasopharyngeal swab samples from the as a network in which there is continuous Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi that were posed: effective ways of combating Covid-19? patients who were being admitted and who communication, which helps in maintaining decided that the maximum fine for not 1. There have been allegations that the 5. Have the health authorities determined the showed Covid-19-related symptoms, at the the surveillance mechanism. wearing a mask when in public should be Government has not purchased any new exact strain of the virus that has affected main hospitals in their area and to submit This team works like an army where limited to Rs. 10,000. ventilators since March when the first the country this time round? the same to the Epidemiology Unit and the the chain of command finally reports to Again, I would reiterate that there are outbreak took place. How would you 5. How long do you think it will take the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for PCR the Chief Epidemiologist, who is then practical difficulties that the people face on respond? health authorities to control the spread of testing and surveillance purposes. responsible for reporting all the surveillance a day-to-day basis, and people will not be 2. There have been several concerns raised by Covid-19 islandwide? For instance, when we detected the findings to the Director General of Health able to pay such a fine if they are booked. first patient of the second wave, we had Services. Contd. on page 12

COVID-19 Everything is uncertain Encourage multiplier effect K. Selverathnam – grocery store owner in Nugegoda Hosni Imtiaz – Director of Imtiaz Designers CAN WE We are at a very crucial time; although we open it upon the Purchasing items from small- them and give them a chance everything is uncertain and the request of our regular clients. We try scale businesses/home-based once the curfew is lifted, or status of our economy and how it to adhere to the medical guidelines businesses, encouraging local we also have the option of will progress following this situation and maintain social distance. I food production, etc. – this purchasing their items online. is most definitely uncertain. believe this is the best we can do for system can positively impact Moreover, when you spend We have currently closed the community and our economy the local economy as this your money locally, that THINK our store due to the curfew, right now. will influence income and money is being circulated OF THE employment growth. within the country, which helps As a developing country, I in local development, known think mitigating the economic impact as the “multiplier effect”. In today’s Let’s do our part and overcoming this situation is a day and age where social media plays ECONOMY great challenge. For example, there an important role in our lives, we can Gulzar Ahmed – Co-Founder of Global Strategic Network are many independent business share our favourite stores online and Alienating yourself contribute to this economy owners in their infancy stages of their spread the word among our followers, completely from work as well for your basic survival – this entrepreneurial journeys. We can which would be a way of creating as commitments to family and is not just my opinion, but an make a choice to purchase from brand awareness for them. self in the name of Covid-19 economical truth in reality. NOW? would be a grave mistake. Let’s stay home and BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI adhering to the health and Coming to the economy of maintain social distance while safety guidelines during the this country, your abstention we capitalise on technology Contribute by staying safe Social media was moved by quarantine curfew. from work puts you and your and benefit from it to move Nehara Senerath – paralegal McDonald’s requesting their It is evident that citizens family at financial risk; not forward. We can turn the tide clients to support them while are taking responsibility for doing business or even trying to is not for a paperless transaction now and At this point of time, being forced living. Small businesses can develop supporting all their competitors the community’s health while going to reflect well on your business’ keep the moment post pandemic. We to remain indoors may have a their marketing strategies and try to as a way of helping their trying to make a buck and fiscal performance, which signifies can now shop without being in store, serious impact on our economy as promote their products and services workers during this difficult support their families, which that in this country, despite what your let’s foster that. And most importantly, a developing country. Therefore, I using social media and other online time. People are starting should be greatly appreciated. thoughts are on the economy, both we can now work from home, which believe the best we can do right now is platforms while supporting other small to think from an economic This week, The Sunday “self” and “national economy” are has proven its worth and reliability to try and make the small contributions businesses. The important thing is to perspective more and more Morning turned to the public interconnected in not one but many over the last seven months to multiple we can to support our economy while stay busy, follow the health guidelines, as the world continues to be to get their opinion on how ways. organisations, thereby helping staying at home. take the situation seriously, and try to terrorised by Covid-19. We they should contribute to the You need food. You need businesses save on infrastructure We can do this by purchasing do our part, because once this is over, also saw a socially conscious national economy while taking medicines. You need electricity. And costs. Overall, we as the general food, beverages, groceries, and other we will be able to get into a stable egg-seller in Sri Lanka using health precautions to safeguard some need to pay for water. How public doing our part from the safety essentials from local businesses and local market that we’ve always simple but innovative ways to themselves and those around much ever you don’t like to, at of our homes can help this economy who are trying hard to make a envisioned. carry out his business while from Covid-19. the end of the day, you have to recover much sooner. Contd. on page 12 12 the sunday morning OPINION/HOTSEAT Sunday, November 8, 2020

BY DR. CHARUNI KOHOMBANGE of children. Hence, any disruption mobilised for Covid-19 patients to the education of children can was a major topic discussed Sri Lankans are facing affect the future of the nation during the past few weeks. unprecedented challenges detrimentally,” said Dr. Perera. When we consider the global to their lifestyles with the It is important to consider situation, not even the highly abrupt identification of new the space to maintain physical developed countries have the Covid-19 clusters. Along distancing and ventilation in optimum numbers of ICU beds with this, the building up classrooms. Not only the school to manage patients. Hence, the of insecurities and unrest setup, but also factors like situation would be similar for in the public is inevitable. transportation are critical and need Sri Lanka. At this moment, we This article is based on a consideration before reopening the need to focus on preventing schools. the country from stepping into discussion with officials that requirement, said Prof. of the Sri Lanka Medical Parents’ responsibility Karunathilake. Association (SLMA), on the during the lockdown current Covid-19 situation period Are we in the phase of in the country. At the time of Children need to be provided community transmission? writing, the total number of necessary facilities for children to This was one of the main cases had passed 12,000 with be children. Currently, it is seen questions discussed on social 24 deaths in Sri Lanka. that children are getting addicted to media during the last couple of digital screens such as televisions, weeks with various explanations Revised quarantine computers, mobile phones, etc. This and clarifications. During the process trend needs to be changed using discussion, Prof. Karunathilake novel approaches which make explained the definition of SLMA Vice President and children happy in their homes. community transmission and the University of Colombo Faculty If a child tests positive, will that present situation. of Medicine Department of Facts about child be separated from the parents? “Community transmission is Community Medicine Head Prof. This issue was discussed over the the most serious stage during a Manuj. C. Weerasinghe explained last few weeks on social media with pandemic. The mere detection of the current quarantine process being several sensational statements and patients from the community is implemented. pictures. Dr. Perera clarified this not synonymous with community “If a person gets directly exposed doubtful situation in his discussion transmission. The declaration to a known Covid-19 patient, that and noted that if a child tests of community transmission is person is considered as a first-line positive, the mother or a guardian a technical decision based on contact. Formerly, these persons has to be there as a bystander. epidemiological data.” were identified and quarantined Since the majority of these kids The most recent definition at institutions. However, with the Covid-19 are asymptomatic, the Sri Lanka of community transmission by increasing numbers of patients, the College of Paediatricians has made the World Health Organisation Government has decided to practise a plea to the authorities to authorise (WHO) is “experiencing larger the home quarantine system. In through the lens homecare for paediatric patients. outbreaks of local transmission this situation, the exposed person defined through an assessment of has to quarantine at home along Rationalising PCR testing factors including, but not limited with his family members,” Prof. Whether the number of tests to, large numbers of cases not Weerasinghe noted. carried out is adequate for the linkable to transmission chains; He added: “In the meantime, present situation is one of the large numbers of cases from his samples will be taken for of the SLMA burning questions arising at this sentinel laboratory surveillance; PCR testing. If the PCR test moment. Several incidents of delays and/or multiple unrelated clusters results become positive, he will in test results were also reported in several areas of the country/ be admitted to a hospital or an during the last few weeks. territory/area”. intermediate management centre SLMA President Prof. Indika However, regardless of the depending on his condition. His Karunathilake explained the present categorisation, Sri Lanka is family members have to continue situation on PCR testing. currently facing an extremely the home quarantine process, till “We should thank the laboratory serious situation where urgent they get subjected for PCR testing.” services of the Ministry of Health measures are required to break the for expanding the testing capacity chain of transmission. Is there a delay in from 2,000 to 11,000 within a short admitting Covid-19 period of time. When analysing SLMA recommendations patients to institutions? the number of tests performed, it for the country to curb During the past few weeks, is clearly noted that the number the disease several incidents were reported on of tests performed has been The SLMA recommends the delays in admitting PCR-positive SLMA President Prof. Indika SLMA Vice President and University SLMA Past President and consultant exponentially increased following 3T3C3L collaborative approach to individuals to hospitals. Prof. Karunathilake of Colombo Faculty of Medicine paediatrician Dr. B.J.C. Perera the appearance of the Minuwangoda curb Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. Prof. Department of Community Medicine Weerasinghe explained this too, takes time due to the limitations Head Prof. Manuj C. Weerasinghe Is it possible to open cluster,” Prof. Karunathilake noted, Karunathilake explained that this noting: “When the PCR test results in resources and facilities. “The schools? adding: “The SLMA could further approach involves the following: are received by the MOH (Medical most important fact is to stay at 100 children have been diagnosed It was decided to further postpone analyse the positive test ratios of yy “3T” for Covid frontline Officer of Health), the PCR-positive home until the healthcare workers so far. However, the majority of the reopening of schools due to the the tests performed and it was workers: Trace, test, treat persons will be contacted over the come to your doorstep,” said Prof. kids who are PCR positive do not prevailing pandemic conditions. around 7%, i.e., if you test 100 yy “3C” for the general public: phone and informed of their results. Weerasinghe. have symptoms. Hence, they can be “Children are not in the phase of individuals, about seven persons Crowded congested places The MOH will get the patient’s a source of the spread of the virus. the pandemic, as the number of will be diagnosed positive. It should to be avoided; clean hands, history to identify the presence of Covid-19 and children Some children are more vulnerable children getting infected is much be noted that these tests have been surfaces, and utensils; cover symptoms and the risk factors. The This pandemic situation had a to develop complications. Like less. However, they can be the performed on high-risk groups. mouth, nose, and face staff of the MOH office have to major impact on education and adults, those who have other direct or indirect victims of the At this moment, it is vital to adopt analyse this data of all PCR-positive the activities of children. Staying diseases are more viable to develop pandemic,” said Dr. Perera. scientifically rationalised testing yy “3L” for the Government: individuals and identify the suitable at home for months has become complications; especially the kids In the world scenario, nowhere strategies to ensure the maximum Legislation, legal enforcement, treatment centres in co-ordination monotonous and tedious for many who are less than three months are has it been reported that a school utilisation of limited resources. leadership with the Office of the Regional kids. Speaking on this, SLMA more vulnerable.” has been the centre of the pandemic With this rationalised approach, “We should clearly understand Director of Health Services.” Past President and consultant In Europe and the US, some or a cluster. So far, the situation the turnaround time of testing can that the responsibility is with Symptomatic patients and paediatrician Dr. B.J.C. Perera cases have been identified with is similar in Sri Lanka. In many be reduced and the results can be all of us. This is not a time for individuals identified as high risk to said: “Children are equally prone multisystem inflammatory countries, children are suffering released without a delay for the blame games, accusations, biases, develop complications (e.g., elderly, to get the disease but in general, the syndrome in children (MIS-C), with this disease due to the lack of patients.” and prejudices. Therefore, it those who have heart diseases/ number of children getting infected which affects several organs access to healthcare. However, Sri is 3Cs for all the stakeholders: diabetes, etc.) will be admitted to a is much less. When considering including the heart, lungs, kidneys, Lanka provides free health services Are there enough ICU beds Collaboration, co-ordination, hospital. Asymptomatic individuals the total number of patients in the brain, skin, and eyes. There had equitably, with the free healthcare in Sri Lanka to mobilise for and co-operation,” said Prof. without obvious risk factors global scenario, the percentage of been a few deaths due to this system. Covid-19 patients? Karunathilake, elaborating on his will be admitted to intermediate children infected is less than 10%. condition in some European “Children are the future of the The number of Intensive Care recommendations for the way management centres. This process Similarly, in Sri Lanka, only about countries. nation and education is the future Unit (ICU) beds that can be forward.

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for medical attention or isolation Surveillance... immediately. Can we think... People need to remember that infected and if your immunity is Have the health authorities We must Covid-19 does not kill more not good, it could cost you your managed to fulfil all its First eliminate corruption remain safe people than other diseases, if we life. medical requirements – from M.F.M. Fiham – undergraduate of University of Peradeniya Anil Ranasinghe – are to look at the past 10-month ICU and hospital beds to PCR small business owner history. Even if you take the With the number of Covid-19- test machines and test kits – to It is possible for us economy infected and we have to produce world, in certain countries positive cases seeing a drastic address the current situation to contribute to our crippled by a widely our own materials It is an extremely difficult where there is a larger ageing increase, does the country’s in the country? economic system, prevalent, accepted, locally, including time for everyone. We have population, the number of deaths health sector have sufficient We provided approval for but that requires a and celebrated corrupt masks, sanitisers, and to make sure we remain safe are very high. Immunity and medical equipment to treat the the implementation of a PCR precondition that system. Eliminating this agricultural products. while trying to scrap the little other factors also matter. patients? laboratory at the Colombo taxpayer money is used cancer should be our first The general public can we have to feed our families. But I would like to remind From the outset of the General Hospital three months to develop the country priority. Only then can we immensely contribute We recently saw the lengths people that we need to pandemic, we have been ago and we also collaborated rather than amuse and seriously speak about any to the economy by people go to maintain social continuously adopt safety suggesting that it is advisable with Gateway International please a selected few, progressive contributions taking the situation distance, follow the relevant etiquettes and practise the good to have fully automated lab School Colombo in donating a which is normally called to our economy. seriously and following health guidelines, and run health habits that have been equipment to conduct PCR PCR machine. “corruption”. We can At this point, my the health guidelines their businesses. We have to communicated in the wake of tests. We are still managing in Meanwhile, several regional compare our economic opinion is that the strictly because fewer the appreciate their efforts. this present pandemic. People most labs with manual or semi- and rural hospitals too are being system to a tank with a firmest way to recover number of patients, lesser I run a vegetable business should be forthcoming about automated work benches, which upgraded and refurbished to hole in the bottom. our economy is to first the treatment and testing, and with the curfew last time, their illness rather than trying to is causing delays in issuing the ensure that there are sufficient With our tireless eradicate this virus from resulting in reduced we started to move on to home conceal it; the surveillance teams reports as well. beds and treatment facilities efforts, we pour “water” the country, because healthcare-related deliveries and this time around, and the Covid-19 taskforce We have now employed our in every MOH region of the – which is money – into until then, there cannot imports. The greatest we have an established client have started to roundup infected maximum workforce to conduct country. We are also once the tank, only for the be any satisfactory, contribution is not to go base to deliver to. We follow persons who are escaping the these diagnostics and in the again using the facilities that water to leak through permanent revival of the out of the house. the health guidelines, disinfect quarantine facilities and not past four days, we conducted are available in universities to the “hole” – which is economy. However, this I also believe that each package, and deliver giving proper information about diagnostics on over 12,000 conduct diagnostics, as there corruption – and ensure seems unlikely in the industries need to them very safely to homes. their travel histories. samples, which is our maximum is a record number of samples the entire country foreseeable future. carry out their normal In order to maintain further A law should not be enforced capacity. getting collected. remains in debt. This Until we reach that schedules and the safety, we accept only online to keep the people’s behaviour If the process is automated, the Meanwhile, the Medical issue lies at the heart heavenly point, we have Government should payments now. I think like in check, as they should by now results can be issued faster and in Supplies Division (MSD) of our economy. No to retain our money implement rules to this, everyone should do their have come to the realisation a more efficient manner, thereby will receive rapid antigen test amount of hard work and prevent them from ensure their safety part in this trying time, so that that if they are not taking the reducing the risk of exposing kits, which they will release can improve our travelling overseas. In for their continuous we can all overcome this necessary precautions, they will Covid-19-positive patients to to all hospitals from Monday weak, wobbling order to achieve that, functioning. tragedy soon. get infected with the virus. Once more people, and referring them (tomorrow) onwards. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, November 8, 2020 FOCUS

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN low-income families based on criteria that will be determined by said host soon.

@mindful.people

Robin Hood Army Volunteer/Manager Rashvini Weerasinghe told us that the Robin Hood Army, since 2016, have been collecting Let’s not make surpluses from hotels and restaurants and distributing it to homeless people, beggars, and CMC workers on the street and other dry surpluses such as bread are distributed to orphanages. Four Paan Paan outlets and a Royal Bakery outlet are providing them with surpluses currently. The distribution process is carried out by volunteers and it a hunger game happens daily. However, Weerasinghe told us that all food distribution is currently z No system in place to feed the z Special relief programme only on hold since last Friday (30) due to the homeless and beggars for low-income families curfew imposed on the Western Province. @rha_srilanka Relief systems According to University of Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty of Graduate Studies Board of Studies Member and economics expert Dr. W.A. Wijewardena, Sri Lanka cannot afford relief systems to be in place as the country’s budget is in a critical situation. “Government revenue had been declining as a percentage of GDP from 2006 (17.3%) to 2019 (12.6%); this was aggravated due to the generous tax cuts offered by the Government in January 2020. This year, the revenue is estimated to be only 8% of GDP; hence, there is no fiscal space,” explained Dr. Wijewardena. He added that since these relief systems need to be carried out either way, the only way for the Government to do so is to establish across-the-board cuts to unnecessary government expenditure and release resources to help affected individuals and businesses. “As a start, ministers should set an BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI AND DINITHI GUNASEKERA will not abandon as a result of the example by voluntarily cutting their perks requests flowing in; every request will which should be followed by others. “Fear, constant companion of the peasant. Hunger, ever at hand to jog be considered individually and carefully When (former Prime Minister) Lee his elbow should he relax. Despair, ready to engulf him should he falter. attended to. Kuan Yew came into power in 1960 in Fear; fear of the dark future; fear of the sharpness of hunger; fear of the In addition to the steps taken by Singapore, his Government unilaterally blackness of death.” – Nectar in a Sieve, Kamala Markandaya the Government to resolve the issue cut the salaries of public servants by

In reference to the homeless people and at hand, a proactive role played by 33%. This is the time that we all have to As the second wave of the Covid-19 What is the beggars, there is no special system put civil society organisations (CSOs) and make the utmost sacrifice to resuscitate pandemic surges, another looming crisis in place. However, if notified by the nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) the falling economy,” Dr. Wijewardena that could be deemed far more agonising Government doing? divisional secretariat, then the relevant definitely make sizeable positive impacts. said, adding: “When a country is hit by than the pandemic by itself is food Speaking to The Sunday Morning on authorities are entrusted to take an external shock of this magnitude, scarcity. how the Government ensures that the necessary steps and relocate them or Public efforts unconventional measures are needed According to the Asian Development poor and vulnerable are fed and taken provide them with the required support As implied by government officials, to overcome the shock. That’s why it’s Bank (ADB), 4.1% of Sri Lanka’s care of at this time, Cabinet Spokesman desperate times call for desperate necessary for everyone to make the population lives below the national and Minister of Mass Media Keheliya Government Spokesman measures. With regard to the current required sacrifice. Once the situation Keheliya Rambukwella poverty line as of 2016. Data from the Rambukwella said: “Wherever there is pandemic, a priority-based outlook is improves, citizens can start enjoying their Central Bank revealed that the country’s curfew, we have taken steps to provide the undertaken by the State and therefore, previous luxuries.” GDP is projected to decline by 6.7% this people with essential support. A survey Shalika Ranaweera, we found out this is an opportunity for activism and As per a public statement released by year, as a result of Covid-19 affecting allocating over 1,100 million support that food distribution is carried out volunteerism to truly leave its mark. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the all key drivers of demand. The World packages was prepared this week and we methodically based on information United Nations (FAO) Director General Bank also predicted that Sri Lanka’s have completely entrusted the divisional available on low-income families in the Soup Bowl Qu Dongyu, he shared that it is a global debt-to-GDP ratios will remain elevated secretariat and grama sevaka officials to relevant areas. Soup Bowl is a civil society dedicated responsibility to not let Covid-19 become over 100% levels in 2021 and 2022 also. collect this information, which will be Explaining the situation, Ranaweera to providing food and nutrition to those “a hunger game”. He further stated that These shocking figures very well suggest then processed and attended to by the noted: “Currently, we are going by in need. Speaking to member Shehan a globally co-ordinated and coherent the ample possibility of a food crisis. municipal councils and the Government.” our registered list. We also use the Semasinghe, we found out that they are response is needed to prevent this public Although hazardous to the aggregate The Government Spokesman added: information we have on CMC workers currently distributing groceries worth Rs. health crisis from triggering a food crisis in economy as a whole, it strikes individuals “In reference to the homeless people with low-income families and we have 5,000 to low-income families. which people cannot find or afford food. particularly on the lower socioeconomic and beggars, there is no special system taken immediate steps to provide them “As we are closely working with these Thus, it is our civic duty to take care of spectrum. put in place. However, if notified by the with financial support. Besides this, families, we have a database of those in one another and navigate through this. divisional secretariat, then the relevant every time we get a special request about need and currently we are carrying out authorities are entrusted to take necessary anyone in need, we consider how we can this project only in Kandy, although, steps and relocate them or provide them help them after running a background when the curfew lifts, we are planning on with the required support. This is a trying check.” expanding it to Colombo.” time for our country and we are trying When asked about feeding and our best to do our part in taking care of managing the safety of the homeless on TheSoupBowlSriLanka our citizens during the pandemic and the the streets, Ranaweera said: “There is no related economic and financial issues that set mechanism put in place to identify Mindful Travels come forward.” these people as we lack a database of Mindful Travels, also known as Mindful All attempts to contact the Department details on such individuals. However, if People, is a social platform aimed at of Social Services and the Minister we get a special request regarding such connecting people and providing social of Public Administration, Home people, as mentioned before, we attend services. Speaking to Mindful Travels Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local to it and we either direct them to one of Founder Amar Riyaz, we found out that Government for further information on our elders’ homes or provide the relevant they are currently working on shifting Ministers should set an example by the Government’s involvement regarding medical or financial assistance.” towards a social platform conducted voluntarily cutting their perks which the issue at hand proved unsuccessful. Ranaweera further stated that they through groups and that there are several should be followed by others… This is the Speaking to Colombo Municipal are carrying out a methodical food subscription-based and donation-based time that we all have to make the utmost Council (CMC) Charity Commissioner distribution programme which they groups that will be put in place soon. sacrifice to resuscitate the falling economy If we get a special request regarding such According to Riyaz, they are working on University of Sri Jayewardenepura Faculty of people (in need of help)... we attend to a venture with a host who will provide Graduate Studies Board of Studies Member it and we either direct them to one of financial support to provide groceries to Dr. W.A. Wijewardena our elders’ homes or provide the relevant The situation in children’s and elders’ homes medical or financial assistance CMC Charity Commissioner Shelter4Homeless the elders’ welfare programme fund in probability of being inconsistent, earlier own expenses and donations as bank Shalika Ranaweera Colombo churches. The elders here are donated stocks are utilised and it is transfers, especially from donors outside Shelter4Homeless Founder Sanath waiting to talk to somebody as they have further supported by the Sarvodaya funds. of Colombo. Munasinghe explained that the shelter no family or friends. They are constantly The biggest challenge is the difficulty Nearly 60% of the nearly 800,000 is a non-profit charitable organisation waiting till someone comes with alms in obtaining medical facilities at their Vajira Sri Children’s people who live in the Colombo committed to the welfare of the homeless for companionship, more than anything,” disposal due to the pandemic situation Development Centre municipality are allegedly daily-wage elderly in Sri Lanka, with the hope of Munasinghe noted. and the vulnerability of the elderly earners facing immense hardships due to eliminating homelessness. It provides within the home to possible infection. The Vajira Sri Children’s Development the curfew. for the elderly homeless who have been Sarvodaya Suwasetha Centre is a children’s home founded The Government has launched a abandoned at hospitals and on the streets Sri Jinananda Children’s in 1989 approved by the Department special relief programme to provide Rs. and offers them a safe place to live. Almsgivings were a common Development Centre of Social Services as a charity and it 10,000 worth of essential food items They accept donations but are very phenomenon at the elders’ home is registered with the Department of to low-income households under self- particular about not wanting any support Sarvodaya Suwasetha in Ratmalana An initiative by Rev. Urumuththe Probation and Child Care Services. quarantine in their respective homes. The from the Government. till the emergence of the Covid-19 Sugathananda Thera, the Sri Jinananda As much as funds from the Department Government also launched a programme Usually, 90% of the meals are from pandemic. Children’s Development Centre located in of Probation and Child Care Services are last week to pay an allowance of Rs. ample almsgivings. As donors are unable However, there is a system in place Wellawatte is home to over 70 boys from received, almsgivings are also commonly 5,000 to low-income people living in to make visits to the shelter, the situation that accepts dry rations and money across the island, many of them coming accepted. During the current situation, police curfew areas in the Gampaha has taken a turn due to the curfew. donations instead of cooked meals. from broken and underprivileged homes. there’s a major shortage of vegetable and District. Donors are still interested and request to These donations are requested to be left No alms are accepted these days. dry ration supplies. Sometimes, personal The conversation of the hardships daily- transfer money and request meals of their upon a row of tables outside the care Vegetables and other food are bought expenses have to be borne through Vajira wage earners face was one that was of choice to be cooked for the elders. home premises which is specified for the directly from the economic centre closest Sri Children’s Development Centre concern since the first wave of Covid. But “Currently, everything is dealt with purpose. to them. Amidst much hardship, the home Founder and Executive Director Ven. Dr. for those living under absolute destitution our personal expenses and support from However, as these donations have high is moving forward, mostly utilising their Hunupolagama Vajira Sri Nayake Thera. and vagrancy, it is on another scale. 14 the sunday morning PICTORIAL/POLITICS Sunday, November 8, 2020

State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara presenting the The Prime Minister handing over the donations received for the Covid-19 Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana during his first medicinal box for the annual Katina Pinkama to Healthcare and Social Security Fund to the President official meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa

The Pettah Manning Market reopened for operations on 2 November

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa (right) and his son Yoshitha Rajapaksa paying their respects at the 53rd Commemoration Ceremony of D.A. Rajapaksa

Healthcare personnel carrying out PCR testing in Sahaspura, Borella Over 100 pilot whales were beached in Sri Lanka’s western coast on 2 November, shortly after dusk

PHOTOS LALITH PERERA, PRADEEP DAMBARAGE, SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA, KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM, ESHAN DASANAYAKA

The Asian Grammar International School organised a seth pirith for the protection of all citizens in the country during the Covid-19 pandemic

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa paying his respects at the 53rd Commemoration People flocked to the Colombo Divisional Secretariat to obtain curfew passes, unfortunately many Ceremony of D.A. Rajapaksa breaching health and safety guidelines

Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon handing over dry ration packs donated by An essential service provider being monitored at the checkpoint in The Baseline Road Flyover area in Dematagoda seemed busy during the curfew private organisations to police personnel of Cinnamon Garden Police Station Pamankada, Colombo during the curfew

Contd. from page 10 Contd. from page 9

of Bahrain. Between 2017 and President Xi Jinping in their telephone the two Governments and the two GR gets... October 2020, he was the President conversation, as well as the recent peoples towards a brighter future,” Qi Mutating... of the China Institute of International high-level visit of Yang Jiechi to Sri had stated. Qi Zhenhong joined the Chinese Studies. Lanka, according to the Chinese. He added that there is no Europe, the US, Latin foreign service in 1988, with a During the seminar, bilateral UNP-SJB data to say that it originated America, and many Asian university degree. Strengthening ties relations of the two countries and Meanwhile, in the Opposition ranks, from the Kandakadu cluster, countries, where there Between 1988 and 1996, he was As part of further strengthening ties the two parties, suggestions on the the United National Party (UNP) last despite speculation. is widespread Covid-19 Assistant Economist, Economist, and between Sri Lanka and China, the CCP-SLPP co-operation and long- week called on all Opposition parties Responding to the question transmission. But in countries Deputy Director of the Operation Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has term exchanges, Hainan’s successful to form a coalition in the face of the of whether conducting PCR such as Sri Lanka, it is and Audit Office, Beijing Service revamped its public engagements with practice on provincial development 20th Amendment. tests and isolating patients can important to find those who Bureau for Diplomatic Missions. the governing SLPP. and poverty alleviation, and joint UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan actually help in controlling the had the infection (although Between 1996 and 1997, he was It is in this backdrop that the CPC combat against Covid-19 had Wijewardene made the suggestion spread of the virus, the Head not infectious anymore), Second Secretary Representative of and SLPP last Wednesday (4) held an reportedly been broadly discussed. at a press conference held last week, of the USJ research team Prof. because we are trying to limit the People’s Republic of China to advanced seminar on governance via The CCP had also given an following comments by Samagi Jana Neelika Malavige explained: community spread. Our aims the Sino-British Joint Liaison Group. video, strictly abiding by the health introduction on its fifth Plenum of the Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary “PCRs detect the presence of are very different, because Sri Between 1997 and 1998, he was guidelines of both countries. 19th National Congress, at which the Ranjith Madduma Bandara that the nucleic acid, irrespective of Lanka still has not got into the Second Secretary to the Office of Minister Song Tao of the CCP Central Committee proposed UNP should appoint Wijewardene as whether the organism is alive situation that most countries the Commissioner of the Ministry International Department of Central the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 2035 the Party Leader. or not. In the case of Covid- have,” Prof. Malavige of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Committees of the CCP, Party Vision, specifying China’s goal of Bandara extended the olive branch 19, due to the highly sensitive reiterated. Republic of China in the Hong Kong Secretary Liu Cigui of CCP Provincial development for the next five to 15 to Wijewardena last Monday (2), nature of a PCR, it picks up The team of scientists that Special Administrative Region. Committee of Hainan Province, SLPP years. pointing out that the SJB was willing on the nucleic acid of non- carried out the sequencing Between 1998 and 2004, he was Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary The SLPP and CCP had also shared to work with the UNP if Wijewardene infectious viruses.” work from the University Second Secretary, Deputy Division General Sagara Kariyawasam, their opinions on aligning the Belt and was appointed as Party Leader. “Under normal of Sri Jayewardenepura are: Director, and Division Director at the SLPP MPs including Mahinda Yapa Road Initiative (BRI) with Sri Lanka’s “After the passing of the 20th circumstances, the diagnosis Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Policy Planning Department, Ministry Abeywardena, Namal Rajapaksa, and “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” Amendment to the Constitution, the will reflect whether someone Dr. Deshni Jayathilaka, Dr. of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Between Dr. Ramesh Pathirana together with policy plan to bring more tangible President has gained an enormous presents with pneumonia Dinuka Ariyaratne, Laksiri 2004 and 2009, he was Division some state ministers and mayors from benefits to the two peoples. amount of power. I believe that all (causative agent), extent of Gomes, and Diyanath Director, Counsellor, Policy Planning the Western Province had participated “To overcome the huge challenge Opposition parties must come together spread of a virus (those who Ranasinghe, led by Prof. Department, MFA; and from 2009 to in the meeting. in front of us, on one hand we need and form a coalition in Parliament have been infected), etc. Neelika Malavige. 2012, Counsellor, Deputy Director Ambassador-Designate Qi to support each other in both medical against it,” Wijewardene said, thanking But with Covid-19, all those Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama General, Policy Planning Department, Zhenhong had joined the discussion supplies and financial supplies; the SJB for the faith it had placed in who are PCR-positive are and Dr. Malika Karunaratne MFA. Between 2012 and 2014, he in his self-quarantine and delivered on the other hand, we need more him. quarantined, whilst sometimes from the National Institute of was Deputy Director General, General a speech on behalf of the Chinese co-operation in disease prevention and The SJB, meanwhile, had having already passed the Infectious Diseases (NIIH) Office, MFA and thereafter, until 2017, Embassy in Sri Lanka. treatment, economic revival and local held several rounds of unofficial infectious period,” she said. provided the initial samples he was Ambassador Extraordinary The advanced seminar is aimed at governance, etc. As ruling parties, discussions with the UNP to identify “This becomes a big from the Brandix cluster for and Plenipotentiary of the People’s implementing the consensus reached the CCP and SLPP should enhance areas that the two parties could look at problem in countries in genome sequencing. Republic of China to the Kingdom by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and experience sharing so as to better lead working together. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, November 8, 2020 SPORTS How tennis players can Kandy is learn from other sports Dinith Pathiraja deserted due ON COURT It is said that human beings learn throughout their own lives. Learning new things is a very Two sporting legends mingle: Boxing icon important aspect of life. It is only through Muhammad Ali (left) and modern world’s first the learning of these various situations that tennis star Björn Borg pose with each other’s everyone can improve themselves. For example, sporting equipment in this rare photo taken to lack of sport sometimes even through situations which are in 1979 not favourable, “things” can be learnt. One good Since the boxing ring is a small area, the BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY LPL Kandy leg is out too a nonstarter. Some of the most looked example is how the majority may have learnt ability to stay out of the reach of the opponent Kandy had been earmarked earlier for the forward to inter-school rugby matches of the meaning of the English word “quarantine” is very important. If a boxer has that ability, Over here in Kandy, perhaps like second phase of the Lanka Premier League the colleges, such as Trinity, St. Anthony’s, only due to the coronavirus. even the hardest punching opponent can be all other places in the island, all (LPL). But it was announced last Thursday Dharmaraja, Kingswood, Vidyartha, St. Therefore in that way, it could be said that nullified. In tennis, there is an old adage that sporting activities have been (5) that the Kandy leg of the T20 cricket Sylvester’s, Sri Sumangala, and Sri Rahula, every cloud has a silver lining and that anything says “every shot starts from the floor”. However suspended indefinitely because league too has been shifted to Hambantota, are all out of 2020! and everything that can be learnt in any situation good the shots of a player are, if the player is of the coronavirus pandemic. virtually shattering our only hope. After so many years, an invitational can be used to your advantage. unable to get to the ball, that player would Kandy is deserted now due to the The Kandy District Hockey Association billiards and snooker tournament was to not be effective. Therefore, the footwork and lack of any sport. (KDHA) had finalised its inter-club men’s be held in December. Now, it has also A backward aspect in tennis drills used in boxing can be a useful guide for and women’s tournaments to be played been postponed or cancelled due to the The same holds true for the game of tennis. tennis players. All school and club sports here have been in November and December. But it was Covid-19 pandemic. There are a lot of aspects and actions from other postponed till next year. The Kandy District announced only last week that one of the In addition, sports like basketball, table sports that the tennis players and coaches can Agility drills in football Cricket Association (KDCA) abruptly biggest sporting events of the year had also tennis, swimming, chess, and carrom are learn from. Unfortunately in Sri Lanka, this is Another important sport is football. Footballers halted its inter-club one-day tournament been postponed. all halted. one “backward aspect” which is prevalent in spend a lot of time practising agility and change halfway through, only after completing Now every sports lover in Kandy hopes our game. It can be said that the coaches and of direction drills. For tennis players, this agility 40 out of a total of 70 games this season. No rugby as well very earnestly that this suspension will come the players who learn from other sports are and ability to change direction is vital if the For the first time in recent history, Then the Central Province Rugby to an end soon and a safe environment will miniscule. player is to reach the top. In any match, if the no inter-school cricket big matches Football Union (CPRFU) was getting surface for the entire country for “our good This is gravely disadvantageous to the player is agile enough to get to the ball, he/she were played. ready for a tournament; that too is now old sports” to return. improvement of the game in the country. There would be at a definite advantage. is resistance stemming from this aspect of As has been said before, this writer is a coach. learning and also an unwillingness to think out From personal experience, it can be said that of the box. This is due to the fact that players in his younger days this writer has spent hours and coaches are reluctant to get out of their watching agility drills of footballers and has comfort zones and confront their insecurities. adopted them in tennis. This innovation and thinking out of the box is vital for the success Learning to improve of a coach and the players under that coach. But it does not really matter what profession or stage of life the person is in. If anyone wants Basketball and time at the gym to improve, they have to make sure that they Another sport that can be used as an example educate themselves in that given profession. is basketball. While basketball players need Therefore, it is important for the tennis players the skills to play well, they also spend, at least and professionals to improve themselves in all at a professional level, hours in the gym. This aspects of the game. is because they believe that along with the These are, as enunciated before in this skills, what is most important is the strength to column, the technical, tactical, physical, and match those skills. For any tennis player in the mental aspects. Therefore, development has modern arena, strength and gym workouts are to encompass all of these aspects. And if the a must. But if a reliable survey is done, it will person is looking around with interest in the be found that a very small percentage of the spirit of learning and with an open mind towards young tennis players spend enough time at the taking new skills on board, there are plenty gym. Even with the players who do spend time of opportunities to do so from other sports. at the gym, the time spent is nowhere enough. Pallekele Internation Cricket Stadium in Kandy With this in mind, a few of these sports will This is partly due to the lack of knowledge, be discussed below. and it is also partly due to the old-fashioned attitude that tennis players need to spend lots Boxing and tennis of time on the court. The first sport that is discussed in this category These are only three sports that have been is boxing. What is the most important thing for used as examples. Any number of sports can boxers? When this question is asked, a majority be considered examples and can be used to of persons would immediately be thinking of better the young up and coming tennis players the ability to punch hard. Whilst that is also in the country. But this requires an open mind, important, what most professional trainers as good attitude, willingness to learn, and most well as boxers say is that footwork is the most importantly, the recognition that learning from important thing. other sports can benefit your game. Checkmates and ‘Bug-mates’ Bughouse is quite possibly the most popular e5+ (“@” is used to show a “drop” of a piece) sound “chess-checkmate” because you are In Bughouse, partners generally make chess variant in the world. It’s wild, it’s frenetic, preoccupied with a much easier “Bug-mate”. requests or issue commands to each other it’s exciting, and it involves multitasking. It also THE CHESS (need a knight, don’t exchange queens, etc.). incorporates chatting and advice-sharing with Here, black can’t afford to lose the initiative. a partner during the game. In short, it goes CORNER The first instinct is to ask your partner for a against every traditional notion ever existed by Dulan Edirisinghe rook (or a queen) to place it on a1 and give about how the game of chess should be played. a checkmate. This mentality prevents you After all, that may be the reason why this variant from seeing the simple enough 1...Ra1+ is named after an old slang term for an asylum Here, any experienced player is likely to 2.Kxa1 Qa2#. for the mentally deranged. play 1.Qxf7+ with the lurking possibility of a Material considerations are always secondary For those who aren’t familiar, Bughouse is a smothered mate. However, in this position, it to piece activity and initiative in Bughouse. White to move variant played on two chess boards by four players, could lead to a fatal loss of initiative. The “Bug- Understandably, positional chess is pushed (White has a R,B and N in hand) divided into teams of two. One teammate must mate” is 1.N@h6+ gxh6 (1...Kh8 2.Ngxf7#) to the backburner and tactical awareness is The solution is 1.N@c6+ Kd7 (1...Ke8 2.R@ have the white pieces on his board while the 2.Qxf7+ Kh8 3.Qh7#. heavily rewarded. The most pleasing aspect d8#) 2.B@e8+ Kxe8 3.R@d8#. other takes black. The players can discuss strategy Here’s another example where the of Bughouse, however, has always been the during the game and the first player to win his Black to play knowledge of traditional patterns lets you magical moment when you conjure up pieces game earns the win for the team. Now 4...Ke8 (4...Ke6 is better) runs into down in Bughouse. Black to play (no pieces in hand) from thin air to deliver a delightful checkmate. The primary novelty that makes Bughouse 5.P@f7# uniquely crazy is that when players capture a The core ideas of Bughouse still translate piece, they pass it to their partner on the other well to chess. However, when it comes to board. Each player accumulates those pieces, checkmates, a significant change in mindset is and on any turn can “drop” a piece onto any needed. Sometimes the knowledge of normal empty square on their board. These “drops” may checkmate patterns tends to cloud our “Bug- constitute a check, or even a checkmate, so the vision”. end of the game can arrive abruptly for players who aren’t paying attention to their opponents’ off-board pieces. Children, in particular, love the idea of parachuting a piece to strike the decisive blow. In Bughouse, more so than in chess, putting your best foot forward is crucial. With pieces likely to come over to your board at any time, White to play the safety of the king is vital at all times. As (White has a R and a N in hand) in conventional chess, the squares f2 and f7 Most players would play 1.Bxh7 here without are vulnerable since only the king defends thinking, assuming that a checkmate will them. A typically aggressive white opening happen somewhere along the line. But this is Nf3-Ng5-Nxf7. This works best when your can lead to some unnecessary complications. partner is going to hand you a knight and a The easier way is 1.R@h8+ Kxh8 2.hxg7+ pawn. A typical Bughouse disaster-class runs White to play Kg8 3.N@h6#. along these lines. (White has a N in hand, black has Curiously, the opposite of this phenomena 1.Nf3 d5 2.Ne5 Nf6 3.Nxf7 Kxf7 4.N@ lots of pieces in hand) can also happen. One can miss a perfectly Magnus Carlsen enjoying some Bughouse chess Sony to telecast LPL As The Sunday Morning reported on 25 Rabada, Stuurman, October, Sony Sports India has successfully Dala in for SA won the broadcast rights of the Lanka Kagiso Rabada is back in South Premier League (LPL). The LPL is scheduled Africa’s (SA) white-ball squads to be held from 27 November to 17 after missing their last ODI December 2020. assignment against India with a groin injury. Seamer Glenton Stuurman (pictured), who received his first international call-up, and Junior Dala, who has not played for SA since March 2019, were also included in the 24-man squad for the upcoming three T20Is and three ODIs against England, it was announced yesterday (6). Sunday,sports November 8, 2020 LPL: The Covid-hit cricket fans are on the lookout z Conducting LPL amid Covid z SLC, IPG, and Govt. z Are the intentions for betterment spike derives criticism take up herculean task of sport or otherwise?

BY REVATHA S. SILVA yy Is the covert regional match-fixing Some questions nexus involved in buying some The logistical challenges The Sri Lanka Government’s allowance of the franchises? a single venue, the MRICS, Lanka Premier League (LPL) to go ahead, from Here are some pertinent questions that yy Youth and Sports Affairs Minister An idea on the herculean logistical unless the organisers are 27 November to 17 December at Hambantota, arise when we look at the way the authorities Namal Rajapaksa seems intent on and organisational challenges the going to reduce the number has caused elation among some, rude shock to decided to start the LPL from 27 November: taking a bold initiative to create a strong SL Govt., SLC, and the IPG are of matches or shrink the many, and utmost bewilderment among some sports-related industry in Sri Lanka, going to take on by holding the schedule by having more of the public whom we talked to following the yy Are the organisers – the SLC and the but holding the LPL is, in hindsight, LPL at this hour. event rights holders IPG – taking an “double-headers” (two announcement of the decision last Thursday (5). exposing our entire national cricket yy The Covid-free bio-security unnecessary risk by holding the LPL in matches on a single day) talent quite cheaply to the dangerous bubble is to be formed; i) Sri Lanka needs to get used or the right way to take that the height of a Covid-19 wave? match-fixing agents who look to from the various points yy The only model the LPL to living with the Covid-19 initiative – a calculated risk? yy Is this a wise move to make a statement flourish in games that are held behind of departure of the crews/ organisers can emulate, pandemic; we ought to start And, furthermore, did the that the country is adapting to the “new closed doors nowadays players/coaches/officials/staff on conducting a multi- our day-to-day work and, at decision to hold the event at this normal” during the pandemic, adhering in their respective countries, team tournament involving some point, we need to begin juncture stem from a positive, yy Do some of leading stakeholders of the to the health guidelines? ii) to the Mattala Int’l participants from various international sport, which has nationalistic objective? Or LPL themselves have a notorious track Airport, iii) and the hotel/s at countries within a “bio- been halted since March. No is it due to a selfish, money- yy Sri Lanka’s international sports should record regarding match-fixing? Hambantota, iv) the training bubble”, is the Indian Premier two words about that! oriented, and individualistic start somewhere, but is this the right yy Will the players have to shuttle from facility/ies at Hambantota League (IPL) which is going But, is this the right time, requirement? time, or the right way to do it? Hambantota, and nearby Matara and and the vicinity, and v) the to end on Tuesday (10) yy Is the reason for holding the LPL – Galle, to have their regular net practises MRICS at Sooriyawewa Notes: visibly in a mighty haste – the necessity during the LPL – as there are no net yy The hotels, transportation, 1. SL – Sri Lanka; 2. SLC to ascertain that some persons/parties facilities there other than at MRICS – medical staff for quarantine – Sri Lanka Cricket; 3. IPG – involved in it are gaining undue making the tournament schedule a huge requirements and conducting Innovative Production Group; 4. financial benefits? burden for them? PCR tests, etc. need to be LPL – Lanka Premier League; yy Or else, is it because some may lose an yy Will the Sri Lanka Test team, who are ready within at least less than 5. MRICS – Mahinda Rajapaksa avenue to gain undue financial benefits to play the important “Boxing Day a week from Friday (6 Nov) International Cricket Stadium at Test” in Centurion against South Africa Youth and Sports LPL Tournament IPG Chairman if it is not going to be held? because the technical crews, Sooriyawewa in Hambantota, in the from 26 December have to leave the etc. should reach Sri Lanka Southern Province of Sri Lanka; 6. Affairs Minister Director Ravin Anil Mohan yy Can a single ground accommodate such Namal Rajapaksa Wickramaratne island just days after the LPL? at least by 13 November if The MRICS is approximately 30 a large number of matches (23) within yy When can they practise for day-time they are to fulfil their 14-day minutes (about 18 km) from the a span of such a short period (21 days) quarantine requirement here Mattala Rajapaksa International of time? red-ball Test cricket while spending their time with white-ball T20 cricket yy Airport, off the Hambantota- yy All local players reportedly Gannoruwa-Meegahajandura Road. Is it a scenario where the organisers are under lights, up until a week a before need to start their quarantine putting top national players in undue the very start the two-match series in at least by 13 November risk of exposure to the coronavirus and South Africa? injuries, for their selfish needs? yy * All overseas players have yy Will this put the plans of Sri Lanka yy to be flown in from India, The organisers are yet to announce Head Coach Mickey Arthur and the Pakistan, the United Arab what parties have actually bought National Selection Committee, headed Emirates (UAE), etc. at least at least two of the teams/franchises; by Ashantha De Mel, for the South by 20 November for them to Colombo Kings (captained by Angelo Africa Tests in complete disarray? have seven days of quarantine Mathews and coached by Dav here Whatmore) and Dambulla Hawks (coached by Jon Lewis) yy The duration the “bio-bubble” needs to last is a minimum of Map showing Hambantota, the 35 days (because as of now, Mattala Rajapaksa International the tournament is to go on till Airport, and MRICS 17 Dec) yy There will be 23 T20 matches played within 21 days only at

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FORGET WHITE HOUSE, GET OUR HOUSE IN ORDER »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday,business November 8, 2020 Spice board Covid takes CPC to boost pepper prices to profitability z Board re-established to tackle export price drop z Low demand in z Pumping less, z Rs. 830 m net profit BY MADHUSHA lockdown helps losing less from Jan-Sept THAVAPALAKUMAR BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR The Government is planning to tackle the long- The seven-week running issue of the price islandwide lockdown depreciation of Sri Lanka’s necessitated by the local pepper in the global market outbreak of Covid-19 has through the re-establishment transformed the Ceylon of the Spice and Allied Petroleum Corporation Products Marketing Board. (CPC) into a profit-making, The proposal to re-establish state-owned enterprise for the Board, 12 years since the first time in years. its closure, was presented by the State Ministry of CPC has managed to record Development of Minor a net profit of Rs. 830 million Crops including Sugarcane, in the first three quarters of this Maize, Cashew, Pepper, year, following a loss of Rs. 9 Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel- billion in the same period last year, Related Industries, and Export Exploiting the preferential other spices would be the according to CPC Deputy General Promotion and was approved treatment given to Sri Lanka’s utmost focus of the Board, Manager – Finance Varuna Nilanga by the Cabinet of Ministers pepper exports under the with a view to increase the Weerasooriya. last week. agreement, several local prices of Sri Lankan spices Weerasooriya told The Sunday Sri Lanka’s pepper prices in exporters partnered with in the export market while Morning Business that this was the global market, particularly Vietnamese pepper exporters also expanding markets for mainly due to less fuel pumping in India, its biggest export and exported Vietnam pepper Sri Lanka’s spices. Spices during the corresponding period market, have dropped due to to India utilising Sri Lankan exported from Sri Lanka are this year coupled with a tax on India slashing a Minimum packaging. The detection of mostly raw as value addition fuel prices. Restricted travel Import Price (MIP) of Rs. the racket and subsequent accounts for about 8-10% during the lockdown period fact,” Weerasooriya added. Furthermore, aviation fuel supply increased to prevent excessive 500 per kilogramme on Sri MIP led to a MIP of $ 7,700 of the export products. and less movement around the Speaking to The Sunday at this stage was slashed by over profits being made by Indian oil Lanka’s pepper exports in per MT, as the cheaper Value-added products get country, even after the removal Morning Business following the 80% with just 200-250 metric tonnes giant Lanka Indian Oil Corporation December 2017 after India imports were pressuring its substantially higher market of the lockdown, made CPC cater initial lockdown, CPC Chairman of aviation fuel being discharged on (LIOC), which had, until recently, detected a Vietnamese pepper local manufacturers. It was prices compared to raw to a reduced demand at its current Sumith Wijesinghe stated that a curfew day, as opposed to 1,200 resulted in a massive loss of foreign racket that had taken place learnt that the Sri Lankan products. price point, the profit component only 10-15% of a normal day’s metric tonnes of aviation fuel on a reserves to the country. Since the through Sri Lanka. authorities had discussions Spice exports accounted of which is a question. requirement was being discharged usual day. As a result, Sri Lanka had Government could not slash the Indian importers paid with the Indian authorities; for about $ 361 million of “When a profit-making from their refineries during the ample stocks of petroleum, both in tax only on LIOC, it was applied around $ 6,000 per metric nevertheless, a decision on the total exports in 2018 business sells more and more curfew days. the Muthurajawela and Kolonnawa to CPC also. tonne (MT) of Sri Lankan the MIP is yet to be arrived at. while in 2019, it dropped to products, it brings them more “Usually, we send out about 2,300 refineries, to supply motorists for The reason behind the increased pepper under the Indo-Lanka However, through the $ 240 million. Through the profit. But when a loss-making metric tonnes of petrol and 4,300 weeks. tax was that while the global oil Free Trade Agreement, mainly establishment of the Board, re-establishment of the Board, business sells more products, metric tonnes of diesel per day The net profit was also supported prices were hitting their lowest due its unique pungency export markets are expected authorities expect to double it creates more losses. In our throughout the island. It has now by the tax introduced by then rates in decades, oil prices in the levels, while they paid to be diversified. According the export earnings from the case, we have been pumping been slashed to 150 metric tonnes Minister of Power and Energy country were being maintained at almost half this price for their to the State Ministry, the spice industry of Sri Lanka. less, so our losses came down of petrol and 500 metric tonnes of Mahinda Amaraweera in March their current rates. Vietnam pepper imports. value addition of pepper and Contd. on Page 2 and turned into a net profit in diesel,” he noted at that point. this year. The import duty has been Contd. on Page 2 Foreign shareholding in CSE declines Expo Dubai 2020 placed The volume of securities held Even though foreign securities grew capitalisation listed on the CSE, fell by foreign investors at the Central to 26.9 billion in January this year by 5% slabs several times, triggering Depository System (CDS) of the from 26.86 billion in December, it 30-minute halts in regular trading. The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded a drop of 26.88 billion in following week, it remained closed under Sri Lanka Tourism has dropped by 641.8 million up to February and it dropped further to for four days with the Government z Initially handled by EDB October this year while securities 26.82 billion in March, during the time declaring holidays. It was opened held by the domestic investors has Sri Lanka detected its first national only on Friday (20 March) that week BY MADHUSHA The cabinet decision was increased by 15.77 billion, according case of Covid-19. Following which, and that too for a shortened trading THAVAPALAKUMAR arrived at last week. We are to CDS statistics. the Government swiftly announced time. The stock market was opened having a meeting this Friday As of end-October, total securities a seven-week long islandwide again only on 11 May. The responsibility for (6),” Wijesinghe said. held by both foreigners and locals lockdown and it is notable that during In May, total securities held by conducting preparatory work When asked about the stood at 114.33 billion, compared this lockdown period, the CSE too both foreigners and locals increased for Sri Lanka’s participation progress of the preparatory to 99.2 billion on 31 December shut down its trading. to 103.9 billion from 99.4 billion in at Expo Dubai 2020, which work, she noted that 2019. From the October figure, In the days leading up to the initial March, before the lockdown. Even had been vested with the promotional strategies that 26.22 billion securities were held closure of the CSE on 16 March, the though the total securities figure Export Development Board were adopted prior to the by foreigners compared to 26.86 CSE’s circuit breaker was activated witnessed an increase, it was driven (EDB), has been shifted Covid-19 global outbreak billion in December while the rest, multiple times after the Standard only by securities held by locals as it to the Sri Lanka Tourism have to be changed in terms 88.11 billion securities, were held by and Poor’s Sri Lanka 20 (S&P increased to 77.26 billion from 72.65 Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). Dhammika Wijesinghe Cabinet of Ministers two of the Expo, as new plans that locals compared to 72.33 billion as SL20) index, which includes the 20 billion, a remarkable growth. Sri Lanka Tourism told The Sunday Morning weeks ago. are suitable for the ongoing of end-December. largest companies by total market Contd. on Page 2 Development Authority Business last week that the “This was a proposal put situation have to be adopted. (SLTDA) Director General shift was approved by the out by the Ministry of Trade. Contd. on Page 2 Exporters suffer curfew pass shortage BY UWIN LUGODA Shiham Marikar stated that that began on 30 October and was Chairman Prabhash Subasinghe see that exporters have been has a slight fever, we have while factory workers are allowed to end on 2 November, was later announced earlier in October that resilient. They have diversified advised them not to ignore that, Sri Lankan exporters are facing to come to work, only 40-50% of extended till tomorrow (9). the local exporters had achieved and somehow made sure exports because they will be risking their challenges in production due to workers in one factory have been In a notice released by the EDB, near or over $ 1 billion per continue, binging in the much- other employees, their business, the limited curfew passes given given curfew passes. local exporters were informed month in performance between needed foreign currency to the and the entire country.” to factory workers during the “We are not complaining, the of the requirement to take all June and October, proving the country.” As per the Customs statistics, ongoing quarantine curfew, Government wants the factories to safety precautions recommended private sector’s resilience. He Marikar stated that the sector earnings from merchandise despite the Government’s adhere to social distancing rules, by the health authorities to explained that this was the third is hoping that during the month exports recorded a positive assurances that curfew would but the fact of the matter is due to manage Covid-19, ensure the time this year they have seen a of November, some of the growth of 5.16% in September not hinder exports, The Sunday this reason, there are restrictions implementation of the safety year-on-year (YoY) increase of current restrictions can be eased 2020 to $ 1,001.27 million, as Morning Business learns. on the production side of things.” measures as per the “Guidelines merchandise exports. for the sector. He explained that compared to the value of $ 952.1 Following the imposition The Government is currently on Covid-19 Preparedness for Marikar agreed with this will enable them to reach the million recorded in September of quarantine curfew in the allowing local exporters to Workplaces” dated 2 April issued Subasinghe’s comment on the $ 1 billion target they witnessed 2019. Increases in exports were Western Province, the Export National Chamber of Exporters of carry on their work during the by the Ministry of Health, and to resilience of the sector, and stated in July, September, and August. recorded as: Europe Region – Development Board (EDB) Sri Lanka (NCE) Secretary General extended quarantine curfew adhere to the additional guidelines that in October the exports were “In November, we are hopeful 20.19%, CIS (Commonwealth announced that they will continue Shiham Marikar period in the Western Province, announced by the authorities a little over $ 900 million, which the restrictions will be eased, of Independent States) countries to facilitate operations of the considering the importance of according to the prevailing is a good sign given the current but on the other hand, we are – 19.59%, and African Region export industry so it remains Speaking to us, National continuing export operations and situation. economic environment. making sure that the exporters – 56.4% in September 2020 uninterrupted during the curfew Chamber of Exporters of Sri its contribution to the national However, despite the ongoing “If we look at the last few follow the proper guidelines. For compared to September 2019. period. Lanka (NCE) Secretary General economy. The curfew, which Covid-19 pandemic, EDB months’ export figures, you can example, even if an employee Contd. on Page 2 2 the sunday morning business TRADE/NEWS Sunday, November 8, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA The current Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s economy. As a result, it is important that the country’s international trade tools and mechanisms adopt Towards better a response to the rapidly changing circumstances and needs. One such mechanism is the European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which Sri Lanka has utilisation of GSP+ been benefiting from since the current scheme was introduced in May 2017. The scheme aims zRules of origin key reason for low utilisation to support Sri Lanka’s economic development through more trade sector is unaware of GSP+?” concentrated in western parts with the EU, and contributes to He stated that the local exporters which include countries such diversify the country’s exports as are concentrating only on a as Germany, Italy, Belgium, the well as to attract investment. few sectors due to the cost of Netherlands, and France – each The scheme consists of the full compliance included in the Country accounting for 19%, 15%, 11%, removal of duties on 66% of tariff of Origin criteria. This issue 10%, and 6%, respectively. lines exported to the EU, covering especially affects apparel exporters, “While we continue our export a wide array of products including with the utilisation of the scheme promotions to the traditional textiles and fisheries. by the sector only being 52% as Sri markets in the EU, we also Sri Lanka being a developing Lanka’s apparel is made of fabric require stronger market access country initially utilised a standard imported from outside the South and presence in the eastern part’s GSP scheme from the EU between Asian Association for Regional economies, such as Poland, 1971 and 2005. This is due to Sri Co-operation (SAARC) and the EU the Czech Republic, Hungary, Lanka becoming a beneficiary of region which are not eligible for Slovakia, and so on.” the GSP+ scheme which aimed the GSP+ concession. He also stated that the increasing to give support to economically Furthermore, another reason he investments from the EU for export vulnerable, developing countries, claimed was the cost of compliance manufacturing for sectors such under the condition that Sri involved with the Country of as high-tech apparel, personal Lanka commits to effectively Origin criteria, which is far out protective equipment (PPE), implement 27 United Nations from the tariff concessions. electronic and electrical, rubber (UN) conventions on human rights, Despite this, since its tyres, automobile parts, boat- labour conditions, protection of the reinstatement, the value of Sri building, value-added agriculture, environment and good governance, Lanka’s total exports to the EU and pharmaceuticals is key. and co-operate for regular market in 2018 recorded a growth In order to increase Sri Lankan monitoring. of 5% compared to a year earlier, exports to the EU, the EDB has However, in August 2010, Sri and as a result, the country’s organised export promotions to Lanka was suspended from the GSP+-utilised exports recorded new EU markets, introduced new GSP+ scheme due to allegations a year-on-year growth of 1% in small and medium-sized enterprises of human rights abuse, which 2018. In 2019, exports enjoyed $ (SMEs) in the agri sector, provided resulted in a loss of export revenue 2.7 billion in GSP+ benefits, a 4% financial assistance for internal up until the scheme’s reinstatement rise from the year prior. promotional initiatives undertaken in 2017. The current scheme was Given this, Export Development by the exporters to access, and set to end in 2023 after the World Board (EDB) Chairman Prabhash promoted their products in the EU Bank classified Sri Lanka as an Subasinghe asked local exporters under the GSP+ scheme. upper middle-income country last to offer high-quality products and While the scheme was set to year. However, in July 2020, the utilise ethical practices to make expire at the end of 2023, EU First World Bank reclassified Sri Lanka maximum use of the programme. Councillor and Head of Political, as a lower middle-income country, During the webinar, he explained Trade, and Communications ensuring the continued availability that this programme can be a Section Thorsten Bargfrede stated of the scheme. catalyst to help related business that it will be available for Sri The EU is Sri Lanka’s largest sectors post Covid. Lankan exporters until there is a export destination and in 2019 the He stated that consumers in the reclassification of the country to market accounted for $ 3.5 billion EU are supportive of ethical and an upper middle-income country. of Sri Lanka’s export earnings, sustainable practices, and therefore During the webinar, he also one-third of that year’s $ 11.94 there is a huge potential for local highlighted the importance of billion export earnings. exporters to capitalise on this. He enhancing competitiveness and “Since its inception, the went on to state that these exporters best practices post Covid, while GSP+ scheme has significantly can also pivot to related business complying with the regulations contributed to enhance Sri areas based on opportunity and of the agreement to continue to Lanka’s overall exports to the build the enterprises at its infancy benefit from the scheme. EU by enhancing the price stage, using the scheme as a “There are several ways to be competitiveness of the GSP- level discussions with the EU for this joint request of Sri in exports to the EU following the leverage, and then continue to grow competitive, which include quality, eligible and utilised products. Commission to resolve the existing Lanka and Indonesia on regional reinstatement of the scheme in the businesses. compliance with international GSP+ concessions have been issues of the “Country of Origin” cumulation for apparel products 2017, the country’s utilisation of it “Sri Lankan exporters and EU regulations, and being investment- instrumental in diversifying our criteria under the GSP+ scheme is an important matter that will be was only 62% in 2019. importers have a natural hedge, friendly, keeping the long-term export basket over the years,” in order to support exporters to attended to in the near future,” he “The low utilisation of the thanks to GSP+. Over 6,000 vision in mind.” said Department of Commerce gain maximum benefit from the added. scheme is not due to lack of product lines are eligible from Sri Bargfrede stated that it was Acting Director General Ananda agreement. He stated that they also expect awareness, which is clear when Lanka for the GSP+ concession, important for Sri Lanka to Dharmapriya, during a recent In order to address the rules of to make a formal submission to the you look at the average utilisation creating a cost advantage to the stay ahead of the competition, webinar titled “GSP+ for Enhanced the Country of Origin criteria, he EU Commission to source fabric of GSP+ – 62% – and the sectoral European importers.” as regional players such as Market Access” stated that Sri Lanka’s apparel from Vietnam, in the backdrop utilisation, with apparel being According to Subasinghe, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and The webinar was organised by sector has submitted a joint of its recently inked free trade 52%, rubber 96%, seafood 99%, Sri Lankan exporters should Cambodia were also benefiting the International Trade Centre request with Indonesia to the EU agreement (FTA) with the EU. processed food 96%, apparel also focus on Eastern European from the scheme. (ITC) in collaboration with the Commission for cross-regional According to Dharmapriya, accessories 77%, bicycle 96%, markets instead of only focusing The current GSP+ scheme guide Department of Commerce. cumulation for raw material the rules of origin was the key electrical 41%, head gear parts on traditional Western European is available online in all three During the discussion, originating from Indonesia. reason for the low utilisation of the 87%, and tea and spices 70%. markets. Despite the EU having languages on the Department Dharmapriya stated that the “A high-level discussion with the GSP+ scheme over the years. He Considering these sectoral 27 countries, around 90% of the of Commerce website for local country will push for high- EU Commission to get approval explained that despite an increase utilisations, can we say the apparel country’s exports to Europe are exporters to study.

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Covid Expo international events that takes place once in August 2020. held by both foreigners and locals have every five years, and this time, Dubai has Nevertheless, Marikar stated that he been up and above the 100 billion mark takes... Dubai... been selected as the venue. It will mainly is unsure of reaching this year’s revised since the reopening of the market in May. Therefore, the Government was taxing The Expo, which would be held for focus on tourism, investment promotion, export target of $ 13.39 billion. He This is because domestic contribution the additional profit importers were a period of six months, was initially and trade. explained that in 2019 the exports were remained well above 77 billion mark since making. scheduled to be held in October 2020. The Expo will be held under the theme around $ 16.4 billion, and the target May as domestic securities were 77.11 According to Co-Cabinet Spokesman The Bureau International des Expositions “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. for 2020 was set at $ 18.5 billion at the billion and 77.23 billion, respectively, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Sri Lanka (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation The three subthemes are opportunity, beginning of the year. in June and July. As of end-October, built a Rs. 200 billion fuel price stability in charge of overseeing and regulating mobility, and sustainability, based on However, the EDB soon revised its securities held by locals shot up to 88.11 fund which will be used to repay the World Expos, postponed the Expo to which the master floor plan differs. target to $ 13.39 billion, out of which they billion, a significant growth since the outstanding debt of CPC and the Ceylon October 2021, following the peak of the Sri Lanka’s pavilion at Expo 2020 expect $ 9.57 billion from merchandise reopening of the market. Electricity Board (CEB). pandemic in May. Dubai will be located in the opportunity exports and $ 3.82 billion from service From the market reopening to 31 The increase in tax came after wide However, mid-August, BIE Secretary district which consists of 212 square exports. The revision of the target came October, securities held by locals grew criticism from political parties that the General Dimitri Kerkentzes took to metres of exhibit area on the ground floor following the initial outbreak of Covid in significantly by 10.84 billion while Government was allowing LIOC to Twitter to state that pavilion construction and 172 square metres of office space on the country. securities held by foreigners dropped by completely take away the profits enjoyed is progressing well as the pandemic the first floor. The Sri Lankan pavilion 447.19 million. due to the massive drop in global oil has not impacted the preparation of the will be organised under the title “Island of (MT) prices. exhibition. Ingenuity”. Foreign Global oil prices have been on a Following this, Sri Lanka resumed Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to attract Spice declining trend amidst the coronavirus preparatory work to participate in Dubai over 25 million visitors, of which 70% shareholding... (Covid-19) pandemic, and it spread in 2020 Expo as Expo organisers confirmed will be international visitors. It is also Nevertheless, securities held by board... over 195 countries. The Singapore Platts that the preliminary work is underway to expected that there will be more than 200 foreigners continued to record a declining The Spices and Allied Products price of a barrel of petrol and a barrel of commence the six-month-long event in participants during the span of six months trend with the volume of securities Marketing Board was established under diesel started to decline since January, and October 2021. to showcase their countries dropping to 26.67 billion from 26.82 Section 2 of the State Agricultural have reached below $ 20 for the first time Sri Lanka’s participation at Expo 2020 billion in March. Co-operation Act (No. 11 of 1972). On in decades; otherwise it is at $ 60, mostly. Dubai was hanging in the balance as of Since then, securities held by foreigners 16 July 2008, the Cabinet of Ministers However, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya January this year due to bureaucratic Exporters have been on the decline as it dropped decided to hand over activities of the Rajapaksa took a firm stance that fuel delays and the absence of required funds. to 26.53 billion, 26.42 billion, and 26.22 Board to the Department of Agriculture prices would not be reduced as the benefit Nevertheless, the postponement of the suffer... billion, respectively, in June, July, and and to close down the Board from 27 July would be passed on to the consumers Expo due to Covid-19 came as a blessing Moreover, earnings from merchandise October this year. 2008 onwards. The Board is currently through other concessions such as reduced in disguise for Sri Lanka. exports in September 2020 increased by Regardless of decreasing foreign under the preview of the State Ministry of prices of canned fish and dhal. The World Expo is one of the largest 5.65 % compared with the value recorded securities, the total number of securities Development of Minor Crops. the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, November8, 2020 INSIGHT/INNOVATION

A change at the Oval Office can have an impact on the foreign policy direction of the United States, but on most By policy matters, it is unlikely to be a complete “U” turn. Dhananath Fernando

It was shortly after my graduation. I was shortlisted for an interview and was close to being late for it. I reached the office and got into the elevator when I saw a gentleman running to catch the same elevator. As I was running late, I pretended not to have seen him and allowed the doors to close. I made it to the interview just on time but as I entered the Board Room I was told that one interviewer hadn’t arrived yet. After a few minutes, the gentleman whom I had left behind downstairs filled the main interviewer’s chair. As he introduced himself, he jokingly said: “I couldn’t catch the elevator with you – if I did, we could have had a real elevator pitch. So, what’s your pitch for us?” With that question, I realised that punctuality is important but punctuality is important not for the significant impact on the island. Pacific region. Therefore, a change at sake of being punctual! Punctuality Donald Trump’s protectionist the Oval Office can have an impact is a sign of respect and value for policies, “America First” to be on the foreign policy direction other people, and it is these human precise, and the US-China trade taken by the US. However, it is connections that matter. Courtesy war has affected global trade to a very unlikely that the US will take and manners are pretty much a Forget White great extent. When it came to the a complete “U” turn in most policy reflection of who you really are. region, his relationship with India matters. Transactions are not just transactions. was his priority. A second Donald It is about time Sri Lanka took It is an exchange between people Trump term would mean that much an interest in diversifying its export who connect, respect each other, and stricter policies against China will markets to Asia and increasing its do business. This incident comes be implemented. This is because exports. At the moment, we have to mind when I think of the many House, get our he would no longer be shackled placed too many eggs in one basket. opinions that have been expressed by the impact on his voters or the We are almost wholly dependent on the impact of the US presidential economy from the retaliatory trade on the westen bloc for our export elections on Sri Lanka. This is measures by China. Simultaneously, revenue. We need to maintain a because the image of respect and under a Joe Biden presidency there good relationship with China as the courtesy still matters, especially is greater room for China to be held ability to import at reasonable prices in terms of relationships between house in order accountable for alleged human rights from China is what helps us export countries. violations. to western markets at competitive Many people see diplomatic zPointless discussing ‘Biden effect’ on Sri Lanka A Biden presidency would not prices. relations almost as something really shift away from a hard policy Challenges faced by Sri Lanka, imagined, intangible, theoretical, without fixing economy stance on China, especially because such as our extremely poor and conceptual. But in the real for Sri Lanka but for the entire world. – have established strong economic proportion is in apparel products. Trump’s overall stance on China economic competitiveness, cannot world, diplomatic relations are This impact can be seen in how and military ties with each other. Sri We also export tea to the Middle enjoyed bipartisan support in the be ignored and have little to do all about human connections. It’s global financial markets fluctuate Lanka’s significance comes into the East where the US has significant US, even if some of his methods with external factors such as who people who trade with each other based on US political developments picture as our geographic location diplomatic clout and where US and measures came in for criticism. takes the presidency of the US. Our and not countries. It’s people who and how countries make strategic is at a peripheral level where it can policy decisions tend to directly There may be relaxations in the trade policymakers have to make our draft policies and make decisions plans, long or short term, based on directly affect India’s trade and affect global oil prices, affecting war, but it would be hard to expect economy better by having an export- and not countries. The impact of the the policies of the US administration. defence activities and their presence countries such ours. Another 15% a significant policy shift, especially oriented, free exchange culture. Like US presidential elections has to be For Sri Lanka, this time, the results in the Indian Ocean. The US for that of our exports are purchased by the considering the nature of global what happened at my interview, viewed in this context backed by a of the US elections are much more matter also has a long-term strategy European Union (EU) which also geopolitics. This must be considered it is human connections and how sound understanding of the country’s significant, especially due to the for the entire Indo-Pacific region. So represents the western bloc. For Sri when looking at our foreign good and open for trade we are that economic affairs. current geopolitical arm wrestling in regardless of which US President is Lanka, the continuation of the EU’s relationships because managing matters. Other factors matter, but the Sri Lanka has made headlines the Indian Ocean region. at the helm, it is most likely that the Generalised Scheme of Preferences this complicated relationship has a impact of outside matters are based across international media for our Economics and geopolitics are Indo-Pacific strategy will continue. Plus (GSP+) tariff concession is of direct impact on Sri Lanka retaining on how good or bad we are in our strategic location and the resultant strongly interconnected, and Sri Their main interest seems to be paramount importance. concessions such as GSP+. We economic and trade policy. geopolitical value to both the US Lanka is no exception to this rule. ensuring supply chain security and The second factor is the must be able to diplomatically (The writer is the Chief Operating and China. Recent visits by high- However, before we analyse the protecting the freedom of navigation relationship the US has with China negotiate our way through opposing Officer of Advocata Institute. He level delegations from both these effects of the US election on Sri within the Indian Ocean. which will affect Sri Lanka on trade geopolitical partners. Diplomacy can be contacted via dhananath@ nations have further highlighted this Lanka we need to understand the From Sri Lanka’s point of view, and investment. Already, the Port must be used to secure our trade- advocata.org. The opinions importance. This has led to various interests that all nations have in the one main factor that we should focus City and the Hambantota Port and related activities regardless of who expressed are the author’s own opinions being floated around Indian Ocean region and observe on is our ability to trade and gain economic zone are major Chinese becomes the President of the US. views. They may not necessarily about the impact of a Republican or their current geopolitical alignments. access to international markets. The investments and the policy direction Once again, it is important to reflect the views of the Advocata Democratic win on Sri Lanka. Currently Japan, India, the US, and US is the destination of about 25% taken by the office of the US remember that the US foreign policy Institute or anyone affiliated with US elections are pivotal not only Australia – referred to as The Quad of our exports, of which a significant president on these matters can have a has a long-term strategy for the Indo- the institute)

BY UWIN LUGODA

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of people losing their jobs, also presenting an unprecedented challenge for Hiring via video interviews human resources (HR) and recruiting teams across the globe. While some businesses are slashing their headcount, others are z Start-up promises security and convenience with recruitment app sticking to their hiring plans or even stepping up recruitment. in their own comfort zone with ample required, from wherever they are via a link Companies dependent on e-commerce, preparation time, allowing some of their and place their ratings and comments for logistics, and e-services businesses personality traits to come through. candidates. Even at this initial point, the currently find themselves in a particularly Hassim explained that SIXER VIDEO quality of candidates shortlisted increases urgent need for manpower, as most of is a secure and dedicated professional tremendously with hardly any time spent to them rank as essential services. But how platform for HR teams and applicants, do so,” said Hassim. do companies recruit people during a unlike WhatsApp or video calling tools He stated that the main challenge pandemic? which are more short-term solutions they faced was when it came to getting Across the globe, including in Sri Lanka, without continuity or tracking to address companies to adapt to these kinds of new companies are now looking at e-hiring the real need. He went on to state that even digital technologies, explaining that it was as a means to fill their ranks, while still candidates are increasingly conscious about due to them having to change the mindsets complying to the social distancing health their videos being shared via personal on modernising traditional HR recruitment guidelines presented by health authorities. accounts such as WhatsApp. approaches. This is becoming the new normal in Sri Being a SaaS (Software as a Service) “Many companies that were digitally Lanka, with many companies shifting to product, the platform generates revenue savvy did adopt our platform immediately. virtual interviews, according to SIXER through subscriptions that are either paid The main reasons for this were the time VIDEO Co-Founder/CEO Imthiyaaz monthly, biannually, or annually. saved without having to go through Hassim. SIXER VIDEO is a start-up that Once employers sign up with the start- countless CVs and conduct many first functions as a secure video-based platform SIXER VIDEO Co-Founder/CEO Imthiyaaz Hassim up, the platform generates a code per interviews. That long and cumbersome which allows companies to hire, sell, and most of them require infrastructure a video before any live interviews. This, role they create. Next, the employers get process just doesn’t work anymore. communicate internally by leveraging pre- investments. Seeing this, Hassim launched from an HR manager’s perspective, saves to prepare a list of questions they want One other challenge we faced was recorded videos. SIXER VIDEO in 2017, under an time in reading countless CVs and doing candidates to answer in their videos. The communicating to people that we were not “We were growing well before the incubator named “Common EDGE”, and first interviews, and also ensures they job code is then shared with prospective a job board to the market.” pandemic as a digital means for HR officially registered the start-up in 2019. are able to quickly get a good impression candidates via links, buttons, or QR codes, Currently, the start-up has served 18 departments to save time and money when “The ones available internationally of who a candidate is before proceeding after which the candidates follow simple clients since its inception, with all of them recruiting. But due to the pandemic, we are are usually expensive and require further. instructions on the SIXER platform and being either large-scale multinationals or seeing more companies shifting to virtual infrastructure investments. Compared “One of the biggest risks for HR submit their video pitches. local conglomerates that are very serious interviews that mainly involve video calls,” to them, our setup time is less than an managers is missing out on talent The candidate videos can be viewed about modernising their HR practices and Hassim stated, speaking to The Sunday hour and companies can start hiring due to time shortages; SIXER’s pre- directly from an employer’s SIXER hiring smarter. This has led to them being Morning Business. immediately. Plus, we provide unlimited recorded video feature helps manage this dashboard, which would allow the recognised in international markets like The concept is already used videos under all our packages.” efficiently.” recruitment team to evaluate candidates India, Norway, and Australia, for which internationally with many companies He explained that the start-up’s pre- Meanwhile, for candidates applying for and decide who they would want to meet. they have won multiple competitions and conducting video interviews. However, record feature allows candidates to submit a job, it allows them to express themselves “Department heads can weigh in, if awards. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/NEWS Sunday, November 8, 2020 Make America green again While the world watched the earlier in the week unveiled its 14th ones, are still doing their part for shambolic state of elections five-year plan which prioritised climate change because it makes in the world’s foremost innovation-driven, technology-led business sense. democracy, many questioned sustainable growth along with a The private sector is a key why Sri Lankans should care gradual opening of its economy. stakeholder in battling climate so much about the election The strategic roadmap called change; meaningful corporate action of the “Leader of the Free for green transformation of both of scale is essential for governments World”. If nothing else, business and personal lifestyles. As to achieve progress. Nearly 1,400 Sri Lankans have a vested the largest emitter of carbon in the influential businesses including interest in the health of our world (28% of global emissions), Unilever, Mahindra, Tata, Google, THE China needs to do much more, but Dell, Danone, Coca-Cola, and planet, and the outcome of at least it targets carbon neutrality British Telecom are part of the “We HEADLIGHT this US election is set to have by 2060 and is on the right path to Mean Business” coalition on climate a considerable impact on meet the commitments of the Paris change. Coalition member Ikea, for impact yet, the commitments of unified action against climate Agreement. example, set a target of producing the Paris Agreements bring with United Nations and country representatives celebrate the approval of the Paris change. 195 countries are signatories to Agreement at the COP21 in 2015 more energy than it consumes by them funding opportunities for the agreement which seeks universal 2020; the company invested $ 2.7 climate financing and eco-based Early in his term, Donald action on climate change; it includes for the next decade and beyond, weather patterns; we need the billion in renewable energy and development. Climate-smart Trump rejected the environmental a mix of binding and non-binding remain to be seen. protection of those beaches that are achieved its ambition a year ahead investment is a growing market, commitments made by the Obama provisions but requires member As an island, a developing nation, so intrinsic to our tourism offering; of schedule. with FDI (foreign direct investment) administration and overturned a nations to submit a national plan and one caught in superpowers’ our Ceylon tea must retain its values But why should business in Sri interest in sustainable infrastructure swathe of his predecessor’s climate of action whereby targets can be geopolitical battles, Sri Lanka to command premium prices – all Lanka care? Because no one will and transport. regulations. The renouncement of met. Sri Lanka has been a signatory has much to gain from the these, and much more, depend on be resilient to the impact of climate Businesses and communities the Paris Agreement came into effect to the agreement since 2016, but Paris Agreement. While every managing climate change. change; every business and every are key allies of states in pursuing on 4 November, as the bruising awareness of its commitments contribution counts, we need those Trump’s withdrawal from the life will experience its effects. It climate action; Sri Lanka is in need election campaign amid chaotic (including 100% renewable with larger footprints (China, Paris Agreement was on the basis will be a key business risk, affecting of wider awareness of the subject handling of Covid-19 came to an energy by 2050) are limited to America, India, Russia, and Japan of the disadvantages and unfairness resources and supply chains. On among both its private and public ignominious end. Joe Biden has policymakers and a handful of make up the top five) to take firm he saw to the American job market, the plus side, climate action also sectors. Bill Gates recently warned: promised to recommit to the Paris those working in the environmental action because the consequences manufacturing industries, and the brings business opportunities in “If you want to understand the kind Agreement on his very first day in sciences. The Gotabaya Rajapaksa weigh heavier on countries such industry through energy restrictions, new products and services that cater of damage that climate change will office. manifesto had multiple climate as ours. Sri Lanka’s temperature blocks on coal, contributions to the to changing demands and growing inflict, look at Covid-19 and spread Compare Trump’s environmental policies enshrined within. However, is already considered to be above Green Climate Fund, and others. But consumer awareness. Furthermore, the pain out over a much longer performance against that of his arch the breath and extent of their optimal levels; our agriculture- it’s important to note that many large while Sri Lankan businesses may not period of time.” It’s in everyone’s rival in China; the Communist Party implementation, and the path it sets based economy needs predictable businesses, including American have experienced their significant best interest to take action. Good Life X’s CBSL optimistic about second accelerator 2021 despite negative signs cohort graduates BY UWIN LUGODA including multiple reductions of show resilience over the medium to take appropriate measures to the policy rates and the Statutory term with appropriate policies ensure the sustainability of Sri Inspired by the success of designed to help them refine and With the outbreak of the Covid- Reserve Ratio (SRR), leading to implemented without delay. With Lanka’s external debt through last year’s inaugural cohort, the scale up their businesses. 19 pandemic, the local economy, the injection of ample liquidity the recovery in global demand short-term measures to secure Good Life X (GLX) Accelerator Last year, founders of six which has been experiencing into the market and lowering and the policy drive to improve adequate financing and through programme’s second set of companies were provided access below-potential growth in recent borrowing costs significantly, domestic production and support longer-term reforms to ensure a innovative companies graduated to a vibrant ecosystem to evolve years, encountered a whole new given the unprecedented exports, a sizeable increase sustained increase in merchandise recently after successfully and the opportunity to accelerate set of challenges. According circumstances caused by the in earnings from exports is and services exports, while completing their intensive and their companies and their impact in to the Department of Census pandemic. forecasted in the medium term. enhancing non-debt-creating immersive three-month training. contributing to a more sustainable and Statistics (DCS), with the The pandemic also brought on The CBSL pointed out that inflows in the form of FDI.” The second cohort, which kicked future. combined impact from the concessional credit schemes in the Government met all its debt The report states that the lagged off in July, comprised 10 start-ups Reflecting on the journey so far outbreak, the lockdown measures order to fulfil the needs of small service obligations, including the effect of extensive fiscal and in the food, travel, wellness, and with the second graduating cohort, that followed, the slowdown in and medium-scale enterprises settlement of the International monetary policy stimuli provided design sectors, demonstrating the GLX Director Randhula de Silva global economic activity, and the (SMEs), alongside debt moratoria Sovereign Bond (ISB) that so far, along with improved intent of the programme. The timing said: “Through GLX we continue adverse weather conditions in for businesses and individuals matured in early October, amidst investor confidence due to the was vital for the above sectors to foster innovation and inspire the country, the local economy affected by the pandemic. The adverse speculation and sovereign restoration of political stability in the country, especially amidst start-ups in sustainable sectors to contracted by 1.6% in the first report highlights that in response rating downgrades. and the implementation of the the pandemic and its effects on take the goodness of Sri Lanka quarter of 2020 Year-on-Year to these measures, credit to the The report also states that growth-oriented policy agenda of the local business landscape, said into international markets. We are (YoY), and is expected have even private sector showed a significant despite the setback to the local the Government, is set to support GIZ Sri Lanka, which supports the impressed by the passion shown bigger contractions in the second improvement in August and tourism industry, the surplus in a sustainable and equitable growth programme. by this year’s participants to focus quarter. September, which reversed the the services account is expected to in the period ahead. The start-ups included: on creating impact through their It estimated that the second slowdown observed in previous improve steadily over the medium The CBSL claimed that despite BusSeat, addressing the vacuum innovative businesses for greater quarter would see an even greater months. term, supported by the forecast of the disruptions it caused, the of an online platform connecting good of the world.” contraction than the first quarter, The CBSL also provided recovery of the tourism industry as pandemic has created a window of passengers with bus operators, During 12 weeks of virtual as only 10 days of the first quarter required funds to the Government pandemic fears fade away in the opportunity for the Government to creating an effective scheduling training, the entrepreneurs worked suffered from a nationwide by purchasing Treasury bills at period ahead. introduce pro-growth policies with mechanism; Good Folks, supporting with mentors, coaches, and GLX curfew while nearly two months primary auctions. This ensured Moreover, the growth in increased emphasis on domestic sustainable and organic producers team members to unlock their of the second quarter was under increased credit flows to the transport services and IT/BPO agricultural and industrial across Sri Lanka by operating an true potential and drive growth. lockdown. public sector, which contributed (business process outsourcing) production. The essential e-commerce platform showcasing This year’s accelerator included However, despite this, the in the acceleration of broad is also expected to support the infrastructure development their products; Local Forecast, distinct pillars such as education, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) money growth during the first expected improvement in services projects are expected to be a virtual platform for local craft mentorship, coaching, and goal stated that they expect the Sri nine months of the year, ending in exports. The report also projected implemented with the unveiling artisans to market their creations; management to help participants Lankan economy to rebound September. that workers’ remittances are set of the national budget for 2021, Mindful Travels, creating unique, acquire core competencies. next year, after witnessing The report goes on to state to slowly grow over the medium thereby increasing regional sustainable, and curated experiences A key aspect of the programme the country’s fast recovery of that during this time, Sri Lanka’s term. connectivity and the productive for tourists and local holidaymakers; was the partnership with the activity since the relaxation of the financial system withstood the “The financial account of the capacity of the economy. Moonshadow Naturals, empowering ESCP Business School, Berlin, a lockdown in May. In a report titled adverse impact stemming from balance of payments (BOP) It explained that education and women to generate income prestigious and leading business “Recent Economic Developments: domestic and global economic experienced subdued performance skill development policies are producing sustainable body-care school in Germany. Each team Highlights of 2020 and Prospects slowdown, while supporting the as the pandemic affected cross- also being reoriented towards products while home-based; Olai, was paired with an ESCP mentor for 2021”, released on 31 October, revival of the economy. It also border financial flows. However, a knowledge-based growth producing alternatives for plastic by to encourage strategic thinking, to the CBSL shared their prediction states that the external sector, gross official reserves remained at promotion strategy. Furthermore, the use of palmyrah products; Owita guide and inspire and equip them for 2021 and stated that although which was heavily impacted adequate levels, benefiting from inclusive growth policies of the Organics, encouraging Sri Lanka with necessary tools to leverage new there has been a resurgence of during the initial stages of Covid, inflows to the Government and Government are expected to better towards organic food consumption opportunities. the virus, it would only affect the showcased a notable rebound CBSL, including the net purchases target the marginalised segments by forming a complete end-to-end Speaker sessions and discussions momentum to some extent. with an improvement in the trade of foreign exchange from the of society, while providing near- organic and health food solution; on a wide range of topics such “GDP (gross domestic product) balance, a revival of workers’ domestic foreign exchange term support with the assistance of Raw, an all-women company as human resource management, estimates for the second quarter remittances, a stable exchange market.” the existing welfare programmes. producing cold-pressed juices finance, legal, marketing, have not yet been released by rate, and a reasonable level of The moderation of financial According to the report, Sri using organic produce, renewable and branding, connected the the DCS, citing difficulties in official reserves. flows amidst the pandemic is Lanka’s economy is not the only energy, and sustainable packaging; entrepreneurs to experts. The start- capturing the true nature of “The external sector stability expected to affect the financial one to rebound next year, with Sebastco, fabricating wearable ups also received support in refining disruptions and new activities as was supported by the restrictions account of the BOP in the near the global growth also projected sustainable products utilising 90% their pitch deck and delivery through well as novel ways of working that placed on non-essential imports term. However, with positive to rebound to 5.2% in 2021 and natural materials; and Wawamu, a vital pitch coaching sessions. An emerged this year with the onset and selected outflows as well investor sentiments following the moderate thereafter. tower system designed to empower Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) of the pandemic. Nevertheless, as low global petroleum prices. restoration of political stability The World Economic Outlook consumers to grow chemical-free framework was initiated to assist the high-frequency data point towards Proactive measures taken by and the expected recovery in the (WEO) of the International produce at home within limited companies prepare a clearer vision, a strong recovery in many areas of the Government, CBSL, and global economy, an increase in Monetary Fund (IMF) released space. implement interconnected goals, and economic activity in more recent the unexpected rebound in foreign direct investment (FDI) in October 2020 stated that they Supported by the GIZ Sri achieve measurable results. months prior to the resurgence of workers’ remittances since June inflows, foreign investment to the estimated the global economy Lanka’s SME (small and medium Hatch, as GLX’s community Covid-19 infections and resultant 2020 helped partly cushion Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), to contract by 4.4% in 2020, enterprises) Sector Development partner, has strengthened this containment measures in October the impact of the significant and the government securities compared to a growth of 2.8% in Programme (on behalf of the cohort, contributing to grow 2020,” the report notes. decline in earnings from tourism market is expected over the 2019. However, while there are German Federal Ministry the entrepreneurial culture and The report further states that due to persistent global travel medium term. signs of rebound to the global for Economic Co-operation continue to nurture a vibrant start-up this recovery of activity has been restrictions.” “Foreign investment flows economy, the report stated that it and Development), the GLX ecosystem, GIZ Sri Lanka said. facilitated by the concerted efforts The CBSL noted that policies are expected, particularly on is expected to be long, uncertain, Accelerator programme has “As Sri Lanka’s start-up of the Government and CBSL, to boost domestic production are account of the Colombo Port City and uneven among economies. created a strong platform to foster ecosystem begins to find its feet, such as relief measures and large- also expected to ease the pressure and the Hambantota Industrial Nevertheless, the report stated ethical and sustainable early-stage GLX within a short span has scale policy stimuli which were on the external sector of the Zone project. CBSL is expected that the success of containing entrepreneurial businesses. Growth gained momentum as a movement introduced to help businesses economy on a sustained basis. to maintain adequate levels of Covid-19 locally and globally and innovation are nurtured in promoting economic growth and individuals affected by the They explained that despite the foreign reserves over the medium remains critical in determining selected post-revenue start-ups and leveraging Sri Lanka as an pandemic. During this time, heightened vulnerabilities amidst term, while maintaining a flexible the pace and the magnitude of through guidance, training, a strong innovation hub and launch pad for the CBSL initiated a series the pandemic, the country’s and competitive exchange rate. domestic economic recovery and network of education partners, and sustainable businesses in Asia,” it of monetary easing measures external sector is expected to The Government is expected revival in the period ahead. other useful resources especially added. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, November 8, 2020 EQUITY

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR STOCK MARKET BOOM Despite the prevailing global pandemic and its adverse impacts in the local economy, the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)’s resilience to pandemic-related shocks has been quite impressive in the past few weeks. By mid-October, the stock exchange managed to pull a turnover for the year that was Does the CSE need higher than the annual turnovers the CSE managed to achieve in the last five years. In fact, on Thursday (5), the All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the CSE surpassed the 6,000 mark. foreign investors? Surprisingly, this impressive performance has been amidst sustained net foreign selling, which by mid-October was over Rs. innovation of capital markets. 43 billion for 2020. The recent market boom In a move to increase the market has been mainly attributed to increased efficiency and to expand the institutional domestic investor activity in the stock investment base, Saudi Arabia last year market since the reopening of the country in relaxed a 49% limit for foreign strategic mid-May. investors in shares of listed companies For a stock market that has set new to attract billions of dollars through a records, led mainly by local investors, diversified investor base. According to one might wonder whether the CSE needs the Arabian authorities, there will be no foreign investors; whether it cannot sustain minimum or maximum ownership limit, relying almost entirely on local investors. however, owners must hold onto shares for The Sunday Morning Business this week a minimum period of two years before they takes a look at foreigners at the CSE, can sell. their contribution to our stock market’s performance, and the level of importance Transparency and accurate stock of their presence at the CSE, whilst also price information focusing on foreigners’ contributions in Jafferjee noted that foreigners in a stock selected international stock exchanges. market force standards to be improved in terms of market infrastructure, regulation, Post-lockdown at CSE and liquidity, which benefits all investors. Immediately after the reopening of the Meanwhile, an article in the North country in mid-May, following a seven- American Journal of Economics written by week long lockdown, the CSE suffered Elsevier BV states that foreign investors significant net foreign losses mainly due accelerate the incorporation of common to lost confidence on the Sri Lankan stock information into the prices of stocks, mainly market. The lost confidence was mainly due to their superior skills in processing due to foreign investors being deprived of systematic market-wide factors. the opportunity to pull out their investments However, Elsevier found evidence when they originally wanted to, during of optimality in foreign shareholding, the seven-week long closure of the market suggesting that the efficiency benefit throughout the curfew period. Nevertheless, disappears after foreign ownership exceeds there was keen domestic buying interest a certain threshold level. from bargain hunters looking to snap up Another set of international economists fundamentally sound stocks that were on reported the first case of Covid-19 foreign companies’ inflow into the CSE was markets. Therefore, their participation in our state that foreign investors could offer at 10-year low prices. community infection in several months, by Rs. 30 billion while its outflow was Rs. 35 market makes them the marginal investor. help improve stock price information The following weeks were weeks to mid-October, YTD turnover of the CSE was billion. Meanwhile, inflow from foreign “Generally the marginal investor efficiency indirectly via enhanced savour for domestic investors who were on Rs. 259 billion, the highest in the last five individuals during this period was Rs. 416 improves price efficiency and pushes for corporate governance. Specifically, the lookout for bargains, with shares of the years. These turnover figures are despite million and outflow was Rs. 179 million. higher standards in gatekeeping, i.e. rating foreign institutional investors can play an leading listed banks and premier blue chip there being a whole two months remaining Overall, the first quarter reported net foreign agencies, buy and sell side research, etc. to important disciplinary role of monitoring John Keells Holdings PLC (JKH) closing to end the year. This is due to bullish local outflow of Rs. 5.42 billion. improve their standard. Furthermore, the their portfolio companies in the presence of trading below the Rs. 100 mark, for the first investors who have been absorbing shares However, the CSE was closed for larger firms can tap global capital to meet expropriation by large shareholders. time since 2009. that are being let go by foreigners. trading in the last two weeks of March, capital raising requirements for large infra “It is a widely accepted fact that for According to seasoned market watchers, after the S&P SL20 Index, which includes projects and regulatory capital for our big a smooth running of the stock markets, the last occasion all these stocks fell below Foreigners at CSE the 20 largest companies by total market banks,” he added. whether in developed countries or the Rs. 100 mark was back in 2008 when Sri Lanka’s stock market is a frontier capitalisation listed on the CSE, dropped developing countries, market regulation the ASPI crashed 41% following the market similar to countries like Vietnam, by 5% several times, triggering 30-minute Increased FDIs plays a pivotal role in enhancing the Seylan Bank and Sakvithi scandals and Pakistan, and Bangladesh in the region. halts in regular trading during the week that The proportion of foreign investors in investor confidence. It is essential to have the 2007/2008 global financial crisis. They Frontier markets are more established than began on 16 March. the CSE brings a number of benefits to transparency in the regulation for a market hovered around those prices till around the Leased-Developed Countries (LDCs) but The following week it remained closed the Sri Lankan economy. According to to perform well,” Dayaratne added. time the war ended. still less established than the emerging for four days with the Government declaring D.A.I. Dayaratne from the Department of According to the International Monetary Stockbrokers are raking in big bucks. markets. Frontier markets are considered holidays. It was opened on 20 March, only Accountancy and Finance of the Faculty of Fund (IMF), more transparency can be In fact, earnings have been so high that desirable by investors looking for substantial to close shortly after opening. Since then, Management Studies at the Sabaragamuwa beneficial both in attracting investment and stockbroking companies rapidly made up long-term returns since these markets have the CSE remained closed until 11 May. University of Sri Lanka, these benefits in helping to avoid excessive volatility of the revenue they lost due to the prolonged the potential to grow much more stable Even before the first half of this year, net include increased market competitiveness capital flows while enhancing the orderly closure of the market. Even though foreign and established over the course of decades. foreign outflows from the CSE were over and accurate pricing of the stocks when and efficient functioning of financial selling remains sustained, there has been Financial experts agree that frontier-market Rs. 18 billion, due to increased selling due more foreign participants are involved. markets. Transparency reduces the high interest from domestic high-net-worth equities offer the best prospects. These to the local outbreak of the pandemic. The Dayaratne in a research paper states that occurrence of phenomena such as herding individuals and institutional investors who markets, which are at an earlier stage of CSE continued to suffer foreign outflows the most important economic benefit is (where investors make certain decisions have been picking up fundamentally stable development than emerging markets, are and in September alone it recorded a that the economy gets more Foreign Direct merely because they observe others making stocks at a bargain due to the departure of characterised by strong economic growth net foreign outflow of Rs. 8.08 billion Investment (FDI) through the capital market them), waves of investment flows driven foreign investors. and tend to pay high dividends. compared to Rs. 8.06 billion a month which leads to the increase in productivity by sentiment, and investor overreaction to The volume of securities held by the According to Forbes, there is a strong prior. Net foreign outflows in the month of in the economy as public companies’ wealth news. foreigners at the Central Depository System positive correlation between US equities September and August were significant as and the asset structure is growing under this (CDS) of the CSE has dropped by 641.8 and India’s, based on the last five years net foreign outflows reported in July were a condition. What can Sri Lanka do? million up to October this year while of market data. Sri Lanka, on the other comparatively better Rs. 3.35 billion. This could be explained by the fact that Sri Lanka might be able to record securities held by domestic investors has hand, has a negative correlation with both However, given the achievements of the two weeks ago, Zimbabwe launched its historically high turnovers driven mainly by increased by a remarkable 15.77 billion. markets. This offers strong diversification to CSE in the recent weeks, despite foreigners second stock exchange to shield investors domestic investors and take excessive pride As of end-October, total securities held by investors amidst global volatilities. selling their stocks, one could question from currency instability and exchange in it, but for improved market efficiency and both foreigners and locals stood at 114.33 Before 2008, in the final years of the whether Sri Lanka should worry about them control risks and also to lure more foreign transparency, foreign investors are essential. billion, compared to 99.2 billion on 31 27-year long civil war, the perception of leaving. investors. Since foreign investors are fleeing the stock December 2019. In October, 26.22 billion the CSE among foreign countries was not The new stock exchange, Victoria Falls exchange, it should focus on measures to securities were held by foreigners compared favourable due to the ongoing war situation The importance of foreign Stock Exchange came at a time when lure them back. to 26.86 billion in December while the rest in the country. As a result, international investors foreign investors were increasingly selling However, some economists claim that of the 88.11 billion in securities were held participation in the CSE was very limited. Advocata Institute and JB Securities off stocks listed at the country’s main stock foreign investors drive the fortune of big by locals compared to 72.33 billion as of Nevertheless, foreign investors quickly Chairman and former CSE Director exchange, Zimbabwe Stock Exchange. companies in which they invest. But their end-December. accounted for a considerable share of CSE Murtaza Jafferjee told The Sunday Morning The selling off was due to foreign investors buying and selling of securities have a huge capitalisation following the end of the war Business that domestic investors have to be taking advantage of a foreign currency impact on the stock market. The smaller Best-performing stock market and even today, a considerable proportion of the backbone of any market. Nevertheless, auction trading system that was introduced companies are taken along for the ride. In Despite external shocks, the benchmark CSE investors comprise foreign investors, he emphasised the importance of having in June this year, which permitted long- addition to this, these foreign investors seek ASPI of the CSE recorded significant gains, both individual and institutional. foreign investors. trapped investments in Zimbabwe to be only short-term returns. When they pull outperforming all other main indexes around Jafferjee stated that typically most foreign repatriated. Investors were struggling their investments, banks can face a shortage the globe during the month of September. Foreigners this year investors are large global fund management to remit capital since 2016, following a of funds. Therefore, like Saudi Arabia, Sri The ASPI gained 12% in September and in During the first quarter of this year, firms and they allocate capital across many directive issued by their Central Bank Lanka could introduce regulations making it value terms, by Rs. 279.6 billion. The S&P prioritising certain transactions in all foreign mandatory for an owner to hold onto shares SL20 Index, which features the CSE’s 20 payments. Zimbabwe hopes that the new for a specified period of time before they largest and most liquid stocks, also gained in stock exchange would be a conduit for could sell off. September by 4.39%, closing at 2,463.27 foreign portfolio investments and FDIs. Or else, it could provide country points as of 30 September. In terms of Sri Lanka, FDIs are of membership programmes, similar to that of The average number of trades carried paramount importance, firstly because Thai Elite Card which offers stimulus plans out in a trading day during the month of it could accelerate Sri Lanka’s arrival through membership benefits to lure more September was 20,607, which was 96% at upper middle-income country status. investors. The cardholders get opportunities higher than the Year-to-Date (YTD) average Secondly, it could enable the introduction to invest in the country’s bonds and stock number of trades done per day indicating a of new technologies and innovative ways of market while also receiving a number of significant improvement in trading activity production and service provisions. Thirdly, concessions and benefits from the Thai and investor engagement during September. it could boost exports and can help with the Government. The concessions will be In terms of market turnover, a Rs. 50 billion trade balance as Sri Lanka has had persistent revoked if a cardholder discontinues their consolidated turnover was recorded during problems with its trade deficit, according to investment in Thailand. the month of September. This is all amidst the World Bank (WB). While Sri Lanka’s stock market has been sustained net foreign selling. sustaining in the recent past mainly from Improved market efficiency the domestic investors, a healthy balance of YTD turnover higher than overall In addition to this, foreign investors domestic and foreign investors is required. turnover of 2019 enhance the flow of capital into the country, Therefore, Sri Lanka has to take measures to Even though the ASPI of the CSE on maintain, and even improve the capital mitigate excessive foreign investors fleeing, 5 October recorded the highest drop in structures of the companies they are and it is a major economic concern which a single day in history after the country investing in. They help with the financial requires immediate attention. 6 the sunday morning business TECH Sunday, November 8, 2020 SAP digitalises Sri Lankan companies in pandemic

BY UWIN LUGODA engagement, ecommerce solutions, or challenges when it came to job roles which adapt the latest tech in the market. Looking even the backend in order to control of the required more face-to-face interaction, at their 20 years in Sri Lanka, he explained The phrase “going digital” has supply chain and supplier networks. such as sales which, in a digital sense, that when they launched new tech such become common in the corporate “We pretty much touch every aspect of required getting used to. as Hana, a high-performance in-memory world during the past two decades, your business in terms of coverage, and we Simon also stated that certain project database that speeds data-driven, real-time with both international and local offer our Sri Lankan customers the same deliveries did get delayed due to people decisions and actions, the first customer to companies digitally transforming solutions we offer other clientele across working at different locations, and it adopt it across the Asia Pacific region was the globe,” said Simon. took them some time to adjust and work a Sri Lankan company. their businesses to adapt to the While digital transformation has been towards a common objective. “So if you look at adopting tech, our Sri current business climate. critical for businesses for a while now, “I would say the challenge for us was Lankan customers have been very open The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has the current pandemic has accelerated this structured internally to get the overall to use the latest tech solutions. While only been a catalyst for this change, change. rhythm right, and after that was done, the we have mostly seen it with our larger forcing many companies to look for “What we see now is that things like projects were back on track and getting conglomerate clientele, over the last year rushed digital solutions and make existing traditional supplier networks have gone delivered on time.” we have seen the mid-range market, which digital solutions seamless. This is exactly through a disruption. This is especially He stated that another thing that is pretty big in this country, also looking to what SAP, the German multinational the case if you had suppliers from certain changed was local customer behaviour, adopt new tech.” software corporation, did for their Sri countries which are on lockdown now. with their new behaviour showcasing that Finally, speaking on their goals for Lankan clientele, according to SAP India So businesses need to reach out to new there was an expectation from customers Sri Lanka, Simon stated that they had Subcontinent Vice President and Head of suppliers and their customers because for the support turnaround times to be a few things planned for this year, but Sales – South India and Sri Lanka Sajith their methods of delivery for their more critical. Taking retail outlets as an unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic got Simon. customers have also changed. The only example, he pointed out that pre-Covid, in the way. He explained that for them, the way for businesses to adapt now is to use their online sales accumulated to around country having a large literate English- technology more effectively.” 30,000 to 40,000 units a year, but with speaking population is a big plus point, Simon pointed out that what SAP the outbreak it had gone up to 3,000 to and they want to use that and build up Sri This is an investment that we are very brings to the table is not just a record of 4,000 a day. Therefore, whatever tech Lanka’s IT industry in a big way. keen on doing in Sri Lanka, and it’s transactions of a respective company; they support the retail outlets needed from a To do this, he stated that SAP thought of on the cards. We want to work with also are able to aggregate that company’s backend perspective needed to be tweaked putting together a plan for digital literacy government agencies and universities supply chain and customer expectations. according to their demand. and IT skills development in the country, to provide digital education and IT They do this by providing an end-to- “Due to our huge network of global which aligned with the Government’s skills development end digital platform that can seamlessly customers, we already had experience goals for the industry. However this plan SAP India Subcontinent Vice President give their customers a great experience supporting customers in other geographies too was cut short due to the pandemic. and Head of Sales – South India and Sri internally and also when it comes to the with similar issues. So we were able to “This is an investment that we are very Lanka Sajith Simon business’s customers and suppliers. We have continued to provide support translate those learnings to the clients in keen on doing in Sri Lanka, and it’s on the The current pandemic impacted SAP services for customers on critical issues Sri Lanka.” cards. We want to work with government as well. However, according to him, and their production servers. Whether He explained that this change has also agencies and universities to provide digital During the initial Covid-19 outbreak, they managed to revive and restart their it is in terms of upgrades they needed extended to the supply side of companies, education and IT skills development.” SAP managed to maintain their business operations effectively, which was to to do on specific timelines or ongoing requiring them to have robust supplier Simon stated that their second goal was continuity with 24/7 support and services help support their customers through projects, we managed to do them networks together with a tech platform that to grow their partner network, so that they for more than 180 local customers who digitalisation. He explained that this was despite the pandemic predicts which suppliers can provide what cover a broader market which will include rely on the company. Speaking to The possible because the basic infrastructure SAP India Subcontinent Vice President and when. He stated that this is critical small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sunday Morning Business, Simon stated as well as policies were already in place and Head of Sales – South India and Sri to how businesses produce and deliver Sri Lanka. He stated that to do this, they that many of their customers successfully for them to operate remotely and today, Lanka Sajith Simon to customers, and the traditional way of are currently working with four partners, went live on projects during the lockdown all their local employees are operating doing it is not meeting those expectations to help increase the use of technology in period, with the proactive participation remotely, with only basic IT support anymore. these broader markets. from SAP Support. working at their core office. and their production servers. Whether it Simon stated that this is why the most Moreover, he stated that they are SAP has been doing business in “Due to our seamless business is in terms of upgrades they needed to do impacted businesses from the pandemic currently working with the larger Sri Lanka for almost 20 years now, continuity, our support mechanisms are on specific timelines or ongoing projects, are the ones that did not have any proper conglomerates to adopt technology by and has retained several major local open for our customers 24/7.” we managed to do them despite the digital systems in place, and had trouble exposing them to customers in similar conglomerates, such as John Keells Simon stated that SAP continued to pandemic.” transitioning to a remote working model. industries globally, that have been Holdings (JKH) and Midas Safety, as enable Sri Lankan businesses on their He explained that while it took them “These companies need at least three successful in leveraging these tech loyal customers for almost 15 to 20 years. digital transformation journeys which some time to adjust to the new normal people in office to forward even simple solutions. Traditionally, the company is known to has become the need of the hour owing of working from home, today they are payments, but if they had a cloud-based “We have had a good run in Sri Lanka be in the enterprise resource planning to the pandemic. Midas Safety and JKH fully equipped from a business continuity platform for them to work remotely, the and with the future and the opportunity (ERP) software space, but in the last five are two examples of customers who have perspective to support their customers and process can be done on the backend with that we see here, our investment in the to six years, they have also been able to successfully implemented and gone live on partners. minimal effort.” country is only going to grow upwards. offer companies end-to-end tech solutions SAP’s solutions during this pandemic. However, while the company had all Despite this, he applauded the Sri Therefore, we look forward to growing that touch every aspect of the business, “We have continued to provide support the infrastructure and policies in place to Lankan market for being at the forefront and supporting our existing customers including that of the front office, customer services for customers on critical issues support this new work model, they faced of cutting-edge technology, ever ready to here.”

By Maria Dzhanan Prioritising digital resiliency

With 61% of small and medium businesses (SMBs) in the Asia Pacific reporting a fall in sales during the months of lockdown, on the road to recovery and further waves and phased reopenings in place, there is an can then focus on business goals user interfaces and additional who and where they are most to be for the long run, especially solution provider, who works urgency to prepare your business rather than manual administrative functionality and introduce new needed. when no one knows what the with customers to streamline for the long journey ahead. tasks and maintenance of IT services at a much faster pace. future holds. and enhance logistics operations This is having a marked hardware and servers. Position technology Consider Australian by improving efficiency and change on my conversations An example of such a change Be #datadriven investment for the long software developer, Prophecy optimising working capital. The with customers. While the topic is real estate data provider, No one can predict the future, run International. Keen to reduce company saw the importance of of digitisation is not new and Propre Japan. The company but artificial intelligence (AI), While the cloud allows the overall cost of running moving its SCMProfit, a supply technology often seen as a means collects records on about 16 machine learning (ML), and SMBs to embrace agility at a its workloads on a separate chain platform, to the cloud to an end, moving forward, million properties each day to advanced data analytics can let lower cost of entry, it needs to platform, the organisation made with OCI to help better serve there is a recognised need for help global property hunters us hazard a guess and provide be approached strategically; the switch to Oracle Cloud the demands of their end users. SMBs to be less reactive and to to buy, sell, and manage their possible scenarios to avoid otherwise, the result could be Infrastructure (OCI). By migrating their workloads consider their investments more portfolios. All of this data had to making baseless decisions. With a patchwork of applications or Today, the next generation of to the cloud, Trejhara has been strategically. be archived regularly, a process teams forced to work apart, there duplicative services. As such, cloud infrastructure solutions able to enhance the usability of So, what are SMBs prioritising that was labour-intensive and are now more factors than ever regardless of size, companies are built as a foundational its SCMProfit application for its to ensure digital resiliency in the incurred management costs from contributing to decision-making. need to plan their journey. layer, designed to provide customers, especially in an era long run? a hardware perspective. Real-time information and a They may wish to see where performance predictability, where governments and businesses Focus on people No one can predict the future, viewpoint on the organisation’s it is relevant to bring in new security, and governance around the world are mitigating but artificial intelligence (AI), bottom-line can help SMBs capabilities via cloud software, required to support mission- supply chain volatility and risks. Many organisations say that machine learning (ML), and prioritise. or where it makes sense to move critical, performance- With superior cloud economics their value lies in their people. advanced data analytics can A case in point is the Maldivian existing workloads on to cloud intensive workloads features as well, the company’s This is especially true for the let us hazard a guess and state-owned company that infrastructure. adoption of OCI has helped tight-knit SMB community. In provide possible scenarios manages the national health In fact, today, the next Consequently, the company Trejhara to optimise its pricing today’s dispersed workplace, how to avoid making baseless insurance scheme, Aasandha generation of cloud infrastructure can appreciate significantly model. can you enable your staff to be decisions Company Ltd. (ACL). It provides solutions are built as a better cost-effective performance Digital resiliency is crucial, the best they can and collaborate all citizens with instant cashless foundational layer, designed and capacity. It has also been especially when it’s increasingly as efficiently as possible? This With plans to expand and triple authorisation of medical claims, to provide performance able to leverage Oracle Cloud’s difficult to predict the future. By issue is even more pronounced its current data volumes, Propre and as such is heavily data- predictability, security, and flexibility and comprehensive taking away some of the strain, with the prevalence of remote selected Oracle Autonomous driven. Using Autonomous Data governance required to support portfolio from application empowering decisions based on working, when staff are pressured Transaction Processing to take Warehouse, it is working with mission-critical, performance- development and business data analytics, and providing a with additional tasks or the advantage of its improved Oracle to provide its management intensive workloads. Along analytics to data management. strong technology foundation, challenge of keeping things database performance, auto- team with clear data-driven with removing the need to run This has enabled Prophecy to SMBs will be in a better place to running as per normal even as tuning features that automatically insights into critical aspects hardware on premises, they also smoothly scale its business spot and work on new business they work from home. optimise memory and disks, and and aims to help improve the provide the ability to modernise despite the pandemic and the opportunities. A move away from ageing or lower resource requirement as it fraud detection efficiency by and innovate via new cloud increased workload as its own (Maria Dzhanan is Vice ineffective infrastructure to an undertakes most of the manual quickly filtering out anomalies native or mobile features. At customers accelerated their use President of Oracle Digital, easily scalable, user-friendly admin tasks required. As a result, using ADW’s capabilities. The a time when investments are of digital technologies. JAPAC. This article is published cloud service can help introduce Propre could spend more time result will be for ACL to more under increased scrutiny, any Another case in point is Trejhara, exclusively in The Sunday more agile processes. Employees planning and developing better accurately direct resources to technology implementation needs a supply chain and logistics Morning Business) the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, November 8, 2020 GEOPOLITICS

By Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby Our foreign policy

There’s a lot of global power play in South Asia these days. India, China, the US… and now we are likely to have a new global US doctrine with a change in the must be formulated by White House. Sri Lanka hasn’t played the global investment game very well. That’s because we keep confusing economics with geopolitics. Investors want long- term economic stability to be sure their investments are safe. They don’t particularly care whether a country is democratic or what its military alliances are. Lots of stable but more authoritarian regimes get far more investment – economists Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Dubai, Part I Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Oman… We need to capitalise economically the Thai baht and Canadian dollar in China, on the increased focus of global powers as the biggest possible losers in the trade on South Asia. But we need to identify war. what’s in our country’s best economic interests – investment, soft loans, free India-China trade war access to markets for our goods, tourism India recently banned 59 common Chinese – rather than be overawed by visits by apps and their clones – including TikTok, high-powered foreign officials. The Weibo, Camscanner, ShareIt, and UC military balance of power – with the Browser. outgoing Trump administration throwing Sri Lanka needs to avoid the pitfalls of its support to India versus China – is of no this trade war, much more than becoming consequence to us. fascinated by the on-again, off-again India- Indeed, US-India-China interests China military tensions. constantly collide, with the new world India faces many economic challenges. power China extending its reach across Despite being Asia’s leading emerging the Indian Ocean as it seeks resources market state. Its GDP growth is projected to and India seeking to retain its waning decline due to poor domestic consumption, influence in South Asia and searching with the manufacturing sector being for allies and markets; all this in the weakened. Much needs to be done to background of the trade war between the stimulate the Indian economy, which is US and China. suffering from stagnant wages in rural areas Sri Lanka also needs to figure out very and low consumption expenditure, as well quickly what a Joe Biden presidency as a slowdown in growth in the agricultural would mean to our economic interests (at sector. the time of writing, Biden appears to be yy India is one of the largest of China’s headed for victory). trading partners after the US. Secondly, But we need to keep in mind that this is it accounts for almost 12% of the imports Asia’s century. Asia will grow richer and In 2015 Chinese President Xi Jinping and then US Vice President Joe Biden walk down the red carpet on the tarmac during an arrival ceremony for the President at Andrews Air Force Base in USA of India into sectors like chemicals, stronger for a prolonged period of time. automotive parts, consumer electronics, India and China will both improve their Indians and Chinese in the ‘70s and productive – India, China, Singapore, countries in the same way. For example, it and pharmaceutical goods economic outlook by 2025. In reality, harped on being a staunch member of the Dubai, or even the US. We should have brought major advantages to Vietnam and China could overtake America by the end Non-Aligned Movement, but we didn’t invited the US Secretary of Commerce, opened the way for investment from around yy India’s increasing smartphone sector also of the 2020s as the largest economy in the get much investment. J.R. Jayawardena not the Secretary of State, and told him to the world, including China. Vietnam has strongly relies on Oppo, Xiaomi, and world, and India is a legitimate economic and R. Premadasa allied with the west, bring along a team of investors. The visit actually been the world’s largest target of the other cheap Chinese phones, which have superpower with the world’s fifth largest but we didn’t see much investment from by the Chinese delegation a few weeks trade war between the US and China to date. the lion’s share of the market economy and not simply the world’s there either. Mahinda Rajapaksa allied back appears to have been more fruitful But changes in Vietnam’s US trade policy yy “back office”, contrary to conventional with China, with mixed results of both economically. are to be expected as the US trade deficit India’s overall trade with China also belief. Furthermore, India is projected investment and controversy. is widening with Vietnam. Malaysia, while declined from $ 21.42 billion in April- to overtake China as the most populous Our current President, Gotabaya Markets for our exports considered as an alternative destination June 2019/20 to $ 16.55 billion in April- country in 2024. Rajapaksa, has struck the right note by and tourism for relocating companies from China, June 2020 firmly telling visiting US Secretary of Which country or region is going to be suffers from changes in the demand for y Military matters matter not to y India’s trade deficit with China amounted State Mike Pompeo that Sri Lanka will our major market in the near future and chip makers, which has negatively affected to $ 48.64 billion in fiscal year (FY) Sri Lanka remain non-aligned. But we need to use long-term future? We currently export a lot its economy. Singapore’s manufacturing 2019/20, down from a $ 53.56 billion Many countries have borders with this to draw investment from multiple (prior to Covid) to the US and Europe. Not industry is particularly the semiconductor trade deficit in 2018/19. The key items multiple nations, and need to form powers. Otherwise, there’s no benefit in so much to India, the Far East, or China. industry that is much in demand in the West. shown in India’s 2019/20 Chinese alliances to ensure their own survival. being non-aligned. That’s primarily because in past decades Short-term industries would be given imports are accumulators and batteries, Sri Lanka is blessed: We have one The importance of the west had the buying power. But will an encouragement to replace the expense man-made yarn and textiles, aluminium neighbour, India, which is so huge that China be the market of the future with its of costly imports with local production and its components, glass, paper, and we can’t possibly dream of a conflict foreign visitors growing wealth? Which industries should sources or alternatives from other countries, other plastic items with it and hasn’t invaded us in more Pompeo came, he saw, and he left. we focus on for the Chinese market? What if the US and China charge higher import y than 500 years. So we really don’t need So what? How does that help us about Chinese tourism? Where does India prices on each other’s imports. Using the y More than 14% of India’s FY19-20 any military alliances. That puts us in economically? Not much. In fact, he was fit into all this – what do we have that we National Import Substitution Index (NISI), imports came from China a unique geopolitical situation, since very frank in a public interview when he could export to India? Remember that India researchers can determine the degree to Way forward most countries need to first ensure their said that it is the US private sector that continues to be a major source of tourists, which China and the US import substitution security before their economies. We can provides investment, not so much the US because it’s half an hour’s flight away. can be beneficial to Asian countries and Sri Lanka needs a proper set of economic directly focus on our economy and ignore Government. But he didn’t bring the US particular sectors within them. It appears experts well versed in global investment and the international military issues. private sector with him. In fact, Sri Lanka Impact of US China trade war from the index that the main beneficiaries trade to identify economic opportunities and was just a sideshow, as he had actually As US exports increased and imports are Malaysia, Japan, Pakistan, and the guide the Government and private sector A long history of getting travelled to India to sign a major defence declined, its foreign advance trade deficit Philippines. Figure 1 shows some of these with regard to the global powers. This is conned agreement there. His quick flight across decreased to $ 79.4 billion in September country figures. not a job for politicians, academics, military Don’t confuse economic interests with the Palk Strait was the sort of visit to a from $ 83.1 billion in August (October Meanwhile, the prolonged US-Sino trade men, or individual entrepreneurs seeking military and political interests. Foreign long-lost relative that one might do if 2020). war, on a medium-term basis, will allow short-term gains. powers make promises to Sri Lanka, one has the time, while one’s main focus There have been significant side effects on nations to start diverting some of their In particular, we need to understand what because they don’t want us jumping is a major business conference that one East Asian economies from the US-China manufacturing to factories in other countries global powers want of us, and to figure out into geopolitical alliances with other is in town for. He also gave us a lecture trade war, especially for Japan and the Asian to evade tariffs. The Nomura Production if this is compatible with Sri Lanka’s best global powers. But we really haven’t got about democracy like some old Dutch Tigers. India has also been impacted. It Relocation Index (NPRI) uses three interests. We should dictate our policies, and much out of this. The Russians made uncle, which seems quite quaint given the has led to a strengthening of trade relations criteria to estimate possible beneficiaries of not any foreign power or combination of overtures to us in the 1950s. Dudley shambles in his own country. among these Asian nations and significant production relocation: powers. Senanayake was more pro UK in the Frankly, a visit by a team of investors economic gains for Japan. yy An export similarity index ‘60s. Mrs. Bandaranaike courted the from any major country would be more The trade war has not impacted all Conclusion yy Qualitative multinational company It is clear that Sri Lanka’s future economic (MNC) surveys interests lie with India, China, and the rest yy of Asia and it is time that our policymakers Appealing foreign direct investment recognised this and our entrepreneurs take (FDI) scorecard advantage of it and work towards it. The index predicts that companies Part II of this article will appear next week. would be an obvious winner if the Chinese (The writers are Managing Partners of production and FDI were to be diverted Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds from China, followed by Malaysia, practical solutions for challenges facing Singapore, and India. Pakistan has the least society and different industries. Dr. Dias advantage of the reversals of output and is a digital architect and educationist FDI, as opposed to import substitution. based in Kuala Lumpur. He holds a BSc in Computing from the University Foreign exchange of Greenwich, a Masters in Computer An escalating trade war will affect foreign Software Engineering from Staffordshire exchange markets across multiple channels; University, and a PhD from the University changing trade flows as well as views on of Malaya. He is completing a second growth and monetary policy. Recently, doctorate in Business Administration Bloomberg combined the Organisation for from Universiti Utara Malaysia [ruwan@ Economic Co-operation and Development cogitaro.com]. (OECD) data on country exposure with Eliatamby is a lecturer in marketing, in-house estimates of foreign exchange human resources, and mass over and undervaluation to demonstrate communications based in Colombo. He which currencies are most vulnerable. The is an author and was formerly associate monetary estimates are based on the actual editor of a newspaper and editor of various effective exchange rate index model of the industry magazines. He holds an MBA International Monetary Fund, which adapts from London Metropolitan University to inflation. The yuan, already overvalued and an LLM from Cardiff Metropolitan in line with a Powell model, stands out with University [[email protected]]) 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL/INSIGHT Sunday, November 8, 2020 People’s Bank wins ADB’s Trade Deal of the Year Award The Asian Development contributed to the success of the People’s Bank, which has one for their customers to trade with in Sri Lanka to be confirmed by Bank (ADB) recently transaction. of the largest footprints across companies that would otherwise be another party, which would incur awarded People’s Bank the TFP provides guarantees the country, kept trade routes to reluctant to trade with them due to an additional cost. Since People’s “Trade Deal of the Year” and loans to banks to support Sri Lanka open by supporting heightened risk perceptions. The Bank is participating in the TFP, award at the prestigious international trade. Backed by its customers to transact with its bank enhanced its ability to provide the bank is able to use an ADB ADB Trade Finance ADB’s AAA credit rating, the counterparties across the globe trade finance facilities to customers guarantee and reassure the foreign Programme Awards 2020 programme works with over 200 even during the Covid-19 crisis. by joining ADB’s TFP in 2011. parties to transact business with Sri (TFP Awards 2020), jointly partner banks in Asia to provide The pivotal service it renders to Some foreign companies or Lankan entities. with Standard Chartered companies with the financial the nation was highlighted yet their banks may have risk limits Foreign companies value the support they need to engage in again through this recognition, to Sri Lanka or the region, which ADB guarantee due to the high Bank. import and export activities. Since as this particular award was for may make them unwilling to standards maintained by the ADB TFP Awards recognises leading 2009, ADB’s TFP has supported a transaction for the importation trade. Sri Lanka has a “B-”-level in evaluating and accepting a partner banks of ADB. The more than 12,000 small and of critical medicines and medical country rating from Fitch Ratings, bank into its programme, which award was received following a medium-sized businesses across equipment during the height of which may exceed internal risk involves comprehensive due rigorous independent evaluation People’s Bank CEO/General Manager developing Asia in sectors ranging the Covid-19 crisis in April 2020, limits set by some foreign banks diligence. The TFP has also helped which takes into account multiple Ranjith Kodituwakku from commodities and capital People’s Bank said. and customers. As a result, the Sri Lanka during the recent credit factors such as how the particular how it helped the client to improve goods to medical supplies and Using its trade finance facilities, counterparty bank may want a letter downgrade, allowing business to transaction impacted the country, their business, and how TFP consumer goods. the bank had made it possible of credit opened by a customer continue.

DFCC Bank and By AIA virtually K.L. recognise Gunaratne With nearly 500,000 smallholders Wage issue CEOs’ Club in total, the tea smallholder sector is a significant contributor to the production and output of Ceylon Tea What plantation companies Award winners in Sri Lanka, and across the globe. We are often called the “backbone” of our tea industry, and with good reason. can learn from smallholders Sixteen percent of Sri Lanka’s arable land belongs to the tea sector. “agents of change”. Management and Of this, tea smallholders operate in production practices have become 60% of the total tea land and account smarter, output-oriented, and have for more than 70% of the total tea resulted in improvements in the produced. According to the Tea quality of the tea leaf itself. Control Act, tea lands between 20 A recent study by the International perches and 10 acres are considered Labour Organisation (ILO) confirms “Tea Small Holdings” across the these observations which I have country. personally witnessed over the I am a tea smallholder myself. My years as a smallholder, namely: journey began in 1977 with a two-acre That casual workers engaged in tea tea land. I now operate three small tea smallholdings usually earn a higher DFCC Bank and AIA virtually recognise CEO Club Award Winners lands while simultaneously serving daily wage compared to the plantation AIA Insurance and celebrations took place, as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka workers and contribute towards more DFCC Bank recently uninterrupted.” Federation of Tea Smallholders. productive work (Future of Work for held the first-ever virtual DFCC CEO Lakshman Running a smallholding over the Tea Smallholders in Sri Lanka, ILO, AIA-DFCC CEOs’ Silva also applauded the past three decades (or more) has not 2018). This is simply due to the fact Club Awards Night winners and commented: been an easy feat. No matter how big that the people we contract to work on on Microsoft Teams, “DFCC Bank, one of or small your tea plot is, ensuring our plots are paid solely based on their connecting 15 locations the oldest development that the land is well managed, tea is productivity. simultaneously to banks in the country correctly harvested, and the quality of Over the years, although the tea recognise over 50 DFCC and now a full-service Ceylon Tea is upheld are challenging smallholder sector has evolved to employees. commercial bank, has standards to meet every day. tea industry, this agreement mainly the estate infrastructure, who are suit the times, it is unfortunate that Launched in 2018, the had many trail-blazing Currently, a great deal is being focuses on worker remuneration and paid a daily wage of Rs. 1,000. These the rest of our industry has been held “CEOs’ Club Awards initiatives. We entered made about the tea industry and tea is renegotiated every two years. fieldworkers work eight hours a day. back from progress by forcing the Night” is organised into a partnership with companies being in hot water over With wage negotiations As illustrated above, for tea continuation of a basic wage system annually by AIA AIA with the objective of concerns on wages, productivity, approaching early next year, industry harvesters, our method of payment is that does not prioritise or sufficiently Insurance for the DFCC enhancing our customer output, and quality. As such, I felt actors across the board seem to be at far from an unrewarding, fixed daily reward productivity. RPCs continue Bank staff. The event value proposition it was important to share lessons a crossroads on the best way forward. wage model. Instead, each harvester to play an important role in our recognises DFCC’s staff and, over the years, from a tea smallholder perspective The only point on which there seems is paid for the kilos of tea they yield – industry – particularly in terms of on their exceptional have complemented to help refine best practices and to be much agreement is that reform which is to say: A productivity-linked upholding the international image and achievements in each other, bringing discover a sustainable way forward. is needed and urgently. This is a model of remuneration. reputation of Ceylon Tea through their providing protection to exceptional value to It is essential that the industry – as a battle fought every two years, and Until the 2000s, like the RPCs, tea commitments to securing international the bank’s customers customers. It was great collective – ensures a paradigm shift unfortunately, there are no winners; smallholders also paid harvesters and standards and certifications. by introducing AIA’s that together we were in the way we’ve been managing only losers. By contrast, smallholders tea workers a daily wage. However, Hence it is essential that the RPCs insurance solutions. able to overcome the this sector. While it is true that the like us who are not bound by such we found that this became a real are able to continue operations in a “Despite the challenges posed by the industry was introduced by the British an agreement have the independence challenge when trying to retain sustainable manner. A collapse in the limitations posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and in 1867, the challenges we face to make decisions we feel are best workers and maintain profitability, RPC sector would create major risks Covid-19 pandemic, the create an opportunity today are totally different from then, for our workers, the industry, and the and so a collective decision was taken to the entire industry’s reputation management of both out of it, in creating a and there is no reason as to why our legacy of Ceylon Tea. by tea smallholders to shift towards for the highest quality standards and DFCC and AIA were first-of-its-kind digital management practices should not While we use the collective a productivity-linked wage, as we its capacity for innovation – given determined to continue event. This is what great evolve with the times. agreement as a benchmark for the saw this to be far more efficient and that more recent advancements in the tradition of much- partnerships do.” rate of payment, we have one crucial effective for the industry. mechanisation, climate-friendly deserved recognition for Fifty-four CEOs’ Basic industry dynamics advantage, which is that we have Speaking from direct personal factories, use of drone technology, the DFCC staff who have Club winners from Tea smallholder plantations are the freedom to decide on the model experience, the ability to remunerate and IT to optimise production and excelled in providing across the island were found commonly across the island. of payment. For us, the collective tea harvesters based on output has supply chain have only been made insurance solutions to recognised at the virtual Most low-country tea comes from agreement is only a guideline. Our been liberating for them and for possible due to their investments. customers,” AIA said. awards night, for their plantations in Ratnapura, Galle, main focus is therefore in ensuring myself. While this has helped me Such advancements can only be AIA CEO Nikhil achievements in 2019, Matara, and Kalutara. Mid-country that we are able to offer workers a manage my tea lands better and scaled down to provide benefits Advani congratulated with six others getting smallholdings are widespread across, method of payment that is attractive, yield higher output, it has also to tea smallholders once a path to the winners, while special recognition Kegalle and Kandy. Up-Country tea while still remaining sustainable as a given me the time to venture into implementation has been cleared commenting on the long- for their contribution comes from Nuwara Eliya and Uva. business. other areas of work I am passionate by RPCs. Failure to facilitate this standing partnership as well. The top 10 A majority of tea smallholders about. For instance, I was able to progress will ultimately jeopardise the between AIA and DFCC. performers were Samitha are both managers and harvesters of Lesson from tea pursue my passion of setting up the sustainability of the entire industry. “AIA are pioneers Jayathilake (Kottawa their lands. Small tea plots are easy smallholders National Pre-School Development Moreover, the first and most in bancassurance in Branch), Chamindu to manage, and if you own one, you Here’s how we work: As a baseline, Foundation; this foundation aims pressing solution to this dilemma is Sri Lanka and DFCC Anjana (Hikkaduwa and your family will likely tend to tea harvesters are paid a rate of Rs. to train preschool teachers in early obvious to all parties. The wage model is one of our most Branch), Dilini De Silva it. The larger the tea plot, the more 30 for every kilo they harvest. Some childhood development within must be revised. Our experience as tea valuable partners. (Moratuwa Branch), decentralised management becomes harvesters pluck up to an average plantation communities. For tea smallholders is clear proof of this fact Together, over the Dinusha Jayathilaka – quite similar to the basics of how of 30 kg on a good day. A good day harvesters, moving out of a daily and should not be lightly disregarded. years, we have created (Anuradhapura Branch), the much larger tea companies is when the weather, the soil, and payment system has opened up a path We are all advocates of our tea, and a strong bond, driven Nuwan Abeywickrama function. However, unlike the big harvesting practices are all in our for them to secure higher earnings what hurts one sector of our industry by the common goal of (Kiribathgoda Branch), tea companies – widely known as favour. Leaves on each tea bush are while increasing mobility of labour – will ultimately impact all of us. A providing protection and Anjalina Kumarihamy Regional Plantation Companies harvested on rotation every seven meaning that workers were freed up paradigm shift is necessary, and it can financial security to our (Piliyandala Branch), (RPCs) – smallholders are not to 10 days. This means that leaves to actively pursue work on different only start with a long-overdue update customers. Dilanka Jayawardena bound by a “collective agreement” from each bush are plucked at least smallholder plots in order to boost to the way in which workers are paid. We are constantly (Kaduwela Branch), when it comes to the matter of three times a month. A tea plot needs their earnings even further. (The writer is the Chairman of the defying odds and Lahiru Madushan worker compensation. Sri Lanka’s more than just the expertise of tea Over the past few years, tea Sri Lanka Federation of Tea Small challenging the status (Central Sales Unit), Industrial Disputes Act of 1950 harvesters to yield a successful harvesters who work on smallholder Holders. The Federation of Tea Small quo and that is why Paskaranathan defines the “collective agreement” output. Besides tea harvesters, we also plots have evolved into entrepreneurs Holders is an industry body aimed we were able to take Ghengatharan (Kotahena as an agreement relating to the terms have other fieldworkers who engage themselves. Driven by the need at promoting the advancement and digital to the next level Branch), and Lakshman and conditions of employment of in manual labour-oriented tasks like to improve efficiency and output, development of tea smallholdings in and ensure that these Thambiraja (Batticaloa workmen in any industry. Within the weeding, manuring, and upkeep of harvesters themselves have become the country) merited recognitions and Branch ). Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 THE PLIGHT OF SPECIAL NEEDS NATASHA JAYASURIYA AMIDST THE ON DANCING AWAY »SEE PAGE 5 YOUR COVID BLUES »SEE PAGE 3

Sunday,brunch November 8, 2020

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Performance arts In a world upended by the pandemic, it is more important now than ever to form meaningful connections. BUILDING Performance art is hardly given much thought as a medium of communication, and this is something that Power of Play MEANINGFUL as an organisation strives to correct. Founded in 2011, Power of Play harnesses the highly adaptable nature of CONNECTIONS theatre and performance to tell stories and create experiences with universal appeal and cultural diversity in a way VIRTUALLY that breaks down barriers and different Sulochana Dissanayake communities together. of Power of Play on making connections through art ││Contd. on page 2 ‘We witnessed the possibility of change’ Asha de Vos on the pandemic, her most recent award, and building an army witnessed the possibility of change. “The opposed to a totally different entity” can oceans got quieter, and there were turtles propel us toward this change, she shared. hatching on beaches which had not been De Vos joins four others – namely BY JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM seen in a long time.” biological oceanographer Colleen But this is just a small victory Durkin, population biologist The Covid-19 pandemic, as most in the grand scheme of things. Alejandro Pietrek, marine

would likely agree, is going to change a lot The little celebrations reported ecologist and conservation of things for us. On one side of the coin, around the world, of nature It’s not a biologist Douglas Rasher, and there’s fear and anger that life as we knew healing itself, according to de Vos, finish line, scientist Mrinalini Watsa in it might never return, and on the other side, are tiny illustrations of how life it never will her most recent recognition. there’s revelation upon revelation into the could be for us, if we continued be…because Launched in 2020, the Maxwell/ inner workings of our own minds and that to choose to reduce our impact as these journeys Hanrahan Award in Field of others. Self-reflection, they say, helps us humans, reduce our footprint, and are long, Biology provides scientists see the world clearer. reduce our interactions in spaces; especially in with funding, attention, and Is it self-reflection, then, that we allowing nature to really flourish conservation support at critical junctures in need to better treat nature and all of its the way it should. their careers so they can focus inhabitants – humans and animals alike? “Because, in the end, we’re on mastery and creativity, Sri Lankan marine biologist and in this situation because we were careless elevate unique perspectives to problem- Oceanswell Founder Asha de Vos, who with nature, and the only thing that can solving, including from those who may was most recently awarded the 2020 get us out is to understand how we can co- be traditionally under-represented, Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Field exist with nature and go into the future in and promote progress in the biological Asha de Vos Biology, feels that with the beginning of a much more respectful way.” Realising sciences. PHOTO PETER KINDERSLEY/BRITISH COUNCIL this pandemic and the first lockdown, we that we are a “cog in a larger wheel as ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE Sunday, November 8, 2020 Contd. from page 1 action in each unique experience. Tuesday mornings see a “Sing and Play” In the midst of the pandemic, Power session conducted by myself and Paltiha of Play has recently launched a series of Abeyratne, a musical session in English interactive Zoom workshops catering for and Sinhala for kids aged one to three-plus children from the ages of one to 12 to years. Tuesday afternoons see “Sri Lankan stimulate children, promote creativity, and Folktales with Loku Gamaya”, a storytelling boost resilience in uncertain times. session for families with kids aged three The Sunday Morning Brunch caught to 12 years, enacted by traditional dance, up with Power of Play Founder and Artistic drums, and folk songs consultant Sankha Director Sulochana Dissanayake to learn Jayalath. This takes place in Sinhala with more about the organisation, the new series, brief translations in English. and how theatre and performance can help Thursdays begin with a session on build meaningful connections in a mid- “Crafting with Kidspace” in English, pandemic world. facilitated by children’s organisation Dissanayake is a multitalented Kidspace Owner Ranjula Mendis for kids performer, puppeteer, writer, trainer, and aged four to 12 years, with a “Drama and theatre director. Theatrically inclined since Storytelling” workshop in the afternoon childhood, Dissanayake studied theatre for kids aged seven to 12 years, focusing and economics at Bates College in the US on creative skill-building in English and has also studied theatre and puppetry and Sinhala conducted by performance in South Africa and Indonesia. Below are consultant, puppeteer, and musician excerpts from the interview. Thivanka Ranasinghe. ÄÄ Tell us the story behind Power of Play and what drives it? Power of Play is a company that utilises We also took the plunge and did our first performing arts for communication, with series of Facebook Live videos and the a special focus on puppetry and theatre. I audience reach was mind-blowing...The founded it because I felt that the need of the power of the virtual really hit home with 21st Century is to reconnect, both internally that experience and externally. As humans with shared Sulochana Dissanayake experiences and values, finding what we have in common while being as diverse as we are is what enables us to share spaces, ÄÄ How does Power of Play resources, and respect. work with adults? What is it The core values of Power of Play are like working with adults in a kindness, empathy, and mutual respect – virtual setting? to us, everyone matters equally from the For adults, we deliver interactive tiniest to the biggest humans. A finger corporate webinars on effective puppet (handled artfully) has just as much communication, emotional resilience, potential to communicate as a 14-foot giant self-compassion, and creative/critical puppet (manipulated professionally). Any thinking – all utilising art and drama. sharing of art – be it a story said out loud at We also customise content according to bedtime or a show staged after months of organisational needs. rehearsals in the biggest auditorium – is a Working with adults virtually is gathering of community. Art brings people infinitely harder than working with them together, which is its biggest strength in physically, simply because most choose to be communication. If done right, you can elicit in what I dub “invisible mode” (both camera identical emotions in total strangers – or and microphone switched off). So, you are make someone else stand in another’s shoes, BUILDING MEANINGFUL... pouring all your energy to teach a blank wall just for a brief moment. That ability to create Puppets aren’t real – so you can’t get old friends, who have, like the rest of us, that experience, and I began to view it as a – and still, engagement is a priority for HR. empathy is the magic of art. angry at a puppet. Therefore, puppets can changed with time. vehicle with equal (but different) merits to We are living in an unprecedented time I founded Power of Play as a private say (and get away with saying) things that live performances. and the amount of stress it applies on adults limited company in 2011 because in humans won’t dream of saying. You can ÄÄ How has the pandemic However, each medium has its pros can’t really be quantified, so maybe it is a little sticking to our values, I wanted to create also create a lot of fantasy with puppets affected Power of Play and and cons. I don’t think the virtual can too ambitious to expect them to engage in a commercial recognition for professional easier in certain instances than working with the way you work? ever replace a physical performance – and creative learning at this present moment. But artists. To distinctly say, “this isn’t a hobby. humans (e.g. flying, exploding, working The first lockdown pushed us over our it doesn’t have to. As long as we view when they do, they usually find it invigorating Or a favour. Or a publicity gimmick. It’s metaphorically, etc.). It’s cost-effective comfort zones – physical shows dried up them as separate options, each suited for and learn a few simple tips that can go a long a profession, honed over years at great because a single puppeteer can bring to overnight, so it was either adapt or shut a vastly different set of circumstances and way in stabilising mental and physical health investment and commitment, and it deserves life a whole host of characters; if the same down. I have my children to thank for (four- adjust our expectations accordingly, it has during these challenging times. equal respect and financial compensation”. show was to include a cast of humans, it year-old son and two-year-old daughter) huge potential. ÄÄ What’s the biggest lesson the ÄÄ How does Power of Play use wouldn’t fit many budgets available. It because even if I would have had the option pandemic has taught you in also immediately strikes a chord with local of shutting down as a business, I couldn’t ÄÄ Tell us about the new series performance art as a medium of Zoom workshops Power of terms of communicating? to engage with participants audiences as we adapt well-known folk shut down as a mother. tales, so it is like they are meeting some I had to invent ways to keep them Play just launched. To be flexible. And kind. And and what are the benefits of entertained and productively engaged, After the success of our first Zoom communicate with empathy and honesty. it? and put into practice everything we teach/ series (delivered from June-August 2020 Because no matter where you are in life, Since Power of Play’s inception, we preach in our line of work. As I pulled during the first lockdown), we have launched how old you are, how financially stable you have travelled around Sri Lanka, from the inspiration from my formal education and a second Zoom series for children aged are, or whatever your marital/relationship tiniest communities in rural villages to the work experience and started doing creative between one and 12 years. These workshops status is, this is an extremely isolating time biggest blue chips of Colombo, reaching homeschooling, the video clips I shared are designed as a creative resource for for everyone. As someone once said: “We everyone from youngest to oldest in sharing on my personal Facebook page got a lot of parents working from home with children. are all in the same storm – but we aren’t an alternate view of life. appreciation. A work colleague paved the Each workshop is curated and delivered by in the same boat.” So, I try to remember Pre-pandemic, 95% of our work was way for our first webinar (I had to google a professional artist(s), and aims to develop that in all my personal and professional performed live in child and adult education. the word “webinar” as I had never heard the creativity, critical skills, and emotional communications, and it has helped to We do workshops and performances for of it and then watch tutorials) and once I intelligence of your child to enhance their create a culture of kindness and support in children and teenagers and do corporate delivered it successfully, I felt a lot more resilience to face these uncertain times my own home and company. So it works! training for adults. We also do issue-based confident and less apprehensive about the successfully. For more information on Power of theatre for communities that find themselves way things would “translate” into the virtual. The series will run through November dealing with taboos. In everything we Each workshop is curated and delivered We also took the plunge and did our and December, every Tuesday and Play and the work they do, please visit do, we pave the way for people to start by a professional artist(s), and aims first series of Facebook Live videos and Thursday, or until schools reopen their website www.powerofplay.lk, addressing the real issue at hand through to develop the creativity, critical skills, the audience reach was mind-blowing. (whichever comes first). Each workshop Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ honest, engaging conversations and to and emotional intelligence of your child We had never experienced performing consists of four sessions that meet weekly. powerinfoplay, or Instagram page: @ envision an organic solution to the problem. to enhance their resilience to face these to a global audience with viewers from Children can sign up for all four workshops powerofplaypvtltd. To sign up for the We use puppetry as a vehicle to fascinate uncertain times successfully different continents at the same time. The or mix and match sessions from different Zoom series for kids, please visit https:// the audience, where puppets can vault off Sulochana Dissanayake power of the virtual really hit home with workshops to get a glimpse of the variety of www.powerofplay.lk/zoom.php. defences built against human actors.

large school of short-finned pilot on new data which they’ve it in this country. “I thought it was whales came ashore in Panadura collected as a result of their the strangest thing to say given that on the afternoon of 2 November. most recent project assessing the we are a tropical island.” ‘We witnessed... She, along with concerned citizens impact of Covid-19 on small-scale Amidst doubts and comments In the end, we’re in this Contd. from page 1 journeys are long, especially in situation because we were and authorities, were a part of fisherfolk in Sri Lanka. saying she’ll never come back conservation. careless with nature a rescue mission to guide these “They are really vulnerable, if she left the country to pursue The Maxwell/Hanrahan “With the kind of work I do whales back to sea. daily-wage workers and we didn’t the field, de Vos said she never Foundation, started by Delle (conservation), we need to build Time away from the water see much work being done around wavered on her dedication to her Maxwell and Pat Hanrahan in our army and if we can’t build problems and drive change,” de has also brought about new understanding what their needs motherland. “My commitment is 2018, invited a group of respected our army, we’re not going to Vos said candidly. She was quick opportunities for de Vos and are and how this situation has to my country.” and networked individuals be successful,” she said, adding to add, however, that even with her team, online talks catering impacted them.” De Vos, with her Times have certainly changed to confidentially nominate that this award and the reaction the frustration comes a sense of to younger audiences being one access to an extensive network from when de Vos was an eager scientists with a set of criteria it garnered from people who understanding. such avenue. “Our work has of students across the coastline, teen on the brink of carving out in mind, some of which include are celebrating it makes a big “From what I see, from early grown in this time actually and managed to successfully survey a niche path for herself in this potential for impact in the field, difference. “I feel the love and on with this pandemic, we had to we’ve taken on a lot of different the lives and challenges of this industry. Today, she noted, she excellent research competence in support I’ve got through my pivot what we were doing,” she things. We’ve created incredible vulnerable group. “We managed to gets requests from more people biological fieldwork, originality, journey and this recognition is continued, adding that the goal networks of humans who believe do 415 surveys in one month and than ever before asking her for collaborative mindset, and also my way of saying thank you continued to be the same – she and in what we believe in and want we’re in the process of analysing advice on how to get into the field communication skills. to everyone who’s put their faith others like her, want people to fall to drive change. We did some that data right now.” of marine biology, and from some in me.” in love with the ocean. “We want really amazing things by bringing De Vos hopes that when who’ve even embarked on their It’s not a finish line to provide training opportunities in marine conservationists from the findings of this analysis are educational career to support this Speaking to The Sunday Being away from the water but how we provided that shifted. around the world and we provided presented to government officials, dream. “We have people as young Morning Brunch right after the Unfortunately for de Vos, the Times have changed but we access to live chats, so that more they are able to understand how as five and six engaging with news broke on 30 October (last pandemic and resulting quarantine will still have the opportunities of our audiences could see what we can be better prepared for us. There’s an incredible shift in Friday), de Vos shared that her curfews have kept her away from we had in the past to go out and the possibilities are, who else is instances like these. mindset.” work is “a long marathon”, adding the very space she adores – the do the wonderful work we had out there, and what the world looks De Vos is sure that when her that recognitions such as these not oceans. providence to do. It’s all about like in this field. We want to create A new army waiting time comes to loosen the reigns, only fuel her drive to keep going “Sometimes it can be pivoting and adaptation at this opportunities for people to engage. to take over there’s a new generation that’s just frustrating, for people like me point. Nothing has stopped.” but also reinforce the feeling that The doors have always been When de Vos started out in waiting to take over and run with it. who spend time out on the water, De Vos was, however, on the she’s doing something right and closed for people like Sri Lankans, the field of marine biology as an 18 “My goal is to get everyone really interacting in the spaces scene of the recent mass beaching that it is making a difference. and I want to open those.” year-old, Sri Lankans looked at her involved, retire, and then watch the that our species exist in, and which is now being called Sri “It’s not a finish line, it De Vos has also been working and told her there was no scope for world become a magical place.” never will be…because these trying to understand how to solve Lanka’s biggest beaching, when a the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, November 8, 2020 PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF ONE Nayantara Fonseka ANOTHER AND STOP WITH THE BLAME GAME Nayantara Fonseka INTERVIEW BY JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM what is your forecast for Do you think the Sri Lanka for the next Government is doing The Covid-19 pandemic, with its health crisis and few weeks/months? enough? What else can Five-star hotel corresponding despair, has also given rise to many people How do you think we be doing? accommodation, for taking to social media to disseminate their views on how we are going to be I know that the Government has done the best they can and continue sure, will be replaced by authorities should be handling matters. Starting this Sunday, celebrating Christmas Lanka’s hospitality industry alive and to do so. We the people so easily The Sunday Morning Brunch will be speaking to people in and New Year this year? the preferred whole villa well with your valued patronage. hospitality about their thoughts on the pandemic and what Aside from our regular local forgot (as usual) to be careful. If each of us took responsibility for booking concept. This the future is looking like for Sri Lanka. We begin our series with guests who choose us regardless of is where small hotel ÄÄ What is your message none other than Nayantara Fonseka, fondly referred to as Taru. terrorist bombs and pandemics, the ourselves and our loved ones, would to fellow Sri Lankans short and medium-term future for we be here? owners will excel who are struck with Taru is the Founder and managing the best we can again international tourism looks bleak. Chairman of Taru Villas – a because of our faithful and loyal ÄÄ Is the hospitality Taru, I have insisted on doing our despair and frustration I am being optimistic when right now? collection of 14 breath-taking staff and our long-term suppliers I say “December 2021 will see a industry going to own deliveries. This is because I can This too shall pass. Meanwhile, properties in the island. She’s well who have never let us down. change”. As for Christmas and New be changed forever guarantee the sanitised vehicles used do the best you can to care for and known for her signature style where Year 2021, who knows? At this because of this and the hygiene of our drivers and love as well as share with your history and heritage are preserved juncture, planning this time with pandemic? accompanying staff being of a high Ä neighbour. Give to those who ask. in all of her properties, and truly Ä What are some of the our own families seems far-fetched. Absolutely. Air travel is going standard. Take care of one another and stop delectable cuisine which are works lessons learned during Although, Taru Villas has been to be so expensive (I believe it I must say that my colleagues with the blame game. Help those in of art as much as being celebrations the first lockdown that promoting Christmas and New already is) that people will have have been very opposed to my stand governance to do what they must to for the palate. are coming in handy Year’s celebrations and we have to plan their travels two to three on this as they feel we can reach a establish a safe and a well Sri Lanka Below are excerpts of the during this quarantine had a fair response from our local years ahead. Five-star hotel larger number of people through for us to enjoy and learn to live in interview. curfew? “friends”. But can we really plan accommodation, for sure, will be other platforms. Whilst I agree with them, I am glad the few loyalists we harmony with each other. ÄÄ With the second wave We have learnt the importance ahead without knowing what each replaced by the preferred whole of maintaining a relationship with day brings? I believe that home villa booking concept. This is where serve get the best of all we offer. ÄÄ What is your advice of Covid-19 infections our public health inspector (PHI), deliveries will do alright during the small hotel owners will excel. At across the country ÄÄ When do you to everyone at home Ministry of Health (MoH), and the festive time. least this is my humble opinion. waiting out this and the most recent local police personnel at all times. realistically see airports quarantine curfews, We are grateful for their work ÄÄ A word on delivery opening and foreign curfew? How should how is Taru Villas – both during these trying times. Ensuring ÄÄ There seems to be platforms; how and travel becoming a they employ their time hotels and your home regular PHI reports from suppliers varied opinions online where do you think Sri reality again? and take care of their deliveries – managing? and careful sanitisation procedures with regard to how the Lanka is lacking when it I have no clue! I shall wait mental health? We have been preparing is another aspect. We have also Government should be comes to food delivery? patiently for the day our borders Read, play cards, find a hobby, for a time such as this. Our first readied ourselves for a dramatic handling this wave of The options for food delivery open and travel becomes a possibility do a jigsaw puzzle a day, forgive concern is the safety and welfare increase in food delivery orders infections, which some are vast and I guess it’s convenient again. Until such time, I believe we your enemies, learn to play an of our staff – close monitoring of from our Colombo property, Taru are even causing more for home cooks and most restaurants should enjoy this beautiful land of instrument, say “I love you” to all their movements and ensuring that Villas – Lake Lodge, during the to use these delivery platforms. ours and grow to appreciate it more you love and learn to love those you infectious than the don’t, be grateful, be thankful, pray guidelines are followed diligently. curfew/lockdown period. previous strain. What However, from the inception of than we actually do. So until such As for our home deliveries, we are Taru’s Kitchen at Lake Lodge by time, travel the length and breadth and meditate, and sing and dance ÄÄ Realistically speaking, are your thoughts? of this magnificent land and keep Sri like there is no tomorrow.

atmosphere and its strong personal said that there have been occasions identity. Conducting online classes where certain students who would The school on any regular day otherwise get distracted in class Natasha pre-Covid, has two dance studios at the studio have had better focus which can occupy around 50 online as it is just them and their students each. The school, which teacher. was founded by its namesake Natasha said that they have Jayasuriya Deanna Jayasuriya, reputed as one made efforts to keep the lessons of Sri Lanka’s most recognised fun and dynamic for the students, ballet teachers, has contributed with them even carrying out arts greatly to the development of dance and crafts projects and having on dancing in the island as they conduct not themed lessons where they get to only classical ballet classes but also dress up and perform in different street jazz and hip hop classes for settings. She said that the majority away your children aged six years and above. of their students would have We spoke to Natasha travelled abroad during their Jayasuriya, Deanna Jayasuriya’s summer vacation. However, they youngest daughter who took over were denied the opportunity this from her mother as Principal of time around and so they conducted Covid blues DSD in January 2015, about how some lessons that were themed and breezy; an opportunity for the She also shared that as for the the school, their teachers, and most students to dress up. But once they teachers, while there was definitely around travelling the world, with importantly their students have realised that things were not going to a period of adjustment, everyone each lesson taking them to a new fared during these uncertain times of settle down any time soon, she said was extremely supportive in destination. Covid-19. that they soon adapted to conduct carrying out these classes for the She said that all this effort is in Natasha, as Artistic Director regular classes. However, there were sake of their students. She said that order to ensure that their students of the school, has been teaching a number of challenges. during the times when they were are safe and happy, to keep them alongside her mother since 2003, Natasha shared that the first able to move around, teachers would moving and dancing during these and having been exposed to the time around, there were many often conduct classes in the studio times, to provide them with positive art of dance since infancy, has an difficulties particularly in managing where the lighting is better and there energy, and even to allow the impressive portfolio including time slots, with the students having is more space. However, after the parents some solace to witness their classical ballet, hip hop, street jazz, to attend school classes online as lockdown was reinstated, they had children enjoying themselves whilst tap dancing, and Spanish dancing, well. “Some schools conducted to make do with their home spaces learning. Natasha said that the online and she is also a Gold Standard classes in the morning and there and they have been real troopers in classes have truly been fantastic, Ballroom and Latin American were others that conducted classes keeping up, she said, adding: “There and she believes that they have been dancer and a qualified ballet teacher in the afternoon and evenings, which are some who are conducting given the opportunity to keep the of the Royal Academy of Dance clashed with our lesson timings classes in their balconies!” positivity going. She makes sure to (UK). remind her students also that they Natasha Jayasuriya and unfortunately, there were many She also spoke of the nature Speaking about the programmes students who were unable to attend of conducting classes and some of are blessed to be able to continue they have begun to run online, our classes,” she said. Nevertheless, the concerns students have when as they do and to keep in mind that Natasha shared that the school she added that thankfully this time attending online lessons, sharing they should stay positive when there BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE its unique power can bring hope usually has students starting from around, school lessons were all that she herself is a mom with a are many who cannot. and positivity into a world that is the age of two-plus to 18 years old, conducted in the morning hours, three-year-old and she understands Finally, she shared that she can As the pandemic has pressed struggling under a huge cloud of and they have a number of students allowing them to freely schedule the challenges that come with see that this is making a positive on, people have found innovative uncertainty and gloom, and with in their 20s as well. She said that classes in the evenings. helping them stay focused. impact and that their efforts are ways to come together. And as their dance studio temporarily they have been conducting online Following the first lockdown, However, she further added that paying off. “I can see it in their art transcends all barriers and closing, DSD has taken matters into classes for their students and in DSD opened for a period of students who come for ballet faces; kids don’t lie, they will tell boundaries without any restrictions, their own hands as they have begun doing so, they’ve had to make one month, during which strict are those who love to dance and you straight away. They tell us that there are those who have stepped to conduct online dance lessons for some changes to the otherwise pre- guidelines were adhered to when because of that passion, they do not they had fun and that they miss us forward to spread the joy of rhythm. their students. scheduled lesson plans the teachers conducting lessons, with them have trouble focusing. She noted and as much as it is helping them, With dance instructors taking DSD is an elite dance school in would normally execute in the going so far as to mark the studio that this new setup allows them to it has helped us teachers to keep in point to conduct dance lessons Colombo established in 1980 and is studio. floors with tape, thereby allocating showcase their skills and efforts to mind that we are blessed to be able online for their students, to keep registered with the Royal Academy She shared that at first, when a dedicated space for each student their families and that some students to do what we do.” them active and moving while being of Dance (UK). The school’s vision they first started online classes, so they maintain social distancing. look forward to performing in front To join online classes at DSD able to look forward to a part of is to produce serious professional back when the first lockdown was Natasha also spoke about the of their families, to show them what their day that is colourful and filled dancers and to develop a unique and initiated, it was purely as a means transition and adjustment to and they can do and what they have with music, Colombo’s very own internationally recognised approach of staying connected with their from online lessons, stating that learnt. Deanna School of Dancing (DSD) to the education of dancers while students, to bring some positivity to children are a lot more resilient than Natasha elaborated that as it is deannaschoolofdancing has made the effort to provide their also encouraging them to acquire a their lives. They, like many of us, we may give them credit for; they essentially just her who appears on students with a ray of sunshine to special and highly valued approach did not foresee what was to come, were able to go from having done at- the screen for the students, it feels to hoping things would settle down their otherwise dreary days. to their art. DSD shared that the home lessons to studio sessions that them as if it is a private lesson and www.deannaschoolofdance.com The state of the world as it collective enthusiasm with which soon enough. required them to be safe and follow they would feel that she is focusing is now stands is enough to daunt their students share their vision is She said that they began online all the necessary health guidelines, entirely on them which allows even the toughest, but dance with what gives the school its unique sessions that were quite light-hearted without any hassle, she said. them to stay focused. She even @dsdsrilanka 4 the sunday morning brunch CAUSE Sunday, November 8, 2020

This isn’t always the case. “We talk about violence being gender-based because it is more common that women are the victims,” De Silva commented, noting: “If both parties are women, or the violence is perpetrated by a woman against a man, I’ve observed that everyone, including women, give it a free pass. This is not appropriate. Irrespective of gender, everyone should be held accountable.” De Silva shared that this dismissal of VIOLENCE such violence stems back to how people view women as nurturing, feminine, and submissive. “They’re seen as not capable of a lot of trouble or damage. If it’s two IS VIOLENCE, women involved, it is viewed as a catfight. If the victim is male, hostile masculinity comes back into play, with men being told to ‘man up’. In such scenarios, men are victims of their own dominant gender WHETHER and are supposed to tolerate violence and harassment by women simply because they’re men.” Seeking redress ONLINE OR With online violence being so prevalent, it is important to know how to fight such violence. Hans Billimoria of The Grassrooted Trust explained that seeking legal redress against online violence is complex because classifying cybercrime here is problematic as Sri Lanka doesn’t have specific cybercrime laws. The OFFLINE Grassrooted Trust was set up to provide a safe space for marginalised communities, online and in the real world. “The most common cause of online GBV is mainly intimate partner violence,” Billimoria shared, adding: “You’re mainly looking at young women and men whose relationships have ended, and where there THE DANGERS has been a consensual sharing of media that is then used as blackmail, extortion, or to dehumanise one party.” Billimoria explained that legally, WOMEN FACE ONLINE such instances can often be addressed using the laws in place, like Section 372 of the Penal Code if extortion is involved, or Section 345 if the victim is being harassed, with the online aspect simply being the method of communicating with the victim to perpetrate the crime. “This is what we need to look at. It’s not so much cybercrime as it is intimate partner violence and GBV that happens in cyberspace.” When seeking support to fight GBV, PHOTO © MELANIE WASSER ON UNSPLASH online or offline, Billimoria recommended reaching out to the women’s and children’s desks within the Sri Lanka Police. “If you’re under 18, the best BY NAVEED ROZAIS The panel also noted that in the Sri a healthy relationship looks like and have resource to reach out to is the National Lankan context, particularly in the wake of generalised deviant scripts to be normal Online GBV vs. offline Child Protection Authority (NCPA), who The impersonality of online GBV, the Covid-19 pandemic, technology is not behaviour.” have an excellent cyber unit in place with The internet, for all its wonders, with perpetrators being a degree removed a barrier; it’s a bridge, in both positive and the support of Save The Children in Sri can be a dangerous place. Leaving from their victims, leaves a lot of room for negative ways. Cyberviolence is simply Lanka.” aside the security risks of the the “how bad is it really?” question and the an extension of GBV in an online context, For adults, there are the women’s internet, like hacking, stolen inherent assumption that online GBV is not and like with physical GBV, blame is and children’s desks within the Sri Lanka as detrimental as physical GBV because it private information, viruses (the shifted onto the victim or onto technology Police. It is recommended for the victim leaves no external marks. But violence is computer kind), and malware, itself, with technology being demonised, to go with a lawyer with the support of violence, regardless of context. there is also the very real danger of and women’s access to technology being an organisation like The Grassrooted “Online violence is as complex and interacting with people online. restricted as opposed to the problematic Trust, because like with any other crime multi-dimensional as physical violence. It behaviour on the part of perpetrators being involving women in Sri Lanka, there is We don’t just mean comment battles can damage your self-esteem and result in addressed. potential for victim-blaming to take place. with strangers; interacting with people you dysfunctional intimate relationships,” De Speaking to The Sunday Morning “The vast majority of the Police are not know online is every bit a minefield as Silva said, adding: “Your view of the world Brunch on online GBV, forensic sensitised when it comes to dealing with interacting with them in person. The fact changes when you’re exposed to online psychologist Raneesha De Silva shared that such situations,” Billimoria shared. “In that it’s virtual doesn’t always run in your violence, especially with revenge porn and there are two main forms of online GBV, March 2020, Women In Need together favour. If anything, it serves to complicate similar situations. You may be unable to that of intimate partners or ex-partners with The Grassrooted Trust put out a things. form healthy relationships; your social life trying to establish dominance over women standard operating procedure for the Women as a gender face lots of We have to work on substantive may be affected because you don’t want to by threatening to harm them, stalking them, Police with training for the (persons discrimination, harassment, and violence education reform where we teach leave home when you’re embarrassed and or humiliating them on social media and manning the) women’s and children’s daily, from the insidious, largely intangible feel as if you can’t trust anyone.” other online platforms, and online GBV respect and empathy. A lot of desks meant to take place. Once this discrimination as a result of patriarchal The consequences of being perpetrated by random strangers. work has been done, but there is happens, desks would have standard systems to outright physical and emotional psychologically abused due to cyberbullying “Part of why online violence is lots more that needs to be done sensitive protocol. However, this has not violence and abuse from men, and women, and victim-blaming, especially at a high so prevalent in, not just Sri Lanka, but been rolled out yet.” around them. through working with children intensity, can lead victims to self-harm, This violence bleeds through into globally, is because of what we call the and adolescents and bringing in three As – Anonymity, Affordability, even to the point of attempting to commit the online space. From hate speech to parents to be support systems suicide, especially if the victim is vulnerable Fixing the problem unsolicited and unwanted sexual attention and Accessibility,” De Silva explained, Fighting online GBV, like physical adding: “Especially in Sri Lanka, we The Grassrooted Trust Director Hans due to mental health difficulties. The effects from strangers to intimidation and more of online violence can vary greatly with GBV, is a long and uphill struggle. by domestic partners, a lot of ugliness is don’t have the means to track IP addresses Billimoria Education and awareness is key, from effectively because they change frequently. minimal damage being victims being driven encountered by women online, sometimes off social media and laying low, or it can communities and society at large to law every day. Social media is as much a curse Fake profiles are very easy to make. It’s enforcement. “The Police themselves don’t affordable in the sense that everyone has Hostile or toxic masculinity is also a go as far as victims experiencing emotional as it is a blessing. breakdowns and death by suicide. look at online violence as damaging,” access to smartphones or a similar device. common factor in perpetrators of GBV, forensic psychologist De Silva said, Defining cyberviolence Being online makes your victim very where gender roles and (unhealthy) adding: “For the most part, they tend to Online violence is not a new accessible. There’s no physical proximity masculinity are used to impose stress be more supportive of the perpetrator concept. It is likely as old as the internet required.” and establish dominance because and subscribe to the ‘boys will be boys’ itself. Europe’s leading human rights femininity is considered and expected to attitude.” organisation, the Council of Europe, The psychology behind be submissive, an outlook perpetuated by De Silva also shared that often, defines cyberviolence as harassment, direct both men and women normalising toxic harassers aren’t aware that they are online GBV gender roles threats of physical violence, violation Why women face online GBV, harassing. “We need to know the of privacy, sexual abuse and sexual Objectification and entitlement difference between online trolling and particularly from men, is not something are also deviant sexual scripts which exploitation, and bias offences against that is easy to explain at present due to the abuse. We all troll, but when the receiver social groups or communities. may influence both online and offline becomes uncomfortable, it becomes lack of research. “GBV can be considered GBV. “It’s about when your partner Cyberviolence, by nature, is broad and a type of sexual offence as well, which also abuse. The moment the receiver says this vague because of how it takes place. What is viewed as an object to be used for is harassment, you need to stop because tends to happen online,” De Silva shared, your gain/satisfaction, and as less of an constitutes violence in a virtual setting? adding: “Sexual offenders tend to have you don’t get to decide where that line is autonomous human with thoughts and drawn, the receiver does.” Online profiles, social media, and the a very clear motive; it’s different from comfort of sitting behind a screen makes feelings.” Billimoria shared that the online general violence.” The anonymous and impersonal If it’s two women involved, it this all the more blurred. Speaking on some of the common space is a reflection of the offline space, nature of online interactions play a vital is viewed as a catfight. If the and that for online spaces to become safe, underlying risk factors and personality role in the prevalence of online GBV, De What breeds characteristics of sex offenders, De Silva victim is male, hostile masculinity we need to make offline spaces safe. “To Silva noted, adding that this is also due comes back into play, with men do this, we have to work on substantive violence online? explained that why they sexually offend to the misconception of the perpetrators may be as a result of a lack of intimacy, being told to “man up”. In such education reform where we teach respect The British High Commission Colombo that “this is just online and it’s not like and empathy. A lot of work has been recently hosted a panel on new barriers to low self-esteem, and social skill deficits I’m actually harming (physically) the scenarios, men are victims of their experienced by the perpetrators in real life. done, but there is lots more that needs to women in peace-building, bringing together other person. If at all, whatever I say own dominant gender be done through working with children an eminent panel of women under Chatham Similarly with online GBV, perpetrators can only cause psychological damage”. can hide these deficits by hiding behind Forensic psychologist Raneesha De Silva and adolescents and bringing in parents House rules to discuss modern barriers De Silva emphasised that psychological to be support systems when required. women face, including online Gender- their screens. Deviant sexual scripts – damage should not be considered to misunderstandings of healthy normal Perpetrators of GBV are often people Based Violence (GBV). The panel noted be less harmful than other forms of who know the victim. They’re not always that online GBV is an extension of physical sexual behaviour – also play a part. “They violence, especially as the court of law Online GBV: Not simply a think forcing someone to what they want anonymous. While we work with our GBV, rooted in systems that are inherently does take it into great consideration daughters, we also need to work with our patriarchal, misogynist, and sexist that is healthy sexual behaviour, either because as equally, or sometimes even more, male-female issue The vast majority of GBV sees men sons to make both online and offline spaces perpetuate gender inequality. of what they see at home or in porn,” De important than other forms of violence. Silva said, adding: “They don’t know what perpetrating violence against women. safer for everyone.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, November 8, 2020 CAUSE

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA caregiver is absent. A common suggestion is having state-run institutions in place for the The recent unfortunate occurrence care of the disabled without a caregiver. related to a 25-year-old youth with “Physically removing these individuals special needs who had ended his life from homes is not ideal as a lot of anxiety and reactions are invoked accordingly. after his mother, his only guardian, For such people, chemical releases like was admitted to the hospital after adrenaline in the brain can be destructive. detecting symptoms for Covid-19 has As a professional in the field and as per brought public attention to a much general guidelines in dealing with children overdue cause for concern. with disabilities, I’m completely against The neighbours blame the authorities institutionalisation,” explained Prof. – the public health inspector (PHI) – for Sumansena. the alleged inconsiderate nature and lack of Prof. Sumansena further even empathy. discouraged institutions such as orphanages in the developed world, emphasising the Special needs need for loving and accommodating home The umbrella of special needs describes environments in their own communities. individuals who require assistance for “Coronavirus is serious, but the work disabilities that may be medical, mental, or we do is a slow and steady process. If the psychological, ranging from the physical slightest stress factor is added to these cases, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple all the miles we have walked can reverse sclerosis, chronic asthma, epilepsy, and within seconds,” added Prof. Sumanasena. developmental conditions like cerebral palsy, Presently, it is apparent that the service down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, processing sector of Sri Lanka is not adequately disorders to behavioural and psychosocial equipped nor informed on the rights and cases such as attention deficit hyperactivity needs of disabled persons, evidenced by disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and the brutal police assault to Thariq Ahamed sensory impairments including the blind, during the first wave of Covid-19 and alleged visually impaired, the deaf, the hearing conduct of the PHIs related to the Homagama impaired, etc. incident. “Many of these are lifelong conditions. “As a health professional, I have a lot of The target is to get them into a highly regard for the dedicated work of public health functional level despite their circumstances,” professionals who work out of their hours explained Family Health Bureau (FHB) The plight of and beyond their mandate. They have been Child Development and Special Needs Unit given instructions which should be followed National Programme Manager Dr. Asiri or else there would again be consequences Hewamalage. and backlash,” expressed Prof. Sumanasena. People with disabilities themselves Prof. Sumanasena further said that PHIs are presently aware of their condition, but are not the highest responsible body within they know they have the same rights and the public health community. A holistic functional capability as any other person. approach and due training for these officials What they need is certain environmental special needs on how to manoeuvre these situations are modifications for functionality so that important, but it is in the hands of the top they could contribute to the country, Dr. policymakers to account for true change. Hewamalage said. “Taking the Covid scenario itself, Within the scope of the media, especially policymakers have not identified people with in the West, the terms “special needs” and disabilities under its priority-based service. even “differently abled” are being utilised in In general, disabled individuals are below in an attempt of progressiveness. the agenda of policymakers. There has to be University of Kelaniya Head of the amidst the a huge shift in paradigm and very specific Department of Disability Studies and guidelines have to be brought forth by the consultant paediatrician Prof. Samanmali governing lawmakers to safeguard these Sumanasena was enthusiastic to elaborate individuals.” further into the very taxonomy of the raised Sri Lankan policies concerning the concern. disabled are more about contact raising and “The term ‘special needs’ is actually little to none about them as a vulnerable not recommended by the World Health group. There is a lot of discrimination and Organisation (WHO). Their recommended pandemic exploitation that happen behind the scenes. reference is ‘people with disabilities’. These The majority of people with disabilities people do not think they are particularly with the PHI and medical officer of health However, it is yet a common worldwide are also economically challenged ‘special’, but rather a part of the ordinary (MOH). phenomenon that children with disabilities and less educated. Making services more world. This special consideration to the According to Dr. Hewamalage, are discouraged from schooling. Children accessible for them is quintessential, terminology is put out of respect to them.” the “Early Detection and Intervention with learning disabilities in Sri Lanka are still especially during the pandemic. Telehealth The professor explained how Programme for Children with Disabilities” largely excluded from mainstream education used in the health sector is such an example. “disabled” simply means that when a was started in early August 2020. In the and experience high school dropout rates Although it does not cover all existing person cannot carry out certain activities programme, if general inspections reveal that according to the United Nations Children’s drawbacks, it is a step forward in the right that limits participation in particular social considerable complications are observed, the Fund (UNICEF), even with a respectable direction. Furthermore, the provision of circumstances. child is directed to a community paediatrician figure of overall 98% primary school internet facilities for the community-based Taking into consideration a child who who is well equipped on developmental enrollment rate and having ratified the UN services emergency service provision sector is unable to write, in a situation where he/ disabilities and special needs. Therefore, Convention on the Rights of Persons with is recommended. she is not allowed schooling, the disability a proper assessment will be made with a Disabilities which promise equal opportunity Moreover, public awareness should exists due to the prevention of participation. multidisciplinary team composed of the to education. be on the forefront. Social media platforms However, a different mode of writing and paediatrician, speech therapist, occupational UNICEF’s 2016 “Learning Disabilities and the involvement of philanthropists schooling opportunity would dismiss the therapist, medical officer, and nursing in Sri Lanka” report shows that 23.5% of and celebrities advocating for such causes disability. officer. Based on the child’s disability, an children aged five to 14 with disabilities are can make a change. Institutions like the “The beauty of the word is that it is individualised plan will be prepared. excluded from mainstream education and that Central Bank and World Bank can also aid dynamic. ‘Disabled’ is a situation which is Each child under the care of a PHM is participation reduces with age, for those who immensely in the provision of funds. contextual, modifiable, and impermanent. supervised between specific time periods engage in mainstream education. Around As per the UN Sustainable Development Social integration of these individuals would which are identified as immunisation 55.4% of the disabled population aged 15-19 Goals (SDGs) and guidelines by renowned be enabling them rather than disabling them.” points. (i.e.- two/six/nine months, one and 86% aged 20-24 are not engaged in any Prof. Samanmali Sumanasena international organisations, the needs of the year, 18/24/36/48 months, and 60 months). educational activity or vocational training. This is due to their already restricted lives marginalised, disabled groups are identified. Aid in early child development crucial The screening is accordingly recorded in The lack of skilled teachers, lack of that are further intensified, elaborated Pof. “In Sri Lanka, it needs to trickle down Within the spectrum, early detection can the Child Health Development Record. appropriate infrastructure facilities in schools, Sumanasena. to the level of our policymakers,” concluded help bring individuals with certain conditions This project which kick-started within the and limited scope in curricula and overall Another major concern is the disabled Prof. Sumanasena. to a highly functional level, especially in Colombo District was said to be a success till quality of education prove themselves to be individuals under the guardianship of single Activism in focus intellectual disabilities such as autism, the resurgence of Covid-19. the main challenges for such individuals and caregivers. The case like the Homagama ADHD, learning disabilities, and Down’s social stigma complements it. Thareendra Liyanage, Founder of One incident is a prime example. The abandoned Stage for All, an NGO that primarily engages syndrome. Education individual suddenly becomes an immense In the UK, special needs usually refer to in raising awareness on Down’s syndrome Noting that the Child Development and Hardship fuelled by Covid-19 social responsibility and when apt systems special needs within an educational context, The biggest challenge for disabled adults and autism in Sri Lanka, enlightened the Special Needs Unit of the FHB is a relatively are not in place, it even develops into a also referred to as special educational needs is the lack of opportunity for socialising role activism can play in the lives of these new division, Dr. Hewamalage explained “societal burden”. the role of the FHB in this aspect as the focal (SEN) or special educational needs and and employment. For individuals who are disabled individuals. The organisation has point in handling maternal and child care in disabilities (SEND). under long-term medication, lack of access Curbing Covid’s hardships for the been conducting research for the past two Sri Lanka. SEN refers to learners with learning, to healthcare can aggravate the situation, years, calculating in numbers and assessing “Optimum stimulation must be provided physical, and developmental disabilities; especially for those with physical and disabled the public reaction to these conditions. for all children upon birth. It is internationally behavioral, emotional, and communication psychiatric disabilities. For people with The Homagama incident is merely an “There is an increasing rate of autism accepted that the first three years of life disorders; and learning deficiencies in mental health problems, acute disruption eyeopener to the sizeable neglect disabled in Sri Lanka. People are scared of Down’s are most crucial for brain development. comparison to the abilities of most children of support groups and vocational training individuals in Sri Lanka face. It is apparent syndrome children. Our fundamental goal Whatever extra stimulation given in the adult their age. They may have problems with becomes an issue. that bringing forth prompt solutions is is to make them more accepted in society,” stage is not an apt equivalent to the role early schoolwork, communication, and/or “With the current pandemic situation, quintessential to safeguard a noteworthy Liyanage said. brain development plays as it is the basal behaviour. we are pushed towards a situation in which portion of our society. Liyanage shared that in Colombo, most foundation,” stated Dr. Hewamalage. Traditionally, children requiring we have to prioritise. Survival comes first. Dr. Hewamalage affirmed that by doing of the Down’s syndrome children and adults Dr. Hewamalage duly explained SEN are segregated into separate learning Things like disability screening are not so, we’re not actually helping them – it’s are a part of some centre or training unit. the general involvement in early child environments. However, as of late, integrated survival games, but focuses on improving the simply what the Government should do in In outstations, not every family has that development by the public health midwife education systems including such children quality of life,” explained Dr. Hewamalage. their best interest as appropriate for the long privilege. In this backdrop, One Stage for All (PHM) system in Sri Lanka in collaboration are encouraged. The long-run solution of the screening run. strives to break them out of their cages and programme started earlier this year that “The highest possible functionality in make them feel accepted and find their place halted is a prime example. Transportation human capital is important to any country, in society. of children to clinics itself can be a threat specifically to a developing country such “Once when I was visiting Matara, there to survival, as these children are highly a Sri Lanka. The aim is to have highly was a kid of 21 with Down’s syndrome and vulnerable to Covid-19 due to underlying productive citizens.” he has never touched grass in his life. He pathologies, compromised immunity, and The first step is to tackle the panic never went outside because his parents were nutrition levels. There is also the possibility situation in the country. All should be mentally tortured for giving birth to such a of being unable to express difficulties which responsible, alert, and not anxious. We child. We took him to the beach and started can result in timely infection detection. In a should look into how we can also serve better playing. It’s like he lived an entire life in the case where such an individual is hospitalised while safeguarding. There has to be eventual few moments he spent with us,” Liyanage after infection, little to no special attention is individualisation to a certain extent to look reminisced. paid due to limitations in monitoring. into matters on a case by case basis, rather The current pandemic situation has been The disruption in practice of routines than completely disregarding humanity over torturous for them, Liyanage said, adding: as a result of curfews negatively affects the the immediate need. “Some parents call us and cry. They tell us anxiety among the general public itself. For example, asymptomatic cases that their child’s condition is worsening by When people with mental disabilities in can be done on a home-care basis like in staying cooped up inside. Sometimes I’m on particular are unable to aptly articulate many developed countries. Doctors in the line to two to three hours with the kids themselves, it could lead to aggression, rage, the community could plan for abandoned who tell me their worries. We want more Thareendra Liyanage depression, and/or even suicidal tendencies. disabled children to be looked after if the people to see, hear, and help us.” 6 the sunday morning brunch HEALTH Sunday, November 8, 2020

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA As with many non-communicable diseases (NCDs), breast cancer also took a backseat due to the global pandemic. However, health authorities have put forth Breast cancer in strategies to curb the negative effects of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients. To discuss this topic in detail, a webinar was organised by Healthnet in collaboration with the Indira Cancer Trust the era of Covid-19 (ICT) and the National Cancer Control critical especially in a time like this where yy Medical history and clinical breast Programme of the Ministry of Health. access to screening programmes might be examination The panellists included National Cancer limited to avoid the spread of Covid-19. yy Imaging – mammography and/or Control Programme Director Dr. Janaki Dr. Rasnayake pointed out the ultrasound scan Vidanapathirana, consultant oncologist importance of diagnosing breast cancer Dr. Sachini Rasnayake, ICT Chairperson/ early as the treatment modality will change yy Non-excision biopsy – fine needle Trustee Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya-Dissanayake, depending on the stage of cancer. For aspiration cytology (FNAC) and/or cone and breast cancer survivor and ICT volunteer example, in the early stages, only surgery biopsy co-ordinator Chitrika De Mel. can render a complete cure in some, but According to the Global Cancer in the late stages, surgery will be more This method is recommended as Observatory (GCO) of the World Health extensive which will include taking out the the sensitivity of the triple assessment Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is lymph nodes. is greater than any of the individual the most prevalent cancer in Sri Lanka Chemotherapy and radiotherapy Promoting self- with more than 3,000 new cases reported will also be employed depending on the examination is critical in 2018 alone, reflecting a higher rate need. Hence even during a pandemic, we especially in a time like this locally (26%) when compared to the global should be mindful and proactive to detect where access to screening estimate (24%). Even though it’s seen cancerous changes early. Due to the rapid programmes might be limited among both males and females, females advancements in treatment, the currently to avoid the spread of Covid-19 are at increased risk by 100-fold. However, available options are less daunting unlike many get diagnosed at a later stage of the what was available decades ago. She disease. Thus their quality of life and the pointed out that even with a diagnosis of components alone. If the triple assessment survival rates are much lower. Pragmatic breast cancer, the outcome need not be results in a positive diagnosis, specialist actions are now being taken at the national feared as treatment can be targeted and care will be needed. level to increase awareness and promote personalised. It’s no doubt that all NCDs have early detection. If detected early, the had major setbacks due to the current prognosis is extremely favourable with Key national guidelines for early pandemic. This has also proven to be an even a complete cure being achievable. detection and management of opportune moment to spread awareness as Currently, only 59% of females with breast more people are in tune with their health cancer are detected early (stage 1 and stage breast cancer symptoms and wellbeing at present. Owing to the 2 of the disease). yy A breast self-examination should be major shift in how breast cancer screening Dr. Vidanapathirana mentioned performed by all women who are 20 services are being utilised and managed the urgent need to increase the early years old and more at least once a month during the pandemic, the time has come to be aware of preventive measures and detection rate to at least 80%, which will yy Clinical breast examinations (CBE) are How to conduct a breast self-examination work towards a healthier nation. While not only reduce the mortality rate but will recommended once every three years for Source: https://clarycollection.com/blogs/news/how-to-self-breast-exam minimising face-to-face patient contact, also lessen the economic burden on the all women from the age of 20 to 40 healthcare system. it is crucial to provide other methods for The risk factors for breast cancer yy For women aged 40 or over, clinical patients to receive care safely; the need can be categorised as modifiable and predisposed to getting breast cancer. Some Look for these signs and symptoms breast examinations are recommended for standard practices to be modified to non-modifiable. Among them, obesity, of the other risk factors include radiation annually achieve this is evident. Having a portal exposure to the chest and exposure to during a breast self-examination of communication between all involved unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, Look for an abnormality in size, yy For women whose relatives developed tobacco, and alcohol use are considered oestrogen and progesterone for a longer parties has become one of the key period during your lifetime. This could be colour, shape, a rash or dimpling of skin breast or ovarian cancer under the aspects in the current strategy with the modifiable risk factors. Being a female, age (orange peel appearance), inverted nipple, age of 40 years, annual clinical breast (with over 80% of cases in those 50 years due to early menarche (before 12 years of involvement of social media and initiatives age), late menopause (after 55 years), not swelling, or any discharge from the examinations should be started five such as “Aayu Plus” which was recently and older), presence of inherited breast nipple. Palpate the breast to feel for any years before the age at which the said cancer-causing genes such as BRACA1 having children (nulliparity), and long-term implemented by the National Cancer exposure to hormone replacement therapy thickening, lumps, and lymph nodes under relative developed cancer Control Programme. and BRACA2, and family history the armpit, and note that pain is not always (HRT). There are two known protective yy For women aged 50-69 years, a There is a dire need to establish a are considered major non-modifiable present. risk factors that make females more factors which are breastfeeding and regular screening mammography is offered once “new normal”, balancing breast cancer physical activity. Impact of Covid on early detection every two years if the woman requests it care and the risk of Covid-19 transmission. However, as we face the second wave of breast cancer yy Screening mammography or ultrasound of infection, the long-term effects of the Once there is a clinical suspicion of scans every 12 months from 35 years Covid-19 pandemic on early breast cancer breast cancer, one needs to investigate can be offered for women with a strong care are difficult to predict. quite early, and the best treatment modality family history of breast and ovarian cancers should be selected with the help of a About the writer cancer specialist. However, the uncertainty yy For women younger than 35 years, The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi regarding the outbreak and lockdowns have an ultrasound scan should be offered Sirisena, is a family physician with a effects on early detection strategies which instead of a mammography special interest in are conventionally followed. rare genetic diseases “If only a single patient who routinely yy Any male with breast cancer symptoms and regenerative undergoes screening misses a single should be seen at a surgical clinic or by medicine currently mammography, the consequences are a surgeon working as a lecturer limited; if we miss hundreds of thousands The diagnosis of breast cancer is done at the Department of of mammograms, the impact is extremely at a tertiary care hospital by employing Anatomy, Faculty of severe in terms of lost lives, costs, and the triple assessment method. The Medicine, University of the burden on the healthcare system” triple assessment method refers to three Colombo, (Frontiers in Oncology Journal, 2020). diagnostic components; Sri Lanka. Hence, promoting self-examination is

Ureteral cancer much less common than bladder cancer ÄÄ Dear Mayo Clinic, my mother cancer. When ureteral cancer is caught is 78 and recently was early, while it is still confined to one area, diagnosed with ureteral surgically removing only the portion of cancer. What’s the difference the ureter that’s affected may be all that is between this and bladder required for treatment. If the cancer is more advanced, it may be necessary to remove cancer? How is it treated? the entire ureter. If it is suspected that the The type of cancer that most often cancer has affected the kidney connected to affects the ureters is a form of cancer that that ureter or has spread to the bladder, then can affect the bladder too. Called urothelial the kidney, the ureter, and a portion of the carcinoma, it’s a cancer that originates in the bladder may need to be removed. urothelium, the layer of cells that lines all of Chemotherapy also can be used to treat the urinary tract, including the ureters and ureteral cancer. In some cases, it may help the bladder. But ureteral cancer is much less to undergo chemotherapy before surgery common than bladder cancer. Treatment to shrink a tumour, making it easier to of ureteral cancer depends largely on the surgically remove. Or chemotherapy may specific location of the tumour and the stage be recommended after surgery in an effort to of the disease when it’s diagnosed. kill any remaining cancer cells. If the cancer The urinary tract includes your kidneys has spread, chemotherapy often is included – two organs that filter excess water, salt, as part of an ongoing treatment plan for and waste out of the blood; the ureters – ureteral cancer. tubes that connect your kidneys to your A diagnosis of ureteral cancer bladder; the bladder – a hollow, muscular significantly increases the risk of bladder organ in your lower abdomen that stores cancer. So in addition to cancer treatment, urine; and the urethra – a tube that carries the care team also may recommend periodic urine out of the body. screening tests to check for bladder cancer The entire urinary tract system is in people who have been diagnosed with covered with urothelium, which is the first If it originates in the bladder, it is called cancer are similar, including blood in the people who have previously had bladder ureteral cancer. layer of cells that comes in contact with bladder cancer. urine, painful urination, pelvic pain, back or kidney cancer. Smoking also appears Mark Tyson (MD, MPH, Urology), urine as it passes through the urinary tract. Although urothelial carcinoma is the pain, and fatigue. to increase the risk of ureteral cancer, as Because the urinary tract is lined with Mayo Clinic, Phoenix most common type of ureteral cancer and Bladder cancer is one of the most it does with other cancers that affect the © 2020 MAYO FOUNDATION this layer of cells, urothelial carcinoma bladder cancer, other cancers can affect common cancers in the US. By contrast, urinary tract. can affect any part of the urinary tract. If FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND those structures, too, including squamous ureteral cancer is uncommon. Although Treating ureteral cancer typically RESEARCH. DISTRIBUTED BY urothelial carcinoma originates in the ureter, cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. it’s not clear what causes ureteral cancer, it involves surgery. The extent of the surgery it usually is referred to as ureteral cancer. TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. Symptoms of bladder cancer and ureteral most often affects adults older than 70 and depends on the size and location of the ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, November 8, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 25 OCTOBER 10 __ on Drugs 64 Get in the crosshairs CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 11 Changes tonally 66 CON Across 58 Many readers of “Dreyer’s 95 Allergic reaction 12 ARE 67 Chiefs coach Andy 1 Ones found on saucers, English,” for short 97 Outdo 13 Flair 68 Odd briefly? 59 Brian of electronica 98 ORE 14 To the rear, at sea 70 One may be raised at 4 Max 60 Home of the Milad Tower 101 Early TV maker 15 VAT a wedding 10 Undercover agent’s device 61 Cone counterparts 102 Builder concerned with pairs 16 Kind of person? 71 Ear ornaments 14 Many downloads 62 Corn bread 104 Midway alternative 17 Taste and touch 72 Tres __ cake: dessert 18 Oz creator 64 Icy Hot target 106 Bugs 18 Member of the Justice soaked in dairy liquids 19 Corrupting atmosphere 65 Short notice? 107 TEN League 74 Billboard displays 20 Organized to a fault 66 Ward in Hollywood 112 Creedence song named for 24 Snares 76 Driver in a heist, say 21 Having no meetings, say 67 Big break a California city 25 Female 36-Across 80 Lisa Marie as of 1980, 22 Florentine flower? 68 Gyro holders 113 Beat by a run, say 27 2000 film set in a French vis-à-vis Elvis 23 PROP 69 Desert formation 114 Slinky shape confectionery 82 Shock, as a perp 26 2000s Cal.-based teen 70 Lab coat discovery? 115 Metaphor for extreme 32 Verified 84 Ike’s WWII command drama 71 Subject of many Instagram pleasure 33 Cross inscription 85 “Illmatic” rapper 28 Equate posts 116 Make read better 35 Possesses 87 Self-destruct 29 Longtime late-night host 72 Snicket of kids’ books 117 No good one goes 37 Fire on all cylinders 88 Boarded, like clowns 30 Iran has multiple ones: 73 Shocked cry unpunished, it’s said 39 Boo-boos entering a clown car Abbr. 74 Culinary lead-in to king 118 Professor ‘iggins 40 Usually challenging piece 89 Nails that test 31 OUT 75 Odds, etc. 119 Will of “BoJack Horseman” 44 Official order 90 Analyzed in English class 34 You, once 77 Hallmark of a 120 Craving 45 Authority 91 Say yes (to) 36 Big, strong swimmer procrastinator? 47 “__ alive!” 94 :-) Down 48 Tussaud of wax museum 96 Air Force __ 38 Ricola ad instrument 78 __-mo 1 Batting helmet feature 39 Database systems giant 79 Adds a soundtrack to fame 98 Heat player, say 2 Jobs in which plugs are 49 Spartan queen of Greek 99 Finance guru Suze 41 Pac-12 squad 81 GET replaced 42 Nintendo’s Super __ 83 Decorated myth 100 “The Canterbury Tales” 3 Slick 52 “__ me, you cad!” pilgrim 43 Winter fuel units 86 Longtime “60 Minutes” 4 Pal in Provence 46 Dawdle reporter 53 Neruda’s oeuvre 103 In the old days 5 “The Things They Carried” 54 “Breakin’ 2: Electric 105 “That’s hilarious ... not” 48 VIE 87 Hoppy brew, for short author O’Brien 50 Lewd material 90 Disagreement ender Boogaloo,” for example 108 “Chopped” host Allen 6 Syrup source 55 HANG 109 Sac __ 51 “How you doin’?” 92 Notes in C minor scales 7 “Hamlet” courtier 54 Basic digital exercise 93 Like activity that can move 57 Concluding sections 110 Take home 8 Cook, in a way 60 Oceans’ motions 111 Where to see a 56 Chile relleno stuffing mountains 9 Compelling evidence 63 Compensate for Heat player NOTE WE HAVE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED SELECTING WINNERS FOR THE CROSSWORD OWING TO THE QUARANTINE CURFEWS AROUND THE ISLAND. WE WILL RESUME SELECTING WINNERS WHEN CURFEW IS LIFTED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. STAY SAFE.

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/EVENTS Sunday, November 8, 2020 Let’s Talk: Creating conversation for social change Founded amidst a global pandemic, through video essays, but the blaming, domestic violence, body Let’s Talk is an educational media-based jarring responses she received shaming). organisation that focuses on creating in the first survey motivated The volunteer programme conversation on controversial topics in her to take Let’s Talk further. has opened more doors for Let’s hopes of bringing about positive social Gradually, she started sharing Talk and allowed the team to change. the anonymous stories she was broaden the scope of topics they Although fairly new and still finding receiving on an Instagram page address. It has created a space its stride, this social enterprise initiated by she’d created. She began to for like-minded young people to Nethmi Liyanapathirana (University of interview those who had been connect and grow their skills and London [UOL] undergrad, writer, and local affected by slut shaming, and knowhow. radio hostess), has been garnering quite a lot documented her conversations. In its aim to spread of buzz online. As her audience grew, so Founder/Head Writer knowledge and engage in “One night during the lockdown, I did the opportunity for more Nethmi Liyanapathirana community-based learning and remember lying on my bed just thinking discussion. unlearning (getting rid of certain of doing something with all the free time Since then, Let’s Talk has grown toxic notions we are conditioned to believe From left: Core Member Tharusha Wijesiriwardane, Core Member Damitha Senaratne, psychologist Uwasara I had. I had always been passionate about significantly. Nethmi is now supported through childhood and upbringing; e.g. fair Arambawela, Founder Nethmi Liyanapathirana, Core Member Shania Perera, and Core Member Maheli Sri Gintotage creating active social change, and then and by her core team (namely Tharusha is pretty, dark is not), Let’s Talk has moved there decided to get on Canva and design a Wijesiriwardane, Maheli Sri Gintotage, on to other social media platforms such as abuse to share their horrifying experiences The organisation plans to continue logo for a podcast. The podcast idea didn’t Damitha Senaratne, and Shania Perera) and Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, as in confidence, while supporting each other talking about crucial social issues that stand – but the logo did! And that’s where has successfully recruited over 15 active well as LinkedIn. in their time of need. It is also supplemented are swept under the rug. Let’s Talk is a it started,” said Nethmi when asked of the volunteers to help with her cause. Given the effectiveness of online by a trained psychologist who is set to reminder that active conversation can help initial inspiration behind Let’s Talk. The organisation has been sharing spaces when dealing with crucial issues overlook the group and provide insight and make a positive change – so let’s keep The first controversial area of knowledge, hosting livestream discussions, such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, support if needed. talking! discussion (initially meant to be conducted and conducting surveys to shed much- body insecurities, and addiction, Let’s Let’s Talk also plans on initiating a as a one-off episode) was “Slut Shaming” needed light on problematic social norms Talk has initiated a sexual assault support workout-accountability programme that and its impacts on society as a whole. that exist within the Sri Lankan community group. Based on Reddit, this support group focuses on helping individuals stay active @letstalk_lk Nethmi’s plan was to discuss various topics (e.g. toxic masculinity, colourism, victim is 100% anonymous and allows victims of during lockdown season. [email protected] Dialog Axiata partners with ‘Manusath Derana’ to aid affected families in curfew areas Dialog Axiata partnered with TV Derana to launch the second rendition of the “Manusath Derana with Dialog” initiative in order to provide relief to affected Fox Kandy families in areas under curfew. The entire process of purchasing, packaging, and Kandy through your lens distributing dry rations is Dialog employees distributing rations The Fox Resorts evidencing immense FOPS, FSAP, GPA. done in accordance with the Photography Awards is skill and distinctiveness, PESGSPC, HonPESGSPC, health and safety guidelines enabling the wellbeing of and “Vasantham TV/FM which cares for the Sri Lanka’s first multipart, with each judged along ANPAS, and LNAPSL. mandated by government Sri Lankans during the first with Dialog” initiatives communities it operates in, multiregional competition a number of criteria Ravi Gamage is the health authorities to minimise outbreak of coronavirus in saw to the distribution of Dialog Axiata continues to for photographers of all including technical and Capital Maharaja Group the risk of spread of the country earlier this year. packaged dry rations daily go the extra mile to empower levels. Designed to uncover artistic value, unique General Manager of Covid-19. The “Manusath Derana for approximately six weeks communities at their greatest new interpretations beyond viewpoints, and artistic Human Resources, with This response effort with Dialog”, “Siyatha to over 128,000 people in hour of need and strengthen traditional archetypes, the composition. The a strong foundation in follows similar initiatives Lengathukama with Dialog”, 400-plus villages across 22 the collective effort to contest showcases the best winners were those media and journalism. He organised by Dialog, “ITN Manushyathwayei districts in the island. overcome the Covid-19 of Sri Lanka and the talent whose submissions has served as a speaker which were also aimed at Sathkaraya with Dialog”, As a corporate entity pandemic as a nation. of its artists. were exceptional and and panellist at numerous Having successfully outstanding across all forums and as a visiting completed the first criteria. lecturer on journalism, competition stage, leadership, and human “Magnificent Jaffna”, in Judges resources (HR). As First-ever virtual IIT CuttingEdge showcases 2019, Fox Resorts now Panduka de Silva is a seasoned local and presents the winners of one of the most respected international traveller, the second stage, “Kandy personalities in Sri Lankan photography has always IT and business solutions of students Through Your Lens”, photography. He is a been one of Gamage’s The Informatics Institute of science, big data, NLP (neuro-linguistic focusing on the splendour of visiting senior lecturer strongest passions. His Technology (IIT) successfully concluded programming), Internet of Things (IoT), Kandy. of Sri Lanka Institute of role on the panel was to its first-ever virtual IIT CuttingEdge 2020 sentiment analysis, embedded systems, The “Kandy Through Information Technology, identify and highlight exhibition where the latest collection of robotics, fintech, entrepreneurship, Your Lens” photography Honorary Fellow of the images to which travellers ground-breaking IT and business solutions ecommerce, game development, business contest by Fox Resorts is Institute of Sri Lankan would best relate. of IIT students were showcased. analytics, digital marketing, and image designed to showcase both Photographers (ISLP), Fox Resorts Chief CuttingEdge is primarily an annual processing. the natural and manmade Committee Member and Executive Officer (CEO) exhibition organised by IIT that aims to The “Best Project” gold award beauty of Kandy, from its Course Director of the said: “We are very, very boost digital entrepreneurship among the under the category “Software Project abundant landscapes and Photographic Society pleased with the level IIT students who are currently pursuing Since physically meeting was not possible, Innovation” was won by “Smart Shoes lush flora to its diverse of Sri Lanka, as well of participation that our various undergraduate programmes from everyone worked independently and for Visually Impaired” by Stelan Briyan population and delightfully as a member of the ‘Kandy Through Your the University of Westminster. The theme had discussions online to finetune their Simonsz, the silver award was bagged by varied architecture. Photographic Society of Lens’ photography of CuttingEdge 2020 was “Embracing projects. There were a lot of challenges but “DAugmentor: Automating Generative Participants were asked Singapore and Liaison/ competition has garnered. change and transformation through digital through teamwork and determination, the Adversarial Networks Modulation and to show us their visual Creative Director in Sri The aim of all of our technologies”. As in previous years, students and the academic staff overcame Tuning for Data Augmentation” by interpretation of Kandy and Lanka for the World Press photography competitions hundreds of IIT undergraduates following all of them to organise a fantastic show. Palamuni Dilum Maduranga De Silva, and its regional attractions that Photo Foundation based in is to uncover the secrets software engineering, computer science, With the new format, the video footage is the bronze award was won by “ReviewIt: truly tug at their emotions. the Netherlands. He was and spectacles of Sri business information systems (BIS), and on the web and this means that anyone can Sentiment Analyser for Recommending elected President of the Lanka, starting with the business management degrees actively conveniently browse through the videos as Products Genuineness Based on Customer Winners ISLP for three intermittent locations surrounding participated by presenting their IT and and when they please and absorb it much Online Reviews” by Warnakulasuriya 1. Architecture – Amila terms. our exceptional boutique business-related projects. In keeping better, without missing out on anything.” Ishani Rayanthi Croos. Alahakoon’s view of the Shehan Trek is a hotel properties. The next with the safety precautions that need The webinars and panel discussions The “Best Project” gold award winner Temple of the Tooth banker by profession phase of the competition to be taken as a result of the Covid-19 at CuttingEdge 2020 provided unique under the category “Business Innovation” 2. Landscapes and whose passion lies in travel will focus on yet another pandemic, this year’s CuttingEdge was insights from some of Sri Lanka’s leading sponsored by Idea Mart was “InfoChurn cityscapes – Priyantha and photography. He is a growing travel destination carried out virtually to the large audience personalities in the field of ICT, business, – Customer Retention Engine with Churn Bandara’s rolling hills in celebrated photographer in Sri Lanka to showcase through live streaming on the IIT web and entrepreneurship. They included Prediction for Motor Insurance in Sri Deltota who has been awarded with the splendours other areas portal and the IIT official Facebook page. “Introduction of IoT and practical sessions Lanka” by Thilini Prarthana Gimhani, 3. Food, local craft, and dozens of photography of Sri Lanka offer, and CuttingEdge 2020 was a multi-faceted of IoT with Arduino (or Microbit) the silver award winner was “TrustCredit markets – Sewwandhi awards across 47 countries. challenge the nation’s event that comprised the CuttingEdge Live XO Concepts” by Senior Technology – A credit score for the unbanked” by Abhayaratne’s wood He has been awarded with photographers to continue Show, webinars and panel discussions, Architect Malinda Rathnayaka; “Cyber Mohamed Ifram Ismath, and the bronze carver at work the distinctions of AFIAP, to look beyond the coding competition, gaming and quiz Security – Awareness of the threats award was won by “Chain of Ownership” 4. People of Kandy – GPU-VIP 1, GPU CR-2, mundane and highlight the competitions, a business pitch competition, in IoT and Smart Cities” by Shan by Hannah Natasha Hariharan. Umanga Rathnayake’s GPU “APHRODITE”, wonder that truly is Sri and a project exhibition. Shanmugarajah, an IT professional with Additionally, the “Business man amidst the pigeons AISF, cMOL, AAPS, Lanka.” IIT Dean Naomi Krishnarajah stated: over 22 years of experience in the software Innovation – Information-Driven 5. Animals and plants – “The first-ever virtual CuttingEdge is an industry; and “Business Models for Smart Entrepreneurial Start-up Awards” were Umanga Rathnayake’s exciting event for everyone at IIT. The Cities and Urban Innovation” by hSenid also presented while “Best Project” awards Udawattakele Sanctuary pandemic has helped us to think differently Mobile Solutions Key Account Manager were presented to the first, second, and and adapt to the new environment. Having Randula Wijesinghe. third-placed projects of foundation-level Overall winner CuttingEdge on a virtual platform means During the project exhibition, students as well as first and second- Amila Alahakoon for that everyone had to think innovatively. IIT students presented a wide array of year student projects of the streams of his extraordinary view of Students had to not only think about the innovative projects in the domains of business information systems, business the Temple of the Tooth. project but also decide how to showcase artificial intelligence (AI), augmented management, and software engineering/ The contest received it effectively to create maximum impact. reality (AR), cloud computing, data computer science. many photographs

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