ITAK squabbling over National List pick tuesday By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan 11 august 2020 Latest Edition Vol: 09/206 Price : Rs 30.00 The Illankai Thamizh Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), the main constituent party of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), is in a dilemma over who gets its only National List slot because ITAK Leader Mavai In Sports Senathirajah is in disagreement over giving it to a young TNA Member, Kalayarasan Thavarasa. Defenders thrash Senathirajah, who contested from the Jaffna District and Thavarasa, a former Eastern Provincial Super Sun 4-1 Councillor who contested from the Ampara District, were both defeated at the Parliamentary Election Defenders FC capitalised on shocking based on the number of preferential votes they errors by Super Sun SC to register a received. However, ITAK’s and TNA policy dictates comfortable 4-1 victory in their first that if a Party or Alliance Leader is defeated at a... Group ‘C’ match of the Inaugural FFSL President’s Cup 2020 worked off Story Continued on page 2 at an empty Sugathadasa A16 Ranil Steps Down As UNP Leader Karu to be interim Leader?

By Nabiya Vaffoor and he added. The UNP General decision regarding the Upatissa Perera Secretary went on to state that leadership cannot be taken. although Media reports said According to the source, the UNP Leader and former that senior UNP members UNP Leader had asked Prime Minister Ranil including himself, Ravi Karunanayake, Kariyawasam Wickremesinghe has decided Karunanayake, Daya Gamage, and Abeywardena to discuss to step down as UNP Leader Vajira Abeywardena and Navin and reach a decision regarding after being in the position for Dissanayake were pursuing the Party leadership and 26 consecutive years, UNP the UNP Leader post, inform him of that decision General Secretary Akila Viraj Dissanayake had withdrawn tomorrow morning. Kariyawasam announced from this battle. Meanwhile, it was reported yesterday (10). Internal sources from that Karunanayake, Arjuna A final decision on Sirikotha said, Gamage had Ranatunga, Palitha Range appointing a new UNP Leader stated, during a meeting held Bandara, Kithsiri will be taken tomorrow (12), yesterday morning regarding Manchanayake, Ronald Perera after discussing with the the Party’s future, that he and Kasturi Anuradhanayake Party’s Working Committee would not pursue the UNP had a discussion with Karu and the Parliamentary Group, Leader post if a unanimous Jayasuriya at his residence.

Story Continued on page 2 Picking Members Cabinet and State Failure to arrest of Mayor Prime Minister to for National List Ministers swearing Kurunegala Police assume duties today Intra-party in tomorrow spineless – Solicitor General By W.K. Prasad Manju The new Cabinet of Ministers and By Ravindu Sooriyabandara Mahinda State Ministers will be sworn in before (Kurunegala) and Buddhika Rajapaksa, who was Samaraweera bickering intensifies President Gotabaya Rajapaksa tomorrow sworn in as the (12), the President’s Media Division Prime Minister of the By Shiran Ranasingha (PMD) announced yesterday (10). Solicitor General Sarath Jayamanna PC ninth Parliament on In a statement, the PMD said, the yesterday informed Kurunegala Chief 9 August, is Several political parties, including the Samagi swearing-in ceremony will take place at Magistrate Sampath Hewawasam that certain scheduled to assume Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the TNA, the UNP and the the Magul Maduwa of the Temple of the Police Officers attached to the Kurunegala duties at 10:30 a.m. Ape Janabala Party (AJP), are said to be facing Tooth Relic in Kandy. Police were spineless, as they had failed to at Temple Trees internecine feuds, being unable to decide on who A Gazette Extraordinary was also give effect to the warrants issued by Court to today (11). should be appointed through the National List, published defining the functions and the apprehend the Mayor of Kurunegala and other A spokesman from informed sources said. structure of 28 Ministries and 40 State suspects. Temple Trees said, Thus far, only the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Ministries. The Ministries that come Warrants were issued to apprehend five Premier Rajapaksa will assume duties has named its National List comprising 17 under the purview of the President and suspects including the Mayor of Kurunegala at the auspicious time amidst the Parliamentarians without internal or external the Prime Minister were also included. Thushara Sanjeewa, Urban Councillor of the chanting of Pirith as well as blessings squabbles. Kurunegala Urban Council, Pradeep... from other religious leaders. Story Continued on page 2 He added the event will also be graced Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 by the President, while Party Leaders of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Demanding adequate staff its Parliamentarians elected to the new Shani’s bail Parliament will also be in attendance. Mullaitivu Angoda Lokka killed request rejected by woman avenging DGH doctors slain husband? By Kamal MahendraWeeraratna on token strike Post-mortem shows signs of Raghavan Gampaha Chief Magistrate Manjula Karunaratne Doctors of the District General poisoning – Indian Police turned down a request for bail for former Criminal Hospital (DGH) of Mullaitivu will stage a relinquished Investigation Department (CID) Director Shani four-hour token strike today (11), urging There is speculation whether Amani Thanji, Abeysekara and IP Sugath Mohana Mendis, who the Ministry of Health and the newly- who had been living with underworld boss were arrested and remanded on charges of appointed political authorities of the Angoda Lokka, had poisoned him to avenge citizenship misleading the Court by presenting false information District to either close units affected by the murder of her husband in Sri Lanka. regarding the firearm used in the Mohammed the shortage of medical officers or to Suspicions arose after a post-mortem report Shiyam murder in 2013, since clear evidence have provide them with the same. revealed that the finger and toe nails of the on 4 June been presented against them. The Mullaitivu District General deceased gangster had turned bluish, – Canadian Govt In the 26-page Court Order that was issued in this Hospital Branch Secretary of the indicating poisoning, Indian Police sources connection, it was stated that:... Government Medical Officers’ said. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Association (GMOA), Dr. Buddhika Police said, they suspect that Lokka was National List MP Dr. Suren Raghavan Story Continued on page 10 Menikge said, only emergencies... killed as Media reports in Sri Lanka... relinquished his Canadian citizenship with effect from 4 June 2020, the Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Canadian Government has announced. SLPP not walking the talk – Prof. Piyadasa Senarath reappointed Secretary to PM

Laments not getting National List slot A senior officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS), Gamini BY Thameenah Razeek Senarath, has been reappointed as Secretary to Prime Minister Mahinda The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has Rajapaksa. taken an arbitrary decision when naming National He received his Letter of Appointment List candidates and has also reduced one National from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at List slot that was allocated to the Sri Lanka Freedom the Presidential Secretariat yesterday Party (SLFP) without the consent of SLFP Chairman, (10). claimed former SLFP General Secretary, Professor Previously, he had served as the Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa. Additional Secretary and the Chief of Prof. Piyadasa claimed yesterday (10), that before Staff to incumbent Premier Mahinda the General Election, SLPP Leaders had promised Rajapaksa during his tenure as the SLFP Leaders that they will be given two... President.

Story Continued on page 10 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 tuesday 11 august 2020 news

Continued from page 1 Ranil Steps... Obituary They had requested Jayasuriya to accept the Party leadership in Wickremesinghe, who entered Parliament in 1977 from the the interim to avoid the Party from plunging into a crisis, to which Biyagama seat, was a Member of Parliament for 43 years. He lost MP Harshana Rajakaruna’s Jayasuriya had reportedly agreed. It was also reported that his seat in Parliament for the first time after his defeat at the Jayasuriya will meet Wickremesinghe to discuss this matter. General Election last week. father-in-law passes away However, when inquired about this, Jayasuriya said that he had (Additional reporting by Ruwantha asked for 72 hours to take a decision in this connection. Nithulgaspitiya and S. Ekanayake) Well-known businessman and Architect D.M.C.D. Jayatillake passed away at the age of 70. He is the Intra-party... father-in-law of The SJB has received slots for seven some 15 members representing the three would be in line to enter the Legislature Gamapaha District SJB MPs, while the UNP which failed to win a parties in the SJB alliance, namely, the through the National List. Parliamentarian single seat received a solitary bonus seat. SLMC, the TPA and the ACMC, have been Already, TPA Leader Mano Ganesan Harshana Rajakaruna. It is said that several political parties able to get entry into the new Parliament. has warned that if the smaller parties He leaves behind his wife within the SJB alliance such as the Sri It is claimed that of the nine members of within the SJB alliance are not given Padma Jayatillake and Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), the the SJB, including the General Secretary National List entry, as agreed to before two daughters Shermila Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) and the of the SJB Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the Poll, they will seriously consider and Chanika. Remains lie All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), National Organiser Tissa Attanayaka, functioning as independent groups in at No. 73/3, Horton Place, have demanded MP posts through the Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, Gunaratna Parliament. Colombo -07. National List, forcing the SJB leadership Wanninayaka, Mayantha Dissanayaka, When contacted, Attanayaka expressed Funeral will be held on into a quandary regarding the finalisation Shiral Lakthilaka, Chameera Perera, Earl hope that the National List issue could be Wednesday 12 August at of its National List MPs. Furthermore, Gunasekara and Eran Wickremaratna, resolved during the course of today (11). Borella General Cemetery crematorium at 4.30 p.m. ITAK squabbling...

... Poll, he/she should not be TNA Eastern Province office between have opposed Thavarasa, wanting runner-up at the Poll, but was later discussion held in this regard, the nominated to the National List. ITAK General Secretary S. Senathirajah instead to be pushed to fourth place. Raviraj Party would decide on whether Therefore, the TNA has since Thuraisingham and TNA Leader R. nominated as a National List MP. complained in this regard to Raviraj will or will not be nominated nominated Thavarasa through its Sampanthan. There also seems to be some rifts Senathirajah, who had assured that as an MP. National List, also taking into “I will assure everyone that I will within the TNA and ITAK members he will discuss the matter with She also warned that she would go account that there is no Tamil strengthen the Party by serving the over issues pertaining to TNA Jaffna Sampanthan. to the Election Commission and take representative from the Ampara people of the Ampara District,” District Candidate Sasikala Raviraj Senathirajah stated that while it is legal action against TNA Spokesman District. Thavarasa told Tamil Media at the seeking justice over the alleged sad that such an unwarranted issue M.A. Sumanthiran, whom she Thavarasa was nominated on 9 meeting. denial of her MP post. had erupted at a counting centre at suspects intervened while the votes August after a discussion held at the However, several ITAK stalwarts She claimed that she was the the last minute, following a were being counted.

Raghavan... Mullaitivu DGH... Several persons had claimed that Dr. Raghavan was not eligible to hold a ... would be attended to, while services of the Outpatient admissions to the Medical Unit while attending to medical seat in Parliament as he was a dual citizen and naming him as a National Department, clinics and routine surgeries would all be referrals in other units, medical emergencies and the List MP was illegal. There was information regarding Dr. Raghavan’s dual stopped. Responding to questions, he said that all routine transferring of patients after immediate stabilisation due to citizenship on social media platforms and websites. However, the Canadian surgeries at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Theatre, the existing shortage of medical officers since 21 July 2020. Government has announced that Dr. Raghavan was no longer a Canadian paediatric, surgical and medical clinics would not be As a result, the Director of the Teaching Hospital Jaffna citizen. conducted during this period but Admissions could be made. was requested by the Director of Medical Services of the Dr. Menikge said there were efforts by the Executive Ministry to release four medical officers (Residential House Committee of the GMOA to discuss the issue with the Health Officers – RHOs) from the lower order of the merit list who Secretary, Major General Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, within had completed their internship recently. However, he alleged the course of the day, which had failed. that the Director of the Teaching Hospital had failed to Senarath reappointed... He said it was best to close several units until adequate comply even with the Ministerial directive which had been medical officers were allocated. The Union had stopped made through a letter. He was appointed as the Secretary to the Premier following Mahinda Rajapaksa’s appointment as the Prime Minister on 21 November 2019. Senarath who is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya entered the SLAS in 1984. He has completed a Post Graduate Degree in Information Angoda Lokka... Technology at the University of Colombo. He has also followed a number of academic courses overseas. (GW) ... indicated that Lokka, who is wanted by Interpol and the have been living in India since 2017. Sri Lankan Police for various crimes, was poisoned to death The investigating agency has sent viscera samples to in India in early July. It was also reported in the Press, Chennai for deoxyribonucleic acid tests in order to identify quoting Sri Lankan Intelligence, that a rival gang had sent a whether the deceased individual was Lokka. woman to assassinate Lokka. CB-CIB is also working to match fingerprints found at the Cabinet and... Lokka reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and died on 3 residence where Lokka and Thanji were living, to help July and that the body was shifted to Madurai following the establish his identity, sources said. Furthermore, the agency National priorities, policy national security, economic postmortem examination and cremated the next day. has filed a petition in the Chief Magistrate Court seeking to responsibilities and functions development, infrastructure The CB-CID, investigating the case, has arrested three take the three suspects into its custody for questioning. The have been taken into facilities, education, health and persons – Thanji, Sivakami Sundari and Dyaneshwaran – on case is coming up for hearing tomorrow (12). Thanji has consideration in formulating the sports in the formulation of the charges of fabricating documents to get Lokka an aadhaar since been shifted to Puzhal prison in Chennai where foreign Ministries while State Ministries Ministerial structure and covers card under the name Pradeep Singh. Lokka has reported to nationals are generally remanded. have been structured to facilitate rural and agricultural the achievement of special development as well as education priorities and the implementation while the scope, priorities, of programmes according to the affiliated institutions and legal broad scope of each Ministry. framework of each Ministry has Kurunegala Police... Special attention was paid to been explained, the PMD said. issue an Order to the Acting IGP and over the demolishing of the Buwaneka ... NIshantha, Urban Engineer to send copies to SDIG of the North Hotel, a building of historical value in Chaminda Bandara Adikari, Officer- Western Province, Senior Police Kurunegala. in-Charge of Removal of Unauthorised Inspector of Kurunegala and several Speaking to the Media at Police Constructions Deen Zulfikar and the other top ranking Police Officers of the headquarters in Colombo yesterday Operator of the Backhoe Machine S. Province as the Kurunegala Police had (10), Police Media Spokesman, SSP Lakshman Priyantha after they were failed to implement his order Jaliya Senaratne said that Acting charged with the demolition of a forthwith. Jayamanna added that Inspector General of Police (AIGP) historic building in the Kurunegala failing to carry out orders issued by Chandana D. Wickramaratne had town. The Kurunegala Chief Courts was a serious lapse on the part taken steps to deploy Police teams to Magistrate ordered Kurunegala Police of the Police. The Judge ordered Police arrest the suspects. on 7 August to arrest the aforesaid to produce the suspects before him by "AIGP Wickramaratne has given suspects and produce them before 13 August. Meanwhile, a few Police instructions to the SDIG in charge of him. However, due to the failure of the teams have already been deployed to the North Western Province in this Police to carry out his orders, SDIG arrest Kurunegala Mayor, Thushara regard. Although the Police teams had Jayamanna levelled charges against Sanjeewa and four other suspects visited a few locations where these the Police in Court yesterday. following the warrants re-issued by suspects lived, they had not been The Solicitor General urged Court to Kurunegala Magistrate for their arrest there," SSP Senaratne said. News Tuesday 11 august 2020 A3

White Van Media briefing case Opening Airports for foreign visitors to enter Sri Lanka HC issues summons Discussions underway on Rajitha, Rumy on possible date AG files indictments SL health authorities assure no risk By Hansi Nanayakkara the High Court. and Madanayaka were ordered to of new COVID-19 cases The AG had charged that be remanded till 27 December. Colombo High Court Judge Senaratna along with two others, Later, the AG, advised the CID to By Yakuta Dawood Speaking to Ceylon Today, Chief Gihan Kulathunga yesterday (10) by conducting a media conference name Senaratna as a suspect and Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath issued summons on former on 10 November last year, had to arrest him forthwith, based on Discussions are underway between Samaraweera, who is also the Acting Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratna and revealed information linked to acts statements given by the suspects, Governmental authorities to decide the Deputy Director General (Education, former Chairman of the State of abductions by persons in white as well the probe launched into the date to reopen BIA for passenger flights. Training and Research) of the Pharmaceuticals Corporation, vans, murders, instances of torture incident by the CID. When asked for which countries Sri Ministry, noted that such a risk was Rumy Mohammad ordereing them and the theft of gold belonging to Acting on the instructions of Lanka would open its borders for non-existent as person-to- person to be present before him on 28 the late Liberation Tigers of Tamil the AG, the CID made initially, Director of Airport and Aviation transmission was extremely unlikely to August, in connection with details Eelam Leader V. Prabhakaran, the submissions to the Court, and Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, Shehan take place if all persons followed the that were revealed through the theft of euros and the concealment obtained a warrant for the arrest Sumanasekara, told Ceylon Today the precautionary measures. controversial white van media of details, that had allegedly taken of Senaratna in the evening of matter is also being discussed at the conference, held in the run up to place during a previous regime led Christmas Eve of 2019. moment. last year’s Presidential Poll. by then President Mahinda Three days after the issue of an “There are several meetings taking Justice Kulathunga issued Rajapaksa. arrest warrant, Senaratna had got place between the parties involved, on summons, after having perused the Later, the National Organiser of admitted to a private hospital in deciding the best date to open our 14-point indictment filed against the ‘Sinhale’ Organisation, Narahenpita but he was arrested borders for passengers from foreign them by the Attorney General Kumudu Pradeep Sanjeewa had by the CID, in the evening of 27 countries. In the context where most Dapula de Livera as well as the lodged a complaint with the December. countries are still badly affected by charges for flouting provisions Criminal Investigations The CID then made further COVID-19, we will have to decide on contained in Sections 190 and 169 Department (CID), urging them to submissions to the Court and what countries would be safe when of the Penal Code and provisions initiate a probe into the Colombo Additional Magistrate allowing foreign visitors to enter Sri contained in Section 80 of information disclosed by Senaratna Shalini Perera visited the private Lanka for tourism, business and related Parliamentary Election Act, No. 15 and two others, at the said media hospital where Senaratna was activities,” he said. Sumanasekara of 1981. event. being treated and ordered that he however assured, a decision in this K. Sarath Kumara and W. Athula Commencing a probe into be remanded. regard would be taken soon. Sanjeewa Madanayaka, who were Sanjeewa’s complaint, the CID The CID then arrested and He also underscored, at present, the named as the first and second arrested the two persons who had produced the fourth suspect in the airports were operating as per the suspects in the case heard before taken part in the media briefing, case, Mohammad on 31 December relevant guidelines issued by the the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s alongside Senaratna and produced 2019 and he too was remanded. Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, Sri Court, were subsequently them in Court on 16 December last Subsequently the Magistrate’s Lankan health authorities assured, acquitted and have since been year. Court had enlarged the suspects there is no risk of new COVID-19 named as witnesses for the State in Later, the two suspects Kumara on bail. cases arising in the country.

Child deaths due to Reckless drivers who cause accidents which result in deaths drowning on the rise Police to file indictments under charges By Eunice Ruth of culpable homicide The number of child deaths due to drowning has increased annually with more than 100 children By Buddhika Samaraweera several parts of the country in the time of the accident. meeting a watery grave, said the President of Sri the recent past have already The suspect was remanded till Lanka Life Saving (SLLS), Asanka Nanayakkara. The Police Department has been charged with 24 August after being produced When contacted yesterday (10), he noted that decided to file indictments manslaughter. before the Polonnaruwa drowning was a leading cause of accidental death under charges of manslaughter He also said Police took steps to Magistrate. “We will file in Sri Lanka, ranking in the third highest position homicide against reckless arrest the cab driver who knocked indictments against him under and involving all age groups while transport drivers who cause accidents down 12 students walking on the charges of manslaughter,” he accidents ranked first. He also noted that the which result in deaths. Aralaganwila-Dehiattakandiya added. Western Province had the highest number of The offence of vehicular Road in the Aralaganwila Police He also said the driver of a drowning deaths (168) compared to other manslaughter is defined in the Division on 9 August and fled the private bus that crashed into a Provinces. Drowning annually takes more than Sri Lankan Penal Code as scene. According to SSP vehicle carrying a few Army 750-800 lives and 79 per cent of such deaths culpable homicide. Gunasekara, one student had personnel on the Nugegoda occurred in waterways such as canals, lakes, Commenting on this at Police died in the accident while several flyover a few days ago and the lagoons, rivers and wells while the remaining 21% Headquarters in Colombo others are in critical condition. driver of the tipper who had fled occurred at sea (victims include adults between the yesterday (10), Director of the Gunasekera further said after causing an accident to ages of 24-44). Police Legal Division, SSP preliminary investigations carried several Police officers in the Nanayakkara further noted the reasons behind Ruwan Gunasekara said several out by the Aralaganwila Police Kirinda area had also been drowning were the lack of awareness, carelessness, suspects arrested in connection revealed that the suspect was produced before Court on alcohol consumption, engaging in unsafe activities with three road accidents in under the influence of liquor at charges of manslaughter. by not using safety equipment. He noted that several programmes have been implemented to create awareness in this regard and to promote safe behaviour among the public. He also added that to educate the public and children of the basic strategies of lifesaving, several programmes such Former OIC PNB testifying at PCoI says: as “’swim for safety’ which will help to save others lives as well, were organised. Witnesses who testified against He also provided guidelines to be followed to save a drowning person. As a first step, one has to him in Court motivated by money always try to save a drowning person by using any floating equipment rather than getting into the Former Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the involved in heroin smuggling and he water. Once you get them out, first aid must be Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB), Inspector of had charges against him such as those administered immediately by turning the person Police Neomal Rangajeewa who is the first concerning murders and assaults. They over on their back, and then checking the airway accused in the 2012 Welikada Prison were threatened by my anti-narcotic for signs of breathing, and if they are not breathing, massacre case, yesterday (10) alleged that operations. When the Welikada incident to commence Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation three witnesses who testified against him happened, there were about 3,000 (CPR) by performing 30 chest compressions and in Court had been motivated by money inmates in the Prison but only these two rescue breaths. and other personal benefits. Rangajeewa three came to testify against me. “With the objective of reducing drowning made this claim while testifying before the Nandimal had connections with the fatalities, a national action plan was implemented Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and he by the relevant National Advisory Committee which probing incidents of political revenge from testified against me for political reasons. includes risk profiling, developing national beach 2015-2019. Bandula wanted to end his 38 years and pool safety operational guidelines, improving “Sudesh Nandimal, Senerath sentence of imprisonment early. After he the ‘swim for safety’ curriculum, identifying and Bandula and Indika Perera are the testified against me in Court, he had promoting safe bathing and swimming zones, and witnesses who testified against me in received about Rs 3 million. He even had developing a national drowning data surveillance the case. They had many charges help from a non-governmental system,” said Nanayakkara. against them. For an example, organisation,” Rangajeewa alleged. He also noted that the SLLS has expanded its Nandimal had charges under the Furthermore, he claimed that the services by providing its services on weekends and Prevention of Terrorism Act, Bandula former United National Front-led public holidays and especially during festival had 24 charges against him for Government had wanted to arrest seasons, across the country, by adding new service monetary fraud and had been sentenced certain officers like him to get good clubs with over 2,300 operationally qualified to 38 years in prison while Perera’s close marks from United Nations lifeguards, and assigning them to over 90 open relatives such as his elder sister, her representatives and to target President water locations. daughter and her husband, were Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (MD) A4 tuesday 11 august 2020 news

To combat drug use SLFP Chairman in Prisons to allow pow-wow with winners Several drug Discussions based on future of party weekly visits from and ministerial prospects By Nabiya Vaffoor and Buddhika 15 August raids in Colombo Samaraweera Meals in disposable containers, A special discussion took place between the newly ban on plastic boxes elected Parliamentarians of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and its Chairman, Maithripala Sirisena By Eunice Ruth and Kalutara at the Party headquarters in Colombo on 9 August. By Buddhika Samaraweera was due to be produced before the A senior official of the SLFP said that Sirisena had The Department of Prisons has decided to allow Mount Lavinia Magistrate yesterday. summoned the newly elected MPs to a special visitors, once a week to meet prison inmates from Twenty six suspects including 19 Meanwhile, another suspect who was meeting to discuss future steps. The discussion was 15 August onwards. males and seven females who were in in possession of heroin was also arrested held from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. When contacted yesterday (10), a Department possession of heroin were arrested by in a raid carried out by Mount Lavinia In addition to the MPs who won the recent official noted, the prisons had been closed for Police during raids carried out at several Police on the same day in Ratmalana Parliamentary Election, former Governor of the visitors for the past two months due to the COVID- places in the Colombo and Kalutara area. He is a 38-year-old resident of Northern Province, Dr. Suren Raghavan, who has 19 threat and will be reopened under the guidelines Districts on 9 August. Ratmalana and was due to be produced been nominated for a Parliamentary seat from the of the Health Ministry and the Prison Health Two male suspects and a female who before the Mount Lavinia Magistrate National List of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Directors. were in possession of heroin were yesterday. (SLPP), also participated in the discussion. The He added, visitors should always wear a mask arrested in a raid carried out on A female suspect was arrested, in the discussion focused on matters such as the and need to maintain social distancing. information received by the Homagama Orugodawatta area in the Grandpass Ministerial posts they are likely to be offered the He also noted, visitors will be allowed to bring Police on the same morning. The raid Police Division on the evening of 9 next Government and the future plans of the Party. only meal items that are packed in disposable was carried out in the Pragathi Mawatha August ,in a raid carried out on a tip off packaging and not in any plastic boxes. area and 35 grams and 640 milligrams received by the Colombo Crimes Division of heroin were seized from a suspect. with a sum of over Rs 300,000 which is Under intense interrogation , the believed to have been earned by trading suspect divulged the whereabouts of the heroin. She is a 25-year-old resident of other two suspects and were arrested Orugodawatta and was due to be when a three-wheeler travelling along produced before the Maligakanda Should rains continues to exceed the Katuwana Road was stopped and Magistrate yesterday. 75 mm DS to be watchful STF arrests suspects were found to be dealing with heroin in a Meanwhile, a 59-year-old resident of three-wheeler. During the search, the Keselwatta area was arrested for for possessing a another 37 grams and 140 milligrams of possessing heroin in a raid carried out NBRO warns heroin was found in the female suspect’s on a tip off received by the Pettah Police body armour, pistol possession. Her house was also on 9 August at Akbar Lane. The suspect searched by Police and 43 grams and was to be produced before the of landslides in By Nabiya Vaffoor 430 milligrams of heroin and a sum of Maligakanda Magistrate yesterday. Rs 170,600 were seized. The suspects Meanwhile, a hotel owner, 14 male The Special Task Force (STF) Intelligence officers were aged 43, 23 and 24 and were suspects and five female suspects were N’ Eliya district arrested a 25-year-old suspect for possessing body residents of Colombo 10 and Homagama arrested in a raid carried out by the armour. The arrest was made on a tip-off received at areas. They were to be produced before Kalutara District Anti-Corruption Unit By Nabiya Vaffoor around 11.50 p.m. on 8 August. The body armour was the Homagama Magistrate yesterday on 9 August on a tip off that a party hidden in a hotel room in Ranwala, Kegalle. (10). organised through Facebook was being The National Building Research Organization In a separate incident, a suspect who was in possession Another suspect possessing heroin held at a hotel in the Ballanthudawa (NBRO) issued a landslide warning to the of an eight milimetre pistol without a valid permit, was was arrested in a raid carried out on area in the Millaniya Police Division, and Divisional Secretariat of Kotmale in the Nuwara arrested by the Intelligence officers attached to the STF at information received by the Mount that illegal drugs were being used. Police Eliya District, yesterday (10). around 10 p.m. on 8 August. The suspect, who was a Lavinia Police on 9 August near the seized heroin, cannabis and several The NBRO noted, since the rainfall within the 32-year-old resident of Hettimulla, was arrested based on Mount Lavinia Economic Centre. It has drugs in their possession. The suspects past 24 hours, exceeded 75 milimetres and if the a tip-off received by the Police. also been revealed that he was also were aged 60, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23 and 32 rain continues, the public of this Divisional The two suspects were to be produced before the involved in several robberies involving and are residents of the Bandaragama, Secretariat should be watchful on the Kegalle Magistrate on 9 August and the Kegalle Police is snatching gold necklaces. Police also Dehiwala, Panadura, Yatiyana, possibilities of landslides, rock falls and ground conducting further investigations. found a gold necklace in his possession Kaduwela and Boralesgamuwa areas. subsidence. at the time of arrest. The suspect is a They were due to be produced before the Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Centre 23-year-old resident of Panadura and Horana Magistrate yesterday. (DMC) Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippili yesterday issued a warning to the Districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaithivu, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Puttlam, Kurunegala, Matale, Polonnaruwa, Kegalle, Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara and Three vandals Dugong washed ashore Hambantota regarding wind speeds of 55-65 kilometres per hour (kmph) which may be experienced in these areas, particularly in arrested in Northern, North-Central, Western, Southern and North-Western Provinces. The DMC has also Serunuwara issued a moderate warning regarding winds for the Districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ratnapura, Serunuwara Police arrested three suspects on Moneragala, Badulla, Ampara and Batticaloa, Sunday (09) night for allegedly damaging a yesterday. Buddha statue that had been kept in a place The Department of Meteorology yesterday close to the Serunuwara Town in the issued a warning of the high possibility of the Trincomalee District. wind speed increasing in the sea areas extending The individuals had damaged the Buddha from Kankesanthurai to Colombo via Mannar and statue under the influence of liquor, according to from Matara to Pottuvil up to 60 kmph in the sea the Serunuwara Police. areas off the coasts. The Department has also The suspects have been identified as 45-year- noted that the above mentioned sea areas can be old Weerakoon Mudiyanselage Ranjith rough, while the other sea areas around the Abeyratne, a resident of Serunuwara, 30-year- island can be fairly rough at times as the wind old Thanipala Mudiyanselage Ares Jayasinghe, a speed can increase up to 50 kmph. resident of Ambale and 26-year-old Sameera A dugong weighing 700 kilos and measuring 3.3 metres in length was washed ashore on There is a possibility that near sea areas off the Bandara Sakala Sooriya, a resident of Meda 9 August morning close to Adam’s Bridge in the Gulf of Mannar National Park area along coast extending from Beruwala to Hambanthota Nuwara. the Mannar-Talaimannar Road. via Galle, may experience surges due to the effect Navy personnel who were on patrol in the area noticed the dugong washed ashore and The suspects are to be produced before the immediately informed the Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD) in this regard, and of sea swells, having a height of 2-2.5 metres. Muttur Magistrate’s Court following inquires. the officers rushed to the scene by noon and inspected the animal and found it had Navy and fishing communities are requested to (NJ) been killed by humans for food. The veterinarian attached to the WCD conducted a post- be vigilant in this regard. mortem on the animal. (NJ)

Driver killed after train Enact Nat Involuntary Resettlement ploughs into car at crossing Policy into law – Researcher Motorbike crashes in Horana, Ruwanwella claims two lives BY Ruwan Laknath Jayakody information to make a choice about relevant communities, with copies By Buddhika whether it would benefit them and of the documents being given to the Samaraweera the country at large because in affected communities, and The National Involuntary certain cases there has been adequate time given for them to An individual was Resettlement Policy which insufficient scrutiny on the loss of consult with lawyers and experts killed in a collision addresses many inadequacies in land versus the benefits to the about the process and also in order between a car and train the Land Acquisition Act to ensure country. Moreover, a section of the to access a secure grievance redress at the Palana railway that persons who lose their lands legal community are of the view mechanism process (to handle crossing in the Weligama due to development projects are not that it should not be up to the queries, complaints and raise Police Division and two left worse off, should be legislated, Judiciary to define exactly what a issues concerning compensation others were killed in a researcher on land rights, special public purpose is and that this and other entitlements) involving road accidents in the justice, development and should be defined through a more various State agencies (such as Horana and Ruwanwella dispossession, recommended. rigourous public debate. Ministries and Divisional areas on Sunday (09). This was noted in the report titled Further, a social and Secretariat offices), which in turn A motorist was killed ‘Land Acquisitions for Public environmental impact assessment should handle such in a timely when his car collided Purpose in Post-War Sri Lanka’ should be made compulsory in (sans delays in the provision of with a train travelling authored by Iromi Perera and order to justify that the land being information and compensation, and from Beliatta to published in June by the Law and acquired is exactly what is needed minimizing the time involved in Maradana on Sunday Society Trust and the People’s for the specific public purpose and dealing with various State actors) evening when he tried to who had been working motorcyclist collided Alliance for the Right to Land. done taking into consideration the manner. drive through the at a tourist hotel in the with a pedestrian in the The report found that the value or loss of physical structures, This Policy requires social impact crossing when the signal Palana area. Amithirigala area on the definition of public purpose which the impact on the natural assessments, an entitlement light was on. Police said Meanwhile, a Thalduwa was used by the State is extremely resources, the loss of livelihoods, matrix, grievance redress the car had been pedestrian was seriously Mivitigammana Road in broad as land (private and land places of worship and community mechanisms, consultations and dragged forward about injured in a collision the Ruwanwella Police held by various Government ties (and specific impacts on awareness meetings at various 100 meters after with a motorcycle Division on 9 August. institutions) was acquired for women, children, marginalized points of the project. colliding with the train travelling towards The 65-year-old military camps, military run groups and minority groups), and She claimed that the current and had in turn collided Horana on the pedestrian died on resorts, luxury condominiums, access to schooling and services practices pertaining to the Act and with a concrete post off Panadura-Horana Main admission to the roads, infrastructure projects, like transport, and ultimately be the way that the Act is used by the the railway track. The Road in the Pokunuwita Amithirigala Hospital. A police stations and reservoirs. accommodated within the State needs a drastic overhaul as it motorist who was area. Both the Hospital spokesman She noted that whenever the Act entitlements afforded to people. is inadequate to continue with the seriously injured had motorcyclist and said that the is being used to acquire land for a On the issue of the lack of Act as it is. Therefore, the State died after being admitted pedestrian were injured motorcyclist who was public purpose, the public purpose information which has been must strengthen processes and to the Matara Hospital. and admitted to the injured in the accident for which the land is being acquired experienced right through the build in better safeguards and The 35-year-old victim Horana Hospital where was later transferred to must be disclosed right from the acquisition process, information entitlements based on due process, has been identified as a the 70-year-old the Karawanella Base start as people have a right to know must be made available in both transparency, accountability, resident of pedestrian succumbed Hospital for further what their land is being acquired Sinhala and Tamil in a form that justice and equity, for the citizens Wawahanduwa, Matara to injuries. Another treatment. for and also have adequate can be easily understood by the whose land is being acquired. Column tuesday 11 august 2020 A5

Foreign Funds, Friends & Foes When ICES Promoted R2P By Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha had done in 1983. And Gareth himself reprimanded me. I was depressed that after the opening of the session we had was so ruthlessly ambitious for a he had put his friendship with Bradman meetings with the Turkish and Cuban This account of work in Geneva proconsular role that he suggested to over the national interest, but I realised Ambassadors and then a working during the war deals with a problem me that the SLMM was useless and that that was part of what I term the lunch at the Intercontinental for that arose in Sri Lanka when the then perhaps a body like the International ‘machang’ culture which he upheld. several ambassadors. I also met Anders Canadian High Commissioner, Angela Crisis Group which he also headed At this stage Rama had assumed that Johannssen that afternoon, before Bogdan, behaved very badly. would be better at monitoring the CFA. Bradman would ensure that she was dinner at the Indian Ambassador’s Unfortunately this was another Interestingly, Rory Mungoven who was kept on, and perhaps Lalith would have residence. instance in which some elements in in charge of Asia at the Office of the succumbed to Bradman’s urgings, but The next day we had bilateral government failed to understand the United Nations High Commissioner for the President put the matter in the meetings with China and Belarus and gravity of the problem, namely that Human Rights had also suggested, hands of his Prime Minister, and that India and Portugal and the Ukraine there were efforts to make us an when he visited with Louise Arbour, trusty warhorse made sure her visa and Slovakia and Morocco, with example of the doctrine of the that OHCHR should replace the SLMM. was withdrawn. Interestingly Angela Canada and Norway after lunch. I then Responsibility to Protect which was Forgetting LTTE Bogdan was with her when she left, not had a meeting with Jon Hanssen Bauer being pushed by elements in the West. after practically all the NGOs that had who had taken over facilitation of the Fortunately the President stood firm. killed Neelan benefited hugely from funds meant to Peace Process from Erik Solheim, but Foremost amongst the busybodies promote peace had organised a petition had not contributed much, being was Gareth Evans, former Australian All this sleight of hand was to further to allow her to stay. essential a dogsbody for Solheim Foreign Minister, though I should make a plot in which both Rama Mani and Meanwhile Palitha was upset by what though a much nicer man. Then we it clear that the Australians were not it Radhika were complicit; the latter I had written about Bogdan. This was met the Iranians and Germans, before seemed involved in the process at all. serving on the Council of the R2P because the Canadian Foreign Ministry going to the ILO to meet with Sri But Gareth was now heavily involved in Board, though after I protested the had summoned our High Lankans at a party. the proconsular ambitions of the west, Secretary General got her to resign. Commissioner in Ottawa and read her Next morning I met Bauer again at the through the R2P lobby as well as the Sadly, she was trying to promote her Dr Neelan Tiruchelvam the riot act about my post. Sadly Mission and then we had a meeting with International Crisis Group – which was career by any means at this stage, and Palitha was quite content to allow the Organisation of Islamic Countries, taken over later by Louise Arbour the for this purpose she had overlooked the unfair attacks on us, and indeed he led then by Egypt which was a fast Canadian. claims of internal ICES staff to succeed also once upbraided Dayan for friend. I also met then with Manfred International bullying her and imposed Rama Mani on the carrying something I wrote about Nowak, the UN Rapporteur on Torture, organisation. Rama in turn saw her Radhika after she called him and who had visited us the previous year, a During that visit to Geneva in role as promoting R2P, and had indeed This was sprung on us complained. I don’t think he realised few months after I took over at the Peace January 2008 Dayan also took me to not only asked Gareth to make waves quite how insidiously those opposed Secretariat. I then delivered a response see a friend of his, the Chilean Juan when he spoke, but had also by the ICES, where the to our war against the Tigers were to some critical remarks by the British Somavia, who headed the ILO. committed ICES to be a Regional Executive Director trying to undermine us. Certainly he Minister Mark Malloch Brown, and then Unfortunately while I was there I was Centre to promote R2P. did not check on what was going on after lunch met with a Netherlands called up by our Foreign Secretary, I had got to understand what was Rama Mani whom within the Ministry, and thus Human Rights group and then Malloch Palitha Kohona, to upbraid me by happening through two sources, after Radhika permitted Gihan Indragupta to be Brown himself, which passed pleasantly something I had written about the my initial run in with Gareth over his recruited even though he had written enough. And that evening Dayan had Canadian High Commissioner in Sri speech. One was Jeevan Thiagarajah, Coomaraswamy several articles attacking our forces. another working dinner for several Lanka, Angela Bogdan. who had worked earlier at ICES and handpicked to succeed He claimed when I asked him about ambassadors. This related to the other crisis at told me that a couple of his colleague this that he did not deal with The next day we met the Western and home with which I was dealing at the who were still there had found that her was trying to recruitment but that seemed to me the African groups, and then after time. This was sprung on us by the money was being squandered. When promote Sri Lanka as irresponsible in a context in which he lunch I saw Somavia at ILO before International Centre for Ethnic they questioned this, Angela Bogdan issued letters of appointment. seeing Bauer again at the Mission. We Studies, where the Executive Director had in effect blackmailed Jeevan, and a guinea pig for the It was in the face of such lethargy, then met with the East Europeans after Rama Mani whom Radhika threatened to stop the funding Canada doctrine of the and complacence with regard to the which I had an interview for Net Radio. Coomaraswamy handpicked to succeed provided to the Consortium of misbehaviour of personal That was followed by meeting World her was trying to promote Sri Lanka as Humanitarian Agencies he headed if he Responsibility to acquaintance, that Dayan had to hold Vision and Geneva Call, and then I had a guinea pig for the doctrine of the did not lay off criticising Rama. Protect which former the fort in Geneva, and it is a tribute a BBC interview about what Human Responsibility to Protect which former The financial mess – which had to his skill that he managed. He did so Rights Watch was claiming, where the Australian Foreign Minister Gareth begun in Radhika’s time, which she in Australian Foreign through assiduous networking, detailed rebuttals I had prepared Evans was trying to push. her usual attempt at a disarming Minister Gareth Evans engaging in constant discussions with earlier came in useful. The previous year he had delivered explanation claimed was because she friends and enemies, inviting The next day I went to the Palais to what was supposed to be the Neelan had trusted her Finance Director who was trying to push. questions to which we tried to respond to some strictures Louise Tiruchelvam lecture, in which he she later discovered knew nothing The previous year he respond effectively. Arbour made about us in her remarks completely ignored the fact that it was about finance – had led to the Geneva Meetings as High Commissioner, and then went the LTTE that had assassinated Chairman of the Board, Prof Kinsgley had delivered what to the local Office for the Coordination Neelan. Rather he took the opportunity de Silva, dismissing Rama. But then he was supposed to be the In March, I went back to Geneva for of Humanitarian Assistance given how to suggest that Sri Lanka was heading was pressurised by Bradman the regular HRC session, spending a important their work was at this stage. towards a situation where the UN Weerakoon, and withdrew his letter. Neelan Tiruchelvam night en route in Zurich where I I then drafted a response to some might need to invoke the R2P doctrine. However, I had meanwhile been told collected an opera ticket that had criticism by Canada, and attended a To substantiate this he spoke about by Colonel Anil Amarasekera about lecture, in which he been booked for me. I got to Geneva sidebar over lunch before rushing to ethnic cleansing, which his assistant ICES being listed as a Regional Centre completely ignored the then on March 2nd, for a strategy the station for my train to Zurich. I had Alan Keenan who had written the for R2P and found that this had not session at the Mission before dinner to go straight to the Opera to leave my speech admitted referred to what the been brought before the Board. I fact that it was the with Dayan and Sanja. Next morning bags in the cloakroom before having a LTTE had done with regard to Muslims brought this to the attention of the LTTE that had we started our meetings with a snack, and then watching ‘Nabucco’ in the North and 1990; and about President and wrote about this. working breakfast at the which was quite splendid. And the next genocide for which he could only cite Bradman then complained to Lalith assassinated Neelan Intercontinental where Mahinda morning, after speaking to Dayan on what the Jayewardene Government Weeratunge who, very gently, Samarasinghe was staying, and then, the phone, I went back to Colombo. U.S. Court Permits Trans People Changing Sex on BC By Sonia Elks feelings or experiences’ undermined that aim, it said, while defining sex as ‘immutable biological A federal court in the U.S. state of Idaho has and physiological characteristics’. overturned a state-wide ban that stopped U.S. LGBT+ rights organisation Lambda Legal, transgender people from changing the sex on their which filed a legal challenge to the ban, welcomed birth certificates to match their gender identity. the ruling. Idaho Governor Brad Little looked set to face a “The court could not have been clearer: What was legal battle after he signed into law two discriminatory in 2018 remains discriminatory controversial bills in March regarding the trans today,” Nora Huppert, an attorney with Lambda community. Legal, said in a statement. One law resuscitated a ban preventing trans “Idaho officials may not block transgender people people born in Idaho from changing the gender on from obtaining identity documents that reflect who their birth certificates, while the other banned they are.” trans girls from competing in female sports teams. Lambda highlighted a 2015 U.S. Transgender But the U.S. District Court for Idaho said late Survey that found almost one-third of trans people Friday that the ban on changing gender markers who showed an identity document with a name or was in breach of a 2018 injunction that ordered the gender that conflicted with their perceived gender state to stop discriminating against trans people by were harassed, denied benefits or services, preventing them from updating their documents. discriminated against, or assaulted. At least 46 Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) other U.S. states currently provide a process for “denies transgender individuals a meaningful trans people to change the sex on their birth process for changing the sex listed on their birth certificate, Lambda said in a statement. certificate”, said Judge Candy W. Dale in her Idaho is also facing a legal challenge over a ban ruling. against trans girls competing in female sports “This violates the injunction’s directive leagues. prohibiting IDHW from categorically rejecting The Human Rights Commission said both laws applications from transgender people to change the were unconstitutional and would result in litigation sex listed on their birth certificates.” at the cost of the Idaho taxpayer. Little’s office was not immediately available for “This is unacceptable, and a gross misuse of comment. taxpayer funds and trust. Idaho is leading the way In the bill that introduced the ban, the state in anti-transgender discrimination, and at a time argued that maintaining accurate vital records was when life is hard enough for everyone,” Alphonso key to protecting public health, with the bill signed David, president of the Human Rights Campaign into law in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. said in an earlier statement. Allowing people to alter them based on ‘subjective (Thomson Reuters Foundation) A6 tuesday 11 august 2020 editorial

Ceylon Newspapers (Pvt) Ltd. No: 101, Rosmead Place, Colombo 07. Editorial Tel: 0117566522, 0117566526, 0117566527 Fax: 0117566545 Marketing Manager: 0117566550, 0117566551 Circulation Manager: 0117566580, 0117566581 E-mail : [email protected] Emulate JR UNP’s losing leader Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sedawatte fame has decided to resign, it was reported yesterday. His successor, if he has actually decided to resign, thus far, will have to be picked from among another four losing UNP MPs and Ministers, all of whom are Wickremesinghe’s men, namely Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Ravi Karunanayake, Daya Gamage and Vajira Abeywardena. ‘Funny,’ why former UNP MP and Minister John Amaratunga’s (80) and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya’s (79) names are also not on the possible UNP leadership list? Amaratunga, another Wickremesinghe loyalist, first entered Parliament in 1989, much before either Kariyawasam or Karunanayake or Gamage or Abeywardena did. Meanwhile, Jayasuriya, also a Wickremesinghe loyalist, is also a former UNP Mayor of Colombo (1997-1999), Chairman of the UNP in 1995 and an MP from 2000 before his Party’s defeat at Wednesday’s Parliamentary Poll. America’s Unholy Jayasuriya as Speaker of Parliament shone at the abortive attempt to impeach Wickremesinghe as Prime Minister by using extra-Parliamentary methods which took place on 26 October, 2018. It’s however learnt that these four ‘minions’ of Crusade Against China the UNP, i.e. Kariyawasam, Karunanayake, Gamage and Abeywardena handed over their By JEFFREY D. SACHS names as possible leadership contenders upon learning of Wickremesinghe’s intention to resign. Many white Christian evangelicals in the However, in the event Wickremesinghe resigns, United States have long believed that his successor will have to be decided by the UNP’s America has a God-given mission to save Working Committee which will be meeting in the world. Under the influence of this another three days’ time on Friday to take up this crusading mentality, United States foreign issue. Therefore, Amaratunga and Jayasuriya still policy has often swerved from diplomacy to have time to submit their names as contenders to war. It is in danger of doing so again. the UNP leadership. Wickremesinghe has assured Last month, Secretary of State Mike that the UNP Working Committee is already Pompeo launched yet another evangelical packed with his loyalists. crusade, this time against China. Wickremesinghe, dictatorially, has been the His speech was extremist, simplistic, and UNP’s longest serving leader, spanning a total of dangerous – and may well put the United 26 years, beginning in November 1994, after the States on a path to conflict with China. end of that year’s Presidential Poll. According to Pompeo, Chinese President During his leadership span, he oversaw the Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of UNP’s defeat in a record three out of four China (CPC) harbour a “decades-long desire explicitly stated national goals are to be a believes that the end time, the apocalyptic Presidential Elections, beginning with the for global hegemony.” This is ironic. Only “moderately prosperous society” by 2021 battle between good and evil, is imminent. Presidential Poll of 1999 and ending with the one country – the United States – has (the centenary of the CPC), and a “fully Pompeo described his beliefs in a 2015 recently concluded Presidential Poll of November a defence strategy calling for it to be the developed country” by 2049 (the centennial speech while a Congressman from Kansas: 2019 (last year). “pre-eminent military power in the world,” of the People’s Republic). America is a Judeo-Christian nation, the Wickremesinghe also led his Party to record with “favourable regional balances of power Moreover, at an estimated $10,098 in greatest in history, whose task is to fight defeats in four out of six Parliamentary Polls, in the Indo-Pacific, Europe, the Middle 2019, China’s GDP per capita was less than God’s battles until the Rapture, when beginning with the Parliamentary Election of 1999 East, and the Western Hemisphere.” one-sixth that of the US ($65,112) – hardly Christ’s born-again followers, like Pompeo, and ending with the Parliamentary Poll that ended China’s defence white paper, by contrast, the basis for global supremacy. China still will be swept to heaven at the Last on Wednesday (5 August). states that “China will never follow the has a lot of catching up to do to achieve Judgment. His, ‘deciding to resign’ is long overdue. He beaten track of big powers in seeking even its basic economic development goals. should have ‘decided to resign’ and should have hegemony,” and that, “As economic Assuming that Trump loses in Proportion of evangelicals had actually resigned 21 years ago in 1999 after he globalisation, the information society, and November’s Presidential Election, Pompeo’s White evangelicals represent only lost that year’s Presidential Poll. cultural diversification develop in an speech will likely receive no further notice. around 17% of the United States adult Besides these two national polls, i.e. the increasingly multi-polar world, peace, The Democrats will surely criticise China, population, but comprise around 26% of Presidential and Parliamentary polls, development, and win-win cooperation but without Pompeo’s brazen voters. They vote overwhelmingly Wickremesinghe was also responsible for leading remain the irreversible trends of the times.” exaggerations. Yet, if Trump wins, Pompeo’s Republican (an estimated 81% in 2016), his Party to a countless number of defeats in One is reminded of Jesus’s own speech could be a harbinger of chaos. making them the party’s single most several mini polls (Local Government and admonition: “Thou hypocrite, first cast out Pompeo’s evangelism is real, and white important voting bloc. That gives them Provincial Council elections) as well. the beam out of thine own eye; and then evangelicals are the political base of today’s powerful influence on Republican policy Meanwhile, the UNP at Wednesday’s shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote Republican Party. and in particular on foreign policy when Parliamentary Poll recorded its worst-ever showing out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Pompeo’s zealous excesses have deep Republicans control the White House and at an election by winning only a solitary seat, in its United States military spending totalled roots in American history. As I recounted in Senate (with its treaty-ratifying powers). 74-year history as a political party. $732 billion in 2019, nearly three times the my recent book A New Foreign Policy, Fully 99% of Republican congressmen are Prior to this, its worst performance at an election $261 billion China spent. English protestant settlers believed that Christian, of whom around 70% are took place 64 years ago when it was reduced to a they were founding a New Israel in the new Protestant, including a significant though mere eight seats at the 1956 Parliamentary Poll. Overseas military bases promised land, with God’s providential unknown proportion of evangelicals. The UNP at the 1956 Poll was led by Prime The United States, moreover, has blessings. In 1845, John O’Sullivan coined Of course, the Democrats also harbour Minister Sir John Kotelawala, while the UNP at around 800 overseas military bases, while the phrase “Manifest Destiny” to justify and some politicians who proclaim American Wednesday’s Poll was led by Wickremesinghe. China has just one (a small Naval Base in celebrate America’s violent annexation of exceptionalism and launch crusading wars Kotelawala, after the 1956 drubbing, resigned Djibouti). The United States has many North America. “All this will be our future (for example, President Barack Obama’s from politics. military bases close to China, which has history,” he wrote in 1839, “to establish on interventions in Syria and Libya). On the The 1956 Poll saw the number of seats held by none anywhere near the United States. The earth the moral dignity and salvation of whole, however, the Democratic Party is the UNP being reduced from 54 (won at the 1952 United States has 5,800 nuclear warheads; man – the immutable truth and beneficence less wedded to claims of United States Parliamentary Poll) to eight in the then China has roughly 320. The United States of God. For this blessed mission to the hegemony than is the Republican Party’s 95-member Parliament, a reduction of 85.19 per has 11 aircraft carriers; China has one. The nations of the world, which are shut out evangelical base. cent (46) seats between these two polls in a span of US has launched many overseas wars in from the life-giving light of truth, has Pompeo’s inflammatory anti-China four years. the past 40 years; China has launched America been chosen...”. rhetoric could become even more Sixty four years later in 2020, the number of none (though it has been criticised for Mass enslavement apocalyptic in the coming weeks, if only to seats held by the UNP fell from 106 (at the August border skirmishes, most recently with fire up the Republican base ahead of the 2015 Parliamentary Poll) to one at Wednesday’s India, that stop short of war). On the basis of such exalted views of its election. If Trump is defeated, as seems Parliamentary Poll, a 99.06 per cent (105) The United States has repeatedly rejected own beneficence, the United States engaged likely, the risk of a United States reduction in the number of seats held between or withdrawn from United Nations treaties in mass enslavement until the Civil War confrontation with China will recede. But if these two Polls in a span of five years. and UN organisations in recent years, and mass apartheid thereafter; slaughtered he remains in power, whether by a true The fate of the UNP is due to Wickremesinghe’s including UNESCO, the Paris climate Native Americans throughout the electoral victory, vote fraud, or even a coup dictatorial attitude. agreement, and, most recently, the World nineteenth century and subjugated them (anything is possible), Pompeo’s crusade However, with still three days to go before the Health Organisation, while China supports thereafter; and, with the closure of the would probably proceed, and could well UNP Working Committee meets to decide on the UN processes and agencies. United States Western frontier, extended Manifest bring the world to the brink of a war that he Party’s future, Wickremesinghe could yet save face President Donald Trump recently Destiny overseas. Later, with the onset of expects and perhaps even seeks. and avoid his Party from being obliterated, by threatened the staff of the International the Cold War, anti-communist fervour led (Jeffrey D. Sachs, Professor of inviting the SJB and the new Opposition Leader Criminal Court with sanctions. Pompeo the United States to fight disastrous wars Sustainable Development and Professor Sajith Premadasa to take over the leadership of the rails against China’s clampdown on its in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, and of Health Policy and Management at Party. mainly Muslim Uighur population, but Cambodia) in the 1960s and 1970s, and Columbia University, is Director of Wickremesinghe knows that Premadasa was Trump’s former National Security Adviser, brutal wars in Central America in the Columbia’s Centre for Sustainable forced to form the SJB because of his dictatorial John Bolton, claims that Trump privately 1980s. Development and the UN Sustainable attitude. He could yet carve out a name as a gave China’s actions a pass, or After the 11 September 2001, terrorist Development Solutions Network. He has Statesman even at this late stage, if he invites even encouraged them. attacks, the evangelical ardour was directed served as Special Adviser to three UN Premadasa to take over the UNP leadership, just The world took relatively little notice of against “radical Islam” or “Islamic fascism,” Secretaries-General. His books as much as his uncle J.R. Jayewardene did 63 Pompeo’s speech, which offered no evidence with four United States wars of choice – in include The End of Poverty, Common years ago in 1957 when he invited Dudley to back up his claims of China’s hegemonic Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Libya – all of Wealth, The Age of Sustainable Senanayake to once more takeover the leadership ambition. China’s rejection of United States which remain debacles to this day. Development, Building the New of the UNP after his Party was all but obliterated at hegemony does not mean that China itself Suddenly, the supposed existential threat American Economy, and most the 1956 Parliamentary Poll. seeks hegemony. Indeed, outside of the of radical Islam has been forgotten, and the recently, A New Foreign Policy: Beyond United States, there is little belief that new crusade targets the CPC. American Exceptionalism.) China aims for global dominance. China’s Pompeo himself is a biblical literalist who (www.project-syndicate.org) Column Tuesday 11 AUGUST 2020 A7 Decoding Election Results

By N. Sathiya Moorthy

Elections-2020 will be remembered for very many reasons. The COVID- 19 pandemic of course and the two- Such a defeat thirds majority that the SLPP came after the obtained even under the inscrutable proportional representation (PR) even more callous system, for the first time ever since its introduction as far back as the way they handled 1978 Constitution. the Nation Arguments are since being put forth that had it not been for the UNP through the split, the SLPP would not have done previous five as creditably. Even this section does not claim that the Opposition years of combine would have won, even if not as handsomely. Yahapalana Inaccurate and regime, what mischievous they themselves

Sections of the foreign Media and entered into the ‘international commentators’ Constitution especially go on to attribute the Rajapaksa & Rajapaksa victory to the through the ill- increasing sense of ‘Sinhala- conceived 19-A as Buddhist Nationalism’, more after last year’s Easter Sunday serial- a ‘ Government blasts, attributed to self-styled, home-grown ‘Islamists’. It’s again of National Unity’ inaccurate, if not mischievous. (GNU). There was The sweeping SLPP victory is not inversely proportionate to either. neither Instead, it is directly proportional to governance, nor the continued unpopularity of the Opposition, which could not hold Elections 2020 - SLPP obtained for the first time ever a two-thirds majority since the introduction of the PR system unity and none in itself together, even in the face of deep crisis in the aftermath of the dis-united resounding defeat in the presidential UNP’s 240,436 votes (2.15 per cent), the Muslim and Upcountry Tamil the candidate they vote for – or, vote Government had poll last year. and then again, there was no way an votes in the SJB poll this time, and against, likewise. There is again a Such a defeat came after the even undivided UNP would have made it. you now know the real strength – or, discernible message for the political any time for the more callous way they handled the weakness? – of the UNP political leaderships and the presidential Nation through the previous five Equally true family. candidates – particularly the one Nation. Coming years of Yahapalana regime, what The argument that in select Interestingly, all this was for elected. as it is after such they themselves entered into the electorates and electoral districts, it different figures of total votes polled The message is even more so for Constitution through the ill- would have made a difference may between the Presidential and the international community, in the a disastrous five conceived 19-A as a ‘ Government of not also hold water. In terms of the Parliamentary Polls. It was 3,387,951 contemporary Sri Lankan context. years, for the National Unity’ (GNU). There was vote-share difference between the (83.72 per cent) for the former. In the The message is that their President- neither governance, nor unity and SLPP and an undivided UNP is still Parliamentary Polls, at the recorded elect is doing what they have UNP rebel to split none in the dis-united Government huge in every electoral district; that 71 per cent, the real numbers should endorsed him to do, and/or expect had any time for the Nation. Coming whatever additions may have accrued work out to 11-million-plus votes him to deliver. So, for ‘outsiders’ to the party in as it is after such a disastrous five would have only been in terms of the (rough, unofficial). attribute the victory of a presidential times of internal years, for the UNP rebel to split the number of ‘National List’ MPs, say Granting that the average of five candidate to the soundness of Sri party in times of internal crisis and around five more – but definitely at per cent voters who stayed away this Lankan democracy, dating back to crisis and National recovery was the least that the expense of the SLPP’s National time compared to earlier the Donoughmore days in 1931, and the Nation would have expected and List. parliamentary polls were all UNP blaming an incumbent for decisions National recovery wanted – least of all, three- Whatever is true of the SLPP vote- voters, no explanation has ever been taken in respect of the popular was the least that generations of UNP loyalists. share, the traditional UNP voter has sought and answered why the mandate is just not on. the Nation would Figure of speech enough of it, he wanted a re-oriented turnout in Presidential Polls has One, the elected President cannot party that will not reflect the ideology invariably been more than 80 per run with the hare and hunt with the have expected Figures don’t lie. Leave aside the and practices of the traditional SLFP cent all along. It defies logic. hound. Two, the international percentages, which changes with the rival and its offshoot in the SLPP. community or the local civil society and wanted – real numbers, but even real numbers When Sajith and SJB came, they Discerning voter and other critics of a President in the tell a different story. To begin with, grabbed it. Compared to Presidential Elections, country too cannot expect him or least of all, three- the voter turn-out, at 71 per cent this If the SJB did not make it still, the the Parliamentary Poll candidates her, hunt with the hare and run with generations of time, is at least five per cent lower polling figures tell the true story of from every political party and group the hound. than the usual 75-plus per cent on the pre-split UNP’s voter-base. will be campaigning with a host of UNP loyalists earlier occasions. Together the two parties polled a their national-level leaders, and go NOTA vote A specious argument is being put total of 7,094,128 votes (23.9+2.15 = all the way down to the grassroots- Against this, in the Parliamentary forth that most of the absentee voters 26.05 per cent). There is no level. Consider the Provincial Council Poll and also the local Government belonged to the UNP, and were upset comparison with the SLPP’s 59.09 Elections, and the poll percentage Elections, the voter is weighing the with Sajith Premadasa walking out per cent. has invariably been around or above capacity and capability of the rival and forming his SJB. Together, the It all becomes curiouser when 70 per cent. In the normal course, it candidates standing at his door-step. that the number of members per parent and the breakaway parties compared to last year’s Presidential should have been even more than It could well mean that he is party does not change between two put off the traditional UNP voters. Election. Gotabaya Rajapaksa polled that for the Parliamentary and dissatisfied with all, to a greater Elections. It has also avoided the It is more than likely that the 6,924,255 votes (52.25 per cent). Presidential Polls. degree in the case of the latter and uncertainties attending on by- inherent fear of COVID-19 Sajith Premadasa as the undivided There can only be one valid relatively lesser degree for the former. Elections, caused by the death or encouraged older people to stay at UNP candidate polled 5,564,239 argument or reason. That the Sri The option in such circumstances resignation of a candidate. home – or, were discouraged thus by votes (41.99 per cent). Back of the Lankan voter is discerning. For him, for the voter is to stay away, or But if parties and politician are younger family members, like a son envelope calculations at the time he who rules him, as President boycott the poll. A clearer picture can serious about it all, they should be or a daughter, or sons and showed that Tamil, Muslim and matters the most. The rest of them emerge, if as in neighbouring India, seriously looking at an anti-defection daughters, or sons-in-law and Upcountry Tamil allies may have all, including Ministers, MPs and PC there is way for the unhappy voter to law, to end horse-trading. At least for daughters-in-law. They definitely contributed a minimum of 12 per administrators all could wait – or, mark ‘None of the above’, or NOTA. In the next five years, no party or stayed at home, and across the cent vote-share to Premadasa. they better wait. such a case, even the disgruntled leader, especially those in this country, in many cases. Deducting it, the UNP vote-share at voter will have a voice, and his Government, have to worry about Yet, in a country where older the time would have come to 30 per Twin evaluations silence will sound loud and clear, their numbers, two-thirds or not. people have been casting their vote cent. It is also what the UNP got in In turn, this implies that the possibly even more. Again, India in the immediate under the complicated PR system the Nation-wide local Government Presidential Poll comprises twin Pre-poll, Ranil Wickremesinghe neighbourhood has an anti-defection since the beginning and without polls in February 2018. This time evaluations. One to assess the said that this would be the last law in force for a few decades now. much difficulty, to conclude that they round, the TNA contested alone, so performance of the incumbent. The Election under the PR system. Talks The flaws in the scheme have also are less intelligent and that the UNP’s did the SLMC and ACMC in a couple other is to evaluate the hopes and about reforming the poll system has been exposed over the years. Sri ‘elite voters’ alone care for their lives of constituencies. That should promises inspired by the rival, even been on for years now. Foreign Lanka can study and take off from and health is absurd. They belonged explain the combined vote of SJB and when he is not in power to give any Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s there. to every political party and group and UNP getting stuck at 26-plus per real hope or make any actionable name became popular in the country The writer is a Distinguished their staying away may have added to cent. promises. as heading the committee that was Fellow and Head-Chennai the lower turn-out, but adding to It is another matter that the total Yet, if the Sri Lankan voter makes looking into the matter for long. Initiative, Observer Research disillusioned UNP supporters. SLT votes for the unified UNP it as much a point as possible to vote There are good elements in the Foundation, the multi-disciplinary Going by published accounts, the candidate in the presidential poll was in Presidential Polls in large system, so reforming should look into Indian public-policy think-tank, SLPP polled 6,853,693 votes (59.09 more than the TNA’s current vote- numbers, it also means that they ways to retain the name. For instance headquartered in New Delhi. per cent) against the runner-up SJB share of 327,168 (2.82 per cent). You identify that much more and even the “’Lst system’ combined with the Email: sathiyam54@ with 2,771,984 (23.9 per cent). Add take away say around 3-4 per cent of more personally and politically with ‘Preference Vote’ system has ensured sathiyamoorthy.com Poland Demand Release LGBT Activist By Alicja Ptak and Marcin people, who were trying to stop the The commissioner for human rights Goclowski authorities from jailing Margot, the at the Council of Europe, a rights activist accused of hanging flags on watchdog, called for the immediate Several thousand people waving statues of Jesus and others and release of the activist. rainbow flags protested in the centre of destroying the van of an anti- “Order to detain her for 2 months Warsaw to demand the release of an abortionist. “We are here to protest sends very chilling signal for freedom LGBT activist accused of hanging against the fact that these people were of speech and LGBT rights in Poland,” rainbow banners over statues and detained by the police,” Mateusz Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic damaging an anti-abortion Wojtowicz, 24, a payroll specialist, told tweeted. The ruling nationalist Law campaigner’s van. Reuters. and Justice (PiS) party says LGBT Crowds chanted ‘Give us Margot The police started releasing detained rights are part of what it calls an back!’ and ‘Rainbow does not insult protesters on Saturday, but not invasive foreign ideology that you!’ outside Warsaw’s Palace of Margot. She is a member of the activist undermines Polish values and the Culture. The peaceful gathering group ‘Stop Bzdurom’. The group has traditional family. applauded activists hanging another said they hung flags on statues last Condemning Friday’s protest, Justice rainbow flag on a statue in front of the week as part of a fight for LGBT rights, Minister Zbigniew Ziobro said Palace, while police officers filmed the an issue thrust into the heart of public authorities had to act or face “even performance and the protest leaders. debate in Poland during last month’s more violent” attacks by activists. On Friday the police detained 48 Presidential Election. (Reuters) A8 tuesday 11 august 2020 Asia HK tycoon Jimmy Lai arrested under security law Hong Kong Media tycoon Jimmy Lai and rifling through files, reported Lai bought to show support for Lai. became the highest-profile arrest was taken away from his home early on Reuters was unable to verify the under a new national security law on Monday. veracity of the posts. Monday (10), detained over suspected The live feed showed staff being “The market may now think the collusion with foreign forces as around asked to show identity documents. worst is over,” said Kenny Ng, analyst 200 Police searched the offices of his Some executive offices were sealed off at brokerage Everbright Sun Hung Kai. Apple Daily newspaper. with red cordons. The Police later An Apple Daily source said that other Lai, 71, has been one of the most wheeled in stacks of empty plastic senior executives in the company were prominent democracy activists in the containers. among those targeted and they were Chinese-ruled city and an ardent critic Lai himself was brought back to the hiring lawyers. Next Digital Executive of Beijing, which imposed the sweeping office later, initially in handcuffs. Director Cheung Kim-hung was seen new law on Hong Kong on 30 June, “We can’t worry that much, we can escorted by police out of the building. drawing condemnation from Western only go with the flow,” Lai said, before “We see this as straight harassment,” countries. being escorted into a Police vehicle. the source said, adding that Lai was His arrest comes amid Beijing’s Police said around 200 officers arrested on suspicion of sedition, crackdown against pro-democracy entered the premises with a court criminal fraud and colluding with opposition in the city and further warrant. The law allows Police to foreign forces. stokes concerns about Media and other search premises without one “under Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said freedoms promised to the former exceptional circumstances,” and also “China should not treat Hong Kong this British colony when it returned to Media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of Apple Daily (C) is detained by the allows seizing documents, equipment way.” China in 1997. national security unit in Hong Kong. (Reuters) and financial assets. On major cases in Hong Kong, the It “bears out the worst fears paper would not intimidated by the officials, including Secretary of State The search was finished by mid- central Government in Beijing can that Hong Kong’s National Security raid. Mike Pompeo, to rally support afternoon, and Police said they claim jurisdiction. The legislation Law would be used to suppress critical “Business as usual,” he said. for Hong Kong democracy, prompting collected 25 boxes of evidence. allows agents to take suspects across pro-democracy opinion and restrict The new security law punishes Beijing to label him a “traitor”. Apple Daily reported one of Lai’s the border for trials in Communist Press freedom,” said Steven Butler, the anything China considers subversion, Hong Kong Police said they had sons, Ian, was also arrested at his Party-controlled courts. Committee to Protect Journalists’ Asia secession, terrorism and collusion with arrested seven men, aged 39-72, on home and later showed his restaurant, Apple Daily executive Chan Pui-man programme coordinator. “Jimmy Lai foreign forces with up to life in prison. suspicion of breaching the new Cafe Seasons, being raided by police. said the newspaper will be published should be released at once and any Critics say it crushes freedoms, while security law, without naming them, Shares of Media company Next on Tuesday (11). charges dropped.” supporters say it will bring stability adding that further arrests were Digital, which publishes Apple Daily, “Even if Apple Daily publish a pile of Ryan Law, chief editor of Apple Daily, after prolonged pro-democracy protests possible. plunged 16.7 per cent before blank paper tomorrow, we would go a staunch anti-government and pro- last year. Apple Daily, which posted on its rebounding to trade 300 per cent and buy a copy,” prominent young democracy tabloid that also does Lai had been a frequent visitor to Facebook page a livestream of Police higher. Some on Facebook posted activist Joshua Wong said on Twitter. investigative work, told Reuters the Washington, where he has met officers roaming through its newsroom screenshots of purchases saying they (Reuters)

Chennai, India Bangkok, Thailand Seoul, South Korea Country’s largest croc Red Cross trains park almost broke thousands of N. Koreans To help cope with coronavirus, floods after lockdowns The Red Cross has trained floods and landslides, 43,000 North Korean spokesman Antony Balmain India’s largest crocodile park may have as little as four volunteers to help said. months before it runs out of funds to feed animals, pay staff communities, including the “Hundreds of homes have and do research, as ticket revenue shrinks after coronavirus locked-down city of been damaged and large lockdowns choked the flow of visitors, park officials said. Kaesong, fight the novel areas of rice fields have been Annual sales of about five million tickets usually make up coronavirus and provide submerged due to heavy roughly half the revenue of the park, located about 40 km (25 flood assistance, an official rain and some flash miles) from the southern city of Chennai, but it has been shut with the relief organisation flooding,” Balmain said. since 16 March, with no prospect of reopening in sight. said on Monday (10). Precipitation levels in the (Reuters) North Korean leader Kim North this month were Jong Un declared an higher than 2007 when the emergency last month and country suffered its worst A pro-democracy protester attends a rally to demand the Government imposed a lockdown on floods, a spokesman at to resign, to dissolve Parliament and to hold new elections under a Kaesong, near the inter- Seoul’s Unification Ministry revised Constitution, at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus out- Korean border, after a man overseeing inter-Korean side of Bangkok. (Reuters) who defected to the South in affairs said. 2017 returned to the city In Kaesong, which was Pro-Govt group warns showing coronavirus grappling with both the symptoms. lockdown and floods, IFRC Heavy rain and flooding in volunteers were providing of danger to nation recent days have also 2,100 families most at risk sparked concern about crop with relief items including damage and food supplies in tarpaulins, kitchen sets, from student protests the isolated country. quilts, hygiene kits and Dozens of Thai Government country that was for roiled for The International water containers, Balmain supporters rallied in front of more than a decade by sporadic Federation of said. Parliament House in Bangkok street clashes between Red Cross and Red Crescent “Families are being on Monday (10) in a counter- conservatives and their rivals Societies (IFRC) has built an supported with Zoo keepers feed crocodiles in their enclosure at the demonstration to recent loyal to former populist Prime extensive network of North psychological first aid and Madras Crocodile Bank, closed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, student-led, anti-government Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Korean volunteers to help awareness activities to in Mahabalipuram, India, 3 August 2020. (Reuters) protests. Protests have been The recent demonstrations residents in all nine maintain hygiene and stay taking place almost daily since have been much smaller. provinces to avoid the virus healthy,” he added. mid-July, challenging the Prime Minister Prayuth has and reduce damage from (Reuters) Government of Prime Minister said that the Government is Prayuth Chan-ocha and the creating a way for political Hong Kong, China conservative royalist groups to express their views establishment. but he has voiced concern about In a sign of more coordinated confrontation. Taipei, Taiwan Macau announces opposition to the students, a The reaction from authorities former nationalist activist, to the pro-democracy protests Sumet Trakulwoonnoo, 46, has been limited but two partial restart announced a new pro- activists were arrested on Friday government group, the (07) on charges of sedition and Coordination Center of breaking restrictions to stop the of tourist visas Vocational Students for the spread of coronavirus, Hoping for casino revival Protection of National prompting a protest by more Institutions (CVPI). than 1,000 people in Bangkok Macau’s Government on Monday (10) announced that tourist “A group of people is on Saturday (8). visas, through which the majority of gamblers visit casinos in the instigating young minors to The two were later freed on Chinese territory, will be reinstated for the neighbouring city of come out and attack the bail. Human Rights Watch said Zhuhai, paving the way for a revival of visitors. military, the Government and that several protesters around Macau’s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ao Ieong U also involving the monarchy, the country had faced announced that the highly anticipated individual visit scheme and this could lead to violence harassment by authorities, (IVS) would resume from 12 August. and destruction of our system of including six student leaders in Casinos in the world’s biggest gambling hub have experienced governance and our culture,” Phitsanulok Province in the heavy losses since February when travel dried up due to the Sumet told reporters at the rally. north who were held without coronavirus. Greater China accounts for more than 90 per cent “We’re setting up to remind charge for nine hours. of Macau’s tourists. youth groups, parents, teachers “Legal action and harassment (Reuters) and officials about the danger to are intensifying despite Prime Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen wearing a face mask speaks during the nation from these people Minister Prayuth’s promises a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex who are instigating youth to that the Government would Azar at the presidential office, in Taipei. (Reuters) become godless and obsessed listen to the dissenters’ with Western culture, do drugs demands and concerns,” said and hate their parents and Sunai Phasuk, senior China sends teachers.” researcher on Thailand for The protesters, led by student Human Rights Watch. fighter jets as U.S. groups, have made a growing The Government denied number of veiled references to ordering any harassment of the monarchy, a highly sensitive critics. offers ‘strong’ support topic, and one speaker at a “The Government has not Chinese air force jets briefly crossed over the mid-line of recent rally called for its reform. ordered the blocking of student the Taiwan Strait on Monday (10) and were tracked Monday’s pro-establishment activism,” Government deputy by Taiwanese missiles, Taiwan’s Government said, as U.S. demonstration took place less spokeswoman Rachada health chief Alex Azar visited the island to offer President than 100 metres (yards) from a Dhnadirek told Reuters. Donald Trump’s strong support. pro-democracy protest, but “We don’t want to see violence Azar arrived in Taiwan on Sunday (9) as the highest-level Police kept watch and there was or expressions beyond the U.S. official to visit in four decades, a trip condemned by no trouble. The rival bounds of the law,” Rachada China which claims the island as its own, further irritating General view shows the Venetian Macao casino and hotel, following demonstrations have revived said. Sino-U.S. relations. the coronavirus outbreak in Macau, China, 5 February 2020. (Reuters) concern about trouble in a (Reuters) (Reuters) world tuesday 11 august 2020 A9

Istanbul, Turkey New seismic Lebanon’s Cabinet under pressure survey set to revive Greek tensions Ministers quit and anger Turkey's Navy has in the region as Greece issued an advisory had not kept its saying that the Turkish promises on the issue. ship Oruc Reis will Greek Prime Minister grows over Beirut blast carry out a seismic Kyriakos Mitsotakis was survey in a disputed expected to chair a area in the eastern meeting of the Lebanese called for protests Mediterranean over the Government Council on outside Baabda Palace on next two weeks, a step Foreign Affairs and Monday (10) to demand President likely to revive tensions Defence Issues at 0900 Michel Aoun step down after a with neighbouring GMT, his office said on massive explosion that has Greece. Monday (10). ignited anti-government protests The two NATO allies Minister of State and resignations by several are at odds over George Gerapetritis told ministers, with the Justice overlapping claims for Greek State TV that Minister the latest to go. hydrocarbon resources Athens was in full Last week's port warehouse in the region. A similar "political and detonation of more than 2,000 advisory, or Navtex, last operational readiness." tonnes of ammonium nitrate month prompted a Greece stood ready to killed 158 people, injured more dispute which was engage in a constructive than 6,000 and destroyed a calmed after the dialogue with Turkey on swathe of the Mediterrnean city, intervention of German their differences, he compounding months of political Chancellor Angela said. and economic meltdown and Merkel, leading Turkey The NAVTEX, issued prompting furious calls for the to agree a pause in by the Turkish Navy's entire Government to step down. operations. office of navigation, The Cabinet, formed in But President Tayyip covered an area of sea January with the backing of the Erdogan said on Friday south of Turkey's powerful Iran-backed Hezbollah (7) Turkey had resumed Antalya and west of group and its allies, was due to energy exploration work Cyprus. (Reuters) meet on Monday under pressure with many ministers wanting to resign, ministerial and political sources said. The Information and Environment Ministers quit on Sunday (9) as well as several Demonstrators take part in a protest following Tuesday’s blast, in Beirut (Reuters) lawmakers. The Justice Minister resigned on Monday, citing the Beirut's Governor said many dominated the country since the But foreign countries demand catastrophic explosion. foreign workers and truck drivers 1975-90 civil war. transparency over how the aid is "The entire regime needs to remained missing and were Workers picked up fallen used, wary of writing blank change. It will make no difference assumed to be among the masonry near the building where cheques to a Government Turkish seismic research vessel Oruc Reis sails through if there is a new Government," casualties, complicating efforts to wall graffiti mocked Lebanon's perceived by its own people as Mediterranean after leaving a port in Antalya, Turkey. Joe Haddad, an engineer, told identify the victims. chronic electricity crisis: deeply corrupt. Some are (Reuters) Reuters. "We need quick Anti-government protests in "Everyone else in the world has concerned about the influence of elections." the last two days have been the electricity while we have a Shi'ite movement Hezbollah, Prime Minister Hassan Diab biggest since October when donkey." which is designated as a terrorist said on Saturday (8) he would demonstrators took to the streets "It will always be the same. It is group by the United States. request early Parliamentary over an economic crisis rooted in just a political game, nothing will Iranian Foreign Ministry Niamey, Niger Elections. corruption, waste and change," said university student spokesman Abbas Mousavi told a Aoun had previously said mismanagement. Protesters Marilyne Kassis. televised news confernce on explosive material was stored accused the political elite of An emergency international Monday that countries should French, Nigerian unsafely for years at the port. He exploiting state resources for donor conference on Sunday refrain from politicising the later said the investigation would their own benefit. raised pledges worth nearly 253 Beirut port blast. He called on troops hunt for consider whether the cause was Some Lebanese doubt change million Euros (USD 298 million) the United States to lift sanctions external interference as well as is possible in a country where for immediate humanitarian against Lebanon. killers of aid workers negligence or an accident. sectarian politicians have relief. (Reuters) French and Nigerien unpunished, nor will it soldiers searched distract us from our through a giraffe reserve commitment to support and the surrounding the people of Niger,” Minsk, Belarus Sanaa, Yemen area in Niger on Monday said ACTED, which has (10) for traces of the worked to help gunmen who killed six vulnerable populations President Lukashenko French aid workers, a in the country since French Military source 2010. said. No one has claimed re-elected by landslide France’s anti- responsibility for the terrorism prosecutor assault. But France and also opened an other countries have investigation into the warned people against - initial results incident, in which travelling to parts of attackers on motorbikes Niger where militants Belarusian President representative of the rights Foreign observers have ambushed the group as including Boko Haram Alexander Lukashenko group Spring 96 told not judged an election to it drove through the and an affiliate of won a landslide re-election Reuters. be free and fair in Belarus reserve located 65 km Islamic State operate. victory, the central election A former Soviet collective since 1995. (40 miles) from the “Military operations commission said on farm manager, A severe crackdown on Workers demolish a building damaged by rain in the capital Niamey - an area are ongoing today,” the Monday (10), after late Lukashenko has ruled the protests could hurt UNESCO World Heritage site of the old city of Sanaa, considered safe by the military source said. night clashes between country since 1994, but Lukashenko's attempts to 9 August 2020 Niger Government. In the clearest sign Police and thousands of faces the biggest challenge mend fences with the West The French aid yet that France believes protesters who said the in years to keep his grip on amid fraying ties with UNESCO-listed old houses workers were employed a militant group was vote was rigged. power with some voters traditional ally Russia, by the charity ACTED. A behind the attack, the Figures released by the believing strongly that it's which has tried to press collapse in heavy rains local driver working for office of France’s anti- election commission on time he stood down. Belarus into closer the relief group and a terrorism prosecutor Monday gave Lukashenko He has cast himself as a economic and political Houses in Yemen’s long been under threat guide were also killed. said it was launching an 80 per cent of the vote. guarantor of stability but union. UNESCO-listed Old City from conflict and neglect. ACTED called the investigation on Svetlana has battled a wave of anger Human rights groups of Sanaa are collapsing Muhammad Ali murders “senseless and suspicion of the Tikhanouskaya, a former over his handling of the say more than 1,300 under heavy rains, as al-Talhi’s house partially cowardly”. involvement of a English teacher who COVID-19 pandemic, the people were detained in months of floods and collapsed on Friday (7) as “This heinous crime terrorist group. emerged from obscurity a economy and his human the crackdown ahead of storms assail a country heavy rain battered must not go (Reuters) few weeks ago to become rights record. the election, including already reeling from war, Sanaa, leaving the six Lukashenko's main rival, Tikhanouskaya entered independent election food shortages and women and six children won 9.9 per cent of the the race after her observers and members of disease. of his family homeless. vote, the data showed. husband, an anti- Tikhanouskaya's The distinctive brown “Everything we had is At least one person was government blogger who campaign team. and white mud brick buried,” he said Algiers, Algeria killed after being knocked intended to run, was After casting his vote on houses of Sanaa’s surrounded by ancient over by a Police van and jailed. Sunday, Lukashenko historic neighbourhoods, debris and mud, dozens were injured in the Her rallies have drawn denied imposing which date from before appealing for help to find Court jails journalist clashes that began after some of the biggest crowds repressive measures as the 11th Century, have shelter. (Reuters) polling stations closed on since the fall of the Soviet "fake news or far-fetched three years Sunday (9), a Union in 1991. accusations". (Reuters)

An Algerian Court on Benlarbi and Slimane Monday (10) sentenced Hamitouche are linked Dubai, United Arab Emirates a journalist and to protests that toppled activist to three years President Abdelaziz in prison on charges of Bouteflika last year. GCC call for arms harming national The protests broke unity, a rights group out in February 2019 embargo extension that defends detainees to reject Bouteflika’s said. plan to seek a fifth is ‘unrealistic’ – Iran The Court in the term in power, and capital, Algiers, also demand the departure Iran has rejected as ‘unrealistic’ a call by the Gulf handed a four-month of the ruling elite. Cooperation Council (GCC) for the United Nations to jail sentence to two The authorities extend an international arms embargo on Tehran that other activists for the banned the ends in October, State TV reported on Monday (10). same charges, demonstrations earlier The GCC, made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, according to the this year to limit the Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, National Committee for spread of the said on Sunday (9) that Iran’s continued interference the Release of coronavirus. in neighbouring countries made an extension Detainees. Justice Drareni has been in necessary. Ministry officials could detention since late The arms embargo is currently set to end on not be reached for March, while Benlarbi 18 October as part of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with comment. and Hamitouche were world powers, which the United States quit in 2018. The sentences released in July after “The GCC is currently at the apex of its incompetence against journalist being detained for Head of the Central Election Commission Lidia Yermoshina and officials Vadim Ipatov and and its unrealistic policies have rendered it ineffective,” Khaled Drareni and more than two months. Sergei Protas attend a news conference on the results of the Belarusian Presidential Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi told activists Samir (Reuters) Eection in Minsk (Reuters) a televised news conference. (Reuters) A10 tuesday 11 august 2020 news MRIA recommences U.S Govt. awards US$ 1.5M to SSM

operations The U.S. Government, through public awareness campaigns on the US Agency for International disaster risks. By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan days with Dubai flight EK 2528 which He also pointed out that the flight Development (USAID), The U.S. Government also arrived on 9 August at about 4.38 p.m., Indigo which also arrived from India awarded US$1.5 million to the awarded US $550,000 to the United The Mattala Rajapaksa International leaving for the U.S. with this cargo at 6.35 yesterday with 14 seafarers left for India Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement Nations World Food Programme Airport (MRIA) in Hambantota p.m. on EK 2529 via Dubai. on the return flight. (SSM) to support local community (WFP) recently to strengthen the recommenced its cargo service since, its A flight (UL 1102) from Male arrived Currently there are 580 staffers at the leaders in developing emergency disaster management capacity in closure in 2015, transporting 28 metric yesterday at 12.22 p.m. flying Sri Lankan MRIA, handling airport operations. response and mitigation strategies Sri Lanka. That funding will tonnes of garments to the U.S. yesterday expatriates who were stranded there. The Task Force handling prevention of in disaster-prone areas across support technical assistance to (10), noted Assistant Manager of the There were 172 passengers. A private the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic Sri Lanka. Government disaster management MRIA, Shantha Jayasinghe. hospital mobile service assisted with the situation has drawn new plans to resume The new funding will strengthen authorities on developing national- Jayasinghe told Ceylon Today the conduct of polymerase chain reaction services at Airports including the BIA, he community resilience and improve level contingency plans, leading Airport has become active in the last few tests for passengers, before clearing them. added. coordination between local disaster response simulations, and stakeholders and international improving communications, relief agencies over two years. coordination, and information “The US remains committed to management. strengthening Sri Lanka’s disaster In June, the US Government also Reporting information on organised crime, money laundering management capabilities over the provided 160 rolls of plastic coming years,” said U.S. sheeting and 2,400 water Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. containers to Teplitz. the Sarvodaya Shramadana Hotlines 1917 and 1997 now Specific activities under the grant Movement to enable emergency will focus on community-led response ahead of the monsoon and disaster mitigation activities, inter monsoon seasons in operating successfully disaster management training, and Sri Lanka.

BY Buddhika Samaraweera So far 1,263 complaints have been relevant Police stations, SSP Senaratne received through the 1997 hotline added. Hotlines 1917 and 1997 introduced alone. Of them 66 were successful, He requested the public to report Satisfied being Opposition in such short time by the Police Department to report including cases where suspects could information on any activities that information on organised crime and be indicted, he said. He further said, could endanger national security activities related to money laundering, out of the 1,263 complaints, 571 have and public order to the Police are now successfully operational, said already been investigated. through these hotlines. He said the Public gave UNP correct Police Media Spokesman, SSP Jaliya Senaratne pointed about 278 Police are working to protect the Senaratne. complaints have been received on 1917 confidentiality of those who provide – SJB Gen Secy He said, information has been line and that 38 of them are being information and the hotlines are answer received on these hotlines, regarding investigated by the CID while the being operated under the By Nabiya Vaffoor organised crime, drug trafficking and remaining 240 are being investigated supervision of Acting IGP, Chandana Maddumabandara, on 7 August. money laundering activities. by the Police Narcotics Bureau and the D. Wickramaratne. Fielding a question raised by The Samagi Jana Balawegaya Ceylon Today, he noted that the (SJB) claimed that the public gave SJB is looking forward to working the correct answer at the General as a great Opposition by Election to the United National supporting the Sri Lanka Party (UNP) as was deserved by it Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) for quite some time. Government to develop this TMTK Leader laments defeat General Secretary of the SJB, country. He added, they will not Ranjith Maddumabandara further hesitate to question the SLPP Tamils and Muslims should join hands to work in unity – Wiggie said that the SJB was quite Government if they witness any satisfied with the Election result corruption or the Government where they came runner up. moving adrift. He further noted, By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan In the North and East, the TNA has “Being a new Party, which was the SJB will raise their voice on been defeated like never before, he only formed two months prior to behalf of the public in the Leader of the Tamil Makkal Thesiya noted. The TNA’s policy has led to the General Election and being in Parliament under all Kuttani (TMTK) and Parliament-elect have them keeping the wrong persons the Opposition is a victory,” noted circumstances. C.V. Wigneswaran said although they in the Party and ousting the good were confident that they would secure ones, claimed Wigneswaran. He said at least four seats in Jaffna and the that this has landed the TNA in a bad Vanni and three seats in the East, position. they were defeated. He also noted that over the He said his Party will assess the preferential votes, some ugly incidents Selected nurses to get issues as to why they could not had taken place and that as a result, secure more seats . the TNA will have a black mark in He said only two reasons come to their political journey. NCD awareness training mind and that this could be due to He said that whoever is elected, they poverty and that people are are our people and should be cautious The Ministry of Health has on how to treat patients afflicted vulnerable and could be easily exposed the allegations we had and work with responsibility. decided to conduct a training with NCDs. cheated. “Our people have a tendency concerning the TNA and how the “Also, they have now been placed in programme for a selected group Another purpose of the training to be quickly trapped and be people could not get a political a dangerous position. The Sinhala nurses from hospitals programme is to identify nurses misguided,” he added. solution and gain their political rights. nationalists have regained their countrywide to provide them with with special skills in order to fill However, as a six-month new Party, I have to remind you that all those unshakable power in Parliament and basic knowledge on how to vacant cadres in hospitals. The he noted that the victory amidst the demands you have placed on us has our traditional lands can be grabbed educate the public in order to Director of the Empowerment of COVID-19 pandemic, has given them been overtaken by the politics played using the cultural demography, there prevent the increase of non- Regional Health Services Project confidence. by some. This has been reflected in the will be some hard times in the future,” communicable diseases (NCDs) attached to the Ministry, Dr. “People have accepted our focus Election. Many Tamils have joined the he claimed. and on related treatments. Jayasundara Bandara stated that and our manifesto and we will Government bandwagon and the Wigneswaran said the Tamils and Issuing a Media release, the vacancies numbering 150 for continue in keeping up to those political parties that are backed by the Muslims should join hands to defeat Ministry stated that this nurses in countrywide hospitals promises we have made to them,” he ruling Party. Don’t repeat this mistake such attempts in the future. “We need particular programme will be will be filled with those who said. and bring the death knell to our 70- new strategies and to work in unity,” conducted in order to equip successfully complete the training “During the Poll campaign, we year struggle,” he added. he added. nurses with sufficient knowledge programme.

Continued from page 1 SLPP not... Shani’s bail ...... National List slots for Prof. Piyadasa The CID filed cases against then reminder, they had been remanded case, is weather the suspects Shani officer. and former Northern Province Governor DIG Ganendra Vaas Gunawardena, on 1 June 2020-2 June 2020 and on Abeysekara and Sugath Mogaha 1. Although Police Constable Dr. Suren Raghavan. his son Ravindu Sameera Vaas 9 June 2020. Mendis actually found the said Dias (53572) and Police Constable However, after the victory of the SLPP, Gunawardena, Gamini However, the Magistrate’s Court firearms at 107/1, Raniswala, Susantha (86082) had stated before the Party has decided to give only one seat Sarathchandra Priyantha Sanjeewa, had ordered to release them from the Kalagedihena, based on the the then Colombo Magistrate A.A.M. to the SLFP and had named Dr. Raghavan Indika Bamunusinghe, Shyamali Court case (No. B-3250/14)based on statements given by IP Sahabdeen that on 13 June 2013 or without the consent of SLFP Chairman, Priyadarshani Perera, Kelum a request made by the Attorney Willawaarachchi on 6 March 2014 a near day, IP Willawaarachchi had Maithripala Sirisena, Prof. Piyadasa Rangana Dissanayake, Dinusha General on 11 June 2020. and 7 March 2014, as directed by transported the said firearms and alleged, claiming that Sirisena had wanted Vaas Gunawardena, with regard to When inquired based on the Dilip Asanka Neligama, or, the fire explosives in a cab, suspects Shani to allocate the seat to him but that the the said murder incident, and it had statements made by Dilip Asanga arms had been brought to that place Abeysekara and Sugath Mendis had SLPP had already sent the names list to been reported to Court that firearms Neligama and his wife Chiranthi by the suspects who procured the not taken steps to arrest the Election Commission. were found. Sanjeewani Ranasinghe, whose firearms to show false evidence. Willawaarachchi for three months He expressed his regret on the Although the Magistrate’s Court names had been mentioned by IP The relevant order was issued to (till 26 February 2014). decision taken by the SLPP Leaders, and had on 4 March 2015 ordered to Willawaraachchi in his notebook as obtain records of 13 phone numbers 2. In a context where IP opined that it is pathetic to see that the arrest and produce before Court those who showed the said firearms as well as certain transmission Willawaarachchi himself had SLPP is not walking the talk and is Dilip Asanka Neligama and his wife and explosives after surrendering to towers for the investigations. revealed that he had given the said instead trying to go on their own by Chiranthi Sanjeewani Ranasinghe, the CID on 9 June 2020, and Moreover, in the reports presented firearms to a civil person named taking arbitrary decisions and behaving who had said that Police Constable recordings of phone conversation by the CCD, it was stated that, 1. Dilip Asanga Neligama at 157/C, and conducting themselves in an Samarapala Dias (53572) and Police between those two individuals and IP Samarapala Dias Samaratunga, 2. Mahara, Kadawatha, failure to take autocratic manner. Fielding a Constable Sameera Prasanna Willawaarachchi, which were Dilip Asanga Neligama, 3. Chiranthi prompt action to find the said question, Prof. Piyadasa stressed that (86082) had shown the said stock of contained in a DVD and a pen drive, Sanjeewani Ranasinghe, 4. Sameera firearms and taking five days to do there could be consequences arising in the firearms, the CID had submitted a there is a serious problematic Susantha and 5.Irosh Chaminda so. future regarding this issue, since many revision application to the Supreme situation regarding the finding of the Willawa Arachchi, were granted 3. Even though Dilip Asanga SLFP Members and decision -makers are Court through the Attorney said firearms. The DIG in charge of permission to give statements after Neligama had committed an offence disappointed over the move made by the General’s Department without the CID had requested the IGP to expressing willingness to do so. by keeping six automatic T-56 SLPP without their permission. enforcing the said order. launch an investigation in that On 31 July 2020, the interdicted firearms and one repeater shotgun, “There will be discussions in this regard. After the Supreme Court decided connection. Based on that request, CID Director, Shani Abeysekara, was which is punishable by life sentence, Not only I, others in the Party are to turn it down on 30 June 2017, the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) arrested and a statement was failure to take action to arrest him disappointed by this. Many reports are even though the Magistrate’s order had launched an investigation and recorded. Although steps were taken for nine months. now saying that Dr. Raghavan is a was valid, arresting and producing had recorded statements from to remand the second suspect on the 4. Although he had confessed member of the Tamil Diaspora. It is the suspects in Court had been relevant persons, after which facts basis that the first suspect has been that he had stored and transported questionable as to why the SLPP decided neglected for two years and six were presented to the Court. remanded, CCD OIC has been the said firearms from his home in to allocate the seat to such a person who months. The CCD Officer-in-Charge (OIC) ordered to present further Mahara, Kadawatha, to 107/1, has allegations against him they could On 9 December 2019, the Attorney had informed Court that the main information in this connection. Raniswala, Kalagedihena, not taking have sought and obtained our consent,” he General had informed the CID about factor relating to the investigation, Also attention has been paid to action to inspect his Kadawatha further claimed. this matter again. Based on that which was the basis of this Court facts presented by the investigation home. tuesDAY 11 august 2020 b11 SL to resume economic activities faster than others Ship building business to boom despite adverse effects

By Mario Andree “We expect Sri Lanka to resume economic ‘Small Eco Bulk Market’ in Europe and growth activities ahead of most countries,” he said. in the nautical tourism sector, he said. Sri Lanka is expected to resume economic According to him this would provide Colombo Global Ship repair market too continues to activities ahead of most countries as the Dockyard with an opportune timeline to be heavily price competitive and almost all country had managed to control the pandemic expand operations and get ahead of the curve yards operate with great challenges for growth successfully. as a leading shipyard in South Asia. and survival, he said. Colombo Dockyard Chairman Hideaki Due to the slowdown of global economic The company had lost a major project to Tanaka told shareholders that the growth and low oilprices, the global ship build four Bulk Carriers which was valued at a overwhelming impact of COVID –19 pandemic building industry witnessed a challenging year total contract price of around Euro 44million is already slowing a downward trend in particularly with bottom level pricing for new for an European Buyer due to the Easter economic growth and impacting businesses ships. Sunday attacks. across the globe. However,the global shipbuilding industry is Subsequent to the incident, the buyer “However, Sri Lanka has managed to expected to change gear and to grow in tandem assessed that Colombo is not a safe destination successfully recover through strong with improving seaborne trade, demand for to build vessels. Monday Markets leadership,” he said. eco-friendly shipping services especially in the

‘Spot’ Sharply Dr. Godahewa to be State After 224 Days Gains by 65 Cents Minister for capital markets Hydropower Local Demand for Investments in Government Securities By Ishara Gamage micro-finance, self employment and Provides Over 50% For the first time in enterprise development. By Paneetha Ameresekere the history of Sri Meanwhile Lanka, a separate State government sources of Electricity The benchmark ‘spot,’ boosted by exchange Ministry for capital stated that newly elected controls and affirmed political stability after markets has been MP and a former stock By Paneetha grew notably due to higher Wednesday’s Parliamentary Poll, sharply gained created. market regulater, Dr. Ameresekere reliance on fuel based by 65 cents, to trade at Rs 184.75/85 to the US According to a special Nalaka Godahewa will power generation amidst dollar in two-way quotes at 4:00 p.m. yesterday, Gazette Notification be the inaugural State Cheap and clean dry weather conditions last as opposed to it trading at Rs 185.40/50 to the released by the Finance Minister for capital hydroelectricity, uplifted by year,’ it said. dollar in two-way quotes as at 4:00 p.m. on the Ministry yesterday, two markets and State the monsoons, provided Latest CBSL data showed previous market day Friday, market sources told State Ministers are to enterprises reform. over 50 per cent of Sri that in the first five months this reporter. be appointed. One President Gotabaya Lanka’s electricity needs of this year, the country’s Yesterday was also the third consecutive would be in charge of Rajapaksa has decided sourced from the Ceylon fuel bill was the single market day that the ‘spot’ made gains. finance, capital markets on 28 ministries and 40 Electricity Board (CEB) for largest import, amounting Nevertheless, year-on-year as at yesterday the and State enterprises reform. The State Ministries identifying their the first time after 224 days to 17.12 per cent ‘spot’ has weakened by 1.90 per cent (Rs 3.45) in other will be in charge of Samurdhi, specific functions. on Sunday (10 August), (US$1,133 million) of the two-way quotes, thereby causing cost-push CEB data on its website total import bill of $6,619 inflationary pressure, as Sri Lanka is an import- showed yesterday (Monday, million in the review period. dependent economy. 10 August). Meanwhile, of the total In related developments, swaps between the Prior to Sunday, the last quantity of 32.30 Giga Watt Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the time hydroelectricity hours (GWh) of electricity Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), possibly also provided over 50 per cent of generated and/or bought due such similar swaps executed between CBSL LOLC secure Rs 52B capital Sri Lanka’s electricity needs from IPPs by the CEB on and commercial banks and followed by exporter were 224 days ago on 29 Sunday (9 August), hydro’s conversions, saw market liquidity being uplifted gain by selling PRASAC December, CEB records on contribution was 18.04 by Rs 11,552 million (US$ 62.28 million) during the public domain also GWh (56.25 per cent), wind, the course of yesterday’s trading. Conversions By Ishara Gamage LOLC Group) with other minority showed. another source of clean and are based on the middle rate of the ‘spot’ as at shareholders of PRASAC This has to be looked at in cheap electricity, 0.86 GWh 4:00 p.m. on Thursday (6 August) which was Rs LOLC Holdings PLC (LOLC) said Microfinance Institution Limited the context that the average (2.68 per cent) and coal and 185.475 to the dollar. they have realised a capital gain of (PRASAC) of Cambodia entered costs to the CEB in relation oil at 13.17 GWh (41.07 Consequently, market’s net excess liquidity Rs 52B from the sale of its into a Sale/ Purchase and to hydro and the dirty and per cent) and zero, increased by 6.75 per cent (Rs 11,532 million) to Cambodian micro finance shareholder agreement with more expensive imported respectively, CEB records Rs 182,340 million at the end of yesterday’s subsidiary PRASAC, the largest Kookmin Bank, the largest coal and fuel oil power showed. trading. Micro Finance Institution in Commercial Bank of Republic of generation were a low Rs Further, cheap, and clean Nonetheless, domestic investors feeling it more Cambodia. South Korea, for the sale of entire 2.49 for hydro, and a higher electricity powered by hydro secure to invest in safe haven Treasury (T) Bills The total payment to be received shareholding of PRASAC, subject Rs 10.48 and Rs 31.93 per electricity and followed by and T Bonds (GoSL Securities) saw GoSL’s by LOLC International Private to receiving final approval from Kilo Watt per hour (KW/h) wind, also provided over 50 money printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) sharply Limited for the sale of its 70% National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) for coal and fuel power oil, per cent of the island’s decrease by 15.38 per cent (Rs 176 million) to Rs stake in PRASAC is USD 603M, and Financial Service respectively, last year electricity needs for the 967.98 million at the end of yesterday’s trading. the company stated in its June Commission of Republic of South (2019), Central Bank of Sri second consecutive day to In other developments, GoSL’s demand-pull quarter Financial Report. Korea. Lanka’s (CBSL’s) 2019 Sunday, CEB data on the inflationary face value (FV) MP debt decreased by Meanwhile the research arm of On 13 April 2020, the group Annual report said. public domain showed. Rs 20 million, and, consequently, GoSL total CAL securities stated that based received the relevant regulatory ‘The average cost of The last time cheap and FVMP debt fell by 0.01 per cent to Rs 319,204.45 on latest published financials, the approval from both National Bank electricity purchases by the clean electricity provided by million at the end of yesterday’s trading, thereby net asset value of PRASAC was Rs of Cambodia (NBC) and the CEB from independent hydro and/or together with mitigating demand-pull inflationary pressure as 85B (as at 31st March 2020). Financial Service Commission of power producers (IPPs) wind, for consecutive days well, to a marginal extent. Hence, capital gain from the Republic of South Korea which amounted to Rs 26.47 per hit over 50 per cent was Howbeit, CBSL, the steward of the country’s transaction attributable to LOLC considered to be highly KW/h in 2019 as against 226 days ago, covering foreign debt and of its foreign reserves, Holdings would be Rs 51.67B substantive for the sale Rs 24.47 per KW/h three consecutive days to transactions with the market and also with the translating into a per share gain of transaction being highly probable. recorded in the previous 27 December, CEB’s GoSL are not transparent, in that it expects Rs 109/share. The NAVPS of The sale of PRASAC is expected year,’ it added. records on the public reporters to make arithmetical deducements to LOLC would be close to Rs 306/ to be completed within a year from Consequently at end domain showed. trace CBSL’s interventions in open market share. the reporting date. At 31 March 2019, CEB accounted for However, at times, there operations, by maintaining radio silence of its The LOLC Group publicly 2020, PRASAC was classified as a 55.7 per cent (Rs 85.95B) of are certain errors in CEB involvement in the market. announced the decision of its disposal group held for sale and as outstanding total trade data, because they do not ‘Spot’ trades are settled after two market days Board of Directors to sell PRASAC, a discontinued operation. receivables of Rs 154.3 tally, though the difference from the date of transaction. GoSL’s FVMP debt a 70% owned subsidiary of the According to the company the Billion of the Ceylon is negligible and therefore is equal to the FV of CBSL’s T Bills and T Bond Group. With reference to the business of PRASAC represented Petroleum Corporation may be ignored. Further, holdings. MP is CBSL’s sole and mandated corporate disclosure made on 6 the Group’s Financial Services (CPC), CBSL further said. CEB, also at times doesn’t authority. MP is exercised to meet GoSL’s January 2020, LOLC operating segment until 31 March ‘Petroleum sales to the provide statistics on a daily monetary commitments in the absence of International Ltd.(a subsidiary of 2020. power generation sector basis. adequate revenue and increased GoSL expenditure. However, if MP ends up at the hands of GoSL only, without ‘once more’ being passed on to CBSL, for instance as settlement to buy the required dollars to meet GoSL’s foreign Limiting the size of the Cabinet debt servicing commitments from the former (CBSL), then, that causes demand-pull inflationary pressure. CCC welcomes President’s decision The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce strengthening of fiscal and monetary that the optimised configuration of Ministries congratulates Prime Minister Mahinda disciplines, alongside a progressive approach be enshrined in legislation to ensure continuity Rajapaksa and the newly elected government to global market access. It also remains in government policy and implementation. on its victory at the 2020 General Election and fundamental that a second wave of COVID-19 Accelerated economic revival will be Stock Market the clear majority mandate received from the is prevented at all costs. predicated on the effective execution of a voting citizenry, a statement from the chamber The Chamber welcomes the decision of the public-private shared vision for economic NFOs Pass Rs 25 B said. President to limit the size of the Cabinet, revival and social sustenance. The Chamber The full statement is as follows: thereby signalling a headline commitment seeks from the Government, a progressive Net foreign outflows (NFOs) from the bourse The Chamber believes that the mandate towards driving productivity and performance dialogue inclusive of the timely consultation of passed the record Rs 25 billion mark yesterday. received reflects among other factors the in the public sector, as well as the management business chambers with respect to policy The bourse recorded NFOs of Rs 163.73 million, confidence earned by the President and the of fiscal deficits. Against the backdrop of this formulation and legislation, so as to ensure Sri thereby taking up NFOs in the calendar year to Government through the exemplary outcomes directional signal, the Chamber is optimistic of Lanka’s large, medium and small scale yesterday to Rs 25.08 billion. delivered with respect to the control of the the commitment of government focus towards enterprise sectors garner superior The bourse, in the 111 market days that has COVID-19 pandemic, cumulating to the the recalibration of public sector expenditure, competitiveness, thereby forming a cornerstone transpired in the calendar year to yesterday, has protection of life and livelihoods. Equally, the the empowerment and upskilling of the civil of the Nation’s economic revival. The suffered NFOs in a record 94 of those days. Chamber is of the view that the mandate also service, a concerted effort towards State-owned strengthening of growth enablers Yesterday’s NFO was the fifth consecutive market represents aggressive expectations with respect enterprise (SOE) reform and spawning of encompassing digitisation, health, education, day that the bourse has suffered NFOs. to accelerated and inclusive economic revival public-private partnerships as modalities of food security and energy sufficiency should Consequently, the benchmark ASPI fell by 0.50 and national development in the post- capital mobilisation. also remain as shared priorities of the private per cent to 5,150.75 points and the more sensitive COVID-19 context. The Chamber looks forward to the and public sectors. S&P SL 20 Index by 0.75 per cent to 2,210.48 The Chamber is optimistic that the establishment of a fresh paradigm with respect The Ceylon Chamber, in its capacity as the points on a Rs 671.67 million turnover on a 76.29 Government will lever its mandate to exercise to governance, policy formulation and premier representative of the private sector, million share volume at yesterday’s trading. exceptional, bold and innovative measures implementation management, featuring the looks forward to ongoing engagement with the In the calendar year to yesterday, shareholder which will accelerate economic revival. The streamlining of Ministries with clear and Government of Sri Lanka with respect to the wealth wiped out increased to Rs 427.18 billion multifaceted challenge ahead will also call synergised assignment of subjects, alongside national agenda of driving accelerated (14.98 per cent) the ASPI has declined by 978.46 upon the Government to double down on the the delineation of policy, regulatory, public economic revival alongside the delivery of points (15.96 per cent) and the S&P SL 20 Index by fundamental tenets of domestic production, enterprise and performance management inclusive benefits to all segments of citizens 726.48 points (24.74 per cent), respectively. narrowing of the trade deficit, and the functions. The Chamber further recommends and businesses. B12 Ceylon FT tuesday 11 august 2020 banking and finance

People’s Bank meets SAPPTA Discuss tailor-made financial solutions to boost spice exports People’s Bank held a discussion with livestock development, small rice mills, promoted internationally, both parties the Spices and Allied Products horticulture, dairy milk production and decided to initially focus on financial Producers and Traders Association several others. solutions that will boost pepper exports. (SAPPTA) with the aim of creating tailor- Having received a positive response People’s Bank will aim to develop a made financial solutions to boost spice from the Agro-based industries for the tailor-made financial solution which will exports. Aswenna loan scheme, People’s Bank is improve the efficiency of the value chain With the objective of supporting the making efforts to expand it by entering while improving the product quality and Acting General Manager Bank Chairman, Bank of Ceylon of Ceylon D.P.K. Gunasekara Kanchana Ratwatte Government’s efforts to create a self- into strategic collaborations with other ensuring a price that is competitive sufficient nation, People’s Bank stakeholders in the industry, such as internationally. introduced the Aswenna loan scheme, a the agro value chain. Subsequently, the financial solutions unique product launched to enhance Having understood the potential of will be expanded to other spices that industries such as agriculture, fisheries, various categories of spices which can be have higher export potential. BOC celebrates 81 years of Saubhagya Loan Scheme yeoman service

With an unfathomable bond that was built with the Sri NDB registers Lankan community for over 81 years, Bank of Ceylon, the No.1 Bank in the country will celebrate that deeply rooted relationship with pride at its 81st anniversary of establishment over Rs 6.5 B on 1 August 2020. With a heritage that explicitly showcases the commitment it has towards the Nation in terms of co-creating social and economic wellbeing together with the Government of Sri Lanka, worth of funds Bank of Ceylon has reached Sri Lankan businesses and individuals of all walks of life to enrich their socio-economic NDB Bank has registered over Rs 6.5 billion worth of funds, standards. Indigenously originated in response to the needs of with over 1,000 applications with the Central Bank of Sri Ceylonese businesses to move forward to expand their Lanka (CBSL), under the ‘COVID-19 Saubhagya Loan businesses and wellbeing, the Bank of Ceylon Ordinance was Scheme’. SDB bank empowers enacted in 1938 and the Bank was declared open on 1 August Having fully exhausted the funding quota allocated to the 1939 at 41, Bristol Street in Colombo Fort, by the Governor, Sir bank under Phase I, NDB is currently in the process of Andrew Caldecott. Beginning its first extended branch in Kandy, approving facilities both under Phase II - COVID-19 workforce Bank of Ceylon has moved forward to open 645 branches across Renaissance facility and Phase III - Saubhagya COVID-19 the country, four overseas branches and a banking subsidiary Interest Subsidy and Credit Guarantee Scheme. in London up to now. BOC has expanded so much both in size The Central Bank of Sri Lanka implemented the Saubhagya with Microsoft 365 and influence that the Bank can still be considered as the prime loan scheme in April 2020 to support businesses in their post- One of Sri Lanka’s largest productivity tools, is helping financier for Sri Lankans despite all competition. “BOC has pandemic recovery, which will be granted at 4 per cent per microfinance banks, Sanasa the bank unlock value at been the highest profit earning single business entity in the annum to COVID-19 impacted companies up to a maximum Development Bank PLC (SDB every step of its digital country for a number of years continuously. The Bank’s limit of Rs 50 million per company under the three phases to bank), has chosen Microsoft journey. “We adopted anniversary would be the best day to remind the Nation that all meet immediate working capital requirements. 365, an integrated cloud- Microsoft 365 to help unify learning of the bank goes back again as an invested to assist the NDB has currently received approval from the CBSL for a enabled bundle of Office 365, people, conversations, and Government’s socio-economic agenda to develop the country’s total of 1,093 applications to the total value of Rs 6.8 billion. Windows 10, and Enterprise content under a single infrastructure facilities and other, on behalf of all Sri Lankans. Out of approved loans, over Rs 4.5 billion loans have so far Mobility + Security, to collaborative platform,” said BOC takes great pride and responsibility in responding to the been released approximately among 778 beneficiaries, improve internal Thilak Piyadigama, Chief needs of all its stakeholders,” stated the Chairman, Kanchana covering all the districts. communication and Executive Officer at SDB Ratwatte. In September 2020, the Bank is to introduce another collaboration to support a bank. “The platform combines BOC is currently standing strongly with a balance sheet that refinancing working capital loan scheme to the Micro, Small digital culture change and Excel and Outlook with encompasses assets valued over Rs 2.6 trillion, deposits over and Medium-Sized Enterprises ‘Emergency Response Facility’ workplace transformation. robust cloud-based services Rs 2.1 trillion, advances and lending over Rs 1.8 trillion. BOC implemented by the Department of Development Finance of By driving workplace like OneDrive, Microsoft boasts of being the wealthiest single business entity in Sri the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Policy Development culture along the same digital Teams, and Yammer. This Lanka. This leading Sri Lankan banking giant has spread its under the funding sponsorship of Asian Development Bank. trajectory as the industry and combination of software has wings across the island with a sophisticated interconnected Eligible enterprises can avail a maximum of Rs 10 million its customers, SDB bank helped us create seamless digital network currently inclusive of 645 branches, 10 mobile permanent working capital loan facility, repayable over 3 realised it could evolve its workplace experiences, while branches, 15 SME centres and also 1,270 ATMs/CDMs and years, including a grace period of 6 months, at a brand and deliver products maintaining enterprise-grade CRMs that are 24 x7 operative as physical customer touch concessionary rate of interest of approximately 6 per cent. and services that answered security,” he added. points building up a total of 1,915, enabling customers to market demands for “SDB Bank is looking at transact at their convenience. In its 81-year long journey, BOC sustainable banking Microsoft 365 as a means to has empowered generation after generation of individuals and solutions. drive change and open up businesses that many of the indigenous corporate scale Microsoft 365 provides SDB new business opportunities,” businesses that are here today were start-ups financed by the bank with modern, cloud- said Hasitha Abeywardena, bank back in the early days. At present, BOC has taken its based productivity and Country Manager for responsibility even further, by being the bank that elevates the collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan banking industry by harnessing world-class Exchange Online, SharePoint, Maldives. “With Microsoft banking technologies and spreading the synergy across the Yammer, Power BI, Microsoft 365, SDB Bank will be able to country, benefitting every household. Teams, and Azure Active harness the intelligent cloud Leveraging on the strength gathered over eight decades, Bank Directory, an all-inclusive and benefit from Microsoft’s of Ceylon has continued to dominate the Sri Lankan banking directory, and identity investments in security, trust, landscape at many different levels. “Looking at a broader management service. and regulatory compliance,” perspective, anyone can observe that Bank of Ceylon is Microsoft, through its he added. substantially rooted with every industry in the country in a secure collaboration and significant way. To manage the requirements that come from this diverse customer base, BOC manages a product and a service portfolio that could financially enable anyone’s aspiration for social or economic growth. Considering the current social circumstances, the Bank has identified that the country is in need to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and more prominence should be given for financial inclusion and RDB accelerates employment generation,” stated the Acting General Manager, D.P.K. Gunasekera. BOC’s structure is sustainable in the longer-run, as it is digital impact with Oracle Cloud deeply connected to a profound vision, mission and a set of corporate values to begin with. It demonstrates its agility by Regional Development Bank (RDB) has Analytics Cloud, deployed on top of Oracle increasing volumes of queries from its adapting itself to be more responsive to customer needs. The gone live on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Autonomous Data Warehouse, is helping customers. “Banks, like all businesses, assurance the Bank has earned throughout these years is which enables the bank to accelerate its the bank analyse ATM transactions, need to be customer-focused so they can validated by all stakeholders, especially all Sri Lankans. The digital presence across the country, and downtime, and cash management. The provide the products, services, and Bank aims to confront future challenges by developing market provide innovative and simple financial combined offering enables the bank to experiences that help build trust and keep leadership, confronting market volatility, channelling and solutions to its customer base. manage its rapidly increasing amounts of them engaged. For RDB, being able to see aligning resources to ensure business growth and transforming The move comes as part of the bank’s data from multiple sources and produce which ATMs are working, what customers the banking landscape digitally. broader technology investment, focused on actionable insights in a highly visual and are using them for, and also being able to supporting its digital transformation and easy to understand form in minutes. This quickly provide answers to questions, are enhancing customer service. helps the management at RDB extract critical to achieving their business goals,” “Our business and customer needs are value-added information focused on said Maria Dzhanan, Vice President at evolving. To meet these needs, it is critical improving the customer experience and Oracle Digital, JAPAC. “In addition, by that we fast-track our digital transformation usage of its ATM network across the harnessing intelligent automation solutions to meet the increasing demand for country. RDB has also deployed Oracle like digital assistant brings the bank accessible and affordable credit facilities Cloud Infrastructure to provide a reliable, significant productivity and efficiency from the rural masses of the country,” said scalable, and highly secure platform to benefits, which can help free up key staff to Regional Development Bank CEO T. Kuhan, support its customized Digital Assistant focus on more important queries that need The successful deployment of Oracle software, helping it meet the rapidly in-person support,” she added.

HNB partners Browns Agriculture for offers on agricultural equipment Hatton National Bank partnered with,” HNB Head of Personal Financial with Brown & Company PLC to offer Services, Kanchana Karunagama said. affordable leasing packages for The partnership will offer HNB leasing agricultural vehicles to the SME customers a special rate for Massey sector. The partnership will offer Ferguson & TAFE Brands of special facilities for TAFE & Massey agricultural machinery vehicles. Ferguson tractors, Yanmar World & “We firmly believe that this Sumo branded combine harvesters. partnership with HNB will give us an “Sri Lankan farmers have to be opportunity to better serve our equipped with quality vehicles, customers by offering affordable machinery and equipment to make leasing solutions and a host of other use of the abundant natural benefits,” Browns Agriculture, General conditions the country is blessed Manager, Sanjaya Nissanka said. insight Ceylon FT tuesday 11 AUGUST 2020 B13 Who is Hit Hardest by the COVID-19 Wave in Sri Lanka? By Wimal Nanayakkara on basic essential food items, let groups and the heads of households alone purchase hand sanitisers, in this group is mainly in the The World Bank has estimated that masks, and hygiene products needed construction sector, the early revival around half a billion people worldwide to protect themselves from the of activities of this sector is essential could slip into extreme poverty, due to disease. Even physical distancing is to push them out of poverty. Still, the spread of COVID-19, and nearly impossible for those living in many people are reluctant to get their subsequent control measures taken highly congested urban areas. As services at the household level as by governments. Although Sri Lanka such, the poor face a higher risk of they are worried about contracting has low levels of extreme poverty, the contracting COVID-19 and spreading the virus. Once the major stringent measures taken to control it. Most of the poorer groups are construction activities gain the pandemic will have a devastating helpless and it may take a long time momentum, such workers and effect on the poor. This blog highlights for the poor families to recover, while labourers involved in such activities the plight of the poorest and most some may drift even deeper into will be in demand. vulnerable Socio-economic Groups poverty. As the most vulnerable SEG is (SEGs) in Sri Lanka, during the those living in households headed by COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The Measures by the persons who are too old to work or identification of such SEGs is based Government to Ease the disabled persons, this group will need on the Household Income and special attention and continued Expenditure Survey-2016 (HIES- Financial Difficulties support through welfare programmes 2016), conducted by the Department Faced by the Poor and to prevent them from slipping deeper of Census and Statistics (DCS). into poverty. The families headed by Near Poor those engaged in household work will Poverty in Sri Lanka The government’s main relief also need special attention. Providing before COVID-19 measure to ease financial challenges opportunities to work from home may and other difficulties faced by the help such households. In Sri Lanka, income poverty poor and near poor, whose livelihoods It is heartening to note that the declined from 26.1% in 1990 to 4.1% were severely affected, was to make Government has given high priority in 2016. However, there is a two payments of LKR 5,000 to low for the development of the agriculture significant concentration of near poor Most Vulnerable Socioe- deterioration in the standard of living income families, all recipients of the and fisheries sector, as those engaged (around one million), living just above of most of the poor and near poor, as senior citizens’ allowance, farmers in these two sectors are among the the National Poverty Line (NPL). Based conomic Groups their livelihoods and income sources registered under Farmer Insurance poorest. It is important to develop on national estimates, including In this context, the most vulnerable are adversely affected. Scheme, kidney patients, and effective mechanisms to ensure that Multidimensional Poverty, there are SEGs are persons in households samurdhi recipients. In addition, both the producers and the around 2.5 million suffering headed by (1) Retired, Elderly, or Pandemic’s relief was provided on the payment of consumers are not exploited by from some form of poverty or near Disabled; (2) Skilled Agriculture, Disproportionate Impact lease instalments of 1.5 million self- middlemen who try to cart away the poverty. As Sri Lanka has now been Fishery or Forestry Workers; (3) employed persons, including owners bulk of the profits. If this sector is reclassified a Lower Middle Income Nonagricultural Labourers; (4) Craft on the Poor of three wheelers, trucks, school properly managed, it could be made Country (LMIC), under these and Related Trade Workers; (5) COVID-19 has made life difficult for buses and vans, and self-employed one of the main foreign exchange standards, 9.5% or 1.96 million of Sri Agricultural Labourers; and (6) everyone. However, its economic motorists. A grace period on debt earners and an effective way of Lanka’s population are poor, which is Persons engaged in Household Work. impact differs greatly, according to repayments was also allowed. alleviating poverty in the agricultural a significant number. This means that More than 85% of the poor and near age, the composition of the Way Forward sector. there is a large number of Sri Lankans poor in Sri Lanka belong to these household, location, type of housing Wimal Nanayakkara is a Senior who are vulnerable to the long-lasting SEGs. Estimates of Multidimensional unit, type of employment, income While, the above relief measures Visiting Fellow of the IPS with effects of the present crisis. Moreover, Poverty (MDP) and near MDP also levels, and other factors. The poor will and the distribution of food and other research interests in poverty, and those who are borderline/near poor, confirms that these SEGs are the find it extremely difficult to survive essential items by welfare is a specialist in Sampling. He was could easily slip into poverty, most deprived and vulnerable when movements are restricted for organisations, helped to tide over the previously engaged at the especially those engaged in informal (accounts for more than 90% of MDP long periods, curtailing their daily poor they were just temporary steps. Department of Census and activities, daily wage earners, etc. or near MDP in Sri Lanka). incomes. Most of them do not have For instance, as “craft and related Statistics, where he functioned as Due to the pandemic, there will be a savings and are not able to stock up trade workers” is one of the poorest the Director General for 12 years. This is now the world’s greatest threat – and it’s not coronavirus By Sean Fleming challenges with the innovations made possible by the Fourth A detailed analysis of Industrial Revolution. That environmental research has means more public/private revealed the greatest threat to collaboration in pursuit of the the world: Affluence. public good. That’s one of the main Many other leading figures conclusions of a team of from around the world have scientists from Australia, rallied to this call, including Switzerland and the United His Royal Highness Prince Kingdom, who have warned Charles, the Prince of Wales. that tackling Fig. 1: Relative change in main global economicThe pandemic and environmental has devastated overconsumption has to indicators form 1970 to 2017 families and brought major become a priority. Their From: Scientists’ warning on affluence economies to a standstill. But report, titled Scientists’ 2.3 by directing resources into new Warning on Affluence, and improved systems and explains that true 2.1 processes, rather than shoring sustainability calls for 1.9 up the existing ones, Schwab significant lifestyle changes, believes a lasting change for rather than hoping that more 1.7 the better is possible. efficient use of resources will 1.5 That belief is echoed by the be enough. scientists’ report, which shows “We cannot rely on 1.3 that affluence is “actually technology alone to solve 1.1 dangerous and leads to existential environmental planetary-scale destruction,” problems – like climate 0.9 says co-author Julia change, biodiversity loss and A growing global 0.7 Steinberger, Professor of pollution,” writes the report’s June. He stressed the environmental protection shared goals, such as equality Ecological Economics at the lead author, Professor Tommy challenge importance of making changes offered by technology-based and sustainability.0.5 This is University of Leeds. “To protect Wiedmann from Australia’s There is widespread as the world recovers from the solutions have been outrun by something1970 that is already1980 1990 ourselves2000 from2010 the worsening2020 University of New South Wales acceptance that the planet recent pandemic: “As we work the growth of consumption. taking place in parts of the (=1) climate crisis, we must reduce

Engineering, in an article on faces an ecological tipping to build back better, let’s put The report also posits that it world where economic-Global GDP Global MFinequalityGlobal and CO challenge2 FFI the Phys.org. “We also have to point. “To care for humanity, nature where it belongs – at the might be time to rethink stimulus programmes are notion that riches, and those change our affluent lifestyles we must care for nature,” said heart of our decision making.” traditional ideas about supply being enacted. who possess them, are and reduce overconsumption, United Nations Secretary - Approximately, half of global and demand. In addition, Schwab urges us inherently good.” in combination with General António Guterres on GDP is bound up in the natural In capitalist societies, the to address health and social (WEF) structural change.” World Environment Day in world, according to the UN. In theory goes that consumer addition to the many millions of need drives the rest of the jobs dependent on nature, economy – businesses will only Fig. 1: The safe and just space for humanity Fig. 1: Relative change in main global economic and environmental there are also billions of people produce things for which there From: Scientists’ warning on affluence indicators form 1970 to 2017 intimately connected to and is a demand. But the reality of wholly reliant upon natural 21st Century global capitalism ion: environment From: Scientists’ warning on affluence remedies and medicines. is a little more complex than mpt ally su uns on ironmental ceil us 2.3 Plus, the use of tree-planting that – some economists argue rc Env ing ta ve in and reforesting programmes that growth itself is the O ab 2.1 able life le could reduce the impact of problem. stain style Su s global emissions and help meet founfa 1.9 Time for a great reset cial tion the Paris Agreement target to So 1.7 keep global temperature Writing shortly before World increase below 1.5C. Environment Day, the Forum’s Poverty 1.5 Call for systemic founder and executive and need: 1.3 chairman, Professor Klaus socially changes Schwab, called for a great reset T unsustainble y of capitalism in the wake of the h it 1.1 e n The threat of human-made coronavirus pandemic. His s a af m 0.9 environmental harm was vision of the great reset e a hu nd for highlighted in the World includes creating a stakeholder just space 0.7 Economic Forum’s Global Risk economy, where the market 0.5 Report 2020, where it is in the pursues fairer outcomes for all, 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 top 10 of both the most-likely underpinned by changes to tax, (=1) and the greatest-impact risks. regulatory and fiscal policies, The chief problem outlined by and new trade arrangements. Global GDP Global MF Global CO2 FFI the report is that any gains in Schwab also calls for resource efficiency and investments that advance

Fig. 1: The safe and just space for humanity From: Scientists’ warning on affluence

ion: environment mpt ally su uns on ironmental ceil us rc Env ing ta ve in O ab able life le stain style Su s founfa cial tion So

Poverty and need: socially

T unsustainble y h it e n s a af m e hu an or d just space f B14 Ceylon FT tuesday 11 AUGUST 2020 Advertorial

Yamaha - Aerox 155 CC Serendib Flour Mills awarded SLS 1672:2020 Serendib Flour Mills, a Yamaha Introduces SL’s leading wheat flour product suppliers in Sri Lanka, has been awarded the SLS 1672:2020 ‘COVID-19 first 155 CC Scooter Safety Management Systems’ certification from Associated Motorways (AMW) the Sri Lanka Standards introduced the Yamaha Aerox Institution (SLSI) for its mill 155 CC scooter recently. facility. The company claims that this The independent third process provides adequate existing management is one of the most popular party certification reiterates controls against the systems. scooters in Europe and is also Serendib Flour Mills’ spreading of COVID-19 to The certification also the first scooter in Sri Lanka position as a socially employees their families, ensures stakeholder with a futuristic keyless start. responsible organisation community and the confidence to support “The Yamaha Aerox 155 CC and enables the company to country, helping to enhance scaling up of the business is ideal for the young urban demonstrate its ability and the staff confidence and operations. While ensuring rider. As a scooter it excels in commitment towards morale, which invariably to maintain the required every way possible, combining providing safety from leads to minimum labour high safety standards, the innovative technology, with a COVID-19 through its turnover. The company has company also intends to bold, eye-catching design. This operations, including been able to integrate the improve the COVID-19 makes it stand out in any products and services as COVID-19 safety Safety Management System situation and is ideal for the well as outsourced activities management system continually by implementing biker that wants a ride with and ensures the safety of all seamlessly with its business new modifications to the personality and style,” staff and visitors. processes, overall current system in order to Commented Yohann de Zoysa, anything available. The and is easily one of the most The risk management management structure and meet future demand Director Passenger Vehicles - Yamaha Aerox 155 CC advanced, top-of-the-line AMW. continues this trend with a scooters on the market” said “Yamaha is renowned for scooter that promotes Zahran Ziyawudeen, Deputy delivering technology and economic fuel consumption, is General Manager – Yamaha, service that is far superior to loaded with futuristic features AMW. Swadeshi Khomba Illuminates ‘Aluthnuwara Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya’

The Swadeshi Industrial MoneyGram Partners with Works PLC, the market leader in Sri Lanka for herbal personal care products, has MMBL Money Transfer sponsored the ‘Aloka Poojawa’ of the historic Money Gram Asia Pacific and South Asia, diverse network gives the ‘Aluthnuwara Sri International,Inc.(NASDAQ: MoneyGram.“MMBLis known as consumer the widest choice of Dadimunda Maha Devalaya’ MGI), a global leader in cross- a pioneer in financial services, easily accessible locations. recently under the theme; border P2P payments and and we’re proud to partner with “We are delighted to join hands ‘Swadeshi Khomba Aloka Chairperson of Swadeshi, Amari Wijewardene, Basnayake Nilame money transfers, today them to enable millions of people with MoneyGram and look Puja Sathkaraya’. of Aluthnuwara, Sri Maha Dedimunda Dewalaya/Mahanuwara, Sri announced that it has entered the option to receive money at forward to offering a world- Situated in the Kegalle Maha Vishnu Dewalaya Mr. Mahindra Rathwatte and Swadeshi officials into a partnership with MMBL any of MMBL’s convenient walk- renowned product to our district, the ‘Aluthnuwara Sri Money Transfer, a leading in locations across Sri Lanka. customers. With over 25 years of Dadimunda Maha Devalaya’ of King Panditha the Swadeshi. money transfer operator in Sri Importantly, this partnership also experience in money transfer was built during the Parakramabahu IV. The Swadeshi also supports the Lanka to provide convenient enables Sri Lankan consumers to services, backed by Aitken Dambadeniya period. It is place was known as Aloka Poojas of Kataragama access for consumers to receive pick-up money transfers during Spence PLC (a blue chip believed that when King Nawatilakapuraya and later Kiri Wehera, Ruhunu money from around the world. nights and weekends.” MMBL conglomerate) and Mercantile Parakramabahu II was became Aluthnuwara. Kataragama Maha Devalaya, “As Money Gram continues to Money Transfer operates through Merchant Bank Ltd, MMBL is passing through ‘Dedimunda Deiyo’ is the Sabaragamu Maha Saman focus on investing in key receive an island-wide network of over confident of adding more value to Aluthnuwara on his way to guardian deity of the Buddha Devalaya, Devundara Sri markets, we’re excited to 2,000 payout MMBL Money MoneyGram and to the Sri Pada, he was very Sasana in Sri Lanka. Vishnu Devalaya, Redigama expand our presence in one of Master locations comprising of beneficiaries of the service,’’ said impressed with the place and In 2013 the ‘Sri Dalada Ridi Viharaya, Lankathilaka the key markets in South Asia banks, non-banking financial Dinesh Mendis, Director, Aitken decided to donate the Maligawa’ of historic Raja Maha Viharaya, by partnering with MMBL institutions, co-operative rural Spence Group Ltd / Managing property to the temple. Dambadeni Raja Maha Dambadeniya Raja Maha Money Transfer in Sri banks, and most importantly, Director, MMBL Money Transfer Buildings were added on to Viharaya and the ancient Viharaya and Keragala Raja Lanka,”said Anil Kapur, Head of retail outlets. This vast and (Pvt) Ltd. the devalaya during the reign murals were renovated by Maha Viharaya. sports tuesday 11 august 2020 A15 U-19 Division I Cricket (Two-Day) Tournament Atletico confirm two Dinuk excels with COVID-19 positives Two members of Atletico finals,” Atletico said in a Madrid’s group set to travel to statement. Portugal for the Champions “Today, two positives appeared League quarter-finals have tested among the known results, which the bat this season positive for COVID-19, the La Liga are now isolated in their club said on Sunday. respective homes and were St. Anthony’s College Wattala runs with a century and three Profile Both individuals who returned reported immediately to the No.4 batsman Thilakamuni Dinuk fifties in 2016. He was vice- Player : Dinuk Vishal Silva positive results are self-isolating Spanish and Portuguese health Vishal Silva, scored 893 runs with captain of the Gampaha District College : St. Anthony’s College Wattala at home. The club did not reveal authorities, UEFA, the Royal 3 centuries and a fifty this season under-15 team in the Prima the identity of those who tested Spanish Football Federation, the Born on : 2001.07.10 in the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under-19 Champions Cup. positive and did not confirm if a Portuguese Federation and the Division One inter Schools Cricket He was in the under-17 team Batting Style : LHB player was involved. Superior Council of Sports.” (Two-day) tournament. Division One team in 2017, but Bowling style : RAF “Saturday (8 August), all the Atletico confirmed the entire Playing in his fourth-year,his did not fare well, but in 2018 he Matches : 15 members of the first team and of squad will be tested again before top score of 141 was against scored 422 runs. Innings : 24 the club’s Lisbon travelling party the team can travel for Thursday’s Mahanama College, Colombo, He was also selected to play for Not Outs : 00 were submitted to tests as per quarter-final against RB Leipzig in while his other two centuries were UEFA’s protocol to participate in the college first XI team as a Runs : 893 Lisbon. against St. Sebastian’s College fresher during the 2016/2017 the Champions League quarter- (Reuters) Ave : 37.20 Katuneriya and Kingswood season. He scored only 365 runs College, Kandy. A right arm with a fifty. He scored 426 runs Highest Score : 141 Mahanama College Colombo paceman, he also claimed 12 with 2 fifties during the 100’s : 3 (Mahanama Colombo 141, St. Sebastian’s wickets during the season. 2017/2018 season as a second- Katuneriya 140, Kingswood Kandy 102) He played soft ball cricket year player. He scored 766 runs 50’s : 1 (St. John’s Jaffna 89) initially with the neighbourhood with a century against De La Salle Wickets : 12 friends, and when he was in College Colombo and three fifties Grade 6 his parents admitted him during the 2018/19 season. He Fared this Season to the School Cricket Academy led the Gampaha District under- Kingswood Kandy 102 where he came under the watchful 19 team in the Inter District Moratu Vidyalaya 22 & 19 eyes of coaches Chanaka tournament in 2019. He scored Zahira Colombo 26 Fernando and Sandamal. three fifties in three of the Nalanda Colombo 09 & 05 He was vice captain of the matches. under-13 Division One team in Presently he is part of the Gurukula Kelaniya 02 2013, and helped his school reach Burgher Recreation Club cricket St. Servatius Matara 22 & 39 the pre-quarters by scoring 436 squad and preparing for the Thurstan Colombo 38 & 16 runs with three half centuries. Premier Tournament conducted St. Sylvester’s Kandy 0 & 48 He represented the champion by Sri Lanka Cricket. Maliyadeva Kurunegala 37 Fingara Cricket Academy in the He thanks Principal Rev. Fr. St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya 38 & 140 Nelson Mendis Trophy Marl Fernando, Master-in- Tournament in 2015. He made a charge Rev. Fr. Nuwan Perera, Lumbini Colombo 22 & 28 fifty against CCC Academy in the former coaches Shanaka Devapathiraja Rathgama 00 final and was adjudicated Man of Fernando, Niroshan Silva, Fazi Mahanama Colombo 08 & 141 the Final. Annise, Harshanade Silva and St. John’s Jaffna 89 & 22 In 2015 and 2016 he was in the present coach Safraz Farook, all St. Anne’s Kurunegala 22 under-15 Division One team. He teachers, Old Boys, teammates (IR) scored 466 runs with a century and their parents and his family and three fifties in 2015, and 436 members.

2021 Women’s WC PSG gets sponsorship ‘We had the game in deal with Chinese the palm of our hands’ postponed to 2022 company Hisense - Azhar Ali The postponement of the 2021 least affected countries worldwide French soccer champion Paris Saint Germain (PSG) Test cricket is a peculiar times they could have killed Women’s World Cup to 2022 came by Covid-19. As of Sunday has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Chinese game, but Pakistan cricket is England off before the match down to concerns around morning, there were only 23 active consumer electronics and home appliances company odder still. In front of an eerily got to its climax. Barely 24 readiness of the players, and not cases in the country, according to Hisense , the companies said on Monday. The deal empty Old Trafford, Chris hours earlier, they found safety in New Zealand, the event’s their Ministry of Health’s official comes as Europe’s top soccer clubs all look to increase Woakes squeezed - edged, let’s themselves batting again on a CEO Andrea Nelson has said. numbers, and these were all at the their foothold in the lucrative Chinese market. “We are be honest - Shaheen Afridi 107-run lead, and anything As reported before Nelson said borders - that is, people testing proud to be working with such a leading global brand through third slip where, for like the grit the visitors had that given three participating positive when they fly in from from Asia Pacific. This is a meaningful partnership for some reason, a catcher wasn’t shown in the first innings teams are still to be identified and elsewhere, and going straight into the club, demonstrating our growing commitment to present. The ball rolled away would have ensured they several sides ‘can’t train’ yet, quarantine. In mid-June, New the region,” said Sébastien Wasels, Asia Pacific for four, and England would not walk away from postponement was the best option. Zealand had even welcomed back managing director for PSG. celebrated a famous win Manchester trailing the three- The qualifier for the tournament fans into a packed stadium for a (Reuters) against a Pakistan side that match series. was supposed to be held in July, Super Rugby Aotearoa game in had this match sewn up so Earlier on day four, Azhar but was postponed due to the Dunedin. often it was impossible to Ali’s men found themselves in pandemic. So, for now, England, High-profile women players, follow where it all came loose. what seemed an equally Australia, South Africa, India and England captain Heather Four days ago, there may unassailable position, having hosts New Zealand are confirmed Knight and Australia even have been a sense of dismissed half of England’s participants, with three more spots wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Ratnapura District Cricket faint pride about the side side with 160 runs still left to open in the eight-team Healy have raised concerns over taking England to the brink. get. Jos Buttler, having tournament. the postponement. Nelson, Coaches Association Pakistan, after all, came into endured a difficult Test “It came down to the ability of though, said pushing the the series firm underdogs, match, found himself batting the teams to qualify,” Nelson tournament would allow players to having not won an away Test alongside Woakes, who told NZME. “We’ve done a lot of be at their best for it. Athula Kumara match since the last time averaged 5.22 with the bat contingency planning around this “Having the tournament in 2022 they visited England two over his past seven Tests. event, to give it the best possible gives the best possible chance for years ago. They were going That his side threw away such chance of proceeding successfully teams around the world to train, unanimously through a transition of sorts, sizeable advantages - ultimately the decision to delay prepare, and come and compete in having axed the captain last particularly stung captain it comes down to cricket. No their pinnacle event,” she said. year, and trying to blood a Azhar, who bemoaned qualifying tournaments have been “We have absolutely no doubt we’ll elected President raw, albeit deliciously Pakistan’s inability to kill off able to be held yet, so in order to be able to pick up those plans and M.G. Athula Kumara was unanimously elected exciting, pace attack that has the game when they had the qualify and then compete in the deliver an amazing event a year President of the Ratnapura District Cricket Coaches its best years ahead of it. chance. event in 2021 - it was too risky. later.” Association at their inaugural Annual General Meeting They had played no cricket at “I wouldn’t say we lost the “We’ve got teams that can’t The qualifier was originally held at the Ratnapura District Association recently. all in months, while England match in [our] second train, they can’t assemble - in the slated to be held in Sri Lanka in More than 20 cricket coaches in the Ratnapura were still cooling down after innings, but we missed a case of a country like the West July this year, and has also been District attended the meeting. a high-intensity three-match chance to knock England out Indies they can’t leave their pushed back by a year. Sri Lanka Office Bearers: series against West Indies, of the game there,” he said. islands to bring the team together is likely to remain the host, with its President: M.G. Athula Kumara having just finished playing “That is a missed - and that’s just not a feasible way team competing for one of the Secretary: Kamal Sisira Kumara two successive Tests at Old opportunity. But only once to ask a team to prepare for their three remaining spots in the main Treasurer: Upul Kumara Trafford, the venue of the has such a huge total ever pinnacle event.” event. Vice Presidents: Eranga Prasad and Supun first match against Pakistan. been chased at Old Trafford. New Zealand has been one of the (ESPN) Chaminda Once the dust had settled, We were on top and with the Asst. Secretary: Ajantha Kumara the more measured voices in tail coming in, we were sure Asst. Treasurer: Pravinya Gamage the camp, like head coach we’d wrap it up if one more Coordinator: Sampath Thushara Misbah-ul-Haq, may try and wicket fell. But they attacked (IR) remind them about all that in from the off and snatched the a bid to avoid spirits taking a game away from us. We do hit before the second Test regret losing an opportunity begins in just four days. to build partnerships in that Maintaining that sense of second innings, which meant perspective will be we couldn’t set them a chase Willian confirms particularly difficult, of 300-plus, and that was a however, as Pakistan factor in us losing. Chelsea exit remember the number of (ESPN) Brazilian midfielder Willian has confirmed he will leave Chelsea after seven ‘wonderful’ years at Stamford Bridge. The 32-year-old, linked with a move across town to Arsenal, posted a farewell letter to the club’s fans on Twitter. “The time has now come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my team mates,” he said. “I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!” Willian, who began his career with Corinthians in Sao Paulo, joined Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and made over 300 appearances for the club, winning two Premier League titles. He was out of contract this summer and had failed ICC CEO Manu Sawhney and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at to agree a new long-term deal with the club. the launch of the Women’s ODI World Cup (Reuters) Misbah-ul-Haq A16 tuesday 11 august 2020 Sports

Closed-door policy not working

Sports starved soccer fans surprisingly turned up in numbers at the Race Course International Stadium to support their teams, even though the Sports Ministry and Health Ministry had instructed FFSL to play all matches behind closed doors due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Defenders thrash Super Sun 4-1 By Mustaq Sydeen second goal to shell shock the Super fourth goal in the 75th minute Sun camp. A searching long ball fell with a superb kick, curling the ball Defenders FC capitalised on at the feet of Shiab Manzook who over the Super Sun defence and shocking errors by Super Sun SC then delivered an inch- perfect cross into the top corner to register a to register a comfortable 4-1 for M. de Silva to volley home comfortable win for the victory in their first Group ‘C’ superbly from10 metres to go up Servicemen. match of the Inaugural FFSL 2-0 at half time. Super Sun, who recovered well President’s Cup 2020 worked off at A demoralised Super Sun faded from their poor start, scored an empty Sugathadasa Stadium further in the second half the their only goal through a yesterday. torrid time they had in the first penalty awarded for handball The Servicemen created all the half, and their frustrations inside the box, which early pressure and opened scoring deepened further after the third Chukwuka Michael converted in the 21st minute when a clever goal in the 47th minute when from the spot in the pass from K. Mendis down the left Ochuko Frank calmly rounded the 92nd minute, but it was too late found the evergreen A. Rahuman defender and the keeper and fired for them to make a comeback. inside the box, who drilled it into into an empty net. Red Star shock Saunders the bottom corner. Super Sun changed their K. Mendis and Ochuka Frank strategy and brought the entire Meanwhile, in the other fixture formed a lively partnership from the team back into their own penalty played at Race Course kick off and frequently pierced the area to stop the rampaging International Stadium Saunders Super Sun defence to cause them Servicemen from scoring any SC faced a shock 2-1 defeat at the more headaches. In the 29th minute further goals, but their strategy hands of the Red Star. Action from the match Defenders scored a high-quality failed as S. Rajawasam scored the (Pix by Kelum Chamara)

Stokes to miss remainder SLC Major League 2020 Tier ‘A’ of the Pakistan series Kusal Mendis smashes unbeaten England vice-captain Ben Stokes will play no further part in their ongoing century as cricket returns Test series against Pakistan due to family reasons. The all- rounder was not declared fit to bowl in the first innings of Mathews on 80 the first Test between the sides after picking up an injury during the preceding West Indies series. However, he was CCC skipper Kusal Mendis picked as a batsman and had recovered enough by was the first centurion in the the time of Pakistan’s second Super-8 round of the SLC Major innings to bowl four overs, in which he League Tier ‘A’ Cricket picked up the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan tournament (2019/2020) when and Shaheen Afridi. He will not be available cricket returned yesterday. for the second or third Tests, however, as he Mendis scored an unbeaten flies out to New Zealand to be with family. 132 runs in 213 balls with 18 “Stokes will leave the UK later this week and travel to boundaries against Ragama CC New Zealand. He will miss England’s two Test matches against at MCG Katunayake. Mendis Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August,” and Ashan Priyanjana put on a the ECB said in a press release on Sunday, 9 August. partnership of 122 runs for the Zak Crawley looks to be the likely replacement for Stokes in the batting third wicket. Wanindu line-up. He was dropped after the second West Indies Test last month to Hasaranga chipped in with an make room for a fifth bowler. unbeaten half-ton. England are currently 1-0 up in the series, having pulled off an unlikely Angelo Mathews and chase of 277 in the fourth innings, thanks to a 136-run sixth-wicket stand Santhush Gunathilaka of Colts between Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler. The second Test begins in CC were involved in an Southampton on Thursday, 13 August. unbroken 142 runs stand for (ICC) Ben Stokes the third wicket against Saracens CC at P. Sara Oval. The former national skipper is on the way to becoming the second centurion in the Super-8 Angelo Mathews Santhush Gunathilaka round as he is unbeaten on 80 OCA moves postponed Asian at close of play. Avishka score a half century. At CCC Fernando also batted well to Plate Championship Chilaw Marians CC: 195 Lankan CC skipper Chanaka (47.2) (Oshadha Fernando 42, Beach Games to April 2021 Ruwansiri scored 124 runs in Pulina Tharanga 40, Kasun 134 balls with 4 boundaries and Vidura 38, Thikshila de Silva The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games “The decision taken jointly in collaboration 9 sixes against Negombo CC at 35, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 3/26, in Sanya, which was postponed from this year with Chinese Olympic Committee and the De Soysa Stadium Moratuwa. Hashen Ramanayake 3/43, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be Sanya Asian Beach Games Organising Lakshitha Rasanjana took 5 Duvindu Tillakaratne 3/54) held from April 2-10 in 2021 at the same venue, Committee will ensure the safety of the athletes wickets for 85 runs. BRC: 67/5 (23) (Deshan Dias the Olympic Council of Asia said on Monday. and officials as well as the spectators in these Sachithra Senanayake (SSC) 24, Nimesh Vimukthi 2/6, The Games was scheduled from Nov. 28-Dec. unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic,” top scored with 81 runs Thikshila de Silva 2/7) 6 but China’s General Administration of Sport the OCA said in a statement. The entry criteria against Tamil Union C & AC as Plate said last month that the only international and other technical details will be readjusted in SSC ended the day on 242/8 at At De Soysa Stadium sports events allowed in the country this year collaboration with the local organisers, the the NCC. Moratuwa would be trials for the 2022 Winter Olympics in continental governing body added. Matches will continue Lankan CC: 270 (68.2) Beijing. (Reuters) today. (Chanaka Ruwansiri 124, Lahiru Super-8 Dilshan 43, Dunith Wellalage 37, At MCG Katunayake. Lakshitha Rasanjana 5/85, Upul CCC: 353/4 (82) (Kusal Indrasiri 3/79) Mendis 132 n.o., Minod Negombo CC: 64/3 (13) Bhanuka 88, Ashan Priyanjan (Ashen Silva 30 n.o.) Akmal’s reduced ban for anti-corruption breach 58, Wanindu Hasaranga 51 At NCC. n.o., Binura Fernando SSC: 242/8 (71) (Sachithra 2/35) vs Ragama CC Senanayake 81, Akash PCB appeals to CAS At P. Sara Oval. Senarathne 37, Sandun The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday veracity of the charges”. The PCB said the Colts CC: 256/2 (81) (Angelo Weerakkody 35, Dasun said that it will appeal to the Court of decision to file an appeal was made following a Mathews 80 n.o., Avishka Shanaka 35, Suranga Lakmal Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the review of the independent adjudicator’s order, Fernando 66, Santhush 3/32, Pramod Madushan reduction of batsman Umar Akmal’s ban for an which said the ban was reduced “on grounds of Gunathilaka 60 n.o., Sadeera 2/53) vs Tamil Union C & AC anti-corruption breach. taking a compassionate view”. Samarawickrama 41, Kasun At Colts The middle-order batsman was banned in “The PCB doesn’t take any pride in seeing a Rajitha 2/65) vs Saracens SC Moors SC: 239/7 (77.1) April for failing to report approaches to engage cricketer of Umar’s stature being banned for At SSC (Adeesha Thilanchana 53, in corrupt practices ahead of this year’s corruption, but as a credible and respectable Army CC: 236/9 (72) (Asela Dinuka Dilshan 46, Ramesh Pakistan Super League Twenty20 competition. institution, we need to send out a loud and clear Gunaratne 50, Himasha Mendis 40, Ayana Siriwardhane An independent adjudicator last month message to all our stakeholders that there will be Liyanage 46, Mahesh Kumara 37 n.o., Nipun Karunanayake reduced Akmal’s three-year ban to 18 months, no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who 41, Janith Silva 28 n.o., Dilesh 27, Lahiru Samarakoon 4/59, saying Akmal’s confession that he failed to breaches the regulations,” the Board said in a Gunarathna 4/35, Dushan Hemantha report match-fixing approaches on two statement. Chathuranga de Silva 3/82) vs 2/39) vs Badureliya CC occasions had left “no room for doubt as to the (Agencies) NCC (IR) Kusal Mendis (File Pic)

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