„„ www.themorning.lk „„ LATE CITY VOL 01 | NO 05 | Rs. 30.00 { FRIDAY } FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 PRAMODYA TO REPLACE DE MEL?

‘IT TRULY SRI LANKA, THE CONTRARIAN WHAT GREEN LIFTED INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY REVOLUTION CAN SAVE OUR SPIRITS’ OF 2021: CAM THE AILING ELEPHANT? »SEE PAGE 16 »SEE PAGES 7 »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 11 Over 100,000 Govt. reserves migrant workers 2 m Pfizer doses ineligible for help z Registrations expired, no z SLBFE urges prompt renewal z Vaccines to be z Not through z Additional cold z Pfizer claims SLBFE coverage or benefits considering Covid dangers purchased, not World Bank storage to be effective against donated COVAX facility developed Covid variants BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE them ineligible for any Randeniya said that 100,000 Over 100,000 Sri Lankan coverage or benefits provided Sri Lankan migrant workers BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI reservation was made by the SPC is the sole supplier of migrant workers registered by the SLBFE during this from the Middle East, The Government has reserved two million doses of the Pfizer- State Pharmaceuticals Corporation pharmaceuticals, surgical under the Sri Lanka Bureau Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia, Singapore, and the BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine which are to be purchased soon, (SPC). consumable Items, laboratory of Foreign Employment Speaking to The Morning Maldives should renew their The Morning learnt. “The SPC has reserved about chemicals, and equipment to all (SLBFE) have service yesterday (28), SLBFE outdated registration with the Speaking to The Morning Healthcare, Epidemics, and two million doses of the Pfizer institutions administered by the contracts that are out of date Deputy General Manager SLBFE without delay. yesterday (28), Secretary to Covid Disease Control Dr. vaccine to be purchased and Health Ministry. and require renewal, making and Spokesman Mangala Contd. on page 2 the State Ministry of Primary Amal Harsha De Silva said the received soon.” Contd. on page 2 INDEPENDENCE DAY REHEARSALS FROM INDIA WITH LOVE Jabs for Colombo Special traffic health workers today plan from z Roughly 2,000- BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI 2,500 workers Roughly 2,000-2,500 health workers from tomorrow from 7 hospitals seven hospitals in the Colombo District z are to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE President receives 500,000 vaccines Covishield vaccines today (29), The A special traffic plan will be in effect from at BIA Morning learnt. tomorrow (30) around the Independence Health workers from the National Square area, ahead of the 73rd Independence z Cold chain goes Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo North Day celebrations in Colombo. islandwide on Teaching Hospital in Ragama, Police Media Spokesman Deputy Inspector wheels Contd. on page 2 General of Police (DIG) Ajith Rohana, speaking to The Morning, said that motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience. Contd. on page 2 MPs invited to Parliament for PCR tests Members of Parliament (MPs) have been invited to undergo random PCR tests that will be conducted within the Parliament complex, Sri Lankan health workers unloading the first 500,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine donated by the Indian Government at the Medical Supplies Division of the Ministry of Health said Serjeant-at-Arms Narendra Fernando. PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Contd. on page 2 FIRST TIME IN SL COVID-19 CASES Hash oil kilo worth No law to TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES over Rs. 5 m nabbed extradite 61,045 BY HEMANTHA LIYANAPATHIRANA Prevention Division arrested a DEATHS RECOVERED A drug in the form of oil extracted suspect with a kilogramme of the for probes from either cannabis or hashish, drug from Arawwala, Maharagama 6,320 290 54,435 named “hash oil”, with a street on the night of 27 January. z Case needs to be filed, SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU value of over Rs. 5 million per Investigations have revealed that says AG’s Dept. THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 8.00 P.M. ON 28 JANUARY 2021 kilogramme, has been discovered the suspect had smuggled in the for the first time in Sri Lanka. drug from Dubai for distribution BY WARUNI SAMARASINGHE The Police Organised Crime at star-class hotels and clubs. The existing extradition law is inadequate BACHELET CONCERNS Contd. on page 2 and insufficient to extradite a suspect living overseas for the purpose of investigation without a case being filed against the suspect, Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena HRCSL to discuss with PC said. Jinasena, who assisted the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) probing Easter Sunday attacks of 2019 with regard to the Govt. delegation hearing of evidence, said that the law only provides for the extradition of a suspect against BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY HRCSL Chairperson Jagath “Once we know the constituency and whom a case has been filed in Sri Lanka. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Balasuriya told The Morning yesterday the membership of the delegation, we can She noted this on 27 January when the Lanka (HRCSL) will discuss the serious (28) that the HRCSL does not yet know discuss the situation,” Balasuriya added. Commission officially concluded the hearings human rights-related concerns raised as to who would comprise the delegation The report by Bachelet on “Promoting and the recording of evidence. by the Office of the United Nations led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Reconciliation, Accountability, and Jinasena further said that although the US High Commissioner for Human Rights make its way to the 46th Session of the Human Rights in Sri Lanka” has dealt had indicted three Sri Lankan suspects in (OHCHR), led by Michelle Bachelet, United Nations Human Rights Council with emerging threats to reconciliation, connection with the Easter Sunday bombings once the government delegation to (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, accountability, and human rights. in an American court, Geneva is finalised. which is to commence next month. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk { NEWS } Friday, January 29, 2021

deaths were recorded in the country on Wednesday, and doctors from the German Army have been deployed to Lisbon to help manage the spike.Cases Germany to not give have also increased in parts of France and President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly mulling a stricter lockdown. What’s behind the supply problems? The EU signed a deal with AstraZeneca in August for 300 million AstraZeneca jab to over-65s doses, with an option for 100 million A number of other regions, including more, but the UK-Swedish company z ‘Insufficient data’ over its efficacy for older people Catalonia in the northeast, are having has reported production delays at plants similar problems with stock. Catalan in the Netherlands and Belgium. Germany’s vaccine committee has said AstraZeneca’s Covid jab Immunisations at Public Health Meanwhile, Paul Hunter, Professor officials believe their 30,000 remaining AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said should only be given to people aged under 65. The committee cited England, said both the AstraZeneca of Medicine at the University of East doses will run out this week. production was “basically two months “insufficient data” over its efficacy for older people. and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are “safe Anglia, told BBC News that the elderly Many countries are facing similar behind where we wanted to be”. and provide high levels of protection should not worry about receiving the jab. shortages due to delays in shipments of The EU had hoped that as soon as The European Medicines Agency is bloc. But the EU says the firm must against Covid-19”, particularly against “We do know that it is safe in people both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna approval was given, probably on Friday, to decide on Friday (today, 29) whether honour its commitments and deliver the severe disease. over 65. They have much fewer side vaccines, which are the only ones delivery would start straight away, with to approve the vaccine for use across jabs by diverting stock from the UK. “There were too few cases in older effects than younger people and it currently approved for use in the EU. some 80 million doses arriving in the 27 the European Union (EU). Pfizer-BioNTech has also cut the people in the AstraZeneca trials to almost certainly provides substantial There was added confusion in the nations by March. But the production The UK has been using the number of doses it is delivering to the observe precise levels of protection benefits in terms of preventing severe Czech Republic on Wednesday (27) issues have dented this hope. AstraZeneca vaccine in its mass 27-member bloc. in this group, but data on immune disease and reduces the chances of after the Health Ministry called for a Reports said last week that the EU immunisation programme for weeks UK confident ‘safe’ vaccine has responses were very reassuring.” going into hospital.” two-week halt to new vaccinations due would get 60% fewer vaccine doses – now, and public health officials say ‘substantial benefits’ UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson The pace of the EU’s vaccination to supply issues, only for their statement about 50 million jabs – than promised it is safe and provides “high levels of The independent vaccine commission said he was not worried by the German programme has been criticised in recent to be denied by the Prime Minister. in the first quarter of the year. protection”. advising the German Government recommendation. weeks, with a number of countries “This (Health Ministry statement) was The bloc is also facing delays with The German announcement comes said on Thursday (28) that there was “Our own authorities have made it failing to hit their own targets. Officials unnecessary,” Prime Minister Andrej supplies of the Pfizer-BioNTech as the EU is in dispute with leading “currently insufficient data available very clear that they think the Oxford- have blamed a combination of logistical Babis said. “The vaccination centres vaccine, and it has a much bigger deal manufacturers over a shortage of to assess the vaccine efficacy from 65 AstraZeneca vaccine is very good and and supply issues. need to deal with this themselves.” with the US-German vaccine-maker. vaccines on the continent. years of age” and recommended the efficacious, gives a high degree of In Spain, authorities in the capital Elsewhere, Portugal is recording Both the EU and AstraZeneca have UK-based AstraZeneca has said “AstraZeneca vaccine...should only protection after just one dose..., and Madrid have suspended all first a high number of new infections vowed to work together to resolve the production issues at its Europe-based be offered to people aged 18-64 years the evidence that they’ve supplied is doses of the vaccination for at least and reports suggest hospitals in problems, and crisis talks were held plants mean it will be unable to deliver at each stage”. that they think it is effective across all two weeks because of the ongoing Lisbon are struggling to cope with on Wednesday. the promised number of doses to the But Dr. Mary Ramsay, Head of age groups,” he said. shortages. the influx of patients. A record 293 (BBC)

Contd. from page 1 CARTOON OF THE DAY registration. The migrant workers that left the told The Morning that the drug contains Govt. reserves... country in 2017 and 2018 are yet to renew tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and affects the Dr. De Silva also said the Pfizer vaccine will their SLBFE registration. central nervous system. also be included in the Global Alliance for All these categories should obtain the She noted that the said drug is manufactured Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) COVAX SLBFE registration and if the migrant worker in Morocco and Afghanistan. facility that Sri Lanka will receive for 20% is not in a position to personally renew the of its population. registration contract, the family members “We don’t know what vaccines we are to can come to the SLBFE with a valid passport HRCSL to... receive exactly, but Pfizer will be included in copy of the migrant worker and renew the The specific threats mentioned include what we receive through the COVAX facility.” registration. the increased militarisation of civilian As the Pfizer vaccine has to be stored at According to Randeniya, migrant workers’ government functions and the State, the reversal a temperature of -70° Celsius, Dr. De Silva, families would lose benefits, like compensation of constitutional safeguards, the political when inquired about the necessary storage of Rs. 600,000 for death due to any cause obstruction of accountability for crimes and facilities, said that Sri Lanka currently has whilst working abroad during the contract human rights violations, majoritarian and about 35 to 40 state and private facilities to period, and other welfare benefits afforded exclusionary rhetoric, the surveillance and store vaccines at this temperature. to them, if they do not have proper SLBFE intimidation of the civil society, and the SPC is to additionally prepare two containers registration. shrinking democratic space. to store Pfizer vaccines. Additionally, the report has dealt with the The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was developed assessment of the implementation of UNHRC by BioNTech, a German biotechnology Jabs for... Resolution 30/1, including on transitional company, in co-operation with Pfizer, an Colombo South Teaching Hospital in justice and confidence-building measures as American multinational pharmaceutical Kalubowila, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for well as impunity in emblematic cases. corporation. The price of a single dose of the Children, and Covid-19 control hospitals The incumbent Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna vaccine was reported to be $ 20 last November. such as the National Institute of Infectious (SLPP)-led Government informed the UNHRC The vaccine is effective against Covid- Diseases (IDH), Homagama Base Hospital, and of their withdrawal of the co-sponsorship of the 19 mutations in variants that have emerged Colombo East Base Hospital in Mulleriyawa said Resolution and two subsequent resolutions recently in Britain and South Africa, the two are set to receive the first dose of their anti- which had been co-sponsored by the previous firms claimed yesterday (28). Covid-19 vaccination today. United National Front (UNF)-led Government. “The Government has now demonstrated (Temporary Provisions) Act for new arrests In a statement, the two companies said that Speaking to The Morning yesterday (28), “Nearly 12 years on from the end of the its inability and unwillingness to pursue until it is replaced by legislation that adheres early tests suggest their immunisation would Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit war, domestic initiatives for accountability a meaningful path towards accountability to international best practices; and establish be similarly protective against the variant in consultant epidemiologist Dr. Deepa Gamage and reconciliation have repeatedly failed to for international crimes and serious human standard procedures for granting pardons or South Africa. It said that preliminary findings said that all other districts would have been produce results, more deeply entrenching rights violations, and signalled instead a other forms of clemency by the President, “do not indicate the need for a new vaccine sent the vaccination along with the necessary impunity and exacerbating victims’ distrust fundamentally different approach which including subjecting it to judicial review, and to address the emerging variants”. logistical equipment by yesterday night. in the system. Sri Lanka remains in a state threatens to deny victims their rights to truth excluding grave human rights and international Earlier this week, a new variant of Covid-19 “All the other districts would have been sent of denial about the past, with truth-seeking and justice and further entrench impunity. By humanitarian law violations. was reported in Sri Lanka. The Department of the vaccines by yesterday night along with the efforts aborted and the highest state officials withdrawing its support for Resolution 30/1 The upcoming UNHRC session is to Immunology and Molecular Medicine of the syringes, vaccination cards, and other logistical refusing to make any acknowledgement of and related measures, and by repeatedly failing commence on 22 February and go on till University of Sri Jayewardenepura stated that material. They will begin vaccination today past crimes. The failure to implement any to undertake meaningful action across the full 19 March. this new variant of Covid-19 bears similarities or tomorrow (30) based on when they will be vetting or comprehensive reforms in the scope of that Resolution, the Government to the variants of Covid-19 that has spread in receiving them.” security sector means that the state apparatus has largely closed the possibility of genuine European countries such as Denmark, Iceland, The vaccines will be distributed islandwide and some of its members credibly implicated progress being made to end impunity through No law... Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. through vehicles with cold storage facilities, in the alleged grave crimes and human rights a domestic transitional justice process.” legal provisions available in Sri Lanka to maintaining the 2-8° Celsius cold chain. violations remain in place. The 2015 reforms Therefore, she called for strong preventive cover such a situation or file charges in such This week will also see the immunisation of that offered more checks and balances on action, stating that it is vital that the UNHRC a manner were inadequate and insufficient. Over 100k... every healthcare worker in the country through Executive power have been rolled back, takes further action on Sri Lanka. Bachelet The PCoI was appointed on 21 September “Every Sri Lankan migrant worker who all hospitals and offices of medical officers of eroding the independence of the Judiciary and called on the UNHRC to set out a coherent 2019 by then President Maithripala Sirisena leaves the country for foreign employment health (MOHs) that will vaccinate healthcare other key institutions further. The beginnings and effective plan to advance accountability to probe the attacks on 21 April 2019, and 457 should be registered at the SLBFE prior to workers who work with Covid-19 patients in of a more inclusive national discourse that options at the international level. persons provided testimony on 640 occasions departure. According to our records, there the field, Dr. Gamage said. promised greater recognition and respect of “Member states have a number of options to in the course of over 200 days of proceedings. are around 100,000 migrant workers without Security personnel including the tri-forces, and reconciliation with minority communities advance criminal accountability and provide The Easter Sunday attacks claimed the lives updated registration.” the police, and workers of points of entry to have been reversed. Far from achieving the measures of redress for victims. In addition to of over 250 persons, including both locals and Randeniya said that the SLBFE registration the country working in the frontline are also ‘guarantees of non-recurrence’ promised by taking steps towards the referral of the situation foreigners, and caused damages to churches and is valid for a period of two years and that to be vaccinated through this initial drive, Resolution 30/1, Sri Lanka’s current trajectory in Sri Lanka to the International Criminal hotels and other property across the country. workers could renew their registration at their she added. sets the scene for the recurrence of the policies Court, Member States can actively pursue the respective Sri Lankan diplomatic missions When contacted, Secretary to the State and practices that gave rise to grave human investigation and prosecution of international upon the expiry of the registration by paying Ministry of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, rights violations,” the report concludes. crimes committed by all parties in Sri Lanka MPs invited... the relevant renewal fee. and Covid Disease Control Dr. Amal Harsha Bachelet has also expressed deep concern before their own national courts, including These PCR tests for the Parliamentary staff The renewal fee is around Rs. 3,800, De Silva told The Morning that the vaccine over the trends emerging over the past year, under the accepted principles of extraterritorial will be conducted once a week, and they consisting of the SLBFE registration charge will be voluntary for health workers as it is which represent, according to the report, clear or universal jurisdiction. Member States can will be carried out with the assistance of the of Rs. 3,000 and the insurance charge of Rs. for ordinary citizens. early warning signs of a deteriorating human also apply targeted sanctions, such as asset Department of the Director General of Health 800, he added. “However, we will only be deploying the rights situation and a significantly heightened freezes and travel bans against state officials Services. According to Randeniya, a migrant worker health workers who have been inoculated on risk of future violations. and other actors credibly alleged to have These PCR tests will be conducted on both who is not registered with the SLBFE is not the frontlines,” he added. Also, Bachelet expressed alarm over the committed or be responsible for grave human sitting and non-sitting days, according to entitled to any coverage or benefits provided A press release issued by the President’s space afforded for civil society, including the rights violations or abuses.” Fernando. by the SLBFE under any circumstances. Media Division (PMD) yesterday (28) independent media, rapidly shrinking due to Meanwhile, Bachelet recommended that Testing programmes have been conducted at Therefore, he urged migrant workers and their stated that a total of about 150,000 frontline surveillance, including intimidating visits by the Government of Sri Lanka ensure that the Parliamentary complex since 13 January. family members to renew the registration under healthcare workers and 120,000 frontline state agents and harassment against human constitutional and legislative reforms address A total of 190 persons on whom tests were the SLBFE to avoid any complications during security personnel are to be inoculated in the rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, social recommendations made by UN human conducted on 25 January have tested negative. this Covid-19 pandemic situation. first stage. actors, and victims of human rights violations rights mechanisms and the resolutions of To date, several including Minister Vasudeva “Registered migrant workers are entitled to A batch of 500,000 Oxford Astra-Zeneca and their families, as well as the imposition of the UNHRC; order all security agencies to Nanayakkara, Health Minister Pavithra get benefits upon repatriation,” Randeniya said. Covishield vaccines produced by the Serum restrictive legal measures on legitimate civil immediately end all forms of surveillance and Wanniarachchi, MPs Rauf Hakeem and Wasantha When inquired as to whether the SLBFE Institute of India which weighed 1,323 kg society activity. harassment of and reprisals against human Yapa Bandara, and State Minister Dayasiri can establish an automatic renewal of service was donated by the Government of India “Tamil and Muslim minorities are being rights defenders, social actors, and victims of Jayasekara, have tested positive for Covid-19. contracts considering the Covid-19 situation and arrived on Air India flight AI281 to the increasingly marginalised and excluded human rights violations; promptly, thoroughly, Moreover, several MPs were also instructed since the database is already in the system Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in from the national vision and government and impartially investigate and prosecute all by the health authorities to self-quarantine as such would be convenient to the migrant Katunayake yesterday. The first batch was policy, while divisive and discriminatory allegations of gross human rights violations after being identified as close contacts of workers, Randeniya said that the State Minister officially handed over to President Gotabaya rhetoric from the highest state officials risks and serious violations of international Covid-19 patients. of Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Rajapaksa by Indian High Commissioner to generating further polarisation and violence. humanitarian law, including torture and Diversification Piyankara Jayaratne had also Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay. The Government has appointed active and ill-treatment, and give the highest priority made a proposal to see if the SLBFE can extend The Chinese Government is also set to former military personnel, including those to ensuring accountability in longstanding Special traffic... this registration automatically and cover the donate a batch of 300,000 Sinopharm vaccines credibly implicated in war crimes, to key emblematic cases; remove from office security Independence Day rehearsals will take place charges later. to Sri Lanka. positions in the civilian administration and personnel and other public officials credibly for a period of five days, from tomorrow to The total migrant departures per year created parallel task forces and commissions implicated in human rights violations, in 3 February. This traffic plan will be in force are approximately 225,000, according to that encroach on civilian functions. Combined compliance with human rights standards; from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Randeniya, as in 2018 around 220,000 migrant Hash oil... with the reversal of important institutional implement other reforms of the security sector However, on Independence Day (4 February) worker departures were reported. However, National Dangerous Drugs Control checks and balances on the Executive by the to strengthen and ensure accountability and vehicular movement on all roads surrounding some of the migrant workers who left in 2017 Board (NDDCB) Assistant Director 20th Amendment to the Constitution, this civilian oversight; establish a moratorium the Independence Square will be restricted extended their work permits but not the SLBFE (Scientific Research) Pabasara Weerasinghe trend threatens democratic gains. on the use of the Prevention of Terrorism from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. 43 Friday, January 29, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk of anaemia observed in the present study and previous ones conducted in the Galle District of the Southern Province, Anuradhapura District in the North Central Province, Anaemia high among CP Northern Province, and Dankotuwa in the Puttalam District in the North Western Province pointed out that the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy differs according to the province, a fact which is likely Tamils during pregnancy due to differences in socioeconomic conditions within the 25 districts. z Explaining the comparatively Researchers recommend consuming eggs, green leaves large proportion of anaemic women z among the Tamil participants and a Hospitals urged to focus on preconception care high prevalence of anaemia in the first trimester among tea plantation BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY One of the findings was that there sector workers, they noted that A high prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy has been observed was a clear relationship between the these workers are all Tamils and among the Tamil ethnic group who attended the Peradeniya Teaching monthly income and the occurrence have a low monthly income and Hospital in the Central Province, while other groups showed only a of anaemia in pregnancy, where the low education level. In a related moderate prevalence. highest such percentage was observed finding in this study, it was noted This was noted in an original participated and were in their first in pregnant women whose monthly that there was no relationship research titled “Prevalence and trimester. income was lower than Rs. 10,000, between the educational status and Aetiology of Anaemia in Pregnant In terms of the results, 79 (20.7%) while a lower percentage was seen the prevalence of anaemia, as the Women Attending a Tertiary Care were found to be anaemic in the among those whose monthly income prevalence among women who Unit in Sri Lanka, and its Effect first trimester, out of which 66 was over Rs. 30,000. were educated up to Grade Five and on the Mother and the Newborn” (17.32%) were mildly anaemic, 12 Another finding was that the up to and above the GCE Advanced authored by I.C. Kandauda, S. (3.14%) were moderately anaemic, prevalence of anaemia tended Level were similar. Tennakoon, P.M. Rathnayake, K. and one (0.26%) was severely to decrease with the number of A cross-sectional descriptive Maduwage, and T. Gunathilake, and anaemic. A total of 52 (69.3%) children born. study was conducted during published recently in the Sri Lanka anaemic women had iron deficiency It was also found that the mean May-December 2017 on Journal of Medicine. anaemia. A higher proportion of weight and body mass index (BMI) pregnant women who attended Anaemia is defined as the anaemic women were observed of anaemic women were significantly the antenatal clinic and reduction in the number of red cells among the Tamil ethnic group as lower than in non-anaemic pregnant maternity wards of the tertiary and subsequent oxygen carrying eight out of 23 of them were found women. The same was the case in care unit of the Peradeniya capacity in a manner that hinders an to be anaemic, while 56 (18.62%) blood investigations (red blood cell Teaching Hospital. A total of 382 individual’s ability to meet personal out of 306 Sinhalese women and 12 count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular women participated and were in requirements for physiological (26.6%) out of 45 Muslim women volume, mean corpuscular their first trimester functions. The most common were anaemic in the first trimester. haemoglobin concentration, and mean cause is iron deficiencies, while Anaemia prevalence decreased in corpuscular haemoglobin) where the The encouragement of the nutritional deficiencies (vitamins the age categories of over 20 years, various counts were significantly consumption of eggs and green A and B12, and folate), parasitic between 21 and 30 years, and below lower in the anaemic group in leaves, items which are mostly infections (hookworm, malaria), and 30 years, in descending order. comparison with the non-anaemic affordable for all socioeconomic chronic and acute inflammations group. However, the mean figure in classes, can minimise the risk and haemoglobinopathies According to the World Health the red cell distribution width test was of anaemia. Preconception care (genetically inherited disorders Organisation (WHO), as of 2005, higher in the anaemic group. in the form of investigation and affecting red blood cells) also cause the prevalence was 29.3 in Sri While there was no significant intervention into aspects pertaining such. It is a common complication Lanka, which is considered as association of anaemia with the to weight, BMI, and other blood- during pregnancy. being a moderate public health frequency of the intake of red related parameters owing to their According to the World Health problem. Measures taken in meat, milk, and tea (even though significant relationship with the Organisation (WHO), as of 2005, Sri Lanka to prevent anaemia some studies have shown that iron onset of anaemia in pregnancy too the prevalence was 29.3 in Sri during pregnancy include absorption by the body is decreased could minimise such, the authors Lanka, which is considered as being providing the Thriposha food with the intake of tea, such an stated, whilst also noting that at a moderate public health problem. supplement and the iron folate association was not observed in the present, local hospitals do not have Measures taken in Sri Lanka to supplement free of charge to present study), there was a significant well-organised preconception care prevent anaemia during pregnancy pregnant women association in terms of a decrease in plans and programmes, which the include providing the Thriposha the tendency for anaemia with the researchers emphasised was an food supplement and the iron As far as the second trimester intake of green leaves and eggs. issue that should be addressed by folate supplement free of charge to was concerned, 43 (27.38%) were Also, there was no association the relevant authorities. pregnant women. anaemic with 27 (17.2%) being with anaemia during pregnancy and Furthermore, educational A cross-sectional descriptive mildly anaemic, 15 (9.6%) being maternal and neonatal outcome, programmes on the importance of study was conducted during May- moderately anaemic, and one including the birth weight of the having a healthy diet and regular December 2017 on pregnant women (0.6%) being severely anaemic. In child. attendance at antenatal clinics, who attended the antenatal clinic the third trimester, 42 (28.76%) Discussing on these findings, where the haemoglobin level and maternity wards of the tertiary were anaemic, with 36 (24.65%) authors Kandauda, Tennakoon, is frequently monitored in high care unit of the Peradeniya Teaching being mildly anaemic and six Rathnayake, Maduwage, and risk pregnant women, were also Hospital. A total of 382 women (4.1%) being moderately anaemic. Gunathilake, citing the prevalence proposed. One institution for coconut industry ECT-linked Adani BY PAMODI WARAVITA State Minister of Coconut, to increase the efficiency of the year, where the authorities hope to Hewavitharana said that that 25,000 to raise $ 500 m The Coconut Cultivation Board Kithul, and Palmyrah Cultivation services. identify lands that cannot be used for coconut trees were cut down this Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (CCB), Coconut Development Promotion and Related Industrial Hewavitharana added that the the harvest of other crops, check the year in order to prevent the spread (APSEZ), which is tipped to be given a stake Authority (CDA), and Coconut Product Manufacturing and merging of these three institutions soil suitability, and provide funds and of the disease. in the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Research Institute (CRI) will be Export Diversification Tissa would take place as soon as technical knowledge for the harvest Although the disease does Colombo Port by the Sri Lankan Government, brought under one institution due Hewavitharana said that Minister possible, with the appointment of a of crops in those lands. not have any known prevention on Tuesday (26) announced a $500 million to the duplication of resources of Plantation Industries Dr. new Director Board and Chairman. Commenting on the “Pol Kola methods thus far, Hewavitharana bond sale. and communication problems that Ramesh Pathirana and State This has been done in accordance Malaweema’’ disease which mentioned that the CRI is currently India’s Livemint reported that this is its are currently slowing down the Minister Arundika Fernando had with the “Increase in Coconut has currently affected coconut developing a chemical that could second such offering in the last few months, efficiency at the three institutions. made the decision to combine Plantation and Harvest Programme” cultivations on a 22-kilometre be used for the prevention of the as the group flagship seeks to capitalise on Speaking to The Morning, the aforementioned institutions that the Ministry has planned for this stretch south of Weligama, Matara, disease. benign interest rates overseas. The proceeds of the bond sale would be used to finance early redemption of dollar bonds of a similar amount maturing next year. Private bus owners to The bonds have a 10-year maturity. Barclays, Bank of America, and Citibank are advising the company on the bond sale. protest against Govt. In a regulatory filing, APSEZ stated: “...the committee has approved the (i) preliminary BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE “The Government has failed to address offering circular in relation to a proposed issuance The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association our concerns regarding the Covid-19 health of fixed rate senior unsecured notes by the (LPBOA) is set to protest against the protocols. We also have a number of other company and (ii) the tender offer memorandum in Government outside the Ministry of Transport issues, like not being provided the promised relation to its proposed tender offer to purchase, on 2 February as a prior warning before going pandemic insurance, issues with leasing for cash, any and all of its outstanding $500 on strike over unaddressed demands associated payments, and paying the log permit charges million 3.95% senior notes due 2022.” with the Covid-19 pandemic situation, The and other levies we are compelled to pay.” The bonds have been rated BBB- by rating Morning learnt. Wijeratne said that the absence of a agency Fitch. Speaking to The Morning on 27 January, common transportation body that regulates “The rating reflects APSEZ’s market leading LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said that both private and Sri Lanka Transport Board position in India, the stability of long-term a protest will be held on 2 February outside (SLTB) buses under one system is a concern. cargo revenue, and its operational efficiency. the Ministry of Transport in Battaramulla as The current regulating body is not effective, The pandemic may result in weaker demand a warning before a strike. he claimed. and exports, but cargo mobility is uninterrupted despite the global lockdowns,” Fitch said in a note on Tuesday. New prison recruits to “APSEZ benefits from cargo under long- term contracts, which accounts for about 60% of total traffic. We forecast average leverage get Police STF training of 3.2x during the five-year forecast period for APSEZ under our rating case,” it added. BY HEMANTHA LIYANAPATHIRANA of interest between prison General of Prisons Thushara The billionaire Gautam Adani-led group has The Prison Headquarters guards and prison police Upuldeniya noted that been the most active Indian issuer in the dollar has focused its attention officers had resulted in the at present, it is the Police bond market in the last few years, raising billions towards formulating a new negligence of duties. Further, Special Task Force (STF) of dollars in foreign debt across businesses mechanism with regard to it has been observed that that is employed to provide ranging from ports, renewables and energy the recruitment and training police units attached to the protection and security around transmission and distribution. In December, of prison police officers. Army, Navy, and Air Force prisons and for inspections, the group’s container terminal business raised At present, prison police are operated and maintained and that therefore, the new $ 300 million through an overseas bond issuance. officers are selected from separate from the military recruits would be provided The Adani group has been tipped to be given among the prison guards. tri-forces and that even with Police STF training a maximum 49% stake in the ECT, with the Sri The reason for the accommodation is provided and separate facilities. He Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) retaining the formulation of this new to them separately. added that approval had remaining 51%, despite vociferous objections mechanism is the reporting Speaking to The Morning been received for a separate from trade unions and the political opposition. of incidents where conflicts in this regard, Commissioner uniform to be given to them. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Friday, January 29, 2021

five Opposition MPs for allegedly BY RUKI FERNANDO making derogatory comments and The vaccine challenging the Commission’s authority, after the MPs had filed a complaint with the Commission to opportunity Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), claiming the PCoI probing incidents of political Today, the Government embarks on a massive Black January and victimisation had misused State funds islandwide vaccination drive at a speed never to bypass the rule of law. before seen in this nation. It received 500,000 Also, some Hindu priests supported doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield by inter-faith committees had yesterday donated by India under its “Vaccine free expression made police complaints across the Maitri” initiative, based on the “neighborhood country and called for the arrest of female activist and lawyer Jeevanee first” policy. Roughly 2,000-2,500 health Kariyawasam, after she had re-posted workers from seven hospitals in the Colombo an image an artist had created of a District are to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca violations in Sri Lanka goddess on her Facebook account with Covishield vaccines today. Thereafter, the plan is a thought-provoking caption. to spread out across the country. Restrictions and The vaccine can be stored, transported, and obstructions handled at normal refrigerated conditions (2-8° Celsius/36-46° Fahrenheit) for at least Journalists were banned from covering parliamentary sessions six months. The Government said it will be in November 2020, when two distributed islandwide through vehicles with regulations in the Quarantine and cold storage facilities, maintaining the 2-8° Prevention of Diseases Ordinance Celsius cold chain. It is administered in two submitted by the Minister of Health doses, with an interval of between four to 12 were approved. Later in the month, weeks. media personnel were banned from Apart from its obvious necessity from a covering a debate in Parliament on the Budget. Both of these were health point of view, this also offers President reported to be unprecedented Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Government an measures, especially as diplomats and opportunity to regain some of the credibility and other officials were reported to have popularity it has lost since the conclusion of the been allowed to be in Parliament parliamentary election in August 2020. Just the during the reading of the Budget. fact that the vaccine is already here provides a A State Minister is also reported to feel-good story for the Government to put out have advocated banning journalists from covering the Batticaloa District and promote. If the Government manages to Development Council sessions. carry out a successful and smooth inoculation Amerasinghe, who had been drive, it would be the icing on the cake as far as arrested over a Facebook post, had the President and the Government is concerned. earlier complained to the Human However, the Serum Institute of India says that Rights Commission of Sri Lanka the duration of protection against Covid-19 is The Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge’s daughter Ahimsa Wickrematunge weeping over her father’s body in January 2009 (HRCSL) that his Twitter handle (@ currently not known. Side effects of the vaccine chirantha7777) had been blocked include fever and headaches, and having these from accessing the official Twitter For many years, Sri Lankan media freedom organisations have is reported to have alleged that the account of the President of Sri symptoms is a sign that the vaccine is working, commemorated “Black January”, recalling the numerous violations of organisation Tamil Kodi (translated as Lanka. He claimed the President’s as it mainly works on the immune system. free expression and crimes against free expression committed during “Tamil flag”) hosted relief activities Twitter account distributes valuable Clinical trials have shown that the vaccine is the month of January. This year, an online Black January event has been that did not follow social distancing information for all citizens and by 90% effective at preventing Covid-19. planned for today (29) evening. measures, despite the growing threat blocking access, the authorities had State Minister of Primary Healthcare, of a second wave of coronavirus violated his right to free expression Epidemics, and Covid-19 Control Dr. Sudarshini Earlier in the month, Editor country. A Presidential Commission of across the island. Members of Tamil and freedom from discrimination, Fernandopulle said that initially, the Covid- Lasantha Wickrematunge, killed in Inquiry (PCoI) appointed to look into Kodi had allegedly mounted pressure and that the blocking occurred after January 2009, was remembered by incidents of political victimisation had on Mukunthan to delete his Facebook a response he made to a Tweet by the 19 vaccine will be given to health workers family and colleagues. After 12 years ignored a court order and heard from a post and he had been attacked by President’s official Twitter handle. engaged in Covid-19 control activities, tri-forces of waiting for justice, his daughter was key eyewitness in Ekneligoda’s case, persons alleged to be affiliated with Despite having been granted official personnel, police officers, and citizens older reported to have lodged a complaint a day after the judges at the trial at Bar the said organisation. permission to shoot and produce than 60 years, as they have been identified as with the Switzerland-based United had ordered the witness not to appear In another incident, a provincial teledramas, production crews around priority groups who are facing a higher risk. This Nations Human Rights Committee before the Commission. The witness media organisation reported that Sri Lanka are reported to have faced includes 250,000 persons. (UNHRC). The Committee usually is recanting his previous testimony journalist Saman Wijaya Bandara had restrictions from health authorities. The President as well as Prime Minister accepts complaints after the and this may seriously affect the been attacked and that his camera On 21 November 2020, the exhaustion of domestic remedies, but prosecution. had been damaged when he had gone Batticaloa-based journalist had Mahinda Rajapaksa have been placed in the it is likely that it may consider this, as Black January has traditionally also to report on illegal constructions in visited the Mailaththamadu, third phase, along with all other senior citizens. for 12 years domestic processes had been used to highlight impunity for Devanagala. Mathavanai area to cover tensions This is a smart move, which is likely to keep not even led to a prosecution, let alone these crimes. But it is also important related to land rights and taken video out allegations of family rule and preferential convictions. to look at continuing violations, Legal actions against footage of the situation. When he had treatment. Another remembrance was and thus this article will also focus free expression returned home, the Police and local Senior Advisor to the President Lalith organised last week in Colombo, 11 on challenges to free expression in Sinhala language social media government officials had asked him Weeratunga recently said that the Government years after the enforced disappearance the last two months (November and commentator Chirantha Amerasinghe to stay at home in self-quarantine for is planning to purchase three million doses of of journalist and cartoonist Prageeth December 2020), following a bleak was arrested on 17 November two weeks, claiming that a person Ekneligoda in 2010. His wife, friends, month for free expression in October 2020 by the CID, and a social in the area he had visited had been the Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield vaccine colleagues, and supporters gathered 2020. media commentator indicated that confirmed as a Covid-19 patient. manufactured by India’s Serum Institute. This to launch a new initiative named the A major crackdown was launched Amerasinghe had been arrested He had later discovered that no one vaccine has received the approval of Sri Lanka’s “Ekneligoda Forum” with a website in the Northern and Eastern Provinces in relation to Facebook posts he in the area had tested positive for National Medicines Regulatory Authority about Ekneligoda and those subjected against the annual commemoration of had made. Tamil journalist in the Covid-19 and that no one else who (NMRA) and the World Health Organisation to enforced disappearances. The Tamil militants killed during the war. Batticaloa District, Kokulathasan had been there had been asked to (WHO). Batticaloa Press Club had organised Last year, the Army and the Police was reported to have been arrested self-quarantine. China said it has decided to donate 300,000 at least two events in January, one were reported to have interrupted after making a Facebook post about On 14 December 2020, Journalists to remember Wickrematunge and and interrogated Tamil civilians remembering the dead, ahead of the for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) doses of Sinopharm to Sri Lanka based on a the other to remember journalist and politicians across the North and LTTE’s annual remembrance day of tweeted that the uncle of baby request made by the Sri Lankan Government. S. Sugirtharajan who was killed in East as soon as preparations got its dead cadres. Shaikh, who was forcibly cremated Sri Lanka is scheduled to receive this vaccine Trincomalee in January 2006. underway and enforced roadblocks Also in November, another by the authorities, was removed from in mid-February. This vaccine can also be On 23 January 2012, a newspaper on private land where Thuyilum Batticaloa journalist Selvakumar Colombo for allegedly being Covid- stored and transported at a normal refrigerator had said that the Alliance of Media Illams (cemeteries and graves of dead Nilanthan was reported to have 19-positive. JDS wrote that “activists temperature of 2-8° Celsius. Organisations organising Black Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam been questioned for several hours suspect an attempt to silence him as And now, as we reported today, the January had listed 37 incidents [LTTE] cadres) are placed, and even by policemen who visited him at he has been the most vocal person against the media that had happened vandalised them. Court orders have his home. The questioning had in the family”. A peaceful white Government has reserved two million doses in the month of January during the also been issued across the North, come after Nilanthan reported on cloth campaign was started against of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to period from 2006 to 2012. These banning public commemorations, at tensions between Sinhala and Tamil the forcible cremation of the Covid- be purchased soon. This revelation came on incidents included assassinations, the request of the Police. farmers over the reallocation of land 19 dead at the Borella Cemetery the same day the two companies announced a plot to assassinate, an enforced In addition to the large number of in Mailaththamadu, Mathavanai. in Colombo, where the 20-day-old that the vaccine is effective against Covid-19 disappearance, arrests, interrogations, incidents reported in relation to the Again in November 2020, another Muslim child was forcibly cremated. mutations in variants that have emerged recently assaults, incidents of torture, threats, above, around 24 other incidents Batticaloa-based journalist and The Police and Intelligence units are in Britain and South Africa. In a statement, the discrediting through public statements, related to free expression had been Batticaloa Press Club President reported to have removed the material two companies said that early tests suggest their raids on journalists’ houses and reported across the country in the last Balasingham Krishnakumar was from the gates and fence surrounding media institutions, withdrawing the two months. These have included the reported to have received a phone the Borella crematorium, and immunisation would be similarly protective license to a broadcaster, the closure killing of an outspoken government call from the Superintendent of the questioned and intimidated those who against the variant in South Africa. It said that of newspapers, arson attacks, etc. To official, physical attacks on journalists, Batticaloa Police, asking him to come had gone to tie white cloths. preliminary findings “do not indicate the need the best of the author’s knowledge, arrests, questioning, and other legal to the Police to make a statement On the night of 6 November 2020, for a new vaccine to address the emerging 15 years later, under three different actions against journalists, social without making the reasons clear. the laptop used for professional work variants”. governments, no one has been media commentators and Opposition In December 2020, the Police is by the Batticaloa-based journalist There are a lot of vaccines coming Sri Lanka’s convicted for any of these crimes. politicians, restrictions, obstructions reported to have filed a case against Gunalingam was stolen by unknown way. The Government must prepare itself to As far as I know, there is only one against journalists, and negative the Jaffna-based Uthayan newspaper persons from a residence that he prosecution. That is in the case of pronouncements from government after it published photos of LTTE sometimes uses. No one had been pull off a near flawless vaccination drive to Ekneligoda. The prosecution started politicians. Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on his there that night, and the locked turn public opinion about the Government and in late 2019 at the special three-bench birthday on 26 November. door was broken. The laptop had prove it is capable of governing the country in a trial at Bar in Colombo, but not Killing outspoken govt. A local politician in the Thunukkai contained some information related to professional manner. much progress has been made, with official, physical attacks on Divisional Council, S. Sujansan journalism. A complaint was made at a multiple hearings being postponed journalists is reported to have said that the local police station. due to Covid-19-related lockdowns The most serious incident was the Police threatened him against Negative pronouncements No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, last year. Dates for the next hearings reported killing of a government commemorating the victims of a are unknown, after the last scheduled official, S. Vijayanthiran, after being claymore attack on 27 November from Govt. politicians Colombo 7. hearings in November 2020 were not attacked on 6 November 2020 in 2007 in Iyankulam in the Mullaitivu On 21 November 2020, Mass Media Fax - 011 2 673 441 held. Athimottai in the Mannar District. District. On 16 November 2020, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella Separately, on 25 November, a court The media described Vijayanthiran Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne announced that a “proper mechanism” General - 011 5 200 900 hearing at the Homagama High Court as an advocate against illegal sand was reported to have been questioned for the regulation of local websites Sales & Marketing - 076 1367612 in relation to the trial of the abduction mining and that police investigations by the CID for nearly four hours was needed and will be implemented of Ekneligoda was postponed to are taking into account that he may over statements made at a media within the next two weeks. In the same Circulation Manager March 2021, as details of some have been targeted for speaking out on conference in which he questioned government announcement, Education 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 phone records were not presented. these issues. the safety of high-profile witnesses in Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris was quoted The progress of the case is in serious Jaffna-based Journalist S. remand custody. as saying that the formulation of a E-mail doubt, with the Chief of the Criminal Mukunthan was reported to have been On 7 November 2020, the PCoI new mechanism should be made after Investigations Department (CID) attacked by an unidentified group probing incidents of political studying a new law that had been [email protected] that led the probe being jailed and which had broken into his home victimisation was reported to have passed in Singapore. a Lead Investigator having fled the on 11 November 2020. Mukunthan decided to pursue legal action against Contd. on page 6 45 Friday, January 29, 2021 { SOPTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk

Incumbent UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe

Party remains strong, Comparing UNP’s present situation reforms underway: with the past, he said that even though UNP General Secretary the UNP was a party that introduced The Morning spoke to incumbent a number of benefits for the working UNP General Secretary Palitha Range people who the JSS represents, such Bandara to inquire about the UNP’s as increasing the Employees Provident official stance with regard to the above Fund (EPF), the Employees Trust allegations and the present situation. Fund (ETF), the gratuity pay system, In response, he emphasised that and maternity leave, the present state even though he concedes that there of JSS-UNP relationships was not as is a setback on the UNP’s part strong. concerning several matters including “During the 1979/80 era, there the party’s vote base, the UNP is were close to 300,000 members under in the process of addressing these the JSS union. But now this number concerns. He expressed confidence has drastically declined. Former that now that new office bearers have UNP members such as Jayewardene, been appointed, the situation would Lalith Athulathmudali, and Gamini be rectified through more systematic Dissanayake have led the JSS. When programmes, of which some aimed at it comes to the UNP, it is the leaders restoring the trust in the UNP among of p Party that propels it forward, and the public within a short period of there were a number of examples of time are already in place. good leaders within the UNP. Today’s Speaking of the above-mentioned UNP members are weak,” he stated. two UNP members who turned down the posts given to them, Range Bandara added that those who wish to UNP Founder D.S. Senanayake refuse these offers can do so, and that the party does not force them. He also said that someone will take over their several persons who were and are duties. directly involved in UNP’s affairs at When queried about another different levels. development believed by many to be an undeniable factor that led to the WHAT GREEN UNP needs second-tier UNP’s decline, which is the formation leadership: Former of the Opposition Leader Sajith UNP members Premadasa-led SJB which consists Former UNP member Mujibur largely of former UNP members, REVOLUTION Rahman, who left the UNP along with Range Bandara responded, saying: a number of other UNP members to “SJB’s members left with a meagre form the Samagi Jana Balawegaya number of UNP votes, which, if the (SJB), the current main Opposition votes of the country’s Muslim and party, opined that if the UNP is to have Tamil communities were deducted, CAN SAVE a future, the only option would be to would be around 1.3 million. The join the SJB. UNP still retains the lion’s share of Speaking to The Morning, he the UNP’s vote base, which consists emphasised that the failure and delay of around 2.9 million people who are Even after being in the Leadership THE AILING in taking necessary decisions at the waiting for the UNP to get back on for over 25 years, Wickremesinghe correct moment is one of the reasons track. Some SJB members are in fact has failed to create a second-tier that had caused perpetuating issues willing to join the UNP, especially leadership, and one of the reasons within the UNP. local government officials.” why the current SJB members Criticising the alleged reform When The Morning inquired about parted ways with the UNP ELEPHANT? programmes the UNP launched to UNP’s stance with regard to Rahman’s was that the current UNP BY SUMUDU CHAMARA resolve its internal issues, he added statement about a UNP-SJB alliance, Leadership did not give the that to date, no tangible reform has Range Bandara stressed that there is due place to them It is no secret that the United National Party (UNP), which in its golden taken place within the UNP and that no need for an alliance between the era was Sri Lanka’s most influential and single largest political party, party supporters, members, and the two parties, and that the SJB, if they SJB member Mujibur Rahman is now on a downward trajectory. It would not be an exaggeration to public are, therefore, disheartened. wish to, can join the UNP. He also said state that even though there was a time when the UNP was revered as Explaining further, he said that even that politicians such as Senanayake Sri Lanka’s saviour by some, it has now plunged into a position where it though it has been six months since and Wickremesinghe had done a great cannot even save itself. the last general election, the UNP deal of work for the country as UNP When questioned about the This, according to many, is a result garner enough votes to secure one seat has failed to decide on who should members. He stated that since there UNP Leader post, he expressed of the poor management of the party’s in Parliament, that too a National List be appointed to fill the National List would be no election until 2024, there uncertainty as to who in the UNP affairs and the party Leadership that seat. However, so far, no person has seat the UNP received, which is also is no need to think of alliances for the might be qualified enough to refuses to step down despite a number been officially appointed to fill this an indicator of the crisis the UNP has time being. take the mantle. He said the SJB of election defeats and failures. During vacant seat, even though recently it plunged into. would one day supersede the UNP, the past few years, the party came was reported that UNP Leader Ranil Rahman further said that the UNP Internal crises not our especially due to the UNP and up with a number of reform plans. Wickremesinghe’s name was proposed Leadership’s long tenure of more concern: UNP-affiliated JSS UNP’s Leadership being defeated in However, while some of them failed, for this seat after a long hiatus than 25 years is also another reason To gain insights into how UNP’s elections repeatedly. some never even materialised. following the general election. why it has failed to go forward, internal affairs have affected them, Speaking on JSS-UNP relationships, The crisis the UNP has pushed itself For the first time after adding that there is an uncertainty The Morning also spoke to the he opined that many JSS members into became a topic of discussion Independence, Sri Lanka now has as to how long the current UNP Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), a are joining the SSS and as a result, again this week after two senior a Parliament without the UNP. Leadership will remain in the leading trade union formed under the the number of JSS members has members of the UNP informed Ironically, the first parliament session post. Furthermore, he added that leadership of the late UNP Leader considerably decreased. He further its Leadership and the Working of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was when evaluating UNP’s activities J.R. Jayewardene in 1959 and one of told The Morning that trade union Committee of their decision to turn headed by prominent UNP members in the past few decades, during the foremost trade unions affiliated members at places such as harbours down certain topmost positions in the such its Founder D.S. Senanayake. Wickremesinghe’s tenure, the UNP to the UNP. have started applying for the SSS party given to them recently. To look into the status quo of has suffered a major setback. JSS Secretary Sirinal de Mel told membership and further criticised Navin Dissanayake, son of the UNP, The Morning spoke to “Even after being in the Leadership The Morning that UNP’s internal the composition of the current UNP prominent former UNP member, for over 25 years, Wickremesinghe issues have affected neither the JSS’s Working Committee. the late Gamini Dissanayake, on 26 has failed to create a second-tier work nor UNP-JSS relationships. The UNP was founded in 1946 by January said that he was willing to leadership, and one of the reasons why He said the JSS cannot change the Sri Lanka’s (then Ceylon) first Prime continue to serve as the Ratnapura the current SJB members parted ways leadership of a political party and Minister D.S. Senanayake, commonly District Leader and Working with the UNP was that the current that they focus more on handling the known as the “Father of the Nation”. Committee member while turning UNP Leadership did not give the situation to the benefit of their work. To date, two presidents have ruled Sri down the National Organiser post due place to them, including that of However, a former senior member Lanka under the UNP, while another given to him by the party. the position of the UNP Leadership of the JSS, on the condition of president came to power under the When contacted by The Morning to those who deserve such. I don’t anonymity, told The Morning that UNP-led United National Front (UNF) to inquire about what reasons led to see any UNP member suitable for UNP’s internal crisis has affected Government. Most importantly, it has his decision, he refused to comment the UNP Leadership. Even though the JSS, resulting in a considerable introduced a number of invaluable on the matter. Meanwhile the it was announced recently that number of JSS members joining the services for the country, including following day (Wednesday, 27), the Wijewardene would be given the Samagi Sewaka Sangamaya (SSS) those such as the Gam Udawa, Jana media reported that cricketer-turned- UNP Leader post, discussions held in led by the SJB. Adding that there are Saviya, and the Mahapola Scholarship politician Arjuna Ranatunga had that connection have come to a halt, persons who had dedicated years of programme. also decided to turn down the Senior which again raises concerns about their lives for the UNP, he lamented The present situation, however, Vice Chairman post given to him. Wickremesinghe’s willingness to that the current situation of the UNP has become a national-level topic of However, he did not confirm this to leave the post.” is tragic. discussion, given UNP’s contribution The Morning. When questioned as to what his When questioned as to what he in shaping Sri Lanka in the past The two politicians received these The UNP still retains the lion’s opinion about the UNP’s future is, believes to be the reasons for the few decades. Despite its initial era posts when the party appointed office share of the UNP’s vote base, which Rahman stated that if UNP members UNP’s downfall as a person who being successful, later on it began to bearers for the year 2021, a process consists of around 2.9 million people join the SJB, they will have hope, has worked with the JSS and the lose elections continuously, and its that raised concerns as UNP Deputy who are waiting for the UNP to get adding that even though the name UNP for a long time, he said that members had pointed out that with Leader Ruwan Wijewardene was not back on track. Some SJB members “UNP” will remain under the current Wickremesinghe’s qualities were the properly planned reforms, the UNP appointed as the party Leader, despite are in fact willing to join the UNP, circumstances, there would be no main reasons. He went on to allege could have achieved much more for previous announcements that he especially local government officials progress. He said the SJB has secured that the UNP Leadership does not its voters. would be given the post. UNP General Secretary a large portion of the UNP vote base tolerate those raising a voice against Sri Lanka’s once most powerful In the last general election, which Palitha Range Bandara and that instead of keeping grudges, Wickremesinghe and those who party is now on the brink of extinction, was held on 5 August 2020, the UNP the UNP should contemplate on expose his weaknesses, and that this and only the party itself holds the key hit a new low and was only able to making an alliance with the SJB. has caused severe damage to the party. for survival. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/NEWS} Friday, January 29, 2021

the grama niladhari and get certified that they are not married and that they are widowed every three months. Then you have to get it signed Widows in both North by the divisional secretary. This whole process puts you and your dignity down. You have to go to many places to get such certifications and documents where you could get exposed and South seek the truth to sexual abuse. These officials can easily abuse young widows either physically, mentally, or z Dr. Dayani Panagoda says search for answers is not to put ex-Govt. in trouble sexually. I have experienced situations where I have been constantly BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI I cannot go to the Office asked if I am actually a widow. This week at a panel discussion on “Reconciliation at on Missing Persons (OMP) Since I am a lawyer and had Practice” held at the Bandaranaike Center for International because my husband was in the that background, I could Studies (BCIS), one of the panellists said the search for the military when he went missing defend myself and respond, truth about loved ones who went missing is not a search in action. There is a separate but not everyone has that that is limited to the North and East, but also extends to section of us. How are we to be background. And these officials the South and West among the Sinhalese and Muslim dealt with? also have to be capacitated and communities. The panellist, Dr. Dayani Panagoda, who is a they have to be made aware of policy specialist, lecturer, and activist on social cohesion, Families of government the sensitivities. reconciliation, and peacebuilding and has worked in the military personnel who went development sector for 20 years with communities and missing during the war do With your experience in the government, is also a widow to her husband who went have benefits that families of working with widows from missing in action during the war. other missing persons do not the Tamil communities, do The Morning spoke to the Government. If this closure have. What value does truth you think you have common Dr. Panagoda about post- is provided, one can reconcile have to you? issues that can be worked on war truth-seeking and the with oneself, which will then Yes, there are national together? Government’s aim to quantify lead to reconciling with the commemorations; our LTTE war widows face missing persons under the community at large. husbands are posthumously some different issues as well. recently appointed Presidential Just because truth is one promoted and garlanded with Since we receive the death Commission of Inquiry of four pillars of transitional various bravery awards, but certificate, we can deal with (PCoI) to probe findings justice, it does not have to be that does not mean anything to issues such as our husband’s and allegations of previous dealt with at the top level or the me. Luckily, for better or for inheritance. But people from commissions on human Geneva level. It can be dealt worse, I don’t have children. the North and Tamil areas don’t rights and humanitarian law with within the community. I work with war widows who have that. What was offered violations. My point is that while we are have children who are now was a certificate of absence, Below are excerpts of the looking at various strata on adults. There was one boy and the certificate of absence interview. how to speak the truth, we who was five months when and a certificate of death have also need to work with the his father died. He hated his two different meanings. The You said that Sinhalese and communities to build trust mother. certificate of absence provided Muslim communities are also and understanding, and also During some of our projects, no closure, but it allowed them seeking the truth about what to make sure they are given a we arranged for the son to talk to deal with bank matters and happened to their loved ones guarantee for non-recurrence. to the mother about their loss. land matters. who went missing. What did Truth is not just for the Tamil Military widows below He eventually came to forgive Women in the North are you mean by this? community, and it is not to put the age of 55 have to go the mother. The father’s family also facing land issues as their People always think it is only the ex-Government in trouble. to the grama niladhari had always been saying that the lands have been occupied by the North and East that want Truth is for individuals, investigated? and get certified that they father was lost to them because others. There is also the issue to know the truth. There are families, communities, and We have had the Paranagama are not married and that of the mother’s and son’s bad of microfinance companies women and people from other the nation at large. We need Commission, the Lessons they are widowed every luck. This made the son very targeting these women who parts of the country who have to seek for truth nationally. I Learnt and Reconciliation three months. Then you angry, resulting in resentment are struggling economically to lost their loved ones during the don’t mean to say we need to Commission, and various towards the mother. There is no make ends meet with no other war and insurgencies and want have a hybrid court for that, commissions, and we already have to get it signed by the proper healing process to deal breadwinner in the house. to know the truth, irrespective but we need to create space for have the numbers of the divisional secretary. This with such issues. But we also share common of whether they are Sinhalese, people to see the truth. What missing persons. What we whole process puts you People think that military problems as we carry the Muslim, or Tamil. A qualifier we have now is a majoritarian need to do now is to categorise and your dignity down widows and their families are stigmatised tagline of “widow” to that is you cannot just attitude as to whether to seek these numbers: Those who Dr. Dayani Panagoda being looked after. To an extent all our lives. It is a crime to fall say that families of military the truth or not. The majority went missing during the this is true because we do get in love again, to get married personnel who went missing in communities want to know insurgencies, direct LTTE pensions and salaries, but that’s again. This even makes you action are not looking for the the truth about the crimes they (Liberation Tigers of Tamil at least 40% of these names not all that is there in life. It vulnerable to sexual abuse. truth. identify as what was committed Eelam) interventions, direct that came from the North does not work around how to Why can’t we military widows After a year of my husband against their community and military interventions, etc. were of people who had gone deal with the past or how to recognise the widows of LTTE going missing in action, I do not want to seek for the Then we should work with overseas. Documentation deal with the loss. There is so forces and work together with received a death certificate. truth on what happened to the every case, not only the that was obtained through the much to be done when it comes them? We can understand But is that the truth? Do you minority. emblematic cases. Bandaranaike International to psychosocial counselling. each other’s pain. And this is not think I have to know When I was in the Secretariat Airport (BIA) proved that We also need intergenerational one way I go about working the truth as to how he died The recently appointed PCoI for Co-ordinating the Peace they did. So we should look discourse within the families with the community as well. I or where he died? These to probe findings of previous Process as Director of Policy into all the cases individually. themselves. I have also been recognise their pain and I have are not truths that are going commissions on human during the presidency of Then there should be ways of told that my husband was lost gone through the same, and to hurt the Government’s rights and humanitarian law Mahinda Rajapaksa, in the dealing with missing persons because of my karma. But I maybe the LTTE widow has campaign against terrorism. violations has been tasked height of the war, we had lists rather than merely offering said he was not fortunate to gone through worse. They may If the citizens are getting with calculating the total of of missing persons. As the reparations. live with me. That was how I also not feel that I have felt answers to the questions missing persons. How do Government went through There are many people who coped with it. the war. But this is something they have, that will actually you propose these cases of lists of about 1,000 names want the truth and not any Military widows below we can do innovatively and strengthen the credibility of missing persons should be diligently, it was found that compensation like myself. the age of 55 have to go to positively.

Contd. from page 4 Romanian job market to money are following orders of some been raised about even MPs facing Black January... “almighty” state officials who are reprisals for free expression, acting in a manner challenging compelling one Opposition MP to expand for Lankan workers However, a former editor of a the powers of the President, the write to the Chief of Police. On 17 government newspaper said that the Prime Minister, and the Parliament, November 2020, Freedom House BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE proposed “regulatory mechanism” and requested the newspaper be (FH) issued an appraisal of Sri for websites, which emulates a summoned before Parliament to Lanka’s Freedom on the Net for The Sri Lankan migrant worker draconian Singaporean law (the answer questions on its reporting. 2020, giving Sri Lanka a rating recruiting market in Romania is Protection from Online Falsehoods of 52/100 for Internet Freedom, expected to increase with authorised and Manipulation Act [POFMA]), The future of free or “partly free” status. FH also employment agencies in Sri Lanka would be extremely dangerous expression noted evidence that the Covid-19 recruiting and supplying personnel and that it was a flagrant attempt Impunity for past crimes and pandemic has resulted in increased for all categories of employment in to silence dissenting voices in violations, along with continuing data sharing between service Romania. the online space through punitive violations, such as those highlighted providers and military intelligence, Speaking to The Morning, Sri action and surveillance. The above, paints bleak prospects as well as a greater number of Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment founding editor of a civic website for free expression in Sri Lanka. arrests for online activity. (SLBFE) Deputy General Manager has raised concerns that this may Reading one of my recent articles As we commemorate Black and Spokesman Mangala Randeniya rubber products, apparel, tea, and apparel, hospitality, and construction serve “censorious ends” and warned in a daily newspaper, my elderly January this year, a young poet is said that the total number of vacancies spices. As Romania is a European sectors. that “a POFMA-esque legislative parents expressed fears for my in detention for more than eight approved in Romania was 52,685, Union (EU) member country, Sri “The numbers are expected to framework in Sri Lanka, which safety, citing incidents reported months, an outspoken rights while the total number of departures Lanka’s exports to Romania enjoy increase, as there are already 14 is completely militarised, with no in the media about those who had lawyer is in detention for more recorded was 535. duty-free access for 6,000 product Sri Lankan recruitment agencies data protection or privacy laws, will been killed, forcibly disappeared, than nine months, a journalist Randeniya said that authorised categories under the EU Generalised processing applications of prospective lead to unsurprising consequences assaulted, and/or detained, as raising critical questions online is employment agencies are allowed Scheme/System of Preferences Plus Sri Lankan workers. Romanian for independent, investigative, and reprisals for free expression. Well- in detention for two months, and to recruit workers under the categories scheme.” companies too, have been recruiting critical media”. Rambukwella had meaning friends and colleagues have some others have left their homes of professional, semi-skilled, and Romania has also become a new and Sri Lankans directly. Given the above subsequently said there were no also advised me to be restrained. fearing reprisals. But it is such skilled workers. potential market for tourism. In 2018, context, a draft ‘Memorandum of plans to regulate social media. Since then, I have subjected circumstances that have made Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, according 6,000 Romanian tourists visited Sri Understanding in the Field of Labour’ A circular issued by the myself to a degree of self- Black January a rallying cry for to State Minister of Regional Lanka, said Balasuriya. However, in between the Government of Sri Lanka Presidential Secretariat has directed censorship. I have come across the freedom of expression and it Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya, is 2019, as a result of the Easter Sunday and the Government of the Republic of officials of state institutions to many other persons and institutions must continue to be so, demanding currently in the process of establishing attacks, there was a slight decrease, Romania has been formally submitted prioritise the state media when who have subjected themselves a stop to ongoing crimes and a diplomatic mission in Romania. with tourist arrivals amounting to to the Romanian Government for its allocating government expenditure to self-censorship in various violations of free expression and Balasuriya said that Romania and 5,463, he added. review and concurrence.“ on advertising and marketing. This forms since last year. At least one ensuring accountability for past the entire Eastern European region According to the State Minister, There are approximately 200 Sri is likely to negatively affect private journalist had fled the country crimes. Black January should provide huge potential for Sri Lanka’s Romania is becoming an important Lankan students studying in Romania media’s financial stability at a and another prolific social media encourage and nurture peaceful and exports and a gateway to Central Asia. employment destination for increasing in various fields including medicine time when some private media are commentator is considering fleeing. democratic dissent, resistance, and “The total trade turnover in 2019 numbers of skilled and semi-skilled Sri and engineering, Balasuriya added. already facing financial difficulties Some of the incidents above had defiance that are still there in some was $ 26.15 million. Sri Lanka’s Lankans since 2010. The number of Romania has a resident Embassy due to Covid-19. led to condemnation from local traditional and new media, offline exports to Romania in 2019 amounted Sri Lankans employed by Romanian in Colombo and co-operation at the Trade Minister Dr. Bandula and international media freedom and online, amongst journalists and to $ 9.67 million. This was a significant companies has increased from around political level has also expanded, and Gunawardana is reported to have organisations and the UN. Several beyond. decline from 2018 where exports 200 in 2010 to over 8,000 by 2020. bilateral consultations between the expressed displeasure over a Opposition MPs have raised (The writer is a human amounted to $ 11.3 million. Sri They are mostly skilled and semi- two countries at the Foreign Secretary cartoon published in a government concerns related to the freedom rights activist and an Executive Lanka’s exports to Romania include skilled personnel employed in the level take place annually. newspaper. He had alleged that of expression, at the end of last Committee Member of the Free newspapers operating with public year and since then, concerns have Media Movement) 47 Friday, January 29, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Sribusiness Lanka, the contrarian investment opportunity of 2021: CAM The Colombo Stock Exchange by a series of country rating the pandemic on Sri Lanka and along with high deficits expected This report also outlines the (CSE) has emerged the best downgrades by the international exit of foreign investors from the from other nations around the world. key risk factors for Sri Lanka in performing stock market in the world rating agencies. As a result, Sri CSE, analysts observe a contrarian This report outlines that the decisions 2021 which includes that failure as of 19 January 2021 due to local Lanka International Sovereign Bond behaviour of local investors due made to reduce the debt burden of the to materialise the FDIs will add positivity. (SLISB) yields increased to an all- to their confidence in government country includes the following: The pressure on the rupee exchange rate It is believed that analysts expect time high level last year since the policies and measures to reduce the first decision being converting the while managing the budget deficit global equity market growth to first issue during 2007. trade deficit, a strengthening current state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to is important to mitigate the pressure move away from the US to favour The 2030 SLISB yield of 9.1% account balance, arrangements of profit-making entities, and possibly on interest rates and inflation; if the rest of the world. The capital before the pandemic increased to dollar swaps of $ 2.5 billion to listing them while maintaining global pandemic risks are not flow into emerging markets can also 19.6% during May 2020. Currently, strengthen FX reserves to overcome their SOE status. This suggests that overcome, tourism revenue in 2022 be expected to flow into frontier it has been claimed to have recovered prevailing challenges. privatisation, which was part of the is said to fail to materialise; and the markets, while Sri Lanka has marginally and trading at a yield of In addition to the dollar swaps, IMF programme, is currently not upcoming UNHCR session in March the potential to outperform other 15.5%. The 2030 ISB price declined the Government of Sri Lanka available. The second decision is 2021 is said to target Sri Lanka frontier equity markets during 2021, by -37.8% during 2020. Also, the expects committed foreign direct a strategy to not obtain loans for on war crimes, Covid-19 burials, since it is claimed to be trading at 2022 ISB maturities still trade at investments (FDIs) of $ 2.5 billion any future project and proceed as and possibly damage on the image attractive valuations, as per the latest yields above 30%, reflecting global CAM Research Wing Senior Economic during 2021. public-private partnership (PPP), and impact trade, investments, and Economic and Market Outlook report investor concerns over Sri Lanka’s Advisor Rainer Michael Preiss CAM understands that the strategy build-operate-transfer (BOT), or tourism. However, future risk can be of the Colombo-based Ceylon Asset ability to repay maturities next year, and plan of the Government and the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT). mitigated by Sri Lanka cultivating a Management (CAM). given the insufficient reserves. below 10% while Sri Lanka trades Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for Increasing multilateral and stock co-operative relationship with India Sri Lanka is said to offer the highest Despite the adverse economic at 18.5% p.a. 2021 includes the following: Firstly, Sri market investments which includes on a new economic path. negative correlation in Asia compared environment, the research report The foreign analysts are negative on Lanka is confident of reporting a GDP one of the largest general insurance The research wing of CAM, led by to India, the US, and Japan, while published by CAM highlights a the external debt repayment ability of growth of 5% in 2021. The agricultural companies, Fairfax based in Canada, is its Senior Economic Advisor Rainer Malaysia is the second highest in contrarian investment opportunity the Government of Sri Lanka over the sector to perform along with exports said to be keen about Sri Lanka and its Michael Preiss, said that investors Asia compared to the same countries. in the SLISB market. next five years due to mounting adverse such as apparel, tea, and seafood. long-term prospects. Accordingly, they that include equity in portfolios It reveals that the CSE’s negative However, global negativity towards economic conditions. The absence of Secondly, export earnings have almost have been expanding their investments during 2021 before PE ratio exceeds correlation to US, India, and Japan Sri Lanka is said to be strong due to a credible debt repayment strategy returned to pre-pandemic levels of $ 1 in the CSE to acquire benefits in the 15X and a country rating revision. stock markets during the past five existing external debt obligations, by the Government of Sri Lanka has billion a month. Thirdly, restrictions future. Along with this, the Agency They further believe global investors years offer investment opportunities weak debt sustainability, insufficient diluted foreign investor confidence, on imports and tax concessions on France Development (AFD) is set should exploit this unique contrarian to global investors. foreign reserves, and hesitance despite the statements provided on several sectors are expected to boost to expand the non-sovereign debt profit opportunity on SLISB due to the Moreover, frontier economies to engage with the International the willingness and ability to settle the domestic economic growth. portfolio worth € 400 million over claimed deeply discounted prices (30 such as Sri Lanka are said to be Monetary Fund (IMF). As a result, upcoming debt obligations. The Central Bank expects to reach the next three years to the public and %+) and diversify risk exposure to reap experiencing credit distress reflected all other “CCC”-rated countries trade Despite the negative impact of a fiscal deficit of 8.9% in 2021, private sectors of Sri Lanka. benefits in the near future. Energy Minister reiterates commitment to self-sufficiency z Felicitates LIOC employees Minister of Energy Udaya generation of wind and solar Gammanpila reiterated energy. his assurance of energy IOC Lanka Managing security and self-sufficiency Director Manoj Gupta of energy requirements in appreciated the Minister’s Sri Lanka while addressing vision in taking forward the the employees of Lanka decisions that bring more IOC at their head office investments into the country, on 26 January 2021, in the which are required for presence of Secretary to the enhancing energy security in Ministry of Energy K.D.R. a cost-effective manner. Olga and Additional Secretary The Minister felicitated Chaminda Hettiarachi. employees for their In line with the “Saubagya contribution during the past Dakma” national policy, the year, as well as employees who Minister further elaborated excelled in their respective his plan of making Sri Lanka departments. He also requested the energy hub of Asia, all employees to submit their and improving the existing views on weaknesses in the energy mix by enhancing the system, and their suggestions contribution of renewable to overcome such weaknesses and clean energy, along with for further improvement and expediting the exploration of development of the country’s A rendition of the completed 447 Luna Tower natural gas, besides developing energy infrastructure. new and revamping existing Noting that LIOC is an refinery for producing Euro integral part of the nation’s VI-compliant fuels. energy infrastructure, the ‘447 Luna Tower’ He also highlighted Minister appreciated Lanka the transformation of the IOC’s contribution towards changes project partner country’s energy mix national energy security and towards renewable energy by fulfilling energy needs with An employee of LIOC receives a certificate from Ministry of Energy Secretary K.D.R. Olga, Belluna Co. Ltd. Japan “However, we wish to reassure facilitating and implementing innovative solutions and latest as LIOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta and Minister Udaya Gammanpila look on announced that Asia Capital our clients that construction is projects towards the technologies. PLC will not act as the local progressing, and Belluna Co. co-ordinating partner in the 447 Japan is committed to handing Luna Tower project at Union over the landmark development Anchor-handling tug ‘Yevin’ joins GAC Sri Lanka fleet Place, Colombo 02, with effect in 2021.” from 13 January 2021. Belluna Co. Japan is a GAC Sri Lanka has and has the endurance to Asia Capital PLC was the local conglomerate listed on the Tokyo welcomed the newest operate well over 45 days partner facilitating the project Stock Exchange that claims to be and largest addition to its at sea without a port call. on behalf of Belluna Co. Ltd. a significant player in the global fleet of support vessels, Yevin will be used for Japan. 447 Luna Tower is solely hospitality and real estate industry, the anchor-handling tug towing, salvage, rescue, and funded and fully owned by Belluna with projects spanning across the “Yevin”. firefighting operations as Lanka, the local subsidiary of Maldives, Myanmar, and USA. The vessel joins the well as other marine services Belluna Co. Japan. The project is Furthermore, Belluna Co. Japan company’s fleet of 12 such as bulk delivery of said to be one of the few equity- is stated to have invested $ 175 vessels, which includes freshwater and lubricants. funded real estate developments in million across four projects in Sri tugs and crew and supply “We are proud of this the country that is not dependent Lanka’s real estate industry. The boats, one of the largest in addition which boosts on pre-sales or project financing. firm’s hotel property, Le Grand in the country. The vessel’s our fleet’s operational “447 Luna Tower is a fully Galle, was its first investment in manoeuvrability and capabilities, allowing us to equity funded project of Belluna Sri Lanka, which was completed versatility enable GAC better serve our customers Co. Japan. Construction on the in 2018, and its ongoing hotel Sri Lanka to undertake the with a full spectrum of tower was continuing as scheduled project is a 300-room city hotel most complex operations offshore services,” said and was in its finishing stages, on Marine Drive, which is set for for a global clientele, in GAC Sri Lanka Director/ when it was affected by the completion in 2021. accordance with the highest CEO Ravi Edirisinghe. Covid-19 pandemic and the 447 Luna Tower, which claims international standards. “Yevin is fully equipped curfew imposed in Sri Lanka, to offer an attractive payment plan, The tug can operate to serve ships plying the and the subsequent social invites investors on two days of the under tough conditions, busy sea lanes off Galle, distancing regulations imposed week, following safety procedures both in open waters and Colombo, and Hambantota, on construction sites,” explained implemented at the site, to visit the within port limits, under the and supports the country’s Union Place Apartments Director six model apartments completed The anchor-handling tug ‘Yevin’ supervision of a handpicked aspirations of becoming a Hiroshi Yasuno. on the 18th floor of the building. and experienced crew, maritime hub in the region.” 48 business „„ www.themorning.lk { TECH/CORPORATE } Friday, January 29, 2021 The International Trade Centre Amaya Director Lalin conducts training for the Samarawickrama resigns regulation of online trading The International Trade the receiving end and purchasing, the CAA was Former Amaya Resorts and Amaya properties to create a niche as a Non-executive Director, has Centre (ITC) partnered face a huge asymmetry of prompted to develop a set Spas Managing Director in the industry. With his extensive resigned from his position on the with the Consumer Affairs information.” EU-Sri Lanka of guidelines for consumer and Hayley’s Leisure Sector knowledge and expertise in the Board, having disposed of his Authority (CAA) to complete Trade-Related Assistance protection with the support Head Lalin Samarawickrama, hospitality trade, he brought in the shareholding. a training programme on the project National Project of ITC. who resigned from his necessary results to keep the group Amaya Resorts and Spas is a “International Best Practices Coordinator Dr. Dayaratna “In addition to this, executive duties in March operating, especially throughout firm that specialises in hospitality for the Regulation of Online Silva stated. ITC also extended their 2019, disposed of his the challenging civil conflict- and leisure and operates in Sri Trading” last Friday (22). The training session was support to conduct training 10% shareholding in the ridden era faced by the tourism Lanka. This company has under It was claimed that over structured based on a guide for CAA officials on the company after almost two industry. Samarawickrama, with its arm several hotels and resorts 60 CAA officials based in to online trading produced International best practices decades with them. his dedicated team, is said to have around the country, and has Colombo, as well as the at the request of the CAA by for the regulation of online Having led the Hayley’s taken the Amaya brand to great established itself as a reputed outer regions, participated in ITC Consultant (Lawyer) Dr. trading. I would like to thank Leisure Sector for several heights during the post-conflict firm. Hayley’s PLC and its group the training. The event took Michael Geist. Moreover, ITC for their assistance in years, Samarawickrama was period. of companies acquired Amaya place virtually within the Dr. Geist also acted as the this regard, which no doubt said to be essential and helpful Samarawickrama, who Leisure PLC on 1 September framework of the European main trainer of the event. will help promote consumer Lalin Samarawickrama in strategically developing the remained on the Board of Amaya 2011. Union Sri Lanka trade The session was said to be trust and economic activities related assistance project aimed to train CAA officials in Sri Lanka in the online funded by the EU with ITC and other stakeholders on domain,” he added. as the lead implementing the importance of consumer ITC states that it has been agency. trust, and international best working closely with Sri The training was held practices and guidelines Lanka to provide support Huawei releases Global during the Covid-19 to be followed in matters on E-commerce related pandemic which has led to relating to functioning and matters since March 2018. an increase in E-commerce operating online trade. It This work is claimed to and online trading activities aimed to be focused on have begun with the 1st Connectivity Index report in Sri Lanka over the last the various components of Public Private Dialogue year and has brought E-commerce transactions (PPD) which was organised z Outlines five key stages of industry digital transformation attention to the need for a such as pre-purchase, in collaboration with the strengthened framework to purchase, and post-purchase CAA. Over the years, ITC Huawei released its Global Connectivity almost doubled since 2014 to over $ 2,000 efficiently. protect consumers as well activities. states it has also supported Index (GCI) 2020 report, the seventh annual per person. Some Starters claimed to move Stage 3: System efficiency – More focus is as online businesses. Speaking at the event, relevant authorities to make GCI report the company has published. It up the GCI cluster, increased its GCI scores put on the digitisation of core system functions “In the marketplace, CAA Chairman Maj. Gen. amendments and revisions is believed that for the first time in a GCI by up to 17%, and managed to raise GDP to for efficient operations. Enterprises in this stage there are a number of (Retd.) D.M.S. Dissanayaka to legislation, including report, the 2020 release proposed five key a level that was 22% higher than some peers. will have stronger demand for connectivity agents, producers, retailers, explained that following consumer protection, stages of industry digital transformation: Vietnam and Peru have also become Adopter and cloud services. traders, and consumers. the lockdown and the data protection and cyber task efficiency, functional efficiency, system economies in 2020. Stage 4: Organisational efficiency and The consumers are on significant increase in online security. efficiency, organisational efficiency and agility, Research shows that the willingness of agility – Enterprise processes are digitalised, and ecosystem efficiency and resilience. companies to invest in IT varies depending enterprise applications are migrated to the A key finding of the GCI 2020 is that on where they are based. Organisations in cloud, and all systems are effectively integrated. the digital transformation of industries is Frontrunner and Adopter nations are prioritising In addition, high-coverage networks, wide said to help countries increase productivity, maintaining their IT budgets over non-IT adoption of cloud-based applications, and AI John Keells accelerate economic recovery, and develop budgets. They have also cut their IT budgets (artificial intelligence) and IoT (Internet of future competitiveness. GCI research has by 2.5 to 3.5 times less than organisations in Things) deployment contribute to real-time suggested that economies which could increase other countries on average. Nations with more data analysis and insights. productivity and launch digital and intelligent mature digital infrastructure are claimed to be Stage 5: Ecosystem efficiency and Properties extends connectivity generally receive higher gross better positioned to minimise the economic resilience – The entire ecosystem is digitalised, value added (GVA) per worker or per hour impact of the pandemic, recover faster, and able to quickly respond to market changes, worked. ensure the continuity of their transformation and can support the automatic co-ordination This report is believed to have analysed the into higher-order productivity models. and cross-sector collaboration of stakeholders. changes of each country›s GCI score since Huawei believes that countries need to Representative technologies such as 5G, freedom mortgages 2015.The average scores of “Frontrunner”, make ICT (information and communications IoT, and robotics present new opportunities “Adopter”, and “Starter” economies have all technology) investments based on their unique for the emergence of new business models, z increased since 2015, with Starters claimed set of existing factor endowments in order working methods, and products throughout Partners with DFCC Bank to show the highest compound annual growth to produce a multiplier effect. In general, the digitisation process. rate (CAGR) followed by Adopters and then economies are known to be made up of a “As ICT permeates industries, digital Frontrunners. This suggests that Starters combination of different sectors with one or transformation has become unanimously are starting to match with Adopters and two tending to dominate. The GCI 2020 report agreed on among countries and industries,” said Frontrunners whilst narrowing the digital gaps. suggests that a country’s ICT strategy should be Huawei’s ICT Infrastructure Chief Marketing The 2020 report is said to have also shown built around its accumulated sectoral strengths. Officer Zhang Hongxi. “For the first time, that Starters have made significant progress Regardless of the industry, more digitalisation we extended our research perspective from in broadband coverage. Its average mobile is said to lead to more added value. the dimension of countries to industries. We broadband penetration is claimed to have Below are the five key stages proposed for also suggested digital transformation paths for risen by over 2.5 times, whilst the firms’ 4G the digital transformation of economic sectors: countries and enterprises in different stages subscriptions went from 1% to 19%, and Stage 1: Task efficiency – Focus is placed to help them build future-oriented economic their mobile broadband became 25% more on tracking the completion of individual tasks resilience.” affordable. through basic connectivity and more efficient GCI reports aim to provide policymakers and It was claimed that these achievements communication. economic stakeholders with valuable insights enable Starters to offer comprehensive digital Stage 2: Function efficiency – Computerised that can help them increase growth in the digital services and embrace new opportunities in or automated functions enabled by ICT economy. The 79 countries evaluated by GCI economic development. In addition, Huawei’s make it possible to handle multiple tasks 2020 represent 95% of the world›s GDP and e-commerce expenditure was said to have simultaneously and share information more 84% of the global population.

From Left: JKP Head of Sales Nadeem Shums, JKP CMO Roshanie Jayasundara-Moraes, JKP CFO Ravi Wijewantha, JKP Sector Head Nayana Mawilmada, DFCC Bank Senior VP Consumer Banking Gillian Royal Nursing Home Edwards, DFCC Bank VP General Legal Samathri Kariyawasam, DFCC Bank Asst. Relationship Manager Housing Loans Dulshini Jayatilake, JKP Legal Officer Danushka Munaweera, DFCC Bank General Legal Officer Ann Silva constructs elderly care facility It has been announced that John Keells most anticipated residential community.” Properties (JKP) has partnered with He added. Royal Nursing Home (Pvt.) DFCC Bank to supplement the property DFCC Bank claims to offer the freedom Ltd. announced that the firm developer’s ground-breaking freedom mortgage loan to any individual securing has invested $ 7.5 million into mortgages home finance scheme. This an apartment at TRI-ZEN. A fixed income the latest project of constructing mortgage plan is offered to potential earner, professional, or a self-employed a luxury nursing home in homeowners looking at investing in John individual with an income sufficient to Pannipitiya with the intention Keells Properties’ upcoming TRI-ZEN meet the monthly loan commitment is of generating foreign earnings. residential development, with DFCC Bank eligible to apply for a DFCC Home Loan. The firm claims to have playing a significant role in alleviating They stated that applicants could choose introduced Sri Lanka’s first customers’ home loan burdens. a pre-approved home loan, for which credit luxury elders’ home in 2007, The freedom mortgage plan is said to approval will be provided within three and within 14 years, it has promise customers the financial relief of working days. The teams of professionals been said to have become the a two-year interest free period on their at every DFCC Bank Branch offer customer country’s largest and foremost mortgage, with the customer only having service and the assurance of extended institute for the protection and to pay 20% up front. The bank is said to support throughout the transaction. care of elders. fund up to 80% of the purchase price and Furthermore, DFCC Bank’s strong Royal Nursing Home the loan will be offered at exceptional branch network is strategically located Founding Chairman interest rates. throughout the country, where every branch Manuja Hewawasam said “We have been innovating in the is claimed to be prepared to cater to the the establishment will be mortgage space for quite some time now needs of customers. DFCC Bank’s fleet- constructed on an acre of land and DFCC Bank was one of our earliest on-street, comprising over 140 banking facing High Level Road in partners in trying to really expand the executives declared to be dedicated to Pannipitiya and $ 7.5 million reach of housing in the centre of the serve customers at a time and place of will be invested into the project, city to more people. With this package their convenience. For added accessibility, with the approval of the Board we want to put TRI-ZEN and inner city applying for a loan can be done via DFCC of Investment (BOI), adding A 3D view of the luxury elderly care facility living within the reach of a much broader Bank’s digital channels. that the proposed nursing home swathe of the population,” commented TRI-ZEN is a joint venture between Indra will be in line with international outlet, large lounge, and small and homes for the elderly. in-house nursing facilities. “We John Keells Properties Sector Head Nayana Traders (Pvt.) Ltd and John Keells elderly healthcare standards. movie theater with an air- Our target audience is to will also be recruiting 100 new Mawilmada. Holdings PLC. When complete, in 2023, In addition, the nursing home conditioned restaurant that provide accommodation for nurses for this new project,” “John Keells Properties’ Freedom the 53-storey development is declared is said to have six stories at serves buffet-style meals. senior citizens from the upper he said. Mortgage home finance scheme is truly to have a total of 891 one-, two-, and 100,000 sq. ft., along with Hewawasam stated that with middle-class and foreign senior A room can be obtained for a unprecedented in the value it offers its TRI- three-bedroomed “smart home” units, 200 luxurious air-conditioned the increase in the number of citizens,” he added. one-time lifetime payment of $ ZEN customers,” said DFCC Consumer each designed and equipped with a suite rooms, attached bathrooms the Sri Lankans moving their He further stated that the 45,000 or a monthly payment of Banking Senior Vice President Gillian of key amenities. and balconies, wellness centre, children abroad and with the institution currently provides $ 750, which includes lodging, Edwards. With its enviable address, competitive swimming pool, gym, indoor increase in Sri Lanka’s aging housing facilities for 80 senior food and beverages, medical and “Through this partnership, we are able prices starting at Rs 26 million, and the range and outdoor gardens, library, population, the demand for citizens, and 500 male and nursing services, and all other to expand the breadth of our service of conveniences and facilities afforded to geriatric consultant medical geriatric care is also increasing. female nurses are currently facilities. Room reservations offering so as to provide an even greater its resident community, TRI-ZEN is also centre, physiotherapy centre, “That is why we are investing caring for senior citizens who will be available from end- opportunity for Sri Lanka’s homeowners to claimed to be the most anticipated property pharmacy, medical equipment in providing nursing facilities reside in their own homes under March. stake claim to an apartment at Colombo’s and living experience for urbanites. business 49 Friday, January 29, 2021 { RECOGNITION/CORPORATE } „„ www.themorning.lk Union Assurance recognised for 2020 annual report Union Assurance PLC announced that it was Council (IIRC) framework, is said to assess 18 billion, a life fund of Rs. 41 billion, and a awarded among the 10 Best Integrated Reports how well an organisation has consolidated Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 447% as at at the 2020 CMA Excellence in Integrated its strategy, governance, performance, and November 2020. In addition, Union Assurance Reporting Awards, organised by the Institute prospects to create lasting and sustainable offers life insurance solutions to cover the of Certified Management Accountants of Sri value that accounts for all stakeholder needs. education, health, protection, retirement, and Lanka. Union Assurance claims to be one of the investment needs of Sri Lankans. With 76 The awards are based on a detailed evaluation oldest private life insurers in Sri Lanka, and branches and a workforce over 3,000, Union of annual reports, conducted across the extensive is a member of the John Keells Group, Sri Assurance stated it continues to invest in people, range of Sri Lanka’s private and public sector Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate. The products, and processes to remain agile and organisations. The evaluation criteria, carried company completed over three decades in responsive to emerging changes in the life Union Assurance General Manager of Finance and Planning Asha Perera out as per the International Integrated Reporting the industry with a market capitalisation of Rs. iInsurance industry. receiving the award on behalf of the company Pelwatte to establish chilling centres and milking sheds With the President promising to allocate speed, as opposed to using hands. special lands for dairy farmers following The facility is also said to arrange and several issues pertaining to the lack of land mitigate overcrowding and spoilage before for cattle grazing in the districts of Ampara processing. The sheds will act as direct “one- and Anuradhapura, Pelwatte Dairy Industries stop contact points” to the company’s delivery (Pvt.) Ltd. has expressed its willingness to system, thereby establishing a stream of delivery help establish milking sheds and chilling processes and ensuring the milk reaches the centres in government-proposed lands. chilling centres and the factory in time. The Omnicom Media Group Sri Lanka and Fashion Bug teams With the Government’s promise of special Moreover, these sheds are also to be used to lands, the proposed chilling centres and inspect cattle for health and hygiene and ensure milking sheds will help farmers milk their that their underlying vitals, immunity, and health cows in a safe and clean environment, while stay in the right charts. The company believes collecting the milk to store them in chilling these systems will especially help the farmers Omnicom Media Group centres and support in getting them delivered who have large herds of cattle still being a great to the company on time. This is said to facility for all dairy farmers alike. increase the productivity and efficiency of the Dairy farmers in the areas of Mahaoya, industry, while also ensuring the right price Welikanda, Seruwila, Rambakenoya, Pollebedda, for the milk. The whole process is claimed Kandegama, and Maduru as well as other and Fashion Bug secure to be able to be monitored and cleared by adjacent areas of the Ampara District expressed the veterinarians and health officials. their concerns regarding the restrictions imposed “We believe these establishments will by the Department of Wildlife Conservation help secure spots for milking and storage, and (DWC), Department of Forests, and Mahaweli act as points of collection and transportation. Authority for cattle grazing in the lands. silver at SLIM Digis This in turn will help ensure that Pelwatte’s Furthermore, although separate lands had products will be at the top in terms of freshness been promised earlier, such spaces had not been The campaign “Bug Friday”, carried out by fashion retail brand Fashion Bug SLIM Digis previously, to have successfully and overall quality. This will further support allocated duly, thereby reportedly resulting in along with Omnicom Media Group Sri Lanka, won the silver award obtained the silver award for this category is in increasing the range of products that are dairy farmers being confronted to strict law at the SLIM Digis 2.0 held recently, under the “Retail (Fashion/Consumer truly a great moment for us. We strive to keep our enriched with the wholesome goodness of fresh enforcements. This had brought the sector in Electronics) Online and Offline” category. customers intrigued and deliver on our promises milk that is nutrient-rich and preservative-free, this area to a hold, endangering families, cattle, The “Bug Friday” campaign was in response to ensure the audience was able to navigate the of providing them with the very best shopping while also supporting the families in the area and the industry as a whole. However, Pelwatte to the Black Friday tradition of shopping online pages with minimal obstacles. experiences, both online as well as offline.” and the industry as a whole,” noted Pelwatte Industries sought the support of the authorities in deals and heavy discounts. The objective of Through this approach, Fashion Bug claimed it “I am very proud of the consistent performance Dairy Industries Managing Director Akmal this regard. “This measure will help overcome the campaign was to transform the existing was able to reach over 7 million impressions, with of my team. Being the second year in a row that Wickramanayake. the problems faced by over 2,000 cattle that cash-on-delivery website into a fully integrated more than 19,000 visits to the new and improved we have made our mark at the SLIM Digis, The milking sheds are declared to be equipped have been stranded in the lands. It will also give e-commerce platform, while increasing average website, while its online sales reportedly hit a and managing to seal the deal with the silver with all necessary equipment, milking machines, dairy farmers access to their cows that have not daily transactions by 150%. record high in December. award this year, indicates that we’re going from and the required infrastructure and facilities been allowed to be visited and care for; this The brand envisioned the campaign to target “To win an award in this category is something strength to strength. With e-commerce on the to provide a comfortable environment for the poses a serious problem as the cattle need to an urban millennial audience, which is generally that we at Fashion Bug take pride in as a team. rise locally, due to the current pandemic, it’s cattle and the farmers. The milking systems be milked regularly to prevent fertility issues, interested in major online shopping events. We are actively transforming the brand, which great that we were recognised for our creative will be established as such as to provide a disease, and any loss to productivity. Even The campaign focused on increasing audience was predominantly offline retail, to one that efforts, and success in driving online sales for constant and repeatable environment every veterinarians have backed this claim. We interest with a series of teasers shared across now can be experienced online as well,” stated our digital clients,” stated Omnicom Media day, ensuring safe and healthy practices. believe the announcement of allocation of platforms. Moreover, affiliates were tasked with Fashion Bug CEO Shabier Subian. Group Sri Lanka Digital and Business Director Milking machines are said to help mitigate lands would support us immensely,” Pelwatte conducting walkthroughs on the use of the site “Having been nominated at the inaugural Jason Wijesuriya. the risks and improve quality and overall field officers commented. Tokyo Cement and Government gift ‘Fountain of Life’ to Nawakkulama

Tokyo Cement Group assisted the Government in offering a new solution to the lack of water in The Spicy Star 2020 calendar cover Medawachchiya by extending their programme “Fountain of Life”, that was incepted to aid and gift less fortunate communities, to the village of Nawakkulama. Prima KottuMee The water purification plant was declared open by Tokyo Cement Company Lanka Executive Director Christopher Fernando. Tokyo Cement’s initiative, publishes “Fountain of Life” started several months ago in three villages in Poonakary, Kilinochchi, and recently Nawakkulama; a farming village with a population 2021 calendar of 500. This is one of the villages severely affected by Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain origin The brand Prima KottuMee has voting on Facebook, out of which the (CKDu) in Anuradhapura. launched its 2021 calendar, which 12 highest-voted contestants were As an aim of achieving a key goal set on the is said to portray a series of young chosen to be on the 2021 calendar. Vistas of Prosperity manifesto which was in the personalities who represent the These contestants – six male and six national policy, the Government has deployed brand’s youthful “Hot N’ Spicy” female candidates – then underwent several action plans to provide clean drinking water image. In addition, 12 contestants a shoot via Zoom. Understanding to every household in the island. In support of this, who showcased their talent and and heeding the health and safety Tokyo Cement Group initiated “Fountain of Life” secured the votes of social media precautions, the entire process was to set up Water Purification Plants in selected areas audiences were awarded a place conducted online via the Facebook where access to potable water is a severe problem. in the Prima KottuMee Calendar. and Instagram platforms. “We initiated our far-reaching programme The process for the Prima The panel of judges included ‘Fountain of Life’ in support of the Government’s KottuMee competition and shoot returning judge, model and actress ‘Water for All’ programme which aims to provide was adapted for online participation Teena Shanel, well-known Sri drinking water facilities to every household by in 2021. To register, the participants Lankan photographer Dimitri Crusz, 2025. People of Nawakkulama had many issues in had to fill out a Google form and television presenter and dancer accessing potable water. Chronic Kidney Disease attach a 30-second clip showcasing Sachini Nipunsala, and model and was affecting the lives of the farming community their dancing, singing, or modelling actress Nipuni Wilson. and we wanted to do our part to help them. This talents. These clips were shared Prima KottuMee stated that it uses programme will support The Government achieve on social media for voting to take its calendar as a platform to create The people of the Nawakkulama village using the new water purification plant by the ‘Fountain of Life’ programme their goal in the long term while saving thousands of place, and sent to the judges for opportunities for these talented lives.” Tokyo Cement Group Chairman Dr. Harsha their assessment. individuals as a stepping stone to Cabral PC stated, commenting on the programme. with an output capacity of 5000 litres a day. In the next phase of “Fountain of Life”, five more The organisers, as with past build their career. In addition to being The 125 farming families in Nawakkulama had The Village Development Society, under the guidance villages in the Anuradhapura District will receive years, claimed to have received featured in the Prima KottuMee a number of CKDu patients to date, due to limited of the Department of Rural Development of the North water purification units with Reverse Osmosis (RO) an overwhelming number of 2021 calendar, these young stars access to good quality water. Central Province and Medawachchiya Divisional capability. The solutions, each with a capacity of applications from across the island. stand a chance to star in Prima Presenting them with this donation, Tokyo Secretariat, is said to have stepped forward to manage 10,000 litres per day, will be implemented during The judges then selected 50 young KottuMee commercials in the Cement’s “Fountain of Life” installed a water the system to ensure that everyone in the village the first half of 2021 under the full sponsorship of stars to undergo one week of online future. purification solution with reverse osmosis technology benefits from the facility. Tokyo Cement Group. 104 business „„ www.themorning.lk { MARKET } Friday, January 29, 2021 Unit trust prices­ at 20 Jan. 2021 CSE Price List 27 Jan. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE V.W.A. V.W.A. CHANGE Assetline Income Fund 16.7612...... 16.7612 SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME PREVIOUS OPEN HIGH LOW TODAY’S (RS.) Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.3839...... 17.8928 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 72,247...... 35.5...... 35.5...... 36...... 34.2...... 35.1...... -0.4 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 171,111...... 101.75...... 102.5...... 105...... 100...... 100...... -1.75 Senfin Growth Fund 8.89...... 8.57 ABANS...... 9,978...... 177...... 179.75...... 200...... 179.75...... 186...... 9 SWISSTEK...... 1,779,760...... 139.75...... 148...... 176...... 142...... 169.25...... 29.5 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.022...... 15.022 ACCESS ENG SL...... 2,717,207...... 30.6...... 31...... 31.1...... 29.3...... 29.9...... -0.7 TALAWAKELLE...... 45,084...... 99.1...... 100...... 100...... 93...... 95.5...... -3.6 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 13.25...... 12.93 ACL...... 405,951...... 111...... 112...... 112...... 103...... 107.75...... -3.25 TANGERINE...... 1,000...... 44...... 44...... 44...... 44...... 44...... 0 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4036...... 12.4036 ACL PLASTICS...... 15,467...... 349.75...... 345...... 346...... 336...... 338.75...... -11 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 925...... 41.3...... 41.3...... 42...... 41.3...... 42...... 0.7 CAL Balanced Fund 12.0249...... 12.0249 ACME...... 55,854...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 6.4...... 5.8...... 6.2...... -0.2 TEEJAY LANKA...... 444,621...... 46.1...... 46.2...... 46.5...... 45...... 45.7...... -0.4 CAL Corporate Debt & Gilt Trading Fund 21.2173...... 21.2173 AGALAWATTE...... 89,221...... 30...... 29.9...... 30...... 28.1...... 29.1...... -0.9 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 291,781...... 253.5...... 249...... 255...... 244.75...... 245...... -8.5 CAL Corporate Treasury Fund 18.2614...... 18.2614 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 9,333...... 44...... 43.7...... 44.1...... 43...... 43.5...... -0.5 TOKYO CEMENT...... 1,495,470...... 88.5...... 89...... 89.4...... 84.5...... 85...... -3.5 CAL Gilt Fund 7.1553...... 7.1553 AITKEN SPENCE...... 998,230...... 77...... 77...... 79.5...... 74.6...... 78.8...... 1.8 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 2,398,279...... 79...... 79...... 79...... 75.2...... 77...... -2 CAL Gilt Money Market Fund 4.3347...... 4.3347 ALLIANCE...... 27,011...... 55.4...... 55.6...... 57.1...... 55...... 56.2...... 0.8 UNION BANK...... 4,506,480...... 14.1...... 14.1...... 14.3...... 13.9...... 14...... -0.1 CAL Gilt Trading Fund 50.1748...... 50.1748 AMANA BANK...... 2,484,109...... 4.1...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 3.8...... 3.8...... -0.3 UNION CHEMICALS...... 45...... 910...... 840...... 840...... 830...... 910...... 0 CAL High Yield Fund 24.3797...... 24.3797 AMAYA LEISURE...... 19,850...... 42.4...... 43.5...... 43.5...... 41...... 41.2...... -1.2 UNISYST...... 37,469...... 18.5...... 18...... 18.5...... 17.9...... 18.3...... -0.2 CAL Income Fund 20.5674...... 20.5674 ASIA ASSET...... 244,223...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 8...... 7.7...... 7.8...... 0 UNITED MOTORS...... 6,696...... 76.6...... 78...... 78...... 76.8...... 76.8...... 0.2 CAL Investment Grade Fund 19.8219...... 19.8219 ASIRI...... 107,916...... 31.5...... 31.5...... 31.5...... 30...... 30.1...... -1.4 VALLIBEL...... 2,257,890...... 8.1...... 8.1...... 8.4...... 8.1...... 8.3...... 0.2 CAL Medium Risk Debt Fund 15.685...... 15.685 ASIRI SURG...... 198,804...... 16...... 16.5...... 16.6...... 15.8...... 16.1...... 0.1 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 1,256,480...... 105...... 110...... 157.5...... 110...... 155.75...... 50.75 CAL Quant Equity Fund 20.4138...... 20.8267 AUTODROME...... 330...... 82.4...... 81.6...... 81.6...... 81.6...... 81.6...... -0.8 VIDULLANKA...... 32,143,893...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 5.9...... 5.5...... 5.5...... -0.3 Ceybank Century Growth 85.2...... 81.46 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 64,270...... 159...... 160...... 164.75...... 155...... 158...... -1 WATAWALA...... 110,553...... 64.7...... 64.7...... 65.4...... 64...... 65...... 0.3 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 14.4556...... 14.4556 BALANGODA...... 12,848...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 16.3...... 16.4...... -1.1 YORK ARCADE...... 1,996...... 280.75...... 283...... 283...... 212...... 221.25...... -59.5 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 10.9167...... 10.9167 BUKIT DARAH XD...... 2,905...... 391.75...... 400...... 400...... 375.75...... 381...... -10.75 SECOND BOARD Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.7693...... 13.7693 C M HOLDINGS...... 5,040...... 118...... 120...... 120...... 108...... 110...... -8 ABANS FINANCIAL...... 1,360...... 27.9...... 27.8...... 27.8...... 27.1...... 27.1...... -0.8 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.361...... 12.361 C T HOLDINGS...... 614,009...... 186.5...... 190...... 190...... 187...... 188.25...... 1.75 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 177,801...... 6.4...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 6.1...... 6.2...... -0.2 Ceybank Unit Trust 27.77...... 26.06 CARGILLS...... 17,443...... 235.25...... 236...... 243...... 234...... 240.25...... 5 ARPICO...... 818...... 200...... 210...... 214...... 210...... 213.5...... 13.5 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7348...... 0.7311 CARGO BOAT...... 88,401...... 70.1...... 71.1...... 79.5...... 70.1...... 74.9...... 4.8 ASIA CAPITAL...... 40,004...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.8...... 6.6...... 6.6...... -0.2 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.19...... 6.9 CARSONS...... 590...... 376.5...... 371...... 372...... 360...... 369.5...... -7 BROWNS BEACH...... 2,685...... 13.5...... 13.3...... 13.4...... 13.2...... 13.2...... -0.3 Ceylon Income Fund 22.1137...... 22.1137 CEYLON Index Fund 52.15...... 50.03 CDB...... 8,807...... 127...... 121.5...... 125...... 121...... 124.75...... -2.25 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 355,908...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.7...... 7.7...... 7.9...... -0.4 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.72...... 5.61 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 27,386...... 93.9...... 92...... 94...... 90...... 90...... -3.9 DIALOG FINANCE...... 200...... 57...... 57...... 57...... 57...... 57...... 0 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.2629...... 17.2629 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 1,294,961...... 106.75...... 106...... 114.75...... 104.75...... 113...... 6.25 DISTILLERIES...... 276,310...... 23.7...... 23.5...... 24...... 23.1...... 23.1...... -0.6 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.96...... 3.81 CENTRAL IND...... 220,524...... 133.5...... 132.5...... 134...... 129...... 130...... -3.5 FIRST CAPITAL...... 96,000...... 58.9...... 58.6...... 59...... 57.6...... 57.7...... -1.2 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.16...... 6.16 CEYLINCO INS...... 127...... 2010.5...... 2,010.50...... 2,010.50...... 2,000.25...... 2,010.00...... -0.5 GOOD HOPE...... 10...... 1121.9...... 1,055.25...... 1,060.00...... 1,018.25...... 1,121.90...... 0 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6652...... 11.6652 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 3,098...... 1300...... 1,290.00...... 1,498.75...... 1,290.00...... 1,400.00...... 100 KELSEY...... 2,352...... 37.6...... 38.5...... 38.5...... 36.6...... 37...... -0.6 Comtrust Equity Fund 19.62...... 18.75 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 18,422...... 155.25...... 152.75...... 160...... 148...... 154.75...... -0.5 KOTMALE HOLDINGS...... 649...... 238.25...... 249...... 260...... 241...... 253.75...... 15.5 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4319...... 10.4319 CEYLON INV...... 168,037...... 87.7...... 87.7...... 91...... 86.2...... 89.2...... 1.5 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 1,241...... 115.75...... 122.5...... 122.5...... 121.75...... 121.75...... 6 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.843...... 11.843 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 7,712...... 1103...... 1,111.00...... 1,125.00...... 1,110.00...... 1,112.00...... 9 LOLC FINANCE...... 4,577,164...... 8.5...... 8.4...... 8.8...... 8.1...... 8.2...... -0.3 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,434.23...... 1,362.52 CHEMANEX...... 431,795...... 93.1...... 93...... 114...... 93...... 102.5...... 9.4 MADULSIMA...... 27,189...... 10...... 9.80...... 10.00...... 9.60...... 10.00...... 0 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,851.14...... 1,851.09 CHEVRON...... 88,587...... 113.25...... 113.75...... 113.75...... 112...... 112.25...... -1 ODEL PLC...... 3,853...... 21.3...... 21.2...... 21.9...... 21...... 21.1...... -0.2 First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,492.77...... 1,492.77 CIC...... 1,216,625...... 66.2...... 66.3...... 66.9...... 63.5...... 63.8...... -2.4 PDL...... 795...... 122.75...... 125.00...... 126.75...... 123.00...... 123.25...... 0.5 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,905.20...... 1,905.20 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 1,542,732...... 54.7...... 54.3...... 54.3...... 52...... 52.7...... -2 SELINSING...... 130...... 915.2...... 830.75...... 830.75...... 805...... 817.25...... -97.95 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,129.66...... 1,129.63 CITRUS LEISURE...... 43,901...... 10.9...... 10.9...... 11...... 10.7...... 10.7...... -0.2 SERENDIB LAND...... 32...... 1812.5...... 2,265.00...... 2,265.00...... 2,259.00...... 1,812.50...... 0 Guardian Acuity Equity Fund 19.8614...... 19.4847 COLD STORES...... 10,658...... 710...... 714...... 724.5...... 710...... 710.5...... 0.5 SHALIMAR...... 2...... 1203.2...... 1,175.00...... 1,175.00...... 1,175.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 Guardian Acuity Money Market Fund 20.27...... 20.27 COLOMBO CITY...... 2,085...... 1326...... 1,320.00...... 1,320.00...... 1,164.00...... 1,175.75...... -150.25 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 63,600...... 75.3...... 76...... 77...... 73...... 74.1...... -1.2 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.5534...... 27.5534 COLOMBO LAND...... 67,179...... 32...... 31...... 31...... 28.3...... 29.9...... -2.1 DIRI SAVI BOARD JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.8761...... 14.8761 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 1,281,218...... 100.5...... 101.25...... 101.5...... 99...... 99.8...... -0.7 AGSTAR PLC...... 101,399...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8.2...... 8...... 8...... -0.2 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 27.81...... 26.15 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].....230,015...... 89.2...... 89.2...... 89.2...... 85.7...... 86.5...... -2.7 ALUMEX PLC...... 1,366,568...... 26.5...... 26.5...... 26.8...... 25...... 25.3...... -1.2 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.9124...... 9.5342 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 201...... 1448.75...... 1,420.00...... 1,420.00...... 1,320.25...... 1,395.25...... -53.5 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 9,721...... 10.3...... 10.3...... 10.5...... 10.1...... 10.2...... -0.1 NAMAL Growth Fund 149.066...... 139.1306 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 494,315...... 14.3...... 14.3...... 14.5...... 13.8...... 14...... -0.3 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 691,808...... 25.6...... 24.5...... 26...... 24.2...... 25.2...... -0.4 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7135...... 24.7135 DFCC BANK PLC...... 407,261...... 77.6...... 78.4...... 78.4...... 73.8...... 74.5...... -3.1 AMF CO LTD...... 253...... 359.25...... 357.5...... 357.5...... 325...... 329...... -30.25 NAMAL Income Fund 14.3899...... 14.3899 DIALOG...... 1,070,195...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 13...... 12.8...... 12.9...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS...... 904,037...... 1.3...... 1.4...... 1.4...... 1.3...... 1.4...... 0.1 National Equity Fund 36.5027...... 34.1465 DIMO...... 8,007...... 626.75...... 627...... 650...... 622...... 627...... 0.25 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 4,300...... 24.9...... 24.9...... 25...... 23.5...... 24.6...... -0.3 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.6895...... 18.6895 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 597,971...... 728...... 735...... 765...... 715...... 742.25...... 14.25 ASIA SIYAKA...... 1,519,182...... 3...... 3.00...... 3.10...... 2.90...... 3.00...... 0 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 49.05...... 47.4 DOCKYARD...... 14,208...... 90.3...... 88...... 90...... 87...... 87.3...... -3 BANSEI RESORTS...... 7,485...... 9.1...... 9.00...... 9.00...... 8.70...... 8.70...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.56...... 11.05 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 19,464...... 27...... 26...... 26...... 25...... 25...... -2 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 52,347...... 1...... 1.00...... 1.00...... 0.90...... 1.00...... 0 NDB Wealth Income Fund 15.989...... 15.989 DURDANS...... 7,454...... 105.5...... 105.5...... 107.75...... 104...... 105.75...... 0.25 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 10,322...... 25.4...... 24.7...... 24.7...... 24.5...... 24.5...... -0.9 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.0414...... 17.0414 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 561...... 96.3...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 3.7 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 8,959...... 13.8...... 13.5...... 13.7...... 13.2...... 13.4...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.2905...... 16.2905 E B CREASY...... 1,012...... 5801.25...... 5,800.00...... 6,499.75...... 5,800.00...... 6,215.00...... 413.75 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 190,640...... 16.3...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 15.8...... 15.9...... -0.4 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6072...... 20.6072 EAST WEST...... 364,359...... 12.7...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 12.2...... 12.6...... -0.1 BROWNS...... 1,742,626...... 215.5...... 220...... 265...... 212...... 259.25...... 43.75 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5298...... 23.5298 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 94,002...... 7...... 7...... 7...... 6.8...... 6.9...... -0.1 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 95,236,537...... 6.9...... 7...... 7...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 0 Premier Growth Fund 7.02...... 6.67 EXPOLANKA...... 30,468,900...... 61...... 60.9...... 60.9...... 54.5...... 55.9...... -5.1 C T LAND...... 7,505...... 31.5...... 30.5...... 31.3...... 30.1...... 30.6...... -0.9 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6142...... 18.6142 FORT LAND...... 243,183...... 16.9...... 16.5...... 17.5...... 15.4...... 16.7...... -0.2 C.W.MACKIE...... 10,792...... 52.5...... 51.1...... 51.8...... 50...... 50.2...... -2.3 Softlogic Equity Fund 127.356...... 121.0604 GESTETNER...... 899...... 119.25...... 122.5...... 122.5...... 99...... 101.25...... -18 CEYLON BEVERAGE...... 3...... 779.75...... 780...... 780...... 780...... 779.75...... 0 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.1384...... 104.1384 GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 187,130...... 146.5...... 149.75...... 150...... 144...... 146.25...... -0.25 CEYLON TEA BRKRS...... 110,011...... 4...... 4.1...... 4.1...... 3.9...... 3.9...... -0.1 HAYCARB...... 66,143...... 1288.75...... 1,300.00...... 1,340.00...... 1,260.00...... 1,281.25...... -7.5 CFI...... 8,097...... 127.5...... 130.5...... 130.5...... 113...... 122...... -5.5 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. HAYLEYS...... 341,165...... 792...... 795...... 820...... 780...... 802.25...... 10.25 CIT...... 2,773...... 203...... 220.00...... 220.00...... 210.00...... 213.00...... 10 HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 2,972,362...... 36.3...... 36.6...... 38...... 34.8...... 37...... 0.7 CITRUS HIKKADUWA...... 49,162...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6.1...... 6...... 6...... -0.1 HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 62,811...... 236.75...... 238.75...... 265.75...... 235...... 251.25...... 14.5 CITRUS WASKADUWA...... 553,578...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 3.9...... 3.8...... 3.8...... -0.1 Ex­change Rates 27 Jan. 2021 HDFC...... 8,712...... 46.7...... 47...... 47...... 45...... 45.6...... -1.1 COM.CREDIT...... 210,457...... 26.3...... 26.8...... 30...... 26.8...... 27.1...... 0.8 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 1,554,365...... 101...... 101...... 101.25...... 98...... 98.2...... -2.8 COMMERCIAL DEV...... 32,715...... 134.25...... 131...... 155...... 131...... 144.5...... 10.25 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous HNB...... 664,698...... 154...... 156...... 156...... 147.25...... 148.5...... -5.5 DILMAH CEYLON...... 213...... 681.75...... 696...... 697...... 690...... 691.5...... 9.75 banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for HNB ASSURANCE...... 237,142...... 63.3...... 64...... 64...... 62.2...... 63...... -0.3 E - CHANNELLING...... 108,708...... 6.9...... 7...... 7...... 6.6...... 6.7...... -0.2 fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 413,551...... 124.5...... 123...... 124.5...... 118...... 118.75...... -5.75 EDEN HOTEL LANKA...... 493,645...... 12.6...... 13.2...... 13.2...... 12.5...... 12.8...... 0.2 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HORANA...... 36,950...... 24...... 24.5...... 25...... 24.5...... 24.9...... 0.9 ELPITIYA...... 45,200...... 53.3...... 52.1...... 54...... 51.9...... 53.1...... -0.2 Australian Dollar 148.3419 ...... 154.3704 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar...... 519.4547 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 2,008...... 66.1...... 65.5...... 67.1...... 65...... 65.2...... -0.9 EQUITY TWO PLC...... 1,038...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 0 Canadian Dollar 150.6951 ...... 156.7579 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar...... 647.5452 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 28.9839 ...... 30.8796 Oman Oman Rial...... 508.7218 HOTELS CORP...... 5,250...... 12.8...... 13...... 13...... 12.9...... 12.9...... 0.1 FORTRESS RESORTS...... 2,210...... 12.4...... 12.1...... 12.1...... 12...... 12.1...... -0.3 Euro 233.7095 ...... 241.8405 Qatar Qatar Riyal...... 53.7827 HUNTERS...... 894...... 922...... 899.75...... 899.75...... 701...... 776...... -146 GALADARI...... 216,041...... 10.1...... 10...... 10.2...... 10...... 10...... -0.1 Japanese Yen 1.8504 ...... 1.9233 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 52.2225 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 120,807,941...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.6...... 0.7...... -0.2 GUARDIAN CAPITAL...... 36,631...... 36.9...... 39.8...... 39.8...... 36.9...... 37.6...... 0.7 Singapore Dollar 145.0364 ...... 150.2075 UAE UAE Dirham...... 53.3229 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 389,788...... 32...... 32...... 32.5...... 31.6...... 32.1...... 0.1 HAPUGASTENNE...... 992...... 18...... 18.5...... 18.5...... 17.7...... 17.8...... -0.2 Sterling Pound 264.4779 ...... 272.8538 JKH...... 7,414,773...... 172.75...... 175...... 175...... 169.75...... 171.25...... -1.5 HARISCHANDRA...... 10...... 4400...... 4,350.00...... 4,350.00...... 4,350.00...... 4,400.00...... 0 Swiss Franc 216.0722 ...... 224.3139 US Dollar 193.1921 ...... 198.2435 KANDY HOTELS...... 10,674...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.4...... 5.4...... -0.1 HATTON...... 69,695...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 10...... 9.8...... 9.9...... 0.1 KEGALLE...... 43,649...... 159.25...... 159.25...... 159.25...... 141.25...... 146.25...... -13 HNB FINANCE...... 50,290...... 9.9...... 9.9...... 10.4...... 9.7...... 9.8...... -0.1 KELANI CABLES...... 2,292...... 172...... 177.25...... 177.25...... 170...... 174.5...... 2.5 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 39,146...... 8.6...... 8.4...... 8.6...... 8.2...... 8.2...... -0.4 Market Indicators 27 Jan. 2021 KELANI TYRES...... 525,623...... 104...... 104.75...... 104.75...... 96.5...... 100.75...... -3.25 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 12,318...... 9.8...... 10...... 10...... 9.6...... 9.7...... -0.1 Price indices Today...... Previous day KELANI VALLEY...... 52,884...... 93...... 93...... 95...... 92...... 92.6...... -0.4 JOHN KEELLS...... 26,874...... 70.1...... 70.5...... 74...... 66...... 72.4...... 2.3 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 8,812.01...... 8,665.82 KINGSBURY...... 10,914...... 14...... 13.9...... 14.2...... 13.7...... 14...... 0 KAHAWATTE...... 4,972...... 30.9...... 30.5...... 31.1...... 30...... 30.9...... 0 S&P SL20 3,505.33...... 3,504.05 KOTAGALA...... 62,749...... 6.9...... 7.1...... 7.2...... 6.9...... 7...... 0.1 KEELLS FOOD...... 1,129...... 148...... 148...... 155...... 147...... 152.75...... 4.75 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 11,811.05...... 11,615.10 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 4,999,560...... 417.25...... 460...... 521.5...... 455...... 521.25...... 104 KEELLS HOTELS...... 342,226...... 11.4...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 11...... 11.1...... -0.3 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,757.19...... 5,755.08 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 3...... 160...... 160...... 160...... 160...... 160...... 0 LANKA CERAMIC...... 72,639...... 178...... 178...... 220...... 170.25...... 218.5...... 40.5 EQUITIES : LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 199,775...... 146...... 150...... 150...... 141.75...... 142.5...... -3.5 LANKEM CEYLON...... 8,663...... 31.8...... 32...... 32...... 31.4...... 31.5...... -0.3 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 14,409,655,300.00...... 11,436,931,100.00 LANKA ASHOK...... 31...... 900...... 885...... 885...... 881...... 900...... 0 LAUGFS POWER...... 33,260...... 12.1...... 12.2...... 12.2...... 11.7...... 12.1...... 0 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 14,150,715,400.00...... 11,184,533,500.00 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 9,523...... 53...... 53...... 53...... 50...... 50.6...... -2.4 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 59,553...... 8.3...... 8...... 8.3...... 8...... 8.2...... -0.1 DOMESTIC SALES 12,850,330,600.00...... 10,994,190,300.00 LANKA IOC...... 817,832...... 26.7...... 27.2...... 27.2...... 25.3...... 26.7...... 0 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 44...... 35.9...... 35.2...... 37...... 35.2...... 35.9...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 258,939,072.00...... 252,397,056.00 LANKA REALTY...... 16,363...... 38.1...... 38.1...... 38.1...... 38...... 38...... -0.1 LOTUS HYDRO...... 65,805...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 11...... 10.6...... 10.6...... -0.2 FOREIGN SALES 1,559,324,030.00...... 442,740,416.00 LANKA TILES...... 517,115...... 274...... 295...... 342...... 285...... 315.5...... 41.5 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 7,003...... 29...... 28.5...... 28.5...... 28.4...... 28.5...... -0.5 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 497,394,816.00...... 828,665,730.00 LANKA VENTURES...... 8,119...... 55.8...... 55...... 57.2...... 54.1...... 54.1...... -1.7 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 591,616...... 2.2...... 2.2...... 2.3...... 2...... 2.1...... -0.1 DOMESTIC 486,621,536.00...... 819,795,260.00 LANKA WALLTILE...... 798,665...... 272.25...... 290.5...... 340...... 290...... 318.25...... 46 MASKELIYA...... 21,444...... 14.2...... 14...... 14...... 14...... 14...... -0.2 FOREIGN 10,773,294.00...... 8,870,478.00 LAUGFS GAS...... 313,018...... 29...... 29.9...... 30.5...... 27.7...... 29.4...... 0.4 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 35,936...... 6.8...... 7...... 7...... 6.7...... 6.7...... -0.1 TRADES(NO.) 63,717...... 58,200 DOMESTIC 62,878...... 57,267 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 613,700...... 23.9...... 24.1...... 24.4...... 23...... 23.2...... -0.7 NUWARA ELIYA...... 247...... 1199...... 1,170.00...... 1,174.75...... 1,170.00...... 1,171.50...... -27.5 FOREIGN 839...... 933 LAXAPANA...... 160,802...... 14.8...... 14.8...... 14.9...... 14.7...... 14.8...... 0 ON’ALLY...... 2,640...... 42.9...... 40.1...... 44.2...... 40...... 40...... -2.9 CORPORATE DEBT 28981724...... 0 LB FINANCE...... 2,607,527...... 232.5...... 235...... 348.75...... 235...... 320.5...... 88 ORIENT FINANCE...... 38,358...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 15.4...... 15...... 15.3...... -0.1 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... 0 LEE HEDGES...... 4,551...... 80...... 80.1...... 80.1...... 78...... 78.1...... -1.9 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 2,598...... 28.3...... 30...... 30...... 28.7...... 30...... 1.7 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LION BREWERY...... 99...... 621...... 598...... 598...... 591...... 621...... 0 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 2,588...... 35.5...... 35.2...... 35.5...... 34.1...... 34.9...... -0.6 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 279...... 276 LMF...... 112,043...... 191...... 191...... 200...... 183...... 189.5...... -1.5 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 11,456...... 9.1...... 9...... 9.2...... 8.5...... 8.6...... -0.5 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 14.6...... 14.4 LVL ENERGY...... 171,000...... 10.1...... 10.3...... 10.4...... 10.1...... 10.1...... 0 PRIME FINANCE...... 22,967...... 13.7...... 13.6...... 14...... 13.2...... 14...... 0.3 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.5...... 1.4 MALWATTE...... 27,020...... 13.1...... 12.8...... 13.5...... 12.5...... 13.2...... 0.1 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 279,904...... 6.9...... 6.6...... 6.9...... 6.5...... 6.5...... -0.4 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2...... 2.1 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 9,399...... 9.2...... 8.8...... 9...... 8.8...... 9...... -0.2 RAMBODA FALLS...... 303...... 19.1...... 19.8...... 20...... 18.5...... 20...... 0.9 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (Rs.) 3,852,069,453,111.00...... 3,788,165,229,061.00 MELSTACORP...... 1,810,707...... 71.6...... 71.6...... 71.6...... 68.1...... 68.6...... -3 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 1,105,108...... 9.5...... 9.6...... 9.6...... 9.2...... 9.3...... -0.2 MERC. SHIPPING...... 70...... 92.6...... 90.4...... 94.9...... 90.4...... 92.6...... 0 RENUKA HOTELS...... 47,750...... 70.2...... 74...... 79.9...... 74...... 77...... 6.8 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions MERCHANT BANK...... 87,409...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.6...... 8.4...... 8.6...... 0 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 6,971...... 429...... 430...... 452.75...... 430...... 449.75...... 20.75 Call Money Market...... Repo Market MULLERS...... 1,860,107...... 1.4...... 1.5...... 1.5...... 1.3...... 1.4...... 0 ROYAL PALMS...... 2,510...... 18.2...... 18.1...... 18.1...... 18.1...... 18.1...... -0.1 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.54...... 4.56 NAMUNUKULA...... 18,718...... 199.75...... 199...... 202...... 194...... 201.25...... 1.5 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 896...... 246.5...... 243.5...... 244...... 243...... 243.5...... -3 Minimum Rate (%) 4.53...... 4.54 NAT. DEV. BANK...... 579,918...... 102.25...... 102...... 102...... 98.9...... 99.4...... -2.85 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 88,780...... 8.3...... 8.1...... 8.4...... 7.7...... 7.7...... -0.6 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55...... 4.60 NATIONS TRUST...... 134,983...... 66.1...... 66.8...... 66.8...... 64...... 64.2...... -1.9 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 9,860...... 17...... 17...... 17.4...... 16.8...... 16.9...... -0.1 NAWALOKA...... 442,088...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 6...... 5.4...... 5.6...... -0.2 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 1,164...... 10.1...... 10...... 10.5...... 10...... 10.1...... 0 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 32,525...... 14,985 NESTLE...... 621...... 1271...... 1,267.00...... 1,293.00...... 1,260.00...... 1,266.25...... -4.75 SINGER IND...... 1,609...... 118...... 119...... 119.5...... 117.75...... 119...... 1 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 32,525...... 14,985 OVERSEAS REALTY...... 5,008,997...... 15.7...... 16.2...... 18.8...... 15.9...... 17.6...... 1.9 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 1,114,114...... 3...... 3...... 3...... 2.8...... 2.9...... -0.1 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility PAN ASIA...... 1,942,962...... 17.8...... 18...... 18.3...... 17.6...... 18...... 0.2 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 8,130...... 4.7...... 4.8...... 4.8...... 4.4...... 4.4...... -0.3 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 123,225 PANASIAN POWER...... 2,085,390...... 4...... 4...... 4...... 3.9...... 3.9...... -0.1 SOFTLOGIC...... 253,570...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 13.7...... 13.1...... 13.4...... -0.1 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... - PEOPLE’S INS...... 858,677...... 33.6...... 34...... 37...... 33.2...... 34.8...... 1.2 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 1,004,788...... 4.3...... 4.4...... 4.4...... 4.3...... 4.3...... 0 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings PEOPLES LEASING...... 2,650,618...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 14.6...... 14.3...... 14.4...... -0.2 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 57,688...... 12.3...... 12.4...... 12.6...... 12.2...... 12.4...... 0.1 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 724,246.88 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,263,600...... 10.7...... 10.7...... 10.8...... 10.2...... 10.3...... -0.4 SWADESHI...... 2...... 18324.8...... 21,000.00...... 21,000.00...... 21,000.00...... 18,324.80...... 0 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 710,978.10 PRINTCARE PLC...... 12,037...... 35...... 34.5...... 34.5...... 33.2...... 33.5...... -1.5 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 336,479...... 34...... 34...... 34...... 32.9...... 33...... -1 R I L PROPERTY...... 1,937,409...... 8.2...... 8.5...... 8.5...... 7.9...... 8...... -0.2 TAL LANKA...... 18,189...... 16...... 16.6...... 16.6...... 16...... 16...... 0 REGNIS...... 19,314...... 133...... 133...... 134.5...... 130...... 132.25...... -0.75 TRANS ASIA...... 110...... 64.5...... 65...... 65...... 65...... 65...... 0.5 TOP 10 GAINERS RENUKA AGRI...... 1,235,148...... 4.8...... 4.8...... 4.9...... 4.6...... 4.7...... -0.1 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 24,145...... 29.8...... 28.9...... 28.9...... 27.4...... 27.5...... -2.3 Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA CITY HOT...... 620...... 284...... 286...... 286...... 284.75...... 285...... 1 UNION ASSURANCE...... 9,356...... 314.75...... 313.25...... 319.75...... 301...... 303.5...... -11.25 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % RENUKA FOODS...... 143,180...... 17.8...... 18...... 18...... 17.2...... 17.2...... -0.6 WATCH LIST VALLIBEL FINANCE 105 ...... 155.75...... 50.75...... 48.33 RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 19,370...... 14.1...... 14.4...... 14.4...... 14...... 14.3...... 0.2 VALLIBEL ONE...... 14,894,177...... 57.6...... 58.8...... 72...... 58...... 71.7...... 14.1 LB FINANCE 232.5 ...... 320.5...... 88...... 37.85 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 786,330...... 21...... 21...... 21.3...... 20.7...... 20.9...... -0.1 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 310...... 9.4...... 9.6...... 9.7...... 9.4...... 9.7...... 0.3 L O L C HOLDINGS 417.25 ...... 521.25...... 104.00...... 24.93 VALLIBEL ONE 57.6 ...... 71.7...... 14.1...... 24.48 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 162,513...... 15...... 15.3...... 15.3...... 14.5...... 14.6...... -0.4 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 401,633...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.7...... 0.7...... -0.1 LANKA CERAMIC 178 ...... 218.5...... 40.5...... 22.75 RESUS ENERGY...... 13,797...... 26.8...... 26.6...... 27.6...... 26.1...... 27...... 0.2 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 741,381...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0 SWISSTEK 139.75 ...... 169.25...... 29.50...... 21.11 RICHARD PIERIS...... 2,221,607...... 17...... 17.2...... 17.3...... 17...... 17...... 0 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 991...... 65.2...... 66.1...... 80...... 60.5...... 61.7...... -3.5 BROWNS 215.5 ...... 259.25...... 43.75...... 20.3 S M B LEASING 1 ...... 1.2...... 0.2...... 20 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 2,492,337...... 351.75...... 385...... 439.5...... 370...... 421.25...... 69.5 HVA FOODS...... 157,097...... 6.3...... 6.40...... 6.40...... 6.20...... 6.30...... 0 S M B LEASING 0.5 ...... 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 S M B LEASING...... 41,429,568...... 1...... 1.1...... 1.3...... 1...... 1.2...... 0.2 LANKEM DEV...... 595,810...... 4.7...... 4.8...... 4.8...... 4.5...... 4.6...... -0.1 ROYAL CERAMIC 351.75 ...... 421.25...... 69.5...... 19.76 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 37,635,136...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 296,814...... 3.3...... 3.4...... 3.4...... 3.1...... 3.3...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS SAMPATH...... 667,894...... 170.25...... 170...... 170...... 165.25...... 166.75...... -3.5 MULTI FINANCE...... 23,616...... 8...... 8...... 8.5...... 8...... 8...... 0 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 242...... 155.75...... 155.75...... 155.75...... 151.75...... 152.25...... -3.5 NATION LANKA...... 1,102,392...... 1...... 1...... 1...... 0.9...... 0.9...... -0.1 Company VWA VWA Change Change INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.9 ...... 0.7...... -0.2...... -22.22 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 115,663...... 64.9...... 64.6...... 64.6...... 64...... 64...... -0.9 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 373...... 83.9...... 90...... 90...... 67...... 86.5...... 2.6 YORK ARCADE 280.75 ...... 221.25...... -...... 59.5...... -21.19 SEYLAN BANK...... 206,487...... 61.7...... 62...... 62...... 57...... 59.3...... -2.4 PARAGON...... 1,327...... 66.5...... 69.00...... 69.00...... 56.00...... 57.80...... -8.7 HUNTERS 922 ...... 776...... -146...... -15.84 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 879,006...... 54.3...... 54.2...... 54.3...... 50.9...... 51.1...... -3.2 RADIANT GEMS...... 2,198...... 29.6...... 30.9...... 30.9...... 29.2...... 29.9...... 0.3 GESTETNER 119.25 ...... 101.25...... -18...... -15.09 PARAGON 66.5 ...... 57.8...... -8.7...... -13.08 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 78,186...... 16.2...... 16.4...... 16.5...... 15.8...... 15.9...... -0.3 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 40,182...... 8.5...... 8.2...... 9...... 8.2...... 8.4...... -0.1 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.80 ...... 0.70...... -0.1...... -12.5 SIERRA CABL...... 1,383,442...... 9.4...... 9.3...... 9.3...... 8.5...... 8.8...... -0.6 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 124...... 89.9...... 89.9...... 90...... 85.5...... 89.1...... -0.8 COLOMBO CITY 1,326.00 ...... 1,175.75...... -150.25...... -11.33 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 31,867...... 39.2...... 37.2...... 42...... 37...... 40.1...... 0.9 TESS AGRO...... 7,939,422...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.7...... 0.8...... 0 SELINSING 915.2 ...... 817.25...... -97.95...... -10.7 NATION LANKA 1 ...... 0.9...... -0.1...... -10 SINGER FINANCE...... 310,978...... 17.7...... 17.6...... 18.2...... 17.6...... 18...... 0.3 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 453,844...... 0.7...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0 AMF CO LTD 359.25 ...... 329...... -30.25...... -8.42 SLT...... 29,932...... 39.7...... 39.6...... 40...... 39...... 39.6...... -0.1 114 Friday, January 29, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Larry King's wife THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Shawn King: 'I'm still processing' “Good things come to people who wait, but Larry King's wife, Shawn King, is speaking out better things come to following the death of the TV talkshow icon. The those who go out and broadcast legend died over the weekend at the get them.” age of 87, leaving behind three living children – – Anonymous Larry Jr., Chance, and Cannon – as well as his wife, Shawn King. "We laid him to rest this morning. And in the Jewish faith, they do it very quickly, so you almost don't have time to, for me, to process," she said in an interview. "I'm still processing." brunch‘It truly

TIMUN to be lifted Entertainment at the International Film Festival of India upload their work. On a closing note, held in February Vithanage did however express are expecting to host a virtual that it was a pity not seeing BY VENESSA ANTHONY conference with 300 local any Sri Lankan submissions at our spirits’ IFFI, particularly considering and foreign delegates from a The International Model variety of diverse backgrounds the subject matter tackled United Nations Conference within 12 committees that Prasanna Vithanage about IFFI by majority of the young (TIMUN) is a game-changing are led by outstanding local filmmakers – what these films Model United Nations (MUN) and foreign chairpeople. “We and Lankan filmmakers represented was their respective platform that has come a are keen on providing an world view, talking about long way from its humble human dignity and suffering international-level experience BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE beginnings. MUN Under- for our delegates, and we take at the hands of consumerism, Secretary General for PR the societal dissatisfaction of humble pride in being able to Pioneer of the third generation of Sri Lankan cinema, (Public Relations) Shihara project the Sri Lanka MUN the systems in place, travelling Natalie Ferdinando revealed veteran filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage recently joined to other countries in search of brand to the international the panel of esteemed international judges at the 51st that the SLMUN conference MUN arena,” added De Silva. greener pastures, reminding the for 2021 will be happening edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), It felt like a show of resilience, Their main objective which had all the industry viewers of the rampant lack of from 5-7 February for the fifth and their vision for the which was held from 16-24 January in Goa. equity and social justice in the consecutive time, and for the people holding on to the hope conference is to provide a IFFI is recognised as happening; however due to that those who love cinema world, they are all things we as first time ever, it will be hosted platform for collaboration one of the most significant visa and travel complications Sri Lankans can relate to. virtually. will not let it waste away. It amongst students, and to work film festivals in Asia, and due to the pandemic, and truly lifted our spirits He shared that all the TIMUN 2020/2021 towards forming resolutions the weeklong festival aims to the requirement of 14 day filmmakers related their Secretary General Rashima provide a common platform quarantine perhaps being Veteran filmmaker struggles, which all resonated that would address current Prasanna Vithanage De Silva stated that Covid-19 world issues. TIMUN’s for the cinemas of the world too much for him, he said he with our collective experience, brought about a whole host of central aim is to revolutionise to project the excellence of the chose to take part virtually. telling their story from their challenges that the TIMUN the MUN experience into an film art, contributing to the Vithanage shared the in Sri Lanka, he did not perspective, and Vithanage team did not foresee. Thus, international-level conference understanding and appreciation hectic schedule the jurors had want to risk the film getting wondered why it is that taking into account the and to provide students of of film cultures of different to adopt in order to view all the pirated before the fact and Sri Lankan filmmakers are not country’s Covid-19 recovery the region and the world nations in the context of their films they would be judging, so he did not allow a virtual creating in this way, when in agenda as well as the wellbeing with in-depth knowledge social and cultural ethos. stating that they had to watch screening of it. However, reality these are very much of delegates, they had to make on global problems, and an Conducted jointly by the a total of 22 films from 15-22 he did state that with the our experiences as well. He some changes to the dates understanding of the causes of Directorate of Film Festivals January, and averaging at four changes adopted, there are shared that he wondered if it and nature of the conference. international conflict, to allow (under the Ministry of films per day it was a rather some benefits, in particular is a lack of interest in these She added that, however, they students to form diplomacy Information and Broadcasting) difficult thing. However, all when it comes to transporting areas, or if they do not think persevered, and the TIMUN skills and a global perspective. and the State Government the decisions arrived at were film; what they used to do is of cinema as a medium for experience has been made They also hope to of Goa, the festival, which unanimous. carry film reels to festivals or these discussions. Regardless, available to delegates despite shape their delegates to be usually takes place from 20 - He also highlighted that the hard disks. However with the he hopes that in the future Sri all the challenges. compassionate and intelligent 28 November every year, was festival environment evoked festival, they had acquired a Lankan filmmakers will be Since its inception, leaders who will lead Sri Lanka postponed to January 2021 due a sense of sentimentality, server to which filmmakers taking over film festivals such the team behind TIMUN towards a brighter future, in to Covid-19 complications, considering over a thousand were given the opportunity to as this with their work. has strived to provide the a way that will develop their and adopted the hybrid format spectators from around India youths of Sri Lanka with a skills in leadership, teamwork, with both virtual and physical travelled to Goa to watch these recognised platform where communication, and problem- experience. films, and Vithanage said that they have the opportunity to solving. As part of the jury, it felt like a show of resilience, voice their ideas. TIMUN Ferdinando also Vithanage was in great which had all the industry strives to empower youths highlighted the experience company – with Argentine people holding on to the hope through active discussions and gained as one of the highlights filmmaker Pablo Cesar heading that those who love cinema collaborative exercises in a of the conference. She the international jury panel and will not let it waste away. “It solution-oriented simulation encouraged everyone to the other members of the jury truly lifted our spirits,” he of the United Nations, where volunteer for this conference, including the Austrian Abu said. delegates get the opportunity as delegates will have Bakr Shawky, Bangladeshi We also asked to tackle real-world issues. opportunities to gain valuable Rubaiyat Hossain, and Vithanage about his most The platform aims to develop experience. “Last year, for Priyadarshan from India. recent film – Gaadi, which participants’ skills in research, example, we partnered with We spoke to the Sri Lankan won a Special Jury Award at writing, speaking, and habitat, where they learned filmmaker about his experience the 18th International Dhaka negotiation, while learning many valuable life lessons.” with IFFI and he said that back Film Festival in January last about conflict resolution, Once the voluntary services are in 2013 he was first invited to be year, and the challenges he peacebuilding, and diplomacy. complete, they are provided a part of the jury at the festival, as a filmmaker has faced Over the past four with a certificate, which can be it was his very first experience when it comes to creating years, TIMUN has had over used to show experience in a at an international judging and screening their films. 500 delegates from schools variety of fields. panel, and after seven years He said that one of the and universities within Sri She added: “The whole he was honoured to be invited major concerns is since Lanka, but for this year’s virtual platform is something back. Originally, he was everything is virtual there conference, it will take it up a that we developed after scheduled to travel to Goa to is an increased risk of notch by also reaching out to investing a lot of time. It’s take part in the festival, as it piracy. With Gaadi, international delegates. The a completely new software is a hybrid model and there since it has not yet had TIMUN V Session will be all that we are using for this was a semi-physical festival its theatrical release A scene from the film about innovation, and they conference.” Children of the Sun (Gaadi) SLIA Awards for architecture session 2020/21 BY NAVEED ROZAIS present their submissions to the architectural works that address Pathinayake, and Archt. Bhagya panel taking five minutes each. the needs and aspirations of Jayatillake while the Research This year, adapting to the Following this, at the SLIA excellence in Sri Lankan design. and Publication Awards Judging pandemic, the Sri Lanka Institute Inauguration Ceremony which Because of the SLIA’s eminent Committee includes Archt. Russell of Architects (SLIA) is holding the will take place on 17 February at and renowned awards judging Dandeniya, Archt. Nela de Zoysa, SLIA Annual Awards Shortlisted the Kingsbury Colombo, SLIA panel, the SLIA Annual Awards Archt. Chintaka Nikapitiya, Nominees Presentation Forum as a will be announcing the winners of is a true acknowledgement of Archt. Dr. Jagath Munasinghe, live webinar event. the Awards for Architecture for excellence in the field for Archt. Dr. Gamini Wijesuriya, Speaking to The Morning Session 2020/21.” Sri Lankan architects. and Archt. Dr. Nilan Cooray. Brunch, SLIA Senior Vice Categories of recognition The panel of jurors for the The Product Award Judging President and Awards Committee include recognition for SLIA Annual Awards Session Committee includes Archt. Russell Chairman Archt. Russell architectural achievements in 2020/21 include Awards Dandeniya, Archt. Rukshan Dandeniya shared that the Design and in Colour, with Committee Chairman Archt. Widyalankara, Archt. Jayantha process for this year’s Awards awards for Excellence, Merit, and Russell Dandeniya, International Domingo, Archt. Jayomi Yatawara, for Architecture 2020/21 is a Honourable Mention awarded; Juror Ar. Rahul Mehrotra, and Archt. Pradeep Fernando. fully automated online process. Research and Publication awards; and official jurors SLIA Past This year’s Presentation Forum, However, in its similarity to years and the Young Architect of the President Archt. Jayantha Perera, which is what will take place past, members were asked to Year Award. SLIA Past President Archt. online, will also feature a submit applications of their work Some of the shortlisted Chandana Edirisuriya, Archt. presentation by International completed at least 12 months nominees for this year’s awards As Sri Lanka’s most eminent The awards aim to recognise and Hiranthi Welandawe, Archt. Juror Ar. Rahul Mehrotra. prior through the web portal, (for the Design and Colour architectural institute responsible brand Sri Lankan architecture in Vinod Jayasinghe, Archt. Sunil The SLIA Annual Awards 2020/21 for consideration by the awards Award) include architects Asokan for the built environment in Sri appropriation to its people, context, Gunawardena, Archt. Sagara Presentation Forum will take judging panels. “This is the first Sritharan, Chamikara Moses, Lanka, the SLIA strives to ensure and construction technology. Jayasinghe, and Archt. Pinnya place on Saturday, 30 January, time we’re holding this event Damith Premathilake, Gayan that Sri Lanka’s exceptional The SLIA Annual Awards Samarathuga. via Zoom, Facebook Live, and online,” he explained, adding: Herath, Kosala Weerasekara, architectural works are celebrated is the most esteemed Sri The Technical Evaluation YouTube. “We’ll be having a jury panel of Malisha Kodituwakku, Palinda for the role they play in shaping Lankan awards for architecture. Committee for the Annual Awards For more information, please local and international architects. Kannangara, Sudesh Nanayakkara, our country’s built fabric to Established by SLIA in 1956, it 2020/21 include Archt. Shashikala visit the SLIA Awards Web portal The shortlisted nominees will and Shanaka Abeywickrama. become the “Wonder of Asia”. aims to recognise and reward built Ranasinghe, Archt. Anoj or SLIA Facebook page. 124 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { TRAVEL } Friday, January 29, 2021

Sri Lanka’s hill country tea estates #This is Sri Lanka

Show us your Sun and sand captured by Shehan Tahir and Shenelle Rodrigo for their campaign

and around the country. To graduate to the next step of their campaign, Shehan said that all that they need is the community’s support – for Lankans Sri Lanka to share their content. In sharing traditional method of an arrangement this content they create, the duo are hopeful that the word gets out about is to promote the island for what it has with an agent, travellers wish to do their BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE our island. to offer, and so when the time comes, own research. And with their content, he Shehan also added that one thing possibly six months from now, when shared, they are laying the groundwork Shehan Tahir and Shenelle Rodrigo are Lankan travel content that they’ve noticed in their journey tourists begin to travel once again, Sri for those enthusiasts to find this content creators best known for their travel series “This is Sri Lanka”, which is that something we lack is travel Lanka will be their go-to destination; and make their decision. has since evolved into a larger movement where the duo promote content that speaks to an international they would have already decided that He said that what they hope is for audience. “We have foreign travel Sri Lanka to the world. this is where they want to go, and it travellers to visit with plans for longer influencers making content here, but Since July 2020 – the lifting of will be at top-of-mind recall. He added stays on the island, adding that there we don’t have Sri Lankan English the first lockdown – the two set out on that they hope to promote the kind of are many out there who wish to explore language content creators telling our a mission. Speaking to The Morning tourism that is the future; unlike the and discover those hidden locations in Brunch, Shehan shared that they decided story,” he said, adding that while we that when we do come out of this have brilliant sources in Sinhalese, the pandemic, we are going to need all the fact is that we have to appeal to the help that we can get to put our beautiful broader audience, which is why they island back on the map as a premiere hope to promote language-free content travel location. where they encourage content creators With this in mind, both Shehan and around the island to share their beautiful Shenelle began to reach out to hotels content that speaks to an audience and iconic travel spots around the island without having to utter a single word. to collaborate and collect an archive of footage. Since then, they’ve taken it upon themselves to change the online narrative and post positive travel content and help revive tourism in Sri Lanka. Their efforts have proven fruitful, as this fresh post-Covid footage is certainly valuable content that has brought them a collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism’s Shehan Tahir and Shenelle Rodrigo “So Sri Lanka” campaign as well, where they are contributors to Lanka’s official video announcing the opening of Sri content for the Tourist Board. Lanka’s airports. The duo’s campaign for Sri Lanka This content has been getting an tourism consists of their “This is Sri amazing response from their audience, Lanka” campaign, their informative receiving over 2,000 shares, including travel series that has gotten them a commendations from the Prime spot on national television, and since Minister, and recognition from the then, they’ve evolved their format to Tourism Minister and Minister of Youth creating short promotional videos that Affairs, and approximately 500,000 can be easily shared across social media views across social platforms. Scenic views of Sri Lanka captured by the duo platforms, much like their more recent Shehan stated that the goal here

the opening of the first-ever Alila in Malaysia. When asked about Sri Lanka’s future given Aside from that, he is also commended for many the unprecedented times, Munasinghe stated that refurbishments that added that extra element of we, as a country, need to develop a professional class and elegance to hotels. A notable few being hospitality workforce to deliver a memorable ‘We will take leading the refurbishment and rebranding of the experience for our guests and allow foreign InterContinental Hotel to The Kingsbury, a 410- workforces to be part of our industry. He further room refurbishment of the Renaissance Kuala explained that this step will allow Sri Lanka to Lumpur, and introducing the Liquid Sky Bar at be known as a key travel destination and provide Renaissance Riverside Saigon. the country with the much-needed exposure and Both Cinnamon Grand Colombo and publicity, adding that these are all incredibly it one step Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo are considered to significant factors in developing Sri Lanka post be two of Sri Lanka’s premiere five-star hotels, Covid. with the two properties combined featuring the Speaking on what the airport reopenings largest variety of restaurants that Colombo has mean for hotels as part of the tourism industry, to offer. Munasinghe was appointed after the he said: “Tourism is a sector that has been at a time’ Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts group discussions greatly affected since the Easter bombing. The on strategically restructuring and navigating the opening of the airports is a good move to revive Newly appointed GM of industry in line with the new normal that the tourism. We can start to expect more tourists to global pandemic has caused us. arrive in the country, but we also need to make Cinnamon Grand Kamal Speaking to The Morning Brunch, sure and follow protocol and ensure that no Munasinghe commented: “I am pleased to take further spread of the virus occurs.” He added that Munasinghe on reviving the over as General Manager for two of Sri Lanka’s as a hotel, this is a great trial period to test how most highly sought after five-star city hotels,” they can navigate the situation and also find ways hospitality sector adding that he looks forward to strategically to operate mid-Covid. “We will take it one step uplifting the brands and the industry as a whole, at a time and when we come across difficulties BY VENESSA ANTHONY as they continue to navigate through a post- and issues, we will find a solution for that and Covid world.” He explained that his goal as move forward.” Kamal Munasinghe was recently appointed as General Manager is to focus on delivering a safe Munasinghe also has a firm belief that Sri General Manager for Cinnamon Grand Colombo and comfortable environment for guests and Lanka holds the opportunity to become the and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo by the associates, dubbing this of paramount importance, world’s most sustainable tourism destination Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts chain. whilst they strive for continued excellence. featuring wellness, wellbeing, and mindfulness. It is imperative that we strike Munasinghe has over 25 years of experience As the General Manager, Munasinghe stated He uses this to highlight that Cinnamon Hotels a strategic balance between in many prestigious hotels in Sri Lanka like Mount that is it his prerogative to enhance the hotels’ and Resorts is a diverse chain of hotels, both in willingness to take risks Lavinia Hotel, The Kingsbury, Best Western, offerings whilst strengthening their position in Sri Lanka and the Maldives and as part of John once business resumes, and Mövenpick, Marriott International, and Alila the industry. Only then will they be able to better Keells Holdings PLC. They are one of the largest having an agile presence in Hotels and Resorts. He has also worked overseas align the properties to cater to modern travellers – listed conglomerates in Sri Lanka with interest in the market – Switzerland, Malaysia, and Vietnam – in the both internationally and locally. sectors such as leisure, transportation, property, Cinnamon Grand Colombo hospitality industry, adding to his experience and Munasinghe observed that luxury is all about consumer food and retail, financial services, and Cinnamon Lakeside capability in the field. He is a hospitality graduate personalisation: “It is imperative that we strike information technology, business process Colombo GM of Schiller International University, Switzerland. a strategic balance between willingness to take operations, and plantations, which are exactly Kamal Munasinghe In his 25-year-long career, Munasinghe has risks once business resumes, and having an agile the sectors that can contribute to boosting our achieved many milestones, the most notable being presence in the market.” economy. brunch 134 Friday, January 29, 2021 { LIFESTYLE } „„ www.themorning.lk

PHOTO FREEPIK

From The Dark Knight Saves time and money storyboard Time and money are two of the biggest enemies of any given BY FRED FERNANDO production day. No matter what the budget or time allocated for a shoot Storyboarding is the primary of a film is, there is always a chance visual representation of a film of it not being enough. According to that takes place during the Richard Schenkman, director of the pre-production stage. Once acclaimed cult hit The Man from Earth you’ve written your screenplay, (2007), the more time you spend pre- production, the better your resulting a storyboard breaks down the production would be. And to aid with relevant scenes into pictorial preparation, storyboards can help factor form. Most storyboards in the feasibility of certain shots by are hand drawn, but in helping determine whether something higher-budget productions, can be pulled off within the given specialised software does time and budget, or how it could be come into play. modified. However, is storyboarding really You don’t need to be an artist necessary in filmmaking? The honest While some filmmakers like Akira answer is, it depends. Not every scene To storyboard Kurosawa used to paint storyboards, requires a visual representation, but it is also crucial to remember that storyboarding does have its benefits. a storyboard does not need to look We sifted through our guest interviews perfect, nor does it have to be done of 2020 and spoke to international by a professional artist. As long as it filmmakers, as well as Andrew Sean of clearly communicates an idea, that’s FilmDragonn Productions, to find out all that matters. Most directors are what they thought of storyboarding and or not? not competent artists like Kurosawa, how it helps in the filmmaking process. employ storyboard artists to create a cinematographers absorb the general but they still get the job done with “graphic novel-like” version of the film idea and guide the technical personnel expressive and relatively well- Storyboarding is the pre- before production begins to determine to achieve the vision shown within the detailed drawings. Including small visualisation of a film project the coherence of how a story flows. sketches. According to Fabian Wagner, directions through the use of arrows A picture speaks a thousand Therefore, a storyboard is a great tool who did the cinematography on Zack (to denote camera movements) and words – and this is especially true that can deliver an idea in a much Snyder’s Justice League, the director text to communicate the happenings when it comes to filmmaking. Film, shorter time and in a clearer way than a would spend quite a lot of time on set Robert Dalva shared that he asks for within a shot can add to the clarity of being a visual medium, is about “show, screenplay would. sketching his ideas and visions for the storyboards in the cutting room, as a storyboard, even if one is not well various shots, which would effectively versed in drawing. don’t tell”. And storyboards can help The most effective way to they could sometimes help during post- filmmakers identify whether a story communicate what he wanted to production as well. While storyboards definitely help makes sense to someone unacquainted communicate a director’s vision achieve cinematically. smoothen out a film production, it is also worthwhile to note that not all with the script by going through the One of the most effective ways Benefits the flow of the film Helps with planning shots, graphics alone. According to David for a cinematographer and a director movements, blocking, and using filmmakers employ this technique. Worth, cinematographer on Clint to communicate ideas about a scene According to filmmaker Andrew Budgetary and time concerns can Eastwood’s Bronco Billy, most movies is the storyboard. Storyboards help Sean, going through a storyboard is the location effectively hinder creating storyboards and somewhat akin to reading a graphic Storyboards help streamline sometimes, improvising on set may novel, sans speech bubbles. This in a production planning, as the core team be the only option. However, a simple way helps to feel the pacing of the film. would know exactly what the director sketch can truly go a long way and in a A completed storyboard can also serve has envisioned. Communicating cinematic artform, storyboarding helps as a preliminary edit; filmmakers would the necessary requirements to each set a solid foundation. be able to recognise any scenes or shots crew and department member is Game of Thrones Storyboard that either can be removed, included, easier, given that there is a visual Artist William Simpson or modified to make the scene tighter. representation of a particular scene. Academy Award-nominated film editor According to the High School From The Dark Knight Junkies, storyboarding helped storyboard communicate crucial information within a short amount of time during The Junkies will be interviewing hectic shoots for The Knight Out. William Simpson, the storyboard Storyboards colossally help direct artist behind “Game of Thrones” action sequences by pre-visualising on 6 February at 8:30 p.m. Catch how complex shots need to be the live session via the HSJ and The prepped for. Morning Facebook pages. ROYAL INSTITUTE MARKS 50TH ANNIVERSARY “The light of learning”, the dream of a visionary educationist, became a reality with the establishment of the Royal Institute at Havelock Town, 50 years ago, in 1971. In 1993, a branch school was established in Nugegoda; its network expanded to Maharagama, Maya Avenue, and Gampaha, offering well-coordinated education. The organising team and participants of Voice It 2020 The school caters to both the national curriculum as well as the curriculum by Cambridge Assessment International Education. Throughout its 50 years of Chokolaate history, Royal Institute has produced learners who have received prizes and international recognition. Gayathrini Premawardhane, a proud RI Voice It Awards alumna, earned financial aid up to 90% of the total cost of the undergraduate degree The Winners of Chokolaate Voice It, the first virtual debating competition by programme from Cornell University, Chokolaate magazine were announced at a small awards ceremony held on 22 January Cardiovascular and Renal Research Group, years, winning the best player title each at the Universal College Lanka (UCL) premises in Rajagiriya. NY, US, for her outstanding academic Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental time. His team was the first international performances. It included the Foreign Health, Melbourne. Dr. Lankadeva holds school team to enter the semi-finals in an Students’ Scholarship, Satya Brat, and the authorship of over 40 publications; his all-island Super A Division Championship. Santosh Bhaman Scholarship, and annual discoveries have been acknowledged via the Being a junior national gold medallist, in grants for housing, dining, and health awarding of over $ 3.6 million of research 2016, Mirando was selected to the National insurance. Premawardhane will graduate in funding and over 20 prestigious awards. Junior Badminton Team and represented May 2021 with a major in physics. Vibhath Jayasinghe, a versatile Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Dr. Yugeesh Lankadeva, another alumnus, is currently an Badminton Championship held notable alumni, obtained his Bachelor’s undergraduate at the University in Indonesia. Being the only Sri in Biomedicine from Deakin One of the semi-finalists of Voice It 2020 – The of Colombo. He is one of the Lankan who made it to the best Janul De Silva from Royal College being awarded British School in Colombo University, and his fully first two President Scouts in the 16 players of the tournament, he the Best Speaker award scholarship-funded PhD history of RI; moreover, he is a was ranked 20th globally by the from Monash University. He gifted actor, dancer, and stage World Badminton Federation. currently serves as a National director. He was appointed the He won national colours awards Heart Foundation Future Head Prefect of RI, Maharagama in 2019. Mirando obtained the best Leader Senior Research and was awarded as the best all- Dr. Yugeesh results at the Cambridge Checkpoint Fellow and is Head round student in 2018. “Royal Lankadeva examination, four A*s and three As of the Translational Institute is the place where I learnt at the Cambridge Ordinary Levels, the policies and values that I embrace, built three As and a C at Advanced Subsidiary One of the semi-finalists of Voice It 2020 – Gateway Winners of Voice It 2020 – Royal College all associations and mastered all skills,” Level, and is currently awaiting his College Colombo recalled Jayasinghe. Advanced Level results. Similarly, Chaniru Mirando, the The tertiary education arm of RI, Royal Deputy Head Prefect of RI, Nugegoda and a Institute of Colombo (RIC) ensures that multitalented scholar, struck a great balance each undergraduate steps out into a bright between academics, sports, and leadership. future with a trove of knowledge, dignity, Mirando captained the school and a world-class degree from the world’s badminton team, which emerged most prestigious universities. Winners of Voice It 2020, Royal College, being champions in the inter-International Admissions are open for the January handed the award by UCL CEO Gihan Silva and schools’ badminton tournaments for six 2021 intake. One of the semi-finalists of Voice It 2020 – The Chokolaate Magazine Founder and Managing Chaniru Mirando British School in Colombo(1) Director Michelle Gunasekara 144 sports „„ www.themorning.lk { SPORTS } Friday, January 29, 2021

South Africa 1st innings 220 all out in 69.2 overs Pakistan first innings (overnight 308/8 in 107 overs) PAKISTAN FIRST INNINGS Imran Butt c sub b Rabada 9 Abid Ali b Rabada 4 Azhar Ali c de Kock b Maharaj 51 Babar Azam (Capt.) lbw b Maharaj 7 Brothers Chathurya (left) and Vichinthya Nilaweera, who won boys’ U-16 doubles final at Sri Lanka Junior National Tennis yesterday in Colombo Shaheen Afridi b Nortje 0 Fawad Alam c Bavuma b Ngidi 109 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) c du Plessis b Ngidi 33 JUNIOR TENNIS NATIONALS 2020 Faheem Ashraf b Nortje 64 Hasan Ali b Rabada 21 Nauman Ali lbw b Maharaj 24 Triple titles for Yasir Shah not out 38 Extras (nb 10, b 1, lb 7) 18 Chathurya Nilaweera Total (all out in 119.2 overs) 378 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Abid Ali, 4.1 ov), 2-15 (Butt, 6.4 ov), The Junior Tennis Nationals 2020 Dharmaratne and Dewmini 3-26 (Azam, 15.3 ov), 4-27 (Afridi, 16.2 ov), 5-121 were concluded at the Sri Lanka Warnasuriya 6/3, 6/0. (Azhar Ali, 53.6 ov), 6-176 (Rizwan, 72.3 ov), 7-278 Tennis Association (SLTA) hard (Alam, 97.5 ov), 8-295 (Ashraf, 100.6 ov), 9-323 (H. Ali, courts in Colombo yesterday (28). Under-14 and 18 doubles 108.5 ov), 10-378 (N. Ali, 119.2 ov) In the boys’ U-16 doubles final, In girls’ Under-14 doubles final, Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 27-7-70-3 (3nb), Anrich Nortje brothers Chathurya Nilaweera and Inuki Jayaweera and Melasha 27-4-105-2 (1nb), Lungi Ngidi 17-1-57-2 (3nb), Keshav Vichinthya Nilaweera beat Jaithra Randini beat Dinara de Silva and Maharaj 32.2-4-90-3 (3nb), George Linde 13-4-38-0, de Saram and Zaidh Zihar 6/2, 6/7 Ruvi Lewkebandara in a gruelling Aiden Markram 3-0-10-0 (6/4), 10/07. tussle 7/6 (7/4), 6/7 (7/8), 14/12 The elder of the two Nilaweera In the corresponding boys’ SOUTH AFRICA SECOND INNINGS brothers, Chathurya, won three doubles final, Sandaru Guruge and Aiden Markram c A. Ali b N. Ali 74 doubles titles in this National Ransath Peiris beat Janava de Saram Dean Elgar c Rizwan b Shah 29 tournament. He had won the and Matheesha Nettasinghe 6/2, 6/2. Rassie van der Dussen c A. Ali b Shah 64 men’s open doubles as well as Meanwhile in the significant Faf du Plessis lbw b Shah 10 boys’ U-18 doubles earlier,on both girls’ Under-18 doubles final, Oneli Keshav Maharaj not out 2 those occasions partnering Thehan Perera and Sethmi Sumanaweera Quinton de Kock (Capt./wk) not out 0 Wijemanne. beat Arella de Zoysa and Vonara Extras (nb 6, w 1, lb 1) 8 In the girls’ U-16 doubles final, de Alwis 6/0, 6/0. Total (for 4 wickets in 75 overs) 187 Zaajida Razick and Dinethya Did not bat: Temba Bavuma, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Dharmaratne beat Anitra PHOTOS ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Elgar, 16.1 ov), 2-175 (van der Dussen, 67.1 ov), 3-185 (du Plessis, 71.6 ov), 4-185 (Markram, 72.3 ov) Bowling: Shaheen Afridi 13-1-48-0 (3nb), Hasan Ali 12-1-50-0 (1w, 2nb), Nauman Ali 20-7-27-1 (1nb), Yasir Shah 24-6-53-3, Faheem Ashraf 6-3-8-0

The girls’ Under-14 doubles champions, Inuki Jayaweera (left) and Melasha Randini

What a shot for a No. 11! Yasir Shah hit a 37-ball 38 yesterday with the bat for Pakistan, before taking 3/53 with the ball later in the day to make their first Test against South Africa ENGLAND in Karachi a tantalising affair PHOTO © PCB IN INDIA 2021

India England Hard-fought third day Captain Virat Kohil Joe Root Coach Ravi Shastri Chris Silverwood

ICC Ranking 2nd 4th WTC Ranking 1st 4th puts Test in balance Last Test series in Ind Winners (4-0) Lost zPakistan vs. SA first Test – Day Three report Last Test series played Beat Aus 2-1 Beat SL 2-0 The pendulum swung both ways again in Superb rearguard innings in the morning’s 175/1 with Aiden pitch. Yet they lost three England will play four cricket be held at three venues: In Chennai Karachi, as an intriguing third day’s play action from the Pakistani play on Thursday. Markram and Rassie van quick wickets under Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu saw South Africa taking a slight 29-run later-order batting saw Proteas fought hard der Dussen successfully fading light before India in a long tour that will go on (two Tests), Ahmedabad in Gujarat lead with six second-innings wickets in them gain an invaluable in their second innings, resisting the home team stumps only to put the from 5 February to 28 March – for (two Tests and five T20Is), and hand yesterday (28). 158-run lead in the first once having scored spinners on a difficult Test in the balance. over seven weeks. The matches will Pune in Maharashtra (three ODIs). Here’s the best BBL XI! zPlay-offs begin today team of the Qualifier will meet each other in the Challenger, to be played on Kandy Musings Thursday. Official BBL-10 yy The Grand Finale will be held on Saturday 2020/21 team BY HAFIZ MARIKAR February between the winner of the Here is the best XI of the BBL’s 10th Qualifier and the winner of the Challenger. season, plus two substitutes, as voted by the eight Head Coaches of the The Big Bash League (BBL), organised by Coaches name ‘Official Team of the tournament yesterday (28): Cricket Australia (CA), is considered the most Tournament’ 1) Josh Philippe – 8 votes 2) Alex Hales – 8 votes successful annual T20 cricket league – after, of yy Batting stars Josh Philippe, Alex Hales, 3) Ben McDermott – 8 votes course, the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ben McDermott, and Colin Munro 4) Colin Munro – 8 votes 5) Glenn Maxwell – 5 votes yy Today (29) in this eight-team event, and pace ace Jhye Richardson have all 6) Dan Christian – 6 votes fourth-placed Brisbane Heat meet fifth of received maximum votes to win spots in 7) Rashid Khan – 6 votes the table, Adelaide Strikers, at the Gabba the KFC-sponsored BBL’s team of the 8) Jhye Richardson – 8 votes tournament. 9) Mark Steketee – 6 votes in the Eliminator of the tournament. The 10) Adam Zampa – 6 votes match is being held after 56 round-robin yy The eight BBL Head Coaches were asked 11) Wes Agar – 7 votes games were completed this season amidst to pick their best XI from the regular The X-Factor players: the Covid-19 pandemic. The winner will season and that group of five players all 12) Marcus Stoinis – 4 votes 13) Daniel Sams – 3 votes reach the Knockout on Sunday (31), and received eight votes each. the losing team will be eliminated. yy Joining them in the official team are Wes yy Current champions Sydney Sixers, who Agar (seven votes), Dan Christian, Rashid top the table now, will meet the most Khan, Mark Steketee, and Adam Zampa successful franchise of the BBL so far, (all six votes), as well as Glenn Maxwell Perth Scorchers, who have won three titles (five votes). since the league’s inauguration in 2011, in the Qualifier tomorrow (30). The winner yy Marcus Stoinis (four votes) and Daniel will enter straight to the grand finale on Sams (three) have been named as the Saturday (6), while the losing team will go team’s two X-factor substitutes. on to play the Challenger on Thursday (4). yy Nine of the 13 players picked in this yy Third-placed Sydney Thunder are waiting official team were also named in CA’s to meet the winner of today’s Eliminator, in official website, cricket.com.au, when Sunday’s (31) Knockout. it announced their unofficial team of the tournament, as was also published Glenn Maxwell of Melbourne Stars (on left) and Rashid Khan of Adelaide Strikers have been voted in to the official BBL team this season yy The winner of the Knockout and the losing yesterday. sports 154 Friday, January 29, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EVENT Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021 begins Here’s everything you need to know about the fourth edition of the Qalandars: Abu Dhabi T10 League which began yesterday (28) – from fixtures and Shahid Afridi, Tom Banton, Chris Jordan, streaming details to the squads. Samit Patel, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sohail A team has never defended its title in the Fixing allegations Tanveer, Asif Ali, Ahmad Daniyal, Sohail history of the tournament. 2021 will be an Abu Dhabi T10 is one of the most Akhtar, Sharjeel Khan, Sultan Ahmed, Fayyaz opportunity for Maratha Arabians to make controversial leagues in the world Ahmed, Ali Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, league history. for match fixing. Many players Mohammad Taha, Khurshid Anwar, and Ben Eight teams come together for a fight for the have been either implicated or banned Dunk (at BBL) trophy, with the summit clash set for Saturday, for various types or corruption charges. 6 February. Among them are many Sri Lankans as well. Team Abu Dhabi: The T10 League is the only 10-over cricket There is opinion among cricket experts that Chris Gayle, Joe Clarke, Luke Wright, tournament to be sanctioned by the International one of the main reasons for organising these Naveen Ul-Haq, Paul Stirling, Usman Shinwari, Cricket Council (ICC). types of leagues is for the cricket fixers to make Obed McCoy, Jamie Overton, Najibullah millions of dollars through the international Zadran, Ben Duckett, Rohan Mustafa, Karthik Sri Lankans’ participation bookie nexus centred in cities such as Dubai, Meiyappan, Leonardo Julien, Kushal Malla, and Altogether, 16 Sri Lankans were to take part, Mumbai, New Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Lahore, Tom Helm (Avishka Fernando not playing) but 10 of them were not allowed by Sri Lanka London, or Johannesburg. Cricket (SLC) to participate in it due to their Match timings contractual commitments. Fixtures overview Every match day will feature three games Those players are Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka A total of 12 matches in the group at different timings – 5.30 p.m., the second at Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha stage, followed by 12 more in the Super 7.45 p.m., and the third at 10 p.m. (SL time). Chameera, Isuru Udana, Lahiru Kumara, League, will give way to the playoffs from Malinda Pushpakumara, Nuwan Pradeep, 5 February. There are a total number of 29 Streaming details Thisara Perera, and Wanindu Hasaranga. fixtures. The Abu Dhabi T10 League will be About four Lankans are confirmed as broadcastd on the Sony Sports Network and participating. They are Dhananjaya Lakshan, Venue can also be streamed on the SonyLIV app. Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, The league will take place only at the * Big Bash League (BBL) 2020-21 will and Kevin Koththigoda. Some reports said Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. be concluded on 6 February Ajantha Mendis and Chamara Kapugedara (With inputs from Abu Dhabi T10 too are taking part, but the official team lists Teams official website and Sportstar in India) are yet to include their names. Pool A: Meanwhile, fresh from his Jaffna Stallions Maratha Arabians (holder), Northern Mahesh Theekshana, the 20-year-old ‘offie’ from St. Benedict’s College, Colombo has so far played in SCHEDULE success as its Coach at the 2020 Lanka Premier Warriors, Bangla Tigers, and Deihi Bulls only three first-class matches League (LPL) last December, Thilina Kandambi Pool B: Group stage: will coach Bangla Tigers at the Abu Dhabi T10. Deccan Gladiators, Qalandars, Pune Devils, and Team Abu Dhabi Hafeez ur Rehman, Yasir Kaleem, Zeeshan Merchant, Syed Shah, Sohag Gazi, and 28 January 2021 (Thursday) The format Zameer, Hamdan Tahir, Imtiyaz Ahamad, Yamin Ahmadzai yy Maratha Arabians vs. Northern The eight teams are divided into two groups Squads and Anwar Ali (Wanindu Hasaranga, Northern Warriors: Warriors of four sides each. Every team will play three Bangla Tigers: Lahiru Kumara, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa) games each in the league stage. From there, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Fabian yy Pune Devils vs. Deccan Gladiators teams will move into the Super League which Afif Hossain, Johnson Charles, Andre Delhi Bulls: Allen, Lendl Simmons, Wayne Parnell, yy Delhi Bulls vs. Bangla Tigers will be followed by the playoffs and the final. Fletcher, Muhammad Irfan, Tom Moore, Qais Dwyane Bravo, Evin Lewis, Ravi Bopara, Wahab Riaz, Rayad Emrit, Dhananjaya Each side will have 10 overs each in the Ahmad, Ravinderpal Singh, George Garton, Adam Lyth, Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Lakshan, Kjorn Ottley, Brandon King, 29 January 2021 (Friday) match. Each bowler gets only two overs a Adam Hose, Karim Janat, Chirag Suri, Nabi, Ali Khan, Waqar Maqsood, Rahamanullah Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Maheesh match and powerplay lasts three overs with a Aryan Lakra, Rameez Shahzad, Fazalhaq Gurbaz, Fidel Edwards, Sheraz Ahmad, Kashif Theekshana, Ansh Tandon, Mohammed yy Pune Devils vs. Qalandars maximum of two players allowed outside the Farooqui, Matheesha Pathirana, Mehidy Daud, Khalid Shah, Waqar Salamkheil, Nyeem Waseem, Sujeet Paratani (Nuwan Pradeep yy Maratha Arabians vs. Delhi Bulls 30-yard circle. After the three overs, a maximum Hasan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (presently at Big Young, Amad Butt, and Tom Abell (Dasun not playing) of five players are allowed outside the circle. Bash League in Australia)* (Isuru Udana Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera not yy Deccan Gladiators vs. Team Abu Pune Devils: Dhabi History of the tournament not playing) playing] Dawid Malan, Mohammad Amir, Hardus 30 January 2021 (Saturday) 2017 – Kerala Kings beat Punjabi Legends Deccan Gladiators: Maratha Arabians: Viljoen, Chadwick Walton, Tom Kohler- in the final Sunil Narine, Colin Ingram, Kieron Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Laurie Cadmore, Monir Hossain Khan, Devon yy Bangla Tigers vs. Maratha Arabians 2018 – Northern Warriors beat Pakhtoons Pollard, Imran Tahir (at BBL), Aaron Evans, Mosaddek Hossain, Javed Ahmadi, Thomas, Darwish Rasooli, Nasir Hossain, yy Team Abu Dhabi vs. Qalandars in the final Summers, Azam Khan, Ravindarnath Pravin Tambe, Kevin Koththigoda, Ishan Kennar Lewis, Asif Khan, Mohammad Boota, 2019 – Maratha Arabians beat Deccan Rampaul, Cameron Delport, Mohammad Malhotra, Sompal Kami, Muktar Ali, Sandeep Sam Wisniewski, Vriitya Aravind, Karan yy Northern Warriors vs. Delhi Bulls Gladiators in the final Shahzad, Prashant Gupta, Zahoor Khan, Singh, Abdul Shakoor, Alishan Sharafu, Maroof Khatri Chhetri, and Munis Ansari 31 January 2021 (Sunday) yy Team Abu Dhabi vs. Pune Devils yy Bangla Tigers vs. Northern Warriors yy Qalandars vs. Deccan Gladiators Super League: 1 February 2021 (Monday) yy B4 vs. A3 yy B2 vs. A1 yy A2 vs. B3 2 February 2021 (Tuesday) yy B1 vs. A4 yy A2 vs. B4 yy A1 vs. B3 3 February 2021 (Wednesday) yy A3 vs. B1 yy A4 vs. B2 yy A1 vs. B4 4 February 2021 (Thursday) yy B3 vs. A4 yy B1 vs. A2 yy B2 vs. A3 5 February 2021 (Friday) yy Qualifier (Q): 1st vs. 2nd yy Eliminator 1 (E1): 3rd vs. 4th yy Eliminator 2 (E2): Loser Q vs. E1 Winner 6 February 2021 (Saturday) yy 3rd place playoff: Losers of E1 vs. E2 Dhananjaya Lakshan, the star of the Galle Gladiators at the LPL 2020 in Matheesha Pathirana played for Sri Lanka in the 2020 Under-19 Kevin Koththigoda, whose bowling action resembles that of y December World Cup in South Africa former South African spinner Paul Adams y Final

1) Attentional focus: Involves the ability to tune out distractions, such as a crowd of NOT JUST SPORTS What is sports psychology? screaming fans, and focus attention on the task at hand Sport psychology is a proficiency that uses performance, exercise, and physical activity. were established; one by A.Z. Puni at the 2) Imagery: Involves visualising performing psychological knowledge and skills to address Some sports psychologists work with Institute of Physical Culture in Leningrad a task, such as participating in an athletic event Carl Diem (1882-1962), the founder of the optimal performance and wellbeing of athletes, professional athletes and coaches to improve and the other by Coleman Griffith at the or successfully performing a particular skill world’s first sports psychology lab, was a developmental and social aspects of sports performance and increase motivation. University of Illinois. 3) Motivation: A major subject in sports German sports administrator who was also the participation, and systemic issues associated Griffith began offering the first course in psychology, the study of motivation looks Chief Organiser of the Berlin Summer Olympics with sports settings and organisations. History sports psychology in 1923 and later published at both extrinsic (trophies, money, medals, in 1936 – American Psychological Association Sports psychology is a relatively young the first book on the subject titled “The or social recognition) and intrinsic (personal (APA) discipline in psychology. In 1920, Carl Diem Psychology of Coaching (1926)”. desire to win or the sense of pride that comes who can be consulted in various hospitals founded the world’s first sports psychology from performing a skill) motivators in the island. There are many institutes that An overview laboratory at the Deutsche Sporthochschule Major topics offer higher educational opportunities and Sports psychology is the study of how in Berlin, Germany. There are a number of different topics that In Sri Lanka courses in Sri Lanka in the field of sports psychology influences sports, athletic In 1925, two more sports psychology labs are of special interest to sports psychologists. In Sri Lanka, there are sports psychologists science and psychology. „„ www.themorning.lk Friday, January 29, 2021 Weightlifting Akaash de records Silva tops galore at Qatar U-14 Polonnaruwa tennis As many as 16 Sri Son of two former Sri Lanka records were Lanka national champions established when the Rohan de Silva and Shalini weightlifting tests were de Silva, Akaash de Silva has held at Polonnaruwa for topped Qatar junior Under-14 the Sri Lanka national boys’ country ranking in squad yesterday (28). tennis. He has topped in Around 13 weightlifters doubles in the 2020 year-end took part in it. Isuru national rankings while Kumara set three of being the second in singles. those records in the 68kg The de Silva family is now weight class. living in Qatar.

FOREIGN sportsSPORTS IN BRIEF

Dilhara Lokuhettige, 40, played nine ODIs and Ganguly hospitalised again two T20Is for SL during 2005-13  Ganguly hospitalised again Former India skipper and Board of Control for Cricket in India ICC tribunal (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly was rushed to the hospital again on Wednesday (27) afternoon after complaining of chest pain and uneasiness. finds Dilhara “Mr. Sourav Ganguly, 48-year-old male, has come for a checkup of his cardiac condition. There is no change in his parameters since his last hospitalisation and his vital parameters are stable,” said a media release Lokuhettige guilty from Apollo Gleneagles Hospital in eastern Kolkata, The Hindustan Times said. Former Sri Lanka player Dilhara Lokuhettige Earlier this month Ganguly underwent angioplasty at Woodlands has been found guilty of three offences under Multispeciality Hospital. On 2 January, he had to be hospitalised after “chest discomfort, heaviness of the head, and a spell of dizziness while the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti- performing physical exercises in the home gymnasium,” according to Corruption Code (ACC) following a hearing a release from Woodlands at the time. He had a stent inserted in the by an independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal, right coronary artery and was discharged on 7 January with further the ICC said yesterday (28). treatment needed in “two-three weeks” on two more blockages. Lokuhettige, who was charged under the  FC Barcelona on the verge of ICC ACC in November 2019, has been found bankruptcy guilty on all charges after he exercised his right FC Barcelona had released its latest financial report on Monday (25), to a hearing before a Tribunal. Lokuhettige and the numbers paint a troubling picture for the soccer giant, with remains suspended and sanctions will follow Pramodya Wickramasinghe newspapers in Spain even speculating that it is close to bankruptcy. On in due course. Monday evening, soon after the financial report was published, Spain’s The three-member Tribunal concluded by second largest national newspaper, El Mundo, claimed that the club is a majority, that the ICC had jurisdiction to on the “verge of bankruptcy.” bring the charges against Lokuhettige, and was  Sheffield United stun tabletop unanimous in deciding the merits of the case. Man United Lokuhettige has been found guilty of Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United caused a stunning upset “being party to an agreement or effort to fix with a Premier League victory over title-chasing Manchester United Pramodya to or contrive or otherwise influence improperly at Old Trafford on Wednesday (27). Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side needed the result, progress, conduct … of a match, three points to regain top spot from rivals Manchester City but were directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, lacklustre for large periods of the contest as the away side picked up only their second win of the season. The Blades took a shock first-half enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging lead through Kean Bryan’s flicked header, which went in off the far post or intentionally facilitating any participant to following John Fleck’s corner. Anthony Martial had a goal ruled out as breach ICC Code, and failing to disclose to the Harry Maguire was adjudged to have fouled Aaron Ramsdale, but the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations United skipper headed in the leveller just past the hour mark. replace De Mel? received to engage in corrupt conduct under  Man United ‘disgusted’ the Code”. Manchester United said they were “disgusted” yesterday after Axel Former World Cup winning Sri Lanka fast bowler Pramodya (27) citing personal reasons after unlikely to be retained in the Lokuhettige has also been charged by the Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were racially abused on social media Wickramasinghe will most likely be appointed as the chief Sri Lanka lost their Test series new committee. ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board by “mindless idiots” after Wednesday’s loss to Sheffield United. Both of National Cricket Selectors, replacing outgoing Ashantha against England. Ranjith Madurasinghe and (ECB), with breaching three counts of the ECB players started the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Old Trafford. United de Mel, The Morning Sports learnt yesterday (28). Wickramasinghe is anyway Uvais Karnain are current Anti-Corruption Code for participants for the midfielder Scott McTominay wrote that he was “disgusted with what I have read this morning”. “Three names have already former Sri Lanka fast bowler one of the members of the three- members of the national Abu Dhabi T10 League. These proceedings Club captain Harry Maguire added: “United against racism. We will been submitted for the approval Vinothen John,” a source close member committee which was selection committee, which are still ongoing. not tolerate it,” said BBC. of the (Sports) Minister. The to the developments at SLC said under De Mel. The committee holds responsibility specifically Former United defender Rio Ferdinand called it a “disgrace”, adding: most likely name of the Head last evening. was appointed by Sports on the Sri Lanka Under-19, “These ignorant idiots need to be exposed so everyone can see them for of the panel has been nominated John was member of the Minister Namal Rajapaksa in while Nilmini Gunarathne what they are.” In a statement, the club said: “Everyone at Manchester United is as Pramodya (Wickramasinghe). selection panel the previous time December last year. The third and Hemantha Devapriya are SPORTS DIARY disgusted by the racial abuse received by players via social media after One of the other two names is under de Mel, who resigned as member of that was Chaminda looking into the selections of the Friday, 29 January 2021 last night’s game. speculated to be of another Head of the body on Wednesday Mendis, who is reportedly national women’s team. INTERNATIONAL Cricket – 1932 – Cricket Test of Vinod Kambli Abu Dhabi T10 League at Sheikh Zayed On This Day – 29 January debut of Bill O’Reilly, (pictured), prolific Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE: versus South Africa at Indian batsman yy Pune Devils vs. Qalandars (5.15 p.m. Adelaide 1932 – Birth of CEO of SL time) 1964 – NBC TV agrees Test & County Cricket yy Maratha Arabians vs. Delhi Bulls (7.45 to pay $ 36 million for Board of England p.m. SL time) the broadcast rights to Raman Subba Row yy Deccan Gladiators vs. Team Abu the American Football 1951 – Birth of Andy Dhabi (10 p.m. SL time) League (AFL) games (TV – Sony Ten 2) during the 1965-69 Roberts, the brilliant seasons West Indies quickie Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia: with 202 wickets Eliminator – Brisbane Heat vs. Adelaide 1971 – Test debut of 1988 – One of the Strikers at Gabba, Brisbane (2.45 p.m. SL Dennis Lillee, versus time) England at Adelaide largest NBA crowds Bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United caused a for Boston Celtics at (TV – Ten Cricket) stunning upset over title-chasing Man United Vinod Kambli 1993 – Test debut Detroit Pistons (61,938) ‘Dubious’ SL support staff shown the door! z Paul Khoury, Krishantha Gamage, and Ajantha Wattegama unlikely to serve the team again

BY REVATHA S. SILVA extend their contracts definitely,” said incident was highlighted in great measure team received at the hands of England At least three support staff members Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley by the media in a context where several in Galle on Monday (25). of the Sri Lanka cricket team are likely de Silva yesterday. local players missed key Test matches Youth and Sports Minister Rajapaksa to either be sacked or removed without It is also understood that Khoury’s recently for injuries. pledged on Wednesday, after meeting extending their current contracts, it was contract with SLC is now over. Khoury “We will be having discussions with with the SLC higher-ups along with learnt yesterday (28). is a highly qualified strength and them (the three above-mentioned support former captains Mahela Jayawardene The move followed Minister of Youth conditioning coach who has held senior staffers) within another day of two. Some and Kumar Sangakkara, who are and Sports Namal Rajapaksa’s decision positions at Sussex County Club and of their contracts are expiring at the end members of the National Sports to initiate drastic measures to get national Brighton Football Club while also being of this year and some are expiring in Council appointed by the Minister cricket back on track on Wednesday (27). a consultant for the England and Wales May. We will have discussions with them last year, that he will replace the entire Sri Lanka cricket team Rehabilitation Cricket Board (ECB) and the Harlequin on how we are going to move forward National Selection Committee too. and Training Manager Paul Khoury and Rugby Union. and whether we will want to keep them Also, among other measures, the trainers/masseurs Krishantha Gamage Yet the support staff members are till the end of the year or not,” de Silva Minister is going to introduce a and Ajantha Wattegama have been either likely to face the axe as a result of clarified. performance-based paying scheme removed from their posts immediately allegedly altering data of fitness reports It was also on Wednesday that the for the contracted national players or are unlikely to be given extensions of a prominent Sri Lanka player, as was National Selection Committee Chairman and a more competitive domestic to their current contracts, The Morning exposed in the media last week. By Ashantha de Mel resigned citing personal and provincial tournament structure, Sports learnt. doctoring data in the player’s report, the reasons. He had earlier resigned as the and appoint a mentor and director to Sri Lanka cricket team’s current physio Paul Khoury “We are in the process of restructuring player concerned had been passed for Manager of the Sri Lanka team soon after assist current Sri Lanka Head Coach those two departments. We will not the forthcoming tour of West Indies. The the disastrous 2-0 drubbing the home Mickey Arthur.

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