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ACTIVE CASES IT’S A GREAT TOTAL CASES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 SHAME TO HAVE TO PLAY 49,533 LOLC FORMS THE INSPIRING DEATHS RECOVERED LOLC CEYLON STORY OF WITHOUT FANS 6,672 HOLDINGS LTD. SURANGA UDARI CHRIS WOAKES THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP 244 42,621 UNTIL 8.50 P.M. ON 12 JANUARY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU »SEE PAGE 6 »SEE PAGE 9 »SEE PAGE 13

RANJAN RAMANAYAKE IMPRISONMENT Pardon request Ranjan to do or Mannapperuma 4 years for replacement? contempt z SJB contemplates z When seat becomes z EC, Parliament yet to z SC hands out four years of z Speaking the truth next steps vacant to be confirmed receive judgment copy rigorous imprisonment landed me here: Ranjan

BY PAMODI WARAVITA AND RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY BY PAMODI WARAVITA, RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY, AND SARATH DHARMASENA The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is mulling ONE SHOT; FOUR YEARS its next steps following the imprisonment Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian of its Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, Ranjan Ramanayake was yesterday (12) which range from seeking a presidential sentenced by the Supreme Court to four pardon to filling his parliamentary seat with years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) over Ajith Mannapperuma. charges of contempt of court, with the unanimous judgement being delivered by The Supreme Court made to President Gotabaya a three-judge bench comprising Justices (SC) sentenced the actor Rajapaksa on behalf of Sisira J. de Abrew, President's Counsel turned politician and Ramanayake for a pardon. (PC) Vijith Kumara Malalgoda, and Preethi SJB Parliamentarian to “We are deeply saddened Padman Surasena. four years of rigorous by this incident as he is imprisonment (RI) over someone who has never The case was filed comments could shatter charges of being in contempt done any wrong to anyone. against the former State public confidence in of court yesterday (12). The He has always stood up for Minister for allegedly the judiciary and create case was filed against the innocent people and the making remarks a warped image of the former State Minister for loss of his parliamentary defamatory to the judiciary institution in the public allegedly making remarks seat will be felt across the in August 2017 when he mind. Afterwards, the defamatory to the judiciary board,” Madduma Bandara addressed the media and Attorney General (AG) in August 2017 when he said. claimed that the majority had served charges against addressed the media and When queried as to of the country’s judges Ramanayake before the claimed that the majority of whether Ramanayake’s issued partisan rulings and SC. the country’s judges issued seat would fall vacant with were corrupt. Section 120 of the Penal partisan rulings and were immediate effect or in six “Majority in Sri Lanka Code defines the offence corrupt. months’ time, he noted are corrupt judges. Corrupt of contempt of court as Speaking to The that this was a matter to lawyers. About 95%. They one where “whoever by Morning in the wake of be decided by the Election work for money. They words, either spoken or the ruling, SJB General Commission (EC). protect murderers, corrupt intended to be read, excites Secretary MP Ranjith However, Private people and drug dealers or attempts to excite Madduma Bandara said that Secretary to the SJB for money every day,” hatred to or contempt discussions are underway Leader and Opposition Ramanayake had claimed. of the administration of with the relevant legal Ravi Jayawardena told The Subsequently, petitions justice”. Further, the SC as representation on the future Morning that the SJB had had been filed, among per Article 105 (3) of the course of action that the already decided that it is others, by a retired military Constitution has inherent party leadership could take Mannapperuma who should officer (Sunil Perera) and power to deal with the regarding Ramanayake’s fill the seat left vacant by a Buddhist monk (Ven. offence of contempt of Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court yesterday (12) sentenced Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake to four parliamentary seat and Ramanayake. years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him of contempt of court Magalkande Sudhaththa court. whether an appeal could be Contd. on page 2 PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Thera), claiming that such Contd. on page 2 NCPA to address Confidential report Bread prices to rise criminal justice on palm oil tax BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE relevant officials but did not The National Child Protection Authority sent to Health Ministry find any solution. We sent a (NCPA) is launching a special mobile The prices of bakery letter to the Ministry of Trade application involving their 1929 helpline to BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI AND USJP Allergy Immunology and Cell confirmed that the USJP had received products, including bread, highlighting these facts but register complaints concerning the problems PAMODI WARAVITA Biology Unit Director Dr. Chandima samples of a passenger from a flight would be increased by early we have received no answer. children face in the context of their encounters Jeewandara said that the confidential from the UK, he could not comment February unless the import We request the Government with the criminal justice system. The confidential genome reports of the genome sequencing on whether the new strain has been tax on palm oil is reduced to take immediate action At present, complaints regarding sequencing report tracing the new done on the samples that were sent identified as the report is confidential. by the Government, the All regarding this issue or we incidents of child abuse are made to the strain of Covid-19 has been handed to them have been handed over to When contacted, National Ceylon Bakery Owners’ would have to increase the said helpline, along with complaints about over to the Ministry of Health by the Director General of Health Services Operation Centre for the Prevention Association told The Morning prices of bakery products the aforementioned issue. University of Sri Jayewardenepura Dr. Asela Gunawardena. of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) yesterday (12). from the first week of NCPA Chairman Prof. Muditha (USJP) laboratory which is carrying The USJP Allergy Immunology Gen. Shavendra Silva said that The Association’s President February.” Vidanapathirana explained the scope of the out Covid-19 diagnostics, The and Cell Biology Unit is the only they had received no confirmation N.K. Jayawardena said that the The impact of the palm new app, which will be launched on 21 January. Morning learnt. laboratory in the island that can regarding a new strain. price hike would be put into oil tax is that the price of Contd. on page 2 In response to a query by The conduct genome sequencing which Numerous attempts to contact effect unless the Government margarine, a primary ingredient Morning yesterday (12) regarding is the test to identify new strains of Director General of Health Services reduces the tax by Rs. 100 for of bakery products, has gone rumours about the identification of a the Covid-19 virus. Dr. Asela Gunawardena regarding one litre of palm oil from its up by 150% in six months, new Covid-19 strain from Sri Lanka, Although Dr. Jeewandara this matter proved futile. current Rs. 250. according to bakery owners. EC wants “We already spoke to the Contd. on page 2 committee to fix REOPENING OF TOURISM electoral system Police yet to receive new guidelines BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE enforcement authorities yet with masks will be subjected to 14 days who disrupts the law or disobeys bring in tourists to the country. Yet The Election Commission (EC) has proposed regard to dealing with this new of quarantine. health guidelines could be punished no legal action was taken against the the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Fresh guidelines have not been situation. When questioned about the according to the Sri Lankan law. tour operators who violated health Committee (PSC) to address all pending issued to arm the law enforcement “However, the tourists who will Ukrainian group of tourists who Interestingly, according to the guidelines at the Yala National election-related issues in the country, EC authorities at the frontlines to be coming into the country will have travelled without masks during their Centres for Disease Control and Park during the recent safari tours, Member M.M. Mohamed confirmed to The deal with the impending arrival to follow the same rules which apply tour, DIG Rohana said that no action Prevention, wearing a mask is a according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Morning yesterday (12). of tourists after the reopening to the locals,” he added. would be taken against them. must and travel bubbles have not Development Authority (SLDTA). Further, the EC will be submitting proposals of airports on 23 January, The The Police has issued directives to “Since this incident took place been mentioned as an exception. Speaking to The Morning further, containing legal amendments to the country’s Morning learnt. locals on adhering to health safety inside the biological travel bubble At a recent media briefing, SLTDA Director General Dhammika electoral system, and to rectify issues pertaining Speaking to The Morning, Police measures in an effort to prevent where there is no interaction with Minister of Tourism Prasanna Wijesinghe said that for the first to national list nominations to Parliament, to Media Spokesman Deputy Inspector the spread of Covid-19 where the the public, there is no need to take Ranatunga stated that legal time in Sri Lanka, a new DIG has the committee of experts appointed to draft a General of Police (DIG) Ajith wearing of facemasks when in any action about the matter.” action will be taken against travel been appointed for the Sri Lanka new Constitution. Rohana said that there is no new public places was made mandatory However, he added that any companies including tour operators Tourist Police to deal with matters Contd. on page 2 approach prescribed for the law while persons who do not wear the tourist in the said travel bubble that violate health guidelines and concerning tourists. 2 the morning NEWS Wednesday, January 13, 2020

Lawyers’ Forum for the People condemns Plans to eradicate President’s comments drug menace in three BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE we can see military control everywhere,” Perera further The Lawyers’ Forum added. for the People condemned According to Perera, when President Gotabaya the President made these steps: Weerasekara Rajapaksa for allegedly comments during a public intimidating the public, The event at Uhana, Lathugala in Morning learnt. Ampara, as part of his “Gama Plans are underway to eradicate the drug menace in Sri the Ministry Maj. Gen. Jagath Speaking to The Morning, Samaga Pilisadarak” (A Lanka in three steps, Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral Alwis said that leading drug Convener of the forum Conversation with Village) Dr. Sarath Weerasekara told the heads of the United Nations traffickers have been identified Senaka Perera said that programme, there was an Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). and that they operate from they strongly disagree with indirect message to the public Dubai. He requested UNODC’s the statement made by the as well. According to the Minister, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, assistance to take necessary President about MP Harin “We don’t want to these three steps are preventing and Iran. In response, the action to deal with them. Fernando. challenge anyone but this drugs from entering the UNODC officials said that they “This is a democratic should be stopped. People country, reducing the demand can assist Sri Lanka to eradicate country where anyone shouldn’t feel afraid and for drugs by raising awareness drug trafficking by observing can express their opinion. insecure due to the statements among schoolchildren, and and notifying Sri Lanka of The President threatening made by the Government. As rehabilitating and giving smuggling drugs via the sea someone in a democratic representatives of the law, we vocational training to drug users. route. They also stated that they country cannot be accepted. are saddened when we see At a meeting with UNODC can introduce scan machines and The country is moving law enforcement going in the officials, the Minister noted that other high-tech equipment to Sri Minister of Public Security towards a military rule and wrong direction.” drugs are being smuggled into Lanka. Rear Admiral Dr. Sarath Sri Lanka from various countries At the meeting, Secretary to Weerasekara Contd. from page 1

the offence of contempt of court as one Ramanayake, he noted that further “One is that the data regarding these Pardon request... where “whoever by words, either spoken Ranjan to... decisions in this regard would be taken complaints will be available separate “We do not know if the decision will or intended to be read, excites or attempts Justice Sisira de Abrew, delivering the following the lapse of the 14-day from the general child abuse-related be immediate or not as it will be decided to excite hatred to or contempt of the verdict in open court yesterday, said that quarantine period. complaints, while the other is that it by the Elections Commissioner. The administration of justice”. Further, the even though Ramanayake had during would allow for the problem to be Elections Commissioner has to decide SC has inherent power to deal with the the trial proceedings attempted to prove identified straightaway, and for a solution whether the replacement will be done offence of contempt of court. that he had not made those statements Bread prices... to be found.” immediately or in six months.” Article 91 (1) (a) of the Constitution, with the intention of being contemptuous “We use margarine as our main Numerous instances are reported from He added that the parliamentary which deals with disqualifications for of court or to harm the respect of the ingredient. It is made out of palm oil. society where children, be they victims seat has been deemed unavailable to election as a MP, states that no person court, statements made to the media In July 2020, one metric tonne (MT) of criminal acts or suspected juvenile Ramanayake since he has been convicted. shall be qualified to sit and vote in within the premises of the court itself of palm oil cost around $ 450 and the offenders, are further victimised at the Mannapperuma missed out on a seat Parliament if he becomes subject to any during the course of the hearings of the current cost of one MT of palm oil is hands of the law enforcement authorities, at the last parliamentary election but is disqualification under Article 89, the latter case, confirmed that they were made in around $ 1,050, a 150% increase. including the Judiciary. next in line after the lowest ranked SJB which deals with disqualifications to be contempt of court. The judge also noted Six months ago, we spent only Rs. In this context, it must be noted that in MP from the Gampaha District Kavinda an elector. The disqualification applicable that Ramanayake had, in response to a 4,800 per 20 litres of palm oil but now addition to the domestic legal framework Jayawardena, in terms of votes, including in the instant case is found in Article 89 question posed by a journalist, stated that we have to spend around Rs. 10,000 applicable in this regard, Sri Lanka has preferences. (d) which holds among others that “if he would not retract his statement and per litre, a price we cannot afford,” international obligations as a State Party When contacted regarding his he is serving or has during the period that he continued to hold the same view Jayawardena said. to the United Nations (UN) Convention nomination to the seat, Mannapperuma of seven years immediately preceding, regarding judges and lawyers. He added that the recent increase on the Rights of the Child. Also, the told The Morning that since he is next on completed the serving of a sentence of AG’s Department Senior Additional of the import tax of palm oil had UN Standard Minimum Rules for the the preferential votes list, he believes that imprisonment (by whatever name called) Solicitor General Sarath Jayamanne caused significant stress on Sri Lankan Administration of Juvenile Justice, also he would get the seat if it becomes vacant, for a term not less than six months PC and Senior State Counsel Suharshi confectionery makers and bakers, and known as The Beijing Rules, and the UN and that he would accept it if requested as imposed after conviction by any court for Herath appeared for the prosecution imposed additional burdens on both the Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile it is his duty to those who voted for him. an offence punishable with imprisonment while MP M.A. Sumanthiran PC, Viran manufacturers and consumers of these Delinquency, also known as The Riyadh “However, I am not overly concerned for a term not less than two years or is Corea, and J.C. Thambiah, acting on products. Guidelines, are also applicable in this about it at this very moment. I haven’t under sentence of death or is serving the instructions of D. Vithanapathiran, When The Morning spoke to Ministry context. yet received any communication from or has during the period of seven years appeared on behalf of the respondent of Trade Secretary J.M. Bhadranie the Leader of the SJB and the Opposition immediately preceding, completed the Ramanayake. However, Sumanthiran did Jayawardhana, she said that the tax Sajith Premadasa regarding this matter.” serving of a sentence of imprisonment for not appear in person yesterday owing to increase was imposed based on points EC wants... However, deliberations centred round a term not less than six months awarded being in quarantine. raised by the Ministry of Plantation due These matters were among those the Constitution are presently underway at in lieu of execution of such sentence”, he Unrepentant in the wake of the SC’s to a few reasons. that were discussed at a meeting held the Parliamentary Secretariat with regard is disqualified. unanimous verdict, Ramanayake said that “The previous palm oil tax was low yesterday (12) between the EC and the to deciding the fate of the seat occupied When contacted in this regard for some he stood behind every word uttered by and ordinary traders sold coconut polls monitoring bodies, including the by Ramanayake following the SC’s clarity on the applicable law, a leading him concerning corruption and criminals, oil while mixing it with palm oil. Centre for Monitoring Election Violence conviction of the actor turned politician President’s Counsel (PC) who has a including thieves, drug dealers, and Subsequently, a request came to increase (CMEV), the People’s Action for Free on charges of contempt of court. doctorate and several publications on ethanol importers, which he claimed had the relevant tax. Palm oil has also been and Fair Elections, the Campaign for Speaking to The Morning, Parliament election law, explained that there is no led to him being imprisoned. accused of being unhealthy. We are in the Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), Director – Communications Shan ambiguity in the relevant law. “They released Pillayan (MP process of importing refined palm oil and Transparency International Sri Lanka Wijetunge said that firstly, the Speaker “He loses the seat forthwith”. Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan/ taking steps to slow down the use of raw and the National Polls Observation of the Parliament and the Parliament had The PC cited the precedent established Chandrakanthan, who was remanded on palm oil with the help of the Consumer Centre. to receive a copy of the verdict from the in the case of MP S.B. Dissanayake, charges of murder) on bail and put me Affairs Authority,” Jayawardhana added. In addition to these matters, the SC. EC Member M.M. Mohamed, when who was previously found guilty of the inside. Everything I said was the truth. According to Jayawardhana, the Trade conduct of the Provincial Councils (PCs) contacted in this regard by The Morning same, and had to vacate his parliamentary I stand by everything I said. They are Ministry is ready to talk with the Bakery Elections, the electoral reforms process, said that neither had the EC received a seat immediately. Not only would he all thieves. Just because I spoke about Association about the matters they point out. the Bill to regulate campaign finance, copy of the judgment from the SC nor had be physically prevented from attending corrupt persons, they are putting me The Council of Palm Oil Producing and outdated electoral laws were also the matter been taken up for discussion Parliament, but he would also be inside. I do not retract anything I said, Countries (CPOPC) recently stated that discussed. when the EC met yesterday. disqualified from contesting for seven nor do I apologise for what I said. I am palm oil prices will continue to rise in CMEV National Co-ordinator Manjula However, parliamentary sources, years thereafter, the PC further noted. telling the Government to release former the first half of 2021 as global supply Gajanayake, who spoke to The Morning explaining to The Morning about the Yesterday’s verdict came after petitions MP Duminda Silva (imprisoned after is squeezed due to disruptions from after the conclusion of the said meeting, aforementioned deliberations on the law had been filed by, among others, a retired conviction for murder) as well, the way persistent heavy rainfall in South-East said that the view that prevailed amongst in this regard, noted that there were two military officer and a Buddhist monk, they released Pillayan. It is only because Asia, and that the global supply would all who attended this meeting concerning opinions prevailing regarding the matter. claiming that Ramanayake’s comments I spoke about drug dealers that they are remain tight until the first quarter of next the holding of PC elections was that “One view is that he loses the about judges could shatter public putting me inside,” he told reporters year. It cautioned that it sees structural since PCs were established under the parliamentary seat with immediate effect confidence in the judiciary and create while being escorted out of the court changes in the global palm oil supply Constitution, they are to be considered while the other is that he can come to the a warped image of the institution in the premises. from 2021 onwards due to a slowdown very much part of the law of the land Parliament until the lapse of six months of public mind. Subsequently, the Attorney He also said that he is neither a rogue in new plantings across top producers, until such time the system is abolished in the term of the sentence.” General had served charges against nor a drug dealer. Indonesia and Malaysia, since 2015. the law, and to therefore go ahead with Section 120 of the Penal Code defines Ramanayake before the SC. “I have not stolen even five cents. “It must however be highlighted that the PC polls. Even my salary I gave to the people. I Indonesia’s smallholders, replanting oil The polls for PCs are yet to be held distributed rice. There is still money left palms totalling 500,000 hectares by the despite their terms lapsing, and they are from what I was supposed to distribute. end of 2022, should sustain an adequate presently under the administration of the Cartoon of the day I got Rs. 4 million for the distribution palm oil supply for the world,” the Provincial Governors. of rice and I could only distribute Rs. 2 CPOPC said. Other necessary election reforms had million worth. They put me in jail for Indonesia and Malaysia, the two also been discussed, and the elections distributing money. That is fine. I didn’t biggest producers of palm oil, have monitors had pledged to support all rob. I didn’t sell drugs. I’m not scared to limited expansion of new plantations in endeavours on electoral reforms. even die. I will speak the truth for this response to criticisms of deforestation “With regard to outdated laws, that society. I haven’t stolen, I haven’t sold and the destruction of natural habitats. the law needs to be changed to increase drugs. I haven’t imported ethanol. It is the deposits made by candidates when only because I spoke about the people contesting polls, and to also increase who do that they are putting me in jail. NCPA to... the fines imposed for violations of the Is there any fear on my face? I am not “For any issues concerning Police election laws pertaining to the conduct of scared,” he claimed. investigations, proceedings before propaganda campaigns, were discussed,” Meanwhile, according to Magistrate’s Courts, High Courts and stated Gajanayake. the Commissioner of Prisons Juvenile Courts can be made. We have “Among the pending election-related (Administration/Rehabilitation and Skill prepared a separate form for the purpose, issues discussed were the granting of Development) (Covering Up Duties) and it will be active from February the right to exercise their franchise to E.M.J. Chandana L.B. Ekanayaka, who is onwards,” he told The Morning. Sri Lankan citizens overseas, and the also the Prisons Department Spokesman, This mobile app has received need to regulate campaign finance. The Ramanayake had since been moved to confirmation from both the Apple App EC informed that they were registering the Correctional Centre for Youthful Store and Google Play Store for Android. political parties according to a proper Offenders at Pallansena to undergo Information and details pertaining to methodology.” Covid-19-related quarantine for a period the related complaints could be added The need for comprehensive reforms to of 14 days. in the form of voice messages, text be made to the national laws governing Speaking to The Morning further messages, and video clips. elections and the electoral system has when queried as to what would be Vidanapathirana said that the purpose been proposed for quite some now, yet the department’s plan concerning of the app is twofold. little has come to pass. the morning 3 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 NEWS Development Fund to strengthen Males far more likely Pirivena education Cabinet approval was At present, Pirivenas are granted on Monday (11) classified and registered to establish a Pirivena as Maha Pirivenas, to cause self-harm Development Fund under Mulika Pirivenas, Pirivena the Development Act, Vidyayathana, Bilingual z Study finds patients with self-inflicted injuries mostly male youths to strengthen Pirivena Pirivenas, Special Pirivenas, education. and Buddhist Sil Matha BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY females had more than two injuries The proposal, tabled by Education Institutions. There whereas four males had more than Minister of Education Prof. are about 62,240 students Males are far more likely five injuries. G. L. Pieris, outlined that being educated in Pirivenas. to engage in self-injurious Pertaining to the methods used, the Government annually The proposal was tabled behaviour than women, including cutting (with blade, knife, allocates about Rs. 4,500 to further strengthen and according to a study which broken bottle), hitting against glass million for Pirivena enhance the education of focused on patients who doors or windows, hitting with clubs, Education. those studying in Pirivenas. presented themselves to the hitting against walls, and pricking Karapitiya Teaching Hospital with needles, the commonest method used by males was cutting with sharp with injuries as a result of instruments (17) and hitting against Sri Lanka’s first deliberate self-harm between glass windows and doors (11) while 2010 and 2014. for females it was pricking with underground electrical Out of these patients, 82% or 39 needles and pins (five), all of which individuals were male and 18% are known as sharp force injuries. transmission cable system or eight individuals were female. In relation to the nature of the The Government has people living in the Galle According to the researchers, the male injuries, 83% had non-grievous paid attention to establish District have been provided preponderance may be attributable injuries and none had injuries which underground electrical with electricity. Only 2,730 to their active participation in risk- were fatal. Furthermore, while all transmission cable systems families in the district live taking behaviours and their frequent females had only non-grievous and promote renewable without electricity, and we are involvement in substance abuse. injuries, 15% of males (six) had energy resources, including ready to ensure that they also Low levels of education, grievous injuries and 5% (two) had hydro, solar, and wind power, receive electricity before the unemployment, substance abuse, and injuries which could endanger life. Minister of Power Dullas end of 2022.” the presence of a psychiatric illness The history of similar previous Alahapperuma said. The Minister emphasised were among the identified risk factors attempts when looked into, revealed He said that there is a that electricity is a basic among all patients, according to the that 28% of patients (11 males and need to make Sri Lanka’s infrastructure and also an researchers. two females) had such a history. This electricity service more essential service. These observations were made in fact was supported by the presence of efficient, inexpensive, and Renewable energy projects a research article titled “Deliberate Out of the males, 24 (62%) (insurance fraud and the evasion of scarring. Having such a history, the uninterrupted; at the same in the Galle District are yet self-harm among patients presenting were married and 15 (38%) were military service). In this study, all authors elaborated, is a key risk factor time, the Government to gain popularity, he opined, to Teaching Hospital – Karapitiya, unmarried. Out of the females, three categories were observed as the for being prone to repeated similar has identified the need adding that only 919 houses in Sri Lanka – a retrospective, five (62%) were married and three given reasons among the patients. The attempts of self-injurious behaviours of underground electrical the district have installed solar descriptive study” authored by (38%) were unmarried. High rates identified reason for all the female whilst another cause for alarm is that transmission cable systems. panels on the roof. R.H.A.I. Rathnaweera and E.G.U.N. among those who are married could patients was to obtain sympathy those with a previous history of such According to the Minister, He went on to say that steps Gunarathna, which was published be related to marital problems, the or attention and this was the most are likely to use more lethal methods all plans have been devised in are being taken to generate recently in the Sri Lanka Journal of authors conjectured. common reason among males as well in future incidents. collaboration with the Lanka electricity by installing Forensic Medicine, Science and Law. The occupational status of the (59%). “It is a known fact that some On a different note, on seasonal Electricity Company (Pvt.) solar panels on the roofs of All patients presenting with victims showed that 51% were individuals hurt themselves in order trends associated with deliberate Ltd. (LECO) to launch a pilot houses and offices in the deliberate self-harm to the Teaching unemployed and 43% were working to relieve negative emotional states self-harm, in this study, the highest project to establish Sri Lanka’s Galle District as well as to Hospital, Karapitiya, from 1 January as unskilled (28%) or semiskilled and therefore, individuals who lack number of cases were reported during first underground electrical expand the new project which 2010 to 31 December 2014, who (15%) labourers. Only 6% were emotional stability are at increased the period of April to June (47%) transmission cable system involves generating power were examined by the authors, were skilled workers while none were risk of self-harm behaviours,” the followed by the period of October in Galle. While speaking using transformers. considered. Information was gathered professionals. When considering the authors explained. While none of to December (21%). Societal and at a meeting in Galle on 9 “In addition, we have also from the medico-legal examination level of education, only 12% had the patients gave insurance fraud cultural factors may be responsible, January, Alahapperuma added: planned to launch a project forms, bedhead tickets, and other studied beyond the General Certificate as the motive behind their act, the the authors noted, for some of the “Projects launched with the which involves generating relevant medical reports. The medico- of Education Ordinary Level. None evasion of military service was a temporal variations observed in this aim of providing electricity power using garbage, which legal records of 47 cases were of them were degree holders. Self- significant reason among the males study as April and December are to the entire country are a has become a pressing issue in evaluated. injurious behaviour, the authors (13%). Even though the presence of widely recognised as festive months success. To date, 99.6% of Sri Lanka,” he added. The authors noted the low level emphasised, is known to occur more a psychiatric disorder is a risk factor with cultural significance, times of of prevalence among females could frequently among those who are for causing self-harm, only 8% of the the year which can sometimes be be due to the fact that these female belonging to lower socio-economic patients in this study had a history of very challenging to cope with, both patients would frequently present states with low level of education, and psychiatric illness, a fact which the financially and psychologically. 17 vehicles with forged themselves to their family physicians unemployment. authors attributed to the lack of proper The Penal Code defines an injury for treatment, and therefore the In terms of the use of any substance psychiatric assessment among these as any harm, illegally caused to any docs seized in Mulleriyawa number of reported cases could be of abuse at the time of the incident, patients, at the hospital level. person in body, mind, reputation or The Mulleriyawa Police documents, chassis numbers, low. On the other hand, some of these while 46% of the males had consumed With regard to the types of property. According to the World yesterday (12) seized 17 and engine numbers, and sell self-inflicted injuries could easily get alcohol, followed by males who used injuries, ranging from superficial Health Organisation (WHO), an injury vehicles that had been stolen them to third parties,” the misdiagnosed as accidental injuries, marijuana (12%), and other substances cuts, scratches, bruises, deep cuts is the physical damage that results and given false license Police Media Spokesman said. especially if the history given by the of abuse (4%), none of the females to fractures, superficial cuts and when a human body is suddenly or numbers, and arrested three He instructed all vehicle patient is intentionally fabricated, had consumed any. Self-harm could scratches were the most common briefly subjected to intolerable levels suspects related to the incident, owners to verify the phone they said. Since the types of injuries well be a consequence of intoxication injury types (81%). Of the site of the of energy that exceed the threshold of Police Media Spokesman DIG numbers and addresses of range from superficial scratches to as it precipitates, the authors added, injuries, including the head, face, physiological tolerance. Ajith Rohana said. the vehicle centre to prevent deep internal injuries, distinguishing impulsive decision-making, poor upper limb, lower limb, and trunk, Intentional (deliberate) injuries One suspect has been similar incidents, and also the injuries caused by deliberate self- judgement, and aggressive behaviour. the non-dominant upper extremities include self-inflicted injuries. Self- arrested for forging licenses, requested rent-a-car centres to harm from those caused due to alleged Also, the authors noted, sometimes (75%) including the forearms, wrists, inflicted injuries refer to a broad class ID cards, and electricity bills, contact the Mulleriyawa Police assaults and accidents can sometimes intoxication can lead to auditory and arms (upper limbs) were the most of behaviours in which an individual while it was proven that they Station if any such incident has be difficult, and therefore this is an hallucinations or paranoia which commonly affected areas. Other easily directly and deliberately causes harm were part of a nine-member occurred to them. aspect that forensic practitioners can lead to self-harm while in accessible areas such as front of the to herself or himself. Deliberate self- group. “The suspects have been DIG Rohana further said that should be mindful of. certain cases, some individuals use torso, legs, and the forehead were harm or non-suicidal self-injury is an known to hire vehicles from the investigations are ongoing Of the 3,478 medico-legal referrals substances to facilitate self-harm and target sites of self-injury, as found injury inflicted on oneself described a rent-a-car centre, following to seize the remaining vehicles examined by the authors, 56 (1.5%) there are others who use substances as in this study. Only 2% had deep cuts as the deliberate, direct destruction, which they would forge false and suspects. had self-inflicted injuries. Of those a method of self-harm. whereas none had fractures. This or alteration of body tissue without with self-inflicted injuries, 47 (1.3%) Of the reasons identified including study also showed that the distribution conscious suicidal intent. were due to deliberate self-harm and to obtain sympathy/pity/attention, of lesions were more common on the According to one study done at the remaining nine (0.2%) were due to gain recognition/admiration, the anterior aspect (front of the body) than the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in No country can implement to attempted suicides; the latter cases evasion of having to serve in the on the posterior aspect. Colombo, the prevalence was 1.4%. were then excluded from the study. military, the simulation of a crime/ Characteristic features of the A similar prevalence rate of 1.3% was ‘one country, one law’ The majority (60%) was in the age fabricated injury and psychiatric injuries or typical injury patterns such observed in this study. range of 16-25 years with the highest disorders, 64% had committed the act as them being present on the non- The authors noted the lack of fully: Gammanpila incidence for both genders being in to gain sympathy or recognition while dominant hand, there being multiple, epidemiological and medico-legal Minister of Energy Udaya in response to a question the 21-25 years age group. For both psychiatric disorders were identified parallel, and superficial injuries, the data and thereby reliable statistics on Gammanpila yesterday (12) posed on the situation between genders in this study, the highest in 8%. The identified reasons for such sparing of clothes, and the exclusion self-inflicted injuries has impeded said that the “one country, the President and MP Harin percentage of cases were reported behaviour can be broadly divided of vital sites, were seen among the the development and implementation one law” concept is not Fernando. from the age group of 21 to 25 (39%) into three categories, the authors majority of the patients in this study of preventive and health promotion implemented in its entirety “There are always special followed by the age group of 16 to 20 pointed out, namely, psychological including all the female patients. measures, in this regard, among the in any country, as there could laws pertaining to different (21%). Furthermore, age wise, 23% (to obtain sympathy, gain recognition On the number of injuries, the general public. be special rules pertaining to sectors in society. However, of the patients were from the 10-20 or admiration, for pleasure and as a majority of the patients presented However, with the available data different sectors of society such the ‘one country, one law’ years age group while 62% were manifestation of a mental disorder were with multiple injuries (71%) the authors concluded that injuries as women, children, and the concept was brought to change from the age group of 10-25 years. or disease), judicial (simulation of while the majority of the male patients due to deliberate self-harm is a serious disabled. different private laws of certain The youngest victim was a 14-year- a crime, defamation, and a defence (31) had more than one injury whereas public health problem of considerable This was stated at the virtual communities in the country,” old school boy and the eldest was a against reproach in order to justify the majority of female patients (six) magnitude which can cause significant cabinet meeting held yesterday he stated. 43-year-old carpenter. illicit absences), and material had only one injury. None of the harm, especially among young males. Myanmar’s President confers honorary titles on SL monks

Myanmar’s President U. Win Myint of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Medagampitiye Wijithadhamma Sadhdhamma Jothika Dhaja”. has decided to confer the honorary and the Kithsirimevan Raja Maha Thera, of the Sri Jayewardenepura “Aggamahāpaṇḍita” is an religious title of “Aggamahāpaṇḍita” Viharaya, Ven. Tirikunamale Ananda University’s Pali and Buddhist Studies honorific Buddhist title conferred on four Sri Lankan Buddhist monks, Mahanayka Maha Thera of the Sri Department, have been conferred by the Government of Myanmar to and several other honorary titles Amarapura Dharmarakshitavamsa with the honorary religious title distinguished Theravada Buddhist on three Buddhist monks and one Maha Nikaya, and Ven. Dodampahala “Aggamahasadhdhamma” Jothika Bhikkhus, and means “foremost layman from Sri Lanka, in honour of Chandrasiri Maha Nayaka Thera of the Dhaja. great and wise one”. A number of the 73rd anniversary of Myanmar’s Sri Kelayanivasa, Amarapura Maha Ven. Thumbowila Dhammaratana Sri Lankan Bhikkhus have also been independence. Nikaya, have been conferred with the Thera of the Thumbowilapurana conferred the “Aggamahāpaṇḍita” title Ven. Mihiripenne Sobhita Thera of “Aggamahapandita” title. Maha Viharaya, Piliyandala, and Prof. by the Government of Myanmar in the the Sri Maha Bodhi Maha Viharaya, Buddhist and Pali University Asanga Tilakaratne of the Damrivi past, and the latest title was conferred Dehiwala, Ven. Dr. Kollupitiye Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ven. Gallelle Foundation, have been conferred with to Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Myanmar President U. Win Myint Mahinda Sanha Rakkhita Maha Thera Sumanasiri Thera, and Ven. Prof. the honorary religious title, “Maha Anunayake Thera in 2020. 4 the morning NEWS Wednesday, January 13, 2021

BY PAMODI WARAVITA The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) is the apex ICT institution of the government, which has been mandated to assist the government in the implementation of all Digital ID project necessary measures to digitally transform Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Technology was gazetted in November 2020 and falls directly under the purview of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour policy statement listed the creation of a technology-based society as one of is ICTA’s priority his main policies. As such, the ICTA is looking at a zCEO Mahinda Herath says agency is empowered by this Govt. strengthened environment for the digital transformation of the be distributed to the common man more would not use it. We aim to develop that country. The Morning spoke to efficiently. The common man would benefit side by addressing the issues of availability, ICTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from a system like this. This would integrate affordability, and applicability. We have to Eng. Mahinda B. Herath, who everything and make it equitable for all create digital applications that bring value to is spearheading the institution people across the board. the masses. through these changes, about the future path of the institution. What is the time period for the How do you plan on overcoming the implementation of this framework? affordability aspect of the internet? Below are excerpts of the interview: One-and-a-half years. We are still in the This is a misconception. Sri Lanka’s discussion stage. internet charges are among the lowest in the With the introduction of the Ministry Would the Personal Data Protection Bill world. If you take data for June 2020, Sri of Technology, how does the role of the introduced by the previous Government’s Lanka is among the lowest in the world in ICTA change? Ministry of Digital Infrastructure and terms of the cost for one gigabyte of data. Before the change of the government, Technology be looked into in the future? Many people don’t understand the business under the previous United National Front The Data Protection Act and concerns side of it. Some time ago, all the traffic (UNF)-led regime, the ICTA had either been regarding cybersecurity are a continuing was dominated by voice. During the era of under a cabinet ministry or a state ministry. process. They have gone up to the pure voice, when traffic increased, revenue After the change of the government in 2019, Parliament stage. Those are foundational increased as well. When you move to the the ICTA was first taken under the Ministry ICTA CEO Eng. Mahinda B. Herath requirements to create this ecosystem and data region, traffic grows exponentially of Defence and then placed under the they are being pursued vigorously. while revenue remains flat. Presidential Secretariat, along with several national framework. We are also looking paper. People are feeding their ID card Worldwide, just providing data isn’t a institutions that were gazetted under it. With at how systems can be interoperated in the information to various systems already. In How would the ICTA be involved if and viable business model. How various people the approval for the 20th Amendment to the national framework. We make sure there are this case, all the information that is taken when the regulation of digital media have overcome that is through the provision Constitution, the Ministry of Technology no duplicate investments and that there will would be secured and would be in one happens? of over the top services (OTT). OTT services was formed and it now falls under the be synergy on all systems developed by the place in a national repository. This would Firstly, I think the ICTA will not be base their business model on advertising. purview of the President. ICTA’s role is Government. That is the digital roadmap be in a separate section of the government the authority or institution to implement Any operator who only provides data services to develop and implement national digital for the country, and we have Ministry-level cloud, separately built for the digital ID that. We are doing the national digital is not viable in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s case transformation – its role and mandate support to drive this now. framework. Even now, the identity card transformation and whatever systems is much worse because we are giving very comes from that. We drive national digital In the past, the ICTA had many information of about six million people is that are required for that purpose will be low prices. Around 70-80% of the revenue transformation. problems. Although it was supposed to available at the Department for Registration developed by us. of a telecommunication service provider is Although our role has not changed, do a national job, it didn’t have a proper of Persons. What happens here is that data from voice. They are going for a different I would say the environment to fulfill mechanism in place because it was faced will be coupled with biometrics so that What are the main roadblocks to digital business model now – OTT services or our role has been strengthened. Our with various challenges. One was that we crimes like the forgery of ID cards would transformation in Sri Lanka? sponsored strategies. Similarly, operators are former Chairman is now the Secretary could not attract good people from the not happen. There are various indicators to measure going for various other business models like to the Ministry of Technology, and 13 industry previously. Another problem was digitisation. Even in the electronic advertising-centric models. organisations have been brought under the funds; funds for the ICTA come from the What sort of infrastructure is needed for government aspect, we are ahead of India Ministry, including the Telecommunications Treasury. If you look at the past, only a the implementation of this project? in this region. Only some sections of What other specific digital changes has Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka fraction of the funds have come in and We already have the Lankan government the Indian population have the facility. the pandemic brought about? (TRCSL) and the Sri Lanka Computer projects were stalled. We also received a cloud. This circular says that all government Technology-wise, Sri Lanka has been at the On the one side, digitising our daily lives Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka bad reputation due to it. With this change systems should use the Lankan government forefront in many areas. was the silver lining in the dark cloud. CERT). of the government, that slow process too cloud and network. A separate area is being Many people started using e-commerce ICTA will be the technology platform for has changed because the ICTA now comes built for this in the government cloud. What are the new hurdles for digital facilities more, and people who had never many of these organisations and it comes under the President himself, along with the Is this a continuation of the same digital transformation? used e-commerce facilities before made the from a circular that was issued in January Ministry of Technology. ID project the previous Government Digital transformation is actually a switch. People started realising the value of last year, where ICTA was positioned to started? journey, and to embark on that journey, we digital transformation and getting something drive the national digital initiative of the What are the main projects the ICTA This is a new project. Digital ID projects need to create an incubating environment. done from home. That requirement Government. All digitisation projects of hopes to pursue now? have been there previously. In this new The main focus of any agency or was understood by many and the usage the Government have to be done with the Under this mandate, there are several one, even the iris of the eye will also be organisation that is authorised with this is to increased. On the other hand, the pandemic ICTA, with our approval. All government national-level projects the ICTA is scanned for biometric data. Once you give create an incubating environment. Thus, our impacted the economy negatively and along departments have been issued this circular. spearheading. The main project is the your identity details, you won’t have to goal is to plant a digital seed in the country. with these positives, many companies are development of the Sri Lanka unique digital carry documentation on most occasions. facing more economic problems now. What significant developments have identification (ID) framework. That would Depending on the application, there will Many parts of the country still have occurred since the change of the function as the root for all other services be various levels of authentication. I accessibility issues with regard to Changes have also occurred in the government? in the country that require identification. believe that in Oman, there is no physical internet and digital technology. We saw ICTA Board. How does that affect the Since the shift in the government, The Sri Lanka unique digital ID framework documentation needed at the airport – that is that with the start of this pandemic organisation? the National Strategy for Digital has already been developed and the the ultimate stage of digital transformation how many students faced barriers to If you look at the ICTA Board that is in Transformation, titled “Digital implementation is currently being discussed we aim to achieve. online education. How do you hope to place, it has many people from the industry Transformation for a Prosperous Sri Lanka”, and arranged. address these issues with the digital for the first time. We have people who have was developed. This has a national plan What are your thoughts regarding the transformation framework ICTA hopes come from the industry and they are actively for digital government, digital economy, How will this be implemented? negative social aspects of implementing to implement? supporting us with their tacit knowledge and and all supporting sectors. According to For each person, the biometrics would such a system, for example, with regard Economists regard digital transformation experience. the aforementioned circular, what we are be taken and it would be related to a digital to individual rights and cybersecurity- in terms of general purpose technology Our new organisational structure has hoping to mainly achieve is the elimination ID. Once it is implemented, it would serve related concerns? (GPT). The internet and electricity are been approved by the Cabinet. We are of duplications. In the past, we have seen as the source that feeds identity-related You have to compare the positives and GPTs, because they will finally go to every now working to expand and strengthen that solutions have been developed in silos information to all other applications that negatives. Even when driving a car, there level of society. If it is not there only will the technology team, focusing on the by various sections of the Government, require such data for unique identification is some percentage of risk due to road you feel it. In many organisations, there are three pillars of digital government, digital mainly because there has not been a national purposes in the country, such as in the case accidents. Similarly, people can come chief digital transformation officers. Such economy, and digital services. We are framework for digitisation. of driving licenses. Therefore, this will up with various conspiracy theories and an officer would not be required in 10 years’ looking for chief officer-level people to Secondly, the ICTA didn’t have that be the source that would feed the digital different ways of interpreting this. But if time because it would be the norm by then. head each of these pillars. We are now mandate to look into various technological identification data to all other services. you consider the positives, a digital ID However, in any economic transformation tailoring ourselves to make this digital developments, although it was in the How would you address concerns would make your life easier. process, there are both the supply and transformation happen. relevant Act. Now, the stage has been set regarding privacy and individual rights with On top of the digital ID, there is the demand sides. On one side, we create digital The ICTA is fostering that environment for that, with the Ministry of Technology the implementation of such a framework? national data exchange. All the applications systems and platforms. On the other end, it and we will be having a separate Director being under the President himself. We are Firstly, let us look at the practical side that require biometric identification-related should be consumed by the masses. About for Industry Development. Already, the looking at whether there are duplications in of it. If you analyse the current situation, data would be connected here and this will 80% of the Sri Lankan population live in ICTA is at the forefront for incubating start- government organisations of some of these a person’s birth certificate would at least be the federation. Things like income taxes rural settings. Unless these solutions bring ups. Around 70-75% of the 300 start-ups are projects and whether they would fit the be in eight places and it is available on would be paid more diligently and it would value to the daily lives of the masses, they a result of ICTA’s incubation.

Register as a voter before NEW LAB AT NHSL 19 January: PAFFREL 200 tests a day, The Draft of the Voter Registry forms (BC form), can submit a ineligible to vote. 2020 can be accessed on the request form to the relevant District Making a comprehensive Election Commission’s website, Election Office before 19 January, voters’ registry is not only the results within 5 hrs and voters who wish to add or and the relevant application forms responsibility of the Election Colombo National Hospital the Colombo National Hospital The Tissa de Silva amend their names/details can can be obtained from the Grama Commission, PAFFREL said, Director Dr. Kumara has had to obtain the assistance Foundation has donated Rs. 13 make a request to the District Niladhari Offices, Divisional adding that extending active Wickramasinghe stated that of the Medical Research Institute million for equipment needed Election Office in their respective Secretariats, and also District assistance for this purpose is a duty up to 200 PCR tests can be and the Mulleriyawa Hospital to for this laboratory, while district, with copies of relevant Election Offices,” PAFFREL and a responsibility of the public conducted in the PCR laboratory conduct PCR tests. Hemas has provided a PCR documents, the People’s Action said, adding that this is the last and political parties. established at the hospital, and “This will also help expedite machine worth Rs. 5 million. for Free and Fair Elections opportunity voters will receive for The public can contact that PCR test results can be urgent medical treatment and Documents on the ownership (PAFFREL) announced yesterday registration. the Election Commission on issued within five hours. surgeries conducted at the of the laboratory were handed (12). The public can also raise 0112860031, 0112860032 and The laboratory commenced Hospital,” Dr. Wickramasinghe over to Minister of Health “Those who were unable to objections if this list contains the 0112860034, to obtain assistance in operations yesterday (12). So far, said. Pavithra Wanniarachchi. submit the completed registration names of individuals who are this connection. the morning 5 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 NEWS

CENTENARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO Sri Lanka’s Western University system turns 100

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI the education needs of the country,” Peiris added. The University of Colombo, founded on 21 January 1921 as As per Ralph Perera’s 1964 essay, Ceylon University College, celebrates its 100th anniversary Universities, Politics and Public this month. However, the institution’s history is rather Opinion in Ceylon, higher education complex. The university we see today as we pass Reid Avenue in Ceylon was initially to educate its is where the Ceylon University College once stood, especially men. The essay makes its references the iconic building of The College House, which is now the to Ceylonese mothers who wanted main administrative building of the University of Colombo, an education for their sons. A century and houses the office of the Vice Chancellor. later, Sri Lanka’s university system has educated numbers of male and female The University of Colombo can undergraduates. be traced back to the inception of It is observed that certain fields, university education in British such as humanities and even medicine,

Ceylon, and it shares its centenary Arunachalam and have female students outnumbering celebration with university education The university is looking their male counterparts. In the 1970s, Coomaraswamy possessed the towards consistently improving in Sri Lanka as a whole, especially idea of a holistic education. the population of male students was for the universities of Colombo and The University of Colombo, its quality with regards to twice the female student population, Skilled labour is necessary for and the Faculty of Medicine in transforming from a teaching Peradeniya. what we may call economic Prof. Jennifer Perera said, noting that Today, the University of Colombo particular, has given leadership university to a these ratios have reversed since. development, but we must strike to the whole of Sri Lanka research university consists of nine faculties: Arts, a balance between the two “There are more girls now, and this Education, Graduate Studies, Law, Former University of Colombo University of Colombo could be because boys don’t come to University of Peradeniya Management and Finance, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Vice Chancellor Prof. the mainstream of education and follow Department of Sinhala Prof. Nursing, Science, and Technology, with Jennifer Perera Chandrika N. Wijeyratne other paths instead. I was a Dean till seven institutions and nine centres that Liyanage Amarakeerthi last year, and many chief administrators currently educate more than 11,500 have been female.” students. a new Faculty of Engineering for the Virologist, MP Prof. Tissa Vitharana co-ordinator Mr. Siyambalapitiya; Speaking to The Morning on university is in the works, according became an undergraduate of the he walked in and announced that Higher education in the Monday (11), University of Colombo to University of Colombo Vice University of Ceylon, Colombo our Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley new normal Vice Chancellor Prof. Chandrika Chancellor Prof. Wijeyratne. between 1963 and 1964, and Wijesundera was killed, and that the With the Covid-19 pandemic, Sri N. Wijeyratne said that under the “We have looked at a suitable graduated from the Faculty of university was closing. Universities Lanka’s education sector faced the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic MP Prof. Tissa Vitharana location for this faculty inside the Medicine in 1969. As a student reopened in 1990, and I graduated challenge of having to resort to online restrictions, the university is planning Colombo campus premises, but there political activist, Prof. Vitharana in 1994,” he recounted. education. Problems raised by students on holding a full-day celebratory War. According to Ralph Pieris, when is much to be done in terms of funds, found that his time at the University Looking back at the ideals for and teachers who sometimes lack the programme on 21 January, 2021 the Ceylon University College opened approval and curriculum development. of Ceylon was a crucial part of his university education put forward by technological infrastructure to follow through a blended system. The in 1921 as a Government institution If all goes well, it would open by political career. Arunachalam and Coomaraswamy, this system still remain unresolved to ceremony will be conducted with affiliated to the University of London 2022.” “I became a student leader in the Prof. Amarakeerthi claimed that the an extent. limited participation of university that prepared students for University Speaking to us about development Medical Faculty as the Vice President university education they referred Against this backdrop, The officials and emeritus professors, of London examinations, the ideals of projects underway, Prof. Wijeyratne for the Medical Students’ Union, to was essentially a humanities University of Colombo Vice- and will be live-streamed for the rest the pioneers of university education, stated that there is also a help zone and eventually became President education: an education in the arts, Chancellor Prof. Chandrika N. of the staff. Arunachalam and Coomaraswamy, under construction, where amenities of the Ceylon University Student cultures and languages. Wijeyratne noted that the university “This is celebrating the day that that this institution should be a fusion such as a food court, banking, Federation,” he recalled. “Arunachalam and Coomaraswamy tried to transform these challenges the two faculties of Arts and Science between native and Western learning, grooming, book shop, laundry, and a Apart from his political activism, possessed the idea of a holistic into opportunities, saying: “We were were commissioned, as the Faculty were not met, as the curricula focused mini supermarket would be available Prof. Vitharana was also Captain of education. Coomaraswamy, being catapulted into digital mode, which of Medicine was established before,” on foreign content targeted towards inside the university. “This would be a the University of Ceylon’s cricket a geologist, was also learned in the was difficult in some areas, but we said Prof. Wijeyratne. University of London examinations. huge boost to the student population,” team. “I was an all-rounder bowling arts,” shared Prof. Amarakeerthi, have had widespread support from A bill was passed by the State she mentioned, adding that a master off spin, but I consider myself to be adding that Sri Lanka’s universities staff and all target groups.” Pioneering higher Council in 1942 to establish the plan is being prepared for the whole more of a batsman,” he shared. must revisit these ideals, and that She said that problems were education in Sri Lanka University of Ceylon, and it was university, under which an open-air Throughout his career as a doctor the system must produce such identified with confidentiality, while The University of Colombo’s decided that the institution should theatre and an herbal garden with a and an academic at the University holistic persons instead of just the alumni and Vice-Chancellor’s Faculty of Medicine, which started be in Kandy, and that it should also butterfly zone will also be added. of Colombo Department of skilled labourers. “Skilled labour funds were put into finding solutions, out as the Medical College in 1870, be a fully residential university. Sir These developments will take Microbiology, Prof. Vitharana has is necessary for what we may call including the provision of hardware. celebrated 150 years in 2020. However, Ivor Jennings became the first Vice- place alongside the construction of a been an active member of the Lanka economic development, but we must “If we do not pursue this online according to historian Ralph Pieris, Chancellor of the University of Ceylon. swimming pool that would be up to Sama Samaja Party (LSSP). strike a balance between the two.” mode with resilience, we will be the it is in 1889 that the Ceylon Medical The university was transferred to international standards, which the Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi of the sole losers,” Prof. Wijeyratne said. College was recognised by the Peradeniya in 1952, as the Faculty of Alumni Association of the university University of Peradeniya Department Shifting dynamics “Digital transformation proves more General Medical Council of the UK Arts moved there. However, Colombo has pledged to build. Discussions of Sinhala is another alumnus of the Senior academic and former efficient in many ways, including as an institution authorised to confer and Peradeniya functioned as two are also underway with the Indian University of Colombo, who is also University of Colombo Faculty of becoming more paperless.” diplomas in medicine and surgery. campuses of the University of Ceylon, High Commission to support the a celebrated Sinhala novelist, poet, Medicine Dean Prof. Jennifer Perera, She stated that the conducting Before the establishment of the Ceylon given the increasing student population. university with a state-of-the-art translator, and academic. is an alumnus of the same faculty, of assessments was a challenge. University College, higher education As education from kindergarten to indoor gymnasium and sports facility. Higher education in Sri Lanka who joined as a medical student in However, the Vice-Chancellor said in British Ceylon was gained through university was made free in 1945, Apart from such infrastructure has had a turbulent past of youth 1974. She rejoined the faculty as a that the university is trying its best affiliated Indian universities and the the dynamics of Sri Lanka’s higher development projects, the Vice- insurrections and student political lecturer in 1980, and has served as to not allow students’ time to be lost University of London. education changed, as it opened the Chancellor said that the university activism. The 1988/1989 Janatha an expert in her field since. during these challenging times. She By the early 1900s, the English- doors of higher education to Ceylonese is looking towards consistently Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) “The University of Colombo, and added that staff training to move educated middle class, as well as the from all backgrounds. improving its quality with regards youth insurrection and the then- the Faculty of Medicine in particular, to smart classrooms and blended advocates of a cultural renaissance Under the University of Sri Lanka to transforming from a teaching Government’s forceful response, has given leadership to the whole of learning was successful. such as Ananda Coomaraswamy and Act No. 1 of 1972, the University university to a research university. as well as violence that ensued Sri Lanka,” said Prof. Perera. She The global health emergency Ponnambalam Arunachalam, had of Ceylon, Colombo was named This would contribute towards between rival political groups, led stated that the Faculty of Medicine has pushed an already progressing begun making demands and raising the Colombo Campus of the improving the university’s to the deaths of many students as well has pioneered the subject, and has higher education system with a concerns as to why a university University of Sri Lanka. However, international ranking. According as faculty members. The university been producing competent doctors history of 100 years to change its should be established in Ceylon. this weakened university autonomy, to the Webometrics Rankings of experience of undergraduates at this who are up to international standards. shape and form once again. Sri According to Pieris, mothers of this and a new Act was introduced in World Universities, the University time was coloured by this violence. Speaking about education in Lanka’s university system – which time had concerns about having to 1978. The Universities Act No. 16 of Colombo is the number-one Prof. Amarakeerthi, who entered Sri Lanka, Prof. Perera said that not only consists of universities send their sons to London for their of 1978 declared all the University university in Sri Lanka, and the the University of Colombo Faculty the commitment of teachers and that came to be after the Ceylon education and the financial burdens of Sri Lanka campuses to be their 1,766th university worldwide. of Arts in 1988, recalled his time students have ensured that Sri Lankan University College, but also older that entailed, whereas Arunachalam own independent universities, which at university, which was during the university graduates are more capable native Buddhist institutions like and Coomaraswamy advocated for made the University of Colombo, an Reminiscences of alumni peak of this violent youth insurgency. in comparison to undergraduates from the Vidyalankara Pirivena (1873) nativised education, where the young, institution with faculties of Medicine, The University of Colombo has “Universities were at the centre other parts of the world, even the West. that became the University of Sri apart from Western education, would Arts, Science, Education and Law, an produced a list of notable alumni, of three armed struggles: The 1971 She identified the lack of suitable Jayewardenepura, and the Vidyodaya also receive education in their mother independent university from 1978. ranging from statesmen, lawmakers, JVP struggle, the 88/89 insurrection regulation for private education as a Pirivena (1875) that became the tongue and native cultures. academics, scientists and medical in the South, and the armed struggle challenge to the state education sector. University of Kelaniya – have now In 1912, a Government-appointed Development in the works experts, legal professionals, and in the North. The struggles from the “I am not against private institutions, come to face times that are changing sub-committee recommended the As this complex history, which the business leaders, as well as artists, South were more or less based in but they need to be regulated properly, the face of higher education in Sri establishment of a University College University of Colombo shares with novelists, and poets. universities. As I entered in 1988, I and the Government has taken this Lanka. They too, have now come to in Ceylon, which however did not take Sri Lanka’s other higher education Longtime left-wing politician, was following the Intensive English initiative. Private education is needed, share a common history that is in the place that year due to the First World institutions, reaches at least a century, and former Cabinet Minister and course. I still remember his name, our as the Government cannot cater to all making. 6 the morning Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Palitha Kohona invites Chinese companies to invest in SL LOLCbusiness forms LOLC Ceylon Holdings Ltd. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona in discussion LOLC Holdings PLC yesterday with Great Wall Industry Corporation President Guo Zhaoping, (12) announced the formation accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission K.K. Yoganaadan and Minister of LOLC Ceylon Holdings Ltd., Commercial Alexi Gunasekera a fully owned subsidiary of Ambassador of Sri Lanka on the concessions made to LOLC Holdings PLC which to China Dr. Palitha T.B. foreign direct investments will operate as a platform to Kohona has recently invited (FDI) by the Budget 2021 and enable potential investors to Chinese companies to invest on the opportunities available acquire minority stake in the in Sri Lanka in order to assist in Sri Lanka in the fields of IT, finance companies it owns. Sri Lanka in developing education, renewable energy, its information technology agriculture, waste-to-energy In a corporate disclosure to the (IT) industry, particularly in management, trade, and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), advanced IT education and tourism, and in the Colombo LOLC yesterday expressed its plans IT-based agriculture. Port City and the Hambantota to list LOLC Ceylon at the CSE Dr. Kohona made this Development Zone. going forward. After the listing of statement during a recent visit The China Great Wall LOLC Ceylon, the shares owned he made to the China Great Industry Corporation is by LOLC in LOLC Finance PLC Wall Industry Corporation on a subsidiary of the China amounting to 44.79%, shares owned invitation from the President of Aerospace Science and in Commercial Leasing and Finance the corporation, Guo Zhaoping. Technology Corporation PLC amounting to 98.92%, and the To this invitation, (CASC), a leading state- shares owned in LOLC Development Guo affirmed his fullest owned enterprise which Finance PLC amounting to 55.55%, co-operation. He also agreed to has contributed massively are to be transferred to LOLC assist in providing assistance to China’s technological Ceylon. better service to their customers that they have no objection on the Maldives and Sierra Leone as well through his companies for Sri advancement. LOLC noted that as this is an by introducing latest technologies, proposed transfer. as corporate offices in Singapore, Lankan companies exporting The Sri Lanka delegation internal group restructuring, the technical knowhow, and providing Besides a range of financial the UAE, and Mauritius. agricultural products to access spent over eight hours transaction will be executed at the training to its employees. products and services, its portfolio In the financial year 2019/2020, the lucrative Chinese market. with senior officials of the prevailing market prices at the date The company has obtained includes leisure, plantations, LOLC Holdings recorded a Dr. Kohona briefed the corporation and discussed of the transfer as an off-the-floor approval in principle for the agri-inputs, renewable energy, marginal increase in Profit After Chinese side on the policy of potential areas of co-operation transaction. aforementioned transfers from construction, manufacturing Tax (PAT) to reach Rs. 19.8 billion the Government of Sri Lanka in the fields of technology, LOLC stated that it believes that the Securities and Exchange and trading, and other strategic compared to Rs. 19.64 billion in on investments, trade, and its agriculture, industry, renewable these large-scale foreign investors Commission of Sri Lanka. investments. LOLC also have the previous year. Eighty percent commitment to the development energy, and trade. have the capabilities to support Furthermore, the Department of financial services investments in of the company’s Profit Before Tax of the country in line with the Deputy Chief of Mission the financial companies that come Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, (PBT) was derived from overseas policy statement “Vistas of K.K. Yoganaadan and Minister under the purview of the LOLC Institutions of the Central Bank Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, investments, according to its annual Prosperity and Splendour”. Commercial Alexi Gunasekera Holdings, to grow further and offer of Sri Lanka too has confirmed and Zambia; business operations in report 2019/2020. Furthermore, he elaborated accompanied the Ambassador.

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Softlogic has made an order permitting Swarnamahal Financial Services Swarnamahal Financial PLC (SFSP) to resume business Finance notionally for a limited purpose and limited time under the supervision of the Panel of Services resumes business clarifies Management appointed by the financial condition, and the Monetary Board. financial impact on depositors in The resumption is subject to receiving a part of deposits after FIU penalty several strict conditions, in the the lengthy liquidation process, Issuing a statement yesterday (12), public interest and in the interests the Monetary Board decided to Softlogic Finance (Pvt.) Ltd. clarified of the depositors of the company, permit SFSP to resume business that the fine imposed by the Financial for a limited period of three notionally for three months. Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central months from 13 January 2021 to “The Panel of Management Bank was due to a shortcoming in the 12 April 2021, in terms of Section shall continue to manage the core operating system of the company in 31 (5) (a) of the Finance Business affairs of SFSP and oversee relation to screening the United Nations Act, No. 42 of 2011 (FBA), only the repayment process, while Sanctions List. for the purpose of repayment up directors of SFSP and their The Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently to 50% of the remaining deposits agents or connected parties are issued a statement on penalties imposed of the company (repayment plan). prohibited from involving in against several financial institutions, Due to the various irregularities any activities of SFSP in any including Softlogic Finance (Pvt.) Ltd., taken place and the inability of the manner,” Central Bank added. for non-compliance with regulatory Board of Directors and the senior Further, it informed that requirements during the second half of management of SFSP to address SFSP has not been permitted to 2020. Softlogic Finance was issued a fine the resultant issues, the Monetary carry on any finance business of Rs. 1 million as penalty. Board on 2 January 2018, issued or non-finance business “This procedural shortcoming was met directions to the directors of the whatsoever, except executing the by Softlogic Finance in October 2020, company and appointed a Panel availability of a viable revival depositors out of the total of recoveries of gold loans that aforementioned repayment and the system updated according to the of Management to oversee the plan, the Monetary Board decided 9,660, up to a maximum of Rs. could be utilised to repay part of plan and recovering of all directives stipulated by the Central Bank affairs of the company. to suspend the business of SFSP 600,000 per insured depositor. the remaining deposits of SFSP, money due to the company. of Sri Lanka. Even though the Monetary in terms of Section 31(1) of the Such amount covers 84.9% of according to the Central Bank. Therefore, the public is kindly Softlogic Finance (Pvt.) Ltd. is Board directed the Board of FBA, with effect from 13 July the Rs. 982.9 million of eligible Further, the Central Bank requested to refrain from placing committed to upholding effective Directors of SFSP to bring 2020. compensation under SLDILSS. stated that it has continuously deposits or engaging in any anti-money laundering standards, and suitable investor(s) to revive the During the period of SLDILSS will continue to pay received requests from the other business with SFSP in any as a responsible corporate entity, has company, no viable investment suspension, payment of compensation payment to the depositors as well as from the manner, other than the settlement established an Anti-Money Laundering proposal was available and compensation for the insured eligible depositors of SFSP, company to repay the remaining of any dues to SFSP. Policy to ensure the identification and the financial condition of the depositors under the Sri Lanka who have not received their deposits out of the money so “The date of commencement mitigation of money laundering risks,” company continued to deteriorate. Deposit Insurance and Liquidity compensation payment so far, recovered. of the repayment of 50% of the Softlogic Finance stated. In the meantime, 30% of SFSP Support Scheme (SLDILSS) up to a maximum of Rs. 600,000 “Having considered the remaining value of deposits of The company further reiterated its deposits were repaid in 2018 and was commenced through the per depositor. non-availability of a viable SFSP, after deducting a 30% continued commitment to fully comply 2019. islandwide branches of People’s During the suspended period, plan to revive the company repayment made and the eligible with all regulatory directives by the Having considered the Bank. By end 2020, a sum of SFSP was able to recover a through a capital infusion, the compensation under SLDILSS, Central Bank of Sri Lanka. continuously deteriorating Rs. 834.1 million has been significant amount of dues to insolvent position of SFSP and will be notified to the depositors financial condition and non- paid for 25% of the insured the company, mainly through continuous deterioration in the by SFSP in due course,” it added. SL Ambassador in Myanmar proposes tour package The Ambassador of Sri Lanka travel by Myanmar nationals. virtual discussion with the officers Marketing Association, with the nationals. Based on the longstanding air connectivity between the two to Myanmar Dr. Nalin de Silva, Dr. de Silva also proposed of the Ministry of Tourism and view of arranging a platform for historical and religious relations countries and options available were during a recent meeting he had with to invite the national television Aviation and the Sri Lanka Tourism ground-level negotiations between between Sri Lanka and Myanmar, discussed in detail. Sri Lanka Tourism authorities, has channel of Myanmar to produce a Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) on the the relevant authorities and tourist it was revealed that there is a huge The meeting was attended by proposed a tailor-made tour package documentary in Sri Lanka in the ways and means to promote tourism associations of the two countries. untapped potential for developing Ministry of Aviation and Export including significant religious sites post-Covid period and to shoot a between the two countries. The discussions focused on pilgrim tourism between the two Zones Development State Secretary such as Kandy, Thiriyaya, and video on the religious connectivity The meeting was held as an materialising new proposals directed countries. M. Dewasurendra, officials of the Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa with between the two countries. extension to the discussions towards increasing awareness Significant attention was drawn SLTPB, and the Counsellor of the possible discounts to encourage He made proposals during a held with the Myanmar Tourism about Sri Lanka among Myanmar towards the establishment of direct Sri Lanka Embassy, Yangon. the morning 7 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 FOREIGN RELATIONS/TECH Foreign Minister assures early resumption of medical tourism for Seychelles IFC lends $ 25 Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, during a recent meeting with the High Commissioner of Seychelles in Colombo, assured the envoy that medical tourism for millionThe International Finance to NTB Seychelles tourists would Industry Director of Financial be resumed early. Corporation (IFC), a Institutions Group – Asia and The outgoing High member of the World Bank Pacific Rosy Khanna. “We Commissioner of Group, has provided a $ know that SMEs are the key Seychelles in Colombo 25 million loan to Nations engines of growth in many Conrad Vincent Mederic Trust Bank (NTB) in an countries, including Sri Lanka, called on Gunawardena at Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena (left) and outgoing effort to provide improved and are especially vulnerable the Foreign Ministry last High Commissioner of Seychelles in Colombo Conrad Vincent access to critical working during crises. Keeping these week. Mederic capital for Sri Lankan businesses solvent is therefore While acknowledging businesses impacted by essential to minimise the the staunch support workers in Seychelles for his outstanding and the Covid-19 pandemic economic damage and save extended by Seychelles in numerous fields such significant contributions jobs, so we hope this fresh to Sri Lanka in the as in education, health, towards enhancing Sri and to help preserve jobs. investment will equip Sri realm of multilateral and and finance and tourism Lanka-Seychelles relations Issuing a statement yesterday Lankan businesses to navigate international fora, Foreign sectors. during his tenure, including (12), IFC stated that the these difficult times and emerge Minister Gunawardena The High Commissioner the presidential visits in financing package, which will stronger and more resilient to reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s also commended on the 2017 and 2018 as the first be used by NTB to help small IFC Regional Industry Director of NTB Director/CEO future shocks.” commitment to enhance state-of-the-art service High Commissioner of and medium-sized enterprises Financial Institutions Group – Asia Priyantha Talwatte This is IFC's second and Pacific Rosy Khanna close collaboration in rendered by the hospitality Seychelles to Sri Lanka. (SMEs) and corporates, is investment in Sri Lanka areas of trade, agriculture, and health industries of Sri Despite the closure of part of IFC's $ 8 billion global position through increased founding shareholder, IFC has through its global $ 8 billion medical tourism, blue Lanka by which several the High Commission of Covid-19 fast-track financing exports and reduced reliance supported the bank through fast-track Covid-19 facility. In economy, hospitality, people of Seychelles Seychelles in Colombo due facility, supporting companies on imports. IFC's funding will multiple investments and June 2020, IFC provided a $ finance, and information benefit annually. The to economic constraints to stay afloat during the enable us to provide trade advisory initiatives since 1999, 50 million loan to Commercial technology. Foreign Minister and posed by the Covid crisis, ongoing public health crisis. finance and working capital rendering support to help boost Bank of Ceylon to expand High Commissioner the High Commissioner the High Commissioner This investment comes under facilities to affected businesses lending to SMEs, including lending to SMEs affected by Mederic underlined the also exchanged views handed over a letter to the the Working Capital Solutions – exporters, local industries, those owned by women, Covid-19, with over a third importance of fruitful on regional and global Foreign Minister seeking (WCS) programme of the especially mid-market marking NTB's first gender- dedicated to women-owned co-operation between Sri issues of mutual interest permission to appoint an Covid-19 response envelope corporates, and SMEs – in Sri focused commercial lending in businesses. Last year, IFC also Lanka and Seychelles, including the Covid-19 honorary consul for Sri which provides $ 2 billion Lanka, so protecting people's the country. invested $ 175 million in John which has a huge potential pandemic, maritime Lanka. globally to emerging-market jobs,” said NTB Director/ “At a time when the global Keells Holdings (JKH), of to reach new heights in security, human trafficking, As Indian Ocean banks, enabling them to keep Chief Executive Officer pandemic is taking a terrible which NTB is a subsidiary. This the post-Covid world. The drug smuggling, and nations, both parties agreed operating and preserve jobs. Priyantha Talwatte. toll around the globe, it is vital will support JKH businesses High Commissioner also transnational crimes. to consolidate the existing “IFC's investment in Nations In IFC's 50 years of that Sri Lankan businesses, in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, apprised the opportunities The Minister relations embracing new Trust Bank will help us better operations in Sri Lanka, especially SMEs, have all the thereby boosting key sectors open for Sri Lankan complimented High areas of co-operation in the support the Government's efforts NTB has been one of IFC's support they need to build back such as retail and tourism in the professionals and skilled Commissioner Mederic years ahead. to strengthen the country's longstanding clients. As a better,” said IFC Regional region. Isobar launches programmatic platform Oppo files 57,000 Dentsu International’s Isobar Sri Lanka launched a patent applications new programmatic platform with local language (Sinhala) Oppo recently stated that vision, speech technology, and support to enable advertisers the company filed as many machine learning. In terms of to buy ad inventory designed as 57,000 patent applications imaging, Oppo has launched to generate user-specific, as at 31 December 2020 over 7,700 image patents hyper-targeted ads. Moreover, while already possessing worldwide and owns over powered by real-time over 24,000 granted patents 2,600 granted patents, which auctions (ad exchanges) such globally. Out of all the is a testament to the brand’s as DoubleClick, OpenX, applications, about 89% or commitment to innovation. and Viber, advertisers can 51,000 were utility patents and The total number of patents use the platform to promote in 2019, Oppo ranked among applied so far regarding videos, banners, and text top five filers, according to the Oppo’s innovations pertaining ads. Currently, advertising World Intellectual Property to charging exceeds 2,950. on the platform is open for Organisation (WIPO). Speaking about Oppo’s advertisers with flexible According to a report elaborate, ever-expanding budgets. by NGB, one of Japan’s portfolio of patents, Xinda “The world of advertising leading research institutes, Lanka (Oppo Sri Lanka) Chief sees continuous disruption, Oppo is among the top 10 Executive Officer (CEO) Bob and we must embrace and organisations in the world in Li noted: “Oppo is one of the integrate technology into how terms of the highest number of foremost innovators in the we operate. Up until now, 5G families declared in 2020. field of mobile technology the programmatic market has Oppo filed over 3,600 families currently. This vision is been predominantly trading of global patent applications, extended to our services as standard banner formats declared over 1,400 families well such as the ‘1-hour Flash coupled with unappealing The Isobar team of 5G standard patents to the Fix’ services launched last inventories. With this latest European Telecommunication year to facilitate convenient offering, we can combine the Director Mohenesh Chamith with the right message in the digital campaigns for Sri Director Nisal De Silva. Standard Institute (ETSI), and ‘fixing’ of Oppo devices value of high-impact ad units Buthgumwa. right place, which translates Lankan brands without the Isobar Sri Lanka’s new submitted more than 3,000 5G within an hour or less offering and premium inventories Programmatic advertising into eliminating waste on limitations of language or programmatic platform standard-related proposals to optimum convenience.” along with the efficiency of allows advertisers to target viewers who would not be budget restrictions. Currently, allows extension to third- the 3rd Generation Partnership Oppo operates in more than programmatic buying. We users on a granular level, interested in the relevant Sri Lankan digital campaigns party data from data partners Project (3GPP) during the 40 countries and regions, with want to make sure we’re supported by access to product. lack data integration for to enable upper-funnel year. six research institutes and four innovating with the ad market comprehensive amounts “By launching the Isobar their campaign success, prospecting campaigns for In addition, Oppo has filed research and development and making our programmatic of data. In layman’s terms, Sri Lanka programmatic and I believe this platform brands, alongside dynamic over 2,400 global patent centres worldwide, as well as offering target audiences at programmatic platforms platform, we aim to can help resolve that,” remarketing campaigns using applications related to artificial its International Design Centre scale,” commented Isobar facilitate targeting viewers create data-driven and said Isobar Associate first-party data. intelligence (AI), computer in London.

WHATSAPP PRIVACY UPDATE Viber CEO calls on users to seek alternatives Rakuten Viber recently expressed Facebook. As Facebook and in operating and providing our Viber offers top-notch screen its “outrage” over WhatsApp’s latest WhatsApp become one, the services." privacy, allowing users to send self- privacy update. Issuing a statement, messaging app’s users are being “Not surprisingly, these two destructing messages within a chat Viber noted that while in the past monetised to a larger extent statements have been removed,” and entire chats can be hidden and WhatsApp users could opt out of than before, and this should be Viber added. only visible using a pin code. the app sharing their number with alarming for those seeking private It also stated that in stark contrast No user data is shared with Facebook, going forward, it will messaging, according to Viber. with WhatsApp’s slippery slope Facebook: Viber has cut all business be mandatory, and added that users Viber went ahead and added on data privacy, Viber has led ties with Facebook. No user must agree to the new terms within that up until the 4 January update, by example, implementing core information (users’ phone numbers 30 days, or they won’t be able to use WhatsApp’s terms of agreement features to ensure user data is safe and personal data) is or will be, their accounts. stated the following: and secure. Those features include: shared with Facebook at all. Viber suggested WhatsApp users End-to-end encryption by default: “The recent outrageous update yy “Respect for your privacy is refer to WhatsApp Co-Founder Applies to free personal calls and in WhatsApp’s privacy policy coded into our DNA. Since Brian Acton’s interview with Parmy chats, no special settings required. reduces the term ‘privacy’ to a we started WhatsApp, we’ve Olsen for Forbes in 2018. It’s clear and simple: No one can laughing stock. The update not only aspired to build our services “There he discusses the reasoning access your calls and chats except demonstrates how meaningless user with a set of strong privacy behind his departure and his tweet the participants, not even Viber. privacy is to WhatsApp, but it seems principles in mind. in which he advised people to delete Delivered messages are not stored like a new record in disrespecting their Facebook: ‘I sold my users’ yy “However, your WhatsApp by Viber and Cloud backup is off users it will no doubt keep breaking privacy to a larger benefit. I made a messages will not be shared on by default: Users that would like in the future. Today, I’m prouder choice and a compromise. And I live Facebook for others to see. In to back-up their chats can choose than ever in Viber’s privacy policy, with that every day’,” Viber added. fact, Facebook will not use your to activate cloud backup, but Viber calling all men and women who see A comparison made by Viber between social messaging apps With its latest update, WhatsApp WhatsApp messages for any doesn’t keep any copy of users’ themselves as more than just data move their messaging and calls to Executive Officer (CEO) Djamel completed its assimilation into purpose other than to assist us messages and calls. Screen privacy: to be sold to the highest bidder, to Viber,” said Rakuten Viber Chief Agaoua. 8 the morning CORPORATE Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Retailers’ Association

Poco hosts 4th AGM online The fourth Annual General Meeting for the year 2019/20 is the “Leadership Subasinghe and Healthguard Pharmacy Entertainment, Restaurant, and QSR; (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Retailers’ Excellence” training conducted for retail (Pvt.) Ltd. CEO Infiyaz Ali served as Vice Hameedia Deputy Managing Director, launches Association (SLRA) was held on and allied professionals. Presidents. Hussain Sadique serves as Founder 17 December 2020 as a virtual During the course of the year, the The newly appointed Executive Council President along with Past President Sidath meeting. Former President Sidath SLRA also hosted the executive directors’ for the year 2020/21 includes the following: Kodikara; and Kaymu Lanka MD Rakhil M3 triple Kodikara presented the aims of the virtual meeting of the Federation of Asia D. Samson & Sons Director Kaushalya Fernando as council member. association at the AGM. Established Pacific Retail Association (FAPRA) Perera, who serves as the General “The changes in the retail landscape over in July 2020 and attended the FAPRA Secretary along with Abans PLC Director the past decade have been very significant. camera in 2015, the SLRA has a vision to Head of Directors meeting in December Dinesh Perera as the Assistant General Interwoven with speed and technology, this Smartphone brand Poco “achieve retail excellence” and it 2020. SLRA was nominated to be the Secretary; Singer Sri Lanka CEO Mahesh sector remains one of the most vibrant yet announced the launch of Poco M3 strives to be the “voice of the retail host country for the Asia Pacific Retail Wijewardena serves as Treasurer along with challenging. From a retailers’ association today in Sri Lanka. Poco M3 has a industry in Sri Lanka”. Exhibition and Conference 2024, which Assistant Treasurer Ajith Amarasekara; point of view, we would envisage a future 48 MP triple camera setup, 6,000 is flagship event of FAPRA. Moreover, Cargills Ceylon PLC and Hatton National where the country would be positioned as mAh battery, a FHD+ smartphone The SLRA aims to educate retailers as to office bearers for the year 2020/21 are Bank Director Asoka Pieris serves as Sector a retail hub, giving further impetus to the display, and a Qualcomm® how they could work together to improve listed as follows. Ambeon Capital and Chair for Durables including Households already focused tourism sector. Our aim Snapdragon™ 662 chipset. standards of retailing in an inclusive Ambeon Holdings Chief Executive and Consumer Electronics Sector Chair; is to build that ultimate retail excellence “Poco M3 brings a truly manner, improve consumer service in all Officer (CEO) and Group Managing Kapruka.com Founder Dulith Herath serves across the country, which will contribute polished experience to our facets of retailing, and facilitate the growth Director (MD) Murali Prakash served as as E-commerce Sector Chair; Perera & to enhance customer, community, and users, offering one of the largest of the retail industry through innovation. President of the SLRA; meanwhile, Jay Sons Bakers Corporate Manager Ruvini business interest alike,” stated SLRA newly batteries in the industry for long- The key initiative of the association Kay Marketing Services CEO Charitha Kariyawasam served as Sector Chair for elected President Prakash. lasting security. We’re looking forward to continuing to deliver technology that matters in an ever-evolving world. We have had Union great experience with the former Poco devices. These tremendous Ceylinco Life’s annual results underscore consumers’ Assurance overwhelming endorsement of Poco’s brand philosophy,” stated launches Xiaomi General Manager Vidya report among 10 Best Sagar. Equipped with the largest battery ‘Lifestyle capacity in its class, the Poco M3 claims to be fully powered to browse, connect, and stream Integrated Reports Bonus 2021’ throughout the day with its mighty Union Assurance 6,000mAh high charge cycle Ceylinco Life’s 2019 PLC, a John Keells battery even the most avid gamers. Annual Report was ranked company, launched Moreover, Poco states that the among the 10 Best Integrated a campaign phone can last over five days under Reports at the sixth edition titled “Lifestyle light usage, and slightly below of the “CMA Excellence Bonus 2021” to three days under moderate usage. in Integrated Reporting offer customers Furthermore, it claims that it Awards 2020” presented a chance to win takes roughly one-and-a-half days by the Institute of Certified state-of-the-art for the battery to be fully drained Management Accountants smart devices. under heavy usage. Meanwhile, the (CMA) of Sri Lanka, the The campaign, Poco M3 battery is designed and company announced in a comprising a Union Assurance built to withstand high temperatures recent statement. raffle draw and General Manager and nearly 2.5 years of usage Themed “Derisking concessions Senath Jayatilake without notable degradation, the Future”, this fifth from a host of ensuring a long-lasting experience. integrated annual report of collaborating brands, was launched on In addition to its durability, the the life insurance leader 4 January 2021 to start the year on a Poco M3 provides a faster and reflected on the strength of celebratory note. The offers are eligible more consistent charging speed for its life insurance products. to customers who sign up for a Union users on the go with its MIUI ultra Ceylinco Life has adopted Assurance life insurance policy with battery saving mode and 18 W fast the Integrated Reporting a minimum premium of Rs. 15,000 charge. The device comes with a Framework since 2015 monthly, Rs. 45,000 quarterly, Rs. 75,000 22.5 W in-box charger and supports subsequent to the segregation half-yearly, or Rs. 150,000 annually reverse wired charging, offering of life and general insurance within the campaign period of 1 January enhanced convenience. into separate business to 31 March 2021, with a special mention The Poco M3 sports a 6.53” entities under Section 53 of of higher premiums being eligible for FHD+ Dot Drop display with 2,340 the Regulation of Insurance multiple entries. x 1,080 high resolutions, along Industry (Amendment) Act “We have included a raffle draw with a 1,500:1 contrast ratio and No. 3 of 2011, which came with over 50 high-value items to be 19.5:9 aspect ratio for a dazzling into effect that year. won as an additional feature, as well as edge-to-edge viewing experience. Commenting on the award, discounts with partner merchants with It’s Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 Ceylinco Life Director/Chief Ceylinco Life Director/CFO Palitha Jayawardena (second from left) accepts the CMA Integrated Reporting an islandwide presence. As we protect front screen offers ample protection Financial Officer (CFO) award on behalf of the company lifestyles, ambitions, and relationships against drops and scratches, while Palitha Jayawardena said: and energy, education, and which is the national Lanka by Brand Finance with a product portfolio that expands anti-fingerprint textured back cover “The annual report remains construction. professional management in 2020 and declared the across health, retirement, education, and provides a secure grip and superior our principal medium of The submitted reports were accounting institute in the “Peoples Life Insurance investment, we look forward to enriching light-weight feel. providing stakeholders with judged based on the guiding country. The purpose of the Service Provider of the Year” the lifestyles of our new policyholders The Poco M3 is equipped a complete picture of the principles, content elements, “Excellence in Integrated for the 14th consecutive with this new and exciting competition,” with a side-mounted fingerprint business. Every year, we and other fundamental Reporting Awards” is to year at the 2020 SLIM- commented Union Assurance General sensor that enables a minimalistic intensify our efforts to meet concepts of the Integrated encourage Sri Lankan Nielsen Peoples Awards. Manager Senath Jayatilake. front screen design without and exceed the stipulated Reporting Framework companies both listed and The company was named Lifestyle Bonus 2021 introduces seven compromising user accessibility. standards and to further issued by the International unlisted and state-owned the “Best Life Insurer in distinctive prizes for the raffle draw: The Poco M3 states that it is easy enhance transparency and the Integrated Reporting Council institutions to undertake Sri Lanka” for the sixth The first prize is an iPhone 12 Pro Max on the eyes in more ways than quality of disclosures.” (IIRC) with special emphasis integrated reporting which consecutive year by World 516 GB, followed by iPad Air 2020 with one – it’s TÜV Rheinland Low The companies that on criteria such as strategic will be beneficial to investors Finance in 2019, and Apple Pencil Second Gen and Magic Blue Light-certified, meaning users competed for the CMA focus and future orientation, and stakeholders. accorded an honourable Keyboard, Samsung 55” Smart TV, Asus can watch hours of content with Excellence in Integrated connectivity of information, The evaluation takes mention as one of the “Most UX363 Laptops, Samsung 43 and Smart minimal eye strain. Boasting a dual Reporting Awards consisted value creation, and reliability into account not only the Admired Companies in TVs, Samsung A30 phones, and WiFi speaker system with dust blaster, mainly of public quoted and completeness. accounting and financial Sri Lanka” in 2019-20 by routers with 50 GB of data per month Poco suggests that the M3 provides companies including state The CMA Excellence in information but also non- the International Chamber (free for a year). superior sound with powerful and private commercial Integrated Reporting Awards financial information of Commerce Sri Lanka Moreover, policyholders signing bass for an immersive indoor banks, finance and insurance competition is organised provided in IR. (ICCSL) in collaboration up with Union Assurance Lifestyle entertainment experience. companies, and companies annually by the Institute Ceylinco Life was ranked with the Chartered Institute Bonus will also have access to a series The Poco M3 has a 48 MP triple in manufacturing, diversified of Certified Management the “Most Valuable Life of Management Accountants of discounts up to 20% with affiliated camera on the smartphone market, sectors, plantations, power Accountants of Sri Lanka, Insurance Brand” in Sri (CIMA), UK. partners up to 31 March 2021. supported by a 2 MP macro camera and 2 MP depth sensor. Poco states that consumers would be sure to stay strong thanks to the device’s SLT-Mobitel partners with CSSL for National IT Conference 8 MP selfie camera. In addition, the Poco M3 offers new creative Sri Lanka’s national 1,000-plus ICT professionals software. Night mode enhances telecommunication service participating as delegates. photos taken in dark environments provider SLT-Mobitel partnered “SLT-Mobitel is committed by boosting the colour contrast, with the Computer Society of towards enriching lives and while colour focus can make Sri Lanka (CSSL) as the joint empowering businesses with the specific tones stand out. principal sponsor for the 38th latest technological solutions. The Poco M3 Features a National Information Technology We believe such initiatives by Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 662 (IT) Conference concluded in the CSSL play an integral role in processor that supports smooth December 2020. The National IT streamlining the digital roadmap gaming and video experience – and Conference is claimed to be one of and enabling the nation to achieve the opportunity to store high- the most anticipated ICT events in its vision in an efficient and quality photos at half the size. The Sri Lanka as well as in the region. effective manner. The SLT Group Poco M3’s 11 nm processor claims The National IT Conference is proud to have been a part of this to deliver high performance, less was themed “Towards a Officials of the SLT Group and CSSL at the ceremony year’s conference, powering the heat production, and lower power Sustainable Digital Sri Lanka” of 5G, Industry 4.0, artificial digital infrastructure, and many the private and public sectors, IT sector in Sri Lanka,” said SLT consumption. with the goal of adding value intelligence (AI) Internet of more. The panel comprised ICT along with over 60 foreign and Group Chief Executive Officer to participants in the areas Things (IoT), mobile money, professionals representing both local prominent speakers and Lalith Seneviratne. 9 the morning Wednesday, January 13, 2021 ‘Sex and the City’ is back QUOTE OF THE DAY According to HBO Max, Sex and the City will return to the screen, 17 If you have the years after its last episode aired. Titled “And Just ability to love, Like That...”, the reboot love yourself first will star three of the four – Charles Bukowski original leads of the hit ‘90s show, with Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis set to reprise the roles of Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte. Kim Cattrall, who starred as Samantha in the original show, won’t return for the rebooted series.

Suranga Udari Suranga Udari, reporting in the first female deaf sign language brunchreporter in Sri Lanka

I never thought I’d receive this opportunity. I’ve always had an interest in the field but I never thought this dream would come true Suranga Udari help of the SDJF and their mentors. I had hard of hearing are not permitted to obtain some experience in photography and I a drivers licence because their medical believe that might have helped me in this report “does not portray them as regular situation as well. This skill is very useful people” due to their hearing impairment, to bring light to the deaf community in but also observed that many other unveiling their hidden problems.” countries are more progressive and allow Speaking to The Morning Brunch, the community to obtain a licence. SDJF Programme Director Mohamad Azad The deaf community face issues commented that they saw a potential news in terms of driving vehicles, obtaining value in this video and communicated any kind of education, and finding with her to work out the finer details. After employment. Since the option of driving a a few tweaks, it was then submitted to vehicle is unattainable, they have to resort MediaCorps Watch. to public transport, which is seemingly Azad also stated that this programme not in their favour either. “Even when we is run entirely by mobile devices with a travel on a train, everyone is speaking heavy focus on mobile journalism. He and we can’t even hear the loudspeaker.” added that the pandemic has brought upon She questioned how members of the deaf an influx of fake news, and emphasises the community are supposed to know when to importance of reliable and accurate mobile board and get off the train, adding that it’s journalism in a time where the country a better situation on buses, but there’s still seems to be going digital. a risk of getting off at the wrong place. “We are very proud of the Vibrant Udari noted that the pandemic has only Voices programme since it has given a worsened the situation; with the wearing The inspiring story platform to many of the marginalised of masks made mandatory, it is difficult to community and has given Udari the chance resort to the option of reading lips. to be recognised as Sri Lanka’s first sign She also informed us that the language journalist. It’s a big achievement education system does not have and is an excellent opportunity for her specialised syllabuses for people of her future. We wish her the best with her community, and they are expected to learn of Suranga Udari endeavours.” the same syllabus as everyone else. “We are not given the opportunity to specialise BY VENESSA ANTHONY Suranga Udari in the in a field that we feel will work best with field while participating in the VV programme our individual personalities.” She added Suranga Udari made history in Sri Lanka after she reported a pressing that other students of society have the environmental issue on face mask disposal prevalent in the Hikkaduwa option to study in any language that they coastal area of the Galle District, entirely through sign language. please, but her community can only be In doing so, she was awarded the title of being Sri Lanka’s first sign educated in sign language, and that is not language reporter. always readily available to them. In terms of getting a job, the general Currently residing in Ahangama, she The programme is dedicated to encourage public is offered many jobs by the comes from a large family of five siblings, marginalised segments in the community government sector, whereas the deaf out of which two are hard of hearing. to report their issues and amplify it to the community is always discriminated She initially schooled at a regular school national level. Later, this feat was picked against and viewed as incompetant. at Ahangama that wasn’t equipped to up by mainstream news and Udari was She hopes that the Government would deal with a student that was of the deaf given the opportunity a few days back, consider offering them more job community, which she stated she found to report on another story she researched opportunities as their lack of hearing does immensely uncomfortable and challenging. on, on a well-known news channel in We are not given not mean they are incapable of an honest Later on, she pursued graphic Sri Lanka. She is slowly but surely day’s work. designing as a career and obtained a establishing herself as a proud reporter. the opportunity to specialise in a field that Udari has made a significant impact in diploma in Computer Software at Lake the deaf community with her achievement House. After eight long years as a graphic Training under SDJF we feel will work best and hopes that in the future there will be a designer, she was put out of work due to “Vibrant Voice” is a programme with our individual Udari commented on her achievement, change and more people will be granted the the pandemic, which was around the time run by the SDJF that works with women personalities saying: “I never thought I’d receive this same opportunities as she was. She thanked she picked up an interest in journalism. in sexual minorities and marginalised Suranga Udari opportunity. I’ve always had an interest the SDJF for bringing her up to standard Despite her passion and interest in the field communities to raise and amplify their in the field but I never thought this dream and giving her a pedestal in society. of media, none of the media houses in Sri voices at a national level that mainstream would come through.” In 2021, she aims to give the deaf Lanka provided her the opportunity to media is silent on. Under this programme, community a voice and help them pursue a career in reporting, owing to her Udari underwent five days of intensive Udari made use of this knowledge and Challenges amongst the overcome their challenges. Her sincerest disability, until now. journalism training by Mobile Journalist created a video which she submitted to deaf community wish is to represent the deaf community Her first programme was published on (MoJo) trainers and was provided with a the SDJF. Speaking about her experience Sri Lanka has a long way to go to be with her new found title and mitigate the a weekly news programme, MediaCorps MoJo kit. She added that she learnt skills at the training, she said: “It was difficult more inclusive of the deaf community. problems they face in order to give back Watch, organised by the Sri Lanka like mobile journalism and was taught how at the beginning, yet with time I was able Udari noted that in our country, people to the people that she has been a part of all Development Journalist Forum (SDJF). to use social media for advocacy purposes. to pick up the skill fast with the immense her life. Tea-inspired trends for the decade BY VENESSA ANTHONY show how closely aligned tea and what it really offers, as in terms number-one trend would be the priorities for human health, lifestyle of different varieties and impact health and wellbeing attributes in The Dilmah School of Tea and aspirations are.” on health, tea is unprecedented. tea, which I can assure you are not Alumni, Dilmah Tea, and Dilmah Tea has two dimensions, and the “It is particularly important in Sri matched by any other beverage in Tea Gastronomy will be hosting commoditised version is what we Lanka, as it is a growing country; the world.” an international webinar, catered often encounter. Commenting on the and it is also important, because tea With this webinar, Fernando towards professionals in the fact that the number of tea drinkers as an immune booster is a potent, and his team at Dilmah hope that the hospitality industry and a non- seem to be dwindling, he said: “For protective beverage.” general public understands tea and professional audience with a keen us, as tea-growers, it is a tragic irony, Taking a closer look at the all its elements before they project it interest in tea. because everything we hear from social and economic sustainability to the world, stating that because tea We spoke to tea-grower and consumers in terms of what they of the tea industry, Ceylon Tea is is so interconnected with our social, Dilmah CEO Dilhan C. Fernando desire is beautifully embodied in aligned with quality, and therefore economic and cultural histories and on the concept behind the webinar. what we at Dilmah offer.” in a country like Sri Lanka, it is our future, it is extremely important “We have never done a trend feature Too often, people look at incomprehensible that we don’t that this message is shared. before, but the fact is that if you look tea as something very mundane have sufficient appreciation for what at consumer trends today, and if you and ordinary. Too few people we offer. The webinar will be aired on look at what’s happening post-Covid, The purpose of this webinar is on how remarkable it is that all today are reaching for a good cup Fernando, throwing in a little Dilmah’s Facebook page there is a tremendous convergence not to try to emulate a trend analysis these factors align beautifully with of tea simply because they lack fun fact about tea, stated that tea understanding of its properties has a unique level of antioxidants (@SchoolofTea) on towards health, wellness, and done by other institutions globally, what Dilmah has to offer, whether 19 January at 3 p.m. authenticity. Whether you look at but rather to define the relevance in terms of indulgence or sense and complexities. Fernando added and goodness that is a hundred trends in luxury or indulgence – it of tea to consumer lifestyle, health adventure. “I know there is a lot of that they wanted to present this times greater than what any parent Registrations may be all comes together around the same and wellness, food safety, and recent trend research and reports concept to highlight the importance in a common household would made through the brand’s attributes that tea has.” luxury trends. Fernando commented out there. This webinar goes to of reframing tea and to show encourage their child to eat. “Our website. 10 the morning STYLE Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Ammfy – an online market made for you BY VENESSA ANTHONY Many brands in the beauty industry operate solely on social media, as Ammfy is an online marketplace they lack a platform or website for for major retail brands of fashion, themselves. Edirisuriya told us that beauty, and wellness, made to offer Ammfy gets these brands onboard and customers a centralised location for explains to them in depth about what all their fashion needs. Their mission structure is most likely to work for is to create a unique and personalised them. “If you own an online store, with online shopping experience for their our system, you can precisely monitor customers. and organise your sales, stocks, Tourists In a conversation with Ammfy customers – everything.” Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) On their website, you will see Charindu Edirisuriya, he explained their a curated variety of subcategories vision for the platform: “My goal is to for clothes, jewellery, footwear, and build the fashion market in Sri Lanka; whatever else you could want in the end goal for Ammfy is to have all terms of fashion, with the brand of the fashion brands centralised in one the item mentioned on the listing. spot and the first step to that is building They currently have over 30 vendors are drawn up Ammfy.” onboard – Closet by A, The Pandora’s Edirisuriya is a final-year Box, Joeys, to name a few – and are undergraduate at the Informatics planning to expand to house over 70 Institute of Technology (IIT). During vendors by the end of 2021. “To have to places that an attractive platform, we need to have his first year, he had a vague idea for his brainchild Ammfy. Back in 2018, more vendors on board; we plan on the platform was just another start-up, securing at least 80 renowned brands but he had big plans. “I wanted to turn on the platforms.” my start-up into a product company, Ammfy offers brands a countless feature local culture number of features that would be and one of the trending niches that I Architect Pradeep Kodikara on designing villas in the new normal witnessed at the time was related to convenient for them, as well as aid in fashion.” developing their brand name further. Edirisuriya noted that these businesses situated the pool on the choose, I think because BY NAVEED ROZAIS feel empowered when their brand is top floor, which meant there are so many managed attentively, which fuels them you could actually get a architects, artists, painters, Villas have fast become one of on to strive for the best. view of the sea. This was and sculptors around the most preferred methods of Usually, when listing on an online what made the house very the world who have accommodation for holiday-goers I wanted to turn my platform, businesses would typically attractive and made it inspired me. If I were to have to direct the platform on what in this time of Covid-19. possible for the client to be name a couple of them, start-up into a product they want, along with sending in Villas are designed to blend the able to market it properly. I’d mention Australian company, and one of the relevant pictures and writing up hospitality experience of a hotel stay The small villa market architect Glen Murcutt content. Ammfy offers its users an with the privacy and exclusivity of a is very competitive, there’s and Mexican architect the trending niches that app, which they can use to log in small property made to feel like a home so many of them out there. Luis Barragán who I witnessed at the time and manage their online store, which visit. Sri Lanka’s villa market has been We just tried to create practised in the late 1970s, Edirisuriya commented that no one growing in recent years, with villas all something special out of but there’s no hierarchy was related to fashion in Sri Lanka offers yet. Customers across the island to provide this more what we got. as such. There’s also our Ammfy Founder/CEO can even opt to have their inventory exclusive travel experience. Covid-19 Because we had a own great architects like uploaded onto the website straight has magnified the demand for villas small budget, we used Valentine Gunasekera and Charindu Edirisuriya off their social media posts. It’s because their size and exclusivity makes recycled old doors and Geoffrey Bawa, who were noteworthy to add that all of these them perfect for small groups to vacation windows in the interior. Architect Pradeep Kodikara also a big influence. features are entirely automated, as safely. The palette was very Ammfy uses innovative technology to Kadju House, Tangalle is one simple and we used all local materials. ÄÄ As an architect navigating provide their vendors and customers such villa, a four-bedroom property set On the outside, we did a smooth cement the new normal, what with a convenient experience. close-by but away from the sea. Pradeep plaster exterior so the client wouldn’t are the trends you see Edirisuriya talked about their Kodikara – the architect who designed need to keep painting frequently. Seaside developing in the design of bestselling feature: “If you are a brand Kadju House – won the Geoffrey Bawa properties tend to get weathered and paint leisure spaces like villas and that doesn’t have your own website, Award for excellence in architecture can get quite ugly over time. We thought small hotels? you can obtain a free website off our in 2014 for his work on this property. we’d use cement, where it would weather I feel that there will be a growing platform.” He used an example to A graduate of the City School of on its own and add charm to the facade. demand for small villas in the future. Architecture in Colombo, Kodikara explain this concept “If you type in ÄÄ What was it like winning the People are going to be very cautious about joey.ammfy.com, only that brand’s worked with and interned for several travelling where there are large numbers of renowned Sri Lankan architects like Geoffrey Bawa Award for products will be displayed on the people. For small entrepreneurs, I think it’s platform.” Surath Wickramasinghe, Anjalendran, excellence for Kadju House? a good thing. Overall though, it is going to Nela de Zoysa, and Geoffrey Bawa, Other interesting features that the What special elements of get back to normal at some point. Maybe website offers include social media before setting up his own practice in its design do you feel set not this year, but next year. Other than that. 1998. marketing with an impressive audience it apart to qualify for that I can’t see a great change happening in the reach and product variations. Kodikara established Zowa commendation? industry. Architects in 2014 with his wife Jineshi The platform is also capable Personally, it was a very nice feeling. There’s no one element that’s going to Samaraweera. They divide their time of chatting with customers It feels very good when you do something be something that people opt for. Generally, between Colombo and Kalametiya. and performing tasks like that people recognise and appreciate. I think international tourism is more drawn The Morning Brunch chatted with accepting customised orders The judges looked at a lot of aspects to places with local Kodikara about how he designed this and responding to customer and at what we incorporated in that features and that feature villa, and how, if at all, the pandemic is inquiries. “When we receive house with the space we had, which was local culture – the kind likely to affect the design of villas in the a new order, an automated basically nothing to see. We designed the of design that is modern future. message is sent to the vendor space in a way where when you come to and contemporary, brunch Excerpts of the interview are below: so they can prepare the the first floor, where the main and living but has its roots in the goods for delivery. Once ÄÄ What was the concept spaces are, the sea and the infinity pool locality of the country, that is sorted, the customer behind the design of Kadju converge; there is quite a bit of drama in and that highlights that gets an automated text House? it and a sense of creating something out of particular environment informing them.” nothing. and culture. Kadju House was built in 2006 and Apart from that, Other aspects of the house, like the And if you stick was basically a location that was set back Edirisuriya added that fact that it had a big garden that had been to these things, people – as in, it was not on the beach and had no they have introduced replanted with local trees and an organic will take note, because views of the sea. What we wanted to do Instagram shopping, where vegetable garden, all these kind of added globalisation is such that with the property was create something customers can click on a up to something that the judges thought everything is becoming the same visually. I special that would attract potential product on Instagram and was worthwhile. think tourists will appreciate things that are tourists, clients and so on. This was what they will be redirected inspired by local situations and culture. That to the brand’s website led to the elevation of the pool. ÄÄ Which architects would you will always be something that’s going to The house itself is quite small with provided by Ammfy. say influence your work the work in terms of how tourists look at it. The sign-up process four bedrooms. We went for a ground- most and why? floor-plus-one-story kind of design and for vendors is very There is no single person I could ÄÄ How do you recommend simple; all details are existing villas and provided on the website, small hotels adapt to including quick tutorials Kadju House, Tangalle the pandemic from an on how to manoeuvre architectural/design the platform, and once standpoint? the brand has signed up, For villas, I think the tourist board has Edirisuriya stated that they put out some guidelines for that; how and do a background check on what they can do to be operational. the brand to ensure that their I can’t really see any architectural/ customers are being offered design aspect that’s going to help. The genuine products. only thing I would probably say is the Edirisuriya plans on branding kind of chalet concept, where you have up the name of Ammfy so that the a separate little room and dining area for platform will be more recognised yourself that is kind of scattered across a locally. They aim to target larger landscape. This is obviously something brand names, as well as provide a that can be operated easily during Covid-19 platform to small businesses and without people being worried about contact up-and-coming local entrepreneurs and so on, but this is very difficult to adapt in the fashion industry. PHOTOS YANIK TISSERA because of space and all that. the morning 11 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 LIFESTYLE 7 BRUTAL TRUTHS for a healthier life 2020 was a colossally turbulent year for all of life – as difficult as it is – it us. A pandemic does not discriminate. And the helps if we learn to: repercussions that are a result of global discord, 1. Stop caring about who and economic depravity, collapse of industry, and societal how many people like or disruption are at incomprehensible scales. I made a dislike us – which means WNPS Monthly Lecture personal choice to end 2020 productively, focusing not needing to spend every moment of your existence on work, new music, and creative pursuits to kickstart BY SURESH DE SILVA 2021 (in the teeth) relentlessly and resourcefully. trying to please or seek I chose to stop victimising myself and instead adapt validation of someone else. Working towards and be cognisant of the gifts and talents I possess and 2. Stop taking everything so march into a new year by furthering my vision, setting personally – that means distinctive objectives for myself and benchmarking a people will upset and strategy to fulfill my goals. disappoint you. They may exclude or include you in leopard-human The thing about progress is to please others needlessly at stuff. They will not value that sacrifice and compromise the risk of inundating myself you as much as you'd like are vital parts of it, especially if with needless suffering. them to. They may have their reasons. As you have co-existence one decides not to be maladroit Listen, I am no expert. I The Wildlife and Nature harmony between man and yours. Accepting that and jaundiced at the beginning am as flawed, impulsive, and at Protection Society (WNPS) the leopards of the region, and everything isn't about you of a new year. times cantankerous as anyone and penalising them in will host its monthly lecture adopt possible best practices. is a big step. It's an unpopular choice, else. However, I do feel that in front of others. Advice is titled “Leopard-Human Shatrunjay Pratap is a wine- but then again, I stopped trying order to live a more salubrious 3. Quit putting out ashtrays free. Wisdom has a price. Co-existence, Insights from maker-turned-conservationist while the house is on fire The thin line between Jawai, India” by Shatrunjay and wildlife cameraman. He – which means deal with those two is choice. Pratap Singh, at 6 p.m. on 21 co-authored the book Leopards your bigger issues in your Some food for thought that January 2021 via Zoom and & Shepherds of Jawai, and was life before you try and sort may be useful. Again, in no Facebook Live. the cameraman on the National everyone else's problems. way am I preaching or playing Jawai, known as the land Geographic special programme the part of the belligerent and of shepherds and leopards, Shatrunjay Pratap Singh Wild Cats of India. After 4. Let it go, let it go – stop sits right between Jodhpur and spending almost all his life with clinging onto lost baggage; know-it-all contemporary sophist. These are some things Udaipur in India. It is one of the few regions wild animals, he’s learned and understood it will only weigh and slow in India, perhaps in the world, where human nature’s rules, and has witnessed the cruel you down. I picked up along the way. I am not one to proliferate mystic beings and big cats have peacefully coexisted outcome of human beings who don’t respect 5. If you want respect, give mumbo jumbo and pseudo- for over 100 years. or abide by those rules. respect – if you want cryptic jargon of prattling “Leopards of Jawai” is a story of the “There is a deep-rooted synchrony others to support what about universal harmony and harmonious relationships shared by the between everything we find in nature. you do, make an effort vibes and karma. Regardless leopards and the local Rabari tribes of the Animals and plants all know their place and to support them in their of virtue, beliefs, and personal region. This pastoral region is just less responsibilities, while understanding that endeavours, regardless of resolve, 2020 affected us all. than eight square miles in the Aravalli hills they are a part of the natural order. We, as how infinitesimal it may be Because finally, we need between the tourist meccas of Udaipur humans, foolishly think that we are separate in your eyes. to look after ourselves, our and Jodhpur, yet contains the largest from all of this, and therein lies the problem. mental and physical health, concentration of leopards on the planet. If we can be humble and accept that we are 6. Remember you have two The leopards’ conspicuous presence is due a part of nature, and not separate from it, ears and one mouth – learn hone our talents, groom our skills, and use our experiences to a unique relationship with the Rabari, a we can learn to do things in synchrony with to listen twice as much as tribal caste of semi-nomadic cattle herders nature, all in a way that is sustainable to all you run your mouth. to enact pragmatic, positive change first before we try to and shepherds. life,” he said. 7. Speak the truth, but choose change anyone else and change With Sri Lanka coming out of the The WNPS Public Lecture is presented the right moment – you the world. worst-ever year for its big cats, with in association with Nations Trust Bank and can't prove a point to Yours indefatigably, over 13 reported deliberate killings, it's open to all. Registrations may be made via anyone by demoralising The Wordsmith important to look at unique stories of the WNPS website. Reviving Sri Lanka’s ailing tourism sector improve their situation and offer However, while “acts of gross How diversity and inclusion can help equal rights to LGBTIQ persons as indecency” and “unnatural carnal a condition for aid and grants, such intercourse” are criminalised, Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, been media and social media reports as the GSP+ facility. Mistreating technically, diverse sexual which is one of the top three of tourists being harassed, assaulted, and discriminating against LGBTIQ orientations and gender identities/ foreign exchange earners for the and extorted. For a country that is Sri Lankans and foreign travellers expressions are not outlawed. country, dealt with a severe blow heavily reliant on tourist earnings can damage the image of Sri Lanka Fundamental rights recognised by by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since and prides itself on a culture of as an attractive tourist destination. the island closed its airports and hospitality, it has not paid nearly the Sri Lankan Constitution includes As the UNWTO report points non-discrimination under Article seaports to tourists in March 2020, enough attention to ensure the out, in the age of social media, “a no arrivals were recorded for over wellbeing of its visitors. 12(2), which states that “no citizen perceived restriction of rights for shall be discriminated against on the nine months. Now, as Sri Lanka attempts a group of citizens can be rapidly grounds of race, religion, language, Data from the Sri Lanka to revitalise its tourism sector, it reported and shared, as well as caste, sex, political opinion, and Tourism Development Authority needs to consider the benefits of cases of police brutality or hostile place of birth, or any one of such (SLTDA) shows that compared to being as inclusive as possible. This comments among political decision includes creating a safe, open, the 2,333,796 arrivals in 2018 and makers. Incidents such as these can grounds”. This means that with and welcoming environment to 1,913,702 arrivals in 2019, only quickly become part of the narrative proper protections and safeguards in all travellers – including women, 507,311 arrivals were recorded in about the country or region as a place, Sri Lanka has the potential to foreigners of colour, and LGBTIQ 2020. This is an over 70% decrease whole, and shape how consumers attract LGBTIQ tourists and rebrand visitors. Beyond the pandemic, in the number of arrivals in 2020, (both LGBT and non-LGBT) itself as an open and welcoming Sri Lanka’s tourism sector can no compared to 2019. As Sri Lanka perceive the country as a potential destination to all. earned over Rs. 712 billion ($ 4.4 longer afford to discriminate against tourist destination”. As the tourism The first step in doing so billion approximately) in foreign any of its potential visitors. sector in Sri Lanka is already ailing, is putting in place diversity and exchange from tourism in 2018 it cannot afford to lose its brand inclusion practices and non- and Rs. 646 billion ($ 3.6 billion The importance of reputation. discriminatory standards. This approx.) in 2019, the drastic fall in ‘pink dollar tourism’ Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s includes putting an end to the arrivals – and subsequently earnings According to the United tourism industry is not the only – in 2020 has spelt disaster for the stigmatising, harassing, abusing, Nations World Tourism one that has taken a hit due to Sri Lankan economy. and/or discriminating marginalised Organisation’s (UNWTO) Second Covid-19. Globally, all tourist However, the situation is set to groups, including the LGBTIQ Global Report on LGBT Tourism destinations are struggling, and change soon. Though the pandemic community. Hotels, travel agents, (2017), over the recent years, once the borders open, they will is far from being under control, Sri LGBTIQ tourism has seen a and other stakeholders in the Lanka launched a pilot test on 28 all be vying to attract as many tourism sector should make significant increase globally and tourists as possible. Therefore, Sri December 2020, welcoming its first continues to grow rapidly; in fact, diversity and inclusion practices Lanka’s tourism industry will need foreign tourists in nine months, 185 the market is becoming a “powerful a priority. After all, Sri Lanka’s to significantly step up their game Ukrainian travellers. Since then, vehicle for economic development”. tourism sector needs all the help it to stay competitive in the global several hundred more Ukrainians The report further notes that “LGBT can get. tourist markets. Therefore, abiding have arrived in the country under travellers have become recognised (The article was penned by by international non-discriminatory this pilot project, visiting popular as a segment that travels with EQUAL GROUND Media and standards is no longer a choice, it is attractions in supposedly biosecure greater frequency and demonstrates Communications Officer Shihara bubbles. Despite serious health and higher-than-average patterns of a necessity. PHOTO © ANDERSON W RANGEL ON UNSPLASH Maduwage. EQUAL GROUND is safety concerns, the Government spending”. Overcoming the challenge the only LGBTIQ organisation in is determined to reopen the airport The “out now” marketing Sri Lanka conducting diversity and help Sri Lanka attract more tourists among adults are not a criminal of SL’s legal space to foreign tourists from 21 January specialists’ global LGBT2030 inclusion training and sensitising in the future, and thus increase offence in most countries around The main obstacle when 2021, hoping to revive the travel, research shows that in 2018, programmes) leisure, and hospitality industries LGBTIQ residents in the US spent its foreign exchange earnings. the world. Many other tourist- trying to attract LGBTIQ and ease the burden on the tourism- $ 63.1 billion on travel annually, This means that tapping into the generating markets in Europe tourists to Sri Lanka is its legal dependent economy. while residents of Germany, the LGBTIQ tourist market segment and America have even granted landscape. Owing to Sri Lanka’s Sources: The Covid-19 challenge aside, UK, and Canada spent $ 13.8 could give Sri Lanka’s tourism the LGBTIQ persons the freedom to colonial legacy, the country still https://www.sltda.gov.lk/statistics the Sri Lankan tourism sector has billion, $ 11.7, and $ 7.1 billion, boost it needs. marry. These countries expect their criminalises same-sex sexual https://www.sltda.gov.lk/storage/common_ had some longstanding issues, respectively. Meanwhile, the same Apart from the potential to LGBTIQ citizens to be offered relations among consenting adults. media/Tourism%20Growth%20Trends%20 among which the safety of travellers report shows that Sri Lanka’s earn more foreign exchange and the same rights, protections, and Sections 365 and 365A of the 1971%20_%202019736772868.pdf is a main concern. Despite being closest neighbour India’s LGBTIQ uplift the economy, offering a safe hospitality when travelling abroad. Sri Lanka Penal Code states that https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/ a popular tourist destination, the community spent $ 4.7 billion and welcoming space for LGBTIQ Entities such as the European carnal intercourse against the book/10.18111/9789284418619 country has not had the best record annually on travel. Being diverse travellers has also become an Union (EU) even pressure countries order of nature and acts of gross https://hub.wtm.com/lgbt-travel-market- when it comes to ensuring the and inclusive and branding itself as issue in international diplomacy. like Sri Lanka which have anti- indecency are criminal offences annual-spend-now-exceeds-usd218-billion/ protection of tourists. There have a LGBTIQ-friendly destination will Consensual same-sex relationships LGBTIQ laws and practices to punishable by law. the morning 12 Wednesday, January 13, 2021 SPORTS Virat and Anushka have a baby girl z Kohli baby rocks media Out-of-the-playfield news, gossip, and snippets take centre-stage in this age, the age of the astonishing rise of social media. The Indian cricket captain getting his first child would not have been much of a news item until someone like Kapil Dev captained India.

One thing is that the off-the-field life of a player has in fact many things to do with their on-field performances. They are NOT essentially “unimportant”. At the same time, the man – particularly the woman – has been prone to be swayed by gossip, or so-called “unimportant” personal matters. Those “unimportant” matters have superseded importance, though, in the public eye nowadays. The way this region’s media was rocked yesterday (12) by the news of current Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli and his actress wife Anushka Sharma having their first child, a baby girl, is one good example of the above fact. Kohli’s web post Here is how the Hindustan Times reacted to it yesterday: The first picture of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s daughter was shared online by the cricketer’s brother, Anushka to begin shooting in May Vikas Kohli. Anushka, whose last release as an actor was Aanand L “Virat’s brother, Vikas Kohli, took to Instagram to welcome Rai’s Zero in 2018, will resume shooting for projects from the new member of the family and shared a picture of May. Since Zero, she has been busy with her production her tiny feet wrapped up in a cozy blanket. “Happiness ventures, which include Netflix film Bulbbul and Amazon overboard... angel in the house,” he wrote in his caption. Prime Video series Paatal Lok. Congratulatory messages poured in from fans. The Business Today wrote: “Indian cricket team Captain “Congratulations. Lots of blessings and love for family. All Virat Kohli and Actress Anushka Sharma announced on the best for this new chapter in your life. KING, QUEEN Monday (11) that they have been blessed with a baby girl. and PRINCESS,” one wrote. “So happy, can’t wait to see Kohli announced the good news on Twitter. her pics,” another wrote. “Anushka gave birth to the baby girl at Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital. The couple had reached the hospital earlier Nursery will be gender-neutral with an in the day for the delivery.” animal theme In August last year, Virat and Anushka shared the news “We are thrilled to share of her pregnancy, with a picture of them in which she was with you…” seen flaunting her baby bump. “And then, we were three! Kohli wrote on Twitter: “We are thrilled to share with Arriving Jan 2021,” the photo was captioned. you that we’ve been blessed with a baby girl this afternoon. Earlier, in an interview with Vogue, Anushka revealed We thank you all for your love, prayers, and good wishes. that the baby’s nursery is gender-neutral with an animal Anushka and the baby are both healthy and we are feeling theme. “I don’t believe that boys have to wear blue and beyond blessed to start this new chapter of our lives. We girls pink. The nursery has all colours,” she said, adding: hope that you can respect our privacy at this time. Love, “Both Virat and I love animals and we want our baby to Virat.” have that bond too. They are a big part of our lives, and we Anushka and Virat had recently returned from Australia really believe they can teach kindness and compassion to where he participated in the ongoing India-Australia cricket children.” series.

The first photo of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s baby girl took the internet and social media by storm yesterday (12)

SPORTS WATCH Tokyo Olympics in doubt by Dinith Pathi coaches have been cancelled by Avermaet said: “If the riders have to the Japanese Government. This is choose between the Tour (de France) The biggest sports casualty of the especially true for the athletes and the and the Games, you will not have the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 was coaches travelling from the countries strongest field in Tokyo. A solution probably the 32nd Summer Olympic where the new strain has been found has to be found. The commercial Games which were due to be held to be prevalent. value of the Tour is very great. The in Tokyo. The Olympics were Olympic Games are not raced in a British four-time Olympic Gold medallist postponed for the first time last year Quarantine requirements team jersey, but it is still the team Sir Matthew Pinsent has suggested the (for any other reason than a World and problems that pays us.” total cancellation of Tokyo 2020 War) because of the pandemic. It was The Tokyo Olympics organisers And even among some of the world and has suggested Tokyo rescheduled for the summer of this still insist the Games will take place other sportspersons, this topic has replace Paris as the host city in 2024 year under the same banner, “Tokyo as planned in the summer in front now become one of paramount instead. Although that might on 2020”. Belgian rider Greg van Avermaet, the Rio Olympics 2016 road race champion, raised of spectators, including overseas importance. With growing anxiety the surface seem a common sense But now with the pandemic concerns over Tour de France running close to the Olympics this year visitors. But news has emerged from athletes about the already suggestion, it might bring with it reaching new levels of infection spectators, sportspersons, as well that a state of emergency might be that athletes may face a 14-day rescheduled Games, gymnast Becky another multitude of problems. and a new strain of virus, which as the thousands of people who are needed to tackle the spread of the quarantine period when they arrive in Downie of Great Britain asked: is supposed to be more infectious working at those Games as well. disease with less than 200 days to go the country in July, something which “When are we going to tell the Another sad casualty of than the earlier one in 2020, the In fact, hosting the Olympics is for the start of the Olympics. the International Olympic Committee athletes to stop?” the pandemic! rescheduled Olympics are also considered a great honour for a city, (IOC) had previously ruled out. Dick Pound, the IOC’s longest starting to be in doubt as well. This apart from all the business aspects Travel bans re-imposed But that in itself is going to bring Tokyo replacing Paris serving member, has admitted he undoubtedly would be a tragedy for involved in organising an event of With the new spike in infections, its own problems. This is especially 2024? “can’t be certain” the Games will all sports. such magnitude. Japan has already banned any non- true for the sport of cycling. The Tour Some great Olympians of the go ahead, in remarks displaying a As such, Tokyo was supposed to resident foreigners from entering de France, the biggest event in the past have also started to weigh in crack in the confidence displayed by Situation worsening host it this summer too. But with the country. This has been taken as cycling calendar year, is finishing with their own opinions on this organisers. The Canadian has also in Tokyo the pandemic creating havoc in all a measure to control the spread of just six days before the Olympics. matter. Sir Matthew Pinsent, British said that athletes should be given The Olympics is the biggest aspects of life, including travel as the virus since the new strain that Therefore, elite cyclists might very four-time Olympic Gold medallist, priority access to Covid-19 vaccines, sporting occasion of all competitions well as public gatherings of any sort, has emerged from the UK as well as well have to choose between one of has become the most high-profile something which has already been in the world. It’s the pinnacle of and with Tokyo now facing another South Africa has been found to be far the two events. This would not be a Olympic figure to call for this ruled out by his home country. achievement for sportspersons from outbreak of the coronavirus and the more virulent and infectious than the satisfactory situation at all. summer’s Tokyo Games to be With all these goings-on, it is not almost all sports to just participate cases spiking sharply, the Games earlier strain. cancelled. far from certain that the Olympic in it, let alone winning a medal have been brought into question once This means that all the exemptions Athletes in doubt He said it would be “ludicrous” Games 2020 in Tokyo, Japan will at the Olympics. It has its own again. Both local and government regarding the travel that was granted Rio Olympics 2016 road race to host an event with thousands of become another sad victim of the mystique and allurement for the officials in Japan have now warned for the elite athletes as well as the champion Belgian rider Greg van people gathering from all over the coronavirus pandemic. Kane makes Kiwis’ history How to watch England Kane Williamson, who recently hit vs. Sri Lanka? 238 in Christchurch against Pakistan, The following channels will consolidated his position at the top of the broadcast the two cricket Tests International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings between England and Sri Lanka for Test batsmen by reaching 919 rating starting on Thursday (14): Sky points, the highest ever by a New Zealand Sports in the UK, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation’s player. Steven Smith replaced Virat Kohli in Channel Eye and Ten Cricket in Sri Lanka, Sony Ten the second position following the Sydney 2 in India, Willow in the US, Super Sports in South Test, where he was the Player of the Africa, and Sub Saharan in Africa; Radio – BBC in UK Match. Richard Hadlee is the only other and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Sri Lanka; New Zealand cricketer to have crossed the Internet – Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) YouTube Channel; 900-point mark (909 in December 1985). Mobile Streaming – Dialog.

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

The Galle ground was electrified with spectators from both countries when England last played at the iconic venue

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Playing Test cricket in England – Sri Galle without fans is like It’s a great shame to a wedding without the Lanka in Tests bridegroom! But that will yy Overall (1982-2018) – played be the case when England 34 / won 15 / lost 8 / drawn 11 meet Sri Lanka tomorrow yy In Sri Lanka (1982-2018) – (14) at the most iconic and have to play without played 16 / won 7 / lost 5 / picturesque venue in the drawn 4 island for their first Test. yy England last played a series in SL in Nov. 2018 “It’s going to be a real shame to have played without fans. It is yy They won the three-match really tricky to play like that. But fans: Chris Woakes series 3-0 then it’s a situation that we’ve been yy In Galle last time (2018) in, in the world right now,” said when the grounds, the vicinity, shame not to have fans in Galle,” England won by 211 runs Christopher Roger Woakes, the and the overlooking ramparts are he said. 33-year-old England all-rounder all packed with people – which is yy Sri Lanka last won against yesterday (12) joining in a virtual often the case when any home Test First Test in Sri Lanka England in SL in March 2012 media conference from the England series starts at this venue. “It’s a great place to play cricket. yy In Galle, Sri Lanka has won team’s hotel in Galle. But the 38-Test right-hander with I know the guys are excited about two out of five Tests, losing 1,321 runs and 112 wickets in the it. But it’s a shame to play without one and drawing the other two Getting used to it format said the England players not only our own fans but the locals With open stands, sunny and are getting used to the inevitable as well. It would have been really windy conditions, the very close situation – playing under closed a great atmosphere. I know that the Tests so far against Sri Lanka proximity to the Indian Ocean, and doors due to a surging pandemic. people here are really passionate – both of them at home in 2016 – the monumental Dutch Fortress, “We’re getting used to it, playing Chris Woakes attending the about their cricket,” the 2019 since his career began in August the Galle International Cricket without fans, and we’ve got to have virtual media conference World Cup winner for England 2013. He has never played Tests in Stadium provides one of the most to get used to it, against our will. yesterday (12) from Galle added. Sri Lanka and tomorrow’s match electrifying cricketing atmospheres But again, it is obviously a big Woakes has played only two could be his first in the country.

In Brief 12 January 2021 SL Tennis Nationals: SMITH WASN’T SCUFFING PANT’S GUARD-MARK Australian cricket Captain Tim Paine defended star Can Sharmal go for five? batsman Steve Smith, who was accused of scuffing up the guard-mark of India’s Rishabh Pant during the drawn third due to a personal commitment) Test in Sydney. He asserted that the Indian team would z Women’s and Neyara Weerawansa Third round: have “raked up the issue” if any wrong was committed. segment’s last are already out, and Anika yy Savith Weerasinghe beat Smith, a former Aus Captain, was seen as if he was erasing Seneviratne is tipped to Ruwan Fernando 6/2, 6/0 the batsman’s guard during the drinks break in the first eight picked repeat her 2018 title-winning session of the Test on Monday (11). Pant made a whirlwind performance. yy Sankha Atukorale beat 97 to give India a shot at winning the match in pursuit of Sharmal Dissanayake will (RSS) Rukmal Cooray 6/3, 4/6, 407, but it ended in a draw. 10/4 be all out to have a five- Men’s singles semi- “I have spoken to Steve about this, and I know he is really in-a-row of men’s singles Women’s singles disappointed with the way it has come across. And if you Steve Smith was accused of scuffing up the Nationals titles this time. final line-up, from watch Steve Smith play Test cricket, that is something that guard-mark of Rishabh Pant during the drawn Will his Sri Lanka Davis Cup today (13): third round: third Test in Sydney he does every single game five or six times a day,” Paine teammates Yasitha de Silva yy Yasitha de Silva vs. yy Oneli Perera beat Neyara said in a virtual press conference. Vihari was also ruled out of the fourth and final Test with or Sankha Atukorale upset Chathurya Nilaweera Weerawansa 4/6, 6/3, 10/5 INDIA HIT BY INJURY BUG a hamstring tear that could keep him out of action for his plans? Or could the young The injury-ravaged Indian team was dealt another blow, as a considerable time. The replacements can come from Chathurya Nilaweera create yy Sharmal Dissanayake vs. yy Nishka Vivekanandan beat Oneli Perera in action yesterday (12) their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Shardul Thakur, Thangarasu Natarajan, Wriddhiman Saha, an upset or two this time? winner of the quarter-final Alana Seneviratne 6/4, 4/6, fourth Test against Australia due to an abdominal strain. Rishabh Pant, and Mayank Agarwal. The fourth day of the 2020 between Sankha Atukorale 10/7 Bumrah sustained the strain during the drawn third Test PAINE APOLOGISES FOR UGLY SPAT Sri Lanka Tennis Nationals vs. Savith Weerasinghe in Sydney. Aus Captain Tim Paine has apologised for his behaviour were continued at the Sri Quarter-finals on Quarter-final line-up: It has been learnt that Bumrah’s scan reports showed on the final day’s play of the Sydney Test. Paine was seen Lanka Tennis Nationals Tuesday (12): yy Anika Seneviratne vs. the strain and the Indian team management does not and heard trying to sledge Ravichandran Ashwin, who (SLTA) hard courts in Tuvini de Alwis want him to aggravate the injury, keeping in mind the was involved in a solid, match-saving partnership with Colombo yesterday (12), yy Sharmal Dissanayake beat upcoming four-Test series against England. Hanuma Vihari on Monday (11). with three of the men’s Kavisha Ratnayake 6/2, 6/3 yy Savini Jayasuriya vs. Oneli India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also in the growing On one of the occasions, the Australia skipper even singles semi-finalists and all Perera yy Yasitha de Silva beat list of injuries for the visiting team after being ruled out claimed “at least my teammates like me, d**k****” during eight quarter-finalists of the yy of the fourth Test starting on Friday (15) in Brisbane, the spat and mocked Ashwin, asking: “How many IPL women’s singles declared. Dilvan Herath 6/2, 6/1 Hasali Gajaba vs. Vonara de Alwis with a dislocated thumb due to a bouncer from Australia (Indian Premier League) teams wanted you, when you Meanwhile in women’s, yy Chathurya Nilaweera beat paceman Mitchell Starc during the Sydney Test. Hanuma asked every single one of them to have you?” favourites Rukshika Wijesuriya Vibuda Wijebandara 7/6 yy Janali Manamperi vs. Chathurya Nilaweera (quit the tournament midway (7/4), 7/6 (7/3) Nishka Vivekanandan PHOTO ISHAN WANNIARACHCHI