highlights monday 30 november 2020 Nation Latest Edition State and Vol: 10/009 Price : Rs 30.00 Sovereignty In Sports Sri Lanka fielding page A6 woes highlighted Prabakaran vs Wijeweera in LPL The COVID-19 Pandemic kept cricketers indoors for months with their daily training schedules cut off, and most of them looked rusty during on the field in the Lanka Premier League. A16 page A9 PHI shortage a Tense situation at Mahara Prison serious problem Only 2,700 PHIs Seven COVID-19 Four Killed in in the country deaths reported Isolation order lifted in areas of Colombo, Gampaha Attempted Jailbreak By Dilanthi Jayamanne, Thameenah Razeek and Shiran Ranasinghe

The number of COVID-19 infected persons in the 24 injured and STF and Police Fire breaks out, six fire Colombo Municipal area is increasing on a daily basis but the number of Public Health Inspectors hospitalised deployed brigade trucks douse flames (PHIs) deployed by the Council is inadequate, Deputy President of the PHIs Association H.A.V.C. By Thameenah Razeek Mahara Prison, tested COVID-19 Kulatillaka said adding that work related to positive yesterday (29), increasing identifying infected persons was slowing down. Four prisoners were killed and the total number of COVID-19 Although the Government Medical Officers’... 24 others were injured, when cases reported in the prisons to Prison officers opened fire on some 1,091. Story Continued on page 2 inmates who attempted to escape Among the 183, were seven from the Mahara Prison yesterday prison officials and 176 inmates, (29) evening. Commissioner of Prisons Former Govt’s Counter Terrorism Act As a result, a tense situation (Administration), Chandana erupted at the Prison and the Ekanayake, said. Special Task Force and additional He also said that among the Draft did not Police teams were called in to beef total number of COVID-19 up security. infected persons, identified within include experts’ Police Spokesman DIG Ajith the prison system, eight were Rohana confirmed that the female prison officials, 50 male inmates had tried to escape from Divisions were sent to Mahara Committee headed by Secretary to prison officials, 156 female proposals the Prison. The injured prisoners Prison, to control the situation. the Ministry of Prison Reforms to inmates and 877 male inmates. were admitted to hospital. Meanwhile, a team from the probe the unrest. He further added that so far, – Ajith Rohana In addition, four Police teams, Special Task Force was deployed A fire broke out in the Prison more than 10,000 PCR tests have By Buddhika headed by a Senior to beef up security at the outer yesterday. Six fire brigade trucks been conducted within the Samaraweera Superintendent of Police, attached perimeter of the prison. were deployed to douse the fire, country’s prison system to to Kelaniya and the Officer-in Meanwhile, Minister sources said, identify COVID-19 infected Police Media Spokesman, DIG Charge of the Ragama Police Fernandopulle appointed a A total of 183 individuals, at the persons. Ajith Rohana said many of the proposals made by the expert committee to the Counter Terrorism Act,mooted during the previous Yahapalana Minor drug offences Government, were not included Cops get suspect Train, bus in the draft. Giving evidence before the Suspects to be tracking App Presidential Commission of services to Inquiry into the bombings on Easter Sunday, on 27 enlarged on bail By Sapumal Jayasena November, he added that even issues related to extremism were proposed but not included in the By W.K. Prasad Manju An application to trace suspects within resume today draft. seconds will be installed on mobile phones Suspects remanded for possessing less of Police Officers, Minister of Public Security, By Buddhika Samaraweera and Story Continued on page 2 than two grams of heroin will be treated as Rear Admiral (Retd) Dr. Sarath Shiran Ranasinghe drug addicts and enlarged on bail, to Weerasekara, told Ceylon Today. Dr. reduce congestion in prisons, State Weerasekara said the application will General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Easter Attacks PCoI Minister of Prison Reforms, Dr. compare fingerprints of suspects with a Station Masters' Union, Kasun Chamara, Sudarshani Fernandopulle, told Ceylon database in Colombo and identify criminals said the Railway Department had taken Today. instantly. Police Officers can obtain their steps to resume services, which were Dr. Fernandopulle said the decision was criminal record. limited during the weekend, from today Sirisena’s PSO taken at a discussion with Justice He further said civil defence committees (30). Minister Ali Sabry, IGP C.D. will be set up at village level, to obtain He said train services on the main line, Wickramaratne, and senior officials of the information regarding drug trafficking and Chilaw, Northern, coastal and Kelani testifies Attorney General’s Department. underworld activities. Valley railway lines were limited on Saturday and Sunday. However, from By Buddhika Samaraweera Story Continued on today, all office and passenger trains will page 2 run as usual. SI Priyantha Pushpakumara, who was former Chamara further said trains will not President Maithripala Sirisena's Personal Security A mother has a right Sumanthiran cannot stop at stations located in isolated areas Officer (PSO) during the former’s private Singapore Meanwhile, Chairman of the Sri Lanka visit on 16 April 2019, testified before the to commemorate her commemorate LTTE Transport Board (SLTB), Attorney-at-Law Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Easter leaders – Weerasekara Kingsley Ranawaka, told Ceylon Today Sunday Bombings. dead son – Sumanthiran that more SLTB buses will operate from Pushpakumara is still serving as the PSO of Minister of Public Security, today (30). Sirisena and testified before the Commission on 27 Member of Parliament M.A. Sarath Weerasekara, said TNA MP M.A. Ranawaka said private bus associations November. Sumanthiran said every mother has a Sumanthiran has no right to commemorate have also agreed to operate more buses. However, the Commission observed that there were right to commemorate the death of a son. LTTE leaders. some discrepancies between the evidence given by He was responding to Minister of Public Sumanthiran participated in a Story Continued on page 2 the former President and the evidence given by... Security Sarath Weerasekara in commemoration of an LTTE leader who died Parliament. in 1979. This person was a childhood friend Story Continued on page 2 “I appeared on behalf of an 83-year-old of Velupillai Prabhakaran, Weerasekara told woman called Sinnathurai Maheshwari at Parliament. “How can MP Sumanthiran be UK appoints Jaffna High Court for her son Pandithan in Parliament after commemorating the who died in 1985. death of an LTTE leader; he has taken an Vaccine Minister “This mother commemorates the death oath to safeguard a unitary State?,” he of her son in November each year. queried. British Prime Minister Boris Story Continued on Johnson has Story Continued on page 2 page 2 named Nadhim Zahawi, currently a junior business Minister, as the Doval meets President Minister responsible for By Paneetha COVID-19 vaccine NSA Meet held after six years Ameresekere deployment, in a sign that the By Paneetha Ameresekere National Security Adviser Government is of India,Ajit Doval who readying a mass Nadhim Zahawi The 4th National Security Adviser (NSA) level arrived in the island on vaccination (parliament.uk) Trilateral Meeting on Maritime Security Friday (27) evening called on programme. Cooperation hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo took President Gotabaya Zahawi will report to Health Minister place on Saturday (28 November 2020) after a six- Rajapaksa at the Presidential Matt Hancock in his new role, with his year lapse, the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) said Secretariat on Saturday primary focus on vaccine deployment yesterday (Sunday). evening, the Presidential although he will keep some of his The three countries which physically participated Media Unit said yesterday. business responsibilities. at this event were India, Sri Lanka and the Rajapaksa and Doval A statement from the Prime Minister's Maldives. India was represented at this event by engaged in a fruitful office on Saturday (28) added that the Ajit Doval (NSA), Maldives by its Defence Minister discussion aimed at further Indo-Lanka security Indian Ocean region and new arrangement was temporary and Mariya Didi, and Sri Lanka by Defence Secretary strengthening bilateral cooperation, maintaining infrastructure development would last until at least next summer. Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne. relations. peace and security in the in Sri Lanka were among... (Reuters)

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 Monday 30 November 2020 news

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Suspects to... Sirisena’s... Police have been instructed to two grams of drugs. Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. take action. Suspects caught with two They will not be granted bail, and ... Pushpakumara regarding the visit you state to the Police Unit that Sirisena Magistrate's Courts are vested grams of heroin in their the law will be enforced, the to Singapore. was in hospital from morning until night with powers to impose fines, grant possession are charged with drug Minister said. The Minister The Commission also observed that on 20 April 2019? bail, and rehabilitate suspects trafficking under Section 54 of further stated over 7,000 drug there were a number of discrepancies Witness: I don't remember exactly. I remanded for possessing less than the Poisons, Opium and offenders are behind bars. between Pushpakumara's statement to may have said so since he went to the the Police Unit of the Commission and hospital often during those days. the statements made by him while Chairman: Is it correct to say that testifying before the Commission. Sirisena arrived at the hotel at around When an Additional Solicitor General 9:00 a.m. from Mount Elizabeth (ASG) asked who accompanied Sirisena Hospital in Singapore, where he was Sumanthiran... A mother... on his private visit on 16 April2019, the treated on 21 April 2019? “As MP witness said the then Chief Security Witness: It can't be. He was in the Sumanthiran says, a Yes Pandithan was an LTTE leader. Every mother has Officer of the President, Roy hospital from morning till afternoon. mother can a right to commemorate her dead son,” MP Sumanawardena, a doctor and the First Chairman: In your statement to the commemorate the Sumanthiran said. Lady accompanied him. Police Unit on 15 August 2020, you have death of a son at any Sirisena was scheduled to return to said he arrived at the hotel from the time, but anMP Sri Lanka on the evening of 21 April, Hospital at around 9:00 a.m. Singapore cannot participate in the witness said in response to a time on 21 April and rested. From your commemorating the question raised by a member of the statement and your testimony deathof an LTTE Commission. today,what is true? leader,” he said. Doval... When asked if Sirisena's children Witness: There is a problem, it was ... the major topics discussed. accompanied him, Pushpakumara said when searching for details of this Both sides agreed that infrastructure development Sirisena’s son had joined them in incident only that I came to know the projects initiated with the assistance of India should be Singapore and that his (Sirisena's) two times. My testimony today is correct. I completed expeditiously. daughters also accompanied him. must have missed it when the statement Doval expressed India’s willingness to identify and invest However, the Chairman of the was being recorded. in new fields that can contribute to the economic growth in Commission inquired as to why the Meanwhile, the ASG pointed out to the Train, bus... Sri Lanka.Both the President and the Indian Security statement given by the witness to the witness that then Defence Secretary He added if things are to return to normal, Adviser stressed the need to further consolidate mutually Police Unit did not mention that Hemasiri Fernando had made two more buses have to be in service, and steps have beneficial bilateral cooperation which is already at a Sirisena’s children accompanied him on telephone calls to Pushpakumara's been taken to increase the number of buses. satisfactory level. that visit. In response, the witness said mobile phone on 20 April 2019 at 1:23 he had no recollection of it at the time of and 1:46 p.m. When asked what was recording the statement. spoken during those phone calls, the Meanwhile, when asked by the ASG witness said he did not remember whether the notebooks used by Police exactly. Officers on duty were taken on foreign Chairman: From 18 to 21 April 2019, PHI shortage... tours, the witness said they were you have made 7 calls from your mobile sometimes taken. phone to Sri Lanka and you have ... Association (GMOA) is pointing Wanathamulla Grama Niladari the Peliyagoda Fish Market and were Explaining the tour, Pushpakumara received 43 calls from Sri Lanka. Were fingers at the PHIs, as COVID-19 Divisions. under quarantine, some whose tests said they left Sri Lanka at around 8:00 those calls related to Sirisena? infected persons are being found Gampaha District: Wattala, were positive however manage toflee a.m. on 16 April 2019 and went to the Witness: He does not use a mobile from all parts of the country, PHIs’ Peliyagoda, and Kelaniya Police the place of residence and go into Tirupati Kovil in India, after which they phone. When someone needs to contact duties have also increased, areas hiding, putting the health of others left for Singapore to seek medical him, they would normally contact him Kulatillaka said. Meanwhile, Randiya Uyana in jeopardy, he said. treatment for the former President. through my mobile phone. Most of these He also said there were only 2,700 housing scheme and South of Once a patient is diagnosed with Chairman: Has the former President calls may have exchanged for my official PHIs in the country and they have Ferguson Road area in the COVID-19, PHIs and health officers gone to Singapore for medical treatment duties. Some of them may be related to been working without a break, non- Mattakuliya Police division and have to finalise treatment centres before this tour? his family members. stop for two months and were Laksanda Sevana housing scheme, and get an ambulance to transport Witness: I am not aware of it. ASG: Are you saying they don't use showing signs of fatigue. Salamulla and Wijayapura Grama them which is time consuming. It is Chairman: Where did you all stay in mobile phones either? Kulatillaka further said there were Niladari Divisions in the during this time that some patients Singapore? Witness: They use mobile phones. only about 80 PHIs working in Wellampitiya Police division were flee and go into hiding, he said. Witness: It was a hotel called Carlton. When they don't answer, those who call connection with COVID-19 infected also declared isolated areas from Balasooriya said themajority, Chairman: Where did the former them, call my mobile number. persons and their close contacts in 5.00 a.m. today. especially those living in flats had President go for treatment? ASG: Did the then Director of the the Colombo Municipal area. PHIs appealed to the public to even concealed information Witness: He went to Mount Elizabeth State Intelligence Service (SIS) Senior Meanwhile, the isolation order on assist them in carrying out regarding their families which had Hospital. DIG Nilantha Jayawardena call you on several areas in the Colombo and prevention and control work in the been one of the main reasons for the The witness also said Sirisena had those days to contact the President? Gampaha Districts was lifted by Colombo District- mainly in the large number of COVID-19 deaths gone to the hospital for medical Witness: I do not remember 100 5.00 a.m. today as announced by Colombo Municipal area which has being reported from the CMC area. treatment within a few days of his stay percent if he called me. It's hard for me Army Commander Lieutenant a high population density. According to informed Ministry in Singapore. I can't remember the exact to say exactly if he did. General Shavendra Silva. He also Secretary of the Public Health sources, only 20% of the deaths that number of times. But on several ASG: Did you come to know that there said isolation orders would be lifted Inspectors Union of Sri Lanka have occurred in the second wave of occasions he went to the hospital, he were some explosions in Sri Lanka while in the Pettah, Foreshore, and (PHIUSL), M. Balasooriya said PHIs COVID-19,were disease-related and added. you all were in Singapore? Mattakkuliya Police areas in the were facing a dilemma in getting most of them were those who died Meanwhile, the witness said since the Witness: Yes. I saw it on the mobile Colombo District while the Negombo treatment for people diagnosed with from non-communicable diseases former President does not use a mobile phone of an embassy official who was and Ragama Police areas in the COVID-19 in these high risk areas, and were over 70 years. phone, the phone calls he (Sirisena) with us. I informed Sirisena. After that, Gampaha District will no longer be as they flee from their areas of Meanwhile, two persons tested receives are usually connected to his he called the Secretary to the President, under isolation. residence the moment they are positive to COVID-19 at quarantine (Pushpakumara's) or other PSO's mobile Udaya R. Seneviratne, the Prime However, the following areas in diagnosed with the virus posing a centres in Vavuniya on Saturday (28). phone by the Presidential Secretariat or Minister, the Inspector General of Police Colombo and Gampaha Districts grave threat to others Of 296 PCR samples that were tested Sirisena's then official residence on and several others. will remain under isolation until Balasooriya lamented yesterday at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital, two Paget Road. Meanwhile, at the commencement of further notice: (29) that there had been several persons - one from the Pampaimadu When asked by a member of the the hearing, the Chairman of the Colombo District: Modara, such cases from near the Port and and one from Periyakadu quarantine Commission if he had been instructed Commission announced that Bloemendhal, Kotahena, the Bloemendhal, Modara and centres tested positive. by Sirisena not to connect telephone Pushpakumara was present in the Grandpass, Aduruppu Street, Dam Maradana areas where there were Director General of Health calls during his stay in Singapore, the Commission Hall when former President Street, Keselwatta, Maligawatta, several tenement gardens and Services confirmed that seven witness said he had not received such Sirisena testified before the Dematagoda, and Maradana Police government flats. Many of them COVID-19 related deaths occurred instructions. Commission. areas and Wekanda, and were working in the port area or at yesterday. Also, recalling the former President’s The Chairman also announced that evidence before the Commission that he Pushpakumara had given a statement to had gone to the hospital in the morning the Police Unit of the Commission at during his stay in Singapore and that time and had been removed from returned to the hotel where he had the Commission Hall after it was found stayed in the afternoon; the Chairman of that he was listening to the testimony of Draft did... the Commission asked if that was the former President. correct. In response, the witness said it However, Pushpakumara said he had Rohana also was correct. come to the Commission Hallon the day said the Counter Chairman: If that is correct, why did Sirisena testified, since he was his PSO. Terrorism Act was proposed during the previous Government due to problems in NSA Meet... arresting certain persons involved Additionally, Mauritius and also decided to hold Deputy NSA level in terrorist Seychelles were represented at this working group meetings biannually for activities and due Summit virtually, at senior officials' cooperation at operational level. to several level. Sri Lanka, India and Maldives weaknesses in Recognising the significance of the launched the Trilateral NSA level the Public forum for promoting meaningful Meeting on Maritime Security Security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region Cooperation in 2011 and three Ordinance of on common issues pertaining to meetings had been held prior to 1945 and the maritime security, the three countries Saturday’s meet. The last meeting Prevention of took stock of the current maritime prior to Saturday’s was held in March Terrorism Act of security environment in the region and 2014 in New Delhi. The past 1979. discussed cooperation in the areas of deliberations and outcomes have “On 21 April 2016, the then Prime Minister Maritime Domain Awareness, helped the three countries in appointed a committee headed by the then Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster improving close coordination in Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake to Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity maritime security of the region. These draft the Counter Terrorism Act, which I also Building, Maritime Security and were supplemented by Deputy NSA attended on behalf of the Inspector General of Threats, Marine Pollution, and level meetings for sustained Police,” he said. Maritime Underwater Heritage. engagements and implementation of Testifying further, he said the relevant draft They agreed to further strengthen the discussions at the NSA level was issued through a gazette notification on 17 cooperation in dealing with these meetings. September 2018, focusing on a number of challenges, to ensure peace and Among the others present at this issues such as terrorist activities in the world security in the region for common occasion were Minister of Foreign as well as terrorism propaganda on the benefit. Affairs, Dinesh Gunawardena (Chief internet. The three countries also exchanged Guest), High Commissioner of India "However, this draft did not include what we views on common security threats and GopalBaglay, High Commissioner for proposed. It included things we did not agreed to broadbase cooperation by the Maldives, Omar Abdul Razzak, propose,” he said. expanding the scope to improve Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral Additional Solicitor General: Looking at intelligence sharing and include issues (Retd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage, these religious extremist activities today, did like terrorism, radicalisation, Army Commander Lieutenant General you come up with a definition of extremism at extremism, drugs, arms and human Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander the time of drafting that Bill? trafficking, money laundering, cyber Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Witness: When this draft was presented, the security and effects of climate change Air Force CommanderAir Marshal Easter Sunday attack had not taken place but on maritime environment. Sudarshana Pathirana, Inspector it focused on international issues. It was The Heads of Delegations agreed to General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne, argued that 'spying' was a crime. Although the meet regularly to share, discuss and and Director General Sri Lanka Coast facts were included in the proposals, they were ensure timely implementation of guard Rear Admiral Anura not included when the draft came out. decisions taken at the meeting. They Ekanayake. news monday 30 november 2020 A3 Terror suspects Issue detention orders through DIGs By Buddhika procedure is to obtain a bail is granted after more than the administration of criminal evidence. Meanwhile, Samaraweera detention order or to extend it a year, that power should be justice, isn't it? when asked whether – DIG Rohana after the suspect is produced given to the High Court. This Witness: It is definitely an it would be more Police Spokesman, Deputy before a Magistrate. But my proposal is based on the obstacle. Even if they do so to appropriate to conduct Terrorist Investigation Division. Inspector General of Police suggestion is that a DIG complexity of the terrorist benefit the parties, they do not investigations in areas where He further said it would be (DIG) Ajith Rohana suggested should be given the power to activities in the society today. think of the disadvantage it there are extremist groups more appropriate to conduct that the process of issuing extend detention orders in that Chairman: Politicians are would bring to the country. It through local Police stations or these investigations through a detention orders on suspects regard. said to influence Police Officers is an offense under the Penal through a location, Rohana said single location and to set up at arrested in connection with He added that the while granting bail. If it Code to prevent someone from the investigations are currently least one sub-division in each terrorist activities should be Magistrates had no protection happens; it is an obstacle to being convicted and to hide being conducted through the province. done through a DIG instead of in areas where the Court. terrorists or extremists Testifying before the were active. So they Presidential Commission of may be threatened or Inquiry into the Easter Sunday intimidated, but bombings on 28 November, he investigators will not be further said there was a need affected because they to bring in a separate bill for are always provided the activities of the intelligence with security and are services as well. mostly in camps, he As a member of the said. committee that contributed to “Magistrate can the drafting of the Counter monitor the suspect Terrorism Act during the about once a month previous Government, Rohana and the human rights was summoned before the organisations can Commission to clarify the monitor them too. current legal status with There are no obstacles regard to terrorist and to it. Therefore, it extremist activities. should be stated that Giving evidence, he said giving the power to suspects arrested in issue detention orders connection with terrorist to a DIG would activities should be kept in facilitate investigations. Police custody for at least six The files pertaining to months and interrogated. investigations are not Additional Solicitor always with the General: Suspects are trying to Magistrate, but they hide information because they are often with the are in touch with each other investigators, he during such detention, aren't added. they? Chairman: What is Witness: We have to look at your proposal whether infrastructure is made regarding granting bail after laws are made or the laws to these terror are made following suspects? infrastructure. It is only when Witness: Such a the law is made that other suspect should not be actions have to be taken in this granted bail for less regard. than one year from the Additional Solicitor date of arrest. If bail is General: What are the granted in such a short considerations regarding the period, it should be extension of detention orders done with the for suspects in connection with permission of the these terrorist activities? Attorney General. My Witness: The usual suggestion is that if A4 monday 30 november 2020 news

Obituary Tipper truck rams into Police Retired teacher Abeysuriya’s funeral today Retired teacher Chandra Teklani Abeysuriya passed raiding party, killing PC away yesterday (29). She has served in at Ambalantota Maha Driver Arrested Vidyalaya (Malpeththawa By Thameenah Razeek The Police seized the truck in the The raid was conducted by a five- signalled the truck to stop, the Maha Vidyalaya), Kuliyapitiya area, while the suspect member Police team, Following a driver had driven into the group of Morawaka Vidyalaya in A tipper truck driver had fled the was arrested in Nikaweratiya. tip off. Policemen, killing one. Deniyaya and scene after running over and killing It was also revealed that the Police Spokesman DIG Ajith The DIG said the Magisterial Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda, a Police Constable during a Police suspect had previous charges Rohana said yesterday that inquiry into the death will be held for a period of close upon 30 years. raid conducted on an illegal sand against him in connection with following a Supreme Court order, shortly, while the autopsy will be At the time of her demise, teacher Chandra mining operation in Kobaigane, illegal sand mining. Police said two the Police has appointed a five- conducted by the Judicial Medical Abeysuriya was 73 years of age. Nikaweratiya. teams will carry out further member Police team to conduct Officer of Nikaweratiya. The funeral of the late teacher is due to be The deceased was a 32-year-old investigations into the incident. operations against illegal sand Meanwhile, the funeral of the PC held today (30) at 4.00 p.m. at the PC and a father of two. He was The incident had taken place mining in the Deduru Oya area. will be held with full Police Kahatuduwa, Weniwelpola General attached to the Kobaigane Police. around midnight yesterday (29). He said when the Police team honours. Cemetery.

Another 291 Road development commences in 341 LG bodies The development of roads in 341 local government bodies commenced yesterday (29), to Sri Lankans mark the first full year of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's tenure. Minister of Highways, Johnston Fernando repatriated presided over the carpeting of the road from Theresa Mawatha, Ja-Ela, Kandana to Rilawulla, marking its inauguration. Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, State from Oman Minister for Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Oman has Nimal Lanza, and MP Nalin Fernando were also repatriated another group of 291 vulnerable present. Sri Lankan nationals from Muscat to Colombo This road development project was launched in by SriLankan Airlines flight UL 206 on 26 the local government areas as another step towards November 2020 in collaboration with the achieving the target of developing 100,000 km Foreign Ministry, Presidential Task Force on under the "Vision of Prosperity" National COVID-19 and SriLankan Airlines. Programme within the next four years. The group primarily included Sri Lankan Simultaneously, carpeting of Wahatiya Gama nationals with medical emergencies as well as Road, Kudahakapola South Temple Road, Ragama those who lost their jobs, safe house inmates Zoysa Housing Roundabout, Ragama Dambuwa and a large number of released prisoners. Road and Ja-Ela Idiwita Wewala Road near the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Sultanate of Dadugama Lanka Sabha School in the Ja-Ela Oman, Ameer Ajwad extended his gratitude to Pradeshiya Sabha area was commenced. The the prison authorities of the Sultanate of estimated cost is Rs 87.3 million. 5.3 km will be Oman for their assistance to facilitate the developed. return of 34 Sri Lankan prisoners who were Former Provincial Councillors Dilshan released from different jails in Oman. Gunawardena, Rajitha Hapuarachchi, Secretary to All 291 Sri Lankan nationals will be provided the Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Pemasiri, and with accommodation, food and other facilities Chairman of the Road Development Authority free of charge for 14 days at a Quarantine Chaminda Athaluwage were also present. Centre in Sri Lanka.

Showers and Akkaraipattu Police Div declared ‘Isolated area’ By M.A.P. Deen – Ampara remained open for the public to strict supervision of PHIs and the Meanwhile, the Mayor of thundershowers Correspondent attend to urgent medical needs Police. Akkaraipattu, Athaullah Ahamed until yesterday, were instructed to All schools in the Akkaraipattu Zakie and Medical Officer of Following the detection of 40 shut down. Meanwhile, cultivators Police area remained closed since Akkaraipattu Dr. Faroosa Nakfer expected – Met Dept COVID-19 positive cases, so far, who were permitted to continue Thursday. The fish market, jointly appealed to the public to the Akkaraipattu Police Division with their work in the fields too vegetable stalls in the vicinity and follow the guidelines of the Health By Naalir Jamaldeen has been declared an ‘Isolated were asked to stop work as they other shops on the Main Street too Department. “Do not come out of area’, until further notice, since 26 were misusing the concessions, were closed. No transport was your houses unneccassarily,” they The Meteorology Department, yesterday November. Meanwhile the results security personnel said. available and the bus stands were said. (29), warned of a low pressure zone forming of another 141 PCR tests are yet to Those confirmed as COVID-19 deserted. Public Health Meanwhile, the MOH Dr. within 24 hours in the South Eastern area be released. Security in the area positive were dispatched to Inspectors, on the advice of the Faroosa Nakfer told our of the Bay of Bengal. has been further strengthened to Palamunai and Padiyathalawa Medical Officers of Health of the correspondent that she intends to The Department further stated that it will prevent the spread of the disease. Quarantine Hospitals while family area, were patrolling the area conduct PCR tests on another have an impact on weather conditions in the Even pharmacies which members were quarantined under along with Police. 1,000 persons. country during the next two to three days, and added that it is monitoring this situation closely, to provide early warnings to the public. The Meteorology Department instructed Educating children fishermen and sailors to be vigilant, as heavy showers accompanied by heavy winds, lightning and thunder are expected. Society responsible Senior Meteorologist, Deshamanya Mohammed Saliheen, yesterday predicted that showers or thundershowers could – Nishantha de Silva occur in a few places in the next few days in By Thameenah Razeek consideration and procedures the Northern, North-Central, Central and will be formulated, thereby North-Western Provinces. It is the responsibility of the creating the environment to He went on to say fairly heavy showers of Government, parents, teachers educate children and ensure up to 50 millimetres can be expected in a and all members of society to adherence to health few places in these areas. ensure that children receive regulations. Saliheen also instructed the public to be the right education in a timely “The global pandemic is vigilant regarding lightning strikes and manner and steps are taken to likely to have a devastating strong winds and to refrain from using provide this assistance, said effect on the mental health of electronic items, particularly mobile State Minister of Women and children. Therefore, children phones. Child Development, Preschools are more likely to be subjected He said showers or thundershowers could and Primary Education, School to various forms of abuse and occur in a few places in the deep and Infrastructure and Education therefore society should take shallow seas from Kankesanturai extending Services, Piyal Nishantha de steps to free children from to Hambantota via Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Silva. this,” he said, adding that Batticaloa and Pottuvil. He was speaking at a Media everyone should work for the "Wind speed is expected to be from 20 to briefing held at the Ministry welfare of children. 30 kilometres per hour (kmph) from North- auditorium. The State Minister He further said parents, Eastern or alternative directions in certain further said the views of trade teachers, and politicians places in other sea areas surrounding Sri unionists involved in education should be committed, instead Lanka and there can be some turbulence,” as well as the views of the of expecting the Government Saliheen added. experts will be taken into alone to protect children.

Navy rescue trapped sea turtles Lankan Tamil appointed By Paneetha Ameresekere Anguilla Governor The Navy, patrolling off south of Mannar, detected and released By Paneetha eight sea turtles, having found Ameresekere them entangled in a fishing net on Saturday ( 28). Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, a Observing a bale of sea turtles Britisher of Sri Lankan Tamil trapped in a fishing net, south of origin, has been appointed Mannar sea area, the North- Governor of Anguilla in Central Naval Command released succession to Tim Foy (OBE), them. the UK Foreign Office said on The Navy is constantly Saturday (28). contributing to the conservation of Selvaratnam will take up her these endangered sea turtles and appointment in January 2021. the conservation of the biodiversity Anguilla is a British Colony in of the marine ecosystem, the Navy the West Indies. Selvaratnam is said. a lawyer by profession. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam focus Monday 30 November 2020 A5 Illegal immigrants apprehended off Pesalai

The Navy apprehended seven children and seized the dinghy in manning the Dingy persons, who attempted to go illegally which they were attempting to make The operation was conducted to India by sea, on Saturday (28). They the crossing. adhering to strict health and safety were apprehended in the sea area off The suspects were identified as Sri guidelines for the prevention of Pesalai in Mannar. Lankans from Mannar. Among them COVID-19. Meanwhile, the During a special operation in the were a male 29 years, two women aged apprehended individuals, along with seas off Pesalai, the North Central 29 and 38 and two smaller girls of the seized dinghy, were handed over to Naval Command had spotted the eight and nine years of age. Further, the Pesalai Police. Meanwhile, the Navy suspicious dinghy and apprehended the other two, who were residents of and Police are conducting further the seven persons, including two Pesalai, aged 32 and 37. They were investigation. A6 Monday 30 November 2020 column

Distortion of history Nation State and Sovereignty

By Sugeeswara Senadhira history where many Sinhala kings mark the event online. They were territorial integrity of the country, ruled the country as a single entity. arrested by the Police and those received an unprecedented mandate The rubble-rousing TNA Jaffna He gave his own interpretation of misguided will have to languish in from the people. The Election District MP Abraham Sumanthiran sovereignty and said, “You cannot remand prisons as they cannot afford manifesto of Gotabaya Rajapaksa now wants the Tamil people to seek hide behind the concept of sovereignty the high legal fees charged by clearly outlined that Sri Lanka would their own sovereignty as he believes and violate international law and Sumanthiran and other top-ranking continue to be a unitary state. The that only the majority in Sri Lanka claim that these are domestic matters. lawyers. mandate has been reconfirmed at last enjoys sovereignty. Participating in Fashioning the country’s foreign Tamil leaders must understand the August 5 Parliamentary Election in the budget debate last week, he said, policy you have now gone on reverse Tamil people refused to give them a much stronger terms by giving the “Sovereignty of a country is for all gear, you put the country at peril. It is mandate for a separate state with SLPP a 2/3rd Parliament. people. If the majority only enjoys our duty to call you to turn around. ‘Tamil sovereignty’. At the last General sovereignty, then you are leaving the Promoting accountability and Elections, the TNA called for a fresh Good sense prevails other people out. You are forcing them reconciliation is not a matter that mandate from Tamil people to work It’s hoped that the federal rhetoric to claim their own sovereignty. That violates sovereignty of any country,” for a North-East merged federal by the Tamil candidates was only for will be your own doing.” he said. solution in an undivided country. The the purpose of winning the The learned lawyer did not give any Sumanthiran finally came to the TNA, which had 16 seats in the last preferential vote war and good sense evidence to prove either the lack of main point he wanted to press, i.e., Parliament, lost 6 of them to other would now prevail. Their cooperation sovereignty for the minorities or the right to commemorate terrorist leader parties. There are 29 seats from is very important to finding solutions ‘exclusive sovereignty’ of the majority. Velupillai Prabhakaran’s birth northern and eastern provinces, to the issues faced by the people in Referring to Foreign Minister Dinesh anniversary on 26 November, which including Tamil-dominated and the north and east. Hence, Gunawardena’s correct history lesson the separatists have named Muslim-dominated areas in the two Sumanthiran, Wigneswaran and to educate errant opposition Members ‘Mahaveeru Day’. “This is the month Abraham Sumanthiran. The Tamils regions and TNA now holds only 10 of other hawks should give up their of Parliament that India was a federal of November and it is considered the refused to give him a mandate for a those 29 seats. separatist agenda and work with the nation because it had princely states time to remember the dead. That is separate state with ‘Tamil sovereignty’ The TNA contested under the Government for the benefit of the previously and at the time of why poppy flowers are sold all over banner Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi Tamil people. independence in 1947 all those states the world. In Sri Lanka, the people in (ITAK) and won 3 seats in Jaffna Terrorism expert Dr. Rohan had to be brought together, the north remember their family possible step to safeguard civilians in District while Eelam People’s Gunaratna said that research Sumanthiran attempted to distort members who died in the war. Not their operations. Sumanthiran and Democratic Party (EPDP) came in demonstrates that if there is history by asserting that Sri Lanka allowing people in the North to other so-called human rights second with two seats including one looseness (Government neglect) as too had different kingdoms. remember their dead kith and kin is champions have not made any seat from the National List. The Ahila opposed to tightness (Government Sumanthiran conveniently forgot the an undignified act by the state. comment on Australian soldiers Ilankai Tamil Congress (AITC) and vigilance), terrorist groups exploit the historical truth that many Sri Lankan Honouring the dead, remembering the killing prisoners in Afghanistan to Thamil Makkal Thesiya Kuttani gaps and loopholes and come back. kings – Dutugemunu, Vijayabahu and dead is in our culture a solemn affair. practise first-time killings to ‘blooding’ (TMTK) won one seat each and The groups and personalities that Parakramabahu to name a few – ruled Why are you so worried, why are you of new soldiers. Angajan Ramanathan of Sri Lanka glorify terrorism should be identified the entire Island Nation. so scared of the dead? Is it because Banning ‘Mahaveeru’ Freedom Party (SLFP) came first on and punished to deter future violence. Sumanthiran, with incorrect you put them to death in the most the list. The Batticaloa District elected Most terrorist groups abuse the historical interpretations, is following brutal manner violating all the commemorations 2 members from ITAK and one from freedom of expression to promote the former Supreme Court judge- international norms.” TMVP). Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Muslim their vicious ideology to radicalise the turned-politician C V Wigneswaran’s Sumanthiran did not say how those Tamil leaders Sumanthiran, Congress (SLMC) came in third and youth into a culture of hate and claim that the Tamils were the earliest international norms could be followed Wigneswaran and Sivajilingam also won one seat. SLPP received violence, he added.“If a democracy residents of Sri Lanka. to the letter when the soldiers in any continue to create communal 33,424 votes (11.22 per cent) and permits display of terrorist “When the Europeans arrived and country fight dreaded terrorists who disharmony by racist statements managed to secure a parliamentary paraphernalia and allows the conquered this island, was there one brutally killed civilians, women and without giving a second thought to the seat. Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana dissemination of propaganda, the state here? Was there one kingdom on children. The soldiers in India, Africa harmful effects and wrong influences Balawegaya (SJB) secured 51,330 next step will be protests and this island then? No. There were three or any other part of the world, while they make on Tamil youths. Such votes in the Mutur electorate in demonstrations breaking out into kingdoms on this island. All of them fighting ruthless terrorists could find vengeful statements by Tamil leaders Trincomalee District, recording the violence. Like the Islamic State and al fell for Western powers at different it was not possible to strictly adhere have resulted in youths resorting to first electorate win for the party in the Qaeda, LTTE glorified death. If times. It was only in 1833, to international conventions when the illegal activities. As the law 2020 General Election. commemoration and celebration of consequent to Colebrook-Cameron terrorist use suicide bombers, female enforcement agencies were vigilant to Sri Lanka has overwhelmingly voted death is permitted, it will lead to a report, for administrative terrorist posing as pregnant women to enforce the court order given by Tamil for the current unitary system and in culture of destruction,” Dr Gunaratna convenience, that it was made one kill soldiers and civilians in their judges in the North banning the last Presidential Election, said. Law makers must take this country,” Sumanthiran said, thus unconventional acts of terrorism. But ‘Mahaveeru’ commemorations, some Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who stands for warning seriously and take required wiping out completely the pages of Sri Lankan armed forces took every misguided Jaffna youths attempted to a sovereignty, independence and preemptive action.

Lateral thinking Go through life with a smile By R.S. Karunaratne not be pronounced among married have to face. They will bring new couples. This is because people insights and appreciation of life. We smile when we meet our friends. consider their spouses as their If you are a positive thinker, the However, we do not smile when we see trusted friends. More research is problems associated with old age may someone unknown to us. Anyway, continuing to examine the role of not appear as life-threatening. As there are different kinds of smiles. happiness during marriage and geriatric specialist Ligia Dominguez at Paul Ekman has identified 18 of friendship. the University of Palermo says most them. A miserable smile pastes over When you reach your old age, it is elderly people are gifted with an unhappy expression, like a grin- quite natural for you to have resilience. They are able to cope with and-bear-it comment on feeling disagreements with your partner. health problems either independently dismal. A cruel smile shows that the However, unlike young lovers, you are or with the help of family members. person relishes being angry and not ready to get rid of your husband Successful ageing may well be that mean. The supercilious smile was or wife. An old female friend optimistic older adults have the ability Charlie Chaplin’s hallmark which confessed, “I realise I am actually to cope with the curve balls of life. draws on a muscle most people happy and not just staying in the cannot move deliberately – a smile, as relationship because we have invested Attitude Ekman puts it, that “smiles at so much time and energy together.” Psychologists have given us some smiling.” People who are engaged in some tips to remain happy. Their first Can you go through life with a kind of work are generally happier advice is for you to adjust your smile? Yes, only if you are happy. It is than those who are idling. Some type attitude. This is a very simple strange but true that the longer you of work such as working as a formula. If you cannot control what is live, the more likely you will be able to freelance journalist or an insurance happening around you, you can become a happier person. Research agent can bring you a little income. control how you react. Always try to shows that happiness inhibits a Even if there is no income, work gives see the positive side of events. Then U-shaped curve in a person’s lifespan. you immense satisfaction. When you you do not have to complain of being We are happy during childhood as we are busy doing something you will not unhappy. get everything we desire. Even in old Everyone smiles in the same language feel the time passing. When you live with your spouse for age most of us are happy as we are several decades, familiarity can breed self-satisfied. In early childhood, financially. to your children and in-laws for Retirement contempt. It can lead to tension and however, happiness levels steadily financial and moral support. Some of All the young people will grow old unhappiness. If you change your decrease. In middle age our happiness Ups and downs them will be more than willing to help and retire from their respective attitude, you can treat your spouse as levels are on the rise again. By the time you reach 60s you may you to solve your problems. activities. Retirement is not a friend. Then you will be able to solve From our 20s up to 40s we work have encountered many ups and Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness something to be afraid of because it many problems. Focus on what you long hours to earn money, and put up downs in life. As a young man you Research Institute in Denmark says, will enhance happiness in most already have and do not worry about a house. During this time, most of us had high hopes but they never “Satisfaction with relationships is the adults. As De Neve says, “One is what you do not have. If you are get married and begin to raise materialised. On looking back, strongest predictor of happiness we related to being able to do more, confined to a wheelchair, be happy children. We educate our children however, you think life has not been have. It comes up in happiness data because the work-life balance shifts that you are not suffering from and are worried about their future. unkind to you. You are optimistic that all the time. Latest research shows more to life. There is more time for dementia. An optimistic person will We find it difficult to enjoy happiness some good may come out of a bad that married people who have lived leisure now. People also start always find something positive to amidst all such responsibilities. By situation. Elderly people know how to with their partners are happier than adopting their expectations which remain happy. Be grateful to your the time we retire, most of us have put life events in perspective and unmarried people who are likely to be may have been overly high when you children, friends and well-wishers for solved many pressing problems in life. become happy. You will soon reap the lonely. You need someone to share started out. You accept the outcome their support. Gratefulness is a Our children have completed their benefits of your positive attitude to your thoughts, pleasures and pains or of your life.” positive attitude. Always look for the education and are now gainfully life. even to have an occasion fight! The major obstacles to happiness in small pleasures of daily life. employed. Some of them have got Old people have a few trustworthy old age are illness and disability. Even When you retire, try to give back married and have their own children. friends. You discuss your problems Marriage young people are subject to them. what you have learned. Teach what You may be getting a monthly pension with them and find solutions. If you According to research, marriage With proper medical care you should you know to deserving children. Get or you may have saved some money have spent a normal life, you will have gives a long-term boost to happiness. be able to look after yourself. involved in charity work. Go through for a rainy day. Sometimes your a number of friends you can turn to in Although some degree of unhappiness Temporary or permanent loss of life with a smile until the curtain falls. children are in a position to help you times of distress. You can easily turn may creep into you in midlife, it may eyesight or hearing is a challenge you [email protected]

A8 monday 30 november 2020 editorial

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Avoiding ‘Car’nage Let’s switch gears from the usual discourses on economy, environment and politics, and focus our attention on something that impacts our lives just as highly as the aforementioned topics; traffic. UN International Day Vehicular transportation is one of Sri Lanka’s important “circulatory systems” transferring goods and services and most importantly connecting people. Accordingly, what is important to vehicular transport is not increased mobility by the way of of Solidarity with the improved roads and infrastructure but the safety of and safety by motorists. Road safety is recognised by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a precondition to strengthen the well-being, healthy lives and to create inclusive, sustainable, and Palestinian People resilient cities. The agenda further specifies that disabilities and injuries due to Road Traffic By Imthiaz Bakeer Markar Accidents (RTAs) influence other issues related to community well-being as these factors contribute to The 29th of November has been named as hindrance of human activity of preventable deaths. the International Day of Solidarity with the Therefore, RTAs are as a matter of fact a health Palestinian people by the United Nations. issue which has a major impact on society at large. In drawing attention to the struggle of the Sadly in Sri Lanka, little attention has been given Palestinian people we cannot but remember to pass various regulations related to RTAs based the firm stand that the United Nations took on the analysis of past data. According to a local against racism, against the evil of Apartheid academic study (Ceylon Today 23 November and supported the liberation struggle of the edition) based on RTA data from 2005 to 2019 people of South Africa. obtained from the Sri Lanka Police Department At the time his people were liberated, the (SLPD), the percentage increases of the mean celebrated leader of the liberation struggle number of fatal and grievous accidents during for South Africa Nelson Mandela made a 2014-2019, compared to 2009-2013 are 9.8 by per profound statement, which resonates cent and 79.2 per cent respectively. An increase has around the world to this day. been observed of fatal and grievous injuries from He said: “For many years the United RTAs during 2014-2019. The study also identified Nations stood firm against racism. Because that pedestrians and motorcyclists represented the of that a worldwide consensus was built highest rate of all deaths followed by passengers. against this unfair system. We know too well The SLPD has identified seven reasons for RTAs that our freedom is incomplete without the been unable to fulfil its promise to provide a that have been occupied. At that time the US including others, which is not well defined. However, freedom of the Palestinians.” just solution to the Palestinian question. abstained from voting. according to the data about 83 per cent of RTAs are The Palestinian conflict is a complex one President Bush also asked once “why do In addition, in 2001 when Israeli troops caused by overtaking, diversion, and speeding. These and it is a mistake for us to make judgments these people hate us so much?” clashed with Palestinians, attempts by the types of accidents are mainly due to many drivers in by viewing it on the surface with pre- Eisenhower United Nations to send in international Sri Lanka being reckless; signals are hardly used, conceived notions. Instead, I urge everyone observers to minimise violence under the even in highways when overtaking. Turn signals are to understand the underlying deep reasons It is also said that a US President who was so-called Michael Plan was opposed by Israel meant to inform other drivers and pedestrians that why the Palestinian conflict has not been there before Bush, Eisenhower, in a and the United States. you are intending to change the direction you are resolved after all these years. We have to discussion with his staff asked the same These actions of the US has damaged its currently moving in. Driving through moderate traffic, take a humane view of their issues, their question: “Why does the Arab world look at credentials as a neutral player in resolving you’ll lose count of the number of motorists who status and problems, and understand the us in such a wrong way?” issues in the Middle East and has ruined its seldom use turn signals. Sadly, this is also the modus realities. In short, we need to address these Actually the question arises not from the reputation as a champion of democracy and operandi of many tuk tuk drivers who make sudden issues in a correct and just manner. Governments but from the ordinary people global justice. banks to the pavement to pick up passengers. Driving The Palestinian struggle has gone on for of the Arab world. The people rightly accuse Under President Donald Trump the US in urban areas has become a relentless chore of seven long decades and we are disturbed to the United States of safeguarding corrupt Middle East policy has been very one-sided. constantly checking rear view mirrors, watching out note that currently moves are afoot so that and autocratic regimes in the Middle East However, under the new Democratic for motorcyclists and tuk tuks sneaking from a blind the Palestinians will lose their motherland preventing the dawn of democracy in the President it is hoped that the policy towards side and absent minded pedestrians wandering into forever. region. The actual actions of the United this region will be fairer and more traffic. The world has failed to implement the States in the Middle East are contrary to its progressive. If that does not happen then it The study also observed that brake lights are international consensus sought by the claim of being the ‘watchdog of democracy’ in will be a big blow against America’s boast of incredibly important, and that it is essential to United Nations to find a fair and just the region. being a country that is a proponent of peace check that they are working regularly. In Sri Lanka, solution to the Palestinian issue because the The initiatives made by Washington to and democracy across the world. particular buses, lorries and even cars often times Superpowers in the United Nations Security bring peace to the Palestinians from the I will conclude with this quote from former are not in working condition. But there are also Council have used their veto powers to stop Camp David Accords to the Oslo Accords President of the US Jimmy Carter. environmental factors that cause RTAs. The study important UN Resolutions aimed at have been rendered useless by Israel. “The bottom line is this: Peace will come to showed that fatal accidents on wet surfaces are actualising the broader view of the majority In January 1976 the United Nations, Israel and the Middle East only when the significantly higher compared to dry surfaces and of the countries around the world. It is with backed by a wide global consensus, passed a Israeli Government is willing to comply with that accidents are mostly likely in places where sadness that we observe that the UN has Resolution granting Palestine political international law, with the Roadmap for roads are not adequately lit. But then again, the been powerless to do the right thing for the sovereignty. This Resolution received the Peace, with official American policy, with the impact of external factors can be properly mitigated Palestinians. support of the Palestine Liberation wishes of a majority of its own citizens – and if motorists exercise caution. Surprisingly, RTAs At this time I remember the statement Organisation, the Arab countries, the honour its own previous commitments – by caused by drunk driving, which is driving above the made by President Barack Obama, who lit European Bloc and the Soviet Bloc. However accepting its legal borders. All Arab legal alcohol consumption limit, was less than that up the hopes of all those who sought a this UN effort was also stopped by the neighbours must pledge to honour Israel's of all the aforementioned categories. The study solution to the Palestinian issue when he exercise of a veto from the United States. The right to live in peace under these conditions. concludes with several recommendations such as made the famous “Cairo declaration.” 1981 initiative from Saudi Arabia called the The United States is squandering strict enforcement of lane laws, progressive fines, In that statement he said: “It is also FAHAD peace deal was also rejected by international prestige and goodwill and stop signs to be installed on all roads leading to undeniable that the Palestinian people – Israel. For decades the world has been intensifying global anti-American terrorism main roads, review on driving under the influence of Muslims and Christians – have suffered in helplessly watching the Palestinian tragedy by unofficially condoning or abetting the liquor fines and that fines should be used to pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 unfold as the people of this land are being Israeli confiscation and colonisation of improve highway and road infrastructure. years they've endured the pain of dislocation. driven out of their homes which are being Palestinian territories.” However, as far as suggestions go, Many wait in refugee camps in the West destroyed. They are forced to wander as they President Carter’s words ring true even implementations can only go so far. Sri Lanka Bank, Gaza, and neighbouring lands for a are constantly harassed and deprived of the today. The soil of the Middle-East continues needs a massive shift in attitude when it comes to life of peace and security that they have very basic necessities such as water. They to be spattered with the blood of Jews, how its citizens use roads. Cars are not status never been able to lead. They endure the have no freedom of movement, as they are Christians and Muslims all considered as symbols as they were used to be. Reckless motorists daily humiliations – large and small – that being arrested arbitrarily; even little children the children of Abraham. This bloodshed are not the cause of bad instruction at the driving come with occupation. So let there be no and women have been detained. caused by political and economic motives school but an overall national attitude that has doubt: The situation for the Palestinian In the year 2020 alone 684 homes and must end. channelled all its subliminal ills through people is intolerable. And America will not other buildings in the West Bank were We wish all the peoples in the region a automobile. The attitude shift would be to taking turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian completely destroyed by Israelis. secure peace, in which they may live with the safety of oneself and those using the road aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a In October 2000, the UN Security Council dignity and mutual respect. seriously and treating vehicles for the utility that State of their own.” resolved with a 14 to 0 vote that Israel ( The writer is a Member of Parliament they are so we can all avoid the ‘car’nage. Little has happened since and should act according to the obligations and of Samagi Jana Balawegaya, unfortunately we have to add Obama to the agreements contained in the Fourth Geneva Co-chairman Sri Lanka – Palestine list of US Presidents who have historically Convention and return all Palestinian lands Solidarity Committee) COLUMNS MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020 A9 Tamils vs LTTE Prabakaran vs Wijeweera BY SHIVANTHI RANASINGHE Lankan military deaths.” On the fateful last days Recently TNA spokesmen and increasingly desperate civilians Parliamentarian MA Sumanthiran made daring attempts to escape to stated that while the JVP were safety. Many used nighttime as a allowed to commemorate Rohana shield to cross the lagoon, but still Wijeweera’s death, the Tamils are had to dodge the LTTE bullets. In the forbidden to remember their dead. process, toddlers fell to the lagoon or Very mischievously, Sumanthiran drowned even whilst been held by was not referring to the Tamil the parents. By the time Prabakaran civilians who were taken hostage by was eliminated many children’s and the LTTE (of which the TNA was the young adults’s lives had been then political proxy). By ‘Tamils’, he sacrificed to save his own skin. Some was actually talking about the died in LTTE uniforms and some in hardcore LTTE terrorists who died their parents arms. during the last battles in 2009. Escaping LTTE control arriving in Puttukkudirrippu 22 April 2009 This distinction is very important Families have the right and should never be allowed to be to remember blurred. During the last months of the war, according to the Their surviving families have the computations of local and right to remember their loved ones international bodies, almost eight who did not survive. Therefore, thousand Tamils died. Three Sumanthiran’s statement the quarters of this number were Tamil Tamils are not allowed to remember civilians. Though principles of their dead is erroneous and proportionality would not fault with deliberately misleading. It is the this number, it must be noted that celebration of the LTTE along with this number could have been further its paraphernalia that is banned. reduced had civilians been allowed Despite the LTTE’s demise, its to move out of the war zone. ideology still continues. It is most unfortunate that many agents Combat and civilian Fleeing LTTE control in boats 21 April 2009 support this ideology in numerous distinction ways for very different agendas. This active combat. Prabakaran was allowed to continue makes the banning of any LTTE- Instead over 300,000 Tamil The message was very clear. The along his chosen path, he would be a related celebration significant and a civilians were forced by the LTTE LTTE would not negotiate nor lay grave danger to all. threat to the country’s peace. De Maio said, into a human shield against the down arms. They would continue to Prabakaran’s destructiveness was Wijeweera should not be advancing military. The No Fire forcibly hold on to the civilians and “while one could not confined only to Sri Lanka. The Zones (NFZ) declared by the Military then highlight the civilians’ plight. LTTE terrorist cells that spanned from celebrated were promptly infiltrated by the They, as throughout its macabre safely say that south India to beyond Malaysia and LTTE. They set up their military past, would continue to hold the Indonesia challenged the entire However, Sumanthiran’s hardware in these zones. Even when civilians to blackmail the there were region’s security. The logistics and observation on Rohana Wijeweera international observers asked the Government to withdraw. This was serious, technology the LTTE provided other cannot be faulted. Wijeweera too LTTE to remove their hardware from an armed conflict that had terrorist groups, especially the Islamic created absolute havoc in this its location in the NFZ, they deteriorated over the decades into a widespread terrorist groups threatened the whole country and caused many senseless immediately complied, but only to fully-fledged war. Since its first world. The LTTE enabled these deaths. He too terrorised civilians relocate it to an equally assassination of the Jaffna Mayor violations of terrorist groups to connect with their through extremely depraved acts unacceptable location. Furthermore, Alfred Dururaippah in 1975 as he international far flung targets with greater ease and and disrupted the education of discarding their uniforms they emerged from a Kovil, the LTTE had agility. Even the West was not spared many. If one computes less atrocities engaged in the offensive from among used civilians as its bargaining chip. humanitarian as the LTTE money-making from the JVP than from the LTTE, it the civilians in the NFZ. This attempt If the Sri Lankan Military withdrew - law, by the Sri machinery pumped the streets with is because of the lack of to blur distinction between combat yet again, the LTTE would simply narcotics, illegal immigrants and opportunities the JVP had than and civilian is a serious war crime. continue to harass and harm all Lankan forces, it smuggled contraband. principle. The LTTE were deliberately civilians of all ethnicities across the A military operation was the only JVP might have now renounced attempting to make the NFZ areas Island. didn’t amount to way forward to return to peace. Yet, violence. Yet they continue to be a also legitimate targets for the Even if the LTTE was allowed their genocide. He the matter was made complicated by dark energy that continues to drag Military. The LTTE was fast losing goal to form an exclusive homeland the presence of the civilians, Sri Lanka’s potential. JVP’s inability ground to the military and were for Tamils in the North and East, the (Maio) could cite deliberately placed by the LTTE to support the incumbent rapidly getting confined to a situation would not have normalised. before the advancing Military with Administration’s efforts to revive progressively decreasing square The civilians would have continued examples of the cruel intention of creating a rural economy or at least applaud kilometer area. to be under grave threat. The simple where the army humanitarian catastrophe. the Government’s structure with line As a terrorist organisation, the truth, many that frown over the ministries specifically designed to LTTE was not party to any law, North Korean situation, but had stopped Ambassador Williamson’s uplift traditional economies is a case treaty or obligation. Hence their sympathetic to the LTTE cause, have shelling when communiqué in point. The Government’s focus on despicable strategy was to create the not realised is that Prabakaran job creation for the poorest of the gravest humanitarian crisis possible. openly denounced democracy, and the ICRC At this juncture, the exchange poor and capacity building to Then allow international furor over was an unapologetic fascist. then between Geneva-based US increase tertiary education the increasing civilian casualties to He was a law unto himself and did informed them it Ambassador, Clint Williamson and opportunities is looked upon with pressurise the Sri Lankan not tolerate political space, was killing ICRC head of operations for South derision by the JVP. Government to halt its military difference of opinion or challenge to Asia, Jacque de Maio on 9 July 2009 They claim to be fighting for the progress. his position. He used people for his civilians. In fact, is noteworthy. As per the oppressed. Yet their disinterest in In late March 2009, then President benefit and did not hesitate to the army communiqué sent by Ambassador supporting the Administration to Mahinda Rajapaksa invited the TNA eliminate them afterwards. Williamson to the US State meet its challenging goals but for another round of talks to end the Outstanding examples would be the actually could Department in 15 July 2009, the instead delighting over every conflict. Even though the LTTE’s former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv leaked cable noted that, “The army hiccough exposes their insincerity to defeat was imminent, the TNA Gandhi’s assassination whilst at an have won the was determined not to let the LTTE their stated ideology. refused. The TNA demanded that the election rally in 1991, President military battle escape from its shrinking territory, Sri Lanka regained its peace at Government resolved the Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993 even though this meant the civilians bitter costs. Both Wijeweera and humanitarian crisis faced by during a May Day rally and his own faster with being kept hostage by the LTTE were Prabakaran had to be eliminated to civilians trapped in the fighting. long term friend, comrade and higher civilian at an increasing risk. So, de Maio end terrorism in the Island. Yet, Civilian blackmail LTTE’s second in command said, while one could safely say that their ideologies continue to provide Mahaththaya in 1994 on the casualties, yet there were ‘serious, widespread the space to create instability within On 22 April 2009, LTTE media suspicion that he was collaborating violations of international the country. Therefore, even co-ordinator Velayuthan Thayanithi, with RAW. chose a slower humanitarian law,’ by the Sri Wijeweera’s life, just like alias Daya Master along with Kumar approach which Lankan forces, it didn’t amount to Prabakaran’s and their respective Pancharathnam, alias George - a top LTTE mouthpie ce genocide. He (Maio) could cite minions’ lives should not be interpreter for the LTTE surrendered After numerous attempts of failed led to a greater examples of where the army had celebrated by any Sri Lankan. to the military. They revealed that negotiations with many international stopped shelling when the ICRC For the benefit of Dr Dayan the LTTE were forcibly keeping the mediators, Sri Lanka was forced to number of Sri informed them it was killing Jayatilleka: civilians from escaping and were factor that Prabakaran was not Lankan military civilians. In fact, the army actually These are the views of the writer indiscriminately shooting at those reasonable. He was the LTTE’s sole could have won the military battle alone and do not reflect on any who were attempting to flee. They authority. He owned the TNA, who deaths.” faster with higher civilian casualties, organisation that the writer may also disclosed the LTTE was forcing could not function as any other but yet chose a slower approach which be attached to underaged young teenagers to be in as LTTE’s mouthpiece. While led to a greater number of Sri [email protected] A monthly need for women We cheer the Leader of the even a clean rag and so dry leaves make female sanitary products died recently and is recognised as Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, for were substituted during the ‘bad available to all free of charge. Thus one well-known person who sought making a plea that would be a boon days’. We feel certain many a Sri The Way It Is women need no longer pay for their independence for Scotland from to all Sri Lankan women, more Lankan woman too suffers privation monthly requirements of sanitary being a part of the UK, though especially the poorer. In his debate once every month, having to wear girls were suffering monthly wear. The idea seemed to have been independent to a great extent now. speech on Budget 2021, he suggested rags, connoting discomfort, tell tale interruption to their schooling, moved by a woman member of J K Rowling, author of the Harry that the tax on sanitary pads be signs, bad hygiene. decided to employ a couple of women Parliament and it was put to the vote. Potter series lives in Britain but is of eliminated. That is the least the How very much more convenient to to turn out sanitary pads. He devised The no charge proposition won the Scottish lineage. She imagined Potter Government can do to ease the wear a throw away, comfortable pad. a hand driven machine for this day. We consider Scotland a western and Hogwarts while travelling to burden of buying necessities by As recent as sixty years ago, sanitary purpose. The made pads were sold at country and therefore of the first London and lookingout through a women who need to budget for pads were rare and affordable, and a nominal price, only to give payment world. It is part of the United window. She outlined her character sanitary wear needed every month by known only by the well-to-do. to the women working for him. He Kingdom but having held on a paper napkin in acheap tea shop her and her grown-up daughters. Girls’hostels had a woman dhoby then further innovated that so that referendums whether to secede or not in London. Now she is a multi- We can be sure, when strapped for who would wash napkins sewn to other villages could adopt his simple have been quite a few. So far the Scots millionaire. money, this item will be foregone, specifications. Unhygienic, restrictive machine and thus decentralised the have voted to stay as part of Britain Andy Murray, once Wimbledon given up, so that dhall and rice can and inconvenient for the wearer and production and sale of the essential and accept Queen Elizabeth as their Champion, is also Scottish. So also be bought. Result: unhygienic wear an insult to a human being. In rural requisite. It turned out to be such a sovereign, though earning much famous writers Sir Arthur Conan during women’s monthly places, many girls skipped school boon, not only to earlier sufferers independence and a national Doyle and R L S Stevenson. menstruation, entailing sheer during their monthly periods. during periods, but enabled stay-at- parliament. But it is not a rich We do hope Sri Lanka will follow discomfort and danger of infection, home women to earn an income. country, through very rich in its Scotland and go two steps further and also exhibiting to the entire Indian entrepreneur cultural heritage. than what the Opposition Leader household the fact of a monthly I read about an Indian small time ‘Ending period poverty’ Maybe the most famous Scotsman proposed, and make available period. It was stunning to know that industrialist who, seeing the The phrase above was how BBC is Sean Connery – Bond, James Bond sanitary wear to women free of any in some poverty stricken Indian rural abundance of cotton plants in his announced the 24 November 2020, - who was the best Bond of many in charge. villagers, women had no access to area of residence and knowing that decision of the Scottish Parliament to Ian Flemming’s filmed stories. He (Kumari) A10 monday 30 november 2020 column Leveraging on Asia-Pacific Groupings Trading Policy Options By Srimal Fernando

Greater economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region began coming into being some years ago Maritime with the formation of several regional cooperation between groupings. In the trade realm the combined Sri Lanka and the effort by the regional blocs has necessitated the three regional blocs 15 member RCEP Association of Southeast Asian countries will be a Nations (ASEAN), South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation game-changer in Sri (SAARC) and Regional Lanka’s quest to Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to develop a maintain its framework for an Asia-Pacific regional order. Due to unprecedented stability in the impacts of COVID-19, Small Island region and also for nations such as Sri Lanka have to balance their commerce policies its economic based on its interdependencies with its neighbouring Asia Pacific realm prosperity. It is this nations. The nature of Sri Lanka’s coincidence of involvement with Asia-Pacific nations has varied with time as the national strategic interests interest has gone through different that would steer stages of evolution. The growing traction between these rising regional future dynamics groupings and the Indian Ocean Island Nation is driven by their between Sri Lanka foreign policy oriented towards and other RCEP utilising this mutual Renewed economic policies will play a significant role in promoting economic development interdependence for strategic gains. Member States Sri Lanka's trade with its neighbours For Sri Lanka, ASEAN is key to the Sri Lanka and other RCEP Member Power matrix has expanded generously, giving the major goal of tapping into the East States. At the same time, RCEP As an island Nation, renewed Island Nation more extensive Asian markets and establishing a nations provide Sri Lanka with economic policies will play a admittance to South Asia’s 1.6 billion commercial relationship with East access to huge markets and are existing power matrix. It is also significant role in promoting the consumer market. From an economic Asian countries. From the time of the indispensable for its port diplomacy. imperative for policymakers to think economic development of Sri Lanka. perspective, trade relations between Bandung Summit of 1955, Sri beyond and make trade transactions To this end, Sri Lanka’s economic Sri Lanka and SAARC are a major Lanka’s relationship with Southeast COVID-19 smoother and business-friendly for policy must be aligned to enhance aspect that has propelled the shaping Asian countries has been strong. In Just like in other countries Sri Lanka and both these regional the Nation’s economic interests while of foreign policy through mutual recent years, ASEAN has played a worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic groupings geographically situated in ensuring that its engagement in dependence. SAFTA and the Indo-Sri prominent role in building this has a significant impact on Sri South East Asia and Oceania. other regional groupings such as Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) partnership to grow further. Lanka’s economy. Given the nature Dr. Srimal Fernando is a ASEAN and RCEP does not provided an impetus to commercial Mutually beneficial agreements of the pandemic, countries such as recipient of the prestigious O.P compromise its relations with diplomacy. The most notable between India and ASEAN such as Sri Lanka are forced to seek national Jindal Doctoral Fellowship and SAARC. In the 21st century, the economic progress in the region has the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area responses for managing its impact. the SAU Scholarship under the power matrix between bigger been made in the sphere of small and (AIFTA) are also bringing Sri Lanka Importantly, the efforts of regional SAARC umbrella. He is also an groupings such as the 15 member medium enterprises (SMEs). closer to ASEAN. This will go a long groupings offer important platforms Advisor/Global Editor of RCEP or the 10 member ASEAN and However, the lack of significant way in influencing the future roles of ensuring that countries heavily Diplomatic Society for South the smaller groupings will determine Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in both India and Sri Lanka’s newfound dependent on exports like Sri Lanka Africa in partnership with the paradigm shift in the global some of the South Asian countries is regional commercial partners in East can recover from the economic Diplomatic World Institute order. The evolving geopolitical and slowing down economic growth. In Asia. impacts of the pandemic. Such (Brussels). He has received economic problems facing the Asian this regard, Regional trading Maritime cooperation between Sri regional groupings and accolades such as 2018/2019 Pacific countries, in general, will also platforms like SAFTA the ASEAN Free Lanka and the 15 member RCEP arrangements are a shining beacon ‘Best Journalist of the Year’ in prompt Sri Lanka to forge closer ties Trade Agreement (AFTA), and RCEP countries will be a game-changer in of hope for the Sri Lankan economy South Africa, (GCA) Media Award with India. are some of the platforms that Sri Sri Lanka’s quest to maintain its amidst the economic despondency. for 2016 and the Indian Council of In recent years SAARC has Lanka can leverage to access Asia- stability in the region and also for its Importantly, the Prospects of World Affairs (ICWA) accolade. He emerged as a key trading platform for Pacific consumer markets. economic prosperity. It is this cooperation between Sri Lanka, is the author of ‘Politics, Sri Lanka. Under its South Asian coincidence of strategic interests that ASEAN, RCEP and India will depend Economics and Connectivity: In Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement, Maritime Cooperation would steer future dynamics between on how they choose to strengthen the Search of South Asian Union’ Ibn Battuta found SL fabled and multi-cultural

By P.K.Balachandran Lanka. Landing at Puttalam, he divers had a mask which saint as well as a minor found that the area was under enabled them to be under Buddhist God. Among the When the famous Moroccan the Jaffna Tamil King Arya water for an unbelievable two other inter-faith shrines is the traveller Ibn Battuta visited Sri Chakravarti (Sultan Ayri hours! one for Abdul QadirJailani, who Lanka between September and Shakarwatias Battuta called had died after a pilgrimage to November 1344, the island was him). Hussein surmises that Adam’s Peak Adam’s Peak. In Colombo or fabled for its wealth. It was a the Arya Chakravarti Battuta Having landed in Lanka, Kalanbuas Battuta called the hub of international trade in met was Marthanda Singai Battuta was eager to visit town, the ruler was a Muslim the Indian Ocean, welcoming Aryan aka Pararajasekaran. Adam’s Peak which is said to called Jalasti. Hussein feels that foreign traders and travellers Arya Chakravarti’s agents have the foot print of the first Jalasti was actually Coya Jaan with open arms. It was a rich received Battuta well because man, Adam, who is also Islam’s or Khoja Jahan, an ex-Malay mosaic of ethnicities and a he dropped the name of the first prophet. When Arya pirate. He was known to be picture of religious and ethnic King’s ally, the ruler of Malabar Chakravarti asked him to make powerful with an Army of harmony. (probably the Zamorin of a wish, Battuta unhesitatingly Abyssinians. Being a sea port The story of Ibn Battuta’s Calicut). According to Hussein, said that he would like to visit and a trading town, Colombo visit to Sarandib (Adams Peak) Lankan Kings welcomed Adam’s Peak. The Tamil king was chiefly composed of non- has been told by sociologist foreigners because they then assigned an escort Sinhalese and foreigners.When Ameena Hussein in an informed them about including Brahmins and Yogis the Portuguese arrived in 1505 engaging manner in her book: happenings outside their who knew the safe pilgrims’ the first thing they saw was a Chasing Tall Tales and realm, especially the activities routes as Adams Peak. Adam’s minaret and thought Lanka was Mystiques: Ibn Battuta in Sri of their rivals. Peak was also sacred to the an Islamic country. Lanka (Sail Fish 2020).While There was always an Hindus as Shivan Oli Padam Colombo houses the being historically well- exchange of gifts with the local and to the Buddhists as Saman Devatagaha mosque, which is grounded, the book is a rich Kings lavishing their guests Kuta. visited by members of all tapestry of Ibn Battuta’s with expensive pearls, rubies, Hussein notes that while faiths. The Deen Noor Nachia observations; insights into his and even slave girls. Being today, Adam’s Peak is shrine, in which a chaste personality; his likes and extroverted, daring, and fond of essentially a Buddhist Muslim woman, pursued by a dislikes; and his comfort zones the good life, Battuta had no pilgrimage destination, in the lustful Portuguese man is in an alien, multi-cultural land. qualms about demanding gifts. past, it was a religious buried, attracts Tamil and What is noteworthy is that In Delhi he petitioned the destination for all faiths. Sinhalese unmarried and while being an Islamic puritan, Sultan repeatedly for six Because of the increasing hold childless women. Battuta appears to have been months to get his due because of Wahhabism nowadays, In her concluding remarks, tolerant of Sufi Islam creditors were harassing him. Muslims do not treat Adam’s Ameena Hussein regrets that characterized by devotion to Distinguished travellers like Peak (called Baba Adam Malai ) the Lanka of Ibn Battuta, saints and their graves, which Battuta moved from place to as their place of pilgrimage. where religious and ethnic prevailed among Lankan place in a caravan, laden with While on the subject of inter- harmony were the order of the Muslims at that time and is till goods and accompanied by religious places of worship, day, does not exist today. The Ibn Battuta meets a monarch date the dominant faith in Sri camp followers who included Hussein mentions several likes of Bodu Bala Sena on the Lanka. Battuta even had a many wives and slave girls. noted that the Brahmins and that Battuta was a puritan who places across the island which one hand, and the Wahhabi peep into the sanctum Battuta had married eleven the Yogis, who were assigned to had tried (in vain) to convince are multi-faith. The place where extremists on the other, sanctorum of a Hindu shrine in times and also had several him by Arya Chakravarti to be Maldivian women to cover the Kuraishan Sayid Ismail Galay dictate communal relations, Devundara. concubines to boot. his guides for a trip to Adam’s upper part of their bodies. Bandara Oliullah is buried in with the State unable to stand It was a chance discovery of a As a fastidious foodie, he Peak, did not eat meat. In Puttalam and Mannar, Kurunegala attracts devotees of up to the religious bullies. street in Puttalam named after evaluated hospitality by the Though he found that the Battuta saw boat or ship all faiths. Hussein noticed Addressing her own Lankan Ibn Battuta, which aroused kind of food he was served and local Sinhalese Buddhists were building for which the island Sinhalese Buddhist women Muslim community, Hussein Hussein’s curiosity about the would complain if the food was ready to put him up where was then famous. This breaking coconuts to invoke the says: “Their change in dress North African Berber traveller. substandard. He enjoyed every their families lived, Hindus disproves the modern theory blessings of the Muslim saint. and sometimes fierce public Hussein found that it was also kind of food (including locusts always assigned a separate that Lankans were not The saint was Prince Vathimi display of the practice of their on an impulse that Battuta had and stuffed lizards), but was place for him with a separate seafarers and that all their (perhaps Fathimi) son of faith, has only served to chosen to travel across generally wary of meats unless kitchen. However, Battuta sea farers were foreigners. The Bhuvanekabahu I (1272-1284) alienate a previously well- unknown seas and lands. His the animal had been preferred to stay with Muslim Lankans had developed a by his Muslim wife. When integrated community from landing in Sri Lanka was also slaughtered in the Halal or families where he felt more at sewing technique which Vathimi ascended the throne, the rest of the population. by chance. En route to Malabar Islamic way. Because of this he home, especially because the prevented vessels from Buddhist monks disapproved of Moderates and liberals like in South India, thereafter to was mostly vegetarian during women there observed Purdah. cracking which enabled them it and killed him by engineering myself have for the most part Bengal and thence to China his travels, Hussein says. Fortunately for him, there were to undertake foreign jobs. In a fall from a mountain top. The been cowed down by the from the Maldives, a storm had Battuta also commented on the Muslims in all the towns he Mannar, Battuta saw pearl place he fell became holy with critical self-righteousness of blown his tiny vessel to Sri eating habits of the locals and visited in Lanka. Hussein notes fishing and said that the Vathimi becoming a Muslim Muslim hardliners.” monDAY 30 november 2020 b11 Fitch Downgrades Sri Lanka to CCC Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka's Long-Term Foreign- Currency Issuer Default Rating Rating Action by Fitch based (IDR) to 'CCC'. Fitch typically does not assign Government Outlooks or apply modifiers to on uncorroborated facts – sovereigns with a rating of 'CCC' The Government has disputed during the third quarter of 2020, obligations falling due in the or below. Fitch Ratings move to downgrade when the second wave hit, period ahead. The Government’s The downgrade reflects Sri Sri Lanka’s rating to CCC thereby disrupting economic strategy in foreign debt Lanka's increasingly challenging claiming that the agency had activities. Foreign Direct management is to avoid total external-debt repayment position failed to recognise the newly Investments, which slowed in the rolling over upcoming Email: [email protected] over the medium term. In introduced robust policy first half of the year, appear maturities, while its strategy in particular, a sharp rise in the framework. promising in the period ahead, overall debt management is to sovereign debt to GDP ratio “We observe, with particularly with the expected repay the outstanding debt, Friday Markets associated with the coronavirus disappointment, the rating inflows to the Colombo Port City while not raising more loans shock and narrowing financing action by Fitch Ratings project and for new over the existing level over the options have heightened debt expressing concerns about Sri manufacturing projects in medium term,” it explained. Share hit sustainability risks. Lanka’s external debt repayment industrial zones, including “It is puzzling why Fitch Sri Lanka's external funding capacity over the medium-term, Hambantota,” it stated. Ratings downgraded Sri Lanka needs are substantial over the financing options and debt “The Government will adopt a when the well-articulated policy one-year high medium term, and in our view, sustainability risks, at a time policy of ‘guided’ imports as the framework presented in the risks to the sovereign's ability to when the newly appointed envisaged improvements in Budget 2021 is receiving wider The bullish run at the Colombo Stock meet its external-debt service Government has just announced growth prospects would commendation for consistency Exchange continued for the fourth obligations have increased. its medium term policy experience some rise in import and continuity, with a clear consecutive session on Friday (27) as the The government's external-debt framework in its Budget 2020,” demand on raw material and medium term view of fiscal benchmark index posted gains to record a obligations amount to USD 23.2 the Finance Ministry said in a investment goods, as the foreign consolidation on a realistic near one-year high on a high turnover billion between 2021 and 2025 or statement. exchange liquidity concerns are economic footing. Such action despite continued foreign exits from the about USD 4 billion annually, “We do not accept this expected to wane in the period simply demonstrates the Bourse. against FX reserves at end- downgrade as it fails to recognise ahead. The Government will prejudicial approach of Fitch The benchmark All Share Price Index October of just USD 5.9 billion. the robust policy framework of remain committed to Ratings and lacks due (ASPI) gained 0.53 per cent (32.74 points) to The sovereign's financing and the Government for addressing strengthening the dynamics of consideration to alternative close at 6,180.86 points, its highest since 04 debt service challenges are the legacy issues, including the the economy based on the strategies that the Government December 2019, while the more liquid S&P exacerbated by its existing concerns raised by Fitch Ratings principle of self-reliance,” it is committed to embark on in SL20 gained 0.41 per cent (9.97 points) to financing model, which has and ensuring ongoing economic re-iterated. the period ahead. “Practices of close at 2,433.63 points. resulted in very high general recovery and macroeconomic “The Central Bank was able to this nature by an international The daily turnover at the CSE stood at Rs government interest to revenue stability of the country,” it said. absorb foreign exchange of over rating agency, without a 2.09 billion, higher than the Rs 1.98 billion ratios. “It is surprising to note that US dollars 500 million on a gross constructive engagement with recorded the previous market day. The average interest to revenue Fitch Ratings’ assessment has basis since May 2020. Gross the Government on the More than 75.9 million shares changed ratio from 2016 to 2020 is ignored several key proposals official reserves were estimated promising alternative, policy hands during 18,799 trades. approximately 50%, substantially presented in the Government at US dollars 5.9 billion at end approaches, are likely to make Shares of 251 companies were traded, of above the 'CCC' peer median of Budget 2021 with regard to October 2020, with an import the agency concerned which, 92 emerged winners ahead of 71 11%. deficit financing in the period cover of 4.2 months. The completely irrelevant as the losers. The authorities plan to meet ahead,” it said. Government has repeatedly country rises strongly in the Foreigners were sellers for the third their external-debt obligations in “The Sri Lankan economy was expressed its ability and period ahead,” the Finance consecutive session on Friday (27). Net 2021-2025 through a expecting a strong recovery willingness to meet all its debt Ministry said. foreign outflow during the day amounted to combination of sources, including Rs 16 million, as foreigners sold stocks bilateral, multilateral and worth Rs 83 million as against purchases commercial financing, but in submission of the draft 2021 increase to about 100% in 2020 incorporate average annual worth Rs 67 million. Fitch's view, access to such budget in November. from 86.8% in 2019, and to rise growth of about 4%, a primary The top ten gainers during the day were external financing options will “We think there are now further under our baseline deficit of about 2% of GDP, and SMB Leasing (non-voting), Standard Capital, become more challenging against increasing risks to Sri Lanka's scenario to around 116% in 2024. revenue-to-GDP of about 11%. Nation Lanka, Beruwela Resorts, Renuka the backdrop of already high debt ability to meet its external-debt “Our baseline projections are In our view, the budget lacks a Capital, Lanka Ceramic, Plam Garden Hotel, levels and an expected further repayments as reflected in our based on more conservative, and credible fiscal consolidation Nuwara Eliya, Bairaha Farms and Browns weakening of government debt forecast of a steady decline in FX we believe, realistic, assumptions strategy and provides only limited Beach. dynamics. reserves in 2021 and 2022. We for economic growth, revenue and details on the potential revenue Top ten losers were Blue Diamonds, Meanwhile, Fitch believes that expect Sri Lanka's external interest payments. Sri Lanka impact of some of the measures Hunters, Lee Hedges, Eden Hotel Lanka, financing conditions for potential liquidity ratio, defined as liquid lacks a track record of sustained announced, raising uncertainty Hapugastenne, CT Holdings, Pegasus market issuance have tightened external assets/external primary surpluses, its revenue- about the government's planned Hotels, Mahaweli Reach, Guardian Capital materially, notwithstanding the liabilities, will remain low at to-GDP ratio has stayed low and reduction in government debt and and Odel. (MA) reduction in political and policy about 63%, against a 'CCC' GDP growth has been weak budget deficit. uncertainty following the median of about 68% in 2021”. (growth averaged 3.7% in 2015- As such, we project the budget completion of parliamentary Fitch estimates Sri Lanka's 2019). Accordingly, our baseline deficit to widen to about 11.5% of elections in August 2020 and government debt to GDP ratio to assumptions for 2021-2024 GDP in 2021 and 2022”. Inflationary FVMP debt Ministry of Industries SLES to Focus on up Rs 1.8B to empower SMEs the Post COVID-19 BY Paneetha Ameresekere The Ministry of severely been affected by to it, can obtain the Industries will conduct the Easter Sunday application form from Economic Recovery The benchmark ‘spot’ weakened by 10 a programme to attack and COVID-19. the National Enterprise cents to be trading at Rs 185.00/185.20 to empower micro, small The programme is to be Development Authority the US dollar in two way quotes at 4pm on and medium scale conducted under the (NEDA) main office in Friday (27), led by exporter conversions, industrialists in line guidance of Minister of Narahenpita or through market sources told Ceylon FT. On the with President Gotabaya Industries Wimal the NEDA Regional previous day, it had closed at Rs 184.90/Rs Rajapaksa’s National Weerawansa. Enterprise Development 185.20 to the dollar in two way quotes. Policy Framework, The Ministry has Officers in related “Now that the ‘spot’ is within the “Vistas for Prosperity requested affected District or Regional Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL)/Central and Splendour”. industrialists to give in Secretariats. The duly Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) maximum range of The main intention of their details at their completed applications Rs 185.00/35 to the dollar, there is no moral the programme is to earliest. The application could be handed over to suasion on the ‘spot’ as that which prevailed assist the micro, small in this regard is the same on or before 11 Eric Robertson Krishan Balendra W.D. Lakshma Shiran Fernando in the earlier part of the week which forced and medium available online. Those December, 2020. the market to go for other tenures such as industrialists who have who do not have access (AC) COVID-19 has plenary will Eric ‘spot next’ and one month’s forwards to find disrupted the Robertsen - Global the true value of the dollar,” they said. expectation for global Head, Research ‘Spot next’ trades are settled after three and local growth and and Chief market days from the date of transaction, development. As Strategist, whereas in the case of ‘spot’ it’s two. economies adapt to Standard Meanwhile, in the calendar year to Friday, SLTDA congratulates the pandemic, there is Chartered Bank the ‘spot’ has weakened by between Rs 3.70- a high degree of and Deshamanya, Rs 3.80 (2.04 per cent-2.09 per cent) to the uncertainty about the Prof W. D. dollar. stakeholders awarded ‘Safe future trajectory of Lakshman - GoSL’s demand pull inflationary face value global growth, trade Governor, Central money printing (FVMP) debt increased by Rs & Secure’ certification and investment. Deshamanya Bank of Sri Lanka. 1,804.35 million, upping its FVMP debt as a The first session of Mahesh Amalean The presenters will whole by 0.32 per cent to Rs 568,121.22 Sri Lanka Tourism service providers who will be no assessment the summit on Post be joined by million by Friday. Development Authority are willing to undergo fee for the first audit COVID-19 Economic Deshamanya Mahesh Friday was also a record nineteenth (SLTDA) congratulated this audit process. On attempt, but in case of a Recovery, will aim to answer Amalean - Chairman, MAS consecutive market day that GoSL’s FVMP all tourism service successful completion of failure, the costs of the some of the burning Holdings and Krishan debt has been over Rs half-a-trillion due to a providers who have been the audit process, the subsequent questions with regards to the Balendra - Chairman, John sustained lack of revenue , in its second awarded the 'Safe & final review and assessments should be global and local economy at Keells Holdings PLC. The dispensation, after only a day’s ‘respite’ on 2 Secure' Certification by certification was borne by the individuals the Sri Lanka Economic session will be moderated by November when it went below the Rs half-a- them. handled by the Ministry and establishments. Summit (SLES) hosted Shiran Fernando - Chief trillion mark, then. In July this year, an of Health, further The ‘Safe & Secure’ virtually by the Ceylon Economist, The Ceylon Meanwhile, due to the settlement/s of a open invitation was assessing the industry certificate is issued with Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce. GoSL sale of dollars to CBSL and/or a CBSL extended to the tourism stakeholder knowledge a QR code unique to session will discuss the The flagship summit will be rupee swap for dollars with the market, industry to be a part of and compliance with each certified party, policy options that will be held on a virtual format in market liquidity increased by Rs 81.65 the 'Safe & Secure' COVID-19 health which prevents the leveraged in the recovery compliance with health million (US$ 0.44 million) during trading on certification programme protocols and tourism possibility of fake phase and how these would guidelines and will bring Friday. Conversions are based on the middle for which the SLTDA operational guidelines. certificates. By impact the speed of recovery. together key policymakers, rate of the administered ‘spot’ as at 4pm on registration is a Any tourism service scanning the QR code Sri Lanka’s economy will also business leaders as well as Wednesday which was Rs 185.15 to the prerequisite. provider ready for using a smartphone, be discussed in detail as it the input of top international dollar. Subsequently net excess liquidity SLTDA appointed compliance assessment one can, check the key takes measures to meet key thought leaders that will increased by 1.02 per cent (Rs 1,886 million) KPMG-Sri Lanka as the is able to apply online information of the debt and growth challenges. come together to identify the to Rs 186,924 million on Friday. independent through the SLTDA certified party and The business perspective on steps in developing the Transactions between GoSL and CBSL are professional body to website and based on immediately report to navigating and adapting to pathway towards the foreign reserves neutral. carry out/conduct the applied date, the SLTDA any violations the uncertain economic accelerated and people assessments of SLTDA audits will be scheduled related to the recovery will be discussed as centric revival of the registered tourism through KPMG. There guidelines. (AC) well. The presenters at this country’s economy. B12 Ceylon FT monday 30 november 2020 news NDB Crowned ‘Best Consumer Sampath Bank to support commercial, Digital Bank Sri Lanka 2020’ residential solar NDB was recently crowned Best China as other winners. “This year, a global pandemic Consumer Digital Bank Sri Lanka This is the 21st year Global accelerated the transition to at the Global Finance World’s Finance has named the World’s digital banking, but forward power projects Best Digital Bank Awards 2020 Best Digital Banks. thinking banks were already Sampath Bank PLC commercial establishments programme, emphasising the Winning banks were selected on that road,” said Joseph D. recently announced the will receive a maximum loan success of the Bank’s accelerated based on the following criteria: Giarraputo, publisher and introduction of a solar loan repayment period of 15 digital transformation. Strength of strategy for attracting editorial director of Global facility, especially tailor- years. NDB was the only Sri Lankan and servicing digital customers, Finance in a press release. made for projects to set up Speaking about the loan domestic bank to win an award at success in getting clients to use “The Digital Bank Awards solar power units on the scheme, Sampath Bank PLC this programme for the second digital offerings, growth of digital hone in on the rooftops of both domestic Managing Director Nanda consecutive year, and joined customers, breadth of product institutions that households and industrial Fernando, “The government reputed regional peers such as offerings, evidence of tangible are leading the establishments. has embarked on a project to DBS Singapore, Citibank, benefits gained from digital shift toward a Under the new loan increase solar power use Standard Chartered, Maybank initiatives, and web/mobile site new world of scheme, owners of residential across the island and we Indonesia and Ping An Bank design and functionality. banking.” or commercial buildings can would like to support this apply for a loan to instal environmentally conscious solar power generating units project by helping with the up to a maximum of 50 KWh. financing requirements.” Multiple loans can also be Explaining the benefits of obtained if required, subject switching to solar power, IIHS hosts BioInquirer to the 50 KWh maximum Sampath Bank Senior DGM capacity. – Corporate Finance/ FCBU These loans will be offered Manoj Akmeemana said, Conference 2020 at an interest rate of 8% “Switching to solar based while a maximum loan power generation will The International speaker lineup is very repayment period of up to 10 significantly reduce Institute of Health impressive and we have years will be granted. electricity consumption costs Sciences (IIHS) hosted experienced strong Factories and offices too in the short term and can the 18th BioInquirer – support from our foreign can obtain loans at attractive even be a source of additional Annual Research forum University partners to interest rates. These income in the long-term.” on the 28 November make this valuable event 2020, under the theme a success. Vincent Peng MEP Manager China State Engineering ‘Transform and “At IIHS we clearly Corporation Ltd [CSCEC] and Sagara Gunawardana Collaborate’. understand the need to The BioInquirer embrace transformation research forum is a as that will help to propel Venora Lanka global incubator that the healthcare training supports knowledge- and education sectors gets contract for hungry healthcare & whilst reducing costs education professionals Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, and other concerns that to publish and gather CEO-Founder IIHS can impact negatively,” JKH Tri-Zen research knowledge in stated Dr. Kithsiri, Board of Investment registered Venora Lanka has signed the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. elaborating further. an agreement with China State Engineering Corporation to This year, the BioInquirer This is an important event in the supply Electrical Distribution Panel Boards to John Keells research conference focused on IIHS calendar allowing to improve Properties’ ongoing Tri-Zen Apartments project in encouraging researchers to the skills of students and staff as a Colombo. The contract was awarded to Venora Lanka after consider multidisciplinary part of the international university a thorough technical evaluation conducted by industry approaches in Healthcare training learning centre. experts complying with a high specifications of the project. and Education as an area for a Embracing transformation in Established in 2014, Venora Lanka has been supplying wider scope of research. This has healthcare training and education high quality electrical panel boards to the local and export been initiated since the will allow achieving greater heights markets. Owned by Sagara Gunawardana, a former BoI multidisciplinary approaches in and will improve multidisciplinary director, the group operates its businesses under three healthcare and education are care which is an integrated business verticals such as electromechanical, considered to be significant approach in the field of healthcare. telecommunication and manufacturing sectors. components, and thus would The approach will also create a Venora Lanka’s manufacturing process and procedures provide a wider arena for interested passion for collaborative learning, are guided and controlled by ISO 9001 and 2015 parties. increased productivity and standards. The product quality is complied with IEC Commenting on this year’s efficiency, actively engaged Dentsu CXP 2.0 APAC regional workshop 61439 standard which is verified at each level of conference Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, students, teachers & healthcare manufacturing process. Venora Lanka has established its CEO/Co-founder of IIHS, said, “We workers. The IIHS Bio-inquirer Six-Member Team modern factory in the export processing zone at Biyagama are excited to be hosting the 18th supports and conducts knowledge under the Board of Investment. At present the company Bio-inquirer Research Forum for sharing through research, exports to Maldives, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya, the Year 2020 under the theme conferences, workshops, and represents Dentsu Ethiopia and Myanmar. ‘Transform & Collaborate’. The community engagement projects. Grant Group A talented six-member have been selected to team of youngsters, from Sri participate are: Indika Lanka’s largest integrated Jayatilake, Art Director CMA CGM vessels do maiden relay communication agency, (Dentsu Grant), Ishara Dentsu Grant Group, has Fernando, Strategic Planner been selected to participate in (Dentsu Grant), Nadeesh a two-week virtual creative Silva, Creative Group Head transshipment at H’tota Port development programme (Dentsu Grant), Gyles organised by Dentsu Dharmaratne, Senior Two vessels owned by global Lanka Group Director Ikram International in collaboration Copywriter (Isobar), Nawoda French transportation and Ghazali. with Facebook. The Dentsu Perera, Manager – Digital shipping group CMA CGM The transshipment operation Creative Exchange Operations (Isobar) and made their maiden call at the was carried out maintaining Programme (CXP) will feature Rajith Dilshan, Team Lead – Hambantota Port last week. strict health and safety an impressive line-up of Digital Creative (Isobar). The vessels which were protocols. “The Hambantota speakers alongside product Dentsu is creating world- scheduled to call at the Port is to an extent isolated sessions, creative exercises, class solutions and services Colombo Port, was diverted to and we are doing regular PCR prototyping and team that unlock new Hambantota for the checks for all our employees presentations. The opportunities for growth and transshipment of 450 units, coming into our premises from programme will be held from business transformation M.V “ALDI WAVE” entering through the navigational channel and 722 TEUs. outside areas. We greatly 30 November to 14 across the entire customer Singaporean flag bearing MV transshipment cargo as the handled the transshipment. appreciate the opportunity December, 2020. For the 2nd journey. The company is ‘Glacier Bay’ carrying discharging vessel ‘Glacier Four containers earmarked for given to us by CMA CGM to year of the Dentsu CXP, committed to partnering with containerised cargo from the Bay’ was returning to Colombo, were also discharged handle this transshipment Dentsu and Facebook are brands to achieve meaningful Jebel Ali Port in Dubai berthed Singapore from where she in Hambantota and are to be operation. While it is an bringing together the rising progress as a force for growth at the port on 25 November to would join another service. sent by road under customs advantage for the Hambantota stars of the Dentsu creative and good. Dentsu Grant discharge containerised cargo Although the relay supervision. Overall operation Port we are also helping the community across the region Group is one of the leading including reefer containers for transshipment was scheduled concluded smoothly at the Colombo Port by providing an to supercharge their mobile- and progressive integrated transshipment. to take place at the Colombo Hambantota Port and is a alternative to handle first creativity, encourage communications groups in The cargo bound for several Port the entire operation was great alternative because transshipments and moreover, innovative client activations the Country, in spearheading European ports with the final moved to Hambantota to avoid previously we lost two vessels we are ensuring that and challenge how they think the next wave of marketing destination of Durban, was delays caused by congestion at to India due to similar transshipment volumes stay of Instagram as a creative communications. The group loaded on to MV ‘Aldi Wave’ that port. problems. We are glad the within Sri Lanka, fulfilling our canvas. The focus this year is was acquired by Dentsu which docked at the “Since the Hambantota Port Hambantota Port could be promise of positioning the on creatives that drive Aegis Network, the global Hambantota Port the following could handle this move, we used this time complementing Hambantota Port to build business outcomes. The six media and marketing day. The ship sailing under quickly got the paperwork the Colombo Port and the capacity for the country,” says creative super-thinkers from communications the Cyprus flag arrived from ready and moved the operation vessels were retained for Sri Sylesh Peerez, Senior General Dentsu Grant Group who conglomerate, in 2017. Nava Shiva to take the to Hambantota, who efficiently Lanka,” said CMA CGM Sri Manager Operations of HIPG.

For streaming and social networking Sri Lanka Best Employer Brand Awards 2020 Litro Gas Chairman named ‘CEO of the Year’ Airtel launches Litro Gas Lanka Limited was and dedication of the showcased on the international management and employees at stage when its Chairman and Litro Gas Lanka Limited, whose ‘Unlimited Pack’ CEO Anil Koswatte was contribution towards the Airtel has introduced an unlimited streaming and social awarded the ‘CEO of the Year’ Company’s success, made it all networking combo data pack. This data offering provides at the Sri Lanka Best Employer possible. unlimited access to four of the most popular social networking Brand Awards 2020, hosted by “The Litro Gas Lanka team is platforms of the country; YouTube, Facebook, Facebook the World HRD Congress. powered by the support of our Messenger and WhatsApp. The data pack was developed to For the 15th consecutive customers who make cater to the surge in usage among social networking, messaging year, The Sri Lanka Best everything a possibility for us, and streaming applications as Sri Lankans continue to practice Employer Brand Awards has our channel partners and our safe social distancing measures throughout the country. With recognised and feted industry key stakeholders. As a no hidden costs, users will be able to stream unlimited content leaders for their exceptional customer centric Company, our via YouTube and Facebook. This offering also enables users to leadership in empowering key business leaders across diverse Award Ceremony was held focus is enhancing and browse, chat, upload or download any given amount of content stakeholders of their respective sectors, the Sri Lanka Best virtually on 24th November, improving the level of service on the four select apps without any interruption. The ‘unlimited Companies and the Employer Brand Awards were 2020 due to the current global and the product portfolio we pack’ is available for purchase as an optional add-on to the community. made on criteria set out by HR COVID-19 pandemic deliver to our customers, user’s pre-existing data package. Designed to deliver value One of the biggest HR award professionals and evaluated on conditions. Commenting on the thereby strengthening our core beyond the standard browsing or streaming packages in the ceremonies in the world core specialties and strengths Award, Koswatte states that the competencies as the industry market today, the Airtel ‘unlimited pack’ is available at a acknowledging dynamic within the HR sphere. The award echoes the commitment leader.” competitive price. focus monday 30 november 2020 ceylon ft b13

Asia Needs to Leverage Stronger Regional Cooperation to Boost COVID-19 Recovery – ADB

Stronger regional cooperation strategies, including in health, trade, finance and disaster risk, can help governments in Asia accelerate economic growth and plan for a robust recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new book released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Regional cooperation and integration has been an effective driver for strong economic growth and a sharp reduction in poverty,” said ADB Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development Bambang Susantono. “However, the COVID-19 pandemic is a wakeup call to all of us that our usual assumptions and approaches to regional cooperation and integration have to change in ways that promote resilience and sustainability.” Susantono highlighted the need for Asia to reassess its regional cooperation and integration strategies and pathways. “This new book, Future of Regional Cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, will provide insights and a foundation for deeper and more effective regional cooperation for a world reshaped by the pandemic.” 70% Informally The book provides a critical examination of regional cooperation initiatives and explores opportunities for economies in the region to work together to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines approaches to strengthen regional trade and investment; improve intra- regional infrastructure and Employed -WB connectivity; reduce financial risk; coordinate health systems and approaches; and enhance coordination By Paneetha Ameresekere a large part of the wage gap is due to on cross-border issues such as climate 692,000 Have Secondary Jobs differences in educational attainment change and ocean health. Informal jobs account for nearly 70 or the returns to it, will reduce Enhanced regional cooperation can, per cent of jobs in Sri Lanka, and The number of workers who have an informal second job already informal employment, the WB said. for example, help expand trade and this figure has not changed much a secondary job has steadily have an informal main job, which This has to be complemented by investment by opening avenues and since 2006, the first year such declined between 2006 and 2017, explains the small increase in the improving the skills of the labour opportunities for small and medium- estimates became possible, the with the number in 2017 standing share of overall informal force which could help reduce the sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate World Bank (WB) in a report filed at around 692,000, the World employment even when secondary wage gap, it added. more actively in local and global recently (17 August, 2020) said. Bank (WB) in a report released jobs are taken into account, the To that end, education reforms are supply chains through better While, earnings inequality among recently ( 17 August, 2020) said. WB said. needed to align the curriculum to the transportation and connectivity. formal workers has overall decreased This means that about 8.4 per The majority are self-employed demands of the labour market. The Innovative financing, which accepts over time, however, that among cent of employed have another job (60.4 per cent in 2017) and about workforce also needs continuing collateral other than land, can informal workers has remained on the side. Almost all of these 18 per cent work as unpaid family training to upgrade skills, adapt to empower women-led businesses, largely unchanged, the WB said. secondary jobs are informal. workers in their secondary job, it changing market conditions, and which currently suffer from Therefore, informal workers, the However, most workers who have added. prepare for a longer working life than approximately 2.5 times less access to most vulnerable group by any in the past. credit than male-led businesses. measure in employment, Nevertheless, streamlining Regional cooperation and integration heterogenous as they may be, when the economic and social living standard and prevents them regulations while strengthening can positively influence public policy nonetheless, most of them have environment was drastically different from falling into poverty, especially monitoring alone could lead to more as well as drum up interest for public subsistence-level jobs (except for from today and which makes when social security maintains informality as firms might more goods investment, such as in rail informal employers who report the dismissing employees difficult and limited coverage, the WB said. actively try to conceal unlawful transportation, energy systems, and highest earnings of all but make up expensive, needs to be reconsidered Women are particularly vulnerable employment, the WB said. It could information and communications only a very small share in the labour so firms can adjust their workforce because many work as unpaid family also drive higher unemployment and technology. Such investment can force) with low pay, few benefits and in response to worker productivity workers and are much more likely even smaller firms out of business. contribute significantly to sustainable little protection, the WB said. and changing market conditions, the than men to become dependent But at the same time, levelling the and inclusive growth, the report notes. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka’s economy WB said. earlier in the life cycle. More research playing field is important — e.g., Regional cooperation can also be needs to simultaneously create more It has been argued that the TEWA is needed to identify a set of concrete enforcement activities should extend critical in strengthening financial jobs and improve the quality of increases informality, as its policies that strengthen the incentive to both formal and informal firms, stability and resilience by avoiding available jobs, the WB said. provisions are difficult to enforce in to extend one’s working life while whereas the latter are currently not potential crises through efforts Increased flexibility for workers, the informal sector, and that it also allowing for flexible wages, the covered by such activities, the WB focused on liquidity provision, firms, and markets to adjust to reduces job creation in firms with WB said. said) These reforms can be achieved macroeconomic and financial changes in broader economic more than 15 workers, which may Also, maintaining both high in the short run. surveillance, and regulatory oversight conditions, combined with an wish to avoid high visibility and severance pay and a formal social Meanwhile, 40 per cent of informal into growing cross-border banking effective social protection system, monitoring by the authorities and security (employees’ provident fund workers are employed in full-time, activities. will lead to greater economic growth, unions. (EPF)) system can be prohibitively temporary arrangements, with Asia remains a hotspot for emerging the WB report added. expensive for employers, it said. another 12 per cent in part-time diseases, natural disasters, and There have been recent efforts to Ageing Meanwhile, streamlining and temporary arrangements, the WB climate hazards. To build resilience, combine existing labour laws into a Reforms should also attempt to simplifying labour regulations to said. Only 4 per cent of informal the book recommends a range of single labour law, but the proposed make labour regulations compatible lessen the law’s ambiguity, workers have permanent contracts; multilateral interventions including legislation is stalled in the Cabinet at with the challenges posed by an increasing its transparency and 16 per cent report being in full-time strengthening national health systems the time of writing, the WB said. ageing labour force. The regulatory reducing overlapping coverage would casual employment. ‘The trend over to ensure regional health security; Meanwhile, informal firms have and incentive scheme needs to be make compliance easier and less time shows that this segmentation building the capacity of personal higher capital costs (as they are restructured to encourage more costly, the WB said. has become stronger, as most new protective equipment producers; and unable to enter contractual working-age individuals to join the Enforcement efforts should focus informal jobs have been providing knowledge support and agreements due to their informal labour market and extend their more on mediation than on litigation, accompanied by temporary financing for ocean health initiatives. status) and lower labour working lives, the WB report said. which can drastically increase contracts, ‘ the WB said. The book also notes that regional productivity, but they can avoid Firms need to have the flexibility to uncertainty and costs for both Very few informal wage workers cooperation on carbon markets would certain labour costs associated with adjust their workforce according to workers and employers. Building an receive paid leave, in stark contrast be instrumental for climate change mandated taxes and benefits, such skills and market needs, and to adequate and effective social to formal workers. Almost 97 per- mitigation. as labour taxes, minimum wages, promote and pay workers based on protection system vis-à-vis social cent of formal public sector workers Regional cooperation and integration firing constraints, and social merit. The latter is particularly a protection reform can reduce the and around 76 per cent of formal is among the operational priorities in security, the WB said. concern in the public sector, it said. vulnerability to economy-wide and private sector employees reported ADB’s Strategy 2030, and focuses on However, formal firms face higher This would help meet the labour idiosyncratic shocks for labour — yet being entitled to paid leave as part four pillars: infrastructure labour costs but enjoy lower capital demands in a country that still needs if poorly designed, it can work to of their job benefits. By contrast, connectivity; regional public goods; costs . In other words, informality is to grow significantly but is reinforce high informality, the WB only about 7 per cent of informal regional trade and investment; and a rational choice by firms that undergoing rapid ageing. Needed report warned. employees working in formal firms financial cooperation. perceive the benefits of formalisation reforms include raising the formal ETF and less than 1 per cent of informal The ADB is committed to achieving a to be low relative to the additional retirement age (including employees working in informal firms prosperous, inclusive, resilient and costs involved, the WB report further harmonising the age for men and Thus it is critical to balance work reported the same. sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while said. women), and structuring incentives incentives and workers’ protection. This indicates not only a large gap sustaining its efforts to eradicate Nonetheless, increasing flexibility to be consistent with legislation. The employees’ trust fund (ETF) in benefits between informal and extreme poverty. Established in 1966, in labour markets, enhancing the Reforms should also aim to bring contributions could be converted formal workers as groups, but also it is owned by 68 members, 49 from quality of jobs by reducing labour down the cost of labour, which into an unemployment insurance differences among workers who may the region. taxes, simplifying compliance and currently makes it prohibitively fund to serve the ETF’s original be working for similar formal firms, reducing labour costs, especially expensive to retain workers for an intended purpose. the WB report said. those associated with dismissal, extended period of time. Adjustments The increase in workers in smaller What is more, both types of which are high, therefore effectively are needed from both employers and firms who are outside of lawful formal workers have seen their reducing the demand for formal workers: employers need to adapt to coverage is an issue that merits more benefits improving over time, as the labour, are issues that need to be the ageing of the workforce, and attention, the WB report further share of formal workers with access addressed to minimise informal workers have to invest in expanding said. to paid leave has increased in the employment, the WB said. and upgrading their skills. However, increasing human capital last decade; but the opposite trend Further, the Termination of Allowing elderly workers to remain to promote productivity gains and is observed among informal Employment of Workmen Act longer in the labour market also reducing the wage gap as a workers, where the same share is (TEWA), introduced during a time allows them to maintain a decent decomposition analysis showed that declining. b14 ceylon ft monday 30 november 2020 insight The COVID-19 Crisis and Innovation: Why Intellectual Property Rights Matter

By Dilani Hirimuthugodage protected by IPRs will benefit from the should be made available to the commercialisation process. Figure 1 : Patent Registration over the Past Few Years public. Equally, it is vital to recruit Way back in 1945, renowned author Patenting is the most suitable technically-sound IP examiners and Kumarathunga Munidasa wrote in protection method for innovations 700 to also provide IT facilities for virtual ‘Virith Vekiya’: “A nation that does not under Sri Lanka’s Intellectual examinations, remote working to invent and produce new things will Property Rights Act of 2003. Patents 600 examine IP applications relating to not thrive”. The visionary Munidasa are available for inventions, products 500 COVID-19, and to speed up the patent clearly understood the importance of and processes in all fields of examination process. If these innovation for economic and social technology. Once obtained, a patent is 400 practices are not implemented, the progress. Today, it is telling that Sri valid for 20 years. However, the patent technology would get outdated and

Lanka ranks at 101 in the World holder has to re-validate the patent Nos 300 not be put into use. Sri Lanka can Intellectual Property Organization licence annually by paying a fee to the also introduce an online search 200 (WIPO)’s Global Innovation Index (GII) National Intellectual Property Office facility for PATENTSCOPE database for 2020 – a considerable drop of 12 (NIPO). Usually, if the innovation has 100 which provides access to international places from last year – and earning a a good commercial value, the patent Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) pitiful score of 23.78 on a scale of holder tends to renew the licence 0 applications to support COVID-19 0-100, 100 being the most innovative. annually. However, if there is limited 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 innovations and an online dashboard However, according to the Sri Lanka commercial value, the inventor may to monitor operations in line with Inventors Commission, there were decide to abandon the patent as the Registrations by Residents Registrations by Non Residents WIPO. According to WIPO COVID-19 200 innovations since the COVID-19 renewal of a patent is also costly, and Total Registrations Applications by Residents IP Policy Tracker, some countries outbreak in March. This is a at which point the innovation will be Applications by Non Residents Total Applications have reduced patent fees and noteworthy increase in a short period in the public domain for free use. extended deadlines. Sri Lanka too can of time. These innovations are mostly There are other IPRs such as Source: National Intellectual Property O ce, Sri Lanka consider waving off patent fees and scientific or technological and focus copyrights, trademarks and trade renewal fees as it is considered high. Note: Residents - an application / registration field with an IP office in Sri Lanka by a person who is residing in on various practical and medical secrets to protect innovations. Sri Lanka : non-residents- an an application / registration field with a patent office in Sri Lanka by an appilicant As a solution to sharing the high cost necessities that have arisen directly residing in another country. of patenting, Sri Lanka should explore from the pandemic. Yet, only a very The Status Quo alternatives such as integrating with few of these innovations were An important criterion to evaluate a regional patenting organisations. commercialised during this period. country’s innovations is the number Moreover, it is essential to strengthen At this juncture, it is essential to of intellectual property (IP) filings by When compared with 2013, there is for patenting and lack of technical the activities in technology and make inventions and innovations residents and non-residents over the an increase in commercialisation of staff at NIPO for innovation innovation support centres commercially viable products and to past few years. Sri Lanka shows a innovations in government and higher examinations and registration during established in universities for the use them effectively to contain the fluctuating trend in the total number education sector by nearly 68 %, this pandemic period. Moreover, due effective enforcement of the existing virus. This blog highlights the of patents registered locally by however, business enterprise data are to lack of awareness on IPRs, they are IPR policy. importance of intellectual property residents and non-residents since not available. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka not applying for IPR registrations. Dilani Hirimuthugodage is a rights (IPRs) in the commercialisation 2011. However, it shows an increase is not at a satisfactory level when Research Economist working in the process and suggests some strategies since 2016 and a slight decrease in compared with its peers in South and What Can be Done? Agriculture Economic Policy unit at to advance the commercialisation 2019. Moreover, it is important to see East Asia. According to GII 2020, There are several strategies that Sri the IPS. Her research interests process in Sri Lanka. how many of these innovations knowledge and technology outputs Lanka can adopt to encourage include agriculture economics, become commercially viable. which take innovation and innovations and speed up the process intellectual property rights, food Background Business enterprises are leading in commercialisation into consideration, of patenting especially during this security and innovations in the Three concepts are vital in developing, transferring and Sri Lanka was ranked at 68th out of pandemic. agriculture sector especially on introducing new products and commercialising innovations, whereas 131 countries, whereas Singapore As a first step, it is necessary to Genetically Modified Organisms processes to the market: invention, the performance of the higher was at 14th, India at 27th and create public awareness on IPR (GMOs). She holds a Masters in innovation and commercialisation. education sector and public R&D Malaysia at 38th places, respectively. services, especially patenting, its Economics (Distinction Pass) from IPRs are important in the process of institutes are unsatisfactory The Coronavirus Innovation Map, importance, how patents support and the University of Colombo, Sri commercialisation as they facilitate according to the latest available data. also ranks Sri Lanka at a very low encourage inventors by providing Lanka. She is partly qualified in the process of bringing innovative This could be due to low number of level. The United States leads the recognition and rewards, and how to Charted Institute of Management technology to the market by researches conducted by such global coronavirus innovation efforts convert inventors’ knowledge into (CIMA-UK). safeguarding inventor creativity. institutes, lack of research interest whereas China and India lead the tradable assets. *This blog is based on IPS’ ‘Sri- Further, IPRs give inventors the right among staff and students, poor Asian region. One of the main reasons NIPO has introduced an online Lanka: State of the Economy 2020’ to prevent or allow third parties to management system of IPRs, lack of for the low ranking in the Coronavirus patent application system since April report on ‘Pandemics and commercially use the products. Only awareness of patenting, and the high Innovation Map is the lack of IT and 2020 and is conducting online patent Disruptions: Reviving Sri Lanka’s the products or processes which are cost of patenting. online facilities available at present examinations. This information Economy COVID-19 and Beyond’. sports Monday 30 november 2020 A15

Inaugural Sabuddhi Circle awards on 11 December The Sabuddhi Literature journalists during the course Circle (SLC) has announced of 2019. that Sri Lanka’s first ever The winners are to be sports literature awards selected by an expert panel of festival will take place on 11 judges headed by Harsha B December at the Sports Abeykoon, Prof. Prathibha Ministry Duncan White Mahanamahewa and Prof. Auditorium at 4.00 p.m. Asanga Wijeyaratne. Lecturer under the aegis of Minister of Fathima Shanaz would be Sports Namal Rajapaksa. functioning as senior adviser The aim of this awards to the expert panel. festival is to officially recognize Director of SLC media the contributions made by personality Sirinama sports journalists in their Rajapaksa said that the effort to popularize sports names of the sports literature in the country. journalists who would be Thirty awards and competing in the respective certificates are to be given award categories have under 10 categories for the already been identified by the services rendered by sports panel of experts. All Blacks Rediscover Mojo to Overrun

Pumas 38-0 Gurusinha appointed Argentina held scoreless for the first time in 35 years Nigerian coach They say lightening strikes twice and not soccer star Diego Maradona when captain forward Savea crashed over from close Former Sri Lanka World cricket team for a short thrice. So, it proved to be as New Zealand Sam Cane laid an All Black jersey — range following a lineout. Mo’unga again Cup winning team member period. rediscovered their mojo to ensure there number 10 — on the field before the start added the conversion for a 17-0 lead. Asanka Gurusinha has been He was later transferred to was no repeat of its shock reverse to of the test. Maradona died Wednesday of a Substitute winger Jordanthen profited appointed as Head Coach of the High-Performance Centre Argentina a fortnight ago, as they heart attack at age 60. from two midfield mistakes in two minutes Nigeria recently. Gurusinha from where he bid adios to decisively beat the Pumas 38-0 in As the All Blacks lined up to perform the by a tiring Argentina to race away and who batted at number three SLC. Newcastle on Saturday to take a firm grip haka, Cane stepped out, walked toward score - his first All Black tries - and secure in the 1996 World Cup final Nigeria is planning to of the Tri-Nations with one match midfield and laid down the jersey — with a bonus point for New Zealand. (and later migrated to return to cricket after the remaining. Maradona’s name — as Argentine players In the 68th minute, Jordan scooped a Australia), was recruited by pandemic, and are getting This was also the All Blacks second stood arm-in-arm and watched. Several of loose ball and sprinted away to score Sri Lanka Cricket and ready to play in the National highest ever winning margin over Los the Pumas players nodded in under the posts.Two minutes later, the functioned as the Manager Under-17 Tournament and Pumas, and their first since 2012, with acknowledgment of the gesture. winger intercepted a Pumas pass and cum Selector of the Nation National Sports Festival. their previous best being a 54-15 blowout All the early running was with the All showed lightning pace to out-sprint the in La Plata. Blacks as they enjoyed nearly all possession Argentine defenders and score in the Argentina though they tried as hard as and territory, but the first points came corner for a 31-0 lead. they did, would still be dejected to be held through an unlikely source with hooker Tyrel Lomax received a late yellow card scoreless for the first time ever against Coles diving over in the corner from a fired for contact with Lucio Sordoni as he tried their great opponents, since the two cutout pass by Mo’unga in the 12th minute. to clean out a breakdown prior to Rieko R4C Trustee named Jaffna nations began their fierce rugby rivalry in Mo’unga added the conversion before Ioane crashing over. 1985. slotting another penalty moments later, to Substitute forward Tuipulotu scored in Stallions Chief Executive New Zealand scored five tries to secure a give the All Blacks a 10-0 lead. the fifth minute after the siren to add some bonus point in what was a far more Caleb Clarke almost extended the lead in flourish for a superior All Blacks display. By M.H. YAKEEM one of the pioneers behind the assured turn after a 25-15 loss a fortnight the 24th minute after combining with Victory eased the pressure on Foster, project to reconstruct and earlier had put its hopes of a successful Mo’unga, but the winger was adjudged to who had been facing calls for his axing Ride for Ceylon (R4C) and renovate the Green Memorial Tri-Nations campaign in serious jeopardy. have put his foot in touch before grounding after just five games in charge following Friends of Manipay Hospital Hospital in Jaffna, so that once Tries for Dane Coles, Ardie Savea, the ball in the corner. their twin defeats. Trustee, Anandan Arnold, has again it will be a beacon of Patrick Tuipulotu, a brace for Will Jordan Argentina worked its way into the match He shuffled his forward pack to better been appointed Chief medical and healthcare and 13 points from kicker Richie Mo’unga as the half progressed without ever really deal with Argentina’s physicality and they Executive of LPL team Jaffna innovation and care for the made sure the All Blacks avoided losing threatening to score, but left some marks responded well. Stallions. whole of Sri Lanka. three consecutive tests for the first time on their All Blacks counterparts with some The All Blacks moved to 11 points on the Based in the U.K., Anandan R4C co-organiser David this century. crunching tackles. Tri-Nations standings, five points ahead of is part of the driving force Rasiah said: “Anandan is a The All Blacks moved to 11 points on the Mo’unga had a penalty attempt to extend Australia and Argentina, which play the behind the Ride for Ceylon man of few words who Tri-Nations standings, five points ahead of the lead further, but his kick hit the post final match of the tournament next week charity. With a heart to see his definitely has a passion to put Australia and Argentina, which play the to leave the score at 10-0 at the break. in Sydney, with both teams needing a beloved motherland prosper, Sri Lanka in the spotlight by final match of the tournament next week It took another 12 minutes into the bonus point victory to have any chance of Anandan has ploughed time attracting top doctors and in Sydney. second half for the All Blacks to break topping the All Blacks in the standings. and funds into seeing the scientists to GMH and the top New Zealand paid tribute to Argentine through again when dynamic loose (JK) charity grow and develop. He is cricketers to the LPL.”

Phillips sinks West Indies Glenn Phillips smashed the fastest Twenty20 international hundred for New Zealand to help the hosts to a 72-run win against West Indies on Sunday and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The middle-order batsman hit eight sixes and 10 fours in his 108 off 51 balls as the hosts, who won the opening T20 by five wickets, posted a massive 238 for three in their 20 overs after put in to bat first at Mount Maunganui. West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals in their chase and could only reach 166 for nine. Colin Munro had taken 47 balls to reach his century against West Indies at the same ground in 2018 for New Zealand’s fastest hundred in the shortest format Southern Province felicitates 265 athletes of the game, but Phillips bettered the mark by taking a delivery less for his ton. 265 sportsmen/women - Gold, Silver and None of the West Indies bowlers Bronze medalists at the 45th National Sports could make an impact, with fast Festival 2019 and Medalists at the 13th South bowler Keemo Paul returning the Asian Games (SAG) in Nepal – were awarded worst figures among them, conceding colours and prize money at the Southern 64 off his four overs. Province Sports Colours Awards ceremony The 23-year-old Phillips added 184 for conducted by the Sports Ministry of Southern the third wicket with Devon Conway, who Province at the Southern Province Governor’s made an unbeaten 65 off 37 deliveries. Office, Labuduwa recently. “It was absolutely brilliant,” Phillips told Dr. W.W. Gamage, the Governor of Southern the host broadcaster during the innings Province, was the Chief Guest. Others who break. participated in the ceremony were R.C. de “Dev is an absolutely amazing player to play with Zoysa, Chief Secretary of Southern Province, and keeps you calm under pressure. To be a part of a Bimal Indrajith de Silva, Secretary of Sports partnership that big is just unbelievable. It was a lot Southern Province and Dilekha Kudachi. of fun.” The third and final T20 will be played at the same Sports categories: venue on Monday before the sides play a two-test Athletics, Weightlifting, Basketball (Women), series starting Thursday in Hamilton. Hockey, Race Walking (Women), Swimming (Women), BodyBuilding (Men), Badminton, Score Wushu, Table Tennis, Karate-Do, Boxing, New Zealand 238 for 3 (Phillips 108, Conway 65 Rugby, Elle (Men), Football (Men), Softball n.o , Pollard 1-33) Cricket (Women), Chess (Women), Gymnastic West Indies 166 for 9 (Pollard 28, Paul 26 n.o , (Men), Wrestling, Beach Volleyball (Men) and Jamieson 2-15, Santner 2-41) Glenn Phillips Taekwondo. (Reuters) (IR) Today - 3.30 pm Dambulla Vs Jaffna A16 MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020 SPORTS Today - 7.30 pm Kandy Vs Galle Sri Lanka fi elding woes highlighted in LPL 12 drops, several fielding fumbles Batters flying high, enjoying shorter boundaries

The COVID-19 Pandemic kept Dinesh Chandimal (80),Dasun the tournament. Team Matches Win Loss Points NRR cricketers indoors for months with Shanaka (73), together with In a press release SLC stated the their daily training schedules cut off, international stars Andre Russel and distance to the boundary will be 70 Colombo Kings 2 2 - 4 1.36 and most of them looked rusty during Shahid Afridi, provided glimpses of yards (64m), but it was definitely on the field in the Lanka Premier what will be unveiled in the coming shorter than that. During Saturday’s Dambulla Viiking 1 1 - 2 0.414 League. days. game a scoop for six by Niroshan But 12 dropped catches in four On the other hand, bowling and Dickwella was just 61m, though it Jaffna Stallions 1 1 - 2 0.276 matches on top of several fumbles and fielding could not live up to was well within international Kandy Tuskers 2 - 2 - 0.135 misfielding which went for boundaries expectations, where several batsmen standards of 65 yards. means Sri Lanka Cricket coaching who went on to make big scores were After four matches, Colombo Kings Galle Gladiators 2 - 2 - -1.622 staff will be itching to work with them helped by dropped chances. Kusal top the points table with 4 points on this aspect, which was what the Mendis and Naveen Ul Haq have after registering two wins, and have coaches were discussing for a while dropped three chances each during the best net run rate of 1.36, while when referring to Sri Lankan the tournament so far. The bowling Galle Gladiators who lost both their Most Runs Most Wickets cricketers. too has not been up to the mark yet, matches, are lagging in the bottom Avishka Fernando 92 Duanne Olivier 4 The batting has been entertaining apart from a few impressive overs, without points. Kandy Tuskers too with the short boundaries, and while questionable wide and no ball are yet to score any Kusal Perera 91 Naveen Ul-Haq 4 several National players like Avishka deliveries by spinners raised many points after losing Fernando (92n.o.), Kusal Perera (87), eyebrows during the first three days of both games. Andre Russel 89 Asela Gunarathne 3 Rahamanullah Gurbaz 83 Wanidu Hasaranga de Silva 2 Dinesh Chandimal 80 Qais Ahmad 2

Injuries Kusal Mendis walked off after an The tournament had its fair share of injury to the webbing of his left hand injury worries,with several players in Kandy Tuskers second game, but he getting injured later batted without much problem. during first four New players matches. Two International players - Kandy Tuskers Zimbabwe batsman Brendon Taylor paceman Irfan and Indian paceman Munaf Patel - Pathan walked have completed their quarantine and off after the first will be available for Kandy Tuskers game and did not selection today. feature in the second. After a break yesterday, LPL will Dambulla Viiking opener resume with a double-header today Oshada Fernando slipped and when two unbeaten teams Jaffna had a nasty fall and was carried off Stallions and Dambulla Viiking clash on Saturday, and has ruled out of the at 3.30 p.m. followed by two teams rest of the tournament, increasing without a win so far, Kandy Tuskers There were some good catching too worries for Sri Lanka ahead of their taking on Galle Gladiators. Jaffna Stallion skipper Thisara Perera such as this one by Ashan Priyanjan Test tour to South Africa next month. (AK)

Afridi on LPL 2020 Smith shines as Australia seal series Steve Smith was at his imperious days away. Kohli. “With the ball we were not best as he scored a second His team mates wrapped up the that effective, we just didn’t hit the Enjoying my cricket successive 62-ball century to drive match comfortably enough despite areas we wanted to that effectively. Australia to a 51-run victory over a fine innings of 89 from Virat Kohli The chase always felt a bit too India at the Sydney Cricket Ground and a 72 from wicketkeeper KL steep.” on Sunday, sealing the one-day Rahul as India limped to 338 for Earlier, the day had belonged to and working hard series 2-0 with a match to spare. nine. the batsmen of the Australian top The clash, almost a carbon copy “I felt good from ball one and was order, who once again were given of Australia’s 66-run win in Friday’s really able to go hard,” said Man of the opportunity to showcase their match at the same ground, was the Match Smith. “Nice to score skills in the face of some lacklustre soured for the home fans by an some runs for the team and get a bowling. injury to David Warner which may good total. Nice performance.” Smith needed only 64 balls for his rule him out of the test series India’s openers were dismissed in 104 before falling to all-rounder around the new year. successive overs with only 60 runs Hardik Pandya, who before Sunday Warner had scored a bright 83 in on the board before skipper Kohli had not bowled in an opening partnership of 142 with took charge and put together international cricket since his skipper Aaron Finch (60) as partnerships of 93 with Shreyas September last year due to a lower Australia made light of the stifling Iyer (38) and 72 with Rahul. back injury. afternoon conditions to pile on a Once the skipper departed to a Glenn Maxwell’s belligerent massive 389 for four. flying catch by Moises Henriques off unbeaten 63 from 29 balls and a Four overs into India’s reply after Josh Hazlewood, Rahul took up the stroke-filled 70 from Marnus a southerly wind had brought a mantle to keep alive Indian hopes Labuschagne helped Australia dramatic drop in temperatures, that they might just pull off their build on the strong platform and however, Warner injured his biggest ever successful run chase in finish with a flourish. adductor while fielding and had to one-dayers. Australia 4 for 389 (Smith 104, be helped off the field. Rahul thumped five sixes in a Warner 83, Labuschagne 70, The 34-year-old opener was taken pugnacious innings before holing Maxwell 63 not out, Finch 60) to hospital for scans, and Australia out in the deep off spinner Adam India 9 for 338 (Kohli 89, Rahul will be sweating over the results Zampa. 76) with the start of the test series 18 “Completely outplayed,” said (Reuters) Galle Gladiators skipper Shahid Afridi and Fielding coach Upul Chandana

Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Super League (PSL). He admitted that Shahid Afridi is currently skipper of the presence of youngsters in the team the Galle Gladiators in the ongoing creates healthy competition in the Bahrain GP Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2020. squad. Afridi has stated that he is enjoying his “If I want to continue to play cricket, cricket at the moment and wants to be I need to give 100 per cent on the Race halted after Grosjean smashes through barrier a superman for the youngsters in the ground. As I said, there are a lot of Romain Grosjean unaided and jumping team. youngsters, especially on the bench, suffered minor burns and over the safety barrier. Afridi played a blistering innings in which creates healthy competition. The suspected broken ribs Limping, he was then his first game in LPL 2020, posting 58 only thing that a player can do is try but was in a stable helped by FIA doctors to runs off just 23 deliveries against the his level best,” commented Afridi. condition after his car an ambulance. Jaffna Stallions. The 40-year old’s Afridi also heaped praise on Sri smashed through safety Stewards said the race vintage blitzkrieg was laced with six Lanka Cricket (SLC) for organising LPL barriers at the Bahrain would be delayed for at gigantic maximums. 2020. He feels that the league will Formula One Grand Prix least 45 minutes with a Speaking in the post-match prove to be beneficial for Sri Lanka’s on the opening lap, 10-minute warning Stewards attempt to extinguish flames at the crash scene interview, Afridi revealed that he is National side too. bringing the race to a after Haas’ Romain Grosjean crashed out at the start of before resumption, as working really hard on the game and “I would like to congratulate the Sri halt. the race Pool v track workers carried out enjoying his cricket in the LPL. Lankan Cricket Board for organising Frenchman Haas’ car repairs to the barriers. “If you are passionate about this the Lanka Premier League. This is was ripped in half and according to a Grosjean’s Haas team Lewis Hamilton, who game, you need to work hard. The great for the youngsters of this engulfed in flames as it spokesman for the said the 34-year-old had television pictures competition is too much and you are country, who are getting opportunities speared through sport’s governing FIA. suffered minor burns on showed shaking his head playing with youngsters. I want to be a while sharing a dressing room with protective barriers “(Romain) is stable and his hands and ankles in disbelief as he watched superman with these guys at this age. overseas cricketers. I think because of immediately after the being taken by helicopter and had one or more the replays, was in the The good thing is that I am enjoying my this league, the selectors can find start, following contact to the MDF MC Military suspected broken ribs. lead. cricket and I am working really hard around two to three more players that with the AlphaTauri of Hospital for further Replays showed Max Verstappen was for it,” said Afridi. can form the backbone of their Daniil Kvyat. evaluation,” the Grosjean, who is out of second with Sergio Perez Afridi recently represented the national side,” said Afridi. The impact was governing body said. contract next season, third. Multan Sultans in the 2020 Pakistan (Agencies) measured at over 50G, A spokesman for exiting his flaming car (Reuters)

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