monday 10 may 2021 Latest Edition Vol: 10/122 Price : Rs 30.00

In Sports Ushan breaks South Asian Record with Results of Nearly leap of 2.30m

21,000 PCR Tests Ushan Thiwanka Perera shattered the high jump record once again with a leap of Not Released 2.30m in the Lone Star Conference Tests were Labs unable A16 taken a to cope with demand, fortnight ago complicating issue By JT de Silva, Thameenah Razeek and Covid-19 spreads Suraweera- Kandy

Out of the PCR samples taken over a fortnight ago, the test results of nearly 21,000 samples have still not been released to the country, as the laboratories were unable to cope with the demand, Health Ministry sources revealed. They said the 21,000 samples are currently at laboratories with the test results still not being Over 2,600 Patients revealed to the patients.

Story Continued on page 2 Five COVID -19 Recorded in a Day variants found in SL By Nirmani Guneratne Country facing most crucial time– GMOA Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of Allergy, Immunity and Cell Biology Unit of the Sri By Dilanthi Jayamanne (GMOA) warmed the country Jayawardenepura University, says that five variants was facing its most crucial time of COVID-19, which had already spread in seven Sri Lanka’s daily detection of at present and that timely countries, including India had entered Sri Lanka. COVID-19 patients topped over decisions were essential to He said tests conducted by them had revealed that 2,600 for the first time since the prevent a catastrophe. four out of five variants had been detected here and emergence of the corona cluster Executive Committee Member remarked that already a person infected with the following the New Year, Army of the GMOA, Dr. Prasad latest variant spreading in India identified as B. Commander Gen. Shavendra Colombage said yesterday (9) 1617 had also been located from Colombo. Silva said. the union had, with the Sri But, Dr. Jeewandara dismissed claims made that Gen. Silva said the number of Lanka Medical Association the said variant had begun to spread in the society. daily cases reported from the (SLMA), and Specialists According to him the various COVID-19 variants Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda, Prison Association, jointly written to that have been identified in Sri Lanka to date are B. and the New Year clusters was a the President regarding the 1617, Indian variant, B. 1351, South African startling 2,659 by 8:30 p.m. threat posed by the new COVID variant, B. 117, UK variant, B. 1428, Danish/ yesterday (9). variant, he said. Europe/Middle Eastern variant, B. 1525, Nigerian The country’s total had It takes five days for the variant. reached 119,873 by late last disease to show symptoms by He added these variants had been spotted in evening. which time an infected person Districts such as Colombo, Kurunegala, Kandy, Meanwhile, the Government could spread the virus to several Kalutara, Polonnaruwa, Mannar, Jaffna, Batticaloa Medical Officers Association others. and the Bandaragama area. Story Continued on page 2 Treating COVID-19 S African nabbed with If crews and owners Fatal B.1.617 COVID-19 variant patients at home cocaine in shampoo bottles not vaccinated No evidence of Guidelines being By Nabiya Vaffoor Private bus services – State Minister formulated A South African national was arrested while will be halted – LPBOA spread in society smuggling cocaine, weighing 2.29 kg and By W.K. Prasad Manju worth over Rs 60 million, hidden in shampoo BY Nabiya Vaffoor –NOCPCO bottles, Customs Deputy Director (Legal State Minister of Primary Health Care, Affairs) and Media Spokesman Sudattha Silva All private bus operations will come to By Chamara Amarasuriya and Anuradha Epidemics and COVID-19 Disease Control, said. a halt by next week, if the Government Herath Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, said He said the suspect landed at the do not take any step to vaccinate private attention has been drawn towards the Bandaranaike International Airport while with bus drivers, conductors and owners by Head of the National Operations Centre for treatment of patients who display the consignment from Nairobi in Kenya, via the end of this week, the Lanka Private Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO), Army symptoms of the COVID-19 virus within Doha, Qatar. The suspect was arrested by the Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Commander, General Shavendra Silva, said to date no their homes. Customs Narcotics Control Unit, yesterday (9) warned. information has reached them that the patient She stated that a set of guidelines when inspecting his baggage. LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne diagnosed with the fatal COVID-19 variant B.1.617, formulated for this purpose by the Director Silva said the narcotics were found hidden claimed that several requests have been that is spreading in India presently, had come into General of Health Services would also be in two shampoo bottles in three parcels. made to the Government in connection contact with the public. Hence, he rejected claims released shortly. Following preliminary investigations by the with the above request over the past two made in certain quarters that the variant had begun to The State Minister said those who are Customs, the suspect and the narcotic months, but the Government has spread rapidly in the country. infected with the virus would be isolated in substances were handed over to the Police ignored them. their homes and treated by medical... Narcotic Bureau (PNB). Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Namal to Sajith Police arrest 426 for Public Market closed 230 tonnes guideline violations Don’t scupper Govt’s Over 100 test COVID -19 programmes of C’nut oil By Treshan Fernando positive in By Anuradha Herath Police have arrested 426 individuals on Saturday (8), re-exported for violating COVID-19 guidelines,Police Spokesman Piliyandala town Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Namal DIG Ajith Rohana said. This brings the total number of Rajapaksa has urged Opposition Leader By Nabiya Vaffoor individuals arrested for violating social distancing and By Jayasinghe-Colombo not to scupper the ongoing other COVID-19 guidelines to 6,965 since October programmes initiated by the Government to A consignment of 230 metric tons of 2020. Piliyandala Health Officer Dr. Indika both, treat patients and save the lives of those unrefined coconut oil was re-exported to DIG Rohana added that around 6,000 person have Ellawala said that following PCR tests who are infected with COVID-19 in the Malaysia by 9.00 p.m. on 8 May, been charged with these violations. The remainder conducted on traders attached to the country. He requested the SJB Leader to Customs Deputy Director (Legal Affairs) have been released on bail and are to be produced in Piliyandala Public Market and those who instead support the measures being and Media Spokesman Sudattha Silva Courts shortly. In addition, Police investigated several are residing in the town, some 100 implemented by the Government to curb the said. public places, including beaches and parks, and 849 people had tested positive to COVID-19. spread of the third wave of the pandemic here. He said, "230 MT of unrefined coconut people have been warned that they were violating He said that due to this reason a The Minister said that the Government oil, imported by Edirisinghe Edible Oil health guidelines. decision had been taken to temporarily would never ignore the burning issues of the (Pvt) Ltd., was loaded into twelve 20-foot shut down the Piliyandala Public masses on the pretext of tackling the containers from the company's... Market. Story Continued on page 2 pandemic. Story Continued on page 2 Due to poor economic plan Story Continued on page 2 Bathiudeen’s arrest a Country facing its worst Chinese rocket debris lands in Indian Ocean gross violation of Law economic crisis – JVP Draws criticism from NASA – Counsel Habib By Treshan Fernando Remnants of China's biggest rocket landed Member of Parliament (MP)Rishad in the Indian Ocean on Sunday (9), with most Bathiudeen is being held for Sri Lanka is facing one of the worst economic of its components destroyed upon re-entry administrative and political reasons crises in its history, JVP Politburo Member Sunil into the atmosphere, ending days of without consulting a Court or the Handunnetti claimed yesterday (9). speculation over where the debris would hit Attorney General, even though the He added that whilst the Government argues that but drawing US criticism over lack of Presidential Commission of Inquiry, this crisis is due to the prevailing COVID-19 transparency. appointed to look into Easter Bombings pandemic, the reality is that it is due to the The coordinates given by Chinese State The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the core of 2019, has not recommended his Government’s poor economic plan. Media, citing the China Manned Space module of China's space station Tianhe, takes off arrest, said Bathiudeen’s official lawyer, He expressed these views at a Media conference Engineering Office, put the point of impact in from Wenchang Space Launch Centre in Hainan Rushdie Habib. Province, China 29 April 2021. (China Daily via organised by the JVP. the ocean, west of the Maldives archipelago. Reuters) He was speaking to the Media at a...

Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 A2 monday 10 may 2021 news

Continued from page 1 Over 2,600 Patients... Therefore it is important to Dr. Colombage said the COVID damaging to the lungs. Therefore to disease control and prevention. been strengthened. The Executive vaccination programme against constantly wear a mask, pneumonia caused by the it was important that timely He noted that Sri Lanka’s Committee member said that it COVID-19 in all parts of the especially in Public places. particular variant was highly decisions were taken with regard vaccination programme too had was important to deploy the country.

Results of Nearly... Bathiudeen’s... Police arrest...

It is claimed that the PCR test samples being taken are had visited ’s In this operation, Police arrested 48 individuals and 32 people continuing to rise. Thus, the inability to release the results on ... briefing organised by the All premises and arrested him. No were quarantined for a period of 14 days as they were identified as time and this has complicated the issue. Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC). reason was provided, and it was close contacts with COVID-19 patients. It is also said that a majority of those from the 21,000 on Habib said that they have a clear they were acting on the The Police also conducted another operation on 2,057 mobile whom the PCR tests had been done, are continuing to languish problem with the investigations instructions of a political bigwig vendors. A total of 114 vendors were given a Rapid Antigen Test for at home with most of them being infected and some being being conducted from various seeking vengeance from COVID-19 and two tested positive. identified as carriers of the virus. Meanwhile, the government angles, without implementing the Bathiudeen. We have been DIG Rohana added that Police are conducting these operations has decided to temporarily suspend pregnant women from findings and recommendations reliably informed that no constantly and he warned the public to always follow the relevant attendingall State institutions. Also, Secretaries to Ministries in the Presidential Commission of statement has been recorded health guidelines so that the threat of COVID-19 is minimised. and Heads of Institutions will be empowered to... Inquiry report. He alleged that from Bathiudeenupto now. As a according to a Police spokesman, Parliamentarian for 20 years and if there is any practical or a Leader of a political party, the scientific evidence, it should be disgraceful treatment, contrary presented to the Court and to provisions of the law, including Don’t scupper... detention without doing so is a the law pertaining to which he violation of basic human rights. was arrested, shows the political Rajapaksa affirmed that while taking measures to control the Country facing... "The arrest of MP Bathiudeen immaturity and the impunity of spread of the fatal illness the Government has given priority to on 24 April has been publically the Minister of Public Security, contunuing the development work while resolving issues related Quoting the Central Bank Report, Handunnetti said that noted as a gross violation of the Dr. Sarath Weerasekara. At this to the people. the Government allowed a drastic fall in revenue. This is not law. It is a breach of the juncture, it has become clear due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Handunnetti claimed, but Parliamentary privileges that the that Bathiudeen is a victim of rather that upon coming to power, the Government consent of the Speaker was not political persecution," he said. implemented several tax reliefs. obtained to make the arrest. In Talking about the arbitrary He asserted that the people did not receive any of these terms of Article 13 of the nature of Weerasekara’s actions, 230 tonnes... benefits but these benefits went straight to businesses and Constitution, the person being Habib said that it is inevitable people closely associated with the Government. arrested should be notified of the that one wonders if the ... warehouses and shipped to the SAGT terminal of According to the Central Bank Report, the Government reason for which he is being Government is afraid that Colombo Port on 30 April for re-exporting, under full received Rs 2,272 billion in a single year, Handunnetti stated. arrested. Section 13 (2) of the Bathiudeen may reveal supervision of Sri Lanka Customs," he added. In other words, he said that Sri Lanka falls into Rs 250 million Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) information to Parliament which The Customs also confirmed that the consignment was worth of debt every hour. requires that any person, in may explicitly expose the farce re-exported in the vessel 'Ever Ethic', which originally was In addition, the Government has obtained loans from the respect of whom a detention and follies of the incumbent scheduled to reach the Colombo Port on 4 May, but did not Central Bank and Licensed Commercial Banks. Handunnetti order is issued, must be informed Government. He added that they turn up as it left from India late. alleged that as a result, the Government was taking away of the unlawful activity for which must assume that the express funding for their own activities which would otherwise be used he has been arrested. Section violation of the laws of Sri Lanka by businesses in the country. 164 of the Code of Criminal by the Government is due to fear The amount of debt raised the question as to how the Procedure states that the charge of Bathiudeen. "The unlawful Government will pay off these debts, Handunnetti went on to must include the offence for arrest and detention, is a means Guidelines being... say. Issues regarding the Colombo Port City demonstrate the which he is being arrested. of seeking political vengeance. consequences of being in this debt trap, he added. However, till now, no reason has The matter must be subjected to ... officers without risking the lives of other occupants. He accused the Government of failing in its economic been communicated to judicial scrutiny, which the Dr. Fernandopulle added that prominence would be given planning, which has since led to this country’s poor economic Bathiudeen," he noted. Government is afraid to do. No to COVID-19 patients when it comes to hospitalisation and state. Speaking further Habib noted person should be capable of facilities will be further enhanced for this purpose. JVP Politburo Member Wasantha Samarasinghe, who also that the day prior to the arrest, acting with impunity, including spoke at the briefing, accused the Government of having Bathiudeen had been to those who are in charge of double standards when it comes to its economic policies. Parliament and performed his ministries that have resorted to Whilst the Government has banned the importing of turmeric, duties as a Parliamentarian while unlawful administrative actions," it is selling land as part of the Port City project, he claimed. he was fasting during the holy he said. While insisting that No evidence... He further alleged that whilst the Government is building month of Ramazanand Bathiudeen must be released, by highways, COVID-19 patients are now being treated at home performed his religious duties. reason of his unlawful arrest, the because there are not enough beds in hospitals. Sri Lanka has He noted that no communication ACMC asked for justice on his Silva said the patient had combat the spread of COVID- been classified as the country with the second highest rate of was made of an impending arrest behalf. “We also request the been treated at a hotel 19. spread in Asia, he went on to say. prior to the arrest. "Yet, despite Attorney General’s intervention quarantine centre under the He said thus far no The Government has ignored all warnings and advice from the heavy downpour of rain and in this matter and call for reports supervision of Army conclusive proof had come to health officials which has now allowed COVID-19 to spread the lack of jurisdiction on the from the CID in order to seek personnel on his arrival from light as to how the new and has led to the deaths of several Sri Lankans, matter, the Criminal justice for our leader at the overseas. Indian variant of COVID-19 Samarasinghe concluded. Investigation Department (CID) earliest," he concluded. (TR) The Army Commander had begun to spread in the added that following this, the country, but affirmed that all patient had been treated at a Indians had been brought private hospital, before he down to Colombo through the had been sent to a hostel bio-secure bubble concept. Private bus... attached to the private firm But, the Minister agreed where he is employed to that some Indians could have "We requested the Government to vaccinate owners too need to be vaccinated, since they LPBOA Secretary has contracted the virus. undergo the self-quarantine arrived here ignoring that the private bus operators two months ago as collect the daily collection from the bus We are highly vulnerable since we have to programme. concept and added that they are highly vulnerable to contract the crews," he said. Wijerathne said none of the touch the money when people pay for tickets. Meanwhile, Minister of inquiries were presently virus. We made direct requests from the employees in the transport sector, including Government should think clearly and make Tourism Prasanna underway to locate them. Director General of Health Services but they Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) or Railway efficient decisions in these situations," Ranatunga said during the He observed that all did not take our request seriously," Wijeratne Department, have been vaccinated. Wijerathe added. He also noted that there recent past all visitors to the arrivals from India to said. "We have about 45,000 operators in the "About 70 employees from the SLTB have could be a collapse in the transport sector, if country had been brought Colombo had been private bus sector and we emphasise that the been tested positive for COVID-19. Even the the virus spread among LPBOA. down adhering to the health suspended for 14 days. guidelines put in place to

Chinese rocket debris lands... Debris from the Long March 5B has unknown at this time, will not be space debris.” the potential debris zone could have up while re-entering the atmosphere,” had some people looking warily skyward released by US Space Command,” it said With most of the Earth’s surface been as far north as New York, Madrid or Wang Wenbin, a spokesman at China’s since it blasted off from China’s Hainan in a statement on its website. covered by water, the odds of populated Beijing, and as far south as southern foreign ministry, said at a regular media Island on April 29, but the China The Long March was the second area on land being hit had been low, and Chile and Wellington, New Zealand. briefing on 7 May. Manned Space Engineering Office said deployment of the 5B variant since its the likelihood of injuries even lower, Since large chunks of the NASA space “To my knowledge, the upper stage of most of the debris was burnt up in the maiden flight in May 2020. Last year, according to experts. station Skylab fell from orbit in July this rocket has been deactivated, which atmosphere. pieces from the first Long March 5B fell But uncertainty over the rocket’s 1979 and landed in Australia, most means most of its parts will burn up State media reported parts of the on Ivory Coast, damaging several orbital decay and China’s failure to issue countries have sought to avoid such upon re-entry, making the likelihood of rocket re-entered the atmosphere at buildings. No injuries were reported. stronger reassurances in the run-up to uncontrolled re-entries through their damage to aviation or ground facilities 10:24 a.m. Beijing time (0224 GMT) and “Spacefaring nations must minimise the re-entry fuelled anxiety. spacecraft design, McDowell said. and activities extremely low,” Wang said landed at a location with the coordinates the risks to people and property on Earth “It is critical that China and all “It makes the Chinese rocket designers at the time. of longitude 72.47 degrees east and of re-entries of space objects and spacefaring nations and commercial look lazy that they didn’t address this,” The rocket, which put into orbit an latitude 2.65 degrees north. maximise transparency regarding those entities act responsibly and said McDowell. unmanned Tianhe module containing The US Space command confirmed the operations,” NASA Administrator Bill transparently in space to ensure the The Global Times, a Chinese tabloid, what will become living quarters for re-entry of the rocket over the Arabian Nelson, a former Senator and astronaut safety, stability, security, and long-term dismissed as “Western hype” concerns three crew on a permanent Chinese Peninsula, but said it was unknown if who was picked for the role in March, sustainability of outer space activities,” the rocket was “out of control” and could space station, will be followed by 10 the debris impacted land or water. said in a statement after the re-entry. Nelson said. cause damage. more missions to complete the station by “The exact location of the impact and “It is clear that China is failing to meet Harvard-based astrophysicist “It is common practice across the 2022. the span of debris, both of which are responsible standards regarding their Jonathan McDowell told Reuters that world for upper stages of rockets to burn (Reuters)

Drug-peddling father-son duo arrested in Kalmunai Lockdowns Lead to Starvation

By Naalir Jamaldeen and Housing Apartments in the Kalmunai information on drug users. Checkpoints Shouldn’t be Permanent Farook Sihan Police Division, the raid was They added that inquiries have By Paneetha Ameresekere - Douglas conducted. commenced to track down the persons A father and son duo who had been The raid was conducted under the who were distributing narcotics to Lockdowns to tackle the third Vavuniya, said on Friday, the engaged in drug peddling for a long supervision of Kalmunai Police OIC suspects detained for heroin wave of the COVID-19 pandemic Fisheries Ministry stated. He had time have been arrested, the Kalmunai Sujith Priyantha and 18.01 grams of possession. would result in people being starved further said as soft approaches Police said yesterday (9). heroin worth nearly Rs 225,000, which Four suspects who were arrested to death and security checkpoints towards the masses to combat Following a tip-off received by the had been packed in 13 small packages, with narcotics a few days ago have complemented by searches should COVID-19 don’t work, the Security Special Investigations Division of were seized by Police. been remanded for 14 days after being not be a permanent feature, Forces have been deployed to ensure Ampara District that narcotics were Police said they have asked the produced before the Kalmunai Fisheries Minister Douglas that people adhere to health being sold in the night at Green Field public in the area to provide Magistrate, he added. Devananda, speaking to reporters in guidelines. news monday 10 may 2021 A3 NICs Prepared and Sent to Post Offices By Buddhika Samaraweera NICs of those who have obtained appointments in June would also National Identity Cards (NICs) be sent by post within this week. of the persons who have The Commissioner General Army-improvised Biggest COVID-19 Hospital appointments in May, have been also said the people were able to prepared and sent to the post obtain the services of the offices, said Commissioner department without any NOCPCO Supervises General of the Department of inconvenience due to the Registration of Persons, Viyani dedication of its staff. Gunathilaka. “Considering the current Final Touches He said the NICs of those who situation in the country, we hope had booked dates and times to continue to provide services In order to find whether together with Major General until 31 May were handed over to through remote methods,” he the country’s biggest Army- Sanjaya Wanasinghe, the post on 8 May. He added that added. improvised COVID-19 Adjutant General of the Hospital in Seeduwa, now Army and Brigadier Lal receiving final touches Wijethunga, Commander, needs any more fine-tuning, 141 Brigade, at the entrance General Shavendra Silva, to the new facility, made Head of the National available by Brandix Group. Operations Centre for The state-of-the-art Prevention of COVID-19 facility with emergency Outbreak (NOCPCO), Chief treatment unit, isolation of Defence Staff, and sections, resuscitation Commander of the Army, units, ICU, medical stores, together with several Senior etc is the first of its kind in Officers of relevance to the Sri Lanka that came up in project undertook an less than a week on an inspection tour last initiative taken by the Army Saturday morning (8). to face with any contingency The Army-improvised in the wake of resurgence of COVID-19 Hospital in the third COVID-19 wave in Seeduwa, fully backed by the country. the Army Seva Vanitha Unit The Seeduwa new facility (ASVU) with 1,200 beds, is the third such factory equipped with all vital handed over by Brandix to health facilities, consequent the worthy cause of Special prayers for upon the generosity, combating COVID-19 in Sri extended by Chief Executive Lanka, apart from similar people of India Officer (CEO) Brandix quarantine facilities they Group, Ashroff Omar, is the made available at their sites Special prayers and mark of his symbolic first-ever biggest COVID-19 in Punani and ceremonies were held by people participation at the event, his Hospital in the country, Rambukkana. This Facility of different faiths across Sri photographs from the visit were improvised by the Army in was also the first to receive Lanka on 8 May 2021 for the displayed at the site of the less than a week to be in line the international recognition well-being of people of India, in ceremony. Like authorities of with the Government’s as the world’s first Apparel the wake of the COVID-19 Naguleswaram Temple, office decision to increase the bed Manufacturing Facility pandemic. The extent of bearers of Kondavil Ayyappan capacity all over the along with the LEED diversity in these solidarity and Maviddapuram country. Platinum certificate. ceremonies was a true Kandaswamy Temples also “In keeping with this This improvised new manifestation of camaraderie handed over letters of solidarity emergency need, the Army COVID-19 hospital in and connect between the addressed to President Ram immediately initiated an Seeduwa has been equipped peoples of India and Sri Lanka. Nath Kovind and Prime Minister islandwide hunt for suitable with Army-produced 1,200 The Indian High Commission, Modi to S. Balachandran, locations and buildings and beds and we will primarily in a Media release, said: A multi- Consul General of India in as a result, Security Force have 5,000 beds ready, and religious, countrywide ‘Vishwa Jaffna. members at all regional the target is to increase it to Ashirwada Horawa’ was Catholic churches in Jaffna levels are busy improvising 10,000 beds around the organised by Ministry of dedicated a one-hour prayer new places to serve as country within the next Buddhasasana, Cultural and service to the people of Sri Intermediate Care Centres couple of days. In this place, Religious Affairs, headed by Lanka, India and beyond. or Hospitals, exclusively isolated medical facilities Prime Minister Mahinda Parallel prayers were held at reserved for COVID-19 with separate cubicles and Rajapaksa, from 1730 to 1830 private houses as well during treatment as existing space could cope with 1,200 hrs. High Commissioner Gopal the same time. capacities in government patients on an emergency Baglay attended the ceremony It may be recalled that the hospitals are already basis. The military has held at Gangaramaya Temple. multitude of such prayers and overwhelmed. We expect to already added more beds to The sacred Ratana Sutta and ceremonies held over the open this state-of-the-art the hospital capacity, Jwara Piritha were also recited previous weeks across the Island facility centre shortly in intermediate care centres on the occasion. Ambassadors of Nation were listed out in the Seeduwa with the express and provided even ICU beds, Japan, Vietnam and several Media release of the High objective of giving the best having set up the ICUs by other diplomats also attended Commission on 5 May 2021. The emergency healthcare to the Army itself. Out of some the event. High Commission reiterates its affected Sri Lankans free of 86,000 beds in islandwide Mahamrityunjaya maha yagya sincere gratitude and sense of charge,” General Shavendra State hospitals, initially we was held simultaneously at the appreciation to all sections of Silva remarked. used only about 5,000 beds five Easwarams in Sri Lanka. the Sri Lankan society for firmly The Army Chief was since capacity for Out of these, it may be recalled standing by their brethren in warmly welcomed by Major contingencies like COVID- that Prime Minister Narendra India and the sentiments, General Sujeewa Senerath 19 is minimal, General Modi had visited Naguleswaram empathy and concerns for them Yapa, General Officer Shavendra Silva was quoted Temple during his visit to Sri during these unprecedented Commanding, 14 Division, saying. Lanka in March 2015 and as a times.

Seven Indians arrested with 235 kg Kerala cannabis

Seven Indians were arrested Indians were repatriated to when they attempted to their home waters due to smuggle over 235 kg of Kerala COVID-19 concerns, the Navy cannabis worth Rs 70 said. million into the country, during In a separate patrol in the sea an operation conducted in the off Negombo on the same day, sea off Kudiramalai Point by the the Navy intercepted a Navy on 7 May. suspicious dinghy approaching The patrols were conducted landward and confisicated adhering to COVID-19 about 522 kg of onion seeds protocols. packed in 20 packages. The During a patrol in the sea off Navy arrested two locals who Kudiramalai Point, the Navy attempted to smuggle this spotted the Indian fishing vessel consignment into the country. in Sri Lankan waters across the The suspects, together with International Maritime the haul of onion seeds and the Boundary Line (IMBL). dinghy, were handed over to the Further search of the vessel Customs Preventive Office, led to the seizure of over 235 kg packages contained in six The consignment of Kerala Katunayake for onward legal of Kerala cannabis in 118 sacks. cannabis was set on fire and the action, the Navy said.

Container truck mishap One killed and four injured By Naalir Jamaldeen Anuradhapura - Puttalam Main Road, The injured, who were in critical when a container truck, travelling at condition, were initially admitted to One person was killed and another excessive speed towards Puttalam, the Divisional Hospital and were later four were critically injured yesterday collided with two motorcycles and a transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (9) in an accident involving a container push cycle at the said location. of the Teaching Hospital truck and several other vehicles. Police added that the container truck Anuradhapura. The Nochchiyagama Police, had collided with a small lorry which The driver of the container truck has yesterday, said the accident occurred had been parked on the road and an been arrested by Police and at a location close to Morakanda electric post, causing severe damage to investigations are underway, Nochchiyagama along the them. Nochchiyagama Police said. A4 Monday 10 May 2021 Column Sandahiru Seya and SL’S Dagoba Architecture By Lakshman I. Keerthisinghe

“Our ancestors had built our ancient Dagobas in remembrance of our former heroes and this gigantic Dagoba is a tribute to the war heroes of our time, which will stand tall for future The auspicious generations to see as a testament to placement of the the sacrifices they made.” – General Kamal Gunaratna first brick on the - Defence Secretary The Tripitakaya has been replicated Hatharas Kotuwa on golden leaves and deposited in the (square pavilion) of ‘Sandahiru Seya’ Stupa. In addition an eight kilo copper statue of the the Sandhahiru Buddha has also been deposited in Seya Stupa at the Stupa, in addition to a large amount of treasures donated by Anuradhapura took businessmen and the public. The ceremony to deposit these treasures place on 25 May in the square chamber above the 2020 amid Pirith Stupa dome was held on 28 March 2021 under the patronage of Defence chanting and Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne, the commanders of the Tri Forces, blessings of the Police and CSD and the Maha Maha Sangha. The square chamber will be 39 feet in height when completed. Sangha. Soldiers of Further, the Devatha Kotuwa will be the Sri Lanka Army another 25 feet high and above that will be the Koth Kerella which will be led by Corps of a further 72 feet tall and the Koth Wahanse will be another 18 feet tall Engineering with the Chuda Manikya being three- Services are and-a-half feet in height. In fact, in addition to the construction done so constructing this Sandahiru Seya under construction far, the Dagoba will see another 100 monumental feet added on at its completion in November 2021. The base of the sacrificed in battling for the liberation the dream of constructing this province. Similar pagodas are to be pagoda in memory Dagoba runs around 28 feet below of their precious motherland-the magnificent Dagoba, adding that constructed elsewhere in the country ground level, The donated three-and-a beautiful paradise island of Sri Lanka without their advice and guidance, in the future. President Gotabaya of fallen War half-foot high crest gem is designed to for all peace-loving patriotic Sri this task could not have been Rajapaksa several years ago, during Heroes of the north be placed at the tip of the Conical Lankans irrespective of any achieved. The initial name of this his tenure as the Defence Secretary, Spire embedded with precious stones communal differences. Dagoba was ‘Ranaviru Seya’ but it initiated the construction of this large central province and gold. The mega construction was subsequently changed to Stupa in the sacred old kingdom of undertaken by the Tri-Forces is 282 The largest Stupa ‘Sandahiru Seya’, indicating that this Anuradhapura as a tribute to the feet in height with a circumference of Since the great Stupas that were structure will remain as a place of memory of all fallen war heroes. 801 feet. built by our former kings, this is the worship and a sign of gratitude to the Dagobas or stupas of Sri Lanka are It is significant to note that around largest Stupa being built in modern fallen and injured war heroes for as significant to the architectural and as Jetawanaramaya, Abhayagiri, 29,000 Army, Navy, Air Force, Police times in the country. Funds for the long as the moon and sun rises in our engineering development in the and Mirisevati were in the shape of a and CSD soldiers sacrificed their construction of this Stupa comes from land. The auspicious placement of the island. Stupas designed and paddy heap while Riwanveli is in the valuable lives to liberate the country contributions made by military first brick on the Hatharas Kotuwa constructed in Sri Lanka are the shape of a bubble. from the clutches of terrorism. Over personnel who have willingly donated (square pavilion) of the Sandhahiru largest brick structures known to pre- In conclusion, ancient dagoba 60,000 soldiers were injured during a part of their salary and other Seya Stupa at Anuradhapura took modern world. The construction of architecture in Sri Lanka is the war and even today, over 14,000 donors. The enormous Sandahiru place on 25 May 2020 amid Pirith stupas were considered acts of great unmatched by any other architectural are confined to a wheelchair or bed Seya is a mere 18.5 feet less in height chanting and blessings of the Maha merit as the purpose was mainly to designs in the world and have to be having been critically injured and than the mighty Ruwanweli Seya, Sangha. Soldiers of the Sri Lanka enshrine the sacred relics of Buddha. preserved for posterity by the Sri rendered disabled. That is the fate which is a revered Buddhist place of Army led by Corps of Engineering The stupa designs stipulate that, Lankan people with pride. facing these valiant war heroes in worship. The Defence Secretary paid a Services are constructing this entrances to stupas are laid out so The writer is an Attorney-at-Law spending the rest of their lives but tribute to the Buddhist clergy for their monumental pagoda in memory of that their centre lines point to the with LLB, LLM, MPhil.(Colombo) they are proud of what they have support and assistance in realising fallen War Heroes of the north central relic chambers. Stupas such [email protected]

By Padraig Colman particularly those working for the regulated public service broadcasters, He wiffles and he waffles; he piffles do when faced with the conflict and he paffles. Alexander Boris de between disseminating what they Pfeffel Johnson seems incapable of A Strategy of Lies know to be a lie and their legal giving a straight answer. Every week responsibilities to exercise ‘due at Prime Minister’s questions in the There was a good example on 28 impartiality?’” Gaber and Caroline House of Commons, Boris bats away April, when Ian Blackford, Fisher have published an article in the questions of the leader of the Westminster leader of the SNP The International Journal of Press/ opposition, Keir Starmer, with a (Scottish Nationalist Party), speaking Politics entitled Strategic Lying: The mélange of bluster and irrelevance from his own home surrounded by Case of Brexit and the 2019 U.K. and whataboutery. At PMQs on 28 DVDs and books, launched this Election. The paper argues that April 2021, Johnson seemed to lose it missile. “Parliamentary rules stop me strategic political lying has been completely as Starmer brought his saying that the Prime Minister has designed as a priming device to set forensic skills as a former Director of repeatedly lied to the public over the the news agenda. “Strategic lying” Public Prosecutions to the chamber. last week, but may I ask the question: represents a development of political Johnson ranted and avoided are you a liar, Prime Minister?” There spin that has been intensified by the answering the well-honed questions was a stunned silence in the House. increasing professionalisation of put to him. The speaker fidgeted uncomfortably political communications and the rise Andrew Rawnsley in the London and mumbled something about what of social media. Observer wrote: “Those familiar with Blackford had said not being out of Strategic lying is a technique his pathology will know that he often order but being ‘unsavoury’. whereby a politician tells a deliberate dials up the bluster when he has Blackford’s question called for a yes lie with the purpose of shifting the something to hide. The worse the or no answer. Johnson could not say news agenda onto his or her preferred misconduct he is trying to conceal, yes, he was a liar. If he said, “No, I am territory. It doesn’t matter if the lie is the rantier he tends to get. He Stamer escalates attack on Johnson not a liar” everybody would know he easily rebutted. Rebuttals are part of was very ranty indeed at the most was lying and therefore a liar. the plan because they result in the recent Prime Minister’s questions.” ‘no’. Starmer’s response was chilling: of the Downing Street flat was funded. Johnson’s crimes are manifold. subject of the lie being amplified and Johnson has long played the buffoon “I remind him that the ministerial ‘Cash for cushions’ and While Johnson was spending an kept on, or near, the top of the news and has often been mistaken for a code says: ‘Ministers who knowingly ‘wallpapergate’ are terms being estimated £200,000 on home decor, agenda. Wodehousian silly ass. Johnson is mislead Parliament will be expected to bandied about. his government was pushing through Once a lie finds a sympathetic ear, Ukridge rather than Wooster. Ukridge offer their resignation’. I will leave it I have been watching PMQs for a a post-Grenfell fire safety bill that rebuttals, facts, will not persuade is quick to blame his friends for his there for now. There will be further on long time and I am able to discern the threatens ordinary leaseholders with people that it is not true. To believe failures. Ukridge gets really angry this, believe you me.” techniques that Johnson uses. He financial ruin, saddling them with the anything else would create a sense of when his friend refuses to injure employs the same tricks when he cost of ridding their homes of cognitive dissonance. Memories of himself for what Ukridge describes as Downing Street flat appears before the select liaison potentially lethal cladding and other corrections fade rapidly, but the the common good. Ukridge usually Starmer followed up with another committee. He never answers the hazards. memory of the original lie remains. sees himself as the victim when his wounding thrust. “Who initially – and question, which forces the questioner As mayor of London, he wasted Goebbels had something to say on plans inevitably implode and blames ‘initially’ is the key word here – paid to keep repeating the question. money on failed vanity projects and this subject. Media scholar Caroline fate or his friends – “It’s a bit hard…!” for the redecoration of his Downing Johnson then feigns frustration at gave £126,000 of public money to his Jack coined the phrase ‘unintentional is a phrase that recurs often. Street flat?” Johnson responded with the repetition and says something lover, Jennifer Arcuri, to whom the amplification’, which in turn leads to Johnson’s fake buffoonery causes real a flurry of whataboutery, to which like, “I have already answered that mayor gave a fast track to the another phenomenon which she distress to millions of real people. Starmer replied, “Normally when question numerous times”. What he taxpayer’s pocket. As Prime Minister identifies as ‘inadvertent Ukridge is fiction. Johnson is ugly people do not want to incriminate really means is that the question has he facilitated a VIP lane for Ministers’ legitimisation’ – the act of giving fact. themselves, they go, ‘No comment.’” been asked numerous times and he chums to make a profit out of the credibility to ‘strategic lies’ simply by Here is Starmer’s first question, as Starmer followed up thus: “Either the has avoided answering it numerous pandemic. There was a £276m repeating them. recorded in Hansard. “It was reported taxpayer paid the initial invoice, or it times. contract that went to P14 Medical, Nick Cohen wrote in the London this week, including in the Daily was the Conservative party, or it was Another trick is to hurl questions at run by a Tory donor, and the £160m Observer: “Boris Johnson has a sense Mail and by the BBC and ITV, backed a private donor, or it was the Prime Keir Starmer and berate him for not deal with Meller Designs, also run by of entitlement where a sense of up by numerous sources, that at the Minister. I am making it easy for the answering them. Starmer has drily a Tory donor. Cronies like Dido morality should be. Put a man like end of October the Prime Minister Prime Minister – it is now multiple pointed out that this is prime Harding got the benefit of £37bn that in charge of a well-governed said he would rather have ‘bodies pile choice. There are only four options. I minister’s questions not leader of the committed to a test-and-trace country and anti-corruption high’ than implement another ask him again: who paid the initial opposition’s questions but if he wants programme that never worked. investigations follow. Put him in lockdown. Can the Prime Minister tell invoice – the initial invoice, Prime to change places, he would be happy charge of this country and, instead of the House categorically, yes or no: did Minister – for the redecoration of the to do so. The speaker of the House, Strategic political lying detectives with warrants, we have he make those remarks or remarks to Prime Minister’s flat?” Lyndsey Hoyle, occasionally makes Ívor Gaber, professor of journalism chums looking at chums, morally that effect?” There are now no fewer than three the same point but generally lets at Sussex University asks the compromised arbiters and intimidated Of course, we did not get a ‘yes’ or a inquiries into how the refurbishment Johnson get away with his tricks. question: “What do journalists, watchdogs.” column monday 10 may 2021 A5 PCs on

BElectoraly Sugeeswara Senadhira Reformsmoney can afford to contest and Provincial Council and the number of spend on the Election campaign. members should be frozen as at At a time when a national debate is Potential candidates without huge present level. The Committee was taking place on the future of the campaign funds are unable to do so. also in agreement that it is Provincial Council system, another The majority view of the 2003 PSC appropriate to hold Elections to all committee has been appointed to favoured reforms to the present Provincial Councils on a single day. recommend electoral reforms. For the system leading towards a mixed The Committee considered it second time in two decades, Leader of system of a combination of first-past- necessary that Sections 3 and 22 of the House, Foreign Minister Dinesh the-post and proportional the Provincial Councils Elections Act Gunawardena heads a Parliamentary representation systems. Concerns No. 2 of 1988 be amended to provide Select Committee (PSC) appointed to In 2003, a PSC were raised in respect of a proposed for the freezing of the membership of identify appropriate reforms to change of the present system by Provincial Councils on the basis of Election laws and the electoral headed by Dinesh minority parties and communities of the order of the President made in system and to recommend necessary interests who urged the committee to terms of Section 2 of the Provincial amendments. This time he heads the Gunawardena was ensure equitable representation in Councils Act No. 42 of 1987 and to 14-member Committee, announced given the same the system that is finally proposed. hold Provincial Councils Elections on by Speaker Mahinda Yapa The Committee also considered the a single day. Abeywardena last week. task and the recommendations of the The 15-member Dinesh The responsibility of the Committee Committee came Commissioner of Elections regarding Gunawardena Committee of 2003 is to identify shortcomings of the changes to the present legal regime in included many senior existing electoral system and its up with far relation to recognition of political parliamentarians such as Karu structure and to make parties. The Commissioner noted that Jayasuriya, Rajvarothiam recommendations with regard to the reaching the recognition of political parties is Sampanthan, , amendments pertaining to the recommendations effected more on the basis of Gayantha Karunathilleka, Nimal subject matter. The other members of satisfaction of legal criteria and of Siripala de Silva, the PSC are Ministers Nimal Siripala on electoral national compliance rather than on and . de Silva, Prof G.L. Peiris, Pavithradevi the basis of actual recognition by The new PSC should also look at Wanniarachchi, Douglas Devananda, reforms. In its voters. In the result, the vast majority the possible ways of democratising and M.U.M. Ali first report, the of recognised political parties do not the National List. The 1978 system of Sabry and MPs Jeevan Thondaman, even directly feature in any of the appointing National List MPs by Anura Dissanayake, , PSC proposed a Elections. Having considered the political parties was not a proper R.M. Ranjith Maddumabandara, mixed electoral views of the Commissioner of people’s representation. The , M.A. Sumanthiran, Elections, Your Committee nominations in the National List Madhura Withanage and Sagara system combining recommends that legal provision quota gave undemocratic advantage Kariyawasam. should be made for a two stage to influential candidates to enter In 2003, a PSC headed by Dinesh proportional procedure. Firstly, a party is Parliament through the backdoor. Gunawardena was given the same representation registered, assigned a symbol and The true democrats were aghast task and the Committee came up permitted to nominate candidates. when few candidates who lost the with far reaching recommendations and first-past-the- Thereafter, recognition will be Elections, entered Parliament under on electoral reforms. In its first granted only on the basis of voter the National List making a mockery report, the PSC proposed a mixed , the mixed system post system. acceptance. It is also recommended of democracy. However, most of the electoral system combining a welcome change Hence, the new that legal provision be made for the parties refrained from appointing proportional representation and first- system of people’s representation as Election Commission to rescind candidates rejected in the August past-the-post system. Hence, the new evident in past Elections. For PSC will have registration and recognition of 2020 General Elections. PSC will have fairly an easy task, as example, in 1970, the SLFP won only fairly an easy political parties as the case may be, Speaking during an adjournment the work will be limited to updating 48 per cent of the votes and still on the basis of specified criteria that debate in the House, Dinesh the original proposals with required acquired 76.7 per cent of the seats in task, as the work pertaining to the overall concept of Gunawardena said it was the amendments to further strengthen Parliament and in 1977, the UNP won will be limited to voter acceptance. Government’s belief that there should them. only 50.6 per cent of the votes and Freezing the number of be an electoral system, under which The first-past-the-post system, acquired 83 per cent of the seats in updating the a majority of MPs should be elected which lasted nearly 50 years since Parliament. In August 2020 General PC members under the first-past-the post system introduction of adult franchise in Elections, the SLPP would have won original proposals and the rest on proportional 1931, was cost-effective, less violent more than 180 seats, if the Elections with required Contrary to the PSC representation system. “We have and elected a representative for a were held under the first-past-the- recommendations on freezing the already implemented a mixed particular electorate. It meant that if post system. amendments to number of Provincial Council electoral system at the local a representative did not fulfil the Acknowledging those shortcomings, members at the original level government level in the Local desires of the people, the people the architects of the 1978 Republican further introduced in 1988, the membership Government Elections in February could vote for a different Constitution established a system of strengthen them of local government bodies almost 2018. It is essential to extend such a representative at the next Election. It proportional representation for doubled after delimitation of system to Parliament,” he said. also allowed for single party electing representatives to the constituencies. In the last local The proposed mixed system is governments, which meant party Parliament and other electoral government Elections in February undeniably a welcome change to the policies did not have to be watered bodies. However, the system of 2018, the number of members electoral system. As this is an issue down. The opposition is equally proportional representation could not elected was nearly double the pending for decades, early steps must vibrant in such a system. be considered a perfect system of previous number. be taken to implement the democratic Elections. A massive The 2003 Committee unanimously recommendations of the new PSC Equitable representation district is made an electorate where agreed that there should be no when it submits its report by However, it was not a perfect only candidates with huge sums of increase in the membership of each November 2021.

Maldives: Is Nasheed’s Attack a Sign of Escalating Radicalism? By N Sathiya Moorthy out of danger, the officials said. police arrested a few Islamic radicals country but denied ISIS presence or Even as President Solih and other from an island, not long after, thus, involvement. Parliament Speaker and ruling leaders condemned the incident, acknowledging it as an act of The incident occurred months after Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Parliament met in an emergency radicalism. the August 2019 report of the chief Mohamed Nasheed, fondly session under Deputy Speaker Eva Since then, international analysts Presidential Commission of Inquiry that known as ‘Anni’, escaped what the Abdulla, to take stock. Parliament’s have been talking about increased delved into the spread of local police suspected was an National Security Committee met to fundamentalism and extremism in the fundamentalism and extremism in the improvised explosive device (IED) discuss the development even as archipelago-nation. The Yameen nation. Holding Al-Qaeda and ISIS explosion, outside his Malé house at President Solih called a meeting of administration acknowledged that affiliates responsible for the 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, on 6 May. the National Security Council (NSC). Maldivian youths were fighting with disappearance and assumed killing of a President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, A clearer picture about the real the ISIS in Syria, and put the number ‘liberal’ journalist in 2014, the better known as ‘Ibu’, joined other cause for the blast, the men and at around 50, including some dead. Commission said ‘Al-Qaeda and ISIS leaders, cutting across political their motives – if any behind the The collapse of the ISIS in Syria affiliates’ operated in the country, and parties to condemn the attack on his episode – will be known only after the meant that some of the disillusioned that the latter was only a breakaway childhood friend and political investigations make some progress. militants returned home – purportedly group of the former. mentor, and said it was not just an This is, however, likely to be pushed to lead a new life. The Solih government began following attack on Nasheed but on until after the weekend as the Earlier in 2015, the Malaysian up on the Commission report by Maldives’ “democracy and economy”. Australian team will arrive on police revealed that three Maldivian identifying island families that followed He called in the Australian Saturday. youths were being prepared to target radical Islam to the point of keeping police without any loss of time, to the US and Israeli consulates in their children, especially girls, out of assist in the investigations. The second VVIP to be Former President of the Maldives Chennai and Bengaluru, both in schools, and also conducted MNDF As the incident occurred in the under threat Mohamed Nasheed south India. The US armed forces had exercises in preparation for possible midst of the Islamic fasting month of detained a few Maldivian assaults on terror dens. They also Ramzan, the incident has triggered At 53, Nasheed is the second VVIP Nazim spent years in prison, until youths fighting with the began a re-education programme for speculation on extremism in the to face a blast threat of whatever the latter was freed after the Solih Al-Qaeda along the Afghanistan- these ‘radicalised’ youths and parents. island, given the Indian Ocean kind in the country. In 2015, administration came into office in Pakistan border. Ever since these two The government, especially senior archipelago’s growing quota of news Fathimath Ibrahim suffered injuries 2018. Adeeb continues to be under episodes and one another in Mumbai police officers, also addressed a and analyses on international and President Abdulla Yameen – house arrest on corruption charges have occurred, the Indian security national conference of local council Islamic terrorism. Nasheed is the currently serving a five-year prison dating back to his days as Yameen’s agencies have been on high alert, and members – who are the men on the nation’s first President to be elected term, pending appeal against a lower all-important tourism Minister. have been working with their ground – to create awareness on related under the multi-party democracy court verdict in a corruption case – Bomb blast in Sultan Park Maldivian counterparts to thwart all matters. election of 2008. His term ended escaped unhurt in a blast in his such moves. However, the intervening COVID-19 abruptly in February 2012, in the official speedboat. Investigations led and its implications In April last year, ISIS claimed pandemic and its rapid spread seemed midst of the nation-wide protests for to the arrest of Yameen’s chosen responsibility for an arson incident in to have directed the government’s his exit. Vice-President Ahmed Adeeb, for The first bomb blast in the country the island, in which four speedboats, efforts away from tackling Islamic Soon after the blast, Nasheed was plotting the blast, in which First occurred in Malé’s Sultan Park at the a sea ambulance and two dinghies radicalisation. While it’s wheeled into ADK Hospital in the city Lady Fathimath Ibrahim suffered height of the pro-democracy that were docked adjacent to each understandable, the injuries to Speaker which reported that he had suffered injuries. movement and protests in 2007, other were burnt at night. The Nasheed now have revived memories of multiple injuries but his ‘vitals were However, the seriousness of the injuring 12 foreign tourists. Though Maldivian police initially dismissed it what remains undone – whatever be the stable’. At least four other people— charges of conspiracy were lost the administration of President as a “retaliatory attack for recent final verdict of the blast investigators. three from Nasheed’s security detail following the arrest of Defence Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sought to investigations into drug trafficking (www.orfonline.org) from the Maldives National Defence Minister, Col Mohamed Nasim, for link it to the fledgling democracy and religious extremism”. In doing so, (The writer is Distinguished Force (MNDF) and one European— allegedly plotting to overthrow movement that supposedly wanted to the authorities acknowledged the Fellow, Observer Research also suffered injuries. They were also President Yameen. Both Adeeb and ‘wreck [the] tourism economy’, the existence of religious extremism in the Foundation-Chennai Initiative) A6 monday 10 may 2021 Editorial

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Third Wave Sets New Terror Records

The third wave of Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 terror entered its twenty seventh day yesterday (9). And, according to data immediately available from the Epidemiology Unit (EU), in the 26 days that have elapsed up to Saturday, COVID-19’s third wave has killed 166 among 26,207 casualties it has caused, much more casualties than either of Sri Lanka’s three other terror wars that it suffered since Independence, namely the two JVP and the LTTE terror wars were able to cause in such a short span of time as 26 days. The per diem casualty rate in the third wave averages at 1,007.96; data showed. This too much larger than the per diem casualty rate caused by either the first or second JVP terror uprisings or by the LTTE terror, the three terror wars that have plagued the country post- Independence, to date. Another unenviable record that the third wave has caused is inflicting the largest number of casualties in a Sri Lanka Today: single day, namely 1,939 on Thursday, the second highest, 1,923 on Tuesday and such records vis-à-vis the third wave, seemingly go on and on. Also, COVID-19’s third wave, vis-à-vis its previous two earlier waves, has caused the first, second and third highest number of deaths per day in the reference Geopolitical period, namely 19 on Saturday, 14 on Thursday and 13 on Tuesday, respectively. Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 wars to date have seen three waves. The first was from 27 January 2020 to 2 October 2020, comprising a total of 250 days, beginning with the detection of a Chinese woman tourist with COVID-19 on Implications Ahead 27 January 2020. The second wave caused by a Ukrainian cockpit crew By Dr. Rajkumar Singh Chinese activities significant, member began on 3 October 2020 and lasted up to 12 particularly from 2015, the April 2021. And the current third wave which began on At the close of April 2021, United States too under its 13 April 2021, which has seemingly an unknown origin Wei Fenghe, the Defence Free and Open Indo-Pacific that was responsible for introducing it to Sri Lanka Minister of China, visited Sri Strategy (FOIP) had increased unlike the previous two waves, is classified as being a Lanka and discussed with the its bilateral cooperation in deadlier form of COVID-19 compared to the other two President and Prime Minister defence fields. From there variants that plagued the country before. of the island country about onwards other powers of the Complementing these developments, the death toll, the open/secret plans of region like Australia and third wave over the second wave has increased by Beijing to make it stronger in India also initiated moved to 109.18 per cent per diem to 6.38 and the casualty rate the Indian Ocean via improve their security ties by 110.93 per cent per diem to 1.007.96, respectively, Colombo. Perhaps, the tour with key Indian Ocean littoral showing the grimness of the situation. was planned in the State, Sri Lanka. This Such data, third wave over the seemingly milder first background of the arrival of attributes the growing US wave is even grimmer, with the death toll per diem Air Chiefs of India, Pakistan, and China interest in Sri increasing by 12,660 per cent and the casualty rate by Bangladesh and the Lanka to a strategic 7,349.82 per cent, respectively. Commander of US Pacific Air geographical location in the The first wave saw a mere 3,382 casualties including Forces to Colombo for the vibrant Indian Ocean. And those who subsequently recovered, at the rate of a 70th anniversary of the Sri now, it is for Sri Lanka to miserly 13.53 per diem casualty rate and deaths, an Lanka Air Force in March decide better engagement infinitesimal 13 or 0.05 deaths per diem, respectively. 2021. between small powers and The second wave was far more serious, where, in its All these visits gave Sri great powers and need to be wake it caused a total of 91,749 casualties including Lanka an opportunity to tailored carefully in the those who subsequently recovered at the rate of 477.86 promote its defence policy to a the United States of America commodities, minerals and present circumstances of the casualties per diem and 598 deaths, at the rate of 3.05 new height which the country and the People’s Republic of construction materials. Island Nation. fatalities per diem. never felt before, but with China, who are contending to Second wave over the first wave, saw the casualty rate calculated steps and utmost increase their might and A playground for big Ramifications of per diem, including those who subsequently recovered, precautions because supremacy in the area. powers great power rivalry to accelerate by 3,431 per cent and deaths by 6,000 per economic and financial Although its geostrategic cent, while those percentages, third wave over the first, cooperation between them is value is historical and a In the present geopolitical The rivalry and enmity showed even faster acceleration rates, with an at the peak, and considering by-product of its geographical environment, the super and among super and great acceleration of the casualty rate at more than three the past experience and location for hundreds of great power rivalry in Sri powers intensified with the times than that of the second wave over the first, at leanings of present regime, years, its added significance Lanka is inevitable and it is a passage of time when the two 7,349.82 per cent per diem and deaths, a more than the common people are in has been re-evaluated with new era of great power main contenders began to double acceleration rate at 12,660 per cent deaths per doubt and fear. Now, the the growing activities of super competition to reassert their encircle each other and diem, respectively. people of Sri Lanka have and great powers of the region power regionally and globally convinced Nations of the On top of this bad news comes a story from Jaffna awakened and know Chinese and the globe as well and now and trying to change the world at regional and global District MP and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda’s objectives in the region, it has become the major international order in their levels, in favour or against. Ministry, which filed a story on Thursday saying that the especially after maritime hub which provides; favour. However, for a long They chalked out their Jaffna Teaching Hospital (JTH) is facing a shortage of 20 implementation of the Belt a. A strategic position in twenty-six years when Sri regional/global plans as per ICU beds led by the COVID-19 pandemic and its Oxygen and Road Initiative, Asian South Asia that offers access Lanka was suffering from their objectives that posed a Plant was not running at full capacity due to the wear Infrastructure Investment to the emerging economic terror conflict, powers outside dilemma for small and and tear caused because of continuous usage even Bank and other economic and giant India, b. It gives the region were hardly medium range countries of before the COVID-19 crisis of this plant, with the oxygen financial structures. In the exposure to China’s Belt and interested in Colombo’s the world. The countries of shortfall currently being met by the neighbouring situation when Sri Lanka has Road Initiative through strategic importance but the region South Asia for Tellippalai and Point Pedro hospitals for the past year. become the victim of China’s terminals in the Port of Asia’s global rise, driven decades need both and are in Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Commander ‘debt-trap diplomacy’ and an Colombo and the Port of partly by rapid growth in acute dilemma. For security Shavendra Silva is quoted on the SLA website on a Indian Ocean geopolitical Hambantota, both of which China and the rest of and defence, they required Thursday datelined story of having said that the military hotspot, it is not unlikely that have attracted Chinese Southeast Asia has American help, while for the has made available about 3,000 to 3,500 hospital beds it may soon convert into a investment, c. It provides transformed the Indian Ocean sake of economic and at the initial stage to combat the COVID-19 crisis. forward military base for ability to reach Europe and into one of the world’s busiest infrastructural growth they Nonetheless, COVID-19’s third wave has exposed China’s ‘growing blue-water the Middle East faster, and East-West trade corridors and consider China most three weaknesses. They are, the lack of the COVID-19 navy.’ Earlier too, its economy d. Its deepwater ports have as Sri Lanka is placed in the suitable. The aggressive vaccine to combat the disease being available in the had weakened to a historical capacity to accommodate centre of the Indian Ocean, competition between US and island, oxygen and beds. ebb, with the highest-ever Post-Panamax or ‘Triple E the great powers began to China has increased The Government has its act cut and dried. It’s up to it recorded depreciation of Class’ vessels. Apart from consider Colombo’s role to be suspicion, making their to deliver and deliver expeditiously so that more lives will country’s currency. Although these, Sri Lanka offers a huge a prime one. In post-conflict choice more difficult. In be saved. That is the mandate given to it by the masses. many other small countries of advantageous shipping phase, China was considered South and Southeast Asia The Government used to spend Rs 100 billion plus South Asia and all over the facility which saves both time a sympathiser of the country while the main instrument of annually in the nearly last decade of its war against world are facing similar and money and includes; a. because it helped Sri Lanka in China is its Belt and Road LTTE terror that lasted a total of 26 years. What it spent Chinese debt issues due to Faster speed to market for the period of war and Initiative (BRI) projects, the on defence stores then to fight the LTTE to a finish heavy borrowing, it is time for exporters that want to ship supplied arms and US is dependent on Quad, an should now be translated to spending such on health Sri Lanka not to cross the products to Europe’s major ammunition to combat the alliance of five maritime stores, to fight COVID-19 to a finish. limit in the sphere of defence. ports, the Port of New York, terror and also defended Sri democratic countries - Friendly countries are there to assist the Government Strategic Dubai and Singapore, b. It Lanka in international fora on America, Japan, Australia, in this endeavour, for the sake of Sri Lanka and of its provides preferential market the issue of human rights. In India, and South Africa. people. significance and port access because of its free addition, China-Sri Lanka About the author: As the quarantine rate of a COVID-19 patient takes 28 trade agreements with India cooperation in the sphere of Dr. Rajkumar Singh, days according to the health authorities, no patient benefits and Pakistan and concluding defence also strengthened in Professor and Head captured under the third wave which is only in its twenty From the strategic points of agreements with Singapore post-conflict phase when the Department of Political seventh day up to yesterday, can be classified as being view, the Island Nation Sri and China, c. In comparison pro-China regime of Mahinda Science. Dean, Faculty of among those who have recovered. EU’s definition of a Lanka occupies the most to other ports of South Asia, it Rajapaksa installed in Social Sciences, Bhupendra day is the 24 hours ended at 10:00 a.m. on a particular important place in the provides greater choice and Colombo undertook several Narayan Mandal University, day. periphery of Indian Ocean capacity, and lastly d. The developmental agreements Madhepura-852113, Bihar, Region, and therefore, equally Port of Colombo also offers with Beijing and as a result, India. significant for both lower freight and logistic costs China became a strategic rajkumarsinghpg@gmail. heavyweight global powers - particularly to agricultural partner although, considering com COLUMN MONDAY 10 MAY 2021 A7 Understanding the Colombo Port City Project By Shivanthi Ranasinghe This, over the next two decades would have given rise to a natural landfill of at With the petitions against the This immunity least 150-160 hectares. If allowed to be, Colombo Port City Economic should not be then the Colombo infrastructure would Commission Bill before the Supreme have simply spilled over without Court the hysteria against it has gone confused as a forethought or planning. into hibernation. This of course means Therefore, the then Administration that at any time soon we could again free ticket to decided to expedite this process and expect the protests against it to erupt. corruption. It is plan its development to maximise its The irony being the opposition too, benefits than just allow matters to form who are in the forefront of the protests, not so. Anyone in an ad hoc manner. contemplated a similar economic who works in Taking similar hubs in Singapore, commission bill and the civil Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia and organisations who worry over the contravention to Vietnam Dr Wickrama pointed out that possibility of the Port City turning into a such Naval and Financial centers were Chinese colony saw merit in the the law will not built alongside of commercial cities. It aspirations of Tamil separatism. escape the arm will be difficult to match the objectives Therefore, the concerns over the of the project with the realities if this largest investment project of our times of the law. The project was located in an area is unfortunately politically motivated. without this kind of activities, he The opposition in the fore of protests contemplated a similar bill when in power and immunity allows This however does not mean that the civil organisations badly in need of funds gladly join in support of Tamil separatism noted. project itself is without issues and one officers to take Instead, this hub was located hundred percent perfect. A goldmine it and data is transformed into where we are unable to trust our civil where it had easy access to the may be, it still needs to be managed information and that information into servants or the business community, decisions as Colombo Port and the Katunayaka well. The fact that this kind of project is knowledge at the click of a button, the not even our own investors will want to demanded by International Airport already a first for Sri Lanka means that a lot speed of decision-making too should invest in Sri Lanka. connected with a highway. With this more tinkering may be needed to keep pace with this rate. It was our bitter experience during the situation connectivity it is possible to build perfect the model. However, it must be understood that the Yahapalana Government that many the Port City as a Frontend-Backend It is certainly not possible to identify these decisions are made by humans. of the civil servants were hauled before operation, explained Dr Wickrama. all the weaknesses and have it all The decision-making process itself the Criminal Investigation Division. It This means that while the addressed before even the project could be greatly assisted by the most was in a futile attempt to find whether this project is to compensate production involved in commercial begins. We need to make provisions for advanced technology. Yet, every new misappropriation and corruption said for what he alleged as the inferiority activities may take place elsewhere. learning curves, trials and room to decision made is a new experience. to have occurred during the Mahinda complex of our Nation. It was not very However, the support service learn from errors. This project is not Even the machine can only draw a Rajapaksa Administration. As senior long ago that even senior editors were involved in the production and in and should not be treated as an parallel from past incidents and make officers were interrogated for hours over convinced that the Hambanthota Port the export process can take place inanimate object. This is very much a assumptions in the new possibilities. decisions taken within the purview of was a white elephant developed as an somewhere completely away from live entity that will grow in different Subsequent developments and even their responsibilities the entire ego boost for the then President the production site. ways with time to come. spill over effects from other issues can governing system froze. A situation . Likewise, if we do Singapore or Dubai are not Immunity for the Economic make the accuracies of these culminated to the point where officers not understand the objective of the production sites, pointed out Dr predictions even more challenging. New feared to place their signature on a Colombo Port City, then we run the risk Wickrama. However, it is across Commission Members experiences can further pave the path single document. Hapless investors of losing the potential it holds for us these countries that the finished to understand ways to do things better. languished in government offices’ just as it happened with the goods are transported to its In this context it is a wise move on the All in all, from time to time, there would corridors as relevant documents were Hambanthota Port. destination. The monies for these part of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa be reason to revisit decisions taken. passed from desk to desk, without any The Colombo Port City project is part goods and services also follow along Administration to consider granting a Officers in charge should be able to do taking responsibility or appropriate of a greater plan that was envisioned by this route. This is the same model provision of immunity to the members so without their integrity coming under action. Such a situation where the the Mahinda Rajapaksa that the Colombo Port City is of the Port City Economic Commission. any scrutiny. This freedom to revisit government worker is feared to do his Administration. This plan comprised of designed to encapsulate. This immunity is not for and improve a process can only job should never arise again. building five hubs, which were: The Colombo Port City project is misappropriation or abuse of position strengthen it, which in turn will make Contentiously, without explaining the • Naval one of the rare instances where we but to give space for the said officers to systems all the more robust. necessity for this proposed immunity • Commercial did not engage in short term take timely decisions and revisit these Ease of Doing Business for the members of the Port City • Education projects. Instead, this project has decisions to correct any anomalies that Economic Commission or noting the • Energy taken into account the changes that arise as consequences. These immunity The second benefit is the boundaries of this immunity, those who • Financial will come in the years before us and laws will prevail as long as that officer improvement on the business protest over the Port City project Two of these hubs, naval and have taken decisive action to works within the framework of his environment to do business. insinuate that the incumbent financial, was designated to be centered maximize its benefits in a detailed responsibility as stipulated by the Entrepreneurs must have the freedom Administration is purposefully in the Port City. Speaking to Big Focus planned manner. The Port City regulations with the sole intent of to respond to markets in the shortest preparing grounds for unbridled at Ada Derana, Secretary to Ministry of project might be a new concept for Sri improving the efficiency of the project. possible time period. Without the corruption. It is thus important that as Water Supply Dr (Eng) Priyath Bandu Lanka, but not to the world. There This immunity should not be confidence of the governing system the citizens we independently understand Wickrama explained the genesis of the are, as Dr Wickrama pointed out, confused as a free ticket to businessman cannot be facilitated to the model of this project instead of Port City. enough and more examples for us to corruption. It is not so. Anyone who move as markets demand. Therefore, allowing ourselves to be carried by Colombo is a relatively old city and its draw parallels upon and learn best works in contravention to the law will the officer-in-charge must also be able slogans. existing infrastructure, including roads practices. This is the duty before every not escape the arm of the law. The to confidently think on his feet. Why Fill the Sea and buildings, were restricting the pace Sri Lankan citizen intent on leaving a immunity allows officers to take If we are unable to trust our own with which the economy needed to country for their children. decisions as demanded by the officers and feel the need to be pedantic when Land was develop. Instead it was contributing to Just leaving a piece of land, that may situation. The benefits accrued from so that all aspects of decisions are the congestion of the city. This in turn naturally fill or wash away, is not good this space to work without fear is weighed for its pros and cons involving already Available? was adding to the pollution and the city enough for the generations to come. It twofold. the entire chain of the bureaucracy, First, we must to understand the was losing its breathing space. must be a land strong enough to ensure First, it eliminates red tape that has then we should not sigh over for a day need for this Port City project. Without Whilst this was the case the Colombo the dignity of its citizens and this is earned bureaucracy a bad name. In when Sri Lanka too will become a debate, it is a very ambitious project. A Port was one of the top 30 in the world. exactly what is being envisioned by the this age where communication happens Singapore or enjoy the benefits of a smart Alec recently even questioned in With the expansion of the Port the Colombo Port City. at the speed of words leaving the mouth strong economy. In an environment a popular English newspaper as to waterfront was collecting a natural silt. [email protected] New US State Laws Suppress Racial Justice Protests

By Prof. Vickramabahu Karunaratne Under the new law in Oklahoma, organizations found to have “conspired” with individuals who It is a case of good intentions breeding bad are found guilty of certain offences - including practice. With good intentions UN experts decry “unlawful assembly”, “riot”, and “incitement to new laws targeting peaceful and Black Lives riot ” all of which are broadly defined under Matter protesters. The adoption of new state laws existing law - can be fined 10 times the maximum in Florida and Oklahoma, among others, aimed at amount of fine authorized for the individual’s suppressing racial justice protests and the Black offence. Lives Matter movement. Obviously intents but are The laws also seem to create an environment good seem to violate international law and the US enabling violence against protesters by creating Constitution’s protection of the right to peaceful new legal immunity for people who injure or even assembly. This has been pointed out by a UN kill street peaceful protesters. The Oklahoma law human rights expert. C Voile, the Special Reporter protects from civil and criminal liability a driver on the rights to peaceful assembly and of who recklessly injures or kills someone while association, said the laws are riddled with vaguely “fleeing from a riot.” Under the Florida law, a defined offences with draconian penalties. Vague defendant in a civil lawsuit can avoid liability by definitions of ‘riot’, ‘mob intimidation’, and establishing that the injury or death they caused ‘obstruction’ as set out in these new laws provide “arose from” conduct by someone “acting in excessive and unfair discretion to law furtherance of a riot.” Civil society advocates enforcement authorities to harass and intimidate. have pointed out that such immunity will provide Also intimidate and criminalise legitimate protest incentives for the actions of white supremacy activities, indicated by Voile. Later indicated “Any A line of US anti-riot Police Officers vigilante groups and allow further violence restrictions on this fundamental freedom must be against Black Lives Matter protesters. All narrowly and clearly defined.” since May 2020. It goes further. In addition to the people who act with “common intent” and intellectuals agreed that the targeting of the The new laws in Florida and Oklahoma claimed new laws in Florida and Oklahoma, draft anti- “threaten to use imminent force” to “attempt to Black Lives Matter movement, while creating to be enacted as part of an ongoing effort to curtail protest laws are moving towards enactment in at compel” any person “to assume, abandon, or legal protections for those who attack them, will peaceful protest and the racial justice protests. least seven other states. maintain a particular viewpoint”. be deeply disturbing. UN experts have repeatedly These took place across the country following the “I am afraid that the adoption of anti-protests “Seeking to change the viewpoints of others, raised their concerns about excessive force used May 2020 killing of George Floyd. These laws laws in Florida and Oklahoma may be part of a including government officials, is essential to the by the police in the context of peaceful target street protests, which predominantly snowball effect which started in 2017 with anti- act of protesting and the right to peaceful demonstrations. They have called on the characterized the racial justice protests. Hence protest legislation spreading through the country. assembly,” Voile said. “Such a sweeping definition Government to address systemic racism and these laws are part of a wave of legislation I strongly urge all states to refrain from going could seemingly cover any legitimate advocacy racial bias in the criminal justice system and supposedly aimed at restricting racial justice down the same path,” Voile said. and protest, even by a group as small as three recalled that authorities must protect participants protests in the United States. At least 93 anti- The new offence of “mob intimidation” people, that law enforcement authorities deem in peaceful assemblies against possible abuse by protest bills have been introduced in 35 states established in Florida criminalizes three or more ‘threatening’.” non-State actors. A8 MONday 10 MAY 2021 Column Achieving Policy Convergence Between Sri Lanka and other Small Island States By Dr. Srimal Fernando Island States of the Indian Ocean, to of the Indian Ocean can strengthen be able to negotiate free trade areas their foreign policy objectives to The stability and economic with other sub-regional groupings, for promote economic growth and potential of the Indian Ocean region instance, Bay of Bengal Initiative for development in the small Island have a direct influence on the foreign Multi-Sectoral Technical and States. policy strategies of the small Island Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) States of the Indian Ocean, such as and the Indian Ocean Tuna Moving forward: Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Commission (IOTC) Foreseeing an Indian Seychelles, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Stability brought about by These small Island States’ stability regionalism also helps in creating Ocean foreign policy and economic potential shape the mutual trust amongst other regional strategy direction and future of the Indo- institutions. Littoral States of the Pacific small Island State foreign Indian Ocean should, therefore, learn The small size of the economies of policy and security measures. For Sri from their past failures and take a small Island States coupled with Lanka, the establishment of leaf from successful economic other resource challenges. These diplomatic ties with other small integrations like the European Union littoral States of the Indian Ocean Island States in the region and (EU) and Association of Southeast face several vulnerabilities that affect regional institutions has emerged as Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to these Island Nations on various a top strategic option to promote its achieve success in economic economic and geopolitical fronts. stability and increase the Nation’s integrations. These dynamics have prompted Sri economic potential. cooperation. By acting as transit the Indian Ocean Region. This is The diverse nature of political Lanka to develop a foreign policy Due to challenges such as limited points in maritime trade, small island because some of the small Island commitments of these littoral States strategy that can help protect its resources and the reliance on trade became key players in the Nations are small and weak. of the Indian Ocean has also interests and sovereignty. To this external support, Sri Lanka needs to global trade platform. For Sri Lanka, Therefore, small Island States of the challenged the implementation of end, improving Sri Lanka’s diplomatic capitalise on its relations with other the Nation is considered strategically Indian Ocean realm stand to benefit regional programmes. There has also ties with other small Island States is countries, especially the small Island important in the Indian Ocean from regional economic integration in been a different priority by small paramount. Also, regional groupings States of the Indian Ocean Region. Region. It acts as a transit point that a number of ways. To begin with, Island States concerning the goals of have emerged as critical players in Enhancing maritime security is an links to other regions such as the economic cooperation and economic search. achieving foreign policy objectives to essential feature of the foreign policy Middle East, Europe, East Africa, integration presents small Island promote economic growth and strategies of the small Island Nations. Southeast Asia, and India. Nations with the opportunity to pool Sri Lanka’s approach development in the small Island To this end, diplomacy is essential in Given the contemporary geopolitical their resources together and towards new regionalism States. Consequently, this highlights harmonising the interests of the dynamics of the Indian Ocean Region, cooperate to expand their markets. As the need for Sri Lanka to work with Island States of the Indian Ocean. a balance of power between small a result of economic integration, Notably, regional institutions have other small Island States to develop These Nations are considered to be of Island States and larger States must bigger Nations in the region will allow provided small Island States like Sri secure maritime links and promote economic and political importance to be achieved to promote regional their neighbouring small Island Lanka to develop economic ties that its prosperity and stability. the stability of the region. stability and prosperity. The region Nations in the Indian Ocean realm to can promote the growth and About the author: Sri Lanka is faced with several has also witnessed growing overcome the shortcomings of development of these countries. Dr. Srimal Fernando received his policy challenges on various fronts geopolitical developments, such as economic smallness. In addition, These institutions are also committed PhD in the area of International such as trade, transportation, foreign the growing interest of external economic cooperation among small to promoting maritime policies aimed Affairs. He was the recipient of the direct investment (FDI) inflow, powers such as China and the US Island Nations will also increase at maintaining the status quo of the prestigious O.P. Jindal Doctoral security, environmental protection, and the influence of India in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Indian Ocean Region. Fellowship and SAU Scholarship amongst others. Given the current region. Consequently, these changes The Indian Ocean and the South For Sri Lanka, these regional under the SAARC umbrella. He is geopolitical dynamics of the Indian prompt Sri Lanka to adopt a maritime Asian region offer immense potential platforms possess immense potential also an Advisor/Global Editor of Ocean Region, these challenges policy strategy that safeguards its for the economic advancement of to enhance cooperation with other Diplomatic Society for South Africa prompt Sri Lanka to adopt a new interests amid the geopolitical small Island States. There is a serious Island States of the Indian Ocean and in partnership with Diplomatic foreign policy strategy that dynamics of the Indian Ocean. need for littoral States of the Indian the achievement of stability in the World Institute (Brussels). He has emphasises improving relations and Ocean to take urgent action in region. Given the proximity of Sri received accolades such as cooperation with other small Island Institutions in support of promoting regional integration and Lanka and other small Island States 2018/2019 ‘Best Journalist of the States. For years, the small Island small Island States of the cooperation in order to make regional to various shipping routes in the Year’ in South Africa, (GCA) Media States of the Indian Ocean Region institutions such as the South Asian region, these regional platforms are Award for 2016 and the Indian have played vital roles in global trade Indian Ocean Association for Regional Cooperation essential avenues that can help Council of World Affairs (ICWA) through their involvement in Littoral States of the Indian Ocean (SAARC) and the Indian Ocean Rim advance the sovereignty and security accolade. He is the author of maritime trade. To date, small sand are slowly realising the importance of Association (IORA) effective and of these Nations. Importantly, ‘Politics, Economics and States continue to play an essential coming together in a broad regional influential regional institutions. regional platforms are an ideal Connectivity: In Search of South role in global trade and economic framework and foster cooperation in Moreover, this will allow the small channel through which littoral States Asian Union’ The future of technology in Sri Lanka

By Anuththara Peiris A grand vision technology to create innovative available for a large part of the “The Ministry operates with the systems, workflows, services, population. The past few months, if not years, vision of technology diffusion, where products etc. that do not require De Silva believes that, with the showed the world that new technology gets dispersed across exorbitant resources. Ministry’s new programmes and communication technology has institutions and industries of Sri The Ministry already has an initiatives to boost technological become an irreplaceable necessity. Lanka to achieve perfect ambitious project underway, to innovation and integration, it won’t be From work, studies, and seamlessness,” he says. The objective empower innovation among the too long before we’re able to see entertainment to getting our basic is to expedite the coordination youth. And that is establishing considerable progress in how we use tasks done, technology has between industries using technology. ‘Techno Parks.’ Under the technology. For instance, when it increasingly established its presence When a separate ministry exists just Government’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity comes to underdeveloped sectors of in every aspect of our lives and made for this purpose, it means that there and Splendour’ framework, these the economy such as agriculture, the us realise its true value. 2020 was a is a dedicated body that brainstorms Techno Parks will operate as extensive use of drone technology to monitor testimony to this. In bustling cities, and constantly works towards technology hubs that power crops, analyse them and even spray where the coronavirus was most developing the practical use of innovation, entrepreneurship, them with pesticides could be contagious, access to technology and technology in Sri Lanka. He states even when it comes to quality integration, development as well as automated. In addition to this, he digital literacy helped most of us that moving towards this vision would assurance, technology plays a learning. The proposed structure of revealed that the Ministry is also continue work and education without mean the sharing of resources and considerable role, “This is why the Techno Parks is supposed to include currently conducting initial research bringing them to a complete halt. collaboration among institutions and SLS (Sri Lanka Standards Institute) business incubators, programmes, into how different crops can be Most companies switched to work industries to complete important comes under the purview of the and collaborative activities for changed and subjected to value from home schedules, schools and extensive projects that require it. Technology Ministry. Steps have now innovative start-ups, addition so that they will have even universities adopted e-learning, and Such an extensive project could be been taken to keep the institute open telecommunication centres, banking more demand in local as well as even shopping and delivery were something similar to mitigating for a duration of 24 hours instead of facilities, conference centres, and an foreign markets. taken over by the Internet. Not only COVID-19 risks and curbing the previous 8 hours, so that these uninterrupted power supply to cater As a developing country, Sri Lanka this, but also when it came to infections. With this core goal in processes too can be conducted to everything. still has a long way to go and a lot to mitigating coronavirus infections, mind, multiple industries in Sri Lanka smoothly and efficiently.” Accordingly, under this initiative, accomplish in terms of technology. countries with access to advanced can come together and collaborate in five such Techno Parks have been But improvements can be seen. April technology have had the potential of finding solutions. Health institutions, Powering an age of commissioned. In addition to youth 2021 saw a participatory planning conducting better surveillance, educational institutions, workforce innovation entrepreneurship and innovation, workshop being held to discuss Court contact tracing, testing and and labour organisations, commerce these Techno Parks are envisioned to automation. Integration of automation prevention. institutions should all collaborate to De Silva states that innovation is a facilitate employment and foreign technologies into the legal system can While Sri Lanka dealt with the virus ensure a smooth transition to the new valuable contributor to maximising investment and ultimately lead solve a number of long-standing quite admirably in some aspects like normal for the general public. And the the incorporation of technology in towards a more technology-ingrained judicial problems of the country. tracing and tracking, there was still a Technology Ministry could be the multiple industries. Local innovators economy in Sri Lanka. The threats that we face due to lot of room for improvement. For bridging factor which connects and know best what subtle gaps exist in COVID-19 and the threats that we’re instance, transitions to e-learning coordinates the seamless operation of the technology that we use today. In Moving forward with bound to face due to the impending and work from home could have been all involved parties in this transition. order to create a seamless framework integration consequences of climate change, all smoother, and shopping and grocery De Silva notes that areas like for all areas of technology to operate require that we show vehement businesses could have done a better nanotechnology and biotechnology as smoothly, these subtle gaps must be Advanced technology is constantly dedication towards bringing about a job at adapting to an online model. well as institutions such as ICTA closed with new innovations. linked with development and technological evolution in Sri Lanka. COVID-19 containment methods (Information and Communication “When it comes to innovation, increment of wealth. The rather The use of advanced technology can could also have been better handled, Technology Agency), TRCSL research plays a key role in obtaining obvious logic behind this is that have long-lasting, drastic impacts on with more priority given to utilise (Telecommunications Regulatory success. However, Sri Lanka is not technology makes production less the most everyday problems of just efficient technology in this regard. Commission of Sri Lanka), ITI equipped with the proper resources to expensive and more efficient. The about any demographic. It is needless However, the Government and (Industrial Technology Institute), conduct hardcore research.” Hardcore more innovative that technology is, to say that even when it comes to affiliated institutions are now taking SLCERT (Sri Lanka Computer research is research that is conducted the easier it will be to get things done, solving basic needs of rural steady steps to make Sri Lanka more Emergency Readiness Team), and Sri by employing expensive resources which in turn widens the overall populations such as infrastructure technologically proficient and well- Lanka Telecom, all work towards the heavily, over a considerable period of return on investment, boosts wealth construction, power and water equipped than before. The Technology common goal of establishing a time, with trial and error, to produce accumulation and speeds up supply, food security etc. technology Ministry, which was Gazetted in powerful entity that can drive the the most desired final outcome. An economic as well as sociocultural is crucial. It’s a given that without November 2020, and comes directly technological evolution of Sri Lanka. example of this is the coronavirus development of a country. But for this properly executed technologies, our under the President’s purview, is a The Sri Lanka digital identification vaccine. De Silva identifies that such to happen in a realistic, practical causes would have been lost in the major step taken towards this vision. I framework, which is spearheaded by large-scale research does not suit the environment, it’s important to diffuse past and will continue to be lost in the reached out to its Secretary, Jayantha the ICTA, is currently one of the top capabilities of Sri Lanka. His these technologies across the future. Therefore, it is in the country’s de Silva to know more about the goals tech priorities of the country. It aligns suggestion is to base innovation on economy. This will lead to mass best interests that more such of the ministry as well as what action with the Government’s vision of what he refers to as “application production and mass utilisation, developments should continue to plans are being executed in order to creating a technology-based society. research.” This type of research is which will promptly bring down their come across as the months and years achieve these goals. De Silva further elaborates that focused mainly on using existing acquisition costs and make them go by. asia monday 10 may 2021 A9

Male, Maldives India’s daily COVID-19 ‘I’m good’, says deaths near record Fmr President after Calls for nationwide lockdown mount surviving bomb blast Former Maldives President India’s COVID-19 deaths Mohamed Nasheed is conscious rose by more than 4,000 for after life-saving surgery, his family a second consecutive day said on Saturda (8), as Police on Sunday (9) as calls for a made two arrests in connection nationwide lockdown to with a blast they said was being curb the spread of the virus treated as a terror attack. mounted. Nasheed, the President of the India’s health ministry ruling Maldivian Democratic Party reported 4,092 fatalities and the current Parliament over the past 24 hours, speaker, was critically injured taking the overall death toll after a bomb exploded as he left to 242,362. New cases rose his family home in the capital Malé by 403,738, just shy of the on Thursday. record and increasing the Police and prosecutors on total since the start of the Saturday said they had arrested pandemic to 22.3 million. two men linked to Islamic India has been hit hard extremism in connection with the by a second COVID-19 blast. wave with cases and deaths “From the people arrested so far hitting record highs every and the information we have, Maldives former President other day. With an acute there is a link to extremism,” Mohamed Nasheed. (Reuters) shortage of oxygen and Prosecutor General Hussain beds in many hospitals and Shameem told reporters. tweet. “Managed to exchange a few morgues and crematoriums A third man is wanted in words. Promised to come back overflowing, experts have connection with the attack, he stronger. I believe him.” said the actual numbers for Relatives react as healthcare workers pull a stretcher carrying the body of a person who died from said, adding Police believe several The medical team that treated COVID-19 cases and COVID-19, at a mortuary in Ahmedabad, India, 8 May 2021. (Reuters) others were involved in planning Nasheed told reporters on fatalities could be far and carrying out the bombing. Saturday that the metal ball higher. restaurants, pubs and India on Saturday Support has been “I’m good,” Nasheed said after bearings used in blast had caused Many Indian States have shopping malls. reported its highest ever pouring in from around the coming off life support, according significant internal damage, but imposed strict lockdowns But pressure is mounting single-day COVID-19 death world in the form of oxygen to a tweet by his sister Nashida had missed major organs and over the past month to on Prime Minister Narendra toll of 4,187 fatalities. The cylinders and Sattar. arteries. stem the surge in infections Modi to announce a Institute for Health Metrics concentrators, ventilators His brother, Ibrahim Nashid, One projectile that hit Nasheed’s while others have nationwide lockdown and Evaluation estimates and other medical said doctors were happy with lungs had narrowly missed his announced restrictions on similar to the one imposed that India will see one equipment for overwhelmed Nasheed’s recovery. heart because it had struck a rib, public movement and shut during the first wave last million COVID-19 deaths hospitals. “He is out of life support and doctors said. down cinemas, year. by August. (Reuters) breathing on his own,” he said in a (Reuters)

Beijing, China Kabul, Afghanistan Once-in-a-decade census School blast toll rises to results to be released 58, families bury victims The death toll from an explosion outside a school in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul has risen to 58, Afghan officials said on Sunday (9), with doctors struggling to provide medical care to at least 150 injured. The bombing on Saturday (8) evening shook the city’s Shi’ite Muslim neighbourhood of Dasht-e- Barchi. The community, a religious minority in Afghanistan, has been targeted in the past by Islamic State militants, a Sunni militant group. An eyewitness told Reuters all but seven or eight of the victims were schoolgirls going home after finishing studies. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday blamed the attack on Taliban insurgents but a spokesman People walk in a street during morning rush hour following an outbreak of for the Taliban denied involvement, People stand at the site of a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, 8 May 2021 (Reuters) COVID-19 in Beijing, China, 3 November 202a0. (Reuters) saying the group condemns any attacks on Afghan civilians. China is expected to release Council Information Office Families of the victims blamed the and checking morgues. remaining U.S. and NATO troops the results of its once-in-a- said in a notice on Sunday (9). Afghan Government and Western “The entire night we carried bodies began exiting Afghanistan, with a decade census conducted late The National Bureau of powers for failing to put an end to of young girls and boys to a mission to complete the drawdown last year on 11 May, Statistics said previously that violence and the ongoing war. graveyard and prayed for everyone by 11 September, which will mark according to a notice from the the results would be released Bodies were still being collected wounded in the attack,” said the end of America’s longest war. State Council Information at a Media briefing scheduled from morgues as the first burials Mohammed Reza Ali, who has been But the foreign troop withdrawal Office. for early April. It later said the were conducted in the west of the helping families of the victims at a has laed a surge in fighting between Officials from the census announcement had been city. Some families were still private hospital. Afghan security forces and Taliban and statistics bureaus will delayed, as more preparatory searching for missing relatives on “Why not just kill all of us to put insurgents with both sides trying to brief the media on the census work needed to be done. Sunday, gathering outside hospitals an end to this war?” he said. retain control over strategic centres. results on 11 May, the State (Reuters) to read names posted on the walls, The violence comes a week after (Reuters)

Yangon, Myanmar Junta brands rival Govt a terrorist group Myanmar’s military rulers have security forces and 3,778 are branded a rival National Unity detained, according to the Assistance Government a terrorist group and Association for Political Prisoners blamed it for bombings, arson and activist group. killings, State-controlled Media said on The junta disputes those figures Saturday (8). and says at least two dozen members Myanmar’s army has struggled to of the security forces have been killed impose order since seizing power on 1 in protests. February and detaining elected leader Fighting has also flared on Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar’s periphery with ethnic Bombings are reported daily and local armies that have been fighting for militias have been formed to confront decades and some of which have the army while anti-junta protests have rallied behind the protesters. State not stopped across the Southeast Asian television said the army had advanced country and strikes by opponents of the against the Kachin Independence coup have paralysed the economy. Army in northern Myanmar, but there The National Unity Government was no independent confirmation. (NUG), which operates under cover and In western Myanmar, the newly itself describes the army as a terrorist formed Chinland Defence Force said it force, announced this week that it had overrun an army camp. The army would set up a People’s Defence Force. made no comment on the report. “Their acts caused so much terrorism Myanmar’s army took power in many places,” State television MRTV alleging fraud in a November election said, announcing that the NUG, a that was swept by the party of Suu committee of ousted lawmakers known Kyi, who fought for democracy for as the CRPH and the new force would decades before tentative reforms all now be covered by the anti-terrorism People march in support of the National Unity Government in Dawei, Myanmar, 18 April 2021. (Dawei Watch via Reuters) began a decade ago. The electoral law. commission had rejected the army’s “There were bombs, fires, murder and announcement said. contact with them. The junta had Protesters marched against the junta complaints. threats to destroy the administrative The anti-terrorism law bans not only previously accused its opponents of in dozens of places on Saturday. At mechanism of the Government,” the membership of the groups, but also any treason. least 774 civilians have been killed by (Reuters) Madrid, Spain Putin to Review Russian Spaniards Military Might as celebrate end of Tensions with West Soar COVID curfew President Vladimir Putin is diplomats in recent months in a expected to review Russia's series of retaliatory moves and traditional World War Two Moscow and EU Member States victory parade on Sunday (9), a have been involved in a similar patriotic display of raw military tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. power that this year coincides Sunday's parade follows a with soaring tensions with the massive show of Russian West. military force near the borders The parade on Moscow's Red of Ukraine and in Crimea, Square commemorating the which Russia annexed from 76th anniversary of the Soviet Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in Union's victory over Nazi fighting in eastern Ukraine Germany in World War Two is between Russian-backed expected to feature over 12,000 separatists and Ukrainian People dance at the Barcelona beach, as the state of troops, more than 190 pieces of government forces. alarm decreed by the Spanish Government to prevent the military hardware, including Moscow said the build-up, spread of the COVID-19 is due to end on Sunday, in intercontinental ballistic which alarmed the West, was a Barcelona, Spain, 8 May 2021. (Reuters) missile launchers, and - training exercise in response to weather permitting - a fly-past activity by the NATO military Exhilarated Spaniards enabling most of the 17 by nearly 80 military aircraft. alliance and Ukraine. It has danced in streets, regions to scrap the Putin, who has been in power since ordered a withdrawal of chanted “freedom” and curfew until dawn. as either President or Prime Russia’s President Vladimir Putin waves as he leaves after the Victory Day some troops. partied on beaches Only four regions were Parade in Red Square in Moscow, Russia, 24 June 2020. (Reuters) Minister since 1999, Smaller military parades are overnight as a COVID-19 keeping it: the Balearic traditionally watches the This year's parade precedes over everything from Ukraine to planned on Sunday in cities curfew ended across Islands, the Canary display, which is due to start at parliamentary elections in the fate of jailed Kremlin critic across Russia, in annexed most of the nation. Islands, Navarra and 0700 GMT, with Soviet war September and comes at a time Alexei Navalny. Crimea, and at Russia's In scenes akin to New Valencia. veterans from a review when Moscow's relations with The United States and Russia Hmeymim air base in Syria. Year's Eve celebrations, "It was time they let us platform. the West are acutely strained have expelled each other's (Reuters) hundreds of mainly out," said store clerk young people gathered in Andreu Pujol, 25, also on Madrid's Puerta del Sol the beach in Barcelona. square to applaud the "Even so, I am still very clock striking midnight unhappy with the Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while in Barcelona handling (of the Rome, Italy revellers headed to the pandemic). You can see beach with drinks in that in this country all Genocide is taking hand. they do is make things Police in Barcelona had up as they go along". Five boats carrying the strange task of As impromptu parties place in Tigray moving people on after sprung up in town the last curfew began at centres around the hundreds of migrants 10 p.m., only to let them nation, Police kept a – Ethiopian Orthodox back at midnight when it wary eye, reminding ended for good. some revellers that Church Head land in Lampedusa Some people wore drinking on the street masks but there was was prohibited. Five boats carrying hundreds ANSA said one of the boats, scant social distancing Madrid's right-wing of migrants landed in carrying 325 people, was as friends kissed, regional president Isabel Lampedusa after being intercepted eight miles off hugged, danced and Diaz Ayuso just won intercepted by Italian authorities Lampedusa. sang. re-election after off the coast of the A patrol vessel belonging to the "Young people, like campaigning on looser Mediterranean island, ANSA Italian Tax Police, who deal with everyone else, have been measures, but the city news agency reported on Sunday financial crime and smuggling, very restricted," said has the second highest (9). escorted a second boat carrying shop worker Paula infection rate in Spain Lampedusa is one of the main some 90 people to the island, Garcia, 28, on the beach and was still ordering landing points on the route for ANSA reported. in Barcelona. "Now was bars and restaurants migrants departing mostly from Two other boats carrying 98 time to give us a bit of shut from midnight. Tunisia and Libya to reach and 16 people landed the freedom to enjoy a little Even so, there was joy Europe. Mediterranean island on of the summer." at the end of curfew. "Migrants arrivals are Sunday, the newsagency added. One of Europe's worst- "The right to move resuming alongside good Some 400 migrants of various hit nations, Spain has freely is fundamental," weather", Lampedusa mayor nationalities disembarked on suffered 78,792 said Madrid resident Toto Martello told state Sunday from a fifth boat, a coronavirus deaths and Luis Rigo in the Puerta broadcaster RAI. "We need to drifting fishing vessel, the Italian 3.6 million cases. But del Sol. restart discussions about the newsagency said in a separate infection rates have “I’m happy, I’m Abune Mathias, Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church attends the Meskel Festival to commemorate the discovery of the true cross immigration issue," he said. report. (Reuters) fallen and vaccinations delighted of course.” which Jesus Christ was crucified on, at the Meskel Square in are progressing fast, (Reuters) Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, 26 September 2016. (Reuters)

The head of Ethiopia's comment about the video on Orthodox Church has said that Saturday (8). atrocities amounting to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Glasgow, Scotland genocide are being committed Government has said in the in Tigray, in his first comments past it is dismayed by the on the conflict in the region that deaths of civilians in the war broke out in November and has and that it is committed to Nationalists vow independence killed thousands. investigating all alleged abuses Abune Mathias, who has and bringing perpetrators to been head of the church since justice. vote after polls win 2013, did not say who was Abune Mathias, who is ethnic responsible for this. He spoke Tigrayan and is based in Addis Pro-independence parties comfortable pro-independence in a video message that was Ababa, said in the video that he won a majority in Scotland’s majority in the Scottish posted on Twitter on Friday (7) has been prevented from Parliament on Saturday (8), assembly. by an American religious speaking out about atrocities. paving the way to a high- Scottish politics has been charity worker. He did not specify who stakes political, legal and diverging from other parts of Dennis Wadley, who heads a prevented him from speaking constitutional battle with the United Kingdom for some U.S.-based church group called out. Wadley said he had British Prime Minister Boris time, but Scots remain divided Bridge of Hope International, recorded the video on his phone Johnson over the future of the over holding another said Abune Mathias had asked during a visit to Ethiopia. United Kingdom. independence plebiscite. him to post the video. "He "Abune Mathias did not write Scotland's First Minister However, Britain's exit from wanted the world to know the this out or prepare. He sat for Nicola Sturgeon said the the European Union - opposed truth regarding what was about 10 seconds in silence and result meant she would push by a majority of Scots - as well happening in Tigray," Wadley then spoke for just over 14 ahead with plans for a second as a perception that told Reuters. minutes as you can see in the independence referendum Sturgeon's government has Fighting erupted in early video. It was from his heart in a once the COVID-19 pandemic handled the COVID-19 crisis November in Tigray between single take with no editing." was over, adding that it would well, along with antipathy to Federal Forces and the Tigray Wadley said Abune Mathias be absurd and outrageous if Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon arrives at Glasgow counting Johnson's Conservative People's Liberation Front asked him to post the video Johnson were to try to ignore centre in the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Britain, 7 May Government in London, have (TPLF), a Party that dominated when he returned to the United the democratic will of the 2021. (Reuters) all bolstered support for the the National Government until States. It was not possible to people. likely to be a bitter clash priority. "We must not allow independence movement. three years ago. The contact Abune Mathias on "There is simply no between the Scottish ourselves to be distracted - Scots voted by 55-45 per government declared victory at Saturday or Sunday (9). A democratic justification Government in Edinburgh and COVID recovery must be the cent in 2014 to remain part of the end of November and says member of the patriarch's whatsoever for Boris Johnson, Johnson's United Kingdom- sole priority of Scotland’s two the United Kingdom, and polls the region is returning to communications office told or indeed for anyone else, wide administration in governments," he said. suggest a second referendum normal. Aid groups say many Reuters on Saturday that he seeking to block the right of London, with Scotland's 314- The SNP had been hopeful of would be too close to call. parts of Tigray remain had not seen the video, and did the people of Scotland to year union with England and winning an outright majority Sturgeon said her first task unreachable due to ongoing not respond to subsequent choose our own future," Wales at stake. which would have was dealing with the conflict. The video begins with phone calls requesting Sturgeon said. The nationalists argue that strengthened their call for a pandemic and the SNP has Abune Mathias addressing all comment. "It is the will of the country," they have democratic secession vote but they looked indicated that a referendum is Ethiopians and the Since the outbreak of war in she added after her Scottish authority on their side; the set to fall one seat short of the unlikely until 2023. But she international community. Tigray, Abiy has faced calls National Party (SNP) was British Government says the 65 required in the 129-seat said any legal challenge by "Nowadays, all over Ethiopia including from U.S. President returned for a fourth law is with them. It is likely Scottish parliament, partly Johnson's Government to a in general and in Tigray in Joe Biden's administration to consecutive term in office. the final decision on a because of an electoral system vote would show a total particular, many barbarisms end hostilities there and protect The British Government referendum will be settled in that helps smaller parties. disregard for Scottish have been conducted," he said. civilians. In February, the argues Johnson must give the courts. Pro-union supporters argue democracy. Later in the video, he said: Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said approval for any referendum "I think a referendum in the that the SNP's failure to get a "The absurdity and "Genocide is being committed that the Government takes its and he has repeatedly made current context is majority has made it easier for outrageous nature of a now," before describing alleged responsibility for the safety, clear he would refuse. He has irresponsible and reckless," Johnson to rebut their Westminster government atrocities such as the raping of security, and well-being of all said it would be irresponsible Johnson told the Daily argument that they have a potentially going to court to women and the bombing and citizens very seriously and is to hold one now, pointing out Telegraph newspaper. mandate for a referendum. overturn Scottish democracy, I other types of destruction of "fully committed to undertake that Scots had backed staying Alister Jack, the UK However, the Scottish can't think of a more colourful churches. The head of a thorough investigations" into in the United Kingdom in a Government's Scotland Greens, who have promised to argument for Scottish Government taskforce on alleged abuses and bring "once in a generation" poll in Minister, said dealing with the support a referendum, picked independence than that Tigray, Redwan Hussein, did perpetrators to justice. 2014. coronavirus crisis and the up eight seats, meaning myself," she said. not respond to a request for (Reuters) The election outcome is vaccine rollout should be the overall there will be a (Reuters) monday 10 may 2021 b11

To Increase Contributions Continued Support to SMEs a Must – Sanasa Development Bank By Mario Andree sector, which accounts for 52 per sector into Sri Lanka’s formal According to him, it is vital to cent of the national economy, is sector is utmost important. improve finical literacy among the Highlighting that the small and viewed by many as a high-risk “Unfortuanatly, Sri Lanka’s SME SME sector of the country, if Sri medium enterprises (SME), which sector,” he said. sector has little, or no formal Lanka wants to develop its GDP accounts for 52 per cent of Sri Contrary to belief, Sanasa financial training and poor further. Lanka’s gross domestic product Development Bank, which has a governance structures, which the The Institute of Charted (GDP), was the backbone of the major presence among the country needs to address,” said Accountants of Sri Lanka has economy, Sanasa Development country’s SME sector has seen Sanasa Development Bank established a SME task force, Bank says that continued support that even during COVID-19 that Chairman Lakshman Abeysekera. where a trained accountants would must be given to increase their many SMEs honour their loan “Many rural SMEs have not provide selected SME with the contribution. terms. registered, do not pay tax, have necessary training for one year to “We believe that Sri Lanka’s SME “I wish to highlight that in spite limited book keeping knowledge manage their financial flow. sector, which encompasses the of COVID-19 impacts across the and may even not have a bank It is expected that this project corporative segment as well, has country SDB has seen its non- account for their transactions,” he would help turn some of the SMEs Friday Markets great potential for grow,” said preforming-loans ration at 4.5 per said. of the country into exporters and Sanasa Development Bank Chief cent, which is among the best in “The SME sector in Sri Lanka some banks, including Sanasa Executive Officer Thilak the banking sector today,” finds it difficult to access formal Development Bank, have agreed to Piyadigama. Piyadigama said. credit due to the lack of collateral provide funding facilities for such Shares hit “However, Sri Lanka’s SME The integration of the SME and financial records,” he said. businesses. 2-week high By Mario Andree

The Colombo Stock Exchange ended the first Poverty line falls for the CFA Society SL Appoints week of this month on a high note last Friday (7) as the bullish run continued for the third second consecutive month consecutive session with the Benchmark index Aruna Alwis as CEO gaining to a two-week high on higher turnover By Mario Andree per person per month to fulfil the CFA Institute has in Business despite continued foreign exits from the basic needs’ as being below Rs earned an important Administration from Colombo Bourse. The minimum expenditure per 5,177. reputation as a the University of The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI), person per month, to fulfil the Moneragala continued to be the professional Colombo and a MBA which started the day at 7,188.09 points, basic needs in April this year, poorest District with ‘minimum organisation providing from Warnbourgh showed significant improvement during the declined by four rupees to Rs expenditure per person per financial education to University, UK. final hours with the index reaching 7,254.07 5,177, making it the second month to fulfil the basic needs investment CFASL is set to play points, but later slowed to settle at 7,242.00 consecutive drop this year with recorded at Rs 4,875, while professionals. a more influential role points gaining 53.91 points (0.75 per cent) COVID-19 spreading at a rapid Colombo remained the richest Recently, CFA Society locally under his from the previous day’s close. pace. with Rs 5,620. Sri Lanka (CFASL) Executive Leadership The more liquid S&P SL20, which started The Department of Census and In addition, Colombo, Kalutara, announced the in the coming months, the day at 2,838.96 points, too peaked to Statistics highlighted that 60 per Gampaha, Kandy, Matale, appointment of Aruna with a series of new 2,865.38 points during the early hours but cent of the districts remained in Nuwara Eliya, Batticaloa, Alwis as its new Chief programmes helping slowed down to settle at 2,887.27 points poverty for the 64th consecutive Polonnaruwa and Kegalle were Executive Officer to to further strengthen gaining 36.68 points (1.29 per cent) from the month as of April this year, while above the national poverty line, help drive its vision the Finance and previous day’s close. 40 per cent were above the while Ampara hung on the edge forward. Investment industry. It is believed The day’s turnover neared Rs 2.78 billion, national poverty line of Rs 5,177. with Rs 5,177. Prior to joining CFASL, Aruna that these initiatives will help higher than the Rs 1.25 billion recorded According to the Department, Sri Lanka’s poverty headcount Alwis served as Chief Executive reinforce the industry locally and during the Market’s previous day’s trading. 15 districts recorded a ‘minimum has reduced to 4.1 per cent in Officer/Secretary of The Institute enhance its regional and Shares of 243 listed companies were traded expenditure per person per 2016 from 6.7 per cent in 2012 of Chartered Accountants of Sri international links further. during the day of which 115 were winners month to fulfil the basic needs’ according to the State statistics Lanka, Director Operations of The Capital Market Awards, comfortably ahead of 57 losers. below Rs 5,177, while nine were office, which highlighted an Chartered Institute of Research Challenge competition, More than 124.75 million shares changed above it and one hanging on. increase of 35.6 per cent in the Management Accountants Sri Women in Finance initiatives, hands during the 17,536 trades that took The Department of Statistics country’s mean household Lanka and CEO of the Federation Candidates Council Events and place. pointed out that Ratnapura, income per month in 2016. of Information Technology 20th Anniversary Celebrations Foreigners exited the CSE on Friday (07) for Moneragala, Badulla, Last year, the Department of Industry Sri Lanka. Aruna Alwis are some of the league events the eight consecutive session. The net foreign Anuradhapura, Puttalm, census Statistics highlighted that received his Executive Education being organised by CFASL to outflow during the day amounted to Rs 916 Kurunegala, Trincomalee, the poorest 20 per cent in the from INSEAD, IIM Bangalore, support the enhancement of skills million as foreigners sold shares worth Rs 996 Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, country received 5.6 per cent of Open University UK, and DCAAP and competencies of the country’s million as against purchases worth Rs 80 Vavuniya, Mannar, Jaffna, Galle, the national income, while the Philippines. He is a professional Finance and Investment million. Matara and Hambantota had richest 20 per cent received 50.4 member of the British Computer professionals and the industry as The top ten winners during the day were: reported ‘minimum expenditure per cent. Society, UK and holds a Diploma a whole. Royal Palms Beach Hotels, Nation Lanka Finance, Blue Diamonds, HVA Foods, Cargo Boat, Anilana Hotels, People’s Insurance, Royal Ceramic, Laugfs Power (non-voting) and Hapugastenne Plantations. Top ten losers were: SMB Leasing (non- ‘Doing Business in Sri Lanka’ voting), SMB Leasing, Beruwala Resorts, Dogecoin tumbles Dolphin Hotels, Hunnas Falls Hotels, HNB Finance (non-voting), Ramboda Falls Hotels, EY SL and HSBC host Multi Finance, Pegasus Hotels and Bimputh after Elon Musk calls it Finance. a ‘hustle’ on ‘SNL’ show virtual investor forum The value of dogecoin cash for having negative As Sri Lanka looks to entice foreign BRI initiatives and HSBC role in BRI dropped sharply in early US real interest rates. investors to encourage FDIs into the strategy. hours on Sunday, after “Only a fool wouldn’t look country, EY and HSBC collectively Sanjaya Mohottala, Director Tesla chief and elsewhere,” he said in hosted a virtual investment forum for General, Board of Investment, Sri FX Market ‘Dead,’ cryptocurrency supporter February. Chinese businesses seeking Lanka, as guest speaker, illustrated Elon Musk called it a His cryptic tweets ‘Doge’ investment opportunities in Sri the macroeconomic update and Eighth Day ‘hustle’ during his guest- and ‘Dogecoin is the Lanka. investment opportunities in Sri host spot on the “Saturday people’s crypto’ that month Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Lanka. He reiterated that the tax By Paneetha Ameresekere Night Live” comedy sketch kicked off a rally in Dr. Palitha Kohona, delivering his regime will remain consistent for the TV show. dogecoin - created as a keynote speech, stated that Sri Lanka next five years and that many policy Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)/ Dogecoin was quoted as parody on the more must identify strategic opportunities reforms are underway to help improve Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) coming down low as $0.47 on crypto mainstream bitcoin and and market them under the concept the easy of doing business in the hard on exporter banks to artificially exchange Binance, down ethereum. of ‘Sri Lanka as an Investment country. He further said ‘’Sri Lanka’s appreciate the market exchange rate (MER) 28% from levels around On Thursday, Musk Destination’ not merely as being the talent pool is also amongst our eight market days ago since last Wednesday $0.65 before the show. tweeted: “Cryptocurrency is pearl of the Indian Ocean. He credentials proving its quality and (28 April), paradoxically amidst depreciative The billionaire Tesla promising, but please invest explained how Sri Lanka’s green ingenuity over decades. Hence, other pressure led by sustained uncertainty, saw Inc (TSLA.O) chief executive with caution!” with a video credentials could help attract more investment opportunities spanning the benchmark ‘spot’ academically being hosted the show at 11:30 clip attached in which he said, versatile investors alongside BRI (Belt the development of infrastructure, quoted at Rs 199/200 levels to the US dollar p.m. EDT on Saturday “it should be considered and Road initiative) and other ICT industries, Agri processing and in two way quotes in the interbank foreign (0330 GMT on Sunday). speculation at this point. And initiatives such as development of aquafarming are amongst key exchange (FX) market at 4 p.m. on Friday with Cryptocurrency so, you know, don’t go too far infrastructure. strategic investment opportunities”. no trades however been executed also for the enthusiasts had for days in the crypto speculation ...” It was spoken that; China was able Duminda Hulangamuwa, Partner eighth consecutive market day, sources told been eager to see what he But he also said, in the to grow its economy from CNY70t. to and Head of Tax, EY Sri Lanka & this reporter. would say, after his tweets video, that cryptocurrency CNY101t. within just 4 to 5 year. Maldives and Julie Hao, Partner, They said that the reason why no trades this year turned the once- has a “good chance” of Despite the compounding downfall in TAX, EY (China) Advisory Ltd together were done even at the Rs 199/200 levels to the obscure digital currency becoming what he called many global economies due to the presented the regulatory, legal and dollar on Friday as well was because importers into a speculator’s dream. “the future currency of the Covid-19 pandemic, China grew its tax framework in Sri Lanka. anticipated further moral suasion by the Asked ‹what is dogecoin’, Earth.” economy by 2.3%. In the very same Commenting on the initiative CBSL/GOSL to artificially strengthen the Musk replied, “It’s the future of On crypto data tracker year it eliminated Poverty 10 years Duminda stated “the forum, which administered ‘spot’ some more. currency. It’s an unstoppable CoinGecko.com, dogecoin ahead of the UNSDG target. All this was organised in view of showcasing Nonetheless, even in this unrealistic financial vehicle that’s going to has jumped more than excels large opportunities to Sri Lanka as an attractive friendly situation, the MER has depreciated by take over the world.” 800% over the last month neighbouring countries. Sri Lanka investment destination, was well Rs11.50 (6.13-6.10 per cent) in two way When a show cast and is now the fourth- could strategically optimise benefits received by nearly 170 participants. quotes in the calendar year to Friday and year member Michael Che largest digital currency, by means of more exports and attract We look forward to organising similar on year (YoY) by Rs 12-12.50 (6.42-6.67 per countered, “So, it’s a with a market capitalisation more investments. investor forums with other countries cent). hustle?”, Musk replied, of $73 billion. It hit a record Delivering the opening remarks as we move forward.” CBSL’s face value money printing (FVMP) “Yeah, it’s a hustle.” And high Thursday above $0.73. Eddie Ching, Senior Executive Vice Li Xing, Head of Sales and assets decreased by Rs 22,266 million (2.47 laughed. It has overtaken more President and Deputy Chief Executive Marketing, CHEC Port City Colombo per cent) to Rs 879,371.65 million on Friday Musk is the rare business widely used Officer of HSBC China expressed how Pvt Ltd and Tim Xiao, Senior General thereby easing demand-pull inflationary mogul to have been asked cryptocurrencies such as HSBC has over time extended Manager – Port Investment Services, pressure as well. GoSL’s FVMP debt has been to host the venerable litecoin and tether. support to Chinese investors through Legal and Corporate Affairs, over Rs 0.5 trillion for a record 124 comedy TV show. The Tesla said in February it its business portfolio and would Hambantota International Port consecutive market days to Friday due to a timing puts Musk back in bought $1.5 billion worth of continue to innovate to meet market Group/Secretary General, Chinese lack of revenue. Conversions are based on the spotlight just as Tesla’s bitcoin and would soon needs. HSBC is the first bank to Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka also CBSL’s administered ‘spot’ rate on Wednesday stock is losing steam accept it as a form of dedicate a unit to BRI in Asia and joined in the conversation sharing which was Rs 199.59 to the dollar. following last year’s payment for its electric HSBC’s strategic relationship for the their investor success stories. They GoSL’s money printing borrowing cost monster rally. cars, a large stride toward BRI council helps them to bring about shared in practical aspects and (MPBCs) sharply decreased by 42.08 per cent The unconventional CEO mainstream acceptance a wealth of expertise within the experience as existing Chinese (Rs 8,600.73 million) to Rs 11,835.98 million has posted numerous that sent bitcoin soaring to domain. Speaking at the Forum investors in doing business in Sri on Friday led by the retirement of maturing comments about a record high of nearly Mukhtar Hussain, Group General Lanka and went on to educate the Treasury (T)T Bond/s on Friday. cryptocurrencies on Twitter $62,000. Manager, Head of BRI & Business forum on potential investment and criticised regular old (Reuters) Corridors, Asia Pacific of HSBC opportunities that exist within the elaborated more on the importance of respective projects. LAUGFS Lubricants Laboratory First to Get ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 The LAUGFS Lubricants state-of- accreditation is an internationally constantly pushing for higher the-art laboratory located in the recognised quality management standards in quality for our Malwatta BOI Zone has recently been system certification for testing/ customers, in all areas of our accredited with the ISO/IEC calibration laboratories, which operations. We are proud to be 17025:2017 certification. demonstrates the technical accredited with the ISO/IEC This is a recognition of compliance competency and the accuracy of the 17025:2017 certification as an with international standards for test results of products manufactured international benchmark of our laboratory testing, from the Sri Lanka by LAUGFS Lubricants. The laboratory’s technical competence Accreditation Board (SLAB), a full certification provides customers with and uncompromising standards of member of the International the assurance that results of product excellence in our product testing Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation testing conducted by the laboratory results. We view this as a symbol of (ILAC). It is the first petroleum testing are accurate and reliable. our commitment to providing our laboratory in Sri Lanka to receive this Commenting on the achievement, customers with innovative solutions accreditation under the scope of oil Chief Executive Officer LAUGFS that truly cater to the needs of their and lubricants, marking a Lubricants Ltd and Director/Chief vehicles in their everyday lives. With monumental achievement for LAUGFS Executive Officer of LAUGFS this accreditation, we will continue to Lubricants, being the only home- Petroleum Ltd Niroshan J. Pieries pursue enhancements to LAUGFS grown lubricant brand in Sri Lanka. said, “As a Sri Lankan lubricant Lubricants product quality as we The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 brand, we at LAUGFS Lubricants are strive towards further excellence.”

Watawala Plantations improves M Power Capital livelihood in Southern Province mobilises Rs 30B Further committing to its social and economic development initiatives in the Southern Province, in 30 months Sri Lanka’s diversified agribusiness company Watawala Plantations PLC (CSE: WATA) recently handed over a dispensary and a modern, fully equipped preschool with digital learning facilities and play area equipment to the people of Kotelawala Village, Udugama in Galle. The official handing over ceremony of the dispensary and Montessori to the public was graced by Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Member of Parliament Isuru Dodangoda, Director Vish Govindasamy, Watawala Plantations From L-R - Director/COO Muiyad Cader, Director/CEO Jehan Ismail, Chairman Anil Cooray and Director Kumar Mirchandani Chief Executive Officer Binesh Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana unveiling the ceremonial Pananwala, Watawala Plantations plaque. MP Isuru Dodangoda, Watawala Plantations Director Vish Govindasamy and During the last 30 months, M worth individuals as a specialised Watawala Plantations Chief Executive Officer Binesh Pananwala look on. Deputy General Manager – Galle Power Capital (MPC) has corporate debt structuring District Dhanushka Daswatte, Pathirana said, “Watawala plantation company which is why revolutionised the wealth intermediary. Government officials and WATA Plantations is one of the foremost Watawala Plantations is recognised as management sector by mobilising Rs MPC's corporate debt service employees. The donation, which is a companies in the country that one of the most valued plantation 30 billion worth of assets. offering includes asset backed part of WATA’s ongoing social welfare actively engage in uplfiting the companies among the 23 RPCs in Sri The Colombo-based corporate securitisation, listed/unlisted programme titled ‘Watawala Kalana livelihood of different stakeholders of Lanka. For the measures taken to finance advisory and equity group, debenture issues and placement of Mithru’, will uplift 678 families and the plantation community. Over the improve the lives of these innocent established by a group of corporate debt securities. The more than 2,500 villagers in the area years, Watawala Plantations has people from Kotelawala village, I thank experienced executives with company's corporate finance by offering free healthcare and always supported the Government and the company from the bottom of my operational expertise in various advisory services include initial educational facilities. The total its various development initiatives in heart. I wish them nothing but the fields, has performed tremendously capital offerings and private equity investment in the project was Rs 10 this region and across Sri Lanka. The best to continue such great intitaives well despite volatile market placements, share/business million. company annualy allocates a huge for a long time.” situations caused by the COVID-19 valuation, brand intangible asset Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. amount of money to develop the pandemic. valuation etc. The investment In particular asset backed advisory arm offers fixed income securitisations in MPC's corporate security services such as treasury debt management service saw a bills/bonds, fixed deposits, remarkable growth with a number of commercial papers, trust certificates HUTCH Partners with Bobble AI top corporates investing funds; a etc. While their services also cover clear indication of the trust they equity and real estate, it aims to have placed in MPC. invest in the SME sector with value MPC offers services mainly in addition in the areas of strategic Launches smartphone corporate financing, investment planning, governance, management advisory and private equity development and financial management. Through its corporate development. finance arm MPC assists companies Strategically located at Horton keyboards in local language to increase shareholder wealth by Place, M Power Capital is powered by offering long/short term financing a team of professionals lead by HUTCH announced a partnership friends as the keyboard works well solutions in debt and equity, serving Chairman Anil Cooray and Director/ with Bobble AI, the world’s first across all mobile chat apps and institutional customers and high net CEO Jehan Ismail. Conversation Media Platform that browsers. offers highly engaging smartphone Commenting on the partnership, keyboard solutions, trusted by HUTCH representative, Firaz Markar, millions of users globally. AGM – Partnerships and Alliances With this launch, smartphone said, “We are excited to partner with 'Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year' subscribers across Sri Lanka will have Bobble AI, a unique platform that access to the Bobble Smartphone holds a leadership position in keyboard’s unique features; typing in customer engagement solutions. local languages (Sinhala, Tamil and There is no denying the fact that the Amila Gold House English), Personalized Stickers and keyboard is primarily the first exciting movie GIFs (in Sinhala and Customised keyboard themes and customer engagement tool for any Tamil), Animated BigMojis™, and a cool varied fonts are also offered to connected device in today’s world crowned again with robust voice to text feature (in Sinhala create a new chat and messaging and the availability of local language and Tamil) that helps you have a experience for users. This smart functionalities will help us hassle free typing experience while on recommendation will help develop significantly boost engagement with two special awards the move. engagement among family and our subscribers.” Amila Gold House (Pvt) Ltd., a leading jeweller based in Galle, with over twenty years of trusted service, proved its unsurpassable excellence once again by winning Elasto Group’s Textrip shines at two much coveted awards at the 24th Sri Lankan Entrepreneur of the Year Awards ceremony, organised by the Federation of CNCI Achievers Awards 2020 Chambers of Commerce and Industries in Sri Lanka. National Textrip (Pvt) Ltd., the premier manufacturer of Silver Award - Medium category Natural Latex based Progressive Resistance Bands and and Southern Province Silver Sports-Exercise Products, reaffirmed its excellence by Award - Medium category and receiving two coveted awards at the CNCI Achievers were the two awards received by Awards 2020, in ‘Large Industrial Category’ at National Amila Indunil de Silva, Proprietor Amila Indunil de Silva, Proprietor, and Provincial Levels, for the second consecutive year. of Amila Gold House. The flagship Amila Gold House (Pvt) Ltd. receiving P.A. Nandasena (Chief Operating Officer) and Indira event of FCCISL, which has helped the award Senaratna (Deputy Operating Officer) of Textrip (Pvt) many of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs Ltd., received the Awards at the 19th edition of the reach global standards in terms of Enterprise Development Authority awards ceremony, organized by Ceylon National productivity and value creation, in collaboration with Hambantota Chamber of Industries, held at Hotel Galadari, was recently held at the BMICH Chamber of Commerce and Colombo. with President Gotabaya supported by Chambers of Having a global presence in over 30 countries for Rajapaksa gracing the occasion as Commerce in Galle and Matara at supporting 100+ top global brands, Textrip is chief guest. the Golden Pearl Hotel, Tangalle. accredited with ISO-9001, ISO-14001, COC and Amila Gold House (Pvt) Ltd., was Amila Indunil de Silva, Proprietor, REACH certifications. Established in 1978 at Bentota, awarded the Excellent Amila Gold House received the Textrip is dominating the local market with over 70% Entrepreneur of Industry/ award the Minister of Industries, share in the sports exercise products market under Manufacturing Sector, Medium Wimal Weerawansa, who was the TEXSTRETCH brand, whilst playing a vital role in Category at the Entrepreneurship chief guest at the gala event. Amila immunity development of people by guiding them for P.A. Nandasena (Chief Operating Officer) and Indira Senaratna (Deputy Excellence-2020 of Southern Gold House has received many regular physical activities. Operating Officer) of Textrip (Pvt) Ltd. receiving the award Province, organised by the National accolades in the past. focus monDAY 10 may 2021 Ceylon FT b13 Lack of Urban Safety Women Participating in Labour Force Impeded By Paneetha Ameresekere and other vulnerable groups. connectivity is an important aspect of ‘Make Streets Active’: Mixed-use any public transportation system This is the first in a series of three development, informal shopping, ‘eyes operating in the city, the WB said. articles based on a recent World Bank on the streets’ and active streets are Strengthening informal transport like (WB) study, which tries to pinpoint safe streets, the WB said. Active streets non-motorised vehicles and light motor deficiencies in certain key areas, which are safe streets: Streets which have vehicles which serve as first/ last mile are believed to inhibit women people overlooking it from buildings at connectivity to one’s origin and participating in Sri Lanka’s labour the edge next to it and have people destination could be a useful way of force. present on it are safer. ensuring safe travelling. Often people The study revolves around Colombo The multi-layered, rich, diverse especially women forego opportunities District. activity that takes places in the street available in the city due to weak, unsafe Meanwhile, the message this, its first possesses an energy that makes or expensive first/last mile connectivity article, may try to convey, what may be Colombo an extraordinary urban options. Time poverty is another reason self-explanatory vis-à-vis ‘Lack of Urban environment and this activity could for women to lose out on opportunities Safety Impedes Women Participating in become a resource and asset in when transport options are infrequent Labour Force,’ while the second article improving the walkability and safety, or inadequate, the WB said. gives a general overview of Colombo vis- for everyone. Walkable Streets: Every trip begins a-vis its five ‘key’ local authorities and Encouraging mixed-used and ends with walking and therefore the third and last article highlights developments, on-street shopping, everyone is a pedestrian on a city’s those key areas as they stand, informal hawking and discouraging street at some point. Providing currently, i.e., what is needed to be high boundary walls or front setback continuous and unobstructed paths done by the authorities to make the for buildings are good practices to make ensures walk-ability for everyone. necessary improvements, therewith streets active round the clock in all the Streets in the cities are places where aiding a larger number of women to ‘other’ councils, the WB said. diverse activities are performed by participate in Sri Lanka’s labour force. Boost Women’s Participation: people. Designing streets requires The study however, discounts the in public spaces and public transport who are involved in various activities. Employment in public services, keeping people at the highest priority impact that COVID-19 made in relation has a significant impact on women’s ‘While the parameters of lighting, women’s representation in with careful consideration for the most to the women’s labour force in Sri workforce participation rates. The 2015 openness, walk path, public transport Government, advocacy and vulnerable users: Women, children, Lanka. study by UNFPA highlights sexual and visibility are based upon the urban sensitisation programmes to ensure elderly and the disabled are important. Empowering women and promoting harassment in public transport as form, parameters of people and gender diverse perspectives in planning and The different types of uses of the gender equality is crucial to accelerating beings one of the key deterrents that usage refer to the way that a public maintaining urban spaces and more street which should be catered to while economic growth and development, the restricts women’s mobility for economic space is used and occupied,’ the WB representation of women is needed in designing a street – people walking, World Bank (WB) in a study released on opportunities, it said. said. The People parameter represents areas of decision-making. This will help cycling, driving, waiting, conducting 3 January 2021, said. Ease of access to a public space is the number of people in a place and in addressing the realities of women as business, doing maintenance work and The study titled ‘Colombo Safety one of its key elements that determines Gender Usage indicates the number of workers and users of public residing or working in the buildings by Audit’, which, ipso facto revolved round how it will be used by women and girls, women and children in comparison to infrastructure and services. the street. the Colombo District, took into the WB said. Safe and inclusive public the total number of people. It is imperative to have more women Well-lit Streets: There is a wide consideration four factors pertaining to transport improves the quality of life for Meanwhile, women tend to avoid in public spaces not just as commuters range of light sources that contribute to women and girls’ safety in an urban all, especially for girls and women and places where they feel unsafe. Various but also as transport and other service the overall illumination of the public setting with reference to Colombo. They enables them to access resources and factors that contribute to women’s providers to be part of the decision- realm. Well-designed solutions were good lighting; good walk paths led opportunities available in the city. perception of safety include condition of making process, the WB said. incorporate different types of light by pavements, good visibility and good At present, the Colombo physical infrastructure such as Consistent efforts to be made to provide sources whereas borrowed light spilling accessibility to public transport, Metropolitan Area is faced with urban availability of streetlights, well-designed supporting infrastructure like public from storefront, residences and shops respectively. challenges such as inadequate walkways, presence of shops and toilets, daycare centres, women hostels, also adds to the illumination of streets. Achieving gender equality is a major pedestrian walkways and supporting vendors, availability of public transport etc., to increase women participation in However, borrowed illumination may development goal for Sri Lanka. Goal infrastructural facilities, increased air including para transit mode, the WB the workforce are sine qua non, the WB not always be consistent, or designed Five of Sustainable Development Goals pollution, traffic congestion, and lack of study said. said. for human comfort. Hence, pole- (SDG) states that empowering women comfort and safety in accessing and In order to ensure safety in public Make Public Transport Easily mounted street-light fixtures are and promoting gender equality is crucial using both public spaces and public spaces of a city, it is important to Accessible: Transport stops, routes, installed for uniform distribution and to accelerating economic growth and transport. Lack of safety or perceived identify factors that contribute towards frequency, capacity, safety within illumination of roadways and footpaths. development. The country has made sense of safety makes girls and women feeling of safety: Make walking transport to make public transport Active Streets: Streets that provide commendable progress towards this, for feel unsafe thereby restricting their seamless footpaths, curb ramps, within everyone’s reach and various safety, comfort and amenities for all example, Sri Lanka has achieved gender mobility both socially and economically. crossings and foot-overs. Pedestrian transportation systems functional in users are active streets. Create ‘eyes on parity at all educational levels. However, In order to ensure women’s active fatalities in Sri Lanka account for 40 the city need to be looked at. the street’ by removing setbacks and these achievements have not translated participation in the public sphere, it is per cent of all road deaths and in the It is important to understand how boundary walls and building to the edge to gains in the labour market, the WB important to ensure that their travel Colombo District, it is as high as 70 per one transport system interacts with the of the street’s right of way. This would said. needs and concerns are understood cent, the WB said. other and how people use them. Only allow people from inside to look out on to For instance Sri Lanka has a low and incorporated in planning of public To make walking easy, safe and then the gaps or overlaps between the pavement, thus discouraging female labour force participation rate spaces and public transport systems, seamless, walking routes must be in systems could be identified and misbehaviour, the WB said. which was at of 33.6 per cent as the WB study said. good condition and connected to a improved to make them seamless. Such Encourage commercial facades to opposed to that of men at 73 per cent Needless to say, public spaces play a larger network of streets in the city. A interventions to stitch different systems have minimum 30-50 per cent as per 2018 official data dished out by significant role in enhancing the good walking route must be well-paved, make the overall transport network transparency. Provide adequate the Census and Statistics Department liveability of its cities. ‘They are an well-lit and free from any type of accessible and allows people to switch street lighting for pedestrians’ (CSD), the WB said. important asset to our cities,’ the WB obstruction. Additionally, all walking within transport systems easily, the WB footpaths and bicycles lanes. Create From a gender perspective, education said. routes must be well connected to other said. mixed-use developments, commercial and employment are key to achieving Public spaces of a city provide a routes and well designed with Women’s safety at public transport edges/ shopfronts and hawking gender equality and empowering girls platform where people can come crossovers (equipped with curb ramp, stands as well as inside every form of zones at regular intervals to and women. Public transport acts as an together and engage with the median cut, tactile pavers, etc.) to have transport is an essential aspect to encourage walk-ability, increase enabler in providing economic and community. Social inclusion and safety a seamless walking experience when consider too. street activity and provide safety, the social opportunities for growth and are important characteristics of a good travelling from point A to point B. Focus on Last Mile Connectivity: Non- WB said. development. Lack of safety and public space, it said. A great public Pedestrian path with at-grade motorised transport, light motor (Next Monday: Colombo 10 Times perceived threat of crime and violence space attracts a wide range of people crossing particularly benefits women vehicles, informal transport Last-mile More Congested than Rest of SL) COVID-19: The Moms’ Emergency By Kristalina Georgieva, of the increase in the total employment further school closures. This requires Stefania Fabrizio, Diego B. P. gender gap. This burden has also investing in infrastructure and Gomes and Marina M. Tavares caused an economic loss estimated at procedures to ensure a safe and almost 0.4 per cent of output between sustainable reopening of schools. A year ago, the world changed. While April and November 2020. =Reallocation policies: Mothers, the pandemic’s effect on workers has The pandemic may end up and women in general, are more likely varied worldwide, the new reality has left aggravating not only gender but also to occupy jobs that require face-to-face many mothers scrambling. With schools income inequality. As we look deeper, interaction. COVID-19 has and daycares closed, many were forced mothers with less than a college degree disproportionately destroyed such jobs, to leave their jobs or cut the hours they and mothers of colour lost or quit their and some of them won’t return. worked. New IMF estimates confirm the jobs in larger numbers during the early Therefore, governments should support outsized impact on working mothers, stages of the pandemic, and they are workers in finding other jobs while and on the economy as a whole. In coming back to work at a much slower minimising their loss of human capital, short, within the world of work, women pace than other groups of workers. through hiring subsidies and training with young children have been among programmes, including tech training. the biggest casualties of the economic Support for mothers =Access to finance: Increasing lockdowns. States favoured supporting unemployed particularly on mothers. Given the disproportionate impact of access to financial services could greatly workers through higher unemployment As a result, many women – who were lockdowns and containment measures help women to start/maintain their Mothers of young benefits, and over longer periods, largely shouldering the weight of on mothers – especially those with businesses. For this, tapping the children have been whereas the United Kingdom and Spain childcare and housework even before young children, targeted measures are potential of financial technology to opted to use retention schemes to the pandemic – left their jobs or cut the needed to ease their return to work. achieve greater financial inclusion is disproportionately affected preserve ties between workers and number of hours they worked. =Financial support: Supporting essential, particularly in developing by the lockdown employers. Women with younger children have mothers who have lost their jobs, and countries. Equal access to digital suffered larger job losses and/or drop in struggle to survive and provide for infrastructure, such as access to mobile Three countries – the United States, Mothers hit the hardest hours worked than other women and their families is crucial. This can be and internet coverage – as well as the United Kingdom, and Spain – Workers’ experiences not only differ men in all three countries. In the United done through measures such as tax greater financial and digital literacy – illustrate the varied impact of the across countries but also across gender. States, for example, being a mother of at credits for low-income households can be a game changer for women. pandemic on workers. These three As shown in IMF research, in the United least one child under 12 years old with children, extension of Mothers have played a crucial role countries were among the most heavily States, women were affected more than reduced the likelihood of being employed unemployment benefits, and childcare during this pandemic, taking care of hit by the virus globally, but it is the men, in the United Kingdom it was the by three percentage points compared to assistance. children, and absorbing many of the United States that saw the most job other way around, while in Spain men a man in a similar family situation =Childcare and schools: costs associated with the containment losses. In comparison, UK workers and women shared similar levels of pain. between April and December 2020. Governments should also incorporate measures introduced to stop the spread experienced the largest cut in working Despite these differences, all three considerations for school reopening of the virus. The recommendations hours, while in Spain, workers faced a countries shared one thing in common: Greater gender and income when formulating vaccination priority outlined above are all the more mix of both job losses and reduced mothers of young children have been inequalities lists. The availability of childcare is imperative as the global economy still hours. disproportionately affected by the crucial to enable mothers to grapples with the recovery from the These differences were particularly lockdown and resulting containment Our study analyses in close detail the participate in the labour market. pandemic. In order to fully recover, the pronounced in the first months of the measures. School closures and the start labour market in the United States and Governments should prioritise the world economy needs to fully reintegrate crisis, and are partly due to differences of remote learning heaped extra care finds that the burden on mothers with reopening of schools and childcare women into the workforce. in government policies. The United responsibilities on parents, and young children accounts for 45 per cent centres and reduce the likelihood of (IMF) B14 CEYLON FT MONDAY 10 MAY 2021 NEWS

Virtual Infinity Awards 2019/20 ComBank Wins CDB recognises ‘European Quality ‘Unstoppable Workforce’ Top performing Team members of change, it is crucial to nurture and Citizens Development Business Finance recognise the innovativeness in our team PLC (CDB) were recognised at the members that drive the business,” said Award’ from EBA, UK Annual CDB Infinity Awards. CDB Managing Director and Chief Over 1,700 team members from 71 Executive Officer Mahesh Nanayakkara. The Commercial Bank of Ceylon Commercial Bank won the implementation of modern quality branches participated in a one-of-a-kind “The CDB Infinity Awards are the annual has been presented the ‘European European Quality Award for the management systems; operation, virtual ceremony, which was live- appreciation of our teams’ hard work Quality Award’ by the Europe high quality of its products and production, and marketing streamed from the CDB Head Office in and a chance for us to celebrate their Business Assembly of Oxford, UK, services and in receiving the award, efficiency; national, regional, and Orabipasha Mawatha, Colombo. extraordinary achievements.” which is an international corporation the Bank gains a significant international certificates, leniencies, The CDB Infinity Awards honours As one of the most innovative and that encourages economic and social advantage that will help raise its patents and branch specifications; team members who have demonstrated successful NBFIs with a strong development on a global level. competitive capacity in the focus on customer and positive leadership traits and delivered commitment to sustainability, CDB This prestigious international European and world markets, the customer opinions; meeting outstanding performances. More than provides industry-leading solutions to recognition is awarded to regional Bank said. requirements of the international 140 team members were recognised for empower the aspirations of all its companies that demonstrate Besides offering a competitive quality systems (ISO, TUV); active their hard work in the previous financial stakeholders. The key source of excellence in their management of range of products and services that participation in national and year, while the continuous, long- competitive advantage and sustainable quality and their approach to total are continuously updated and international quality and standard standing service of 100 team members growth for the organisation is their quality management that contribute subject to stringent quality control forums, fairs and exhibitions; were also recognised in view 25th employees and their performance. to the satisfaction of their processes, the organisations that eco-friendly level of production Anniversary of CDB which was “This year, we have made multiple customers, employees and other won the Award were also judged processes; and faultless reputation celebrated recently. The Chairman’s strides by building new capabilities that stakeholders. based on criteria including in business. Challenge Trophy, Board of Directors’ will help us become a future-ready Challenge Trophy, and CDB 100Mn RRT organisation. We aspire to fuse our Super Gold Award were presented at the business with sustainable practices to ceremony with this year’s Super Gold enrich people’s lives and position Award recipient driving away in a brand- ourselves as a conscientious and new Honda Civic. formidable leader in the financial Assetline expands to Ambalangoda “For CDB to be future-ready and able services industry,” said CDB Chairman to respond to the challenges of constant Alastair Corera speaking at the event. Assetline Leasing expanded its regional distribution network by opening its latest branch in Ambalangoda on 6 May 2021. Located at No 24, Galle Road, Urawatta, Ambalangoda, this is the Contactless payments 53rd branch of their Island wide Branch Network. The Ambalangoda Branch is geared to cater to all from Sri Lanka Insurance leasing facilities fulfilling specific needs of customers, offering the Sri Lanka Insurance, the national Google Playstore to fulfil various entire spectrum of leasing products insurer, has facilitated an array of insurance needs. Keeping in line with and financial services covering mobile payment facilities including Assetline Regional Manager - Business Development Salinda Deegalla cutting the payment channels at this hour of need automotive leasing, auto loans, ribbon while Regional Manager - Recoveries Hemantha Hettiarachchi (R) Head of honouring customer needs while Genie, FriMi, mCash and eZ cash are business loans and much more. An Branch - Vajira Abeysinghe look on ensuring their safety and wellbeing. available and further, direct bank Easy Pay machine is available at Sri Lanka Insurance customers can payments facilities are also available this location providing 24/7 convenience to the local also contribute towards the enjoy uninterrupted service through an through Sampath Bank, Commercial customer convenience. community. We continue to development of the economy and in array of online service platforms without Bank, People’s Bank, Bank of Ceylon, Commenting on the branch innovate and craft products and particular the rural sector. having physical contact during the Hatton National Bank, National Savings opening Chairman Assetline services that evolve with the needs Assetline Leasing Company Ltd current pandemic situation Bank, Nations Trust Bank, Seylan Bank Leasing Company Ltd Rohana of our customers. Access to CEO/Director Ashan Nissanka SLIC policy holders can renew their for the premium payments. The national Dissanayake said, “The opening of financial services, particularly by commented “Despite many insurance policies and make premium insurer re-emphasises the importance of our Ambalangoda Branch SMEs and entrepreneurs, has challenges, we are steadfast in payments via Sri Lanka Insurance protection in these difficult times and reinforces our commitment to always been a key area of focus for pursuing our path of growth and Customer Portal www.srilankainsurance. urges customers to stay safe and fulfill provide effective, customised us. Not only do we aim to uplift the branching out to Ambalangoda is net and SLIC mobile App is available to their insurance needs with ease at financial solutions while enhancing livelihoods of our customers but we another step in this direction”. download on Apple App Store and home. sports monday 10 may 2021 A15

Rugby Scrapbook Better Rugby Life Balance – A Knowledge-Based Approach By Vimal Perera are an optimal combination of players to be at practice for many Gym/Conditioning), and to measure to be trained and monitored. training and recovery, positive sleep hours, even when they have injuries. the quality of individual Better than when all are in a A shared opinion in sport hygiene, a healthy diet, and active The payment system is a performance within a team context. shared pool of activity and the halo preparation in Sri Lanka is that regeneration. contributory factor as players will SSP uses simple, relevant analytics effect applied. training periods are long and heavy. Individual and personalised not want to keep off training even if to accurately measure a player's There is an attended cost to It is not only long periods but also monitoring of their state before and they are not in the best physiological training and match performance acquiring the programme, and it is the injury baggage they carry after training allows athletes to stage while at practice or playing. An while also objectively ranking their to be around one Million Rupees. afterwards - probably similar to the optimise their training process and ad hoc count of promising players contribution as a team member. Immediately eyes pop out, and the enormous bags on the shoulders avoid overreaching and overtraining. dropping out after school will be an The information will help coaches thought of ‘too expensive’ enters the that the body cannot withstand. So, monitoring the fatigue/recovery interesting point to start. Better to move towards coaching – like mind. Look at it objectively: a tier- The supposed thinking applies to ratio is the key to outstanding find numbers of players who have conducting an orchestra – and one club or school spends an many sports and has been a talking athletic performance! By analysing hung up due to injury surfacing and understanding and improving average of Rs Fifty million at the top- point in rugby. It means that there is the body's response to training the inability of the core to adapt. players' performance. The data will end and Rs 25 Million at the lower overtraining, as laymen say. The sessions, athletes can customise Gamage et al in-Sri Lankan help improve skill levels, in that end for a season. Compare this to a practice reduces peak performance and optimise the training process Journal of Sports and Exercise individuals can be monitored in cost to produce a better player and a rather than optimising the outcome. quickly and efficiently and enhance Medicine say, "In terms of training in a high-intensity band. It better game. Moreover, it will help There is no research on training their athletic performance. safeguarding the health and well- will help to reduce injury caused by wean away from the instinctual times in Sri Lanka. Still, questions Recently I had the opportunity of being of athletes in Sri Lanka, a fatigue and illness. SSP focuses on application of training to a more and observations reveal a tendency speaking to Mark Steele, a primary focus has always been tracking a players’ overall health informed one. It will help you with to have more training times at all Biokineticist who has worked toward the treatment of injuries and well-being. the player improvement, and also, levels, including junior rugby - Is extensively as a strength and after they have occurred, and they The supplier regularly collects when performance drops, the this overreaching or overtraining? conditioning coach for rugby, promote rehabilitation and back into specific player data to alert coaches movement can change. Also, Dr. Roman Fomin, an author at hockey, and soccer. What Mark has the sport. There has been little early onto signs of fatigue or ill- suppose a player is in an Omega Wave, says," Overreaching to offer to makes a good athlete was attention towards the primary health, helping to prevent injury. It overreaching mode there is no and overtraining are a regularly a computer-based software program prevention of injuries in Sri Lankan will help reduce player downtime development to stop him from occurring problem in the world of to improve training and game fitness sports. Developing and and to meet personal goals using getting to the chronic stage of sports.” and well-being based on knowledge implementing successful injury customised training schedules. SSP overtraining. In that case, the Literature suggests that in the and information. The purpose is to prevention strategies require high- provides age-group, position and knowledge points to the coach's state of overreaching, the adaptation work with a player to get optimal quality injury data. Given the sport-specific goals for players and performance. to the training load decreases. Not performance. Exercise and fitness go considerable lack of injury coaches to work, identifying where The knowledge collected will help addressing the overreaching will fail hand in hand with the well-being of epidemiology data in Sri Lankan an individual player ranks globally to improve players using key to adapt to training, leading to a player. sports, not only in cricket but also in compared to his peers. performance indicators picked from overtraining. Despite the grumbling and other sports, there is limited The process is for the player to a game. The analysis will help target Overreaching occurs in response mumbling that goes about the understanding of the actual injury wear a Movement Tracker. They training and tailor for High-Intensity to heavy or intense load. If an number of hours practicing, action burden and underlying injury wear the tracker while playing Training and monitor the effort of athlete recognises overreaching in to address the need to embrace a mechanisms." Possibly the culture matches, at practice, training, and the individual to attain high the early stages, their condition will method for quality training is of reacting than being proactive. using the unit in conjunction with performance against fatigue. return to normal. absent. The difficulty is more with The SSP software is a base to an HR Monitor to access gym Trainers’ will map a relationship If an athlete does not allow their school players whose parents monitor player and team training intensities and volumes and between training and performance, body to recover completely and complain but suffer in silence, performance by using knowledge. appropriate workouts and exercises. and athletes can perform better with continues to train hard, that will fearing the consequences that may Mark offers to the world of sports Upload the digital capture to the around 30% of high-intensity lead to overtraining, which is a follow a complaint. Specialised Sports Performance SSP website or Mobile Applications activity. chronic condition of extreme fatigue. The high expenditure budgets and (SSP) software. SSP is a product of (Android and IOS) with the Most important will be to help Roman compares overreaching payments to coaches in Sri Lanka 20 years spent studying the science necessary data extracted and structure a balance between and overtraining to yellow and red force benefactors to correlate of human movement and improving translated to knowledge and quantity and quality. Give the traffic lights. If you see the yellow performance to the number of hours the strength and fitness in top-flight information. The process will help players a better life and the teams a light, be alert; if you see the red of practice and training. This link players for Springbok, Sharks Super the player, the coach, the team and better performance. The preparation light, stop and help your body results from an incorrect Rugby, and Currie Cup teams. The the management to monitor will lead to a better rugby life recover without delay. understanding because of a lack of a programme will help a player, coach, performance. Herd-like training balance: more rugby, more games The most widely used measures to logical base of information to assess and management in four areas (Field can be eliminated as the data will and better players to perform at the prevent overreaching and overtrain training outcomes. This forces Training, Match Day, Wellbeing, help players in different positions national and international level.

Crusaders retain Super Sabalenka downs Barty Rugby Aotearoa title to claim Madrid crown Aryna Sabalenka was in ominous reeling, serving it out inside 25 form as she overpowered world minutes. number one Ash Barty 6-0 3-6 6-4 The world number seven had not to win the Madrid Open on dropped a set coming into the final Saturday. and after threatening to run away In claiming victory, the with the title, Barty finally broke her Belarusian gained revenge after momentum by breaking in the first being beaten by the Australian in game of the second set. the Stuttgart Open final a fortnight Barty failed to hold on to that ago. advantage but showed her depth of On a windy day in Madrid, talent to break again and send the Sabalenka's first set shot-making match into a decider. Both players was nothing short of sensational as held serve until Sabalenka broke she combined her trademark big Barty to love to go 5-4 up before Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka celebrates hits from the baseline with deft serving out to secure the win. winning her final match against dropshots to leave the Australian (Reuters) Australia’s Ashleigh Barty

Crusaders celebrates The Canterbury Crusaders had to everything at them; we just weren't Hosting SL tour successfully fight hard to overcome a courageous good enough tonight," said Chiefs Waikato Chiefs side 24-13 in a captain Brad Weber. "The Crusaders thrilling final and retain the Super were incredibly clinical, even with Rugby Aotearoa title at their guys in the bin." We are working step by step Christchurch Stadium fortress on Damian McKenzie scored all their Saturday. points with a converted try and two Winger Sevu Reece and fullback Will penalties, but the fullback will rue his – BCB Chief Jordan scored tries in the first 16 usual accuracy from the tee deserting BCB have to navigate through a minutes, but thereafter the Crusaders him for a period around halftime when delicate period in the coming two – reduced to 13 men in the second half he missed three shots at goal. weeks to hold the Bangladesh-Sri with two men in the sin bin – had to A long Mo'unga pass gave Reece just Lanka ODI series later this month. rely on the boot of Richie Mo'unga to enough room to score his fifth try of Although the Board officially keep the Chiefs at bay. the season in the seventh minute, and announced the dates of the three The flyhalf kicked a conversion, Jordan chased down a David Havili matches, the country's COVID-19 three penalties and a drop goal and, grubber for the second. rules could influence a couple of just as importantly, banged the ball McKenzie slotted his first penalty crucial factors. into the corners to keep the Chiefs in between those scores and in the 20th It is not yet clear whether Shakib Al their own half late in the game. minute had an impact with ball in Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman will "Tonight was an awesome effort; so hand. have to do a 14-day quarantine, which proud of the boys," said captain Scott The Chiefs called a 13-man lineout at is the ongoing Government directive Barrett. the Crusaders' line and, in the ensuing for anyone arriving from India. They "We got down to 13 men there for a chaos, centre Alex Nankivell broke arrived on 6 May. If they do the two- while, it was tough. We probably had away and fired an outrageous offload week isolation, they will only have to lift a little, but Richie and the backs to set his fullback free for a dash to the three days to prepare for the first ODI put us in the right area of the field and corner. on 23 May. our defence did the rest." Mo'unga kicked a penalty to give the So far, Shakib has cleared the The Crusaders have never lost a hosts a 15-10 lead and that was the first of multiple COVID-19 tests home post-season match, let alone a end of the scoring until well into the with a negative result, while only take part when they are according to local health protocol. final, and the south-island second half. Rahman awaits his result. BCB's negative in those tests. It is not the "This is definitely a challenge," said powerhouse claimed a fifth Super McKenzie finally found his range just Chief Executive Nizamuddin same protocol for general people." Chowdhury. Rugby title in a row and a 12th in before the hour mark and the Chiefs Chowdhury said that they are The other quarantine that might He however ruled out any possibility total. sniffed a chance with Crusaders working on shortening their put them in an even bigger difficulty of the series being rescheduled. "There hooker Codie Taylor and Reece in the quarantine. is for the broadcast crew. The BCB is no possibility of the series being Packed house sin bin for dangerous tackles. "We are working step by step," doesn't have a permanent media rescheduled." he said. Despite the odds being stacked The Crusaders muscled up, however, Chowdhury said. "Those coming rights holder since their agreement The good news is that the against them, the Chiefs played a full and Mo'unga showed the game from India have a different, more with Gazi TV expired last year. Bangladesh players who arrived from part in an exhibition of the best of New management skills that earned him the difficult protocol. Those taking part Usually, the BCB hire crew from Sri Lanka on 4 May, can take part in Zealand rugby played out in front of a All Blacks number 10 shirt to carry in sporting events have to follow a India and South Africa. Individuals the training camp at the Shere Bangla packed house. them home. particular protocol, take those tests arriving from these countries have National Stadium after a negative "We did our absolute best. We threw (Reuters) at the prescribed time. They can to go through 14-day quarantine, COVID-19 test. A16 Monday 10 may 2021 Sports

Dhananjaya and Ishan test positive for COVID-19 By Mustaq Sydeen follow the Government’s health However, these developments West Indies tour in early February. protocol on COVID-19, and all may not force Sri Lanka Cricket Meanwhile, officials and players All-rounders Dhananjaya other players who were in touch (SLC) to try and reschedule the taking part in the Bangladesh tour Lakshan and Ishan Jayaratne who with them have been asked to go team’s travel plans to Bangladesh, were administered COVID-19 were included in the practice into isolated quarantine. since both players were not vaccines in Colombo yesterday, squad for the upcoming England “Yes, two players were detected included in the Bangladesh tour. ahead of the team’s departure on Series, have tested positive for COVID-19 positive when they were Dhananjaya and Ishan are the 16 May to take part in a three COVID-19, a source at SLC subjected to PCR tests yesterday. latest to test positive for COVID-19 match ODI series. revealed. Other players who had close after Lahiru Thirimanne and head Sri Lanka was the latest country It is reported those found to be contact with them have been asked coach Mickey Arthur were also to get their players vaccinated after positive have been directed to to quarantine,” the source added. found to be positive prior to the Bangladesh and New Zealand.

Dhananjaya Lakshan

High Jumper closing in on Olympic qualification Ushan breaks South Asian Record with leap of 2.30m Ranked No.3 in the world this year

By Anjana Kaluarachchi 61st place. This performance will get him into the 40s, but he Ushan Thiwanka Perera will have to leap twice or thrice shattered the Sri Lanka high in the 2.30m range to make the jump record once again with a cut. Several jumpers who had leap of 2.30m in the Lone Star cleared a lower height than Action from the last National 800m final trial, with Dilshi on her Conference Championship held Ushan have made the Olympic way to shatter the National record in Canyon, USA yesterday. It is cut from the World Ranking also a new South Asian record system, as they participated at as he surpassed the 2.29m set some of the world’s highest National Championship by India’s Tejaswin Shankar in ranked competitions, while April 2018. Ushan did not get a single on four weekends His performance is ranked as chance to compete at such a the second-highest in Division competition, and lost the women 800m runners, Sumedha just II and Lone Star Conference opportunity to participate at the outside qualification by world ranking history, while also tying him in only available higher ranked this year’s collegiate competition, the Asian performance list with LSU’s Championship, which was Nilani already within qualification quota JuVaughn Harrison, and postponed due to COVID-19 . extends his school record. Due to the current health Nimali is ranked 56th, It also elevated his rank to Ushan said he has three more situation, Sri Lanka Gayanthika 61st and Dilshi number one in the Asian top competitions before the Tokyo Athletics (SLA) has decided 66th in the Road to Tokyo list, on par with two Japanese 2020 Olympic qualification to hold the National list, from which the top 48 Takasi Eto and Naoto Tobe, deadline on 29 June. Athletics Championship athletes will be selected. while it was also the third equal The 23-year-old High Jumper, 2021 throughout 8 days 48th placed athlete Natalia best performance in the world who now studies at the Texas (four weekends) starting Romero of Spain has a this year, which places him A&M University-Commerce, from 22 May, while adhering ranking score of 1164 among the seven best high broke the 16-year-old Sri Lanka to strict COVID-19 health points, while Nimali is just jumpers in the world. National High Jump record by guidelines. 16 points behind with Ushan started the leaping 2.28m at the Texas The decision was taken at 1148, Gayanthika 24 competition with a warm up Relay Championship just over a the SLA Executive behind with 1140 and jump of 2.11m, and then month ago on 28 March. Ushan Committee meeting held Dilshi 31 behind with 1133 cleared 2.14m and 2.17m in broke the record of 2.27m set yesterday, that it’s necessary points at the moment. Also, one attempt. He then cleared by former Olympian Manjula to hold the National the top ranked athletes on 2.20m and was the lone Kumara Wijesekara in 2004, Championship before the the list, Caster Semenya competitor from there onwards. and equaled it in 2005. Olympic qualification (South Africa), second He cleared 2.25m also with one He has had an amazing deadline of 29 June, as there placed Gudaf Tsegay attempt and directly tried season this year breaking are several Sri Lankan (Ethiopia) and third placed 2.30m next, which he cleared in several records, including his athletes who have the Ajee Wilson (USA), aren’t his third attempt. college record and Sri Lanka potential to qualify for the eligible to compete without World Athletics has set Tokyo Indoor record (2.26m). Tokyo Olympic based on taking drugs to lower their Olympics direct qualification at Ushan left the country on a World Ranking position. current testosterone levels, 2.33m, and Ushan has been scholarship last year to Texas The National which will increase the Sri tasked with one of the most A&M University-Commerce. The Championship is the highest Lankan trio’s chances to difficult Olympic qualification former Maris Stella College ranked competition which qualify. set by any sport in the world. To athlete, who trained under can be held locally at the All three middle distance put into context, Bohdan Senarath Fernando during his moment, where athletes who runners still have the Bondarenko of Ukraine won the school days, won the South win will get a bonus placing chance to make the cut by 2016 Rio Olympic Games Asian Silver medal and had a score of 100, which will boost world ranking, but lack of Bronze medal clearing 2.33m, personal best of 2.24m when he their world ranking position. competition has been and Erik Kynard of USA won left to the USA on scholarship. 3000m Steeplechase hurting their chances, as the Silver medal in 2012 Ushan had a difficult runner Nilani Rathnayaka they had just one clearing 2.32m. Also, 2.33m is childhood as both his parents has already met the competition so far for this higher than the Gold medal suffered from polio. He was qualification standard, while year, and one more after the winning mark at the Asian even compelled to sell his car, the trio of female 800m Nationals may further Championship 2019, which he won when he was runners - Dilshi increase their chances to Commonwealth Games 2018 or adjudged the best athlete at the Kumarasinghe, Nimali make the cut. the Asian Games 2018. 2019 National Sports Festival, Liyanarachchi and Direct qualification for the Ushan has one more option to to finance his trip to the USA. Gayanthika Abeyrathne - Tokyo Olympics 800m is 1 make it to the best 32 jumpers However, that did not stop the together with Javelin minute and 59 seconds, in the world (who will qualify for determined athlete from Thrower Sumedha which is the toughest the Olympics), and this is achieving great heights in his Ranasinghe, have the qualification standard set for through the World Ranking life, and he is now a step closer chance to make the Olympic a world event in history. system where he is currently in to his Olympic dream. cut. (AK) Ushan Thiwanka Perera Gold for Danushka in Texas Sri Lankan long jumper Hamilton takes Danushka Sandaruwan who studies at West Texas A&M fifth Spanish University, won the Gold medal for the long jump with a Grand Prix win leap of 7.84m at the Lone Star Conference in a row Championship held in Canyon, USA yesterday. The Seven times world champion former University of Sri Lewis Hamilton won the Spanish Jayawardanapura graduate Formula One Grand Prix for a record- achieved this distance in his equalling fifth year in a row for fifth attempt. Mercedes on Sunday. Nalandian Danushka who The Briton’s 98th career victory, has a personal best of 7.99m, from his 100th pole position, was his represented Sri Lanka at the third win in four races and sent him Asian Championship 2019 14 points clear of Red Bull’s Max before he left to USA. The Verstappen, who clawed back a point 27-year-old has represented for the fastest lap and finished Sri Lanka at two World second. University Games and the Hamilton’s team mate Valtteri Korean Open Championship, Bottas finished third. apart from the Asian Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium Championship.