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For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 ACTIVE CASES of the following authorities CASES IN Epidemiology Unit Health THE WORLD 14,924,246 Suwasariya 0112 695 112 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 2,730 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS Bureau Service Govt. coronavirus hotline USA 3,978,665 144,195 COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0113071073 615,030 BRAZIL 2,121,645 80,251 INDIA 1,171,446 28,488 PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL TASK FORCE FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 783,328 12,580 11 2,048 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 8,958,752 PERU 373,628 5,173 THE ABOVE STATISTICS671 ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 1.45 P.M. ON 21 JULY 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

Rishad ordered to appear before CID The Fort Magistrate ordered PHIs to assist EC former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today (22) at 9 a.m. to record a statement over the Easter bombings. Former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen Contd. on page 2 on election day APPEAL OVER SUSPENSION z Despite ongoing TU action

BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA indicated this during our do with the election or the has even happened. We will SJB petition dismissed discussions,” he said. Election Commission, so I think of it if and when it The appeal filed by Samagi Jana dismissed yesterday (21) by the Civil The Election Commission (EC) said that the Public He also said that he didn’t don’t think it will be an issue,” happens,” he said. Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Appellate High Court of Colombo. Health Inspectors (PHIs) would not refrain from believe that the PHIs would he said. PHIs have begun refraining Ranjith Madduma Bandara, The Civil Appellate High Court assisting on election day. go ahead with the strike. In the event the strike does from engaging in any Covid- challenging the Colombo District has ordered appellant/petitioner “During our discussions, it happen, the EC would address 19-related activities in protest Court’s order on the membership of Madduma Bandara to pay a sum EC Director General Saman not obstruct the election process. appeared that they wouldn’t the issue at that time. of the recently issued Gazette 99 UNPers (United National Party) of Rs. 25,000 as legal cost. Sri Rathnayake said the PHI “They will help us in their conduct the strike. Regardless, “There’s no point jumping Notification on the Covid-19 who are members of the SJB, was Contd. on page 2 unions had assured they would duties on election day. They their issue has nothing to the gun now before the strike health guidelines. 2020 GENERAL ELECTION Stop the hunt MISUSE OF STAMP MACHINES Three candidates Two probes arrested over violations underway Candidates of the United National Party (UNP) and the Samagi Jana BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA Speaking to The Morning, Balawegaya (SJB) have been Postmaster General arrested for election violations. The Postal Department has Ranjith Ariyaratne said two Two candidates from SJB and launched an investigation into investigations are currently a candidate from UNP have been the misuse of stamp machines underway including an internal taken into custody, Police Media by former members of provincial investigation and a police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne councils that has caused huge investigation. told The Morning. losses for the D epartment. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 ADVERSE WEATHER No propaganda Over 14,000 work at religious persons affected The adverse weather conditions persons from the Galle District, places: EC that developed over the past week causing partial damage to 144 have affected 14,260 persons households, full damage to two The Election Commission (EC) The Bank of Ceylon Employees’ Union staged a protest yesterday (21) near the Lake House Roundabout, demanding the in eight districts and resulted in households, and partial damage has urged candidates contesting reinstatement of Sanasa Development Bank Trade Union Leader Amila Sunimal and the halting of employee hunting four deaths. to three commercial properties. the 2020 general election to PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE Strong winds impacted 11,748 Contd. on page 2 refrain from engaging in election POLITICIANS AT RAJANGANAYA FUNERAL propaganda activities in places of COVID-19 religious worship. Engaged in ONE CANDIDATE FROM MULTIPLE PARTIES The EC has stated that it has received complaints of election Welisara propaganda activities being carried campaigning without Not a qualified out at places of worship with many of these complaints coming Navy cluster from the Colombo, Gampaha, quarantine: PHIs Kalutara, Hambantota, and The Public Health Inspectors’ had also attended the funeral, are candidate: EC concludes Ampara Districts. Union (PHIU) alleged that several ignoring the compulsory 14-day Contd. on page 2 politicians who had visited the quarantine and instead freely The Ratnapura District General of Elections Saman Sri The final three Covid-19 patients of the funeral house in Rajanganaya, engaging in political campaigns. candidate who is reported to Ratnayake said yesterday (21). Welisara Navy Camp have been discharged where a Covid-19-positive person Contd. on page 2 be contesting from two different He told The Morning that the after making complete recoveries. Postal voting political parties from the District secretariat would not remove These sailors will, however, spend another PETITION SEEKING KARUNA’S ARREST for the upcoming parliamentary the name of the candidate 14 days under self-quarantine, adhering to the election would not from the nomination list Covid-19 health and safety measures. concludes be considered as it would affect Accordingly, all 906 Navy men from the Postal voting for the 2020 general Appeal Court as a qualified the two political Welisara camp, who were infected with Covid- election concluded last evening (21). contestant and parties and their 19, had recovered as of last morning (21). Voters who were unable to cast therefore would nominations Contd. on page 2 their postal votes on the previously rejects petition not be eligible would be set dates due to unavoidable The Court of Appeal has rejected a petition requesting to sit in the next automatically circumstances were permitted to the court to issue a directive to the Acting Inspector Parliament even rejected. Warrant cast their votes on Monday (20) and General of Police (IGP) to arrest Tamil United Freedom if the candidate Contd. on yesterday (21) at their respective Front (TUFF) Leader Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan, is elected by page 2 District Election Office. TUFF Leader alias Karuna Amman, over the controversial statement the people of Commissioner on Shashi Vinayagamoorthy Contd. on page 2 he made on 19 June. Contd. on page 2 the District, General of Elections Muralitharan Commissioner Saman Sri Ratnayake Weerawansa LOOKING AT PARDONING MINOR OFFENDERS Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne yesterday (21) issued an arrest warrant on Shashi Weerawansa in relation to the case filed over the alleged Committee to present report forging of documents by her to obtain passports. BY SARAH HANNAN According to statistics shared by committee chaired by President’s Attorney-at-Law Kaushalya Chair Indatissa to confirm. He said: Shashi Weerawansa is the the Department of Prisons, 26,000 Counsel (PC) Kalinga Indatissa, Jayarathne, and Commissioner "The committee is yet to take a wife of National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader President Gotabaya Rajapaksa individuals are currently placed in comprising Presidential Secretariat General of Prisons Thushara decision and the report is yet to be and Minister Wimal Weerawansa. According has appointed a seven-member remand at prisons islandwide, while Director General – Legal Affairs Upuldeniya, had arrived at a decision compiled. We were to meet at the to reports, Shashi Weerawansa’s counsel had committee to explore the possibility the capacity is only 15,000 inmates, Attorney-at-Law Harigupta to pardon inmates involved in minor beginning of this week, however informed the court that she was unable to attend of pardoning minor offenders so as given the present health and safety Rohanadeera, Shavindra Fernando offenses, in an effort to reduce the meeting was postponed as the court sessions since she was unwell, but had to reduce the number of inmates in guidelines. PC, Ministry of Justice Additional congestion in prisons. members could not come to an failed to present a medical certificate to court. the prison system. Media reports claimed that the Secretary Piyumanthi Peiris, The Morning contacted Committee agreement on the terms presented." Contd. on page 2 2 the morning OPINION/NEWS Wednesday , July 22, 2020 China poised for diplomatic windfall in SL elections z Beijing backs politicians and influential Buddhist leaders, expert says Rajapaksa political parties to defeat Mahinda Rajapaksa Government, which wants new in his run for a third term. terms. BY MARWAAN MACAN-MARKAR Former President Maithripala Sirisena ended Japan appears unmoved for now. "There up winning, and his camp accused a Chinese is no such fact that Japan and Sri Lanka China is cultivating a wide swathe company with investments in Sri Lanka of have agreed to revise the plan of the LRT of political allies in Sri Lanka ahead financing the Rajapaksa campaign. project," an official at the Japanese Embassy of the nation's general election Last year, in November, Gotabaya in Colombo told Nikkei, referring to the Light on 5 August, marking a break Rajapaksa, a former military lieutenant Railway Transit project. "We understand that from throwing its lot in with one colonel, won a decisive mandate in the this project has so far been implemented as dominant political camp. presidential poll, signalling voter appetite planned by the Sri Lankan implementing for a strongman leader after five years of a agency." Foreign policy insiders in the small South divisive and dysfunctional administration But India's Government is fuming over the Asian nation reckon the strategy fortifies the under an anti-Rajapaksa coalition. matter, especially now that the Rajapaksa edge China has over geopolitical adversaries While China burrowed deep into Sri Lankan camp is turning the Colombo Port (East) India, Japan, and the US when it comes politics – it has even commissioned local Container Terminal project into an anti-India to influencing a country that straddles an pollsters to gauge voter sentiment – it was campaign issue. increasingly contested stretch of the Indian also lavishing multibillion-dollar loans on Diplomatic sources in Colombo say Ocean. the country for large infrastructure projects India eyed a stake in the Colombo Port as a This diplomatic shift, the insiders say, has ranging from a new harbour and airport to counterweight to China's growing dominance been marked by quiet, behind-the-scenes highways. Not surprisingly, China accounts in Sri Lanka's maritime economy. meetings between Chinese emissaries and for 10% of Sri Lanka's ballooning external "The Indians don't trust the Rajapaksas," Chinese President Xi Jinping, pictured here next to Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former president of Sri the leading political parties vying for votes Lanka, appears to have outplayed India and the US in a strategically located island nation that votes debt of $ 55 billion. Compare that number to said a diplomat from a Western embassy in ahead of elections that in a little more than for its parliament in a little more than two weeks $ 88 billion, the size of the island's economy. Sri Lanka's former capital. "They see them two weeks will determine parliament's 225 PHOTO © REUTERS The China-funded projects have become a as doubled-tongued. A reversal on the port lawmakers. several joint video conferences with different hot-button issue during election cycles as some project would see India returning to the pre- The coronavirus's impact in Sri Lanka parties in Sri Lanka, Nepal, (the) Philippines, Sri Lankan voters take a dislike to foreign 2015 days of distrusting Colombo." provided China with an opening to Indonesia, and Arab countries, which is a money paying for strategic assets. "This was The US faces a similar quandary. A $ 480 demonstrate its newly tuned diplomacy. common practice, especially under the current never the case before," a senior South Asian million grant under Washington's so-called Chinese Communist Party (CPP)'s Central Covid-19 situation," he told the Nikkei Asian diplomat said. "Foreign policy and foreign Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Committee Minister of the International Review. investment (used to have) bipartisan backing was partially meant to help upgrade Sri Department Song Tao, in June hosted a video The pandemic has boosted China's influence no matter which party won, but that has Lanka's transport and logistics infrastructure, conference with leaders of Sri Lanka's major in Sri Lanka, a veteran Sri Lankan diplomat changed over the last few years, and strategic but it too has become an electoral football, political parties to cultivate bipartisan bonds said, referring to a $ 500 million loan President as China learns from its past mistakes in Sri investments have become campaign fodder." as it was during the presidential election under the guise of fighting Covid-19. Gotabaya Rajapaksa desperately sought from Lanka," Mendis said. "Now, it supports not As for Japan, for decades Sri Lanka's largest in November. Rajapaksa has profited from The island nation has reported 2,674 China to help fight Covid-19. only political parties but influential Buddhist bilateral lender and development partner, the anti-MCC campaign rhetoric of his infections and 11 deaths. "China is the only international player who leaders, as China realises the power of the it now must deal with the Rajapaksa tilt ultranationalist constituency among the According to Luo Chong, a spokesperson has the funds to help with such emergencies," Buddhist clergy in domestic politics." toward China. Mere months into his first term, country's Sinhala-Buddhist ethnic majority. of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, the the diplomat said. "Beijing was prompt In 2015, China was perceived as backing Gotabaya Rajapaksa has sent mixed messages The US may have to bite this political bullet meeting was a goodwill gesture that has been because it knows which political players it then incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa. to Japan about the fate of two multibillion- to achieve its longer term strategic vision in repeated with other allies in the wake of the is closer to in Sri Lanka – the Rajapaksas," But Mahinda lost his re-election bid in a shock dollar infrastructure projects, both of which the Indian Ocean, which includes Sri Lanka. pandemic. "The International Department referring to the President and his elder brother setback for the country's most politically were championed by the previous coalition "Washington's attention to Sri Lanka of the Communist Party of China conducted Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former influential clan, the Rajapaksas, who had Government. appears to be increasingly fuelled by president. displayed signs of dynastic ambitions. One is an elevated light railway (Light geostrategic concerns about China," said But seasoned observers of Chinese That 2015 poll, the second after the Railway Transit) system through parts Centre for Naval Analysis (a Washington- diplomacy read more into Beijing's pre- Rajapaksas presided over the end of a nearly of greater Colombo, the island's largest based think tank) Director for Strategy and election encounters with parties across Sri 30-year civil war, was marked by allegations commercial city. The new Government says Policy Analysis Nilanthi Samaranayake. Lanka's political spectrum. that India, the regional power in South Asia, the rail will have to be delayed. "(There is more) attention on Sri Lanka than Patrick Mendis, a visiting professor of global and China were bankrolling competing The other is an expanded container terminal ever before...(and there will be) questions affairs at the National Chengchi University, campaigns. in Colombo Port, which also has Indian (after the elections) about which direction based in Taiwan, said the CCP constantly The Rajapaksa camp accused the Research and Sri Lankan backers. The tripartite Sri Lanka will move in regarding its policies adjusts its diplomacy based on previous and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's spy agency, agreement, signed in 2019 by the previous toward India, the US, and China." outcomes. "It has remarkable agility to change of pouring funds into a coalition of anti- Government, is also at the whim of the (Nikkei Asian Review)

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propaganda activities at a place of worship Further, an investigation would be Two probes... Appeal Court... or utters at religious assemblies any words conducted to see whether a forged signature Engaged in.. “(The) Thalangama Police is conducting an The fundamental rights (FR) petition for the purpose of promoting or demoting has been used for the nominations of either PHIU President Upul Rohana told the investigation into the alleged misuse of stamp was filed by Kaduwela Municipal Council the election, or the election campaign of any party and necessary action would be taken media that out of four politicians who had machines. An internal investigation is (being) member and tuition class teacher Boseth political party/independent group/candidate, accordingly, he added. attended the funeral, only one is currently conducted to identify the stamp machines that Kalahepathirana. is guilty of the offence of undue influence. Meanwhile, the Ratnapura District undergoing 14 days in quarantine, while have (been used in) excess of the free amount Attorney General (AG) Dappula de The EC has requested religious leaders to Elections Office Deputy Commissioner the other three are freely moving within granted to them (provincial councillors), the Livera, Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne, disallow places of worship being used for Suranga Ambagahatenna told The the society while engaging in political number of stamp machines issued by the and former Deputy Minister such purposes and to abstain from carrying Morning that the decision was yet to be campaigns, putting others at risk. Department, and the number of machines Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan are named out any such activities during the election communicated to the office. According to the PHIU, failure to follow that have already (been) handed over to the as respondents. Karuna Amman, addressing period. According to him, the Ratnapura District the instructions given by the authorities to Department,” he said. a public meeting on 19 June, stated that he In the event of promotion or demotion of United National Party (UNP) Candidate control the spread of the highly contagious Explaining further, the Postmaster General is more dangerous than the Covid-19 virus any party, independent group, or candidate Hasitha Muhandiram had objected during disease is a violation of the Quarantine and noted that the provincial councillors are as he has killed some 2,000-3,000 military as aforesaid, the EC has urged the general the objection period but there were no legal Prevention of Diseases Act. Around 12,000 provided a free quota that they can claim via the personnel during the war. His statement public to bring it to the notice of the nearest provisions in the election laws to reject the people in Rajanganaya are currently under stamp machines, and once their term is over, drew major criticism from many parties police station, District Election Complaint nominations based on the reason that the self-quarantine after it was discovered that an they should hand these back to the Department; which claimed that he was trying to glorify Management Unit, or the National Election same candidate contested for two different instructor from the Kandakadu Training and the respective seals need to be handed back as the killing of Sri Lankan soldiers during his Complaint Manage political parties. Accordingly, candidate Rehabilitation Centre, who later tested positive well. However, there are several members who time as a LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Kolonne Siri Shantha Vijaya Thero has for Covid-19, had attended the funeral. are misusing it by breaking the seal of the stamp Eelam) militant given a letter to the Ratnapura Elections (MM) machines, he said. . Welisara Navy... Office stating that he was contesting from “There is a seal put by the Department On 22 April, a naval officer attached to the Jana Setha Peramuna and not from and some members have broken the seal and No propaganda... the Welisara Navy Camp tested positive the Ape Jana Bala Party, even though his Over 14,000... misused those machines,” he added. The EC has stated that in terms of Section for Covid-19 upon his admittance to the name was mentioned under both parties, Meanwhile, drought has settled in, in As a result, the Government has lost income, 79 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Welikanda Hospital over a sudden illness. according to Ambagahatenna. eight districts, impacting 149,486 persons. he stressed. No. 1 of 1981, anyone, who carries out Subsequently, other Navy personnel who – Maheesha Mudugamuwa Out of the eight districts, six are facing shared the same lodging quarters and office drinking water shortage, for which the spaces as the infected sailor and all persons Disaster Relief Centre, in mediation who had come into contact with him were Three candidates... with the district secretariats, is supplying Cartoon of the day placed under quarantine and directed for One was arrested for illegally entering drinking water, the Disaster Management PCR testing. With Navy personnel testing and issuing threats, the other for violating Centre (DMC)’s situation report as of noon positive for Covid-19, the Welisara Navy curfew laws to carry out propaganda yesterday (21) recorded. Camp was declared an isolated area. activities, and the third was arrested for – Sarah Hannan However, the Navy camp was reopened in illegally displaying posters. The Police stages since last month. Spokesman refused to reveal the identities of the candidates, citing legal restrictions. Rishad ordered.. – Skandha Gunasekara The court order was issued following a Warrant on... request put forward by the CID.On 9 July, She is accused of fraudulently obtaining Bathiudeen was grilled by the CID for over two passports, including a diplomatic nine hours over the Easter attacks. passport, by submitting forged documents SJB petition... to the Department of Immigration and The Colombo District Court on 22 June Emigration. She was arrested by the had refused to issue an enjoining order Postal voting... Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in against UNP office bearers citing that the Postal voting for the 2020 general February 2015 over the case and was later complainant had failed to disclose true facts election commenced on 13 July, with released on bail. The case is to be taken up relating to the members’ expulsion from the staff members at the offices of Medical again on 18 August. party. Officers of Health (MOH) casting their Madduma Bandara then filed an appeal absentee votes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. before the Civil Appellate High Court, The staff of state sector offices cast their Not a qualified... challenging the Colombo District Court’s votes on 14 and 15 July while members Therefore, the candidate would be order.However, the court has dismissed the of security forces, the Police, the Civil contesting at the forthcoming election but appeal and refused to issue an enjoining Security Department, health sector according to the election law, he would not order preventing the UNP Working workers, staff of district secretariats, and be qualified to sit in the next Parliament, Committee’s decision. election offices marked their postal votes Ratnayake said. on 16 and 17 July the morning Wednesday, July 22, 2020 3 business Fitch-rated Sri Lankan corporates to lose Rs. 30 b in revenue Rated Sri Lankan corporates are set to lose around Rs. 30 billion in revenue expected could lead Fitch to revise the corporates’ exposure to hotels is limited primarily due to pent-up demand. However, in the financial year ending March 2021 (FY21) due to the coronavirus Outlooks to Stable. and counterbalanced by exposure to more demand may again weaken on falling pandemic-led economic downturn, Fitch Ratings says. This is a 7% YoY (year- The hotel sector will see the sharpest defensive sectors. However, hotels account disposable incomes after the initial post- on-year) decline in revenue compared with FY20. If the country’s two large revenue decline, with projected revenue for a disproportionate share of employment lockdown enthusiasm dissipates. We expect telecom companies are excluded, the revenue loss deepens to Rs. 40 billion, losses of around 75% YoY in FY21, in the wider economy. telecoms and pharmaceutical distribution and Fitch noted. accounting for 35% of the aggregate revenue Fitch expects consumer durables retailers manufacturing to prove resilient during the fall. Demand from domestic visitors has to account for the second-highest revenue post-lockdown period, while the fast-moving Fitch has taken negative rating action Negative Outlook or Rating Watch Negative. resumed, but Fitch said it does not expect a drop; the sector represents 30% of the consumer goods and food and beverage on 30% of the corporates in its portfolio This suggests the possibility of further meaningful recovery in hotel earnings until aggregate revenue loss. sectors should record a fast recovery owing to reflect the impact of the pandemic, with downgrades should recovery prospects be international travel normalises, which is at “Demand for consumer durables has to their essential nature and defensive the majority of these entities remaining on delayed, although a faster recovery than least nine to 12 months away. The Fitch-rated improved since the lockdown was lifted, demand characteristics,” Fitch said. Moody’s extends Murtaza Jafferjee voted review for downgrade out of CSE Board JB Securities Chief Executive market and the country. Officer (CEO) Murtaza Jafferjee has “The CSE is an apex capital not been re-elected to the Colombo market institution, thus those in on three SL banks Stock Exchange (CSE) Board of governance have to set the right tone Moody’s Investors Service operate mainly within the country if Sri Lanka’s sovereign rating is Directors at its Annual General at the top – at times this is the path yesterday (21) extended its and hold significant amounts of confirmed. Meeting (AGM) held last week, The less trodden but it’s the right choice, review for downgrade on Bank of sovereign debt. Furthermore, the A downgrade of the sovereign Morning learns. not necessarily the popular choice. Ceylon (BOC)’s, Hatton National Government’s ability to support rating could lead to a downgrade Jafferjee was appointed to the “The governance mechanism of Bank PLC (HNB)’s, and Sampath the banks in times of need is a of the banks’ BCAs and long- Board with effect from 1 February the CSE requires all elected directors Bank PLC (Sampath)’s long- key input to Moody’s assessment term ratings. Moody’s could also 2019 along with Director/CEO of to retire by rotation. I was up for term local currency deposit and of the banks’ ratings. downgrade the banks’ BCAs if Asha Phillip Securities Ltd. re-election. The majority voted not foreign currency issuer ratings Moody’s had earlier initiated there is a material deterioration He was up for re-election along to re-elect me; it is their right, so I of B2. the review for downgrade on in asset quality. A significant with Acuity Stockbrokers (Pvt.) Ltd. have to accept it.” The extension of the review for the banks’ ratings following its decline in capitalisation could Chairman Ray Abeywardena at this The current Board of Directors of downgrade on the banks’ ratings placement of the sovereign rating also exert downward pressure on AGM. the CSE is led by recently appointed Murtaza Jafferjee follows the review for downgrade on review for downgrade. the banks’ BCAs. Jafferjee has over 25 years of Chairman Dumith Fernando that remains in place on Sri Given the review for BOC reported total assets of experience in the capital markets When contacted, Jafferjee said: “I and includes elected Directors Lanka’s B2 sovereign rating. downgrade, the banks’ Baseline Rs. 2,603 billion at 31 March across multiple asset classes and take my governance responsibilities Ray Abeywardena, Dilshan Moody’s believes that there Credit Assessments (BCAs) and 2020, HNB reported total assets previously served on the Board very seriously. To me, this requires Wirasekara, Dimuthu Abeyesekera, is a high level of dependency long-term ratings are unlikely to of Rs. 1,219 billion at 31 March of the CSE from August 2007 to one to set aside what’s good and appointed Directors C.J.P. between the creditworthiness be upgraded during the review 2020, while Sampath reported July 2009. He is also the Chairman for one’s own firm or a narrow Siriwardana, Arjuna Herath, of the banks and that of the period. Nevertheless, Moody’s total assets of Rs. 1,028 billion at of Advocata Institute and a past stakeholder group and take a broader Jayantha Fernando, and Suren De sovereign, given that the banks said it could confirm the ratings 31 March 2020. president of CFA Sri Lanka. view as to what’s good for the entire Silva. NDB partners EDB under ‘Jayagamu SL’ Dialog Invites customers to NDB, being one of the largest programmes, co-ordinating activities experience 5G trial network players in the SME (small and with trade centres/trade promotion medium-sized enterprises) and organisations/commercial officers Dialog Axiata PLC extended an exceptional experiences for our microfinance segment, recently overseas to assist the export open invitation to its customers customers. We are thankful to the signed a Memorandum of community, co-ordinating activities to register their 5G devices on its Telecommunications Regulatory Understanding (MoU) with the related to bilateral and multilateral 5G trial network and experience Commission of Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka Export Development trade agreements, joint economic 5G at Dialog Iconic and Dialog enabling our vision of delivering Board (EDB) as a means to support committees, business councils, Experience Centres at Alfred ‘The Future. Today.’, where we exporters and innovators under provision of advisory services and House, the World Trade Centre, have not only maintained our the NDB Jayagamu Sri Lanka market information to exporters, and and several zones in Colombo city. leadership in 5G in Sri Lanka, but initiative. handling export-related local and Subscribers can register their 5G also the region.” From left: EDB Legal Officer Thakshila Wijayaratne, EDB Deputy Director D.M.P. Through this, NDB will be Dissanayake, EDB Director General Jeevani Siriwardena, NDB Director/CEO overseas trade inquiries. device on www.dialog.lk/5g to Dialog covers more than 92% linking the bank’s customers with Dimantha Seneviratne, NDB Vice President – SME, Middle Market, and Business Trade facilitation and trade experience 5G and stay updated as of the Sri Lankan population with EDB and directing them to the Banking Indika Ranaweera, NDB AVP – Business Banking, SME, Microfinance, and information will assist exporters Dialog expands its 5G trial network 4G Broadband and has upgraded “2000 New Exporter Development Liabilities Indika Kudagamage, NDB Senior Manager – Legal Avanthi Bandara, and to achieve trade efficiency by into more areas. over 20% of its expansive base Programme” which will then assist NDB staff members Janaka Meepagala and Sewwandi Perera resolving export-related issues This 5G trial network was station network to a “5G Ready customers to develop their capacity, Export Agriculture Division will increasing export sales and faced by exporters, providing enabled in collaboration with the Status” by deploying Massive product, and market of each also assist the SME customers employment prospects in the advisory services, operating the Telecommunications Regulatory MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple business. of the bank by developing and country through integrated scheme of registration of exporters, Commission of Sri Lanka Output) technology on its Home EDB will also support the promoting agriculture, fisheries, programmes such as supply organising and conducting training (TRCSL), which has led the region Broadband Network. The same improvement of the macro/ and aquaculture products through development, quality improvement, programmes on international trade, in making available the spectrum infrastructure will transmit 5G microeconomic environment, systematic and integrated and training, by way of educational provision of trade information in the 3.5GHz band for the piloting speeds upon the licensing of formulating and implementing the programmes such as value seminars and training programmes service for improving export of pre-commercial 5G services. commercial 5G spectrum in Sri National Export Development Plan, chain enhancement, technology for exporters and potential exporters performance by maintaining trade- “These endeavours will lay the Lanka, enabling the delivery of sectoral plans, etc., by conducting upgradation, quality improvement, of such services to export market related databases, maintaining an groundwork for Sri Lanka to nationwide 5G coverage. various development programmes branding and brand promotion, requirements. They will also assist up-to-date business library facility, innovate new 5G-related products This announcement follows by providing market information provision of intelligence, and in market development and market packaging and development and services, paving the way to Dialog’s demonstration of a fully and ecommerce services, assisting market promotion programmes. penetration through individual and training, publications, co-ordinating access the global 5G marketplace standards-based 5G mobile service in trade facilitation/resolving The Export Services Division collective marketing assistance. seminars, and participating at and facilitate industries to leverage for the first time in South Asia, the problems/constraints faced by will assist the SME customers of Additionally, export marketing exhibitions. the benefits of 5G,” Dialog said. first 5G showcase in South Asia, exports to achieve trade efficiency, the bank by creating opportunities of the EDB will support in the NDB introduced the “NDB Commenting, Dialog Axiata the demonstration of South Asia’s improving quality of export for local professional services development and improvement Jayagamu Sri Lanka” initiative PLC Group Chief Executive fastest 5G mobile speeds in 2019, support services, working with exporters including information of the export performances of in order to create a pathway for Supun Weerasinghe said: and the first standards-based 5G international/local trade support and communication technology, Sri Lankan products and services Sri Lanka’s exporters, innovators, “Since Dialog conducted South fixed-wireless pilot transmission services, and implementing business process management, by conducting market research and entrepreneurs so that they will Asia’s first standards-based 5G in December 2018. Implementing skills/entrepreneurship/training knowledge processing management, and surveys, organising seminars have the necessary means to target transmission in 2018, we have 5G will mean faster speeds development programmes. electronics, construction, printing, and workshops for the exporter the companies that are looking to been exploring the boundless for end consumers, as well as In addition to the many engineering, health, consultancy, community, formulation and diversify their supply chain, thus possibilities of 5G to ensure that limitless opportunities to automate services that can be enjoyed and education to extend their implementation of export market bringing in much-needed revenue we build a strong platform to industrial and home environments, by the bank’s SME clients, the business internationally, thereby development and promotional into Sri Lanka. support our 5G network to deliver Dialog noted.

Seylan Bank sponsors refurbished People’s Bank cuts interest cafeteria at National Hospital rates to 6% for SMEs and Seylan Bank recently took employees, which was equally measures to fully refurbish matched by the bank. 9% for individuals the doctors’ cafeteria at the “Seylan Bank is extremely People’s Bank has reduced interest vehicle loans has been dropped to 10%. National Hospital of Sri Lanka, grateful to the frontline officers rates to 9% onwards across several loan Small and Medium-scale Enterprises investing a total of Rs. 4 who worked tirelessly day and schemes in accordance with the direction (SMEs) are able to obtain loans from as million. The official handing night to successfully combat and guidance of the Government. low as 6% upwards, the lowest in the over took place on 7 July the spread of Covid-19 in The Chairman and Board of Directors market today. 2020 at the hospital premises Sri Lanka. Their efforts have together with the management of the Additionally, People’s Bank said it in the presence of Seylan Staff cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the doctors’ cafeteria at ensured the country moves out bank announced special concessionary has slashed interest rates for a large Bank Senior Deputy General the National Hospital of lockdown towards normalcy interest rates across the board with cross section of the general public Manager Ramesh Jayasekara existing cafeteria with a new commenced operations to faster than anticipated. To almost all at single-digit levels. employed in different professions. The and Director General of Health entrance gate, floor tiling, construct a fully equipped ICU show the bank’s gratitude Accordingly, interest rates for all bank has made arrangements to disburse Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe, and wall tiling, complete colour- (Intensive Care Unit) at the towards the national effort, educational loans, personal loans, and these loans with these newly reduced other dignitaries. washing, upgraded plumbing, Colombo East Base Hospital Seylan Bank stepped in to housing loans have been reduced to rates through its islandwide network of The refurbishment covered and wiring of the entire area. with the generous donation of support the hospital’s most 9% onwards, while the interest rate for 737 branches. a complete renovation of the Earlier this year, Seylan a day’s pay from the bank’s urgent needs,” the bank said. the morning 4 Wednesday, July 22, 2020 brunch

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE

On 19 July, the D.S. Senanayake Old Boys’ Wildlife Club donated a “squeeze cage” to the veterinarian hospital in Udawalawe under the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) known as the “Elephant Transit Home”, i.e. “Ath Athuru Sevana”, in the Udawalawe National Park. Speaking to Southern Province Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Malaka Abeywardena, he shared that this cage is a necessity From left: D.S. Senanayake Old Boys’ Association President when treating injured or Pasad Weerasekera, Wildlife Club President Dakshina Palihawadana, and Dr. Malaka Abeywardena deceased large animals like leopards and bears. He BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE said that it is vital when treating animals without Motion Miracles is a studio Sri Lanka-produced tranquilising them, adding based in Sri Lanka focusing Pandemic that when the animal is on game development and diseased, they are often productions. Founder and CEO stressed out, which can lead Anish Wijesinghe's leadership mobile game to issues with anaesthesia; if they have respiratory ricochet has contributed to creating a foundation and culture where the issues, that too can lead to studio explores a decentralised complications. However, culture that aims to empower with equipment such as the squeeze cage, they can affecting each member to function as an safely treat the animal and “independent powerhouse”, ‘Tie N Die’ allow it to heal without capable of handling an entire harming itself. pipeline by themselves. reaches Dr. Abeywardena also shared that the hospitals wildlife The studio is behind the exceedingly under the DWC do not popular mobile game “Tie N Die”, which currently have these cages reached the list of the “Top 5 Free Games extraordinary in abundance primarily priced. As such, the group participated in the event. for iOS App Store in the US”. The game because, up until recently, re-engineered the cage here Dr. Abeywardena shared is distributed by Voodoo, a global giant there was no need for it as in Sri Lanka, allowing them that while it is encouraging which focuses on free-to-play "hyper- heights there weren’t such a high to build it for two-fifths the to see wildlife enthusiasts casual games" for Android and iOS, and number of leopard cases. original cost. He said that showing interest in is only second to Google in the US in However with the onset they hope to build a few providing assistance in publishing. z of the pandemic leaving more with the intention of wildlife conservation We spoke to the creator of Tie N Die, Reaches Top 5 Free Games for some locals without a giving them to the Giritale efforts, the issue remains Motion Miracles Lead Game Designer iOS App Store in the US way to earn an income, and Randenigala hospitals. that wildlife habitats and Developer Binura de Zoysa (23) some have turned to illegal They also hope to around the island see about the nature of his game and the make the cut. activities like hunting. engineer a lightweight encroachment in the form creative process behind its conception. Tie N Die in particular has an attractive This encroaching of land cage which will allow of human settlements, De Zoysa who joined Motion Miracles interface and the game itself is simple inhabited by wildlife has those in the hill country poaching, illegal logging, in 2018 has an Advanced Diploma in – the objective of the game is to dye led to an increased number (Nallathanniya, Maskeliya, gem mining, overgrazing, Gaming and Animation Technology from predetermined objects; the first challenge of cases. Hence the urgency etc.) to transport leopards and chena farming, which the Informatics Academy in Singapore, is a clothing item, a T-shirt which the to acquire facilities that safely to and from medical remain major threats and a BSc in Computing from the London player is allowed to dip into various dyes. allow them to safely treat facilities. The donation to wildlife around the Metropolitan University (read at ESOFT The extent of how much you “dip” must these animals. project was initiated by island. While the locals in Metro Campus), for which he got a First be controlled by the player and they must He also shared that these Project Co-ordinator and Udawalawe specifically are Class Honours. recreate a model. The game is fun and are quite high in cost. Old Wildlife Club President quite respectful of wildlife He shared that Tie N Die is a hyper- easy and allows a certain level of control Boys’ Wildlife Club Past Dakshina Palihawadana due to increased efforts casual game, which is essentially a which grants the player the feeling of President Saman Halloluwa in collaboration with D.S. to raise awareness, there category of mobile video games which achievement and upon completing this also shared that such a Senanayake Old Boys’ needs to be a widespread are easy to play and usually free to quickly played after downloading, usually first challenge, the player is introduced cage is only available in Association President sustainable solution to play, featuring very minimalistic user without any tutorial or instructions, and to various other steps to progress in the China and is exorbitantly Pasad Weerasekera, who address these root causes. interfaces. Popularised by games like are designed to appeal to a mass audience. game. “Flappy Bird” by game-makers such as He shared that games like Grand Theft De Zoysa shared that he directed and Ketchapp and Voodoo, de Zoysa shared Auto V (GTA V) which would have developed Motion Miracles' first launched that these games can be required a number of years to develop, product, Tie N Dye, with their Lead Game have 200 million copies sold worldwide, Artist Roshan De Selfa. He explained whereas hyper-casual games which that the Games Department works closely would have taken the developer a few with leading international mobile game weeks, would have over 500 million publishers including Voodoo, adding: downloads. Therefore, de Zoysa noted “Motion Miracles is currently in the that it is a sustainable model that is cost process of developing an online school efficient and it is often a feasible first for enthusiasts to learn and seamlessly step into the video game industry for integrate into our current pipelines many companies. He said that there without prior qualifications, for free.” are two things to look into when De Zoysa believes that the foundation developing these games – the cost and culture created by their Founder per installation to get users and how and CEO Anish Wijesinghe contributed many days a player uses the game. greatly towards their success. He added Considering this criteria to be picked that he aims to share his journey as a up by a publisher like Voodoo, game designer and developer and pave the one would be in competition with way for everyone to succeed with their Members of the D.S. Senanayake Old Boys’ Wildlife Club along with the squeeze cage submissions globally and only 1-2% own games. ComBank supports marine turtle conservation programme in Panama Commercial Bank of Ceylon has pledged project wherever possible. Kumana village. support to a marine turtle conservation Financial support offered by the Since 2013, the survival rate of project in Panama on the east coast of Sri bank will be used to remunerate the hatchlings and eggs has increased – from Lanka in order to enable the expansion of project co-ordinator and field officials, 13,564 eggs and 12,265 hatchlings in 2013 the scope of the project from the Kumana who will oversee the nest protection to 17,500 eggs and 15,700 hatchlings in village to Panakala Lagoon. programme, to cover the travel, research, 2018. The current conservation project The project of Wildlife and Ocean lodging, and meal costs involved in under the Memorandum of Understanding Resource Conservation (WORC) spans project management; for the purchase of (MoU) with Commercial Bank has resulted 3 km of previously unprotected territory rechargeable torches and iron cages; and to in the expansion of the protected territory that is home to four species of turtles conduct school awareness programmes and by another 3 km and has to date resulted in including the videlicet green, olive ridley, field visits to encourage the involvement of the release of 11,000 turtles. loggerhead, and leatherback turtles that will the local community. The conservation initiatives of WORC now be included in WORC’s conservation WORC initiated this turtle conservation in Panama are important because four of efforts. The immediate objective of the project in 2013 at the Panama beach the seven species of sea turtles in the world programme is to protect the nests and eggs under the observation and instructions come ashore to nest in Panama. Of these, of these sea turtles from predators such as of Prof. K.B. Ranawana and Vimukthi the leatherback has only been reported pigs, foxes, mongoose, spotted iguana, and the conservation programme. Collecting stewardship. Besides funding the project, Veerathunga. With financial support from once after 20 years. While all seven species dogs. field data, conducting school awareness Commercial Bank will also support WORC supportive organisations, WORC fulfilled are included in the IUCN (International Beach patrols by night and day, covering programmes and field visits, and in its efforts to build partnerships with its conservation objectives which included Union for Conservation of Nature) Red of nests with metal cages to protect monitoring turtle nests and reporting also communities, educate and raise awareness, identifying egg collectors, educating them List of Threatened Species, the species of them from wild animals, and training fall under the scope of this project. identify sustainable livelihoods and about the importance of protecting turtles, kemp’s ridley, hawksbill, and leatherback and converting egg collectors to nest The overall aim of the project is to business opportunities associated with the and converting them into nest protectors. are considered critically endangered, while protectors are some of the initiatives to be restore a degraded ecosystem and inspire project, and kick-start associated activities. The conservation covered an area of 3 km the loggerhead, green turtle, and olive implemented to achieve the objective of a culture and community of environmental The bank said it will engage actively in the from the Panama Lagoon mouth to the ridley are listed as endangered. 5 the morning sports Wednesday, July 22, 2020 Lewis Hamilton is alone? RLWC 2021 schedule out HRW uncovers other side of Japan Lewis Hamilton says Formula 1 must do more against racism The schedule for the 2021 Rugby League World Japanese child athletes are routinely subjected to physical, sexual, and as he criticised some of his rival drivers for not taking the issue Cup (RLWC) was announced yesterday (21) with verbal abuse from their coaches, according to a new report from Human seriously enough. The 35-year-old's comments came after he hosts England's men's team meeting Samoa Rights Watch (HRW). "Inside the Games" said the report titled "I Was won the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (19) where on opening day, 23 October. This will be the first Hit So Many Times I Can't Count: Abuse of Child Athletes in Japan" was he was left frustrated by the lack of unity on time the Men's World Cup will be held alongside the women's version and the released in the week the Tokyo 2020 Olympics had been due to begin. It display. Hamilton wore a BLM t-shirt as he took wheelchair tournament. The men's opening clash will take place at Newcastle. also shows how some athletes committed suicide after suffering abuse. the knee ahead of the race but many other The women's event will begin on 9 November at Leeds as England will host The report can be found at: https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/07/20/i- drivers arrived late to the demonstration. Brazil. The wheelchair segment will begin in London on 11 November. was-hit-so-many-times-i-cant-count/abuse-child-athletes-japan.

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Sri Lanka was overlooked, and so LPL confirmed, set to was New Zealand. Of all places, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was picked. So, the pandemic cannot be UAE takes begin on 28 August the reason, anyway (see fact box). Then, what is? zSLC has finalised on the franchise league with the The Indian Premier League (IPL) participation of foreign players also being confirmed Governing Body Chairman Brijesh Patel Some solid cricket action at last, the Upali Dharmadasa headed the national yesterday (21) confirmed to international fans can say. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) governing body. media that the now-postponed 13th edition the cake sources yesterday (21) confirmed to It featured seven franchises in the of the IPL will be held later this year in the zIPL confirms its 2020 edition will be held in the Emirates The Morning Sports that the Lankan beginning. But it was, in fact, in 2011 UAE. Premier League (LPL) is now set to get that SLC first tried to launch the off on the 28th of next month. event with the support of Somerset Manageable time difference and “We can now confirm that the LPL Entertainment Ventures. Yet India better facilities will begin on 28 August. It will go until refused to release their 12 players that “I think the franchisees (or franchise mid-September through about 17 days. time to take part in the event, resulting owners) need to have it (IPL) in UAE. Almost all the overseas players have in it being postponed till 2012. It may be for unknown reasons. During already confirmed their participation,” the (Covid-19) pandemic, the UAE is a senior SLC Ex-Co official revealed to Withered away after 2012 reportedly run as if there is no pandemic The Morning Sports yesterday. In August 2012, Uva Next, captained at all,” an ex cricketer, who is in the know by Thilina Kandamby and owned of present cricket-related politics, told The Clarity after World Cup by Success Sports (Pvt.) Ltd., beat Morning Sports on condition of anonymity cancellation Nagenahira Nagas, skippered by yesterday. Once the International Cricket Angelo Mathews and owned by Varun “They (UAE) have Sharjah, Dubai, and Council (ICC) officially postponed this Beverages in India, to win the inaugural Abu Dhabi with a one-and-a-half-hour October-November T20 World Cup in SLPL edition. time difference (to India). If they are to Australia on Monday (20), there was But it never continued through the play here in Sri Lanka, we need to play in clarity in the time frames or windows following years, making Sri Lanka one four grounds. That is because of the IPL’s for respective boards to organise their of the key Test-playing countries that format. In addition, when the other facilities own cricket with more confidence. lacked a domestic T20 franchise league. Sharjah Cricket Stadium are considered, we have our basic facilities Meanwhile, the eighth Caribbean here. But in (the) UAE, they get all the cricket’s ugly betting industry too. It is Gurunath Meiyappan, son-in-law of former Premier League (CPL) is also to Arnold, Tournament Director top-notch facilities, from hotels to all other also not a country that plays Test cricket. ICC Chairman Narayanaswamy Srinivasan be staged from 18 August to 10 The next two years (2013 and 2014), amenities,” said the former cricketer, further In addition, the Sharjah triangular and and former Team Principal of Chennai September, this time at two venues in the SLPL was set to get off again, yet explaining why the UAE could have been quadrangular tournaments of the 1980s Super Kings – one of the most successful Trinidad and Tobago behind closed many organisational problems hindered favoured by the IPL Governing Body, ahead earned notoriety for various fixing teams in the IPL featuring Mahendra Singh doors. The squads of the six franchises/ its resumption resulting in no further of both New Zealand and Sri Lanka. allegations in the past and were abandoned Dhoni – by an inquiry committee headed teams in this year’s CPL were editions of the tournament till date. later, reportedly for the same reason. by former India Chief Justice Rajendra Mal announced on 6 July. Last years, when the revival of the Shrouded with fixing allegations The IPL too has often been criticised (RM) Lodha. league was in the SLC discussions Yet, the region which houses the for its tendency towards corruption. Many Initiated in 2011 – this time under a different name, world governing body of the sport, the players as well as franchise owners too have Could IPL be possibility anyway? The LPL, formerly known as the not SLPL but LPL – former player International Cricket Council (ICC) suffered bans for match-fixing allegations. “Anyway, I personally don’t think the IPL Sri Lanka Premier League or SLPL, and presently a renowned television headquartered in Dubai, is plagued by One case in point was the life ban given to will happen this year. That’s because some was inaugurated by SLC – modelled anchor Russel Arnold was named the of the top players don’t want to go to the in the Indian Premier League-type Tournament Director. UAE because of the coronavirus situation franchise T20 league – in 2012 when (RSS) SL, NZ, and UAE – a comparison prevailing there. Still a lot of discussions are going on, on its feasibility, even though The Covid-19 situ and population facts they have finalised (yesterday) to have it in New Zealand Sri Lanka United Arab the UAE from this September,” the above former player added. yy Population: 5,009,810 yy Population: 21,803,000 Emirates “We have applied (for permission) with (5 m) (120th in the (21 m) (58th) yy Population: 9,890,400 the Indian Government. (We) should get it,” world) IPL Governing Body Chairman Patel was yy Density: 327 persons (9 m) (92th) y quoted as saying to the media yesterday. y Density: 18.3 persons per km (43rd) yy Density: 99 persons per A window between 26 September and 7 per km (167th) yy Covid-19 Situ: Over km (110th) November has now been allocated for the yy Covid-19 Situ: Over 2,750 infected; 11 yy Covid-19 Situ: Over IPL, leaving enough time for the league's 1,500 infected; 22 deaths 57,400 infected; over Indian participants to join their next tour deaths 340 deaths of Australia for four Tests, set to begin in December this year.

UK, which means he might have to SPORTS explore options abroad. He added: “By November, can we go to 16,000 people at WATCH the O2? Right now, we’re handcuffed by by Dinith Pathi No problem corona! the regulations.” Still a lot to overcome zBoxing in the castle, boat, or coliseum! Pulev has only lost one fight, that is With Covid-19 still raging around the And now, Kubrat Pulev stands in his way to former world champion Wladimir world, mostly unabated, it has become of a mouth-watering unification fight, Klitschko, and poses a huge threat a real challenge to continue even the that is against Tyson Fury in an all-British to Joshua’s hopes of becoming the most mundane of activities. But sporting undisputed clash. undisputed heavyweight king. activities, considered essential by most Joshua’s mandatory defence against But already looking forward, Hearn doctors for the mental wellbeing of the Pulev could be staged at a “quirky” venue admitted there is “still a lot to overcome” general populace, have been especially hit such as a boat or a castle, according to to arrange the much-anticipated and the hard. promoter Eddie Hearn. The heavyweight much-looked-forward-to Joshua vs. Fury This is because of the fact that, where champion was due to take on the Bulgarian fight. any significant sports competition is held, in April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is a congregation of people which is before the coronavirus pandemic left the Fury vs. Wilder set for December almost like an anathema for the control of plans in tatters. Now both sides are seeking But, he insisted, both sides were making the spread of the virus. an alternative location. progress. However, both have hurdles to jump first with Fury still needing to get Restarting boxing Creative yet ‘strange’ ideas past Deontay Wilder of the US after they But in recent times, sporting activities Restrictions surrounding the virus make complete their trilogy later this year. have been restarting slowly with a organising the bout a lot harder, and it may Fury, nicknamed “Gypsy King”, was measured approach and strict health even have to be staged outside the UK with supposed to face the American this guidelines. This has especially been true the number of spectators limited. Hearn, who summer but that fight now looks set for of the non-contact sports such as cricket, believes it is “impossible” to stage a Joshua December. tennis, golf, etc., but in certain controlled fight behind closed doors, said he was being settings, contact sports such as football creative with some “strange” ideas to ensure Human ingenuity can overcome have also restarted their activities. justice is done at the event, adding he was challenges! In this context, boxing is also looking “open and flexible” to other options. There is still a lot to overcome to arrange the much-anticipated Joshua (on right) vs. Fury fight The coronavirus has certainly made at how it can restart its bouts within a “Other ideas we have are 1,000 people said remains on the table. anything and everything. But this would everyone rethink how they do things. controlled environment. Some innovative somewhere strange and quirky,” he told the “Croatia has offered a coliseum, and certainly be giving it a totally new Some forced and not so looked-forward-to ideas have been floated to restart boxing Evening Standard. “I’ve got a few things that’s beautiful,” he added. “And we’re still meaning in the context of sports. decisions have had to be made as well. with a fight involving the British world up my sleeve. We’re talking about castles, open to options and flexible. These are all Hearn is plotting to get the fight on by But this would certainly be a novel champion Anthony Joshua. plush hotels; maybe even on a boat.” things thinking outside of the box – it just November; perhaps even the O2 Arena in concept of adapting to the need of the depends (on) what’s allowed.” London – once a regular haunt of Joshua’s time. Human ingenuity is limitless. If this On a boat or castle Out-of-the-box thinking in his early career – has been touted as a same ingenuity is adopted to eradicate the Joshua last fought in December when he Previously, Hearn revealed he had been New meaning to ‘new normal’ possible venue. virus, it should not be that long before the beat Andy Ruiz Jr. in their Saudi Arabia approached by figures in the Middle East, as “New normal” is a phrase often used But the promoter said he was currently human race manages to overcome that rematch to win back his four title belts. well as a coliseum in Croatia – an option he by personalities these days to justify “handcuffed” by strict protocols in the huge challenge as well.