COVID-19 MT NEW DIAMOND LOCAL CASES TOTAL CASES LEGAL 3,276 IMBROGLIO DEATHS RECOVERED CONTINUES ACTIVE CASES 203 13 3,060 RS. 70.00 PAGES 80 / SECTIONS 7 VOL. 02 – NO. 52 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2020 CASES AROUND THE WORLD RECOVERD TOTAL CASES 22,092,196 RUWAN DOWN TO CRIB TO DEATHS WORK; 20A COMES TO UPDATE CREDIT 30,407,457 951,473 P’MENT THIS WEEK DATA DAILY THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 6.15 P.M. ON 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 »SEE PAGES 8 & 9 »SEE BUSINESS PAGE 1 »SEE PAGE 5 CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY PROJECT STAGE I Delay costs Govt. Rs. 30 b z Loss mainly due to cost overruns from Section I z Cost increases from $ 158 m to $ 194 m z Govt. blames previous Govt. for Section I delays

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA The cost overruns have been pace due to the delay in disbursing Meanwhile, the construction of of Highways , a calculated based on the price escalations funds of the already signed agreement, Section I of the CEP commenced last proposal has been presented to the The Government will have to absorb billions of rupees as of the construction materials from covering 85% of the contract price, is week. Accordingly, the 37 km stretch Cabinet to construct stretches of roads on additional cost overruns due to the delay in commissioning the date of signing the construction yet to properly begin its construction which was undertaken by Metallurgical the CEP from Pothuhera to Galagedara Section I of the Central Expressway Project (CEP) during the contract agreement to the date when due to the delay on the part of the Corporation of China was scheduled to and to Dambulla. tenure of the previous Government, The Sunday Morning learnt. the construction actually started, Government to meet the agreed 15% be completed in four years. “We hope to complete construction according to a well-informed source of the total loan amount. Section I includes three interchanges work on these expressways within It is learnt that the Government has Accordingly, the total cost of at the Ministry of Highways. However, the contract agreement in Gampaha, Meerigama, and the next three-and-a-half years. We already incurred a loss of around Rs. 30 Section I of the CEP has now increased The 37 km-long Section I of the CEP for Section I was signed in 2015 Veyangoda. The construction would also fast tracked and completed the billion as a result of cost overruns only from around $ 158 million to $ 194 was scheduled to be constructed by and the delay was caused due to the be done in two stages, of which the construction work of the Matara to from Section I of the CEP which extends million. The RDA had also had to a Chinese contractor at an estimated inability to come to an agreement on first stage will be 5 km long while the Hambantota stretch of road on the from Kadawatha to Meerigama, sources pay an additional Rs. 8 billion as cost of Rs. 158 billion obtained as a the conditions mentioned in the loan rest of the distance will be completed Southern Expressway within four from the Road Development Authority an advance payment to activate the loan from the EXIM Bank of China. agreement, which has caused a massive at a cost of Rs. 168.5 million. months,” he said. (RDA) told The Sunday Morning. Chinese loan. Section I, which moved at a snail’s price escalation. Meanwhile, according to Minister Contd. on page 2 STATE EDUCATION RUWANPURA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT SLMC CRISIS Running on AMS and GMOA lock horns Tenders within two weeks Two health sector Lanka Medical Council Lalantha Ranasinghe, z Ministry finalising tender documents z Cost estimates after tender process associations, namely the (SLMC)”. issuing a media deficit? Association of Medical AMS on Friday (18) release, stated that the The Ministry of Highways Authority (RDA), the tender the contractors are finalised, BY SARAH HANNAN Specialists (AMS) expressed concerns over association was gravely is to call for tenders for documents were now being the source stressed. The Ministry of Education last week had and the Government the present issue faced concerned about the the construction of the finalised by the Ministry and However, as learnt by The announced they are out of a budget until the Medical Officers’ by the SLMC, claiming recent developments at long-delayed Ruwanpura the process had been expedited, Sunday Morning, the funds for 2021 Budget is presented in December and Association (GMOA), that the current crisis was the SLMC which we have Expressway within the next considering the delay faced the project had not yet been that they would not have allocations to repair are at loggerheads over strongly linked to the trade come to know through two weeks, The Sunday by the project during the past finalised and the estimates were or purchase inventory items such as classroom what has been termed the unionisation of the SLMC. mass media. Morning learnt. few years. to be done after concluding the furniture and other amenities until then. “current crisis at the Sri AMS President Dr. Contd. on page 2 As said by a senior official The project would commence tender process. Contd. on page 2 of the Road Development without any delay, soon after Contd. on page 2 CAPITAL HEIGHTS COVID-19 SJB to CAPITALRS. 34 MILLION HEIGHTS Complacency threatens UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION another outbreak go green UPWARDS Ministry of Health of Covid-19-positive cases BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA Epidemiologist Unit Chief detected amongst repatriated CAPITAL HEIGHTSEpidemiologist Dr. Sudath migrant workers arriving in Opposition Leader and Samaraweera raised concerns . Samagi Jana Balawegaya RS. 34 MILLIONover the increasing amount Contd. on page 2 (SJB) Leader VISIT OUR UPWARDSWEBSITE on Friday (18) appointed a WASTE PROJECTS committee to monitor and CAPITALVISIT HEIGHTS OUR B’DESH QUARANTINE protect the environment. SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 RS.35 MILLIONWEBSITE UPWARDSRS. 34 MILLION Back on Contd. on page 2 READY FOR INSPECTION UPWARDS SLC awaits PROJECT NEARING+94 763112233 COMPLETION VISIT OURtrack task force 20A in SHOW APARTMENT WEBSITEWith the Aruwakkalu VISIT OUR constructions being expedited, word the House +94 763112233WEBSITE READY FOR INSPECTION SHOW APARTMENT www.capitalheights.lk the rest of the projects under the Sri Lanka (SLC) SHOW APARTMENT +94 763112233 purview of the Western Province is awaiting a response this week READY FORREADY INSPECTION FOR INSPECTION Waste Management Authority from the Task Force of the The draft of the 20th PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION are also being expedited. National Operation Centre Amendment to the PROJECT NEARINGPROJECT NEARING COMPLETION COMPLETION The main projects located in for Prevention of Covid- Constitution will be Karadiyana, Kerawalapitiya, and 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) presented to Parliament this Muthurajawela, had not made much on reducing the number of week, while changes will be progress in generating the much compulsory quarantine days for made at the committee stage talked-about energy contribution the Bangladesh cricket team. in the House, The Sunday towards the national grid. Contd. on page 2 Morning learnt. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 VVIP AIRCRAFT OWNED BY SRI LANKA Doubts fly high over overhaul z Questions over Lithuanian z Process carried out two company’s qualifications years ago says SLAF Questions have been raised company had submitted the Lanka under a loan scheme in over the handing over of two lowest bid under tender no. 18/ 2013. Fourteen such aircraft VVIP aircraft owned by Sri fr/m.17/10/1 to overhaul the two were purchased by Sri Lanka Lanka to a Lithuanian company aircraft, SHM-4419 MI-174E and the two aircraft handed over for overhauling purposes. and SMH-4429 MI-171E. to Lithuania are of the 14 which As learnt by The Sunday The aircraft manufactured in were purchased in 2013. Morning, the Lithuanian Russia were purchased by Sri Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning NEWS Sunday, September 20, 2020 Show must go on: SLTB BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA that there is opposition to and three-wheelers would Police Motor Traffic and these new lane changes. We resolve the matter. Road Safety Director SSP The Sri Lanka Transport see similar things happening “The new system Indika Hapugoda stated steps Board (SLTB) will abroad as well. But these where three-wheelers and will be taken to allocate more continue operating reforms are needed and thus, motorcycles travel in the space for three-wheelers despite a planned strike the rules must be respected bus lane won’t work. Our and motocycles which were by private bus drivers. and followed.” drivers have complained of restricted to the bus priority Last Monday (14), the the issues they’re facing. If lane. “Our buses will still be on priority bus lane system was the centre lane in a three- Accordingly, he stated the road operating as usual. re-implemented. lane road is given for bikes that on four-lane roads, the These lane changes must be A separate lane solely and three-wheelers, then first and second lanes from adhered to,” SLTB Chairman for buses would prevent a the buses can travel on the the left will be allocated for Kingsley Ranawaka told The general strike by private bus leftmost lane,” Wijeratne buses, three-wheelers, and Sunday Morning. drivers, The Sunday Morning said, adding that the private motorcycles, while on three- He added that it was learnt. bus drivers had agreed to lane roads, buses will be common for such new Lanka Private Bus Owners’ call off the strike if these restriced to using the leftmost changes to face opposition at Association President conditions were met. lane while three-wheelers and the start. Gemunu Wijeratne said a Subsequently, on Friday motorcyles will be allowed to Police implementing strict lane laws in Colombo last week “It is not something new third lane for motorcycles (18), speaking to the media, use the centre lane.

Contd. from page 1

practice in Sri Lanka,” the statement read. Secretary MP “All these projects are established with Delay... Dr. Ranasinghe had further stated that the Complacency... told The Sunday Morning. a public-private partnership (PPP) and Speaking to The Sunday Morning, failure to elect four medical specialists from Dr. Samaraweera, speaking to The Sunday It consists of MPs Rohini Kaviratne and had several documentation issues that Government Spokesperson Minister the Specialists Registry of the SLMC to the Morning, noted: “We are now observing that Kavinda Jayawardana. needed to be completed. For instance, with said the council due to postponement of that election the public is gradually forgetting that there The SJB General Secretary said the Karadiyana, we faced the issue where it Government has to incur losses due to the and the failure of successive governments is still an ongoing global pandemic and they committee will look into the various reached capacity and the National Building lethargy of the previous Government and to obtain parliamentary approval for are forgetting to follow the health routines environmental issues that the country is Research Organisation (NBRO) had issued the cost overruns were basically due to the minimum standards of medical education that are in place as a step to preventing the facing. a court order preventing open dumping. delay of all projects. As a result, the public has weakened the medical council’s ability virus from spreading in the community.” “Forests being cleared, illegal sand “Meanwhile, there were issues with has to take on the whole burden. to maintain standards of medical education He added that while the last Covid-19- mining, illegal quarrying – there are a getting approvals for the waste-to-energy “We’re not pointing fingers at the in Sri Lanka. positive patient from the community was host of environmental issues that need to projects on the private partner’s part previous Government, but it is obvious that “We further noticed that the Minister of detected on 3 August, the country is now at be addressed and this committee will be and there were delays which had caused the losses incurred are because of them,” the Health has basically been held to ransom risk as the repatriated Sri Lankan migrant spearheading the Opposition’s efforts in this the private entity to lose their investor’s Minister noted. with a trade union action notice to get the workers arriving into Sri Lanka are testing regard,” he pointed out. interests.” Assistant Registrar of the SLMC suspended. positive for Covid-19. – Skandha Gunasekara Mannapperuma said the WPWMA is To our knowledge, this is the first time in “With quarantine centres now reaching now closely working with them to expedite the history of the SLMC where the Minister full capacity, there will come a point matters, so that the garbage processing Running... of Health has used his/her power to suspend where persons would be asked to observe operations could commence hopefully by Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ceylon a SLMC official,” the Association stated. quarantine at home, as the Government can SLC... October. Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary As elaborated, the AMS believed that only allocate so much resources to keep the The Bangladesh team is scheduled to On Saturday (19), State Minister of Urban Joseph Stalin said: “The lack of funds is not such a suspension should be preceded by a virus from spreading.” arrive in Colombo in late October, The Development, Coast Conservation, Waste something we are going to experience just proper and impartial inquiry and not by the Dr. Samaraweera pointed out that the Sunday Morning learnt. Disposal, and Public Sanitation Dr. Nalaka in the coming months, but we have been pressure of a trade union. virus can evolve and its incubation period It is learnt that the SLC has consulted Godahewa visited the Karadiyana site with dealing with it throughout. With additional “We have reasonable grounds to believe could easily differ, meaning there still is a the NOCPCO as per the instructions given ministry and WPWMA officials. safety and health precautions that need to be that these allegations against the said official risk of asymptomatic persons who might be by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa – Sarah Hannan followed, schools are also facing the added have evolved around a great deal of lies and socialising. to reconsider the compulsory 14-day burden to keep the hand washing stations deception,” it was stated. Even the repatriation process is affected quarantine period as the Bangladesh functional.” Meanwhile, denying all allegations as the quarantine capacities are to be Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed their According to Stalin, schools are now levelled by the AMC, the GMOA alleged managed – especially so when several disagreement over local Covid-19 protocols Doubts... requesting students to buy soap that needs to that the Association had not so far openly persons test positive for the virus. on Bangladesh’s World Test Championship It is reported that the Lithuanian company be placed at the hand washing stations. He appeared for any issues faced by the “We have to avoid another cluster being series in Sri Lanka. did not have a relevant quality certificate also added that since all the grades are now medical professionals and suddenly have created at the quarantine centres at this SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said the Board needed to overhaul aircraft. attending school, even the sinks and taps are come forward now and are levelling juncture. If the health system becomes would receive a response within the next It is further learnt that the requirement of in very bad shape due to overuse. various allegations to sabotage the present complacent and health routines are not few days. such a certificate has been removed during “The Ministry really has to think this developments. followed even in public spaces, we are “The health guidelines are not shared with the tender process, even though it had through; we boast about free education, but GMOA Executive Committee member running the risk of heading towards us and the centre is also having discussions initially been mentioned as a compulsory it is not free anymore. Even the nutrition Dr. Prasad Colombage told The Sunday another wave of the virus spreading,” Dr. at present and they will revert to us within document. programmes that were carried out are now Morning that they had not spoken about the Samaraweera noted. the next couple of days,” he told The Sunday However, when The Sunday Morning derailing due to a lack of funds. How are we issues at the SLMC to date and no pressure If one is to look at the numbers as at Morning. contacted Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to provide the best for the students when the had been put on any in the Government to Thursday (17), the total number of infected The SLC CEO further noted that the BCB Spokesman Group Capt. Dushan students have to bring even the bar of soap solve the issues. persons under treatment at the Kandakadu had not shared with the SLC their concerns Wijesinghe, he said the decision had been from home?” Stalin questioned. He also alleged that currently, the issues and Senapura Drug Prevention, Treatment, over the Covid-19 protocols in Sri Lanka. taken by a Cabinet-Appointed Procurement He also pointed out that come December, were being sorted and the Minister was and Rehabilitation Centres was 649, out “We also know what has been reported in Committee (CAPC) and the process had the Government should think about trying her level best to solve the issue. of which 528 were rehabilitated prisoners, the media,” de Silva added. been carried out for nearly two years before distributing uniform material or vouchers The GMOA will give its fullest support to 67 staff members, and five visiting staff As it was reported, BCB President it was finalised recently. to purchase readymade uniforms for the the ongoing investigations, he added. members. Nazmul Hassan had said it won’t be The two aircraft have already been children as well as print textbooks, raising Attempts to contact SLMC Chairman The National Operation Centre for possible for their players to be confined to handed over for the overhauling processes concerns on whether the Government would Prof. Harendra de Silva proved futile. Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak their hotel rooms for 14 days. and the Lithuanian company had fulfilled once again delay distributing essentials (NOCPCO) stated that 48 family members, Hassan further said that they had been all required quality assurances needed for that are given for free for the students to close friends, and one other person were working on a schedule with a seven-day overhauling processes, he said. commence their next academic year. reported to have come into contact with the quarantine period in mind. But a 14-day When queried about the total cost of the The Sunday Morning contacted State Tenders... infected person at the Welikada Prison, and period would mean the Bangladesh Test bid, the SLAF Spokesman said the total Minister of Women and Child Development, “Once the contractor is selected, the total said they were either receiving treatment or squad, all of whom haven’t played a amount was confidential, as it could affect Preschool and Primary Education, School cost for the project would be calculated and placed under observation after completing competitive match in six months, will get future tender processes. Infrastructure, and School Services Piyal then a loan would be applied from state their treatment. just one week to prepare for the first Test (MM) Nishantha de Silva regarding the issues that banks to raise the necessary funds,” the Also, 638 people connected to the scheduled for 23 October. have been raised. RDA official said, adding that the project Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation He had also said that both boards were “We have called the relevant officials had not been delayed under the present Centre cluster were discharged from having discussions along the lines of a now for two meetings and it was when I Government. hospitals after fully recovering, with 11 of seven-day quarantine period, but the SLC’s 20A in... first went to meet them that these budgetary In July, the Cabinet officially removed them still receiving treatment. terms and conditions were nowhere near Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula deficits were brought out. I have given the Chinese contractor from Section I of While a total of 608 persons placed at those discussions and neither were they Gunawardana said that President Gotabaya them clear instructions that we cannot have the Ruwanpura Expressway Project (REP), the quarantine centres maintained by the anything close to what other countries Rajapaksa had instructed to proceed with delays in attending to school maintenance which extends from Kahathuduwa to three forces completed their quarantine which are hosting cricket in the pandemic presenting the draft 20th Amendment and distributing textbooks, school uniform Ingiriya, and decided to go ahead with local periods and returned home, 14 persons were doing. and stated that changes could be made material, vouchers to purchase materials, funding. at the Hotel Jetwing Blue Quarantine When contacted by The Sunday Morning, thereafter. etc.,” de Silva noted. As confirmed by Secretary to the Ministry Centre, 60 persons at the Biyagama Village Acting Director General of Health Services “The President noted that this was only He added that necessary steps will be of Highways Ranjith Premasiri, the local Quarantine Centre, 14 people at the Beacon Dr. S. Sridaran said it was compulsory for till the new Constitution comes in and said immediately taken to address these issues. funds are to be raised through state banks Beach Quarantine Centre, 11 persons at the all foreigners who come to Sri Lanka to go that it should be presented to Parliament However, de Silva also admitted that not and the Ministry of Highways is yet to lay Rajagiriya Ayurvedic Hospital Quarantine on a 14-day quarantine period. as soon as possible. Any amendments only the education sector, but many other out a mechanism for funding purposes. Centre, one person from the Sigiriya Village In the meantime, health education and or changes that are needed can be made sectors too are facing such budget deficits, Accordingly, the Cabinet has removed Quarantine Centre, 214 persons at the publicity consultant community physician during the committee stage debates in given that the Budget will be taken for the Chinese contractor, China National Punani Quarantine Centre, 193 people at Dr. Palitha Karunapema also told The Parliament.” debate in the last week of November. Technical Import and Export Corporation the Brandix Punani Quarantine Centre, 87 Sunday Morning that a 14-day quarantine He said that the committee appointed He concluded saying that timely updates (CNTIC), that was awarded to construct the persons at the Norochcholai Quarantine period was compulsory for all foreigners by Prime Minister was of anticipated situations at school level 26.3 km-long Section I of the REP in 2016. Centre, and 14 persons at the Hotel Amaya coming to Sri Lanka. only for the purpose of evaluating the 20th can avoid delays and distress caused to As per the cabinet memorandum dated Beach Quarantine Centre are still under According to him, the Health Ministry Amendment draft proposal. schoolchildren, teachers, and the school 26 July 2016, CNTIC was the proposed quarantine. has already communicated the guidelines “It was not duty bound to make any administration alike. contractor for Section I of the REP. The total number of persons who mentioning the requirement of adhering to recommendations. It was only to review the The Cabinet of Ministers approved a completed the quarantine process and left the 14-day quarantine. draft of the 20th Amendment. Consequently, proposal presented by the Minister of for their homes since April stood at 41,861, When asked whether there was any the President said to expedite the process.” Highways to proceed with the expressway while 6,270 persons observed quarantine in relaxation of the guideline for the team, the He said that the 20th Amendment is likely AMS... constructions using funds of local banks and 59 quarantine centres controlled by the three Director said: “As far as I know, there is no to be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday (22). “We have noticed a gradual deterioration the services of local construction companies. forces as of Thursday (17). such relaxation communicated.” “A date hasn’t been fixed yet and our of the autonomy and forthrightness of this The REP from Kahathuduwa to Ratnapura A total of 259,778 PCR tests were – Maheesha Mudugamuwa group meeting will decide on Sunday supreme institution meant to safeguard to Pelmadulla (73.9 km) has been divided conducted in Sri Lanka. (today), but I expect it will be presented to medical ethics and standards of medical into three sections for implementation – Sarah Hannan Parliament on Tuesday.” education of this country. We notice that purposes. Section I extends from Meanwhile, Deputy General Secretary the current crisis is strongly linked to the Kahathuduwa to Ingiriya (26.3 km), Section Back on... of Parliament Neil Iddawela had told the trade unionisation of the SLMC. There is II from Ingiriya to Ratnapura (26.2 km), and The Sunday Morning contacted WPWMA media that the 20th Amendment Bill would an imminent threat of a trade union taking Section III from Ratnapura to Pelmadulla SJB to... Director Nalin Mannaperuma to inquire be included in the Parliament Order Book reins of the SLMC which would mark the (21.4 km). “The committee is to be headed by SJB about the present status of these three on 22 September. beginning of the end of ethical medical – Maheesha Mudugamuwa MP Jayamaha,” SJB General crucial projects. – Skandha Gunasekara the sunday morning 3 Sunday, September 20, 2020 SPOTLIGHT

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION Light at the end of the tunnel z President gives z Delays in wind stern directives and solar projects to reach targets to be resolved

BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA And as a result, the project is yet to renewable energy project, an official from the another 240 MW of wind power in Pooneryn. commence. Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) will be Meanwhile, the Solar Industries Association Serious questions were raised last Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Ministry of attached to the TEC as a member. (SIA) also alleged that the country is yet to week regarding the appointment of Power Spokesman and Director – Development Apart from those, an official from the fully exploit all the available opportunities a Cabinet-Appointed Negotiating Sulakshana Jayawardena stressed that the During the procurement committee Treasury too will be attached as a member to achieve the targets for solar energy of Committee (CANC) to negotiate an opinion of the CANC was to negotiate with meeting, the CANC’s stance was to of the TEC, and the committee members are the country. already tendered 60 MW wind power the bidder because there was an upper ceiling negotiate it with the lowest successful referred to the Treasury for their approval. Elaborating further, the association stressed project, The Sunday Morning learnt. set for a unit price of wind power, which was bidder. To negotiate, there was a “The Treasury also appoints a relevant that to achieve the government policy of approved by the Cabinet. requirement to calculate a base value procurement committee. Depending on the 70% of renewable energy demand by 2030, It is also learnt that the President had “None of the developers can give quotations Ministry of Power Spokesman nature of the project, they appoint a Cabinet- as stated in President ’s instructed officials to stop the committee beyond the upper ceiling and they were Appointed Negotiating Committee. If you are election pledge, around 200 MW of rooftop Sulakshana Jayawardena and to process the project. supposed to give quotations at least a cent going to buy certain materials, they usually solar power should be added to the national Tenders were floated for a 60 MW wind less than the upper ceiling,” he said, adding appoint a SCAPC (Standing Cabinet-Appointed grid per year. power project last year and proposals have that the committee had referred the bidders to 32, we cannot know what your plant factor Procurement Committee), but this time they It further noted that the country should build been received for grid substations. The project get the base value. is and if he says 30, then we can argue that appointed a CANC because of the nature of at least 200,000 rooftop solar power plants, was to be awarded to private sector developers. “During the procurement committee meeting, 30 is wrong and it should be 32. There is an the project,” he said. adding 2 GW within the next 10 years to support Nevertheless, questions were raised regarding the CANC’s stance was to negotiate it with impact on tariff because of these parameters,” According to the Ministry of Power, the the overall target and another 3 GW of power the appointment of a CANC even after the the lowest successful bidder. To negotiate, Jayawardena explained. potential of the Mannar location was around through ground-mounted solar power plants. tender process was completed. there was a requirement to calculate a base When queried about the procurement 300 MW and steps will be taken to develop According to the SIA, only 270 MW of It is learnt that the President has questioned value,” he stressed. process, Jayawardena explained that the Ceylon several other projects in the area. The Ministry roof-mounted solar power systems and 62 MW the appointment of the CANC as the Elaborating further, the Ministry Spokesman Electricity Board (CEB) has recommended was also planning to add another 23 MW while of ground-mounted systems have been added competitive bidding process was enough to noted that it was impossible to get the base value Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) the rest was to be developed with the private to the national grid from 2016 to date. They finalise the awarding of the project. With the without knowing the plant factor and other factors. members from its side and the Ministry would sector, as it was a commercially viable sector. stressed that the growth at this slow pace will appointment of the CANC, the process had “Basically, anybody can negotiate with the refer it to the Treasury while recommending Accordingly, Mannar has high potential for wind not be sufficient to meet the target set for 2030. been delayed further. base values. If you consider the plant factor another officer from the Ministry. If it is a power and the CEB had been planning to add Contd. on page 12 4 the sunday morning FOCUS Sunday, September 20, 2020

DEBT AND LEASING MORATORIUMS On 10 August 2020, the CBSL established the Financial Consumer Relations Department (FCRD) headed by Director J.P. Gamlath to hear the grievances of the public. Consumer “Initially, the FCRD will focus on financial consumer complaints and grievances on FSPs (financial service providers) regulated by the CBSL. At a later stage, it is expected to expand the scope to cover areas such as monitoring complaints market conduct, consumer empowerment, financial consumer education, and unfair competition among FSPs. The ultimate objective of this initiative is to establish an independent authority to safeguard the rights of consumers and investors in the continue financial industry in Sri Lanka,” Gamlath said. Noting that at the inception of the Department, it was receiving around 30 complaints a day, Gamlath said the Department is now receiving a large to mount number of complaints a day, most of Several leasing committee Complaints increase on which are with regard to the failure to implement the debt moratorium. recommendations being implemented shortcomings in debt moratorium “It is mostly about the debt moratorium. We have also received complaints about the loans not being provided by the BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA for small and medium-sized enterprises amendments that are to be made to the company,” Kudagama said. He went banking sector and a few complaints of The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (SMEs); the tourism, apparel, plantation, Finance Leasing Act in line with the on to note that legal action could be leasing companies attempting to seize (CBSL) continues to receive public and IT sectors; and related logistic service committee recommendation. Awareness taken by the Central Bank under certain property such as vehicles.” complaints concerning the unruly providers. programmes for the Police on the conditions if any institution violates state With regard to what remedial measures Following the death of Lanka Self- legislation are already being carried out. regulations. the Central Bank could take, Gamlath said financial institutions in the non- Employed Professionals’ National Three- Some dates have also been scheduled to Meanwhile, former Minister of Justice the bank would look into the matter to banking sector, particularly leasing Wheeler Federation Chairman Sunil educate journalists on the sensitivities of Dr. , speaking see whether any regulations were being companies, despite the State Jayawardana on 11 June this year, the the subject,” he said. to The Sunday Morning on an earlier broken. imposing a moratorium on loan Central Bank appointed a committee to In the short term, it had been proposed occasion, asserted that current legislation “If we need further information, we get repayments following the Covid-19 look into the irregularities in the non- that the use of force to repossess property was inadequate to properly regulate it from the relevant financial company or outbreak. banking financial sector, particularly with or vehicles be banned and a suitable and monitor non-banking financial bank. We can negotiate. It’s a customer- regard to leasing companies. mechanism be formulated and put in institutions. bank relationship. So, we will see what In March this year, soon after the The committee found a number of place. “A Microfinance Act was passed in the conditions are that they set – if it’s Covid-19 outbreak in Sri Lanka, the issues and submitted a report with “Another short-term proposal we 2016 but it failed to address the issue reasonable or if they have violated any Central Bank issued relief measures and recommendations which are currently made was that illegal leasing companies of leasing companies and the process regulations.” regulations for financial institutions to being implemented. be abolished, either by having them of seizing when someone defaults. Government Spokesman and Minister assist both businesses and individuals. CBSL Director – Legal and registered or, if not, having them shut Irrespective of those laws, there are so of Mass Media Keheliya Rambukwella Among those measures was a six-month Compliance Sirikumara Kudagama, down,” Kudagama said. many illegal money lending institutions. said that the Central Bank would make moratorium on the leasing rentals of who headed the committee, told The He said that it had also been suggested That is the other problem. The Central the necessary rectifications regarding non- all three-wheelers, school vans, lorries, Sunday Morning that a number of its in the report of the committee that the Bank does not attend to all those illegal compliance by financial institutions. small goods transport vehicles, and buses recommendations were already being Central Bank issue directives to include institutions, even though it is their duty “Whatever the instructions given by the operated by those who are self-employed. implemented, among which were to draft special conditions that would ensure all to do so and take some action. There Central Bank with regard to economic In addition, financial institutions were the amendment to the Finance Leasing agreements of leasing companies are fair. was some failure to act on the part of the relief, some institutions may not be instructed to offer a working capital loan Act as well as to carry out awareness “A lot of the personal complaints we Central Bank,” Rajapakshe said, pointing following them. But I’m sure action will at an interest rate of 4% and also to waive programmes. got noted that most of the agreements out the need to bring in fresh legislation to be taken in this regard by the Central off interest payments for six months “We have already begun preparing were one-sided and favoured the leasing address the issue. Bank.” the sunday morning 5 Sunday , September 20 , 2020 SPOTLIGHT

MT NEW DIAMOND Legal imbroglio continues  Firefighting  MEPA to file a  Level of pollution  2-metre-deep and and rescue cost separate case to be assessed 400-metre-wide oil slick $ 170 m for pollution separately spreading pollutants

BY SARAH HANNAN The Attorney General’s (AG) Department on Thursday (17) interim claim and the Captain of revealed the total cost incurred the ship being summoned by the for the firefighting and rescue Colombo Magistrate’s Court. After all the efforts that were operations carried out to Oil slick samples tested salvage the MT New Diamond taken, the oil slick that was trailing will also face litigation under the sunlight entering the water columns Greece-based Porto Emporios the MT New Diamond over the On Tuesday (15), the Government international conventions as well.” that would impact the ocean’s Shipping Inc. is the registered crude oil tanker since 3 beginning of the week seems to Analyst’s Department had returned Furthermore, when asked about breathability. owner of the 20-year-old Panama- September to be $ 170 million. be recognised as a pollutant oil their results to the MEPA, stating the possible impact bunker oil could As such, he noted that it could flagged very large crude carrier New The ship had sounded the distress known as bunker oil. One need that the oil samples collected from have on marine life, Dr. Kumara cause breathing difficulties for Diamond, whereas New Shipping call while positioned 38 nautical not have to go to the lengths of the site of the oil slick that was said that bunker oils are quite dolphins, whales, fry fish, plankton, Ltd. acts as the manager of the miles off the coast of eastern Sri finding a scientific breakdown trailing the MT New Diamond was dense and therefore, they can block and aquatic plants as well. vessel. Lanka from the Sangamankanda on how harmful it could be to the bunker oil. Point, after the ship’s boiler room marine environment, as bunker oil MEPA Chairperson Dharshani exploded, causing a massive fire spillage can be contested under the Lahandapura, speaking to The onboard. The Sri Lanka Air Force International Convention on Civil Sunday Morning, said: “The oil (SLAF) responded to the distress Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution samples that were collected and call at first and deployed their No. Damage (Bunker Convention). sent for testing have returned 3 Maritime Squadron located at the Moreover, the AG’s Department and confirm that the oil slick was SLAF Academy in China Bay and on Wednesday (16) instructed the not from the crude oil that was promptly dispatched a Beechcraft Criminal Investigation Department transported onboard the distressed King Air B200, which transmitted (CID) to present facts of the ship.” live situational updates to the Sri interrogations they conducted on The MEPA noted that the oil Lanka Navy. Ship Captain Ilias Sterio and had samples were collected from A SLAF MI-17 helicopter was then instructed them to obtain a different areas of the oil slick to deployed to conduct “Bambi notice of summons requesting his confirm if there was any crude oil Bucket” operations. The “Bambi appearance in court. leakage, and were also retracted Bucket” operation was conducted The AG’s Department, after from different depths to analyse the continuously until last light on 3 studying the Government Analyst’s impact the contents would cause to September. The SLAF Beechcraft Department’s report and the facts marine life in the long run. continued its aerial surveillance of the that were presented by the CID situation while an MI-17 helicopter that interrogated the Captain and conducted “Bambi Bucket” crew of the MT New Diamond, had Bunker Convention operations continuously to support stated that they are in possession of The high potential risk that is tied with oil efforts of dousing the fire. adequate information and evidence pollution from ship operations when fuelling The tanker was transporting to refer to the 2008 Marine Pollution or bunkering resulted in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil 270,000 metric tonnes (MT) of crude Prevention Act and state that the Pollution Damage (Bunker Convention), oil from the Kuwaiti port Mina Al accident that caused a blast in the which was adopted in 2001 and entered into Ahmadi to the Indian Paradip Port, engine room boiler which ignited force in the year of 2008. when it faced this unfortunate event. the MT New Diamond had breached The Bunker Convention ensures that It is also reported that the 1,700 MT Articles 25, 26, 38, and 53 of the typical, swift, and effective compensation is of diesel required for the use of the said Act. available to the parties that suffer damage tanker is also stored onboard. Following this, on Thursday, caused by spills of oil when carried as fuel The distressed oil tanker in the the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in ships’ bunkers. This creates a liability and eastern seas was manned by 23 crew issued summons on Capt. Ilias compensation regime in the case of marine members, including five Greeks and Sterio to appear before court on 28 pollution, as damage has occurred by spills of 18 Philippine nationals. September. bunker oil from ships in the territorial water Notice was issued by Colombo and exclusive economic zone of a state. Legal proceedings Additional Magistrate Priyantha Source: International Maritime commence Liyanage following a request made Organisation (2004) The maritime authorities of by Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Sri Lanka, guided by the Marine Peiris, appearing on behalf of the The report had detected the Environmental Protection Authority CID. substance to be bunker oil, (MEPA) and as advised by the AG’s Deputy Solicitor General Peiris commercially known as heavy Department, demanded claims for had informed that the layer of oil petroleum distillate (HPD). the efforts that were taken to avert which leaked from the tanker was The team from the MEPA had the disaster caused by MT New about 400 metres wide and around also taken crude oil samples and oil Diamond’s fire, resulting in an two metres deep. The oil patch was samples from the engine room, from observed in the sea where the tanker which the leak had originated at Dangers of bunker oil was adrift. first, after the firefighting had been Ship operations are one of the main Peiris added that the sea water, up completed, for which separate tests sources of oil pollution of the marine to a distance of two nautical miles, were carried out to match against the environment, especially operating giant was observed to have been polluted sample reading from the oil slick. oil tanker vessels to transport oil from by the oil slick. HPD is known to be a general production regions to consumers. It is not By Thursday, the MEPA had class of combustible liquids only the risk of catastrophic oil spills when noticed that sea water pollution had which includes two parts fuel oil ships ground or collide which must be spread across four nautical miles. and one part diesel fuel. HPD is considered; all ships also carry fuel oil which Meanwhile, the AG on Wednesday considered to be ignitable with a may be as bad to the environment. also named a claim of Rs. 340 flash point between 100-200 degrees There are many reasons for potential risks million to managers of the vessel Fahrenheit. of environmental pollution, not only from New Shipping Ltd., the Sri Lanka Since the MT New Diamond accidents but also from operations in the Navy, the SLAF, and the other Captain has been charged under the field of maritime navigation. observation visits made by maritime Marine Pollution Act, we asked the For example, the dirty water authorities headed by the MEPA. MEPA General Manager Dr. P.B. contaminated with even small amounts of The claim had been prepared for Terney Pradeep Kumara whether oil in the engine room space causes pollution the total cost incurred by the Sri there would be changes filed under in the marine environment when pumping Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast the Bunker Convention, to which out this water into the sea. Further, oil Guard, the SLAF, the MEPA, the he responded: “At the moment, we leaking from fuel oil bunkering into the sea Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), are proceeding with legal action in high-sensitive areas has high impacts on and Colombo Dockyard PLC, in according to the local Marine the marine environment. Source: National Research Council (2002) responding to the fire aboard the Pollution Act. However, there is a New Diamond. probability that the ship’s owners 6 the sunday morning SPOTLIGHT/FOCUS Sunday, September 20, 2020

WAR ON DRUGS INFLUX OF INMATES ON COLD TURKEY COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE Operation tree planting In an ambitious endeavour to combat climate change and global warming as well as to strengthen Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, the Government is to kick-start a programme to plant one million trees in various parts across the country.

Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando told The Sunday Morning that For this purpose, the help of the the project’s purpose is to increase the Peradeniya University, with its BY SKANDHA GUNASEKARA flora and fauna of the country as well as expertise in plant life, will be utilised for beautification. to decide which trees will be picked for With a sixth inmate committing suicide due to narcotics withdrawal, He said that the project would see trees President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s war on drugs has caused an immense We provide them various treatments. this project. The proposal has now planted in all parts of the country and the been sent to the Peradeniya University strain on the country’s already outdated prison system. There is only so much the prison types of trees would be mainly those that doctors can do. As a practice, we do and they are conducting research on are endemic to each region. the matter Last Thursday (17), another prisoner as a result of the increase in inmates, the not provide even small doses of the However, he noted that he had ordered Minister of Highways Johnston Fernando committed suicide at the Kalutara Prison costs incurred by the State too increased narcotics to stave off an addicted that trees with additional value, such complex due to unbearable withdrawal drastically. prisoner’s withdrawal symptoms. as herbal and Ayurvedic trees, also be symptoms as a result of not being able to “The average cost per prisoner went up We provide them with counselling planted. satisfy his narcotics addiction. drastically in just two months, and that and other medication, according “The plan is to plant trees that are “On Thursday night, another prisoner too not by a small amount; it is weighing to each case endemic to many regions of the country. hanged himself and committed suicide on the prison system. It is crucial that Commissioner General of Prisons The Road Development Authority (RDA) at the Kalutara Prison. Their addiction is alternative penalties to imprisonment be Thushara Upuldeniya initially proposed to predominantly plant very strong and it’s a serious issue. We are found for those convicted of drug-related ‘ahala’ trees (Cassia fistula) and ‘kumbuk’ facing a problem here and even though our offences,” he said. Government earlier this year teamed up trees (Terminalia arjun), but then we doctors are providing treatment, the matter He went on to say that the issue of with Avant Garde Maritime Services suggested it would be best to plant trees is worsening,” Commissioner General of overcrowding within the prison system to conduct a prisoner rehabilitation of value, such as those with Ayurvedic Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya told The is getting worse due to the limited prison programme – particularly for those on properties.” Sunday Morning, adding that around space and number of prisons in contrast to drug-related offences. The decision to implement this project 10,000 drug-related offenders are held the high number of convicts and those in The programme was kicked off in June had been taken at last week’s meeting We must ensure that the types of trees in prisons across the country as remand remand. this year and involves prisoners with short between ministry officials as well as RDA to be planted do not end up damaging prisoners. “There are a high number of remand sentences being trained in various skills officials. the roads and pavements. Therefore, He said the prison officials do their prisoners as well as convicted prisoners. such as carpentry and masonry so as to Minister Fernando said that they had certain types of trees, such as those best to treat these inmates who are going I believe there are an estimated 15,000 be skilled workers once completing their also decided to use the expert knowledge with protruding roots or roots that can through withdrawal as a result of being remand prisoners – most of them on drug- prison term. of the University of Peradeniya to select damage roads, will be avoided unable to get their fix of whatever narcotic related charges. It’s hard to handle the The Avant Garde Group and its the types of Ayurvedic trees that would be Secretary to the Ministry of Highways they are addicted to. influx of prisoners, especially the increase Chairman Maj. (Retd.) Nissanka appropriate for the project. R.W.R. Premasiri “We provide them various treatments. in prisoners on drug-related offences,” he Senadhipathi will provide the teachers, “For this purpose, the help of the There is only so much the prison doctors said. trainers, as well as meals for the Peradeniya University, with its expertise accordance with the advice and input can do. As a practice, we do not provide programme. The project would function as in plant life, will be utilised to decide of the Department of Agriculture. We even small doses of the narcotics to stave a public-private partnership (PPP) between which trees will be picked for this must ensure that the types of trees to be off an addicted prisoner’s withdrawal the Government and the Avant Garde project. The proposal has now been sent planted do not end up damaging the roads symptoms. We provide them with Group. to the Peradeniya University and they and pavements. Therefore, certain types counselling and other medication, Senadhipathi, speaking to The Sunday are conducting research on the matter. of trees, such as those with protruding according to each case.” Morning on an earlier occasion, said he Ayurvedic trees such as ‘kohomba’ roots or roots that can damage roads, will He said that the rehabilitation would gladly bear all the costs for this (Azadirachta indica) will be planted.” be avoided. For this purpose and other programmes were only for convicted programme and that prominent companies In addition to Ayurvedic trees, it has been know-how, we will be working with the inmates. in the industrial and business sectors were decided that types of plants that are rare and Department of Agriculture.” “We are facing a problem with regard to also keen on taking part in the project. valuable will also be picked, to promote and He too highlighted that the University rehabilitation, because as these are remand “Prisoners will be utilised after being increase such tree populations. of Peradeniya will be consulted prisoners against whom cases are pending, The military will use the resources trained in different kinds of vocations as “We will refrain from planting types of for this programme to garner their we cannot send them for rehabilitation. available to help the Police in its motor mechanics, carpenters, electricians, trees for the sake of planting them.” recommendations on what type of We can only send convicted and sentenced fight against the drug kingpins. and plumbers. Avant Garde is bearing all The trees are to be planted along the Ayurvedic and herbal trees can be chosen. prisoners to our rehabilitation centres.” The military has a wide and strong the costs for this programme and we will roadside, where there are empty spaces With regard to the cost of the Drug-related offenders high intelligence network and that too continue to give them more facilities. They available, as well as along pavements. programme, Premasiri said that a proper would be utilised to better help the will be taken to various locations with “This is being done as an environmental valuation would be done once the types He added that the crackdown on drugs authorities in their efforts to bring an the supervision of the prison officials and project in addition to the beautification of of trees as well as the road networks have has seen an influx of remand prisoners in a end to the narcotics trade they will be working in those locations. the country, especially in city and urban been decided upon. short time span. Army Spokesman Brigadier Top-level businessmen and construction areas. Accordingly, we will plant one “We have not done the costing thus far The Commissioner General said the Chandana Wickremesinghe agencies agreed to work with us in this million trees and we hope to start the project for this project, as we have to first decide sudden increase in prisoners had strained programme and hire these prisoners. as soon as possible,” the Minister said. on what type of trees would be used and the prison system. Access, BMW, Prime Investments, Elaborating further, Secretary to the where the planting would be done, as “There are about 10,000 drug-related He had said that a temporary solution MAGA, and Tudawe Brothers are helping Ministry of Highways R.W.R. Premasiri the size of the trees and how much road offenders within prisons across the island, was to increase infrastructure and other us in this.” said that some 100,000 kilometres of road space would be required will all need to be 6,000 of whom were incarcerated within facilities in the prison system itself. The entire programme is expected to will be covered by this programme. considered when making the calculations. the last two-and-a-half months.” “We are in the process of broadening result in the rehabilitation of 5,000 inmates “The programme to plant one million We hope to have a costing done as soon as The Commissioner General said the facilities and increasing infrastructure in one year. trees will take place alongside efforts we get insight on the types of trees from prisons were facing an issue of drug within prisons such as increasing the Meanwhile, Army Commander to upgrade our national road systems the Department of Agriculture and the addicts going into withdrawal and having number of buildings.” Shavendra Silva officially announced last islandwide. It will start in the coming Peradeniya University.” health issues due to the lack of drugs, With regard to the issue of drug addicts week that the tri-forces would be assisting months. The trees will be planted along He said that the Government would also along with some cases of suicide and facing withdrawal symptoms while authorities in curbing the drug menace. 100,000 kilometres of road networks across seek the co-operation of all who live on attempted suicide. incarcerated, the Commissioner General “The military will use the resources the country. These roads will include main the roads that were selected for the project. “There have been six suicides of drug said they were able to manage the situation available to help the Police in its fight roads, highways, and roads within city “Rest assured this programme will addicts in the last few weeks within following the suicides at the latter part of against the drug kingpins,” Army limits, urban regions, as well as rural areas.” be done with the full co-operation of prisons in Sri Lanka due to withdrawal last month. Spokesman Brigadier Chandana Premasiri said that they would any and all citizens who could be living symptoms of going cold turkey to cease “We have been able to control the drug Wickremesinghe told The Sunday be working with the Department of along the roads that are selected for this addiction. Six persons committed suicide addict issues within the prisons. But we Morning. Agriculture for this project, especially for programme.” so far,” he said. do see a large number still being admitted He went on to say that military the selection of the types of trees. Furthermore, he insisted that the project He said the suicides took place at the to prison hospitals on a daily basis. It has intelligence was also playing a crucial role “The types of trees will mostly be those will commence this year. Welikada Prison, Negombo Prison, and the increased at least by two to three times the in this endeavour. that are endemic to each area where the “A timeline has not yet been decided, Boosa Prison in Galle as well as Kalutara. usual amount,” he said. “The military has a wide and strong planting is being done. Simultaneously, but the Minister has requested that it be intelligence network and that too would we are also looking at planting other kicked off as soon as possible, so it will Additional costs Assistance from private, public be utilised to better help the authorities in types of trees such as fruit trees and definitely be implemented this year.” Speaking to The Sunday Morning on an sectors their efforts to bring an end to the narcotics those that flower. This will be done in – Skandha Gunasekara earlier occasion, Upuldeniya noted that On the note of rehabilitation, the trade,” the Army Spokesman said. the sunday morning 7 Sunday, September 20, 2020 SPOTLIGHT 7 SLMC DELISTING RUSSIAN UNIVERSITIES

MoreBY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA could appeal on the same,twists and if and turnsSLMC decision “does not influence these universities were willing to the practice of providing Russian The issue of delisting several upgrade the quality of their degree state scholarships to Sri Lankan Russian universities took programmes offered, the SLMC citizens in the future, causing a loss a new turn last week with would reconsider the decision. of opportunities to young individuals the appointment of a five- As learnt by The Sunday Morning, to pursue their higher education member committee by most of these students were free of charge in prominent Russian Health Minister Pavithra awarded scholarships based on their universities”. Wanniarachchi to probe performance at the Advanced Level GMOA’s stance the conduct of the medical (A/L) examination; the affected profession regulator, the Sri students are mainly those who Meanwhile, the GMOA issued a obtained high marks. Trade Union (TU) notice last week, Lanka Medical Council (SLMC). It was learnt that the rejected instigating all-island TU action The probing of the Council, which universities provided medical which is to be initiated during the was established in 1924 and is scholarships to Sri Lanka since week starting tomorrow (21) to considered one of the oldest councils the 1960s, while the Government protest the undue delay in fulfilling in the world, was described as a of Russia has provided around 40 several demands made by the historical event by an SLMC medical scholarships to Sri Lankan students Association, including regulating the expert who wished to remain so far this year, out of which five SLMC. anonymous. were medical scholarships. In a letter written to Health The SLMC was established by the It was also learnt that the objective Minister Wanniarachchi last Friday Medical (Amendment) Act No. 40 of of awarding these scholarships is to (11), GMOA Secretary Dr. Senal 1998, replacing the Ceylon Medical provide good-quality doctors for Sri Fernando stressed that TU action Council (CMC). The CMC was Lanka as a means of strengthening In a statement issued last complaints within the SLMC, which would be launched against the undue established by the Medical Council the bilateral relationship between Sri Wednesday (16), the Minister are outside its scope and existing delay in getting the final approval of Ordinance No. 24 of 1924. Lanka and Russia. said the decision was taken laws. Parliament to implement minimum The Council is a statutory Our standards are high. after considering the number of standards in medical education, for body established for the purpose Students concerned Therefore, we need good-quality complaints received from various Russian concerns not conducting elections to fill four of protecting healthcare seekers In a letter to President Gotabaya doctors. The yardstick by which quarters, on the conduct of the Later, the Russian Embassy in vacant SLMC posts, for ending the by ensuring the maintenance Rajapaksa, the affected students they are assessing quality is SLMC, with some parties calling Sri Lanka, in a statement, said the appointments made by former Health of academic and professional stressed that out of the applicants for based on world rankings – this for a restoration of its status as an Russian Federation was “concerned Minister Dr. within standards, discipline, and ethical the 2020 scholarships, five students is based on certain other aspects independent body. about the decision to remove three the SLMC, for the continuation of practice by health professionals who obtained the best results in the which are not relevant to us Among the complaints is a prominent Russian state universities” irregular inquiries with malicious who are registered with it. As 2019 A/L examination were awarded SLMC Registrar series of incidents related to the from the SLMC’s Approved List. intentions against GMOA officials presently constituted, the Council scholarships. Dr. Anada Hapugoda controversial delisting of several The press release said the delisting which were initiated during the period has representation from the medical Accordingly, Sewmi Himaya internationally recognised foreign had taken place “without prior of former Minister Dr. Senaratne, and faculties of state universities as well Sammani (AAA), S.K. Induwara standards. He said that as most of universities, delayed elections to fill information, despite the fact that for the delay in approving the Grade as professionals in the state and Mahim Samarawickrama (AAB), these foreign graduates are placed vacant positions within the SLMC the SLMC held several meetings MO (Medical Officer) retirement age private sectors. R.M.R.A.S. Ranasinghe (AAB), generally at the bottom of the merit hierarchy, alleged registration of with the officials of these Russian extension amended via the respective The aforementioned SLMC Rosary Suranthi Nirmani Jayakody list and have to work in faraway doctors who have not fulfilled the universities who came down to Sri cabinet paper. medical expert told The Sunday (AAC), and T. Maneesha Sohani places like in villages, where they required minimum educational Lanka throughout the past years, In the letter, the GMOA further Morning that in light of the new Pieris (AAB) were awarded will have to work alone, Sri Lanka’s qualifications, the postponement and regular payments were made requested the Ministry to take developments, council members scholarships from Peoples’ standards need to be high. of the ERPM (Examination for by the universities to maintain the prompt action against the above- decided to refrain from commenting Friendship University, Tver State “Our standards are high. Registration to Practise Medicine) membership”. mentioned demands prior to the on the issue and allow the committee Medical University, Peoples’ Therefore, we need good-quality for students with foreign medical The Embassy also stated in the proposed TU action. appointed by the Ministry to probe Friendship University again, and doctors. The yardstick by which degrees, and the hearing of press release that it hopes that the Contd. on page 14 SLMC’s conduct. Pirogov Russian National Research they are assessing quality is based He also stressed that proper Medical University, respectively. on world rankings – this is based on procedures were followed by the The students pointed out that while certain other aspects which are not Council and the decision taken by the SLMC rejected the universities relevant to us. them could not be a “mistake” – this that awarded scholarships to these “If you take the world-renowned is contrary to SLMC Chairman students, several other countries Oxford University, they have not Prof. Harendra De Silva’s statement recognise these universities, which applied (to us), and my gut feeling during a recent interview with a local have also been ranked amongst the is they will not get our recognition television channel. top universities in the world. because they don’t teach certain As was reported last week, in A decision was made at the AGM subjects we want – for example, response to the Russian Embassy’s of the SLMC on 26 June 2020 to subjects like community medicine statement, the SLMC Chairman said delist Peoples’ Friendship University and forensic medicine,” he claimed. the names of the three universities of Russia, formally known as “In England, legal medicine were cut from the Approved List Patrice Lumumba University; is handled by separate specialist on the SLMC website “before a Pirogov Russian National Research doctors. In Sri Lanka, it’s not like final decision had been made by the Medical University; and Tver State that. If you go to Mullaitivu, that Council”. Medical University that award full doctor must be capable of doing Prof. De Silva further said there scholarships to Sri Lankan students. a post-mortem and submitting the is a committee that examines In a letter written to the SLMC on documents to courts. the suitability of universities for 20 August 2020, the Association of “You can’t go by the argument Sri Lankan students and makes Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist of world rankings, and we’re not recommendations to the SLMC. Countries (ASLGSC) stressed that considering it. Our process is very He explained that the Council has it was unfair to reject the Russian scientific and transparent,” he to examine the recommendations and universities. The letter listed four explained. finally send them to the Minister, universities: Peoples’ Friendship The Registrar also noted that who has the last word on the matter. University of Russia, Pirogov whenever the Council comes across Concerns were raised over these Russian National Research Medical a problem with a university, they new developments coming to light, University, Tver State Medical write to the university in order to while information on rifts among University, and Astrakhan State discuss the same. “We are doing all council members also surfaced last Medical University. this to safeguard our citizens,” he week. In the letter, ASLGSC Secretary stated. In the meantime, the Government Dhammike Mendis stressed: “The “If we allow for low-quality Medical Officers’ Association unfair rejection of these universities graduates, our own poor people will (GMOA) too was vocal in its opinion caused hardship and injustice to the suffer – not the rich; the rich can go on the conduct of the Council as well students currently studying in the to the best doctors. In the village, as several council members. said universities. very poor farmers, carpenters, etc. “Most of these students have gone contribute to our economy. On those Delisting the universities under the scholarship programme grounds, we can’t compromise our A decision to delist several offered to Sri Lanka since the standards,” he noted. Russian universities that were 1960s,” he stated. He also alleged that the main awarding scholarships to Sri Lanka In the letter, the Secretary has also objective of universities in different since the 1960s was made at the noted that the SLMC hadn’t given its countries is to sell their degrees, and SLMC annual general meeting reasons for delisting the universities, that is why the SLMC is concerned (AGM) on 26 June 2020. Soon after and requested the Council to give about standards. the decision was made, vehement them reasons for such action. opposition was expressed by Five-member committee existing university students as well SLMC gives reasoning In such a backdrop, a five-member as past pupils, claiming the decision When The Sunday Morning committee was appointed by Health affected a number of Sri Lankan contacted SLMC Registrar Dr. Minister Wanniarachchi to probe the students currently studying in these Anada Hapugoda the previous conduct of the SLMC. universities. week, he stressed that the SLMC The five-member committee They alleged that as a result of rejected seven universities out of includes specialist Dr. Prof. the SLMC’s decision, the country 32 universities that applied to the Hemantha Perera, former Ragama was facing the risk of losing the Council. Medical Faculty Dean Prof. scholarships issued to Sri Lanka “This is not the end of the world. Prashantha Wijesinghe, specialist Dr. by several Russian universities, They can appeal. We have given the Anula Wijesundera, specialist Dr. while the only university the universities reasons for rejection. Maithri Chandraratne, and specialist SLMC recognises doesn’t provide If they rectify (those areas) and Dr. Dharshana Sirisena. scholarships to Sri Lanka. give us good graduates, we will be Commenting on the appointment Furthermore, the decision was also able to recognise them. This is the of the committee, the Health described as affecting the bilateral usual process; if we’ve rejected Minister noted that the SLMC is an relations between the two countries. one university because they’re not independent body established by a Since then, the Government, teaching forensics, they propose to us charter and its primary function is to Health Ministry, and all relevant that they will establish a forensic unit maintain a quality medical service state authorities were urged to and teach our students forensics,” Dr. by protecting the rights of patients. immediately take action against the Hapugoda noted. Also, according to the Medical decision. Explaining further, he noted Ordinance, the final responsibility By this time, the SLMC was clear that when it comes to medical for the decisions of the SLMC is on their opinion that those who education, Sri Lanka’s standards are vested with the Minister of Health, were not satisfied with the decision quite different to other countries’ she noted. the sunday morning Sunday, September 20, 2020 EDITORIAL/POLITICS Destructive distractions Ruwan down to work; 20A President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s insistence on sticking with the gazetted version of the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution has opened up an array of interesting possibilities across the political divide. The President’s hardline stance, despite the growing divergent views emanating from within his own camp, has led to a sense of déjà vu. It is a scenario all too familiar for this country, which for all intents and purposes, has been there and done that, many comes to P’ment this week times before. Bitter political bickering after all is nothing new to z Govt. decides against printing new draft z President meets Viyathmaga; discusses z Ruwan paves way for UNP leadership; this or any other country for that matter and is very much part and parcel of the democratic system, but when that begins to affect the 20A; Wimal and co. seek fresh draft future role in active governance Navin and co. step aside governance process itself, it becomes a matter of concern. What Sri Lanka can ill afford at this critical juncture is a cold President Gotabaya war within the Government itself which could potentially distract Rajapaksa has been focus from the most important issue on the table right now, which different in his approach is providing life support for the economy. Contradictory views towards governance as emanating from influential personalities from within the Government the Head of State from the on the proposed 20th Amendment has fuelled the rumour mill and first day in office. However, led to speculation on the fate of the proposed piece of legislation his difference from his which is due to be presented in Parliament next week. Given recent predecessors seems to be history where governments past have scored own goals sealing clearer with the proposed their own fate, it is prudent that this new Government, which is still 20th Amendment to the finding its feet, does not go down that same street, for the ultimate Constitution entering the loser will be the country in terms of opportunities lost, yet again. The root of the economic worries facing the country today political fray. began with the own goal scored by former President Maithripala Rajapaksa has stood firm on his Sirisena back in October 2018 when he arbitrarily dismissed the stances, something that had been sitting Government, precipitating an economic crisis of sorts, as lacking in most of his predecessors. the executive action put paid to investor confidence and the peak He says it without any sugar winter tourism season, resulting in a formidable loss of precious coating and makes sure that it is foreign exchange earnings. Six months down the line came the implemented regardless of the Easter Sunday terror attacks which dealt a bigger body blow to the various objections raised. The economy. The combined impact of these two events formed the merits and demerits of such actions basis for the pre-Covid economic crisis which resulted in negative need to be analysed separately, growth and implementation of import controls for the first time but in the present situation, there since the ‘70s. is ownership to the actions of the For all intents and purposes, both these calamities could easily Government – again, something have been avoided if attention was paid to where it was due. that was lacking during the past Former President Sirisena, who presided over both, must be held years. accountable for his action with regard to the first and inaction with With the debate over the contents regard to the latter. of the draft 20th Amendment (20A) And then came Covid. The full impact of it was felt in the second intensifying during the past few quarter and thereafter, where conservative projections have forecasted weeks, even amongst coalition negative growth of 5.6% for the rest of the year. members of the Government and Given this scenario, it will be prudent for the President and the the national movements that backed Government, all of whom are from the same party, to avoid any the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna President Gotabaya Rajapaksa UNP Deputy Leader sort of unwarranted constitutional issue which at this critical time (SLPP), there was discussion of will not help the country in any manner. the Government retracting the Therefore, it is noteworthy that the President is on record having 20A Gazette and issuing a fresh the previous week had assured committee report to the Premier, stated that if the proposed 20th Amendment cannot be adopted in amended one. civil society groups, the National certain sections of the SLPP said the gazetted form, he is prepared to shelve it. He has gone one step National Freedom Front Joint Committee (NJC), and that a fresh gazette of the 20A further by stating that if the 20th is not adopted in its present form, (NFF) Leader Minister Wimal Yuthukama organisation that the would be released last week restoring the sweeping powers appropriated to the executive president Weerawansa made public concerns raised over the proposed while some others in the SLPP by its creator, J.R. Jayewardene, all government MPs should fall in statements to the effect that the 20A would be looked into. maintained that changes to the line with the status quo and live with the 19th Amendment. With Government would be issuing the The President had given this proposed legislation could be made the President placing his cards on the table, one would find it hard a fresh gazette of the proposed black box assurance at a meeting with during the committee stage. not to agree with his contention. piece of legislation with President’s Counsel Manohara After the report was handed over Meanwhile, after months, if not years of infighting and disarray, amendments to certain clauses. by Capt. Vasabha de Silva and MP Gevindu to the Prime Minister, it was to the Opposition finally seems to be getting a grip of things and firing “The Prime Minister has Cumaratunga on the 11th evening be taken up for discussion at the some heavy artillery targeted at the 20th Amendment. The United appointed a committee after we out even by government at the Presidential Secretariat. cabinet meeting the following day, National Party (UNP), which has created the dubious record of pointed out that there are some parliamentarians and the new De Silva is also a member of the Wednesday (16). being the only party in the world to move from being in government problematic areas in the currently piece of legislation should contain committee headed by President’s However, the committee report to a one-seat Opposition, that seat too remaining vacant a month gazetted 20th Amendment. clauses that are beneficial to the Counsel Romesh de Silva to was not taken up for discussion and a half after the general election, laboured profusely last week The Committee will come up nation. formulate a new constitution. by the Cabinet of Ministers and to bring forth a mouse, by filling just one vacancy while other key with a report and then we can He had further noted that It is in this backdrop that Prime it was immediately learnt that the posts including that of the party leader continue to remain vacant. gazette a new 20th Amendment,” despite attempts to discuss the Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa Government would not redraft According to party sources, the newly appointed Deputy Leader Weerawansa had said. shortcomings in the 20A with the appointed a committee chaired by the 20A, but would incorporate Ruwan Wijewardene is now the prince in waiting and will take over He had said that the proper Justice Minister, he and several SLPP Chairman Minister Prof. G.L. any changes proposed by the the party mantle in three months’ time. The proof of the pudding manner in getting a law others had been unable to do so. Peiris to study the 20A and submit Prime Minister’s Committee however will be in the eating in this instance, given the fact that the implemented was to submit the “That is why the Prime Minister a report on its shortcomings and during the committee stage of the incumbent Leader has held on to the post for dear life since 1994, piece of legislation and amend it appointed a six-member committee recommendations, to address them. parliamentary debate. come hell or high water. before being taken up in the House. to look into the matter. Following Accordingly, Ministers Udaya Therefore, a senior SLPP source Meanwhile, the grapevine is abuzz about overtures being made He had noted that the previous the discussion at the party leaders’ Gammanpila, Ali Sabry, Nimal said the necessary additions and by both the breakaway Samagi Jana Balawegaya and emerging Yahapalana Government, meeting, the Prime Minister Siripala de Silva, Weerawansa, removals of clauses in the 20A will leadership of the UNP to patch things up and put up a unified front when implementing the 19th intervened to prevent the 20th and State Ministers Susil be carried out during the committee against the Government. Amendment, had made changes Amendment from being tabled Premajayantha, S. Viyalendran, stage. For the beleaguered UNP, it is now left with Hobson’s choice to during the committee stage, thereby in Parliament in its present form. and MPs as well However, last week’s cabinet either unite or disappear into oblivion, as it has lost its share of voice preventing citizens from taking Following the report submitted by as Premnath C. Dolawatte were meeting had seen President on matters of national importance due to its absence in Parliament any legal action against the fresh the committee, relevant changes appointed to this committee. Rajapaksa taking a firm stand on as well as the public domain. If the new leadership is not sensitive amendments. will be included in the fresh 20th The report of the committee was the 20A. to the issues of the day, it runs the risk of losing its relevance in According to Weerawansa, Amendment before it is taken up in handed over to the Prime Minister He had told the Cabinet that if the local political ecosystem. the shortcomings in the 20th Parliament,” he had added. last Tuesday (15). there were issues with the 20A, Therefore, it is imperative that they mobilise whatever resources Amendment have been pointed Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa Prior to the handing over of the everyone could work according to still at their disposal and assert its voice on behalf of the remaining the 19th Amendment. 250,000 supporters. The President had also While Wijewardene’s inevitable ascension to the party’s throne said that he had received the will no doubt usher in a new youthful era for the party, it will also, people’s mandate to bring about on the other hand, ensure perpetuation of the family dynasty in constitutional reforms starting with tandem with the other main political entity which is grooming its the 20A. own prince. Therefore, whichever of the two main parties comes into power 20A in the House in the future, their leaders will be progeny of the same families that It is in this backdrop that have ruled the country for the last so many decades. Government Spokesperson Minister Be that as it may, the economic outlook for the rest of the year Keheliya Rambukwella said that could not be more foreboding with a hefty $ 1 billion payout for the draft 20A Bill will be presented maturing bonds due as early as next month. That will be followed to Parliament in its present form up quickly enough with a Rs. 3 trillion payout next year. With a and would be discussed widely second wave of Covid sweeping the world, an early restart of export before being enacted. activity seems unlikely. Besides, for the first time in the country’s “The Bill will be presented to history, the debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to cross the 100% mark Parliament shortly and then it can next year, meaning we’d have to pay more than we produce just be challenged in court if any party to settle debt payments. wants to do so and again it can be Given the challenges ahead, the guiding principle these days discussed at the committee stage,” should be, all hands on deck. This is not the time to be creating Rambukwella had said at the political divisions, both in and out, based on strengthening executive weekly cabinet briefing. power, when all the required power is already vested with one He had noted that the and the same government. Therefore, the need of the hour is that Government was keen to make the powers that be focus on the big picture and not be distracted the process a transparent and by a constitutional amendment that could potentially cause more democratic one, and is listening to problems than solutions. Distractions can be destructive. different opinions. No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. “The 20th Amendment was Fax - 011 2 673 441 discussed at length at Wednesday’s General - 011 5 200 900 cabinet meeting. The people gave Director Sales & Marketing - 077 3 866 143 a massive mandate to the President Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 and the Government to bring the E-mail - [email protected] 20th Amendment and we will enact 9 EDITORIAL/POLITICS

PROVINCIAL COUNCILS To be or not to be Ruwan down to work; 20A BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA With speculation that Sri Lanka is looking at re-implementing the ancient three Rata Sabhas (Ruhunu, Maya, and Pihiti) in place of the nine provinces and around 638 provincial comes to P’ment this week councillors, questions are z Ruwan paves way for UNP leadership; z Sajith congratulates Ruwan; agrees being raised about the future of the 13th Amendment Navin and co. step aside to meet in future for discussion to the Constitution that resulted in the formation of Upon being questioned by the media, The President, at last week’s the provincial council (PC) several members of the Government, cabinet meeting, had said that system. including ministers, said they were he accepted full responsibility Some predict that the unaware of who had drafted the 20A. of the 20th Amendment to the abolition of PCs would save Ministers Weerawansa and Sabry as Constitution billions of rupees a year well as MP Cumaratunga said they did which can then be redirected not know who had drafted it. Karunanayake, Ranatunga, and Navin towards the development Members of the Opposition continued Dissanayake having a discussion at the of the country, while others to question the Government on who had party headquarters, Sirikotha, about the believe it isn’t realistic drafted the 20A. party leadership. to re-implement the Rata However, Minister Namal Rajapaksa Dissanayake was very critical of Sabhas in the present-day responded that instead of questioning Wijewardene staking a claim for the economic atmosphere. as to who had drafted the 20A, anyone party leadership, saying it was a move Nevertheless, many who had objections could take it up by Party Leader questions on the PC system before the judiciary. to be the de facto leader of the party. remain unanswered while The ancient three Rata Sabhas (Ruhunu, Maya, and Pihiti) of Sri He added that when the 19th Wijewardene, holding his position, a date for the long-delayed Lanka Amendment is repealed, the status quo had said that Wickremesinghe had no PC election too is yet to be PHOTO © WIKIPEDIA returns to the period when the 18th hand in his decision to stake a claim decided by the Government. Amendment was in place. for the party leadership and that it was Initially, it was said that by the Janatha Vimukthi However, the President’s response to purely based on the requests by the the Constitution would be Peramuna (JVP), which the criticism raised by governing party party’s youth front and the Buddhist amended and along with sarcastically told the members over the 20A as well as the clergy. it the PC system, but now Government to appoint three architect behind the proposed piece of Meanwhile, a meeting between with the proposed 20th kings to rule these three reform, has now silenced all. Abeywardena and Wijewardene was Amendment being put regions like in ancient times; The President, at last week’s cabinet held last Sunday (13) night. forward, the amending of the they were clear in expressing meeting, had said that he accepted full Abeywardena had reiterated his Constitution has once again that they believe it is not responsibility of the 20th Amendment commitment to contesting for the post been put on the backburner. practical. to the Constitution. of party leader. As learnt by The Sunday Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the division of the The PC system is a Morning, former JVP MP President meets Viyathmaga Wickremesinghe will continue as white elephant and the UNP Leader at least till the country into three regions stressed Last Sunday (13), Viyathmaga end of the year despite an earlier – Ruhunu, Maya, and Pihiti almost all issues that the JVP, from the very held a discussion with the President announcement that he was – has been proposed to that have prevailed beginning, opposed the PC on possible future contributions ready to resign and appoint enable equal access to the in society at present system and had always urged of Viyathmaga in support of the country’s resources as well as successive governments UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene a new leader have arisen after the implementation of national policies. to eliminate ethnic issues that to strengthen the local It was the first time that President have prevailed over the past introduction of the government instead. According to Weerawansa, Rajapaksa officially met with However, he had maintained that he decades. 13th Amendment “The PC system is a white the shortcomings in the 20th Viyathmaga for a discussion after would not come forward if there was Even though rumours to elephant and almost all Amendment have been pointed assuming office last November. going to be a vote for the leadership. the contrary are making the Former JVP MP issues that have prevailed out even by government Viyathmaga Ex-Co members and However, by then, looking at rounds, it is learnt that a final Sunil Handunnetti in society at present have parliamentarians and the the regional co-ordinators attended the the claim for party leadership, decision on the proposal arisen after the introduction new piece of legislation should meeting at the Viyathmaga Head Office Wickremesinghe had decided it best for is yet to be made by the of the 13th Amendment,” he contain clauses that are beneficial in Ethul Kotte. whoever who should succeed him as the Government. stressed, adding that even to the nation During the meeting, the President UNP Leader to work as Deputy Leader State Minister of though the JVP opposed had highlighted that Viyathmaga was for a few months to catch the reins. Provincial Councils and the system, for as long as it,” he had added. responsible for formulating strategies Local Government Affairs elections are held, the party Explaining the process followed after and policies to move the country Working Committee said would contest. a new piece of legislation is gazetted, towards prosperity without getting The UNP Working Committee (WC) a public discussion on the Speaking to The Sunday Prof. Peiris told the media: “As per the involved in affairs that should be met at Sirikotha at around 3 p.m. last PC system was ongoing, Morning, People’s law, after being gazetted, we have to handled by political authority. Monday (14). while several organisations Action for Free and Fair wait two weeks before it can be included President Rajapaksa had said that The 40 members of the WC are were also proposing various Elections (PAFFREL) in the cabinet agenda. Viyathmaga could guide state ministries Wickremesinghe, Karunanayake, systems as alternatives to We can’t hold the Executive Director Rohana “The next cabinet session is on 22 in their future tasks by setting up Kariyawasam, A.S.M. Misbah, the present system that election under the Hettiarachchi said: “In order September, and until then, it cannot be subcommittees and presenting Dissanayake, D.M. Swaminathan, was introduced to the present Act, and to hold the PC election, presented to Parliament. After being strategies and proposals. , Wijewardene, Nissanka Constitution via the 13th it takes some time. the electoral system should presented, the public has a week to Nanayakkara, , Amendment. be changed by passing an Several SJB MPs have spoken to At present, we are file any objections with the Supreme Sunethra Ranasinghe, Palitha Range “One such proposal is to studying the PC amendment to the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court has a time Wijewardene and said they were Bandara, , Shamal divide the country into three Councils Act,” stating that period of three weeks to hear the case, willing to meet for a discussion Senarath, Lakshman Wijemanne, K.K. regions like it was during the system – whether the existing Act (Provincial and inform the Speaker and President on the possibility of the SJB and Piyadasa, Abeywardena, Premadasa ancient times,” he told The the PCs are useful Councils Elections of their decision,” he had said, adding UNP working together as an Champika, , Sunday Morning. for the country or [Amendment] Act No. 17 of that the proposed 20A is the beginning opposition force inside and out of , , However, the Minister 2017) will come into effect Parliament whether they are a of constitutional reform and not the end , Ronald Perera, Jeyaraj stressed that he hasn’t taken burden to the central after 2021. of it. Chandrasekera, Ananda Kularatne, a decision on the matter and “Then, automatically, the Last week, Deputy Secretary General “You can also advise and direct Lasantha Goonawardena, Mahinda is studying all the proposals government previous electoral system of Parliament Neil Iddawela announced ministers to overcome challenges when Haradasa, Chanaka de Silva, Sunil submitted to him. State Minister would function. But for that the first reading of the 20A Bill will they face difficulties in exercising their De Silva, Daya Pelpola, Sandith of Provincial that to happen, approval take place this week. duties,” he had said. Samarasinghe, Nalaka Kolonne, Thun Sinhalaya should be obtained from He had noted that the 20A will The President had further noted that Palitha Thevarapperuma, Ashu Thun Sinhalaya is the Councils and Local the Cabinet and Parliament. be included in the Order Book of all development projects must adhere Marasinghe, Asmi Thaseem, Kasthuri world’s oldest political Government Affairs That process will take two or Parliament on Tuesday (22). to environment preservation guidelines Anuradhanayake, Shanthini Kongahage, division. Sarath Weerasekara three months,” he stressed, and no harm should fall upon the Chanaka Ailapperuma, Karunasena As described in an article pointing out that if the The missing architect environment. Kodituwakku, and Ranatunga. by former Permanent Government decided to go Last week also saw the build-up of an However, voting rights for the party Secretary and Senior Citizens a region of present-day ahead with the proposed new interesting question – who drafted the Negotiations leadership was going to be exercised by Movement – Mahanuwara Southern and Eastern Sri system, the Delimitation proposed 20A? While the Government was engaged 38 members of the WC. Party Leader President Dr. Sudath Lanka. It was the centre of a Report of the Delimitation Interestingly, no one in the in addressing the issues that have Wickremesinghe had said he would Gunasekara, the divisions flourishing civilisation and Committee would need to Government seemed to take ownership cropped up along with the 20A, the refrain from voting while Ranatunga, were permanently marked the cultural and economic be gazetted by the President, of the new piece of legislation. onetime main Opposition United who was recently appointed to the WC, on the ground in 427 BC centres of ancient Sri Lanka. which would also take at National Party (UNP) finally managed did not have voting rights as yet. by King Pandukabhaya Magama, Tissamaharama, least three months. to resolve one of its longstanding issues The WC, after being told of the need with village boundaries and Mahanagakula (now – deciding on its next party leader. to first appoint the next leader as the laid all over the island, called Ambalantota) were Political will The issue of a new leader taking party’s deputy leader to gain experience though the divisions were established here. questioned over the UNP has been at the forefront before taking over the party reins, had conventionally accepted for The Maya Rata Centre for Monitoring for several years, but no progress agreed with it. millennia before that. (Principality of Maya Election Violence (CMEV) was made until the party’s dismal Then it became the decision on The three political Rata), also known as the National Co-ordinator performance at the general election selecting the new deputy leader of the divisions of the island Kingdom of Dakkinadesa, Manjula Gajanayake stressed this August where the party, for the party, the post formally held by Samagi continued for 2,242 years was a medieval era Sinhalese that it was the previous first time in history, failed to win Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Opposition up to 1815 AD with only kingdom located in the Government’s responsibility any seat in the House. The UNP only Leader Sajith Premadasa. minor changes in size and western part of Sri Lanka. to hold the PC election. managed to secure a National List seat When the post of Deputy Leader boundaries, with the latest The capitals were Kelaniya “All 225 members are in Parliament, which is still vacant was announced, Wijewardene and change being from 1505 and Panduwasnuwara. The responsible for the situation since the party decided to first resolve Karunanayake threw the proverbial to 1815, pertaining to the boundaries of the Kingdom as they had defeated the its leadership crisis before nominating a hat in to the ring, resulting in a secret identification of the Kandyan of Maya Rata are Deduru Delimitation Report. member to fill the slot. ballot. Kingdom and Maritime Oya River from North, and Once they defeated the While there were quite a few Wijewardene emerged victorious Provinces with the advent of Kalu River from South. report, another committee names that were tossed around for polling 28 votes while Karunanayake the Europeans. was appointed under the the UNP leadership including Karu polled 10 votes. Additionally, in the South Practical solution chairmanship of the former Jayasuriya, Ruwan Wijewardene, Ravi However, it would be pertinent for Asia-China Dialogue in needed Prime Minister – and we Karunanayake, , Wijewardene to be mindful of the fact 1983, it is said that the That the still don’t know what has , and Arjuna that there were still 10 WC members Principality of Ruhuna, re-implementation of the happened to that report,” he Ranatunga, the “finalists” were who had voted against him and would also referred to as the Thun Sinhalaya is being stressed. Wijewardene, Karunanayake, and keep a close watch on his actions on Kingdom of Ruhuna, is considered, was criticised Contd. on page 14 National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Minister Abeywardena. reviving the party. The previous week saw Wijewardene, Contd. on page 14 10 the sunday morning Sunday, September 20, 2020 hot seat DEBATING DRAFT 20TH AMENDMENT MINORITY PARTIES WEIGH IN BY SARAH HANNAN Concerned The proposed draft of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution is likely to be included in the Parliament Order Book on 22 September as a First Reading of the Bill and the minority parties are now noticing the pros and cons of the draft, with mixed views being aired at party meetings and media briefings. Below are excerpts of The Sunday Morning’s interviews with some of those party over Govt.’s representatives on the proposed 20th Amendment. ultimate Will work reforms SLMC Leader with Govt. to What is the Sri Lanka debate in Parliament at the address issues Muslim Congress’ next session. CWC Vice President (SLMC) stance on the 20th We will have to see how Amendment? far they would accommodate The 20th Amendment amendments, after which is aimed at reversing the the SLMC will be able to Senthil Thondaman 19th Amendment, and it consider where the consent What is Ceylon cannot be seen as an overall lies and whether we could Workers’ Congress’ constitutional reform process. intervene in the amendments. (CWC) stance on the The 20th Amendment Furthermore, we will ensure 20th Amendment to is a short-term step that whatever is proposed the Constitution? towards introducing a new will not be a reversion of the As a political party Constitution altogether after objectives we brought in with that has formed an the amendments are approved. the 19th Amendment. alliance with the What should concern Sri Lanka Podujana everyone are the ultimate What are your thoughts on Peramuna (SLPP)-led reforms that the present its impact on the sovereignty Government, the CWC Government envisages of Sri Lanka? will vote in favour of bringing in. The committee It is now clear that the the 20th Amendment. appointed to draft the new barring of a person entering However, we will Constitution, including the Sri a general election based also study the draft Lanka Podujana Peramuna on their dual nationality 19A should 20th Amendment to (SLPP), is broadly talking after 2015 was aimed at the the Constitution to about the different clauses that Rajapaksa family, and it was understand whether would be amended. However, a clause that was introduced any of the ethnicities it is an attempt to reverse the to deprive certain members stand with or religious minorities 19th Amendment, except for of the Rajapaksa family from would have their rights very a few provisions. entering into politics. suppressed. We would The Government has also What I feel is that the work closely with the announced that they will decision to appoint a suitable Government to iron out entertain amendments that people’s representative to revisions any of the clauses that would be suggested by the Parliament should be left DPF and TPA Leader would implicate and other parties to include in the to the voter, as that is a damage the Sri Lankan 20th Amendment. We will democratic right. All these identity. therefore have to formulate issues can be brought up As long as the and deduce which clauses during the campaign time; minorities’ rights would need revisions/ why go that extra mile to What is the Tamil Progressive country is forgetting that the 19th are preserved, we for office, and none of was already in practice amendments from the drafted block them from giving Alliance’s (TPA) stance on the Amendment to the Constitution will support the them interfered in the up until 2015. 20th Amendment. nominations? 20th Amendment? was brought in to decentralise the new constitutional country’s governing We will, from the SLMC’s Ultimately, if the voter Before we go into the rest of power that used to be more on the amendment. system or decisions that In that backdrop, do perspective, see how we thinks that the people’s your questions, let me establish authoritarian side. The proposed We are positive that were made. you think the 13th could contribute towards representative that they the fact that the Tamil Progressive 20th Amendment is seen as a step President Gotabaya The whole law of Amendment too strengthening the country’s vote for would do any harm Alliance is now working closely back from the 19th Amendment, Rajapaksa has a dual citizens not being should be revoked? democracy through these when it comes down to the with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya which was the hard work of many clear vision for the permitted to run for My understanding amendments. country’s interests, then they (SJB), which is a political party scholars like the Late Sobhitha development of this office was strictly is that it is easier There are also concerns that would not vote that person in. that Sajith Premadasa, Patali Thera, civil society, political country and we, as his implemented in 2015 when you have local certain governing clauses have Here, you are at the , Rishard activists, and political parties that Government’s allies, during the Yahapalana government institutions not been laid out with proper threshold itself, shutting down Bathiudeen, Rauff Hakeem, helped draft it. should support his tenure. to manage grassroots- procedures related to the the person’s right to enter and myself established to build As the Leader of the SJB, Sajith decisions and assist him The trust we have level issues. For quorum removal of officers. politics. I don’t see it as a a stronger Opposition to the Premadasa rightfully suggested that to correct the course. towards the present instance, for a grama You can address the issues democratic move. governing party. we should be looking at a 19 Plus He wants to leaders of the country niladhari (GN) division concerning the lacuna in However, it has been proven We are all equal representatives of and not a 20th Amendment. implement one law is concrete, as they are nowadays, there is a the 19th Amendment, but in the case of President the SJB. Therefore, I am sure that it across the country, and decisive in their decision Samurdhi officer, a whether they are attempting Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had is quite clear we too oppose the 20th Should the 20th Amendment we believe that when making, and so far, their development officer, to throw the baby out with the to face similar allegations. Amendment to the Constitution and come into effect? How will it he says it will be one loyalty towards uplifting and then the grama bathwater as the solution, is Yet, he got a resounding propose that the 19th Amendment affect the sovereignty of the law for all, that means the country has not been niladhari who attends to something that we will have to mandate from the entire needs to stand with a few revisions. people? whatever the rights the a question. various administrative look at. country. Therefore, in a The way we view this is that it Sri Lankan sovereignty, which majority would get, the The Opposition issues of the respective So, each clause will need situation like this, you have to isn’t the 20th Amendment, but in we are proud about, should not be minorities would also parties are all talking on GN division. to be closely studied, so that leave it to the voters to choose fact it is the 18 Plus to the 18th divided as Tamil sovereign rights, be afforded. assumptions; we cannot Now, picture a the amendments could be who would be representing Amendment. Sinhala sovereign rights, etc. We, come to conclusions situation where these proposed. their interests in Parliament. There are many areas on as Sri Lankans who were born in Do you think the 20th based on assumptions, levels of administration There is still time and the The person in question which we disagree regarding the this land, have sole sovereign rights Amendment would asserting that there would are removed and Government has not officially could have obtained dual 20th Amendment and when it is as citizens to enjoy the freedom to affect the sovereignty be an impact over the then everything is presented the new draft citizenship over a number presented in Parliament, we will do live in this country. of the country? sovereignty of the nation. managed by the central Constitution. of reasons, but that does our best to oppose it. That means we will not bow Even before the 19th If it was something that government – the It is speculated that the not mean he is unpatriotic. down to foreign forces or be tools Amendment, this was in was completely new that process to solve a 20th Amendment draft will You cannot assume that just So you agree that the 19th for such entities to disturb the practice where people was to be implemented, matter would take a be presented as is and the because a person gets dual Amendment should stand? peace that we have achieved. with dual citizenship then we would have so longer period. amendments will be later citizenship. Of course. It seems as if the Contd. on page 11 were allowed to run many queries, but this Contd. on page 11 entertained, once taken up for Contd. on page 11 the sunday morning 11 Sunday, September 20, 2020 FOCUS Time’s up for ragging

BY MAHIKA PANDITHA AND violence, and it wouldn’t be wrong 24-hour information system at the PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI to say that Sri Lanka has it quite UGC and we are doing whatever bad. We asked Skandarajah what is possible to stop this. His The State Intelligence Service steps one can take if and when Excellency the President mentioned (SIS) being called upon to students are victimised as a result in his manifesto that there is no tackle the issue of ragging of extreme ragging practices as per tolerance for ragging and it will be brings this unfortunate “rite our law, to which she said a police eradicated. We are working on that of passage” to the forefront complaint has to be filed by the together, against the perpetrators,” yet again. Ragging within victim or next of kin as soon as the he added. our society is no secret. It is a incident comes to light. This complaint will be the starting What it’s like to be on the well-known practise all over receiving end our island as well as in other point of any investigation by law parts of the world. enforcement authorities and/or The Sunday Morning spoke to a any internal probe done by the student from Wayamba University Several students’ lives are lost university authorities. Complaints of Sri Lanka, which was established to ragging while several others are to the university administration in 1991. It is a national university traumatised and tortured. When will and the UGC too must be done in which was previously the Affiliated it stop? Ragging is practised in state quick succession. The UGC website University College of the North universities all over the country, lays out the method by which Western Province. We asked the from day one. Back in the day, university students can complain student what their opinion was on ragging was in the form of a simple about incidents of ragging. A link to ragging and the current situation in act that needed to be performed as this webpage will be included at the the country. a rite of passage by junior students, bottom of this article. “There’s a standard among the somewhat like an initiation into antharey (union) universities for university life. However, as time ragging. I think they even have to went on, what they were subjected make a report on the ragging and to became much worse in nature. recognises sexual harassment, UGC Chairman Prof. Amaratunge instances where ragging occurs hand it over to the antharey after The Sunday Morning spoke to grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, shared: “I don’t think this is a matter within state universities and it’s done every year, from what University Grants Commission hostage taking, wrongful restraint, of tradition. Every university in the educational institutes (i.e. parties I know. Ragging still happens (UGC) Chairman senior Prof. unlawful confinement, forcible world in every place in the world to be named would be the Vice very systematically in several Sampath Amaratunge about the occupation, and damage to property conducts student interviews, or a Chancellor, UGC Chairman, universities; the reports of all the matter. of an educational institution as virtual discussion at the very least; Attorney General, etc.).” arrests made in this regard and “The present situation is that offences punishable under the Act. you can figure out what type of However, according to whatever you hear on the news are about 90-95% of the students don’t Skandarajah further stated that person the interviewee is and you Skandarajah, where ragging is just the extreme cases. want to get involved in ragging; the it is interesting to note that the can study the attitude of the person. perpetrated within or outside the “In my university, they watered present generation does not want Act does not derogate from the “But here in Sri Lanka, we admit premises of private universities, down all the ‘punishments’ for our to interfere with others, and that is provisions of the Penal Code and students only based on their A/L while lodging a police complaint juniors since there was an issue at remarkable. But some people are other penal laws, and that this Act (Advanced Level) score. We don’t is always an option, it is vital my university. When you consider still involved in this activity. has not been amended since its know what they have done or what that the victims complain to the that (ragging) system, my university “During the daytime, you won’t enactment. type of people they are. There is management/administration of their If the said university takes no had one of the harshest. For us, it be able to spot any incidents within no checking on that – it is free university. action, then the next point of was two sessions of ragging every the university premises. In boarding education. This is a national crime. “If the said university takes complaint is the Ministry of day. places, however, this may happen; Society’s opinion is against ragging, no action, then the next point of Higher Education. The failure “They started with making us students sometimes stay in rented as it should be, and we need to complaint is the Ministry of Higher on the part of the Ministry kneel down, morning and evening; houses where there is no security identify the perpetrators.” Education. The failure on the part to take action would in turn then moved on to eating chillies and and in such places, sometimes the Prof. Amaratunge said there are of the Ministry to take action would give standing for one to file a whatnot. A few of the boys were seniors may take some juniors and very few instances where people in turn give standing for one to file FR application or even a writ taken to a room and had to undress, rag them. It is a problem. We cannot open up about their experiences to a FR application or even a writ application and do other things (fmdaßh,a was actually see what is happening. The the authorities and to them. When application.” Fundamental rights lawyer what it was called). Some stood issue is quite complex.” they do, it is easy to take action. Skandarajah further stated Mirthula Skandarajah naked and did different fmdaßh,a If you don’t take action though, that although there have been (half-squats); ySgf¾ (reverse plank), Where does the law stand? things are bound to worsen. If the no amendments to the law, the With this in mind, Prof. uÿrejd (cross your arms, hold your With the involvement of the SIS particular perpetrators know that UGC has from time to time issued Amaratunge also mentioned that ears, and then move using your in curbing the ragging problem, the nothing will happen, they will only circulars on the strict enforcement there is no single university that knees and elbows), md;a;hd (full internal politics of state universities continue. of anti-ragging laws (circular doesn’t practise ragging. However, squat, cross arms, hold your heels, and ragging is once again a hot “Nowadays, as there are No. 919, 15/01/2010 is one such there are some faculties where there and move about). topic. In Sri Lanka, we admit smartphones and recording devices, example). are no records of ragging. “We “Until our third year, there was The legal structure in reference students only based on their we get information sometimes. Speaking to the Media are strengthening the academic ragging at the hostel too. It used to ragging in Sri Lanka remains A/L (Advanced Level) score. But then again, in some cases, the Spokesman’s Office of the Sri staff and we cannot ask them to to be much worse for the batches simple and concise. The Police are We don’t know what they have perpetrators will prevent any form Lanka Police Headquarters, we be responsible for the freshmen, above us. an integral part of the process, as done or what type of people they of evidence being recorded. We feel found out that as per the Ragging but they do have greater control “Then, there’s the whole thing filing a police complaint following are. There is no checking on helpless sometimes; there are so Act, the Police need to be very over the students as opposed to about how you are allowed to eat an incident of ragging is imperative. that – it is free education. This many difficulties. Sometimes, the involved in the rehabilitation marshals. only rice from the canteen during Although, the law is vague about is a national crime. Society’s authorities themselves are helpless process of the perpetrators, as “Some academics naturally come the whole ragging period, and also the involvement of state intelligence opinion is against ragging, as when it comes to identifying the victims are required to lodge out and help the authorities with the constant psychological stress. authorities – this would depend on it should be, and we need to raggers. We have to have some form a complaint which will lead to these problems. I plead with the “They didn’t just punish us at the seriousness of the incident. identify the perpetrators of intelligence team to understand elaborate investigations on the academia to help us overcome this these sessions; they used to talk To gain a better understanding UGC Chairman senior who is doing this and why,” Prof. circumstances relevant to the problem. There are so many cases, about socialist ideologies and the on this aspect, we spoke to Prof. Sampath Amaratunge Amaratunge commented. incident or incidents. so many people who have suffered importance of free education, etc. fundamental rights lawyer However, referring to the because of ragging. We cannot But every day, the physical things Mirthula Skandarajah, who shared: involvement of the authorities, But what about the misunderstand the severity – it is a happened as well. “According to experts, the primary Despite its existence, however, the Spokesman’s Office at the victims? crime. Why should we allow these “Also, our juniors experienced legislation in reference to this all instances of ragging in recent Ministry of Defence told us they There are over 125,000 new types of people to do whatever they a watered down version; and their topic is the Prohibition of Ragging years have been charged under the were not officially informed of the students all over the country want in a civil society? It has to be juniors haven’t started university and Other Forms of Violence in Penal Code alone. Some speculate involvement of the SIS. entering state universities per year. addressed.” yet. I don’t know how that’ll go. Educational Institutions Act No. 20 that this may be due to the harsh We also asked Skandarajah if These students come excited to Furthermore, Prof. Amaratunge They did, however, keep a separate of 1998. The Act defines ‘ragging’ punishments stipulated in the ragging violates our fundamental start a new chapter in their lives stated that while on one hand we area for sick people to sit. as ‘any act which causes or is likely Act, which as per the university rights and if so, how. She and with the hope of collecting new value freedom – and universities “But still, nobody comes to to cause physical or psychological ragging “subculture”, would be responded: “Short answer – yes, memories and experiences. None of are places with a lot of freedom – university asking for this.” injury or mental pain or fear to a considered excessive. This thinking it does. Fundamental rights (FR) them expect to walk into university the youths of this country need to All attempts to contact the student or a member of the staff of stems mainly from the perception petitions can be filed in instances to be harassed physically, verbally, protect their freedom. Education Ministry for comment an educational institution’.” that ragging, especially in state where violations of rights are and mentally. “Many students send videos, proved futile. We were further informed that universities, is considered a rite of committed by state authorities; Over the years, ragging has voice recordings, and more UGC link on how to complain in addition to ragging, this Act passage. parties are easily identified in become one of the worst forms of information now. There is a about ragging: http://ugc.ac.lk/

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in this country who are going to take the central government. change of statehood and is not a serious You cannot have uniformity in a 19A should... on crucial positions that will impact the These local government institutions, lack of patriotism. country which is diverse, as diversity is We need to establish the Sri Lankan governing system of the country. therefore, should remain and in fact So, there were certain clauses in the our strength and the laws that are specific identity and not have division based on These potential adversaries are in fact be improved as the population of our 19th Amendment that were directed at to the regions or the religions that are religion or ethnicity. No matter the religion dual citizens who are under oath to the US country keeps growing. The provincial individuals and personalities rather than practised in the country are protected by and ethnicity, everyone that is born to law, and their legal obligations will be to council is important for minority matters principles. the Constitution, which accepts and allows this country has the democratic right over uphold the US law. to be discussed and noticed at least on a that diversity to be practised. matters of this country. This matter is beyond politics, and the provincial level by their representatives Do you think the ‘One Law, One Nation’ You cannot force different communities Therefore, anything that will threaten people of this country should also be given who get elected to the council. slogan is going to adversely affect the to embrace an entirely different culture or that sovereignty should be discussed. That an opportunity to express their views over Minority issues are only prevalent in Muslim community? customs. is one of the key aspects we are opposing the constitutional changes that are to take the Eastern, North Western, and Uva For all purposes and reasons, there For instance, the Kandyan law honours in the 20th Amendment which would allow effect. Provinces, and there is no minority issue in should only be one law in the country and the customs that are practised in the region people with dual nationalities to enter the Southern Provincial Council. Because that should be the supreme law of the land and it is recognised by the Constitution Parliament. of these local government bodies, the that is the Constitution, which is common which allows it to be practised as a That person will not have sole loyalty Will work... common man’s issues get addressed. to everybody. regional law. towards the country or its people, as the Within the Constitution, it permits the Similarly, property rights under the oaths they take on foreign soil to establish I believe the more administrative diversity of the country to be accepted, and Thesawalamai law have special provisions citizenship overrules the birth country’s officials are overseeing work, the easier it there is also a fundamental rights chapter for the communities that live in the constitution. becomes for the Government to develop Concerned over... which promotes equality and freedom of Northern Peninsula. Therefore, this move that the present the country. For instance, if a region is There are so many people of Sri Lankan association, to name some. The need for a separate special law Government is trying to make, under their unable to get parliamentary representation origin who are living outside the country, I think many who oppose the present has been recognised in order to respect “One Country, One Law” theme, raises from the minority parties but there are but they are patriotic towards the country. Government’s progress are doing so in diversity and to maintain some equilibrium matters that need to be discussed. enough people living over there, the next However, for rightful reasons, they too a very short-sighted manner, and some in enforcing the law. The theme looks perfectly fine, but when level of administrative officials will be at have adopted another country’s citizenship are trying to interpret the “One Country, Therefore, all these concerns that the one reads the contents of it, they will have the provincial council level, which is also and they have not lost their love for Sri One Law” slogan as if you must totally opposing parties and entities are raising are various questions, as there are adversaries assisting with the administrative affairs for Lanka. It is a matter of the symbolic renounce the diversity. very short-sighted. 12 the sunday morning VIEWS/SPOTLIGHT Sunday, September 20, 2020

BY PUJANEE GALAPPATHTHI ENGAGING WITH DUAL CITIZENS IN GOVERNANCE Having discussed how we feel about the changes proposed by the 20th Amendment, we decided to focus on the dual citizenship clause in the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. The 20th Amendment aims to address A bittersweet pill the dual citizenship issue nation with lesser sound conditions are a farce. They give you the by abolishing Article 92 compared to the above-mentioned illusion of power as a voter. (b) and Clause 20 (4) of countries. We elect stakeholders who pass the 19th Amendment and Therefore, considering the legislation according to their Article 91 (1) (d) (xiii) of the benefits, such as new technologies, whims and fancies and justify Constitution which stipulates knowledge, and international themselves in the name of that no person shall be co-operation, our country can democracy. In a situation like qualified to be elected as a enjoy from the outside world, there that, my opinion on the dual Member of Parliament or to should be a certain path in the citizenship clause in the 20th sit and vote in Parliament Constitution to allow a dual citizen Amendment is redundant. if they are a “citizen of Sri to come and work for us, but it is also equally important to limit it Destroying Lanka who is also a citizen of to a certain level considering the any other country”. We spoke national security and democracy. evidence after to the public about the controversies and various Loyalties will be the fact opinions surrounding this Mohamed – graphic topic, and here’s what we questionable designer found out. Nimasha Wickramasinghe I believe including the dual – legal researcher citizenship clause, like most Serving two A person with dual citizenship other legislative amendments, is is a citizen of two countries at the a pathway for politicians to act countries isn’t same time and as such, this person according to their wishes without true patriotism will have two passports and is having to answer to the people. allowed to enjoy citizenship rights It is like destroying the evidence Alanki Kishani Perera – of two countries at the same time. after having committed a crime. media personality and When a person with this privilege entrepreneur be upheld in every country President. If he was required in the US Government, but the becomes a part of the democratic Not a violation The duty of a politician should and this means that everyone to forego his citizenship, why President and Vice President have governance process of a country, always lie in serving his country should be subjected to the same should anyone else be treated any to be natural-born citizens. By they are naturally in a position of democratic and its people. The sovereignty law. A citizen can be under different? I believe we expect doing so, the US Constitution does of privilege over the rest of the of a country will directly be the law of one land only. True the people we elect to Parliament not restrict the benefits garnered general population of that country, governance affected if those in the governing patriotism means you serve your to act in the best interest of our by the interference of dual citizens, which I believe is a negative aspect. Sera de Mel – primary process are under the law of country, and you cannot serve country and a person with political but it also bars such interference Further, it is obvious that the school teacher two lands. You can’t serve two two countries. Each country interests in another country will to a certain extent. Arnold loyalties of such a person may not masters. When serving your has laws that are unique and not be able to do that. Therefore, Schwarzenegger retained his be clear. The 20th Amendment is country, your allegiance should be different, so it’s not possible to I believe this clause is not in Austrian citizenship while serving However, this may have its criticised broadly amongst to your country alone. Issues of be held accountable if one is line with the best interests of our as the Governor of California in advantages too as it allows this constitutional experts. However, accountability will always arise if serving the law of two lands. people and thus, democracy. the US. person to draw experiences my lay person opinion on there is a conflict between the two Some in the governing process Moreover, Canada, the UK, from two jurisdictions when this is that although it is a countries involved (countries of may try to evade punishment by Beneficial to a Australia, and many more countries implementing laws and legal system with many loopholes, if dual citizenship). If such an issue merely taking shelter in the other around the world do not entirely processes. executed correctly, it will render arises, how shall someone with country if he is found guilty of certain extent suppress the involvement of It is also important to note that a great deal of support to the dual citizenship take decisions wrongdoing and as such, there dual citizens. Former Canadian having connections in another socioeconomic development of independently in the best interest of will be a lack of accountability. Gayal Kalatuwawa – Prime Minister John Turner country gives them access to the our country. The dual citizenship the country he is serving? I firmly believe that the love for Attorney-at-Law held office while retaining his political framework of that country, clause in itself would contribute New perspectives can be your country should come above I believe that allowing a dual British citizenship. Further, in thus enabling them to have clear to this development. I believe developed nowadays without everything else. That is what citizen to be involved in the the UK, a citizen from Ireland or dialogues with political heads from it is always wise to use systems being a dual citizen. International makes a great leader. government process can be both a Commonwealth country can these countries; this can be used for from other jurisdictions that have co-operation will not arise beneficial and detrimental to a contest for the UK Parliament our benefit, if used tactfully. been tried and tested, and who solely because someone in Not in line with certain extent as well. Therefore, if he/she holds UK citizenship better to do that than someone the governing process is a the legislature must prevent any simultaneously. Legislation who is literally a part of that dual citizen. International democracy act which can be harmful to the I believe that it is farfetched to jurisdiction? co-operation can be achieved country by allowing a dual citizen expect an expert in a certain field passed on a These decisions are always only via a strong democracy Buddika Priyantha – to be involved in the government to renounce his dual citizenship checked and balanced by the with strong international ties and product manager process. of the US, the UK, or any other whim executive and Members of good relationships with foreign There was a substantial One of the best examples for this developed country and the benefits Ali – software engineer Parliament. Thus, it might not be countries. court hearing to determine is the Constitution of the US, which that come with it to work for Sri a violation of the principles of Further, the rule of law should the citizenship of the current allows dual citizens to be involved Lanka, which is still a developing I believe electoral democracies democratic governance.

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behind these delays, yet many questions remain Light at... unanswered regarding the persisting power crisis. Meanwhile, President Rajapaksa last week As in practice for a long time, the CEB used raised concerns over the continuous delay in to purchase emergency power when there implementing renewable energy projects. was such a necessity (i.e. droughts, etc.) at He told the relevant authorities that plans comparably higher rates from private parties should be devised to meet 70% of the country’s and at the end of the day, it was the consumers electricity demand using renewable energy who had to pay the cost of the failures of those sources by 2030. in power. In a stern decision, the President emphasised In such a backdrop, Janatha Vimukthi that institutions with the authority to approve Peramuna (JVP)-affiliated Lanka Viduli Sewaka development projects should maintain feasibility Sangamaya (LVSS) last week said that there reports and that the approval process should be is no power shortage at present in the country, expedited, adding that if approval is sought for even though some experts allege that there is. a certain project, it should be granted within Speaking to The Sunday Morning, LVSS 14 days, and if it exceeds 14 days, it could be General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said the considered as a sign of approval. power sector issues were mainly due to the Moreover, the President said that if all the lack of proper policies within the country. projects selected through the tender process Highlighting the issues with regard to are not commenced within three months, the connecting renewable energy to the national license will be revoked. grid, he stressed that since 2016 renewable Last December, as reported by The Sunday energy was produced but couldn’t be connected Morning, then Minister of Power and Energy to the national grid due to the lack of space. said that over 700 “These people are saying there is a shortage, renewable energy projects, including both and once the production comes, they say there’s solar and wind, amounting to around 2,400 no space, which is an absolute joke,” Jayalal MW had been stalled since 2011 due to the said, adding that the country at present has vehement opposition from the CEB. enough power, including renewable energy, Accordingly, the approval of those projects and what is needed at present was a method to had been rejected by the CEB engineers on add this power to the national grid. the basis that there was not enough space in The private sector mostly came forward and the national grid to facilitate the new addition, started building more renewable energy plants The Sunday Morning learnt. including solar and wind, but the CEB had As the Minister explained, last year alone, a no proper plan to connect these and solve the total of 80 solar power projects were pending power shortage in the country, the LVSS alleged. approval from the CEB and the total capacity At present, Sri Lanka has thermal oil/coal, of the projects were around 463 MW, which hydro, and wind (very small amount) power was more than sufficient to fill the existing plants. Thermal oil is comparably much higher energy shortage in the power sector. than the other power plants while the cheapest is Likewise, since the last power plant, the hydropower, but a country cannot depend solely Norochcholai Coal Power Plant established on hydropower as it should have an alternative in 2013, no power plant has been established to face any drought condition. up to date. In the meantime, the solar power Therefore, thermal coal has become an option, project named “Soorya Bala Sangramaya”, but it is not environmentally friendly. As a which was launched in 2015, had not solved result, LNG power plants have become the the power crisis for reasons unknown to many. best option until there is a proper renewable Many alleged that there is an unseen hand energy platform in the country. the sunday morning 13 Sunday, September 20, 2020 FOCUS

BY SARAH HANNAN NUWARA ELIYA GOLF CLUB Gooneratne had further The once exclusive and principally constituted noted that calling for a Nuwara Eliya Golf Club SGM after spending an (NEGC) that was steeped unauthorised sum of in colonial traditions has allegedly been taken over by personnel who have Rs. 25,147,121, little to no regard for such as declared in the deep-seated traditions and SGM Notice itself, is constitutions which were proof that Rule 2(e) has followed for generations. been violated and the A handful of NEGC members purpose of the said recently shared an incident that has InIn thethe led to the unearthing of the misuse SGM is illegal of the club’s monies and breaking of a clause of the club’s rules and conditions to acquire movable held on 25 May 2019. assets/add new improvements to “The office bearers were the club, which had cost sums in appointed during the 25 August excess of Rs. 500,000. 2019 AGM, and in the agenda of As the members pointed out the AGM, they had craftily placed verbally, as well as through two the proposal of the construction written notices, capital expenditure of the 12 new rooms for the of Rs. 40.8 million and Rs. 7.037 roughrough NEGC. They wanted the House million, respectively, had been to approve the said plan and the borne by the club in 2019 without budget during the AGM. The approval being obtained by NEGC move was opposed by several members during a special general members, noting that it was not meeting. a matter that should be discussed According to NEGC member or sought approval for at an AGM Priath Fernando’s email and a and referred to Clause 2 (e).” Letter of Demand issued by Ranjan The members had corrected Gooneratne on 14 September, the them, noting that this needs to be NEGC Executive Committee had brought up at a SGM. Angered contradicted Rule 2 (e) of the rules Treasurer Sudath Kumara had and conditions of the club. allegedly barked that they only “To consider and retrospectively need the votes of approval for the approve and adopt the following conceptual plan and not for the resolutions in respect of capital money. Afterwards, the House expenditure for new items of had given their approval for the improvement to the fixed assets conceptual plan. of the club in terms of RULE 2(e) However, another member had of the Rules and Conditions of the cross-questioned the decision of Club,” the letters read. spending millions just after the As pointed out and quoted by Easter Sunday attacks and had both members pointed out that it is untimely to in their letters, discuss such capital expenditure Rule 2 (e) the club is to incur at a crucial dictates that time, without even having the “the General Rule 2 (e) yy The term of the committee is budget or capital expenditure assurance that the members would Committee shall retrospectively. one year and the AGM has that is marked over Rs. 500,000. renew their memberships, given not be empowered Gooneratne to be held before 30 April of Furthermore, due to the Easter the unsafe and unstable economic to incur had further every year Sunday attacks, the AGM for backdrop of the country at the expenditure, nor noted that Abeyewardene explained that the year 2019 had not convened time. raise liabilities by any calling for a a SGM is convened to pass a before 30 April and had been later Contd. on page 14 other method, of sum in SGM after excess of five hundred spending an thousand rupees to meet unauthorised the overall completed sum of Rs. cost of any new item of 25,147,121, as improvement to the fixed declared in the SGM and/or movable assets of Notice itself, is proof that Rule 2(e) the club, other than for the has been violated and the purpose replacement of, but not the of the said SGM is illegal. increase in quantity of any Gooneratne has remarked that existing assets of the club, being present at the AGM held without having first obtained on 15 August 2020, which was the approval of the members Letter sent from NEGC member Ranjan adjourned sine die as a SGM was in a special general meeting Gooneratne to all trustees not held to obtain the sanction (SGM)”. of the membership to approve In his email, Fernando has been used to acquire land to expenditure to be incurred in the further stated: “There is a grave construct the proposed 12 new construction of the proposed 12 danger to the membership that rooms, adding that no money can new rooms, confirmed that the using the retrospective option be spent as stated in Rule 2 (e) and minutes of 25 May 2019 presented to seek approval from therefore, such money cannot for confirmation at the AGM were the membership in this be approved under not in order. instance sets a bad precedent that could be Non-compliance by ExCo used by future committees A movement named the to completely disregard Nuwara Eliya Golf Club the need for accountability Defenders was formed and responsibility. This following the incident. Dian point needs to be taken Abeyewardene, a member very seriously.” of the movement, spoke It was further elaborated to The Sunday Morning to that this fundamental mistake give insights into the current was brought up at the annual situation of the club. general meeting (AGM) “The backlash the members held on 15 August 2020 and are now facing, following the after some feeble attempts at outing of the non-compliance justification, the meeting had by the Executive Committee, has been adjourned. The members reached an extent where they are Letter sent from General Committee to had noted that the minutes of the all members receiving death threats. I myself adjourned AGM have not been have lodged a complaint with circulated with the Notice of the the Nuwara Eliya Police, alerting SGM. that my life is in danger. Referring to Rule 2 (e), Moreover, when I wanted to Fernando has also noted that he, lodge a complaint against the after consulting legal opinion, financial fraud that is taking became aware that the Notice place, the Nuwara Eliya of the NEGC SGM, which he Police said that I should hand received and which requests over the case to the Criminal the members “to consider and Investigation Department retrospectively approve and (CID) as the sum was quite adopt the following resolutions considerable.” in respect of capital expenditure According to Abeyewardene: for new items of improvement yyIf a lease agreement is to to the fixed assets of the club in be signed, three committee terms of RULE 2(e) of the Rules members would be appointed and Conditions of the Club”, had to represent the NEGC to sign clearly violated Rule 2 (e). the lease agreement Therefore, the proposed resolutions to “retrospectively” yyIf any addition or extension or approve capital expenditure improvement of the club, or already incurred in excess of improvement of the assets that Rs. 500,000 were undoubtedly needs to be done in the NEGC not in compliance with the rules that would exceed a sum of Rs. of the NEGC. 500,000, shall not be approved Meanwhile, NEGC member by the committee without Gooneratne, in his Letter of the approval of the general Demand, has spelled out the membership that should be E-mail from NEGC member Priath project for which money had Fernando obtained during a SGM 14 the sunday morning POLITICS/FOCUS Sunday, September 20, 2020

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Thursday (24) will see Wijewardene travelling to Anuradhapura and To be or... Kandy to engage in religious He stressed that the call to This review committee has Ruwan down... observances and to meet with the change the system always comes to fulfil its responsibilities Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe will Sajith wishes Ruwan mahanayakes. from the South, but not from the within two months of the continue as the UNP Leader at least Meanwhile, Wijewardene’s North and East. Minister having referred the till the end of the year despite an appointment as the Deputy Leader UNP-SJB alliance At present, all nine PCs are report for its consideration and earlier announcement that he was and eventual succession as party Wijewardene had also said he not functioning as their terms thereafter submit its report to ready to resign and appoint a new leader saw many members of the was prepared to work with the SJB of office expired. The term of the President. Upon receipt leader. SJB congratulating him on his when it came to the activities in the office of the Southern PC ended of the report of the review “I will also compete for the party victory. Opposition. on 10 April; Western PC, 21 committee, the President shall, leadership in the future. The party Several SJB MPs have spoken “SJB members were originally April; Sabaragamuwa PC, 26 by proclamation forthwith, will continue with the present to Wijewardene and said they were from the UNP. Some of them have September 2017; Eastern PC, 30 publish the new number leadership for a few months, willing to meet for a discussion on been talking to me during the September 2017; North Central of electorates, boundaries, after which a new leader would the possibility of the SJB and UNP past few days and I am prepared PC, 1 October 2017; Central, and names assigned to each be selected,” Wijewardene told working together as an opposition to work with them in the future,” North Western, and Northern electorate so created in the journalists after being elected as the force inside and out of Parliament. Wijewardene said after engaging PCs, September 2018; and Uva report submitted by the review UNP Deputy Leader. SJB General Secretary MP in religious observances at the PC, 8 September this year. committee. “My only intention now is to Ranjith Madduma Bandara had Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple One of the major allegations Two years ago, then Local reorganise the party and bring back National Organiser also telephoned and wished last Tuesday (15). “My priority is levelled against the previous Government and Provincial the glory it enjoyed in the past. I Wijewardene. to bring back the UNP’s glory days Government was that it Councils Minister Faiszer will travel to every corner in the since Wijewardene’s appointment Madduma Bandara had then and give it a new outlook. I will deliberately delayed the PC Musthapha presented the country and reorganise the party,” as the new Deputy Leader of the handed the mobile phone to SJB have a dialogue with all concerned elections. Delimitation Report to he said. UNP, the party’s National Organiser Leader Premadasa, who had also to unite the party once more,” he As per the provisions of the Parliament, and it was debated He thanked the party leadership Dissanayake had cleared his office at been standing nearby. had added. Provincial Councils Elections in Parliament in August 2018. and the WC members who elected Sirikotha. Premadasa had congratulated Wijewardene had further told Act No. 2 of 1988, within one However, the report was him to the new post. “There was Dissanayake had cleared all his Wijewardene and said the two of the media that he would have a week of the dissolution of a defeated by the members a cordial discussion among the files and documents in the office them should meet up shortly for a discussion with Assistant Leader PC, the Election Commission of both the Government WC members to decide on the room on Tuesday (15). chat. Wijewardene had also agreed Karunanayake and get his support Chairman is required by law to and the Opposition. Then, a post but it was decided to go for a He had arrived with a few of his but they had not set up any dates for for the welfare of the party. publish a notice of his intention Review Committee headed vote at the end. There was a secret close associates to clear his room at a meeting in the immediate future. Meanwhile, the SJB is hopeful of to hold an election for that by then Prime Minister Ranil ballot but everything was done the party headquarters. Wijewardene meanwhile is in the striking an alliance with the UNP council, and this notice is to Wickremesinghe was appointed cordially. I have no issue with my Meanwhile, addressing the process of meeting with members without Wickremesinghe as its specify the period during which by the Speaker on 28 August contender and media soon after Wijewardene was of UNP-affiliated organisations Leader. nomination papers shall be 2018. I am looking forward to working elected Deputy Leader on Monday, and getting their proposals on party “In the eventuality that Ranil received by the returning officer However, as per the provisions with him to take the party to great Ranatunga also expressed his reforms before drawing up his final Wickremesinghe is no longer of each administrative district in of the Act, the report was to be heights,” he added. displeasure at the new appointment. plans. Leader, we hope that some mutual the province for which elections submitted within two months. Ranatunga said that he was During the weekend, Wijewardene understanding can be reached with are to be held. According to the provisions Wijewardene, indicating that his thoroughly disillusioned by the fact was scheduled to travel to the the SJB,” SJB Youth Wing Chairman But with the introduction of the Provincial Councils sole target was to reorganise the that the UNP’s leadership was being Matara District at the invitation of told The of the Provincial Councils Elections (Amendment) Act No. party, stated that he would not be passed down one family, making it a Upul Nishantha, who is opening Sunday Morning earlier last week. Elections (Amendment) Act No. 17 of 2017, after the Speaker filling the vacant National List slot fiefdom of a group of people. his party office in Matara. The new He added the UNP had not 17 of 2017, the entire system of appoints the review committee, of the UNP in Parliament. “I think I will stay out of UNP Deputy Leader is to also meet responded, despite unofficial talks. PC elections was changed as it there is no provision in the Act everything for a while,” he said with religious leaders in the Matara “There have been unofficial made it necessary to appoint a to extend the time given to the Navin clears out before leaving Sirikotha after the District during the visit. discussions but their party delimitation committee by the review committee to fulfil its Even before the lapse of 24 hours WC meeting. This Wednesday (23) and leadership doesn’t want to engage.” President within two weeks of duties. the commencement of that Act. In the meantime, the legality The delimitation committee of the committee chaired by Contd. from page 7 has to fulfil its responsibilities Wickremesinghe was also within four months of its questioned as he was removed documents belonging to the decision on whether to go ahead appointment and thereafter and reappointed within a period SLMC. This is especially so as with the TU action or not at its submit its report to the Minister. of 50 days. Dr. Atapattu’s tenure as the Acting executive committee meeting to be Subsections 11, 12,13, 14, and However, State Minister More twists... Assistant Registrar has ended and held on Thursday (24). 15 of Section 4 of the Act state Weerasekara stressed that the Allegations galore Atapattu’s tenure as Acting Assistant therefore he has no right to access “The Association is happy that the Minister shall, within Government had not yet decided In another letter written last week, Registrar of the SLMC ended on confidential documents of the about the decisions taken by the two weeks of the receipt of such on a date for the elections, but the GMOA levelled allegations 31 July 2019 (annexure – minutes SLMC, let alone share them with Health Minister, but it is currently report, table it in Parliament that it would definitely be held against SLMC’s former Acting of SLMC council meeting no. 587 outside parties,” the GMOA stated. monitoring the situation and whether for its approval by a two-thirds soon, as the holding of the PC Assistant Registrar, claiming that [decision] held on 23 March 2018 They also urged the Minister to the decision will be implemented as majority (including those not elections was a constitutional the GMOA was reliably informed and meeting no. 588 [confirmation ensure Dr. Atapattu’s involvement it is. present) voting in its favour. requirement. that Dr. Chandana Atapattu had met of minutes of meeting no. 587] held in any SLMC activities is curtailed “As of now, all concerns raised by If Parliament does not approve “We can’t hold the election an outside party with confidential on 27 April 2018). and that he doesn’t enter the SLMC the GMOA were discussed by the of the delimitation committee’s under the present Act, and it documents related to the Foreign “As there is a grave concern premises until a proper investigation Ministry,” he said, adding that the report in the manner prescribed takes some time. At present, Degrees Committee of the SLMC among the general public regarding is carried out so as to safeguard the committee appointed to look into the in Act No. 17 of 2017, the we are studying the PC system while misrepresenting himself as the the recognition of foreign degrees independence and confidentiality of SLMC would submit its report on Speaker has to appoint a review – whether the PCs are useful “current Acting Assistant Registrar” by the SLMC at present, it is the SLMC. 30 September and the GMOA would committee, which would consist for the country or whether of the Council long after his tenure unacceptable for Dr. Atapattu to Speaking to The Sunday Morning, give its fullest support towards the of five persons headed by the they are a burden to the central in the post ended. meet outside elements away from GMOA Secretary Dr. Fernando investigation carried out by the Prime Minister. government,” he added. As alleged by the Association, Dr. SLMC premises with confidential said the Association would take a committee at present. Contd. from page 13

proper approvals to acquire land and build from convening a SGM from the District over a SGM to get the capital expenditure the facilities that were agreed on, for Court, which also extended to stop the approved. which a budget was not approved.” committee from functioning. However, since this was discussed at the In the... While only one member of the NEGC “The stay order was taken to bar AGM, it was noted that they did not see a “Their explanation to take such a 2019, following the Easter Sunday attacks, who resided in Nuwara Eliya was aware the committee from tabling the capital need for them to come back for a SGM. decision at a crucial time was that there he had not been able to travel to Nuwara of the financial misappropriation that was expenditure the NEGC has incurred, The legal counsel had previously are insufficient accommodation spaces for Eliya. taking place, that member had remained which was to be retrospectively approved. advised the office bearers that since an the NEGC and that when members come “The AGM minutes should ideally have silent throughout the AGM. The member However, the judge had later declined AGM supersedes a SGM, items that are to from Colombo, they do not have lodging a record of the day’s proceedings and had been helpless as the other office to issue the stay order. We are yet to be be discussed at a SGM can be presented at facilities at the club. Therefore, they has to be proposed and seconded by two bearers continued to violate the club’s served summons, should the case be heard. an AGM, so that the general membership wanted to go ahead with the construction.” people who were physically present at the constitution. We are yet to see the judge’s orders, as he is also aware. Another member had then pointed out AGM. I was in no capacity to confirm the Abeyewardene and a few other has gone ex parte requesting investigations “We had received all the necessary that such a construction cannot take place minutes as I did not attend the AGM in members of the NEGC have now sought over the reports and to obtain a court approvals to continue the construction on land the club does not own outright, 2019.” legal counsel and filed cases with the order.” work form the Nuwara Eliya Municipality. which is on leasehold without three Nevertheless, this year, Abeyewardene CID, requesting to hold investigations At the time he noted that since the The lease agreement on the land that committee members signing the lease had made it to the AGM that was held on and for a forensic audit over the club’s committee was not issued summons and we were to build the new rooms and the agreement, to which the Treasurer had 15 August 2020 in the company of the financial records for the year 2019-2020, the committee learned that the judge had sewage treatment plant was expiring, so later nodded in agreement. President of the Royal Colombo Golf Club during which time this misappropriation declined to issue a stay order, the SGM is we had to renew the leasehold and start the Abeyewardene then revealed that after (RCGC). had taken place. Moreover, they have to convene on Saturday (yesterday, 19). construction in 2019.” the lapse of a year, the minutes of the “I walked in 10 minutes after the also requested to investigate the named The legal counsel for the committee has As the time for the 2020 AGM arrived, meeting were circulated for the next AGM. proceedings had commenced – that was office bearers who have spent millions of now advised the committee members to which the NEGC had to delay due to Since 25 May 2019 and 30 April 2020, at 6.10 p.m. The agenda for the AGM was rupees from the club’s funds to make cash convene the SGM and also to proceed with the travel restrictions imposed due to there has not been any communication on display on a widescreen and the House purchases and lease payments for assets tabling the capital expenditure that was the Covid-19 lockdown, the AGM was over the construction or the status of the had stopped at the confirmation of minutes that were illegally acquired during their incurred, which is to be retrospectively eventually held on 15 August 2020. conceptual plan. for the AGM that was held in 2019. It was time in office as well as for misleading approved. When the minutes of the 2019 AGM During the Covid-19 lockdown, the during this time that member of the NEGC the members to approve their plans and The conceptual drawings of the plan were read out and the confirmation of office bearers of the NEGC had circulated and Attorney-at-Law Ranjan Gooneratne meeting minutes through proxy. and the projected expenditure had been the minutes was proposed, the issue was a newspaper advertisement stating that brought out the violation of Rule 2 (e) as presented at the 2018 AGM when the raised over the capital expenditure for the terms of the office bearers were to be the NEGC office bearers had gone ahead Misunderstanding budget for the year was presented, and the 12 new rooms that were constructed, extended to 15 August 2020. and started the construction of the 12 new company by-laws during that AGM, two other items were which was passed without holding a “On 1 August, I was sent a WhatsApp rooms within the period of May 2019 and Providing the right of reply, The Sunday also included: The capital expenditure SGM. message from the Vice President, April 2020.” Morning contacted one of the standing that would have to be incurred for the Amidst objections, the matter had been indicating that the NEGC needed my Abeyewardene also pointed out that committee members, who under condition construction of the 12 new rooms and taken up for discussion at the AGM and proxy for the AGM on 15 August 2020. the members were unaware of the capital of anonymity, said: “The office bearers the capital expenditure for the sewage the AGM was adjourned, so that a SGM Over the next two days, I received the expenditure incurred to acquire land to holding office for year 2019-2020 of treatment plant that is to be installed at the could be called to get the committee to minutes for the previous year’s AGM build the new rooms, and even in the the NEGC decided to go ahead with premises. convene and the budgets that were spent to that was held on 25 May 2019 and 2019 Annual Report, the expenses had not the construction of the 12 new rooms Then when the Notice for the 2019 be discussed. proxy through courier, which I opened been reflected on the main balance sheet that would improve the accommodation AGM was circulated, there were 12 “At the time, it was the sensible thing and observed. It is only when there is but had been added as a footnote in small facilities at the club in good faith. agenda items, out of which items 10 to do as there was a bit of an agitation an election of office bearers that I say I lettering. Abeyewardene’s unfounded allegation and 11 were capital expenditures for the by a couple of members who thought the cannot attend or send anyone in my proxy “They had also not circulated the Annual against us and him convincing certain construction of the 12 new rooms and the SGM was necessary. At that point, there to vote.” Report on print but had sent it to all the members to side with him has given rise installation of a sewage treatment plant. was no legal counsel for the committee members on a compact disc (CD), which to unnecessary dispute among the club While these agenda items were read out present, and the committee decided to AGM 2020 I did not access. Therefore, I demanded a members.” loud at the 2019 AGM on 25 May, one of put the decision to a vote, which was a Abeyewardene explained to The Sunday print copy that was made available during The committee member said that the members stood up to say that it was an mistake made on the officer bearers’ and Morning that he could not go to Nuwara the AGM, which one of the office bearers Abeyewardene had no reason to complain excellent idea as the addition of the new the committee’s part.” Eliya for two AGMs: In 2018, he had been refused to share in order to purposely hide to the Nuwara Eliya Police Station or to rooms was very much welcomed, and said After this, the AGM had been adjourned after a heart surgery and had to rest, and the fact that funds had been used without obtain a stay order against the committee that the committee will have to convene to schedule a SGM. the sunday morning 15 Sunday, September 20, 2020 SPORTS

Views from former players got five, six in that game. We (Sri Lanka) beat West Indies in the first innings We played together for a long time. We in that match. I think he was a very good have a lot of good memories together. I bowler. In the 70s, I think he was the No. 1 would say Tony Opatha is a stalwart and a spearhead bowler we had. He had everything: legend. I can also say he helped the young Swing, seam, pace, everything that a (fast) players of the time immensely. I would rate bowler needs to have. He also had the appeal him very high as a fast bowler. He troubled and his height. In my opinion, he was very many fine Test batsmen of the time before good bowler. we (Sri Lanka) got Test status. He did a – Ashantha de Mel, Sri Lanka’s first yeoman service to Sri Lanka’s cricket. May Test fast-bowler he rest in peace! – , Sri Lanka’s second test Captain Yes, I kept wickets for his bowling. I played, in fact, during the latter stages of his career. What I can say is Tony Opatha was a very accurate, thinking bowler. He was not express fast. He had a great control, I remember. We have made several tours together. We went to South Africa also together. – Mahesh Gunathilaka, Sri Lanka’s first Test -keeper Tony Opatha played mainly in the 1970s. I had a little chance of seeing him towards Tony Opatha’s funeral took place last Sunday the tail-end of his career. I watched him in (13) at the Borella Cemetery, Colombo. In the picture is his wife Sandy, daughter, and In the 1975 India one of the games where he bowled against cheerleader Percy Abeysekera paying their last tour of Sri Lanka, the West Indies at the Oval. I remember he respects to Tony Gundappa Viswanath is dropped by off the bowling of Tony Opatha Tony Opatha career highlights yy Opatha captained wickets (30.74) while of 13 overs helping Sri St. Peter’s College, scoring 790 runs at Lanka bowl out the Colombo in 1967. 17.17. His first-class Caribbeans for a paltry That year, he took career spanned from 119 runs in the first seven wickets in their 1969 to 1983 while his innings Big Match against ODI career spanned yy Opatha’s best innings St. Joseph’s College, from 1975 to 1979 with the bat came in the Colombo, guiding St. yy Opatha took six for 91 same year as he scored Peter’s to victory Tony Opatha was a in a drawn unofficial 61 runs, his highest yy He first played his club Test against Pakistan score in the first-class cricket for Saracens in Lahore in 1974. It career, against India in SC. Later he played is recorded as his best an unofficial test played for CCC, SSC, and Sri first-class bowling in Hyderabad Lanka Air Force. He figures per an innings yy Opatha earned a stalwart, a legend also played club cricket, yy His most talked-about rare distinction to be later in his career, in performance came named as the best fast- both Ireland and the at the Colombo Oval bowler the Pakistan – Duleep Mendis Netherlands against the West batting legend and Former Sri Lanka cricketer Tony Opatha, who played the apartheid South Africa under Africa – AROSA). Yet on record, yy Opatha had played five Indies in 1975. There International Cricket for the country in the 1970s mainly as an opening fast- incumbent skipper Bandula Opatha has declared that he was ODIs and took five he took 4/35 – the Council (ICC) Hall of bowler, passed away on 11 September aged 73. Warnapura. not the main orchestrator of the wickets (average of wickets were those of Famer, Zaheer Abbas, He named the Sri Lanka team Rebel Tour but only one of the 36.00) while scoring Roy Fredericks, Alvin had ever faced, as is Yet, Anthony “Tony” Ralph cricket, chiefly for masterminding “AROSA Sri Lanka” for that main organisers of it. His funeral only 29 runs. He played Kallicharran, Viv mentioned in Abbas’ Marinon Opatha has always the controversial 1982-83 Rebel tour using part of his initials took place last Sunday (13) at the 39 first-class matches Richards, and skipper autobiography “Zed” been in the annals of the island’s Tour where Sri Lanka toured to (Anthony Ralph Opatha South Borella Cemetery. on record taking 111 Clive Lloyd – in a spell Carlsen’s greatest predecessor is (briefly) back! was held to a draw and then got smashed in the After an early exchange of queens, Carlsen “tried to be too precise” with 31...Rf7. Kasparov second game – but as far as hardcore chess fans slowly outmanoeuvred Kasparov to gain a clear immediately played 32.Re3 and then showed are concerned, the “Reykjavik Rapid 2004” is the endgame advantage. Just as it seemed that the great endgame technique to escape with a chess equivalent of Wimbledon 2001. World Champion was cruising to victory, he decided draw. 32…Bxe2 33.Rxe5+ Kd6 34.Rxe2 So when it was recently announced that Kasparov to spend five minutes considering the following Rxf4 35.Ke3 Rg4 36.Rd2+ Ke6 37.Rc2 would make a cameo appearance at the “The position. Rxg5 38.Rc7 Rb5 39.Rxh7 Rxb2 40.a4 a5 Champions Showdown: Chess 9LX”, there was a great 41.h4 Rb4 42.Rh6 Kf7 43.h5 gxh5 44.Rxh5 deal of excitement among chess fans worldwide, b6 45.Re5 ½-½ (57). Kasparov’s best win because it meant that the two greats will eventually THE CHESS came against the 17-year-old Alireza Firouzja. meet in an official event for the first time since 2004. Incredibly, the 57-year-old former World The much-anticipated tournament, an online rapid CORNER Champion managed to trick the youngster, event, was held last week. by Dulan Edirisinghe arguably the slipperiest customer in the circuit. Chess 9LX is just a fancy name for Fischer Random/960 chess, where the random placement of back-rank pieces reduces the role of book openings. Firouzja-Kasparov For the Kasparov-Carlsen encounter in Round 2, the After 38...Kxf7 computer picked this starting position. Now all of a sudden, the black g-pawn is unstoppable (39.gxh4 g3 40.Re2 Nf4). After 39.Re2 hxg3 40.Rg2 Kf6! 41.Rxg3 Kxf5, the black king simply escorts the g-pawn on its victory march. “The Norwegian Wonderkind vs. the 42.c5 Kf4 43.Rd3 g3 44. Rxd4+ Ke3 45.Rh4 Beast of Baku” Reykjavik Rapid 2004 Nf2 46.Rh7 g2 0-1. Carlsen and Nakamura emerged joint winners Pete Sampras and Roger Federer clashed only the chess world of some enthralling battles between of the event by scoring 6/9 each while Kasparov once competitively, at the 2001 Wimbledon, when the two highest rated players of all time. The finished the tournament on a very respectable the Swiss upstart prevailed in a classic five-setter. “Reykjavik Rapid 2004” marked the only occasion 3.5/9. If not for a mini slump he suffered following While it wasn’t the exact moment the torch was the two greats went head to head over the board. Firouzja-Kasparov an unfortunate mouse slip (“it’s not me, it’s the passed – it took a few more years for the Swiss There was an element of fate as “The Norwegian After 34...h4 computer”) which denied him a certain win against maestro to win his first major and establish himself Wonderkind vs. the Beast of Baku” dream pairing Carlsen played 31...Rf7 here after a long With 34...h4!, Kasparov invited his young Fabiano Caruana, his overall standing (eighth) as the best – this historical encounter still evokes a was only made possible due to Kasparov finishing thought opponent to win an exchange. Alireza obliged. would have been much better. Outplaying the great deal of nostalgia among tennis fans. second and Carlsen 15th in the preceding Blitz Here, the simple 31...Bxe2 32.Kxe2 followed 35.Be4+ Ke6 36.f5+ Kxe5 37.Bd5+ Kf6 world number two, tricking a youngster 40 years Garry Kasparov’s retirement in 2005, when tournament. The fresh-faced kid couldn’t emulate Kasparov-Carlsen by either 32…exf4 or 32…Rxf4 would have 38.Bxf7 Kxf7. his junior, and a déjà vu-inducing rant blaming the Magnus Carlsen was just a 14-year-old, deprived Federer – he pressed Kasparov with white but The “random” starting position given black great winning chances. But Carlsen, computer. Not a bad outing for a 57-year-old retiree!

in the minds of the local community in Kandy. Two Kandy servants Decades after their passing away, Dr. C.D.L. Fernando of sports remembered is one and the other is M.E. Marikar. Both of them are worth remembering. z Dr. C.D.L. Fernando and M.E. Marikar Dr. Fernando was the first Bradby Captain of Royal BY HAFIZ MARIKAR IN KANDY College, Colombo, who was also a fine cricketer, Marikar was the first St. footballer, athlete, boxer, Sylvester’s College, Kandy cadet, and later an ardent cricketer to have played club sports promoter. He passed cricket. He too was also away on 22 September PRINT MEDIA PARTNER a top footballer, sticker, 1987. This year marks his athlete, boxer, and cadet. 33rd death anniversary. He was also a well-known Dr. C.D.L. Fernando M.E. Marikar Memories of the two still sports promoter as well as a 24 years ago. of sport: These two, one remain in the hearts and sportswriter. Marikar passed Remembering two top a Royalist and the other a minds of the Kandy sports away on 19 September 1996, sportsmen and promoters Sylvestrian, are still fresh lovers. Sunday,sports September 20, 2020 ‘Agale’ is remembered z Sampath Agalawatta’s 29th death anniversary One week left

The 29th August signified the From friends, second death anniversary of Sampath teammates... “Agale” Agalawatta, our Captain, for final verdict teammate, friend, and colleague. ◼ Sampath, we can talk about him for He would have celebrated his 55th hours and hours. A true friend and a z Bangladesh z SLC-health z LPL not birthday on 7 September. gentleman – Chiranjaya Nanayakkara Sampath was a very helpful person ◼ Words are not enough to describe this series ‘almost’ officials talks affected to everyone who knew him and he amazing personality – Mahil Kuragama went to extraordinary lengths to help ◼ An eternal memory to a special human called off enter last week though out anyone in need. I know how much being. Sampath was an inspiration to he did for his parents, lovingly looking me and it was a remarkable experience after them when they were indisposed, to play under his captaincy – Keemal BY REVATHA S. SILVA Won’t affect LPL Ousmand and the many sacrifices he made Will the present quarantine rules of defined who he was: An unwavering ◼ "Agale”, you have been a great friend and With the deadline of the finalisation of the series fast the local health sector affect the Lanka supporter of his family. Captain. We all miss you dearly – Harith approaching, the country’s only possible bilateral home Premier League (LPL), to be held Goonewardena series remaining this year, the three-match Test series from 14 November to 6 December? Winner of Dornhorst Prize ◼ Sampath was a gem of a friend, liked by against Bangladesh, is highly unlikely to get off, a well- Each of the five franchises/teams We all know that “Agale” was a all. He was always there to help you in can have up to six foreign players times of need – Duminda Senaratne placed (SLC) source told The Sunday sportsman par excellence. He excelled Morning Sports on Friday (18). who will also need to undergo Sri in rugby, athletics, and basketball, Lanka’s quarantine laws applicable obtaining colours in all those sports, players “Agale” idolised was the great The stringent health guidelines will have to postpone it,” the senior to all foreign visitors in the coming and the icing on the cake was winning J.P.R. Williams of Wales. I know he stipulated by the local health SLC official said on Friday. months. the Dornhorst Memorial Prize in fashioned his own jinxing sidesteps by authorities are not satisfying the “The Bangladeshi officials won’t “We have already informed 1983, which is awarded to the “Most watching videos of “JPR” in action, Bangladeshi Cricket Board (BCB), like 14 days of quarantine. They possible overseas players of the LPL Popular Student” at Royal College. over and over again. and if SLC is unable to find an are happy only with seven days of to let us know whether they would The award is made based on a vote Sampath Agalawatta “Agale” left behind his family; alternative within this week, the quarantine here. Therefore, we asked like to undergo 14 days of quarantine of the student’s peers and teachers, Dilhani, Samali (completing her tour that is tentatively scheduled from our health officials whether they and asked them to inform us about and “Agale” was second to none in Emulated ‘JPR’ degree programme in business for later next month, will have to (the Bangladesh tour party) can spend their availability only if they agree that year. I had the good fortune of playing management at Monash, Malaysia), be called off, it is learnt. seven days of quarantine there (in to do so. Therefore, there won’t be We can talk about him for hours and U-9 rugby with “Agale”, both at Samal (completing his advanced Bangladesh) and the next seven days any problem for the LPL,” he said. hours; a true friend and a gentleman. Royal and on various playgrounds diploma in hospitality management), No ‘split quarantine’ here. Our authorities are not agreeing He further added that although His humble nature and kindness in Thimbirigasyaya. Even in those and Sahan (in grade nine at Royal). He possible too to that option also. So I don’t think the Bangladesh Test series is in a touched the hearts of many people early days, “Agale” had a deceptive also left behind his brothers Dhammika “This will be the final week. If we there will be any difference in the dire situation, arrangements are on across society. He has left this world sidestep that baffled not only those on and Manjula, and their families. May can’t arrive at a final decision before proceedings in the next seven days at “a very exciting phase” for the too early but his memory will live in the opposing team but sometimes also he rest in peace! at least the 25th of this month, we too,” the above official explained. organisation of the LPL. our hearts forever. his teammates. One of the international Jehan CanagaRetna Ever thought of ‘body language’ in tennis? forward. It has been scientifically proven, no sense at all and is self-defeating. Choosing wastes the energy of the player, which can conclusively, that the body of the player sends a negative body language is like choosing to be put to better use in the match. Thirdly, in a Dinith messages to the brain. These messages then play without your racquet. close match, this particular attribute can start Pathiraja affect the competitiveness of the player, either to grate on the spectators and the umpire, who positively or negatively. Your projection towards could then “turn against” the player. All these ON COURT Whilst, scientifically, it is affecting your the opponent are unnecessary complications which can easily performance on court, it also affects your Players going into a match need to be armed be avoided by simply pumping yourself up and opponent. If the opponent thinks that the with the best possible tools in every respect. projecting a positive body language without player is frustrated, anxious, or fearful, it will Not only the equipment, even the things you overdoing it, that too to your own detriment. “He just didn’t look as if he was going to win automatically affect the opponent’s performance wear and your tennis preparation too are equally the match”, “he never looked as if he wanted and give the opponent confidence to perform important. What is also important is your Nadal’s 2017 example to fight”, “he never made me feel confident better. Therefore, if the body language is projection towards the spectators, as well as When Rafael Nadal won his third US Open that he was in the match to win”. These are negative, it will be a double whammy for your opponent. This is also equally, if not title in 2017, he did so by defeating Kevin statements which all tennis spectators have the player. more, important than all of the above attributes. Anderson in straight sets – 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 – while heard hundreds of times after matches. To maximise your effects gained from your hitting 30 winners and only 11 unforced errors. All these statements denote the impressions Why choose a negative body body language, it is very important for the Nadal appeared calm throughout this Grand the spectators derived from “looking” at the language players to learn “emotional control”. This aspect Slam final and seemed to have won the match player or by simply watching the match. So, Most players, junior and senior, are aware of of tennis, which is very neglected, should be quite convincingly. in this situation, what has the spectator seen? the importance of positive self-talk. But very given more attention by the players as well But after the match, he said: “No, I was not What has made them come up with such few players are really aware of the importance as the coaches. calm. I was nervous, but all body language statements? They have deduced these attitudes of body language. The most important thing is that is not (showcased) in a positive way is by simply seeing how the players “conducted” that body language is a choice which is under Overdoing things stupid, because it’s going against you. (It) is themselves on court, or by seeing the “body your control. Body language is not controlled As soon as the player wins a point, he or she one of the things that I tried to do all my life… He looked calm but, in fact, language” of the player. by your opponent, the umpire, line judges, shouts “come on” at the top of his/her voice, body language helps me, not go against me, he was not: After winning the 2017 US Open men’s singles spectators, or the match’s circumstances. showing a clenched fist at the opponent and because (body language) is one of the things that final against Kevin Anderson, Body sending messages to brain Also, most importantly, other factors which dragging it out as long as the player can do depends just on me, and not on the opponent.” apparently convincingly, What is the scientific basis for these affect a match – like the weather conditions so. Firstly, this is against the rules of tennis, as These are sound words of advice from a Rafael Nadal conceded that he observations? Is there any such basis for these or even the surface – have no bearing on showing a clenched fist straight at the opponent world champion. If it is good enough for him, intentionally hid all his “negative body language” during what he observations at all? This is an important point your body language. In these circumstances, is not encouraged in the game of tennis. it SHOULD be good enough for us. Our young called a “nervous” encounter to understand whilst taking this conversation choosing “a negative body language” makes Secondly, such an action unnecessarily juniors would do well to emulate these words.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 ARE CONCESSIONAL LOANS REALLY ‘CONCESSIONAL’? »SEE PAGE 7

WHY SRI LANKANS AIM LOW »SEE PAGE 3 Sunday, September 20, 2020 businessCRIB to update

W.K.H. Wegapitiya Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya Prof. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan credit data daily z New Credit Bureau System in testing z Set for Q1 2021 launch Trade policy BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR The Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka (CRIB) is testing a new Credit Bureau committee System (CBS) with the capacity to update credit data on a daily basis, with the aim of launching it by the first quarter of 2021. finalised Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, CRIB General Manager z 23 members z Business, health, and Nandi Anthony stated that the selected legal representation CBS would be a state-of-the-art system with advanced features and BY MADHUSHA of 23 members has been sent Cabinet of Ministers on 1 added that it is currently at the User THAVAPALAKUMAR to Secretary to the President August 2017, under the Acceptance Testing (UAT) stage. Dr. P.B Jayasundera by former Government, by the The new system, once An expert committee Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula then Ministry of Development implemented, will replace the which includes University Gunawardana. The list is most Strategies and International existing CBS, which has been in of Colombo Prof. Lalithasiri likely to be approved by the Trade. The 2017 policy was to use since 2008. The need for a new Gunaruwan, Government President early this week. provide guidance on, among system arose due to the limitations According to the CRIB, following accurate and consistent insight to the financial health of lending Medical Officers’ Association The expert committee other things, foreign direct of the existing system and the need the installation of the new system the credit worthiness and risk level institutions. (GMOA) President Dr. will be headed by retired investments (FDIs), capacity to introduce advanced products and next year, customers who make a attached to a borrower. The scores Anthony added that the CRIB Anuruddha Padeniya, Supreme Court Judge Justice building, trade enhancement features in keeping with developed loan payment mid-month won’t are generated by feeding the credit does not blacklist any borrower, and Laugfs Holdings Ltd. Saleem Marsoof. Apart from in and outside of the region, credit markets. have to wait until the month-end for data of borrowers to an algorithm. adding that it simply provides credit Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya the aforementioned four and access to international Accordingly, the new system their credit record to be updated, as “The score is dynamic and it can be data to facilitate credit. He stated is set to be appointed this members, the committee will markets. would be able to collect more data the new system would be capable improved. Borrowers can negotiate that the CRIB does not provide any week to formulate a new also include Central Bank of Nevertheless, it has been including non-traditional data such of updating even on a daily basis. better credit terms with their score lending decision or limit through national trade policy. Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor reported that the 2017 as telco, utilities, and insurance data. The CRIB recently introduced a and even use it as reputational their reports and that the lending The committee will Prof. W.D. Lakshman, policy was not formulated Faster processing speeds, higher credit score called the CRIB Score collateral. Not everybody will have decision is entirely the responsibility comprise a total of 23 officials People’s Bank Chairman in consultation with the capacity, storage, and advanced to its member lending institutions traditional collateral such as land of the lending institution. and consult all sectors in Sujeewa Rajapakse, and Dr. industries, thereby failing to products and features are some of and the general public. The CRIB and buildings. Even people who “If the overall default rates of the the formulation of the new Harsha Cabral PC. achieve its desired results. the key benefits that are expected Score is expected to revolutionise have never borrowed will be able to country were at 5%, then this means national trade policy. According to Wickrema, Considering the need for from the new system. the financial services industry, with apply for a loan once non-traditional that 95% of the borrowers would have A cabinet proposal said that the committee will consult another policy, Minister Dr. “For example, the current system a range of benefits to borrowers, data is collected and fed to the score enjoyed, benefitted, and serviced their a new policy was required as with representatives of all Gunawardana had made a is processing 10 million records per lenders, and even regulators. This algorithm,” he noted. credit comfortably,” he noted. the National Trade Policy that sectors in the country and proposal to the Cabinet to month; the new system is capable of credit score initiative will also The score is also expected to The CRIB is the first credit was drafted three years ago obtain their input, following appoint an expert committee doing that in a day. New products enhance the Ease of Doing Business enhance the credit and risk evaluation bureau in the South Asian region was not formulated properly. which a report will be representing all the relevant such as alerts and new features such Index of our country and help processes of lending institutions, established 30 years ago by the Media Secretary to the compiled initially detailing parties to formulate a new as an advanced Business Intelligence improve and maintain the stability of providing faster access to credit, Credit Information Bureau of Sri Ministry of Trade Mahesh the existing issues in the national trade policy. The (BI) tool, capable of better analytics, the financial system of our economy. whilst the score can also act as an Lanka Act No. 18 of 1990, as Wickrema told The Sunday industries. A National Trade proposal was approved on 2 will also be available with this new The CRIB Score is a number early warning tool which can be amended by Acts No. 8 of 1995 Morning Business that the list Policy was approved by the September 2020. system,” he added. between 250 and 900 providing an used by regulators when monitoring and No. 42 of 2008. SL builds first boat launching pad Litro profits up

BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR told The fisheries harbours. Nevertheless, Boat and shipbuilding is a Sunday Morning Business that these launching pads are not leading industry that contributes Sri Lanka’s first-ever boat the launching pad is likely to be capable of accommodating larger a significant share of the export despite lower price launching pad outside a fisheries completed either by the end of this vessels, given that roads leading basket. Export earnings recorded harbour is expected to be year or early next year as a public- to these launching pads are often from this sector saw a remarkable BY UWIN LUGODA amount of $ 1.58 million to constructed in Beruwala, with the private partnership (PPP) project. narrow. growth of $ 65.43 million last year, Sahamitr Pressure Container approval for the construction given “The estimated cost of the The absence of a launching from $ 26.73 million the previous Litro Gas Lanka has Public Co. Ltd. by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. launching pad is Rs. 100 million pad outside a harbour has long year. reported a growth in their Metal Mate is the A launching pad is a ramp on the as of now. Design and construction been a hindrance to Sri Lanka’s Japan was the biggest boat and profit before tax (PBT) to leader in manufacturing shore by which ships or boats can work would be handed over to boatbuilding industry as, most ship-exporting destination of Sri Rs. 1.2 billion Year-To-Date pressurised gas containers in be moved to and from the water. It the Sri Lanka Navy. We already times, fishing boats are given Lanka with over $ 58 million worth (YTD), a growth of 2% Thailand. Sahamitr Pressure is used for building and repairing requested the Navy to design the priority over other vessels to use the of vessels being exported to the compared to the full-year Container is a Bangkok- ships and boats. launching pad,” Samaraweera launching pad. Upon construction country last year; this was followed 2019 PBT, which is likely based internationally State Minister of Warehouse stated. of the launching pad, vessels by revenue of $ 1.34 million in to increase to 10% by the recognised manufacturer Facilities, Container Yards, Port According to Samaraweera, manufactured for export purposes that regard from Thailand, $ 0.94 end of the year, according of LPG cylinders for the Supply Facilities, and Boats and at the moment, Sri Lanka has would be given priority, the State million from the UK, and $ 0.73 to Litro Gas Chairman/CEO global market. Shipping Industry Development launching pads only inside its Minister noted. million from Seychelles. Anil Koswatte. Litro Gas Chairman/CEO Koswatte stated that from Speaking to The Sunday Anil Koswatte the days of Shell Gas in Morning Business, he said Laugfs Gas accounts for the 1995 to when Litro Gas that this profit growth was remaining 24%. was established in 2010, achieved despite a Rs. 240 Litro Gas Lanka was new cylinders known as reduction of their prices, also awarded a contract “new issues” are added First state-owned mega from Rs. 1,733 last year to for the supply of empty to the market every year, Rs. 1,493 this year. metal cylinder containers which is seen as a market “We are expected to see for liquid petroleum gas development initiative that Rs. 1.5-2 billion during the (LPG) for the year 2020. builds the customer base. year, after tax, despite the The awarding of this “We give this at a mall in November fact that when compared contract was approved by nominal cost to the BY THE SUNDAY MORNING BUSINESS DESK National Paper Co. Ltd., and Sri positively and we are working on 2018 Ministry of Finance Annual to last year, our prices the Cabinet of Ministers customer. Therefore, this Lanka Telecom (SLT). getting others too,” the spokesperson Report, which also showed that the have reduced. We have on 9 September and was contract benefits both Litro “Raja Vaasa”, a shopping A spokesperson from the Ministry added. Depending on the success of main 54 state-owned enterprises managed to make a profit proposed by Prime Minister Gas and the customer in complex owned and managed by of Trade stated that at the moment, an this shopping complex, the Ministry made a net loss amounting to Rs. while giving our consumers Mahinda Rajapaksa in his the form of an economic the Government, is set to open its abandoned building on the premises expects to launch a similar shopping 26,070 million. a great economic benefit,” capacity as the Minister of benefit.” first branch at the premises of the is being renovated for this purpose complex in Pettah that thousands In 2018, the total revenue generated he said. Finance. Sri Lanka reportedly Narahenpita Economic Centre in and as of last week, about 80% of of people can visit every day for by 54 state-owned business enterprises The Rs. 240 reduction The awarding includes the needs approximately 700, November this year, The Sunday the work was completed. shopping purposes. (SOBEs) amounted to Rs. 1,916.02 in gas prices came on 4 supply of 22,000, 105,056, 000 new cylinders per Morning Business learns. The spokesperson added that The project will then continue billion, of which 37 SOBEs recorded October 2019, after the and 1,260 cylinders, annum. The shopping complex would through this, the Ministry aims to to open shopping complexes in all a net profit amounting to Rs. 130.66 Government agreed on the respectively, under the Litro Gas has revenue comprise showrooms by state- provide goods and services at a the districts in Sri Lanka, offering billion while 16 SOEs reported net reduction following the categories of 2.3 kg, 12.5 of over Rs. 45 billion. owned institutions that can trade concessional rate to consumers. state-owned institutions’ goods and losses amounting to Rs. 156.73 recommendations by the kg, and 37.5 kg for an The company was initially goods and services, such as the Sri “We spoke to several state services under one roof, making it billion. In the overall context, SOBEs Cost of Living Committee. amount of $ 2.18 million bought over from Shell Gas Lanka Tea Board, Sri Lanka Cashew institutions to come onboard and convenient to both the customer and recorded a loss amounting to Rs. 26 Koswatte stated that their to M/s Metal Mate Co. by the state in a process Corporation, State Pharmaceuticals provide goods and services at a low the institutions. billion arising from the loss of Rs. market share has grown to Ltd., as well as the supply to reverse the privatisation Corporation (SPC), Sri Lanka rate compared to their rates outside State-owned institutions’ losses 104 billion recorded by the Ceylon 76% in 2020 from 75% last of 117,040 cylinders under process which had preceded Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation, the complex. Most of them responded doubled in 2018, according to the Petroleum Corporation (CPC). year. The privately owned the category of 5 kg for an it. 2 the sunday morning business NEWS Sunday, September 20, 2020 Vallibel expands to Sri Lanka Tourism Kohuwala and relocates to conduct tourist driver training Piliyandala branch programmes islandwide

Sri Lanka Tourism and Training schedule Chairperson Kimarli Fernando Vocational Training NO. DATE TARGETED MAIN TRAINING shared. Authority (VTA) signed TOURISTIC AREAS LOCATION The Sri Lanka Tourism an agreement last week Development Authority to train drivers involved 1 7-9 Oct. Negombo/ Negombo (SLTDA) in collaboration with in the tourism industry the VTA will conduct several 2 14-16 Oct. Colombo/Kalutara Narahenpita training sessions for tourist which will enable training Dambulla Dambulla programmes to be drivers in targeted touristic conducted islandwide 3 21-23 Oct. Galle/Weligama/Mirissa/ Ahangama areas such as Negombo, Chilaw, to tourist drivers to Hikkaduwa Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, 4 4-6 Nov. Kataragama/Yala Hambantota enhance their skills and Kataragama, Yala, Kandy, Ella, Vallibel Finance Kohuwala and Piliyandala branches get suitable employment 5 11-13 Nov. Kandy Peradeniya Nuwara Eliya, and Bandarawela opportunities both locally from 7 October to 20 November Vallibel Finance made to a vast number customer by understanding and overseas since tourist 6 18-20 Nov. Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela Nuwara Eliya 2020 which will provide them an announced that it unveiled of people. The two new their specific need and drivers play a pivotal immense opportunity to enhance a new branch in Kohuwala, branches will be able to thereby catering accurately role in contributing to The VTA was established on network with 186 Vocational their knowledge. a region famous as Sri broaden our offerings, with our well-planned the tourism industry in 16 August 1995 with the intent of Training Centres (VTC), 22 VTA Chairman Damitha Lanka’s largest vehicle hub, enhancing the quality and products and services. transporting tourists, providing skills for employment. District Vocational Training Wickramasinghe shared: “Te while its Piliyandala branch speed of service which Sri We are extremely proud ensuring their safety and Currently, the VTA is operating Centres (DVTC), and eight Vocational Training Authority was also relocated. Lanka know us for,” said to be able to introduce comfort. as the largest vocational training National Vocational Training approximately trains 35,000 Managing Director Rangamuwa said, speaking yet another location in Institutes (NVTIs); it previously youths annually in 1,600 different Jayantha Rangamuwa at the ceremony. Kohuwala to our ever- had just 31 VTCs in 1995. programmes in 22 various graced the occasion of “Our corporate expanding branch network “We reached out to the trade sectors and we are happy the inaugural ceremony mandate is to make and relocate our Piliyandala Vocational Training Authority to partner up with Sri Lanka and declared open the two available our services in branch to a strategic and are very pleased to sign Tourism on this initiative.” branches to the public the most approachable location,” he added. this agreement that will Furthermore, the training is a amidst a distinguished and reachable manner to Vallibel Finance deals now enable our industry four-day programme (20 hours) gathering of loyal customers our customers. At every primarily in leasing, fixed stakeholders to have easy and the cost per person is Rs. and well-wishers. instance, we strive to deposits, gold loans, group access to trainings islandwide. 5,000. At the end of the training, “We have a great provide financial solutions personal loans, mortgage Tourism driver training is a joint certificate will be issued relationship in Kohuwala in the most creative and loans, education loans, auto the first step taken in this by the SLTDA and VTA to the and Piliyandala, bringing innovative ways that suit drafts, and microfinance regard and VTA’s wide branch participant. financial solutions tailor- the requirement of the products. network is very valuable and For more information on their expertise in training will the tourist driver training support our strategic action programme please log on to: Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kimarli Fernando and VTA Chairman plan to support the SME www.vtasl.gov.lk/program/ Damitha Wickramasinghe segment,” Sri Lanka Tourism program-details. SL among 3 countries GDP to contract -5.8% in 2020: First Capital with greatest external First Capital Research (FCR) of payments) deficit in 2020E. risks: Moody’s estimated that Sri Lanka’s However, in the wake of 2021E, Credit pressures are Moody’s pointed out in its foreign currency debt,” the GDP would see its steepest foreign debt raising becomes likely to increase for some report titled “Sovereigns – report adds. contraction in history of critical while at the same governments with large Global: Global risk appetite The external debt -5.8% in 2020 following the time it’s likely to be a major dollar-denominated debt recovery supports emerging repayments for these three unexpected contraction in Q1 challenge.” repayments, with Sri Lanka market funding; liquidity nations through the entirety GDP growth of -1.6%. It notes that foreign reserves (B2 review for downgrade), strains to persist for lowest- of 2020 are double the Amidst the lack of demand are under pressure as Sri Lanka’s along with Turkey (B2 rated sovereigns” released projections of Moody’s for credit, import restrictions, financial gap surges while other negative) and Ukraine (B3 yesterday (14). for year-end foreign and the slowness in recovery of foreign currency borrowing stable), being at greatest “Over the remainder of exchange reserves. On top consumer demand, GDP growth options are also limited. risk. 2020, external pressures of these external pressures, would turn positive only by Q4 FCR expects the Government “Sri Lanka has $ 1.0 – which for many these governments’ debt 2020, FCR notes in its Mid-Year to raise about $ 5 billion for billion in international non-investment-grade burdens are most sensitive Outlook 2020 released yesterday 2020 compared to the $ 6 bonds to repay in October. sovereigns were already to further local currency (15). billion of foreign currency The Government has significant prior to the depreciation, as around half It forecasts a W-shaped repayments. It is estimated secured $ 1.2 billion in current economic shock of outstanding government recovery as opposed to a that out of the $ 5 billion likely external financing from – will increase for some debt is denominated in V-shaped recovery as GDP to be raised for 2020, the China Development Bank governments with large foreign currency, it notes, growth may continue to be a Government has already raised (A1 stable), along with a dollar-denominated debt adding that further currency struggle at 2.8% in 2021. or secured $ 2.4 billion during $ 400 million swap line repayments. Weaker reserve depreciation raises the local “Considering the heavy CBSL the first seven months of 2020. from the Reserve Bank adequacy will constrain currency cost of servicing (Central Bank of Sri Lanka) Therefore, foreign reserves are of India, both of which central banks’ monetary external debt. holding volume and inevitable expected to dip to $ 6 billion by bolster foreign exchange policy flexibility. It could Moody’s placed Sri relaxation of import restrictions, December 2020. reserves. Nevertheless, also spark greater local Lanka’s B2 rating on economy may showcase a Debt repayment for 2021 weaker dollar inflows currency depreciation, rating watch for possible currency spike followed by an It adds that overall trade 2021E once restrictions are is estimated to surge past Rs. from subdued tourism and raising the cost of downgrade in mid-April, interest rate spike, resulting in contraction and extended lifted. 3 trillion as debt to GDP is textile receipts are likely to imports and increasing following the outbreak of another shock to the economy import restrictions may improve “Lack of FDI (foreign expected to exceed 100%. In keep reserves low through governments’ fiscal risks, the Covid-19 pandemic in which may prevent a V-shaped current account to a marginal direct investment) and limited fact, debt to GDP for 2020E is the remainder of 2020,” given the high levels of the island. recovery while inducing a W surplus, but deficit may expand borrowing options may result expected to reach 96% amidst shape for the recovery process.” back closer to $ 1 billion in in a substantial BOP (balance larger budget deficit. Sri Lanka’s non-life sector competition to New sea cucumber rise as premiums fall: Fitch Ratings processing factory Price competition among on-year), respectively, in non-motor lines to remain industry had satisfactory capital non-life insurers in Sri Lanka H120, data from the Insurance high until insurers achieve buffers, with an average risk- in Jaffna is likely to intensify as a ban on Regulatory Commission of meaningful growth in the based capital ratio of 238% at auto imports and an economic Sri Lanka (IRCSL) showed. non-motor premium base. The end-June 2020, above the 120% The Board of Investment downturn hinder premium Growth in the industry’s motor three-year average claims ratio regulatory minimum. of Sri Lanka (BOI) signed growth, Fitch Ratings said premiums slowed to 2% in 2019 for non-motor lines was 77%, “We expect the non-life an agreement with Suganth yesterday (15). from 16% in 2016 due to the higher than the 61% for motor insurers to expedite their Seafood (Pvt.) Ltd. to “We believe that new Government’s efforts to limit the insurance business, which is expansion into non-motor set up a sea cucumber business premiums from motor outflow of foreign exchange by generally aided by benefits from business lines to counter the processing factory in insurance – which accounted curtailing vehicle imports. The economies of scale.” impact from lower motor Jaffna for the export for around 60% of the non- recent ban on auto imports came Fitch expects the constrained insurance sales. Some insurers market. life insurance industry’s gross in the wake of the pandemic top-line growth, potential already target to increase The agreement premiums – will contract in as the Government tried to amplification of price business exposure to non-motor was signed by BOI 2020 with the reduction in new control currency depreciation competition, as well as lower lines, such as the fire, property, Chairman Susantha vehicle registrations. We believe by supporting foreign currency investment returns to put health, and micro insurance Ratnayake and Suganth the release of the limited new reserves. Policymakers have pressure on non-life insurers’ classes. However, Fitch said it Seafood Managing vehicle stocks into the market recently indicated that this ban earnings, which will be softened believes that the expansion will Director Suganthaseelan will be insufficient to offset the may continue at least over the by the temporary reduction in only partly offset the premium Aravinthan. The project contraction in new business near term given the economic claims during the lockdown loss from motor insurance,” has an initial investment of premiums. In addition, some stress caused by the pandemic. period, particularly from motor Fitch said. $ 1.2 million. policyholders are switching Fitch said the sluggish insurance. Insurers’ regulatory Insurers’ expansion into non- Sea cucumber is to third-party insurance from market growth will exacerbate capital positions could also come motor lines will likely be gradual harvested mainly in the BOI Chairman Susantha Ratnayake formally presenting the comprehensive coverage and competition among insurers. under pressure from potential given the weaker economic northern and eastern sea Certificate of Registration to Suganth Seafood Managing Director Suganthaseelan Aravinthan allowing policies to lapse due to “Underwriting profitability stress in earnings, although the environment, which could keep belt by specially trained the economic stress caused by in Sri Lanka’s non-life industry impact may be partly offset by the near-term demand for less- divers in the seabed and Suganthaseelan said: company intends to the coronavirus pandemic, which has been dragged down by a possible reduction in liability essential insurance products is then processed to the “We focus on strict expand the business will impede non-life insurers’ high price competition and risk capital charges from lower in check, it added. Non-motor required dried stage in the adherence to government gradually, thus providing business growth,” it said. the industry’s combined ratio motor claims and IRCSL’s insurance lines’ contribution to state-of-the-art factory that norms, eco-conscious more job opportunities Total non-life premiums and has been above 100% in direction to insurers to suspend industry non-life gross premiums is to be established in the methodologies, transparent to the local communities premiums from motor insurance recent years. We also expect dividend distributions until rose marginally to 41% in 2019 Jaffna Peninsula, the BOI business practices, and and enhancing their fell by 8% and 4% YoY (year- the industry claims ratio for further notice. The non-life from 38% in 2016. said. on-time . The livelihood.” the sunday morning business 3 Sunday, September 20, 2020 ECONOMY

Yet again in the real world, the By aspirational hardworking Sri Lankan’s Dhananath capital, which they never invested (which they did not have the knowledge to invest), Fernando gets gobbled down in distorted markets that are protected from competition. Over the years, a lot of weight Even when looking at leisure and has been put on building recreation, the cost of recovering capital “aspirational Sri Lankans”. invested in the construction of a hotel is Different terminologies have passed on as room rates at prices that are been used to define them; higher than those of similar destinations however, the core group of the in the region, because of our high cost of so-called aspirational Sri Lankans construction. At weddings, the costs of remains the same – “intellectuals”, the food they serve, electrical appliances, storage, and prices of cutlery, liquor, etc. “business professionals”, “young are added to the final cost of a plate at a professionals”, and “members wedding. Hence, there is no alternative but of professional movements”. to eat away at the capital that belongs to the The key question then is what average aspirational Sri Lankan. makes aspirational Sri Lankans It is true many Sri Lankans get into this aspirational, and why have they trap by trying to live beyond their means, been unsuccessful in placing Sri spending lavishly at weddings, building Lanka back on the map? bigger houses than they require, and buying vehicles due to a lack of financial literacy. Where are our aspirations? But the reasons why artificial value has education opportunities, hereby pushing the been created for basics such as housing and Many Sri Lankans aspire to build a house, tertiary education of young professionals commuting is misguided economic policies. buy a vehicle, and probably have a grand Why Sri to the grave due to extra prices paid for It is true many Sri Lankans get into wedding and proceed on to provide a good inefficiencies in housing. this trap by trying to live beyond education for their children. Achieving The existing land issues, the inability to their means, spending lavishly at these aspirations continues throughout transfer properties, and lack of property weddings, building bigger houses their lifecycle. Then, the next generation rights have made the situation worse. So in than they require, and buying takes the baton and runs the same race. real terms, the “aspirational Sri Lankan’s” vehicles due to a lack of financial This is the constant marathon run by our capital that they couldn’t invest for returns literacy. But the reasons why artificial “aspirational Sri Lankans” for decades. The was not invested in their house, but rather value has been created for basics serious question we need to ask ourselves in the extra price they paid for construction. such as housing and commuting is is why basic needs such as housing and Lankans More importantly, potential aspirational Sri misguided economic policies transportation have become aspirations for Lankans are expending valuable energy in the average Sri Lankan in the 21st Century. trying to overcome the consequences of What young entrepreneurs chase as Moreover, attention should be given to the these misguided economic policies. aspirations are not the real aspirations that opportunity costs of obsessing over housing could put Sri Lanka back on the map. The and transportation by these “aspirational Sri Where is the capital very reason for this is that our prices do Lankans” – what could be achieved if this for the vehicle? not indicate the true value of the product was not the case? aim low It is no secret that Sri Lanka’s vehicle or service and the real value it offers. According to the opinion of a Sri Lankan market is one of the most distorted markets. The concept of “price” is of paramount businessman (as per an excerpt from a short z When basic needs are expensive, those Based on the usage of the vehicle, the value importance. It is the single indicator of video clip circulating on social media), one increases, and we pay exorbitant amounts value, resource scarcity, productivity, reason as to why Sri Lankan entrepreneurs become the big aspirations of tax at the point of importing a vehicle. supply, demand, and so many variables that don’t succeed is their inability to formulate Making things worse is the vehicle permit are all encapsulated in that single number capital. According to him, many young such behaviour. expanded beyond large-scale construction system that is only available to VVIPS and called “price”. hardworking Sri Lankans use their capital The reason as to why basic needs such as to small-scale residential construction, the few professions. When governments and policies intervene for consumption, instead of consuming housing have become a distant dream to the answer is rooted in productivity. Chinese So what is the incentive to be an in demarcating prices, the price set is a from the returns of the capital investment. average Sri Lankan is deeply rooted in the labourers are five times more productive aspirational Sri Lankan? Is it to take the result of people chasing wrong things and He explains how the average Sri Lankan distortion of prices in the housing market (according to an in-depth interview risk of investing the capital and trying the entirety of society has to bear the cost entrepreneur (who would be categorised as due to the implementation of misguided conducted by the author with an apartment to consume from the yield, allowing the and loss of it. What we need is to set a an aspirational Sri Lankan) finds himself economic policies. Most of the construction builder) than the Sri Lankan labourer. capital to multiply, while lobby groups and culture of hard work and free exchange in the vicious self-destructive cycle of material in Sri Lanka is far more expensive High import tariffs and import bans have politically connected pressure groups not where young entrepreneurs are provided a blocking their own capital and cash flow than the prices of the said material in the led to skyrocketing domestic prices, and only get a vehicle permit but also the legal level playing field, right incentive structures, by prioritising the purchase of vehicles, entire region. The total tax Sri Lankans pay now the simple transaction of buying or blessing to sell despite tax losses to the and motivation to be productive and building a house, and spending on a grand for imported steel ranges between 19% building a house has become a lifetime government? innovative – that is the real expectation of wedding. A similar ideology is explored by and 64%. The tax on imported tiles ranges dream of the aspirational Sri Lankan. If you The permit culture is not only in the aspirational Sri Lankan which has now Robert Kiyosaki in his book “Rich Dad, between 19% and 93%, and at present, ask a banker for their reason for remaining buying vehicles, but it is also in the public been shadowed by glittery basics such as Poor Dad”, where he defines “assets” as the Government has imposed a temporary in that job, they will tell you that it is the transportation system where route permits housing and buying a vehicle. Until we anything that creates the cash flow and import restriction on tiles and sanitaryware, concessionary “housing loan’” and “vehicle for public transportation are more expensive work towards that, we will not be able to money, and “liabilities” as what blocks cash driving the prices of local goods up. Anyone loan” that attracted them. While a fortune than the bus itself, even though the cost of see a new Sri Lanka nor will aspirational Sri flow and consumes money. who has attempted to build a house would will be spent on building a house, there a bus is multiplied several times over when Lankans ever prosper. know how ridiculous the prices for light will be limited funds to explore better you factor in the tax. (The writer is the Chief Operating Why people consume capital by fittings, curtains, aluminium, and other Officer of Advocata Institute. He can be building a house material are. contacted at [email protected]. While it is true that the financial literacy Sri Lanka also has a shortage of skilled The Learn more about Advocata’s work at of Sri Lankans is low and that we have labour, and finding a mason or a furniture www.advocata.org. The opinions expressed failed at the formation of capital due to craftsman is not only difficult but also Coordin tion Problem are the author’s own views. They may excessive consumption from our initial expensive. They have become expensive not necessarily reflect the views of the by capital instead of investing, we also need to on the basis of productivity. If you are Advocata Institute, or anyone affiliated investigate the economic rationale behind wondering why Chinese labour has with the institute)

The E-commerce Readiness Assessment Report Sri Lanka was launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat (COMSEC) in E-commerce Readiness Assessment collaboration with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently, the EDB announced on Thursday (17). Report Sri Lanka launched The report is the result of a request internet penetration – which is by the EDB in 2018 for technical currently at 30% – has to rise and assistance from COMSEC to high bandwidth must be made conduct an e-readiness assessment available to increase the digital for Sri Lanka and undertake population. capacity-building programmes “Meanwhile, although Sri Lanka on e-commerce for SMEs and has already enacted the necessary women entrepreneurs. The project laws and policies on all the subjects was funded by COMSEC through relevant to e-commerce, a fresh the Commonwealth Fund for review of these will be necessary to Technical Co-operation (CFTC). remove inconsistencies and conflicts The publication comes at a time that exist between these and the when businesses in Sri Lanka are corresponding civil and criminal compelled to exploit e-commerce laws of the country, and to optimise mechanisms in the wake of them to meet the needs of the lockdowns and travel restrictions country,” the publication observed due to Covid-19. in relation to policy and regulations. The project was led by The report recommends a COMSEC Adviser and Head of strategic plan for e-commerce Trade Competitiveness Section development and added that its Opeyemi Abebe. The input for implementation is necessary to the report was obtained from overcome the challenges faced extensive consultations with several Cover of E-commerce Readiness Assessment Report Sri Lanka by the country. “The proposed stakeholders, including government Furthermore, the relevant policy logistics and delivery, and policy and as per the report, challenges communication technology, it strategic e-commerce development agencies and organised private and technical documents were also and regulations, and it gives five prevail with regard to low internet was not the case for the entire programme could bring under sector business enterprises. As part reviewed to collect the required levels of maturity or readiness for availability and the low usage of delivery chain. “Lack of resources, a single umbrella all policy, of compiling the report, a sample data. Two stakeholder validation each of the five parameters. e-payment due to lack of awareness, skills, knowhow and awareness, regulatory, skill development, survey was undertaken to obtain workshops were held to present the Overall, the study found that skill, and trust. and indeed lack of automation awareness-raising, investment, and data on e-commerce technology draft report to the stakeholders and in spite of the optimism among Business readiness for in material handling is a major other systemic actions that must be infrastructure, logistics and obtain their feedback, which was businesses with regard to the use e-commerce has also been ranked challenge facing firms in relation to taken to unlock the considerable transportation, e-business modelling, then included in the final document. of e-commerce, the present state at the basic level, as businesses effectively supporting e-commerce,” potential for e-commerce in Sri technology uptake by businesses, The data obtained from the sample of e-commerce development in score low in terms of availability the report noted. Lanka,” the publication emphasised. availability of technology support survey and document study was Sri Lanka is basic. However, the of skills, knowhow, and technology Nevertheless, IT infrastructure The EDB’s IT division services, and e-payment. The sample assessed by a five-parameter model report noted that the potential for infrastructure as well as on the and accessibility as well as policy co-ordinated the necessary meetings included 92 firms from various to determine the present state of expansion, both for the domestic adoption of technology for selling and regulation parameters have and consultations to facilitate the sectors including banks, financial maturity of e-commerce in Sri market and cross-border trade, and buying. In respect of logistics been assessed at a higher level development of the report. institutions, logistics and transport Lanka. The model covers citizen appears to be enormous. Citizen and delivery, the publication of maturity than the other three The publication can be viewed companies, and e-commerce service maturity, business readiness, IT maturity for e-commerce was noted that although some logistic parameters by the publication. online from the EDB website at providers. infrastructure and accessibility, observed to be at the basic level firms are using information and According to the report, Sri Lanka’s www.srilankabusiness.com. 4 the sunday morning business EDITORIAL/PROGRESS Sunday, September 20, 2020

The discipline project moved to Colombo’s busy roads during peak traffic hours this week, with bouquets and brickbats from various quarters in response. Strict lane discipline enforced by ‘Imposing’ discipline the Traffic Police created obedience to state imposed prospects and futures. and normalise everyday discipline. plague of street harassment cannot chaotic scenes at the very disciplinary criteria. Discipline And what of the enforcers of But a rudimentary glance at be controlled; if a young girl cannot start but within days led to wrought at the fear of sanction this discipline? The past few programming and news content walk down the street without being improved traffic flow and, cannot be the ticket to a better weeks have been a revelation of across traditional and new media cat-called; if she cannot ride a bus indeed, most motorists community. Anyone who’s ever the depravity of some sections of suggests that they too are as much without being groped. been around a child would know our law enforcement. The war on a part of the problem as they are of Values and virtues are most including busses, three- the futility of using punishment as drugs in particular has unearthed the the solution. Exercising control over important to a just and decent wheelers, and motorcycles a tool to raise better children. The deep networks of state personnel content through sensible and wise society, and also to a good country. sticking to their lanes. The same applies to adults – expecting who have not only shielded the self-censorship is an important tool, Those noble values that we like to trouble as with most of these them to do the disciplined thing to THE perpetrators but also become found lacking in today’s click-bait- insist are our Sri Lankan way of projects was a lack of timely avoid punishment but nevertheless purveyors themselves, buttressing driven journalistic mindset. life belonged to a different era; our public education; the learn- become better citizens thereby is HEADLIGHT the illicit trade for years spreading A disciplined society is a distant value system too must transform through-experience approach pretty regressive thinking. their activity even beyond local and unrealistic dream in a country with the changing times, but it is far more likely to lead to Even enforced discipline must lawmakers themselves recognising borders. If law enforcement cannot where almost every woman can must be an intrinsic change, not chaos and criticism than treat everyone equally, or at least their role and influence in shaping create discipline within itself, it is attest to having been the victim of one that is designed and enforced creating awareness first. be seen to do so. The law should that discipline. Discipline is under unlikely to sustain much success some form of sexual harassment. under threat of punitive action. not treat one more equally than the threat as long as any link in the at enforcing the same among its Start there. Start where half this “Imposing” discipline, if it must be The endeavour to create a other, nor should it be manipulated political and administrative chains citizens. nation’s citizens can feel safe, heard, done, requires delicate balance and disciplined society thus remains an at the hands of the powerful to of command shows willingness The fourth estate is yet another and empowered – where women a gentle hand. The perfect society overarching theme of our times. But favour one over the other. There are to bend rules for favour. And important cog in this disciplining are at least afforded the respect of does not exist, neither does the the lines remain awfully blurred critical gaps that need redress in the everyone knows there are plenty of mission. It is unto them to use their a disciplined society recognising perfect government, and one must between the simple discipline journey to a disciplined and virtuous weak links, especially those whose expansive sphere of influence to their misogyny for what it is. Lane not be seen as a success or failure of of self-control versus enforced society and it must begin with priority remains furthering their own create conversation, frame issues, discipline means nothing if the the other. Women-only rides are here z Sri Lanka gets first all-female ride-hailing service BY UWIN LUGODA to the admin, where everything will be monitored. The harassment of women in transport He went on to state that the app will has been reported across the globe, with also house an emergency button for both even international e-hailing platforms the driver and rider, which will directly like Uber being subjected to headlines connect them to their family members. like “103 Uber drivers accused of sexual He added that they also have people assault or abuse”. This has led to a slew who monitor the vehicles throughout the of women-only cab services in order to day. ensure the safety of women riders. As for the drivers, Kulasuriya stated Services like ForShe, TaxShe, and that once Deegenics receives their SheCab are a few services that exclusively applications, they personally interview use women drivers with the goal of the drivers and handpick them, after empowering women, as well as providing which they go through a period of them with safer travel options. These training before bring them on board. companies have gone on to be widely “Currently, we are launching with received by their respective communities 25 women who will be working both and each reports fleets numbering in the fulltime and part-time to chauffeur thousands. people around Colombo. We will also ForShe is the oldest of the three, having not have any three-wheelers in this been established in 2007, and has tried service; instead, we will have vehicles to create a business model where each that range from budget to luxury.” of these women drivers becomes an He stated that the only challenge they entrepreneur in her own right. The women provides safety for both women and faced was getting women chauffeurs to drivers own their cars, and apart from a children. come on board, since most of them had fixed salary of INR 5,000, their take-home We want to give women a safer Kulasuriya stated that he came up with After seeing this, I thought of families and other responsibilities to income, which depends on the number of platform to travel in and to help the idea when looking to help a close providing a platform in which she can tend to. He explained that they decided kilometres they drive, can go as high as empower women by opening up more friend whose husband had just passed chauffeur only women and children, to launch Pink Drives to be able to show INR 18,000 a month. avenues like this. We are going to away. He explained that she had two kids, and put a post out on my personal potential women drivers success stories The company also partnered with Orix, initially focus on providing this with very little funds to raise them, and social media accounts. This received and the market they are serving, so that an Indian auto infrastructure services to Colombo and its suburbs, and turned to other ride-hailing platforms for a lot of positive responses, and a lot of they will be inspired to join as well. company, in 2010, which provided the according to the demand, we will move work but faced difficulties moving around. people started using the service. Then, Kulasuriya stated that one of their space for a training academy for the on to other areas, but our goal is to “After seeing this, I thought of providing we started to receive request from other main goals is to provide women with this women drivers and offices. ForShe went eventually reach all the big cities a platform in which she can chauffeur only women to join as chauffeurs opportunity and make it safer for them to on to make an annual revenue of INR 6 Deegenics Founder Shohan Kulasuriya women and children, and put a post out on Deegenics Founder Shohan Kulasuriya work as chauffeurs and earn an additional million a year from the taxi service and the my personal social media accounts. This income. academy in 2010, and managed to double received a lot of positive responses, and “We want to give women a safer it by 2013 while also increasing their fleet and children in Colombo. a lot of people started using the service. for the service in late May, and within four platform to travel in and help empower to 2,500 vehicles. Speaking to The Sunday Morning Then, we started to receive request from months, they managed to build a mobile women by opening up more avenues like Similar to ForShe, Sri Lanka now has Business, Deegenics Founder Shohan other women to join as chauffeurs.” app and platform in house. this. We are going to initially focus on its own women-powered taxi service Kulasuriya stated that the service which He stated after seeing this demand and Kulasuriya stated that the app is there providing this to Colombo and its suburbs, thanks to Deegenics, a local technology launched last week (18) is set to be an its potential, they decided to launch a for both Android and iOS users, whether and according to the demand, we will company which launched “Pink Drives”, all-women driver fleet which not only platform which will have a positive impact they are passengers or drivers. He stated move on to other areas, but our goal is to a premium chauffeur service for women empowers Sri Lankan women, but also on society. They first started developing that the backend panel will be connected eventually reach all the big cities.”

Sri Lanka ranks 83 out of 162 countries and territories included in the “Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 Annual Report” released by SL 83rd among 162 jurisdictions Canada’s Fraser Institute in association with the Advocata Institute, Sri Lanka. Hong Kong and Singapore top the index, continuing their on Economic Freedom Index streak as first and second, economically free countries is Institute Academic Programme which would restrain economic About the Economic respectively, while New more than twice the average Chair Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana. freedom beyond what was Freedom Index Zealand, Switzerland, the US, per capita income in the least “This is based on the necessary to restrain the virus,” The Fraser Institute produces Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, free countries. categories: size of government, he went on to say. the annual “Economic Canada, and Ireland round out legal system and property Sri Lanka is particularly Freedom of the World” report the top 10. Sri Lanka’s ranking for rights, sound money, freedom weak in the category related in co-operation with the Research shows that people Economic Freedom to trade internationally, and to “legal system and property Economic Freedom Network, a living in countries with high According to the Fraser regulation. During this period, rights” in the index, with little group of independent research levels of economic freedom Institute Report on Economic the size of the government improvement from last year’s and educational institutes enjoy greater prosperity, more Freedom, Sri Lanka gained increased, freedom to trade did report. Advocate Institute in nearly 100 countries and political and civil liberties, 15 places to be ranked 83rd not improve with para-tariffs Advisor and University territories. It’s the world’s and longer lives. For example, compared to the previous year still in place, while regulations of Colombo Professor in premier measurement of countries in the top quartile where the country was ranked were not clearly defined. Economics Sirimal Abeyratne economic freedom, measuring of economic freedom had an 98th. Sri Lanka scored in key “With the Covid-19 said: “Economic freedom and ranking countries in five average per capita GDP of $ components of economic pandemic coming into requires discipline and areas – size of government, 44,198 in 2018 compared to freedom (from one to 10 Sri Lanka in March 2019, discipline is constituted by legal structure and security $ 5,754 for countries in the where a higher value indicates economic freedom had to the rule of law. Proponents of property rights, access to bottom quartile. a higher level of economic be curtailed with a complete of economic freedom lose sound money, freedom to trade Moreover, in the top quartile, freedom). lockdown of activities. But this ground when they forget internationally, and regulation the average income of the “It is noteworthy that this was a precautionary strategy. this. Opponents of economic of credit, labour, and business. poorest 10% was $ 12,293 2020 annual report is based Without a lockdown, it could freedom look smart when they This year’s publication ranks compared to $ 1,558 in the on the data for 2018. If it have been worse. Sri Lanka ignore this. Economic freedom 162 countries and territories. bottom quartile. Interestingly, were based on the data for did better than most countries. ensures the prosperity of a The report also updates data in the average income of the 2018, 2019, and 2020, for Sri a different score, most likely a compared to 83 and 6.88 for The danger is that the measures nation, only when it is founded earlier reports where data has poorest 10% in the most Lanka, there could have been lower rank and a smaller score 2018,” commented Advocata adopted could be retained on the rule of law.” been revised. the sunday morning business 5 Sunday, September 20, 2020 WOMEN

By Fig. 1 Dr. Nicholas Ruwan Dias and Niresh Eliatamby

This is not a women’s rights problem. It’s an economic problem. Sri Lanka will never get out of its Third World status while 52% of our population is afraid to step onto the street, onto a bus, or onto a train; unable to get to work, unable to have a career, and unable to fully contribute to the economy and society. Just imagine the economic fallout. This isn’t harassment; it’s persecution. Harassment is a one-off event. When it happens frequently, in public, with little or no fear of penalty, it’s persecution. Time after time, surveys by state authorities, labour organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international bodies, and academics have reported astounding levels in excess of 90% of sexual persecution in public, of women and young girls. Moreover, it happens as frequently as every month to most women. Well-meaning activists run brief campaigns to create awareness, resulting in knee-jerk reactions from minor politicians. “Women-only buses”, changes to laws that are rarely enforced, grandiose public pronouncements of “crackdowns”... we’ve seen them all. Nothing has changed. Here are some practical solutions. yy Get the corporate sector, schools, and Let’s get rid of the myths. It’s not about local government authorities involved in the length of a woman’s skirt. Many Sri awareness creation Lankans want Lamborghinis, but if people start running off with other people’s yy Get mothers and sisters involved in Lamborghinis, they are going to end up creating awareness: After all, every abuser in jail. Yet, too many Sri Lankan men trot has a mother out the excuse for lewd behaviour toward How sexual y y Separate entrance to police stations for women as being related to the “feelings” women’s complaints: Police stations have aroused by the sight of a woman’s thighs. bad reputations as dark and dangerous The plain fact is that human beings will places. To help female victims, a separate cross the line when they have no fear side entrance must be arranged for women of punishment. That’s why countries to get to the women and children division have laws. In Sri Lanka, men know that our culture of blaming and shaming the predators hurt yy Hospital police posts should have victim ensures that perpetrators of sexual policewomen as well as policemen: Many harassment and assault will get away with incidents come to light when victims seek it 99% of the time. medical assistance A 2017 poll of Sri Lankan women yy Public shaming: Publicise a database of by Yamu.lk found that 85% had been convicted offenders sexually harassed, with an astounding the economy 55% having been physically harassed. Fig. 2 yy Change the law: Make it a crime for any Harassment took place at all times of person to ignore witnessing harassment day and night, by men acting alone and What is sexual harassment? without doing something about it in groups, to girls and women of all Every man knows what sexual yy Siren sound apps: Encourage women and ages, from under 12 to over 65 years of harassment is. Those who make excuses children to download siren sound apps age. Less than 1% of such instances was for it need mental help. Sexual harassment on their smartphones for use if they are reported to the Police, while 68% walked can happen in public places, workplaces, harassed away in silence and 24% confronted the or at home. The easiest locations to reduce harassers verbally. Locations where such incidents of sexual harassment would yy Helpline/free hotline: Establish an incidents occurred were mainly the street be public places. Incidents during peak improved reporting system, which and on public transport. A 2004 study by hours (morning and evening) and school specifies the measures that hotlines and Amarasinghe et al. found that 94% of closing times were also reported as more law enforcement staff need to take in women had experienced harassment on frequent when there is high congestion in resolving concerns related to sexual public transport. buses or trains, leading to physical contact assault on public transport So the problem is the non- contributing to the likelihood of sexual y implementation of the law, due to a variety harassment. A study conducted by the y Speak out and seek support: A code of of practical and idiotic reasons. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) conduct must be established regarding found that 35 different acts, ranging from public transportation passengers and that Economic impact of sexual physical contact to verbal and visual sexual code of conduct should be displayed harassment behaviours, may be labelled as sexual inside buses and trains yy Lower productivity and higher turnover harassment. However, most sexual assault yy Nationwide campaign/public awareness: is physical (See Figure 2). Use wall spaces in stations, inside trains, and absenteeism The way forward: Industrial zones update our legal regime to the global best etc. for posters and wall art regarding yy A hostile work atmosphere in the entire standards. Some of the laws that apply to Practical solutions harassment company Sri Lanka has relied very heavily on sexual harassment include: yy Awareness programmes for men, female workers in industrial zones to yy Family support for victims: Create public yy Extensive damage for the victims yy Section 345 of the Penal Code including teenagers: Men need to drive economic growth. But this has come awareness on how family members of of sexual assault, including anxiety, (Amendment) Act (No. 22 of 1995) understand the viciousness of their actions at a high price for our women. Activists victims should help support victims depression, eating disorders, alcohol established sexual harassment as a crime, and the consequences both they and estimate that over 90% of women in these and substance addiction, and workplace which specifies that a person convicted their victims will face. They also need to yy Federation of Chambers of Commerce zones are abused, but are discouraged from instability or post-traumatic stress of sexual harassment is punishable by understand the penalties and Industry instructions: Should instruct reporting such incidents. These women imprisonment up to five years, with member organisations to ensure that the Global context are poor and marginalised, most of whom yy Public monitoring systems: The Sri Lanka hard labour and/or a fine of up to Rs. 1 entire supply chain of every company is work in the apparel industry. Air Force (SLAF) started using drones yy A study by the Thomson Reuters million. The compensation imposed by clear of sexual harassment; in the same Foundation on sexual harassment, last week to monitor traffic violations manner there are policies against child Workplace harassment the court to be paid to the victim (the in Colombo. We suggest that CCTVs access to healthcare, cultural traditions, maximum sum that a Magistrate can labour in supply chains Too many Sri Lankan women drop out be made mandatory in buses, trains, and economic opportunities for women order to be paid) is Rs. 100,000 yy Create awareness among corporates in 19 of the world’s largest megacities of jobs and have their careers damaged due bus stops, and railway stations to crack to workplace harassment, by bosses and yy Article 12(2) of the Constitution states down on the far more serious challenge and government institutions: In order found that the safest were London, to reduce toxic work environments for Tokyo, and Paris colleagues. The most common types of that “discriminating against a person of sexual harassment. In a country where workplace harassment include: based on his or her sex is a violation of a shopkeepers have CCTVs, it’s not very women yy The enforcement of the laws protecting person’s fundamental right to equality” costly for local authorities to invest in yy Demanding sexual favours yy Companies can use pre-training, training women was found to be the reason for making their towns safer and post-training elements: At both the the reduced incidence of sexual assault yy Industrial Disputes Act yy Unwelcome physical contact yy Holding drivers and conductors legally employee and group levels for sexual in London yy Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms yy Lewd jokes, emails, and notes responsible: These are their buses and assault training programmes of Violence in Educational Institutions yy Cairo was deemed the worst in terms their passengers. They must help ensure Conclusion of risk of sexual abuse and violence, yy Displaying sexist posters and pictures Act their safety. Drivers and conductors can Stamping out sexual harassment isn’t followed by Karachi, Kinshasa, New yy Incessant staring at women yy Bribery Act move passengers to avoid harassment, Delhi, Lima, Mexico City, Dhaka, take the abuser to the nearest police rocket science. Many countries have Lagos, Jakarta, and Istanbul (See One of the biggest issues is that many Healthcare setting station or simply stop next to the nearest managed to do it quite easily. Sri Lanka’s Figure 1) companies simply ignore the problem and traffic policeman, or just throw the biggest challenge in this regard is in have no formal anti-sexual harassment Around the world, the healthcare harasser off the bus. In order to ensure convincing the men, who are in key posts Sri Lankan context policy. With management dominated by sector is known for high levels of that the drivers and conductors recognise in the public and private sectors, including men, there is little choice for women in sexual harassment, involving doctors, law enforcement, that they need to act. It’s yy Rape of women over 16 years – 289 their legal obligations, appropriate reporting matters. nurses, other medical and technical staff, costing us all a lot of money cases in 2019 training should be given periodically. Schools and universities hospital administrators, and patients. In Ditto for railway staff and school van/staff (The writers are Managing Partners of yy Statutory rape (sex with girls under Sri Lanka, this issue has not been given van drivers Cogitaro.com, a consultancy that finds the age of consent of 16 years) – 1,185 Sri Lanka’s state universities have an due recognition and there is little data practical solutions for challenges facing cases in 2019 epidemic of sexual violence in the guise of available. yy Bystander intervention training: What society and different industries. Dr. Dias yy ragging. Sadly, much of this is carried out Globally, sexual abuse against patients should bystanders do when they witness [BSc, MSc, PhD] is a digital architect and Rape of minors under 16 years – 305 by perpetrators of the same sex, as well as was recorded in many instances in harassment or when a woman appeals to educationist based in Kuala Lumpur who cases in 2019 men harassing women. This includes the health settings. For example, a study them for help? Training must be arranged runs in marathons as a hobby and helped yy Unnatural offences/grave sexual abuse notorious “pairing off” of girls by force to by physicians in the US who were in this regard launch a cricket club in Malaysia [ruwan@ male undergraduates. punished for sexual offences showed cogitaro.com]. Eliatamby [MBA, LLM], an – 710 cases in 2019 yy Lights, lights, lights: Too many incidents that the proportion of all sexually author and lecturer in marketing, HR, and y take place after dark. Women going home y Sexual exploitation of children – 34 Harassment law enforcement related disciplinary measures increased mass communications, was Media Manager after work are the most vulnerable. We cases in 2019 Sri Lanka has a number of laws with dramatically in recent years. This increase of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri need proper lighting on our streets, bus Source: Sri Lanka Police regard to sexual harassment, but much may, however, represent an increased Lanka and a sports journalist [niresh@ stops, railway stations, etc. more needs to be done in this regard to propensity to complain. cogitaro.com]) 6 the sunday morning business VIEWS Sunday, September 20, 2020

BY UWIN LUGODA the knowledge in the digital sphere. Most companies have already gone digital. You do The Covid-19 pandemic has not see them carrying bill books and pens; drastically changed the local fast- they have laptops, tabs, and smartphones. moving consumer goods (FMCG) So the knowledge on using modern industry prompted by changes Import controls technology is something all sales people in consumer behaviour. FMCG need to develop because in the time to companies are now faced with the come, if you do not know how to handle task of reskilling their staff and them (modern technologies), you will be coming up with new strategies to discarded from the market. capture the market. must be set Should companies take time to retrain To get a better idea on the current situation, their staff? The Sunday Morning Business sat down with Most big companies have already taken industry veteran Dr. Nuwan Wimalana to this step, but from what I see, there are still discuss the current state of the industry and certain employees in these organisations what companies must do in order to return to who have been there for a longer period and their pre-Covid sales numbers. while developing are not digitalised. The younger generations Dr. Wimalana is the former CEO of Swadeshi are used to it and join these companies with Industrial Works PLC and former Director/ that knowledge of digital, but the older Group CEO of Delmege Forsyth and Co. Ltd. people – the companies are going to have to and has also held senior management positions invest more and ensure these people become at Nestle, including a two-year assignment with digital savvy to stay in the organisation. This Nestle Malaysia, and Coca-Cola Beverages Sri is both a medium and long-term investment. Lanka Ltd., including being the Deputy Country local supply Manager of Coca-Cola Nepal. He also held the Did Covid level the playing field in favour position of Vice President of the Sri Lanka- extent by the end of July, but even now I What are your thoughts on the “buy of smaller companies? Australia-New Zealand Business Council find certain categories not being able to local, support local” concept the In certain instances, yes, but the strong under the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce fill their pipelines to the level they were at Government is prioritising? brands are still strong and have the from 2015 to 2019. before Covid. I think it is an excellent concept; this additional advantage over the little-known Currently, he is rendering his services as is how most countries have grown their brands in the market. However, if you look the President of the Detergent Manufacturers How can companies go about fixing this economies. However, I feel we should not at the physical environment, smaller brands Association of Sri Lanka and a member of issue? go back to the era of 1970 to 1977 where were able to make their products more the Academic Committee and the Education Capacity is currently the biggest issue. they restricted certain brands without visible to consumers. Reform Committee of the Sri Lanka Institute This is because you cannot increase capacity developing them in our country first. of Marketing (SLIM), and also works as a immediately, and most of these companies Therefore, all these controls on imports How can the Government support the business consultant, independent director, and are dependent on various raw materials should happen while developing our local sector? a visiting lecturer. which are imported and are not coming in as supply, because you cannot stop and let the The FMCG sector in the country is our Below are excerpts of his interview with expected. So many of them are struggling to local industry die, and let local companies biggest sector, so the Government should The Sunday Morning Business. meet this demand. collapse. It should be a process, with a clear ensure the tax structures are transparent One way around this issue is by increasing timeline and strategies to ensure we develop and permanent for longer periods. The Have sales regained the momentum they their production capacity by working extra those products locally up to the same quality problem we all face is that there is a lost during the Covid outbreak? days in the week, working in different shifts, of the imported products and competitive changing tax structure which changes If you look at certain sectors of the as well as subcontracting certain products to pricing. very rapidly and we have to change industry, then definitely. The latest report the people who do not have strong brands or our prices at the same frequency. It’s by American information, data, and excess capacity. I see some companies doing Has Covid been a catalyst for the difficult to do that in this sector because measurement firm Nielsen Holdings this to an extent, but they need to do more to digitisation of the sector? consumers get to a certain price point and identified certain categories which have ensure the market pipelines are filled to the This has been a real catalyst because it we cannot increase beyond it. Therefore, really grown even pass the pre-Covid same extent it was before the outbreak. helped make the change, which was a long we want them (Government) to keep the environment. These include things like overdue. But if you look at digital sales tax structures for a longer period of time mosquito repellents and pre-dessert mixers. How has consumer behaviour changed now, they have already started to come and not to change them with every year’s However, when you look at other sectors down from what it was during the outbreak. budget. post Covid? Dr. Nuwan Wimalana such as soft drinks and personal care It is difficult to predict for certain However, this has opened people’s eyes to The second thing is that we need products, these have not come back to the categories, but we believe it has led to the international brands; they can’t come the option of digital, so I think it will grow, support from the banking sector. A lot level they were before the outbreak. This a fall in sales for certain categories. For in any longer due to government policies. but not at a really high pace. We see a lot of of FMCG companies are dependent on is mainly because during the Covid period, example, if you take something like car I think this is really good for the local these digital companies coming down now a long cycle of manufacturing, so the people were at home and did not pay too care, their sales have really come down industry, but the local companies need to because people went back to their normal cash flow cycle is long. Therefore, the much attention to things like personal care, because people are now prioritising their understand that from each category, around behaviors of going to shops, touching and Government must ensure these companies so these are yet to recover. needs, so only certain sub-categories from 10-15% is occupied by luxury brands, feeling the products before buying. (banking sector) support these companies If you look at the FMCG sector in the FMCG sector are impacted from this so the local companies manufacturing So Covid was a blessing in disguise for (FMCG companies) with buying general, I would say a majority of the change in consumer behaviour. I feel that similar products need to ensure they fill digital companies to ensure people at least machinery and when it comes to working local companies have been able to recover consumers are still reluctant to spend money this vacuum. They need to close this gap know this option is there. Now they just capital, with a lenient interest rate. from the problems they had during Covid. on what they think of as luxuries, because in the market by keeping an appropriate need to market it and show consumers a Another problem we face is a lack of However, what I find is that in many they want to ensure that if something like price gap the consumers can fall to, because benefit, applying strategies to ensure the human resources. I do not see anywhere categories, these FMCG companies Covid happens again, like a second wave, these consumers will not fall from luxury consumer behaviour continues. in Sri Lanka that develops the sales had problems in their pipelines. This is they have enough stocks and cash in order to the lowest – they will fall somewhere in personnel as a profession. This is a mainly due to companies being unable to mitigate that. the middle, so they need to be caught at the What kind of skills do sales professionals problem all companies are facing; they to manufacture and distribute these right level. need in this environment? do not have quality sales people, so there products, and the products already with the How can luxury brands better adapt to As for the local luxury brands facing Digital skills means they need to needs to be some arrangement to attract distributors and in the outlets were selling this environment? problems in making sales and getting their understand IT – you have to learn it – people to the profession, have them out. A lot of these companies are still finding These luxury brands will still have their revenue to what it was before, they need to because now the market is becoming more trained, and pass them to the private it difficult to meet the demand because their market because those are the brands aspired look at various strategies on how to ensure educated and the consumers are more sector. So I think the Government needs pipelines are yet to be filled. by the people and people still want to go that the consumers buy their products digital. So the sales people will not be able to support it with the various youth I think most of them were filled to a great buy them. But the main problem is faced by through the various marketing strategies. to perform in their market if they don’t have programmes they are conducting.

The Marketing and Sales Forum (MSF) of the Digital evolution will further SL has progressed in human Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) is the key capital gains: World Bank agent in commemorating boost insurance: IASL National Insurance Day insurance industry GWP all in a virtual environment. The World Bank Group’s 2020 inform policy development and reduce opportunities for learning and conducting activities was recorded at Rs. 49.2 Industry players were also Human Capital Index, released track progress in human capital and empowerment for women during Insurance Month. The billion for the same period, quick to engage customers last week, found that a child development over time. and girls. digitalisation of products and down 5% compared to the in their portfolio and move born in Sri Lanka today will be Globally, due to the pandemic’s “Sri Lanka and the World Bank services at different levels corresponding period last them on to electronic fund 60% as productive when she impact, most children – more have worked together for decades has helped insurance service year, which could be mainly transfer mechanisms,” he grows up as compared to if she than one billion – have been to invest in human capital and providers in responding to attributed to the contraction added. enjoyed complete education and out of school and could lose, on today, these hard-won gains are the current demands of the in the economy and business With the need to maintain full health. This is higher than average, half a year of schooling, at risk,” said Country Manager public more effectively. activity. social distancing within work the average for the South Asia translating into considerable for Sri Lanka and the Maldives MFS Chairman and Though digital interaction environments, firms have region and lower middle-income monetary losses in the future. Chiyo Kanda. “We will continue HNB Assurance Head plays a vital role in all very successfully deployed countries. Data also shows significant supporting Sri Lanka to expand of Marketing Dinesh industries, especially after “work from home” as a Investments in human capital – disruptions to essential health the coverage and quality of Yogaratnam explained Covid-19 restricted the meaningful and sustainable the knowledge, skills, and health services for women and children, health services in underserved that the MSF through the traditional ways of business, method for seamless service that people accumulate over their with many children missing areas, boost early childhood years has brought together MFS Chairman and HNB Yogaratnam observed that delivery, both in new Assurance Head of Marketing lives – are key to unlocking a out on crucial vaccinations. development and learning all companies, insurance Dinesh Yogaratnam the digital evolution of the business acquisitions and child’s potential and to improving The economic impact of the outcomes, improve higher advisors, and representative insurance industry began claim settlements. Industry economic growth in every pandemic has been particularly education, and support vulnerable bodies in the sector towards Whilst both life and general way before the onset of players who possess more country. deep for women and for the families with social protection its initiative of spreading insurance companies faced the global pandemic, with robust and evolved digital “In the wake of the Covid-19 most disadvantaged families, measures to mitigate the impacts awareness on the true value some difficulty with regard industry players reaching ecosystem have already pandemic, investing in people is leaving many vulnerable to food of the Covid-19 pandemic.” of insurance. to premium payment by varied degrees of digital commenced their migration more vital than ever, as it can lay insecurity and poverty. The World Bank Group Staying attuned to this customers, the general evolvement that best to advanced methods such as the strong foundations needed The 2020 Human Capital Index is working closely with vision, the forum has public was awakened to suited their proposition for AI-based auto underwriting, for the recovery and for resilient includes health and education governments all over the world taken forth the continuing the stark reality of the need stakeholder value creation. thus enabling them to growth,” said World Bank data up to March 2020 for 174 to develop long-term solutions commemoration of National for protection to counter “Covid-19 necessitated provide superlative service Country Director for Maldives, countries covering 98% of the to protect and invest in people Insurance Day and Insurance unforeseen situations. In this that firms relook at the delivery. Nepal, and Sri Lanka Faris H. world’s population, providing during and after the pandemic. In Month in September this regard, there is a marked core of their business “As we commemorate yet Hadad-Zervos. “Stunting due to a pre-pandemic baseline on the Sri Lanka, the bank is supporting year as well, albeit in the improvement amongst model in its entirety, not another Insurance Awareness chronic under-nutrition and the health and education status of initiatives to increase access most effective manner customers to proactively seek just limited to sales and Month, we are well aware of need for higher quality learning children. to early childhood education possible in the backdrop out suitable protection plans distribution management, the impact that the general are the two areas of the Human The analysis finds that human and care, to improve learning of the global pandemic, to for themselves. Likewise, training, operations and public is experiencing Capital Index in which Sri Lanka capital outcomes for girls are in general education, and to deliver its key message, industry players too have processing, HR, etc. – as a result of the global has an opportunity to accelerate on average higher than for strengthen the relevance of reiterating the importance had to revisit their operating curtailment of movement pandemic. Thus, as an progress, especially as a country boys. However, this has not higher education for economic of insurance more than ever models to ensure they may obviously impacted industry comprising both on the threshold of upper middle- translated into comparable development. The bank is before, whereby one provides be more attuned and in sync customer interaction and life and general insurance income status.” opportunities to use human also helping strengthen the for one’s self and family with the new normal.” new business generation, companies, we will take To help address these gaps, capital in the labour market. On efficiency of social safety nets the apparatus for protection The life insurance industry as well as collection of forward our overarching a strategic focus on improving average, employment rates are to support vulnerable families to deal with unforeseen saw its gross written premium from the customers. objective of communicating nutrition and enhancing learning 40% lower for women than for and households. In addition, the adversities. premium (GWP) as at the Firms were quick to deploy to and educating people on in less-developed regions of men in South Asia. Moreover, bank is assisting the Government Explaining further, end of the second quarter digital fronting tools so that the need for protection that the country is needed, along the pandemic could exacerbate to strengthen health systems, Yogaratnam stated: “Like of 2020 reach Rs. 43.3 insurance advisors could can be fulfilled by insurance, with consistent measurement risks of gender-based violence, including to respond to the all industries, the insurance billion, up 4% compared to effectively interact with their thereby helping them provide of stunting and internationally child marriage, and adolescent challenges of the Covid-19 industry too was jolted the corresponding period customers, demonstrate the a safer and secure future for comparable learning outcomes to pregnancy, all of which further pandemic. by the corona pandemic. last year, whilst the general product, and onboard them, themselves,” he said. the sunday morning business 7 Sunday, September 20, 2020 ANALYSIS

Most of the not add up to 35%, which is the tied element, it has to abandon its out whether the contractor was multilateral and difference between the nominal competitive bidding process with selected through a solicited or bilateral loans value and the present value regard to procurement. unsolicited process. come with a tied calculated on an agreed discount “Generally, a tied element means “In Japan, all the six loans element. A tied rate, then the loan does not qualify the country cannot make that went through a restricted bidding element refers into the category of a concessional procurement from the lowest value process. What is important to to the portion of loan, even though it does still have bids; it is in some way constrained, notice when you say restricted the loan that is a positive grant element,” de Mel so tied elements prevent bidding is, in certain cases, only a in effect in law or explained. competitive bidding, increasing the portion of the loan is tied – some in fact tied to the Nevertheless, Verite’s risk of cost escalation,” he added. bilateral lenders tie only a small procurement of the methodology allows it to arrive at If the grant element is completely portion to procurement from their goods and services a higher grant element than that eroded, then it would not be own country,” Abeysinghe added. from contractors of the IMF’s methodology, as the concessional at all – in fact, the On average, out of the loans connected to the higher the discount rate used, the concessionality can even go into from Japan that Verité analysed, lender larger the grant element would turn negative territory. Verité stated 39% of the loan value had to be out to be. Verite’s methodology that some of the loans Sri Lanka procured from Japan, whereas in favours the evaluation towards the obtained are clearly at high risk the case of China, it went up to lending country. of being adverse to Sri Lanka 99%. Out of the aforementioned On average, out of the Verité believes that more loans rather than concessional; such that loans, 14 loans had a tied element loans from Japan that should be evaluated by assigning Sri Lanka may have been better of 100%, six loans had a tied Verité analysed, 39% a larger grant element through the off borrowing from international element between 60-100%, and of the loan value had use of a higher discount rate, as financial markets rather than two loans had a minimum of 30%, to be procured from according to Verité, this is a fair obtaining the “concessional” loan. which was from Japan. Japan, whereas in the practice as they believe Sri Lanka Benefits of favourable Analysing the non- case of China, it went must evaluate itself against realistic options after considering the loans financial terms being concessionality of foreign up to 99%. Out of eroded loans the aforementioned it has taken,even though the IMF loans, 14 loans had a uses a standard rate that is globally yy Restricted unsolicited The non-concessional threshold tied element of 100%, applicable. proposals and selected is a percentage of cost escalation six loans had a tied Amongst the above-mentioned contractors that would cancel out and bring element between 50 loans, 33 loans had a grant the grant element of the loan to 60-100%, and two element of above 35% using a 6.5% According to Abeysinghe, zero such that it would make no loans had a minimum discount rate, and these 33 loans the problem of tied loans or tied difference to Sri Lanka if it went of 30%, which was accounted for 72% of the value of elements occurs mostly when to international financial markets from Japan the 50 loans that Verité analysed. taking bilateral loans. or a lender country to obtain the The overall weighted average of “All the projects funded by loan – at least in terms of the cost of servicing the loan. In this BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR instance, even though longer loan periods may be advantageous, Needless to say, Sri Lanka the cost of the loan is identical to has long been a borrower loans obtained from international under consecutive financial markets. governments. Testament In many of the loans, if the cost to this is its debt-to-Gross Are concessional escalation on the tied element Domestic Product (GDP) increases to about 30-40%, the ratio of over 86% as of mid- grant element would be completely this year. Meanwhile, in the negated. past 15 years alone, the Abeysinghe added that for some of the loans, a cost escalation country has borrowed over of 4%, 9%, or 13% would $ 34 billion from various loans really completely negate the grant international financial element – and such loans are the organisations and countries, most vulnerable loans. and its loan portfolio still “Even the ones at 30-40% may keeps growing. have to be seen as vulnerable, given the little that we know and The external loans extended to the fact that we have not published Sri Lanka are mostly concessional, ‘concessional’? any strong material on the cost which could either be bilateral or escalation of infrastructure in Sri multilateral. These loans are seen accounting for about 33% of the to $ 1.09 billion, were taken by Lanka. as more generous than market total loan portfolio for the period. state-owned enterprises (SOEs). “We see cost escalation on loans, and its concessionality is It should also be noted that about The total value of these loans road infrastructure as being achieved either through interest 81% of these loans came from five was $ 13 billion and 53% was for above 100% over a certain period rates below what’s available in the lenders – China, followed by Asian infrastructure financing. Out of of time, which means a cost market, longer grace periods, or a Development Bank (ADB), Japan, these loans, 15 were multilateral escalation vulnerability of 30-40% combination of both. the World Bank (WB), and India. and 35 were bilateral loans. still should be seen as something However, the concessionality Abeysinghe stated that the According to de Mel, the that is vulnerable for the loan, i.e. of these loans have long been terms and conditions of these standard way to measure as having completely negated the questioned on several occasions by loans garnered a lot of interest, concessionality is to look at the grant element, making it adverse,” local politicians and economists while loans from China frequently present value of the stream of she noted. alike, having expressed their received a great deal of attention payments Sri Lanka would make to The non-concessionality concerns over most of these loans from both local and international repay the loan, against the nominal threshold is determined by how in fact being less favourable to Sri media. value of the loan. For this purpose, large the grant element is and Lanka. the grant element and tied element how small the tied element is; Providing an in-depth look into Concessionality of of each loan were measured. the larger the grant element, and the concessionality of loans that ‘concessional’ loans The grant element is defined as the smaller the tied element, the Sri Lanka has obtained, Verité yy Average interest rates and the difference between the loan’s higher the non-concessionality Research, an independent think maturity periods nominal value (face value) and threshold. tank, recently hosted a webinar the sum of the discounted future titled: “Bilateral and multilateral To analyse the concessionality debt service payments to be made Problems and solutions ‘concessional’ loans – are they of these loans, Verité evaluated by the borrower (present value), for Sri Lanka really as cost-effective and the interest rates of all Sri Lanka’s expressed as a percentage of the Compared to other alternatives ‘concessional’ as they are made to foreign loans and adjusted the loan’s face value. A tied loan is a of raising funds, such as ISBs, seem?”, which shed some light on loans that weren’t in dollar terms to loan a lender government makes concessional loans – especially the subject. come up with dollar-denominated to a foreign borrower in exchange Verité Research Executive Director Nishan de Mel those extended by bilateral lenders This week, The Sunday equivalent interest rates for ease of for the promise that the borrower – seem a lot more attractive for Sri Morning Business looks to focus comparison. will use the loan to purchase goods multilateral loans went through Lanka. Adding to that, Sri Lanka, on the important takeaways at Accordingly, the average interest from the lender’s country. an international competitive with limited financing options the webinar, which concluded rate for International Sovereign “In a present value calculation, it We see cost escalation on road bidding process. When there is a but a great deal of infrastructure that the concessionality of Bonds (ISBs) was 6.6% on the is a discount rate that really matters infrastructure as being above tied element, you can have two projects, requires funding. loans is overestimated, while in dollar-denominated value, while and that is what is effective. So 100% over a certain period forms of bidding; one is national Nevertheless, one of the main some cases, these loans are less Japan was the cheapest, with an we are using a discount rate that is of time, which means a cost competitive bidding that is problems Sri Lanka encounters favourable to Sri Lanka. average interest rate of 0.7%. In effectively the discount rate in the escalation vulnerability of restricted only to the country of is the high risk of cost escalation, terms of lending countries, China’s financial markets,” de Mel stated. 30-40% still should be seen as the lender. In certain cases, it can and also that some of the projects Infrastructure financing: A interest rate was the highest The discount rate is the interest be the entire value of the loan or a funded by tied loans have come decade-and-a-half of loans something that is vulnerable with an average rate of 3.3% – rate used to determine the present for the loan, i.e. as having portion of the loan,” Abeysinghe through unsolicited proposals. According to Verité Research nevertheless, still half that of ISBs. value of future cash flows in completely negated the grant stated. According to Verité, numerous Director Subhashini Abeysinghe, In terms of maturity periods, a discounted cash flow (DCF) element, making it adverse However, certain loans funded studies indicate that, in general, between 2005 and 2019, the Sri Verité Executive Director Nishan analysis. This helps determine if Verité Research Director by tied loans had originated as unsolicited proposals are Lankan Government borrowed de Mel pointed out that ISBs the future cash flows from a project Subhashini Abeysinghe unsolicited proposals. These associated with allegations of $ 34 billion in loans – 81% of have again proven to be not as or investment will be worth more are proposals which were corruption, lack of transparency, which was taken for infrastructure favourable, explaining that ISBs than the capital outlay needed to initiated by the firm and not by and higher costs. In the case of development in the country. have an average maturity period fund the project or investment at the grant element of the multilateral the Government requesting a Sri Lanka, research indicates Following the end of the of eight years, whereas bilateral present. and bilateral loans taken by Sri proposal. that Sri Lanka’s legal framework civil war in 2009, infrastructure and multilateral loans have longer The International Monetary Lanka is 41% and this can vary For this purpose, Verité broke governing unsolicited proposals is financing saw a boom, with maturity periods – Chinese loans Fund (IMF) uses a 5% discount by country. Nevertheless, every down 28 loans Sri Lanka obtained not very solid, and there is much external financing recording 100% have an average maturity period of rate while the Organisation for country has a grant element of via procurement methods. Out room to improve. Therefore, Verité growth, particularly during 2010- 18 years, WB loans and loans from Economic Co-operation and above 30% – China, 31%; ADB, of these 28 loans, 18 loans were emphasises that Sri Lanka needs 2014 compared to the preceding India have maturity periods of 24 Development (OECD) uses 33%; France, 35%; WB, 36%; from China, three from India, six to strengthen regulations around five-year period. Nevertheless, years, ADB loans have 25 years, differentiated discount rates based India, 37%; and Japan, 68%. from Japan, and one from CIB unsolicited procurement. following the year 2014, the and loans from Japan have 34 on various factors. Nevertheless, France. Out of these 28 loans, 13 Furthermore, Verité suggests boom in infrastructure financing years, the highest maturity period Verité for this purpose chose a Can grant elements be loans came through unsolicited the Government goes for gradually slowed down, declining of a lender country. 6.5% discount rate, which is an eroded by the terms and proposals – 12 from China and competitive bidding processes in by 26%. average rate of ISBs over a certain conditions? one from India, while the rest a manner that would avoid risks yy How do we measure The main recipient of these period. Most of the multilateral and of the 28 loans went through and costs to the Government that oncessionality? loans, according to Abeysinghe, “When you get the present value bilateral loans come with a tied restricted proposals – one from are not visible, by publicising is the domestic transport sector, as In order to measure the standard and it is less than the nominal element. A tied element refers to China, two from India, and six the terms of the loan or project. 44% of the funds were channelled concessionality of “concessional” value, then you calculate the the portion of the loan that is in from Japan. In addition to this, openness to into it; these loans were mainly loans, Verité selected 50 high- grant element. The standard IMF effect in law or in fact tied to the Loan agreements the analyses and due diligence should taken to construct highways, value foreign loans taken mostly methodology for saying a loan is procurement of the goods and Government has entered into via also be given importance as some bridges, and railways. for infrastructure during the period concessional is to say you have services from contractors connected unsolicited proposals specify of the terms in loan arrangements China was the leading lender from 2005-2018. Forty-six of these a grant element. This is also the to the lender. the contractor’s name, which that have been entered into in the for infrastructure during the loans were taken by the Central OECD methodology. De Mel stated that the tied means the contractor has been past five years have been very 15-year period from 2005-2019, Government at a value of $ 11.97 “Is the grant element at least element is a problem because the pre-selected. In these situations, adverse – and the adversity was with loans obtained from them billion, while four, amounting 35%? If the grant element does moment a country’s loan has a it is hard for Sri Lanka to figure very costly. 8 the sunday morning business ADVERTORIAL Sunday, September 20, 2020 AIA launches industry- WSO2 appoints prominent first secure remote digital signatures In an industry-first initiative professionals to key roles in Sri Lanka, AIA Insurance introduced enterprise-grade, WSO2, the open source API- secure remote digital signatures first integration company, for customers. This means announced a series of high- that customers can now profile appointments within sign documents at home or its senior leadership team last elsewhere, securely with ease week as the company looks and convenience. towards further growth in key “This pioneering solution global markets, particularly was launched by AIA with North America, Asia Pacific, and the customers’ convenience in Europe. mind,” explained AIA CEO Nikhil Advani. “Having faced no requirement for signing Padmika Dissanaike has been the recent Covid pandemic, we multiple times and the signed appointed the Senior Vice President – realided that safety comes first. documents are received Finance and Operations. Dissanaike Most people are apprehensive by AIA and the customer has been heading the global finance to have physical meetings instantaneously, making it an function at WSO2 since 2009 Padmika Dissanaike Nuwan Dias Prabath Siriwardena unless absolutely necessary. effectual and seamless process. and in her new role, she will also So we wanted to ensure a way “At AIA, we are constantly oversee the HR (human resources), driving the development of WSO2 and travels the world conducting grow our global presence further, we that policies can continue to looking at ways of using administration, and legal operations API Manager, an open source hybrid workshops/meet-ups evangelising will significantly increase our team, be written without physical digitisation to make life of the organisation. In her career, API management platform recognised WSO2 technology. He is the co-author improve our product strategy, add meetings between the customer easier for the customers. We Dissanaike held leadership roles in the by industry analysts. Very recently, of seven books, the latest titled more industry verticals, build more and the agent. That is why we understand how busy life US and Europe, working in dynamic Forrester Research, Inc. named WSO2 “Microservices Security in Action”. business partnerships, and expand introduced the e-signatures, gets and want our customers and high-growth companies. Before as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Afkham Azeez is Vice President our partner network. I’m delighted which is easy, efficient, and to know that we value their she joined WSO2, Dissanaike was API Management Solutions, Q3 2020 and Deputy CTO – Cloud. As a that Padmika, Prabath, Azeez, and safe.” time. We also understand their the Head of Finance for European report. Dias leads the product vision Deputy CTO, Azeez is WSO2’s Nuwan will be playing a greater role AIA Chief Technology concerns in these uncertain Pricing and Reimbursement at IMS and roadmap, and he is also part of the spokesperson for all cloud-related in these plans, bringing their vast Officer Umeshi de Fonseka times and respect their Health, a US Fortune 1000 company architecture team overlooking product matters. Azeez drives efforts focused experience and knowledge to the added: “Our remote digital reservations about physical which is now IQVIA. Prior to that, engineering. As a WSO2 technology on the development and enhancement company’s corporate vision. WSO2 signature process, which is a meetings. That is why we she was the UK Financial Reporting evangelist, Dias is a frequent of WSO2 middleware. He is an has experienced great successes world-class and cutting-edge are continuously innovating Controller of UUNET Technologies, a conference presenter on API strategies elected member of the Apache over the past 15 years and we look process, is fast, safe, and and leveraging on digital subsidiary of MCI, a US Fortune 500 and architecture and conducts Software Foundation and a Project forward to more victories with our convenient for both the agent technologies to serve our company which is now part of Verizon workshops/meet-ups globally. He Management Committee member market-leading API management, and the customer. There is customers better.” Communications. She is a Fellow of is the co-author of the book titled and long-time committer for a integration, and identity management the Association of Chartered Certified “Microservices Security in Action”. number of projects. He specialises in products and industry solutions.” Accountants (FCCA, London), Prabath Siriwardena is Vice cloud-native technologies including At present, WSO2 has 500 and has successfully completed President and Deputy CTO - Security. Kubernetes, distributed computing, customers in over 70 countries, and Dialog holds first the Emerging CFO programme at As a Deputy CTO, Siriwardena is highly available and scalable works with more than 100 software the Stanford Graduate School of WSO2’s spokesperson for all security- applications, and service-oriented implementation partners globally and Business and the Strategic Analysis related matters. Siriwardena provides architecture. Azeez has presented over 650 employees in their offices post-lockdown for Business Evaluation programme at leadership to the Identity and Access in numerous global conferences worldwide. Harvard Business School. Management (IAM) team at WSO2, a and workshops. He is the author WSO2 employs over 650 seated music festival WSO2 also appointed three Deputy team he’s been a part of for 13 years, of the book titled “Clustering engineers, consultants, and CTOs (Chief Technical Officers). developing the open source WSO2 Implementation for Apache Axis2” professionals worldwide and has Nuwan Dias is Vice President and Identity Server. This product is used and a co-author of the book titled offices in the US, the UK, Australia, Deputy CTO – API Management and by hundreds of global organisations “Axis2 Web Services”. Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. Integration. As a Deputy CTO, Dias today, enabling them to build agile, Commenting on the latest Today, hundreds of leading brands is WSO2’s spokesperson for all API extensible customer IAM solutions appointments and the company’s and thousands of global projects management and integration-related and create seamless user experiences growth plans, WSO2 Founder and execute over six trillion transactions matters. Dias provides leadership to for customers. Siriwardena is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. annually using WSO2-integration the API management team at WSO2, frequent conference presenter Sanjiva Weerawarana said: “As we technologies and identity solutions. HS Fabric Collection Abans IT’s smart classrooms Performance by BNS launches new brand Dream Music Fest with most sought-after bands grow in popularity Dialog, the first seated such as Mahesh Denipitiya and showroom Since 2017, Abans IT has music festival to be held and Friends in Fusion, provided over 1,000 smart post lockdown, took place Naada, Misty, and Infinity classroom solutions across the on Sunday, 23 August at the while percussion ensembles island, benefitting over 40,000 outdoor seating area of the Elephant Foot, Beat of students, the Abans Group Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Drummers, and Naadro set the of Companies said last week. Rajapaksa Theatre to support beat and rhythm of the night. It noted that due to the the entertainment industry, “An event to remember. The Covid-19 pandemic that which was hard-hit by social versatile lineup of local artists saw schools close and distancing regulations set performed the best of eastern remain closed for the past to control the outbreak of and western music, appealing four months, the need to Covid-19. to a vast variety of age groups incorporate digital solutions to see Sri Lanka evolving students in need in all districts, Attendees bore witness to and genres,” Dialog said. to the education system was and incorporating more and they have been reaping a star-studded performance The event organisers, accelerated. digital-based solutions, thus the benefits of such an action. lineup including Sunil Perera, the Event Management Sharing his thoughts, Abans ensuring our education system “Prior to the campaign, Bathiya and Santhush, Association Sri Lanka, had The new ‘HS Select’ brand IT General Manager Chathura continues to be strong in the many of the students studying Randhir Witana, Umara taken all the necessary steps HS Fabric Collection “We are importing Jayawardena stated: “Using future as well.” in these schools did not Sinhawansa, Kevin de to implement social distancing Co. Ltd. launched a new material from both digital platforms towards Abans Group of Companies have access to PCs. Post Almeida, Kasun Kalhara, and hygiene factors to ensure brand named “HS Select” India and Indonesia and educational transformation has also carried out several receiving the PCs, the school Athma Liyanage, Samitha the safety of the public. and unveiled its new marketing through the head has gained tremendous PC donation campaigns to curriculum was enhanced Mudunkotuwa, Sanka Dineth, The full performance of showroom at Narahenpita office in Nawala as well traction and popularity, which youths across Sri Lanka. The to include basic IT practical Sanuka Wickremasinghe, Dream Music Fest with Road, Nawala recently. as branches in many parts enables faster diffusion of campaign has been carried work that enables to better Lahiru Perera, Ridma Dialog will be telecast today, HS Fabric Collection of the island. We are one technology acceptance than out for the past six years, with prepare the youth for the Weerawardana, and Danith 20 September at 1 p.m. on Founder Chairman R.G. of the leading suppliers it was forecasted. It is good over 600 PCs being donated to future,” the company said. Sri, while some of Sri Lanka’s Derana TV. Pemaratna, Managing of cushioning material to Director Lahiru Gamage, leading hotels, apartments, and General Manager Jinali etc. and we are expecting Hettiarachchi were present the same positive response Union Assurance recognised by business magazine at the occasion. Army from our clients for ‘HS Commander Lieutenant Select’ curtain materials. Union Assurance announced that it line marking a new beginning for life General Shavendra Silva We are also the leading was recently recognised by business insurance in early 2020. was the Chief Guest and a suppliers of fabrics for magazine Echelon for digitising life “With the evolving consumer at the large gathering of guests furniture manufacturers insurance. core of its repositioning strategy, Union was also present to grace (sofa makers) in the “The leadership team led by Chief Assurance is placed as the trusted the event. Moratuwa area. There are Executive Jude Gomes, who had taken protector of the Sri Lankan dream, HS Fabric Collection several grades of curtains, the job only months before, were well advocating that people can dream invested to refurbish the including fire-protected prepared for the challenges ahead. The bigger if they plan better, that their new showroom and create material. We will also look new normal brought with it a formidable The team children can go higher if their future is HS Select, which would be at opening more branches opportunity for Union Assurance to live stronger, that their lives can be richer if introducing a new range of and creating our own by its promise – Your Life, Our Strength industry, recognised this platform and their policyholders, along with a 24/7 they thought smarter. The logo depicts imported curtain material to fabrics in the future,” the – and offer much-needed support to its awarded Union Assurance with “Model trilingual call centre, a web chat option, the circle of life, with the tagline Your Sri Lanka. company said. stakeholders to demonstrate that being Insurer” recognition at a recent event in an innovative digital system to submit Life, Our Strength. The new identity a responsible insurer can be much more New York, setting a new benchmark for claim documents, and other service- marks an exciting journey built on the than a slogan,” the company said. the industry in Sri Lanka. related documents to make engagement teamwork of dynamic professionals to Union Assurance was the first life The company’s readiness in convenient. Engaging its workforce at nurture relationships amidst the strong insurer in Sri Lanka to have a 100% digitisation augured well for promptly different levels of the career cycle was a financial foundations the company has digital, paperless submission process adapting online training for its agency challenge during this time of uncertainty established,” the company said. to issue policies with fast turnaround, force on conducting new business which activated the launch of STEP Union Assurance is the oldest private straight-through processing, digital and servicing customers using digital (Strive Towards Excellence Programme), life insurer in Sri Lanka, and is a claims submissions, and servicing platforms. An online recruitment a platform for career acceleration which member of the John Keells Group, Sri capabilities. programme was launched during provides exposure and interaction Lanka’s largest listed conglomerate. The company also implemented the lockdown, allowing many individuals with the corporate management, live Union Assurance completes over three recently modernised cloud-based 4G to take up new work and expand their business projects, and role modelling decades in the industry with a market (fourth generation) insurance platform, sources of income. Union Assurance opportunities. capitalisation of Rs. 18 billion, a life a first in the region. Celent (a division of also implemented working from To consolidate its journey, Union fund of Rs. 38 billion, and a Capital Oliver Wyman), a global research and home the day following lockdown Assurance launched its new identity Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 455% as at The launching ceremony advisory firm for the financial services to ensure uninterrupted service to portraying a new logo and payoff July 2020.

Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 FOSTERING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SRI LANKA’S FLORA AND FAUNA »SEE PAGE 4

BALLROOM DANCING: WHAT’S WALTZING LIKE IN LANKA? »SEE PAGE 6

Sunday, September 20, 2020

INTO THE SHADOWS brunchBy Chamindra de Silva

AMOEBA WORLD By Anuradha Punchihewa

SANDS OF TIME SAY NO TO By Ishan Senaka Hewage TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OUR ARTISTS Aartzy – artists’ platform for Lankans by Lankans MARU SANNIYA MASK (VIBRANT DEMON SERIES) By Rajapaksa Arts and Crafts

NATALYA By Kos Cos

BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE artzy is an e-commerce platform for paintings, photography, sculptures, and prints. Initiated in 2018, the platform has since expanded its reach to include a broad spectrum of artists. The Aplatform was originally launched to function as a market hub for Sri Lankan artists to showcase their skills and make RELAXED sales without a daunting overhead. By Shanaka Kulatunga ││Contd. on page 2 2 the sunday morning brunch PEOPLE/ART Sunday, September 20, 2020

BY JENNIFER ANANDANAYAGAM audiences, but I think during moments of acute global pain, it’s especially Sri Lanka is portrayed as many important to remember the broader things in works of art – movies, scale of human goodness and human songs, poems, and prose – but To me, Sri Lanka’s achievement. When you write a story that you it’s relatively challenging to find truly connect with, you end up living in creations or creators who want its world. My last writing project before to depict our island through the Sri Katava was an extremely dark, binoculars of hope. national story is one cynical political allegory. I’m very proud So when Cairo Smith told me that of that story, but living in its world had his current project, a film titled The an almost physically draining effect on Heart of Sri Katava, was a story about my spirit. With Sri Katava, I wanted to unity, independence, optimism, and do the opposite and remind myself and building one’s own identity, it’s safe to others of the potential in the world as say I was intrigued. with so much hope seen through the eyes of its characters. The Heart of Sri Katava follows the life of protagonist Victor Jayasinghe, ÄÄ You wrote the story to better a 15-year-old boy living in Colombo understand Sri Lanka’s with his mother and sisters. The mythology and history. What teenager is obsessed with making an CAIRO SMITH have you better understood? action-adventure film. “Think along ÄÄ Why is Sri Lanka the setting It’s fair to say that I had almost no the lines of Douglas Fairbanks or Errol in your feature film? understanding of the scope or nature of Flynn,” shared Smith. The year is 1936. I’m Sri Lankan on my mother’s side. Challenges like this serve as reminders Sri Lankan history before I started my Together with his friends, Jayasinghe My mother’s maiden name is Wijesinghe. that humanity can collectively research. Across centuries, Sri Lanka has “borrows” a 16 mm camera from his I was born in Berkeley, California and overcome even severe obstacles. been much of an arena for technological civil service position and goes out into spent my early childhood there in a house These challenges also find a way of arms races, feats of engineering, court the wilderness to film his movie. When with my mother and grandfather. My revealing people’s true nature, such intrigue, and pitched warfare as anywhere they get there, they realise that the grandfather – Henry Wijesinghe – died as that of incompetent politicians. I in Europe or Japan. I think of Kashyapa, ancient Sri Lankan myths and creatures when I was young, and I never got to think such a forcing of candour can builder of Sigiriya citadel in the late Fifth they’re writing about are coming to life know him the way I wish I could have. in the end be a gift Century, who retreated to his fortress after around them. When I started writing this film, I was being condemned for entombing his own The Heart of Sri Katava made it to inspired by his stories of life growing up in afar, my work will inevitably have an father alive in the walls of a reservoir. I the list of 11 finalists that the South Asian 1930s Colombo as a young man. The more outsider’s perspective of the country think of the alliance between the VOC talent incubator 1497 selected out of 382 my research grew, the closer I felt to him. – even if it is a loving one. Because of and Kandyan forces in their assault on submissions for its inaugural Writers Lab. I interviewed family members and read that, I did not want to create a “copy of the Portuguese, and the fact that Kandy We caught up with Smith to find out more. hundreds of pages of history about ancient a copy” by deriving my influence from remained independent for hundreds of and medieval pre-colonial Sri Lanka. works written by other foreigners, be years in the face of coastal colonisation. ÄÄ Tell me about The Heart of To me, Sri Lanka’s national story is they British visitors or people of Sri In reading about the mythology, I was Sri Katava. one with so much hope and potential. I Lankan heritage living abroad. fascinated by the blurred line between In the film, Victor Jayasinghe wrote this film to connect with that feeling Living in the US and having a folklore, history, myth, and religion. works as a film archive assistant in the of hope, to better understand Sri Lanka’s The way Indian mainland texts like the Cairo Smith background in journalism, I’m incredibly civil service, but dreams of writing and mythology and history, and to share both aware of the ugly bias news organisations Ramayana are adapted or interpreted, and directing Sri Lanka’s first feature-length of those with the world on a broader scale. inevitably the day came when Henry have towards publishing horrific or the way they can take on more secular action-adventure film. He’s joined on this really did see a panther stalking the path or dogmatic roles through Buddhist ÄÄ You shared that your unpleasant stories. “If it bleeds, it leads” journey by his friend James Dissanayake, a and knew, of course, that his mother is the sorry motto of a lot of fear-based and Hindu lenses is unlike anything I’d scrappy longshoreman who brings on two research process for the would never believe him. So, I’m pretty media organisations, and when it comes encountered in previous study. There is dancers from the local fine arts secondary film made you feel closer to sure he just moved as quickly as he could to a country like Sri Lanka, it’s easy for also a tremendous amount of Sinhalese school, Lilavati Nandasiri and Ernest your grandfather. Care to and walked to school regardless. the day-to-day life of a nation to slip and Vedda folklore surrounding mythical Pathiraja, as Princess Sita and Prince Rama elaborate? Looking back at that story, I realise away, with only the tragedies and conflict creatures and demons, such as the Riri (respectively). On their journey, they are There is a sense of life that you can I’m probably not the only one in my receiving press attention. Yaka, which is not extensively catalogued joined by firebrand youth league activist get from personal accounts which could family who had a resistance to school. I When I spent time in Finland, a in the English-language internet. The Sunthari Arunachalam, as well never come across in historical think about that kid, with so much time country which is much more successful fact that these creatures have not been as runaway colonial teenager records. As much as I learned and freedom and opportunity ahead of and developed than the US by many explored on screen in western cinema Clara Saintclair. In the about the completion dates him, and I wish so much that I could standards, I became even more aware provides a wonderful opportunity, mythical jungles, the six of various railways or roads meet him and share an afternoon. So, that of that effect. My Finnish friends were especially when audiences are so tired of battle against the demonic from official documents, I feels like closeness, to me. I understand very aware of all the terrible news and western mythological creatures such as army of King Ravana, could never have built as his ambition and his optimism, and I feel tragedies coming out of the US, which vampires and winged horses. while also evading the much of a full understanding it in myself as well. of course were real, but their perspective ÄÄ What is your message to crooked colonial forces of childhood as a young boy Ä was negatively warped by the fact that so of British administrator in 1930s Colombo without Ä I find it interesting that the the world during these narrative you are choosing much of the good news is lost or swept Lord Scarborough as my family’s stories. away. Knowing that, and seeing all the difficult times? they attempt to finish their Interviewing my mother to tell of Sri Lanka has the good in America despite its flaws, I I would say to remember that this movie in time for the 1936 last year, she told me a story about themes of unity, hope, would never want to fall into the trap of will pass and remember the hardships Henry Wijesinghe Commonwealth Film Festival. how my grandfather had to walk a and potential, somewhat depicting another nation in that way. that were faced by previous generations There’s also a lot of personal few miles down a fairly rural road of a rarity with people of with great success. Challenges like drama, coming-of-age, first loves, corrupt in order to get to school. This road was Sri Lankan roots living in ÄÄ Why is the feeling of hope this serve as reminders that humanity colonial officials, and those sorts of things alleged to have panthers nearby, and distant shores. important to you? can collectively overcome even severe to deal with. It’s a very fun story – very my grandfather would frequently return I made a particular effort to read I think the world needs a lot of obstacles. These challenges also find a joyful – and I really tried to blend a classic home in the late morning – claiming he and watch Sri Lankan media created hope right now. I think we always way of revealing people’s true nature, adventure tale with a mythology and lore, could not make it to school as a panther by locals to the island when I was need hope, which is why you see such as that of incompetent politicians. which would be totally fresh to most was stalking the path. Pretty quickly, his developing this project. I’m acutely stories of hope as those which have I think such a forcing of candour can in viewers worldwide. mother realised this was nonsense, and aware that writing about Sri Lanka from eternal resonance across generations of the end be a gift.

to go online by themselves. Janaka the price of the painting, which is losses and opted to go online, stated that they build the artist’s what many opt for, he said, adding and since then, they have grown profile from the ground up. They that this way the artist is able to exponentially. photograph the artist’s work; process receive their expected price. He also added that the platform SAY NO... them; create titles; write descriptions; He said that they make it has begun to function as an Contd. from page 1 adding that despite it requiring and upload, promote, and co-ordinate a habit not to negotiate on this inspiration hub for artists looking to just a few interested parties, in Sri all the way until a sale is made and expected price and try more to improve and grow in their creative What has made the platform Lanka, there simply remains no the work is delivered to the buyer. build a pricing strategy around pursuits, and even when they are truly special is that, in addition to it independent platform for artists to Aartzy will co-ordinate on behalf of this price. presented with work to be featured being the only such dedicated space promote their work. There are very the artist and all the strategies will “The expected price is very on the platform, they make a for Lankan artists to come together, limited ways to get visibility for be discussed with the owner of the important. It is the inherent value suggestion to explore their featured the platform prioritises those artists one’s work – have an exhibition, work. appointed by the artists to their works so that the artists can better who lack the resources to go online art fairs like “kala pola”, etc. – and He said that creating an artist’s work, and it is theirs to have,” he themselves and present the best themselves. these are not sufficient and are not profile is imperative as artists said, adding that most artists are version of themselves when they all year round. must have a clear and evident not well to do; this is to survive and come on board. Why create Aartzy? He also said that when identity – it is one of the primary we mustn’t take advantage of this Aartzy, having started as a Aartzy Founder Janaka Perera, developing his online platform, requirements – and they put in a vulnerability. platform which was primarily with his over two decades of which was a no-brainer from a lot of groundwork to create this focused on locals and Lankan experience in sales, marketing, and marketing perspective, he had to for their artists, so that once they Aartzy during Covid-19 expats, has since expanded to business administration, stated that take into consideration the fact that have created this profile, the artists Janaka shared that at present, include international artists as regardless of not being an artist Sri Lanka as a market is not yet The expected price is very themselves can promote their they are operating with a small team well. However, Janaka stated that himself, he clearly understood the mature enough to buy art online. important. It is the inherent Aartzy profile on their personal of just five individuals who work on their focus remains on growing Sri hardships local artists must endure. Art is not considered an essential value appointed by the artists to platforms, if they wish. referencing as it remains easiest to Lankan artists and they especially He shared with us the inciting product and negotiation is in a their work, and it is theirs to have In their services, in creating get someone on board when referred promote to expats in Australia incident which led to him taking Lankan’s DNA. Aartzy Founder Janaka Perera this artist’s profile, they take great to by a known party. He said that (which has Sri Lanka’s largest expat time off his well-established career Janaka shared that it is care to present the work in their they have adopted a transparent, population), New Zealand, the US, to launch this platform. frustrating to see those people who your work and make a sale. Janaka best light, with their team attending trustworthy approach and their Canada, and recently Europe. “We were looking to buy some love art leave it behind because they shared that initially the way they to colour-balancing and placing the actions speak louder than words. He said that all Sri Lankans art for a colleague’s parting gift, are unable to generate a sufficient brought artists onto the platform artwork in different backgrounds Things had really changed around the world want a little bit and we chose a rainy day with income to live on, adding that he was to painstakingly go through for the ease of the buyer, while also during the Covid-19 pandemic of home, and therefore cultural heavy overcast to go in search firmly believes that artists should their personal contacts and meet advising the artists on strategy. period; their concept became paintings especially tend to become of this item and, of course, we only have to focus on creating, with each one in person. Janaka said that Aartzy somewhat of a necessity during popular among these expats. made our way over to Green Path. while a third party should focus on “We initially reached out exists primarily to create value that time as many artists suffered There, considering the unfortunate the marketing component. to artists in and about our area, for artists’ work. If you are to weather, we found just one artist “If the artist has to be made appointments with them, consider traditional galleries, an who was displaying his work from concerned about all the other and visited their homes, studios, artist must concede up to 50% the back of a van due to the rain, elements, then their creativity etc.,” he said, sharing that initially of their earnings from their sale and we got to talking, which is suffers, work gets commercialised, there was some resistance, only to the gallery, and on top of that, when he shared with us that he is they become influenced by market until they came to realise that the they will pick and choose the work a third-generation artist and his conditions, etc.,” he said. intention here is to purely benefit the artist is allowed to display. entire family relied on his earnings them. He said that once a few With Aartzy as a platform, artists to survive and that it is extremely How the platform works artists began to come on board, will be given two options: They Essentially, you appoint tough. This is when I got to then they were able to create a can either opt for providing a your Aartzy contact as your thinking: Is there any way I could network of interested artists by commission on sales where all representative, a collaborative help?” he said. word of mouth. administrative work will be partner who takes care of all the Janaka said that regardless of Aartzy is especially suitable for provided free of charge, or include elements necessary to get eyes on the product, marketing is the same, artists who do not have the means the commission price on top of

the sunday morning brunch editorial [email protected] 011 5200900 the sunday morning brunch 3 Sunday, September 20, 2020 TRAVEL/FOOD

REJUVENATE YOUR BODY AND SOUL ĀDHITYA AYURVEDA accessible indigenous medicine BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE during their stay are sourced from organic farms and are focused on Conveniently located just providing a well-balanced diet, as opposite the Anuradhapura recommended by the physicians, General Hospital, the while the centre also firmly believes in promoting Ādhitya Ayurveda environmental facility provides sustainability and has a Ādhitya Ayurveda facility specialised policy of maintaining Ayurveda zero single-use Gunawardhana, it takes at least five is, with the creators believing that treatments plastics in its day-to- to 10 days to effectively attend to the human component is imperative addressing a day activities. ailments, and one is required to share when it comes to the development of wide range of Ādhitya all previous medical reports with indigenous medicine and it simply conditions. It Ayurveda has also the centre so that they can maintain cannot be mass produced; it can be is the brainchild been awarded the Gold a complete medical profile of the streamlined so it is widely accessible. Rating Certification traditional herbal medicines, and he patient. In addition to the treatment of Dr. Sarath Dr. Sarath Gunawardhana Gunawardhana of under the Green SL® received the “Vidyanidi” presidential The centre has gained fast centre, they hope to spread their Rating System for Built popularity for treatments that range wings to include a research Gunawardhana Ayurveda award in recognition of his services Environment at the annual Green to the medical profession in 2017. from skin diseases to childhood component in order to take forth the Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., with the Building Awards Ceremony 2019 The facility is headed by neurological ailments including traditional practices and optimise its primary goal of furthering held in Kandy. Dr. Gunawardhana and his son autism and epilepsy, and they have effectiveness. They shared that there and sharing the benefits of We spoke to Dr. Gunawardhana, Dr. Kasun Gunawardhana, who even attended to patients with fourth are certain beliefs and practices that Ayurveda and Sri Lankan who is a pioneer in Ayurvedic specialises in Panchakarma stage cancer. The doctors shared that are a result of generations of practise traditional medicine with the treatment in Sri Lanka with over 40 treatments along with Ayurveda and another part of treatment is relieving such as the “pulse diagnosis”, which world. years of experience, best known for Sri Lankan indigenous treatments. pain for patients, adding that such Dr. Gunawardhana is capable of. Equipped with both a fully his areas of specialties which include Dr. Kasun Gunawardhana stated things cannot be taken lightly. They However, without advancement, outfitted medical ward (Rs. 7,500 per cardiovascular diseases, female and that the type of treatment they offer further mentioned that one must keep everything remains stagnant. room, plus 10% service charge), 27 male infertility, arthritis, diabetes, and is a system of medicine which in mind that their body composition is They also shared that there is a neurological disorders, and he shared involves Hela Wedakama and Indian ever-changing and it is not possible to (Pvt.) Ltd., as they have also invested lot of potential for the future with fully air-conditioned rooms, and 12 in developing indigenous medicines treatment rooms, dining facilities, a that this treatment centre has been Ayurveda. completely cure any ailment; it cannot this kind of medicine, adding that something he had hoped for since the Both doctors stressed on be achieved even by cutting off the in their factories – you would have health and wellness tourism is a sauna, hot tub, and pool, the facility seen “Ādhitya” medicine at the only admits patients following a beginning of his medical career. the importance of attending a affected part, but can be held at bay huge draw. They shared that the Dr. Gunawardhana developed consultation, as that is what your with a change in lifestyle and food. pharmacy. President too is very keen on this consultation with their doctors and We had the pleasure of visiting upon determining the treatment the special treatment methods for several treatment will be based on; it will be The Ādhitya Ayurveda facility is subject and has made promises to diseases based on the principles of customised depending on one’s body but one of the many ventures under these factories which remain true to take measures to further streamline patients require. the roots of what Hela Wedakama All meals provided to guests classical Ayurveda and Sri Lankan constitution. According to Dr. Kasun Gunawardhana Ayurveda Holdings and develop this trade. HARPO’S PIZZA opens first trendy container outlet at Spar, Pepiliyana Harpo’s Pizza & Pasta, the first home-grown pizza brand in All Inclusive 24h Sri Lanka, now in its 14th year, as Food & Beverage part of its expansion programme, recently opened its supermarket- affiliated outlet set in a trendy converted container at Spar % supermarket in Pepiliyana. OFF Harpos’ Pizza & Pasta set 50 the trend by opening its first pizza outlet in a renovated container. Covid-19 Health This concept is cost effective, Protocol affordable, can be set up quickly, and promotes the popularity of repurposing shipping containers and also sustainability, thereby attracting to enjoy the flavour of the authentic a range of sumptuous, thin-crust, home-grown Harpo’s thin-crust pizza authentic Italian pizzas in four sizes millennials and environmentally FREE and fresh pasta range. and 30 flavours. It continues to be a CANCELLATION conscious citizens alike. 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FOSTERING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR SRI LANKA’S FLORA AND FAUNA The Department of Wildlife Conservation

DWC Director – Operations Ranjan Marasinghe

BY NAVEED ROZAIS directly impact areas under our protection.” to report any wildlife or flora-related issues, of tea plantations in central Sri Lanka has The DWC takes two main approaches to was quickly adapted to be able to work in the brought leopards and humans closer to each ri Lanka’s greatest strength conservation: One is where they look at and sort of setting that came with the lockdown. other than before, with more and more land is its rich diversity. From manage things spatially within their protected Over the course of two days, the DWC being cleared and leopards being pushed out its people to its food to its area network, and the other is protecting fauna developed a web-based software system that, of their habitats. The lack of prey also draws outside their protected area with the aid of coupled with the advanced telephone system leopards closer to human settlements, which scenery, Sri Lanka is known special lists and provisions set out in the Flora the DWC used, was able to remotely transfer often leads to conflict and leopard trapping. for its variety and beauty. This and Fauna Protection Ordinance. calls to duty officers in their homes. The system “The support of the general public is also Sis equally apparent in our country’s also allowed for each complaint to be logged in needed with regard to leopards,” Marasinghe nature and wildlife. Dealing with human-animal conflict a format where regional officers could review shared, adding: “Most of the lands that Commenting on criticism the DWC each complaint and its status to see what had leopards inhabit belong to plantations. The The custodian of much of Sri Lanka’s This lack of received when it comes to efficiency and been handled and what was pending. plantation sector is 100% supportive of the biodiversity is the Department of Wildlife manpower is our animal welfare, Marasinghe explained that DWC officers were given special approval DWC’s efforts, with individual and volunteer Conservation (DWC). Established in 1949, the biggest challenge. looking at the numbers alone, the DWC’s to move around during lockdown to be able groups working with plantation officers and the DWC is the statutory guardian of the wildlife Field officers are efforts over the years have paid off. “In the to handle issues, particularly human-animal DWC on comprehensive leopard conservation and wilderness areas of Sri Lanka, including early 1990s, people were very concerned conflict issues. Operating a field-driven programmes that educate people and organise all the country’s major water catchments. The not always able about wild elephant populations being less office came with its own administrative patrols and campaigns to relocate leopards. DWC draws its foundation and mandates Sri to work in the than 1,000. Today, Sri Lanka has more than challenges, and in response to this, the DWC What we need is for the public to inform us Lanka’s Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, field; they have 5,400 elephants in the wild, and these are developed a system that allowed field officers when they see leopards so we can handle things legislature introduced in 1937 to protects Sri official figures of the elephants we’ve been to paperlessly process requests for resources, constructively. The programmes are fairly Lanka’s wildlife and nature to this day. to attend various able to track; the actual number is likely to be funds, and personnel, with digital approvals successful, but we can’t cut situations down to This month, the Wildlife and Nature meetings, play roles more,” Marasinghe said, adding that wildlife being considered as valid as any other formal zero.” Protection Society (WNPS) held its first in Environmental conservation has been successful to the point document. physical monthly public lecture since the Impact Assessments that hunting has been reduced drastically. From a management perspective, The challenges faced by the DWC Covid-19 lockdown in March, calling on the “We have been educating the general management met every night via conference One of the biggest challenges the DWC DWC to explain what they do, how they do it, (EIAs) when public on conservation of species and call to stay on top of all things managerial and faces is in terms of manpower. “The DWC and what support they need in their quest to required, and face habitats, starting at the school level. Hunting, administrative. For employees who didn’t work consists of less than 2,000 staff members, conserve Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna. other nonessential particularly illegal hunting, is no longer a in the field, an SMS-based sign-in service was and this includes all our staff members, The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down demands on their common thing. It happens a lot less now implemented where employees signed in and from admin to field officers. Out in the field, with DWC Director – Operations Ranjan because of both awareness and social out of work through an SMS gateway. the DWC has less than 1,000 employees,” Marasinghe to look at how the DWC adapted time that pull them pressure.” Looking back post lockdown, Marasinghe Marasinghe commented. “This lack of to Covid-19 and the challenges they face in the away from the field On the flip side, Marasinghe shared shared that on the whole the lockdown was manpower is our biggest challenge. Field new normal. that with some species like porcupines and a less troublesome period for the DWC, officers are not always able to work in the peacocks, the growing populations have led particularly in the field. Part of this was a result field; they have to attend various meetings, Understanding the DWC and their role to them becoming pests in certain situations of the shift to digital processes, particularly play roles in Environmental Impact as protectors of Sri Lankan wildlife and areas. The DWC spends a lot of time and when it came to issuing permits and similar Assessments (EIAs) when required, and face resources managing human-animal conflicts, processes. It was also a time when the DWC other nonessential demands on their time that As the statutory guardian of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and wilderness, the DWC something which is not a direct mandate of the could focus 100% on conservation and pull them away from the field. We’re actively is responsible for a vast expanse of land, While managing DWC and an issue over which they have little patrolling, without the distraction of meetings recruiting to fill vacancies and associated forest, grassland, mangroves, and wetland human-animal control. The DWC’s main priority is looking and other nonessential demands on their time. gaps in our operations, but this will not be an covering approximately 14% of Sri Lanka’s conflict is not at nature and wildlife that are endangered Now that lockdown is over, however, the automatic fix, as once the manpower problem landmass. Currently under its jurisdiction are and creating environments in which these DWC will be going back to the old systems is fixed, other problems that will need to be 61 sanctuaries including three strict natural specifically our endangered species can flourish. because, while they can and have made the resolved will show themselves.” reserves, one elephant corridor, seven nature mandate, it is still The human-animal conflict has grown in shift to paperless processes, many of the other On working with other agencies, reserves, and 26 national parks. our duty, and at recent years, an issue that is exacerbated greatly agencies and entities they work with still state-related, NGO (non-governmental Additionally, the DWC is not only the end of the day, by the reclamation of land for agriculture and require traditional paper-based documentation organisations), or otherwise, Marasinghe responsible for wild animals within the other urban development purposes. “While for their processes to be effective. shared that as a conservation-focused agency, protected areas, but also for any wild animal this conflict needs managing the human-animal conflict is not Addressing rumours of heightened wildlife the DWC is happy to collaborate with other found anywhere on the island. Managing to be settled. Even specifically our mandate, it is still our duty, offences, Marasinghe shared that while more agencies and organisations. this wide variety of habitats is no easy task, though we need to and at the end of the day, this conflict needs to wildlife offences were recorded during the However, it can become challenging be settled,” Marasinghe said, adding: “Even because other groups can sometimes take especially when animals wander in and out do something about lockdown, this was misinterpreted because of protected areas and come into conflict with though we need to do something about it, it heightened patrolling meant the number of extreme views on issues and expect action humans. it, it isn’t something isn’t something we can do without the support offences reported increased. from the DWC in a non-managerial context Marasinghe explained that the DWC we can do without of other state ministries and agencies as well as “While there was a higher number of that simply cannot be taken, Marasinghe was first formed for managing game reserves the support of other the private sector.” offences reported, overall, there was less explained, adding: “The DWC looks at wildlife for hunting before realising that commercial human-animal conflict. There were two issues and management issues. Some external hunting activity, as well as other issues, placed state ministries and Adapting to Covid-19 as a reasons for this, one being that humans were organisations, while very passionate, are not animals at risk of extinction. The latter part of agencies as well as field-driven institution not moving about and as such, there were ecologists and take extreme views that can lead the 20th Century saw legal framework being the private sector With the majority of the DWC’s automatically fewer instances of humans and to gaps in understanding.” developed to combat this and the concept of operations taking place in the field, the animals interacting negatively; another reason Looking to the future, Marasinghe stressed conservation taking hold. Covid-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s resulting for the human-animal conflict being less during that holistic collaboration was essential to “Now, the DWC looks at conserving Sri three-month lockdown brought with it the lockdown was that the DWC was able to effectively drive long-term positive change. Lanka’s biodiversity including all flora and opportunity to revise systems and focus on quickly respond and intervene on any reports “It often happens when multiple agencies and fauna. Flora comprises plants, plant habitats, more effective and mindful ways of working. made.” entities work together that very promising plans and ecosystems, and fauna comprises animals The lockdown was unexpected from a Speaking on the leopard deaths that gained and agreements are reached, but then when it and where these animals reside,” Marasinghe DWC perspective, Marasinghe shared, and much attention during and immediately after comes to execution, each entity often opts to shared, adding: “That said, there are things the first priority of the DWC was to make sure lockdown, Marasinghe explained that leopard follow their own individual goals, which can we leave to other agencies to focus on, like communication of issues could take place trapping and associated deaths have been end with the greater good and long-term vision pollution and industrial impact, unless these easily. The DWC hotline, 1992, which is used steadily declining since 2015. The privatisation being neglected.” the sunday morning brunch 5 Sunday, September 20, 2020 HEALTH/CAUSE

BY DR. DINESHANI HETTIARACHCHI SIRISENA yy Inform/take all your medical notes, prescriptions/drugs to any doctor The year 2020 marks the 30th you encounter. Do not conceal any anniversary of the International information Day for Older Persons, which falls yy Continue being physically active on 1 October each year. This year, yy Have a healthy, balanced diet one of the core themes identified is to “raise awareness of the special yy Hydrate yourself, especially in the health needs of older persons and warmer months of their contributions to their own yy Check your vision health and to the functioning of the yy Wear proper footwear. Consider societies in which they live”. changing your footwear if it is ill-fitting Everyone ages differently. Some may or doesn’t have a proper grip/has a be frailer than others at a given age. As a FALLS wasted sole result, millions of older people (65 years Rumblings of an avalanche and more) experience falls. It is estimated yy Get advice from a physiotherapist or that more than one out of four people fall even a doctor regarding the proper use of each year, and falling once doubles your walking aids chances of falling again. We spoke to Preventing falls yy Make sure the rubber ferrule in the consultant physician and geriatrician Dr. walking aid at the point of contact is not Shehan Silva on preventing falls among the wasted elderly. in the elderly The World Health Organisation yy Remove home hazards. This includes (WHO) defines a fall as “an event de-cluttering (furniture, ornaments, etc.) which results in a person coming to rest to make more space around to move. inadvertently on the ground or floor or Remove loose rugs, repair loose wooden other lower level”. Fall-related injuries floorboards/uneven floors, etc. could be fatal as well as nonfatal. Falls yy Have adequate sunlight coming in. Keep in the elderly are a major health problem your home brightly lit to avoid tripping that is often ignored. A fall can debilitate on objects a person and significantly impact the quality of life of an individual, thus leading yy Keep the floor space dry. Ensure the tiles to loss of independence, disability, and adults have dependence, loss of autonomy, on the floor aren’t slippery psychological distress. It is estimated that psychological issues such as depression and The person at risk and his/her family 30% of those who are older than 65 years lack of confidence, etc. members must be educated about the risk are at risk of sustaining a fall and that this factors and the multifactorial nature of most increases to 50% in those who are older Preventing falls falls. Based on some of the specific risk than 80 years. Those with long-term health Dr. Silva mentioned that the prevention factors, a doctor can make recommendations conditions are also at a greater risk. of falls can be divided into several to prevent future falls. If the elderly person is categories, such as: living alone, they should be taught what to do Multifactorial nature of falls yy Primary prevention – this is when one if they fall and cannot get up, and they should Falls can have more than one etiology, eliminates risk factors, creates positive have a way of contacting a medical person, such as: awareness, and increases exercise and relative, neighbour, or caregiver. For this yy Physical and psychological factors – this physical activity to strengthen muscles as purpose, having a phone that is accessible could be due to impaired balance and well as improve posture and alertness. As from the floor might be useful. pattern of mobility (gait), frailty, low Consequences it is evident that skeletal muscle strength As most of the aforementioned risk blood pressure related to one’s posture Falls can give rise to serious and mass decline with age, low-impact factors are modifiable, it is our responsibility (postural hypotension), impaired visual consequences. Patients can have trauma exercises such as tai chi and yoga are to safeguard the wellbeing of an elderly adult acuity (sharpness or fine detail of vision), Dr. Shehan Silva such as bruises, lacerations, bleeding, better suited for older adults who may or may not be living in the same and problems related to one’s feet such such as psychotropics, benzodiazepines, and head injury. Fragility or low-energy y house. Usually, the fear of falling can result as pain, foot deformity, weakness, or y Secondary prevention – this is where the antidepressants, and antipsychotics fractures are common in the hip, spine, and underlying causes need to be treated and in a downward cascade of events, leading to restricted range of motion wrist, especially when older adults have social isolation, loss of function, as well as yy External factors – the home environment optimised when one is presented with the yy Medical factors – long-term health osteoporosis. A person who has had such more falls. This can easily be prevented by can also contribute adversely. If floors possibility of a fall. Any additional risk conditions such as heart disease, injuries may be subjected to immobilisation. taking the necessary measures. are wet or recently polished, if there factors too need to be addressed dementia, and low blood pressure An interesting point to note is the concept is poor lighting in a room, and if rugs y (hypotension) can lead to dizziness of a “long lie” where the fallen person can y Tertiary prevention – if a person has or carpets are not properly secured, and momentary loss of consciousness. be on the floor when there is no help for a persistent tendency to fall despite About the writer older people may be subject to risk. Diabetes mellitus can give rise to a prolonged period of time, giving rise to controlling risk factors, the risk of The writer, Dr. Dineshani Hettiarachchi Furthermore, cluttering of furniture, dysfunction in the autonomic nervous pressure ulcers, dehydration, and various injuries needs to be minimised. On Sirisena, is a family physician with a collectibles, loose wiring, and even pets system, impeding maintenance of blood infections. This is quite common in those certain occasions, the impact of the special interest in can increase the risk of falls. Diogenes pressure and sensation of posture-related living alone. fall can be dampened by the use of hip rare genetic diseases syndrome (named after Diogenes the changes Other consequences include the protectors and headgear and regenerative Cynic) is a frequently seen presentation worsening of existing medical problems medicine currently yy Medications – most older adults who with the elderly, especially those and increased risk of death. It is also working as a lecturer are on more than four medications who live alone experiencing extreme Simple tips found that falling increases the tendency yy If you tend to fall, consult your doctor at the Department of (polypharmacy) might also be on high- self-neglect, social withdrawal, and for institutionalisation (long-term elders’ Anatomy, Faculty of risk medications that may contribute compulsive hoarding homes, hospices, etc.). yy Discuss the drugs you currently take or Medicine, University of to the risk of falls. These include drugs any other medical condition that might be yy Functional factors – rushing to get to the A new geriatric entity called “post-fall Colombo, targeting the central nervous system, the root cause toilet, to answer the phone, etc. syndrome” has been identified, where older Sri Lanka.

BY NAVEED ROZAIS Commenting on affordability, particularly in the Sri Lankan The British Council held a context, the panel noted that while Changing perceptions on suicide there is no regulatory body in Sri live webinar and panel discussion to commemorate World Suicide The British Council holds a live event to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day Lanka to oversee how therapists Prevention Day, which took place charge, this also means that there is on 10 September. The live event preventing access to poisonous word “deliberate” in regard to added flexibility for payment plans, consisted of a presentation by pesticides as much as possible. This self-harm to create a safer space for encouraging open communication suicidologist and researcher Dr. has resulted in failing those people victims of self-harm. between therapists and clients on Alexis Palfreyman, whose expertise who use other strategies to harm Uduman also spoke about how finances to see if a sustainable deals with global health, mental themselves. Nonfatal self-harm is communities can broach suicide as a payment scheme can be reached. health and suicidology, sexual and increasing year on year with women topic with people they believe might The panel also reproductive health and rights, and experiencing self-related violence be at risk, in a constructive way. addressed hospitalisation and maternal and child health. more and more, while men face more He explained that it was important institutionalisation, explaining that Dr. Palfreyman is the only deaths through self-related violence. to connect in a personal and warm while this does happen, it is very suicidologist living and working Dr. Palfreyman also shared that manner and let the person in question much a last resort used only to help in Sri Lanka. Her research covers families bereaved by suicide are feel completely secure and the focus someone who is an imminent danger everything to do with self-harm, ostracised, with people they know of attention. It is important not to to themselves or others. and she is currently working with distancing themselves from such rush the person and to possess the The panel also spoke about families who have been bereaved and families. Survivors of self-harm are ability to ask direct questions gently. detecting signs of mental distress affected by suicide as well as those also met with shame and guilt- Uduman stressed the need for in others, asking concerned parents who harm themselves, to gain greater tripping, all contributing to negative communities to use compassion and friends to look for changes in insight into the changing nature of stigma. and approach situations in a caring behaviour and interaction, keeping self-harm in urbanising Sri Lankan Dr. Palfreyman also explained Attorney-at-Law Mrinali Thalgodapitiya, Dr. Alexis Palfreyman, Dr. Fergus Kane, and manner as this can make all the an eye on social media interaction communities. that suicide is a leading cause Nivendra Uduman in discussion during the live webinar on 10 September difference when dealing with and activity to make sure bullying The live event also included of maternal death globally, with someone who is suicidal. Uduman and cyberbullying are not taking from harm. In Sri Lanka particularly, Therapy also frequently comes a panel discussion with Dr. mothers being chronically neglected also explained that if a friend or place, and building open and safe midwives have considerable power with the fear of being judged, which Palfreyman, chartered clinical across the board when it comes to loved one does confide that they discussion spaces. to shield mothers or expose them to Dr. Kane stressed is not something psychologist Dr. Fergus Kane, and healthcare, with services prioritising are suicidal, it is important for the more difficulty. that happens when you consult a Sri Lanka has several crisis hotlines counselling psychologist Nivendra the health of the children and the person that has been confided in to As part of the panel discussion, therapist, because therapists are for those in need of support. If you, or Uduman. The event was moderated physical health of the mothers over understand that it is not a burden that Dr. Fergus Kane spoke on how trained to provide a non-judgemental someone you know, is feeling suicidal by Attorney-at-Law Mrinali the mothers’ mental health. Dr. should be borne alone, and that this to choose a good psychologist, approach to your issues in a way that or is otherwise at risk emotionally Thalgodapitiya. Palfreyman shared that one in six information can and should be shared explaining that clients need to feel other people cannot. or mentally, please reach out on the Explaining suicide in a Sri women in Sri Lanka experience with someone responsible who can comfortable discussing any thought Counselling psychologist following hotlines: Lankan context, Dr. Palfreyman said depression when pregnant, and one ensure that no self-harm is done. that pops in their heads with their Nivendra Uduman spoke about that South and Southeast Asia are in five women experience postnatal Uduman stressed that it 1333 – 24-hour hotline by the Courage therapist. On overcoming the overcoming the stigma as a whole, epicentres for suicide globally. Sri depression. There is an urgent need is important not to promise Compassion Commitment (CCC) stigma around therapy, Dr. Kane explaining that the process needs to Lanka had one of the highest suicide to identify mental health issues in confidentiality to a friend who is Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation explained that seeking out a therapist begin at all levels, including how rates in the world. With the support women as early as possible during feeling suicidal, because you may based in Sri Lanka and Australia to provide is a brave step on the part of any we perpetuate negative attitudes of the Government, World Health pregnancy. The care women receive need to share what they tell you with services in the areas of cancer and mental patient because they’re empowering through our language, even as health Organisation (WHO), and large during and after pregnancy is really someone else in order to keep them wellbeing. themselves to share their innermost professionals. For example, the word agricultural companies, this number critical in shaping their emotional safe. 0112 696 666 – Government-approved thoughts and secrets, get help, and “committed” and using terms like was reduced by 70% by limiting and mental wellbeing. On keeping someone safe, charity Sumithrayo hotline, that provides solve problems in their lives, and “successful” and “unsuccessful” access to pesticides and similar This is where midwife and Uduman recommended looking at confidential emotional support to those in this is not something to feel ashamed in association with suicide draws poisons. Additionally, Sri Lanka and family reactions play a part. Often, how support and intervention can be need (in operation from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. of. There is a strong tendency censure and negative dialogue, as India have the highest suicide rates midwives enforce women to play this provided by taking away potential daily). for patients to “handle things opposed to more neutral language among women. sacrificial wife-and-mother role to means of suicide, not leaving the 1926 – 24-hour national mental themselves”, but this is something like “death by suicide” or “taking For the better part of the last 25 the detriment of their own wellbeing. person alone, and helping the person healthline at the National Institute of that is societal; there are lots of your own life”. This is also apparent years, Dr. Palfreyman explained, They’re often more concerned about refrain from using alcohol and Mental Health, which provides emotional things that you can’t do alone and in language around self-harm, with Sri Lanka has adopted a singular safeguarding women from damaged similar substances that can heighten support to those in need until they can reaching out for help regarding your debate ongoing in the medical approach to suicide prevention by reputations than protecting them or dull emotions. meet a mental health professional. mental health is one of those things. community on ceasing to use the 6 the sunday morning brunch SOCIETY Sunday, September 20, 2020

BY DINITHI GUNASEKERA more than 100 international competitions. He said he, therefore, loves teaching “Dance when you’re broken open. dancesport more and sharing his knowledge Dance if you’ve torn the bandage off. of all dance forms in general. Dance in the middle of the fighting. “Why is dance considered a sport? It is because a dancer has to train like any Dance in your blood. Dance when other athlete and have the same stamina, you’re perfectly free.” Ballroom dancing endurance, flexibility, strength, agility, and – Rumi also the technique required by each style of From the caveman days in which our dance, while looking happy, even though ancestors probably danced around the you’re dying inside after a whole day of fire with an ensemble of ape-like chants competition.” to the olden days of the royals dancing in Age-old mindsets and fancy pirouettes to today’s contemporary What’s numbers, dancing has always been a stereotypes constant companion to mankind, where In a world obsessed with sticking the idea of aestheticism was never really a labels onto anything, the artform of dance foreign one. in particular becomes a frequent target of Speaking of the art of dance in today’s discrimination and stereotyping. The masses context, it has extended from being a undermine the blood, sweat, and tears it pleasurable pastime to a competitive sport takes to become a professional dancer by and dignified career. classifying it under the umbrella of how it Sri Lanka is no stranger to the art of does not manifest as what one would expect dance, with its own illustrious array of waltzing a mainstream sport to. Also, its practitioners folk dance arts, ranging from the Kandyan and muses, especially males, are degraded dance style of the Hill Country (udarata like in Lanka? as allegedly portraying something of an natum) and the low country dance style effeminate and “unmanly” nature. of the South (pahatharata natum) to the In this regard, Nugara stated that Sabaragamuwa dance style and many this line of thinking is “an old-fashioned more. mindset, when people were more ignorant Additionally, the dance forms of the about dance as a sport”. Now, however, West are also now practised in Sri Lanka, with the public being exposed to many and have masses of adoring crowds. reality programmes like Dancing with the However, the Extraordinary Gazette Stars, where many sports personalities notification published on 4 September have graced the stage and showcased their issued by Minister of Youth and Sports skills, there’s a change in the mindset as Affairs Namal Rajapaksa cancelled the registration of the Ballroom Dancers Federation of Sri Lanka, the national federation for the sport of ballroom dancing, with immediate effect. Ballroom and The national Latin dance federation The Ballroom Dancers Federation disciplines are as of Sri Lanka is a government-registered important as any sports federation falling under the purview of the Sports Law. The registration of the other style of dance. federation is said to be cancelled due to its failure to follow specific mandatory Many countries in guidelines that are prerequisites to a national sports association. the world compete Its failure to get the statements of accounts for the years 2016 and professionally and 2017 audited, establish provincial or district-level sports associations it’s considered governed by the parent association, hold sports competitions either locally or a sport for its internationally, and hold the annual general meetings and elections are among the athleticism major reasons for the cancellation. Jade Jiggens Also, the lack of a proper address and a proper website to trace the federation’s activities added more fodder for the fire. In conversation with many individuals, we discovered a most barely knew of the existence of such a federation specifically established for ballroom dancing, apart from those directly involved in the field. Nevertheless, ballroom dancing remains an esteemed art in Sri Lanka even to this day. Ballroom dancing is a type of social dancing that originated from Europe and the US. It is distinguished from folk or country they see how demanding it was for people dance by its elaborately prescribed steps of different sporting backgrounds to try and as well as its association with elite social make it, he explained. classes and invitational dance events. “As in the case of being unmasculine, Today, ballroom dancing is not only the thinking comes because dancers look limited to sycophants with velvet sofas and less aggressive than in other forms of sport. lavish mansions, nor is it contained to top- Looks can be deceiving – we are very hatted gentlemen and debutantes sipping aggressive when we compete, but do not vintage wine from the novels of Jane show it.” Austen and Louisa May Alcott. It is now present and practised all over the world devoid of any relation to social class. Waltzing forward in In conversation with Kevin Nugara Sri Lanka and Jade Jiggens, two of the most “I think those who teach and promote prominent personalities in the field of ballroom dancing need to work together and ballroom dancing in Sri Lanka, The come up with a long-term plan for promoting Sunday Morning Brunch was enlightened dance at different levels,” shared Nugara. by the little-known attributes that delineate “It’s only then the state can act ballroom dancing in our island nation. on or take it more seriously as a sport. Through this exchange, El Latino Dancesport has been recognised as a sport Dance Academy Director and professional in Sri Lanka since the early or mid-80s. ballroom dance instructor Nugara shared Therefore, the state has given it a chance. his personal sentiments on the federation. It is also a recognised Olympic sport by the “I think the recent cancellation of the International Olympic Committee, which is federation was a good thing since it did not unlike other performing arts such as figure represent the total community of dancers. skating and gymnastics. However, it is run Any association or federation must have in the South East Asian Games and World representation from as many dance Games, and was run a couple of times in schools, clubs, and so on for the sport or the Asian Indoor Games.” other engagements to grow successfully. It Jiggens, who has more than 10 years was only the federation that was taken off. of professional dance experience, shared: The state has not taken it off as a better known as “dancesport”, is somehow “I, being a former champion in ballroom sport,” Nugara said, reiterating the lasting not held as highly regarded in comparison dancing myself, am saddened by the impression of ballroom dance, locally. to other sports. It is the idea of many cancellation of the registration of the “Many people of all ages love dance, people that this may be the cause for the Ballroom Dancers Federation.” but it very well might be a shocker if you federation’s cancellation. Nugara, in his final remarks, revealed A dancer has to train like any tell your parents you want to make dance that it would be a good thing to consider your career. This same line of thinking is A legitimate sport? introducing forms of Western dance other athlete and have the very general to the whole of South Asia. We (i.e. ballroom dancing) into the school “Ballroom and Latin dance disciplines are still getting used to the idea that some curriculum as an optional aesthetic activity, same stamina, endurance, are as important as any other style of dance. may be artists and not astronauts or doctors. while giving traditional dance forms due Many countries in the world compete But I believe we are slowly drifting away recognition in the meantime. flexibility, strength, agility, professionally and it’s considered a sport for from that mindset. In a conversation that sprouted from its athleticism,” said professional ballroom and also the technique “I think dance in Sri Lanka holds a the cancellation of the national federation dance instructor, choreographer, and high place compared to three decades ago that was suspected to be disregard as a corporate fitness trainer Jade Jiggens. required by each style of because people now understand that it’s a marginalised “sport”, it is revealed that Adding to this, Nugara expressed discipline that takes a long time to master,” the issue has more to do with keeping that dance is firstly an art and secondly a dance, while looking happy he added. track of the proper and apt functioning of sport – and in his case, both. Throughout It is always a looming ideology, governmental organisations rather than the Kevin Nugara most of his dance career, Nugara has been however, that competitive ballroom dance, need to not give priority to a “non-sport”. in competitive dance, having taken part in the sunday morning brunch 7 Sunday, September 20, 2020 GAMES/TOONS

SOLUTION FOR 6 SEPTEMBER 41 quote of Dana Carvey 63 Battle of Normandy city CROSSWORD CLUES Crossword 10 Main follower? 64 Martini comparative Across 53 “His Dark Materials” 92 Torment 11 Code word for “A” 65 Go off on 1 Help in drawing the line protagonist 94 2001 French title heroine 12 Singer Simon, refusing 67 Home with a view 6 Chums, in slang 54 Before, before 96 Carnival ride? to take a limo? 72 Stockings 11 Garage sale caution 55 __ drop 97 Bar request 13 Prefix with -bar 74 Guitar accessories 15 Classic square-dancing site 56 Business casual choice 98 It relieves pain 14 Unproductive 77 Draft holder 19 Web mag 59 Result of a three-putt, 99 Summer ermines 15 Fictional boxer’s surname 80 Chamonix peak 20 Not missing a trick maybe 101 Auspices 16 Part-time lawyer? 81 Common features 21 “__ we forget” 60 Thin coating 103 Bit of handiwork? 17 Make over of wordplay 22 Suit to __ 62 Collegian’s diet staple 104 Come down hard 18 Catbird seat? 82 Bob Hoskins’ role in “Hook” 23 Like a three-year-old after 63 Doves and loves 105 Earthenware pot 24 Wooden slats 84 Stuck, after “in” a tough year, to Mom? 64 Poet contemporary 107 Peacock, say? 29 Shellfish serving 85 Contaminates 25 Ice formation of Milton 113 Pearl Mosque locale 31 Lover of Geraint 86 Zest 26 Old Fords 66 Sticking, as a landing 114 Guitarist Lofgren 32 “__ never work” 87 “The drink’s on me” 27 Noodle 68 Start of a classic JFK 115 Surround 33 Easily led sorts speaker? 28 “Unleaded” drink challenge 116 MGM Resorts reward 34 Hospital worker on trial? 88 Lock site 30 Response to a crash 69 Cereal fruit program 35 “Come __!” 91 Turkey’s highest peak 32 Quarantine 70 Spreadsheet units 117 Damon or Dillon 37 Allots, with “out” 93 Performer with many fans? 35 Dog command 71 It’s often said with a smile 118 Eyelid problem 39 Paul Simon song about a 95 Fit to serve 36 Key of Brahms’ First 73 Personal 119 Like horseshoes budding international union? 98 Add a rider to, say Piano Concerto 74 Santana with 10 Grammys 120 Fancy watch brand 41 Whom picadors assist 99 Cybernuisance 38 Beat the wheat 75 Chicago’s __ Center 44 __ music: idle talk 100 When repeated, “Animal Down 46 Idol whose fans are House” chant 39 Gossipy type 76 TV drama settings 1 Whistler, at times 40 Counting (on) 78 First name in blues called Claymates 102 Facilitate 2 Israeli weapon 48 “What __ thou?” 106 Blitzed 42 Was in front 79 Baba in a cave 3 Pulitzer winner 43 Accompanist? 80 “__ Miniver” 50 Waters near Jericho 108 “Better Call Saul” network __-Manuel Miranda 53 Gander 109 20-20, e.g. 45 Provided service for, as 81 Qualifying races 4 Pave the way for tables 83 Rallying word 55 Twins’ home: Abbr. 110 George __, first king 5 Paramount issues? 56 Whale food of the United Kingdom 47 Daybreak deity 84 Short program 6 Alexander who directed 49 West Yorkshire city 87 1980s Cabbage Patch Kids 57 Winnie-the-Pooh greeting of Great Britain and Ireland “Nebraska” and “Sideways” 58 Out of whack 111 What D.C. Stadium 51 Color distinction producer 7 Little helper 52 What may be added 89 NASA vehicle 59 Big name in audio systems was renamed in 1969 8 Fair-hiring abbr. 61 Israel’s Iron Lady 112 __ volente to impress? 90 Spot for a spot 9 “Immortal word” in a Bush Entries should be written clearly and addressed to: The Features Editor, The Sunday Morning, No. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 to reach us on or before 12 noon on 30 September, 2020. Write “The Sunday Morning Brunch”, on the top left hand corner of the envelope. Name: ...... Address: ...... Contact No: ...... Bank account details: ...... (Account number, bank name, branch name, and name as per bank account)

CROSSWORD WINNERS OF 6 SEPTEMBER First prize (Rs. 5,000) Consolation prize winners Gayathri Kirupa, 1. Lama Waidyaratna, Kandy Kalmunai 2. M A K Victor, Katugastota Gampola Second prize (Rs. 3,000) 3. Irangani Kusum, 4. Anoma Jayaratne, Kandy M M M Shiraz, 5. A Ganeshalingam, Trincomalee Matale This week’s winners will be announced on 4 October

Sudoku LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku. org.uk. Distributed by Tribune Content

Agency. All (Answers next week) rights reserved. (Last week’s) 8 the sunday morning brunch EVENTS Sunday, September 20, 2020 Vision Care joins CFW as ‘fashionable eyewear Saaraketha modernising SL partner’ for 7th year Sri Lanka’s largest eyecare provider, Vision agriculture through agri-tech Care, partnered with Colombo Fashion Week When we think of power of technology to ensure that (CFW) once again as the greenhouses, we tend to farmers’ livelihoods are improved “fashionable eyewear think of the cold hills of and their ability to feed the nation is partner” for the 2020 Nuwara Eliya, old-fashioned stabilised. edition of the prestigious English homes, and Victorian From day one, Saaraketha has fashion event that was held been committed to the farmers of botanical gardens full of exotic Sri Lanka. It is their stories, their across three days at Hilton plants. We don’t tend to think Colombo and Shangri-La experiences, and their ambitions that high-tech, modern, or organic have inspired Saaraketha to create the Hotel, Colombo. agriculture, and we certainly The company platform that they have over the last collaborated with several don’t think of Anuradhapura. nine years. Even now, the Saaraketha designers including This is where Saaraketha, Sri solar-powered greenhouse project emerging designers Lanka’s only certified organic is powered 80% by female farmers, all working with Saaraketha to bring Ayesh Wickramarathne, Lankan fashion calendar. fresh fruit and vegetable excellence to our families while Mikail Hameed, Ranga Vision Care is proud to be a retailer, has dreamt bigger uplifting their own families’ futures. Senavirathne, Thamoda part of this prestigious event and delivered better than To date, “organic” in Sri Lanka Geegamage, and Joanne as the ‘official eyewear anyone thought possible. They was considered the privilege of the Kalumannage on day partner’ for the seventh have harnessed the future few; always the healthy but highly one; established designers straight year. It gives us of agriculture and brought it costly option. Normal families including LOVI Ceylon the perfect platform to to reality today in the form would prioritise their children and Fouzul Hameed on day showcase our wide range of a greenhouse project that and buy organic produce only for two; and Amilani Perera, of world-class eyewear will see the face of Sri Lankan them, but that need not be the case Charini Suriyage, and brands to an audience that organic agriculture change anymore. With the Saaraketha Kamil Hewavitharana on knows and appreciates the The new Saaraketha solar-powered greenhouse project greenhouse project, the prices of day three. latest fashion trends. We overnight. Projected to carry over 60 varieties way to ensuring traceability and vegetables, greens, and herbs are Vision Care General are excited to have had Not only a first for Sri Lanka of vegetables, greens, and herbs, transparency, launching their plant- reducing by 50%. Not as a one-off Manager Harsha Maduranga the opportunity to work but also a first in the entire the Saaraketha solar-powered to-plate tracing technology in 2019, thing or a sale, but for good. From stated: “The Colombo with a number of very region, the new Saaraketha solar- greenhouse project will be able to and now they want to take it a step October onwards, internationally Fashion Week has brought talented emerging as well as powered greenhouse project has deliver stable crops all year round, further. With their Founder Prasanna accredited “certified organic” about a revolution in Sri established designers who a production capability of half a ensuring a consistent income for Hettiarachchi at the helm, they are produce will be available online Lanka’s fashion industry incorporated our eyewear million square feet of controlled the farmers and fixed prices for the taking on the impressive task of at www.saaraketha.com and all and is the most looked- elegantly into their fashion environment, entirely solar powered customers. transforming Sri Lankan agriculture supermarket retailers. forward-to event in the Sri creations.” and completely carbon neutral. Saaraketha has always led the by exploring ways to harness the Keells adapts to cater Asia re-emerges as dominant economic power in the world: to needs of customers Opportunity beckons SL and communities The National Trust – Sri Lanka lecture on 24 September Keells has always prioritised Asia, after having been Ocean region, which may result listening to customers, and now The 128th session of the accorded the dubious distinction in the unthinkable happening – in the new normal, it understands Monthly Lecture Series of the of being the poorest continent actual war, which would leave that safety, convenience, and the National Trust – Sri Lanka will in the 1960s, has within a very Asia’s dreams of prosperity ability to save money during these be delivered online at short space of time transformed in tatters. The Indian Ocean trying times is paramount. As such, 6.30 p.m. on 24 September itself into the economic region is rapidly becoming the a multipronged approach has been 2020 by Dr. Palitha Kohona. powerhouse of the world and theatre of confrontation for implemented to ensure the right Those interested can join the is achieving prosperity at a the protagonists. One hopes solutions are offered to customers lecture via: meet.google.com/ dizzying pace. Covid-19, like that good sense would prevail and communities. “We understood, biu-hona-jku. based on customer feedback, that previous waves of infections and the threats and vicious the lifestyles and priorities of our that affected the continent, foreign investments is being commentary would be replaced customers have fundamentally might only be a temporary replaced by strict monitoring of with more sensible talk and changed and it is important now phenomenon which may not inward investments, ostensibly co-operation for the benefit of more than ever that we understand arrest Asia’s economic advance for security, environmental, and humanity. too drastically. this and make sure we are there for sociological reasons. Security About Dr. Palitha Kohona not only our customers, but also our This rapid rise has caught concerns provide the broad- Dr. Kohona, a Sri Lankan communities with the right kind the West off balance and many brush excuse for curtailing diplomat, was the former of service and support,” said John analysts find the transition competition. Some entertain Permanent Representative Keells Group President – Retail difficult to accommodate in their genuine fears that one of the of Sri Lanka to the United Charitha Subasinghe. place, ensuring that only the freshest existing frames of reference, not pillars of the Bretton Woods Supporting communities to mention the political class and Nations (UN) from 2009 to produce reaches the customer. A programme has been institutional architecture, the the media. The much-flaunted 2015. Until August 2009, he Convenience through quick, established and expanded to donate World Trade Organisation and oft prescribed liberal was the Permanent Secretary to safe service and revamped Double your money back consumable, fresh produce left over (WTO), might collapse due to democratic political structures as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Keells continues to offer the from the daily sales to a partnering US actions. online shopping experience well as open economies and free of Sri Lanka and was also the “double your money back” guarantee charity organisation to be distributed The threat of remerging Asia Keells became the first trade have not been faithfully former Secretary General of the if any item you purchase is not fresh. to deserving communities. Weekly, is also providing the excuse for supermarket chain and retailer in Sri replicated by the majority of Secretariat for Co-ordinating This applies to all fresh items offered 350 persons indirectly benefit from confrontations involving military Lanka to obtain the Covid-19 safety countries of resurgent Asia as the Peace Process. He was at the supermarket such as fresh this programme. assets, especially in the Indian management certification by the Sri vegetables, fruits, seafood, meats, they strive to catch up to the previously the Head of the UN Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI). juices, pizzas, and hot food. Keells West. At most, only lip service Treaty Section in New York till Currently, 15 stores are certified and jHjidhl iúh is being paid by many to liberal 2006, the largest arm of the UN the other stores also adhere to similar More savings due to (Wyawasaayaka Saviya) democracy. Liberalised trade and Office of Legal Affairs. practices as more stores are getting affordable Keells products and A major corporate social open markets, an article of faith He is a member of the certified. responsibility (CSR) initiative in for so long in the West, have Board of Governors of the Sri promotions which Keells is partnering with the not been adopted in full and Lanka International Buddhist Revamped Keells website Keells developed a concept National Enterprise Development they are being gradually diluted Academy SIBA, Kandy (A The Keells website (www. called “Everyday Low Prices” that Authority (NEDA) to “uplift the even in the West, particularly in private university). keellssuper.com) now offers provides selected everyday essentials standards of small-scale suppliers”, the face of Asian competition. The National Trust – Sri customers a seamless online at a low price. Keells also has over this project, with 18 small-scale More interestingly, the new Lanka conducts monthly lectures shopping experience with a wider 350 of their own products priced at suppliers at the moment, provides Asian model, incorporating on the last Thursday of each range, quick and cost-effective 10% or lower than regular brands, small-scale suppliers the relevant both economic and political month. The lectures are open to delivery, as well as the ability to providing customers access to lower- expertise and skills to ensure dimensions, may pose a direct the members and the public. The place an order and collect it at the priced, good-quality products. they adapt to the current business challenge to long-accepted HNB Sustainability Foundation store via the “Click and Collect” conditions which will ultimately western dogma. is the principal sponsor of the feature. Great savings enable them to gain access to The dominant economy of events of the National Trust – Keells continues to offer great markets in a sustainable manner. the West, the US, is now being Dr. Palitha Kohana Sri Lanka. Freshness backed by a savings of 25% for Nexus members Selected stores have also opened forced to backpedal on the trade on selected essential groceries, fresh up car park spaces for small-scale freshness guarantee liberalisation and globalisation Further information can be obtained from the Trust Office and household items, rewarding entrepreneurs to sell their products Keells gets their produce within crusade of yesteryear and is on 0112 682 730/0778 081 214 at the Postgraduate Institute of raffle competitions, and further and obtain an additional source of 24 hours straight from the farm, busily putting up barriers. The Archaeology at 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. with rigorous quality checks in savings through credit card offers. income at no extra cost. noisy call to open doors to

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