The day before Easter attacks CID Officer had friday 18 september 2020 6-minute talk with Latest Edition Harin’s father Vol: 09/234 Price : Rs 30.00 By Buddhika Samaraweera and W.K. In Sports Prasad Manju President discusses A six-minute-long telephone conversation had development taken place between an officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and of country’s sports (SJB) National List MP President met 's father, Nihal Fernando on 20 Minister of Sports and Youth affairs April 2019, the day before Easter Sunday attacks Namal Rajapaksa, former last year,... skipper Kumar Sangakkara and others for a discussion on Wednesday (16), regarding the country’s sports. Story Continued on page 2 A16 Notice Issued on MT Diamond’s Skipper Charges include failure to adopt safety measures SL to Withdraw By Hansi Nanayakkara He further said, following an Additional order obtained from the Court Magistrate at the previous hearing, yesterday (17), issued notice statements had been recorded from UNHRC on the Captain of the ‘MT New from four persons, including Diamond’ oil tanker to appear the Captain of the ship and By Thameenah Razeek before him on 28 September. observed that more He issued the notice on the statements had to be recorded While concurring with the position that Sri Lanka should Captain of the distressed oil from a few more crew pull out from the United Nations Human Rights Council tanker, following a request members. (UNHRC), Cabinet Spokesman made to Court by Deputy The prosecution told the said, Foreign Minister Solicitor General Dileepa Additional Magistrate that informing the UNHRC of the withdrawal from the Peiris, who sought to name from the statement recorded co-sponsorship of Resolution 30/1 was the initial the Captain as a suspect in from the Captain, he had step in the process. the case and order him to stated that he had entered the Rambukwella was responding to a journalist, who appear in Court, following the naval industry 36 years ago queried, at the weekly Cabinet Media briefing case being taken up through a and that he had possessed yesterday (17), why the Government doesn’t motion. 10-years work experience as a consider pulling out of the UNHRC, as they only get Peiris told Liyanage that Captain. criticised by them. In response, Rambukwella said from the probe conducted into Peiris said, the Captain had they have already started the procedure of pulling the ship’s blaze, it had been also mentioned that the blaze out of the UNHRC, by withdrawing from the indicated that a distance of had occurred while the ship co-sponsorship of Resolution 30/1. 6.5 kilometres of the ocean, had been transporting oil from Rambukwella also said, the Government from where the oil tanker had Kuwait to India and that it had does not agree with each and every been ablaze, had been also been his maiden voyage allegation and criticism posed by the polluted. since joining the firm in... UNHRC and also that they are not ready...

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Cyber ragging at Jaffna Uni Orange Lotus Blooms for Patients' Safety State audit officers lament UGC Chairman 20A will curtail Audit Dept powers orders prompt probe By Shiran Ranasingha By Ruwantha Nithulgaspitiya State audit officers said legal powers Chairman of the University Grants Commission vested with the Audit Department to (UGC), Professor Sampath Amaratunga, said a carry out inquiries pertaining to some prompt probe will be conducted into the recent 168 Government institutions will be exposé by Ceylon Today, into alleged acts of curtailed, if the 20th Amendment is cyber ragging by a group of senior passed. undergraduates of the Jaffna University. He said, those found guilty will be dealt with Story Continued on according to provisions in the Ragging Act. page 2 Prof. Amaratunga also commended Ceylon Today for the revelation of the sordid act by a Final decision on group of... 20A at next Party Story Continued on page 2 Leaders’ meet

SLMC Assistant By Thameenah Razeek In celebration of World Patients’ Safety Day 2020 (17 September), the Lotus Tower was illuminated in Orange as a visible public recognition of health workers’ efforts to provide safe healthcare every single Registrar’s functions day for patients (Pic by Kelum Chamara) Even though the 20th Amendment to the Constitution is supposed to be suspended tabled in Parliament at the next sitting, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya By Dilanthi Jayamanne Rambukwella said, the final decision as GA, Police covertly to whether they are going to table it at Minimum age the next sitting will be taken at the Party Health Minister Pavithra promote drug menace Leaders’ meeting. Wanniarachchi has taken measures to withdraw all of employment – J.J. Ratnasiri functions of the Acting Story Continued on page 2 Assistant Registrar (AAR) of the By J.T. de Silva Sri Lanka Medical Council increased to Four errant (SLMC) till investigations into Secretary to the Ministry of Public complaints made against him 16 years Services, Provincial Councils and Local employees suspended by the Government Medical Government, J.J. Ratnasiri alleged that in July – SriLankan Officers’ Association (GMOA) were complete. By Thameenah Razeek officers attached to the Police Department Wanniarachchi, in a letter to the SLMC Chairman and the Government Analyst’s (GA) SriLankan Airlines states that the on 16 September, instructed to remove the AAR of Department had covertly helped promote Airline had suspended the services of the SLMC from functioning within the SLMC until... The Cabinet approved to amend the the illegal drug menace instead of trying to the four employees who had been labour laws to increase the minimum age root it out. arrested on alleged visa fraud, in July Story Continued on page 2 for labour services to 16 years. As a result, some officers from the two this year and that the employees are not This was done to ensure that labour Departments are now behind bars, he said engaged in any operation of the Airline laws correspond with the legal provisions and noted that it was a regrettable situation. at present. describing the compulsory schooling age Angoda Lokka died as 16 years. Story Continued on page 2 Story Continued on page 2 of heart attack Story Continued on page 2 Aluvihare’s recount petition No foul play involved – Indian CB-CID Granting 65,000 acres to The person alleged to be the fugitive gangster multinational firm Court notices respondents Maddumage Lasantha Chandana Perera alias ‘Angoda Lokka’ died of a heart attack in Coimbatore Vidyaratna demands and no foul play was involved in his death, a senior By Kamal Weeraratna Aluvihare has petitioned the Court officer of India’s CB-CID said on 16 September based to know Govt decision praying for an order to... the Matale on the findings of the post-mortem, chemical The Court of Appeal yesterday (17), District Returning Officer of the Election examination and histopathology reports. By Anuradha Herath noticed the respondents named in the writ Commission (EC) to conduct a recount of IGP of the CB-CID, K. Shankar told The Hindu that petition, filed by Samagi Jana Balawegaya the preferential votes cast for the SJB the three reports did not have any findings related to JVP Member Samantha Vidyaratna, (SJB) candidate Ranjith Aluvihare, to candidates at the 5 August General an unnatural death. “ yesterday (17), called on the Chief... appear in Court on 5 December. Election.

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Continued from page 1 Notice Issued... CID officer had...... charge of the ship. He pointed out that from No. 35 of 2008. This was after the AG had ... through which Nihal discovered in the claim that the Catholic the probe conducted into the incident thus far, it reviewed the documents and reports related to Fernando is believed to have Wanathawilluwa area in Church had known about had come to light that the Captain of the ship the case pertaining to the blaze onboard the been informed of the January 2019, and the prior warnings of the Easter had failed to adopt any safety measures at the ‘MT New Diamond’. possibility of a terror attack. questioning of Army Sunday carnage, had not only time of the blaze, while he had also failed to AG’s Coordinating Officer, State Counsel The said officer was engaged Mohideen, a hardcore follower besmirched the image of notify the relevant institutions regarding the Nishara Jayaratne said that the AG is of the in several investigations of National Thowheed Archbishop of Colombo, incident as well and that from the looks of it, his opinion that adequate evidence is available that carried out by the CID into Jama’ath Leader Zahran Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith but actions could be tantamount to an act of crime. the Captain of the oil tanker has committed certain incidents related to Hashim. those of the Catholics as well. Hence, Peiris told Court that as the ship offences punishable under Sections 25, 26, 38, Islamist extremism and this When an Additional He further charged that Captain’s self quarantine period is due to expire and 53 of the Prevention of Marine Pollution came into light when MP Solicitor General (ASG) Harin Fernando, who is on 24 September in Galle, he should therefore Act, No. 35 of 2008. Thereby, the AG had Fernando testified before the questioned Harin Fernando as blaming the Catholic be noticed to appear in Court at a later date. directed the CID to summarise the evidence Presidential Commission of to whether he knew any Church and the Cardinal Attorney General Dappula de Livera had against the suspect in accordance with the Inquiry (PCoI) probing into details about Sergeant over the Easter Sunday instructed the Director of the CID to name the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure the bombings, on 16 Nandalal, he said that he was blasts, had not uttered a Captain as a suspect for committing offences before a Magistrate’s Court and to obtain notice September. not aware of him. The ASG word about the politicians under the Prevention of Marine Pollution Act, to produce him in Court. Nihal Fernando had been also queried Fernando as to or the extremist elements receiving treatment at the how his father was in contact who had played a direct role Intensive Care Unit of a with the CID, to which he said in the catastrophe and the famous private hospital in that his father was a victim of failure to prevent it. Colombo on that day and a case with regard to a Lanza said, had the Catholic immediately after the financial fraud and that he Church been aware of any telephone conversation, had was therefore in contact with impending carnage, then they SL to Withdraw... advised his daughter to not the CID. would not have proceeded attend the Easter Sunday Meanwhile, State Minister with celebrating Holy Masses ... to adhere to every recommendation that Bachelet. “Mendis has pointed out that the mass. said it was a at local churches on Easter the UNHRC is proposing. UNHRC allegations are baseless,” he said. The telephone conversation mystery as to how Harin Sunday. Meanwhile, addressing the National Meanwhile, at the same Media briefing, had taken place around 8:15 Fernando continues to call He remarked that attempts Ranaviru Day commemoration last May, questions were also raised regarding the p.m. on 20 April 2019, and himself a Catholic, when he is made by Harin Fernando to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressed allegation made by Bachelet, that the the CID officer who called in the dark as to the conduct justify the Easter Sunday similar views that he would not hesitate to Government is rapidly placing civilian State Nihal Fernando, has been of the Holy Mass on Easter blasts in this manner would withdraw from any international body or agencies under military control, to which identified as Sergeant Sunday last year. be rejected wholesale by not organisation, if such entities continue to target Rambukwella said those military officials are Nandalal. He also charged that Harin only the Catholics but by the the country and war heroes, using baseless skilled and that there are many benefits that During previous PCoI Fernando had also not known people of other faiths as well. allegations. can be obtained from them, apart from using inquiries, it was learnt that that Christmas dawns He also asked SJB and Criticising the UNHRC, Cabinet them for a military purpose. Sergeant Nandalal was annually on 24 December Opposition Leader Sajith Co-Spokesman Dr. “The UNHRC is having their own personal involved in the investigations midnight, hence he Premadasa whether it was the yesterday pointed out that Sri Lanka’s Acting agenda created by non-governmental into the incident of several questioned, under such collective stance of his Party Permanent Representative to the United organisations. That agenda worked well with Buddha statues being circumstances how he could to condone the repeated Nations, Dayani Mendis has dismissed most of the United National Front regime. But for us, vandalised in the Mawanella call himself a Catholic. derogatory remarks made the baseless allegations made by UN High we will resist it. We will not agree or shake our area in December 2018, a Lanza alleged that Harin against the church and the Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle head to whatever they say,” he said. stock of explosives being Fernando through his recent Cardinal by Harin Fernando.

Four errant... Vidyaratna demands... UGC Chairman... SriLankan Airlines is cooperating with the law ... Prelates of the Asgiriya and Vidyaratna had noted that due ... senior undergraduates of the Management Faculty of the enforcement agencies in this regard, the Airline said in a Malwatta Chapters of the Siam to the protests of environment University, to humiliate its first-year undergraduates. release. Sect to brief them on the decision groups and the Buddhist clergy, He said on reading the article, he had contacted the Vice taken by the Government to grant these attempts had been stalled, Chancellor of the University and discussed the matter at 65,000 acres from Uva-Wellassa but the bulldozing of 572 acres of length. He observed that the Vice Chancellor had confided in and Bintenna to grow sugarcane land had taken place a fortnight him that no complaints had been made to him with regard to to a multinational firm. ago. the incidents of ragging that were reported in the article. He informed the Chief Prelates He had informed that if However, he added that due to the improvement of modern SLMC Asst... that these lands were in Ampara, sugarcane is allowed to be grown, technology, the revelation of these incidents has become more Moneragala and Badulla Districts then all environmentally sensitive feasible. ... investigations into Ananda Hapugoda, when and had charged that attempts areas such as Gal Oya, Maduru Amaratunga stressed that after the identification of the the allegations levelled contacted, confirmed that had been made to hand over the Oya and the Malgala Herbal suspects behind the degrading acts, their cell phones will be against him were the Minister had issued lands to a British firm since Garden would be seriously inspected by Court, ahead of filing legal action. completed. Sources said instructions to withhold 2006. impacted. the powers vested in the functions of the AAR Wanniarachchi as the within the SLMC till Health Minister enabled investigations were her to call for such completed, according to instructions. the powers given to her 20A will... Well informed sources through the Medical of the Health Ministry Ordinance. GA, Police... They alleged that large- with powers to conduct said yesterday (17) that The SLMC and the He said that due to the perceived languishing in prisons. scale acts of corruption and inquiries related to some 168 the tenure of the AAR had GMOA have been at delay on the part of the GA’s Ratnasiri said that overcrowded fraud had taken place prior State institutions. ended last year. Also, the loggerheads owing to its Department to furnish reports prisons has become a major to 2015 in institutions such They also pointed out that GMOA accused him of alleged politicisation by promptly, some 4,000 cases are problem and alleged that the as SriLankan Airlines, Sri audit inquiries linked to some having met an outside former Health Minister stalled in the local Courts; as a failure of officers attached to the Lanka Telecom, Peoples 20 institutions attached to party with confidential Dr. result some 6,000 individuals are GA’s Department had caused it. Leasing, Sri Lanka Insurance the Ceylon Electricity Board documents related to the and the Council’s delay in and the Airport and Aviation (CEB) had not been Foreign Degrees conducting elections to Company. conducted to date and opined Committee. appoint four of its However, they said that that due to this situation, the SLMC Registrar, Dr. members. with the ratification of the CEB and its affiliated 19th Amendment the Audit institutions continue to suffer Final decision... Department was granted massive financial losses.

independence of Commissions Minimum age ... Addressing the Cabinet Media would be ensured. He further briefing yesterday (17), stated, the 20th Amendment is a Addressing the Cabinet 1956, Minimum Wages Rambukwella stated, President definite requirement and that it Angoda Lokka... Media briefing yesterday (Indian Labour) Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the should be enacted until the (17), Cabinet Ordinance, No. 27 of Cabinet will take the responsibility Government brings the new There was no finding of later found that the Aadhaar Co-Spokesperson Dr. 1927 and the Factories for the 20th Amendment. Constitution. poisoning or other card, a copy of which was Ramesh Pathirana said Ordinance, No. 45 of However, when queried as to Co-Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. suspicious aspects in the produced by Minister of Labour Nimal 1942 and the orders what they discussed at the most Ramesh Pathirana speaking to the reports,” he said. Sivakamasundari at the Siripala de Silva published in the Gazette recent Cabinet meeting, Media said, “The draft to the 20th As per the initial Peelamedu Police Station, proposed these Extraordinary of the Rambukwella said, they were Amendment was prepared by the statement given by a Sri was obtained using forged amendments to ensure Government Number talking about people’s ideas and Legal Draftsman’s Department Lankan woman named documents. The Police that children will obtain 11573 dated 31 October making additions to or removing with approval from the President, Amani Thanji, who lived arrested the three persons their secondary 1958 formulated under certain provisions in the the Justice Minister, and the with the person believed to on 2 August. education at school the provisions of the Amendment at the Committee Cabinet.” be Angoda Lokka in a rented The CB-CID later took over which is mandatory now. Employees Provident Stage. Reiterating that they will The 20th Amendment will be house at Balaji Nagar near the case and registered two The Legal Draftsman Fund (EPF) Act, No. 15 of never re-gazette the Amendment, tabled in Parliament in due Cheran Ma Nagar in separate cases – one related has formulated the draft 1958. he assured that the course, he said. Coimbatore, he suffered to the death of Angoda laws to amend the The proposal submitted chest pain on the night of 3 Lokka and the other against following Acts and by the Minister of Labour July and was declared dead the three on various Regulations: Shop and was approved by Cabinet by doctors of a private charges, including Office Employees for submission of the hospital where she took him furnishing false documents, (Regulation of draft Bills to Parliament with the help of two harbouring an offender, Employment and after publishing in the neighbours. The body was criminal conspiracy and the Remuneration) Act, No. Government Gazette as Court notices... later shifted to the forgery of records. 19 of 1954, the well as to the table of the Coimbatore Medical College With suspected foul play Employment of Women, orders as per the The Court also decided to take nearest challenger had polled an Hospital (CMCH). in the death of the person Young Persons, and provisions of the EPF Act, up the petition on that date. additional 471 votes cannot be Reportedly, Angoda Lokka alleged by the Indian Children Act, No. 47 of in Parliament. The writ petition filed by accepted and prayed the Bench to lived in Coimbatore under authorities to be Angoda Aluvihare was considered before a issue a writ order to the Matale the assumed identity of Lokka ruled out, the CB-CID two-Judge Bench of the Court District RO to conduct a recount Pradeep Singh for around will now concentrate on the comprising the Justices A.H.M.D. of the preferential vote. two years. He possessed an second case, added Nawaz (President) and Sobitha Jayawardena also added that the Aadhaar card under this Shankar. Rajakaruna. petitioner had been a popular name which he managed to The CB-CID investigation President’s Counsel Sanjeewa politician of the Matale District obtain with the help of two had also found that Angoda Jayawardena and lawyers having been elected with a large persons D. Lokka had a pistol which the Rukshan Senadheera and number of preferential votes to Sivakamasundari, an accused had handed over to Anuradha Jayathileka made Parliament in the recent past and Advocate of Madurai, and a Sri Lankan national in lengthy submissions on behalf of hence it was difficult to accept her friend S. Dyaneswaran Madurai after his death. the petitioner. that the people of the area had from Erode. Efforts to trace the man are Jayawardena charged that rejected him at the concluded Poll. Sivakamasundari, underway. during the counting process of the The Matale District RO, the Dyaneswaran and Thanji However, Sri Lankan preferential votes, all Chief Counting Officer of the EC, had taken Angoda Lokka’s authorities have not yet representatives of his client had the candidate who has been body to Madurai after the confirmed that the deceased been evicted by the Chief announced as being elected, the post-mortem at CMCH on 5 person in question is in fact Counting Officer in an arbitrary EC and its Chairman have been July and had cremated it the Sri Lankan don hiding in manner. He also said that the named as the respondents in the there. India, Angoda Lokka. claim made that his client’s writ petition. The Coimbatore City Police (The Hindu) news friday 18 september 2020 A3

Fmr CNI tells Easter Attacks PCoI Report on NTJ forwarded to Jayasundara By Buddhika Samaraweera Police Nilantha Jayawardena, cross- the SIS, he said he did not accept terrorist attack. In response, he said on 21 April 2019, he had not been examined the witness yesterday. such a view. He said a report there was no information about a informed about it by the SIS. A report prepared by the then Chief Mendis said he received a report on prepared on 9 April 2019 containing serious situation at the time. If I had been informed on the of National Intelligence (CNI), based 7 April 2019, prepared by the SIS on all the facts contained in the letter Also, a PCoI Member queried the matter on 20 April 2019, I would on a letter received from the State the possibility of a terrorist attack. was submitted to the former IGP, as witness whether he did not feel that have gone to the Defence Secretary’s Intelligence Service (SIS), stating that When a PCoI Member inquired as to he understood the importance of its it was a special incident when house and informed him of the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ) whether SDIG Jayawardena had contents. Zaharan and his group had danger, he said. However, it was also Leader Zaharan Hashim and his informed him over the phone that the He further said, as the CNI, he was detonated a bomb laid on a revealed before the PCoI that Mendis’ followers could launch a terrorist letter had been sent to him, the not in a position to give orders. motorcycle on 16 April 2019 in mobile phone had been on silent attack, had been sent to former witness said he had not made any “Therefore, I informed the IGP who Palamunai, Kattankudy, he said mode from the evening of 20 April Inspector General of Police (IGP) telephone call in this regard. was the chief officer who could take these incidents were somewhat 2019 to the morning of 21 April 2019, Pujith Jayasundara on 9 April 2019. However, he said there were action in this regard. The Defence common in the area and that no until one of his relatives called him to This was revealed when former CNI occasions when the SIS used to Secretary was also aware of that,” he special attention was paid to them. inform about the bombings that took Sisira Mendis testified before the deliver letters containing important said. The report prepared by the SIS on the place. Presidential Commission of Inquiry information to his house. “I was not Meanwhile, it was revealed before incident had not been sent to me, he “As the CNI, did you not feel (PCoI) probing the bombings on 21 in the office on the day it received this the PCoI that Mendis was abroad on said. ashamed when a relative called and April 2019 Easter Sunday, yesterday letter. I got my hands on it the next a three day private visit from 13 to 16 He also said although several told you about the bombing? It is you (17). day,” he said. April 2019. A PCoI Member then senior officers of the Police and the who should tell it to him,” the Attorney-at-Law Madu Jayatilaka, Queried if Mendis accepted that no questioned him if it was appropriate CID had been informed of the Attorney asked the witness, to which appearing for the former SIS Director, action had been taken by him on the for him to go abroad as the CNI, information received on 20 April 2019 he said it is not something to be Senior Deputy Inspector General of contents of the letter sent to him by despite receiving information about a that a terrorist attack was imminent ashamed of.

Ranawaka hit-and-run trial Further hearing on 29 Sept

By Hansi Nanayakkara

Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulatunga yesterday (17) fixed further hearing of the trial against Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian Patali and two others, over the hit-and-run incident, which maimed Sandeep Sampath in Rajagiriya four years ago, to 29 September. Justice Kulatunga also issued an order to the news director of an electronic media outlet to furnish an unedited compact disc containing a statement made by the first witness in the case on 28 February 2016, to the Criminal Investigations Department. The three accused in the trial ex-Minister Ranawaka, second accused Dilum Thusitha Kumara, who had posed off as Ranawaka’s driver and the former Officer-In-Charge of the Welikada Police Station, Assistant Superintendent of Police Sudath Asmadala, who are presently out on bail were present in Court. Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris appeared for the prosecution on behalf of Attorney General Dappula de Livera. The three accused were represented by President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratne, and lawyers Ajith Pathirana, Geeth Jayasinghe and Guneratne Wanninayake, respectively. De Livera has indicted the three accused on 16 counts including causing a motor traffic accident, the failure to report the incident to the Police, fleeing after causing a motor traffic accident, concealing and destroying evidence connected to the incident in order to protect and safeguard one of the accused, the furnishing of fabricated submissions to a Magistrate’s Court and failing to prevent an accident.

OBITUARY

It is with deep regret that we announce the demise of George Louis Fernando, ever loving husband of Josephine, darling dad of Chrishanthi, loving father-in-law of Freddy Sebastiampillai and darling grandpa of Marinos and Damarius. His mortal remains will be brought to St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena on Saturday 19th September at 9.00 a.m. for a service and will be kept at AF Raymond’s Parlour from 11.30 a.m. the same day. A service will be conducted on Sunday 20th September at 3.30 p.m. at the Parlour, followed by burial at General Cemetery (General Section), Borella. A4 friday 18 september 2020 news

Colombo International Book Fair Appropriation Bill 2021 in second week of Oct Health safety of By Thameenah Razeek drinking water to all, the programme to renovate and improve In a bid to prepare the Budget for 100,000 kilometres in the road 2021, Cabinet approved the network, and giving priority to proposal submitted by Prime aquatic resources and irrigation attendees ensured Minister , as the sector. Minister of Finance to draft the Addressing the Cabinet Media By Dilanthi Jayamanne Appropriation Bill 2021 based on briefing yesterday (17), Cabinet stated policies. Spokesperson Keheliya President of the Colombo – Wanigasooriya The Appropriation Bill for 2021 is Rambukwella noted that within a International Book Fair, Upali expected to be tabled in Parliament period of four years, the 100,000 Wanigasooriya, said strict measures provide hand washing facilities, number of 300 persons will be during the second week of October kilometres of roads will be had been taken in accordance with hand sanitisers and to maintain the permitted inside the Fair at a time, to 2020. completed. Allocation of resources instructions given by the Health one metre social distance. Also, all avoid congestion and to help people The Premier proposed the policy for State investment programmes Ministry, to ensure the health safety those coming into the BMICH have maintain the one metre distance. framework to Cabinet, to be followed creating a conducive environment of all book readers and students been asked to wear a mask. Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Sudath in the preparation of the Budget for for business activities following cost coming to purchase books at a “Last year, the Fair had one million Samaraweera, on 15 September, said 2021, prioritising numerous facts. management methodologies, since concessionary price at the Fair visitors, however, we are unable to it was best if those who hoped to visit Allocation of resources to achieve estimates reveal that State revenue which commences today (18) and say how the turnout would be this the Fair could purchase those books ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’, for 2021 would be approximately continues till 27 September at the year with the COVID-19 situation,” from bookshops at the same the allocation of resources for 1.2 per cent of the gross domestic BMICH. he said. concessionary prices, instead of objectives stated in the Gazette to product, and providing assistance to Wanigasooriya, when contacted, However, this year according to the taking the risk and jeopardising the entrust subject areas to Ministries digitalize activities of the said measures had been taken to health guidelines, only a limited country’s situation. and State Ministries and providing Government.

Ampara and Kalmunai beaches Managing abused children Palestine envoy calls on Justice Minister Spike in nefarious Stakeholders activities face limitations By Naalir Jamaldeen and Farook Shihan By Ruwan Laknath Jayakody Despite Army and Navy camps being in close proximity, anti-social activities are taking place for a Ground level stakeholders face many difficulties when long time on beaches close to guest houses and tourist managing victims of child abuse due to limitations in hotels in Ampara and Kalmunai. awareness, resources and the implications of action Residents alleged that empty beer cans and liquor plans made by the responsible authorities. bottles have been discarded on beaches, causing severe This was noted in an opinion titled ‘Management of environmental pollution. victims of child abuse in Sri Lanka: The view of a Child The villagers lamented that the number of youth Psychiatrist’ authored by Consultant Child and becoming addicted to liquor and other anti-social Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital activities is increasing day-by-day, and that under the Karapitiya, Dr. Darshani Hettiarachchi published this influence of liquor, on certain occasions, they were month in the Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health. engaged in committing various offences. Besides, they Violence against children involves all forms of pointed out that the child sex abuse cases, sexual physical or mental violence, injury and abuse mischief and involuntary pregnancies are continuing in (including emotional), neglect and negligent treatment, the area. maltreatment and exploitation, including sexual abuse. The authorities must come forward to transform them Child abuse has devastating long-term consequences into well disciplined citizens, by providing them with throughout life. proper counselling services, they added. In the article ‘Physical, sexual and emotional abuse The Ambassador for Palestine in Sri Lanka, Dr. Zuhair M.H. Zaid, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Justice, M.U.M. Ali Sabry PC. The latter spoke of the long history of during childhood: Experiences of a sample of Sri cooperation between Palestine and Sri Lanka as well as the support extended to the new Lankan young adults’ authored by N.K. Chandraratne, Government. Ali Sabry updated Dr. Zaid on the plans of the Government for the A.D. Fernando and N. Gunawardena and published in development of Sri Lanka Child Abuse and Neglect in 2018, it was noted that in a 300MW LNG power plant particular District, students aged 18-19 years had reported the prevalence of physical abuse (45.4 per cent), sexual abuse (9.1%) and emotional abuse (27.9%) and a greater prevalence of sexual abuse in girls Cabinet approval Cyclone Amphan (11.5%) in comparison to boys (6.4%). Apart from the direct and immediate effects, child abuse can also result in multiple long-term adverse to proceed with Affected families to receive relief consequences to the individual’s physical and By Thameenah Razeek additional allocation of Rs 52.98 psychological health, behavioural changes and adverse million through the Ministry of societal consequences. 3-year project In accordance with the proposal of Disaster Management. There is a link between child maltreatment and the the Minister of Fisheries, Cabinet Cyclone Amphan lasted from 16 to increased risk of malnutrition, vision problems, lung By Thameenah Razeek decided to implement a programme to 19 May 2020 and caused severe disease and diabetes. provide relief to the families including damage to banana and papaya There is a negative impact of childhood maltreatment The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal farmers affected by Cyclone Amphan, plantations of 2,374 farmers in the on the structure and function of the brain as child submitted by Minister of Power in coordination with the Ministry of Kopay, Thellipalai and Karawatti abuse is associated with decreased brain volumes in to select an investor following an international Disaster Management, the Ministry of Divisional Secretariats in the Jaffna cortical and white matter regions and children who competitive bidding process to complete the Agriculture and the Jaffna District District. According to the Jaffna experienced such have been shown to have defects in construction of the 300 mega watt (MW) second Secretariat. District Secretary, the loss was cognitive functions such as cognitive flexibility, working integrated cyclic Liquefied Natural Gas Power Plant at It was also decided to provide an Rs 52.98 million. memory, sustained attention and inhibitory control. Kerawalapitiya within a period of three years. Childhood maltreatment increases the risk of Addressing the Cabinet media briefing yesterday (17), depression and anxiety in adult life and experiencing Cabinet Co-Spokesperson Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said childhood adversities is also related to the increased that to guard against a future power crisis that may risk of suicide attempts while children with adverse arise in the country, it was thought appropriate to Group of 154 Indian nationals repatriated childhood experiences are at increased risk of getting construct a 300MW Liquefied Natural Gas Power Plant post-traumatic stress disorder. in Kerawalapitiya. Childhood maltreatment is related to risky sexual “It has been decided to call for tenders to build and behaviour including unprotected sex, poor operate this Power Plant using the Built Own Operate A group of assertiveness skills in sexual refusal and having more Transfer business method as an independent energy 154 Indian than four partners at the age of 18 years. project through private investment,” he said. nationals Adverse childhood experiences have also been shown including an to be associated with the greater probability of infant were developing a substance use disorder in adulthood. repatriated Child maltreatment is strongly linked to juvenile from Sri Lanka delinquency and criminal behaviour in adults. on a special Air Parental childhood adversities were related to the Ambassador India flight AI intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment. 1284 from ‘Managing a victim of child abuse is not as smooth as Jayesinghe presents Colombo to mentioned in the guidelines and policies. Limited Bangalore and awareness of stakeholders, the limited implementation Delhi on 17 of strategies and plans, limited resources and other credentials September. factors have made the management of child maltreatment at the ground level a seriously challenging task,’ Dr. Hettiarachchi added. Indian HC meets Dr. Arambepola Scientific research should be conducted to identify and resolve problems faced by masses

High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay that both sides would work towards the early met the State Minister of Skills Development, realisation of augmenting existing capacities Vocational Education, Research and and creating newer ones in the chosen fields in Innovation, Dr. on 15 an expeditious manner. September. Meanwhile, Dr. Arambepola said that The duo discussed ways to deepen the scientific research activities should be partnership between the two neighbouring conducted to identify and then resolve the countries in areas such as capacity building problems that are faced by the masses. She and skills development. Discussions were said this while undertaking an inspection visit Ambassador Majintha Jayesinghe presented hinged on aspects such as the training of to the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology credentials to the Executive Secretary of the trainers in vocational institutes in Sri Lanka, recently. Dr. Arambepola had also inaugurated Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation strengthening the infrastructural capabilities the final stage of the construction of the (CTBTO), Dr. Lassina Zerbo on 10 September at the of these institutes and generating interest medicinal plant research laboratory as part of Vienna International Centre, accrediting as the among school-going children and youth in the China-Sri Lanka Bio-Technology Project Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the CTBTO. advanced space technologies. It was decided during her visit. news friday 18 september 2020 A5

To defeat 20th Amendment NMSJ Opposes 20A Public campaign on 24 Sept –Herath Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna funds willy-nilly. Will submit white paper to public Propaganda Secretary and The Government intends to Jathika Jana Balawegaya ratify Acts suddenly and By Eunice Ruth they claim would render the against the President, the (National People’s Power) without any provision for the Parliament powerless. It would possibility for the President to Parliamentarian Opposition to challenge it in A white paper needs to be allow the President to make obtain Ministries, removing the stated, they will commence a Parliament. Power is proposed submitted to the public to get appointments to independent limit on the number of Cabinet public campaign starting 24 to be granted to the President to their views on the 20th positions in Commissions and Members, the President having September towards taking increase the number of Cabinet, Amendment to the Constitution those of the CJ, the AG and the absolute discretion in measures to defeat the 20th Deputy and State Ministers before making a decision; the IGP. appointing Ministers, the Amendment to the according to his wishes. National Movement for Social “We have spent Rs eight President having the power to Constitution. The Government is making Justice (NMSJ) noted, and billion for the Parliamentary remove members of the PSC, On 24 September, the first provisions for those holding proposed 24 fundamental Election and now it is being the transfer of certain powers public event will be held at the dual citizenship to enter changes which they expect to proposed that the President of the PSC to the Cabinet, the Public Library before Parliament. This will not bode be made to the 20th has the power to dissolve the restoration of provisions on continuing to stage similar well for sovereignty and Amendment. Parliament after a year. emergency acts, reducing the events in the Matara, Galle, territorial integrity. Addressing a Media briefing According to our findings from requirement to issue a Gazette and Anuradhapura Furthermore, the Government yesterday (17), the former the last four years, 40 percent notification on bringing an Districts. has sought to grant powers to Speaker, , of public funds get wasted ordinary Act to the parliament “This regime is taking the President to dissolve the stated that the Government every year on polls,” Jayasuriya from 14 days to seven days, measures to introduce the 20th House after a lapse of 12 should consult the public, noted. giving the power to the Amendment and revert to the member Parliamentary Council months since the swearing in of students, including the 6.2 The NMSL opposed the President to pass Bills which 1978 Constitution formed by is set to make those the new Legislature. This will million voters who have not following in the 20th were rejected by the Parliament then President J.R. appointments with the Council turn MPs in the House into voted for this Government. Amendment: the proposed through a referendum, Jayewardene and at times even comprising three members puppets and being dictated to As a country, after the abolition of the Audit Service reducing the minimum age of a exceed it. It is evident that the from the Government and the by the President. Hence, it is COVID-19 pandemic, currently Commission (which they said Presidential candidate to 30, President is attempting to rest from the Opposition. clear that if this new we are facing so many financial would precipitate a crisis reducing the powers of the demolish democracy and turn Where is its independence? Amendment is ratified, its issues, debt, unemployment, concerning audits), the Election Commission, granting the country into a dictatorship Also this Council does not have consequences for the people rising cost of living and National Procurement power to the President to so that his family and kith and any powers vested in it. They and the nation will prove to be international criticism, and at Commission, eliminating the remove member of the Judicial kin could pilfer resources at can only submit disastrous. a time when we are struggling responsibility of the President Service Commission other than will, with there being no recommendations and those We therefore urge the people to solve all these problems, why to uphold and protect the the CJ, removing State entities recourse or provisions in the could even be ignored by the to rally round us to exert is the Government in a hurry to Constitution, granting the from the supervision of the Constitution for checks and President. maximum pressure and introduce another one in the opportunity to a Sri Lankan Auditor General, reducing the balances. The Audit Service influence on this Government form of the 20th Amendment, citizen who is a citizen of a powers of the National Police The President has been given Commission, has been to withdraw the 20th he queried. foreign country to be Commission (for public immunity through it. This proposed to be disbanded, Amendment because its The NMSJ opposed the represented in Parliament and complaints) and the removal of shows that the post of the shows this regime does not care demerits far outweigh its proposed abolition of the to stand as a Presidential the additional powers vested in President has been placed about the checks and balances merits,” he claimed while Constitutional Councils and candidate, the deprivation of the Commission to Investigate above the law. Through the on its expenses and they are addressing a Media briefing the establishment of the the opportunity to file Allegations of Bribery or proposed amendment, a five- willing to squander public yesterday (17). Parliamentary Council which fundamental rights cases Corruption.

SLMC willing to support useful Govt proposals NCEASL combats fake news By Naalir Jamaldeen the administration of President Government will then get the Gotabaya Rajapaksa and they support of minority The ‘Digital Citizenship’ designed targeting the public. Sri Lanka Muslim Congress should welcome them to lead the communities. campaign initiated by the schoolchildren, depicts the Also, a toolkit to educate the Deputy Leader and Batticaloa country towards prosperity and He also said that it is the need National Christian impact of fake news on public, in particular youth, on District Parliamentarian Hafiz sustainable development. of the hour to formulate a new Evangelical Alliance Sri victims and thereby how to identify fake news, so Naseer Ahamed said his party is He also stated that there is a political culture. The aspirations Lanka (NCEASL), through its encourages responsible that they do not spread them, willing to support useful need to strengthen the of minority communities must platform Minor Matters, is online behaviour on the part has been designed and it proposals submitted by the administration of existing be fulfilled if the better ideas of attempting to combat fake of online users, to refrain elaborates on the types of fake Government. Provincial Councils while the President and the Prime news, by educating citizens. from sharing incomplete news, such as disinformation, He claimed that many good completely devolving power to Minister are to be brought to life, In this regard, a comic information, as it could also misinformation and things are taking place under them. He claimed that the he added. book, which has been give inaccurate information to malinformation.

State Minister inspects progress at CME

The State Minister of Postal Services, Sathasivam Viyalendran made a brief visit to the Central Mail Exchange (CME) with Ministry Secretary A. Senanayake and Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne to inspect the progress of its day-to-day operation. (NJ) PHIs to get motorbikes

The Regional Health Services Resuscitation Project affiliated to the Ministry of Health has taken measures to give Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) motorcycles through the Ministry’s COVID-19 fund in appreciation of the services rendered by them to combat the spread of the pandemic. This was revealed by the Director of the Project Dr. Jayasundera Bandara. The handing over of 807 motorcycles to the PHIs is scheduled to take place at the Presidential Secretariat under the aegis of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and subject Minister today (18).

Navy arrests five with turmeric

By Nabiya Vaffoor

Navy took into custody 1,338 kg of smuggled dried turmeric along with five suspects during two separate operations on 16 September in the sea area off Mundalampiddi and Vankalai, Mannar. The suspects aged, 22, 26, 37 and 55 were identified as residents of Palleimunai in Mannar. A6 friday 18 september 2020 editorial

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Measures to solve traffic congestion admirable and timely

Members of the general public have expressed mixed feelings about the authorities’ decision to introduce a new traffic lane law, which requires three-wheelers and motorbikes to use the Bus Priority Lane, in a bid to reduce the growing traffic congestion in Colombo. The Bus Priority Lane system is expected to be expanded later, depending on its success and the long-term need. When the Bus Priority Lane was introduced a few years ago, the general public, especially those operating and travelling by bus, expressed both positive and negative views. This system, however, came to a standstill due to the COVID- 19 pandemic and consequent travel restrictions India’s MPs Have earlier this year. In a context where both the general public and authorities have acknowledged the importance of finding solutions to the traffic congestion affecting the people, the authorities took steps to resume this Much to Think About system with effect from this week. In a bid to get the general public to adhere to this system, the Police recently said they will During Parliament’s short Monsoon session impose a fine of Rs 2,000 on motorists who violate the Traffic Lane Law, with effect from 21 By Ashok Dixit September. Taking into consideration, the fact that motorists will need some time to get used to The truncated Monsoon this system, the Police also said they will refrain Session of the Indian Parliament from taking strict action against those who (18 days from 14 September to 1 violate this law, till 18 September. However, October) has begun and the after this date, the Police will take appropriate question uppermost in the legal action in accordance with the Traffic Lane minds of the majority of citizens Law. Director of Motor Traffic and Road Safety of is whether ‘Representatives of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the People’ have the political will Indika Hapugoda, recently said that even to address ‘real issues’ though several cases of violating the Traffic Lane bedevilling the nation to ensure Law has been reported, those who violated the systemic functioning in true law were not fined, but were strictly advised to democratic spirit. follow the rules. It was reported that around In the face of several crises, 1,500 Traffic Police Officers have also been including no real or visible deployed to enforce the Traffic Lane Law, in forward movement on easing addition to 200 female Police Officers, and that tensions between India and personnel from the Tri-Forces would also be China, and their respective deployed if a necessity arises. It was further armies, over the stated claims reported that the Air Force is using four drones related to the imaginary Line of to cover the entry routes into the city of Actual Control (LAC) in the there is a reluctance to disclose round negativity engulfing it the unsaid virtual messaging to Colombo, mainly from Rajagiriya, Nugegoda, northern territory of Ladakh, an to the public many crucial facts currently. strengthen ways of ‘promoting Borella and the Galle Road. economy in a virtual spiral and which have political Moving away from the grim to peace, stability and economic However, despite authorities’ attempts aimed a dispirited workforce ramifications”, and thus avoid something lighter -- our Indian prosperity in the region’, at ensuring that motorists adhere to the Traffic desperately looking for alternate opening itself up to possible MPs will be well taken care off suggests it. Lane Law, motorists using the Bus Priority Lane ways to generate incomes to ‘privilege action’…,” Achary during the pandemic-curtailed Yale University’s have expressed disproval of this system, as sustain livelihoods, our opined in his article for the Monsoon Session, at least in those who drive motorbikes and three-wheelers parliamentarians seemingly National Herald. terms of meals. A newspaper Environment have to waste their time on the road have their hands and minds full At this point in time, it would report here has made special unnecessarily because of busses that travel at a – deliberating over 45 tabled seem that the political class and mention of lawmakers being Doomsday! lower speed than the approved maximum speed. Bills (in both Houses of national Media is provided with subsidised boxed Should an academic In a context where the Bus Priority Lane Parliament) and 11 Ordinances. wholeheartedly and bizarrely vegetarian and non-vegetarian institution in the United States consists of only one lane, overtaking another Essentially, this session preoccupied with the 14 June fare by a private restaurant. be allowed the freedom to have vehicle has also been impossible, according to would be seen by most, ‘drug induced’ suicide/alleged Normally, when Parliament is in the last word in making them. Social media posts shared by motorists especially the Opposition, as a murder case of promising actor session, the Northern Railways doomsday predictions about show that those travelling on the left lane in non-starter, a write-off, due to Sushant Singh Rajput, and the is responsible for supplying food India? Yale University’s latest three-wheelers and on motorbikes waiting in a the majoritarian Government’s alleged role of his then to lawmakers and others Biennial Environment long line, while the right lane seems to have far bizarre move to do away with girlfriend, Rhea Chakraborty, through its canteen located Performance Index (BEPI) has less vehicles and no traffic congestion. Some ‘Question Hour’ for the first time and her family, in facilitating his inside Parliament. It is closed for recently highlighted again the who had commented on these social media in the history of independent tragic and unnatural end, now to keep Covid-19 exposure fact that India has 15 of the posts alleged that this move has inconvenienced India. Citing the potential health because of its heartless at bay. Without revealing world’s 20 most polluted cities middle-class people who most of the times use hazards arising out of exposure exponential value in swinging details, the menu, as always, and, as a country, ranks lowest busses, three-wheelers and motorbikes, while to the Covid-19 virus as a votes in the forthcoming remains enticing (taste wise) in comparison to the other five giving much freedom to high-class people who ‘relevant reason’ hasn’t cut assembly elections in India’s and attractive (price wise). countries in South Asia – use other types of vehicles allowed on the right much ice here. Bihar State (scheduled for Intra-Afghan Talks Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, lane. ‘Question Hour’, for those October-November 2020), or Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is a Tasking measures to solve the ever-growing unaware, is the first hour of a alternatively, the toxic obsession The Indian Government can statistic hard to digest in its traffic congestion is admirable and a timely sitting session of Parliament with the latest accusatory be expected to have expectations entirety, definitely questionable move. Every day, traffic congestion in Colombo, where Members of Parliament rants-cum-challenges of from the ongoing intra-Afghan and leaves one wondering especially congestion on the roads leading to (MPs) have the right to ask actress Kangana Ranaut talks in Doha, Qatar. After all, whether all comparable indices Colombo, costs motorists a considerable questions of the Government on against fellow actors and the with India being a dominant have been taken into account amount of time and fuel. Even though any aspect of administrative Chief Minister of Maharashtra player and economic contributor when arriving at this Governments that ruled Sri Lanka have, on activity. The concerned Minister State and his Hindu-dominant- in Afghanistan, it would want to conclusion. many an occasion, tried to devise various plans in the Government is obliged to right-wing Shiv Sena party. see that Afghanistan’s soil is The Yale research appears to to minimise traffic congestion, due to various answer, either orally or in Boxed Meals for MPs prevented from being used for be suggesting that alarming reasons, only a handful of these programmes writing, depending on the type India-centric terror activity. New changes in environment such as have borne fruit. In addition to encouraging the of question raised. A tail spinning economy, a Delhi is keen to see and hear deforestation, glacier general public to use trains and busses instead P.D.T. Achary, former health management system from dialogue participants a meltdowns, flood threats and of their own private vehicles, other initiatives Secretary General of the Lok that is overworked and commitment to address desertification are primarily such as flyovers and one-way roads have Sabha (Lower House of the desperate, a catastrophic violence, protect economic restricted to India. Globally actually helped minimise traffic congestion to a Indian Parliament), had in a unemployment crisis are investments ($ 3 billion worth), recognised environment certain extent. recent article, scathingly staring at Indians in the face. and ensure the safety of women representative bodies would However, if a certain programme eases one’s criticised the incumbent Though being efficiently and the minorities. surely not agree. As to whether difficulties and exacerbates another’s, that is an Government over its decision to reported from all angles by the India and ASEAN India should be the only country issue that needs to be addressed prior to scrap Question Hour. Media, these three issues have promoting an ‘internationalist expanding and promoting that programme. A Achary described the move as provided fodder to a growing Faced with an alleged veiled outlook’ with regard to saving long-term initiative of this nature, which going against the spirit of segment of critics to lampoon threat by India to walk out of the Planet Earth, well, I would like essentially affects a lot of people from diverse Parliament and, therefore, the Government repeatedly for CEPA, the Association of South to believe the jury is still out backgrounds, should take into account the declared it as unconstitutional, not introspecting seriously or East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has there on that one! experiences of not only those who benefit from and emphatically pointed out spelling out how it plans to recently agreed to a five-year (Ashok Dixit is a New Delhi- it, but also those who face problems. This that it is a decision going overcome this deflating socio- plan to mutually boost based former senior editor/ program is still in its initial stage, and therefore, ‘beyond the Constitutional economic quagmire. cooperation in ‘areas, ranging journalist with leading multi- authorities can still consider doing changes to powers of the Executive.’ Domestically, there is an from trade to maritime security’ media news agencies Sputnik, this programme, and develop it in a more “….The general tendency (of unsaid, desperate plea for in the Indo-Pacific. Though ANI & IANS. He is also the son beneficial manner, as a long-term solution. this Government he hinted steering the nation in a there is no mention of this plan of India's former National without naming it) is to avoid positive, development-oriented being possibly used to stop Security Advisor and Foreign questions if possible because direction, far away from the all- China’s expansionist designs, Secretary J.N. Dixit). column friday 18 september 2020 A7

When Ignorance is Bliss The President’s Choice By Shivanthi Army. Therefore, neither the interested in a person’s ability Ranasinghe public nor Mahinda to perform and execute well a Rajapaksa’s supporters given task. The appointment of Milinda opposed or questioned his Therefore, despite public Moragoda as the new High The issue with appointment. However, if we opinion of Moragoda and Commissioner to India has knew of Fonseka then what we Colombage, President baffled President Gotabaya Colombage is know of him now, this would Gotabaya has decided that Rajapaksa’s ardent none other than not have been the case. they are the best men for the supporters. Moragoda will be Given some of his actions, job at hand. They will be joined taking up his appointment he is a member one cannot be faulted for by Ravinatha Aryasinha and with powers equal to that of a of the think disparaging Fonseka. Yet, the much respected Dr Palitha Cabinet Minister. This has none can deny that he was the Kohona. ruffled patriotic feathers even tank, The most successful Army Given the sensitivity of the more. India is one country that Commander of the Sri Lanka subject, the President may not needs to be dealt with sensibly Pathfinder Army. be in a position to reveal his and sensitively. To such an Foundation, Today his mantle is hand just yet to assure his important position to appoint somewhat shared by General supporters. In this context, a person who is accused of which is Milinda Shavendra Silva, who played a perhaps the only assurance he seating a CIA officer at the pivotal role in defeating can give is that each Security Council meetings Moragoda’s COVID-19. Forbes and its appointment was made after during the previous brainchild. peers may not want to careful consideration and only Government and someone who acknowledge Sri Lanka’s after satisfying the criteria that believed in the LTTE’s Therefore, many success in managing the each appointed individual is superiority over our own suspect this to Admiral Jayanath Colombage pandemic on the flimsy excuse patriotic to the Nation. military capability is indeed that Sri Lanka has not Unlike traditional questionable. Speculation is Over the decades, the be a CIA to get Sri Lanka out of its performed sufficient number of politicians, President rife that Moragoda’s Western Hemisphere current geopolitical trap. PCR tests. Gotabaya has proven time and appointment is the result of a continues to regard Sri Lanka operation. If this is the basis of It was because of General again as a man to work with negotiated deal, but by whom as a rogue State. This Opposition to President Gotabaya’s warning Shavendra Silva that Sri insight, attention to detail and or in lieu of what is not clear. perception was not erased against criticising his Lanka did not have to exhaust careful consideration of all Moragoda’s appointment even when a bootlicking Milinda appointments, then one could its limited resources. Under factors. Therefore, his comes in the wake of another regime like the Yahapalana Moragoda’s and say that he had not helped his his leadership the preliminary supporters should show more appointment that sent Government was in place. As case by selecting Moragoda as step was taken to identify and confidence in his decisions – tremors. Career diplomat the West directly or indirectly Admiral part of his team. For many contain clusters as well as the even if it does not make sense Ravinatha Aryasinha was manages the Media of the reasons, Moragoda is first and second ring of their at the time. It would be good abruptly replaced from the English speaking audiences, Jayanath perceived to be in the same associates. This is the crucial for all Sri Lankans to prestigious position of Foreign its projection becomes the Colombage’s league as Ranil step forfeited by other remember that the enemies of Secretary and instead (rtd) global take. Sri Lanka’s Wickremesinghe - an countries, which resulted in the State are still lurking in Admiral Jayanath Colombage Foreign Relations Ministry has appointments is unapologetic Western stooge. those regions struggling with the shadows, waiting to was appointed. As an officer, not been able to effectively Dr has on the pandemic despite the high capitalise on doubt, suspicion Colombage holds an counter this negative image. based on this numerous occasions number of PCR tests and disappointment. impressive career record. Then This is the Ministry’s abysmal notion that they appreciated Mahinda performed. At the same time, it is hoped again, Aryasinha too is a failure. Rajapaksa and Gotabaya However, if we go by that the individuals President highly respected officer. The call for a complete may be US Rajapaksa as two leaders with affiliations, then General appoints to high positions will Aryasinha – the only overhaul of the Ministry has agents. Apart a fine ability to pick the right Shavendra should not be not be only true to the cause, been long-standing. Perhaps man for the job. However the allowed to hold the Army but will also not do a Sarath soldier standing in the President feels the time is from Colombage right man for the job might be Commander’s post. According Fonseka. Instead, they should ripe for a person who has not flawed in character, as proven to the grapevine, he has close take note of the protests Geneva been influenced by the however, Special in the past. connections with the SJB against their respective At the Geneva UNHRC Ministry’s prejudices. Advisor to the Civilians did not know leaders. It is indeed a good appointments and realise the September session in 2015, Sri However, those against the much of when thing that President Gotabaya bar they must overcome. Lanka’s integrity was betrayed appointment fear that as President Mr he was appointed as the is not bothered by such ranasingheshivanthi@ as never before. Aryasinha was Colombage is in unfamiliar Commander of the Sri Lanka associations. He is only gmail.com one of the few officers who territory, he may end up Lalith stood up against the making a clown out of himself. Weeratunga and Yahapalana Government’s Some have even predicted his treachery. His protests against appointment will be to t Sri Lanka the Geneva Resolution 30/1 Gotabaya Rajapaksa Ports Authority are well known. Some think he Administration what Arjuna ought to have resigned when Mahendran’s appointment was Chairman the then Foreign Relations to the Yahapalana Government Minister Mangala - the beginning of the end. General Daya Samaraweera overrode his This is of course an unfair Ratnayake are professional advice. comparison. Colombage is a In this dire situation decorated officer and one time also said to be however, it was good that a Commander of the Sri Lanka members of the patriotic officer such as Navy. Mahendran on the other Aryasinha dealt with the finer hand as a financier holds a Pathfinder details of executing the shady reputation that predates co-sponsorship of the the infamous Central Bank Foundation contentious Resolution than Bond scams. Then again, one an absolute scumbag. With the of President’s closest then President Maithripala confidants Moragoda’s and Admiral Sirisena, PM Ranil himself at a public forum Jayanath Colombage’s Wickremesinghe, Cabinet and sounded the alarm against appointments is based on this Parliament all playing mum, Colombage. It is intriguing the notion that they may be US Aryasinha was the only reason for Weerawansa to agents. Apart from Colombage protection Sri Lanka had at denounce one of President’s however, Special Adviser to the that point. closest aides publicly when he President Lalith Weeratunga Aryasinha thus knows the could have done so privately. and Sri Lanka Ports Authority Resolution and its background This is not the first time Chairman General Daya intimately. Hence to remove Weerawansa made the mistake Ratnayake are also said to be him from the position of of running down top members of the Pathfinder Foreign Secretary at the 11th Government officials. During Foundation. hour from what Sri Lanka the Mahinda Rajapaksa President then seems to be hopes will be the final step of Administration, he accused Dr surrounded by US agents. One extracting out of the PB Jayasundera as an notable political analyst has Resolution is a matter of grave economic assassin. This even very rashly accused the concern. The fact that he was provided lethal ammunition President himself of being an the only Secretary to a for the then Opposition. US agent. This kind of Ministry to be replaced after Weerawansa did his best to speculation might precisely be the General Elections has not retract his statement but the the basis of President’s gone unnoticed by the rumor damage was already done. warning. mill. However, Aryasinha has Pathfinder casts Right people since been appointed as Sri a shadow over its for the job Lanka’s envoy to Washington. This is hardly a demotion, as members Geographically, Sri Lanka is can be seen by the sudden President Gotabaya has enviably located. The attention stilling of the gossip. Clearly warned against needless this location attracts is of this is a strategic repositioning questioning of the course unenviable. China is of players as Sri Lanka appointments he makes. This marking its presence in Sri prepares its difficult journey of may make it difficult for those Lanka as a partner in trade navigating through the present officers to carry out their and investment. US, who is dangerous geopolitical duties, said President. already a good buyer of Sri currents. Perhaps, this warning needs Lanka’s produce is more further elaboration. interested in strengthening A war hero to fight a Colombage’s reputation as defence strategies and diplomatic war an officer is solid. As a person improving military-to-military he is an affable man who gets cooperation. Sri Lanka needs Foreign Service is a highly along well with both his the goodwill of both to develop specialised field. The bane of superiors and subordinates. its economy. Yet, this is Sri Lanka’s Foreign Service During the COVID-19 proving to be challenging as has been the appointing of pandemic he rendered a the tensions and tempers non-career diplomats into yeoman’s service facilitating between US and China are ambassadorial positions. the Sri Lankan expatriates to reaching a boiling point. Most Therefore, many worry over return home. This includes the of our neighbours have already the parachuting of Colombage 33 Sri Lankans who were picked up a side. Sri Lanka into the Foreign Secretary’s trapped in Wuhan. has not and wishes to remain chair. It must be noted though The issue with Colombage is neutral. that previous Governments none other than the fact that In this backdrop to allow the appointed non-career he is a member of the think notion that the country’s diplomats as ambassadors as -tank, The Pathfinder highest office is yet again mostly a reward of sorts. Foundation, which is Milinda hijacked by the US is very Colombage’s appointment on Moragoda’s brainchild. damaging to say the least. This the other hand has not been a Therefore, many suspect this will build an unnecessary gesture of appreciation. He is to be a CIA operation. pressure against President expected to play a definite role. Opposition to Milinda Gotabaya’s carefully laid plans A8 friday 18 september 2020 Column Notes to the People Surpassing the 20A Mandate By Sumanasiri Liyanage it are mainly three-fold. The Mandate Surpassed It is directly aimed at the Rajapaksa It appears while drafting the 20th I think it’s necessary to revisit the family. Amendment; its authors have no constitutional debate on the proposed it reduces the Elected Presidents concern over the mandate given by 20th Amendment to the Constitution power passing it unconstitutionally to the people. It’s quite clear the of the Democratic Socialist Republic the Prime Minister thus weakening amendment oversteps the mandate by of Sri Lanka (hereafter CDSRSL). It’s the stable Government which is the introducing unacceptable proposals. an undeniable fact the SLPP coalition main characteristic of the 1978 It identifies three issues relating to received a clear mandate from the constitution. It appears while democracy and governance. people to abolish the 19th Amendment It separates the Defence Ministry drafting the 20th Nonetheless, I do not claim that going if we read peoples’ vote in the last from the President who is the back to the 19th Amendment is the Presidential and Parliamentary Commander of the Armed Forces. Amendment; its option. The corrections should be Elections as a partial new contract Of course, these issues are to be authors have no made to the 20th Amendment between the people and the SLPP. It’s resolved in a manner that maintains carefully identifying to what extent it an undeniable fact the SLPP had the balance between democracy and concern over the surpasses the mandate given by the openly canvassed for a constitutional stability. Let us treat these issues in people. amendment to eliminate destabilising turn. The age of the Presidential mandate given by the People welcome the limit of the effects of the 19th Amendment. It Candidate was raised to 35 years in people. It’s quite members of the cabinet to 30 and included abolition of the 19th the 20th Amendment deliberately to other ministers to 40. This element Amendment in its programme and its stop the possible candidature of clear the amendment should be kept deleting the national principal leaders reiterated that in Namal Rajapaksa at the 2019 oversteps the Government clause in the 19th their speeches. Presidential Election. This is a typical Amendment. At the very outset, the President example of using the Constitution for mandate by The Audit Service Commission and informed that he did not want to family rivalries. The issue of dual the Procurement Commission have change the five-year tenure for the citizenship seems to be a part of the introducing been reintroduced. All expenditure President and Parliament. He also animosity towards the Rajapaksa unacceptable one and four and a half years. A and income of the Government should said he was willing to keep the clause family, but it has some validity. Even visible shift in mass consent needs to be audited by the Auditor General. In that a person should hold the in the US any citizen is not allowed to proposals. It be addressed. For instance, Gotabaya addition to these two commissions, an Presidency only for two tenures. In be a contestant for the Presidency. Rajapaksa won the Presidential independent commission should be presenting the 20th Amendment, the She or he should be born in the US. identifies three Election showing a definite shift in the added to protect and preserve President and the new SLPP One may justifiably question that issues relating to consent of the masses. Hence, a environment. Government have kept their promise dual citizens may confront a dilemma Parliament elected in 2015 should not The present constitutional on these two elements. Does that when it comes to a disagreement democracy and be allowed to act in opposition to council should be replaced not by mean that the SLPP stay within its between two Nations. Hence, the 20th governance. peoples wishes. the proposed Parliamentary promises in drafting the 20th Amendment as far as this issue is The most of important element in Council but by the Parliamentary Amendment? My answer to this concerned has validity. Nonetheless, I do not the 17th Amendment was to introduce Committees on respective subjects question is: Categorically NO. Dr Whether we like it or not, the independent commissions to ensure consisting of Government and Gunadasa Amarasekera has written CDSRSL gives full executive powers to claim that going back the independence of the Judiciary, opposition members named by the an open letter to the President the President. It does not say that to the 19th Elections, Public Service including Parliament. informing him the Government went Executive Power is jointly exercised by Police according to which the These committees should be given beyond its mandate in doing so. And the President, Prime Minister and the Amendment is the Constitutional Council may make powers to question the recommended he is not alone. Many have expressed Cabinet. The constitution was drafted recommendations to the President to people by the President similar to the their dissatisfaction over the draft bill. in that manner as such a strong option. The appoint members to these procedure adopted in the US. Of The Prime Minister has by now Presidency was needed for neo-liberal corrections should be commissions. However, the members course, what was suggested above appointed a committee to report on reforms that was introduced in 1978 th representing the President were not would be mere reforms that would the draft and the committee includes and after. So, authoritarianism is made to the 20 appointed during the Mahinda reduce an adverse impact of the draft some cabinet members who raised embedded in the current constitution Amendment carefully Rajapaksa regime, the Constitutional bill of the 20th Amendment as it issues regarding certain proposals of whatever the changes made through Council became non-operational. As a stands today. In order to set up a the amendment. Hence, it is constitutional amendments. As a identifying to what consequence, the 18th Amendment Democratic, Just and Humane imperative to reinvestigate the actual result of the 19th Amendment, this introduced a Parliamentary Council Constitution, the CDSRSL is to be boundaries of the mandate given by ‘stability” factor was weakened extent it surpasses and that was revered by the 19th replaced by a new constitution the people in November 2019 and considerably without strengthening the mandate given by Amendment reconstituting a ensuring rights of the working people August 2020 while accepting the fact the democratic elements. Hence, the Constitutional Council with ‘civil for which radical changes in the that a mandate was sought and people wanted the President to have the people society’ representation and giving it electoral system, and the granted. the power to dissolve Parliament the power to recommend key personal empowerment of village level 19A Issues reestablished. I claim in this sense, it in the Public and Judicial services. It autonomy are required. is not possible to say the 20th seems the general public prefers the (The writer is a retired teacher of No doubt the 19th Amendment was Amendment had exceeded its presence of independent commissions political economy at the University a poorly drafted act with intrinsic mandate. However, it should have although the benefits of it to the of Peradeniya) E-mail: sumane_l@ weaknesses. The issues raised against introduced a clause that lies between ordinary people are not significant. yahoo.com)

Maximum Punishment for Terrorist Venerators “Those who commemorate terrorists (UNP)-led death is permitted, it will lead to a should be given maximum Government had allowed the culture of destruction.” punishment” - Terrorism expert Dr. commemoration, did not cut ice with According to Dr. Gunaratna, there Rohan Gunaratna the Jaffna magistrate, who acceded to have been a dozen plots by the LTTE to He was commenting on former MP the police request to ban it. revive since the end of Eelam War IV in M.K. Shivajilingam’s commemorating However, Shivajilingam secretly May 2009. Most of the LTTE plots were Thileepan, a member of LTTE Leader changed the venue of the supported by LTTE fronts overseas. Prabhakaran’s inner circle, on his 33rd commemoration to Kondavil and The number of plots increased due to anniversary fast-unto-death performed a ceremony there on the delisting of LTTE fronts overseas anniversary. Tuesday. He was arrested and was by the Yahapalanaya Government in Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, an subsequently released by a court on 2015, he pointed out. international expert on terrorism who bail. Relist the Delisted is now a Honorary Professor at the Sir Exploiting democracy Defence University, Entities has called for the arrest and trial of Commenting further on the incident, pro-LTTE Tamil leader and former MP, Dr. Gunaratna said: “After the US Dr. Gunaratna noted that the M.K. Shivajilingam and others who declared victory in Afghanistan and ideology of separatism is fading but glorify terrorists. Iraq, terrorism re-emerged because there are a few trying to revive it. “Most “They should be given the maximum the terrorists’ support infrastructure Tamils both in Sri Lanka and overseas punishment to deter others from remained intact. The tolerance of have left the LTTE and its erstwhile following their destructive path,” he democracies revived violence.” proxy the told NewsIn.Asia on Wednesday. Therefore he recommended that the (TNA). However, a few racist politicians Dr. Gunaratna was commenting on security and intelligence platform in continue to promote the separatist Shivajilingam’s arrest in Kondavil in Sri Lanka’s north and east should agenda,” he said. Jaffna for defying a court injunction continue for one generation until the It is essential for the Government to and commemorating Thileepan’s fast- separatist ideology disappears. relist the delisted LTTE fronts overseas unto-death against an alleged failure “Research demonstrates that if there as some of them are operating in Sri of the Indian and Sri Lankan is looseness (Government neglect) as Lanka, the expert stressed Governments to implement certain opposed to tightness (Government provisions of the India-Sri Lanka vigilance), terrorist groups exploit the Need for economic Accord of July 1987. Shivajilingam released on bail by the Jaffna magistrate gaps and loopholes and come back. development “Maximum punishment should be The groups and personalities that given as there is a public interest in environment for LTTE plots, plans and already entered into, and refusing to glorify terrorism should be identified Dr. Gunaratna recommended that this case. It will deter others funded by preparation aimed at revival. accept the LTTE’s fresh demands, and punished to deter future violence,” the Northern and Eastern provinces be LTTE front organisations in the Tamil Thileepan refused to give up his fast Dr. Gunaratna said. Most terrorist economically developed and the Sri Diaspora from reviving the separatist Fast-Unto-Death and died after 11 days on 26 groups abuse the freedom of expression Lankan identity should be promoted. agenda of the LTTE. Collective and Thileepan had sat on a fast-unto- September, 1987. to promote their vicious ideology to “The best strategy to counter racism decisive leadership is vital to restore death on 11 September, 1987, to Shivajilingam, who is related to radicalise the youth into a culture of is for Sri Lanka to develop a proper stability and security, the foundation secure a five-point charter of demands Prabhakaran, had sought permission hate and violence, he added. national education policy where of ethnic and religious harmony in Sri including the setting up of an LTTE- to hold the commemoration ceremony “If a democracy permits display of Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims study Lanka,” Dr. Gunaratna argued. dominated Interim Administrative of the fast-unto-death at the Thileepa terrorist paraphernalia and allows the together,” he said. The LTTE’s propaganda and Council for the Tamil dominated memorial in Nallur, but the Jaffna dissemination of propaganda, the next He warned that without regulating paraphernalia should remain banned Northern-Eastern province as part of police got a court order banning it on step will be protests and the ethnic and religious space, Sri forever just as Germany banned Nazi the India-Sri Lanka Accord to resolve the grounds that a leader of a banned demonstrations breaking out into Lanka can never have social harmony, symbols and activities after World War the ethnic issue. organisation like the LTTE could not violence. Like the Islamic State and al political stability and economic II, he suggested, pointing out that it is With both Colombo and New Delhi be commemorated and glorified. Qaeda, LTTE glorified death. If prosperity. LTTE propaganda that fosters an going by the letter of the agreements The argument that the previous commemoration and celebration of NewsIn Asia commemoration friday 18 september 2020 A9

Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera says President Gotabaya is a modern-day Anagarika Dharmapala By Krishan Jayasuriya Peiris, , Dr. Nalaka also built Maha Bodhi branches in Godahewa and Ruwan Wijewardena countries such as UK, US, India, Chairman of the Sri Lanka the UNP Deputy Leader were also in Thailand, Myanmar and Japan. Mahabodhi Centre in India, Chief attendance. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa once Incumbent of Japan and Chief A 500 rupee coin to mark the late in Japan claimed that it is the Incumbent of Maligakanda freedom fighter’s birth anniversary Buddhist Monks who would always Mahabodhi Agrasravaka Ven. was also issued while it was strive to bring lasting honour and Banagala Upatissa Thera says since ceremonially presented to the glory to the country in the eyes of Buddhists believe in rebirth, it could President by the Governor of the the rest of the world. I have always be said President Gotabaya CBSL Prof. W.D. Lakshman. held the President in high esteem as Rajapaksa is the reincarnation of Sudammika Hewawitharana a a Buddhist. Sri Lankan Buddhists Anagarika Dharmapala, the blood relative of Anagarika had failed to obtain my services to pioneering Buddhist leader during Dharmapala presented a small date but I hope the President will the country’s struggle for statue of his to the President. utilise my experience towards the independence. A few locally produced push cycles propagation of Dhamma and He said Dharmapala had claimed were also displayed to the President Buddhism here. several times he would be reborn before it was handed over to the SL Even Narendra Modi the Indian and hence it could be accepted the Mahabodhi Centre for their use. PM has claimed it was Anagarika President is his reincarnation. Speaking further Upatissa Thera Dharmapala who was instrumental Ven. Upatissa Thera stated that it said “I entered the Priesthood under in the resurgence of Buddhism in was a pleasure to hear the President the guidance of a Buddhist monk their country. But, have any has espoused the principals and who was a disciple of late Anagarika Sinhalese been heard to make such policies long championed in the past Dharmapala. It was that monk who remarks. They don’t because they by Dharmapala. trained me in the art of carrying are ashamed of it. The President and He said the President had assured forward the message and the work of the Pope have understood the him of constructing a museum Dharmapala especially his sermons. yeoman services rendered by dedicated to the late freedom fighter. Though Dharmapala passed away in Anagarika Dharmapala and have The Monk made these remarks 1933 his followers were able to visited the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi while speaking at an event held at sustain his work in the ensuing Centre. Hence, I request all Sri the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Centre in years. Currently that responsibility Lankans to pay homage to Colombo yesterday to mark the has been entrusted to me as the to grant a land of 125 acres towards best homage to be paid to him Dharmapala as it is the only way 156th Birth Anniversary of head of the SL Mahabodhi Society. this purpose. Today the Sanchi would be to construct a Buddhist they could convey their gratitude to Anagarika Dharmapala. In 2014 I made a request to University of Buddhist-Indic Studies University. this great son of the soil who President Rajapaksa was the Chief construct a University in close has commenced. When Dharmapala Dharmapala was known for sacrificed his life to protect and Guest at the event while Ministers vicinity to the Sanchi Temple and passed away the late Indian poet spreading the word of Buddha and safeguard this Nation for us. Dinesh Gunawardena, Prof. GL the Indian political leaders promised Rabindranath Tagore stated that the Dhamma throughout the world. He (Pix by Bandula Alahakoon) A10 friDAY 18 september 2020 news

Ordinances on children, young persons and youthful offenders Requests to enroll students mentioning Cabinet Approves President, PM, Govt officials Principals told to reject Proposed Amendments such applications Secretary to the President and other top Government By Thameenah Razeek (Training Schools) Ordinance. The terms of the Youthful Offenders Dr. P.B. Jayasundera instructed officials. It has been observed that proposed Amendments are to (Training Schools) Ordinance, those all school principals to in some cases, Government As per the provisions of the Child prescribe youth as being an between the ages of 16 - 22 have unhesitatingly reject admissions, officials too are in the habit of Rights Convention, individuals below individual between 18 and 22 years been mentioned as youth. citing the names of the President, sending such letters. the age of 18 years shall not be of age. At present, the Judiciary directs the Prime Minister and any senior However, principals should only imposed with the penalty of Addressing the Cabinet media offenders below the age of 16 years to Government officials. It has been evaluate admissions according to imprisonment and the Cabinet of briefing yesterday (17), Cabinet certified probationary schools noted that some tend to send the standard regulation and Ministers granted approval for the Co-Spokesperson Dr. Ramesh monitored by the Department of letters to principals imploring procedures. Dr. Jayasundera has proposal, submitted in this Pathirana claimed that an individual Probation and in the case of persons them to enroll their children; informed that stern disciplinary connection by the Minister of less than 14 years of age has been above 16 years of age who commit citing an order from the President, action will be taken against Justice, for the amendments to the prescribed as a child as per the offences, they are imprisoned or officials from the President’s principals who flout this rule Ordinance on Children and Young provisions of the Children and Young directed to training schools for youth office, the Premier, bureaucrats henceforth. Persons and the Youthful Offenders Persons Ordinance. However, in offenders.

Half of unemployed 12 held with bogus Video on Vijayakala population is youth Canadian visas assisting Swiss Kumar played – CSD Woman behind scam remanded By Paneetha Ameresekere at PCoI hearing By Leon Berenger operates a language and Youth unemployment as a proportion of training visa centre in By Faadhila the currently by Police officers, the total unemployment was at 49 per cent last A group of 12 persons Battaramulla, the Thassim imprisoned PC post-mortem reveals year (2019) which shows that half of the including five females investigators have found. Gnanalingam Mayuran that the death took unemployed population is youth, the Census were nabbed at the BIA, Investigators are A video displaying who was previously place due to drowning and Statistics Department (CSD) said while attempting to leave probing to ascertain the former State Minister attached to the and only minor injuries yesterday (17). the country on doctored modus operandi used by Chunnakam Police. were sustained by the Further, the Central, North Central, Uva, Canadian visas, officials the woman to convince allegedly assisting Mayuran’s complaint arrestee, adding that Sabaragamuwa and North Western Provinces said yesterday (17). her unsuspecting victims Mahalingam was that his arrest with the Attorney General have a higher number than the national According to the that they were in Shashikumar alias regard to the drowning also had the proportion at 55.9%, 55.4%, 54.8%, 54.1%, officials, the group was possession of original Swiss Kumar who was of an individual who responsibility to and 51.9% respectively, higher than 50%. detected at Passport landing visas to Canada. one of the main had been arrested by investigate into such Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate Control by sleuths with Investigators are also suspects in the murder the Chunnakam Police contradictions. as a whole was 21.5% last year, whereas the CID, shortly before probing to ascertain if any and gang rape of for robbery and had in Testifying before the overall unemployment was 4.8% for the same they were due to board a errant Immigration and Sivaloganathan Vidya his attempt to flee, PCoI yesterday, period. pre-dawn flight to Doha, Emigration or BIA officials to escape, was played drowned in 2011, was Mayuran said, following Therefore, employment policies might be Qatar. had connived with the before the Presidential politically motivated. the murder of Vidya, usefully directed towards easing the entry of The suspects are main suspect. Commission of Inquiry The Chairman of the the villagers out of rage, young people into the world of work to residents of Kiribathgoda, The group was later appointed to probe into PCoI, retired Supreme had surrounded and alleviate this problem. Pamunugama, Kegalle, produced before the the political Court Judge, Justice assaulted “In a country where the youth Polgahawela, Negombo Magistrate’s victimisation of public Upali Abeyratne said, Shashikumar and that unemployment rate is high and the ratio of Alawathugoda, Nugegoda, Court yesterday and officials during the although the Mallakam Maheswaran having the youth unemployment rate to the adult Mawanella and released on personal bail tenure of the UNF led Magistrate’s Court arrived at the location unemployment rate is close to one, it may be Piliyandala. of Rs 600,000 each, while Government yesterday ruled that the death of of the incident, assisted concluded that the problem of unemployment A woman described as the main suspect was (17). the said arrestee had him in fleeing without is not specific to youth, but is countrywide”. the mastermind behind remanded until 29 This was with regard taken place as a result having handed him over Meanwhile, the Southern Province had the the fake visa scam September. to a complaint filed by of an inhumane assault to the Police. highest youth unemployment rate last year at 31.5%, followed by the Central Province (28.2%). The lowest youth unemployment rate was in the Western Province (15%). In the Northern Province it was 17.4% and in the Eastern Province (21.3%), respectively. Stunting reduction target overshot by 50 per cent Further, vis-à-vis total youth unemployment, 57.3% was male and 42.3%, By Paneetha Ameresekere unchanged by this year as well. The goal for children under five years of years of age) stunting which was female. EC graphically showed the number age has decelerated over a six year estimated at just over 25 per cent or Also, the highest proportion of youth Sri Lanka has overshot its of stunted children under five years period between 2012 and 2018,’ the 500,000 in 1990, was sharply unemployment is reported from the Grade stunting reduction target by of age was estimated at 300,000 in EC said. reduced over a three-year period by Six-10 group, qualified in education at 52.9%, 100,000 or by 50 per cent this year 2014, the Government planned to It also said the baseline trend in 20 per cent (100,000) to 400,000 in followed by the GCE Ordinary Level and GCE (2020), the European Commission reduce this number to 100,000 or stunting reduction of children 1993, before steeply reducing at an Advanced Level at 51% and 47.1%, (EC) on their website on 15 by 200,000 (66.67%) by this year, under five years of age in the accelerated rate of 25 per cent respectively. September, graphically showed. but that the reality was different, 22-year period covering the years (another 100,000 in absolute terms) But when this unemployed youth group It showed that the Government with this number being double that 1990 to 2012 was estimated at an to 300,000 over a five year period to only represents less than 5% of the total estimated to reduce the stunting of figure at 200,000. annual rate of three per cent 1998. youth population then policymakers may children under five years of age to The EC further estimated that the (average annual rate of reduction Further, the EC graphically choose to address it with less urgency. 100,000 by this year, the equivalent number of stunted children under for the period 1990-2012), the showed that 20 per cent of children However, in Sri Lanka’s case it’s 6.6%. This to 9% of children under five years of five years of age would continue to current annual trend in reduction under five years of age were proportion is 7% and 6.2% for males and age, estimates however, showed remain stagnant at 200,000 in covering a 28 year period from 1990 estimated to have had been stunted females, respectively. that this number was double that another five years time to 2025 as to 2018 saw it being off target over by 1998, from a ‘high’ of 25 per Youth are defined as those between 15-24 figure at 200,000 as at 2018, well, consonant with the World the baseline trend by 0.6 percentage cent, eight years earlier in 1990. years of age. equivalent to 14% of children under Health Assembly’s (WHA’s) points to 2.4 per cent. But since then, the rate of reduction five years of age being stunted, with estimates as at that year (2025). Further, the EC graphically in stunting has decelerated, the EC this number (200,000) remaining ‘Sri Lanka’s stunting reduction showed that children (under five said. 14 Foreigners SJB vetoes 20th held in IT scam Amendment; Favours ‘19 Plus’ Defrauded Rs 60M from victims By Sumudu Chamara question if the power given by A group of 14 foreigners were arrested the people is being misused by yesterday (17), after they are alleged to have The Samagi Jana Balawegaya the President. operated a multimillion rupee online scam, (SJB), yesterday (17), said that He went on to say, “The 19th through which they collected some Rs 60 it will certainly extend its Amendment provides for million from their unsuspecting victims, Police Main beach cleaning project under inspection support to rectify any flaws in unbiased appointments to said. They said the suspects had defrauded the the 19th Amendment, adding public institutions and money after convincing their victims that each of PM on 19th Sept that it should be done through independent commissions. But of them had won valuable prizes from foreign a ‘19 Plus’ Amendment and not the 20th Amendment changed lotteries. The suspects are nationals of Nigeria, SL’s future based on Blue by a 20th Amendment to the it. Especially the appointment China, and the Philippines. Constitution. of a Parliamentary Council to The suspects were rounded up, after the CID Green Economy – MEPA Chairperson This was stated at a replace the Constitutional was deployed to investigate some 101 discussion held at the Council is questionable, complaints regarding the suspects. Story by Nabiya Vaffoor caused by the direct discharge of Opposition Leader’s Office in because the Parliamentary (LB) Pic by Venura land-based effluent into the sea Colombo, where former Health Commission can give only Chandramalitha or seawater, while the effluent Minister Rajitha Senarathne, observations, which the from rivers, is released into the SJB General Secretary Ranjith President can either accept or Our country’s future is based ocean and indirectly pollutes the Madduma Bandara and turn down at his discretion. on a ‘Blue Green Economy’, said marine environment. We should Attorney-at-Law Suren Even if independent Chairperson of the Marine protect it since lands for housing Fernando spoke extensively of commissions appointed through Environment Protection are scarce at present owing to the 20th Amendment. the 19th Amendment continued Authority (MEPA), Attorney forests and land being used for Former Health Minister to function, their affairs and Govt to revive Dharshani Lahandapura. agriculture”. Senarathne said the 19th appointment of members will be Addressing a Media briefing held Lahandapura added that the Amendment, introduced by the politicised through the 20th rural economy in order to inform of the plans of MEPA is doing research on col- previous Government of which Amendment.” By Shiran Ranasingha the Ministry of Urban lecting waste that pollutes the he was a member, gave power to Questioned as to why the Development and Housing on Ocean from rivers via estuaries. the Prime Minister taking into 20th Amendment allows The Government will commence a behalf of the International The MEPA cooperating with the account the fact that the Prime individuals who have dual programme to revive the rural economy of Coastal Cleanup Day and the Ministry has organised a series Minister works closely with citizenship to become MPs, the people with effect from next month, National Maritime Conservation of beach cleaning projects for Parliament and MPs than the because as citizens of two with the setting up of household economic Week from 19 – 25 September, ‘International Coastal Cleanup President. countries, they can’t be units, after selecting 100 families from she added that “Citizens have an Day and the National Maritime He added that the 19th expected to work for the each Grama Niladhari Division. erroneous view that the environ- Conservation Week’ to motivate Amendment also made the interests of only Sri Lanka. This concept is set to be initiated with ment is only trees, plants and the public on the importance of President accountable and gave SJB General Secretary the support of the Samurdhi Development forests but they are unaware maintaining a clean coast. The people the opportunity to go to told Department, the Agriculture Department that 90 per cent of marine pollu- main project is to be held tomor- Court against the President. the Media that during the and the Divisional Secretariats. tion is caused by land-based pol- row (19) at Mount Lavinia Beach During the same discussion, previous Government’s tenure, As part of this concept, the supplying of lution. under the inspection of the chief Attorney-at-Law Suren crimes happening in the seeds, plants and fertiliser will take place, Waste generated by terrestrial guest, Minister of Urban Fernando stated that the 20th country drastically declined as targeting the selected families. effluents can be added directly Development and Housing and Amendment is giving excessive under the 19th Amendment the or indirectly to the marine envi- Prime Minister Mahinda power to the President but the Police could function ronment. Marine pollution is Rajapaksa. people should be allowed to independently. friDAY 18 september 2020 b11

Capital Market Development Prudent Economic Policies a Must By Ishara Gamage The launch event themed A strong government, the ‘Hyper-Leap to the future’ was – SEC Chair political will and prudent also attended by the State economic policies are a must if Minister , the capital market is to prosper, State Minister , Securities and Exchange Secretary to the Treasury and Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) Ministry of Finance S. R. Chairman, Viraj Dayaratne said Attygalle and other senior yesterday. invitees from Foreign Missions in “We can say we have all of Sri Lanka, Stock Broker Firms, that. The government has Listed Companies and the Sri Thursday Markets demonstrated its commitment Lankan Business Fraternity. towards the development of the “Whilst digitalisation creates capital market with the that paradigm shift towards the allocation of capital markets to development of the market, that the subjects assigned to State by itself is not adequate and Minister Nivard Cabraal,” he there is much more to be done”, said. he said. Addressing a special market A Joint Committee comprising opening ceremony organised by representatives of the SEC and the Securities and Exchange the CSE was formed with the Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) objective of identifying measures and the Colombo Stock and mechanisms required for Exchange (CSE), with the the Colombo Stock market to be Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa launches CSE and SEC digital products patronage of Prime Minister run digitally. A strategy to Mahinda Rajapaksa, to mark the digitalise all stakeholder touch opening feature that removes the by the CDS. An investor Shares at near Digitalisation of the Sri Lankan points, enabling end to end barriers to entry for new education and financial literacy Stock Market, the SEC connectivity electronically with investors and enables any -focused YouTube Channel to be Chairman appealed to large an interactive user interface and eligible prospective investor managed by the SEC was also 7-month high companies who are yet to be user experience was also agreed around the country to open a launched to create modern and listed in the Colombo Stock upon by the Committee. CDS account to trade in the digital learning opportunities for By Mario Andree Exchange to come forward and The first phase of this initiative market without the need to visit prospective investors, keeping get listed. was to convert paper-based a branch office. with the growing demand for The bullish run at the Colombo Stock “We need to increase the depth statements to electronic form The event also featured a easily accessible learning Exchange (CSE) continued for the eight and breadth of the market – to and to facilitate companies listed further revamp of CSE and SEC opportunities. consecutive session as the benchmark index the SMEs and Startups, it is on the CSE to pay dividends digital touch points including With the new online account rose on Thursday (17) to reach a near seven- your turn as well – we have electronically to shareholders. As new CSE, SEC and CDS websites opening feature offered by the month high on a high turnover despite relaxed the listing requirements part of the second phase of the which were re-launched with CSE Mobile App, prospective continued foreign exits from the Market. and there is huge potential to initiative the CSE and SEC user-friendly interfaces to offer investors can start investing The benchmark All Share Price Index (ASPI) raise much needed capital – and yesterday launched a browsers an informative immediately after opening their gained 1.31 per cent (73.26 points) to close at to investors both local and transformative digital offering browsing experience covering account while also being able to 5,658.66 points, its highest since 27 February, foreign – come and invest – the through the New CSE Mobile trading information, regulatory monitor their accounts from while, the more liquid S&P SL20, representing valuations are great,” he App, an end-to-end digital on information as well as investor anywhere and at any time they the top 20 shares, gained 3.06 per cent (73.71 elaborated. boarding and online account -centric information maintained want. points) to close at 2,480.07 points. The daily turnover at the CSE stood at Rs 3.5 billion on Thursday (17), lower than the Rs 3.4 billion recorded during the previous market day. More than 146 million shares changed hands 300MW LNG Power Plant on Thursday (17) during 28,009 trades. Green Industrial Shares of 255 companies were traded, of which 117 emerged as winners as against 69 losers. City to support Foreigners were net sellers on Thursday (17) Govt to for the 45th consecutive session. Net foreign outflow during the day amounted to Rs 242 prospective investors million, as foreigners sold shares worth Rs 334 million as against purchases worth Rs 92 By Thameenah Razeek city would give priority to million. call for bids the manufacture and Top five gainers during the day were SMB The Government is assembly of electrical and Leasing (non-voting), SMB Leasing, Hayleys By Mario Andree Hambantota. planning to establish a electronic components, Fabric, Mercantile Shipping and Hunters. Pearl Energy will set up a floating ‘Green Industrial City’ in packaging materials, value Top five losers were Blue Diamonds (non- The Cabinet recently agreed to storage LNG trading facility 194 acres of land in the added agricultural voting), Dialog Finance, Singhe Hospitals, call for international tenders to ‘Hambantota LNG Hub’ at the Port vicinity of the Attanagalla products, rubber and e-Channelling and Amana Takaful. develop the 300 Mega Watt Liquid of Hambantota. and Warakapola Divisional plastic-based products, Natural Gas (LNG) power plant in Operations are expected to Secretariats. manufacture and assembly Kerawalapitiya on a build operate commence within the next six The Cabinet recently of apparel and related and transfer model. months, with Pearl Energy utilising approved a combined products and Minister of Power Dullas a floating storage unit with an proposal made by the pharmaceuticals and Alahapperuma informed the initial capacity of 1 million tonnes Minister of Lands and the related products. Cabinet on Wednesday that a 300 per annum. Minister of industries to set At present, 32 industrial MPBCs MW LNG power plant is required The company is expected to up the facility after realising cities are being operational for Sri Lanka to manage future distribute LNG to Sri Lanka, South the dire need to support throughout the country electricity demand in the country India and the Maldives initially, prospective investors. under the Ministry of fall due to and mitigate possible breakdowns. before expanding to other According to the proposal, industry. He opposed calling for tenders countries. approximately 150 Approximately Rs 36,500 from foreign companies to develop According to Pearl Energy investors interested in million has been invested in and operate the power plant as an Director, Tania Siegertsz, Sri starting businesses in the these industrial cities by uncertainty independent power producer. Lanka is extremely well equipped Western Province have private investors. Bids would be accepted from to meet the change in dynamics in submitted their The Government has By Paneetha Ameresekere developers who agree to complete the global LNG market and applications, but are spent around Rs 4,517 the project within three years, he consolidate its position as a key finding it difficult to set up million for infrastructure Government of Sri Lanka’s (GoSL’s) money said. player for the future. business due to inadequate development of these printing borrowing costs (MPBCs) decreased The Board of Investment (BOI) She hopes that with the launch space in the eight industrial industrial cities. sharply for the second consecutive market day recently signed an agreement with of the LNG facility in Hambantota, zones in the Western The number of job to yesterday, falling by 16.69 per cent (Rs 52.92 Pearl Energy (Pvt) Ltd, for a US$ Sri Lanka would look at converting Province. opportunities that will be million) to go deeper into negative territory, to 97.2 million LNG project in its power plants into LNG. The proposed industrial created is about 18,600. Rs 369.95 million. This was led by domestic investor appetite for risk free Treasury (T) Bonds and T-Bills due to uncertainty, rather than to lend to the engine of economic growth, the risky private sector, where, however, better returns may be obtained. Laugfs Terminals NDB debenture Complementing these developments, the benchmark ‘spot’ fell for the third consecutive th market day to yesterday, albeit marginally, by celebrates 100 Ship Call! issue five cents to Rs 185.05/15 to the US dollar in two way quotes as at 4p.m., led by a virtual, oversubscribed continuous stream of foreign exits from the financial markets headed by the bourse due to this uncertainty, market sources said. Successfully raises LKR 6.5 B In the calendar year to 4p.m. yesterday, the ‘spot’ has weakened by Rs 3.75 (2.07 per cent) in two-way quotes. National Development the event of an In related developments, GoSL’s money Bank PLC successfully oversubscription. printing (FVMP) debt increased by Rs 675 raised Rs 6.5 billion The debentures offered million, resulting its FVMP debt as a whole through a five-year Basel III 9.5% p.a payable annually increasing by 0.22 per cent to Rs complaint, Tier II Listed, and carry a tenure of five 301,614.41million yesterday. Rated, Unsecured, years, maturing in 2025. Meanwhile, market liquidity was uplifted by Subordinated, Redeemable The debentures are rated at Rs 1,893million (US$10.62million) during Debentures with a non- A-(lka) by Fitch Ratings yesterday’s trading due to Central Bank of Sri viability conversion at an Lanka Limited. Lanka’s (CBSL’s) swaps with commercial banks issue price of Rs 100 each, The proceeds raised via and/or GoSL’s dollar sales and/or swaps with via an initial public offering the Issuance will improve CBSL. Conversions are based on the middle rate at the Colombo Stock and further strengthen the of the ‘spot’ as at 4p.m. on Tuesday which was Exchange yesterday. Capital Adequacy Ratio in Rs 184.50 to the dollar. The issue was to raise line with the Basel III Consequently the market’s net excess liquidity LKR 05 billion initially with guidelines and facilitate increased by 1.51 per cent (Rs 2,568 million) to Gas Courage, a tanker owned by LAUGFS Maritime Services (Pvt) Ltd., awaits an option to raise up to a future expansion of Rs 172,590 million yesterday. the loading of LP Gas at the LAUGFS terminals complex at the Hambantota further Rs 1.5 billion, at the business activities of the International Port. (See page 12) discretion of the Bank, in Bank. B12 Ceylon FT friday 18 september 2020 News

Economic Freedom of the World index Tea export revenue falls Rs 13.1B SL ranks 83 among By Paneetha Ameresekere Tea export revenue in the first eight months of the year fell by 8.06 per cent (Rs 13.1billion) to Rs 149.4 billion year on-year (YoY), Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said on Wednesday (16). Complementing these developments, export volumes 162 countries decreased by 11.26 per cent (22.1 million kilos) to 174.1 million kgs in the review period. Sri Lanka ranks 83 out of 162 countries and “This is based on the categories: 1. Size of However, both in rupee and US dollar terms prices territories included in the Economic Freedom Government, 2. Legal System and Property gained, with prices in rupee terms increasing by 3.61 of the World: 2020 Annual Report, released by Rights, 3. Sound Money, 4. Freedom to Trade per cent (Rs 29.87) to Rs 858.25 per kg (fob) and in Canada’s Fraser Institute in association with Internationally, 5. Regulation. dollar terms by 3.74 per cent (US$ 0.17) to US$4.71 a the Advocata Institute Sri Lanka. During this period the size of Government kg (fob), respectively. Hong Kong and Singapore top the index, increased, freedom to trade did not improve with In related developments, tea production in the first continuing their streak as 1st and 2nd para-tariffs still in place while regulations were seven months of the year declined by 15.42 per cent respectively. New Zealand, Switzerland, the not clearly defined. With the COVID 19 (28.5 million kgs) to 156.3 million kgs. United States, Australia, Mauritius, Georgia, pandemic hitting Sri Lanka in March 2019, Meanwhile, like in the corresponding period last Canada, and Ireland round out the top 10. economic freedom had to be curtailed with a year, the top four importers of Sri Lanka tea in the Research shows that people living in complete lockdown of activities. But this was a review period, volume wise, in descending order were countries with high levels of economic freedom precautionary strategy. Without a lockdown, it Turkey, Iraq, Russia and Iran, respectively. enjoy greater prosperity, more political and civil could have been worse. Sri Lanka did better Additionally, the top 25 importers of Sri Lanka Tea in liberties, and longer lives. For example, than most countries. The danger is that the the review period in descending order were China, countries in the top quartile of economic measures adopted could be retained which Azerbaijan, Chile, Libya, Syria, UAE, Saudi Arabia, freedom had an average per-capita GDP of would restrain economic freedom beyond what Germany, USA, Japan, Ukraine, Taiwan, Jordan, US$44,198 in 2018 compared to US$5,754 for was necessary to restrain the virus,” he went on Hong Kong, Netherlands, Poland, Egypt, Lebanon, countries in the bottom quartile. to say. Belgium, Israel and Ireland, respectively. Moreover, in the top quartile, the average Sri Lanka’s scores in key components of Sri Lanka is particularly weak in the category Tea was Sri Lanka’s fourth largest earner of foreign income of the poorest 10 per cent was economic freedom (from 1 to 10 where a higher related to “Legal System and Property rights” in exchange last year, according to the Central Bank of US$12,293 compared to US$1,558 in the value indicates a higher level of economic the index with little improvement from last Sri Lanka. bottom quartile. Interestingly, the average freedom): year’s report. “Economic freedom requires income of the poorest 10 per cent in the most “It is noteworthy that this 2020 annual report discipline and discipline is constituted by the economically free countries is more than twice is based on the data for 2018. If it were based rule of law. Proponents of economic freedom the average per-capita income in the least free on the data for 2018, 2019, and 2020, for Sri lose ground when they forget this. Opponents countries. Lanka, there could have been a different score, of economic freedom look smart when they Sri Lanka’s ranking for Economic Freedom most likely a lower rank and a smaller score ignore this. Economic freedom ensures the According to the Fraser Institute Report on compared to 83 and 6.88 for 2018,” prosperity of a nation, only when it is founded Economic Freedom, Sri Lanka gained 15 places commented Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana, Chair of on the rule of law,” said Professor in Economics to be ranked 83 compared to the previous year the Academic Programme at the Advocata at the and advisor to where the country was ranked 98. Institute. Advocata Institute, Sirimal Abeyratne.

Bringing benefits of Digital Tech to community Private sector joins ICTA MAGA commences construction of 624 housing units An initiative of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) of Sri Lanka, the 11-storey housing complex situated on Colombage Mawatha, Narahenpita is part of the Government’s long-term Urban Regeneration Project. By Eunice Ruth The Urban Regeneration Project focuses on enhancing the status and livelihoods of under- Sri Lanka’s private sector is joining the Information and privileged communities in urban areas around Sri Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), in a national Lanka’s capital. programme to strengthen and bring the benefits of digital From left : CBSL Asst.Governor - R. A. A. Jayalath, CBSL Governor - As such, the project aims to construct 70,000 technology to the community, said ICTA Sri Lanka Strategic Deshamanya Prof. W. D. Lakshman, SDB bank Chief Executive Officer – Thilak housing units for communities living in underserved communication specialist, T.M.G. Chandrasekara. Piyadigama and CBSL Director Payments and Settlements - D. Kumaratunge settlements and slums without access to basic He said that, this was confirmed by signing a Memorandum infrastructure facilities such as clean water, electricity of Understanding (MoU) between the ICTA and the Kaymu and sanitation. Lanka Private Limited (daraz.lk) under the guidance of the SDB Bank deploys LANKAQR MAGA is engaged as a design and build contractor to ICTA officials. Kaymu Lanka Private Limited (Daraz) will work Digital Payments ‘Rata Purama’ in complete construction of the housing complex funded with island-wide Smart Social Circles, Suhuruliya and the by the Government of Sri Lanka and the Asian existing Nenasala networks to provide the needed knowledge Association with CBSL Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Covering a and training required to enable small and medium scale total floor area of 394,062 sqft. the building will have entrepreneurs (SME) to operate their businesses using the In a landmark event held in cost-effectiveness and secureness 624 fully equipped housing units. Internet. Matale, the Central Bank of Sri of LANKAQR digital payments Leveraging a wealth of experience in the residential Meanwhile, he added that the Daraz.lk is an extensive Lanka, in coordination with a among customers and sector, MAGA’s design has focused on livability and online merchandising business and it is hoped that this number of financial institutions businessmen, mirrors SDB bank’s community aspects: Large courtyards, space for shops, initiative will enable SME’s to extend their local market and telcos, launched the first phase continuing focus through their community halls, health centres, a maintenance office, presence while also working on entering to the overseas of ‘Rata Purama QR Code’ to payment app UPay on creating an nursery, children’s play area, day-care centre, Police markets by promoting new business opportunities introduce LANKAQR as the way inclusive digital payments command centre, and large parking area. internationally. forward for mobile phone and landscape for all Sri Lankans. Once complete in May 2023, the two-acre digital payments countrywide. SDB bank CEO Thilak Colombage Mawatha housing complex will provide The event themed ‘Mataleta Piyadigama was appointed as hundreds of families with access to formal land LANKAQR’ drew the participation of Chairman of the ‘Working Group of tenure, a decent home, and essential infrastructure CBSL Governor Deshamanya Financial Institutions’ by CBSL, to and amenities such as safe public spaces, clean water, LAUGFS Terminals complex Professor W.D.Lakshman and other lead the implementation of the electricity, and sanitation. top CBSL officials, plus leading LANKAQR project. He stated, ‘We Maga Engineering has been a long-standing partner at H’tota Int’l Port celebrates financial institutions and telcos are honoured to be at the forefront in the Urban Development Authority’s and together with partnering institutes of the initiative to take the Government’s regeneration efforts that improve the 100th ship call attached to the National QR Code LANKAQR payments standard to all lives of low-income communities living in urban areas. project. parts of the island including its Since 2018, MAGA has been involved in constructing LAUGFS Terminals Ltd. celebrated the 100th ship call The intent of the inaugural event rural villages, to usher in digital 3 large-scale developmental housing projects that yesterday, for loading of LP Gas at its port based, all weather LP in Matale, a public awareness transactions as the new norm in provide safe and spacious housing to over 1,600 Gas Storage and Transhipment Terminal Complex, located at campaign to promote the ease, fintech countrywide’. families. the Hambantota International Port. This facility was built and is now operated by LAUGFS Terminals Ltd which is a fully owned subsidiary of LAUGFS Gas PLC. The installed cargo capacity of this Terminal Complex is 30,000 metric tons, which can be turned around three times monthly to achieve 1,000,000 metric tons of LP Gas per annum JCI Colombo hold 65th AGM via zoom as transhipments, by way of import, storage, mixing of elements of Propane and Butane and exports to identified Junior Chamber International Colombo markets. chapter (JCI), the pioneer chapter in the JCI The commercial operations of this facility commenced in July movement in Sri Lanka, recently held its 2019, and it is considered as an impressive performance to Annual General Meeting via zoom for the first record the 100th ship call within a space of only 14 months, time in history due to the lockdown/ which is exceptional for infrastructure projects of this nature restricted movement situation in the country. having long gestation periods. It was a gathering of present and past The calling of the 100th ship at the terminal complex through Jaycees from the chapter, JCI Senator and Hambantota International Port is a landmark event in the other representatives also graced the country since it denotes the beginning of creating an ‘Energy– occasion. The Chief Guest was National Hub’ around the port in addition to it being a ‘Maritime-Hub’ in President of JCI Sri Lanka for 2020 the short to medium-term with increased ship calls for trading Dr. Dilhan Jayathilaka, also present was the and transhipment purposes. Past International Vice President Jc Sen. The achievement of the call of 100 ships is all the more Khaleel Ur Rahuman. important in the light of the adverse effect from oil-price Chairman of the JCI Senate Sri Lanka for volatility, USA China trade disputes, drone attacks on Saudi 2020 JC Sen Danesh Abeywickrama was the Aramco installations and Covid-19 impacts with almost key note speaker. complete lockdowns globally leading to economic recessions President of JCI Colombo 2019 JC Yaswind creating a substantial decline in energy demand and trading. Rodrigo relinquished his duties and passed LAUGFS Terminals Ltd with its 100 ships calling at the on the Presidential Oath to JCI Colombo terminal complex had handled in total 413,000 metric tons of President 2020 JC Thariq Nazeer. LPG of inward and outward cargo. The value of the transactions The other Committee members are: of inward and outward cargo of these 100 ships is around USD Secretary - JC Vedhya Samaranayaka, Vice 175,000,000. Its exports to foreign markets include President – Praveen Dharmaraja, Treasurer Bangladesh, Maldives and India and it is now reaching 60% of – Shamshad Nizam, Director International – exports of the total volumes handled monthly which is once Mohan Silva, Director Individual – Nakeeb again considered as a noteworthy feature to highlight. Nawaz, Director Business – Amanuz Sultan. Tourism Ceylon FT friday 18 September 2020 B13 UNWTO Highlights Potential of Domestic Tourism To drive economic recovery worldwide

As restrictions on travel cent of total tourism • In Italy, the Bonus Vacanze begin to ease globally, expenditure, while in the initiative offers families with destinations around the world European Union domestic incomes of up to EUR 40,000 are focusing on growing tourism expenditure is 1.8 contributions of up to EUR 500 domestic tourism, with many times higher than inbound to spend in domestic tourism offering incentives to tourism expenditure. accommodation. encourage people to explore Globally, the largest • Malaysia allocated US$113 their own countries. domestic tourism markets in million worth of travel discount According to the World terms of expenditure are the vouchers as well as Personal Tourism Organisation United States with nearly US$ Tax relief of up to US$227 for (UNWTO), with domestic 1 trillion, Germany with US$ expenditure related to tourism set to return faster 249 billion, Japan US$ 201 domestic tourism. than international travel, this billion, the United Kingdom • Costa Rica moved all holidays represents an opportunity for with US$ 154 billion and of 2020 and 2021 to Mondays both developed and developing Mexico with US$ 139 billion. for their citizens to enjoy long countries to recover from the Initiatives to boost weekends to travel social and economic impacts of domestic tourism domestically and to extend the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the value of domestic their stays. Recognising this importance tourism and current trends, • France launched the of domestic tourism, the increasing numbers of campaign Cet Été Je Visite La United Nations specialised countries are taking steps to France (‘This Summer, I visit agency has released the third grow their markets, UNWTO France’) highlighting the of its Tourism and COVID-19 reports. This new Briefing Note diversity of destinations Briefing Notes; ‘Understanding provides case studies of across the country. Domestic Tourism and Seizing the world are taking proactive Zurab Pololikashvili said, protecting livelihoods and initiatives designed to • Argentina announced the its Opportunities’. steps to grow domestic “UNWTO expects domestic allowing the social benefits stimulate domestic demand. creation of an Observatory for UNWTO data shows that in tourism, from offering bonus tourism to return faster and tourism offers to return.” These include initiatives Domestic Tourism to provide a 2018, around nine billion holidays for workers to stronger than international The briefing note also shows focused on marketing and better profile of Argentine domestic tourism trips were providing vouchers and other travel. Given the size of that, in most destinations, promotion as well as financial tourists. made worldwide – six times the incentives to people travelling domestic tourism, this will help domestic tourism generates incentives. • Thailand will subsidise number of international tourist in their own countries. many destinations recover higher revenues than Examples of countries taking 5 million nights of hotel arrivals (1.4 billion in 2018). Domestic tourism to drive from the economic impacts of international tourism. In targeted steps to boost accommodation at 40% of The publication identifies ways recovery the pandemic, while at the OECD nations, domestic domestic tourist numbers normal room rates for up to in which destinations around UNWTO Secretary-General same time safeguarding jobs, tourism accounts for 75 per include, five nights. Jetwing Travels promotes UNWTO launches ‘COVID-19 and Transforming Tourism’ spiritual tourism to locals

By Anjali Caldera

Jetwing Travels initiated a programme promoting ‘spiritual tourism’ to the domestic market as the company foresees a surge in domestic tourism at present with the ongoing travel restrictions in the country, with borders, including the This week the United Nations World developed nations, and all governments Bandaranaike International Airport Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and international organisations have a (BIA), still closed due to the global Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili stake in supporting tourism. COVID-19 pandemic. launched the Policy Brief ‘COVID-19 On the back of the successful visits to As per the Export Development and Transforming Tourism’, which destinations in Europe, UNWTO Board (EDB) Sri Lanka and Sri UNWTO assumed the lead role in delegations are now seeing first-hand Lanka Tourism, wellness tourism is producing. how the Middle East is ready to restart a key segment that the local tourism This landmark report makes clear tourism safely and responsibly. In industry can focus on during the what is at stake – the threat of losing Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi new normal, post COVID and Sri tens of millions of direct tourism jobs, and his government made clear how Lanka has a lot of potential for it the loss of opportunities for those strong, targeted support, has saved jobs with its hereditary cultural and vulnerable populations and and allowed tourism to weather this religious values. Besides, it could be communities who stand to benefit most unprecedented storm. Now iconic sites positioned as a high-end tourism took the initiative to promote yoga Government. The tour will take from tourism, and the real risk of losing such as the Pyramids are ready to market and a very good source of in Sri Lanka,” the source revealed. place on 10 and 11 October. vital resources for safeguarding natural welcome back tourists, with the safety income as the present set of tourists Commenting on the tour package The Official also revealed that and cultural heritage across the world. of both tourism workers and tourists are usually heavy spenders. created by them for the local they were looking into the “Tourism needs to thrive, and this themselves a priority. Thus getting on board the EDB market, he said the tour is aimed possibility of extending the means that travel restrictions must be Similarly, the Government of Saudi and Tourist Board’s idea to market at promoting the concepts of duration of the stay (3-4-day tour) eased or lifted in a timely and Arabia has warmly welcomed UNWTO the product strategically, Jetwing wellness tourism as in mindfulness in the future with new tour responsible manner. It also means that and expressed a firm commitment to Travels also came up with the idea to yoga and meditation at the packages as usually these type of policy decisions need to be coordinated continue building the Kingdom’s promote wellness tourism packages Umandawa Maha Vihara spiritual tours last for weeks. This across borders to face up to a challenge tourism sector, first for domestic for the domestic market as it has Monastery in Kurunegala. The tour would also target senior citizens as which does not care about borders,” visitors and then international visitors. been labeled a thriving industry, a will be for two days, including an they are the only social segment Pololikashvili said releasing a “The pandemic is far from over. As Senior Official from Jetwing Travels overnight stay at the monastery who will be available any time of statement. cases across the world make clear, we stated exclusively to Ceylon FT. with transport, authentic healthy the week without limiting the tours The statement highlighted, ‘COVID- must be ready to act fast to save lives. “The yoga market in Sri Lanka is vegetable meals and special yoga, only to the weekends. He noted 19 and Transforming Tourism’ is a But it is also clear that we can also take relatively untapped; people believe meditation and dhamma that there was a growing market further element in the roadmap for the decisive action to protect jobs and that yoga always connects with discussions at the monastery for senior tourism in Sri Lanka sector to regain its unique status as a safeguard the many benefits tourism ayurvedic treatments, which is not following all the health guidelines with pilgrimages and meditation source of hope and opportunity for all. delivers, both for people and planet,” it true. As a result, Jetwing Travels imposed by the Sri Lanka tours such as these also arranged. This is true for both developing and said.

World Tourism Day 2020 Ceylon Tea to take centre stage in Kandy

By Dinuka Kathri Arachchi Elayaperuma

A culinary competition, with live cooking and a culinary exhibition will take place at the Kandy City Centre from 25 September, celebrating ‘World Tourism Day’ which falls on 27 September 2020. The event will be conducted under the theme, ‘Explore the land of diversity with tea heritage and Sri Lankan spice.’ The culinary competition is organised by the Central Provincial Council Sri Lanka under the Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, President Niraj de Mel, Deputy Chairman of Ramzan Sariffodeen, former Vice Timothy Wright, General Manager supervision of the University of of Chef’s Guild of Sri Lanka Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC President at Aitken Spence Shangri-La Colombo Colombo with honoured partnership of the panel of Judges namely, Chef Chairman, Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC General Manager Timothy Wright. The a unique opportunity for the skilful Sri published in the UOC Tourism Blog of Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, who was the Present Deputy Chairman and The main resource person and the advisor Lankan culinary experts to showcase Alumni Association of Tourism only chef in the world to have won nine Mel’s Tea Academy Course Director of the event is University of Colombo, their talents based on Ceylon tea. Economics, Department of Gold medals in individual events at the Niraj de Mel, Aitken Spence Former Tourism Study Programmes Founding The best three dishes will be Economics, Faculty of Arts, University Culinary Olympics held in 2004 and Vice President Ramzan Sariffodeen Coordinator Prof. D.A.C. Silva. awarded with high recognition at the of Colombo. 2006, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Tea and Shangri-La Colombo Vice It is believed the live cooking and event. An article of the dish with the The writer is the concept Exporters Association Former President Operations (Sri Lanka) and demonstrational competition will offer name of the winner will also be developer of the tea culinary event. B14 Ceylon FT Friday 18 september 2020 Advertorial Successful shift to e-learning in lockdown Keep your Glass clean

Robert Bosch Lanka Pvt Ltd in Headstart cites Musaeus collaboration with Browns Thermal Engineering recently held a wiper blade promotion at Browns Power Mart located in Havelock Road. College as model Being one of the world’s largest automotive component People, rather than the successful completion of manufacturers, BOSCH SRI technologies deployed, are the online examinations for the LANKA organised the event key factor in driving a second term for the entire intending to deliver better successful transition to school, the Company said. products to Sri Lankan online teaching, a leading Headstart attributed the customers at an affordable price. facilitator has concluded after focus on teacher capability The promotion was held on the working with numerous improvement, rather than 11 and 12 of September, with all schools during Sri Lanka’s preoccupation with tech Bosch products available at COVID-19 linked lockdown. support and hardware, as the special prices. Headstart (Pvt) Ltd., the cornerstone of Musaeus The event was initiated by award-winning College’s success. General Manager of Browns internationally-recognised Sri While providing digitised Thermal, Asanga Peiris and Lankan e-learning solutions learning material to Musaeus attended by R. Swaminathan - provider, cites as an example College, Headstart’s role in Managing Director, Robert Bosch Students continue with digital learning after the end of the lockdown the success of Musaeus fostering e-learning also Sri Lanka. College’s online teaching lockdown period to deliver based teaching method, the encompassed assessing model, powered by the lessons on a regular school participation of over 6,000 teachers for their tech Company’s involvement in timetable, Musaeus College’s students from all grades via capabilities, training them on teacher capability quantifiable accomplishments Headstart’s single online teaching with technology, and improvement. include the active platform, the development of continuous engagement for One of the first schools in involvement of over 300 a substantial digital content training, support, and Samsung Galaxy the country to adopt the Primary grades to Advanced library by the teachers monitoring of key performance virtual teaching model in the Level teachers in the tech- themselves, and the indicators (KIPs). introduces M01 Core

Samsung recently introduced Galaxy M01 Core, A comprehensive environment conservation programme adding to its popular Galaxy M series line of smartphones in the country. Coca-Cola partners Lions Club and CEA Galaxy M01 Core has been conceptualised to suit users Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. Institute of Environmental Professionals who are yet to upgrade to (CCBSL) recently entered into a Sri Lanka (IEPSL) which reflects the far- smartphones as well as entry- partnership with Lions Club reaching impact it will have. The Lions level smartphone users. International (Multiple District 306), to Environmental Programme partnership As Sri Lanka gets further conduct an Environment Programme endorsement was held recently at the digitised, Galaxy M01 Core implemented together with the Central CEA auditorium. will ensure easy access to Environmental Authority (CEA), to Coca-Cola will further donate PET technology for first time enhance awareness amongst school plastic collection bins to selected smartphone users. It has students, the private sector and the schools, to contribute to their ongoing been designed to deliver value general public island-wide on ‘Give Back Life’ programme in which for money with a best–in-class environment conservation. Eco-Spindles Pvt. Ltd. (subsidiary of performance and stylish This initiative is strongly supported by BPPL Holdings PLC) will transform the proposition targeting users some of the most important collected post-consumed PET plastics The Lions Environmental Programme partnership seeking best performance, environment-related government into value added products such polyester endorsement event held on 27 August 2020 at the experience and price. bodies, including the Marine yarn for apparel and monofilaments for CEA auditorium was graced by the presence of the Galaxy M01 Core comes with several features that help users Environment Protection Authority brush manufactures worldwide, thereby Chairman of the CEA - Siripala Amarasinghe; transition from feature phones to smartphones. Galaxy M01 Core Hemantha Jayasinghe - Director General – CEA; (MEPA), Department of Coast expanding livelihood opportunities for Professor Niranjanie Ratnayake – future features an intelligent screen, with dynamic screen timeout for Conservation and Coastal Resource local communities, increasing export Chairperson – IEPSL; Dharshani Lahandapura – power optimisation. To make life easier for new smartphone Management (CCD) together with earnings and contribute to creating a Chairperson – MEPA; and A. H. Gamini Hewage- users, Galaxy M01 Core has a feature called ‘Intelligent Inputs – professional bodies such as the circular economy. Director – CCD, along with others Smart Paste and Suggest Notification’. sports friday 18 september 2020 A15

National Chess Championship Two school kids on Australia in dramatic top at half way mark win over England

Superb centuries from Alex Carey When Marnus Labuschagne was and Glenn Maxwell inspired run out in the 17th over, Australia Australia to a dramatic three-wicket were reeling on 73-5. victory over England on Wednesday, Carey and Maxwell fought back, as the touring side clinched the one- however, dragging Australia right day international series 2-1. back into the match with lusty The pair put on 212 runs for the hitting and leaving them needing 21 sixth wicket after Australia had runs off the last 18 balls for victory. slumped to 73-5 chasing a stiff target They looked like throwing a of 303 runs in the final game of the winning position away when Maxwell series. top-edged spinner Adil Jonny Bairstow scored 112 as Rashid and was caught by England recovered from losing their Tom Curran for 108 off 90 first two wickets to the opening two balls and 10 balls balls of the game to score 302 for later Carey was Ranindu Liyanage Nethmi Fernando seven in their 50 overs after winning caught by the toss. Mark CM Ranindu Liyanage upset a few experienced Australia lost their first five wickets Wood at () and Nethmi players by scoring excellent cheaply, but fought back brilliantly third Fernando (Girls High School victories. He is tied at 6th to win with two balls to spare against man off Kandy) topped the tables at place with Maheesha the world champions and inflict their Jofra the end of the first half of the Dabarera, Theekshana first home one-day series defeat for Archer for National Chess Denuwan (Ananda College) five years. 106. Championship being held at and Rasika England got off to the worst Australia the Sri Lanka Chess Samaranayaka (University of possible start as Jason Roy drove a needed 10 Federation Headquarters, Peradeniya), whilst the thick outside edge to backward point runs off the (CFSL) Colombo. veterans Anuruddha and and Joe Root was trapped lbw by final over The tournaments are held Romesh sit 4th and 5th Mitchell Starc off the first two balls of which according to a round-robin respectively. the innings. England captain system with 14 players Bairstow set about engineering a Eoin Morgan bravely entrusted battling it out to be crowned Women’s category recovery, however, and England to Rashid. Starc smacked a six off his National Chess Champion in Nethmi Fernando (Girls quickly pushed the run rate above first ball and hit another boundary to the Men’s and Women’s High School Kandy) has six an over. win the game, bringing a crowded categories. stormed off to a massive lead A 114-run partnership for the fifth summer of international cricket to an Amidst the prevailing by the end of the week, where wicket between Bairstow and Sam exciting conclusion. situation, CFSL has she has already played Billings (54) provided the backbone England had a busy three-month successfully been able to against her nearest two rivals of the innings, and Chris Woakes window into which they crammed six conduct the major for the title as well as the also contributed a rapid half century tests and 12 limited-overs tournaments in the Chess reigning National Champion. to take England past the 300-run internationals – all played behind Calendar and adhering to all It was simply a dominant mark. closed doors in a bio-secure bubble health and safety regulations. performance where only Woakes then took the first two because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CFSL is offering Ehsha Pallie (Visakha wickets of the Australia innings England: 302 for 7 (Bairstow 112, Rs 320,000 cash awards and Vidyalaya) could hold her to a before Root, with his part-time off Billings 57, Woakes 53 n.o ) other attractive prizes, with draw in the opening week. spin, nicked out David Warner and Australia: 305 for 7 (Maxwell 108, the National Champion set to Ashvini Pavalachandran Mitchell Marsh cheaply to remove Carey 106) receive Rs 100,000. (Wycherley International) the tourists’ top order. (Reuters) Two centurions Alex who is leading the chase sits Carey and Glenn Maxwell Men’s category 1.5 points behind Nethmi, The week ended with the whilst 2 Visakians Ehsha three top seeds finishing on Pallie and WFM Nevanjee top, but as history suggests Hewawasam are 2 points the second half of the behind. tournament always brings a Defending Champion Perera & Sons steps into Esports few surprises. Sayuni Gihansa Jayaweera The tournament started off (Dharmasoka College) has Perera & Sons, Sri Lanka’s foremost on Friday with the two top had a slow start to the Quick Service Restaurant facility provider, seeded players - Susal de tournament and sits in the has announced their first foray into Mobile Silva (Nalanda College) and bottom half of the table, Esports with two events for mobile Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage - whilst former National gamers. The ‘P&S PUBG Mobile Series’ will facing off against two veteran Women’s Champion feature PUBG Mobile as its stand-alone players IM Romesh WIM Sachini event with Rs 100,000 in prize money Weerawardane (Fischer CC) Ranasinghe (NF3 CC) also going out to the top 8 placements of the and FM Anuruddha had a slow start to the event. In addition, the ‘P&S Mobile Chinthaka (Kandy YMCA). tournament but later caught Contenders’ event will feature Free Fire The two youngsters overcame up the pace and shares fifth (squad-based battle-royale) and Call of the veterans to kick-start place and may yet pose a Duty Mobile (Multiplayer) with a prize pool their battle for the title. threat for the title if she has a of Rs 50,000 split between the two events. Ranindu then stormed off to strong second half. Perera & Sons has partnered with the lead after his 5th round The rest of the pack Gamer.LK to take their brand to today’s victory over Maheesha sharing fifth place include youth and young adults who are engaged Dabarera (Maliyadeva Hashara Abeysinghe (NSBM), heavily in Esports. Sri Lanka has College), whilst Susal and FM Tharushi Sandeepani (Devi recognised Esports as an official sport and Minul Doluweera (Royal Balika Vidyalaya) and it is considered the fastest growing sport College) had to suffer defeats Tharushi Niklesha (Visakha in the country. Estimates put Sri Lanka’s on the way. Vidyalaya). gaming population at 3 million, with At the end of the first week, The next round starts on thousands actively taking part in Ranindu leads the pack with the 19th (Saturday) and will competitive Esports events throughout the 6 points with Minul (5 points) continue on 20th and year. and Susal (4.5 points) on his 21st followed by the Awards “We are very excited to join with Gamer. need for physical onsite presence, when case on behalf of Esports to be included as tail. Ceremony. Lk as we believe Esports will be the future even stepping out of the home may not be an Olympic sport,” Gihan Perera, the There were a few CFSL has also arranged of all sports! It has the ability to allowed due to health and safety Managing Director of the company stated. interesting mid-table facilities for all games to be encompass and engage enthusiasts, precautions. We are committed to Register for the events at the links performances as well, notably shown live on www. especially female gamers, from all walks of establishing a solid Sri Lankan Olympic below: from the new attacking livechesscloud.com, and the life. With the advent of Covid19 and the Team for Esports if the IOC accepts P&S PUBG Mobile Series: https:// player from Jaffna S results on www.chess- many lockdowns the world still faces, Esports as a fully-fledged sport for the gamer.lk/go/pnspubgm Sivathanujan (Grand Prix results.com (Sri Lankan Esports has been able to engage people Paris Olympics in 2024, and we plan to P&S Mobile Contenders: https://gamer. Chess Club), who went on to Page). from their very own homes, without the lobby our highly active NOC to make a lk/go/pnscontenders

New High-Performance Indoor Govt. approves up to 1000 Cricket Centre opens fans for EFL matches The English Football League that social distancing can be Different (EFL) said on Tuesday it has applied safely in football stadia Discovery received government approval to and that having crowds at Indoor Cricket stage pilot events where up to matches is an absolutely essential Academy (www. 1,000 fans can attend matches at part of helping to protect club ddcricket.lk); a stadiums this month. finances, which remain under purpose-built high Football has been played behind extreme pressure. performance indoor- closed doors due to the COVID-19 “Therefore, the successful cricket centre located pandemic, but some clubs have delivery of further pilots will be an close to Colombo staged test events with a limited important step towards getting International Airport in number of fans, with social larger number of fans into the outskirts of Katunayake, distancing protocols in place to grounds safely.” opened its doors to the curb the spread of the novel The EFL added that it would public on Saturday 29 coronavirus. collect insights from these events August. Former cricket Arjuna Ranathunga at the ceremony The return of fans to stadiums and hold discussions with the stars has been high on the agenda of Department for Digital, Culture, and Chaminda Vaas future Sri Lankan cricketers. cricket training-aids for members. clubs across the country due to Media and Sport (DCMS) boosted the inaugural Coaches are qualified with ICC Apart from cricket and fitness the financial strain caused by the and Sports Grounds Safety membership-drive, and Global Levels to provide the finest training, Cycling-Excursions, lack of income from ticket sales. Authority (SGSA) for the planned former first-class-cricketer coaching programmes designed for Mindfulness & Meditation, Yoga, “The EFL remains in return of fans in October. and bowling-coach, Anusha all-levels, with former national Qigong, Zumba, Self-Defence and discussions with the government Last week, the Premier League Samarayayake was appointed cricketers as guest coaches and Dancing classes will be conducted about the pilot programme which said it would defer test events as the head-coach and advisors. The academy boasts of a by qualified trainers. may include a limited number of with fans as the government’s consultant of the Academy. Spacious Garden, Parking, Dining The Academy is located at 75, further pilot matches during decision to cap the number of The Academy comprises Area, Coach-Room, Gear-Room, Big City, Peellawatta, Yatiyana, September with capacity limited spectators at 1,000 was not Chaminda Vaas up-to-date features and Viewing-Balcony, Parents-Lounge, Minuwangoda. to 1,000,” an EFL spokesman feasible and would be ‘heavily enjoying bit of facilities that provide high- Power-Training-Gym, Hybrid- Tel: 0112251120, 0776013912. said. loss-making’. indoor cricket performance coaching for Mountain-Bikes and modern E-mail: [email protected] “The League is clear in its view (Reuters) A16 friDAY 18 september 2020 sports Kavindu de Costa to lead CR Omalka awaiting clearance

By Asanka Gammanpila Place club in 2016. CR at the Inter Clubs Sevens He is the youngest in the Tournament scheduled to be The Ceylonese Rugby & de Costa family. His brothers held end October. Football Club (CR and FC) Lasintha and Ashan led CR in Omalka to leave Red has appointed nippy scrum- 2012 and 2015 respectively. shirts half Kavindu de Costa to lead Kavindu represented the 2020 CR captain Omalka the rugby team for the National XV-a-side rugby Gunaratne is awaiting coming season. The Old team in 2013 for the Serendib clearance to leave the club Pathanian takes over the Cup Tri Nation and join another for the captaincy from Omalka Championship which was upcoming season. Gunaratne who led the team hosted by SLR and the Asian Gunaratne who crossed last season, which was halted Five Nation Division One over to the London Place club mid-March due to the Corona Tournament in Philippines in from the Navy in 2017 was a Pandemic. 2015, which Sri Lanka won regular member of the team. Costa played for Isipathana under the captaincy Fazil He has already started in 2012 and joined CR the Marija. He was also a member negotiations with a few same year before crossing of the Sri Lanka junior U-19 Colombo Clubs for the new over to Havelocks for the XV-a-side team for the Junior season, and will select the 2014/15 season. Asiad held in Colombo in club which offers the best He rejoined the Longdon 2012. He is expected to lead terms in due course. Kavindu de Costa in action Diack sentenced to jail for corruption Lamine Diack, once one of the The court handed Diack a four- most powerful people in athletics, year prison sentence, two years of was convicted in France on which are suspended and a fine Wednesday of running a clique of 500,000 euros. It also ordered that covered up Russian doping him to pay 5 million euros in in return for bribes worth damages to World Athletics millions of dollars and sentenced (formerly IAAF) together with his to spend at least two years in jail. son and co-accused, Papa The 87-year-old former Head of Massata Diack. President discusses World Athletics' governing body Lamine Diack's lawyers said he was found guilty of taking was a scapegoat ‘sacrificed in the kickbacks from athletes in return name of political correctness’, development for concealing positive drug tests, adding they would appeal the which enabled them to continue judgment which was unfair and competing, including at the 2012 inhumane. He will remain under London Olympics. house arrest pending the appeal, of country’s sports The court had heard how Diack which could last months. solicited bribes totalling 3.45 Widening graft probe million euros ($4.1 million) and Diack led the IAAF from 1999 Sugathadasa Sports Complex paid off other officials at the to 2015. In his testimony, he Authority to be completely restructured International Association of acknowledged slowing the Athletics Federations (IAAF) to Lamine Diack handling of Russian doping cases aid with the cover up. between 2011-2013 to save a He was also guilty of accepting The former long-jumper's sponsorship deal with a Russian Sangakkara makes suggestions Russian money to help finance actions had "undermined the bank and avoid public scandal. to develop local sports Macky Sall's 2012 presidential values of athletics and the fight But he denied the corruption campaign in Senegal, Diack's against doping", the presiding allegations. NISS and Diyagama facilities to be combined home country, the court ruled. judge said. (Reuters) to form a world class sports university

By Anjana Kaluarachchi added that simple maintenance tasks such as cutting grass are cheap and bearable. Leading President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met President advised the officials to establish Nadal makes Minister of Sports and Youth affairs Namal a separate unit to maintain school Rajapaksa, former Sri Lanka skipper playgrounds at district level. mercantile Kumar Sangakkara and others for a Provincial Government bodies have the discussion on Wednesday (16) regarding capability to maintain school playgrounds. fast start the country’s sports. A number of Head of the Presidential Task Force for firms in suggestions were made, including a full Economic Revival, was scale restructuring of the Sugathadasa requested to clean school playgrounds Sports Complex Authority which runs within 3 months. in Rome ‘Battle for premier sporting venues in the country Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs including the Sugathadasa Stadium in Namal Rajapaksa noted that plans have Nine-times champion Rafa Nadal showed little signs of rust Colombo and Stadiums in Bogmabara, been devised to attach the National when he played his first match in 200 days as he beat fellow Supremacy’ Digana, Badulla, Kotawila and Institute of Sports Science at Torrington Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 6-1 6-1 in the Italian Open in Anuradapura. Avenue with the Diyagama Sports Complex Rome on Wednesday. Eight elite teams from leading As per a Media statement issued by the to establish a globally recognised Sports Nadal, who received a bye into the second round, has not mercantile firms will come together to President’s Media unit, Member of the University. played a tournament since winning his 85th singles title in fight for glory at the ‘Mercantile Sports Council, Kumar Sangakkara, Minister Namal Rajapaksa added that in Acapulco, having skipped the Western & Southern Open and Hockey Knockout Championship’ at expressed his views to develop sports, order to create a sports culture it is the U.S. Open in New York due to COVID-19 concerns. the Astro Turf, Torrington. Matches where he highlighted the importance of necessary to look for locations the young The match was also Nadal's first on clay in 465 days after will be held on 26 September and 3 ranking each sport and providing marks for are attracted to play, and construct his French Open triumph last year, and the 34-year-old October. university entrance based on sports. playgrounds accordingly. Spaniard sent an ominous message to the field as he This is the first major and popular Minister Namal Rajapaksa suggested that Minister further added that during the dominated the U.S. Open semi-finalist from start at an empty event on the Hockey Calendar to be sporting facilities should be built in places past month they have focused on tasks Foro Italico. organised since March after the where those particular sports are already such as taking all the major playgrounds "It's good to be back on the Tour, but obviously the feeling is outbreak of COVID-19. popular, while State Minister Thenuka under the purview of one institute, not the best playing without crowds," Nadal said. "At least The eight teams will be divided into Rajapaksa highlighted the need to develop maintaining 25 fully accommodated there's one positive thing, the sport is back.” Nadal broke in two groups - Division ‘A’ and Division rural sports. playgrounds, new proposals for the Sports the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead and did not look back, ‘B’. HNB Group heads Division ‘A’ The full Media statement is as follows: Ordinance and formulation of a brand-new winning the last 10 points in the opening set to put down a and will look to defend their President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Sports Act and attracting sponsorships marker for Carreno Busta who struggled with the pace of the championship. Allianz Insurance emphasised that it is an imperative of the from the private sector to promote sports. ball on clay after two hardcourt tournaments. Lanka Limited are the reigning era to establish a sports culture in order to State Minister Thenuka Vidanagamage The second set was more of the same as a visibly jumpy Division ‘B’ champions who were form a healthy, disciplined and an athletic showed the importance of developing sports Nadal could not wait to get going between games and the subsequently promoted to a higher society in the country. at divisional level. world number two wrapped up the match in 73 minutes with tier. A very encouraging Sport is the youth’s language. President President stated that it was necessary to 20 winners, while Carreno Busta made 28 unforced errors. representation sees Commercial noted that directing a child simultaneously identify popular sports in remote areas and "I played a good match. Maybe he was a little bit tired from Bank PLC placing teams in both towards both education and sports will introduce training programmes for New York (where) he played an amazing tournament," Nadal Divisions. raise a balanced individual for society. sportsmen/women immediately. added. "It's a perfect start for me, I played solid, some good Matches will be played throughout President stated that Ministries of It was also discussed during the meeting shots with the forehand and backhand." the day commencing 7.30 a.m., Education, Youth Affairs and Sports have a to fully restructure the Sugathadasa (Reuters) followed by matches at 9.00 a.m., massive responsibility to bear in this National Sports Complex Authority. 2.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. respectively. regard. Moreover, mastering sports such as Champions of Division ‘A’ will carry President Rajapaksa made these archery and shooting, where we have a away the prestigious ‘Hatna Trophy’ observations during a discussion to review chance of winning Olympic medals, were sponsored by HNB Group, while the future activities of the State Ministry of discussed starting from school level. champions of Division ‘B’ will clinch Rural and School Sports Infrastructure Cabinet and State Ministers requested the esteemed ‘MAS Holdings Trophy’ Promotion at the Presidential Secretariat. the Sri Lankan sportspersons around the sponsored by MAS Holdings Group. President stressed the requirement of a globe to gather under the national flag to The following eight teams will be programme to hone the skills of the bring glory to the motherland. participating in this year’s students who show talent in sports across Minister of Education, Prof. G.L. Peiris, tournament under two separate the island by providing them proper Head of the Presidential Task Force for divisions respectively. nutritious food and access to international Economic Revival Basil Rajapaksa, Division A: HNB Group ,Allianz level training from a young age. Secretary to the President, P.B. Insurance Lanka Limited, President highlighted that despite the Jayasundera, Cabinet Secretary and State Commercial Bank PLC “A”, Sampath construction of school playgrounds Ministries, officials of the Line Institutes, Bank PLC following requests by the people, it was representatives from Sports Associations Division B: Seylan Bank PLC, evident on multiple occasions that they had and veteran sports personnel were present Rafa Nadal HSBC, Commercial Bank PLC B, not been maintained accordingly. President at the discussion. Hayleys PLC

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