„„ www.themorning.lk „„ LATE CITY VOL 01 | NO 09 | Rs. 30.00 { THURSDAY } THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

SHARMINI ON SILK WRAPS »SEE PAGE 17

PANACEA FOR THE ILLS OF TILE IMPORT A WEDDING AND TWO BAN U-TURN POSITIVES CREATE MORE THE DAMNED? AFTER CSE FALL HEADACHES FOR SL »SEE PAGE 5 »SEE PAGE 12 »SEE PAGE 20 VACCINATION DRIVE PRIORITY GROUPS Strict rules for first pandemic Independence Final decision on private z RATs for guests with z President expected high temperature at 8.30 a.m.

BY HIRANYADA DEWASIRI Colombo, with the participation of a limited health workers tomorrow Sri Lanka will celebrate its number of guests who 73rd Independence Day, the would have to undergo strict z Response to demand for equal priority z Govt. to decide after finishing public health workers first since the outbreak of the temperature checks, and even The Government will take a decision on whether to include private Amal Harsha De Silva told The Morning In an appeal to the Government global Covid-19 pandemic in rapid antigen tests (RATs) if healthcare workers as a priority sector in its national vaccination drive, yesterday (3). yesterday, the Association of Private March 2020, as well as the first their temperature is high. following the conclusion of the inoculation of government healthcare He was responding to our query on Hospitals and Nursing Homes (APHNH) in history carried out amidst a Media personnel covering workers today (4). whether private healthcare workers would requested that private healthcare workers pandemic, today (4). the event and participants in "We are definitely prioritising frontline assess the available number of doses and be afforded the same priority given to receive priority, alongside national The official ceremony the cultural pageant have been private healthcare workers. We will finish consider how to vaccinate them," Ministry government healthcare workers, following healthcare workers, in the ongoing Covid- is set to take place today subjected to PCR tests. vaccinating government healthcare of Primary Healthcare, Epidemics, and an appeal by the former to include them 19 vaccination drive. at Independence Square, Contd. on page 2 workers tomorrow (4) and we will Covid Disease Control Secretary Dr. in the first category of vaccine recipients. Contd. on page 2 Eliminate conductors, India again say private bus owners z ‘Technology must z ‘Salaries can’t be demands ECT replace them’ maintained’ z High Commissioner z Japanese Envoy meets Prez, PM meets Dinesh BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE that private bus owners spend around Rs. 3,000 Bus conductors must be made redundant per day on a bus conductor as their daily wage The Indian Government has on the Sri Lanka Ports Authority from the bus service through the use of modern but that such a position would soon become Tuesday (2) insisted that the Sri (SLPA) holding 51% stake, and technology, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ redundant with the incorporation of modern Lankan Government adhere to India and Japan holding 49% Association (LPBOA) told The Morning technology and the increasing difficulty they its commitments in the tripartite together, according to India’s The yesterday (3). experience in paying their salaries. agreement of May 2019 to jointly Hindu newspaper. LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said Contd. on page 2 develop the strategic terminal with Contd. on page 2 IN FULL ‘FORCE’ Get vaccinated! z Specialists urge healthcare workers to ignore media The Association of Medical AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. Specialists (AMS) urged healthcare “We urge everyone who is workers to be vaccinated against eligible for the vaccine to obtain Covid-19 despite myths and it and not lose this opportunity,” misconceptions circulated through the AMS said yesterday (3) in a the media which exaggerate normal press release. and trivial side effects of the Oxford Contd. on page 2 New antivenom for all local snakes

Security forces personnel yesterday (3) conducted rehearsals for the Independence Day parade to z Sri Lanka has one of the world’s be held today (4) PHOTO PRADEEP DAMBARAGE highest snakebite rates BY DINITHA RATHNAYAKE yesterday (3), University of OPERATING SANS A LICENSE A collective of Sri Lankan Peradeniya Faculty of Veterinary scientists have developed an Medicine and Animal Science AG indicts ex-Swarnamahal Directors antivenom to be used to treat Department of Veterinary Indictments have been Dappula de Livera PC, for Nishara Jayaratne said that snakebites from snake species Pathobiology Senior Professor forwarded against the former allegedly operating a financial the indictments will be found in Sri Lanka, ranging from R.P.V.J. Rajapakse said that the Directors of Swarnamahal business sans a license. moved to the Colombo High those which are mildly venomous particular antivenom study had Jewellers (Pvt.) Ltd. by AG’s Co-ordinating Court under the Finance to highly toxic, The Morning learnt. started years ago. Attorney General (AG) Officer State Counsel Business Act. Speaking to The Morning Contd. on page 2 42 „„ www.themorning.lk {NEWS} Thursday, February 4, 2021 MYANMAR COUP No serious side effects from Covishield: Sudarshini

BY MIHI PERERA and members of the armed State Minister of Primary forces, while in the next phase, Healthcare, Epidemics, and the vaccine will be given to Police file charges Covid Disease Control Dr. members of the general public Sudarshini Fernandopulle over 60 years of age and patients yesterday (3) said that although below the age of 60, she said. the Covishield Covid-19 vaccine She said that China would was given to more than 100,000 also give 300,000 vaccines to persons, no serious side effects Sri Lanka once the National or allergies were reported so far. Medicines Regulatory Authority against Suu Kyi In the first phase, the vaccine gives its approval for the Covid-19 was given to health officials vaccine manufactured in China. Police in Myanmar, also known as Burma, have filed several charges against the elected civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi following Monday's (1) military coup, BBC reported yesterday (3). Hakeem discusses Muslim She has been remanded in custody until The accusations are contained in a 15 February, police documents show. The police document – called a First Initial issues with Dep. Indian HC charges include breaching import and Report – submitted to a court. export laws, and possession of unlawful It alleges that Suu Kyi illegally imported Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Sri Lanka will work towards communication devices. and used communications equipment – Leader, parliamentarian Rauff realising the expectations Her whereabouts are still unclear, but it walkie-talkies – found at her home in Hakeem had shared his assessment of all ethnic groups, and has been reported that she is being held at Nay Pyi Taw. about the challenges faced by reiterated India's long-standing her residence in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw. She was remanded in custody "to the Muslim community in recent and principled position on Deposed President Win Myint has also question witnesses, request evidence, times, with the Deputy High meaningful devolution through been charged, the documents show – in and seek legal counsel after questioning Commissioner of India Vinod K. the full implementation of the 13th his case with violating rules banning the defendant", the document says. Jacob when the duo met recently. Amendment to the Constitution gatherings during the Covid pandemic. Win Myint is accused, under the He had also briefed about the and the provincial councils. He has also been remanded in custody National Disaster Management Law, issues involved in the United Both sides had also discussed for two weeks. of meeting supporters in a 220-vehicle Nations Human Rights Council matters pertaining to economic, Neither the President nor Suu Kyi have motorcade during the election campaign session beginning later this month. financial, and development been heard from since the military seized in breach of Covid restrictions. Jacob expressed confidence that co-operation opportunities. power in the early hours of 1 February. Activists in Myanmar are calling for civil The coup, led by armed forces Chief disobedience. Min Aung Hlaing, has seen the installation Many hospital medics are either SLTB workers request of an 11-member junta which is ruling stopping work or continuing but wearing under a year-long state of emergency. symbols of defiance in simmering anger Covid vaccine priority The military sought to justify its action over the suppression of Myanmar's short- Aung San Suu Kyi by alleging fraud in last November's lived democracy. The All-Ceylon Transport continuously and properly elections, which Suu Kyi's National Protesting medical staff say they are and pictured giving the three-fingered year in Thailand. Online, many changed Workers Union (ACTWU) has receiving facemasks, gloves, and League for Democracy (NLD) won pushing for the release of Suu Kyi. salute familiar from the Hunger Games their social media profile pictures to one written to President Gotabaya other medical facilities. Further, decisively. They are wearing red, or black, ribbons movies and used by demonstrators last of just the colour red. Rajapaksa requesting that he they claim that the disinfection intervene to take necessary steps of SLTB depots takes place at to provide the anti-Covid-19 a slow pace. vaccine to Sri Lanka Transport Also, they noted that on Board (SLTB) employees, during certain occasions, they have the first stage of inoculation, to sleep overnight in the Aero India (2021) goes virtual in SL parallel to healthcare workers very buses they operate. Aero India 2021, a biennial air show the Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Navy will host the IOR-Naval Seminar the High Commission of India in Sri and security forces personnel. “Since the SLTB employees cum defence exhibition organised by the Force hosted the Air Conclave yesterday today (4), and the Director General of Lanka at the Hotel Taj Samudra. The The ACTWU noted that have no idea about the health Ministry of Defence of the Government while the Defence Minister of India will the Indian Coast Guard will host the event will give the participants of the though they were engaged status of passengers they of India in Bengaluru which commenced host the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) IOR-Coast Guard Seminar tomorrow. Sri Lankan armed forces an opportunity in transporting both workers take to and fro, they will at yesterday (3) will go on till tomorrow (5). Defence Ministers’ Conclave and the The event will be organised through to visualise Aero India (Virtual) 2021 involved in the provision any given time, definitely On the margins of Aero India 2021, Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian hybrid mode by the Defence Wing of through a virtual platform. of essential services and face the risk and threat of passengers, they were not Covid-19,’ the letter read. Contd. from page 1

consent to undergo a RAT,” he noted. “We have around 12,000 conductors working Government’s Cabinet of Ministers stating that that treat bites from a number of snakes found Final decision... The performers in the ceremony, of which 80 in various routes and it would be unethical and the operation of the ECT would be “100%” in a particular geographic region (polyspecific The Association noted that private healthcare are schoolchildren who have been in isolation unfair to eliminate them, and I also don’t think with the SLPA, while the West Container antivenoms). workers are not listed under the Government's for three weeks, will be released from isolation that there is a necessity to take that step.” Terminal would be offered to India instead for “Sri Lanka has one of the highest snakebite vaccine prioritisation policy yet, and urged following the ceremony after being subjected According to Sanjeewa, the smart card system development, on a 35-year arrangement. The rates in the world according to the Ceylon Medical authorities to reconsider this, as the private to RATs, Dharmathilaka said. He added that all would also need conductors to provide guidance shareholding that has been proposed is 85% to Journal (CMJ). Although there are 92 species of healthcare sector has played a vital role in participants including the squadrons partaking for passengers to use the smart card system. 15% in India’s favour, which is identical to the snakes in this country, much of the morbidity Sri Lanka's pandemic response. It claimed in the Independence Day parade will be wearing “We are considering a healthier solution shareholding China Merchant Port Holdings and about 95% of the mortality associated with that by handling over 50% of out-patient facemasks at all times. which would train the conductors and sustain (CMPH) enjoys in Colombo International snakebites is due to the highly venomous Cobra, care in the country, the sector ensured that “This is the pride of our country, so we the service,” he added. Container Terminals (CICT) of the Colombo Russell’s Viper and Ceylon Kraits,” said Prof. patients continued to receive timely access to must celebrate it, following the guidelines When The Morning spoke to Ministry of Port. The Cabinet decision came subsequent Rajapakse. treatment, while the country’s public health in a way that the health situation allows it,” Transport Secretary N.B. Monty Ranatunga to protests extending over several months Currently, all antivenom used in Sri Lanka resources were devoted towards reducing the Dharmathilaka claimed. yesterday, he also admitted that the private by port workers’ unions opposed to foreign is supplied from India, which he noted was spread and risk of the virus."Private healthcare All the tri-forces personnel participating bus sector is facing issues due to the Covid- shareholding in the ECT. costly and occasionally ineffective for snakes workers are frontline heroes too and stand the in the parade and related aspects are within a 19 pandemic and that the Government is well in Sri Lanka. risk of exposure to the virus, just as much as biosecure bubble at present, having undergone aware of it. Therefore, the development of a new national healthcare heroes. Our healthcare regular PCR testing and having had no contact “We understand the current situation of the Get... polyspecific antivenom would help reduce deaths workers are an integral part of our pandemic from and with the outside, Army Commander bus owners. However, we don’t think doing The AMS noted that since the beginning caused due to snakebites from snakes indigenous response, and the Government must prioritise General Shavendra Silva said yesterday. away with conductors is a solution, as it would of the vaccination process in the country, to Sri Lanka. them in the current vaccination drive. The Media personnel participating in the create another issue.” a growing concern about vaccination and a “Antivenom was created by immunising horses Association and the Private Health Services ceremony coverage have also been subjected According to Ranatunga, unemployment reluctance to be vaccinated has been observed with the venom of a particular snake in Sri Lanka. Regulatory Council (PHSRC) are equipped to PCR tests and were set to receive their test can be the next issue if the Government takes among certain healthcare workers and other Their blood serum is then processed, as it will with the information and databases needed results yesterday, The Morning learnt from such a step. segments of society. However, they claimed contain antibodies capable of neutralising the to vaccinate private healthcare workers. Over the Department of Government Information. “A Cabinet of Ministers’ decision is underway that this reluctance has for the most part effects of the venom. This was done in an Indian the past few months, our member hospitals The ceremony will officially begin with for the smart card system, and we hope to disappeared from among the healthcare laboratory, since we do not have the facility,” and frontline healthcare workers have made the arrival of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa contribute 0.03% of the share to the drivers workers due to the progress of the vaccination Prof. Rajapakse said. a significant contribution to the country's at 8.30 a.m. and conductors from the revenue we get from programme. According to Prof Rajapakse, this antivenom Covid-19 prevention and care efforts. We have The President’s address to the nation will the project, so the bus conductors might have The Morning reported on 2 February is presently being reviewed by the Ministry of collectively increased PCR testing capacities be followed by the armed forces’ parade of some relief.” that side effects such as fever, headache, Health. However, although Sri Lanka has the and have set up intermediate care facilities squadrons consisting of 5,683 personnel from Ranatunga also stressed that the Government and vomiting have been observed amongst necessary expertise, the manufacturing process to ease the burden of Covid-19 care from the the tri-forces, the Police, and the Civil Security will not give up on the private bus sector and about 80% of the receivers of the first dose would happen in India due to the high cost Government. This is why our staff need to Force. The parade will be followed by several that it hopes to protect it. of the Covishield vaccine in the healthcare involved. be given priority for vaccination, alongside cultural events. sector. However, it was reported by multiple “This would be a collaborative effort between national healthcare workers," APHNH The ceremony is scheduled to conclude authorities that these symptoms were not out India and Sri Lanka, where we give the expertise President Dr. Lakith Peiris said. by 10 a.m. India again... of the ordinary. and the manufacturing is done by India. We do Furthermore, while making this request, Traffic restrictions have been imposed on Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay met Meanwhile, The Morning also reported on not have the facilities needed since the cost for a APHNH also announced that the private several roads around the Independence Square President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister 2 February that there is an increased demand factory would be billions of rupees and need to be healthcare sector is prepared to assist from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Foreign Minister for the Covishield vaccine among healthcare approved by the World Health Organisation,” he the Government in Covid-19 vaccine Dinesh Gunawardena after Sri Lanka backed workers, others in various sectors, and frontline said. Speaking to The Morning, Prof. Kularatne administration throughout the country. As out of the agreement with India and Japan to workers, so much so that the Ministry of Health said that the Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii), of 1 February 2021, The Epidemiology Unit Eliminate... develop the East Container Terminal (ECT) at is finding it difficult to cater to the demand. the Sri Lankan Cobra (Naja naja), the Common of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health reported “We don’t need bus conductors if we the Colombo Port, the newspaper said quoting Sri Lanka began vaccinating healthcare Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), the Ceylon Krait that more than 100,000 people in the country implement technology into the bus system. “official sources”. sector workers and frontline security personnel (Bungarus ceylonicus), and the Hump Nosed had been vaccinated under the Covid-19 The smart card system, for example, would “The thrust of the Indian Envoy’s message against Covid-19 with the Oxford AstraZeneca Viper (Hypnale hypnale) are the highly poisonous immunisation programme. reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19 and to the Sri Lankan leadership, sources said, was Covishield vaccine as the first phase of an snakes found in Sri Lanka. Established in 1972, the APHNH represents the need for a conductor. We have to educate that Colombo must adhere to its commitments islandwide vaccination drive on 29 January. “Hump Nosed Vipers are so common in all the country’s private hospitals and nursing the public regarding this.” in the tripartite agreement of May 2019 to A total of 250,000 individuals are to be Sri Lanka, but the antivenom from India does homes. The use of currency notes and coins would jointly develop the strategic terminal with the vaccinated in the first phase with two doses not respond to this venom. However, the new increase the risk of the spread of Covid-19 SLPA holding 51% stake, and India and Japan of the vaccine that were donated to Sri Lanka antivenom would respond to this issue,” said among commuters that use public transport holding 49% together,” it said. by the Government of India. Prof. Kularatne. Strict rules... services, he added. The Adani Group from India, along with “The antivenom is normally given intravenously In fact, the participants have had to spend “Due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation, Japanese companies, was to invest in the project, (through a needle in the arm) so that it can three weeks in a biosecure bubble without any we do not have a high number of passengers which was expected to cost up to $ 700 million, New antivenom... take effect as quickly as possible,” added Prof. external interactions. Members of the public and our buses are running at low capacity. We as per official estimates. The initiative had come from Sri Lanka Kularatne. As the CMJ points out, in year 2000, will also not be allowed to attend. had around 20,000 buses running before. Now The Indian side, it is learnt, conveyed that Medical Association Co-Chair of the Expert over 37,000 patients were treated for snakebites All 1,898 members of the clergy, political it has reduced to 12,000. How are we supposed the signals emanating from Sri Lanka should Committee on Snakebites Prof. S.A.M. in Sri Lankan government hospitals and that the leaders, foreign dignitaries, special guests, and to pay the salaries? The Government needs to boost the confidence of potential investors. Kularatne, who wanted to neutralise snake national figure for snakebites is likely to be much members of the tri-forces attending the event give proper solutions for this matter.” President Rajapaksa has pledged to draw foreign venom, thereby halting further damage. higher, as many of the victims do not have the as guests will be subjected to temperature He added that the private bus sector should direct investments to the country, rather than “Prof. Kularatne saw snakebite victims opportunity to seek hospital treatment or do not checks and RATs on requirement prior to their be restructured with a common transport body. take loans. presented to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital seek hospital treatment. admittance, State Ministry of National Security, However, speaking to The Morning yesterday, Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Sri while he was working there. Indian antivenom However, as per Prof. Kularatne’s estimate, Home Affairs, and Disaster Management Western Province Road Passenger Transport Lanka Akira Sugiyama met with Gunawardena was the only solution available at that time,” in recent times, per year, around 100 deaths are Additional Secretary K.G. Dharmathilaka told Authority Chairman Prasanna Sanjeewa said yesterday (3) to discuss a range of matters stated Prof. Rajapakse. reported, while there are about 40,000-80,000 The Morning yesterday (3). that the Government is not considering the relevant to the bilateral partnership. According to Prof. Rajapakse, there are snakebite cases reported per annum. Therefore, “If a guest records a high temperature, they removal of bus conductors and that that is not These high-level meetings follow in the wake antivenoms that treat bites from a specific type of the annual requirement of antivenom in Sri Lanka will only be admitted to the ceremony if they a solution for the prevailing problems. of the said decision taken by the Sri Lankan snake (monospecific antivenoms), and also those is around 80,000 doses, noted Prof. Rajapakse. 43 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { NEWS } „„ www.themorning.lk Grand Opposition 146 prisoners granted National Alliance Committee to by end-Feb: Mano presidential pardon A total of 146 prisoners are to as many prisoners were released review quarantine be released today (4) in view of under pardons for Christmas and Independence Day under a special due to the Covid-19 pandemic on pardon granted by the President, several occasions. the Prisons Department said. “The PCR tests on most of the process proposed Spokesperson Chandana inmates to be released tomorrow Ekanayake said the number have been completed. They will be Army Commander General of prisoners to be released for released as soon as the test results Shavendra Silva yesterday (3) Independence Day has reduced, are out,” he said yesterday (3). TPA Leader Mano Ganesan proposed to review and revise the prevailing quarantine process The Grand Opposition National Alliance is to to improve the process by be formed among the Samagi Jana Balawegaya appointing a special committee, Special quarantine (SJB) and like-minded political parties including the Army said. the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) by the This was discussed at the National end of this month, TPA Leader Mano Ganesan Operations Centre for Prevention of From left: Army Commander Shavendra Silva, State Minister Sudarshini operations continue Fernandopulle, and Dr. Asela Gunawardena said yesterday (3). Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) Task A special quarantine operation arrested since 30 October. We will “A meeting was held between the Leader of Force meeting on Tuesday (2) attended arrived in the country to fit with hospitals, and the project is now was implemented in Colombo and continue to inspect governmental the Opposition Sajith Premadasa and myself on by State Minister Dr. Sudarshini our capacity, and guidelines were nearing completion. the Western Province yesterday and non-governmental institutions Tuesday to discuss the official announcement Fernandopulle, General Silva, Dr. followed. Likewise, the number of He also said that a video conference (3) as well, Police Spokesman to check whether they follow of the Grand Opposition National Alliance. We Asela Gunawardena, and others. expatriates returning home stood at that took place between the Vietnam DIG Ajith Rohana said. quarantine rules and regulations. will be announcing the date shortly, which will Silva told the meeting that in the 500-800 persons per day in the past Army frontline specialists and He said 26 persons were “Rapid antigen tests will be be around the end of this month,” Ganesan told past five days alone, more than 800 week,” he said. those of the Sri Lanka Army were arrested on Tuesday (2) for not done on passengers travelling in The Morning. new cases were detected, the majority Similarly, he said the Army beneficial, as both parties exchanged wearing face masks and failing long distance buses and those at He stated that the TPA will join the Grand being from the Colombo, Gampaha, vaccination process of frontline views on thequarantine processes to maintain social distancing in fish and vegetable stalls and those Opposition and other parties are to follow. and Kandy areas. soldiers continued and over 7,000 of both countries, which are quite public places. who fail to wear face masks,” “Manageable numbers of tourists per day were vaccinated in Army identical. “A total 2,970 persons have been he said. ‘Kimbula Ela Guna’, two others Scammers steal vehicle Repatriation delays due to lack to be extradited of facilities in QCs: Nimal Siripala Steps are being taken to bring back drug during test drive BY MIHI PERERA centres in consultation with trafficker “Kimbula Ela Guna”, his son, and the A gang of fraudsters posing “The father-in-law had to purchase the car and three of Labour Minister Nimal the National Operations Centre other suspect who were arrested in India, Police as purchasers had stolen a car given the keys to the buyer them had gotten into the car that Siripala de Silva said that the for Prevention of Covid-19 Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said yesterday (3). during a trial run after pushing as he had asked to take the was to be sold along with him. main reason for the delay in Outbreak (NOCPCO). Indian authorities said that three persons out the vehicle owner’s father- car for a test run. The buyer DIG Rohana said repatriating migrant workers However, The Morning had including Kimbula Ela Guna were arrested. in-law from the vehicle on had driven the vehicle along the Mattegoda Police is the lack of facilities in previously reported that the DIG Rohana said a red notice had been issued Tuesday (2). with the father-in-law driven are conducting further quarantine centres to place them SLBFE had been come to learn against Kimbula Ela Guna earlier. Police Spokesman DIG Ajith towards Polhengoda and then investigations and to trace the upon their arrival in Sri Lanka. during NOCPCO discussions “However, he was arrested in India only after Rohana said the owner had towards Piliyandala. vehicles and the suspects. “However, a special Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva that the establishment the red notice was renewed and notified to the published an advertisement on “At one point, the father-in- “It was observed that an programme will be launched of quarantine centres to relevant authorities. It is common practice to bring a famous website to sell his car. law had been pushed out from organised gang is conducting by the Sri Lanka Bureau of the hope of returning to Sri exclusively house repatriated a person back to the country through diplomatic He said a person had the vehicles and the fraudsters crimes like these. Therefore, Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Lanka,” he said. migrant workers was not channel following their arrest, especially after contacted the owner’s father- had stolen the vehicle,” he said. when selling vehicles, sellers to expedite the repatriation of He further claimed that possible at present owing to receiving a red notice from the Interpol,” added in-law and arrived at the house According to the victim, four should not give keys under any Sri Lankan migrant workers necessary steps will be taken physical and human resource- Rohana. to inspect the vehicle. people had arrived in a vehicle circumstances,” he said. currently staying abroad in to set up more quarantine related insufficiencies. GoSL rejects UNHCHR’s Rural, Ayurvedic hospitals to be report: Gammanpila developed BY MIHI PERERA came under the purview of the UNHCHR’s mandate. BY MIHI PERERA The Government of “The other is that there State Minister of Rural and Ayurvedic Sri Lanka has decided wasn’t sufficient evidence Hospitals Development and Public Health to reject the report of to support the claims made Sisira Jayakody stated that the State Ministry is the United Nations High in the report,” he said. ready to launch a special programme to develop Commissioner for Human Bachelet in her report rural and Ayurvedic hospitals from 8 February. Rights (UNHCHR) Michelle accused Sri Lanka of reneging “It has become clear today that building Bachelet on alleged human on promises to ensure justice a lifestyle with a local identity is essential rights violations in Sri Lanka, for thousands of civilians Members of the National Agrarians Unity protested yesterday (3) against India’s influence exerted to create a healthy nation. This programme Co-Cabinet Spokesman killed in the final stages of on Sri Lanka will focus on developing rural and Udaya Gammanpila said the 37-year separatist war Ayurvedic hospitals, with an emphasis on yesterday (3). that ended a decade ago, and creating a healthy lifestyle,” he stated. Speaking at a news briefing, called for an International Agrarian NGO protests It was further stated that there will be discussions he said that one of the reasons Minister Udaya Gammanpila Criminal Court investigation within the State Ministry to implement ways for its rejection was that into the war and sanctions on of using more healthy food patterns and other only two-and-a-half pages document by Bachelet was military officials accused of local medicines to develop the operations in of content in the 17-page pertaining to matters that war crimes. over Indian influence these hospitals. The National Agrarians In a press release issued in should solely be with the Unity organisation yesterday this regard, they opined that Government of Sri Lanka. ‘Mental health to be prioritised’ (3) conducted a protest the ownership, control, and They also alleged that the Annual MoUs over India's alleged undue development-related aspects multinational Adani Group BY MIHI PERERA children to discipline their economic and political of the Trincomalee Oil Tank of Companies was behind Focusing on mental health mind and be emotionally influence exerted on Farm and the Colombo Port's creating a global black market on demining in the early years of a child healthy,” he said. Sri Lanka. East Container Terminal economy. is of paramount importance He stated that, signed to their development, internationally, Annual Memorandums of Understanding and therefore emotional transcendental meditation Fire at Katunayake factory; cause unknown (MoUs) between international and local NGOs wellbeing is to be considered is taken extremely seriously, and the Government on demining were signed as a subject within school due to the large amount of BY LAHIRU POTHMULLA were dispatched to control the Sri Lanka Navy, Katunayake on Tuesday (2) at the auditorium of the State classrooms and universities, underage deaths caused due A fire broke out at a factory fire, the Police said. INSEE FTZ Fire Brigade, and the Ministry of Rural Housing, Construction and Education Minister Professor to stress. in the early hours of the Ecocycle later announced in Fire Service Department of Building Materials Industry Promotion. G.L. Pieris said yesterday (3). Therefore, he stated morning yesterday (3) at a a press release that the fire Colombo, with the leadership On the instructions of President Gotabaya “We need to identify that emotional and mental building owned by INSEE was “quickly and efficiently” of the Disaster Management Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda symptoms of mental issues wellbeing is to be considered Ecocycle at the Katunayake brought under control with the Centre. The cause of the fire Rajapaksa, the demining programme is currently in children before it is as a subject in schools and Free Trade Zone. immediate help and support was still under investigation being implemented under the direction of State Education Minister Prof. G.L. Pieris too late. We need to teach universities. Several fire fighting trucks of the Sri Lanka Air Force, as of yesterday (3). Minister of Rural Housing, Construction and Building Materials Industrial Development Indika Anuruddha. Foreign service The demining programme is under the direct PM invites Bangladesh supervision of State Minister Indika Anuruddha, self-development who recently visited the Muhamalai area in Kilinochchi. The Government hopes to complete to receive boost demining by 2022. Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena investment in local pharma highlighted that the contribution of the Prime Minister Mahinda Two Navy diplomatic service aligned with the government Rajapaksa has invited the development policy should be enhanced in Bangladesh High Commissioner soldiers nabbed time to come by providing members of the Sri to encourage investors from Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) Bangladesh to invest in the opportunities for self-development. pharmaceutical sector in Sri with cannabis The newly elected office bearers of the SLFSA Lanka. One serving Navy soldier and a former Navy met Gunawardena on 1 February to discuss the The Prime Minister made the soldier who had been expelled from the Navy, ways in which the SLFSA can contribute to request when High Commissioner had been arrested from the Anuradhapura area for the national development process and the key Thareq Ariful Islam called on being in possession of 2.2 kilograms of cannabis, challenges faced by Sri Lanka Foreign Service him at his official residence in stated the Police Media Spokesman, Deputy (SLFS) officers. Wijerama yesterday (3). Inspector General of Police Ajith Rohana. Association President Wishwanath Aponsu Prime Minister Rajapaksa A motorcycle that was used for the transportation highlighted the key areas that the Foreign expressed his gratitude to of the drug was also taken into Police custody, he Service can actively be involved in, in the Bangladesh for its support to Sri Bangladeshi High Commissioner Thareq Ariful (right) called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at his official said. Further, the two suspects are to be produced residence in Wijerama yesterday (3) context of generating goodwill among Sri Lanka over the years in the fields before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. Lankans residing overseas and thereby soliciting of education and medicine. a message of congratulations. areas of agriculture, fisheries, freshwater fish in the world. “During drug raids conducted by the Police, their support for national development. The High Commissioner High Commissioner Islam and shipping. Bangladesh is also assisting a 22-year-old girl was arrested from Hanwella Gunawardena also extended assurance congratulated the Prime Minister also highlighted the potential The High Commissioner pointed Sri Lanka in producing rice for the possession of 55 grams of heroin, 35 on having a holistic approach to address the on the occasion of the 73rd for expanding bilateral relations out that Bangladesh is currently varieties that are resistant to grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), and grievances faced by officers of the SLFS. Independence Day and presented by enhancing co-operation in the the fourth-largest producer of floods and drought. five grams of cannabis,” he said. 4 „„ www.themorning.lk { EDITORIAL/VIEWS } Thursday, February 4, 2021

victims have gone unnoticed and and policy was revealed when the Independence is reduced to election promises. Lanka Microfinance Practitioners’ Microfinance companies, on the Association (LMPA) hosted a Zoom BY AMALI WEDAGEDARA other hand, have strengthened their meeting with State Minister of interdependence foothold and maintain that protests Samurdhi, Household Economy, are engineered by a group of people Microfinance, Self-Employment, On this day, 73 years ago, the British decided to with ulterior motives to tarnish the and Business Development Shehan leave Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) for good. image of microfinance institutions as Semasinghe and the Central Bank Every year, as the country celebrates Independence sources of poverty alleviation. of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to restore the Day with a national event comprising military parades, A policy choice The suicide of Kumari along with image of microfinance institutions flag hoisting and various performances that are expected her child takes place in this context. and demand cheap bulk funds. to show the country’s power as a sovereign State, some The Department of Police records According to their narrative, citizens, who are not ready to buy into the force-fed that economic hardships, poverty, only a handful of lenders engage in notion of being independent for seven decades, raise to address the and indebtedness are regular causes dangerous lending, and their biggest one question, i.e. whether we truly are free, and to for suicides in Sri Lanka. According problem is with reckless borrowers what extent? to Police Department statistics, who have borrowed from multiple From 1815 until 1948, Sri Lanka remained a British around 200 or more suicides, companies and haven’t used borrowed colony. However, when looking at the country’s annually associated with economic credit for entrepreneurial purposes. status today, a question arises as to whether the microfinance hardships, poverty, and debt, have The industry at large is not to be independence Sri Lanka gained, or was given, in become a recurrent phenomenon. blamed as they serve a productive 1948 was confined to a mere paper? When comparing This evidence surpasses the numbers function to the Sri Lankan people. the present situation of Sri Lanka to that of the other that microfinance victims have However, the everyday experiences countries that gained independence from the British, been quoting. It is just the tip of the of microfinance borrowers, it does not look like we have understood what being epidemic iceberg. combined with empirical studies independent is like, especially economically. Speaking on the microfinance industry in Sri of being economically independent, even after seven Lanka, narrate a different story. The decades, it looks and feels like Sri Lanka is still promotion of the commercialisation struggling to transition from being a dependent colony of microlending to encourage under the British rule, to the independent country it “innovations” and attract foreign capital is supposed to be. in the 2000s has had a transformative Who’s to blame for this? The politicians who ruled effect on the traditional microlenders Sri Lanka in the past three decades have given the like co-operatives and community- people the misleading idea that Sri Lanka needs an based organisations. For example, international ally to fall back on. On the other hand, a report by the Asian Development people have become consumed with the idea that Bank (ADB) in 2002, titled whenever they are in trouble, their first response is to “Commercialisation of Microfinance: demand what subsidies or allowances the Government Sri Lanka”, actively criticises the should offer. Some also blame the concept of the “open proactive role of the government in economy” introduced in 1977 and the competition this providing subsidised credit. entailed, as the country faced de-industrialisation and According to ADB, state-driven consequently certain industries that were booming in subsidised credit and welfare- the pre-1977 era collapsed. oriented credit provided by In the few decades that followed, rulers, on the co-operatives and community-based pretext of keeping the country afloat, decided to borrow organisations impede the growth money from international allies, and as Sri Lanka was of the microfinance industry and revelling in the short-lived happiness of being saved enhance its productivity through from economic collapse, the country started slowly commercialisation. The report is suffocating under a debt mountain too big to even prescriptive in the manner in which think of. The same politicians who took the initiative the approach of the Government and Women protesting against usurious lending practices by microfinance institutions to borrow money when they were in power, decry the PHOTO VIKALPA.ORG the CBSL should change to allocate mounting debts and the ruling party’s incompetence space for pro-profit lenders in the in managing the collapsing economy when they sit The Sri Lankan economy revealed a principal contradiction during the private sector. in the opposition. last two weeks. The Colombo Stock Market was becoming one of the best- The ideological push towards pro- Speaking of loans, China is a country Sri Lanka can performing stock markets in the world. In parallel, the real Sri Lankan profit lending, in combination with never forget, especially due to the amount of money economy is collapsing. A suicide of a young woman of 24 years of age, the incursion of foreign capital in it has given to Sri Lanka as loans and grants over the Kumari (name changed to protect identity), trapped in debt along with line with disaster capitalism in the past few years, which eventually made it Sri Lanka’s her five-year-old child, was the premonition. aftermath of the tsunami in 2004 and single biggest lender. Chinese investments and loans, the end of the war in 2009, exploded which resulted in a significant Chinese influence in The soaring stock market consolidate structural violence that the microfinance market in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, have today made it one of Sri Lanka’s represents a minute fraction of the forces people to premature deaths. The microfinance landscape For example, the microfinance closest allies, with investments in Sri Lanka’s most population, whereas Kumari and her market expanded from 200 important strategic ports, i.e. the Hambantota Port and child embody the circumstances of Suicide epidemic in Sri Lanka microfinance institutions in the early the Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT). the majority of the country. What The years 2016/17 record the Irrespective of the surge of 2000s to 14,000 by 2015. Lending China was also prepared to be a major partner of the does this contradiction reveal? Should beginning of a rising wave of suicides complaints and protests, the became a profitable business. The development of the Colombo Port’s East Container the finance fetish be allowed to prey among women – in some cases, entire microfinance industry continues multiplication of lending institutes in Terminal (ECT) alongside India, Sri Lanka’s neighbour on more lives? If not, what should be families along with small children. to be seen as a “helpful” financial the formal and semi-formal sectors – which was the hottest topic for Sri Lankans during done? Favoured industry treatment to Similar to an earlier wave of suicides mechanism to the poor. Multilateral led to multiple borrowing. the past few months. In fact, many view China as an banking and finance, embedded in the among farmers in the 1990s, suicides and bilateral donors express more Another study indicates a high ally with an undying love for Sri Lanka due to its politics and policy of Sri Lanka, has of women were associated with concern in the financial sustenance density of microlenders in a grama willingness to assist Sri Lanka financially. driven a majority of the population debt – to be specific, microfinance of the microfinance market than the niladhari division as a cause for However, as India and China, and at times Japan – a great number of them being loans. It was equivalent to the suicide predicament of indebted low-income multiple borrowing. My fieldwork in and the United States too, came forward to become women – into unjust and unpayable epidemic in Andhra Pradesh, India in men and women who are facing Polonnaruwa, Welioya (Manalaru), Sri Lanka’s partner in development and save it from debts. The only way to thwart early 2010. economic fallout and the loss of Gampola, and Nawalapitiya likely economic collapse, a geopolitical competition a humanitarian crisis as the real Women victimised by microfinance income. indicates that 57% of people from broke out. And so, Sri Lanka was compelled to take economy goes into a long recession in the Northern, Eastern, and North The leading politicians from the a sample of 813 people facing difficult decisions concerning the country’s strategic is to alleviate the debt burden and Central Provinces in Sri Lanka, with Government who ran elections difficulties to pay back their debt ports. emancipate the people’s capacity for the support of co-operatives and on the promise of cancelling all had more than three loans. It is also important to remind ourselves not to development. women’s groups, started protesting microfinance debt argue that private I documented 21 finance forget the war Sri Lanka had to fight within the Financial inclusion is an inadequate against usurious lending practices by sector financial markets should be companies and 19 microfinance country: the three-decade war waged by the Liberation measure to facilitate women and the microfinance institutions as well as protected. The mood in politics institutions in five divisional Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which cost Sri Lanka poor. In contrast, radical interventions harassment – both verbal and sexual secretariats in Polonnaruwa, lending The ideological push towards an astronomical amount of money, properties, and should be made to eliminate – women undergo at the hands of to low-income households apart from pro-profit lending, in most importantly, lives. Further, an impediment to structural inequalities and overcome loan collection officers. Unlike in Samurdhi, co-operatives, Grameeya, combination with the incursion post-Independence national development, growth, capital academic industrial complexes the case of Andhra Pradesh which and Rural Development Banks. of foreign capital in line with and progress has been the hangover effect resulting which legitimise and normalise the overhauled the microfinance market, The transformation of welfarism disaster capitalism in the from the lynchpin of colonial governance – that of claims of the banking and financial the suicides in Sri Lanka have only to debtfarism – forcing the poor to aftermath of the tsunami in divide and rule – which has been carried forth into lobby. Social security or development received nominal attention. rely on private and costly finance to 2004 and the end of the war in the nationalistic, majoritarian political ethos that has cannot be loaned, as contemporary Apart from a partial debt waiver support social reproduction, under 2009, exploded the microfinance prevailed for the most part since, despite changes in policymakers seem to believe. It is and an interest rate cap (as high as the influence of ADB-like thinking market in Sri Lanka the political hues of the ruling class. a dangerous policy which would 35%), demands of the microfinance – led the government to gradually It is a case of a pre-Independence “black skin, withdraw from its social welfare white masks” inferiority complex metamorphosing functions. According to the people into a post-colonial “black skin, blacker masks” in debt, the main cause of their superiority complex, which has manifest itself in a petty CARTOON OF THE DAY indebtedness is disinvestments on nationalistic and futuristically dangerous war of attrition co-operatives and state-sponsored involving the two national and official languages, that credit schemes, as well as the pro- of Sinhala and Tamil. On this Independence Day, it profit shift in community-based is therefore important that we keep in mind that even organisations. though the war came to an end in 2009, begetting As much as lending has become a allegations of grave human rights violations, we profitable business during the last 20 are still looking for ways to establish long-lasting years, finance companies from the reconciliation among the various ethnic communities, formal sector have had an advantage and remedy the ethnic rifts that were the reasons for over commercialisation. Women’s the war and the Easter Sunday attacks. groups engaged in microlending in In conclusion, if Sri Lanka is to give true meaning Hambantota complained that big to the ideals of independence, it has to realise that finance companies are to be blamed interdependence among its different communities for the suicide epidemic and the rural will be its greatest asset. The day Sri Lanka realises debt crisis. Access to a vast range this home truth and works towards making such a of foreign capital from multilateral practical reality, it will see the folly of engaging in and bilateral donors, venture capital, counterproductive and damaging identity politics, investment banks, pension funds, as and be able to become a formidable force that is in well as asset-backed securitisation fighting shape, and one capable and fit of using its has boosted the lending capacity of geostrategic positioning, abundant natural resources, the big financiers and enabled them and diverse human resource, to take on the bigger to leverage against community- battles and tougher challenges that await it in the based organisations engaged in the post-pandemic age of the survival of the smartest. microfinance business. Despite access to cheap credit, microfinanciers provide the costliest No 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7. debt in Sri Lanka, even at the Fax - 011 2 673 441 regulated interest of 35%. Even General - 011 5 200 900 though loan rates of the finance Sales & Marketing - 076 1367612 and banking sector have drastically Circulation Manager - 011 5 978 987 / 076 1 367620 gone down in the face of the Covid- E-mail - [email protected] Special Investigations Department - 077 7 714 078 19-induced economic disaster, Website - www.themorning.lk microfinance institutions have not reduced their rates. Contd. on page 6 45 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { SPOTLIGHT } „„ www.themorning.lk (ACP), to perform the duties of the Police officers attached to the intelligence unit. Eventually, the unit was reconstituted and is currently functioning in several prisons.” Is a restructured prison intelligence unit a need of the hour? Speaking to The Morning in this regard, prisoners’ rights activists claimed that this move by the Government is not a need of the hour, and that there are a plethora of issues faced by prisoners that require the authorities’ attention. Prisoners’ rights group, the Committee for the Protecting the Rights of Prisoners (CPRP), expressed concerns about how and to what degree the reorganised prisons intelligence unit would be of benefit to prisoners. CPRP Chairman Attorney-at-Law Senaka Perera added: “When certain incidents take place within prisons, authorities come up with various programmes. However, none of these programmes have actually served justice for prisoners. Authorities come up with these plans in a bid to show the world that they are taking steps to prevent illegal activities within prisons. “For example, there was an intelligence unit with Police officers attached to it, and there were plans to install jammers within the prisons, to stifle such activities. These programmes were aimed at ensuring the authorities’ survival, and most importantly, they were not devised and carried out on the basis of a proper scientific study concerning the prisons or prisoners. If there is no proper rehabilitation process within the prisons, how can these NEW PRISON EMERGENCY RESPONSE FORCE raid in advance, but notified the SP programmes benefit the prisoners in as a courtesy when commencing the the long run?” raid. The SP in charge of this unit had He added that there are more the power to assign officers from one pressing issues in Sri Lanka’s prisons prison to conduct raids in another and that the authorities should give prison. priority to those issues instead. He “Any banned items that were pointed out that in a context where confiscated during raids along with a close to 50% of prisoners go back to list of the items so confiscated were prisons for various offences, the most given to the SP of the prison if the raid pressing issue would be rehabilitating was conducted upon the request of the prisoners, for which, according to the SP. The confiscated items and the him, there is no proper plan currently. list were given to the Police and the Lack of healthy food for prisoners and CID if the raid was requested by such sanitary pads for female prisoners, Panacea authority, and a copy of the list was also among other issues, need the given to the SP of the relevant prison. authorities' urgent attention, he added. for the ills of the damned? The cash seized during such raids was Another issue that was pointed out credited to the relevant state account, by Perera as an issue that should be BY SUMUDU CHAMARA within prisons entering prisons in and the drugs and phones handed over taken into account by prison officials, In the past few years, Sri Lanka’s prison system came under the spotlight various ways has been a longstanding to the relevant Police station through is that of prisoners who have been on several occasions, sometimes in very controversial ways, due to a issue in Sri Lanka as well. These the SP of the Intelligence and Defence granted bail not being released from multitude of reasons, including but not limited to the Mahara Prison riot goods include but are not limited to Unit. prisons. He stressed: “There are in 2020, the rapid Covid-19 spread in prisons that resulted in what the mobile phones and SIM cards, drugs, prisoners who, despite having been Government called a “prison based cluster”, and the Welikada Prison riot cigarettes, and money. Even though granted bail, have not been released. in 2012. the raids conducted by the authorities Reorganised intelligence As a matter of fact, among the 11 to stifle these activities have been unit to protect prisoners, prisoners who died in the Mahara Sri Lanka, especially the Ministry on putting this proposal into action successful to a significant extent, last senior prison officials: Prison riot were several who had been of Justice and the State Ministry of with immediate effect. According to year, prisons officials caught a cat, who granted bail.” Prison Management and Prisoners’ Gammanpila, the reorganised prison had drugs and SIM cards tied to its Gammanpila He added: “Despite more pressing Rehabilitation, in the past few months, intelligence unit will operate in all neck, which was meant to be received issues being present in the prisons, announced several steps concerning prisons. by someone within the Welikada Prison, Intelligence unit necessary, if the Government goes ahead with upgrading the prisons system, including He further revealed that a dedicated near the Prison premises. This incident, but more pressing issues this plan, steps should be taken to the establishment of a new state-of-the- Commissioner of Prisons will be tasked which attracted international attention, see to it that this reorganised unit art prison in the Horana area to replace with heading the unit, and that he will in not only suggests that those engaged exist in prisons possesses the skills and capacity to the overcrowded Welikada Prison, turn directly report to the Commissioner in this racket are becoming creative, deal with prisoners. This unit should paying more attention to rehabilitating General of Prisons. but also that the existing mechanisms Prisons should be places be conscious about the prisoners’ prisoners convicted of minor offences “In addition to the main task of aimed at thwarting such acts need to be situation, and on how to deal with including the use of illegal substances, intelligence gathering, this new strengthened and updated in line with for punishment as well as them. Unlike the security forces launching a pilot project to set up intelligence unit will also be entrusted the latest situation. rehabilitation that are trained to deal with conflict daycare centres within prisons, and with several additional duties, including The report extensively elaborated situations or organised criminal granting pardons to prisoners convicted providing protection for special on the structure and operations of the Intelligence units should gangs outside the prisons, the prison of minor offences in a bid to reduce prisoners, detainees and senior prisons previous prisons intelligence unit: intelligence unit should be aware of congestion within prisons. officials who are under threat, and “This unit consisted of officers of the be aware of prisoners’ the prisoners’ issues – in particular, Sri Lanka Prison Emergency preventing and controlling riots from Department of Prisons who volunteered psychological status: the prisoners’ psychological status.” erupting within prison premises,” to join the unit and were selected Prisoners' rights activists A country’s prison system, as an Response Strategic Force Gammanpila further said. during the basic training. Thereafter, institution that has a very specific The newest development in this According to a report published an evaluation and a confidential report objective, can sometimes be very connection was announced recently at recently by Sri Lanka’s topmost was obtained from the Department strange. Even though it is believed and a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, state-run human rights institution, of Police and other law enforcement “The Police conduct an inquiry and expected by many to be a place where where the Government approved a the Human Rights Commission of authorities on each candidate, following prosecute the prisoner if contraband, those who have committed illegal proposal aimed at reorganising the Sri Lanka (HRCSL), the existing which candidates were selected for such as drugs, was found in the deeds are punished and reformed, it is, existing prison intelligence unit. Prison Intelligence and Defence the unit. These officers were provided possession of such prisoner and the according to reports and researches, The Cabinet had made this decision Unit, established by the Department further training. This unit was placed drugs were subsequently handed over also a place where inmates build taking into consideration the need of Prisons via Circular 08/2010 and under the supervision of a Prisons to the National Dangerous Drugs contacts with other inmates and in for reorganising the intelligence unit which came into operation on 23 Commissioner and a Superintendent Control Board (NDDCB). This unit turn step up their criminal careers. currently operating in the prisons January 2010, is entrusted with duties of Police (SP) of Intelligence and was disbanded on 26 July 2018, and Therefore, it is an undeniable fact for it to be used for security duties, including but not limited to searching Defence at the headquarters of the normal prison officers were assigned that despite high security measures the provision of protection to special prisoners and officers when they enter Department of Prisons. The officers of to perform the duties previously within prisons, there is a risk of prisoners and suspects, and riot control and leave prison premises, conducting this unit reported to the SP in charge performed by the unit. prisoners engaging in illegal activities, as well. According to this decision, raids within prisons, and gathering of Intelligence and Defence, as well as “The Special Task Force (STF) and there is a need to set up an the existing intelligence units will be intelligence. the SP of the prison to which they were of the Police was later assigned intelligence unit to closely monitor transformed into a new unit called the The report, titled Prison Study by the assigned. to certain prisons, such as the the prisons. However, an intelligence “Sri Lanka Prison Emergency Response HRCSL, added that the said unit was set “The unit conducted prison raids Angunakolapelessa Closed Prison unit should not be just another group Strategic Force”, enabling the new up with the objective of strengthening upon the request of the SP of the prison of prison officials attempting to stop reorganised unit to assign identified the security of prisons, and preventing as well as the Police and the Criminal prisoners from engaging in illegal acts specific duties in addition to the duties contraband and other goods not allowed Investigations Department (CID) or but they should also collect, analyse, performed by the ordinary prison within prisons, from entering prisons. based on intelligence gathered by and utilise intelligence to transform officers. Like in many other countries, the the unit. The unit was not required the prisoners’ lives for the better. Certain media institutions reported issue of various goods not allowed to inform the SP of a prison about a Maintaining a prison’s security and that the said proposal was put forward discipline is of utmost importance. by the Minister of Justice, M.U.M. Ali In addition to the main task of intelligence gathering, this However, in line with programmes Sabry PC. Even though The Morning new intelligence unit will also be entrusted with several to uplift these aspects, the authorities contacted several officials of the also have an undeniable responsibility Ministry of Justice, none of them were additional duties, including providing protection for special to see to it that the prisons provide the able to shed light on this proposal, and prisoners, detainees and senior prisons prisoners with a suitable environment Ali Sabry was also not available to officials who are under threat, and to live in and be rehabilitated, with the comment on the same. preventing and controlling riots from ultimate goal of transforming However, Co-Cabinet Spokesman erupting within prison premises. them into law-abiding Udaya Gammanpila, confirmed to The citizens, ready to be Morning that the said proposal was put Co-Cabinet Spokesperson integrated into the forward by the Minister of Justice, and Udaya Gammanpila society by the end of that the Government is contemplating their jail term. 46 „„ www.themorning.lk { INTERVIEW/VIEWS } Thursday, February 4, 2021

somewhere and hope for justice every day. That’s another major INCREASING TEA SMALLHOLDINGS PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY ‘Minorities are used issue we face in our constituency. The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) was not bound by Knowledge-sharing any law to protect any citizen, to draw attention but the Sri Lankan security forces were bound by international laws and national laws to protect each platforms based on and every citizen. If they were or away from economy’ are unable to do that, then they z MP Rasamanickam speaks before embarking on 450 km protest walk must admit that. Then with regards to political experience, vital What are the main problems prisoners – there are 42 new facing your constituency? political prisoners who were BY RUWAN LAKNATH JAYAKODY All Sri Lankans have common arrested on the 27 November on the tea-related productivity while the age issues such as economic ones. 2020. These are young people, and There is a need to provide platforms for of the land (plantation) and intercropping Specifically for the East, there is a journalist is also among them. young farmers to collaborate with experienced too had a positive impact. On the other a state-sponsored project to grab The charges were that they were farmers for the purpose of knowledge hand, the farmer's experience and education land. The Mahaweli Authority is encouraging LTTE regrouping exchange, and to improve education facilities level, and the cultivar used by them, had a trying to take over more pasture which is ridiculous. Just because for them and knowledge dissemination among significantly negative impact on the technical lands, because these were never you put a poem on Facebook, it them using new technology. inefficiency. gazetted. For generations, cattle does not mean that they should Furthermore, creating awareness and For cultivation, the majority in the sample farmers used this as pasture be taken in as political prisoners. motivation towards cultivating cultivars had used vegetative-propagated tea cultivars, lands. The Mahaweli Authority This is absolute rubbish. recommended by the Tea Research Institute which are more responsive to fertiliser than has haphazardly told farmers of Sri Lanka (TRISL), with access to planting seedling tea. from places like Polonnaruwa Is the provincial council material from certified plant nurseries, for However, the impact of agrochemicals and Kegalle to cultivate maize system in Sri Lanka still the respective tea-growing regions, would (pesticides including herbicides/weedicides) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam in pasture land. There is a herd relevant? reduce production-related inefficiencies. was negative for productivity. In this of 200,000 cattle who use this Up until the provincial council Also, even though tea is predominantly regard, it was observed that while manual, BY PAMODI WARAVITA grazing land and this creates system was introduced, our party cultivated as a mono crop, coconut and mechanical, and chemical weeding were Shanakiyan Rasamanickam is a first-time parliamentarian from tensions between the two also wanted a separate state. But pepper could be intercropped with tea, done for weed control, the majority practiced the Batticaloa District, entering Parliament with the highest communities because the cattle once the provincial council system and therefore, further research on possible manual weeding for young fields, which number of preferential votes in the District. He has gained are getting shot. was introduced, ITAK was happy intercrops for tea is of timely importance. had in turn resulted in high yields. significant attention on social media as well as traditional media The Civil Defence Forces are to accept it as a starting point for These observations were made in The researchers noted also that although for his trilingual capabilities and hard-hitting parliamentary doing the same in another area the devolution of power – not as a research study titled “Determinants low in magnitude, several interaction-related speeches. Yesterday (3), he began a protest walk from Pottuvil while the Wildlife Department an end goal, but as something that of productivity variation and technical effects of fertiliser and labour with other to Point Pedro (#P2P), covering the Eastern and Northern is demarcating entire villages. we could build up on. Even if there efficiency of tea smallholders in the Low variables were statistically significant. Provinces, to bring attention to the struggles of minorities, and The Archaeological Task Force are 100 or 200 people, if they are Country of Sri Lanka'' authored by H.W. Regardless of the geographical variation, the need to fight for democracy in the country. The Morning has identified 600-odd places in different in their language, culture, Shyamalie, H.M.C.G. Pilapitiya, B.M.N.C. the authors point out that labour, fertiliser, spoke with him about the vision he has for the country as a new the East. All of a sudden, the Task and religion, then they deserve to Karunarathna, and K.W.N. Nadeeshani and chemicals remain the most determinant lawmaker before he embarked on the long journey of over 450 Force is restraining devotees from have their own political voice. (attached to the Agricultural Economics factors in the estimation of the productivity km. The following are excerpts from the interview. accessing their Hindu places of Division of the TRISL in St. Coombs, variation. worship, which creates tensions. It Do you think the provincial Talawakelle) and published in the Sri Lanka Experience, education, occupation, Could you tell us about your grandfather which is done by is unfortunate that the Task Force council system has proven to Journal of Food and Agriculture recently. cultivar, and intercropping seem negative background and your reasons funds I generate through doing is being used as eye wash for the be effective? The study used a sample of 300 randomly according to the study and is significantly for entering politics? agriculture. I was always inspired voters of Pohottuwa. Minorities I think the Northern Provincial selected tea smallholders representing 68 impacting inefficiency. I was born in 1990 in by my grandfather and even are being used as scapegoats Council was not utilised to its tea inspection regions, namely 25 from Experience, it was found, was the most Colombo. Just two weeks before when I was 11 years old, my to draw attention away from maximum. There was more that Ratnapura, 23 from Galle, and 20 from influential factor in inefficiency, which I was born, my parents had to flee ambition was to be a Member the economic problems in the could have been done if not for Matara, proportionate to the population of has a positive impact. Simply, experienced their home in Batticaloa because of Parliament. country. This has been the case personal political tangles. But I still tea smallholders in each of these Districts farmers are more efficient than the less- their house was attacked. They since independence. Using these believe that the provincial council as the majority of tea smallholdings in the experienced ones. Fulltime farmers were went to Colombo in the first bus You are beginning a protest techniques to come to power, to system is a good place to start, Low Country are scattered in these three more efficient than those who did not engage that left Batticaloa, and I was walk today. What are you stay in power and use it in a way if the power in the system is not Low Country tea-growing Districts. Data in it fulltime. Similarly, educated farmers born in Wellawatte. hoping to highlight from this that is ultimately detrimental to influenced by the central powers. was collected during the course of 2015, are more efficient than the less educated. I schooled in Kandy and did my walk? What is the need for the country is totally disgusting. through a field survey, using a questionnaire. Concerning cultivars, it was observed higher education in Australia to this protest at this moment? The sand mafia is another very Should the contents of the Tea smallholders are defined as private that cultivating-recommended cultivar is obtain a Bachelor’s in Commerce We are beginning a protest important issue. If you keep mining 13th Amendment be retained owners who have tea cultivations of a land also effective as opposed to growing tea with a major in accounting. walk today from Pottuvil to Point sand like this, our natural resources in the new constitution? extent of less than four hectares (ha). They cultivars not recommended for the region. When I came to Sri Lanka for Pedro. Our primary demands are are going to be destroyed and the Do you think a new constitution occupy 122,448 ha of cultivated tea, thereby Furthermore, intercropping showed a my holidays when I was 22, I to release political prisoners, give ecosystem is going to break down. will come? There is a lot more accounting for 60% of the total cultivated positive influence towards efficiency. attended my grandfather’s 100th justice for families of missing These are all politically supported to the 13th Amendment than Sri tea lands as of 2018 while in terms of Determinants for efficiency were remembrance day organised by persons, Rs. 1,000 as a daily wage actions so whom do we go to to Lanka since it is an international production, this sector contributed 75% of considered as the farmer's age, experience, the ITAK (Illankai Tamil Arasu for estate sector workers, a stop lodge our complaints? We say in agreement. The Government can't the total tea production of the same year. education and occupation, and cultivar and Kachchi) and saw that there were to unfair land grabbing, a stop to Tamil, that the one who is robbing just discard it but I do hope it will The average productivity (ratio of a volume intercropping. Other determinants included so many people in need here. I violating press freedoms and to us is the one who is in charge. be there in the new constitution. measure of output produced to a volume the output in terms of the green leaves joined as a political organiser to protect and promote democracy. Naturally, people are going to get measure of input used) of the same year produced (kg), the land extent cultivated (former) President (Mahinda) They claim that this is a “one robbed. We worry that this would We see many narratives of was 1,958 kg of made tea per ha. (ha), labour from the family and hired (in Rajapaksa at the time for the Sri country, one law” system, but we ultimately affect the drinking water radicalisation, especially Although the productivity of the terms of man days), fertiliser (kg), the cost of Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). do not see it. If we continue down sources since they are mining so Islamic radicalisation being tea smallholdings sector appears to be agrochemicals, dolomite (kg), age including I worked with him up until he this path, people will develop close to the sea and the drinking highlighted as an issue in the comparatively higher than the estate plantation experience and education (all was defeated. Then I joined with doubts about whether this is even water could get salty as well. Eastern Province. Do you plantation sector, the researchers note that three in years), occupation (whether tea (former) President (Maithripala) one country, let alone one country consider this a problem? there is an extensive gap between the lowest cultivation is the only source of income or Sirisena, but eventually I one law. Till the late ‘70s, Tamil In terms of reconciliation in I would say radicalisation is and the highest productivity values. The otherwise), and the clone type (whether the realised that there was a huge politicians tried so hard to achieve 2021, entering our 12th year there across all communities. But results showed that the tea production of cultivated clone was recommended by the gulf between the reality and the a meaningful political solution, since the war ended, what do the media has only highlighted smallholders varied from 780 kg to 72,000 TRISL or otherwise). ideals under both Presidents. but we must ask ourselves whether you think are the needs of that of the Muslim communities kg of green leaf per year, while the range On the matter of efficiency, a majority Both failed to deliver on all the they were naive. Ultimately we the day? due to political motivations. It was of productivity was from 7,706 to 29,640 belonged to the 70%-80% efficiency level promises they had made. That’s had a 30-year war which left all People are still looking for recently revealed that a terrorist kg of green leaf per ha per annum. Also, with a mean technical efficiency of 68.81% when I decided to join the ITAK of us in dire economic conditions. their relatives who went missing of the Easter Sunday attacks was the land, fertiliser, and labour (hired and (ranging from 15%-93.43%), the researchers in 2018. Now again I feel like history is during the war, even though the radicalised after the Aluthgama family), and agrochemical-related factors added, noting that therefore, the possibility I also run a foundation called being repeated, where promises war ended 12 years ago. Wives riots. We must realise that there showed substantial statistical significance of increasing the output without increasing S.M. Rasamanickam People’s to minorities are constantly being and mothers believe that their needs to be good dialogue to with positive signs in terms of a direct impact the existing level of input is 31.19%. Foundation in the name of my broken. children and husbands are living overcome this issue.

of wealth. and producer co-operatives along with other the degree of excessive extraction microfinance According to a United Nations (UN) study community-owned credit mechanisms should and finance companies are engaged in. Dumping which calculates household income based on accompany the agrarian reinvigoration policy. new loans on top of a pile of old debt will not A policy choice... the Household Income and Expenditure Survey This is a long-time demand that people in debt lead to meaningful investments. New Samurdhi (HIES) of 2016, 74% of the population has been have been making. Enterprise Development Loan Schemes which Contd. from page 4 on their practice of continuing to lend to an living on only Rs. 613 per day before the Covid- Structural inequalities will not go away with propose to lend loans of up to Rs. 1-2 million, abusive industry. 19 crisis. The HIES of 2016 itself indicates an half-hearted interventions. Living wages, decent at a 7% interest rate, looms negatively, as it can Apart from the explosion in the lending acute mismatch between the household income housing, strong workplace-based rights, coupled end up transferring people’s savings to finance market, sourcing capital through “innovative A way out and expenditure for the poorest 50% of the with public education and healthcare will companies as debt repayments, instead of ways” such as asset-backed securitisation, also People who have fallen prey to the population. Women explaining the everyday democratise the economy and enhance people’s making a meaningful impact on development. increases the pressure on borrowing companies profiteering practices of the microfinance struggle with debt say “we forego meals to capabilities. These will help people overcome It could end up further weakening the Samurdhi to increase lending. industry have for years now been exposing pay our debt”. the precarious conditions in which they are social security programme. Performance targets given to loan officers to systemic issues in the microfinance industry, Poor women and men work hard to keep the living. Politicians, as well as the business Everyone aspiring for real development in issue loans and inducing borrowers to upgrade as well as structural issues in the Sri Lankan economy rolling forward. Yet, their hard work class who want to bring about a qualitative Sri Lanka should join hands with the victims of to higher-value loans are an expression of these economy. However, politicians, bureaucrats, takes place in a highly unequal economic system. transformation in the Sri Lankan economy, microfinance and others from the middle class practices. Stringent loan conditions which offer and lobbyists more attuned to the requests of It is a system that has been systematically must question why the plantation workers who to rally against predatory lending practices such little to no space to negotiate or restructure loan the industry have turned a blind eye. Instead dispossessing their meagre assets and wealth. have been working in the plantations for over as leasing, hire-purchase, and housing loans. agreements push borrowers against the wall, of addressing the concerns of the people, the The commercialisation of agriculture under the 200 years cannot have a living wage, decent An examination of the top 30 businesses in Sri with human and institutional violence forcing government has been proactively transforming guidance of the World Bank has destroyed the housing, and a land of their own. What kind Lanka, over two decades, demonstrates how the them to comply with debt payments. The fear social security mechanisms in a way that it autonomy of smallholders. Capital intensive of economic development could be made economy has been skewing towards the finance, of financial disenfranchisement, which would nurtures the private debt market. The state- agriculture, running parallel to the withdrawal possible when a substantial portion of the insurance, and real estate (FIRE) sectors by deny people’s access to formal credit, holds the business nexus has replaced the social contract of state investments, has created a private sector working population is kept in debt bondage? concentrating wealth in the hands of financiers. indebted hostage to microfinance companies. between the state and the people. monopoly in producing seeds and providing Debt has long been stifling the development Acquisitions and major expansions by some The violence inherent to the microlending According to CBSL statistics, the micro, fertiliser, chemicals, equipment and machinery. potential of the working people. And above leading finance companies, over the last couple mechanism has made poor women the most small, and medium sectors in the economy A few companies, some of them part of finance- all, it has proven anti-people, and particularly of years, explains how the productive industrial credible borrowers. accounts for the bulk of value addition to the led conglomerates, dominate the production dangerous for women. The informalisation of economic sector has become subordinate to The suicide epidemic as well as concrete Sri Lankan economy. The CBSL Annual Report chain. This situation is replicated in the supply the economy, accompanied by state-sanctioned the banking and finance sectors. evidence for multiple borrowing indicate of 2019 documents that household and non- chain as well. entrepreneurial projects, has trapped women An assessment of these proposals would that the microfinance market in Sri Lanka is profit institutions serving households account Instead of creating equitable growth, private into participating in low-waged, unprotected, prove to be more people-friendly, cost-effective, exceeding the saturation point. Addressing for 48.8% of the gross value addition (GVA). sector monopolies in agricultural inputs, and vulnerable economic activity. A recent and sustainable than expensive financial problems of an overcrowded market that Their contribution exceeds value addition by technology, and credit have laid the foundation report by Oxfam points out that women in South inclusion measures hyped up by the World predates on economically vulnerable groups the government, non-finance sector, and finance to the development of underdevelopment for the Asia have faced the highest unemployment Bank, ADB, and pro-finance lobbyists. Women demands more than a Credit Regulatory Act sector to the economy combined. smallholders. Indebtedness and poverty are built rates at 20.4% due to Covid-19 disruptions. It saying “no” to microfinance have been tabling and financial literacy that the Government, the Working women and men from low-income into the system despite their hard work. The way also states that the poor will take more than a these proposals. Grappling with debt in their CBSL, and the LMPA advocate for. backgrounds play the most crucial role in terms out is by breaking the vicious cycle. Active state decade to recover from the damages. everyday life, they have been imagining and A recent action by the Human Rights Watch of injecting the economy with remittance and intervention through investments in agriculture In light of this, debt cancellation is developing the alternatives that would liberate (HRW) in Cambodia illustrates a case in foreign currency. Sri Lanka is a smallholder should be made to eliminate private monopolies fundamental to an inclusive development policy. them from debtfarism and perpetual dependency point. In the face of debt-driven land grabs, economy in which women perform a major and democratise production and supply chains. People in debt argue they have already paid back that is pushed upon them. It is high time that harassments, and rights abuses related to role. However, disbursement of unpayable Seed autonomy, guaranteed prices, proper in full the debt they borrowed. Punitive lending the Government listens to them. microfinance lending, the HRW demanded debt and other socioeconomic indicators show irrigation facilities, storage facilities, and oriented towards the enrichment of finance (The writer is a doctoral candidate at the clarification from the International Finance that these economically productive people are assistance with market access are mandatory companies should be held accountable for the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, US and a Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank (WB) marginalised when it comes to the distribution to facilitate the way out. Strengthening credit household debt crisis. A debt audit would expose member of the Liberation Movement) 7

Thursday, February 4, 2021 rd INDEPENDENCE DAY 73 „„ www.themorning.lk The 1948 freedom recall BY SUROSHINIE JAYAWEERA BANDARA Our island was originally called “Ceylon” when it was under colonial rule, until it came to be known as Sri Lanka. Through the perseverance of Sri Lankan patriots, the transition from Ceylon to Sri Lanka was achieved. This longstanding independence was granted on 4 February 1948, and the country rejoiced with heartfelt pride, accompanied by celebrations at important locations in the city of Colombo. Ceylon was dominated by Western, to the long years of suffering and devastation, Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial forces despite an end to the civil war in May 2009. for almost 500 years since the beginning of With pride in their hearts and nostalgia in their the 16th Century. The fearless ancestors of minds, the people of Sri Lanka celebrate this the island nation, rising against foreign rule, independence, recalling the noble sacrifices led continuous revolts to defeat the invasive made by their ancestors to obtain the liberty forces and to reaffirm the country’s legitimate that Sri Lankans cherish today. PM D.S. Senanayake signing the Independence document in 1948 The flag-hoisting ceremony at the official declaration of Independence authority. The Uva Wellassa Uprising occurred in 1817, but colonial control could not be impeded. Throughout the 19th Century, the conflict persisted and a set of patriotic leaders emerged at the turn of the 20th Century, educated, and well informed. They attempted, by means of intellect, to fight the colonial influence in the island. One leader who evoked independence in the hearts of the people of Ceylon was Anagarika Dharmapala, appealing to their minds with reason rather than emotion. Among the many leaders of the independence movement who played a pivotal role in achieving Independence, D.S. Senanayake, the first Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon, F.R. Senanayake, Ponnambalam Arunachalam, Ponnambalam Ramanathan, and W.A. de Silva are just a few. In 1945, the State Council, which included many Ceylonese leaders, passed the “Free Lanka Bill” requiring Ceylon to become the British Empire’s dominion. In 1948, the Bill took action, declaring autonomy for Ceylon, but not completely free of British sovereignty. 4 February 1948 marked the day on which Ceylon was given the status of dominion. The activities that followed commemorated the beginnings of a country that would prosper, devoid of the colonial grasp that Ceylon was under for 500 years in its grip. On the day, with the landing of the aircraft carrying the Duke and the Duchess, the Independence Day ceremony and celebration began. Sir Henry Monck-Mason Moore, Governor General of Ceylon, and Lady Monck-Mason Moore, accompanied by D.S. Senanayake, First Prime Minister of Independent Ceylon, welcomed them. The anticipation of the islanders was witnessed by an elaborate pandol archway that greeted the dignitaries and the on-looking crowd that thronged the roadsides, looking forward to the critical moment that was about to change the country’s direction. In a temporary assembly hall, where the Independence Memorial Hall stands today, the official declaration of Independence and the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. A crowd of thousands had gathered outside the special podium – today Independence Square – to witness the historical moment of the declaration of Independence. A memorial was constructed on the premises to mark the occasion and to honour the role played by Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake in gaining Independence. Incidentally, on 4 February 1949, exactly a year later, construction of the memorial hall began and was finished in 1953. The 1948 Independence Day celebrations took place in Colombo. In addition to smaller sailboats that were elaborately painted, the warship HMS Norfolk docked at the harbour was adorned with flags, and an impressive water pageant including a choir on a floating stage, contributed to the day’s brilliance. The House of Representatives and the senate building were beautifully decorated, and these buildings would witness Ceylon becoming the Republic of Sri Lanka, achieving total independence in 1972. Independence Day has been celebrated with pride since then, commemorating the national heroes who made it the mission of their lives to bring independence to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, considered to be one of the oldest democracies in Asia since 1948, has carved its own path to nation-building, facing many successes and many trials in the process. On one hand, the country managed to sustain significantly higher social indicators, especially compared to its neighbours in South Asia, while on the other, it experienced civil unrest and a protracted civil conflict that lasted almost three decades. The nation is still struggling to find a permanent solution

The formal ceremony marking the start of self- rule, with the opening of the first Parliament at Independence Square by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester in the presence of D.S. Senanayake as the first Prime Minister of Ceylon 8

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several years that diesel power plants to get that number down to close to Rs. should be converted into LNG power 50 billion. Because of the Covid-19 plants. The previous Government, pandemic, the Government reduced oil We encourage consumers however, was unable to effectively do (HFO [heavy fuel oil]) prices, allowed this. But we are preparing to make LNG the coal power plant to become more supply tenders official from next month productive, received good rainfall, and onwards. We are optimistic that we will reduced demand for new electricity by have the chance to properly enable the approximately 3%. to sparingly use energy: supply of LNG in this way. In addition, the first power plant to be constructed How has the company been after the completion of the Norochcholai affected by the Covid-19 Power Plant in 2012, will commence pandemic? construction as an LNG power plant by With the Covid-19 outbreak, we had to next month. In addition to all this, we face several problems as an organisation. ENG. VIJITHA HERATH have focused on a number of projects In March, April, and May, due to the which, through renewable energy systems, complete closure of the region, there can add electricity to the national grid. was a sharp decline in revenue due to z His Excellency President Gotabaya the closure of businesses and industries. CEB: A developing institution of a developing nation Rajapaksa and His Excellency Prime Moreover, in the past few months, the Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who lead company has given nearly Rs. 6 billion BY SUROSHINIE JAYAWEERA BANDARA purchase, the Ceylon Electricity Board the country with an especially correct in relief to electricity consumers. During had to bear a huge setback. vision, are both committed to achieving this disease situation, as the Electricity The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is an institution close to all of us. We met sustainable growth in the power sector, Board, we were able to incorporate with CEB Chairman Eng. Vijitha Herath to discuss the institution’s future What if we were to ask about which provides a fundamental basis for different payment methods to bring development work, which has been connected to our development for over your new strategy as Chairman the country’s development. Therefore, I revenue into the company. It also five decades. in such a situation? am confident that with the blessings of gave us the opportunity to achieve This institution has given a tremendous all, the present Government will be able positive outcomes. Furthermore, by Tell us a short description that year alone, this is not truly the case. service to uplift the lives of the people of to carry out these tasks. managing expenditures and minimising concerning the CEB? After 2015, this is a situation we will Sri Lanka over the last five decades as capital expenditure, we have made The Ceylon Electricity Board is continue to see. the Electricity Board. So far, as a gift, we How does electricity contribute to plans to create a healthy atmosphere regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s largest have been able to provide energy to more the nation’s development? as an organisation. Furthermore, we state organisations. It operates with the What is the reason for than 99% of individuals. But the question Electricity has become the nearest and respectfully recall the support provided aim of providing customer service as this situation? is if we produce enough energy for the most important energy to people among the by the Government. well as strengthening state control and The last time a profit was announced by country’s future needs and whether we are sources of energy. In the development of has almost Rs. 250 billion in annual the firm was in 2015. That amounts to Rs. prepared for that. Therefore, if we do not a nation, electricity has become a crucial Finally, what’s your message revenue and is second only to the Ceylon 20 billion. The primary explanation for have the capability to produce electricity, factor as well as an important part of the to the people? Petroleum Corporation. So far, the Ceylon these improvements was the opening of the it is very important that we concentrate on citizens of a country. As a consequence, The Ceylon Electricity Board has Electricity Board has served over 6.5 Norochcholai Power Plant’s second and increasing the scale of our power plants. electricity has become associated with already embarked on a scheduled million customers across a network of over third power plants. This was possible even We must reduce the amount of energy we the people of today. It also serves as a voyage. Over the next few years, the 6.5 million households and companies, though the electricity tariff was reduced get from diesel if we want to be powerful benchmark for uplifting people’s lives launch of a large number of large-scale with over 26,000 employees to provide by 25% by the Government at the time. as an organisation. For this, different and adds new value, particularly to rural foreign investments, especially in the islandwide customers with superior The key explanation for this situation, methods of power generation, such as people, to their lives, and property. Being energy sector, is planned to generate service. however, is that during the last five years hydropower plants, wind power plants, and a country with an advanced energy level, new momentum in the sector. It has of its rule, the Government has not taken solar panels that generate comparatively in addition to all this, will create more already begun its initial work. As a Can you expand on the situation you measures to start a single power plant less energy, must be used immediately. space, especially to attract investors to government department, therefore, it carried over to provide leadership at and has not paid attention to completing The Government is also concentrating that country. It is therefore possible to is our duty to meet all your energy the CEB? the power plant projects that had been on the conversion of high-cost diesel incorporate electricity as a deciding factor needs. We provide you with energy, In brief, for the Ceylon Electricity initiated under the previous Government. power plants to LNG (liquefied natural in the country’s growth. and it is your responsibility and duty Board, we see this as an administratively Moreover, Sri Lanka’s average annual gas) power plants. to safely consume it. Therefore, we poor time and a tragic period that was electricity demand is rising by 5% to 6%. In this regard, doesn’t the encourage consumers to sparingly use caused by the previous Government. The In this way, in order to meet the rising What steps have been taken to bring 2020 financial report display a energy, recognising that an additional Ceylon Electricity Board has announced a demand for electricity of the entire market, about this transition so far? promising picture? unit of electricity you spend will have revenue shortfall of Rs. 85 billion in 2019, they resorted to purchasing diesel-powered In order to make the Ceylon Electricity Yes. We placed the loss at Rs. 90 a significant economic impact not only if we look at the next financial year. For units at high prices. Due to such a big Board successful, it has been debated for billion last year. But we have been able on you, but also on the country. Thursday, February 4, 2021 Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 9 10

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Independence Day celebrations of 2020 PHOTOS LALITH PERERA Thursday, February 4, 2021 Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7 Page 11 124

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BOI anticipates business projects worth Tile import ban U-turn $ 2 b this year after record CSE fall BY KAREN HAPUARACHCHI z Covid-19 pandemic on its business. The Board of Investment (BOI) Ceramic In a disclosure to the Colombo Stock is expecting $ 2 billion worth of shares gain Exchange (CSE) in May 2020, Lanka projects to come into the country Walltiles PLC Managing Director this year. on Wednesday J. A. P. M. Jayasekera said that the Speaking to The Morning imports ban, which included tiles and Business, Board of Investment compared to related accessories, is expected to have Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala a positive effect on the company’s said that the anticipated projects drop on day operations in the medium term. are under the progress of getting Speaking to The Morning Business, signed. It was also said that of relaxation local ceramic manufacturer Mackson the projects include real estate, Tiles Lanka Managing Director further development of the port BOI Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala announcement Mohamed Mizver following the city and other projects that will relaxation of the ban on Tuesday (2) influence a boost in the growth and there’s multiple dialogues BY MADHUSHA THAVAPALAKUMAR welcomed the move, and added that of the economy. going on. The investors are taking Following a U-turn made by the local manufacturers can only cater to “Regarding the new projects advantage of the opportunities of Government with regard to the of Lading or Airway Bill of said goods. closed at Rs. 221.75. Royal Ceramics about 50-60% of the country’s ceramic that are starting this year in terms the investor bubble; many have stringent import ban imposed on However, within a few hours after Lanka PLC share prices dropped by requirements. of real estate, in terms of the port put forward the interest to travel ceramic imports into the country, relaxing stringent import restrictions 16.51% compared to the previous day “The government told us earlier city and all that; we should have to Sri Lanka in the coming week,” share prices of ceramic at the imposed on ceramic imports through and closed at Rs. 319.75. It should be that they want to enhance the local a pipeline of about give or take, added Mohottala. Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) the Extraordinary Gazette Notification, noted that Sri Lankan entrepreneur production of tiles. We have ordered $ 2 billion,” stated Mohottala. Moreover, the BOI Chairman closed the trading yesterday (3) in an instruction was issued by the Dhammika Perera is the Chairman of new machinery to increase the Furthermore, the BOI informed also expressed views about the green. Department of Import and Export all three aforementioned companies. production capacity. The problem that there are many international country and the investments to Ceramic stocks dropped by double- Control Department for Sri Lanka Nevertheless, after the announcement in the tile industry is the production investors keen to invest in Sri projects further in the present year. digit percentages on Tuesday (2) Customs and all commercial banks made by the Department of Import cannot be increased at a rapid phase Lankan businesses and projects. “If you look at the Sri Lankan following the Government’s decision to suspend the implementation of the and Export control in the early hours because the machinery is a bit In addition to this, it was also said point of view, there are a lot to relax the import ban imposed on said Extraordinary Gazette until further of Wednesday (3), aforementioned complicated and it has to come from that the investors are utilising the of opportunities for industries ceramic imports last year, however, the notice. shares recorded gain compared to the Italy which will take at least about 5-6 investor bubble scheme and are to expand. It all depends on Government swiftly revised the decision As the Extraordinary Gazette issued previous day. Lanka Walltiles share months until we get the machinery interested to visit the country to how Sri Lanka will come out yesterday (3), as the ASPI recorded the by Premier and Minister of Finance price grew by 6.88% and closed at Rs. installed and start the production. continue their business affairs in of the pandemic and after the biggest drop in history this Tuesday (2). Rajapakse became void within 24 hours 237 while Royal Ceramics grew by Ceramic prices in the local market relation to the country. vaccinations take effect where On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mahinda by an instructure issued by the controller 4.85% to close at Rs. 335.25. Lanka will stabilise now,” added Mizver. “There are high profile investors it is safer, and once we get Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Minister general of Department of Import and Tiles’ share price grew by 4.02% and To avoid a possible foreign exchange from Europe, the United States, the production stability, more of Finance, issuing a gazette notification Export control, sources stated that it closed the day at Rs. 233 per share. crisis, in mid-March last year, at the and India but beyond that, there investments would be coming “deleted” the ceramic items from could be an indication of a growing Lanka Walltiles is the market beginning of the local spread of the are always investors to come in, in,” he further commented. “Schedule I” of the Imports and Exports rift between Premier Rajapaksa and leader in wall tile manufacturing in virus, the Sri Lankan Government (Control) Regulation No. 04 of 2020, President Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka and has the capacity to brought in import restrictions on non- published in the Gazette Extraordinary On the same day of the announcement produce 2.3 million square metres essential items. However, on 1 April No. 21841/21 dated 16 July 2020, and of import ban relaxation, the share price of tiles annually, and exports to a 2020, this was revised to include all included them in “Schedule II” of said of Lanka Tiles PLC dropped by 19.93% number of countries. In May 2020, import items except pharmaceuticals Gazette. Schedule II stipulates that items compared to Monday (1) and closed at Lanka Walltiles stated that it believes and fuel. Despite the restriction, can be imported only on a minimum Rs. 224. Meanwhile Lanka Walltiles the restrictions imposed on imports, necessary raw material required for 180-day credit facility provided by the PLC dropped by 19.87% on Tuesday if persisted by the Government, will export purposes were allowed to be foreign supplier, from the date of Bill (2) compared to the previous day and serve to minimise the impact of the brought into the country. CSE reclarifies 1 Feb circular In a statement issued yesterday (3), the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) noted that the circular it issued on 1 February, on information pertaining to credit extended Kamal Punchihewa by stockbroker firms, has not in any way placed restrictions appointed CEO of on the ability of stockbroker firms to extend credit on any particular security. Maskeliya Plantations The statement further noted Maskeliya Plantations that the CSE does not have any announced the appointment of limitations of any kind on the Kamal Punchihewa as its new tradability of any security by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) any investor. in a stock exchange disclosure The statement comes yesterday (3). following a circular issued The disclosure also noted on 1 February requesting that Kamal Punchihewa does information on credit extended not currently hold any shares by stock broker firms. The in Maskeliya Plantations. information required by the Kamal G. Punchihewa started CSE included debtors’ and by the stockbroker firm, and PLC, LOLC Holdings PLC, Securities and Exchange not to single out any specific his career in 1983, and was creditors’ age analyses for confirmation of liquid assets Expolanka Holdings PLC, Commission (SEC) and the entity or investor. appointed as a Partner of M/s Kamal Punchihewa specified categories, the less obligations as at the end of Industrial Asphalts (Ceylon) CSE to better understand The CSE further added B.R. De Silva & Co. in 1991. computation of excess of each week, commencing from PLC, Sierra Cables PLC, the nature of such credit that it welcomes the recent He joined Kotagala Plantations joined the Browns Group in cost-over-market value for the week ending 22 January BPPL Holdings PLC, and extended, purely for purposes heightened activity levels of Ltd. as a Financial Controller October 2016 as Group CEO of unsettled purchase transaction 2021. Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC. of analysing and assessing the stock market, and is acutely in 1992, and was appointed as the plantation sector, in charge on an individual client basis, In addition to this, However, yesterday, the systemic risks in fulfilling aware of its responsibilities in Group Financial Controller of of three regional plantation overdraft position of each stockbroker firms were also CSE stated that the request its functions to maintain the supporting the medium and the George Steuart Group of companies, and later served as client fund and firm fund asked to forward the reports and for information was done stability of the market and for long term sustainability of all Companies, and also as the CEO of Maturata Plantations bank account maintained analysis of Browns Investments routinely to enable the the protection of investors, and market participants. Director Finance of George Ltd. in the same Group. He Steuart Auto Supplies (Pvt.) joined Arpico Group in August Ltd., in 1997. 2020 and currently serves as its He rejoined the plantation CEO – Plantation Sector. First Capital concludes Rs. 2 b debenture issue sector as General Manager He served as the Vice z Oversubscribed on opening day z – Finance of Kahawatte President of SAPPTA in Debt-structuring business continues momentum Plantations Ltd. in 2002. He 2019/20, and currently The listed, rated, Commenting on the an investment option at First Capital’s debt- took an overseas appointment serves as a Board Director unsecured, senior, Issuance, First Capital a critical juncture in the structuring business in 2005 as the Financial of the Plantation Human redeemable debenture Holdings PLC Director/ economic revitalisation alone has reported Controller of PT Agro Bukit Development Trust (PHDT), issue of First Capital CEO Dilshan Wirasekara of the country, the impressive growth in Indonesia and subsequently and is a committee member Holdings PLC, with a said the oversubscription issuance provides 2020 and continues its was appointed as the Head of of The Rubber Institute (TRI) five-year tenure, was of the debenture issuance optimum returns amidst momentum this year, Finance – Plantation Operations Consultative Committee and oversubscribed on its reflected the confidence a very low interest rate having helped corporate and Business Support for Good the Ceylon Planters’ Provident opening day, 1 February. that the public and the environment. raise Rs. 42 billion. Hope Asia Group – Indonesia. Society (CPPS). First Capital Holdings investor community have First Capital First Capital is He joined Lankem Tea and He is a fellow graduate PLC, having received placed on us, given First expressed its delight a member of the Rubber Plantations (Pvt.) Ltd. of the Institute of Chartered a substantial number of Capital’s three decades that its corporate finance Janashakthi Group, First Capital Holdings PLC CEO Dilshan Wirasekara in April 2011 as Director/ Accountants of Sri Lanka, applications, decided to of financial stability, division was able to focused on delivering stockbroker, corporate Capital Holdings PLC Deputy CEO, and was promoted and Associate Member of the exercise the option of performance, and jointly manage this issue “performance first” advisory, debt is rated (SL) A with a as the CEO of Agarapatana Certified Public Accountants increasing the issue up governance framework. with the People’s Bank through its operations structuring, and wealth stable outlook by ICRA Plantations Ltd. in 2014. He of Australia. to Rs. 2 billion. Offering investors with investment banking unit. as primary dealer, management. First Lanka Ltd. business 13 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { ECONOMY/FINANCE } „„ www.themorning.lk Grievances faced by SMEs in the pandemic BY ZAHIDA RIZVI Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are an integral part of the economy and hold significant potential by contributing to 45% of domestic employment and 52% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Although SMEs act as the backbone when the prices of fabric rise due to the Sri Lankan economy, it has key to the limited number of suppliers constraints that prevent its growth. available, it results in a rise in the cost SMEs lack the collateral that many of production. lending organisations insist on and “Cost incurred to obtain the raw often cannot afford to pay the high materials has risen causing SMEs to interest rates charged on loan. face difficulty in balancing the cash Allocating adequate resources flows,’’ he added. and opportunity for the SMEs can add value to global value chains and CBSL introduces new working capitalise on international markets. capital or investment purpose Sri Lanka lags behind other Asian loan countries in terms of export figures, The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and it’s export portfolio is relatively (CBSL) decided to set up a limited, with a small amount of refinancing facility directed by the companies accounting for a majority Cabinet of Ministers to introduce a of export revenue, expanding through wide range of fiscal and financial SMEs is a good way to facilitate concessions for Covid-19. much-needed growth. Financial institutions may grant an additional loan or a new loan facility SMEs impacted by the of 4% for the Covid working capital pandemic or investment loans to be granted to be repaid over five years at an interest entity,” he added. has been reportedly forced to cut a The pandemic has created a deeper SMEs, subjecting to the following rate equal to a maximum of AWPLR If the Government can mediate by significant number of jobs. gap for SMEs to be eligible for a conditions, provided that the borrower (Average Weighted Prime Lending implementing a guarantee system Sri Lankan Labour Department working capital loan due to the lack of submits a credible business plan. Rate) plus 1.5%. by looking over the working capital Commissioner Madhawe collateral required by banks and other The working capital purpose loan Financial institutions may obtain structure or cash flow situation rather Gunawardena pointed out during lending organisations. facility to eligible performing and suitable collateral to mitigate the than solely looking into the security the webinar discussion hosted by The Sri Lankan Government’s non-performing borrowers in Rupees risk relating to any additional credit per se. SMEs will have a few more IPS, a wider social security coverage plan to restrict the imports of not exceeding Rs. 25 million per facilities granted under this refinance months to navigate through this will be implemented as directed by finished garments from international bank per borrower and Rs. 10 million facility. situation. the Cabinet of Ministers to cover suppliers will impact SMEs to incur per other financial institutions per Strengthening SMEs and their outsourced workers who are at risk lower margins and working capital borrower or two months working SMEs struggling to access access to the export market could due to the continuous attempt to possibilities. The major percentage capital requirement whichever is 4% Covid-19 working capital thereby present a viable solution to reduce labour cost. of raw materials used by SMEs is higher, based on the requirement for loan reducing these risks, while improving delivered by international suppliers working capital cycle. Such loans However, Lesova Holdings (Pvt.) export earnings, and diversifying the Conclusion and only a partial supply of raw shall be repaid over two years at an Ltd. Director Jayasinghe expressed his export portfolio. The economic burden induced by materials is accounted from the local interest rate equal to 4% p.a. CBSL concerns during the webinar regarding the pandemic is not borne evenly and markets. will subsidise interest costs up to 4% SMEs struggling to access the loan Workers impacted by the has vastly impacted the vulnerable Speaking during a webinar for licensed banks and up to 7% for provided by the bank and government pandemic portions of Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, “Recovery of Sri Lanka’s Apparel other financial institutions as a rebate. due to the structural issue. Workers in almost every sector have the SMEs, and the workers facing loss Sector from the Covid-19 Crisis”, The investment purpose loan “Multiple SMEs have not been been affected, and informal workers of jobs and income incurred. hosted by Institute of Policy Studies facility to be granted only by banks granted the 4% working capital who make up about 70% of the To protect the economy and of Sri Lanka (IPS), Lesova Holdings and only for performing borrowers in loan since SMEs run under sole workforce, and especially those in the improve economic growth, it is (Pvt.) Ltd. Director Malith Jayasinghe Rupees not exceeding Rs. 300 million proprietorship and partnership find it industries and low-end services such crucial that concrete strategies are put pointed out that fabric amounts to per bank per borrower to expand difficult to access the loan due to the as trade. The apparel industry, which in place to strengthen SMEs and their around 60-65% of the garments, business activities. Such loans shall lack of security kept under the SME employs about half a million workers, access to the export market. Softlogic Life achieves best MDRT turnout with 169 members z Also receives five TOT and six COT Sri Lankan life insurer Softlogic Life announced that 169 members of their sales team had qualified for the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) membership. The Softlogic Life sales team achieved the highest number of MDRT Piramal Glass records qualifiers produced by the company in a single year. This is also a testament to the commitment of Softlogic Life in training and producing high- calibre advisors to provide unique life Rs. 5.9 m turnover insurance solutions to their customers, z the company said. In the last three quarters of 2020 This year, out of the 169 members, Piramal Glass Ceylon PLC (PCG) countries like Australia, the US, and shareholding in the company to PGP five advisors received the highest reported its nine-month results as at India. However, the company is said Glass (Pvt.) Ltd. PGP Glass (Pvt.) MDRT honour of being a TOT (Top of 31 December 2020, with a turnover to be optimistic of recovering the Ltd. (formerly known as Pristine Table) member while six Softlogic Life of Rs. 5.9 million and profit after tax deferred export sales in Q4 once the Glass [Pvt.] Ltd.) is a private limited advisors have received the prestigious (PAT) of Rs. 694 million, against Rs. situation is normalised. company incorporated under the laws COT (Court of Table) membership. 5.8 million and Rs. 330 million in Explaining the company’s export of the Republic of India. Congratulating all MDRT qualifiers the previous year during the similar strategy, PCG Executive Director and Piramal Glass Ceylon (formerly of 2020, Softlogic Life Managing period. COO Sanjay Jain said that as a part of Ceylon Glass Company) is a glass Director (MD) Iftikar Ahamed said: The company reported a growth of their strategy, the company continues bottle manufacturing plant in Sri “It is really encouraging to see the 2% in revenue with 110% growth in to make inroads to new international Lanka. It had the opportunity of tremendous growth of our MDRT force PAT. The domestic sales during the markets with product launches. coming under the Piramal Group in and see the success of our efforts over period market grew by 6% from Rs. This quarter witnessed new 1999. Presently located in Horana, the past few years. We are keen to 3.98 million to Rs. 4.17 million whilst launches in Australia, India, Angola, it has been in existence for 65 years. recognise and groom our sales team a marginal drop was seen in the export the UK, and Rwanda. The strategy to The company, originally located in members for the prestigious MDRT market from Rs. 1.85 million in F20 expand and innovate in new product Ratmalana, was relocated to Horana in membership and in a tough year like to Rs. 1.78 million in F21. development and increased global 2007 as a Board of Investment (BOI) 2020, which was marred by a pandemic; During the quarter (Q3) under footprint has helped the company to venture. PGC at its manufacturing it is an outstanding achievement to review, revenue of Rs. 2.4 million mitigate demand fluctuations in its facility has the capability to offer produce the highest number of MDRT was achieved against Rs. 2.3 million existing markets due to the pandemic glass containers in different shapes qualifiers who enable our company to of the corresponding period during the situation. and colours for multiple industries drive quality and productivity. This previous year. The company reported For the quarter under review, the such as food, liquor, pharmaceuticals, qualification gives our advisors a higher a profit after tax of Rs. 378 million gross margin increased from 23% agrochemicals, and soft drinks. recognition to drive our business with for the quarter against Rs. 236 million to 27% compared with the similar The Piramal Group led by Ajay G. more confidence and prestige even at of the corresponding quarter in the period of the previous year, whilst Piramal is claimed to be one of India’s a testing time like this.” Softlogic Life Managing Director Iftikar Softlogic Life Chief Operating Officer previous year, reflecting a growth for the period of nine months ended foremost business conglomerates. In 2019, Softlogic Life launched an Ahamed Indu Attygala of 60%. 31 December 2020 the gross profit Furthermore, the Piramal Group has a MDRT Aspirant’s Club to strengthen The sales to the domestic market margin has increased from 20% to presence in healthcare, drug discovery its team of insurance advisors further. professional development of our sales achievement is a significant milestone grew by 12% from Rs. 1.5 million to 22%. and research, glass, real estate, and It was set up primarily to groom and staff, and we are constantly on the for Softlogic Life, which goes to show Rs. 1.6 million. In the export segment Piramal Glass (Pvt.) Ltd., the financial services. The Piramal Group equip potential MDRT winners through lookout for top talent. We believe in the level of commitment, resiliency, and the sales declined by 10% with Rs. controlling shareholder of the also pursues sustained community a series of workshops and programmes investing to support their development professionalism of our sales team shown 722 million against Rs. 803 million company, entered into a share sale activities in healthcare, education, set up regularly throughout the year. as well as providing state-of-the-art in a tough year like 2020,” Softlogic in the corresponding period last year, and purchase agreement dated 10 emergency medical services, and “At Softlogic Life, we always tools for enhanced productivity to serve Life Chief Operating Officer (COO) mainly due to restricted options to December 2020 for the sale of its heritage restoration. focus heavily on the importance of our customer base efficiently. This Indu Attygala added. 14 business „„ www.themorning.lk { CORPORATE } Thursday, February 4, 2021 Fairfirst offers Lili Cheese and travel insurance Unilever ranked NSF introduce with Covid cover whey protein milk Fairfirst Insurance is now offering travel insurance by covering expenses arising no. 1 employer from Covid-19. Allowing Unilever Sri Lanka was recently adjudged the “No. 1 Employer” aim is to continue to invest in consumers to continue on for the ninth consecutive year in a universal survey conducted building human beings who can their travels, Fairfirst Travel by Nielsen. thrive and prosper as leaders of Insurance aims to ensure that The “Employer of Choice” to support academic institutions the future for a better business not only do customers get to survey is conducted annually and undergraduates by co-creating and a better world,” said Unilever experience their travels, but amongst a student base comprising impactful learning initiatives Sri Lanka Director of Human they get to travel with a plan undergraduates from both local that match university skills with Resources Ananya Sabharwal. designed to cover expenses and private universities across all job market needs, fulfilling Unilever Sri Lanka declared to against risks arising from streams including management, requirements fit for the future of have developed several innovative Covid-19. science, and engineering faculties. work.” programmes to attract the best talent NSF Chairman Prof. Ranjith Senaratne, NSF Assistant Director With the focus of making Undergraduate respondents provide “We take sincere pride in being in the island, including the Unilever General Dr. Thamara Dias, and Lili Cheese Chairman Sunil travel safe again, Fairfirst scores for attributes such as close recognised time and again as the student ambassador programme Rodrigo at the launch Travel Insurance offers engagement with the company, ‘Employer of Choice’. At Unilever “SPARKS” which invites them to benefits which can be Fairfirst Chief Technical career opportunities provided, Sri Lanka, we have an unwavering become ambassadors for Unilever Whey protein became a This product is said to purchased from customers’ Officer (CTO) Priyantha Perera large investments made into commitment towards building within their campuses. popular source of nutrition help keep your body in a homes via the company’s undergraduate programmes, and future leaders. Our employees The Unilever Future Leaders for women and children positive protein balance website, contacting severity, or the nature of the similarities between companies across levels often fondly call programme, the Unilever Leaders engaged in sports in a to help promote exercise respective agents via injury/sickness, disease and/ and their future goals, for which us a leadership university, as internship programme, the Unilever variety of forms. Taking recovery, provide sustained Whatsapp or by reaching or compulsory quarantine, Unilever Sri Lanka scored the they recognise and cherish the Challenge, the industrial trainee the impotency of whey energy, and help build out to the company hotline. warrants the customer’s highest. development experiences a programme, and Gen-Next beverage into consideration, lean muscle. These products The travel insurance emergency evacuation). Unilever Sri Lanka Chairperson Unilever career provides. We also internship programme act as the the product development of also deliver nutrients and designed to cover expenses Another advantage includes and Managing Director Hajar strive to nurture an environment main channels of entry to Unilever. whey protein beverage was high-quality proteins to that are in relation to the 24-hour global assistance Alafifi Laadel said: “We where diversity and inclusion are Furthermore, the company has initiated in Sri Lanka as a conveniently help you Covid pandemic is said along with benefits, which believe wholeheartedly in talent celebrated, and are consciously also carried out a host of campus joint effort of the National bridge the gap between to consist of various also include personal accident, development, whether it be at creating a culture where employees projects and engagement initiatives, Science Foundation (NSF) meals and are more suitable benefits which includes baggage loss, baggage delay, Unilever or within Sri Lanka. are encouraged to discover their reaching over 9,000 students and Lili Cheese, which for sportsmen and women. the following: Firstly, trip curtailment, personal Talent, like gems, shine brighter unique purpose and invest in through guest lectures, teaching is a farmhouse cheese The Lili brand claims to Medical expenses arising liability, loss of passport, trip the more one polishes them. It is their wellbeing. Our university sessions, and industry exposure manufacturer in Sri Lanka. be introducing a product from accidents and delay, and trip cancellation, our duty, therefore, as a responsible programmes for students echo interventions. Unilever has also The intent of the research developed with the assistance illnesses, including treatment in addition to other listed corporate citizen, to recognise the all these sentiments and we are been hosting the Youth Forum for was to produce a whey of the NSF, made with whey for Covid-19 when abroad, reasons of the policy (other importance of nurturing them to humbled by our interventions being the last seven years, and this year, beverage rich in natural protein extracted from up to $ 100,000. Secondly, than Covid-19). blossom and become leaders of recognised as best practices in talent it was held virtually, engaging the protein as the liquid base fresh milk and fresh fruit irrecoverable unused travel Fairfirst Chief Technical tomorrow. We remain committed attraction and development. Our participation of over 400 students. for a beverage and utilise extract, which results in a and accommodation costs Officer (CTO) Priyantha natural fresh fruit extracts natural product without added and other pre-paid charges Perera stated: “As the world to formulate a product water, artificial flavours, if the customer has canceled has evolved to live in the consisting high organoleptic colours, and preservatives. their trip due to their travel new normal, we as an insurer properties for all age groups. NSF Chairman Prof. Ranjith companions/close relatives must do the same in order CIPM, Ruhuna Uni sign MoU A broad and informal market Senaratne stated in the product contracting Covid-19. to support the lifestyles of evaluation was carried out launch that “it is a milestone Furthermore, expenses customers in this new age. and it finalised the formulas of the efforts of the National incurred if injury, sickness, By being the first insurer tested and certified its Science Foundation and the disease and/or compulsory to offer a travel experience nutrition content. Sri Lankan dairy industry”. quarantine results in the that covers expenses arising customer’s emergency from Covid-19, it shows that evacuation - within Medical our optimism has helped us SLT-MOBITEL Annual Limits of $ 100,000.00 (In evolve to offer unique and order to fulfill an emergency global service standards, Report secures awards evacuation, the customer whatever the challenge SLT-MOBITEL, the been the world’s premier needs to prove that the may be.” national ICT solutions annual report competition provider, recently received for 30 years. The Awards three international awards are globally recognised, SAT brings Veritas for its Annual Report 2019 providing a platform for themed “Every Step of the the highest standards in the Technologies to SL Way, with every Fibre of annual report industry. our Being”, the company SLT-MOBITEL Group South Asian Technologies announced recently. Chief Executive Officer Lalith (Pvt.) Ltd. (SAT), CIPM Sri Lanka President Jayantha Amarasinghe and University of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor Senior Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena The Sri Lanka Telecom Seneviratne commented on an information and after signing the MoU PLC Annual Report 2019 was the prestigious recognition: communication technology adjudged the 1st Runner up “SLT-MOBITEL is one of product partner, has been The Chartered Institute of other officials of CIPM and the conferences conducted by CIPM in the “Communication and the best run companies in the said to have brought in Personnel Management Sri Lanka University of Ruhuna gathered at on themes of HRM discipline and Information Technology” island, with a strong corporate Veritas Technologies to the (CIPM Sri Lanka) and the Faculty the university premises in Matara topics; provide opportunities to serve category at the 24th governance mechanism and a Sri Lankan market. of Management and Finance of the to launch the partnership. as resource personnel in the conduct South Asian Federation robust financial management As a global enterprise University of Ruhuna entered into “We are confident that this of academic and professional of Accountants (SAFA) framework. As the largest in data management, this a Memorandum of Understanding mutually beneficial partnership of programmes including study in Best Presented Annual ICT infrastructure provider top-tier product is marketed (MoU) recently to build up collaboration and interaction will be programmes, seminars, workshops, Report Awards, Integrated in Sri Lanka, and as a profit- by its subsidiary Ezoref mechanisms to strengthen, promote, a platform for developing and broad- and conferences in HRM; and vice- Reporting Award, and making majority state-owned Technologies, a distributor and develop institutional-level basing professional HRM skills versa, thereby mutually broadening SAARC Anniversary Award company, the company for next generation collaboration and interaction in the and competencies while providing the horizons of the academic staff for Corporate Governance is fully transparent in its cybersecurity software in field of human resource management additional opportunities for self- members. Disclosures 2019 ceremony. financial reporting, and it Sri Lanka. (HRM). development,” said CIPM President “We are delighted to enter into The company also secured is that commitment that is Optimising on the recent SAT CEO Sanjaya The MoU was signed by CIPM Amerasinghe. this mutually beneficial MoU the bronze award for the reflected in these prestigious rise in global interest Padmaperuma Sri Lanka President Jayantha Under the terms of the MoU, with CIPM Sri Lanka, which will “Annual Report Cover international awards. SLT- towards obtaining premier Amarasinghe and University of CIPM will award a gold medal and provide an additional gateway to Photo/ Design” and an MOBITEL has always been at data-related brands, SAT, the best in breed solutions. Ruhuna Vice Chancellor senior Prof. a cash award to the outstanding our HRM students to professional honours award for “Financial the forefront in industry, and through Ezoref, declared As Veritas has been a Sujeewa Amarasena. student in HRM and a merit qualifications that are highly Data” in the category of the recognition afforded to our to guarantee superiority. global leader in the data CIPM CEO U.A.C. Obeyesekere, scholarship for a student in HRM recognised by the industry and more “Telecommunication” in the efforts encourages us to move Furthemore, SAT claimed management market space, CIPM Chief Officer/Director to follow CIPM’s professional study opportunities for our academic staff International ARC Awards forth with determination”. to have stepped into the the SAT team is extremely and Professional and Academic programmes each year, while HRM hone their skills,” said University 2020 ceremony. The Sri Lanka Telecom digitalisation age with a excited at the prospect Affairs G. Weerathunge, CIPM graduates of the of the Faculty of of Ruhuna Vice Chancellor senior The awards organised by PLC Annual Report 2019 – vision to deliver what it of securing our clientele Professional and Academic Affairs Management and Finance of the Prof. Amarasena. the South Asian Federation “Every Step of the Way... With promises consumers. with a product that has a and Committee Member Janaka university will be provided with CIPM and the Department of of Accountants (SAFA) is every Fibre of our Being” Veritas Technologies is proven history with Fortune De Silva, CIPM Professional and the opportunity to apply for CIPM- HRM are also said to undertake considered the accolade for was designed to highlight the known as a global enterprise 500 companies across the Academic Affairs and Committee affiliate membership. research work relating to the financial reporting in the South “big picture”. SLT-MOBITEL in data management with an globe.” Member W.D.R. Senadeera, Ruhuna CIPM is also said to provide discipline of HRM. The University Asian region, and has been states to have accomplished estimated 50,000 enterprises With a reputation for University Faculty of Management opportunities for academic staff of Ruhuna declares to take necessary said to promote excellence many attributes with a or more, including 90% reliability at scale and a and Finance Prof. Samantha members of the Department of steps to recognise CIPM’s Chartered in financial reporting for single purpose of providing of the Fortune 500; relies deployment model to fit Kumara-Dean, Head of Department HRM of the university to participate Qualification in Human Resource over two decades. The ARC the products and services on Veritas to abstract IT any required needs, Veritas of HRM Dr. Bandula Galhena, and in seminars, workshops, and Management (CQHRM). Awards claims to have consumers need. complexity, and simplifies is said to support more data management. than 500 data sources and The company’s “enterprise over 150 storage targets, data services platform” including 50 clouds. SINGER manufacturing plants deploy IFSERP system automates protection, Moreover, Veritas is the IFS, the global enterprise applications the fact that technology is an enabler of Lanka PLC CEO Mahesh Wijewardene. orchestrates the recovery sole data centre backup company, announced that the Singer business continuity during challenging “A diversified business such as ours of data, claims to ensure and recovery solution that Group manufacturing factory based times. requires robust and user-friendly tools availability at all times of has been categorised as a in Piliyandala, and Regnis Lanka PLC IFS claims to encourage Singer to ensure there is only one version of the week of business-critical Gartner Magic Quadrant Ratmalana, the manufacturing facilities manufacturing factories to consolidate the truth, and that we are using reliable, applications, and provides leader over the last 15 years. of the Sri Lankan home appliance and business processes and provide visibility real-time data to inform our decision- enterprises with the insights Veritas Technologies electronics retailer, have chosen IFS in real time for its head office. Drawing making. We look forward to building a they need to comply with encourages businesses of as their central ERP platform to boost on the browser-based IFS Aurena user business technology platform that will evolving data regulations. all sizes to discover essential productivity and decision-making. experience, staff will be able to work help our company through our next phase Commenting on the information and as their Regnis (Lanka) PLC manufactures efficiently regardless of location, driving of growth,” he added. expansion of its portfolio, most important digital asset. white goods, including a range of user productivity and performance. IFS Managing Director and VP of SAT CEO Sanjaya A key component in refrigerators and washing machines IFS declares to support all major Sales South Asia Shiraz Lye commented: Padmaperuma said: “With the growth of Veritas, as that are sold through its parent company business processes, including “We are proud of the continued trust and the increasing necessity a fundamental innovative Singer (Sri Lanka) PLC. The IFS solution manufacturing, supply chain management, confidence that Singer has placed in for digitalisation in the tool, is its comprehensive was implemented across five factories: demand planning, inventory management, our people and products. Our solutions workspace now more than solutions. Consisting Singer solid furniture, Singer modular distribution and route planning, after- have been designed to power complex ever, organisations need primarily of backup and furniture, and Singer agro and domestic sales service management, and financials, businesses running multi-site operations, proven solutions to help recovery, SAAS backup, water pumps, as well as Regnis Lanka’s as well as human capital management providing decision-makers with the right secure their businesses. replication, archiving, refrigerator manufacturing and washing (HCM) and payroll. data to make informed decisions. IFS Adding Veritas to our high availability, and machine manufacturing branches. “We are excited to embark on this will continue to deliver the outcomes existing portfolio gives data insights, Veritas The fact that the project implementation journey of digital transformation to our expected by the business and build a Ezoref a more omniscient declares to continue to was carried out under the new normal, manufacturing bases with IFS, whose more robust technology platform that opportunity to equip our exceed expectations of its utilising mostly online and remote technology has been underpinning our will help Singer through its next phase Singer Sri Lanka PLC Group CEO Mahesh Wijewardene partners and customers with worldwide clientele. resources, is said to be a testament to operations since 2006,” said Singer Sri of profitable growth”. business 15 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { MARKET } „„ www.themorning.lk Unit trust prices­ at 2 Feb. 2021 CSE Price List 3 Feb. 2021 Fund name Unit selling price...... Unit buying price SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE SE­CUR­I­TY VOLUME V.W.A. OPEN HIGH LOW V.W.A. CHANGE ASTRUE Active Income Fund 100.6046...... 100.6046 PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) PREVIOUS TODAY’S (RS.) Astrue Alpha Fund 16.6282...... 15.6018 A.SPEN.HOT.HOLD...... 8,053...... 31.9...... 31...... 33.9...... 31...... 33.9...... 2 S M B LEASING [SEMB.X0000]...... 11,483,028...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.6...... 0.4...... 0.5...... 0.1 Assetline Income Fund 16.8029...... 16.8029 ABANS...... 8,637...... 165.25...... 175...... 180...... 161.25...... 177...... 11.75 SAMPATH...... 1,907,802...... 180.5...... 183...... 190...... 175...... 179.75...... -0.75 ACCESS ENG SL...... 1,824,088...... 26.2...... 27.9...... 28...... 25.3...... 27...... 0.8 SAMSON INTERNAT...... 148...... 151...... 149.75...... 149.75...... 146...... 146.75...... -4.25 Assetline Income Plus Growth Fund 18.0258...... 17.5253 ACL...... 515,086...... 90.2...... 96...... 102.75...... 91...... 100...... 9.8 SANASA DEV. BANK...... 300,960...... 60...... 60.7...... 65.5...... 60...... 64.7...... 4.7 Senfin Growth Fund 9.3200...... 8.9900 ACL PLASTICS...... 18,214...... 302...... 285...... 318...... 285...... 304.25...... 2.25 SEYLAN BANK...... 145,997...... 52.9...... 50...... 58...... 50...... 57.3...... 4.4 Senfin Money Market Fund 15.0552...... 15.0552 ACME...... 139,880...... 6...... 6.3...... 6.3...... 5.9...... 6...... 0 SEYLAN BANK [SEYB.X0000]...... 3,398,039...... 46...... 47...... 50.5...... 46.5...... 49.5...... 3.5 Senfin Shariah Balanced Fund 12.3800...... 12.0800 AGALAWATTE...... 2,050...... 28.7...... 29.8...... 29.8...... 27.4...... 27.6...... -1.1 SEYLAN DEVTS...... 121,809...... 16.2...... 15.9...... 17...... 15.9...... 16.2...... 0 Senfin Shariah Income Fund 12.4184...... 12.4184 AHOT PROPERTIES...... 24,001...... 40...... 40.5...... 41.5...... 40...... 40.1...... 0.1 SIERRA CABL...... 351,682...... 7.1...... 7.5...... 8...... 7...... 7.6...... 0.5 Ceybank Century Growth 79.8800...... 76.3700 AITKEN SPENCE...... 322,889...... 64.6...... 64.5...... 70...... 64.5...... 66.7...... 2.1 SIGIRIYA VILLAGE...... 14,230...... 37...... 36.8...... 38...... 36.8...... 37.5...... 0.5 Ceybank Gilt Edge Fund (A Series) 12.3741...... 12.3741 ALLIANCE...... 3,595...... 54.1...... 55.8...... 55.9...... 54.3...... 55...... 0.9 SINGER FINANCE...... 103,869...... 15.6...... 15...... 15.9...... 14.6...... 15.6...... 0 Ceybank Gilt Edged Fund (B Series) 14.4776...... 14.4776 AMANA BANK...... 1,000,037...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 3.8...... 3.5...... 3.6...... 0.1 SLT...... 51,778...... 35.9...... 36...... 37...... 35.8...... 37...... 1.1 Ceybank High Yield Fund 13.8043...... 13.8043 AMAYA LEISURE...... 4,884...... 39.7...... 39.5...... 40...... 38...... 40...... 0.3 SUNSHINE HOLDING...... 53,743...... 89...... 95...... 95...... 89...... 93.1...... 4.1 Ceybank Surakum Fund 12.3741...... 12.3741 ASIA ASSET...... 15,684...... 7.3...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 7.3...... 7.5...... 0.2 SWISSTEK...... 332,367...... 122.5...... 130...... 140...... 116...... 136.25...... 13.75 ASIRI...... 121,691...... 28.6...... 28.6...... 30.4...... 28.6...... 29.9...... 1.3 TALAWAKELLE...... 47,652...... 88.5...... 93...... 97.9...... 90.5...... 95.4...... 6.9 Ceybank Unit Trust 27.3700...... 25.6800 ASIRI SURG...... 7,860...... 13.7...... 16...... 16...... 14...... 15...... 1.3 TANGERINE...... 8,585...... 41...... 41.2...... 41.2...... 41...... 41...... 0 Ceylon Dollar Bond Fund (in $) 0.7326...... 0.7289 AUTODROME...... 2,087...... 84...... 75.1...... 80...... 75.1...... 80...... -4 TEA SMALLHOLDER...... 419...... 40.7...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 41...... 0.3 Ceylon Financial Sector Fund 7.8200...... 7.4700 BAIRAHA FARMS...... 57,778...... 144.75...... 152.75...... 152.75...... 144...... 147.5...... 2.75 TEEJAY LANKA...... 426,817...... 39.9...... 41...... 42...... 39.3...... 41...... 1.1 Ceylon Income Fund 22.1900...... 22.1900 BALANGODA...... 24,895...... 15.2...... 15.1...... 15.7...... 14.5...... 15.2...... 0 THREE ACRE FARMS...... 68,737...... 216.75...... 239.75...... 240...... 210...... 227...... 10.25 CEYLON Index Fund 58.1100...... 55.7200 BUKIT DARAH...... 1,975...... 331.25...... 340...... 340...... 332.25...... 340...... 8.75 TOKYO CEMENT...... 572,255...... 75.4...... 75.5...... 80...... 73.7...... 77.4...... 2 Ceylon IPO Fund 5.6500...... 5.5400 C M HOLDINGS...... 11,001...... 100...... 100...... 104...... 97...... 101...... 1 TOKYO CEMENT [TKYO.X0000]...... 1,699,709...... 67.7...... 70...... 73...... 67...... 70...... 2.3 Ceylon Money Market Fund 17.3149...... 17.3149 C T HOLDINGS...... 9,719...... 175...... 175...... 183.5...... 175...... 181...... 6 UNION BANK...... 324,475...... 13.5...... 13.5...... 13.7...... 13...... 13.4...... -0.1 Ceylon Tourism Fund 3.7700...... 3.6300 CARGILLS...... 72,075...... 235.75...... 232...... 242.25...... 232...... 239.5...... 3.75 UNION CHEMICALS...... 91...... 850.75...... 828...... 900...... 828...... 850.75...... 0 Ceylon Treasury Income Fund 6.1600...... 6.1600 CARGO BOAT...... 13,303...... 69.1...... 72...... 74...... 72...... 73...... 3.9 UNISYST...... 11,005...... 16.7...... 17.5...... 17.5...... 16.4...... 16.5...... -0.2 CARSONS...... 310...... 304...... 317...... 322.25...... 306...... 313...... 9 UNITED MOTORS...... 4,296...... 68.3...... 68.5...... 78...... 68.5...... 70.4...... 2.1 Comtrust ADL Mudarabah Fund 11.6826...... 11.6826 CDB...... 4,131...... 115.25...... 112.75...... 120...... 112.75...... 120...... 4.75 VALLIBEL...... 903,644...... 7.8...... 7.9...... 8.2...... 7.8...... 8.1...... 0.3 Comtrust Equity Fund 19.8600...... 18.9500 CDB [CDB.X0000]...... 5,350...... 82...... 85...... 85...... 84...... 84.8...... 2.8 VALLIBEL FINANCE...... 295,844...... 120.25...... 125...... 139...... 111...... 127.75...... 7.5 Comtrust Gilt Edged Fund 10.4441...... 10.4441 CENTRAL FINANCE...... 886,471...... 110.5...... 115...... 122...... 112...... 120...... 9.5 VIDULLANKA...... 366,203...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 5.7...... 5.5...... 5.5...... 0 Comtrust Money Market Fund 11.8661...... 11.8661 CENTRAL IND...... 144,319...... 116.5...... 121...... 128.75...... 115...... 121.5...... 5 WATAWALA...... 420,043...... 61.4...... 63.9...... 64.3...... 59.5...... 61.2...... -0.2 First Capital Equity Fund (FCEF) 1,458.0800...... 1,385.1800 CEYLINCO INS...... 49...... 2000...... 2,000.00...... 2,020.00...... 2,000.00...... 2,000.00...... 0 YORK ARCADE...... 967...... 162.75...... 191...... 199...... 175...... 197.5...... 34.75 First Capital Fixed income Fund 1,856.8500...... 1,856.8000 CEYLINCO INS. [CINS.X0000]...... 76...... 1281.5...... 1,151.25...... 1,200.00...... 1,151.00...... 1,281.50...... 0 SECOND BOARD First Capital Gilt Edged Fund 1,494.4800...... 1,494.4800 CEYLON GUARDIAN...... 35,410...... 125.5...... 140...... 144...... 125...... 141.5...... 16 AMBEON CAPITAL...... 129,876...... 5.9...... 6...... 6.3...... 5.8...... 6.1...... 0.2 First Capital Money Market Fund 1,910.2400...... 1,910.2400 CEYLON INV...... 143,314...... 71.3...... 76...... 83...... 70...... 79.8...... 8.5 ARPICO...... 50...... 196...... 194.75...... 194.75...... 194.75...... 196...... 0 First Capital Wealth Fund 1,132.5700...... 1,132.5400 CEYLON TOBACCO...... 14,053...... 1095.5...... 1,114.75...... 1,114.75...... 1,053.25...... 1,114.25...... 18.75 ASIA CAPITAL...... 20,917...... 6.4...... 6.3...... 6.8...... 6.3...... 6.6...... 0.2 JB Vantage Money Market Fund 27.6277...... 27.6277 CHEMANEX...... 55,946...... 90.3...... 95...... 97.4...... 87...... 91.9...... 1.6 BROWNS BEACH...... 1,870...... 12.6...... 12.4...... 13.6...... 11.9...... 13.6...... 1 CHEVRON...... 168,895...... 101.25...... 102...... 109.5...... 101.75...... 107.25...... 6 COMM LEASE & FIN...... 111,498...... 7.3...... 7.4...... 7.7...... 7.2...... 7.5...... 0.2 JB Vantage Short Term Gilt Fund 14.8989...... 14.8989 CIC...... 1,351,672...... 59.1...... 60...... 62.5...... 57.8...... 61.6...... 2.5 DIALOG FINANCE...... 14,373...... 60...... 55...... 55.5...... 52...... 52.3...... -7.7 JB Vantage Value Equity Fund 26.4800...... 24.9000 CIC [CIC.X0000]...... 898,644...... 46.1...... 46.1...... 49.4...... 45.5...... 48.8...... 2.7 DISTILLERIES...... 1,193,503...... 21...... 21.1...... 22...... 20.9...... 21.2...... 0.2 NAMAL Bank Fund 9.6705...... 9.3022 CITRUS LEISURE...... 12,548...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.2...... 10.1...... 10.2...... 0 FIRST CAPITAL...... 69,910...... 55...... 54...... 58...... 54...... 57.3...... 2.3 NAMAL Growth Fund 147.9347...... 138.0865 COLD STORES...... 5,636...... 685.75...... 675...... 705...... 675...... 689.5...... 3.75 KELSEY...... 2...... 35.2...... 35.2...... 35.2...... 35.2...... 35.2...... 0 NAMAL High Yield Fund 24.7650...... 24.7650 COLOMBO CITY...... 346...... 909.25...... 925.75...... 997...... 920...... 991.5...... 82.25 LOLC DEV FINANCE...... 11...... 103.25...... 97.1...... 103.25...... 94.2...... 103.25...... 0 NAMAL Income Fund 14.3040...... 14.3040 COLOMBO LAND...... 49,168...... 27.5...... 27.5...... 29.9...... 27...... 28.4...... 0.9 LOLC FINANCE...... 1,521,742...... 6.4...... 6.5...... 7.2...... 6.4...... 7...... 0.6 National Equity Fund 36.0246...... 33.6912 COMMERCIAL BANK...... 605,039...... 89.9...... 89...... 94...... 89...... 93...... 3.1 MADULSIMA...... 3,271...... 9...... 9.3...... 9.7...... 8.9...... 9...... 0 NDB Wealth Gilt Edged Fund 18.7154...... 18.7154 COMMERCIAL BANK [COMB.X0000].....139,587...... 79...... 80...... 83.8...... 79...... 81.8...... 2.8 ODEL PLC...... 13,806...... 18.6...... 19.6...... 19.6...... 18...... 18.5...... -0.1 NDB Wealth Growth & Income Fund 48.0400...... 46.4500 CONVENIENCE FOOD...... 2,511...... 1233.25...... 1,389.00...... 1,538.00...... 1,389.00...... 1,506.75...... 273.5 PDL...... 1,081...... 122.25...... 120...... 123...... 120...... 120.25...... -2 DANKOTUWA PORCEL...... 334,076...... 11.4...... 11.8...... 13.1...... 11.5...... 12.6...... 1.2 SERENDIB LAND...... 31...... 2265.5...... 2,749.00...... 2,749.00...... 2,749.00...... 2,265.50...... 0 NDB Wealth Growth Fund 11.0000...... 10.5400 DFCC BANK PLC...... 159,210...... 66...... 68...... 70...... 66.1...... 68.9...... 2.9 SHALIMAR...... 10...... 1203.2...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,203.20...... 0 NDB Wealth Income Fund 16.0343...... 16.0343 DIALOG...... 745,880...... 12.3...... 12.3...... 12.6...... 12.3...... 12.5...... 0.2 SINGER SRI LANKA...... 62,256...... 61.1...... 65...... 68.5...... 59...... 63.2...... 2.1 NDB Wealth Income Plus Fund 17.0924...... 17.0924 DIMO...... 3,022...... 595.25...... 595.25...... 610...... 582.5...... 600...... 4.75 DIRI SAVI BOARD NDB Wealth Islamic Money Plus Fund 16.3207...... 16.3207 DIPPED PRODUCTS...... 552,653...... 613.25...... 625...... 700...... 613.25...... 664.5...... 51.25 AGSTAR PLC...... 86,067...... 7.1...... 7.8...... 7.8...... 7.4...... 7.6...... 0.5 NDB Wealth Money Fund 20.6469...... 20.6469 DOCKYARD...... 25,200...... 81.4...... 80...... 84...... 79...... 82.9...... 1.5 ALUMEX PLC...... 935,330...... 23.1...... 25...... 25.9...... 23.7...... 25.1...... 2 NDB Wealth Money Plus Fund 23.5804...... 23.5804 DOLPHIN HOTELS...... 75,478...... 25...... 26...... 28...... 25.1...... 27...... 2 AMANA LIFE...... 720...... 8.7...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 8.8...... 0.1 Premier Growth Fund 7.0200...... 6.6900 DURDANS...... 38,901...... 102.75...... 101...... 105.5...... 100...... 105.5...... 2.75 AMANA TAKAFUL...... 22,492...... 9.2...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.1...... 9.6...... 0.4 Premier Money Market Fund 18.6644...... 18.6644 DURDANS [CHL.X0000]...... 12,012...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 0 AMBEON HOLDINGS...... 97,883...... 20.1...... 22.2...... 22.9...... 20.2...... 22.1...... 2 Softlogic Equity Fund 128.7591...... 122.4894 EAST WEST...... 123,881...... 11.8...... 12...... 12...... 11.5...... 11.9...... 0.1 AMF CO LTD...... 182...... 300...... 319.75...... 319.75...... 300...... 300...... 0 Softlogic Money Market Fund 104.4184...... 104.4184 EASTERN MERCHANT...... 10,279...... 6.3...... 6.7...... 6.7...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 0.1 ARPICO INSURANCE...... 5,489...... 23.6...... 23.5...... 23.5...... 23...... 23.5...... -0.1 EXPOLANKA...... 12,140,181...... 46.3...... 49...... 51.5...... 46...... 49.9...... 3.6 ASIA SIYAKA...... 310,027...... 2.8...... 2.7...... 3...... 2.7...... 2.9...... 0.1 Unit holders can contact relevant Fund Managers to obtain Unit Prices for redemptions within FORT LAND...... 15,338...... 15.1...... 16...... 16...... 15...... 15...... -0.1 BANSEI RESORTS...... 1,050...... 9...... 9...... 9...... 8.9...... 8.9...... -0.1 short duration from the date of investment where exit fee is applicable. GESTETNER...... 500...... 103.25...... 100...... 100...... 100...... 100...... -3.25 BERUWALA RESORTS...... 1,925,247...... 0.9...... 1...... 1...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0 GRAIN ELEVATORS...... 202,340...... 119...... 134...... 134...... 119...... 128.5...... 9.5 BOGALA GRAPHITE...... 61,703...... 25...... 24.1...... 24.9...... 23.9...... 24.5...... -0.5 Ex­change Rates 3 Feb. 2021 HAYCARB...... 149,147...... 1060.25...... 1,136.00...... 1,189.75...... 1,000.00...... 1,120.50...... 60.25 BOGAWANTALAWA...... 1,939...... 12.5...... 12.7...... 13...... 12.7...... 13...... 0.5 (1) The average rates of the following (2) The approximate exchange rates HAYLEYS...... 206,289...... 711.25...... 730...... 755...... 700...... 734.5...... 23.25 BPPL HOLDINGS...... 115,544...... 14.9...... 15...... 15.8...... 14.9...... 15.7...... 0.8 currencies quoted by commercial of GULF currencies based on previous HAYLEYS FABRIC...... 602,181...... 34...... 34...... 35.3...... 32.4...... 34.4...... 0.4 BROWNS...... 256,001...... 199.75...... 215...... 225...... 186...... 208.25...... 8.5 banks in Colombo for Telegraphic Trans- day’s market weighted average rate for fers (TT) at 9.30 a.m. are as follows. the US$ are as follows. HAYLEYS FIBRE...... 46,946...... 210.5...... 205...... 210...... 195...... 201.5...... -9 BROWNS INVSTMNTS...... 32,565,261...... 6.4...... 6.6...... 6.7...... 6.3...... 6.4...... 0 CURRENCY BUYING RATE...... SELLING RATE COUNTRY CURRENCY...... INDICATIVE RATE HDFC...... 13,870...... 37.9...... 42...... 42...... 38...... 40.8...... 2.9 C T LAND...... 743...... 29.2...... 29...... 29...... 28.9...... 28.9...... -0.3 Australian Dollar 146.4295 ...... 151.4887 Bahrain Bahrain Dinar ...... 514.5773 HEMAS HOLDINGS...... 272,475...... 89.8...... 90.00...... 95.50...... 88.50...... 93.50...... 3.7 HNB FINANCE...... 28,036...... 9.3...... 9.1...... 10.4...... 9.1...... 10...... 0.7 Canadian Dollar 150.5113...... 155.8288 Kuwait Kuwait Dinar ...... 640.3089 HNB...... 642,310...... 139...... 139...... 147...... 137...... 144.5...... 5.5 HNB FINANCE [HNBF-X-0000]...... 10,364...... 7.5...... 7.5...... 7.7...... 7.4...... 7.6...... 0.1 Chinese Yuan (Renminbi) 29.6670 ...... 30.8200 Oman Oman Rial ...... 503.8982 Euro 231.0596 ...... 238.8794 Qatar Qatar Riyal ...... 53.2713 HNB ASSURANCE...... 213,996...... 59...... 59.00...... 61.00...... 58.10...... 59.00...... 0 JETWING SYMPHONY...... 6,401...... 9.2...... 9.5...... 9.5...... 9...... 9.1...... -0.1 Japanese Yen 1.8333 ...... 1.8878 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyal ...... 51.7260 HNB [HNB.X0000]...... 269,267...... 112.5...... 112.5...... 118...... 109.25...... 116.5...... 4 JOHN KEELLS...... 348,809...... 80.2...... 80...... 81...... 78...... 80...... -0.2 Singapore Dollar 144.0042 ...... 149.1646 UAE UAE Dirham ...... 52.8159 HORANA...... 52,804...... 23.2...... 23...... 23.4...... 23...... 23.3...... 0.1 KAHAWATTE...... 603...... 30...... 30...... 31.7...... 29.5...... 30.7...... 0.7 Sterling Pound 263.3040 ...... 270.8754 Swiss Fran c 213.5107...... 221.3650 HOTEL SIGIRIYA...... 265...... 61.7...... 65.6...... 65.6...... 64.9...... 64.9...... 3.2 KEELLS FOOD...... 35,673...... 142...... 149.75...... 158...... 148...... 151...... 9 US Dolla r 192.3200 ...... 197.6200 HOTELS CORP...... 7,000...... 12...... 11.8...... 12...... 11.7...... 12...... 0 KEELLS HOTELS...... 85,989...... 10.8...... 10.8...... 11.1...... 10.8...... 10.9...... 0.1 HUNTERS...... 181...... 600.5...... 740...... 749.5...... 701.5...... 738.5...... 138 LANKA CERAMIC...... 11,405...... 177...... 177...... 177...... 134...... 170.25...... -6.75 INDUSTRIAL ASPH...... 56,054,064...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.4...... 0.6...... 0.1 LANKEM CEYLON...... 1,879...... 31.9...... 32.3...... 32.4...... 31...... 31.2...... -0.7 Market Indicators 3 Feb. 2021 JANASHAKTHI INS...... 243,840...... 29...... 30...... 30...... 28...... 29.3...... 0.3 LAUGFS POWER...... 26,134...... 10.2...... 10...... 10.9...... 10...... 10.8...... 0.6 Price indices Today...... Previous day JKH...... 1,580,838...... 155.75...... 156...... 166.75...... 156...... 159...... 3.25 LAUGFS POWER [LPL-X-0000]...... 113,224...... 7.3...... 7.6...... 8...... 6.9...... 7.6...... 0.3 CSE ALL SHARE PRICE INDEX 8,244.50...... 8,005.32 KANDY HOTELS...... 1,000...... 5.1...... 5.1...... 5.2...... 5.1...... 5.2...... 0.1 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL...... 281...... 34.9...... 33.8...... 33.8...... 33.8...... 33.8...... -1.1 S&P SL20 3,293.45...... 3,187.38 KEGALLE...... 52,833...... 124.75...... 124.75...... 132...... 118...... 124.75...... 0 LOTUS HYDRO...... 16,964...... 10.4...... 10.4...... 10.8...... 10.2...... 10.7...... 0.3 TRI ON ALL SHARE (ASTRI) 11,050.39...... 10,729.81 TRI ON S&P SL20 5,409.20...... 5,234.99 KELANI CABLES...... 17,311...... 150.75...... 149...... 160...... 143.5...... 153.25...... 2.5 MAHAWELI COCONUT...... 1,231...... 28...... 28...... 28...... 28...... 28...... 0 VALUE OF TURNOVER(Rs.) 6,224,359,900.00...... 6,931,104,800.00 KELANI TYRES...... 162,531...... 83.3...... 86...... 92...... 86...... 90.8...... 7.5 MAHAWELI REACH...... 202...... 14.1...... 14...... 15.8...... 14...... 15.7...... 1.6 DOMESTIC PURCHASES 6,115,906,000.00...... 6,793,831,400.00 KELANI VALLEY...... 38,918...... 88.7...... 89...... 93.7...... 88...... 93.3...... 4.6 MARAWILA RESORTS...... 492,329...... 2...... 2...... 2.1...... 2...... 2...... 0 DOMESTIC SALES 5,830,795,800.00...... 6,614,750,700.00 KINGSBURY...... 38,158...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.5...... 12.2...... 12.5...... 0 MASKELIYA...... 5,327...... 12.7...... 12.7...... 12.8...... 12.6...... 12.7...... 0 FOREIGN PURCHASES 108,454,048.00...... 137,273,472.00 KOTAGALA...... 88,761...... 6.6...... 6.5...... 7.3...... 6.5...... 7.1...... 0.5 MILLENNIUM HOUSE...... 77,374...... 6.2...... 6.5...... 6.7...... 5.5...... 6.6...... 0.4 FOREIGN SALES 393,564,576.00...... 316,354,496.00 L O L C HOLDINGS...... 1,837,371...... 466.5...... 481...... 510...... 460...... 485.75...... 19.25 NUWARA ELIYA...... 25...... 1171.5...... 1,130.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,130.00...... 1,171.50...... 0 VOLUME OF TURNOVER(NO.) 182,511,984.00...... 232,825,328.00 DOMESTIC 179,910,336.00...... 228,897,296.00 LAKE HOUSE PRIN...... 25...... 160...... 156.25...... 166...... 150.5...... 160...... 0 ON’ALLY...... 244...... 36.6...... 36.1...... 37...... 36...... 37...... 0.4 FOREIGN 2,601,637.00...... 3,928,029.00 LANKA ALUMINIUM...... 126,724...... 135.25...... 136...... 140...... 125...... 137.75...... 2.5 ORIENT FINANCE...... 175,061...... 15...... 15...... 18...... 15...... 16.8...... 1.8 TRADES(NO.) 41,154...... 44,331 LANKA ASHOK...... 15...... 839.25...... 897.75...... 897.75...... 897.75...... 839.25...... 0 PALM GARDEN HOTL...... 9,995...... 28.9...... 27.8...... 30.5...... 27.7...... 29...... 0.1 DOMESTIC 40,311...... 43,642 LANKA HOSPITALS...... 2,960...... 45.2...... 46...... 53.8...... 46...... 49.9...... 4.7 PEGASUS HOTELS...... 1,467...... 33.9...... 33.5...... 35.1...... 33...... 34.1...... 0.2 FOREIGN 843...... 689 LANKA IOC...... 344,750...... 23.3...... 23.3...... 24.9...... 23.3...... 24.4...... 1.1 CORPORATE DEBT 13791743...... 0 PEOPLE’S MERCH...... 5,110...... 8.8...... 8.6...... 8.7...... 8.6...... 8.7...... -0.1 GOVERNMENT DEBT 0...... LANKA REALTY...... 10,214...... 34.2...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 35...... 0.8 RAIGAM SALTERNS...... 59,322...... 5.9...... 5.9...... 6.4...... 5.9...... 6.2...... 0.3 LISTED COMPANIES (NO.) 283...... 283 LANKA TILES...... 351,959...... 224...... 250...... 260...... 195...... 233...... 9 RENUKA CAPITAL...... 249,824...... 8.4...... 8.6...... 8.9...... 8...... 8.8...... 0.4 LANKA VENTURES...... 57...... 51...... 52.1...... 53...... 52.1...... 51...... 0 TRADED COMPANIES (NO.) 273...... 276 RENUKA HOTELS...... 20,510...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 75...... 0 MARKET PRICE EARNINGS RATIO(PER) 13.7...... 13.4 LANKA WALLTILE...... 408,284...... 221.75...... 235...... 245...... 200...... 237...... 15.25 RICH PIERIS EXP...... 10,251...... 393.25...... 392.5...... 419.75...... 340...... 410.5...... 17.25 MARKET PRICE TO BOOK VALUE (PBV) 1.4...... 1.3 LAUGFS GAS...... 11,189...... 25.7...... 26...... 27.5...... 25...... 27.5...... 1.8 ROYAL PALMS...... 6,001...... 17.5...... 17.2...... 17.2...... 17.1...... 17.2...... -0.3 MARKET DIVIDEND YIELD (DY) 2.2...... 2.2 LAUGFS GAS [LGL.X0000]...... 29,921...... 19.9...... 20...... 21.5...... 20...... 21.2...... 1.3 MARKET CAPITALIZATION (RS.) 3,604,123,698,530.00...... 3,499,564,685,904.00 SATHOSA MOTORS...... 184...... 246.5...... 249.5...... 249.5...... 242...... 247.25...... 0.75 LAXAPANA...... 59,687...... 14.1...... 14.3...... 14.5...... 14.1...... 14.2...... 0.1 SERENDIB ENG.GRP...... 820...... 6.7...... 7...... 7...... 6.8...... 6.9...... 0.2 LB FINANCE...... 492,115...... 258...... 255...... 268...... 225...... 257...... -1 SERENDIB HOTELS...... 31,989...... 16.6...... 16.5...... 16.5...... 16...... 16.2...... -0.4 1. Overnight Money Market Transactions LEE HEDGES...... 1,136...... 76...... 76...... 79...... 65.1...... 79...... 3 LION BREWERY...... 1,885...... 595...... 595.25...... 595.5...... 595...... 595.25...... 0.25 SERENDIB HOTELS [SHOT.X0000]...... 8,255...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.8...... 9.6...... 9.7...... -0.1 Call Money Market...... Repo Market LMF...... 52,169...... 155.75...... 164.75...... 175...... 155...... 171.25...... 15.5 SINGER IND...... 4,807...... 106...... 105...... 112.5...... 93...... 100.25...... -5.75 Weighted Average Rate (%) 4.55 4.57 LVL ENERGY...... 157,745...... 9.7...... 9.7...... 10...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 0.2 SINGHE HOSPITALS...... 43,836...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 2.9...... 2.7...... 2.8...... 0.1 Minimum Rate (%) 4.54 4.55 MALWATTE...... 29,950...... 13...... 12...... 13.5...... 12...... 13.5...... 0.5 SINHAPUTHRA FIN [SFL.P0000]...... 37,043...... 4.2...... 4.6...... 4.9...... 4.3...... 4.5...... 0.3 Maximum Rate (%) 4.55 4.75 MALWATTE [MAL.X0000]...... 150,151...... 8.3...... 8.3...... 8.9...... 8.2...... 8.7...... 0.4 SOFTLOGIC...... 2,326,713...... 14...... 13.6...... 14.5...... 13...... 13.5...... -0.5 Total Gross amount (Rs. million) 27,500 15,702 SOFTLOGIC CAP...... 216,512...... 3.9...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 3.9...... 4.1...... 0.2 Total Net amount (Rs. million) 27,500 15,702 MELSTACORP...... 942,393...... 59.8...... 63...... 65...... 59...... 62.4...... 2.6 SOFTLOGIC FIN...... 20,208...... 11.5...... 11.5...... 12...... 11.5...... 11.8...... 0.3 2. Use of the CBSL Standing Facility MERC. SHIPPING...... 102...... 91...... 90...... 90...... 86.8...... 90...... -1 MERCHANT BANK...... 77,782...... 8...... 8...... 8.2...... 7.9...... 7.9...... -0.1 SWADESHI...... 1...... 18324.8...... 21,500.00...... 21,500.00...... 21,500.00...... 18,324.80...... 0 Standing Deposit Facility (Rs. million)...... 115,402 Standing Lending Facility (Rs. million)...... 2,000 MULLERS...... 79,661...... 1.2...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 0.1 SOFTLOGIC LIFE...... 223,126...... 31.2...... 33...... 33.9...... 31...... 33.6...... 2.4 NAMUNUKULA...... 21,761...... 181.5...... 181.5...... 199...... 180...... 192.25...... 10.75 TAL LANKA...... 12,511...... 15.1...... 15...... 15.9...... 15...... 15.2...... 0.1 3. CBSL Treasury Bill/Bonds Holdings NAT. DEV. BANK...... 413,170...... 90.1...... 90.00...... 93.90...... 90.00...... 92.60...... 2.5 TRANS ASIA...... 149...... 62.4...... 63...... 63...... 63...... 63...... 0.6 Face Value (Rs. million)...... 736,242.88 Book Value (Rs. million)...... 722,599.90 NATIONS TRUST...... 41,236...... 60.4...... 63.80...... 63.80...... 60.20...... 61.90...... 1.5 UDAPUSSELLAWA...... 10,276...... 26.2...... 26.3...... 26.3...... 26...... 26...... -0.2 NAWALOKA...... 157,373...... 5.4...... 5.7...... 5.8...... 5.2...... 5.3...... -0.1 UNION ASSURANCE...... 301...... 311.5...... 313.5...... 315...... 312...... 313.75...... 2.25 NESTLE...... 375...... 1235.25...... 1,249.50...... 1,250.00...... 1,200.00...... 1,216.25...... -19 VALLIBEL ONE...... 7,406,442...... 66.3...... 70...... 76...... 61.1...... 69.5...... 3.2 TOP 10 GAINERS OVERSEAS REALTY...... 1,462,189...... 16.2...... 16...... 17...... 15.5...... 16.4...... 0.2 WATCH LIST Company VWA VWA Change Change PAN ASIA...... 562,634...... 18.4...... 19...... 19.4...... 17.9...... 19.1...... 0.7 ANILANA HOTELS...... 762,498...... 1.3...... 1.2...... 1.3...... 1.1...... 1.2...... -0.1 Prev. Close Days Close (Rs.) % PANASIAN POWER...... 843,480...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 3.8...... 3.6...... 3.7...... 0.1 BIMPUTH FINANCE...... 30,596...... 8...... 8.3...... 9...... 7.9...... 8.8...... 0.8 BLUE DIAMONDS 0.3 ...... 0.4...... 0.1...... 33.33 PEOPLE’S INS...... 138,519...... 30.2...... 30...... 33...... 29.5...... 32.7...... 2.5 S M B LEASING 0.4 ...... 0.5...... 0.1...... 25 BLUE DIAMONDS...... 1,494,103...... 0.7...... 0.8...... 0.8...... 0.7...... 0.7...... 0 HUNTERS 600.5 ...... 738.5...... 138...... 22.98 PEOPLES LEASING...... 548,499...... 13...... 13...... 13.8...... 13...... 13.5...... 0.5 BLUE DIAMONDS [BLUE.X0000]...... 206,964...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.4...... 0.3...... 0.4...... 0.1 CONVENIENCE FOOD 1,233.25 ...... 1,506.75...... 273.5...... 22.18 PIRAMAL GLASS...... 3,830,398...... 9.1...... 9.6...... 9.9...... 9.1...... 9.6...... 0.5 CEYLON PRINTERS...... 355...... 59.2...... 59.1...... 63...... 59.1...... 63...... 3.8 YORK ARCADE 162.75 ...... 197.5...... 34.75...... 21.35 PRINTCARE PLC...... 1,925...... 30.9...... 31...... 32.5...... 31...... 31...... 0.1 INDUSTRIAL ASPH. 0.5 ...... 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 HUNAS FALLS...... 37...... 152...... 151...... 152...... 151...... 152...... 0 TESS AGRO 0.5 ...... 0.6...... 0.1...... 20 R I L PROPERTY...... 325,659...... 7.1...... 7.2...... 7.7...... 7.1...... 7.5...... 0.4 HVA FOODS...... 12,819...... 5.8...... 5.8...... 6...... 5.8...... 6...... 0.2 TESS AGRO 0.6 ...... 0.7...... 0.1...... 16.67 REGNIS...... 21,704...... 119...... 121.75...... 129.5...... 118...... 122...... 3 CEYLON GUARDIAN 125.5 ...... 141.5...... 16...... 12.75 LANKEM DEV...... 84,971...... 4.2...... 4.2...... 4.3...... 4.2...... 4.3...... 0.1 NATION LANKA 0.8 ...... 0.9...... 0.1...... 12.5 RENUKA AGRI...... 504,886...... 4.4...... 4.5...... 4.6...... 4.4...... 4.6...... 0.2 MACKWOODS ENERGY...... 71,738...... 3...... 3.2...... 3.3...... 3.1...... 3.2...... 0.2 RENUKA CITY HOT...... 1,763...... 250.25...... 268...... 268...... 250...... 250.25...... 0 TOP 10 LOSERS MULTI FINANCE...... 3,366...... 8.1...... 8...... 8...... 7.9...... 7.9...... -0.2 RENUKA FOODS...... 27,045...... 16.5...... 16.8...... 17...... 16.7...... 16.9...... 0.4 Company VWA VWA Change Change RENUKA FOODS [COCO.X0000]...... 2,500...... 13.4...... 13.4...... 14...... 13...... 14...... 0.6 NATION LANKA...... 702,488...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.9...... 0.8...... 0.9...... 0.1 DIALOG FINANCE 60 ...... 52.3...... -7.7...... -12.83 OFFICE EQUIPMENT...... 9...... 70.1...... 70...... 70...... 70...... 70.1...... 0 ANILANA HOTELS 1.3 ...... 1.2...... -0.1...... -7.69 RENUKA HOLDINGS...... 73,910...... 17.1...... 18...... 18.2...... 17...... 17.6...... 0.5 SINGER IND. 106 ...... 100.25...... -5.75...... -5.42 RENUKA HOLDINGS [RHL.X0000]...... 31,815...... 13.2...... 13.9...... 13.9...... 12.8...... 13.9...... 0.7 RADIANT GEMS...... 4,212...... 28.4...... 29.5...... 29.5...... 27.2...... 29.1...... 0.7 AUTODROME 84 ...... 80...... -4...... -4.76 HAYLEYS FIBRE 210.5 ...... 201.5...... -9...... -4.28 RESUS ENERGY...... 7,386...... 24.2...... 24.2...... 26...... 24.2...... 25.9...... 1.7 SINHAPUTHRA FIN...... 2,740...... 8.5...... 8.4...... 8.5...... 8.2...... 8.3...... -0.2 AGALAWATTE 28.7 ...... 27.6...... -1.1...... -3.83 RICHARD PIERIS...... 464,714...... 14.9...... 15.2...... 15.9...... 15...... 15.9...... 1 STANDARD CAPITAL...... 954...... 69.5...... 70...... 73.9...... 69.5...... 70...... 0.5 LANKA CERAMIC 177 ...... 170.25...... -6.75...... -3.81 SOFTLOGIC 14 ...... 13.5...... -0.5...... -3.57 ROYAL CERAMIC...... 1,654,118...... 319.75...... 335...... 360...... 300...... 335.25...... 15.5 TESS AGRO...... 254,266...... 0.6...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.6...... 0.7...... 0.1 LIGHTHOUSE HOTEL 34.9 ...... 33.8...... -1.1...... -3.15 S M B LEASING...... 2,668,242...... 1...... 1...... 1.1...... 0.9...... 1...... 0 GESTETNER 103.25 ...... 100...... -3.25...... -3.15 TESS AGRO [TESS.X0000]...... 102,209...... 0.5...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.5...... 0.6...... 0.1 164 Thursday, February 4, 2021 „„ www.themorning.lk

Questlove’s ‘Summer of Soul’ QUOTE OF THE DAY documentary wins Sundance “Make your life 2021 Grand Jury Prize a masterpiece, imagine no The 2021 Sundance Film Festival concluded last limitations on night (3) by awarding the top jury prizes to films that premiered at the event. The Questlove- what you can be, directed Summer of Soul (...Or, When the have, or do.” Revolution Could Not Be Televised) – a film about – Brian the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival – was awarded Tracy the US documentary competition’s Grand Jury brunch Prize and Audience Award. A bold vision for our 100th Independence Day The Centenary Movement

celebrated as a just, thriving, innovative society and as a model of a nation recovering from a violent and unfortunate history. The Centenary Movement is led by a board of young professionals from various ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds with expertise in a wide range of policy areas. ÄÄ How is the Centenary Movement going to work? Our first step is to launch the Centenary Members of the Board, (from left:) Balendran Kandeban, Kavindya Tennakoon, and Mahina Bongso Academy. This will be an academy of young leaders who are keen, capable, and passionate to acknowledging the role of women, citizens of accountable. Small wins and growing momentum step into this role. They will be trained, equipped, oppressed castes and classes, those with disabilities, will fuel the fire. and mentored to become leaders who have etc. who have been systematically discriminated In essence, we believe Sri Lanka deserves against, stigmatised, and excluded from leadership better. We are committed to serve wholeheartedly Prashan De Visser competence, character, clarity, and compassion to lead our nation to the next century of her roles. till we see a transformed nation and to remain in Sri independence. Agriculture and environment – the policy Lanka and persevere despite the challenges. BY NAVEED ROZAIS focus will be framed within the context of climate 2048 is 27 years away, and we need to start change, its effect on agriculture, fisheries, and now. National transformation is going to take a loss of biodiversity with special focus on climate generation and a national shift of worldview and As we celebrate 73 years of Independence and adaptation and resilience for all. vision. We place our trust and investment in a new our own governance, it is important to look Governance – imparting knowledge pertaining generation of Sri Lankan leaders. They are the back and understand that as much as we have to politics, policymaking, and leadership so young future; the establishment has failed us. achieved as a nation, there is still very much individuals can navigate policy and governance more left for us to achieve to become an ideal, spaces of Sri Lanka with a sound understanding of ÄÄ As the Centenary Movement equitable, progressive nation. Our history how such systems work. launches today, what are you We are not post-Independence has been troubled, most Economy – the policy area focuses on feeling? alone; this is notably the three-decade-long civil war which economic reforms with a focus on macroeconomic We are excited. Over 500 people have applied ended in 2009. stability, research, and technology; empowered to join the movement via our website – incredibly a generation Enter the Centenary Movement, a coalition labour force; and business-friendly regulations to competent and inspiring applicants from across the yearning for of Sri Lankan young professionals from across achieve sustainable economic prosperity. nation. change. We are the nation striving to ensure that Sri Lanka can Health and wellbeing – a patient/people- Nearly 300 of them wanted to join the political celebrate 100 years of independence in 2048 as The first cohort will be 50 students centred health policy governed by principles of academy. We only have 50 seats for the first sick and tired of a “united, prosperous, just, and thriving nation”; universal health coverage providing equal access to cohort. We have spent zero money on advertising incompetence, representing all provinces of the island. They will a nation that would be a model to the world of undergo a year-long training to achieve the above healthcare that assures special justice and patients or recruiting groups to advertise in districts across corruption, incredible national transformation by Sri Lanka’s dream. The following are our key policy focuses rights. the country. However, the interest, passion, and violence, centenary of independence. and working committees to ensure we are growing resonance for the vision and purpose and thirst for The Morning Brunch reached out to Centenary ÄÄ You’re looking to achieve a lot by change are palpable. and missed in our capacity as a movement. 2048. How do you plan to keep up Movement Director Prashan De Visser to learn Education and skills development – it is vital We are not alone; this is a generation yearning opportunities more about visionary collective. that Sri Lanka creates an education system that is momentum? for change. We are sick and tired of incompetence, as a nation. By identifying, training, and proving a corruption, violence, and missed opportunities ÄÄ What sparked the Centenary learner-first and outcome-driven. The policy focus Hence, we is on five key areas of impact-learners, educators, platform for young leaders each year and ensuring as a nation. Hence, we are eager to serve and Movement and who are the people they are mentored and guided to enter leadership contribute to a transformed nation, led by leaders of are eager to digital access, financing, and research. behind it? Diversity and inclusion – the policy focus spaces of influence. A focused effort with clear competence, compassion, clarity of vision, and serve and When Sri Lanka celebrates her 100th goals to accomplish by the centenary will hold us strong upright character. contribute to independence anniversary in 2048, it is our a transformed hope that our nation would have experienced a transformation in its sociopolitical and economic nation landscape. We as a generation have inherited a nation embroiled in violent conflict and devastated by corruption. Even though we may not have had control over what we inherited, we have a responsibility and privilege to serve the generations to come. It is this desire and commitment that has led to this movement. We strive to build a nation that can be Members of the Board, (from left:) Ajith Epa, Indrajit Samarajiva, Jeevanee Kariyawasam, Niroshan Ekanayake, and Selvika Sahadevan

BY VENESSA ANTHONY this is the easiest way to portray what your vision looks like. If you explain it verbally, William Simpson, the artist behind people formulate different images, but if the storyboards for the entire Game of we show a sketch, no matter how badly Thrones series, will be joining the High Sketching drawn, it’s clear what is in the director’s School Junkies, a bunch of filmmakers head.” He added that film sets are about based in Sri Lanka, live for a discussion helping directors achieve their visions and titled “Sketching Westeros” on 5 February storyboarding saves time and helps get all at 8.30 p.m. departments involved in the film on the Commenting on the impressive feat Westeros same page, for what follows and precedes Simpson has achieved, High School each shot. Junkies Founder Akash Sunethkumara Commenting on storyboarding said: “The fact that he storyboarded A live chat with for a feature film versus a TV series, an entire series and is also the lead Sunethkuara commented that this is likely storyboard artist for Game of Thrones is William Simpson based on the complexity of the materials very respectable.” being produced. “I would imagine that He said that Simpson was in part storyboarding for TV might be a little more responsible for designing some of the difficult, but I have never worked on a TV dragons, white walkers, which are famous series; it’s possible that episode by episode for being some of the biggest concepts in it may get easier,” he said, adding that it is multiple directors while respects, as they always go through the behind such an art form, he elaborated. the series. all about converting words into images and still maintaining the same proper standardised process for filmmaking. Sunethkumara also noted that Sri Lanka Sunethkumara also noted visually translating a story. consistency and coherence Sunethkumara observed that some doesn’t necessarily have that many film that Sri Lanka does not generally With TV, one would be working across seasons. people are Academy Awards winners, schools, and schools that do exist have put that much effort into pre- with a lot more people, including multiple “We are very excited to which speaks for their work as well as their local teachers only, which can sometimes production, adding: “High directors, which may be challenging have him on board with us. He work ethic. “What I hope filmmakers get mean that a narrow range of techniques is School Junkies, for example, because every director has their own vision, has a very unique perspective out of this event is that there is so much taught. He said these live chats hosted by puts over four months of work and you have to maintain the same visual in the film industry and we’re that goes into the process of telling a story. High School Junkies are a way to bridge into pre-production.” theme throughout. Sunethkumara also thrilled to see what he has in Not just through camera, but through perspectives between Sri Lanka and This event will be the first added that for a personality like Simpson store for us. These guys are production design, colours, and music.” Hollywood. time High School Junkies would who worked on all eight seasons of Game top of the line. They create He added that Sri Lankans needs Describing the importance of be interviewing a storyboard of Thrones, he assumed Simpson would content seen all over the world,” to be aware of the process that goes storyboarding, Sunethkumara noted artist and a personality that has find a way maintaining his own sense of Sunethkumara said. into making this kind of content. Every that storyboards are the first visual experience with comics as well. High School Junkies consistency and style throughout the series, Founder Akash He described developing single department goes very deep down representation of the screenplay – the first Sunethkumara commented a question he hopes to pose to Simpson Sunethkumara storyboards as immense into characters and story, but some of time words are translated into a pictorial that Simpson is someone during their live chat. productions, commenting the work they put in, “we might never format. This pictorial format serves as who has worked on many graphic Sketching Westeros takes place on that this is the kind of stuff that he as a notice.” It goes to show the craftsmanship the basis for the next few processes that novels, along with his other films. With Friday, 5 February at 8.30 p.m. via the filmmaker personally looks up to and and collaboration that takes place follow. “From a directorial standpoint, Game of Thrones, he has worked with High School Junkies Facebook page. brunch 17 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { STYLE/WELLNESS } „„ www.themorning.lk

Sharmini

Seneviratne The designs on offer at Silk Wraps from Thailand. It was something Lycra bikini costume adorned with very new to the local fashion arena. white strands of pearls that covered Therefore I decided to move ahead the entire outfit. In an impressive with it.” feat, she explained that she had to She also noted that she keeps create this piece in just 24 hours; on Silk Wraps track of all the trends in the world, she pulled off a design miracle to ensure that she is up to date, and and came up with a gorgeous BY VENESSA ANTHONY portrays them in her designs. “I ensemble for La Toya, just in time Sharmini Seneviratne is have a huge passion for travel, as for her performance overseas the the Founder of Silk Wraps, well. I visit Paris, Milan, Singapore next day. She added that she has a collection of designer and London quite frequently, had the honour of doing fashion evening wear. Seneviratne, the which are some of the places I shows in major fashion capitals oldest from a family of three, draw my inspiration from.” She such as Tokyo, Bangalore, Oman, discovered her passion for also commented that she would Maldives, and London, with the designing when growing up, often mix her imagination to blend help of Sri Lankan models. with the weather and culture of her From there onwards, Sharmini watching her mom’s career as a country. embarked on an exciting career seamstress. Sharing an inspiring message which took her around the world and Speaking to Seneviratne, for all those whose passion lies in garnered her recognition and loyalty she described how she began her fashion designing, she said: “In from clients who still commission her designing career: “As a child, I used anything you do, may it be fashion for her designs. She also mentioned to cut up my mothers sarees and use or any other field, you have to that due to Covid-19, she was them to dress up my dolls. That’s Silk Wraps Founder Sharmini Seneviratne be very original as a creator, and unable to actively participate in how crazy I was about fashion.” She come up with your own ideas and the fashion industry last year, as added that her mother was a very Silk Wraps, she explained that it inspiration. Only then will your there was no demand for clothes. fashionable lady and is her biggest began with just one machine and two work be recognised and accepted by “The year 2020 was just awful. I fashion inspiration. staff. Silk Wraps was one of the first all with love and affection.” had nothing on my mind. I was After her schooling, she joined designer labels in Sri Lanka during Seneviratne noted designing in no mood for creativity.” She Air Lanka as a flight stewardess. She an era of no fashion magazines or for La Toya Jackson – Michael added that she was to attend the commented that this was the stepping social media; one simply had to Jackson’s sister – as the highlight Milan Fashion Week, but the stone for her fashion career as seeing refer to an old school newspaper to of her career: “It was an exciting pandemic threw a wrench in her all the fashion capitals of the world stay up to date on the latest fashion experience as it was Michael plans. Seneviratne is currently prompted her interest in fashion and trends, or watch local television, she Jackson’s peak in 1996.” She coordinating the uniform designs was the most exciting part of her old commented. She started off with raw explained that La Toya had spotted for the European airline Ronan career. After she opened her eyes to silks which had a huge demand for one of her creations while she was Air, which will commence this the world of fashion, she quit flying evening as well as glamour wear, visiting Sri Lanka and had made an April. She hopes that in 2021, and attended Central Saint Martins adding that: “Back in the 90’s there inquiry about its designer. Sharmini the situation will ease up, College of Art and Design in London. was no place to buy silks in Sri Lanka then promptly set up a meeting with and she can continue Talking about her journey with and I used to get all my materials La Toya and created a two-piece pursuing her passion.

The senior management team of Swadeshi and Keragala Rajamaha Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Rajawela Nandarathana Thera illuminating the historic Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya

The Swadeshi Industrial Works PLC, the pioneer and the market leader in herbal care Swadeshi Khomba illuminates Keragala Raja products in one of its community support initiatives recently sponsored the “Aloka Poojawa” of Maha Viharaya for seventh consecutive year the historic Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya. Organized for the 7th Lanka by supporting initiatives continuously supporting religious Raja Maha Viharaya. As a local book highlighting good values. products are registered under consecutive year on the Duruthu such as the annual Aloka Pooja. As places throughout the island. In company with a trust of 80 years, The pioneer and market National Medicines Regulatory Full Moon Poya day, “Swadeshi a socially responsible company, we 2013, the Sri Dalada Maligawa Swadeshi Khomba continues to leader in the herbal personal Authority (NMRA), of the Khomba Aloka Puja Sathkaraya” is are committed to give our fullest of historic Dambadeni Raja pay due attention to community care category in Sri Lanka, The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka. a concept of Swadeshi Chairperson support to these initiatives, thereby Maha Viharaya and the ancient building initiatives for the Swadeshi Industrial Works All fragrances used in Swadeshi Amari Wijewardene. setting a perfect example for the murals were renovated by Amari betterment of all Sri Lankans. PLC, was incorporated in 1941. products are certified by globally Situated in the Gampaha generations to follow.” Wijewardene to bring back the The Swadeshi Khomba brand Among the pioneer brands of accepted International Fragrance district, the Keragala Raja Maha Alongside the Aloka Pooja, past glory. Amari Wijewardene is is dedicated to carrying out Swadeshi are Khomba Herbal, Association (IFRA) and produced Viharaya was built in the 13th Swadeshi also ensured the needs of the great granddaughter of Helena sustainability projects with great Rani Sandalwood, Khomba Baby, under ISO 9001 – 2015 standards. century in the reign of King the Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya Wijewardene Lamatheni, who care for nature and enhancing Perlwite, Lak Bar, Safeplus, The company also Vijayabahu during Dambadeniya and supplied the necessary initiated the renovations of the cultural values. The company’s Black Eagle Perfume and manufactures and markets the Kingdom. The “Padmawathi personal care products considering Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya in many community outreach Swadeshi Shower Gel range. top herbal brand Khomba Herbal Piriwena” was established in the it as a responsibility to support the 1927. initiatives include, donating All products manufactured by and heritage beauty brand Rani Keragala Raja Maha Viharaya temples around the island. Swadeshi Khomba continues handwashing sinks for temples Swadeshi are 100% vegetarian Sandalwood. Khomba Baby Soap during the reign of King She further added, “Swadeshi to support the Aloka Poojas and railway stations, schools and cruelty-free, and have never recently introduced a new addition Parakramabahu VI in the 15th Khomba illuminates places of Kataragama Kiri Wehera, and educating the community been tested on animals. This to its soap range, “Khomba Baby Century. of worship in the country for Ruhunu Kataragama Maha on handwashing steps through a stands testament to the company’s Avocado Soap”, enriched with Sharing her thoughts on the the benefit and betterment of Devalaya, Sabaragamu Maha video targeting children during forward thinking practices, natural Avocado oil to nourish Aloka Pooja initiative, Swadeshi worshippers and also with the Saman Devalaya, Devundara Sri the Covid-19 pandemic, Kohomba as well as our desire to help baby’s skin. Swadeshi Khomba Chairperson Amari Wijewardene intention of educating the younger Vishnu Devalaya, Aluthnuwara tree planting campaigns, donating consumers make ethical and eco- recently introduced Khomba noted: “Swadeshi being a Sri generation on the importance of Sri Dadimunda Maha Devalaya, water tanks for the communities in friendly choices. The company Hand Sanitiser 50ml product Lankan company which upholds safeguarding the country’s culture Mahanuwara Sri Maha Vishnu the dry zone of Sri Lanka, Khomba has always considered the health with the registration of NMRA. traditional values and customs and heritage.” Dewalaya, Redigama Ridi Baby gift packs to expecting and environmental impact of The Khomba hand sanitiser with considers safeguarding the culture Swadeshi Chairperson Viharaya, Lankathilaka Raja mothers and educating school its products, and continues Kohomba, Lemongrass and Aloe and traditional heritage of Sri Amari Wijewardene has been Maha Viharaya and Dambadeniya children through a “Hoda Purudu” to prioritise it. All Swadeshi Vera is for safe, germ-free hands. 184 brunch „„ www.themorning.lk { PEOPLE/EVENTS } Thursday, February 4, 2021 Vivo Y series 2021 Offers variety of features for SL youth

have more pull, who then use their influences to release their movies as convenient to them. They also discussed how in Sri Lanka not allocating a portion of the budget towards distribution costs Vivo, a leading global technology brand, ensures a seamless entertainment experience Filmmaking is one of the major let downs and therefore the has introduced power-packed smartphones by using Halo FullView™ Display with filmmakers face its consequences later on. under its Y series umbrella – Y12s, Y20, HD resolution. It has a multi-turbo 3.0 to Y20s, and the latest Y51. As a consumer- reduce stuttering and lags in the games. It Working on The Good Karma Hospital: centric brand, vivo delights its smartphone comes in refreshing high fashion colours; industry 2The experience users with dynamic features, long-lasting Phantom Black and Glacier Blue. Ihshan recalled working on The Good Karma battery life, flash charge technologies, and For heavy users, vivo’s Y20s is an apt Hospital as one of his first big projects where he stylish design at an attractive price range for choice that features a massive, long-lasting was hired to be the “set runner”. As they moved maximum recognition and convenience using 5000mAh battery with 18W FlashCharge onto the next season, he was promoted as the cutting-edge Y series smartphones. The new technology. For photography, Y20s has an and life hacks assistant to the second assistant director whilst models of Y series smartphones flaunt unique AI triple macro camera supported by a wide mentoring two other individuals. and vibrant design to complement the style range of features including face beauty, It was during the third season that he was quotient of the smart generation. portrait light Effects, and filters to capture given the opportunity to be the second assistant With the launch of the Y series, vivo sharper images. With a main 13MP rear director for this series where his job description furthered its vision of catering the youth with camera and PDAF (Phase Detection Auto- for newbies was primarily to ensure that they stayed on “feature-rich smartphones” and producing Focus) technology, every detail will shine. schedule for the shootings. meaningful innovation across different price Powered by the industry-leading Although the series was set in India, it was ranges. Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the Y20s shot in Sri Lanka with a crew as large as 200 The most recent addition to the Y delivers a steady performance for applications individuals in total, consisting of both British series family is Y51 for clear shots and and games with a vast 4GB RAM and 128GB and Sri Lankans. Ihshan recollected it costing swift performance. Vivo’s Y51 boasts a ROM. With a side-mounted fingerprint approximately £ 25,000-30,000 per day, making powerful and long-lasting performance with scanner, it has a perfectly polished 2.5D body it one of the biggest productions ever to be shot in 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM powered by that is light, ergonomic, and available in the Sri Lanka. Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 6 Series Mobile colours Obsidian Black and Purist Blue. Platform. Y51 comprises a 48MP rear camera For users looking to upgrade to a Tips for young filmmakers to capture clear and high-quality shots. With smartphone with solid performance, vivo Filmmaking is a form of expression; it built-in multiple shooting modes, the AI triple presents Y20 that grabbed attention for its 3is more about the experience of working with camera along with super wide-angle camera, long-lasting 5000mAh battery along with AI The fourth episode of Mastering creative individuals than the commercial aspects super macro camera, and super night mode macro triple camera. For easy use, the clever Mediocrity premiered on the 2 October of it. The filmmaking Industry is a growing and helps consumers click images at ease. It is new design of the side-mounted fingerprint 2020, featuring The Good Karma Hospital competitive environment and one of the most noteworthy to mention that super night mode scanner unlocks the phone instantaneously. Filmmaker, Producer, and Assistant important things to keep in mind while working is uses a multi-frame noise reduction algorithm Using multiple apps and games is easier to reduce the noise in photos and low-light with 3GB/4GB RAM and 64GB ROM. Director Ihshan Iqbal. Here are a few to be ethical. One common mishap this duo noticed within conditions and aura screen light to adjust Additionally, Y20 has a unique rear AI triple of our memorable moments from this the other individuals of this business is the over ambient lighting automatically, and a noise camera featuring a 13MP primary camera episode of Mastering Mediocrity. competitiveness, which eventually leads to cancellation algorithm to pack a punch in with a 2MP macro camera, a 2MP bokeh them not allowing others to grow. Whether it be low-light conditions. Following the ritual of camera, and an 8MP front camera. It comes Big budget film sets and the filmmakers or even clients, it is important that strong battery life with 5000mAh capacity, in the eye-popping colours Obsidian Black 1Sri Lankan film scene they keep up with their own moral values which Y51 also offers 18W fast charge and AI and Nebula Blue. One of the key things one needs to consider will then benefit them and also the ones around. power-saving technology highly preferred for when producing a movie is the overall budget. Zeeshan also mentioned how there is so much HD movie streaming and an intensive gaming From paying the actors and helping staff to the they can learn from each other and grow as an experience. Y51 also features a specially distribution costs when releasing a movie, we all entire community rather than trying to put each designed in-built audio booster for enhanced know that it is rather expensive. While we as an other down which will eventually boomerang. entertainment. It comes in 3D dazzling audience enjoy the plot and twists of a movie, as This episode was a rather colours; Titanium Sapphire and Crystal filmmakers themselves, Ihshan and Zeeshan focus educational one, and provided an insight into the Symphony. on the technicalities and the quality of the entire unrevealed aspects of few of the major motion An all-rounder in a budget, Y12s features picture. Ihshan also pointed out how many South pictures ever to be made. Filmmaking is an art a super powerful, long-lasting 5000mAh Indian movies made on a low budget use the red which cannot be mastered by everyone, but this battery supported by AI power-saving camera and it is distinct from other Bollywood conversation definitely taught us a few tricks on technology, side-mounted fingerprint with movies. how to get better. a face wake feature, and AI dual camera to The Sri Lankan film industry, or in Ihshan’s Episode transcribed by Amani Najumudeen capture intrinsic and eye-pleasing shots using its 2MP Bokeh algorithm. It comes with an words, “the Sri Lankan film scene” is known to https://youtu.be/KhNU59XPzXc offer more priority to the renowned directors who 8MP front camera for great selfies. The Y12s

Barista concludes ‘Share the Meal’ campaign In an effort to spread the true meaning through Uber Eats and PickMe Food. Further, staff at the premises. of Christmas, coffee house chain Barista 10% from Barista’s entire Christmas menu SOS Children’s Villages is present in spearheaded a campaign in December was also donated. 136 countries with over 70 years of expertise titled “Share a Meal”, in partnership with Barista General Manager Dilupa in caring for children without parental care the SOS Children’s Villages, which drew Pathirana noted: “Each year, Barista carries all. The organisation also strengthens poverty- much enthusiasm and donations for feeding out a CSR campaign to give back to society stricken families on the verge of breaking the children. On 25 January, the Barista in whatever way we can. Last year it was all down and empowers youth in need through management visited the SOS Children’s the more meaningful for us to do something career-oriented vocational training via many Village in Piliyandala to hand over the funds positive for the SOS Children’s Villages of its projects. In Sri Lanka, SOS Children’s collected. The donations were handed over that were not getting enough donations due Villages have served the public for almost by Barista Marketing Manager Anushka to the current situation. We are thankful 40 years since it first set foot in Sri Lanka in Gunatilleke, and accepted by SOS Children’s to Uber Eats Sri Lanka and PickMe Food 1981. Villages in Sri Lanka National Director for partnering with us in this endeavor to There are six SOS Children’s Villages Divakar Ratnadurai, in the presence of have the coupons available on their delivery in Sri Lanka located in Piliyandala, Nuwara former Sri Lankan National Cricketer and platforms. Gracious thanks also goes out to Eliya, Galle, Anuradhapura, Monaragala, and SOS Ambassador Deshamanya Roshan all our valuable customers who despite their Jaffna. However, the coronavirus pandemic Mahanama. own hardships came on board to support the has adversely affected the donations this Under the campaign, customers were cause.” organisation depends on to care for children Barista Marketing Manager Anushka Gunatilleke, handing over the donation to SOS Children’s Villages invited to purchase CSR coupons priced at Additionally, Barista also took along without parental care. Therefore, SOS Sri Lanka National Director Divakar Ratnadurai. SOS Corporate Partnerships Manager Nipunika Ruhunage, SOS Fund Development and Communication Director Gayantha Dalpadado, SOS Deputy National Director Rs.150, which is equivalent to the cost to feed their mobile coffee truck to the SOS Children’s Villages is reaching out in Kirthi Hetiarachchi, SOS Brand Ambassador Deshamanya Roshan Mahanama, Barista T&D Manager one child for an entire day. These coupons Children’s Village and handed out free coffee every possible way it can to get help in Damith Dalawella, Barista Operations Manager Krishan Gunasekara, and Barista Brand Manager Mithma were available at all Barista outlets, as well as and cake for all the children, mothers, and caring for such children in Sri Lanka. Samaraweera are also present sports 194 Thursday, February 4, 2021 { SPORTS } „„ www.themorning.lk We should give up on ‘cleaning’ Indian cricket: Ramachandra Guha Ramachandra Guha may be better known for his books People forget on India’s history (India After Gandhi) and ecology (The everything that ails the Unquiet Woods), but the writer game once they have is and has always been an old- school cricket devotee. that IPL drug; it dulls His 2002 book A Corner of a Foreign Field: The Indian History of a British their critical faculties Sport remains part of the starter kit for those new to the game’s past and present. Guha’s latest is a collection  …the extent to of personal essays called The Commonwealth of Cricket. It which cricketers are documents his lifelong engagement compromised when with the game, from the teenager who played in the picturesque grounds of it comes to things like Dehradun in the 1970s to the veteran tasked by the Supreme Court to help conflict of interest clean up the sport’s administration in the country in 2017. And while Guha gave up on that particular enterprise (he quit in July … the BCCI’s that same year citing personal reasons), The Commonwealth of Cricket is a unshakeable belief that delightful read which will appeal to because India is the newcomers, casual observers, and diehards alike. so-called cash cow of Following are edited excerpts from a recent interview with Guha: world cricket, because The Commonwealth of Cricket: A Lifelong Love Affair with the Most Subtle and Sophisticated Game Known to Humankind by Ramachandra The Commonwealth of Cricket Guha (a Harper Collins non-fiction book published in 2020) we bring more money reads like an ode to cricket to the table, because we fandom, too, and not just the Were you also reading cricket- batsman from Holland who always The two things that immediately game itself. Could you talk based fiction, like say, the P.G. plays along the ground, no matter come to mind (and I expand upon have the IPL, we should us through the experience of Wodehouse’s schoolboy stories? what. And now, all of a sudden he has these in the book), are one, the extent following a club team or even a I love P.G. Wodehouse’s cricketing to hit a four in the last over to win the to which cricketers are compromised control each and every Ranji Trophy team, as compared stories; I wish there were more of match and he just cannot bring himself when it comes to things like conflict of to the ups and downs of following them! In fact, in an early chapter to do that. The way O’Neill describes interest and so on; and two, the BCCI’s aspect of the game the Team India’s fortunes? (in The Commonwealth of Cricket), all of this is beautiful and subtle. unshakeable belief that because India world over You have to understand that when I there’s a reference to V. Ramdas, who is the so-called cash cow of world started playing and following cricket, played for my club. He was the brother Netherland, or for that matter, cricket, because we bring more money not every game was televised and, of V. Subramanya who went on to The Commonwealth of Cricket, to the table, because we have the in any case, Test matches were few captain Karnataka’s Ranji team, and also dispels the notion of club IPL (the Indian Premier League),  It has become worse and far between. The need to engage one of our teammates compared them cricket being an essentially we should control each and every with cricket at a local level was felt to Wodehouse’s schoolboy character genteel, not-particularly- aspect of the game the world over. in recent years, this more urgently than it is now, for both Mike Jackson and his brother Joe, a competitive exercise, doesn’t it? Moreover, I don’t think this is going fans and the players themselves. It’s successful first-class cricketer. I didn’t You write about “driving home to change anytime soon. In fact, it has ‘India-must-dominate- impossible for people to conceive take to some of the other fiction of in silence” with your uncle after become worse in recent years, this of certain scenarios today. People the time, like stories about British your mistake leads to a narrow “India-must-dominate-at-all-costs” at-all-costs’ line of just won’t believe that a club match village cricket. But I always enjoyed defeat for his beloved team. line of thought. thought in Bangalore could feature Erapalli Wodehouse. I’ve read the Mike stories Absolutely! Club cricket is Prasanna and G.R. (Gundappa) many times. extremely competitive. The people What, then, is the road forward, Viswanath playing in front of who play it are very passionate and according to you? thousands of people, or that a (St.) How about more recent fiction they strain every muscle in order to I’ve said this before as well, I think There’s an argument to be made Xavier’s vs. Ruia College game in involving cricket, like Joseph win. Some of the most fiercely (but we should give up on “cleaning” for T20 having accelerated the Bombay could draw thousands of O’Neill’s Netherland or Shehan also, honestly and decently) played Indian cricket. With (Sourav) Ganguly evolution of the ODI game, in people coming to see (Sunil) Gavaskar Karunatilaka’s Chinaman? games I have ever seen in my life and Jay Shah and N. Srinivasan in particular... and (Dilip) Vengsarkar. I must confess that I’ve still not have been local games in Dehradun charge, it’s not going to happen; plus See, I’m not saying it hasn’t done When you’re 15 or 20 or 25 years read Chinaman despite hearing very and Bangalore and Delhi. Anybody the drug of the IPL for two months that – or that there is something old, the tangible, physical experience good things. I loved Netherland who has seen, played, or written about every year is too strong. The only way inherently terrible about the T20 of watching a local game from the though; I think it’s a fantastic book. local cricket for any period of time the public will start asking questions game, I’m not saying that. What I’m best place in the ground (near the There are many aspects that make will know what I’m talking about. is if (and that’s a big if) India starts saying is, Test cricket is simply a sight screen) is simply incredible. that book remarkable. For some, it’s losing a string of international better, richer, more interesting game Especially if there’s a talented, young the character of Chuck Ramkissoon, You were obviously disappointed series. India has 30 first-class teams with more interesting options, any day club-level fast bowler looking to get for others it’s the way it describes with Indian cricket, to an compared to say, Australia, which of the week. You take an encounter an international batsman out, things a certain kind of post-9/11 mood in extent, which is why you left the has just eight, we have so many more between a top-class spin bowler today, like that. America. But for me it was the way Board of Control for Cricket people. And yet we lose so frequently say an R. Ashwin, against a great You were playing a lot of cricket O’Neill describes club-level cricketing in India (BCCI) in 2017. What overseas; this itself should tell you batsman like AB de Villiers. as a child and as a teenager. You encounters using actual knowledge would you say were some of the how poorly the game is run in India. In a T20 game, he’s only thinking discovered cricket writing around of cricketing techniques and so on. most sobering realisations you People forget everything that ails the about whether to sweep/reverse-sweep the same time – A.A. Thomson I remember one passage where he had during your time in this game once they have that IPL-drug; him for four or slog-sweep him for and Neville Cardus, in particular. talks about a very orthodox opening organisation? it dulls their critical faculties. six. In a Test game, with a slip, a silly point, and a forward short leg near his bat, de Villiers has nearly infinite Born: 29 April 1958 at Dehradun, Utter options in his mind for both attack Pradesh (now Uttarakhand) to a Tamil family and defence. He can play forward, (age 62) Ramachandra Guha play back, take the ball on the full, Original name: Subramaniam Ramachandra drop it dead at his feet – this adds so Father: Subramaniam Ramdas Guha, who yy For the year 2011-12, he held a visiting of cricket in India from its inception many dimensions to the game and to worked at the Forest Research Institute position at the London School of during the British Raj to its position the viewing experience. It’s just a Mother: Reportedly a high-school teacher Economics and Political Science (LSE), in contemporary India as the nation’s better game, the Test match. Schools: the Philippe Roman Chair in History and favourite pastime At one point in the book you yy Cambrian Hall and The Doon School. He International Affairs y y Guha was appointed to the Board of analyse Imran Khan’s captaincy graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Major works: Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) panel along with some observations Delhi with a Bachelor’s in Economics in of administrators by the Supreme Court of about his ongoing tenure as the 1977 yy One of his latest books was “Gandhi: India on 30 January 2017, only to resign in Prime Minister of Pakistan. Do The Years That Changed the World” July the same year yy He completed his Master’s in Economics (2018), the second part of his two-volume you feel that cricketers entering from the Delhi School of Economics biography of M.K. Gandhi. It is a follow In November 2020, he published his new book Ramachandra Guha politics is inevitable for India “The Commonwealth of Cricket: A Lifelong Love and Pakistan – and has this, yy He then enrolled at the Indian Institute up to the acclaimed “Gandhi Before India” Affair with the Most Subtle and Sophisticated in your opinion, led to positive of Management Calcutta, where he did a (2013) Ramchandra Guha. He is the third Indian Game Known to Humankind”. historian to be recognised by the AHA, developments? PhD on “the social history of forestry in yy His large body of work, covering a wide It’s interesting; no Indian cricketer yy There he details a first-person account of joining the ranks of Romila Thapar and Uttarakhand”. It was later published as range of fields and yielding a number has really risen to any kind of the astonishing transformation of cricket Jadunath Sarkar, who received the honour “The Unquiet Woods” of rational insights, has made him a meaningful power, let alone the most in India, across all levels at which the in 2009 and 1952, respectively Present occupation: Distinguished University significant figure in Indian historical powerful office in the country like game is played: school, college, club, Professor at Krea University, a liberal arts and studies, and Guha is valued as one of the yy “A Corner of a Foreign Field” was Imran. There have been MPs aplenty state, country, and presents vivid portraits sciences private university located in Sricity, major historians of the late 20th and early awarded the Daily Telegraph Cricket like Kirti Azad, Chetan Chauhan, and of local heroes, provincial icons, and Andhra Pradesh, India 21st Centuries Society Book of the Year prize for 2002 now guys like Gautam Gambhir. But international stars through the 50 years he Most notable work: “India After Gandhi” nobody has been powerful enough has been following the game yy He won the R.K. Narayan Prize at the Other major interests: Cricket and cricket Affiliation with cricket: Chennai Book Fair in 2003 to bring about any real change; writing y yy It is considered a cricketing memoir, set as nobody has leveraged their cricketing y Guha has written extensively on cricket yy The US magazine Foreign Policy Remarks: in both his capacity as a journalist and a work of literature, and is keenly informed experiences either. Among recent by his scholarly training. The stories and named him as one of the top 100 public cricketers, (Sachin) Tendulkar and yy Guha is a writer whose research interests historian sketches are narrated against a wider intellectuals in the world in May 2008. In (MS) Dhoni could easily enter politics include environmental, social, economic, yy He is considered one of the most canvas of social and historical change the poll that followed, Guha was placed owing to their colossal popularity. I’m political, and cricket history independent and critical intellectuals on 44th sure (Virat) Kohli, when he retires, cricket in present India yy The book blends memoir, anecdote, yy He is also a columnist for The Telegraph, yy Padma Bhushan in 2009, India’s third will be approached, too. But it’s a reportage, and political critique risk. It’s an uncertain future, if you Hindustan Times, and Hindi daily yy His research into the social history of highest civilian award look at it from their point of view. newspaper Amar Ujala Indian cricket culminated in his work “A Awards and recognition: yy In 2014, Guha was awarded an honorary Delhi-based journalist Aditya Corner of a Foreign Field: The Indian Doctor of Humanities by Yale University yy A regular contributor to various academic history of a British Sport” in 2002 yy The American Historical Association Mani Jha talked to Guha in journals, Guha has also written for The (AHA) conferred its Honorary Foreign yy He won the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize this article first published Caravan and Outlook magazines yy The work charts the development Member prize for the year 2019 on in 2015 on 1 December 2020 on thehindubusinessline.com „„ www.themorning.lk Thursday, February 4, 2021

Over 500 at Aus Open forced to isolate Between 500-600 people connected to the Australian Open tennis tournament have been forced into isolation after a worker at one of the tournament’s quarantine hotels tested positive for coronavirus yesterday (3). A 26-year-old man The Hundred to get off in July has been diagnosed with Covid-19 The Hundred cricket tournament will take place in July, and will after last working as a resident feature eight city-based teams from Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, support officer at the Grand Hyatt Manchester, Nottingham, Southampton, and two in London. The Hotel in Melbourne on Friday (29 launch of the 100-ball competition was postponed by a year January). The event is due to begin because of the coronavirus pandemic. on Monday (8). Asports cricketer’s Colombo wedding feared a ‘Covid hot spot’ z Arthur, Thirimanne test positive; forthcoming Windies tour may be rescheduled Following PCR tests carried out on “Immediately upon identification, both the stipulated health protocols in all its squad, including Thirimanne, had the provisional Sri Lanka squad before Arthur and Thirimanne have been directed centres.” allegedly been present at a wedding that their departure to the West Indies on 18 to follow the Government’s health protocol took place in Colombo on Tuesday. February, Sri Lanka Head Coach Mickey laid out on Covid-19. Players under self-quarantine The occasion that has reportedly taken Arthur and top-order batsman Lahiru “The 36-member group commenced Meanwhile, SLC sources told The place in a leading Colombo hotel, is feared Thirimanne tested positive for Covid-19 practices on 28 January, in three groups, Morning Sports that all players have to have been a hot spot for the virus to yesterday (3). and at different time periods, as a been advised to be on self-quarantine. spread among the proposed members of They were detected following PCR precautionary health measure. According to tentative scheduling, Sri the Sri Lanka tour party to the West Indies. tests carried out on Tuesday (2) for the “Considering the current situation, SLC Lanka are to play three ODIs, three T20Is, If more players or officials are to entire 36-member squad, along with the is exploring the possibility of rescheduling and two Tests, respectively, in Antigua and test positive in the forthcoming PCR coaching staff and net bowlers, Sri Lanka the tour of West Indies, which is scheduled St. Lucia from 2 to 31 March. Tests, the entire Windies tour could be Cricket (SLC) said yesterday. to commence on 20 February. Many players got together at a wedding in jeopardy, or there could be possible The SLC further added in a media “In the meantime, SLC will continue Meanwhile, it is also understood that rescheduling that may cut down on the Mickey Arthur Lahiru Thirimanne release: with normal operations, adhering to many players of the current Sri Lanka number of games. A wedding and two positives create more headaches for SL z Windies series might be affected z Couldn’t the top national players have been more careful? z Their training is already affected, so will their pre-tour preparation

BY REVATHA S. SILVA When one represents the country, he/she needs to be more careful than others. With all due credit to the way ON THIS DAY – 4 FEBRUARY the authorities concerned are taking the necessary steps to counter “a mostly unknown” enemy in the form of the 1924 First Olympic Winter Games close at 1990 Richard Hadlee takes his 400th Test coronavirus, it is now evident that a very slight lapse – Chamonix, France Cricket wicket, that of India’s Sanjay a human mistake – too can make the whole country’s prospects in great trouble. 1935 Birth of Wallis Mathias. The first Manjrekar No facemasks, no social distancing: Most of the Sri Lanka national cricket non-Muslim cricketer to play for Pakistan 1994 Merlene Ottey (in the photo) runs Sri Lanka Test team’s top-order national players have been more squad members have been at a wedding on Tuesday (2) with scarce 1948 Birth of Rakesh Shukla, the Indian world record 50-metre indoor (6.00 batsman Lahiru Thirimanne was responsible, at least by wearing concern over Covid-19 health precautions. A Test player and the Head leg-spinner who played in Sri Lanka’s seconds) tested positive for Covid-19 facemasks, leave aside keeping Coach tested positive the following day yesterday (3), unfortunately first Test against India in 1982 in Madras. 1995 Zimbabwe’s first cricket Test victory, yesterday (3), and the photo here a three-metre distance among putting the forthcoming West Indies tour in some doubt He died in 2019 in Delhi aged 71 over Pakistan by an innings shows how he had moved about themselves, especially when they PHOTO FACEBOOK the previous (2) night at a wedding have begun preparations for an of a former Sri Lanka player. important series. If the series is to be the West Indies at eighth place In the photo are four current The repercussions can rescheduled, there is hardly with 11.1%. members of the Sri Lanka unfortunately be very, very any time space remaining this Bangladesh are in the tenth spot SPORTS DIARY regular Test and limited-over costly. The players have been year for it to be slotted in. The with 0.0. Sri Lanka’s bid to go up formats: (from left) Thirimanne, ordered to rush back to be self- series consists of two Tests, in the WTC ladder to be placed at Thursday, 4 February yy Big Bash League (BBL) Challenger Dasun Shanaka, Sadeera quarantined yesterday. Then the three ODIs, and three T20Is, a respectable position at the end Samarawickrama (who is not first thing that gets affected is tentatively scheduled from 2 of the championship cycle mid INTERNATIONAL match between Brisbane Heat vs. Perth Scorchers (from 2.10 p.m. SL in the current squad), with his their all-important training, just to 31 March in Antigua and St. this year will be severely affected Tennis time, shown on Ten Cricket). The bride, Dimuth Karunaratne, and two weeks before their departure Lucia. The two-Test series are too if the Windies series is to be Oshada Fernando. to the West Indies. scheduled to begin on 19 March. totally scratched off. yy Day three of the ATP Cup, the winner is to enter the finals with Meanwhile, there will be international outdoor hard-court men’s Sydney Sixers on Saturday (6) Training gets affected No window to WTC scenario another fitness test scheduled tournament with 12 countries, in yy Abu Dhabi T10 League: Deccan Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said reschedule series Then comes the ongoing for tomorrow (5) for the national Melbourne, Australia Gladiators vs. Maratha Arabians they began practices for the If a few more players test International Cricket Council squad, which will be compulsory Cricket (5.30 p.m.), Qalandars vs. Delhi Bulls forthcoming West Indies tour positive in the next PCR Tests, (ICC) World Test Championship for them to get into the Windies (7.45 p.m.), and Team Abu Dhabi vs. last Thursday (28 January). then there is a possibility that the (WTC) into the picture. Sri touring party. That too might yy Bangladesh vs. West Indies first Test, Bangla Tigers (10 p.m.) (on Sony Six The wedding took place on tour of West Indies gets badly Lanka is currently in the need to be rescheduled due to second day at Chattogram, Bangladesh and Ten Cricket) Tuesday. Couldn’t these leading affected further. seventh place with 16.7%, with the present unexpected situation. Shakib helps Bangladesh recover z Bangladesh vs. WI 1st Test, Day One

It was a balanced opening day SCORECARD in Chattogram, with Bangladesh BANGLADESH FIRST INNINGS WEST INDIES posting 242/5, even as Jomel Shadman Islam lbw b Warrican 59 Kraigg Brathwaite (Capt.), John Warrican took three wickets to Tamim Iqbal b Roach 9 Campbell, Jermaine Blackwood, stifle the hosts. Najmul Hossain run out (Da Silva/ Roach) 25 Shayne Moseley, Nkrumah Bonner, Bangladesh opted to bat and had Mominul Haque (Capt.) c Campbell b Warrican 26 Joshua Da Silva (wk), Rahkeem opener Shadman Islam scoring a Mushfiqur Rahim c Cornwall b Warrican 38 Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon half-century, but the rest of the Shakib Al Hasan not out 39 Gabriel, Jomel Warrican, lineup struggled to convert starts Liton Das (wk) not out 34 and Kyle Mayers before Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Extras (nb 3, w 5, b 2, lb 2) 12 Das took them through to stumps Total (for 5 wickets in 90 overs) 242 Venue: Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Did not bat: Mehidy Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, with an unbroken stand of 49. Stadium, Chattogram Taijul Islam, and Mustafizur Rahman On an opening day pitch that Toss: West Indies, who fielded first Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Iqbal, 4.3 ov), 2-66 (Shanto, didn’t have much for the bowlers, Test Match No.: 2,407 23.1 ov), 3-119 (Haque, 50.5 ov), 4-134 (Islam, 56.2 ov), Test Debuts: Kyle Mayers, Nkrumah Warrican would be pleased with his 5-193 (Rahim, 74.2 ov) 3/58 that took the sting out of the Bonner, and Shayne Moseley of WI Bowling: Kemar Roach 16-5-44-1, Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Bangladesh batsmen, particularly Shannon Gabriel 17-3-51-0 (1w), Sharfuddoula in the second session. However, Rahkeem Cornwall 22-1-56-0, Kyle Mayers 7-2-16-0, TV Umpire: Gazi Sohel the partnership between Al Hasan Jomel Warrican 24-5-58-3 (3nb), Reserve Umpire: Masudur Rahman Mushfiqur Rahim (left) and Shakib Al Hasan put on 59 runs for the fifth wicket yesterday (3) against West Indies at Chattogram in the first Test and Das means Bangladesh will be Kraigg Brathwaite 4-0-13-0 Match Referee: Neeyamur Rashid PHOTO CRICINFO confident on the second morning. Printed by the Kalukodayawa, Malwana Press & Published by Liberty Publishers (Pvt.) Ltd. 91, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7