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Health Ministry to Monitor PCR Tests

Health Ministry to Monitor PCR Tests

www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.themorning.lk epaper.themorning.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk www.aruna.lk epaper.aruna.lk MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

For verified information on the Quarantine Unit COVID-19 TOTAL CASES ACTIVE CASES TOTAL CASES coronavirus (Covid-19) contact any 0112 112 705 of the following authorities Epidemiology Unit CASES IN 0112 695 112 THE WORLD 46,556,115 Health Suwasariya Govt. coronavirus hotline PROTECT YOURSELF FROM 11,060 Promotion Ambulance DEATHS CASES DEATHS 0113071073 Bureau Service USA 9,409,776 236,127 If showing symptoms COVID-19 DEATHS RECOVERED 1999 1990 0117 966 366 1,202,583 8,208,774 122,424 BRAZIL 5,535,605 159,902 PRESIDENTIAL FOR ESSENTIAL SERVICES RECOVERD RUSSIA 1,636,781 28,235 21 4,905 Telephone 0114354854, 0114733600 Fax 0112333066, 0114354882 6,134 Hotline 0113456200-4 Email [email protected] 33,595,047 FRANCE 1,367,625 36,788 THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE CONFIRMED UP UNTIL 10.45 P.M. ON 1 NOVEMBER 2020 SOURCE: HEALTH PROMOTION BUREAU

NEW COVID-19 DETECTIONS REOPENING SCHOOLS FOR THIRD TERM TOTAL CASES Health Ministry to Govt. yet to make

*Stats7,378 updated as at 9.30 p.m. on 1 November final decision COVID-19 monitor PCR tests zDate to be decided end of this week 21st Covid death reported zDecision taken at meeting chaired by President BY SARAH HANNAN The 21st Covid-19-related death was reported yesterday (1), BY MAHEESHA MUDUGAMUWA quarantine people in their own The Ministry of Education will sit at a crucial the Department of Government homes instead of taking them meeting this week to decide the date to reopen Information confirmed. Instructions have been given to the Ministry of Health by to quarantine centres has had state schools for the third term, The Morning the National Operation Centre for Prevention of Covid- successful results, and further learnt. Movements between 19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) to closely monitor the PCR tests instructions have been given to With the quarantine curfew extended up to 9 conducted in private hospitals. closely monitor the ongoing home November for the whole of Western Province, quarantine programme by the Kurunegala town, and Kuliyapitiya and districts barred The decision, along with several President at medical officers of health (MOHs), Eheliyagoda police areas, the Ministry A decision has been made to other important decisions, had the Presidential Secretariat. the public health inspectors (PHI), of Education is to reconsider the strictly restrict movement between been taken by the NOCPCO at a It is also noted that the the Police, and the Army. school reopening date. State Minister Piyal districts in order to curtail the spread meeting held yesterday (1) with Government’s measure to Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Nishantha De Silva of Covid-19, as per the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. MONITORING CONTINUES NURSES THREATEN TU ACTION PCR results vital Demand for PPE and transport The Government Nursing (PPE) and transport facilities. “Even though a significant before moving: GMOA Officers’ Association (GNOA) GNOA President Saman task of managing the Covid- It is perilous for persons who are warned the Government Ratnapriya said the nurses 19 pandemic in the country awaiting their PCR test results to yesterday (1) that the nurses play a significant role in is being conducted by the be moving about within society, would refrain from Covid- the health service with the nurses, the Government has the Government Medical Officers’ 19 duties unless they are current Covid-19 outbreak, not taken any steps to provide Association (GMOA) stated. provided with necessary but they are not provided them with the necessary PPE facilities including the withsufficient facilities to and N95 masks,” he alleged. Minuwangoda cluster personal protection equipment continue their duties. Contd. on page 2 crosses 7,000 mark PCR MACHINE The new Minuwangoda and PORT OPERATIONS Peliyagoda cluster reached 7,185 Repair work to Covid-19-positive cases on Slow return Saturday (31 October), according recommence today to the Department of Government The Embassy of China in shared Information. to work an update on the repair work that is underway Operations at the Colombo Port to fix the malfunctioning PCR machine that has have been severely affected due to the delayed the process of gathering test results. Kalubowila Hospital drastic drop in employees reporting to Contd. on page 2 work due to the Covid-19 situation, a doctor infected trade union affiliated to the Janatha IF SHOWING ANY COVID-19 A doctor attached to the children’s Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) alleged SYMPTOMS, ward at the Colombo South Teaching Police officials stationed at checkpoints in several areas in Colombo continued to monitor travellers yesterday (1). CALL 0117 966 366 Hospital, Kalubowila tested positive yesterday (1) during the quarantine curfew Contd. on page 2 FOR MEDICAL ADVICE for Covid-19 yesterday (1), hospital PHOTO SAMAN ABESIRIWARDANA officials stated. Horana Bodyline Quarantine employees infected SLPP marks its The Bodyline apparel factory in curfew extended Horana has been closed after one zIn Western Province, Kurunegala, Kuliyapitiya and Eheliyagoda 4th anniversary of its employees tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday (31 October), zCurfew to continue till 5 am next Monday The Sri Lanka Podujana achievements the party gained in official sources stated. The quarantine curfew 5 a.m. on 9 November, Army Peramuna (SLPP) marks its a short span of time. imposed in the Western Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra fourth year in politics today (2 “Looking at the path the party Province, which was to be lifted Silva said. November). has taken since then, I consider it a Kottawa Glomark today (2), has been extended till Contd. on page 2 The President presenting the thread to State In celebrating the occasion, privilege to have held the position Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris of Chairman of such a party.” staff infected issued a statement capturing the Contd. on page 2 Two employees at the Kottawa Use official ID as curfew pass Glomark supermarket tested Acting Inspector General several other institutions to Katina festival QUARANTINE positive last Saturday (31 October), of Police (IGP) C.D. use their official identity cards the Softlogic officials announced in Wickramaratne last Saturday (IDs) as curfew passes in areas under state CURFEW AND ISOLATED AREAS a press release. (31 October) instructed all police where quarantine curfew has officers to allow government been imposed. patronage Another lobby employees and employees of Contd. on page 2 „ Western Province The State Katina Festival and the grand ritual „ Kurunegala district correspondent infected DRIED TURMERIC COVID-19 of colouring the Katina Cheewara (woven robe yy Kurunegala The second lobby correspondent Over 4 tonnes Food packs for for monks) is to be held on 7 and 8 November yy Kuliyapitiya who covered the 20th Amendment at the historic Somawathi Shrine. yy Pannala debate last week has tested positive seized with quarantined It was a custom in the days of the kings to yy Giriulla for Covid-19, it is learnt. cultivate cotton, spin the yarn, sew the cotton yy Narammala suspects families cloth using the cotton cloth, sew the robe, devote yy Dummalasuriya The Navy has managed to seize The Government has decided it to the Sangha, and soak it for colouring. Three villages in over 4,150 kg of smuggled dried to provide groceries packs President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, revisiting „ Nuwara Eliya District turmeric and apprehend 16 suspects worth Rs. 10,000 to families this ancient ritual, presented the thread yy Hatton town Maharagama isolated involved in the racketeering during under quarantine, as per required for the preparation of the Katina „ Ratnapura District Three villages in the Maharagama special operations conducted in the the instruction of President Cheewara on 30 October to State Minister yy Eheliyagoda area have been isolated due to the Northwestern and North Central Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime of Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel yy Palabaddala rising Covid-19 risk, area public Naval Commands. Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Production Dayasiri Jayasekara. health inspectors (PHIs) stated. Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 Contd. on page 2 „ Mannar District yy Periyakadai LATEST COVID-19 STRAIN y Govt. urged to reveal Different, more infectious: Study y Pattitottam combat plan A study conducted by the University mutations that result in the rapid spread Unit of USJ carried out the whole The (UNP) of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) has of the virus, as well as to investigate genomic sequencing of the virus. yesterday (1) issued a statement urging revealed that the current Covid-19 the relationship between the currently The study has discovered that the the Government to publicly unveil their wave is of a variant strain with higher circulating virus strains to previous currently circulating strain is different plan to control and combat the spread infectivity. strains circulating in Sri Lanka. from the previous strains and that of the Covid-19 virus. The purpose of the study was to Thereby, a team of scientists at it has the mutation associated with * Updated as at determine whether the current Covid-19 the Department of Immunology and high transmissibility due to high 10.00 p.m. on 29th October SEE FULL STORIES ON PAGE 2 outbreak is due to spread of different Molecular Medicine along with the viral loads. Source: strains and whether there are certain Allergy, Immunology, and Cell Biology Contd. on page 2 2 the morning NEWS Monday, November 2, 2020

Contd. from page 1

pigment material. The State Katina Festival the way to seize another 1,600 kg of dried essential services and the distribution of Repair... Demand... is scheduled to be held annually under state turmeric stuffed in 45 sacks, two dinghies, a goods. The President made this decision at A team of experts from the PCR machine Ratnapriya further stated that the sponsorship from this year onwards. cab, and eight suspects. a meeting held with the National Operation manufacturing company had arrived in Sri Association had launched a protest on 31 This is the first time since the reign of King The North Central Naval Command, upon Centre for Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak Lanka last Friday (30 October). October at the Matara, Gampaha, and Ingiriya Parakramabahu II that a state-sponsored spotting a suspicious dinghy off the Vankalai (NOCPCO) at the Presidential Secretariat After 10 hours of work, the malfunction Hospitals. Katina Festival is being held. beach in Mannar in the dark hours on 30 yesterday (1). had been detected, the Embassy announced Furthermore, he said that the lack of – Sarah Hannan October, intercepted the dinghy as it was Along with the decision to bar travel via the social media platform Twitter. transport facilities for the nurses who report reaching the beach the following day. between districts, President Rajapaksa “Automated Molecular Extraction partly for duty is a major problem, and if immediate On receipt of further information from the took several more decisions to control the deviated. Main machine normal. Laboratory action is not taken to provide these facilities, Food... racketeers, the Navy had been able to find 508 pandemic without hindering the daily life of environment, e.q. operation desk unstable, their members will refrain from reporting for This relief will be provided on two kg of turmeric in eight sacks jettisoned into the public and the economy. might be the cause. A few rounds of duty. separate occasions with two packs of fruit the water with the intention of smuggling into verification to be run for 100% sure,” the – Maheesha Mudugamuwa and dried food items worth Rs. 5,000 each, the island later. The Navy has also held three Embassy tweeted. the Department of Government Information suspects and the dingy during this operation. PCR results... Accordingly, the PCR test machine is to stated. The accused persons were identified as GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said resume operations today (2). Slow return... These food packages have been prepared residents of Puttalam, Ettalai, Konthantivu, that such incidents are being reported from Speaking to The Morning, All Ceylon to last for 14 days and will be distributed Madurankuliya, Palavi, and Mannar, aged all over the island. “There is a delay of about General Ports Employees’ Union (ACGPEU) with the intervention of the relevant district between 20 and 64 years. a week when these PCR results come in. In Health Ministry... Deputy General Secretary G. Niroshan secretary or government agent. All the special operations had been some places, just four to five days. This is a Furthermore, travelling between districts stressed that there was around a 40% Accordingly, these relief food packs will be conducted adhering to strict safety and health natural situation all over Sri Lanka when there for any purpose except for essential services reduction in Sri Lanka Ports Authority distributed to 6,025 quarantined families in 13 guidelines. are around 20,000 PCR samples to be tested. including distribution of goods has also been suspended, and the Police was also instructed (SLPA) employees reporting to work, mainly divisional secretariats in the . After having disinfected the consignment This is being carried out amidst practical not to issue curfew permits as usual during due to the quarantine curfew imposed in the Reportedly, the distribution is already of turmeric, the suspects along with the seized difficulties while managing the situation. this period. Gampaha District. underway in the Homagama, Dehiwala, items were handed over to the Customs “Therefore, we kindly request you to act “Even though employees can come to Moratuwa, and Kaduwela Divisional Preventive Office in Katunayake and the responsibly until you get the results of your President Rajapaksa has also insisted work using their passes, they are not coming Secretariats. The food packs will also be Mannar Police Station for onward legal PCR test. Your results can be either positive members of the NOCPCO to conduct as there is no proper Covid-19 management distributed to 6,807 quarantined families in 13 action. or negative,” he emphasised. continuous and regular random tests, and to programme at the ports premises,” he divisional secretariats in the Gampaha District He warned the public to not visit give their results within a short period of time. stressed. Employees did not want to put their and to 2,245 quarantined families in 14 Anuradhapura or Matara, for instance, after a Whether the PCR test is carried out by lives at risk, he said, adding that most of the divisional secretariats in the Kalutara District. Use official... PCR test is carried out in Colombo, pointing a private hospital or the government, it is gantry crane, transfer crane, and other crane Moreover, arrangements have been made to In a letter to all police officers, the Acting out that by the time the result comes in and mandatory to refer the person to quarantine operators were residing in the Gampaha distribute these food packs to 1,248 families IGP said the Secretary to the Ministry of if it is positive, the individual would be in until the results are obtained, it was stressed. District, and since they were not reporting in the Kegalle District. Public Services has issued a circular on another area. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in the to work, the unloading of shipments had In addition, it has been informed to 28 October detailing how government “Please remain in the area where the PCR- Western Province last week has been further been delayed. According to him, the delay in continue to provide food packages to new institutions and other essential service test was conducted. Do not spread the virus extended until 5 a.m. on 9 November. unloading shipments would result in a huge families joining the quarantine process by providers should perform in line with elsewhere. Nevertheless, such situations have The curfew has also been imposed in the loss to the SLPA. obtaining the relevant information from the measures taken to prevent the spread of been reported throughout the country. This is Eheliyagoda Police Division, Kurunegala “At present, the management is discussing divisional secretariat. Covid-19. Accordingly, employees of 80 a regrettable situation,” Dr. Aluthge stated. Municipal Council area, and Kuliyapitiya the possibilities of calling for retired government and other identified institutions Police Division in the Ratnapura District until employees as a measure to continue the will be allowed to use their official IDs to 9 November. port’s operation. But as of today, none of the SLPP... report to work from curfew-imposed areas. Minuwangoda... measures have been implemented,” Niroshan I heartily congratulate the future of the Sri Some of these institutions include the According to a media release, 239 cases noted. He also alleged that at present a Lanka People’s Front, which is celebrating its Presidential Secretariat, Prime Minister’s were reported on Saturday. Govt. yet... number of ships have been stuck at ports fourth anniversary today,” Peiris noted. Office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of With the new development, Sri Lanka has “The date of reopening schools for the without being able to unload the shipments. Following are excerpts of his statement: Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed 10,663 Covid-19-positive cases up third term will be reconsidered following Meanwhile, when contacted by The “The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, which Attorney General’s Department, Cabinet to date, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) a meeting that is to take place between the Morning, SLPA Chairman Gen. Daya inherited a glorious leadership of the country, Office, Board of Investment (BOI), Sri Lanka confirmed. Education Ministry, health service authorities, Ratnayake said that operations were delayed is directing party politics in a new direction. Customs, Department of Examinations, all While a total of 21 deaths have been and the Covid-19 Eradication Committee till last Friday (30 October) but now the As a result of the 2015 general elections, private hospitals, and all media institutions. reported as at 1 November, the Epidemiology chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. operations were returned back to normal. the thinking of the people of this country Unit said that 6,142 active cases are still We will be able to communicate the exact “There was an issue due to the lack of changed. The expectations of the country did receiving medical treatment at selected date of reopening schools by the end of necessary staff, as around 30% of employees not seem to be fulfilled and the government Quarantine... hospitals across the island. this week,” State Minister of Women and were from Gampaha and the Covid-19 that came to power as a people’s government Speaking at a special news briefing, the Army Meanwhile, 4,399 confirmed patients Child Development, Preschool and Primary situation there had interrupted the operations. did not appear to be in power. Commander said the quarantine curfew would have made complete recoveries and been Education, School Infrastructure, and Now, operations are returning back to “People began to wonder whether the be imposed from 5 in the morning today until discharged, according to HPB data. Education Services Piyal Nishantha De Silva normal,” he stressed. leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa 9 November in the Kurunegala Municipality told The Morning. Responding to the allegations levelled would prosper in the next phase of the area and the Kuliyapitiya and Eheliyagoda Kalubowila... Given the developing health emergency by the JVP-affiliated trade union, Gen. political annals. Politically confused people police areas as well. The staff of the Kalubowila Teaching situation in the backdrop of preventing Ratnayake noted that the SLPA has waited hopefully until the gap in patriotic “We urge everyone living in the areas Hospital has been sent for PCR testing. the spread of Covid-19 in the country, the promulgated all necessary health measures politics was filled. where the quarantine curfew has been Secretary to the Ministry of Education last as quickly as the pandemic was reported and “Basil Rajapaksa pioneered the filling of imposed to stay at home and not to leave week had requested guidelines and any started disrupting the global supply chain. the gap by shifting the political genealogy outside unless for essential services,” he said. Kottawa... further recommendations from the Ministry “Strict health measures have been in a new direction. Due to his strong He said the decision to extend the curfew The employees who are directly and of Health to be followed when schools introduced for the smooth operation of the commitment, a new political party called the was taken due to the higher number of Covid- indirectly involved with Softlogic Glomark commence for the third term. port,” he added. Sri Lanka People’s Front entered the arena on 19 patients being reported during the last few had been sent for PCR testing. State schools were originally set to reopen Unfortunately, some parties with vested 2 November 2016. The Sri Lanka Podujana days. for the third term on 9 November, following interests are giving inappropriate and Peramuna (SLPP) grew by choosing the lotus the conclusion of the GCE Advanced Level manipulated interpretations to the work they flower as its symbol, turning the existing party Three... (A/L) examination that was held over the past continue to do collectively to ensure the safety politics in a new direction and becoming a Different... Accordingly, the Pragathipura, Velsiripura, four weeks. of all, he added. strong challenge to the government in power, The same virus strain is so far and Rahulapura villages have been isolated It is also learnt that the Epidemiology Unit – Maheesha Mudugamuwa based on the views of the people. responsible for the infections detected in the until further notice. of the Ministry of Health too had cautioned “People’s testimony confirmed that the Minuwangoda, Colombo Municipality area, against the reopening of schools in the SLPP has grown well in the 2018 local and the fish market clusters, according to key Horana... coming days without assessing the evolving Katina... government elections. In as little as a month, findings of the study. Accordingly, the company management has situation. “More than 100,000 robes of the required the party was able to renew the Sri Lankan Accordingly, 16 virus strains originating decided to close the factory for the weekend, Director General of Health Services standard are imported annually, which is political annals with 71% of the vote. In a from Brandix, Minuwangoda, the Colombo while a decision on closing it further is to be (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena noted that shrouded by the more than 40,000 monks very short period of time, the SLPP managed Municipality area, Beruwala Fish Market, taken today (2 November). a final decision is to be taken in consultation living in the country. We are looking at taking to garner the highest number of votes in the and patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals with the National Operation Centre for the necessary steps to meet the demand history of party politics. have been subjected to sequencing. Prevention of Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) for these robes by locally producing them “Taking that victory to the next level, The whole genomic sequencing was Another... and the Covid-19 Eradication Committee. with the use of local handlooms to a high the SLPP was able to add a distinguished successful in 13 strains and partial sequencing “Another journalist attached to a Sinhala The health guidelines too will be updated standard,” Jayasekara told The Morning. leader as well as a pro-people, great man in three strains. Twelve out of 13 strains were language daily newspaper, who went for accordingly as the virulence of the strains The villagers of Bisopura, Medirigiriya to the political annals of the country at the similar to each other and were of the B.1.42 Parliament coverage, tested positive,” the presently in circulation originated from have started weaving the robes (Katina presidential election in 2019. President lineage (clade 20C), the study further reveals. National Operation Centre for Prevention of the two main clusters, and the subclusters Chiwara) using these threads and handlooms Gotabaya Rajapaksa won a landslide victory According to scientists, this suggests that Covid-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) announced. displayed high transmissibility due to high on 31 October. The single-piece robe woven by garnering the 6,924,255 votes, further the virus strains circulating in different places viral loads than the previous strains that were over a period of one week will be taken to consolidating the stability of the SLPP as a in the country are of a common origin. circulating, according to the whole genomic the Somawathi Shrine on 7 November in a political party. Moreover, 15 out of 16 strains have had Govt. urged... sequencing carried out by the Department of grand procession. Somawathi Raja Maha “Given the organisational capacity of the D614G mutation which is associated Despite repeated statements by the Immunology and Molecular Medicine and the Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Pahamune the party, the SLPP was able to identify the with a high viral load and higher rates of Government that the authorities have controlled Allergy, Immunology, and Cell Biology Unit Sri Sumangala Thera will officiate at the State conscience of the people by conversing with transmissibility. the spread of the virus, recent media reports of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura over Katina Festival. The Chivara will be devoted the village, making the vision of prosperity a The previous strains that circulated in Sri have highlighted the irresponsible manner in the virus strains that are currently circulating to the Sangha, after which on 8 November programme that goes beyond concepts. As a Lanka were of the B.1, B.2, B 1.1, and B.4 which the Government has approached this within the country. they will be soaked for colouring using local result, the SLPP managed to win the general lineages (Kandakadu cluster viruses were of crisis. election with a two-thirds majority, turning B.1 lineage), and therefore the current virus A weekend newspaper has highlighted the political history upside down and becoming strain is slightly different as it belongs to the fact that since March this year, there have the proudest political party in the country.” B.1.42 lineage, the study confirms. been no new ventilators purchased by the – Sarah Hannan The team of scientists in the sequencing Government. The report goes on to state that Cartoon of the day work led by USJ Centre for Dengue Research only 146 ICU (intensive care unit) beds have Director Prof. Neelika Malavige comprises been allocated to Covid-19 patients, which Over 4... Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Dr. Deshni medical experts indicate is far below the The operations had been carried out on 30 Jayathilaka, Dr. Dinuka Ariyaratne, Laksiri necessary amount. and 31 October. Gomes, and Diyanath Ranasinghe. The UNP in the letter states that it continually Upon noticing the suspicious behaviour of Meanwhile, Dr. Ananda Wijewickram and asked the Government what has happened to a group of individuals during a patrol carried Dr. Malika Karunaratne from the National the funding provided by foreign governments in the beach area of Erambugodella in Ettalai, Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH) and organisations to combat the virus. Despite Puttalam, the Northwestern Naval Command provided the initial samples from the Brandix financial support having been made available had interrogated them, which had led to the cluster for sequencing. by organisations such as the World Bank, the seizure of a stock of smuggled dried turmeric. The funding for sequencing has been Government has failed to present what these Accordingly, 2,042 kg of dried turmeric provided by the World Health Organisation funds have been used for. contained in 65 sacks, a lorry, a motorbike, (WHO). “This latest outbreak has been linked to a and five suspects had been seized during the stronger strain of the virus, similar to that seen operation. 21st... in . Over the weekend, several European Meanwhile, during another operation in the Accordingly, the victim, a 40-year-old countries including the UK and France have Periyakadu beach area in the early hours last male from Mahara, had died while receiving imposed nationwide lockdowns, while outlining Saturday, the Navy had taken hold of another treatment for high blood pressure and to the public their plans to control the spread. stock of smuggled dried turmeric brought to respiratory ailments at the National Hospital The party asks the Government to present to the shore by two dinghies while it was being For Respiratory Diseases in Welisara. the public what are their plans to control this loaded to a lorry. fresh outbreak,” it stated. Further investigations into the incident led The UNP stated that the Government must to the recovery of three more dried turmeric Movements... recognise the severity of this outbreak and take sacks hidden by the racketeers in a house Accordingly, crossing district boundaries necessary precautions immediately to contain nearby. Accordingly, the operation had paved will be banned for any purpose, except for this growing threat. the morning Monday, November 2, 2020 3 business Capitol TwinPeaks Central Bank sees wins at US-based economy rebounding Luxury Awards Sri Lanka’s Capitol Developers, a member of the Sanken Group, and P&T Group were honoured at the recently held New York-based Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2020 for the Capitol in 2021 TwinPeaks apartment project. The economy, which saw a more countries under lockdowns by the pandemic. border financial flows. However, Singapore’s P&T Group won contraction of 1.6% in the than in the first quarter, affecting “Responding to these measures, gross official reserves remained at in the category of Best Luxury first quarter of 2020 and Sri Lanka’s export performance. credit to the private sector showed adequate levels, benefiting from High Rise Architecture, while is expected to see an even However, the CBSL said there has a significant improvement in inflows to the Government and Capitol Developers won in the bigger contraction in the been a strong recovery in recent August and September 2020, the Central Bank, including the category of Best Luxury Mixed-Use second quarter, will rebound months, presumably referring to the reversing the slowdown observed net purchases of foreign exchange Development. in 2021, the Central Bank of third quarter. in previous months. The Central from the domestic foreign According to the Luxury Lifestyle Capitol Developers Ltd. Managing “GDP estimates for the second Bank also provided required funds exchange market,” it noted. Awards event organisers, the award Director Rohana Wannigama Sri Lanka (CBSL) said. quarter have not yet been released to the Government by purchasing The CBSL also noted that is awarded following research on “Economic growth is expected by the DCS (Department of Census Treasury bills at primary auctions. the Government met all its debt companies with projects in the same Capitol Developers Ltd. Managing to rebound in 2021 and maintain and Statistics), citing difficulties Increased credit flows to the service obligations including the category and country. Some of the Director Rohana Wannigama the upward trajectory over the in capturing the true nature of public sector mainly contributed settlement of the International criteria for nominations included concluded: “It is an honour to receive medium term, supported by pro- disruptions and new activities as to the acceleration of broad money Sovereign Bond (ISB) that project location, functionality of this award for the Capitol TwinPeaks growth policies of the Government. well as novel ways of working that growth during the nine months matured in early October 2020, the project, design style and special project. The double award received Policies to boost domestic emerged this year with the onset of ended September 2020.” amidst adverse speculation and features, sustainability and energy at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2020 production are also expected to the pandemic. Nevertheless, high- It said that the financial system sovereign rating downgrades. efficiency, safety and security, and for Capitol TwinPeaks reaffirms ease the pressure on the external frequency data points towards a withstood the adverse impact “Meanwhile, the performance of the reputation and credibility of both the quality in design, convenience, sector of the economy on a strong recovery in many areas of stemming from domestic and the fiscal sector was significantly organisations. and comfort that have been refined sustained basis. Nevertheless, the economic activity in more recent global economic slowdown, while affected by the decline of Speaking on the occasion, P&T through the offer of vertical living success of containing Covid-19 months prior to the resurgence of supporting the revival of the government revenue amidst Group Director Richard noted: “It in the heart of Colombo. The project locally and globally remains critical Covid-19 infections and resultant economy. the economic fallout, while the is an honour to receive this award truly is an impeccable investment in determining the pace and the containment measures in October The report further added that the large amount of outstanding which has been credited purely based and lifestyle option, and we are magnitude of domestic economic 2020.” external sector marked a notable bills brought forward from on merit and the awarding body’s pleased to have been endorsed by recovery and revival in the period The report credited the rebound with an improvement the previous year weighed on in-depth independent research into the seal of approval of the globally ahead,” the CBSL said in its Government and the Central Bank in the trade balance, a revival of the expenditure management the project under a vigorous set of recognised ‘Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ report titled “Recent Economic for the recovery of activity. workers’ remittances, a stable efforts of the Government. The selection criteria. We are pleased to headquartered in New York, USA, Developments: Highlights of 2020 “Relief measures and large-scale exchange rate, and a reasonable Government’s plans to reduce the receive this award for the Capitol who have just unveiled their 12th and Prospects for 2021”, which policy stimuli were introduced to level of official reserves, despite budget deficit over the medium TwinPeaks, Sri Lanka project – one annual winners’ list for the year was released last Saturday (31 help businesses and individuals being severely affected at the initial term remain critical in ensuring that we believe embodies the apex of 2020.” October). affected by the pandemic. The stages of the pandemic. macroeconomic stability and the apartment living.” Showcased as twin 50-storey The report attributed the year-on- Central Bank initiated a series “The external sector stability was sustainability of public debt in the With 150 years of design skyscrapers, Capitol TwinPeaks offers year (YoY) economic contraction of monetary easing measures, supported by the restrictions placed period ahead.” experience in the world’s emerging two, three, four, and five-bedroom in the first quarter to the combined including multiple reductions of on non-essential imports and It went on to say that subdued and developed countries and apartments with over 40,000 sq. ft. effects of the spread of Covid-19 the policy rates and the Statutory selected outflows as well as low demand conditions and well numerous offices and associated of common amenities, facilities, and locally and the introduction of Reserve Ratio (SRR), thereby global petroleum prices. Proactive anchored inflation expectations offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, commercial space. It is home to what lockdown measures, the slowdown injecting ample liquidity into the measures taken by the Government helped maintain inflation broadly China, Thailand, the United Arab the developers claim is South Asia’s in global economic activity, and the market and lowering borrowing and the Central Bank and the within the target range of 4-6% Emirates (UAE), Vietnam, and more highest sky bridge and is scheduled adverse weather conditions in the costs significantly, given the unexpected rebound in workers’ thus far during 2020, although countries, P&T Group claims to be for completion at the end of June country. unprecedented circumstances remittances since June 2020 helped a transitory acceleration was one of the largest architectural and 2021. It is widely believed that the caused by the pandemic. The partly cushion the impact of the observed due to the rise in food engineering practices in the world. second quarter would see an even adverse effects of the pandemic significant decline in earnings from prices. Inflation is expected to be greater contraction than the first also prompted the introduction tourism due to persistent global maintained in this range over the quarter, as only 10 days of the first of concessional credit schemes travel restrictions. medium term with appropriate quarter suffered from a nationwide to fulfil the needs of small and “The financial account of the policy measures, within the curfew while nearly two months medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), balance of payments (BOP) flexible inflation targeting of the second quarter was under alongside debt moratoria for experienced subdued performance framework of the Central Bank, it lockdown. Globally, too, there were businesses and individuals affected as the pandemic affected cross noted. Jetwing’s Hiran Cooray becomes youngest PATA Life Member The Pacific Asia Travel Sri Lanka and is one of the from being associated Association (PATA) most respected and pivotal with PATA since 1991; Life Membership has figures that drives tourism in the association gave me been awarded to Jetwing the island today. Along with opportunities to mingle with Symphony PLC Chairman his sister Shiromal, Hiran is the great travel, hospitality, Hiran Cooray, making him carrying on the legacy of the airline, and government the youngest Life Member of late Herbert Cooray, a pioneer giants to promote my country PATA. of hospitality and tourism in and company, and also The award is the the island,” Jetwing said. educated me in the latest association’s highest “I am incredibly humbled trends over the years. I am individual honour which to receive this award from grateful to late Mr. M. Y. recognises significant PATA, an association I have M. Thahir, former Director leadership and invaluable had a great relationship with General of Sri Lanka dedication to PATA. over the years, and I would Tourism, for encouraging “Renowned as an expert in like to thank the Board and me to actively engage with Sri Lankan tourism, Hiran has the honours committee for PATA and its activities in the contributed immensely to the recognising my services. I last three decades,” Cooray Jetwing Symphony PLC Chairman Hiran Cooray development of hospitality in have benefited immensely stated. Capitol TwinPeaks, the award-winning architectural design Doc990 partners ’s Seetha Huawei unveils mid-range 5G Channelling Services Powered by Dialog Axiata smartphone in Sri Lanka PLC, Doc990 announced last Huawei, a pioneer in 5G proud to pioneer 5G access selfie camera features a 16 Saturday (31) that it is expanding technology and the global to all mobile users and for MP f/2.0 aperture shooter its service offerings across Kandy smartphone manufacturer, being able to spur the fast that captures “clear, noise- by integrating Seetha Channelling recently unveiled its tracking of 5G connectivity free images even at night”, Services and Pharmacies. first-ever mid-range 5G by Sri Lankan telco Huawei said. Users from Kandy can make smartphone in Sri Lanka for operators.” Huawei Nova 7 SE bookings by calling 990, visiting an introductory price of Rs. Nova 7 SE is available at supports creative video www.doc.lk, or via the Doc990 64,999. Singer Plus, Singer Mega recording options including mobile application, and can also Huawei Nova 7 SE is showrooms, and authorised 4K high-definition video, channel a doctor at any Doc990 fully equipped to deliver resellers islandwide. dual-view video, super hospital islandwide through a what Huawei claims is Customers can also avail slow motion and time-lapse Seetha pharmacy. “unrivalled performance” special installment plans, mode. Seetha Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. for smartphone users who credit/debit card payment Powered by Huawei’s is a brand that has diversified have been yearning for the options, and also a 100 GB self-developed Kirin into pharmaceuticals and doctor novel 5G experience. free data offer from selected palette to choose from. 820 5G SoC, Nova 7 SE channelling services in the Commenting on the mobile network providers Nova 7 SE is equipped provides excellent 5G and Central Province of Sri Lanka. 5G-ready Nova 7 SE, along with free gifts with with a 64 MP AI Quad processing speeds, be it for Doc990 working with Seetha Huawei Devices Country every Nova 7 SE purchase. camera set up which gaming or playing high- Holdings in Kandy strengthens Head for Sri Lanka Peter The 6.5-inch Punch includes a 64 MP high- quality videos, Huawei their hospital network whilst From left: Digital Health (Pvt.) Ltd. Business Development Manager Liu said: “Nova 7 SE is a Full view display brings resolution main camera said. Furthermore, its large expanding their pharmacy Buddika Wickramasinghe, Seetha Group of Companies Chief Finance Officer giant leap in the 5G arena. visuals providing a 90.3% with f/1.8 aperture and 4000mAh battery and network through the Seetha Shirantha Gannoruwa, Managing Director Lakshman Premachandra, Dialog Huawei has made the right screen-to-body ratio and 1/1.7-inch image sensor, 40W Huawei SuperCharge Axiata PLC Head of Digital Services Reza Aniff, and Digital Health Business Channelling Centre. As a result Development Manager Navoda Rathnayake move by introducing the the phone body is in three 8 MP ultra-wide-angle technology capable of of this two-way integration, users first-ever mid-range 5G colour variants – Space lens with f/2.4 aperture, 2 charging the battery up to from the Central Province can Channelling Centre. private hospitals and currently smartphone in its efforts Silver, Crush Green, and MP bokeh lens with f/2.4 70% within just 30 minutes, also make bookings to Colombo Doc9900 is an online service has over 140 hospitals in its to make 5G accessible to Midsummer Purple – aperture, and 2 MP macro allowing for high-demand hospitals as well via the Seetha for channelling doctors from portfolio. everyone. We are extremely providing an unusual colour lens with f/2.4 aperture. Its performance. the morning 4 Monday, November 2, 2020 brunch It’s not a PHOTO © SUADA AZMY finish line, it never will be ASHA DE VOS

that help us better understand ourselves and many she doesn’t know – people who’ve Asha de Vos among 5 scientists globally to be recognised the world around us. drawn inspiration for themselves or are just there to celebrate what she’s achieved. with a Maxwell/Hanrahan Award in Field Biology A marathon and not a sprint “With the kind of work I do Speaking to The Morning Brunch right (conservation), we need to build our army BY THE MORNING BRUNCH DESK whales and makes it possible for me to marine ecologist and conservation biologist after the news broke, de Vos shared that her and if we can’t build our army, we’re not focus time on exploring and learning – and Douglas Rasher, and scientist Mrinalini work is “a long marathon”. She added that going to be successful,” she said, adding Sri Lankan marine biologist and sharing what I uncover.” Watsa – in the recognition. recognitions such as these not only fuel her that this award and the reaction it garnered Oceanswell Founder Asha de Vos She further penned that she did not The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation drive to keep going, but also reinforce the from people who are celebrating it makes over the weekend (30 October) know this award existed, noting: “So when was started in 2018 to support individual feeling that she’s doing something right and a big difference. “I feel the love and became one of the five scientists I got the call, I was absolutely floored. The scientists, teachers, conservationists, that it is making a difference. support I’ve got through my journey and from across the world to be selection panel is confidential, so I will and creators whose diverse perspectives “It’s not a finish line, it never will be… this recognition is also my way of saying never know whose belief in me propelled enable people to discover new things about because these journeys are long, especially thank you to everyone who’s put their awarded a Maxwell/Hanrahan me to this space, but I will be forever ourselves and our world. The Maxwell/ in conservation.” faith in me.” Award in Field Biology. grateful. It just goes to show that you never Hanrahan Awards in Field Biology gives Commenting on the award and what De Vos shared on instagram: “I’m know who is watching, so you always just winners the support they need to explore followed, de Vos said she’s “overwhelmed” READ MORE FROM OUR CHAT WITH humbled to share that I have been awarded have to do your best work and keep going.” and test what they learn. The award supports by the good wishes and kind words she’s ASHA DE VOS a Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation Award De Vos joins four others – namely individual scientists, elevates their diverse been receiving on her social media and her ON SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER IN in Field Biology! The award recognises biological oceanographer Colleen Durkin, perspectives, and enables them to commit emails. “I’m flooded!” The messages, she THE SUNDAY MORNING BRUNCH SECTION my years of work with the Sri Lankan blue population biologist Alejandro Pietrek, time to the observation and experimentation said, are from some whom she knows and BY NAVEED ROZAIS Got Pink? Early detection Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer worldwide and awareness has a huge role to play in is the best protection limiting the damage it causes annually. In an effort to create awareness, (UoC) Rotaract Rotaract Club webinar on breast cancer awareness Club of the Faculty of Science hosted to be mindful of breast cancer is an in-depth live discussion on 24 through frequent self-examination. The October with Ministry of Health touch-look-check (TLC) campaign on National Cancer Control Programme breast cancer awareness drives home (NCCP) consultant physician Dr. this point. Nayana De Alwis on the basics The TCL campaign encourages of breast cancer, how to check for women to examine their breasts as signs and symptoms, and how to get frequently as possible, at least once a Big cats are still at risk treatment. month, to check for anything unusual. Dinal Samarasinghe on leopards of Wilpattu National Park The webinar was organised by Through touching, women can observe the Rotaract Club in partnership if they feel anything different, through BY DIMITHRI WIJESINGHE to the authorities, you are able to learn the with Lanka Hospitals, FOS Media, looking they can detect anything status of the animal within the island. These Pulse, Chokolaate Magazine, and unusual in the appearance of their The Wildlife and Nature Protection are ongoing projects as they simply cannot NowYouSeeMe Digital Media. breasts. Also through checking, they Society (WNPS) will host their monthly be one-time surveys. can see if anything unusual is the sign lecture, titled “The Leopards of Wilpattu Moreover, Dinal said that especially The nature of cancer of some other deeper issue. National Park”, on Thursday, 19 November when it comes to leopards, you must Dr. De Alwis spoke on the nature Common symptoms of breast 2020 at 6 p.m. via Zoom and Facebook live. conduct these annually so that conservation of cancer, explaining that cancer is cancer include lumps within the breast, This time featuring Dinal Samarasinghe, efforts and interventions can move forward essentially when cells multiply and changes in shape and size of the the lecture will bring to you insights into efficiently. He said that in studying the grow in an abnormal way due to breast, any changes to the nipple and an ongoing research project Dinal has been animal in a protected area, you get to create mutations within the cell that happens surrounding areas, any skin changes a part of, which is conducted to determine a clear picture about its status and nature when cell division takes place. Not all (redness, scaliness, dryness, irritation, the population density of the island’s only here on the island. cell mutations are cancerous and in that cannot be controlled through flaking, etc.), or dimpling. big cat, starting off in the protected area of Summarising a few such issues many cases, the body’s immune system individual action or lifestyle changes) “Early detection is the most Wilpattu National Park. currently faced in and around the park, and takes care of cell mutations and growths that are easier to manage, as well as important way to fight cancer,” Dr. Over the last 10 years, Dinal has has been the main concern of park wardens, without it ever becoming an issue. controllable risk factors (lifestyle-based De Alwis said, explaining that while conducted research on amphibians and on he said that one main concern is the road However, when these cells divide, factors) that contribute to women (and developed countries have higher rates the taxonomy of the water monitor complex that has been built right across the road multiply, and grow abnormally at an men) developing breast cancer. of breast cancer, developing countries in South Asia. Currently, his research is marking Puttalam and Mannar, which is advanced rate or in a way the body In terms of uncontrollable risk have higher death rates, in part due focused on human-wildlife conflict (HWC) actually illegal, for which a court case is cannot naturally control, a cancer factors, gender is one major risk factor, to the lack of awareness on breast mitigation and carnivore/apex predator ongoing regarding its legitimacy. He also is formed. Cancerous cells are also Dr. De Alwis explained, with breast cancer as well as cultural bias stopping population ecology: Saltwater Crocodile and shared that there are two illegal settlements invasive and spread to surrounding cancer being 100 times more common women from seeking attention and the Sri Lankan Leopard. He is a member of on the border of the national park and that tissues, and can also travel to other parts in women than men. Exposure to the treatment sooner. the amphibian, water monitor, and crocodile there is encroachment happening along the of the body through the bloodstream. female reproductive hormones estrogen specialist groups of the International Union park’s borders. There is no known specific cause and progesterone also increases the What to do after TLC? for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Dinal did, however, state that park for the development of cancer. It can risk of developing breast cancer, Dr. De Alwis explained that there Commission (IUCN SSC). wardens at Wilpattu National Park have be for a variety of reasons, including particularly for women who experience are many options for women who The Sri Lankan leopard is one of eight gone to great lengths to curb the current genetic predisposition when there is early menarche, late menopause, and notice something unusual and suspect subspecies of leopards in the world and issue of poaching, adding that people often a history of cancer within the family, have not had pregnancies. they may have one or more symptoms is endemic to the island. This large felid attempt to poach deer in these demarcated regardless of whether this history is The long-term use of oral of breast cancer. Urban women can is the island’s only apex predator and is areas and in doing, so they do not only maternal or paternal. contraceptives and prolonged post- visit hospitals, clinics, or physicians categorised as an endangered subspecies by endanger the deer, but all the other species menopausal hormone therapy have for a medical opinion before deciding the IUCN, primarily due to losing 37% of its that occupy the space, including the Sri Breast cancer and its risk factors also been linked to a higher risk how to proceed. For women in rural native habitat. Lankan leopard, with whom if the poachers Breast cancer is when cancer of developing breast cancer due to areas, Dr. De Alwis explained that Dinal shared that the lecture will are to cross paths they would most definitely develops within the breast tissue. It is the disruption of hormones these a visit to the Medical Officer of the provide key insights into the population of kill the animal. the leading form of cancer in women treatments create. Health Office is the strongest course leopards in Wilpattu National Park based He said that this is a rising concern, worldwide, with over 3,500 cases Another factor that increases the of action, as well as consulting with a on a study conducted in 2018, and also one that many may not consider as an issue, reported in Sri Lanka each year. Breast risk of developing breast cancer is public health nurse or midwife. discuss future conservation implications. adding that the demand for bushmeat is cancer claims the lives of 700 Sri radiation therapy for other illnesses, Dr. De Alwis shared that one’s In addition, it will also provide a synopsis something that keeps this industry alive. Lankan women each year. particularly when the treatment is socioeconomic background is not a about the leopard, its global status, biology, “To this day, whenever locals travel Like with all cancers, there is no received at adolescence during which limiting factor in obtaining treatment. and importance in the ecosystem. outside of Colombo and travel towards these known specific cause for breast cancer. time the breasts are forming. Genetic There are many resources at state-level He shared that the primary objective protected areas, one thing that they request However, research has shown that there and family history is also a risk factor, that provide services free of charge, of carrying out this particular research was from restaurants and hotels is bushmeat, and are several risk factors that have been but only 5-10% of breast cancer cases with each province in Sri Lanka to determine the population density and this demand keeps the trade alive,” he said. identified in relation to breast cancer. are hereditary. having a major hospital for cancer that they chose a protected area to begin – If there is a request that they can make Dr. De Alwis stressed that risk Controllable risk factors that treatment. Wilpattu National Park in particular due to from the people who are travelling within factors are not causes of illness, but contribute to developing breast cancer Moreover, Dr. De Alwis also the number of threats faced by those species the island, it is an easy-enough thing to do simply factors that make people more are obesity, alcohol, tobacco, and a lack recommended the Cancer Early encapsulated within the park, which will to curb the demand, which is to simply stop likely to develop a disease over time. of exercise. Detection Centre in Colombo, run also be raised during the lecture. asking for bushmeat. In the case of breast cancer, Dr. De by the NCCP, which is still treating He added that in figuring out this data, Sign up for the monthly Alwis shared that there are many Prevention is better than cure patients even through the pandemic via while they are then able to analyse and lecture online at https://forms.gle/ uncontrollable risk factors (factors The most effective way for women appointments only made by phone. propose management recommendations NnFQEEod7hE14kvh9. the morning 5 Monday, November 2, 2020 sports Did they refer to Cricinfo? ropes in Pathan Simona Halep tests Last week’s stunning expose by ’s Herald Sun on a visa scam by , the 36-year-old former India positive one named Saman Kandage, involving Sri Lankan first-class cricketers all-rounder who retired from all forms of Women’s world No. 2 tennis player travelling to play club in Australia, seems to lead to further cricket earlier this year, has signed in for the Romania’s Simona Halep, 29, is scams. “Players must show statistical evidence via Cricinfo,” the report ’s (LPL) franchise Kandy recovering at home after testing explained, adding: “Player stats are sometimes falsified in profiles at the Tuskers, owned by Sohail Khan, yesterday (1). positive for coronavirus. She said on Sri Lanka end…(and) mysteriously disappeared from some Sri Lankan Pathan’s team already includes , Twitter yesterday (1) that she has players’ profiles about three months after they had obtained visas.” How Liam Plunkett, , , Kusal “mild symptoms” and is “self-isolating”, come? Talks have already emerged in Colombo as to who’s done that. Perera, and . but that her recovery is going well.

BY REVATHA S. SILVA Local health authorities took a drastic step of extending the weekend’s quarantine curfew of the Western Province by a further week yesterday (1), thereby indirectly hampering further the chances of (SLC) holding a successful Lanka Premier League (LPL) scheduled to begin in three weeks from now. Dr. Sudath Samaraweera of the Epidemiology Unit and Ministry of Health Spokesperson Dr. Jayaruwan Bandara, whom The Morning Sports contacted yesterday, didn’t provide any conclusive answer on the finalisation of guidelines for the LPL LPL which is going to be the only major cricket tournament to be staged following the Covid-19 prospects outbreak in March. SLC still hopeful The Morning said on 23 October that the public has to be informed about the It was obvious that executing realistic possibility of staging the LPL on schedule plans for a sporting event was not on top of their agenda amidst a is owned by another company, profile players who are going to surging second wave of the virus Sony. participate in the tournament, while evident in most parts of the country People need to be also launching an LPL official at present. wither theme song only last week. All But SLC is still hopeful that z SLC-IPG mistrust likely to have greater repercussions convinced this happened while having known even a less glamorous event, The Morning Sports also said pretty well that their first priority with lesser number of overseas earlier that the general public, on should be to get the green light from players, can still be staged on between SLC and the IPG (see on a couple of times earlier that the whom the game depends, has to the Sri Lanka health authorities. schedule. LPL, as it stands now, inset story) can probably have IPG-SLC television deal, struck be informed about the realistic Sri Lanka needs to get on with is scheduled to be held from 21 further and deeper repercussions, early this year, was bound to lead possibility of having the LPL on the sport somehow. But the people November to 13 December in it is believed. IPG is also the SLC into grey areas. Even though IPG schedule. must be convinced that any such and Kandy with television production rights holders holds production rights of the The organisers have held the effort is made for the goodwill of the participation of five teams/ for the next three years. national cricket team’s inbound Player Draft, issued media releases the sport, not for the selected few franchises. The Morning Sports also revealed matches, the TV broadcasting side so many times about the high- individuals. Are we going to close the Board till then? “We are fed up of having talks SLC can’t keep trust on IPG even for 24 hours? with the health authorities. We still believe there should be a start Amid their struggle to stage rights fee of $ 1,775,000 (after has seen, has requested SLC Ex-Co “The agreement does not somewhere for international cricket the Lanka Premier League (LPL) deduction of the bid collateral to permit to have a bank guarantee permit the submission of a bank in Sri Lanka. You can’t go on like on time, its organisers, Sri Lanka amount) which was due since the from IPG in lieu of the rights guarantee…However, in view this,” said an SLC Ex-Co official Cricket (SLC), faced another date of execution of the agreement, fee payable by cash according to of the request made by IPG who talked to us yesterday. problem last week: LPL event rights IPG has failed to settle the said agreement for the above sum. and to safeguard the interest “Countries who were worst holders, the Dubai-based Innovative rights fee to date,” said a letter Interestingly, Ex-Co permission of SLC, SLC proposed to the affected (by the pandemic) have Production Group (IPG), has failed circulated among SLC Ex-Co, has been sought on the condition IPG that bank guarantee may be managed to hold international series to pay the balance of its rights fee, $ dated 30 October. that such bank guarantee can be accepted by SLC provided such without much trouble. Are we going 1,775,000 (Rs. 327 million) in spite The above “resolution by encashed within 24 hours of its bank guarantee can be enchased to close the Board until the end of of several reminders. circular” also said IPG has submission. (sic) within 24 hours of its this pandemic,” he further queried. “Despite several reminders being suggested they can submit a bank “So, why can’t they (SLC) wait submission.” sent to IPG (after submission of the guarantee in lieu of the rights fee those 24 hours and get it by cash,” Our efforts to contact IPG SLC TV production rights invoice), requesting an immediate payable for the year 2020. The quipped a former SLC Ex-Co Chairman Anil Mohan on several affected too The 31 October SLC letter circulated settlement of the balance event letter, which The Morning Sports official. occasions failed. among its Ex-Co members The evident mistrust developing Sports can help dilute our differences z We could and should are dominated by the majority community. SQUARE While Tamils, Muslims, and Burghers have start it by requiring represented and continue to represent the national sports bodies CUTS country in various sports at the top level, the overwhelming majority are from the Sinhala to include players from by Sudat Pasqual community. minority communities We need to change this reality. We must make an effort to increase minority in their national squads attention to utilising sports as a tool of representation at the top level of sports. Sri Lanka’s protracted civil war ended nation building? The answer is obvious, but We could and should start the process by over a decade ago, but many of the tensions where do we start the process? requiring national sports organisations to that brought on the conflict still remain. At the macro level, it would mean that all include players from minority communities Unfortunately, the end of armed conflict in communities must be provided level playing in their national squads. The practice should 2009 has been followed by a restless peace. fields in terms of facilities, opportunities, begin with age group, developmental, and The aggrieved on all sides have become less and sporting knowledge. academy squads, and gradually expand to vocal and less militant, but tensions simmer senior national squads. just below the spectre of normalcy. Making sports more inclusive But for sports to be effective as a mode Reconciliation in a happy space Voluntary ethnic reconciliation is of ethnic reconciliation, sports need to Studies have shown that children playing still a work in progress. Vijayakanth Viyaskanth from Central College, is congratulated by World Cup-winning Captain accommodate players of different ethnic together, especially in a team setting, are Arjuna Ranatunga upon his selection for the SL Under-19 cricket squad in 2018 for a home series Sri Lanka’s efforts to bridge the gap of against PHOTO © SUNDAY OBSERVER groups where they will intermingle, rarely concerned by ethnic or religious ethnic differences have largely remained co-operate, and build lasting relationships. prejudices of their elders. Prejudice is not in the political realm. That is not to imply explore avenues to accelerate the process when national teams are in competition. While it would take massive amounts a congenital condition; children pick it up that Sri Lankans of different ethnicities live of tolerant coexistence and bringing all Only the most odious amongst us would of political goodwill, financial capital, and from their social environment. segregated and disentangled lives, but merely communities into a common and comfortable highlight ethnic or religious affiliations of time to bring this about, there are ways to Sports provide the space for people to a recognition that people may have yielded space is perhaps one of the better ways to go the players representing the country. Most precipitate the process. One way would overcome communal tensions and conflict. too much ground to respective political about it. Sports is one of the most obvious wouldn’t and don’t care, but if this does be to make sports at the top level more Sports are fun activities that bring joy to leadership to decide how communities and widely accepted spaces of common happen, it means that we are not reconciled inclusive. participants and spectators alike. When interact with each other. comfort. as a nation. people are having fun, they will make the Sports have a remarkable ability to make Increasing minority effort to reconcile their differences. A space of common comfort people overlook even the most contentious Starting from micro level representation Reconciliation produced from a happy Considering that time has come for us to of our differences. This is especially obvious So, isn’t it time that we paid more Elite sports in Sri Lanka, to a great extent, and shared communal space will endure.

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